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ROCK ISLAND -- Revisiting a 2015 issue, Rock Island Ald. Virgil Mayberry, 2nd Ward, on Wednesday said he plans to seek a pay raise for aldermen and the mayor.

But before he makes that request, he said he wants to determine when the higher pay, if approved, would take effect.

During Monday's city council discussion of the 2017 budget, Ald. Mayberry said he wanted a vote -- either Dec. 12 or Dec. 19 -- on salary increases for aldermen and the mayor. His ward is not up for election until 2019, along with the 4th and 6th wards. In April 2017, aldermen will be elected for the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th wards. The city's new mayor also will be elected in April.

On Wednesday, Rock Island human resources director John Thorson said it is his understanding that city officials elected in April are not eligible for a salary increase until April 2021. Aldermen from the 2nd, 4th and 6th wards could be eligible for a salary increase in 2019, he said, if a salary increase is approved at least 180 days before the April 2019 election.

If the raises won't take effect next year for city officials elected in April, Ald. Mayberry said he likely won't bring the matter back to the council this month. But he noted that, despite some negative feedback he has received, he is not backing away from the topic.

In November 2015, Rock Island aldermen discussed the topic but never voted on it. Aldermen, who haven't received a raise since 1994, currently make $6,000 a year; the mayor makes $15,000 a year.

Aldermen also receive $2,000 for professional development and $2,000 for representation, according to interim city manager Randy Tweet.

"These funds are used at their discretion and are typically used for attending events like the Illinois Municipal League Conference or printing/mailing informational newsletters to ward residents," Mr. Tweet said Wednesday.

"Has anybody else in America gone 23 years without a raise?" Ald Mayberry asked. "This is a job. With a job, you're supposed to get paid."

A salary increase could encourage more people to run for office, he said.

"It's not like I'm asking this for myself," he said. "I'm asking for the people who might want to run in the future. There are great people in Rock Island who should be thinking about this (running for office)."

At Monday's study session, Ald. Kate Hotle, 5th Ward, said she wouldn't support a pay raise. She said she was more concerned about a street project she believes is needed.

"Things like that are more important than a raise," said Ald. Hotle, who is not seeking re-election in April.

Ald. Joshua Schipp, 6th Ward, echoed her comments Monday, saying the council already had discussed the idea with Ald. Mayberry and he didn't see support for raises. Ald. Stephen Tollenaer, 4th Ward, a mayoral candidate, said Ald. Mayberry is entitled to a vote on raises.

"After a year, if an alderman asked for something to be addressed, they deserve to be able to have a thumbs up or a thumbs down," Ald. Tollenaer said.

Ald. Mayberry said he works hard to represent his constituents and there are other people in the community who would do likewise, if they were properly compensated for it.

"We've got all these baby boomers -- people retired from Deere, the Arsenal, Alcoa -- that could do a wonderful job down there (on the council)," he said. "They've been trained by some of the best companies in America.

"Part of the qualification is you've got to have common sense," Ald. Mayberry said. "You've got some (aldermen) where other people are pulling their strings and telling them what to do. The people pulling my strings are the people in the 2nd Ward."
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP)  Crews discovered the remains of more people as they searched the rubble of wildfires that torched hundreds of homes and businesses near the Great Smoky Mountains, bringing the death toll to 11, officials said Thursday.

Authorities set up a hotline for people to report missing friends and relatives, and after following up on dozens of leads, they said many of those people had been accounted for. They did not say whether they believe anyone else is still missing or may have died.

"I think it's fair to say that the search is winding down," Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said. "And hopefully we will not find any more."

He said the searches would likely be completed Friday.

Nearly 24 hours of rain on Wednesday helped dampen the wildfires, but fire officials struck a cautious tone, saying people shouldn't have a false sense of security because months of drought have left the ground bone-dry and wildfires can rekindle.

The trouble began Monday when a wildfire, likely caused by a person, spread from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park into the tourist city of Gatlinburg as hurricane-force winds toppled trees and power lines, blowing embers in all directions.

"We had trees going down everywhere, power lines, all those power lines were just like lighting a match because of the extreme drought conditions. So we went from nothing to over 20-plus structure fires in a matter of minutes. And that grew and that grew and that grew," Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller said.

More than 14,000 residents and visitors in Gatlinburg were forced to evacuate, and the typically bustling tourist city has been shuttered ever since. At least 700 buildings in the county have been damaged.

"Gatlinburg is the people; that's what Gatlinburg is. It's not the buildings, it's not the stuff in the buildings," Mayor Mike Werner said. "We're gonna be back better than ever. Just be patient."

Starting Friday, homeowners, business owners, renters and lease holders will be allowed to go see most of their Gatlinburg properties, said City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle. The city is hoping to open main roads to the general public Wednesday.

There were other signs of recovery. Waters declared that Sevier County was "open for business." In nearby Pigeon Forge, the Comedy House rented an electronic billboard message that said it was open for laughs, and a flyer at a hotel urged guests to check out the scenic Cades Cove loop. "Take a drive and remember what you love about the Smokies!" the flyer said.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash has said the fires were "likely to be human-caused" but he has refused to elaborate, saying only that the investigation continues. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are helping investigate the cause.

About 10,000 acres, or 15 square miles, burned inside the country's most visited national park. Another 6,000 acres were scorched outside of the park.

One of the victims was identified as Alice Hagler. Her son Lyle Wood said his mother and brother lived in a home at Chalet Village in Gatlinburg and she frantically called his brother Monday night because the house had caught fire. The call dropped as Wood's brother raced up the fiery mountain trying to get to his mother. He didn't make it in time.

"My mom was a very warm, loving, personable person. She never met a stranger. She would talk to anybody," Wood said.

Authorities said they were still working to identify the dead and did not release any details about how they were killed.

Three brothers being treated at a Nashville hospital said they had not heard from their parents since they were separated while fleeing the fiery scene during their vacation.

A number of funds have been established to help victims of the wildfires, including one set up by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and another by country music legend and native Dolly Parton.

The flames reached the doorstep of Dollywood, the theme park named after Parton, but the park was spared any significant damage and will reopen Friday.

About 240 people stayed overnight in shelters, including Mark Howard, who was flat on his back in the hospital with pneumonia when the wildfires started. He called 911 when he heard his house was consumed.

"I had no insurance. It's a total loss," the 57-year-old owner of a handyman business said.

Arrest made in Nov. 14 fire

Authorities have arrested a man on charges of setting an eastern Tennessee wildfire that burned 65 acres.

The state Department of Agriculture says its Agricultural Crime Unit and Sequatchie County authorities charged 24-year-old Dakota Ashton Tucker of Monteagle with deliberately setting a fire Nov. 14 in Sequatchie County.

Tucker is being held in Grundy County jail and additional charges are pending.

A conviction would carry a sentence of one to six years in jail and up to $3,000 in fines.

More than 1,400 wildfires have burned across Tennessee this year. Officials suspect almost half of them are arson.

Tucker is one of several people charged in setting wildfires in Tennessee recently.
David Kaye cited a decree on Nov. 12 that bars international media from operating in Congo unless they sign an agreement with local media or set up an outlet under Congolese regulations.

In a statement, Kaye said the "silencing of critical voices through arrests, censorship and other forms of government control" threatens the stability of a country "already in a seriously fragile state."

He said five journalists were arrested and the signals of three media outlets were jammed last month.

Government officials could not be reached for comment Thursday. In recent weeks they have defended their treatment of the media, including those outlets whose signals have been cut.

In a statement on Nov. 14, government spokesman Lambert Mende accused Radio France Internationale of systematically reporting false information and said the U.N.-backed Radio Okapi was behaving in a "partisan" manner.

President Joseph Kabila's second term in office expires this month, but Congo's courts have ruled that the election can be delayed and Kabila can stay in power until a new leader is chosen.

A deal reached in October calls for the vote to be held in April 2018, though the largest opposition party rejected it.
"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
The project - scheduled for completion within five years - will supplement the existing 376km suburban rail network in India's commercial capital with an additional 28km line from Panvel to Karjat and a 3km elevated extension from Airoli to Kalwa. Phase 3 also includes four-tracking of the 63km Virar - Dahanu Road line, procurement of 565 new EMU cars, and investment in trespass control measures.

The Mumbai suburban railway network currently serves five corridors, with more than 2900 services carrying a total of 8 million passengers per day.

Construction of two additional tracks on the Virar - Dahanu Road line will enable the extension of suburban services from Churchgate to Dahanu Road, while the Panvel-Karjat line will provide an alternate route from Karjat to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal (CST) via Panvel, shortening the distance between these stations by 23km. CST - Karjat journey times will be reduced by 35-40 minutes for slow trains.

Currently, commuters from Kalyan to Vashi or Panvel have to change to the Trans-Harbour link at Thane, resulting in heavy congestion at this station. The Airoli - Kalwa line will bypass Thane station, relieving pressure on the network in this area.
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For many immigrants in Grand Rapids, coming to the United States is a chance at a better life and opportunities. Martha PeeWee and her family, who moved to West Michigan from Liberia, have been able to successfully achieve their dreams of entrepreneurship by opening up Martha's International Market. This endeavor was made possible thanks to the willingness of her community to share a breadth of knowledge, experience and connections.





From its inception as a country, the United States has been dubbed a nation of immigrants. According to the

PeeWee shares that her brother-in-law moved to the U.S. many years before she and her family did, and attended Calvin College. He eventually became a pastor and petitioned for PeeWee and her family to come to the United States. She recalls that they were approved, and 11 of her immediate and extended family members boarded a plane and headed to this country.

She explains how she mad mixed emotions of excitement and nervousness, saying, I didnt know what to expect. She was unsure of what her new home would look like, how school would be for her children, and how to prepare herself for the change. While most of her husbands family lived in the United States, PeeWee was leaving much of her family behind, including her parents and siblings. At the time, she was unsure when she would return.

After her arrival, PeeWee began working as a nurses aide at a local retirement home. She worked 12 hour days while at this job, and eventually this deteriorated her back.

As a woman of strong faith, PeeWee remembers lying in bed one day asking, God, how can I improve my life? In a dreamlike state, she heard a voice saying, You need to make a business and sell food.

Despite having this direction, she remembers asking herself how she would ever do this.

I lived paycheck to paycheck," she says.

One day, after paying all of her bills, PeeWee had $200 dollars left over. She vividly recalls that she accidentally left this money at a store, and when she returned to find it, she felt as though God was telling her to use the money to open up her own business.

Soon after, PeeWee and her husband, John, traveled to Canada to visit her father-in-law. There, she saw fish for sale that is sold as it is typically in Liberia. She used the leftover $200 dollars to purchase the fish. She returned to the United States and sold the fish to her friends at a higher price. She states that she saved the earnings and soon used it to buy other foods native to her country that were hard to buy locally, such as meats and seasonings.

She and her husband traveled to Canada, Minnesota, and Chicago, where the international markets are more diverse, to purchase these foods and subsequently sell them in the Grand Rapids area. On her days off from her day job, PeeWee would sell to her friends or stop at African braiding shops to sell her merchandise. She was connected to the large African community in the area, many of whom came as refugees through resettlement agencies and others through family connections.

She recalls keeping many of the products in several freezers in her homes basement and jokes how the electricity bill for those months skyrocketed. She knew she had to expand.

After looking at various spaces to rent out, on Aug. 1, 2009, PeeWee finally settled on renting out the space located at 2917 Eastern Ave. She shares that, initially, it was very difficult, as she kept her full-time job and ran the store when she was not working.

It was a really difficult time in my life, as I was only getting two to four hours of sleep per night, says PeeWee.

However, she says that she saw how people were excited about her store. She saw the happiness of her fellow immigrants when they saw food in her store from their home country.

At first, we only had one aisle of products, most of which came from Africa, PeeWee explains.

As the business expanded, she began to add products from such countries as Jamaica, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Honduras. While she is more familiar with African products, she states that she would like to continue to add products from many different countries outside of Africa as well.

Seeing others happy motivated PeeWee to continue to grow her store by purchasing her property and diversifying the products that she sells.

I did not have much experience in business and was unsure of how to keep moving forward, explains PeeWee.

In this moment of uncertainty, PeeWee shares receiving direction from God.

I found out about these classes for business owners at Madison Square Christian Reformed Church," says PeeWee.

The classes were being offered through

Craig Klamer was one of the instructors for the classes, and in May of 2016 he became PeeWees business mentor. Klamer holds an MBA and has more than 35 years of experience in the business world, including time in retail and merchandising.

Klamer retired from the business world approximately two years ago, and he states that he "wanted to get involved with mentoring. He learned about Partners Worldwide through his daughter, who works for the organization in Asia.

Describing her as an industrious and faith-filled woman, Klamer shares how PeeWees store was running very well and was well organized. However, as is the case with many other small business owners, she needed guidance in the business aspect of her store. PeeWee and her husband wanted to buy their stores property in hopes of expanding. Klamer sought to ensure the PeeWees had the necessary tools in place to be successful.

I helped them organize their financial history, develop financial projections and prepare them for interviews with financial institutions to request a loan, Klamer says.

To help with the real estate paperwork, Klamer shared his connections with PeeWee, and after five months of working together they were approved for a loan and were able to buy the property.

Currently, the PeeWees rent out extra space to a tenant but hope to eventually expand their business.

I want to continue to work with Martha and John to help them reach their goals, says Klamer.

Martha and John PeeWee are not the only small business owners with whom Klamer has worked. During the time Klamer has been involved with Partners Worldwide, he has been a mentor to six others.

Often people want to start a business, but they do not always fully understand their consumer base, explains Kamer.

Klamer suggests to anyone looking to start a business that they should put their plans in writing, with statements of what you intend [to do] and how." Additionally, they should analyze their consumer base by asking themselves, Is this the right place and time [for the business]?

Partners Worldwide allows mentors and mentees to have a very flexible relationship depending on the needs of the mentee and the availability of the mentor. Some meet once, and others meet on a continual basis. All mentors in the Grand Rapids area also meet once per month to discuss the needs of community. Additionally, they hold a Pitch Night where local entrepreneurs can pitch their business ideas and receive feedback.

To date, Marthas International Market has been successful. She sells products from several African, Asian, Caribbean, and Latin American countries. On a regular day, customers who have traveled multiple hours will visit her store in hopes of finding products from their home country. They come from all over, she says, including places such as Kalamazoo, Holland, Mackinaw City, Lansing, and the surrounding Grand Rapids area. PeeWee explains how blessed she feels, and how thankful she is for the help that Klamer and his family have provided her, including that of transportation, guidance, and emotional support.



I am very blessed," PeeWee says.
There's always something to fix.

That's not a complaint. It's not even a worry. For a collection of local women who join together over the common cause of user experience design, it's an obligation.

Ladies That UX (LTUX) is a network of design talent from all across West Michigan. Its members represent a segment of local industry focused on improving design through user experience (UX).

Monthly LTUX gatherings find women discussing challenges and solutions in user experience design, a field that's becoming as ubiquitous as its acronym, touching the spectrum of human-product interaction from the tangible to the invisible.

At its core, UX is a design practice, but there's no separating it from the technology field, where women have historically been underrepresented. Gathering the talents and skill of such a diverse group of women as found at LTUX pushes back against that trend of inequality by establishing role models, friendships, and support frameworks for females looking to succeed in the field. It was with that spirit in mind that UK UX designers Georgie Bottomley and Lizzie Dyson began LTUX in 2013.

LTUX is not meant to supplant a curriculum or offer employment. It's a safe space for women working in UX to promote and learn from each other. It's a simple idea, cultivating true innovation, which is what UX is all about.

LTUX GR

Christy Ennis-Kloote, Director of User Experience Design for Visualhero , has been leading the LTUX cohort in West Michigan for the last two years since co-founding the group in 2014 with Atomic Object 's Kim Wolting. There are a number of LTUX groups throughout the United States. The nearest to Grand Rapids are Detroit and Madison , while 22 LTUX chapters reside outside North America, spanning five continents, and worlds of culture.

"The idea was to create a place for women in design to network," Ennis-Kloote says. "People come to the space to support each other, help each other, mentor and learn, but we can also make those connections and find opportunities."

That idea has kept the Grand Rapids chapter of LTUX growing for the past two years. Ennis-Kloote and Wolting are now handing over leadership of the group, and the momentum is showing no sign of slowing.

Lindsay Mikita, Senior UX Specialist for Amway , will be leading the next generation of LTUX meetups, along with Karen VanHouten, Principal Information Architect at Infor. Mikita says Ladies That UX GR meetings provide value as a supplemental avenue for finding training opportunity and growth in a casual setting. They're, laid back events where women can connect with each other and ask what are other companies doing, what each other is doing, and how they're all solving things.

Clearly we have a large community building products that need strong backboneseven if we don't use that term today. pic.twitter.com/ktCDfUhZnq  LadiesthatUX GR (@LadiesThatUXGR) October 7, 2016

Leading Women

According to the LTUX statement on being female only , "In 2013, 26 percent of the computing workforce was female, and within tech roles this goes down to a measly 17 percent. Of the 26 percent of the computing workforce that are women, over half of them leave before they reach senior positions. That means at a senior level that percentage drops to around 10 percent."

"We passionately believe that as an industry we could do better."

Bottomley and Dyson's call to action is making sense to more companies for reasons beyond gender equality. A byproduct of LTUX's aim is actually an untapped strength in many corporate and IT environments. And the women who gather at the monthly meetups are aligned around more than just a shared interest in UX. A study published in Applied Economics in 2015 found that "promoting women in boardrooms has a significant and positive effect on economic performance," and that female leadership is a key component of achieving goals.

Ennis-Kloote studied industrial design and art at Western Michigan University, spending a year in Berlin researching iterations of early 2000s smartphone technology. She's worked with some of the most innovative names in West Michigan technology and helped guide design advocacy organizations like AIGA West Michigan and IxDA . Mikita studied philosophy and a pre-law curriculum at WMU and paid the bills with coding work on the side, working her way through design and development roles at Northrop Grumman and Amway since then.

Like Ennis-Kloote and Mikita, the varied experiences the women of LTUX bring to the table suit them to tackle a vast array of problems, from product development to the socio-economic. And the design work of the future is going to require a bit of both.

"How do we shift changing conveniences to actually create more social change?" Ennis-Kloote asks. "I think the methodology of how to help users solve problems is very basic. It involves meeting people and trying to get to the core of the problem."

Designing for Tomorrow

An intersection of design and psychology, solving problems through UX begins with finding pain points in a system. A designer thinks about how people interact with a product, what problems then arise, and what the possibilities are to eliminate those problems. The roll-out process then involves early releases and thorough testing procedures, placing agile process above prodigious investments.

"You can do more with less. You can use smaller, earlier releases and test," Mikita says. "You're either going in with a bunch of research, smaller and faster, or you're coming up with this big investment to go out and sell."

The hook here is "fail fast, succeed faster." For many large companies, that directive may pose logistical hurdles. But as even some of the largest are finding out-- Amway, Steelcase, and Meijer , to name a few--smaller internal incubatory programs can lead the way toward innovation.

The first step is empathizing with the customer. Finding a level playing ground on which everyone can communicate their needs and desires. Today that iteration manifests as the minimal loveable product.

As Sam Altman, of Y Combinator says, Its better to build something that a small number of users love, than a large number of users like.

The members of LTUX GR celebrate differences as strength, Ennis-Kloote says, and help to "prolifically build the intelligence around design" in West Michigan. With all their varied interests and backgrounds, though, it's curiosity that links them above all.

A lot of research and work goes into designing the next MLP, and a lot of women in West Michigan are up to the task. We may never live in a world without problems, but as long as ladies keep showing up to LTUX meetups, solutions will start showing up, too.

For more information on Ladies That UX GR, visit http://ladiesthatux.com/grand-rapids/
The fourth largest cable company in the US, Altice, plans to build a next-generation fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network capable of delivering broadband speeds of up to 10Gbps, across its entire footprint.





Altice will extend fibre deeper into its existing hybrid fibre coax (HFC) network and leverage proprietary technologies developed by Altice Labs. The network will can support several simultaneous 4K streams within a single household.Altice, the French giant that expanded into the US with the acquisition of Cablevision/Optimum and Suddenlink, is the first major US cable provider to announce a large-scale fibre deployment plan for its footprint.Across the globe Altice has invested heavily in building state-of-the-art fibre-optic networks, and we are pleased to bring our expertise stateside to drive fibre deeper into our infrastructure for the benefit of our US Optimum and Suddenlink customers, said Dexter Goei, Altice USA chairman and CEO.Today, we have a best-in-class network with incredibly fast speeds and quality service, and by taking immediate steps to create the fastest next-generation network, we will be positioned to support our customers needs well into the future. Altice USAs Generation GigaSpeed underscores our promise to accelerate investment in our network, sets the foundation for the delivery of next-generation services and enhancements for our customers, and is a testimony to the bright future of the US telecommunications industry.The companys five-year deployment schedule will begin in 2017, and the company expects to reach all of its Optimum footprint and most of its Suddenlink footprint during that timeframe. Initial rollout markets will be announced in the coming months.
Ukrainian journalist charged with espionage appeals his detention in Russia

MOSCOW, December 1 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko) - Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko who stands charged with spying on Russias Armed Forces and National Guard has appealed his detention in Moscows Lefortovsky District Court, spokesperson for the court Yekaterina Krasnova told RAPSI on Thursday.

The court held on Monday that the accused would remain in jail until January 30, 2017. The matter was considered behind closed doors on the prosecutions motion because the case is classified as secret.

On October 7, Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) charged Sushchenko with espionage. The Lefortovsky District Court of Moscow has ruled to put him in detention.

According to the FSB, the Ukrainian citizen has purposively collected classified information about the Armed Forces and National Guard of Russia. Leak of data abroad could cause damage to the national defense capability.

Sushchenko faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.

Ukrinform news agency earlier confirmed that Sushchenko has been acting as its reporter since 2002. Since 2010, he has been working as Ukrinforms personal correspondent in France. According to the agency, the man arrived in Moscow on private business during his vacation and was arrested immediately upon his arrival.

Ukrinform repelled accusations against Sushchenko calling him a journalist with years of unblemished professional reputation.




Energy Holding CEO put under house arrest in Aeroflot embezzlement case

MOSCOW, December 1 (RAPSI)  Moscows Meshchansky District Court on Thursday put Konstantin Moskalev, CEO of the Energy Holding company allegedly implicated in embezzling over 21 million rubles ($322,000) from Aeroflot airline, under house arrest until January 28, RIA Novosti reports.

In September, investigators opened a criminal case over abuse of office and large scale embezzlement against Aeroflot construction department head Andrey Sharikov and Energy Holding founder Igor Afrikanov.

On November 29, Moskalev and Aeroflot chief power engineer Nukolay Fedorov were arrested on suspicion of involvement in this case. Fedorenkov pleaded guilty in part and was put under house arrest on November 30.

Investigators claim that the abovementioned persons embezzled money from Aeroflot. They entered data inflating electrical supplied energy in documents. Payment of services which Energy Holding in practice had failed to provide caused a 21-million-ruble damage to Aeroflot.
Ex-Russian border agency head pleads not guilty in embezzlement case

MOSCOW, December 1 (RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov) - The Federal Border Development Agencys ex-head Dmitry Bezdelov has pleaded not guilty to embezzlement of money allocated for the construction of a border checkpoint, his lawyer Boris Kozhemyakin told RAPSI on Thursday.

According to Kozhemyakin, Bezdelov has filed a motion seeking to join his case and a case against other employees of the Federal Border Development Agency which is also being considered by the Meshchansky District Court of Moscow. The lawyer believes that if the cases are consolidated, some disappeared documents confirming Bezdelovs innocence would be found.

Earlier, Bezdelov refused to seek asylum in Italy and intended to prove his innocence in a Russian court, the attorney added.

Bezdelov stands charged with embezzlement and organizing a criminal gang. The Meshchansky District Court began preliminary hearings in the case against the Federal Border Development Agencys ex-head on Thursday.

Investigators claim that in 2009, Bezdelov, then head of the Federal Border Development Agency, has conspired with a range of people to embezzle public funds allocated for the construction of checkpoints on the state border. From September 2009 to May 2013, they stole and laundered budget funds valued at 490 million rubles ($7.5 million).

Bezdelov resigned from his post in October 2013 after a probe revealed inappropriate use of budget funds by the agency. He was arrested in Rome in October 2014 after he had been put on the international wanted list. Italy's court of appeals upheld the decision to extradite Bezdelov to Russia in October 2015. The Supreme Court left the judgment intact.

A criminal case against Bezdelovs seven alleged accomplices is presently being considered by court. Two other defendants have been already sentenced to long prison terms. One more defendant absconded during the trial and was put on the federal wanted list.
ECHR orders Russia to pay 38,000 to shooting spree victims

MOSCOW, December 1 (RAPSI)  The European Court of Human Rights ordered Thursday Russia to pay 38,000 euros in damages to three victims of a 2009 shooting spree in a Moscow shopping center caused by police major Denis Yevsyukov.

Yevsyukov, at that time the chief of the police department of Tsaritsyno district, wearing his police uniform and armed with a handgun went on a rampage killing two individuals and wounding seven others. Altogether, more than 20 people were recognized as victims of the shooting spree.

The crime sparked public outcry and resulted in dismissal of several top police officials in Moscow. In 2011, a broad reform centered around a police law was conducted.

Yevsyukov was convicted and sentenced to life in 2010 by the Moscow City court. The ruling was later upheld by the Russian Supreme Court.

Yelena Dudal, born in 1990, was among victims of the shooting spree. The wound she suffered allegedly hampered her professional career. She filed a complaint with the Moscow City Court against Russian Finance Ministry seeking 1 million rubles (about 15,000 at the present exchange rate) in non-pecuniary damages.

Irina Khrunova, Dudals lawyer, told RAPSI that the complaint was filed against the Finance Ministry since at the time the crime was committed Yevsyukov was a police officer. According to Russian legislation the harm caused by government officials and law enforcement officers was to be compensated from the federal budget, Khrunova said.

Ilya Gerasimenko, born in 1990, and Luiza Salikhova, born in 1989, were two other victims seeking compensation from the Interior Ministry in Russian courts. After their complaints were dismissed they filed suits against Yevsyukov himself seeking 2.1 million rubles (31,000) and 2 million rubles (30,000) in damages.

In 2012, Moscow's Nagatinsky District Court granted Gerasimenko 350 thousand rubles (5,000) in respect of his non-pecuniary damage and almost 20 thousand rubles (300) in respect of his pecuniary damage. Salikhova could obtain a compensation amounting to 250 thousand rubles (3,600) and 27 thousand rubles (400) respectively. Later, the Moscow City Court dismissed an appeal concerning the amount of compensation.

As a result, all three victims, Dudal, Gerasimenko, and Salikhova, turned to the ECHR alleging that the Russian authorities failed to guarantee their right to life set forth in Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights and provide adequate compensation.
Roscosmos official detained in $3 mln embezzlement case

MOSCOW, December 1 (RAPSI)  Moscow's Basmanny District Court ordered the detention of Vladimir Yevdokimov, executive director of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, until January 30, spokesperson for the court Yunona Tsareva told RAPSI on Thursday.

Yevdokimov pleaded not guilty and said he was ready to cooperate with investigators.

He asked the court to place him under house arrest or release him on a 30 million ruble (up to $500,000) bail.

Investigators claim that Yevdokimov was a member an organized criminal group that managed to unlawfully acquire in 2007-2009 assets owned by MiG aircraft company and estimated at 200 million rubles.

Alexey Ozerov, former CEO of MiG-Rost, and Yegor Noskov, deputy CEO of Tupolev aircraft company, were also members of the group, according to investigators. They were detained earlier.

An arrest warrant was issued for Alexey Andreev, former deputy general director of Helicopter Service Company.

Akim Noskov, CEO of Helicopter Service Company, fled as the investigation got underway.
The seemingly innocuous initiative to restore economic relations between Kyiv and Moscow is really Russia's latest move against the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.
ISTANBUL  Over the years, as Turkey's European Union membership process stalled, I have seen plenty of blame on both sides. Ultimately, I never believed Turkey would become a full EU member, as the process was full of insincerity from both Ankara and Brussels. Now, it is over.
Verizon (VZ)'s Fios is about to get some major competition from the fourth largest cable operator in the U.S.

A massive network of high-speed fiber optic internet is coming to 20 states over the next five years, according to a Wednesday announcement from Altice, the cable company behind Optimum, Lightpath and Suddenlink.

"We know that the data world is exploding  it will continue to," Dexter Goei, Altice USA Chairman and CEO, told CNBC's " Squawk on the Street " on Wednesday. "We're seeing a doubling of the average speeds that we're delivering to our clients over the past year on Suddenlink."

Altice's planned 10-gigabit per second connection far outpaces Google Fiber's current 1-gigabit per second connection, as well as Verizon Fios. Altice's "future-proof" plan comes as Google has scaled back its own expansion plans for the ultra-fast internet cables.

"To just go to one gig [per second], to us, seems like a waste of time," Goei said.

Companies like AT&T (NYSE:T) have looked toward internet-streaming based services to appease cord-cutters that have fled traditional cable bundles. AT&T's new DirectTV Now give subscribers access to at least 60 channels over the web , the kind of service that works better on faster internet connections.

But Goei said that Altice's new internet push doesn't mean it's seeing declining demand on its cable business.

"People are taking the bundle," Goei said. "We welcome what our competitors are doing. We think however, we have a unique product, a unique pricing model and unique features in terms of really enhancing user productivity."

Disclosure: CNBC's parent company, Comcast, is a cable and internet service provider.





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Although Americas political theater has long fascinated and entertained Europe, real estate mogul Donald Trumps entry into politics has provoked more fear than excitement on the other side of the Atlantic. The election of the brash businessman has caused some to already declare the Transatlantic relationship dead. Trumps lukewarm statements toward NATO, his radical anti-immigrant proposals, and his embrace of Russia will make it difficult for European leaders to embrace him. For many, the Transatlantic community, the bedrock of global democracy, appears to be crumbling.

Yet, while Trumps election has perhaps put the final nail in the coffin, the bond between the United States and Europe was already on life support well before any votes were cast this November. Recent years have seen a slew of high-profile disagreements on issues including Russian sanctions, government data collection and surveillance, and counterterrorism. In addition, the Obama administration has openly pushed for a pivot away from Europe and the Middle East toward the Pacific theater, and leaders on both sides of the Atlantic have struggled to agree on new trade deals. Once considered paramount for both Europe and the United States, today the transatlantic partnership has faded in significance. While many have bemoaned this development, it is not so much a political failure, but rather a sign of what Transatlantic ties have accomplished in transforming the international community.

The Transatlantic relationship -- a term used to define the shared defense, economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between the United States and the democracies of Europe -- was born out of necessity after the Second World War. The fragile states of Western Europe relied on the United States to help rebuild their shattered economies, to guard against Communist pressure within their politics, and to defend against potential Soviet invasions. The United States, for its part, was paranoid of potential Communist domination in Europe and relied on its European allies to offset the growth of Russian power among Eastern European nations. Although disagreements and tensions routinely surfaced during the Cold War, the common goal of defeating Communism cemented the Transatlantic alliance as the cornerstone of each sides foreign policy.

Twenty-five years after the end of the Cold War, the necessity of this alliance is now in question. Economically, Europe has transformed from a dependent of the United States to a primary competitor. At the same time, the fall of the Soviet Union has drastically reduced the threat of direct military conflict in the Continent. While Europe still must confront evolving security problems emerging from the Middle East, North Africa, and a more assertive Russia, these threats pale in comparison to those once posed by the Soviet Union. With Europe rich and the Soviet threat defeated, many Americans including Trump have questioned the need for using American resources to defend Europe. Why, they ask, should the United States continue to be responsible for the defense of these nations who are not actively threatened by a global power and who are more than capable of paying for their own defense?

Amid new levels of wealth and unprecedented stability in Europe, the United States and the European powers have been free to focus in more recent years on other regions and partners around the world. Although they have certainly cooperated with many non-democracies in the past, the United States and Europe have traditionally favored working with like-minded partners, and the spread of global democracy has resulted in more potential partners today than existed fifty years ago. Once the only advanced market economies in the world, Western democracies are now almost as dependent on East Asian economies as they are on their Atlantic partners. While the Transatlantic trade deal sputters, both sides are reaching out to potential trade partners in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The catch-up of newly prosperous nations around the world, aided by important assistance from the Transatlantic community, means that there are now more relationships to be built. It should therefore come as no surprise that the Transatlantic connection has faded in significance.

While many will point to Trumps victory as the deathblow to Transatlantic cooperation, the days of the alliance as the cornerstone of Western foreign policy had already ended. Created to defeat global Communism and help usher in a new international system, the alliance has largely been successful in dispersing power amongst a more diverse global community of states. The successful economic, technological, and democratic development of other states has ironically taken away much of the fire driving the Transatlantic relationship. Europe and the United States are now pursuing their own respective courses with new global partners. Indeed, some of these new partnerships may at times be favored over the formerly paramount Transatlantic ties.

As the Transatlantic alliance falls from its once dominant position, Europe and the United States will begin to pursue more divergent policies as they adapt to increasingly varied national interests. Transatlantic cooperation may become more transactional and calculated and less reflexive as the geopolitical necessity for acting in complete lockstep recedes. Still, American and Europeans should take heart that this change is not the result of Trumps victory or other domestic political turbulence, but rather a reflection of the Transatlantic alliances success in transforming the global community.
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The 30th Biennial Institute for Georgia Legislators, a program co-sponsored by the Georgia General Assembly and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government to train and inform legislators of state issues before the upcoming legislative session, kicked off Sunday at the UGA Hotel & Conference Center.
Interest rates are rising again. What you need to know to prepare.
Kimberly Hively, a math teacher in South Bend, Ind., is trying to sue her former employer, Ivy Tech Community College, for allegedly discriminating against her for being lesbian, a case that could extend federal workplace protections for the LGBT community. (Lamda Legal)

In a case that could extend workplace protection to the LGBT community, federal appellate judges in Chicago are reconsidering whether the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The case, heard Wednesday before a full panel of 7th Circuit Court judges, revolves around a South Bend, Ind., math teacher who contends she was repeatedly denied promotions and fired from the Indiana community college where she worked because she is a lesbian.

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Kimberly Hively brought the federal lawsuit against Ivy Tech Community College in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana in August 2014. Judges dismissed her case in March 2015, finding that Hively failed to state her claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which bans workplace discrimination by sex but doesn't explicitly address sexual orientation. A panel of three 7th Circuit judges upheld that ruling in a 42-page opinion issued in July, but all 12 judges voted in October to vacate that ruling and rehear the case.

Hively, 50, was not at the hearing Wednesday because she was at her new job teaching high school math.

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Her case dates to 2009 when someone reported seeing Hively kiss her girlfriend goodbye in a car in the campus parking lot. The next day, Hively said in a phone interview Wednesday, an administrator reprimanded her for "sucking face" and admonished her for being unprofessional. She was an adjunct teacher at the time.

In the four years that followed, Hively said her treatment at the college changed. She was not granted full-time status despite multiple applications and was let go in 2014. It took her a year to find a new job teaching in a high school, which required her to go back to school and get certified. She filed the first lawsuit herself, she said, because no attorney in Indiana wanted to touch her case.

"The biggest consequence was that it stripped me of my livelihood, my ability to support myself and to be independent," Hively said. "I have worked hard my whole life, and I would have to say that a lot of my sense of self-worth is wrapped around a job, and how well I can do at a job. They took that away as well."

During the hourlong hearing Wednesday, Greg Nevins, a Lambda Legal attorney who represented Hively pro bono, argued that discriminating against one's sex and discriminating against one's sexual orientation are the same thing. He asked judges to interpret the law in a broader sense than how it was written half a century ago.

To support his case, Nevins cited a 1989 Supreme Court case, Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, that held Title VII covers discrimination based on not conforming to gender norms.

"You can't discriminate against a woman because she has a Harley or has tattoos or has Bears tickets, but you are told you can fire her because she is lesbian," he said.

John Maley, who represented Ivy Tech, told judges that Congress must address the statute if it needs to change and not the courts  an idea some of the judges rejected.

"The starting point is, of course, the language of the statute," Maley argued. "Sex means man or woman."

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Chief Judge Diane Wood quipped back, "Well, we're here to reconsider that."

She and other judges struggled to differentiate between discrimination that stems from sex versus sexuality.

The animated discussion, which sometimes elicited laughter from a packed courtroom, spanned philosophical debate over a "third sex" to the role of genetics.

Wood posited that sexual orientation is also connected to the penultimate gender stereotype: a man is attracted to a woman and vice versa. If that perceived norm is broken, she said, it could trigger backlash.

Addressing Maley directly, Wood said she found it "odd" that he was before her at all.

"Your brief says ... Ivy Tech deplores sexual orientation discrimination, but we're going to defend our right to do it anyway," she said.

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College spokesman Jeff Fanter said Wednesday in an email that Ivy Tech is prepared to defend its termination of Hively even if sexual orientation discrimination is found to be prohibited by existing law.

Ivy Tech didn't fire Hively for her sexual orientation, Fanter said, but he did not explain the circumstances of her dismissal.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a brief in support of Hively and also addressed the judges Wednesday.

Attorney Gail Coleman of the commission said the agency is involved because it is pushing for a more precise understanding of the term "sex" in the federal statute. The commission has supported a liberal interpretation of the statute to include sexual orientation and spearheaded litigation on the matter, according to Commissioner Chai Feldblum.

"If this employee's sex were different, would the employer object to their relationship with this other person?" Coleman posed to the court. "If this employee were a man with a picture of his wife on his desk, would that be OK whereas if this employee were a woman with a picture with her wife, that's not OK? That is solely because of her sex. If her sex was different, she would be treated differently?"

Coleman also drew on precedent from Loving V. Virginia, a case that found state bans on interracial marriage unconstitutional, and a number of judges agreed that its reasoning seemed analogous.

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Judge Richard Posner said the Loving case is a perfect example of how laws enacted for one purpose may be interpreted in a different vein.

"Who's going to be hurt if the lesbians and homosexuals get a little more protection at work?" he said.

Hively filed her lawsuit in federal court, in part, because Indiana does not have a state law protecting LGBT workers. Illinois, which enacted a statue in 2006, and Wisconsin are among 22 states with anti-discrimination laws for sexual orientation, though not all include gender identity.

Several cases dealing with this question are pending countrywide, including two in New York and one in Georgia, according to Lambda Legal. Arguments for those cases are set for December and January.

A ruling handed down by a lower court in Pennsylvania recently held that sexual orientation discrimination falls under the Civil Rights Act, according to Anthony Kreis, a professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law who studies LGBT rights. Hively's case, however, has the potential for greater impact because lower courts would adhere to its ruling.

The 7th Circuit panel took the case under advisement and did not set a date for issuing its ruling. But even if they rule in her favor, Hively's case is just beginning. In order to prove the school discriminated against her, Hively first needs to convince the judges she has a legal basis to move forward.

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"My biggest thing has always been that what they did was just unfair," she said. "They literally could have rendered me homeless in a very significant way, and I don't think people should be able to do that."

echerney@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @Elyssacherney
Data collected by IHS Jane's Terrorism and Insurgency Centre (JTIC) showed that non-state armed groups carried out more attacks in October 2016 than any other month in the past year. According to IHS Markit:

Globally, 2,662 attacks were carried out in October 2016 -- an average of 86 attacks per day. This represents a 59 percent rise in the daily average number of attacks compared with September 2016, which saw fewer than 1,000 attacks for the month. In the preceding 12 months, JTIC recorded an average of 59 attacks per-day.

Typically, prominent incidents in the United States like the tragic killing of 50 people at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub earlier this year and the shooting in San Bernardino, California, almost a year ago have a predictable effect on the stocks of gun makers. While many of the attacks in October took place in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa, in the final three weeks of the month Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (SWHC) traded up more than 4%, while the share price of Sturm Ruger & Co. (RGR) rose about 10%. Ammunition maker Vista Outdoor Inc. (VSTO) traded up less than 4%.

ALSO READ: America's Poorest Cities

Note that this was before the results of the presidential election were known. In the days after Republican candidate Donald Trump was declared the winner, shares of Smith & Wesson and Sturm Ruger dropped sharply  more than 20%.

Short sellers have piled into these stocks too. Shares short in Sturm Ruger surged more than 36% to 2.25 million in the first two weeks of this month, and short interest in Smith & Wesson jumped more than 26% to 11.62 million. Vista Outdoor saw its shares short increase more than 25% as well.

Yet, as the Trump administration begins to take shape, and with the incidents of violence and hate crimes in the United States reportedly on the rise, the share price of these guns stocks has begun to rebound. Both Smith & Wesson and Sturm Ruger have recovered more than 12% since their post-election lows, while Vista Outdoor is up more than 6% in that time.

Story continues

24/7 Wall St. recently took a look at the and at .

Smith & Wesson closed most recently at $24.00, in a 52-week trading range of $18.14 to $31.19.

Sturm Ruger stock closed at $53.40, in its 52-week range of $47.15 to $78.09.

Vista Outdoor closed at $40.24 on Tuesday. Its 52-week range is $37.00 to $53.91.

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'The whole country supports the government.'

'The exceptions are only two -- those who thrived on black money and those who are inimical to Indian interests,' argues Major General Mrinal Suman.

Life is full of surprises, nay shocks. When Manmohan Singh slammed demonetisation as 'organised loot and legalised plunder,' one did not know how to react.

The man who facilitated the generation of maximum black money was accusing the Modi government of 'monumental mismanagement' -- some brazenness!

Manmohan Singh virtually pawned national assets to the coalition partners in exchange for the prime ministerial chair. Some ministries had become dens of corruption. He expressed helplessness, taking shelter under the unscrupulous plea of coalition compulsions.

In a way, it was an open admission that he would lose his chair if he took action against his corrupt colleagues. Therefore, it was most incongruous for him to talk of loot and plunder.

One does not know why the Congress party fielded him to speak during the demonetisation debate. Did it really think he was their trump card, being a renowned economist and an ex- prime minister, or was it done in jest to embarrass him?

More surprising is the fact that he agreed to speak on the subject. He made a laughing stock of himself with his homilies, inviting sniggers from viewers. His track record, both as head of the government and pragmatic economist, is appalling.

The Congress party appears to be at its wits' end. It does not know how to respond to Modi's initiatives. The party joined the whole country in lauding the surgical strikes across the LoC.

When it realised that Modi was gaining popularity, it started questioning its occurrence. Most ridiculously, it demanded that proof be made public. When scoffed at by the whole country, it started claiming that it had also allowed similar strikes when in power.

Demonetisation evoked a similar response. The initial reaction was muted. However, with Modi acquiring iconic status as a crusader against black money, the Congress quickly changed track.

Having failed to find a convincing economic argument against demonetisation, it has started resorting to the dishonourable tactic of disrupting Parliamentary proceedings.

Most laughingly, the Congress has declined to debate the issue without the prime minister's presence in the House. It is not satisfied with a statement from him, but wants his presence throughout the debate -- an unprecedented and irrational demand.

A new low has been reached in India's Parliamentary conduct -- issues are not important, individuals are. It shows a total bankruptcy of ideas and logical thinking.

Taking a cue from the Congress party, other Opposition parties have also joined the bandwagon of protests and bandhs. They are expressing their Aakrosh (anger), ostensibly for the discomfort being caused to the common man.

Can there be a more ridiculous excuse? Actually, it is the political leadership that is getting discomfited.

The common man supports the decision and is willingly enduring the temporary hardship for the long-term good of the nation. People standing in long queues for hours showed no anger at all. The responses sought by Modi on his app showed overwhelming support for the step. True to its wont, the Opposition dismissed it as a contrived poll.

A survey was conducted by C-Voter across different age and income groups on November 21. It covered nearly half the country's parliamentary constituencies.

Almost 87 percent of respondents supported the move against black money while 85 percent felt the inconvenience was worth the effort. Therefore, which common man's discomfort is bothering the Opposition parties?

Even if the survey is dismissed as non-representative, how do the Opposition parties explain the BJP's sweeping victories in recent civic elections in Maharashtra and Gujarat? These were held after demonetisation and the people had already endured cash difficulties.

The truth is obvious to all. Elections are an expensive business. Political parties had hoarded huge stocks of ill -gotten cash to fight elections and bribe voters. They are feeling 'cheated' and their anger is explicable.

How will they arrange liquor and other freebies to influence voters?

How will they gather supporters for their rallies?

Who will pay for the fleets of buses to transporting supporters, arrange their meals and cash rewards?

Hiring of helicopter fleets and cavalcades of vehicles to flit across various constituencies will become difficult.

Some political parties collect huge funds by auctioning party tickets for elections to the highest bidders. Needless to say, such donations were always made in cash.

Demonetisation has dealt a fatal blow to this trafficking of electoral rectitude.

As there is no cash, there are no takers.

Any wonder then that many political leaders are shrieking in such a manner? Their treasure chests have been demolished.

In addition to some politicians, some builders, traders, smugglers, hawala operators, presstitutes, lawyers, doctors, private hospitable, schools/colleges and such other segments of society have also been thriving on black money. Therefore, their opposition to demonetisation is understandable.

However, what is not acceptable is their incendiary agenda. Pictures of long queues (including those outside cinema halls) are being circulated as of cash starved restless crowds. Every unfortunate death anywhere in the vicinity of a bank/ATM is being attributed to demonetisation.

A heart patient died at home while getting dressed before going to the bank. The headline read, 'Man dies of fear of long wait at the bank.' Absurdity has no limits.

According to jurisprudence, all decisions taken in good faith must be accepted accordingly. Everyone knows that demonetisation is a colossal step towards ridding India of the menace of black money.

The whole country supports the government. The exceptions are only two -- those who thrived on black money and those who are inimical to Indian interests.

As regards the latter, they are incorrigible. Anti-nationalism is a part of their DNA. Every progressive step towards a better India has to be opposed by them and that is India's misfortune.

IMAGE: A protest against demonetisation in central Delhi, November 28, 2016. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters
As the world changes, we will be on a constant change programme too, advertising agency J Walter Thompson Global Chief Executive Officer Tamara Ingram and South Asia CEO Tarun Rai tell Viveat Susan Pinto.

IMAGE: Deepika Padukone was unforgettable in JWT's Kellogg's Special K campaign.

The business of advertising has seen some dramatic changes over the past few years.

As markets in emerging economies have grown and evolved faster than those in the developed world, many agencies have had to rewire operations and rethink expansion strategies.

For most agencies, India represents an exciting opportunity. Its multi-lingual and diverse population and the sharp divides between consumption patterns in different parts of the country make it a challenging, but hugely rewarding market.

J Walter Thompson, India, has played an important part in the evolution of the advertising landscape in the country and is among the WPP groups oldest and key operations.

Tamara Ingram, its 56-year-old global chief executive officer, says that India is one of its most exciting markets in the world today.

For all the emphasis on talent, the international advertising world is a mans domain with few women at the top.

Her appointment this March -- she was formerly chief client team officer at WPP -- a week after a JWT executive filed a discrimination lawsuit in New York against then worldwide CEO Gustavo Martinez, signalled that WPP top boss Martin Sorrell was open to the idea of improving gender diversity at the top.

An executive with 30 years of experience behind her, Ingram brings on board the expertise of handling multiple advertisers including the top two -- Unilever and Procter & Gamble. She has also seen the global advertising environment change dramatically in the last few years.

On her first visit to India since taking over, Ingram, along with the agencys South Asia CEO Tarun Rai, image, left, discuss the way forward in an interview with Viveat Susan Pinto.

Martin Sorrell has repeatedly said how the axis of advertising has shifted from the West to the East. To what extent are you seeing this and where does India stand for JWT amid all this?

Tamara (left): What is happening is that there is this huge growth in local brands and less growth coming from global brands. At the same time, various brands are also becoming multi-regional, which explains why we are seeing this shift.

Where does India stand? Well, India is one of our most exciting operations at the moment. It has been growing ahead of the curve.

The Indian operation has won 140 new pieces of business this year. It has a good mix of capability and talent.

It has been successful, in short, in adapting and leaping ahead when it comes to the advertising landscape.

Is it easy maintaining double-digit growth in a market that has faced slowdown and, now, demonetisation challenges?

Tarun: We have doubled our rate of growth this year over last year, when we were at a 10 per cent per annum clip.

Yes, outdoing this rate of growth is not easy. But we have been lucky to maintain our momentum in terms of new business.

Demonetisation will not affect our numbers this year. But we may have to see how things shape up next year, especially the first two quarters.

That apart, what we have focused on is getting new business from existing clients. By this, I mean existing clients spending through the non-traditional route.

I was clear if we can capture this part of the business even as we go after traditional advertising, we can maintain a double-digit growth rate. This has helped us tide over market challenges this year.

JWT has been fairly aggressive on the acquisition front in the last few years. Will you press the pause button now or continue?

Tarun: We will continue to evaluate acquisition prospects. That process will not cease.

But yes, when I came on board (in March 2015), the challenge was to integrate what we had done. That has been accomplished.

For instance, we have made Social Wavelength, our acquisition in digital and social media, a part of our global digital agency called Mirium.

Similarly, Encompass and Geometry Global, both part of the WPP group and into below-the-line activities, came together last year and were subsequently aligned under JWT, South Asia.

So there are a few things that weve done that should help in our journey forward.

Tamara: We will continue to explore acquisitions in areas such as mobile and content. For instance, we just bought a company in America called ISL, which is a content company.

Data is another area that excites us.

I think acquisitions help us look at where the world is headed and where we need to be. As the world changes, we will be on a constant change programme too.

When will Colloquial, JWTs global content marketing unit, launch in India?

Tarun: The target is next year. India offers enormous opportunity in that space. So we are looking at 2017 for a possible launch.

The agency has taken a leap forward with a woman leader at the top. How are you tackling the gender diversity issue in specific markets?

Tamara: We are wedded to having a diverse leadership team.

Diversity is not just about women. It could be the ethnic mix of a country, divergent thinking or backgrounds.

To me it adds that much-needed depth to your talent pool. And advertising is all about ideas and people.

How different are Unilever and Procter & Gamble, two clients youve worked with in your advertising career?

Tamara: I think they are extraordinary companies. And theyve made an extraordinary impact on the world by not only selling good products, but also doing good.

Photographs: Courtesy JWT.
In the third of a six-part series, Business Standard travels through diamond and textile units in Surat to assess the impact of demonetisation.

It was the evening of November 8 and Surat-based diamantaire Arjanbhai Ambaliyas family was just back in their Gandhinagar hotel after a day of touristy travel through the city. They were already discussing the next vacation in Udaipur. But the following day, they were heading back to Surat, rather depressed.

Demonetisation had struck.

That is not the only change in plan in his family. Ambaliya, 46, is now having second thoughts about going ahead with his sons wedding that was planned for February 1, 2017. We might have to postpone it, says Ambaliya, whose diamond polishing unit near Katargam is lying virtually defunct.

After it shut down for days at a stretch, the diamond polishing unit opened to only five employees recently against the usual strength of 150. Along with his two brothers, Ambaliya is busy doing the rounds of the banks to withdraw cash and pay his workers. He needs to send money home to his farmer father in Amreli as well.

Rinkesh Shekhawala, 36, too has been helping his father, Pravinbhai (62), in the textile business.

Every day, my son stands in the queue to withdraw cash to pay our workers. We have not been able to pay enough wages to them since November 9, the father says.

Not only have the orders dried up completely, orders prior to November 8 have also been cancelled. Their powerloom unit in Patel Industrial Society on Ved Road in Surat has been inactive for weeks.

The current account withdrawal limit has meant that as against a daily requirement of Rs 3 lakh worth of working capital, textile unit owners like Shekhawala have to suffice with Rs 50,000.

Surat polishes 95 per cent of all diamonds processed in the world. While the size of the industry is estimated at around Rs 90,000 crore, the city houses close to 4,000 units which cut and polish diamonds. The textile industry is big too in the city, pegged at over Rs 60,000 crore. The diamond and textile units together employ more than 2 million people in this southern city of Gujarat bordering Mumbai.

The number assumes significance if one were to compare it with the IT industry, which employs around 3 million. Besides textile and diamond, agriculture too has been hit.

For instance, sugarcane farmers with decent land holding like Pinakin Patel of Sadlav village in Navsari, 40 km from Surat, are still able to carry through since their farm expenses are incurred by the sugar factories to whom they supply. November is the harvesting month for kharif sugarcane and sowing month for rabi crops.

However, the situation may get tough for us if the cash crunch continues, says Patel. However, Naseeruddin Dabhi (50), who has to travel 15 km daily from Mohni village to the Agriculture Produce Market Committee in Surat to sell vegetables, it has been a nightmare since November 8. Dabhi, who mostly deals in brinjal, ladies finger and string beans, has seen prices fall by over 50 per cent.

This is because while sugarcane and rice are sold mostly in large quantities of quintals and tonnes, thereby facilitating cheque payments, vegetables and fruits are sold in smaller quantity of 5 kg, 10 kg and 20 kg, making cash payments imperative.

Then there are others like Rajni Dudhat, a textile processing unit worker, who has been asked to stay at home for at least two months by his employer for want of work.

As against a monthly requirement of Rs 10,000, we have reduced our consumption severely and are managing our house with Rs 3,000, said Dudhat, 40, who had to put off shopping for a wedding in the family. To make ends meet, Dudhat plans to borrow from family and friends.

While workers like Dudhat have been sent home, employers like Shekhawala fear that the rest of the workers who were supposed to return from Diwali holidays may now extend their stay for at least two months.

This could lead to mass exodus of workers who hail from other states like Bihar and Odisha, says Shekhawala. The situation could only ease if cash could be mobilised at the earliest, according to Surat APMC Chairman Raman Jani. Till then, farmers, traders and buyers are transacting mostly in credit.

Image: An employee sifts through diamonds at a diamond cutting and polishing factory in Surat. Photograph: Arko Datta/Reuters.

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Previous: Indore
Ban on high-value currency sends advertising industry into a tailspin.

The ban on high-value notes has left the domestic advertising market reeling as ad-heavy categories such as consumer goods, retail, real estate, auto and jewellery have seen a spurt in ad cancellations and postponements.

The shortfall in ad spends for the December quarter, one of the busiest periods in an advertising year, is pegged at Rs 1,000-1,500 crore. This, according to ad and media agency heads, translates into a percentage point drop in advertising growth rate for calendar year 2016.

Most forecasts, including ours, put advertising growth rate for 2016 in the 12-13 per cent bracket. Because demonetisation has happened bang in the middle of the December quarter, a period which contributes 35-40 per cent in terms of annual spends, the overall advertising growth rate for the year will come down to the levels of 11-11.5 per cent, says Ashish Bhasin, chairman and chief executive officer, South Asia at Dentsu Aegis Network.

P M Balakrishna, CEO of Allied Media, the media planning and buying arm of the Percept Group, is a bit more aggressive in his assessment of the market situation.

Advertising growth rates should get trimmed to levels of 10-11 per cent for the year (2016) versus 12-13 per cent forecast earlier. But, depending on the remonetisation effort in the new year, things should ease; else, ad growth rates in 2017 could fall further by as much as four to five percentage points, if the currency situation does not show substantial improvement.

Balakrishnas forecast for the new year stems from the mixed signals coming from the central bank as well as the government regarding remonetisation. While Reserve Bank of India Governor Urijit Patel said this week that the RBI was working to ensure money circulation improved in the coming weeks, ground reports seem to suggest otherwise. Limited amounts continue to be dispensed at banks and automated teller machines, leaving citizens wanting more.

In a presentation earlier this week, the countrys largest consumer goods company Hindustan Unilever said consumers had been impacted with lower cash in hand and that spending by them was cautious in the short-term owing to the liquidity squeeze.

There is trade down-stocking due to the liquidity squeeze and wholesale has been impacted the most. Logistics has also been hit, particularly in long-distance routes and media heat will be lower, HUL said.

Anupriya Acharya, CEO of Publicis Media India, however, remains optimistic. Our view is that with sufficient cash infusion in the coming weeks by the government, the demand for goods and services should pick up and this shortfall will only be temporary.

Arvind Sharma, an advertising veteran and former chairman and CEO for the India subcontinent at Leo Burnett, who is now an independent entrepreneur, agrees. Eventually, normalcy will return and advertising spends should improve. I see this (demonetisation) as a temporary blip, which will ease in the next two quarters.

Image: Baba Ramdev's Patanjali range of products is among the biggest spenders on advertising in the FMCG space.
DIIs put in Rs 18,277 crore hoping for attractive valuations following demonetisation, while the FIIs pulled out $2.7 bn on concerns over EU and the US presidential elections. Deepak Korgaonkar and Puneet Wadhwa report.

Domestic institutional investors -- banks, domestic financial institutions, insurance, new pension scheme and mutual funds -- pumped Rs 18,277 crore into the Indian markets in November -- the highest since the Bombay Stock Exchange started maintaining the data since calendar year 2005.

Foreign investors, on the other hand, pulled Rs 18,244 crore ($2.7 billion) from the domestic market this month, one of the worst monthly sell-off since August last year, data from the National Securities Depository Limited show.

The S&P BSE Sensex and Nifty50 index have lost 4.6 per cent each, their sharpest monthly decline since February 2016, when the benchmark indices fell 7.5 per cent each.

FIIs (foreign institutional investors) have been withdrawing largely on the concerns regarding the European Union and the outcome of the US presidential election that put emerging markets out of favour. That apart, there have been concerns regarding demonetisation. Domestic investors, on the other hand, have used this opportunity to buy, thinking that the demonetisation impact will not last long and the fact that stocks were available at attractive valuations, explains U R Bhat, managing director, Dalton Capital Advisors.

Data from the Securities and Exchange Board of India show that mutual funds invested a net of Rs 13,159 crore in November, indicating that most of the inflows from DIIs were from MFs.

Thus far in current calendar year 2016 (CY16), DIIs pumped in Rs 27,989 crore in equities after pouring a net amount of Rs 66,815 crore in the entire previous calendar year 2015 (CY15). The benchmark index is up two per cent so far in CY16 against five per cent decline recorded in CY15.

Going ahead, analysts at Morgan Stanley believe there is a case for a big asset allocation shift for domestic investors to equities -- and the last time an equivalent valuation opportunity in favour of equities arose was in June 2013.

Superior growth prospects, a shift in funding mix to FDI, better terms of trade, reforms, and a domestic liquidity super-cycle for stocks are driving Indias P/E premium. Indias overweight position in emerging markets (EM) portfolios has eased to a 36-month low, points out Ridham Desai, head of India research and India equity strategist at Morgan Stanley in a co-authored report with Sheela Rathi.

Were putting cash back to work, which we raised in September, and are overweight consumer discretionary, financials, technology and underweight staples, energy, industrials, telecoms and utilities, they add.

On the other hand, Abhay Laijawala, managing director and head of research at Deutsche Equities India, cautions that the flow environment will be highly challenging going ahead with many uncertainties. These include the outcome of the Italian referendum on December 4; the outcome of the US Federal Reserve meeting; and the pace of outflows from China and the associated depreciation of the Chinese currency.

In case the pressure on outflows from China increases as a consequence of US Fed policy and President-elect Donald Trumps pro-growth policies, which would result in sharp dollar strengthening, we may see acceleration in the selling by FIIs, who have been net sellers throughout November. We cut our December 2016 Sensex target to 25,000 from 27,000 earlier, Laijawala says.
You must visit these places to experience their rich and vibrant culture.

Zillion factors draw tourists to a place, and one among them is its culture.

In a recently released list of go-to destinations, National Geographic Traveler has revealed the top 7 culturally rich destinations to visit in 2017.

Take a look!

1. Malta

IMAGE: Worshippers shower a statue of the Risen Christ with confetti during an Easter Sunday procession in Cospicua, Malta. The predominant religion out here is Roman Catholicism.



Photograph: Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters

If you're wondering why you should visit this tiny island nation in the Mediterranean sea, read on...

It's the land of the Knights of Malta and home to three world heritage sites.

There's more! Much of Season One of Game of Thrones was filmed here!

Remember the limestone archway of the Azure Window in Gozo, Malta, which served as the backdrop for the Daenerys and Khal Drogo wedding?

As Malta holds on to its history and heritage, it is also on the brink of a reboot. Which means that this is the best time to visit Malta to experience both the old and the new.

Best time to visit Malta: April to May and September to October

2. Papua New Guinea

IMAGE: Papua New Guinea dancers and a drummer. This island i s home to several tribes, many of which have absolutely no contact with the outside world.



Photograph: David Gray/Reuters

Located in the South Pacific north of Australia, Papua New Guinea feels like a lost, isolated island.

The rest of the world has progressed, but life here seems to go on as it has for centuries. Nothing much has changed.

Its untamed rain forests, tree kangaroos, vibrant coral reefs and volcanic fjords are some reasons why Papua New Guinea is a place you must visit once in a lifetime.

Some more trivia -- it has 600 islands -- all of which are worth going to if you can!

Best time to visit Papua New Guinea: June to early November, December to March (for surfers) and May to October (for hikers)

3. Chengdu, China

IMAGE: A tourist boat rows past a group of lanterns, featuring the Yellow Crane Tower at Chengdu. While the lantern festival is held throughout China, the most popular celebrations take place at Chengdu.



Photograph: Darley Shen/Reuters

If you love living in the fast-lane, then this river town is meant for you!

Did you know Chengdu is popularly known as the Ccradle of Sichuan cuisine?

Let's start by naming some of its legendary, mouth-watering treats like kung pao chicken, twice-cooked pork (drool), tea-smoked duck, hotpot, etc.

If you have made up your mind to visit Chengdu just for its gastronomical adventures, then we will give you some more food for thought.

Chengdu has some authentic, untouched tea houses worth visiting.

It is most popular for its panda breeding research centre. You never know, you might just bump into Po, the Dragon Warrior from Kung Fu Panda there!

Best time to visit Chengdu: September to October

4. Canton Uri, Switzerland

IMAGE: Cars heading towards St Gotthard tunnel, the world's third longest road tunnel, in the Canton of Uri. It is one of the most important passes through the Alps.



Photograph: Romina Amato/Reuters

No! You will be sadly mistaken to think of Canton Uri as just another place in Switzerland.

Well, it does have an Alpine touch with its snowcapped peaks and wild meadows.

But it also has glacial lakes, the Gotthard Pass (for travellers who yearn for an adrenaline rush), and the new Gotthard base tunnel, a 35 mile long tunnel which took 17 years to build.

Best time to visit Canton Uri: Year-round

5. Guadeloupe Islands

IMAGE: A yacht is moored up in Les Saintes Islands in the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, known for its crystal clear waters and fascinating marine life.



Photograph: Charles Platiau/Reuters

Dipped in culture, Guadeloupe Islands in the Caribbean has Afro-Indian, Afro-French and Afro-Caribbean roots.

Did you know that five islands make up the Guadeloupe archipelago? Running away from crowds and the hustle-bustle of the city? You will be glad to know that it is home to just 4,00,000 people! :)

Two of its largest islands are connected by a short bridge. The locals know it as 'the place of beautiful waters'.

Once here you'll get lessons on how Africa slave trade has changed this five-island archipelago's culture.

Best time to visit Guadeloupe Islands: December to May

6. Georgia, USA

IMAGE: The Ocean Voyager exhibit tunnel at Atlanta's Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.



Photograph: Kind Courtesy Diliff/Wikimedia Commons

This is the place for music lovers, with old sweet tunes being played in theaters and cozy cafes.

Throughout the year, Georgia has around 75 music festivals and it is home to more than 1,000 live music venues.

It has a rich history to boast of; it is here that you can experience first-hand the places that shaped some of the most important events in the US history like the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement.

You will never be short of interesting stories, experiences when in Georgia. Sweet Home Alabama was filmed here -- remember the scene when Melania returns home to meet her parents and finds her father is reenacting a scene from the Civil War?

Also the Carmichael Plantation, which Melanie tells the reporter is her childhood home, is the Oak Hill Berry Museum, an historic landmark in Georgia! Exciting no?

Best time to visit Georgia: Year-round

7. Cradle of Humankind, South Africa

IMAGE: A top shot of the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa. It's here that you can understand better South Africa's gold rush, one of the most significant events in its history.



Photograph: Kind Courtesy South African Tourism/Wikimedia Commons

This world heritage site is also known as the 'birthplace of humanity'.

You may ask why? Well, very recently researchers have stumbled upon an ancient species which is believed to be one of the earliest members of our genus! Fascinating no?

Did you know that hidden beneath its surface are over 200 caves.

The Cradle of Humankind is located an hour away from Johannesburg and is a sprawling 180 sq mile boneyard that gives you plenty of insight on human evolution.

You can also go on a guided tour of the world-famous Sterkfontein Caves, which is the site of the longest-running archaeological excavation.

Best time to visit the Cradle of Humanity: Year-round
'The devious minds across the border will test us to the hilt, but in the course of that will offer us opportunities for which we must be prepared,' says Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd), who commanded the Uri Brigade, the Baramulla Division and the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps.

At the outset it is important to clarify that the term fidayeen is being used in this essay as a means of convenience. It does not sanctify the sneak actions of terrorists.

The fidayeen phenomenon is not new to the Jammu and Kashmir scenario. We first witnessed the employment of these suicide terrorist squads launched by Pakistan as part of the proxy war as an adjunct to the operations in Kargil in 1999.

The Indian Army was already stretched. 8 Mountain Division had redeployed to the Kargil heights laying bare the vast area of North Kashmir whose responsibility then fell to the Rashtriya Rifles Victor Force which was essentially responsible for operations in South Kashmir.

By infusing small groups of suicide terrorists Pakistan hit the rear areas of 15 and 16 Corps North and South of the Pir Panjal. Garrisons were then without any perimeter obstacles and access control at gates was not of a high order.

We had a series of setbacks forcing us to redefine perimeter security and access control while deploying a much larger strength on the security of assets in the rear which included ammunition and other logistics dumps, including gun areas.

It was what Operation Gibraltar of 1965 may have hoped to achieve which Pakistan achieved to some extent in 1999. The high octane security scenario lasted almost till 2006 although the most intense period was 1999 to 2003.

I digress to explain that the proxy war we have been subjected to is not a conventional conflict situation.

It is the ideal manifestation of hybrid war where different domains of the conflict spectrum are energised as threats; the composite effect is what is happening right now.

A feeling of being boxed in, with lesser options each time.

Fidayeen actions are a subset of this strategy and add to the claustrophobia.

Unless we learn to view this from a comprehensive and long term angle, this feeling of limited options will continue.

The Uri attack set in in motion a series of events which have seen different levels of violence.

Baramula, Langaiyat and Pampore, before it shifted to the LoC with heavy fire assaults and actions by Pakistan's Border Action Teams including mutilation of two Indian soldiers.

A total of 26 Indian soldiers and BSF men have died since the launch of the surgical strikes.

It is also true more Pakistani soldiers have died in actions by the Indian Army, but this is neither a zero sum game nor a game of numbers.

Pakistan, or at least the Pakistan army, continues to believe that it can win this war by slowly bleeding India through the terror strikes and enhancing the alienation of the Kashmiri people against India.

This is the strategy which dates back to the time of Zia-ul Haq and was first evolved in 1977 as the slated retribution against India for the loss of Bangladesh and defeat in the 1971 Conflict.

India has suffered for the last 27 years while the initiative has invariably remained in the hands of the troublemakers from across the border.

Failed peace efforts and mistakes in testing India's threshold of tolerance have kept Pakistan on tenterhooks too, but India has been unable to hurt it sufficiently to deter further pursuance of proxy war.

It is in the light of all the above that the Nagrota strike on November 29, 2016 should be viewed. This is the third major terror strike against India's defence installations in 2016.

Uri led to the surgical strikes on September 29, 2016, resulting in the heating of the temperature at the LoC and in the hinterland and Nagrota showed that the deterrence effect was minimal.

Three things are proved from this. The enhanced Pakistani sponsored and led activity is a tacit admission that the surgical strikes were a success, not necessarily in the strategic domain, but definitely in the operational one.

The outgoing Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif could not have gone home without avenging the strikes even as he denied them.

Secondly, Nagrota was apparently a farewell event for Raheel Sharif even as he hoped to put his successor in a state of compulsion to follow his rogue policy.

Thirdly, to expect a strategic effect in terms of deterrence from a single set of surgical strikes which were just trans LoC in scope may be naive on the part of the planners and thinkers in India's strategic community.

Deterrence can only be achieved if the demonstration hurts, and hurts badly.

The demonstration (surgical strikes in this case) has to be combined with a mix of measures in other domains -- diplomatic, economic, psychological and social -- before it takes full effect.

The failure to deter should not discourage our planners because it now gives leeway to expand the scope of response and there is an entire spectrum available for that.

The response to Nagrota will mean upping the escalatory ladder with measures to strike deeper, with more deadly intent and combine these with fire assaults over a period of time, especially in areas where we dominate the ground completely, such as in the Nilam Valley.

The escalation should not worry us as we have to be prepared for the eventual spread to the Punjab border too. There is no doubt that the people in border areas will suffer the ill effects of a permanent breakdown of the informal ceasefire.

Unfortunately, that is where the options wear thin and suffering on both sides will be intense. That offers scope to launch well-conceived and prepared psychological operations targeting the villages and families on the other side of the international border and LoC.

Since this essay advocates preparation for the long haul it is only correct that the army and all other security forces review their garrison security.

Infrastructure improvements if required even with long term security must be invested in.

Night surveillance equipment available with a range of Indian vendors must go beyond exhibitions at FICCI and Northen Command Melas and actual procurement must be done.

The rear areas be treated with a degree of respect as areas potentially equally vulnerable.

The report of the Philip Campose Committee set up after Pathankot must be perused seriously and Parliament kept informed of the measures that have been taken to strengthen rear area/garrison security.

Accountability for penetration by fidayeen must be fixed and necessary action taken against the command chain every time it occurs.

A trifle unfair due to equipment and infrastructure deficit, but when the chips are down armies rely on the kinetics of their own self-generated energy.

The last message from any pragmatic analysis of Nagrota would point at the inevitability of the long haul and the need for national stamina.

The devious minds across the border will test us to the hilt, but in the course of that will offer us opportunities for which we must be prepared.

The long march to peace has not even started and Nagrota signifies that.

Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) is now associated with the Vivekanand International Foundation and Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies.

IMAGE: Reinforcements arrive to neutralise the terrorists at the army base in Nagrota, November 29, 2016. Photograph: PTI
Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan prime ministers advisor on foreign affairs, is set to visit India on Sunday to attend the Heart of Asia meet in Amritsar, according to a media report.

The two-day conference is being held in Amritsar this weekend (December 3-4) and Aziz visit Amritsar on Sunday, Dawn News reported.

Aziz is leading the Pakistani delegation to the meeting of the process that focuses on regional cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for improving connectivity and tackling security threats.

But no meeting with Indian officials is scheduled on the sidelines, the report said.

For now we don't see any willingness on their part...the ball is in Indias court, for they know we are willing but we dont know whether they are willing, an official was quoted as saying.

Pakistan and India had held a meeting in Islamabad at the last Heart of Asia ministerial meeting and agreed to start Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue that was to cover all outstanding issues.

The resumption of the dialogue could, however, not take place due to the Pathankot terror attack in January this year.

An official was also quoted as saying that Pakistan had not formally reached out to India for a bilateral meeting in Amritsar.

Pakistans High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit, while participating in BBC Urdus Facebook Live interaction on Wednesday, said Pakistan was ready for unconditional resumption of dialogue if India is ready.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is not attending the Heart of Asia ministerial meeting.

Since Sushma Swaraj is not attending, it's difficult to have a meeting with anyone else, the daily quoted a Pakistani diplomat as saying.

The Pakistani side believes that the way out of the current stalemate in ties is India giving up its intransigence, the daily said.

India has to make up its mind. They are not willing to discuss Kashmir, the official said.

India has been non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Aziz but has made it clear that talks and terror cannot go hand in hand.
Talking tough in the wake of attack on army camp in Nagrota, India on Thursday made it clear that talks with Pakistan cannot take place in an atmosphere of "continued terror", which it will never accept as "new normal" in the bilateral relationship.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said the government is awaiting detailed information on the specifics of the Nagrota attack before it decides on the next steps.

"But I do wish to emphasise that the government takes this incident very seriously and will do what it feels is required for our national security," he asserted.

Asked if there would be bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Conference in Amritsar on December 3 and 4, he said, "We have not received any request from Pakistan for a bilateral meeting.

"India has always been open to talks but obviously it cannot be that talks take place in an atmosphere of continued terrorism. India will never accept continued terrorism as the new normal in the bilateral relationship," Swarup said.

India's sharp remarks come two days ahead of the conference where Pakistan will be represented by Sartaj Aziz, Foreign Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Earlier, Pakistani media reports had quoted officials as having said there would not be a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the HoA meet on Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will jointly inaugurate the ministerial deliberations on Sunday where the Indian delegation will be led by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the absence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is ill.

Hitting out at Pakistan, Swarup said Pakistan is a country which has a long record of carrying out cross border terrorism which it regards as an instrument of state policy and which puts Islamabad at odds with the rest of the international community.

On the criticism that the attacks increased after the surgical strikes, he said, "It was our assessment at that point of time that there was an imminent threat based on hard intelligence about the location of armed terrorists who were ready to infiltrate from across the LoC and carry out terrorist activities on our side.

"This imminent threat was successfully neutralised through the surgical strikes. We should not look only at what happened but also at what did not happen, what was prevented through successful neutralisation of terrorists."

On the appointment of Pakistan's new army chief, he said it is an internal matter of Pakistan. India will judge Pakistan by its behaviour and its track record and not by change of persons, he added.

On Pakistan suggesting a joint probe in Uri strike, which India maintains was carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists, Swarup said this has happened in past also and instead of acting on the evidence provided by India, Islamabad engages in "pure propaganda ploys".

"Pakistan called for an international inquiry, we said we are happy even with their domestic inquiry. When we are giving you fingerprints, DNA of the terrorists who we believe came from Pakistan why Pakistan cannot match this with its national database?

"That would be simplest thing to do, but Pakistan refuses to do that and instead engages in these pure propaganda ploys," the spokesperson said, adding if Islamabad was serious about tracking down those behind the Uri attack, it should first bring to book those responsible for 26/11 terror strikes in Mumbai. Besides, it should also share with India the investigation details in the Pathankot air base attack for which a Joint Investigation Team from Pakistan visited the country, he said.

Over the years, India has suffered many "heinous terrorist attacks which have been supported and sponsored by Pakistan and this has been a calculated strategy on its part for many years. He referred to terror attacks on Indian Parliament, the Kaluchak massacre, 2005 Delhi bombings, strike on the CRPF camp in Rampur in 2008, 26/11 Mumbai attack, besides the assaults on Pathankot air base and the army camp in Uri.

"These (attacks) are all reminders of the continuing complicity of Pakistan in sponsoring cross border terrorism of which Nagrota is the latest example. So, it is evident that it is not a matter of a week or a month. It is in fact a challenge that we have faced over many years, indeed over many decades," the MEA Spokesperson said.

He also rejected Pakistan's allegation that India scuttled this year's SAARC summit, saying its members wrote "unanimously" to the Chair that atmosphere was not conducive for holding the meet.
Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were affected for the second day on Thursday with four domestic flights diverted to other aerodromes amid low runway visibility due to dense fog.

Flight operations at Delhi airport are intermittent but not suspended, an airport official said.

The low visibility procedure was implemented at 3 am. ATC is clearing arrivals and departures as per the fog situation, the official said.

He said four aircraft arriving at Delhi airport from different destination were diverted to other airports as they could not land at IGIA.

Meanwhile, Northern Railways said that 50 trains are running late due to dense fog.

In Mathura, at least 12 vehicles crashed into each other on Yamuna Exressway, killing one person and injuring more than 10 people.

In Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh, two people died and six were injured in a head-on collision between a truck and an auto rickshaw due to dense fog.

Visibility was very low in many areas of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

With inputs and photographs from ANI.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday night hardened her stand against the Centre alleging deployment of Army at certain toll plazas in West Bengal without informing the state government and refused to leave her office till the forces were not withdrawn from the toll plaza near the state secretariat.

"Why are they (Army) standing here? The police commissioner asked them to move out but they are still standing here. I am observing the whole situation. I am the custodian of my people and cannot move out of the secretariat when the Army is standing here," she told reporters.

"The Army has been deployed without informing the state government. This is unprecedented and a very serious matter," she claimed.

"The secretariat is a sensitive zone and toll plaza is a sensitive place. Why is the Army here? Whatever reason they are giving is not correct. They are lying. They are changing their reasons from time to time. The MHA has the complete data of the vehicles moving in different states," she said.

The army clarified that it is conducting a routine exercise with full knowledge of West Bengal police.

"Army conducting routine exercise with full knowledge & coord with WB Police. Speculation of army taking over toll plaza incorrect @adgpi," the Army said on its Twitter handle.

However, Mamata rebuked Army's claim and said that the it is misleading the people.

"Absolutely wrong and misleading facts by @easterncomd We have great respect for you, but please please don't mislead the people," she said in a tweet.

Even the West Bengal Police also tweeted to say: "Army exercise at toll plaza was objected to in writing by Kolkata Police, citing security reasons and traffic inconvenience."

Earlier, a defence spokesperson said there was "nothing to be alarmed" about the bi-annual exercise which the Army conducts across the country to get statistical data about load carriers that could be made available to it in case of a contingency.

Banerjee, however, said, "Their motive is political, unconstitutional, vindictive, unethical, undemocratic. I have decided that unless the Army is removed from in front of the secretariat, I will not move out. I will stay here tonight. Is there a military coup going in the country?"

The chief minister said she has checked with other states but nothing such has happened in Maharashtra, Kerala, Odisha and Chhatisgarh.

"Why is that happening here? I fear that they can shoot. Either I will live or die but I will speak for the common people," Banerjee said.

"I do not have any problem if the Centre behaves like the central government. But they are repeatedly doing mistakes and now they are doing a blunder. It is an attack on the federal structure. We want to know the details," she said.

However, the defence spokesperson said there was nothing to be alarmed about the Army's exercise.

"There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders," Wing Commander S S Birdi said.

The exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing through a certain area that could be tapped during operations, he said.

Banerjee claimed the army personnel were taking money from the vehicles which they are not supposed to do. "The CP (Commissioner of Police) has raised objection but they are not listening," she said.

"Army is there in Kolkata, Hooghly, Howrah. Now they are in Murshidabad also. I cannot say what they will do at night. I have to stay here for common people. I have fought for the common man my entire life and I will continue speaking on behalf of the people," she added.

Photograph: PTI Photo
It's been 13 days that the Winter Session commenced, but no work has taken place as MPs continue to spar over the note ban.

Rajya Sabha

Opposition uproar over the demonetisation issue continued in Rajya Sabha on Thursday leading to two adjournments in the post-noon session even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained present in the House.

As Chairman Hamid Ansari called for the first question of the day at noon, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said while the prime minister has been addressing his party MPs in Parliament House and even speaking outside, the opposition parties have been demanding his presence during the debate on demonetisation issue.

We had been demanding for last 15 days (presence of PM)...We are against black money. We want to speak on this issue but with whom? Our anguish is that the prime minister is holding weekly meetings with his MPs in Parliament House. He is also speaking outside. Our demand is that the prime minister should be here and listen to us, Azad said.

Modi sits in RS even during adjournment Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained seated in the Rajya Sabha even during an adjournment of 15 minutes as members from various political parties were seen going to his seat to exchange pleasantries.



Cinestar-turned politician Jaya Bachchan of the Samajwadi Party went to the PM and was seen exchanging pleasantries. She was followed by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam members and a Left MP.



Renowned boxer and member Mary Kom was also seen discussing certain things with Modi.

When the senior Congress leader also alleged that the PM has remarked that the Opposition parties support black money holders and said it was a big allegation, Bharatiya Janata Party members protested the remark.

Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu insisted that the House should continue with the debate on demonetisation, which started on November 16, the first day of the Winter session.

Ansari also said that the debate has not been concluded and called the listed speaker A U Singh Deo of the Biju Janata Dal to start.

Janata Dal-Uniteds Sharad Yadav said he too agreed that the debate should continue, but it cannot be one-way traffic and demanded that the prime minister should remain seated in the House all through the discussion.

Why are you assuming that he (PM) will not participate, Ansari asked the opposition member.

As Singh Deo rose to put forth his points on demonetisation, Congress members started raising slogans like Pradhan Mantri maafi maango (PM should apologise) from the aisles.

Naidu said the prime minister is here and the unfinished debate should be resumed. However amid din, the House was adjourned for 15 minutes.

When it reassembled at 12.29, Congress members were again on their feet raising slogans as BJD member started the debate.

Amid noisy scenes, Deo said, We support any move taken by the government of India for corruption and black money.

But as the sloganeering continued, Ansari adjourned the House for the day.

Lok Sabha

The government and the opposition, yet again failed to break the deadlock over discussion on the demonetisation issue under provisions that entail voting and the noisy scenes prompted the Speaker to adjourn the House for the day.

As the House assembled at noon after a brief adjournment, the Opposition demanded discussion on the issue of demonetisation.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, said the Opposition wants to hold discussion on the issue. You should give consent for discussion under Rule 56. This is a big issue, scam and scandal. Government employees, poor people are not getting salaries. We want to put forth the problems faced by them. But you want to run away from discussion.

People are being murdered in instalments. Every day there is a new firman (order), the country is facing trouble, but the government is at ease, Kharge said.

Mahajan took an objection to the word scandal used by Kharge. This is not a scandal. I am ready for discussion. Even yesterday, I said I can relax all rules for discussion on the issue as this is under my jurisdiction. Lets start the discussion, she said.

However, the Opposition, joined by the JD(U), Communist Party of India-Marxist and the Trinamool Congress jumped into the Well, demanding discussion under provisions that entail voting.

Hitting out at the Opposition, particularly the Congress, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said, We are ready for discussion, but the Congress is not. You (Mahajan) said we can discuss everything, from zero to universe, but Congress only wants to go from zero to zero.

They should not dare to stop the fight against black money as the whole country is with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As the deadlock continued, Telangana Rashtra Samithi MP Jithender Reddy sought an intervention from seniors like BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab.

Mahtab said Parliament functions on rules and conventions and not as per the whims and caprice. I request the government to take initiative and talk to respective political parties and start the discussion, he said.

When Mahajan again said, Lets start the discussion, Kharge said this was possible only under provision of voting.

Attacking the government, TMCs Sudeep Bandopadhyay, said the black money holders are happy because the government has fixed the 50-50 ratio, while poor are suffering. He was referring to the new amendments in IT Act passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Black money should be properly punished, but what is happening is that common people are suffering. We simply want discussion with voting. Why is the government not ready for discussion...., the TMC MP said.

Opposition members, including those from Congress and TMC, stood in the Well of the House, raising their pitch against the government over the demonetisation issue.

Members from the Left parties, Samajwadi Party and All India United Democratic Front also joined them while those from the AIADMK and Nationalist Congress Party were seen standing near their seats.

Interestingly, as Opposition members raised anti-government slogans demanding voting, BJP members started shouting Modi Modi to counter them.

Earlier when the House assembled for the day, Mahajan took up the Question Hour, but protesting Opposition members turned vociferous with their slogan shouting besides occasionally resorting to howling and clapping.

In the din, the Speaker could take up only two questions and the related supplementaries, before adjourning the House proceedings till noon.

Rahul Gandhi was present in the House during the Question Hour, and most of the time he was seen talking to Congress MPs Jyotiraditya Scindia, Shashi Tharoor and Deepender Singh Hooda.
Indian Navy personnel on Wednesday rehearsed for the Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony for the forthcoming Navy Day celebration at the historical Gateway of India in Mumbai.

The Indian Navy will celebrate December 4 as Navy Day, which is a tribute to the maritime operations of the navy during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.

Here are glimpses of a full dress rehearsal.

Indian Naval band rehearses for 'Beating the Retreat' as part of the Navy Day celebrations at Gateway of India in Mumbai.

The Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony were performed by the Indian Naval band with Beating of Retreat being performed before sunset and the Tattoo Ceremony being performed after sunset.

Indian Naval commandos rappel from the iconic Gateway of India as they take part in a demonstration drill.

Beating Retreat ceremony has its origin in the practice of early warfare when drums were sounded to order soldiers to disengage from combat and retreat as the daylight faded and return to the camp.

The Naval commandos rehearse for 'Beating the Retreat' and Tattoo Ceremony.

The naval commandos show exemplary skills during the rehearsal.

Photographs: Sahil Salvi
Amid the judiciary-government tussle, Chief Justice of India T S Thakur on Thursday asserted the process of appointment of judges cannot be "hijacked" and judiciary needs to be independent as it plays a role in the eventuality of a "tyrannical regime".

He also made it clear that judiciary cannot depend on executive in choosing judges.

He said judiciary must be independent regarding internal matters of judicial administration, including assignment of cases to the judges within the court, as unless there is an independent judiciary, the rights which are conferred by the Constitution would be "meaningless".

The remarks, made by the CJI while delivering the 37th Bhimsen Sachar memorial lecture in New Delhi on 'Independent Judiciary - Bastion of Democracy', assume importance in the wake of mounting tension between the judiciary and executive over the appointment of judges for higher judiciary as both the organs of the State have been blaming each other for the increasing vacancies of judges and to remain within a 'lakshmanrekha'.

Justice Thakur, who will be demitting office of CJI on January 3 next year, said the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2014, which was struck down last year by the Supreme Court, was an attempt which would have affected the independence of judiciary.

He added the "powerful and assertive Parliament" tries to assert for a greater say in the matter of judicial appointments.

Asserting that independence of judiciary was paramount for a democracy, he said judiciary cannot depend on the executive for discharging its duties and since the government was the "biggest litigant", one cannot say that executive can choose the judges to hear a case.

Referring to the NJAC verdict by a five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice J S Khehar who will succeed him as the CJI, Justice Thakur said, "The recent decision by the constitution bench striking down constitutional amendment by which NJAC was supposed to be set up also goes into all these aspects."

"It discusses how the court cannot have a situation where independence of judiciary gets affected by reason of appointment process being hijacked. If you have the Law minister and two nominees of the government in the panel that is going to appoint judges, the court saw this as an attempt to affect the independence of judiciary," he said.

"The powerful and assertive Parliament tries to assert for a greater say in the matter of judicial appointments. An attempt to take away from judiciary the power to appoint judges was seen by the judiciary as an attempt to affect the independence of judiciary.

"Constitutional amendment seeking to set up NJAC was one such attempt. It was seen as an attempt that would affect the independence of judiciary," he said.

The CJI further said, "Judiciary must be independent as to the internal matters of judicial administration including the assignment of cases to judges within the court. Who should hear which case should not be decided by anybody except the judiciary."

"You cannot say the executive will choose its judges. Judiciary must have complete freedom in assigning as to who would be the judges who will decide a case," he said.

Referring to Article 144 of the Constitution, he said that it itself mentions all authorities in the country must act in aid of the judiciary.

"There is no option for statutory or non-statutory authorities except to fall in line. Judiciary is a guard who is always on the lookout like a watchman. Keeps its eyes open, that is the role judiciary plays against a tyrannical regime."

"This country has seen many ups and downs. Over the past 60-70 years, we have seen judgements full of situation in which the executive has gone far beyond its legitimate sphere. If you have to protect the citizens against tyrannical regimes, you need a judiciary. The entire chapter on Fundamental Rights will be rendered meaningless without an independent judiciary.

"Principle of independence of judiciary was not meant for personal benefits of judges but was created to protect humans against abuses of power," the CJI said.

He said that everything is regulated under Constitution and appointment of judges is no exception.

"The Supreme Court has had many occasions to interpret this provision of appointment of judges. The much-maligned collegium system has also been evolved while interpreting this provision," he said.

"If you talk of independent judiciary, you cannot have a judiciary which will depend on the executive for discharge of its functions. Judiciary must have complete freedom to decide who should be the judge to hear a matter," the CJI said.

He said that issue of promotion of judges must be based on objective factors and the question of accountability of judges on ethical and professional behaviour must be dealt by a fully impartial organ ensuring due process of law.

"If the proceedings against judges are taken up by the politicians or bureaucracy, it would seriously infringe upon the independence of the judiciary," he said.

Thakur also said that the judiciary is a "guardian" of the rights of the people and government has to respect judgements given by the judiciary.

He also advocated for complete separation of judiciary from the executive.

Besides Thakur, veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar also addressed the gathering.
Playing down the detection of tunnel in Chamliyal-Ramgarh sector in Samba district after the gunning down of three heavily armed terrorist, the BSF on Thursday said it was mere a "rat hole tunnel" used only one time by the terrorists.

"Militants had come out to this side via a tunnel on the intervening night of November 28 and 29 in Chamliyal area. Operation was conducted there. Details have been shared with you", Inspector General of BSF, Jammu Frontier D K Upadhayaya told reporters in Jammu.

Ahead of the press conference, the BSF played a video to showcase a tunnel to the media apart from the route of the terrorist, who came from Pakistan while crawling through the tunnel and place of hiding, where the three militants were killed by BSF during the gun-battle.

"We have given you the full details of the tunnel. There were various reports coming in the media about the tunnel and old profile pictures of some tunnels were shown which was total different in shape and size," he said.

Upadhayaya further said, "As per the pictures shown to you it is a rat hole tunnel and it is generally used one time, which opens up in a plain area. The area was ploughed two to three days ago. BSF and farmers were keeping a watch over the area."

"The mouth of tunnel was opened a few days ago and militants came through it. There were no tell-tale signs of the tunnel before this. To make you understand, so that no wrong news get published or aired, this is what I want to bring it to your notice", he said.

The tunnel is roughly 65 to 70-feet long, he said, adding that on this side of the fencing it is 35-feet long and other side of the fence towards Pakistan it is over 30-feet.

"The aim of the militants was to negotiate the fencing. Otherwise they would have been facing the hurdle of the fencing which was not possible to negotiate. That is why they dugged tunnel under the fence to avoid it", he said.

Replying to a question whether the group of militants that attacked army artillery unit in Nagrota on the same day, killing seven army personnel including two Majors came from this side, the IG said "I cannot reply to any query based on speculation. As I said such tunnels are used tactically one time. Once it used it gets identified immediately".

He said digging a tunnel without help of Pakistani rangers was not possible.

"We were prepared which is reflected from the conduct of the our operation. We always remain alert as entire International Border is sensitive for us," he added.
The government has asked the general public to call toll free numbers 1070 and 1077 during emergency situations.

With Tamil Nadu bracing itself to face cyclonic storm Nada, likely to cross the north coastal area of the state early on December 2, National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force teams are being deployed in coastal areas and schools have been asked to remain closed on Thursday.

Two teams of NDRF and one team of SDRF are being pre-positioned in Cuddalore, one team each in Nagapattinam and Chennai to meet out any eventuality, a state government release said in Chennai.

Stating that India Meteorological Department has informed it that cyclonic storm Nada was likely to cross north Tamil Nadu coast between Vedaranniyam and Puducherry, close to Cuddalore by early morning of December 2, the government said all district collectors have been alerted.

They have been advised to take all necessary action to evacuate people from low lying and vulnerable areas to the relief centres, wherever required, it said.

The government has asked the general public to call toll free numbers 1070 and 1077 during emergency situations and have been also advised to listen to the latest updates by IMD about the cyclone.

Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea and to keep their boats tied up in safe places. The public are also advised to move to the relief centres as and when advised by the district collectors, the release said.

Meanwhile, private and state-run schools in districts, including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Cuddalore and Nagapattinam have intimated parents that schools will be closed on Thursday in view of heavy rains expected. Colleges are also likely to be closed.

The government also gave an elaborate set of Dos and Donts in view of the storm.

It urged people not to go outside until officially advised safe, to be on guard against being misled by rumours, and those housed in relief shelters not to leave the premises until directed to do so by the rescue personnel.

The note said people should not leave safer places during a lull, children should not be allowed to go out during the cyclone and that none should touch loose or dangling wires from lamp posts.

People have been advised to stay indoors and get away from low lying beaches or other locations which may be swept by high tides, it added.

Photograph: PTI Photo
It's the 12th day of Winter Session and the Parliament has barely functioned. The opposition parties met shortly before the House proceedings began and decided to raise the issue of hacking of verified Twitter accounts of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress in both Houses.

With the Opposition set to fire fresh salvos at the government, once again a washout of proceedings is expected.

WATCH ALL THE ACTION LIVE HERE.
Bharara's presence at Trump Tower provoked much curiosity.

George Joseph reports from New York.

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, will stay on in the post in the Trump administration.

Bharara, often called the Sheriff of Wall Street, visited President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, November 30.

'We had a good meeting. I said I would absolutely consider staying on. I agreed to stay on,' Bharara said after the encounter at Trump Tower.

'I have already spoken to Senator (Jeff) Sessions, who is, as you know, is the nominee to be the attorney general. He also asked that I stay on, and so, I expect that I will be continuing to work at the southern district,' he added.

Sessions will be Bharara's new boss beginning January 20.

Born in Jalandhar, Bharara came to the US as a three year old in 1970. He grew up in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and graduated from Harvard in 1990 and the Columbia Law School in 1993.

He was US Senator Charles Schumer's chief counsel when President Barack Obama appointed him to his current position, widely considered to be the most prestigious legal position in the US after the attorney general.

Bharara said he believes Trump invited him to his office 'presumably because he's a New Yorker and is aware of the great work that our office has done over the past seven years.'

'The President-elect asked for a meeting to discuss whether or not I'd be prepared to stay on as the United States attorney to do the work as we have done it, independently, without fear or favour for the last seven years,' Bharara told the media.

Bharara's pursuit of insider trading cases beginning in 2009 earned him a Time magazine cover and the title of 'top cop' on Wall Street.

His office twice forced Citibank to pay substantial sums in 2012 and 2014 for pushing risky loans. In 2012 it also pursued, and won, a mortgage fraud case against Bank of America.

Several of ponzi fraudster Bernie Madoff's associates were convicted as a result of the work done by Bharara's office.

He also did not spare corrupt politicians either. Bigwigs like New York state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Republican Majority Leader Dean Skelos were arrested and convicted.

Earlier this year, he warned New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to stay in line, or he'd come after them, too.

IMAGE: Preet Bharara, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Photograph: Andrew Kelly/Reuters
Trump is reportedly 'willing to play any role' to help 'fantastic' Pakistan

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump told Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that he was willing to play "any role that (Sharif wanted him) to play" to address Pakistan's outstanding problems, according to the South Asian nation's government.

On Wednesday, Pakistan's Press Information Department posted what it claimed was a summary of a telephone conversation that took place when Sharif called to congratulate Trump on his election win.

In what appeared to be an unusually unpolished description, the government statement said Trump praised the people of Pakistan, called Sharif a "terrific guy" and declared the prime minister was doing "amazing work." After Sharif invited Trump to visit the country, the U.S. president-elect said, "he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people," according to the statement.





Trump's transition team did not immediately respond to an email request from CNBC, sent outside office hours, for clarification on the statement's authenticity, whether Trump has business interests in Pakistan or if he was briefed about U.S.-Pakistan and India-Pakistan bilateral ties.



But in a daily media call with reporters on Wednesday, Trump's team acknowledged the president-elect had spoken to Sharif, according to a transcript by The Washington Post.

Wednesday's phone call with PM Sharif would appear to mark a drastic shift in sentiment for the president-elect, who has seemed to make "turnaround" his new strategy after flip-flopping on various policy stances, including his proposed ban on Muslims entering the U.S. and bashing of Goldman Sachs .



In 2012, Trump launched a series of tweets that sharply criticized Islamabad.

"Get it straight: Pakistan is not our friend. We've given them billions and billions of dollars, and what did we get? Betrayal and disrespect, and much worse," he posted in January of that year, in reference to allegations that Pakistan knew Osama bin Laden was hiding on its soil while Washington was hunting for the terror mastermind.

Story continues

A few months later, in July 2012, Trump wrote, "When will Pakistan apologize to us for providing safe sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden for 6 years?! Some ally."

Washington and Islamabad remain friendly, with the U.S. proving critical counter-terrorism equipment and training programs to the Pakistani military, according to the U.S. State Department.

Pakistan has long been plagued by numerous security issues, including terrorist attacks from domestic militant groups. But the situation has recently deteriorated amid tense ties with India, the draw-down of NATO forces in Afghanistan and a domestic power struggle between civil authorities and Pakistan's influential army, which maintains tight control over foreign, internal and external security policies, Eurasia Group said in a note on Wednesday.

Instead of offering praise, Trump should be taking a tough stance against Sharif's administration, strategists say.

"The Trump administration should spell out to Pakistan the potential costs to its ties with the U.S. from its refusal to adequately address terrorismand be prepared to start making changes," Alyssa Ayres, senior South Asia fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations, said in a note on Wednesday.

Trump's remarks to Sharif, if accurate, could aggravate hostility between Pakistan and India.



Relations between the arch-enemies have worsened following a September attack on an army base in Indian-occupied Kashmir . New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the assault and conducted what it called "surgical strikes" on suspected militants in Pakistan administered-Kashmir. From 1947-1999, the two nuclear powers went to war with each other four times in addition to other serious border skirmishes.



"The White House should use active, yet quiet, behind-the-scenes diplomacy to ensure that temperatures on both sides do not rise dangerously high," Michael Kugelman, senior associate for South and Southeast Asia at the Woodrow Wilson Center, said in a recent note.

Instead, Trump has made very public declarations of support to both sides.

During a Republican Hindu Coalition event last month, Trump said the U.S. and India would be best friends. "There isn't going to be any relationship more important to us," he added.

Last month, Trump also told The Hindustan Times that he was willing to play mediator in the decades-long conflict between the two countries. But that isn't likely to sit well with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

"India rigidly opposes outside efforts to help ease tensions with Pakistan. It fears that external mediation would invoke the Kashmir dispute, which New Delhi views as non-negotiable. If Washington proposes mediation, its relationship with New Delhi could suffer," Kugelman explained.



Modi was one of the earliest heads of states to congratulate Trump on his election win. In a Nov. 9 phone call, Modi said he hoped the two leaders would work closely to "take the India U.S. strategic partnership to a new height."

Instead of playing up both sides, the president-elect should be urging the two sides to hold regular dialogues on soft issues-from trade cooperation to educational exchanges-to promote goodwill, Kugelman stated. And during crisis periods, the White House should work the phones to warn both capitals against military escalation, Kugelman added.

"What remains to be seen, however, is if Trump's lack of foreign policy experience constrains his ability to oversee such delicate diplomacy."

 Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook.





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The brother and nephew of former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, seen in November 2016, ave been indicted in a US court over an alleged attempt to bribe a Middle Eastern official regarding the sale of a building in Vietnam (AFP Photo/FADEL SENNA) (AFP/File)

United Nations (United States) (AFP) - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday apologized for the first time to the people of Haiti for the role played by the world body's peacekeepers in sparking a devastating cholera epidemic in the country.

"On behalf of the United Nations, I want to say very clearly we apologize to the Haitian people," he said three times -- in Haitian Creole, French and English -- to the UN General Assembly.

"We simply did not do enough with regards to the cholera outbreak and its spread in Haiti," Ban said. "We are profoundly sorry for our role."

According to numerous independent experts, cholera was introduced to Haiti by infected Nepalese UN peacekeepers sent to the Caribbean country after the massive 2010 earthquake.

Cholera, a disease that is transmitted through contaminated drinking water and causes acute diarrhea, is a major challenge in a country with poor sanitary conditions.

The cholera epidemic has claimed more than 9,000 lives in Haiti, the most impoverished country in the Americas, and infected 800,000 people.

The United Nations reiterated its rejection of claims that it is also legally responsible for the damages from the health emergency.

"We do not change our basic legal position," UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson told reporters.

Ban insisted the UN has "a moral responsibility to act."

"This has cast a shadow upon the relationship between the United Nations and the people of Haiti," he said. "It is a blemish on the reputation of UN peacekeeping."

- A 'new approach' -

The UN chief also formally presented the 193-nation General Assembly with a "new approach," a two-pronged program to help the families of the cholera victims and support the battle against the disease.

The UN hopes the new proposal will raise $400 million over two years, but funding for prior UN assistance to Haiti has been slow to arrive.

Story continues

Ban urged donors to finance the program. "On the scale of global humanitarian and development needs, limited sums are required to eliminate cholera in Haiti," he pleaded.

"This mission is realistic and doable. Cholera is a treatable and preventable disease. It can be controlled and eliminated."

Since the outbreak of cholera in Haiti and the ensuing accusations against the UN peacekeepers, the United Nations has steadfastly argued its missions enjoy diplomatic immunity from prosecution.

That immunity has been upheld by US courts in rejecting several lawsuits filed by victims seeking millions of dollars in damages for negligence.

To lift that immunity would jeopardize UN peacekeeping operations, Eliasson said.

"This is a true apology," he said, adding that Ban "wanted to do it before the end of his term" on December 31.

Philip Alston, UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, said in an October report to the General Assembly that the UN's position "flouted the applicable international law" and "undermined the credibility of the organization."

In August, the UN recognized for the first time that it brought cholera to Haiti and had a "moral responsibility" toward the victims, promising material aid.

- Two programs -

Ban confirmed Thursday that two programs were planned, each costing $200 million.

One will strengthen the fight against the epidemic, which resurged after Hurricane Matthew devastated the country in early October, and improve the country's sanitary infrastructure.

Some 72 percent of Haitians have no toilets at home and 42 percent still lack access to drinking water, the UN says.

The other program includes measures to prioritize aid to cholera victims and their families. It would support locally led projects, such as health care, micro-lending and education financing.

The UN plans to directly disburse money for each person who died of cholera. But it is difficult to count and identify all the direct victims of the disease due to the country's weak statistics.

"The community approach is the preferred option," said Eliasson. "Individual payment is difficult."

The UN has already raised $18 million for the fight against the disease and $132 million for sanitation improvement.

But for direct aid to victims, the donations have been much less forthcoming and the modalities of that program remain unclear.
Boyle v. United Kingdom

Publisher Council of Europe: European Commission on Human Rights Publication Date 9 February 1993 Citation / Document Symbol Application no. 16580/90 Related Document(s) Boyle v. The United Kingdom Cite as Boyle v. United Kingdom, Application no. 16580/90, Council of Europe: European Commission on Human Rights, 9 February 1993, available at: https://www.refworld.org/cases,COECOMMHR,583fec324.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Application No. 16580/90

Terence BOYLE

against

the United Kingdom

REPORT OF THE COMMISSION

(adopted on 9 February 1993)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

page

I. INTRODUCTION

(paras. 1-16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

A. The application

(paras. 2-4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

B. The proceedings

(paras. 5-11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

C. The present Report

(paras. 12-16). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

II. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FACTS

(paras. 17-37). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

A. Particular circumstances of the case

(paras. 17-34). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

B. Relevant domestic law and practice

(paras. 35-37). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

III. OPINION OF THE COMMISSION

(paras. 38-59). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

A. Complaint declared admissible

(para. 38). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

B. Point at issue

(para. 39). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

C. Article 8 of the Convention

(paras. 40-58). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

CONCLUSION

(para. 59). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

DISSENTING OPINION BY MM. FROWEIN, WEITZEL,

DANELIUS AND MARTINEZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

APPENDIX I HISTORY OF THE PROCEEDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . .11

APPENDIX II DECISION OF THE ADMISSIBILITY. . . . . . . . . 12-15

I. INTRODUCTION

1. The following is an outline of the case as submitted to the

European Commission of Human Rights, and of the procedure before the

Commission.

A. The application

2. The applicant is Terence Boyle, a British citizen born in 1938

and resident in Blackburn. He is represented by Messrs. Forbes,

solicitors practising in Blackburn.

3. The application is directed against the United Kingdom. The

Government are represented by their Agent, Mrs. Audrey Glover of the

Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

4. The case concerns the applicant's complaint, prior to the entry

into force of the Children Act 1989, that he was refused access to his

nephew in care by the local authority and that he had no possibility

of applying for access to a court. It raises issues under Article 8 of

the Convention.

B. The proceedings

5. The application was introduced on 5 October 1989 and registered

on 14 May 1990.

6. On 7 September 1990, the Commission decided to communicate the

application to the respondent Government for their written observations

on the admissibility and merits of the application.

7. The Government submitted their written observations on

17 September 1991. The applicant submitted his written observations

in reply on 6 December 1991.

8. The Commission granted the applicant legal aid on

18 October 1991.

9. On 15 May 1992, the Commission declared the application

admissible.

10. The parties were then invited to submit any additional

observations on the merits of the application. On 3 July 1992, the

applicant submitted additional observations. On 16 December 1992, the

Government submitted further observations on the merits.

11. After declaring the case admissible, the Commission, acting in

accordance with Article 28 (b) of the Convention, placed itself at the

disposal of the parties with a view to securing a friendly settlement

of the case. In the light of the parties' reactions, the Commission

now finds that there is no basis on which a friendly settlement can be

effected.

C. The present Report

12. The present Report has been drawn up by the Commission in

pursuance of Article 31 of the Convention and after deliberations and

votes, the following members being present:

MM. C.A. NRGAARD, President

J.A. FROWEIN

S. TRECHSEL

E. BUSUTTIL

A.S. GOZUBUYUK

A. WEITZEL

J.-C. SOYER

H.G. SCHERMERS

H. DANELIUS

Mrs. G.H. THUNE

Sir Basil HALL

MM. F. MARTINEZ

C.L. ROZAKIS

Mrs. J. LIDDY

MM. J.-C. GEUS

M.P. PELLONPAA

B. MARXER

G.B. REFFI

13. The text of the Report was adopted by the Commission on

9 February 1993 and is now transmitted to the Committee of Ministers

in accordance with Article 31 para. 2 of the Convention.

14. The purpose of the Report, pursuant to Article 31 para. 1 of the

Convention, is

1) to establish the facts, and

2) to state an opinion as to whether the facts found disclose

a breach by the State concerned of its obligations under

the Convention.

15. A schedule setting out the history of the proceedings before the

Commission is attached hereto as APPENDIX I and the Commission's

decision on the admissibility of the application as APPENDIX II.

16. The full text of the parties' submissions, together with the

documents lodged as exhibits, are held in the archives of the

Commission.

II. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FACTS

A. Particular circumstances of the case

17. The applicant has a sister M. who gave birth to a son C. on

5 April 1980.

18. The applicant visited M. and C. in the hospital after the birth.

Following the birth, M. suffered from post-natal depression and the

applicant volunteered to look after C. at the weekends in order to give

M. a rest. In the first year of his life, C. often stayed at weekends

in the applicant's house and the applicant would frequently take C. for

walks in his pram. M. was also suffering increasing matrimonial

problems. Around Easter 1981, the applicant recalls being summoned by

a neighbour as M.'s husband had assaulted both M. and her eldest son.

When the applicant arrived, the police were there and C. was sitting

on the floor crying. He held out his arms to the applicant who picked

him up to comfort him and told him that he could come home with him.

The applicant states that it was at this moment he realised how much

he loved C. and felt how much he needed the applicant's love and

protection.

19. Between December 1981 and August 1986, while he was unemployed,

the applicant saw C. very frequently and generally spent a lot of time

with him, going for walks together and on trips to the Lake District

and to the sea. He states that C. was spending as much time with him

as if he had actually been his own son and that a bond had formed based

on sharing experiences and relying on one another for company. After

that period the applicant who was no longer unemployed continued to

have close contact with the boy who only lived a short distance away.

20. In or about 1986, M. obtained an order of legal separation and

her husband left the matrimonial home. After this, C. came round to see

the applicant every night and at weekends. In July 1988, the applicant

bought M. his first bicycle and taught him how to ride it.

21. On application by the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention

of Cruelty to Children), C. was removed from the care of his mother

under a Place of Safety Order on 2 February 1989 on suspicion that he

had been sexually abused by her. On 3 February 1989, M. was arrested

and charged with sexual offences.

22. C. was placed with foster-parents on 2 February 1989. According

to the applicant, during the period that followed, C. repeatedly asked

to see the applicant.

23. Interim care orders were granted by the Juvenile Court on

9 February 1989, 9 March 1989 and 6 April 1989.

24. On 12 April 1989, Lancashire County Council (the local authority)

held a case conference and decided that the NSPCC should apply for a

full care order on behalf of the local authority in view of M.'s

continued refusal, supported by the applicant and other members of the

family, to accept that abuse had taken place. The same day they

received notification from the Crown Prosecution Service that the

charges against M. were not to be pursued for lack of evidence.

25. On 26 April 1989, the Juvenile Court found that the allegations

of sexual abuse had been made out and a care order was made in favour

of the local authority. In the report of the guardian ad litem of

13 April 1989 before the Court, the applicant was described as having

been a "a good father figure" to C..

26. On 21 June 1989, a social worker visited M. and the applicant to

discuss access prior to a joint meeting of the local authority and

NSPCC on the matter.

27. The applicant had made requests for access to C. throughout C.'s

placement in care. Following a request dated 28 August 1989, the local

authority informed the applicant that they were about to review access

arrangements. On 7 September 1989, he was informed that he was to be

allowed a supervised access visit to C., which took place on

13 September. According to the applicant, C. hugged him on this

occasion.

28. On 30 October 1989, following a case conference attended by M.,

the local authority decided to terminate M's access to C. They also

decided not to grant further access to the applicant since he continued

to deny that sexual abuse by M. had occurred.

29. M. withdrew her appeal against the termination of access before

the Juvenile Court on 24 April 1990.

30. The local authority decided to place C. for adoption and applied

to the county court for an order freeing him for adoption.

31. On 5 July 1991, the Court made the order. The judge had talked

with C. beforehand in his chambers. In his judgment, the judge reported

that C. had stated that he would not mind seeing his mother and other

members of his family but that he preferred to be adopted. The judge

reviewed the history of the case and criticized the "blinkered"

approach taken by the authorities and other shortcomings in the

procedures adopted. He stated that he had grave reservations on the

correctness of the original findings that sexual abuse had taken place.

However, in view of the time which had elapsed and the expressed

preference of C., he considered adoption was in C.'s best interests and

dispensed with M.'s consent.

32. Following the coming into force of the Children Act 1989, the

applicant was on 9 December 1991 granted leave to apply to the county

court for a contact order. On 27 February 1992 following a hearing the

court refused to make such an order.

33. The judge noted that C. was in the process of being introduced

to prospective adopters. He recalled that C. was a mature boy who knew

his own mind and whose wishes ought seriously to be taken into account

and that he had stated to his social worker that he did not wish to see

his uncle. The judge considered that C. had his sights set on settling

with his new family and at this time should not be required to renew

contacts.

34. By letter dated 17 July 1992, the local authority informed M.

that the introduction of C. to an adoptive family had ceased.

B. Relevant domestic law and practice

35. Prior to the coming into force of the Children Act 1989, non-

parental relatives had no possibility of applying to a court for access

to a child, or to challenge a termination of access to such child,

taken into compulsory care by a local authority.

36. In October 1991, the Children Act 1989 came into force.

37. Pursuant to Section 34(3) of the 1989 Act, a non-parental

relative may apply to court for leave to apply for a contact order in

respect of a child in the care of a local authority.

III. OPINION OF THE COMMISSION

A. Complaint declared admissible

38. The Commission declared admissible the applicant's complaint that

the local authority's refusal to grant him access to his nephew

violates his right to respect for his family life and that he was

unable to have the question of access to his nephew determined by a

court.

B. Points at issue

39. The issues to be determined are whether:

- whether there has been a violation of Article 8 (Art. 8) of the

Convention due to the refusal to give the applicant access to his

nephew and the absence of any possibility of applying to a court

in respect of that refusal.

C. Article 8 (Art. 8) of the Convention

40. Article 8 (Art. 8) of the Convention provides:

"1. Everyone has the right to respect for his private and

family life, his home and his correspondence.

2. There shall be no interference by a public authority with

the exercise of this right except such as is in accordance with

the law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interests

of national security, public safety or the economic well-being

of the country, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the

protection of health or morals, or for the protection of the

rights and freedoms of others."

41. The Commission has first examined whether the relationship which

the applicant enjoyed with his nephew M. falls within the scope of

"family life" as protected by the above provision.

42. The applicant submits that he enjoyed a very close relationship

with M. and that as a result of the absence of C.'s father, he was in

effect a "father figure" to the boy. The Government submit that the

applicant and C. have never co-habited and that the bonds of the uncle-

nephew relationship are insufficient in themselves to constitute

"family life".

43. The Court in the Marckx case stated that "family life" within the

meaning of Article 8 (Art. 8) includes at least the ties between near

relatives, for instance those between grandparents and grandchildren,

since such relations may play a considerable part in family life (Eur.

Court H.R., Marckx judgment of 13 June 1979, Series A no. 31 p. 21

para. 45). In the Commission's view, cohabitation is however not a

prerequisite for the maintenance of family ties which are to fall

within the scope of the concept of "family life". Cohabitation is a

factor amongst many others, albeit often an important one, to be taken

into account when considering the existence or otherwise of family ties

(see eg. No. 12402/86, Dec. 9.3.88, D.R. 55 p. 224-234).

44. The Commission recalls in this case that the applicant had

frequent contact with C. from the time of C.'s birth and spent

considerable time with him. While it appears the two families did not

share the same household, they lived in close proximity and C. often

made "weekend stays" at the applicant's home. The Commission further

notes that the guardian ad litem in the care proceedings described the

applicant as a "good father figure" to C.

45. In these circumstances, and having regard to the absence of C.'s

father, the Commission finds there was a significant bond between the

applicant and C., and that this relationship fell within the scope of

the concept of "family life".

46. Where a parent is denied access to a minor child take into care,

there is in general an interference with the parent's right to respect

for family life as protected by Article 8 para. 1 (Art. 8-1) of the

Convention. This however is not necessarily the case where other close

relatives are concerned (No. 12402/86, loc. cit. at p. 234). Access

by relatives to a child is normally at the discretion of the child's

parents and, where a care order has been made in respect of the child,

this control of access passes to the local authority. A restriction

of access which does not deny a reasonable opportunity to maintain the

relationship will not of itself show a lack of respect for family life.

47. The Commission recalls however with regard to the present

applicant that apart from one visit in September 1989, all contact with

C. was prohibited thereby preventing any continuance of the applicant's

relationship with him. It finds that this amounts to an interference

with the applicant's right to respect for his "family life" as

guaranteed by Article 8 para. 1 (Art. 8-1) of the Convention.

48. Consequently, it must be determined whether the interference was

justified under Article 8 para. 2 (Art. 8-2) of the Convention in

particular, whether it is "in accordance with the law", pursues one or

more of the aims enumerated and is "necessary in a democratic society"

for that or those aims.

49. As regards the requirement of "in accordance with the law", the

Commission notes that this aspect is not in dispute between the

parties. At the relevant time, a local authority, in exercising the

statutory duties in safeguarding the welfare of a child in its care,

enjoyed a discretion as to access. The Commission finds no indication

that the exercise of the discretion in this case was not "in accordance

with the law".

50. As regards the purpose of the interference, the Commission

recalls that the local authority terminated the applicant's access

since he continued to deny that sexual abuse had occurred, which in

their view rendered further contact detrimental to C. The Commission

has doubts as to the validity of this approach. The Commission does not

however need to express a view as to whether sexual abuse did or did

not occur in this case. It accepts that in taking the decision, the

local authority acted with the purpose of safeguarding C's health and

rights within the meaning of the second paragraph of Article 8

(Art. 8).

51. The question remains whether the interference was "necessary".

52. The case-law of the Commission and the Court establishes that the

notion of necessity implies that the interference corresponded to a

pressing social need and that it is proportionate to the aim pursued.

Further, in determining whether an interference in necessary in a

democratic society, the Commission and the Court will take into account

that a margin of appreciation is left to the Contracting States, which

are in principle in a better position to make an initial assessment of

the necessity of the given interference (see e.g. Eur. Court H.R.,

W. v. United Kingdom judgment of 8 July 1987, Series A no. 121, p. 27,

para. 60).

53. In this context, the Commission and the Court have established

that there are implied procedural requirements. In the case of parents,

what has to be determined is :

"... whether, having regard to the particular circumstances

of the case and notably the serious nature of the decisions

to be taken, the parents have been involved in the

decision-making process, seen as a whole, to a degree

sufficient to provide them with the requisite protection of

their interests. If they have not, there will have been a

failure to respect their family life and the interference

resulting from the decision will not be capable of being

regarded as 'necessary' within the meaning of Article 8

(Art. 8)."

(W. v. United Kingdom judgment, loc. cit. p. 29, para. 64).

54. The present applicant is the uncle, not the parent, of the child

in care and regard must be had to the difference in the nature of this

relationship. The applicant's relationship as an uncle will not require

the same level of involvement. The Commission therefore examined

whether the decision-making process in this case provided the applicant

with the requisite protection of his interest in light of the nature

of his relationship with C.

55. The Commission recalls that the applicant has complained in this

respect of his inability to bring the matter of access before the

court. It notes that since the entry into force in October 1991 of the

Children Act 1989, a procedure for applying to a court in matters of

access generally has been implemented and that the applicant has made

use of it. This application however is concerned only with the

situation prevailing prior to that date.

56. The Commission considers that the procedural requirements

implicit in Article 8 para. 2 (Art. 8-2) cannot be interpreted as

automatically necessitating access to a court. In a case concerning

the termination of access by grandparents to grandchildren in care, the

Commission found that the decision-making procedure, which did not

afford the possibility of access to court, nonetheless provided the

grandparents with sufficient protection of their interest, since "the

views of the were taken into account and they were able

to make representations on several occasions in order to obtain a

review of the situation" (No. 12402/86 loc. cit at p. 237).

57. In the present case, the local authority discussed the matter of

access with the applicant on 21 June 1989 prior to a meeting and that

he was consequently allowed one access visit. The decision to

terminate access was made at a case conference to which he was not

invited and without prior invitation of his views. The Commission

accepts that necessarily the local authority gave greater emphasis to

the involvement of C.'s mother in the decision-making process.

However, it appears that the local authority, and the NSPCC who were

acting on their behalf, took the view early, if not immediately, in the

case that the refusal of M. and her family to acknowledge that abuse

had occurred was a bar to any form of rehabilitation. No consideration

appears to have been given to any possible compromise solution. In

light of this fundamental conflict between the local authority and C.'s

family, including the applicant, there was little or no scope for any

meaningful dialogue. The available consultation process was thereby

rendered nugatory.

58. The Commission considers it unnecessary to decide whether a court

alone could provide the necessary forum or mechanism for obtaining an

objective and meaningful review of the applicant's requests as to

access and his complaints as to the approach taken by those acting on

behalf of the local authority. It finds that the absence of such a

forum or mechanism in the present case discloses a fundamental

shortcoming since the applicant as a result was not involved in the

decision-making procedure to the degree sufficient to provide him with

the requisite protection of his interest. Consequently, the

interference complained of cannot be regarded as "necessary" within

the meaning of Article 8 para. 2 (Art. 8-2) of the Convention.

CONCLUSION

59. The Commission concludes, by 14 votes to 4, that there has been

a violation of Article 8 (Art. 8) of the Convention.

Secretary to the Commission President of the Commission

(H.C. Kruger) (C.A. Nrgaard)

DISSENTING OPINION BY MM. FROWEIN, WEITZEL, DANELIUS AND MARTINEZ

The applicant complains of having been refused access to his

nephew and of having been unable to have the question of access

determined by a court.

We accept that "family life" within the meaning of Article 8 of

the Convention may exist not only between parents and children but also

between more distant relatives such as uncle and nephew. However, the

requirements of Article 8 must, generally speaking, be considered to

be less far-reaching in regard to such family relationships.

Although there seems to have been a close emotional relationship

between the applicant and his nephew during the latter's early

childhood, we cannot find that the local authority acted in breach of

Article 8, when deciding, after the nephew had been placed with

foster-parents, no longer to grant the applicant access to him. We

note in this regard that, at least during part of the period concerned,

preparations were made for the nephew's adoption and that the nephew

himself wished to be adopted.

The European Court of Human Rights has pointed out that Article 8

of the Convention also has a procedural aspect: when a child is in

care, the parents shall be involved in the decision-making process to

a degree sufficient to provide them with the requisite protection of

their interests (Eur. Court judgments of 8 July 1987, W. v. the United

Kingdom, Series A no. 121, p. 29, para. 64; B. v. the United Kingdom,

Series A no. 121, p. 73, para. 64, and R. v. the United Kingdom,

Series A no. 121, p. 118, para. 68).

We consider, however, that these procedural rights protected by

Article 8 cannot be the same insofar as more distant relatives are

concerned. In this respect, the domestic authorities must have a wider

discretion, when deciding whether or to what extent it is appropriate

to involve such relatives in the decision-making process. In the

present case it appears that the local authority was in touch with the

applicant on 21 June 1989 to discuss the question of access with him.

Moreover, the county court judge found, on 27 February 1992, that the

applicant's nephew had declared that he did not wish to see the

applicant. Having regard to all these circumstances, we do not

consider that the local authority violated its obligations under

Article 8 or that the procedure as such, as applied in the present

case, was in breach of that Article.

For these reasons we conclude that Article 8 has not been

violated in the present case.

Appendix I

HISTORY OF THE PROCEEDINGS

Date Item

________________________________________________________________

05.10.89 Introduction of the application

14.05.90 Registration of the application

Examination of admissibility

07.09.90 Commission's decision to invite the parties to submit

observations on the admissibility and merits

17.09.91 Government's observations

18.10.91 Commission's grant of legal aid

06.12.91 Applicant's reply

15.05.92 Commission's decision to declare the application

admissible

Examination of the merits

15.05.92 Commission's deliberations

03.7.92 Applicant's observations

04.7.92 Consideration of the state of proceedings

17.10.92 Consideration of the state of proceedings

16.12.92 Government's observations on the merits

09.02.93 Commission's deliberations on the merits, final votes

and adoption of the Report
Disclaimer

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
(Corrects Nov. 29 story to clarify that Cade called for restrictions to merger)

SAO PAULO, Nov 29 (Reuters) - A division of Brazil's antitrust watchdog is proposing to call off financial bourse BM&FBovespa SA's planned takeover of rival clearinghouse Cetip SA Mercados Organizados unless some restrictions are imposed on it, in the latest challenge facing a deal that would create Latin America's largest exchange.

The so-called general superintendency of Brasilia-based Cade, as the watchdog is known, called for the move in a document seen by Reuters.

(Reporting by Aluisio Alves; Writing by Guillermo Parra-Bernal; Editing by David Gregorio)
Turkmenistan: Who is obstructing Russian Orthodox diocese?

Publisher Forum 18 Author Felix Corley Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as Forum 18, Turkmenistan: Who is obstructing Russian Orthodox diocese?, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584034394.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

"The Orthodox Church wants a diocese and resident bishop in Turkmenistan," an Orthodox told Forum 18. "But it hasn't yet happened." The Deanery Secretary, a Russian priest, was forced to leave. And the Armenian Apostolic Church is still unable to regain a former church.
Cultural traditions in Portugal, Uganda and Ukraine added to UNESCO heritage protection list

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Cultural traditions in Portugal, Uganda and Ukraine added to UNESCO heritage protection list, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584036b540c.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

30 November 2016 - With the current session of the United Nations committee tasked with safeguarding intangible cultural heritage under way, three cultural elements in Portugal, Uganda and Ukraine have been inscribed to the United Nations list of cultural traditions in need of urgent protection.

The meeting in Ethiopia of parties to the international convention is designed to preserve the world's intangible cultural heritage.

Five nominations for inscription on the list have been examined by representatives of 24 States Parties to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, who form the committee.

The three new additions to list of intangible cultural heritage include Portugal Bisalhaes tradition of making black pottery and traditional Ma'di Bowl Lyre music and dance, which is one of the oldest cultural practices of the Madi people of Uganda.

Also added to the list are Cossack songs sung by communities of Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, which tell stories about the tragedy of war and personal relationships of Cossack soldiers.

Intangible cultural heritage, according UNESCO, encompasses practices and living expressions are handed down from one generation to the next.

To be inscribed by the Committee elements must comply with a series of criteria, including contributing to spreading the knowledge of intangible cultural heritage and promoting awareness of its importance. The Urgent Safeguarding List aims at taking appropriate measures for those intangible cultural heritage expressions or manifestations whose viability - that is whose continuous recreation and transmission - is threatened.

Only those countries that have ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage can present elements for inscription on the lists. The updated The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity presently number 339 inscribed elements.

The current session of the Committee will end on 2 December.
Security Council strengthens measures against DPRK's nuclear, ballistic missile activities

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Security Council strengthens measures against DPRK's nuclear, ballistic missile activities, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584036f040c.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

30 November 2016 - Strongly condemning the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 9 September, the Security Council today unanimously adopted measures that United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described as "the toughest and most comprehensive sanctions regime ever" against that country.

Through a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member Council reaffirmed that the DPRK should not conduct any further nuclear tests, launches using ballistic missile technology, or any other provocation.

The sanctions target revenue sources for the North-east Asian country's nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, with the Council for the first time imposing a limit on how much coal the DPRK can export per year.

According to the resolution, total exports of coal from the DPRK to all Member States should not exceed $400 million or 7.5 million metric tonnes annually, whichever is lower, beginning January 1, 2017. For the remainder of this year, the ceiling is $53.4 million, or one million metric tonnes.

Further to the text, each Member State that procures coal from the DPRK must report the aggregate amount of the volume of such procurement monthly. When 95 per cent of the aggregate yearly amount has been reached, Member States will be notified that they must immediately cease procuring coal from the DPRK for the year.

"I welcome the unanimous adoption of this new resolution. Maintaining such unity is crucial in tackling security challenges on the Korean Peninsula and beyond," Mr. Ban told the Council. The UN chief noted that since January, the DPRK has conducted two nuclear tests and at least 25 launches using ballistic missile technology, including launches of satellite, submarine-based ballistic missiles, and medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

This year, the Council has met on nine occasions in emergency consultations in response to the DPRK's nuclear tests and ballistic missile activities. "This is an unprecedentedly high number," he said.
UN's new LGBT rights expert urges global partnership to end violence and discrimination

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN's new LGBT rights expert urges global partnership to end violence and discrimination, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5840371e40c.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

30 November 2016 - Global partnership is needed to end discrimination and violence against the worldwide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, a United Nations human rights expert has told an international conference in Bangkok, Thailand, outlining five key steps that should be taken.

"Resolute action is required to stop the violence and discrimination affecting not only LGBT communities but also the human rights defenders working with them," said Vitit Muntarbhorn, the first-ever UN independent expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The five key steps are lifting criminal laws which affect LGBT people; not seeing the community as suffering from a disorder; giving all people the right to have their gender identity recognized on official documents; working with different cultures and religions to ensure inclusive practices; and ensuring children grow up with the ability to empathize with people of different sexual orientation and gender identity.

Addressing the World Conference of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, Mr. Muntarbhorn stressed that these five key goals - decriminalization, 'depathologization,' recognition of gender identity, cultural inclusion and 'empathization' - could only be delivered with a broad global partnership.

All people, he said, were invited to "open their hearts and minds to the beauty of diversity," including in the areas of sexual orientation and gender identity.

He said it had been a "quantum leap" for the world community to create the new mandate, which he took up on 1 November 2016. He said the mandate would advance the commitment to "leave no one behind" in the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mr. Muntarbhorn said that human rights advocates working with LGBT people were also coming under attack, adding that despite progress made on advancing the rights of LGBT people, much remains to be done.

Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.
South Sudan: Bureaucratic obstacles hindering relief work must stop, says senior UN official

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, South Sudan: Bureaucratic obstacles hindering relief work must stop, says senior UN official, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5840374540e.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

30 November 2016 - Expressing deep concern over the impact of a series of bureaucratic impediments and access constraints on relief operations, a senior United Nations humanitarian official in South Sudan has called on all parties to allow free, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the people in need.

Humanitarian organizations in South Sudan are striving every day to save lives and alleviate suffering across this country, said Eugene Owusu, Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan in a news release issued by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Yet, they continue to face obstacles and challenges which hamper their efforts. This must stop.

According to OCHA, some 91 humanitarian access incidents were recorded from 1 to 28 November. Of these, 64 incidents (little more than 70 per cent) involved violence against humanitarian personnel or assets. Another 18 incidents (about 20 per cent) involved interference in humanitarian action, including interference in administrative matters, illegal or arbitrary taxation, and expulsion of staff.

Humanitarian organizations are striving every day to save lives and alleviate suffering across South Sudan but they continue to face obstacles and challenges which hamper their efforts.

Also in November, relief workers were denied access to areas outside of Yei in Central Equatoria and Wau in Western Bahr El Ghazal, where tens of thousands of people are in need of assistance and protection.

The UN humanitarian arm further reported that needs in the country continue to rise due to the conflict and economic decline. It is estimated that about three million people have been displaced, of which more than 1.1 million people have fled to neighbouring countries as refugees, since fighting first broke out in December 2013.

Further in the release, Mr. Owusu also noted steps taken by the Government to address the access challenges, including the establishment of a high-level humanitarian oversight committee.

He, however, added that the recent incidents were a major challenge and that the commitments needed to be translated into real, tangible and immediate improvements in the operating environment for aid workers on the front-lines of humanitarian action.
Nearly half of children in Mosul now cut off from clean water as conflict intensifies  UNICEF

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Nearly half of children in Mosul now cut off from clean water as conflict intensifies  UNICEF, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5840377940c.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

30 November 2016 - Destruction of a major water pipeline has left nearly half of the children in the Iraqi battleground city of Mosul cut off from access to clean water, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said today.

Nearly 300,000 children and their families lost access to one of the three major water conduits in eastern Mosul amid the military's ongoing operations to wrest control of the city from terrorists. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) currently controls part of the city, where the broken pipeline is located, making it very hard to access and repair quickly.

"Children and their families are facing a horrific situation in Mosul. Not only are they in danger of getting killed or injured in the cross-fire, now potentially more than half a million people do not have safe water to drink," Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Iraq said in a news release.

Currently there is not enough water supplies to meet the needs of the residents. There is only enough running water for a few more days, and if it will not be restored, civilians will be forced to use unsafe water resources. UNICEF reports that children exposed to unsafe water resources are at risk of waterborne diseases such as severe diarrhoea and the threat of malnutrition.

The agency also supports the Government of Iraq in reactivating nearby boreholes and water treatment plans to provide safe water to the affected areas in Mosul until the main water line becomes accessible for repairs.

Mr. Hawkins also urged all parties to the conflict to allow these critical deliveries and repairs, stressing that civilian infrastructure must never be attacked.
Without urgent steps to end violence, Aleppo may become 'giant graveyard,' Security Council told

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Without urgent steps to end violence, Aleppo may become 'giant graveyard,' Security Council told, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5840379b40c.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

30 November 2016 - With thousands of civilians fleeing neighbourhoods in eastern Aleppo, senior United Nations officials today appealed to the Security Council and the wider international community to come together and "do everything in their power to protect civilians and enable aid access to the besieged parts of the [war-battered city] before it becomes one giant graveyard."

Painting a dire picture of the situation on the ground, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told the Council that the "humanitarian tragedy" in Aleppo is only deepening as both ground and air assaults against the eastern half of the iconic city have intensified over the last two weeks, forcing an estimated 25,000 from their homes since Saturday.

"It is likely that thousands more will flee should fighting continue to spread and further intensify over the coming days," he said, briefing the Council via video conference from Geneva, adding that he had strongly suggested that Ali Al-Za'tari, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Coordinator in Damascus, together with international members from the UN Country Team, should head to Aleppo as soon as possible to rejoin national aid workers to assist the civilian population - on both the city's east and west sides.

And while the Council is today focused on Aleppo, he underscored that the war continues elsewhere - Idlib, Hama, al-Waer, Homs, north of Latakia, Western Ghouta, north-west of Damascus, and Eastern Ghouta. "Each deserves its own description, but the underlying theme remains the same: the continued dominance of military over political strategies, and the brutal price being paid by civilians in the process."

Most Syrians left in Aleppo are too poor to leave and live in the carcasses of apartment blocks. Photo: Tom Westcott/IRIN

Speaking via videoconference from London, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien recalled that for over five years, the UN and the entire humanitarian community have raised the alarm about the devastating impact of the conflict in Syria on millions of ordinary men, women and children. "Our calls, and the requests, even the demands of this Council, have largely gone ignored."

Security Council must come together and stop the brutality in Syria

Mr. O'Brien, who is also the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, said that nowhere has the cruelty of the Syrian war been more grimly witnessed than in Aleppo, where the world has witnessed "bombs and mortars raining down in recent days, weeks and months - on civilian areas, residential houses, schools, medical facilities, water and electricity stations, and public markets. Constant, tormenting images of people murdered, bloody, and exhausted."

Amid intensifying attacks on eastern Aleppo, he said that over the last four days, numerous civilians have reportedly been killed. "Just today we received a report that scores of people were killed in an airstrike this morning."

"It may be too late for many of the people of eastern Aleppo, but surely this Council can come together, stop the brutality and also prevent a similar fate befalling other Syrians," he said, telling the Council that what Syrians and the humanitarian community need to see above all is three things: real respect and protection of civilians (and civilian infrastructure); safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access; and an end to brutal sieges once and for all.

Children under five know nothing but a lifetime shaped by war

To say that the situation is tragic would be an understatement, emphasized Geert Cappelaere, Regional Director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) for the Middle East and North Africa, who said "it is difficult to imagine what words could still adequately convey the unspeakable horrors endured by Syria's children every day."

Indeed, tens of thousands of children have already been killed. Millions have been uprooted, some more than once. Too many have been deprived of basic medical care and safe drinking water. Too many have witnessed the death of their loved ones and the destruction of the places they once thought are safe: their homes, their schools, their playgrounds. "Simply put, Syria's children are trapped in a living nightmare," he said.

"Children ask 'why.' We ask 'why.' The devastating downward spiral has to end. Today, every single child under the age of five has known nothing but a lifetime shaped by war," he stated, stressing that protection of children should be, at all times, a primary consideration for all.

"We have failed them over the last six years, and we continue to fail the children in Syria. This is not only jeopardizing children's lives, but the future of the country, the future of the region and the future of the whole world [] UNICEF renews its call on all parties to lift the sieges across Syria, and to allow and facilitate immediate, unconditional and sustained humanitarian access to all areas across the country."
Colombia: Peace agreement must open the door to justice

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 1 December 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Colombia: Peace agreement must open the door to justice, 1 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584038044.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The ratification of the peace agreement marks the beginning of a new and hopeful chapter in Colombia's history, but the real hard work starts now, Amnesty International said today.

Last night, Congress ratified a revised version of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) after the original deal was rejected by a referendum on 2 October.

The ratification paves the way for the FARC to begin to demobilize and disarm in a process to be implemented over six months.

The revised agreement offers more clarity on a number of issues, such as on how the sanctions imposed on those responsible for crimes under international law will work. It also forces the FARC to hand over their assets, which could boost the right of victims to reparation. But the agreement remains flawed in terms of guarantees on victims' rights.

"The official end to a bloody armed conflict that has lasted for more than 50 years and has left some eight million victims in its wake is an achievement that cannot and should not be underestimated," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International.

"However, much of the horror Colombians have been forced to endure for decades has often not been directly linked to direct combat between the security forces and the FARC. Those working away from the spotlight, defending rights or protecting natural resources and territories from powerful economic interests continue to face harassment and deadly attacks. So the peace agreement in itself may do little to keep these activists safe. What they need is effective action to ensure those behind such attacks face proper justice."

Since 1985, nearly seven million people have been forced to flee their homes, more than 267,000 were killed, some 46,000 people were victims of enforced disappearances, and some 30,000 were taken hostage. Thousands more were the victims of torture, sexual violence, and landmines, while some 8,000 children were forcibly recruited by guerrilla and paramilitary groups. Very few of those responsible have ever been brought to justice.

"The terrible legacy of these violations and the entrenched impunity for most of them means that, despite the peace agreement, many seemingly intractable conflict-related human rights and humanitarian challenges persist, and there is a real risk that these challenges will continue in a post-conflict environment," said Erika Guevara-Rosas.

Although combat-related violence against civilians has fallen sharply, attacks against human rights defenders, especially Indigenous, Afro-descendant and peasant farmer leaders, continue in alarming numbers, with more than 70 killed so far this year.

Many such attacks are linked to armed groups seeking to take control of resource-rich lands belonging to rural communities in order to exploit these for economic gain.

The armed conflict with the FARC may officially be over, but other conflicts remain, notably with the guerrilla group National Liberation Army (ELN), while paramilitary groups continue to be the most serious threat to human rights, especially in the countryside.

The peace process with the ELN was scheduled to start earlier this year, but the group's failure to release one of its high-profile hostages has delayed the start of the process.

"If Colombia is to really succeed in the long term in making peace work for everyone, the authorities must ensure that the fundamental right of the country's millions of victims to truth, justice and reparation is properly respected," said Erika Guevara-Rosas.

The agreement on victims of the conflict - one of the pillars of the peace agreement and which details how victims' right to truth, justice and reparation will be guaranteed via a transitional justice system - is undeniably a step forward in terms of victims' rights, especially when compared to previous experiences with peace processes in Colombia. But despite the revisions, it continues to fall short of international law and standards on human rights.

In particular, Amnesty International has repeatedly criticized the fact that the sanctions will not reflect the gravity of some of the crimes committed and also that the definition of command responsibility could allow superiors of both the security forces and the FARC to evade responsibility for the actions of their subordinates.

"The fact remains that Colombia must fulfil its obligation under international human rights law to guarantee victims' right to truth, justice and reparation. This right cannot be compromised if this is to be a real peace for victims," said Erika Guevara-Rosas.

But the requirement in the revised agreement that the FARC hand over their assets could be important in terms of victims' right to reparation, but only if measures are put in place to ensure all assets are identified, handed over, and effectively used in support of victims.

"This agreement must result in a peace for all Colombians, including the victims of human rights abuses and violations, the human rights defenders who risk their lives to defend the rights of others, the rural communities seeking to protect their lands from exploitation, and the women survivors of gender-based violence bravely fighting for justice. Their voices must be heard loud and clear as Colombia gears up to implement its long-sought peace," said Erika Guevara-Rosas.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Qatar: Blocking of Doha News website 'an outright attack' on media freedom

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 1 December 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Qatar: Blocking of Doha News website 'an outright attack' on media freedom, 1 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584038834.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

In response to the news that access to Doha News, Qatar's leading independent English language daily news site has been blocked to internet users inside the country, James Lynch, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Global Issues said:

"This is an alarming setback for freedom of expression in the country. Deliberately blocking people in Qatar from accessing a legitimate news website would be an outright attack on media freedom.

"As the nation that founded the Al Jazeera media network and which hosts a centre dedicated to promoting global media freedom, Qatar should be at the forefront of those championing freedom of the press.

"Instead, the government appears to have specifically targeted a key source of independent and credible journalism in the country, which has played an important role in fostering dialogue and discussion about social and political issues that affect people in Qatar. If they want to show that their claims to support media freedoms are not hollow, the Qatari authorities must immediately reverse the blocking of Doha News."

Background

Doha News today announced that that it believed that the Qatari authorities had ordered the blocking of its website by Qatar's two internet service providers.

Freedom of expression in Qatar is strictly controlled and the local press routinely exercises self-censorship.

Under Qatar's restrictive 2014 Cyber Crimes Law, the authorities may ban websites that they consider threatening to the "safety" of the country and punish anyone who posts or shares online content that "undermines" Qatar's "social values" or "general order", though the law fails to define the meaning of these terms.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Gambia: Communication blackout shatters illusion of freedom during the election

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 1 December 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Gambia: Communication blackout shatters illusion of freedom during the election, 1 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584038c44.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

In response to blocks on the internet and other communications networks in Gambia amid today's presidential election, Samira Daoud, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa said:

"This is an unjustified and crude attack on the right to freedom of expression in Gambia, with mobile internet services and text messaging cut off on polling day."

"Shutting down these communication networks shatters the illusion of freedom that had emerged during the two weeks period of the electoral campaign, when restrictions appeared to have been eased. This alarming move suggests a return to repression and censorship that has been the hallmark of President Jammeh's 22-year rule."

"Blocks on the internet and other communications networks amount to a flagrant violation of the right to freedom of expression and access to information. The same rights that people have offline must also be protected online."

Background

The election features three candidates - President Yahya Jammeh (APRC - Alliance for Patriotic Reconstruction and Construction), Adama Barrow (Coalition 2016 - a coalition of opposition parties) and Mama Kandeh (GDC - Gambian Democratic Congress) - in an election that will be won by whoever gains the most votes on 1 December. There is no second round and results are expected on 2 December.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Ethiopia: Arrest of opposition leader an outrageous assault on freedom of expression

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 1 December 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Ethiopia: Arrest of opposition leader an outrageous assault on freedom of expression, 1 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584039c14.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Reacting to news of the arrest of Ethiopian opposition leader Merera Gudina, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes, Michelle Kagari said:

"The arrest of Merera Gudina is an outrageous assault on the right to freedom of expression and should sound alarm bells for anyone with an interest in ending the deadly protests that have rocked Ethiopia over the past year."

"This is a move that will exacerbate, rather than ease, the underlying tensions currently simmering in the country. Instead of resorting to further repression and clamp-downs, the Ethiopian government must urgently and meaningfully address the human rights grievances that are fuelling unrest."

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Alpine migrant route into France a dead-end for many

Publisher IRIN Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as IRIN, Alpine migrant route into France a dead-end for many, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58403d9d4.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Standing in the kitchen of an old ochre-coloured stone house in the Roya Valley near France's southern border with Italy, four young men carrying backpacks are eating a hurried meal. They are smiling, but clearly anxious. On a signal from the homeowner, they leave the house and duck into two cars waiting outside. A few minutes, and kilometres, later, eight more young men emerge through some olive trees and slip down a muddy path before getting into the vehicles. The convoy zigzags along a valley road, which winds between the steep wall of a mountain and the bed of a river swollen by autumn showers.

The 12 passengers are all Eritreans; the drivers all French. The former arrived to France covertly, without visas. The latter are risking arrest and prosecution for the smuggling of undocumented migrants.

In the Roya Valley, convoys like these have become a regular occurrence for the past year. Surrounded by Italy to the south, east, and north, this area of the French Alps, which starts about 30 kilometres north of the Riviera, has become an entry point for migrants who have made their way north from southern Italy and then become stuck in Ventimiglia, where the border was closed in June 2015. After being pushed back from train stations and roads leading into the French Riviera, a growing number of migrants are trying to find a route through the Alps. But the journey into the valley is proving a dead-end for many.

"They don't understand that after Ventimiglia, they get into France, but if they continue north, they'll end up back in Italy," explains Nathalie Massiglia, who lives in the village of Breil-sur-Roya in the valley. A professional clown, she is part of the Roya People's Collective, which hosts and feeds migrants who wander into the valley and then transports them to small, distant train stations so they can continue their journeys. "We have become [active] because of the circumstances," Massiglia says. "How can you close your eyes when there are men, women, sometimes children, wandering along our roads, exhausted, lost, starving?"

Farm camp

No one knows how many migrants have passed through the Roya Valley, but those helping them say it's in the thousands. "The first people came to my house about a year ago; for the past six months, it hasn't slowed down," says Cedric Herrou, a 37-year-old farmer who is currently facing smuggling charges. His farm, where he raises laying hens and cultivates 800 olive trees, sits just outside Breil-sur-Roya and is the first property migrants come to when they exit a railway tunnel on the winding, mountain road from Ventimiglia.

"Every night, I go to bed wondering how many will come to me. Almost every night, my dog starts barking and I make bets with myself: three, four, 10, more?" Herrou says.

On this wet Sunday in November, there are about 20 migrants staying at a camp Herrou has set up a few metres away from his small house. Accessible only by foot, it consists of two caravans that Herrou had delivered by helicopter last summer, five tents, a wooden shed, and a large canvas sheet to protect it from the elements. A group of young Eritreans and Sudanese are sitting around a campfire scrutinising a charred map of Europe and discussing their next move.

Weghe, 17, left Asmara, Eritrea's capital, a year ago to avoid compulsory and indefinite military service, and so that he could practise his Protestant faith freely. He did stints in Sudan, Libya, and Italy before arriving at Herrou's farm last week. "We understood quickly in Ventimiglia that the border was shut; the trains and the roads to France were watched by police," he says. "Some migrants had tried going through four, five, six times. Every time, they were sent back to Italy. So we walked along the railway at night, for seven hours [until] we saw some light."

Unaccompanied minors

Weghe had no idea that getting out of the valley would be even more difficult than getting in and that his status as an unaccompanied minor probably wouldn't help him if he was caught.

"We see increasing numbers of unaccompanied children arriving," says Francoise Cotta, a local lawyer whose large house often hosts up to 10 migrants. "They are supposed to be taken in by social services, but we have evidence of children being taken back to the border."

She filed a complaint of child neglect against the prefect of the Alpes Maritimes department on 21 November. The department only took in 238 unaccompanied migrant children this year, compared to 1,500 in 2015, despite the increase in young migrants passing through the region in the past 12 months. Cotta views the figure as proof of a hardening of attitudes against migrants, including children.

Abdallah, a 15-year-old from Sudan's Darfur region, says he was arrested on a train near the French border. "I told the police I was 15, but the officer wrote down 1997 as my birth date. I told an Arab-speaking policeman there was a mistake, but they still sent me back to Italy." Abdallah and two friends then crossed into France on foot, following the railway line. Now he is stuck in the valley, along with dozens of other young African migrants.

A community divided

Police officers, and even the foreign legion, have been deployed in and around the Roya Valley. Officially, they are fighting terrorism as part of the government's Operation Sentinel. In practice, soldiers patrol train stations and small roads, while police officers check trains and set up roadblocks, effectively sealing all exits out of the valley. "Of course we are looking for illegal migrants," a police officer admits, checking a car boot. "We catch them every day."

But the migrants keep coming and winter is fast approaching in the mountains, where temperatures can plummet dangerously quickly. "Will there have to be deaths in order to get the state to take responsibility and stop putting it on our shoulders to take in these people?" asks Alain Creton. He and his partner Camille, mountain guides and farmers, often receive messages from locals asking them to take in migrants they're afraid to host themselves.

Not everyone feels a duty to help. On 22 September, the department voted against hosting any of the migrants removed from camps in Calais. Some local people in the Roya Valley report sightings of migrants to the police, while others are sympathetic but prefer not to get involved for fear of getting into trouble themselves.

On 23 November, hundreds of supporters gathered in front of Nice's criminal court, where Herrou's case was being heard. His trial ended up being postponed until January, but another local man, Pierre-Alain Mannonis, went on trial for transporting three young, injured Eritrean women, one of them a minor. He said he acted out of a sense of duty and humanity, and the prosecutor requested a six-month suspended sentence. He could have faced up to five years in prison, as well as 30,000 euros in fines. Herrou still could.
Political persecution of state TV director-general

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 1 December 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Political persecution of state TV director-general, 1 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58403ee14.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is alarmed by a wave of arrests and abusive prosecutions of journalists in the run-up to elections on 1 December in which President Yahya Jammeh is running for a fifth term.

RSF is particularly concerned about Momodou Sabally, who was fired as director-general of Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) on 8 November and was arrested by the National Intelligence Agency later the same day, and Bakary Fatty, a GRTS journalist who was also arrested on 8 November. Both are still held.

Their arrests, which came just days after Jammeh warned the media that he would tolerate no criticism in connection with the elections, are clearly the result of the autocratic president's annoyance over perceived political slights.

When Sabally was brought before a Banjul court 11 November, he was accused of causing the state to sustain economic losses when presidential affairs minister in 2014 - a charge that was already brought against him and then dismissed in 2015. He refused to enter a plea when he appeared in court again on 29 November.

No charge has so far been brought against Fatty, who has still not been able to see his lawyer. He is now being held in a completely illegal manner because, under Gambian law, he should have been released within 72 hours in the absence of any charges.

The state broadcaster's news coverage seems to have upset the regime. A few days before the arrests of Sabally and Fatty, GRTS ran a story about the opposition, which for the first time has managed to unite by behind a single candidate, Adama Barrow. It replaced a previously scheduled story about an event held by the First Lady.

"Aside from the illegality of the methods used, these arbitrary arrests and proceedings are a deliberate political bid to control the main state media outlet just days ahead of the election," said Clea Kahn-Sriber, the head of RSF's Africa desk. "The president is sending a threatening message, an act of censorship of the national TV broadcaster."

There have been other examples of the regime's current paranoia towards the media. The photographer Alhagie Manka was held from 10 to 16 November for taking photos of members of the ruling party's youth wing without accreditation.

On 9 November - the day that it was confirmed that Jammeh was running for another term - Yunus Salieu, a journalist with the pro-government Daily Observer, was arrested for taking photos with his mobile phone and was held for 40 hours. The security services thought he was going to send the photos to an anti-Jammeh campaign on social networks.

Gambia is ranked 145th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Ahmad Montazeri gets 21-year jail term as part of bid to suppress history

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 1 December 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Ahmad Montazeri gets 21-year jail term as part of bid to suppress history, 1 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5840411a4.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the 21-year jail sentence passed on website editor Ahmad Montazeri for posting an audio recording that shed light on one of the darkest periods in Iran's modern history, a wave of executions of political prisoners in the 1980s.

Montazeri, who manages the the website of his father, the late Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, was finally sentenced by Iran's special court for clerics on 27 November after a trial that was held behind closed doors and without a defence lawyer on 19 October.

The court sentenced him to ten years in prison for endangering state security, ten years for publishing a "classified audio recording" and another year for anti-government "propaganda." Montazeri told journalists he would appeal against the sentence, which he said had been imposed on the court's judge by the intelligence services. He also denied that the recording was classified.

The recording, in which Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri could be heard talking on 14 August 1988 with the members of a special commission appointed by then

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, triggered a political and media earthquake when posted online on 9 August.

This Tehran-based commission and similar commissions in the rest of the country were given the job of interrogating political prisoners who had already been given jail terms by revolutionary tribunals.

Complying with a fatwa (religious decree) issued by Ayatollah Khomeini in the summer of 1988, these commissions imposed death sentences on thousands of political prisoners after interrogations that often lasted no more than a few minutes.

In the recording, Ayatollah Motazeri can be heard to condemn these executions, describing them as "the most terrible crime to have been committed under the Islamic Republic" and telling the commission's members, "It is you, sirs, who carried it out, and your names will be registered as criminals in Iran's history."

The day after it was posted, the recording was deleted from the website at the intelligence ministry's request and, three days, later, Ahmad Montazeri received a summons from the special court for clerics, a court that is completely unconstitutional.

As a result of the recording's release, senior regime officials for the first time took a public position on these mass executions of political prisoners on Ayatollah Khomeiny's orders, which until now have been a taboo subject in Iran.

Some of the members of the commission now hold senior positions. They include Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi, the justice minister; Hossien Ali Nayeri, the head of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy; and Ebrahim Reissi, a former prosecutor general who is close to the current Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Read the joint RSF-Human Rights Watch press release on Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi.

One of the Islamic Revolution's theoreticians, Ayatollah Montazeri was Ayatollah Khomeiny's heir apparent until removed from positions of influence in March 1989 as a result of his revelations about the executions of political prisoners.

His website, which cannot be accessed from within Iran, is often updated with reports about religion and articles by him and his associates, which are critical of the official line on Islam taken by Ayatollah Khamenei and the regime.

Iran is ranked 169th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Kazakhstan: Land Reform Protesters Must Be Released

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as Article 19, Kazakhstan: Land Reform Protesters Must Be Released, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5840433e4.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

ARTICLE 19 condemns yesterday's sentencing of Talgat Ayanov and Max Bokayev, two prominent activists in Kazakhstan, to five years imprisonment for exercising their right to protest. The sentences should be immediately and unconditionally overturned on appeal. The Kazakhstan Government should also urgently reform its legislation on protest and several provisions of the Criminal Code related to freedom of expression and bring it into full compliance with international human rights standards.

In April and May 2016, Ayanov and Bokayev were involved in protests in the city of Atyrau, which were part of nationwide demonstrations against amendments to the Land Code. The amendments increased the term for which foreigners can rent state-owned agricultural land from 10 to 25 years, stoking popular fears that Chinese companies would be allowed to take over local farmland.

The amendments were signed into law in November 2015 and would have been effective from 1 July 2016; however, in a rare moment of acquiescence to public opinion following the protests, President Nursultan Nazarbayev imposed a moratorium, postponing the implementation of the amendments until 2017.

Following the protests, the Kazakh authorities launched a nationwide wave of arrests of activists involved in the protests on a range of minor criminal and administrative charges. High profile activists, such as Ayanov and Bokayev, faced more severe charges. Both activists are well known for their work in the Atyrau district of Kazakhstan on a variety of social, environmental and human rights issues.

On 28 November 2016, Court Number Two in Atyrau, western Kazakhstan, sentenced Ayanov and Bokayev to five years imprisonment and significant fines, on charges of "incitement to social unrest," spreading "false" information, and violating the law on public assemblies.

Right to protest

Ayanov and Bokayev were prosecuted for violating the procedure for holding public assemblies (under Article 274 of the Criminal Code) by organising "unauthorised" protests in Atyrau.

On 14 April 2016, they submitted an application to the city administration, requesting permission to hold a protest on 24 April. Although permission to hold the protest was denied, a peaceful protest nevertheless took place and was attended by over 700 people, according to official sources (5,000 people, according to unofficial sources). On 6 May, Ayanov and Bokayev submitted an application for a second peaceful protest, to be held on 21 May, but again the authorities refused to grant permission. On 18 May, Ayanov and Bokayev were arrested and have been held in pre-trial detention since.

Kazakhstan's Criminal Code and the Peaceful Assembly Law establish a regime of prior authorisation for conducting assemblies, imposing criminal sanctions for unauthorised protests. ARTICLE 19 finds that this violates international standards on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Under international human rights law, the authorities should not require protest organisers to submit a request for permission to hold a protest. The OSCE's Guidelines on Freedom of Assembly, for example, specify that the authorities could require advance notification about an assembly. Such prior notification can, however, only be required "where its purpose is to enable the state to put in place necessary arrangements to facilitate freedom of assembly and to protect public order, public safety and the rights and freedoms of others."

Further, Maina Kiai, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association stated in a communication on this case, "it must be emphasized that the right to peaceful assembly is a right and not a privilege. Thus, peaceful assemblies can never be subjected to an 'authorization' procedure to be given at the discretion of authorities".

The prosecution and sentencing of Ayanov and Bokayev under the Kazakhstan law therefore violate international standards, to which Kazakhstan has committed as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The activists' convictions should be immediately overturned, and the Criminal Code and Law on Public Assemblies amended to bring them into line with the country's international obligations.

"Incitement to social hatred"

Ayanov and Bokayev were also found guilty of "incitement to social hatred" under Article 174/2 of the Criminal Code.

According to the prosecution, statements disseminated by the activists on social media and via Whatsapp incited "social divisions" and contained "false" accusations about the nature of the proposed amendments. Both these criminal provisions violate international standards on freedom of expression and should be repealed or reformed.

ARTICLE 19 has previously criticised the provisions of Article 174 of the Criminal Code on incitement to "social, national, ethnic, racial, class or religious hatred", for failing to meet international freedom of expression standards.

The obligation under Article 20(2) of the ICCPR to prohibit incitement does not recognise "social group" or "class" as characteristics requiring specific protection by States. The prohibition of incitement to social hatred implies protection of "social groups" and "classes." While the protected grounds of national, racial or religious hatred may not be exhaustive, ARTICLE 19 argues that the list of protected characteristics should be considered in light of the right to non-discrimination as provided under Article 2(1) and Article 26 of the ICCPR. Although both have been interpreted expansively to include characteristics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, the criteria for differentiation should be objectively justified and reasonable. We find that the belonging to a social group or class is not an objectively justifiable and reasonable criterion. Unlike nationality, disability or ethnic origin, for example, "social group" and "class" are vague categories and difficult to legally define.

We are concerned that the authorities in this case exploited these provisions to criminalise criticism of state authorities. In particular, the prosecution argued that organising the protest amounted to "incitement to hatred" between the people and representatives of the government, law enforcement and special bodies. The characterisation of the authorities as a "social class" cannot be sanctioned under international law, as it effectively enables the application of criminal sanctions to prevent criticism of the government, or government policies.

"False news"

Finally, Ayanov and Bokayev were also charged for disseminating "false" information in the process of organizing the demonstrations under Article 274(4) of the Criminal Code. Article 274 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits "knowingly disseminating false information that creates a risk of public disorder or substantial harm to the rights and legitimate interests of citizens or organisations or the legally protected interests of society or the state", is similarly overly broad and open to abusive, politically-motivated application. Article 274 does not explain what is meant by "knowingly false information" and does not differentiate facts and value judgments; it allows for subjective interpretation that is open to abuse and can be used to suppress legitimate expression that the authorities simply disagree with, as we see in this case.

Ayanov and Bokayev are accused of claiming that the amendments would enable the sale of farmland to foreigners, in fact, the legislation permits an increases of the period for which foreigners can rent state-owned agricultural land, and does not permit the permanent sale of the land. However, in numerous interviews and posts on social media prior to the protests, the activists explained that in their view the 25 year limit on leasing to foreigners would in practice have the same result as selling the land, due to the long-term environmental, economic and political harm that it could cause.

Several UN human rights bodies have made it clear that "false" news prohibitions - such as those in Article 274(4) of the Kazakhstan Criminal Code - are inconsistent with the right to freedom of expression. For example:

Commenting on the domestic legal system of Cameroon, the UN Human Rights Committee stated that "the prosecution and punishment of journalists for the crime of publication of false news merely on the grounds, without more, that the news was false, [is a] clear violation of Article 19 of the Covenant".

On another occasion, the UN Human Rights Committee reiterated that false news provisions "unduly limit the exercise of freedom of opinion and expression". It has taken this position even with respect to laws which only prohibit the dissemination of false news that causes a threat of public unrest.

In 2000, the UN Special Rapporteur made a statement on the unacceptability of imprisonment under false news provisions, saying: "In the case of offences such as ... publishing or broadcasting "false" or "alarmist" information, prison terms are both reprehensible and out of proportion to the harm suffered by the victim. In all such cases, imprisonment as punishment for the peaceful expression of an opinion constitutes a serious violation of human rights".

The right to freedom of expression and protest are integral to democracy, and have the potential to inspire social change and enhance the protection of human rights. The Kazakhstan authorities' abusive application of broadly worded charges to prevent activists exercising their legitimate right to protest constitute a major violation of human rights standards and obstruct social and democratic development in the country.

ARTICLE 19 calls on the authorities of Kazakhstan to respect these rights in the case of Ayanov and Bokayev and to bring all respective legislation into compliance with international law.

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Malaysia: Crackdown on civic space intensifies with raids, threats, and arrests

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as Article 19, Malaysia: Crackdown on civic space intensifies with raids, threats, and arrests, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584043784.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

ARTICLE 19 condemns the escalating crackdown on civic space in Malaysia, including the right to freedom of expression and right to protest, following the arbitrary arrests and detentions of 'BERSIH 5' rally organiser Maria Chin Abdullah and of cartoonist Zunar, in addition to the raids on BERSIH 2.0 and women's rights group EMPOWER. We call for an end to the government's campaign of harassment and intimidation, and for the repeal of draconian laws abused to repress legitimate dissent.

"The repression of freedom of expression in Malaysia has reached new levels in recent weeks and must stop," said Thomas Hughes, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19.

"A government that respects human rights does not imprison cartoonists for satire, nor imprison anti-corruption protesters as terrorists, nor raid organisations defending women's rights as though they were a threat to the state. The international community must stand in solidarity with Malaysians seeking to defend against this shrinking of civic space, and urge the authorities to respect freedom of expression and the right to protest," Hughes added.

The crackdown on civic space in Malaysia has intensified since 14 September 2016, when civil society leaders announced the holding of "BERSIH 5", the latest in a series of rallies organised by a coalition of organisations campaigning for free and fair elections. "Bersih" means "clean" in Malay. The series of attacks, arrests and raids reveal that Prime Minister Najib Razak's government is increasingly sensitive to criticism, following its embroilment in the "1 Malaysia Development Bank" (1MDB) corruption scandal.

Rather than responding to legitimate protests by committing to increased transparency and accountability in government, the authorities have sought to suppress any dissent through reliance on draconian laws. Among these tools of censorship are section 124C of the Penal Code, the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA), and the Sedition Act of 1948, all of which ARTICLE 19 has previously called on the government to repeal. We have also repeatedly called on Malaysia to sign and ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which gives strong protections to freedom of expression.

Cartoons are not a threat

On 25 November 2016, political cartoonist Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque, popularly known as Zunar, was attacked by a group of at least 30 individuals opposed to an exhibition of his cartoons, on the basis that they considered the works to be insulting to Malaysia's Prime Minister. The attack took place at Komtar Mall in Penang.

Prior to the exhibition, the authorities seized ten of Zunar's artworks. The day after the attack, during which several of the remaining artworks were damaged, Zunar was arrested and detained overnight under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948 and under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional breach of the peace.

In addition to failing to protect Zunar or his colleagues during the attack on the exhibition, the authorities have reportedly failed to investigate or arrest any of the suspected perpetrators of the attacks, who are alleged to include prominent local politicians and political youth activists.

International human rights law gives heightened protection to artistic expression, in particular where it is of a political nature; the state cannot restrict artistic expression simply because it embarrasses those in positions of power. The Sedition Act, a colonial-era invention to enable the repression of any criticism against authorities, is antithetical to international freedom of expression standards.

This is only the latest instalment in a long-standing campaign of harassment against Zunar. He is currently subject to a travel ban, and in April 2015 was charged with nine counts of "sedition". Those charges relate to a single tweet in which Zunar criticised the judiciary for their alleged lack of independence in convicting former Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on "sodomy" charges, which are widely suspected to be politically motivated. Zunar's constitutional challenge to the Sedition Act is due to be decided on 24 January 2017. If unsuccessful, he faces trial and a possible 43 years in prison, in addition to any possible sentence that may result from the investigation into his Penang exhibition.

Protesters are not terrorists

On 18 November 2016, Maria Chin Abdullah, the Chairperson of the BERSIH 2.0 campaign for free and fair elections, was detained with eight other activists and political leaders on the eve of the planned "BERISH 5" rally. The arrests followed a raid on the organisation's offices by police and officers from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Initially Maria was detained under Section 124C of the Penal Code, which criminalises activities "detrimental to parliamentary democracy", though her detention was continued under the draconian SOSMA national security law, which permits detention without charge or access to a court for up to 28 days. Maria was denied access to a lawyer for 48 hours and kept under harsh conditions, including solitary confinement. The eight other activists were detained under Section 147 of the Penal Code, which criminalises rioting, but were released after one day in custody and have not yet been charged.

It is reported that Maria's detention is related to an investigation into the supposedly "foreign" funding sources of BERSIH 2.0. However, Maria was released on 28th November 2016, one day before a court was due to hear her habeas corpus application requiring the government to justify her detention.

Seven other activists were arrested following the peaceful BERSIH 5 rally, also on charges of "rioting". They were detained for one day and have not been charged.

International human rights law is clear that civil society organisations have the right to freedom of association, which includes a right to seek, receive and use resources, including financial resources, regardless of the country of origin. The UN special rapporteur on human rights and countering terrorism has raised alarm at the increasing number of governments relying on national security laws to close civic space, including by restricting access to resources.

We are also concerned that the government has undertaken insufficient efforts in the lead-up to the BERSIH 5 rally to protect organisers and other participants from acts of intimidation and violence from non-state actors, including by persons associated with the informal red shirts and black shirts groups. Where the government leads harassment against its critics, it can only embolden like-minded non-state actors to engage in similar acts.

ARTICLE 19 considers the raids against BERSIH 2.0 and arbitrary detentions of Maria and other activists to be a clear attempt by the government to frustrate the organisation of a legitimate peaceful assembly. All incidents of violence and intimidation against BERSIH 2.0 and associated individuals by non-state actors must be fully investigated, and perpetrators held to account.

Women's rights organisations aren't "detrimental to democracy"

On 28 November 2016, police raided the office of women's rights group EMPOWER for four hours and seized documents under the SOSMA national security law, and staff members were interrogated under section 124C of the Penal Code for activities "detrimental to parliamentary democracy", while being denied access to lawyers. If convicted under these charges, staff members may face imprisonment of up to 15 years.

EMPOWER has reported that they suspect the raid was related to the investigation into the sources of BERSIH 2.0's funding. ARTICLE 19 supports EMPOWER in condemning in the strongest terms the arbitrary raid and appalling treatment of its staff. It is a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression and association, and an unacceptable attempt to deter human rights defenders from their legitimate work in Malaysia.

Recommendations

ARTICLE 19 calls on the government to cease its campaign of harassment and intimidation against civic society organisations, artists, and other critics of the government: we reiterate our call for the government to repeal the Sedition Act 1948, 124C of the Penal Code, and SOSMA.

The criminal investigations into Maria Chin Abdullah and all those activists and politicians that were arrested before and following the BERSIH 5 rally, Zunar, and any staff of EMPOWER, must cease. Additionally, the nine pending Sedition charges against Zunar must be dropped without condition.

The Malaysian government must respond to allegations of corruption and wrongdoing with commitments to greater transparency, openness and accountability, rather than increased restrictions on civic space and the repression of independent and oppositional voices. It must also sign and ratify the ICCPR without delay.

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Yemen: Baha'i Man Arbitrarily Held for Months

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Yemen: Baha'i Man Arbitrarily Held for Months, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58404fe24.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Authorities in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, should immediately and unconditionally release a Baha'i man arbitrarily detained for nearly four months and end persecution of the Baha'i religious community, Human Rights Watch said today.

Keyvan Qadari, 43, is the last of five dozen Baha'is detained after mass arrests on August 10, 2016. Most were released within days, but two other men were held until November 27, and then released. Qadari has not been charged, brought before a judge, or given access to a lawyer. The authorities have repeatedly refused to allow him to meet with his family, permitting only a single phone call in September.

"Sanaa authorities showed their capacity for righting wrongs when they released several dozen members of the Baha'i community arbitrarily detained in August," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "But the rights abuse will persist so long as Keyvan Qadari remains wrongfully detained."

The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have controlled Sanaa and large areas of Yemen since September 2014. On November 28, 2016, the Houthis and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh's General People's Congress announced a "National Salvation Government" to run the country, which oversees the Sanaa-based Interior Ministry and detention sites in Houthi- and Saleh-controlled Yemen. Human Rights Watch has documented the Sanaa-based authorities' arbitrary and abusive detention of dozens of people and urged the authorities to release those held arbitrarily and to investigate alleged abuse in detention.

On August 10, armed members of the National Security Bureau (NSB) intelligence agency raided a Baha'i youth workshop and arrested 65 men and women, including Qadari. Later that day, security officials called Nadim al-Sakkaf and Nader al-Sakkaf, husbands of two of the women detained, Ruhiyeh Thabet and Nafheh Sanai, and told them to come to the NSB headquarters to pick up their wives, detaining both men when they arrived.

Nafheh Sanai told Human Rights Watch she was interrogated for about two hours and asked about other members of the Baha'i community and Baha'i activities in Yemen. The officer accused her of trying to convert people to the Baha'i faith, she said.

Over the following days, authorities released most of the Baha'i community members, but continued to hold Qadari, the two couples, and another woman, Mawahib Yaqoob.

The security agency released Nafheh Sanai on August 21, after she became ill and repeatedly asked to return home to her small child. Officers had not allowed her to speak with her family during her time in detention. As a condition of her release, she said, security officers forced her and her parents to sign a pledge, like other detained Baha'i community members, promising not to participate in any Baha'i activities and to only practice the Baha'i faith privately at home.

Authorities released the other two women after nearly a month. Following heavy Saudi-led coalition bombing in Sanaa in late August, Ruhiyeh Thabet begged prison officials to release her, worried about her children as both she and her husband were detained, she said. The officers agreed to release her on the condition that she remain ready to return for interrogation and sign a similar pledge, she said.

Members of the Baha'i community pressed the Sanaa-based authorities to release the three men. Security officials asked them to provide financial guarantees and to pledge to cease Baha'i activities and threatened to deport Qadari, an Iranian citizen, and other Baha'i without Yemeni nationality, the wives of the two brothers told Human Rights Watch.

Human Right Watch has documented harassment and arbitrary arrest and detention of members of the Baha'i community in Iran. International law prohibits deporting a person to a country where they would face persecution or abuse.

The released wives of the two detained brothers were allowed to see their husbands once, on October 30. Both said their husbands looked thin and their clothes worn and that the men asked for food. They and Qadari's wife took food to the detention site on November 6 for the men, but guards refused to accept it. On November 27, the authorities released Nadim and Nadir al-Sakkaf, forcing them to sign similar pledges.

Sanaa-based authorities have arbitrarily arrested and detained members of the Bahai'i community previously. This includes Hamed Kamal Muhammad bin Haydara, who has been detained since December 2013, and is facing the death penalty, apparently for his religious beliefs. His next court hearing is on December 4. Houthi authorities earlier detained the al-Sakkaf brothers for two days after they attended a hearing in Haydara's case in March 2015, interrogating them about their faith and other members of the community.

The August arrests appear to be part of the Sanaa-based authorities' harassment of Yemen's thousand-member Baha'i community, Human Rights Watch said. In early September, the authorities raided two community service organizations founded by Baha'i members, the Neda Foundation for Coexistence and Constructive Building, and Al Tamayyoz Development Institute, sealing the buildings, seizing files and documents, and arresting staff. The authorities also raided the homes of three Baha'i members and seized their personal computers, documents, passports, and business files.

Ruhiyeh Thabet said that her house was raided twice, and that national security officers and staff from the general prosecutor's office confiscated the family's electronic devices and personal documents. She said the authorities still had not returned her father's or a friend's passports, confiscated during those raids.

The Houthis and their allies, as the de facto authorities in Sanaa and other areas where they maintain effective control, should abide by international human rights standards applicable to Yemen. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Yemen ratified in 1987, guarantees everyone's right "to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching."

"Arresting someone on the basis of their religious beliefs or compelling them to give up those beliefs as a condition of release is an abuse of the right to freedom of religion," Whitson said. "If they want to show their commitment to basic rights, the Houthis should allow Yemen's Baha'i community to practice their beliefs."

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Angola: New Media Law Threatens Free Speech

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Angola: New Media Law Threatens Free Speech, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584050a04.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos should refuse to sign a new media law until parliament revises provisions restricting the right to freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch said today. The law grants the government and ruling party expansive power to interfere with the work of journalists, and potentially to prevent reporting on corruption or human rights abuses.

Parliament passed the Press Law on November 18, 2016, with minimal debate, together with a new Television Law, Broadcast Law, Journalists Code of Conduct, and statutes of the recently established Angolan Regulatory Body for Social Communication (ERCA, Entidade Reguladora da Comunicacao Social Angolana). The five laws constitute what the government called the Social Communication Legislative Package (Pacote legislativo da comunicacao social).

"Angola's new media law is the latest threat to free expression and access to information in the country," said Daniel Bekele, senior Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. "President Dos Santos should uphold his commitment to human rights and refuse to sign these media restrictions into law."

A number of the Press Law's articles violate Angola's international obligations to respect media freedom, Human Rights Watch said. These include:

Article 29 gives the Ministry of Social Communication the authority to oversee how media organizations carry out editorial guidelines and to punish violators with suspension of activities or fines;

Article 35 imposes excessive fees to establish a media group of 35 million kwanzas for a news agency (US$211,000) and 75 million kwanzas (US$452,000) for a radio station; and

Article 82 criminalizes publication of a text or image that is "offensive to individuals." Under the penal code, defamation and slander are punishable with fines and imprisonment for up to six months.

The law's overly broad definition of defamation opens the door for the government to arbitrarily prosecute journalists who report about illegal or improper activity by officials and others, Human Rights Watch said. Criminal defamation laws should be abolished entirely, as they are open to easy abuse and can result in harsh consequences, including imprisonment.

ECRA's final draft statutes and the other media laws were unexpectedly put forward for discussion just days before their November 18 approval, catching many media professionals unaware. Journalists and media freedom activists have criticized the process as lacking consultation and transparency.

"We were never officially informed about dates of the discussion or approval of this law  not even during the discussion of details," Teixeira Candido, the head of the Angolan Journalism Union, told Human Rights Watch.

Parliament approved the establishment of the regulatory body, together with the first drafts of the other four bills of the Social Communication Legislative Package, in August at the initiation of the ruling party, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which controls roughly 80 percent of the assembly's seats. The first draft gave the body the authority to "enforce compliance with professional journalistic ethics" and to issue licenses to journalists, which are required for them to work. After criticism from the Journalism Union, however, the government agreed to limit this authority to a new body controlled by media professionals.

Under the revised statute, six of the ERCA members are to be appointed jointly by the government and the party with the most seats in parliament. The journalism union nominates two members and the other political parties in parliament appoint the remaining three.

The new media laws follow government officials' complaints about what they consider an irresponsible media, including social media. In December 2015, President Dos Santos said, "Social networks should not be used to violate other people's rights, humiliate, slander or convey degrading or morally offensive content."

After parliament passed the recent package of laws, Social Communication Minister Jose Luis de Matos told the media that the new media law would ensure that journalists take more responsibility for their work because they "cannot assume that they have the right to do what they want."

Angolan political figures, including members of the government, have used the defamation provision of the old 2006 media law to crack down on critics. In 2008, Graca Campos, a journalist and editor of the weekly paper Angolense, was sentenced to a six-month suspended jail term for publishing articles accusing three former ministers of involvement in corruption.

In March 2011, Armando Chicoca, a correspondent for Voice of America, was sentenced to a year in jail for articles critical of a judge in Namibe province. In February 2014, Queiros Chiluvia, another journalist, was sentenced to a six-month suspended jail term for investigating screams and cries for help emanating from a police station. In May 2015, Rafael Marques, a prominent journalist, was given a six-month suspended jail term for revealing killings and torture in the country's diamond fields.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has long called for the abolition of criminal defamation laws in the continent, saying that they open the way to abuse and can result in very harsh consequences for journalists who expose abuses of power, corruption, and human rights violations, all of which are rife in Angola.

In 2014, in a landmark judgment Lohe Issa Konate v. Burkina Faso, involving a criminal libel conviction of a Burkinabe journalist, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights ruled that imprisonment for defamation violated the right to freedom of expression and that such laws should only be used in restricted circumstances. The court also ordered Burkina Faso to amend its criminal defamation laws.

After 40 years of independence, the Angolan media remains largely controlled by the MPLA. The government owns the only radio and television stations that broadcast across the entire country, as well as the official news agency.

Reporters Without Borders ranks Angola, 123rd out of 180, in its 2016 World Press Freedom Index. In August 2013, Human Rights Watch urged the government to repeal the country's criminal defamation laws and stop using them to harass journalists.

"The predominance of the Angolan government and the most powerful political party undermine the independence of the journalism regulatory body and risks making it a mechanism for censorship and control rather than media freedom," Bekele said. "Unless this new media law is revised, the precarious situation of the media in Angola will only get worse."

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Tunisia: Journalists Before Military Tribunal

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Tunisia: Journalists Before Military Tribunal, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584066f18.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Tunisia's military prosecutor should immediately drop charges against two journalists who criticized the country's armed forces, Human Rights Watch said today.

The prosecutor charged Rached Khiari, chief editor of the newspaper and website Al Sadaa (The Echo) on November 16, 2016, with impugning the reputation of the army and undermining its morale under both the code of military justice and the penal code. On September 26, the military prosecutor charged Jamel Arfaoui, an independent journalist, with impugning the reputation of the army in an article on the website Tunisie-telegraph.com, under article 91 of the code of military justice. Both are free pending trial.

"Military courts are resorting again and again to the same article of military law to muzzle speech," said Amna Guellali, Tunisia director at Human Rights Watch. "Instead of trying to silence critics, authorities should be fixing the laws adopted during more repressive times that criminalize criticism of institutions or public figures."

Khiari told Human Rights Watch that he was charged following his participation in a talk show called Only for those who dare on the independent TV station Al Hiwar al Tounsi (The Tunisian Conversation). He said on the air that Tunisian authorities had signed an agreement allowing the United States to establish a military base in Tunisia, citing an October 26 Washington Post article, that attributed the information to unnamed US officials. The article said that the Pentagon had set up a drone base in Tunisia, deploying unmanned aircraft and US military personnel to conduct spying missions in neighboring Libya.

The Tunisian defense minister, Farhat Horchani, later denied the report. But on November 22, President Beji Caid Essebsi confirmed in a TV interview that he had authorized the use of unarmed US drones to conduct surveillance missions over Libya from the Tunisian territory. Khiari first appeared before the investigating judge on November 21.

The charge against Arfaoui stems from an article he published on July 30 criticizing as inadequate the army's lack of investigation into a military plane crash that killed two officers.

Both Khiari and Arfaoui could be sentenced to up to three years in prison under article 91 of the code of military justice, which criminalizes offenses against the dignity, reputation, or morale of the army.

Khiari faces additional charges of defamation of a civil servant under article 128 of the penal code, and damaging the morale of the army to harm national defense, under article 60bis of that code, which carries a possible death penalty.

Trying Khiari and Arfaoui, both civilians, before a military tribunal violates the norm of international law that military courts should not have jurisdiction over civilians, Human Rights Watch said. The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, Principles and Guidelines on the right to fair trial and legal assistance in Africa state that military courts should not "in any circumstances whatsoever have jurisdiction over civilians."

Prosecutions for defaming the army or other state institutions are also incompatible with Tunisia's obligations under article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Tunisia is a party.

In 2011 the United Nations Human Rights Committee issued guidance to state parties on their free speech obligations under article 19 that emphasized the high value that the ICCPR places upon uninhibited expression "in circumstances of public debate concerning public figures in the political domain and public institutions." It added that "State parties should not prohibit criticism of institutions, such as the army or the administration." In its recent ruling Lohe Issa Konate v. Burkina Faso, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights said that criminal penalties for acts of defamation were incompatible with the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.

Article 31 of Tunisia's 2014 constitution protects the right to free speech. Tunisia's press code, adopted through Decree Law 115 in 2011, abolished prison sentences for criminal defamation or defamation of state institutions but these offenses still exist in the penal code and the code of military justice.

After the ouster of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011, the interim government overhauled the military justice system. Decree no. 69 of July 29, 2011, introduced many important reforms but did not eliminate military court jurisdiction over civilians and over non-military offenses committed by military personnel.

The military tribunal sentenced the blogger Yassine Ayari, on March 2, 2015, to six months in prison for his Facebook posts criticizing the army and its top echelons. He was held for four months before authorities provisionally released him on April 16, 2015.

The Tunisian parliament should reform all laws that provide prison terms for defaming or insulting state institutions, including the army, Human Rights Watch said.



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Western Balkans: Unchecked Attacks on Media

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 November 2016 Related Document(s) A Difficult Profession: Media Freedom Under Attack in the Western Balkans Cite as Human Rights Watch, Western Balkans: Unchecked Attacks on Media, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584067ff4.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Journalists across the Western Balkans face a hostile environment that impedes their ability to do critical reporting.

More than a year after Human Rights Watch documented impediments to media freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Macedonia, governments in the region and European Union institutions have failed to take concrete action to address the issue. Furthermore, troubling new cases have emerged.

"At a time when it has never been more important, independent journalism is up against the wall in the Western Balkans," said Lydia Gall, Western Balkans researcher at Human Rights Watch. "That won't change unless the EU makes absolutely clear to Western Balkans governments that their European aspirations depend on a thriving and free media."

The former Yugoslav republics of Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia are candidates for membership of the EU, and Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidates. Freedom of expression and the media are part of the Copenhagen Criteria for EU membership.

In one recent case, in October, the editor of Gazeta Express in Kosovo received death threats via social media following the broadcast of his documentary on war crimes by the Kosovo Liberation Army. The case is under investigation.

The European Commission includes expressions of concern about media freedom in Western Balkans countries in its annual assessments of their human rights records. The commissioner responsible for enlargement, Johannes Hahn, has made reference to media freedom in the region in general terms, but he has not detailed the lack of effective investigations by individual governments into attacks on journalists. A new Commission enlargement strategy, announced on November 9, does refer to media freedom in the region but is short on detailed recommendations.

The European Parliament has offered more specific recommendations. The Commission and EU member states should more consistently press the authorities in the Western Balkans to stop intimidating journalists and make media freedom a high priority during accession talks.

In its 2015 report, "Difficult Profession: Media Freedom Under Attack in the Western Balkans," Human Rights Watch quoted a Serbian police chief, who dismissively told a journalist: "What can you do, you have a difficult profession."

Shrugging off responsibility in this way and reluctance to investigate and prosecute such attacks is all too common in the region. This lack of concern and response breaches countries' obligations to prevent and prosecute such crimes and has created de facto impunity for most crimes against journalists.

Analysis of media and other reports and contact with journalists and NGOs in the region by Human Rights Watch since the publication of the report shows that there has been little or no improvement for media freedom in the Western Balkans. New threats and attacks on journalists that have come to light have gone unpunished.

There is little evidence of political will from governments to improve the climate for media freedom. Some journalists face prosecution on dubious criminal charges, and governments grant and withhold advertising revenues in an effort to dampen critical reporting and curb media independence.

"The list of pressures and violations on independent media in the Western Balkans makes for an unhappy catalogue," Gall said. "Without a thriving independent media, it's hard to see the countries in the Western Balkans region meeting the aspirations of their people or their European ambitions."

For details of new developments in individual western Balkan countries, please see below.

Recent Attacks on Journalists, Media

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Between January and September 2016, the national journalists' association registered 40 cases of assaults on media freedom and expression, including five physical attacks, two death threats, six cases of pressure, three cases of defamation, and three cases of verbal threats.

In October 2015, the car of Emil Karamatic, a correspondent for the Bosnian national public radio service BH Radio 1, was set on fire and destroyed, according to media reports. He had previously received threats. Karamatic said he believes the attack was connected to his journalism, but police have dismissed any link.

In July 2016, a parliament member who is a former culture minister accused Borka Rudic, general secretary of the Association of Journalists of Bosnia and Herzegovina, of being a "Gulenist" lobbyist  that is, associated with the group the Turkish government claims was responsible for the failed coup that month in Turkey. The accusation followed Rudic's criticism of the crackdown in Turkey after the coup. The parliament member leveled the same criticism at the Association of Journalists.

Two men she did not know then confronted Rudic on the street, accusing her of defending Gulenists and Chetniks (right wing Serb nationalists). She filed a complaint with police and prosecutors.

In May, a Croatian television journalist, Petar Panjkota, was struck on the head an unknown perpetrator after reporting from a demonstration in Banja Luka. Two crew members of the Bosnian TV station BN TV covering the same demonstration were verbally abused and a third was threatened on social media.

In April, Dragan Mektic, the security minister in the country's power sharing government threatened the editor-in-chief of the news agency SRNA, Milica Dzepina, over the phone and via text messages saying that, "When we come to power, you will vanish from the face of the earth," according to media reports. The threats came after an article published by SRNA the day before questioned details of Mektic's official biography.

Kosovo

In Kosovo, the Association of Journalists of Kosovo registered 14 cases of violence and threats against journalists in 2015, and eight cases in the first half of 2016.

In March 2016, Vehbi Kajtazi, a journalist, said in a Facebook post that he had received a phone call from Prime Minister Isa Mustafa threatening that the journalist would "pay heavily" for a story about Mustafa's brother travelling abroad for medical treatment. Kajtazi said he had evidence that the calls came from the prime minister's number. Mustafa denied making any threats. Kajtazi reported the incident to the police.

On August 22, a hand grenade exploded in the courtyard of the headquarters of public broadcaster Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) with no casualties. Then on August 28, an explosive device was thrown into the backyard of Mentor Shala, the station's general director. Shala was at home with his family, but no-one was injured, according to media reports. Police said the explosion was most likely a hand grenade and opened an investigation.

A radical group, Rugovasit, claimed responsibility, saying that the attack was "a warning." If Shala did not resign, a statement said, "his life is in danger." The group complained about RTK's coverage of a demarcation dispute between Kosovo and Montenegro, a high-profile political issue in both countries. The government said that the attacks were "a criminal act directed against media freedom in Kosovo."

In October, Leonard Kerquki, editor-in-chief of Gazeta Express, a daily newspaper, received death threats via social media following the broadcast of his documentary on war crimes committed by the Kosovo Liberation Army. The case is under investigation.

Macedonia

The Association of Journalists in Macedonia (ZNM) says that the government has not identified suspects in any of the 30 attacks on journalists the Association registered in the past four years.

However, the government has arrested several journalists, often in questionable circumstances. In 2013, the Macedonian authorities accused Zoran Bozinovski, author of a critical blog, Burevesnik, of being part of a spy ring on behalf of an unnamed foreign government. At Macedonia's request, he was arrested in Serbia, held there for 10 months, and then released without charge. In May 2016, Bozinovski was re-arrested in Serbia and extradited to Skopje, Macedonia, where he is detained at this writing charged with alleged espionage, blackmail, and criminal activity. The Macedonian journalists' association and the journalists' union protested against what they described as a "politically motivated" arrest.

These developments come in the context of a significant political crisis in Macedonia, with huge anti-government rallies in 2015 and 2016. One trigger was a wiretapping scandal that broke in 2015, revealing that the authorities had targeted at least 100 journalists for illegal surveillance.

Police have beaten journalists on a number of occasions. In one example, in April 2016, the ZNM and the journalists' union protested after the police beat a journalist and four photojournalists at an anti-government rally. The journalists were all carrying official media accreditation

In Macedonia and elsewhere in the region, the government used its advertising as a tool to exert pressure.

Montenegro

According to a November 2016 report by Human Rights Action, a nongovernmental group, there have been 25 threats and attacks against journalists since August 2015. Of these, 15 were physical attacks on journalists and their property, and two were threats. The remaining eight were cases of interference with the media during anti-government demonstrations in October 2015, including arbitrary arrests of journalists and seizure of equipment. All but three cases remained unresolved.

Journalists who have been attacked contend that officials did not investigate the attacks properly. Many key cases in recent years, including both murders and attempted murder remain unsolved, with a chilling effect on freedom of expression.

Journalists' cars have repeatedly been vandalized. Police investigations are inconclusive, with no arrests made. In one example, in August 2015, a car owned by Slavica Jovanovic, co-owner of the opposition Dan newspaper, was vandalized and documents stolen, according to media reports.

Jovanovic's husband and co-owner of Dan, Dusko Jovanovic, was murdered in 2004. A 27-page report on the Jovanovic killing published by Human Rights Action in May 2016, described the unsolved crime as "weighing down on the Montenegrin public" for the past 12 years.

Authorities detained Jovo Martinovic, a journalist known for hard hitting investigations of corruption and war crimes, including for international publications, on dubious drug-trafficking charges for 11 months. His trial finally began in October 2016. The European and International Federations of Journalists, Committee to Protect Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders have all spoken out on his case, calling for his release on bail and the presentation of any evidence against him.

Serbia

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS) registered 57 incidents against journalists in 2015, and 33 in the first seven months of 2016. That included 16 physical assaults, 41 verbal threats, 28 incidents involving pressure, and five attacks on property.

In September 2016, Nedim Sejdinovic, president of the Independent Journalists' Association of Vojvodina (IJAV),and Dinko Gruhonjic, IJAV's Program Director, as well as the two men's families, received death threats by anonymous letters and via social media. Sejdinovic said that he reported the threats, which included islamophobic language, to police and prosecutors. Sejdinovic said that these latest death threats and insults were "the culmination of a series of death threats" and other threats of violence against the management at IJAV.

The work of a commission established to investigate the murders of three prominent journalists, Slavko Curuvija in 1999, Dada Vujasinovic in 1994, and Milan Pantic in 2001, has progressed slowly. The ongoing trial against four state security officials suspected of alleged involvement in Curuvija's murder was stalled during 2016 as a key witness failed to appear at the trial. The deaths of the remaining two journalists remained unsolved.

Government officials and pro-government media have repeatedly criticized independent news organizations. In November 2015, the pro-government tabloid Informer revived accusations that the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), the Serb Center for Investigative Journalism (CINS), and the Network for Investigating Crime and Corruption (KRIK), and had all taken foreign money "to bring down our government."

In another smear campaign, Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic criticized the independent online news site BIRN. Pro government media outlets TV Pink and Informer accused BIRN of being an enemy of the state and a foreign mercenary. The accusations were apparently in response to BIRN's critical reporting of abuse of power and alleged government corruption.

In June, Vucic described unnamed media "that are receiving investigative journalism awards from the EU" as "scum." In September, interior minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said he wanted to "hear answers" from Johannes Hahn, the EU commissioner, about EU funding of media outlets and institutions that were "distributing lies."

Dragan Vucicevic, Informer's editor-in-chief, accused journalists who receive EU funding of seeking to destabilize the country. "There are no plans, there are no real projects that aim to protect human rights, promote democracy  It is only about creating chaos in Serbia," Vucicevic said.

Methodology

To update the findings of our 2015 report, Human Rights Watch conducted phone and email interviews with journalist associations and media workers in the Western Balkans and reviewed reports, news articles and other online sources, between August and November 2016.

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Russia: Government vs. Rights Groups

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Russia: Government vs. Rights Groups, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584069ec4.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

For the past four years, the Kremlin has sought to stigmatize criticism or alternative views of government policy as disloyal, foreign-sponsored, or even traitorous. It is part of a sweeping crackdown to silence critical voices that has included new legal restrictions on the internet, on freedom of expression, on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, and on other fundamental freedoms.

Association of NGOs in Defense of Voters' Rights "Golos" (Moscow)  June 5, 2014 Regional Public Association in Defense of Democratic Rights and Freedoms "Golos" (Moscow)  June 5, 2014 Center for Social Policy and Gender Studies (Saratov)  June 5, 2014 (the organization was shut down  May 22, 2015) Women of Don (Rostov region)  June 5, 2014 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  February 29, 2016) Kostroma Center for Support of Public Initiatives (Kostroma)  June 5, 2014 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  June 19, 2015) Interregional Human Rights Association "Agora" (Kazan)  July 21, 2014 Regional public organization "Ecozaschita!  Womens' Council" (Kaliningrad)  July 21, 2014 Public Verdict Foundation (Moscow)  July 21, 2014 Human Rights Center "Memorial" (Moscow)  July 21, 2014 Lawyers for Constitutional Rights and Freedoms / JURIX (Moscow)  July 21, 2014 (the organization was shut down  May 26, 2015) Soldiers' Mothers (Saint Petersburg)  August 28, 2014 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  October 23, 2015) Freedom of Information Foundation / Institute for Information Freedom Development  August 28, 2014 PIR Center  September 3, 2014 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  February 24, 2016) Association "Partnership for Development" (Saratov)  October 2, 2014 (the organization was shut down  November 6, 2015) "News Agency MEMO.RU" (Moscow)  November 20, 2014 Regional Press Institute (St. Petersburg)  November 20, 2014 Moscow School of Civic Education  December 9, 2014 Rakurs, Arkhangelsk regional non-governmental LGBT organization  December 15, 2014 All-Russian movement "For Human Rights"  December 22, 2014 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  December 30, 2015) Human Rights Center (Kaliningrad)  December 25, 2014 Krasnodar Regional Social Organization of University Alumni  December 25, 2014 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  April 22, 2016) Regional social organization "Public Commission for Academic Sakharov's Heritage Preservation"  December 25, 2014 Resource Human Rights Center (St. Petersburg)  December 30, 2014 (the organization was shut down  November 3, 2015) Regional Public Organization "Man and the Law" (Republic of Mari El)  December 30, 2014 Center for Social Development "Vozrozhdeniye" (Pskov)  December 30, 2014 Public Human Rights Organization "Civil Control" (St. Petersburg)  December 30, 2014 The League of Women Voters (St. Petersburg)  December 30, 2014 (the organization was shut down  May 22, 2015) Free Press Support Foundation  December 30, 2014 Interregional Non-Governmental Organization "The Committee Against Torture"  January 16, 2015 (the organization was shut down  September 13, 2016) Educational Center "Memorial" (Sverdlov region)  January 16, 2015 Autonomous non-profit human rights organization "Youth Center for Consulting and Training"  January 20, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  July 22, 2015) "Information Bureau of the Nordic Council of Ministers in St. Petersburg"  January 20, 2015 Jewish regional branch of the Russian public organization "Municipal Academy" January 26, 2015 (the organization was shut down  May 22, 2015) The noncommercial partnership "Press Development Institute - Siberia"  January 30, 2015 Center for social, psychological and legal help to victims of discrimination and homophobia "Maximum" (Murmansk)  February 4, 2015 (the organization was shut down  October 28, 2015) Interregional public fund for civil society development "Golos-Povolzhye" (Samara)  February 6, 2015 Interregional charity organization "Siberian Environmental Center" (Novosibirsk)  February 12, 2015 Center for Civic Analysis and Independent Research / GRANI (Perm)  February 13, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  June 19, 2015) Municipal public organization "Samara Center for Gender Studies" (Samara)  February 16, 2015 Regional Fund "Center for Defense of Mass Media Rights" (Voronezh)  February 26, 2015 Regional Charitable Social Foundation "For nature" (Chelyabinsk)  March 6, 2015 Regional Ecological Social Movement "For nature" (Chelyabinsk)  March 6, 2015 Humanist Youth Movement (Murmansk)  March 13, 2015 (the organization was shut down  August 25, 2015) Regional Social Organization for Contribution to Harmonization of Interethnic Relations "Azerbaijan"  March 13, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  July 22, 2016) Regional Social Environmental Organization "Bellona-Murmansk"  March 19, 2015 (the organization was shut down  October 16, 2015) "Educational Center for Environment and Security" (Samara)  March 20, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  October 8, 2015) Foundation "Migration XXI Century"  March 27, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  November 25, 2016) Eco-logika (Rostov)  April 3, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  March 30, 2016) Transparency International Russia - April 7, 2015 Social Environmental Organization "Planeta Nadezhd"  April 15, 2015 Foundation for Consumers' Rights Defense (Novosibirsk)  April 17, 2015 (the organization was shut down  May 12, 2016) Civil Assistance Committee  April 20, 2015 Foundation 19/29 - Foundation for Support of Investigative Journalism  April 24, 2015 Commemorative Centre of History of Political Repressions "Perm - 36"  April 29, 2015 (the organization was shut down  August 18, 2016) Women's League (Kaliningrad )  April 29, 2015 (the organization was shut down  December 16, 2015) Legal Expert Partnership "Soyuz "  May 7, 2015 (the organization was shut down  25 August 2015) Center for Development of Non-Commerical Organizations  May 13, 2015 Club of Accountants and Auditors of Non-Commercial Organizations  May 13, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  March 30, 2016) Informational Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Northern Countries (Kaliningrad)  May 13, 2015 Sutyajnik (Yekaterinburg)  May 15, 2015 Human Rights Academy (Yekaterinburg)  May 15, 2015 Ecological Center "Dront" (Nizhny Novgorod)  May 22, 2015 The non-profit organization "Liberal Mission" Scientific Foundation of Theoretical and Applied Research  May 25, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  September 11, 2015) The non-profit Dynasty Foundation  May 25, 2015 Union of Employers (Tula region)  May 28, 2015 Youth organization "Nuori Karjala/Young Karelia"  June 19, 2015 (the organization was shut down  March 25, 2016) Siberian Center for Support of Social Initiatives  June 19, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  September 21, 2016) Interregional Social Foundation for Peace in the South and in the Northern Caucasus  June 19, 2015 Informational Center "Free Inform"  June 22, 2015 (the organization was shut down  June 21, 2016) Center for Independent Sociological Studies (St. Petersburg)  June 22, 2015 Regional Organization for Population and Development  June 23, 2015 Geblerov Ecological Societ (Barnaul)  June 23, 2015 Association "Legal Basis" (Yekaterinburg)  July 3, 2015 Interregional Non-governmental Organization "Northern Environmental Coalition" (Petrozavodsk)  July 8, 2015 (the organization was shut down  December 1, 2015) Komi Human Rights Commission "Memorial" (Syktyvkar)  July 21, 2015 Altai Regional Public Fund for 21st Century Altai (Barnaul)  July 22, 2015 (the organization was shut down  March 28, 2016) Interregional Public Foundation for Civil Society Development "GOLOS-Ural" (Chelyabinsk region)  July 22, 2015 SREDA Foundation  July 28, 2015 Non-governmental environmental organization "Green World" (Nizhny Novgorod)  July 29, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  October 28, 2016) Civic Action Foundation (Perm)  August 5, 2015 Alliance of Funds of Local Communities of the Perm territory  August 11, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  October 26, 2016) Kabardino-Balkaria Human Rights Center  regional branch of the "For Human Rights" All-Russian movement (Nalchik)  August 18, 2015 (the organization was shut down  November 6, 2015) The Human Rights Center of the Chechen Republic (Grozny)  August 21, 2015 Interregional Social Ecological Foundation "ISAR-Siberia" (Novosibirsk)  August 26, 2015 Perm Regional Human Rights Center (Perm)  September 3, 2015 Siberia's lifeline (Novosibirsk)  September 3, 2015 Golos Foundation in Support of Democracy  September 4, 2015 (the organization was shut down  June 21, 2016) Jewish Cultural Center "Hesed-Teshuva" (Ryazan)  September 4, 2015 Sakhalin Environment Watch (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk)  September 18, 2015 Yasavey Manzara Information and Research Center (Naryan-Mar)  September 23, 2015 (the organization was shut down  June 15, 2016) Consumer Rights and Environment Protection Association "Princip" (Moscow region)  October 5, 2015 Far East Center for the Development of Civil Initiatives and Social Partnership (Vladivostok) October 13, 2015 Russian Research Center for Human Rights  October 20, 2015 Women of the Don (Rostov region)  October 27, 2015 Friends of the Siberian Forests (Krasnoyarsk)  October 28, 2015 Photography Club "Sobytiye" (Omsk)  October 28, 2015 (the organization was shut down  December 16, 2015) Research and Information Center "Memorial" (St. Petersburg)  November 6, 2015 Baikal Environmental Wave (Irkutsk)  November 10, 2015 (the organization was shut down  August 1, 2016) Glasnost Defense Foundation  November 19, 2015 Human Rights Institute  November 20, 2015 Center for Support of Indigenous Peoples of the North  November 27, 2015 Green World (Leningrad region)  December 2, 2015 Mashr (Republic of Ingushetia)  December 8, 2015 Woman's World (Kaliningrad)  December 11, 2015 Panorama Information and Research Center (Moscow)  December 18, 2015 Dauria Ecological Center (Chita)  December 30, 2015 (the organization was shut down  September 1, 2016) Yekaterinburg Memorial Society (Yekaterinburg)  December 30, 2015 Bureau of Public Investigations (Nizhny Novgorod)  January 14, 2016 Committee for the Prevention of Torture (Orenburg)  January 14, 2016 Institute of Forecasting and Resolving of Political Conflicts (Nizhny Novgorod)  January 22, 2016 Ryazan Historical, Educational and Human Rights Center "Memorial" (Ryazan)  February 1, 2016 Society of Assistance to Social Protection of Citizens "Peterburgskaya EGIDA" (Saint Petersburg)  February 2, 2016 (the organization was shut down  April 26, 2016) Center for Health and Social Support "SIBALT" (Omsk)  February 15, 2016 Chelyabinsk Regional Organ of Public Independent Action "Ural Human Rights Group" (Chelyabinsk)  February 15, 2016 Women of Eurasia (Chelyabinsk)  February 15, 2016 Ural Democratic Foundation (Chelyabinsk)  February 15, 2016 Legal and Social Support Charitable Foundation "Sphere" (Saint Petersburg)  March 1, 2016 Centre for Civic Education and Human Rights (Perm)  March 3, 2016 The International Development Fund for Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation "Batani" (Moscow)  March 11, 2016 Center for Social and Labor Rights (Moscow)  March 21, 2016 Arkhar (Gorno-Altaysk)  April 5, 2016 (the organization was shut down  October 6, 2016) Publishing House "Valentin Manuylov"  April 15, 2016 Tengri School of Soul ecology (Altay) - May 17, 2016 Hanse Buero / Information Bureau of Schleswig-Holstein in Kaliningrad (Kaliningrad) - May 24, 2016 Krasnoyarsk Regional Public Organization Agency of public initiatives (Krasnoyarsk) - May 27, 2016 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  September 21, 2016) Saratov Regional Public Organization "Socium" (Engels) - May 30, 2016 Perm regional non-governmental organization "Perm Civil Chamber" (Perm) - June 9, 2016 ("foreign agent" status was suspended  September 21, 2016) Regional non-governmental organization Integration center "Migration and Law" (Moscow) - June 16, 2016 Non-Profit Partnership "ESVERO" (Moscow) - June 22, 2016 Andrey Rylkov Foundation for Health and Social Justice (Moscow) - June 29, 2016 Altai regional sport and patriotic youth public organization "Arctica" (Biysk) - July 6, 2016 Autonomous non-governmental organization "Free Word" (Pskov) - July 13, 2016 The Institute of Economic Analysis (Moscow) - July 22, 2016 Penza regional youth civic organization for prevention of negative phenomena among youth "Panacea" (Kuznetsk) - August 15, 2016 Samara regional, civic organization "American alumni club" (Samara) - August 26, 2016 Autonomous non-for-profit organization "Publishing house 'Park Gagarina'" (Samara) - August 31, 2016 Levada Analytical Center (Moscow) - September 5, 2016 Environmental Watch on North Caucasus (Maikop) - September 13, 2016 Autonomous non-for-profit human rights organization "Draftee's school" (Chelyabinsk) - September 21, 2016 Foundation for support of civil freedoms "Legal mission" (Chelyabinsk) - September 21, 2016 International Historical, Educational, Human Rights And Charitable Society Memorial (Moscow) - October 4, 2016 Sverdlovsk regional non-profit foundation "Health Era" (Ekaterinburg) - October 11, 2016 Chapaevsk non-profit organization "Chapaevsk city medical personnel association" (Chapaevsk) - October 21, 2016 Regional charity foundation "Samarskaya gubernia" (Samara) - November 2, 2016

And the four NGOs which registered voluntarily:

Non-commercial Partnership "Supporting Competition in the CIS Countries"  June 27, 2013 "The Union of Young Political Scientists", KarachayCherkess Republican Youth Social Organization  December 15, 2014 Regional Social Movement "Novgorod Women's Parliament" (Veliky Novgorod)  March 6, 2015 Center of Independent Researchers of the Altai Republic  June 10, 2015

Leader of at least 1 NGO faces criminal charges personally:
Cuba: Free Graffiti Artist

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Cuba: Free Graffiti Artist, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58406af24.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Cuban authorities should order the immediate release of Danilo Maldonado Machado, the graffiti artist known as "El Sexto," Human Rights Watch said today. Police arrested him after he posted a video of himself celebrating Fidel Castro's death on social media.

On November 26, 2016, hours after Castro's death, Maldonado posted on Facebook a video of him painting Se Fue (he's gone) on the Havana Libre hotel and asking people to "come out into the streets" and "ask for freedom." The video was later widely broadcast on YouTube. Speaking on the phone from Havana, Maldonado's mother, Maria Victoria Macha, said that police stormed into her son's house, dragged him to a police station, beat him severely, held him incommunicado for three days, and still have him detained without charges  a wildly disproportionate response to a minor act of vandalism.

"Nobody should be arrested for expressing political views," said Jose Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. "And under no circumstances should anyone be held incommunicado without access to family and legal counsel."

Maldonado has long been a target of police harassment. In 2014, police arrested him for spray painting "Fidel" and "Raul" on the backs of two live pigs  for which he served 10 months in prison. In 2015 Amnesty International named Maldonado a prisoner of conscience.

Machado said that the police took her son to the Villa Marista state security prison, notorious in Cuba for holding political prisoners, and beat him so severely that it brought on an attack of asthma, from which he suffers. Only then  72 hours after his arrest  was he allowed to contact her so that she could bring him an inhaler. The police did not tell her why they were holding her son and she has heard nothing from either her son or the police since, she said, except that police are threatening Maldonado with a charge of damaging state property.

Short-term arbitrary arrests of Cuban human rights defenders, independent journalists, and artists have increased dramatically in recent years. The Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation, an independent human rights group that the government views as illegal, received more than 7,900 reports of arbitrary detention from January through August 2016  the highest monthly average in the past six years.

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Cambodia: Free 'ADHOC Five' Rights Defenders

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 December 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Cambodia: Free 'ADHOC Five' Rights Defenders, 1 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58406baa4.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The Cambodian Supreme Court's decision to refuse bail to five detained human rights defenders is part of the government's persecution of Cambodia's rights groups, Human Rights Watch said today. On November 30, 2016, the court upheld pretrial detention for four current and one former member of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), in violation of their due process rights under international law.

Cambodia's donors and United Nations bodies should speak out against prosecutions and other actions supported by Prime Minister Hun Sen and the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) aimed at intimidating and suppressing human rights work. These measures, as well as recent threats to close the Cambodia Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (COHCHR), are part of a government campaign to curtail domestic and international human rights monitoring in Cambodia.

"The Supreme Court showed its political bias in refusing bail for five human rights defenders criminally charged for doing their jobs in a way the government didn't like," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "No one should mistake these prosecutions for anything other than Prime Minister Hun Sen's effort to undo decades of work by Cambodian groups and the UN to promote the human rights of all Cambodians."

The "ADHOC five" consists of ADHOC staffers Nay Vanda, Ny Sokha, Yi Soksan, Lim Mony, and former ADHOC staffer Ny Chariya, now a deputy secretary-general of Cambodia's National Election Committee. On May 2, an investigating judge of the Phnom Penh court filed charges of "bribery of a witness" against those five and Son Saly of COHCHR. Son Saly has not been arrested because as a UN employee he enjoys immunity from legal action for the conduct of his duties.

In a speech on May 1, Hun Sen publicly interjected himself into the cases by stating that those charged in this case should go to jail. He also said that Son Saly's immunity as a UN employee was irrelevant, proclaiming, "Even if there is immunity, jail is a must." "Bribery of a witness" is set out under article 548 of Cambodia's Criminal Code as "the direct or indirect giving of a gift, offer, promise, or interest to a witness in order (1) not to testify; (2) to provide false testimony." The offense is punishable by five to ten years' imprisonment. Alleged accomplices face the same punishment.

The prolonged pretrial detention of the ADHOC five violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Cambodia is a party. Article 9(3) states, "It shall not be the general rule that persons awaiting trial shall be detained in custody." The UN Human Rights Committee, the international expert body that monitors state compliance with the ICCPR, has stated that "pretrial detention should be an exception and as short as possible." Pretrial detention should not be used as a form of punishment. The Human Rights Committee has stated that excessive pretrial detention may in itself be a violation of the rights to liberty and presumption of innocence.

In its bail ruling, the Supreme Court cited article 205 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, saying it was necessary to deny bail to maintain public order and prevent interference with witnesses and victims. However, no specific information of the necessity of such prolonged pretrial detention was provided, and no explanation was given as to why non-custodial measures were insufficient to ensure their appearance in court or to prevent any reasonably anticipated interference with the administration of justice.

"The Supreme Court should be willing to challenge the arbitrary misuse of power by the authorities, but by simply rubber-stamping government malfeasance, the court is merely extending the suffering of the ADHOC five and their families," Adams said.

Article 12 of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders provides that governments shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection for human rights defenders against "any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary actions" related to their efforts to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has stated that the critical test for human rights work worldwide is whether it is aimed at "acting in support of victims of human rights violations," including by providing those who may be victims of human rights violations with counseling and other assistance.

Human Rights Watch urged Cambodia's donors and the wider public to participate in the #FreeThe5KH campaign at https://freethe5kh.net/.

In November, the Cambodian government threatened to shut down the UN human rights office in Phnom Penh by the end of 2016. The office has been operating in Cambodia since 1994 and, as the UN Human Rights Council and many UN member states have noted, plays a key role in promoting and protecting human rights in the country.

"Prime Minister Hun Sen has sent a message through the ruling party-controlled judiciary and through threats to close the UN human rights office that no rights advocacy is safe in Cambodia," Adams said. "Civil society groups in Cambodia are facing unprecedented attacks. It is critical that Cambodia's donors speak loudly and with one voice to say that this is unacceptable and that there will be consequences if the attacks don't end."

Background

The case of the ADHOC five arose after ADHOC provided human rights advice and assistance to Khom Chandaraty, widely known as Srey Mom. She and her family approached ADHOC for help on March 9, 2016, after she was "invited" for questioning by the Counterterrorism Directorate of the government's Central Directorate for Security, which is headed by Lt. Gen. Dy Vichea, a member of the CPP Central Committee and Hun Sen's son-in-law. The summons did not concern any alleged terrorist activity but asked Srey Mom to provide clarifications about a purported surreptitiously-made recording of a conversation between her and Kem Sokha, acting leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party. The recording supposedly demonstrated that she and Kem Sokha were involved in an extramarital affair. On March 11, when questioned by counterterrorism officers, she denied all allegations. On March 18, she received a second summons, this time from the Phnom Penh court prosecution, to reply to the accusation she had lied to the counterterrorism unit and allegations that her relationship with Kem Sokha was one of prostitution.

Srey Mom continued to seek assistance from ADHOC. According to records released by the group, she said that the tapes were faked, that there had been no affair with Kem Sokha, and that she was being intimidated by the authorities and was suffering livelihood difficulties. As it routinely does for those approaching as victims of government abuses, ADHOC provided Srey Mom with a small sum of money for expenses, including to help her attend court, and assigned her a lawyer. On April 19, when she appeared with her lawyer before the prosecution, she reversed her denial of having an affair with Kem Sokha. On April 22, she issued an open letter alleging that the four ADHOC staffers and UN employee Son Saly had enticed her to lie to the authorities by sticking to her original story and suggested that she should leave Cambodia.

On April 23, the Ministry of Justice, which has a controlling influence over the Cambodian judiciary, cited Srey Mom's letter and "condemned unreservedly the law-violating conduct" of ADHOC and COHCHR, and called for "the competent authorities" to "take the most vigorous legal measures" against them. ADHOC publicly denied any wrongdoing and distributed internal records backing up its contention that it had acted entirely in accordance with legal and professional standards for human rights work.

On April 25, the five current and former ADHOC staffers were summonsed to present themselves for questioning on April 27 and 28 by the government's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), which has judicial police authority to investigate allegations of bribing a witness. It is headed by CPP Central Committee member and long-term Hun Sen confidant Om Yentieng. On April 28, the ACU placed the five in custody, and on May 1, it brought them before the Phnom Penh court prosecution. While in ACU custody, they were not given access to legal counsel.

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Bahrain: Human Rights Lawyer Charged

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 December 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Bahrain: Human Rights Lawyer Charged, 1 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58406c4a4.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Bahraini authorities have charged a prominent human rights lawyer with offenses that violate his right to free expression.

Mohamed al-Tajer, who has defended opposition figures and rights activists, told Human Rights Watch that a public prosecutor brought three charges against him on November 10, 2016: insulting government institutions, inciting hatred of a religious sect, and misusing a telecommunications appliance. In a private WhatsApp voice message that public prosecutors cited in support of the charges, al-Tajer says, "It's clear that there's a team in the public prosecution and Cybercrimes division whose only job is to sit at computers and intercept every word about Sunnis, Saudi Arabia, hatred of the regime, or insults against the king."

"Bahraini authorities have targeted journalists, activists, clerics, and politicians for peaceful dissent in the last few months, so it was only a matter of time before they came for the lawyers," said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "Al-Tajer is facing charges because he stated the obvious: Bahraini authorities are snooping on their citizens and anyone who steps out of line online faces jail time."

Al-Tajer said that a public prosecutor interrogated him for an hour about the WhatsApp voice message sent in early 2016. The prosecutor also interrogated him about a tweet he posted on February 14 that said, in English, "history tells stories of falling dictators, but the lesson is never learnt #bahrain," and his retweet of a July 24 comment on Twitter referring to the government as "the regime of prohibition." Al-Tajer said he does not know how the authorities obtained a copy of the voice message. Criminalizing peaceful opposition to state authorities is a serious violation of freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch said.

Al-Tajer faces prison sentences totaling more than five years if convicted of all three charges. Article 172 of the penal code provides for sentences of up to two years for inciting hatred of a religious sect. Article 216 sets sentences of up to three years for insulting government institutions, and article 290 sets sentences of up to six months for "misusing a telecommunications appliance."

In June, the authorities prevented al-Tajer and other activists from leaving the country to participate in a United Nations human rights event in Geneva. The UN high commissioner for human rights, Zeid bin Ra'ad Al Hussain, and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon both criticized the travel bans.

Al-Tajer spent four months in detention in 2011 after masked men arrested him at his home in April, and prosecutors charged him with inciting hatred of the government. An appeal court overturned an initial conviction, but al-Tajer has alleged that he was tortured and mistreated in detention.

In November 2015, authorities arrested his brother, Ali al-Tajer, a safety engineer in the construction industry, and charged him with "joining an illegal terrorist organization to overthrow the government by force" and "training individuals on the use of weapons for terrorist purposes." Ali al-Tajer denied the charges and is currently on trial. An Amnesty International report released on November 21, 2016, was harshly critical of the Bahraini authorities' response to Ali al-Tajer's torture allegations.

"These charges against Mohamed al-Tajer appear to confirm his suspicions about the authorities' surveillance activities and betray their woeful disregard for free speech," Stork said.

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
International community has obligation to prevent 'ethnic cleansing' in South Sudan  UN rights experts

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 1 December 2016 Cite as UN News Service, International community has obligation to prevent 'ethnic cleansing' in South Sudan  UN rights experts, 1 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58407ddc40d.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

1 December 2016 - With "many of the warning signals of impending genocide" already present in South Sudan and amid a "mindboggling" scale of rape of women and girls, a team of United Nations human rights experts called on the international community to take immediate action to avert mass bloodshed, as they wrapped up a 10-day visit to the crisis-riven country.

"The stage is being set for a repeat of what happened in Rwanda and the international community is under an obligation to prevent it," said the Chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, Yasmin Sooka, said in a news release issued by to Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

"There is already a steady process of ethnic cleansing underway in several areas of South Sudan using starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages; everywhere we went across this country we heard villagers saying they are ready to shed blood to get their land back," she reported, adding that many people the experts med during their visit said "it has already reached a point of no return."

"The scale of rape of women and girls perpetrated by all armed groups in South Sudan is utterly unacceptable and is frankly mindboggling," she continued. Based on reports from aid workers gang rape is so prevalent that it's become 'normal.'

The Commission met several displaced women in the Juba camp who were gang raped in July and four months later have yet to receive adequate medical treatment for resulting complications.

South Sudanese refugee boys holding chickens on arrival in Uganda. Photo: Samuel Okiror/IRIN

In a UN protected camp in Bentiu the Commissioners met a woman who described being gang raped by soldiers just three days earlier when her village was attacked, and also heard reports of three women raped that very day by soldiers just outside the camp while going to collect firewood.

In Wau, in Western Bahr el Ghazal state, civilians gave graphic accounts of how their husbands and children were robbed and murdered by soldiers from the army during violence in June in which at least 53 people were killed.

The Equatorias, an area of the country that was relatively unaffected by violence, has now become the epicentre of the conflict, according to Commissioner Godfrey Musila, who visited the area. The picture emerging is one of the presence of armed groups, displacement based on ethnicity, torching of houses, food insecurity and denial of freedom of movement. The Commission heard numerous accounts of corpses being found along main roads, looming starvation and people fleeing to neighbouring countries on a daily basis.

The Commissions states that it is widely believed that fighting will intensify during the dry season, which runs until the end of February. To avert mass bloodshed the UN experts lists a number of steps that the international community should take immediately: expedite the immediate arrival of the 4,000-strong Regional Protection Force in South Sudan; ensure that the force is not restricted only to the capital; freeze assets; enact targeted sanctions; and implement an arms embargo.

"It is also urgent to set up the hybrid court promised for South Sudan," said Commissioner, Ken Scott. "Large parts of the country literally have no functioning courts and even the traditional reconciliation methods are now breaking down with the result that it's a free for all."

"As the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide said, many of the warning signals of impending genocide are already there - an existing conflict, resort to polarized ethnic identities, dehumanization, a culture of denial, displacement based on ethnicity and in some places indications of systematic violations and planning - but the important thing is there is still time to prevent it," said Ms Sooka.
Belarus and Ukraine Face Strained Relations

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Grigory Ioffe Publication Date 30 November 2016 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Belarus and Ukraine Face Strained Relations, 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58407f0a4.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

On October 21, a regular Kyiv-Minsk flight by a Belavia (Belarusian state carrier) Boeing 737800 passenger jet was interrupted. At 3:36 p.m., Ukrainian air traffic control demanded that the airliner, which had 136 passengers on board and took off 11 minutes earlier from Kyiv International Airport, immediately return to the Ukrainian capital. Disobeying this order risked fighter jets being sent to intercept the plane. After the Belavia plane returned to the airport of origin, law enforcement agents apprehended one passenger, Armen Martirosyan, a citizen of Armenia. However, he was quickly released and took the next scheduled flight to Minsk. Martirosyan is a columnist of the Russian site Ukraina.ru and an activist of the anti-Maidan movement who used to reside in Kyiv but, in 2014, moved to Moscow (Tut.by, October 21). The following day, Belarus's foreign ministry delivered a note of protest to the Ukrainian charge d'affaires in Minsk (the ambassador's position is vacant). The initial statement of the Ukrainian Security Service in conjunction with the incident denied that a threat was ever made to send military interceptor jets (Tut.by, October 21-November 15). In response, on November 1, Belarusian authorities released the recording of the conversation between the air traffic controller and the pilot. It confirmed that the threat took place (Tut.by, November 1). On November 10, President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine delivered an apology to President Alyaksandr Lukashenka of Belarus (Lenta.ru, November 10). While the episode probably reflects nothing more than a certain degree of chaos and mismanagement in Ukraine, it needlessly strained relations between the two countries. Yet another such problematic episode took place on November 15, at the Third Committee (social, humanitarian and cultural) of the United Nations General Assembly. Specifically, the Belarusian representative to the UN attempted to block the debate over the alleged violations of human rights in Crimea and specifically in the city of Sevastopol. The attempt failed, however, and a four-page resolution accusing Russia of violating the rights of Tatars and Ukrainians in "provisionally occupied Crimea" was adopted by majority vote. Belarus and 32 other countries, including China, Russia, India, Iran, Algeria and Cuba, voted against the resolution. The first deputy speaker of the Ukrainian Rada (the parliament) characterized Belarus's behavior as a stab in the back. The press secretary of the Belarusian foreign ministry replied by underscoring that Belarus's position on Ukraine's territorial integrity remains intact. However, the press secretary noted, Belarus is frequently the target of similar UN resolutions, and therefore it opposes the misuse of human rights criticism to push certain great power interests against target countries (Tut.by, November 16). Responding to questions from a group of Russian journalists on November 17, President Lukashenka referred to Ukraine a couple of times. First, he shared his concern that Belarus's 1,200-kilometer-long border with Ukraine is crisscrossed by an ever-increasing flow of explosives and weaponry. Previously, this east-west flow of arms was channeled through the Baltic States and Ukraine; but now it has been rerouted through Belarus. Second, Lukashenka broached the ideas of Belarus supervising local elections in the separatist (Russia-backed and occupied) regions of eastern Ukraine. He even suggested that the Belarusian army could potentially safeguard the 400 km stretch of the border between Russia and those regions (Tut.by, November 17). For a number of years, Ukraine was the second-largest trading partner of Belarus. Their total trade achieved the highest level of $7.866 billion in 2012, with Belarus exporting more than it imported from its southern neighbor ($5.557 billion versus $2.309 billion). By 2015, the exchange had declined to merely $3.471 billion, with Belarus still enjoying a surplus (Eurasia.expert, July 22). Some initiatives to reinvigorate the bilateral trade turnover include the idea to use Belarusian refineries to process oil Ukraine receives from third countries; to start jointly producing agricultural machinery (Tut.by, November 10); and to increase exports of Belarusian cement and jet fuel to Ukraine (Tut.by, November 10). Due to the curtailing of direct passenger air traffic between Russia and Ukraine following the outbreak of war in early 2014, most people traveling between these two countries choose the National Airport in Minsk as a layover point. Consequently, this airport has achieved the status of a hub: its share of transit passengers has, for the first time, exceeded 33 percent. On November 9, the three millionth passenger (since the beginning of 2016) was served at Minsk airport for the first time ever. By the end of the year, the volume of traffic is projected to reach about 3.5 million passengers (Tut.by, November 2). For Belarus, the costs and benefits of the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine defy comparison. On the one hand, the perils of the nearby war are numerous, and the precedent of forceful border changes in the wider region is dangerous-especially under a condition of blurred Belarusian identity and a de facto common language and information space with Russia. On the other hand, Belarus's role as the broker of peace has significantly boosted the international name recognition of this East European country. And the West's interest in Belarus retaining its statehood has trumped democracy promotion, so ties between the West and Belarus have been on the rise. Above all, however, Belarus and Ukraine are culturally close and they share the same Soviet legacy and the same spatial niche, nestled between Russia and the main institutions of the Euro-Atlantic community-namely, the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Against the backdrop of these powerful similarities, Belarus and Ukraine exemplify two strikingly different responses to comparable geopolitical challenges of being locked in a zero-sum struggle between two large outside forces. Russia has long evinced this attitude of "you are either with 'us' or with 'them.' " But the EU behaved in a similar fashion when insisting (in 2013-2014) that the association agreement with Ukraine was incompatible with that country's potential membership in the Custom Union with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. In the face of such challenges, Ukraine, and Belarus made different choices. One (Ukraine) undertook a stark geopolitical reorientation under the assumption that its new allies will solve the ensuing problems; while the other (Belarus) declared its willingness to maintain ties with both external centers of power, Russia and the West. Sooner or later, the verdict of history will be delivered. - See more at: https://jamestown.org/program/belarus-ukraine-face-strained-relations/#sthash.vbUhBISD.dpuf

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Egypt's Policies Entrench the Islamist Threat

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Muhammad Mansour Publication Date 1 December 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Egypt's Policies Entrench the Islamist Threat, 1 December 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58407f754.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

At a time when Islamic State (IS) is losing ground in Syria and Iraq, its Sinai franchise dealt a blow to the Egyptian armed forces stationed in Sinai. On October 14, the group attacked an army checkpoint in restive North Sinai, killing 12 soldiers and injuring six others in the deadliest attack on Egyptian security forces this year (al-Ahram, October 14). The militants attacked with assault rifles, under the covering fire of heavier weapons including mortar rounds and rockets (al-Masry al-Youm, October 14). A statement from the Egyptian military described the incident: "An armed group of terrorist elements attacked a security checkpoint in North Sinai this morning using four-wheel drive [vehicles] and were immediately engaged. Our forces killed 15 terrorists."

The next day, IS published images of the attack - distributed via Telegram and Twitter - and claimed that over 20 members of the security forces had been killed. In the following days, the Egyptian military launched air raids on IS hideouts in Sinai and intensified its counter-terrorism campaign in the area. In a subsequent clash, eight soldiers were killed and 11 others wounded according to reports (al-Masry al-Youm, October 16).

Military action, however, has had only limited success. The checkpoint attack came despite the military's repeated trumpeting of its own successes killing prominent IS figures. In early August, the Egyptian military announced an IS leader in Sinai identified as Abu Duaa al-Ansari had been killed, along with 45 militants, in an airstrike that targeted the group's strongholds in Sinai (al-Arabiya, August 4).

The attack also stands out because the target - the checkpoint is 40 kilometers from the town of Bir al-Abd, west of al-Arish - is a considerable distance from known IS strongholds in Sheikh Zuweid and Rafah, adjacent to the Gaza Strip. These areas have been the main focus of IS operations since the 2013 coup that overthrew Egypt's Islamist former president Mohamed Morsi.

Islamist Attacks in Cairo

In the capital Cairo, Islamist militants have also been active. Eight days after the attack in Sinai, on October 22, two men on a motorbike targeted army general Adel Ragaei, shooting him dead in front of his house in Obour City, 35 kilometers north-east of Cairo (al-Masry al-Youm, October 22).

An armed group identified as Liwa al-Thawra (Revolution Brigade), which the government has labeled a militant wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, claimed the attack in a message posted on Twitter that read: "A group of our fighters have liquidated the criminal Adel Ragaei, one of Sisi's militia leaders this morning, shooting him in the head with several bullets and taking his weapon" (Twitter, October 22). The group also showed what it claimed were pictures of the assassination operation and later posted footage on YouTube purportedly showing the assassination (Masrawy, November 14).

Liwa al-Thawra came into the spotlight in August when they claimed responsibility for attacking a group of policemen stationed at a checkpoint in Monofeya, located in the northern part of Egypt in the Nile Delta. The attack killed two soldiers and injured five other people, including two civilians, and marked the third anniversary of the August 2013 Rabaa massacre in which the security forces killed as many as 1,000 pro-Morsi protesters (al-Watan, August 21).

Ragaie's killing constitutes a serious blow to Sisi - no military general was assassinated during the three-decade-long rule of President Hosni Mubarak, nor under the Islamists' brief spell in power. Ragaie was the head of the Ninth Armored Division and oversaw the destruction and flooding of tunnels that ran into the Gaza Strip under the Rafah border, which provided a lifeline for residents of the besieged territory (al-Jazeera, October 23).

Cairo has witnessed several assassination attempts against Sisi's supporters. In late September, a senior prosecutor, Assistant Attorney General Zakaria Abd al-Aziz, survived a car bomb planted near his motorcade. Neither al-Aziz nor his escorts were injured in the blast, but a civilian who was close to the explosion was injured by shrapnel and was taken to a hospital for treatment. [1] In August, former Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa also survived an attempt on his life in Cairo's 6th of October City, when armed men opened fire on him on his way to a mosque to lead prayers (al-Ahram, August 6).

Gomaa has been a vocal critic of Muslim Brotherhood and a staunch supporter of President Sisi. Furthermore, in 2013, he had blessed the violent dispersal of Rabaa and Nahada encampment in particularly virulent language, saying: "Shoot them in the heart  Blessed are those who kill them, and those who are killed by them We must cleanse our Egypt from these riffraff  They shame us  They stink. This is how God has created them." [2]

IS Militants Adapt

Three years after the coup that brought down Morsi, Egypt is struggling under the increasingly repressive policies of Sisi's administration and facing a rising terror threat from Islamist militants that has extended into Cairo.

At least 700 members of the police and army were killed between August 2013 and August 2015, according to a Carnegie study, as well as hundreds of civilians and militants. [3] The second half of 2015 witnessed a dramatic increase in terrorist operations, including the murder of the general prosecutor, Hisham Barkat, in June, and the IS Sinai Province's attempts to seize Sheikh Zuwaid area, which left at least 35 soldiers dead, in July. There was also the attempted bombing of the Italian consulate in Cairo the same month, and the downing of a Russian aircraft in Sharm el-Sheikh in October, which resulted in the death of all 224 passengers and prompted the suspension of international flights to the resort town.

As the military campaign has intensified, IS militants in Sinai are changing tactics, resorting to roadside bombs in Arish, reports of which are now depressingly frequent in news bulletins. The Bir al-Abd attack, in the middle of Sinai, was ambitious, close as it was to the Suez Canal. In Cairo, assassination attempts by Islamists are aimed at breaking the morale of the security forces. IS has also inspired youth from other Islamic groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, to operate in Cairo and the Nile Delta.

The increasing terror threat benefits Sisi as it provides the government with an excuse to sideline demands for reform - demands the administration's strong-arm tactics have already weakened to a degree - and puts the international community in a corner with little option but to support Sisi's government without the usual rhetoric about respect for human rights.

NOTES

[1] Interior Ministry statement (Facebook, September 29)

[2] Full speech can be found on (YouTube, October 10, 2013)

[3] 'Egypt's Escalating Islamist Insurgency' (Carnegie, October 21, 2015)

- See more at: https://jamestown.org/program/egypts-policies-entrench-islamist-threat/#sthash.5PCUHGif.dpuf

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Kenya Struggles to Combat Al-Shabaab's Cross-Border Attacks

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Sunguta West Publication Date 1 December 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Kenya Struggles to Combat Al-Shabaab's Cross-Border Attacks, 1 December 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58407fd44.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Al-Shabaab has increased attacks in areas near the Kenyan border in recent months, as local and international military action pushes the al-Qaeda affiliated group out of its hideouts in southern Somalia. Analysts believe the militants now have bases in the north and northeastern regions of Mandera, Wajir and Garissa, with about 100 militants operating in the area (Coastweek, September 2).

The movement of heavily armed fighters into small towns and villages along the Kenya-Somali border has been triggered by a sustained and relatively successful campaign from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), as well as an anticipated drought (Intelligence Brief, October 17). But it may also be part of a strategy that was first articulated by the late al-Shabaab emir Shaykh Ahmed Abdi Godane, who sought to develop the group's wider regional ambitions.

Porous Borders

In two recent attacks in Mandera town, close to the border with Somalia and Ethiopia, militants have inflicted serious civilian casualties and been able to disappear back over the border as the security forces responded.

On October 25, al-Shabaab militants killed 12 people in Mandera in an attack on a local hotel. Arriving in the early morning, the militants used explosives to break into Bisharo Guest House in which non-Muslims were spending the night. The majority of those killed were quarry workers from central Kenya, but also among the dead were a number of actors from Nairobi who were on an educational tour (The Standard, October 25). Kenyan security forces responded to the attack, but the gunmen escaped into Somalia.

Only a couple of weeks earlier, on October 5, militants killed six people in an attack on a residential compound in the town during which the gunmen used a grenade to break through the compound gates and chose victims at random. The security forces responded swiftly, according to reports, and rescued nearly 25 people, but again the militants fled into Somalia (The Star, October 6).

Engaging in a war of revenge, the militants have targeted civilians in the hopes of whipping up emotions and eroding public support for the Kenyan military presence in Somalia.

The fighters have also carried out hit-and-run attacks using grenades and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on military convoys and camps, police stations and government installations.

In September, gunmen killed a police commander and two other officers along the Lafey-Elwak road in Mandera County, after hitting a police vehicle with a rocket-propelled grenade. The attacked occurred hours after the police launched a manhunt for militants who had attempted to attack the military in the area (Coastweek, September 2). Earlier, in April, the militants attacked a police station in Diff, a town center in Wajir County, located 10 kilometers from Somalia. The militants stole a police vehicle and ammunition and fled to across the border (The Star, April 10).

Al-Hijra Network

In carrying out these attacks, al-Shabaab has allegedly relied on a local network of trusted agents and sympathizers it established over time in parts of Kenya. One element of the network is believed to be Jaysh al Ayman, a unit set up by Godane, al-Shabaab's late former leader, in 2012. The second is al-Hijra, formerly the Muslim Youth Centre (MYC), which recruited its followers from the Majengo slums of Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa.

The group was formed by Ahmed Iman Ali, a Muslim preacher in Nairobi who fled to Somalia in 2009, and was led in the coastal region by Sheikh Aboud Rogo Mohammed, who was killed in 2012 when unidentified gunmen opened fire on his vehicle. (The Star, July 20, 2013). His wife was also injured in the attack.

In 2012, the group announced its partnership with al-Shabaab and changed its name to al-Hijra, a reference to Prophet Mohammed's escape from the holy city of Mecca to Medina and is intended to represent its own followers' supposed religious persecution by the government (Mareeg, July 28, 2013).

According to the security services, both al-Hijra and Jaysh al Ayman are active in Lamu County (The Standard, December 24, 2015; The Standard, February 28). Their operatives have been active in the Boni Forest, a dense woodland that straddles the Somali border in Lamu County. The forest's caves and dense vegetation has provided good cover for training camps and bases from which to launch attacks.

From the forest, the fighters have been able to launch attacks on towns and villages in Lamu County. The bloodiest was what is now known as the Mpeketoni Massacre in June 2014, in which militants killed more than 50 people (Horseed Media, March 3, 2015).

Kenya's Response

Under pressure from the recent attacks and threatened by the build-up of militants on its border, Kenya has bolstered intelligence sharing with regional and international partners battling al-Shabaab. Additionally, it has scaled up patrols near the border region, reportedly boosting the number of police in the region (Nep Journal September 20).

In 2015, the government deployed the army into Boni Forest to destroy the militants' infrastructure and flush out al-Shabaab fighters hiding there. Dubbed Operation Linda Boni, the campaign has made the forest and the surrounding area more secure, but is a long way from eradicating the threat (Daily Nation, May 23, 2016).

Meanwhile, in Nairobi and Mombasa, the government has utilized CCTV cameras and other modern technologies for surveillance. Earlier this year, Kenya purchased an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) known as ScanEagle from the United States at a cost of $9.86 million, touted as one of Kenya's most significant counterterrorism purchases (The EastAfrican, February 25).

New Approach Needed

The northern and coastal border regions are an easy location for the militants to operate due to their close proximity to war-torn Somalia. The areas are also remote, often hostile to the government and underdeveloped due to many years of neglect by Nairobi.

Yet, the upsurge in attacks may also be part of a long-term strategy, pegged on turning al-Shabaab into a regional terror organization, following Shaykh Godane's plan for the group before his death in 2013. The current emir, Sheikh Ahmed Umar Abu Ubaidah, recently called for a wave of attacks across East Africa (e-NCA, July 17, 2015). He has threatened attacks in Ethiopia, Djibouti and Uganda. There are even suggestions the group has an eye on Tanzania (IPPMedia, August 18).

As Kenya forces focus on neutralizing al-Shabaab in southern Somalia, the group's presence is slowly encroaching on East Africa's biggest economy. Evidently, a new counterterrorism approach is needed to stop the militant group's incursions along the border and end its presence in Kenya.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Algeria's Role in Libya: Seeking Influence Without Interference

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Dario Cristiani Publication Date 1 December 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Algeria's Role in Libya: Seeking Influence Without Interference, 1 December 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5840802d4.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Faced with a range of potential threats, Algeria is one of the countries most concerned with developments in Libya. Close adherence to a doctrine of non-interference has limited Algeria's role in its neighbor's affairs. However, when Fayez al-Sarraj, the president of Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA), paid a two-day visit to Algeria in October, Algiers concerns regarding Libya were strongly evident - chiefly the threat from Islamic State (IS), the potential for Libya to once again become a stronghold for al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and regional relations with Egypt and Morocco.

On his arrival, Sarraj was welcomed by Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal; Abdelkader Messahel, Algeria's minister for Maghreb affairs, the African Union and Arab League; and Noureddine Bedoui, the minister for the interior and local government (Algerie Presse Service, October 4). The presence of Sellal and Bedoui is an indication of what Algeria's priorities are in regards to Libya.

Sarraj also met Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The two reportedly discussed the situation in Libya and what Sarraj termed "Algeria's unfailing support to Libya in this challenging context." Moreover, the Libyan GNA president also highlighted the long-standing brotherly relations between the two countries, saying both were keen to obtain greater international support for their anti-terrorism efforts (Algerie Presse Service, October 4).

Algeria's Concerns

Algiers has long been committed to a doctrine of non-interference and as such has been unwilling to support any external military intervention in Libya. The Algerian authorities have, over the past few years, shown a degree of flexibility in the application of this principle - for instance during the French-led intervention in Mali, or in tackling security problems in Tunisia (El Watan, August 4, 2014). But in general, Algeria is unwilling to intervene in the internal affairs of other countries, even when its own security is under threat. As a consequence, where Libya is concerned, Algeria has remained committed to a political and negotiated solution, does not advocate military force and disapproves of other countries dictating Libya's political agenda. Algeria remains broadly committed to supporting the GNA. While the GNA may be feeble and has done little to strengthen its legitimacy in the eyes of many Libyans, the political methodology underlying its establishment - a negotiated outcome aimed at putting together different geographical and political sensibilities - fits with Algiers' foreign policy principles.

Nonetheless, Algeria is concerned about "spillover" from its neighbor. Sharing an almost 1,000 kilometer-long border, instability in Libya can quickly spread to Algeria, and Algiers is particularly concerned about the potential infiltration of Islamic State (IS) fighters. The IS defeat in Sirte, the group's Libyan stronghold, is expected to have a knock-on effect on regional security (Reuters, October 4). Although the defeat in Sirte is a major symbolic blow to the organization, it is not the end of the IS presence in Libya. Many fighters have escaped to the western and southern parts of the country and may launch isolated guerrilla attacks, either in Libya or neighboring countries.

Wider regional security dynamics have contributed to Algeria's concerns. As the Iraqi government moves ahead with its military offensive to retake Mosul, Algerian commentators have expressed their fears that IS fighters will leave Iraq and head to Libya, strengthening the IS presence there (L'Expression, October 20).

A second problem for Algeria is that Libya could again become a logistics platform for al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Indeed, IS does not represent the only terrorist threat for Algeria, nor is it, if analyzed historically, the most significant. For Algeria, AQIM still represents the most critical security threat to the country, although the group is now much weaker than it was a few years ago.

Even though many AQIM fighters have left Algeria over the past few years, the organization maintains a presence there - in October Algerian security forces killed Djamel Hanneb, a close associate of AQIM leader Abdelmalek Droukdel (Jeune Afrique, October 7).

AQIM has shifted its geographical focus over the past few years, and its regional rivalry with IS has pushed the organization to search for new jihadist "opportunities" in West Africa and the Sahel, launching a number of terrorist attacks in response to IS' increasingly prominent role in North Africa (Terrorism Monitor, March 3). In this context, the weakening of IS in Libya represents a strategic opportunity for AQIM to return to the country, perhaps even re-establishing what was a significant presence in the immediate aftermath of the Libyan revolution. Algeria considers AQIM's presence in Libya a major threat. The In Amenas attack - to date the worst terrorist attack against the oil and gas industry in Algeria's history - is a powerful reminder of the potential threat. Mokhtar Belmokhtar and his group entered Algeria from Libya, and had planned and organized the attack while in the country (Terrorism Monitor, January 25, 2013).

The third element of concern is the trafficking of weapons. While Libya has turned, more generally, into a regional hub for illicit goods - from narcotics and counterfeit medicines to cars and people - it is also a major regional hub for black market weapons (Reuters, March 10, 2014). Small arms, coming from the Sahel and Sudan, enter Algeria and find their way into the hands of terrorist cells and criminal gangs in southern Algeria. In addition, heavy weapons, such as missiles, enter Algeria from Libya, as the security authorities discovered when they seized a consignment in El Oued that included missiles (Jeune Afrique, September 22). In many cases, these trafficking operations are managed by regional jihadist organizations, an indication of the hybrid nature of these groups.

Looking Further Afield

Another significant element is the impact Libya's security crisis may have on neighboring Tunisia. Tunisia's stability is particularly important to Algeria, for security and economic reasons. The IS presence in Libya has had a direct impact on Tunisian security, with the three terrorist attacks that the country suffered in 2015 a demonstration of this dynamic.

Although Tunisia's new institutions have proven resilient to the threat, the security situation has had an adverse impact on the country's economy and increased the frustration of many citizens towards the authorities. If exacerbated, these problems might pose a threat to the Tunisian state, a development that Algeria would prefer to avoid and, with Algerians becoming one of the most important sources of Tunisian tourism, attacks on Tunisian tourist destinations represent a direct threat to the safety of Algerian citizens (Huffington Post Maghreb, August 5; Jeune Afrique, August 13, 2015).

Given its lack of political will to interfere directly, Algeria has intervened in other ways to strengthen its security vis-a-vis Libya's increasing instability, primarily by increasing the capacity of its security forces on the borders (Tout sur l'Algerie, March 10). The Algerian army now deploys South-African Seeker drones and Beechcraft 1900 planes for reconnaissance missions, and it uses sophisticated military night-vision goggles (Jeune Afrique, September 22). In addition, in June 2016, Algeria announced the purchase of three Gulfstream G550 aircraft, which can carry out longer surveillance missions (MenaDefense, June 16).

Algeria has also started to build a fence along its border with Libya and Tunisia, and it is doing the same on the frontier with Morocco (Tout sur l'Algerie, August 31). However, the need to strengthen and invest additional resources in security comes at a time of deep economic crisis for Algeria, with the country struggling as a result of weakening oil prices and the lasting impact of the shale revolution (El Watan, October 19). The re-emergence of a number of other oil-producing countries - Iran, as well as Libya itself - on the international market is likely to have a further negative impact on Algeria's public finances.

Domestic economic problems represent a key risk to Algeria's stability in the coming years (Tout sur l'Algerie, January 23). This is particularly so given the country' relatively complicated transition period, but it will also affect Algeria's capacity to deal with the threat emanating from Libya (Terrorism Monitor, May 2, 2014).

North African Relations and the Libyan Conflict

Libya's instability has a significant regional dimension that affects the international relations of Mediterranean Africa. This is particularly important for Algeria, as Libya's problems have a direct impact on Algeria's relations with two of its principal regional rivals - Egypt and Morocco.

Of the two, Egypt is by far the more involved in Libyan issues. Egypt remains the most important regional and international ally of General Khalifa Haftar, the Libyan National Army (LNA) chief, and has often expressed views that diverge from those of Algeria regarding the crisis (Terrorism Monitor, June 26, 2014). Haftar recently gave a lengthy interview to al-Ahram, which was a de facto public endorsement for Haftar by the Egyptian government given the importance of the newspaper. In the interview, Haftar praised Egypt and other countries, such as Russia and China, for the support they have provided him (Al-Ahram, September 19). In addition, he stressed that France is increasingly cooperating with him in the wake of the November 2015 Paris attacks.

Haftar's is trying to present himself as the anti-IS bastion in Libya, despite the fact that the burden of the Sirte offensive was left on the shoulders of militias from Misrata, who are among the fiercest enemies of the general. While Haftar remains a divisive figure in Libya, many Western countries, despite their formal support for the GNA, are silently shifting towards him. Following the election of Donald Trump, many in Libya - perceiving the incoming U.S. president to be strongly anti-Islamist - see an opportunity for Haftar to further strengthen his political role (Reuters, November 10). That dynamic could become part of a wider regional realignment based on deepening relations with Abdel Fatah al-Sisi's Egypt (Il Foglio [Rome], November 10).

For Egypt, the "problem of Libya" is not simply the direct security risk. Egypt has a much wider range of interests in Libya, going well beyond the current conflict and instability. Egypt has historically seen eastern Libya as its immediate backyard, and tribal and transnational links remain unyielding. Cyrenaica's culture and society remain very much oriented towards its eastern neighbor, and this has nurtured a sentiment of alienation from the rest of Libya that has in many cases fueled irredentist sentiment.

Moreover, Egypt has significant economic interests in Libya. Before the outbreak of the revolution, about two million Egyptians were working there, and their remittances were essential to sustain the livelihoods of many Egyptian families. The number of Egyptian expatriate workers in Libya is still significant, but has declined to 700,000. Greater stability in Libya would bring a number of immediate benefits to the Egyptian economy, mostly through bolstering opportunities for the Egyptian labor force in Libya, new opportunities for Egyptian investors and reciprocal Libyan investment in Egypt (Al Ahram Online, July 29). This is of particular significance for Egypt as an economic downturn at home is a potential threat to the political stability of Sisi's regime (Al-Arabiya, October 4; Middle East Eye, October 19; Al Ahram Online, October 15).

Conflicting Processes

While Morocco does not share a direct border with Libya and its immediate security is not threatened to the same extent as Algeria or Egypt, the country still has some significant interests in Libya and this has pushed the kingdom to play a more assertive diplomatic role.

Morocco also derives some strategic benefit from Algeria's concerns over Libya. An unstable Libya pushes Algeria to devote more resources to controlling its eastern border, reducing any Algerian threat to Morocco.

As Algeria started to play a more assertive diplomatic role in bringing different Libyan factions to the negotiating table, Morocco also pushed to have a role as a broker (Jeune Afrique, March 9, 2015). The move is a part of the wider Moroccan process of avoiding regional geopolitical marginalization and countering Algerian influence. It meant, however, that negotiations developed along two different tracks, one in Algiers and one in Skhirat, a small seaside town between Rabat and Casablanca. The GNA agreement was struck in Skhirat - a success for Morocco - but the duplication of the negotiations reduced their effectiveness (Maroc.ma, July 12, 2015).

Nonetheless, Rabat is one of the strategic pillars of the Western strategies in the region, and the United States and many European countries view its presence as a diplomatic broker positively. Algeria, on the other hand, sees Moroccan interference not only as a geopolitical issue, but a further problem preventing a resolution of the Libyan conflict.

Morocco sees the Libyan issue as a part of broader geopolitical competition with Algeria over the Sahara and the Sahel. While the problems emanating from these areas represent a common threat for both countries, the zero-sum vision that still informs Algerian-Moroccan relations prevents the two from cooperating more closely.

Non-Interference

Algeria is a key actor in the wider Mediterranean African political dynamics with genuine concerns about Libya. Its role in regard to its neighbor will continue to be significant. However, given its traditional doctrinal principle of non-interference - one of the most enduring legacies of its anti-colonial struggle - that role is unlikely to entail direct military action on Libyan soil.

Instead Algeria will stick to its traditional doctrinal principle of non-interference in international politics, while stepping up efforts to strengthen border security and acting as a facilitator to bring Libyan factions to the same table. For this reason, Algeria remains skeptical of General Haftar and his rise as a potential new strongman in Libya. It is concerned that, while Haftar may be able to alleviate problems in the short-term, he is likely to polarize the country further, creating the conditions for new waves of instability.

That puts Algeria at odds with Egypt, one of the regional powers most involved in Libya and possibly Haftar's most vocal supporter. It also leaves Algeria potentially isolated as Western powers soften their views toward Libya in general. Meanwhile, traditionally poor relations with Morocco hinder greater cooperation with Rabat, despite points of diplomatic alignment on Libya.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Somalia: Pro-IS Fighters Exploit Clan Loyalties

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Alexander Sehmer Publication Date 1 December 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Somalia: Pro-IS Fighters Exploit Clan Loyalties, 1 December 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5840809c4.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Islamic State-linked (IS) militants took over the port town of Qandala in Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region early on October 26, apparently facing little resistance (Shabelle News, October 26). Qandala is a strategic target, a hub for smuggled weapons brought into Somalia from the Yemeni port of Mukalla. The fighters, possibly anticipating a strong response from the authorities, appear to have partially retreated the following day (Garowe, October 27). Whether temporary or not, the advance is significant as it marks the first time the IS faction has made any sizeable territorial gains in Somalia.

The group is led by Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, a Somali-born British jihadist who preached at mosques in London before returning to Somali in 2010 to fight with al-Shaabab. He split with the al-Qaeda-linked group in 2015, swearing allegiance to IS leader Abubakr al-Baghdadi and causing ructions within al-Shabaab, which subsequently tried to stamp out the breakaway group (Garowe, December 24, 2015).

Mumin's faction has since been able to make ground by taking advantage of a political dispute in Bari, the Puntland province were Qandala is located.

In May last year, Abdisamad Mohamed Gallan, Bari's then governor, was sacked by President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali (Horseed Media, May 27, 2015). Since then Gallan, a member of the Ali Salebaan clan, has launched his own small insurgency, leading his supporters in clashes with government forces (Hiiraan, June 23). According to the UN Monitoring Group report on Somalia, Gallan is backed by Mumin, also a member of Ali Salebaan clan (United Nations, October 31).

The report links both men to fellow clan-member Isse Mohamoud Yusuf, an arms dealer known as "Yullux" who plies the Mukulla-Qandala smuggling route.

The Ali Salebaan have long felt marginalized by the Puntland government, and Qandala falls within their heartland. Access to the port - which the pro-IS faction has effectively demonstrated - potentially gives Mumin access to greater resources, while clan connections afford him some protection and Puntland's government remains distracted by Gallan's insurgency.

The move on Qandala is also something of a propaganda victory for Mumin, whose group remains relatively small in the grand scheme. Rivals al-Shabaab remain by far a greater threat in East Africa (see Terrorism Monitor, December 1), and Mumin's faction has yet to win any public endorsement from al-Baghdadi. Nonetheless, that may come. As long as Gallan's insurgency remains uncontained, Mumin's faction will likely have greater room to maneuver. More territorial gains by his group - and propaganda victories - can be expected.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Nigeria: Boko Haram Attacks Show Militants Far From Defeat

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Alexander Sehmer Publication Date 1 December 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Nigeria: Boko Haram Attacks Show Militants Far From Defeat, 1 December 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584080ff4.html [accessed 3 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

The release of 21 of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls in Nigeria last month, apparently without any concession from the government, was seen as an indication Boko Haram was on the ropes. However, a series of successful recent attacks and the killing of a high-profile military officer has poured cold water on government claims the group has been brought to its knees (Guardian [Nigeria], October 14).

On November 4, Boko Haram fighters killed Lieutenant Colonel Muhammed Abu-Ali, along with four of his men in an ambush during fighting at Mallam Fatori in Borno State (Premium Times, November 5). Abu-Ali was widely celebrated in Nigeria as a hero of the country's counter-terrorism efforts, and his death prompted tributes from political and military figures (Premium Times, November 6). A separate ambush just days later killed another commander, Lieutenant Colonel BU Umar, although in that case the military delayed releasing details of the incident (Premium Times, November 24).

In May the Nigerian military launched "Operation Crackdown" in a bid to clear the Sambisa forest of Boko Haram fighters and rescue the Chibok schoolgirls (This Day, May 3). Nearly eight months later, however, the offensive is still under way, hampered by the dense vegetation of the forest, Boko Haram's better knowledge of the terrain and the poor state of the Nigerian armed forces.

The military was the focus of recent criticism by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who blasted them as corrupt, poorly equipped and run by "cruel and unpatriotic" commanders who turn their men out to face Boko Haram without adequate resources (Nigerian Bulletin, November 23). Even allowing for the politicking of Nigeria's former leader, who feels his own administration's achievements have been overlooked by President Muhammadu Buhari, the picture he paints of the Nigerian military is not wholly inaccurate.

Sensitive to the recent setbacks, and ahead of Obasanjo's public rebuke, the military has tried to bolster confidence. The air force has released footage of its fighter jets striking Boko Haram targets in Goni Kurmi, while the chief of defense staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, briefed journalists about military successes while inspecting newly acquired military vehicles (The Nation, October 11; Guardian [Nigeria], November 21).

Even so, the killing of the high-profile Abu-Ali is a blow to the government's efforts and contradicts President Buhari's claim - now nearly a year ago - that Boko Haram was "technically defeated" (BBC, December 24, 2015). Even with an ideological split that has divided the militants in recent months, Boko Haram continues to be a serious threat (see Terrorism Monitor, August 19). It will take more than media statements to bring a successful end to the Sambisa forest operation.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Spokane, WA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/01/2016 --Ambient Water (OTCPink:AWGI), a leading innovator of atmospheric water generation systems for extracting water from humidity in the air, today announced it has fulfilled sales orders for its residential atmospheric water generation units in both Peru and Mexico. Ambient Water announced MOUs for exclusive distribution in both countries earlier this year.



The fulfilled sales orders were for Ambient Water's residential unit, the AW2500, which can produce up to five gallons of clean, drinkable water per day solely from the humidity that already exists in the air. The units will be used throughout small businesses in both Mexico and Peru, where drought has been rampant over the last year. Due to positive feedback from its networks in each country, Ambient Water anticipates follow-on orders in the near future, including possible orders of the AW 800 which it recently demonstrated in Houston, Texas.



"We are excited to announce sales in both Mexico and Peru for our AW2500 generators. We have had many positive conversations with business and governmental leaders and anticipate additional purchases of our commercial units in the near future," said Keith White, Founder and CEO, Ambient Water. "This is an important step forward for the Company as we seek to generate revenue by providing our industry-leading technology to areas ravaged by drought, and we are confident that we are well positioned to build upon this recent success."



These sales come during a time of great interest in the Company's technology, as well as the atmospheric water generation industry as a whole. A recent report states that the market for atmospheric water generators is projected to reach $4.74B by 2024, highlighted by increased commercial installations to combat drought in water scarce regions, including Mexico and Peru.



Ambient Water's patented atmospheric water generation technology literally makes water out of thin air, transforming humidity into an abundant source of clean water near the point of use. With multiple systems already commercially available or in development, the Company's technology produces clean and fresh water for a host of commercial industries, including oil and gas exploration and farming, while also providing fresh drinking water for homes, offices, and communities.



About Ambient Water Corp.

Ambient Water pioneered atmospheric water generation technology for extracting water from humidity in the air. Drawing from the renewable ocean of water vapor in the air that we breathe, the Company's patented technology cost-effectively transforms humidity into an abundant source of clean water near the point of use. The scalable and modular systems can be configured for a number of water-sensitive applications ranging from oil and gas exploration to vertical farming. The systems can also be configured to produce high quality drinking water for homes, offices, and communities. For a thirsty planet on the verge of a water crisis, Ambient Water makes clean water out of thin air.



To learn more about Ambient Water, visit our website at http://www.AmbientWater.com.



Safe Harbor Statement

Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, products, and prospects for sales, failure to commercialize our technology, failure of technology to perform as expected, failure to earn profit or revenue, higher costs than expected, persistent operating losses, ownership dilution, inability to repay debt, failure of acquired businesses to perform as expected, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.



Press Contact:

Matthew Bretzius

FischTank Marketing and PR

matt@FischTankPR.com



Source: UPTICK Newswire
Why court docs for Delphi murder suspect Richard Allen are sealed

Court records in the case of a man charged in the killings of Abigail Williams and Liberty German have been sealed. Experts explain why.
Note all articles are independently researched and written by myself. However, if you buy via one of the links it may be an affiliate and I may earn a small commission.

Have you seen the movie Escape From New York? If you have, you will know all about the Lifeclock One, which is going into production via a Kickstarter campaign.

At least, thats the hope if the target is met in the next week. Thats really now down to you or I.

If you havent seen Escape from New York, it is a 1981 movie where Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell), has 24 hours to rescue the President from the countrys largest prison, which in the future is New York City. Snake is given a watch thats a two-way radio as well as a countdown, showing how much time Snake has left.

The reproduced watch has a near-identical look (the image above is the new version, the one directly below is the original from the film), but offers far more functionality. it will pair with an Android or iOS device for push notifications from your favourite apps as well as incoming call and text message alerts. You also get step counting, weather, world clocks, camera control, a stopwatch and much more. it is also a full licensed reproduction too.

The aim is to get the funding ahead of a release date of May 2017. You can commit now if you want one, with prices starting from $249. Not cheap, but very cool and rather niche.

Lifeclock One at Kickstarter
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Pollution from a brick kiln operating near the Lao capital of Vientiane is bedeviling residents of the Nonsa-ath village as it is still belching toxic smoke into the area despite a government order to stop.

The factory is still running and dumping smoke all over our village, one villager told RFAs Lao Service. People in the nearby areas will suffer when the wind blows the smoke to them. We cannot do anything, so we just get into our houses and shut the door.

Production at the kiln owned by the Vietnamese Tui Nen Ven Jeuang company was stopped by the government early last month, but the shutdown was brief, said the villager who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Another villager told RFA that several residents met with the companys upper management in an effort to get them to mitigate the pollution, but they were turned away.

We want the upper management to come and see our situation and help solve the problem for us, said that villager who also spoke on condition of anonymity.

Many villagers who live near the factory are severely suffering and we really need help, the villager added.

Brick kiln problems

While pollution from brick kilns doesnt command the attention of pollution from automobiles or steel plants, such furnaces are among the most egregious industrial environmental offenders in South Asia.

Brick manufacturing is a double-edged sword for many under-developed nations as demand for bricks is booming and it is a relatively easy manufacturing process to develop.

While brick making can provide income for cash-strapped economies, it also comes with a high environmental price.

According to recent environmental studies the concentration of particulate matter in the air is three times higher in areas where a kiln is operational than during the off-season when the kilns are shut down.

Effluent from brick kilns causes respiratory problems and other adverse health effects leading to high mortality and morbidity as well as environmental costs like reduced soil fertility, poor visibility and drying ground water sources.

We cannot make an order to close the factory

While the effects of brick manufacturing pollution are well known, its unclear if the Nonsa-ath villagers will soon see any relief.

An official with environment office in Xaythany district that covers Nonsa-ath said they knew nothing about the plants fate.

We do not know if there will be an order to permanently close the factory, and we cannot issue an order to close the factory, said the official who also spoke on condition of anonymity.

Last time, as part of the committee, we went to the factory and told the owner to stop the operation and properly submit paperwork according to the environmental rules, the officials said.

Reported and translated by Lanxang for RFA's Lao Service. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
Myanmar government troops board a military helicopter in Muse township in Myanmar's northern Shan state near the border with China, Nov. 25, 2016.

A Kachin civil society organization has called on the Myanmar government to immediately release civilians arrested by military forces in the Mong Ko area of Muse township in northern Shan state, where fierce fighting between ethnic armed groups and national army has recently occurred.

The Kachin Peace Network (KPN) wants the military to free civilians who have been detained since Nov. 20, when fierce fighting broke out in Muse, as well as ensure the protection of life and dignity of local residents, according to a statement the group issued on Tuesday.

We have been asking for the release of detained civilians, asking the government and ethnic armed groups to stop fighting and to resolve the current conflicts and problems together by peaceful means, said Gwan Sha Aung from the KPN, an advocacy group of Kachin professionals whose motto is Justice Guarantees Lasting Peace.

During the hostilities that occurred near Mong Ko, Myanmars armed forces arrested 70 civilians who were on their way to a wedding in Hpau Jung Pa village, the statement said. Authorities released a dozen of the detained who were relatives from China on Nov. 21, and freed another two from Myanmar on Nov. 25. Security forces are still holding the others.

Such an arbitrary detention of the civilians is a clear sign of breaching the Geneva Convention, the statement said in a reference to the international treaties that dictate the treatment of civilians, prisoners of war, and soldiers during wartime.

The KPN also demanded that the warring parties refrain from committing crimes against humanity and fully respect international humanitarian law and human rights law.

Northern Alliance attack

The Arakan Army (AA), Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA)which collectively call themselves the Northern Alliancelaunched coordinated attacks on 10 government and military targets in the Muse township villages of Mong Ko and Pang Zai, the 105-mile border trade zone between Myanmar and China, and areas of Namhkam and Kutkai townships.

The groups have said that they engaged in the limited war in response to offensives by national army soldiers in the long-restive area.

So far, more than 10 civilians have been killed, 40 have been injured, and thousands have fled their homes for safer places, as hostilities continue in Muse, Namhkam, and Kutkai townships, the Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN) reported on Thursday.

More than 3,000 have sought refuge across the border in China, prompting the Chinese military to deploy more soldiers and weapons along the border, while others have returned to their homes, according to SHAN.

Police in neighboring Kachin state had also increased security when the fighting broke out.

An ongoing conflict between the government army and TNLA troops has continued to force residents of Mantong township in Kyaukme district to flee their homes, Nang Kham Aye, a lawmaker from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) party who represents the districts Namtu township, told SHAN on Thursday.

There are now about 800 displaced people in Kyaukme since the fighting broke out on Nov. 23, she said.

An announcement on the TNLAs website said its soldiers had fought government troops between the villages of Kongmong and Kongngaung in Mantong township, according to SHAN.

Myanmars lower house of parliament on Tuesday approved a motion by the opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) expressing concern about the conflicts in Shan state and their effect on civilians, Democratic Voice of Burma reported. The motion will be debated at a later date.

Reported by Wai Mar Tun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Bangladeshi Muslims in Dhaka protest against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, Nov. 25, 2016.

More than 10,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar have crossed the border into Bangladesh to flee violence that has escalated over the past two months, a United Nations official and a Rohingya community leader said Wednesday.

Bangladeshi authorities said they were now allowing some vulnerable refugees into the country on a humanitarian basis. Earlier, officials had stated that they were sealing the southeastern border with Myanmar and pushing back hundreds of people trying to cross over, despite reports of killings and the burning of Rohingya homes during a Burmese government crackdown in neighboring Rakhine state.

The exodus into Bangladesh from Rakhine is the largest since 2012, when thousands from Myanmars Rohingya minority escaped violence in the state between Muslims and members of the countrys Buddhist majority.

Based on reports by various humanitarian agencies, we estimate that there could be 10,000 new arrivals in recent weeks, Vivian Tan, a spokeswoman in for the U.N. refugee agencys office in Bangkok, said Wednesday.

The situation is fast changing and the actual number could be much higher.

Hafez Ahmed, a leader of unregistered Rohingya in Kutupalang Camp in Coxs Bazar, a district in southeastern Bangladesh, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service, the number of refugees could be double the figure given by the U.N.

About 10,000 of the new influx of Rohingya were at his camp while others were spread out elsewhere in the southeast.

Another Rohingya leader told Voice of America (VOA), a sister entity of RFA, that many wanted to return to their old way of life.

The Rohingya have been seeking temporary shelter in Bangladesh only to save their lives from a genocide-like situation in Myanmar. For most of us, life as refugees is very hard in Bangladesh. Arakan (Rakhine), where our Rohingya community has lived for centuries, is our ancestral homeland. We want to go back to Arakan, said Mohammad Shaker, a Rohingya leader in Coxs Bazar.

Current crisis

Since a Myanmar military crackdown began in Rakhine state in early October, Rohingyas were entering the country through remote, inaccessible border points, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali told reporters last week.

And in some instances we have some very vulnerable cases that we could not ignore from the humanitarian point of view. We allowed them to enter and provided them food and treatment, he said.

Commenting on the estimate from the U.N., Shahriar Alam, a state minister in Bangladeshs Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said officials could not confirm how many new Rohingya refugees had arrived from Rakhine in recent weeks.

But, he told BenarNews, we cannot say that the U.N.s estimated number is not correct.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said Bangladesh wanted the Rohingyas to return to their homes in Rakhine.

We shall try to host these people as long as possible. Then we shall start a dialogue with Myanmar so that they can return to their home. We hope Myanmar will take them back, eventually, Kamal said.

Last week, Bangladeshi officials complained to the Myanmar ambassador about the violence in Rakhine, which in turn has led to street protests by Muslims in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand against Myanmars alleged persecution of Rohingya.

Long-standing problem

The targets of large-scale ethnic violence since 1978, Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh and other countries. As many as 300,000 to 500,000 Rohingya are in Bangladesh, according to government estimates.

After the Rakhine Buddhists burned my house, with my two children and wife I fled to Bangladesh four years ago. I do odd day-wage jobs to support my family. Often I go without a job. I live in a ramshackle shack and I think I can never escape this life of poverty here, Mohammad Ismail, a 38-year-old Rohingya, told VOA.

I had my own farmland, I also owned a shop and I was quite well-off. If the situation there changes I want to return to Arakan.

The government has denied accusations that soldiers committed extrajudicial killings, rape, and arson in Rohingya communities since the lockdown began. Security forces have arrested more than 400 people and killed nearly 70 others since the crackdown began, state media reported.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
Than Htut (C), chief executive officer of Myanmar's Eleven Media Group, leaves Tamwe township court in Yangon after his request for bail was denied, Nov. 30, 2016.

A Myanmar court has denied bail for the chief executive and top editor of a local media company who were arrested in November on defamation charges under a controversial article in the countrys telecommunications law, a lawyer representing one of the defendants said.

On Nov. 25, Than Htut Aung, chief executive officer of Eleven Media Group, and Wai Phyo, chief editor of the Daily Eleven newspaper, asked the Tamwe township court in east-central Yangon to release them on bail, with the former citing ill health.

Their request, however, was denied.

The court didnt accept the doctors recommendation letters for Than Htut Aung, the businessmans attorney Kyi Myint told RFAs Myanmar Service. The doctors who wrote these recommendation letters are government servants, but the court still declined them.

Kyi Myint said he will appeal to a higher court for both men to be released on bail until their next court hearing scheduled for Dec. 9. The pair are being held in the countrys notorious Insein prison.

Up to three years in prison

Than Htut Aung and Wai Phyo were sued in early November earlier under Section 66(d) of Myanmars Telecommunications Law for writing and publishing an editorial that claimed that Phyo Min Thein, chief minister of Yangon, wore a luxury watch worth an estimated U.S. $100,000, given to him by an unnamed drug tycoon.

The tycoon, who had recently been released from jail, won a lucrative tender for the governments term to build a city transit project.

Section 66(d) prohibits use of the telecom network to defame people and carries a jail sentence of up to three years and a fine for those who violate it.

The editorial appeared in the Nov. 6 issue of Daily Eleven and was posted on Than Htut Aungs Facebook page.

The pair surrendered themselves to police in Yangon four days later after receiving a summons related to the defamation case.

Myint Kyaw, a member of the Myanmar Press Council, said that suing members of the media under Section 66(d) does not create a good image of the country and is used to only threaten journalists.

Thiha Thwe, a cameraman for Japanese broadcaster NHK in Myanmar, said hard-line authorities are no longer the only ones to use the statute to sue people for defamation.

Now it is like a weapon for people who are wealthy or powerful, he said. And not only the government is using it against the media, but also individuals are using Article 66 (d).

This article has become a threat, he said. We have to push lawmakers to do something about it.

Another reporter arrested

Meanwhile, authorities in the capital Naypyidaw on Tuesday arrested a local reporter and charged him with defamation under Section 66(d) for writing a letter accusing another journalist of lying in a report he wrote on a local market.

Maung Tun, who writes under the name Myoma Tun for News Watch Journal, was charged with defamation by Zaw Min Aung, a freelancer who writes for the state-run newspaper The Mirror. His trial is set for Dec. 13.

Maung Maung Tun wrote a letter to the editor in response to an article written by Zaw Min Aung on July 30 about Naypyidaws Myoma market, which set up operations within 100 days of the new civilian-led government taking office in April. In his letter, he accused Zaw Min Aung of making factual errors.

After he wrote the letter to the editor, Zaw Min Aung sued him under Section 66(d), Maung Maung Tun said.

Zaw Min Aung filed a lawsuit against Maung Maung Tun under Section 66(d) in August because Maung Maung Tun accused him of lying in his letter to editor, said Tin Moe Oo, a police officer from Pyinmana police station.

Reported by Aung Theinkha Thiri Min Zin for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Authorities in Chinas northwestern region of Xinjiang have detained a young Uyghur man in a bid to force the return from Turkey of his older brother, whom police suspect as a separatist, the mans grandmother says.



Rishat Haji, 24, is being held in the city of Atush in Xinjiangs Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, near Kashgar, Reyhannisa Haji told RFAs Uyghur Service.



It is Rishats second time in custody since his brother, Abduweli Haji, fled with his family to Turkey in November 2015, his grandmother said.



He was detained for the first time about 15 days after his older brothers travel to Turkey, the woman said.



The police said at that time that they were investigating a case of separatism in which they thought Abduweli was involved, and they said that Rishat would be released if Abduweli came back from Turkey.



So, after six months in detention at the Ulugchat Detention Center, they let him go after he promised to convince his brother to come back, she said.



Four months later, Rishat was again detained, this time accused of having previously sent a large sum of money to his brother, a clothing salesman, in Turkey during a business trip three years before.



Police say the money10,000 yuan (U.S.$1,452)was sent to support an exile Uyghur organization set up to separate the mostly Muslim Xinjiang region from Beijings control, the grandmother said.



Rishat owns a small clothing store in Atush, and the police clearly know what he purchased from Turkey for that money, Rishats grandmother said. We believe that he was detained again because Abduweli has not returned.



Or maybe the police are looking for some praise from higher authorities for discovering more guilty people, she added.



Father, sister also detained



Rishats father Haji Ablimit and sister Melike Haji were also briefly held and questioned, with his sister released after 15 days because of her pregnancy, and his father held for 45 days during which he was tortured and threatened by police, the grandmother said.



Speaking to RFA, Haji Ablimit declined to speak in detail about the case, saying he is still subject to arrest because he is younger than Rishats grandmother, now 79.



My age will not permit me to say anything about this case, or to say anything at all about Turkey, he said.



Attempts by friends to locate Abduweli, who took his wife and five children with him to Turkey, have meanwhile failed, sources told RFA.



I havent seen him, though I heard about him when he was looking for a school for his children, Hamuthan Gokturk, a prominent Uyghur activist based in Turkey, said.



He was very cautious about meeting Uyghur activists like me.



I heard later that he had started a business by opening a restaurant in Istanbul, but recently when I visited the restaurant I found that it was being run by somebody else. I heard customers saying that [Abduweli] had disappeared with his entire family.



No interest in politics



Also speaking to RFA, a friend of Abduweli said that the Uyghur businessman had no interest in politics or religion, and that he had planned to return to Xinjiang after his younger brother was first detained.



But he came back from the airport after being warned by a friend in [Xinjiangs capital] Urumchi that his name had appeared on a warrant for arrest, the friend said, speaking on condition of anonymity.



I have heard some say that he may now have died of a heart attack, he said.



Reyhannisa Haji, the two brothers grandmother, said she fears for the safety of Abduwelis children.



My heart breaks when I imagine the condition of my great-grandchildren in Turkey, she said.



Now we are helpless. The authorities are bullying us, and there is nothing we can do but to pray and cry.



Reported and translated by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Written in English by Richard Finney.




On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Cultural Revolution in 2006, award-winning Tibetan writer and poet Tsering Woeser had two books published in Taiwan about the decade of political violence from a Tibetan point of view. One was Tibetan Memories, an oral history of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) in Tibet, a series of contemporary accounts compiled from interviews with 20 Tibetans, two Han Chinese and one Hui Muslim. Among them were Red Guards, rebels, activists, former Tibetan nobles, lamas, doctors and journalists. The following interview was with Jiuji (a pseudonym), a Tibetan woman in her sixties from Lhasa. It was recorded in 2003:

One day the neighborhood committee informed us that the next morning everyone had to wear a proper robe and attend the meeting, that we should bring hoes, picks and back-panniers. Nobody was to stay home, and any household where someone didn't attend would have its household registration and its ration card revoked. So we all showed up good and early, yet not really knowing what we were there for.

They told us that we there to attack the "Four Olds": old culture, old customs, old habits, and old ways of thinking. So we all got into rows and filed off.

They took some of us off to the Tsepak Lha-khang, which is a Buddhist temple, and others to the Gyume temple, and some to the Hizhu Lha-khang, which is near Jibenggang. The Tsepak Lha-khang was right next door to the Ramoche Temple.

They were all made of wood, like the rest of the neighborhood, and the Red Guards charged forward, smashing up two of the Buddhist halls at Gyume Temple, and putting the smashed-up Buddhas in our back-panniers, we carried on down the street. We also ripped up the scriptures, page by page, to be trodden on by passersby.

This was all arranged by the neighborhood committee. I was one of the people carrying a Buddha, upended in my back-pannier. If we hadn't gone, we wouldn't have just faced a telling-off; we faced losing our registration and our access to food rations.

Everybody went. Nobody dared not to go. We all did what we did out of fear.

The task of the No. 2 neighborhood committee was to smash up Ramoche Temple. The "Rinpoche" statue was brought here by a princess of Nepal, once upon a time. It was made of metal rather than clay, like the other Buddhas. It wasn't like the other statues, which could just be chucked out on the street once they had been smashed up.

This one had to be cut in half. It was chucked into a warehouse in Lhasa. After the Cultural Revolution, the upper part of the body was discovered in Beijing. The Panchen Lama sent people to bring it back to Lhasa, where he was reunited with his lower body and enshrined in the Ramoche Temple.

I was so afraid. Every time I threw out a Buddha or trampled the holy scriptures or statues in the street, I was so scared, but I couldn't talk about it. There was nothing else I could have done. Heavens, we even used the wooden covers of the scripture books to cover the latrine holes.

There were holy writings on those wooden boards, a vow to the Three Treasures. People pissed and shat on them. That is such a great sin.

Boards like that were used to cover latrines in Meru Monastery, and in the Ramoche Temple, put there by the Meru neighborhood committee.

Everyone was scared to go there to relieve themselves, but if they didn't, they would be yelled at by the officials from the neighborhood committee.

Buddha statues, thangkas destroyed

The Buddhas were smashed and the pieces thrown out if they were made of clay, and taken to an acquisition center if they were made of metal.

The commercial bureau had set up these special centers to buy the Buddhas in department stores. One of my friends had a large metal statue of Kwan Yin in her home, and she took it to one of these centers in a harness, as if she were carrying a child. I had several statues myself, in a sack, and we went together. But there was a very long line at the acquisition center ... so we went home again. We went back again the next day and dealt with the Buddhas. We weren't allowed to keep them in our homes.

Some people didn't take the Buddha statues from their homes to the acquisition center, but quietly threw them in the Lhasa River by night.

Some of the Muslims went fishing for Buddha statues, chest-deep in the water. Why did they want to fish them out again? They would smuggle them out to Nepal, and get rich quick. That's how a lot of those people with one Nepalese parent got rich.

All thangkas (Tibetan for Buddhist painting scroll) had to be burned. So we burned a lot of thangkas.

Those gold or silver brackets that held the butter tea bowls were also among the "Four Olds," so we had to take them down and take them to the bank the next day. The banks would buy gold and silver.

I had a shrine made of pure gold in my home. I removed the turquoise, red coral and other precious stones, then I sold the gold part to the bank, which only gave me 16 yuan for it.

Then I had to take the jewels, as well as other jewelry, to a special place that bought jewelry. Such a big hoard of things, and I only got a couple of pieces of soap and some rock sugar in return for it.

We had to make sure we handed over these things quickly, or our homes might be searched. We would be done for if they searched our homes and found a stash of things there.

The neighborhood committees were evil. The officials were Tibetan, but they were really nasty.

If you didn't comply with what the neighborhood committee told you to do, your food ration card would be canceled, and you'd have nothing to eat. What punishment could be more powerful? It wasn't possible to buy grain without it anywhere at the time.

There were still some people who remained Buddhists, reciting mantras and scriptures silently to themselves. If they saw your mouth moving, though, you'd be "struggled" against.

Some people hid their butter lamps in water bottles, and made their sacrifices that way. Others hid them in empty water tanks. Some hid them in the cupboard.

The neighborhood committees wielded enormous power. You would be criticized if you didn't attend meetings, and only the poorest people were allowed to become officials. We lived in fear every day of our lives.

I still feel that fear today. It wasn't until I got to Nepal that I calmed down a bit and started to sleep well at night. But the mere sight of a Chinese red flag is enough to make me feel fear again. It's very strange. I don't know why, but I also get anxious when I see soldiers. I think it's the trauma of the past that's still in my psyche. I'm still afraid even now.

Extracted from Tibetan Memories by Tsering Woeser, broadcast on RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
WASHINGTON - The Broadcasting Board of Governors has recognized the professionalism and courage of the RFE/RL Ukrainian Services Crimea desk by presenting it with the 2016 David Burke Distinguished Journalism Award.

RFE/RL President Thomas Kent accepted the prize on behalf of the journalists in a ceremony today presided over by BBG Chief Executive Officer John Lansing. Kent said the Crimea desks work provides a lifeline for audiences in Crimea cut off from reliable local news, and serves audiences everywhere that want the truth about whats happening on the peninsula.

The BBG paid special tribute to Crimea desk contributor Mykola Semena, who is under house arrest in Simferopol on charges of extremism brought by the peninsulas Russia-backed authorities. Semena, whose arrest prevents him from leaving the peninsula to receive urgently needed medical care, was awarded the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forums Pavel Sheremet Journalism Award in absentia in Brussels on November 28, and the National Union of Journalists of Ukraines Igor Lyubchenko Press Freedom Award on November 2.

Launched in March 2014, just days after Russia annexed the peninsula, the Crimea desk, known locally as Krym.Realii, is virtually the only remaining independent news source on the peninsula. It reports via radio, television, mobile, and digital platforms, and its website is published in the Ukrainian, Russian, and Crimean Tatar languages.

In 2015, the Russian research agency Medialogiya rated Krym.Realii the second most quoted news resource in Crimea, outranking high-profile Kremlin media mouthpieces RIA-News-Crimea and the First Crimean TV channel. For FY 2016, the website logged nearly 22 million visits and 46.5 million page views, while its YouTube videos were viewed 11 million times.

Krym. Realiis website has been intermittently blocked on the peninsula since April 2016, and most of the desks journalists, having faced harassment and interrogations by Russias security service, have relocated to Kyiv for fear of their safety.

The David Burke Awards are named after David W. Burke, founding chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors and leader for its first three years. The Burke Awards are presented annually to recognize the courage, integrity, and professionalism of journalists with the BBG.
Chechnya's leading Islamic cleric has formally rejected suggestions that Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov was made to travel recently to Saudi Arabia to apologize for a religious edict that was seen as a snub of Salafism.

Mufti Salakh-hadzhi Mezhiyev called "untrue and an outright lie" reports that the Kremlin-backed leader went to Jiddah to present his apologies for the fatwa, adopted at a conference in Grozny three months ago, that designated Salafism -- an ultraconservative strain of Islam widely professed in Saudi Arabia -- as "an aberrant sect."

Several media outlets in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had reported that Kadyrov did indeed offer apologies. Whether the anodyne remarks attributed to him constituted a genuine apology is a matter of interpretation, however.

The August conference of Islamic scholars in Grozny was pegged to the 65th birthday of Kadyrov's late father, Akhmed-hadzhi Kadyrov. Its stated purpose was to discuss the alleged abuse of Islamic ideas to propagate "extremism," and to establish the criteria for determining who qualifies as a true follower of the Sunna (the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad).

The conference ended with the adoption of a fatwa stipulating that the sole true adherents of traditional Islam are those who abide by Kalam scholastic theology, belong to one of the four "madhhabs" (legal schools), and follow the path of moral self-perfection espoused by the great teachers, primarily the Sufi sheikhs. It identifies the Salafi strain of Sunni Islam as a "dangerous and erroneous contemporary sect," along with the extremist militant group Islamic State (IS), Hizb ut-Tahrir, and the Habashis.

Predictably, that controversial and categorical definition triggered widespread protests, both in Russia and abroad. The International Association of Islamic Scholars reportedly criticized the Grozny conference as "a shameful attempt to sow dissent within the Muslim community." Respected theologian Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar Islamic University, who had attended the opening session of the conference, publicly distanced himself from the fatwa.

In late September, the Council of Muftis of Russia (SMR) issued a resolution saying the text of the fatwa should be fundamentally revised because it risks "causing a split within the country, and between the Muslim community in Russia and that abroad." It has become clear from a detailed analysis, the statement continued, that the fatwa "reflects primarily the situation in one of [Russia's] regions," meaning Chechnya, and does not constitute reliable guidance for Russia's Muslims with regard to those intrinsic hallmarks of true Islam that differentiate it from fallacies. Specifically, the resolution rejected the importance attached to "one single current of Islam -- Sufism" as the hallmark of true belief.

That resolution occasioned a bitter polemic between the Russian Council of Muftis chairman, Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, and Chechen mufti Mezhiyev.

Mezhiyev, together with Kadyrov's adviser on religious affairs, Adam Shakhidov, both accompanied Kadyrov on his tour of Persian Gulf states. On November 21, the day before Kadyrov and his entourage were reported to have arrived in the United Arab Emirates, a Daghestani blogger quoted the Arabic-language news portal Al-Sabaq as saying that Kadyrov had already extended apologies to the Saudi authorities, and that the purpose of his upcoming official visit to Saudi Arabia was to do so in person. Kadyrov was quoted as stressing the "strong, friendly ties between his country and Saudi Arabia" and as affirming that "the conference, which gave rise to numerous disputes, was directed against those who falsely pose as Salafis and use the slogans of those who follow the true path."

"We are not against the true Salafis who stand firmly on the path of their righteous predecessors," he reportedly added.

On November 27, the Emirates News Agency similarly quoted Kadyrov as saying in an interview that "there were attempts to split the ranks of Muslims by interpreting the Grozny conference incorrectly...as aimed at singling out one particular group or state," according to RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service.

What Kadyrov actually said during his meeting on November 26 with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad ibn Salman ibn Abdulaziz is not known. Kadyrov reportedly wrote on his Instagram account that "particular attention was focused on questions of countering extremist ideology and the fight against terrorism. We agreed that neither terrorism nor extremism has anything in common with true Islam."

According to Mezhiyev, in the course of that meeting, "we presented a true picture of the Chechen conference," the essence of which, Mezhiyev said, was distorted by "envious and extremist" groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood. Mezhiyev said the true aim of the conference was not to inflict damage on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or to sow dissent among Muslims, but to counter the "extremist ideology" that sought to usurp the title of true believers and brand other Muslims unbelievers. Mezhiyev said the crown prince was "pleased" by this explanation.

Similarly unclear is whether Kadyrov might have been ordered to apologize to the Saudis by Russian President Vladimir Putin so as not to damage Moscow's relations with the Gulf states, or perhaps decided of his own volition to do so in order not to jeopardize hopes of extensive investment. According to the Russian news agency Regnum, among the topics Kadyrov discussed with Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz were the possible participation of Saudi oil companies in unspecified Chechen energy projects and enabling Chechen students to study at Saudi universities.

A third possibility is that Kadyrov was annoyed by the visit one month ago to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of King Salman ibn Abdulaziz by Republic of Ingushetia head Yunusbek Yevkurov. Kadyrov and Yevkurov have been at daggers drawn for years, most recently over Yevkurov's efforts to sideline Ingushetia's mufti, Isa-hadzhi Khamkhoyev, who shares Kadyrov's antipathy toward actual or suspected Salafis.

Yevkurov had met in April with the Saudi ambassador to Moscow to discuss the prospects for trade and economic cooperation. During his talks in early November with Saudi officials, agreement was reached on setting up a working group to focus on imports of agricultural products, and on the possibility of Saudi businessmen or charitable funds providing financial assistance for construction of a large mosque in Magas.

Regardless of the motives for Kadyrov's reported apology or the terms in which it was possibly couched, two separate Russian scholars of Islam commentators have already concluded that he has irrevocably sabotaged any chances he may have had to secure for himself recognition in the Arab world as the leader of Russia's Muslims.
BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev has said the Russian military will have to leave its base in Kyrgyzstan in the future.

At an annual press conference in Bishkek on December 1, Atambaev said Kyrgyzstan has to rely on its own armed forces without any foreign military bases on its territory.

Kyrgyzstan and Russian agreed in 2012 to extend a lease on the Russian military air base at Kant, near Bishkek, by 15 years, starting next year.

Kyrgyzstan's previous leadership had agreed to extend the lease by 49 years.

Atambaev also said a decision to close the U.S. military transit installation in the Manas airport, near the Kyrgyz capital, in 2014 was "a right decision."

With reporting by Akipress
The office of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has cited a phone conversation with Donald Trump in which it says the U.S. president-elect described nuclear-armed Pakistan as a "fantastic country" and its embattled prime minister as a "terrific guy."

The exchange, as described by Sharif's side, was followed by a more muted description of the November 30 conversation from the Trump transition team that said the "productive conversation" centered around how the two countries "will have a strong working relationship in the future." Trump's team added that the president-elect "is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship" with Sharif.

Trumps transition team did not confirm the authenticity of the Pakistani transcript.

The seemingly effusive praise quoted in Sharif's statement appeared to surprise some in Pakistan, a conservative Muslim-majority country that Trump described as "not our friend" during a campaign in which the billionaire real-estate mogul frequently employed anti-Muslim rhetoric.



In the phone conversation with Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistani government quoted Trump as saying that Pakistan was a "fantastic place" with the most "intelligent" people and "your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities.

The statement said Trump told Sharif, currently embroiled in a corruption court case, that he has a "very good reputation" and he was doing "amazing work."

Among the extensive references in the Pakistani readout, Sharif's office said Trump told Sharif he was "ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems."

U.S. officials have grappled with Washington's complicated relationship with Pakistan, sending hundreds of millions of dollars in annual aid but publicly questioning Islamabad's commitment to fighting international terrorism.

Pakistan also has fought four wars with regional rival India, which also has nuclear weapons and has enhanced its ties with the United States over the past two decades, particularly in the areas of civil-nuclear cooperation, trade, and security.

It was unclear if Sharif's office intended the passages on Trump speaking to be regarded as direct quotes. The transcript was released by the Pakistani governments Press Information Department.

The praise attributed to Trump has not gone unnoticed in Pakistan, which saw an outpouring of bafflement, ridicule, and support in the mainstream and social media.



'Fantastic Diplomacy'



The Pakistani Foreign Ministry welcomed Trump's remarks on December 1, saying Islamabad "would like to strengthen...the existing relationship further and we would like to continue working with the new administration when it takes over."



Trump's purported praise made the front pages of many Pakistani newspapers. The Jang newspaper went with the headline: "If Fulfils His Promise, Trump Would Be First U.S. President To Visit Pakistan In Democratic Rule." Trump would be the first U.S. president to visit since George W. Bush during then-military leader Pervez Musharraf's rule in 2006.



Meanwhile, a report in the English-language daily The News said that Trump's alleged promise to visit Pakistan has come as a "pleasant surprise" but cautioned that "only time will prove whether the U.S. president-elect fulfils his promise."

Some social media users also appeared to welcome the phone-call revelations.



"Fantastic diplomacy," Pakistani journalist Waseem Abbasi, who is based in Washington, posted on Facebook.

Other Pakistanis were more skeptical.



Pakistani journalist Ali Salman Alvi tweeted: "Donald Trump has never met PM Nawaz Sharif but Trump knows Sharif has an 'outstanding reputation,' and understands he is a 'terrific man.'"





Journalist Omar Quraishi tweeted: "But Mr Trump do you know most Pakistanis are Muslim - how can they be 'brilliant and exceptional' as well? Won't you stop them entering?"

That was a reference to Trump's calls, during the campaign, for barring Muslims from the United States or restricting their entry. In December 2015, Trump called for a "total and complete shutdown" of the entry of Muslims to the United States for an unspecified period "until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on." He later suggested temporarily blocking migrating from particular countries and introducing "extreme vetting."

Another Twitter user, Baba Sattar, posted: "We're all trumped by Trump & Sharif. Yes, hilarious in a sad way. Bigly!"





Others were simply baffled, suggesting the remarks were fake.



CNN journalist Muhammad Lila tweeted that Trumps remarks were real and "not a spoof."



Not A Friend



Trumps remarks could come as a relief to many Pakistanis wary of his sharp criticisms of the country in the past.



In January 2012, Trump tweeted: "Get it straight: Pakistan is not our friend. We've given them billions and billions of dollars, and what did we get? Betrayal and disrespect - and much worse. #TimeToGetTough"

Months later, he asked when Pakistan will "apologize to us for providing safe sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden for 6 years?! Some 'ally.'"





Pakistanis have also been suspicious of Trumps relationship with India. Trump courted Indian-American voters during the campaign and he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month.



Islamabad relies heavily on U.S. aid and security assistance. U.S. officials have accused Pakistan of not doing enough to crack down on militants group like the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network that use the country as a springboard for attacks in neighboring Afghanistan.



Since 2002, Washington has sent around $20 billion in aid to Islamabad for its help combating international terrorism.

There are fears that with Trump at the helm, he might scale back on such aid.
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Protesters in Brussels have called for the unification of Moldova with Romania. They are worried that Moscow could have more influence over Moldova after a pro-Russian candidate won the country's presidential runoff vote. (RFE/RL)
The wife of jailed Russian activist Ildar Dadin, who has claimed he was tortured and beaten in prison, says her husband has been confined to his cell.

Anastasia Zotova wrote on Facebook on December 1 that the ombudsman in Karelia, where her husband is serving his 2 1/2-year prison term, visited Dadin.

The ombudsman found out that Dadin had been transferred to a so-called closed-regime premises (PKT) in the penal colony for a period of six months for a "brawl with other inmates," Zotova said.

PKT is a jail inside a penal colony where inmates are kept in their cells all the time.

Dadin, 34, was the first person convicted under a Russian law criminalizing participation in more than one unsanctioned protest.

In November, he claimed he and other prisoners had been beaten and tortured in prison.

Officials in Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service say they have found no evidence to support Dadin's allegations.
President Vladimir Putin blamed Russia's continued recession on internal problems and not the sanctions imposed by the United States and European Union. In his annual formal speech at the Kremlin, he said poor competitiveness and the business climate led to Russia's expected contraction in economic growth this year. The United States and EU initiated a series of economic sanctions following Russia's 2014 illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimea territory and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. (AP)
MOSCOW -- When President Vladimir Putin told the nation on December 1 that the fight against corruption should not look like a "show," many Russians undoubtedly agreed -- though some could barely contain their laughter, recalling recent arrests in graft cases.

The spate of arrests of top officials -- including several governors, senior law-enforcement officers, and even a federal minister -- has been covered in sordid detail by the state media, often featuring footage of officials being detained in opulent homes with stashes of huge wealth.



As the Investigative Committee in June announced the arrest of Nikita Belykh, the now former governor of the Kirov Oblast, it shared photographs of him at a restaurant, impish-faced and sporting a suit, as investigators shined ultraviolet flashlights at wads of cash -- an alleged bribe of 400,000 euros.

Other examples include searches carried out by the security services at the home of the Federal Customs Service chief at his palatial lakeside residence complete with baroque decor, an indoor swimming pool, wall-to-wall fine art, and bundles of cash in multiple currencies.

In his 13th state-of-the-nation address, Putin said on December 1 that "unfortunately it has become the practice to raise informational noise around resonant cases, and it is not uncommon for the representatives of our investigative, law-enforcement organs to commit this sin."

He told both chambers of the Russian parliament that "the fight against corruption is not a show" and that "it requires professionalism, gravity, and responsibility."



"Only then will it produce results and secure conscious, broad support from society," Putin added.



Kremlin critics are skeptical that authorities have the political will or even desire to mount a real campaign to eradicate corruption and see the series of showy arrests as a simulation of antigraft measures aimed at placating voters.



The quips online were soon to follow after Putin's comments.



"It was probably difficult to say this and not burst out laughing," wrote Aleksei Navalny, a leading opposition politician and anti-corruption campaigner.





Others quoted the Russian president and posted the photograph of investigators making the bust of Belykh:

One Russian tweeted ironically: "Every show has its beginning and an end, but the fight against corruption is eternal!"





The public skepticism about the anticorruption campaign was on display during the unprecedented arrest of a federal minister this month that at times also had the feel of a show.



The now former Economic Development Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev was taken into custody on November 15 on suspicion of trying to extort a bribe from state oil giant Rosneft, and police footage has since been broadcast widely on television showing him being escorted to and from questioning:





State pollster VTsIOM on November 25 said that 54 percent of Russians saw the arrest of Ulyukayev as a bold settling of scores. Only 30 percent of respondents said the minister was placed under arrest in a bid to weed out graft.
A prominent monument commemorating victims of the Soviet gulag system has been vandalized in Russia's Far East.

Unknown individuals have written with red paint "Stalin is alive" and drew a red star -- a Soviet symbol -- on the gigantic sculpture called The Mask Of Sorrow near the city of Magadan.

Local police said on December 1 that preliminary investigations had been launched into the act of vandalism.

The sculpture was unveiled in 1996 near Magadan, the capital of Kolyma region, where many thousands of Soviet citizens served their prison terms during Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's great purge campaign in the 1930s and 1940s.

The sculpture was created by well-known Russian-American sculptor Ernst Neizvestny, who died in New York in August at the age of 91.

With reporting by Interfax
In his annual state-of-the-nation address, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the country is unified like never before and is fully capable of achieving its strategic economic and geopolitical goals.

Putin was generally upbeat in the December 1 address to a joint session of parliament, emphasizing what he said were improvements in Russian governance, the economy, demography, and social programs.

Although the speech was predominantly about domestic priorities, Putin several times spoke of pressure from outside forces, including the economic sanctions introduced by the United States, European Union, and other countries over Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and Moscow's military support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Putin said the sanctions imposed by the West were an "attempt to make us dance their dance, as people say, and to neglect our national interests."

"All instruments have been used, from myths about Russian aggression and propaganda to the persecution of our Olympic athletes," Putin said, referring to a major scandal this year that saw many Russian athletes barred from competing in the Summer Olympics in Brazil after a World Anti-Doping Agency report accused Russia of implementing an extensive state-sponsored doping program.

"There have been targeted disinformation campaigns, propaganda, and attempts to mentor us -- we are tired of it all," Putin said. "But we are ready to take part in the solution of global problems. We do not seek confrontation with anyone. We are not looking for enemies. We need friends."

Putin mentioned what he indicated was an opportunity for improved relations with the United States presented by the election of Donald Trump as president. He said Moscow is ready to cooperate with the United States to combat international terrorism, which he described as a "real, not fictional" threat.

He also said that Russia's relations with China were a "stabilizing factor" in global and regional politics, and are based on "harmony" rather than the idea of "domination" of the world stage by any particular country -- an apparent reference to the United States.

He did not mention Ukraine or any other former Soviet countries and only obliquely referred to the civil war in Syria.

The 69-minute speech was Putin's 13th state-of-the-nation address, delivered in the Kremlin's lavish St. George Hall before an audience including lawmakers, cabinet ministers, the judges of the Supreme and Constitutional courts, regional and religious leaders, and other dignitaries.

WATCH: Putin: Internal Problems, Not Sanctions, Hurt Russian Economy

According to state-run news agency TASS, the speech was interrupted by applause 10 times.

Putin also noted that 2017 is the 100th anniversary of the communist Bolshevik Revolution and called on Russia to study the lessons of that divisive period "to achieve reconciliation and reinforce the social, political, and civic concord that we have achieved today."

"We are a united people, one people, and we have one Russia," Putin said.

He promised a stern response to any attempt to sow discord or "abuse other people's feelings and national [ethnic] traditions."

Most of Putin's speech focused on upbeat assessments of the state of the country's economy, health-care institutions, the agriculture sector, schools, and the demographic situation. He called on Russian regional leaders not "to hide in their offices" but to consult with the public on policy issues.

The president spoke briefly about corruption, saying efforts to combat the problem must not "be a show," but must be conducted professionally.

He reproached the West for what he claimed were efforts to "introduce censorship in the global information space."

"They reproached us for allegedly introducing censorship in our country," Putin said, "and now they are practically doing this themselves."

He ordered the government of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to develop a strategic plan for bolstering Russia's place in the global economy through 2025.

Before the speech, Russian media had speculated that Putin might announce moving the 2018 presidential election to 2017, or a major constitutional reform. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the speech would be "very different in content" from previous addresses.

However, the address contained no major revelations or initiatives.

Moscow-based political analyst Aleksandr Kynev said on Facebook that Putin's speech was the "quietest, tamest, calmest, most peaceable" of his state-of-the-nation addresses.

"The absence of aggression is already good news," he concluded.

On Twitter, social activist Alyona Popova wryly suggested that the Russia that Putin described in the address was largely imaginary.

"Putin lives in a good country. Everything goes according to the law. Industry is growing. Health care and education are great," she wrote. "It would be great if Russians could live there."

Opposition politician and anticorruption activist Aleksei Navalny was more unequivocal. He said Putin's speech "was completely empty and consisted either of flat-out lies about 'successes' or the same promises we have had for the last 17 years."

With reporting by TASS
Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed a new foreign-policy doctrine accusing the United States and its allies of undermining "global stability" by trying to "contain" Russia.

Putin said that Moscow had the right to "react harshly to unfriendly" moves by Washington.

The doctrine, published by the Russian government on December 1, continues a steady ratcheting up of rhetoric toward the West in official policy documents amid a sharp deterioration in Moscows relations with the United States and the European Union in recent years.

Much of the language in the document mirrors that of Putins previous foreign-policy doctrine, endorsed in 2013, and of his national security strategy published in December 2015. 

But the new doctrine raises the stakes when it comes to pressure on Moscow by the United States and its allies, which have targeted Russia with sanctions over its illegal annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and its military support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

The doctrine states that the dangers of such pressure extend beyond Russias borders.

"The policy of the United States and its allies to contain Russia and apply political, economic, informational, and other pressure undermines regional and global stability," the document says.

Russia has long protested against moves by Washington to target Russian officials and citizens with sanctions and extraditions from third countries.

Moscow also accuses the United States of meddling in Russia's internal affairs.

The new doctrine provides more details about how Moscow could respond, saying Russia "does not accept attempts to apply military, political, economic, or other pressure and reserves the right to react harshly to unfriendly actions, including by strengthening national defenses and adopting tit-for-tat or asymmetrical measures."

The Kremlin and senior Russian officials have voiced optimism about the prospects of a rapprochement with Washington under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump has spoken positively about Putin and said he would like to mend ties with Moscow and bolster counterterrorism cooperation.

Current U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 issued a new national-security strategy portraying Russia as a regional bully and a threat to global stability, a drastic shift from the collaborative tone of the previous document released amid his "reset" policy with Moscow in 2010.

Russia's new foreign policy doctrine states that it is interested in building "mutually beneficial relations" with the United States, including in the economic and scientific spheres.

But it states that such cooperation is only possible on the basis of "equality, mutual respect of interests, and noninterference in one another's internal affairs."

The new doctrine leaves Russia's position on NATO largely unchanged, saying it is willing to work with the military alliance on the basis of an "equal partnership."

But it reiterates Moscow's anger over the steady expansion of NATO toward Russia's borders, which the alliance has repeatedly said does not constitute a threat to Russia.

The document accuses NATO of creating a 'serious crisis in relations between Russia and Western governments."

Like its predecessor, Putin's latest foreign policy doctrine calls for the elimination of a visa regime between Russia and the EU, describing the restriction as "one of the main barriers' to developing broad ties between the two sides.

Both the previous and the new foreign policy doctrine stress the importance of relations with Germany, France, and Italy.

The Netherlands was cited in the 2013 doctrine as well but was not mentioned in the new document.

An international probe led by Dutch investigators has determined that a Russian missile fired from territory held by Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine downed Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in July 2014, killing all 298 people on board.

In October, Russia summoned the Dutch ambassador in Moscow to complain about the finding.

Putin's previous foreign policy doctrine also singled out Britain as a potential key "channel" for cooperation with Europe.

Britain also was not mentioned in the latest document.
Russian border guards say they have detained two Ukrainian soldiers who deserted from the Ukrainian armed forces and crossed the border into Russia.

Russian news agencies quoted the border guard service in the southern region of Rostov-on-Don on November 30 as saying the two men deserted because they were tired of fighting.

There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials on the announcement.

One of the soldiers was quoted as saying he had been called up to service in January 2015 and was sick of fighting. Another reportedly said he had been drafted into service by force.

If confirmed, the incident brings the number of Ukrainians soldiers crossing into Russia this month alone to three.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine erupted in April 2014, pitting government forces against Russia-backed separatists.

The United Nations says at least 9,600 people have been killed, and tens of thousands forced to flee.

Based on reporting by RIA Novosti and Interfax
Moscow says three Russian sailors have been taken hostage by "bandits" after an attack on a commercial ship off the western coast of Africa during the weekend.

The Foreign Ministry in Moscow said on December 1 that the sailors were "abducted and taken away to an unknown location" as a result of the attack off the coast of Benin.

It said there has been no communication with the three Russian citizens since the attack on the refrigerated cargo ship Saronic Breeze on November 27.

Moscow says the ship was later released and returned to port in Cotonou, Benin, with most of the crew, which had a total of 18 Russian and Ukrainian sailors.

It said all of the remaining crew were in good health.

Based on reporting by AFP and TASS


Russian forces have launched suicide drones on targets in eastern and central Ukraine, the Ukrainian air defense reported, as heavy fighting continues in the east.

"Twelve out of 13 [loitering] munitions were destroyed by [the Ukrainian] anti-aircraft defense in the eastern and central regions of the country," the military said in a message on Telegram.

The air defense said six drones were shot down in eastern Ukraine and another six were destroyed in the central part of the country.

Russia has been targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and civilian objectives with missile, drone, and artillery attacks for weeks amid a Ukrainian counteroffensive that has driven Russian troops out of the northeast and pushed them back in the east and southeast.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on November 2 that authorities in the capital were preparing more than 1,000 heating points throughout the city in case its district heating system is disabled by continued Russian attacks.

Russia launched missiles into several Ukrainian cities on October 31, including Kyiv, as the Kremlin continues its relentless assault on Ukrainian critical infrastructure in the hopes of wearing down its population's will to resist.

Water and electricity supplies were all but cut off for hours in Kyiv before being restored on November 1, but officials warned that power rationing would continue to be necessary in the capital.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Klitschko wrote on Telegram on November 2 that city authorities were considering different scenarios due to missile attacks.

"The worst one is where there will be no electric power, water, or district heating at all," he said. "For that case, we are preparing over 1,000 heating points in our city."

Missile and drone attacks have damaged at least 40 percent of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and have already briefly left large parts of Kyiv without power and water.

Nine regions were experiencing power cuts, authorities said.

"We will do everything we can to provide power and heat for the coming winter," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his regular address late on November 1. "But we must understand that Russia will do everything it can to destroy normal life."

In the central Cherkasy region, a drone hit an infrastructure objective on November 2, said regional Governor Ihor Taburets in a message on Telegram.

Taburets said that two other drones that targeted Cherkasy were shot down. He said no injuries were reported.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat on November 1 warned that Kyiv does not have an effective means of defense against Iranian-made ballistic missiles, which Russia is likely planning to deploy north of the Ukrainian border.

Ihnat told a news briefing that it would be theoretically possible to shoot down Iranian ballistic missiles, but it would be very difficult to do it "with the means that we have in our arsenal today."

The Washington Post reported last month that Iran had agreed to supply Russia with surface-to-surface missiles, citing sources in U.S. security agencies

The Ukrainian military said Russian troops continued shelling the eastern city of Bakhmut, a target of Russia's armed forces in their slow advance through the Donetsk region.

There was fierce fighting near Bakhmut, as Ukrainian forces held back Russian assaults on two other areas in Donetsk, around Avdiyivka and Uhledar.

With reporting by Reuters and AP
ON MY MIND

In his annual state-of-the nation speech, Vladimir Putin said that "the battle against corruption isn't a show." The Kremlin leader also said it was necessary to eliminate censorship in the "global information space." He said that Russia "is not seeking and has never sought enemies." And he accused the West of using "targeted disinformation campaigns and propaganda" against Russia, adding that "we are tired of it."

What he didn't say was that anticorruption campaigns in Russia have long been little more than shows. He didn't mention that Russia is the one of the world's biggest censors.He failed to note that Russia has been busy making enemies and launching targeted disinformation campaigns for the past several years.

Putin's big speech was an interesting bit of verbal jujitsu. But it was unclear what kind of message he was trying to send to Russia and to the world -- other than that we should all expect more of the same.

IN THE NEWS

Vladimir Putin has delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address.

The U.S. House of Representatives has backed a proposal to set up a high-level panel to counter Russian political interference around the world. A similar measure is expected to be voted on by the Senate before the end of next month.

Ukraine says it has started two days of missile tests in the Black Sea, as Russia reportedly put its air-defense forces on high alert on the annexed Crimean Peninsula.

Putin has named Maksim Oreshkin as Russia's new economic development minister, Russian news agencies report.

Russian border guards say they have detained two Ukrainian soldiers who deserted from the Ukrainian armed forces and crossed the border into Russia.

Russia has criticized Norway's decision to extradite a Russian citizen suspected of committing cybercrimes to the United States.

The Czech lawyer for Yevgeny Nikulin, the 29-year-old Russian citizen arrested in Prague two months ago on U.S. charges of hacking and data theft, claims his client is innocent.

An EU court has partly upheld sanctions imposed on Arkady Rotenberg, a Russian businessman and close associate of President Putin.

The European Union has condemned the executions of two convicts in Belarus.

WHAT I'M READING

Putin's Allies

In Politico, Cynthia Kroet looks at "the new Putin coalition" of pro-Moscow leaders in the West.

And a couple of caveats. In a piece for the European Council on Foreign Relations, Andrew Wilson argues that Moldova's newly elected President Igor Dodon won't rush into Moscow's embrace.

And in OpenDemocracy, Tom Junes pushes back on the notion that Bulgaria's new president, Rumen Radev, is a pro-Moscow figure.

The Internet Weapon

Bloomberg has a couple pieces looking at how the Kremlin has turned cyberspace into a political tool both at home and abroad. According to a piece by Chris Strohm citing the cybersecurity firm FireEye Inc., Russia "didnt just hack and leak documents from U.S. political groups during the presidential campaign: It used social media as a weapon to influence perceptions about the election."

And Ashlee Vance takes a look at how Russia's "been building walls around its web and packing it with tech oligarchs, startup cities, face-finding algorithms, hacker hunters, and, of course, a few bears."

Post-Truth Trade

In another piece on the ECFR website, Andrew Wilson calls Russia's campaign to restore normal economic relations with Ukraine another example of post-truth politics.

The Baltic Front

On The Atlantic Council's website, Jakub Janda of the Prague-based European Values think tank asks, Is It Prudent Or Paranoid To Worry About Russia's Influence In The Baltics?

Corruption As A Tool And Corruption As A Crime

Maksim Trudolyubov, a senior fellow at the Kennan Institute, has a piece on The Russia Files blog looking at the case of former Economic Development Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev and what it says about anticorruption campaigns in Russia.

Bad Science

Moscow-based journalist Maria Antonova has a piece in Foreign Policy looking at the Kremlin's embrace of pseudo-science.

A New World Order?

Ian Buruma, a professor at Bard College and author of the book Their Promised Land, has an insightful piece in The New York Times on The End Of The Anglo-American Order.

Upcoming Report On Effectiveness Of Sanctions

The Atlantic Council will release a new report, Evaluating Western Sanctions On Russia, on December 6.

According to the Atlantic Council, the report will examine "the impact of the economic sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. The report assesses the goals of the sanctions, whether they worked, how they influenced Russias foreign policy and economy, and what comes next."

It will be presented in Washington on December 6 at 4 pm EST.
The head of investigations in Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has charged that Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Onyshchenko may have been spying for Russia.

Hryhoriy Ostafiychuk, head of the SBU's Main Investigative Directorate, told reporters in Kyiv on December 1 that the SBU had obtained evidence that suggests treasonous activities by Onyshchenko.

Ostafiychuk alleged that Onyshchenko obtained a Russian passport from Russian authorities in exchange for assisting Russian secret services to destabilize Ukraine.

Ostafiychuk also said that Onyshchenko had been preparing "a mass information attack" against Ukraine.

Onyshchenko left Ukraine for a European country in July after the legislature stripped him of his parliamentary immunity in the wake of an investigation into his alleged involvement in illegal natural-gas sales.

Onyshchenko rejected Ostafiychuk's allegations -- denying that he had Russian citizenship and suggesting he was facing a backlash from authorities because he gave evidence to U.S. intelligence officials on November 29 about what he described as illegal activities by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

Based on reporting by UNIAN and Pravda.com.ua
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A man was shot to death Wednesday near a Petersburg convenience store.

Police were called shortly after 8 p.m. to the 300 block of Mistletoe Street for a report of a person shot. There officers found Anthony A. Tucker, 47, of Petersburg, suffering from gunshot wounds.

Tucker was taken to Southside Regional Medical Center, where he died.
A New Jersey woman was sentenced to 16 months in prison Thursday for her role in a conspiracy to use shell businesses to buy at least $9.5 million worth of Virginia cigarettes and take them to other states for illegal resale.

A reluctant U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne imposed the reduced sentence at the request of the government in part because of Laila Alayats mental health issues. The judge said he had been considering imposing a sentence well above the guideline range in the case of 24 to 30 months.

Cigarette trafficking needs to stop, said Payne, who noted, without further comment, that it is a serious matter when profits from the racket wind up overseas. The judge called the trafficking, a clear and present danger to the health and welfare of the country.

Alayat, 37, pleaded guilty in June to charges of conspiracy to traffic in contraband cigarettes and witness tampering. Two others also have pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge: 39-year-old Eyad Salahedin, also of New Jersey, and 29-year-old Issa Qatrawi, of Henrico County. They will be sentenced on Jan. 24 and Jan. 12 respectively.

The three conspired with others from March 2014 to last August in a trafficking operation that purchased cigarettes from area wholesale club stores under the names of various wholesale businesses. The cigarettes were transported to New Jersey and adjacent states for illegal resale.

Alayat, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was warned by authorities in January that any attempt to leave the U.S. would be construed as an attempt to flee prosecution. She was arrested in February at John F. Kennedy International Airport with a ticket to her native Jordan. Salahedin was arrested shortly after dropping Alayat off at the airport.

The decades-old racket is made possible by the widely ranging cigarette excise taxes between states. Virginia has a tax of $3 per carton  second-lowest in the country  while the tax in New Jersey is $27 a carton. In nearby New York City, the combined city and state tax is $58.50 per carton.

The Richmond area is one of rackets Virginia hubs. Rental storage units in the area frequently are used by the traffickers to store cartons of cigarettes prior to shipment north in vans, cars and trucks. Aside from the excise taxes lost by other states, the trafficking also often costs Virginia sales tax revenue.

It has become something of a growth industry, Thomas A. Garnett, an assistant U.S. attorney told Payne on Thursday at Alayats sentencing hearing. Its a lucrative, low-risk industry, he said.

Garnett cited Alayats use of a false name to purchase cigarettes and rent a storage unit. Nevertheless, in asking for the reduced term, he cited Alayats serious mental health issues, which enabled co-conspirators to take advantage of her.

Alayat purchased 46,000 cartons of cigarettes at wholesale clubs mostly using cash. Of the six Virginia false businesses linked to the operation, three were said to be in the Richmond area and three in Woodbridge, and at least five of them never paid any Virginia taxes.

The businesses obtained certificates exempting them from paying sales tax when buying the cigarettes in Virginia because they were supposed to be reselling the cigarettes wholesale to legitimate retailers who would collect the state sales tax.

In pleading guilty, Alayat also admitted that on Jan. 4, she asked an acquaintance to lie to investigators.

On Thursday, speaking through an Arabic interpreter, she told Payne she was sorry. I promise I will never do this again, she said. Payne told her that if she did she would spend many years in prison.
Annie Lin of Salem shares these photos and writes:

Thursday, November 24, 2016 at 9:00 am the annual Drumstick Dash event was held in Downtown Roanoke.

My son, Jerry Wu and I wore Drumstick Dash 2016 T-shirts and dressed as Virginia Tech Turkey's outfits from head to toe. (hats, gloves, shoes and carried turkey's bags)

At 8:30 am we arrived there. See! Thousands of people descended in their place. We went around to taken some pictures before the 5k (3.1mile) race/family walk began. We saw Kevin Spencer, who is the role of Dash since 2006. He said I see you every year. We had a picture to taken with him. Surprise! A lady called my name, she is So Salem fan, she likes my articles and pictures. We got a picture in front of the walking group.

It was a beautiful day. The Union Drumstick Dash caused its usual about 14,000 participants for 5k race/family walk. Jerry and I were in the walking group. We stared at Frank Road, 2ND Street, Luck Ave, Church Ave, Norfolk Ave, Gainesboro Road, and Market Street. (finish) through the street, there were music players for everyone. See! Jerry got a picture with Mile2 sign on the way.

Jerry was tired after a long walk. I am so proud of him. We finished the course. See! "FINISH" line there. There were runners, walkers, strollers, and energetic dogs. The Drumstick Dash raises about $250,000 each year for the Rescue Mission. "Move your feet, So others can eat!"

After walking, we got free bottle water . We watched the runner awards at Market area. We got a group picture with John Carlin and Lindsey Ward.

WOW! We stood on the red carpet of the PAPARAZZI.

I found Jerry and I had pictures on Facebook of the Rescue Mission of Roanoke.

Now, we went back to the parking garage. I needed to go back to work on Thanksgiving Day. Jerry and I really tired, tired, tired, but we had so much fun for Drumstick Dash. Please come with us for support Rescue Mission-"Move your feet, So others can eat!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

You can view the photos in the slide show above or click here for an alternate view.
RICHMOND  State Sen. Bill Stanley is considering a run for attorney general and likely will decide next week.

Stanley, a Republican from Franklin County, has been thinking of running for the nomination since Del. Rob Bell, R-Charlottesville, unexpectedly dropped out of the running last month.

Were giving it serious consideration right now, Stanley said Thursday at the Virginia Press Association Day at the Capital .

At a legislative panel discussion with Senate Minority Leader Richard Saslaw, D-Fairfax, Stanley also proclaimed, coals not dead while talking about his constituents expectations for a Donald Trump presidency.

Stanley, a lawyer at Stanley & Houchens LLC in Moneta, said running for attorney general is listed on his five-year plan, but his decision will come down to what the campaign could mean for his family and law practice.

Bell said he dropped out of the attorney generals race to spend more time with his two children, one of whom has special needs.

Stanleys 20th Senate District includes Franklin County, Danville, Martinsville and Galax. He won a 2011 special election to replace Robert Hurt as 19th Senate District representative.. Later that year, after redistricting redrew district boundaries, Stanley was elected to his first four-year term.

Richmond lawyer and former federal prosecutor John Adams and Virginia Beach lawyer Chuck Smith also are seeking the GOP nomination for attorney general.

At the event to gear up for the 2017 General Assembly session, Stanley said he believes he has better name recognition than his potential competitors.

Stanley said he doesnt feel rushed to make a decision because should he choose to run, he wont start campaigning until after the session ends.

Republicans will select candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general in a June primary. Democratic Attorney General Mark Herring has said he plans to run for re-election next year.

During Thursdays panel discussion, Stanley also said constituents in his district, which supported Donald Trump, have high expectations that the Republican president will bring back manufacturing jobs and additional infrastructure to Southwest and Southside Virginia  leading to a debate about coal and Medicaid expansion.

Those people have a lot of expectations and maybe those expectations will not be fulfilled so quickly, but I think as long as they see the government finally moving in that direction and caring about them and taking steps to restore our economy to the greatness that it once was that is going to affect all of Virginia, Stanley said.

Southwest Virginia cant continue holding out hope for a coal revival, Saslaw responded. Coal jobs arent coming back, the Northern Virginia representative added.

The longtime senator recalled a conversation with Dominion Resources officials  before Barack Obama was elected president  during which they said the company had began moving away from coal and toward natural gas. During the presidential campaign, Trump often blamed increased Environmental Protection Agency regulations under the Obama administration for the coal industrys decline.

Coal is not going to save that region, Saslaw said. Were going to have to get involved.

Stanley disagreed . He also asserted that state Democrats should abandon efforts to expand Medicaid in Virginia because of Trumps election and Republican majorities in the state Senate and House of Delegates..

In 2014, state Republicans blocked Gov. Terry McAuliffes efforts to expand Medicaid by adopting the so-called Stanley amendment, named after the Franklin County senator.

The amendment stipulated McAuliffe needed General Assembly approval to appropriate the federal funding under the Affordable Care Act to expand Medicaid in Virginia.
In his first floor speech since he and Hillary Clinton lost the election, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., revived one of his signature issues Wednesday: urging Congress to authorize military force against the Islamic State terrorist group.

Since Congress declared war against the 9/11 attackers, he said, Presidents George W. Bush and Obama expanded the definition to justify using military force in 14 nations  and set a dangerous precedent for President-elect Donald Trump.

He called lawmakers unwillingness to vote on new conflicts in Syria, Turkey, Yemen and other countries the height of public immorality and disrespectful to the troops.

In the 15-minute speech, Kaine, himself the father of a Marine, paid tribute to Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott C. Dayton, of Woodbridge, whose death last week marked the first U.S. combat casualty in Syria.

We shouldnt order people into harms way to risk their lives unless theres a political consensus, Kaine said.

As Kaine shifts from running for vice president back to freshman senator, he has reprised his role as a moral guide for the body and said the time is right to take a fresh look at the war powers issue.

He urged his colleagues to review the progress of wars against terrorist organizations, redraft the 2001 authorization and reassert Congresss place in the debate.

Eighty percent of the members of Congress were not in office in the days after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and have never had an opportunity to debate the war against the Islamic State, which he noted did not exist until two years later, he said.

Despite sharing a ticket with Clinton, a former secretary of state, and being an early endorser of Obama in 2008, Kaine has split sharply with the current administration on the issue.

Of all the powers of Congress, he said, I cant think of any that are more important than the power to declare war.

After the weapons of mass destruction justification for the Iraq War dissolved under Bush, Kaine acknowledged that lawmakers may be reluctant to go on the record with votes on various conflicts. Its a backbone issue, he said in an interview after the speech.

In addition, he said, Trump and his colleagues must grapple with difficult questions about what it means to declare war against a terrorist group that doesnt follow the Geneva Conventionss war protocols.

Weve drifted as if the challenge would solve itself, he said. Its not going to.

Kaine is a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees.
Remy Cointreau (REMYF.PK), a French Wine & Spirits company, on Thursday announced the signing of an agreement for the acquisition of the assets of Westland Distillery. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The transaction is expected to close before the end of the year.

Seattle-based Westland Distillery produces American single malt whiskey, It offers a portfolio of high-end single malts, with a price range of between $70 and $125.

With this investment, Remy Cointreau plans to expand its portfolio further into the fast growing high-end single malt whisky category.

In Paris, Remy Cointreau shares were losing 2.11 percent to trade at 77.56 euros.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Editors Pick

CVS Health Corp. on Wednesday reported a hefty loss in its third quarter on charges, despite higher revenues. Adjusted earnings and revenues topped market estimates. Further, the health insurer trimmed its fiscal 2022 outlook for reported earnings, but raised adjusted earnings view in line or above analysts' estimates. In pre-market activity on the NYSE, CVS shares were gaining around 1 percent.

Elon Musk, who is now in charge of Twitter following its $44 billion acquisition, said the social media platform will charge $8 per month for a blue tick verification. In a tweet, he said, "Twitter's current lords & peasants system for who has or doesn't have a blue checkmark is bullshit. Power to the people! Blue for $8/month."

A federal judge has blocked Publisher Penguin Random House's $2.18 billion merger deal with peer Simon & Schuster citing competition concerns for author payouts, reports said. The ruling comes in favor of the U.S. Justice Department's antitrust challenge that the intended merger would unlawfully curtail competition.
Blink 182 and Arcade Fire have been added to the lineup for the upcoming Roskilde Festival 2017. They join previously announced headlining act Foo Fighters.

Also new to the lineup for Roskilde are the bands Justice, Erasure, The Lumineers, Solange and Warpaint. Jaguar Ma, Kevin Morby, Margo Price and Kano have also been added to the bill.

They join other previously announced performers Trentemller, Angel Olsen, Moderat/Modeselektor and Jenny Hval.

"Arcade Fire have spearheaded a new generation of indie rock, and they've grown tremendously in terms of both ambition and popularity since their last visit to Roskilde Festival 10 years ago," said Head of Programme Anders Wahren.

The festival will be held between June 24 and July 1 in Denmark. Tickets for the festival are currently on sale.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Entertainment News
Crude oil futures skyrocketed Thursday, after OPEC surprisingly announced a deal to curb supplies.

Although the cartel had foreshadowed the agreement, traders were skeptical OPEC would go through with it.

Russia joined the deal, the first of its kind between the Kremlin and OPEC in fifteen years.

January West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.62, or 3.3%, to settle at $51.06 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

That's the highest settlement price in six weeks.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
A bill extending existing U.S. sanctions on Iran for ten years was unanimously approved by the Senate on Thursday and is now headed to President Barack Obama's desk.

The Senate voted 99 to zero in favor of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., did not vote.

Supporters of the bill said it gives the U.S. the tools needed to hold the Iranian regime to account if the Islamic Republic violates the nuclear agreement negotiated with the Obama administration.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said the bill ensures President-elect Donald Trump has the ability to re-impose the sanctions the Obama administration lifted to implement the nuclear deal.

The White House argued the legislation is unnecessary because the president already has authority to re-impose sanctions on Iran, but it stopped short of threatening to veto the bill.

The unanimous vote in the Senate along with a 419 to 1 vote in the House last month suggests lawmakers could override any potential veto.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
ATLANTIC SKIES: Stellar asterisms  eye-catching pretenders to the constellation throne and just part of the bigger picture

Most everyone, or at least most amateur astronomers, are familiar with the constellations in the night sky to some degree. Many, however, may not be familiar with the numerous asterisms in the night sky. What is the difference between a constellation ...
By SA Commercial Prop News

Growthpoint Properties CEO Norbert Sasse said the group has launched its Central and Eastern European investment strategy with an initial 26.9% stake in Globalworth Real Estate Investment.



Growthpoint Properties, the largest South African listed REIT, has considered Romania following the group's decision to acquire 26.9% stake in Globalworth Real Estate Investment Limited as its first foray into Europe.

Its 186,4 million investment in the Romanian-based real estate developer, owner and manager, launches Growthpoints Central and Eastern European (CEE) strategy with a conservative market entry point and a growth investment platform in a transaction that it expects to be accretive to its distributions.



Globalworths 1bn property portfolio includes mostly A-grade offices, industrial properties, a residential complex, as well as developments. Its portfolio is concentrated in Bucharest, Romania, and underpinned by Euro-denominated leases with many multinational business brands.

ALSO READ: Healthcare property holds benefits for Africa



Listed on London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market, Globalworth is internally managed and led by founder Ioannis Papalekas, who has established a respected 15-year track record in all aspects of property in Romania. Mr Papalekas will continue to own 25.7% of the enlarged share capital of Globalworth.



It has taken us some time to find the right partners and expertise to create a powerful platform for high-growth CEE property investment, said Norbert Sasse, CEO of Growthpoint Properties.

We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with Globalworth as an established, high-quality, real estate business. We look forward to being part of its phenomenal growth story, to the benefit of our shareholders and investors, he said.

ALSO READ: Shareholders back Redefine-Pivotal acquisition worth R11.8 billion



Commenting on Growthpoints investment, Mr Papalekas says: We are delighted to welcome Growthpoint as a major strategic shareholder to our company. We believe that this transaction will transform our business and we look forward to working together with them towards creating one of the leading institutional real estate investors in the region.



The CEE region represents the globes 11th largest economy. It achieved 3.1% real GDP growth in 2015, nearly double that of the Euro area at 1.6%. Its growth is expected to exceed 3% over the next five years. This presents a compelling proposition compared with South Africas sub-1% growth.



The CEE regions growth is being driven by a young, skilled and cost-effective labour market, competitive industries, EU funded investment in infrastructure, greenfield foreign direct investment in manufacturing, and business process outsourcing from multinational corporations.

ALSO READ: One of Africa's Largest Shopping Mall opens its doors



There are few assets in the market that meet the firm demand for quality, investment-grade offices, explains Mr Sasse. This presents exciting development opportunities in these jurisdictions, especially as multinational corporates are committing on long-term contracts.



Growthpoints subscription for the initial 26.9% stake in Globalworth is below the mandatory offer threshold of 30%, and will be funded in Euros. In terms of the deal, Globalworth has agreed to issue Growthpoint a further 1,000,000 fully-paid up fee shares by 31 December 2017, thereby increasing Growthpoints stake in the enlarged share capital of Globalworth to 25.3 million shares or 27.7%.



The transaction is subject to the usual conditions precedent, including approvals from the South African Reserve Bank and Globalworths shareholders. Already, irrevocable commitments in favour of the transaction had been received from shareholders holding more than 75% of shares in issue.

Meanwhile, Redefine Properties, the second South African listed REIT, yesterday announced it had won an overwhelming shareholder support in its takeover of local property developer and capital growth fund Pivotal (JSE: PIV).
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New polling released Wednesday shows races for Kansas governor and attorney general remain toss-ups, as the Nov. 8 election nears.
The simple truth is this. No one in their right mind will not get excited about developments that lift the profile of our country and bring us that much closer to fulfill our potential as one of the leaders in the region.

The $140million upgrade to the Faleolo International Airport is one such development. And with the first phase already opened and now used, its easy to understand the excitement.

Any proud Samoan would be more than happy especially when we stop to consider how far weve come as a country to reach where we are now.

Perhaps this is why Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was bursting with excitement when he hailed the first phase of the project as a state-of-the-art facility.

This new departure area is equipped with modern state of the art technology for passengers, Tuilaepa told the crowd at the opening. Samoa Airport Authoritys vision is to be the Pacific hub of air travel. It is governments hope that the more new air carriers will make use of the new Faleolo facilities to push our tourism and trade transport.

Despite his excitement though, he was bothered by something.

Tuilaepa then turned his attention to the complaints about the development, in relation to members of the public questioning the cost of the project in relation to Samoas ballooning foreign debt.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa did not say whom he was referring to and in that case we offer ourselves as lambs to the slaughter. We acknowledge that some of those complaints were published on the pages of this newspaper and even this column has raised the issue more than once for the simple question that is being asked by most people.

Do we really need such an expensive facility when weve only got a few planes landing at Faleolo on a daily basis?

Now this question was obviously nagging the Prime Minister that on Wednesday he could not help himself. He said the government couldnt just sit around while there are concessional loans, which provide opportunities for developments such as the airport.

No one else will develop Samoa, we have to plan it, he said. If we are afraid of it, we will only go backwards and not move forward

Prime Minister Tuilaepa has a point. And credit must be given to his government for the foresight, wisdom and courage to push for such developments.

We would be lying though if we said we are not concerned about the state of the foreign debt. Of course we are concerned. With all these flash facilities, someone will have to pay for it. Our children, their children and their childrens children are the ones who will suffer.

Dont get us wrong. These projects are potentially sound when they are well run. But they could easily become disasters when the planning is poor and when they are built with the wrong motives.

So far all weve heard is that with the new multi-million-tala airport, Samoa is pushing to have the biggest, the best and the most impressive airport facility in the Pacific region. Which is okay but do we need to? Do airports attract tourists? Are the thousands of tourists flooding to Tahiti, Fiji and Cook Islands going there because of their airports?

We dont think so. Which is what worries us. With such an impressive facility  and mighty expensive too  it has to be commercially viable to sustain itself. Any less will mean the burden will fall on taxpayers shoulders which is the last thing we need.

In the not too distant past, we said the signing of the Air Service Agreement between Samoa and China is an exciting development for this country. Its the sort of development we want to see now with this expensive airport.

So the agreement with China is a step in the right direction. Implemented well and with a proper business plan to guide it, this has tremendous potential to benefit our people.

The reality is we need more airlines to fly to Samoa to use that airport. After all, we truly believe we have a slice of paradise that visitors would love to get a piece of.

But they need to get here first.

To do that, this country, and this government, will need to do a lot more than opening an impressive airport to bring them here. But then thats what we think anyway? What about you? Share your thoughts with us!

Have a fabulous Friday Samoa, God bless!
God has blessed Samoans with fruits of the land to provide money for our families.

So says Manogi Faasavalu, from the village of Papauta.

Although life is not a walk in the park for her, she is contented with whatever they make.

She admits that her family does struggle to make ends meet but she understands the value of her hard work.

The reason I do this is obvious, I work hard to get money for the family, Manogi told the Village Voice.

I have children to take care of and the money I make goes to paying their schooling expenses. I also work hard to deal with the very high cost of living we are currently experiencing.

I admit that my family is struggling and we have to bring these to sell so that we can make some money to survive on.

Making just a little over $100 a week, Manogi says its not enough. The hardworking mother is constantly trying to make whatever she makes stretch as much as possible.

If sales are great then I am able to make a little over $100 a week, she said.

On a very good day, I am able to make about $30 and then other days I dont make that much. I have to make that money stretch to cover as many things as possible for my family.

Even with two children holding steady jobs, Manogi says that the high cost of living makes all the money they earn nowhere near enough for everything they need.

But no matter how much they struggle, the familys one and only priority is the children.

Some families make enough to live on but for my family, we struggle, Manogi said.

We sometimes dont have enough for all our needs and sometimes we do. But our main priority is the childrens schooling.

I have two children who are currently holding jobs but to be honest, their pay isnt enough. We have many things we need money for and the little we make is just not enough.

But we still try our best to make it work.
New Zealand High Commissioner, Jackie Frizelle, took time out of her busy schedule this week to talk to the Clinical medical students of the Faculty of Medicine (F.O.M) at the National University of Samoa.

This was part of the F.O.Ms Health and Well being class which supports clinical students in their medical education.

The class addresses issues like time management, managing stress, handling conflict, issues of professionalism and even leadership ensuring that the future graduates of the F.O.M are not only excellent, competent and safe doctors but also good leaders who are people and community-centered.

Ms. Frizelle shared some life experiences including her journey throughout her career as well as offered advice on qualities a good leader should strive for.

She encouraged the students to work hard and be bold and innovative in their future profession to improve the health outcomes of the people of Samoa, and not to be afraid to speak out for those who could not speak for themselves.

She also shared she would be leaving Samoa soon and Samoa would always hold a special place in her heart.

The students were indeed inspired and honoured to have Ms. Frizelle spend the afternoon with them.
Samoa joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Aids Day yesterday.

In doing so, a moment of silence was observed for people who have passed on and those who are still living survivors of the HIV/Aids virus.

The formalities kicked off with a candle light ceremony at the Black Sand Beach at Vaisigano.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was among many of the leaders at the event where the Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Tuitama delivered the keynote address.

Tuitama said World Aids Day was commemorated in 1990 and when it was found that HIV existed on these shores, it came as a surprise.

During that time, there was lack of resources and the treatment was not available here. There were also not enough awareness programmes about it.

Fast-forward to today; Tuitama said HIV/AIDs can be prevented if everyone works together. He said the Ministry of Health as well as the HIV Aids organization are carrying out awareness programmes to educate families, village members, churches and the community on how to prevent the disease from spreading.

So far, 24 members of the public in Samoa have been found with the HIV virus. Thirteen of them have passed away with 11 remaining.

Tuitama said as a country, we should stand together to support people living with the virus instead of pointing fingers at them. He also encouraged members of the public to get themselves tested.
Vailuutai Primary School has become the latest addition to Japans growing list of schools to receive funding under Japans Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project.

An official signing ceremony took place at the Embassy office yesterday between Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, Tuimaugaoalii Kazumasa Shibuta and the President of Vailuutai Primary School, Togia Afasene.

The committee received a grant of US$123,028 (T$28,2964) to fund the reconstruction of the school hall, construction of 86 new desks and chairs and necessary repair to 10 classrooms such as tiling, repainting of ceilings and walls, replace of broken louvre windows and light fittings.

Tuimaugaoalii said his government is very keen and committed to assist all sectors of development identified in the Strategy of Development of Samoa.

Education is a priority in key areas needed for improvement in Strategy Development of Samoa (SDS) hence, Japan is keen and committed to assist in achieving its ultimate goals, Tuimaugaolii said.

In addition, he hoped the grant would help create more comfortable learning environment for the children of Vailuutai.

Japans Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects aims to support small-scale projects directly benefitting the grassroots level as well as contributing to the socio-economic development of Samoa.
Tonight is the night.

After the long weeks of practice and preparations, the region will finally know who will be the new Miss Pacific Islands after the grand finale at Tuanaimato.

Ahead of their big night,the reigning Miss Pacific Islands 2015-2016 Abigail Havora and the eight contestants vying for crowned were treated to a special dinner on Wednesday night.

Held at the Taumeasina Island Resort, the dinner was organized by the Chairman of the Pageant who is also the Minister of Tourism, Sala Fata Pinati.

The special guests included the Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the business community and officials from across the Pacific.

It was an opportunity for the Prime Minister to officially welcome the contestants to beautiful Samoa and to wish them all the best for the pageant tonight.

Tuilaepa reminded the girls that being an Ambassador of a country comes with a lot of roles and responsibilities. Therefore, he encouraged the contestants to enjoy the opportunity to promote their countries to the world.
Oil ministers at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed to cut production of crude for the first time in eight years Wednesday, a move that may produce ripple effects from global financial markets to the U.S. economy and all the way to the corner gas station.

I think it is a good day for the oil markets, it is a good day for the industry and ... it should be a good day for the global economy, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih told reporters after the announcement was made at OPEC headquarters in Vienna, Austria. I think it will be a boost to global economic growth.

Under the plan, the cartel will cut production by roughly 1.2 million barrels a day. OPECs dominant member, Saudi Arabia, will absorb the biggest hit by cutting nearly 500,000 barrels a day.

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The deal also extends to some non-OPEC countries such as Russia, which is slated to reduce production by 300,000 barrels a day.

But the agreement is a tenuous one.

The longstanding rivalry between the Saudis and Iran, a country looking to boost its revenue from oil after years of international sanctions, nearly derailed Wednesdays meeting and the agreement with non-OPEC countries wont be formally addressed until a meeting on Dec. 9.

Analysts at Barclays expressed skepticism about the deal, sending out a report titled Show me the cuts and describing its outlook as Too good to be true.

Nonetheless, oil prices surged within moments of initial reports of a deal being struck.

At the close of trading Wednesday, the price of Brent crude  the benchmark price for global oil  was up $4.09, finishing at $50.47 a barrel.

West Texas Intermediate  the recognized price for most North American producers  closed at $49.44 a barrel, a one-day jump of $4.21.

The last time OPEC countries cut production was in December 2008 when the price of Brent crude was trading at $40 a barrel.

Todays projected cut comes as oil prices have experienced a sustained two-year slide. In November 2014 OPEC surprised energy analysts by keeping production levels high, instead of cutting supplies to bolster prices.

Prices plunged from more than $100 a barrel in the summer of 2014 to as low as $26 a barrel in February of this year.

The price drop has been good news for motorists, as gasoline prices have remained low, but it proved disastrous for many OPEC countries that depend on oil revenue to keep their economies afloat.

North American producers also suffered, reversing the many of the gains they made in shale oil formations in recent years, resulting in an estimated 200,000 layoffs and dozens of bankruptcies that affected the larger U.S. economy.

I would argue one of the reasons we have reported very sluggish economic growth over the last two years is because of the drop in the investment in oil and gas companies, said Bernard Weinstein, associate director of the Maguire Energy Institute at Southern Methodist University..

In California, for example, the number of active oil rigs plummeted from 44 in the fall of 2014 to just four earlier this year, according to the oilfield services company Baker Hughes. Thats the lowest number for the state since Baker Hughes began compiling figures in 1992. The November rig count for the state stands at six.

OPEC controls about one-third of the worlds oil supply and a number of energy analysts on Wednesday said they expect prices to reach the $55 to $60 dollar per barrel range in fairly short order.

Most of the shale guys would be very happy at 55-60, said Weinstein. Thats because during the downturn, many U.S. producers proved very resilient, finding cheaper and more efficient ways to extract oil and gas.

As for producers in Kern County, the heart of Californias Oil Patch, Chris Hall, president of Drilling & Production Co., said prices in the mid-50s would certainly help.

Thats sort of the survival rate in California, Hall said. That gives people enough money to not just keep things running but to do deferred maintenance and repairs (but) its not enough to invest and do projects.

Halls company is one of the smaller mom and pop operations in the Kern County, producing about 200 barrels a day.

Like the analysts at Barclays, Hall said he was waiting to see if the OPEC deal will hold up.

Im happy for the immediate benefit that it brings and it will help pay bills we have immediately in front us but Im not going to hold my breath on it because Ive seen these things fall apart before, Hall said.

Gasoline prices generally run in parallel to oil prices so an uptick in crude will almost certainly mean that motorists will pay more at the pump. But Weinstein predicted the increase may be muted.

Right now weve got huge inventories of gasoline and diesel, Weinstein said. And youre going into the winter season where people tend to drive less  We may see a 5 to 10-cent increase over the next week or so but I think gasoline and diesel will remain relatively inexpensive at least until next spring.

Bob Poole, a vice president for the Western States Petroleum Association, said California consumes about 50 million gallons of gasoline each day.

The state also consumes about 2 million barrels of oil per day, with about 52 percent coming from overseas.

The more opportunities California has to produce its own oil, the more we can reduce those imports, Poole said.

rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski

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Celebrity adds a premium to most properties and Santa Claus North Pole residence is no exception.

Zillow, the online real estate website, reported Wednesday in a bit of holiday fun (fake) news, that Santas 2,500-square-foot historic house, is worth $656,957, thanks to a 78 percent Santa Premium.

It was said to have been built in 1822 and remodeled in 2013. It sits on 25 acres and includes a a toy workshop, sleigh parking garage and reindeer stables,

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With the holidays coming up, we actually saw Santa had claimed his home on Zillow, said Jeremy Wacksman, chief marketing officer.

Of course, we mere mortals cant see Santas manse on Google Maps. Just a lot of Arctic ice and sea at the top of the world.

To arrive at a reasonable market value, Zillow applied other factors, including a 78 percent upward adjustment to the base value of $369,076. That percentage was based on that percentage of the public who say Christmas is their favorite holiday. This is Zillows first estimate of Santas house.

Some of the ho-ho-ho hype in the listing: idyllic acres, gorgeous old-growth lumber,  a bakers dream of a gourmet kitchen and two charming guest rooms.

Cuddle close to the wood-burning stove in the queen suite, the listing says. Or bunk up in the cozy loft. The more the merrier.

The toy workshop has room for 50 diminutive craftsmen and the stables can board eight reindeer plus a bonus stall for red-nosed company.

The property took a big jump in value in 2013, according to Zillow, when a Claus remodel added $181,000 to the value that year of $445,000 in value, Zillow said.

The base value, minus the Santa Premium, seems about right when looking at a similar property in Barrow, Alaska  a three-bedroom, two-bath, 4,160-square-foot house, for sale for $395,000. It sits on only a quarter-acre lot but then it isnt surrounded by sea ice.

If the Claus family relocated to San Diego County, they might want to check out something comparable for sale  Barney Murphys 2,800-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-bath house on an 80-acre cattle ranch in Julian. It was originally built in 1890 with 900 square feet on a much larger property and now is accompanied by four other properties occupied by a caretaker and tenants.

The asking price is $4.5 million, although Zillow estimates the value of the principal house on 11 acres at $873,223.

Most people liked it, Murphy said of would-be buyers. But they dont want to turn it into a B&B.

One Denver prospect said hed raise marijuana on the property. Others talked about growing organic vegetables or Christmas trees.

Murphy, 74, said he grows Black Angus cattle but wants to sell it since hes building another ranch in Prescott, Ariz.

The original core building, bought by his stepfather in 1949, has since been expanded.

Its just about the best redwood and pine you can buy, not a knot in it, he said of the original structure.

Heather Slayter, an agent with Windermere Homes & Estates in Scripps Ranch, represents Murphy. After looking at Santas house, she said the property exhibits the same rustic feel.

Its the perfect thing when you think about winter, because it gets snow there, she said.

roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley
The city of San Diego has been sued for the second time in almost three months over a 2 percent tourism marketing levy that hotel guests have paid for the last several years.

The class-action complaint, which was filed last week, not only seeks to bar the city from continuing to levy the fee but also asks for the repayment of funds paid by hotel customers over a more than 3 1/2-year period. That sum, while not named in the suit, could total well over $100 million.

The premise of the suit and another filed in September by Irvine attorney John McClendon is that the tourism levy approved by the city and voted on by the citys hotel owners is illegal because it is a tax, which requires voter approval under the state constitution.

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The millions of dollars collected by the city since the tourism levy went into effect in 2008 is administered by a hotelier-run Tourism Marketing District, which doles out funds for the purpose of promoting San Diego as a tourist destination.

The citys retention of its ill-gotten gains would result in the unjust enrichment of the city at the expense of plaintiff and the class members, attorney Ronald Marron says in his suit, calling the tourism fee an unlawful hidden hotel tax.

In addition to seeking a prohibition of any further tourism assessment collections, Marrons suit also asks for an order that would block any more expenditures of TMD revenues.

Over the last three fiscal years beginning in mid-2013 through the middle of this year, the citys tourism assessment collections approached $101 million.

The suit also questions whether the city is meeting its obligation to levy no more than what is necessary to cover the costs of marketing the city. The benefits to the participating hotels, the suit says, are measured by a flawed return-on-investment (ROI) calculation that is based on speculation, conjecture, estimations, and misleading statistics.

The city and Tourism Marketing District believed its legal woes had ended in September when a Superior Court judge dismissed a long-running suit filed by San Diego attorney Cory Briggs challenging the legality of the tourism marketing levy.

The dismissal came shortly after the San Diego City Council voted to eliminate the tourism surcharge for all small lodging businesses and home-sharing rentals under 70 rooms. That change paved the way for a dismissal of the Briggs suit.

The four-year-long legal battle with Briggs cost the marketing district more than $2.5 million in legal fees.

Marron is a class-action attorney who has pursued a wide variety of cases, going after insurance companies, mortgage brokers, food businesses and others. The suit names as a plaintiff a Pleasant Hill woman who has stayed at several San Diego hotels and is meant to represent a class of affected hotel guests.

As for the next step in the legal process, Marron said Wednesday that his client would prefer to discuss the issues presented in the complaint with city representatives and see if we can work towards an amicable resolution.

He added that he is aware of previous litigation on the issue, which he said created some some animus, which my client and I hope to avoid.

Briggs, who represented San Diegans for Open Government in his suit, declined to comment on the substance of the Marron filing. At the time of the dismissal of his case, he claimed victory, saying his litigation forced a change in the structure of the marketing district that exempted small lodging operators.

He noted Wednesday that his client had agreed in mediation to settle his suit in a way that would have immunized San Diego from further litigation on the tourism levy by validating the TMD levy as a legal assessment.

His understanding, he said, was that the marketing district attorney was not interested.

I cannot fathom why they would have turned down a settlement that would not have cost them one penny more and would have provided them with insurance against both lawsuits, Briggs said.

Briggs is still seeking attorney fees, and a hearing will be held to settle that issue.

Tourism Marketing District board chairman Bill Evans, a San Diego hotelier, declined Wednesday to comment on the Marron suit.

San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith also would not comment, saying only that his office is currently reviewing the complaint.

After voting to renew the Tourism Marketing District in 2012, the City Council the following year agreed to hold back a total of $30 million in assessment revenue over the next several years to protect its general fund in case legal challenges forced the money to be returned to guests.

That litigation reserve is now up to $29 million and by fiscal year 2018, it will reach the required $30 million. That reserve, though, represents a fraction of what the lawsuits are seeking.

lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-2251

Twitter: @loriweisberg
Kings of beer

In the post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas interlude, I need something to rev up my turkey sandwiches, casseroles and tetrazzinis. Just in time, Grandpa Tractor (5 percent alcohol by volume) rumbled onto the scene, adding a breath of fresh barley-scented air to the latest round of leftovers.

This Dortmunder-style export lager is named in honor of a certain developer whose son is co-founder of Costa Mesas Barley Forge Brewing. If the beer reflects the mans personality, hes refreshingly straight-forward, mildly spicy with a firm backbone. Another quality: deliciousness, thanks to fresh-baked bread flavors that emerge from a hefty scoop of Pilsner malts.

This weeks King, Grandpa Tractor, bulldozes aside Stones Ripper (5.7 percent), a pale ale with tropical shadings. Both beers are great everyday offerings, Tractor appealing to malt maniacs, Ripper to hop heads.

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Best of the week, local

Funny thing happened on the way to Cellar 3  a comedy show broke out.

Friday at 7:30 p.m., Green Flashs barrel-aging facility in Poway will host the comedians of Finest City Improv. The show, broken into two 45-minute sessions, will include an absurdly revealing interview with barrelmaster Pat Korn, skits, games and a smattering of audience participation.

Admission is $15. Food and beer will be sold separately, the former from the Up in Smoke Food Truck, the latter from the taps of Cellar 3.

Cellar 3 is at 12260 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway.

Toys R Us Breweries

Many beer drinkers have Santa-esque bodies  and hearts. Eight San Diego breweries are engaged in a Voices for Children toy drive, collecting gifts for foster children.

Interested? Bring new or gently used toys to AleSmith, 9990 AleSmith Court; Coronado Brewing, 1205 Knoxville St.; Eppig, 3052 El Cajon Blvd.; or Mike Hess, 4893 Voltaire St.

Also to Monkey Paw, 805 16th St; North Park Beer, 3038 University Ave; South Park Brewing, 1517 30th St.; or Thirty-Two North, 8655 Production Ave.

Financial donations are also being accepted at speakupnow.org.

Intangible Belgians?

Is the United Nations heritage body in sync with the beer geeks of the world? Well soon find out, as UNESCO is considering a proposal to add Belgiums beers and its drinking culture to its list of intangible cultural heritages.

This week, a UNESCO committee is scheduled to vote on this proposal. While Belgium has fewer breweries than Southern California, this nation is to beer what France is to wine  the land where many styles were created and standards set.

Oddly enough, the U.N.s list of intangibles includes Arabic coffee, Mongolias coaxing ritual for camels and the smoke saunas of Estonia, but does not include French wines.

Also absent: anything from the United States. Anyone care to nominate North Countys Hops Highway?

Sudsy Santa goes shopping

Have any holiday beer shopping tips? Send them here and Ill list them before the Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa/New Years season ends.

For instance: Sam Turner, loyal reader and sharp shopper, alerted me to a great deal at Trader Joes. The Samuel Smith holiday gift box includes three beers  India Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout and Organic Chocolate Stout  pint glass and coaster from the historic British brewery. Price? $9.99.

Email your festive finds to peter.rowe@sduniontribune.com. And hurry  those stockings may be hung with care, but they arent going to fill themselves!

Did you know

King Wenceslas, famed for his star turn in a Christmas carol and his passion for hops, was Bohemian. He was not, as reported here last week, Bavarian. I regret the error, which was deep if not crisp or even.

Beer Videos

Twitter: @peterroweut

peter.rowe@sduniontribune.com
North Park welcomes neighboring communities on Saturday to the 53th annual North Park Toyland Parade & Festival. Cheer on marching bands, dance groups, vintage cars, beauty queens and dignitaries as they glide down the parade route. This years grand marshal is Ronald McDonald. Santa Claus, who will close out the parade, will arrive atop a merry red fire engine. The festivities continue from noon to 3 p.m. at the festival located behind North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. There will be stage performances, Christmas music, a kids fun zone and Santa. All-day parking will be available at the North Park parking garage for $1.

North Park Toyland Parade & Festival: 11 a.m. Saturday. University Avenue between Utah and Iowa streets. Free admission. northparktoylandparade.com

carolina.gusman@sduniontribune.com
California health officials on Thursday confirmed the states first death of this years influenza season and reminded everyone to get a flu shot before more people get sick.

As this unfortunate case illustrates, the flu can be deadly and causes thousands of fatalities each year in the United States, said Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health. Fortunately, people can get vaccinated to help keep them from getting sick and spreading the flu to others.

The death reported Thursday was a middle-aged man in the northern part of Los Angeles County.

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The state collects data only on Californians under 65, so the total flu mortality numbers are much higher, officials say. (Between 80% and 90% of flu deaths are typically people 65 and older, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Last season, 120 Californians younger than 65 died of the flu, compared with 78 during the previous season.

Flu season runs from October through May and typically peaks in February.

Though theres been only one death in California so far, 11 people who came down with the flu have ended up in hospital intensive care units since October, officials said.

Health officials recommend the flu vaccine for everyone over 6 months old, including pregnant women. Officials say its never too late to get a flu shot, though it takes about two weeks to take effect.

This year, officials no longer are recommending the nasal spray flu vaccine because it hasnt worked in the past. Children must get the shot instead of the spray.

Though some healthy people may not worry about getting the flu, officials say they should still get the shot so they dont spread the illness to someone who might not recover as quickly.

Last season, the deaths of at least 85 children nationwide were flu-related, and in half of those cases, no other contributing illness made them more susceptible.

soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter: @skarlamangla
After she was freed from weeks of captivity, Redding mother Sherri Papini screamed for help so hard she coughed up blood, her husband said.

In his first interview since his wife was found on the side of Interstate 5 in Yolo County on Thanksgiving morning, Keith Papini told ABCs 20/20 that his wife was constantly chained to objects so she couldnt escape and tried desperately to stop passing cars once she was free.

She screamed so much, shes coughing up blood from the screaming trying to get somebody to stop, Papini said in the interview scheduled to air Friday. And again just another sign of how my wife is, shes so wonderful. Shes saying, Well maybe people arent stopping because I have a chain that looks like I broke out of prison, so she tried to tuck in her chain under her clothes.

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Bruised, emaciated and unsure of where she was, Papini still had a chain around her waist when she managed to successfully flag down a driver. Her hair had been cut off, she had been branded with a message, and her nose was broken, her husband and Shasta County sheriffs officials said.

Papini disappeared Nov. 2 while she was out for a jog in the small town of Mountain Gate in Shasta County.

Her husband reported her missing after he came home from work and found that she hadnt picked up their children from daycare, officials said. Her cellphone and headphones were found near where she had last been seen, about a mile from her home, investigators said.

Authorities are looking for two women believed to be responsible for the abduction. They couldnt determine where Papini had been held the three weeks she was gone or if she had been moved during that time.

Her kidnappers covered their faces and usually had a bag over Papinis head, her husband said. The women freed her by simply kicking her out of their car on the side of the road, he told ABC.

She was chained anytime she was in the vehicle, he said. They opened the door, she doesnt know [where] because shes got a bag over her head. They cut something to free her restraint that was holding her in the vehicle, and then kind of pushed her out of the vehicle.

In an interview with KOBI-TV, the driver who found Papini described the strange scene.

I see this blonde woman waving what looks like a brown flannel shirt up and down desperately trying to flag someone down, Alison Sutton said. I could have hit her because she was so close to the side of the road.

Papinis chain was about a quarter-inch thick and her wrists were restrained with hose clamps, an officer told police dispatchers. She was found before sunrise about 150 miles from her home. The mother of two was treated for injuries and reunited with her husband.

Officials said they were not aware of a motive for the apparent kidnapping. Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko also said it was not clear whether Papini knew her abductors.

Keith Papini released a statement this week saying his wife was found with bruises ranging from yellow to black because of repeated beatings and that the bridge of her nose had been broken.

In an interview with Good Morning America that aired Wednesday morning, Bosenko said Sherri Papinis hair had been cut off and she had been branded.

I would think that was some sort of either an exertion of power and control and/or maybe some type of message that the brand contained, Bosenko said. It is not a symbol, but it was a message.

Papini described her captors as two women who spoke Spanish most of the time, Bosenko said. She described one of the captors as having long curly hair, pierced ears, thin eyebrows and a thick accent. The second captor was described as being older, with thick eyebrows and straight black hair with some gray.

Deputies are working with a sketch artist to see if they could create renderings, but only the eyes would likely be shown, Bosenko said.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.
An El Cajon doctor pleaded guilty Tuesday to seven counts of distributing addictive painkillers without a legitimate medical purpose, admitting he did so in exchange for sex with two patients, according to his plea agreement.

Naga Raja Thota, 62, an anesthesiologist who ran a pain-management center on Navajo Road, admitted illegally providing 870 oxycodone pills and 300 hydrocodone pills to a woman referred to only by the initials of J.S., the plea states. He prescribed the pills in 2013 in the name of her father, her brother and a friend.

Thota also admitted engaging in a sexual relationship with the 25-year-old J.S. and another patient in 2013 and 2014.

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According to the complaint, Thota was accused of prescribing J.S. drugs 33 times during their yearlong relationship. He was also accused of exchanging several text messages with J.S., some of them sexually explicit.

Thota at times showed resistance, texting her at one point, No babe no meds please when she requested a prescription in her brothers name. Another time he voiced concern that hed lose his medical license.

Agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration interviewed J.S. in December 2014 after shed been arrested on suspicion of prescription fraud. She claimed Thota was flirty and unprofessional during her first exam and later asked her out.

She said he changed her prescriptions to the more addictive painkillers.

The complaint also alleged Thota had sexual relationships with two other patients. One of them told investigators that he sent her lavish gifts, including diamonds, perfume and a MacBook computer. She claimed Thota would drive her to different pharmacies to fill various prescriptions. Thota was arrested on Aug. 31.

Thota was interviewed in 2012 by the Los Angeles Times. A Times series on prescription drug deaths cited coroners records showing that from 2005 to 2012, at least 15 people died of overdoses after Thota prescribed drugs for them.

He told the Times that he was not surprised and that he suspected the number might be higher because some patients probably sell the drugs on the street. He said he welcomed the challenge of caring for patients in chronic pain, even the addicts.

Somebody has to take care of these people, he told the Times, and I am the chosen one.

Thotas medical license was placed on probation in March, and suspended in September.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
A state appellate court has ruled that UC San Diego had the right to suspend a student who had been accused of sexual misconduct by another student who had agreed to consensual sex with him on another occasion.

The ruling issued by the Fourth Appellate District Division One Court in San Diego found an investigation panel at the school had ample evidence to support the one-year suspension ordered against a male student known in the lawsuit as John Doe. The court also disagreed with the students claim that the process was unfair, although judges did write that the system was not perfect.

The students attorney, Mark Hathaway, said his client intends to file an appeal to the state Supreme Court and possibly the U.S. Supreme Court.

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In a statement released following the decision, UC San Diego said, The University of California is committed to ensuring that all of its students  both victims of sexual misconduct and those accused of it  are treated fairly and have an equal opportunity to obtain a university education.

The statement also said the university will continue to study this decision and other developments in this area to identify procedures that protect the rights of all students to obtain a university education.

The case involved an incident in February of 2014, when Doe was an undergraduate. He since has graduated, but the university has held onto his degree during the suspension and the pending litigation.

According to the lawsuit, Doe was 20 and the female student was 19 when the two had sex after a night of heavy drinking at a party on Jan. 31, 2014. Doe made physical advances on her the next morning, Feb. 1, but stopped after the other student repeatedly told him to leave her alone.

The two had consensual sex in her apartment the following night, but they later had a falling out, according to the lawsuit and the universitys review. (The female student subsequently told university investigators that Doe pressured her to have sex during that encounter.)

Four months later, the female student filed a complaint about Does behavior on Feb. 1. Doe denied the incident at an administrative resolution meeting, then appeared before a student conduct review panel, which recommended the school suspend him for a quarter.

A dean increased the suspension to one year, and the penalty was increased to a year and a quarter after Does attorney filed an appeal to a panel of provosts.

Hathaway, Does attorney, argued the increased penalty was to discourage other students from appealing decisions about sexual misconduct, and he said his client was denied due process because he wasnt allowed to ask certain questions during his hearing.

In April 2015, Superior Court Judge Joel Pressman ruled that UC San Diegos disciplinary action was unfair and not supported by evidence. The UC Regents appealed the decision, arguing that the panels decision to suspend Doe was supported by substantial evidence and the hearing did not deny him due process.

The appellate court sided with the Regents on those counts.

We acknowledge that UCSDs procedures were not perfect and we have some concerns, but on the record before us, we cannot conclude the process was unfair, wrote Judges Joan Irion, Gilbert Nares and Richard Huffman.

Writing about the background of the case, the judges noted that the female student had told Doe at the start of their relationship that she was a virgin and was waiting to have sex until she was married. She had testified that she blacked out after the Jan. 31 party and only realized she had had sex the next morning because she was sore.

Hathaway said the court decision shows that accusations alone are sufficient to suspend a student from the University of California.

In their decision, the judges noted that the female student gave a detail description about what happened the morning of Feb. 1 while being questioned, but Doe only answered some questions and evoked his Fifth Amendment right to not answer others.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
American leadership in the Catholic church lay low during the presidential election but San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy is now making clear that if President-elect Donald Trump makes good on campaign promises of mass deportations of unauthorized immigrants, the church is prepared to take massive action.

During the past months the specter of a massive deportation campaign aimed at ripping more than 10 million undocumented immigrants from their lives and families has realistically emerged as potential federal policy, McElroy said.

We must label this policy proposal for what it is  an act of injustice which would stain our national honor in the same manner as the progressive dispossessions of the Native American peoples of the United States and the interment of the Japanese during World War II, he said.

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There are an estimated 81 million self-identified Roman Catholics in the U.S., about 25 percent of the population. McElroy said mass deportations could remove more than 10 percent of parishioners from U.S. churches.

McElroy emphasized that he hopes Trumps administration will take a more limited approach to immigration enforcement, and he said the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is having conversations with the Trump transition team to that effect. Early pronouncements from the transition team have focused on criminal elements, not the broader unauthorized immigrant population.

McElroy said Trumps decision on whether to preserve President Barack Obamas executive action deferring deportation for childhood arrivals to the country will be an indicator for future immigration policies.

When asked how to calm the fears of unauthorized immigrants, McElroy said, I have fear, too. I think thats one of the problems. As we speak with the undocumented community, we cant give a false sense of serenity. Our only hope is to say were going to stand together.

McElroy would not say whether churches would act as sanctuaries, but said it would have to be considered.

The churchs positions on government policies do not align neatly with any political party. While the church is against abortion, which tends to be a platform of conservative candidates, the church also takes a more liberal stance on issues relating to the environment, poverty and immigration.

For Allan Figueroa Deck, a theological scholar from Loyola Marymount University, who presented at a recent forum on immigration at the University of San Diego, being against abortion and for immigration reform are not at odds with each other. He said immigration is a pro-life issue.

Deporting someone to a country where they might die because of the conditions there is akin to driving someone to an abortion clinic, Deck said.

He said the church should push for inclusiveness and understanding over rigid rules going forward.

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church worldwide, made a splash in the U.S. campaign in February, when he told reporters, A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian. This is not the gospel.

Trump, who has pledged to make Mexico pay for a wall along the U.S. border, responded: No leader, especially a religious leader, should have the right to question another mans religion or faith. They are using the Pope as a pawn and they should be ashamed of themselves for doing so, especially when so many lives are involved and when illegal immigration is so rampant.

The day after the election, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement, We will advocate for policies that offer opportunity to all people, of all faiths, in all walks of life. We are firm in our resolve that our brothers and sisters who are migrants and refugees can be humanely welcomed without sacrificing our security.

Its not the first time the Catholic church has become involved in U.S. immigration policy.

In 2003, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released a policy statement calling for immigration reform that would include a path to legalization, a worker program, family reunification and actions to address issues such as poverty that create incentives for migrants.

In 2006, Los Angeles-based Cardinal Roger Mahony announced that if a bill passed Congress that made helping an unauthorized immigrant a crime, he would tell priests and parishioners to break the law.

As a non-profit organization, the Catholic church cannot endorse specific candidates, but it can push the executive branch, and to some extent the legislative branch, on policy decisions.

In San Diego and Tijuana, Catholic organizations work to help refugees and immigrants. Catholic Charities is one of four refugee resettlement agencies in the county. It also helps asylum seekers and other migrants with food and housing. The Casa del Migrante, run by the Rev. Patrick Murphy, is a shelter for the recently deported as well as migrants waiting their turn to enter the U.S.

At the University of San Diegos immigration forum, one attendee questioned why the Catholic church had been mostly silent prior to the election and was speaking up now.

McElroy said the situation is different now that the church isnt having to balance the competing political principles relating to abortion and immigration. He spoke strongly against mass deportations, likening the idea to the Trail of Tears for Native Americans in the 1830s.

The church can never acquiesce in or cooperate with such a grave evil in our society, McElroy said.

All of the steps in the Civil Rights campaign will have to be enlisted if were facing a true massive deportation that tears apart families, he said, referring to priests and nuns who joined activists in acts of civil disobedience. I hope we wont get back to those days. If thats the decision, were going to have to entertain those modes of operation.

Catholic priests and nuns marched with Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, according to Jeffrey Burns, director of the Harpst Center for Catholic Thought and Culture at University of San Diego.

That was the most visual Catholic endorsement of the civil rights movement, Burns said.

He said the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops got involved in 1958 by releasing a statement in support of equal rights regardless of race.

The issue was not just a social issue but a moral issue, Burns said. They redefined the whole struggle based on human rights and not just what was socially normative.

He said the Catholic church was also heavily involved in the farm workers movement with Cesar Chavez, and that some parishes had acted as sanctuaries for those who avoided the draft during the Vietnam War as well as for refugees from civil wars in Central America.

Not all Catholics were supportive of the different movements with which the church officially aligned, Burns said.

On the highest level, you had support for it, but you could also have push back on the local level among the parishioners, Burns explained. Not everyone was on board with what the church was pushing. I think the same will be true now.

The website Catholics4Trump encouraged Catholics to be supportive of Trumps immigration proposals, and to oppose Democrat Hillary Clinton.

This is the most critical presidential election in the history of the United States. Hillary Clinton, a corrupt, radical pro-abortion, anti-Christian career politician threatens to change the face of America forever, the website says in its About us section. She will restrict religious speech and persecute Christians who refuse to support her radical social agenda. She will promote illegal immigration and allow millions of unvetted illegal immigrants into our country. The illegal population will vote Democrat far into the future so that no conservative can have a viable chance to be elected president. All Catholics have a moral obligation to vote for the only viable alternative to Hillary Clinton in this election: Donald Trump.

The websites editor did not respond to requests for an interview for this story.

Bulletins for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Old Town contained similar warnings about Clinton.

During a question-and-answer session at the University of San Diego immigration forum, one woman who identified herself as a theologian worried about the Catholics who had voted for Trump. Since the Pope had declared it a sin to hurt the environment and contribute to climate change, she asked, didnt that make it a sin to vote for Trump, especially when Trumps stance on immigration was also factored in? She suggested requiring penance from Catholic Trump supporters.

Pope Franciss voice doesnt seem to have mattered, she said. Nothing seems to have mattered.

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate
Sherri Papinis husband may have compromised the investigation into her kidnapping when he released details of her time in captivity to the media without notifying law enforcement, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said Wednesday.

I did not know he was going to release this until a short time before I did a media interview, Bosenko said at a news conference. Yes, I think with some of the details he has provided it could affect the integrity of the investigation.

Keith Papini released a statement this week stating that his wife was found on the side of a road beaten, chained, with a bag over her head and weighing only 87 pounds.

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My first sight was my wife in a hospital bed, her face covered in bruises ranging from yellow to black because of repeated beatings, the bridge of her nose broken, he wrote.

In an interview with Good Morning America that aired Wednesday morning, Bosenko added that Sherri Papinis hair had been cut off and she had been branded.

I would think that was some sort of either an exertion of power and control and/or maybe some type of message that the brand contained, Bosenko said. It is not a symbol, but it was a message.

Shasta County Sheriffs major crimes investigators have interviewed Sherri Papini over the last two days, Bosenko said.

She was cooperative and courageous and did her best to provide a description of her captors, he said.

Papini described her captors as two women who spoke Spanish most of the time, Bosenko said. She described one of the captors as having long curly hair, pierced ears, thin eyebrows and a thick accent. The second captor was described as being older, having straight black hair with some gray and thick eyebrows.

Deputies are working with a sketch artist to see if they could create renderings, but only the eyes would likely be shown, Bosenko said. The women had their faces covered much of the time, as did Papini, he said.

The women were driving a dark-colored SUV and had a handgun when they kidnapped Papini, Bosenko said. But when detectives showed her images of SUVs seen on cameras in the area the time of her capture, she told authorities none of them were familiar.

Theres still a lot of unknown about her assailants. However, we commend Sherri for her efforts to sit down with detectives and provide statements, he said.

The 34-year-old woman was found bound by restraints along Interstate 5 in Yolo County. Officials were called about 4:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving after Papini flagged down a motorist. The mother of two was treated for injuries and reunited with her husband.

Officials said they were not aware of a motive for the apparent kidnapping. Bosenko also said it was not clear whether Papini knew her abductors.

Before Papini was found, police had filed about 20 search warrants in court related to the investigation. Many were filed under seal, the Sacramento Bee reported. ABC reported that detectives were also looking through Papinis computer records, investigating past relationships and seeking video surveillance camera footage that might offer clues.

Papini disappeared Nov. 2 while she was out for a jog in the small town of Mountain Gate in Shasta County.

Her husband reported her missing after he came home from work and found that she hadnt picked up their children from daycare. Her cellphone and headphones were found near where she had last been seen, about a mile from her home, investigators said.

Her disappearance made national news, and the community launched an aggressive manhunt to find her. Her story was shared on social media and volunteer searches were launched.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

Staff writer Esmeralda Bermudez contributed to this report.
A stolen vehicle chop shop operated by undercover detectives for nearly a year in Lemon Grove led to the indictments of 42 people suspected of auto theft and gun and drug sales, authorities announced Thursday.

Thirty-two defendants have been arrested, most during an early-morning sweep Wednesday throughout San Diego County, Chief Deputy District Attorney Summer Stephan said at a news conference in downtown San Diego. The raids were aided by more than 200 law enforcement officers who used Qualcomm Stadium as a processing point for the large number of arrestees.

Ten defendants remain at-large.

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The undercover investigation, led by the California Highway Patrols Regional Auto Theft Task Force and dubbed Operation Kwik Boost, began in January after authorities noticed an uptick in auto thefts in the East County, said CHP Capt. Don Goodbrand, task force commander.

The task force detectives set up an undercover storefront in Lemon Grove, where car thieves would bring by stolen vehicles and sell them to the detectives to be broken up into smaller parts.

Except the cars didnt get chopped. The detectives held onto the stolen vehicles for about a week or so to keep up appearances, then returned them to their rightful owners.

Investigators were able to seize 117 stolen vehicles valued at $1.3 million.

California Highway Patrol Capt. Don Goodbrand, head of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, talks about Operation Kwik Boost, a nearly yearlong effort targeting stolen vehicle thieves. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune )

While some people see auto theft as a property crime only, dozens of these vehicles were stolen from families that did not have insurance to replace the vehicles, Goodbrand said. And these were their only vehicles, their sole method of transportation to get their kids to and from school, to work and run their daily errands.

To be able to recover these vehicles and return them to their rightful owners was especially rewarding to myself and my staff, he said.

Authorities said during the course of the operation, they identified about 10 different auto theft rings, most of which targeted vehicles in the East County and South Bay.

Even though there wasnt one central hierarchy, many of the thieves knew each other, authorities said.

During the investigation, detectives also learned some of the thieves were selling firearms and drugs. In June, the task force asked the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to join the investigation.

ATF agents focused on firearms deals, seizing 51 guns  from run-of-the-mill pistols and rifles to homemade AR-15-type assault rifles and a silencer, said John DAngelo, ATFs assistant special agent in charge in San Diego.

Authorities indicted 42 people in San Diego County as part a nearly yearlong investigation into auto thefts. Those shown in this photo remain at-large. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune )

Six defendants were arrested this week on federal gun-related charges and three search warrants served.

Investigators also seized 5 pounds of methamphetamine, 3 kilograms of cocaine and 15 pounds of marijuana.

The large-scale nature of the case required a two-week presentation to a county grand jury to obtain the indictments on the state charges, the District Attorneys Office said.

While investigators identified 92 suspects during the operation, indictments were secured against less than half. The investigation remains ongoing, authorities said.

The defendants who have been arrested and are facing state charges are set to be arraigned in San Diego Superior Court on Friday.

The number of vehicles stolen in San Diego County continues to hover around 10,000 a year, Stephan said. That is about 60 percent less than the number stolen in 2007.

Because of the Regional Auto Theft Task Forces efforts, she said, our county went from being No. 3 in the nation for auto theft to No. 15.

Crime statistics for the first half of 2016 show auto thefts jumped 16 percent in San Diego County compared to the same period last year, according to the San Diego Association of Governments, which tracks crime trends.

Crime data for all of 2016 wont be available until next spring.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis

UPDATES:

2:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details.

This article was originally published at 1:45 p.m.
An Escondido business manager has been jailed on charges that she embezzled more than $500,000 from the company.

Sheila Jo Jackson,46, is suspected of siphoning off funds at Betz Concrete over the course of several years, Escondido police Lt. Ed Varso said.

She was arrested at her Temecula home Wednesday and booked into Vista Jail on more than 50 counts of forgery, as well as grand theft, identity theft and embezzlement.

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A bank representative contacted her employer about suspicious activity on the Betz Concrete account, Varso said.

Police detectives linked evidence of missing funds to Jackson, who managed the business accounts, Varso said.

As far as what the money was spent on, that remains unclear at this point, Varso said. None of the money has been recovered.

Jacksons bail was set at $1.1 million. She is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.

The company, established in 1987, is located on West Fourth Street. Its website describes its main line of work as pouring sidewalks and floors.
Two men driving stolen vehicles carjacked a good Samaritan who pulled over to help when one of them crashed near Vista early Wednesday, a sheriffs official said.

The duo may have tried to carjack a tow truck driver first, sheriffs Detective James Balderson said.

The tow truck driver, who had repossessed a vehicle in Escondido, encountered the men, who were in separate cars, on north Interstate 15 near El Norte Parkway about 4 a.m.

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When the tow truck driver exited onto westbound Gopher Canyon Road, he noticed the Acura Integra and Honda Civic following him, Balderson said.

As they approached Vista Valley Drive, the Honda passed the tow truck and slowed down while the Acura tailgated it. Boxed in, the tow truck driver was forced to slow down and eventually stop in the middle of the road.

With a shotgun in hand, the Honda driver got out, racked a round and pointed the weapon at the tow truck driver, Balderson said.

The victim, in fear of being shot, steered around the Honda and sped away. He heard a gunshot as he drove west on Gopher Canyon Road, Balderson said.

The Acura sped after the tow truck at about 80 mph, passed it and crashed into a ditch near East Vista Way, Balderson said.

A woman headed south on East Vista Way saw the crashed Acura and the Honda stopped next to it. She pulled over to ask if anyone needed help, Balderson said.

As one of the men walked away from the Acura, the other got out of the Honda and pointed the shotgun at the 42-year-old woman, who was forced out of her Dodge Neon. One of the men drove off in her car and the other in the Honda, leaving the Acura in the ditch, Balderson said.

Deputies later found the Honda abandoned near state Route 76 and Olive Hill Road, near an Arco gas station, in Bonsall.

There was some confusion at the gas station when a deputy noticed some men looking over the Honda, then walk into the gas station market. Thinking the two could be the carjackers, they were detained in handcuffs until Balderson determined that they were not involved, he said.

Investigators learned that the Honda and Acura had been stolen earlier this week, in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, respectively, Balderson said.

Later, the two assailants were in the stolen Dodge when they tried to carjack a truck driver at a transit station parking lot in Temecula about 5:30 a.m. The victim drove into the Dodge, and one of the men shot at the side of the truck twice, Balderson said. The truck driver escaped.

A woman was with the suspects at the time, Balderson said. The carjackers and the woman have eluded capture.

One of the carjackers was described as Latino, in his late 20s, 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a medium build, light complexion and facial hair on his chin. The gunman was described as Latino, in his mid-20s, 5 feet 10 inches tall and thin, with a mustache.

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
A treasure trove of ice age fossils has turned up at a construction site in Carlsbad where hundreds of new homes are planned south of state Route 78.

Bones of ancient mammoths, horses, turtles and even a prehistoric bison  the second ever found in San Diego County  have been unearthed at the site, said Tom Demr, curator of paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum.

All the fossils are from the Pleistocene Epoch, also known as the ice age, and are from 50,000 to 200,000 years old.

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Its really an exciting project in terms of the geology and paleontology, Demr said.

The fossils have the potential to tell us a great deal about the climate, the environment, (and) the ecology of that time when they were living, he said. They are direct connections with the past, an ancient ecosystem that was once common here. We can understand how climates can change by studying these ancient ecosystems.

The bones were discovered after grading began this summer at the Quarry Creek development site, which covers about 60 acres between College Boulevard and El Camino Real. The Carlsbad City Council approved plans for the new-home community in 2013 after a long and contentious community debate. The original developer, Corky McMillin Companies, trimmed the proposed subdivision to a maximum of 636 units  mostly apartments and condominiums  before selling it to San Diego-based Cornerstone Communities.

Large construction projects in California are required to have a paleontologist on site when large amounts of earth are moved. Still, John Suster, Cornerstones project superintendent in Carlsbad, said he was surprised when the first fossils were unearthed in July. Work was temporarily halted while the scientists began their careful excavation process.

I said Take your time, this is kind of cool, Suster said.

On Thursday, he pointed out the freshly smoothed area where the largest mammoth bone was found.

Its just rolling hills, nothing special, Suster said. I dont think theres any way you could have known.

Cornerstone CEO Ure Kretowicz said Wednesday his company has worked closely with paleontologists throughout the grading, which is expected to continue for another two months.

Its a perfect example of how a mass grading operation can still be sensitive to historical and paleontological concerns, Kretowicz said.

When a possible fossil is found, it is cordoned off and work stops within that area as paleontologists move in.

They do a (plaster) cast in place, and then remove it, Kretowicz said. We stop everything or go grade another area on the site. Once theyre gone, we start up again.

The bison fossil, which includes a skull and partial skeleton, is the most unusual and probably the most complete of the larger animals found at the project site, said Demr, the museum curator. The exact species hasnt been identified, but is believed to be either a giant bison (Bison latifrons) or an antique bison (Bison antiquus)

These are big animals, much larger than modern plains bison, he said.

The specimen has been moved to the museum and is being carefully removed from its plaster jacket. It will eventually be placed on temporary display at the museum, but its final home has not been decided.

The only other bison fossil ever found in San Diego County was discovered about three years ago at a Caltrans construction site near Pala. That one was a giant bison, which paleontologists said probably measured up to eight feet tall at the shoulders, 15 feet from tail to nose, and weighed as much as two tons.

The fossils found this summer in Carlsbad include at least two Columbian mammoths, an animal larger than the better-known woolly mammoths that lived in the northern latitudes of North America. Columbian mammoths stood 13 feet tall at the shoulders and weighed 8 to 10 tons.

Mammoth bones or tusks have previously been found at construction sites in downtown San Diego, Oceanside, Fairbanks Ranch and the Anza Borrego Desert.

An experienced paleontologist can look at a site like Quarry Creek and know where fossils are most likely to be found, Demr said.

You can see that its actually layered sediment, he said. Its like pages in a book. You could call the title The History of the Planet Earth.

Much of the Quarry Creek site is in a low area crossed by the Buena Vista Creek, which flows parallel to Route 78 until it reaches the Buena Vista Lagoon.

More small fossils could still turn up in the sediment that paleontologists have collected with the large pieces, Demr said.

The Quarry Creek fossils are similar to a smaller collection found a few years ago just west of there at a construction site near a driving range, he said. Those fossils were more fragmentary and did not include a bison, he said, but they did include the bones of an ancient camel.

We are excited to see this one, Demr said. It shows us how dynamic the earth can be.

Construction on the Quarry Creek development should begin early next year on 88 two-story row homes in the first of six neighborhoods to be built. The first apartments could be ready to by the end of 2016.
A bill that will rename a post office in honor of slain San Diego Police Officer Jonathan De Guzman has passed the House and is headed to the Senate for further consideration.

The legislation introduced by Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego, will name the post office at 830 Kuhn Drive in Chula Vista after De Guzman, a 16-year veteran of the police department.

Officer De Guzman made the ultimate sacrifice and future generations should know and understand the commitment that he and all our law enforcement officers make on behalf of San Diegans, Davis said in a statement.

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On July 28, De Guzman and his partner, Officer Wade Irwin, attempted to speak to two pedestrians in San Diegos Southcrest neighborhood when they were attacked. Irwin was immediately fired upon and hit in the throat, and the shooter then went to the police cars passenger side door and shot De Guzman several times at very close range.

Irwin fired back and hit the suspect ran, who away but was later found unconscious in a ravine. Jesse Michael Gomez was later charged with murder, attempted murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pleaded not guilty.

De Guzman, 43, died at a hospital shortly after the shooting. De Guzman, who was from Chula Vista, was married and had two children.

The naming of this post office will help preserve the memory of Officer De Guzmans service and sacrifice, and provide a constant reminder of the dangers that our law enforcement officers face every day keeping our communities safe, said Rep. Scott Peters, one of the bills original co-sponsors.

The three other representatives from San Diego County  Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine; Darrell Issa, R-Vista; and Juan Vargas, D-San Diego  were also original co-sponsors, and the rest of Californias delegation signed onto the bill.

The facility will officially be called the Jonathan J.D. De Guzman Post Office Building and laws, maps, regulations, documents and other records will refer to the property by that name.

The bill is now headed to the Senate for consideration, and, if it passes that chamber, to the president. The bill will expire when Congress adjourns on Jan. 3 if it is not signed by president before then.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
The erasure of the Regents Road bridge from the planning maps of University City is getting down to the short strokes.

Barring a meteor hitting City Hall, the San Diego City Council later this year will sink a ceremonial 6-inch putt, anti-bridge NIMBYs will cheer, bridge loyalists will grind teeth, and the vexing sore point that has divided the community, if not families, will be settled, at least on paper.

Ten years ago, youd have bet the bridge was very close, certainly not too far. The money had been allocated, an environmental report had been prepared, the growing need for a second north-south arterial in growing UC widely acknowledged.

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Then came the NIMBY rising, a whip-smart coalition that through strategic lawsuits and political messaging turned the long-planned bridge into a symbol of the medieval past, its defeat an affirmation of the future.

The grass-roots revolt against the $40 million Regent Road connector  and its companion improvement, the widening of Genesee Avenue  is one of the most impressive NIMBY political campaigns in recent memory.

NIMBY.

In my lexicon, its not an insult. Its a badge of honor so long as the fight over ones own backyard is conducted honorably.

Who else should absolutely care about public land if not the people who live closest to it?

Selfish concerns over property values, no doubt a factor in the opposition to the Regents Road bridge, dont generally carry the day unless broader arguments invoking the public good are sound.

Tuesday evening, I drove north on Genesee from state Route 52. It was a smooth ride in my direction, but the southbound traffic, mirroring the nearby interstates, was gridlocked all the way to La Jolla Village Drive.

I was on my way to a meeting of the University Community Planning Group.

While opinion over the bridge is deeply divided in University City, youd never know it from the Campus Point gathering where jubilant bridge opponents were in the clear majority. A band of bridge loyalists were defiant but resigned to their minority position in that government setting.

To organize last-ditch efforts to save the bridge from oblivion, a new insurgent group has formed, Citizens for the Regents Road Bridge.

From what I can judge, their current political leverage is near zero. But they soldier on, passionate in their belief that the bridge will improve UCs quality of life while reducing emergency response times and pollution from idling cars.

Tuesday night, the votes lacked suspense. Predictably, a bridge-free community plan amendment and a draft EIR were overwhelmingly supported and letters sent to the city.

Before the show vote, however, I was struck by the common threads of the partisans who spoke against the bridge and the Genesee widening.

The triangle-shaped University City area is bordered by three busy rivers  Interstates 5 and 805 to the west and east, 52 to the south. As the communitys only north-south arterial, Genesee carries the whole internal load.

To the bridge NIMBYs, the addition of a Regents Road link and a Genesee expansion would attract more vehicles off the interstates as north-south drivers, guided by smart GPS traffic apps like Waze, would be directed to UC surface streets to save time.

One speaker recited an axiom that drew knowing laughs: Managing congestion by adding road capacity is like managing your weight by letting out your belt. I dont want to let out our belt.

Bridge NIMBYs in UC, I noticed, feel no guilt about gridlock. In fact, the reverse is true. In their view, gridlock is good because it speeds the arrival of the future. The worse it is on Genesee, the more the pressure to adapt to the mid-coast trolley, bus transit, driverless cars and whatever else is in store to take cars off the roads.

Added to this collective hostility toward opportunistic commuters is the romance of saving Rose Canyon, a messaging marriage that has hit home, turning Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Councilwoman Sherri Lightner into allies.

Both District 1 council candidates, Democrat Barbara Bry and Republican Ray Ellis, understand it would be suicide to jump with the bridge defenders. (Not surprisingly, Harry Mathis, a UC resident and a former councilman of a departed era, strongly supports the bridge.)

I know its not the Cleveland National Forest, one anti-bridge speaker conceded Tuesday night, suggesting that Rose Canyon is not a regional treasure. But he still sees it as a community asset that the bridge would harm.

Bridge loyalists, on the other hand, dont see the bridge as a serious threat to UCs canyon-laced culture. (One leader blithely said theres evidence the bridge, once its built, would improve the flora and fauna beneath it.)

I walked the canyon last week. As is often noted, a train runs through it. In the 19th century it was home to cattle as well as brick and lumber yards, I gather.

Its land thats been beaten up, but you can see it as a free-range playground where children might reverse nature-deficit disorder, in Richard Louvs great phrase.

As a political symbol, however, Rose Canyon is UCs Yosemite. Its rhetorical gold.

As the Regents Road bridge inevitably fades from the map later this year, PIMBYs (Please In My Back Yard) likely will nurse their wounds, maybe with a nip of Irish whiskey.

But the truth is, theyve been outsmarted by politically savvier neighbors who are doubling down on the promise of gridlock  and the allure of a canyon  as they bank on the future.

logan.jenkins@sduniontribune.com
President-elect Donald Trumps newly announced agreement to save close to 1,000 jobs in Indiana gave him the kind of trophy he covets: a tangible victory that matches his campaign promise to serve as dealmaker 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.

This is an unquestionably positive development for the workers who otherwise would have lost these good jobs, said Jared Bernstein, a senior fellow at the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities and former economic advisor to Vice President Joe Biden.

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But to try to pick off jobs firm by firm with tax breaks and regulatory goodies, it wont work, he said. Thats just not sustainable.

Throughout his campaign, Trump railed relentlessly against Carrier Corp.s decision to ship 1,400 manufacturing jobs to Mexico, using it as an example of all that was wrong with the U.S. economy and all that he would set right when he took office. He threatened to impose 35% tariffs and renegotiate trade deals with Mexico to stop Carrier and other companies from outsourcing jobs.

Trump began speaking directly with Carriers parent company, United Technology Corp., after he won election, securing a brief announcement late Tuesday from both Carrier and Trump that most of the jobs would no longer be shipped abroad.

But details of what Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence may have given up, or the threats they may have lodged, remained elusive. Trumps team and Carrier deferred such explanations until a formal announcement in Indianapolis on Thursday.

Steve Mnuchin, Trumps newly announced pick to be Treasury secretary, called the deal a terrific opportunity for the incoming administration and said it came about because Trump and Pence were willing to listen to businesses.

The president-elect and the vice president[-elect] picked up the phone and called the CEO of the United Technologies and told them we want to keep jobs here, he told reporters at Trump Tower in New York on his way to meet with Trump on Wednesday.

Yet the victory was largely symbolic. On an average day this year, the American workforce added six times as many jobs.

Not only are the jobs saved a trifle for a U.S. economy adding an average of 181,000 jobs a month this year, but they are a tiny percentage of the 197,000 employees of United Technologies.

Carrier Corp. and President-elect Donald Trump reached an agreement to keep nearly 1,000 jobs in Indiana, including at this plant in Indianapolis. (Darron Cummings / Associated Press)

The show of strength might send a signal of resolve to other companies considering offshoring, and it buys Trump time to craft a policy to match his top campaign promise. In a similar vein, Trump offered sketchy details Wednesday about his latest efforts to wall off his businesses from the appearance of conflict of interest that have dogged him since he won the election and continued to meet with business partners.

Legal documents are being crafted which take me completely out of business operations. The presidency is a far more important task! he tweeted.

Trump promised to provide new details on his plans during a Dec. 15 news conference, but offered few answers to how he would prevent a conflict, given that his children plan to retain full control. Trump and his aides did not say whether he would relinquish ownership.

The Carrier deals merits will depend heavily on specifics as well. Trumps staff said Wednesday that Pence, who remains governor of Indiana and has a history of offering economic incentives to private industry, was heavily involved in negotiations with Carrier, which makes heating and cooling equipment. Pences office declined to answer questions.

As the incoming president, Trump has some significant leverage with United Technologies, which is a major defense contractor. In 2015, the company had $5.6 billion in sales to the federal government, 10% of its total sales, according to United Technologies annual report.

That federal business might have been a factor in Carriers decision to keep jobs in the U.S., said John Eade, director of portfolio strategy at investment research firm Argus Research.

My guess is that the new administration offered some carrots  potential for lower taxes, a potential change in trade policies, etc.  as well as a stick: less certainty on U.S. government contracts, which are significant for several of United Technologies other businesses, he said.

Plus, I am sure Carrier wants to move out of the national spotlight on this issue, Eade said.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, whose left-wing populism tapped some of the same issues as Trumps anti-globalist message during the Democratic presidential primary, said over the weekend that Trump needed to make it clear to the CEO of United Technologies that if his firm wants to receive another defense contract from the taxpayers of this country, it must not move these plants to Mexico.

The Carrier deal could prompt other companies to try the same tactic, predicted Dan Ikenson, director of the Center for Trade Policy Studies at the libertarian Cato Institute think tank.

It creates a short-term political victory for the president-elect, but it opens up a Pandoras box in the sense that other companies are going to want the same sort of handout, he said. Its better to have an overall policy that companies can bank on.

Indiana state Sen. Tim Lanane, who leads the Democratic minority in the chamber, said Pence had yet to reveal details of the deal. But most breaks he has offered in the past, including tax incentives and credits, would not need legislative approval. He noted that Pence was unsuccessful in persuading Carrier to stay when it initially announced plans to move, in February. Lanane said the state had a spotty record in ensuring that companies stick to their promises after receiving subsidies.

Does there come a point where you just cant do that every time? Lanane said.

Pence and his Economic Development Corporation approved $24 million in tax breaks for 10 companies that sent work abroad, failing in several cases to recover money from companies that laid off employees in the state, the Indianapolis Star reported during the campaign.

Trump has said his broader plan to stop manufacturing jobs from leaving the U.S. is to lower the corporate tax rate and renegotiate trade deals to reduce the incentives.

Trumps staff also highlighted the president-elects personal involvement, saying it was a sign of things to come as he works to keep jobs from fleeing. The style is unlikely to work on a larger scale, given the volume of companies that could opt to move manufacturing jobs. It may even provide an incentive for other companies to lodge similar threats in hopes of winning government give-backs.

But it could also prove a political asset that may help Trump move some of his economic policies through a GOP-controlled Congress that remains skeptical of his anti-globalist trade policy.

Bernstein said the Carrier deal also highlighted the different backgrounds and approaches of Trump and President Obama, a former university professor who has gathered business leaders and academics at the White House in the past to address such weighty economic issues.

Trump is much more comfortable calling up a CEO and admonishing him than he is sitting around a table with a bunch of policy wonks talking about the best way to change the incentive structure, Bernstein said. But if youre going to solve the economics of this, youve got to get at the incentive structure. You cant simply be handing out goodies to every single company thats planning to relocate.

Twitter: @noahbierman, @JimPuzzanghera

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After San Diego police and volunteers gave dozens of courtesy rides to and from Lindbergh Field during the recent International Association of Police Chiefs conference at the convention center, U-T Watchdog requested records of the operation.

The Watchdog reported on the ride service on Oct. 14, and followed up four days later by requesting any logs, participant sign-ups, schedules, beneficiaries and their selection criteria.

Ten days later, officials said they needed more time. By late November a final response was posted on a city records-request website saying, After a diligent search and reasonable inquiry, the city has determined that it has no responsive documents. Kind regards.

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The U-T sought comment from police this week for a story questioning how such an operation could be pulled off without creating any records. The departments spokesman, Lt. Scott Wahl, said something was wrong.

There must be an error somewhere, he emailed Monday. I know I cleared a document several weeks ago for release on this. Im not sure what happened but I will find out.

On Tuesday, Wahl said the person coordinating city records requests would be unavailable until Thursday.

We are trying to track down the document ourselves and get it to you, he said. It is basically the roster of trips we gave in a spreadsheet.

It remains to be seen whether one spreadsheet would comply with the newspapers request, which sought a wider array of documentation. The October story included taxpayer criticism that department officials provided special favors at public expense, for out-of-town officials who could bill their home jurisdiction for a taxi.

Dean Nelson, founder and director of the Point Loma Nazarene University journalism program, said a healthy democracy requires public agencies to comply with open-records laws.

While delaying, or simply ignoring, a public records request like this may not seem like a big deal, it actually is a big deal because it reveals that there is no system in place for dealing with even the simplest requests, he said. If it is this difficult to provide a simple spreadsheet of who rode in which vans, I wonder how the police department will handle a request that has even greater public interest?

jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
Imagine how your son or daughters education would be affected if they had to attend six to nine schools between starting kindergarten and graduating from high school.

This isnt a nightmare scenario. It is the norm for a child in a long-term military family.

There are more than 1 million military-connected children in the United States. The majority of these students go to public schools.

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I raised four such children. This included a son who actually went to four high schools in four years. Why? Military needs required the transfer of his parents, both Air Force senior noncommissioned officers, around the world, frequently.

When this happens, the education of these students can suffer. Thats why military families support high, consistent educational standards that ensure students are prepared for college or a career.

The advantages of high, consistent standards are obvious, but they elude many military children.

As the world becomes increasingly complex, our children will need certain basic math and language arts skills whether they follow a path to college, a vocational school or the military. High standards ensure they have the required skills so they can compete in the 21st-century economy or serve in a 21st-century military.

Moreover, as our society becomes increasingly mobile, more and more families find themselves in the same boat as military families. While nonmilitary families do not move as often as military ones, they face many of the same problems.

Consistent standards ensure that when our children move from state to state or district to district, they avoid a situation where they find themselves behind their new classmates and having to scramble to catch up. Or worse, they find themselves bored senseless as they waste valuable time going over material they have already mastered.

In a perfect situation, a high schooler learning quadratic equations in Algebra 1 who transfers in the middle of a school year from Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana should be able to pick up where he or she left off with a minimum of disruption. And they would be held to the same standards. Of course, with 50 state education departments and thousands of local authorities that has been nearly impossible.

But high, consistent standards can lessen the jarring impact of a move  at least on the education side.

Over the last six years, the vast majority of states  more than 40  have adopted a variation of one set of high, consistent standards. These standards have many different names. But they have two things in common.

These standards have all raised classroom expectations. They have also created greater comparability from state to state and district to district.

Like anything new, these new standards have not always been universally popular. But for the most part, states have resisted efforts to water down or repeal them.

So far, this patience is paying off. In most states, there have been gains in proficiency rates in math and reading. This is especially true in early grades. This makes sense since these children have been taught using the standards for their entire educational career.

As a result, high, consistent standards remain popular with the public. According to the latest Education Next survey, about two-thirds of American parents support them. Other surveys show similar results.

The message for policymakers is clear. Keep the bar high and our schools will better prepare students for college and careers. Make the standards consistent and you give a big assist to our military-connected children.

Its the least you can do to help the men and women of our military.

Johnson, a former Air Force intelligence senior noncommissioned officer, is a member of Military Families for High Standards, which works to ensure that military-connected children have access to quality education. She wrote this for InsideSources.com.
Fidel Castro is dead.

I dont like to celebrate death, and I wont. But Im happy that the man whose madness tore my family and a country apart is gone. I can only hope and pray that freedom returns to Cuba soon, and in a peaceful way.

In 1959, my abuelo Juan was sentenced to death after his arrest for serving in the Cuban army. After the capital sentence was set aside, he spent 12 years as political prisoner. I didnt meet him until I was a teenager. I grew up hearing my abuela Maria tell me of how difficult it was to visit him in prison, not knowing when, or if, they would be reunited. I am thankful I got to live close to them in their final years in California, though Im certain that the years he spent locked up forever changed him.

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I never met my other set of abuelos, my mothers parents. It broke my heart hearing my Mami recall how one time she landed in the Havana airport, passing through, and she was not allowed to even give her mom a kiss though she was just a few feet away. The dictatorship demanded such blind devotion that brothers turned against sisters because of different political opinions. Sometimes, her siblings wouldnt talk to her or, if they did, they said awful things about her nearly impossible decision to leave.

My parents left in 1960, a few months before my oldest sister was born. Their hope to one day return to a free Cuba faded into resignation of a life in exile, and pride that they were able to find a new life and limitless opportunity in the U.S., their adopted homeland.

My father, who became an Episcopal bishop, would joke that because of Castro, he got to visit more than 100 countries. They instilled in my sisters and me love for freedom, respect for hard work and critical thinking, and faith in God. Values they learned from their parents. Values they would not have been able to openly teach us in Cuba.

My sisters and I visited Cuba 25 years ago. We connected with cousins, aunts and uncles. It was clear that the pain and betrayal felt by my parents generation wasnt as personal to those of us born later. It was also clear that love of family transcended the years and the politics. Those cousins, for the most part, now live here, each with a harrowing story about how they left and pain and longing for those they left behind.

Im proud to be an American. Its a pride born from knowing that but for the difficult decisions my Cuban parents made in the face of hatred and oppression, my life would be only a dream. My professional callings as a journalist and a criminal defense lawyer would be impossible without freedoms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

Fidel Castro is dead. I wont deny it feels good to see that in print. I do not celebrate anyones death. I celebrate the hope that Cubans may taste freedom too long denied.

Soto, a former Union-Tribune reporter, is a lawyer in San Diego.
Trump should put loyal backers in top spots

Donald Trumps top priorities should be to dump hypocritical Mitt Romney from secretary of state consideration, nominate General David H. Petraeus to the position as a national security warrior secretary of state against ISIS, Syria, Russia and Iran and pick former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani as the leader of Homeland Security for our domestic security.

Letters and commentary policy



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Mail: Andrew Kleske, Reader Outreach Editor San Diego Union-Tribune P.O. Box 120191 San Diego, CA 92112-0191.

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And pick Newt Gingrich as his top White House advisor.

Daniel B. Jeffs

Carlsbad

Petraeus has important strike against him

Regarding Petraeus emerges as state candidate (Nov. 29): I have four words for the Trump administration: Loose lips sink ships.

Daniel J. Smiechowski

Bay Ho

Paying off Palin would be a bad decision

Trump is suggesting that Sarah Palin be put in charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Such an important position for a shrill ideologue, our veterans deserve better than political patronage. Shame on Trump. This is the quality of his judgment? Which he bragged about? Hold on America.

Don Vaughn

San Diego

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I read the commentary by Jim Mills (It is about time for SANDAG to change course, Nov. 25). I disagree with his assumption that Measure A lost because SANDAG is out of touch with the times.

Letters and commentary policy

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy.

E-mail letters@sduniontribune.com

Mail: Andrew Kleske, Reader Outreach Editor San Diego Union-Tribune P.O. Box 120191 San Diego, CA 92112-0191.

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I voted against the proposition because it included funding for improving bike lanes, walking routes and other pet ideas including subsidies for seniors and veterans, everything with the hopes of getting more to improve passing the measure.

Voters want to get from home to work in the least amount of time, and probably would have passed the proposition if that was the primary issue. In a survey printed in the U-T several months ago, it was determined less that 10 percent of local residents reside within 10 miles of their workplace.

Workers will presumably change jobs several times during their careers, as will their spouses, and children will change schools. Transportation needs to remain flexible. No BART system will work in San Diego. SANDAG remains on the right course.

Richard Jensen

Otay Mesa

* * *

The highly respected Jim Mills got it wrong about the defeat of the SANDAG-promoted Measure A. Mills thinks voters want more attention to rapid transit which, Mills claims, SANDAG is trying to strangle to death through underfunding.

Voters faced many propositions that would have extracted more money from taxpayers. Its easy to say no in this highly taxed state. Many go to work on dilapidated streets and hear horror stories of the greatest boondoggle in California history, the high-speed rail project, so rapid transit isnt necessarily their priority.

Had SANDAG put on the ballot a clear proposal to vastly expand the existing bus network, the result could have been much different. Buses, most now running on natural gas, offer an environmentally friendly, immediately available, flexible alternative to other modes. Too bad they arent trendy like rail projects.

William Bradshaw

San Diego

The need for parking should not be ignored

I really had to laugh when I read Roger Showleys article (High-rises heading toward Hillcrest, Nov. 28) about the high-rises proposed to be built.

He quoted advocates saying they wanted to build rentals where residents can survive without a car. Where do they think these renters will work? In the service industry jobs that would be around there?

I just hope that they dig deep to put in parking for the cars every resident will have in each building. Not to mention adding more lanes to the freeway entrance on Washington Street that all these renters will need to access to get to their jobs.

Sue Brickson

Mission Hills

Workers benefit from winning the class war

Regarding the commentary by Jeffrey L. Bada (Trump wins, the planet loses, Nov. 24): Im a manager at a local manufacturer that produces parts for high-performance engines. More than half our workers are American citizens of Mexican descent. The blue-collar jobs are well-paid; people often work there their whole lives.

Earlier this year the Environmental Protection Agency proposed rules to criminalize modification of cars for the purposes of high performance. Most of the industry protested, but it has only been temporarily withdrawn. This would impact an infinitesimal amount of greenhouse effect, which has involved 40 years of scaremongering job destruction and not much else so far. Fortunately for us, Donald Trump won, otherwise in time wed have had to lay off most of our force.

One of the U-T letters that day referred to Trump voters as peasants. So be it. The Democrats waged a class war against the working class; workers won.

David Corcoran

Oceanside

Dont let politics derail efforts against AIDS

During a very divided time in American politics, I know that there are some, as rare as it may seem, issues that have crossed party lines time and time again. For example, the U.S. support for global health has always been bipartisan.

Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day  a day that memorializes the 35 million people that have lost their lives to the disease  and brings awareness to the fight to end it. Two months ago, global leaders met to pledge their financial support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, an organization that has saved millions of lives and has the potential to save millions more.

We have to make sure that the new Congress stands by the promise of $4.3 billion dollars over the next three years to the Global Fund and stays a leader in the fight.

Michelle Cash

Alpine

New California would have to pay for its wall

While I agree with Tom OConnors letter (California would fail as its own country, Nov. 27) concerning a socialist Californias struggle to survive, he left out a very important issue: California would have an internal struggle to pay for the wall that President Trump would force the new country to build, on its side of the new border.

Stephen Conwell

Allied Gardens

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A new attorney general for the state of California has been chosen by Gov. Jerry Brown to replace Kamala Harris , who was elected to the U.S. Senate last month. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra , D-Los Angeles, will take over for Harris.

Gov. Brown has presented me with an opportunity I cannot refuse  to serve as attorney general of my home state, Becerra said. As a former deputy attorney general, I relish the change to be our states chief law enforcement officer to protect consumers, advance criminal justice reform and, of course, keep our families safe.

Many see the pick as a surprise, as the governors office was keeping quiet about its shortlist and few strategists had him on their own prediction lists.

He still has to be confirmed by the state Senate and Assembly, but in the meantime, heres what you need to know about Becerra.

1. His background

Bacerra was born in Sacramento and attended Stanford University for both his bachelors degree and for law school. He was an attorney for a short time before joining the staff of a California state senator and becoming deputy attorney general from 1987 to 1990.

He was also a member of the state Assembly for one term before heading to Congress.

The son of immigrants, he was the first in his family to graduate college. Hes married with three daughters.

2. His congressional work

Becerra has been a representative for California in the House of Representatives since 1992. He is the chair of the Houses Democratic Caucus and a member of the Committee on Ways and Means and its Social Security Subcommittee.

He represented Californias 34th district, which is in the Los Angeles area including Downtown, Echo Park, Koreatown, Lincoln Heights and Eagle Rock.

In his statement after the announcement, he touted opposing the most recent Iraq war, fighting to help Americans recover from the Great Recession and launching bipartisan immigration talks.

3. What hes been up to this year

Throughout 2016, Becerra was a strong advocate for Democratic candidate for president Hillary Clinton , after endorsing Barack Obama over Clinton in the 2008 race. It was even speculated that he would be considered by Clinton for vice president.

He traveled the country campaigning for Clinton.

I dont know what might happen [in the election], he told the L.A. Times, but Im not going to be caught flat-footed.

He spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, discussing his childhood and family and advocating for Clinton. He praised her dedication to working for children and education.

4. His policy priorities

In his statement after the announcement, Becerra pointed to some possible priorities.

After saying hes traveled the country to help re-elect fellow Democrats in Congress, he praised California for being ahead of the country when it comes to clean energy, common sense treatment of immigrants, real health security and so much more.

In 2008, he was offered a position as U.S. trade representative by the incomingObama administration but turned it down after saying he didnt think it would be a front-burner issue for the administration.

On his congressional web page, the issues he lists as legislative prorities are Social Security, immigration, health care, energy, the environment, defense and national security.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin
The oldest Pearl Harbor survivor will traveling to Hawaii on Dec. 3 to attend the memorial for the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Ray Chavez, who is 104 years old and lives in Poway, will be accompanied on his trip by his daughter Kathleen, active duty San Diego firefighter/paramedic Mitch Mendler and Joe Torrillo, a retired New York firefighter lieutenant who survived the collapse of both World Trade Center towers on 9/11.

Chavez was assigned to the minesweeper USS Condor at Pearl Harbor and was asleep at home in nearby Ewa Beach after a minesweeping mission when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Chavez returned to the harbor to help after his wife woke him to tell him about the attack and stayed for over a week on active duty, according to a press release. He then spent the next 50 years avoiding talking about the incident.

There are currently fewer than 2,000 American survivors of Pearl Harbor still living. Chavez is the oldest known Pearl Harbor survivor, though until recently, 102-year-old Colorado resident James Downing was credited as the oldest.

He has visited Pearl Harbor and his fellow survivors several times over the past 25 years, but acknowledged in a press release that this will likely be his last visit.

Chavez was one of only seven able to attend last years Pearl Harbor commemoration. I still feel a loss, Chavez said in a press release. We were all together. We were friends and brothers. I feel close to all of them.

A regular guest of honor at Memorial Day and veterans ceremonies near his home, Chavez keeps fit by working out three times a week at a local gym. I am proud to have survived this long, Chavez said. It is an honor. Very much so.

Traveling to Pearl Harbor with Chavez for the 75th anniversary is the Patriot Flag II, a 50-pound, 60-by-28-foot American flag that is touring the country promoting patriotism.

Email: news@pomeradonews.com
The U.S. Department of Education is auditing the accuracy of high school graduation rates in California and Alabama.

Launched in the summer, the federal inquiry coincides with record graduation rates reached throughout the state, including the San Diego and Los Angeles unified school districts.

News of the audits was included in a November U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Annual Plan for 2017.

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The probe will Continue our work to determine whether selected (state education agencies) have implemented systems of internal control over calculating and reporting graduation rates that are sufficient to ensure that reported graduation rates are accurate and reliable, according to the report.

Federal officials would not say what, if anything, prompted the inquiries.

We look at various departments, said Marta Erceg, counsel to the Inspector General, in an email statement. "[California and Alabama] are the ones were currently working on now.

San Diego Unified has not been contacted by the state or federal government about the audit of California graduation rates, a district official said.

Californias second-largest district, San Diego Unified has projected a 92 percent graduation rate (the highest among the states large urban districts) among students for the class of 2016, the first to be held to tougher district standards that require completion of the sequence of courses needed for admission to a University of California or California State University campus.

Like other districts, San Diego Unified has expanded online credit-recovery courses to help students meet new graduation standards. Last school year, 1,381 twelfth-graders  more than one in five  enrolled in an online class to earn a diploma, with about 91.5 percent of them passing the courses they had previously earned a D in or failed. All told, the district had 5,174 individual enrollments in the University of California-approved online courses last school year .

The California Department of Education has defended the states climbing graduation rates, which reached 82.3 percent with the class of 2015.

We welcome the interest of the Office of the Inspector General into Californias high school graduation rates, which have increased for six consecutive years to a record high, spokesman Peter Tira said in an email statement. Certainly, California has much more work to do in this area but were encouraged by the trends and all the positive momentum underway in Californias public education system at the moment.

The journal, Education Week, noted in a report about the audit that Alabamas high graduation rate is out of sync with other measures of student progress.

The class of 2015 in Alabama had the third highest graduation rate in the country, with some 89 percent of high schoolers graduating on time. Thats 17.3 percentage points higher than the number reported in 2011. At the same time, however, the states high school students lag behind most of the country on other measures, such as the ACT and the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, the journal reported.

Staff writer Lauryn Schroeder contributed to this report

maureen.magee@sduniontribune.com

Twitter:@MaureenMagee
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After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, men went off to fight. Women became essential on the factory floor as industrial production soared to support the war effort.

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After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, men went off to fight. Women became essential on the factory floor as industrial production soared to support the war effort. Read this excerpt, Surprise! Women Do the Heavy Lifting, from the print publication, Pearl Harbor: 75th Anniversary Special.

Originally published on May 30, 1942

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Fuming over the sneak bombing of Pearl Harbor, Mrs. Clover Hoffman, diminutive and spirited mother of Cliff and Charlotte, twins aged 3, reached a decision important in the task of defeating the Japs and the Nazis. Resigning her job as waitress in a San Diego restaurant, and parking the twins with her mother, Mrs. Hoffman presented herself at the employment office of the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation.

Why do you want to work on a bomber? asked Mrs. Kipple.

Thats something I can do to help bring Harry back.

Who is Harry?

My husband. Hes machinists mate on a destroyer at Pearl Harbor.

Have you ever worked in a factory?

No; but I can learn, if youll give me a chance.

Like other aircraft manufacturers of Southern California, where half the countrys bombers and fighters first take wing, the Consolidated management, which began employing women for factory work last September, had a soft spot for Pearl Harbor wives and widows. The following day, Mrs. Hoffman, in trim blue jumperalls, was busily sorting and testing small parts in the blister department. A blister is a transparent plastic turret from which gunners aboard the huge

flying boats and heavy-bombardment bombers fight off enemy attackers.

Within a month, with nimble fingers and a will to learn, Mrs. Hoffman was rated as a veteran factory hand among the thousands of Keep-Em-Flying girls helping to build planes in West Coast aircraft plants, strictly a mans world until eight months ago. When they first appeared on the assembly benches, the women were the lipsticks to the men. Workers and bosses alike said, as did hard-boiled Bert Bowler, plant manager for Consolidated, The factorys no place for women.

Now Bowler says, Theyre better than men for jobs calling for finger work. They will stick on a tedious assembly line long after the men quit. Women can do from 22 to 25 percent of the work in this plant as efficiently as men. At the Inglewood plant of North American Aviation, Inc., with 1,100 women on the payroll, M.E. Beaman, industrial-relations director, goes further than that. Women can do approximately 50 percent of the work required to construct a modern airplane, he estimated. Douglas Aircraft, which started late in the employing of women in the factory, expects to have 40,000 on the payrolls of its four plants by the end of 1942. After a study of British plants, Douglas engineers think women may have to do 60 percent of the building of planes before the aircraft plants reach all-out production. Lockheed and Vega, with 2,000 women filtered into groups working on everything from radio wiring to tubing-detail assemblies  plumbing, in plain English  are hiring and training housewives and girls fresh out of school at the rate of 200 a week. Vultee, which pioneered the use of women in aircraft building one year ago, rates them as indispensable. At Seattle, the Boeing Aircraft Company launched courses for women factory hands on the first of the year. In Midwestern cities, all the major Pacific Coast plane builders except Lockheed and Vega are rushing supplementary plants in which approximately 50 percent of the work will be handled by women. By the end of the year, it is estimated that 200,000 housewives will have left their homes for the aircraft factories.

If theyre not wives when they are hired, they soon will be, laughed Mrs. Kipple. Around San Diego the saying is, If you want to find a husband, get a job at Consolidated. Thats how I found mine.

Work on planes is a natural for women, a Consolidated engineer explained. There are more than 101,000 separate and distinct parts in one of our bombers, counting rivets, and most of them are so light in weight that women can assemble and test them as easily as men. Better, in some cases.

Every woman we train for some simple step in aircraft work releases a man for a job calling for more experience, pointed out Aileen Carmichael, assistant personnel director, who started as a clerk on the night shift, learned mechanics in a trade school, then took charge of hiring women for the new Vega factory. You ought to talk with some of the girls on the assembly lines and see why they are here and what they say about the work. It will give you a lift.

So I did. I talked with dozens of them above the din of the riveting and stamping machines. It was an eye opener, not only in wartime industrial readjustment but in devotion to purpose. In every plant, foremen who once dreaded the influx of the lipsticks told with enthusiasm how mixing women workers in the teams had stepped up both morale and the output of planes.

Kitchen Technique

The main problem with women, one foreman told me, is to get them to take it easy for a while and not rush and worry about the work. So I tell em, Just imagine youre in a kitchen baking a cake instead of in a factory building a bomber.

Women workers handle the repetitive jobs without losing interest or a letdown in efficiency, he continued. I guess its because this is win-the-war work for them, while men are eager to get ahead personally. We team the women with the men because they learn faster from men than from women.

In the Vega sheet-metal department, I watched Mrs. Mary Rozar, barely 5 feet tall, dressed in slacks and blouse, protected by a leather apron, absorbed in smoothing the edges of odd-shaped parts for Flying Fortresses. Mrs. Rozar appeared at the employment office when the Vega management announced it would give preference to wives and widows of men in service at Pearl Harbor and in the Philippines.

Im not a Pearl Harbor widow, she told Miss Carmichael, apologetically, but Im a Pearl Harbor mother. My Johnny boy lost his life on the Arizona. I have another son, Earl, somewhere in Alaska with the United States Army. I want to help build planes.

Upstairs, where hundreds of girls deftly connect and mark wires for the electrical-control assemblies, I noticed an attractive young woman with much poise who came in with the second shift and hit her stride in nothing flat. The foreman introduced her as Jerry Patterson.

You dont look like a factory worker, I said.

Maybe I dont, and maybe Im not, but I can put these assemblies together, she replied. Her husband, Capt. Russell Patterson, was on Bataan Peninsula under General Wainwright, she said. The young Pattersons were living in Chicago, where he was an attorney when called to the service early in 1941.

I tried working in a dentists office first, she said. That gave me no satisfaction, so I came out here, took the tests, and they put me to work on these assemblies. I havent heard from Russell, and I cant get word to him, but every night I write half a page of a letter to tell him what I did that day to help finish a plane. Im saving the letters for the day when General MacArthur goes back to the Philippines.

At the Lockheed factory, one of the plants best woman spot welders is Mrs. Prisalla Maury. Her father is Col. Paul D. Bunker, in command of a coast-artillery unit at Fort Mills, topside of Corregidor. Across the narrow strait on the Bataan Peninsula, her husband, Major Thompson B. Maury III, was in a field-artillery unit that repeatedly hurled back the Japs. To most women, that might seem enough to do to beat the Japs. Not for Prisalla Maury, who, trained as a chemist, goes to the factory each morning, leaving four red-headed young Maurys, Richard, 6, Ann, 5, William, 2, and Sarah, 1, at home with her mother.

They need planes over there, she declared. This is the best thing I can do to help get them there.

Shes doing her share all right, added John Ferguson, group leader of the spot-welding unit to which Mrs. Maury belongs. She likes to stand on her own. If any man tries to help her, she shoos him off in a hurry.

Two-Way Whistle

At Douglas, shortly after the first woman appeared on the assemblies, the men began whistling when an attractive young girl in bright-colored slacks and blouse walked down the aisle. The women held an indignation meeting. The following day, as the men spewed out of the plant for lunch, the girls were waiting for them. Every time a handsome young buck came through the door, they whistled and shouted, Look at Tarzan! Isnt he wonderful? Oh, Handsome!

The whistling in the factory ended abruptly.

Women are in the airplane plants to stay, predicted Mrs. Kipple at Consolidated. Our idea at first was they would step into the mens shoes as the men were called for military service. They would build the planes and they would be the earners, until the men came back. But there will be a lot of jobs in the factory that the men will never get back. The women have demonstrated they can handle them better.
Is dishonesty more widely acceptable today than it was 100 years ago, or have Americans entered a "post-truth" era?

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Would you consider yourself a basically truthful person? (Discounting, of course, the little white lies that oil the gears of conversation.) What about Americans as a whole?

Politicians have always embellished the, um, facts, to make their cases. But some would say the recent presidential election was a watershed moment, with major politicians showing a startling disregard for truth. Certifying this trend, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) was recently inspired to name post-truth the 2016 word of the year: The OED defines post-truth as denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.

Likewise in the British vote to leave the European Union (otherwise known as Brexit, which, coincidentally, was Collins Dictionarys word of the year), the winning campaign used highly emotional appeal but included, according CBS news reports, numerous factual evasions.

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So, is it just politicians whove lowered the bar on facts, or is dishonesty more widely acceptable today? A 2002 study by the University of Massachusetts suggests it may be. Researchers there observed 60 percent of test subjects telling two to three lies in a 10-minute conversation.

However, honesty won the day in a study by Honest Tea Company in 2013. They set up 61 self-service tea stands, covering each of the 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering cups of tea for $1 each. Payment was made on the honor system. On average, 92 percent of Americans in the study paid for their drinks. Women were more honest than men  95 vs. 91 percent  and Alabamans and Hawaiians were the most honest.

The least honest people, with 80 percent payments, were from Washington, D.C.

For some additional perspective on the matter, take a look at a 1925 essay from the Post, Is Common Honesty Common? in which the author argues that Americans were 99% on the level. (Article below).

Featured image: Shutterstock
Anchorage, AK -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/01/2016 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/



Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles.



Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region.



Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child.



Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children.



BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins.

FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604.

SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England.

CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles.

CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth.

DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269



Master Christopher Jones and several business partners purchased the ship Mayflower about 1607. Its origins prior to that remain uncertain. Its first documented voyage of record was to Trondheim, Norway, in 1609. Andrew Pawling hired the ship to take a cargo of London goods to Norway, sell them off, and buy Norway goods (lumber, tar, and fish) to return back to England. Unfortunately on the return voyage, the Mayflower encountered a severe North Sea storm and the master and crew were forced to toss most of Pawlings goods overboard to lighten the ship. The home of Master Christopher Jones: Harwich, co. Essex, England.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/



Following that, Christopher Jones seems to have stuck with safer trading routes. The Mayflower made numerous trips primarily to Bordeaux, France, returning to London with cargoes of French wine, Cognac, vinegar, and salt. The Mayflower could freight about 180 tons of cargo. The Mayflower also made occasional voyages to other ports, including once to Malaga, Spain, and twice to Hamburg, Germany.



Upon returning from a voyage to Bordeaux, France, in May 1620, the Mayflower and master Christopher Jones were hired to take the Pilgrims to Northern Virginia. This was the first recorded trans-Atlantic voyage for both ship and master, though Christopher Jones had several crewmembers, including pilot and master's mates John Clarke and Robert Coppin, who had been to the New World before.



The Mayflower was supposed to accompany another ship, the Speedwell, to America, but the Speedwell proved too leaky for the voyage so the Mayflower proceeded alone. Departing on 6 September 1620, the ship was at sea for 66 days, arriving November 9. The ship and crew overwintered with the Pilgrims and departed back for England on 5 April 1621, arriving back to England on May 6.



Christopher Jones took the ship out for a few more trading runs, but he died a couple of years later in March 1621/2. The ship was appraised for probate purposes in May 1624, and was referred to as being "in ruins." It was only valued at 128 pounds sterling, and was almost certainly broken up and sold off as scrap.



Women of Early Plymouth: Governor William Bradford reported that the Pilgrims were worried that the "weak bodies of women" would not be able to withstand the rigors of a trans-Atlantic voyage and the construction of a colony. Prior to the Mayflower, very few English women had made the voyage across the ocean.



Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colony arrived in Virginia in 1587, and amongst those 120 colonists there were 17 women: a baby girl, Virginia Dare, was born after arrival. When re-supply ships came from England, they could not relocate the people. The colony had mysteriously disappeared, and was never seen again. The Jamestown Colony was founded in 1607, but relatively few women had yet made the voyage and taken up residence there.



The Pilgrim husband, as head of the household, had an important and difficult decision to make. Building a colony would be hard on a woman's "weaker body." It might be safer and healthier to leave her behind, and have her come later once the houses were built, and the general safety and successfulness of the colony were better established. But that could be several years. Could he live several years without his wife? How strong was his wife anyway, could she really handle it? Was it right to put your wife's life in danger in this manner?



As the Mayflower left England for America, there were 18 adult women on-board. Three of them, Elizabeth Hopkins, Susanna White, and Mary Allerton, were actually in their last trimester of a pregnancy. All the adult women on the Mayflower were married; there were no single women--although there were a few teenage girls nearing marriageable age.



While no women would die during the Mayflower's voyage, life after arrival proved extremely difficult. In fact, 78% of the women would die the first winter, a far higher percentage than for men or children. Dorothy Bradford was the first woman to die, and the only woman who died in the month of December. While many of the men, including her husband, were out exploring on Cape Cod, she accidentally fell off the Mayflower into the bitter cold waters of Provincetown Harbor. Most of the women's death dates were not recorded, but we do know that Rose Standish died on January 29, Mary Allerton died on February 25, and Elizabeth Winslow died on March 24. Most of the women died in February and March.



The extremely high mortality rate among women is probably explainable by the fact the men were out in the fresh air, felling trees, building structures and drinking fresh New England water; while the women were confined to the damp, filthy and crowded quarters offered by the Mayflower, where disease would have spread much more quickly. The two-month voyage was long enough; the women, however, remained living on the ship for an additional four months while the men built storehouses and living quarters on shore. Many of the sick were no doubt cared for on-board the ship by the women, increasing their exposure to colds and pneumonias. William Mullins died on February 21, apparently on-board the Mayflower since his will was witnessed by the ship's captain and ship's surgeon. His wife Alice and son Joseph had not yet died, but it wasn't too long before they did, orphaning their teenage daughter Priscilla in the New World.



Only five women survived the first winter. One of the five survivors, Mrs. Katherine Carver, died in May of a "broken heart," her husband John having died of sunstroke a month earlier. Weak bodies or not, by the time of the famous "Thanksgiving," there were only four women left to care for the Colony's fifty surviving men and children. The four women were Eleanor Billington, Elizabeth Hopkins, Mary Brewster, and Susanna (White) Winslow.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/women



The Pilgrims did not leave behind any lists of the items they brought with them on the Mayflower, but historians have used a provision list put together by Captain John Smith (of Pocahontas fame) to take an educated guess. However, in 2012, Caleb Johnson, Simon Neal, and Jeremy Bangs started transcribing and studying a rare manuscript (a page of which is here illustrated) in the possession of the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, that was written by one of the investors in the Pilgrims' joint-stock company. This manuscript actually contains several lists of suggested provisions the colonists should bring with them. It is the closest thing we can get to a list of what the Pilgrims would have actually brought. A summary of some of the key items on the provision lists:



http://mayflowerhistory.com/pilgrim-history/



-Food and Drink: Biscuit, beer, salt, (dried) beef, salt pork, oats, peas, wheat, butter, sweet oil, mustard seed, ling or cod fish, "good cheese", vinegar, aqua-vitae, rice, bacon, cider.



-Clothing: Monmouth cap, falling bands, shirts, waistcoat, suit of canvas, suit of cloth, Irish stockings, 4 pairs of shoes, garters. Slippers, plain shoes, little shoes, French soles, sewing needles.



-Bedding: Canvas sheets, bolster "filled with good straw", rug and blankets.



-Arms: Light armor (complete), fowling piece, snaphance, sword, belt, bandoleer, powder horn, 20 pounds of powder, 60 pounds of shot.



-Household: Iron pot, kettle, frying pan, gridiron, two skillets, spit, platters, dishes, spoons of wood, napkins, towels, soap, hand mill, mortar and pestle.



-Tools: Broad hoes, narrow hoes, broad axe, felling axe, steel handsaw, whipsaw, hammers, shovels, spades, augers, chisels, gimlets, hatchets, grinding stone, nails, locks for doors.



Anchorage, Alaska General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Declares New Geneology Support Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam's hard work and creativity helped him land this job of a lifetime. He obtained incredible business experience there and spent years innovating, improving processes and setting sales records. Although this dream job in Traditional Corporate America was a fun challenge for him, and something he truly enjoyed mastering, Adam's natural entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him to do something more significant with his time and talents.



http://www.MyChocolatePod.com

http://www.Facebook.com/AdamPaulGreen



Since 2001, Adam has been involved in the Health and Wellness Industry as a successful Entrepreneur, Broker, Product Developer and Manufacturer of Cosmeceutical products. During his career, he has worked with some of the most recognizable Fortune 500 businesses along with many top international Network Marketing companies. Adam has consistently proven his unique ability to help his clients achieve their goals through creative Distribution-Channel Placement, innovative Product Development and custom Manufacturing. Adam currently owns three profitable businesses.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



About MayflowerHistory.com

MayflowerHistory.com, the Internet's most complete and accurate website dealing with the Mayflower passengers and the history of the Pilgrims and early Plymouth Colony. The website was first created back in 1994 (when the web was still mostly text!) as a simple, but complete, passenger list of the Mayflower. It has grown over the past twenty years as the author, historian Caleb Johnson, has researched and compiled material.



http://mayflowerhistory.com
Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/30/2016 -- Future Market Insights (FMI) recently announced the release of its report titled "Residential Water Treatment Devices: Middle East Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025." According to the report, the middle east residential water treatment devices market was valued at US$ 414.1 Mn in 2014 and is anticipated to reach US$ 855.3 Mn by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 6.8% throughout the forecast period.



Total population of Middle East & Africa stood at approximately 346 million in 2015 and is expected to grow at the rate of 2% per annum. The Middle East & Africa is also witnessing mass migration of people to urban centers, thereby leading to increased demand for water purifiers in these centers. Economies of North Africa, on the other hand, have also been registering healthy growth rates over the last few years, which in turn is expected to fuel growth of the residential water treatment devices market in the overall MEA region. Due to large scale industrialization, quality of water in the GCC and Levant countries has deteriorated during the recent years. Water availability in these regions is estimated to be merely 1,200 m3/person/year, which is substantially lower than the global average of 7,000 m3/person/year. These factors are also prompting urban masses in Middle East countries to opt for water purifiers. Furthermore, the GCC region is witnessing entry of globally established water purifier brands, which has resulted into increased competition in the market. Increased competition, in turn, ensures marginal decline in prices of residential water treatment devices in the retail market in these regions. However, price decline has been largely reported on the reverse osmosis-based water purification devices only, the sales of which have witnessed an upsurge in recent years.



Request Free Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-eu-1299



Around 44% of the Middle East & Africa population lives in rural area and is not aware about the necessity and techniques to purify and filter water. Penetrating these markets may be a challenging task for the concerned market participants as most of the vendors would have to begin by creating awareness regarding water purifier and filters and the importance of these products.



Combination water purification system employs two different treatment technologies in one system. Players such as AquaPro and Kent have started offering RO+UV-based combination water purifiers in the GCC and Levant countries.



Geography-wise, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dominated the GCC residential water treatment devices market in terms of value in 2014, accounting for more than one-third value share of the GCC residential water treatment devices market. On the other hand, Turkey dominated the Levant residential water treatment devices market in 2014, accounting for more than 40% value share of the overall market in the region. Furthermore, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is foreseen to expand at a relatively high CAGR during the forecast period and is expected to maintain its revenue share dominance till 2025 end. The governments in the Levant and GCC regions are investing and opening up to Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and promoting industrialization, which has been leading to an increase in the per capita income of the residing population in countries such as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan are expected to register significant Y-o-Y growth during the forecast period. Besides, these countries are projected to bestow more focus on their non-oil and manufacturing sectors in the coming years, which in turn is expected to encourage the water purifier and water filter manufacturers in these countries to go in for domestic production and enhance sales. Countries such as Bahrain, Iraq, Palestine and Syria are currently witnessing moderate growth in demand for residential water treatment devices, and the trend is expected to continue during the forecast period as well.



On the basis of filtration devices, the filtration faucet segment dominated the Middle East residential water treatment devices market in 2014 in terms of revenue, and is foreseen to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. In terms of volume, the water tap faucet segment dominated the Middle East residential water treatment devices market in 2014, accounting for more than half volume share of the overall market.



Send An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-eu-1299



On the basis of purification devices, the reverse osmosis segment dominated the Middle East residential water treatment devices market in 2014 in terms of revenue, and is foreseen to expand at a relatively high CAGR during the forecast period. In terms of volume, the gravity segment purification devices dominated the Middle East residential water treatment devices market in 2014, accounting for more than 40% volume share of the overall market.



Key market players covered in the report include KENT RO Systems Ltd., Eureka Forbes, Britannic Water Treatment Company W.L.L., Panasonic Corporation, LG Electronics, Pure It LLC, Waterlife, Coolpex Pure Water System, Ultra Tec Water Treatment LLC and AQUA PRO UAE. Most players in the market are engaged in various activities, such as mergers and acquisitions, increasing investments in technological and product developments, geographical expansion and brand building via strong marketing strategies, in order to sustain their position in the competitive market.
An international team of astronomers led by University of Arizona scientist Dr. Vishnu Reddy has obtained observations of the smallest near-Earth asteroid (NEA) ever characterized in detail.

The asteroid, named 2015 TC25, is only 6 feet (2 m) in diameter. It was discovered in October 2015 by astronomers with the NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey.

Interestingly, 2015 TC25 is also one of the brightest NEAs ever discovered  the object reflects about 60% of the sunlight that falls on it.

In a paper published in the Astronomical Journal, Dr. Reddy and his colleagues from Canada and the United States argue that new observations from NASAs Infrared Telescope Facility and Arecibo Planetary Radar show that 2015 TC25s surface is similar to a rare type of highly reflective meteorite called an aubrite.

Aubrites consist of very bright minerals (mostly silicates) that formed in an oxygen-free, basaltic environment at very high temperatures.

2015 TC25s surface composition is similar to aubrites, a rare class of high-albedo differentiated meteorites, the researchers said.

Aubrites make up only 0.14% of all known meteorites in our terrestrial meteorite collection.

Small NEAs such as 2015 TC25 are in the same size range as meteorites that fall on Earth.

Astronomers discover them frequently, but not very much is known about them as they are difficult to characterize.

By studying such objects in more detail, they hope to better understand the parent bodies from which these meteorites originate.

Its especially important to study the physical properties of small NEAs because of the threats these objects pose to us, said co-author Prof. Stephen Tegler, of Northern Arizona University.

If we can discover and characterize asteroids and meteoroids this small, then we can understand the population of objects from which they originate: large asteroids, which have a much smaller likelihood of impacting Earth, Dr. Reddy added.

In the case of 2015 TC25, the likelihood of impacting Earth is fairly small.

The discovery also is the first evidence for an asteroid lacking the typical dust blanket  called regolith  of most larger asteroids. Instead, this object consists essentially of bare rock.

Probably, 2015 TC25 is what planetary researchers call monolithic, meaning it is more similar to a solid rock type of object than a rubble pile type of object like many large asteroids.

The astronomers also found that 2015 TC25 is one of the fastest-spinning NEAs ever observed, with a period of 133 s.

They believe 2015 TC25 was chipped off by another impacting rock from its parent, (44) Nysa, a large and bright main-belt asteroid that measure 44 miles (70 km) in diameter.

_____

Vishnu Reddy et al. 2016. Physical Characterization of 2 m Diameter Near-Earth Asteroid 2015 TC25: a Possible Boulder from E-Type Asteroid (44) Nysa. AJ 152, 162; doi: 10.3847/0004-6256/152/6/162
Scientists from the University of Illinois have boosted crop yields in a revolutionary procedure that genetically enhances photosynthesis. The UN claims that in 2050, humanity will need to produce 70% more food than we do today. The researchers claim this new discovery will help bridge the gap towards feeding a growing population.

The technique counteracts an unusual inefficiency in plant productivity. When sunlight is intense, plants activate a defense mechanism by turning excess energy into heat, called nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ).

However, once the light dims, this protective process can take up to half an hour to switch off, resulting in missed opportunities for photosynthesis. Essentially, the plant is wasting light as heat in times when light is most needed.

Using a form of genetic modification, scientists have addressed the problem by boosting three photosynthesis-related proteins.

The plants are then able to switch back to photosynthesis much faster than usual.

The experiment was conducted on a tobacco plant, Nicotiana tabacum, and of the three strains tested, two consistently increased biomass productivity by a staggering 20%, whilst the third by 14%.

It may appear strange that plants havent evolved to overcome this inefficiency themselves. This is because photosynthetic effectiveness is not the factor that limits plant growth in the wild, but rather nitrogen availability.

For many years, the scientific community has hosted an ongoing debate as to whether its possible to increase crop yields via genetically tampering with a plants photosynthesis.

These results, published in the journal Science, are the first proof-of-concept.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded the pioneering research, and are transferring the technology to rice, cassava and soy beans.

We dont know for certain if this approach will work in other crops, but because were targeting a universal process that is the same in all crops, were pretty sure it will, says Professor Stephen Long, lead author of the study.

Genetic modification entails a long line of activist backlash. Most EU nations have an official ban on farmers growing GM crops. Anti-GM activist campaigns largely revolve around the dangers of transferring genes from one species to another. However, this nascent technology ameliorates these concerns because it only enhances proteins already existing within the plant species.

Prof. Long argues, My attitude is that it is very important to have these new technologies on the shelf now because it can take 20 years before such inventions can reach farmers fields.

Each year, developed nations waste as much food as the entire net food production of sub-Saharan Africa (approx. 230 million tons).

Implementing an economic system that redistributes produce is seen by some as the Holy Grail of food security, but its likely to be a long way off.

Until then, new technologies that enhance yield without encroaching into the natural world will be essential.

_____

Johannes Kromdijk et al. 2016. Improving photosynthesis and crop productivity by accelerating recovery from photoprotection. Science 354 (6314): 857-861; doi: 10.1126/science.aai8878
[TALLINN, ESTONIA] A new initiative to provide rice breeders across the Asia Pacific region with advanced technologies is expected to help improve crop yields, sustainability and profitability in the vital agricultural sector.



Rice Action Agenda, introduced by the The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for the 16-member countries of the Council for Partnership on Rice Research in Asia, calls on parties to share germplasm, collaborate on investments, and exchange rice-breeding techniques.



Bruce Tolentino, deputy director-general of the Philippine-based IRRI, says the new agenda is crucial to developing the rice sectors of the participating countries. He says the new agenda was a response to concerns about diminishing rice stocks in India and Thailand  the two top global exporters.



IRRI noted in February that the combined rice stocks of India and Thailand were set to decline by almost three-quarters by the third quarter of 2016 as compared to 2013 numbers, mostly due to environmental reasons such as droughts.



Fears of another rice crisis early this year was the impetus for the Rice Action Agenda, Tolentino tells SciDev.Net.



Under a 10-point action plan the agenda will introduce superior, higher yield rice varieties; upgrade rice research and breeding pipelines; increase research into global rice varieties; invest in rice education and increase the sustainability of rice cultivation systems.



The plan also calls for reducing crop losses using mechanised technologies; reforming policies to increase production efficiency; increasing investments in agricultural infrastructure; strengthening food security for consumers and working to implement the ASEAN Rice Breeding Initiative.

IRRI proposes that participants take advantage of three programmes  the CGIAR Research Programme on Rice, the Sustainable Rice Platform, and the ASEAN+3 Rice Genetics and Breeding Platform. The last includes a suite of tools for fast-tracking germplasm development, including genotyping and molecular markers, high-throughput phenotyping, and breeding informatics.Tolentino notes that participating countries are expected to carry out the new Rice Action Agenda using internal funding sources. The goal is for each of the member countries to adopt the recommendations into each of their own national rice-sector strategies and fund implementation from their own fiscal budgets.Rajeev Varshney, a geneticist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, India, tells SciDev.Net that rice is the most important crop for food as well as nutrition security in Asian countries.According to Varshney, the agenda is a great opportunity to bring the entire value chain of actors together." By combining the various programmes proposed in the plan, participants should be able to make the rice sector stronger.

This article was made possible with support from Monsanto.
Sex, lies and algorithms  educators need to work with a changing online landscape, says Pauline Oosterhoff.

Rapidly expanding internet access for young people in developing countries poses new and unexpected challenges to sex education. At the end of 2015 there were two billion internet users in the developing world. And with this comes easy access to online pornography, creating a situation where young people in places as diverse as Britain, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt and India are now more likely to learn about sex online than anywhere else.

This has been recognised for a while in developed countries, but much less so in low- and middle-income countries where sex education for young people can do much to reduce maternal mortality, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy  and inform on the realities of sex and pleasure.

A changing landscape

A number of countries that restrict modern formal sex education have, in the past, provided education on sexuality and relationships through some form of indigenous cultural institution. In Sierra Leone, for example, it is womens secret societies that have traditionally passed on sexual knowledge and norms to adolescent girls. But such institutions have weakened, or disappeared, just as internet access among young people has grown.

Much has been written about the role of religious authorities and parents in stopping sex education. They were, until recently, quite effective. These traditional gatekeepers encouraged the sex educators left to move online, providing information through websites and on social media to reach young people.

But these educators are up against some major obstacles, including how porn online can be identified and defined, and increasingly, the new online gatekeepers. And they find themselves in a new environment, where theres no shortage of commercial porn providers vying for young peoples attention.

Understanding digital pathways

A survey of 5,000 young people in India, by international sex education provider Love Matters, found that 92 per cent of mostly 1824 year-olds had watched porn at some point in their lives with only moderate differences between men and women. Eighty-four per cent of the women surveyed and 97 per cent of the men had watched porn on the internet.

This is a major challenge for sex educators as it makes it difficult to identify their audience and target their online messages by search words, especially when you add in to the mix censorship and algorithms used online to ban content deemed explicit. Pauline Oosterhoff

How do young people reach these sites? Do they land accidentally on a sex education site while looking for porn, or are they purposely looking for reliable information about sexuality and/or relationships? Knowing more about the digital environment and the various user pathways would help build more effective online sex education interventions.

However, it is not always clear whether a search term like penis means someone is looking for sex education or porn, or how to tell the difference. In fact, in a digital environment it can be hard to figure out even basic demographics such as somebodys gender or age.

New research at the Institute of Development Studies, in collaboration with Love Matters, analysed 471,000 individual search terms from Kenyan users that brought them to the Love Matters website. It found it almost impossible to classify education vs porn searches on a large scale. This is a major challenge for sex educators as it makes it difficult to identify their audience and target their online messages by search words, especially when you add in to the mix censorship and algorithms used online to ban content deemed explicit.

The new gatekeepers

Another ongoing issue is censorship laws, and attempts to enforce anti-pornography and obscenity laws. The government of India blocked 857 pornographic websites in 2015, and just last week came news from the UK on a proposed new censorship law aimed at preventing children from accessing pornographic content online.

Sex educators and policy makers need to work together with young people, ethical porn producers and social media to devise a sex education strategy. Pauline Oosterhoff

Social media giants Google and Facebook exercise another form of censorship. Through algorithms, they are deciding what can be shared and what cannot, and our research has found that what is deemed explicit is often surprising.

A recent example that caused wide international protests was that of documentary photography from the Vietnam War: a photograph by Nick Ut, showing a naked girl running down a street.

More generally, sex educators are banned on social media for publications that have no nudity. For example, an advert with the question Is sex painful first time? with a picture of a hand picking up a bed sheet was blocked. A picture of a dog wearing sunglasses, featuring the caption Doggy-style: Are all men dogs? on the website of the Indian chapter of Love Matters, is another 2014 ad campaign that was censored by Facebook between 27 December 2015 and 16 July 2016.

This is a global issue. Because Facebook and YouTube censor images of female nipples, Argentinean activists used an overweight man with large breastson breast examinations for cancer detection.

Unclear censorship policies by these new gatekeepers affect access to sex education sites. Between December 2015 and July 2016, Facebook rejected 24 per cent of the campaign posts created by Love Matters India, 27 per cent of those created by Love Matters Hablemos in Mexico/Venezuela, 6 per cent of Love Matters Arabics posts and 8 per cent of those by Love Matters Kenya.

Working with producers and gatekeepers

Online platforms meet a demand for authoritative sex education  we need to better understand how educators in developing countries can use the power of porn and social media providers to reach audiences with comprehensive sex education.

Sex educators and policy makers need to work together with young people, ethical porn producers and social media to devise a sex education strategy.

There are potential risks  including reputational damage  of working with the porn industry. With development funding declining and aid contested, donors may be very wary of entering into these debates. But not doing so risks leaving the difficult decision-making to emotional responsesor algorithms, depriving millions of young people worldwide from accessing information that is vital for their sexual and reproductive health.



Pauline Oosterhoff is research fellow at the Institute of Development Studies in Brighton, UK. She can be contacted at [email protected]
A pharmaceutical company announced that the Phase 1b clinical trial to evaluate its new multi-peptide therapeutic cancer vaccine, PVX-410.

One of the most dreaded diseases today is cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of sickness and death worldwide, with about 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths in 2012. The number of new cases is expected to increase by about 70 percent over the next 20 years.

OncoPep, Inc., a pharmaceutical company developing immunotherapies, developed the vaccine in the hopes of preventing the progression of smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), an early precursor to a rare blood cancer called multiple myeloma. This type of cancer affects plasma cells and produces proteins that can be measured through urine and blood.

The study, led by doctors at the Massachusetts General Hospital, will assess the safety and tolerability of PVX-410 in combination with durvalumab with or without lenalidomide over a three-month treatment phase.

The trial follows the successful completion of a Phase 1/2a dose escalation study of PVX-410 in patients suffering from SMM. The results will be presented during the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) on Dec. 3 to Dec. 6 in San Diego California.

"We are hopeful that this approach will allow immune system recognition of cancer-associated antigens and result in a targeted immune response that can be utilized as a possible adjuvant treatment for stage II or III TNBC," Dr. Steven Isakoff, Associate Director for Breast Cancer Clinical Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Assistant Professor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School, said in a press release.

What Is PVX-410?

PVX-410 is a therapeutic cancer vaccine, currently in Phase 1b clinical trials, in the hopes to prevent the progression of certain cancers like smoldering multiple myeloma and triple negative breast cancer.

It contains four peptides from regions of three cancer-associated antigens. It is designed to produce an immune response to the tumor antigens.

"The initiation of this Phase 1b clinical trial of PVX-410 in TNBC marks an important milestone in OncoPep's development," said Doris Peterkin, Chief Executive Officer of OncoPep.

"We are now developing PVX-410 in two oncology indications, TNBC and smoldering multiple myeloma, in which we are hopeful that the vaccine will provide enhanced immune targeting of cancer cells for improved patient outcomes," she added.


The U.S. military is preparing for a space war in case adversaries threaten the U.S. satellites. A possible attack of the satellites could cripple the military and civilian operations and capabilities. This will have an enormous effect on the daily lives of Americans and other people on the planet Earth.

Gen. John Hyten, the head of the U.S. Strategic Command, told CNN that as human go out there, there has always been conflicts such as the conflict in the Wild West as one moves in the West or conflict in Europe for its horrible wars. "So, every time humans physically move into that, there's conflict, and in that case, we'll have to be prepared for that."

Gen. Hyten cautioned that adversaries will soon make threats on the U.S. satellites in every orbital regime. He said that they have very good surveillance and intelligence capabilities. He added that they can see the threats that are being built and now developing capabilities to defend themselves.

CNN reports that America has been to conflict from here on Earth to cyberspace. Russia has positioned the "Kosmos 2499," which is a kamikaze satellite that could liquidate the satellites of the U.S. if ordered to wipe them out. Meanwhile, China has launched the "Shiyan." This could grasp the U.S. satellites in orbit with its "grappling arm."

According to Mail Online, the U.S. is now preparing its defense. It is building a laser weapon system that is like the one deployed by a warship in the Persian Gulf, but it was conceptualized for space. There is also the X-37b, a pilotless space drone. On the other hand, the U.S. has still had to catch up, according to experts.

Even so, Robert Work, the Deputy Defense Secretary, stated that the U.S. would retaliate if harmed in space. He further said that from the very beginning, if someone starts going after the space constellation, they are going to go after the capabilities that would prevent them from doing that. "Let me just say that - having the capability to shoot the torpedo would be a good thing to have in our quiver."
For the first time in 80 years since scientists predicted it, vacuum birefringence actually exists. Scientists from Italy and Poland observed a weird quantum effect in the polarized light of empty space around a neutron star.

In 1930, physicists Werner Heisenberg and Hans Heinrich Euler predicted that an extremely strong magnetic fields could change the polarity of light waves in a vacuum. This effect, dubbed as vacuum birefringence, was never observed, not until now.

Observed For The First Time in 80 Years

The scientists, who used the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT), said they may have witnessed this effect in the light coming from a neutron star, RX J1856.5-3754, a cosmo with a very strong magnetic field, Space reports.

Despite being one of the closest neutron stars, RX J1856.5-3754, which is about 400 lightyears away from Earth, its extreme dimness made astronomers observe it with visible light using the FORS2 instrument on the VLT.

Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)

Neutron stars are very dense remnant cores of massive stars that have exploded. They have extreme magnetic fields, which are billions of times stronger to those of the Earth's Sun.

With magnetic fields so strong, they could affect the properties of the empty space around the star. Normally, a vacuum was previously thought to be empty and light could travel through it without being changed.

However, quantum electrodynamics (QED), a theory, states that photons and charged particles jump around and vanish, rather than remaining constant. Extremely strong magnetic fields, just like what the neutron star generates, can affect light polarization.

"This effect can be detected only in the presence of enormously strong magnetic fields, such as those around neutron stars. This shows, once more, that neutron stars are invaluable laboratories in which to study the fundamental laws of nature." Roberto Turolla, a study author, said in a press release by the European Southern Observatory (ESO).

After analysis of the data from VLT, the team observed linear polarization, at a significant degree of about 16 percent. This could be likely due to the boosting effect of vacuum birefringence happening in the empty area around the neutron star.

The researchers believe the findings of the study, which are available online via the ESO, could open the door not only for future discoveries of vacuum birefringence but also highlight the power of the VLT to potentially measure X-ray wavelengths.
When scientists first discovered an area of Pluto that resembled a heart, it was thought to be a region born of violence. However, it seems that this may not be the case.

The plane, called Sputnik Planitia, was initially thought to be a massive impact crater that filled with frozen nitrogen and other forms of ice. However, a new study showed that the ice buildup seemed to have come first, and the accumulated material was what eventually pushed the landscape down -- like the way Greenland's ice sheet depressed an entire area here on Earth.

Space.com noted that the study's lead author, Douglas Hamilton, a professor of astronomy at the University of Maryland, said in a statement that the heart would have then weighed very heavily for the small planet, leading to a depression.

Centered at 25 degrees north, Hamilton noted that Sputnik Planitia was predicted by models that noted ice could accumulate at about 30 degrees north or south latitude, which means that the discovery of the plane was not an accident. Simply put, its location is noted to be the coldest regions of the planet. Hamilton explained that unlike Earth, the north and south poles of Pluto are actually its hottest areas, not the coldest - a math that for us Earthlings, seem bizarre.

In a simpler but more poetic way, Hamilton explained, "Pluto's big heart weighs heavily on the small planet, leading inevitably to depression."

But why is Sputnik Planitia on the tidal side of the planet? The Los Angeles Times noted that Charon (Pluto's moon) may have had a gravitational tug that pulled the area to its alignment. The explanation, according to Hamilton, has an advantage of providing an explanation on why the basin coincidentally was an ice cap, and why it is located at the coldest latitudes of Pluto, with a longitude opposite Charon.

Still, these theories remain theories -- at least until humans could get another orbiter to look at the dwarf planet. In the meantime, scientists will still have to argue about the possible origin of Pluto's heavy heart.
Tobacco companies lost the battle regarding the government's new plain packaging rules. Wednesday morning, the firms were defeated at the Court of Appeal. The tobacco companies have lost the battle over the new government rules on plain packaging for cigarettes.

All of the tobacco products produced in the U.K. have been required to have the dull green packaging since May. Also, it does not have the attractive logos or visual details at all. The Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International and Imperial Tobacco filed a lawsuit last year against Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt over the new rules.

The tobacco companies argued that the new regulations are "disproportionate" and violated a number of the EU and U.K. laws. Also, these include destroying valuable property rights. However, the giants of the tobacco industry were overturned the day before the branded packaging ban was implemented.

#HuffingtonPost Tobacco Companies Lose Latest Court Challenge Over Plain Packages Rules https://t.co/QbzQtIMEVD  ...david jones (@_dpaj) November 30, 2016

A judge in the High Court declared the regulations valid and lawful in all respects and ruled there were no grounds for compensation for tobacco firms. The tobacco industry giants then took their case to the Court of Appeals in London. However, three of the judges rejected their challenge against the High Court's decision, according to The Independent.

The appeal has been dismissed. Lord Justice Lewison, Sir Stephen Richards and Lord Justice Beaston ruled that the Health Secretary had "lawfully exercised his powers," according to The News Sky.

A transition of one year period is currently on its way for all of the old stock to be sold. But, from May of 2017, all of the tobacco products that will be produced will comply with the new rules.

Meanwhile, Ireland and France have already adopted this new rule. They already have decided to end the attractively branded cigarette packets, which were pioneered by Australia in 2012.
WASHINGTON

History has a sly sense of humor. It caused an epiphany regarding infrastructure projects  roads, harbors, airports, etc.  to occur on a bridge over Boston's Charles River, hard by Harvard Yard, where rarely is heard a discouraging word about government.

Last spring, Larry Summers, former treasury secretary and Harvard president, was mired in congealed traffic on the bridge, which is being repaired, and he suddenly understood "American sclerosis." Repairing the bridge, which was built in 11 months in 1912, will take about five years. The problem, he concluded in a blog post, is "a gaggle of regulators and veto players"  Massachusetts' government, contractors, environmental agencies, the historical commission, etc.  "each with the power to block or to delay, and each with their own parochial concerns."

Summers' sunburst of understanding continued:

"I'm a progressive, but it seems plausible to wonder if government can build a nation abroad, fight social decay, run schools, mandate the design of cars, run health insurance exchanges or set proper sexual harassment policies on college campuses, if it can't even fix a 232-foot bridge competently. Waiting in traffic over the Anderson Bridge, I've empathized with the two-thirds of Americans who distrust government. ... We seem to be caught in a dismal cycle of low expectations, poor results and shared cynicism."

There is a trope for these times: "I'm a progressive, but ... ." Barack Obama should have understood this in 2009 when he serenely promised "shovel-ready projects," the scarcity of which was one reason his stimulus barely stimulated.

Groundbreaking for the Empire State Building was on March 17, 1930. Construction soon began and the building officially opened May 1, 1931  just 410 days, during the Great Depression. The Pentagon was built in just 16 months, during wartime. After seeing reconstruction of Manhattan's West Side Highway take 35 years (construction of the George Washington Bridge took 39 months), Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan despaired that whereas America once celebrated people who built things, it now honors those who block building.

Today's long lag between the conception and execution of infrastructure projects is one reason they are dubious as countercyclical economic stimulants, and as jobs programs for the unemployed. The economist Milton Friedman said that once, while he was taken to see a canal that was being dug, he expressed astonishment that there was no heavy earth-moving machinery, only men with shovels. A government official said that was because the project was a jobs program. Well, then, Friedman replied, shouldn't they use spoons rather than shovels?

New Deal public works gave the nation splendidly useful engineering marvels, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hoover Dam. It did not, however, significantly reduce unemployment, which never came below 14 percent until prewar military spending began.

Both presidential candidates endorsed huge increases in infrastructure spending, so we are about to relearn that bipartisanship, whatever its many merits, usually means a recklessly open spending spigot. Will there be wasteful projects? Indeed, boondoggles are transaction costs of democracy. As is the inclination to direct infrastructure spending to stagnant regions, where it is unlikely to stimulate growth, rather than to regions where economic dynamism is putting pressure on, and being dampened by, inadequate infrastructure.

Besides, the economic bang from every infrastructure buck is biggest in a society that is starting from a low base, as America did in the first half of the 19th century. Princeton historian James M. McPherson in "Battle Cry of Freedom" noted that before 1815  before all-weather macadamized roads  the only efficient means of moving goods long distances was sailing ships and down-river floats. "The cost of transporting a ton of goods 30 miles inland from an American port equaled the cost of carrying the same goods across the Atlantic." So, "America's transatlantic trade exceeded internal commerce" and "the economy grew little if any faster than population."

Then came the Erie Canal and the frenzied funding of emulative projects, many of which failed, but the successes redeemed the rest. Next came railroads, and soon Americans regarded infrastructure  then called "internal improvements"  as emblems of national greatness. When the Marquis de Lafayette toured America in 1824, a couple of years before the 50th anniversary of the Revolution, his New York banquet table groaned beneath the weight of a 75-foot model of the Erie Canal, which opened in 1825.

Americans hoped that commerce, ignited by infrastructure, would weld the nation's sections, defusing the danger of disunion. Actually, this would require a railroad lawyer from Illinois.

George Will's email address is georgewill@washpost.com.
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Taipei, Dec. 1 (CNA) The number of workers on unpaid leave in Taiwan in the second half of November increased almost 290 from the first half of the month to hit a new high since March, according to statistics released on Thursday by the Ministry of Labor (MOL).
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Ka Luhi  Five-0 investigates the 10-year-old cold case of a missing teen when a boy suffering from PTSD undergoes hypnosis and realizes he may have witnessed her murder. Also, Dannys sister, Bridget (guest star Missy Peregrym), visits Oahu for a business conference, and he suspects that she may be getting too close to a co-worker, on HAWAII FIVE-0, Friday, Dec. 9 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network.

(Ka Luhi is Hawaiian for The Burden)

HAWAII FIVE 0 Season 7 Episode 10 Photos
Norwegian Star is currently en-route from India to Sri Lanka. The 91,740gt vessel will then head to Southeast Asia and onto North Asia.

The brand is deploying the newly-refurbished Norwegian Star to Asia, bringing more than 2,300 international tourists to Hong Kong and Sanya during each of its 11- and 14-day cruises.

Chan, who is just back from meeting with travel agents in Mumbai and hosting ship tours, reported that the response is very encouraging.

'India is already one of our top markets in Asia and fastest growing segments for our contemporary NCL brand,' he remarked.He describes the Indian outbound market as comprising couples in their 30s and 40s who bring along their children, especially during the April to June school holiday season.

Besides cruises in Europe and Alaska, Indian agents are also successfully packaging 3 and 4 night cruises in the Caribbean before or after guests visit Disneyland in Florida. Chan said they are increasing their staff numbers to support agents in India.

Chan concedes sales out of Southeast Asia are just beginning to pick up - but growing fast. He explains that for the current sailings many of the passengers onboard are 'on long sailings who want to explore Asia'.

11 nights is about the minimum, with some onboard for three weeks or so, he added.

Compared to the other cruise lines already in the Southeast Asian market, Norwegian is new on the scene, with its Singapore office set up only earlier this year.

Many of the local agents already know Norwegian from the days it was majority-owned by Star Cruises, and have been selling its products for other market, Chan remarked.

Now Norwegian is making bigger commitments in Asia, it is planning to meet with agents in the region next month, to help them better understand the products so that they can better drive promotions, Chan said. 'The brand will also be making some announcements for the market then.'

On January 16, 2017 Norwegian Star will head out from Hong Kong to Sydney on a 21-night repositioning. After sailing to Auckland in February, the vessel will sail to Singapore and then on to Dubai in March 2017.

Earlier this year company announced plans to operate Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line ships in China in 2017, including 3,850 passenger Norwegian Joy, targetted for the China source market and based in Shanghai from June 23, 2017 on three, four, five and six night sailings to japan and Korea. It will also cruise from Tianjin.

In February 2017, Oceania will deploy 684-passenger Nautica in Asia, along with sister ship Insignia in March 2017. Regent Seven Seas completes the companys deployment in March 2017, with the 700-guest Seven Seas Voyager spending the spring season in Asia. To support its Chinese expansion, Norwegian has also opened offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Princess Cruises also continued its tradition of hosting under-privileged children for a days outing onboard to kick off the launch of the homeporting season on Tuesday.

The Japanese-themed Diamond Princess will call at 13 ports in six countries, offering 16 round-trip departures from three to 12 day voyages with 25 distinct itineraries.

'We are also delighted to announce the extension of our fourth homeporting season in Singapore with Sapphire Princess returning to Singapore for deployment from November 2017 to March 2018,' said Farriek Tawfik, director of Southeast Asia for Princess Cruises.

'The homeporting extension further demonstrates our commitment to Singapore and the region as it is an important source market for Princess Cruises, with its rising middle class and affluence as well as an increase in a younger set of people seeking new travel experiences,' said Tawfik. He added that 40,000 passengers are expected to sail with Princess Cruises for each homeporting season.
The deal follows a week of speculation about the future of Hamburg headquartered-line owned 100% by the Oekter Group.

Today is a new milestone in Maersk Lines history. I am very pleased that we have reached an agreement with the Oetker Group to acquire Hamburg Sud, said Sren Skou, ceo of Maersk Line and the Maersk Group.

Hamburg Sud is a very well-run and highly respected company with strong brands, dedicated employees and loyal customers. Hamburg Sud complements Maersk Line and together we can offer our customers the best of two worlds, first of all in the North - South trades.

August Oetker, chairman of the Advisory Board of Dr. August Oetker KG, the management holding company of the Oetker Group commented: Giving up our engagement in shipping after an 80 year-long ownership in Hamburg Sud was not an easy decision for my family. We are very confident, though, to have chosen the best of all possible partners.

Dr. August KG said while global container shipping had been generating losses for years Hamburg Sud had performed well compared to its competitors.

However, it added: The owners and management of Hamburg Sud must, however, recognize that active participation in the consolidation process of the sector currently taking place would entail an even higher capital requirement. This would, in addition, make the balancing of risk within the Oetker Group business portfolio more cumbersome. The Oetker Group is perhaps best known globally for its frozen pizza brand.

Maersk said that Hamburg Sud and Alianca wiould continue as separate brands and continue to serve customers through their local offices.

Hamburg Sud and Alianca have competitive and attractive customer value propositions, which we want to preserve and protect. We wish to maintain the personal touch and engagement they offer their customers. In short, Hamburg Sud and Alianca customers will also be Hamburg Sud and Alianca customers in the future, said Skou.

The German line has 130 vessels with a total capacity of 625,000 teu. Based on figures from Alphaliner Maersk would have an 18.6% share of the global container shipping market following the deal.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to final agreement, due diligence and regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to be closed late 2017 at the earliest.
He wanted to strike out and build something of his own  a not so unusual impulse for a 22-year old. Jacob and his brother Adam did just that, opening Soles Inc., a small high-end sneaker boutique in Miami's South Beach that grew to five locations throughout Florida.



Jacob would eventually move back north and take over the family business, re-branding and re-energizing the decades-old company by drastically shaking up the business model. And it seems to be working. Mr. Alan's is now Elite Mr. Alan's, a place for finding the latest trends in shoes and clothing, not just the best bargains.



It's a quality over quantity approach. Some told him it wouldn't fly. Michigan is not Florida, they said. Keep it simple and don't get too colorful. But as incremental changes proved successful, Jacob was emboldened. It was time for change.



"If you're not either growing or evolving, you're dying," says Jacob.



Jacob is the son of Alan Bishop, founder of the Mr. Alan's chain of shoe and clothing stores. Like his son, Alan also split off from the family business at an early age. At just 18 years old, Alan opened his first shoe store in 1974. Alan's father, Robert, had his own stores, specializing in women's shoes. So as not to compete with his dad, Alan opened a shoe store that carried men's shoes.



As with any successful business, Mr. Alan's changed with the times. Starting out in men's dress shoes, the company eventually began carrying men's casual shoes and even a few sneakers. Clothing was later introduced. As the decades wore on, Mr. Alan's shifted to a price-point-driven model offering good products at good prices, nothing too fancy. Sneakers became the focus. This shift is best identified by one of the catchiest slogans to be transmitted across Metro Detroit's broadcast airwaves  Mr. Alan's: $29 or two for $50.



Somewhere around 2012, the brothers Bishop merged their Soles Inc. brand with their father's Mr. Alan's chain of stores. Soon, Jacob would be making the trek up north to help with the strategic merging of companies. What he thought would last one month turned into three and then six. Following his father's departure from day-to-day duties, Jacob did something he never thought he'd do. Along with his brother, he became Co-CEO and Co-President of Mr. Alan's.



"The company was doing fine; they were doing great  everything was pretty much consistent," says Jacob. "We weren't necessarily growing, we weren't necessarily declining, but we were not, for a good chunk of time, evolving as a company. Which, I think, leaves you very vulnerable. So even though we were flat, we were a sitting target."



To change that, Jacob took what he learned in Florida and applied it to the Mr. Alan's stores here in Michigan. Though some told him it wouldn't work, Jacob started small. He introduced higher end and better quality products into one section of the store and waited to see how customers would respond.

"If I only mess up 20 percent of the store, I only mess up 20 percent of sales, right?"



Sales, in fact, only grew. Soon the higher end concept took up half of Mr. Alan's stores and eventually would come to take over the whole store. Drastic updates and improvements were made to the furniture, displays, and overall designs of each store. To reflect that evolution, Jacob changed the name from Mr. Alan's to Elite Mr. Alan's.



The company is now in expansion mode. The older Mr. Alan's stores have been re-designed and re-branded as Elite Mr. Alan's. New stores have been popping up throughout Metro Detroit, including the latest at McNichols and Grand River, near the new Meijer development. It's the thirteenth Elite Mr. Alan's store. The company plans to open six more over the next 18 months and 24 more over the next three years.



Like his father before him, Jacob Bishop is proving that in business, evolution is key.



Name and title: Jacob Bishop, Co-President and Co-CEO of Elite Mr. Alans



Year Mr. Alan's opened: 1974



Year Mr. Alan's Elite opened/began: evolution into Elite began in 2012



One interesting job he had before running Mr. Alan's: Jacob started his own car detailing business in high school. His niche was that he would pick up the cars from his customers (wherever they were), detailed the cars at his house and then returned the cars to his customers.



Your favorite shoe of all time: White-on-white Nike Air Force 1



Biggest lessons you learned from his dad about running a business: To treat your brands with the same respect used to treat the customers

Despite having grown up in and around his father's shoe stores, Jacob Bishop showed little interest in joining his dad's company once graduating from Michigan State University.
The City of Marshall has taken steps to make sure it has put in place planning and zoning along with other key features that remove traditional barriers and promote opportunities for prospective private investors.



On Dec. 2 it becomes one of eight communities in Michigan that have received certification from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that indicates they are qualified as "thoroughly prepared" when it comes to planning and zoning and that they have established a solid foundation to attract private investment.



Certification as a Redevelopment Ready Community demonstrates a community follows economic development best practices. The program also evaluates and certifies communities that integrate transparency, predictability, and efficiency into their economic development practices.



"When we first enrolled in the RRC program, the City of Marshall discovered that we were already using many of the practices and policies suggested for the RRC certification," says Natalie Dean, Marshall Assistant City Manager and Director of Community Services. "We got together as a team and worked hard to implement the other strategies outlined in the program."



Dean says the certification sends a strong message to developers "that we welcome their business, that we have laid the groundwork for a good process, and that our community is fully supportive and values their project. The certification lays the groundwork for developers to know that we offer a small town atmosphere, and are a progressive community."



Other certified RRCs include Allegan, Boyne City, Eastpointe, Lathrup Village, Roseville, Ypsilant, and Muskegon.



"Our mission at MEDC," says MEDC Senior Vice President Katharine Czarnecki, "is to empower communities so they can proactively shape their future, a future built on a solid foundation of retaining and attracting business investment and talent."



Source: MEDC



Correction: Photos published with an earlier version of this story were not of Marshall, Mich. They were from Marshall, Ill.




Retired astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, has arrived in New Zealand after being medically evacuated from the South Pole while on a tourist trip, officials said Thursday.

Aldrin, 86, was flown out of Antarctica after his "condition deteriorated," said a statement from the tour operator, White Desert.

Aldrin was "evacuated on the first available flight out of the South Pole," it added, describing the move as "a precaution."

"His condition was described as stable upon White Desert doctor's hand-over to the US Antarctic Program medical team," the statement said.

No other details about Aldrin's condition were released.

RELATED: How Buzz Aldrin Took a Virtual Walk on Mars

The National Science Foundation dispatched a humanitarian medical flight to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.

From there, another flight took Aldrin to McMurdo Station on the Antarctic coast, and then to New Zealand, where he arrived at 4:25 am local time Friday.

"The plane carrying Buzz Aldrin out of Antarctica has reached Christchurch, New Zealand," said an NSF statement emailed to AFP.

"Upon arrival in Christchurch, the Antarctic program's logistics hub in New Zealand, Aldrin was transferred to a local medical facility," it added.

A spokesman for the NSF said he had no information on Aldrin's condition, and would be issuing no further updates.

RELATED: When Apollo 14 Landed on the Moon: The 'Forgotten' Photos

In 1969, Aldrin and Neil Armstrong became the first men to walk on the Moon, as part of the Apollo 11 mission.

Armstrong stepped out of the lunar module first, uttering the now famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Aldrin stepped out next.

"Beautiful, beautiful. Magnificent desolation," Aldrin said on July 20, 1969.

In recent years, Aldrin has authored books for adults and children and advocated establishing a permanent human colony on Mars.

The National Science Foundation said it received request to evacuate him and dispatched a humanitarian medical flight to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.

From there, another flight would take Aldrin to McMurdo Station on the Antarctic coast, and then to New Zealand "as soon as possible."

An NSF spokesman told AFP he was unable to confirm the status of the flight to New Zealand, given the early hour in McMurdo.

NSF said it "will make additional statements about the patient's medical condition only as conditions warrant."

Aldrin is an avid user of Twitter, and tweeted in recent days about his trip to the South Pole.

"I could be a little underdressed for Antarctica. Although I tend to be hot blooded," he wrote on November 27, posting a picture of himself wearing a black and red Mars shirt.

"South Pole, here I come!" he wrote a day later.

Born in Montclair, New Jersey on Jan. 20, 1930, Aldrin was educated at the prestigious West Point military academy in New York state.

He joined the US Air Force, and flew 66 combat missions in the Korean War, shooting down two enemy fighter jets.

He earned a doctorate in astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and devised manned space rendezvous techniques - an orbital maneuver during which two crafts dock in space - that were later adopted by NASA.

In 1963, he was picked to join the select corps of early US astronauts, and six years later he set a record -- now broken -- for the longest space walk by spending five and a half hours outside the spacecraft during the Gemini 12 orbital mission.

He logged a total of 4,500 hours flying time, 290 of them in space.

He is known to be a Republican and a devout Christian, and has said he took communion while in the spacecraft that landed on the Moon.

Aldrin has been married and divorced three times and has three children.

Photo: Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin testifies at a Senate Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness, entitled "U.S. Human Exploration Goals and Commercial Space Competitiveness," on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 24, 2015. Credit: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Philip Morris International just launched a new e-cigarette in the UK, and its CEO says the company wants to transition away from traditional tobacco products.

Chief Executive Andre Calantzopoulos, told BBC Radio 4 that the company would like to eventually work with local governments to "phase-out" conventional cigarettes altogether.

Called IQOS, the e-cig's vapor tastes like tobacco and contains nicotine, but has less than 10 percent of the dangerous chemical levels in traditional cigarettes. Philip Morris said that in (externally unverified) trials, using the IQOS had the same effect as quitting smoking entirely. However, the company isn't using this finding to market the product, instead focusing on the broad claim that it will cause less harm than cigarettes overall.

RELATED: Burns from Exploding E-Cigarettes on the Rise

The popularity of electronic cigarettes has greatly increased within the past several years, especially among adolescents. The percentage of U.S. high school students that use e-cigarettes rose from 4.5 percent in 2013, to 13.4 percent in 2014, despite growing concerns over the potential health risks.

A recent study published in the Journal of Cellular Physiology found that a large number of mouth cells exposed to e-cigarette vapor in the lab died off within several days.

The study, led by Dr. Mahmoud Rouabhia at Universite Laval's Department of Dental Medicine, placed gingival epithelial cells from the mouth in a small chamber with a saliva-like liquid. E-cigarette vapor was then pumped into the chamber at intervals of two five-second "inhalations" per minute for 15 minutes a day, for several days.

Researchers observed a rise in the percentage of dead or dying cells as the length of exposure to e-cigarette vapor increased. After 1 day of exposure, 18 percent of the cells were dead or dying, after 2 days it increased to 40 percent and after 3 days it was at 53 percent.

"Contrary to what one might think, e-cigarette vapor isn't just water," Dr. Rouabhia explained in a press release. "Although it doesn't contain tar compounds like regular cigarette smoke, it exposes mouth tissues and the respiratory tract to compounds produced by heating the vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and nicotine aromas in e-cigarette liquid."

RELATED: E-Cig Benefits Outweigh Risks: Study

Electronic cigarettes are still a fairly new product, which means not enough time has passed for researchers to draw concise conclusions on their long-term health effects. However, Dr. Rouabhia said his findings do raise legitimate concerns.

"Damage to the defensive barrier in the mouth can increase the risk of infection, inflammation, and gum disease," he said. "Over the longer term, it may also increase the risk of cancer. This is what we will be investigating in the future."

While the Philip Morris IQOS product does not produce the exact same vapor as most traditional e-cigarettes that use liquid containing nicotine, the lack of externally verified trials means we don't yet know the potential health risks of the product.

Tobacco persists as a leading modifiable cause of cancer in the U.S. and around the world. Compared to those who have never smoked, current smokers are more likely to die, and a person's history of smoking cigarettes in their lifetime is a primary determinant of mortality after 70 years of age.

In August 2016, the FDA began to enforce provisions of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act for the marketing and manufacturing of e-cigarettes. The American Lung Association defines e-cigarettes as a tobacco product and continues to be concerned about their effect on public health.

WATCH: Why People Who Smoke Look Old
Farming, the oldest industry on the planet, has been slow to adapt new technology. But that should change in the near future, as farmers increasingly turn to robots to do everything from driving tractors and picking crops to deciding what sort of seeds to plant and where to plant them.

Experts say that robotic technology is needed for farms to cope with labor shortages, as they boost productivity to supply the increasing amounts of food that the world's growing population will demand in the years ahead.

"In 1950, each farmer had to produce enough food for 10 people," explains Susan Eustis of WinterGreen Research, a Lexington, Mass.-based forecasting firm. "By 2014, he had to produce enough for 150." By early in the next decade, with the help of technology, "we think he'll be producing enough food to feed 500."

Eustis predicted that by 2020, global agriculture will be spending $25 billion a year on robotics - not including aerial drones, which already are being used to keep an eye on crops.

RELATED: Here's How Farming Will Work on Mars

Energid Technologies, a Cambridge, Mass.-based software and robotics firm, is one of the companies hoping to lead that revolution. Already, Energid has developed an experimental robot that would ride around Florida orange groves in the back of a truck, picking the fruit so that it can be made into juice.

James English, Energid's chief technology officer, says that the automaton, which should be on the market in a few years, uses computers and color cameras to identify the location of each piece of fruit and guide the robotic arm. The machine can perform the grueling work of 10 fruit pickers, though it still requires a human to drive the truck - at least until fully-autonomous farm vehicles hit the market.

While the machine may not be as gentle with the oranges as human hands would, that's not as big of an issue with oranges used for making juice. "You don't care about scars and scuffs on the fruit," he explains.

But robots can do more than just reduce the amount of labor required to produce food. Self-taught robotics researcher David Dorhout, who grew up on a farm in Iowa, has developed an experimental "autonomous micro planter" named Prospero. He envisions a future in which armies of Prospero-like bots swarm over every inch of farm fields, analyzing subtle variations in soil and moisture, and deciding what variety of corn to plant in each section of a field for optimum productivity.

RELATED: What You Need to Know About Organic Food

"You'll be able to give general instructions to a thousand small robots that will carry them out," Dorhout explains. "It's not replacing the farmer, but extending him. If you could put this much time and effort into the decision about what seeds to plant, you'd get higher productivity."

Such robots also could be used to quickly survey fields damaged by hail or other weather events, and replant them with seed varieties that will regrow more quickly, Dorhout said.

Photo: An experimental orange-picking machine uses cameras to guide a robotic arm to the fruit. Credit: Energid Technologies WATCH: Will Robots Take Our Jobs?
Claire Charlton is a Metro Detroit freelance writer. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Michigan entrepreneurs Chris George, Paul Chambers, and John Haji combined business savvy in 2014 to form Royal Oak-based Gentlemans Box . The $25 monthly curated box features four to six essentials with an average total value of $100. With a subscriber base in the "high five digits," the box makes its way to 40 countries, according to George.Each box is built around one real or fictional gentleman, like Ernest Hemingway, James Bond, or Frank Sinatra, which adds a unique element."Whats cool is it's funnot just a bunch of random products thrown in a box, but we're building a lifestyle around our products," George says. "A Gentleman's Post goes inside the box and shows subscribers how to tie a bowtie or lift their style to make them look better."There's a higher purpose too. We focus on bringing back gentlemanly qualities as well," George says. "More than just getting items, but about being a better man."Consumers seeking first-glimpse new product discovery and the thrill of surprise in their mailbox are looking to subscription boxes such as Gentleman's Box for their fixes. There are boxes for those who love baking pooches , and much more. So much so that Detroit this year hosted the Subscription Box Summit, which brought founders, industry leaders, and fans from across the nation to discuss everything subscription boxes. launched the trend in 2010 with monthly $10 beauty product boxes, and it soon had company. The industry has grown at a rate of 200% each year since 2011, generating $5 billion in revenue in 2014."We know our clients are seeking to be happy from the inside out, and we have learned that personal growth is their path to a happier life," says Michael Broukhim, co-CEO of California-based quarterly lifestyle box FabFitFun . Relationships, purpose, and novelty rank high with his female demographic."We want to put that novelty piece of the pyramid on autopilot, and create that New Year's Eve excitement four times a year," he says, adding that standouts from the fall box included ModCloth blanket scarves, custom crowdsourced coloring books, and pencil boxes, a collaboration with featured nonprofit, Pencils of Promise Box companies typically are in constant negotiation with vendors to get products into the hands of customers.The typical customer is a woman looking for essentials, luxury fashion, and home decor items, gets a boost from the element of surprise and wants to know someone thought about what went in her box, says Liz Cadman, founder of Pittsburgh-based My Subscription Addiction , a review and community website that conducted a reader survey this year."She wants to feel like she gets a good return on investment," Cadman says, meaning a box's value must exceed its cost. "Fitness was at the top of the list for what people want. It's something were seeing more and more. Adidas has a quarterly box that's a runaway hit. We're all obsessed with it."Aspiring Detroit-based boxes don't necessarily follow the typical beauty/fitness/fashion model. In 2017, watch for a box by Motor City STEAM designed to get science, tech, engineering, art, and math projects into the hands of kids, and one called B-Side Box that features books, art, and music by artists of color. Established early childhood development company Simply Smart Kids is also planning a future box launch.Westland-based Fresh N Healthy entered the DIY meal box market in the spring with a key difference. "Everything is super fresh and nutritious and we deliver it all completely prepared," founder Stephanie Cosby says. "Pop it in the fridge, heat, and enjoy. Currently delivered in Metro Detroit, the 10-person company is building corporate and local farmer relationships, and provides meals to about 85 customers each week.The Michigan Made box by Detroit-based Pactz features small-batch products like Shurms candies and Benjamin Twiggs chocolate-covered cherries. "We send one out for every Pure Michigan season, and we also serve the corporate side," owner Nathan Kunst says. "I've never gotten a bad review."Similarly, Mitten Crate fills monthly subscribers with Kaleamazoo Chips , roasted lentils from SimpleSuppleFoods , and caffeinated cookies from Get Up and Go . The company has also partnered with the Hopeful Harvest incubator program for fulfillment. The company launched in August 2013 and has a core subscriber base of more than 300.We take pride that we donate the equivalent of three meals to Gleaners for every Crate," says principal Cory Wright. "Thats more than 100,000 meals since we started. They get a donation for every single box we package."Innovation thrives with out-of-the-box marketing, so box companies don't use traditional advertising."The future of marketing needs to be about content, not clutter," says Ryan Schram , COO of Izea , an Orlando, Florida-based social media sponsorship company, asserting that consumers actively avoid online and traditional advertising, even spending money on ad-blocking software and premium services, sans ads. "A consumer is more likely to survive a plane crash than intentionally click on a banner ad," he says, quoting company research.Box companies instead establish relationships with influencers, or YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter celebs, and compensate them to talk up their products to their followers, often in very significant numbers. YouTube box "reveals" by authentic web assets boost staying power and can be significant in gaining new subscribers. Chow Down Detroit , for example, has 72,500 followers lapping up his every posted meal. This serves as valuable narrowed-market exposure, especially for food-related Michigan box entrepreneurs, though research shows that word of mouth endorsement, often provided by these same influencers, is still critically important.Keeping customers interested for the long haul is a challenge many boxes face, and entrepreneurs are working to provide added value to subscribers to keep them on board."More boxes are shipping quarterly rather than monthly, like the pricier Rachel Zoe Box of Style ," Cadman says. "It's $100, but a customer can justify that. Quarterly is a smart trend, and can help prevent product overload or fatigue."Constant innovation is critical in this market. George and his team are testing a concept he says "excites people and has a ton of potential" to disrupt the subscription world. The details are top secret, but "really awesome," he says. We await the big reveal.
Washington, Nov. 30 (CNA) Taiwan and its friends in the United States should help the new U.S. administration improve its knowledge of Taiwan's geo-strategic importance to any U.S. policy toward Asia and exercise greater care in enunciating the U.S. position toward Taiwan, former American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director William Stanton said in an article published Wednesday.
Press Release

November 29, 2016 Koko blasts ambush in Lanao del Sur, calls on AFP to take action Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III called on the military to bring to justice perpetrators of an ambush on an advance party of President Rodrigo Duterte in Lanao del Sur. According to Brig. Gen. Restituto Padillia, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, seven personnel of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and two security escorts from the military were wounded in an ambush on Tuesday morning in Sitio Matalupay, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Pimentel said, "We cannot tolerate such brazen terrorist attacks against our uniformed personnel. It's time for the AFP to show them the consequences of such brutality." Brig. Gen. Padilla said that the ambush was carried out with the use of an improvised explosive device (IED) against a convoy of PSG and military personnel. Pimentel praised the dedication of the PSG and military personnel assigned to safeguard the President. "I cannot help but admire the dedication of the members of the PSG and the AFP in ensuring the security of the President, even at the risk of their own lives," Pimentel said. Pimentel said, "I know President Duterte is very hands on, but we must also be mindful of his security, as he is not just a man, but a symbol for the country." "I suggest that the should proceed with the trip only if his security team is absolutely sure that they can protect him from all possible threats," he added. The military is currently conducting offensives against the Maute terrorist group in the area after the latter occupied the town of Butig. Pimentel declined to speculate on the identity of the perpetrators of the ambush or on their motives. Pimentel said, "Their allegiance or intentions are irrelevant. They committed a crime and they must be brought to justice for it."
Press Release

November 30, 2016 De Lima warns against deleterious impact of SC Marcos burial ruling Sen. Leila M. de Lima has warned the Supreme Court (SC) against the deleterious impact of its Nov. 8 ruling that allowed a hero's burial to the late president Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City. De Lima, one of the petitioners to the Marcos burial case, filed a Motion for Reconsideration before the SC last Nov. 29, citing two grounds where the High Tribunal grossly erred in its decision allowing the former dictator a hero's burial. "What is being attempted with the Marcos burial is not the vindication of Marcos alone but the exoneration of each and every plunderer, thief, murderer, human rights violator, and torturer in government since the death of Marcos," she said. "Burying Marcos at the Libingan is not moving on and uniting the nation. It is moving on, but only for crooks, trapos, cheats, and all other villains in public office, because the burial will justify every immoral and unlawful act that these public officials have done," she added. In her 10-page motion, the former Justice Secretary explained that the guidelines of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), contained in AFP Regulations 161-375, used by the High Court on the Marcos burial case are "incomplete, whimsical, and capricious." "In its Decision, the Honorable Court has chosen to turn its back on this historic mandate vested upon it by the post-dictatorship EDSA 1987 Constitution-with singular task of ensuring that such dictatorship and thievery is never honored again and does not make a comeback in this country," she said. De Lima, a lawyer by profession, also argued that the High Court should reconsider its decision in view of its long line of rulings that held the former dictator and his family accountable for the accumulation of ill-gotten wealth. "A Decision in this case will only deprive his skeleton a cold crypt at the LNMB, and his family the satisfaction that they have once again cheated the Filipino people of their collective honor as the patrimony of a nation," she said. "Ferdinand Marcos has been rendered the highest possible conviction ever- the judgment of a people given a free and public expression as a direct act of their sovereignty, through an exceptional gesture of a revolutionary people's uprising," she added. The Senator from Bicol also said she refuses to accept what she called "moral relativism" and "historical revisionism" being imposed upon the Filipino people by the present administration to cleanse itself of its own record of human rights violations. The administration, she continued, is also attempting "to exonerate its own legacy of the murder of thousands in advance in the name of his national purge which he led us to believe is a war on drugs." "This is how a nation falls into the trap of forgetting its past and losing its soul to the perpetuation of lies," she said. De Lima pointed out that the rash of street protests against the SC's ruling on Marcos burial serves as "the nation's soul" after the Court failed to fulfill its mandate of protecting and defending the Constitution.
Press Release

November 30, 2016 Senate panel starts ball rolling on Charter Change The groundwork for proposals to amend or revise the 1987 Constitution will begin in the Senate next week, Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin M. Drilon revealed today. Drilon, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, confirmed that his committee set its first hearing on the controversial measure on December 8, a week after the enactment of the 2017 national budget. "Let the debates begin," Drilon announced. "This committee understands the importance of this undertaking in the agenda of the current administration so we will ensure that it is given the utmost priority," Drilon said. "We will hear all views and opinions of the various sectors on these issues," he added. Drilon said that his panel has invited resource persons from various sectors including the business community, labor, academe, civil society, sectoral and religious groups, as well as respected Constitutional and legal experts and former Supreme Court justices. Among them are former Chief Justices Hilario Davide Jr., Reynato Puno and Artemio Panganiban; former Supreme Court associate justices Adolfo Azcuna, Antonio Nachura, and Vicente Mendoza; recognized Constitutional experts Fr. Joaquin Bernas and Atty. Christian Monsod; and former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. The panel will also invite some members of the cabinet including Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Makati Business Club chairman Ramon Del Rosario Jr., among others. The senator reiterated his commitment towards making the process of amending and revising the constitution "thorough, consultative and transparent." He said the initial hearing would focus on the following key issues: 1. Is there a need to amend or revise the Constitution? Why or why not? 2. If so, what parts of the Constitution should be amended or revised? Why? 3. Should the amendments or revision be proposed by a Constitutional Convention or by the Congress itself acting as a constituent assembly? Why? 4. If the Congress convenes as a constituent assembly for the purpose of amending or revising the Constitution, should the Senate and the House of Representatives vote jointly or separately? "All these must be and will be thoroughly considered, guided by the principle that the vehicle we choose must be democratic, participatory, and inclusive," Drilon assured.
Press Release

November 30, 2016 SENATE PANEL INCLUDES CASINOS IN AMLA TO FORTIFY LAW The Senate is giving more teeth to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) by amending its current provisions to include the casino industry under the scrutiny of the law. Senator Chiz Escudero, chairman of the Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies which is sponsoring the measure, said a panel report to further amend Republic Act No. 9160 or AMLA of 2001 has already been filed and is due for sponsorship on Monday next week. The inclusion of casinos in the AMLA coverage is one of the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism watchdog, to avoid the potential blacklisting of the Philippines. Senate Committee Report No. 13, however, has now expanded its coverage to include casinos as part of the reporting bodies to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), which was left out in the amendments made in 2012. Escudero said the country is rushing to comply with prescribed global legal and regulatory framework on anti-money laundering before FATF's assessment of the country in June next year. The Philippines was last assessed three years ago by the international body, which noted strong concerns on the exclusion of the casino sector from the law. In the amended act, the cash threshold for any covered transactions is now anything exceeding P500,000.00 or US$10,000.00 or other equivalent monetary instrument. Also covered by the expanded law are money services business or money transfer companies, dealers of precious stones, jewels and metals, dealers of high-value items or goods and real estate developers, brokers and sales agents. "We are talking of dealers or those entities, like lawyers and accountants acting in behalf of clients whenever they receive cash for profit or gains, exceeding P500, 000.00. So if they don't want to be covered by the AMLA law, then they should transact or act in behalf of their clients with checks, not cash. Then again, checks are already covered by the reportorial requirements of banks under AMLA," Escudero said. Considered high-value items under the measure are the following goods or items which value exceeds one million pesos (P1,000,000.00): motor vehicles, including land, air and water vehicles; art and antiques; and other luxury items such as jewelry, watches and bags. "We put a generic and catch all terms. In the original act, it simply states jewelry, with 50 percent of its value coming from the precious stone used. But this is ambiguous and evasive, what if you are paying for the luxury brand itself and not the stones? Then that's already left out. There are strong calls to include luxury car dealers, but those who deal choppers and planes and yachts will also be left out, so we phrased the inclusion as high-value goods to cover all," the senator pointed out. C.R. No. 13 also strengthens the power of AMLC to investigate motu propio or upon the request of appropriate departments or agencies transactions deemed suspicious for possible money laundering-activities. It is already being empowered to file, directly through the Office of the Solicitor General, before the Court of Appeals petition for a freeze order against any monetary instrument or property deemed laundered. The AMLC can also already subpoena any person and compel his/her attendance to produce information for verification and investigation in compliance with AMLA. Escudero scored the importance of complying with the country's commitments to the FATF action plans and to earn its approval after its review next year as millions of our overseas workers will be the front liners to receive the impact of a positive or negative review. "We are rushing to sponsor this and hopefully pass the measure first quarter next year, to comply in time for the review. Otherwise, global remittances of our millions of overseas workers will go through scrutiny and difficulties," Escudero said.
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November 30, 2016 GORDON WANTS IMPROVED PCG PATROLLING OF RP'S SEAS TO STOP ASG ABDUCTIONS, SHABU PROLIFERATION With Abu Sayyaf bandits continuing to ferry hostages to Sulu undetected and shabu chemicals and other materials smuggled into the country through its maritime borders, Senator Richard J. Gordon has called on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to bolster its patrolling capability. Gordon pointed out that the government could plug these holes if the PCG would add more manpower and acquire more vessels and equipment to improve its capability in guardING the country's waters. He added that the PCG could procure the big ship that it has its eyes on but it would be more efficient in guarding the country's waters if it would also procure smaller but faster boats which are more cost effective and more functional. "If we have that 24-meter vessel AS a mother ship, you can buy six smaller but faster, more cost effective and functional boats so hindi naman sila dehado kung makabangga sila ng Abu Sayyaf. Mas mabilis tayo, mas mabubuntutan nila ang mga Abu Sayyaf at mas mahahabol. Ang gusto ba natin parang iyong porma natin maganda pero hindi naman makahabol. Positional warfare lang tayo," the senator stressed. He lamented that the Abu Sayyaf has been ferrying hostages abducted from other provinces and other neighboring countries to Sulu yet the PCG seem incapable of spotting them or catching up with them. Gordon warned of the possibility that should the Philippine government be unable to stop the ASG bandits' abduction activities, other countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, among others, would invade the Philippines to rescue their abducted citizens, similar to Operation Entebbe. The said operation was a successful counter-terrorist hostage-rescue mission carried out by commandos of the Israel Defense Forces IN Entebbe Airport in Uganda on July 4, 1976. "Ang ikinatatakot ko, baka mamaya kapag nag-hostage iyan, gawin sa atin iyong ginawa sa Uganda by Israel, 4,000 kilometers they flew from Israel to Uganda in Africa and they liberated the Israeli hostages. Nag-mukhang tanga iyong Uganda. That can happen here. In fact, I think it has happened before when Malaysia took over for a while a village in Sulu to get some of their hostages, a long, long time ago," he said. Gordon also cited reports that pointed to the possibility that vessels exporting sand from the Philippines are carrying chemicals for manufacturing metamphetamine or shabu during their return journey to the Philippines. He added this could be the reason why big shabu laboratories have been discovered in provinces where black sand or sand mining and exporting operations are conducted such as in Cagayan. "Apparently, when the ships bringing sand to China go back to the Philippines to haul more sand, these vessels are loaded with shabu raw materials and chemicals. That's why we have a proliferation of shabu. It's about time that we plug these holes," he said.
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November 30, 2016 Legarda: Filipino Tradition of Adornment

Celebrated in Last 2 Episodes of Dayaw The last two episodes (Episodes 5 and 6) of Dayaw season 2 will look into the rich tradition of adornment in Filipino culture. Senator Loren Legarda invites everyone to watch the two-part episode on "Karangyaan - Celebrating the Body" on December 1 and 8, 6:00pm on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) and ANC HD. "In these two final episodes of this season of Dayaw, we explore how our indigenous peoples have celebrated their bodies, their social ranks, their desire for beauty. Through gold and precious metals, through beads lovingly collected from faraway places, through ink and blood and ash," said Legarda. Episode 5 looks into the rich collection of gold jewelry from various places in the country that are now kept in museums. The intricate design in each piece of jewelry reveals the exacting technical skill and extensive knowledge possessed by Filipinos to process and melt the raw gold and fashion it into ornaments. The episode also explores the historical and cultural importance of gold in Ivatan life. It also features Whang-Od, the famous mambabatok or tattoo artist from Kalinga, and how she negotiates the fine line between tradition and commercialization. Dayaw, conceptualized and hosted by Senator Legarda, and produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and ANC, is a six-part, 30-minute weekly documentary series that focuses on the preservation of the country's culture and heritage. It is shown every Thursday, 6:00pm on ANC and ANC HD, with replays on Friday 1:30am and 2:30pm, Saturday 3:00am and 8:30am, and Sunday 11:00am. It is aired simultaneously on The Filipino Channel (TFC). You may also watch Dayaw online via www.facebook.com/ancalerts.
Koko calls on Filipinos to remember, emulate the values of the "Great Plebian"

As the nation celebrates the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Gat Andres Bonifacio on Wednesday, Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III asked Filipinos to remember and learn from the values of the revolutionary leader.

Pimentel said that just like Bonifacio, Filipinos should never give up fighting for what is right even if the odds seem to be overwhelmingly against them.

"We enjoy our freedom today because Bonifacio dared to fight the oppression of the Spaniards," said Pimentel.

Pimentel said the Supremo's "selfless love" for his motherland should inspire the youth to fight to make the country better.

Pimentel said that the life of Bonifacio, who rose from humble origins to lead a national revolution, shows that power and riches are not necessary to make a difference.

"Bonifacio fought for Change in the most difficult way possible. Today we don't have to join the Katipunan and charge at loaded rifles. All we need to do is speak out against injustice and be a real Partner for Change," Pimentel said.

"Change has come, but we must be wary and ensure the country would move forward and not backward," Pimentel said.
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December 1, 2016 Implementing rules to be issued today

PWDS AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN FINALLY ENJOY

TAX BREAKS UNDER NEW LAW -ANGARA Persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their families can finally enjoy value added tax (VAT) exemption and additional tax deductions as the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10754 will be issued today. "Layunin ng batas na ito na mapagaan ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayang may kapansanan. Magandang pamasko ito para sa kanila at sa kanilang pamilya," said Senator Sonny Angara, who sponsored the law which was enacted eight months ago. Under RA 10754, PWDs are exempted from the 12-percent VAT on land transportation, domestic air and sea travels; on fees and charges for medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory fees, and professional fees of attending doctors in all government facilities as well as in all private hospitals and medical facilities; on cost of medicines; on funeral and burial services; on fees and charges in hotels, restaurants and recreation centers; and, on admission fees in theatres, cinema houses, concert halls, and other similar places of culture, leisure and amusement. The VAT exemption is on top of the 20-percent discount on certain goods and services that PWDs are already entitled to under the current Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. The new law further grants a P25,000 annual income tax deduction to relatives, within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, who are caring for and living with a PWD. The senator also expressed high hopes that the Department of Finance (DOF) will heed his call to forego with its plan to lift the VAT exemption of senior citizens and PWDs. This move is part of the DOF's first tax reform package to mitigate leakages in the VAT system wherein, according to the finance department, even non-seniors and non-PWDs benefit from the exemption. The DOF said they plan to replace VAT exemption with higher socialized pension and targeted cash transfers for the country's 7.5 million senior citizens and 1.4 million PWDs. "Sabi ko nga, hindi pa napapakinabangan ng ating mga PWD ang batas, gusto na agad bawiin yung benepisyo. Based on our last dialogue with our finance authorities, they seem to be open to drop the seniors and PWDs on their proposed list of exemptions that will be removed," said Angara, chairman of the Senate ways and means committee. The lawmaker lamented the very low participation in the grant of benefits and privileges mandated by the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons mainly because some facilities and establishments, and even the PWDs themselves, are not aware of the policies that support them. Of the 1.4 million PWDs, only approximately 30,000 are registered with PWD IDs and eligible to receive the benefits and privileges under the magna carta, based on the 2014 data from the Philippine Registry for Persons with Disability of the Department of Health. Angara urged the government to intensify its information dissemination campaign, and to streamline the process for the application of the PWD ID. "We must ensure that all disabled Filipinos are provided with the necessary assistance and opportunities that will help them develop their potential and become fully participative members of society," he said.
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December 1, 2016 Iloilo to take center stage at upcoming Miss Universe 2016 Iloilo will take centerstage once more at the upcoming Miss Universe 2016 to be held in the country in January next year. Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin M. Drilon and Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo met today to discuss Iloilo's hosting of the Miss Universe photoshoot. Drilon welcomed the upcoming hosting of Iloilo City of the world's most prestigious beauty pageant and said that the event will surely showcase Iloilo's remarkable progress and development to the country and the rest of the world. Drilon said that the event represents a perfect opportunity to show the international community and foreign audiences - as well as the rest of the nation - the many achievements Iloilo has made in terms of development and shared progress throughout the past years. It was upon Drilon's request that Iloilo was chosen as one of the venues of the photoshoot. "As we host the beautiful contestants of the Miss Universe 2016, it is also a good time to share to the rest of the world the unique beauty of Iloilo, and how she is steadily recovering her role as the Queen of the South," Drilon said. "Iloilo's many tourist attractions - such as the Miagao's Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Iloilo River Esplanade and the Iloilo Convention - along with the colorful culture and cuisine of Ilonggos and heritage houses, will ensure that any guest will leave Iloilo behind with so many good memories of this place and its people," Drilon said. Drilon said that the tentative date of the photoshoot is on January 19, but he said he would not discount the possibility that it will coincide with the annual celebration of Dinagyang Festival on January 22. Among the venues that are being considered are the Miagao's Church, Iloilo Esplanade, the Iloilo Convention Center, the Molo Church, Drilon said. Drilon appealed to the whole Ilonggo community to be one in working to make the historic event successful. "This event is an affirmation and acknowledgement of Iloilo's rise as a progressive and developing center in the Visayas," he added. Miss Universe 2016 will be the 65th Miss Universe. The coronation will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on January 30.
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December 1, 2016 GORDON PRODS SC ON PROBE ON JUDGES ISSUING WARRANTS TO SEARCH GOVERNMENT DETENTION FACILITIES Senator Richard J. Gordon has expressed hope that the Supreme Court would soon get to the bottom of some judges issuing warrants that allow Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives to ostensibly search inside government detention facilities. Gordon pointed out that PNP operatives are able to effect questionable missions using search warrants issued by judges such as in the case of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa. Espinosa was killed on November 5, 2016 inside his Baybay Sub-Provincial Jail cell, along with another inmate Raul Yap, while operatives of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 8 served a search warrant in connection with illegal possession of firearms charges. "Dapat talagang maimbestiga yung mga huwes na nag-i-issue ng search warrant para sa loob ng piitan, sa loob ng isang government agency. Dapat matapos agad ang imbestigasyon at gumawa ng aksyon ang Korte Suprema diyan. For me, I don't think that's ignorance of the law alone, I think that's malicious," the senator said. "Alam naman ng judge na hindi dapat mag-issue ng warrant sa loob ng piitan sapagkat sa preso, pwedeng buksan ang selda mo at halungkatin ang buong aparador mo, ang kama mo. Lahat pwedeng halungkatin. Bakit ka pa mag-issue ng warrant?" he added. Gordon likewise expressed alarm that it may have become a modus operandi for some unscrupulous PNP members to serve search warrants inside prison facilities to lend legitimate color to their nefarious operations. He cited two other previous instances where inmates have been killed while a team of PNP operatives were serving search warrants inside the jail. Killed in the said operations were inmates Francisco Balagbis and Edgar Allen Alvarez. A week before the Espinosa killing, Balagbis, an inmate of the Baybay City Jail of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-8, was killed during a raid conducted on October 28, 2016 by operatives of the Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force of the Police Regional Office-8. On the other hand, Alvarez was killed when police operatives raided the Leyte Regional Penitentiary in Abuyog, Leyte on August 11, 2016. He was shot to death while allegedly attempting to fight the raiding team from the CIDG, Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Group, Regional Public Safety Battalion, and the Regional Maritime Unit, all from Region 8. In an en banc resolution issued on November 11, 2016, the Supreme Court ordered the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) to investigate the judge involved in the Espinosa slay within five days and to submit a recommendation five days thereafter. Thus, Court Administrator Midas Marquez ordered Judge Tarcelo Sabarre Jr. of Basey, Samar RTC Branch 30 and Judge Janet Cabalona of Calbiga, Samar RTC Branch 33 to explain the necessity and circumstances for the issuance of a search warrants against the detainees who were already under custody of authorities in a government detention facility. Sabarre issued the warrants against Espinosa and Balagbis, while Cabalona issued the warrant against Alvarez.
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Taipei, Dec. 1 (CNA) Taiwan is seeking the return of 10 Taiwanese who are still being held in detention in Turkey after they were arrested in May, along with 42 others, on suspicion of fraud, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday
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December 1, 2016 Senate hikes DOLE's OFW repatriation fund to P100 M, but

Recto wants P1.5 B to help distressed Pinoys abroad The Senate has adopted Minority Leader Ralph Recto's proposal for the creation of a P100-million "emergency repatriation fund" in the national budget to be used by the Labor secretary to bring home distressed OFWs next year. Recto, however, challenged administration lawmakers to raise the amount as there are many more "out-of-luck and out-of-cash" Filipino workers abroad waiting to be reunited with their families in the Philippines. The P3.35 trillion 2017 national budget is still being hammered out by a House-Senate conference panel that will reconcile the two chambers' differing provisions. The P100-million fund, he stressed, should just be "a component of a bigger help fund for OFWs," which "must reach at least P1.5 billion," or 300 percent bigger than what Malacanang has proposed for 2017. For 2017, the Duterte administration has asked Congress to allocate P50 million, to be lodged under the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, for OFW repatriation. This is on top of the P31 million to be set aside by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for the same purpose. Over at the Department of Foreign Affairs, its proposed Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Fund for 2017 is P400 million, the same as this year's. Augmenting the DFA's ATN is the Legal Assistance Fund, which will have a proposed funding of P100 million, the same for 2016. "Pagsamahin mo lahat ito, P580 million lang. Kulang na kulang ito sa pangangailangan ng mga OFWs natin na kailangang umuwi sa panahon ng sakuna at kagipitan," Recto pointed out. "'Yang P500 million, 'yan ang remittance ng mga kababayan natin sa Hong Kong sa loob lamang ng apat na araw at limang oras. P500 million is also what OFWs in Italy remit to their homeland in just 12 days," Recto said. "Half a billion pesos is our katas ng Saudi in less than 34 hours," the senator pointed out. The 2017 OFW aid fund is "mere four hours' worth" of all OFW remittances, Recto said, using as basis the $28.48 billion overseas Filipinos sent home last year. "It has grown by 12.3 percent since 2013, but the OFW help fund has remained flat." In local currency, last year's OFW remittances reached P1.3 trillion, or more than a tenth of the Gross Domestic Product. Recto said Congress needs to find other sources for OFW repatriation since OWWA spends only 69 centavos, or less than one percent, for repatriation out of every P100 that the agency collects from OFWs. Citing a Commission on Audit report, Recto noted that OWWA "issued a measly 119 plane tickets for repatriated OFWs last year." "Hindi pa makakapuno ng isang eroplano. One third lang ng isang Airbus 320, at yan ay para sa isang taon," the senator lamented. This, despite OWWA spending almost P1.8 billion in 2015, of which P17 million was for the purchase of the 119 airline tickets. This low figure should not come as a surprise, Recto said, "because the number of returning workers given 'domestic transportation assistance' by OWWA was a mere 856 last year, halos wala pang tatlo kada araw." Departing OFWs are required to pay a membership contribution of $25 or its local currency equivalent on a per contract basis, but shall not exceed two years. The same amount shall be paid upon renewal of membership in succeeding years.
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December 1, 2016 Free tuition looms for 1 M state college students

Recto amendment gives P5.7 B to SUCs for new bldgs Close to a million students of state colleges and universities (SUCs) will not pay tuition next year if Minority Leader Ralph Recto's amendment to the 2017 national budget to exempt them from basic matriculation will be carried in the final version of the P3.35 trillion spending measure. Recto's amendment to appropriate P8 billion to cover tuition cost of SUCs enrollees is included in the Senate version of the Duterte administration's first general budget. The proposed P8 billion "Higher Education Support Fund" has been added to the budget of the Commission on Higher Education. If approved, it will be CHED that will administer the fund. The fund will be distributed among 114 SUCs based on the amount of tuition each school is projected to collect next year as reported in the Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF) document. For 2017, forecast SUCs' earnings from tuition is P7.78 billion out of total expected internally-generated income of P 17.62 billion. Recto explained the P8 billion will fund "free tuition" and will not cover other school fees like dormitory use and laboratory fees. Recto said the "free tuition fund" will guarantee that students from poor farming and fishing families, and from the urban poor will not shell out money for basic matriculation. Covered by this endowment, he explained, are "students coming from 4P families, thus guaranteeing that the 'last mile' in their search for education is partially financed." While Congress has the option to "simply write a provision in the national budget that state college tuition is free," Recto said SUCs will be at the losing end if the expected foregone income will not be "reimbursed" by Congress. "Kasi doon din kinuha ng lahat ng SUCs ang ilang gastusin tulad ng sweldo, allowances, pambili ng supplies, pagpagawa ng mga gusali," Recto said. The Senate also approved Recto's amendment to add P5.7 billion to the capital outlays of state tertiary schools, increasing its budget for buildings, equipment and other capital expenditures from P9 billion to P14.98 billion. As a result, SUCs will get an average of P50 million each to build buildings or buy equipment, Recto said. Recto's P8-billion "free tuition fund" and P5.7 billion in additional SUC capital outlay make up for the largest bulk in the hike of SUCs' budget, from P56 billion as proposed by the Duterte administration to the Senate version of P71 billion. "The minority has done its part. It has redeemed the promise made by all presidential candidates in the last election that tuition in state colleges will be free. It is up to the majority to uphold this or not," he said.
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WASHINGTON  In tapping Rep. Xavier Becerra, a veteran Los Angeles lawmaker and son of Mexican immigrants, to become Californias next attorney general, Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday placed a stalwart defender of immigrant rights at the forefront of anticipated legal battles between California and the incoming Trump administration.

Becerra, 58, the governors surprise pick to replace outgoing Attorney General Kamala Harris, who was elected last month to the U.S. Senate, on Tuesday had announced his intention to seek the top Democratic spot on the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees tax and health care law and the nations huge entitlement programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, all targets for overhaul by the new administration and Republican-led Congress.

If confirmed as expected by the state Assembly and Senate, Becerra would become the states first Latino attorney general, putting him in position to defend Californias far-reaching environmental, health and immigration laws against expected attacks at the federal level.

In a telephone interview, Becerra said without a doubt he expects to defend the so-called Dreamers, young immigrants brought to the United States as children by their parents without papers, and given relief from deportation under the Obama administrations Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program that is considered vulnerable under the Trump administration.

Browns choice for the elected seat was unexpected. Sacramento insiders had speculated that the governor would appoint a placeholder  perhaps a career member of the attorney generals staff  to fill out the two remaining years of Harris term. Becerra himself said the appointment came as a surprise, following recent phone conversations with Brown.

But his selection drew wide accolades from California Democrats.

State Senate President pro tem Kevin DeLeon, D-Los Angeles, called Becerras appointment a perfect matching of man and moment, given that Californias prosperity and people are currently under threat by a hostile Trump administration.

California Republicans were less kind. San Francisco attorney Harmeet Dhillon, a Republican National Committee member, called Becerra a poor choice because he lacks recent courtroom experience.

He hasnt practiced law for 24 years and that strikes me as not the best choice for attorney general for California, she said.

Becerras law license has been inactive since 1991, according to the California State Bar, but this is not expected to hinder his confirmation because of court rulings that allowed Brown to serve as attorney general from 2007 to 2011, despite being in a similar situation.

Meanwhile, the pick prompted instant interest in Becerras downtown Los Angeles House seat. Former Assembly Speaker John Perez announced his candidacy for the seat within hours of the news.

Born in Sacramento, Becerra grew up in a 685-square-foot home he shared with his parents and three sisters. A self-described affirmative action baby, Becerra was the first in his family to go to college, earning his undergraduate degree in economics and law degree from Stanford University.

Becerra said that his parents will serve as his touchstone in his new job, which is the second-most-powerful elected position in California behind the governor.

They now are the models that I look to to know if Im doing a good job as the states top law enforcement officer, Becerra told The Chronicle. Am I protecting people like my parents from violence and criminal activity? Am I protecting them from consumer abuse? Am I making sure that they have clean air and clean water? Am I making sure ... that other immigrants like them know that they have a home in California?

The Legislature has 90 days to confirm his selection once Harris leaves office. His two years as attorney general would then provide a launch pad either for election to a full four-year term or higher office.

Brown said in a statement that Becerra, who was a state deputy attorney general for three years before his 1992 election to Congress, will be a champion for all Californians and help our state aggressively combat climate change.

Genial and well-liked on Capitol Hill, Becerra served on several high-profile deficit-reduction committees, where he defended Social Security from GOP efforts to cut benefits and raise the retirement age. He is the highest-ranking Latino in Congress and former chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Term-limited out of his House leadership job as caucus chairman this year, Becerra flirted with a U.S. Senate bid and was floated as a possible vice presidential pick for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

In an interview with The Chronicle last spring, Becerra described how his father, now 88, dropped out of school in the sixth grade because he got tired of being put in the corner and having a dunce cap put on him because he had a difficult time understanding English. Now he has a grandchild who was just accepted at Yale, Becerra said. His mother, now 82, came to the United States from Mexico at 18 to marry his father.

Becerra said in the interview that he had envisioned continuing his career in Congress, but was always ready to do more.

Put me on the field, he said. I just want to play. I dont care what the position is. Ill catch. Ill block. Whatever you need me to do, Im going to try to do.

Becerra is married to Dr. Carolina Reyes, a Stanford graduate with a medical degree from Harvard. They have three daughters, Clarisa, Olivia and Natalia.

Carolyn Lochhead is the San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent; Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com; mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead; @MelodyGutierrez
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San Francisco law enforcement leaders who have sought to make the city a model for progressive reform are once again staring at a bleak picture  a new study released this week suggesting that the city has made little progress, and may be backsliding, in addressing a wide racial gap in who gets arrested and jailed.

The study found that black people were 7.1 times more likely to be arrested in the city in 2013 than white people, a disparity that grew 53 percent in 20 years  even as the same disparity shrunk 23 percent statewide. Across California, black people are three times as likely to be arrested as white people.

The numbers were striking, and experts pointed to several factors, including racial profiling, the massive wealth gap between black and white communities in the city, the fallout from police focusing on certain neighborhoods, and the steady exodus of the citys African American middle class. The 2010 census counted 49,000 black residents, down from 79,000 in 1990.

But many leaders and advocates in the black community said this week that they werent surprised by the data and had witnessed the consequences of the disparity for years.

As city officials figure out their next move, some said the disparity may also be a consequence of complacency  with a progressive city failing to see its old-fashioned problems.

We kid ourselves into believing that because were progressive, we cant be racist, said Cristine Soto DeBerry, chief of staff for San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon.

She spoke at this weeks meeting of the citys Reentry Council, a multiagency group that seeks to help ex-inmates become successful and which commissioned the study by the W. Haywood Burns Institute, an Oakland nonprofit that conducted the research. We need to distance ourselves from those beliefs, DeBerry said, because they are harmful.

The study found that African American people were disproportionately represented throughout the criminal justice system in San Francisco, from arrest to booking in jail to conviction and sentencing. It revealed that as San Francisco police made fewer arrests overall in the past 20 years, the changes were not equal. White people experienced a 62 percent drop in arrests, while black people had a 42 percent drop.

Dorsey Nunn, who heads the nonprofit Legal Services for Prisoners with Children in San Francisco, laughed upon hearing the results.

Prison demographics

I wish I could say this was surprising, he said.

Nunn, who is black, said he represents the third generation in his family to be arrested, in what he believes to be a symptom of a pattern of oppression that can be traced back to slavery.

My grandfather, my father, me and my great-grandfather all been to jail, he said. My son been to jail. My grandson been to jail. My struggle is how do I keep my granddaughters free from that.

Miss Will Walker, a volunteer at Nunns nonprofit who is also black, said she had her own run-in with the law back in 1998 in the Tenderloin. She said officers arrested her for buying crack cocaine when, on the other side of the alley, white men were using.

I said, What about them? she recalled. They said, What about them? You know better than that. You know better, they dont.

In the Western Addition, Richard Clay, 53, said he had been feeling less and less comfortable as a black man in the city where he was born and raised.

They stereotype us, he said of police officers. Its a messed up feeling on a daily basis.

Unaware of bias

Jack Glaser, an associate dean at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, said San Francisco may have a liberal reputation, but that such racial disparities exist everywhere. Several factors help create the gaps, he said, most importantly bias that clouds law enforcement officers judgments, often without them realizing it.

The reason why it happens here in addition to everywhere else is because police in San Francisco are normal human beings with normal human cognition just like police everywhere else, and that extends to making decisions on who to stop and who to arrest, Glaser said.

I do think that the San Francisco Police Department may have a false sense of security out there of their nondiscriminatory nature, he said. They boast a lot about being a very diverse department, but diversity in the ranks has not been shown to reduce biased policing.

City police have been challenged on the issue before. In 2013, the American Civil Liberties Union released a study that found African Americans were 4.3 times more likely than white people to be arrested in San Francisco for possession of marijuana, even though studies show black people do not use pot at higher rates than whites.

Police Chief Greg Suhr has acknowledged the dangers of subconscious bias, but in response to the study he said, We do not disproportionately target black people. He said his officers are often deployed to neighborhoods with high African American populations because the violence unfortunately happens in our communities of color.

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Glaser said such police deployment has been known to contribute to racial disparity in arrests.

Deploying more officers to the Tenderloin, to Bayview-Hunters Point, theyre going to mathematically end up arresting more people in those areas, he said. The argument on the part of the police is that that is where the crime is happening. But there has to be a more nuanced deployment strategy that wont create these types of disparities.

At a meeting of the Reentry Council on Tuesday, San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi pointed to the studys finding that 83 percent of the County Jail population had San Francisco addresses. That figure negates the common narrative that many black people arrested for crimes are not city residents but come from Oakland, Mirkarimi said.

Cavalierly, theyre deflecting, saying its folks from the East Bay or folks from somewhere else, Mirkarimi said. Its an excuse to sweep things under the rug.

Reducing the disparity

At the suggestion of Paul Henderson, a representative from the mayors office, the Reentry Council voted to form a working group to develop a strategic plan to reduce the disparity gap.

Laura Ridolfi, director of policy at the W. Haywood Burns Institute, said the study should spur action.

There are a lot of factors that contribute to whats happening in San Francisco and across the nation, she said, but one of the things we would encourage San Francisco to focus on is that people who are decision-makers in the system have the agency to make change.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Kale Williams contributed to this report.

Vivian Ho and Jenna Lyons are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. E-mail: vho@sfchronicle.com, jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo, @JennaJourno

Read the study

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Students screams echoed through UC Berkeleys Sproul Plaza as their classmates  wearing Israeli military uniforms, sunglasses and what looked like assault rifles  stood guard at a mock checkpoint and threw Palestinian actors to the ground.

Go! Go! a guard shouted at a Palestinian, barring her from passing through the Sather Gate-turned-checkpoint and urging her to go back to where she came from. She yelled back: What do you think youre doing? Whats wrong with you!?

The elaborate display Tuesday featured dozens of members of Students for Justice in Palestine playing the role of Palestinians passing through the mock Israeli checkpoint over several hours. The drama criticized security policies in Israel and that countrys practice of demanding Palestinians identification and searching their belongings as they head to work, school and other activities in Israel.

But for some Palestinan students, like Hannah Al-Bayan, a junior majoring in biology, the play was very real. When I go visit, this is exactly the kind of thing we go through, she said.

West Bank visit

Al-Bayan visited the West Bank last summer, where her four teenage cousins had arranged for permits to visit Jerusalem for the first time and pray at a mosque. She said armed Israeli guards instead stopped them for five hours. Although she was allowed to pass with her American passport, she said the guards ripped up her cousins permits and ordered them to go home with no explanation.

It was a traumatic experience, she said.

On college campuses around the world, other pro-Palestinian activists  many of them Jewish  enact similar protests each year as part of Israeli Apartheid Week.

The campus checkpoints cause tension among some students  while some sympathize with Palestinians and condemn Israeli actions, others defend the checkpoints as essential to preserving the Jewish state and protecting Israelis from terrorism.

The checkpoint dramas are often accompanied by lectures urging college leaders to boycott Israeli products and divest from holdings in the country. The actions are seen as anti-Semitic by many Jewish students who say they inspire hostility toward those who embrace Israel.

This years protest at Berkeley came a week after the UC regents adopted Policies Against Intolerance to address Jewish students concerns that anti-Semitism is on the rise at UC. Swastikas and other anti-Jewish graffiti have appeared on UC campuses in recent years, as have attempts to stifle Jewish students. Pro-Palestinian students and faculty alike had feared an original version of the policy would limit their free speech.

In part, the regents document sought to clarify whether anti-Zionism  generally defined as opposition to Israel as a Jewish state  equates to anti-Semitism. The debate among students, faculty and others captured national attention as it led up to the regents March 24 approval of a document declaring that anti-Semitism, anti-Semitic forms of anti-Zionism, and other forms of discrimination have no place at the University of California.

Leah Millis/The Chronicle

Counterprotest

On Tuesday, about a dozen students drew attention away from the raucous Israeli checkpoint demonstration with a silent counterdemonstration just a few feet in front of the display, standing stony-faced and mute. They were members of Tikvah: Students for Israel, which bills itself as the Zionist voice at UC Berkeley. Some held the blue-and-white flag of Israel, while others held posters with the faces of people who died in terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians.

Nikos Covey, who stood with the Tikvah group, said anti-Zionism goes hand in hand with anti-Semitism. In a lot of ways its kind of used as a guise for more acceptable anti-Semitism, said Covey, 20, a Jewish sophomore majoring in political economy.

A pro-Palestinian student glared at the Zionist group. This is disgusting me. This is pissing me off, she muttered.

The tension between the groups was clear.

On the Zionist side, Michaela Jo Fried, the groups president, said someone from Justice for Palestine had tried to get Tikvah to leave by saying it had no invitation to demonstrate at Sproul Plaza that afternoon.

David McCleary, a Jewish member of Students for Justice in Palestine, said a Tikvah member had earlier held up a sign suggesting that the initials of his group stood for Stabbing Jews for Peace.

This is about equality and justice. This is not at all about hating on the Jewish people or the Jewish identity, said McCleary, 29, a graduate student in molecular and cell biology. Its not inherently anti-Semitic to criticize the policies of any government.

But the unfavorable light cast on Israel upset Adie Fridman of Tikvah, a Jewish senior majoring in economics.

Of course I was offended, Fridman, 20, said. I dont believe thats the way people are treated by soldiers.

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Fried agreed and described the mock Israel checkpoint as a misrepresentation of reality.

Leah Millis/The Chronicle

Freedom of expression

McCleary, of Justice for Palestine, said, The majority of Palestinians who go through checkpoints dont get slapped in the face. However, he said, the group relied on Palestinian students recollections and on graphic videos posted to YouTube, including one from January.

Fried said both groups had a right to express themselves. She said Tikvahs focus is to call for an end to terrorism.

Were just trying to provide context  a different context (about) whats going on in Israel right now, she said.

Daniella Miriam Melamed of Tikvah, a Jewish freshman studying nutrition, said both sides had a right to challenge the other.

I think its important to give all the students a chance to speak their minds. Theyre not hurting us. Theyre not being a threat, Melamed said. The issue is that some people are going to say anti-Israel is anti-Semitic, Some people are going to say its not.

Jenna Lyons and Nanette Asimov are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com, nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno, @NanetteAsimov
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Amazon.com claimed record Cyber Monday sales this week, boosting its revenue with deals like a Fire tablet for $33.33 or an $89.99 Calphalon cookware set. The Seattle online retailer doesnt disclose detailed numbers, but by some estimates, it may have taken more than a third of the $3.45 billion in online sales on Monday  a billion dollars in a single day.

But at what cost?

A report released this week by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a nonprofit that promotes equitable and sustainable local economies, took a dim view of Amazons methods of doing business, arguing that the companys 46 percent share of the U.S. online retail market is not only stifling competition and displacing retail jobs, but also weakening community bonds.

Amazon represents nothing less than a new wave of economic disruption, said Stacy Mitchell, co-director of the nonprofit and one of the authors of the report, during a conference call Tuesday. We argue that Amazon represents a novel and dangerous threat to competition.

Dating back to its origins as one of the first online bookstores two decades ago, Amazon pioneered digital marketplaces, claiming to put customers above all else and undercutting rivals on price and shipping speed.

Now, Amazon sells all kinds of goods, streams videos and music online, and makes electronic gadgets in competition with Apple and Google. Its Amazon Web Services, a division that has grown at staggering rates in recent years, provides Internet computing and storage for many businesses that would otherwise have to spend money on their own servers.

But, the reports authors argue, those growing ambitions and Amazons control over advertising, shipping, logistics and other aspects of selling online, make it hard for smaller businesses to reach Web shoppers without dealing with Amazon.

Amazon did not respond to a request for comment on the report.

The report found that roughly 55 percent of all online shoppers now start their searches on Amazon.com instead of Google or another search engine, up from 18 percent in 2009.

To get that kind of market control, Amazon has used tactics that include selling products at a loss for long periods of time  something smaller businesses cant sustain, the authors wrote.

In its efforts to keep prices low, Amazon has often recorded strikingly low profits, even as its revenue soared to $107 billion last year.

Amazon has become a gatekeeper for the online retail world, Mitchell and co-author Olivia LaVecchia said. In California, roughly 460,000 authors, sellers and developers run their businesses through Amazon, according to the company.

In its growth, Amazon has built a huge infrastructure that includes distribution warehouses, an air cargo fleet and more. In so doing, it has hired hundreds of thousands of workers, both permanent and seasonal.

Its home state of Washington, with 35,000 employees, and California, with 25,000, have the largest concentration of well-paying tech jobs. In Seattle and the Bay Area, Amazon employees write the code that runs its e-commerce machine and design hardware like the Echo Internet-connected home speaker and, yes, those Fire tablets which went on sale Monday.

But Mitchell and LaVecchia dont see those jobs as a boon to the economy. Instead, while adding some jobs, they displace more, the report found.

By the end of 2015, Amazon had eliminated 140,000 more retail jobs than it created, LaVecchia said.

Its also that theyre bad jobs, she said. The work is grueling. Amazon runs its warehouses like machines, and its built its systems to be dehumanizing.

The report also noted Amazons use of contractors, including Amazon Flex drivers and others. Those gig jobs have already prompted some workers to sue, arguing they are working as employees, not independent contractors.

The report also concluded that 52 percent of Amazons fulfillment centers constructed between 2005 and 2015 were built with public subsidies. Policymakers, they argue, should consider Amazons growing reach.

Daniel DeMay is a SeattlePI.com staff writer. Email: danieldemay@seattlepi.com Twitter: @Daniel_DeMay
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Some large tech companies are so eager to reach entrepreneurs that they are renting spaces inside workplaces aimed at startups.

These workplaces, known as co-working spaces, cluster startups together in open floor plans. Strangers can easily chat at the water cooler or coffee machine, and startups uncertain about their future can generally get short-term leases. As co-working has grown in popularity in San Francisco and other cities, IBM and, most recently, Microsoft have planted some of their workers amid the startups.

Being in closer proximity allows the big companies to offer their expertise to small businesses using their products and get feedback on how to make the platforms better.

Large organizations do this to understand whats happening out in the workforce and in the world, said Robert Siegel, a lecturer in management at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

For similar reasons, most technology companies favor open-plan arrangements within their own offices  to promote the exchange of ideas.

IBM has leased a space in San Francisco for the past two years from a co-working company called Galvanize. Its an area where IBMs business clients, including startups, can meet with IBM employees to discuss how to build apps using its Bluemix cloud platform. The San Francisco space, which the company calls the Bluemix Garage, is one of eight such locations IBM has opened worldwide, said Angel Diaz, IBMs vice president of cloud and open tech.

Michael Macor/The Chronicle

The kind of innovation that occurs there is very unique, Diaz said of the Bluemix Garage spaces. It allows you to expand your mind. You can really innovate much more if you have the ability to bounce ideas.

In addition to receiving feedback on products, getting to know developers in spaces like Galvanize has also helped IBM recruit, Diaz said.

Microsoft is also trying out co-working. Last month, it gave 300 employees memberships to the co-working company WeWork, which has locations in San Francisco and 33 other cities worldwide. The arrangement allows employees to sit in the common areas and use meeting rooms for private conversations with business clients. Employees in sales, finance and marketing located in New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Portland received the memberships, said Matt Donovan, general manager of Microsoft Office marketing. (Earlier this year, Microsoft offered a discount to WeWork members on Microsoft Office 365 subscriptions for businesses.)

Keeping our teams fresh and connected where great ideas happen in the marketplace can only make them better, Donovan said. WeWorks locations, especially its numerous offices in New York, allow Microsoft employees to be closer to where their clients are and have more flexibility, he added.

WeWork said it has seen an increase in the number of enterprise companies  businesses that employ more than 500 people globally  that are using its co-working space. Today it counts more than 450 enterprise companies as customers, said Dave Fano, WeWorks chief product officer. WeWork offers the companies access to private rooms and offices, including those that could require key cards to open, Fano said.

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Some companies are seeking out the startup buzz in a different way: They are creating their own spaces for young companies and entrepreneurs rather than renting co-working spaces. Google of Mountain View recently opened this type of space in San Francisco, where it hosts tech events and office hours. In the past, Google hosted some of these events at its office in Mountain View. Independent developers can get support from Google employees in what Google calls its Launchpad Space, and the company will also host entrepreneurs visiting from abroad there.

Part of the reason why Google opened the space is to support innovation and learn from entrepreneurs, said Roy Glasberg, global lead for Googles Launchpad program. Plus, if Google can help Android developers achieve their goals, that also helps the company, he added.

Any developer that builds on Googles technology that is successful, that means success for Google, Glasberg said.

Wendy Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: wlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@thewendylee
A 32-year-old physical education teacher at a Fremont high school was charged with multiple felonies after she sexually victimized an underage student, police said Thursday.

Corine Joann Audiat faces six felony counts, including contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sex crime, unlawful sexual intercourse, oral copulation of a person under 18 years old, and sending harmful matter to a minor with sexual intent.

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She was also charged with one misdemeanor count of child molesting. If convicted on any of the charges with the exception of unlawful sexual intercourse, she must register as a sex offender.

Audiat, a staff member at Washington High School, was arrested Thanksgiving Day after detectives gathered evidence that she had a sexual relationship with a male student victim, according to the Fremont Police Department. The students age was not released.

She was placed on unpaid leave after her arrest, according to a statement from the Fremont Unified School District. Audiat will not be returning to the school, officials said, although it was unclear if she was fired.

An investigation into the alleged misconduct began Nov. 23 after police were tipped off to an inappropriate relationship between Audiat and the alleged victim. The criminal contact appears to have occurred from May through mid-June of this year, according to charging documents.

This case is a very unfortunate situation for our community, the department said in a statement. Due to the age of the victim and the nature of the investigation, no information regarding the victims identity will be released.

Audiat and the victim started communicating at the beginning of the year, and their inappropriate conversations eventually escalated to sexual relations, police said.

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There was no evidence of more victims.

Our students safety remains, above all, our highest priority, and any threat to that safety is taken very seriously, district officials stated. We will continue to cooperate with Fremont PD until its investigation is complete.

School Principal Bob Moran sent a letter to parents and guardians on Wednesday to inform them of Audiats arrest.

The school is offering counselors to staff and students and encouraging anyone with more information to call Detective Heidi Kindorf at (510) 790-6900 or email hkindorf@fremont.gov.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
A 34-year-old Shasta County mother who was held captive for 22 days, beaten and branded with a message before being shoved from a moving vehicle on Thanksgiving described two women she identified as kidnappers, the county sheriff said Wednesday.

Sherri Papini of Mountain Gate has been cooperative and courageous in working with detectives to find her captors since she was able to flag down a passing motorist for help after she was left with a bag over her head and her wrists chained to her waist at the side of a road in Yolo County, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said at a news conference.

Papini disappeared while jogging Nov. 2 near her home outside Redding. She told investigators her captors were two Spanish-speaking women armed with a handgun, Bosenko said.

He said Papini was unable to provide many details about their appearances because they often concealed their faces or covered her head. But she described one of the women as being younger with long curly hair, a thick accent, pierced ears and thin eyebrows. The older woman, Bosenko said, had straight black hair with some gray coloring and thick eyebrows.

The captors mostly conversed in Spanish in the time she was held, Bosenko said.

During interviews with Sherri, she described a sequence of events to the best of her recollection, Bosenko said. Remember that she was held against her will and was isolated. There are still a lot of unknowns about her assailants, however we commend Sherri for her efforts to sit down with our detectives.

Bosenko declined to go into details about what detectives do know, for the integrity of the investigation.

The victims husband, Keith Papini, said in a statement to Good Morning America that the mother of two young children suffered incredibly through both intense physical agony and severe mental torture.

My first sight was my wife in a hospital bed, her face covered in bruises ranging from yellow to black because of repeated beatings, the bridge of her nose broken, Keith Papini said. Her now emaciated body of 87 pounds was covered in multicolored bruises, severe burns, red rashes and chain markings. Her signature long blonde hair had been chopped off. She has been branded, and I could feel the rise of her scabs under my fingers.

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Investigators showed Sherri Papini surveillance video of SUV-style vehicles that had been in the area when she was taken, but she said none of them were a match, the sheriff said.

We still do not have a motive, Bosenko said. We dont know if she was a specific target or if this was a random abduction.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
San Franciscos chief judge says he and his colleagues discarded 66,000 arrest warrants issued over five years for quality-of-life crimes, like sleeping on the sidewalk, because it made no sense to lock people up for fines they couldnt afford.

The crimes, which also include urinating on sidewalks and being drunk in public, are infractions punishable only by fines. But when those who were cited failed to show up in court, judges in the past have issued bench warrants ordering them to appear, with a sentence of five days in jail for failing to show up.

But San Francisco Superior Court judges stopped issuing the warrants a year ago and recently disposed of about 66,000 bench warrants issued since January 2011. The citys police union and some members of the public have protested, but Presiding Judge John Stewart defended the courts action Tuesday in a meeting with The Chronicles editorial board.

Youre putting somebody in jail because theyre poor and cant pay a fine, he said. We got a lot of criticism, but we thought it was the right thing to do.

Stewart noted state lawmakers similar response after learning that 4 million Californians had seen their drivers licenses suspended for failing to pay traffic fines, increased substantially by fees imposed by cash-strapped local courts. Gov. Jerry Brown signed an amnesty law last year for unpaid tickets issued before 2013, cutting penalties by 50 percent, or 80 percent for low-income drivers. The law also allowed drivers to regain their licenses if they signed up for the repayment program.

Tearing up an arrest warrant doesnt eliminate someones underlying criminal charge. But Stewart said those who are cited, most of them homeless, cant afford the fine of $200 or more and seldom show up in court.

Theres no mechanism I know of to force them to pay, he said.

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Those who come to court are usually given options, like drug treatment or community service, as an alternative to paying fines, said Teri Jackson, the courts assistant presiding judge and head of its criminal division. Stewart added that judges are encouraging police to refer offenders to treatment programs rather than issuing citations.

Leaders of the San Francisco Police Officers Association werent immediately available for comment on the judges statements. But when Chronicle columnists Matier & Ross first reported the destruction of the warrants on Nov. 14, Martin Halloran, head of the police union, told them that the court was sending a message that there is no accountability for what you have done, and the laws on the books can be violated with no repercussions. I dont think its what the public wants.

Stewart said the judges have chosen the best alternative available and dont plan to resume issuing warrants. Still, he said, people in the neighborhood have a right to be upset.
Seventy-five years ago next week, naval and air forces of the Japanese empire attacked American and British naval installations throughout the Pacific, including the American base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It was a Sunday, and the whole nation stopped in shock. The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked for and received a declaration of war against Japan, calling Dec. 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy.

Three-quarters of a century have since passed, and that date has certainly lived. But in infamy? Not exactly. Instead, Americas collective memory of Pearl Harbor is colored by our knowledge that the war against the fascist Axis powers was necessary, and that our side won. And it left the United States in the position it still enjoys all these years later, as the most powerful military and economic power that the world has ever seen.

But on Dec. 7, 1941, and for many months that followed, no one knew how things would turn out. Japans sneak attack on American bases was a deep national trauma that scared everybody and upended the lives of millions. Its psychological effect was as great as 9/11s, and its practical effect was even more profound. Lives changed. History changed. Dec. 7, 1941, was a dividing line, after which everything was different.

We can take the measure of that trauma, or at least get a feel for it, by looking at the movies that were made in that period. Doing that is more than instructive. Its useful. The United States will face other crises, and knowing the emotional pitfalls in advance can help us from falling into them.

AP

First, a reality check: Years later, we tend to think of World War II movies as naive, corny and full of gung-ho patriotism. But the actual films reveal something else. Of particular interest are the films that were made within months of the attack. They reflect a country that was afraid and paranoid, full of suspicion toward its Japanese citizens and obsessed (not without some reason) with sabotage, espionage and the threat of invasion.

Secret Agent was the first cinematic response to Pearl Harbor, produced by 20th Century Fox in January 1942 and released in April. The film was a fictional spy saga, about an unsuccessful effort to prevent the Pearl Harbor attack. More than two dozen Japanese American actors appeared in the film, all of them American citizens, and all of them vetted, in advance, by naval intelligence and the FBI.

According to a press release from the time, the Japanese actors were forbidden to leave the set without being accompanied by a policeman. This was to prevent studio employees from becoming used to the sight of Japanese soldiers in case the real thing should someday appear.

Think about that. Thats how worried people were at the start of the war, that the Japanese would actually land troops in Los Angeles.

These early films from 1942 are like fever dreams, many of them revolving around the same plot points and conveying the same message: The Pearl Harbor attack succeeded through a combination of Japanese espionage and faulty American intelligence. Its as if filmmakers and audiences wanted to relive the trauma, as if there was a way to go back and avert it.

We see this phenomenon at work in Remember Pearl Harbor, released by Republic Pictures in May of 1942; Submarine Raider, released by Columbia in June; and Danger in the Pacific, released by Universal in July. All three deal with unsuccessful efforts to prevent or at least guard against the Pearl Harbor attack.

Theres a John Lennon line that goes One thing you cant hide is when youre crippled inside. The same could be said for countries and cultures. When a country is troubled, disturbed or frightened, its fear and disorientation turn up in its art, even when artists try to be lighthearted.

Careful Soft Shoulder, released by 20th Century Fox in September 1942, was a snappy society comedy  but it was all about Axis agents trying to recruit socialite Virginia Bruce in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. Another curio from the same period featured the Bowery Boys (sometimes known as the East Side Kids) busting open a Japanese spy ring operating out of a tea shop. The film was called Lets Get Tough!

Yet in retrospect, the most revealing  and disturbing  of these early World War II films is without doubt Little Tokyo, U.S.A., from August 1942. It was another film about espionage and the Pearl Harbor attack, but this one ended not only with the breakup of a spy ring, but also with the Japanese internment.

The final minute of the film consists of a radio broadcast by the heroine (Brenda Joyce), in which she announces, In the interest of national safety, all Japanese  whether citizens or not  are being evacuated from strategic military zones on the Pacific coast. Unfortunately, in times of war, the loyal must suffer inconvenience with the disloyal.

You can find that clip on YouTube, and its worth seeing as a warning. This is what it looks like when a nation goes crazy, when ostensibly sane people start talking about the good needing to suffer along with the bad. This is a republic turning on itself.

Columbia Pictures 1957

As the war went on, the blind terror of those early months faded, but the legacy of Pearl Harbor guaranteed that the Japanese would remain the most despised of Americas adversaries, depicted as inscrutable, devious and inhuman for the remainder of the war. A postwar turning point came with Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), with Sessue Hayakawas portrayal of a prison camp commander as a recognizable human being.

Around the same time, in the 1950s, Pearl Harbor stopped being depicted as a collective national calamity and started being presented in personal terms, as an event that affected individual peoples lives. A notable example of that is From Here to Eternity (1953), which followed several characters living in Hawaii in the days leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack.

During the actual war, in the film Casablanca, Humphrey Bogart had famously said, The problems of three little people dont amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Now, 11 years later, here was a Pearl Harbor film about nothing else but the problems of little people. Peace had returned.

It took a full generation for movies to treat Pearl Harbor as an object of historical reflection, as in Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970), a detailed account of the attack as experienced by both sides of the conflict. And it took yet another generation for it to become a romantic backdrop.

At the turn of the millennium  just before 9/11 reminded people that national catastrophes werent really fun, after all  Hollywood made a wave of World War II films. One of the last of them was Michael Bays Pearl Harbor (2001), in which the most pressing question wasnt who was going to win the war, but who was going to win Kate Beckinsale  Josh Hartnett or Ben Affleck?

If all these decades of Pearl Harbor movies are any indication, it seems that in our national life we are doomed to experience cycles of panic and frivolity. Perhaps, in studying these cycles, we might achieve the wisdom to be less self-destructive when we panic and less silly when were happy.

Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle
It remains the worst collision in the 166-year history of San Francisco Bay ferry service.

The Chronicles front page from Dec. 1, 1901, covers the crash between a steamer and a ferry just outside Alcatraz Island.

In the dense fog which shrouded San Francisco Bay last evening a collision occurred between the steamers Sausalito and San Rafael, the latter going to the bottom within twenty minutes, the story read.

Though the disasters severity remained a mystery the following day, its now known that at least three people were killed, dozens were hurt  and the body count could have been much higher.

The two vessels were approaching one another, each hidden from view by the dense fog, the story read, when suddenly through some error in the signals for passing, the bow of the Sausalito crashed into the starboard side of the San Rafael, entering the restaurant, where many people were eating, many of them being severely injured.

The crash was one of the years biggest stories, and it made such an impression on young writer Jack London that he made it the opening scene of The Sea Wolf, a novel thats considered one of his greatest.

The front page features intricate etchings, striking in their detail, of the survivors coming ashore, the vessels in the bay, the violent collision, and the victims floating in the cold water.

Chronicle columnist Carl Nolte, an aficionado of things nautical, described the collision like this in a 2005 article that looked at the still-surviving Sausalito:

The Sausalito sailed from its namesake town for San Francisco about 6:15 on that tragic Saturday night. The evening was dark and murky with a thick tule fog. Sailors will tell you that a wintry tule fog, which rises in the tule reeds of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and on the bays upper reaches, is much worse than the famous ocean fog of summer. Ocean fog rolls in, but tule fog lurks and creeps; it forms on windless nights and is as thick as a gray soup. Impenetrable, the newspapers of the day called it.

There was no radar in those days, no radio either. Ferry skippers steered by a compass course  so many minutes on one heading, so many on another. They also listened for foghorns and bells on buoys, and most of all for sound of steam whistles of other vessels. Capt. W.T. Tribble of the Sausalito thought his ship was just off Alcatraz when he heard the deep chime whistle of the ferry San Rafael, which was coming in the other direction.

Ferryboats had passed in the night for years off Alcatraz without a problem, but not this time. The two boats exchanged passing signals  blasts on the steam whistle  but there was some confusion, and out of the fog, dead ahead of the Sausalito, was the San Rafael. Tribble rang down to the engine room: full astern. But it was too late; the Sausalito hit the San Rafael right smack in the restaurant, just forward of the other boats starboard paddle wheel. Passengers eating dinner scattered in all directions; some were badly hurt. The San Rafael heeled over, fatally injured.

Aboard the stricken steamer there was immediate panic, the San Francisco Call newspaper reported the next morning, describing it as wild, chaotic fear manifested by that seething, surging crowd, pushing, trampling, fighting in the fullness of their terror.

The sinking San Rafael was lashed to the Sausalito, but many passengers jumped in the water. Accounts varied on the number who drowned  some said three, some said five.

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There was no shortage of messages in Wednesdays secret-ballot vote to retain House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. Her supporters praised her tactical skills and made plain that she was not to blame for the partys tepid showing in this years congressional races.

The fact of the matter is many red-to-blue candidates were undone by the top of the ticket, Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., reportedly said, in a reference to presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

The House Democrats decision to stay with Pelosi was a testament to her ability to maintain the confidence of a caucus that will remain in the minority for at least another two years. The San Francisco Democrat must now make the transition from working with a Democratic president to playing defense against a Donald Trump administration that appears determined to undermine some of the causes she worked so hard to advance: most notably the Affordable Care Act of 2010.

I have a special spring in my step today because this opportunity is a special one to lead the House Democrats, bring everyone together as we go forward, Pelosi told reporters.

Yet within that 134-to-63 vote was a clear strain of unease. Her 43-year-old challenger, Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio, had argued that Democrats had to do more to attract the blue-collar voters from the Midwest who were drawn to Trumps populist pitch that spoke to their frustrations. He suggested the scale of the dissent  greater than the 43 votes against Pelosi after Democrats lost the House in 2010  sends a message that a lot of people felt like maybe they werent getting heard.

By retaining Pelosi, the House Democrats will approach the 2018 midterm elections with a prodigious fundraiser as their leader. She has led the caucus since 2003, including a four-year stint as speaker when Democrats controlled the House. This may be her most daunting challenge to date: her first time at the helm with Republicans in command of both houses of Congress and the White House.
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SACRAMENTO  A state board wants to suspend or revoke the license of a Bay Area construction company it accuses of shoddy work on a balcony that collapsed in Berkeley last year, killing six people.

In an accusation filed Tuesday, the Contractors State License Board said Segue Construction Inc. of Pleasanton willfully departed from acceptable trade standards during the construction of the balcony that collapsed and that if the balcony had been built as designed, it would have been able to hold the 13 students who fell.

The boards efforts to revoke Segues license come as a Bay Area lawmaker said Wednesday that he is urging cities and counties to review other work done by the construction company for possible defects.

The boards investigation in Berkeley found that decayed joists caused the apartment balcony at 2020 Kittredge St. to collapse on June 16, 2015. Investigators found joists were not pressure-treated as called for in design plans, that flooring materials were improperly substituted and protective sealing for waterproofing was not applied during construction.

Segue President Erick Hockaday did not return a call for comment Wednesday. An attorney representing the company declined to comment.

The contractors board is also asking that any contractors licenses held by David Dunlop and Kirk Wallis, who were in charge at Segue at the time the balcony was constructed, be suspended or revoked. Dunlop and Wallis did not return calls for comment.

Segues license is currently active. The company has until Dec. 14 to contest the allegations. If it doesnt, the licenses will automatically be revoked.

We expect they will take advantage of the rights they have to defend themselves, said Rick Lopes, spokesman for the contractors board.

If the company fights the charges, the state could either reach a settlement with Segue or hold a hearing before an administrative law judge.

At a hearing, the administrative law judge would submit a proposed decision to the Registrar of Contractors, which would make the final decision on any disciplinary action.

The maximum time the state can require a person to wait to reapply for a license is five years, although there is no guarantee when that person reapplies that the license will be granted, Lopes said.

Six young people died when the balcony collapsed. Five of them were visiting from Ireland. The students were celebrating the 21st birthday of Aoife Beary, an Irish student who suffered a traumatic brain injury, broken arms, a broken pelvis, a broken jaw, a collapsed lung, broken ribs and other injuries in the fall.

Several civil lawsuits have been filed in connection with the collapse. The Alameda County district attorney declined to press criminal charges.

Segue Construction had come under scrutiny for alleged construction defects even before the balcony collapse in Berkeley.

Segue and its hired waterproofing outfit, R. Bros. Inc. of San Jose, were sued by the owners of a Millbrae condominium who alleged mold and dry rot destroyed balconies at their complex just three years after the buildings were completed.

Segue had agreed to $26.5 million in legal settlements for construction defect cases between 2012 and 2015.

State Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, said he would like cities to review other work by Segue to ensure they meet city building standards and are safe.

Hill said his office contacted the city of Half Moon Bay and San Mateo County alerting them to a previous project by Segue and to ask whether that work has been inspected for possible defects. Segue was the contractor for a senior affordable housing community that opened in Half Moon Bay last year.

Hill said he will be reaching out to other Bay Area cities and counties in the coming days to urge them to double-check previous work by Segue. Hill wrote a bill signed by Brown in September that requires the Contractors State License Board to study whether contractors should be required to report to the board settlements or judgments related to faulty work.

The bill also requires the Building Standards Commission to study whether existing building standards for apartment balconies need to be updated. Both studies will be reported the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2018.

We dont want another tragedy, Hill said Wednesday. The history of Segue with settlements shows their workmanship hasnt been up to appropriate standards. Thats why I think we need to check all of their projects.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
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WASHINGTON  San Franciscos Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday fended off the most serious challenge to her 14 years of leadership over House Democrats by promising a bare-knuckled fight against the incoming Trump administrations vow to reverse everything Democrats have achieved through progressive policies in recent years.

But the loud rebellion in her ranks, swelling to nearly a third of her caucus, may force Pelosi, the embodiment of West Coast progressive politics, to recalibrate her approach as House minority leader to win back the heartlands working-class voters.

The election also sent Pelosi, 76, the message that Democrats want her to begin the process of ceding power to a new generation.

Pelosi acknowledged in a news conference after the vote that her party lost its bedrock support from Rust Belt voters, but vowed that never again will we have an election where theres any doubt in anyones mind where the Democrats are when it comes to Americas working families.

Rep. Tim Ryan, 43, of Ohio had argued in his longshot bid to replace Pelosi that his party had lost its economic message, while Pelosi offered no abrupt change in her strategy to celebrate diversity and defend liberal social programs. She said the message worked against President George W. Bush, catapulting Democrats to a majority in the House and her to become speaker in 2006, and it will work again by offering a stark contrast to the policies promised by President-elect Donald Trump.

The nation has arrived at a point well beyond politics, she said. Its about the character of America and how we go forward in our caucus to put forth our values ... to differentiate between us and the administration that will come into Washington in January.

We know how to win elections, Pelosi said. Weve done it in the past. We will do it again by making that differentiation.

Wednesdays secret-ballot vote done behind closed doors was 134-63.

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, a Pelosi protege, said Pelosi had earned the trust of the caucus as someone who listens and learns and will move all of us forward.

Yet a potent alliance of liberal populists who supported the antitrade message of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, and traditional conservative Blue Dog Democrats, sounded unconvinced as they left the vote Wednesday morning.

Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, predicted deja vu all over again.

I hope the leadership listens to some of us who have been telling them for years now that unless we can address the concerns of rural America, Joe Sixpack, people who every day work for a living, were going to continue to find ourselves unable to win swing seats, Costa said. And unless we can win these swing seats, were not going to be able to be in the majority.

Ohio Democrat and Sanders backer Marcy Kaptur pulled out a cartoon map of the United States where California, New York, Florida and Texas loomed like giant blobs squeezing all the other states to tiny squares of insignificance.

She said that when Trump quipped that at one time cars were made in Michigan and you couldnt drink the water in Mexico, and now cars are made in Mexico and you cant drink the water in Michigan, it shot, like, a cannonball across the Midwest.

She also charged Pelosi with turning the House into a fundraising machine. One of Pelosis chief assets is her ability to raise campaign money, which she spreads to Democratic House members. In the last election, she raised $141.5 million, bringing her total to an astonishing $567.9 million since 2002, blowing away competitors in either party.

Kaptur decried coastal identity politics as well as the dominant hold California and New York representatives have on top committee slots, noting Los Angeles Democrat Xavier Becerras recent elevation to ranking member on the pivotal Ways and Means Committee.

But Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, dismissed such arguments as false choices.

We want to build a big tent, he said. We want to be a party that resonates with working families in every part of this country, and we will continue to draw strength from deep-blue states on the coasts while we do that.

Democrats widely believe the partys diversity is a strength, Huffman said. We can absolutely reaffirm our commitment to diversity while sharpening our message and focus on working-class economics. You dont have to choose.

In a statement after the vote, the Republican National Committee ridiculed Pelosis selection.

This year voters went to the polls and made a bold statement for change in Washington but House Democrats just doubled down on the status quo, the statement said. The American people have been trying to send the Democrat Party a message by selecting historic numbers of Republicans for office at nearly every level of government but Nancy Pelosis re-election shows Democrats arent listening.

But Huffman said Democrats will devise a strategy to reach working-class voters again. The plan will not be something that Pelosi will ordain from above, but it will be developed by members in the coming weeks.

The leadership election reflected two broad messages, he said. One is we think Nancy as our leader puts our best team on the field for the fights we know are going to start up very soon, he said.

The other, he said, is a widespread desire in the caucus to begin moving toward generational change.

Below Pelosi, the next two rungs in the Democratic leadership are filled by members also in their mid-70s: Steny Hoyer, 77, of Maryland and James Clyburn, 76, of South Carolina. For years, this troika has blocked the paths of younger members to House leadership.

Swalwells election Wednesday as co-chairman of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee is part of Pelosis effort to groom younger members. Swalwell, 36, is the youngest ever to hold the job once held by former Bay Area legislative powerhouse George Miller of Martinez.

Another Bay Area Democrat, Oaklands Barbara Lee, 70, narrowly lost in her bid to join the leadership as caucus vice chair, the fifth-ranking slot in the House. The vote was 98-96 for Rep. Linda Sanchez, 47, of Whittier (Los Angeles County).

Sanchez is the sister of Democratic Rep. Loretta Sanchez of Orange County, who lost her U.S. Senate race to California Attorney General Kamala Harris. Sanchez becomes the first Latina to join the House leadership.

Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead
Each year, The Chronicle recognizes a number of West Coast winemakers who show extraordinary promise. Whether theyre pursuing their passion project on the side of a day job or building an estate from scratch  and whether theyve been at it for two years or ten  they fundamentally share a fearless desire to set new paradigms, a bootstrapping ambition and an attention to their craft. We believe their best work is still yet to come.  Esther Mobley

Johanna Jensen, Keep Wines

California Albarino may not seem like a category in need of reinvention  it doesn't seem poised to push Chardonnay off the shelf anytime soon  but when Johanna Jensen started experimenting with the variety, while working at the Scholium Project, she aimed for something new.

"So many of our friends are doing fresh Albarino," in the Galician style, she says. Instead, with her husband, Jack Roberts, she makes both a rich, age-worthy, barrel-fermented Albarino, as well as an Albarino made like Portugal's Vinho Verde  lightly spritzy, bottled with a little bit of residual malic acid.

"We're definitely in the 'don't give up your day job' stage of making wine," says Jensen, who is the COO of Convexity by day. Despite the Albarino focus, the personality of Keep  whose name refers to both the last bastion of a fort and the Old English word for "cask"  still seems to evade characterization. Jensen's lineup is as disparate as Contra Costa County Carignan, Napa Syrah (from the Kahn Vineyard, which Roberts farms) and an unusual white blend of Falanghina, Cortese and Loureiro from the Sacramento River delta.

What unifies the portfolio is Jensen's curiosity and creativity. Don't pigeonhole Keep as an Albarino producer. "Every year," Jensen says, "we try to do one or two things that are new."

Wines to try: The 2014 El Rino ($28), a Vinho Verde-style Albarino from Lost Slough Vineyard, shows some funkiness amid wet-stone minerality, with subtle carbonation and a banana cake flavor. The 2013 Albarino ($28), from the same vineyard, is a fleshy, sunny burst of salinity, rich from lees, tasting of lanolin. Try, too, the juicy, red-fruited 2015 rose of Syrah and Mourvedre ($22), the 2015 white blend ($22) marked by tropical fruit and orange blossom, and the silky, blackberry-forward 2015 Evangelho Vineyard Carignan ($38).

Michael Savage, Savage Grace Wines

Michael Savage

Michael Savage is a Washington outsider. Whereas the state wine industrys reputation often falls on full-bodied, plush wines from iconic eastern Washington producers like Cayuse, Quilceda Creek and Leonetti, his Savage Grace wines are betting on subtler, more delicate expressions  and on the lesser-known Columbia Gorge area.

Im looking for wine that goes with food, says Savage, thats packed with flavor and aroma, but deceptively light-bodied. A musician in a former life, Savage learned winemaking at a larger winery whose process and style did not jibe with him. I decided in the beginning that I wasnt going to make wine like that.

A chance to buy Cabernet Franc grapes in 2011 from the Copeland Vineyard, a cool site in eastern Washingtons Yakima Valley, was a revelation: Herbal, elegant and quiet, that Cab Franc gave him hope that he could do something different, at least for Washington, Savage says. He found even more vineyards with climates that suited his style  and grape varieties, like Gruner Veltliner, that intrigued him  in the Columbia Gorge.

The wines, made by Savage and his wife, Grace Hearn (get it?), at their Woodinville facility, nevertheless decline to veer into the dilute, underripe, aggressively green school of lean winemaking. Taste the Red Willow Cabernet Sauvignon, the Underwood Mountain Syrah or the Dineen Vineyard Cot (a.k.a. Malbec), and you still taste Washington: structure, completeness, brawn. I have a feeling youre going to start seeing more wines like this coming out of the state, says Savage. I think were on the cusp of a change.

Wines to try: Savages beautiful 2015 Gruner Veltliner Underwood Mountain Vineyards ($24) is both creamy and crisp, tasting of peach and preserved lemon. From the same vineyard, a 2015 Syrah ($35) is a piquant explosion of black pepper, backed by bright red cherry, its meaty savory quality more powerful on the nose than the palate. And the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Willow Vineyard ($38) achieves elegance without sacrificing expressiveness: Its leathery and tobacco-laced, with pure, supple tannins.

Brian and Stephanie Terrizzi, Giornata, Broadside

Julia P. Garrett

By no means newcomers, Brian and Stephanie Terrizzi of Paso Robles nevertheless dont get enough acclaim for their excellent work  both with Giornata, their Italian-grape label; and Broadside, their inexpensive line of Central Coast wines that might represent the best value proposition in California.

I was told for a very long time that Id never do anything interesting with Italian varietals in California, says Brian. But the couple  he the winemaker, she the viticulturist, both trained at Fresno State  loved the Nebbiolo grape too much to give up on it. Theyve now found a range of sites around Paso Robles  including the excellent Luna Matta Vineyard, which Stephanie manages  with compelling versions of Aglianico, Sangiovese, Fiano, Barbera and, especially, Nebbiolo. Giornatas structured, acid-driven wines belie the assumption that Paso is too hot to grow these grapes. Besides, the Terrizzis say, their vineyards soil has a lot in common with that of Chianti.

The Giornata wines are at the highest quality tier of Italian-style wines in this state. But the Terrizzis, who both sold wine in restaurants and shops in the past, decided to tackle a very different challenge, too: We have so many great, under-$15 wines from Spain, Argentina, says Stephanie, but its hard to find that in California. Hence Broadside, a 30,000-case operation that they first launched with Chris Brockway of Broc Cellars. (The Terrizzis bought Brockway out two years ago.) Stylistically accessible and priced below $30, even for single-vineyard wines, the Broadside Cabernet, Chardonnay and Merlot bottlings outshine many wines double their price.

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More than anything, the Terrizzis believe in Paso. Stephanie, who will work only with vineyards that hold at minimum a Sustainability in Practice certification, is an outspoken advocate for improving environmental standards there. I just want Paso to do better, says Brian. I think Paso could be the best viticultural region in the whole state.

Wines to try: The Terrizzis portfolio is an embarrassment of riches. Look for Broadsides superb Chardonnays (the 2014 Wild Ferment, $18, tropical and full of bruleed pineapple; the 2013 White Hawk Vineyard, $30, rich, mineral and saline) and Cabernets (the blue-fruited, dense 2014 Paso Robles, $18; the mouthfilling, firm 2013 Margarita Vineyard, $25). From Giornata, theres a succulent, peachy 2015 Fiano ($25), a taut, lifted 2015 Barbera ($25), and a leafy, cigar-inflected 2013 Nebbiolo from Luna Matta ($45), bright with cherry and chewy with tannins.

Courtesy Ketan Mody

Ketan Mody, Beta Wines, Jasud Estate

Developing land is all but impossible in Napa Valley today  if you can even buy a plot, which you probably cant. If your plan involves chopping down trees, forget about it. So how did 35-year-old Ketan Mody purchase a 60-acre plot on Diamond Mountain, harvest a bunch of Redwoods, excavate the grounds packed, deep structure of volcanic rock and plant 14 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon?

For one thing, it took him a while. Mody, previously of Harlan Estate, bought the property in 2008; getting the timber harvest permit alone took four years. (Erosion control and timber conversion permits came later.) When I visited in mid-November, he had only finished planting the vineyard weeks before.

Mody is articulate and opinionated in the way that ambitious, pseudo-reclusive types can be. He decries what Napa has become  big money, big wines  and when asked why he thinks the local wine industry has drifted, says: I think people are lazy. But his project on Diamond Mountain, which he calls Jasud Estate, is ultimately founded in optimism. You know whats crazy about wine? In its best form, it teaches you its not about yourself, says Mody. Thats why I wanted to stay in Napa: to fight for that.

Jasud is no joke: the property is steep, dry-farmed, the vines trained in an anachronistic trellis system called echelas. Mody did it all himself  the tree-clearing, rock-digging, vine-planting  with the help of four friends. He started an excavation company while he was at it (might as well, if youve got the bulldozer) which he calls I Dig You. A winery permit, so that I never have to leave the mountain, is in progress.

In the meantime, while his magnum opus crawls toward maturity, Mody has a wine label called Beta, which offers an inexact glimpse at the promise of Jasud.

Wines to try: Im only really interested in Cabernet, Mody says. Betas first vintage is its current release, the 2011 Chuy Cabernet Sauvignon ($80), from Montecillo Vineyard on Sonomas Moon Mountain. The wine is a fine expression of that cool vintage: Energetic and intensely fresh, full of spice and currants. Leveling juiciness with firm structure, its compulsively drinkable.
If theres one wine that articulates Michael Cruse, its Valdiguie.

The Valdiguie grape is a crucial part of Napas past. For most of the twentieth century  that less-exacting era of California viticulture  it was known as Napa Gamay, and provided the base for many wines mimicking (and often erroneously labeled as) the wines of Frances Beaujolais. Though 950 acres stood in Napa County in 1973, as of 2015 just 21 remain.

Cruses Valdiguie vineyards are among those survivors: Rancho Chimiles in Wooden Valley, planted in 1972; the Deming site in Calistoga, 1959. The grape was in high demand then, says Cruse, 36. Like Gamay from Beaujolais, Valdiguie is fruity and open-knit, but its often fuller and fleshier: In other words, more Californian. Cruse likes the grape because its delicious, and because he can sell it for a reasonable price ($29), but most of all for its historical significance in Napa.

Fruity, kooky and nostalgic throwback to the jug-wine era: Thats the epitome of Cruse.

Valdiguie, for me, Cruse says, is the bottling that summarizes everything, if youre going to talk about Cruse Wine Co.

That is, if anyone were talking about Cruse Wine Co. Which theyre not.

Instead, everyone is talking about Ultramarine, Cruses label of Champagne-method sparkling wines. Ultramarine became the latest object of wine-industry fetish soon after its initial release in late 2014. Practically overnight, the sparkling wines became hoarded by buyers, showing up in restaurants for multiples of their wholesale price, flooding the wine industrys Instagram feeds like trophies. And notably, the chatter proliferated without the support of traditional critical outlets: Wine Spectator, for example, gave Ultramarines 2011 Blanc de Blancs a mediocre 84 points out of a possible 100.

The Ultramarine phenomenon represents the story of California wine in the year 2016: how todays hits are often made by social media, not magazine buying guides; how hungry our wine community is for a novelty story (grower Champagne in America!); and how insatiable our curiosity is for the perceived unattainable.

But its the Cruse Wine Co. wines that best express who Michael Cruse is as a winemaker. Against a landscape that often feels dominated by either top-shelf Cabernet or acidic European emulations, the Cruse wines aim to reimagine what table wine can be: fruity, quaffable, affordable. And more than anything, theyre intensely loyal to their California origins.

If Ultramarine is the wine of the moment, Cruse Wine Co. is a vision for California wines future. Thats why Michael Cruse is The Chronicles 2016 Winemaker of the Year.

Michael Cruse was born in San Francisco, to a deep-rooted California family he describes as pretty blue collar-y. Hes never lived outside the Bay Area; he calls himself a gold star Californian.

When Cruse was 10, the family moved to Petaluma to escape the citys rising housing costs. He attended Catholic school. Food was important, but never fancy, he recalls. Together, he and his father would eagerly seek out sandwich joints or taquerias or Chinatown dives.

Cruse always wanted to be a scientist. At UC Berkeley, he studied biochemistry and got his first inkling of wine science when he heard a lecture by Terry Leighton, the Cal microbiologist who owns Kalin Cellars. But it wasnt until after college, working in a UCSF research lab and growing increasingly interested in food and wine, that the notion of a career in wine occurred to him.

If Id stayed in science, I dont think I could have operated in the sphere Id wanted to, says Cruse, who admits to a competitive streak. (His wife, Patricia Grob, a Cal biophysicist whom he met in a lab as an undergraduate, does operate in that sphere.) Having been rejected from some Ph.D. programs, he applied to the UC Davis masters program in enology and viticulture, and was admitted. To prepare, he got a lab job at Sutter Home  as blue collar-y as Napa Valley gets.

Academias rat race had left him jaded; Cruse longed to create something tangible. It was my competitive side, he says. I liked the idea of making a product, tasting it and deciding immediately whether you liked it or not.

He never made it to Davis. He liked working at Sutter Home too much and was surprised that his favorite part wasnt the lab but the climbing, as he puts it  the physical work of the cellar. After a year at Sutter Home, Cruse was hired at Starmont, Merryvales Carneros property. He eventually became associate winemaker.

Kevin Fox, who worked in the Starmont cellar at the time, noticed Cruses talents immediately. Very early on it became quite clear that Mike is probably one of the smartest people Ive ever met, Fox says. His background at a chemical level, non-wine related, really spoke highly of his ability.

Michael would always pin my ears back on some arcane detail of wine chemistry, says Craig Williams, then a consultant for Merryvale. As I got to know Michael, I discovered that he was actually a very brilliant person who understood wine science, certainly a lot better than I do.

As Cruse grew restless to launch his own project, he struggled to envision how he could contribute something new in a saturated field of upstarts. All our buddies were starting Pinot Noir projects, Cruse says. But I felt like  does the world really need another bottle of $45 Pinot?

In sparkling wine, on the other hand, he sensed a new frontier. Cruse admired the grower Champagne movement that had blossomed in recent decades  small producers who diverged stylistically and ideologically from Champagnes long-established grande marque houses like Ruinart, Moet & Chandon and Louis Roederer. The major California sparkling houses had all adopted the grande marque model, along with its winemaking practices, often characterized by reduction, long tirage and autolysis.

Cruse saw an opportunity.

Peter DaSilva/Special to The Chronicle

He found a book at the library, Jules Weinmanns Manuel du Travail des Vins Mousseux, published in 1899. Thats how he learned to make sparkling wine.

A lot of people assume that someone showed him how to do it, says Hardy Wallace, owner of Dirty & Rowdy Family Wines and a current custom-crush client of Cruses. But Michaels self-taught. He just studied textbooks. In a foreign language.

That resulted in some missteps. Two vintages of sparkling Chardonnay, in 2008 and 2009, did not turn out well. (Cruse has two partners in Ultramarine; he makes the wines by himself.) In 08 I used these terrible crown caps to bottle the wine, Cruse says. There was a hot spell, and they all exploded in my house.

Each subsequent year, Cruse honed the Ultramarine style. Like the Champagnes from his heroes Jerome Prevost, Marie-Noelle Ledru and Jacques Selosse, Ultramarine is made by an oxidative rather than a reductive process; it tastes nuttier, spicier and more honeyed than, say, Roederer Estate or Schramsberg. Inspired by Vilmarts Coeur de Cuvee bottling, Cruse focuses on bottling mostly the coeur  the highest-quality middle segment of the initial wine pressing. The Ultramarine wines are not inoculated with commercial yeast, not filtered, not cold-stabilized. Most important, Ultramarine emphatically rejects the grand marque ideals of house style and perennial consistency by bottling only single-vineyard and single-vintage wines, embracing whatever yearly variability that may give.

So far, all Ultramarine wines have come from Charles Heintzs vineyard in Occidental, a site made famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay by the likes of Littorai and Williams Selyem. Heintz had never sold fruit to a sparkling producer before, but as soon as he met Cruse, he had a good feeling.

I dont care about money  I have to feel a connection with a winemaker in order to sell him fruit, says Heintz. I have a no ditz rule. I met Michael, and we got along right away. I saw he was ambitious.

In 2013, Cruse left Starmont and leased a warehouse in Petaluma overlooking Highway 101, across the street from Lagunitas Brewery. He equipped it with sparkling-wine equipment. He made his first vintage of Cruse Wine Co. that year, taking on custom-crush clients to pay the bills.

Scrappy as ever, Cruse ran down to the wire: He got his winery bond on Aug. 15, had his wine press delivered on Aug. 21, and got his first fruit on Aug. 26. For the next three years, he remained convinced he was going out of business.

From the outside, it might look like the Petaluma facility was designed to accommodate the growing production of Ultramarine, whose first vintage he would release the following year. But Cruse already had ambitions beyond California Champagne. Ultramarine didnt drive Cruse Wine Co., he insists. Cruse Wine Co. drove Cruse Wine Co.

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Peter DaSilva/Special to The Chronicle

Ultramarine might be the headline, but Cruse Wine Co. would be the story. Ultramarine looks to France; Cruse Wine Co. would be pure California. Ultramarine is bound by a script of prescribed techniques, grape varieties and stylistic antecedents; Cruse Wine Co. would freestyle. In Ultramarine, Cruse has partners; Cruse Wine Co. would be his own.

Most of all, Ultramarine is expensive at over $50, and, although Cruse couldnt have predicted it in 2013, now unavailable. Cruse Wine Co. would be its blue collar-y California cousin.

California didnt need another cult wine, after all. One virtue of Cruse Wine Co., whose wines range from $25 to $38, is that blue-collar spirit  its house wine, table wine, corner-store wine.

But its achievement is equally the wine style. In an era that favors angular, savory, European-inspired wines of restraint, Cruse Wine Co. is all about fruit.

From Heintz Vineyard Syrah, to Mendocino County Tannat, to Sierra Foothills Chardonnay, to a number of ancestral-method sparklings, called petillant naturels (a.k.a. pet-nats), the Cruse Wine Co. wines all bear a signature profile. Though structured, the wines feel open and inviting, even when young. They often convey a chewy, chalky texture. More than anything, theyre exuberantly fruity.

To Cruse, thats how you express California: sunshine and ripeness. Hes got a narrative, classic California, but with a wart. So the Tannat, for example, fills the Cabernet slot: still a full-bodied, tannic wine, but a fraction of the price of Napa Cab, and weird. His St. Laurent pet-nat is a Carneros sparkling wine  what could be more classic than that?  but its St. Laurent, not Pinot, and its pet-nat, not traditional method.

Every wine has to pass the Mom test, he says, but still be kooky.

His wines exist outside of culture wars, neither alienating nor indulging the low-alcohol champions or the hedonists. They appeal to the natural-wine set (for instance, his Syrah has no added sulfur), but still taste relentlessly clean. Maybe thats the scientist in Cruse. People look at what he does and say, Oh heres this minimalist approach to crafting wines, says Craig Williams, but hes intensely methodical.

Though a technician at heart, hes still capable of creating emotional, minimally made wines, says Hardy Wallace, a natural winemaker.

Cruse hopes to make traditional-method sparkling wine under Cruse Wine Co., too  but it wont be like Ultramarine. He pictures a nonvintage, California-appellated sparkling, meant to sketch his vision of California beyond a single vineyard.

That vision is an inclusive one. Unlike Ultramarine, which will likely remain precious, expensive and scarce, Cruse Wine Co. has roughly doubled its production volume each year. Preciousness isnt part of the narrative that Cruse Wine Co. is telling.

Is he getting it right? Cruse seems unsure. He swears he cant figure out why Ultramarine gets so much hype, and Cruse Wine Co. so little. The way word of Ultramarine spread  over Instagram, among wine-industry circles  worries him. Could it fade from visibility as swiftly as it emerged?

Indeed, when he insists, I dont think Im as popular as people think I am, it may be out of fear of that precarious changing tide. I dont want to be popular in the sense of being hot and then not, he admits.

That fear feels very much of the moment, born of the social-media era; it could hardly have existed at a time when wines like Ultramarine were made or broken by the long-standing support of traditional critics.

But if the story of Ultramarine is the story of 2016, then Cruse Wine Co. is looking forward. Its fruity style, its roots in history, its rejection of cultishness  that story seems poised to outlast trends. After all, the quintessential Cruse Wine Co. wine is Valdiguie, a survivor of Napa Valley changing tides if there ever was one.

In the end, it may be the dearth of other $25 artisanal California wines, rather than the dearth of grower-style domestic sparkling, that gives Cruse staying power.
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Two more people reported feeling sick following a Thanksgiving luncheon in Antioch that health investigators suspect to be the cause of three deaths, officials said Thursday.

A total of 21 people, including those who died, have now been reported stricken in the Contra Costa County health crisis, officials said.

Health officials discovered two more people who ate the food at the American Legion Hall on Sixth Street on Nov. 24 and experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but did not seek medical attention, said Vicky Balladares, a spokeswoman for Contra Costa County Health Services.

The three people who died after falling ill following the meal, hosted by a local church, were identified by authorities Wednesday.

Autopsies for Christopher Cappetti, 43, Chooi Keng Cheah, 59, and Jane Evans, 69  all residents of local assisted-living facilities  found that they had similar intestinal abnormalities, but the cause of death is still being determined, according to the Contra Costa County coroners office.

While officials havent confirmed that the illness was a result of the Thanksgiving meal, Louise McNitt, the deputy health officer for Contra Costa County, said, Its looking more and more like its the food from the luncheon, because thats the common link between the people who were sick.

Officials have sent samples from the meal to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for testing. But the cause of the illness may never be determined, Balladares said.

One person still remains in the hospital in improving condition and others are recovering at home, Balladares said.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
The Petaluma Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding a totem pole that was stolen from a woman's front yard.

Police say the totem pole was stolen between 10 p.m. Sept. 30 and 9 a.m. Oct. 1 from the front yard of a home in the 200 block of Edith Street.
Noah Berger / Special to the Chronicle / Noah Berger / Special to the Chronicle

Noah Berger / Special to the Chronicle / Noah Berger / Special to The Chronicle

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The three people who died after falling ill following a Thanksgiving luncheon that was hosted by a local church in Antioch were identified by authorities Wednesday.

Christopher Cappetti, 43, Chooi Keng Cheah, 59, and Jane Evans, 69  all residents of local assisted living facilities  died from possible food-related deaths, according to officials from the Contra Costa County coroners office.

Autopsies show that the three victims had similar intestinal abnormalities, but a forensic pathologist is still determining the cause of death, officials said.

A total of 19 people  including the three who died  experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea within 24 hours of the Thanksgiving Day meal served to more than 800 people at the American Legion Hall on Sixth Street in Antioch.

Health officials on Wednesday identified two more people who fell ill after the meal, but did not seek medical attention and have since recovered.

Those affected include people ranging from teenagers to the elderly living in the area.

Health officials dont expect to see any new cases.

Biological samples came back negative for 21 food-borne illnesses, including salmonella, E. coli and norovirus, officials said Wednesday.

The Contra Costa County health department will send samples to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta to test for other agents that are not as common. Results may not be available for months, officials said.

Officials couldnt confirm whether the dinner caused the illnesses. However, Louise McNitt, the deputy health officer for Contra Costa County, said its looking more and more like its the food from the luncheon because everyone who fell ill ingested the food.

Only one person remained hospitalized as of Wednesday, and the condition is improving, said Vicky Balladares, a spokeswoman for Contra Costa County Health Services.

Anyone with leftovers from the luncheon was advised to dispose of them immediately, she added.

The luncheon has been hosted by the Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood for the past 30 years. The event is open to anyone in the community, said Phil Hill, the executive pastor of the church.

The turkeys were prepared at home by volunteers of the church. The mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and green beans were prepared on-site, Hill said.

The food from the luncheon is just one possibility of the cause of the outbreak, Hill said, noting that the cause has not been confirmed by officials yet.

This is a very unusual and tragic event, McNitt said. Food-borne illness is very common. To have this level of severity is uncommon.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
Air conditioning company Carrier Corp. says it has reached a deal with President-elect Donald Trump to keep nearly 1,000 jobs in Indiana. Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence plan to travel to the state Thursday to unveil the agreement alongside company officials.

Trump confirmed the meeting on Twitter late Tuesday, promising a Great deal for workers!

Trump spent much of his campaign pledging to keep companies like Carrier from moving jobs overseas. His focus on manufacturing jobs contributed to his unexpected appeal with working-class voters in states like Michigan, which has long voted for Democrats in presidential elections.

The details of the agreement were unclear. Carrier tweeted that the company is pleased to have reached a deal with Trump and Pence to keep the jobs in Indianapolis.

Neither Wilbur Ross, Trumps pick for commerce secretary, nor Steven Mnuchin  the banker picked to be treasury secretary  would discuss specifics about the agreement on Wednesday. But Mnuchin said on CNBC that Trump and his administration are going to have open communications with business leaders.

He said Trump called the CEO of Carriers parent company and said it is important to keep jobs here.

Both Trump and Pence, who is ending his tenure as Indiana governor, are expected to appear with Carrier officials.

In February, Carrier said it would shutter its Indianapolis plant employing 1,400 workers and move its manufacturing to Mexico. The plants workers would have been laid off over three years starting in 2017.

United Technologies Electronic Controls also announced then that it planned to move its Huntington manufacturing operations to a new plant in Mexico, costing the northeastern Indiana city 700 jobs by 2018. Those workers make microprocessor-based controls for the HVAC and refrigeration industries.

Carrier and United Technologies Electronic Controls are both units of United Technologies Corp. of Connecticut  which also owns Pratt & Whitney, a big supplier of fighter jet engines that relies in part on U.S. military contracts.

In a September debate against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, Trump railed against Carriers plans.

So many hundreds and hundreds of companies are doing this, Trump said. We have to stop our jobs from being stolen from us. We have to stop our companies from leaving the United States.
In a rare disclosure of previously secret documents, San Francisco telecom company Credo Mobile has identified itself as the recipient of two FBI national security letters demanding customer phone records.

The letters require phone companies, banks and other record-keepers to disclose documents on patrons whom the government considers relevant to a national security investigation. Out of about 500,000 letters the FBI has sent since 2001, this is only the seventh or eighth time that one has been made public, said attorney Andrew Crocker of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which represents Credo.

The disclosure resulted from a suit the company filed in 2013 contesting the secrecy requirement  only the second legal challenge of its kind since the FBIs use of the letters was greatly expanded by the USA Patriot Act of 2001, the companys lawyers said. Credo advertises itself as Americas only progressive phone company and donates a share of its revenues to social-change nonprofits.

In her first ruling on Credos suit, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston of San Francisco said in 2013 that the letters violated freedom of speech because the accompanying gag orders prohibited the recipients from disclosing that they had been contacted by the FBI.

But she put her ruling on hold while the government appealed, and reached a different conclusion after Congress passed a law in 2015 easing the secrecy standard. The new law requires the government to persuade a judge of the need for continued secrecy.

Illston ruled in March that the law meets constitutional standards by allowing judges to decide whether there is a reasonable likelihood that disclosure would cause harm. She said the FBI had met that requirement for three letters it had issued to then-unidentified companies in 2011 and 2013, but had failed to show that publication of the other letters in the case would jeopardize national security or any individuals or ongoing investigations.

Credo went public Wednesday after the government withdrew its appeal. The company has also asked the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn Illstons ruling upholding the law.

These letters, and the gag orders that came with them, infringed our free-speech rights, blocking us from talking to our (customers) about them or discussing our experience while lawmakers debated ... reform, Ray Morris, Credos chief executive, said in a statement.

The similarly worded letters, both dated in March 2013, contain demands from an FBI agent in Texas for phone records of three Credo customers, whose names are blacked out. Crocker, Credos lawyer, said the company complied with the requests after unsuccessfully asking Illston to delay them during the appeal.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
VIENNA  After years of trying fruitlessly to prop up energy markets, OPEC finally reached consensus Wednesday on production cuts, sending oil prices soaring. The problem is, the euphoria may not last.

With prices still at less than half the levels of two years ago, all 14 members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed this fall to lower collective production. But they could not figure out how to spread out the cuts among the countries.

The path to consensus has been complicated by Saudi Arabia and Iran, whose long-standing mutual enmity encompasses religious, political and economic competition. When it comes to oil, Saudi Arabia, OPECs top producer, has fought to maintain its market share while Iran has worked to protect its nascent comeback as a power broker in the cartel, a role it lost in recent years under nuclear sanctions.

They overcame their differences Wednesday, with OPEC deciding to cut production next year by 1.2 million barrels a day, about 4.5 percent, according to Mohammed Saleh al-Sada, the Qatari oil minister, who is running the meeting. It will be the first cut in eight years.

With the prospect of less pumping, oil prices, which began rising in anticipation of the deal, were up more than 7 percent, to nearly $50 a barrel. Rising prices could provide a lift to the troubled economies of oil-dependent nations like Nigeria and Venezuela, as well as bolster the fortunes of smaller U.S. energy producers that have been shaken by the weakness.

The optimism, though, may soon be tempered.

The deal is contingent on the cooperation of non-OPEC countries, most notably Russia. OPEC has said that Russia agreed to participate, but Moscow is notoriously hard to predict.

A recent production frenzy creates another wild card for the deal.

While both Saudi Arabia and Iran have vocally supported higher prices, their national oil companies have been making deals in Asia and filling tankers as quickly as they can leave port. Saudi production has increased to well over 10 million barrels a day, while reductions in domestic consumption have left more available for export. Iran, relieved of nuclear sanctions, has gone on its own selling spree in India and started production in new oil and gas fields.

Other OPEC countries have also increased production. The race to pump more is taking several of the cartels largest members to the brink of their production capacity.

The intense competition makes OPECs new plan less meaningful  part of the broader piece of the industry dynamics that means the price increase could prove temporary.

The size of the cut is fairly trivial in a 96-million-barrel-a-day marketplace that remains oversupplied. Should prices rise in the next few weeks, U.S. shale producers are expected to drill and complete more new wells, which would add supply to the global market and depress prices in 2017. And, if history is any guide, even a modest agreement can be breached by cheating.

If higher prices bring higher output, prices will not remain up for long, said Jim Krane, a Middle East energy analyst at Rice University. It wont be long before were back where we started.

Two months ago, the cartel surprised world energy markets by agreeing in principle to trim production by up to 700,000 barrels a day from current levels of slightly more than 33 million barrels a day. The move by OPEC signaled a significant change of course for Saudi Arabia.

To undercut higher-cost Western sources, the powerhouse producer had allowed oil prices to collapse, from more than $100 a barrel, to below $30 earlier this year. With its finances coming under increasing pressure, Saudi Arabias new royal government said it would return to a more traditional effort of managing prices by controlling production.

The Saudis have always feared they would be left carrying the burden while the other members cheat, said Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research and a former adviser to OPEC.

The biggest issue, however, has been the Saudi-Iranian rivalry, as has been the case many times in OPECs turbulent history.

Riyadh has insisted that Tehran should contribute to the move to bolster prices. Iran is trying to reclaim the global market share, and the clout in OPEC, that it lost in recent years under Western sanctions tied to its nuclear program.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) -- National Park Service officials are celebrating an endorsement Tuesday by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors of the terms of a 30-year use agreement for the embarkation point to Alcatraz Island and its famed former prison.

The 30-year agreement with options for two 10-year extensions will give the National Park Service the opportunity to improve the embarkation point with exhibits, concessions and retail.

The changes to Pier 31 1/2 and also Pier 33 will give visitors the opportunity to learn about Alcatraz even if they don't visit the island.

At Pier 31 1/2, there will be an acre-sized open air pedestrian plaza, while the 1917 neoclassical building in front of the pier will be restored to offer food and beverages.

A building at Pier 33 will be a welcome center and will sell gifts, similar to the Lands End Lookout, park service and city officials said.

The agreement will also mean a third berth will be added to increase ferry service to the island and other Golden Gate National Recreation Area attractions.

Pier 31 1/2 has been used as Alcatraz's embarkation point for 10 years. Before that, Pier 41 served as the embarkation point, National Park Service spokesman Nathan Hale Sargent said.

"We are thrilled that the Alcatraz Ferry embarkation point found its home on our waterfront," Mayor Ed Lee said in a statement.

Tuesday's "endorsement is a major step toward transforming Pier 31 1/2 into an experience worthy of the visitors and residents who come to experience Alcatraz and San Francisco every year," Lee said.

Alcatraz Island attracts more than 1.5 million visitors annually. City officials and the park service have been working for several years to find a long-term site for embarkation. The port commission approved the terms of the agreement in July.

National Park Service officials will complete an environmental impact statement in the spring for the project, which will be completed in phases over five years to avoid interrupting ferry service to Alcatraz, city and park service officials said.
A 32-year-old physical education teacher at a Fremont high school was charged with multiple felonies after she sexually victimized an underage student, police said Thursday.

Corine Joann Audiat faces six felony counts, including contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sex crime, unlawful sexual intercourse, oral copulation of a person under 18 years old, and sending harmful matter to a minor with sexual intent.

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She was also charged with one misdemeanor count of child molesting. If convicted on any of the charges with the exception of unlawful sexual intercourse, she must register as a sex offender.

Audiat, a staff member at Washington High School, was arrested Thanksgiving Day after detectives gathered evidence that she had a sexual relationship with a male student victim, according to the Fremont Police Department. The students age was not released.

She was placed on unpaid leave after her arrest, according to a statement from the Fremont Unified School District. Audiat will not be returning to the school, officials said, although it was unclear if she was fired.

An investigation into the alleged misconduct began Nov. 23 after police were tipped off to an inappropriate relationship between Audiat and the alleged victim. The criminal contact appears to have occurred from May through mid-June of this year, according to charging documents.

This case is a very unfortunate situation for our community, the department said in a statement. Due to the age of the victim and the nature of the investigation, no information regarding the victims identity will be released.

Audiat and the victim started communicating at the beginning of the year, and their inappropriate conversations eventually escalated to sexual relations, police said.

There was no evidence of more victims.

Our students safety remains, above all, our highest priority, and any threat to that safety is taken very seriously, district officials stated. We will continue to cooperate with Fremont PD until its investigation is complete.

School Principal Bob Moran sent a letter to parents and guardians on Wednesday to inform them of Audiats arrest.

The school is offering counselors to staff and students and encouraging anyone with more information to call Detective Heidi Kindorf at (510) 790-6900 or email hkindorf@fremont.gov.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
The former president of the Sonoma County chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club wont immediately face charges related to his alleged sexual assault of another club members wife over the weekend, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Police arrested Raymond Michael Foakes, a 53-year-old Rohnert Park resident, Monday night on suspicion of sexual assault, victim intimidation, stalking and gang participation, according to the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office.

But the former president of the outlaw biker group was not arraigned as scheduled Wednesday afternoon, the Sonoma County District Attorneys Office said, because police had not concluded their investigation.

Although there may be a legal basis to make an arrest, the bar is far higher to substantiate the filing of criminal charges, said Jill Ravitch, the district attorney, in a statement.

Foakes, who was originally incarcerated under $1 million bail, will remain in custody at the Marin Adult Detention Facility without bail under a federal hold for the time being, records show.

A 49-year-old Santa Rosa woman accused Foakes of sexually assaulting and threatening her when she confronted him after she learned her husband was about to lose his membership in the club.

The victim received a phone call to meet Foakes at the Hells Angels Clubhouse off of Frazier Avenue in Santa Rosa around 11 p.m. Saturday, police said.

When the woman drove to the clubhouse and met with Foakes, he allegedly ordered her into the passenger seat and drove the two to a secluded area off of Bennett Valley Road nearby in Santa Rosa, police said.

There, he parked the car and sexually assaulted her, threatening to harm her husband if she didnt submit, the woman told police. After the alleged assault, Foakes drove back to the clubhouse to drop off the woman, and she went home, officials said.

She called the sheriffs office to report the assault the next day, said Sgt. Spencer Crum, a spokesman for the sheriffs office, adding that Foakes has a history of violent crime and involvement with the Hells Angels organization, which is considered a criminal enterprise by the United States Department of Justice.

Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @michael_bodley
The second of two Santa Clara County jail escapees was captured at a San Jose home, ending an eight-day hunt for the fugitives who broke out of their cell by cutting through the bars of a window, officials said.

Rogelio Chavez was taken into custody Wednesday night, the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office said.

Sheriff Laurie Smith said Chavez was apprehended about 8:30 p.m. at an apartment on Coy Road in south San Jose.

She said he had crack cocaine and marijuana in his possession, was believed to be under the influence, and had been taken to a hospital.

A shelter-in-place order was issued for residents near Coy Park on Wednesday afternoon as police zeroed in on the home where Chavez had been hiding, officials said.

Authorities also arrested Karla Fernandez, 34, at the house on suspicion of being an accessory to a crime, a felon in possession of a firearm and resisting arrest, police said.

The operation was the latest in a series of raids that targeted friends and relatives of Chavez and his fellow escapee, Laron Campbell, 26, who police arrested Tuesday night at an apartment complex in Antioch.

More for you South Bay jail escapee nabbed when he falls through ceiling

There were several close calls, investigators said  including tactical officers on the hunt for Chavez swarming a trailer on Inman Way in San Jose  but the escapee in each instance seemed a step ahead of investigators.

Around 10 p.m. Tuesday, after hours of surveillance, police closed in on and entered the Antioch residence of Campbells sister, 24-year-old Marcaysha Alexander.

Inside, Campbell suddenly crashed through the ceiling from the attic where hed been holing up, investigators said  falling into the hands of police. Alexander was arrested on suspicion of harboring a fugitive, police said.

Campbell and Chavez escaped from the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose on Nov. 23. Two other inmates who broke out with them by sawing the bars of a window on their cell were caught immediately.

Sarah Ravani and Michael Bodley are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com, mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani, @michael_bodley
A 34-year-old Shasta County mother who was held captive for 22 days, beaten and branded with a message before being shoved from a moving vehicle on Thanksgiving described two women she identified as kidnappers, the county sheriff said Wednesday.

Sherri Papini of Mountain Gate has been cooperative and courageous in working with detectives to find her captors since she was able to flag down a passing motorist for help after she was left with a bag over her head and her wrists chained to her waist at the side of a road in Yolo County, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said at a news conference.

Papini disappeared while jogging Nov. 2 near her home outside Redding. She told investigators her captors were two Spanish-speaking women armed with a handgun, Bosenko said.

He said Papini was unable to provide many details about their appearances because they often concealed their faces or covered her head. But she described one of the women as being younger with long curly hair, a thick accent, pierced ears and thin eyebrows. The older woman, Bosenko said, had straight black hair with some gray coloring and thick eyebrows.

The captors mostly conversed in Spanish in the time she was held, Bosenko said.

During interviews with Sherri, she described a sequence of events to the best of her recollection, Bosenko said. Remember that she was held against her will and was isolated. There are still a lot of unknowns about her assailants, however we commend Sherri for her efforts to sit down with our detectives.

Bosenko declined to go into details about what detectives do know, for the integrity of the investigation.

The victims husband, Keith Papini, said in a statement to Good Morning America that the mother of two young children suffered incredibly through both intense physical agony and severe mental torture.

My first sight was my wife in a hospital bed, her face covered in bruises ranging from yellow to black because of repeated beatings, the bridge of her nose broken, Keith Papini said. Her now emaciated body of 87 pounds was covered in multicolored bruises, severe burns, red rashes and chain markings. Her signature long blonde hair had been chopped off. She has been branded, and I could feel the rise of her scabs under my fingers.

Investigators showed Sherri Papini surveillance video of SUV-style vehicles that had been in the area when she was taken, but she said none of them were a match, the sheriff said.

We still do not have a motive, Bosenko said. We dont know if she was a specific target or if this was a random abduction.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
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Taipei, Dec. 1 (CNA) Prosecutors on Thursday questioned former Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) Director-General Billy Chang () as part of an investigation into allegations that his announcements of a plan to take over TransAsia Airways, followed by his withdrawal of the takeover offer, were intended to affect trading in the airline's shares.
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We knew the Kalalau Trail, the classic hike on Kauai's Na Pali Coast, could be treacherous. After all, the wettest place on on Earth is on Kauai. Add water and the Kalalau becomes the world's longest Slip 'N' Slide.

So we prepared accordingly. Trail runners with good tread for me. Hiking boots with good tread for her. Trekking poles for both of us.

Mud and gravity, do your worst. We were ready.

Although we got up early, the AV club beat us to the trailhead. A group of frat bros apparently planning to make a movie were gearing up with professional video cameras, stabilizer rigs and extra-long selfie sticks. Some packed Bluetooth speakers on their backs so they could share their taste in music with the world as they hiked.

Thankfully, Katy Perry and Dr. Dre kept the volume down as we climbed up.

That's the thing about Kauai. It's such a beautiful place that it's hard not to be in a good mood, even in the rain and ankle-deep mud. And happy travelers are usually respectful of others.

Kauai offers visitors an assortment of wonders to put a smile on your face. The guidebooks say there is no place on Earth like it, and that's no exaggeration.

But it's not cheap. You can spend several hundreds of dollars a night at many of the better resorts. The fancier restaurants rival San Francisco's in prices, but often not in quality.

If you want to take a helicopter tour of the island  billed as the best way to see the Na Pali Coast  expect to shell out $200 per hour and up. But there are dozens of places you can go for free where you can have Kauai almost to yourself.

For example, everyone visits the spectacular Waimea Canyon overlook, but relatively few hike the spur trails off the canyon.

Or Glass Beach in Hanapepe Bay. Probably because of its industrial surroundings, the beach was deserted before a couple of trinket hunters showed up.

There were a few people relaxing on sprawling Kekaha Beach on the western shore, but they were spread out by hundreds of yards. You could yell out to your nearest neighbors down the beach, and they wouldn't hear you.

I body-surfed alone in the warm water until a gang of teenage boogie boarders, fresh from school, arrived by pickup truck. They tumbled out and bolted to the surf to join the haole (white guy tourist) bobbing in the waves.

For lodging, we went the Home Away/ VRBO route and reserved rooms with kitchenettes or kitchen privileges at homes in Princeville in the north and Kalaheo in the southwest. Cooking meals instead of eating out every night is a good way to cut back on expenses.

On the other hand, don't expect many bargains at supermarkets. Like all of Hawaii, Kauai imports much of its food, which of course drives up prices. I grudgingly paid $7 for a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.

No wonder one of my SFGate colleagues, who often vacations in Kauai, always makes the Costco in Lihue his first stop after landing in Kauai.

Among the reviews (averaging 4-1/2 stars) at this Costco:

"Definitely bring your costco membership when you go to Kauai and are staying at a place with cooking facilities."

Not that you'll want to cook everything you eat, of course. You'd miss out treats like JoJo's in Waimea, which serves the best shave ice on the island.

While our first Home Away rental, in Princeville, was a unit adjacent to the host's quarters, our second stay was a room in a single-family home. We shared the kitchen with our host, a friendly, 60-something woman with her own landscaping business and lots of stories to share.

Two days before we were to leave the island, she told us that she had to leave the next morning for a two-week trip to Australia.

We assumed she wanted us to at least lock up and hide the key under one of her many planters, but she told us not to bother. A friend would stop over in a few days to check the place.

So she left her home in the hands of strangers, who in turn left it unlocked, while she went on vacation for two weeks on a continent 5,500 miles away.

No worries. That's Kauai for you.

For a tour of Hawaii's emerald isle, including some-off-the-beaten-path attractions, click on the above slideshow.
SAN BERNARDINO  Almost a year after her father was killed in the San Bernardino terror attack last December, Kate Bowman etched the word love in yellow chalk on the sidewalk outside a mosque.

It was just one of the messages of peace the 15-year-old Lutheran and her mother have left in an effort to unify Muslims and Christians in the hardscrabble city east of Los Angeles against the violence that many community members feared might divide them.

What angered me most after Dec. 2 was the amount of hate speech going on, Bowman said, recalling the day her father, Harry Bowman, and 13 others were killed by husband-and-wife assailants at a lunch meeting for county health inspectors in San Bernardino.

I just kind of didnt understand how people could be that ignorant about another religion to think that the acts of a few to make them blame the entire community, she said.

Her actions were among efforts in the city to counter what some feared would be a prolonged, hate-filled backlash. Victims families, such as Bowmans, encouraged dialogue and tolerance. The Muslim community undertook its own campaign to educate neighbors about Islam. Clergy organized interfaith talks.

Nationwide, hate crimes against Muslims were up last year and President-elect Donald Trump frequently used heated rhetoric about Muslims on the campaign trail.

In San Bernardino, apart from some incidents, residents say their worst fears about a backlash in their own community never materialized.

Last December, San Bernardino County health inspector Syed Farook and Pakistan-born wife Tashfeen Malik opened fire on a meeting of Farooks colleagues and were killed in a shootout with police. Investigators said the assailants were inspired by the Islamic State.

In the days after the attack, some things changed. Muslim women wearing headscarves said they were stared at in public, and some even changed their attire out of fear.

But the effects were short-lived, experts believe, in part because community members took action. Muslim residents held vigils for the victims.

Clergy formed an interfaith alliance. Christians invited Muslim community members to speak with them about their religion to promote greater understanding.
CHARLESTON, S.C.  A white police officer who fired eight shots at the back of an unarmed black motorist during a foot chase should be convicted of murder or manslaughter, a prosecutor argued Wednesday after a monthlong trial.

Malice  the evidence required for a murder conviction  had to be in officer Michael Slagers mind the instant he fired at Walter Scott, who at that point was running away and posed no threat to him, Solicitor Scarlett Wilson argued. Five of the bullets struck Scott in the back, felling him at a distance of dozens of feet.

Manslaughter  a lesser charge the judge agreed to include Wednesday at the prosecutions request  requires proof the killing was done in the heat of passion, after being provoked, Wilson told jurors in her closing arguments.

But even if Slager felt provoked because Scott resisted arrest despite being repeatedly stunned by a Taser, thats no justification for killing the man, she said: Just because someone is provoked, it does not give someone the right to do whatever they want when they want.

Scott ran from his car into a vacant lot after Slager pulled him over for a broken taillight in April 2015. Slager chased him down, but Scott refused to be subdued and tried to run away again. A bystander recorded the final moments of the encounter, in a video that shocked the nation.

Slager was fired from the North Charleston police force shortly after the video began spreading on social media. But the images dont show the whole story, defense attorney Andy Savage said in his closings.

It doesnt show Slager ordering Scott to stop before shooting him with his Taser. It shows only the very end of their struggle over the stun gun. And Slager had no way to know Scott wasnt armed, Savage said.

This is about the felonious conduct Mr. Scott engaged in, Savage argued. Who attacks a policeman for a brake light? Who does that?

The 55 witnesses included a toxicologist who said cocaine was found in Scotts body.

Whether he was on cocaine, alcohol or whatever it was, he chose to attack a police officer, Savage told the jurors. Slager, he said, didnt shoot Scott because of a brake light. He shot him in fear for his life.

The jury  11 white people and one black man  watched the cell phone video repeatedly during the trial. Wednesday, they were able to see the crime scene directly.
In an "exit interview" with Rolling Stone magazine, President Barack Obama said that marijuana use should be treated as a public health issue similar to tobacco or alcohol and called the current patchwork of state and federal laws regarding the drug "untenable."

"Look, I've been very clear about my belief that we should try to discourage substance abuse," Obama said. "And I am not somebody who believes that legalization is a panacea. But I do believe that treating this as a public-health issue, the same way we do with cigarettes or alcohol, is the much smarter way to deal with it."

Obama has made comments to this effect before. In a 2014 interview with The New Yorker he said that marijuana was less dangerous than alcohol "in terms of its impact on the individual consumer." More recently, he told Bill Maher that "I think we're going to have to have a more serious conversation about how we are treating marijuana and our drug laws generally."

In the Rolling Stone interview published this week, Obama also reiterated his long-standing position that changing federal marijuana laws is not something the president can do unilaterally. "Typically how these classifications are changed are not done by presidential edict," he said, "but are done either legislatively or through the DEA. As you might imagine, the DEA, whose job it is historically to enforce drug laws, is not always going to be on the cutting edge about these issues."

The Drug Enforcement Administration recently turned down a petition to lessen federal restrictions on marijuana, citing the drug's lack of "accepted medical use" and its "high potential for abuse." Congress could resolve the conflict between state and federal marijuana laws by amending the federal Controlled Substances Act, but have thus far declined to do so.

Marijuana legalization advocates have been frustrated at what they see as Obama's unwillingness to use his bully pulpit to advocate for their cause. "It would have been very helpful if he had taken more concrete positive action on this issue before it was almost time to vacate the Oval Office," said Tom Angell of the pro-legalization group Marijuana Majority in a statement. "That this president didn't apply pressure on the DEA to reschedule marijuana this year will likely go down as one of the biggest disappointments of the Obama era."

There's little disagreement on either side of the legalization debate that personal marijuana use should be treated primarily as a public health issue. Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), the nation's leading anti-legalization group, says that it "seeks to establish a rational policy" for marijuana use and possession that "no longer relies only on the criminal justice system to address people whose only crime is smoking or possessing a small amount of marijuana."

But there's vehement disagreement over what such a "rational policy" might look like. SAM advocates for a policy of decriminalization of marijuana use, but not full-scale commercial legalization. Groups like the Marijuana Policy Project, on the other hand, are pushing for the creation of Colorado-style commercial marketplaces where it's completely legal to buy, sell and consume marijuana.
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An openly bisexual Chicago student who claimed she received anti-gay, pro-Donald Trump notes and emails after the election is found to have fabricated the entire story, North Park University said.Taylor Volk told a local NBC News affiliate that she found one of the notes taped to her door at her off-campus residence, which read Back to hell and #Trump along with homophobic slurs.This is a countrywide epidemic all of a sudden, she said on Nov. 14. I just want them to stop.She had also posted pictures of notes with homophobic slurs to her Facebook account, NBC reported.The university investigated the alleged harassment and determined this week that Ms. Volk had fabricated the story.Sadly, we discovered that the incident and related messages were fabricated; the individual responsible for the incident is not continuing as a student at North Park, the Christian universitys President David Parkyn said in a statement . We are confident there is no further threat of repeated intolerance to any member of our campus community stemming from this recent incident.
Navy to scatter vets ashes near site of 1963 sub sinkingMichael Melia, THE ASSOCIATED PRESSFirst posted: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 12:36 PM EST | Updated: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 12:43 PM ESTHARTFORD, Conn.  For a half-century after the deadliest submarine disaster in U.S. history, Navy Capt. Paul Bud Rogers struggled with feelings that it should have been him  and not his last-minute replacement  on the doomed voyage of the USS Thresher in which 129 men died.This week, at his familys request, a Navy submarine is bringing his cremated remains to be buried at sea near the Threshers wreckage some 200 miles off Cape Cod, Massachusetts.Im just so happy. I feel like my husband will be at peace, said his widow, Barbara Rogers, 86, of Wernersville, Pennsylvania. He felt he should have gone down with the Thresher.It was within a few days of the loss of the Thresher that its captain replaced Rogers with a more experienced sailor for deep-dive testing. On April 10, 1963, the submarine suffered a mechanical failure, descended below crush depth and imploded. The subs remnants came to a rest on the ocean floor at a depth of 8,500 feet.At a memorial service for the lost men, Rogers served as an usher and tried, unsuccessfully, to console the wife of the man who took his place on the crew.He said that she wouldnt speak to him, and that really made him upset, Barbara Rogers said. He wanted to apologize to her.Rogers served 41 years in the Navy, including time spent as a manager for the Trident Missile Program in Washington, D.C., before retiring in 1990. When he died in October 2015 at age 86, he expressed in his will that he wanted to be buried at sea. His son-in-law, Fred Henney, made inquiries about depositing his ashes near the site of the Thresher disaster.His ashes and a Navy chaplain were aboard an attack submarine, the USS Springfield, when it left the Navy base in Groton, Connecticut, on Tuesday. The chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Paul Rumery, said he plans to recite passages from Scripture, and the submarines security force will fire a three-round volley before he lowers the ashes over the side of the submarine and into the North Atlantic.Rogers family will be presented with the empty shells, an American flag and a chart showing the longitude and latitude of the submarine at the time of the ceremony.A submarine force spokesman, Cmdr. Tommy Crosby, said the ceremony coincided with regularly scheduled operations for the Springfield.The Thresher, commissioned in 1961, was built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, and based in Groton. The Navy believes it went down after sea water sprayed onto an electrical panel, shorting it out and causing an emergency shutdown of the nuclear reactor. In response to the sinking, the Navy accelerated safety improvements and created a program called SUBSAFE, an extensive series of design modifications, training and other improvements.People involved in the SUBSAFE program are required to watch a documentary about the Thresher that ends with an actual underwater recording featuring the sounds of the sub disintegrating under the crushing pressure of the sea.In this July 9, 1960 file photo the 278-foot (82 meters) long nuclear powered attack submarine USS Thresher, a first in its class boat, is launched bow-first at the Portsmouth Navy Yard in Kittery, Maine. A Navy submarine that left a Connecticut base this week is carrying the ashes of a veteran to be buried at sea near the site of the USS Thresher's sinking. For half a century Navy Capt. Paul "Bud" Rogers struggled with feelings that it should have been him and not his last-minute replacement on the doomed voyage. (AP Photo, File)
Milo Yiannopoulos, an editor for the controversial publication Breitbart, is planning a 19-stop speaking tour of American college campuses. Two of his stops are scheduled in Northern California: January 13 at UC Davis, and February 1 at UC Berkeley.

News of Yiannopoulos' appearances has drawn criticism from students at both campuses. While many conservatives herald him as a voice of reason for his politically incorrect musings and frank takes on Republican party politics, some say his vocal stances against feminism and Islam help cultivate bigotry and xenophobia, and that his writing suggests a propensity towards white nationalist ideals. Breitbart has repeatedly been linked with the "alt-right" movement, which has been described as a mix of racism, white nationalism and populism.
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WASHINGTON  San Franciscos Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday fended off the most serious challenge to her 14 years of leadership over House Democrats by promising a bare-knuckled fight against the incoming Trump administrations vow to reverse everything Democrats have achieved through progressive policies in recent years.

But the loud rebellion in her ranks, swelling to nearly a third of her caucus, may force Pelosi, the embodiment of West Coast progressive politics, to recalibrate her approach as House minority leader to win back the heartlands working-class voters.

The election also sent Pelosi, 76, the message that Democrats want her to begin the process of ceding power to a new generation.

Pelosi acknowledged in a news conference after the vote that her party lost its bedrock support from Rust Belt voters, but vowed that never again will we have an election where theres any doubt in anyones mind where the Democrats are when it comes to Americas working families.

More for you David Brooks: America must craft a new center

Rep. Tim Ryan, 43, of Ohio had argued in his longshot bid to replace Pelosi that his party had lost its economic message, while Pelosi offered no abrupt change in her strategy to celebrate diversity and defend liberal social programs. She said the message worked against President George W. Bush, catapulting Democrats to a majority in the House and her to become speaker in 2006, and it will work again by offering a stark contrast to the policies promised by President-elect Donald Trump.

The nation has arrived at a point well beyond politics, she said. Its about the character of America and how we go forward in our caucus to put forth our values ... to differentiate between us and the administration that will come into Washington in January.

We know how to win elections, Pelosi said. Weve done it in the past. We will do it again by making that differentiation.

Wednesdays secret-ballot vote done behind closed doors was 134-63.

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, a Pelosi protege, said Pelosi had earned the trust of the caucus as someone who listens and learns and will move all of us forward.

Yet a potent alliance of liberal populists who supported the antitrade message of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, and traditional conservative Blue Dog Democrats, sounded unconvinced as they left the vote Wednesday morning.

Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, predicted deja vu all over again.

I hope the leadership listens to some of us who have been telling them for years now that unless we can address the concerns of rural America, Joe Sixpack, people who every day work for a living, were going to continue to find ourselves unable to win swing seats, Costa said. And unless we can win these swing seats, were not going to be able to be in the majority.

Ohio Democrat and Sanders backer Marcy Kaptur pulled out a cartoon map of the United States where California, New York, Florida and Texas loomed like giant blobs squeezing all the other states to tiny squares of insignificance.

She said that when Trump quipped that at one time cars were made in Michigan and you couldnt drink the water in Mexico, and now cars are made in Mexico and you cant drink the water in Michigan, it shot, like, a cannonball across the Midwest.

She also charged Pelosi with turning the House into a fundraising machine. One of Pelosis chief assets is her ability to raise campaign money, which she spreads to Democratic House members. In the last election, she raised $141.5 million, bringing her total to an astonishing $567.9 million since 2002, blowing away competitors in either party.

Kaptur decried coastal identity politics as well as the dominant hold California and New York representatives have on top committee slots, noting Los Angeles Democrat Xavier Becerras recent elevation to ranking member on the pivotal Ways and Means Committee.

But Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, dismissed such arguments as false choices.

We want to build a big tent, he said. We want to be a party that resonates with working families in every part of this country, and we will continue to draw strength from deep-blue states on the coasts while we do that.

Democrats widely believe the partys diversity is a strength, Huffman said. We can absolutely reaffirm our commitment to diversity while sharpening our message and focus on working-class economics. You dont have to choose.

In a statement after the vote, the Republican National Committee ridiculed Pelosis selection.

This year voters went to the polls and made a bold statement for change in Washington but House Democrats just doubled down on the status quo, the statement said. The American people have been trying to send the Democrat Party a message by selecting historic numbers of Republicans for office at nearly every level of government but Nancy Pelosis re-election shows Democrats arent listening.

But Huffman said Democrats will devise a strategy to reach working-class voters again. The plan will not be something that Pelosi will ordain from above, but it will be developed by members in the coming weeks.

The leadership election reflected two broad messages, he said. One is we think Nancy as our leader puts our best team on the field for the fights we know are going to start up very soon, he said.

The other, he said, is a widespread desire in the caucus to begin moving toward generational change.

Below Pelosi, the next two rungs in the Democratic leadership are filled by members also in their mid-70s: Steny Hoyer, 77, of Maryland and James Clyburn, 76, of South Carolina. For years, this troika has blocked the paths of younger members to House leadership.

Swalwells election Wednesday as co-chairman of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee is part of Pelosis effort to groom younger members. Swalwell, 36, is the youngest ever to hold the job once held by former Bay Area legislative powerhouse George Miller of Martinez.

Another Bay Area Democrat, Oaklands Barbara Lee, 70, narrowly lost in her bid to join the leadership as caucus vice chair, the fifth-ranking slot in the House. The vote was 98-96 for Rep. Linda Sanchez, 47, of Whittier (Los Angeles County).

Sanchez is the sister of Democratic Rep. Loretta Sanchez of Orange County, who lost her U.S. Senate race to California Attorney General Kamala Harris. Sanchez becomes the first Latina to join the House leadership.

Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead
BERLIN  Libyas coastal cities are making millions of dollars each year from people smuggling, the commander of a European Union military task force in the Mediterranean Sea says in a confidential report.

In a report to the EUs 28 nations, Rear Adm. Enrico Credendino warned that migrant smuggling, originating far beyond Libyan borders, remains a major source of income among locals in Libyan coastal cities generating estimated annual revenue of up to $292 million to $346 million.

The report, issued to EU member states Wednesday, illustrates how much the flow of refugees toward Europe is a central part of the economy in war-torn Libya.

The report provides no details on how the figure was calculated and EU officials didnt immediately respond to questions by email or phone Thursday. Tens of thousands of migrants and refugees leaving Libya in unseaworthy boats have been picked up in the Mediterranean this year, however, often telling aid workers of the hundreds or thousands of dollars they had to pay smugglers in Libya.

The report assesses the work of Operation Sophia, a naval mission intended to stop the flow of migrants to Europe, between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31.

Credendino noted in the report that Islamic extremist groups are among those involved in the smuggling business, which sometimes begins far south in Africas Sahel zone.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic North Africa, aligned with the Tuareg tribe in southwestern Libya, are assessed to be financially exploiting these smuggling routes, he said.

He added that there was no evidence extremists were trying to enter Europe via the dangerous Central Mediterranean route that passes from Libya to Italy.

The International Organization for Migration estimates that 4,690 people have lost their lives this year trying to cross the Mediterranean into Europe.
1 North Korea sanctions: The U.N. Security Council voted Wednesday to further tighten sanctions on North Korea in response to its fifth and largest nuclear test yet. The council unanimously approved the sanctions resolution following months of diplomatic wrangling over how best to respond to North Koreas latest nuclear test in September and its repeated defiance of international sanctions and diplomatic pressure. The new sanctions target North Koreas hard currency revenues by placing a cap on coal exports, cutting them by at least 62 percent.

2 Air France trial: A French court has convicted 14 current and former Air France workers of taking part in violence during a union protest last year at the airline's headquarters that saw two company executives flee over a fence with their shirts ripped off. The images of the shirtless managers spread around the world and came as an extreme example of the often-tense labor relations in France. The judges outside Paris on Wednesday gave three men suspended terms of between three and four months for aggravated assault. Eleven workers were given a $530 fine for property damage. One person was acquitted of all charges. Most of the 15 defendants are union members. Four were fired after the incident while the others retained theirs jobs in the company.
Water costs wont be going up for Santa Fe County residents and businesses.

Local lawmakers on Tuesday rejected a water rate hike for Santa Fe County residents and businesses. The proposed increase was a move county public utility employees said was necessary to meet increased operating costs, about $1 million worth.

The proposed ordinance would have increased monthly service costs, as well as the fee per 1,000 gallons of water used, over two years beginning January 1. The average residential water customer, who uses about 5,000 gallons a month, would have seen their monthly rates increase from $44.50 to $51.09.

Before the vote, county Utilities Division Director Claudia Borchert said failing to pass the rate increase would force her department to make tough choices. She checked off a list of hypotheticals: "Do we stop providing good customer service? When people call the county, we answer the phone. Will we put people who want new meters on a new schedule?

The Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 against the rate increases.

Commissioner Liz Stefanics, who represents the district that includes Santa Fe Community College, asked Borchert how the county can accommodate businesses who will see particularly high increases. Stefanics, who ends her term this year to move back to the state Senate, voted against the increases along with Commissioners Henry Roybal and Robert Anaya.

During a public comment session, representatives from the Rancho Viejo South subdivision and the Club at Las Campanas spoke against the ordinance.

"The service charge rate hike punishes conservationists. No matter how much they use, they still pay that rate hike up front, said Linda Perrone, a resident of the Rancho Viejo subdivision.





Anaya, who represents a predominately rural district south of Santa Fe, suggested that the increased costs for operating the water utility could be sorted out in the county budgeting process for next year, rather than at the 11th hour in December."

Commissioners Miguel Chavez and Kathy Holian, both of whom end their terms at the end of the year, voted in favor of the ordinance. Holian, who represents the district comprising the east side of the county, said the hike was fair, adding, Customer water rates should completely cover the costs of the utility, and its not fair to make other taxpayers who are not using as much water subsidize the cost."



The changes failed despite an amendment to exempt some low-income households from the increases.

Santa Fe Reporter
Investors in Scott Technology, the industrial robotics firm, have been told its order book remains at a high level, with moves afoot to increase its manufacturing capacity and the number of staff.

Chief executive Chris Hopkins told the annual general meeting in Christchurch that he expected the biggest opportunities to come from the mining and meat processing sectors in the near term, where he said new products are already being commercialised.

The Dunedin-based company completed a scheme of arrangement in April which raked in $41 million of new capital after Brazilian meat processor JBS took a 50.1 percent majority stake, some existing shareholders sold down, and others took up their entitlements under the associated rights issue. At balance date, the company had $34 million of cash in the bank and no debt.

According to notes published to the NZX, Hopkins told investors that they would look to put more people into local markets.

"Supporting engineering sales and marketing efforts with local staff ensures that we pick up and respond to emerging trends impacting on our customers," he said.

Chair Stuart McLauchlan sounded a note of warning about a world in which governments were becoming increasingly protectionist.

"We are hopeful the incoming leadership in the United States continues the work of previous administrations to liberalise trade flows around the world which have brought substantial benefits to many nations and their people over the past few decades," he said. "Talk of tariffs and punitive actions against trading nations selling into the US market has raised the prospect of trade wars and the undoing of all the progress that has been made to lift many tens of millions of people around the world out of poverty."

Scott Technology has sales and service offices in Dallas, Texas and Marion, Ohio in the US. McLauchlan said that 84 percent of its revenues in the past twelve months had come from outside of New Zealand.

Shares in Scott Technology were unchanged at $2.06 and have risen 39.8 percent since the start of the year.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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Augusta Capital has been granted a date in February next year for its High Court proceedings seeking orders requiring listed property investor NPT to call a meeting of shareholders to discuss its hostile bid.

The hearing date has been set for Feb. 10, NPT said in a statement in which chairman John Anderson describes the legal proceedings as "an unfortunate distraction."

Augusta is attempting to oust Anderson and directors Jim Sherwin and Tony Sewell, replacing them with its own chairman Paul Duffy and independents Bruce Cotterill and Allen Bollard. Its seeking a shareholder meeting to vote on the board and use the forum to propose buying three buildings worth $329 million so Augusta could buy the management contract.

Anderson said the board had already recommended a shareholder meeting could be held in February, allowing enough time for a review of four proposals, including Augusta's.

We are confident that the meeting will take place before the legal process is completed, and so this action is not constructive and is in fact pointless," Anderson said. The board will now return its focus to the task at hand, which is reviewing all proposals based on merit in the interests of all shareholders and the future of the company."

NPT has hired Northington Partners for an independent assessment of the proposals, it said.

Augusta took a 9.3 percent stake in NPT in September in a deal with the Accident Compensation Corp, buying shares at 73 cents apiece, above the then market price of 64 cents. NPT shares are currently trading at 67 cents, valuing the company at $108 million, and are little changed this year. Augusta last traded at $1.04, giving the company a market value of $91 million, and have gained 4 percent this year.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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The Financial Markets Authority says it wants to encourage investors into the sharemarket and business conduct will be important in improving confidence.

Chief executive Rob Everett told the commerce select committee this morning that he was "very comfortable" with the legislative framework the FMA operates under, but the agency's job is to make the industry understand that the law reflects the minimum level of conduct required, and it is aiming higher. The final pieces of the Financial Markets Conduct (FMC) Act came into effect today, having been passed by parliament in late 2013.

"In a lot of our written work and speeches the emphasis is on conduct as opposed to just meeting legal tests," he said. "People might meet the legal tests but their conduct might be poor, we're trying to make sure their conduct is good and that can overcome governance problems."

New Zealand's shallow capital markets are down to locals lacking confidence in the share market, Everett said, with 59 percent of investors surveyed by the FMA in 2016 expressing confidence in the markets, down from 66 percent a year earlier.

"Memories of the '87 market crash are still very fresh in a number of people's minds, compounded by issues in the '90s and the GFC. I think it's fair to say that broad confidence in investment is still relatively fragile," Everett said. "We do think a core part of our mandate is to encourage people to believe they can invest in those markets that are well regulated, that are operating fairly and transparently."

Everett said there was a lack of good directors for smaller companies, particularly unlisted companies, and the FMA sees it as its role to encourage people into governance at those smaller companies. He also said the FMA was concerned by the level of fee disclosure to KiwiSaver customers.

"It's a key issue for funds management globally, clarity of disclosure to retail customers. That's a core area for us to be really driving into in the next couple of years, it's an area of real difficulty," Everett said.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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Nov. 1, 2019

A shoe box can make a world of difference in the life of a needy child when it is filled with gifts. Millions of children in our world live and exist in conditions difficult for most of us to imagine. As victims of poverty, war, AIDS, famine and other catastrophes, many are orphans and many live on















Telltale's 'Batman' has been rolling out much quicker than their usual series (except for ' Minecraft '), with the fourth and penultimate episode 'Guardian of Gotham' dropping less than four months since the first episode. In comparison, ' The Wolf Among Us ' needed almost a year. Previous episodes of 'Batman' consist of ' Realm of Shadows ', ' Children of Arkham ', and ' New World Order '. The fifth and final outing is scheduled for release sometime in January.

The Game Itself: Our Reviewer's Take

Bruce Wayne's freedom and fortune are both circling the drain. Last episode he beat Penguin (the new CEO of Wayne Enterprises, somehow) into a bloody pulp after being injected with a nasty drug, an act that landed him firmly in Arkham Asylum. As if that wasn't bad enough, Mayor Harvey Dent has betrayed Wayne, initiating a police manhunt and seizing the manor. Things are looking grim on the Bat side too, as the Children of Arkham have grown beyond the caped crusader's ability to stop them.

Telltale's stories often look hopeless by this point in a series, and Wayne is closer to ruin than we've seen thus far. It reminds me somewhat of 'The Dark Knight Rises', where Wayne is a disabled hermit with a shrinking trust fund, and Batman has disappeared after being blamed for the murder of Harvey Dent. 'Guardian of Gotham' isn't quite as dark or engaging as that film, but it wants to paint a similarly depressing portrait of Gotham City. It's a Gotham where Wayne and the Bat are usually one step away from total destruction, emerging occasionally not so much to claim victory over the forces of evil, but only stop their progress for a short time. Batman is outmatched, an underdog despite his awesome training and technology, and struggles to keep himself afloat most of the time, much less the rest of the city. It is very different from the empowering rock 'em sock 'em 'Arkham' series, where the hero can take down a dozen armed thugs in seconds.

This dynamic is working pretty well for Telltale's series. It keeps me on my back foot, always struggling to gain some advantage in conversations and decisions, but hammering me no matter what I choose. However, as I mentioned in the review for the previous episode, there does have to be some kind of balance with player choice. 'Batman' is probably the weakest Telltale series I have played in that regard, in that it matters so little which choices I make. In stark contrast to 'The Walking Dead', a more or less linear experience with major player choices along the way, 'Batman' is just a more or less linear experience.

At least it still has surprises, not the least of which is the way they're using Vicki Vale. I won't discuss that one except to say that she's not the tiny supporting role or damsel in distress she is usually depicted as. Almost all of the characters have had very surprising outcomes and origins. There is an underlying string tying everyone together, and that's abandonment. Wayne and at least two of his adversaries are orphans, and he has reacted to his family situation in a very different way than they have (of course, he's also been insanely wealthy his whole life). All three of them often act like children do, desperate for approval and petulant when challenged. It is a subtle but increasingly noticeable subtext in this series, and we'll see if Telltale is actually able to make something of it in the last episode or let it drift off into oblivion.
In the two years of its existence in the Afghanistan-Pakistan theater, the Islamic State (IS) militants have attempted to materialize their grand ambition of recreating the Khorasan province of their global Islamist empire.

Wilayat Khorasan, the brand employed by IS affiliates in the two countries, underscores their ambition to recreate an ancient region comprising parts of todays Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia.

But the groups reliance on extreme violence and its apparent lack of a viable political strategy has mostly won them many enemies.

Their strategy has prompted Pashtun tribes, the Afghan Taliban, Kabul, and its NATO allies to foil their attempts to create a foothold in Afghanistan.

Their reliance on transnational militant networks and attempts to foment sectarian wars also attracted Pakistan, Central Asian states, Iran, Russia, and China to oppose their emergence in the region. Such a regional consensus against one militant group is rare given that Kabul, Islamabad, and Tehran often accuse each other of backing insurgents to foment violence in a neighboring country.

Despite sustaining significant rank-and-file losses, IS has proved its reliance and is still far from vanishing.

To assess the threat posed by IS, we turned to analysts and former officials. In Washington, Marvin Weinbaum, a former Afghanistan-Pakistan analyst for the U.S. State Department, joined Christopher Kolenda, who commanded paratroopers in Afghanistan and also served as an adviser to three NATO commanders. In Kabul, Hekmatullah Azamy, a researcher at the Kabul-based Centre for Conflict and Peace Studies, shared insights.

I have covered the Afghanistan-Pakistan IS chapter since its emergence in 2014, so I also shared my views. RFE/RL Media Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderated this discussion from Washington.

Listen to or download the Gandhara Podcast:

The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.
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NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday signed the Letter of Agreement and Acceptance (LOA) with the US to purchase 145 M777 ultra-light artillery guns, through the foreign military sale (FMS) route.

The Cabinet on November 17 approved the much-awaited deal, which would add tremendous firepower to the Indian Army, especially against China in eastern front.

The air portable 155mm/39 calibre gun, with maximum range of 30 km, is manufactured by BAE Systems.

Welcoming the signing of the agreement, BAE system in a statement said: "The company anticipates signing a contract in the coming weeks with the US Department of Defense to supply these M777 Howitzers to the Indian Army."

"We look forward to providing the Indian Army with the combat-proven M777," said Joe Senftle, Vice President and General Manager for Weapon Systems at BAE Systems.

"Our plan to establish a domestic Assembly, Integration and Test facility further demonstrates our commitment to 'Make in India' and remains a firm part of our strategy to work with the Indian defense sector across Air, Land, Sea and Security."

The $737 million contract has a 30 pct offset clause worth around $200 million.

Out of 145 guns, BAE will deliver 25 guns and rest 120 will be assembled in India by Mahindra.

Read Also:

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08^1002530209 06WEATHER111916.jpg

(Elizabeth Flores)



How long do I have to clear my property after a snow storm?

Homeowners are at risk of a violation, after a snow storm, if they do not remove snow from their sidewalks alongside their homes within said guidelines of New York City's Department of Sanitation.

Although not a structural part of your house, the sidewalks adjacent to your home are your responsibility to maintain, and the task of clearing pathways covered in snow is your obligation. NYC Administrative Code states that, every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or any other person having charge of any lot or building must clean snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their properties.

On Staten Island and elsewhere in New York City, residential and commercial property owners are not required to shovel snow while it is falling, however must remove snow and ice from sidewalks in the aftermath of a snowfall to create a pedestrian path. Snow and ice must additionally be removed from sidewalks around fire hydrants that may be in front of your property.

The city provides property owners with very specific time-related windows of opportunity for effectively shoveling sidewalks and averting a summons for non-compliance. If, for example, snow stops falling between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., sidewalks must be cleared within 4 hours; if snow ceases between 5 and 9 p.m., sidewalks must be cleared within 14 hours, and if the snowfall concludes between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., sidewalks need to be cleared by 11 a.m.

If the snow can't be removed due to packed ice or other conditions, you can place down cat litter, snow melt or a similar product for traction. Once the snow has melted or is readily able to be removed, it is recommend that it is removed right away.

NYC bans snow from being pushed into the street. This creates a hazardous road condition for vehicles passing by. It also carries a fine of $100 and a Notice of Violation if Sanitation personnel observe you placing snow into the street. Although it is not required, it is recommended that catch basins and drainage channels are cleared to help prevent flooding when the snow and ice melt.

The fine for a 1st time violation is between $100 and $150. The fine for a 2nd offense is between $150 and $350, and the fine for a 3rd and subsequent offenses is $250 to $350. If you are going to be out of town or on vacation, plan in advance. Make sure someone will be responsible for your snow removal obligation.

The most important aspect of removing snow from in front of your home is being prepared. Purchase a shovel that is light and easy for you to handle. Remember the weight of the snow will add to the weight of the shovel and determine how easy your task will be. You may even want to consider having two shovels, one that can push snow when it is lighter and one smaller one for when the snow is heavy. Always make sure you have salt, calcium chloride or an effective ice melt on hand. Removing the snow is only part of the task; making sure your walkways are clear from residual snow and ice is what will aid in averting potential insurance claims.

If you live in a Home Owners Association (HOA), make sure there is a proper plan in place for snow removal. This may be a Property Management's responsibility or a community effort, but needs to be determined in advance. It is important to make sure snow and ice is removed from the individual properties, as well as the common area walkways.

When shoveling, NARI-HIC recommends following these safety tips from the National Safety Council. Do not shovel after eating, drinking alcohol or while smoking. This will create additional stress on your heart. The frigid temperatures have already increased your risk of heart problems. Don't add to it. Take it slow and stretch before you begin; preparing your body for this heavy physical task is important.

Try to shovel in increments so that the snow is powdery, and lighter. Waiting until all the snow has fallen is not necessarily a better option, especially when there is significant snow fall. If at all possible, push the snow rather than lifting it; if you cannot push it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel. Lift with your legs, not your back; this will ease the pain you will feel the day after. Do not work to the point of exhaustion; do a little at a time.

As snow removal is not an easy task, and can be expensive to hire someone to do it for you, try to help your neighbors that are disabled, elderly or home bound. It is especially important to help those that receive special services or meals from outside sources. The entryways and walkways need to be accessible for those that are visiting those homes.

As the winter is fast approaching, it is important to be prepared for a winter storm. Make sure you have good shovels, a snow blower and the fuel needed to run your equipment. Stock up on a good ice melt product that will provide the best results for your specific walkway and driveway materials. Being prepared can make the overwhelming task of snow removal that much easier.

This article brought to you by NARI-HIC of Staten Island, Inc. (the Home Improvement Contractors of Staten Island) - you can reach us at (718) 356-2323 or e-mail us at narihic@gmail.com. Visit our website at www.hicofsi.org for more information about our organization and the services our members provide.

All our experts are licensed, bonded and insured members of the Staten Island Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (The Home Improvement Contractors of Staten Island). Homeowners should always consult with licensed professionals, check a contractor's license through the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (call 311 for information) and ensure that their project complies with NYC DOB regulations before embarking on any home improvement project.

To ask your home improvement questions contact: questionsfortheexpert@gmail.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- From concerns about post-election bullying to Narcan training, City Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina did her best to address parents' concerns Wednesday night during a town hall meeting in Sunnyside.

The meeting, in the Petrides School auditorium, was hosted by Staten Island's Community Education Council (CEC) 31. CEC President Michael Reilly read off questions submitted by parents who turned out for the sparsely-attended forum.

Here are some of the top take-aways from the hour-long session:

COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP

Farina opened the session by lauding Staten Island for its "education partnership" with the borough's three colleges, calling the Island "a model for the city."

She said January 11 will be "College Awareness Day" in city schools; teachers and staff will be asked to wear their college colors and talk about their college career with students.

"I want to get students to start talking about college as young as possible," she said.

MORE MIDDLE-SCHOOL SEATS

William Kowlecki, a parent from The Harbor School (PS 59) in New Brighton, asked about creating additional middle school seats on the North Shore.

Farina said the city is making progress with plans to open a maritime-themed middle school on the grounds of Fort Wadsworth.

Staten Island Schools Superintendent Anthony Lodico also responded, adding that middle schools seats are available at Egbert Intermediate School (I.S. 2), Midland Beach, as well as Morris Intermediate School (I.S 61), New Brighton, and Dreyfus Intermediate School (I.S. 49), Stapleton. He said the district is working on adding new programs to the schools to serve families and students.

The chancellor said the Department of Education is also working on creating better connections between middle schools and their feeder elementary schools.

POST-ELECTION BULLYING

Several parents expressed concerns about reports of post-election bullying, instances where Hispanic and Muslim students were said to have been harassed by classmates.

Farina said she's directed teachers and administrators to report such instances to the superintendent and the Department of Education, and parents should do so as well. "We need names, we need specifics, We have given guidance to teachers and administrators on how to handle these discussions."

She said every attempt would be made to substantiate each complaint, but that many have turned out to be rumors. "I want to be very clear; these instances should be reported immediately. We will investigate, and separate the rumors from fact."

Nine of every 10 complaints have turned out to be rumors, she said, but students who were involved in such bullying "have been dealt with appropriately."

COMMON CORE

CEC student member Isabella Gorishyna of New Dorp High School, asked the chancellor for her thoughts on the Common Core curriculum.

Farina said the higher-level curriculum is needed to train students for the job market in the future, and would give each student "equal opportunity" for employment. "Watering down the curriculum will not make students more productive or prepared."

Farina also complimented Gorishyna for her performance on stage alongside the Broadway cast of "Hamilton." She was part of a DOE program in April attended by New Dorp students.

NARCAN TRAINING

CEC President Reilly, a father of three, asked the chancellor if school safety officers could be permitted to carry the anti-overdose medication Narcon (naloxone) in the high schools.

School safety officers, who are considered part of the NYPD, are already trained to administer the antidote, Reilly said. In the case of an overdose however, they would need to call 911 and wait for back-up.

Farina said she would raise the issue with the DOE and NYPD.

Also at the meeting, Farina acknowledged and thanked the Staten Island Advance for its coverage of education issues. She said the Advance raised the bar for education coverage by other, weekly, community newspapers in the city.
Addiction.jpg

Family members and friends gather around the candlelight shape heart they remember those who have lost their battle with drug addiction. August 24, 2016 (Staten Island Advance/Hilton Flores)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - The House of Representatives passed a massive bill Wednesday evening that includes $1 billion in grants to be awarded to organizations that provide opioid addiction prevention and treatment.

The 21st Century Cures Act passed with broad bipartisan support and includes $4.8 billion for the National Institutes of Health to research treatments and cures for deadly diseases, like cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

It also alters the Food and Drug Administration's approval process for certain drugs, removing red tape and speeding up the process.

The bill streamlines research and clinical trial procedures and increases funding for medical research for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The bill has been identified as one of the most lobbied pieces of legislation in recent history, with more than 1,400 lobbyists having a hand in its creation, a point that critics are unhappy with.

Rep. Daniel Donovan supported the act and said, "Congress can't solve the addiction crisis from Washington, but we can equip the experts on the ground with the tools they need to succeed - and that's what we did today. Beyond the opioid funding, this landmark legislation will bring our country's drug approval process into the 21st century and make a down payment on finding cures for the diseases that plague humanity."

It also makes advances in mental health reforms, by coordinating mental health programs across the federal government and creating a new Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to replace the Administrator at Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The bill establishes the National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Lab to administer grants.

The $1 billion to fight addiction will be awarded to states, which will then fund anti-addiction programs by awarding competitive grants.

It's unclear how much funding New York would receive.

The funding could be spent on improving state prescription drug monitoring programs, like New York's I-STOP, training physicians and other programs.

The bill, crafted with input from patients, researchers and health care experts, combines two bills that were previously passed in the House.

The Senate is expected to vote on its bill next week.

"After losing my mother last year, this legislation is personal to me and to the millions of Americans who've watched a loved one suffer from disease," Donovan said. "This is a shift in the country's medical research policies that will hopefully lead to exciting breakthroughs and quicker access to the latest treatments."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When Peter Olivo was released from prison two years ago, he told his wife he didn't want to run anymore and that he wanted a foundation.

He established an electrical and plumbing business in Rochester, N.Y., as the couple searched for a big house in a favorable market.

"He had everything together," said his wife, Abigail Angevin-Olivo. "He had all his own tools, everything was picking up."

Less than two weeks before the move, Olivo was shot four times in the abdomen a few doors down from their home on Young Street in Stapleton -- for reasons police say they've yet to determine.

A pot of flowers Olivo bought his wife earlier that day were on display in their house Wednesday night, as she explained their on-again, off-again love affair of 34 years.

"There's not a love like ours," she said. "Everything we went through, other people would say, 'I'm not messing with them anymore.'"

"We could go past that."

As she scanned through photographs of the "dream house" they were hoping to purchase, she said they talked about how it would be a new start for them.

"We were starting over, like we were newlyweds."

GUNSHOTS

In the hours that preceded his death, Olivo helped a friend with home renovations, returned home with a turkey fryer for his wife, then, drove to a 24-hour check cashing business less than a mile away.

After he returned, a neighbor said they heard gun shots and screeching tires.

Through a window, they saw a man lying face down on the street. They said a woman turned the corner onto Young Street as Olivo was being pushed off in a stretcher, as she repeatedly asked police, "who is it?"

Angevin-Olivo declined to comment on the details of the shooting, because she wasn't at the house when it happened. But in terms of the block where they lived, she said Olivo was talkative and friendly with neighbors, often asking about their kids and helping them with packages.

"It sounds crazy for me to say he didn't have an enemy in the world, apparently he had something in the world," she said. "But there's not too many people you could find that would say something negative about him."

CRIMINAL PAST

In 1986, Olivo was convicted for attempted robbery after police said he and a friend robbed a dice game in the park, according to a New York Times report.

As they fled the scene, they confronted a housing authority police officer, who shot Olivo's partner when the men refused to drop a gun, according to the article.

It was the start of a lengthy criminal career, as Olivo -- who grew up in the Brooklyn projects -- served intermittent sentences over the course of about 25 years.

Subsequent incidents included an attempted robbery nearly 15 years ago, jumping bail and criminal contempt, according to state prison records.

But as Olivo began serving his final sentence, he talked about a righteous lifestyle he planned to lead when he got out, according to his friend Michael Astwood.

"That was a past life," said Astwood. "He was in the streets like I was in the streets."

The two first met in 2005 at Bare Hill Correctional Facility in upstate New York.

"We had conversations on everything that must be done in order for one to not be turned back into that beast," said Astwood. "And how if things are starting to get hard, or jobs are falling through and money's low... you can't allow the negative stuff to prevail."

They talked about each owning their own contracting business when they got out, and someday merging their skill sets into one business -- which in part came to fruition.

After prison, they reunited by chance outside of a gym on Staten Island.

"It was on from there," Astwood said. "I brought him in to help with floors, and he taught me about electrical and plumbing."

SEEKING REDEMPTION

After his release from prison in 2014, Olivo helped form a Muslim-based community outreach group, based in Tompkinsville.

The non-profit has since helped low-income families with soup drives, backpack giveaways and educational funding for teenagers.

"He helped us to formulate and structure a mission station," said co-founder Jamilah LaSalle. "He was an integral part of [the organization]."

He also taught home improvement classes to homeowners through Neighborhood Housing Services of Staten Island, of which LaSalle is a human resources administrator.

"He was a genuine fella, despite what obstacles he might have encountered," LaSalle said. "He was forthcoming and he was forward. He was black and white, there was no shady area."

AFTERMATH

As news spread of Olivo's death, family and friends shared their grief on social media.

"My heart is heavy, my soul and spirit are at war right now," wrote a man referred to on Facebook as Olivo's son.

A woman who referred to herself as the mother of his child posted the following:

"I wake up to hear my son's father Peter Olivo was murdered last night, and I ask 'why?' "

Olivo had multiple children with multiple women.

Needless to say, there were many difficulties throughout his near life-long relationship with Angevin-Olivo. But she said his humor and charm always prevailed.

"Me and him could be arguing, and I'd be mad, and he would just make you laugh," she said. "To be around him was pleasurable ... it didn't matter who he was with, or who I was with, once I was in his vision, it was over."

No one can say for sure what the future would have held for Olivo, but according to his wife, he was making a sincere effort.

"It's hard when you feel like your whole world has collapsed around you, and it was just about to begin."
MASON CITY  Developer Philip Chodur missed Wednesdays deadline for starting construction of his proposed Marriott hotel in downtown Mason City.

Chodur failed to meet three deadlines as he tried in vain to secure financing for his project.

The hotel was to be on the site of the city parking lot west of City Hall.

Chodur, president of G8 Development, San Diego, had a contract calling for start of construction by July 31. He asked for a six-month extension. The City Council agreed to give him three months with a deadline of Oct. 31.

Mason City downtown project 'not in jeopardy' MASON CITY  Mason City is still in good standing with the Iowa Economic Development Authori

When he failed to meet that deadline, he was issued a notice of default that gave him 30 days to start construction. That deadline was Wednesday.

The city has some options and well begin meeting to determine what the next step is, City Administrator Brent Trout said.

Its not doom and gloom. It is what it is, he said.

Chodur pledges Mason City downtown hotel will be built MASON CITY  Philip Chodur has a message for the people of Mason City.

The hotel is important as it represents $10 million in private investment for a $36.2 million downtown redevelopment plan including a multi-use building, parking ramp, music pavilion and ice arena/multipurpose center.

The city has been pre-approved for at least $7.2 million in state funding for the project through the Iowa Reinvestment Act. One of the requirements is private investment, which the hotel satisfied.

Trout said Wednesday the city has other options to explore. He said he had been in contact with Chodur every day this week so his failure to meet the agreement with the city was not a surprise.

We have to do our due diligence. Theres work to be done. Theres no question about that, he said.

Trout said because of the default, the deed on the property reverts back to the city.

This was the second downtown hotel deal proposed by Chodur that never got off the ground.

Chodur first approached the city in 2013 with plans to build a Hilton Inn hotel on the same location as where the Marriott was planned. That deal fizzled when Hilton corporate personnel declined to go through with it.
Justin Trudeau approves two big oil sands pipeline expansions

Posted on 1 December 2016 by Andy Skuce

In an announcement on November 29, 2016, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau approved two new major pipeline expansions for Canadian bitumen. Altogether, the two projects will add over a million barrels per day to Canada's export capacity.

At the same press conference, Trudeau rejected the application for the Northern Gateway pipeline, which would have provided 525,000 barrels per day of transportation from Alberta to the Pacific Ocean through the northern British Columbia coast, near Kitimat.

Northern Gateway (map by Enbridge)

The proposed export route would have involved tanker transport through fjords and treacherous seas in an area of protected wilderness known as the Great Bear Rainforest. Trudeau promised a legislated ban on all oil tankers on the BC Coast north of Vancouver Island. The Northern Gateway project was fiercely resisted by First Nations.

Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX)

The Trans Mountain Expansion project involves the twinning and expansion of an existing pipeline that runs from Edmonton, through Jasper National Park, to the Pacific coast at Vancouver.

The project currently has a capacity of 300,000 barrels per day and will be expanded to have a total capacity of 890,000 barrels per day. Around 400 Aframax tankers per year will transport diluted bitumen from the Westridge Marine Terminal, through Vancouver's Burrard Inlet, then down narrow passages, with strong tidal currents, between the Gulf Islands, and finally through the busy shipping lane of the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the open ocean and markets around the Pacific. The project should be completed in 2019.

Chart by Doug Bostrom. Green line shows outbound tanker course, red overlay shows areas with strong tidal currents, in knots. High resolution PDF (big file)

The risk of a catastrophic diluted bitumen spill is a major factor driving opposition to this project. Climate-scientist-turned-politician Andrew Weaver articulated his concerns in a recent open letter to Justin Trudeau.

Line 3

This project will replace a 50-year old pipeline with a new, larger capacity one. The new pipeline will carry 760,000 barrels per day with potential to expand to 915,000 bopd. The old pipeline was restricted to 390,000 bopd for safety reasons.

The Canadian section of this line runs from Edmonton, across Saskatchewan to Gretna, Manitoba, on the US border. The operator, Enbridge will also replace the US portion of the pipe, which runs from Neche, North Dakota to Superior, Wisconsin. Because this pipeline is an existing one, no presidential approval is required, unlike for Keystone XL. The project is expected to be operational in 2019.

Altogether, these two projects will add 1.06 to 1.20 million barrels per day of export capacity. Additional export pipeline proposals include Energy East, a 1.1 million per day pipeline that will reach the Atlantic coast of Canada and the possibly soon-to-be-resurrected Keystone XL pipeline that will add about 800,000 barrels per day capacity to the US Gulf Coast. All in all, nearly 3 million barrels per day of additional bitumen capacity from the Athabasca oil sands, enough to more than double the current production of around 2.5 million barrels per day.

This is a big win for Alberta's oil sands business. And it has been delivered by Canada's Liberal government, which is committed to ambitious greenhouse gas reductions. This takes some explaining.

The politics

The political background is complicated. For the benefit of those who don't follow Canadian politics (and who could blame you for that), here is an outline. The shorter version, should you choose to skip this section, is that the pipeline approvals are part of trading concessions between Canadian jurisdictions and are designed to give political cover for new climate mitigation policies.

The oil price crash in 2014 provoked a severe recession in Alberta. Job vacancies have halved and unemployment has doubled. People are hurting badly after years of boom times.

In a political earthquake in May 2015, Alberta's voters elected a centre-left government under Rachel Notley. Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister of Canada later that year.

Alberta's government is dependent on revenues from resource royalties for a large part of its budget. Currently, the province faces a budget deficit in excess of C$10 billion. Royalty increases are not feasible during a downturn and large tax increases and/or spending cuts are deemed politically impossible. Global commodity prices are obviously beyond the control of any government. This means that the only way to achieve a balanced budget is to increase oil production.

However, it is widely assumed that increases in production are impossible without increased transportation capacity and access to markets other than the USA.

It is not just the Notley government that wants to expand production. So too does the Trudeau government and all politicians in Alberta, including the progressive mayors of Calgary and Edmonton.

The Notley government, to its credit, introduced a Climate Leadership Plan, which among other things, imposed a carbon tax of C$30/tonne CO2e effective in 2018 ($20 in 2017) along with an all-time cap on upstream emissions from the oil sands of 100 million tonnes of CO2e per year (they currently stand at 72 Mt). This policy has proved unpopular in Alberta and, even though no tax has yet been imposed, opposition politicians are blaming Premier Notley's climate policy for the downturn. Notley has justified the emissions policy on the grounds that it is essential for earning social license for oil sands expansion.

The Trudeau government announced that the Federal government would be introducing a carbon tax, rising to C$50/tonne by 2022. If provinces have their own pricing, that would be deducted from the federal levy. Any money collected would be returned to the provinces to spend as they wish. The federal policy was rejected by Saskatchewan and accepted by Alberta on the condition that export pipelines be approved.

After the pipeline announcement, Notley immediately endorsed Trudeau's federal carbon tax proposal.

Trudeau claims that the pipeline approvals are determined by science, not politics. This, of course, is bunk, as Andrew Weaver testily explains in a radio interview. It's politics all the way down. The entire policy is designed to find a middle path between conservatives who are oblivious to climate change and environmentalists who, some allege, are indifferent to the economic fate of Albertans. Trudeau says that the economic growth of the oil sands is required to pay for climate policies. He does not explain how this money will be transferred from fossil fuel companies to environmental good works, nor is there any account of why the past oil boom did so little for climate progress.

The opposition to the TMX project in BC is very strong and has probably been underestimated by Trudeau. At hearings in BC for the pipeline, some observers estimated that 90% of the submissions were opposed. All of the coastal mayors along the pipeline route are fiercely against it. Well-funded environmental activist groups are already planning massive civil disobedience. Some predict that the protests in BC may be bigger than the so-called "war in the woods" in which activists successfully disrupted logging operations on Vancouver Island, in 1993.

It would be a mistake, however, to think that BC's opposition is limited to environmental activists. Opponents of the TMX project come from a wide cross-section of society who resent the imposed threat to BC's splendid coast.

BC Premier Christie Clark has stipulated five conditions for her to be able to endorse the TMX project. These include successful environmental reviews and consultations with First Nations. Another stipulation was having a world-class response for dealing with oil spills at land and sea. Trudeau has delivered on a $1.5 billion marine spill response plan. (Added later for clarity, following a reader's comment on Facebook: Trudeau's plan may satisfy Clark's condition to her satisfaction, but it will still be insufficient to deal with a spill of diluted bitumen that sinks, see Andrew Weaver's letter, quoted earlier.) The remaining condition is for BC to get more economic benefit. As things stand, BC takes most of the risk of a pipeline and earns few of the rewards. Only 90 long-term jobs are expected to be created in BC by the project.

Premier Clark has staked her political future on developing a Liquefied Natural Gas industry in BC. Recently, the Trudeau government approved a major project, the Pacific NW LNG project, which, if built, will be one of the largest single greenhouse gas emitters in the country. The project also has unresolved issues with First Nations. Cynical observers might well conclude that this approval was granted to earn a quid pro quo from Clark. We'll see if she endorses the pipeline soon or if she continues to sit on the fence.

Trudeau may well have made an expedient political calculation on TMX, trading votes in BC against votes in Alberta and Saskatchewan, but the decision was nonetheless a bold one, a choice that will likely define his premiership.

Of course, the physical world of climate change is indifferent to politics.

Emissions arithmetic

If the export pipelines work as intended and boost growth in oil sands production (there are doubts about this, see below) then, even with Alberta's new policies, the province's emissions will equal around 250 Mt CO2e in 2030. Canada's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) pledge is to reduce the nation's emissions to about 500 Mt at that time. This means that Alberta, with about 12% of the country's population will be producing half of the emissions. The 200 Mt of reductions needed to meet Canada's 2030 goal will be borne entirely by the rest of the country.

Alberta's emissions, from Alberta's Climate Leadership Report.

From Canada's INDC pledge. Note that the y-axis origin is not zero.

If the country meets its 2030 INDC commitments, the approximate average per capita emissions for Canadians outside of Alberta will be (assuming, for now, constant population) about 8 tonnes of CO2e. Alberta's will be about 60 tonnes, a factor of seven higher. Many Canadians might well feel that these burdens are not being shared fairly.

If Trudeau's $50/tonne carbon tax is applied, EnviroEconomics estimates that the policy will reduce national emissions by 18 Mt per year. Assuming that the pipelines are filled with new production, the upstream emissions of the TMX project (i.e., the emissions associated with the production, not the consumption of the bitumen) are estimated by Environment and Climate Change Canada at 14-17 Mt per year. Similar upstream emissions will be attributable to the Line 3 bitumen. Claims that approving pipelines is Realpolitik needed to get public acceptance of new climate policies is undermined by this consideration. Trudeau has replaced the important step forward of his carbon tax with two steps backwards from additional upstream emissions that result from his pipeline approvals.

Barry Saxifrage at the National Observer has a useful article showing the effects of other policies and infrastructure additions. He shows that all of the new fossil-fuel infrastructure swamps any benefits introduced by new mitigation policies.

Economics

The main cause of Alberta's recession is the post-2014 crash in oil prices. Existing oil sands projects can still make a small operating profit on a go-forward basis at current prices of $50 per barrel, but new investments require a much higher price. If as many believe, global prices stay low for longer, there is little prospect of an investment boom in Alberta, regardless of any new transportation options. However, many commentators imply that recovery is being significantly hampered by lack of access to tidewater and world markets.

Bitumen is a low-quality oil that suffers a discount of somewhere around $20 per barrel relative to premium light oils like Brent. At present, nearly all of Canada's oil exports go to the USA. There is a perception that that Americans are unfairly discriminating against Canadian bitumen and enforcing low prices. This is not realistic, because the US refining industry does not, cannot by law, behave like a cartel by fixing prices. Some Canadian bitumen producers, like Cenovus, are equity owners of US refineries.

With the TMX project, Canadian bitumen exporters are hoping to open new markets in Asia. The case for this is speculative and, even if Asian importers decide to build refineries capable of refining bitumen, there would be no guarantee that market discounts relative to light oil would be less than in the US. In a world that is currently awash with oil that is cheaper to produce and of better quality than Canadian bitumen, oil sands producers are fooling themselves if they they assume that Asian importers are going to strike favourable deals.

If global climate action is successful, then global demand for oil will be expected to fall. According to the IEA:

Source: The Economist

Part of this decrease will be due to improved vehicle fuel efficiency. As The Economist wrote recently:

The IEA says that such measures [US CAFE standards] cut oil consumption in 2015 by a whopping 2.3m b/d. This is particularly impressive because interest in fuel efficiency usually wanes when prices are low. If best practice were applied to all the worlds vehicles, the savings would be 4.3m b/d, roughly equivalent to the crude output of Canada. This helps explain why some forecasters think demand for petrol may peak within the next 10-15 years even if the worlds vehicle fleet keeps growing.

World oil reserves are at an all-time high. The USGS has just announced a huge, multi-billion barrel discovery of light oil in Texas in the Wolfcamp Shale. It won't be easy for Canada to find new markets for its expensive, low quality oil in a world of shrinking demand and oversupply of cheap, light crude.

Of course, emissions policies may fail and the global oil market may be upset by geopolitical turmoil. Nobody can predict what future prices and demand will look like. There are just too many unknowns.

Independent economist Robyn Allen has harshly criticized the National Energy Board's economic analysis of the TMX project. You can watch a presentation of her argument here. The original TMX project was conceived when oil prices were higher. The project was underwritten by 13 producers who committed to "take or pay" agreements (they are obliged to pay for transportation, even if they do not have oil available). The operator, Kinder Morgan, is poised under such an agreement to make money even if there is no oil to transport or markets to ship it to.

Repercussions

The completion of the TMX project is far from certain. Lawsuits are planned by First Nations groups who say that they have not been adequately consulted. An OK from the BC government has not yet been granted. Although approval from Premier Clark is not absolutely required for this project to go ahead, a provincial government firmly opposed to a major project like this could cause delays in granting permits, if they wanted to.

The biggest obstacle to the pipeline proceeding is likely to be public protest on the BC south coast. Much will depend on how the protests unfold and how much sympathy the activists earn from the public in Canada and abroad. However, there is little room for the federal government to maneuver or compromise. The pipeline will either happen or it won't: Trudeau can't order a scaled-back version of the project. In his announcement on November 29, he made it clear that his decision was final and that he considered the risks to the marine environment to be acceptable. It is hard to see how the decision could be walked back without a massive loss to his reputation and authority.

Some argue that patriots should simply accept national infrastructure projects, as people did for the construction of the Canadian Pacific railroad. However, those living near to the railroad received direct benefits by being close to a unique transportation system. For oil pipelines, the risks and rewards are disproportionate: Alberta gets to reap nearly all of the profits of oil sands expansion, while BC gets to assume all of the risk of marine oil spills.

In Canada, resource royalty revenues accrue directly to provincial treasuries. Although the oil and gas industries are an important part of the national economy, they account for less than 10% of GDP, less than most people imagine. The often-claimed necessity to keep growing oil production as the only way to grow the national economy is exaggerated.

If TMX does get pushed through in the face of west-coast public revolt, Trudeau will pay a stiff political price, losing parliamentary seats in BC, while probably gaining very few, if any, in Alberta as compensation. The grossly unfair distribution of per-capita emissions in the country, should the climate pledges be honoured, will rankle. The result could be a bitterly divided country, which is unlikely to be the legacy that Justin Trudeau wants to leave.
CLEAR LAKE | A man accused of breaking into a Clear Lake business in July has been arrested.

Richard Sigler, 50, of Clear Lake, was arrested Thursday morning and charged with felony third-degree burglary, attempted third-degree burglary and possession of burglar's tools.

He is accused of breaking into GRP and Associates, 218 10th Ave. N., on July 13 and stealing several items.

Investigators say Sigler left DNA evidence at the crime scene.

Clear Lake Police Chief Pete Roth said the stolen items include a lawn mower and a battery charger.

 Molly Montag.
LU VERNE  A North Iowa firefighter and his family are picking up the pieces after their own home was severely damaged by fire.

Mike Nilles, of Lu Verne, found three-foot flames rolling up the side of the cabinets above the stove Nov. 23 in his house on Hanna Street.

A volunteer firefighter, Nilles immediately turned off the stove and alerted his wife, Lynzie.

They, 2-year-old daughter, Brynlee, and four dogs  their three Weimaraners and their 16-year-old sons German short hair pointer  got out safely.

The blaze gutted the kitchen and covered the entire living room in a coat of thick, stinky soot.

Though no one can be sure, Lu Verne Fire Chief Dave McPeak said the fire appeared to be accidental and a dog is suspected.

The Nilles think one of their dogs might have jumped up on the stove.

The knob on the gas stove was pushed all the way around to the ignite position, still clicking, when Mike smelled smoke and found the fire.

The dogs were the only ones in the main floor of the home at the time of the fire. Lynzie, home sick from work, was in the basement. Son Jacob wasnt home, and Mike and Brynlee were in the garage, which Mike was cleaning.

Even though they love him like a child, the Nilles are guessing the guilty party is a large 7-year-old Weimaraner named Sammy.

When he stands up (on his back legs) his nose touches mine  hes a big dog, said Mike Nilles, while a cleaning crew tore debris out of his damaged home. And, Im guessing he jumped up there just to sniff around and hit the button, turned the stove on.

Firefighters responded to an average of 700 house fires started by pets or wild animals annually from 2009-2013, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Twenty-three percent of those fires involved cooking equipment.

Mason City Fire Marshal Jamey Medlin could think of two fires set by dogs in Mason City.

One dog turned on a stove. The other dog is believed to have started a fire with a vacuum in 2002.

The homeowner, who had four dogs, told firefighters the dogs had started the vacuum cleaner on previous occasions at the home on 17th Street Northeast.

The blaze damaged a bedroom and caused smoke damage throughout the house.

The dog stepped on the power switch of the vacuum and then it actually turned the vacuum on, Medlin said. And, then, sitting there running, not moving for an extended period of time, (the vacuum) started the fire.

Though Mike and Lynzie Nilles cant be 100 percent certain Sammy did it, they say he is the most likely of their dogs to jump up on the stove.

In addition to his size, hes more mischievous than the other Weimaraners, Lily and Daisy, or the pointer, Bristol.

Weimaraners are a large, silver-coated hunting breed that are big enough to counter-surf with ease.

Hes the one thats up there (on the counter), Lynzie explained. We had to buy child locks for our upper cupboards, because I was coming home from work and literally everything from the bottom shelf of the cupboard would be on the living room floor because they would have eaten it.

The Nilles say the community response to the blaze has been overwhelming.

Friends and family have helped clean out the house, which is expected to take three to four months to repair. Clothing for Brynlee, toys to replace her smoke-stained birthday presents and household items have already been donated.

Sometimes people just drop items off at the familys babysitters house.

The communitys response has just meant the world to us, said Lynzie. I mean, we cant even express how much gratitude we have to live in such a nice small community.

Words cant express the feelings, Mike said.

A local boarding kennel, 4 Paws Inn, made room for the dogs the night of the fire.

Sammy and the other dogs have been there since the fire. Now situated in a rental home, Mike and Lynzie expected to get them back this week.

And, they are bringing them home. Never once did they consider getting rid of them.

Even Sammy.

No, Lynzie said, laughing. Theyve done really horrible things before.
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MASON CITY | A man police say broke into a Mason City home and punched two people was sentenced Monday to up to five years in prison.

Brandon Charles Page, 43, Mason City, also was fined $750 for felony third-degree burglary.

He originally was charged with first-degree burglary. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge in October.

Investigators say he forced his way into a residence in the 1100 block of North Ohio Avenue about 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 31 and punched two people in the face, according to court documents.

Police say he entered the residence by kicking in a door separating the garage and interior of the home.

-- Mary Pieper
MASON CITY  The Mason City Police Department plans to increase internal oversight after settling a lawsuit with a North Iowa man who claims he was wrongfully arrested.

City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley pledged to make those changes in an apology letter to Kristopher Kit Alcorn, of Clear Lake.

Alcorn, accused of assaulting an employee at a Mason City retailer, last week settled his federal lawsuit with the Police Department, Officers Stratton Steffy and Officer Jason Stiles.

The Mason City Police Department regrets that a more thorough investigation was not completed, and apologizes for any stress or disorder this situation may have caused you, Brinkley wrote in a Nov. 22 letter. In addition, the Mason City Police Department agrees to develop and implement a department policy related to best practices for incident report writing.

Alcorn filed the suit in U.S. District Court in August 2015, accusing Steffy of false arrest and malicious prosecution. Stiles was accused of retaliation.

The letter was a required part of a $137,500 settlement reached with the city. The suit was dismissed after the agreement was reached.

Steffy conducted the investigation in which Alcorn was arrested for misdemeanor assault for allegedly attacking a Menards store employee on July 13, 2014.

Clear Lake man files federal civil suit against Mason City Police Department MASON CITY | A Clear Lake man claims the Mason City Police Department falsely accused him of

Although Alcorn admits he was at the store that day with his wife, he says he didnt have any kind of confrontation and still isnt sure why he was arrested.

I still dont know who and why and how, said Alcorn, who previously worked as a police officer in Newell, Iowa. Basically from what I understand, is that the store gave my information, based on a credit card receipt, to the officer and the officer assumed this was the guy.

A state court judge dismissed the criminal charge after witnesses could not identify Alcorn as the alleged perpetrator.

Brinkley, who took office after this incident occurred, says he plans to add a layer of steps, including setting deadlines, to add accountability to the departments report-writing practices.

He wants it in place by early January.

I think what were hoping to do is be more consistent in how we review reports, (and) how we follow up on reports so we get things done in a timely fashion and so its done efficiently and also to make sure were not missing anything, Brinkley said.

He has already spoke with officers about how they should conduct themselves on social media. Officer Stiles was accused in Alcorns complaint of making accusations against Alcorns employees on the social media site.

Although Alcorn believes he was wronged in this instance, he hopes it doesnt cause people to think poorly of police officers or policing as a profession.

There are a lot of good police officers out there that do a job that I personally highly respect, Alcorn said. And, the bad judgment from a few officers shouldnt shed a negative light on the entire force, and I hope that the outcome of this may change the way those few officers do business and become better police officers.

Brinkley believes the department can learn from the incident.

I think its just a good learning opportunity for us and a reminder, too, that were human, he said. We make mistakes. We need to own them when they happen and we need to make sure they dont happen again.
The Kansas City Star reports that police said the shooting occurred Wednesday after narcotics officers pulled over a driver as part of a planned arrest. The man who was shot was a suspect in several robberies and told police he was armed and ready for a shootout with officers if they tried to arrest him.
It's been an august institution for almost 40 years, and has seen artists young and old make their way into the world.

And now, the Australian National University School of Art is changing its name to become the School of Art & Design.

News. The new head of the ANU School of Art, Dr. Denise Ferris. July 23rd 2013 Canberra Times Photograph by Graham Tidy. Credit:Graham Tidy

Head of School Denise Ferris said the rebranding was both a reinvention of the school's identity, and acknowledgement of how it has evolved over the years.

"We've been, really, a school of art and design for more than a decade, and probably for more than that, to be honest, but no one called it design," she said.
Canberra mornings: Friday, December 2, 2016

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A former Victorian Supreme Court justice will preside over David Eastman's planned six-month retrial for the 1989 shooting death of police chief Colin Winchester.

Murray Kellam, QC, has been appointed an acting judge of the ACT Supreme Court from 2017 and is set to oversee the fresh trial, which has been pushed back to July, if Mr Eastman loses his attempt to avoid being tried by a jury for the second time.

Former Victorian Supreme Court judge Murray Kellam QC in 2004. Credit:Wayne Taylor WMT

Mr Eastman's murder conviction was quashed and he was released from Canberra's prison in 2014 after nearly 19 years behind bars for the alleged killing of Mr Winchester, who was a senior AFP officer at the time.

Prosecutors have since pushed for him to be retried, prompting him to launch a legal bid to permanently stave off a second trial.
Questions on legal ethics and client privilege were raised in the ACT Supreme Court on Thursday in the trial of a Canberra lawyer accused of defrauding his client's mother of thousands.

The Crown has alleged Stephen Raymond Stubbs, 63, dishonestly took $30,000 from Anne Duffy, while also taking money from Legal Aid - a service that funds legal representation for low-income people.

It's alleged Stubbs kept both Ms Duffy and Legal Aid in the dark about each other's contributions to the case of Alexander Duffy, who faced a charge of conspiracy to murder.

On Thursday, Anneka Ferguson, a senior lecturer at Australian National University in the graduate diploma of legal practice, gave evidence about the courses of legal ethics and trust accounting.

Reading Stubbs' transcripts from the ANU, she told the court under questioning from prosecutor Katrina McKenzie, that Stubbs had achieved a distinction and a high distinction in accounts and legal ethics when he completed the diploma in 2004.
In the latest sign of the struggle for revenue by Australia's television industry, a new television advertisement promoting television will start airing on Thursday.

The ad comes from industry body ThinkTV, which unites commercial networks Seven, Nine, Ten and Foxtel with television ad-buying company Multi-Channel Network in trying to convince marketers to spend money on television rather than digital sites like Facebook and Google.

Chief executives (left to right) Nine's Hugh Marks, Ten's Paul Anderson, ThinkTV's Kim Portrate, Foxtel's Peter Tonagh and Seven's Tim Worner at the first ThinkTV conference. Credit:Louie Douvis

The advertisement itself is an Australian version of an ad produced by British television industry body ThinkBox and features an adult remembering quotes from the ads of his youth.

"For 30 seconds that can last a lifetime, think TV," reads the tag line.
A fresh blackout in South Australia that cut power to BHP Billiton's massive Olympic Dam mine has sparked renewed debate over energy security.

BHP Billiton on Thursday revealed its Olympic Dam copper mine was without power for four hours earlier that day due to a blackout in the state of South Australia.

That marks the second time in two months that Australia's second-biggest copper mine has been brought to a standstill over power issues.

BHP said that operations were resuming following the restoration of power in the wake of the overnight outage that was blamed on the failure of an interconnector between South Australia and Victoria.
Pub tsar Justin Hemmes has snapped up the Tennyson Hotel in Sydney's Botany Road, Mascot, for $37.5 million - a record price for a hotel sale at a public auction.

It will cement the Merivale chain owner's presence in Sydney's suburban pub market, which is unaffected by the city-zoned lockout drinking regulations.

Justin Hemmes' empire now stretches from Sydney's northern beaches to the CBD, the east and the south. Credit:Anna Kucera

Mr Hemmes is expected to redevelop the site in the same way as his other properties to reflect the local demographic, which includes the nearby Green Square development.

His empire now stretches from Sydney's northern beaches with his revamped Newport Arms, to the CBD with the Ivy and Establishment, the eastern suburbs with the Coogee Bay Pavilion and the recently re-opened Paddington Arms, and the inner-south with the Alexandria Hotel.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, Mason City, with the Rev. Travis Stevick officiating. Interment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Janice Snook Memorial Fund in care of the family.
Linfox Property Group, a division of the company established 60 years ago by soon-to-be octogenarian Lindsay Fox, is seeking to substantially boost the value of its former 493 St Kilda Road headquarters, by replacing the modest office with a high-density apartment complex.

The proposed 20-level project with 148 units will include an internal area of greater than 25,000 square metres and therefore need to be decided by Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

An aerial shot of Melbourne boulevard St Kilda Road. Credit:Fairfax

LPG, directed by Lindsay's son, Andrew, and which now conducts office functions at Essendon Fields, paid $16 million for the five-level St Kilda Road office on a 3038-square-metre block in a deal that settled in late 2007  considered a peak in the commercial property cycle (immediately before the GFC-led crash affected local markets).

Interestingly, agents during that campaign were touting the low-rise office's potential to be replaced with a much denser residential complex. Queensland builder Sunland, responsible for prestigious developments including Gold Coast's 322.5-metre Q1, was reportedly in the shortlist of buyers before being outmuscled by LPG.
Melbourne Airport has successfully fought off a bid to build an Islamic school for 700 students under the flight path of its northern runway.

A company controlled by Mohamed Hassan, Ozzi Trade Pty Ltd, proposed building the primary school for 600-plus students and an early learning centre for 66 toddlers on land in a green wedge zone close to the airport.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal said the proposed school had the potential to impact the operation of Melbourne Airport in the 'long term'. Credit:Craig Abraham

The private school's single-storey buildings would include an oval, gym and multi-purpose hall to cater for a "demonstrated need" among Melbourne's growing Sunni Islamic faith, Ozzi Trade's proposal said.

The plans for the primary school and early learning centre were rejected by the local Hume Council before being contested at Victoria's planning tribunal, which has upheld the council's decision.
The chief executive of the Levi Strauss & Co jeans company has waded into the US gun control debate, with an open letter asking customers not to bring their firearms into the company's stores because doing so could make employees and other shoppers uncomfortable.

In an open letter published on the social media site LinkedIn, Levi's CEO Chip Bergh said he respects gun rights, which are protected by the Second Amendment of the US Constitution, but does not consider a clothing store an appropriate venue to carry firearms.

Models in Levi's jeans: The company's CEO has asked shoppers to leave their guns at home when they go clothes shopping. Credit:Anna Kucera

"It boils down to this: you shouldn't have to be concerned about your safety while shopping for clothes or trying on a pair of jeans. Simply put, firearms don't belong in either of those settings," Bergh said in his piece.

Bergh, who described himself as a former army officer and father, said a firearm carried into one of its stores recently went off inadvertently and injured the gun carrier.
Solomon Lew's Just Group is the latest high-profile Australian retailer facing a major wages bill blowout over an expired enterprise agreement.

The Just Group, which boasts Smiggle, Peter Alexander and Just Jeans in its brand stable, has been relying on an EBA that expired in August 2012 and does not pay its workers penalty rates in line with the current award.

Retail analysts suggest Just Group's wages' bill could jump by as much as 12 per cent if it is forced to pay penalty rates that the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) controversially traded away in its old EBA.

Last financial year Premier Investment's employee expenses were listed at $268,077 million which represented 26 per cent of the group's sales, according to broker Citi.
Changing its game plan has paid off for Optus, with the telco winning more than $25 million in the second round of public funding for new and upgraded mobile sites in regional and remote Australia.

Optus was denied any funding in the government's first mobile blackspots round despite putting in a bid.

The federal government has contributed $160 million towards fixing mobile blackspots. Credit:Sean Davey

Vice president of corporate and regulatory affairs at Optus, David Epstein, said the company's strategy changed for the second round  it met early with state and local governments and increased the number of staff working on the bid.

"Plus we have the advantage of being midway through an Optus-initiated expansion of coverage in regional Australia so people knew we were prepared to put our money where our mouth is," Mr Epstein said.
Australia has thrown its sullied hat in the ring to pursue a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.

By putting forward Australia's candidacy, the government effectively promises to promote human rights for all, to lead by example and to champion the rights of vulnerable and marginalised people.

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said Australia would bring a "principled and pragmatic" approach when serving on the Human Rights Council. Credit:Andrew Meares

Julie Bishop declared in a speech to the UN General Assembly that Australia would bring a "principled and pragmatic" approach when serving on the Human Rights Council.

Yet, principled and pragmatic approaches to asylum seekers are not evident in government policy.
I feel sure there are many high earners without mathematical talent who have enough mathematical ability to keep a check on their bank accounts and the running costs of their daily lives. Robyn Lewis, Raglan, NSW Voter dismay Neither the Coalition nor Labor has retained, nor learnt, from the recent pointless election, nor from the Trumpphenomenon. Turnbull and Shorten are lawyers, conditioned to debating their opposite number to an expensive, if inconclusive, standstill.

This wasteful theatre has been for their self-aggrandisement and the approval of the party faithful, not for a public yearning for both sides to come together to govern in our collective interests. Both sides promised after the election to act for all Australians; that they had absorbed the lesson of the wastefulness of bickering among themselves. This promise lasted for a nanosecond. They have only themselves to blame when votes continue to leach to independent parties and erode their base. A. Whiddett, Yarralumla Reef madness While watching ABC News 24 on Tuesday, Bill Shorten came on spruiking, at some length, the "wonders" of Labor's successes in 2016 and interspersed this with some witty dissing of the Turnbull government's performance.

This was followed immediately by the Prime Minister selling his own success with much forced emphasis but little conviction. In neither discourse was there a word uttered on the environment, which continuesto suffer grievously under each party's perpetual growth agenda. Their joint performance was, coincidentally, book-ended by the latest news on the Great Barrier Reef (and a reference to Pauline Hanson's idiotic comments in this regard). The juxtaposition was poignant and sad. Graham Clews, Kambah Memorial plaudits

As a historian of (among other things) World War II, I find it astounding that the Australian War Memorial should be criticised for mounting an exhibition on the Holocaust. I have at times disagreed with the memorial, but this exhibition is a wholly admirable development and the memorial deserves praise for interpreting a vital aspect of the war. What were Australians fighting against from 1939 but the Nazi regime that perpetrated that massive atrocity? Those critics who take a parochial (and perhaps even racist) view of that part of our war history should be challenged. They should be reminded that Australians died to oppose that evil. Well done, Brendan Nelson! Professor Peter Stanley, Dickson

Angelic protesters I am proud that we have our very own Christmas angels in Parliament ("Refugee protest shuts Question Time", December1, pp4-5), rightly accusing the Coalition and Labor of being world leaders in cruelty because of Australia's treatment of asylum seekers. As Christmas approaches, may our elected leaders reflect on this time of "peace and goodwill to all men" and release therefugees. Koula Poulos, Watson Democracy demo

The refugee protest at Parliament House was a great display of democracy, bringing the voice of voiceless refugees to the attention of the wider public. It interrupted for a few minutes the daily posturing of the wafflers and trough sniffers in Parliament and highlighted the lives permanently interrupted on Manus Island and Nauru. This is what democracy looks like. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's description of the protest as the opposite of democracy was bizarre and served to try and deflect attention from the fact that Labor supports these concentration camps. It shows how far the Labor Party has degenerated. The labour movement was born out of protest and struggle, and those struggles continue today. The war criminals, human rights abusers and overseers of the concentration camps on Manus Island and Nauru who currently infect the major parties, and some crossbenchers, should take note. The time for playing by their rules is over. Let's shut down our cities and our parliaments to shut down Australia's offshore and onshore gulags.

John Passant, Kambah Fluffy ducking on asbestos In November, we finally got our land back as part of the Mr Fluffy demolition program. It was a good feeling. It'd been two years of struggle against the Asbestos Response Taskforce: deadlines missed, commitments trashed and courtesy thrown out the window. But that was behind us. Plans were ready. Builders were on board. Digging started. Then the Fluffy nightmare returned. About 40centimetres down, our builder discovered the footings of the original dwelling  the same one the taskforce insisted had to be razed for the future health and comfort of Canberrans. But with our repurchase dollars safely locked away, the taskforce was done with us. The costs of removing these bits of the affected dwellings are for us to bear  and us alone. We've long believed that the management of this program is utterly farcical. And now we know that blocks are potentially being sold to former and new owners with remnants of affected dwellings still on site. This is deeply disturbing, and as land auctions continue across the territory, is an important lesson to everyone.

You're on your own. Ben O'Bryan , Curtin Shopping blight It's utterly scandalous that there's a longtime fenced-off and unfinished building on the Giralang shops site. It's been blighted for years  a shocking indictment of the government's letting go of the leasehold system, and an insult to the adjoining, architecturally important, saved-from-closure, and now thriving Giralang Primary School (two of my grandchildren went there).

There's also the demoralising and amenity-depriving effects on local residents. Enough. The land lease should be immediately revoked and the unfinished structures removed, with all associated costs back-charged to the former leaseholder. Then a proper and binding development plan should be prepared by government (not flung open to the "market") based on providing, predominantly, clear vistas and landscaped pedestrian access to the school, with ancillary shopping facilities and the like, tailored to the properly ascertained needs of the local community throughconsultation. Necessarily lesser-value leases should then be offered only to bona fide providers and operators of such facilities, who would be required to provide them in a timely way. We've got a similar situation with the abandoned shops on Livingston Avenue, Kambah. Jack Kershaw, Kambah

Direct flights Canberra is a step closer towards a comprehensive international airline service ("Qatar Airways checks into ACT", November30, pp2-3). What we really need, however, is direct flights from the ACT to the US, preferably Los Angeles, offered by the existing trans-Pacific airlines. I am sure that is a wish of the Canberra Airport, the ACT government and the general public. Maybe not via New Zealand, though, as this might jeopardise current Singapore Airlines arrangements. Paul O'Connor, Hawker

Rail nailed Your editorial comment on Canberra to Sydney rail travel, that "improvements to the existing rail line could easily deliver faster travel at a fraction of the cost of the endlessly debated high-speed rail link" ("Opportunity too good to miss for Qatar", November30, p16) is probably the most sensible assessment made in any Australian newspaper, let alone the Canberra press. I say this having led not only many studies sponsored by governments on the matter but also a private sector bid back in 1998. Unfortunately, projects which have proposed to do exactly as you suggest are invariably seen as yesterday's technology and systems. Australians, it would seem, would far rather do absolutely nothing than something sensible, achievable, affordable, deliverable, and which could reduce travel times for starters to well under three hours terminus to terminus and, with progressive upgrades, under two hours or less. And that is precisely what we have done for the past 20 years. Peter Thornton, Principal Transportation Associates Pty Ltd, Killara, NSW

Illicit drug prescription It's a bit rich of Australian Medical Association president Michael Gannon to point out to parents who have lost a child to a drug overdose that illicit drugs are harmful ("AMA rejects Greens drugs policy", November28, p2). My word they are, and all too readily available. Dr Gannon would do well to study the operation of the drug market. In doing so, he could do more to promote the wellbeing of his drug-using patients. We radically need a policy that undermines the drug trade rather than one that guarantees its profitability. Consumption of heroin entirely for medical purposes before 1953 was five kilograms per million of population. The National Crime Authority recorded an increase in 1998-99 to 350kg per million, all of it illegal. Criminal intelligence at the time showed the capacity of organised crime to manipulate the drug market. Bill Bush, Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform, Turner OTT with the CT

Am I the only reader of The Canberra Times who found the front-page spread on November30 headlined "VOLLEYDOME: plan to spike major ACT indoor venue" to be slightly over the top? One had to turn to page6 to discover it is only a proposal, not a decision. Such a proposal, while of interest to some, is not the end of civilised life on Earth as we know it. Our nation and the wider world face bigger issues than the venue for sport and social occasions in Canberra. Robert Willson, Deakin TO THE POINT MAL DISCONTENT

I liked the Malcolm who used to wear the leather jacket. Ray Armstrong, Tweed Heads South, NSW TONY AWARD We should thank House of Representatives Speaker Tony Smith for his fair and unbiased performance. This week he rounded on the Deputy Prime Minister for using barely disguised four-letter words in Question Time when children were present. Mr Smith shows class, unlike Mr Joyce and unlike his predecessor as speaker.

Eric Rojahn, Calwell WINNING ARGUMENT Federal Parliament now resembles trench warfare, with the government hailing as a "victory" the passage of single piece of legislation. Whatever happened to the concept of governing for all Australians? Passing good legislation should be par for the course if the government's on its game and has taken the people with it. Barry Harris, Curtin ARTFUL DODGE

Jack Palmer's suggestion (Letters, November28) that substituting great works of art with expert copies for public exhibition in the pursuit of cost efficiencies defies logic. People want to see the real thing to try to connect with the artist. The glory of, say, a Van Gogh can never be reproduced digitally or any other way. William Gray, Bungendore, NSW FIRING LINE Will Malcolm Turnbull sack George Brandis for directing the former solicitor-general to provide advice that would financially benefit the WA government at the expense of the Commonwealth? Malcolm Fraser sacked Reg Withers in 1978 for orchestrating an electoral redistribution to benefit the government. Brandis should be dismissed too. Michael McCarthy, Deakin

HOLOCAUST REMINDER I applaud all the work that Brendan Nelson has done at the Australian War Memorial, including the new Holocaust exhibition ("Permanent reminder of horror of Holocaust", December1, p9). His words that "the Holocaust was possible because of a majority indifference to the plight of a minority" made me think of the plight of our refugees today. Prue Clarke, Holder HAIL THE BUS Transport Minister Megan Fitzharris is in the process of finalising proposals for a tram to Woden ("Time to form next stage of tram plan", November26, p2). I do hope Labor is not going to replace the intertown bus service with the tram.
Farmers always have an eye fixed on the horizon. What can we be doing now to improve our chances of a bumper crop next season? How can we build a farm business that will still be profitable when our kids take over?

It's a different story inside the walls of Parliament. Politicians react to the day's events, can be thrown off by a new poll and can't afford to look beyond the next election. They don't want to hear from anyone with an issue that's large and complex  but that didn't stop a delegation of farmers from heading to Canberra to talk about the defining challenge of our time: how do we survive as farmers in the face of climate change?

The delegation, from Farmers for Climate Action, went armed with the views of more than 1300 of their peers. From tropical fruit growers in far northern Queensland, to arid zone sheep graziers in inland Australia  farmers across the country shared their views in a national survey on how climate change is hurting their regions and industries, and threatening their futures.

Some of the key findings include nine in 10 of the farmers surveyed being concerned about damage to the climate. They are experiencing rapid change on their land, and in regional weather patterns. Two-thirds of those surveyed had observed changes in rainfall patterns during their lifetime, and almost one in two reported more frequent or intense droughts; rain events or flooding; or heatwaves.
Moreover, since the election both sides have stumbled from one distraction to another  from gay marriage, to 18C, to the Omnibus Bill, to renewables, to life-time visa bans, to incomplete refugee resettlement deals, to Brandis and back to Brandis, and so on  mostly as short-term opportunistic attempts to "wedge" the other side, rather than to govern and deliver against electoral concerns and aspirations.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday he had never supported a carbon tax. Credit:Andrew Meares

While the government claims Big Wins with the passage of the double dissolution triggers, the Registered Organisations and ABCC legislation, these are very much "beltway" victories. The electorate really doesn't relate, still seeing these as just more of the same political "game-playing", not governing on issues that matter to them. The significance of such measures is not well explained, and voters can't see the jobs, or improvement in their living standard.

As our economy slows, against a very flat, risky, and unpredictable global economic and political environment, voters are increasingly concerned about job security, and about the cost of living, at a time when wage increases are as small as they have ever been.

Basically, the electorate sees power and communications companies, supermarkets, health and other insurance companies, and banks, "ripping them off" by exploiting their market dominant positions. So much for all the political rhetoric about "competition policy"! Add to this the struggle with mounting health, school, and childcare costs, and probably a majority of the electorate is living from hand-to-mouth, week-in-week out.
Al Brodax, a television producer who delivered an enduring psychedelic classic when he turned the Beatles song Yellow Submarine into an animated film in 1968, has died in Danbury, Connecticut aged 90.

In the 1960s, Brodax ran the motion picture and television division of King Features Syndicate, where he produced hundreds of Popeye cartoons for TV.

Al Brodax delivered a psychedelic classic turning the Beatles song Yellow Submarine into an animated film in 1968.

Quick to see the cartoon potential of the Beatles, he sold their manager, Brian Epstein, on the idea of an animated series. The Beatles ran on Saturday mornings on ABC from 1965 to 1969 (in reruns for the last two years), attracting huge audiences. When Yellow Submarine climbed the charts in 1966, Brodax sensed that lightning might strike twice.

He approached Epstein again, this time with some trepidation; the Beatles did not like The Beatles.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center.
ANDREW RAMSDEN

Paediatrician

19-12-1950  22-07-2016

Dr Andrew Ramsden, who has died aged 65, had a huge influence on the care of newborn babies at Monash Newborn in Melbourne, more widely in the state of Victoria through his advisory capacity to health authorities and internationally through his ground-breaking research and mentoring of other future leaders in neonatal care.

Andrew Ramsden.

Born in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, he attended grammar school then King's College, Cambridge, progressing to clinical medical training at St George's Hospital Medical School in London. After house jobs he trained in paediatrics at leading London hospitals, including the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street and University College Hospital (UCH). At UCH he rose rapidly through the ranks to be consultant/senior lecturer at an early age in 1983, with an eminent career in neonatal paediatrics in the UK ahead of him.

At Great Ormond Street he met Melanie Mayo, a nurse from New Zealand and this changed not only his personal life but also his career direction. They were married in 1982. Their first two children, Joshua and Jessica, were born in London as Andrew continued his career and research at UCH.
In the weeks and months ahead, speculation over the possible impact of One Nation on the March state election will distract many a political pundit.

Pauline Hanson will touch down to an awaiting throng of excited media. There will be talk of parallels with Brexit and Trump. One Nation's impact on the 2001 state election, where it preferenced against sitting local members, will be closely inspected for relevance today.

The existential threat One Nation poses to the Nationals in regional WA will be closely examined, as will its ability to throw Premier Colin Barnett a lifeline with a preference deal that assists the Liberals in key marginal seats.

But, would a preference deal with One Nation really help Mr Barnett all that much?
We're not all that familiar with Russell Kane in Australia. Sure, he might have won the Barry Award for best show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2011, but he then stayed away for the next four years, ensuring that he wouldn't become a household name in the manner of a Daniel Kitson or Danny Bhoy. This BBC3 series sees him travel the world taking on extreme challenges in foreign countries, armed with only with a smartphone to get him from A to B. As we know though, having a smartphone on hand is rather handy indeed  if you can make calls, Google, send emails and text messages, what more do you need? A bit of training and/or background knowledge, I suppose, might've helped Kane as he embarked on this first mission of taking a camel across the North Saharan desert in Morocco, but otherwise he need only consult search engines and the considerable internet fanbase of his travel companion, serial Vine prankster Arron Crascall (he's big in the UK). The success of this series largely depends on how comfortable Kane and his mates are talking to camera (very), but it's not the hoot you might expect from someone who makes a living out of making people laugh. Still, it's not without its moments, particularly when the boys cock up the challenge early on by procuring a cow (which they name Helen) rather than a camel, and in an amusing scene involving a too-small vehicle with faulty doors. Annabel Ross

Discovery, 9.30pm

There's more fascinating Australian Shark Week action as filmmaker Dave Riggs heads into the Southern Ocean looking for a mysterious predator that's eating our great whites. The monster's existence is inferred from an eerie trail of tracking-tag data. The tag, attached to a 2.5-metre great white, reported the shark suddenly accelerating and diving to a depth of 600 metres  at which point the water temperature reading suddenly climbed from 7.8 degrees to 25.6 degrees. The conclusion? The shark  or part of it  had been eaten by something with an internal temperature much lower than that of a killer whale. A giant great white, perhaps? Riggs visits a whale expert whose analysis of bite marks on a whale suggests that some great whites could grow to 12 metres in length  though it's worth mentioning that this would be twice as long as the longest ever recorded. Brad Newsome

movie Q (2008)

World Movies, 10.20pm

Laurent Bouhnik's Q is about the post-teen young, who change sexual partners as often as their clothes. They are all looking for the partner who will make them feel  something, anything. Cecile (Deborah Revy), an early twenties femme fatale (it's the week for them), seduces and taunts every man and woman she sees, irrespective of age. She leaves them both bewildered and intrigued. By awakening many to their dormant sexuality, she is a modern re-interpretation of Terence Stamp's The Visitor in Pier Paolo Pasolini's Teorema (1968). Shot on the Normandy coast, in and around Cherbourg (one character works as a car mechanic in homage to The Umbrellas of Cherbourg), Q is an attractive film, despite being shot on medium-grade video. As for Revy, she is nothing short of a revelation. How France can produce so many brilliant new actresses each year is a wonderful and enduring mystery. Scott Murray
Sydney and much of northern NSW will have a very high fire danger on Friday, as the Bureau of Meteorology warns a heatwave will linger in north-eastern Australia for the next few days. Temperatures in the city will climb to 31 degrees on Friday, with a sweltering 37 degrees in the west.

Such hot and dry conditions have prompted the Rural Fire Service to declare a total fire ban for parts of the state's east. The ban covers Greater Sydney (all Sydney Metro councils, Blue Mountains, Gosford, Hawkesbury and Wyong), the Greater Hunter (Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter), Northern Slopes (Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains and Tamworth), and North Western district (Moree Plains, Narrabri, Walgett and Warrumbungle).

Much of the rest of the state is under high or very high fire danger, with just the Northern and Southern Riverina and South Western region considered at low to moderate fire danger.

Guy Dixon, a meteorologist for Fairfax Media's Weatherzone, said a sea breeze would keep eastern Sydney slightly cooler than the west on Friday, but it would still be more than 30 degrees.
Summer is here, Parliament has risen and no doubt our more bookish leaders will use the long break to expand their horizons through literature. It's only now, with the release of expenditure reports from the first half of the year, that we get a look at what politicians were reading last summer.

Liberal National senator from Queensland James McGrath, who became assistant minister to the Prime Minister after Malcolm Turnbull's successful coup, picked up the instructional manual How to be a Minister: A 21st Century Guide.

The tome was penned by former British Labour minister John Hutton, now a life peer in the House of Lords. "All ministerial careers end in failure, but they start in hope," the book's jacket proclaims, promising to guide ambitious young pollies through topics such as handling public servants, dealing with the media and "how to resign with a modicum of dignity intact".

The Baron's advice must have been worth something because Mr McGrath soon added to his belt the assistant immigration portfolio, which he held until the July election.
Australia's most celebrated architect, Glenn Murcutt, has slammed forthcoming changes to Parliament House that will block public access to the building's famed grassy slopes, labelling the security upgrade a knee-jerk reaction.

The Pritzker prize winner said the erection of a 2.6-metre fence around Parliament's perimeter would betray the intentions of architect Romaldo Giurgola, whose design ensured the public could walk above their representatives.

"It's really a knee-jerk reaction. We're getting like a gated community: very American style. From an architectural point of view, I think it's terrible. It should not even be considered as an option," Mr Murcutt said.

"Romaldo Giurgola designed this building so that you had very good access to the people - so it expressed freedom, it didn't in any way express exclusivity. Putting a fence around it is putting a noose around it."
George Christensen at a chicken shop in his Queensland electorate. Credit:Andrew Meares In an extraordinary speech to Parliament in November, Victorian Liberal MP Russell Broadbent accused Christensen of peddling the politics of "fear and division" and "cuddling up to Hansonite rhetoric". Christensen hit back, calling him a "politically correct hand-wringer", part of the "elitist set here in Canberra". Later that month he joined calls by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten for the 457 skilled visa program to be curtailed, saying there wasn't enough work in Dawson, earning him a terse text message from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. "He said, 'It looks like you're on Bill's side.' I said, 'It's not about being on anyone's side, they're my views.' George Christensen  during his bull-dyke years. Photographed for Good Weekend magazine. Credit:Andrew Meares "I won't lie," Christensen says as a semi-trailer rattles past us. "There have been some dark days where I have thought, 'Am I in the right political party?'"

Question time in the House of Representatives in October, and the prime minister has the call. "Let George speak, let George speak!" Labor MPs yell as Malcolm Turnbull walks to the dispatch box. "He's a born-again Christensen," hollers the Member for Perth, Labor's Tim Hammond, as Turnbull answers a question on renewable energy. George Christensen in a sugar cane field near Mackay, Queensland. Credit:Andrew Meares Where are the balls in politics? Where have they gone? When Christensen gets up, cries of "prime minister" ring through the chamber. He's become the embodiment of the concessions Turnbull has had to make to win and hold on to power. "Name me another backbencher who has had so many wins," Andrew Bolt, the country's most influential conservative commentator, tells Good Weekend. It started in February when Christensen led the charge against the Safe Schools anti-bullying program, which he compared to "paedophile grooming". The government announced a review before making major changes to the program. Then came the July election result: 76 seats for the Coalition in the House of Representatives, the minimum for majority government. It turbocharged the influence of any government backbencher prepared to hold their own side hostage.

Since then Christensen has threatened to cross the floor if the government pushed ahead with a $500,000 lifetime cap on non-concessional superannuation contributions; the government ditched it. He vowed to quit the Liberal National Party if the government kept its so-called backpacker tax; the government slashed it. And he has put Turnbull on notice not to allow a free vote on same-sex marriage, a move he says fundamentally breaches the Coalition agreement. He thinks it was a mistake for the Liberal Party to remove Tony Abbott (he didn't get a vote as a member of the Nationals party room) but has been pleased by Turnbull's willingness to respond to the demands of conservatives. "Everyone knew Tony was from the right of the party so he had to pander to the left. Malcolm is from the 'little-l liberal' side of the party so he has to give a bit to the right." But Christensen's hardball tactics have annoyed colleagues who think he has put his interests above the government's. "I told him, 'This does your credibility no good,' " says federal Queensland Coalition MP Warren Entsch. "You don't have to be a bloody lapdog but you need to be measured ... Far better to have a conversation than sit on the sidelines throwing crap and making threats you are highly unlikely to ever act on." Says NSW Nationals MP Michael McCormack: "You can't be out there on every issue threatening to blow the government up. That's not the way to get things done in politics." Someone who won't criticise him is Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce. "I crossed the floor 28 times," Joyce says of his days as a maverick senator. "I'm not going to be a hypocrite." After the election, Joyce appointed Christensen to the prestigious position of National Party Chief Whip, giving him responsibility for corralling votes and acting as a link between the leader and the backbench. "George has great potential, so I gave him increased responsibilities," says Joyce. "There's no reason at all he couldn't be a cabinet minister. Now that's not imminent. But does he have the ability to run a department? Yes. He knows what he believes in. He's very well read, very intelligent. The biggest mistake you can make with George is to think he's a fool cause he ain't." Andrew Bolt agrees: "At first, going by the media coverage, I thought he was a bit of a wild boy not to be taken too seriously. Then I interviewed him and decided he was very shrewd. He had thought things through, he was considered, he put his case without ranting. I don't see him as the bumper-sticker extremist people make him out to be."

As the night darkens we continue down the highway in Christensen's car, which doubles as mode of transport and mobile billboard. The Ford SUV is covered with decals of his name, a jolly cartoon of him in a suit and his slogan "Standing up for the North". Our conversation is peppered with the sound of Christensen, who is battling bronchitis, wheezing and coughing. Like Bolt, I'm surprised how mild-mannered he is for someone so outspoken; even when challenged about his views, he never raises his voice. "Have you heard of the acronym MGTOW?" Christensen asks. I search my brain. Not a clue. "It stands for: Men Going Their Own Way." Described by youth website VICE as a form of "ideological celibacy" in which men take their opposition to feminism so far they swear off sex, Christensen says it's a "crazy" subculture. But a revealing one, too. "There is something permeating our culture right now that has led to a loss of identity for men in particular," says Christensen, 38, who has had several long term girlfriends but never married. "For centuries we have known, because of biological reasons, what our place in the world was. Men were the hunters, women the gatherers. Men were the protectors, women the nurturers."

Then, in Christensen's telling, women streamed into the workforce, divorce became common and male dominated manufacturing jobs moved offshore. He pulls over at a dimly lit rest stop, grabs his iPhone and finds a YouTube clip of film-maker Michael Moore explaining Trump's appeal to the white working poor. Christensen roars with approval as Moore details Trump's face-to-face threat to Ford executives that he would slap a 35 per cent tariff on the company if they dared shut down its manufacturing plant in Detroit and moved production to Mexico. "Can you imagine if Tony Abbott had lined Ford and Holden up and said that! Where are the balls in politics? Where have they gone?" While Christensen has a strong libertarian streak ("One of my bugbears is when a mother has a kid die from pool death or some tragic circumstance and starts off on a crusade to have more regulations put on"), he wants to see a new wave of economic protectionism, including the return of tariffs and industry subsidies. Christensen argues that the rapid pace of economic and cultural change is leading voters to seek radical alternative policies such as those espoused by Donald Trump, Pauline Hanson and the "Brexiters". "I don't know if I'd be sitting here talking to you if I had a One Nation candidate running in my seat, I really don't," he says. Before the election, Christensen was told during a phone call with Pauline Hanson that she wouldn't run a candidate in Dawson, despite One Nation being assured of a strong result there. Christensen himself voted for One Nation at the 1998 Queensland election at a time of disillusionment with the National Party. "Why would I run someone against you?" Christensen remembers Hanson telling him. "You're saying all the things I say."

The day after Donald Trumps victory, I visit Christensen in his Parliament House office. A copy of Trumps policy manifesto, Time to Get Tough, sits on his desk beside a mini Doctor Who TARDIS and set of rosary beads. On the bookshelf are awards from lobby group Dads4Kids (For sacrificial service for the men, fathers and families of Australia) and the Australian Christian Values Institute (For his public stand for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ). The books on display (biographies of US conservative icons Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater) and his bookmarked websites (right-wing American sites Breitbart News and Zero Hedge) reflect his long fascination with US politics. While elated by Trump's victory, he fears the major parties here are in denial about the relevance of the result to Australia. "This is not about Donald Trump," he says. "The driving force behind this was nationalism and conservative populism  people who aren't into free-market ideology." Go outside the big cities here, he says, and you'll find similar angst about immigration, free trade and political correctness  the fear you'll be labelled a racist if you dare criticise Islam or Aboriginal welfare. He hopes it doesn't take an "election rout" for the Coalition to work that out. "If we don't get aboard the freight train, it will run us over." "OH YEAH, George," says John, a silver-haired taxi driver, when I tell him I'm in Mackay to write a piece on his local MP. "He's out there for local jobs, for local industry. Everyone knows him. You see him down at karaoke in shorts and thongs, you see his mum at bingo. He's from a workingclass family  none of this silver spoon, like Malcolm Turnbull. Everything in his life he's had to fight for." Christensen's father, Ian, lost a leg to cancer at 19. Ian, a supporter of the ultra-conservative former Queensland premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, was a taxi driver and famous local drag racer. Christensen's mother, Margaret, suffered cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Both have been disability support pensioners and live just outside of Mackay. "We didn't have a lot of money growing up," says Christensen's younger sister, Kathleen Agnew. Christensen remembers going to his local public school without any shoes on his feet. Sundays were spent at church with his grandmother. Cousin Sarah O'Brien says: "George had to take on a lot of responsibility at a young age. My aunt had epileptic fits quite a lot and it was him who would make sure she was safe and in a recovery position until they subsided." She remembers George as a "lovely boy, a very sensitive kid". Sister Kathleen describes him as "quiet, always reading or watching Doctor Who". Lacking the money to study law at university in Brisbane, Christensen took out a bank loan to study journalism at Central Queensland University in Rockhampton. He was the first in his family to gain a tertiary education.

"I really came into my own," he says of his university days. "There was drinking, partying, girls. By the end I stopped going to tutorials." After graduating, he decided to become a Catholic priest  an idea he'd long considered  and attended a seminary in Melbourne. He was set to join the priesthood until his father "pointedly objected" to it. "All hell broke loose, basically. I was given an ultimatum: you can go, but don't ever come back." Almost 20 years later he still doesn't know why. "I have some thoughts," he says, his voice trailing off. "To this day I still wonder if it was the right decision. It's something I haven't ruled out." He later became disillusioned with the Catholic Church because of the sexual abuse scandals and what he perceived as a drift away from core dogmas. "You don't hear about the Catholic teaching on abortion from the pulpit ever. You might hear about Aboriginal land rights." In 2014 he converted to the Antiochian Orthodox Church. "That probably says something about me. A priest explained to me that orthodoxy does not change. What was believed at the beginning is believed now and what is believed now was believed at the beginning. Orthodoxy is not there to be changed; it's there to change. To change people and to change the world. Anyone who wants to come into the Orthodox Church and reform it won't be taken seriously." That same year he had an icon of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus tattooed onto his arm at Mad Monk Tattoo, a parlour a few blocks away from his electorate office. Warren Entsch, the moderate federal LNP MP for the northern Queensland seat of Leichhardt who has championed same-sex marriage, says Christensen's religiosity is "an asset for him but also an Achilles' heel  I have no issue with him being influenced by his religious beliefs and expressing them, but it can create an imbalance. His first role is not to carry a spear for his religion." After editing local newspapers and working as a press secretary for former federal Nationals MP De-Anne Kelly, Christensen was elected to Mackay City Council in 2004. It was around this time he was almost kicked out of the Queensland National Party. Christensen says he was in trouble for using a leaked copy of the Nationals membership list during his council campaign. Barnaby Joyce recalls: "The theme was, 'This guy is too far to the right and is going to be hard to manage, so let's quit our losses now.' I stood up for him strongly. I said he's authentic." He adds with a laugh: "To be considered too far to the right in the National Party is quite an achievement."

To understand Christensen, Joyce says you have to understand North Queensland. "It is its own state, almost its own country. It's full of people who have strong political views," he says, pointing to Entsch, rural federal independent MP Bob Katter and Gladstone's Fred Paterson, who in the 1940s became the only Communist Party member ever to be elected to an Australian parliament. "When you see George in that light, he's not as remarkable as he'd seem in Paddington in Sydney." As well as his home town of Mackay, Christensen's electorate includes Bowen (home of the Big Mango), the Burdekin Shire (the "sugar capital of Australia") and the southern suburbs of Townsville. It's a place of melon growers, cattle farmers, mining services workers and tourism operators  and it's a socially conservative place. An ABC Vote Compass survey this year ranked Dawson the 13th most right-leaning of Australia's 150 electorates. The rise and fall of the mining boom has left locals acutely aware of how quickly jobs can vanish. Dawson saw the biggest jump in unemployment between the last two elections of any electorate in Queensland. It also has one of the highest obesity rates in the country. Christensen  who weighed 75 kilograms when he left school but has been more than 100 kilograms for almost 20 years  says: "Everyone has their crutch. Mine is that when I get stressed I eat the wrong thing." His weight has made him an easy target for ridicule, but also more relatable to constituents. "He's not part of the Canberra elite  just look at the guy," says Airlie Beach restaurant owner Kevin Collins. After winning the seat from Labor in 2010, Christensen used his first speech to Parliament to call for the abolition of income tax and a royal commission into climate science. In 2014 he told a libertarian think tank that he was not a climatologist but that, as a Star Trek fan, "I know good science-fiction when I see it." "And that is what I have seen in the climate-change debate  a lot of fiction dressed up as science." His electorate covers some of the most visited parts of the Great Barrier Reef and local scientists have tried to convince him that man-made global warming is real and will have catastrophic consequences for the reef. To no avail. "I just don't believe it," he says. Former parliamentary colleague Ewen Jones says: "George arrives at his position on a subject slowly, with research and history as his guide  But he can selectively research. When he gets there, it is just about impossible to get him to change his mind."

I see this when I accompany Christensen to a support centre in Mackay for young and disabled jobseekers. The visit is sparked by his controversial call for dole payments to be cut off after six months, a proposal some staff believe will only entrench unemployment. "I hope this gives George the opportunity to think things through at a deeper level," says Ideal Placements operations manager Rhiannon Minniecon. But if she thinks he'll be shocked by what he hears, she is wrong. Christensen has no struggle relating to the job seekers he meets; many of their stories are familiar to him. "I mix up my letters, too," he tells a young woman with dyslexia. "My brother was in jail," he tells a young man looking for work after a stint in prison. (Christensen's younger brother was jailed in 2014 after chasing the lover of his former partner down the street with a knife.) "Go down to Torrisi's Garage and tell them George sent you," he advises a young man interested in cars. For three hours he listens, sympathises, offers advice. But he doesnt change his mind. Not even close. Theyre not the mainstream unemployed, he says later. Sarah OBrien, whose politics lean left, says she has struggled to understand how her cousins sensitive nature coexists with his hardline politics. In the battle between ideology and empathy, she thinks ideology often wins out. I cringe at a lot of his policies, she says. Cutting off welfare would affect people in his own family, but he sees it as part of a bigger picture. I think he compartmentalises things in his mind. I guess we all do in some way. For our final meeting in Mackay, we drive down Mango Avenue, a shady tunnel-like street lined with 80-year-old mango trees, and pull up at the historic Eimeo Pacific Hotel. Christensen orders a chai latte before sitting at a table with sweeping views of the Whitsunday Coast, a single boat puttering across the water. I'm thinking about our car ride a few nights earlier when he said he wonders if he's in the right party. Has he really considered leaving? Yes, he says, during the weeks following the July federal election. The Coalition's low-energy election campaign, the focus on innovation, the tax hike on tobacco and Turnbull's "ill-advised Ramadan dinner with crazy imams" all left him in despair. So he joined a push by Queensland Liberal National MPs to form a breakaway party room. Had they pulled it off, it would have further destabilised Turnbull and busted the cosy Coalition power-sharing deal. But after a few days of intense manoeuvring, the LNP hierarchy killed it off. "There was also an element of bruised ego," he admits. "Some people said I was going to get a ministry  and went as far as to say the portfolio I would get  but it never eventuated. I was misled." Loading
A Melbourne man is in custody after being arrested over the "unprovoked" stabbing death of a French tourist in the Northern Territory outback.

Police say the tourist was killed at Connor Well, about 100 kilometres north of Alice Springs, at 5.30pm on Wednesday.

The spot is 150 kilometres from where British traveller Peter Falconio was last seen alive 15 years ago.

"It is believed that two French tourists, a husband and wife, were at a rest stop 30 kilometres south of the Aileron Roadhouse on the Stuart Highway when they were approached by an unknown man," Detective Superintendent Travis Wurst said.
Police at Black Hill Primary School. Credit:Luka Kauzlaric, Ballarat Courier Do you know more? Contact scoop@theage.com.au Paul Mulqueen, principal of Warragul's St Joseph Primary School, told Fairfax Media his call warned of an explosive device that could harm students. Police at Black Hill Primary School. Credit:Luka Kauzlaric, Ballarat Courier

"It was a male voice," Mr Mulqueen said. "I couldn't pick the accent, although it didn't seem to be particularly foreign." Mr Mulqueen said that after receiving the call about 10.30am, the school followed its emergency management plan, evacuating students and notifying emergency services and the police. "Once police had given us the all-clear that the school site was safe, we debriefed students and provided any counselling to those who required it, and students returned to class," he said. A staff member who took the call at Sophia Mundi Steiner School also described the voice as automated, but said it started off sounding male and became higher pitched, like a woman's voice, later in the conversation, Principal Fiona Cock said.

Emergency Minister James Merlino promised in February to fund an instant SMS service after parents complained they weren't informed of a hoax bomb threat. Black Hill Primary parent Corinna Borg said on Thursday she was not contacted by the school and she read about the hoax in the news. "I was cautious but I didn't jump into panic," she said. Ms Borg said she went straight up to the school to collect her children, who are in grade 1 and 3. "The school kept them really calm," she said.

Black Hill Primary principal Donna Bishop said as soon as the evacuated students returned, the school "immediately sent out a notification to parents and we've had many parents who have thanked us for the response". Steve, who has two children at Cambridge Primary School, said he was also alerted once the evacuation was over. "We would have expected to be notified earlier. I understand there is a fine balancing act, but it would have been nice, when your children are there [at the school], to be told if they are being taken off school grounds," he said. Another Cambridge Primary School parent said she was contacted before 1pm about the hoax which caused her to feel "panicky". "The kids are only young and it puts a bit of fear and panic into the children," she said.

Gail McHardy, executive director of Parents Victoria, which represents state school parents, said it was a "natural human reaction" for parents to be worried. She said it was always the school's priority to ensure student safety and parents should encourage principals to offer a debrief session after the dramatic event. "Fear drives anxiety in these situations and people can be sensitive and react  but I think it's important that parents take stock  for the schools, the biggest priority is to get the school safe." When asked about the lag in contacting parents, Education Department spokesman Craig Simon said: "In situations like this, schools' immediate focus is on enacting their emergency management plan and working closely with police, so that children and staff are safe". "Schools contacted parents as soon as they deemed appropriate, after enacting their emergency management plan."

Schools said to have received the threatening calls include: St Mary's Primary School in Myrtleford; Black Hill Primary School in Ballarat; Cambridge Primary School, Hoppers Crossing; Wangaratta West Primary School; Pakenham Consolidated School; McKinnon Primary School, Ormond; Bourchier Street Primary School, Shepparton; Marist-Sion College Secondary School, Warragul; George Street Primary School, Hamilton; and Camp Hill Primary School, Bendigo. Across Australia Police in Queensland, Tasmania, NSW, the ACT and South Australia responded to incidents at schools across those states. Police in both Queensland and Tasmania said they suspected the threatening calls were similar in nature to those that had occurred in February, when automated calls were made to schools Australia-wide and were later revealed to be hoaxes. "We are liaising with the Education Department and remind people that making threatening phone calls is a serious criminal offence," a Queensland Police spokesman said. "These incidents will be investigated fully."

In Tasmania, calls of bomb threats were made to three schools about 10am, within the space of five minutes, police said. After attending the schools and conducting inquiries, Tasmania Police said in a statement that "no concerns were identified and classes resumed". In New South Wales, police said operations were under way at schools across the state, but did not specify whether they were in response to threatening calls. However, it is understood the incidents were of a similar nature to those in other states. Two schools in the ACT received threatening calls, but after being cleared by ACT Policing, students were sent back to class. Three public schools in South Australia also received bomb threats over the phone. Students were evacuated as police searched the properties, but the children returned after the area was cleared.

West Australian police had not, as of late morning local time, recorded any incidents of threatening calls to schools in the state. The Victorian Department of Education and Training said in a statement that it was working with Victoria Police following the threats. New Zealand The threats made across Australia coincided with threats to schools throughout New Zealand. New Zealand Police said in a statement on Thursday morning that they were "responding to calls of a concerning nature directed to a number of schools throughout the country".

"We understand the fear and concern that these calls cause, however we reiterate that so far we have not established any actual threat to any school." New Zealand Police added that Thursday's calls "may be similar to those received earlier this year, which inquiries indicated originated overseas". In late January and early February, a spate of hoax calls sparked evacuations and lockdowns at dozens of schools across Australia, including almost 20 in Victoria. At the time, police were investigating whether a hoaxer had hacked into the telecommunication service at select-entry state school Nossal High School, at Monash University's Berwick campus. An International hacking gang called Evacuation Squad claimed to be responsible for the dozens of threats in Australia, as well as similar ones made in Britain, Hawaii, Paris, Japan, the US and Guam over the course of a few weeks.

It is understood some of the phone calls featured an electronic voice message, but it was not clear whether all schools received an electronic message. At the time, a spokesman for the Russian group, calling himself Viktor Olyavich, told Fairfax Media via email that the hackers would carry out more bomb threats in the future. "We do the hoaxes for a few reasons," he wrote. "Those being: one, they are entertaining for us; two, we make money off them sometimes; and three, just for the mayhem of it." The gang has offered to shut down schools in exchange for bitcoin payments.
Express services will run more frequently on Sydney's congested Western Line at peak periods after the Baird government awarded a $1.7 billion contract for the purchase and maintenance of 24 new Waratah double-deckers.

A day after a damning Auditor-General's report into the government's handling of Sydney's $2.1 billion light rail project, Transport Minister Andrew Constance highlighted the impact the extra Waratah trains would have on boosting capacity on the city's commuter rail network, which has faced a 10 per cent surge in patronage over the past year.

"What we're seeing in terms of growth is off the charts and we have to act quickly to keep the system running well," he said.

Mr Constance said the new trains would be used to help provide four extra express services between Parramatta and Sydney's central business district in the morning and afternoon peaks. That equated to a service every three minutes, or up to 20 trains an hour during the busiest periods.
Edward Moses Obeid, 73, is a pillar of the Lebanese community and one who has suffered enough through unfair media scrutiny, according to many of the 55 character references submitted to a Sydney court.

A Supreme Court jury found Obeid guilty on June 28 of misconduct in public office over his family's secret business dealings at Circular Quay. The Crown is pushing for a jail sentence.

Most of the references presented at his sentence hearing on Thursday from family members, business associates, religious officials, friends and prominent members of the community provided glowing testimonials about the former MP.

There was Wally Wehbe, who made no mention of the fact that he and Obeid are long-time business partners in numerous ventures, including the Bellevue Function Centre in Bankstown.
Former federal court judge Roger Gyles, QC, will chair a panel to select three new commissioners of the Independent Commission Against Corruption under a controversial restructure by the NSW government.

The appointment of Mr Gyles  a former chairman of Transparency International and the current independent national security legislation monitor  comes after the resignation as ICAC commissioner of Megan Latham two years before the end of her contract.

It followed the passage of legislation that abolished the position of Ms Latham who was told she would have to reapply for her job.

Mr Gyles will be joined on the panel by former Treasury deputy secretary Kerry Schott and Blair Comley, secretary of the NSW department of Premier and Cabinet.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten praised Brisbane taxi driver Aguek Nyok, saying he demonstrated the "spirit of Australia" when he rescued 11 people from a burning bus.

Despite the backpacker tax dominating the final sitting day of the year, Mr Shorten took time to pay tribute to Mr Nyok.

The taxi driver was widely hailed a hero for his actions, after Brisbane bus driver Manmeet Sharma was killed when he was set on fire while behind the wheel of a bus. The fire also trapped and injured 11 passengers.

"The smoke was getting thicker, panic was setting in - unimaginable, really. But a Brisbane cab driver who just happened to pull over for a haircut, came to their aid," Mr Shorten said.
A policeman has appeared in court charged with assaulting a 16-year-old boy south of Brisbane.

Robert Richardson, 40, of North Lakes, is accused of attacking the teenager at Parkinson on June 6.

A police officer allegedly assaulted a teenager in Brisbane's south. Credit:Glenn Hunt

The senior constable's been stood down from official duty and was released on bail and ordered to appear on January 18 after facing Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.

AAP
Two men are in hospital, one with a facial fracture, after a dispute in Brisbane's south erupted in violence Thursday night.

A 39-year-old man had confronted a 79-year-old man at an address on Curfew St, Upper Mount Gravatt, around 11.30pm on Thursday before a 45-year-old man arrived shortly after, say police.

Two people ended up in hospital after a dispute in Upper Mount Gravatt. Credit:Glenn Hunt

The dispute escalated with the 39-year-old man taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital with a facial fracture, while the 45-year-old man was also admitted to hospital with a fractured hand.

AAP
What do you call that emotion you feel when you see something cute?

A Brisbane professor has decided it is time to name that emotion that makes us melt after he realised it was missing from the English vocabulary.

Puss in Boots from Shrek ticks all the 'cute' boxes.

Professor Ralf Buckley, from Griffith University's School of Environment, first realised there was not a word for the emotion attached to what people determined cute while he was looking at how tourism was a tool to help fund conservation projects.

"I work in conservation and I work particularly in using tourism as a tool to fund conservation," he said.
The man who has been called the "poster boy for greedy drug company executives" and "the most hated man in the world", Martin Shkreli, has responded to reports that a group of Sydney schoolboys made a drug that his company charges at $US750 ($A1011) a tablet.

Soon after the Fairfax Media report broke, people on Twitter started peppering Mr Shkreli with questions about the story.

Mr Shkreli's company gained the rights to Daraprim, an anti-parasitic medication listed by the World Health Organisation as essential, and soon after he raised the price from $US13.50 ($18) to $US750 a dose.
High on ice, short on sleep and dressed only in his underwear, Albert Rapovski was snapping selfies with some friends and a sawn-off shotgun in a down-at-heel Melbourne motel room.

Not long after they posed for this picture, one of those friends, Mahamd Hassan, was dead, shot in the face by Rapovski, a victim of his "extremely stupid behaviour".

Albert Rapovski, left, holds the sawn-off shotgun as he poses on a motel bed with his friend Mahamd Hassan.

"Guns, drugs and stupidity do not mix, never have, never will," Supreme Court Justice Michael Croucher said on Thursday, before sentencing Rapovski to eight years' jail.

Rapovski, 20, was drug-affected when he and his friends posed with the gun as if they were "would-be gangsters" in photos at the Parkside Inn Motel in Kingsbury in Melbourne's north east on March 5, the judge said.
An international hacking gang that has previously claimed hoax bomb threats at Australian schools says the calls are made "just for the mayhem".

Calling itself the Evacuation Squad, the gang claimed responsibility for some of the dozens of threats to schools earlier in the year.

Fairfax Media had an email exchange with the group's spokesman, who called himself Viktor Olyavich, at the time.

"We do the hoaxes for a few reasons," he wrote.
St Vincent de Paul Society spokesman Gavin Dufty said the price hike was a double whammy as most Victorians were using both gas and electricity in their homes.

The move, consumer advocates say, could see the average residential energy bill surge by more than $300 a year.

One man blasted Engie for not closing the power station in a staged fashion over several years. Credit:Eddie Jim

Consumers are being urged to shop around after energy companies moved to increase gas and electricity prices next year in anticipation of the Hazelwood power station closure.

"The price rises that are occurring now are quite unique," Mr Dufty said.

"We have had Hazelwood shut down, so there is a lot of base load generation exiting the market and that will lead to increases in electricity prices, which the government has modelled."

However, he said while some retailers had kept the price rise close to the government's predicted figures, others appeared to have put the prices up more than that.

Mr Dufty said the jump in electricity prices for the major retailers ranged between 6.5 per cent to 11.5 per cent. For gas, it ranged from a 5.2 per cent increase to 9.2 per cent.

"The spread for an all-electrical household - for most houses that are not solar - is between a $100 to $200 a year extra," he said.
It also brings into focus Victoria Police's push to modernise the force. This strategy is designed to more effectively investigate crime by making the force increasingly nimble and pro-active, and favours taskforces at the expense of front-line officers. Officers who are in taskforces, such as family violence teams, do not respond to emergency calls, other than in exceptional circumstances.

It has also emerged that: A new, state-of-the-art Victoria Police resourcing model to inform government of demand, and eliminate the funding of police officers as a political issue, is the third model to be implemented in recent years;

The Police Association claimed the number of front-line officers was even lower than police data suggested;

An extra 40 officers have gone on leave without pay in the past 15 months, while the force has also lost 498 members to attrition;

A crime-reporting hotline and website will be introduced to reduce the strain on officers, replicating programs which have existed for years in most other states; and

The force committed to greater clarity about how it was allocating its officers. Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp said the analysis outlined the extent of the shift in the force's priorities, from resourcing general police in each district, to bolstering units which targeted particular crimes. Despite an increase of 218 full-time police across the force since last June, the number of officers allocated to front-line duties has dropped by nearly the same amount during the same period. "We've had to change the way we do our business," Mr Crisp said.

Shortly after the Andrews government was elected, it vowed to back the force's push to modernise. It committed to only funding increased numbers of officers when they had been requested by Victoria Police, rather than when it was politically desirable, and to refrain from meddling in how these resources were allocated. Both points had been raised in the blue paper, a report on the future of Victoria Police, released by Mr Ashton's predecessor Ken Lay in 2014. But the youth crime issue  underlined by riots at justice centres and increased media coverage of home invasions, police chases and carjackings by teenagers  has hounded the government since March. Mr Crisp, who was interviewed before it emerged the government would commit to such a huge increase in police numbers, said most of the officers removed from the front line had been kept in the same geographic area.

But only one of the four police regions, the Western area which covers parts of regional Victoria, has increased its total number of officers since June last year. Mr Crisp said that 300 new officers would start graduating early next year, and many were set to be allocated to the north-west. He said this region had often been the first area where graduates worked, which could explain the current shortfall in resources. Police Minister Lisa Neville would not elaborate about any future announcement regarding police numbers, but acknowledged that a hard core of youth offenders had caused significant trauma. She said that pressures on police resources had been eased by the recruitment of 400 custody officers, 250 of whom have started, freeing police for other duties.

The recruitment of 406 police funded in this year's Budget had also been brought forward. "There are more police now than when we first came to government, and we have brought in stronger laws to hold perpetrators to account," she said. On Thursday Ms Neville said the government knew there was a need for more police and that it had been working with Victoria Police on the best allocation model for the future. "There is no question that our police are under pressure, that with population demand, with crime rates going up that we need more police out there," Ms Neville said. At a press conference she would not comment on "speculation" about police resources.

Each quarter, Victoria Police publishes figures on how many officers are stationed in each of its 55 police service areas, which are closely aligned to council boundaries. The numbers also detail how many officers are stationed in other areas of the force, such as operational support and corporate sections. The regions hardest hit by a reduction in front-line police are in Melbourne's crime-plagued north-west: Melton (down 14 per cent), Brimbank (down 11 per cent), Wyndham (down 11 per cent) and Hume (down 10 per cent). Combined, those areas have 65 fewer uniformed police than they did in June last year. In Moreland, a policing area which stretches from Fitzroy North to Glenroy, the average police officer has 167 crimes to deal with; more than 70 offences higher than the state average. Glen Eira, which includes a large chunk of the bayside suburbs, from St Kilda East to Beaumaris, has 2636 people per police officer  about 2 times the state average.
A Mount Duneed farmer who was trapped in a hay baler for at least 24 hours has died in hospital.

Don Fagg, 67, was found by a neighbour on his Horseshoe Bend Road property about 6.45pm on Tuesday.

Late farmer Don Fagg.

It took emergency services nearly three hours to free him from the farm machinery and he was then flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital on Wednesday morning in a critical condition.

He died about midnight on Wednesday.
It's much lamented that even with the mining sector on the slide Perth residents still won't get much change out of a pineapple note when they go out for a meal.

The cheap alternative to going to a restaurant for many years has been to grab a counter meal at the pub; something simple like steak or burgers with hot chips and salad on the side and maybe something sweet for afters.

But even as pubs across Perth ditch their mining boom beer prices and bring back pints, there's still that nagging feeling that maybe the local watering hole is has become a pricey option.

Even 6PR's Karl Langdon has noticed the trend, launching an attack on Perth pubs that charge exuberant prices for beer, claiming venues needed to realise "the boom was over."
The scarring following the burns. Credit:Helen Golisano Under current laws, there are no mandatory training requirements for people who work in the beauty industry and local councils are unable to infringe salons that do not follow the suggested code of practice for treatments which 'penetrate the skin'. Ms Golisano said the woman who was burnt by an IPL machine suffered the burns at a Joondalup salon. The burns were then needled, resulted in more severe injuries. Credit:Helen Golisano "The worker failed to put any crystal on the front of the machine, so when they're choosing which crystal to put on the top to choose which treatment to do, this woman failed to put any crystal on so she shot this girl straight with light and fried her brazilian," she said.

"When the girl went back - and this is where the training's lacking - they then proceeded to do needling when in reality they should have treated her for a burn and sent her to get looked at... it actually created a worse outcome." a nail salon employee poured chemical metal steriliser over a woman's foot believing it would act as an antiseptic for a deep cut caused by a blade. Needling involves running needles over the skin to create a wound so the skin becomes damaged, encouraging new skin to grow. It is used often by dermatherapists in beauty treatments for wrinkles to create collagen induction. The apparent lack of first aid knowledge following the incident mirrors a pedicure incident in Perth on November 1.

During the incident, a nail salon employee poured chemical metal steriliser over a woman's foot believing it would act as an antiseptic after she sliced the woman's big toe with a blade not used by qualified beauticians. Ms Golisano said qualified beauticians are trained in first aid as part of their certificate or diploma studies. A spokeswoman for the Retail and Personal Services Training Council, which is supported by the state government, said the state Health Act and its regulations were not being enforced. "While the skin penetration code of practice and other health regulations are in place, the Health Department, I believe, does not have the resources to monitor compliance," she said. "My experience with local councils is that many are unaware that these acts and regulations exist but when alerted and advised of a breach of acts, will visit a premises."

Ms Golisano, who owns four salons in Perth, said stricter compliance monitoring was well overdue in the nail and IPL industry. The responsibility to enforce the Health Act at beauty salons lies with local governments, but Ms Golisano said her personal experience showed an inconsistency between councils. "One of my salons in the Joondalup gets checked [by the council] consistently, and fair call, and I'm happy for that, but I also note that the other [three] salons don't get checked," she said. "The shire doesn't even check that the staff are qualified, no one checks... and it's not a breach of any law [to be unqualified]." Of the eight councils that responded to WAtoday's request for health inspection data on beauty businesses (excluding hairdressers), the frequency of audits varied greatly  with some councils conducting regular inspections and others only inspecting a premises at start up.

A City of Cockburn spokesman said his council had inspected 35 of its 71 beauty premises so far in 2016, with three of the inspections relating to complaints from customers about instrument sterilisation, waste disposal and staff cleanliness. "[In relation to the complaints,] only advice was given on how to improve requirements, no official reprimands, [we have] no legal power for infringements, only prosecution under the Health Act regulations," he said. The Shire of Mundaring has 14 beauty-related businesses but only inspects low-risk skin penetration premises when they first open. "Therefore a relatively small number of inspections have taken place accordingly," a spokeswoman said. In a discussion paper in 2013, the Department of Health identified mandatory training in infection and prevention control as one of six recommendations to add to the skin penetration regulations.

The recommendations, however, have not been amended since 2011. A spokesman for the Department of Health said changes to the regulations had been stalled while the state government worked to develop its new Public Health Act 2016. "Now that the new Public Health Act 2016 has been enacted, the Department of Health will begin drafting new skin penetration regulations under an improved regulatory framework," he said. "The enactment of these new regulations will take some time, considering the extensive amount of work required to transition Western Australia from the old Health Act 1911, to the new Public Health Act 2016." The Australian Government Radiation Health Committee is also in the process of reviewing its IPL policies, however, currently, each state and territory has its own regulations in relations to the treatment.
Perth's newest luxury hotel has opened its doors to the public hoping to lure international big spenders to its opulent rooms.

The new Crown Towers features three tonnes of chandelier work, 450 new staff, and eight and a half thousand square metres of Italian stone, and is now the largest- and most expensive- hotel in Perth.

And it's not exactly cheap - one night in the exclusive Chairman's Villa will set you back a cool $25,000.

But for that kind of coin you'll be treated to a full butler service, a wrap around balcony, four bedrooms and two-storeys connected by an opulent grand staircase.
Buzz Aldrin, the former American astronaut and the second person to set foot on the moon, was evacuated from the South Pole because of a medical condition, and is now in a New Zealand hospital.

The adventurous Aldrin, 86, was visiting the South Pole as part of a tourist group when his condition deteriorated, the company White Desert said in a statement.

He was evacuated on the first available flight out of the South Pole to McMurdo Station, a nearby US research base, under the care of a doctor, and his condition was stable, the company said. McMurdo is on Ross Island, just off the coast of Antarctica.

The McMurdo station is the US Antarctic Program's research centre.
Australian Sara Connor sits during a court appearance in Bali. Credit:AP Ms Connor, who owns a fresh pasta business in Byron Bay, said she would love to go back to her kids and to Australia. "It's very tough to be away from them. They are surrounded by our family and our friends, they are looked after, but I'm sure they need their mother. We are very very close." British man David Taylor, centre, is presented with evidence during his trial in Bali on November 16. Credit:AP Ms Connor is understood to be struggling to sleep in her cell in Bali's notoriously crowded Kerobokan jail.

Earlier in court on Thursday Ms Connor had denied she was covered in blood when she tried to hail a motorcycle taxi to report her missing bag on the night of Mr Sudarsa's death, saying the driver refused to pick her up because she didn't have any money. Connor has denied any involvement in Mr Sudarsa's death, saying she tried to separate the victim and her boyfriend as they brawled on the beach. Credit:Amilia Rosa Ojek (motorbike taxi) driver Gede Suartama told the Denpasar District Court he did not take Ms Connor to the police station because he spotted blood on her T-shirt and was scared. "I was stopped by a woman, a foreigner, she wanted me to take her to the police station to report the loss of her bag and her license," Mr Suartama said. "I am scared of blood, even a little. She was about to hop on my scooter, but I was scared so I just left."

But Ms Connor told the court this was not correct. "I was not full of blood, I was full of sand", she said. "I tried to jump on his (the motorcycle taxi driver's) bike twice." Ms Connor said he asked her for money. "I said to him: 'I don't have any money, my bag was stolen'. And for that reason he wouldn't take me to the police station, because I didn't have any money." Zaenal Rakhi El Faqhi, who rents umbrellas and surfboards on the beach, recalled seeing a man with dreadlocks who was covered in blood searching for something. "He was wearing shorts and his shirt was all bloody," he said in court. Ms Connor did not dispute this.

Ms Connor and Mr Taylor allegedly later burned the clothes they were wearing the night of Mr Sudarsa's death, in what police claim was an attempt to destroy evidence. Mr Suartama insisted he saw blood on Ms Connor's shirt that night, saying he was very close to her. He said he had reported the incident to Wayan Gunawan, the jagabaya (traditional security officer) for the area. "I told him I saw a woman and she had blood on her shirt. She looks normal, plain, she lost something, so maybe just that, confused." Mr Gunawan said he went to the beach after receiving the report and found a man lying on the sand. "There was no movement. I heard people whispering: 'Seems dead'," he said. He and about two others stayed about 12 metres away from the man and notified police.

Ms Connor said she could not comment because the last time she had seen Mr Sudarsa he had been alive. A second ojek driver described seeing the police officer he knew as Pak Kumis (Mr Moustache, a nickname given to the mustachioed Mr Sudarsa) apparently fighting with a foreign man when he drove past the Pullman Hotel that night. "They were at the gate (to Kuta beach). I was driving about 40km an hour. It was full moon, there was LED light from an advertisement board," Samuel Yohanes Unwakoly told the court. Mr Samuel said the foreign man was holding the collar of Mr Sudarsa's shirt. He heard yelling but couldn't make out what was said. "The victim was trying to get (Taylor's) hand off (his collar), the woman was standing next to him. The woman was talking, while facing the two of them." Ms Connor denied this too. "I was not there," she said. "I was down the beach and when I looked up I could see Dave talking to somebody on the wall that is inside. I could see David's face. I was down the beach. I was never up there."

Mr Samuel told the court he did not stop or try to break up the fight because he was carrying a passenger and Mr Sudarsa was bigger than the foreign man. "I thought if anything, the victim could win." The ojek driver returned about an hour later and found Ms Connor's bank card and driver's license on the footpath when he stopped to urinate. Mr Samuel shrugged off Ms Connor's denial that she was ever at the gate. "She also said she was drunk," he told Fairfax Media outside court. After Ms Connor was arrested, Mr Samuel was asked by police to identify her. "I am sure it was her. I never saw her other than when she was with the victim at the gate that night." The owner of the Kuta homestay where Ms Connor and Mr Taylor slept the night of Mr Sudarsa's death said he saw the couple in the afternoon of August 17 when they came to pick up their bags.
Washington: Can you have a rip in a swamp? How else to explain how Drainer-in-Chief Donald Trump seems to be getting dragged under, into the murk, instead of yanking a plug to fulfil that oft-stated promise that became a chant at his campaign rallies: "drain the swamp!".

As the President-elect assembles his cabinet and White House team, old lines of Washington power, financial and political, are so apparent that some who voted for the New York realtor and reality TV star might wonder if this really is how to make America great again.

DC's reliable revolving door spins dizzily. As trusted corners of the corporate world throw up appointees, old-boy political networks we were assured had been rendered impotent by campaign combat, seem to be merging effortlessly into a power matrix that will define Trump's Washington. For more than half of Trump's nine key appointments to date are considered to be accomplished insiders from Washington and Wall St.

There was an intake of breath on Wednesday when Trump confirmed that his nominee for treasury secretary is one-time Goldman Sachs banker and Hollywood movie investor Steven Mnuchin, known in some quarters as the "foreclosure king" for the manner in which a bank of which he was a part-owner, is said to have foreclosed on an estimated 36,000 homeowners during the 2007 housing crisis.
Pond Island, USM, The Great Salt Pond has a vast history, an interesting and supposedly damaged status quo and undefined potential for the future. As this has been a growing concern of some citizens, USMs Dean of Academics, Ms. Geneve Phillip has accepted an invitation by Ms. Margot van Malenstein to conduct a series of stakeholders workshops. Margot, a Biologist who is deeply interested in environmental sustainability, will kick off the discussion by tackling the issue of how we can best sustain and save the national heritage of the Salt Pond. According to van Malenstein sharing knowledge does not exclusively take place in schools. We all learn new things every day and this knowledge naturally becomes interwoven with personal experience. Many of us have some experience or story concerning the GSP, although no overview has been made of these experiences - of whats going on. Exactly that focus, on personal experiences, makes this project unique, she concluded by saying.

The first workshop, Whats up?!, is to be held tomorrow Thursday, December 1st, at the University of St. Martin. The session will begin with an introduction and will progress to the setting up of a baseline of the status quo  drawing a picture of the GSP as it is now. For this, attendees will be asked to share a personal story capturing for instance: what is your relationship to the GSP? Does the GSP affect your personal life? It is hoped that the process of story sharing and telling will help in identifying actors, facts, assumptions and unknowns. In turn, identifying the unknown can help us all in creating plans for the future.

Everyone is invited and welcome to attend. Calling all neighbors of the GSP! Citizens! Parents! Youth! Janitors! Sanitation workers! Students! Entrepreneurs! Nature lovers! Anyone from the tourism industry! Come out and let your voices be heard in this new dialogue. Minors under 16 are asked to come supervised by an adult.

Check out www.facebook.com/PSISXM for more information and updates.

Join us on: Thursday, December, 1st 2016

Whats up?!

USM campus

7:00 p.m.

Free Entrance

Come and share your own experience, listen to other peoples stories and lets try together to get new developments in motion.

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.
GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that there will be a partial and complete road closure of the G.A. Arnell road (behind the St. Maarten Medical Center). This is in connection with NV GEBE laying of high-tension cables.

On Thursday, December 1, one lane coming up the A.G. Arnell Boulevard from Belair, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 9.00AM to 7.00PM.

Complete road closure will be on December 2 and 3 for the A.G. Arnell road between 7.00PM and 10.00AM. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed.

The works will continue until December 15. All motorized traffic coming from Belair/Philipsburg has to stay on Welgelegen road (vicinity of the hospital) and continue to AJC Brouwers road towards Philipsburg.

The project entails the removal of a section of the sidewalk behind the guardrail, road crossing, and trench works.

Road works will be carried out by Windward Roads.

Motorists and pedestrians in the area should pay keen attention when commuting as heavy equipment will be in use. Pay attention to traffic diversion signs and workmen who will be present to help direct the flow of traffic.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.
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.

Iowas public four-year universities say no such money has been spent.

Kaufmann told The Associated Press, Ive seen four or five schools in other states that are establishing cry zones where theyre 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.

 By the Quad-City Times, like the Globe Gazette a Lee Enterprises newspaper
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Frans Richardson on Wednesday said it is sad and unfortunate to see the media, local and foreign, still attempting to connect him to companies and affairs he has nothing to do with. The MP was referring to reports in Dutch and local media which in his opinion is trying to connect him with Checkmate Security Services and the challenges facing management of the company. Management who the media wants me to go out and vilify before someone has their say under the law, the MP said.

He said it is not the first time the media has tried to make this imaginary connection and he doesnt expect it will be the last. However, just like before, he stressed that he is in no way, shape or form connected or part of any management team and shareholder of said company. He said the company is doing business on St. Maarten and like any other business has legal means at its disposal with which to contest accusations should they arise.

Addressing Dutch media criticism that he didnt criticize Checkmates contract when it was brought to the floor of Parliament, Richardson said:

If as an MP, I feel like highlighting the fact that a company will be paying its employees better wages in a time when cost of living on St. Maarten is sky high, does this mean Im a shareholder of the company? The media is trying to paint a picture that if the popular rumor points towards some kind of wrongdoing, one should automatically become the executioner.

There were no wrong doings placed in front of me, only facts about wages people will be earning. It was good for our people and thats what I highlighted. But obviously if you dont criticize the way the media wants you to, then you must be somehow negatively involved, Richardson said.

As someone elected by the people I will look positively on things that make a positive difference in their lives. But for some media people, most who have never lived a day on St. Maarten or not brought up here, when a politician praises something, it must mean there is something in it for him. Or when a politician is seen talking to someone, it must mean something is up. It is sad and unfortunate that this is the type of journalism our people are subjected to, Richardson said.

Regarding assertions by Dutch media that he and owner the owner of Checkmate Mr. O'Neal Arrindell are "childhood friends", Richardson said "this is not logical since I am 15 years older. But I've known him since he was a child and, as is common on St Maarten, we live like a family and I consider him a friend."

"I am saddened to be reading about his current situation, I know he is a hard worker and I know he will be able to defend himself against whatever charges come his way. I also have faith that the justice system will be diligent and fair."
ABBYY Real-Time Recognition SDK Elevates Mobile User Experience with Free OCR

MILPITAS, CA  (Marketwired)  12/01/16  , a leading provider of technologies and solutions to action information, today announced the release of the ABBYY Real-Time Recognition SDK, a software development kit enabling developers to create iOS and Android apps that eliminate photo taking and saving to capture information. The SDK is powered by ABBYYs best-in-class optical character recognition (OCR) technology.

The Real-Time Recognition SDK is available worldwide, free of charge and includes support for 46 languages. The SDKs ability to capture information without saving a photo allows a more seamless user experience. It decreases the time needed for common app transactions including the input of payment information or basic forms.

We are proud to offer developers and independent software vendors the capability to recognize text on the fly, says Bruce Orcutt, vice president of marketing at ABBYY North American Headquarters. Our technology greatly improves the user experience and provides incredible recognition accuracy, which is a must for apps in industries such as banking, insurance and healthcare.

The ABBYY Real-Time Recognition SDK is available for download at .

Real-time translation functionality and support for additional recognition languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Cyrillic are available upon request. For more information, please .

ABBYY is a leading global provider of technologies and solutions that help businesses to action information. The company sets the standard in content capture, automated recognition and innovative language-based technologies that integrate across the information lifecycle. ABBYY technologies are used and licensed by some of the largest international enterprises and government organizations, as well as SMBs and individuals. The company maintains offices in Australia, Canada, Cyprus, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, UAE, the UK, Ukraine, and the United States. For more information, visit .

ABBYY and the ABBYY Logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of ABBYY Software Ltd. Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby recognized.

Karbo Communications for ABBYY

Kim Lianthamani

415-255-6512
Nearly Half of IT Professionals More Concerned About Insider Threats than External Threats, with Naive Individuals and Employees Bending the Rules Driving Concerns

SAN FRANCISCO, CA  (Marketwired)  12/01/16  Despite the perception that hackers are a companys biggest cybersecurity threat, insiders, including careless or naive employees, are now viewed as an equally important problem, according to new research from , pioneer of the industrys first behavioral firewall.

The survey by and commissioned by Preempt, titled, , found that about half (49 percent) of IT security professionals surveyed are more concerned about internal threats than external threats. Malware installed unintentionally by employees was the top concern of respondents, ahead of stolen or compromised credentials, snatched data and abuse of admin privileges.

Internal threats are emerging as equally as important as external threats, according to respondents. This means that an employee cutting corners to get their job done more efficiently is viewed as potentially just as dangerous as a malicious external hacker, said Diane Hagglund, founder and principal of Dimensional Research. Yet these views arent reflected in the allocation of security budgets, which is traditionally focused on perimeter security.

In addition to concerns about insider threats, the report also analyzed cybersecurity training and end user engagement programs. While 95 percent of the companies surveyed provide end user security training, only 10 percent believe the training is very effective.

Intentional or not, insider threats are real, says Ajit Sancheti, co-founder and CEO of Preempt. From Snowden to the FDIC, headlines continue to emerge and we need to take a new approach to get ahead of insider threats. Without real-time prevention solutions and improved employee engagement, these threats will not only increase, but find more sophisticated ways to infiltrate and navigate a network. The future of security practices rely on the ability to not only understand users and anticipate attacks, but also how to mitigate threats as quickly as possible.

About half (49 percent) are more concerned about internal threats than external threats.

Top concerns are malware installed by careless employees (73 percent), stolen or compromised credentials (66 percent), stolen data (65 percent), and abuse of admin privileges (63 percent).

The majority of security professionals (87 percent) are most concerned about naive individuals or employees who bend the rules to get their job done; only 13 percent are more concerned about malicious insiders who intend to do harm.

While 95 percent provide end user security training, only 10 percent believe the training is very effective.

81 percent say end users are willing to learn, but only 25 percent say they are willing to put in the effort to learn.

66 percent see value in providing real-time training and feedback when an end user does something they shouldnt.

Only 10 percent describe their security team as lacking necessary skills.

64 percent have the skills, but are overworked so cant respond.

91 percent report insiders have access to systems they shouldnt.

70 percent cant effectively monitor privileged user activities.

The Preempt Behavioral Firewall can detect and prevent insider threats by identifying risky behavior and engages with the user or employee in real-time to validate legitimate or malicious activities. The type of response adapts based on type of threat, user and other key security vectors. This proactive approach, along with greater visibility and insights, helps customers better secure their network and reduce their attack surface.

This data is based on a survey of 317 IT professionals with responsibility for security. All worked at companies with over 1000 employees. Questions were asked on a wide range of subjects including concerns about insider threats, role of end user engagement in security, and barriers to protecting against insider threats.

To download a copy of the report, visit .

Preempt protects enterprises from security breaches and malicious insiders with the industrys first Behavioral Firewall. This innovative and patented solution couples User and Entity Behavior Analysis (UEBA) and Adaptive Response to provide the most effective solution for both detecting and automatically responding to security threats. This proactive approach allows organizations to preempt threats in real-time without engaging already overwhelmed security teams. The company has its headquarters in San Francisco, CA and development in Israel. Learn more at .

Jim Dvorak

Kulesa Faul for Preempt

(415) 735-1622
Stingray Music Launches Free Online Music Player

MONTREAL, QUEBEC  (Marketwired)  12/01/16  Note to editors: An image is included with this press release on Marketwireds website.

Music lovers rejoice! Stingray today launched the Stingray Music online music player; available free to everyone with a subscription to a provider that carries Stingray Music.

A complement to the popular Stingray Music mobile app, the music player offers unlimited ad-free streaming of the same channel lineup offered on televion. In addition, Stingray Music online also streams a selection of 2,000 Vibes channels in over 100 genres.

Vibes channels are exclusive to Stingray Music. Users combine up to three filters for a listening experience thats uniquely theirs; whether they need energetic pop songs to motivate a workout, elegant jazz tracks to entertain friends or a chill indie mix to relax on a weekend morning.

We are excited to introduce the Stingray Music online music player to our global audience, said Mathieu Peloquin, Senior Vice-President, Marketing and Communications of Stingray. We are always working to improve the user experience through new and innovative cross-platform applications. Our objective is to be the one-stop-shop, not only for providers looking for a comprehensive music offering, but also for listeners worldwide who crave a professionally curated music experience tailored to their tastes and needs.

With Stingray Music now available seamlessly across all platforms, there is no need to look anywhere else to hear the best music channels; from the most mainstream to the most specialized.

Whats on:

To access the web player:

About Stingray

Stingray (TSX: RAY.A)(TSX: RAY.B) is a leading business-to-business multi-platform music and in-store media solutions provider operating on a global scale, reaching an estimated 400 million Pay-TV subscribers (or households) in 152 countries. Geared towards individuals and businesses alike, Stingrays products include the following leading digital music and video services: Stingray Music, Stingray Concerts, Stingray Brava, Stingray Djazz, Stingray Music Videos, Stingray Lite TV, Stingray Ambiance, Stingray Karaoke, Festival 4K, and iConcerts. Stingray also offers various business solutions, including music and digital display-based solutions, through its Stingray Business division. Stingray is headquartered in Montreal and currently has close to 300 employees worldwide, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Israel, Australia and South Korea. Stingray was recognized in 2013 and 2014 as a finalist in the Top 50 of Deloittes Technology Fast 50 list, and figures amongst PROFIT magazines fastest-growing Canadian companies. In 2016, Stingray was awarded best IR for an IPO at the IR Magazine Awards  Canada. For more information, please visit

To view the image accompanying this press release, please visit the following link:

Contacts:

Mathieu Peloquin

Senior Vice-President, Marketing and Communications

Stingray

1 514-664-1244, ext. 2362
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP)  A Ugandan traditional king has been charged with murder and sent to a high security prison Tuesday, a government official said, following clashes between his guards and the army in which at least 62 people were killed.

At least 149 people have been arrested in the Rwenzori region of western Uganda, where the tribal monarch is based. Security forces continued to search the mountainous the area for rebels.

The king, Charles Wesley Mumbere of the Kingdom of Rwenzururu, has been in detention since his palace was assaulted by the military on Sunday. He has been remanded to jail until Dec. 13, said Solomon Muyita, a spokesman for the judiciary.

At least 46 supporters of the king and 16 police have died in the clashes, according to Ugandan police spokesman Andrew Felix Kaweesi. The actual death toll may be higher as many clashes happened deep in the villages and may not have been reported.

Most of those killed or in detention are guards who protected Mumbere, who is accused of harboring rebels in his hometown of Kasese, a stronghold of the political opposition near the border with Congo.

Weapons, including automatic guns and a cache of spears and machetes, had been seized following the assault on the palace, which followed two days of deadly skirmishes with the tribal militia, Internal Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo told reporters Tuesday.

The killings underscore tensions between longtime President Yoweri Museveni and influential tribal rulers who are constitutionally recognized but have no real authority or armies of their own. Ahead of presidential polls in February, which were won by Museveni, Mumbere came out in support of the opposition, a move that appeared to violate the traditional leaders' code of conduct.

Museveni lost the popular vote in Kasese, and a month later clashes erupted between the security forces and militiamen who were believed to be loyal to Mumbere. Among the king's supporters are separatists who hope to create a new republic called Yiira, which would include Mumbere's Bakonzo people and their relatives across the border in Congo. The separatists are accused of printing their own money and even collecting taxes in some parts of the area.

In March, amid clashes between Mumbere's supporters and security officials, Museveni vowed to defeat the separatists, who complain of marginalization by the central government 340 kilometers (211 miles) away in the capital, Kampala.

"There can never be a Yiira Republic," Museveni said at the time.

Mumbere denies being the commander of the separatists.

Rights groups are urging Ugandan security forces to show restraint.

Amnesty International said there were shocking examples of unlawful killings and a complete disregard for human rights during the arrests, and that many victims seem to have been summarily shot dead and their bodies dumped.

Opposition leader Kizza Besigye described the killings as a "massacre" and posted a photo on Twitter purporting to show bodies of victims outside Mumbere's palace.

The attack on the palace shocked many in this East African country that Museveni has ruled since 1986. Although tribal leaders only have ceremonial powers, are revered among their subjects and are influential in their regions. Television footage showed Mumbere being led to a police station as a soldier jerked him by the trousers following the deadly assault on the palace.

Museveni, who took power by force three decades ago, has struggled to win over the support of the Bakonzo people in presidential elections. There are frequent land disputes in the area, with many accusing the government of sponsoring land grabs. A new plan to divide Kasese district into two parts has also been fiercely opposed.
Please vote for Paul Adams for the Mason City at-large council seat on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Paul has a sincere interest in city government and will be a positive voice on the City Council and excellent representative of all citizens of Mason City.

Paul wants Mason City to build upon becoming a more vibrant, thriving, friendly community, keep taxes low and help grow our population.

He will work with corporations, businesses, agencies and groups in the community to bring good-paying jobs to our community.

Thank you for your vote for Adams on Dec. 6.

Jeanne Lessor, Mason City
Free family fun was on the agenda Tuesday night in Clinton Township, as the popular Sledding Hill was the place to be on a splendid fall evening.
A guide to voter rights in Indiana. What you need to know before you cast a ballot
NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guggenheim Investments, the investment management division of Guggenheim Partners, today announced that the following Guggenheim exchange traded funds (ETFs) have declared distributions. The table below summarizes the distribution for each ETF.



Distributions Schedule Ticker Exchange Traded Fund Name Ex-Date Record

Date Payable

Date Total Rate Per

Share GSY Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration ETF1 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0505 GTO Guggenheim Total Return Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.1155 BSCG Guggenheim BulletShares 2016 Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0040 BSCH Guggenheim BulletShares 2017 Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0252 BSCI Guggenheim BulletShares 2018 Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0271 BSCJ Guggenheim BulletShares 2019 Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0322 BSCK Guggenheim BulletShares 2020 Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0408 BSCL Guggenheim BulletShares 2021 Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0427 BSCM Guggenheim BulletShares 2022 Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0458 BSCN Guggenheim BulletShares 2023 Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0543 BSCO Guggenheim BulletShares 2024 Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0535



1On September 30, 2013, Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration Bond ETF changed its name to Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration ETF.





Distributions Schedule Ticker Exchange Traded Fund Name Ex-Date Record

Date Payable

Date Total Rate Per

Share BSCP Guggenheim BulletShares 2025 Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0518 BSCQ Guggenheim BulletShares 2026 Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0375 BSJG Guggenheim BulletShares 2016 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0179 BSJH Guggenheim BulletShares 2017 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0780 BSJI Guggenheim BulletShares 2018 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0875 BSJJ Guggenheim BulletShares 2019 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0989 BSJK Guggenheim BulletShares 2020 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.1077 BSJL Guggenheim BulletShares 2021 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.1171 BSJM Guggenheim BulletShares 2022 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.0919 BSJN Guggenheim BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.1194 BSJO Guggenheim BulletShares 2024 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 12/01/16 12/05/16 12/07/16 $ 0.1091



Past performance is not indicative of future performance. To the extent any portion of the distribution is estimated to be sourced from something other than income, such as return of capital, the source would be disclosed on a Section 19(a)-1 letter located on the Funds website under the Literature tab. Distributions may be comprised of sources other than income, which may not reflect actual fund performance.

For more information, please visit http://www.guggenheiminvestments.com/products/etf.

About Guggenheim Investments

Guggenheim Investments is the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners, with $204 billion2 in total assets across fixed income, equity, and alternative strategies. We focus on the return and risk needs of insurance companies, corporate and public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations, consultants, wealth managers, and high-net-worth investors. Our 275+ investment professionals perform rigorous research to understand market trends and identify undervalued opportunities in areas that are often complex and underfollowed. This approach to investment management has enabled us to deliver innovative strategies providing diversification and attractive long-term results.

Read a funds prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the funds investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at http://guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

The referenced funds are distributed by Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC. Guggenheim Investments represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (Guggenheim), which includes Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC ("GFIA") and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management (GPIM), the investment advisors to the referenced funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is affiliated with Guggenheim, GFIA and GPIM.

2Guggenheim Investments total asset figure is as of 09.30.2016. The assets include leverage of $10.7bn for assets under management and $0.5bn for assets for which we provide administrative services. Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited and Guggenheim Partners India Management.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocwen Financial Corporation, (NYSE:OCN) (Ocwen or the Company), a leading financial services holding company, today announced that Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC (OLS) extended the expiration date of its previously announced Exchange Offer (as described below) from 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on November 30, 2016, to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 2, 2016 (such date and time, as the same may be further extended, the Expiration Date). As of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 30, 2016, $346.9 million aggregate principal amount (or 99.1%) of Ocwens 6.625% Senior Notes due 2019 (the Existing Notes) had been tendered in the Exchange Offer.



On November 1, 2016, OLS commenced an offer to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") all outstanding Existing Notes held by eligible holders for up to $350 million aggregate principal amount of newly issued 8.375% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2022 of OLS (the New Second Lien Notes) upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the offering memorandum dated November 1, 2016 and the related letter of transmittal (collectively, and as amended by this press release, the Offering Materials). The CUSIP numbers for the Existing Notes are: 675746 AF8 (Registered), U67503 AA7 (Reg S) and 675746 AE1 (Rule 144A).

The Exchange Offer is purely a debt-for-debt exchange offer and none of OLS, Ocwen or any of their subsidiaries will receive any cash proceeds from the transaction.

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offering Materials, eligible holders who had validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their Existing Notes on or prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on November 15, 2016 (such date and time, the Early Tender Date), and whose tenders are accepted for exchange, will receive, the Total Exchange Consideration which consists of $950 principal amount of New Second Lien Notes for each $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes tendered (the "Exchange Consideration"), plus an early tender premium equal to $50 principal amount of New Second Lien Notes for each $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes tendered (the "Early Tender Premium"). Eligible holders who validly tender or have validly tendered their Existing Notes after the Early Tender Date and on or prior to the Expiration Date, and whose tenders are accepted for exchange, will only be eligible to receive the Exchange Consideration and not the Early Tender Premium. Withdrawal rights for the Exchange Offer expired on 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 15, 2016.

The settlement date for the Exchange Offer is expected to occur within three business days of the Expiration Date subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Exchange Offer. Eligible holders of Existing Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer will also receive a cash payment equal to the accrued and unpaid interest in respect of such Existing Notes from November 15, 2016 (the most recent interest payment date for the Existing Notes prior to the settlement date) to, but not including, the settlement date.

The Exchange Offer is being made only to holders of the Existing Notes who have completed and returned an eligibility form confirming that they are both (x) either (i) "qualified institutional buyers" ("QIBs") within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or (ii) not "U.S. persons" and are outside of the United States within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act, and (y) "accredited investors" within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act (such holders that meet clauses (x) and (y) are "eligible holders").

OLS's obligation to accept Existing Notes in the Exchange Offer is subject to a number of conditions described in the Offering Materials, including but not limited to the requisite lenders under OLS's senior secured term loan agreeing to the consummation of the Exchange Offer.

The complete terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer, as well as the terms of the New Second Lien Notes, are described in the Offering Materials, copies of which may be obtained by contacting D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent in connection with the Exchange Offer, at (212) 269-5550 or (800) 431-9645 (toll free), by email to ocn@dfking.com, or at www.dfking.com/ocwen.

The New Second Lien Notes have not been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any state or foreign securities laws. The New Second Lien Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States or to any U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

The Exchange Offer is not being made to holders of Existing Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Eligible holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender their Existing Notes in the Exchange Offer and, if so, the principal amount of Existing Notes to tender.

About Ocwen Financial Corporation

Ocwen Financial Corporation is a financial services holding company which, through its subsidiaries, originates and services loans. We are headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, with offices throughout the United States and in the U.S. Virgin Islands and operations in India and the Philippines. We have been serving our customers since 1988. We may post information that is important to investors on our website (www.Ocwen.com).

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by a reference to a future period or by the use of forward-looking terminology.

Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Our business has been undergoing substantial change which has magnified such uncertainties. Readers should bear these factors in mind when considering such statements and should not place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. In the past, actual results have differed from those suggested by forward-looking statements and this may happen again.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: our servicer and credit ratings as well as other actions from various rating agencies, including the impact of downgrades of our servicer and credit ratings; adverse effects on our business as a result of regulatory investigations or settlements; reactions to the announcement of such investigations or settlements by key counterparties; increased regulatory scrutiny and media attention, uncertainty related to claims, due to rumors or otherwise, litigation and investigations brought by government agencies and private parties regarding our servicing, foreclosure, modification and other practices, including uncertainty related to past, present or future investigations and settlements with state regulators, the CFPB, State Attorneys General, the SEC, Department of Justice or HUD and actions brought under the False Claims Act by private parties on behalf of the United States of America regarding incentive and other payments made by governmental entities; any adverse developments in existing legal proceedings or the initiation of new legal proceedings; our ability to effectively manage our regulatory and contractual compliance obligations; our ability to contain and reduce our operating costs, including our ability to successfully execute on our cost improvement initiative; the adequacy of our financial resources, including our sources of liquidity and ability to sell, fund and recover advances, repay borrowings and comply with debt covenants, including the financial and other covenants contained in them; volatility in our stock price; the characteristics of our servicing portfolio, including prepayment speeds along with delinquency and advance rates; our ability to successfully modify delinquent loans, manage foreclosures and sell foreclosed properties; uncertainty related to legislation, regulations, regulatory agency actions, government programs and policies, industry initiatives and evolving best servicing practices; as well as other risks detailed in Ocwens reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and its current and quarterly reports since such date. Anyone wishing to understand Ocwens business should review its SEC filings. Ocwens forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, we disclaim any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Leading Healthcare Investor MVM Life Science Partners Acquires 7.5% Shareholding in Valneva

Funds managed by MVM Life Science Partners LLP ("MVM") to invest a total of 15.2 million in a simultaneous private placement of 2.9 million newly issued shares and purchase of a further tranche of existing shares

Issue price of 2.60 per share corresponds to the volume weighted average trading price of the previous three trading sessions

Dr. Bali Muralidhar to join Valneva's Supervisory Board as MVM representative

Lyon (France), December 1, 2016 - Valneva SE ("Valneva" or "the Company"), afullyintegrated, commercial stage biotech company focused on developing innovative lifesaving vaccines, today announced that MVM Life Science Partners LLP ('MVM'), a specialist healthcare investor based in London and Boston with more than $700 million under management, has acquired a 7.5% shareholding in the Company. MVM will be entitled to an investor director representative, to be appointed to Valneva's Supervisory Board by the next annual shareholders meeting.

Thomas Lingelbach, President and CEO, and Franck Grimaud, Deputy CEO of Valneva, commented, "MVM's investment in Valneva is a strong endorsement of our growth strategy and an important step in our initiative to broaden our shareholder base. We are delighted to welcome such a renowned healthcare investor on board, who can help us in continuing to develop Valneva by bringing expertise, networks and financial resources."

Dr. Bali Muralidhar, a partner at MVM, added, "Valneva is uniquely positioned in having deep domain expertise in vaccine discovery, development and commercialisation within one independent company. We look forward to supporting the growth of the current commercial vaccine franchise both organically and inorganically. The company has a rich pipeline of vaccine products in development and we are particularly excited to be part of a company that has the opportunity to bring a novel Lyme vaccine to unserved patients in the US and EU."

The investment by MVM is being made by means of a combined private placement and share purchase. The transaction is expected to close on December 14, 2016. The issuance of 2,884,615 new primary shares will result in proceeds of 7.5 million for Valneva and will bring the Company's total number of ordinary shares to 77,582,714. Together with the purchase of a further tranche of shares from undisclosed shareholders of the Company, MVM will own 7.5% of Valneva's ordinary shares at the close of the combined transaction.

Valneva's current key shareholders, Groupe Grimaud and BPI France, did not participate in the transaction through any sale or purchase of shares and will still own 15.6% and 9.6%, respectively, of the Company's ordinary share capital after the transaction. Both shareholders have committed to vote for the appointment of Dr. Bali Muralidhar as a new member of Valneva's supervisory board in the next Annual General Shareholder meeting, expected to take place in June 2017. In the meantime, Dr. Muralidhar will join the supervisory board as an observer.

Valneva intends to use the net proceeds of the private placement to fund the development of its clinical stage vaccine products and to accelerate worldwide commercialization activities.

About MVM Life Science Partners LLP

MVM Life Science Partners LLP, founded in 1997, is a leading global healthcare Venture Capital / Private Equity firm based in London and Boston who manages four funds totalling over US$700 million. MVM invests across the Life Sciences market including biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, drug delivery, gene therapy, medical devices, OTC medicines, research tools and vaccines. The MVM team has broad experience across the Life Science and Venture Capital / Private Equity markets. For more information: www.mvm.com

About Valneva SE

Valneva is a fully integrated vaccine company that specializes in the development, manufacture and commercialization of innovative vaccines with a mission to protect people from infectious diseases through preventative medicine.

The Company seeks financial returns through focused R&D investments in promising product candidates and growing financial contributions from commercial products, striving towards financial self-sustainability.

Valneva's portfolio includes two commercial vaccines for travelers: IXIARO/JESPECT indicated for the prevention of Japanese encephalitis and DUKORAL indicated for the prevention of cholera and, in some countries, prevention of diarrhea caused by ETEC. The Company has proprietary vaccines in development including candidates against Clostridium difficile and Lyme Borreliosis. A variety of partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies complement the Company's value proposition and include vaccines being developed using Valneva's innovative and validated technology platforms (EB66 vaccine production cell line, IC31 adjuvant).

Valneva is listed on Euronext-Paris and the Vienna stock exchange and has operations in France, Austria, Great Britain, Sweden, Canada and the US with over 400 employees. More information is available at www.valneva.com.

Contacts

Laetitia Bachelot-Fontaine Teresa Pinzolits

Head of Investor Relations Communications Specialist

& Corporate Communications T +43-1-206 20-1116

T +02-28-07-14-19 M +43-676-84 55 67 357

M +33 (0)6 4516 7099 communications@valneva.com

investors@valneva.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the business of Valneva, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical trials for product candidates, the ability to manufacture, market, commercialize and achieve market acceptance for product candidates, the ability to protect intellectual property and operate the business without infringing on the intellectual property rights of others, estimates for future performance and estimates regarding anticipated operating losses, future revenues, capital requirements and needs for additional financing. In addition, even if the actual results or development of Valneva are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments of Valneva may not be indicative of their in the future. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as "could," "should," "may," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "aims," "targets," or similar words. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the current expectations of Valneva as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In particular, the expectations of Valneva could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties involved in the development and manufacture of vaccines, unexpected clinical trial results, unexpected regulatory actions or delays, competition in general, currency fluctuations, the impact of the global and European credit crisis, and the ability to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements made during this presentation will in fact be realized. Valneva is providing the information in these materials as of this press release, and disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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A Russian Soyuz rocket carrying the unmanned Progress 65 cargo ship stands ready for its Dec. 1, 2016 launch at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. The supply ship will deliver more than 2.5 tons of supplies to the International Space Station.

Editor's Note: The Russian space agency Roscosmos has confirmed the loss of the Progress 65 spacecraft, which burned up in the atmosphere after an anomaly occurred during third-stage separation of the rocket booster. Remaining debris from the incinerated spacecraft fell over the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia. Read the full story here: Russian Space Cargo Ship Destroyed in Failed Launch, Debris Burns Up

A cargo resupply mission will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) this morning, and you can watch the spacecraft's liftoff and arrival at the orbiting laboratory via a live webcast.

The uncrewed Russian Progress 65 rocket is scheduled to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan today (Dec. 1) at 9:51 a.m. EST (1451 GMT). You can watch the Progress cargo ship launch live here at Space.com beginning at 9:30 a.m. EST (1430 GMT), courtesy of NASA TV.

More than 2.5 tons (2.3 metric tons) of food, clothing, fuel, spare parts and other supplies for the space station crew are stuffed inside the cargo ship. [How Russia's Robotic Progress Cargo Ships Work (Infographic)]

After liftoff, the Progress spacecraft will spend about two days chasing the space station. Progress is slated to rendezvous with the ISS on Saturday at 11:43 a.m. EST (1643 GMT), when the spacecraft will connect to the space station via the docking port of the Russian Zvezda module. Video of the docking will also broadcast live via NASA TV, and you can watch that live webcast on Space.com as well.

It's a busy couple of months for crewmembers aboard the ISS. The Progress spacecraft arrives just two weeks after a Russian Soyuz spacecraft delivered three new Expedition 50/51 crewmembers to the space station. On Dec. 9, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will send another unpiloted cargo mission, HTV-6, to deliver supplies.

Progress 65 will spend six months docked at the ISS before being set free to deorbit and burn up in Earth's atmosphere.

Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin was evacuated today (Dec. 1) from the South Pole due to illness, where he had been visiting as part of a tourist group.

Aldrin is 86 years old, and was the second man to walk on the moon (after Neil Armstrong) during NASA's historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission in July 1969. According to a Twitter post by Aldrin, he departed for the South Pole on Tuesday (Nov. 29). The tourism operator White Desert reported that Aldrin was in stable condition when he was evacuated to McMurdo Station, on the Antarctic coast, by the U.S. Antarctic Program. He was under the care of a doctor from the program, they said.

See more

"The National Science Foundation (NSF) has agreed to provide a humanitarian medical evacuation flight for an ailing visitor from its Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to McMurdo Station on the Antarctic coast and then to New Zealand," the National Science Foundation said in a statement. "The flight to New Zealand will be scheduled as soon as possible."

The NSF said that they will make additional statements about Aldrin's medical condition if warranted.

Since his retirement from NASA, Aldrin has been an active proponent of Mars colonization.

Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
A Russian Soyuz rocket launches the unmanned Progress 65 cargo ship toward the International Space Station from Bailkonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on Dec. 1, 2016. The spacecraft was carrying 2.5 tons of supplies for the space station's crew.

Update for 1 pm EST: The Russian space agency Roscosmos has confirmed the loss of the Progress 65 spacecraft, which burned up in the atmosphere after an anomaly occurred during third-stage separation of the rocket booster. Remaining debris from the incinerated spacecraft fell over the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia. Read the full story here: Russian Space Cargo Ship Destroyed in Failed Launch, Debris Burns Up

Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, launched a new cargo ship to the International Space Station today (Dec. 1), but the fate of the robotic supply ship is unclear after issues cropped up during its trip into space.

The unmanned Progress 65 spacecraft blasted off atop a Russian Soyuz-U rocket at 9:51 a.m. EST (1451 GMT) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on a mission to deliver more than 2.5 tons (2.3 metric tons) of food, equipment and other supplies to the space station. It was expected to arrive at the space station on Saturday (Dec. 3). [Watch: NASA Explains Status of Progress 65 Spacecraft]

A Russian Soyuz rocket launches the unmanned Progress 65 cargo ship toward the International Space Station from Bailkonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on Dec. 1, 2016. The spacecraft was carrying 2.5 tons of supplies for the space station's crew. (Image credit: NASA TV)

But while the initial moments of the flight went as planned, flight controllers at Russia's mission control center near Moscow detected "ratty telemetry" as the Soyuz booster's third stage was firing.

Today's launch started off seemingly smooth and flawless. During a live webcast of the launch, NASA spokesman Rob Navias of the Johnson Space Center in Houston announced that "all vehicle parameters [were] reported performing perfectly" about 2 minutes after liftoff. Nearly 7 minutes later, the spacecraft achieved preliminary orbit insertion.

But as Progress 65 was entering Earth's orbit, mission controllers began to experience what Navias called ratty telemetry data during the end of the third-stage engine performance. At first it was unclear whether the third-stage engines had shut down and separated from the spacecraft. "Third-stage separation may have happened earlier than planned," Navias said.

Shortly thereafter, Navias announced that telemetry data "received in bits and pieces indicated that the navigational antennas have deployed." However, the fate of the spacecraft's solar arrays was up in limbo. Though telemetry data showed the solar panels were no longer stowed, whether they were successfully deployed remains uncertain.

The Russian space agency Roscosmos prepares the unmanned Progress 65 (also known as Progress MS-04) for its Dec. 1, 2016 launch. The craft was packed with 2.5 tons of supplies for the International Space Station. (Image credit: RSC Energia )

If the mission is able to carry on, the Progress spacecraft's journey to the orbiting laboratory should last about two days. On Saturday, Progress is scheduled to dock to the station at the Zvezda module at 11:43 a.m. EST (1643 GMT).

Russia's three-module Progress spacecraft have an appearance similar to that of the country's Soyuz crew capsules. But instead of a crew module, the Progress has a module filled with propellant for the International Space Station.

Progress spacecraft are autonomous and can fly themselves to the space station, as well as park at one of several docking ports on the outpost's Russian modules. Cosmonauts inside the station can also take remote control of Progress vehicles if needed. At the end of their mission, Progress vehicles are loaded with trash and unneeded items, undocked from the station and intentionally burned up in Earth's atmosphere.

Progress vehicles are part of a fleet of unmanned cargo ship that keep space station crews stocked with supplies. That fleet includes Japan's H-2 Transfer Vehicle, as well as the Dragon spacecraft built by SpaceX and Cygnus supply ships built by Orbital ATK. The European Space Agency also flew five supply missions with its huge Autonomous Transfer Vehicles before ending that program.

Editor's Note: This story will be updated as new details are available.

Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebookand Google+. Original article on Space.com.
An uncrewed Russian cargo spacecraft fell back to Earth shortly after launching toward the International Space Station (ISS) today (Dec. 1).

The Progress 65 freighter lifted off atop a three-stage Soyuz-U rocket at 9:51 a.m. EST (1451 GMT) today from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. About 6 minutes into the flight, Russian mission controllers stopped receiving telemetry from the cargo ship, and radar stations were subsequently unable to pick it up on its planned orbit, said officials with Roscosmos, the Russian federal space agency.

"According to preliminary information, the contingency took place at an altitude of about 190 km [118 miles] over remote and unpopulated mountainous area of the Republic of Tyva," Roscomos officials wrote in an update today, referring to a rugged region in southern Russia along the Mongolian border. [How Russia's Progress Spaceships Work (Infographic)]

"[Most of the] cargo spacecraft fragments burned in the dense atmosphere," they added. "The State Commission is conducting analysis of the current contingency. The loss of the cargo ship will not affect the normal operations of the ISS and the life of the station crew."

While the investigation into today's launch failure is ongoing, early indications point to an issue with the Soyuz's third stage.

"Basically, what we saw was indications of the third stage sep[aration] occurring a few minutes early, and we haven't had any communications with the Progress at all," mission controllers at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston told NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough, the current ISS commander, as the situation was unfolding.

The Progress was loaded up with more than 2.5 tons (2.3 metric tons) of equipment, food and other supplies for the astronauts aboard the orbiting lab. The freighter was supposed to arrive at the ISS on Saturday (Dec. 3).

Progress is one of four uncrewed resupply vessels that currently fly missions to the ISS; the others are Japan's H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) and the Dragon and Cygnus spacecraft, which are built by the American aerospace companies SpaceX and Orbital ATK, respectively.

Three of these four vehicles have suffered mission failures recently. A Cygnus was destroyed just seconds after liftoff in October 2014 when its Antares rocket exploded, and the Progress 59 mission failed in April 2015 due to a problem with the linkage between the spacecraft and its Soyuz rocket. Then, in June 2015, a Dragon was lost just minutes into flight when its Falcon 9 rocket broke apart.

An HTV is scheduled to launch toward the ISS on Dec. 9.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
Details from the Modus Therapeutics press release follow:

The poster entitled: Sevuparin Blocks Sickle Blood Cell Adhesion and Sickle-Leukocyte Rolling on Immobilized L-Selectin in a Dose Dependent Manner covers a study, focusing on microfluidic flow-based functional blood analysis, conducted by Modus Therapeutics in a research collaboration with Functional Fluidics LLC of Detroit in the U.S.

In patients with SCD it has been shown that the cause and continuation of vaso-occlusion are fueled by the sickle red blood cells interactions with multiple other cell populations, promoting inflammation, obstructing the vasculature, and injuring the endothelium, leading to broad manifestations that affect most vital organs.

The data presented at ASH showed that sevuparin acts in a multicellular manner, blocking both firm adhesion by sickle red blood cells and L-selectin-mediated rolling adhesion of sickle-leukocytes, as well as functionally by interacting with another key adhesion receptor VCAM-1.

These results provide further insights into sevuparins multimodal action and its potential clinical benefits in treating the complex mechanisms manifested in vaso-occlusion and complications in SCD.

The poster will be presented on Sunday, December 4, 2016 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm PDT in Hall GH at the San Diego Convention Center.

Sevuparin is currently being evaluated in a clinical PII study in acute vaso-occlusive crisis in hospitalized SCD patients (NCT02515838). In addition, Modus Therapeutics is planning to conduct a further clinical study to evaluate sevuparin for early treatment of symptoms of vaso-occlusion in an at-home setting.

For further information, please contact:

Jim Van heusden, CEO, Karolinska Development AB

Phone: +46 72 858 32 09, e-mail: jim.van.heusden@karolinskadevelopment.com

Christian Tange, CFO, Karolinska Development AB

Phone: +46 73 712 14 30, e-mail: christian.tange@karolinskadevelopment.com

David Dible/Mark Swallow/Pip Batty, Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Phone: +44 20 7638 9571; e-mail: KDev@citigatedr.co.uk

TO THE EDITORS

About Modus Therapeutics

Modus Therapeutics is a clinical-stage drug development company developing new pharmaceutical therapies to restore impaired blood flow and oxygen transport in rare diseases with large unmet medical need. The Companys most advanced candidate, sevuparin, is currently being evaluated in a Phase II clinical trial in sickle cell disease (SCD). Repeated painful crises in SCD, so called vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), leads to loss of vital organ function and often significantly reduced life span. Modus Therapeutics is based in Stockholm. The Company's major shareholders are KDev Investments AB (an investment fund jointly owned by Karolinska Development AB and Rosetta Capital), Ostersjostiftelsen (The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies), and Praktikerinvest PE AB. For more information, please visit www.modustx.com

About Karolinska Development AB

Karolinska Development AB is an investment company focused on identifying medical innovation and investing in the creation and growth of companies developing these assets into differentiated products that will make a difference to patients lives and provide an attractive return on investment.

Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

Karolinska Development has established a portfolio of 10 companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

The Company is led by a team including investment professionals with strong venture capital backgrounds, experienced company builders and entrepreneurs, with access to a strong global network.

For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket exploded during a routine prelaunch test on Sept. 1, 2016. A Falcon 9 should return to flight on Dec. 16, 2016, if all goes according to plan.

SpaceX may return to flight two weeks from now with a 10-satellite launch.

The private spaceflight company has been grounded since Sept. 1, when one of its Falcon 9 rockets exploded during a routine prelaunch test, destroying a $200 million communications satellite.

But SpaceX is nearly finished with its investigation into the anomaly, which engineers traced to the interaction between oxygen and a carbon-composite helium container in the rocket's upper stage. So a Falcon 9 is primed to lift off this month, provided that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration gives the go-ahead for a return to flight, according to SpaceX customer Iridium, a satellite communications company.

"Iridium NEXT will be launching on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket on December 16, 2016 at 12:36 p.m. PST [2036 GMT]. Launching from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Falcon 9 rocket will deliver 10 Iridium NEXT satellites into low-Earth orbit," Iridium representatives wrote in an update today (Dec. 1).

"Iridium expects to be SpaceX's first return-to-flight-launch customer," they added.

These 10 satellites are the first of 70 that Iridium plans to loft aboard Falcon 9 rockets over a series of seven launches. This new NEXT constellation will replace the network of 66 satellites that Iridium currently operates in low Earth orbit, Iridium representatives said.

The two-stage Falcon 9 has bounced back from accidents before. In June 2015, for example, a Falcon 9 broke apart less than 3 minutes after lifting off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, scuttling an uncrewed cargo mission the company was flying to the International Space Station with its Dragon capsule.

SpaceX investigators determined that the accident was caused by a faulty steel strut in the rocket's upper stage. A Falcon 9 didn't return to flight until Dec. 22, 2015, when an upgraded version of the rocket delivered 11 satellites to orbit for the company Orbcomm.

The Falcon 9's first stage also came back and touched down at Cape Canaveral on that day, becoming the first rocket ever to pull off a soft landing during an orbital launch.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY

A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser: HARGREAVE HALE LIMITED (for Discretionary Clients) (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):

The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.







N/A (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:

Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree ALTERNATIVE NETWORKS PLC (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: ALTERNATIVE NETWORKS PLC AS AN ASSOCIATE OF INVESTEC BANK PLC (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:

For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 30 NOVEMBER 2016 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?

If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" NO

If YES, specify which: N/A





2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:



ORDINARY 0.125p



Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 422,500 0.8491 (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:



TOTAL: 422,500 0.8491

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchase/Sale



Number of securities Price per unit ORDINARY SALE 347,603 333.50p

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. CFD Nature of dealing

e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit NONE





(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type

e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit NONE

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing

e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



NONE





(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:

(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or

(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



NONE





(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO

Date of disclosure: 01 DECEMBER 2016 Contact name: DAVID CLUEIT

HARGREAVE HALE LTD Telephone number: 01253 754739

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
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Octopus VCT 4 plc

Final Results

30 November 2016

Octopus VCT 4 plc, managed by Octopus Investments Limited, today announces its final results for the year ended 31 August 2016.

Financial Summary

As at

31 August 2016 As at

31 August 2015 Net assets ('000s) 6,605 7,066



(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities after tax ('000s) (49) 14 Net asset value (NAV) per share 80.1p 85.7p Cumulative dividends paid since launch 15.0p 10.0p NAV plus cumulative dividends paid 95.1p 95.7p Dividends paid in year 5.0p 5.0p Proposed final dividend for the year 5.0p 5.0p

Key Dates

Annual General Meeting 25 January 2017 at 4.00 p.m.

Dividend Payment Date 10 February 2017

Half Yearly Results to 28 February 2017 Announced May 2017



Chairman's Statement

Introduction

I am pleased to present the Annual Report of Octopus VCT 4 plc (the Company) for the year ended 31 August 2016.

Performance

During the period the Total NAV Return (current NAV plus cumulative dividends paid to date) of the Company has decreased from 95.7 pence per share at 31 August 2015 to 95.1 pence per share at 31 August 2016.

As a reminder, the NAV (Net Asset Value) excluding dividends is designed to fall to zero over the life of the Company as the annual dividend is paid out and the value of the solar companies gradually reduces over their 25 year operating lives. Consequently the underlying NAV has decreased from 85.7p per share at 31 August 2015 to 80.1p per share at 31 August 2016.

On a day to day basis, our investments continue to perform in line with expectations. The technical issues experienced at two of the sites are being resolved and revenue is growing back to expected levels. The cost of fixing these sites has been greater than originally budgeted but outperformance from other sites in the portfolio over the summer period has comfortably offset the loss of output at these two sites.

Both the valuation of the Company's investments and its capacity to pay dividends in the longer term are derived from the forecast revenue flows, based on estimates of power prices over the remaining life of the assets. Since the launch of the Company prices and longer term power price forecasts have fallen and if prices remain at current levels it will not be possible to maintain the payment of a 5p annual dividend.

It should be noted that the smaller than anticipated amount of funds raised for the Company in 2011/2012 and the resulting reduction in economies of scale leaves less margin for protection of the dividend than would otherwise have been the case in spite of close attention to costs by the Manager and your Board.

Dividend Policy and Dividend

The current cash balance held by the Company is sufficient to cover the next dividend of 5p, whilst maintaining a prudent reserve for operating purposes. Therefore, in line with the dividend policy stated in the Prospectus, your Board has proposed a final dividend of 5.0p per share in respect of the year ended 31 August 2016. This dividend, if approved by shareholders at the AGM, will be paid on 10 February 2017 to shareholders on the register on 13 January 2017.

Investment Portfolio

The Company is fully invested in seven companies, each containing an operational solar site. These sites have a range of capacities between 1-2MWp and benefit from either the Feed In Tariff (FIT) or Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs), which form part of their revenue stream alongside the electricity they sell on the wholesale market.

There are no plans to make any further investments. The Company has also made two non-qualifying loans to the solar companies from which it earns interest. Due to changes to legislation, no new non-qualifying loans will made in the future.

Key Portfolio Operational Risks

The Company owns a portfolio of fully operational assets, therefore, the number of risks faced is reduced as all core construction phases are effectively complete. Three sites have passed and signed off their final acceptance certificates (full two year performance testing), largely releasing the EPC of their contractual obligations to the site. The other four sites are currently undergoing their final acceptance certificates process. The key risks on the ongoing operations are:

Power Prices - Revenues are derived from two sources; first, the Government backed subsidies such as the FIT or ROCs and secondly; from selling the wholesale electricity produced by the solar sites. The wholesale electricity revenues, which represent over 40% of the total revenues are variable and will be subject to market forces. The Investment Team uses industry recognised forecasts to predict the electricity prices for the life of the sites. It also mitigates price fluctuations in the short term via forward selling the electricity via Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to reduce income volatility. However, it should be noted that long term power price forecasts can rise and fall, and therefore can have an impact on the value or NAV of the underlying solar sites.

Site Technical Issues - all sites are potentially vulnerable to unforeseen technical issues and, to the extent possible, all equipment is warranted to industry standard levels and the companies have insurance that, in the event of a fault lasting more than 5 days, can be called to claim for revenue losses. Furthermore, once the site has completed its construction contract, operation and maintenance contracts are put in place that incentivise availability and performance levels.

Weather - all forecasts are based on an assumed level of sunlight each year, however it should be noted that not all years will have an equal amount. Less sunlight reduces revenues received but a prudent approach is taken in forecasting revenue to reduce the likelihood of occurring shortfall against budget.

Site Market Value - there are a number of drivers in the value of a solar site. Underlying assumptions are continually revised for macroeconomic changes (e.g. inflation expectations), industry specific drivers (e.g. business rates, embedded benefits), in addition to the track record of specific site performance.

VCT Qualifying Status

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP provides the Board and Investment Manager with advice concerning ongoing compliance with HMRC rules and regulations concerning VCTs. The Board has been advised that the Company is compliant with the conditions laid down by HMRC for maintaining approval as a VCT.

A key requirement is to maintain at least a 70% qualifying investment level. As at 31 August 2016, 88.6% of the portfolio, as measured by HMRC rules, was invested in VCT qualifying investments. The Board is confident that the 70% target will be maintained on an ongoing basis.

Annual General Meeting

The Directors look forward to meeting as many shareholders as possible at our Annual General Meeting on 25 January 2017, to be held at the offices of Octopus Investments Limited, 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT. The AGM will start at 4.00 p.m.

Outlook

Over the preceding six month period there has been a slight recovery in oil and gas prices in the short term, partially due to the depreciation of Sterling, resulting in higher UK price expectations of international coal and gas supplies. However, world oil and gas prices remain depressed and the negative impact of low energy prices has affected the power generation industry as a whole. The decline in electricity prices has reduced revenue generation and the value of electricity generators.

We expect UK power prices to remain depressed in the wake of the current over-supply and demand slump for global energy. This has impacted forecast revenue generation and overall asset value, and hence the Company's ability to deliver a NAV plus cumulative dividends paid of 110p per share at the 5 year point. As a reminder, the 110p comprises the sum of four annual dividends of 5p each and a targeted NAV of the solar assets of 90p at the 5 year point (i.e. 5p x 4 + 90p = 110p).

As it stands today, and as highlighted in the half yearly report ended 29 February 2016, achieving a 90p NAV at the 5 year point is most unlikely and would require energy price forecasts to increase materially in the short term. Other key reasons that should be noted as to why the target is unlikely to be met include the drastic FIT reductions implemented by the Government in late 2011 (the Fund Manager reduced fees in an attempt to offset the reduction), as well as the impact of relatively higher running costs as a result of the lower than anticipated funds raised at the outset.

The recent well publicised announcements by the Government in respect of ending the various subsidy regimes for large scale solar PV in the UK may have a positive effect on the value of the existing portfolio of assets given that there is now a limited supply of 'green' energy to meet increasing demand. As noted in the half yearly report, the valuations of the assets has been updated to reflect this positive uplift, with the two ROC sites having their discount rate lowered in line with the market.

Finally, the Board is mindful that investors will pass through their five year VCT qualifying period over the course of Spring and Summer 2017. Whilst the fund was established as a VCT with a 25 year limited life, the Board is aware that some investors may wish to realise their investment earlier, once outside their five year VCT holding period. Due to the sub-optimal size of the portfolio, the Company's ability to satisfy any such requests risks having a significant detrimental effect on the value for remaining shareholders. The Board is therefore considering options to provide an equitable liquidity solution for all, once all shareholders have passed through their five year VCT qualifying holding period. This may include an orderly wind up of the VCT through the sale of its assets and the return of capital to shareholders.

The conclusions of these deliberations will be communicated at the earliest opportunity and shareholders will be invited to vote on the Board's recommendations as appropriate. In the meantime, in order to protect the interests of all shareholders, the Board has decided to suspend the share buyback facility in the intervening period. All shareholders will have passed through their five year holding period in September 2017 by which point I expect to be in a position to make recommendations for the future of the VCT and the provision of liquidity to shareholders. An update will be provided in the interim report.

Graham Paterson

Chairman

30 November 2016

Investment Manager's Review

Personal Service

At Octopus we have a dual focus, on managing your investments and keeping you informed throughout the investment process. We are committed to providing our investors with regular and open communication. Our updates are designed to keep you informed about the progress of your investment.

Octopus Investments Limited was established in 2000 and has a strong commitment to both smaller companies and to VCTs. Octopus also acts as Investment Manager to seven other VCTs and currently has over 6 billion of funds under management. Octopus has around 500 employees

Portfolio Review

The Company has invested in a portfolio of seven individual solar companies, each of which owns and operates a solar site in the 1-2MWp range. The first five sites have all been accredited for the FIT and have just passed their fourth full year of operation since commissioning. The remaining two sites were accredited under ROCs and are at their three and a half year point of operations.

During this period, the Board approved to engage Quintas Energy as the new asset manager. Octopus will continue to be the investment manager and work closely with Quintas Energy to monitor the overall operations of the solar companies. Overall, this has had a positive financial impact to the valuation. The investment manager believes that the companies will receive a better service and enable Octopus to drive asset optimisation projects for the sites.

Over the previous period three sites, Debes which owns a FIT site, Delambre and Huygens which own the two ROC sites, had experienced technical issues during the financial year. For all three sites, they experienced technical difficulties during the period. For the Huygens site, the issue was rectified before the summer months, as a result, the site was able to generate electricity 5% above budget during the last six months. However, when considering the overall performance for the whole financial year, the site produced 21% less electricity compared to budget. The other two sites were affected to a much less extent in revenue loss. At Debes, the site was operating around 89% of capacity and Delambre at 91%. The lower than anticipated performance has had a negative impact to the valuation of these companies. The investment team continues to closely monitor the issues and working with the new asset manager to ensure all issues are resolved.

Other than the abovementioned issues the portfolio of seven sites has overall been performing in line with expectations since the start of operations due to good PPA terms.

Company Performance

Between 31 August 2015 and 31 August 2016, the NAV has decreased, as would be expected. This is primarily due to the payment of the 5p dividend in January 2016. The table below shows the movements between the two periods:

Changes in NAV between August 2015 and August 2016 NAV at 31 August 2015 85.7 Cash distributions from solar companies 3.3 Revaluation of solar companies (1.2) VCT running costs (2.7) Dividends paid (5.0) NAV at 31 August 2016 80.1

It should be noted that the fixed running costs of the Company have been proportionately higher due to the smaller than anticipated fundraise into the VCTs in 2011/2012. However, we continue to review costs in order to keep these at a minimum and ensure the potential NAV is optimised.

Company Outlook

The Board is mindful that investors will pass through their five year VCT qualifying period over the course of Spring and Summer 2017. Whilst the fund was established as a VCT with a 25 year limited life, the Board is aware that some investors may wish to realise their investment earlier, once outside their five year VCT holding period. Due to the sub-optimal size of the portfolio, the Company's ability to satisfy any such requests risks having a significant detrimental effect on the value for remaining shareholders. As such, the Board is currently considering options to provide an equitable liquidity solution for all, once all shareholders have passed through their five year VCT qualifying holding period. This may include an orderly wind up of the VCT through the sale of its assets and the return of capital to shareholders.

For the assets, the key risk is the impact of long term power prices which have dropped during the past year, despite slightly recovering because of the depreciation of the Sterling. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done in the immediate term, apart from negotiating better purchasing power agreements for electricity generated. The team have explored the possibility of extending the asset life beyond the current 25 years. However, this option would not have significant positive impact to the NAV. The team continue to investigate ways in which we can optimise or enhance the existing portfolio to create more value through technical improvements.

As previously mentioned, the Government has effectively ended subsidies for new solar PV projects in the UK. This has the potential to increase the value of existing assets in the portfolio given there will now be a finite amount available in the market, and investors have become increasingly interested in such asset classes due to their relatively predictable income and established technology. During the period we have monitored the market closely and have adjusted the discount rates for the two ROC sites according to market trends, which has had a positive impact to the valuations.

We continue to monitor the renewables sector on a regular basis and the discount rates used to value the solar sites within the Company's portfolio are in line with market practice seen at present. Any changes to discount rates used by market participants in the future may cause us to change the discount rates we use to determine fair value of the investments.

If you have any questions on any aspect of your investment, please call one of the team on 0800 316 2295.

Matt Setchell

Octopus Investments Limited

30 November 2016

Investment Portfolio

Investments Sector Investment cost as at 31 August 2016 ('000) Movement in fair value to 31 August 2016 ('000) Fair value as at 31 August 2016 ('000) Movement in period ('000) % equity held by Octopus VCT 4 plc % Equity held by all funds managed by Octopus Delambre Energy Solar 1,395 (60) 1,335 97 49.9% 100.0% Huygens Energy Solar 1,202 (45) 1,157 (28) 49.9% 100.0% Adala Solar Solar 860 55 915 (39) 49.9% 100.0% Akycha Power Solar 735 56 791 (36) 49.9% 100.0% Daubree Energy Solar 828 (30) 798 (18) 49.9% 100.0% Debes Energy Solar 878 (108) 770 (27) 49.9% 100.0% Lacaille Energy Solar 740 (38) 702 (44) 49.9% 100.0% Fixed asset investments 6,638 (170) 6,468 (95) Cash at bank 26 Debtors less creditors 111 Total net assets 6,605

All solar companies within the portfolio saw changes in valuations due a number of factors including, cash distributions made up to the VCTs, updates to the long term energy forecasts, both site under and over performance, changes in rates and tax assumptions . These are reflected in the above movements for the period.

Valuation Overview

Due to the nature of assets owned by the portfolio companies being UK based solar sites with 25 year revenue streams, they are considered to be limited life assets. Consequently, they are expected to gradually decrease in value to zero over their productive life. This is because the Government backed revenue streams only extend to 25 years (for FIT projects), and the planning permission, lease length and design life of equipment are also based on the same timeframe. As the number of years of revenue production reduces, the value of the assets is expected to decline. In addition, after each dividend is paid out you should expect to see the NAV decrease accordingly at the following valuation by an equivalent amount.

However, it should be noted that, in addition to the expected decline over time, the NAV may fluctuate slightly year-on-year. This is because the valuation is also based on the expected future revenues from selling the electricity generated by the sites, which is impacted by factors such as the level of sunlight in any particular year.

Valuation Methodology

Until payment of the first dividend in early 2014, each company had been valued at cost. In February 2014, the first valuations were performed using a non-cost approach and also taking into account dividends paid out by each company up to that point. This methodology has continued to be used for the valuations in this period.

Future estimates of fair value are based on the Investment Manager's assessment of market value, which is based on a Net Present Value (NPV) approach. This NPV is calculated by estimating the rate of return an incoming investor may require, and using this rate to discount the value of future cash flows into present value terms.

Any cash and accrued revenues owed to the company, less any debt or loan interest owed by the company at the time of valuation, is then added to this NPV to provide a final valuation of the equity in the company.

Investment Portfolio

Adala Solar Limited

Adala Solar constructed a 1.2MWp solar site near Congresbury in Somerset in July 2012. The site has been fully operational for over 4 years and is receiving revenues from the FIT, as well as the sale of the electricity it produces on the wholesale market.

Akycha Power Limited

Akycha Power constructed a 1.0MWp solar site near Newport on the Isle of Wight in July 2012. The site has been fully operational for over 4 years and is receiving revenues from the FIT, as well as the sale of the electricity it produces on the wholesale market.

Daubree Energy Limited

Daubree Energy constructed a 1.2MWp solar site near Cullompton in Devon in July 2012. The site has been fully operational for over 4 years and is receiving revenues from the FIT, as well as the sale of the electricity it produces on the wholesale market.

Debes Energy Limited

Debes Energy constructed a 1.2MWp solar site near Tiverton in Devon in July 2012. The site has been fully operational for over 4 years and is receiving revenues from the FIT, as well as the sale of the electricity it produces on the wholesale market.

Delambre Energy Limited

Delambre Energy constructed a 1.9MWp solar site near Ivybridge in Devon in March 2013. The site has been fully operational for around three and half years and is receiving revenues from the sale of the ROCs, as well as the sale of the electricity it produces on the wholesale market. However, due to some poorly installed cables during construction, and the subsequent insolvency of the EPC, this company has taken on an additional liability for rectification works.

Huygens Energy Limited

Huygens Energy constructed a 1.8MWp solar site near Cullompton in Devon in March 2013. The site has been fully operational for around three and half years and is receiving revenues from the sale of the ROCs, as well as the sale of the electricity it produces on the wholesale market. Rectification works were completed over the winter of 2015 and it returned to being fully operational in the summer of 2016.

Lacaille Energy Limited

Lacaille Energy constructed a 1.1MWp solar site near Crediton in Devon in July 2012. The site has been fully operational for over 2 years and is receiving revenues from the FIT, as well as the sale of the electricity it produces on the wholesale market.

Income Statement









Year ended 31 August 2016 Year ended 31 August 2015 Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Notes



'000



'000



'000



'000



'000



'000 Loss on valuation of fixed asset investments 10 - (95) (95) - (62) (62) Investment income 2 274 - 274 309 - 309 Investment Management fees 3 (36) (12) (48) (37) (12) (49) Other expenses 4 (168) - (168) (165) - (165) Net return on ordinary activities before tax 70 (107) (37) 107 (74) 33 Taxation 6 (12) - (12) (19) - (19) Net return on ordinary activities after tax



58



(107)



(49)



88



(74)



14 Earnings per share - basic and diluted 8



0.7p



(1.3)p



(0.6)p



1.1p



(0.9)p



0.2p

The 'Total' column of this statement is the profit or loss account of the Company; the supplementary revenue return and capital return columns have been prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies

All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations

The Company has only one class of business and derives its income from investments made in shares and securities and from bank and money market funds

The Company has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the period as set out above. Accordingly a Statement of Comprehensive Income is not required.

Statement of Financial Position



As at 31 August 2016 As at 31 August 2015 Notes '000 '000 '000 '000 Fixed asset investments* 10 6,468 6,944 Current assets: Debtors 11 215 104 Cash at bank 26 92 241 196 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 (104) (74) Net current assets 137 122 Net assets 6,605 7,066 Called up equity share capital 13 82 82 Share Premium 99 99 Special Distributable Reserve 6,747 7,101 Capital Redemption Reserve 2 2 Capital Reserve - Unrealised (171) (76) Capital Reserve - Realised (154) (142) Revenue Reserve - - Total shareholders' funds 6,605 7,066 Net asset value per share 9 80.1p 85.7p

*Held at fair value through profit or loss

The statements were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 30 November 2016 and are signed on their behalf by:

Graham Paterson

Chairman

Company No: 07743878

Statement of Changes in Equity Share Capital Share Premium Special distributable reserves Capital redemption reserve Capital reserve unrealised Capital reserve realised Revenue reserve Total '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 As at 1 September 2014 83 99 7,442 1 (14) (130) - 7,481 Management fee allocated as capital expenditure - - - - - (12) - (12) Current period losses on fair value of investments - - - - (62) - - (62) Profit on ordinary activities after tax - - - - - - 88 88 Contributions by and distributions to owners: Repurchase and cancellation of own shares (1) - (16) 1 - - - (16) Dividends paid - - (325) - - - (88) (413) Balance as at 31 August 2015 82 99 7,101 2 (76) (142) - 7,066 As at 1 September 2015 82 99 7,101 2 (76) (142) - 7,066 Management fee allocated as capital expenditure - - - - - (12) - (12) Current period losses on fair value of investments - - - - (95) - - (95) Profit on ordinary activities after tax - - - - - - 58 58 Contributions by and distributions to owners Dividends paid - - (354) - - - (58) (412) Balance as at 31 August 2016 82 99 6,747 2 (171) (154) - 6,605
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'Disruption of Our State'

Last November, Spahn published a book that cemented his break with the chancellor on the refugee issue. The immigration of hundreds of thousands of people, he wrote, calls into question several certainties. We are experiencing "a disruption of our state."

The choice of the word "disruption" sounded dangerously close to failure and certainly didn't conform to Merkel's "welcoming culture." The term, however, was also wishy-washy enough that Spahn couldn't be assailed. Speaking in front of parliament last Wednesday during a budget debate, Merkel herself spoke of "disruptive changes." It was just one more indication that the debate within the CDU has, partially thanks to Spahn, shifted significantly within the last year.

Spahn doesn't see himself as a conservative. At the most, he is willing to allow that he promotes conservative values but views his political positions as liberal in the European sense of the term. That particularly applies in the area of social policy, where he has made a name for himself within the CDU parliamentary faction. He has in the past annoyed party leadership by reminding them that reforms to the pension and health care systems were inspired by the CDU's junior coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD), and that the CDU had originally had other ideas.

On one occasion, doing so almost spelled the end of his political career. In 2008 -- with 2009 general elections looming on the horizon -- Spahn, who was 27 at the time, criticized the pension increase passed by Chancellor Merkel's governing coalition, then as now a pairing between her CDU and the center-left SPD. Ronald Pofalla, who was CDU general secretary at the time, threatened him in response, saying he would no longer be considered for a senior post in Berlin. The deputy head of the Senior Union -- the CDU caucus representing the interests of elderly conservatives -- publically pledged to do what he could to prevent Spahn's re-election to the Bundestag, Germany's parliament. The incident made it clear to Spahn just how dangerous it was to openly defy Chancellor Merkel.

But it also helped him: Afterward, everybody in the party knew his name and, as a result of his forays into social policy, Spahn quickly came to be seen as a prominent up-and-comer. Still, it was the refugee crisis that propelled him to a leadership position. Even though some of his liberal positions don't necessarily enjoy broad support among German conservatives, his approach to immigration does.

Close Ties with the Greens

That approach was on display at a recent Spahn appearance at a restaurant in Vreden, a town in his electoral district. He was speaking to the local Senior Union chapter about refugees, criticizing those who complain about the food they are served. He also attacked leftists who, he said, sought to justify honor killings and forced marriages as being culturally determined. "Those who demanded integration 10 years ago were still considered to be on the far right," Spahn said.

One could say that Spahn is adept at operating in the swath of the political spectrum that is just short of far right. He knows how far he can go without attracting damaging criticism. He is also an expert at preventing his own sexuality from getting in the way of his political message. At the appearance in Vreden, he mentioned that he is gay early on in his speech and then quickly moved on. It is something he often does as a way of brushing the issue aside.

For a long time, Spahn was not widely considered to be conservative. In his tight jeans, suede boots and stubble, he fits in well with the liberal, big-city milieu with which he identifies. He has close ties with Green Party parliamentarians and would prefer a coalition with the Greens over a continuation of the current grand coalition with the SPD. But the fact that people didn't see him as a conservative was also a function of his sexual orientation. "People think that if you're gay, you are a leftist," he says.

In 2012, Spahn was one of the first conservative politicians in Germany to come out, doing so in a long interview with SPIEGEL in which he spoke of his experiences. In contrast to the beginning of his career, he said he had come to the conclusion that his homosexuality would no longer be a hindrance to his political ambitions. What he didn't realize at the time, though, is the fact that it can even be helpful.

When Spahn speaks about Islam, his homosexuality is present even if he doesn't specifically mention it. Spahn moved from rural western Germany to the trendy Berlin district of Prenzlauer Berg and as a young parliamentarian, he took advantage of all that the Berlin nightlife has to offer. It was a liberating experience. "I don't want the clock to be turned back on the liberality that we have," he says.

A Career Boost

Spahn knows that his sexual orientation gives him something of a longer leash. He calls it "leg room." The sentence "not every culture is an enrichment," for example, doesn't sound intolerant when coming from his mouth, something that can't be said of other conservative politicians. When Spahn is criticized for not defending the traditional family, he says drily: "In the end, people will say that I'm homophobic."

Spahn is not the first politician to capitalize on his homosexuality. Dutch right-wing populist Pim Fortuyn, who was later murdered, explicitly used his sexual orientation to justify his radical critique of Islam, and Spahn found Fortuyn's idea of establishing a centrist protest party fascinating. It is the polar opposite of Merkel's strategy, which seeks to smooth out all differences.

For quite some time, Spahn didn't see himself as a Merkel adversary. He had even hoped that she would choose him as her general secretary following the last Bundestag elections in 2013. She instead chose Peter Tauber, who, like Spahn, was young but, unlike Spahn, unquestionably loyal.

One year later, Spahn took his revenge. Without notifying Merkel beforehand, he announced his candidacy for the CDU's national leadership board. The move meant that there were suddenly more candidates than spaces available -- and Merkel hates party elections where she doesn't know what the results will be. She was not happy about Spahn's candidacy, but unable to prevent his subsequent election.

If Merkel is re-elected as German chancellor, she could nevertheless decide to hand him a ministerial post. The advantages of doing so are clear: He would be forced to submit to cabinet discipline and to find a new role within the party. But it would also be helpful for Spahn: Experience in government would boost his career.

And his career could continue its upward trend. On a Friday in mid-November, Spahn paid a visit to an elementary school in his electoral district. A fourth-grader asked: "Do you want to be chancellor one day?" Most politicians would have given the standard answer that they hadn't yet thought much about it. But Spahn said: "Let's wait and see. I enjoy being part of making fundamental decisions. We'll see what jobs might await." There's no question: Jens Spahn has big plans.
Schweickart: Then we miss an excellent opportunity to test the concepts that we have been developing in the past ten years. The chances to do this relatively cheaply occur very infrequently. This has to do with the orbit of the asteroid in question. The mission would be cheap and there would be a lot to learn.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: You recently joined 100 planetary scientists in signing an open letter in support of this mission. If the Europeans decide not to fund AIDA, should the Americans fly it by themselves?

Schweickart: There is no use in launching the US part of the mission only. If the Europeans do not go, the Americans do not go. The European part could theoretically go on its own to observe the asteroid from an orbit. The American role is to hit it with a projectile. That only makes sense if somebody else is watching to see how the orbit is altered. For the first time in history, we have the chance to change the path of a celestial body. Let's realize what we're talking about here. We would be slightly changing the mechanics of our solar system to enhance our survival. That is gigantic!

SPIEGEL ONLINE: In the movies, we usually send somebody like Bruce Willis to save the earth. Does it make sense to send humans to space to deflect an asteroid?

Schweickart: These missions need to be unmanned. We don't need humans onboard. Un-crewed missions need to be prepared 10 to 15 years in advance. With humans on board that would be 25 or 30 years. And it would be more expensive by a factor ten. Nobody wants to see a Bruce Willis. What we need is a robot to do the job, cheaper and faster.
Valence (Spain), November 30, 2016 (SPS) - The Front Polisario representative in Spain, Ms. Jira Bulahi has held several meetings with officials of the Spanish Province Valence, as part of her tour to the said city.

In this context, Jira has met with the head of the party Compromis, and Vice President of the Regional Government Ms. Monica Oltra, the latter have stressed, during the discussions, regional government's position to the side of the Saharawi people to gain their legitimate right to freedom and national independence, as well as the work to continue support for the Saharawi people and publicize their fair case in international forums.

They also voiced their readiness to continue supporting Sahrawi refugees in order to alleviate their suffering. SPS

125/090/TRA
To commemorate the 75 th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ancestry researched the lives of 12 Pearl Harbor survivors, including four USS Arizona veterans, to uncover details about their family history, military service, and genetic diversity.



anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ancestry researched the lives of 12 Pearl Harbor survivors, including four USS Arizona veterans, to uncover details about their family history, military service, and genetic diversity. Fold3, an Ancestry company, is offering free access to 113 million WWII records during the entire month of December in addition to AncestryDNA and Fold3 subscription discounts.

LEHI, Utah, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- December 7th will mark the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, and the nation will pause to remember that tragic day in 1941. Fold3 will honor those who served at Pearl Harbor during the attack by showcasing the family and military history of 12 Pearl Harbor veterans. Everyone has a unique story of what led to them, and the heroes at Pearl Harbor are no exception. Featured stories include:

Donald Stratton was badly wounded when the USS Arizona was bombed. He suffered first- and second-degree burns on his face and ears and third-degree burns on his extremities. Stratton wasnt the first in his family to be wounded while serving his country. His great-grandfather Daniel Griffin Grice served in the Civil War as a private in Company I, 76 th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After losing a thumb when his weapon accidentally discharged, Grice returned to duty and was later shot in the foot during a charge on Fort Blakely in Alabama. Learn more.





was badly wounded when the USS Arizona was bombed. He suffered first- and second-degree burns on his face and ears and third-degree burns on his extremities. Stratton wasnt the first in his family to be wounded while serving his country. His great-grandfather Daniel Griffin Grice served in the Civil War as a private in Company I, 76 Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After losing a thumb when his weapon accidentally discharged, Grice returned to duty and was later shot in the foot during a charge on Fort Blakely in Alabama. Learn more. Lonnie Cook also served on the USS Arizona. Cook didnt know at the time that his 5 th great-grandfather was James Cobb Sr., a militia captain during the Revolutionary War. Cobb came to the role with experience, after the governor of Virginia appointed him a captain in the state militia in 1769. Learn more.





also served on the USS Arizona. Cook didnt know at the time that his 5 great-grandfather was James Cobb Sr., a militia captain during the Revolutionary War. Cobb came to the role with experience, after the governor of Virginia appointed him a captain in the state militia in 1769. Learn more. Cass Phillips was a radioman at Pearl Harbor who reenlisted the month after the attack and went on to serve in the military for more than 20 years. His military roots can be traced back to Daniel Elijah Hardin, Casss great-grandfather, who served in a Texas cavalry battalion during the Civil War and fought at the Battle of Vicksburg. Learn more.





was a radioman at Pearl Harbor who reenlisted the month after the attack and went on to serve in the military for more than 20 years. His military roots can be traced back to Daniel Elijah Hardin, Casss great-grandfather, who served in a Texas cavalry battalion during the Civil War and fought at the Battle of Vicksburg. Learn more. Lawrence Parry was stationed in Oahu in December 1941 and was sent to the bay just after the attacks. Research has uncovered another soldier in the family. Brush Marvin, Larrys 4th great-grandfather, served in a short campaign at Fishkill in Capt. Godfreys company of Col. Sam Whitings Regiment, Connecticut, 4th Militia in October 1777. Brush was a part of the campaign to fortify the Patriot position at Fishkill. Learn more.



To learn about all 12 featured survivors, visit www.fold3.com/pearlharbor. Anyone visiting the site can view the Fold3 USS Arizona interactive virtual memorial and receive free access to more than 113 million WWII records during the month of December. Fold3 hopes these resources can help each user discover their own military ancestors and the brave lives they led.

The WWII collections contain 35 million WWII draft registration cards, including over 11 million young mens draft cards available only on Fold3. Also included are the Pearl Harbor Muster Rolls with more than 1.7 million records of personnel assigned to ships based at Pearl Harbor for the years 1939-1947. A few of the WWII records available to view for free in December include:

1) WWII Missing Air Crew Reports

2) WWII Navy Muster Rolls

3) World War II War Diaries

4) WWII Old Mans Draft Registration cards

5) WWII Captured German Records

6) WWII European Theater Army Records

Visitors to the site can also receive $10 off AncestryDNA, and $30 off a Fold3 annual membership.

About Fold3

Fold3 provides convenient access to military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served. The Fold3 name comes from a traditional flag folding ceremony in which the third fold is made in honor and remembrance of veterans who served in defense of their country and to maintain peace throughout the world. Digital images of original records at Fold3 help you discover and share stories about these everyday heroes, forgotten soldiers, and the families that supported them. On Fold3, you can combine records found on the site with what you have in your own albums and shoeboxes to create an online memorial for someone who served.

About Ancestry

Ancestry, the global leader in family history and consumer genomics, harnesses the information found in family trees, historical records, and DNA to help people gain a new level of understanding about their lives. Ancestry has more than 2.4 million paying subscribers across its core Ancestry websites and more than 2.5 million DNA samples in the AncestryDNA database. Since 1996, more than 19 billion records have been added, and users have created more than 80 million family trees on the Ancestry flagship site and its affiliated international websites. Ancestry offers a suite of family history products and services including AncestryDNA, Archives, ProGenealogists, Newspapers.com and Fold3.




STAMFORD  The citys Zoning Board and developer Building and Land Technology are attempting to clear the final hurdle in front of the Harbor Point boatyard plan.

The Zoning Board filed a motion last week to dismiss a Long Island Sound preservationist groups appeal of a decision to eliminate the condition that once required a full-service, working boatyard to remain on the peninsula off Bateman Way. The written motion alleges that Soundkeepers appeal is lacking in standing and jurisdiction.

The motion states that Soundkeeper cannot claim to be aggrieved by the Zoning Boards approved amendment, since it is a legislative action which does not involve conduct which might unreasonably pollute natural resources.

Even if Soundkeeper is aggrieved ... the court lacks jurisdiction to hear (Soundkeeper)s allegations of non-environmental defects, the Zoning Boards counsel James Minor wrote in the motion.

Zoning Board chairman Thomas Mills deferred comments to the citys general counsel. City attorney Kathryn Emmett declined to comment on pending litigation.

BLTs general counsel John Freeman wrote in support of this motion, as removing this condition would undo a key part of the developers boatyard proposal. The now-empty peninsula, which once housed a boatyard that BLT ripped down in violation of its zoning agreement with the city, has always been destined for anything but a boatyard in the developers eyes.

BLT declined to comment further on pending litigation.

The Davenport Landing Boatyard and its satellite storage and repair facility on Magee Avenue, which got the green light in August, were offered as a compromise of sortsreplacing the boatyard while leaving the 14 acres in Stamford harbor open to new development.

Soundkeepers general counsel, Reed Super, was flabbergasted by the Zoning Boards motion.

We believe the motion to dismiss is completely without merit and will be denied, Super said.

He is drafting a written response to be filed by Jan. 9. The state Superior Court will hear arguments on the Zoning Boards motion in February.

Soundkeeper has always maintained that it does not oppose BLTs plans for the Davenport Landing Boatyard, per say. The organizations main concern in appealing this one application, which is part of eight intertwining applications tied to the boatyard and storage facility, is the action of removing waterfront protection measures.

The now defunct protective condition stated that there would be no reduction in any current capacity, facilities, uses or services, insuring the continued operation of this important water dependent use unless approved by the zoning board and any required state and federal authorities.

Soundkeeper contends the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is one of those required authorities, as the citys protective clause is modeled after the Connecticut Coastal Area Management Act.

The original appeal also accuses the zoning board of potential bias and questions a recently appointed members ability to vote on the application.

nora.naughton@scni.com; twitter.com/noranaughton
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Consumers can expect warnings from local authorities and media regarding the possible dangers of online and in-store shopping this holiday season.

However, Connecticut shoppers may have to be extra vigilant.

According to a recent study by financial website Wallethub, Connecticut is among the most vulnerable states for identity theft and fraud. The state ranked within the top 10 states after the website analyzed data on reported crimes and identity theft complaints, average fraud losses, and other factors.

Check out the gallery above to see which states were regarded as the least and most vulnerable for identity theft and fraud. To read more about Wallethub's methodology and tips to protect yourself, click here.

"Until 2015, identity theft was the top complaint received by the Federal Trade Commission for 15 consecutive years," Wallethub writes. "And while more aggressive measures have been taken to improve the security of our personal information, criminal strategies constantly evolve and grow in sophistication, keeping consumers vulnerable to identity theft and fraud."

The website also cited recent data from the Identity Theft Resource Center's "2016 Data Breach Summary," which revealed there have been more than 900 data breaches thus far in 2016 identified by the center.

Most of these breaches have taken place within the business sector, but breaches in medical and healthcare, and government and military sectors have put more than five times the amount of records at risk compared to business breaches.

Connecticut tied for first across all states for most identity theft complaints per capita in the report, alongside the District of Columbia, Florida, and Missouri, and tied with most states on identity theft and credit monitoring policies in place.

So how can consumers protect themselves? The website recommended safe guarding online account usernames and passwords, signing up for alerts that monitor your credit activity, and, of course, using common sense online.
Finnish English

Municipality Finance Plc

Stock Exchange Release

1 December 2016 at 1:30 PM (EET)

Municipality Finance's capital adequacy exceeds by many times the ECB's new minimum requirement

The European Central Bank (ECB) has imposed new CET1 capital buffer requirements for the credit institutions under its supervision. The new requirements will be effective on 1 January 2017.

As part of the yearly SREP (Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process) decision on MuniFin, the ECB imposed an additional 1.5 percent CET1 capital buffer requirement (P2R), together with a 4.2 percent capital adequacy guidance (P2G).

Taking the existing capital buffer requirements into consideration, the total new minimum requirement set on Municipality Finance's CET1 ratio is 13.2 per cent. The company's capital adequacy ratio exceeds by many times the new requirement. At the end of June 2016, the consolidated CET1 ratio of Municipality Finance was 45.33 per cent and that of the parent company 45.49 percent.

The continuous SREP process is part of banking supervision activities carried by ECP. The banking supervision aims to ensure the quality of risk management methods, the capital adequacy and liquidity of credit institutions.

MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

Marjo Tomminen

Executive Vice President, CFO

Tel. +358 50 386 1764

Measured by the group's balance sheet, MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is Finland's third largest credit institution. The company is owned by Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland. MuniFin is an integral part of the Finnish public economy.

MuniFin's balance sheet totals nearly EUR 36 billion. Funding for the company is primarily obtained through the international capital markets. MuniFin's funding is guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

MuniFin's mission is to ensure competitive funding for its customers in all market conditions. The company's customers are Finnish municipalities, municipal federations, municipally controlled companies and non-profit housing corporations. A significant portion of lending is used for socially responsible projects such as building hospitals, healthcare centers, schools, day care centers and homes for the elderly.

The Municipality Finance Group also includes the subsidiary company, Financial Advisory Services Inspira Ltd.

Read more: www.munifin.fi
C ommenting on the stress tests the Bank of England published yesterday, Fathom Consulting made the counter-intuitive observation that while in physics a chain is as strong as its weakest link, in finance the opposite can be the case: the system as a whole can be weaker than the sum of its parts.

Though RBS had issues, it was encouraging that most of the banks coped with a stress test which sought to simulate an economic shock more severe than the real thing in 2008.

But the tests were imposed separately on each bank in turn, which brings us to Fathoms point.

If there is trouble across the system, you can get the equivalent of feedback loops and chain reactions brought on by defaults and changes in confidence and behaviour.

These can have a profound effect on the overall environment in which the institutions have to operate.

In extreme circumstances, as we saw in 2008, they can sink a bank that had appeared sound when looked at in isolation.

Another observation might be that the Banks review of financial stability makes little of something which is certainly in the minds of market practitioners.

This year has seen the proposal to merge the London Stock Exchange with Frankfurts Deutsche Borse.

One surprise has been how little controversy this has caused, the more so given the high emotions that surrounded earlier attempts at such a deal 15 to 20 years ago.

This time, it seems it has been largely accepted as a good thing for a post-Brexit world insofar as it cements ties between London and the EU.

From the perspective of financial stability, however, the other surprise is that again the deal has attracted so little attention.

It has become a talking point in the esoteric world of financial plumbing, where there is much discussion about whether the merger might create a new and unparalleled systemic risk to global capital markets.

One thing the authorities learned from the financial crash was that there were large chunks of the financial markets where it was very difficult for them to know what was going on.

This was particularly the case in the pricing and activity levels in over-the-counter derivatives, a slice of the market where turnover is many times higher than, for example, equity trading.

To help rectify this, they changed the system so that deals in over-the-counter derivatives were encouraged to go through one of the worlds clearing-house platforms because this would force an improvement in back-office book-keeping in the houses doing the trading, and give the regulators a window through which they could see what was happening in the market.

Thus today they can look at RepoClear, the jewel in the London Clearing House crown, and see that daily cleared volume is about 800 billion (681 billion). Every little helps, as they say.

However, the regulatory move was not without its critics, who said that funnelling all this stuff through clearing houses was simply creating a new point of potential failure and a new way to sink the system.

The authorities response was to insist that the organisation itself and the firms using it should be well-capitalised and collateralised, and that the shareholders in the clearing house should be good for more money should it be needed urgently.

Thus far, the system has worked without too many obvious problems. But the central issue arising from this merger is that it brings together four of the worlds leading clearing houses under one set of shareholders, thereby creating an unprecedented level of concentration risk.

Even if the clearing houses continue to operate separately in their own jurisdictions, supervised by different regulators, there will ultimately be only one set of shareholders behind all four organisations.

There is, however, a considerable overlap in the memberships of each clearing house  Deutsche Bank, for example, has connections with them all, as do most of the other major banking groups.

It is therefore easy to imagine circumstances where liquidity problems with one major client could cause simultaneous problems in all four clearing houses.

It might be a bit late then to discover that when the clearing houses went in search of extra capital, they were all four knocking on the same door.

Citys Winterflood bowing out at 80

Journalists get invited to a lot of parties but there is one this evening that is rather special.

It is being thrown to mark the 80th birthday and imminent retirement of Brian Winterflood, founder of Winterflood Securities and one of the stock-markets great characters.

Coincidentally, it was Brian who was a focal point of opposition to previous attempts to merge the exchanges of London and Frankfurt.

He feared that an organisation created to pursue international ambitions might have little time or inclination to nurture the market for smaller companies, which were his passion.

It is worth noting that similar concerns are expressed today about the future of AIM after the merger goes through, although in fairness the London Stock Exchanges Xavier Rolet has given every assurance asked of him that the organisation will continue to support and nurture the market.

Quite a lot of things have changed over Winterfloods 60-year career in the City.

Many of the more colourful incidents are captured in a sparkling biography called The Last Jobber, which tells his story.

It is a riveting read for anyone who wants to understand how things were in the City, and how we got to where we are today.
G lencore chief Ivan Glasenberg laid the foundations for a stunning revival of the battered trading powerhouse today by restoring its sought-after dividend and calling time on a drastic fire sale.

Glasenberg, who stared into the abyss last year because of the commodity price slump, roared back to life with a bullish forecast for the FTSE 100 giants future, helped by rising oil, zinc and coal prices and a nimbler balance sheet.

A determined effort by the trading maverick, who made his name and fortune dealing in coal, has slimmed down the firms bloated balance sheet and turned around its fortunes.

The South African billionaire promised to reward long-suffering shareholders with a $1 billion (800 million) dividend windfall next year after he suspended the payment last year.

He also raised the prospect of a dividend rise in 2018 if commodity price continue to rebound from their decade-long lows.

We have delivered on our commitments, Glasenberg said. Glencore can look forward to the future with confidence.

Its a reversal of fortune for the Swiss-based trading house where, 12 months ago, massive debts, slumping commodity prices and aggressive attacks by hedge funds drove it right to the edge.

The group offloaded parts of the business, selling an Australian rail firm  GRail  for A$1.1 billion (650 million) which had come as part of its jumbo takevoer of Xstrata.

It also sold a stake in its agriculture unit to two Canadian pension plans for $3.1 billion.

Glencore said that it would shrink net debt to between $16.5 billion and $17.5 billion by New Years Eve, down from $26 billion this time last year.

A broad-based rise in the price of things such as copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc and thermal coal will also boost Glencores cashflow to around $6.5 billion next year.

The company has also promised to keep debt at about twice its earnings, a conservative level for an industry which has traditionally gorged on debt to fuel expansion.

Shares have rebounded in response and are up 215% this year, making it the best-performing stock in the FTSE 100. Thats left hedge funders with severely burnt fingers.

One of the biggest losers, Lansdowne Partners  whose flagship fund is run by former chancellor George Osbornes best man Peter Davies  has lost an estimated 587 million betting against Glencores shares.

Credit default swaps, a measure of Glencores riskiness, are also getting back to normalised levels after hitting six-year highs in January.

Shares were on the up again today rising as much as 3% to 288p. They are still below their 2011 float price of 530p.
A sos bosses were confronted by protesters from union GMB today over allegations of poor working conditions at the online retailers Barnsley warehouse.

GMB held a catwalk of shame outside the firms Mornington Crescent headquarters in Camden ahead of its annual meeting with shareholders.

The union called on Asos to respect its workers after media reports that Barnsley staff work in highly pressured conditions and often go without regular loo or water breaks.

Asos has called the claims inaccurate and misleading, insisting it takes the welfare of all staff very seriously.

MPs have promised to investigate and Asos boss Nick Beighton offered to host the House of Commons Business, Innovation, and Skills select committee at the warehouse.

The GMB has been running a campaign at the Barnsley depot for more than a year, recruiting Asos staff, and last week launched a whistle- blower hotline.

Regional secretary Neil Derrick said today: Asos trumpets its claim to produce fashion with integrity  but they dont seem so bothered about conditions in Barnsley.

Fashions may change  but not treating workers with respect is never a good look.
G overnment contractor Serco on Thursday pleased investors by shrugging off the gloom hanging over outsourcers, and confirming a 600 million deal win in London.

Serco said it expects full-year sales to reach 3 billion, with underlying profit of at least 80 million.

Shares in the company rose 1.2p to 134.2p in response.

The FTSE 250 firm has clinched a deal with Barts Health NHS Trust to provide everything from patient catering, to cleaning and laundry services.

The win comes just over two months after Serco said it had been appointed preferred bidder for the contract, which will include working at hospitals such as the Royal London.

Chief executive Rupert Soames, a grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, said good progress was being made on a turnaround of the business.

Serco has had a litany of disasters in recent years, including charging the Government for tagging some criminals who were dead, imprisoned or non-existent.

The upbeat update contrasts with rival outsourcers, including embattled Mitie, who have been struggling with rising costs and client indecision following the Brexit vote.
 Well, that didnt go according to plan, David Cameron reportedly said when he realised that he had lost the EU referendum. This phrase will surely go down as a classic example of English understatement. In its almost casual acceptance of hard facts, it ranks with Emperor Hirohitos the war situation has developed, not necessarily to Japans advantage, after the Japanese surrender in the Second World War.

In the weeks and months after the referendum much has been written about Brexit. President-elect Trump has described himself as Mr Brexit. Even lexicographers are worrying about the gender status of this new noun  the French and the Germans have decided it is male (le Brexit, der Brexit) while the Italians insist on female (la Brexit).

If only the debate was limited to grammar. Weve had hard and soft Brexit. We have had clean Brexit. The Prime Minister has even said Brexit means Brexit. Nothing seems to dampen the speculation about this little word. Whole treatises of linguistic philosophy could be written about it.

The Government is quite right to avoid this Tower of Babel. Its EU counterparts  Germanys Angela Merkel, above all  have stated many times that they do not want to enter into pre-negotiation talks with the Government. However entertaining the chat, it doesnt count for very much at the moment.

Speculation, counter-briefings and the posturing of the media are all part of the circus of public opinion. As Hamlet says to Polonius, these are just words, words, words. Beyond the linguistic gymnastics any British government would be insane to reveal its position before the negotiations actually start.

Despite the rhetoric it would be mad for Parliament to delay triggering Article 50. Such a move would undermine the whole idea of British democracy. Everybody knows the outcome of the referendum on June 23. For Parliament to overturn the result would make Britain a laughing stock. Kim Jong-un and any other dictator would think we were the biggest hypocrites, preaching democracy while ignoring the largest popular vote in British electoral history.

One bizarre feature of this whole episode has been the zombie like re-emergence of Tony Blair, Nick Clegg and Peter Mandelson. These politicians, supreme examples of yesterdays men, seriously believe they can lead a populist counter-insurgency against Brexit but it would be hard to imagine three politicians more out of touch with the mood in 2016. How deluded are these people?

Blair once said that he could feel the hand of history upon our shoulders. He doesnt seem to have noticed that history overtook him long ago. Ukips new leader, Paul Nuttall, has openly said he will go after Labour votes in the North, rightly pointing out that the Islington faction, represented by Blair and friends, has never been further removed from the working-class communities Labour used to represent.

In the midst of all this, Theresa Mays government is getting on with the details. The Governments refusal to engage in a running commentary on Brexit has enabled people to fill the vacuum with court appeals, wild statements and cries of incompetence.

This is what a healthy democracy looks like. Lots of debate and argument. But government ultimately is about doing things. We can leave the words to pundits and political zombies.

Kwasi Kwarteng is the Conservative MP for Spelthorne
T he advance of President Assads forces into East Aleppo is a climactic moment in the five-year-long civil war in Syria. If the Syrian army and its Shia paramilitary allies capture this last big urban rebel enclave they will be close to winning the conflict that has torn Syria apart.

In the past few days the Syrian Army and its allies have taken 40 per cent of East Aleppo, inhabited by an estimated 250,000 people, who are now fleeing in large numbers. International attention has been focused on air strikes and barrel bombs but more destructive is the three-week long artillery bombardment that has killed 300 civilians. The UN humanitarian chief, Stephen OBrien, says the rebel enclave is being turned into one giant graveyard, without a single hospital functioning.

Syrian officials say they expect to seize all remaining insurgent-held areas by the time Donald Trump is inaugurated as US president on January 21. It would be surprising if the final assault is over by then as the rebels are retreating into the Old City, whose narrow alleyways and closely packed buildings linked by tunnels are ideal terrain for lightly armed defenders. There are estimated to be 10,000 of these but the hardcore of rebel fighters consists of about 4,000 led by Jabhat al-Nusra, which was until recently the al Qaeda affiliate in Syria.

Some rebels and their outside backers had believed that if Hillary Clinton won the presidential election she would switched US policy to one more in their favour. This was always a slender hope and was extinguished by the election of Trump, who favours co-operation with Russia, which is Assads main military ally.

Trumps policies remain vague and contradictory but the likelihood is that he will follow President Obama in giving priority to defeating Islamic State and al-Nusra, even if this means Assad remains in power.

Rebel spokesmen are making defiant statements about fighting on even if they lose East Aleppo, but defeat here will be a crucial turning point. The rebels will have lost their last pocket in the four main cities where half the Syrian population lives. Their traditional allies in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which previously kept the rebel cause alive by pumping in money and weapons, are either unwilling or unable to do so again. Saudi Arabia has got itself mired in a war in Yemen, while Turkey is preoccupied with trying to prevent the Syrian Kurds benefiting from the crisis.

It is not just in East Aleppo that the rebels are falling back. I was in Damascus recently, where rebel districts that have been besieged for as long as four years are surrendering or agreeing to ceasefires. The thunder of artillery firing into these enclaves, and the sharper crack of the rebel mortars firing in response, used to resound across the capital all day long, but the guns are now largely silent.

This does not mean that the rebellion will end totally. Syria is seeing a genuine civil war in which all sides have committed supporters who will fight to the death. But every rebellion needs some hope of victory to sustain itself and these hopes are now vanishing. The great Sunni Arab uprising that began in 2011 in Syria and later in Iraq is close to defeat in both countries.

In reality, it has been very unlikely that Assad would lose the war since 2012, as he has always had a powerful army, support of a section of the population and strong backing from Russia and Iran. Western governments and their regional allies deluded themselves that it was possible to oust him long after it ceased to be feasible. British and French policy towards Syria in particular has been notable for its ill-informed wishful thinking.

If Assad is to remain in power, as now seems inevitable, it should be on terms that mitigate the terrible suffering of the Syrian people. The most immediate need is to enable the civilians cowering in the ever-shrinking rebel territory in East Aleppo to get out safely. It is the current fashion in both Syria and Iraq for besieging armies to open up humanitarian corridors down which people can supposedly depart in safety.

But these corridors are even more terrifying than they look, not so much because of gunfire but because people fear that they will be picked up and disappeared at government checkpoints. If this does not happen now it may well happen six months down the road. The Syrian government believes anybody who has stayed in East Aleppo over the past four years must be a rebel activist or sympathiser. Late in the day though it is, the civilians now in flight from East Aleppo need the strongest possible guarantees that they will not be detained and can go to other rebel-held areas.

OBrien says the rebel groups are preventing the civilians leaving, presumably because they do not want their enclave to be depopulated and can use those that live there as human shields  not that the presence of civilians appears to do much to inhibit Syrian and Russian airstrikes.

The pretence that Assad is going to leave power, or even that he is going to share it with anybody, looks less and less realistic and should be discarded. As Julien Barnes-Dacey, in a recent study for the European Council on Foreign Relations, says: The European focus must now shift, by necessity if not by desire, towards better managing the reality of Assads survival.

Outside powers that tried and failed to achieve regime change in Syria still have some leverage. They should use it to enable the five million Syrian refugees to return to their homes safely. Damascus and Ankara will not like it but the autonomy gained by the two million Syrian Kurds during the war should be preserved in any final peace deal. As things currently stand Assad is coming out as the winner in the war  and his opponents are likely to lose everything.
Review at a glance









R obert Adams ambition was almost his undoing. The Georgian architect is best known for his palatial country house that transformed dour neo-classicism into something altogether more frothy. But a quarter of the drawings his office produced were for London projects, many so extravagant that they never got built and many others since demolished.

Fellow architect Sir John Soane snapped up 9,000 of these drawings for 2000 in 1833, decades after Adams death, while he was in the process of donating his own house to the nation. Even then it was a bargain and today a selection go on display to the public at Sir John Soanes Museum in a petite show. It covers Adams often overlooked urban output, excluding houses such as Syon, Osterley and Kenwood that were outside the capital in Adams lifetime. Half his London projects are shown, the remainder are in the catalogue.

Stiffed out of many public commissions by his rival William Chambers, the Adams family took to property speculation. His designs for a suite of aristocratic mansions on the Continental model along Portland Place were too nose-bleedingly expensive even for English dukes so he contented himself with grand terraces instead  often with palace fronts.

Townhouses such as Home House and Chandos House show his genius at shoehorning the opulence of a country estate into a small London plot. He was also a hit with the ladies, zhuzhing up salons for second wives and an unusual number of female clients. (The unmarried Adams role may have been partly GBF and some of his furniture was outrageously camp such as a pink sofa manufactured by Chippendale that was the most expensive Georgian seating ever made).

Arts picks of the week: 28th November - December 4th 1 /8 Arts picks of the week: 28th November - December 4th The Drawing of the Year Its pretty breathtaking to see the work of someone who is really really good at drawing. This exhibition celebrates the work of The Royal Drawing Schools students, with a huge range across all of the work. Theres also the brilliant London Illustration Fair for those who want even more of a pen and pencil fill (December 1-4).



December 2 - January 18, 2017, Shoreditch Gallery; royaldrawingschool.org Scottee: Putting Words In Your Mouth You dont need to have read much news this year to know that people are pretty politically divided. Scottees new show is about LGBTQI people who found themselves supporting UKIP, and hopes to shine a light on belonging, identity and the legacy of Thatcherism.



Until December 3, Roundhouse; roundhouse.org.uk Gleaning from Mary Kelly A panel will discuss pioneering feminist artist Mary Kelly, 40 years since her best-known work was shown at the ICA. It will cover themes of labour, war, trauma and the politics of car.



November 30, The ICA; ica.org.uk Making Nature: How We See Animals Loving Planet Earth on a Sunday and want to expand your knowledge of the natural world? A fascinating new exhibition at the Wellcome Collection brings together over 100 objects to help to show how we see animals.



December 1 - May 21, 2017, Wellcome Collection; wellcomecollection.org Trustees of the National History Museum Thebes Land Fancy seeing a play that has had sold out runs in eight countries worldwide, performed in an enormous steel cage? Thebes Land, from Franco-Uruguayan playwright Sergio Blanco gets its UK premiere at the Arcola Theatre, with Trevor White and Alex Austin forming the cast.



November 30 - December 23, Arcola Theatre; arcolatheatre.com Charles Dickens Museum The Charles Dickens Museum is getting in the mood for Christmas, with a series of events including a brand new exhibition. The Ladybird Life of Dickens: An Illustrated Adeventure will display the original illustrations from artist John Kenney from a 1965 Ladybird book about the authors life. And the building will be dressed for Christmas!



November 30 - April 16, 2017, Charles Dickens Museum; dickensmuseum.com London International Animation Festival This festival celebrating all things animation returns to the Barbican with a whole ten days of talks and screenings of animated shorts and features from all around the world. The festival will champion all kinds of techniques, challenging the idea that CGI dominates the film industry.



December 2 - 11, Barbican Centre; barbican.org.uk Last chance to see: King Lear The rather brilliant Glenda Jacksons return to the stage, but youll have to act fast if you want to see her Lear. It ends December 3.



Until December 3, Old Vic Theatre; oldvictheatre.com

Most of Adams surviving interiors remain in private hands so its a shame the Soane decided against including photographs of these. Follow an exhibition visit with a walk to the fragmentary remains of the nearby Adelphi development off the Strand. Here the Adams family built a riverfront housing estate where Lower Robert Street remains as a tunnel under what was an ingenious multi-storey design and the Royal Society of Arts retains many Adam interiors. A 1772 banking crash meant that the Adelphi almost ruined them until they hit on the ruse of a lottery with houses as prizes. Intriguingly, the Adams own tickets were all winners

Until March 11, Sir John Soane Museum; soane.org

Visit standard.co.uk/arts for the latest news and reviews from Londons arts scene

Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout
A previously unseen letter by Lenin asking to use the British Museums library will go on show at an exhibition about the Russian Revolution.

The note, written under an assumed name when the revolutionary leader was on the run from the authorities, will be an exhibit at the British Library, which is hosting other shows on Harry Potter and Jane Austen.

Russian Revolution: Hope, Tragedy, Myths is part of a series of events marking the 100th anniversary of the uprising that toppled Tsar Nicholas II and brought Lenin and his fellow communists to power. The letter was sent in 1902 when Lenin applied to be a reader at the British Museum Library, now part of the British Library.

It is signed with his pseudonym Jacob Richter, which he was using to evade the Tsarist police at the time. Other pieces in the exhibition, from April 28 to August 29 next year, include weapons and a souvenir album of the Tsars coronation.

Arts picks of the week: 28th November - December 4th 1 /8 Arts picks of the week: 28th November - December 4th The Drawing of the Year Its pretty breathtaking to see the work of someone who is really really good at drawing. This exhibition celebrates the work of The Royal Drawing Schools students, with a huge range across all of the work. Theres also the brilliant London Illustration Fair for those who want even more of a pen and pencil fill (December 1-4).



December 2 - January 18, 2017, Shoreditch Gallery; royaldrawingschool.org Scottee: Putting Words In Your Mouth You dont need to have read much news this year to know that people are pretty politically divided. Scottees new show is about LGBTQI people who found themselves supporting UKIP, and hopes to shine a light on belonging, identity and the legacy of Thatcherism.



Until December 3, Roundhouse; roundhouse.org.uk Gleaning from Mary Kelly A panel will discuss pioneering feminist artist Mary Kelly, 40 years since her best-known work was shown at the ICA. It will cover themes of labour, war, trauma and the politics of car.



November 30, The ICA; ica.org.uk Making Nature: How We See Animals Loving Planet Earth on a Sunday and want to expand your knowledge of the natural world? A fascinating new exhibition at the Wellcome Collection brings together over 100 objects to help to show how we see animals.



December 1 - May 21, 2017, Wellcome Collection; wellcomecollection.org Trustees of the National History Museum Thebes Land Fancy seeing a play that has had sold out runs in eight countries worldwide, performed in an enormous steel cage? Thebes Land, from Franco-Uruguayan playwright Sergio Blanco gets its UK premiere at the Arcola Theatre, with Trevor White and Alex Austin forming the cast.



November 30 - December 23, Arcola Theatre; arcolatheatre.com Charles Dickens Museum The Charles Dickens Museum is getting in the mood for Christmas, with a series of events including a brand new exhibition. The Ladybird Life of Dickens: An Illustrated Adeventure will display the original illustrations from artist John Kenney from a 1965 Ladybird book about the authors life. And the building will be dressed for Christmas!



November 30 - April 16, 2017, Charles Dickens Museum; dickensmuseum.com London International Animation Festival This festival celebrating all things animation returns to the Barbican with a whole ten days of talks and screenings of animated shorts and features from all around the world. The festival will champion all kinds of techniques, challenging the idea that CGI dominates the film industry.



December 2 - 11, Barbican Centre; barbican.org.uk Last chance to see: King Lear The rather brilliant Glenda Jacksons return to the stage, but youll have to act fast if you want to see her Lear. It ends December 3.



Until December 3, Old Vic Theatre; oldvictheatre.com

The 20th anniversary of the publication of JK Rowlings first book, Harry Potter And The Philosophers Stone, will be celebrated in a show opening next October and includes material from the authors archive.

The show, Harry Potter: A History Of Magic, will be structured along the lines of the subjects the schoolboy wizard and his friends studied at Hogwarts school.

Next years Jane Austen exhibition will mark 200 years since the death of the novelist.

Visit standard.co.uk/arts for the latest news and reviews from Londons arts scene

Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout
T he team behind Pidgin in Hackey, which this year earned its first Michelin star, are opening Hackneys smallest wine bar, Enfant Terrible, from today, December 1.

James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy are opening the new bar just three minutes walk from its older sister, and say the site will draw inspiration in both design and feel from their restaurant.

Herlihy said: Enfant Terrible is a simple place; eat a tartare, a tin of smoked oysters and some epoisses while drinking a bunch of wine and that's at the very least, a pretty solid foundation for a damn good night.

Aiming for, Ramsden says, a gonzo take on the tiny wine bars of Paris, the bar will only open in the evening. The site will be a barbers during the daytime  perhaps unsurprisingly, it is not the only barbershop bar in London.

Ramsden and Herlihy will serve bar snacks, ranging from 4 - 8, including a Cognac and kampot pepper caramel brownie and a mutton tartare with roasted rice, brown butter and fish sauce.

Ajax Kentish, who previously launched Spuntino with Russell Norman, will be the bars manager.

Visit standard.co.uk/restaurants for the latest news and reviews from Londons food scene.

Follow David Ellis on Twitter @dvh_ellis

Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESGoingOut
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Provision Holding, Inc. (OTCQB:PVHO), today announced that it will be presenting at the 9th annual LD Micro Main Event Invitational on December 7 at 9:00 a.m. PST. Curt Thornton, CEO of Provision Holding, Inc. will be giving the presentation and meeting with investors.



The conference will be held at the Luxe Sunset Bel Air Hotel and will feature 240 companies in the small / micro-cap space.

About Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc.

Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of the publicly traded company Provision Holding, Inc. (OTCQB:PVHO), is the leading purveyor of intelligent interactive 3D holographic display technologies, software, and integrated solutions for both commercial and consumer focused applications.

Provision's 3D holographic display systems represent a revolutionary technology that provides the projection of full color, high-resolution videos into space detached from the screen, without any special glasses. Provision is currently the market leader in true 3D consumer advertising display products being implemented by innovative, consumer-focused companies.

Provision Holding, Inc. (OTCQB:PVHO) trades on the OTCQB venture stage marketplace for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies. Companies are current in their reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

For more information, visit www.provision.tv.

About LD Micro

LD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space. What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into an event platform hosting several influential conferences annually (Invitational, Summit, and Main Event).

In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector. LD will continue to provide valuable tools for the benefit of everyone in the small and microcap universe.

For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at david@ldmicro.com or visit www.ldmicro.com for more information.
T his Christmas, 120,000 children will be homeless. Thats an eight-year high.

Many of them will be in temporary accommodation. That means theyll be found somewhere as a stopgap  it could be a B&B or a hostel  whilst the council tries to find somewhere settled for them and their families to live. One thing is clear: its not a home.

The National Theatre will be thinking of these families this year as it stages Alexander Zeldins LOVE, a play about three families in temporary accommodation at Christmas.

At a time when it really does feel that all that is solid melts into air, its hard to imagine anything more urgent for our National Theatre to be putting on its stages. Reviews of Zeldins work often refer to it as stark  but these are invisible lives made visible, snatched back from the edges.

love national theatre

Zeldins last play, the staggeringly beautiful Beyond Caring, was about zero hour contract cleaners doing their best to keep going. It premiered at The Yard in Hackney Wick before transferring to the National Theatre and going on a national tour. Next year, Zeldin will take it to Chicago.

Beyond Caring's characters were offered no salvation; the poignancy of it was shattering. It was powerful because the characters were more than just stoical; they were trying to keep smiling. In the face of losing not just their basic rights as employees but their individuality, their humanity made you feel that they could never quite be broken. The system was doing its best, though.

When I meet Zeldin at the National Theatre to talk about his new work, he tells me that he doesnt view his work as political theatre, nor does he set out to make social dramas. Im trying to make theatre, he smiles.

But I dont think theres any kind of other theatre that one can make today, he says. You cant be alive in the world were in today and not make work like that. To do so is irresponsible. And thats my view  its kind of black and white. What else are you doing?

Zeldin rarely finishes a sentence  he thinks deeply when he answers questions, but his mind races so fast that he is on to another thought before he has finished the first one.

Writer and director Alexander Zeldin

He went to a European school  which he laments, thanks to Brexit, will soon cease to exist  and says he cared more about rock music than theatre growing up. He alway felt he wanted to write, but I didnt go to the theatre and have a magic moment.

It was books, literature and music that he loved  Im really obsessed with Bob Dylan, he says  but admits that at school he wrote a really shit play, called Glimpses of the Dying Process. Really pretentious. It was because I kind of liked this girl and I wanted to give her a part in the play. (The fate of said girls performance was not something we discussed.)

Zeldin went to Oxford University, which I didnt like at all. I didnt do a single show there  I didnt feel like it was for me. He is self-taught as a director, and the books of Peter Brook became a major influence. He went to Egypt to make a play, and tells me they rehearsed for a year.

One year. My play, he laughs. Six days a week. It was military.

He travelled, making work elsewhere for a long time, saying that he never really felt comfortable in the UK. He worked in Russia, Tbilisi, South Korea and the Middle East. When he got a job teaching at East 15 drama school in London, he felt he finally had the breathing space to try new things with his work. I had this laboratory of no pressure and and I could make work exactly how I wanted.

He began to work with the devising process when he adapted Lars Von Triers The Idiots for the stage. It was a film that felt so deep and truthful. Two of the actors he worked with remain with him today  Janet Etuk and Luke Clark, who appeared in Beyond Caring and will star in LOVE.

Zeldins immersion in reading is how he has landed upon his last two plays. Beyond Caring emerged from a book he read by a woman who went undercover as a cleaner in France, and LOVE was helped by him reading a first-person testimony report given to him by a friend who works at the charity Shelter, as well as a particular passage from Karl Ove Knausgaards My Struggle.

Janet Etuk and Darcey Brown in rehearsals for LOVE

Marie-Helene Estienne, Peter Brooks co-director, watched Beyond Caring and said to Zeldin, Id love to know what happens when they go home.

That suggestion fitted with an ambition that Zeldin already had. Id been wanting to do something thats set in intimate life. And I felt that the intimate world of the family would be really important, he says.

Zeldin writes in the language of bodies, atmosphere and rhythm, and that lends itself to trying to capture the atmosphere he felt when visiting temporary accommodation. Its the first thing that strikes you, and you cant put that into words. But how do you put that into theatre? You can, he says.

The process for making his work is not straightforward. He says that he writes abstract stuff by himself  scenes and fragments  and then develops the characters with the actors. He talks to them a lot, quite personally.

Its really important for me that they have a stake in it, he tells me. That they feel its about them as well, and they need to ask themselves, why do I need this?

Next, hell bring the actors together in the rehearsal room and see what happens, and get them to improvise from scenes hes created, which will lead to rewriting, followed by more improvising, more rewriting.

An intimate drama about what its like to be without a home at Christmas may take some audiences by surprise. Others may find it troubling, if some reactions to Ken Loachs I, Daniel Blake are anything to go by, with some critics expressing distaste for a film depicting life beneath the poverty line.

Zeldin is frank about this. Im not an entertainer. And thats not the role of theatre, historically. It was a form of exorcism. The theatre is a very powerful force. I believe that. I believe in the theatre. Passionately. Uncompromisingly. I dont care if thats naive, and not very British. He is emphatic. Theatre is a very powerful thing.

Aleander Zeldin's Beyond Caring (Photo by Mark Douet) / Mark Douet

He adds that nor is he interested in preaching to the converted. He admits that he doesnt even really read the news. I dont go on marches. This is what I do. Its about humans.

Its crucial that theatre is place where we can all be, he says; its a shared moment. And in the moment were living in politically, its so important to feel life more strongly.

The plays he makes are not about other people, but everyone  and people dont feel understood, he suggests. Theatre can help. The housing crisis, he adds, is a multi-faceted thing, but LOVE is really about borders between people, which is the most important thing to me  Im here, youre there, and everything is possible in the world between people.

This feeling, that things are put under pressure by a system that is so many degrees removed from any kind of dignity, creates a kind of disconnect which is really hard to live under, Zeldin says. But whats important, and hopefully youll see in the play, is a desire, a hope, a striving for.

When I ask if many politicians come to see Zeldins work, he admits that he doesnt really notice who comes  Im reasonably shy. I dont mingle  but he thinks Maria Miller came to Beyond Caring.

She said Iain Duncan Smith would love it, he tells me. I wonder if she was joking. No! They mean it when they say stuff like that.

Luke Clark in rehearsals for LOVE with Alexander Zeldin

Now he is here at the National Theatre, a place that has made a clear commitment to producing new, ambitious, boundary-pushing work such as his, as well as Bryony Kimmings and several emerging companies. He has to pinch himself, he says.

After Beyond Caring, my flatmate bailed me out. And my previous show, he bailed me out on that. And I owe him a lot of money now, he laughs.

(His flatmate is now in India, but not to avoid financing any of Zeldins future shows  he had a proper job.")

Theatre builds us as people, Zeldin believes. Whats happening at the National is amazing; artistic director Rufus Norris and Roxana Silbert  who runs the Birmingham Rep, where he is associate director  are helping bring change. Theres a generation of people that are doing things in the theatre that feel very different from five or six years ago.

That is crucial, if theatre  this brilliant place  is to be made more accessible. People talk a lot about accessibility in theatre, but I think it really starts with the form. With the work.

The most political thing is the form of the play; how its presented, what its about, who its for and how its put together. That, and cheap tickets, he says. But you need to make work that is meaningful.

LOVE is at the National Theatre from December 6 - January 10 and will be at the Birmingham Repetory Theatre from January 26 - February 11; nationaltheatre.org.uk. Alexander Zeldin will be discussing LOVE with Samira Ahmed in the Dorfman Theatre on 4 January.

Visit standard.co.uk/theatre for the latest news and reviews from Londons theatre scene.

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To signal the start of December, many of us are opening the first door on our advent calendars today; meanwhile, in Mayfair, a different sort is being unveiled.

The May Fair Hotel has teamed up with renowned artist, Terry Jackson, to transform its windows into a beautiful, interactive advent calendar where, each day, the gift can be won by hotel guests or members of the public.

Via its Instagram, The May Fair Hotel will be giving the public a chance to win the days advent treat which showcases the brands found in the local community.

Nicola Farhi, Temperley, La Perla, Miller Harris and House of Garrard are just some of the local businesses donating prizes.

Hotel guests will have the additional chance to win exclusive gifts and discount vouchers for all the companies involved.

The window itself is a multi-layered installation of Jacksons paper-cut artwork with elements of the London skyline as well as nods to the festive period, all of which are illuminated to create a stunning, three-dimensional silhouette.

Inderneel Singh, Managing Director of The May Fair Hotel said The May Fair Hotel has always been known for our designer windows during London Fashion Week. This year were excited to extend our window collaboration into the Christmas season, working with globally recognised brands all from the Mayfair district and welcome visitors to come and see the display.

Jackson is no stranger to the world of Christmas window design with his previous work being ranked in the worlds top ten displays amongst the likes of Claridges, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffanys New York.

Christmas Lights in London 2016 1 /33 Christmas Lights in London 2016 Trafalgar Square The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree lighting ceremony Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images Oxford Street Oxford Street: Christmas lights in central London Jonathan Brady/PA Oxford Street A general view of the Christmas lights and displays on Oxford Street in the lead up to Christmas Tristan Fewings/Getty Images Oxford Street Back again: the now-familiar Oxford Street Christmas baubles Jeremy Selwyn Oxford Street A general view of the Christmas lights and displays on Oxford Street Tristan Fewings/Getty Images Oxford Street Christmas lights are reflected in a window on Oxford Street in the lead up to Christmas Tristan Fewings/Getty Images Regent Street Christmas festive lights on Regent Street in London Regent Street Red London busses pass beneath the Christmas festive lights on Regent Street in London Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images Carnaby Street Large neon joy and love signs form part of the Carnaby Street Christmas lights as they are switched on at Carnaby Street Tristan Fewings/Getty Images Carnaby Street Crowds gather for the Carnaby Christmas lights switch-on celebrating the heritage of Carnaby's fashion and cultural revolutions since the late 1960s David Parry/PA Oxford Street A general view of the Christmas lights and displays at St Christopher's Place, Oxford Street in the lead up to Christmas Tristan Fewings/Getty Images Kew Gardens The Palm House is illuminated at Kew Gardens Jack Taylor/Getty Images Kew Gardens The Hive Instillation is illuminated during a preview for Christmas at Kew Gardens, London Andrew Matthews/PA Kew Gardens The Hive Instillation is illuminated during a preview for Christmas at Kew Gardens, London Andrew Matthews/PA Kew Gardens A representative poses for photographs beside the "Five Golden Rings" part of the "Fire Garden" at the launch of "Christmas at Kew" at the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens in London Matt Dunham/AP Kew Gardens A general view of the illuminated Palm House during a preview for Christmas at Kew Gardens, London PA Kew Gardens A woman poses in a tunnel of LED lights at Kew Gardens Jack Taylor/Getty Images Covent Garden A general view of the Covent Garden Christmas lights following the switch on by The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera Chorus at Covent Garden Piazza Tristan Fewings/Getty Images Covent Garden A general view of the Covent Garden Christmas lights following the switch on by The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera Chorus at Covent Garden Piazza Tristan Fewings/Getty Images Covent Garden A general view of the Covent Garden Christmas lights following the switch on by The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera Chorus at Covent Garden Piazza Tristan Fewings/Getty Images Marylebone High Street A general view of atmosphere as Jennifer Saunders switches on Marylebone High Street Christmas lights Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images Marylebone High Street A general view of atmosphere as Jennifer Saunders switches on Marylebone High Street Christmas lights Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images Winter Wonderland Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park Fanatic Creative Winter Wonderland Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park Fanatic Creative Winter Wonderland Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park Fanatic Creative

To be in with a chance of winning, check The May Fair Hotel's Instagram, Twitter or Facebook pages daily in the run up to Christmas.

Today December 1, Temperley is offering its divine Sylvie scarf and True British book.

The May Fair Hotel, Stratton St, W1J 8LT

Follow us on Twitter @eslifeandstyle
T hese are the people celebrities call on when they want to throw a bash to remember.

Fran Cutler

The maverick PR guru has Rosemary Ferguson, Kate Moss and co on speed dial. Her 50th birthday bash is still legendary.

(fcassociates.co.uk)

Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock

Immersive cult

Francesco Pastori and Garrett Moore are the Sloanes favourite party-planning duo  think Berlin Wall-themed suppers at Loulous and CNNs Election Night extravaganza.

(immersivecult.com)

Robin Scott-Lawson

Scott-Lawson is head honcho at My Beautiful City, the production company behind the Serpentine Summer Party and Diors spectacular show at Blenheim Palace earlier this year.

(mybeautifulcity.com)

REX/Shutterstock

Follow us on Twitter @ESMagOfficial
N ow that it's December, we can all feel a little less guilty about starting Christmas preparations: there's a festive nip to the air and the Christmas playlists don't feel quite so out of place.

For those of us hosting Christmas this year, our minds are already starting to stray towards dinner preparations and it can all be a little daunting.

Many of us still like to keep it traditional with turkey and all the trimmings - but since it's not a meat we tend to cook during the rest of the year, the results can be varied to say the least.

We've asked three of London's top chefs to give us three pieces of timely advice on how to deal with the most anticipated meal of the year.

Robin Tarver, chef at Madison

1. Preparation is key! Make sure you have everything ready before you start. For the turkey my tip is to ask the butcher to remove the legs and bone and roll them. Cook the legs separately the day before and pot roast for about 6 hours at 120 degrees with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme and juniper berries.

2. Cranberry sauce can be made up to a week before and frozen until you need it.

Chef Robin Tarver at Madison

3. I find Christmas pudding quite heavy so I came up with a lighter version by adapting the classic sticky toffee pudding and adding some dried fruit to it. We have been making this at Madison for a couple of years now and its fantastic. You can also top with some gold leaf, which can be bought from a decorators merchant to save on cost.

James Hulme, chef at Quaglino's

James Hulme, chef at Quaglino's

1. Turkey legs are nice if the bone is removed and filled with your stuffing mix. Then rolled and wrapped in bacon; giving a much smaller joint to easily cook in a smaller amount of time.

2. Never worry about having everything ready at the same time, the meat can come out and happily rest on the side whilst the vegetables are cooking.

3. Some of your vegetables such as sprouts, beans, carrot and swede mash can be cooked the day before and cooled, then quickly reheated on the day. I even boil my potatoes for roasting the day before, this makes them fluffier and crisp as the fridge slightly dries them out.

Jonas Karlsson, chef at 100 Wardour St

100 Wardour Street's Jonas Karlsson

1. Traditionally we do a Christmas ham. To relieve some of the stress we get an already brined gammon ham from the butcher. Ask for free range middle white pork if available. If you prepare it the day before Christmas (with the spices you like to use) and cook in in oven on a low temperature overnight, you'll have a moist mouth-watering ham on the day of Christmas. I prefer to do a spice rub with cloves, cinnamon and ginger to get the Christmassy smell in and around the house. The only thing you have to do on the day is to make the honey, mustard glaze with some coarse ground, Japanese style breadcrumbs to cover. Get this coloured in a hot oven. Leave to cool, then you can enjoy the ham with some braised red cabbage which, of course, is made few days before Christmas.

2. Puddings are a must for Christmas and why not do a frozen desert, which can be taken out the freezer just 20 minutes or so before serving. We always have this frozen-style vanilla cheesecake, which is divine and its all prepared day or days before hand. A little nice fruit salad can always be done on the day to complement the cheesecake.

3. What would a Christmas be without my own mulled wine. This is something you will have to make a week or so before Christmas to let the spices soak in the wine. Then just warm it up on the day.

Fiona MacConnacher completed her Diplome de Patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. Follow her on Instagram @thecapedpatissiere
O n the night of the EU referendum David Cameron and his staff gathered around a table in Downing Street. His speechwriter at the time, Max Chambers, remembers: At 1am the PM sent for a bottle of scotch as stress relief. He disappeared around three to get some sleep.

Six months on, Chambers is still reeling. It was a shattering experience, he says. The usually permachillaxed Cameron was probably more frustrated than Id seen him before. I think thats because our messages werent getting through. Im not sure hed worked out what his pitch to the country was. It was just harder from the get-go than lots of people expected. Somebody said theyd found out what it was like to be Ed Miliband  because we didnt have the support of the papers.

Chambers tried to convince Cameron to appeal to the countrys past, spending a lot of time with historians Niall Ferguson and Timothy Garton Ash attempting to rewrite Britains European story. But the PM didnt feel it was authentic for him to talk about history in that way. He was more comfortable making practical arguments about beef tariffs and single market access.

After the referendum Chambers planned to put my feet up, I even bought a sun lounger, but thats not in his nature. Instead he took a job as Director of Communications at Nextdoor, a social network for neighbourhoods. It was founded in the US in 2011 and valued last year at more than $1bn. As it expands here Chambers hopes it will help diffuse the toxicity unleashed by the referendum.He describes it as a consumer product that is relevant to a lot of social issues and interesting to politicians.

Chambers wrote the speech that Cameron would have given if the referendum had gone the other way. There wasnt a hint of triumphalism, he says. It was very much straight bat  about bringing the country together, saying what we promised wed do in the renegotiation would be delivered. The campaign had been so toxic.

Politics is going to be pretty messy for a long time. I dont think Ill go back at the moment. Having been through the experience of arguing the other side  and this is true for a lot of Camerons team  the idea of trying to be part of something you dont agree with and think will be bad for the country isnt appealing. Even if wed won I dont think wed have been there long. The party had become completely ungovernable.

He assumed Boris Johnson would become the next leader. Now he says Theresa May has a daunting job. The PM spent six years trying to hold off the Right of the party and now unfortunately they are to some degree running the show. It was the right thing politically to say Brexit means Brexit but there needs to be more of a healing process.

Samantha Cameron, who is launching a fashion line / Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

Before Chambers wrote Camerons speeches he was his home affairs adviser, making him the main interface between the then Home Secretary Theresa May and No 10. Theresa has a formidable team, he says. Its no secret that the relationship [between the Home Office and No 10] wasnt always brilliant but we backed them as much as we could. There were tensions. Maybe they found it easiest to operate as them and us, a kind of siege mentality. But shell be a good PM. Shes incredibly smart, hard-working and decent.

Cameron wrote his leaving speech himself. We popped out to watch him give it. Everybody was disappointed. There were lots of tears. It was dignified of him to stand down as an MP when he loved his constituency and would happily have done that job for another 30 years. But hed have been asked daily about Hinkley Point, grammar schools, Brexit negotiations.

A few weeks ago Chambers met Cameron for drinks. Its tricky for him but hes young and its not in his personality to get angry, which meant he was perfect for PM. Hes a take it or leave it person so I dont think anyone thought hed get withdrawal symptoms or get depressed. Im sure hell go on to do all sorts of interesting things.

They knew he would work with the National Citizen Service, the voluntary personal and social development programme for teenagers set up by Camerons government in 2011. He was also interested in combating corruption towards the end  it was a nice distraction from the European stuff.

Camerons wife, Samantha, will do lots of things she wasnt able to when he was PM, including working on a new fashion line. Its called Cefinn, named after the initials of the Cameron children. It was hard to watch the kids, especially Nancy, whod only known living in No 10 then had to leave, says Chambers. He speaks fondly about a weekend at Chequers with Cameron, who cooked on the barbecue that President Obama had given him and was gracious with sharing the nice things about being Prime Minister.

Chambers has been loyal to Cameron since he started out working in home affairs. Chris Grayling once threatened to have me fired for pushing a policy that the PM wanted on electronic tagging. I texted the PM, who was in Australia for the G20. He replied, saying your job is safe, tell Grayling its him Im worried about. After that Id have run through a brick wall for him.

Former PM David Cameron / PA

Downing Street was a strange place to work. Its a bit of a court. Unlike a traditional government department its about access to and influence with the PM. No one is going to invite you to a meeting but no one will tell you to leave. If you wanted to get involved with something outside your brief the PM was completely willing to chat. I didnt enjoy the first few months but once you see it as an opportunity its the best job in the world. Chambers had the idea to introduce name-blind recruitment to the public sector to stop unconscious bias: itll make a difference, unlike a lot of the firefighting in that job.

Chambers grew up in Manchester and went to state school before reading law at Nottingham. His fathers a marketing director and his mother teaches autistic children. Neither was hugely political. But he didnt find Parliament elitist. Im a Northerner who didnt go to Oxbridge and I felt comfortable.

Nextdoor appealed because of his experience in politics. Members have to verify they live in the area (reducing the incentive to troll). In the US, where its been for five years, 70 per cent of neighbourhoods are signed up.

Since it launched here in September neighbourhoods are using it for a range of practical purposes, from organising events to petitioning councils. Theres a separate platform for public services so that local councils and police forces can geotarget their messages to a specific area or city.

For Chambers, the transition from the bubble of Westminster to an co-working office in Moorgate has been a breath of fresh air. We have meetings standing up, which we couldve done more of at No 10. A quick meeting is a good meeting.

Is tech the new politics? Tech has to do a bit more to actually change things but it does have the potential to solve a lot of social problems  although at the moment some of the brightest minds of our generation are busy building Snapchat. Is that where we want our investment going?

With its mission to bring back a sense of community is Nextdoor like Camerons Big Society? A bit. When we were in government we thought the Big Society would be done by encouraging charities and government programmes. We didnt think about the business angle and maybe we should have. People are supposed to be more connected than ever but there is no sense of community anymore. I hope we can bring that back.

Follow Susannah on Twitter @susannahbutter

Go to nextdoor.co.uk or download the free iOS or Android app
T his week it was announced that the Queen has given Royal Assent to the Investigatory Powers Bill, which ratifies the snooping powers of the UKs intelligence agencies.

The bill forces internet providers to keep a full list of internet connection records (ICRs) for a year and to make them available to the security services if asked.

The bill, which was passed in the House of Lords last week, will allow some 48 authorities to be able to request access to this information, including the Met Police, British Transport Police, GCHQ, the MoD, the Department of Health, HM Revenue and Customs, and the Home Office.

If the news has you thinking about going back to the good old days before the Internet ever existed, there is an easier way to get back to basics than by burying your laptop in a giant hole, moving house and never looking back.

Two Swedes have designed a website that promises to help you clean up your digital existence, by allowing you to get rid of your Twitter, Facebook and Gmail accounts in one go.

Deseat.me asks you to sign in with your Gmail account, and then it essentially gives you a list of all the accounts and services you have ever created an account for via that email address.

So if youve had your email address for a while, and you signed up for MySpace, Last.FM or any other trendy, early 2000s social media platforms, theyll likely be lurking on your Deseat.me list.

The best apps for Londoners 1 /16 The best apps for Londoners Zip car Join, reserve, unlock and drive  it really is that simple. The capitals preferred car clubs app gives 24/7 access to cars and vans in your neighbourhood and lets you extend or cancel reservations on the go. Free Uncover Sick of being stuck on waiting lists? You need Uncover, which redistributes cancelled reservations at some of the capitals top restaurants, including The River Cafe and Nobu. Not for planning freaks, though  tables typically become free at 40 minutes notice. Free Uber So popular its become a verb, this private driver service has revolutionised travel in the capital. Its speedy and affordable, making it a welcome alternative to the night bus. Free Santander Cycles Launched this summer, the official app for Boris fifth child can be used to search for nearby docking stations and check bike availability. Theres also a journey planner featuring easy, moderate and fast routes to satisfy all cycling tribes. Free Plume Air Report This new app has been downloaded by 3,000 Londoners. Sensors gathering air pollution data submit updates every hour, resulting in a scale that ranges from fresh to extremely polluted. Free Nightcapp Heres an app that will have booze hounds raising their glasses. NightCapp is a map that pinpoints more than 1,500 London watering holes that stay open past 11.30pm. It also shows users when a bar is about to close by highlighting it in orange. Better get moving. Free Money Dashboard An award-winning budget planner, this helps you keep track of personal spending across multiple accounts, pay off credit cards and even makes suggestions on how to manage your finances better. Free Her Promising to introduce women to a lesbian that hasnt slept with any of your friends, this revamped dating app includes queer-themed news and blogs, upcoming event notices and an improved algorithm-matching system. Free FoodMood This new startup, which reckons its Tinder for food, pledges to narrow down your choice of lunchbreak destinations. Hit yum or yuk on photos of dishes in your area. Juvenile, but strangely addictive. Free Daily Yoga This offers more than 50 yoga sessions, as well as a database of 500 yoga poses. Suitable for all levels, programmes include yoga aimed at specific areas of the body and weight loss. Namaste to that. Free Coffee Meets Bagel Billed as the anti-Tinder, this new kid on the block delivers just a single match to users once a day. Coffee Meets Bagel uses Facebook profile information to recommend suitors based on friends of friends. Neither coffee nor bagels are included. Free. Bristlr Do you have a beard? Perhaps youd like to stroke one on a regular basis? This can be arranged. Unlike other dating apps, Bristlr is unashamedly all about hooking up the hairy with the hairless. Theres even a beard-rating option for aficionados. Free

The website then provides you with a one-click option to the delete page for each platform - and we all know, half of the stress of deleting your accounts is finding the button to opt out in the first place.

The digital kill list doesnt upload any of your personal info. Instead it operates from your computer and promises not to share data with third-parties.

Are you thinking now might be a good time to scale back your online footprint? Temporary freedom is just one click away...

Follow us on Twitter: @eslifeandstyle
T aking a vehicle on a road trip inspired by its name is fraught with danger. You could end up parking a Volkswagen hatchback on a squally littoral wasteland in the pouring rain, or find yourself in the Gorbals aboard Audis answer to the S-Class.

Either way, nice car. But what a way to use it.

The Skoda Yeti is a nice car, too. But this this really IS the way to use it.

Were in Bhutan. Not many people can say that, and fewer still while grasping a steering wheel. Imagine a nation with only 47 cars: no, not Britain a couple of years after Article 50, but Bhutan as recently as the early seventies.

Even today, there are only 50,000. Though there were times on this trip when it felt like all of them were coming towards us at once. Not good when youre two inches from a cliff edge.

Justin Leighton

Having travelled from Samdrup Jongkhar on the Indian frontier, weve climbed into the mountains of eastern Bhutan. By climbed, were talking about the sort of landscapes that give you altitude sickness. And if they dont, the roads might give you vertigo.

Oh, and if the altitude doesnt get you feeling a bit green, how does a 425-mile round trip containing 40,000 corners sound? Somebody counted once. And thats what were undertaking here.

Our destination is a wildlife reserve. A wildlife reserve which is reputed by local folklore to be the home of the actual yeti.

Worth it, especially if we see one.

On the way, we tackle whats known colloquially as the Death Road. All resemblances to the M25 end there. It starts innocently enough, with cows strolling around and people waving cheerily as we pass slowly by.

Justin Leighton

We certainly stand out enough to be noticed, our convoy of Yetis a starkly modern counterpoint to the otherwise ubiquitous Tata wagons grinding their way up the mountains. These examples (ours was a 4x4 Outdoor SE L with the very necessary Rough Road pack) were built in India, but theres no appreciable difference at all to the UK fare.

So, the Death Road. Weve climbed, and climbed some more, and now here we are dwarfed by the sea of trucks all around us. To one side is a chaotic jumble of recently landslipped rocks, to the other a sheer drop into oblivion. Said drop is less than six inches away, and someone is suggesting that we reverse.

We in turn suggest they reverse (or at least offer some advice as to something they might like to consider reversing on to). Sorry, Brits abroad and everything, but this aint happening.

What happens next perhaps defines Bhutan as a country that hasnt got bored of being friendly to visitors yet. Someone gets out of his car and starts directing traffic so that we, the inexperienced incomers in the midst of their everyday hurly-burly, can squeeze through.

Later, parked up and still a bit churned up, I return to my car to find a monk blessing it. Chants, incense, the lot. Perhaps matey from back down the mountain had phoned ahead to let him know I needed help.

Justin Leighton

The second leg of the journey is going to be easier, though: its on a new road.

Dream on. Yes, it is a road. And it is new. But if it were in Britain, it would have one of those Unsuitable for Motors signs that make hairy-buttocked 4x4 drivers come over all macho.

I dont suppose anyone back home would choose a Yeti for green lane-ing. But if they saw what ours went through, grounding out on rocks all the while and banging into V-gullies in the moments between hanging us in our seatbelts on hill descent control, they might question the need for that 35-tyred Defender.

One thing the Yeti doesnt have is low range. If it had, though, how much of the 435 miles do you think wed have spent in it? The lot. Every mile. The highest gear we ever got into was third.

Youll understand, then, that finally arriving at Sakteng wildlife sanctuary feels a little like putting in to port. There are no other cars here, and they only get a couple of dozen tourists each year, which frankly seems a bit rubbish when there are yetis living here.

Is the yeti real, we ask? Beliefs dont have to equate to tangible things, they reply. Good God, all this way and weve found a PR man.

Oh, and weve found him at 3500 metres above sea level. Take the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales and put them in a pile, and our Yeti is currently hovering about 100 metres above the top.

Which means we still have to get back down. It takes 14 hours, and by the end of it our nerves are shot. Were shattered, sore and beaten, were thrilled to have just made this trip but my word were glad to be back.

The Yetis, though? Theyve taken it in their stride. Which, of course, is as it should be. After all, for them it was just a trip home to meet the family
A City worker is fighting for life after suffering mystery head injuries following a night out with friends in south London.

KPMG Japan specialist Christopher Mapleston, 29, is in a critical condition in hospital and has been unable to tell detectives how he suffered a fractured skull

Investigating officers believe he may have fallen or been the victim of a violent robbery as he was found without his iPhone 6.

He was last seen by friends as he ran for a N343 bus close to Peckham Rye railway station between 1.30 and 2am on November 20.

An hour later, he was found critically injured in middle of Arbuthnot Road in New Cross, a residential street two miles away.

He was last seen running for a night bus near Peckham Rye station at around 2am before being found an hour later two miles away lying in the road with head injuries.

His father Richard Mapleston, who works in IT for Shell, said the whole family - including his two sisters, mother Jan, 61, a GP, and Japanese wife Akane, 35 - were devastated by what had happened.

He said they were still waiting for CCTV footage from the bus to try to piece together his movements, and urged people who know anything to come forward.

He told the Standard: There are so many unanswered questions. Like why was he found where he was, parallel to his own street. Where is his phone? How did he come to hit his head? Was he attacked? Somebody must have seen him on the bus.

There are a lot of aspects that dont hang together. It is a mystery.

Mr Mapleston was found by a good samaritan passing through the residential street in a taxi, his father said.

They pulled over and immediately dialled 999, and he was rushed to hospital.

Mr Mapleston, 62, said family have travelled from Japan to lend their support, to try to help him recover by will-power, but his progress has been slow.

It is an extremely serious injury - he has bruising on his brain. He is still on a ventilator. He half opens his eyes but we dont know if anything is going on behind his eyes. He could be like that forever.

We are still taking to him all the time, we pray - just trying to get some glimmer of a response, but the doctors are disappointed with his progress.

Mr Mapleston, an avid Japanese pop music vinyl collector, studied at Nottingham University before moving to SOAS.

Co-workers at KPMG today said they were devastated and called him a well-respected and well-liked colleague in our tax team.

Emma Baylis, a KPMG partner said: We have been absolutely devastated to hear what has happened to Chris. We are all hoping that Chris makes a full and speedy recovery and his friends and family are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Detective Constable Terry Martin, from Lewisham CID, said: We cannot be certain whether Christophers injury was the result of a fall or an attack.

One line of inquiry is that he may have been the victim of a robbery as he was found without his iPhone 6.

I would like to speak with anyone who saw Christopher between the railway station and Arbuthnot Road. He was wearing a distinctive green camouflage jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lewisham police on 101.
A driver was arrested after a young motorcyclist was killed in a crash with a car in east London.

Paramedics fought to save the 23-year-old but he was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash in Leyton.

Police said the driver of the car - a 49-year-old man  was arrested for a number of offences including causing death by dangerous driving.

Emergency services raced to the scene of the crash in Orient Way at about 9.15am on Wednesday. Officers said the man died about half an hour later.

A Met Police spokesman said: Next of kin have been informed.

"Formal identification awaits and a post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.

The car stopped at the scene and a 49-year-old man was arrested for a number of offences including causing death by dangerous driving. He is currently in custody at an east London police station.

Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
A French tourist has been stabbed to death in front of his horrified wife on the same Australian Outback road where Briton Peter Falconio was murdered 15 years ago.

The 33-year-old tourist died when he was stabbed in the neck in what police described as an unprovoked attack after the couple had pulled in to a layby 80 miles north of Alice Springs.

The attack was on the same Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory where Mr Falconio was murdered in 2001.

The British backpacker had been driving with his girlfriend Joanne Lees when he was tricked into pulling over by Bradley John Murdoch and then shot. Ms Lees managed to escape into the bush while Murdoch was moving Mr Falconios body.

Murdoch was convicted of murder in 2005 and jailed for a minimum of 28 years. He refused to reveal the location of Mr Falconios body, which has never been found.

Peter Falconio was murdered in 2001. His body was never found

The alleged killer of the French tourist, who has yet to be named, was arrested early today after a police chase through rugged bushland.

The travellers had pulled into the rest stop known as Connor Well when they were approached by a 35-year-old man, Detective Superintendent Travis Wurst said in Darwin today.

The man has allegedly then stabbed the male tourist to the neck in an unprovoked attack.

Superintendent Wurst said the mans wife was taken to hospital in Alice Springs where she was being treated for shock.

As one would expect, the lady is particularly traumatised by this event, said Superintendent Wurst.

This is an absolutely devastating occurrence for her and for the family of the man as well.

The police officer said it was believed the rest stop was empty except for the French couple and the suspect.

Australias ABC reported that the wife, 30, flagged down a nurse and her husband in a passing car.

The nurse stayed with the couple while her husband drove more than 20 miles to the nearest roadhouse to raise the alarm late yesterday afternoon.

He reportedly tailed the alleged attackers car as he travelled along the highway to the roadhouse.

BJ Gorman, the manager of the Aileron Roadhouse, told ABC that a man came in to call for help.

We had a fella come in here to call the police, saying there was a stabbing at Connor Well, he said.

[He said] some fella, some tourist got stabbed... said another fella did stab him and took off.

Police were alerted and the alleged attackers car was later spotted.

Police saw that vehicle near Ti Tree; as soon as that vehicle had seen police it stopped and the person ran into the bush, Detective Superintendent Wurst said.

Police were quite some distance away at the time, and because of that distance we werent able to apprehend him at that time.

Police stayed in the area overnight and at first light today sent up a helicopter, and found and arrested the man nearby shortly afterwards at 8.30am.
MIAMI, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VPR Brands, LP (OTC:VPRB).



Change of SIC Code

VPR Brands, LP (the Company) announces today that the Securities and Exchange Commission has approved VPR Brands, LPs (the Company) request to change its SIC Code to 2100 Tobacco Products. Kevin Frija, the Companys CEO stated that: This change of SIC Code was completed to more accurately reflect our current business.

Amendment of Share Purchase Agreements

The Company also announced today that it had entered into an agreement with each of Kevin Frija, the Companys CEO and Chairman, and Jon Pan, a member of the Companys Board of Directors.

The amendments operated to amend the Share Purchase Agreements entered into between the Company and each of Mr. Frija and Mr. Pan on June 1, 2015, to terminate any unexercised options held by Mr. Frija or Mr. Pan under such agreements to acquire 30,000,000 shares of common units of the Company.

CEO Kevin Frija stated: With the retirement of these outstanding options we feel we are off to a fantastic start to building shareholder confidence. Mr. Frija continued: Initially we set up these options which allowed us to fund the Company back in 2015 when there were no employees or business to speak of, since then we have come a long way adding value to the Company. These past months we have really turned a corner with our newly acquired business and our stock attracting a new investor base. We feel that we need to take the right steps to maintain and build shareholder equity. Our current units outstanding amount is $50,672,125.

Financing Note

The Company is also announcing the signing of a new financing note with DiamondRock LLC. This $500,000 note has terms that we feel reflect the current market, while more in line with our current stock price. This note will allow us to draw down as needed to finance our ongoing and new business ventures and will better serve the Company's needs.

Neil Rock, Principal at DiamondRock, stated: We are pleased to be able to support Kevin and his team going forward and we are excited to be chosen to do this deal. We had invested in a previous company early on and we were there to witness the growth that Kevin was able to drive with the capital we invested and we are happy to be getting in on the ground floor in this new venture.

About VPR Brands LP

VPR Brands, LP (the Company) is a technology holding company, whose assets include issued U.S. and Chinese patents for atomization related products including technology for medical marijuana vaporizers and electronic cigarette products and components. The Company is also engaged in product development for the vapor or vaping market, including e-liquids. Electronic cigarettes (also known as ecigs or e-cigs) are electronic devices which deliver nicotine through atomization, or vaping of e-liquids and without smoke and other chemicals constituents typically found in traditional tobacco burning cigarette products.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause future results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. This press release contains information relating to the Company that is based on the beliefs of the Company or its management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company or its management. When used in this document, the words anticipate, estimate, expect, intend, plans, projects, and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of the Company regarding future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties noted. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or projected. In each instance, forward-looking information should be considered in light of the accompanying meaningful cautionary statements herein. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, successful performance of internal plans, the impact of competitive services and pricing and general economic risks, estimated, expected, intended or projected. In each instance, forward-looking information should be considered in light of these uncertainties. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements.
A retired Met police officer who sexually assaulted young girls over a period of more than three decades has been jailed.

James Belam, 73, was sentenced to eight years behind bars for a string of sexual offences on girls aged under 16 that began in the mid-1980s and continued until at least August 2015.

Belam, who worked as a police constable in Waltham Forest, admitted the offences at Snaresbrook Crown Court on November 4 and was sentenced on Thursday.

He was initially arrested after one of his victims came forward in 2015 but more and more women quickly began contacting police to share similar tales of abuse.

It is not believed any of the offences were committed while Belam was on duty.

Detective Inspector Stuart Cheek said: "This conviction shows that no matter when offences like this take place they will be investigated thoroughly and those responsible will be brought to justice.

"It is clear from his pattern of offending that Belam thought he could get away with the offences that spanned a period of three decades. He continued to sexually abuse young girls until his arrest.

"Thanks to the bravery of the victims coming forward, he now faces a lengthy jail term and will have to face up to his horrendous crimes."
A 46-year-old man has been arrested after a series of racist mock Pokemon stickers appeared at London Tube stations and bus stops.

British Transport Police launched an investigation last week after disgusted commuters discovered the stickers, branded P***mon.

The stickers mimicked the popular childrens card game where players are awarded points for collecting Pokemon based on their rarity.

Offensive stickers featuring Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and former member of the self-styled Muslim patrols Jordan Horner were spotted at Borough Tube station in south London.

A 29-year-old man, from Clapham, who asked not to be named, shared a picture of two of the stickers on social media.

He told the Standard he wanted to show other people how appallingly racist they were.

A 46-year-old man from Sutton, London was arrested by British Transport Police on suspicion of inciting racial hatred on Thursday.

A BTP spokesman said: The arrest, which was supported by officers from the Metropolitan Police, is in connection with the appearance of racist Pokemon style stickers on the London Underground and at bus stops throughout the capital.

The man remains in police custody as enquiries continue.
T he devastated mother of a teenage pizza delivery rider who died in a road crash today called for a change in the law after the motorist whose car killed him was spared prison.

Lee Dennis, 18, lost his fight for life in hospital two days after being thrown over the handles of his motorbike when a car pulled out in front of him in south London.

His mother today paid tribute to her hard-working and caring son, who ran his own window-cleaning company and was working his second job as a pizza courier at the time of the crash in March last year.

Ivy Rowe, a student who was driving the Peugeot 206, was yesterday sentenced to 200 hours community service after being convicted of causing death by careless driving.

Lee Dennis, 18, died after being hit by a car

Inner London Crown Court heard that she failed to check the road was clear before turning right across Clapham Common North Side into Victoria Rise, pulling directly in front of Mr Denniss Honda motorbike.

Mr Dennis was catapulted over the handlebars and suffered fatal injuries as he hit the road.

His mother Sarah Jackson, who has five other children, said the sentence was not justice.

She told the Standard: Its not justice, my child cant walk through my door and say Mum, Im here.

Lee had everything going for him, he was building up his own window cleaning business as well as working for Dominos at night."

Ms Jackson added: I cant believe she [Rowe] wasnt given a custodial sentence. The law needs to be changed.

CCTV of the crash showed Mr Dennis had his headlights on as he approached the turning, while Rowe had stopped before turning and was indicating. Although it was dark, the road was well-lit and clear of other traffic.

The court heard Rowe, a student at Kingston University who celebrates her 22nd birthday today, took the same route regularly through Clapham, and stopped immediately after the crash.

Richard Wolmald, defending, said Rowe has undergone counselling for a year after the crash and her studies have been affected.

Sentencing, Judge Mark Bishop QC praised Mr Dennis family for their dignity throughout the trial, saying the death has had a devastating effect.

Lee was clearly a fine young man who was deeply loved, he said.

Rowe, of Kennington, denied the charge but was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month community order with 200 hours of community service.
A young man has been stabbed to death during a brawl outside student halls in west London.

Police were called to The Costume Store in Victoria Road, North Acton just after 6.30pm to reports of a fight and found a man in his 20s suffering from stab injuries.

He was rushed by paramedics to a west London hospital but died a short while later, police said.

The man is believed to be a student at the University of Arts London.

Stunned witnesses told the Standard the man received life-saving treatment on the street in front of horrified bystanders before he was taken to hospital.

Scene: Roads around the student halls have been taped off after a young man was stabbed to death

A pub manager, who works nearby, visited the scene minutes after paramedics arrived.

She said: I spoke to a girl who saw what happened.

She said that two guys were pushing each other and one stabbed the other and then ran off.

I went down there and they were doing CPR for about 20 minutes. They were still trying to save him when they put him in the ambulance.

There were people stood around but I think the girl I spoke to was the only one who witnessed it. She was shocked. I heard it was student.

Police have taped off roads in North Acton / James Thatcher

Nothing really happens around here, its very quiet so it is shocking that this has happened.

Another man told the Standard the student was stabbed by an attacker who dropped the knife and fled from the scene.

He said a "manhunt" was under way. No arrests have been made.

Witnesses described a "massive and swift" response from emergency services as they raced to the scene and taped off roads near North Acton station, which was shut.

A row of police cars were pictured outside the student halls which are being searched by sniffer dogs, witnesses claimed.

Scotland Yard said the victims family have not been informed but he is yet to be formally identified

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

A crime scene remains in place at the scene which is outside University of the Arts London accommodation.

The Standard has contacted the university for a comment.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A teenage boy has been charged with the manslaughter of a Polish man who died from head injuries after being attacked in Harlow.

Arkadiusz Jozwik, a factory worker known as Arek, was allegedly attacked outside a takeaway in August and died from head injuries two days later.

The Crown Prosecution Service has announced that a 15-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter in connection with his death.

The boy was arrested in August along with five other teens who were later released without charge.

Memorial event: Floral tributes were laid at the event for Arek Jozwik / PA

It is believed that Mr Jozwik, 40, was at a takeaway restaurant with two friends on the night of August 27 when the incident happened.

Initial reports suggested it was being considered a possible hate crime but it is understood that prosecutors are not treating it as such.

Tragic scenes: A candlelit vigil was held in Harlow / PA

Following his death, Harlow residents held a candlelit vigil to pay tribute to Mr Jozwik.
A playboy finance boss who sexually assaulted two women during Wolf of Wall Street-style drunken parties at his City headquarters has been jailed for 12 months.

Anthony Constantinou, 34, kissed one of his victims in the ladies toilets after plying her with alcohol at a bash to celebrate making 1 million profit on the trading floor.

Another woman was force-fed spicy wasabi by Constantinou during a volatile boardroom meeting, before he pinned her against a wall and kissed her like a piece of meat.

He boasted: You cant say no to a Greek man after the attack, and she likened Constantinous behaviour at the meeting to Leonardo DiCaprios outrageous trader character in hit film The Wolf of Wall Street.

The sex attacks both happened at the Heron Tower headquarters of Constantinous City financial group Capital World Markets (CWM).

Jailing him for 12 months, Judge Nicholas Cooke QC said: Sexual bullying in the workplace blights lives.

This defendant knew what he was doing when he did what he did  no one should have to put up with what he did to her.

Rejecting Constantinous pleas for a suspended sentence, the judge added: These were two separate women and the effects on them were real.

He showed precious little humanity to these two young women.

Constantinou denied attacking the women but was found guilty of two charges of sexual assault following a trial at the Old Bailey. He was acquitted of a third charge by the jury and cleared of three further sex assault today after the prosecution opted not to pursue a retrial.

The former City boss rubbed his face and then looked to his wife Penny in the public gallery as he was sentenced.

At the height of his success, Constantinou was pictured meeting Princess Anne, signing sponsorship deals with the London Boat Show and Chelsea FC, and backing a Honda team in the MotoGP.

His Greek Cypriot father Aristos arrived in the UK in the early 1960s, building a successful fashion empire in the capital and moving the family to a seven-bed mansion in The Bishops Avenue  affectionately dubbed Billionaires Row.

However, their lives were shattered when Anthony Constantinou was just three, in 1985, when Aristos was gunned down at their family home in the notorious Silver Bullet murder.

Constantinou followed in his fathers path as an entrepreneur, building the CWM brand which made significant sums in foreign exchange trading.

However, his City career came to a shuddering halt when the sex assault claims were first made, and he has been working for his wifes business during the legal proceedings.

One victim told the trial she was plied with vodka and orange drinks at a party in Constantinous office, while nightclub-style music blared out because the dealers made a 1m profit.

Constantinou pulled her out of the office when she was already quite drunk, pinning her against a frosted glass partition and kissing her, and ignored her protestations that he had only recently married.

The trial heard Constantinou held weekly alcohol-fuelled parties in his office which his staff felt pressured into attending, and he had a habit of firing people who made minor mistakes that angered him.

The other victim, who did not work for CWM, was attacked at a meeting with Constantinou, when he told her she had great arse and tits and boasted I can say whatever the f**k I like.

The City boss, who had been drinking, insisted she share a bottle of wine with him, and at one point shoved a lump wasabi into her mouth, forcing her to flee the office.

Constantinou followed her, grabbed her by the shoulder, pinned her against the glass partition and in a disgusting and derogatory manner as if she was a piece of meat he stuck his tongue down her throat, said prosecutor Eloise Marshall.

As she left his offices, Constantinou shouted dont ever f**k with me and added: People like you are never going to get anywhere if you just f**k people over.

Ms Marshall told the court: She described the atmosphere that day as very Wolf of Wall Street.

The first victim told the court she has been through psychological torment because of Constantinous actions, saying: It feels like he has stolen a part of me and trampled all over me like its garbage.

The second woman said she lives in constant fear at the prospect of seeing Constantinou again: If I could rewind time and never go to that meeting, I would in a heartbeat  I wouldnt wish that feeling on anybody.

Miranda Moore QC, defending, said Constantinou has now turned his life around, but wasnt all bad and had been painted him as a capricious, volatile woman hater.

Maybe it was too much power too young, she added.

Constantinou, of Wildwood Road, Hampstead, north London, denied all six charges of sexual assault.

He was convicted of two, acquitted by the jury of a third, and jurors were unable to decide on a further three charges. Judge Cooke today found Constantinou not guilty of the outstanding charges.

He adjourned a prosecution application to recover more than 27,000 in costs from the case.

Constantinou will serve half his sentence and will have to sign the sex offenders register for the next ten years.
A woman has been jailed after police found a sawn-off shotgun in her bedroom wardrobe in south-west London.

Tahira Nelson-Warburton, of Strathdon Drive, Wandsworth, was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to cause fear or violence.

Police searching her home in Strathdon Drive discovered a rucksack in her wardrobe which contained, wrapped in clothing, a shotgun and ammunition.

Officers searched the bedroom further and found a makeup bag in a chest of drawers which contained more ammunition. They also found a large amount of cash.

Nelson-Warburton, 27, who was at the address when the search was carried out, was arrested and charged on the same day, Friday, August 5.

She is believed to have been holding the gun for another person.

Detective Constable Martin Reader, of the Trident and Area Crime Command, said: "We will continue to target anyone who is storing a gun, or helping to hide them from the police as this conviction shows.

"Gun crime has a devastating affect on communities and families. Anyone found to be involved in the storing or use of lethal firearms will face a significant custodial sentence."

A 21-year-old woman who was also arrested as part of the investigation was released with no further action.

Nelson-Warburton was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday.
K enton Cool pointed to the summit half-covered in cloud and said: Thats where were gonna climb today, boys. The three teenagers from the youth club in Hackney gazed up in awe. Ahead, rising steeply above a picture-postcard cwm, were the forbidding Glyders  1,001m Glyder Fawr and 994m Glyder Fach, Waless fifth and sixth highest peaks.

Has anyone died climbing that? asked Kieran Bryzek, 17. This is my first time on a mountain, said Shea Wild, 15. Connor Clarke, 16, added: I just dont wanna fall. Kieran added with relish: You mess up, you die.

It had taken five hours for mountaineer Kenton, 42, to drive us from London to Ogwen Cottage Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Snowdonia National Park. Earlier this year he raised an Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund banner at the top of Everest to mark his 12th summit  a UK and European record  and vowed to take disadvantaged inner-city youths up a mountain to show them anything is possible when you have the willpower.

In Snowdonia, his plan was to scale three peaks in two days and camp wild overnight at the top. Senior youth worker Dominic Hinshelwood picked the three youngsters who were taking part and joined us on the trek.

Dominic, who works at Laburnum Boat Club  recipient of a Dispossessed Fund grant for their work with Hackney youth  said: Kieran was kicked out of school for fighting and has anger management issues, but hes more in control now and I want to give him a chance. Connors doing an apprenticeship but he can withdraw into himself and has self-belief issues so this trip could be transformative. Shea has never been on a mountain but shows huge talent on Laburnums climbing wall, so to put him in touch with a great mountaineering guide like Kenton is an opportunity not to be missed.

Life-changing: Everest climb the adventurer has taken three Hackney teenagers on a trek in Snowdonia joined by campaigns editor David Cohen

The aim is to put them into a situation they perceive as risky but is relatively safe, because if they conquer it, it will give them the resources to draw on when they face challenging experiences in life, like job interviews. As we packed rucksacks and loaded tents and food supplies, Kenton began his briefing: There are three rules. Stay safe. Have fun. Summit. Climbing mountains is all about getting to summit.

The path started with a stroll to a picturesque lake but then climbed steeply and soon we were huffing and puffing. When does it get flat? panted Connor when we stopped for water. When were back in London, retorted Kieran. We looked over the lake far below. Whats that river in the distance? asked Kieran. Thats not a river, thats the sea, said Shea, pointing towards Colwyn Bay about 20km away. Oh my days, amazing, exclaimed Connor.

After another 90 minutes of climbing we stopped for a lunch of sandwiches and fruit. The most strenuous part was still to come and Kenton set out the options. We can go straight up and pick our way through that rockface or head over that ridge, he said. Lets do whatever is harder, retorted Kieran. As we levered ourselves rock by rock up the precipitous escarpment, conversation ceased. The next 45 minutes was all adrenaline-pumping anxiety and intense focus. A slip could lead to a 30m fall and a broken limb. Eventually we breasted the escarpment ledge and fell in a heap, unhinging our rucksacks from our sweat-soaked backs.

Connor grinned: That was scary. I slipped about 10 times. I thought I was a goner. Im glad I done it though. If Kenton wasnt here to lead us, I would have stayed at the bottom. Kenton spoke of the importance of challenging yourself in life and building towards goals step by step, minute by minute, day by day, year by year.

But there was more to go. We can leave our bags here, its only another 15-minute scramble to the summit, he said. Connor looked shocked. Wont somebody steal our bags? he asked. Not up here, said Kenton.

The 15-minute scramble turned out to be an hour of tricky climbing, but Shea and Kieran were in their element, skipping across the slab-shaped rocks like mountain goats. As we got to the top of Glyder Fach and sat on a cantilevered slab with 360-degree views, Shea said: I cant believe we started the day in London and ended it up here. This is epic.

By the time we had scaled our second peak, Glyder Fawr (just another 15 minutes, promised Kenton) and descended slippery scree to our campsite atop a 700m plateau (just another 15 minutes, he quipped), dusk was falling. We put up tents and huddled against the chill around a gas burner to cook pasta with tuna and tomato sauce. As Kenton deployed his Swiss Army Knife to open a can of tuna, Kieran said: Just stab it. Where we come from, stabbing is the answer to everything. The teenagers bantered about whether carrying a Swiss army knife on the streets is legal. Kenton directed their gaze to the horizon: Do you see that sunset? You dont get that in Hackney, do you? After dinner, Kieran helped tidy up, crushing the tuna cans with his boot. You can always give the tins to Kieran to take out his anger, said Shea.

The next morning we set off for our third summit, 947m Y Garn. The gradient was gentler and the group relaxed, each boy taking it in turn to walk and talk to Kenton. Kieran was reflective. Yesterday, coming down the steep scrambling part, I sat down exhausted and wanted to stop, but I learned this weekend not to give up. Connor said: The more you do it, the less scared you feel. Shea looked ebullient.

As we headed down, knackered after covering 16km in two days, Dominic, 51, summed it up: These three will have a different weekend story to tell on Monday. Its been incredible to see their confidence grow. Thanks to Kenton, they have taken risks, not just physically, but emotionally by opening up. What they have achieved this weekend is bedrock  it will stay with them for a very, very long time.
A teacher faces a classroom ban after he allegedly condoned the Charlie Hebdo terror attack in front of pupils at a Tower Hamlets school.

Hamza Jalal Tariq, 28, effectively said during a lesson that the victims murdered by Islamist gunmen should be killed for insulting the prophet, a professional conduct panel ruled.

The panel heard Tariq made the comment in response to a student just days after 12 people were murdered in the French satirical newspapers Paris office in January last year.

Tariq was a teacher at Tower Hamlets PRU, which has four sites across the east London borough, since 2013, but resigned after the accusations surfaced.

They were presented before a National College for Teaching and Leadership professional conduct panel this week, which has found the Charlie Hebdo incident proven, along with a host of other allegations which it said amounted to unacceptable professional conduct.

Tariq, who denied the majority of the allegations, was also found to have:

 Given a pupil a wedgie, which involves pulling a persons underwear tightly up around their backside as a practical joke. A witness said the student subjected to it clearly felt ashamed by the behaviour

 flicked rubber bands at students and had play fights with them, in which he would pick students up and grapple with them

 Called another teacher a f***ing b**** and a snitch in front of pupils

 Said it was safe - meaning good - that a student had been excluded from a class for bad language

 Facilitated students being able to smoke and smoked in their view

 Allowed pupils to play computer games and watch YouTube videos in his class

 Sworn in front of pupils, likely on multiple occasions

The Charlie Hebdo incident was said to have happened, according to one witness, when a student informed Tariq of the attack during a lesson he was assisting with and in response, in front of other pupils, said words to the effect that they should be killed for insulting the prophet.

Tariq was a teacher at Tower Hamlets PRU / Google StreetView

Tariq, who taught a class of up to 14 eleven to 14-year-olds, denied this, along with most of the other allegations, saying they were fabricated.

Tariq, who qualified at the University of East London before gaining further teaching qualifications at PRU, did not attend the hearing.

Terrorist attack: police officers gather in front of the offices of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo (Picture: PA)

From his home in Redbridge he told the Standard: It is a complete fabrication and utter joke from start to beginning. I cant remember these incidents being mentioned.

The victims of the Charlie Hebdo massacre 1 /10 The victims of the Charlie Hebdo massacre Charlie Hebdo's editor Stephane Charbonnier known as Charb (Picture: Rex) CHAMPALAUNE ROMAIN/SIPA/REX Caricaturist Bernard Verlhac, known as Tignous (EPA) EPA/TIM SOMERSET Victim Analyst and columnist Elsa Cayat Columnist Bernard Maris (Rex) Rex Cartoonist Philippe Honore, known as Honore (EPA) EPA/RICHARD BRUNEL Cartoonist Georges Wolinski (Rex) ANDERSEN ULF/SIPA/REX Ex-Mayor's aide Michel Renaud former chief-of-staff of the mayor of Clermont (EPA) EPA/PHOTO ROLAND AMADON Cartoonist Jean Cabut, known as Cabu (AFP) AFP PHOTO/BERTRAND GUAYBERTRAND GUAY

Charlie Hebdo has never been mentioned to me for me to know about so that I can give any explanation.

He said he did jump onto a table on one occasion and spudded pupils, a reference to the greeting in which two people tap knuckles.

But he claimed he did not even know what the name Charlie Hebdo referred to before the allegations were made and did not recall hearing it mentioned in the classroom as terrorism was discussed between pupils.

However, after finding the majority of allegations proven, the professional conduct panel found Tariqs conduct fell significantly short of the standards expected in the teaching profession and that he was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct. He now faces a ban.

The PRU school, or pupil referral unit, is a multi-site school for up to 200 children up to the age of 16, many of which have been excluded from mainstream education due to bad behaviour and have severe learning difficulties and behavioural issues. It scored Good in every single category in its last Ofsted inspection in January 2014.

A spokesman for Tower Hamlets council, which runs the school, said: Tower Hamlets Council were made aware of allegations against Mr Tariq in February 2015 and immediately initiated multi-agency child protection procedures in liaison with the Police Child Abuse Investigation Team accordingly.

The school subsequently followed the recommendations to fully investigate the concerns, to initiate disciplinary proceedings as necessary and subject to the outcome of this to make a referral to the NCTL as appropriate.
O ne in seven sexually active gay and bisexual men in London are living with HIV, it was revealed today.

Public Health England estimates that 40,250 people in the capital have HIV - including 4,420 who do not know that they have the virus.

The figures, revealed on World Aids Day, also show that almost half (43 per cent) of the new diagnoses of HIV across the country - 2,603 of 6,095 cases - were in London.

The prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men is classed as high in London. The one in seven figure compares to one in 25 nationwide. About 47,000 gay and bisexual men in the UK have HIV.

London also had the highest number of heterosexuals diagnosed with HIV, 679 cases last year.

This was down from 1,582 a decade ago, predominantly due to fewer reports among African-born men and women, reflecting changing migration patterns.

The vast majority of new infections are caused by unprotected sex, with the sharing of infected needles linked to about five per cent of cases. The UK had one of the highest rates of new HIV diagnosis in western Europe.

Public Health England admits that, despite the availability of free home-testing kits, many cases are diagnosed late.

Today a Tory MP warned that a postcode lottery meant that boroughs with the greatest number of new cases, such as Lambeth and Southwark, were being forced to cut HIV support services.

Mike Freer, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on HIV & Aids, said Governments decision to split support for people living with the condition between the NHS and local councils risked a public health failure.

The MP for Finchley and Golders Green said: In London rates of HIV are the highest in the country so it is particularly worrying that support services are being cut in boroughs such as Bexley. Bromley, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham.

Support services are really valued by the medical profession as they help people who are struggling with a diagnosis to adhere to their treatment. Unless a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, they are at risk of spreading the infection, so it is short sighted not to invest in this kind of service.

The PHE report said there were 1,373 gay and bisexual men diagnosed in London last year. The report said: Diagnoses made in London have accounted for much of the rise in the numbers of gay/bisexual men with HIV over the past decade.

Professor Yvonne Doyle, London regional director for Public Health England, said there was great work ongoing in the capital to tackle the HIV epidemic.

Dr Patrick French, a sexual health specialist and genitourinary medicine consultant at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, said:

Treatment for HIV is now so advanced that people can expect to live normal lives and have normal life expectancy; however early diagnosis plays a major role.

Cristian Sandulescu, 30, who was diagnosed with HIV in 2012, said: I would advise people to get tested for HIV, even if they dont perceive themselves to be at risk. Its quick, easy and extremely accurate.

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Being diagnosed with HIV was a positive change in my life. With excellent care and support from the loved ones I know I can continue to live a long and healthy life. This could have looked a lot different, had I not had the test.
WESTCHESTER, Ill., December 1, 2016 - Ingredion Incorporated, a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, has entered into an agreement with SweeGen, Inc., a company dedicated to the development and manufacture of stevia-based sweeteners, to be SweeGen's exclusive global distributor of the company's novel, nature-based stevia sweeteners in all markets except China. Ingredion will be a non-exclusive distributor in China.

SweeGen's zero-calorie sweeteners, made using pure stevia leaf extract and a novel, proprietary process, have an unparalleled clean, sugar-like taste and are suitable for use in a variety of foods and beverages. Ingredion will distribute these sweeteners initially in the United States and subsequently in other countries as additional regulatory approvals are granted.

"We are excited about the prospects of our promising and expansive partnership with Ingredion. Their strong go-to-market expertise and customer base complement our demand-driven R&D and manufacturing capabilities," said Steven Chen, CEO of SweeGen.

"SweeGen's nature-based products, made from stevia leaf extract, represent the next generation of stevia sweeteners. Along with our current sweetener offerings, these great-tasting sweeteners give us even more options to help our customers develop on-trend products that meet consumer demands for healthier foods and beverages with less sugar," said Anthony DeLio, Ingredion's chief innovation officer. "We look forward to working with SweeGen to bring, what we believe are, the best-tasting stevia sweeteners to customers all over the world," DeLio added.

Ingredion will begin distributing SweeGen products in February 2017.

ABOUT INGREDION

Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) is a leading global ingredient solutions provider. We turn corn, tapioca, potatoes and other vegetables and fruits into value-added ingredients and biomaterial solutions for the food, beverage, paper and corrugating, brewing and other industries. Serving customers in over 100 countries, our ingredients make yogurts creamy, candy sweet, paper stronger and face creams silky. Visit Ingredion.com to learn more.

ABOUT SweeGen

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CONTACT:

Investors: Heather Kos, 708-551-2592

Media: Claire Regan, 708-551-2602
A ctor Andrew Sachs, who played the well-loved Manuel in iconic comedy Fawlty Towers, has died aged 86.

Mr Sachs, from Kilburn in north west London, died at a care home last week following a four-year battle with dementia which he kept hidden from the public eye.

His widow, Melody, 85, revealed he had been diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2012, a disease which left him in a wheelchair and unable to speak.

Father-of-three Mr Sachs was best known for playing clumsy Spanish waiter Manuel in 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers alongside John Cleese and Prunella Scales.

Andrew Sachs - in pictures 1 /33 Andrew Sachs - in pictures 1975-1979 John Cleese as Basil Fawlty loses his temper whilst speaking to Andrew Sachs as Manuel, in a dining room scene from the BBC sitcom 'Fawlty Towers' BBC 1975-1979 John Cleese as Basil Fawlty, Prunella Scales as Sybil Fawlty, Connie Booth as Polly Sherman and Andrew Sachs as Manuel in 'Fawlty Towers  Re-Opened'. The hit series ran from 1975-79 BBC 1975-1979 John Cleese carries Andrew Sachs in a scene from 'Fawlty Towers' BBC 1975-1979 Sybil (Prunella Scales), Manuel (Andrew Sachs), Basil Fawlty (John Cleese), Polly (Connie Booth) in Fawlty Towers BBC 1975-1979 John Cleese and Andrew Sachs star in 'The Kipper and the Corpse' episode of 'Fawlty Towers' BBC 1975-1979 John Cleese as Basil, Connie Booth as Polly and Andrew Sachs star in 'The Anniversary' episode during Series 2 of 'Fawlty Towers' BBC 1978 Andrew Sachs as defence counsel Jeremy Nisbett in 'Crown Court' 1979 Actor Andrew Sachs as Manuel at charity jog for Friends of the Earth in 1979 with actors Joanna Lumley, Bonnie Langford and Susan Hampshire 1979 Andrew Sachs as Trinculo and Nigel Hawthorne as Stephano in the TV adaptation of The Tempest in 1979 1980 Andrew Sachs, star of British television comedy 'Fawlty Towers' with Warren Mitchell, star of 'Till Death Us Do Part,' at the Evening Standard Drama Awards Evening Standard 1981 Andrew Sachs standing outside Browns Hotel in London Daily Mail 1981 The world's worst waiter, Manuel from TV's 'Fawlty Towers', played by actor Andrew Sachs Keystone/Getty Images 1982 Andrew Sachs plays a roadsweeper in 'It's Your Move' 1982 Actor, Andrew Sachs, right, with his daughter Katie who married actor Charlie Baillie at the Priory Church in Hampstead 1985 Andrew Sachs plays Tony James, director of Playtime Electronics in 'There Comes A Time' 1991 Andrew Sachs as Stephen Kingsley in 'QED: Whatever Happened to the Leisure Age' 2006 Fenella Woolgar as Angela Moping, Prunella Scales as Lady Moping, Andrew Sachs as Mr Loveday and David Warner as Lord Moping star in BBC's 'Mr Loveday's Little Outing' in 2006. BBC 2008 Andrew Sachs and John Cleese reprise their Fawlty Towers roles for 'We Are Most Amused', celebrating the 60th Birthday of HRH The Prince of Wales, at the New Wimbledon Theatre in 2008 Ken McKay/ ITV/Rex 2008 Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross broadcasting in 2008 before making an apology to actor Andrew Sachs on Brand's BBC Radio 2 show for leaving offensive messages on the answerphone of Mr Sachs - who played Spanish waiter Manuel in Fawlty Towers BBC 2008 Actor Andrew Sachs outside his home in north London. He said he was "not surprised" by the suspension by the BBC of Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross Tim Ireland/PA 2009 Jonathan Ross apologises for his part in the Sachsgate affair at the beginning of the Jonathan Ross show in 2009 which returned to BBC1 following his suspension over the lewd phone calls made to actor Andrew Sachs which were aired on Radio 2. BBC 2009 Andrew Sachs as Ramsay Clegg features with Malcolm Hebden as Norris Cole in ITV's Coronation Street in 2009 ITV 2009 Andrew Sachs and wife Melody arriving for the 2009 British Soap Awards at the BBC Television Centre in London Ian West/PA 2009 Prunella Scales, John Cleese, Connie Booth and Andrew Sachs are seen promoting two Fawlty Towers specials created to commemorate the 30 years Fawlty Towers Anniversary Ian West/PA 2012 Andrew Sachs attends a reception to celebrate London 2012 at Maison de Monaco on August 9, 2012 in London Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images

His death has led to an outpouring of tributes, with fellow actor Tony Robinson calling him a "true friend and kindred spirit".

He was best known for playing Manuel in comedy Fawlty Towers (Getty Images) / Keystone/Getty Images

Mr Sachs' wife Melody, who was taken into intensive care following the stress of caring for him, told the Daily Mail: "My heart has been broken every day for a long time."

She added: "I never once heard him grumble.

"We were happy, we were always laughing, we never had a dull moment. He had dementia for four years and we didn't really notice it at first until the memory started going.

"It didn't get really bad until quite near the end. I nursed Andrew, I was there for every moment of it."

Mr Sachs with his Fawlty Towers co-stars Prunella Scales, John Cleese and Connie Booth in 2009. / Getty Images

Mr Sachs, who also appeared in Dr Who, Coronation Street and Casualty, was born in Berlin and settled in Kilburn when he was eight years old after his parents fled the Nazis.

His wife of 57 years, Melody, starred in an episode of the hit comedy series in popular episode Basil the Rat.

Mr Sach's death sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media.

Comedian Tony Robinson said it was "so sad" Mr Sachs had died.

Others called him a "comedy genius" who played one of the funniest TV characters of all time.

Samuel West, whose mother Prunella Scales starred alongside Sachs in Fawlty Towers, added: "Creator of one of our most beloved EU migrants. Such warmth and wit; impossible to think of him without smiling."

Andrew Sachs in character as Manuel in 1992. / PA

Comedy writer Edgar Wright said Sachs "spun comic gold as Manuel in Fawlty Towers".

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In 2008 Mr Sachs made unwanted headlines after Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand made a prank call to the actor on the radio about his granddaughter.
A ngry commuters faced fresh travel chaos after a signal fault sparked major rush hour delays at some of London's busiest stations.

Pictures shared on social media showed passengers crammed onto concourses at Victoria and London Bridge following severe disruption on the Southern network.

The mayhem was caused by a signalling problem at Balcombe, West Sussex, which resulted in delays at least an hour long on Southern and Gatwick Express services.

Software engineer Karl Tinawi, 29, told the Standard: "London Bridge on arrival was packed with people both above ground and on the lower concourse.

"A stampede of frustrated people were descending to platform 14 when the platform was finally shown on the screens. Definitely stressful and chaotic.

"Some passengers took it upon themselves to inform others of whatever information they managed to gather by harassing station staff.

"The atmosphere on the train was quiet but tense. An entire town seemed to be in my carriage."

The scene at London Bridge on Thursday evening / Graham Miller

Meanwhile Chris Pearson described the scenes at Victoria station as a "circus of chaos".

Another man added: "Pretty disastrous commute out of #victoriastation tonight."

Emma Jane said: "So after being delayed every journey this week we now have #balcombe."

Charlotte Banks added: "Another fun day of travel with @SouthernRailUK what's the excuse for the delays at London Bridge today? This is so tiresome."

A Southern Rail spokesman said: "An earlier fault with the signalling system between Brighton and Three Bridges is causing disruption to Southern and Gatwick Express services leaving Brighton and London VIctoria.

"Network Rail engineers have now fixed the fault. However, disruption is expected until the end of the day."

The company has said tickets will be accepted on other routes, as well as the Tube and buses.

The fresh chaos comes the day after 17 London stations were shut during rush hour in what one commuter said was the worst evening in her seven years working in London.

Tottenham Court Road and Holborn stations were shut at around 6pm due to overcrowding, while similar scenes were witnessed around Kings Cross, Knightsbridge, Oxford Circus, Victoria and Bond Street.

The mayhem followed on from a day of disruption on the London Underground which began during morning rush hour when signal failures sparked severe delays on the Victoria, Northern and District lines.
L ondoners have blasted this year's Trafalgar Square Christmas tree after it was unveiled to the public with critics branding it a gherkin draped in lights.

Hundreds of excited people braved the cold weather at 6pm this evening to witness the unveiling of the world famous tree at a lighting ceremony.

But for many the experience was an underwhelming one, with some saying the tree, which is donated every year by Norway, looked more like a vegetable than a spruce.

One said on Twitter: If the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is anything to go by, Norway clearly hates London.

Another added: "Oi Norway, next year can we get a tree and not a gherkin."

Chloe Wood said: "Is the Christmas tree in #TrafalgarSquare meant to look like a giant illuminated cucumber."

A number of people took to social media to blame the tree's disappointing look on its decorations.

However not everyone objected to the tree, with one person saying: "Very excited to see the switch on of the Christmas tree lights in Trafalgar Square."

The Norway Spruce has been donated by Oslo since 1947 in what has become a festive tradition.

The annual gift is to show lasting gratitude for the support Britain gave Norway during the Second World War.
F urious activists gathered outside the office of leading architect Patrik Schumacher to protest his calls for "free-riding" council tenants to be moved out of central London.

In a hugely controversial speech last week Mr Schumacher, director of Zaha Hadid Architects in Clerkenwell, also praised Londons foreign second home owners even if theyre here only for a few weeks and suggested that 80 per cent of Hyde Park should be built over.

Protesters met at the entrance to his world-renowned firm at 1pm carrying banners and signs which labelled Mr Schumacher's comments as "fascist".

Using a megaphone, the group of around 25 people demanded he come down from his office and discuss his outlandish views with them.

John Bone said his views were protesting "fascism".

Crowd: there was a mixture of older Londoners and students

He told the Standard: "We are here to protest Schumacher's view that they should pull down affordable housing and move the working classes out to make room for his media creative types.

"That is fascism and we believe he needs to be told that every day until he is hounded out of the city."

Housing activist Cat Alison said: "Patrick Schumacher encapsulates this idea that private housing is not subsidised which is actually a lie. How dare he talk about subsidies."

Four police officers kept watch from he other side of Bowling Green Lane as many passers-by stopped to take pictures and shout their support.
A pub landlord has paid nearly 7,000 for a violin crafted from Winston Churchills cigar boxes.

Gerry OBrien, who is in his 32nd year running the Churchill Arms in Kensington Church Street, bought the coveted 1956 instrument at a Sothebys auction.

He told the Standard: [The violins maker] William Robinsons mother was a friend of Anthony Edens wife and managed to get the cigar boxes from her. They are from JJ Fox, official suppliers of cigars to Churchill. The brand of Havana cigars is etched on to the back of the instrument.

The violin had always been in the Robinson family but I saw an advert in the press recently saying it was to be auctioned at Sothebys. I went down there with a couple of my locals and was prepared to go to about 5,000.

Well, we had a bit of time to kill before our lot so the lads took me for a couple of pints of Guinness and that helped settle the nerves. We ended up paying 6,500  plus fees and VAT  but Im glad we did. Its great to have it here.

To mark Churchills birthday yesterday he asked Brendan Mulkere, professor of music at the University of Limerick, to play the instrument at the pub. Mr OBrien has also shown the violin to Churchills great-grandson, Randolph Spencer-Churchill.
A s well as a jawdropping figure, David Gandy has a good head for figures. And he thinks Brexit is perking up sales of his undies. Gandy, whose business interests include investments in shoes and ice cream, as well as an underwear line at M&S that has created some memorable advertising on the side of London buses, told The Londoner that the weak pound had been a fillip for him. Were exporting more, says Gandy, who then launched into analysis of international exchange rates. So if youre in retail  for example, my sock company, M&S David Gandy underwear people are still shopping. The Londoner recalls meeting Gandy at a party a month before the EU referendum, in which he told us everyone is scaremongering about what happens if we go out of Europe but no-one is saying what we get for staying in, and seemed to be open to Brexit arguments.

It turns out that his open-mindedness has paid off: Gandys businesses  which include David Preston shoes, Wheyhey ice cream, the London Sock Company and his best-selling tighty-whiteys for M&S  are thriving. The Londoner was speaking to him last night at the Mondrian Hotel's Sea Container's restaurant, where he was chosen to appear in Alistair Morrisons new legacy photograph, Great Britons, commemorating the Queens 90th birthday along with Dame Shirley Bassey, Pierce Brosnan and UB40s Ali Campbell.

Gandy added: What makes Great Britain great is the fact that when times are tough, we rally together. One should always seek support from ones countrymen. And ones underwear.

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LAST night culture minister Matt Hancock missed curtain up for the press night of This House, James Grahams revived play at The Garrick about skulduggery in the Labour and Tory whips offices in the Seventies. He did, however, have a rather appropriate excuse  Tory whips had connived to make him stay for a vote, a theme of the play as explained on page 14. Hancock made it in the end, and tweeted his approval afterwards, calling it a brilliant portrayal of Seventies political drama.

Scrooge wont be coming to Mayfair

THE Londoner is embracing the arrival of advent with an open heart and an open mouth but its not all about the chocolates. The May Fair Hotel has unveiled an interactive advent calendar, a paper installation designed by artist Terry Jackson, which seems to bring out the best in the area. Local luxury brands like Temperley, La Perla and Sophia Webster will offer a gift or experience in the daily countdown. Paper is a humble material, Jackson says, provoking memories of wrapped presents and letters. The installation aims to preserve the romance of the home Christmas. Nothing like being home for Christmas, but the May Fair Hotel is a decent alternative.

Pretty in pink cuts it at Annabels

The Christmas party season has officially started, and a glamorous crowd headed to Annabels in Mayfair last night for the Sunday Times Style magazines extravaganza. Yasmin Mills, Jasmine Guinness and Jasmine Hemsley were among the guests enjoying queer performance artists Sink the Pink while designers Roksanda Ilincic and Lulu Kennedy got on the dancefloor. Sustenance could be found in mini-burgers and salmon blinis, as well as Veuve Clicquot bubbly and Belvedere vodka cocktails. Only 24 days to go!

Bad sex just follows you round ...

Where else to go but The In & Out Club in St Jamess Square last night for the Literary Reviews rousing Bad Sex in Fiction Award? Extracts from the five nominees were read out, to much cringeing and whooping from the guests including journalist Rachel Johnson and novelist Lisa Hilton before actor Jason Isaacs, presented the prize a weighty sculpture of a sandalled foot  announced the winner. An 11th-hour replacement, Isaacs still came prepared with innuendo. Im very grateful for whoever pulled out at the last minute, he said, to giggles, before explaining that bad sex in fiction pales in comparison to some of his sex scenes in film. Its not easy to do. I dont know what I can say in public without defaming people: Ive had partners who were lactating, that was fun. The wife of a friend of mine  that was also fun. Others were incontinent. Slightly less fun. And all kinds of other things.

The prize went to Erri De Lucas The Day Before Happiness. He did not attend, nor did he send a comment. Bad sex, bad manners.

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A TEASE from Donald Trump, who yesterday left a tweet up in the air. I will be holding a major news conference ... on December 15, he wrote, to discuss the fact that I will be leaving my ... Twitter wags comics quickly added Wife, The tanning salon? Senses? Then the answer from Skys Mollie Goodfellow  ... tweets open-ended and liable to misinterpretation.

Ivanas Roman holiday

THE Londoner ran into etiquette expert Liz Brewer last night, who recently returned from New York where she spent time with old friend Ivana Trump. The ex-wife of President-elect Donald had been rumoured for an ambassadorial role for the Czech Republic, and it seems that there have been conversations on the topic. She said she has been asked, Brewer said, but its four years, which is a long time  I can see her doing it for one day maybe, redecorating the embassy, but I cannot see her doing it. Besides, she says, Ivana may have her eyes on a different prize. If they officially asked her she might prefer to do Rome. She had all those Italian boyfriends beginning with R. She had two Italian husbands and she speaks the language.

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Trivia of the day: tanks are exempt from Londons congestion charge, according to new QI book 1,342 Facts. What about water cannon?
M ayor Sadiq Khan today scrapped inflexible police targets to cut crimes such as burglary and robbery  and announced a new emphasis on victims and neighbourhood policing.

In future, the Mayor wants to see boroughs set their own crime-fighting priorities, which could include serious harm crimes, such as domestic abuse and child sexual exploitation.

In a draft Police and Crime Plan for London announced today, the Mayor confirms plans to create larger command units with boroughs merging into one to slash management costs.

In two trial schemes, the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge will be merged into one policing command unit, and Camden and Islington police units will also be merged.

Launching the draft plan in Southwark today, Mr Khan said that it aims to build trust and confidence in policing and criminal justice for everyone. We want to restore real neighbourhood policing and make sure local priorities reflect local concerns.

Most importantly, this plan signals a step change in efforts to protect the most vulnerable Londoners, and I want to encourage everyone to feed into our public consultation and help us make sure we are providing for them. The Mayor pledges to establish at least two dedicated police constables and one PCSO in each ward by the end of next year.

The plan states that police chiefs want to keep the total number of officers in the Met at about 32,000 but adds that this will be increasingly difficult.

One idea is to boost the number of officers working with schools to improve relations between children and police.

The report says the Met survived cuts of 600 million in recent years by axing 4,500 PCSOs and back-office staff and selling more than 120 buildings but states the force still needs to make hundreds of millions of savings.

The Mayor also announces plans for a victims commissioner to speak up for those affected by crime, and he pledges to roll out restorative justice programmes where victims meet offenders to explain the impact of their crimes.

Victims will be able to track the progress of their case online.

There are also plans for two Child Houses, described as a one-stop shop for young victims to report sexual abuse and receive long-term support with proposals to overhaul child protection in the capital.

A new effort is proposed to boost the number of ethnic minority officers in the Met with a plan for a new police recruitment assessment process to select officers with unique skills for policing London.

The draft plan said the MOPAC 7 targets introduced by Boris Johnson focused police resources on volume crime, at the expense of other serious crimes such as domestic abuse and child sexual exploitation. The study also confirms Mr Khans commitment to sell three water cannon bought by his predecessor and use the money to tackle youth crime.

The public consultation on the plan runs until February 23.
R ichmond Park constituents are heading to the polls as the fight to be elected MP enters its final hours.

Zac Goldsmith will find out tonight if he has done enough to be re-elected following his resignation from the Conservative Party over the decision to build a third runway at Heathrow.

It had looked positive for Mr Goldsmith, who is running as an independent, after both the Tories and Ukip announced they would not pit a candidate against him.

However, after orchestrating a major campaign the Lib-Dems claim their candidate Sarah Olney has edged ahead in polling.

Lib-Dem candidate Sarah Olney walks to a polling station with her husband Ben / PA

Why is Richmond Park having a by-election?

The Conservative party won the Richmond Park seat in 2015 with a majority of 23,015, with Mr Goldsmith as their candidate.

But when he resigned in October a by-election was triggered, meaning the Tories will lose the seat.

A by-election takes place when a seat needs to be filled during a governments term of office.

Who are the candidates?

There is no Conservative or Ukip candidate, so Mr Goldsmiths main rivals appear to be the Lib-Dems Sarah Olney and Labours Christian Wolmar.

The full list (in alphabetical order of surname) is:

Zac Goldsmith, Independent

Howling Laud Hope, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party

Maharaja Jammu and Kashmir, One Love Party

Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrats

David Powell

Dominic Francis Stockford, Christian Peoples Alliance

Fiona Natasha Syms, Independent

Christian Wolmar, Labour Party

When will the results be announced?

Polls opened at 7am and will close at 10pm, with the winner expected to be declared between 2-2.30am on Friday.

Richmond Council is expecting a high voter turn-out due to the unusually high level of publicity.

Follow the Evening Standard tonight for all the news from Richmond Park including the results as they are announced.
A British businessman living in Ukraine today said he will sue the Government after his wife was refused a visa for a family trip to Britain.

Richard Spinks, chief executive of a company listed on the London Stock Exchange, fought a 10-year battle with the Home Office to get UK passports for his sons  which they now have.

He wanted to bring Filip, 11, and seven-year-old Maksym to the UK for Christmas with his Ukrainian wife Tetyana, 40. But it emerged today that she has been banned from entering the country because of concerns about her finance for the trip.

A rejection letter from the Home Office, seen by the Standard, states that officials are not satisfied she will be adequately maintained and accommodated or will be able to meet the cost of your return or onward journey.

Ukraine resident: Tetyana Spinks

It adds: There is no right of appeal or right to administrative review.

Mr Spinks, who runs British biomass firm Active Energy Group, vowed to file a claim because of continued breaches of his human rights. He said: It is ridiculous. If I were to die tomorrow shed be a multi-millionaire. My wife filed her visa application in Kiev having paid more than 1,000 along with evidence of over 2 million of assets.

She enclosed details of my position as chief executive officer of a London Stock Exchange-listed company with associated income and equity holdings, not to mention options and warrants.

She enclosed invitations from two close family members, one of whom we would be staying with for the duration. The idea she would not be supported financially is simply laughable.

Mr Spinkss battles with the Government began 11 years ago when he first tried to secure a UK passport for his eldest son. Last year the Standard reported how fighters from the self-proclaimed Donetsk Peoples Republic in eastern Ukraine stormed his property and threatened to kill his staff. The family fled to the west of the country after pro-Russian rebels accused him of being a spy.

He claimed his family feared for their lives but were unable to travel to Britain because of administrative errors. Visa rejection letters in 2010 said there was not enough evidence the family would be supported financially in Britain. In 2013 Mrs Spinks, a Ukrainian antiques dealer who had homes in London, reapplied but was denied. Mr Spinks, 50, said his sons finally received passports last year after he spent about 120,000 on his fight with the Government.

The businessman, who is originally from Kent and was once in the RAF, said: Im going to sue the Government and Im going to continue until I win.

A Home Office spokesman said: All UK visa applications are considered on their individual merits and in line with UK immigration rules and guidance.
I mmigration rose to a record high of 650,000 during Theresa Mays last year as Home Secretary, official figures revealed today.

An unprecedented 284,000 EU citizens arrived in the UK amid a rush to beat the Brexit referendum in June.

At the same time, despite Government claims that immigration was increased by EU free movement rules, there were 289,000 non-Europeans who have no such rights.

The figure raises a question of whether Brexit can achieve the cuts expected by many Leave voters.

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Net immigration was a near-record 335,000 over the period in which Mrs May was in charge of borders  just 1,000 short of the all-time peak of 336,000 recorded a year earlier.

The massive numbers revealed by the Office for National Statistics left in tatters the Governments target to reduce net levels to the tens of thousands.

Downing Street insisted that the Prime Minister was still wedded to the target, saying: She remains absolutely committed to bringing net immigration down to sustainable levels, which means tens of thousands, but we have made clear it will take time.

New Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said: These figures just go to show that you cannot trust the Tories to bring down immigration. This is an abject failure by the Prime Minister in particular.

The record was fuelled by the highest ever influx of EU nationals in the 12 months before Junes referendum. For the first time there were more Romanians in the figures than people from any other EU nation.

That fact confirmed former Ukip chief Nigel Farages controversial prediction made when Romania achieved free movement rights in 2014.

Romanians accounted for 10 per cent of all immigration during 2015  more than any other nationality.

The overall inflow of 650,000  which included 77,000 returning Britons  was equivalent to roughly the population of two London boroughs.

It was countered by emigration totalling 315,000  of which 95,000 were EU citizens.

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The ONSs head of migration statistics Nicola White said as the new data was unveiled: Net migration remains around record levels. The inflow of EU citizens is at historically high levels.

Immigration of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens continues the upward trend seen over the last few years and in 2015 Romania was the most common country of previous residence.

There were rises in job-seeking workers from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Spain and Sweden.

Some 189,000 Europeans came to Britain for work, of which 108,000 had a job offer.

China, which provided 44,000 immigrants during the same period, Poland, with a 38,000 tally, and India, with 36,000, were the next biggest contributors.

Asylum applications rose to 41,280 in the year to the end of September. Of these, 2,298 were Syrians.

In addition, 4,162 people were given humanitarian protection under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.

Saira Grant, chief executive of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, accused the Government of creating counter-productive immigration policies designed to make life extremely uncomfortable for migrants driven by a fixation on the ill-judged net migration target.

Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said quarterly net migration statistics have become rather irrelevant in the current migration debate, adding: Brexit could mean a wholesale revision of UK migration policy, so current rules are little more than placeholder policies.

Boris Johnson today denied reports that he told four ambassadors that he supported free movement rights.
MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cachet Financial Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB:CAFN), a leading mobile Fintech provider, has developed and deployed a new prepaid mobile banking platform for CereTel, the international telecom leader with a presence in 46 states, distribution through more than 40,000 immigrant-focused stores, and a customer base of more than 6 million nationwide.



Powered by Cachets award-wining Select Mobile Money platform, the new CereTel prepaid card program includes a reloadable general purpose prepaid debit card that is paired with a robust, multilingual mobile app. It also includes easy online account management and a convenient web portal for ordering cards.

Cachet is also providing ongoing management of the new prepaid mobile banking program, including card production, order fulfilment, processing and program management, all of which has accelerated CereTels speed-to-market and ROI. The prepaid card is supported by a major payment processing network, allowing the card to be used at more than 35 million locations worldwide.

Our new mobile money platform grants our customers immediate access to a range of mobile capabilities and conveniences that are already enjoyed by millions of consumers in the U.S., said CereTel CEO, Thomas Lynch. This means we are finally able to bring a widely underserved population into the mainstream.

In 2015, there were 25 million new mobile banking customers in the U.S., with this leading to nationwide mobile banking activity exceeding branch banking activity for the very first time.

Cachet has demonstrated that we chose the right partner for this endeavor, added Lynch. That is, one with a comprehensive, market-ready platform that has enabled us to rapidly deliver this solution to our customers and nationwide retail network, and then have the capabilities and experience to manage it effectively and efficiently.

CereTels prepaid debit cardholders will be able to use Cachets Select Mobile Money app to check card balance and transaction history, make card-to-card transfers or check-to-card loading with immediate good funds option, and send money internationally to family and friends with fully-integrated, seamless and secure international money transfer.

The international money transfer provides cash payout or same-day direct deposits from the U.S. to accounts in 38 countries across the Americas, Western Europe, Asia and Oceania. The global transfer network includes more than 60,000 banks and nonbank payout locations in both urban centers and remote rural communities.

The app also features location-based technology that can pinpoint nearby reload locations and ATMs, as well as a national mobile coupon network featuring 150,000 merchants with local deals.

Soon cardholders will also be able to top up or add minutes to their prepaid wireless plan using the app, including purchasing international long distance minutes for calling friends and family abroad. Every month, more than 500,000 U.S.-based customers from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and other overseas locations purchase CereTels products, including its STi, Wise and Kare branded international calling and top-up products.

CereTel represents a new generation of alternative financial services providers looking to deepen their customer relationships and expand market reach by offering mobile prepaid financial services, said Jeffrey Mack, president and CEO of Cachet. In partnership with CereTel, we have now brought prepaid mobile financial services to the fast-growing telecom industry, while also addressing a vastly underserved market.

Prepaid cards have traditionally been used by those with no credit or poor credit, or by teens, college students and young adults to better manage their spending. They can also be a more secure alternative to travelers checks when making purchases overseas. However, increasingly the unbanked, those who choose not to or are unable to participate in the traditional banking system, are turning to alternative financial services that can save costs and fees while providing a higher level of convenience and control over their funds. Prepaid cards can also be linked to a routing number, allowing employers to pay workers with the card using direct deposit. According to MasterCard, the prepaid market is expanding rapidly, growing 16% annually in the U.S. and on track to reach $421 billion by 2017.

About CereTel Inc.

CereTel is one of the leading prepaid long distance providers and mobile top-up providers in the United States, with a presence in 46 states, distribution in more than 40,000 immigrant-focused stores and a customer base of more than 6 million. CereTels brands include STi, STi Pinless, CVT, Wise Minutes, Kare and Phone Cards Direct. CereTels global team includes more than 100 professionals, reflecting the wonderfully varied markets it serves.

CereTels success is the result of meeting challenges head-on, innovation, a passion for helping our consumers advance, and strong values. CereTels team of professionals has a rich, long-term heritage of improving the world of communications with high-performing infrastructure, technological progress and innovative services. To learn more, visit www.ceretel.com.

About Select Mobile Money

Cachets award-winning Select Mobile Money is a cloud-based SaaS platform that enables financial institutions to offer their prepaid cardholders a full suite of convenient financial services in one easy-to-use mobile app. Available on iOS and Android systems, the platform can be integrated with existing card programs or used to develop a new prepaid card program, complete with a feature-rich mobile app and branded general purpose reloadable prepaid card. Powerful back-end analytics enable financial institutions to segment customers based on behavior and send relevant marketing notifications that keep customers engaged. Apple Pay and Apple Watch integration is also available. To learn more about Select Mobile Money, go to www.cachetfinancial.com/solutions/mobile-money-management or email info@cachetfinancial.com

About Cachet Financial Solutions, Inc.

Cachet Financial Solutions is a leading cloud-based, SaaS technology provider serving the financial services industry with mobile money and remote deposit capture solutions for PC, Mac and mobile. Founded in early 2010, Cachet has quickly grown into a technology leader and trusted partner of some of the largest and most respected financial organizations. With remarkable growth, an impressive client base and award-winning technology, Cachet continues to drive innovation and deliver world-class solutions to financial institutions of all sizes. Cachet believes that its industry-leading solutions can help the companys clients increase customer retention and revenue opportunities. Cachet's cloud-based technology platform simplifies development, deployment and servicing of consumer and commercial solutionsminimizing cost and accelerating speed-to-market for Cachets clients. Enabled by Cachet's suite of business and consumer solutions, financial institutions can better serve the needs of all their customers. For more information, visit www.cachetfinancial.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that would be deemed "forward-looking statements" under Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933. Words such as "may," "likely," "anticipate," "expect" and "believes" indicate forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. We discuss many of these risks in greater detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 14, 2016, under the heading "Risk Factors" and in the other reports we file with the Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Also, forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
K ings College London has sparked a sexism row after capping the number of men of its University Challenge team.

The prestigious institutes students union sent an email appealing for more women, transsexual and binary members on the team of four plus one reserve.

The memo insisted that men should only make up half of the team to combat the male-dominated landscape of the BBC quiz show hosted by Jeremy Paxman.

Students have branded the move blatantly prejudiced and sexist, according to the Sun.

Jasmin Coggins, 23, told the newspaper: We should make the teams more representative without forcing equality.

Tommy Fox wrote on Facebook: What a load of nonsense.

A spokesman for Kings College students union told the Sun: Were keen to make sure our team is representative of our student body and as diverse as Kings students.

The dispute comes just weeks after Jeremy Paxman was caught up in a sexism row after students voted to boycott the show over a comment he made about a knitted doll.

The University of Readings students union voted not to take part in future episodes of the BBC2 quiz show after the presenter made an off-the-cuff remark about a team mascot during a break in recording.

He was apparently accused of being sexist and misogynistic after he asked the team if they took a hand-knitted Jeremy Paxman doll sitting on the edge of their desk to bed with them.

A spokesman for the show said: "Last year producers spoke with a Reading university contestant about a comment made during a conversation with the whole team, which would appear to have been misinterpreted.

The student union's recent comments are surprising. We are, however, pleased that Reading university continues to apply for the show."
A Chinese man who claimed to be an animal-lover butchered and killed 100 cats a night as part of a meat trading business.

Huang Pingfu fooled neighbours into thinking he was a model pet-owner and housed 20 well-kept rare felines at his home in Chengdu city, part of Chinas Sichuan province, the Chengdu Business Daily reported.

However, just a dozen miles away, he slaughtered 100 cats a night and sold their meat to restaurants and wholesalers for more than 50,000 a year.

He tricked his customers into believing they were buying rabbit meat.

Mr Huang sparked suspicion after he appeared on an animal-lovers online chat room and encouraged people to bring him stray cats for adoption, volunteers at the citys Aizhijia Animal Centre said.

According to the newspaper, Mr Huangs slaughterhouse was raided by police last week following a tip-off from animal rights activists.

He told investigators he enjoyed eating cat hot or cold, stir-fried with preserved vegetables and spring onions in hot sauce.

Just 49 cats were found alive in cramped metal cages alongside a stack of carcasses, during the raid, local media reported.

Dramatic images posted on the Chengdu Business Daily showed cats floating in pool used to drown them and inside a spinning machine used to remove their fur.

Mr Huang told the paper: This is not illegal, whats wrong with me buying and selling cats?

After you chop off their heads and cut them into parts, nobody can tell if the meat is cat or rabbit.

He may not face criminal charges because China has no laws against animal cruelty, however, may be punished over misleading meat vendors to get around the citys ban on the sale of cat meat, the Times reported.
B uzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, has been flown from the South Pole after falling ill on a trip.

The American former astronaut, 86, was visiting Antarctica in a tourist group and was taken on the first available flight to the McMurdo Station, a US research centre on the Antartic coast, after falling ill.

The White Desert company, an association of Antarctica tour operators, said that he was visiting the South Pole as part of a private tour when his health deteriorated.

It said Mr Aldrins condition was stable under the care of a doctor.

A portrait taken in July 1969 of US astronaut Buzz Aldrin / AFP/Getty Images

The statement said: A White Desert client, Buzz Aldrin, has been evacuated from South Pole. Mr Aldrin was visiting the Pole as part of a tourist group and while there his condition deteriorated.

As a precaution, following discussion between the White Desert doctor and the US Antarctic Program (USAP) doctor, Mr Aldrin, accompanied by a member of his team, was evacuated on the first available flight out of the South Pole to McMurdo with the USAP under the care of a USAP doctor.

His condition was described as stable upon White Desert doctor's hand-over to the USAP medial team.

He tweeted about the tour just a four days earlier, joking that he might be underdressed for the cold weather.

Mr Aldrin became the second man to walk on the moon in 1969 as part of the US Apollo 11 mission.
A feminist filmmaker has sparked a worldwide backlash after suggesting that womens rights movements risk drowning out the voices of men and undermining gender equality.

Cassie Jaye, a prominent feminist producer and director, released her film The Red Pill - a documentary exploring Mens Right Advocates (MRAs).

The film explores MRA groups, which are often seen as being anti-women hate organisations, and challenges the viewers perspective on gender issues.

It documents Ms Jaye  a lifelong feminist - spending time with leaders and members of the movement and struggling to come to terms with their beliefs.

One the films website, Ms Jaye writes: When I came across the brash online community of the Mens Rights Movement, I was intrigued.

My struggle to understand mens rights issues and the turmoil I experienced in questioning my long-held feminist beliefs set the tone to have an open and honest discussion exploring opposing gender ideologies.

My hope for this film is to educate audiences on the issues that face men and boys in our society today and analyse why the current gender discussion is not fully inclusive.

In an interview with Sky News Australia, she said: There are many ways that men are being disadvantaged or discriminated against in law, in court and in the cultural discussion around these issues.

When men are victims of domestic violence they are often laughed at or scoffed at or said that they are whiners or to 'deal with it'.

MRAs: The film explores the opinion of men's rights campaigners / The Red Pill

But if a women ever reveals to a friend that she was hit by a male partner instantly we feel compassion and want to help and support them and go to the police.

When women are abusing a man, and this happens at a higher rate than most people realise, we dont have the same compassion.

"We are willing to say men are privileged therefore they don't have problems or if they do it is is the fault of patriarchy and therefore their fault.

"After my three-and-a-half years ot making The Red Pill I saw actions and things that I disagree with in feminists and ultimately it led me to believe that feminism is not the road to gender equality.

"And what I am really in support of is gender equality across the board and a part of that discussion is talking about what men are dealing with and being willing to listen to what they have to say.

"I no longer call myself a feminist but I am still an advocate of women's rights and always will be and I am adding men to the discussion."

But since the film premiered in October, posters advertising screenings have been vandalised  with some in Toronto covered by stickers saying: White cry-baby misogynists meeting.

Others label it a "sanitised front for toxic misogynist movement".

A cinema in Melbourne cancelled a screening of the film after a petition, signed by 2,000 people, called for the misogynistic propaganda film to be dropped.

And Ms Jayes PR team said that The Village Voice, a prominent New York magazine, refused to run a paid-for advertisement of the film following their publication of a negative review.

Ms Jauye said: There was this explosion of debate about censorship and I am glad that this conversation is happening.

The film itself I think is an extremely balanced film. I let everyone speak their piece and be heard in context without manipulation.

Anti-feminist: It has sparked controversy around the world / The Red Pill

The topic really ruffles feathers and makes people afraid.

I am still passionate about womens rights and issues and I always will be.

"Making The Red Pill is about exploring a different realm of the gender equality discussion that has never been explored before in a film.
A German spy arrested after offering his services to Islamist militants was also a gay porn actor, it has been revealed.

The 51-year-old was a full-time member of Germany's equivalent of MI6 when he began using a chatroom which was known as a digital hideout for Islamic militants.

In it, the married father-of-four offered to help infiltrate his own agencys defences and organise a bomb attack in the name of Allah on its headquarters in Cologne.

But other German agents were also monitoring the chat room and spotted his offer.

They began chatting to him privately and he gave away enough details about the organisation to allow them to quickly identify him and arrest him the next day.

He confessed to secretly converting to Islam in 2014 and was arrested on suspicion of preparing to commit a violent act and for violating state secrecy laws.

But the case took a bizarre turn when it was discovered that the agent, who only joined the organisation in April, had also used his chat room pseudonym to appear in gay porn films, according to the Washington Post.

Hans-Christian Strobele, a member of the German Parliament's intelligence oversight committee, told the paper: It's not only a rather bizarre, but also a quite scary, story that an agency, whose central role it is to engage in counter-espionage, hired an Islamist who potentially had access to classified information.

Officials at the agency insisted he was thoroughly vetted before he was hired, with former employers and others who knew him interviewed.
N ow that The Missing Series 2 has (mostly) laid its maddeningly tantalising plot to rest, fans have one question: is there going to be a Series 3?

Its inconclusive for now  the show has been a huge hit on the BBC this year, but it seems that creators Harry and Jack Williams arent rushing a follow-up.

The pair have said that the next plot would have to be very different to stop it from being a cynical cash-in.

I think with the second one, we definitely didnt want to do it in a cynical way, Harry told the Radio Times.

The Missing, Series 2 - in pictures 1 /13 The Missing, Series 2 - in pictures The Missing - Series 2 The BBC mystery thriller is back with a whole new cast of characters BBC/New Pictures/Julian Broad Abigail Hardingham as Alice Webster BBC/New Pictures/Sophie Mutevelian Keeley Hawes as Gemma Webster BBC/New Pictures/Sophie Mutevelian David Morrissey as Sam Webster BBC/New Pictures/Sophie Mutevelian Tcheky Karyo as Julien Baptiste BBC/New Pictures/Robert Viglasky Florian Bartholomai as Jorn Lenhart BBC/New Pictures/Aimee Spinks Daniel Ezra as Daniel Reed BBC/New Pictures/Robert Viglasky Jake Davies as Matthew Webster BBC/New Pictures/Aimee Spinks Roger Allam as Brigadier Adrian Stone BBC/New Pictures/Jo Voets Laura Fraser as Eve Stone BBC/New Pictures/Robert Viglasky

It was only when we had that story to tell: wed done a story about losing someone; now were going to do a story about finding someone.

[Series 3] would have to be very different, it would have to not be cynical, and it would have to be saying something new.

Never say never.

If a new series does come around, it will likely take a while for the plot to be crafted and for production to take place.

BBC's The Missing series 2 trailer

Still, it sounds like actor Tcheky Karyo, who plays heroic French detective Julien Baptiste in both series, is up for more.

I hope there is still some skeleton in the closet for [Series] 1, 2, 3 4, 5, 6, 7! he said.

The guy, you know, went through so many stories; Im sure there are so many things to say.

There was Hercule Poirot, and today we have Julien Baptiste!

Hes not the only one whos desperate for Baptiste to return  fans are clamouring online for the character to survive his brain surgery from the end of Series 2.

In the meantime, crime fans will have to make do with the forthcoming new series of Sherlock  which just unleashed a cryptic new teaser image sure to be full of clues about the new plots.

BBC One, 9pm
RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brinks Company (NYSE:BCO), a global leader in security-related services, will participate in the Imperial Capital Security Investor Conference, which will be held on December 8, 2016, at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City. The companys presentation is scheduled for 9:30 A.M. ET. Doug Pertz, president and chief executive officer, and Ron Domanico, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will be available to meet with investors throughout the day. Portfolio managers and analysts who wish to request a meeting with Brinks should contact their Imperial Capital representative.



A live webcast of the presentation will be available at http://wsw.com/webcast/imperial20/bco and on the company's website (www.brinks.com). A replay will be available on both sites after the presentation.

About The Brinks Company

The Brinks Company (NYSE:BCO) is the worlds premier provider of secure transportation and cash management services. For more information, please visit The Brinks Company website at www.Brinks.com or call 804-289-9709.
NEW YORK, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bideawee, a leading pet welfare organization serving metropolitan New York and Long Island for the past 113 years, announced today that two new directors, Kevin Davis and Todd Richter, have joined the board.



We are delighted that Kevin and Todd have joined the Bideawee board, said Joseph L. Sorbera, Jr., Acting Chair of the Board. Their backgrounds are complementary and are well-suited to our board. Kevin brings top-tier business, legal, and both profit and non-profit board experience as well as the first-hand knowledge of a Bideawee pet adopter. In addition to both profit and non-profit board experience, Todds extensive background in global investment banking focused on animal health as well as being a Bideawee adopter is a perfect fit for us. We welcome both Kevin and Todd to the board.

Kevin Davis

Kevin Davis is President of Molecular Defenses Corporation, a pharmaceutical and biotech holding company specializing in innovative, molecular level cures for diseases, with operations and subsidiaries in the US and abroad. Prior to Molecular Defenses Corporation, Mr. Davis was Chief Investment Officer of MineInvest Resources and Managing Director of Avira Energy, Inc. He has also led the purchasing and buy-outs of numerous companies including Triton Coal Company, Duke Energys Hydrocarbon business, AIGs Power Plant subsidiary and Enrons power plant manufacturing business. He began his professional life as a corporate lawyer with Debevoise & Plimpton.

Mr. Davis has served on the boards of Princeton Technology Partners, ThyoGen, MineInvest Resources, Avira Energy, Triton Coal Company, Princeton Technology Partners, EzSize, and Archive Global.

Mr. Davis has also served on non-profit boards including Sheltering Arms Childrens Services, the Executive Committee of Princeton University's Alumni Council, and as Co-Chair of the United States Chamber of Commerce Northern Iraq Task Force. He has co-founded a number of charities including Harlem Day Charter School and Growthsource Academy.

Mr. Davis is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School.

Todd Richter

Todd Richter is Vice Chairman of Global Banking at Barclays, focusing on the healthcare services field including global animal health. Prior to Barclays, Mr. Richter was Senior Managing Director in the Global Healthcare Corporate & Investment Banking Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Mr. Richter also served as head of the healthcare services analytical team for Morgan Stanley for 18 years.

Highlights of Mr. Richters extensive banking career in animal health include advising: Zoetis on its IPO, its spin-off and various debt deals; VCA on its IPO and its $1.4 billion credit facility; MWI Veterinary Supply on its IPO, and subsequent follow-on equity offerings; Eli Lilly on its acquisition of Novartis Animal Health; Ares Management on its acquisition of National Veterinary Associates; and AmerisourceBergen on its acquisition of MWI Veterinary Supply.

Mr. Richter is currently a member of the Board of Directors at the Stratton Mountain School in Stratton, Vermont and a member of the Board for the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

Mr. Richter earned a B.B.A. in Finance from the College of William & Mary in 1979 and an M.B.A. in Finance with Honors from Indiana University in 1981.

About Bideawee

Bideawee, which means stay awhile, in Scottish, is one of the countrys oldest and most respected animal welfare and pet adoption organizations. Founded in 1903, Bideawees mission is to be Greater New Yorks leader in rescuing, caring for, and placing homeless cats and dogs with people who love them. Bideawee provides an array of high touch services including adoption centers, animal hospitals, pet therapy programs, and pet memorial parks that serve pets and pet lovers on their lifelong journey together.

Bideawees Loving Legacy program allows pet owners who pre-decease their pets to provide for cherished companion animals. Bideawee is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 humane animal organization and 100% of Bideawees funding comes from private sources. Bideawee operates in New York City, Wantagh, and Westhampton. For more information, visit: www.Bideawee.org.
St. Louis, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The year 2016 has been a great for River City Marketing, Inc. This St. Louis based marketing and sales firm has added to their client base, expanded into two new markets and the company just moved in to a brand-new office. The new location is 12101 Woodcrest Executive Drive Suite 105, St. Louis MO 63146. River City Marketing feels this move is crucial for the continued expansion they have predicted for 2017.



River City Marketings hiring managers stated, The move is necessary for us to continue to grow. The new space is fifty percent larger and offers a more efficient layout. We feel this move underscores our commitment to both our partners and our clients. Moving into 2017 River City Marketing vouches to not only expand the business but to continue to provide a top-notch experience for their employees, clients and the consumer.






NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR THE UNITED STATES OR ANYOTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN.

THIN - CONTEMPLATED PRIVATE PLACEMENT

Oslo, 1 December 2016

Thin Film Electronics ASA ("Thinfilm" or the "Company") has retained ABG Sundal Collier ASA and Arctic Securities AS as Joint-Lead Managers and Joint Bookrunners (the "Managers") to advise on and effect an undocumented private placement of up to the NOK equivalent of approximately USD 60 million, representing approximately 20% of the outstanding shares in the Company (the "Private Placement"). The subscription price in the Private Placement will be set at or close to market through an accelerated bookbuilding process.

The Company has received significant pre-commitments from existing shareholders, as well as new institutional investors, to subscribe for shares in the Private Placement.

The application period for the Private Placement commences today at 16:30 CET and closes 2 December 2016 at 08:00 CET. The Company and the Managers may, however, at any time resolve to close or extend the bookbuilding period at their sole discretion and on short notice. The minimum subscription amount in the Private Placement will be NOK 2 million.

The net proceeds from the New Share Issue will be used to prepare and equip Thinfilm's newly leased manufacturing site at Junction Road, North San Jose, California in order to achieve an expected production capacity of five billion NFC units. A portion of the proceeds will also cover operating costs during 2017 and 2018. Additional funds may be necessary to achieve break-even, and such sufficient additional funding may be provided through a number of alternatives, including strategic partnerships, customer financing, and/or exercise of existing warrants previously issued by the company.

The Private Placement will be divided into a Tranche 1 consisting of 67,600,000 new shares (representing approximately 10% of the share capital of the Company) (the "Tranche 1 Shares") and a Tranche 2 consisting of an equal number of new shares (the "Tranche 2 Shares"). The completion of Tranche 1 of the Private Placement is subject to approval by the Board of Directors pursuant to an authorisation by the Company's general meeting held 10 May 2016, while the completion of the potential Tranche 2 of the Private Placement is subject to the approval by an extraordinary general meeting (the "EGM") expected to be held on or about 23 December 2016.

The Private Placement will be directed towards Norwegian investors and international institutional investors, in each case subject to and in compliance with applicable exemptions from relevant prospectus or registration requirements. The private placement structure of the transaction will inherently require a waiver of existing shareholders' preferential rights to subscribe for new shares. The Board of Directors considers such structure and waiver necessary and appropriate in the interest of time and successful completion.

Notification of allotment and payment instructions for Tranche 1 is expected to be sent to the applicants by the Managers on or about 2 December 2016. In order to provide for prompt registration of the share capital increase, the Company and the Managers expect to enter into an agreement related to pre-funding of the payment for the shares allocated in Tranche 1 of the Private Placement, such agreement regulating inter alia certain rights and obligations of the Company and the Managers related to the pre-funding. Subject to such agreement being in place, settlement of Tranche 1 is expected to take place on 6 December 2016 (on a regular DVP, t+2 basis).

Notification of conditional allotment and payment instructions for Tranche 2 is expected to be sent to the relevant applicants by the Managers on or about 2 December 2016. Settlement of Tranche 2 is expected to take place shortly after the EGM, subject to the approval by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority of a listing prospectus for the Tranche 2 Shares (the "Prospectus"). If the Prospectus is not approved at that point in time, the Tranche 2 Shares may be issued on a separate ISIN and subsequently delivered to the relevant applicants. These shares would thereafter be converted to the existing ISIN of Thinfilm and become tradable on the Oslo Stock Exchange as soon as practically possible following the approval of the Prospectus by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority.

For further information, please contact:

Ole Ronny Thorsnes

CFO

Mobile: +47 91 86 66 97

E-mail: ole.thorsnes@thinfilm.no



About Thin Film Electronics ASA:

Thin Film Electronics ASA is a leader in printed electronics and NFC smart packaging solutions. The first to commercialize printed, rewritable memory, the Company today creates printed tags, labels and systems that include memory, sensing, display, and wireless communication - all at a cost-per-function unmatched by conventional electronic technologies. Thinfilm's roadmap integrates technology from a strong and growing ecosystem of partners to bring intelligence to everyday items and effectively extend the traditional boundaries of the Internet of Things.

Thin Film Electronics ASA is a publicly listed Norwegian company with headquarters in Oslo, Norway; product development and production in Linkoping, Sweden; product development, production, and business development in San Jose, California, USA; and sales offices in the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore. For more information, visit www.thinfilm.no.

Important information:

The release is not for publication or distribution, in whole or in part directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, Japan or the United States (including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia).

This release is an announcement issued pursuant to legal information obligations, and is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. It is issued for information purposes only, and does not constitute or form part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities, in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. The securities mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US Securities Act"). The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the US Securities Act. The Company does not intend to register any portion of the offering of the securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of the securities in the United States. Copies of this announcement are not being made and may not be distributed or sent into Australia, Canada, Japan or the United States. The issue, exercise, purchase or sale of subscription rights and the subscription or purchase of shares in the Company are subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Neither the Company nor the Managers assumes any responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions.

The distribution of this release may in certain jurisdictions be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this release comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The Managers are acting for the Company and no one else in connection with the Private Placement and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients or for providing advice in relation to the Private Placement and/or any other matter referred to in this release.

Forward-looking statements:

This release and any materials distributed in connection with this release may contain certain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they reflect the Company's current expectations and assumptions as to future events and circumstances that may not prove accurate. A number of material factors could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to 5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)
A large segment of Americans believe that burning the flag should be outlawed. On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump took to Twitter to express similar sentiments.

Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag, Trump wrote. If they do, there must be consequences - perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail!

The usual crowds of snarky detractors were quick to point out that Trumps comments mirrored passages contained in the Flag Protection Act of 2005, a failed piece of bi-partisan legislation introduced by Bob Bennett, a Republican senator from Utah who died in May of this year, and co-sponsored by  of all people  Hillary Clinton, then-senator for New York.

A few thoughts stick out in my mind. First, the reason most people I know voted for Donald Trump was because they couldnt stand Hillary Clinton. Perhaps Trump should not be adopting stances once championed by his defeated opponent.

Second, just because a bill is bipartisan doesnt necessarily mean its a great idea. The Flag Protection Act of 2005 failed for good reason: it was unconstitutional.

In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Texas v. Johnson that burning the flag is considered protected speech under the First Amendment. In his concurrence, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote, It is poignant but fundamental that the flag protects those who hold it in contempt.

While I personally believe that burning the American flag is stupid and disrespectful, jeopardizing the rights of Americans to be stupid and disrespectful is far more egregious.

From 2009 to 2010, I deployed as a U.S. Marine to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. During my tour, I lost count of how many times Id seen flag-draped coffins being loaded into the backs of cargo planes.

On occasion, the dead Marine resting in that coffin had been an immigrant, a young man whod been eager to put his life on the line to defend our country. Hed hoped that one day he could live freely as a citizen, only to be cut down before seeing his dream become reality. That's why its repulsive to me that Trump would mention loss of citizenship as a potential consequence for something as petty as burning the flag.

But as much as I grew sick of seeing my countrymen dying, I have held faith over the years.

They died for something.

In my mind, the sacrifices my brothers made have ensured the survival of an ideal far greater and more intangible than the simple piece of fabric which covered their coffins.

They died so that we  the living  could be free. They made that sacrifice so that we can continue to express our freedoms in whatever way we choose.

The exercise of those freedoms is guaranteed, without consequence, regardless of whether we choose to exercise them respectfully. No amount of burning can undo or tarnish the virtues afforded to us by dead Marines.

But I worry then, if our President-elect remains ignorant of the sacrifices that have been made  if he fails to understand what freedom means  my brothers will have died in vain.
Im about to lose a bet and I dont care.

On Tuesday, Donald Trump tweeted, Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag - if they do, there must be consequences - perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail! in response to a Fox & Friends segment about Hampshire College removing their flag over a campus-wide fight in which a flag was set on fire and another was stolen.

My first reaction to his statement was, Yeah, no. Its free speech. The Supreme Court has already ruled on this. And I wanted to let it go. But I cant. I cant stand by while someone speaks falsehoods.

Reporter Zach Spadt and Editor Brad Staman laughed when I said I wasnt going to write anything political in my column until January. They were right, but I cant idly sit by when people who should know better spew forth idiotic statements that are inaccurate. Zach bet me I wouldnt make it.

One of the best responses Ive seen to Trumps statement was from George Takei.

I pledged allegiance to the flag every morning inside an internment camp. I would never burn one, but Id die to protect the right to do so.

Takei and his family spent WWII in Rohwer Relocation Center in Arkansas solely because they were of Japanese descent.

I have no desire or need to burn the American flag, but I am with Takei. I will speak up and protect a persons right to do so. To restrict someones free speech is un-American.

The Supreme Court agrees. In 1989s Texas v. Johnson ruling, the court found burning the flag is free speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution. Trump and conservatives often praise the late Antonin Scalia as the best justice in recent history, joined the majority opinion in the case.

United States v. Eichman in 1990, which was argued alongside United States v. Haggerty, the Court ruled flag desecration as free speech. Scalia again ruled with the majority.

From time to time, lawmakers have discussed making flag burning illegal. Trump is the first to suggest revoking citizenship if you do. You can only lose your citizenship by voluntarily giving it up, pledging allegiance to another country or by treason. Not by burning a piece of cloth.

In the 1958 Trop v. Dulles ruling, the Court said the government could not punish deserters with a revocation of citizenship. In that case, Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote, The deprivation of citizenship is not a weapon that the Government may use to express its displeasure at a citizens conduct, however reprehensible that conduct may be.

When Donald Trump becomes president, he will be sworn in with these words, I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

When he does, he is swearing to uphold all of the Constitution, not just the parts he likes. And he needs to be held accountable to that oath.

Scalia understood that principle. At Princeton University in 2015, Scalia said, If it were up to me, I would put in jail every sandal-wearing, scruffy-bearded weirdo who burns the American flag. But I am not king.

He also said burning the flag expresses an idea. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Scalia said, We have a First Amendment which says that the right of free speech shall not be abridged, and it is addressed, in particular to speech critical of the government. I mean, that was the main kind of speech that tyrants would seek to suppress.

Columnist Molly Ivins wrote, I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag.

Words and ideas matter, my grandma used to tell me. Be honest. Dont lie. Dont use your words to intentionally hurt other people. I wish Trump had listened to my grandma. And I wish he studied the Constitution more in school. Its an important document we hold dear and rules our land, but so many of us dont know whats in it or how it works.

I lost a bet, but thats okay. I know I will have to write more columns defending the Constitution over the next 1,461 days.

And during that time, I will remain torn between just let it go and if I dont speak up, who will?

Im just not sure I can endure four years of this. Can anyone?
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Hoegh LNG signed on 1 December 2016 an FSRU contract with Quantum Power Ghana Gas Limited ("Quantum Power") for the Tema LNG import terminal located close to Accra in Ghana ("Tema LNG Project"). The Tema LNG Project is supported by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Ghana's national oil and gas company.

The contract is for a period of 20 years with a five year extension option for charterer and is expected to generate an average annual EBITDA of around USD 36 million. The contract is subject to Quantum Power obtaining necessary governmental approvals, financial close and both parties' board approval. The infrastructure construction for the project is planned to start mid 2017 and expected delivery time for the FSRU is 6 - 12 months following commencement of the construction work. The FSRU will be provided from Hoegh LNG's portfolio of FSRUs, including units under construction, the planned conversion FSRU or planned newbuilding orders.

Hoegh LNG's President and Chief Executive Officer, Sveinung J. S. Sthle, said in a comment: "We are delighted to have been awarded the contract with Quantum Power for their new LNG import terminal in Ghana, and look forward to completing the project together with our client. Our modern FSRU solutions offer our client the quickest, most cost efficient and flexible way of importing LNG. With this contract we have full contract coverage for our FSRU fleet."

Quantum Power's CEO, Matty Vengerik, said in a statement "We are delighted to partner with Hoegh LNG to deploy this cost-efficient and clean fuel supply infrastructure solution to Ghana. This is the first such project to be implemented in sub-Saharan Africa. Hoegh LNG's FSRU solution is a key service component of the natural gas delivery chain that will enable the execution of the Tema LNG Project as well as supplying the growing demand of natural gas in the Tema region and beyond. We expect the LNG import terminal to transform the reliability and competitiveness of the power generation and natural gas markets in Ghana and are looking forward to a long term relationship with Hoegh LNG."

About Quantum Power:

Quantum Power is a pan-African energy infrastructure investment platform, currently operating in Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Zambia, with administrative offices in London and Cyprus. Quantum Power is affiliated with the Quantum Pacific Group, an international group of businesses with interests across a broad range of industries and geographies, focusing on shipping, chemicals, energy and transportation.

About GNPC:

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is Ghana's National Oil Company (NOC) established in 1983 by PNDC Law 64, to undertake the exploration, development, production and disposal of petroleum. The Corporation, which started operations in 1985, is partner in all Petroleum Agreements in Ghana and operator of the Voltaian Basin onshore exploration project. GNPC is also the national Gas Sector Aggregator in Ghana, and aims to supply efficient fuel to meet Ghana's increasing energy needs.

About Hoegh LNG:

Hoegh LNG provides floating energy solutions and operates world-wide with a leading position as owner and operator of floating LNG import terminals; floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and is one of the most experienced operators of LNG Carriers (LNGCs). Hoegh LNG's vision is to be the industry leader of floating LNG solutions and the strategy is to continue to focus growth plans on the FSRU market, with the objective of securing long-term contracts with strong counterparts at attractive returns. Hoegh LNG is a Bermuda based company with established presence in Norway, Singapore, the UK, USA, Indonesia, Lithuania, Egypt and Colombia. The company employs approximately 110 office staff and 500 seafarers.

* * *

Hamilton, Bermuda

1 December 2016

Contacts:

Sveinung J. S. Sthle, President and Chief Executive Officer, Telephone +47 975 57 402

Steffen Freid, Chief Financial Officer, Telephone + 47 975 57 406

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act or the Continuing Obligations of Oslo Brs
Minister of National Defence Mihnea Motoc sends thanks to Romanians, on the National Day, for the love shown to the army and to servicemen.

"I wish you, all Romanians, good health, prosperity and accomplishments. I thank you for the love and constant support you have shown for the army and servicemen. Our accomplishments would have not been possible without the support you so generously give. Many happy returns, Romania! Many happy returns, Romanians!," Motoc wrote on Facebook.

He emphasizes in his message that the National Day of Romania is the day of all Romanians, "of those who are here, at home, in these blessed places, or those taken by life and destiny across the borders, in all the corners of the world, but also of those who have been before us, our forefathers who've built, with tenacity and sacrifice, the country and the nation that we celebrate and cherish today."

The Defence Minister also showed his appreciation for the servicemen at home and abroad. "Thank you to the 3,000 Romanians in military uniforms that will march under the majestic arcade [the Triumphal Arch], as well as the thousands of professionals in the entire national defence system (...) My thanks and thoughts of appreciation also go towards the servicemen celebrating the National Day deployed in theaters of operations, where they represent Romania with honor and professionalism," Motoc said.

agerpres.
CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Saturday December 17th, Winter Wonderland will open its gates early for some of Pinellas Countys at-risk youth. The children include foster children and at-risk youth from around the county.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f7f6dd2-475e-4a3d-8992-fa3703696b84

This is a party just for them, said Dylan Pires, Community Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology in Clearwater. There will be train rides, arts and crafts, a live band, a petting zoo, cookie making with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa and a toy give-away for each kid.

The Church of Scientology has been doing Christmas events for foster kids for over 20 years at their various downtown facilities.

Because Winter Wonderland is set up with a myriad of activities already, we decided to have it there. We did it last year and it was a hit, said Mr. Pires.

Starting at 2:00pm, the kids will have Winter Wonderland all to themselves. They will enjoy hours of playing on the playground, snacks and many activities.

At the conclusion of the event will be a toy give-away. True to the Christmas spirit, Santa Claus will be there himself to give brand-new presents to the kids.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers fundraised and got toys donated specifically for this event. They contribute their time every year to help provide kids with a Christmas they might not be able to have. The Scientology Volunteer Ministers are an organization specializing in providing help whenever and wherever needed.

This is an invitation only event but if you know an at-risk child that could come, please contact Dylan Pires at (727) 467-6860 or dylanpires@churchofscientology.net.

About the Church of Scientology:

The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 165 nations. Scientologists are optimistic about life and believe there is hope for a saner world and better civilization, and actively do all they can to help achieve this. The Church of Scientology regularly engages in many humanitarian programs, such as anti-drug campaigns, human rights campaigns and global education programs. To learn more, visit www.scientology.org
Clearwater, Fla., Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Friday, the 9th of December, the Church of Scientology Flag Choir and special guest artists, Susanne Epple and Joe Yazbeck will perform a special concert in honor of the 68th Anniversary of Human Rights Day. A variety of original songs, as well as human rights-inspired opera and theatrical songs will be performed. The event will take place at the Scientology Information Center located at 500 Cleveland Street from 6-8pm and will include light refreshments. All are welcome.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0fbc200c-8004-4a6d-86f7-7c31611d3b32

The Center will also provide information about the United for Human Rights Program, inspired by Mr. Hubbards words, Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream. Scientologists support what has become the worlds largest non-governmental human rights education initiative. This program is used by teachers, professors, educators, human rights activists and mentors in 80 countries all over the world.

We are confronted daily with news of ethnic conflicts, inhumane practices, civil unrest and war.

The media is filled with stories of human rights violationsfrom domestic violence and school bullying to corruption and poverty and government-sanctioned discrimination. All the while, a majority of the worlds population does not even know what human rights are and that they are entitled to them, according to Unitedforhumanrights.org.

With the intolerance and injustice across the world, this message of universal human rights is not only timely, but it is one that speaks to men of all races and walks of life, said Amber Skjelset, Manager of the Scientology Information Center. These artists are excited to perform and wholeheartedly support the cause.

For more information or to reserve your seat please call 727-467-6966 or email amber@cos.flag.org.

About United for Human Rights:

United for Human Rights (UHR) is an international, not-for-profit organization dedicated to implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at local, regional, national and international levels. Its membership is comprised of individuals, educators and groups throughout the world who are actively forwarding the knowledge and protection of human rights by and for all Mankind. Its purpose is to provide human rights educational resources and activities that inform, assist and unite individuals, educators, organizations and governmental bodies in the dissemination and adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at every level of society. For more information please visit www.humanrights.com.

About the Church of Scientology:

The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 nations. Based on L. Ron Hubbards words, A community that pulls together can make a better society for all, the Church of Scientology regularly engages in community events.

For more information please visit www.scientology-fso.org.
If things had gone President Barack Obamas way, 4.6 million salaried workers in the U.S. would be waking up this morning newly eligible for overtime pay.

But a federal judge in Texas issued a temporary injunction last week that halts enforcement of the new overtime rule, which was to take effect today.

Now, the rule is in limbo. Workers and their bosses can wonder if President-elect Donald Trump may try to cancel or change it after taking office in January. He indicated he might.

Many St. Louis employers had already prepared for the new rule by changing the way they pay employees. Some junior managers got nice raises, pushing their pay above $47,476 a year, the new rules cutoff for overtime eligibility. Other salaried managers were told that they were now hourly employees eligible for overtime.

For many big St. Louis companies, its a huge undertaking, said R. Michael Lowenbaum, a Clayton labor lawyer who advises companies. They had to look at everybodys job.

With the rule now suspended, workers and their bosses wonder what to do next. Should they put pay back the way it was, or wait and see what happens?

Federal law requires that most employees be paid time-and-a-half for work over 40 hours per week. But it makes an exception for salaried workers whose duties are executive, administrative or professional. Under the old rule, those workers neednt be paid overtime if they earned more than $23,600 per year, a figure that hadnt changed since 2004.

Doubling the cutoff means millions of lower-level managers and administrators would be eligible for overtime pay.

States sued to block the rule, and U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant, an Obama appointee, delayed it last week until the case can come to trial. The judge noted that the Fair Labor Standards Act requires the government to look at what workers do and how they are paid in deciding on overtime. But the big increase in the pay cutoff is essentially a de facto salary-only test, he wrote in his 20-page ruling.

The U.S. Department of Labor said in a statement that the injunction denies a fair days pay for a long days work for millions of hardworking Americans, adding that it was confident the rule is legal.

But the judges order shifts the question to the incoming Trump administration, which could stop defending the suit or begin the lengthy process of changing the rule.

Trump has said little on the issue. In an August interview with Circa, a news site, he cited the rule as an example of over-regulation. We would love to see a delay or a carve-out of sorts for our small business owners, Trump said in the interview.

Actually, businesses with less than $500,000 in annual revenue are already exempt.

Reversing the overtime rule might pose some political risk for Trump, who drew much support from blue-collar voters. Democrats could denounce him for denying overtime to people on the bottom of the middle class.

Only 7 percent of full-time salaried employees are currently eligible for overtime pay, down from 62 percent in 1975, according to the Labor Department. But the effect of the rule would vary widely among businesses.

Schnuck Markets Inc., the Maryland Heights-based supermarket chain, said most of its employees were paid hourly, leaving only about 1 percent of its 14,000-person workforce affected by the overtime rule. The company dealt with those on a case-by-case basis, a spokesman said.

But Wal-Mart Stores Inc., one of the biggest employers in the St. Louis area, handed out raises to all its entry-level managers, raising their pay to $48,500 from $45,000, keeping them exempt from overtime. Those raises will apparently stick.

We are still reviewing the courts ruling, but we dont anticipate making any changes to what weve already shared with our associates, a Wal-Mart spokesman said in an email.

By contrast, the Gliks chain of more than 60 clothing stores plans to reverse a decision to switch about 10 employees to hourly pay from salary.

Dealing with the rule was incredibly upsetting, said Jeff Glik, CEO of the Granite City company founded by his family in 1897. It mainly affected young people just out of college and starting careers.

Glik recalled when he began as a young assistant buyer for a retailer in Houston. My buyer said to me, Youre my assistant and youre here when Im here. I start at 7 a.m. and I work until 6 p.m. 

The overtime rule would make it hard for new people to learn the way he did, Glik said. I want them to have the same opportunity I had. Go for it. Climb the ladder.

He and his managers spent about 20 hours and thousands of dollars on legal advice deciding how to deal with the rule.

His initial solution was to switch the young grads to an hourly rate so that they work the same 45-hour week while receiving about the same total pay. Now, hes reversing that.

Glick said his young salaried workers didnt like the idea of being hourly employees. It was upsetting for them as well because they didnt graduate fromcollege for that, he said.

Lowenbaum, the labor lawyer, is advising clients that have made changes not to reverse them  especially if they gave raises  but to wait to see what happens.

Its probably bad for employee morale, and there is no reason to backtrack, he said.

Even if the rule is reinstated, employers wont have to grant back pay to workers who exceed 40 hours, said the lawyer, and he doesnt expect the rule to survive Trump.

Its probably dead, I would think, Lowenbaum said.
A New York private equity firm serving wealthy families has bought TricorBraun Holdings, a St. Louis-based distributor of bottles and packaging, the firms announced.

Terms were not revealed.

TricorBraun bills itself as one of the largest suppliers of plastic and glass containers, closures, dispensers and tubes in the world. It has nearly $1 billion in annual sales and 40 locations in the U.S. and abroad. Its roots in St. Louis go back about a century.

TricorBraun was purchased by AEA Investors, a firm founded in 1968 by the Rockefeller, Mellon and Harriman family interests. It serves as an investment firm for 75 wealthy families.

TricorBraun's chairman, Ken Kranzberg, serves on the boards of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the Missouri History Museum.
GLEN ELLYN, Ill., Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- College of DuPage has received the annual merit award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for achieving at least a 90 percent pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination for the cycle of Aug. 1, 2015 through July 21, 2016.



Associate Dean of Health and Biological Sciences Karen Solt said she was thrilled with the award and the success of the students.

We consider our Surgical Technology program to be one of the best, if not the best, in Illinois, Solt said. Receiving this award simply supports that notion.

Widely recognized in the health care community as the foremost credential for surgical technologists in the nation, the CST examination is fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies for surgical technologists the CST and is required for employment within many local, state and national health care organizations.

Solt said the success of the program is due in large part to a faculty committed to student success.

The faculty in the program are dedicated to student success and work very hard with all of the students to help them each learn in the best way possible, she said. They spend the time needed with each student and stress not only academic and skills learning, but also professionalism and working as a member of the surgical operating room team.

The Surgical Technology Certificate program at College of DuPage provides students with the skills and knowledge required to assist in surgical operations, as well as advancement opportunities for certified surgical technologists and registered nurses through a variety of instructional methods including online classes, labs and clinical experience.
Filipino restaurant Guerrilla Street Food, a two-time member of the STL 100's Top 25, will open a second location at 4104 Manchester Avenue in the Grove in Forest Park Southeast, co-owner Brian Hardesty announced on Thursday,

This Guerrilla Street Food will be inside the new location of Tropical Liqueurs, the Columbia, Mo., institution that is relocating its first St. Louis outpost from Soulard after conflicts with its neighbors there.

We had originally not planned on opening a second St. Louis location, Hardesty tells Off the Menu. We didn't know if the demand was there.

But then, Hardesty says, the owner of Tropical Liqueurs contacted the restaurant about opening inside the large, warehouse-like Grove space.

This is a pretty great opportunity to do something that has a built-in audience, Hardesty says. (Tropical Liqueurs is) super popular, and they've been around for years.

Hardesty says the Grove location will offer the old-school dishes that have been Guerrilla Street Food's signature fare since it launched as food truck in 2011: fresh lumpia, chicken adobo, the Flying Pig.

However, the new location will not offer the new-school dishes that Hardesty and co-owner Joel Crespo have introduced since opening their first bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Tower Grove East last year. Instead, the Grove menu will features dishes unique to its location.

The plan, Hardesty says, is for each future Guerrilla Street Food to offer something different so diners have a reason to visit each one.

Hardesty says early March is the targeted opening date. Meanwhile, he and Crespo still plan to open a Guerrilla Street Food in Chicago.

It's going to happen, Hardesty says. We're waiting for the right space to come along.
On the day the family of Tyler Gebhard demanded answers from St. Louis County officials in the 20-year-olds shooting death this summer at the hands of an off-duty county police officer, some of them started trickling in.

It was Nov. 17, and Tylers mom, Angela Johnson, and his grandparents, Marlene and Larry Gebhard, appeared with attorneys Thomas Harvey and Blake Strode of the nonprofit public interest firm ArchCity Defenders in downtown St. Louis to explain to reporters that they couldnt even get the police department to confirm that there was an investigation into Tylers death.

More than four months after Tylers death, the Gebhard family knows little more than they have been able to piece together on their own, Strode said. They deserve answers, and they deserve them now.

Tyler Gebhard was shot three times at the Lakeshire home of family friends on July 9. He had been invited by one of the women who lives at the house to attend church that day, as he had with the family many times before.

But something went wrong. According to police, an off-duty police officer who is married to the daughter of the owner of the house shot Tyler, who is biracial, after the young man broke into the home. Tyler was unarmed.

After the news conference, and the online publication of my column about it, police spokesman Sgt. Shawn McGuire gave me some of the answers the family was seeking.

There was an investigation, he said, and it had been forwarded to the prosecuting attorneys office.

McGuire called the familys news conference irresponsible.

He said the family members at the news conference didnt have the answers they sought because they werent the point of contact for us on this shooting  Our point of contact was the father, McGuire said.

That was news to Tyler Gebhards father.

Traye Lockhart-El lives in Arizona. His son was raised mostly by his mother and grandparents.

A couple of days after the news conference, I told him of the police contention that he had been the point of contact for the investigation.

Thats not true, Lockhart-El told me. I havent talked to anybody from the police department. No one at all.

When I told McGuire this, he apologized.

I believe the confusion was because detectives told me father instead of stepfather, McGuire told me in an email.

Tylers stepfather did speak with police. Once.

It was 9:30 on the night that Tyler died. Chris Johnson answered the door and was told by police that Tyler was dead. Thats the only time he spoke to police about the shooting.

The shifting answers from McGuire only add to the familys suspicion about whether the death of their son and grandson was investigated properly.

Not only has our family had to process the immense grief of losing Tyler, we have been left without answers, and still, five months later, seriously question the validity of claims made by the St. Louis County Police Department, said Marlene Gebhard.

Its shameful that they would give families such a runaround, and continue to present a false narrative to the media.

This has been an emotional roller coaster for the Gebhards, and not just because of Tylers death.

Marlene is a longtime fixture in the St. Louis civic community. She was the president of Kirkwood-based grocer Shop n Save for a decade. She believed in the system, but now is convinced there is a separate standard for justice when a young, black man is shot by a police officer.

The day after the Gebhard familys irresponsible news conference  McGuires word, not mine  Tylers death certificate was issued. The family received it a few days later.

On Thursday, after the online publication of this column, McGuire called to accuse me of making up the irresponsible quote and said he did not say it.

The undeniable truth is that Tyler Gebhard died of gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen.

His family still wants to know why.

Prosecutors have had the case since Nov. 2. The family has now been told the medical examiners report into Tylers death is complete and has been forwarded to the office of prosecuting attorney Bob McCulloch. The waiting continues.

I dont see how you can just shoot your friend like that, says Tylers father. None of it adds up to me.
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ST. LOUIS  A circuit judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the citys payroll tax paid by employers.

The summary judgment is a huge win for the city, which expects to collect about $32.8 million in revenue from employers this year.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this year, challenges the 0.5 percent tax that city employers pay on their payrolls.

In the suit, plaintiffs General Marine Services and Thomas Joseph Neuner, an attorney and financial adviser, argue that the Missouri Constitution prohibits cities from imposing taxes that arent authorized either by the constitution or state law.

More specifically, the plaintiffs argued the city is allowed only to impose taxes expressly authorized by the Legislature and cannot make up new taxes on its own.

In her judgment, Circuit Court Judge Joan L. Moriarty cited the citys home rule charter. The Missouri Constitution grants any city that has adopted a charter as its form of government all the powers the state Legislature can grant.

Therefore, the Court finds that payroll tax is not unconstitutional or invalid, Moriarty wrote.

The lawsuit also takes aim at the citys practice of granting payroll tax refunds to companies that make certain improvements on their properties.

In 2009 and 2010, the city enacted refund ordinances as a response to a trend from the early 2000s where a number of employers left downtown and moved to the county.

Two companies that benefited from the refund ordinances were health insurer Anthem and the Polsinelli law firm. Both were named as defendants in the suit.

Anthem benefited from the refund ordinances after the company agreed to keep its headquarters downtown, move 300 employees from Creve Coeur to the city and spend $4.5 million to improve its building on Chestnut Street.

As a result, the city allowed the company to keep half the payroll taxes from those 300 workers while also granting Anthem a 10-year tax abatement.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit argued that the refund ordinances violate two sections of the state constitution  one requiring taxes to be levied uniformly and another mandating that taxes are collected only for public purposes.

Giving refunds to certain companies was not uniform, the plaintiffs argued. And using public money to benefit private companies violated the public purpose clause, they said.

The judge, however, ruled the city levied and collected the taxes the same way for every company in the city.

The Refund Ordinances only operate to reimburse a portion of those taxes after they are uniformly levied and collected, and therefore does not violate the uniformity requirement, the judge said.

Moriarty also agreed with the city on the issue of whether the tax was levied for a public purpose.

The lawsuit did not challenge the 1 percent tax that workers pay on their earnings in the city. That tax provides $164 million of the citys $493 million in revenue.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  The missing toddler who was the subject of an endangered person advisory Wednesday has been found and returned to her mother, police say.

They were looking for the 18-month-old girl and feared she was in danger after disappearing with her non-custodial father Tuesday afternoon in south St. Louis County. She was last seen at about 4:20 p.m. Tuesday when she was taken by her father near the 1000 block of Adworth Drive in unincorporated St. Louis County.

Police had issued an endangered person advisory for Kenadie late Wednesday night. Police said the girl's father allegedly told her mother she would never see the girl again.

Police canceled the endangered advisory just before 1 a.m. Thursday and said the girl was safe. Police did not provide details about where she was found or if the father had her.
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Morris Polich & Purdy, LLP is pleased to announce a landmark victory where two of their Partners James C. Earle, Esq. and Raina L. Richter, Esq. successfully defended landlord clients in a Santa Monica jury trial and obtained a sizable verdict in favor of their client, plus attorneys fees and costs, on a cross-complaint in a complicated real estate matter involving landlord/tenant disputes, construction issues, intentional misrepresentations, failure to disclose and punitive damages.



Significantly, Plaintiffs/Tenants accused MPPs landlord clients of bad faith and made a demand for damages, including statutory damages. Mr. Earle and Ms. Richter, through effective cross-examination and a comprehensive closing statement, successfully convinced the jury those Plaintiffs/Tenants claims were unfounded and obtained a defense verdict on the Plaintiffs/Tenants claims.

At the same time, Mr. Earle and Ms. Richter successfully prosecuted the Defendants/Landlords cross-complaint for Breach of the Lease Agreement/Contract, Intentional Misrepresentation and Negligent Misrepresentation with a request for monetary damages based on the Plaintiffs/Tenants damage to the property.

The Santa Monica jury trial which lasted eight days resulted in a sizable monetary award to the Defendants/Landlords on the Breach of Lease Agreement/Contract, plus a finding of Intentional and Negligent Misrepresentation against Plaintiffs/Tenants. Defendants/Landlords are also entitled to attorneys fees and costs as a result of the trial.

About MPP

Morris Polich & Purdy LLP is a law firm that works with its clients on a national basis. We represent clients in every state, as well as many U.S. possessions. We also have a wealth of international affiliations. The firm established in 1969 has approximately 90 attorneys located in four offices in California and Nevada specializing in over thirty practice areas.

Our dedication to clients, combined with extensive experience, both in the trial and appellate courts, are the qualities that distinguish us from other law firms. Our attorneys are known for their vast experience and success. We provide superior legal services in a manner consistent with our clients' businesses and providing client service at the highest level.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  Microphones that alert police to the sound of gunfire will be added to the Castle Point area of St. Louis County, as the technology moves beyond the city of St. Louis.

The St. Louis County Council voted Tuesday to authorize County Executive Steve Stenger to accept a Justice Department grant of up to $400,636 that would, in part, acquire a Shotspotter system.

It will be used in the area near Halls Ferry and Chambers roads, with a range of two or three miles, according to Officer Benjamin Granda, spokesperson for county police. The plan is to start operation in the spring.

He called it an additional resource to help us keep the community as well as officers safe, adding, Its been proven successfully throughout the country.

He said the area was chosen to provide the best crime reduction and community engagement for the investment. He noted, It is one of the areas our department focuses on with hot-spot policing initiatives.

According to Granda, at least $300,000 of the grant will be used for the technology, and at least $100,000 for community counseling and violence de-escalation in areas most affected by gunfire.

Shotspotter, common in major cities, uses multiple microphones, tuned to the sound of gunfire, to fix a point where a shot is fired and notify police immediately. It can mean faster help for victims, an increased chance of arrest, better preservation of evidence and an opportunity to intervene while a crime is still taking place.

Granda said the grant would get the system up and running, and he anticipates the county will seek additional funding to keep it going in the future.

St. Louis police have used Shotspotter in some of its violence-plagued neighborhoods since 2008.

The citys system was in some recent controversy after a revelation that it was shut off for about three months this year in a bureaucratic tangle between City Hall and Police Headquarters over how the bill would be paid.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis man was convicted Wednesday of murdering his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend during an early morning fight outside an apartment in the Carondelet neighborhood last year.

Jurors found Arthur Bolton, 24, of the 3900 block of South Compton Avenue, guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the Jan. 15, 2015, shooting death of Kenny Burgett, 19, who lived in the same block.

Prosecutors said Bolton went to Burgett's home in the 7800 block of Tennessee Place and challenged Burgett to a fist fight. Police said that when the two went outside, Bolton fatally shot Burgett.

Bolton's lawyer, Aurora Fluhr, said Bolton's ex-girlfriend and three other neighbors misidentified Bolton as the shooter. She said Bolton is "1,000 percent innocent" and plans to appeal the conviction.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 27. Life without parole is the mandatory sentence for a first-degree murder conviction.

Boltons brother, Michael Edwards, 22, of the 3900 block of South Compton, has a pending charge of witness tampering for allegedly making threatening calls to a witness to Burgetts shooting.
WARREN COUNTY  A Warren County man who raped a 15-year-old Ohio girl he'd met online was sentenced Thursday in federal court here to 15 years in prison.

After befriending the girl via the Kik messaging app, Christopher David Schroeder, 42, drove to Ohio in November 2015 to pick her up and bring her to his home in Lake Sherwood Estates, near Marthasville.

Schroeder had already destroyed the SIM card in the girl's phone.

At his home, he engaged in sexual intercourse with her, and recorded two of the sex acts without her knowledge with surveillance cameras in his bedroom, prosecutors have said.

Prosecutors said he wouldn't let the teen leave, and she was afraid to defy him because Schroeder had numerous guns in his house.

They also said Schroeder ordered her to change her appearance, lie about her name and lose weight so that she could become a stripper, although Schroeder disputes those claims.

Police rescued the girl after tracking her through two Internet protocol addresses linked to her Facebook page. The teen was in good condition, officials said at the time.

Schroeder pleaded guilty in July to a charge of transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

He still faces a charge of second-degree statutory rape in Warren County.
COLUMBIA, Mo.  With a few months to go before he takes office, its a little early for incoming University of Missouri president Mun Choi to talk about how hell address budget concerns or hiring decisions at the four-campus system.

But its not too soon to listen.

Greeted with pomp and circumstance of a marching band and a tiger mascot, Choi stopped at the University of Missouri-Columbia on Thursday. He started the day with a reception, meeting with everyone from former Mizzou chancellor R. Bowen Loftin to incoming state Sen. Caleb Rowden, a Republican from Columbia.

After the reception and before a day of meetings with faculty, staff and student leaders, Choi spoke briefly about an assortment of topics, including college affordability.

A national issue, he identified affordability as a priority of his  particularly when theres a 10 percent to 15 percent gap in graduation rates among students who receive federal need-based grants versus those who dont among the university system campuses.

College costs dont stop at a tuition bill, he pointed out. At his current employer, the University of Connecticut, a chemistry professor wrote a textbook that replaces one that students formerly paid upwards of $300 to access.

He said multiple universities are exploring the idea of open-source textbooks for introductory courses as a small means to address college costs.

Choi also addressed a smattering of other subjects, including his decision to move into the presidents residence, Providence Point. A university official previously said Choi wasnt going to move into the university-owned home.

He also talked about his contract with the university, which doesnt include performance pay to supplement his $530,000 salary, unlike the contract of his predecessor.

Im being paid to perform, he said. I dont need additional incentive to perform.

Choi ends his weeklong tour of the campuses Friday in Kansas City. He is expected to return to Missouri soon for a meeting with Gov.-elect Eric Greitens on Dec. 11.
EAST ST. LOUIS This beleaguered river town was once rich with blue-collar jobs and middle-class homes as World War I bolstered industry and created economic opportunities.

But one fateful night, July 2, 1917, the tenuous relationship between blacks and whites over those new jobs gave way to violence. Black neighborhoods were burned, residents trapped inside their homes. Other blacks were stoned and lynched, leaving scars on a city that never fully healed from its racial divide.

In the end, at least 39 blacks were killed along with at least nine whites, although various reports put the number of black deaths closer to 100. Rioters burned more than 300 black homes and businesses.

Thats why community leaders say a centennial commemoration next year is necessary to mark a crucial part of the city and the countrys history.

We cant own our future without owning our past, said East St. Louis Mayor Emeka Jackson-Hicks. It was a dark time that holds a lot of pain.

A series of events begins in January alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. observances, continues through Black History Month and culminates with a festival in July. A monument also is to be erected to serve as a permanent reminder of one of the most deadly riots in the U.S. Details were announced Wednesday in a ceremony at the East St. Louis campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsviille.

We are standing on bloody ground, said the Rev. Joseph Brown, chairman of the commemoration commission, referring to the land where the campus is now situated, just off East Broadway.

For Brown, 72, and others his age, they remember stories by their parents and grandparents of the deadly riots. Of massive fires, bloody streets and residents fleeing the city by the thousands. And media accounts gave grisly details of the night.

For an hour and a half last evening I saw the massacre of helpless negroes at Broadway and Fourth Street, in downtown East St. Louis, where a black skin was a death warrant, wrote Post-Dispatch reporter Carlos F. Hurd in a story published a day after the violence. The eyewitness account by Hurd, who had gained fame five years earlier with interviews of Titanic survivors, would serve as one of the most chilling of the time.

The sheds in the rear of negroes houses on Fourth Street had been ignited to drive out the negro occupants of the houses, Hurd wrote. And the slayers were waiting for them to come out. It was stay in and be roasted, or come out and be slaughtered.

Hurds detailed account is often referenced by historians. Speakers on Wednesday said history must stay in the forefront as other events such as the Ferguson unrest take place so that there is perspective. So that we can know how far we have come and how much work still needs to be done, said Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

We were created as a result of the race riots, McMillan said of the local Urban League chapter, the fourth oldest in the country. He said there were plans to open a satellite office in East St. Louis as the Urban League takes a more regional approach.

Brown got emotional at the ceremony, as did Jackson-Hicks. The commemoration will be painful. But it will be healing, Brown said. Its been 100 years, but for many African-Americans, violence is still a very real part of their life, with a rash of police shootings of black men. For East St. Louisans, news accounts from 1917 dont feel distant at all.

In his account, Hurd wrote of a lyncher calling for others to join in and pull for East St. Louis.

The rope was long, but not too long for the number of hands that grasped it, and this time the negro was lifted to a height of about seven feet from the ground. The body was left hanging there.

For more on the commemorative events scheduled, go to www.estl1917ccci.org.
CLAYTON  A residential facility that has provided psychological and psychiatric services to troubled St. Louis County youths for over a half-century is preparing to close its doors on Dec. 31.

The 18 teens currently under care at the Lakeside Residential Treatment Center in Maryland Heights will be reassigned to Marygrove, a Catholic Charities of St. Louis federated agency that operates a residential program in Florissant.

It will be a good transition for the kids, predicted St. Louis County Family Court Administrator Ben Burkemper.

County officials said the decision to close Lakeside was a budgetary move that will save taxpayers up to $1.4 million annually.

We were basically at a crossroads, looking at an aging facility, a declining (number of clients) and the cost of operating the facility and the buildings. It was grossly expensive, said Andrea Jackson-Jennings, the director of human services, the county department responsible for Lakeside oversight.

Jackson-Jennings said the 54 Lakeside employees have either accepted positions with Marygrove, were reassigned to other county agencies or opted for retirement.

Employees were told of the closure in November.

Perched on a site overlooking Creve Coeur Lake, the Lakeside Center serves teens referred by the St. Louis Family Court for therapeutic care, addiction counseling, sexual abuse trauma and other psychological issues.

The referrals also include young people who have run afoul of the law.

As a defense lawyer I wont miss (Lakeside) too much because I think we can do a better job with community-based treatment to help kids succeed rather than an institutional approach, said Mae Quinn, director of the St. Louis office of the Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center.

The center as recently as two years ago housed 55 young people. But increased court referrals to Marygrove and hospital psychiatric units has steadily declined those numbers. Many of the kids require specialized care that Lakeside just cant provide, Burkemper said.

The plan to shutter Lakeside and relocate its residents began to take shape early this year.

Weve been trying to find a better way forward from what weve experienced at Lakeside, said County Executive Steve Stenger.

We all believe that making this move is in the best interest of the kids we serve, Stenger added.

Closing the Maryland Heights center will remove a $3.4 million expenditure from the 2017 county budget.

Marygrove is receiving approximately $2 million of the funds that would otherwise have covered salaries, maintenance and other expenses.

The $2 million is over and beyond the $4.6 million the Florissant treatment center receives biennially from the St. Louis County Childrens Service Fund.

Stenger said the county has yet to decide the fate of the 25-acre Lakeside Center tract.

The options include folding the land into Creve Coeur Park, leasing or selling the property.
VANCOUVER, Washington, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTC.QB:CYDY), a biotechnology company focused on the development of new monoclonal antibody therapies for combating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, announces that Nader Pourhassan, Ph.D., President and CEO, will present at the LD Micro Main Event on December 7, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). The conference is being held at the Luxe Sunset Hotel in Los Angeles.



A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the Companys website at www.cytodyn.com under the Investors section/IR Calendar or at http://wsw.com/webcast/ldmicro11/cydy and will be archived for 90 days. Web participants are encouraged to login to either website 15 minutes prior to the start of the webcast to register, download and install any necessary software.

About CytoDyn

CytoDyn is a biotechnology company focused on the clinical development and potential commercialization of humanized monoclonal antibodies for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. The Company has one of the leading monoclonal antibodies under development for HIV infection, PRO 140, which has completed Phase 2 clinical trials with demonstrated antiviral activity in man and is currently in Phase 3. PRO 140 blocks the HIV co-receptor CCR5 on T cells, which prevents viral entry. Clinical trial results thus far indicate that PRO 140 does not negatively affect the normal immune functions that are mediated by CCR5. Results from seven Phase 1 and Phase 2 human clinical trials have shown that PRO 140 can significantly reduce viral burden in people infected with HIV. A recent Phase 2b clinical trial demonstrated that PRO 140 can prevent viral escape in patients during several months of interruption from conventional drug therapy. CytoDyn intends to continue to develop PRO 140 as a therapeutic anti-viral agent in persons infected with HIV and to pursue non-HIV indications where CCR5 and its ligand CCL5 may be involved. For more information on the Company, please visit www.cytodyn.com.

About PRO 140

PRO 140 belongs to a new class of HIV/AIDS therapeutics  viral-entry inhibitors  that are intended to protect healthy cells from viral infection. PRO 140 is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody directed against CCR5, a molecular portal that HIV uses to enter T-cells. PRO 140 blocks the predominant HIV (R5) subtype entry into T-cells by masking this required co-receptor, CCR5. Importantly, PRO 140 does not appear to interfere with the normal function of CCR5 in mediating immune responses. PRO 140 does not have agonist activity toward CCR5 but does have antagonist activity to CCL5, which is a central mediator in inflammatory diseases. PRO 140 has been the subject of seven clinical trials, each demonstrating efficacy by significantly reducing or controlling HIV viral load in human test subjects. PRO 140 has been designated a fast track product candidate by the FDA. The PRO 140 antibody appears to be a powerful antiviral agent leading to potentially fewer side effects and less frequent dosing requirements as compared to daily drug therapies currently in use.
By all reckonings, the demographic group most responsible for Donald Trumps presidential victory was working class white voters with no college degrees. They make up 42 percent of the population; 70 percent of them turned out to vote and Trump won 67 percent of their votes.

From one day to the next, its hard to know what Trumps policies really are. This is not a man with a long and consistent policy record, nor a fealty to fact. But much of what Trump wants will have to be done in cooperation with Congress, a body dominated by Republicans whose intentions do not bode well for Trumps working-class supporters.

Consider the Affordable Care Act, which Trump has vowed to repeal and replace with something terrific. He told the Wall Street Journal hes rethinking his position, but congressional Republicans arent. And on Monday, Trump re- waffled, naming two key health policy appointees who want to make drastic changes in programs that benefit Trumps base.

Trump named Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., to head the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees all government health care programs. To head the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, he named Seema Verma. She is a consultant who advised several Republican governors, including Indianas Mike Pence, now the vice president-elect, on modifying Obamacare to make it more palatable to conservatives.

Only 70 percent of working-class whites with no college degrees are actually employed, but not all of them have access to health insurance through their jobs. Census Bureau data show that among families with household income of $49,000 or less, the number of uninsured Americans dropped by 8.6 percent in the past two years.

Price, the HHS secretary-designate, is the author of the 242-page Empowering Patients Act, one of several GOP proposals that would gut the Affordable Care Act. Its an insurance-company friendly measure that would make it cheaper to insure young and healthy Americans and less affordable for the older Americans who are more likely to get sick. In both cases, policies would be less comprehensive.

And then theres Medicaid, the health care program for the poor and disabled. In states that adopted Medicaid expansion plans  like Pences Indiana  about 15 million more Americans gained coverage through Medicaid. Under most GOP repeal and replace plans, most of them would lose it.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., advocates turning Medicaid funding over to state governments. The feds would send states a block grant, possibly for Medicaid (including nursing homes), food stamps, supplemental Social Security for the disabled and Pell Grants as well. States could divvy it up how they want.

All of that, plus changes to Obamacare, could mean a lot of Trumps voters are in for an unpleasant surprise. They cant say they werent warned.
I took my children into the voting booth with me and later my grandchildren so they could learn the procedure and why it is so important.
Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste are small island states sharing two significant characteristics  they are both located in the coral triangle, the worlds most biodiverse marine environment and yet, their populations suffer from malnutrition and high rates of stunted growth in children.



Neither state has kept pace with the development that other low income countries have experienced and both countries remain stuck in the group of least developed countries in the world.



Sustainable pathways missing

For the poor and vulnerable rural communities who live along Pacific Islands coasts, pathways out of poverty are heavily dependent on the productivity and sustainability of coastal social-ecological systems. These systems combine activities that harness the natural productivity of coastal ecosystems with farming and other income earning activities.



A convincing global narrative highlights the significance of sustainable and supplementary livelihoods to accelerate development, whilst encouraging management practices that support ecosystem conservation. Yet despite this, policy falls short of enabling sustainable pathways for development because it lacks the level of detailed knowledge about the local context that is needed for effective action and deployment of the relevant resources.



A new approach to enhancing livelihoods

A recurrent criticism of development practice is that it is too often supply driven and dissociated from a real understanding of the integrated lives and difficult choices poor people make. WorldFish initiated a project with the aim of enhancing fishers livelihoods in Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste, by managing the diversity that characterizes rural livelihoods. Firstly, mobilizing partnerships across sectors and then placing the capacity for generating and using knowledge in the hands of people who are trying to improve their lives.



The projects adopts a participatory livelihoods enhancement approach with community groups in Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste whereby visions and enhancement pathways are co-developed into action plans. These plans are then implemented and refined through cycles of action and reflection. Getting a clear idea of what a better livelihood looks like and identifying the capacity gaps that inhibit their realisation, is a central and important component of the project that provides insights for scaling pathways and how to turn policies into practice.



Collaboration with WorldFish

From its offices in the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste, WorldFish collaborates with SwedBio to respond to The Noumea Strategy, a new key regional coastal fisheries policy approved by regional Heads of Fisheries and endorsed by the Ministerial Forum Fisheries Committee in 2015. The strategy is spearheaded by the Pacific Community  a key partner in the project  and focuses on the role of coastal fisheries in regional livelihoods and food security.



For more information contact Hampus Eriksson (H.Eriksson@cgiar.org) or Max Troell (max@beijer.kva.se)
THRIVE, is a step-by-step guide on how to implement 60 nature-based solutions for the protection and sustainable use of natural assets in cities across sub-Saharan Africa, made it all the way to the finals as one of three top nominees in the category for Best Mobile Learning during the Swedish Learning Awards 2016.

The category Best Mobile Learning highlights learning productions that have primarily been designed to be used on mobile devices such as cell phones, smartphones, tablets and handheld consoles. The award draws attention to the best and most elaborate productions designed for mobile hardware, used in an innovative and effective way to achieve training objectives.



"Gratifying and encouraging"

The Thrive mobile app is a guide on how to achieve the most with limited resources and houses solutions that can be achieved by an individual or community, at the local scale.
NEW YORK, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Korean-American snowboarding champion Chloe Kim continues to make history beyond being the first female to score a perfect 100 at the 2016 U.S. Grand Prix. Today LANEIGE, one of the worlds K-Beauty leaders, is proud to announce Chloe Kim as its first-ever North American brand ambassador as she exemplifies the spirit and power of K-Beauty and feeling confident in your own skin. Together, LANEIGE and Chloe announce Your Personal 100, a social media campaign designed to inspire everyone to look, feel and do their personal best.



A video accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/34c06ca9-d990-4ec5-a8f9-5e2de325027b

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3293f773-f8b9-4a7c-b7b1-0e1c08d3b9da and http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd69ef30-3fe4-406e-886f-32943ea5704d.

LANEIGE is honored to name Chloe Kim as our first-ever North American brand ambassador because she embodies the spirit and power of K-Beauty and the beauty of feeling confident in your own skin, said Bradley Horowitz, CEO, AmorePacific North America. Chloe has the perfect formula for inspiring women around the world. We admire her determination to keep striving to reach new heights and we are thrilled that our brand will accompany her on her journey.

Your Personal 100 campaign will follow Chloe Kim on her journey to the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. As part of the campaign, Chloe will inspire and engage fans through social media posts by sharing her Personal 100 stories and LANEIGE K-Beauty secrets using #YourPersonal100.

Chloe has changed the face of snowboarding and always puts her best face forward thanks to her family, friends and a skincare routine that is based on tradition and nourished by K-Beauty products. For Chloe and her mom, Boran, using LANEIGE is a tradition that is passed on with pride and love from one generation to the next. Chloe knows the importance of staying hydrated and protected from the sun and other elements when she is on the slopes and learned from her mom that LANEIGE can help keep her skin healthy and glowing so she can concentrate on bringing home the gold.

My skin has seen some extreme weather and Im so glad I have LANEIGE to keep it looking and feeling awesome, said Kim. First thing in the morning I use my LANEIGE cleanser, toner, emulsion, Water Bank Serum and Gel Cream, and before bed I relax and recharge with my LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask. Its like my treat to me!

About Chloe

Chloe was most recently named by TIME magazine as one of The 30 Most Influential Teens of 2016 and is a favorite to compete in Korea at the 2018 Olympic Games. Her first X Games medal came at the young age of 13 (silver) and she is now the only athlete in X Games history to earn three medals before the age of 16; back-to-back X Games gold in 2016 and 2015 and silver as a rookie in the X Games Aspen 2014 SuperPipe. The partnership was negotiated by Chloes agents at CAA Sports, led by Lowell Taub.

About LANEIGE

LANEIGE is committed to helping you achieve younger, more radiant skin through the power of water. After 20 years of research, only LANEIGE Laboratories have unleashed scientifically engineered, skin-perfecting mineral water clinically proven to hydrate, protect and revitalize individual skin types. The result is 24-hour hydration and protection against sun, pollution and stress. Through its mastery of the science of water, LANEIGE brings skincare to a new level of excellence.

For more information about the Your Personal 100 campaign or for interview requests, please contact:

Dawn Maniglia

(917) 862-5444

d.maniglia@vegarun.com

You can download video in HD from the following location: http://www.dssimon.com/MM/Laneige/
Hamilton, Bermuda, 1 December 2016 - Hoegh LNG Holdings Ltd. ("Hoegh LNG" or the "Company") today announced an agreement to sell a 51% ownership interest in Hoegh LNG Colombia Holding Ltd. ("Grace Holding"), the sole owner of the entities that own and operate Hoegh Grace to Hoegh LNG Partners LP ("HMLP" or the "Partnership") for a purchase price (the "Purchase Price") of USD 188.7 million, less USD 96.9 million, the pro rata amount of indebtedness related to Hoegh Grace that is expected to be outstanding under the credit facility related to the vessel as of the closing date of the transaction (the "Closing Date").

In addition, HMLP has the option at any time on or prior to 28 February 2017 to purchase the remaining ownership interest in Grace Holding (the "Option"). To the extent the Partnership does not exercise the Option in full by 28 February 2017, the Partnership will retain a right of first offer with respect to the remaining interest in Grace Holding.

The Purchase Price will be subject to certain post-closing adjustments for net working capital. In addition, the Purchase Price will be increased, pro rata, to the extent that HMLP exercises all or any portion of the Option on or prior to the Closing Date. HMLP intends to settle the Purchase Price with cash. At HMLP's election, it may settle the Purchase Price and any purchase pursuant to the Option, with a combination of cash and one or more promissory notes from HMLP payable to Hoegh LNG in an aggregate amount of up to USD 50 million (the "Seller's Credit"). If issued, the Seller's Credit will mature on 1 January 2021 and bear interest at an annual rate of 8%.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of January 2017 and is subject to customary closing conditions and the acceptance of Hoegh Grace by its charterer, Sociedad Portuaria El Cayao S.A. E.S.P. ("SPEC"), expected December 2016.

The transaction has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company as well as the Board of Directors of HMLP.

Sveinung J.S. Sthle, President and CEO of Hoegh LNG, stated "We are delighted to have reached an agreement with HMLP for the second drop-down to the MLP. Hoegh LNG has a leading position in the FSRU segment and a strong pipeline of drop-down candidates, making HMLP the main vehicle for funding our FSRU expansion as we continue to see very strong market growth in the coming years for our floating LNG import solutions."

* * *

About Hoegh LNG:

Hoegh LNG provides floating energy solutions and operates world-wide with a leading position as owner and operator of floating LNG import terminals; floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and is one of the most experienced operators of LNG Carriers (LNGCs). Hoegh LNG's vision is to be the industry leader of floating LNG solutions and the strategy is to continue to focus growth plans on the FSRU market, with the objective of securing long-term contracts with strong counterparts at attractive returns. Hoegh LNG is a Bermuda based company with established presence in Norway, Singapore, the UK, USA, Indonesia, Lithuania, Egypt and Colombia. The company employs approximately 110 office staff and 500 seafarers.

Contacts:

Sveinung J. S. Sthle, President and Chief Executive Officer, Telephone +47 975 57 402

Steffen Freid, Chief Financial Officer, Telephone + 47 975 57 406

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act or the Continuing Obligations of Oslo Brs
A gas pump is seen hanging from the ceiling at a petrol station in Seoul June 27, 2011. REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak/File Photo

By Devika Krishna Kumar

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices surged 4 percent on Thursday, with Brent crude at its highest in about 16 months, extending gains after OPEC and Russia agreed to restrict output to reduce the global supply glut more quickly.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed on Wednesday to its first oil output reduction since 2008 after the group's leading producer Saudi Arabia accepted "a big hit" and dropped a demand that arch-rival Iran also slash output.

The deal also included OPEC's first coordinated action in 15 years with non-member Russia. Azerbaijan said it was also willing to discuss cuts.

Doubts about the historic deal were widespread in the market.

"It remains to be seen how well they stick to the plan, but if OPEC hadn't come to an agreement the probability is that oil prices would have fallen to $40 a barrel, perhaps even lower," said Simon Flowers, chief analyst at consultancy Wood Mackenzie.

"Brent was trading at about $50 a barrel after the announcement, and we expect it to trade at an average of $55-$60 per barrel in 2017."

Benchmark Brent futures settled 4.1 percent or $2.10 higher at $53.94. Earlier in the session, prices jumped as much as 5.2 percent to $54.53 a barrel, the highest level since July 27, 2015.

U.S. crude ended the session at $51.06, up $1.62 or 3.3 percent on the day. Its session high was $51.80 a barrel, 13 cents below its 2016 high.

Brent crude's premium to U.S crude widened to the biggest in about ten weeks.

U.S. refined products also rose along with crude - ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) futures soared as much as 5.5 percent to its highest in more than a year while gasoline futures jumped as much as 6 percent.

The OPEC deal triggered frenzied trading, with Brent futures hitting record trading volumes for February and March, when the supply cuts should start to be visible in the market.

The Intercontinental Exchange Inc said ICE Brent crude futures hit a daily volume record of 1.96 million contracts on Wednesday while the CME Group said open interest in WTI futures rose to a record 2.1 million contracts on the day of the OPEC agreement. [nASC09LHZ]

Even after Thursday's steep rise, oil prices remained about half their mid-2014 levels, when prices began to collapse to the lowest in a generation.

OPEC produces a third of global oil, or around 33.6 million barrel per day, and the deal aims to reduce output by 1.2 million bpd from January 2017, similar to January 2016 levels.

"It's clearly too soon to know what beyond the short-term market gain will be the consequences of this mini-renaissance of OPEC - for other producers and for the group itself," Credit Suisse analysts said.

Others noted that the cuts could leave the field open for other producers, especially U.S. shale drillers.

"We do not believe that oil prices can sustainably remain above $55 per barrel, with global production responding first and foremost in the U.S.," Goldman Sachs said.

The head of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol warned of greater volatility after the OPEC deal.

"Unlike in the past OPEC decisions, if prices move to around $60, a substantial amount of oil in United states is ready to come to the markets," Birol said.

OPEC will hold talks with non-OPEC producers on Dec. 9. The group will also have its next meeting on May 25 to monitor the deal, which it said it could extend for six months.

For a Graphic on oil price vs production, click: http://product.datastream.com/dscharting/gateway.aspx?guid=ea95e198-4a0c-48e3-a750-7574b2660076&action=REFRESH

For Graphic on OPEC's market share struggle, click: http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/OPEC-MEETING/010021V94JT/index.html

For Graphic on OPEC's dwindling spare capacity, click: http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/OIL-OPEC/010030P51GF/OPEC-OIL.jpg

For Graphic on U.S. shale costs falling, click: http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/OPEC-MEETING/010030SC1P5/USA-SHALE-OPEC-B.jpg

(Additional reporting by Christopher Johnson in London, Henning Gloystein and Keith Wallis in Singapore; Editing by Marguerita Choy and David Gregorio)
Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYSE: PH) and CLARCOR Inc. (NYSE: CLC) announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Parker will acquire CLARCOR for approximately $4.3 billion in cash, including the assumption of net debt.

Under the terms of the agreement, Parker will purchase all of the outstanding shares of CLARCOR for $83.00 per share in cash. This represents a premium of approximately 17.8 percent to CLARCORs closing share price on November 30, 2016 and a premium of approximately 29.2 percent to CLARCORs volume weighted average share price over 90 days and a premium of approximately 17.1 percent to CLARCORs all-time and 52-week high. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of each company.

CLARCOR, headquartered in Franklin, TN, is a diversified marketer and manufacturer of mobile, industrial and environmental filtration products with annual sales of approximately $1.4 billion and 6,000 employees worldwide. CLARCOR adds a broad array of industrial air and liquid filtration products and technologies to Parkers filtration portfolio.

This strategic transaction is consistent with our stated objective to invest in businesses that accelerate Parker towards our goal of top quartile financial performance, said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Parker. The combination of Parker and CLARCOR is highly complementary and offers a great opportunity to combine our strength in international markets and OEMs with CLARCORs strong U.S. presence and high percentage of recurring sales in the aftermarket.

Williams added, We also believe our cultures and values are an excellent match. CLARCOR, like Parker, prides itself on a long and successful history that reinforces entrepreneurialism and innovation. Were confident that the goals and measures outlined in the Win Strategy will guide a seamless integration and generate significant synergies. This transaction delivers immediate cash value to CLARCOR shareholders and is expected to create sustained value for Parker shareholders. Together, Parker and CLARCOR will advance our commitment to engineer the success of our customers and team members and enhance shareholder value.

Joining Parker provides a terrific opportunity to accelerate our mission of making our world cleaner and safer while delivering an immediate and substantial cash premium to our shareholders and bolstering the confidence of our customers, said Chris Conway, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of CLARCOR. We believe Parker is an ideal fit for CLARCOR as it shares both our culture and our passion for developing solutions to our customers complex filtration challenges. Becoming part of Parker, with its significant systems expertise and stellar reputation for quality and innovation, should only enhance and accelerate our strategic initiatives and technology development efforts, expand our growth plans and provide new opportunities for many of our employees. We are looking forward to working together with the Parker team to ensure a smooth combination of our businesses and operations and bring these goals to fruition.

Compelling Financial and Strategic Benefits

Significant Operating Synergies: Parker expects to realize annual run rate cost synergies of approximately $140 million three years after closing through a variety of initiatives, including the consolidation of the companies supply chains and a successful implementation of Parkers Win Strategy throughout CLARCORs operations.

Parker expects to realize annual run rate cost synergies of approximately $140 million three years after closing through a variety of initiatives, including the consolidation of the companies supply chains and a successful implementation of Parkers Win Strategy throughout CLARCORs operations. Accretive to Parkers Cash Flow, EPS and EBITDA Margin: The transaction is expected to be accretive to Parkers Cash Flow, EPS and EBITDA margins, after adjusting for one-time costs.

The transaction is expected to be accretive to Parkers Cash Flow, EPS and EBITDA margins, after adjusting for one-time costs. Significantly Enhances Parkers Filtration Group: The combination of the companies complementary filtration offerings strengthens Parkers position in a growing and resilient business.

The combination of the companies complementary filtration offerings strengthens Parkers position in a growing and resilient business. Strong Recurring Revenue Opportunities: Parker expects to benefit from increased recurring revenue streams as approximately 80 percent of CLARCORs revenue is generated through aftermarket sales. The addition of CLARCOR is expected to significantly increase recurring revenue in Parkers Filtration Group.

Parker expects to benefit from increased recurring revenue streams as approximately 80 percent of CLARCORs revenue is generated through aftermarket sales. The addition of CLARCOR is expected to significantly increase recurring revenue in Parkers Filtration Group. Enhances Parkers Product Portfolio with Leading Brands: With the addition of CLARCORs leading and respected brands, including CLARCOR, Baldwin, Fuel Manager, PECOFacet, Airguard, Altair, BHA, Clearcurrent, Clark Filter, Hastings, United Air Specialists, Keddeg and Purolator, Parker expects to be better positioned to deliver enhanced and expanded filtration solutions to its customers. In addition, this transaction strengthens Parkers systems capabilities and enhances the rest of Parkers technologies, enabling the company to provide even better motion and control systems solutions to customers.

With the addition of CLARCORs leading and respected brands, including CLARCOR, Baldwin, Fuel Manager, PECOFacet, Airguard, Altair, BHA, Clearcurrent, Clark Filter, Hastings, United Air Specialists, Keddeg and Purolator, Parker expects to be better positioned to deliver enhanced and expanded filtration solutions to its customers. In addition, this transaction strengthens Parkers systems capabilities and enhances the rest of Parkers technologies, enabling the company to provide even better motion and control systems solutions to customers. Complementary Products, Markets and Geographic Presence: Parker expects to be able to leverage both companies complementary filtration technologies to further accelerate growth.

Organization and Leadership

Upon closing of the transaction, CLARCOR will be combined with Parkers Filtration Group to form a leading and diverse global filtration business. Williams added, We look forward to working collaboratively with CLARCOR team members to jointly build on CLARCORs great history. CLARCOR is a premier filtration company due to strong leadership, a great culture that is highly complementary to Parkers, and an impressive breadth of products and technologies with talented team members contributing daily to its success.

Financing and Dividend

Parker plans to finance the transaction using cash and new debt. Following completion of the transaction, Parker expects to maintain a high investment grade credit profile. Parker intends to make debt reduction a priority in the near term.

The transaction is not expected to impact Parkers dividend payout target of approximately 30 percent of net income, while maintaining its record of annual dividend increases.

Approvals and Time to Closing

The transaction is expected to be completed by or during the first quarter of Parkers fiscal year 2018 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by CLARCOR's shareholders and receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

Advisors

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is acting as financial advisor to Parker and Jones Day and Thompson Hine, LLP are acting as legal advisors. Goldman, Sachs & Co. is acting as financial advisor to CLARCOR and Bass, Berry & Sims PLC and Baker & McKenzie LLP are acting as legal advisors.

Conference Call

Parker will host a conference call today, Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 8:30 AM Eastern Time to discuss the transaction. Interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast of the conference call, which can be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of Parkers website at www.phstock.com.

A webcast replay will also be available on Parker's website in the Investor Relations section.
FMC Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FTI) and Technip (Paris:TEC) (OTC: TKPPY) (Euronext: TEC) today announced that the pending combination between the companies has received a clearance decision issued by the General Superintendent of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), the Brazilian antitrust authority. The decision is subject to a 15-day waiting period.

As previously announced on May 19, 2016, Technip and FMC Technologies will combine to create a global leader that will drive change by redefining the production and transformation of oil and gas. Brazil is the last outstanding antitrust clearance required prior to closing. Clearance decisions have previously been provided by antitrust authorities in the United States, the European Union, India, Turkey, Mexico and Russia. The pending transaction remains subject to other closing conditions, including approval of the transaction by FMC Technologies and Technips shareholders at their respective shareholders meetings scheduled on December 5, 2016, as well as certain regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in early 2017, subject to the satisfaction of these other closing conditions.
The Oceti Sakowin camp is seen at sunrise during a protest against plans to pass the Dakota Access pipeline near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, U.S. November 2, 2016. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith

By Terray Sylvester

CANNON BALL, N.D. (Reuters) - North Dakota officials on Tuesday moved to block supplies from reaching oil pipeline protesters at a camp near the construction site, threatening to use hefty fines to keep demonstrators from receiving food, building materials and even portable bathrooms.

Activists have spent months protesting plans to route the $3.8 billion Dakota Access Pipeline beneath a lake near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, saying the project poses a threat to water resources and sacred Native American sites.

State officials said on Tuesday they would fine anyone bringing prohibited items into the main protest camp following Governor Jack Dalrymple's "emergency evacuation" order on Monday. Earlier, officials had warned of a physical blockade, but the governor's office backed away from that.

Law enforcement would take a more "passive role" than enforcing a blockade, said Maxine Herr, a spokeswoman for the Morton County Sheriff's Department.

"The governor is more interested in public safety than setting up a road block and turning people away," Herr said by telephone.

Officers will stop vehicles they believe are headed to the camp and inform drivers they are committing an infraction and could be fined $1,000.

These penalties should serve as a hindrance, according to Cecily Fong, a spokeswoman for the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.

"So that effectively is going to block that stuff (supplies), but there is not going to be a hard road block," Fong said by telephone.

A spokeswoman from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe was not immediately available for comment.

North Dakota Governor-elect Doug Burgum, a Republican, declined to comment.

The 1,172-mile (1,885 km) pipeline project, owned by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners LP, is mostly complete except for a segment planned to run under Lake Oahe, a reservoir formed by a dam on the Missouri River.

Thousands of people are protesting at camps located on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land, north of the Cannonball River in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The main protest camp near Cannon Ball is called Oceti Sakowin, the original name of the Sioux, meaning Seven Council Fires.

Protest leaders said state officials and local law enforcement officers were "bullying" demonstrators with the threat of fines.

"It's bogus and I don't know about the legality of it," said Kandi Mossett, an organizer with Indigenous Environmental Network. "We're not afraid. We're moving in and out of the camp at will. So people shouldn't be afraid of coming and supporting the water protectors. They've been bullying us since day one."

'HARSH WINTER CONDITIONS'

Dalrymple's evacuation order was issued on Monday due to the "harsh winter conditions." Snow and wind gusts up to 45 mph (73 kph) were forecast for Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Despite the sub-freezing temperatures, law enforcement on Nov. 21 used water cannons to disperse protesters who had blockaded a highway.

Demonstrators and law enforcement have clashed over the months since protests began, with demonstrators claiming excessive use of force by law enforcement.

On Tuesday, the National Lawyers Guild filed a class action in U.S. District Court in North Dakota on behalf of injured protesters, claiming local authorities in Morton and Stutsman counties used excessive force.

The civil rights complaint said there were no orders to disperse or warnings issued before local police turned water cannons and tear gas on the protest. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages.

Stutsman County Auditor Casey Bradley said the county sheriffs office was unaware of the lawsuit and unable to comment on the allegations.

Officers were justified in using water cannons because of the threat posed by demonstrators, Fong and Herr said. Law enforcement gave numerous warnings for protesters to disperse, they said.

North Dakota officials have issued several requests for additional help from federal law enforcement in light of the demonstrators. However, the Army Corps said Monday its order to evacuate the primary protest camp by Dec. 5 would not include forcibly removing people from the land.

The Obama administration in September postponed final approval of a Army Corps' permit required to allow tunneling beneath the lake, a move intended to give federal officials more time to consult tribal leaders.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a Tuesday news briefing that Obama believes law enforcement has "an obligation" to show restraint and protesters have a "responsibility" to protest peacefully.

In a related protest, prosecutors suspended charges against Deia Schlosberg, a documentary maker arrested while filming as environmental protesters attempted to shut down the flow of oil through pipelines carrying crude from Canada to the United States in October.

(Writing by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Additional reporting by David Gaffen and Mica Rosenberg in New York, Ernest Scheyder in Houston, Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles, Roberta Rampton and Doina Chiacu in Washington.; Editing by Ben Klayman, Matthew Lewis and Andrew Hay)
BALTIMORE, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfields Helping Hungry Homes campaign partnered with Shoppers this morning to provide more than 100,000 servings of protein to Maryland Food Bank just in time for the holiday season. This considerable donation is part of Smithfields 300th Helping Hungry Homes donation milestone tour, during which the company is donating more than one million servings to 20 food banks across the country through the end of the year. These 20 donations are in addition to the 42 large-scale protein donations Smithfield has made across the United States in 2016.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d29617d-93bb-4297-9e8d-59057cfe98d8

Representatives from Smithfield and Shoppers presented the donation of 25,000 pounds of protein, equivalent to 100,000 servings, to the food bank during an event at which speakers discussed the importance of donations like this in Maryland, where one in eight individuals struggle with hunger.

Throughout the end of the year, Smithfield is traveling from coast-to-coast to food banks in Florence, S.C., Charleston, S.C., Sacramento, Calif., Kansas City, Kan., Hampton, Va., Virginia Beach, Va., Bethel Heights, Ark., Baltimore, Md., Tampa, Fla, and beyond. Smithfield is continuing its long history of partnering with local retailers with a history of philanthropy to make these donations and raise awareness of hunger in these areas.

High quality protein donations are often difficult to come by, which is why this gift from Smithfield and Shoppers is so valuable to us, said Mathew Whelan, interim CEO & president of the Maryland Food Bank. The holiday season is a particularly difficult time of year for those in need, but with this donation of 25,000 pounds of protein, we hope to make it brighter for thousands of hungry Marylanders.

At Shoppers Food, involvement in our local communities and the act of giving back has a significant value, said Bob Gleeson, president of Shoppers. This donation is a great opportunity for us to offer some help in the communities we serve, particularly our neighbors in need, and we thank both Smithfield and the Maryland Food Bank for the opportunity to work with them on such a worthy cause.

Smithfield is thrilled to join Shoppers during our 300th milestone tour to present this donation to Maryland Food Bank during the holiday season, said Dennis Pittman, senior director of hunger relief for Smithfield Foods. This is a time to reflect and be thankful for the abundance we enjoy and give back to those who may not know the source of their next meal. Through our Helping Hungry Homes tour, were proud to continue to help more than 100 food banks nationwide. We encourage others to get involved and volunteer time, funds, or food to help their local food bank.

As part of its ongoing Helping Hungry Homes program, Smithfield has committed to donate more than eight million servings of protein to food banks nationwide in 2016 to help families and individuals suffering from hunger. To date, the program has provided more than 46 million servings of protein to food banks across America.

About Smithfield

A leading provider of high-quality pork products, Smithfield was founded in 1936 in Smithfield, Virginia, establishing the town as the Ham Capital of the World. From hand-trimmed bacon and slow-smoked holiday hams to marinated tenderloins, Smithfield brings artistry, authenticity and a commitment to heritage, flavor, and handcrafted excellence to everything it produces. With a vast product portfolio including smoked meats, hams, bacon, sausage, ribs, and a wide variety of fresh pork cuts, the company services retail, foodservice, and deli channels across the United States and 30 countries abroad. All of Smithfields products meet the highest quality and safety standards in the industry. To learn more about how Flavor Hails from Smithfield, please visit www.Smithfield.com, www.Twitter.com/SmithfieldBrand, and www.Facebook.com/CookingWithSmithfield. Smithfield is a brand of Smithfield Foods.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, Farmland, Armour, John Morrell, Cook's, Kretschmar, Gwaltney, Curly's, Margherita, Carando, Healthy Ones, Krakus, Morliny, and Berlinki. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

About Shoppers

Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, which is member of Supervalus corporate stores family, operates more than 50 full-service supermarkets in Baltimore, northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Shoppers targets price-conscious consumers offering over 30,000 everyday low prices and a commitment to save up to 15 percent or more every day with no card needed. For more information, please visit www.shoppersfood.com.

About the Maryland Food Bank

The Maryland Food Bank is a nonprofit hunger-relief organization, leading the movement to end hunger throughout Maryland. For more than 35 years, the Maryland Food Bank has partnered with communities across the state to distribute food to individuals and families in need. Through carefully-crafted programs, the food bank aims to meet the immediate needs of Marylanders while simultaneously working to find long term ways to reduce hunger statewide. Currently distributing more than 120,000 meals per day - over 44 million meals annually - the Maryland Food Bank will continue to expand its efforts until hunger ends. To learn more about the Maryland Food Bank, visit www.mdfoodbank.org.

Media Contacts:

Hunter PR for Smithfield

Elisabeth Garcia

(212) 679-6600

egarcia@hunterpr.com







Shoppers

Mike Wilken

(952) 828-4558

michael.c.wilken@supervalu.com Maryland Food Bank

Joanna Warner

(443) 297-5167

jwarner@mdfoodbank.org








NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Crystal Research Associates, LLC announced today that it has issued an Executive Informational Overview (EIO) on Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. (NYSE MKT: HEB). The full 60-page report is available on Crystal Research Associates' website at www.crystalra.com.

Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company addressing critical unmet medical needs. Hemispherx has invested over two decades of R&D into safe, effective ways to modulate and amplify the immune system, and is now poised to enter a confirmatory Phase III U.S. trial with an RNA macromolecule that could become the only FDA-approved therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). This candidate, Ampligen, was approved for CFS/ME in Argentina in August 2016 and is available to patients in Europe through an early access program (EAP). CFS/ME is a debilitating disease with no known treatment to date but very active patient advocacy groups.

Hemispherx also holds rights to an FDA-approved product for genital warts, Alferon N Injection, which is believed to be the world's only approved natural interferon (IFN). Hemispherx has refined Alferon's manufacturing to drastically increase efficiencies and reduce costs, and now seeks FDA approval for the new production method before relaunching Alferon. Hemispherx is headquartered in Philadelphia with GMP manufacturing and research facilities in New Jersey.

Be the first to hear about Crystal Research's new report releases and upcoming media coverage. Follow us at http://www.crystalra.com/blog for more coverage.

About Crystal Research Associates, LLC

For the past decade, Crystal Research Associates, LLC (www.crystalra.com) has successfully articulated the exceptional stories of small- and mid-cap companies to the Wall Street investor community. Our methods are well-established and diverse, from compiling and disseminating objective, factual information for both institutional and retail investor audiences to capitalizing on our expansive line of targeted distribution channels, which include industry-leading financial data and information providers. Our distribution efforts are accompanied by the use of prominent social media channels and by strategic and targeted appearances on national news programs and print media.

Crystal Research Associates is led by Wall Street veterans, Jeffrey Kraws and Karen Goldfarb. Together, Kraws and Goldfarb have built a unique business model, capitalizing on decades of experience as an award-winning sell-side analyst team to produce institutional-quality industry and market research in a manner that is easily understood by investors and consumers. Our firm's approach has been proven successful over the years as our products are published and available on Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters/First Call, Capital IQ, FactSet, and scores of other popular forums.

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this news release regarding future financial and operating results, potential applications of the Company's technology, opportunities for the Company, and any other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," and similar expressions) should also be considered forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including limited operating history, need for future capital, and economic conditions generally. Additional information on potential factors that could affect results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic news and reports. Crystal Research Associates' compensation is a cash amount of thirty-nine thousand, five hundred U.S. dollars for its services in creating this report and for updates.

These statements, and other forward-looking statements, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Crystal Research Associates assumes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this release.

Contact: Jeffrey J. Kraws/Karen B. GoldfarbCrystal Research Associates, LLCP: (609) 306-2274, F: (609) 395-9339

Source: Crystal Research Associates, LLC
VANCOUVER, Washington, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTC.QB: CYDY), a biotechnology company focused on the development of new monoclonal antibody therapies for combating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, announces that Nader Pourhassan, Ph.D., President and CEO, will present at the LD Micro Main Event on December 7, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). The conference is being held at the Luxe Sunset Hotel in Los Angeles.

A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the Companys website at www.cytodyn.com under the Investors section/IR Calendar or at http://wsw.com/webcast/ldmicro11/cydy and will be archived for 90 days. Web participants are encouraged to login to either website 15 minutes prior to the start of the webcast to register, download and install any necessary software.

About CytoDyn CytoDyn is a biotechnology company focused on the clinical development and potential commercialization of humanized monoclonal antibodies for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. The Company has one of the leading monoclonal antibodies under development for HIV infection, PRO 140, which has completed Phase 2 clinical trials with demonstrated antiviral activity in man and is currently in Phase 3. PRO 140 blocks the HIV co-receptor CCR5 on T cells, which prevents viral entry. Clinical trial results thus far indicate that PRO 140 does not negatively affect the normal immune functions that are mediated by CCR5. Results from seven Phase 1 and Phase 2 human clinical trials have shown that PRO 140 can significantly reduce viral burden in people infected with HIV. A recent Phase 2b clinical trial demonstrated that PRO 140 can prevent viral escape in patients during several months of interruption from conventional drug therapy. CytoDyn intends to continue to develop PRO 140 as a therapeutic anti-viral agent in persons infected with HIV and to pursue non-HIV indications where CCR5 and its ligand CCL5 may be involved. For more information on the Company, please visit www.cytodyn.com.

About PRO 140 PRO 140 belongs to a new class of HIV/AIDS therapeutics  viral-entry inhibitors  that are intended to protect healthy cells from viral infection. PRO 140 is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody directed against CCR5, a molecular portal that HIV uses to enter T-cells. PRO 140 blocks the predominant HIV (R5) subtype entry into T-cells by masking this required co-receptor, CCR5. Importantly, PRO 140 does not appear to interfere with the normal function of CCR5 in mediating immune responses. PRO 140 does not have agonist activity toward CCR5 but does have antagonist activity to CCL5, which is a central mediator in inflammatory diseases. PRO 140 has been the subject of seven clinical trials, each demonstrating efficacy by significantly reducing or controlling HIV viral load in human test subjects. PRO 140 has been designated a fast track product candidate by the FDA. The PRO 140 antibody appears to be a powerful antiviral agent leading to potentially fewer side effects and less frequent dosing requirements as compared to daily drug therapies currently in use.

Source: CytoDyn Inc.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- FS Investments, a leading alternative investment manager, announced that its business development company (BDC) direct lending platform committed approximately $988 million in senior secured loans and other debt and equity financing to middle market companies in the third quarter of 2016, bringing its year-to-date total originations to more than $2.2 billion. New directly originated investments during the quarter were made in support of nine portfolio companies headquartered in seven U.S. states.

"Our ability to customize financing solutions to a company's specific needs delivers a unique value to those businesses and, ultimately, our investors," said Michael C. Forman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FS Investments. "In several cases, we upsized our financing for existing portfolio companies, where the added capital helps those companies expand their operations."

Newly committed capital was provided by five BDCs managed by affiliates of FS Investments and sub-advised by GSO Capital Partners LP (GSO) or its affiliate: FS Investment Corporation (NYSE: FSIC), FS Investment Corporation II (FSIC II), FS Investment Corporation III (FSIC III), FS Investment Corporation IV (FSIC IV) and FS Energy and Power Fund (FSEP). FS Investments is the largest manager of BDCs.

FS Investments' directly originated transactions, which are unique to its BDCs and not typically accessible elsewhere, included investments in the following companies in the third quarter:

North Haven Cadence Buyer, Inc. (dba: Cadence Education)

FSIC, FSIC II, FSIC III and FSIC IV provided a new senior secured unitranche and equity commitment to Cadence Education, a Scottsdale, AZ-based provider of private pre-kindergarten and elementary childcare and education services. The company is among the largest providers of private childcare and education services in the country. The new financing supported Morgan Stanley Capital Partners' acquisition of the company from Audax Partners.

Transplace Holdings, Inc.

FSIC, FSIC II and FSIC III upsized their senior secured unitranche commitment to Transplace Holdings, a Frisco, TX-based logistics and transportation management company. The incremental commitment financed a strategic acquisition. Transplace is a portfolio company of Greenbriar Equity Group.

ABOUT FS INVESTMENTSFS Investments is a leading asset manager that designs alternative investments to help institutional, advisory and individual investors build better portfolios. Its solutions provide access to alternative asset classes and top managers through a spectrum of structures, including business development companies, a closed-end credit fund and an operating company. The firm is dedicated to setting industry standards for investor-centric service, education and transparency.

FS Investments was founded in 2007 as Franklin Square Capital Partners. It is headquartered in Philadelphia with offices in Orlando and Washington, DC. The firm currently manages six funds with over $18 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2016 and co-manages an operating company. Its affiliated broker-dealer, FS Investment Solutions, LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), distributes its offerings.

Visit fsinvestments.com to learn more.

Contact Information:

FS Investments Media Team[email protected]215-495-1174

Dominic MammarellaInvestor Relations[email protected]215-220-4280

ABOUT BLACKSTONE AND GSOBlackstone is one of the world's leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our asset management businesses, with approximately $361 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2016, includes investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.GSO is the global credit investment platform of Blackstone. With approximately $89.3 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2016, GSO is one of the largest alternative managers in the world focused on the leveraged-finance, or non-investment grade related, marketplace. GSO seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns in its business by investing in a broad array of strategies including mezzanine debt, distressed investing, leveraged loans and other special-situation strategies. Its funds are major providers of credit for small and middle-market companies and they also advance rescue financing to help distressed companies.

Forward-Looking Statements and Important Disclosures

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements, including statements with regard to the future performance or operations of FSIC, FSIC II, FSIC III, FSIC IV and FSEP. Words such as "believes," "expects," "projects" and "future" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements, and some of these factors are enumerated in the filings FSIC, FSIC II, FSIC III, FSIC IV or FSEP make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. FSIC, FSIC II, FSIC III, FSIC IV or FSEP undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fs-investments-bdcs-close-on-nearly-1-billion-of-middle-market-commitments-in-the-third-quarter-300371748.html

SOURCE FS Investments
LIMA, PERU -- (Marketwired) -- 11/30/16 -- Minera IRL Ltd (BVLAC: MIRL) (the "Company") announces the results of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on November 30, 2016 in Vancouver, Canada (the "AGM").

The Company put forward nine (9) resolutions to be voted on by shareholders at the AGM. The resolutions were outlined in the Management Information Circular dated 25 October 2016 that were posted to shareholders and is available on the Company's website at www.minera-irl.com.

A brief description of the matters voted upon and the voting results of the AGM are provided in "Appendix A - Meeting Results" at the end of this press release. The total number of ordinary shares represented by shareholders present in person or by proxy at the Meeting was 75,919,070 representing 32.8% of the Company's outstanding ordinary shares.

Board of Directors

Pursuant to the articles of association of the Company (the "Articles"), each of the five directors of the Company in office prior to the AGM were proposed for election/re-election at the AGM.

1. Prior to the AGM, each of Mr Julian Bavin, Mr Derrick Weyrauch and Mr Robert Schafer withdrew their consent to stand for election/re-election and as such the resolutions relating to such directors were not put to the AGM. Accordingly, each of Mr Bavin, Mr Weyrauch and Mr Schafer are no longer directors of the Company. 2. The resolutions to elect/re-elect each of Mr Francis O Kelly and Mr Gerardo Perez were put to the AGM. 3. The resolution to elect Mr O Kelly was not passed and as such Mr O Kelly is no longer a director of the Company. 4. The resolution to elect Mr Perez was passed and as such Mr Perez remains the sole director of the Company.

Pursuant to the Articles, Mr Perez has authority to appoint further directors. The minimum number of directors with which the board can make substantive decisions is three, so Mr Perez intends to appoint an additional two or more directors as soon as practicable.

Other resolutions

The resolutions to accept the financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2015 and to appoint PKF Littlejohn LLP to be the auditor of the Company for next year were passed.

The resolutions to adopt new articles of association and granting the directors the authority to allot up to 115,567,514 ordinary shares without the application of the Company's pre-emptive rights described in Article 6.1 of the Articles did not pass, and will not be put into effect.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.

Contacts: Minera IRL Limited Carlos Ruiz de Castilla Interim Chief Financial Officer +1 778 387 5434 Minera IRL S.A Diego Benavides Norlander President & CEO +51 1 418 - 1230

Source: Minera IRL Limited
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocwen Financial Corporation, (NYSE: OCN) (Ocwen or the Company), a leading financial services holding company, today announced that Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC (OLS) extended the expiration date of its previously announced Exchange Offer (as described below) from 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on November 30, 2016, to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 2, 2016 (such date and time, as the same may be further extended, the Expiration Date). As of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 30, 2016, $346.9 million aggregate principal amount (or 99.1%) of Ocwens 6.625% Senior Notes due 2019 (the Existing Notes) had been tendered in the Exchange Offer.

On November 1, 2016, OLS commenced an offer to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") all outstanding Existing Notes held by eligible holders for up to $350 million aggregate principal amount of newly issued 8.375% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2022 of OLS (the New Second Lien Notes) upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the offering memorandum dated November 1, 2016 and the related letter of transmittal (collectively, and as amended by this press release, the Offering Materials). The CUSIP numbers for the Existing Notes are: 675746 AF8 (Registered), U67503 AA7 (Reg S) and 675746 AE1 (Rule 144A).

The Exchange Offer is purely a debt-for-debt exchange offer and none of OLS, Ocwen or any of their subsidiaries will receive any cash proceeds from the transaction.

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offering Materials, eligible holders who had validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their Existing Notes on or prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on November 15, 2016 (such date and time, the Early Tender Date), and whose tenders are accepted for exchange, will receive, the Total Exchange Consideration which consists of $950 principal amount of New Second Lien Notes for each $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes tendered (the "Exchange Consideration"), plus an early tender premium equal to $50 principal amount of New Second Lien Notes for each $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes tendered (the "Early Tender Premium"). Eligible holders who validly tender or have validly tendered their Existing Notes after the Early Tender Date and on or prior to the Expiration Date, and whose tenders are accepted for exchange, will only be eligible to receive the Exchange Consideration and not the Early Tender Premium. Withdrawal rights for the Exchange Offer expired on 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 15, 2016.

The settlement date for the Exchange Offer is expected to occur within three business days of the Expiration Date subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Exchange Offer. Eligible holders of Existing Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer will also receive a cash payment equal to the accrued and unpaid interest in respect of such Existing Notes from November 15, 2016 (the most recent interest payment date for the Existing Notes prior to the settlement date) to, but not including, the settlement date.

The Exchange Offer is being made only to holders of the Existing Notes who have completed and returned an eligibility form confirming that they are both (x) either (i) "qualified institutional buyers" ("QIBs") within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or (ii) not "U.S. persons" and are outside of the United States within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act, and (y) "accredited investors" within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act (such holders that meet clauses (x) and (y) are "eligible holders").

OLS's obligation to accept Existing Notes in the Exchange Offer is subject to a number of conditions described in the Offering Materials, including but not limited to the requisite lenders under OLS's senior secured term loan agreeing to the consummation of the Exchange Offer.

The complete terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer, as well as the terms of the New Second Lien Notes, are described in the Offering Materials, copies of which may be obtained by contacting D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent in connection with the Exchange Offer, at (212) 269-5550 or (800) 431-9645 (toll free), by email to [email protected], or at www.dfking.com/ocwen.

The New Second Lien Notes have not been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any state or foreign securities laws. The New Second Lien Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States or to any U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

The Exchange Offer is not being made to holders of Existing Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Eligible holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender their Existing Notes in the Exchange Offer and, if so, the principal amount of Existing Notes to tender.

About Ocwen Financial Corporation

Ocwen Financial Corporation is a financial services holding company which, through its subsidiaries, originates and services loans. We are headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, with offices throughout the United States and in the U.S. Virgin Islands and operations in India and the Philippines. We have been serving our customers since 1988. We may post information that is important to investors on our website (www.Ocwen.com).

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by a reference to a future period or by the use of forward-looking terminology.

Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Our business has been undergoing substantial change which has magnified such uncertainties. Readers should bear these factors in mind when considering such statements and should not place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. In the past, actual results have differed from those suggested by forward-looking statements and this may happen again.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: our servicer and credit ratings as well as other actions from various rating agencies, including the impact of downgrades of our servicer and credit ratings; adverse effects on our business as a result of regulatory investigations or settlements; reactions to the announcement of such investigations or settlements by key counterparties; increased regulatory scrutiny and media attention, uncertainty related to claims, due to rumors or otherwise, litigation and investigations brought by government agencies and private parties regarding our servicing, foreclosure, modification and other practices, including uncertainty related to past, present or future investigations and settlements with state regulators, the CFPB, State Attorneys General, the SEC, Department of Justice or HUD and actions brought under the False Claims Act by private parties on behalf of the United States of America regarding incentive and other payments made by governmental entities; any adverse developments in existing legal proceedings or the initiation of new legal proceedings; our ability to effectively manage our regulatory and contractual compliance obligations; our ability to contain and reduce our operating costs, including our ability to successfully execute on our cost improvement initiative; the adequacy of our financial resources, including our sources of liquidity and ability to sell, fund and recover advances, repay borrowings and comply with debt covenants, including the financial and other covenants contained in them; volatility in our stock price; the characteristics of our servicing portfolio, including prepayment speeds along with delinquency and advance rates; our ability to successfully modify delinquent loans, manage foreclosures and sell foreclosed properties; uncertainty related to legislation, regulations, regulatory agency actions, government programs and policies, industry initiatives and evolving best servicing practices; as well as other risks detailed in Ocwens reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and its current and quarterly reports since such date. Anyone wishing to understand Ocwens business should review its SEC filings. Ocwens forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, we disclaim any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: Ocwen Financial Corp.
BOSTON, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- The New Ireland Fund, Inc. (NYSE: IRL) today released an updated Monthly portfolio statement as of November 30, 2016.

US $ Market % of Market Issuer Name Shareholding Value Value ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AMRYT PHARMA PLC 2,312,917 392,568.76 0.56% APPLEGREEN PLC 440,798 2,010,683.80 2.87% BANK OF IRELAND 16,031,709 3,418,311.10 4.88% CIE DE SAINT-GOBAIN 32,638 1,416,928.49 2.02% CPL RESOURCES PLC 40,079 221,083.29 0.32% CRH PLC 503,566 16,824,172.75 24.02% DALATA HOTEL GROUP PLC 693,089 3,237,964.06 4.62% DCC PLC 2,127 162,904.00 0.23% GLANBIA PLC 164,684 2,792,542.26 3.99% GREEN REIT PLC 917,386 1,250,520.87 1.79% GREENCORE GROUP PLC 448,445 1,630,444.23 2.33% HOSTELWORLD GROUP PLC 507,121 1,393,307.79 1.99% INDEPENDENT NEWS & MEDIA PLC 2,514,151 306,707.86 0.44% IRISH CONTINENTAL GROUP PLC 569,366 2,524,663.60 3.60% KERRY GROUP PLC 37,672 2,670,704.54 3.81% KINGSPAN GROUP PLC 127,234 3,401,256.84 4.86% MALIN CORPORATION PLC 65,582 855,707.77 1.22% ONE FIFTY ONE PLC 1,258,643 1,962,707.61 2.80% ORIGIN ENTERPRISES PLC 32,506 207,653.85 0.30% PADDY POWER BETFAIR PLC 64,936 6,785,119.02 9.69% RYANAIR HOLDINGS PLC ADR 30,956 2,471,527.04 3.53% RYANAIR HOLDINGS PLC 583,969 8,486,841.03 12.12% SMURFIT KAPPA GROUP PLC 136,299 3,108,614.27 4.44% TOTAL PRODUCE PLC 1,287,793 2,378,376.13 3.40%

The holdings are subject to change at any point in time hereafter.

Investment Objective: The New Ireland Fund, Inc. (NYSE: IRL), a closed-end diversified investment company, seeks long-term capital appreciation through investment of at least 80% of its assets in a portfolio of Irish securities.

The New Ireland Fund, Inc. is managed by KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd (previously Kleinwort Benson Investors International Ltd), a wholly owned subsidiary of KBI Global Investors Ltd (previously Kleinwort Benson Investors Dublin Ltd), and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IRL. For further information, please contact the Fund at (800) 468-6475 or [email protected]

Website: newirelandfund.com

For further information, please contact the Fund (800) 468-6475 [email protected]

Source: The New Ireland Fund, Inc.
Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, addresses attendees during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters in New York, October 2, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Segar

BERLIN (Reuters) - Russia and Islamist militants could try to boost their influence in the Balkan nations if the European Union doesn't take them in as members, Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama said in an interview published on Wednesday.

Rama told Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung it was in the EU's interests to try and bring Balkan states into its fold.

"If we want to have a secure and stable European Union and with it a secure Europe, it's not good if there are holes," Rama told the paper.

"In addition, we shouldn't forget that there are also other, third, actors, who are playing their game and who could profit if the EU leaves a vacuum there," he said.

"I'm talking about Russia, but I'm also talking about radical Islam," he added.

The Balkan countries are sandwiched between EU members Greece and Hungary. Croatia and Slovenia have already joined NATO and the EU, while Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania are all pursuing EU membership.

The six Balkan countries are all at different stages in joining the EU. Serbia aims to complete accession talks by 2019. However, taking on new members has sunk down the list of the EU's priorities.

Diplomats from the region have said for some time that Russia is trying to boost its influence in countries such as Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia and now also Albania.

Rama said his country would continue to move towards EU accession, but cast doubt on the bloc's ability to take on new members.

"It's not about how long we still need, it's about how the European Union will continue to develop. In the meantime, we are politically in fairly good form, the European Union is not at present."

(Writing by Caroline Copley)
Elky Arellano, wearing a t-shirt depicting her husband Marcelo Crovato, poses for a photo during an interview with Reuters in Caracas, Venezuela November 17, 2016. REUTERS/Marco Bello

By Andrew Cawthorne

CARACAS (Reuters) - When he received a call saying he had won a mobile phone, Gilberto Sojo, a low-income bank messenger and opposition activist, rushed off happily to collect it.

The call was a ruse.

Minutes after reaching the shop, three men turned up and bundled Sojo, then 49, and his wife into a waiting car where he was handcuffed and driven to the headquarters of Venezuela's intelligence service, according to his family and supporters.

"They placed explosive materials on his motorbike - and accused him of terrorism," his wife Carolina Gonzalez, 43, said at a community center in a poor neighborhood of Caracas, over a hill from the prison where her husband has been held since November 2014.

Sojo, whose case has still not gone to trial, is one of the least-known of a hundred or so opponents of President Nicolas Maduro detained on accusations or formal charges of plotting to overthrow his socialist government.

Their fate is high on the agenda of Vatican-brokered talks between the government and opposition, intended to halt unrest and prevent further bloodshed in a deeply divided country in the midst of a crippling recession.

Though the month-long talks have been faltering, several of the detainees - whom the opposition call political prisoners but Maduro says are coup-plotters and criminals - were released as early goodwill gestures around Pope Francis' initiative.

But the opposition is demanding freedom for all, raising families' hopes.

"None of them should be there in the first place. They use the prisoners as hostages, bargaining chips," said Adriana Pichardo, a legislator and rights spokeswoman for the hardline Popular Will party whose members have taken the brunt of arrests.

"It was never this bad under Chavez."

The charismatic Hugo Chavez ruled Venezuela between 1999 and 2013 with a firm hand, driving some opponents into exile and jailing others. But Maduro, 53, a weaker leader facing a more popular opposition, has far surpassed him.

THOUSANDS DETAINED SINCE 2014

Local rights group Penal Forum lists 108 political prisoners currently, up from 11 when Maduro was elected president following Chavez's death from cancer in 2013. The opposition coalition puts the current number higher, at 135.

In the last two years, there have been 6,811 politically-motivated detentions, though most of those were short-term and spiked during a wave of anti-Maduro protests in 2014, according to Penal Forum which tracks cases and offers free legal assistance.

The accusations range from stashing arms and explosives, to inciting violence and hate via Twitter and political ads.

Sojo, his wife said, was accused of planning to set off a bomb at a Caracas court to free Popular Will leader Leopoldo Lopez, Venezuela's best-known prisoner, during his trial.

"It's lies. His real crime was supporting the opposition. The 'Chavistas' never forgave him," she added, saying Sojo backed Chavez for several years before becoming disillusioned.

He began helping the opposition organize community activities in his San Agustin neighborhood and eventually joined the Popular Will party, meeting Lopez on several occasions.

In jail, Sojo has been beaten, insulted and even hung "Christ-like" from chains, his wife said, though treatment improved when he was named a substitute legislator after a vote last year gave the opposition control of the National Assembly.

Some radical Maduro opponents do operate a self-styled "Resistance" movement and advocate violent methods as the only way to free Venezuela from what they say is a dictatorship.

And some current opposition leaders backed a short 2002 coup against Chavez.

Officials frequently take to TV and Twitter to display weapons, explosives and inflammatory communications, to show a cadre of hotheads are perpetrating crimes that would land them in jail anywhere.

"There is not one prisoner of conscience here," said Jorge Valero, the government envoy to the United Nations in Geneva who frequently defends Venezuela's rights record there.

LAWYER'S NIGHTMARE

Tear gas was still wafting through the narrow streets around his apartment in Caracas' Chacao district, an epicenter of anti-Maduro protests and clashes, when middle-class lawyer Marcelo Crovato's phone went off at 4 a.m. on April 22, 2014.

It was a neighbor, the local laundry owner, with police at his door beginning a search.

Crovato, who has Argentine as well as Venezuelan nationality, had been defending protesters in court for a couple of months and sprung out to help his neighbor, his family says.

But as he accompanied his client to the police station, he was also detained, accused of instigating crimes during the protests that year that left 43 dead and thousands injured.

"We presume it is retaliation against the lawyers who defended the youths," said his wife Elky Arellano, 49, as Crovato sat in the background, forbidden from speaking to reporters under the terms of his house arrest.

Crovato, 50, spent 10 months at a prison where, ironically, he had once served as director. That made him a potential target for inmates, but he won protection by giving free legal advice.

Now back home, he whiles away the time playing with his two young sons and sewing bags to sell. He cannot continue his legal defense work because he is unable to attend tribunals.

"This is his prison now," Arellano said, gesturing at their view of a wall through the living-room window.

Crovato, like Sojo and scores of others, is hoping opposition and international pressure will lead to his freedom one day soon. But rights campaigners are skeptical.

Of 53 new detainees in 2016 on Penal Forum's list of political prisoners, 49 were taken after former government leaders from Spain, Panama and the Dominican Republic began promoting talks in May, the rights group said.

"They free some, but they've already taken more, so where is the gain?" Penal Forum director Alfredo Romero said. "That's their game."

(Additional reporting by Diego Ore, Andreina Aponte; Editing by Girish Gupta and Kieran Murray)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgian police detained six people on Wednesday suspected of links to a machete attack on two female police officers in August that was claimed by Islamic State.

Federal prosecutors said that during searches of eight houses in and near the city of Charleroi, several weapons were seized, some of them similar to the one used in the attack. A judge was to decide later on Wednesday whether to hold the six detained people longer.

A machete-wielding Algerian man yelling "Allahu Akbar!" (God is greatest) seriously wounded the two policewomen before being fatally shot in Charleroi outside the city's police headquarters on a Saturday in August.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack by the 33-year-old man a day later. Federal prosecutors are treating the case as terrorism.

Belgium and its capital Brussels, home to European Union institutions and the headquarters of NATO, are currently on a security alert level of three out of a maximum four, denoting a "serious, possible and probable" threat.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Defence Ministry on Wednesday dismissed reports Chinese military vehicles were patrolling inside Afghanistan, after an Indian media outlet said Chinese security forces were making regular patrols there.

India's WION news outlet this month published pictures on its website showing what it said were likely Chinese security forces patrolling in Afghanistan's far northeastern Little Pamir region, where the country shares a border with China.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun dismissed the report.

"Reports in foreign media of Chinese military vehicles patrolling inside Afghanistan do not accord with the facts," he told a regular news briefing.

Yang said China and Afghanistan did work together in some places to fight terrorist activity and cross-border crime.

"In recent years, law enforcement bodies from China and Afghanistan, in accordance with a bilateral cooperation decision on strengthening border law enforcement, arranged to have joint law enforcement operations in border regions," Yang added.

He did not elaborate.

The Indian report was also denied in Kabul by an Afghan official, who asked not to identified as he is not authorized to speak to the media.

China has long been concerned that instability in Afghanistan will spill over into the violence-prone Xinjiang region, home to the Muslim Uighur people, where hundreds have died in recent years in unrest blamed by Beijing on Islamist militants.

China is also working with Pakistan and the United States to broker peace talks to end Afghanistan's Taliban insurgency that has raged there for 15 years.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Hamid Shalizi in Kabul; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Copenhagen, 1 December 2016

Mobylife Holding A/S (the "Issuer") has by means of a written procedure requested that the holders of its outstanding senior secured notes with ISIN SE0005936382 (the "Notes") approve certain amendments to the terms and conditions of the Notes and provide certain waivers in respect of a corporate reorganisation of the Group.

Intertrust (Sweden) AB (the "Agent"), acting in its capacity as agent for the holders of the Notes (the "Noteholders") under the terms and conditions of the Notes (the "Terms and Conditions"), has at the request of the Issuer on 1 December 2016 initiated a written procedure (the "Written Procedure") by which Noteholders can approve or reject a request made by the Issuer. The request includes the approval of certain amendments to the Terms and Conditions and certain waivers relating to a proposed corporate reorganisation of the Group (the "Reorganisation"), all as set out in detail in the notice of written procedure (the "Notice of Written Procedure") dated 1 December 2016 sent to Noteholders and posted on the website of the Issuer and the Agent. Such request is herein referred to as the "Request".

Background

On 31 October 2016, the Agent, at the request of the Issuer, initiated a written procedure to amend the Terms and Conditions and obtain waivers in respect of a corporate reorganisation of the Group. The written procedure was subsequently terminated and withdrawn by the Issuer on 24 November 2015 prior to its completion due to the fact that the Issuer and its majority owner had reached an initial agreement in principle the terms of a consensual restructuring of the Notes with a group of Noteholders representing in excess of 50% of the aggregate nominal amount of the Notes outstanding (the "Noteholder Committee").

Following further negotiations with the Noteholder Committee, the Issuer and its majority owner have agreed the terms of the consensual restructuring upon which the members of the Noteholder Committee are prepared to approve the Request, subject in certain cases to credit committee approval, satisfactory documentation and legal opinions.

As made public in the Issuer's interim financial report for the period 1 January to 30 September 2016, the Issuer is facing challenging market conditions and reduced profitability. To counter the effects of this situation, the Issuer is currently working on an operational restructuring programme and new business strategy in order to realise its market potential, as further described in the Issuer's press release of 29 September 2016. Further details of the challenges faced as well as the strategy proposed to deal with them are set out in the Notice of Written Procedure.

Accordingly, the Issuer is requesting that (i) certain changes be made to the Terms and Conditions and (ii) certain restrictions contained therein are temporarily waived to enable the Issuer to restructure the Group, in order to allow the Group to adapt to current market conditions, increase profitability and ensure that it has sufficient financial and operational flexibility to take the necessary steps to return the Group to a position of financial strength. As part of the process, the majority shareholder of the Issuer is willing to inject a further DKK30 million into the Group to support the new strategy and restructuring of the business of the Group, and the proposed amendments also include the ability to inject a shareholder loan of up to DKK15 million to increase that level of support.

For further details of the Request and the background and rationale relating thereto, readers are directed to the Notice of Written Procedure.

Failure to successfully implement the changes forming part of revised business strategy and obtain the approval for the amendments contained in the Request may have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Group and the Issuer's ability to meet its obligations under the Notes.

The Written Procedure

To be eligible to participate in the Written Procedure, Noteholders must fulfil the formal requirements of being a Noteholder (as defined in the terms and conditions of the Notes) on 7 December 2016. Any individual or company whose Notes are held by a nominee must contact such nominee to participate in the Written Procedure.

Voting forms must be received by the Agent no later than at 12.00 (CET) on 28 December 2016.

The formal Notice of the Written Procedure has been sent by ordinary mail to directly registered Noteholders and registered authorised nominees in accordance with the Terms and Conditions.

Noteholders are advised to review the Notice of Written Resolution for full details of and information on the procedures for participating in the Written Procedure, as well as the background and rationale to the Request. This company announcement is for information purposes only and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. The Written Resolution is being made solely pursuant to the Notice of Written Resolution. If any Noteholder is in any doubt as to the contents of this company announcement, the information contained in the Notice of Written Resolution or the action it should take, such Noteholder should seek its own financial and legal advice, including in respect of any tax consequences, immediately from its broker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent financial, tax or legal adviser.

A copy of the Notice of Written Resolution (and the related presentation) with more information on the written procedure and how to participate can be downloaded from the Issuer's website at

http://mobylife.com/images/corporate/011216Notice.pdf

For further information:

For further information, enquiries should be directed to:

The Agent:

Intertrust (Sweden) AB

Anna Litewka

Email: trustee@intertrustgroup.com

Tel: +46 (0)8 402 72 11

The Issuer:





Mobylife Holding A/S

Jakob Kraglund, CEO

Email: jakob.h.kraglund@mobylife.dk

Tel: +45 2392 3724

Martin Nyberg, CFO

Email: martin.nyberg@mobylife.dk

Tel: +45 2929 8200

Catacap Management A/S

Vilhelm Hahn-Petersen, Partner

Email: vhp@catacap.dk

Tel: +45 2632 6420

This information is information that Mobylife Holding A/S is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 23.59 CET on 1 December 2016.

Attachments:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25b53461-6fcd-4427-bae3-71c50af755aa
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that it had "not heard" of any plans for other bases around the world after Djibouti, where China is building its first overseas naval base.

In February, China began construction in Djibouti, strategically located in the Horn of Africa, of a logistics base that will resupply naval vessels taking part in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia in particular.

Fan Changlong, a vice chairman of China's powerful Central Military Commission, visited Djibouti earlier this month.

There has been persistent speculation in diplomatic circles that China will build other such bases, but Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun dismissed that.

"As for what you've said about whether China will build logistics supply facilities in other places, I've not heard any news about this," he told a monthly news conference, without elaborating.

Djibouti, which is about the size of Wales, is located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal. The tiny, barren nation sandwiched between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia, also hosts U.S., Japanese and French bases.

Djibouti's position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fueled worries in India that it would become another of China's "string of pearls" of military alliances and assets ringing India, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Yang said construction of the Djibouti base was proceeding smoothly, defending the facility as being needed to help fulfill China's international obligations and having nothing to do with military expansionism.

"China is resolute in going down the path of peaceful development and having a defensive defense policy," he added.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Nick Macfie)
By Temesghen Debesai

LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The desperate voice of a 22-year-old Eritrean mother kidnapped in the Sinai desert will haunt Meron Estefanos forever.

"Both her parents had died fighting for Eritrea to gain its independence. This mum and her infant were both tortured for two years. She was mainly worried about what would happen to the child if anything were to happen to her," said Meron, who runs a radio hotline from her home in Sweden for Eritrean refugees.

"I was not able to save her and she died at the hands of her captors. That is something I could not get over to this day."

Meron left Eritrea for Sweden at the age of 14, but she stayed closely connected to her country of birth in the hope of one day returning there and making a difference.

That dream became closer than ever when she moved back home in 2002. But she was dismayed by what she found.

"You could see it in people's eyes that life was hard, but they would not want to speak out for fear of getting in trouble," Meron told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Eritreans, under the rule of former independence fighter Isaias Afwerki, struggled to afford even basic necessities in the country's collapsing economy.

His administration is accused by an inquiry commission appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council of using enforced conscription, enslavement, imprisonment, rape and torture to instill fear.

In a bid to escape the climate of fear, thousands of Eritreans each year put themselves at the mercy of people smugglers to make the treacherous journey across the Sinai to Israel and Mediterranean Sea to Europe. Last year alone, nearly 50,000 Eritreans applied for asylum in Europe.

Meron returned to Sweden determined to speak out - using a radio phone-in show to reach Eritreans, especially those on the move and at risk of kidnapping and drowning. She even helps to raise funds of pay off smugglers' ransoms.

She is a presenter on Radio Erena  a Paris-based Tigrinya-language station which broadcast globally and, most importantly, into Eritrea via satellite and over the internet.

"There are days when I receive up to 50 phone calls a day from inside the country with callers reporting a family member missing," said Meron ahead of a discussion on the migration crisis at Trust Women, an annual human trafficking and women's rights conference organized by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

HOTLINE

It was through her show that Meron received a devastating call in 2010. An Eritrean migrant  one of 425 Eritreans packed into a listing boat on the Mediterranean Sea, called her using a people smuggler's satellite phone, pleading for help.

Since then, Meron's phone number has became a hotline for Eritrean migrants crossing the Mediterranean or victims of kidnapping held for ransom in the Sinai Peninsula.

In 2013, Amnesty International said it was "greatly concerned for the safety and security of refugees and asylum-seekers held captive in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt."

Many of them are Eritreans, held for ransom by Bedouin smugglers, and tortured and murdered if demands go unpaid.

Calls from the Sinai have been particularly harrowing, said Meron, who heads the Eritrean Initiative on Refugee Rights - a movement working with international refugee agencies and rights groups to draw attention to the plight of Eritrean refugees.

She has heard victims screaming in the background while someone was on the phone talking to her.

"The calls came in any time of the day or night and nothing prepares you for it. You could hear genuine fear and hopelessness in their voices," Meron said.

"Some were so exhausted from the torture that they said death could not come soon enough," she said.

At times, Meron was able to negotiate the release of the captives by raising the funds to pay off ransoms. Those who could not pay were murdered by the smugglers.

Meron featured in an award-winning documentary film, "The Sound of Torture" in 2013 which highlights her work in helping refugees kidnapped to the Sinai Desert en route to Israel.

She campaigns for a change of government in her home country in the hope it can stem the flow of refugees out of Eritrea.

"Right now, dictatorship is the root cause of thousands fleeing the country. I believe that an end to dictatorship should also mean an end to these horrible stories and people can go back home," Meron said.

(Editing by Ros Russell. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org)
Syrian-Cypriot Ahmed Hamed, 40, listens to a judge sentence him to 10 years in jail for his acts in a 2015 riot at Hungary's Serbian border, in Szeged, Hungary, on November 30, 2016. Reuters/Bernadett Szabo

By Marton Dunai

SZEGED, Hungary (Reuters) - A Syrian-Cypriot man was jailed for 10 years on Wednesday for his part in a riot at Hungary's border with Serbia border last year, when he hurled rocks at police in an attempt to force the border open, deemed an "act of terror" under Hungarian law.

Ahmed Hamed, 40, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of terrorism, cried as he was given his sentence - the longest handed down by a Hungarian court in connection to the migrant crisis.

Hamed was part of a group that crossed illegally into Hungary on Sept. 16 last year and also spoke to the crowd using a loudspeaker before hundreds of migrants forced open the border gate and police fired water cannon and teargas.

Hamed, born in Syria, had lived in Cyprus for a decade and held an EU residence permit, Judge Andrea Nagy told the court. He joined his relatives to help them navigate the Balkans route.

Nearly half of the more than 1 million migrants who surged into the European Union last year passed through Hungary, often causing chaos at borders and along the main migration routes.

Hamed became a leading figure of the migrant crowds at the Serb border, the court said.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was an early opponent of migration, telling the EU to boost border defenses or lose its cultural identity. He built a razor-wire fence and organized a referendum on EU migrant resettlement quotas.

Other migrants have been sentenced in dozens of prior cases but few received jail time and only one remains behind bars after a case connected to the riots at the Roszke border station last year.

None of those migrants were charged with terrorism, a rarely used clause in the criminal code that penalizes forcing action from state actors, such as police, in any way.

A small group of protesters called "Free the Roszke 11" gathered outside the Szeged courthouse to demand the release of Hamed and call attention to what they said were racist tactics by Hungary's government.

"The Roszke trials are show trials," the group said in a leaflet they handed out to passers-by. "Together with the fence, the police violence and the harsh policy changes (they) are supposed to state an example and create an atmosphere of fear."

The prosecutor representing the state rejected those accusations.

(Reporting by Marton Dunai; Editing by Alison Williams)
A Turkish army tank drives towards the border in Karkamis on the Turkish-Syrian border in the southeastern Gaziantep province, Turkey, August 25, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas - RTX2MYJV

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's statement that his forces in Syria were there to topple President Bashar al-Assad had come as a surprise to Moscow and that it expected an explanation from Ankara.

In a speech on Tuesday, Erdogan condemned what he said was the failure of the United Nations in Syria and cast Turkey's incursion in August, when it sent tanks, fighter jets and special forces over the border, as an act of exasperation.

"We are there to bring justice. We are there to end the rule of the cruel Assad, who has been spreading state terror," Erdogan said.

"The announcement really came as news to us," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call.

"It is a very serious statement and one which differs from previous ones and with our understanding of the situation. We hope that our Turkish partners will provide us with some kind of explanation about this."

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Maria Kiselyova)
By Adama Diarra

SIKASSO, Mali (Reuters) - A Malian court began a trial of former coup leader General Amadou Sanogo on Wednesday on charges of "complicity in kidnapping and assassination," three and a half years after his junta was accused of killing 21 soldiers.

Sanogo led a coup in March 2012 that deposed former President Amadou Toumani Toure and plunged Mali into chaos, enabling Tuareg rebels and Islamist militants to take over the north. He was arrested in December 2013.

Authorities in the same month found a mass grave believed to contain the bodies of missing soldiers. He is accused alongside 17 others of involvement in their deaths and faces a possible death penalty.

Sanogo entered the court in the southern city of Sikasso wearing a suit and tie. A crowd of supporters cheered him on while family members sat solemnly wearing white. The trial was adjourned until Friday before he had the opportunity to plead.

Rights groups have applauded the trial as a rare case of justice involving a high profile figure in a region where abuses by military strongmen often go unpunished.

"The trial of General Sanogo and his co-defendants represents clear progress in tackling the culture of impunity in Mali," Corinne Dufka, associate Africa director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

"For far too long, men like Sanogo were considered untouchable and above the rule of law."

Sanogo's coup allowed Tuareg separatists and al Qaeda-linked fighters to occupy Mali's vast north until they were scattered during a French-led intervention in January.

A peace deal signed with the separatists in mid-2015 has failed to end violence and factional infighting that continues to threaten the stability of Mali and the wider West Africa region.

(Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
Debris is seen after an attack on UN offices at the airport in Gao, Mali, November 30, 2016. REUTERS/Souleymane ag Anara

GAO, Mali (Reuters) - Militants have struck two airports in northern Mali with an explosives-laden truck and rockets, residents and a security source said on Wednesday, in attacks that caused no victims but pointed to desert jihadists intensifying their insurgency.

In Gao, the offices of the U.N. peacekeeping mission located next to the airport terminal were razed by Tuesday evening's truck-bomb explosion which forced the airport to close.

French soldiers stationed in Gao took forensic evidence from among a tangle of papers, corrugated iron sheets and fragments of the attacker's flesh and bones strewn out next to the runway.

Al Mourabitoun, a group closely linked to al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), claimed the attack on social media.

Gao -- seized by Islamist militants in 2012 before French forces drove them out a year later -- is considered the best secured town in northern Mali with multiple U.N., French and Malian army checkpoints along main roads.

A U.N. security source said that the attackers had passed through the regular checkpoints by using vehicles with a U.N. label. A spokesman for the 13,000-strong U.N. mission could not immediately confirm the information.

"Yesterday at about 18:00 (GMT) a vehicle with explosives destroyed our pre-fabricated installations of MINUSMA at the Gao airport," said Olivier Salgado, spokesman for the peacekeeping mission, adding that another vehicle was being examined.

There were no fatalities beyond the attackers whose number has not yet been confirmed. The U.N. security source said two people on site were injured.

In the second incident, residents in Timbuktu said that rockets were fired overnight at the airport there but landed outside the perimeter, without causing damage.

Mali's government signed a peace deal last year with secular armed groups but Islamist militants pledging allegiance to both al-Qaeda and Islamic State have fought on and launched dozens of attacks on Western targets in recent months.

Even the peace deal with secular fighters has been broken many times, adding to difficulties faced by U.N. forces in stabilizing the former French colony in West Africa.

A pro-government militia GATIA said on Wednesday that one of its vehicles hit a landmine, killing five of its fighters. Three Malian soldiers were also killed in an ambush a few kilometers outside of Gao on Monday, security sources said.

(Reporting by Souleymane Ag Anara; Additional reporting and writing by Emma Farge)
RABAT (Reuters) - Morocco accused African Union Commission head Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of blocking its efforts to rejoin the organization it left 32 years ago, the country's foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

Morocco has asked the African Union (AU) to readmit it, as it seeks support for its plan to offer autonomy to the disputed territory of Western Sahara while keeping it under Moroccan sovereignty.

Morocco abandoned its seat in 1984 when the AU recognized Western Sahara, a sparsely populated stretch of desert that was formerly a Spanish protectorate, and admitted it as a member.

The ministry said Dlamini-Zuma had delayed the distribution of the Moroccan request to AU members without any apparent reason, and then invented a new procedural requirement to reject letters from AU members supporting Morocco's demand.

"The kingdom of Morocco denounces vigorously the maneuvers of African Union Commission head, who is trying to thwart Morocco's decision to regain its natural and legitimate place in the pan-African institutional family," the foreign ministry said in a statement carried by state news agency MAP.

"The president of the AU commission is dropping her neutrality and failing the rules and standards of the organization and its members' will," the statement added.

There was no immediate comment from the African organization on the Moroccan statement.

Morocco says at least 36 of the 54 AU member countries do not acknowledge the territory as a separate state and it is time to withdraw its recognition. None of the Western powers, nor the United Nations, recognize the territory, which calls itself the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).

But it is unclear if powerful AU members including Algeria and South Africa, which have expressed support to hold a referendum of the people of Western Sahara on their sovereignty, would accept Morocco's request.

The AU is expected to discuss the Moroccan request in its January 2017 summit in Addis Ababa.

Morocco has controlled most of the territory since 1975. The area has offshore fishing, phosphate reserves and oilfield potential. Morocco's King Mohammed has been touring Africa in the last three months seeking support for its AU demand and autonomy proposal for Western Sahara.

In 2014, Morocco rejected the AU's decision to appoint a special envoy for the Western Sahara, saying the body had no legal authority to intervene.

(Reporting By Aziz El Yaakoubi; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
Norwegian PM Erna Solberg visits Klobben island during the annual informal summer meeting of the Nordic prime ministers in Saltvik, the Aland Islands, Finland September 27, 2016. Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/via REUTERS

OSLO (Reuters) - Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will hold a news conference at 1315 GMT (8:15 a.m. ET) to comment on her efforts to secure a fiscal budget for 2017, the government said on Wednesday.

Solberg's minority right-wing government has so far failed to secure a majority in parliament for its proposed spending plan.

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Alister Doyle)
OSLO (Reuters) - Norway's public prosecutor ordered on Wednesday the release of an Iraqi Kurdish imam after Italian authorities withdrew a year-old extradition request linked to suspicions he had plotted attacks.

Mullah Krekar, the one-time leader of the Ansar al-Islam militant group, was arrested in Norway in November 2015 as part of a series of arrests across Europe. Italian prosecutors later asked for his extradition.

But Norway's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said Italian authorities had withdrawn the request for the cleric's extradition, without clearly explaining the reasons.

A DPP statement said it was "ordering the release of Mullah Krekar."

Prime Minister Erna Solberg bowed to the ruling on Krekar, who has been a thorn in the side of successive Norwegian governments. "This is something we have to accept," she told a news conference, saying it was not up to politicians to decide.

Though deemed a threat to Norway's national security, Krekar has not been deported to Iraq because authorities there could not guarantee he would not be executed.

Last week, Norway's Supreme Court had approved the extradition to Italy of Krekar, who came to Norway as a refugee from Iraq in 1991 and has spent several periods in jail. [nL8N1DO26L]

Last year, Italian authorities said that at least 15 suspected members of a militant Islamist group including Krekar were arrested in six European countries, accused of planning attacks in Europe and the Middle East. [nL8N1373DH]

Krekar's arrest last year took place in prison, where he was already serving an 18-month sentence for making death threats against a Kurdish man and giving an interview in which he encouraged other people to commit criminal acts.

Norway's DPP said the letter from Italy's justice ministry sent on Nov. 25 said an Italian court ruling in March had voided the basis for extradition.

The DPP said the Italian letter did not explain the March ruling nor say why it had taken so long to withdraw the extradition request.

(Reporting by Stine Jacobsen and Terje Solsvik; Writing by Alister Doyle; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
(Reuters) - Brokerage Raymond James Financial Inc (NYSE: RJF) said on Thursday that Thomas James would relinquish his role as chairman of its board and become chairman emeritus.

James, who was also chief executive of Raymond James for over 40 years before Paul Reilly took over the post in 2010, joined the company in 1966, four years after his father, Robert James, founded it.

James' role as chairman emeritus will be effective in February 2017 and he will retain a seat on the board, the company said. (http://bit.ly/2grAUd5)

The St. Petersburg, Florida-based firm oversees about $600 billion in client assets.

(Reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
Status: On a mountain of skulls, in the castle of pain, I sit on a throne of blood.

Re: The Black Death, a severe epidemic that ravaged fourteenth century Eur [ #permalink

14 Kudos 6 Bookmarks
By Fayaz Bukhari

SRINAGAR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A prominent Kashmiri human rights activist who was released from prison on Wednesday said his two-month detention had strengthened his resolve to highlight violations against prisoners in India's restive Himalayan state.

Khurram Parvez, 39, coordinator of the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) has long campaigned against abuses by state forces in the volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

His arrest in September on charges of activities against public order sparked criticism from the United Nations, which said it was a deliberate attempt to obstruct his work.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Friday ordered police to release Parvez due to a lack of evidence.

"It was a very bad experience. And it was good a experience as well ... a blessing in disguise. I have learnt so much about the issues faced by prisoners in jails and also about government deficit to address their problems," Parvez told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from the city of Jammu.

"The jail experience will help me in working for the prisoners whose plight is very bad."

Parvez said some prisoners had psychiatric problems. Others were isolated because their families had no money to visit them.

The JKCCS has published research into the role of Indian security forces in containing a separatist insurgency in India's Kashmir state that first flared a quarter of a century ago.

At least 78 civilians were killed and thousands wounded in more than two months of clashes between protesters and security forces, sparked by the killing of a leading separatist militant in a joint army and police operation on July 8.

The unrest was the worst in the Muslim-majority region for six years, and critics have accused Indian forces of heavy-handedness as they struggle to contain the protests.

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir since independence in 1947. Both claim the territory in full but rule it in part.

RETALIATION FOR ACTIVISM?

Parvez was stopped by authorities at New Delhi airport on Sept. 14. He had been due to fly to Geneva to attend the U.N. Human Rights Council.

He was detained on Sept 16, released four days later and then placed in preventive detention under a law allowing people to held for up to two years without judicial intervention.

The J&K High Court said Parvez's detention was illegal, and that law enforcement authorities had abused their powers by ordering his arrest.

Police officials declined to comment on the activist's release from the Joint Interrogation Centre in Jammu, a facility used to detain and question people suspected of militancy.

The JKCCS said Parvez's detention highlighted the plight of many Kashmiris who are falsely accused under archaic laws and their fight for justice.

"The struggle for the release of Khurram Parvez is a part of the larger struggle against unlawful detentions, state impunity and the use of repressive laws," the Srinagar-based human rights group said in a statement.

(Reporting by Fayaz Bukhari. Writing by Nita Bhalla. Editing by Katie Nguyen. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org)
(Reuters) - A civil rights group on Wednesday called for additional police protection for a Providence, Rhode Island, mosque after it said it received a threatening letter calling Muslims a "vile and filthy people."

The Masjid Al-Kareem mosque was the latest in a string of mosques from California to Florida to receive the letter, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

The letter referenced President-elect Donald Trump, saying that the New York businessman is "going to cleanse America and make it shine again. And, he's going to start with you Muslims."

The letter also said Trump will "do to you Muslims what Hitler did to the Jews."

During his campaign for the White House, Trump proposed a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country as a means of countering terrorism. He never retracted this statement, but in the later stages of the campaign, rephrased it as a proposal to temporarily suspend immigration from regions deemed as exporting terrorism and where safe vetting cannot be ensured.

The local chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations asked for additional police protection for the mosque following the threat.

"This act of hate campaign targeting a New England house of worship must be investigated by state and federal law enforcement authorities," said John Robbins, the head of the group's Massachusetts-based New England chapter.

Officials at the Rhode Island State Fusion Center, where federal, state and local law enforcement coordinate their response to threats, were not immediately available to comment on the group's request.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation earlier this month released data showing a 66 percent increase in the number of hate crimes against Muslims it investigated in 2015. That was a rise far higher than the overall 7 percent increase in hate crimes against all classes of victims.

Some of the reported hate crimes have followed attacks by assailants inspired by militant groups such as Islamic State.

In the most recent such attack, a Somali immigrant who the FBI said may have been inspired an al Qaeda-linked cleric injured 11 people in an attack at Ohio State University.

(Reporting by Scott Malone in Boston, editing by G Crosse)
The skulls and bones of Rwandan victims rest on shelves at a genocide memorial inside the church at Ntarama just outside the capital Kigali, August 6, 2010. REUTERS/Finbarr O'Reilly/File Photo

By Clement Uwiringiyimana

KIGALI (Reuters) - Rwanda has launched an inquiry into the possible role of at least 20 French military and other officials in the 1994 genocide, the prosecutor general said on Wednesday, a move that will deepen already strained relations with Paris.

Rwanda has frequently had diplomatic rows with France since the genocide, when about 800,000 mostly ethnic minority Tutsis and moderates from the Hutu majority population were killed.

Rwandan officials have long accused France of supporting the former government of President Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu whose death when his plane was shot down in 1994 sparked the bloodbath.

Kigali temporarily broke diplomatic ties in 2006 with France when a French judge called for the trial of Rwanda's President Paul Kagame, a Tutsi whose rebels halted the genocide in 1994, over the death of Habyarimana. Kagame denies any role and has accused France of training soldiers who led the massacre.

Rwanda's prosecutor general Richard Muhumuza told Reuters he had been in contact with the French government in the past two or three weeks, but declined to name any of the French officials under investigation.

"Up to now, we cannot say that we already have something sufficient to make charges on those people," Muhumuza said.

"This is why we need to talk to them and hear their version of the story," he said, adding he hoped those named would agree to be questioned.

In a document dated Oct. 31, Rwanda's National Commission for the Fight against Genocide included top advisers to France's then-president, Francois Mitterrand, among the 22 French officials it accused of having a role in the genocide.

"DESPICABLE LIE"

French officials referred to remarks made on Nov. 16 by Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, when he criticized a possible Rwandan probe into French officers.

"To affirm that the French army took part in genocide is a despicable lie that I will not tolerate," the minister said then.

French Foreign Ministry spokesman Romain Nadal said Rwanda's request had been passed on to the Justice Ministry and that Paris was fully committed to bringing to justice the people that took part in the genocide.

"The seriousness of the crimes carried out in Rwanda means that justice must be handled impartially and calmly," he told reporters in a daily briefing.

The Rwandan commission said cases being pursued by the French judiciary into whether Kagame's rebel force had a role in bringing down Habyarimana's plane in April 1994 were motivated by a desire to mask the role French officials played.

"The refusal to end the judicial investigation (into downing the plane) and pronounce a dismissal against Rwandan leaders who ended the genocide is an attempt (at) concealing their responsibilities," the commission said.

Rwanda, a former German and Belgian colony, had strong ties with France until 1994. Under Kagame, the government has forged close links with the United States and Britain.

(Additional reporting by John Irish in Paris; Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Gareth Jones and Richard Lough)
By Karolin Schaps and Ron Bousso

LONDON (Reuters) - Royal Dutch Shell, the world's second-biggest publicly listed oil company, is studying acquisitions in the green energy sector, its CEO told Reuters, as it bows to shareholder demands for a strategy beyond fossil fuels.

Shell, which has a market value of $200 billion, produces two percent of the world's oil and gas but rapid technological change coupled with policies to protect the climate have kick-started a shift in energy markets that has put enormous pressure on oil companies to plan for a time after fossil fuels.

"The idea that you can just be a very clever observer and step in when the moment is right, forget about it," Shell Chief Executive Ben van Beurden told Reuters.

"I am convinced that in this space we will play an active role, a leading role and we will plan acquisitions in it."

Major investors, including Dutch pension fund PGGM, have criticised Shell's climate change policies in the past, saying the company should do more to mitigate climate change risks.

"We don't just want them to pay lip service and do it because the industry is under pressure," said Rohan Murphy, co-manager of Allianz' Global Energy Fund, a Shell shareholder.

"Shell do seem to be taking the issue of a less hydrocarbon dependent world seriously and are looking at it properly rather than just talking about becoming greener," Murphy said.

Shell owns about 500 megawatts (MW) of onshore wind power capacity in the United States and has a growing biofuels business in Brazil which produces ethanol from sugar that is mixed with petrol and diesel to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

It also recently bid to build an offshore wind farm in the Netherlands in a consortium with two other Dutch companies.

"Of course we do believe in renewables but probably more in building the utilities and integrating them into our existing operations," van Beurden said.

That is where Shell's strategy appears to diverge from French oil company Total, which is often referred to as one of the most progressive oil company when it comes to moving away from fossil fuels.

Earlier this year, Total splashed out $1.1 billion to buy Saft, which makes batteries to store solar energy, and bought a stake in AutoGrid, a startup that has developed a platform to optimize the use of home energy appliances.

Total is also majority shareholder in SunPower, a manufacturer of highly efficient solar panels.

While Total is focusing on investment in green energy technologies, van Beurden hinted that Shell would become an electricity and gas provider, through the integration of utilities. He said there may be value in delivering a service, rather than being the owner of a technology.

In Britain, so-called demand aggregation is already a profitable business model. Aggregators secure commitments from businesses to cut their energy consumption and in return earn a fee from the network operator.

(Editing by David Clarke)
BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - Slovakia passed legislation on Wednesday to effectively block Islam from gaining official status as a religion in the near future in the latest sign of growing anti-Muslim sentiment across the European Union.

The former communist state has fiercely resisted EU efforts to cope with a big influx of mainly Muslim migrants into Europe since 2015, in part by opposing quotas to share out asylum seekers among EU members. Prime Minister Robert Fico's government has said Islam has no place in Slovakia.

Parliament adopted a bill sponsored by the Slovak National Party (SNS), junior member in Fico's coalition, that requires a religion to have at least 50,000 members, up from 20,000, to qualify for state subsidies and to run its own schools.

The change will make it much harder to register Islam, which has just 2,000 adherents in Slovakia according to the last census and no recognised mosques. The Islamic Foundation in Slovakia estimates the number at around 5,000.

The SNS said the new law was meant to prevent speculative registrations of churches, such as the satirical Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, which has amassed followers worldwide.

"Islamisation starts with a kebab and it's already under way in Bratislava, let's realise what we can face in five to 10 years ... We must do everything we can so that no mosque is built in the future," SNS chairman Andrej Danko said earlier.

There was no immediate comment from the Islamic Foundation.

The law was approved by a two-thirds majority in parliament comprising both ruling and opposition parties. Lawmakers turned down a proposal by the opposition far-right People's Party-Our Slovakia to raise the religion membership bar to 250,000.

The small central European country's population is 5.4 million; 62 percent of it is declared Roman Catholic.

Danko had called for steps to prevent the registration of Islam and ban the wearing of burqas in public and the construction of mosques and minarets.

EU difficulties in absorbing over 1.36 million new migrants since the start of 2015, and a series of Islamist attacks, have stoked anti-Muslim feeling across the EU and boosted the appeal of far-right, anti-immigrant parties, prompting a rightward shift of governing centrists ahead of key elections next year.

(Reporting by Tatiana Jancarikova; editing by Mark Heinrich)
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai police on Wednesday arrested three men suspected of planning bomb attacks at tourist suites in the capital, Bangkok, and nearby provinces, a top officer said.

The three hailed from Thailand's Muslim-majority south, where a decades-old insurgency has pitted separatist militants against government forces, said deputy national police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul.

But he ruled out any link between the suspected plotters and the insurgency.

"All three came from the southern provinces and were prepared to carry out an attack in Bangkok and surrounding areas but we believe they are not separatists," Srivara told reporters.

"They planned to target tourist sites," Srivara said.

The three hoped to attack six locations, Srivara said, but he did not give details nor elaborate on what their motive might have been. Police said in a statement the plots were "designed to create unrest".

Thailand is predominantly Buddhist but the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani, the first two of which border Malaysia, are majority Muslim and insurgents there have been fighting for autonomy for decades.

Bombings are common in the three southernmost provinces, where the insurgency has killed more than 6,500 people since 2004.

The trouble has been largely confined to the three provinces but a wave of bombs in tourist towns outside the deep south in August killed four Thai people and wounded dozens, including foreigners.

No group claimed responsibility for those attacks and authorities gave mixed signals about whether they thought the perpetrators were linked to the southern insurgency.

Security analysts say the government is reluctant to blame the Muslim insurgents because that would signal violence was spilling out of the traditional conflict zone, and perhaps posed a risk to the important tourist industry.

In October, police said they had increased security at major landmarks, including airports, following reports of bomb plots.

In August 2015, a bomb at a major religious shrine in Bangkok killed 20 people, most of them tourists from east Asia.

Two ethnic Uighur Muslims from China are on trial in Thailand accused of that attack. Police say they believe the bombers were retaliating against a crackdown on people-smuggling.

Analysts and diplomats suspected the attack was linked to Uighur sympathizers angered by Thailand's deportation of more than 100 Uighurs to China the previous month.

(Reporting by Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Aukkarapon Niyomyat; Writing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Firemen try to extinguish flames rising from a fire in a school dormitory in Aladag, in the southern city of Adana, Turkey November 29, 2016. Dogan News Agency via REUTERS

By Humeyra Pamuk and Gulsen Solaker

ISTANBUL/ANKARA (Reuters) - Police in southern Turkey detained 12 people on Wednesday and sought two others over a fire in a dormitory that killed 11 schoolgirls and one other person, an official at the prosecutor's office handling the investigation said.

Flames swept through the mostly wooden interior of the two-storey dormitory in the town of Aladag late on Tuesday, causing the roof to collapse. Images from the scene showed shattered windows as pupils tried to escape by jumping out.

Prosecutors in the nearby district of Kozan issued arrest warrants for 14 people including the staff of the dormitory and executives from the foundation that runs it, they said in a statement. Twelve have been arrested, the official said.

One of the people detained was the dormitory manager, the state-run Anadolu agency said. Twenty-four people, many of them schoolgirls, were injured.

European Affairs Minister Omer Celik, a ruling AK Party lawmaker who represents the surrounding province in the national parliament, said the suspected cause was an electrical fault.

But the opposition complained of lax regulation and criticized an education policy that has seen a growing number of such dormitories set up to house poor students from villages where there are no state schools.

Local media said the dormitory was run by one of the several religious movements in Turkey that operate such facilities.

"As part of the investigation launched into this grave incident, three prosecutors have been assigned to identify if there is any negligence with regards to the fire and to bring those responsible to justice," the prosecutors' statement said.

Dozens of people tried to gather outside the Education Ministry in Ankara to protest after the fire, but police detained many of them before the demonstration began, a Reuters witness said.

Elif Dogan Turkmen, a lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People's Party, said she had unsuccessfully tabled several proposals in parliament to improve the inspection and supervision of such buildings.

"The AKP has abandoned all state authority on education to religious movements and cults," Turkmen told Reuters. "They throw children from poor families into the lap of cults by not building dormitories themselves."

Local mayor Huseyin Sozlu was quoted by the Hurriyet newspaper as saying the door to a fire escape was shut, trapping some of the victims inside. But Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak denied that was the case.

"The initial information passed on from investigators and our prosecutor suggests there was no lock on the door," he said.

Hurriyet daily reported that the majority of the pupils killed were found by the fire escape.

Kaynak rejected accusations of insufficient inspections, saying the building had been audited in June as well as last year and that it had the necessary license.

Such incidents are not uncommon in Turkey. In 2008, an explosion triggered by a gas leak in a religious preparatory school in the central province of Konya killed 18 girls and injured 29. Charges were brought against the dormitory manager and other officials. The case is ongoing.

(Additional reporting by Mert Ozkan; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Alison Williams)
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): November 30, 2016 Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Delaware 001-36690 26-1398293 (State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 1805 29th Street, Suite 2050, Boulder, CO 80301 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (303) 381-4683 (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code) Zayo Group, LLC (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Delaware 333-169979 26-2012549 (State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 1805 29th Street, Suite 2050, Boulder, CO 80301 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (303) 381-4683 (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. On November 29, 2016, Zayo Group, LLC (Zayo), a Delaware limited liability company and the primary operating subsidiary of Zayo Group Holdings, Inc., entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Electric Lightwave Parent, Inc., a Delaware corporation (ELI), and ZELMS, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Zayo (Merger Sub). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, Merger Sub will merge with and into ELI, with ELI as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Zayo (the "Merger"). The total consideration to be paid in connection with the Merger is approximately $1.42 billion (including indebtedness of ELI to be repaid at closing) and is subject to customary working capital and other adjustments (the "Merger Consideration"). The Merger is not subject to any financing condition. In connection with the Merger Agreement, Zayo has obtained a debt commitment letter that, subject to customary closing conditions, commits certain lenders to provide financing for Zayo in an amount sufficient to permit Zayo to make all payments required to be made by Zayo in connection with the closing of the Merger. The obligation of Zayo and ELI to consummate the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of closing conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including, among others (i) the approval of the holders of more than 75% of ELIs outstanding shares (which condition, as of the date of this filing, has been satisfied), (ii) the expiration or termination of any waiting period applicable under the Hart-Scott Rodino Act and the receipt of other regulatory approvals and (iii) the absence of a "Material Adverse Effect" (as defined in the Merger Agreement) with respect to ELI. Each of ELI and Zayo has made customary representations and warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including covenants to use their efforts to effect the transaction, including securing required regulatory approvals. In addition, ELI has agreed to other customary covenants, including, among others, covenants to conduct its business in the ordinary course during the interim period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the closing of the Merger. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each of ELI and Zayo has agreed to certain indemnification obligations with respect to the representations and warranties and covenants made by each party under the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement contains termination rights for each of Zayo and ELI, including, among other rights, if the Merger has not been consummated by May 29, 2017. Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure. On November 30, 2016, Zayo issued a press release announcing its entry into the Merger Agreement The full text of this press release is furnished on Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference. Zayo will host a conference call today, November 30, at 8:00 a.m. EST to discuss the Merger transaction. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 800-909-4761 using conference ID: 21836860. A live webcast of the conference call and associated investor presentation will be available on the investor relations section of Zayos website at http://investors.zayo.com. A copy of the investor presentation is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated herein by reference. The information furnished under this Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

2

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits (a) Exhibits . Exhibit No. Description 99.1 Press Release dated November 30, 2016 99.2 Investor Presentation dated November 30, 2016.

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SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. By: /s/ Ken desGarennes Name: Ken desGarennes Title: Chief Financial Officer DATED: November 30, 2016 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Zayo Group, LLC By: /s/ Ken desGarennes Name: Ken desGarennes Title: Chief Financial Officer DATED: November 30, 2016

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EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description 99.1 Press Release dated November 30, 2016 99.2 Investor Presentation dated November 30, 2016.

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Exhibit 99.1 Zayo to Acquire Electric Lightwave Acquisition will add more than 12,000 route miles of fiber in Western U.S. BOULDER, Colo. - November 30, 2016 - Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZAYO) today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Electric Lightwave, formerly known as Integra Telecom, for $1.42 billion in cash. Electric Lightwave, which provides infrastructure and telecom services primarily in the western United States, has 8,100 route miles of long haul fiber and 4,000 miles of dense metro fiber in Portland, Seattle, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Salt Lake City, Spokane and Boise, with on-net connectivity to more than 3,100 enterprise buildings and 100 data centers. Electric Lightwave provides us another unique and dense regional fiber network that advances our position as the only national independent infrastructure provider remaining in the U.S., said Dan Caruso, chairman and CEO, Zayo. Electric Lightwave has both strong metro fiber assets in key West Coast markets and capacity and routes that will augment Zayos intercity footprint. Approximately 40 percent of Electric Lightwaves existing revenue aligns with Zayos infrastructure-focused business segments and will be rapidly integrated into the core Zayo organization, processes and systems. The remainder, which is a valuable and viable cash-flow generating business, has a customer base that aligns well with Zayos Canadian SME and voice businesses. Zayo has a proven track record of integrating key fiber infrastructure assets while also maximizing the value of more traditional telecom business units, added Caruso. Zayo expects to achieve significant revenue and cost synergies over the coming quarters, driven by the efficiencies of scale and achieved via Zayos proven, streamlined integration process. Zayos Tranzact platform and Salesforce.com implementation will provide seamless online access to viewing, purchasing and managing the combined customers and network. Under the terms of the agreement, Zayo will acquire Electric Lightwave for a total cash consideration of $1.42 billion, representing a pre-synergized multiple of less than eight times LQA EBITDA of $180 million. In addition, Zayo anticipates more than $40 million in annual cost synergies to be realized throughout the integration process and will benefit from more than $400 million in net operating loss carryforwards acquired in the transaction. Zayo expects to close in the first calendar year quarter of 2017, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The transaction will be funded with a combination of cash on hand and debt. Zayo will host a conference call today, November 30, at 8:00 a.m. EST to discuss this transaction. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 800-909-4761 using conference ID: 21836860. A live webcast of the conference call and associated presentation materials will be available on the investor relations section of Zayos website at http://investors.zayo.com. Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal advisor to Zayo on the transaction. Latham & Watkins and Gray Plant Mooty served as legal advisors to Electric Lightwave.

For more information, please visit zayo.com About Zayo Group Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZAYO) provides communications infrastructure services, including fiber and bandwidth connectivity, colocation and cloud services to the worlds leading businesses. Customers include wireless and wireline carriers, media and content companies and finance, healthcare and other large enterprises. Zayos 114,500-mile network in North America and Europe includes extensive metro connectivity to thousands of buildings and data centers. In addition to high-capacity dark fiber, wavelength, Ethernet and other connectivity solutions, Zayo offers colocation and cloud services in its carrier-neutral data centers. Zayo provides clients with flexible, customized solutions and self-service through Tranzact, an innovative online platform for managing and purchasing bandwidth and services. For more information, visit zayo.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains a number of forward-looking statements. Words, and variations of words such as believe, expect, plan, continue, will, should, and similar expressions are intended to identify our forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements will be achieved and actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. For additional information on these and other factors that could affect our forward-looking statements, see our risk factors, as they may be amended from time to time, set forth in our filings with the SEC, including our 10-K dated August 25, 2016. We disclaim and do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this press release, except as required by applicable law or regulation.

Exhibit 99.2 Zayo Acquisition of Electric Lightwave 30 November 2016

ZAYO GROUP SAFE HARBOR Information contained in this presentation that is not historical by nature constitutes forward-looking statements which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as believes, expects, plans, intends, estimates, projects, could, may, will, should, or anticipates or the negatives thereof, other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. No assurance can be given that future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements will be achieved and actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on managements current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.s (the Company or ZGH) financial and operating prospects, current economic trends, future opportunities, ability to retain existing customers and attract new ones, outlook of customers, and strength of competition and pricing. In addition, there is risk and uncertainty in the Companys acquisition strategy including our ability to integrate acquired companies and assets. Specifically there is a risk associated with our recent acquisitions, and the benefits thereof, including financial and operating results and synergy benefits that may be realized from these acquisitions and the timeframe for realizing these benefits. Other factors and risks that may affect our business and future financial results are detailed in the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report or Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their respective dates. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after releasing this supplemental information or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. 2

The Transaction 3 Purchase of Electric Lightwave (ELI) (formerly Integra), a facilities-based provider of communications services $538 million LQA Revenue $180 million LQA EBITDA $1.42 billion purchase price Subject to standard closing and post-closing adjustments (ex: working capital) ~7.9x Adjusted EBITDA (~6.5x with planned run-rate synergies) Expected CY1Q17 close Based on standard closing conditions, including regulatory approval >$400M in NOLs acquired ~2-year extension from prior estimate until Zayo becomes a material cash tax payer (now FY 2023/2024) Anticipate funding with combination of cash on hand and debt

2012 2015 2016 Integra changes name to Electric Lightwave, reinforcing its multi-year pivot from a CLEC to a fiber-rich Communications Infrastructure provider ELI History ELI is a combination of four main companies: Integra Telecom, Electric Lightwave, Eschelon Telecom and opticAccess Integra acquires opticAccess opticAccess formed as a provider of fiber solutions for enterprise and carriers, with a focus on the West Coast Integra acquires ELI & Eschelon 2006-2007 Eschelon formed, focusing on providing telecom services to the SME market, with Minnesota and Colorado as major markets Late 1990s Integra formed, focusing on providing competitive local telecom services to the SME market, originating in Oregon 1996 Electric Lightwave formed as a Competitive Access Provider, and built its initial fiber networks in Portland and Seattle 1990 4

ELI strengthens Zayos fiber position along the West Coast ELIs broad and deep fiber asset is highly complementary to Zayos existing network 8,100 route miles of long haul fiber connecting major markets west of the Rocky Mountains 4,000 route miles of metro fiber in 35 markets including: San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Spokane, Boise, and Phoenix ~110 average fiber count in metro markets 3,100 on-net enterprise buildings Zayos Communications Infrastructure business benefits from the combination of network assets Network is additive to Zayos mobile infrastructure builds Cost synergies realized from densification of networks Revenue synergies expected from the increase in scale 5

6 GLOBAL NETWORK Bolsters West Coast Fiber SME revenue in MN & CO

Long Haul Fiber Network 7 8,100 route miles of long haul fiber connecting major markets west of the Rocky Mountains Includes high fiber count owned routes from Las Vegas to Phoenix and San Diego to San Luis Obispo Provides diversity along strategic LH routes Complementary IRUd fiber from Zayo, CenturyLink/LVLT & Sprint; ability to optimize

8 Major expansion of Portland and Sacramento Portland, OR Sacramento, CA

9 Densification of Seattle and San Francisco Seattle San Francisco

10 Strengthening of Salt Lake City, Boise and Spokane Salt Lake City Spokane Boise

11 Enhancements to Phoenix, San Jose, Minneapolis, LA and Denver Phoenix Minneapolis Denver Los Angeles San Jose

Now is an opportune time for Zayo to acquire Historically, Integra focused on CLEC business model From 2011 to 2016, Integra began transition to fiber-focused business model In August 2016, changed name to ELI and began separation into two businesses: Communications Infrastructure (Electric Lightwave) and legacy business (Integra) Reinforced ELIs commitment to Communications Infrastructure As separation is not yet operationally complete, Zayo is uniquely positioned acquiror and has meaningful opportunity to create value by completing separation Strong track record of de-integrating businesses with ability to maximize value of both segments Excellent understanding of complementary west coast assets 12

High Level Integration Plan Focus on leveraging fiber assets as Communications Infrastructure 35-45% of ELI revenue Heavy and rapid integration into core Zayo organization, processes and systems Target >50% EBITDA contribution Leverage Allstream workstream to optimize value of SME and Voice businesses Complete de-integration from Communications Infrastructure business Believe viable and valuable cash-flow generating businesses, though with low to negative growth Target >20% EBITDA contribution Over ~4 quarters, migrate customers and revenue, where appropriate, from Integra MN & CO base to core Zayo; potentially 5-10% of aggregate ELI revenue Anticipate overall synergies to be >$40M in annual run rate, achieve within 5 quarters of close 13

Summary Fiber rich and complementary assets in important west coast markets Low pre-synergy and post-synergy purchase price multiple Zayos balance sheet enables funding at a low incremental cost of capital Zayo uniquely positioned acquiror, given complementary assets, integration expertise and timing of ELIs pivot to Communications Infrastructure Strengthens Zayos position as only independent national infrastructure focused provider 14

Q & A
MBAgirl2010 wrote:

They want to be able to experiment with different courses, and courses that are not necessarily in their area of expertise such as a mixed course with other disciplines, without being punished for it.



You're certainly able to "experiment" with classes and still receive a grade for them. I belong to the school of thought that your grades mostly pretty accurately reflect the effort you put into a class, so there is no concept of you (and only you) being punished for choosing to do something different you have had no prior experience with. In my opinion, if a class requires some previous knowledge of the subject for you to do well, it will have the appropriate course pre-requisite. Otherwise, most everyone will start on equal footing.Stern has proper grades (and by that I simply mean an A through F scale) but that hasn't prevented me or my peers from signing up for the classes we want to take, without worrying about the repercussions any single class might have on our respective GPAs. Heck, I will probably get a B/B- on some of the classes I plan to take, but why would that stop me from taking the class if I'm truly interested in it?Nonetheless, different people will have different opinions. But I will contest any argument that posits that having GND allows for greater freedom in selecting "harder" electives. In fact, I would probably skip class a lot more if I knew my grades were meaningless - but again that's just me! It's completely possible these other GND schools have remarkably disciplined student bodies who don't need the scepter of a "poor" grade looming over their heads in order to ensure they do what is needed to be done.Like underscore3 said, GND versus having none is probably the biggest non-issue when it comes to your academic experience at any business school.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump cannot "save him" from the Panama Papers scandal.

The PTI chairman tweeted saying that while it was good news that Trump spoke to Sharif, the chat will do no favour to the premier in the Panamagate case.

Good news is Trump spoke to Nawaz Sharif. Bad news for NS is this won't save him from Panama scandal - not even if a Trump letter arrived!  Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 1, 2016

Khan was referring to the premier's telephonic conversation with Trump on Wednesday, during which Sharif congratulated America's president-elect on his recent victory in the US polls.

In a taunting reference to a letter by Qatari prince Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, the PTI chairman said Sharif could not be saved from the Panama Papers scandal "even if a Trump letter arrived".

The Qatari prince's letter was submitted in the Supreme Court in connection with the Panamagate case.

In the letter, the Qatari royal had described his fathers business ties with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family and his involvement in the London apartments that are at the centre of the Panama Papers controversy.
Pakistan despite Indias negativity in scuttling SAARC process would attend the Heart of Asia Conference due to its commitment to Afghanistans peace and stability.

India has been instrumental in scuttling the SAARC summit, and Pakistan despite all negativity of India is going to participate in the Heart of Asia Conference, the Foreign Office spokesman said at a weekly press briefing.

Prime Ministers Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz will attend the Heart of Asia Conference being held on December 3-4 in Amritsar, India.

Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said that Pakistan believed in peaceful neighbourhood and regarded dialogue as the best option for resolution of issues.

He, however categorically said that Pakistan would not accept any pre-conditions for holding dialogue with India. It is always India that is putting up conditions for dialogue with Pakistan, he added.

The Spokesman said the Heart of Asia Conference would follow the previous agenda as the 14 countries would take stock of the progress.

Every country has its own share of bringing stability in Afghanistan and Pakistans participation means its commitment for peace and stability in Afghanistan, he said.

Zakaria said the current phase of indigenous self-determination movement in Indian occupied Kashmir had entered into the fifth month and was continuing in the face of worst violations of human rights of defenceless Kashmiris at the hands of Indian occupation forces.

The world has before it the unending sufferings and misery of those over a thousand Kashmiris, including children, who have been deliberately blinded, he said.

The Spokesman mentioned the British daily `The Guardians touching report of November 8, which said There is no recorded instance of a modern democracy systematically and willfully shooting at people to blind them.

He said the doctors in Indian occupied Kashmir expressed their dissatisfaction and rejected as ambiguous the report compiled by the Ophthalmology Pathologists in India, suspecting that there was something else about the pellet shots that was causing insides of the eye to turn into a charcoal-like substance.

Zakaria said that Pakistan had been insisting on independent fact finding mission to the IoK and similar demands from UN High Commissioner in Geneva, OIC and OIC Contact Groups Members had not been met.

On Indias growing relations with Israel and Bangladesh, the Spokesman said that Pakistan without out commenting on bilateral relations between any two countries, however stressed that ties should not affect the third country.

On Russian Foreign Ministrys statement refuting media reports of negotiations with Pakistan regarding its inclusion in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Spokesman said the statement is self-explanatory.

Whether Pakistan could unilaterally offer other countries to join CPEC, Zakaria said CPEC is the project of both China and Pakistan and both countries would decide as how and what sort of indulgence and participation of other countries would be made in CPEC and CPEC-related projects.

He said that Pakistan-Russia relationship was growing steadily and we give high importance to it.

The Spokesman expressed shock over the tragic plane crash of Brazilian Succor team and said Adviser Sartaj Aziz in his letter to Brazilian Foreign Minister had conveyed condolences.
Terming the Panama scandal the biggest case of corruption in the world, Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhuto on Wednesday vowed to launch a movement against the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif if his demands are not fulfilled by the deadline on December 27.

Bhutto, while addressing during the foundation day, said that the entire nation will come out on the streets if he decides to take to the streets. We will bring down the dictatorship of the throne of Lahore, he said.

He said that Lahore was the birthplace of the PPP, and has showered immense respect to his illustrious grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who founded the party 49 years ago in the city.

The PPP started its political journey from Lahore, he said. He further said that his mother and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto had also received a rousing welcome upon arrival from exile in 1986 in Lahore.

He stated that Benazir had received the political responsibility at a young age, but never resorted to any sit-in or attacked any institution, and was only a steadfast political leader.

He decried that family of Nawaz Sharif was given amnesty, while Z.A. Bhutto was hanged and the killers of Benazir were never brought to justice. We will give justice to the country, when Bilawal come he would revolutionise the country, he said.

He said that the PPP was the chain which binds the four provinces of Pakistan. He stressed that a change was coming in the PPP through intra-party elections and a new constitution will be brought soon. This, he said, will bring the rise of a new PPP.

PPP Punjab President Qamar Zaman Kaira said former President Asif Ali Zardari would come back to Pakistan soon. He lauded the services of former Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, and said that the nation had a lot of hope with the new Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa.

He claimed that the PPP would win the next elections in 2018 and will not fall for the political gimmicks of Shahbaz Sharif and Imran Khan.
The director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has warned US president-elect Donald Trump against revoking the nuclear deal with Iran, saying that it would be disastrous and the height of folly.

In a interview with BBC broadcast on Wednesday, John Brenan advised the new president to be wary of Russias promises, blaming Moscow for much of the suffering in Syria.

In his election campaign, Trump had threatened to scrap the Iran deal and also hinted at working more closely with Russia. John Brennan will step down in January after leading the US intelligence agency for four years.

In the first interview by a CIA director to a British network, Mr Brennan outlined a number of areas where, according to him, the new administration should act with prudence and discipline - these included the language used regarding terrorism, relations with Russia, the Iran deal and the way in which the CIAs own covert capabilities were employed.

First of all for one administration to tear up an agreement that a previous administration made would be unprecedented, Brennan said.

It would be the height of folly if the next administration were to tear up [the Iran] agreement.

Donald Trump has promised to rip up the 2015 pact under which Tehran agreed to curtail its nuclear programme in exchange for an easing of international sanctions.
At least 10,000 Rohingya have arrived in Bangladesh in recent weeks after fleeing violence in neighbouring Myanmar, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

An estimated 30,000 Rohingya, a Muslim minority living mostly in Myanmar, have been forced to leave their homes since a bloody crackdown by the army in the western state of Rakhine.

Bangladesh has stepped up patrols on the border to try to stop them from entering, but last week it said thousands had flooded into the country, many with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.

"Based on reports by various humanitarian agencies, we estimate that there could be 10,000 new arrivals in recent weeks," said Vivian Tan, a spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency in Bangkok.

"The situation is fast changing and the actual number could be much higher."

Those interviewed by AFP inside Bangladesh had horrifying stories of gang rape, torture and murder at the hands of Myanmars security forces.

Analysis of satellite images by Human Rights Watch found hundreds of buildings in Rohingya villages have been razed.

Myanmar has denied allegations of abuse, but has also banned foreign journalists and independent investigators from accessing the area to investigate.

Myanmars de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel peace laureate, has faced a growing international backlash for what a UN official has said amounts to a campaign of ethnic cleansing.

On Wednesday she vowed to work for "peace and national reconciliation", saying her country faced many challenges, but did not mention the violence in Rakhine state.

Rohingya community leaders in Bangladesh said another 3,000 displaced Rohingya were stranded on an island in the Naf river that divides the two countries, attempting to enter Bangladesh.

"They have been stuck in the island for almost a week without sufficient food and clothes," Abu Ghalib told AFP.

But a spokesman for the Bangladesh border guards said the claims could not be verified as the island was not Bangladeshi territory.

Bangladesh has reinforced its border posts and deployed coast guard ships in an effort to prevent a fresh influx of refugees.

In the past two weeks, Bangladeshi border guards have prevented hundreds of boats packed with Rohingya women and children from entering the country.

Nevertheless Rohingya leaders in Bangladesh said the number of arrivals had risen this week.

But so far little or no aid has been provided for the new arrivals with Bangladeshi authorities fearing food, medicine and shelter will encourage more to cross the border.

Shinji Kubo, who heads the UN refugee agency in Bangladesh, said the new arrivals needed "urgent" help.

"Obviously these people have come from Myanmar after terrible experiences and without any belongings. The winter is approaching. So everyone is really worried about their wellbeing," he said.

More than 230,000 Rohingya are already living in Bangladesh, most of them illegally, although around 32,000 are formally registered as refugees.

Tan said the UN was urging the Bangladesh government to allow the Rohingya safe haven.

"We are ready to support the government to provide effective humanitarian assistance for these individuals in need of international protection," she said.

Violence in Rakhine -- home to the stateless ethnic group loathed by many of Myanmars Buddhist majority -- has surged in the last month after security forces poured into the area.

It followed a series of attacks on police posts blamed on local militants.
Clayton Mitchell

New Zealand First MP

Two years as an MP has challenged me and opened my eyes to the best and worst of whats going on in New Zealand.

When December 2015 arrived, I didnt want to take a break, because there was so much to do, and I still believed that common sense would prevail in policy-making and the voices of New Zealanders had to be listened to.

Weve seen more pandering to the divisive agendas of the minor coalition partners of this blue government, and an increase in income inequality, hyper-immigration, crime, un-debated legislation, and behind-closed-doors deals.

What has been amazing, have been the relationships Ive been able to build with community groups, local government, non-profit organisations, and with real New Zealanders.

Im proud of our calls to halt separatist, race-based and divisive politics and legislation. We stand for a New Zealand where everyone is treated equally under one law, regardless of race, gender or religion.

We have consistently been the party calling for action on the working homeless and fixed-income homeless, on infrastructure investment in the regions, on increased police numbers and resources, on free education, and New Zealanders keeping sovereignty over New Zealand.

We know that this blue government cares most about protecting their multi-national corporate cronies, and that New Zealanders are getting the message, that New Zealand First is the only party going to make these multi-national corporate giants pay their fair share of corporate tax.

We showed, with the Northland by-election victory, that the regions are calling out for change, and that they know New Zealand First has heard them loud and clear.

2017 is going to be a huge year for us, as we continue to be the fastest growing political party in New Zealand, and leading the movement of real New Zealanders calling for real change for the better.
Straight from city council

with councillor Steve Morris

Politicians and the media are in a co-dependency relationship. Politicians need to be seen by voters. And reporters need to pump out thousands of words every week to keep their jobs. A relationship of convenience. However, one partner has an uncertain future.

Publisher of the New Zealand Herald, NZME, and Fairfax, publisher of The Dominion Post, are the two largest media companies in New Zealand.

Theyve attempted a merger this year but recently the Commerce Commissions interim decision was to decline it on the grounds that one company would control 90 per cent of the countrys media  thats a higher proportion than communist China.

So its not over yet  and a final decision on the merger from the Commerce Commission is expected by March 2017.

So in the meantime some NZME/Fairfax newspaper editors from around the country have written to the commission begging them to reconsider because they are suffering in the digital age.

Local NZME paper, The Bay of Plenty Times, has seen circulation drop 43 per cent since 2008 while the population has grown nine per cent during the same time.

Online advertising revenues arent increasing as fast as print advertising is declining. Its getting harder to retain trained young journalists who are tempted into higher paying jobs elsewhere. Where does this leave our local democracy?

The public cant be at every council meeting. You rely on the media to report and investigate on your behalf. In my observation, the days of investigation seem to almost be gone and reporting is becoming repeating. Tauranga is fortunate to have two players in the media market. SunLive is the third most read news website in the country behind stuff.co.nz and nzherald.co.nz But unless readers are prepared to pay, like they used to for print, who will pay those who keep us honest?
An investigation into the death of a deck cadet at the Port of Tauranga earlier this year has found the man had not been wearing a required safety harness at the time of his death.

The deck cadet, a Chinese national working aboard the bulk carrier Mount Hikurangi, was killed after falling 10m from a stack of logs onto the wharf below then into the sea, on February 27.

A New Zealand Navy vessel was in port at the time of the deck cadets death, and navy divers whod joined the search recovered the mans body hours later.

A report into the death by The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission says the Mount Hikurangi had just completed loading a cargo of logs at the port of Tauranga and its crew were applying chain lashings to the logs loaded above deck when a deck cadet fell.

The deck cadet was not wearing a safety harness attached to a fall arrestor while working close to the edge of the log stack, despite a company requirement to do so, the report states.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission found that the crew on Mount Hikurangi routinely did not follow company procedures by working on top of log cargoes without the required safety harnesses.

The commission also found little evidence of a strong safety culture on board Mount Hikurangi at the time.

Due to the safety actions taken by the ship operator and Maritime New Zealand, the commission says there was no need for the commission to make any recommendations.

But two key lessons have come out of the inquiry, says the commission.

All crew members must wear safety harnesses, preferably connected to fall arrestors, when working at height.

A strong safety culture must be established and promoted from the highest levels of management on board a ship. It must be encouraged, monitored and enforced throughout all levels of the organisation so that best safety practices are followed.

To read the full report visit the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission website.
UPDATED: Police are currently responding to calls of a concerning nature directed to a number of schools throughout the country, including Tahatai Coast Primary School in Papamoa.

The safety of students, teachers and schools are our priority, say police.

Stuff is reporting a school in Hamilton has also been evacuated.

"We understand the fear and concern that these calls cause, however we reiterate that so far we have not established any actual threat to any school.

"Police are working with the schools management teams to decide on the appropriate response.

"It is believed, based on the information available to us at this time, that todays calls may be similar to those received earlier this year, which inquiries indicated originated overseas.

"We should make it clear that while such calls may display a New Zealand number, they can still be originating from overseas."

Pupils at Tahatai Coast School have been evacuated to Grenada Park.

Similar incidents have previously occurred overseas.

Until police can rule out any actual threat, they must take all these calls seriously and respond accordingly.

Police say how a school responds to these calls is a matter for the schools management in conjunction with police.

Schools will respond differently according to their individual circumstances and the information available to them.

"Police will not be disclosing the names of each school who has received a call today given the ongoing investigation and in the interest of preventing further such calls being made to other schools."

EARLIER:

Pupils and teachers have been evacuated from Tahatai Coast Primary School following reports of a bomb threat.

A parent of one of the pupils at the school says she just received a text from the school advising her to pick up her children.

"The school has recieved a bomb threat phone call, we have evacuated the school as a precaution to Grenada Park," reads the text message.

"Please collect your child from there."

Police say similar threats have been made to other schools as well.

"Police were alerted by the school at 11.28am," says a police spokesperson.

"Police are making enquiries. Any decision on evacuation is made by the school.

"Threats have been made to other schools in NZ. A Police media statement will be sent out shortly on the national picture."

This is the second time this year bomb threats have been targeted at schools.

Earlier in the year, police were called to Brookfield Primary and St Thomas Moore Catholic School following reports of bomb threats.
Lotto New Zealand is celebrating after receiving the highest possible international accolade for its responsible gaming programme.

Lotto NZ has recently been awarded the grand prize in the World Lottery Associations biennial Responsible Gaming Awards  Best Overall Responsible Gaming Programme.

Lotto NZ Chair Judy Kirk says the organisation exists to provide safe gaming that allows New Zealanders to play and win, while contributing money back to New Zealand communities.

Responsible gaming plays a central role in Lottos day-to-day operations across all areas of the business, driven by clear governance focus, she says.

In receiving this prestigious award, Lotto NZs approach to responsible gaming is recognised as world class.

Chair of the World Lottery Associations independent assessment panel Anne Pattberg says Lotto NZs submission demonstrates their holistic approach to responsible gaming.

This world class programme shows the importance of integrating responsible gaming into commercial activities.

Lotto NZ Chief Executive Wayne Pickup is delighted to have received this recognition.

Responsible gaming plays an important part in our business, as we cannot truly benefit Kiwi communities if playing our games is causing undue harm.

Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne is pleased with the news.

Lotto NZ has set high standards for providing a safe and trustworthy environment for its players, he says.

This award acknowledges the importance Lotto NZ places on operating in a socially responsible manner by delivering a world-beating gaming programme of the highest integrity.

Last year, Lotto NZ transferred $204 million to the NZ Lottery Grants Board to help make good things happen in Kiwi communities. This essential funding helps thousands of community groups support the arts, sport, culture and heritage, outdoor safety and many more regional and national initiatives.

Background information:

About the World Lottery Association (WLA): The WLA is a member-based organisation that sets the international benchmark for responsible gaming. The WLA represents over 300 members and associate members from over 90 countries on five continents. WLA membership is exclusive and requires adherence to a responsible gaming code of conduct.

The Best Overall Responsible Gaming Programme Award: In order to further promote the best practices in the industry, the WLA honours responsible gaming programmes that innovate and demonstrate best practice. Award submissions are evaluated by a panel of international experts in the field of corporate social responsibility.
An organisation committed to helping growers innovate and contribute to the economy through exports and employment, celebrates its 100th anniversary today.

Horticulture New Zealand, which can trace its foundations to the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation, formed in 1916, has always advocated for growers, says Horticulture New Zealand President Julian Raine.

Our focus is on uniting fruit and vegetable growers to give a strong and unified voice on matters related to our part of food supply in New Zealand and our export markets.

Looking back at the history of the organisation, there is very much a recurring theme of creating an environment where growers can innovate and grow and in doing so, contribute to the economy with jobs and exports.

Horticulture New Zealand, along with its affiliated organisations, represents the interests of New Zealands 5,500 commercial fruit and vegetable growers.

Based in Wellington, it works in key areas of advocacy which affect all growers including biosecurity, food safety, seasonal labour, education and training needs of the industry, and resource management issues around New Zealand.

The New Zealand horticulture industry is valued at more than $5 billion, with $3 billion in exports. The horticulture industrys goal is to reach a value of $10 billion by 2020.

When marking 50 years of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation in 1966, the then Prime Minister Sir Keith Holyoake said: The decision to provide an organised body to speak on behalf of the young industry has proved of great benefit to fruitgrowers. The addition of a trading side to the activities of the Federation has also been of very great help and the wisdom of this move is shown in the present extent and soundness of its operation. (Foreword, Fruitful Years, by Rex Monigatti)

Twenty-five years later the then Prime Minister Jim Bolger said: As a nation we benefit from fruitgrowers intensive use of land resources and labour. In addition our people benefit from a health-giving food produced in New Zealand orchards. (Foreword, Fruitful Fields, by Rex Monigatti)

On 30 November 2005, Horticulture New Zealand was officially launched at the National Library, creating one organisation from the genetics of three: the New Zealand Vegetable and Potato Growers Federation (Vegfed), the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation and the New Zealand Berryfruit Federation.

The then Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton said: Horticulture plays an important part in the lives of all New Zealanders  what is our roast lamb dinner without our roast potatoes? What is Christmas without strawberries, apricots, raspberries and other seasonal fruit?

Mr Anderton said the merger was logical it is more efficient to deal with the representatives of one industry organisation, especially when we are working on issues that affect the whole industry.

These words by prominent politicians over the past 50 years ring as true today, Mr Raine says. A single organisation has more clout and is more efficient to run.

We are now following a vision of healthy food for all forever and chasing a growth goal to double the value of the industry by 2020, to $10 billion. Horticulture is New Zealands fourth largest export industry and employs 60,000 people in New Zealand.

Horticulture is an exciting industry to be part of, and progress over the past 100 years now sees us using the best in science and innovation to produce and promote fruit and vegetables that have a worldwide reputation for safety, quality, and taste.
The Employment Relations Authority has ordered a kebab shop in Rotorua to pay $73,661 in penalties and arrears following a Labour Inspectorate investigation.

This follows a recent Employment Court judgement guiding the ERA towards higher penalties for law breakers.

Just Kebab Limited must pay a $40,000 penalty and $33,661 in arrears to an employee for its failure to pay minimum wage, holiday pay, or keep accurate employment records, with the employee also receiving half of the penalty.

This decision is in line with the Employment Courts decision to impose $100,000 in penalties against two South Island liquor store and dairy owners, who had been found to have committed serious breaches of employment law by the Labour Inspectorate.

Labour Inspectorate General Manager George Mason says they will not tolerate employers who fail to provide their employees with their minimum employment entitlements such as minimum wage or holiday pay.

The recent decision from the Employment Court upholds the Inspectorates position that where there are multiple, sustained and serious breaches, employers should receive penalties reflecting the gravity of their actions.

"It is not acceptable for workers to come to New Zealand to seek a better life, and then be under paid, over worked, and deprived of their most basic rights as employees in this country.

The Employment Courts decision should serve as a warning to any employer who is breaking the law that these kinds of breaches will be highly penalised.

The $100,000 penalty from the Employment Court judgement came after the Inspectorate appealed an earlier ERA decision which set penalties of $25,000.

People can read the Just Kebab Limited ERA decision, the recent Employment Court decision, and the original ERA decision it relates to online.

If people are concerned about their employment situation or the employment situation of someone they know, they can call MBIEs Contact Centre on 0800 20 90 20 where their concerns will be handled in a safe environment.
The techniques used by New Zealand kiwifruit orchardists have come under close scrutiny this week, from a group of 15 Italian growers and post-harvest technicians in the country on a fact-finding tour.

The orchardists, who grow SunGold fruit for Zespri, visited orchards in Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty and, according to Italian grower Fabio Ippoliti, there is much to learn from how this country grows kiwifruit.

We are interested in the use of bees for pollination. In Italy, most growers use artificial pollination, says Fabio, who is from the province of Aprilia, Latina, and is among Zespris top Italian growers.

Italian beekeepers are mainly focused on honey production, but Fabio believes some may be convinced to use hives for kiwifruit pollination.

He is also impressed at the detailed data New Zealand grower collect about their vines, including counting buds to predict crop volumes and make management decisions.

Those on the tour were also interested in fertiliser use on New Zealand orchards, with Fabio saying he believes some Italian growers use too much nitrogen on their orchards.

Zespris head of global supply for Europe, Craig Thompson, says the party will visit a total of 15 orchards during the week-long tour, which ends on Sunday.

We took them to Gisborne because in terms of climate and soil types, it is closer to Italian conditions than the Bay of Plenty.

In fact, some on the tour say Bay of Plenty growers have it too easy  our soils are so good they said we could probably grow babies in them.

Italian Zespri SunGold growers during a visit to BayGold Orchard at Paengaroa.

Craig says the aim of the tour is to encourage an exchange of ideas and give Italian growers the chance to see management and quality techniques employed on New Zealand orchards.

Fruit grown in Italy for Zespri must meet the same high standards as the marketing company demands of its New Zealand growers.

Italian Zespri SunGold growers can earn Eur1.30 per kg of fruit while those growing Hayward green fruit earn between 30 to 40 cents per kg. Growing SunGold to Zespri standards is more difficult and more costly but the financial rewards are there.

The vine disease Psa-V infected Italian orchards before it was discovered in New Zealand.

Craig says the industry in Italy, like that in New Zealand, has largely recovered and the new variety SunGold has been a major factor in that recovery.

There are around 850 hectares of Zespri SunGold in production in Italy in 2016, with another 800ha is already in the ground and being established.

The Italian growers are part of Zespris global supply programme which see the marketer source premium quality kiwifruit from Northern Hemisphere orchards to supply the market for the few months of the year when New Zealand-grown kiwifruit is not available.

That fruit comes from orchards in Italy, France, Korea and Japan
White sandy dunes, crystal clear waters and a vibrant atmosphere are attributes which have seen Mount Maunganui crowned New Zealands number-one beach for a third year running  just in time for the stunning 2016/2017 summer season.

Mount Maunganui clinched the top spot of TripAdvisors 2016 Travellers Choice Awards Top 10 Beaches - New Zealand, ahead of popular Kiwi destinations such as Piha, West Auckland, Kaiteriteri in the Tasman region and the Bay of Plentys own Ohope, which came in at seventh place.

The Travellers Choice award-winning beaches were determined based on the quantity and quality of traveller reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period.

Reviews for Mount Maunganui praise our beautiful beach for its pristine condition, the abundance of wildlife, development of amenities close to the beach, and the accessibility for travellers of all ages.

Tourism Bay of Plenty CEO Kristin Dunne says its a tremendous honour to be acknowledged as the number-one beach by domestic and international visitors  and with two top beaches in the list, she adds this affirms the Bay of Plentys position as a go-to destination for its natural attractions.

As someone who loves to take an afternoon stroll around Mauao or enjoy fish and chips at sunset with my family, I feel incredibly heartened our patch of paradise has once again been selected by visitors for the top spot.

We, in conjunction with our operators, council, iwi, surf lifesavers and the community at large, work hard to maintain Mount beach as a pristine coastal haven both welcoming and safe, and Id like to take this time to thank everyone for their efforts over the years.

As the summer season officially rolls into the region, and an estimated 20,000 visitors are due to arrive in the coastal suburb over Christmas and New Years alone, its not just the golden sands of Mount beach which will prove popular with visitors.

From concerts to outdoor performances, sporting events to food festivals, Kristin says these types of world-class events position the region as a place with diversity and depth  a drawcard for travellers looking for added value to their experience.

You can take a stroll on an award-winning beach in the morning, then watch the Black Caps at Bay Oval in the afternoon, or sample local produce and craft beers at an event such as Beast of a Feast.

Meanwhile music lovers can take their pick this season with The Winery Tour, Electric Coastlines and One Love  huge concerts which will see international and national performers exploring our region.

We are immensely proud of our natural beauty and adding must-see events to the mix only enhances our appeal for residents and visitors over this peak season.

While up on the Coromandel Peninsula and rounding out the top 10 was Whangamata Beach.

Famous for its unique combination of beach and rainforest, Whangamatas amazing ocean beach provides some of the best surfing breaks, yet safest swimming in the country, says regional tourism organisation Destination Coromandel.

The Coromandel Forest Park bordering the town provides many outdoor experiences, including short walks, mountain bike trails and old gold mining sites. The town also has one of the best shopping centres in the region.

A number of the houses in the area are holiday homes - providing weekend refuge and the classic kiwi beach holiday.

Whangamata is also home of the massively popular Beach Hop festival which draws people from across New Zealand and the world to the seaside town for a five day celebration of 50s and 60s culture.
The recently-cleaned sandstone buildings at Place de la Bourse. :: SUR SEE ALSO: Bordeaux: The Insider Guide

I always try to reserve a window seat when I fly; in fact, Ive become slightly geeky about the whole thing. I sometimes google to discover which side of the aircraft is best for arriving at different cities in the world. Its worth it. Those precious first impressions from the air can really help put a destination into perspective, create a sense of excitement and heighten the desire to explore.

So at the end of my Vueling flight to Frances south west, I pushed myself up against the oval aircraft window to take in the views of Aquitaines wild Atlantic beaches, its ancient vineyards, the Gironde Estuary and Bordeauxs famous tidal river port. The descent towards the regions capital, and its modest airport, sets the scene for a memorable short break.

Id arrived in time for an early supper. The Bordeaux village bistro restaurant in Bouliac was so perfectly French it was almost a stereotype  yet here things arent contrived, its just the way they are. Simple wooden tables and chairs, blackboard menus and a vintage style bar created a welcoming ambiance. The goats cheese salad starter may not have been the most imaginative choice, but the French certainly know how to lift a salad with a perfectly balanced vinaigrette. Then a juicy entrecote and a few glasses of the local vin rouge, and Im feeling that life is great.

It was the perfect way to unwind, ready to dedicate the following day to getting to know the city of Bordeaux. Since UNESCO recognised the region for its remarkable architecture and culture, a testament to centuries of trade, Bordeaux has taken a renewed pride in its built environment  the recently cleaned, historic sandstone buildings glow in the autumn sunshine, while once-forgotten neighbourhoods are now alive with contemporary arts.

Cite du Vin

As such, Bordeaux has successfully moved beyond its traditional image; its fair to say that this city is more than bistros and patisseries, old world wine, and bourgeoisie architecture. For example, this year saw the opening of the Cite du Vin, a new generation of digital, interactive museum that celebrates the citys unprecedented history of wine, and its future too. A bold architectural statement, the museum is surely set to become one of the new iconic buildings of Bordeaux. Its curved structure is said to echo the movement of wine in a glass; and also the flow of the adjacent river, the lifeblood of this port city that has traded with the world for centuries.

A little south of the Cite du Vin, the vintage warehouses on the banks of the river have also embraced change. This district of Chartrons, once the hub of the wine industry is now the heart of creative Bordeaux. Where once wine barrels were stored, one now finds galleries, art studios, performance spaces, bars, clubs and restaurants  a vibrant arts and social scene powered by creatives and the many thousands of students that live in the city.

Le Saint James

This compelling juxtaposition of old and new is also part of the attraction of my hotel. I chose to be a few kilometres out of the city centre, away from the grand hotels, and instead stay at the friendly Le Saint James.

Architect Jean Nouvel added to the original Bouliac village house with contemporary spaces for the restaurant and guest rooms. Barn-like structures, in earthy tones of oxidised steel sit comfortably against the propertys small vineyard.

The rooms are light-filled, modern spaces all with glass sliding walls overlooking the vineyard, onto the city. They come with unexpected touches too. My room had a vintage Harley Davidson beside the bed! (which by the way is specially elevated so you enjoy the city view as you start each morning enjoying a cafe noir and complementary rum-flavoured canele cake).

Flavours of Aquitaine

The same surprises can be found in the Le Saint James restaurant. I must admit, this was one of my draws to visit Bordeaux; the Aquitaine autumn flavours from Michelin-star chef Nicolas Magie.

With the renaissance in the popularity of its wines, the citys flourishing urban culture, and growing number of international visitors, Bordeaux has recently been showered with new Michelin-starred restaurants.

Yet Nicolas Magie is the real deal. Not a distant executive chef putting his name to a fancy restaurant, but instead a genuine hands-on professional and an expert when it comes to the local produce. Born in nearby Cenon, Nicolas is understandably proud of the regions food. He explains to me that although his style is contemporary, and his combinations sometimes unusual, his approach respects the traditions and ingredients of France South West.

Take for example two of my favourite dishes at Le Saint James; firstly, a starter of Atlantic crab, with yellow pepper and lime; and a main dish of tender venison, subtly fragranced with juniper berries, roasted over chestnuts with a little kale cabbage. Uncomplicated, regional produce elevated to exceptional heights.

Talking of heights, that view of the city from the air tells just part of the story; its not until one explores the citys neighbourhoods, tries the local food and discovers the wines that you understand the modern Bordeaux.
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About 250 activists took part in an Anti-Drone Protest outside the NY Air National Guard Base on East Molloy Road on Sunday April 28, 2013. The protest started in front of the Thompson Road entrance to the base. Several people were arrested by Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies. Stephen D. Cannerelli | scannerelli@syracuse.com

DEWITT, NY - Five defendants, who were arrested and charged after protesting the use of drones at Hancock Air Base in 2015, had their trial in DeWitt town court delayed this week because the jury pool was all white.

The five, who are charged with obstructing governmental administration, disorderly conduct and trespassing, had pleaded not guilty and were prepared to stand trial Monday before Judge David Gideon, said Ed Kinane of Syracuse, one of the five defendants.

When the pool of about 30 potential jurors came into the courtroom, Jonathan Wallace, pro bono defense attorney for the defendants, objected because there were no "people of color" among the potential jurists, Kinane said.

Wallace, of Long Island, said he voiced his concern to the court that there were no African-Americans among the potential jurors.

One of the defendants - James Ricks of Trumansburg - is African-American.

"It was all handled informally,'' said Wallace, of Long Island. "The judge and prosecutor agreed that we should wait until we can get a more diverse jury pool."

Kinane said at one point the judge called county officials to ask how the jury pool is selected, and was told it's done by computer using zip codes.

The trial was postponed until the end of February. Wallace said he believes more zip codes will be added to get a larger and more diverse jury pool, Wallace said. The zip codes used for this trial extended into East Syracuse and Syracuse as well as DeWitt, he said.

However, Onondaga County Commissioner of Jurors Sandra Schepp said juries for town court are pulled from people living within the town. Schepp said she will investigate whether it's possible to draw from a wider jurisdiction than the town. That's not typical practice, she said.

"A computer makes random selections, and that is what guarantees a clean jury,' she said.

Schepp said she will get a legal opinion on the matter.

The population of DeWitt is 12.5 percent non-white, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. African-Americans make up 3 percent of the town's population, according to the census bureau data.

Kinane said while he'd like the trial to be over, he understands this was a worthy reason for a delay.

"It's important to have a jury of your peers,'' he said.

Along with Kinane and Ricks, the other three defendants scheduled for trial are Brian Hynes, Bill Pickard and Daniel Burns. They were arrested in March 2015 after Kinane said they blocked the entrance to the air base with their drone protest.

The five are facing up to a year in jail if convicted of the misdemeanor charge of obstructing governmental administration.
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Onondaga County's criminal courthouse.

(John O'Brien | jobrien@syracuse.com)

Syracuse, NY -- Onondaga County is getting a windfall in state money to provide better legal representation for the poor.

Onondaga County's Assigned Counsel Program -- contracted to pay court-appointed defense lawyers -- is roughly doubling its annual budget from $5 million to $10 million, said Lauren Seiter, a lawyer who chairs the program's board.

But the state money comes with strings attached. And it's only being provided after the state admitted there were major problems with how poor criminal defendants are represented here.

It's all part of the major Hurrell-Harring v. New York settlement in October 2014 that led to changes that could ultimately cost the state more than $100 million. In short, the lawsuit argued that defendants were getting uneven representation from county to county across the state.

Onondaga County was among five counties targeted by the New York Civil Liberties Union for doing an especially poor job.

In a unanimous 1963 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states are required under the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution to provide free lawyers to criminal defendants who cannot afford one.

So Onondaga County and the four other counties in trouble are now being watched by state and NYCLU lawyers to monitor improvements.

A total of 14,305 cases -- including 3,195 felonies and homicides -- were defended by Onondaga County's assigned lawyers in 2015. That was up slightly from 14,077 cases in 2014, according to state statistics.

Two years after the settlement, state money is starting to pour in to implement a variety of programs.

In October, the county opened its free lawyer program up to a whole new population by doubling the income requirement to be eligible for an assigned lawyer.

It's also met a deadline to guarantee a free lawyer is available for arraignments at any time of day, according to Patricia Warth, state implementation attorney. In addition, Gov. Cuomo just signed a bill that will allow counties to centralize a location for after-hours arraignments, making it easier to guarantee a lawyer and judge will be available.

Now, Onondaga County's program is getting more shakeups.

The longtime assigned counsel program director, Renee Captor, has agreed to leave Dec. 16. So has her assistant, Fran Walter. The fate of the eight or so other employees is still being determined, Seiter said.

The program is currently hiring: a new executive director, deputy director, quality enhancement attorney and for the first time, a chief financial officer.

Captor's departure was a "mutual parting of the ways," Seiter said. During the transition period, she said assigned counsel program will do its best to pay attorneys on time. The program is still soliciting applicants. A new administration is expected to start early next year.

A NYCLU attorney welcomed the change in leadership.

"The assigned counsel program, as it was being run, was not capable or not willing to make changes," lawyer Mariko Hirose said.

The new top brass will be in charge of managing the doubled budget.

The bulk of the extra $5 million will go toward reducing caseloads for assigned attorneys. By spreading out the caseload, the state hopes that attorneys will have more time to spend on each case.

In Onondaga County, the average assigned case gets less than four hours of attention. In 95 percent of cases, the lawyer spends less than one hour investigating the facts, according to Gary Stein, a lawyer who helped negotiate the 2014 settlement.

Quick pleas are fine in some cases. But defendants should never feel under pressure to plead guilty just because their lawyer doesn't have time to work on the case, Warth said.

The extra money will pay for the increased time lawyers spend on average for each case. It will also go toward training, an increased use of private investigators to track down possible defenses and time for lawyers to meet their clients in jail, Warth said.

A common complaint among criminal defendants is that their lawyers don't have time to meet with them. Judges have repeatedly said assigned lawyers don't have to be at their clients' beck and call. That said, the extra money should allow lawyers to bill for longer conversations with their clients in jail.

Implementing the caseload changes is expected to take about a year, Hirose said.

Meanwhile, an effort to have the state takeover all costs of providing free representation for the poor is gaining steam. There's a measure approved by the state legislature to have the state assume the estimated $360 million a year it takes to provide services statewide, the New York Law Journal reported.

Right now, the state provides about $80 million. Onondaga County currently pays several million a year toward its Assigned Counsel Program.

The state legislature has not yet forwarded the bill to the governor to consider, the Law Journal reported. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has not yet said if he would approve the measure.

Here are the job descriptions for leadership openings at the Onondaga County Assigned Counsel Program:

The Onondaga County Bar Association Assigned Counsel Program by Douglass Dowty on Scribd
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A woman was standing on a Syracuse street Wednesday morning when a teenager grabbed her purse and ran, police said.

The woman told the Syracuse Police Department she was standing in the 600 block of Kirkpatrick Street on the city's North Side around 11:25 a.m. when a male stole her purse, said Sgt. Julie Shulsky, a police spokeswoman.

The suspect pulled her purse out of her hands and fled -- running through a nearby backyard, Shulsky said. He was with two other males when he stole her purse, the woman told police.

A 911 dispatcher shared a description of the suspect with officers, Shulsky said.

As Officer William Foster and his K-9 partner Brit were responding to the call, Foster saw a boy who matched the suspect description in the 700 block of Spring Street, Shulsky said. When Foster approached the teenager, the boy started to walk away, she said.

Foster stepped out of his patrol vehicle with K-9 Brit and took the boy into custody. The 15-year-old boy was identified as the person who stole the woman's purse, Shulsky said.

The purse was recovered.

The boy was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and released to one of his parents on a juvenile appearance ticket, Skulsky said. His name was not released.
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Owner Mark Stefanski with a tray of cookies at Brighton Bakery, now located at 446 E. Brighton Ave.

(Don Cazentre)

SYRACUSE, NY -- When Mark Stefanski sold the building that had housed the 90-year-old Brighton Bakery last winter, he envisioned a quick move just up the road.

Owner Mark Stefanski in front of the new location of Brighton Bakery, now at 446 E. Brighton Ave. The sign on the ground came from the previous location, at 335 E. Brighton Ave. The bakery is almost 90 years old.

Now, almost a year later, the move is complete. The Brighton Bakery is once again selling its full line of cookies, breads, pies, cakes, cannoli and more, now in the new spot at 466 E. Brighton Ave. He's gearing up for the busy holiday cookie season, which gets rolling next week.

And Brighton Discount Liquors, a shop Stefanski also owns, is now open in the adjacent storefront, just as it had been in the previous spot, when both were at 335 E. Brighton Ave.

Cannoli for sale at the new location for the 90-year-old Brighton Bakery, at 446 E. Brighton Ave.

It's all taken just a little longer than Stefanski planned. The building that now houses the bakery and liquor store, which is on Brighton between Thurber and Ainsley streets, needed more work than expected. And transferring the liquor license was a prolonged ordeal.

For much of this year, Stefanski operated the bakery in a third, but temporary, location on Brighton. There he had limited space, and concentrated mostly on cookies. The move to 466 E. Brighton happened last month, just ahead of the busy pre-Thanksgiving pie season.

The liquor store opened this week.

"I don't think it would take this long," Stefanski said. "It's great that out customers are sticking with us through everything."

The bakery traces its origins to Anthony Lanni, Stefanski's grandfather, who operated it on Syracuse's North Side before moving to Brighton Avenue. It closed for about 5 years starting in the late 1980s, and then Stefanski bought it from his mother and her sisters and reopened in 1993. In 2001, he added the liquor store.

He sold the former location in January to make way for a privately owned Syracuse University student-housing project now under construction.

The bakery / liquor store combination is a good fit, Stefanski says. He starts early in the day with the baking, then when that side of the business starts to wind down, he can put more attention into the liquor store.

New York state wines for sale at Brighton Discount Liquors, now at 446 E. Brighton Ave.

Aside from the lengthy delay, the other major casualty of the move were the old brick-lined ovens, which dated to the bakery's origin in 1928. The 40,000 bricks didn't make the move.

"I saved some for friends and family," Stefanski said.

Brighton Bakery (315-475-2948) is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The liquor store (315-410-8154) is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Don Cazentre writes about food, beverages, restaurants and bars for syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Contact him by email, on Twitter, at Google+ or via Facebook.
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.
Smoking will be banned from the premises of all NYCHA buildings and public housing developments across the country over the next 18 months, following a Wednesday announcement from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The rule will go into effect this winter, though individual public housing authorities will have a year and a half to set their own penalties and policies for enforcement. According to the new federal guidelines, cigarettes, cigars and pipes will not be allowed inside apartments, in administrative offices, in hallways, or within 25 feet of a public housing building.

Announcing the ban in Boston this week, HUD Secretary Julian Castro said that the goal is to reduce second-hand-smoke-related illnesses like asthma, as well as prevent fires. According to HUD, smoking causes about 100,000 fires across the country each year and is the leading cause of fire-related deaths in multifamily buildings. The advocacy group NYC Smoke-Free says that about one-third of NYCHA residents report having one or more child with asthma.

"Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy home free from harmful second-hand cigarette smoke," said Castro in a statement. "HUD's smoke-free rule is a reflection of our commitment to using housing as a platform to create healthy communities. By working collaboratively with public housing agencies, HUD's rule will create healthier homes for all of our families and prevent devastating and costly smoking-related fires."

New smoking rules will eventually impact about 400,000 NYCHA residents, according to NYC Smoke-Free.

"Living free from the dangers of secondhand smoke will no longer be a luxury out of reach for New Yorkers who depend on NYCHA public housing," said NYC Smoke-Free Director Patrick Kwan in a statement. (The group has helped implement smoke-free rules in more than 8,000 luxury coop, condo, and rental units in recent years.)

HUD introduced the nation-wide ban proposal last year, but says it has been advocating individual public housing authorities to adopt a no-smoking policy since 2009. According to the agency, more than 228,000 public housing units across hundreds of authorities are already smoke free (including public housing in Los Angeles, Phoenix and Albany). The ban will ultimately impact 3,100 public housing authorities.

When Queens Councilmember Donovan Richards introduced legislation to ban smoking in NYCHA buildings last fall, he addressed concerns that such a rule would result in tenant harassment at the hands of landlords or police officers. (Smoking is already banned in NYCHA lobbies and hallways.)

Smokers' rights advocates also said at the time that the prospect of a ban imperiled tenant rights. "You're taking advantage of [the tenants'] position because they can't afford a private house so they can't smoke," New York City Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment (NYC CLASH) founder Audrey Silk told the Post last fall.

Reached for comment, NYCHA confirmed that it has yet to establish an enforcement policy and said it is "too early" to comment on whether police officers might enforce the ban. In other cities, the NY Times reports, rules are enforced through a warning system and, eventually, fines and mandatory health counseling.

"We are currently reviewing HUD's rule and will work with our residents to implement a smoke-free policy aimed at reducing exposure to second hand smoke and improving the quality of life of our residents," a spokesperson added.

"We don't see this as a policy that is meant to end in a whole lot of evictions," Castro told reporters in a conference call this week. "We're confident that public-housing authority staff can work with residents so that that can be avoided."

A 2015 study found that NYC smoking rates have hit their lowest point since 2007. The most recent data shows that 13.9% of New Yorkers were smoking in 2014, down from 16.1% in 2013, or more than 1 million New Yorkers.
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The California Department of Insurance this week announced fines totaling US$7 million against startup Zenefits, a provider of cloud-based human resources services.

The companys former leadership created an anything goes culture at the Internet startup, resulting in numerous violations of licensing requirements to protect consumers, said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones.

The fines are the culmination of investigations California launched last year after receiving complaints that Zenefits employees were selling insurance without a license.

Zenefits agreed to pay a $3 million penalty for licensing violations and $4 million in fines for subverting the prelicensing education and study-hour requirements for broker and agent licensing. The settlement also calls for the company to pay $160,000 to reimburse the Department of Insurance for expenses incurred during its probe.

The department suspended half the $7 million in fines because Zenefits took various remedial actions, including replacing its former CEO and retraining its staff.

Zenefits will have to pay the full sum if a 2018 examination of its business practices should find that it failed to comply with licensing and regulatory mandates.

Other State Actions

California fines represent the latest in a string of actions against Zenefits.

The firm has settled with Texas, Arizona, Minnesota, New Jersey, South Carolina and Tennessee, paying fines to all of them.

Delaware closed its investigation into the companys licensing practices apparently without imposing a penalty.

In Washington and New York, investigations of Zenefits reportedly are under way.

The controversy led Zenefits to slash its valuation from $4.5 billion to $2 billion in June.

What Happened?

Bad behavior reportedly was rife at Zenefits in its early days.

Staff had posted photos on Instagram from the companys offices and retreats showing them taking rounds of shots and champagne showers. Evidence of sexual activity in the stairwells of the companys buildings reportedly was discovered, along with other unprofessional behavior.

That loose company culture apparently was symptomatic of other offenses, including the sidestepping of licensing requirements.

Zenefits once was billed as the fastest-growing startup in history, having attracted funding from major VCs including Andreesen Horowitz, Insight Venture Partners, Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures and Fidelity.

Andreesen Horowitz was involved in all three of the firms funding rounds, including the latest, in May 2015, when it raised $500 million.

This looks like both the VCs and [Zenefits] board didnt do their respective jobs, and reflects poorly on both, remarked Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

They should have ensured oversight, compliance, and strong experienced governance, he told the E-Commerce Times, but all three appear to have been missing here.

The VCs may have been blinded by the potential earnings, suggested Michael Jude, a program manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.

Esurance, the online insurance startup that was purchased by Allstate, were fabulously successful, and that was the takeaway everyone considered, he told the E-Commerce Times.

They were fabulously profitable because they bypassed the overhead, which is the major cost for anything CRM-oriented, and I think the assumption was Zenefits could repeat this, Jude said. People forget that to do anything benefits-oriented right, you have to dot all the is and cross all the ts.

Companies approaching VCs for money usually have to explain the rules and regulations they must conform to, as well as their cost structure and their governance, Jude pointed out. A lot of that went away because the assumption was, How hard can this be? We dont need to do a lot of due diligence here because this model works.'

The Takeaway for Startups

Startups always should play by the rules, said Laura DiDio, a research director at 451 Research.

They always should tell the truth as well, she told the E-Commerce Times, because, in this day and age, people are going to find out anyway. Its too easy. Everything lives in perpetuity on the Internet.

Startups should build a foundation from the ground up to be accountable, audible and reportable, Frosts Jude remarked. You may be cutting corners in terms of infrastructure, but youd better conform to the rules of the road.

New Leaf?

Zenefits this fall launched Z2, the latest version of its platform, as it strove to resolve its past improprieties and move forward with its business plan.

The app, which targets SMBs, streamlines the administrative work associated with HR, benefits and payroll. It is integrated with software from 17 partners, and its developer platform has been opened up to third parties.

While the rest of the market is still trying to catch up to Zenefits 1.0, we are redefining the all-in-one category to include any app connected to employee data, declared company CEO David Sacks. This is the future of the industry.

Sacks took over in February, replacing former CEO Parker Conrad after a government investigation was launched into reports he had built tools that helped the company get around compliance issues.

Z2, which is available for iOS and Android, includes an online shopping experience for benefits. It introduces a new HR advisor app and service, with a paid model.

Compliance as a Service is the elephant in the room  not tackled by vendors  but Zenefits comes close to that for an SMB, said Holger Mueller, a principal analyst at Constellation Research.

With Z2, someone becomes the in- and out-box for all statutory and compliance issues for an enterprise, like your tax advisor, he told the E-Commerce Times.

App Integration

Z2 integrates with third-party apps to cover key functions including expenses, performance management, employee engagement and productivity. Among them are Googles G Suite, Office 365, Salesforce, Stack, Intuit QuickBooks, Xero, Expensify, eShares, Lattice, Greenhouse and Officevibe.

Z2s online shopping experience lets SMBs directly find, evaluate and select from thousands of plans provided by more than 250 carriers; do side-by-side comparisons; and see a map view of the in-network provider facilities in relation to where employees live.

Advice and guidance from Zenefits more than 250 licensed benefits brokers is available.

The company also rolled out Zenefits Payroll, which integrates with every app on its platform. Launched in limited release last year to more than 500 companies, it will be available generally in California first. Other states will follow. Pricing is $35 per month plus $5 per employee.

With Z2, Zenefits is playing a smart long game to maintain parity with competitors, observed Brent Skinner, principal analyst at Nucleus Research.

SMB Boon

Z2s flexibility will be a help to SMBs, Skinner told the E-Commerce Times.

For one thing, it eliminates SMBs need for specialty vendors.

Further, Z2 is very easy to use, commented Mueller, who saw the product demoed at the companys user conference.

Theres nothing new in Z2, he pointed out  whats news is that this comes to SMBs.

Still, Z2 is progressive in its embrace of the notion that HCM systems should play nice with existing, typically entrenched, business applications, Nucleus Researchs Skinner pointed out. With those kinds of applications feeding information into the HCM ecosystem, SMBs stand a better chance of running their organizations holistically.

Buyers have a tendency to equate the soundness of a vendors product with the soundness with which it conducts business, he observed.

Zenefits infractions have been egregious, Skinner remarked, which is especially worrisome, given that this is the HCM industry.

However, the companys rollout of Zenefits Payroll for California shows that it is down with the struggle to comply with employment law, he said, which eventually will help Zenefits leave its troubled recent history in the past.
Before Google, Apple, Samsung, LG, HTC, Sony, Huawei and a host of other modern-day handset makers rose to prominence, Nokia ruled the roost. From the late '90s through the early 2000s, mobile phones like the Nokia 5110 and Nokia 3310 were ubiquitous (remember Snake?).

Much like BlackBerry years later, Nokia became content with its lead and failed to make the transition to smartphones. A series of failed ventures with Microsoft over the last several years did little to help the cause.

In May of this year, Microsoft sold off what was left of the feature phone business to Finnish firm HMD Global. The company also signed a licensing deal that gives it exclusive use of the Nokia brand on mobile phones and tablets for the next decade.

On Thursday, HMD Global announced its intentions to become a major player in the global smartphone market. Its path to reaching that goal will begin in the first half of 2017 with the arrival of the first Nokia-branded smartphone products running Google's Android mobile operating system. The company has enlisted the help of FIH Mobile Limited, a subsidiary of Foxconn, to handle manufacturing duties.

Led by a number of former Microsoft and Nokia employees, HMD Global likely gives the Nokia brand the best chance yet to succeed in a smartphone-first world. That said, brand loyalty only goes so far. Given today's fiercely competitive landscape and the fact that several key markets are becoming saturated, finding success won't be easy.

Lead image courtesy Kacper Pempel, Reuters
Microsoft often receives flak for not being proactive when it comes to the development of its Windows 10 Mobile ecosystem. However, if a new report is to be believed, then Windows 10 Mobile users could look forward to a much-awaited and handy feature in the coming months.

What is this feature you ask? The Reset App. This feature has been available for the desktop OS for a while now and news of it arriving for Windows 10 Mobile users in the Creators Update will be welcomed by users.

Creators Update is slated to arrive in spring 2017 and will be a free download for Windows 10 users. The news of the Reset App functionality coming as part of the update is one that will find favor with Windows 10 Mobile smartphone users.

While Microsoft has not officially confirmed the arrival of this feature, Italian blog Aggiornamenti Lumia spotted this capability as it managed to lay its hands on an unreleased Insider build of the Windows 10 Mobile OS.

The blog posted a screenshot of the alleged Reset App feature that is integrated in the Windows 10 mobile OS new build to support its assertions.

The screenshot reveals that the Reset App feature has been integrated into the Advanced tab in settings. However, its placement could change before the final public release.

What Does Reset App Do?

The feature basically enables a smartphone user to reset the data stored by an app, returning the app to its original or a newly installed state.

This feature essentially removes the settings and cache of an app, reinstating the app to its original format  like it is when installed for the first time. The feature also shows data such as the storage space an app file needs, the data generated by the user and also has a button that can be tapped to perform a quick reset.

Advantage Of Reset App Feature?

Normally, when an app starts malfunctioning or crashes frequently, a Windows 10 Mobile user is only left with one option  reinstalling the rogue app. With the arrival of the Reset App feature, the user of a Windows smartphone will no longer need to follow this tedious process of uninstalling and then reinstalling an app. Instead, the Windows 10 Mobile users will simply have to access the Reset App functionality in their settings.

The functionality is not only handy when encountering errors on apps, but it can also aid in removing unrequired data on browsers and save some precious storage space.

When Will The Reset App Feature Debut?

The Italian blog claims that the Reset App feature will make its debut in the next build for Windows 10. Microsoft is anticipated to release a new build for Windows 10 this week, which targets Windows Insiders on mobile devices and PCs. Therefore, we could possibly see the preview build of the Reset App any day now!

Officially, however, expect to be greeted by the new feature in early 2017 when the Creators Update launches.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Four major automakers just formed a new joint venture to build an electric vehicle charging station across Europe.

Ford, Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler have joined forces to create a network of chargers with a charging capacity of up to 350 kW, aiming to make it easier to move around Europe using electric vehicles. The team aims to start installing the fast-charging stations next year.

Europe's Highest-Powered EV Charging Network

"BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create the highest-powered charging network in Europe," reads the press release. "The goal is the quick build-up of a sizable number of stations in order to enable long-range travel for battery electric vehicle drivers. This will be an important step towards facilitating mass-market BEV adoption."

Through the joint venture, the automakers initially plan to roll out fast-charging stations in 400 sites across Europe, but the automakers want to install thousands of charge points by 2020. The network will employ Combined Charging System technology, which uses an AC/DC connector combo known as the "Combo Coupler" to provide a fast-charging solution that delivers a maximum charging rate of 350 kW.

A number of automakers including BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, Ford, GM, Hyundai and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles support CCS and more will likely join the fray as electric vehicles continue to gain ground. Tesla, meanwhile, is reportedly working on an adapter that would enable it to support the standard CCS chargers use.

Range Anxiety

The new joint venture to create a European EV charging network aims to ease up the so-called range anxiety, which refers to the fear of running out of power in an electric vehicle before reaching a charging station.

This range anxiety plays a major role in consumers' reluctance toward electric vehicles, which have so far catered only to a niche market. With a broader network of fast-charging stations, however, automakers could combat range anxiety and make electric vehicles more ubiquitous.

The project for Europe follows a similar venture from earlier this year, when BMW, Volkswagen and ChargePoint teamed up to install 100 EV charging stations along coastal highways in the United States.

Tesla already has its Supercharging network of EV charging stations, albeit it will no longer provide free unlimited charging for new Tesla owners come 2017.

Electric vehicles are nonetheless gaining ground and are expected to make up a much more significant portion of the auto market by 2020. Some cities have already started to be more EV-friendly and authorities are working on creating more EV charging corridors to counter range anxiety, so things are looking up. Moreover, BMW is reportedly working on a redesigned i3 model with a longer range for 2017.

With such efforts under way, does the prospect of getting an electric vehicle sound more appealing?

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
It seems a bit off that just when everyone seems to have forgotten about the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, its maker will reportedly push it back again to our collective consciousness. By the end of the year, Samsung is poised to make an announcement detailing why some Note 7 units have exploded.

The development has been widely reported in South Korean press last Nov. 29. While it is still unconfirmed, inside sources explain that the announcement will involve the result of the investigation that Samsung conducted with South Korean and American product safety officers.

All About The Note 7 Explosions

So far, there are key pronouncements addressing why a number of Note 7 has caught fire. This includes the initial Samsung position that alluded to a defect in the handset's batteries, which were manufactured by Samsung SDI.

After some handsets were recalled and replaced by a battery sourced from a third-party manufacturer, the explosions still persisted. It prompted the company to permanently recall the entire 4.3 million Note 7 units sold in the market.

Bringing back the Note 7 in the Samsung narrative could significantly damage the chances of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8, which is rumored to debut in the first quarter of 2017. However, it seems that Samsung is borrowing a page from OnePlus' simplicity playbook here. There is an opportunity to clear any security issue once and for all, so the company is acting on it.

Motivations Behind The Samsung Announcement

At this point, it is hard to find instances when Samsung tried to sugarcoat or hide any detail about the Note 7 or other controversies it was involved in the past. It is safe to say, therefore, that it is merely following a policy of transparency even if it harms its own brand.

Samsung must have also been noting that the consumers' favorable opinion of its handsets remained unchanged due to its swift action and prompt Note 7 recall. Consumers have indicated that they have no qualms of buying a Samsung smartphone again despite the Note 7 incident.

One other notable factor in the Note 7 narrative involves Samsung SDI, which is a Samsung affiliate. It is reportedly struggling these days to maintain its roster of clients because most are now cautious of being associated with SDI's battery technology. If the subsidiary is cleared of any culpability, then its clients will get their reassurance.

Of course, the opposite outcome will be achieved if SDI's battery is indeed the culprit for the Note 7 woes.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Several weeks ago, rumors surfaced about Apple's plan to slash its Apple Music pricing. While this is not yet happening at this point, Apple Music just expanded its discount scheme to students who are enrolled in a college or university in 20 other countries.

Apple Music Discount Details

The student discount, which hovers around 50 percent, means that students will only need to pay around $4.99 for the subscription fee. It has been implemented in the United States along with Australia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom since the student membership program was introduced last May.

The new coverage includes Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Finland, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

There are probably those who are wondering why their country is not yet included. This could be because Apple is using a system called UNiDAYS in order to verify whether a subscriber is really a student. Chances are the third-party service might not yet have access to the student or school database in the excluded countries.

How To Avail Of The Apple Music Price Cut

For students enrolled in the supported locations, confirming eligibility is easy. The UNiDAYS mechanism will immediately verify if a subscriber is, indeed, enrolled in a school that grants a degree.

Aside from UNiDAYS, students can also use either their school's email address during registration or they can simply use the service through a campus Wi-Fi system. Access is automatically granted for the latter.

It is important to note that student subscribers will be asked to confirm their subscriptions regularly. Those who have been enjoying student subscription for 48 months will automatically be transferred to the music service with full pricing.

Raising The Bar In Music Service

The expansion of the discounted student pricing scheme forms part of Apple's recent improvements to the Apple Music platform. For example, it has introduced several interface changes recently, such as the reinstitution of the star rating system. This could also include the price cuts rumored to take place during the holiday season.

These initiatives are seen as Apple's response to the growing competition in the music streaming industry. This is demonstrated in the entry of Amazon's music service and its cheap subscription prices. The base package for Amazon Echo owners, for instance, is $3.99. The company is even bundling the music service for free to Prime subscribers.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Yang Liwei, China's first astronaut, has revealed that he heard a mysterious knock while alone in a tiny spacecraft during his maiden flight in space.

Mysterious Knocking Sound

In an interview, Yang said that he recalled hearing something like somebody knocking on the body of the spaceship during his first flight in space in 2003. He compared this sound to somebody knocking on an iron bucket using a wooden hammer.

"A non-causal situation I have met in space is a knock that appeared from time to time," Yang related saying the sound just appeared suddenly sans any rhyme or reason. The astronaut added that the sound neither came from the inside nor outside of the spacecraft.

Yang admitted that he got a bit nervous and decided to move close to the porthole in an attempt to find out what's behind the mysterious sound. Nothing out of the ordinary, however, appeared and he could not find any explanation for the eerie knocking sound.

He was not able to figure out what the sound was even after he returned to Earth. He has already tried albeit in vain to recreate the sound so experts would be able to help him identify what it was. He tried to imitate the sound using different instruments but he never heard the exact sound again.

Sound Also Heard By Other Chinese Astronauts

Yang said that the sound was also heard by the Shenzhou 6 and Shenzhou 7 astronauts during the 2005 and 2008 missions but he has already assured the astronauts that the sound is a normal phenomenon and there is no reason to get worried.

What Is Behind The Knocking Sound?

Space is expected to be silent because there is no medium such as air particles, water molecules, metals or solid atoms that would allow sound to travel.

Goh Cher Hiang, from the National University of Singapore, said that it is possible that something physical could be hitting the spacecraft carrying the astronauts, which could be responsible for the knocking sound.

Wee-Seng Soh, also from the National University of Singapore, offered a different explanation. He said that the sound could have been the result of the spaceship's contraction or expansion given that the temperature of the spacecraft's exterior could possibly change within the orbit.

This is not the first time that a mysterious sound has been heard in space. Declassified NASA tapes, for instance, have revealed that the astronauts of the Apollo 10 mission heard odd music on the far side of the moon.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Did You Just Violate Traffic Rule? Dont Worry, Pay Via FreeCharge | TechTree.com

In this cash-crunch situation that India is going through due to demonetisation, we are clearly seeing a number of services starting to accept online payments. The Prime Ministers vision of a Digital India is finally getting closer and you will agree, especially after reading this.

FreeCharge has recently partnered with Mumbai Traffic Police to allow people pay fines for violating any traffic rule via FreeCharge, which makes the whole process clear and corruption-free.

It is being said that almost 500 e-challan devices have already been rolled out in Mumbai, thus allowing police officials to generate e-challans against offenders caught violating traffic rules. The e-challan will be generated against the vehicle registration number, and immediately sent to the persons mobile phone.

Later, the person will have to log on to Mumbai Polices website and enter the challan details, and pay online through FreeCharge. Additionally, BGR reports that FreeCharge is also in talks with police authorities in other cities to make the whole process cashless. So, we may soon witness this in other cities including Bangalore and Delhi as well.

TAGS: Cashless payments
HMD Global Is The New Home Of Nokia Phones | TechTree.com

Nokia has finalise the deal with HMD Global Oy (HMD) to provide the branding rights and intellectual property licensing. HMD, which is a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group has also closed a deal with Microsoft to gain the rights to exclusively use the Nokia brand for next 10 years. In Nokia's deal with Microsoft, the Finnish company offloaded its devices business to the software giant. The deal included a licence to use Nokia brand identity on feature phones. The rights to use Nokia name on the smartphones remained with the Finnish brand.



Under this agreement with HMD, Nokia will receive royalty payments from the sales of every Nokia branded mobile phone and tablet, covering both brand and intellectual property rights. According to the press release, Nokia branded feature phones continue to be popular in many parts of the world and HMD will continue to manufacture them along with smartphones and tablets.



On various occasions, HMD has confirmed that it will be using Google's Android platform for future Nokia phones. The company has also promised to release the first wave of handsets in first quarter of 2017.







On the latest development, Brad Rodrigues, interim president of Nokia Technologies, stated: "We've been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown around the world for the return of the Nokia brand to smartphones. The HMD Global team has the ambition, talent and resources to bring a new generation of Nokia branded phones to market, and we wish them every success. I'm sure our millions of Nokia fans will be excited to see their new products!"

TAGS: Nokia
Download the Guide The updated guide outlines and explains the changes needed for more flexible and agile procurement processes.









Facilitating Procurement in Utah



Adjustments and Fine-Tuning



Ask your local IT shop to explain exactly what cloud services are, and youll be met with more information than you had ever hoped to get. Ask the same shop to explain how they purchased it, and youll likely be met with a blank, slightly terrified stare.While the technology itself may be relatively simple to explain, the means to procure it has been a thorn in the sides of public organizations from the outset. Where some government entities have chosen to brave the process on their own, others banded together and paved the way for streamlined purchasing and adoption.That collaboration resulted in the Best Practices Guide for Cloud and As-a-Service Procurements released in 2014 by the Center for Digital Government (CDG)* to close the understanding gap and better arm the public sector to procure the services they needed in a more standardized and effective way.The first iteration of this guide gathered input from a wide range of public and private partners through facilitated working groups, and laid the groundwork for multistate contracting vehicles. It also has offered guidance to smaller jurisdictions without the resources and purchasing power of state government.Now, nearly two years later, the guide has been instrumental in discussions around a multistate procurement vehicle and is being re-released with some minor improvements.For more than two years, Utah has been at the helm of a multistate procurement vehicle through NASPO Value Point , and just recently wrapped up the final stages of awarding contracts to the 38 participating vendors.As of late November, 34 states are involved and Utah contracting officials are moving ahead with trying to negotiate master agreements with their vendors. And the CDG guide established a jumping off point that the state and vendors could use to start more focused discussions, said Christopher Hughes, assistant director of operations and contract for the state of Utahs Division of Purchasing, who spearheaded the Utah-NASPO initiative.So what we did was collaborate with quite a few people in the initial part of the RFP to better understand this industry, and part of that was working with somebody who had worked with the Center for Digital Government, he explained. The Center for Digital Government had established what they believed were good, or adequate terms for cloud contracts, and  we looked at using those terms and incorporated them into the RFP.During discussions around data security, Hughes said the CDG document language represented a firm foundation to build on from the public-sector perspective. As the vendors weighed in, adjustments were made to the language to better suit the requirements of their particular business solutions.As we worked with some of these vendors, they needed to clarify some of these terms in accordance with their business solutions so that we werent requiring them to rewrite their business process in order to handle data that was processed as a result of the contract, Hughes said.As for changes to the 2016 iteration of the best practices guide, CDG Director Todd Sander explained that it was more of a fine-tuning exercise than a complete rework of the center's 2014 guide.Despite a two-year gap between the documents and technological advances in the cloud space, he said public and private partners focused their collective energy on better defining certain sections of the guide and clarifying wherever possible.I think all of us in both public and private sectors were pleasantly surprised how well the 2014 document held up," Sander said. "We substantially got it right the first time."Among the more notable adjustments that working groups focused on were the issues of security and encryption, better distinguishing between data at rest and data in motion, and systems audits. The topics of hybrid cloud and service level agreements were also points of discussion, while areas like terms and conditions remained largely untouched.Former New Jersey CIO Stephen Emanuel, now with cloud service provider Alliant Technologies, led the hybrid cloud working group and participated in the working group. He agreed that many of the changes were based more on adjusting for evolving nuances than anything else.I think it was refreshing that we spent better than nine months on the first pass, and after almost 18 months to put it in play, we really didnt have a whole lot of significant issues, said Emanuel, who also was the main catalyst for the 2014 guide. At the time, his role in the public arena sent him in search of a better way to buy the tools he needed. Now working in private industry, he said he relishes the opportunity to collaborate and work through the procurement barriers with a new perspective.The cloud environment will continue to change, he said, and stakeholders on both ends should remain open to discussing what is happening in the space.Given the fact that cloud is going to morph as things move on, I have a totally different view now that I am in the private sector providing hybrid cloud services, Emanuel said. I think part of the clarity that we brought to this was at least if we start with terms and conditions being somewhat standardized, the next step is lets talk about some of the ways we ask for things
Hackers can access Windows 10 Command Line Interface with root access as well as bypass BitLocker by pressing Shift + F10 during Windows 10 update

Next time, if you keep your Windows 10 PC/laptop unattended while it is updating, your PC/laptop can get hacked. Thanks to Microsofts very poor bug management, getting administrator privileges on a Windows 10 computer no longer requires complex tactics and malware. A potential hacker has to just press the Shift + F10 keys during the update process to gain full root access to a Windows 10 run computer.

Windows security expert Sami Laiho has discovered a simple method to gain root access to the Windows Command Line Interface and bypass BitLocker protection during the Windows 10 update procedure. Laiho says that by holding SHIFT + F10 while a Windows 10 computer is installing a new OS build, an attacker can open a command-line interface with SYSTEM privileges.

The problem with this bug is that the CLI debugging interface grants the hacker full access to the computers hard drive and total control of the PC/laptop. The bug is possibly a backdoor for kept open while testing the Windows 10 update by Microsoft Engineers, which they forgot to close. In the event of a Windows 10 update being installed, the OS disables BitLocker to facilitate Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment) to read/write the disk and install new image of the main Windows 10 operating system.

Many tech companies have such backdoors for their software products while testing updates, fixes, and patches. In most cases, the companies release the final product after closing such backdoors but Microsoft simply forgot to close this hack window which could lead to disastrous results.

Laiho says that he informed Microsoft of the issue and the companys engineers are working on a fix. Now the problem for Microsoft engineers is to release a patch to close this backdoor for millions of Windows 10 users.

Laiho says he successfully brought up the CLI troubleshooting interface while his PC was updating from Windows 10 RTM to version 1511 (November Update) or version 1607 (Anniversary Update). His further research found that he could access the CLI during updates to any newer Windows 10 Insiders Build version, up to the end of October 2016.

Till the time Microsoft patches this Shift + F10 bug, Laiho recommends that users should not leave their computers unattended during a Windows 10 update. The LTSB-version of Windows 10 is not affected by this as it doesnt automatically do upgrades, Laiho says.

Furthermore, Laiho says that Windows SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) can block access to the command-line interface during update procedures if users add a file named DisableCMDRequest.tag to the %windir%\Setup\Scripts\ folder.
Nokia officially confirms return of new Android smartphones in early 2017

Earlier this year, Nokias CEO confirmed its return to the smartphone business by formally announcing a partnership with Finnish firm HMD Global, which will manufacture smartphones running Android as well as feature phones under the Nokia brand as part of a ten-year licensing deal.

Today, Nokia announced that its agreement with HMD has officially come into force with the first batch of Android smartphones bearing the Nokia name making their debut in the first half of 2017.

With immediate effect, HMD Global will own the existing Nokia branded feature phone business and continue to market them as part of an integrated portfolio. They will also be leading the new range of smartphones and tablets launched in near future.

Under the agreement, Nokia will receive royalty payments from HMD for sales of every Nokia branded mobile phone and tablet, covering both brand and intellectual property rights. Moreover, Nokia is not an investor or shareholder in HMD and HMD has developed a unique strategic partnership model that will see it working with some of the worlds leading technology companies including Nokia, FIH Mobile Limited (FIH) and Google. Future Nokia smartphones will utilise Googles Android operating system, the company said in a press note.

With the announcement, one can see the Nokia branded phones listed on the Nokia official website. Nokia in the website states that the company is unlocking new and extraordinary possibilities for billions of people. However, only the existing range of Nokia feature phones is available as of now  many of which were actually launched by Microsoft on the site. You can now find support information for each of them on Nokia.com too along with details of those devices.

HMD Globals CEO, Arto Nummela, who was previously the Vice President for Microsofts Mobile Devices business for Greater Asia, Middle East, and Africa stated:

Today marks a happy and important day for HMD. Nokia has been one of the most iconic and recognisable phone brands globally for decades. The excitement of re-introducing this much-loved, well-known and trusted brand to smartphone consumers is a responsibility and an ambition that everyone at HMD shares.

Driven by the extremely positive reception we have received since HMD was announced earlier this year, we are excited about building the next chapter for Nokia phones. We see this as a brilliant opportunity to solve real life consumer problems and to deliver on the quality and designs that the Nokia brand has been always known for. Our talented and passionate team is uniquely placed in this modern setup to deliver our promise of reliable, beautifully crafted and fun Nokia phones for consumers across the globe.

Brad Rodrigues, Interim President of Nokia Technologies, said, Weve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown around the world for the return of the Nokia brand to smartphones. The HMD Global team has the ambition, talent and resources to bring a new generation of Nokia branded phones to market, and we wish them every success. Im sure our millions of Nokia fans will be excited to see their new products!

There are already hints of what we can expect next year. The site says Nokia is, busy working on smartphones running Android, and that its, just getting started, with new smartphones coming in 2017.
The main focus of digital transformation is the digitalisation of the companys value proposal, redesigning processes and, above all, their business models. It also implies thinking about the product or service in terms of the user, the digital perimeter we build, while seeking user loyalty in every interaction. This is a transformation that involves new models of power and a change that requires, above all, the evolution of the culture of organizations and people.

The digital technologies we work on may either be driving new business directly related to the new skills they bring, or they may generate transformations in poorly digital value proposals, but that have the potential to scale or diversify. In other cases, efficiency in value creation processes (transformations, integrations, etc.) is improved while generating efficacy through the analysis of data. Value extraction from the data is another of the goals behind this transformation, generating proprietary value proposals power models (defensive) and external ones (disintermediation). Lastly, the challenge of resilience and trust in digital infrastructures must be highlighted, reducing the risk in transformation processes that generate long-term dependencies on digital technologies.
I am offering the solution to a problem most Republicans don't know they have -- that they can be outmaneuvered and thrown on the defensive endlessly, on nearly any issue, because they accept as true Democrat lies about the Republican Party. To correct that misperception and to help the Republican Party get 'back to basics' is why I'm a man on a mission.

A few years ago, after one of my speeches, a man told me "Do you know what your problem is? You're too far ahead of your time!" My efforts to show Republicans how they would benefit from celebrating the heritage of our Grand Old Party have been arduous, but if this were easy someone else would have already done it.

Among my speech topics are Reconciling the Tea Party and the GOP; Barack Obama, the Worst President Ever; Socialism, the new Slavery; Appreciating the Heritage of our Grand Old Party; Returning to the Founding Principles of the United States; The Womens Rights Achievements of our Grand Old Party; Abraham Lincoln, Republican; Frederick Douglass, Republican; Martin Luther King and the Republican Civil Rights Legacy.
The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro Moros, received with honors his peer from Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, on... | Read More
Culture

VIDEO: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan greets fans outside Mannat on birthday

The love for King Khan is such that fans have been waiting outside for hours just to catch a glimpse of the superstar, their wishes have come true when SRK, celebrating his 57th birthday on Wednesday, came out and greeted fans with his signature pose in the early hours of Wednesday.
After Brexit, we wrote about potential winners and losers in the Asia Pacific real estate markets when there is a shift in the political environment.

Much will be written about the election of Donald Trump to the Presidency of the United States, and the extent to which polling failed to see the appeal of the Trump campaign, much the same way Brexit was unexpected.

So what does this result mean for Asia Pacific investors and real estate markets?

Robust Asia growth amid heightened uncertainty is the title of the IMF Asia Economic Outlook Report issued post Brexit in October. Regardless of political shifts in other regions, here in Asia Pacific we continue to see growth based on domestic demand, demographics and urbanisation. Increasing volatility and risk should push investors towards greater diversification.

Yields are increasingly global, rent growth is local. That provides sufficient reason in the longer term for diversification into Asia Pacific real estate for investors seeking the rent growth driven by demand for space by both local and foreign MNC.

Currency Volatility

In the short term, the most immediate transmission mechanism is currency  where we might expect some volatility, as the news is digested and risk is assessed. The US dollar is down at the time of writing, we may expect to see the Yen appreciate as it could be viewed as a safe haven. In the medium term, some commentators suggest that the Presidency, House and Senate all under Republican control, would strengthen the US dollar.

In the current climate, currency movements might be sufficient to prompt some international investors to execute deals before the market gets more expensive; however there may also be a period of pause.

If the US dollar falls, here in Asia Pacific, Hong Kong whose currency is linked to the US dollar, is likely to become even more appealing to mainland Chinese, as we were already seeing a resurgence in real estate demand in the territory. Over time the Hong Kong government may enforce stricter cooling measures, having just doubled stamp duty just prior to the US election.

After Brexit- despite the fall off in volumes before the vote, weakness in the Pound prompted some Asia Pacific investors to re-enter the UK market, providing a post referendum boost.

If the fall in the US dollar is sufficient, after an initial lull to digest the news, Asia Pacific investors may see US real estate as cheap and in turn drive volumes. In both the UK referendum and the US election, immigration featured; that has not deterred Asian investors from re-entering the UK market; it is too early to make that call for the US.

Capital flows within Asia Pacific

One side effect of the US result may be to reinforce a trend we had already started to identify; the rise of cross border capital within Asia Pacific. We have seen China and Singapore funds moving into Australia, and Japan. Given the diversification benefits

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Author: Lapas Akaraphanth

Highlight Airbnbs exponential growth worldwide is squeezing hospitality sector revenues, particularly among hotels in the middle-to-low price range. Although stricter regulations are slowing down Airbnb growth, it stands to benefit from being able to enter the hotel market in full force.

Currently Airbnbs customer base does not overlap with the majority of tourists in Thailand. Thus the Thai hospitality sector has not been greatly affected. Travelers tend to prefer hotel rooms in Thailand as they are priced about the same as Airbnb rooms. However, Airbnb may become a major competitor in the future since more than one million Chinese tourists are booking rooms through Airbnb. The websites roster of rooms in Bangkok is expanding at the whopping rate of 100% annually.

The Thai government should issue a clear regulatory framework for Airbnb so that its fast growth does not adversely affect the countrys tourism industry. Hotel owners should also adjust their strategies in preparation for more competition from Airbnb in the future. Other service-related businesses may also piggyback on Airbnbs success.

Airbnbs exponential growth worldwide is squeezing hospitality sector revenues, particularly among hotels in the middle-to-low price range. Since its launch in 2010, Airbnb rooms have increased at the rate of 150% per year. It now offers more than 2 million rooms in 190 countries, compared to the Marriott groups 1.5 million (Marriott is the worlds largest hotel operator). Still, Airbnbs market share in major cities remains relatively small. For example, around 10% in Paris, San Francisco, and London, but with a more impressive 17% market share in New York. Due to its small market share, Airbnb has strong potential for further growth. In terms of room types, most Airbnb rooms are one bedrooms (50%). Furthermore, average prices tends to be lower than comparable hotel room rates, pitching Airbnb in direct competition with hotels in the middle-to-low range. In London, a room on Airbnb on average costs GBP50-100 per night, compared to an average hotel room rate of around GBP145. In New York the average Airbnb rate is USD173 per night37% lower than hotels in the same area.

Although stricter regulations are slowing it down, Airbnb stands to benefit from being able to enter the hotel market in full force.

Like other disruptive businesses such as Uber or GrabTaxi, their exponential growth has become a cause for concern among regulators in various countries. Airbnbs dramatic expansion may result in 1) disturbance to local residents, 2) safety issues (Airbnb room owners do not have to comply with the same standards as hotels such as fire safety equipment and security staff and an accident involving tourists may damage the host countrys reputation), and 3) loss of tax income since the government cannot collect rental income tax from Airbnb room owners. Recently many countries with major tourists hubs have issued new regulations, with stricter room registration monitoring. For example, in Japan the minimum Airbnb stay is now seven nights. In New York and San Francisco each Airbnb room owner may register only one unit. By the same token, however, official public regulations also mean that Airbnb can now compete more openly in the hotel market. Airbnb has also expanded into the business travel sector, cooperating with travel agencies such as American Express Global Business Travel, BCD Travel, and Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

Currently Airbnbs customer base does not overlap with the majority of tourists in Thailand. Thai hotel operators, therefore, have not been much affected by the competition.

The majority of Airbnb users are Western tourists, particularly Americans, aged around 35. This group contributes as much as 30% to Airbnbs revenue. The choice of Airbnb may stem from their preference for traveling by themselves and experiencing local lifestyles. As they tend to stay longer, Western tourists also tend to look for accommodation options other than hotels in order to reduce travel costs.

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When the votes were tallied Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond of New Orleans had become chairman-elect of the influential Congressional Black Caucus, giving him an important role in shaping the political agenda for black Americans at a time of heated debate over race relations and serious electoral setbacks for the Democratic Party.

The mostly Democratic group, which elected its officers by secret ballot, is a large voting bloc in the Republican-controlled U.S. House.

Im honored and humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me to serve as the chair of this revered caucus, the conscience and intellect of the Congress, Richmond said.

Richmond won out over at least one challenger, Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York.

He will replace Rep. G.K. Butterfield, a North Carolina Democrat, when the 115th Congress is seated in January. That Congress will see the largest Black Caucus in history, at 49 members.

Richmond's election gives Louisiana a more prominent voice on Capitol Hill. The state's most powerful official in Congress is Rep. Steve Scalise, the Republican from Jefferson Parish who serves as House majority whip. But Richmond's new title puts him at the head of a caucus that has a considerable role in setting Democratic priorities.

It's also a personal point of pride for Richmond, who through his win achieved what had long eluded one of his predecessors. Former Rep. Bill Jefferson, the first black congressman from Louisiana since the end of Reconstruction, ran for the job but lost to Rep. Maxine Waters in 1996, long before he was disgraced by public corruption charges.

Before Thanksgiving, Richmond had talked about running for chairman, but he didnt make a formal announcement until after a discussion with his family over the holidays.

Richmond has said Donald Trumps Nov. 8 election as president prompted him to look seriously at a leadership role.

His official bid also came a day after his criticism of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi became public. Pelosi, of California, is looking to restructure the Democratic leadership in the House to bring in some fresh blood, but Richmond said her plan was too radical.

Pelosi herself also won re-election on Wednesday, beating back a challenge from long-shot candidate Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio.

As caucus chairman, Richmond has said, he wants to advance criminal justice reform, improve economic opportunities for the disadvantaged and protect voting rights.

Butterfield, the outgoing chairman, praised Richmond on Wednesday.

"We have much work ahead of us during the 115th Congress, and I am confident Rep. Richmond will provide strong leadership on the issues we champion to ensure all Americans have an equal and equitable opportunity to achieve the American dream," he said.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who endorsed Richmond in his original bid for Congress, also offered congratulations.

"This is more good news for our city," Landrieu said, adding that he looks forward to partnering with Richmond and Scalise to improve the city.

Richmond serves on the House Judiciary Committee and Homeland Security Committee. His predominantly African-American 2nd Congressional District stretches from New Orleans East up the Mississippi River to the neighborhoods of north Baton Rouge.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

At the Cinemark

(PG-13)

Grade from Wizards: B+

Grade from Muggles: B-

Our Potter break is over.

A young man with a wand is back.

Not Harry, but another Hogwarts student (kicked out without graduating) with magic on his mind and animals in his suitcase.

The hype about the return of a J.K. Rowling story set an impossibly high bar for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Potter fans were ready to continue the adventure, complete with kids as appealing as Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson -- and a story just as magical.

Rowling wrote the script. David Yates, who helmed the final four Potter movies, sat in the directors chair.

Potter fans were poised -- their next decade waiting in long lines on Thursday nights seemed secure.

But, for us Muggles, the flying broomstick took a wrong turn on the way to duplicating magic.

For Wizards, on the other hand, I suspect they are somewhere between satisfied and ecstatic.

But this unrepentant Muggle will contend that Fantastic Beasts is a disappointment.

For starters, the story starts in mid-gallop, without really introducing us to Newt Scamander. He arrives in America with a wand and a suitcase full of magical creatures.

Before we can figure out the backstory, a suitcase mix-up sets creatures loose in New York, raising havoc.

The mayhem has little motivation. Whats worse, Jacob Kowalski, the accidental this-is-not-my-suitcase hero, seems like a comic caricature. Rowlings wry humor is usually a delight, but the Jacob jokes seem contrived. Hes a befuddled baker, little more.

Where are the characters we can love: Harry? Hermione? Ron? Dumbledore? Even Snape?

Eddie Redmayne is one of the best actors alive, but he seems to operate in a dramatic range here that begins with shy and ends with secretive. In the spirit of Darth Vader, we are probably going to find out more about him in future films. But that doesnt help this origin story.

Having skipped the slow introductions, Beasts roars into a very complicated story with more twists and turns than a pretzel on steroids. Too much story, too little time. Or, to put this in terms graphic designers and painters can appreciate, this canvas seems much too busy.

Admittedly, gorgeous, though. Theres $180 million worth of prettiness up there on the screen.

But I quickly lost my place -- and couldnt talk myself into expending enough energy to figure it all out. We have an unbelievable number of oddly named creatures and characters, rushing by us without stopping to say hi. We have a villain, too, of course.

And, I confess, I havent studied the Potter lexicon -- so everythings pretty fresh to me.

Yes, many of beasts are terminally cute! But what are they up to and why should I care?

End of rant. End of Harry Potter comparison.

Part of the frustration with Beasts is that its an origin film, setting up the foundations for the central story that will unfold in the next two or three installments. The prospect for four sequels screams profit factory.

To understand whats missing, lets return to Harry Potter for a moment and remember movie number one. Harry is living a quiet life until he is invited to Hogwarts. He learns secrets about his past. He meets Hermione and Ron. He sets out to find the stone.

Whew! What a start! Please, maam, can we have some more? Thats the art of good writing -- pull us into the center of the wave quickly, and carry us to shore.

Beasts didnt have to involve Hogwarts, but it did need to make us bond with Newt and his wiggly friends.

Having talked with a few people with wands under their pillows, I know magical fans are pleased. They already knew the context, and were starving for more magic.

My friend Jon, who rides a broomstick to work, was happy, indeed.

I was a fan of the expansion of Grindelwald's back story, which was only touched upon briefly in the original novels and movies, and the exploration of wizardry in other countries, he wrote. Exploring magical cultural differences in America was fascinating and I think functioned as an allegory for discrimination and progress.

So perhaps my frustrations come from being rather neutral about Rowling. Her name on a film doesnt set my heart beating. Im a Missouri kind of moviegoer: Show me.

The best reviewer of Fantastic Beasts probably does not exist: a young moviegoer with no knowledge of Harry Potter and no familiarity with the Potter movies.

Thats a verdict Id love to hear.

The rest of us were bound to see Beasts through Harrys wire-rimmed glasses.
The ACT's top legal eagles, some of the most highly paid public officials, will pocket pay rises after the ACT Remuneration Tribunal spring review.

A general pay rise of 2.5 will apply to ACT judiciary members with specific raises determined for the Director of Public Prosecution and ACT Civil and Administration Tribunal members.

The man had boasted to a friend: "That's 12 years in jail if cops find out." Credit:Karleen Minney

ACT Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker has pocketed a 2.5 per cent raise bringing her pay up to $391,896 a year and the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions' base salary will be $412,394.

The salaries surpass the top pay for ACT bureaucrats, which is $348,500, while Chief Minister Andrew Barr's base rate of pay is just $299,000.
Melissa Pearce and her sister-in-law Sue Ellen Hughes pay tribute to James Hughes, who died in an October motorcycle accident on the approach to Oallen Ford Bridge. Credit:Louise Thrower He enjoyed nothing more than riding with his best mates. On October 4, 2015 Mr Hughes was on a solo ride on his "pride and joy," a restored Ducati 900S2. But at about 11.30am, he lost his life on the Oallen Ford Bridge's northern approach while riding to the coast. An autopsy found Mr Hughes died from multiple injuries sustained in the crash. Witnesses said he'd hit a pothole after rounding a bend. 'Road failings' "The coronial investigation to date has revealed that failures to the surface of Oallen Ford Road bridge approaches became evident within days of the newly constructed bridge being opened to the public on September 10, 2015," Mr O'Donnell told the inquest.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council's contract supervisor and inspection officer, Chris Brassel alerted his works manager, Andrew Palmer to the road quality in a September 15, 2015 email titled 'The Good, Bad and the Ugly.' Works supervisor Michael Dodson dispatched a road maintenance crew led by Chris Bartlett to do the repairs. "On September 16, 2015, Bartlett completed the repairs but communicated to Michael Dodson that he felt movement under the surface and believed the repair would not hold," Mr O'Donnell said. During evidence Mr Bartlett said he patched potholes on the bridge's northern and southern side. "On the Goulburn side [north], I recollect the hole was eight to 10 inches in diameter and two inches deep," he said.

At a September 17 works meeting it was decided to asphalt the approaches. Former works coordinator David Ellison, contacted contractor Roadworx to do this. But during evidence, Mr Ellison said the scheduling was "pushed back" twice until mid October because the contractor was undertaking other council roadworks. He conceded under questioning that these other projects were "not urgent." Yet in audio played to the inquest of an October 1 works meeting, Mr Ellison is heard describing the Oallen Ford Road repairs as "urgent" and saying the pavement is failing because "trucks are pushing it around". Under questioning, he told Mr O'Donnell this was an "over-exaggeration" and he had been referring more to the speed of vehicles rounding the bend. Mr O'Donnell said Mr Brassel sent Mr Palmer a further email on September 22, 2015, attaching three photos of the bridge's northern and southern approaches. "It needs addressing again this week to make it safe. I think we need to look at this ASAP," the email stated. But on September 25 Mr Palmer went on leave until October 6. Mr Ellison was also on leave from September 21 to 29, as well as Mr Brassel from September 28 to October 5, 2015.

On September 28, 2015, a resident, Fred Kroesche emailed the council, stating: "The bitumen on both approaches has failed and is seriously unsafe." Mr O'Donnell said at a works meeting on October 1, 2015 the Oallen Ford Road works were flagged "an urgent matter." Mr Ellison said this was the first opportunity he had to raise the matter after his leave. Upon being informed of another email complaint by motorist, Peter Dwyer regarding the road quality, operations director Matt O'Rourke forwarded this to Mr Palmer on October 1, stating "FYI and action". But Mr O'Donnell said Mr Palmer was still on leave at this time. Council barrister Mark Cahill acknowledged in opening remarks there had been a breakdown in reporting procedures about pavement repairs on September 15 and 22, 2015. "There was also a failure in that no one was delegated to act in Mr Palmer's position while he was on leave," Mr Cahill said.

But he told the inquest evidence would indicate systemic changes to delegation, reporting and dealing with customer service requests were already being addressed. "Those lessons have been learnt by the council," he said. The pothole Mr Hughes allegedly struck was filled immediately after the accident and the asphalting completed on October 8, 2015. 'Fobbed off' Goulburn man James Baty gave evidence on Wednesday that on October 4 he rounded the bridge's northern approach in his Mitsubishi Triton 4WD. Travelling at "40 to 50km/h, the pothole "jumped out in front of me".

"It was a pretty deep hole and it gave us a bit of a jolt in the ute," he said. Mr Baty also said later that morning he observed Mr Hughes hit the same pothole while sitting at a family barbecue about 500 to 600 metres away. "His legs went out both sides of the bike as though he was balancing himself, and the bike wobbled around," he said. Mr Baty later rendered first aid. Canberra man Peter Dwyer told the inquest he complained to the council about two large potholes in the road appearing within two weeks of the bridge opening. He said his vehicle "lunged violently to the right" when he struck the "650 to 700mm" wide holes spanning both sides of the road. He said he had been "fobbed off" when he contacted the council. Mr Dwyer told the inquest he phoned on September 30, 2015, again on October 2 and then October 7.

"Nobody has got back to me on it, not to this day," he said. He recorded all contacts in his diary. "I also contacted [then Eden-Monaro federal MP] Mike Kelly's office because I was so disgusted by the state of the road," Mr Dwyer said. St Georges Basin man, Fred Kroesche also reported the road's condition after travelling it on September 26 and 27, 2015 in his Nissan Patrol. In his statement to the inquest, he said the bend before the bridge's eastern side had "deteriorated to a series of irregular dips."

"There were a couple of dips just before the bridge that were big enough for a vehicle to hop to the centre line and crash into oncoming traffic," Mr Kroesche said. On a return trip on September 27, he maintained a pothole on the western side was "a lot worse." "I came around the corner. The speed sign was 45km/h. I looked at the oncoming traffic and didn't see the hole," Mr Kroesche said. "It felt like the wheels and suspension were being ripped off the 4WD. It shook the whole vehicle and our bodies [and] we obviously let out expletives. It was the worst thing I'd ever driven across." Mr Kroesche said he sent an email to Goulburn Mulwaree Council after sourcing an address from its website.
Earlier this year I visited the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre in Darwin, along with a number of other centres where children are detained across the country. The purpose of the visits was to see how young people were being treated and how their rights were being protected. I toured the facilities and spoke to just under 100 children and young people in detention.

I made these visits before Four Corners revealed footage of young people being gassed, stripped, pinned down, hooded and trussed to a chair. When that story broke, we asked ourselves as a nation, "How did this happen on our watch?"

Treating children in abusive ways and disregarding their basic human rights only reinforces their distrust of authority and cements in their minds that violence and aggression is normal. Credit:iStock

The answer is a combination of institutional arrangements, poor conditions, low skills, a culture of impunity and punishment, and a lack of transparency.

When I visited, Don Dale had all the hallmarks of an ageing maximum security adult facility. It was run down and many areas had no airconditioning, fans, or adequate natural light. Despite this, it appeared that children were often confined in these areas for lengthy periods. There were few activities or programs available and there was a harsh internal system of reward and punishment.
In recent days there's been a spate of stories about Australia's own "forgotten" people in the post-industrial outer suburbs and regions. San Remo in NSW, Geelong and Narre Warren in Victoria, Armadale in WA, Ipswich in Queensland  postcards from the edge, where jobs are scarce and horizons narrowing.

It's a mark of how pronounced class segregation has become that these stories read like missives from foreign correspondents. Reporters must decode these other worlds half an hour's drive, and several demographic brackets, away from their inner suburban readers. That's also why we're seeing a flourishing mini-genre of "class migrant" memoirs  blue-collar kids who clawed their way to white-collar status, endeavouring to explain their childhood milieu to mystified elites.

The class divide is geographic (soaring property prices in the cities pushing lower-income families to the fringes), educational (the wealthy clustering in their schools of choice) and even virtual. Writing in Wired, Mostafa El-Bermawy, a software marketing executive, recounts his surprise at discovering that one of the most popular articles of the US presidential campaign was entitled, "Why I'm Voting For Donald Trump". The piece had been shared 1.5 million times. But being a "liberal New Yorker", the article never appeared in his Facebook newsfeed, which filters content based on past clicks and "likes". (I never saw the Trump piece either.)

And with the decline of manufacturing, the white working class or "WWC"  to use the designation of the moment  has been all but scrubbed from view. In an age in which we officially celebrate diverse "voices" theirs is rarely heard, at least not by those with cultural capital. Instead, they are talked about; threatened with a sugar tax for their Fanta fixation, courted politically as the amorphous "working families" or "battlers", satirised as "bogans" on TV stations rarely watched by bogans who have since reclaimed the word as their own. At literary festivals audiences listen spellbound to the stories of refugees, but the journey of the middle-aged white male who loses his job on the Ford assembly line is a harder sell.
During the final sitting week of the NSW Parliament for the year, dominated by furious debate over legislation removing Independent Commission Against Corruption chief Megan Latham from her job, a parliamentary committee tabled a report containing an equally contentious measure.

The report on the 2015 state election from the joint standing committee on electoral matters suggested a range of improvements to NSW voting rules based on the most recent poll.

It contains a bombshell recommendation: that NSW voters be forced to produce photo identification before they are able to cast a ballot.

The requirement to produce photo ID to vote may sound fairly innocuous; most of us have a driver's licence or some other form of identification.
Michaelia Cash's staffers are standing sheepishly in the corner of her office, looking at their watches.

Their boss is due to meet with the Governor-General to get royal assent for the Australian Building and Construction Bill which passed Parliament the night before. But she's high on victory, waxing lyrical about the benefits the bill.

The two young men are more resigned than perturbed. When Hurricane Michaelia is spinning there's no stopping her.

You could forgive Cash for being exhausted on the last sitting day of the year. "You do end up doing 18 hour days quite easily seven days a week," she says of her recent weeks negotiating to get the government's double dissolution trigger bills passed through the Senate.
One Nation has ended the parliamentary year with a deepening rift, after Pauline Hanson led two of her senators in voting against embattled colleague Rod Culleton, in the lead-up to the fight for his political life.

After his party failed to support his motion calling on Attorney-General George Brandis to return to the Senate as part of his on-going fight against claims, referred to the High Court, that his election was ineligible, Senator Culleton called on his leader to "please explain".

He said it was a "fair point" the act would be viewed as rift between himself and the rest of the party.

"This is about principles and if you can't have principles  maybe I am starting to see why I have been put down here in the first place," he told Fairfax Media.
Harbourfront suburbs will breathe easier after the Turnbull Government agreed to revive restrictions on the sulphur content of fuels used by cruise ships at dock in Sydney Harbour.

Balmain residents living close to the White Bay cruise ship terminal have long been concerned about harmful emissions from the 90,000-plus-tonne vessels that berth in the harbour.

P&O's Pacific Aria, Pacific Eden and Pacific Jewel in Sydney Harbour last year. Credit:Getty Images

The Baird Government had responded to the community campaign and enforced the use of low-sulphur fuel inside the harbour but a federal-state jurisdictional issue rendered the NSW law inoperative in June.

While the state had insisted on sulphur content of no more than 0.1 per cent of the tank, federal laws mandate a maximum content of 3.5 per cent.
Almost nine years after Heath Ledger's death, his former partner and fellow actor, Michelle Williams, said she will never accept his absence in their daughter's upbringing.

Speaking to the latest issue of Net-a-Porter's monthly magazine, Porter, the Manchester by the Sea star, 36, said it will never be right to raise 11-year-old Matilda without the Perth-born star by her side.

Almost nine years after Heath Ledger's death, his former partner and fellow actor, Michelle Williams, said she will never accept his absence in their daughter's upbringing. Credit:JEFF KRAVITZ

"In all honesty, for pretty much everything else, I feel like I'm a believer in not fighting circumstances, accepting where you are and where you've been," she said. "In pretty much all senses but one, I would be able to go totally down that line of thinking were it not for Matilda not having her dad. You know, that's just something that doesn'tI mean, it just won't ever be right."

She has found solace and support in women going through the same circumstance.
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Women migrants fleeing wars, political instability and poverty are taking contraceptives in the expectation of being raped, but are so desperate they still embark on the journey.

Women and girls who risk sexual violence as they flee their home countries are getting contraceptive injections as a precautionary measure, said researcher Hillary Margolis from New York-based Human Rights Watch.

Women fleeing war and hardship expect to be raped but are so desperate they still embark on the journey. Credit:Christopher Furlong

"For someone to know that they are at such risk of sexual violence, and yet they are determined to continue on that journey," she told Trust Women, an annual women's rights and trafficking conference hosted by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

A record 65.3 million people were uprooted worldwide last year, an increase of 50 percent in five years, according to the U.N. refugee agency. Data shows developing countries host 86 per cent of refugees, led by Turkey with more than 2.7 million Syrians.
When we look back on the history of HIV and the AIDS crisis on World AIDS Day, we tend to think about death.

The thought conjures images of contagion, frail bones, gasping breaths and broken homes. We think about mass protests around the world that drew attention to the crisis our governments ignored. We think about those gay men who were ousted from their homes in the wake of a diagnosis  keeled over, rejected by their families, scratching at the front door.

Act Up demonstration protesting the AIDS epidemic, New York, 1994. Credit:Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images

I wasn't around for those years. Being born in '92, my experience of HIV and the AIDS crisis exists solely through the stories of my gay elders. They're chronicles from the years without HIV medication: tales about an unbridled plague, about waiting to die.

In a way, living in the aftermath of those years meant that I was kept safe from witnessing and experiencing this horrific tragedy. But as I grew into my homosexuality, I nevertheless lived in their shadow; the grim spectre of HIV would perch upon my shoulder, hindering my capacity for intimacy, and whispering that sex meant death. If I slipped up, or chose to have sex without a condom, I'd contract a virus that killed millions of people who were just like me. I would be outcast, and my family would forsake me.
Labor MP Linda Burney, a domestic violence survivor and campaigner, snatched the seat of Barton from her Liberal incumbent in the 2016 federal election, making history as the first Aboriginal woman elected to the House of Representatives. Her maiden speech left the gallery  and many more  in tears after her Wiradjuri sister Lynette Riley acknowledged the occasion in song as Burney donned the kangaroo cloak given to her by her lifelong friend, paving her way to push for Aboriginal rights at Australia's highest level.

After hundreds of nominations for women from all walks of life for Daily Life's 2016 Women of the Year, we have a top 10, as nominated by you and whittled down by our judging panel. This is the fourth in our series of interviews with some of our remarkable finalists.

Linda Burney, member for Barton, delivers her emotional maiden speech at Parliament House. Credit:Andrew Meares

Highlight of 2016

Being elected the member for Barton. If you would have said to me at the beginning of January 2016, "You'll be in federal Parliament come July" ... there was no prospect of that in my mind at that stage. When I had a call from the party saying, "We'd like you to nominate and run for the seat of Barton", I remembered my friend Wendy McCarthy, who says that we as women often apologise for ourselves and make excuses for why we're not qualified. And men don't do that. I see that, I say to young women, 'Just have a try, what's the worse that can happen?'
If you have developed delusions of royal grandeur after binge-watching The Crown, or just want to spend some time with the queen of England in Buckingham Palace, then Prince Harry might have just the gig for you: a Royal Household Hospitality Scholarship.

While in Grenada on Monday during an official visit to the Caribbean, the prince announced nine scholarships. Their recipients will spend six weeks in the royal family's orbit, going to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle and attending Royal Ascot week, an annual elite horse racing and human hobnobbing event in June.

There are a few caveats, however.

First and foremost, the scholarships are only available to residents of the nine British Commonwealth realms in the Caribbean where Queen Elizabeth II serves as the head of state - Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines.
We love a sale from a brand that never has sales in store. Assembly Label, the luxe coastal wear brand from Bondi that recently opened in Armadale, is having a pre-Christmas warehouse sale. Prices start from $10. 2/2 William Street, Beaconsfield. Monday-Friday 10am-5pm. Until December 23. If you're looking for something a little more timeless and tailored, then the Et Al sale may be for you. Known for their relaxed tailoring and soft drapery, the Australian label, which never has in-store sales, is holding a warehouse clearance this week. Prices range from $60-$250, with sizes ranging from 8 to 18.

50 Dight Street, Collingwood. Thursday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-2pm. Every summer wardrobe needs a floaty maxi dress in an exotic print, so why not begin your search at the Megan Park pre-Christmas warehouse sale? Stock will include ready-to-wear, accessories, homewares and girls' wear. 576 Malvern Road, Hawksburn. Thursday 8am-7pm, Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9.30am-5pm, Monday-Tuesday 10am-4pm (closed Sunday).

Mums will love this one (although you can't take the pram due to the stairs). Hux Baby and Art Club Concept are teaming up for a mega sale. Prices will be reduced by up to 80 per cent, with babies and kids' clothing from $10. Cushions, wall art, clocks and frames will start at $20. 1 Yarra Street, Richmond. Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm. A quick way to freshen your home for Christmas is to get some new cushions, and Styling Properties, which prepares homes for sale, will be clearing 2016 stock at its warehouse sale this weekend. The boutique company's first warehouse sale will also feature furniture, artwork, lighting, plants and accessories. 21 Murdock Street, Clayton. Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-3pm.

Aura has been a mainstay in the bed linen market for years but this weekend is holding its first warehouse sale. The first 100 people to visit will receive a prize and there will be daily door prizes. Quilt covers will be priced from $40, cushions from $10, throws from $40 and smaller items from $5. Prahran Town Hall, corner Chapel and Greville streets, Prahran. Thursday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. Finally, here's an opportunity to shop and help others at the same time. Wear for Success, a not-for-profit service helping men and women dress and prepare for employment opportunities, is holding a warehouse sale where you can pick up three items for $10. Clothing is pre-loved and new but all in great condition. Since it launched in 2011, Wear for Success has helped more than 3000 people with more than 23,000 items of clothing.

149 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne. Wednesday 11am-5pm. Just launched Not all active wear is created equal, and even less is created here. Melbourne Whitehouse graduate Jasmie Gescheit, 26, was frustrated with not being able to find the right workout-to-play outfit, so she designed her own range, Jasmine Alexa.

With a philosophy of "active wear for active lifestyles", she has released her first capsule range and has bigger plans for her second season, due in 2017. "Because it's just me it's a small team ... I want to find my feet. I think I did everything the hardest possible way with the first collection," she says. Pieces include a pullover with mesh panelling and a mesh-insert vest that can be worn before or after a workout, or with any casual ensemble.
Heavily-armed police have carried out raids across Sydney as part of a sweeping operation to curb the city's gun crime.

As officers prepared to serve a firearms prohibition order (FPO) at a house in Gladesville on Thursday morning, a man at the property sprinted out the door.

A man in handcuffs while police search a home for firearms in Gladesville.

He ran out of the Chapman Street property and towards a neighbouring park, sending the surrounding suburb into lock-down.

The PolAir helicopter hovered above, using a loudspeaker to urge residents to stay inside their homes and for a woman inside the targeted house to come out onto the street.
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Bhajan Kaurnephew has an intellectual disability and lives with her family. After 20 years in Australia her application for a visa has been refused and she faces having to return to Singapore where she has no family. She's pictured with her nephew Balram Dhillon 18 year old, and neice Diya Dhaliwal 11 years old. Credit:Penny Stephens
Police are confident they will be able to identify the skeletal remains of a male found in an underground pit at a property in Brisbane's north on Tuesday.

More than 90 per cent of the skeletal remains have been identified and transferred to the John Tonge Centre for forensic examination after they were discovered at an Autism Queensland site in Brighton on Tuesday.

Police inspected the Autism Queensland property on November 29. Credit:7 News Brisbane/Twitter

Acting Superintendent Mick O'Dowd said the discovery was made during plumbing inspections at a detached house, used as an administration centre, at the rear of the property.

"When they lifted the lid to inspect the water pit at the rear of the centre, a body of a deceased person was found inside," he said.
It started as a tingling sensation on her neck but within minutes, Ayllie White's legs were heavy and she was terrified she might not make it to shore.

She did not know it, but the 39-year-old had been stung by an Irukandji jellyfish, one of the most venomous creatures in the world.

The sting and resulting Irukandji syndrome would cut her heart function to 25 per cent and end her Great Barrier Reef holiday with two nights in intensive care.

At first, Mrs White thought sea mites could have been to blame for the pains she felt while snorkelling with husband Jo Ward on the Great Barrier Reef on Friday.
Hailstones the size of tennis balls have lashed the Sunshine Coast hinterland, as severe thunderstorms batter south-east Queensland.

Imbil and Peachester recieved the brunt of the hail, while parts of the Gold Coast including Mermaid Beach dealt with a deluge of smaller hailstones.

Senior meteorologist Rick Threlfall said the storm cell over the hinterland was still "very dangerous", and could even continue north as far as Fraser Island.

"We're still quite concerned about that cell," he said.
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Young people around the world are increasingly rejecting democratic institutions and becoming drawn towards authoritarianism, according to a paper by collaborators from the University of Melbourne and Harvard.

The trend towards the acceptance of authoritarianism is one of a set of symptoms suggesting that what were once thought to be unassailably stable democracies - such the United States or even Australia - are not as healthy as previously thought, according to the political science lecturer Roberto Foa, of Melbourne University, and Yascha Mounk, a lecturer in governance at Harvard University.

Sounding a warning about democracy: Roberto Foa.

The research suggests that the rise of Donald Trump, Pauline Hanson as well as Marine Le Pen in France and Nigel Farage's UK Independence Party are symptomatic of a deeper malaise in the liberal democratic tradition.

The two, who studied as postgraduates together at Harvard, were first alerted to the trend by a colleague who had analysed data from the World Values Survey and found that the tenets of democratic government were being rejected by people in Latin America. The two looked deeper into surveys and found the instability can be found in nations around the world and can be traced back to the 1980s, according to a paper to be published in the January issue of The Journal of Democracy.
Jakarta: An incendiary fake news report distributed via Australia and the US has added fuel to Indonesian jitters ahead of another huge demonstration on Friday calling for Jakarta's governor to be jailed.

The report claimed a Muslim hardliner behind the planned mass protests across the country was beaten up by army troops at his party's headquarters. It has been traced to websites hosted in Australia and the US.

For weeks demonstrators have been calling for Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, widely known as Ahok, to be jailed, with the police chief last week warning some groups had a "hidden agenda" to seize control of parliament during Friday's rally. Ahok is Christian and a member of the ethnic Chinese minority in Indonesia.

Authorities are bracing for hundreds of thousands of protesters at Monas, Indonesia's National Monument, just a month after a similar rally in the nation's capital turned ugly, with hundreds injured and cars torched. More than 20,000 military and police officers will provide security.
He was the clown who brought joy to the lives of children in a city that has been described as going through a "slow-motion descent into hell".

Social worker Anas al-Basha refused to leave the rebel-held Syrian city of Aleppo despite a merciless bombing campaign by Syrian and Russian forces that has seen the city of two million people disintegrate.

Instead, the 24-year-old dressed as a clown and provided counselling to hundreds of children who have been orphaned by the country's civil war that has torn apart a country for almost six years.

On Thursday, he was killed in an air strike presumed to have been launched by allied Syrian or Russian forces on the Mashhad neighbourhood in eastern Aleppo, the Associated Press reported, two months after marrying his wife.
Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi...
My family and I have a holiday tradition, not unique to many Montanans. We cook Thanksgiving dinner early, pack it in Tupperware containers, and spend the long weekend with family and friends at a local forest service cabin. Some years we ski, some years we walk, on the rare occasion we drive. In the past weve packed my now 8-year-old son in on our backs or pulled him in a sled. Its a chance to put down our computers, our phones, our busy schedules. It gives us a moment to reflect on what we are thankful for.

This year, Im thankful for my community amongst the mountains of Montana. Im thankful for kind neighbors. Im thankful for a shared love of our public lands and waters.

In the weeks post-election, many who appreciate and care for our public lands are nursing burgeoning ulcers over what the new administration in Washington, D.C. might mean for our way of life here in the West. Many things changed on November 9, but some things havent. Our broad, bi-partisan support of our public lands will only continue to grow regardless of which politicians are in power. The Wilderness Society has always taken the long view, and our goal  now more than ever  is to maintain the integrity of our shared public lands and waters.

This is not a time to mourn for what we do not have, or to walk away because the challenge seems too great, the odds stacked against us. Independent of who is in charge in Washington D.C., we have seen the greatest successes in Montana conservation over recent decades when diverse interests came together and focused on what we have in common, instead of what we dont.

Places like the Rocky Mountain Front, the North Fork of the Flathead, the Blackfoot Valley and the Kootenai are recent case studies of Montanans coming together and doing what is best for Montanas public lands, instead of what is best for partisan politics.

Montana is a place where all people are equal on our public lands. We all have the same ability to shoot an elk, catch a trout on a fly, climb a peak or camp under the recent supermoon. We all have the ability to shape and decide how our public lands are managed, which is one of the greatest expressions of our democracy.

People from different walks of life are coming together to chart a future for our shared public lands right now across Montana. Vital wildlife habitat and storied places like Monture Creek on the Lolo National Forest where diverse interests have crafted the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship proposal. Or Nevada Mountain at the southern tip of the Crown of the Continent, which is in the midst of a travel plan revision on the Helena National Forest. And here outside my community of Bozeman, the wild backyard of the Gallatin Range is currently part of the first forest plan revision for the Custer-Gallatin National Forest in over 30 years.

Instead of lamenting over what "could" happen or fretting over the worst case scenarios for the next four years, my colleagues and I are focusing our energy and passion on where we have always found strength, solutions and common ground: our neighbors, our friends, our fellow recreationists and public land users. Our Montanans. Here we will find and cultivate what brought us all together under the Big Sky: a vibrant love of place. Here we will call upon our best strengths to bring citizens together to stand up for our public lands and against any ill formed, damaging proposals that might be coming.

And for this, I am thankful.

Peter Aengst is the regional director at The Wilderness Society for the Northern Rockies and Alaska. Peter resides in Bozeman where he regularly enjoys nearby public lands on foot, ski, and bike.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/11/2016 (2163 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Find these stories and more in the Dec. 1 issue of The Carillon.

Head to head

Sports editor Terry Frey shares the results of tonights tilt between the Steinbach Pistons and Portage Terriers.

Drug awareness

Reporter Adriana Mingo reports on how Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen is taking the lead on addressing the dangers of fentanyl across the province.

Read all about it

Reporter Jordan Ross talks with the two Steinbach Christian School teachers who are the brains behind a new childrens book.

Ag Now

The latest issue of the Ag Now special supplement is included in this weeks issue.
The board that certifies election results is holding off on verifying the passage of an initiative that will amend the states constitution to create a so-called victims' bill of rights over concern about the date of implementation.

The Board of Canvassers, which met Tuesday and Wednesday, did not sign off on the passage of Constitutional Initiative 116, known as Marsys Law. They will meet again Monday to decide how to proceed.

Proponents of the law say the board must certify the results, and its not the place of the board to change something voters approved.

The initiative passed Nov. 8 with 66 percent of the vote. It creates a new section of the state Constitution with 18 rights for crime victims, including the right to refuse an interview or deposition and to receive notification for all steps of the criminal proceeding. Cities and counties around the state are concerned about an immediate effective date, saying they dont have enough staff to do what will be required.

On ballots statewide, voters saw the sentence: CI-116, if passed by the electorate, will become effective immediately. That language is also on a certificate validating the election that the board must sign.

Two board members  Monica Lindeen, the outgoing state auditor and Denise Juneau, the outgoing superintendent of public instruction  are concerned about the ballot title language and being able to comply with the law immediately.

Representatives for Lindeen and Juneau would not sign a certificate verifying the initiative's passage Tuesday or Wednesday. Both Lindeen and Juneau were term-limited from running again.

The boards third member, Tim Fox, who won re-election as attorney general, supports certifying the results with an immediate effective date. Foxs Department of Justice drafted the initiative title that appeared on ballots and included the immediate effective date.

All three board members were represented by members of their staff at Wednesdays meeting.

Proponents of Marsys Law, including state Rep. Vince Ricci, R-Laurel; William W. Mercer, a former U.S. District Attorney for Montana; and Toni L. Plummer-Alvernaz, executive director at Montana Native Women's Coalition; wrote in the states voter guide that these rights are long overdue and the amendment will make sure victims are treated with dignity, notified of important legal events like bail and parole and have a voice in the process

Opponents, including State Sen. Kris Hansen, R-Havre; Rep. Brad Tschida, R-Missoula; Peter Ohman, training coordinator at the Office of the Public Defender; Sen. Cynthia Wolken, D-Missoula; and Gallatin County Attorney Marty Lambert, wrote in the voters guide that the law was backed by a wealthy California businessman and that Montana already has strong laws to protect crime victims.

Opponents also said that to follow the new law, cities and counties will have to cut services or raise taxes to pay for additional staff. The act also conflicts with a defendant's constitutional rights, opponents said, adding many counties already have victim advocates.

The board approved election results for local and statewide candidates and Initiative 182, which repealed a three-patient limit for medical marijuana patients. That initiative has its own struggles with an effective date: Due to a drafting error it will not take effect for eight months.

Billie LeDeau, executive assistant to the superintendent of public instruction, and Jeff Barber, the state auditors land board adviser, were offered the option of signing the certificate validating the passage of the initiative and adding an amended start date of July 1, but Secretary of State Linda McCulloch, who oversees elections, said she was unsure what effect, if any, that would have.

This has never been done before, she said. It has never come up before where the canvassers have changed the effectiveness date.

Charles Denowh, the state director of Marsys Law for Montana, questioned if the board had any authority to change the date.

Barber said it was Lindeens position that the language on the ballot, which called for an immediate effective date, was incorrect and a misreading of the initiative.

A spokesman for the attorney general, whose Department of Justice drafts ballot titles, said the DOJ interpreted a line in initiative language provided by sponsors calling the law self-executing as meaning sponsors wanted an immediate start date.

Initiative language is sent from sponsors to Legislative Services, which creates a draft of what will appear on the ballot. The draft is then sent to the attorney general, who does a legal review and creates a new version. There is a comment period of several weeks where the public can weigh in on any language in the attorney generals draft. The language is then certified and sent to the secretary of state.

The spokesman said the Department of Justice only received two comments on Marsys Law and neither concerned the start date.

Kelly Lynch, an attorney for the Montana League of Cities and Towns, said she believes the attorney general's interpretation of the start-date language is incorrect. She said if ballot language does not specify a date, the law should go into effect on July 1 of the following year.

As soon as this law goes into effect we are going to be subject to violations of constitutional rights, she said. There are new requirements going into place as soon as this date goes into effect that we will not be able to comply with. We need time to get in place the staff, the resources and the processes in order to make this happen.
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BUTTE -- When more than a thousand snow geese landed on the toxic Berkeley Pit Monday night, the birds werent just responding to the need for rest, but to the much larger problem of climate change, says one bird expert.

Helena-based Montana Audubon Society executive director Steve Hoffman said that with a warmer fall, many birds, including those swimming in the Berkeley Pit water, are migrating later than usual.

The change in length of daylight hours largely drives when birds take flight for a sunnier clime. But a warmer-than-usual fall also figures in.

Normally, snow geese begin migrating in the first two weeks of November, Hoffman said.

Missoula-based National Weather Service meteorologist Dave Noble said this November was the fourth-warmest on record for the Mining City. Novembers average mean temperature for Butte in 2016 was 36 degrees, said Noble.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that the first nine months of 2016 had the warmest January-to-September period in the 137 years of temperature record-keeping across the globe. Before 2016, NOAA reported 2015 as the warmest year on record. Before that, it was 2014.

University of Montana-Western professor Jack Kirkley, who specializes in ornithology, agreed that birds are leaving later because the milder winters are not encouraging them to head south. The change in migratory pattern also means some are staying in places where theyve never stayed the winter before, said Kirkley.

Hoffman said that if theres a silver lining to this story, its that there are 4 million to 6 million snow geese on the continent.

There are some concerns the population is too high, said Hoffman.

Too many birds could mean the breeding ground habitat cannot sustain the population, Hoffman said. That breeding ground is in the Arctic, in either the northern reaches of Canada or Alaska.

By the time the snow geese reach Butte, they have traveled anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 miles.

Freezeout Lake, northwest of Great Falls, is Montana's primary snow goose resting spot as they travel south.

But at this point in November, Freezeout Lake is already mostly frozen over. Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesperson Greg Lemon said he received a report that the lake was frozen over a week or so ago.

Warm Springs Ponds are also mostly frozen over, said Deer Lodge ornithologist Gary Swant. That means the birds dont have many resting spot options.

Hoffman said the birds fatten up before they take flight. So the birds on the Berkeley Pit may not be that hungry, even though theyve been there for more than 30 hours.

The birds are headed for Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico and northern Mexico for the winter, said Hoffman.

In the 1990s, says Montana Department of Environmental Affairs project manager Darryl Reed, the Berkeley Pit would freeze over. It does not do so any longer, and it's not entirely clear why.

Mark Thompson, Montana Resources' manager of environmental affairs, said it could have to do with changes in the chemical composition of the water. Due to the potential of pit walls sloughing unexpectedly, MR and Atlantic Richfield Company had to stop monitoring the water a few years ago. So no one knows for sure the chemistry of the water at this point.

Another, simpler cause could be that winters are not long enough anymore, according to Thompson. This used to be predictable, he said.
Earlier this year, Jennifer Aniston published an op-ed on The Huffington Post that took the paparazzi and tabloid culture to task for years of body-shaming her and celebrities like her. As she told Ellen DeGeneres on Wednesday, she didnt initially intend for anyone to read it.

I did it at first really for myself just to sort ofyou know, how we write and dont necessarily send it? Or at least since I was a kid I did that, Aniston said, telling DeGeneres that she had hit a wall and was feeling pretty raw at the time. She had just returned from a vacation after the passing of her mother and the first thing she saw when she got back was yet another wonderful photograph in a magazine that circled her stomach in a disgustingly objectifying way.

I was just fed up with it, she continued. And I think these tabloids, all of us, need to take responsibility on what we ingest into our brains. Just because we are women, we have a uterus, we have a vagina, we have ovaries, we need to like, Get to work, lady! Instead she added, We, as women, do a lot of incredible things in this world other than just procreateand not that that is not. But its like, we just get boxed in.

Aniston seemed particularly shocked that many of these horrible articles about her in these B.S. tabloids are written by women. We have to stop listening to them and we have to stop buying them because we have to support each other, especially at this time, to love each other, to support, and to be proud of women, of whatever your choice is in life, she said. Its up to us what makes us happy and fulfilled."

In her July blog post, Aniston wrote, For the record, I am not pregnant. What I am is fed up. Im fed up with the sport-like scrutiny and body shaming that occurs daily under the guise of journalism, the First Amendment and celebrity news.

Aniston has appeared in a number of high-profile movies in the 12 years since her decade-long run as Rachel Green on Friends. But the tabloid obsession with her dates back to her five-year marriage to Brad Pitt in the early 2000s. Gossip and speculation about that marriage was given new life this year when Pitt and Angelina Jolie announced their separation.

Theres an endless appetite for trash, apparently, though everyone would say that they dont have that appetite, Anistons current husband, actor Justin Theroux, told Vanity Fair in September about the tabloid fascination with his wife. But I think a lot of people do because people buy it. But there are bigger things to bitch about. Its shocking how much bandwidth things can take up when there are far more important things going on in the world.

Both in her op-ed and on Ellen today, Aniston was under no illusions that her condemnation of the tabloid culture would bring about its demise. Instead, she has said that she wants to raise awareness about how damaging the seemingly harmless stories can be. We get to decide how much we buy into whats being served up, and maybe some day the tabloids will be forced to see the world through a different, more humanized lens because consumers have just stopped buying the bullshit, she wrote.

Celebrities dont always make the most sympathetic victims, but its hard to justify why starring on a hit sitcom should lead to a life of stalker-level scrutiny.
CHARLESTON, South CarolinaA defense lawyer claimed his client was unfairly made a poster boy for police misconduct.

A prosecutor countered that Michael Slager wrongfully killed an unarmed man who repeatedly tried to flee custody and posed no danger.

Now a jury will decide whether the former South Carolina policeman is guilty of the murder or manslaughter of Walter Scott, a 51-year-old motorist shot five times in the back after running from a traffic stop and struggling with Slager on April 4, 2015, in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Slagers murder trial culminated on Wednesday as lawyers made closing arguments, their final pitch to a jury who has been presented with a months worth of evidence and testimony on the encounter between the former North Charleston policeman and Scott, including a bystanders video of the fatal shooting. That footage, which showed Scott escaping Slagers grasp and turning to flee from Slager before being shot dead, was the centerpiece of the prosecutions case. It also provoked much public outrage upon its release 18 months ago, seen by some observers as another example of unwarranted deadly force by a police officer against an unarmed black man.

Slager took the stand on Tuesday in his own defense, testifying that he feared for his life when he shot Scott at the end of a foot chase. Slager said Scott overpowered him as he tried to make an arrest, eventually grabbing his police Taser and charging toward him.

The government sought Wednesday to ridicule the former police officers claims, reminding jurors of other witness testimony that Scott was never aggressive toward Slager and only tried to run. Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson contrasted photographs of Slager and Scott taken after the shooting. Slager, she pointed out, had no facial abrasions, an intact earpiece and radio, and an undamaged badge and nameplate. Scotts driver license, which Slager obtained when he initially pulled Scott over for a broken taillight, was still tucked snugly under Slagers belt.

Theres no evidence he was going after that man. No evidence, said Wilson. That is not the sign of a violent, throwdown, life-threatening fight.

Photos of Scott and his belongings showed the suspect much worse for wear. Scotts watch and cellphone were damaged, his face and head were bruised, and his hands looked as if they have been chewed up by asphalt.

Wilson attacked the defenses contention that the stress of the encounter and Slagers sprinting in heavy gear factored into the police officers decision to use deadly force, despite the suspect running away from Slager and standing 18 feet away when the first shot was fired.

The idea that because someone gets winded they cant make a decision, its ludicrous, she said, characterizing a laceration on Slagers hand as a glorified paper cut.

Speaking loudly and forcefully, Wilson further cast skepticism on Slagers testimony about his struggle with Scott, reminding jurors that 18 months earlier the policeman had described Scott as wiggling on the ground as he tried to handcuff the suspect, whom he had Tased or attempted to Tase multiple times.

With 50,000 volts I bet he was wiggling, said Wilson, noting that Slager refrained from using more violent terminology in interviews with police investigators. [Slager] didnt say thrashing. He didnt say pummeling.

But while the government blamed Slager for Scotts death, defense attorney Andy Savage said it was Scott who bore responsibility for his own demise on the Saturday morning before Easter 2015.

Speaking so softly it was at times difficult to hear, the renowned lawyer piped up considerably when repeating the commands Slager had shouted over and over to Scott, which were recorded by assorted cameras and police radios.

STOP! shouted Savage. TASER, TASER, TASER!

Scott did not stop, and it was this felonious conduct that led to the fleeing suspects death, argued Savage.

If youre warned with a Taser isnt it about time to say, Hands up, I give up? asked Savage. Its crazy. Who does that? Who attacks a policeman over a brake light?

Deeming Scott out of control and alluding to trace amounts of cocaine found in Scotts body during an autopsy, Savage told the jury that Slager was in fear of his life and acting as a law enforcement officer carrying out his duties.

Youve got to think about whats going on in those nanoseconds and what was going on in Mr. Slagers mind, said Savage.

As he did previously during the trial, Savage carted out a heavy tub full of the protective gear Slager wore every day as a policeman.

Briefly handling a bulletproof vest, Savage asserted that a police officers greatest protection is actually the support of the community as they go about their duties.

He asked for an acquittal of Slager.

Later, Wilson offered similar sentiments about the challenges police officers face on the job.

Its just not the weight of the duty belt. Its just not the weight of the vest. They have the weight of our nation on their backs, she said.

But, she continued, police officers sometimes do wrong.

If we dont hold people accountable when they mess up, Wilson said, it all falls apart.

A jury began deliberating the case Wednesday evening.
CAMBRIDGE, MassachusettsPaul Manafort stood in the foyer of the third-floor ballroom of the Charles Hotel, across the street from the Taubman Building of the Harvard Kennedy School, on Wednesday. Having left his mafioso uniform of gleaming pinstripe suit and tie at home in favor of a half-zip sweater and casual slacks, he went mostly unnoticed, even at an event for political operatives and junkies, where a man of his status should be a star. And Harvard, it turns out, is not the only place the ex-chairman of the Donald Trump presidential campaign and former lobbyist for some of the worst dictators and killers of the 20th century is operating in the shadows these days.

According to two sources with knowledge of the Trump presidential transition process, Manafortwhose formal association with the president-elect ended in Augustis heavily involved with the staffing of the nascent administration.

Manafort was hired by the Trump campaign in April. A veteran political operative and lobbyist whod worked on the Republican conventions nominating everyone from Gerald Ford to Bob Dole, he was cut from a different cloth than the novices whod worked for Trump since his 2015 announcement. His presence was viewed as an effort to professionalize the operation and to herd delegates for the upcoming convention in July, which at that time looked as though it might be contested.

But immediately, there was a clash of egos between Manafort, whose official title was campaign chairman, and then-campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, a notoriously short-fused man whod never run a presidential campaign before. When Lewandowski was eventually let go in late June, it seemed a victory for Manafortbut it wouldnt last for long.

Amid a stream of investigative journalism scrutinizing his political work in Ukraine, of particular interest given Trumps praise of autocratic Russian President Vladimir Putin, Manafort was axed and replaced by a combination of Steve Bannon, the president of Breitbart News, and Kellyanne Conway, a Republican pollster, who served as the campaign CEO and manager, respectively.

How far he faded into the margins of Trumps orbit is unclear.

Even in his role as the campaigns chairman, Manafort was not exactly visible, save for the odd Sunday show appearance. And Lewandowski, after being fired and taking a job as a cable TV pundit, continued to receive payment from the campaign and advise the candidate. Manafort, who keeps an apartment in Trump Tower, was never compensated for his work, making it more difficult to keep an account of his entanglement with the campaign.

But now, a few months and an election night victory later, it seems Manafort is back, and in a position he surely finds more comfortable: one shrouded in almost total mystery.

When theyre picking a cabinet, unless he contacts me, I dont bother him, one former campaign official who worked closely with Manafort told The Daily Beast. Its a heady time for everyone.

I think hes weighing in on everything, the former official said, I think he still talks to Trump every day. I mean, Pence? That was all Manafort. Pence is on the phone with Manafort regularly.

As a lobbyist, Manafort is particularly concerned with decisions the president-elect might make that will affect his industry, the former official explained. A guy like Manafort tries to make sure that the government is as comfortable for business as possible. He wants names he knows on every door.

Hes not worried as much about whos the secretary of HHS, the former official added, as he is about whos the secretary of HUD.

Another Trump campaign source who worked alongside Manafort confirmed to The Daily Beast that he is heavily involved in selecting the incoming administrations personnel picks.

When The Daily Beast caught up with Manafort sometime later, he would neither confirm nor deny his presence on the Trump transition team.

I dont want to get into that, he said. Im here to talk about the campaign, I dont want to talk about transition.

When pressed on the issue, he reemphasized, no comment, before continuing a conversation with several other people.

Meanwhile in Cambridge, Conway, who now acts as a senior adviser to the president-elect, was making her way through the hotel lobby for check-in.

She told The Daily Beast she had no comment on the Manafort matter. But I can research that and get back to you, she added.

She winked and continued walking with her roller bag.

Hope Hicks, a spokeswoman for Trump, later told The Daily Beast, Paul Manafort has no association with the transition team or communication with the President-elect.

Updated 12/1 to add comment from Trump spokeswoman.
Baby, its cold outsideand rainybut the 84th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting (and 19th annual broadcasting of it) will go on. NBC and NBC.com/Live will broadcast the one-hour tree-lighting ceremony live, starting at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 30.

This years lucky tree is a staggering 94-feet tall Norway Spruce and hails from Oneonta, New York. It is the second-tallest Rockefeller Christmas tree, after the 100-feet tall one from 1999s Killington, Connecticut. More than 50,000 multicolored lights will adorn the trees branches, and the tree will remain featured in Rockefeller Center through January 7, 2017.

The trees lighting will take place at 8:55 p.m. ET, but beginning at 8, there will be holiday performances from stars such as Josh Groban, Dolly Parton, Tony Bennett, Neil Diamond, and Garth Brooks. The events hosts are Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Natalie Morales.

How to Live Stream the 2016 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The ceremony will live-stream starting at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.com/Live and on the NBC app on Wednesday, November 30, though you will need a cable login.

If you live in any of the following cities, the live broadcast will be available through Sling TV, a web streaming service that has a monthly fee. The whole Blue package, which includes NBC, costs $25/month, but you can sign up for a free 7-day trial for the purposes of watching the tree. The cities this applies to are: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco/Oakland, San Jose, Dallas/Fort Worth, Washington, D.C., Miami/Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, and Hartford/New Haven.

In order to avoid getting charged, make sure to cancel your subscription after watching the lighting online.
In his first interview after winning the presidency, Donald Trump hinted that he will shift policy in the Syria conflict from one of support for the moderate opposition to collaboration with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Syria is fighting ISIS, and you have to get rid of ISIS, Trump said. As for the rebels that the U.S. has backed fitfully for the past three years, he said: We have no idea who these people are.

But the president-elect appears to be ill-informed about Assads key role in the rise of the so-called Islamic State.

This three-part series documents the Syrian dictator's sinister contributions to this tale of terrorism and horror. First, he tried to ingratiate himself with Western leaders by portraying the national uprising against him as a terrorist-led revolt. When that failed, he released jailed Islamic extremists whod fought against U.S. troops in Iraq, then staged phony attacks on government facilities, which he blamed on terrorists. Far from fighting ISIS, Assad looked the other way when it set up a state-within-a-state with its capital in Raqqa, and left it to the U.S. and others to counter the Islamic extremists.

ISTANBULAfter spending a month in an Aleppo prison at the start of the Syrian uprising, political activist Abdullah Hakawati thought he knew what to expect when Bashar al-Assads military intelligence arrested him for a second time in September 2011.

He was hanged by his hands for four days. They beat him with clubs and iron bars, and used electric prods on his genitals, he says. Then came the surprise: After a staged trial and a conviction for terrorism, he was sentenced to a lockup where his cellmates were hardcore al Qaeda veterans, newly transferred from Syrias political prisons.

It was the first time I saw someone from the al Qaeda movement face to face, said Hakawati, an actor whod played the lead role in an anti-regime play that spring and had helped organize demonstrations in Aleppo, Syrias biggest city. They threatened to slaughter me because Im an atheist and I do not pray.

After weeks in the same cell with the al Qaeda veterans, who were practically the managers of the prison, five of Hakawatis colleagues joined the extremists, many later taking up arms against Assad.

Mixing civic activists with al Qaeda veterans was no accident.

The Syrian president had alleged that armed terrorists had led the national uprising in 2011, which seemed preposterous at the time. So Assad used his security apparatus to make the reality match his propaganda. Claiming to be the victim of extremism, he in fact played the principal enabling role in its rise in the region, a two-year investigation by The Daily Beast shows. The scene at Aleppo Central Prison was part of a concerted effort to radicalize and discredit the nationwide revolt.

As President-elect Donald Trump weighs closer military cooperation with the Assad regime in fighting ISIS, the story of Assads role in the rise of the so-called Islamic State could come home to haunt him. Critics say that any U.S. collaboration with Assad or his Russian protectors will backfire, leaving the Syrian leader in power as he continues to play his long-running double game with terrorists.

John Kerry, the outgoing secretary of state, said in November 2015 that ISIS was created by Assad and by former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, both of whom released al Qaeda prisoners in their respective countries. Assads aim was to tell the world, Its me or the terrorists.

This series charts Assads major role in the rise of Islamic extremism from the inside. Based on exclusive interviews with high-level defectors from the regimes security apparatus, it sheds new light on key decisionslike sending volunteers to fight the U.S. occupation of Iraq, which helped establish the forerunner of the Islamic State, releasing more than 1,000 former al Qaeda militants from Syrian prisons in 2011, and rarely fighting the Islamic State militants.

It also reveals how:

 the regime likely staged bombings of its own security facilities in 2011 and 2012 to foster the impression that al Qaeda had an armed presence in Syria long before it did.

 Syrian intelligence received orders to stand by when al Qaeda fighters crossed from Iraq into Syria in 2012.

 Syrian intelligence has penetrated the leadership of extremist jihadist groups and at critical moments can influence their operations.

Remarkably, several high-level former Syrian security officials who spoke on the record with this reporter said that U.S. intelligence agencies never debriefed them. The ex-officials viewed this as a major lapse, not only because they were privy to, and complicit in, the inner workings of Assads role in organizing a terrorist insurgency against U.S. forces in Iraq, but also because they were well-placed to advise on the establishment of a new state security apparatus should Assads police state collapse or be overthrown.

The Obama administration apparently wasnt interested. A former top U.S. diplomat said the CIA had little interest in Syrian defectors and debriefed them only if the diplomat insisted.

The CIA declined to comment but did not dispute the validity of the question. I looked into this, and there is nothing we can add, a spokeswoman said.

***

Assads relations with the jihadists traces back to the seminal role his regime played in helping foment the Iraqi insurgency following the U.S. invasion in 2003.

A trove of al Qaeda personnel records uncovered by U.S. forces in 2007 in the northern Iraqi town of Sinjar showed that more than 600 fighters from Saudi Arabia, Libya, and other Muslim countries had crossed into Iraq from Syria between August 2006 and August 2007. It is almost inconceivable that Syrian intelligence has not tried to penetrate these networks, a report by the West Point Combating Terrorism Center (PDF) stated in 2008.

Internal State Department cables released by WikiLeaks confirm that the U.S. had intelligence showing that almost all foreign al Qaeda volunteers entered Iraq via Syria and that Assad and his top aides were fully aware. In 2010, they acknowledged as much to visiting U.S. officials, a WikiLeaks cable showed. In principle, we dont attack or kill them immediately, Gen. Ali Mamluk, now Assads top intelligence advisor, said of al Qaeda operatives. Instead, we embed ourselves in them, and only at the opportune moment do we move. Mamluk offered cooperation in arresting terrorists in exchange if the U.S. would ease economic and travel sanctions.

But thats only the half of it. Defected Syrian intelligence officials and former volunteers said the regime encouraged Syrians to volunteer for the anti-American jihadist, and thousands did.

Syria wanted to prolong the Iraq war and the attacks on U.S. forces, so that the Americans couldnt come into Syria, said Anas al-Rajab, a former Islamist from Hama province who fought in Iraq and then, on returning to Syria, served two brief terms in prisons run by the Syrian mukhabarat, or intelligence services.

Mahmud al-Naser, a defected Syrian intelligence officer interviewed for this series, said the mukhabarat estimated 20,000 people crossed into Iraq as the U.S. began its attack in March 2003, but most returned immediately after the fall of Baghdad three weeks later.

But another 5,000 crossed for reasons of religious ideologyand they are what gave birth to the monster that now dominates much of Iraq and Syria, said Naser, the former head of political party affairs at the Syrian intelligence station in Ras al Ein, in northern Syria.

Naser now works with Syrian emigre lawyers in a major city in southern Turkey collecting data on alleged regime war crimes. Following an introduction by those lawyers, Naser sat down for seven hours of questioning over three sessions this past spring.

Like other security defectors interviewed for this series, several of whom were at general officer rank, Naser said U.S. intelligence had never debriefed him.

We in Syria intelligence opened all the doors for [the jihadists] to go to Iraq, he said.

That view is widely held in the region.

The Syrian government made an enormous mistake in 2003, said Massoud Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan Regional Government in a recent interview with The Daily Beast at his military headquarters in Suheil, in the far north of Iraqs Kurdistan region, near the Syrian and Turkish borders. They opened the door to terrorists in order to put pressure on the American troops in Iraq so they wouldnt even think of war (against Syria).

The regime has of course a very great responsibility for what has occurred. Out of that came al Qaeda in Iraq, then Daesh, and the extremists who have spread around Syria. That is the result today. (Daesh is the Arabic pejorative term for ISIS.)

Volunteers joined the battle knowingly.

Many underwent training and indoctrination, overseen by the Syrian intelligence services, before their departure. One of the best-known figures in the indoctrination operation was Mahmud al-Aghasi, known as Abu al-Qaqaa, a Muslim cleric in Aleppo, whose al Tawabbin mosque was a recruiting center for Salafists heading to Iraq.

The cleric would stage marches from his mosque to the city center and lead the chant: We are going to slaughter the Americans, said Bassam Barabandi, a former Syrian diplomat who now lives in Washington.

He would give guarantees that foreign fighters would have no problems if they came, Barabandi said. It was clear he had a top-level sponsor. He could not function in a police state like Syria without very high-level approval, he said.

Barabandi also was never asked for his insights. Nobody ever debriefed me, he told The Daily Beast. I took the initiative and contacted friends at the State Department, and we had a lunch or dinner. That was it.

In fact, Syrian intelligence had recruited imams as agents during their study of Sharia at university facilities.

We commissioned some of the imams who work for Syrian intelligence. Abu al-Qaqaa was only one of dozens, said Naser.

Raed Ilawy, an Islamist recruit from Hama, was among the Syrians who traveled to the mosque. Some of the trainers, he recalled in an interview at an Istanbul cafe, came from Assads intelligence services, and some accompanied them to the Iraqi border in what the recruits called Bashar Assad caravans.

The Syrian government was kept informed throughout, said Awad al-Ali, a former general in Assads police apparatus. Abu al-Qaqaa, who was assassinated in 2007, possibly by the mukhabarat, also provided Assads intelligence services with lists of names of those whod been trained.

Syrian intelligence kept a census of those who left, because on their return, everyone would be followed by the Department of Religious Intelligence in the Management of General Intelligence, one of Assads numerous spying agencies, said Naser.

About one quarter never came back, either joining al Qaeda in Iraq or dying in battle, he said. Of those who returned, about 1,500 were viewed as Islamists arrested as arrested on terrorism-related charges.

***

Sednaya, north of Damascus, is Syrias most notorious political prison. Diab Serriya, a civic activist who served five years in Sednaya, and was released in 2011, said the number of Islamic fundamentalists imprisoned with him rose from about 300 when he arrived in 2006 to some 900 when he was released. Almost all had seen time fighting in Iraq against the American occupation, almost all were Salafist-jihadists, or hardline violent Islamists, and most were sentenced from five to 15 years for terrorist activities or association with terror groups, he said. Serriya was interviewed in late 2014 after delivering a speech about his experiences before a Syrian cultural club in Istanbul.

Sednaya was not a site for correction and rehabilitation but functioned as an incubator for jihadism, according to former prisoners and intelligence defectors. Some former detainees called it a five star prison.

According to former intelligence officials and prisoners, detainees were sorted according to their ideology. Two cellblocks were reserved for the most extreme Islamists, many of whom are now in leadership positions in ISIS. Two were reserved for less extreme Islamists, many of whom are now in the al Qaeda affiliate formerly known as Jabhat al Nusra, and three for more moderate Islamists, many of whom wound up in another prominent Syrian Islamist faction known as Ahrar al Sham. The other three were occupied by moderate Islamists and democrats such as Serriya.

The religious fundamentalists organized as if in a caliphate, with groups pledging loyalty to emirs, just as extremist Islamist groups do today, he said.

They wrote slogans on the walls, setting out their goals upon their release, Serriya said. Some even had the illusion that upon their release, they would go straight to Damascus and establish a caliphate there, he said.

When the Syrian uprising began in mid-March 2011, Assad began releasing religious extremists from Sednaya.

The regime said it was a response to activists demands to free political prisoners. U.S. intelligence officials, who spoke on background, offer a similar explanation. But sending known al Qaeda extremists into a country seething with unrest was also a cynical ploy to use extremists to further his political ends, according to Naser.

The reason the regime released them at the beginning of the Syrian revolution was to complete the militarization of the uprising, said Naser, who defected in late 2012, and to spur criminal acts so that revolution would become a criminal case and give the impression that the regime is fighting terrorists.

Syrian intelligence formed links in prison with the extremists, allowing them closely to track their rise in the rebel movement, according to Serriya, al-Ali, and former intelligence officials. Every extremist group is penetrated by the regime, Serriya said.

The regime not only had penetrated the networks but often ran them. That was by design. As Gen. Ali Mamluk told U.S. officials in 2010, the regime as a practice would embed ourselves among Islamic extremists in order to turn on them later. Mamluk is currently Assads senior intelligence adviser.

Nabeel Dendal, former director of political intelligence in Latakia, the Assad familys ancestral home, said he twice led security forces in raids on al Qaeda cells, only to learn that the cell leader he was working for was supported by the Syrian intelligence.

They were preparing them to be leaders, the defected colonel said, referring to the Assad regime. An example is Nadim Baloush, an al Qaeda cell leader he arrested in Latakia in 2006, and told him dont do anything. I am working for Assef Shawkat, Assads brother-in-law who served as the deputy defense minister. Baloush was arrested after he traveled to Turkey about a year ago and is reported to have committed suicide in prison.

Dendal was introduced to this reporter by a former regime judge from Aleppo who deserted to the opposition. Interviewed in a cafe in Istanbuls popular Fatih district, which is now packed with Syrian refugees, he estimated that half the commanders in ISIS are working with the regime today; other defectors from the security sector say its about one third. According to Naser, most of the top commanders of Daesh in Raqqa are linked with Syrian intelligence.

Certainly in Aleppos Central Prison, the extremists had a very smooth relationship with their guards, in contrast with the civil prisoners, who had no privileges at all, civil protester Abdullah Hakawati said.

There were six inmates from Sednaya, and others from other major political prisons, Tadmor (in the ancient city of Palmyra), the Palestine Branch and 291altogether 15 al Qaeda members in the cell at Aleppo Central Prison with 15 civic activists such as Hakawati.

The al Qaeda members had privileges, Hakawati remembers, including smartphones, access to the internet, freedom to grow beards and dress in the Afghan-style shalwar kameez, and to order carry-in meals. They held daily religious lessons and prayed for the health of al Qaeda leaders. Hakawati said that while in the prison, he heard one complete speech by Bin Laden, whod been killed by U.S. forces a few months earlier.

If a civil activist ran afoul of the authorities, al Qaeda members stepped in to protect him.

They were practically the managers of the prison, Hakawati said. It was a paradise for them. And after several weeks with them, five of his colleagues joined the extremists.

Hakawati recounted the time that the prison warden, a general, sat with all the prisoners. On that day, one of the al Qaeda prisoners, Mahmoud Manigani said to the general, When I am released, on the second day, I will kill you. The general responded: This is something only you can decide.

But when a civic activist complained that the food was inadequate, the warden threatened: Would you like me to play with your testicles?

The relationship between the civic activists and the extremists could be hostile. Hakawati recalled that after a long philosophical discussion with Manigani about the meaning of God, the Islamist beat him up. But not every encounter was hostile. One jihadist thanked Hakawati for helping organize the popular uprising. Its due to your demonstrations that we are all comfortable now, he said.

Former Sednaya prisoners took top positions in Islamist forces. For example, Abu Lukman, one of the founders of Syrian al Qaeda branch Jabhat al Nusra, is now the emir, or administrator, of Raqqa. Mahmoud al-Khalif, another Sednaya graduate, works in the security area and Haj Fadel al-Agal is responsible for social relations. One former prisoner, Abu Abdulrahman al-Hamwi, is the emir of Nusra in Hama province. Other leaders include Abu Naser Drusha, a cousin of Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, the founder and principal leader of Nusra, Abu Hussien Zeniah, now in charge of Nusra operations in Qalamoun area near Damascus, and Abu Hafs al-Kiswani, a Nusra commander in Daraa, southern Syria.

A Sednaya sheikh heads the Syrian Islamic Front, an umbrella group for Islamist fighters not affiliated with al Qaeda, and others became leaders of lesser Islamist groups, including Zahran Alloush, who led the Islamist faction Jaysh al Islam until he was killed in a Russian airstrike last Christmas, and Ahmed Issa al-Sheikh, leader of another rebel group, Suqoor al Sham.

Hassan Abboud, who founded Ahrar al Sham, the largest Islamist fighting group in Syria, also served time at Sednaya and was released during the demonstrations. Abboud was killed along with most of Ahrar al Shams leadership in a mysterious explosion in September.

They rose rapidly to leadership positions, said al-Ali. Having spent time at Sednaya was the equivalent of a graduate degree with honors. If someone is a graduate of Sednaya, he is indisputably a Sheikh, he said. People will say he paid a high price serving in Sednaya.

Syrias intelligence apparatus was the big winner. With intimate knowledge of all the ex-detainees, it had a file on every one of them and was positioned to maintain its contacts with them.

Civil activists see those releases as part of Assads plan to ruin the revolution.

And it worked, activist Diab Serriya said. The regime was very successful in distorting the image of the revolution, said Serriya. Now the battle is portrayed as being between the secular regime and extremist Islamic groups.

with additional reporting by Mousab Alhamadee
Donald Trump may have saved 1,000 jobs in Indiana, but Ben Carson is still unemployed.

It has been over a week since the retired neurosurgeon teased an imminent announcement about a potential cabinet appointment in Trumps administration on his Facebook page.

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 wrote. 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. An announcement is forthcoming about my role in helping to make America great again.

Last Tuesday morning Carson met with Trump to discuss a position as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. By all appearances, it seemed like the meeting went swimmingly. Trump excitedly tweeted about ita sure sign that his interest had been piqued, and plied away from cable news. Carsons business manager Armstrong Williams told The Daily Beast that the contemplative Carson would consider the offer and likely make a decision after Thanksgiving.

Mr. Trump is a visionary, Williams said of Trumps apparent idea to offer Carson a job for which he has no experience. He knows that Dr. Carson cares about inner cities and rural America.

Flash forward one humiliating scallop and frog-leg dinner with Mitt Romney, some tweets about fake voter fraud and a revolving door of auditions for the reality television show known as Donald Trumps Administration and there has been no update on the situation.

During a daily press call with the transition team on Thursday morning, spokesman Jason Miller did not respond directly to a question about the status of Carsons potential job.

Dr. Carson is another person whos been a fantastic ally, Miller said. He implored those on the call to wait for news on this front.

Meanwhile, Williams told The Daily Beast no comment, when asked about the position on Thursday.

Its not all that surprising that this rollout was botched given the fact that Carsons camp didnt initially think that he was qualified to even hold a government position.

Dr. Carson feels he has no government experience, hes never run a federal agency, Williams said on November 15. The last thing he would want to do was take a position that could cripple the presidency.

Trump waffling on a decision based on differences with internal factions of his brain trust is not an anomaly but rather a symptom of his process. Yet theres been no indication that there is an ongoing fight with vested interests over a position that, for all intents and purposes, has seemed like an afterthought.

And as for Carsons side, there have been previous instances in which he has been relinquished from duty while Williams spun it as a willful exiting. This scenario played out when Carson was demoted from the vice presidential selection team during the campaign, according to Trump sources, a narrative that Williams contested to The Daily Beast.

For the meantime, no other names have been floated for the HUD position from Trumps transition team and they are referring to Carson when asked questions about the process.

Around and around we go.
Donald Trump hasnt taken the oath of office yet and hes already making history as one of the most conflicted presidents ever.

The billionaire businessmans vast holdings have created a unique set of potential conflicts of interestbut none are as prominent as the one down the street from the very home he will occupy come January.

Thats because the Trump International Hotel is in the Old Post Office building, which is leased to Trump and his family by the federal government. The very federal government he will soon control. The lease agreement signed in 2013 with the General Services Administration (GSA) stipulates that no elected official can be part of the lease, so the president-elect faces an immediate conflict when he takes office.

And no one knows what to do.

Enter four top House Democrats, who sent a letter Wednesday to the GSA asking for a solution to the large, marble conflict of interest down Pennsylvania Avenue.

This is not a hypothetical conflictthere is a clear and very real conflict that will be triggered the moment Mr. Trump is sworn in as President of the United States unless concrete steps are taken now to avert it, the letter signed by Representative Elijah Cummings and three ranking members of the committees on Oversight and Government Reform and the House Transportation and Infrastructure said.

Separately, all 16 Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee signed a letter to Chairman Bob Goodlatte requesting that they hold hearings on federal conflicts-of-interest and ethics provisions that may apply to the President of the United States.

At this stage, neither the GSA or the Trump Organization has indicated that they are trying to mitigate the problem any time soon. And they are quickly running out of time.

Reached for comment about the potential options that the GSA could take, a spokesman for the administration provided The Daily Beast with the following statement: Per the Old Post Office Building Redevelopment Act of 2008, Congress directed the General Services Administration to redevelop the Old Post Office Building. GSA ran a fair and open competition, subject to careful and rigorous review, which resulted in the selection of the Trump Organization as the preferred private sector entity to redevelop the Old Post Office. GSA negotiated a lease with the Trump Organization and submitted the details to Congress prior to signing the lease in August 2013.

It is the Office of Government Ethics that provides guidance to the executive branch on questions of ethics and conflicts of interest. GSA plans to coordinate with the President-elects team to address any issues that may be related to the Old Post Office building.

They did not respond to a subsequent question about whether they would consider terminating the lease as a means of ending the conflict.

The Office of Government Ethics did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Daily Beast.

Similarly, the Trump Organization did not immediately respond to a question either.

While both sides wait to take action, the hotel, which has already become a hub of activity for diplomats attempting to curry favor with the new administration, will host an official event for the Kingdom of Bahrain on December 7.

Interesting the Bahrain party is booked for December 7 a day of infamy as President Roosevelt once said, Sheldon Cohen, an attorney who specializes in national security law and government wrote in an email to The Daily Beast. I am afraid we will see many more days of infamy before this debacle is over, foreign governments are tripping over themselves to curry favor with Trump. This just the beginning. Trump has no concept of self restraint and what he cannot find an excuse for, he will lie about.

In addition to the announcement of the Bahrain event, it was revealed on Wednesday that Trumps company was given a $32 million tax subsidy for his hotel less than a week after the election. Once Trump becomes president, he will be functioning as both the landlord and the tenant of the building which would not change until and unless the lease is terminated.

In a series of tweets on Wednesday morning, the President-elect promised that legal documents are being crafted which would take him out of business operations. Trump said that the details of this process would be revealed at a press conference in December. But previously, his proposed means of avoiding conflict of interests as president was to hand over the reins to his children. Experts say that this would not mitigate the problems with his D.C. hotel or elsewhere.

There are several reasons it wouldnt accomplish anything, Charles Tiefer, a professor of law at the University of Baltimore and former deputy counsel for the House of Representatives, said in a phone interview. Even if amazing miracles occurred, they would simply shift management, not ownership of the Trump Organization. The [GSA] provision is not a management provision, its an ownership provision. It wouldnt matter if Donald Trump was in a coma and couldnt communicate a word about management. Hes still owner of the lease.

The watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, echoed this sentiment saying that Unless [Trumps] solution is to sell the business outside the family and put the proceeds in a blind trust, hes not really doing anything to solve the problem. Just because you say something on twitter, doesnt make it so.

Tiefer speculated that Trumps White House counsel, Don McGahn, could write something that claims that the president is above this law which would allow the GSA to say theres nothing we can do.

GSA officials have been hiding their heads in the sand like ostriches hoping that this scandal in the making would somehow blow away, Tiefer said, who referenced Dick Cheneys scandal with Halliburton as a similarly problematic conflict of interest.

Experts, like Steven Schooner, a professor of government procurement law at the George Washington University Law School, suggested that it would be easy to transfer the lease agreement to another hotel company in the area.

Best solution: GSA and Trump (quickly) agree to transfer (or as we say, novate) the entire agreement/contract/lease to another company, he told The Daily Beast in an email. Marriott comes to mind. Theyre hard hearted in the DC metropolitan area, and they operate dozens of hotels in the area. This property could be re-branded as a JW Marriott, Ritz Carlton, a St. Regis, an Autograph Collection, or maybe even an Edition. Who cares? Easy.

He added that leaving the building vacant would be better than the current, sordid situation which makes the U.S. Government resemble a Banana Republic.
Mark Kennedy Shriver, whose deeply Catholic family has been enjoying private audiences with popes for decades, pulled every string he could think of, including enlisting the help of two cardinals, in order to land an interview with the subject of his new book, Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis.

He turned me down, Shriver told The Daily Beast. And as I thought about it, I realized that he should have turned me down.

He explained: Because of my family, I know people. As a reporter, youre a person on a quest, and you use your contacts. If youre a member of the Kennedy family, of course you have connections. But despite all these phone calls, the pope did the right thingHes not focused on himself. Hes focused on messages of mercy and Jesus Christ.

Shrivers bookthe result of three years labor, including dozens of interviews in Argentina with admirers and detractors of the cleric born nearly 80 years ago with the name Jorge Mario Bergogliois being published at a moment when the popes polar-opposite, a shamelessly self-celebrating reality television tycoon, is preparing to take the oath of office as president of the United States.

President-elect Donald Trump and Pope Francis memorablysome might say shockinglyexchanged bitter words last February during the Republican primaries.

Speaking to reporters on the papal plane flying back to Rome after a visit to Mexico, where he pointedly conducted a mass on the U.S. border, Francis excoriated Trumps anti-immigrant rhetoric.

A person who only thinks about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian, the Holy Father declared, without mentioning Trump by name. That is not in the GospelWhether I would advise to vote or not to vote, I am not going to get involved in that. I say only that this man is not Christian if he has said things like that.

Throwing caution to the winds, as usual, the eventual GOP nominee fired back: For a religious leader to question a persons faith is disgracefulIf and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which, as everyone knows, is ISISs ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president.

The pope doubled down on his criticisms mere days before the general election, telling an audience of social justice activists: Walls that enclose some and banish others. Walled citizens, terrified on one side, excluded, exiled, and still more terrified on the otheris that the life that our Father God wants for their children? Dear brothers and sistersall walls fall. All of them. Do not be fooled.

Needless to say, media speculation that Trumps tangle with the pontiff would damage him with American Catholics and thus hurt his chances to become Leader of the Free World came to naught, and he will soon assume the office that Shrivers martyred uncle, Jack Kennedy, once held; two other Kennedy uncles, Bobby and Teddy, also ran for president, with Bobby, like Jack, dying from an assassins bullet.

The 52-year-old Shriver is a longtime proponent of early childhood education and maternal healthcare who these days runs a generously-funded Washington-based advocacy organization, Save the Children Action Network, which he hopes will become the NRA for kidsby which he means bringing the influence to childrens issues that the powerful gun lobby brings to the 2nd Amendment.

Shriver disputes the notion that Francis has been meddling in U.S. politics.

Hes teaching. He is also challenging, Shriver said. Hes not against Trump, hes not for Clinton. Hes not clearly in one box or another. He was pretty clear about not being for building walls. But if Trump is pro-life, hes in favor of that. He is challenging on all fronts.

Shrivers three-year-old advocacy group, which boasts an annual budget of around $10 million, has a bipartisan focus on its issues agenda, and has backed both Republicans and Democrats in statewide and local contests during the 2014, 2015, and 2016 election cycles.

Indeed, after the Nov. 8 election, Save the Children Action Networkthe political arm of the nearly century-old Save the Children nonprofit charitywarmly congratulated Trump on his victory, adding, We look forward to working with the new administration, although Trump has said little to nothing about early childhood education and related matters.

Shriver, a diehard Democrat who served in Marylands state legislature and ran unsuccessfully in 2002 for Congress, no doubt would have preferred Hillary Clinton, who has her own history of advocacy with the Childrens Defense Fund.

Good God! he exclaimed repeatedly concerning the prospect of the Trump presidency. The last line of his recent New York Times Op-Ed article on the popes declaration of an extraordinary jubilee year of mercy, is: I hope it never ends.

I meant the year of mercy, not the year of Trump, Shriver said with a laugh. Of course, if 2016 didnt actually end, there could be no Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, 2017.

That would be good as well, Shriver joked.

I think in Washington right now, theres a lot of utter confusion, he added. There was a lot of confusing talk on the issues during [Trumps] campaign, and the policy positions are confusing on the issues we care aboutIf youre poor in this country, youre at a distinct disadvantage. There are the budget issues: What is he going to do to defeat ISIS, while his administration wants to spend a trillion dollars on infrastructure, while they also want to give a tax break? What happens to the focus on the poor and the vulnerable? That is a concern for me.

Pope Francis would agree.

Shriverwhose first book, A Good Man was an emotionally raw and deeply personal chronicle of his late father, Peace Corps founder Sargent Shriver, who died at 95 of Alzheimers diseasesaid he was becoming disillusioned with his Church when Cardinal Bergoglio, a warm and charismatic South American, replaced the fastidiously aloof German theologian, Pope Benedict XVI (aka Joseph Ratzinger), in March 2013.

He caught my attention at the very beginning of his papacy, when he asked the crowd to bless him before he blessed the crowd, Shriver said about his attraction to Francis, when he paid for his own hotel room bill, when he washed those juvenile delinquents feet, including the feet of a Muslim woman. I worked at a juvenile facility for five years in Baltimore, and I would not have gotten on my knees and washed those kids feet. And when he went to the [Sicilian] island of Lampedusa to be with those migrants [many of them Muslim refugees from war-torn Libya]all those gestures caught my eye.

Shriver continued: Id become discouraged by mistakes under Pope Benedictthe comments about Islam [in which Benedict appeared to blame the religion itself for inciting evil and inhuman violence], the comments about Vatican leaks [in which private correspondence between highly-placed clergy portrayed Benedicts Vatican as something akin to snake pit]I dont know any Benedicts. Francis seemed like such a more modern name than Benedictmore modern and more relatable.

When Bergoglio took the name Francis, it was just much more accessible. St. Francis of Assisi is so well-known and so connected with the environment, connected with the care of animals and nature, and care for the poor. There had never been a Pope Francis.

Another innovation: Francis is the very first Jesuit out of 266 pontiffsa decidedly worldly priestly order that stresses intellectual rigor, humility, poverty, obedience to the pope, and rolling up ones sleeves to engage with society and the powers that be as well as the ordinary people of everyday life.

Paradoxically, given Franciss ascendance to the top of ziggurat, the Jesuits also have a policy of spurning personal ambition.

I think hes incredibly smart, hes incredibly driven, and hes very, very disciplined, Shriver said about Francis. But the Jesuits take an oath that they cannot aspire to ecclesiastical office. They cannot aspire to be a bishop or a cardinal. If you feel that another Jesuit is trying to get a promotion, youre supposed to report him.

As the cardinal of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio had not only championed the poor and challenged the economic policies of two of Argentinas modern presidents, Nestor Kirchner, and his widow Cristina Fernandez de Kirchnerwho considered him a dangerous political rivalhe also lived a humble lifestyle in which he rode the bus, cooked his own food and rejected the perks of high office. Indeed, he lives today not in the papal palace, but in modest communal lodgings with other priests on the Vatican grounds.

I wanted to dig in and find out whether he was the real deal or whether these were just PR gestures, Shriver said, noting that as he rose in the Church hierarchy and became an increasingly public person, Bergoglio studied the communication techniques of Juan and Eva Peron, two captivating populists who initially were allied with the Church, only to lapse into a terrifying reign of fascist demagoguery and violence.

After interviewing colleagues, friends, and even enemies of Bergoglio, Shriver has concluded that the pope has always lived simply, close to the ground, long before he became one of the most celebrated humans on the planet.

Not that Pilgrimagewhich is less a standard biography than an account of Shrivers personal journey to better understand the leader of his Churchis a hagiography. Shriver writes about Bergoglios error-filled leadership of the Jesuits in Argentina, a post he took at the tender age of 36, in which he ruled by stiff-necked fiat, issuing edicts from on high, instead of by consensus and compromise.

The outrage generated by his authoritarian style over several years earned him the abrupt loss of his position and an exile of sorts from bright lights of Buenos Aires to the much smaller town of Cordoba in Argentinas sleepy interior.

He caused big dissention in the Jesuit order and essentially was banished for two years to the middle of Argentina, Shriver said. And two years later he was asked to be an auxiliary bishop. So its the story of a rise and a fall, and then a slow and steady rise. But the second rise was a rise of a different sort. He was much more merciful, much more forgiving, much more inclusivenot only of different religions but also different points of view.

Shriver also devotes a chapter to Bergoglios controversial and ambiguous role during Argentinas Dirty War, in which the right-wing military junta killed and tortured many thousands of citizens in a reign of anti-Communist hysteria from 1976 to 1983. Some have accused Bergoglio, who was leading the countrys Jesuits at the time, of being at worst complicit, and at best passive, regarding the governments political violence.

Shriver concludes, however, that Bergoglio quietly worked to protect his flock behind the scenes and saved lives. Who am I to judge? he asks in the bookan echo of Pope Franciss apparently tolerant attitude concerning Catholic LGBTQ people.

All I know is that not one Jesuit died, Shriver told The Daily Beast.

Meanwhile, the author finally did get his audience with his subject, but it was after the book had been largely completed and the encounter was exceedingly brief.

My wife Jeannie and I, and our three kids, were invited to attend a mass with 20 other people in the little chapel in the Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Francis lives, Shriver recounted. After the mass, we exchanged a few words. A priest introduced us, and the pope told my kids, Dont forget to pray for me, and they said, Ok, dont worry, we will. It was over in a minute.
MILWAUKEEOn July 18, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke Jr. strode onto the stage of the Republican National Convention. In a fiery speech, he called Black Lives Matter protests anarchy, praised Donald Trumps belief in our American system of justice, and declared, I would like to make something very clear: blue lives matter.

Four days earlier, Shade Swayzer was giving birth in the jail that Clarke runs. She went into labor in a solitary confinement cell, and when she cried for help, according to a recently filed lawsuit, a guard laughed at her and left her alone. By the time medical staff checked on her the next morning, the lawsuit reads, her newborn baby was dead.

Swayzers baby wasnt the only person to die in the Milwaukee County Jail. Since April, as Clarke has campaigned around the country for Trump, three other inmates have died in his custody. One was a 38-year-old with mental health issues who died of profound dehydrationthirstafter guards apparently turned off the water in his cell.

Now Clarke, a darling of the Tea Party and Fox News and known for his inflammatory statements, is reportedly in the running to be Trumps Secretary of Homeland Security. He met with the President-elect at Trump Tower on Monday afternoon, decked out in his trademark cowboy hat.

Kristina Fiebrink, 38, was found unresponsive in her cell on August 28. Inmates who talked to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel said they heard her screaming for help overnight but no guards came to check on her.

Fiebrinks brother Leon Limon said it was hard to imagine Clarke running detention centers around the country.

We cant even get any answers here, Limon told the Daily Beast. Hes not doing anything for the four families. It seems like he only cares about trying to help himself. He said sheriffs deputies investigating his sisters death had only called him twice in the last three months: One time to ask a few questions and another time when they accidentally dialed his number.

Its so haunting to me because I wonder, Did she suffer all night long? he said.

If he gets the Homeland Security job, Clarke would be in charge of the federal governments 111 immigration detention centers and the more than 42,000 detainees held in them. The families of the inmates who died in the Milwaukee jail say his disregard for their loved ones safety should raise alarm bells about that prospect.

Sheriff Clarke needs to take responsibility for the people dying in his jail, said Erik Heipt, a lawyer for the family of Terrill Thomas, the inmate who died of thirst.

Fellow inmates told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that guards shut off the water in Thomas solitary confinement cell and ignored him as he begged for water for days. The family doesnt understand how something like this could happen in an American jail, Heipt said. They want answers and they want accountability.

Clarkes office issued a statement saying the sheriff would not comment (PDF) until the completion of all investigative and review processes, and any resultant civil litigation. Thomas was the first inmate to die this year, on April 24, and Swayzers newborn baby died on July 14.

There appears to be an unfortunate and deadly pattern (in the jail), said Jason Jankowski, the lawyer representing Swayzer, who he said was depressed and distraught. It has basically compromised the health and safety of those unfortunate people who enter and receive inhumanely substandard care.

Michael Madden, 29, died after having a seizure on October 28. A fellow inmate told a local Fox News channel that a guard had picked him up and then let him fall, hitting his head. The same day Madden died, Clarke tweeted Mrs Bill Clinton is an empty pantsuit.

Why have there been so many deaths over a short time period? In each of the cases, investigations are ongoing and there are more questions than answers. But some observers point to its substandard healthcare.

Since 2002, Dr. Ronald Shansky has been visiting the jail twice a year as part of a consent decree. When he visited earlier this month, 37 percent of the health care positions in the jails staff were vacant, up from 30 percent this spring, he wrote in a report.

Theres been no improvement, Shansky told The Daily Beast. Questions certainly can be raised about the occurrence of these four recent deaths and the relationship to officer shortages, he wrote in the report.

The increasing vacancies suggests a snowball effect, said Pete Koneazny, a lawyer with the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee who has been involved in litigation over the prison for decades. He said the jail should improve training for staff about handling inmates with mental health issues. We see no signs that [Clarke] has taken any particular responsibility for these deaths, he said.

The prisons healthcare is run by Armor Correctional Health Medical Services, a private company in Miami. The New York State Attorney General sued the company earlier this year, alleging that its neglect of inmates in a jail on Long Island had led to five inmate deaths.

Since April, Sheriff Clarke has refused to publicly address the four deaths, leaving the inmates family members in the dark. Meanwhile, hes been traveling around the country to give speeches to conservative groups and at Trump campaign events. In 2015, he reported receiving more than $150,000 in free travel, speaking fees and gifts.

If the criteria is someone who can face terrorists who want to appear on cable TV talk shows, then hes the guy, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett told the Daily Beast. Ive been mayor for 12 and a half years and in my 12 and a half years Ive never once seen him at the scene of a crime.

Barrett said he was especially concerned that Clarke hadnt made public statements about the jail deaths, and suggested that state authorities should step in to investigate the facility.

The fact that you would be stonewalling after four deaths at an institution under your command is extremely troubling, Barrett said.

Christine Neumann-Ortiz, the executive director of Milwaukee immigrant rights group Voces de la Frontera, said his leadership of the jail suggests that he wouldnt care about what happens to immigrants in detention centers.

Hes too busy promoting himself to really care about what are the conditions and the treatment for the people within the jail, Neumann-Ortiz said.

Her group is suing Clarke over his departments refusal to release information about which immigrants he refers to federal authorities.

The sheriffs office referred a request for comment about the deaths to Milwaukee Countys counsel due to the pending lawsuits. The counsel did not respond to a request for comment. Armor Correctional Health also did not respond to a request for comment.

Clarke isnt a shoe-in for Homeland Securityhis fellow hard-line Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Ariz. is also seen as a contender. Some locals doubt that even a Republican-controlled Senate would confirm Clarke after hearing the long list of his more controversial statements.

Hes called for American citizens to be treated as enemy combatants. Hes suggested sending up to 1 million people who useJihadi rhetoric online to the Guantanamo Bay prison. During the presidential campaign, he repeatedly referred to Hillary Clinton as Mrs. Bill Clinton and accused her of being a straight-up cop hater who is in bed with criminals. Last month, he tweeted pitchforks and torches time with a picture of an angry mob.

But there are reasons to think Clarke could be high on Trumps shortlist. He was a vocal supporter of Trumps campaign, even while other elected officials were jumping ship. As an African-American and a registered Democrat, Clarke would also bring some diversity to a cabinet that is so far mostly white.

And Clarkes worldview and demeanor seem to fit Trumps cabinet like a puzzle piece.

Hes someone who is dangerous, divisive, has no regard for civil or constitutional rights and hes really driven by his ego, Neumann-Ortiz said. His temperament is a carbon copy of Trump himself.
LOS ANGELESTeresa tries to forget the Teardrop Rapist.

No girl should go through that, she told The Daily Beast in an exclusive interview, far removed from where she was attacked two decades ago.

Of course, theres no forgetting what happened to her on June 5, 1998. While waiting alone at a South L.A. bus stop at around 6 a.m., a stocky man in a black skullcap with teardrop tattoos under his left eye walked up to the 15-year-old high school student.
Dear Good White Donald Trump Supporters:

I get it. Finally you are: Free at last! Free at Last! Thank God almighty [you] are free at last! Apparently its been a rough eight years for you being oppressed by that black president. But the days of keeping the white man down are overat least thats the vibe the rest of us seem to be getting from you.

Look, you have every right to be happy. You elected Trump. True, some people of color, including possibly 29 percent of Latinos, supported Trump, but it was white America that put him into office. Not only did 58 percent of whites vote for Trump, but a record breaking 67 percent of whites without a college degree cast their ballot for the man in the red Make America Great again hat.

That is why Im writing this letter to youthe white Trump supporter. Actually, Im really trying to reach the white Trump supporter who truly isnt bigoted or racist. And I absolutely do not subscribe to the view that every Trump supporter is a bigot. Millions of people supported Trump simply for his message of economic opportunity.

But while not all Trump supporters are bigots, all bigots are Trump supporters. (or at least all who voted) Its not like a person said: I really hate those damn Muslims and Latinos, but Im more concerned about green energy so Im voting for Jill Stein. Nah, the white supremacists were all in for Trump this year.

And therein lies the problem for the Trump supporter who is a good person, whom Ill call the moderate Trumper. You are being defined by the extremists in your community. Im talking about the followers of radical Trumpism or Trumpists, if you will.

These extremists have reportedly commited hundreds and hundreds of hate incidents since Election Day in Trumps name. As the Southern Poverty Law Center noted in a report released on Tuesday, there were 867 hate incidents in the 10 days after the election directed at blacks, immigrants, Jews, Muslims, and women. (You know, the very groups Trump demonized this campaign.)

So what type of hate are we talking about? Well there have been a lot of Trumpists cruelly telling Hispanics, Go back to Mexico. But there have also been more alarming events, such as a Latino family in Michigan being greeted with a wall of boxes that read Trump, Take America Back, and Mexicans suck.

There have been reports of numerous African Americans being called the n-word by radical Trumpers. And a disturbing spike in anti-black graffiti such as in Durham, North Carolina, where this phrase was spray-painted on a building: Black Lives Dont Matter and Neither Does Your Votes.

Some of your fellow Trump supporters have reportedly harassed women, vowing to grab their pussies because Trump now made it acceptable. And worse, one Trumpist punched a 49-year-old woman who supported Hillary Clinton in the face.

Muslims and Jews have also faced a spike in hate. For example, one radical Trumper sent a letter to various California mosques vowing a genocide against Muslims, warning, Theres a new sheriff in townPresident Donald Trump.

And there has been a horrible range of anti-Semitic incidents, from reports of swastikas being sprayed on buildings together with the word Trump to a Jewish woman being mocked for her nose size by a person who then added Make America great again.

Now to be fair, there have been anti-Trump hate incidents as well. And they are just as despicable. But as the SPLC noted, out of the 867 documented hate incidents, only 23 were anti-Trump. You might think its higher because Trump surrogates appearing on cable news have claimed that its just as bad for Trump supporters. But that statementlike much of what Trump said during the campaignis a lie. (I could be more diplomatic than saying lie but Im guessing you appreciate me not being politically correct.)

And, my fellow white Americans (OK, Im only half-white but Im hoping you can bond with that half of me), the response weve seen so far from some Trump supporters is not helping you. On Twitter, numerous Trumpists have claimed that these hate crimes are lies and the SPLC made them up. And Im not just talking about random Trump Twitter trolls. Even a vice president at the company of Frank Gaffney a vile anti-Muslim activist who is rumored to be under consideration for a role in the Trump administrationtweeted that he would denounce these hate incidents when these incidents stop turning out to be #Islamofauxbia & #FalseFlag. Thats why I linked the actual news events in local papers above and not just relied on the SPLC report, so that Trumpists cant mislead you that its all lies.

Let me give you a pro tiphalf-white person to white person. Failing to denounce those hate crimes committed by the extremists in your community will cause you to be defined by them. Believe me, I know that firsthand, being Muslim. Imagine if Muslim Americans had committed more than 800 hate incidents in 10 days? Muslim Americans, including myself, would be in the media vocally denouncing them just as we try to do after any terror attack carried out by a Muslim.

Of course, I understand why you dont always see us doing just that and its not your fault. In general, cable and network news stations dont believe that Muslim voices matter, so they rarely invite us on the news. (I think we can both agree that the mainstream media sucks.)

But Trump supporters dont have that problemyou are on TV daily and can get that message out.

Bottom line is if we dont start seeing moderate Trump supporters denounce the extremistsfair or notthe followers of radical Trumpism will soon define all of you.

Its your call. Im simply just trying to help the millions of Trumpers who are good Americans and despise hate as much as the rest of us.

SincerelyDean ObeidallahYour Muslim friend
BERLIN  You couldnt make it up.

Two weeks ago, 51-year-old Roque M. was sitting in the grey headquarters of the German domestic intelligence service (the BfV, known in English as the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution) in Cologne-Chorweiler, assigned to observe the Islamist scene in Germany. Now, he is sitting in jail.

The Spanish-born German citizen and married father of four is accused of having entered a chat room popular among Islamic militants under a fake name, advertising himself as a spy and proposing to another user a violent act against unbelievers. He allegedly typed he was ready for anything to help his brothers.

Unfortunately for M, that user was also an employee of the BfV, who had been monitoring the chat room. M was arrested the next day.

During his interrogation, M confessed that he had secretly converted to Islam two years ago. He told his interrogator that he infiltrated the intelligence agency because it was Allahs will.

Indeed, M claimed that there was a bigger plan for infiltrating the BfVone that would continue without him. He reportedly said, You may have me now, but the plan will go on.

With new terrorist threats and extremist tensions on the horizon, the BvF is expanding. The intelligence service currently has almost 3,000 employees; 500 new positions are planned in the federal budget for 2017.

M was hired as an observation employee this April. According to BfV boss Hans-Georg Maaen, the very, very high security precautions were met in the application process: M had to give five references, list all his relatives and undergo biographical questioning.

But despite being described as inconspicuous and a good worker, it seems that M was leading a double life beyond that of your typical secret agent: When the police searched the apartment that M shared with his unsuspecting family, they reportedly found, among other things, gay porn videos he had acted in under the same pseudonym he used in the Islamist chat room.

Investigative journalist Hans Leyendecker tells The Daily Beast that the BfV would probably be in a lot more trouble if the Islamist who claimed to be a cog in the machine had not been, in fact, such an eccentric personality. He is married to a doctorand also a gay porn star; he is Catholic and Salafist. Nobody knows who he is, but he himself doesnt seem to know who he is.

We obviously are dealing with a case in which a person became radicalised, unnoticed by those in his personal environment, Maaen said. He had looked over Ms file, and failed to find any mistakes in his recruitment process.

So politicians are divided on how bad a blunder this is for the BfV. The ruling coalition praise of the good work in uncovering M, opposition politicians are worried about possible security breaches, and the far left wants to abolish the BfV altogether.

But whatever way you cut it, Berlin is annoyed that the case was in the papers on Tuesday night, before anyone heard about it from Maaen directly.

The entire parliament is sick of having to find out sensitive information about the intelligence service in the media. Its not just bad style, to me it is a real disgrace, SPD politician Uli Grotsch complained.

Maaen and the BfV also came under fire this summer for the Corelli-Affair, when evidence turned up suggesting ties between the deceased spy Thomas R. and the extreme-right terror group NSU.

Prior to being bashed for security leaks and bad communication, the BfV was mocked as boring and square. In Germany, given its history, being a spy is not the honor it can be in some other countries, and according to Leyendecker, there have always been difficulties finding qualified people.

Two years ago, the intelligence agency placed a vaguely worded job advertisement in Colognes papers, seeking, A politically interested, mobile person, who takes in their surroundings with open eyes, to be employed in the intelligence service for observation. The response rate was so low apparently, that Maaen had to step in and assure readers that the ad was not a joke.

Today, clearly, theres nothing funny about it.
Donald Trump ran for president attacking the influence of Wall Street, and especially Goldman Sachs, in Washington, pledging to drain the swamp. As president-elect he is stocking that swamp with alligators.

For Treasury secretary, Trump chose Steven Mnuchin, a 17-year veteran of Goldman who left with a stake worth $46 million.

Mnuchin was among the buyers of IndyMac, a Southern California bank deeply involved in the mortgage mess that wrecked the economy eight years ago. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, a federal agency, sold the bank for the fire sale price of $1.5 billion and renamed it OneWest. Mnuchin became chairman, operating it in ways that drew formal accusations of discrimination in making loans as well as aggressive actions against borrowers, including complaints of improperly foreclosing on some homeowners.

Mnuchin and his partners paid themselves more than $2 billion in dividends before selling OneWest six years later for a profit of close to $2 billion more.

Another former Goldman Sachser, Steve Bannon, will become Trumps chief strategist.

And the Trump team floated a trial balloon Wednesday about yet another Goldman Sachser, suggesting that the Office of Management and Budget might be run by Gary Cohn, currently the president of Goldman.

Theres billionaire investor Wilbur Ross. He specializes in keeping troubled companies going while he recapitalizes them, winning applause for saving jobs, only to cash out, move on and leave the corporate carcasses to die, taking those jobs with them. Trump wants him as Commerce secretary.

Sometimes its not just jobs that die. Ross got control of the firm that owned the Sago Mine in West Virginia. Safety violations became rampant. The mine racked up 16 of the most severe safety violations in 2005, what the law calls unwarranted failures. The next year a coal explosion trapped 13 miners, 12 of whom died. Ross says he is guilt-ridden over the tragedy, but he didnt visit the widows and orphans. And he didnt offer any money, either, until others donated. Then Ross said hed match those gifts.

Then theres Betsy DeVos, advocate for lower wages and aggressive opponent of efforts to impose oversight on charter schools to make sure they perform. DeVos and her husband are billionaires whose fortune comes from Amway, calls itself a direct marketing company, but critics have long assailed as type of pyramid.

The Devoses donate to many right-wing policy organizations that advocate policies inimical to the interests of the factory workers and others who voted for Trump in the vain or mistaken belief that he would be their champion. She is against unions, regulation of schools and differences in spending between pupils even though costs of living vary widely with geography.

DeVoswho American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten calls the most ideological, anti-public education nominee everpresents herself as an advocate for charter schools while supporting organizations like the Heartland Institute and the Actin Institute, which are severely critical of what they call the monopoly of public education run by school boards. She has worked with businesses that run schools for profit.

DeVos is also a fan of vouchers, a loosely defined term that can mean anything from a subsidy for parents to cover the cost of religious school tuition to giving every parent the full amount of their childrens schooling to spend at any school of their choice.

What DeVos wants are schools without standards. You read that rightno standards. She pushed hard in Michigan to prevent audits and other oversight of charter schools, including the many poorly performing ones in Detroit where commercial operators are failing to make schools great again.

Put your trust in the market to educate kids and you can be sure that some of these schools will be run by Bible literalists who will inculcate children with nonsense about the sun revolving around the earth while also teaching that people like me who call out such nonsense are trying to impugn the veracity of the Scriptures.

DeVos and her husband, billionaire Amway scion Dick DeVos, are widely praised by organizations that want unregulated schools and perhaps no schools at all except for those who can afford them. Theres a lot of money to be made if the Trump administration arranges to funnel tax dollars to private corporations to run schools from kindergarten through high school.

So much for draining the swamp.

The way it looks now, the Wall Streeters whose banking deals sank the economy eight years ago and who financed the transfer of factory jobs from America to Mexico, China and other low-wage countries will not be flushed from Washington, as Trump promised. Instead, Trump is giving them power to shape the economy, trade and education with more appointments to come.

Drain the swamp was a con, and Trump, the greatest con artist of all time, fooled just enough voters in manufacturing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin to gain entry to the White House via the Electoral College. Instead of delivering on his promises to those workers what we can see in Trumps appointments is his embrace of the super-rich he told us rigged the system. Turns out they did.
If there is one news story that his suffered the most amidst Americas Trump obsession, it is the protests that have been raging for months at the Standing Rock Native American Reservation over the Dakota Access Pipeline. Nobodys talking about this, Chelsea Handler said in this clip from her Netflix talk show that will start streaming Friday morning. And I feel like this is a major issue in our country and a lot of people dont really understand whats going on.

On hand to educate Handler and her audience was CNNs Van Jones , who explained it this way: They were going to put the pipeline through a white town, and the white people said, Hell no! So instead, the Dakota Access company decided to route it through a Native American reservation. And it turns out that the land that theyre putting it on is some of the most sacred land for Native Americans in the world, he continued.

Now, despite the fact that thousands of people are out there in the freezing cold protesting, with police turning cold water hoses and tear gas on them , Jones said, For some reason, the mainstream media really hasnt talked about it as much.

To me, this is Selma, this is Birmingham, this is as big a civil rights movement and as big a civil rights moment as youre ever going to see, Jones added.

Handler, who said she wants to travel to the site, asked Jones what ordinary people can do to help. He urged viewers to use social media to raise awareness and send money or supplies to the effort if they can. But his real message was to the president of the United States who still has more than a month left in office.

President Obama is still the president of the United States right now, he said. And I think he should tell the Army Corps of Engineers to cancel this whole project. If Trump wants to do it, well deal with that later, but President Obama should stand up and say this has gone far enough and needs to stop and needs to stop right now.
The piece of art is now surrounded by a black curtain, with arrow signs on its exterior directing viewers to enter on one side. It looks strange: a one-work, self-enclosed gallery within a gallery, like its own mini-peep show or a mysterious polling booth. What could possibly be so shocking, illicit, or unsavory that needs to be covered up so dramatically?

In fact, it is a soberly composed digital art-work, Meeting Under a Black Moon on the Plains of Despair, showing a group of six robed and hooded Ku Klux Klan members. It is plain, almost documentary in style, not inflammatory nor overtly political in content, but it has fallen foul of yet another angry student bodyhence the black curtain.

When the artist Garry Harleys digital work depicting members of the Klan was selected by Salem State University to be featured in an election-inspired State of the Union art exhibit, he didnt anticipate that the work would be met with such controversy that the Salem, Massachusetts, school decided to temporarily close its Winfisky Gallery last week.

We would like to apologize to those in the campus community who have experienced distress resulting from this exhibit, the universitys Art and Design department said in a statement. We are sorry. Yesterdays conversation made clear the strong emotions this exhibit has caused.

The image elicited uproar from marginalized students on campus, who criticized the universitys decision to exhibit an image that conveyed and, some argued, promoted the KKKs hatred and bigotry.

Salem States initial response was to display statements from the artistswhich are usually featured in a book at the center of the gallerydirectly next to the works.

While Harleys Ku Klux Klan image was the most contentious of the 18 works featured in the exhibit, students objected to three other works, including Harleys portrayal of Jews rounded up after the Warsaw ghetto uprising in 1943, titled They Came For My Brother and I Turned AwayThen They Came For Me a Sunny Day in October. (Both of Harleys works were inspired by historical photographs.)

The university also covered the gallerys glass doors so that no one would have to see images without context and posted a sign outside the gallery warning that the exhibit contained potentially offensive works.

But these were not sufficient compromises. Last week, 50 members of the community gathered at an open forum to discuss the exhibit and hear from Harley, who explained that his pieces were cautionary comments on the power of Donald Trumps hateful, racist rhetoric.

The conversation was difficult because some students suggested that I was portraying black and Hispanic folks, and that wasnt true, so I was able to offer up original photographic sources that my works were based on, Harley, 77, told The Daily Beast. I made the point that I was probably the oldest guy in the room, and that Id seen this part of our history before and that what were dealing with now is a new set of experiences and conditions and concerns.

He also attempted to contextualize his work with other controversial art throughout history, showing and discussing images of Picassos Guernica and Francisco de Goyas The Third of May 1808.

But he left the forum feeling as though many students hadnt heard his message.

Personally I felt that they had brought a lot of concerns and anger into the room during those two hours, and that my reaction didnt reach them, Harley said.

Lisa McBride, vice president of Diversity and Inclusion, disagreed: Many students originally didnt understand how or why offensive images were chosen for the exhibit, but were more receptive to them after hearing from Harley.

Once they understood Mr. Harleys interpretive lens they began to see through his eyes that the election was about love and hate, she said.

The exhibit reopened today after a meeting on Tuesday night between roughly 15 student and university leaders, including members of the student government, President Patricia Maguire Meservey, and Ken Reker, curator of the universitys gallery.

Harleys image of klansmen is now enclosed by a black drape with a narrative warning about the piece posted on it, so that viewers can only see the work intentionally.

As a gallery visitor approaches the painting, they are aware that the image may be disturbing and that they are consciously walking in to view that piece of art, President Meservey told The Daily Beast. That was one of the takeaways from the dialogue with the communitywe wanted participants to be aware of what they were going to experience.

Meservey called the drape a protective covering similar to a photo booth, with a very generous entry that doesnt totally enclose the art (although it looks like it does). You have to enter around the curtain, she said, adding that it didnt deter people from entering during the exhibits opening reception on Wednesday.

The exhibit is a very powerful exhibit with strong images and as they [the students] viewed the images they reacted to the images absent some of the context of the intent, and found that very difficult and very painful, and I would say thats also understandable, Meservey added.

Rather than hiding the work away, the dramatic black drape just gives it added frisson, and will arguably draw more people out of sheer curiosity as to what work of art could merit such special concealing treatment.

Harley hasnt seen the newly reopened exhibit but said, Ive been in front of a museum where there are security railings out of concern of vandalism, but I cant imagine a draped piece with this sort of approach. I dont know whether to be amused or concerned that its something that is so out of the norm. Its their campus and theyre in charge.

Reker said he had mixed feelings about the curtain and the function that it serves.

We erected it to placate concerned students for whom the image had caused so much pain and vitriol, he explained. Its a very complex issue, and this is a small art department at the university that oftentimes is innocuous to the rest of the campus. I viewed the exhibit as an opportunity to reach out to a wider community, and it has indeed sparked a broader dialogue between the art department and the rest of the university. Thats a good thing.

Charles Edward, an alum who graduated with a bachelors degree in history in 2013, said he was disappointed with the schools kneejerk decision to temporarily suspend the exhibit because of upset over Harleys piece.

Instead of taking it down because of how politically charged the campus climate is right now, I felt like they should have used it as a teaching tool to help people understand the background and history of the work, he said, noting that the university was originally named the Salem Teaching School.

They didnt honor that name when it came to this situation. Art is supposed to be provocative and get people thinking, and I feel like they tried to do away with that at first. However, he applauded the school for using a community forum to discuss the contentious exhibit, and its decision to put the works back on display with more context.

Meservey said, The gallery has been open for 30 years and, to the best of anyones knowledge, this the first time we have had a controversy. We are learning as a community. I think one of the very hopeful messages that I will take from this is a student who commented that we are one Salem State and we will grow together.

I specifically thanked the faculty for taking the risks for bringing the thought-provoking exhibit to campus, one of the beauties of working as a university of higher education. Will we learn? Yes. Will this experience make us risk averse? No.
BILLINGS -- GE Capital officials said Tuesday in Billings they will pull out of their West End operation and lay off 60 workers by the end of next year.

The remaining 90 or so workers in other departments in Billings are heading next year to Wells Fargo and Bank of Montreal, which bought operations contained within the companys Center of Excellence in Billings.

GE will continue making lease payments on the building through January 2021.

Executives with GE Capital from Chicago and Connecticut met with representatives of Big Sky Economic Development and other local leaders of all levels of government at the Northern Hotel.

Sixty jobs isnt a lot to a lot of places, but its a lot to Montana and a lot to Billings. Were going to continue to be engaged, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said during the meeting on a conference call from Washington, D.C.

Big Sky Economic Development owns the $9.3 million, 40,000-square-foot building on Hesper Road that was built specifically in 2009 for GE. The company also received about $1.75 million in incentives, mostly funded by taxpayers, to expand in Billings.

Steve Arveschoug, director of Big Sky Economic Development, said the agency must continue to make debt payments on the building through 2034. Big Sky doesnt have a new tenant in place and would like to find a company with a strong commitment to its workforce, he said.

Anyone that is in expansion mode. That facility is perfect for back office space, Arveschoug said.

Tester, fellow U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, Gov. Steve Bullock and U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke had lobbied GE since October 2015 to keep at least part of its operations in Billings. Thats when the Connecticut-based company announced it was selling its commercial lending and leasing businesses to Wells Fargo for $30 billion.

The GE Center employed 200 workers at its peak and generated about $95 million in economic activity through direct operations and spin-off jobs. BSED officials had hoped they could save some of the jobs.

About 150 workers are at the facility now, said Chris Favilla, GEs Chicago-based manager of the Billings facility. Favilla and Greg Cameron, chief financial officer of GE Capital Americas, met with employees Tuesday afternoon about the transition.

The laid-off employees mostly worked in GEs fleet management insurance division, which was consolidated with other GE operations, Favilla said.

Several people leaving the GE Capital building in Billings on Tuesday afternoon either declined to comment or referred questions to management.

Wells Fargo took over GEs vendor financing services, and Bank of Montreal bought other services related to transportation financing, she said.

Wells Fargo has a large presence in Billings and could roll the GE properties into its existing services, according to Big Sky EDA. Bank of Montreal has not indicated whether it will remain in Billings. Bank officials could not be reached Tuesday.

The closure of the GE Capital operations traces back to April 2015, when the company announced plans to separate from its financing business and focus more on its core business of energy and technology.

Cameron said the company had a good experience in Billings.

From a GE standpoint, the relationship and our fondness for Billings couldnt be greater, he said.
Given the slow pace of work to deal with the fires, and the complexity and volatility of the security and humanitarian situation around Qayyarah, it seems inevitable that they will continue to burn well into 2017. And, although the town has seen no shortage of journalists visiting it, environmental experts have been less visible.

Health and environmental risks from oil fires

The oil field close to Qayyarah produces heavy sour crude - oil rich in sulphur, usually in the form of hydrogen sulphide and, typically, metals such as nickel and vanadium. It is denser and more sulphur rich than the majority of fields across the region. Assessments of the toxic combustion products from crude oil fires have been undertaken, but the precise proportions of the compounds in the smoke plumes vary depending on the composition of oil and the temperature of the fire.

The hazardous substances produced by oil fires include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, carbonyls such as formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzopyrenes and naphthalene, as well as dioxins and furans.

The fires also release gaseous pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, together with particulate matter at sizes of concern to human health. Particulate matter can act as a vehicle for toxic materials to enter the lungs and the inhalation of high concentrations of particles over long periods can reduce the lungs' ability to clear themselves.

How the smoke plumes behave is crucial for determining the risks to human health and the environment. In analogous cases, such as the Kuwaiti oil fires in the 1991 Gulf War, atmospheric conditions regularly allowed the plumes to rise to high altitude - often travelling at a height of between two and six kilometres.

This was also the case with the 2005 Buncefield fire at a major fuel depot in Hertfordshire, UK, where an atmospheric temperature inversion luckily prevented the plume from reaching the ground.

Footage from in and around Qayyarah clearly shows a considerable amount of soot deposition and fallout in proximity to the fires and, while this was also the case in Kuwait in 1991, particularly where fires took hold in oil lakes, unlike Qayyarah, the Kuwaiti fires were located away from population centres. With the winter rains already starting, there is significant potential for the deposition of plume material across the region.

While any effects will be most pronounced closest to the origin of the plumes, there is potential for widespread soil and water contamination and damage to vegetation.

Environmental sampling and health assessments are critical

Given the seriousness of the humanitarian situation facing the region's residents, addressing their immediate needs for shelter, health care and sustenance are a priority.

Nevertheless, the potential for acute and long-term consequences for human health and the environment from the fires makes work to document their impact vital, and the UN has called for Iraq and its neighbours to also deploy mobile air sampling equipment. However, it's not clear whether this has been heeded by the Iraqi government.

While the Buncefield fire lasted only days, not months, the UK's Health Protection Agency moved swiftly to implement an environmental sampling campaign, collecting and analysing 72 samples from 33 locations by the end of the week.

The agency tested for PAHs, dioxins, furans and heavy metals, as well as for toxic fire-fighting foams. They also prepared and circulated a health questionnaire to 5,000 nearby residents to build up a picture of any acute health problems associated with the fire. The questionnaire also served to identify the sources of information that people depended on for health advice - vital data for structuring risk communication programmes.

In the wake of the Kuwaiti fires, the US military were forced by law to establish a registry of exposed troops. This required the development of new methodologies that used satellite imaging and environmental sampling to build up a picture of individual exposures.

This was made possible because the movement of military personnel could be tracked with some degree of accuracy - not something that is feasible for the civilian population. Environmental surveillance is now commonplace for deployments, and the US airbase at Qayyarah West is taking hourly air samples to monitor for pollutants.

Many challenges - but above all, the fires must be extinguished

Conditions for scientific research will be challenging but with widespread reports of contaminated water sources, agricultural land and the daily threat posed to the town's inhabitants by air pollution, such work is vital.

Building a health registry that can respond to the current needs of all those affected, and ensuring assistance now and in the months and years to come, will likely prove more challenging still. UN agencies have the capacity to assist the Iraqi government should they request it but cannot act without their consent.

The at times ad hoc responses to environmental disasters like these during conflicts are a world away from what is expected during peacetime. For now attention is focused on the immediate humanitarian needs of residents, and of those displaced by the fighting, but for Qayyarah and the wider region, the humanitarian and environmental risks have become inseparable.

Data on the extent of the threat the fires pose to human health and the environment must be collected. If the Iraqi government is recording data, it must make this available to humanitarian agencies and researchers.

If it lacks the capacity to do so, international assistance must be requested and provided. But above all, the fires must be extinguished.

Doug Weir manages the Toxic Remnants of War Project, part of a global coalition of NGOs advocating for a greater standard of environmental and civilian protection before, during and after armed conflict. The project is on Twitter: @detoxconflict.
A new 'death road' is set to cut in two the land of several uncontacted tribes in the heartland of the 'Amazon Uncontacted Frontier', a wide crescent of rainforest along the border between Peru and Acre, Brazil.

The road was rejected by Peru's Congress in 2012. Despite this, work continued illegally for many years, and now the project has been proposed again by Congressman Carlos Tubino.

The road, which would run through 270 km of the Amazon's most biodiverse and sensitive protected areas, is expected to be approved by Peru's Congress soon. There are estimated to be around 15 uncontacted peoples in Peru, many of them in the region where the road will be built.

Survival International has lodged a complaint with the United Nations, citing the catastrophic impact on the uncontacted Indians and urging the Peruvian government to veto the plan. Of the 3-4,000 people in the area, around 80% are indigenous. Most of them are opposed to the road.

Emilio Montes, president of the indigenous organization FECONAPU, which is based in Puerto Esperanza said: "We flatly reject this road. We indigenous people won't benefit from it, only the loggers, miners, oil companies and narcotraffickers. It threatens the lives of our isolated relatives, like the Mashco Piro. It will destroy our animals and plants.

"They should, instead, respect our ancestral territories. We've always lived here, and our children must carry on doing so. We need another type of development which looks after our resources sustainably: so that we can live properly, and secure our future."

Linking precious area to Brazil to Brazil-Peru highway



The road will connect Puerto Esperanza to the Inter-Oceanic Highway, which runs through Peru and Brazil. The area is part of the Amazon Uncontacted Frontier, the region along the Peru-Brazil border with the highest concentration of uncontacted tribes in the world.

Uncontacted peoples who could be wiped out if the road is built include the Mashco Piro, Chitonahua, Mastanahua and Sapanawa, who have all lived nomadically in the region for generations. Outsiders such as missionaries and loggers have forced several groups to make contact in recent years.

Elsewhere in the Amazon, road 'development' projects have allowed an influx of colonists to access remote areas and threaten the lives and lands of uncontacted peoples. Six indigenous organizations in Peru have made a statement of mutual solidaity and defence.
In this crazy world we live in we often forget the people or organizations that help the fur members of our family. I'm with a national rescue, French Bulldog Village Rescue. We foster and care for French Bulldogs when they are in need, and to do this we have to have veterinary care. I want to praise Northgate Pet Clinic in Decatur; they are directed by Dr. Larry Baker and Dr. Jennifer Rojas, they are so responsive and have done major surgery and lifesaving procedures on our foster dogs. This organization has the most amazing staff and the doctors are sensitive to your needs. We at French Bulldog Village Rescue praise them.
NEW YORK (AP)  Giving Tuesday, a 5-year-old phenomenon aimed at encouraging online charitable giving, produced record-shattering donations this week, according to two organizations which tracked the flow of gifts.

The 92nd Street Y in New York City, credited for launching the event in 2012, said Wednesday that contributions reported by organizations in the U.S. and abroad for a 24-hour period total $168 million  up from about $117 million in 2015. It said there were roughly 1.6 million donations, coming from people in nearly 100 countries.

Blackbaud, a software company that serves many nonprofits, reported that it processed $47.7 million in online donations Tuesday for more than 6,700 organizations  a 20 percent increase in giving over last year. It said 22 percent of the donations were made via a mobile device.

In its first year in 2012, under the aegis of the 92nd Street Y, Giving Tuesday generated about $10 million in donations after being pitched as a way to promote charity on the heels of Thanksgiving weekend's big shopping days. In subsequent years, it has mushroomed into a decentralized global movement, with nonprofits of all types soliciting donations, promoting volunteerism and encouraging acts of kindness.

The 92nd Street Y received detailed reports from many of the organizations it serves. Among them:

A Baltimore nonprofit called Thread organized a "Love Notes to Baltimore" campaign where residents wrote uplifting messages in chalk on streets.

Volunteers in Bethel, Alaska, stood in below-zero weather to accept donations for local nonprofits.

The Humane Society of the United States exceeded its target of $200,000, with a total of $350,000 raised.

The University of Michigan's campaign raised $5.5 million in 24 hours, compared to $4.3 million last year.

Numerous progressive organizations, in their Giving Tuesday appeals, made reference to the recent election victories of Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.

"When I look around today, I see how far we've come  and how far we have left to go now that Donald Trump has been elected," said an appeal from Barbara Miller, who serves on the board of the National Organization for Women.

On the right flank, the conservative Media Research Center appealed for donations to help it counter "the liberal media."

Henry Timms, executive director of the 92nd Street Y and co-founder of Giving Tuesday, said the event's success was due to "the work of ordinary people all over the country."

"For all those things that may divide us, we all share a proud tradition of giving," he said.
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 ...
DECATUR  Throughout the year, the Madden Arts Center's monthly exhibits are usually for display only.

During December, the local gallery turns into a Christmas store. The gallery's annual Xmas ARTicles will display the works of various artists. Items range from jewelry and purses to paintings and woodworking.

The grand opening will be during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, in the Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center. The shop is open through Dec. 30.

Hundreds of art pieces are sold every year at the event. Most are made to be useful, making the shop ideal for Christmas gifts. "A lot of the items are functional," said Sue Powell, executive director of the Decatur Area Arts Council. "They are beautiful, but they can use it."

The items range in price, including handmade cards for $2 to elaborate sculptures for a few hundred dollars.

Throughout the years, Powell has found shoppers come to the exhibit in search of something unique. This is all original work you won't see it in the stores, she said.

One of the new artists adding his work to the group of local exhibits is Jeremy Walker. Walker creates intricate pendants made from exotic woods and stones. As I'm working on the inlay, the wood guides me, he said of his creations.

Walker's work has been exhibited in galleries in Portland, Ore., and Denver, but this Xmas ARTicles is his first exhibit in his hometown. He has collaborated with other local artists, including a glass artist from Decatur. One of these pieces will be for sale during the Christmas retail exhibit. As with most artists, Walker makes all of creations as a work of art. Each piece takes 12 to 24 hours to make, he said.

Throughout December, the gallery will be filled with many other original artworks and crafts from approximately 50 artists. Powell suggests shoppers visit the retail gallery when looking for unique gifts.

"People don't come to shop for something they normally have," she said. "You don't want to give the same thing every year."

December Art Exhibits

BICENTENNIAL ART CENTER. The Paris art center will continue the display Artisan Works by Paris Artists. The exhibit will feature various mediums, including wood, glass and doll making. The exhibit will be displayed through Dec. 30.

BLUE CONNECTION. Millikin University's retail art gallery will display the artwork of Millikin students, faculty and alumni during the Holly Jolly Artland. Unique pieces will be available for purchase during the Christmas season. The retail shop will open during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, in the gallery.

DECATUR AIRPORT GALLERY. The oil stick paintings of Carol Kessler will be displayed at the Airport Gallery during December.

FLOURISHES GALLERY AND STUDIOS. The downtown Shelbyville gallery will exhibit the paintings of Jessica Disbrow.

Art produced by students from Pana's Sacred Heart School will be in Studio D. The Beaux Arts Ballroom will house several exhibits, including artwork from the Illinois Student Art Association and Shelbyville School Elementary students. For an appointment, call (217) 827-5690.

GALLERY 510. Gallery 510 will display metal sculptures from Darren Miller. A reception will be held during First Friday Gallery Walk, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Miller will be available during the artist talk at 6:30 p.m.

GIERTZ GALLERY. The Parkland College gallery will feature the 2016 State of the Art, Drawing Invitational. The exhibited will be displayed until Feb. 4. For more information, visit www.artgallery.parkland.edu.

KRANNERT ART MUSEUM. The University of Illinois art museum will display Borderland Collective: Northern Triangle through Dec. 22. The exhibit includes art and historical documents communicating the the struggles of the many children who have crossed into the United States over the borders of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, known as the Northern Triangle.

The exhibit Did You Know We Taught Them How to Dance? by Zina Saro-Wiwa will feature artwork of popular Nigerian culture, folklore and traditions through photographs, video and sound installation. The exhibit will be displayed through March 25.

PERKINSON ART GALLERY. Kirkland Fine Arts Center's art gallery will display the oil paintings of David Linneweh through Jan. 20.

ROCK SPRINGS NATURE CENTER. Rock Springs Nature Center's north wing art gallery will feature pieces from the Barnes Colony Artists.

The photography of David Caster will be exhibited in the south gallery of the nature center. His photos include images of deer, herons and plants.

Both exhibits will be on display until the end of the December.

TARBLE ARTS CENTER. Eastern Illinois University's main art gallery will display Vessels of Genealogies by Firelei Baez through Feb. 12. Also in the main gallery will be the exhibit by Chul Hyun Ahn Reaching Into Infinity. The display will be featured until Feb. 9.

In the Brainard Gallery, an exhibition by artist Eli Craven titled P.S. will be featured through Feb. 12.

The EGallery will present the works of the Blackbox exhibition titled Phantasmagoria through Feb. 12

Tours are available by appointment only. To schedule a tour, call (217) 581-2787 or email tarble@eiu.edu.

UPSTAIRS GALLERY. Paintings of Judy Kimmons will be displayed at the Decatur Public Librarys second floor gallery throughout December.

WILDFLOUR ARTISAN BAKERY AND CAFE. The oil paintings of Jane Eckles will be on display at the artisan cafe during December.
Enjoy music, art and more this weekend in Southeast Iowa

Your guide to getting off the couch and out the door this weekend in Southeast Iowa.
DECATUR  Circuit Judge Timothy Steadman has retired from service in the courthouse, after a span of 35 years in which he presided at many of the county's most high profile trials, after prosecuting thousands of cases.

At a retirement party attended by dozens of lawyers, judges and courthouse employees Wednesday, Steadman said he was mainly going to miss the outstanding people he has worked with since he joined the staff of the Macon County State's Attorney's Office in 1981.

"I've been the lucky one," Steadman said, in response to comments from Presiding Judge A.G. Webber.

"How lucky we have been for the past 20 years to have him here," Webber said, adding that Steadman is the best role model for judges, because he is knowledgeable, diligent, even-handed and especially patient. "He has all the virtues of what to look for in a judge."

Dan Flannell, chief judge of the sixth circuit, said Steadman's retirement is a "huge loss to the circuit." When a judge was needed to take over duties in Piatt County, Steadman volunteered, serving as presiding judge in Monticello for the past 13 months, in addition to duties in Macon County.

"He is truly one of the good guys, a hard worker who is well-respected, with a great sense of humor," Flannell said.

Steadman, a native South Side Chicagoan, landed his job in Decatur right out of John Marshall Law School. After 14 years as a prosecutor, including three in Champaign County, Steadman was elected by circuit judges as an associate Macon County judge in 1995.

His wife, Robin, was working as a court reporter in courtroom 3B when he received the news, which would later become her husband's courtroom.

"I remember him bebopping in and he looked at me and said, 'I got it,'" she recalled. "I was so excited. I knew he would have a long judicial career."

She recalled that during his interview for the position, in which he was competing with about 25 applicants, after his 10 minutes were up he asked for more time, saying, "Don't I get to do my closing argument?"

He was originally planning to return to Chicago, but after meeting Decatur court reporting student Robin Gordon through mutual friend Jack Ahola, and subsequently marrying her, he settled in Central Illinois. Now their daughter, Katie, is studying to be a court reporter.

Steadman said having a lot of courtroom experience helped him to adjust to the bench, but it was still stressful at times, such as when he presided over two infant murder trials within a short time period. But, altogether, he has enjoyed his profession.

"I looked forward to going there every day," Steadman said. "A lot of times they were important cases, which gets your adrenaline going. Every day was something new, something interesting."
Bruce Museum / Contributed photo

The feminist activists, Guerrilla Girls, come to Greenwich on Wednesday, Dec. 7, to share their world view with arts lovers.

Protecting their individual identities by wearing gorilla masks, the anonymous Guerrilla Girls use facts, humor and outrageous visuals to expose sexism, racism and corruption in politics, art, film and pop culture, the museum says in its announcement.
December is finally here! Looking for plans-both seasonal and otherwise-for this upcoming weekend? Here are 50 things to do around Connecticut.
AURORA  Memorial Community Health Inc. has begun a Care Matters initiative.

Care Matters emphasizes and brings to light the high standards that MCHI has set in caring for patients and residents, in caring for its employees and in how its employees work with each other as a team, according to a press release.

Memorial Community Health is a nonprofit organization that provides health care services to residents of Central Nebraska through Memorial Hospital, Memorial Health Clinics, Memorial Community Care and East Park Villa.

Aimed at setting high expectations, Care Matters is a revitalization of our internal behavior standards, as well as a way to publicly share the promises we make toward excellence in serving our community, said Diane Keller, Memorial Community Health chief executive officer. As a health care organization, our top priority is keeping the safety, health and well-being of those we serve first and foremost. Its also important that our employees know we are committed to their success and to empowering them to promote excellence in carrying out our mission.

To promote organizationwide participation in the Care Matters initiative, three committees were formed to define the promises of care expressed by employees to patients and residents, employees to their fellow co-workers and Memorial Community Health to its employees.

Each committee summarized its core message into concise CARE statements that will be posted throughout Memorial Hospital, Memorial Community Care, East Park Villa, Memorial Rehabilitation and the Memorial Health Clinics in Aurora, Clay Center and Harvard. The statements incorporate and expand upon the existing motto: Because every moment matters.

A short video that highlights each component of the Care Matters initiative and showcases many of the organizations departments and personnel can be viewed at memorialcommunityhealth.org.

We encourage the public to share their experience with us about the care received at Memorial Community Health, Marketing Director Tina Hunt said. We are excited and energized by the Care Matters initiative and invite everyone to visit our website and like us on Facebook to learn more. We also welcome suggestions for how we can excel at the service we provide. Feel free to email, call or simply stop by our offices.
AURORA  The potential hit man in the Hamilton County murder-for-hire case was sentenced on Thursday in Hamilton County District Court.

Derrick Shirley, 31, of Bradshaw was sentenced to 16-20 years in prison by District Judge Rachel A. Daugherty. Shirley has already served 43 days. That time will go toward his sentence, which starts immediately.

Assuming Shirley doesnt lose good time, he will be eligible for parole after eight years and could complete his sentence after 10 years.

About 25 people, including family, friends and children, attended the sentencing.

In early August, he pleaded not guilty to a previous charge of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, a Class 2 felony, for conferring with Robert S. Honken of Aurora to kill Honkens wife.

During a status hearing on Sept. 1 in Hamilton County District Court, Shirley took a plea bargain and pleaded no contest to possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, which is still a Class 2 felony.

Shirleys crime was committed anywhere from Feb. 10 through Feb. 17, according to the court.

During Shirleys sentencing, both sides gave their final argument. Deputy County Attorney Benjamin Dennis and attorney Ross Luzum represented the state. Shirley was represented by attorney Mark Porto.

Dennis opened the arguments. He stated the terms of a plea deal made with Shirley, which included a four- to eight-year prison sentence and an agreement that Shirley would provide testimony in Honkens case.

Dennis cited factors that he took into account when coming up with the recommended sentence. He said Shirleys previous diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in the military affects his judgment and actions. He also said Shirley has taken some responsibility for his actions.

Shirley and Honken were arrested on Feb. 29 after a State Patrol investigation.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit for Honken, a concerned citizen contacted police, telling them "Sam" asked the citizen to kill his wife. In a controlled call with police on Feb. 27, the citizen contacted "Sam," who then told the citizen his real name was Robert.

During the call, according to the affidavit, Honken said he wanted his wife "out of the way" and said he previously hired another person, Shirley, to do the job and paid him $400.

Two days later, according to the affidavit, a State Patrol investigator posed as a hit man and met Honken to discuss killing Honkens wife. Honken paid the undercover investigator $500.

The affidavit for Honken states that Shirley said he obtained a weapon and canvassed Honkens wifes house to prepare to kill her.

Shirley didnt go through with the crime.

In late June, Daugherty overruled pleas in abatement for both Shirley and Honken. According to Daughertys written decision on Shirleys plea in abatement, Shirley argued that there was no evidence shown by the state of an actual agreement between him and Honken. However, Daugherty wrote that evidence was presented that there were several discussions outlining how the murder would happen, preparations, the purchase of a gun and the exchange of money.

Written arguments were due on Nov. 17 for both sides in Honkens case. On Tuesday, Daugherty made her decision and found Honken guilty on two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. In Daughertys written judgment, she outlined text messages between Shirley and Honken. Though Shirley backed out, evidence still showed he staked out Honkens wifes home, bought a weapon and made a thorough plan for the crime.

Dennis said Shirley should be rewarded for ultimately not going through with the crime, but it doesnt minimize the lengths to which he went before backing out.

"The fact that Mr. Shirley became involved in the first place is troubling," Dennis said.

"Those text messages are deeply disturbing in themselves," Dennis said, citing the exchanges between Honken and Shirley to plot Mrs. Honkens murder.

Dennis mentioned Shirleys alcohol and drug use, as well as his high percentile scores on the violence scale.

He said by backing out, Shirley did stop Honken from going through with this instance of the crime. However, Dennis said Shirley failed when he didnt tell law enforcement about Honken. He said that allowed Honken possibly to go through with the crime another way, which he tried to do when he contacted another person to kill his wife.

"But his actions are threatening, inappropriate, and their seriousness cannot be overlooked," Dennis said of Shirley.

Porto said he agreed with most of what Dennis said. He argued that, although Shirley has drug and alcohol issues, his actions in plotting Mrs. Honkens murder arent indicative of any past behavior.

Porto also tried to make sense of any reason or motive Shirley would have to commit the crime, but it was still muddy. He said Shirley was "really in his element" when he was in the military, as he was at the top of his professional career. Due to personal issues, Shirley was discharged. Porto said Shirley lost his sense of pride and began to spiral. He said when Honken contacted Shirley, Shirley was "motivated in the wrong way."

"He obviously went way too far. Theres no question about it," Porto said.

According to Daughertys judgment of Honken earlier this week, evidence shows text messages between the co-conspirators. Shirley staked out Mrs. Honkens residence multiple times and discussed different ways to kill her. The judgment also cites evidence that Shirley had a friend buy a Mossberg .22 rifle and acknowledged that he drove by Mrs. Honkens house about 20 times. It also states that Shirley tried to lure Mrs. Honkens dogs in with hot dogs to "keep them from barking and alerting Mrs. Honken."

Porto said it was good of Shirley to remove himself from the situation and that four to eight years imprisonment was appropriate.

"I truly do not believe that Mr. Shirley was ever going to do this," Porto said.

He said he hoped that, while Shirley would be in prison, he would become drug free. Shirley will have longer to do that than Porto, Dennis or other parties involved expected.

Before Daugherty announced the sentence, Porto said he didnt think Shirley truly understood the nature of a conspiracy and that its still a crime, although Shirley didnt go through with the murder.

Shirley gave his first and last comment at his sentencing before he knew his fate.

"Im sorry for everyone Ive affected throughout this whole thing," Shirley said.

Daugherty listed four possible motives and reasons for Shirley to commit this crime: drugs, anger, money and thrill.

She said his marijuana use couldnt lead him to commit a murder and Mrs. Honken was a stranger to him, so he didnt have pent-up anger. He wasnt actually paid much by Honken, Daugherty said, so she ruled money out. She said the only thing that made sense was thrill.

"You were a man on a mission, just as you were in the military," Daugherty said to Shirley.

She said the extent to which he went is concerning and she sees him as a danger to the community.

People in the crowd were audibly surprised and relieved.

As Shirley walked out of the courtroom in handcuffs, friends called to him, "Later bro," and "Later, buddy."
CHARLESTON  Eastern Illinois Universitys latest influx of expected stopgap funding is intended to assist operations through the rest of the year.

Last week, it was reported that the Illinois Board of Higher Education is intending to funnel $17 million of the $20 million they received from the state's stopgap funding measure in June to three state institutions, including Eastern.

Eastern was appropriated to get almost $5.6 million, 33 percent of the $17 million, by the end of the year. As previously reported, the funding can only be used to pay down costs incurred this year.

The majority of the funds were allocated to Western Illinois University with $8.3 million of the pot, about 50 percent.

The higher education board determined the money would be allocated to these institutions after they had proven they were in a state of financial emergency.

To be in a state of financial emergency, the university had to demonstrate that it is significantly diminishing all available resources and must satisfy any other factors determined appropriate by the Board, according to state law.

According to board documents, the money was allocated based on payroll and enrollment, among other factors.

When the funds will be received by Eastern is unclear, as the money will be coming from the state general revenue fund, which has a backlog of bills totaling $10.6 billion.

In addition to the $5.6 million, Eastern is still expected to get the remaining $1.3 million from the state as part of the $26.2 million stopgap funding they were appropriated in the summer, Vice President for Business Affairs Paul McCann said.

Eastern also has tuition dollars coming in to help offset regular operations costs incurred. McCann said that approximately $35 million is brought in from fall semester tuition and $30 million from spring semester tuition.

McCann noted Eastern will be able to operate throughout the budgetary impasse.

We are pleased to have received the monies from IBHE, McCann said.

Along with other institutions in the state, Eastern has been getting piecemeal funding while the state legislature and Gov. Bruce Rauner still disagree over reforms and budgeting. The state legislature has yet to pass a budget not vetoed by Rauner after more than a year.

The university has remained a major advocate to budget specifically a full budget as opposed to the stopgap funding that has come in. EIU President David Glassman said in board meetings that the university simply needs predictable funding, even if it is through stopgap-like funding measures

If we knew we were going to get 'X' amount and it is going to come at this point, that would be much, much better than what we have now, Glassman said. At least then, we would know what our budget is.

Currently, the EIU Board of Trustees has only approved a preliminary budget because of the uncertainties at the state level.

Were putting placeholders here because this is what we anticipate because thats what we've have been led to anticipate, but you don't know until it happens, Glassman said. That just has all of the universities handcuffed.

McCann said EIU leaders remain strong advocates of full funding for Illinois public higher education but will continue to work with the stopgap funding until a complete budget is enacted. All of the state's universities have advocated together in the past for full and predictable funding.

We all want predictable and stable funding, Glassman said. That is what we want. We are trying to plan at EIU or whatever university you are at, and when you don't know what you are working with, it is hard to strategically plan.

As these financial challenges brought on by the state loom, Eastern has been doing ongoing work on an internal review, particularly of its future, through the Vitalization Project. The recommendations from those involved in the project are expected to be finalized soon.

Most of the reports from the working groups involved in the project are due by Dec. 15 to the university president.
After attacking the North American Free Trade Agreement repeatedly during his campaign, Donald Trump notably failed to include NAFTA on his agenda for his first day in the Oval Office. Perhaps he has learned that the Constitution prevents the president from terminating our trade agreements by himself.

Upon taking office, the new president will enjoy broad powers in foreign affairs. He will have the right to set U.S. policy toward other nations and to terminate treaties. In 2002, for example, President George W. Bush called off the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty between the United States and Russia without any input from Congress.

But like all modern trade pacts, NAFTA is a congressional-executive agreement created by statute, not treaty. Trump cannot terminate it  or even renegotiate it  without the approval of Congress.

The Constitution grants to the president the power to make treaties, subject to approval by two-thirds of the Senate. Our nations most significant obligations take this form, such as the North Atlantic Treaty that created NATO and the San Francisco Treaty that ended World War II in the Pacific. Presidents also have made some limited international compacts all on their own, though the Constitution doesnt acknowledge this power. President Obama concluded the Paris climate accords and the Iran nuclear deal without the approval of the Senate or House of Representatives. Because Congress never cemented these deals into law, Trump can reverse them with the stroke of a pen on Day One.

But trade deals are different, because under the Commerce Clause, only Congress may alter our tariff, tax and customs laws. Congress first authorizes the president to reach a trade agreement with certain countries within limited parameters. Once the deal is struck, the president sends it to Congress for enactment into U.S. domestic law. No trade agreement goes into force until Congress passes the statutes that carry out the trade deals obligations.

The upshot is that President Trump cannot on his own terminate U.S. participation in NAFTA or, for that matter, in the World Trade Organization. Congress enacted both agreements as statutes, so they can be reversed only by another, repealing statute enacted by the House and Senate and then signed by the president.

This constitutional balance of power effectively means that NAFTA and the WTO are here to stay. Both houses of Congress are more friendly to free trade. In the Senate, a minority of just 40 Senators could successfully filibuster any effort to terminate NAFTA. Trump is unlikely to persuade a new Congress to thoughtlessly throw the U.S. into recession and spark retaliatory trade sanctions against American products.

If Trump simply announced that the United States was pulling out of NAFTA, all the U.S. laws that implemented it would remain unchanged. Trump would have effectively freed Mexico and Canada to impose trade barriers against our products while leaving in place our preferential treatment of theirs  the worst trade deal in American history.

Even if Trump wants to merely renegotiate NAFTA, he is required to first seek congressional approval. No nation will even discuss trade agreements with the United States unless Congress is already on board. Presidents must first seek fast-track authority, a promise of swift congressional consideration of trade agreements with no amendments, before negotiations begin. Any amendments to NAFTA would likewise have to be enacted by Congress.

Moreover, a unilateral Trump decision to leave NAFTA would almost certainly be challenged in federal court immediately. In 1980, the Supreme Court avoided deciding a legal challenge to President Carters termination of a defense treaty with Taiwan because no one had the proper standing to bring a case. That wont be the case this time. Importers or exporters directly affected easily could show they suffered individual harm. A lawsuit could derail any attempt by Trump to withdraw from NAFTA  or at the very least, drag out the process for years.

The Constitution still preserves presidential initiative in foreign affairs. Trump can refuse to negotiate or sign new trade agreements, which is why the Trans Pacific Partnership is probably dead on arrival under the new administration. But the Constitution makes undoing a trade agreement, once enacted into law, as difficult as it was to make it in the first place.

Whether the United States should leave NAFTA is an issue open to political debate. But who gets to decide to leave is not. The Constitution requires that the president and Congress must jointly agree whether to leave NAFTA.
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DECATUR  If the wooly worms are fuzzier than normal that could mean it will be a cold winter.

If cops have fuzzier faces in November, that means families with children suffering from severe illnesses are going to get help.

For the fourth straight year, law enforcement officers in Macon County paid a fee to grow their beards as part of a unique charitable project.

About 200 officers and civilian employees of the Decatur Police Department and Macon County Sheriff's Office took part in No Shave November, which benefited six families.

It's a time we let our hair down, let our beards grow, said Decatur Police Chief Jim Getz, at a ceremony at headquarters. Most of us have kids or know kids. When we see kids in need it hits home with us. We like to help out when we can.

This was the second year for Decatur police to take part in the project, initiated in 2013 by the sheriff's office.

Brandy Smith, 26, has been caring for her 6-month-old son, Rowan, who was born 11 weeks premature, weighing less than 3 pounds at birth. Since spending the first 77 days of his life in intensive care at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Rowan has been kept at home around the clock, except for doctor appointments, until the ceremony Wednesday morning.

He was born with a congenital heart defect and lung disease, Smith said. Four therapists come to their Decatur home regularly. Rowan also began seeing an eye doctor because of trouble with his eyesight.

Not a week goes by without a doctor's appointment, sometimes two doctor's appointments, Smith said, as she held Rowan in her arms.

The family was nominated to receive help by Smith's mother-in-law, Lori Robertson.

I think it's amazing, Smith said. I didn't know the police do stuff like this. I think it is really nice of them to do this.

Paula McMahon was at the police station with her 2-year-old son, Lucky, who suffers from hydrocephalus, excessive fluid in the brain, which was diagnosed before his birth.

He spent 65 days after his birth in the intensive care unit at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He has had more than a dozen surgeries, including reconstruction of his head at Medical City Dallas Hospital, in Texas.

He has a shunt and a gastrointestinal tube, McMahon said. He has eating and swallowing issues.

The police were informed of Lucky's plight by Michelle Oberheim, children's minister at Northwest Christian Church, where McMahon attends.

I think it is a wonderful program, McMahon said. I am just surprised someone recognized children with disabilities and helped us out.

Sheriff Thomas Schneider said each law enforcement agency focused on helping three families this year.

Every opportunity we can see to give back to the community in some way, we are going to do it, Schneider said. We are looking at different ways to help the community.

Getz said he opened up the program to all department employees this year, each of whom paid $30 to participate. Instead of focusing on facial hair, female officers wore special headbands to signify their support. Civilian staff members wore jeans; dispatchers came to work wearing colors of their favorite teams.

We've got people that didn't take advantage of not shaving or wearing blue jeans, Getz said. They just donated the money.

The program is available to families who qualify all year. The Decatur police donated to three families at its first ceremony last year, eight more since then, including Wednesday's beneficiaries.

We receive phone calls throughout the year, Getz said. If we think the family is deserving, we will help them out.

The sheriff's office is extending into No Shave December, to support Toys for Tots, a program administered by the Marine Corps Reserve. Already, 52 employees have signed up to participate.

We were looking for a way to give to the kids for Christmas, said sheriff's Sgt. Ron Atkins.
Learning to embrace ones beauty - inside and out - is something Markia Ivy has believed in as long as she can remember. On Friday, Nov. 11, Ivy put her passion into action and opened Euphoric Beauty, a unique accessories and hair care product boutique in downtown Edwardsville, armed with expertise from the Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center.

I want people of all ethnicities and from all walks of life to experience euphoric beauty, a beauty that transcends them, said Ivy, an Edwardsville native. My goal is to create a store where anyone can tap into the beauty that lies within them. Euphoric Beauty will help them do just that.

Ivy first contacted the SBDC two years ago when she began to put data and details to her goal of being a successful local entrepreneur. Shortly after that, former SBDC Director Patrick McKeehan began meeting with Ivy one-on-one, often on a weekly basis, to talk through next steps.

Within a few months, McKeehan brought SBDC graduate assistant Kaitlin Beasley into the conversations to add another valuable perspective. The three also recruited local banker Rob Pickerell, vice president of commercial lending at Midwest Regional Bank, for expertise in navigating through a 27-page application for a Small Business Association loan. Ivy successfully closed on her loan in October.

Ivy credits the SBDC at SIUE for steadily and faithfully supplying her with information, structure and support as she worked her way through the process of successfully opening her small business.

Im grateful to Patrick McKeehan and Kaitlin Beasley for the hours they spent with me over the past two years, and for guiding me through each step of the process so I was not overwhelmed by it, said Ivy. Patrick, Kaitlin and I were a phenomenal team. We became more like family than anything else. The same is true of Rob Pickerell.

Perfecting the art of customer service from careers in healthcare and hospitality prepared Ivy for the relationship building she is doing through her new company. Helping clients problem solve, serving them and earning their trust is essential, she said. Im thankful for the professional experience Ive gained that has led me to this point.

Beasley said Ivy has been an excellent SBDC client because she works hard and has clear objectives.

Markias personality and passion have driven her success, Beasley said. It has been extremely rewarding to see her vision unfold and to have witnessed the milestones along the way.

Euphoric Beauty is located at 503 St. Louis St. in Edwardsville and is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information about Euphoric Beauty, call the shop at (618) 307-9838.

The Illinois SBDC at SIUE assists new businesses like Euphoric Beauty and existing businesses headquartered in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is a no-cost service to the community supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, andSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville.

By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining jobs and encouraging capital investment. It enhances the regions economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large. To learn how the SBDC can help your small business, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.
Every year the Edwardsville High School Drama students dont get to take much of a break following their fall production because they must quickly turn their focus to their annual Christmas Show. This years production, A Christmas Saga, has both a 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. show time on Dec. 10.

The annual Christmas Show, which takes place in the EHS Auditorium, is unique in that it is written, directed and produced entirely by the EHS drama students.

EHS Drama Director Kate Motley said that she picks the writer/director of the Christmas show a whole year in advance so that the current writer/director, who is Caroline Kaminsky for 2016, can be observed by next years writer/director.

This is a long-standing tradition in EHS Drama, and Kaminsky, an EHS senior, is the 31st student director of the Christmas show. Other key roles being filled by students include Ali Meehan, producer; Zak Francis, technical director; Miranda Mobley, choreographer; and Riley Kloostra, publicity.

Kaminsky, who has been involved with EHS Drama since her freshman year, was very excited when Motley asked her to write the play and be the director for the 2016 Christmas Show. I wasnt expecting it, but it was a pleasant surprise, Kaminsky said.

Shes also enjoyed both writing the play and directing it. I think its extremely different from writing, and Ive had a lot of fun directing, Kaminsky noted. I think its just the opportunity to interact with the actors that brings the play to life. I think thats what makes it a lot more fun.

A fan of JRR Tolkien, Kaminsky pointed out that she drew a lot of inspiration from the writer when writing the Christmas show. And although she doesnt intend to go into a career in writing, she does intend to write sort of on the side in her future.

Kaminiskys Christmas show entitled, A Christmas Saga, is set in a kingdom in which all are required to give the Mountain King gifts for Christmas, but none for each other.

In light of this injustice, a girl named Saga teams up with her grandmother to search for the true meaning of Christmas.

Little do they know that the King has sent his best agent, the Collector, to sabotage their mission.

Though they receive help along the way from Andrik, an adventurer, will they be successful in their search for the meaning of Christmas?

A Christmas Saga is a family-friendly show and a perfect way to begin the holiday season. Catch either the 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. performance on Dec. 10 in the EHS auditorium.

While this EHS Christmas show is free to the public, the drama students ask that those coming to their show to please bring a can or non-perishable item that they will donate to the Glen-Ed Pantry.

The Christmas show is a highlight of our year. Watching the students put their talent to work is such fun! They are so creative, Motley said. Carolines play may be a best ever. The exchange between the older students and the younger students is really special to see."
The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police has announced its annual holiday shopping safety tips to educate holiday shoppers on the potential dangers they could face both online and in stores.

IFOP President Chris Southwood said in the press release, The holidays are a time for giving, but that doesnt mean you should give criminals a gift by letting them take advantage of you. By following a few common-sense tips, shoppers can stay safe and make sure their purchases reach the intended recipients.

If an individual is shopping in stores, both the FOP and the National Crime Prevention Council recommend the following:

 Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.

 Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.

 Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multi-use disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.

 Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.

 Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit.

Southwood said when shopping in stores, its important to be mindful of pickpockets and keeping your belongings close to you.

I think its very important that you always have in the back of your mind the security of your credit card information and your personal information. Be careful with giving out too much information to make a purchase. I think thats probably one of the number one things," Southwood said.

"I think always using a debit card or something like that that youve had for a long time - I would try to more use a one-time use card or something thats a little more safe, he said.

When walking to and from your car or shopping with small children, the FOP and NCPC said:

 Deter pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.

 Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.

 Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.

 If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other.

 Select a central meeting place.

 Teach children to know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help.

With holiday deals taking place all month long both in stores and exclusively online, the FOP and NCPC also has tips for how to make a purchase in a safe manner:

 Before surfing the Internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyones computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed. Visit www.bytecrime.org for free software downloads.

 Keep your personal information private and your password secure. Do not respond to requests to verify your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.

 Beware of bargains from companies with whom you are unfamiliar - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or https in the URL address.

 Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.

Whether we see Facebook advertisements or referrals to other websites, Southwood said its important to verify before you buy.

Unsecure websites I would say, I think a lot of people see something advertised through Facebook or whatever and they click on it, they order stuff, and they just dont take the time to ask themselves if this is the legitimate site or a legitimate company that youre actually making a purchase off of. Once you send that information out there  purchase information, credit card information  its out there and thats why its really important to verify first, he said.

Identity theft is also a pressing issue and tends to occur more often during the holiday shopping season. Southwood said its important for people to be aware of that.

Make sure your personal computers are secure and understand when you buy something off of somebody, I highly recommend that you check the website that youre buying from, make sure its a legitimate website. There seems to be a lot more online-type fraud that happens now more than what has happened in the past, he said.

For more information regarding holiday shopping safety tips, visit www.ilfop.org and www.ncpc.org.
Illinois ranks five stars in a recent rating system shared by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, but the Land of Lincoln and neighboring Missouri are the only two states in the Midwest core to do so.

While Missouri won its five-star ranking for requiring ignition interlock devices, the states of Wisconsin, Iowa and Kentucky earned only two starts. Indiana earned four stars. Driving offenses are determined by state statute, so the various legislatures are the determining factor in the strictness of a state's drunk or drugged-driving laws.

It's rather stunning to see the difference among the five. A drunk-driving offense in Wisconsin, for instance, doesn't become a "crime" until a second offense, according to MADD information. Instead, that first offense is a traffic ticket, much like speeding or underage driving. Kentucky does not require a mandatory ignition interlock. Iowa does not have traffic "countermeasures," such requiring an ignition interlock or sobriety checkpoints.

The statistics are contained in MADDs Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving report, now in its 10th year. States are awarded up to five stars for their work in adopting drunk driving laws and/or implementing programs such as sobriety checkpoints, ignition interlocks for all drunk-driving offenders, enhanced penalties for those who drive drunk with children, no-refusal activities for those suspected of drunk driving, and administrative license revocation for drunk-driving offenders.

Illinois has reduced its number of drunk-driving fatalities since 2009, MADD says. Offenders in Illinois can choose to have an interlock device or have their license suspended, but most choose the suspension. Even with its good efforts, MADD wants Illinois lawmakers to improve the interlock law so it mirrors all-offender interlock laws in other states.

Illinois already has a vast array of ways to fight drunk driving: a statute for vehicular homicide and child endangerment; rules for dram shop and social hosts; sobriety checkpoints; seat belt laws; mandatory blood-alcohol testing for surviving drivers and those who are killed; mandatory assessment/treatment for DUI offenders; interlocks for first-time convicted offenders; felony DUIs for repeat offenders; and administrative license revocation.

Law enforcement is all too aware of the importance of getting drunk and drugged drivers off the road, and to work with prosecutors on punishment and education efforts to avoid repeat offenders.

Illinois is doing a solid job in enforcing drunk- and drugged-driving laws. Its citizens need to use common sense to keep themselves  and us  safe.
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Linkedin Devina Heriyanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

A month after a massive rally on Nov. 4 that involved more than 100,000 protesters, Jakarta must brace itself for another rally this Friday. If the former rally, which took a violent turn in the evening, was dubbed peaceful, the organizers have been promoting the upcoming one as super peaceful.

This will be the third rally calling for the arrest of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama in a blasphemy case, after one on Oct. 14 and another on Nov. 4.

The Nov. 4 rally proceeded peacefully until 6 p.m., when its permit expired. A riot, however, erupted in front of the State Palace as some protesters expressed their anger about not being able to meet President Joko Jokowi Widodo in person.

At a press conference held shortly after midnight, President Jokowi echoed a promise previously made by Vice President Jusuf Kalla that the legal process on Ahoks blasphemy case would begin immediately in a fair and transparent manner.

Ahok was named a suspect on November 16, less than two weeks after the rally. After canceling a diplomatic visit to Australia, President Jokowi quickly embarked on a series of meetings with political leaders in pursuit of stability. The President also called for an end to the rallies, after rumor broke that another anti-Ahok rally would be held on November 25. The rally turned out to become a quiet demonstration of solidarity with the Rohingya people in front of the Myanmar Embassy.

Who is behind the Dec. 2 rally?

The rally was initiated by the so-called National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Councils Fatwa (GNPF-MUI), referring to a fatwa from the MUI stating that Ahok had indeed committed blasphemy. The leader of the hard-line Islam Defenders Front (FPI), Habieb Rizieq, is a leading organizer of the planned rally.

Ahok, a Christian and Indonesian of Chinese descent in a Muslim-majority country, has sparked uproar among Islamic groups after he made a comment about a Quranic verse during his visit to Thousand Islands regency in late September.

Indonesias two largest Muslim organizations have expressed their disapproval over the rally.

Muhammadiyah and Nadhlatul Ulama (NU) have called on the GNPF-MUI to refrain from holding another demonstration, saying the move would disrupt the ongoing legal process.

The Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), meanwhile, has also called Muslims not to stage another rally, asking them to channel their aspirations through more democratic ways, namely through meetings with the government or through the media. The MUI has also distanced itself from the GNPF-MUI, saying the latter was not part of it and did not have any formal relations with the council as an Islamic organization.

What will they do?

Rizieq had initially said the protesters would carry out Friday prayers along two of the capital's main roads, Jl. MH Thamrin and Jl. Sudirman. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian quickly rejected the idea, as doing so would cause massive congestion. NU leading cleric Ahmad Mustofa Bisri has also expressed concern that conducting Friday prayers on the street had no precedent in Islam.

The MUI, meanwhile, announced in a fatwa on its website that Friday prayers could be held outside a mosque as long as there was coordination with law enforcement bodies and no disturbance to public activities.

After a series of meetings between the GNPF-MUI and the National Police, it was decided that the rallys Friday prayers would be held at the National Monument (Monas) from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and would consist only of dzikir (mass chants in praise of God), sermons and Friday prayers instead of street demonstration. Jl. Merdeka Selatan is also prepared to accommodate protesters.

Up to 600,000 people are predicted to join the rally according to Monas management, but police estimated the number to be closer to 150,000 to 200,000 people.

How will this rally affect business and traffic?

The National Police will reroute traffic around the Monas to prevent congestion, and Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara and Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat will be closed.

(Read also: Police to reroute traffic during anti-Ahok gathering on Friday)

Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman Rosan P. Roeslani said local and global investors had expressed hope that the rally would not turn violent.

Previously, the leadership of the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPI) announced that its members would participate in the Dec. 2 rally. Aside from demanding Ahoks arrest, the labor union would also voice its protest over Government Regulation No. 78 of 2015 concerning wages. The union boasted that 500,000 workers would join the rally. The National Police are calling on labor union leaders to postpone their rally.

Some schools in Central Jakarta, such as St. Theresia Catholic School, will be closed on Friday.

Will the rally turn chaotic?

Gen. Tito has called on Greater Jakarta residents to not be alarmed about the rally. Jokowi has also stated that he considered the rally a mass prayer event rather than another anti-Ahok demonstration.

The police and the military are ready to deploy 22,000 joint forces to secure the rally. The personnel will secure not only Monas, but also government offices surrounding Monas and other government offices and hotels, such as Jl. Veteran, Lapangan Banteng, the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, Tanah Abang, Jl. Abdul Muis and Jl. K.H Hasyim Ashari.

Just like for the Nov. 4 rally, the personnel would not carry firearms and take a friendly approach toward protesters. However, not everyone is convinced the rally will run peacefully. National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) chief Comr. Gen Suhardi Alius, for example, has warned that former terrorism convicts may join the rally.

What about the legal process in the blasphemy case?

The legal process is still in progress and moving quickly as the case has been given a priority due to its sensitive nature.

Is it true that the rally can lead to the Presidents impeachment?

Speculation that the demonstrations are actually targeting President Jokowi is rife since Nov. 4. At his press conference following the large-scale rally, the President vaguely accused political actors of being behind the rally.

During the rally, House of Representative Deputy Speaker Fahri Hamzah made a provocative speech about impeaching the President. In his speech, Fahri said there were two ways Jokowi could be impeached, through the legislature or through the street legislature.

Jokowis supporters grouped in the Red and White Solidarity Group (Solmet) reported Fahri to the Jakarta Police for allegedly violating Article 160 of the Criminal Code on provocation. Another group, the Presidents Volunteer Forum (Bara JP), reported Fahri to the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim).

Fahri later dismissed the impeachment rumor.

The Constitution allows lawmakers to impeach a president if two thirds vote in favor. However, an impeachment seems far-fetched after Jokowi made a series of meetings with leaders of political parties to consolidate support after the Nov. 4 rally.
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Linkedin Jacqueline Espenilla and Zaki Mubarok Busro (The Jakarta Post) New York and Port Elizabeth  Thu, December 1, 2016

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries under the leadership of Susi Pudjiastuti has made the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and fisheries crimes a top priority.

This move is part of a region-wide trend in the Asia Pacific, which has seen coastal states making significant changes to their respective laws and regulations in order to more effectively address shared threats to living marine resources.

IUU fishing, in particular, is an area of common concern given the highly migratory nature of fish, crossing borders without respecting maritime boundaries of countries.

IUU fishing is intertwined with other crimes in Indonesia. In many cases, transnational organized crimes (TOC) such as people smuggling, trafficking in persons, forced labor and drug trafficking are being committed along with the IUU fishing activity. One very example is the Benjina Case in Maluku, where the illegal fishers where mostly laborers trafficked from countries such as Cambodia and Myanmar.

Given the transnational aspect of IUU fishing, Indonesia can benefit from having a strong collaboration with other concerned countries in the region.

One such country is the Philippines, which in recent years has adopted several measures to address IUU fishing within its borders.

In Indonesia, Minister Susi has taken a hard-line stance against IUU fishing. Her policy of sinking vessels conducting IUU fishing has been hailed nationally and internationally. The sinking vessel initiative is also complemented by the other measures including the establishment of two tasks forces, the imposition of a fishing moratorium, the analysis and evaluation of fisheries licenses, the imposition of a non-transshipment policy and the ban on unsustainable fishing gears. Indonesia has also adopted a National Plan of Action on IUU fishing as required by the International Plan of Action on IUU fishing.

Another breakthrough is making the fishing industry respect human rights values through the enactment of Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 35/PERMEN-KP/2015 on System and Certification of Human Rights on Fisheries Business. It is also worth noting that Law No. 31/2004, as amended by Law No. 45/2009 on Fisheries, strictly imposes the twin penalties of imprisonment and fines on individuals and corporations committing IUU fishing.

However, the Fisheries Law and other relevant domestic regulations do not clearly address transnational criminal activities in the fisheries context.

Law No. 8/2010 on Countermeasure and Eradication of Money Laundering established the connection between money laundering and criminal acts in the marine and fisheries sector by identifying the latter as one of the possible predicate offenses of the former.

The adoption of this law followed up on Indonesias ratification of the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime (otherwise known as the Palermo Convention) on Dec. 15, 2000 by incorporating related provisions of the Convention.

Law No. 8/2010 connects money laundering to assets acquired from various criminal acts (including IUU fishing) which are subject to imprisonment for four or more years.

Even though the provision linking money laundering to marine and fisheries and crimes needs to be further tested, it is nonetheless an important milestone in combatting fisheries crimes within the context of TOC.

Like Indonesia, the Philippines has also made significant strides in combatting IUU fishing. In 2013, then President Benigno S. Aquino issued Executive Order No. 154 which formally adopted a National Plan of Action to effectively address IUU fishing (NPOA-IUU).

The country demonstrated its further commitment to the issue by amending Republic Act No. 8550 (the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998) by passing Republic Act No. 10654 on 27 February 2015.

The amendments proactively addressed IUU fishing by drastically raising fines and imposing a range of administrative penalties in order to serve as more effective deterrents to the commission of fisheries crimes.

The Philippines has also amended Republic Act No. 9160 (AntiMoney Laundering Act of 2001) by passing Republic Act No. 10365. The amendment makes it possible to treat IUU fishing as a predicate crime in the commission of a money laundering offense.

This means that upon the proper request of relevant governmental authorities in a money laundering case, Philippine courts can now issue freeze or seizure orders on any monetary instrument or property related to IUU fishing.

The amendment also makes it possible to trace the proceeds of Philippines fisheries crimes given that under R.A. No. 9160, banks and other covered institutions are required to observe strict customer identification and record-keeping procedures, as well as comply with the obligation to report suspicious transactions to the proper authorities.

With the adoption of Law No. 8/2010, Indonesia can now apply measures similar to those in the Philippines. This is significant in view of the urgent need for Asia Pacific countries to align their respective policies on combating IUU fishing in the context of TOC.

In the coming years, both Indonesia and the Philippines should continue addressing any remaining gaps in their respective domestic legal frameworks as well as focus on identifying areas for cooperation and coordination.

***

The writers are 2016 United Nations-Nippon Foundation fellows at the UN Division on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, New York. Zaki is also a PhD student at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong. Jacqueline is likewise a non-resident WSD Handa research fellow at the Pacific Forum CSIS. The opinions expressed are their own.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Guy Ryder (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

Our world is changing with unprecedented rapidity. Technology, demography, climate change and globalization are mega-trends that seem to be powering ahead, creating uncertainty and, in some cases, fear of change.

However, in Asia, the experience of change over the last 50 years is generally positive. It has brought prosperity, lifting hundreds of millions of ordinary people out of poverty.

Today, about half of the regions workers and their families are now classified as middle class or richer (meaning they spend more than US$5 per person per day).

With better education and more investment, people are moving from agriculture into higher-value manufacturing and services. Social protection is expanding. Labor productivity has been growing at about twice the global rate.

But the wave of prosperity has not washed over everyone equally. Income and social inequality persists, and in some places has widened, notably among marginalized groups.

One in 10 of the regions workers still live in extreme poverty (less than $1.90 per day). More than a billion people are in vulnerable employment.

There is a concerning trend for formal employment to become informalized, through contract, temporary or part-time work.

So the issue is not change itself, but what kind of change? How do we shape these global megatrends so that they deliver the future we want?

I see one very clear answer to this. That future must be based on the notion of Decent Work and social justice.

Placing decent work and social justice at the core of policymaking is simply a recognition of the obvious; none of us can build a better future for ourselves unless we include others.

For proof  we hardly have to look beyond todays headlines to find cases where the denial of the basics of social justice have created threats to peace, stability and development.

The importance of Decent Work for inclusive and sustainable development has been recognized internationally and is fully reflected in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular in Goal 8.

We must harness these megatrends so they support the Sustainable Development Agenda, and shape the future of work so that it delivers the maximum benefit to all people, equally.

The question is, how? In a few days [Dec. 6 to 9, 2016], Ill be joining hundreds of government ministers, workers and employers organization representatives, academics and others to discuss this, at the ILOs 16th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting, in Bali, Indonesia.

The delegates represent more than 40 countries in Asia, the Pacific and the Arab States  equivalent to about 60 percent of the global workforce. This ambitious forum only takes place every four years, and the range of actors brought together is unique in the international system  nowhere outside the ILO do employers and workers leaders sit down to negotiate equally with Government ministers.

This gives our discussions real representational and policy-making strength.

The countries in this group are very diverse  economically, socially, politically and geographically  but, as they prepare for this meeting, I strongly encourage them to focus more on the similarity of the challenges they face.

If they use their combined strength to harness these megatrends, they can create a regionwide, coordinated program of action that will pave the road to an inclusive and prosperous region that offers decent work and social justice to all.

We need economic growth that is sustainable and job-rich, rather than just statistically impressive.

Such growth can only be lasting and equitable if it is built on the foundations of strong and relevant labor market institutions, which themselves are founded on internationally-accepted principles and rights that underpin better quality work.

I must point out that ratification of the ILOs eight core Conventions is disappointingly low in this region. These standards cover the basic human rights issues of forced labor, child labor, discrimination and freedom of association, yet just 14 of 47 of Asia Pacific ILO members have signed up to the full suite of these standards.

Asia Pacific leads the world in so many areas  why not in workplace standards too?

The promotion of equity and equality must be at the heart of our labor market systems; for example, through effective legislation, social protection systems, and the appropriate use of wage setting and collective bargaining.

We must recognize that workers rights do not end at borders. Labor migration is a massive and growing trend. The economies of many Asia Pacific countries depend heavily on migrant labor  both as sending and receiving countries.

When labor migration is properly managed, it is a conduit for skills and wages to flow where they are most needed. It can, and must, be a triple-win; benefiting migrants and their families, their home country and their destination.

And, crucially, we need effective social dialogue. None of this will be achieved without discussions and negotiations that engage all the stakeholders of the real economy  Governments, workers and employers  in policy-making and implementation, and treat their views with equal importance and respect.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development offers us a chance to transform the future of work so that it is inclusive, decent and equitable. It is a huge challenge, which will take great political will, long-term thinking and sophisticated co-ordination.

I am confident that the countries of this region can rise to it.

---------------

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

Ayu Oktariani is a HIV-positive woman who became infected through her late husband. Based in Bandung, she is currently an activist for the Indonesian Positive Women Network (IPPI), an organization that advocates women with HIV.

In accordance with World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, Ayu shared her thoughts and experience with The Jakarta Post regarding the condition. (kes)

How did you feel when you first found out that you were HIV-positive?

It happened seven years ago. I was diagnosed HIV-positive while taking care of my late husband. I did not know what to do and what was going to happen. For a year, I became anti-social. I chose not to meet with people, unless it was really necessary.

Fortunately, my parents, siblings and some of my close friends have been very supportive. Although, at the same time, I also have encountered some people or other relatives that have kept their distance with me upon finding out about my condition.

Did you go to a support group?

My doctor and other friends I met in hospital suggested to me to join a support group, but I refused. In 2010, after realizing what my parents had done for me, I decided that it was time to get out.

The support group meeting returned me back to the real world. I realized that in this world there are a lot of problems and it is not only about my problem. I begun to accept my health condition and moved on.

(Read also: A healthy pregnancy is possible for people with HIV)

We heard that you have remarried. Can you tell us more about it? How did you tell your husband about your condition?

He was the answer to my prayers. In 2012, I returned to a normal life and started to think about my future. I didnt want to grow old alone.

My husband is HIV-negative. Hes not a HIV activist. In fact, he works in the creative industry. I think its positive energy for me [that] hes coming from a different field. I dont want to go home [each day] and keep talking about HIV.

We got married in 2014. Before taking the big leap, I told him all the consequences of marrying a HIV-positive woman, including the treatment I need to have, the cost and implications of getting pregnant. His family knows about my condition, but we try to keep it to ourselves and not let other relatives find out about this.

You moved from Jakarta to Bandung. Did you face any challenges when adapting to this new environment?

I had no problems adapting with the new environment. Additionally, the hospital in Bandung has a one-stop service that makes it easier for me.

Have you ever encountered friends or acquaintances that were reluctant to share food with you?

No. Usually I would be the one who inform them if I have flu or something.

(Read also: Most new HIV infections recorded in Jakarta)

As a parent, what are the challenges you face?

I make sure only certain people know about my health condition. My daughter knows that Im HIV-positive, [but] her circle doesnt know about it. Some may know that Im an activist, but thats it. People are different; some may need a longer time to understand my health issue.

Have you ever experienced discrimination in the workplace?

In 2009, I worked as an admin for a music school. It ended badly. That was my first [experience of] discrimination I encountered after [they] found out I was HIV-positive. The news spread to the management. After working for nine months, they asked about it. Although HIV cant be transmitted from social contact, they asked me to resign.

In 2010, I undertook work to support HIV-infected people. At the end of 2012, I joined IPPI.

How can we support HIV-positive people?

Dont be ignorant. Dont think that information relating to HIV is something extraordinary that only people like me [are the ones] that need to know about it. Try to understand and learn more about HIV.
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Linkedin Mari Yamaguchi (Associated Press) Tokyo  Thu, December 1, 2016

Haruki Murakami's new novel is set for release in Japan in February, and that's about as much as his fans are being told.

Publisher Shinchosha Publishing Co. made the announcement Wednesday. The book's title, theme and exact date of release remain a mystery.

The publisher showed two blank white books on its website with the message, "Haruki Murakami's new novel coming soon in February 2017."

Murakami's longer novels have been released in multiple short volumes in Japanese.

In this Oct. 30, 2016, file photo, Japanese author Haruki Murakami is presented the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Prize by Crown Princess Mary, during a presentation ceremony at Odense Town Hall, Denmark. Murakami's new novel is being released in Japan in February, and that's about as much as his fans are being told. Publisher Shinchosha Publishing Co. made the announcement Wednesday. The book's title, theme and exact date of release remain a mystery. (Polfoto via AP/Melissa Hjerrild)

(Read also: Book Review: A juicy mystery story for fans of Murakami)

A very strange story. That's how Murakami himself described the upcoming novel at an event in Denmark, where he recently traveled to receive the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award.

There was no indication of when the new novel might be available outside of Japan.

Murakami, 67, usually shies away from the limelight, although he has spoken out on issues such as world peace and nuclear energy. He began writing while running a jazz bar in Tokyo after finishing college. His 1987 romantic novel "Norwegian Wood" was his first best-seller, establishing him as a young literary star.

Murakami's most recent novel is "Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage," which was released in Japan in 2013. A collection of short stories, "Men Without Women," was published in 2014. His million-seller "1Q84" in 2009 was one of his longest novels, with the Japanese edition totaling three volumes.
During a meeting today in Yerevan, Armenian Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan told U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills that the fight against corruption in Armenia was continuing and that steps were being taken to intensify the process.

Ambassador Mills welcomed the news and said that the embassy was willing to further cooperation in this direction to maintain the achievements already made, this according to the government communique.

Several judicial-legal matters were also discussed during todays meeting.

Photo (from left): Ambassador Mills, Prosecutor General Davtyan
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Linkedin Annabeth Leow (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Singapore  Thu, December 1, 2016

Peruvian chef Franco Noriega has been named People magazine's sexiest chef of the year.

Noriega, 27, spent the past eight years as a model - having posed for brands like Burberry and even stripped down to his underwear in ads - and is so comfortable in the buff that he cooks at home in only his birthday suit.

The 1.87m-tall Noriega is a social media sensation, with 288,000 followers on Instagram. The singleton also helms a YouTube channel, Franco Cooks, where he teaches fans how to cook while wearing nothing but form-fitting boxer shorts.

The Telegraph reported that Noriega was surprised to have been compared with British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who goes by the moniker "the Naked Chef".

(Read also: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson named People's 'Sexiest Man Alive')

A video posted by Franco Noriega (@franconorhal) on Nov 3, 2016 at 10:14am PDT

BREAKFAST #MICASA A photo posted by Franco Noriega (@franconorhal) on Sep 21, 2016 at 7:47am PDT

"Did he cook naked?" Noriega - who had not previously heard of Oliver - is said to have asked the Telegraph journalist.

He was reassured that Oliver, at least, poses no threat to Noriega's semi-nude culinary schtick.

According to food magazine Eater New York, Noriega - whose parents are both restauranteurs - owns two restaurants in Peru on top of the two he opened this year in New York City, where he is based.

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
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Linkedin Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

The United Nations Children's Fund and the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) announced the winners of the 2016 AJI-UNICEF Media Awards on Tuesday at the Ice Palace, Lotte Shopping Avenue in South Jakarta.

Each year, the competition recognizes the best child rights reportage with a special mention category. This year it is focusing on the challenges of protecting children online.

Out of the 339 entries received, which included print/online, photo, radio and television categories, the winners are Halimah Tusadiah from Net TV, Marhasak Reinardo Sinaga from LPP RRI Pontianak, Tri Joko Her Riadi from Harian Pikiran Rakyat and Lucky Pransiska from kompas.com. As for the special mention category, the award goes to Zulfikar Husein from viva.id with his article Menyulap Facebook Menjadi Beasiswa (Turning Facebook into Scholarship).

(Read also: RI children and adolescents prone to cyberbullying)

UNICEF representative Gunilla Olsson said in a press release that journalists had a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering public debate related to childrens rights in Indonesia.

Regarding the special mention category, Olsson said 15 percent of Indonesians were internet users and most of them were young people. While many of them are enjoying the benefits of the internet, they are also at risk from digital dangers, such as sexual abuse, bullying or privacy breaches. So it is especially important that the media monitors this emerging area of child rights. (kes)
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Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

Fourteen activists from the Indonesian Peoples Front for West Papua (FRI-West Papua) were arrested on Thursday during a rally in Yogyakarta to commemorate West Papuas so-called aborted independence day, which falls every Dec. 1.

We were arrested when we were about to start the rally in the Abu Bakar Ali parking lot, rally coordinator Sofyan Hidayat said on Thursday.

The rally, in which 20 people intended to participate, planned to move from the parking lot to Yogyakartas kilometer zero point, passing busy Jl. Malioboro.

When we were arrested and told to get on a police truck, several of our friends were beaten by the police and injured on their mouths, Sofyan said.

He said the rally aimed to support a referendum in Papua to exercise peoples right to self-determination.

Emanuel Gobay from the Yogyakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Yogyakarta), representing the rally participants, said that as the rally was about to start, a crowd of people identifying themselves as members of several groups  Paksi Katon, Pancasila Youth (PP) and the Communication Forum of Indonesian Veterans' Children (FKPPI)  along with police officers, besieged the rally participants.

The activists were taken to the Yogyakarta Police office. We do not know the legal basis for the arrest, Emanuel said.

He said the FRI-West Papua had sent a notification letter about the event a day earlier, but the police had rejected it.

Yogyakarta Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Tommy Wibisono said the 14 activists were not arrested but were kept safe to avoid altercations with members of other organizations. (evi)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has decided not to detain Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama as the blasphemy case proceeds.

"The AGO has a standard operating procedure of not detaining a suspect who was not detained during the police investigation," AGO spokesman M. Rum said on Thursday, effectively rejecting demands by conservative Muslim groups for his arrest.

(Read also: Ahok ready to face blasphemy trial: Lawyer)

Rum added that according to the prosecutor team examination, Ahok did not need to be detained and had always shown up for police interrogation.

A group called the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Councils Fatwa (GNPF-MUI), which is organizing a rally in Jakarta on Friday, has demanded police detain Ahok.

Rum said the AGO would charge Ahok under Articles 156 and 156 of the Criminal Code, which carry maximum prison sentences of four years and five years, respectively.

According to criminal procedure law, a suspect facing imprisonment of less than five years does not need to be detained.

Ahok's lawyer Sirra Prayuna said Ahok would carry out his campaign activity as usual on Thursday afternoon.

"Today, he will continue to do the campaign activities to meet residents who have been waiting for him in Rumah Lembang," Sirra said, referring to Ahok's campaign headquarters on Jl. Taman Lembang, Menteng, Central Jakarta. (jun)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) says it submitted a dossier for a blasphemy case involving Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama to the North Jakarta District Court on Thursday afternoon.

"We have delivered the case to the North Jakarta District Court to respond to public demands to settle this case in court soon. We are just waiting for the date for the trial now," said AGO spokesman M. Rum.

(Read also: I will not protect Ahok: Jokowi)

Earlier on Thursday, the National Police officially handed over evidence for Ahok's case to the AGO after it declared on Wednesday morning that the 826-page dossier was complete.

Ahok has been charged under Article 156 section (a) of the Criminal Code (KUHP) on blasphemy, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Ahok was named a suspect on Nov. 16, less than two weeks after thousands of protesters from Muslim groups hit the streets to urge authorities to prosecute the governor for an allegedly blasphemous statement in Thousand Islands in late September.

The National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Councils Fatwa (GNPF-MUI) plans to hold another protest on Friday, in the form of a mass prayer at the National Monument park, Central Jakarta, to demand Ahoks arrest. (jun)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama has responded to a summons by the National Police on Thursday, marking the complete handover of the blasphemy case from the police to the Attorney Generals Office (AGO).

Ahok arrived at the National Police headquarters at 9.24 a.m. without giving any comment to the press.

His lawyer Sirra Prayuna said Ahok was ready to face the further legal process.

"We appreciate the cooperation between the AGO and the police. We will just wait for the further legal process and hope no parties will interfere with this legal process," Sirra said.

(Read also: Police officially hand over Ahok's case dossier to prosecutors)

He added that the AGO's quick decision to declare Ahok's dossier complete was like a 'year-end gift' for them.

"Just imagine, the AGO's examination process took less than two weeks. Now, after a short time, the AGO declared the case dossier complete. I think this is a super fast case," he said.

Police submitted the 826-page dossier to the AGO on Friday after naming Ahok a suspect of blasphemy on Nov. 16 over a reference to a Quranic verse at an event in Thousand Islands regency in September.

The Criminal Procedure Law grants prosecutors 14 days to respond to the document submission.

Ahok has been charged under the Criminal Codes Article 156 Section A concerning blasphemy, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. (jun)
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1 2016

The Indonesian Democracy Index (IDI) released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) on Wednesday showed that Indonesia became slightly less democratic in 2015, when censorship became more rampant.

The 2015 IDI scored 72.82 points out of 100, down 0.22 points from the previous year, which according to the BPS, reveals stagnancy in the countrys efforts to uphold democracy.

Protection of civil liberties in the country declined by 2.32 points from 82.62 in 2014 to 80.3 in 2015. However, it scored higher than two other components, namely political rights and democratic institutions that scored 70.63 and 66.87 points, respectively.

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Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1 2016

The City Council is looking forward to teaming up with the city administration under acting governor Sumarsono to resolve disputes surrounding the Jakarta Bay reclamation project.

I believe well find solutions considering the executives current performance, said Muhammad Taufik, council deputy chairman on Wednesday.

The administration under incumbent Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who is currently on leave to campaign for reelection, had a standoff with councillors following a disagreement over a draft bylaw pertaining to spatial planning on Jakartas northern coast.

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Linkedin Elly Burhaini Faizal (The Jakarta Post) Doha, Qatar  Thu, December 1, 2016

Delegates highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration to find cross-border solutions to global health care issues on the second day of this years World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) in Doha.

Former US treasury secretary Lawrence H. Summers called on countries to increase funding to tackle transnational healthcare challenges, such as by developing medicines and vaccines for diseases, increase pandemic preparedness and rethink priorities in healthcare policymaking.

The economist said that currently only 20 percent of donor support for health went toward global efforts.

If a country invests in better health clinics, its citizens capture all the benefits of the investment. If it invests in pandemic preparation or vaccine research or development of new service delivery techniques, the benefits flow around the world. [...] Without global cooperation, the world will underinvest in global public goods and global functions, he said.

Summers said increasing the share of donor support for global healthcare efforts to 50 percent by 2030 could save millions from death by pandemic, smoking-related illnesses, obesity and other diseases. At the same time, developing economies could better address their domestic healthcare needs.

More than 1,400 delegates from more than 100 countries, including nearly 40 ministry-level representatives, attended the two-day summit, which ended on Wednesday.

DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman said in his keynote speech that a vast array of technological advancement existed to enhance healthcare.

We looked at many different application areas, but none seemed to struggle more with technology than healthcare, none seemed to have a margin of improvement that was as striking as the opportunities that we see in healthcare. I think digitization is absolutely critical when it comes to delivering safe and high-quality care.

WISH executive chair Lord Ara Darzi said that in the summit, experts and innovators had shared their solutions to the most stubborn health problems.

Our global community of innovators leave Doha informed, inspired and energized by this landmark summit. We return to more than 100 countries with new friendships and connections that will endure.
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Linkedin Hotli Simanjuntak, Ganug Nugroho Adi, Jon Afrizal, Agus Maryono and Rizal Harahap (The Jakarta Post) Aceh, Surakarta, Jambi, Cilacap, Pekanbaru  Thu, December 1 2016

Extreme weather in several areas across the archipelago has caused landslides and flooding that have displaced thousands of people.

At least 43 villages in five districts in Aceh Singkil regency, Aceh, were inundated after the Cinedang River broke its banks following heavy rain over four consecutive days, forcing thousands to flee their homes.

The flooding  at a depth of between 1 and 2 meters  forced over 7,500 families, consisting of around 30,000 people, from their homes, Aceh Singkil Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) head Sulaiman said on Wednesday.

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Armenian Minister of Economic Development and Investments Suren Karayan today met with Artak Avagyan, who has been assigned the task of saving Ashtarak Kat, the financially troubled dairy producer, this according to a government communique.

Ashtarak Kat (Milk) owes 70 million AMD ($146,000) to its suppliers and employees.

Minister Karayan said he wanted to understand if, and in what capacity, the company would continue to operate and how it would pay its debts.

Deputy Minister Tigran Khachatryan told reporters after the meeting that the company has had talks with former owners. He didnt go into specifics.

Avagyan said that the companys products were back on store shelves and that separate talks are being held with rural suppliers of milk.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Tangerang  Thu, December 1 2016

Police arrested three Peruvians at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday for allegedly stealing baggage.

Airport police spokesman Adj. Comr. Sutrisna said the three suspects, identified as AAMP, 52; JPRG, 49; and FBCS, 48, had been detained.

He said the police went after the suspects after receiving a report from the victim of the stolen baggage.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

The Association of Journalists for Diversity (Sejuk) is denouncing the violence allegedly committed against journalist Reja Hidayat from tirto.id by a member of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI).

In a release made available on Thursday, Sejuk said it received a report that Reja was hit and told to go away by an FPI member on Wednesday at 2:15 p.m. when he was in Petamburan, Central Jakarta, near the FPI headquarters.

In the chronology outlined by Reja, the journalist wrote in his report circulating in several journalists chat groups that the man tried to prohibit him from writing any news about the FPI meeting ahead of the rally and demanded he delete anything he had already written. He also said he didnt trust the media.

(Read also: Police ready to secure labor, anti-Ahok rallies)

Sejuk said the alleged violence was against press freedom, guaranteed in Indonesia in the 1999 press law.

Sejuk said two other journalists, one from Gatra magazine and another from the Jawa Post News Network, were also forced to go away and told they were not allowed to write news about the preparations for a Dec. 2 rally, which is being undertaken by, among others, the FPI.

We call on the police to investigate the case, the association said.

Sejuk is also calling on the public and participants in the Dec. 2 rally to respect press freedom and journalists endeavors to report the facts to the public.

During the previous rally on Nov. 4, journalists from Metro TV, Kompas TV and Berita Satu, reportedly received threats. (evi)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1 2016

Blues band Slank performed live for fans during the recent Apel Nusantara Bersatu event.

The event, held at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta on Wednesday, aimed to promote unity among Indonesians. Other regions also held events simultaneously by featuring different artists and shows.

Slanks fanbase, dubbed Slankers, did not waste the opportunity to watch their idols perform for free, as they invaded the monuments compound, Antara news agency reported.

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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

The number of foreign tourists arriving in Indonesia in October increased by 18.5 percent year-on-year to 1.04 million, with visitors from China, Malaysia, and Australia dominating the inbound trips.

Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) showed that the number of incoming Chinese tourists had increased by nearly 20 percent yoy to 121,880, while Malaysian and Australian tourists increased by 22.8 percent and 6 percent respectively.

BPS deputy head of distribution and statistics Sasmito Hadi Wibowo said the offer of free visas to citizens of 169 countries had helped boost tourist arrivals, especially over the past three months.

Tourism events held by regional administrations, such as a sailing festival and a bicycle race, have also helped keep the number of foreign tourist arrivals stable at 1 million per month, despite it being the traditional low season, Sasmito told reporters on Thursday.

From January to October, Indonesia welcomed 9.4 million foreign tourists, up by 9.5 percent compared to the same period last year.

Sasmito said he was optimistic that Indonesia would be able to meet its target of attracting a total of 12 million foreign tourists in 2016.

We still have another holiday season in December, he said. (hwa)
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Linkedin Arif Gunawan Sulistiyono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

Indonesia has been selected to host the 2018 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank on the resort island of Bali, during which central bankers and finance ministers from across the globe will meet to discuss worldwide financial issues.

More than 13,000 participants from 189 countries are expected to join the event, to be held in October 2018, including official country delegations, international observers, academics, journalists and NGO representatives.

You literally have all the senior people of the IMF there, and their officers are formally transferred from Washington to the site of this overseas meeting [in Bali]. The decision making will take place abroad, not in Washington, IMF spokesperson Jeremy Edward Mark said on Thursday.

The meeting, Mark further explained, would address various global economic issues. In general, the IMF, he said, has been monitoring the slow global economic recovery from crisis, sluggish global economic growth, increasing domination of China in the global economy and world leaders concerns on the impact of globalization and global integration.

Bank Indonesia (BI) spokesperson Tirta Segara explained that the central bank and the Finance Ministry had formed a task force to work on the preparation of the annual meeting. They have also considered declaring the events dates as public holidays to help the event run smoothly. (hwa)
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Linkedin Nani Afrida (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

The Indonesian Military (TNI) and its Japanese counterpart plan to intensify cooperation, given that both countries have vast maritime territories and are vulnerable to disasters.

In the future TNI will cooperate and boost cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief with Japan, TNI chief General Gatot Nurmantyo said in Jakarta as he met with Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) chief of Joint Staff in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Gatot said Indonesia and Japan had been cooperating in defense affairs for quite a long time, especially in education and humanitarian assistance.

Since 1998, for instance, Indonesia had assigned military officers and cadets to study at the Japan National Defense University (Boeidagaku).

Meanwhile, Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano said maritime cooperation was very important for Japan, especially cooperation with ASEAN countries.

I expect growing cooperation in humanitarian and education affairs with Indonesia as a maritime country and the biggest country in ASEAN, Kawano said. (dmr)

Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) chief Adm. Katsutoshi Kawano and Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo inspect the troops in a ceremony in Jakarta on Dec. 1. Indonesia and Japan will up their military cooperation in many areas, especially in maritime affairs and disaster relief.(Puspen TNI/File)
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Linkedin Gun Gun Heryanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1 2016

Indonesian democracy is currently being tested. Substantial discrepancies in political views and interests have frequently led to freedom of expression being misused. Not long ago, we saw abundant statements that put our national unity and home of Indonesia in danger.

Soon after the Nov. 4 demonstration, numerous political incidents rolled into a giant fireball. In addition to some groups demanding law enforcement against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy, other parties urged President Joko Jokowi Widodo to step down.

Vast amounts of information flooded almost all channels of communication. Like flash floods, overflowing and torrential currents of information can cause devastation. This paradox may indicate an anomaly in our political constellation: information is crisscrossed beyond any imaginable amount.

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Linkedin Elly Burhaini Faizal (The Jakarta Post) Doha, Qatar  Thu, December 1, 2016

By investing more in health, countries could avert millions of deaths and boost their economies, thereby improving human welfare, an expert has said.

Economist Lawrence H. Summers said if a country invested in better health care, the benefits would flow around the world.

If local resources are sufficient to meet national challenges in most countries, and if substantial extra resources become available, that suggests one should work on global investment in healthcare, said the professor and president emeritus of Harvard University in his keynote speech at the 2016 World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).

The two-day conference held by the Qatar Foundation in Doha ended on Wednesday.

Summers cited US government efforts to combat the polio epidemic in 1953 as an obvious example of large returns a country might get from investing in health. At the time, he said, US$26 million worth funds were spent to develop vaccines, which prevented 160,000 polio deaths and 1.1 million cases of poliomyelitis in the US alone, yielding net savings of $180 billion in treatment costs.

Today, the world is standing on the brink of eradicating polio altogether. Its hard to think of a better $26 million investment in human history, said the former US treasury secretary.

Citing another example, Summers said the total cost of eradicating smallpox was around $300 million, but the eradication had led to annual savings of more than $2 billion. Other efforts to develop HIV and malaria vaccines had shown similar potential economic returns, he added.

Health investment is one of 11 issues addressed at this years WISH, including cardiovascular disease, autism, precision medicine, accountable care, behavioral insights and genomics in the Gulf region and Islamic ethics.

WISH CEO Egbert Schillings said investing in health was something countries should care about, as it was good for their economy.

When people feel their health is taken care of, they will invest in education and professional development, which eventually will lead to higher incomes. When children are healthy and thriving, they will seek out education opportunities, he said.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Thu, December 1 2016

An international school in Medan, North Sumatra, allegedly committed fraud by asking for extra fees from its students, claiming a teacher from overseas had become part of the teaching staff but apparently the said teachers services did not eventuate.

Several parents of the schools students reported the alleged fraud in a hearing with Medan Legislative Councils Commission B overseeing education.

One parent, Turunan Gulo, said his child had been expelled from the aforementioned school four months after he refused to pay the extra Rp 2.2 million (US$162), outside the regular tuition fees. He claimed to have paid the normal yearly fees but noticed that there was no international teacher at the school.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Balikpapan  Thu, December 1 2016

Police shot a double murder suspect in the legs in Marangkayu, Kutai Kartanegara regency, East Kalimantan, after he attempted to evade arrest.

Suspect Eko Susilo, 35, was arrested at the home of his former wife in Sotek village, Penajam district, North Penajam Paser regency, on Monday.

We shot him as he tried to flee, East Kalimantan Police general crimes director Sr. Comr. Winston Tommy Watuliu said on Tuesday, adding that police shot at his legs three times.

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The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Members States Heads of Mission in Armenia

Following the important first steps in the implementation of the agreement on electoral reform between the coalition and the opposition parties, drawing on consultations with civil society representatives, we count on the government to spare no efforts in realising this reform. We appreciate the commitment of the authorities to allow a fair and open competition. We expect the Central Election Commission, the law enforcement bodies and the judiciary to do their best to fulfil this promise. We perceive the presence of political will as a key prerequisite for a fair electoral process.

In partnership with the UNDP and the United States, the European Union has responded positively to the governments request for assistance in funding implementation of this electoral reform package. EU financial support of up to 7 million will close the identified financial gap and will thus allow for the smooth implementation of the electoral reform agreement. This includes support to election observation. Together with the contributions of Germany and the United Kingdom, European support amounts to 90 percent of the overall financial assistance to the electoral process.

The European Union attaches great importance to the transparency, integrity, inclusiveness and effectiveness of electoral processes. Therefore, we will continue to support the efforts of all stakeholders to ensure full alignment with international standards, including those related to the prohibition of the use of administrative resources and electoral corruption and to ensuring unhindered work by observers and media.

Ensuring free and fair future elections will be crucial for Armenian democracy and for the country's relations with the European Union. We stand ready to continue to support Armenia on its democratic path based on the future EU-Armenia Agreement and within the larger framework of the Eastern Partnership.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has encouraged government institutions and members of the public to use an Android-based application called Jaga (Guard) to access information related to public services in an effort to improve transparency.

Jaga, directly monitored by the KPK, enables the public to acquire complete information, including procedures required for public services and their official fees. The app also serves as a platform for citizens to express suggestions and criticism regarding their satisfaction levels with a particular public service.

"In the first two months, we will be monitoring whether [officials] have uploaded public service information [to the app]," KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo said on Thursday after the launch of the app.

The app currently covers schools, hospitals, community health centers and permit issuance. Agus expects that more sectors could be added in the future.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati applauded the initiative, saying that her institution would upload a simplified version of state budget information to the app to help taxpayers understand how the government used their money. (fac/hwa)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is set to scrutinize the latest findings from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) on alleged irregularities in the procurement of land by the Jakarta administration for Sumber Waras Hospital.

KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo said that a BPK official had informed him about a new finding related to potential irregularities in the procurement project.

"It appears that there is a new finding related to the Sumber Waras case. The KPK itself has never stated that the investigation into the case is over," Agus said on Thursday on the sidelines of the National Conference on Corruption Eradication in Jakarta.

In 2014, the city administration purchased the land for Rp 775.69 billion (US$57.2 million), while according to the BPK report the city should have paid Rp 564.35 billion. Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, currently seeking reelection, was among witnesses questioned by the anti-graft body in the case.

Agus added that the BPK had also found possible irregularities in other projects carried out by the city administration. Agus said that he planned to discuss the matter further with the agency's officials in the near future.

"We will have a meeting and there's something more important than that [the Sumber Waras case]," he said. (fac/hwa)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

Leaders of the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPI) said Thursday the organization would go ahead with its planned rally in Jakarta on Friday despite law enforcers calling them to reschedule, paving the way for the rallys amalgamation with another demonstration demanding Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama be arrested for his blasphemy case.

KSPI chairman Said Iqbal said around 50,000 workers from Greater Jakarta, West Java cities Karawang and Purwakarta, and Serang in Banten would gather in front of City Hall to demand the revocation of Government Regulation No. 78/2015 on wages and Ahoks arrest.

"The workers will gather in the Tugu Tani area [in Central Jakarta] around 10 a.m. and march to City Hall, he said on Thursday in a statement.

(Read also: AGO submits Ahok's case dossier to court)

A large-scale mass gathering, initiated by the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesia Ulema Councils Fatwa (GNPF-MUI), is planned to take place at the National Monuments park in Central Jakarta on Friday, during which participants will gather in dzikir (chanting), listen to tausiyah (preaching) and conduct Friday prayers.

Said promised that speeches for the labor rally would only start after Friday prayers so as not to disturb the event.

On Wednesday, National Police spokesperson Insp. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar said police would be ready to secure the labor protest.

"We have urged them [labor union leaders] to reschedule. However, theyve insisted on going ahead with their rally, so all we can do is supervise them, Boy said. (hwa)
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Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Agus Hermanto has expressed confidence that the anticipated large-scale demonstration on Friday in Jakarta will not compromise the safety of the legislative institutions compound.

I am certain that tomorrows [Friday] rally will be much more peaceful than the previous one. I hope they [protesters] achieve their goal so that there will be no more rallies, the Democratic Party politician told reporters on Thursday.

(Read also: I will not protect Ahok: Jokowi)

Agus also played down concerns that Fridays rally, held to demand Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama's arrest, would escalate into something bigger like an attempt to occupy the House, mirroring a failed attempt by participants of a previous anti-Ahok rally on Nov. 4.

The calls for protesters to occupy the House were reportedly made by former lawmakers Sri Bintang Pamungkas and Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, sister of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Other lawmakers have also discredited such a threat.

There is no need to respond to such calls. We know who these people are, Gerindra Party lawmaker Wenny Warouw said. (hwa)
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Linkedin Andrew Welsh-Huggins (Associated Press) Columbus, Ohio, United States  Thu, December 1, 2016

The Somali-born student who injured nearly a dozen people in a car-and-knife attack at Ohio State University showed few signs of bitterness despite what must have been a difficult early life and even danced onto the stage when he graduated from community college.

Abdul Razak Ali Artan was fatally shot by a university police officer when he refused to drop his knife during Monday's attack. Those who knew him say he always said hello to his neighbors in the low-rent apartment complex where he lived with his mother and siblings on the city's west side.

The 18-year-old stopped in frequently at a nearby convenience store for snacks and attended a local mosque.

(Read also: Terrorism suspected in car-and-knife attack at Ohio State)

He had graduated with honors from Columbus State Community College last May, earning an associate of arts degree. A video of his graduation ceremony shows him jumping and spinning onto the stage and smiling broadly, drawing laughs, cheers and smiles from graduates and faculty members.

He transferred to Ohio State to get his bachelor's degree and gave an interview to the university's student newspaper in August, saying he was looking for a place to pray openly and worried how he would be received.

Yet leaders of the mosque say they don't remember Artan, and Ohio State's Muslim and Somali student groups say he wasn't affiliated with their organizations.

"None of us could recognize his face," said Horsed Noah, director of the Abubakar Assiddiq Islamic Center, a mosque around the corner from Artan's apartment.

Artan was not known to FBI counterterrorism authorities before Monday's rampage, Angela Byers, the FBI's special agent in charge in Cincinnati, said Wednesday.

(Read also: Ohio State attacker stewed over treatment of fellow Muslims)

On the day of Monday's attack, Artan got ready to attend classes as always, even dropping his young siblings off at their school first.

"He woke up and he went to school," said Hassan Omar, a Somali community leader who spoke with Artan's mother Monday, hours after the attack.

The first time she knew something was wrong, Omar said, was when police showed up at her doorstep.

Sometime that morning, Artan bought a knife at a nearby Wal-Mart  authorities don't know yet whether it was the one used in the attack  and posted a series of Facebook rants showing he nursed grievances against the US, according to Columbus police and the FBI speaking at a Wednesday news conference.

After arriving on campus, Artan drove his car over a curb and into a crowd of people, then got out and started slashing at people with a knife. He was shot to death almost immediately by an Ohio State officer after refusing to drop the weapon, according to the university.

In those Facebook posts, Artan railed against US intervention in Muslim lands and warned, "If you want us Muslims to stop carrying lone wolf attacks, then make peace" with the Islamic State group.

Artan came to the US in 2014 as the child of a refugee. He had been living in Pakistan from 2007 to 2014, according to a law enforcement official. It's not uncommon for refugees to go to a third-party country before being permanently resettled.

Artan arrived in Dallas with his mother and six siblings on June 5, 2014, according to Dave Woodyard, CEO at Catholic Charities of Dallas, which briefly offered aid to the family.

Woodyard told the Texas television station KXAS that the Somali family arrived at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport from Pakistan through New York's Kennedy Airport.

The organization gave the family shelter and aid as part of the government resettlement program, he said. The group's records show the family received shelter for 23 days before leaving for Ohio.

Columbus has the second largest Somali population in the US after the Twin Cities.

President-elect Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday that Artan "should not have been in our country."

Authorities say that Artan and his family were thoroughly vetted before coming to the US, and that Artan underwent a second background check when he became a legal permanent resident in 2015.

Columbus State said he had no behavioral or disciplinary problems while he was there from the fall of 2014 until this past summer.

He started at Ohio State in August as a business student studying logistics management.

He was personable and willing to be interviewed and photographed, said Ohio State student reporter Kevin Stankiewicz.

Jack Ouham, owner of a market near Artan's apartment, saw Artan almost every day when he stopped in for snacks but never alcohol or cigarettes.

He was never angry, Ouham said.

"Very nice guy," he said.

___

Contributing to this report were Associated Press reporters John Seewer in Toledo; Tami Abdollah, Alicia A. Caldwell and Eric Tucker in Washington; and Kantele Franko and Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus.
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Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

Two of the most outspoken House of Representative leaders, Fadli Zon and Fahri Hamzah, who supported the Nov. 4 rally calling for legal action against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, have to skip the demonstration planned for this Friday.

Fadli Zon of the Gerindra Party will attend a Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) meeting in Panama, while Fahri of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) will depart for Uzbekistan.

I will fly this evening, Fahri said on Thursday, adding that his colleague Fadli had departed for Panama on Wednesday evening after a plenary meeting to reinstall Golkar chairman Setya Novanto as House speaker.

Unlike the Nov. 4 anti-Ahok rally that gained support from the two lawmakers, both remained tight-lipped when asked about the rally planned for this Friday.

Fadli previously said he would join the next rally, as it was a historical mass Friday prayer, if he was in the country.

Fahri said the same thing, while assuring that there would be no attempts to impeach President Joko Jokowi Widodo in the legislature. Setya, who has not involved in any way in the previous rally, will be here. So, there will be no revolt, he said.

The announcement of Fadlis and Fahris overseas working visits comes only a day after Setya reclaimed the House speakership, replacing fellow party cadre Ade Komarudin, who had also expressed support for the rally. (dmr)
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Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

Police apprehended on Thursday several people who were participating in a peaceful rally to demand a referendum for West Papua.

One of the people arrested was the coordinator of the rally, Surya Anta, a lawyer for the rally participants, Veronica Koman, said on Thursday.

(Read also:Group supports referendum for West Papua)

Veronica said the protesters were beaten and arrested by police officers who wore civilian attire on Jl. Imam Bonjol in Central Jakarta when they were about to head to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, located a few meters away from the scene.

"We may report the police because we saw many procedures the police violated. They beat and arrested [participants] without wearing police uniforms," Veronica said.

Veronica said she was not sure how many of the participants had been arrested, but said there were no more than five.

About 100 people participated in the rally, which coincided with what they called "the aborted independence day of West Papua" in Dec. 1.

Other participants, consisting of both Papuan and non-Papuan students, remained at the scene after their colleagues were arrested and demanded the police release them.

The police at the scene refused to comment about the arrest of the rally participants.

Veronica said the police had blocked the participants from advancing to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in fear of disrupting the traffic flow.

"[The ban] has no valid grounds. Why can't they stage a rally at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle?" she asked. (jun)
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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Thu, December 1 2016

Thousands of residents in Pangkalan Susu, Langkat, North Sumatra, have demanded compensation from energy firm PT Elnusa for damage to their homes they claim was caused by a seismic survey carried out by the company.

They said they were disappointed with Elnusa, which they claim had failed to fulfill its promise to provide compensation after conducting survey activities in the area six months ago.

Ibnu Abbas, a resident whose house was among those reportedly affected by the activities, said residents had yet to receive the compensation promised by Elnusa.

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Linkedin Jacqueline Espenilla and Zaki Mubarok Busro (The Jakarta Post) New York and Port Elizabeth  Thu, December 1 2016

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries under the leadership of Susi Pudjiastuti has made the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and fisheries crimes a top priority.

This move is part of a region-wide trend in the Asia Pacific, which has seen coastal states making significant changes to their respective laws and regulations in order to more effectively address shared threats to living marine resources.

IUU fishing, in particular, is an area of common concern given the highly migratory nature of fish, crossing borders without respecting maritime boundaries of countries.

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Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani and Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

Political dynamics at the House of Representatives catapulted controversial senior politician and Golkar Party chairman Setya Novanto back into the House speaker post on Wednesday, amid concerns that a planned rally could take over the legislative compound and overthrow the government.

After former speaker Ade Komarudin, who is also from Golkar, lost support from his party and other House factions, Setyas return as speaker was expected, but concerns about the rally accelerated the move.

Setya, who is thought to have closer ties with President Joko Jokowi Widodo, is believed to be more reliable in terms of mitigating risks from the protest planned by conservative Muslim groups for Friday.

On Wednesday, a House plenary meeting dismissed Ade, although he was absent due to medical treatment abroad. Setya took his oath during the same session.

I will strengthen relations between lawmakers and other high state officials, particularly President Joko Jokowi Widodo, Setya said after the meeting.

Setya served as House speaker from 2014 until he was engulfed by a corruption scandal involving mining company PT Freeport Indonesia and was forced to resign in December last year.

He then won the Golkar chairmanship, after which he declared the party a government supporter. In October, the Constitutional Court issued a ruling that helped clear him of the corruption charges.

Setyas journey to regain the speakership was quite fast, occurring over just eight days after the Golkar central executive board decided to replace Ade.

Only the Democratic Party questioned the hasty replacement during Wednesdays plenary.

We want to ask the party [Golkar] the reason behind the replacement. We dont know the reason, and our constituents keep asking us why. Can we know the reason? Dems lawmaker Benny K. Harman said during the plenary session.

But principally, we appreciate the move, because it is Golkars prerogative as regulated in the MD3 [Legislative Institutions] Law, he added.

Political experts have said Setya could help Jokowi to strengthen his position in the House as the lawmaker has long been known for his political lobbying, which may be why he is more trusted than Ade.

Ade tried until the last minute to keep his position. While undertaking medical treatment, he said he had asked Golkar secretary-general Idrus Marham to postpone the replacement.

But Ade seems to have lost his political clout at the House. A day earlier, the Houses ethics council dismissed him from his post, citing two ethical violations.

I will obey all party decisions because I obey its regulations, Ade said on Tuesday.

Setyas return comes amid political turbulence after Jokowi revealed that political actors were suspected of exploiting the recent Nov. 4 rally, where 100,000 people from various Muslim groups staged a protest to demand the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama over alleged blasphemy.

Ade was accused of failing to lobby the protesters and letting them occupy areas surrounding the House, although not within its gates, from night until dawn.

The next rally is predicted to see around 200,000 protesters. Although National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian has said the mass may only gather at the National Monument, speculation is rife that certain groups will attempt to occupy the House.

Aside from the Democratic Party, all other House factions expressed support for Setya.

We hope this is the last [replacement], because we want us [to work] together to improve legislative, monitoring and budgetary functions. We should end all political disputes to maintain political stability, Gerindra Party lawmaker Supratman Andi Agtas said.

The ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), meanwhile, may benefit from Setyas return through the revival of a plan to revise the MD3 Law and reformulate the composition of House leadership board, so that the party could gain a position on the board.

We hope the new speaker is willing to initiate the revision of the MD3 Law, because we have to appreciate the people who have elected us to be their representatives in the legislature, said PDI-P lawmaker Arya Bima.
** For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please click here . About a week ago I was reading some information with regards to...
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Linkedin (Associated Press) Seoul  Thu, December 1, 2016

South Korean police say they have detained a man suspected of setting fire to the birthplace of late military dictator Park Chung-hee, the father of current President Park Geun-hye.

The fire Thursday happened in the southern city of Gumi. It comes as Park Geun-hye faces a push in parliament to impeach her over allegations that she allowed a confidante to pull government strings and extort businesses.

Millions of people have protested against Park over the last month.

Police in Gumi say that at least one of the buildings at the home, which is now a tourist site, was seriously damaged.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency says that the hall that houses an altar of the senior Park and his late wife was completely burned down.
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Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani and Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

Taiwan has once again expressed its intention to increase investment in Indonesia following a series of economic policy reforms under President Joko Jokowi Widodos administration.

Taiwanese firms met with the President and several Cabinet members early on Wednesday to discuss investment opportunities in Indonesia, particularly in the electronics, manufacturing, renewable energy and fisheries sectors, according to one of Taiwans delegates.

The president and chief executive officer of Cathay United Bank, Alan Lee, promised to bring leaders from 30,000 companies in the aforementioned sectors to Indonesia to better understand and take advantage of the countrys current investment climate and economic policies.

There has been a lot of improvement in infrastructure, treatment for foreign direct investment [FDI] and overall government efficiency.

Those are very important for foreign investors and through today we have a better understanding of the new policies, he said, noting that Indonesias large population would be a boon for the manufacturing industry in particular.

We believe those new policies will encourage more Taiwanese companies [to make] more investment in Indonesia, and create synergy between Taiwan and Indonesia.

Since the beginning of Jokowis tenure, Taiwan has promised to boost its investment in Indonesia, but without many plans coming to fruition.

Realized investment from Taiwan in the January to September period amounted to US$118.45 million in 288 projects, according to data from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).

Although the figure showed a slight improvement from Taiwans $107.95 million investment in 2015, its FDI has decreased constantly from an all-time high of $646.9 million in 2012.

Bilateral trade has also dropped in recent years, partly due to the global economic crisis and the absence of a trade agreement. Trade has shrunk by 31.87 percent from 2011 to $8.22 billion in 2015.

However, Taiwans newly elected President Tsai Ing-Wen has pledged to reduce economic reliance on mainland China while also tightening ties with Southeast Asia, New Zealand and Australia through its New Southbound Policy, with a proposed budget of NT$42 billion ($1.32 billion).

Although BKPM chairman Thomas Lembong has kept mum on next years investment target from Taiwan, he noted that the government hoped to ride on the partnership between Cathay Financial Holdings, the parent company of Cathay United Bank, and Indonesian publicly listed private lender Bank Mayapada after the former invested $300 million in the latter.

Thomas also said that one Taiwanese delegate was interested in building an integrated township in Indonesia, similar to those in Vietnam and China.

If the project is to be developed on Morotai Island [North Maluku], Tanjung Lesung [Banten] or Kendal [Central Java], then the company will partner with [publicly listed property developer] Jababeka, he said, adding that it may team up with other groups if investment was focused outside those areas.

Meanwhile, Industry Minister Airlangga Hartanto said the government was trying to convince Taiwanese companies to set up semiconductor factories in Indonesia.

Taiwan is home to several semiconductor firms, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSMC), one of the worlds largest dedicated independent semiconductor foundries, which supplies products to Apple.

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industrys (Kadin) Taiwan committee chairman SD Darmono told The Jakarta Post that many Taiwanese businesses had greeted the southward looking policy with enthusiasm.

Greater investment from Taiwan would, in turn, boost exports of semi-completed machinery and goods to Indonesia.
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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

In a landmark ruling, the Jakarta Military Court has sentenced a one-star Indonesian Military (TNI) general to life for embezzling US$12 million through defense weaponry procurement between 2010 and 2014.

The verdict, which was read out in an open hearing on Wednesday, sent a positive signal that the TNI and the Defense Ministry were serious in cracking down on corruption, which allegedly plagues the nations weapon procurement deals.

The general identified as Brig. Gen. Teddy Hernayadi was found guilty of transferring the $12 million of state money to his bank accounts when he served as the Defense Ministrys finance division head from 2010 to 2014.

The ministrys inspector general Hadi Tjahjanto said the ministry appreciated the ruling because not only did it sentence Teddy to life in prison for his offences, but also demanded he return the $12 million to the state coffers.

We are waiting for the defendant to comply with ruling and return the embezzled money to the state, Hadi told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Hadi further said a team from the ministry who had observed the months-long trial discovered that Teddy was not the only perpetrator, adding that the ministry would resume investigations into the case to pursue more suspects both from the ministry and private sector who allegedly received shares of the embezzled money.

The inspector general hoped that the verdict would serve as a warning for other ministry officials on the severity of embezzlement. We will follow up the ruling to find out who the other recipients of the embezzled money are. Around 53 witnesses confirmed that they had accepted money [from Teddy]. If the 53 witnesses include civilians, we will let the National Police investigate them, Hadi said.

Hadi said the case started when the ministrys inspectorate general discovered $12 million had been funneled from the ministry to Teddys bank accounts in 2014.

The ruling was expected but nonetheless was appreciated [by the ministry]. The ministry will continue to carry out internal reforms, Hadi said.

Meanwhile, Teddy reportedly said he would use the seven days given by the court to decide whether to appeal the sentence to the Jakarta High Military Court.

Separately, military expert Al Araf said the verdict confirmed long-standing public suspicions that the countrys procurement of defense systems was marred with corruption, thus, it was important for the ministry to probe past procurement deals.

In the past, we have heard about alleged corruption concerning the procurement of Sukhoi [fighter jets], Leopard tanks and missiles from Brazil. The verdict should open the door for President Joko Jokowi Widodos administration to investigate the procurement of defense weaponry in the past, Al Araf said.

He said the ministry should ask the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for assistance in the investigation of past cases.

By 2024, the country expects to have reached its minimum essential force requirement. Some Rp 150 trillion ($15.8 billion) was spent to pay for the modernization of the nations weapons-defense system between 2010 and 2014.

KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo said the antigraft body was ready to assist the ministry, adding that the KPK was closely monitoring the process of Teddys trial at the military court.

We are monitoring the hearing, Agus said.
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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1 2016

In a landmark ruling, the Jakarta Military Court has sentenced a one-star Indonesian Military (TNI) general to life for embezzling US$12 million through defense weaponry procurement between 2010 and 2014.

The verdict, which was read out in an open hearing on Wednesday, sent a positive signal that the TNI and the Defense Ministry were serious in cracking down on corruption, which allegedly plagues the nations weapon procurement deals.

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Linkedin Nani Afrida (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

The Indonesian Military (TNI) says it supports the decision of the military court to hand down heavy punishments for its personnel involved in corruption.

TNI spokesperson Maj. Gen Wuryanto said the military courts recent decision to hand down a life sentence for Brig. Gen Teddy Hernayadi in a graft case was acceptable.

We support the verdict. We are committed to imposing stern punishment for personnel that commit violations, Wuryanto said in Jakarta on Thursday.

(Read also: TNI general gets life for graft)

The Jakarta Military Court sentenced on Wednesday Teddy to life in prison as he was found guilty of transferring US$12 million in state funds to his bank accounts when he served as the Defense Ministrys finance division head from 2010 until 2014.

The decision will serve as a lesson for all military personnel so that they will not commit any offense, Wuryanto said. (hwa)
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Linkedin Harun Yahya (The Jakarta Post) Istanbul  Thu, December 1 2016

Americans have elected Donald Trump their next President. The campaign process was tough even during the primaries, as candidates of the same party competed against each other. It became tougher when Trump and Hillary Clinton were nominated to represent their respective parties for the final election process.

The unexpected became a reality, and Trump, who was criticized over rhetoric he used during the campaign, won the election.

Among the most contentious things that people found disturbing during his campaign were his statements about Muslims and Islam. Such statements are not appropriate under any circumstances.

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Linkedin Marguerite Afra and Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, December 1, 2016

Two days before another large-scale rally in Jakarta organized by conservative Islamic groups against the citys governor over blasphemy accusations, the Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police and local officials held a nationwide diversity parade, in an apparent attempt to weaken the sectarian rhetoric unleashed by the main proponents of the rally.

The parade, Nusantara Bersatu (United Archipelago), was held in all 33 provinces, according to the TNI, which initiated the event.

Wednesday saw a colorful gathering held in the capital, where thousands of participants from diverse backgrounds and cultures wore Indonesias signature red-and-white bandanas and joined hands to celebrate the countrys motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).

From civil servants, religious figures, mass organizations to high school students, together they sang Indonesian songs. The national anthem, Indonesia Raya as well as Dari Sabang Sampai Merauke (From Sabang to Merauke) filled the air.

Among the participants watching the performances were National Police Gen. Tito Karnavian and TNI commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo.

The two leaders of the nations armed forces called on people to unite amid growing sectarianism that threatens the country.

This is to remind us that from Sabang to Merauke, we are all brothers and sisters. We should stand together in unity amid diversity. Differences should be our strength and not divide us, Tito, who also wore the bandana, said proudly.

We shall join hands to contribute to protecting this country. Dont let Ibu Pertiwi [the motherland] cry, make her smile because we can unite as one, Gatot said.

The event, which involved military and police personnel from all divisions, was apparently held to counter the rally spearheaded by the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesia Ulema Councils Fatwa (GNPF-MUI), which is slated to take place on Friday at the National Monument (Monas), where mass prayers will also be performed.

The GNPF-MUI has been rallying for Muslim support to press law enforcers to detain Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who has been charged with blasphemy over a statement regarding a Quranic verse.

Rizieq Shihab, an influential figure within the GNPF-MUI and leader of the hard-line Islam Defenders Front (FPI), has said the rally was a constitutional jihad to defend religion and the state and that it had nothing to do with race or the Jakarta election, in which Ahok is a contender.

As the group gained support from Muslims outside Jakarta, local administrations responded by taking part in the Nusantara Bersatu events.

Also on Wednesday, provinces across the country from Sumatra to Papua also celebrated the National United event, where people wore similar bandanas and raised their voices to defend unity and nationalism amid growing sectarianism that threatens the national ideology Pancasila.

In Pekanbaru, Riau Governor Arsyadjuliandi Rachman raised a clenched fist as he told the audience, from locals to security personnel, to not easily be provoked by certain parties who wanted to divide the nation.

Meanwhile in Langkat Regency, South Sumatra, the highlight of the Nusantara Bersatu event was the pledge of support for unity in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia on a 50-meter cloth.

Lets guard the countrys unity. I hope our nation will always be safe without anything dividing us, Arman, one of the students who pledged support, said.

On Losari Beach, Makassar, thousands of event participants were entertained by a Sukhoi fighter flypast and exhibition of Indonesias primary weaponry system.

Bandung and Jayapura saw hundreds of food stalls offering free food for thousands of participants of the Nusantara Bersatu event. In Jayapura, some attendees enjoyed the food in traditional attire, from Acehnese to Papuan, as they watched cultural performance.

I was asked to provide 100 portions of meatballs. They will be paid for by the TNI after the event, one of the food sellers in Bandungs Gasibu Square, said.

Similar events highlighting the countrys cultural and religious diversity were also held in Semarang, Palu and Flores.

In Kupang, the event was celebrated by interfaith figures who led mass prayers for the safety of the country. They signed a joint statement, where they agreed that living harmoniously in diversity was in accordance with Pancasila.

Arya Dipa, Rizal Harahap, Suherdjoko, Nethy Dharma Somba, Ruslan Sangadji, Apriadi Gunawan, Djemi Amnifu, Markus Makur, Andi Hajramurni contributed to this story from Bandung, Pekanbaru, Semarang, Jayapura, Palu, Medan, Kupang, Flores and Makassar
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Linkedin (Associated Press) Manila  Thu, December 1, 2016

Philippine police say they have captured two local sympathizers of the Islamic State group who they alleged tried to detonate a bomb near the US Embassy and prompted authorities to raise a terror alert.

National police chief Ronald de la Rosa says the militants, who were arrested Wednesday, left the homemade bomb made from an 81mm mortar round in a trash can near the embassy after failing to detonate it at the nearby Rizal Park, their initial target. The bomb also failed to explode near the embassy.

Dela Rosa said Thursday that Rashid Kilala and Jiaher Guinar, who belong to a small Muslim armed group called Ansar Al-khilafa Philippines, wanted to impress the Islamic State group and divert the military's focus from an offensive against fellow militants in the south.
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Linkedin (The Straits Times/ANN) Kuala Lumpur  Thu, December 1, 2016

Malaysia and Singapore have postponed the signing of a bilateral agreement on the High Speed Rail (HSR) project due to scheduling and other administrative matters, the New Straits Times reported on Thursday, citing a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak had been scheduled to meet in Johor Baru on Dec 5 to witness the signing of the agreement during their annual retreat.

The minister cited by NST, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, told the daily that Malaysia had suggested Dec 21 as the new date. The delay is due to scheduling and other administrative matters, he added, saying "all issues have been ironed out".

"We had a meeting with Singapore Transport Minister Khaw [Boon Wan] on Tuesday [Nov 29]. Both sides agreed to fine tune some details in the bilateral agreement," Datuk Rahman was quoted as saying.

Conceived in 2013, the 350km rail project - 15km of which will be in Singapore - is expected to begin construction in 2018 and start operating in 2026.

The HSR, with a top speed of more than 300kmh, is expected to cut travel time between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to 90 minutes, compared to the current four- to five-hour road journey.

It was previously reported that Datuk Rahman met Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Khaw on Tuesday. Datuk Rahman said on Instagram they met "to harmonize last minute details of the Bilateral Agreement on Malaysia-Singapore High Speed Rail project before signing ceremony in December"

A memorandum of understanding for the HSR project was signed in July this year by Khaw and Rahman, and it was witnessed by the two prime ministers.

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
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Linkedin Charissa Yong (The Straits Times/ANN) Singapore  Thu, December 1, 2016

Singapore and Myanmar will begin discussions on a bilateral investment treaty and begin to update its agreement on avoidance of double taxation, in a sign of growing economic ties between the two countries.

This move will send a positive signal to investors and boost economic growth, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday.

Lee made the announcement at a dinner which he hosted for Myanmar state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is here until Friday on an official visit.

Both leaders, in toast speeches at the official dinner in the Istana's ballroom, talked about bilateral ties.

Lee said that Singapore has been a long-standing and steadfast friend of Myanmar and is confident in Myanmar's long-term success.

This confidence can be seen in their strong economic ties and growing trade and investment into Myanmar, he added.

Links between both countries' people are also strong and growing, and are set to increase with the mutual lifting of visa requirements on Thursday.

Singapore is glad to help Myanmar train its officials, and is also happy to share its experience of building and running hawker centers, said Lee, who visited Myanmar in June.

Myanmar is looking to upgrade its wet markets and build a hawker center in Yangon, and Suu Kyi will visit a hawker center on Friday.

"We are happy to share our experience and persuade our hawkers to divulge some of their secret recipes of chwee kueh, chye tow kueh, chicken rice and laksa," he said with a laugh.

Topics : investment

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
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Linkedin Juthathip Lucksanawong (The Nation)  Thu, December 1, 2016

Thais are preparing for the historic moment of the accession of King Rama X to the Throne with suppliers stocking up on portraits, T-shirts, flags and other symbolic souvenirs in anticipation of high demand.

National Legislative Assembly (NLA) President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said he was waiting for a royal audience with Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn so that he could offer an invitation for the Heir to ascend the Throne.

Many school representatives from the provinces also headed to the capital Wednesday to buy portraits of the Crown Prince as well as flags with the Crown Princes emblem. They are preparing decorations to celebrate the new Kings succession. It is a tradition in Thai households, private offices and government agencies to display portraits of the monarch.

Ive come here [Bangkok] to buy a portrait of HRH the Crown Prince to be placed in my school as a gesture of welcome to the new monarch, said Chaikit Wutthivaree, 34, an employee of Panjawittaya Technical Training School in Pathum Thani province. He bought and transported an 80-centimeter by 120cm royal portrait back to the school by tuk-tuk.

Dozens of shops located near Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Temple, which have sold royal photographs and flags with royal emblems for decades, are selling increasing numbers of pictures of the Crown Prince.

However, photo wholesellers are still waiting for an official announcement of the new Kings emblem and the unveiling of the official portrait. Once that is known, manufacturing volumes will be increased to meet expected demand.

Right now, we just sell the Crown Princes file photographs available in printing houses. We are monitoring news and updates closely regarding the official portrait and the new Kings emblem, said Kanyanee Bawornbenjaphan, 60, an owner of a well-known royal photograph and flag shop.

The price of the Crown Princes portraits range from Bt30 (80 US cents) to Bt9,000, depending on the size and quality.

Meanwhile, Bangkoks schools and state organizations are waiting for an official announcement from the government before decorating their buildings to welcome the new King.

We are getting prepared and are waiting for the Education Ministrys instructions regarding the decoration to welcome the new King, said Tossaporn Sangtitanu, the newly appointed director of Wat Saket School, a boys-only secondary school in Bangkok.

Its our honor to praise our new King. As we are Thais, we do love and revere the new monarch and the royal institution, he said.

According to a source at the Education Ministry, the ministry and other government bodies are waiting for an announcement and orders from the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the PMs Office regarding proper welcoming practices.

Besides photographs and flags, clothes with logos and messages to welcome the new King are also being stocked to meet the expected high demand.

We have prepared thousands of white and yellow T-shirts, said Anona Visaraton, the owner of a popular T-shirt wholeseller at Bo Bae market whose customers are mostly retailers in the provinces.

The owner said on Tuesday that when the NLA acknowledged the accession of the Crown Prince to the Throne, more than 5,000 white T-shirts were ordered following rumors that the government had called on all people to dress in white or grey.

The owner said that although Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam later denied the rumor, the demand for white and yellow  the colors symbolizing the Crown Princes birthday  T-shirts was growing.
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Linkedin Grant Peck (Associated Press) Bangkok  Thu, December 1, 2016

Abdul Razak Ali Artan, the Somali-born student accused of carrying out a car-and-knife attack at Ohio State University this week, reportedly protested on his Facebook page about the killing of minority Muslims in Myanmar. Muslim Rohingya face discrimination and violence from the Buddhist majority in the country, also called Burma. Their plight generally goes unnoticed by the world at large, even though some rights activists say their persecution amounts to ethnic cleansing. Here are several things to know about the group:

(Read also: Lawmaker calls for quick action in Rohingya case)

"THE MOST FRIENDLESS PEOPLE IN THE WORLD"

Although Rohingya  a Muslim ethnic minority of about 1 million among Myanmar's predominantly Buddhist 52 million people  have lived in Myanmar for generations, most people view them as foreign intruders from neighboring Bangladesh. Bangladesh, which hosts many Rohingya refugees, also refuses to recognize them as citizens. "The Rohingya are probably the most friendless people in the world. They just have no one advocating for them at all," Kitty McKinsey, a spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said in 2009.

(Read also: Spreading hatred against Buddhists worsens Rohingya conflict)

BORDER ATTACKS LED TO LATEST OUTBREAK OF VIOLENCE

Almost all Rohingya live in western Myanmar's Rakhine state, where the military has stepped up operations since November, when nine police officers were killed in attacks on posts along the border with Bangladesh. The identity of the perpetrators remains unclear. Rohingya villagers armed with homemade weapons resisted troops and an unknown number of villagers died, along with a handful of soldiers and officials. Rohingya solidarity groups say several hundred civilians have been killed since October. The New York-based group Human Rights Watch says satellite imagery shows 1,250 houses and other structures have been burned down. In 2012, violence between Rohingya and the Buddhist community killed hundreds and forced about 140,000 people  predominantly Rohingya  to flee their homes to camps for the internally displaced. About 100,000 remain in the squalid camps and dependent on charity.

(Read also: Aung San Suu Kyis inaction over Rohingya issue condemned)

DISAPPOINTMENT WITH SUU KYI

There has been great disappointment that Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose political party took power in Myanmar this year after decades of military rule, has failed to ease the plight of Rohingya despite her reputation as a fighter for human rights. Speaking out for Rohingya rights is an unpopular political position. However, Suu Kyi's government in August appointed former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to head an advisory panel aimed at finding lasting solutions to the conflict in Rakhine state. He is scheduled to visit Rakhine on Friday. The UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide, Adama Dieng, on Tuesday expressed concern about reports of excessive use of force and other serious human rights violations against civilians, particularly Rohingya, including allegations of extrajudicial executions, torture, rape and the destruction of religious property.
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Linkedin Huang Zhiling (China Daily/Asia News Network)  Thu, December 1, 2016

A solemn ceremony was held in the tiny, hilly county of Daying in Southwest China's Sichuan province on Wednesday, which was attended by British former deputy prime minister Peter Mandelson and several US designers, who witnessed the laying of the keel of a full-scale replica of the RMS Titanic.

The doomed luxury cruise ship sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg during its maiden voyage. More than two-thirds of the 2,224 passengers perished, mainly due to a shortage of lifeboats.

To boost development of the local tourism sector, Daying is building a life-size replica of the cruise ship by the Qijiang River with an investment of 1 billion yuan ($145 million).

Upon completion of the replica, it will be permanently docked in a reservoir in the river, according to Hu Mingchao, head of Daying county.

Planning for the construction of the replica started more than two years ago when GC High-Tech, a United States-based company, was invited to design it.

The designing process has been slow because the firm has had to consult the builder of the replica, Wuchang Shipyard, which is based in Wuhan, Hubei province.

"The shipyard is a builder of nuclear submarines and is technically strong. But building the Titanic replica is so complicated that the US firm has had to consult the shipyard constantly to figure out if it can meet the challenges of turning the design into a full-scale replica," said James Wu, China regional chief representative of America Hollywood Television and Film Media Inc.

(Read also: Full-size replica of Titanic to sail in 2018)

Wu, a US citizen, said GC High-Tech is part of America Hollywood Television and Film Media.

Wuchang Shipyard only started building components for the replica in April and is expected to finish all components by August next year, according to Wang Zhigang, general manager of the Wuhan Branch of China Classification Society, which sets technical criteria for, and oversees, shipyards.

The interior and exterior of the replica will be built according to the Titanic's original design.

Su Shaojun, chairman of Qixing Energy Investment in Zhejiang province, which is the investor of the replica, said the replica's interior would include the cruise ship's large banquet hall and first-class guesthouse.

"After the RMS Titanic sank, nobody saw its complete set of blueprints. Many blueprint fragments found their way into the hands of collectors or remained missing. We spent many years collecting the blueprints from many parts of the world and managed to obtain most of them," Su said.

It is unknown when the replica will open to visitors, but preorders for overnight stays were first accepted in Hong Kong in June 2005, with tickets for a one-night, economy-class stay starting at about 3,000 yuan ($435), and the price for a luxury fare amounting to hundreds of thousands of yuan.

This article appeared on the China Daily newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin Veeramalla Anjaiah (The Jakarta Post) Singapore  Thu, December 1, 2016

Universal Studios Singapore (USS), a popular place for Indonesian tourists, has prepared a special attraction for the end-year holiday season.

Kicking off on Thursday and running until Jan. 2, the annual Santas All-Star Christmas celebration boasts "the worlds largest indoor venue light bulb display" as the main attraction. It reportedly took two months to prepare the display, which consists of 824,961 light bulbs.

It is the biggest display in the world and also the new Guinness World Record,  Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) senior marketing executive Amanda Tan Hui Lin told The Jakarta Post in Singapore.

Starting Thursday, visitors can expect to pass through eight thematic zones; from the Enchanted Pine Forest to Heralds Square. Santas All-Star Christmas has transformed the place into a winter wonderland with snowfall, festive lights, fireworks, new musical performances and many other attractions.

(Read also: Singapore Airlines to cut 5 weekly flights to Jakarta)

Christmas gifts made from colorful light bulbs as part of the Santa's All-Star Christmas show at Universal Studios Singapore.(JP/ Veeramalla Anjaiah)

This year, we have upped the ante for Santas All-Star Christmas with new experiences, including the Universal Journey and the Santas Village that promises to bring back your fondest childhood memories of the yuletide season, RWS senior vice president of attractions Jason Horkin said in a press release.

According to Singapore tourism board data, Indonesia has been the number one country of origin for international tourists to Singapore for many years, with 2,731, 690 Indonesians visiting the country in 2015. More than 50 percent of them visited RWS attractions on Sentosa Island, including the USS and S.E.A. Aquarium.

Two million Indonesians have already visited Singapore during the first eight months of this year. Most of them visit the country in May, July and December, coinciding with school holidays. December is the peak month because of Christmas and New Year festivities. Singapore welcomed up to 311,475 Indonesians last December alone.

Indonesia is one of our biggest market, along with China and India, said RWS resort marketing director Alan Lee. (kes)
President-elect Donald J. Trump today spoke with the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. Readouts of the calls are below:

Readout of phone call with the Prime Minister of Pakistan:

President-elect Trump and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif spoke today and had a productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future. President-elect Trump also noted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif.

Readout of phone call with the President of Kazakhstan:

The President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev offered his congratulations to President-elect Trump today on his historic presidential win, and President-elect Trump congratulated President Nazarbayev on his countrys 25th anniversary. The two leaders also addressed the importance of strengthening regional partnerships.

[TLS]
We get pretty excited around this time of year. We live in a very small town and do some different things for the community.

Since our town is so small, we only have one city employee that maintains the landscapes in our nearby town of Dearing, Ga. So when there are jobs to do like putting Christmas lights up on the powerlines in town, Hillcrest Farms takes on the task. We disperse hay bales to different businesses in the community around Halloween and they all decorate them for the upcoming holidays. When Halloween is over they change the hay bale decorations to Thanksgiving and then again for Christmas.

At the farm we try to do a good bit of decorating, including hay bales, stringing lights around the freestall barn, and decorating tractors. Often we have people from the community stop and take pictures with the decorations at the farm.

Aside from the decorations, we try to take good care of our employees around this time of year. Everyone knows that a dairy farm runs 365 days a year. This means people will have to work on Christmas Day unlike most businesses. We try to work with bare minimum help during this special time of year. That means we try to get most stuff done early in the week so that there is only the daily tasks to do. We try to make sure everyone of our employees gets quality time with their families.

Christmas time is very important to us.

It is one of our favorite holidays of the year. Having Christ be a part of our family and farm makes for a perfect Christmas at Hillcrest!

Mark and Caitlin Rodgers are dairy farmers in Dearing, Georgia. Their Father and Daughter Dairy Together column appears every other Thursday on HD Notebook. The Rodgers have a 400-cow dairy that averages 32,000 pounds of milk. Follow their family farm on Facebook at Hillcrest Farms Inc.
I am person who is uncompromisingly black and unapologetically gay. Deal with it.

I am person who is uncompromisingly black and unapologetically gay. Deal with it. Alvin McEwen

[image: 651572 origin 1]Published by Radar Online ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA An anonymous woman is standing by her claims that GOP Senate candidate Herschel Walk...

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Dallas Buyers Club was met with huge critical acclaim after its release in 2013. But what many people dont know is the true story behind the film.

In 2014 Matthew McConaughey won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in Dallas Buyers Club and delivered the one of the most memorable Oscar speeches ever. On the same night Jared Leto won the Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as the transgender Rayon in the same film.

In his acceptance speech, Leto brought it back to what Dallas Buyers Club is all about: And this for the 36 million people who have lost the battle to AIDS and to those of you out there who have ever felt injustice because of who you are or who you love, tonight I stand here in front of the world with you and for you.

Dallas Buyers Club captured audiences around the world on its release, as it explores the unimaginably difficult struggle of living with AIDS in the 80s, a time in which treatment for HIV/AIDS was under-researched as well as being a highly misunderstood and stigmatised disease.

The film centres on electrician and occasional rodeo bull rider Ron Woodroof. This pretty repulsive man, who is homophobic and racist, lives a full-on life of drinking, drugs and casual sex. When Ron is given the unexpected news that he is HIV positive, he is left with the knowledge that he has just 30 days to live. In a desperate attempt to treat himself, he finds that the most effect drug is one which is still in the clinical trial stage in the US - AZT. In a frantic search for the life-prolonging drugs, he discovers a number of drugs and vitamins which he smuggles into the US, and then sells to other HIV positive patients.

The story of the real Ron Woodroof is very similar to the one presented in the film. Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1950, Woodroof was an electrician. Much like his character in the film, he refused to accept his prognosis, which predicted he had very little time left to live. He researched various medicines and began taking a number of drugs to fight the disease. This experimental drug use is what led to the famed Dallas Buyers Club, which formed in March 1988.

After searching numerous catalogues of non-FDA-approved drugs, he finally found some which would work - antivirals including dextran sulfate and Procaine PVP, which were not available in the United States. He acquired medicine from around the world and was able to distribute it to other AIDS patients through the Dallas Buyers Club.

Woodroof sold thousands of dollars worth of medication out of of his apartment, and despite claiming that he was not selling the drugs for profit, the FDA eventually became aware of the profitable drug trade and the dangers of some of the treatments.

As for Woodroof as a person, different accounts dispute his real character. While his friends reportedly claim he was not homophobic, reporter and screenwriter of Dallas Buyers Club Craig Borten said Woodroof was "as racist and homophobic as they come".

Having been quoted stating, I am my own physician, Woodroof felt ignored by medical establishments. After a six-year long battle fighting AIDS, he finally died of pneumonia caused by the disease in September 1992. His work certainly brought more awareness of the disease, and helped many fighting it who might otherwise have had nowhere to turn.
A smoothie called Nutzy was sold in a London cafe with a swastika on it, the Campaign Against Antisemitism has said.

A Jewish member of the public flagged it up to the charity after seeing the drink in NinComSoup in Old Street and confronting the manager over it.

.@nincomsoupLDN Just one employee was able to get that product with swastika to the store shelves whilst no one else spoke up? A metaphor. pic.twitter.com/Ba5jQnZFsM   (@y2k7s) November 27, 2016

website. He explained that it was an inverted swastika which was a Hindu symbol of health and prosperity, which is indeed right but the swastika was not inverted, and the Hindu sign includes dots within the symbol, she told the CAA, according to a post on their

When I asked about the name of the drink, he said it was a play on having the nuts, meaning having the courage and was a pun as the drink contains nuts. I told him how offensive that was for certain people. He asked why I would find that so offensive, to which I responded that I lost my family to the Nazi regime and that despite the Hindu use of the symbol, this along with the name of the drink was extremely offensive. He said that London is a free city.

I left the shop almost in tears and shivering as it proved to me how much antisemitism and fascism is still utterly present. That man had no shame whatsoever to tell me that I should not be offended by what I saw when the use of the swastika and the name of that drink is clearly not a coincidence.

The CAA later found that the Nutzy was still in stock but the swastika had bizarrely been replaced with an image of the Pope waving.

The CAA said: It beggars belief that this shop created a Nazi-branded drink by unwitting coincidence.

Mockery of the Holocaust isnt a criminal offence, so the organisation resorted to contacting the shops landlord, Transport for London and the media.

apology The drink has since been removed from sale, and the companys founder Ben Page-Phillips has issued anon their website.

Nincomsoup rogue employee dismissed full apology and statement: https://t.co/7JiByaUMLE  Nincomsoup LDN (@nincomsoupLDN) November 27, 2016

Sadly, an employee deemed it appropriate to put a Swastika on a smoothie named The Nutzy, he wrote.

This was unsanctioned and the bottles were removed immediately upon being alerted by our shop manager. Needless to say the rogue employee has been dismissed. This was incomprehensible, extremely insensitive and upsetting to all of us. We unreservedly apologise.
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The opinion column by Regan Ford published recently in The News-Herald regarding the consolidated dispatch center project undertaken by the city of Dearborn contained numerous incorrect and careless statements.

Because this project will enable us to provide better public safety services, I felt compelled to set the record straight. In light of the divisive national election we just experienced, I also felt it was important to take a stand against the practice of misleading public opinion to hopefully stop it from becoming a commonplace tactic when debating important local issues.

Contrary to what Mr. Ford would have you believe, the consolidated dispatch center project, along with the enhancement of radio communications, is being completed after years of thorough research; negotiations with other communities, including Melvindale; and the pursuit of state grant money to cover a significant portion of the costs.

It is in line with the directive for municipalities to share services when they can be even more effective for all residents involved, and to use tax dollars in a more efficient way. All agreements have been approved in meetings open to the public and have followed all laws, including those that govern potential conflicts of interests.

Projects of this scope and impact take years to develop and implement because they require taking careful and well-informed steps.

The project actually began late in 2012 when the mayor, the Dearborn police chief and I determined that Dearborn should switch from its current system that operates on a 400 MHz frequency to an 800 MHz radio system. This determination was made after a long and thorough vetting of multiple 800 MHz systems, which included the Michigan State Police system and the Downriver Mutual Aid system.

Dearborn had not converted to 800 MHz earlier because of a number of well-documented transmission challenges within the state of Michigan commonly known in public safety circles. These challenges, mostly due to insufficient infrastructure, have been resolved, now making the 800 MHz system a reliable platform for first responders to communicate.

The second part of this project was to research and explore opportunities with two neighboring communities (Dearborn Heights and Melvindale) to consolidate dispatch services. This project provided the potential for improved technologies, increased staffing, enhanced training opportunities and a more efficient cost model.

The regionalization of dispatch services has been successful in many communities throughout the United States. Given technology improvements, including geographic information systems (GIS) and computer aided dispatch (CAD) systems, it was determined that 2013 would be a good time to review dispatch processes to see if a consolidation would be beneficial to all parties involved.

The city of Dearborn and its potential partners applied to the state of Michigan for a grant for this consolidated dispatch center, and despite a highly competitive environment, with applications submitted by many communities, Dearborn was awarded $3.5 million. It is one of the largest grants ever awarded from the states community grant assistance program. The state approved the grant because of the potential of success for improved services with more economic efficiencies. Each of the three communities provided letters of support and each of the communities involved were equally instrumental in obtaining these funds. Thats important.

While the $3.5 million state grant is to be shared between our three communities, $2.2 million of it is being awarded directly to Dearborn for radio system hardware upgrades. To balance the overwhelming financial benefit Dearborn receives from the shared grant, Melvindale will not be charged for the first five years of service from the consolidated dispatch center. That service is estimated to cost $750,000, which is significantly less than the $2.2 million Dearborn is receiving from the state grant for radio upgrades.

I cant overstate another benefit of Dearborn having a radio system that will permit us to better communicate with other communities. This is known as interoperability. Threats from crime, fire and medical emergencies dont recognize city borders. Often Dearborn police and firefighters work with their counterparts in Dearborn Heights and Melvindale to respond to these emergencies. It is imperative that our officers and firefighters can safely communicate with each other and have a dispatch center that can monitor communications from all agencies involved in an incident. This was one of the most significant lessons learned after 9/11 and has been nationally recognized as an important public safety standard. Most federal grant programs will now only fund hardware that allows interoperability.

Finally, there was no conflict of interest when the Melvindale City Council voted publicly to participate in the consolidated dispatch center. A Melvindale council member is an employee of the Dearborn Fire Department. However, before the vote, the city of Melvindales legal counsel was asked to determine if the Melvindale city charter prohibited this council member from voting on this issue. He determined it did not. Thats because by state law the consolidated dispatch center does not fall under the Fire Departments authority.

In addition, I resent Mr. Fords completely unfounded implication that I, as fire chief, somehow placed pressure on this Melvindale council member to vote for the consolidated dispatch project.

It should be noted that Mr. Ford has never questioned Police Chief Ronald Haddad or me directly about this project despite the fact that we have attended many of the same meetings and have consistently stated that we would be happy to share information at any time. More troubling, however, is his decision to manipulate facts to attempt to mislead people. We must rise above petty politics, especially when making decisions about critical public safety issues. Doing anything less constitutes a disservice to our community.

Dearborn has a proud tradition of outstanding public safety, and it is so important for our residents to understand that this consolidated dispatch center and enhanced radio communication system will strengthen that heritage and advance it well into the future.

Joseph Murray is the fire chief for the city of Dearborn.
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Bus driver did not flee scene of fatal crash, he hid for fear of being lynched, say police

PHUKET: An officer from Thalang Police Station has told The Phuket News that the bus driver who was believed to have fled the scene of a fatal accident that left the driver of a motorbike dead last Saturday night (Nov 26) had not in fact fled, he had actually hidden in an area close to the scene as he was afraid of being lynched by a group of local residents.

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By Yutthawat Lekmak

Thursday 1 December 2016, 11:21AM

The bus driver left his vehicle for fear of being lynched by a group of local residents. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Lt Col Sanit Nookong, an inspector from the Thalang Police, told The Phuket News yesterday (Nov 30) that the bus driver, who he declined to name, did not run away as reported by media. After the accident that left 40-year-old Sompod Butprom dead (see story here), the bus driver did not run away as reported in the news. He had actually hidden in an area close to the accident as he feared he would be lynched by residents that had gathered at the scene. Shortly after the accident the man came to Thalang Police Station and reported the accident, Lt Col Sanit said. The bus driver told us that when the accident happened it was raining heavily and he did not see the motorcyclist. He feels that both he and the driver of the motorbike were responsible for the accident, Lt Col Saint added. No charges have yet to be brought against the bus driver and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Family of three missing after barge sinks off Koh Tao

SURAT THANI: The search continued today (Dec 1) for a family of three missing since their cargo barge was swamped by wind-whipped seas and sank about 10 nautical miles off Koh Tao yesterday night (Nov 30).

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By Bangkok Post

Thursday 1 December 2016, 01:00PM

A man and two children are among eight people rescued from barges swamped by wind-whipped seas in Surat Thani. Photo: Supapong Chaolan

The missing mother, father and three-year-old child were on the barge when it capsized shortly after a wave reported to be five metres high hit six vessels sheltering behind an offshore gas drilling platform between Koh Tao in Surat Thanis Koh Phangnan district and Ao Lang Suan and a bay in Luang Suan district of Chumphon.

The six vessels, two tug boats and four barges carrying rubberwood chips, had left Tapee River in Surat Thanis Muang district to deliver their cargo to a factory in Chachoengsaos Bang Pakong district, said Wassana Saithongkham, a crew member of one of the tugs.

Ms Wassana alerted Koh Tao rescue centre about the incident, requesting help around 8pm yesterday.

On the way, we heard the Meteorological Departments weather forecast, warning that there would be strong waves. We tried to seek shelter near Koh Tao, but the ropes attached to the third barge were suddenly torn off," Ms Wassana said.

Only two of the barges were still attached to the tug boats, leaving the other two barges alone in the sea. The fourth barge was hit by a powerful wave and then sank. The missing family was on that barge, she said.

At around 9:30pm a rescue team found and saved five people, two adults and three children, found floating in the sea. With the waves running as high as 4-5m, and strong winds, the search was then called off. It resumed today.

An air force plane searched the area this morning but failed to find any sign of the missing people, Surat Thani governor Ouaychai Innak said. The navys Second Fleet, based in Songkhla, sent a patrol ship to sea to join in the search.

The Meteorological Departments forecast yesterday night was for wind-whipped waves 2-3m high in the Gulf of Thailand from Surat Thani southward. Small boats were advised to remain ashore.

Read original story here.
Police hunt Thai woman accused of stealing B130,000 from Phuket tourist

PHUKET: Patong Police are currently looking for a woman, believed to be Thai, who is alleged to have stolen more than B130,000 from a Canadian tourist when spending time with him in his hotel room.

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By Eakkapop Thongtub

Thursday 1 December 2016, 05:29PM

It appears that the money was stolen from a draw and was not kept locked away in a safe. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Patong Police were alerted of an incident at 2pm yesterday (Nov 30) where it was alleged that a female had stolen cash from 32-year-old Canadian tourist, Ryan Alexander Sheridan, while spending time with him at his room at the Holiday Inn Hotel on Ruamjai Rd. Mr Sheridan told police that the cash stolen from him included B85,000 in Thai currency, Canadian $1,000 and US$350. Patong Police confirmed that after checking CCTV footage they have managed to identify the suspect and a warrant has been issued for her arrest. Lt Col Somsak Thongkleang said, We are looking for her now. We have also put out a warning to other hotels in the area to keep an eye out for any suspicious person, Thai or foreigner, that comes in to their area because it is high season now and theft can happen at any time. Business operators have also been advised to warn tourists about theft and to lock theirs room and keep their belongings safe.
Seven rusty steel rods removed from Phuket beach

PHUKET: Official from Kamala Tambon Administration Office (OrBorTor) have confirmed that they have removed seven rusty steel rods that were buried in the sand at Kamala Beach.

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By Supatra Sutham

Thursday 1 December 2016, 01:48PM

Officials did try to remove the rods by hand but were unsuccessful. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Chief Administration Officer (Palad) of the Kamala Tambon Administration Office (OrBorTor), Mr Kitikraisri Khaewwan, told The Phuket News today (Dec 1) that all the steel rods discovered at the beach were removed last week and that beachgoers should now be safe on the beach.

However, he did advise beachgoers to still be vigilant because he is not sure if more undetected rusty steel rods are still buried in the sand.

Mr Kitikraisri explained, The steel bars were left from a former shrimp farm. These were buried very deep in the sand and were hard to pull out by hand because some were attached to cement blocks.

On Nov 21, officials managed to cut two bars and pull them out using a truck, but due to the high tide they had to stop and marked the rest with sticks.

We wanted to use machinery to pull the remainder of the rods out but nothing was available. In the end we jet-sprayed water onto one steel bar and the cement broke off making it easy to pull out the rod. We were then able to remove the remainder of the rods.

We have checked the area and do not believe there are anymore rods in the sand, he said.

We are not sure where the owner of this old shrimp farm is now so we are unsure if this is all the rods. We have not received any report of more rods being found, but lifeguards have been advised to report to us if they find anything during low tide, he added.
Thai Airways flight grounded after engine bangs during Phuket takeoff

PHUKET: Thai Airways has refused to comment on a flight from Phuket to Bangkok being cancelled after loud bangs were reported coming from one of the planes engines while accelerating for takeoff from Phuket International Airport on Tuesday night (Nov 29).

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By The Phuket News

Thursday 1 December 2016, 09:41AM

The Thai Airways takeoff from Phuket was aborted after loud bangs reportedly came from one of the aircrafts engines. Photo: The Phuket News / file

The aircraft, an Airbus A330-300 with registration HS-TEJ, was performing flight TG-206 from Phuket to Bangkok, reported global aviation safety website The Aviation Herald. (Click here.)

The aircraft was accelerating for takeoff from runway 09 when the crew rejected takeoff after the right hand engine (PW4168) emitted a loud bang said the report.

Ground observers reported there had been a huge bang, the aircraft shuddered, the aircraft began to slow when two more bangs occurred from the right hand engine, the report added.

A representative of Airports of Thailand (AoT), which operates Phuket International Airport, told The Phuket News, We were alerted to an incident at 11:20pm that the Airbus was having a technical problem and unable to take off. No injuries were reported.

The plane returned to the apron and unloaded passengers to another plane to their destination, said the representative, who asked not to be named.

We provided a space for the Airbus and it will remain here until it is inspected. For other details of the incident, including the damages, please contact Thai Airways, he said.

However, staff at the Thai Airways office at Phuket Airport declined to comment and referred enquiries to their Bangkok office.

The Thai Airways main office in Bangkok also declined to comment on the incident.
Tirade of abuse at Phuket Traffic Police earns defamation charge

PHUKET: A motorist in Phuket Town who railed against a traffic police officer for issuing him a parking ticket because the man had blocked a driveway in a red-and-white zone now faces a defamation charge for a tirade he later posted on Facebook.

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By Eakkapop Thongtub

Thursday 1 December 2016, 05:44PM

The man was seen on VDO hurling abuse at a traffic police officer. Photo: Eakkapop Thontub

The incident went viral online overnight after a video was posted showing the man, who police declined to name, verbally abusing a Phuket City Traffic Police officer for locking the mans pickup truck with a chain around the front-right wheel and issuing him a parking ticket.

In the video, the officer explained that the man had parked in a red-and-white no-parking zone, on Yaowarat Rd near Vachira Phuket Hospital.

The man reacted claiming that he had only parked across a driveway to a worksite, hence he had not parked literally alongside the red-and-white painted curb.

He also argued that the driveway was already blocked by a green-mesh screen, indicating that it was not in use.

Regardless, the officer issued the ticket, prompting the angry motorist to unleash a hail of abuse at the officer.

Lt Col Theerawat Liamsuwan, Deputy Superintendent, Phuket City Traffic Police Division

told The Phuket News today that after speaking with both parties at Phuket City Police Station, he had decided to cancel the parking ticket.

I cancelled the parking ticket for him, but warned him that he would be charged if he did it again, Col Theerawat said.

However, he has now been charged with defamation for using such words toward an officer who was just doing his duty and for posting such a video for people to share, he added.
Two arrested for snatch and grab theft in Phuket

PHUKET: Two Thai men were arrested last night (Nov 30) for a snatch and grab theft in Patong which left three people, including two Chinese tourists, injured.

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By Darawan Naknakhon

Thursday 1 December 2016, 04:45PM

Sarawuth and Tharawuth admitted to the theft and have been charged with theft at night using a getaway vehicle. Photo: Patong police

At around 8:30pm last night, Patong Police under the command of Police Chief Col Chaiwat Uikum arrested Sarawuth Rattanaprasert, 21, and Tharawuth Hirankhakorn, 19, who were found to be in possession of a stolen iPhone 6.

Police seized the iPhone 6 together with a Trang registered Honda Wave as evidence of the crime.

In a press release issued by police it was stated that patrol officers were alerted of a snatch and grab incident on Sai Namyen Rd at 7:15pm.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers found Chinese tourists, Ms Yu Sun, 32, and Mr Jiang Yimeng, 31, running down the road chasing the suspected thieves.

They told police that three people on a motorbike drove next to them and suddenly one of the passengers snatched the iPhone from MsYus hand which caused them to crash and collide into another motorbike belong to Ms Wassana Sareepae.

Ms Yu suffered an injury on her knee, Mr Jiang injuries to his knee and right foot, and Ms Wassana an injury to her right arm.

Ms Yu and Mr Jaing were taken to Patong Hospital while Ms Wassana was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Police said that they quickly apprehended Mr Sarawuth on Sai Namyen Rd, however, the other two suspects made their escape towards 200 Pi Rd.

Police later apprehend the two escaped suspects, Tharawuth and Armin Longklang, as they were driving against the flow of traffic Sawasdirak Rd.

Tharawuth told police in a statement that Armin, who was sat in the middle, had no part in the theft and had actually told them not to commit the theft.

However, Sarawuth and Tharawuth admitted to the theft and have been charged with theft at night using a getaway vehicle.
What to know about the Noem rallies in Sioux Falls Wednesday

Two special guests, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Tulsi Gabbard, will stump for Noem during the rallies at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance.
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.
Cherokee Middle School student John Crim rehearses his dance for "True Colors," a musical presentation by members of the Micro Explorers performance group in advance of tonight's Wisconsin Science Festival's Arts Night Out event at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Union Theater. The kickoff presentation is part of the Wisconsin Science Festival, a campus-wide series of events continuing through Sunday. John Hart - State Journal. (Published on 09/22/2011) Cherokee Middle School student John Crim rehearses his dance on Tuesday for "True Colors," a musical presentation by members of the Micro Explorers performance group. The group will perform at tonight's Arts Night Out event at the Union Theater to kick off the Wisconsin Science Festival.
Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less.
In this Sept. 29, 2015 file photo, people participate in a rally to show support for Planned Parenthood, organized by MoveOn and called "Pink Out Kansas City," as an anti-abortion demonstrator stands amongst them, at the Country Club Plaza, in Kansas City, Mo. Planned Parenthood and its allies filed lawsuits Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, in North Carolina, Missouri and Alaska challenging laws that they view as unconstitutional restrictions on abortion. The restrictions being challenged in Missouri are similar to those that the Supreme Court recently struck down in Texas - they require abortion clinics to meet standards for surgical centers and mandate that their doctors have admitting privileges in nearby hospitals. (John Sleezer /The Kansas City Star via AP, File)
CADIZDIRECTO - The UFO Phenomenon has always drawn the attention of those who have consecrated part of the life and time to study its origin and strangeness. There have been UFO sightings all By Inexplicata

11-28-16

[Editor's note: INEXPLICATA has provided information on the fascinating history of the UFO phenomenon in Cuba for many years, showcasing the efforts of researchers such as Orestes Girbau. We would like to take this opportunity to mark the passing of Dr. Virgilio Sanchez-Ocejo, the Cuban-born researcher whose work appeared in MUFON Journal, Flying Saucer Review and other publications. His contributions to making the mysteries of the largest island in the Caribbean are far too numerous to mention in this space.]









over the world, but perhaps the hardest to follow were those which took place in the Eastern European nations, the ones behind the so-called "Iron Curtain", or in Cuba, due to the secretive nature of its regime.The recent death of Cuban leader Fidel Castro opens new doors to any UFO information that may have come about on the island. It has been learned that Cuba censored all matters related to the UFO phenomenon for over 37 years.One of these cases involves the peasant Adolfo Zarate, who was pursued by a "wave" of UFO reports throughout the island of Cuba in October 1995, at which time the Cuban government was forced to admit the existence of UFO documentation in this regard.This documentation acquires special meaning after Castro's death, particularly on a subject whose censorship was mandated on the island.
Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy

By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat
Pope Francis on Wednesday met Martin Scorsese after a special screening in Rome of the Oscar-winning director's new film Silence, about Jesuit missionaries in 17th century Japan.

For the-74-year-old Scorsese, who spent a year in a "minor seminary", a high school for boys considering the priesthood, the meeting came almost thirty years after his film The Last Temptation of Christ outraged many conservative Christians.

The encounter held significance too for the 79-year-old pope, a member of the Jesuit order who as a young priest in Argentina had wanted to go to Japan as a missionary but could not for health reasons.

At the meeting in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, the pope told Scorsese that he too had read the 1966 novel on which the film was based, Silence, by the late Japanese writer Shusaku Endo, who was a convert to Catholicism, the Vatican said.

The Italian-American director attended a screening of Silence on Tuesday night for more than 300 Jesuit priests. A second screening was planned for a smaller audience in the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon, though it was not clear if the pope would attend.

The film, due to premiere in United States in December, is about two Portuguese Jesuit missionaries who travel to Japan in the 17th century to search for their missing mentor, who is rumoured to have renounced the faith under torture.

There the missionaries face a choicethey can save themselves and Japanese converts from death by crucifixion, burning and drowning if they trample an image of Jesus known as the "fumie" to show they renounced their religion.

Christianity was banned in Japan at the time but many Catholics continued worshipping underground. Scorsese gave the pope a painting by a 17th century Japanese artist of a Madonna that was venerated by the so-called "hidden Christians".

Father James Martin, a Jesuit who was a consultant for the film's script said Scorsese stayed for an hour after Tuesdays screening to answer questions from the Jesuits.

"He was very engaged and energetic and really impressed the Jesuits in the audience with the depth of his spirituality," he said.

"You could not make a spiritual film like that without being a spiritual person. It would come off as empty," Martin said.

The Last Temptation of Christ caused uproar in 1988 because of a dream scene in which Jesus marries and has sex with Mary Magdalene. The film was met by protests and condemnation by conservative church leaders, and a cinema in Paris was fire-bombed.

But many Catholics at the time also defended Scorsese, who made landmark films such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Gangs of New York, and The Departed, the 2006 movie that won the Oscar for best film.

"The Last Temptation of Christ was not about Jesus renouncing the faith but about being tempted, and that is part of his humanity," Father Martin said.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah triggered a controversy on Thursday, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ministers were provoking Pakistan to launch terror attacks like in Jammu and Kashmir's Nagrota town where seven soldiers were killed on Tuesday.

"The Nagrota attack is a result of statements made by various ministers against Pakistan," the National Conference leader told reporters on the sidelines of his address to party workers in south Kashmir Anantnag district.

Abdullah said he disapproved of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement that India didn't want a war with Pakistan "but if someone looks at the country with evil eye, we will gouge his eyes out and put them back in his hand".

He said if such a statement is made by the Defence Minister then "we should expect attacks like Nagrota".

He said Modi's claim that demonetisation would end terrorism in the country was another reason for terror attacks being stepped up in Jammu and Kashmir.

'Apologist for terrorists'

BJP Leader Ram Madhav on Thursday hit out at Abdullah and called him an "apologist for terrorists".

"Pathetic to see Omar Abdullah playing the role of an apologist for terrorists and blaming terror attacks on some statements," Madhav said on Twitter.
[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Bchasdei Hashem the skies of Israel are filling with clouds and Israelis are settling in for a number of days of rain and thunderstorms.

With the tragic fires of last week extinguished, Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan held a ceremony to bid farewell to the international firefighting teams and to thank them for coming to Israels aid as they did.

Erdan said there were over 1,700 individual fires and over 70,000 people were compelled to relocate, leaving their homes. 1,895 homes were damaged. Aerial firefighters assisted in extinguishing 39 very large fires that threatened areas of the country.

Erdan thanked the teams, as well as the heroism of local firefighters and police, citing no one lost their lives due to the quick and efficient response. He praised the mesirus nefesh of all involved as they bravely fought side-by-side with one goal, to bring the fires under control.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Senior dati leumi rabbonim shlita met on Tuesday 28 Cheshvan to discuss the recent troubling decision to expand the ranks of female combatants in the IDF, to the Tank Corps. The rabbonim are trying, having met with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott and other high-ranking officers, sending a clear message, their talmidim will not serve alongside females in tanks.

This latest step highlights the growing anti-religious sentiment that is becoming increasingly prominent in the IDF during the tenure of Eizenkott, who also significantly diminished the authority of the IDF Rabbinate.

During the meeting on Tuesday, the rabbis expressed harsh criticism against Eizenkott as well as IDF Spokesman Brigadier-General Moti Almoz. Almoz came under fire last week for his disrespectful remarks and brazen attitude towards talmidei chachamim.

Among the rabbonim taking part in the meeting were Rabbi Dov Lior Shlita, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Shlita, and Rabbi Mordechai Sternberg Shlita. It appears that this issue combined with the planned destruction of the community of Amona by December 25, 2016, the High Court of Justice-imposed deadline to carry out the destruction, may lead to a coalition crisis initiated by the Bayit Yehudi party, which is the primary Knesset representative of the dati leumi tzibur.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Many Haifa area residents are homeless today, while others are dealing with significant damage and destruction resulting from the fires that rages last week. One of the Haifa victims is former cabinet minister Rabbi Professor Daniel Hershkowitz, who also serves as President of Bar Ilan University as well as the Mora Dasra of the Achuza neighborhood of the city, which was hit hardest by the fires.

Rabbi Hershkowitz explains We were in Medreshet HaGolan where they opened their doors to us all, embraced us during the difficult hour. The went above and beyond to see to our needs. We spent two nights there, from erev Shabbos to Sunday. We then returned to what we call normal life but the reality was a harsh one, quite different, one that demand refurbishing and rebuilding the entire house.

The rabbi however remains optimistic, adding Yes, our private home in which we lived needs a total overhaul and massive repairs in order for us to return. However, Baruch Hashem, we are all healthy and well. It is all from Above. Even these events which appear to come as part of nature are all directed from Above and we will continue fighting for Eretz Yisrael.

On a more personal note, when the rabbi first returned and saw his home he stated I will not lie. The feeling when seeing the house partially destroyed by fire is a difficult one. However, for some, their homes were burned to ashes along with all their memories, photos, and documents. By us BH, despite the damage, the seforim were untouched and we have thousands of seforim (books) in our home. Documents and photos were also undamaged and even hundreds of folders of shiurim information that I have amassed over the years are undamaged. The feeling is difficult on the one hand, but on the other, we thank HKBH for his chessed as this was truly a catastrophic event for so many. We BH are fine.

The rabbi then spoke of Haifa, which was always known as a city of dual-existence between Jews and Arabs, pained over learning that a number of local Arab residents were arrested on suspicion of starting some of the fires as a new form of terrorism.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Shaare Zedek Medical Center on Wednesday 29 Cheshvan announced the development of the new Helmsley Neurological Center allowing the hospital to further strengthen its position in treating terror and other seriously wounded patients who are triaged to a trauma center, as well as stroke patients and those suffering from other types of neurological trauma. As a result of the new Center, Shaare Zedek will be considered as a Trauma One Center  a distinction which will directly benefit the emergency response infrastructure for the greater Jerusalem area.

The new Center, composed of diagnostic, treatment and research elements is made possible through a five million dollar grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Immigration inspectors in Israels southern district conducted an inspection on Wednesday morning 29 Cheshvan and detained 28 persons from the Ukraine who are in the country illegally. The group, 12 women and 16 men, entered the country as tourists and never renewed their visas after deciding to remain, working illegally.

Authorities are also planning to prosecute the employer who willingly gave work to illegals.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Media Resource Group)
The machlokes between Bnei Brak employees and City Hall appears to be worsening and the Histadrut national labor federation official in the city, Ofir Yimin, warns if progress is not made in the talks effecting the lives of 1,800 employees, a general strike will be called.

In a harshly-worded letter sent to Mayor Chanoch Zeibert by Yimin, he warns a general strike will be launched on 18 Kislev. The letter was cced to Mr. Shlomo Yitzchaki, chief labor relations officer at the Ministry of the Economy, making him aware of the pending strike too.

Yimin alleges there has been a breakdown in the fabric of relations between City Hall and its employees and the current situation is no longer tolerable. Yimin adds talks have been deadlocked for a long time as is the case with negotiations for sanitation workers, accusing management of negotiating in bad faith.

City officials respond, stating if the strike is launched, it will be a precedent that was not seen since the tenure of Mosher Erenstein over 15 years ago. The residents do not want to go back to the dark days of strikes in these difficult times City Hall warns.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The U.N. Security Council voted Wednesday to further tighten sanctions on North Korea in response to their fifth and largest nuclear test yet.

The council unanimously approved the sanctions resolution following months of diplomatic wrangling over how best to respond to North Koreas latest nuclear test in September and their repeated defiance of international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

The Security Council has today taken strong action on one of the most enduring and pressing peace and security challenges of our time: the nuclear and ballistic missile activities of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. I welcome the unanimous adoption of this new resolution, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is South Korean, said, referring to North Korea by its full name.

The new sanctions target North Koreas hard currency revenues by placing a cap on coal exports, cutting them by at least 62 percent.

Diplomats said the new sanctions further clarify that the livelihood exemption, which allowed the Chinese imports, is meant only to protect the livelihoods of those currently living inside North Korea, not Chinese people or companies doing business with the country.

The sanctions would also slap a ban on North Koreas exports of non-ferrous metals and sanction 11 government officials as well as 10 entities linked to the countrys nuclear weapons program. The sanctions include a host of other measures cracking down on the countrys access to the international banking system and on North Koreas export of statues, which have earned the country hard currency mostly through sales to African nations.

North Koreas main ally and largest trade partner, China hailed the sanctions as striking a balance between punishing the rogue nation and protecting its people.

The resolution adopted by the council today demonstrates the uniform stand of the international community against the development by DPRK of its nuclear missile programs and forward the maintenance of the international non-proliferation regime, Chinas Ambassador Liu Jieyi said, adding that the measures are not intended to produce negative consequences on DPRKs humanitarian situation.

North Koreas persistent pursuit of missiles and nuclear weapons has long been one of the most intractable foreign policy problems for U.S. administrations.

Diplomacy has so far failed. Six-nation negotiations on dismantling North Koreas nuclear program in exchange for aid were last held in late 2008 and fell apart in early 2009.

The Korean Peninsula remains technically at war, as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.

(AP)
An Arizona mother said she hopes cruel birthday cupcakes given to her teenage daughter will become a teachable moment about the horrors of the Holocaust.

Deborah Muller, of Paradise Valley, said her daughters 14th birthday party this month included cupcakes that guests were allowed to frost. Two girls, who Muller said are friends of her daughter, decorated cupcakes with chocolate swastikas, even though the birthday girl is Jewish, according to KPNX-TV.

Muller said in a now-deleted Facebook post that the girls told her they did it to be funny. She said the teens all recently learned about the Holocaust in school, and were aware of the symbols meaning.

The girls uploaded photos of the swastika cupcake to Snapchat, according to Phoenix New Times.

Its not a hate crime, Muller told the paper. She added she was nevertheless furious.

READ MORE: HUFFPOST
[By: Judith Dinowitz]

Just weeks after a turbulent and divisive election, on Tuesday, November 29th, an avid audience of Jewish community activists and legislators attended Agudath Israels annual legislative gathering. Held at Alliance Bernstein Global Wealth Management in Midtown Manhattan, the luncheon featured Federal law enforcement and NYC government officials, as well as a bi-partisan panel of congressmen moderated by Rabbi Abba Cohen, director of Agudath Israels Washington Office.

The theme of the luncheon, National Security Decisions Awaiting President Trump in His First 100 Days: The View from Congress, led to a discussion of many vital topics, such as anti-Semitism, immigration, and supporting Israel. Throughout the afternoon, speakers kept coming back to the idea that cooperation and partnership  our ability to work together and present a united front  are our best weapons against anti-Semitism and the evolving terrorist threat.

As NYC Public Advocate Letitia James declared, In the face of hatred and adversity, the strongest weapon we have is to stand together. She stated that there is an economic anxiety in the city, and, since the election, a growing proliferation of hatred against the Jewish state. Recently, she attended a protest after a playground was defaced with swastikas. She declared that New York will take action to protect all New Yorkers against hatred and bigotry.

NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, corroborating the Public Advocates words, said that since the election, hate crimes in the U.S. have risen by 31%. We must address these issues, he said. He also warned of the possibility, based on certain campaign promises made by President-Elect Trump and a Republican Congress, of a tremendous NYC budget cut, one that would result in more homelessness and crime.

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez then spoke. He said, I am here to commit myself to the community  a place of fairness, of safety and security. He acknowledged and thanked the legislators present.

William F. Sweeney, Jr., FBI New York Director-in-Charge, agreed that partnerships are the key to fighting terrorism  a threat that has evolved, with younger attackers and homegrown assailants, with no obvious connection to terrorist regimes or agencies. The FBI does nothing alone, he said. Everything we do is based on partnerships. Thank you, especially this group, for your community and your voice.

Finally, attendees enjoyed a lively panel discussion moderated by Rabbi Cohen with representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Randy Weber (R-TX). All of the panelists avowed their support for Israel and their desire to see U.S. support for Israel grow. Discourse included the Memorandum of Understanding between Israel and the U.S., additional support for Iron Dome batteries, and the need to keep a strong relationship with our traditional allies in NATO. Several panelists spoke of the need to limit Irans power. All participants agreed that we need a sane and wise immigration policy  one that does not shut the doors, but vets immigration with common sense.

In his opening remarks, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Agudath Israels Executive Vice President, thanked the events sponsors, coordinator, and attending elected officials.

Sponsors included Mr. Joseph Richter, Mr. David Matovich, Mr. Simon Gans and Mr. Zurich Gabof. The event was coordinated by The Friedlander Group and its CEO, Ezra Friedlander. Elected officials included New York State Assembly Members Helene Weinstein and David Weprin; New York City Council Member Rory Lancman; Rockland County legislator, Aaron Wieder; and Mayor Izzy Spitzer of New Square.

Brief introductions to the speakers were made by: Jeffrey Wiesenfeld, principal with Alliance Bernstein Global Wealth Management and host of the luncheon; Joseph B. Stamm, Luncheon Co-Chair and CEO of MedReview; Michael A. Ramin, Luncheon Co-Chair; prominent community activist and Luncheon Co-Chair Peter Rebenwurzel; and Rabbi Abe Friedman.

Several attendees appreciated the chance to network and to hear directly from legislators about the situation in New York and Washington. One participant had come all the way from Lakewood on behalf of her school. Another, a member of a Jewish Community Council, said, I was impressed by the issues that were discussed  immigration, anti-Semitism, Israel  and the bi-partisan nature of the panel. It was great to see members of many Jewish communities throughout New York come together in an event like this.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Palestinian president says he will seek President-elect Donald Trumps support for an independent Palestinian state.

In a lengthy address to his Fatah Party Wednesday, President Mahmoud Abbas said he hopes that 2017 will be the year that the Palestinians finally gain independence.

He repeated his longstanding demand that a Palestinian state be established in the areas he calls the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem.

Trump has said he would like to broker a Mideast peace deal. But he has raised concerns among Palestinians because many of his advisers take hard-line positions that favor Israel.

If he wants to talk with us, we are pursuing that, Abbas said.

The 81-year-old Abbas was re-elected to a new five-year term as Fatah leader on Tuesday.

(AP)
Donald Trump promised to drain the swamp in the nations capital. Instead, hes diving right in.

So far, the president-elect is tapping people with deep ties to Washington and Wall Street as he fills out his Cabinet, turning to two power centers he vilified as greedy, corrupt and out of touch with Americans during his White House campaign. His choices have won praise from Republicans relieved by his more conventional choices, but could risk angering voters who rallied behind his calls for upending the political system.

Two of Trumps early picks are wealthy financial industry insiders with ties to the kinds of institutions he railed against as a candidate. Elaine Chao, his choice for transportation secretary and an accomplished political figure in her own right, is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell  blending family and political power in a way Trump fiercely criticized campaign rival Hillary Clinton for. Jeff Sessions, Trumps selection for attorney general, has spent two decades in the Senate, and Tom Price, his health and human services nominee, is a six-term congressman.

The gap between Trumps campaign rhetoric and his governing decisions is most striking regarding his emerging economic team. On Wednesday, he announced that he planned to nominate former Goldman Sachs executive Steven Mnuchin as his Treasury secretary and billionaire investor Wilbur Ross to lead the Commerce Department.

As a candidate, Trump said Wall Street had created tremendous problems for the country. He included the CEO of Goldman Sachs in a television advertisement that accused global financial powers of having robbed our working class.

Mnuchin and Ross also have financial links to Trumps White House bid, with Mnuchin having led the campaigns fundraising efforts. Trump repeatedly bragged that his personal wealth  he mostly self-funded his campaign during the primaries  meant he would not be beholden to donors who might expect their financial contributions to be repaid with powerful jobs or insider access.

I cant be bought, Trump said during the campaign. I wont owe anybody anything.

Trumps transition team brushed aside questions about whether there are inconsistencies between the president-elects campaign rhetoric and his Cabinet picks.

These are experts who know how to win, spokesman Jason Miller said Wednesday.

By picking billionaires, as well as a smattering of millionaires, for his Cabinet, Trump is asking voters to trust that privileged insiders can help a stressed and dispirited middle class  even though he, like past presidential candidates, promised he would change that dynamic. Few of his choices have outwardly displayed much of a common touch. Many live surrounded by a level of wealth that most Americans struggle to fathom  and prospered in recent decades as many Americans coped with stagnant incomes.

Not only did Mnuchin once work at Goldman Sachs, but so did his father. After leaving the investment bank in 2002, the Yale graduate pivoted into hedge fund management and producing blockbuster movies such as Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. Mnuchin invested in the wreckage of the housing crisis, scooping up the troubled bank IndyMac and turning a $1.6 billion profit in under a year as millions of Americans endured foreclosure.

Ross orbits a similar world as Trump, as both of them have luxurious homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida. The billionaire investor bought up many struggling steel, auto and coal firms in the industrial Midwest at a steep discount and sold them for steep profits, even as factory and mining jobs at the core of American identity disappeared.

Chao is the offspring of a Chinese shipping magnate, in addition to serving on the boards of Wells Fargo bank, Dole Food and News Corp., the parent of Fox News. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, the wealthiest of Trumps Cabinet nominees thus far, married into the family that started the sales company Amway.

Trump and other Republicans spent months warning voters that a possible Clinton administration would be lined with Wall Street insiders, campaign donors and other special interest hires. But GOP officials have raised no such concerns about Trumps picks.

If anything, some Republicans appear relieved. Many of Trumps picks are cut from a more traditional Republican mold and share the partys ideological preferences, in some cases more so than Trump himself.

The picks so far have been fantastic and well-received by Republicans and conservatives of all stripes, said Cesar Conda, the former chief of staff for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Trump is unifying the party, which is essential to getting his agenda enacted.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, a lukewarm Trump supporter for much of the campaign, praised the economic picks Wednesday, saying he was excited to get to work with this strong team.

Trump is still weighing his choices for several Cabinet posts, including secretary of state. Among the leading contenders: millionaire businessman Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, and millionaire lawyer Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor.

(AP)
Pakistans Press Information Bureau on Wednesday released a readout of a phone call on Monday between Pakistans prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, and the U.S. president-elect, Donald Trump. The readout is unusual in that it focuses almost entirely on Trumps contributions to the conversation, and reproduces them in a voice that is unmistakably his.

The readout is reproduced in full below:

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called President-elect USA Donald Trump and felicitated him on his victory. President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office.

On being invited to visit Pakistan by the prime minister, Mr. Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr. Donald Trump.

Trumps transition team did not respond to immediate requests for comment or corroboration.

Lavishing praise on the Pakistanis would be a major turnaround for the president-elect. In 2012, Trump took to his favorite social media platform, Twitter, to denounce Pakistan.

On Jan. 17 of that year, he wrote: Get it straight: Pakistan is not our friend. Weve given them billions and billions of dollars, and what did we get? Betrayal and disrespect  and much worse. #TimeToGetTough

Trump has also proposed restricting the entrance of Muslims to the United States, in particular from countries that are hotspots for what he calls radical Islamic terror. That list of countries would certainly include Pakistan.

Trump has also spoken highly of Pakistans archrival, India. During his campaign, he courted the Hindu-American vote, and said that in a Trump presidency, India and the United States would be best friends.

There wont be any relationship more important to us, Trump said in Edison, N.J., at a rally organized by self-described Indian nationalists.

Pakistan is a major beneficiary of U.S. assistance and is slated to receive almost $1 billion in economic and security assistance in the 2017 financial year.

Sharif, the Pakistani prime minister, is markedly less loved in his country than Trumps praise would make it seem. He is dogged by allegations of corruption, and the release of the Panama Papers last summer appeared to confirm many Pakistanis suspicions. He is being investigated for conflicts of interest stemming from four luxurious apartments occupied by members of his family in London, and has vowed to step down if found guilty of siphoning funds.

(c) 2016, The Washington Post  Max Bearak
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

This week marked the tragic loss of a remarkable woman, Rebbitzen Gita Cohen AH. Hers was a life replete with sacrifice for Torah; a life that proved the Talmudic adage (Brachos 63b), Torah is only truly established in one who sacrifices greatly for it. Her husband, children, and sons-in-law are all Roshei Yeshiva  leaders and teachers of Torah.

Rebbitzen Cohen was a jewel who lived in the Far Rockaway community for the last thirty years. Slowly and steadily, she and her husband, yblc Rav Shaya Cohen Shlita brought thousands and thousands of people to a life of Torah and Mitzvos. Who was this remarkable woman, and where did she come from?

GROWING UP IN YERUSHALAYIM

Rebbitzen Gita Cohen AH was born in the holy city of Yerushalayim, three years before the War of Independence. She grew up in a two room apartment. One room housed Reb Aryeh Levin ztl, the famed Tzaddik of Yerushalayim, and his Rebbitzen. The other room housed her parents and all of their children. There was no heat and no running water in the apartment. Americans cannot fathom these conditions. And yet, she grew up in a happy home, where Torah and Mitzvos were all that were important.

She lived in close proximity to her uncle and aunt, the Elyashiv family. Her cousin, Rav Elyashivs daughter, was her childhood friend and playmate. Although poor from an economic standpoint, she was a princess in terms of the towering spirituality of her family forebears. She grew up soaking in the Torah of giants of Yiddishkeit.

And soak up, she did. The Rebbitzen was a child prodigy, and at the age of one was fully fluent in Yiddish. The Brisker Rav was so impressed by her as a little girl that he remarked, That young girl is destined for greatness. Her grandfather lovingly referred to her as, Giteleh HaChachamah.

Tragedy struck the family at a young age. In 1948, in the War of Independence, the apartment was shelled by Arab bombs. The room where she and Rav Elyashivs daughter was badly hit. The explosion caused the ceiling and walls to cave in. Rav Elyashivs daughter was tragically killed rl, and the young Rebbitzen Gitel was knocked unconscious and badly burned, hidden by the rubble around her. Her mother was unaware that she was in the room and only through a miracle did she notice her foot sticking out from the rubble. Her husband later commented that she was given a gift of 68 extra years of life.

THE ALTER



Rebbitzen Cohen was the great-granddaughter of the Alter of Slabodka, of whom the Chazon Ish had said that all Torah in America and Israel exists on account of him. The Alter built Torah. After her marriage to Rabbi Shaya Cohen, she moved to America and together with her husband, built Torah as well. They founded Torah institutions that brought thousands and thousands of people to a life of Torah and Mitzvos. There are students studying from coast to coast on account of her and her husbands prodigious efforts; in the Batei Midrashim of BMG in Lakewood, New Jersey to the Beis Midrash of Yeshiva Ner Aryeh in the San Fernando Valley of California.

In her home, the Alters Torah and Mussar thought was part of the family legacy. She herself loved to review Rav Shalom Shadrons collections of his Mussar thought, Ohr HaTzafun. She had great appreciation for his Mussar thought too and would often repeat them to students and Roshei Yeshiva that she would meet. The Rabbonim and Roshei Yeshiva of Far Rockaway, Rav Bressler and Rav Perr, for example, were very impressed and taken with her wisdom and knowledge.

REB ARYEH LEVINE



Her grandfather on her mothers side was the famed Tzaddik of Yerushalayim, Reb Aryeh Levine ztl and she would accompany her grandfather on his Mitzvah-laden expeditions. Reb Aryeh Levine visited prisoners, those whom society scorned. He would visit indigent patients in Shaarei Zedek hospital and elsewhere, often lying to the nurses, saying he was their relative. He did so in order that they should care for the patient better. Reb Aryeh was mekarev the future Prime Minister of Israel, Menachem Begin. He had a genuine love of people and was completely non-judgmental of others. His granddaughter inherited these traits as well. Later in life, she herself worked with the at-risk girl population. They loved her deeply, because they saw her non-judgmental attitudes and her genuine love and concern. Teaching side by side with her, I myself saw her lovingly embrace girls, girls with multiple piercings, who were rejected by others. Now these young ladies are Kollel wives and mothers in Klal Yisroel. Today, they remember her loving and kind demeanor.

On her fathers side she was the granddaughter of Rav Shlomo Yehudah Leib Pletchinsky ztl, the Av Beis Din of Vishdi and later the Av Beis Din of Dvinsk, home of both the Rogetshover Gaon and Rav Meir Simcha, author of the Meshech Chochma. Rav Tfelinsky of Yerushalayim, a former Chevrusah of Reb Laizer Pletchinsky ztl related that Rav Meir Simcha would often converse in learning with Rav Shlomo Yehudah. To be an Av Bais Din in such a city is no easy feat, particularly with such luminaries as residents. Rav Shlomo Yehudah Leib was the son of Rebbitzen Sorah Liba, the daughter of the Alter.

She never knew her paternal grandparents. They were murdered in the vicious Nazi onslaught of Dvinsk. In December of 1942, thousands of Jews many of them old men and women and children, were brought to a clearing outside of the city. The Nazis yimach shmam ordered the Jews to dig large ditches and machine-gunned them all, and buried them in the pits. Sadly, his great writings were also lost at the time.

Rebbitzen Cohen was the niece of the Gadol HaDor, Rav Yoseph Shalom Elyashiv ztl and lehavdil bain chaim lchaim  the cousin of Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita. She was the daughter of Rav Laizer Pletchinsky tl, one of the gedolei haDor, the Rosh Yeshiva of Beis Aryeh in Yerushalayim, and an early choice for the leadership of the Ponovech Yeshiva in Bnei Brak.

KNOWLEDGE OF TANACH

In her own right, she was a remarkably illustrious and Tzanuah woman whose knowledge of Tanach, meforshim, and the Mussar thoughts of the giants of the previous generation was uncanny. She had her own interpretation of a posuk in Tehillim (128:3):



Eshtecha kgefen poriah byarkesai baisecha banecha kshesilei zaisimsaviv lshulchanecha.  Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Her rendering of this verse had the words byarkesai baisecha as the operative term  When she is b-yarkesai baisecha  in the inner house  expressing the ideals of the Torahs ideals of Tznius  then your children shall become those olive shoots. Tznius brings blessing and bracha.

Rav Laizer Pletchinsky zatzal in the introduction to his Sefer Shlom Yehudah writes how he was plucked from the fiery ashes of the Nazi holocaust in Europe and made it to Yerushalayim where he was able to become a close talmid of the Brisker Rav in Yerushalayim and the Chazon Ish in Bnei Brak. He exchanged numerous letters with both of them. Rebbitzen Cohen absorbed this remarkable Torah environment and later transplanted it all to her homes in Los Angeles and later New York.

MARRIAGE

She married Rav Shaya Cohen in 1968, a Talmid of Rav Henoch Leibowitz ztL, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshavs Chofetz Chaim. All the Gedolei Torah of Yerushalayim were present at the wedding. Who would miss the wedding of Rav Aryeh Levines granddaughter? remarked one of the attendees. A year after the wedding, her illustrious grandfather Reb Aryeh, passed away.

In 1975, Reb Shaya Cohen and his Rebbitzen moved to North Hollywood, California, and established Emek High School, later to be renamed Valley Torah Center. There they worked prodigiously, side by side to reach out to others in Torah. They sent their Talmidim and Talmidos to Yeshivos and seminaries in Yerushalayim. Much of the Torah community in North Hollywood exists because of their dedicated years in the Valley.

STRUGGLES

The Rebbitzen and her husband struggled in California as well, but she always was a happy person, fulfilling the commandment of Ivdu es hashem bsimcha. They struggled with tragedy. At a young age, they lost their young son, Aryeh, who was named after her grandfather. He too was a brilliant child prodigy. It is difficult to lose a child, and yet she knew that for the rest of the children she must continue to show them ivdu es hashem bsimcha.

There was anti-Semitism as well. Once at the Shabbos minyan, someone had set fire to the fence behind the minyan, by pouring gasoline and setting it on fire. Swastikas were painted on the building, and once even three young bochurim were attacked by anti-Semitic goyim. It was a time where no one paid attention to such incidents.

They also struggled financially. Once one of the supporters, of the Yeshiva in California, Mr. F saw that the Cohens were driving a jalopy of a car. When Mr. F purchased a new car, he gave his old car to the Cohens. The problem was that it was a Lincoln Continental, albeit twelve years old. Someone commented that he is surely being paid well, driving a Lincoln. At that moment, however, Rebbitzen Cohen was at home sitting in the dark because the electricity was shut off for lack of payment. Rabbi Cohen was always paid last, after the secular studies teachers, and after the Rebbeim. Rebbitzen Cohen handled the difficulties with an unparalleled Emunah and bitachon  knowing that their mission was an important one.

After the move to New York and in her late forties, she became a school psychologist, both to help others as well as to help with the family finances.

The Rebbitzen was fighting off illness during her last years of her life. Still, she merited to partake in the wedding of a granddaughter during the last week of her life. Her passing was a shock to her family, as the doctors had said that her numbers were improving.

AT THE LEVAYA

At her levaya, her brother Reb Shlomo Pletchinsky Shlita, a Rosh yeshiva in Yerushalayim, in the teary Hebrew sing-song that characterizes Yerushalmi levayas, eulogized her saying:

She was the peer of the family. She personified ahavas haTorah. When father was by the Chazon Ish and the Brisker Rav she absorbed it all. With all the ruchnios of the dooros of that situation. Father was so proud of her. She was his right-hand assistant, she ran all his errands. She had Ahavas Hatorah, Mesirus nefesh ltorah.

Rav Yechiel Perr Shlita in his eulogy of the Rebbitzen focused on her lechtech acharai bamidbar how she went with her husband to the midbar, the wilderness in California, and then to start all over again in New York.

One son-in-law, Rabbi Avi Pollack, the Rosh Yeshiva of Am HaTorah, said: What a tznuah she was, a brilliant woman. There was a power of Torah in the house.. A love of learning. My wife would call to help prepare a lesson. She knew all tanach with meforshim. My daughters would call for help in assignments and papers. She was always giving..

Rabbi Yehudah Cohen, the eldest son said: You loved us unconditionally. You personified emor meat vassei harbeh. All you wanted was for us to learn Torah. Your great-grandfather was the alter, your uncle Rav Elyashiv zatzal, your father Rav lazer Pletchinsky. She would tell us how she grew up in the house with no running water. Once she related how there was a sign by the butcher that he is not taking credit. She turned around, crying. ln 1975, they went to Los Angeles. A group of Beis Medrash bochrim offered to stay to help the Yeshiva, but only if her husband would stay all day in the Beis Midrash to give shiur. When she heard she was elated, Its a Mishna  hamekabel alav ol torah  One who accepts upon himself the yoke of Torah, all worldly matters are moved from him. That day, my father was put in contact with someone who left the yeshiva a million dollars.

Another son, Rav Yechezkel said: I had an aneurism [a few years ago, where his situation was touch and go  Ed]. She was there the whole time. She sat by my side. My sister told me that she heard her say at the time that I should get better and it should happen to her.

There were many more maspidim as well, and not a dry eye in the Yeshiva.

Another son explained how one just cannot say stories, because these were maasim bechol yom  every day occurences. She loved Torah, the only thing that mattered to her was Torah learning. She got upset when the Torah was said when she was in the kitchen. She would say, Now you are talking Torah? You must wait for me to hear it, when I come back to the table.

At the shiva in Yerushalayim, the great Gedolim of Eretz Yisroel came to be Menachem Avel. The Rebbitzen is buried on Har HaZaisim next to her illustrious father.

LEGACY



She leaves a two fold legacy. She leaves a remarkable family who have impacted and will continue to impact Klal Yisroel with the Torah and genuine love for others. Her son, Rav Yehuda, is a Rosh Yeshiva in Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh in Far Rockaway. Rav Yechezkel is a Rosh Yeshiva in Yeshivas Ner Aryeh, in California. Rav Eliyahu and Rav Yisroel Meir are Roshei Yeshiva in Yeshivas Ohr HaTzafun in Yerushalayim. The other sons and sons-in-law are Marbitzei Torah as well.

She also leaves untold numbers of Klal Yisroel who themselves were touched and inspired by this remarkable woman.

The author can be reached at [email protected]
YWN regrets to inform you of the tragic Petira of Mr. Michael Emanuel ZL, who was critically injured in an accident in San Diego on Monday.

As YWN had reported, Michael was seriously injured after he tried to put a stop to an unoccupied runaway SUV in front of a Rolando- area home.

According to San Diego Police, the parked 2008 Mazda began rolling backward down a driveway in the 6100 block of Arosa Street as Michael was standing alongside it on Monday morning.

The SUV RL ran him over, then struck three other vehicles before crashing to a halt, Sgt. Tom Sullivan said.

He was rushed to Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest where he was listed in serious condition. Tragically, he was Niftar on Wednesday night.

He leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Ingrid Emanuel and two young children Jonah and Carmen.

The Emanuel family is part of the Beth Jacob Community in San Diego, California.

The Levaya and Shiva will take place in Australia.

A fund has been set up for his family.

Bocurh Dayan HaEmmes

(Charles gross  YWN)
RACINE  A 26-year-old Racine man charged last year with the 2008 slaying of Jamaal Stanciel was found guilty Tuesday in Racine County Circuit Court.

Prosecutors charged Jonathan Sparks on Nov. 9, 2015, with first-degree reckless homicide by use of a dangerous weapon in the fatal shooting of Stanciel, 20, also of Racine on June 14, 2008.

Reports at the time state Stanciel was standing with a group of friends that night in the area of 11th Street and Hilker Place when he was shot.

Two bullets hit Stanciel: one in his right shoulder and the other went through his torso and punctured his lung, killing him, according to autopsy results. After Stanciel was fatally shot, the case went cold. A break came in the case seven years later, after investigators interviewed Sparks in an Illinois prison after reportedly being tipped that he was the shooter.

Sparks, of the 3100 block of 17th Street, allegedly told investigators that he held a gun over the top of a fence the night Stanciel was killed and fired, according to his criminal complaint.

Three people police talked to after the shooting  who were allegedly in a car with Sparks on the night of June 14, 2008  reportedly stated that Sparks returned to the car that night and told one of the men that he had fired multiple times.

In December 2012, an associate of Stanciels, who was reportedly was near the scene of the shooting that night, said he saw Sparks shoot over the fence five or six times, according to the complaint.

Sparks had initially entered a not-guilty plea to the reckless homicide charge, but on Tuesday he pleaded no contest the charge, neither admitting nor disputing the accusations, online court records show.

As is the case in such pleas, the court then found him guilty of the charge.

A sentencing hearing in the case has been set for 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 30 at the Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.
Opportunist: Glencore's Alpine walking chief executive Ivan Glasenberg

Natural resources investments can be a mixed blessing. The reputation of Britain's mining champion Rio Tinto has been badly tarnished by a bribery and governance scandal in Guinea.

BHP is having to live with the stain of the Samarco dam disaster in Brazil and Anglo American is struggling to deliver on its disposal promises made to investors.

Amid this tumultuous background the widely disparaged mining and commodity trading group Glencore is emerging from the natural resources meltdown slimmer and more nimble  ready, like its Alpine-walking chief executive Ivan Glasenberg, to pounce on opportunities as they arise.

The remarkable aspect of Glencore's recovery from the pit of 2015 has been its ability to wheel and deal. It has managed 5billion of asset sales and remarkably has reduced the debt burden from 24billion at the end of 2014 to close to 13billion.

The speed of the financial stabilisation is reflected in the group's shares, which have climbed by 200 per cent in 2016 and placed it among the FTSE 100 highest fliers.

The rebound enables Glencore to approve a $1billion (800million) dividend payout in 2017, which will be a nice little earner for the ever-optimistic Glasenberg, who still owns 8.2 per cent of the stock.

He expects the group to generate 5.2billion of free cash flow next year, both as a result of the earnings from its marketing and trading arm, and the higher prices it predicts when it brings mothballed zinc and copper production back on-stream.

The fate of the group's coal and iron production, once earmarked for sale, remains in the balance now that prices have improved and debt has been reduced.

Glencore may well be a beneficiary of the commodity trading implosion that brought Hong Kong-based competitor Noble to its knees and the missteps which have driven some of the big banks  including JP Morgan and Barclays  out of commodity trading.

Companies are very good at spelling out recovery strategies, but much less good at delivering them.

Glasenberg has done just that. He could polish his halo further if he chooses to make sure the company is ready to adopt best-in-class environmental and working practices in Africa's copper belt. If so, he could keep some of the cacophony of NGO hostility at bay.

Bank wobbles

Much teeth gnashing over the Bank of England's stringent stress tests of UK banks, which showed Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and Standard Chartered to be short of capital shock absorbers if there were to be a new global and UK financial meltdown.

The better way of looking at this is that the problems identified by the central bank, even after extensive rebuilding of balance sheets in recent years, are rooted in what might happen in the second half of this decade.

The difficulties of the Continental banks date back to before the financial crisis. Spain has done better than most in the eurozone in restoring stability and lending capacity to the financial system.

Nevertheless, the country's sixth largest bank, Banco Popular, is still deep in the mire. The latest attempt to fix it is to be spearheaded by JP Morgan Chase vice-president Emilio Saracho, who has been drafted in to replace long-standing chairman Angel Ron.

It is not going to be easy. The bank is reckoned to have 25.4billion of toxic assets on its books. The biggest investor, Mexican billionaire Antonio del Valle, reportedly is dissatisfied with the feeble approach taken by Ron to the bank's difficulties and favours a merger with a healthier Spanish bank.

If Popular remains independent, it would have to raise billions of euros in new capital, which may not be easy when the share price has sunk two-thirds since 2008 and has been one of the weakest stocks in Madrid in recent weeks.

Elsewhere among the Club Med countries, the latest rescue of the world's oldest lender, Monte Dei Paschi di Siena, remains in abeyance. An essential bit of the rescue plan, the conversion of 1billion of debt into shares, has fallen away.

The rest of the deal is on hold until after the weekend's constitutional referendum. A loss for Italy's prime minister Matteo Renzi could kill enthusiasm for the bailout.

And we thought UK banks had problems

Long playing

Not so long ago the Swedish-based music download site Spotify was regarded as the enemy of the big music producers Universal, Warner and Sony. Times they are changing.

Revenues for music are thought to be up for the first time in several years in 2016 as tune-lovers are weaned off piracy and pay for the choices offered by Spotify and rivals such as Apple Music. Spotify et al pay royalties negotiated with the recording labels.

After years of losses, Spotify is said to be heading for profit as early as 2017 and a stock market listing which could value it as high as 7billion or so, making it one of Europe's most valuable digital properties.
Millionaire fund manager Neil Woodford, 56, fancies himself as a bit of a horseman.

Crop-haired Neil, who once angered neighbour Jeremy Paxman by submitting plans to build a new equestrian centre near his Oxfordshire home, has been encouraged into the saddle by partner Madeline.

Despite his prop-forward physique, Woodford made a promising start  riding his gelding Ennis Lad to 14th place at an event in June.

Horsing around: Neil Woodford has been encouraged into the saddle by partner Madeline

But he then slipped to 19th in July and then 27th one month later before finishing 34th in his latest competition.

Perhaps a bet on Woodfords equine skills could still prove better in the short term than on his Patient Capital Trust  down 12 per cent since launch. Wags call it the VERY Patient Capital Trust.

Buried deep within the full-year results for Countryside Properties is the disclosure that relatives of wily chief executive Ian Sutcliffe, 57, and fellow director Graham Cherry, 57, have been given jobs.

Sutcliffes son and Cherrys daughter have been recruited as graduate trainees earning up to 50,000 a year.

Graham, whose father Alan founded the firm in 1958, will at least be able to teach his offspring a thing or two about dedication. When Alan died, Graham was back at work two days later to ensure his fathers legacy lived on.

Matronly Government minister Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe was in Milan yesterday to promote British designers.

The former Tesco director once left her mark with Indian officials on a visit to promote the supermarket giant. On arrival, the 63-year-old was told to remove a particularly fiddly pair of thigh-length leather boots as she went through security.

When faced with the challenge of replacing them, the ballsy Baroness was not one to be inconvenienced. She planted one foot on a security scanner and hoiked her skirt around her waist.

Sulky hedge fund guru Nat Rothschild, 45, has found a new vocation as an unlikely champion of the nations health.

The scion of the wealthy banking dynasty has worked himself into a lather on Twitter about Philip Morris launching a less harmful cigarette that heats, but not burns, tobacco.
RACINE  A Kenosha man is facing charges of incest, child enticement and exposing genitals after allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting a relative, according to court documents issued Wednesday.

Juan C. Robles, 30, of the 1800 block of 53rd Street, is accused of assaulting a family member for 10 years, according to a criminal complaint. The victim, not a a member of Robles' immediate household, was allegedly assaulted by Robles approximately 15 times in Racine County.

Additional incidents allegedly occurred in Kenosha County. Racine police began an investigation into Robles on Sept. 7.

The victim told investigators that he allowed the assaults to occur because he was scared to say no and said that Robles would allegedly get violent so the victim did not want to get hurt, the complaint said.

Robles faces three felonies for his charges. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.

Robles remained in custody as of Wednesday at the Racine County Jail, online records showed.
Could the seismic market events of the past year have been predicted?

New robo-adviser Scalable Capital is built around the concept that while returns cannot be predicted, risks can - with reasonable accuracy.

The adviser's tech-heavy approach to investing uses a combination of raw market data and future risk projection to shift clients' portfolio allocation automatically towards assets that will maximise their returns relative to their risk profile.

Rise of the robots: Low costs have helped robo-advice move into the mainstream

Robo-advisers have broken into the mainstream over the past five years or so, appealing to those looking for a high-tech, low cost investment approach.

Plenty of firms have got in on the act, from start-ups such as Nutmeg and MoneyFarm, to major investment companies such as BlackRock and UBS.

Services vary, but in general they offer to cut out human decision making by using a formula to determine where to put clients' money, and then use low-cost passive investments to achieve the desired market exposure.

Scalable Capital started off in Germany in 2015 and opened to UK investors this year. Its UK chief executive is Adam French, previously executive director of commodities trading at Goldman Sachs. Fellow co-founder Ella Rabener has worked in private equity, risk management and has helped to build other online start-ups, while third founder Simon Miller spent eight years at Barclays Capital.

The founders think of Scalable Capital as 'the second generation' of robo-advisers, one that is much more sophisticated. They claim that many of the original incumbents are built on the basis of modern portfolio theory - a tool created in the the 1950s which also uses a risk-return analysis, but is based purely on existing data rather than combining it with projections.

Rabener says: 'The first generation of robo-advisers rely on the construction of modern portfolio theory which can be used to solve problems but the world is not that simple. Using raw data gives you a better view of what you're investing in.'

Black swan: Scalable Capital founders say the US election was a good test of their model

One of the issues with modern portfolio theory is that it can't predict a 'black swan' - an unexpected but influential event.

Rabener adds: 'These models do not account for black swans happening. They make the assumption that these events almost never happen but in reality they take place every 10 years or so.'

French says Scalable Capital's model 'passed with flying colours' during the Brexit vote and after the US election by protecting investors' capital.

He says: 'What we care so much about is keeping the risk in the clients' portfolio low. Within equities, our portfolios were de-risking out of European equities- including the UK - and we performed really well off the back of the pound's weakness following Brexit.

'More recently, in the US election, volatility across the markets as a whole remained low, so the stock [equity] component was higher than it was going into Brexit, but there was a global rotation, so we had a lower allocation to the US stock market than usual.'

How does it work?

Scalable Capital attempts to optimise investors' risk-return by using low cost passive investments selected based on 'intelligent risk management'.

The founders believe that choosing an asset class based on the opinion of a human investment manager is inaccurate. Its model 'accepts that returns cannot be predicted' but is based around the idea that risks can.

Like other robo-advisers, the platform asks new clients to fill in a questionnaire about their appetite for risk, investment goals and financial situation.

Where it differs - according to the creators - is that it uses forward-looking data to maximise your returns within that specified risk tolerance.

This ongoing calculation takes into account where you are currently invested and what is happening in the market and then combines it with a future risk projection.

Investors are assigned a percentage risk level which should not be exceeded in 95 per cent of all outcomes - if it looks like this is going to happen, the portfolio is automatically shifted to assets that are less risky, for example from shares in to bonds. It also works the other way, upping the risk in your portfolio at times when the market is quiet, to make sure you don't waste the potential for higher returns,

What does Scalable Capital invest in?

The robo-adviser invests entirely in exchange traded funds, investment products that track a particular part of the market, for example in an index such as the FTSE 100.

Investors' money is divided into six major asset classes: equities, government bonds, corporate bonds, real estate, commodities and money markets.

ETFs give access to these asset classes, with around 8,000 individual securities spread across 90 countries.

Next generation: Scalable Capital co-founders Ella Rabener, Simon Miller and Adam French

What's the minimum amount you can put in?

The minimum initial investment is 5,000, putting the platform out of reach for investors with lower disposable income. Most robo-advisers require a minimum investment of between 100 and 1,000. However, Scalable Capital has no plans to lower the limit as it says that is the minimum amount at which their process can work as designed.

If you wish to withdraw your money you must leave at least 5,000 in the account for it to still be allocated, although if your money falls to below this level due to underperformance it will continue to be invested. Any dividends paid out by your underlying ETF investments are reinvested on your behalf.

How can you invest?

Clients can make an investment with Scalable Capital through a stocks and shares Isa, either by opening one on the company's website or by transferring from their existing provider. This method has the advantage of a tax-free annual limit of 15,240. Alternatively, it's possible to invest directly by setting up an account with the company. The launch of a Sipp is planned for the first half of 2017.

What are the fees?

The annual fee is 0.75 per cent of the total assets under management, which is charged monthly and includes the costs of investment management, technology, trading and account management. The ETFs used by the platform charge an average fee of 0.25 on top of that. There is no charge for selling up and leaving the platform, although you may be liable to pay tax on the underlying investments that the platform has to sell on your behalf.

By comparison, Nutmeg charges an annual fee of 0.75 per cent, while Moneyfarm only charges the cost of its underlying investments - around 0.25 per cent - on investors' first 10,000, after which it rises to 0.6 per cent on investments up to 100,000.

Is your money safe?

As with any investment strategy, you can lose money as well as make it.

However, Scalable Capital is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and your money is held in a custodian bank account by Winterflood Securities, which is part of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

This means that if the company were to go bust, your money would be protected up to the first 50,000.

Has it caught on?

It's early days for the robo-adviser in the UK, but the founders say that Europe-wide, the service is growing by 2million to 4million each week. The founders say they have seen new clients test the proposition out with relatively small amounts of money, before topping up their investment with an average of 40,000.
Disgraced retail tycoon Sir Philip Green came under fresh pressure yesterday to sort out the BHS pension crisis.

More than 100,000 people have signed a petition calling on the billionaire to pay up to avoid hurting the former workers.

Under pressure: Members of the shopworkers union Usdaw have taken the petition to Philip Greens Arcadia Group HQ in London

Green, 64, sold BHS for just 1 in 2015 and the chain collapsed less than a year later.

Its demise left a 571m black hole in the companys pension scheme, threatening the life savings of 22,000 people.

Yesterday, members of the shopworkers union Usdaw took the petition to Greens Arcadia Group HQ in London (pictured).
Donald Trumps new treasury secretary has promised the biggest tax cuts since Ronald Reagan was in the White House  paving the way for corporate tax cuts in Britain.

Steven Mnuchin, a film producer who earned a fortune working for Goldman Sachs for 17 years, has been chosen by the President-elect to take over at the US Treasury.

Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross will become commerce secretary.

Happy days: Donald Trumps new treasury secretary has promised the biggest tax cuts since Ronald Reagan

Mnuchin, 53, said his top priority would be to cut corporate taxes from the current level of 35 per cent to 15 per cent, to stimulate huge economic growth.

Our number one priority is tax reform. This will be the largest tax change since Reagan, he said.

Theresa May has said she will match US corporation tax rates under Trump to ensure Britain has the friendliest business tax regime in the G20.
Rolls-Royce faced the threat of more cuts to its struggling marine business even as it axed another 800 jobs in a bid to save up to 50m.

The engineering giant put at risk up to 400 jobs in the UK, with the rest going at foreign sites, as it was forced to make greater cuts following the long-term fall in the oil price, which has hammered its customers.

It is on top of 1,000 jobs the company has already chopped from the marine division, which makes and services equipment for naval, commercial and offshore oil and gas ships.

Cuts: Rolls-Royce put at risk up to 400 jobs in the UK on top of 1,000 jobs the company has already chopped from the marine division

Mikael Makinen, president of the marine division, said the firm was left no choice given the fall in oil prices  from $146 per barrel in 2008 to lows of less than $30.

Ironically, the move came as oil climbed 17 per cent in two days following an Opec agreement.

But it was too late to help revenues in the marine division, which fell by one-quarter in the first half of this year.

Makinen said: 'The ongoing market weakness that has followed the dramatic fall in the price of oil continues to have an adverse impact upon our order book and profitability.

'We have made significant progress in transforming Marine into a far more agile and simplified business than we were, and we have to take further steps to address our cost base.

'Reducing our workforce is never an easy decision, but we have no option but to take further action beyond the changes we have made to date.'

Around 200 of the marine division's workers in the UK are based in Bristol, where they focus on naval work, and Dunfermline, where they make ships' fins. It also has workers in Derby, Portsmouth and Solihull.

Chief executive Warren East has led major cost-cutting across the company since taking over at the end of last year, and has already axed 400 roles from senior management.

Rolls-Royce issued five profit warnings in the 20 months to November 2015, as it battled high costs and changes to the market.

Most of the marine workers are based in Norway, while the firm has also been shifting some work to Asia, Poland and Croatia, where the cost of hiring workers is cheaper.

However, despite the severe cuts, the company has not ruled out further reductions, saying that it needs to be able to respond to the market.

Last month East said the business was 'still not quite at the right size'. Sandy Morris, analyst at Jefferies International, said the Rolls-Royce customers, which typically tend to be reliant on the oil industry, had around 30 per cent of offshore vessels out of service.

He warned that this was unlikely to improve in the near term.
At one time, almost everybody had a Nokia mobile phone.

Its tell-tale ringtone and snake game were part of popular culture, and it dominated the market until the iPhone was released in 2007.

That led to a steady decline until Nokia sold its phone-making arm to Microsoft in 2014, which eventually killed off the brand.

Now a new Nokia smartphone is set to be released after Microsoft sold the rights to HMD, a company created by former Nokia employees in Finland who have plans to revive the brand.

HMD has teamed up with iPhone manufacturer Foxconn and yesterday revealed its new Nokia smartphones would be released early next year.

Chief executive Arto Nummela said: 'The excitement of re-introducing this much-loved, well-known and trusted brand to smartphone consumers is a responsibility and an ambition that everyone at HMD shares.'

HMD has signed a ten-year deal with Nokia, now a telecoms equipment maker, to license the brand.
Addressing fire safety Living in San Diego County, the threat of fires is constant, that is why I have made fire safety one...

Supporting animals As a trained Project Wildlife Native Songbird Rehabilitator, my experience raising orphaned and injured songbirds and returning them to the...
In between perfecting your costume for trick-or-treating and watching your favorite Halloween movies, leave time for baking some of the best pumpkin recipes around.

With a pumpkin pie spice and cream cheese center, this delicious pumpkin cake roll is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and give you that fall feeling.
MBABANE  Its not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.



The quote from Mother Theresa was cited by the Swaziland Building Society (SBS) Managing Director (MD) Timothy Nhleko, as the gist of the Golden Touch programme.



The fifth edition of the SBS and Times of Swaziland Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, which started in 2012, was launched yesterday at the SBS Headquarters boardroom.



The two organisations ce two organisations have over the years collaborated with staff, customers and all stakeholders to collect clothes, toys, toiletries and food items tollect items such as clothes and food, which in turn are donated to the needy people.

According to the MD, thhrough the societys branches and the Times of Swaziland offices to share some love with the members of the Swazi community who are in need.



SBS Chief Financial Officer Thabiso Ndzudza, who represented the MD during the launch, said the donated items are then distributed to care organisations that are looking after children around the country.



Today the two organisations are here to request and encourage our colleagues, customers, stakeholders and the Swazi society at large to share some love this festive season by donating clothes, toys, toiletries, non-perishable food items to any of the Golden Touch collection points in the SBS branches countrywide and the Times of Swaziland Offices, said Ndzudza.



He urged the nation to remember those who are less privileged this festive season.

Ndzudza added that the Golden Touch programme will ensure that the donated items are shared with those who are truly in need.

Through the Times of Swaziland, you will also be informed about progress of the donations and the final beneficiaries will be shared with you at the end of the campaign, he said.






SITEKI  A 22-year-old man has appeared in court for indecently assaulting (sodomising) an 18-year-old teenage boy.



Khulekani Muzi Mlotsa of Maphungwane reportedly broke into the teenage boys flat and sodomised him while he was fast asleep.

According to court papers, the incident took place near Siteki town last Tuesday.



Information gathered by this publication is that Mlotsa had earlier visited the teenage boy at his workplace to ask for employment.

It is said that after his job application had been turned down by the teenage boys bosses, he left but returned at night and sodomised him.

After he had been sodomised, the teenage boy is said to have reported the matter to his mother and the head teacher of his former school.

They are both said to have advised him to report the matter to the police.



Meanwhile, Mlotsa reportedly fled after committing the offence before he was later apprehended by the police.

Yesterday morning, he appeared at the Siteki Magistrates Court, before Lubombo Principal Magistrate Dumisani Magagula.

When his right to legal representation was explained to him, he elected to conduct his own defence.

He further pleaded guilty to the count of indecent assault.



Evidence



The Crown, which was represented by Melusi Lukhele, said it was going to accept the accused persons plea without leading evidence.

The Crown further told the court that Mlotsa had no records of previous convictions in regard to a similar case.

The court found Mlotsa guilty as charged.



When he was afforded a chance to mitigate sentence, Mlotsa elected to remain silent.

However, the court asked him to explain why it should pass a lenient sentence.

He did not respond directly to the question asked by the court.

Instead, he requested the court to pass a sentence with an option of a fine.

The court further asked Mlotsa who was older between him and the complainant.

The court posed this question because the age of the complaint did not appear on the charge sheet.

In response, Mlotsa said he did not know.

sentenced

The accused is sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with an option of a E2 000 fine. Half the sentence is suspended for a period of three years, said the magistrate.

Last year, the Siteki Magistrates Courts sentenced a man to six years imprisonment without an option of a fine for sodomising a minor.

The minor is a child of one of the local gospel artists.

It was reported by this publication that Blackquish Matsenjwa smiled after the court had passed sentence.
















MBABANE  Is the Shiselweni region cursed? This is because a shocking discovery has been made in that region that about 600 girls aged between 14 and 19 have fallen pregnant in a space of eight months.



A majority of the girls are aged 15 years.

These dreadful findings were announced by the Shiselweni Regional Co-ordinator of the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA) Sharon Neves.



Neves was speaking at the NERCHA offices in Mbabane during a media briefing about the World AIDS Campaign, which was held yesterday.

Neves said the statistics were sourced from the Hlatikhulu Government Hospital and covered the whole region. She said underage pregnant girls around the Shiselweni region were transferred to that government facility since it had the capacity to cope with complications that might arise in the birth process.



Neves said the exact number of pregnant girls was 598. She added that out of this eye-popping number, about 60 of them tested positive to HIV. She said the statistics proved the level of vulnerability of the girl-child and there was a need to focus on their protection.

Education was pointed out as a major contributing factor to the high numbers. In her analysis of the cause of the high pregnancy rate, Neves said insufficient high schools in that region was a cause for concern. Neves stressed that in Gege, there were 18 primary schools and only a mere four high schools.



This means that about 3 000 primary school pupils fight for about 1 000 high school spaces, said Neves.

She explained that most of the young girls were affected in that transition period as they could not all be absorbed into the few high schools in that area.



She also pointed out that there were many child-headed families in areas like Gege due to the job opportunities available in that region.

Neves stressed that Geges economy mostly relied on forestry and as a result, most adults in that area worked in forestry companies in the Shiselweni region, while some were employed in the construction of the new roads. She added that some of the parents worked in neighbouring Piet Retief, South Africa, resulting in the homesteads being headed by children.




4Him Security guards in a heated exchange with a Lewis Furnishers employee (in drivers seat) along Gwamile Street yesterday morning.

MBABANE  An employee of Lewis Furnishers had to be saved by police officers after being harassed by 4Him Security guards along Gwamile Street yesterday morning.



The incident happened just after 9am and the driver of the furniture shops delivery van was saved by the police.

This happened at the branch opposite Spar where there is no designated parking for the furniture shops vehicle.

Witnesses who were at the scene said an argument ensued when the Lewis employees asked why the guards were removing a chair which had been used to secure parking along the busy street.



In response, the security guards are said to have told him that they had a right to control everything in the city centre.

One of the employees then asked them if it was true what they read in the papers about the alleged burning of a man at Mangwaneni and this was when the security guards got angry. They asked the driver if he wanted them to burn him and the chair as well, the witness stated.



Lewis Furnishers Manager Philisiwe Dlamini confirmed that they were harassed often by the guards when they secured parking to make deliveries.

We normally put a chair secure parking space but the guards come and harass our staff and tell them to remove it. We do not put the chair on the pavement though.



If the police had not come to the drivers rescue, it would have been a bad situation, she said.

A large crowd was found next to the at furniture shop where the incident happened.

Municipal Council Public Information Officer Lucky Tsabedze said they had received a report on the incident.



The report with council is to the effect that 4Him Security guards found chairs placed on a parking bay along Gwamile Street, exposing motorists and other road users to potential danger by illegally blocking a public parking bay without exclusive rights to do so. Parking bays in the city are for the use of all members of the public equally.
The Rock County Medical Examiners Department has identified the person whose body was found after a house fire Tuesday morning as Thomas MacGowan, 62, of the town of Newark.

Preliminary autopsy results show MacGowans death was the result of injuries sustained in the fire at 10316 Highway 81 in the town of Newark. Online records indicate MacGowan had lived at that address.

The state fire marshal and the Sheriffs Offices arson detective are investigating the fire, which authorities deemed suspicious because a shed on the property caught fire Nov. 11, the Janesville Gazette reported. A pickup truck that belonged to the home's owner also was missing.

The red 1997 Chevrolet S-10 extended-cab truck had no topper and Wisconsin truck plate KY5599.
By Patrick Donachie

Police were investigating the possibility that a state correction officer was targeted in a home invasion attempt in Jamaica Sunday evening in an incident that left the officer and his wife injured from several gunshot wounds. The NYPD also released a video of a vehicle leaving the area at the time of shooting, and the officers union posted a reward for information leading to the suspects.

Police sources indicated to the New York Post that the officer being targeted was the most probable cause behind the shootings, though they had not yet ascertained if there was a specific reason the officer may have been singled out because of his profession or work.

Officers responded to a 911 call of two people shot at 6:56 p.m., according to the NYPD, at a home near the corner of Mathias Avenue and 166th Street. When the police arrived, they found Henry Wright, 58, the state corrections officer, unconscious and unresponsive on the ground with several gunshot wounds to the torso. Officers also found the officers wife Sharon Floyd Wright, 52, with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

EMS workers responded to the scene as well, and took both victims to Jamaica Hospital. Officers from both the NYPD and the state Corrections Department gathered at the hospital to support the officer. Wright underwent surgery and was still hospitalized in critical condition, while his wife was treated and released from the hospital.

Police described the two suspects as black males between the ages of 20 and 30, both wearing black hooded sweatshirts and blue jeans. The two suspects forced their way into the house and shot both victims, police said. The NYPD also said one of the suspects fled eastbound on Mathias, while the other fled westbound. Police released a video of what was described as a light-colored 2011-2015 Hyundai Elantra. In the video, the car in question can be seen in the background, reversing in the middle of an intersection. Police were seeking any information the public had about the car.

Floyd Wright managed to strike one of the two suspects with a hammer during the home invasion, according to the Post. She was described as a strong no-nonsense person by a neighbor who was not surprised she stood up to the attackers. Wright has been a corrections officer for 35 years, according to the New York State Correctional Officers Police Benevolent Associations. The group announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever shot the couple.

Police said no arrests had been made and the investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident was encouraged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS or to submit tips online at www.nypdc rimes toppe rs.com .
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.
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Colonie

A contractor that provided security at Albany International Airport is being investigated after its employees went unpaid.

PEC Group of New York provided guards who took over as the final flights of the day arrived after the Transportation Security Administration workers went home. They do not screen passengers, but provide security as the final passengers get off their planes to exit the airport.

Last month, the airport received notice the state Department of Labor was investigating whether the company had failed to pay employees, airport spokesman Doug Myers said.

The airport authority was asked to withhold $123,750 from the firm. That amount covered $75,000 for salary, $24,000 in interest and a 25 percent penalty of $24,750, according to the notice from the Labor Department.

"We were paying them $19.50 per hour for each individual," Myers said.

The airport authority only had $19,812.85 left on the contract and has withheld that payment, Myers said.

The firm stopped working for the airport Oct. 21.

Calls to the company's headquarters in Mahopac, Westchester County, were not answered Tuesday. An email request for comment received no response.

Michael Grassi of Gansevoort said he is one of the workers who didn't get paid.

"They didn't pay anyone in October," Grassi said. "I'm owed four weeks of pay, and nobody seems to care. The paychecks started coming later. The paychecks started bouncing. There are five or six of us that are without a month's pay."

He has found another job but stills needs the money he is owed, he said.

"We've got bills to pay. We've got oil tanks to fill," he said. "I had to borrow from my son to get by a week or two. I shouldn't have to do that. I'm working."

Cullen Burnell, a spokesman for the Labor Department, confirmed there is an open investigation of the firm but the department could not yet comment further on the case.

He shared a release from earlier this year that said the state had returned more than $10 million to more than 17,000 victims of wage theft during the first three months of 2016.

That amount included $262,753.86 to 982 workers in the Capital Region.

tobrien@timesunion.com  518-454-5092  @timobrientu
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Bethlehem

Army veteran and college professor Brian Trautman called six days he spent in North Dakota with the Standing Rock Sioux during a massive grass-roots protest over the Dakota Access Pipeline "the most profound and meaningful experience" in a decade of activism.

Trautman, 41, of North Greenbush, a national board member for Veterans for Peace, joined other local members of that organization and more than a dozen activists from across the Capital Region at the months-long protest that has swelled to more than 7,000 people. The peaceful mass gathering occasionally has been marred by clashes with police, who have used water cannons and other tactics to dispel demonstrators.

"We went in support and solidarity of a Native, indigenous-led movement to provide resources and to put our bodies on the line if necessary," said Trautman, who served four years in the Army as an artillery specialist in the mid-1990s. He teaches peace studies and economics at Berkshire Community College.

More Information Talk on protest What: Brian Trautman giving an illustrated talk about the Standing Rock Sioux protest. When: 7 p.m. Thursday Where: Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar Info: http://www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/ Or call Trudy Quaif at 466-1192. See More Collapse

Trautman will give an illustrated talk Thursday at the Bethlehem Public Library, an event sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, who sent money and supplies to support the Standing Rock protest. Trautman was there in mid-October.

"Democracy is on the line here," said Trudy Quaif, a member of Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and organizer of Trautman's talk.

"We need to respect the rights of Native Americans and we're opposed to the excessive force being used against the protesters," said Quaif, a retired state Department of Environmental Conservation employee. She has been an anti-war, anti-fracking and environmental activist for 15 years.

Trautman was scheduled to speak with Tarak Kauff of Woodstock, a member of Veterans for Peace, but Kauff is driving back to North Dakota, his third cross-country drive, to rejoin the protest.

Kauff and two dozen others, including the actress Shailene Woodley, were arrested on Oct. 10 for criminal trespassing and engaging in a protest. Kauff and the protesters were held overnight in jail and released the next day. Kauff will return to court in Bismarck in January to answer the charges. The protest at the Oceti Sakowin camp is about 40 miles south of Bismarck.

The Standing Rock Sioux and other Native American tribes fear the 1,170-mile, $3.8 billion pipeline could pollute the Missouri River and damage sacred cultural lands and tribal burial grounds.

Up to 2,000 veterans are expected to converge on Standing Rock Dec. 4-7 to serve as "human shields" for protesters.

Trautman described a moving scene of native people performing tribal songs and dance, non-native protesters living in teepees, tents and yurts and sharing labor and resources to feed thousands of free meals of hearty soups and stews daily.

"There is such a positive energy and hopefulness at Standing Rock. Seeing native youths celebrating their heritage and tradition alongside their parents brought me to tears," Trautman said. "We're protecting one of the most vulnerable and disenfranchised groups of American citizens. We're defending their human right to clean water."

The protesters' calls for the Obama administration to intervene have thus far gone unheeded. The Army Corps of Engineers has begun closing off main roads and access to the protesters' campsite and federal officials have warned that after Dec. 5 protesters will be charged with trespassing. On Wednesday North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple called on protesters to evacuate what he called life-threatening winter weather conditions, but the demonstrators defied the order.

"This is the last small section of the pipeline not yet constructed and this is our last stand," Trautman said. "December is the crucial month. The contractor's deadline for completing the work is Jan. 1. We will do everything in our power with non-violent means to prevent that from happening."

pgrondahl@timesunion.com  518-454-5623  @PaulGrondahl
UW-Madison social scientist Tim Smeeding, regarded as one of the preeminent researchers of poverty, has been named the 2017 John Kenneth Galbraith fellow from the American Academy of Political and Social Science.

Smeeding headed the Institute for Research on Poverty at UW-Madison from 2008 to 2014, and currently is the Lee Rainwater Distinguished Professor of Public Affairs in the La Follette School of Public Affairs.

"This is one of the highest awards for a social scientist, and Tim is hugely deserving," said La Follette School Director Don Moynihan.

Among his credits, Smeeding founded and directed the Luxembourg Income Study, a nonprofit research center and database on income, labor, wealth and demographics from 50 countries, and also pioneered the Wisconsin Poverty Measure in 2008.

Smeeding will be inducted into the American Academy of Political and Social Science in ceremonies in May in Washington, D.C.
ALBANY  State officials responded with a hunting safety reminder after accidents killed four New York hunters this season and left a state enforcement officer wounded earlier in the week.

Department of Environmental Conservation Officer James Davey, 39, was shot Tuesday by a hunter while investigating potential illegal hunting in the town of Gallatin in Columbia County, officials said.
ARGYLE  A Galway school administrator will be named the next superintendent of the Argyle Central School District, a one-building district serving 570 students in the Washington County town.

Michael Healey, the current principal of Galway Junior/Senior High School, will be named to the top spot at the next meeting of the Arygle school board on Dec. 8.
Albany

High-ranking State Liquor Authority officials must take questions from a Colonie wine seller that the authority accuses of shipping wine to consumers in 16 states that ban such trade.

The Appellate Division of state Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Empire Wine can subpoena SLA staff as the company presses its assertion that state regulations previously allowed the out-of-state sale.

The case is part of an administrative hearing, but a state Supreme Court justice was asked to rule on Empire Wine's effort to subpoena SLA General Counsel Jacqueline Flug, Director of Enforcement Noel Colon, Public Affairs Director William Crowley and Deputy Commissioner of Licensing Kerry O'Brien.

Empire Wine, which could lose its liquor license, wanted to question the officials about the authority's policy on out-of-state sales, asserting the authority had not previously objected to such transactions.

The administrative law judge adjourned the hearing while a state Supreme Court justice weighed  and ultimately rejected  the SLA's effort to quash the subpoenas. The SLA lost its appeal to the Appellate Division.

The appeals court rejected the SLA's argument that questioning the authority's general counsel could violate attorney-client privilege, arguing "a claim of privilege cannot be asserted until the witness appears before the requisite tribunal and is presented with a question that implicates protected information."

The judges ruled Flug could assert she was being asked to reveal "protected information" but only after she complied with the subpoena and was questioned.

The SLA argued that forcing senior officials to answer subpoenas could become burdensome and interfere with enforcement, but appellate judges found that assertion "speculative and irrelevant to determining whether a proper basis exists for quashing these subpoenas."

Thursday's ruling was another setback in SLA's ongoing legal issues with Empire Wine.

Last year, Acting Supreme Court Justice Debra Young knocked down SLA's argument that the documents Empire wanted related to communications with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission represented attorney work product or  with one redacted exception  that they were otherwise exempt from disclosure because they related to a pending investigation or judicial proceeding.

Both categories are exempt from disclosure under the state Freedom of Information Law.

Young similarly rejected SLA's attempt to cast the material as interagency communications, which are also exempt from disclosure under FOIL. The Illinois Liquor Control Commission, she noted, is not an entity of New York state government. Young also ordered SLA to produce records related to its communication with UPS about interstate shipment of alcoholic beverages.

Empire initially sued the authority, claiming it was unconstitutionally interfering in interstate trade. The action was laid aside in late 2014 by a court decision that said the store would have to wait until SLA's administrative hearing process had run its course.

Empire has claimed that diminishing its out-of-state sales would force significant layoffs.
Peck's Arcade in Troy and Yono's in Albany are among the top 100 restaurants in the United States, according to rankings by users of the OpenTable online-reservations system. They placed among 13 restaurants in New York, alongside such celebrated Manhattan eateries as Daniel, Gramercy Tavern and Per Se. Aside from a restaurant in suburban Buffalo, the two Capital Region businesses are the only restaurants in the state on the list that are located outside metropolitan New York City.

The awards reflect the opinions of more than 10 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 24,000 restaurants in 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to OpenTable.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources leaders on Wednesday announced a sweeping reorganization aimed at providing relief to overburdened workers in its troubled water quality program and making state parks and wildlife management more efficient.

In an interview with the Wisconsin State Journal and meetings with employees, DNR secretary Cathy Stepp and her top deputies said plans for the next 18 months include:

Creating a certification program aimed at placing more responsibility on private contractors in the writing of permits governing lakefront construction and water pollution discharges from animal feedlots.

Reducing the number of armed rangers with arrest powers in state parks.

Reevaluating resources going to some state wildlife areas, selling off aging heavy equipment, and narrowing job duties of front-line personnel.

Distributing what remains of the departments science research bureau among several divisions.

Stepp touted the plan as a first-of-its-kind business plan detailing agency functions in ways that should help shield the department from budget cuts and make the shrinking DNR workforce happier and more efficient.

We are going to continue to move this great organization forward into the future, Stepp told employees at a meeting in the agencys Madison headquarters.

Conservation advocates expressed skepticism about some provisions, while the states business lobby applauded.

The long-awaited reorganization had been demanded by Republican elected officials who since 2011 have echoed business complaints about red tape in pollution permitting and cut DNR environmental programs, continuing a 20-year trend in which more than 15 percent of full-time positions have been eliminated.

Some moves will require changes in state law, Stepp said. Gov. Scott Walker and key lawmakers have not voiced any objections to the current version of the plan, but they could call for changes after hearing from the public, she said.

Stepp and her top aides acknowledged that employees and conservation groups may have misgivings, but she insisted the plan doesnt weaken environmental standards and isnt a workforce reduction plan, although a limited number of layoffs are possible and some employees may need to apply for new DNR jobs.

She said she doesnt anticipate cuts in the 2017-19 state budget beyond the 9.5 positions she proposed in September. More than 90 of the agencys roughly 2,500 full-time positions were cut in 2015.

DNR deputy secretary Kurt Thiede said a few workers will have different duties or managers, but many will be relieved because they will be given more realistic job expectations.

Our workforce is so passionate about what they do that they are not going to let a ball drop, Thiede said. We owe it to our staff now, whether its in parks or other areas, to allow them to focus on specific areas and to take things off their plate and hand them to others with the expertise so that we have not only a more efficient workforce, but a workforce that doesnt feel as if they are being burned out.

While elected officials and outside groups gave input, Stepp said many of the reorganization ideas came from DNR employees.

Thats whats been the most fun for me out of this entire process is to watch people excited about contributing to a much more vibrant and sustainable future for this very important agency, Stepp said in the interview. And to see some of their ideas come into being for the first time ever.

Changing needs

The DNRs record for protecting water quality has been assailed, with staff shortages identified in June by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau as a cause of inadequate enforcement.

A representative of the state business lobby said early indications are that the plan will be beneficial.

From what weve seen, we have been very supportive of the plan, said Lucas Vebber, director of environmental and energy policy for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

Secretary Stepp and her team have committed to making the department more efficient while continuing to fulfill their vital mission, and we certainly appreciate their efforts on that end, Vebber said.

George Meyer, a former DNR secretary who directs the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, said some of the changes could prove helpful, but the ailing DNR needs more employees, not a reorganization, Meyer said.

The secretary and the governor and the Legislature know there is a need because the Legislative Audit Bureau told them, but they are not doing anything, Meyer said.

Pollution permitting relief

Plans call for a program to encourage qualified private consultants to take a stronger role in providing accurate and detailed technical information used in writing permits that lay out standards for animal feedlots.

Property owners hiring these consultants would have more certainty, and DNR staff could be freed to spend more time inspecting facilities and ensuring that permit conditions are met, said Mark Aquino, who directs the DNR office of business support and science.

The DNR issues permits for feedlots and approves nutrient management plans on spreading tens of millions of gallons of manure annually.

Permit conditions may be based on complex legal and scientific criteria and can involve computer modeling aimed at predicting conditions in which lakes, streams and groundwater could be polluted by runoff.

The DNR could do spot checks or audits to ensure that engineers and agronomists on a list of certified consultants were meeting standards, Aquino said.

For about 10 years, the DNR has certified credentials of professionals who are then hired by developers to map wetlands so that disturbance of the important ecosystems can be avoided or minimized. The DNR would like to expand that program and apply the model to assembling permit information for construction of shoreline stabilization structures and for digging of artificial ponds, Aquino said.

The reorganization plan also calls for redeploying scientists in what remains of a research bureau targeted by budget cuts two years ago.

Under the reorganization, most of the 19 researchers who remained in the Bureau of Science Services will be moved into a new Office of Applied Science within the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Division, while about six will be placed in other divisions.
Albany

It was a Giving Tuesday, indeed, at the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.

Tuesday marked the launch of the annual #GivingTuesday, a nationwide "get out and give" initiative dedicated to charitable giving.

The event celebrates and encourages philanthropic activities that support nonprofit organizations by harnessing the power of social media to create a national day of giving at the start of the holiday season, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become synonymous with holiday shopping.

More Information Grants will help local residents For information about the Hortense and Louis Rubin Community Health Fund, call 446-9638 or go to http://www.cfgcr.org. See More Collapse

The Community Foundation announced that it received an initial $7.25 million gift from the sale of the nonprofit Hortense and Louis Rubin Dialysis Center.

"It will be a privilege to work with the Rubin Community Health Fund to award grants to effective, innovative programs benefiting Capital Region residents," said John Eberle, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. "The foundation looks forward to stewarding this generous gift so that the fund can benefit local residents for generations to come."

The Hortense and Louis Rubin Community Health Fund will support nonprofits and programs dedicated to the prevention, management and treatment of patients with kidney disease and associated conditions. Grants will be awarded through a competitive grantmaking process.

Net assets from the center, accumulated during its years of operation from 1986 to 2014, and the subsequent sale of its three dialysis locations and related real estate are expected to be in the $15 million to $20 million range, after outstanding financial obligations are met.

The remaining funds will be added to the Rubin Community Health Fund over the next several years, potentially doubling the amount of annual grants that can be made.

"It was important to the board of directors of the Rubin Dialysis Center that the proceeds from the sale of the center maintained the spirit of Louis and Hortense Rubin's original gift," said Neil Roberts, president of the Rubin Dialysis Center board and a member of the Community Foundation Board of Directors. "We're pleased that the (fund) will strengthen the region's continuum of care for people currently affected by kidney disease and related issues, and work to aggressively address the causes of renal failure."

The Rubins provided funding to open local dialysis centers, which offered an innovative home-based treatment program, after seeing the challenges patients with kidney disease and their families faced.

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter.

In September 2014, the Rubin Dialysis Center sold its holdings to Dialysis Clinic Inc., a Tennessee-based nonprofit provider of dialysis services.

Federal tax regulations require that net assets of a nonprofit must be devoted to activities and programs related to the organization's mission in order to avoid taxation on the sale.

Emily Briskman, the Rubins' granddaughter, will serve on the fund's advisory committee, which will be responsible for evaluating grant applications and awarding funding.

Formal grantmaking is expected to begin in 2018, and the Community Foundation will issue a call for applications late next year.

"We are so excited that these funds will stay local and live and give in perpetuity to support local residents' health," Eberle said. "It's a wonderful narrative to tell."

jpatterson@timesunion.com  @JenSPatterson  518-454-5340
[December 01, 2016] Dermatology Services Now Available via Telehealth Technology to UnitedHealthcare Medicaid Beneficiaries in Rhode Island through Thundermist Health Center

People enrolled in UnitedHealthcare's Medicaid plan in Rhode Island may now receive faster diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders using remote digital imaging and telehealth technology through Thundermist Health Center. Thundermist's primary care providers are able to deliver more timely diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders through a new e-consultation service. Physicians can capture and transmit digital images of areas of concern during patient exams through a secure, online electronic medical record. The physicians then receive a diagnosis of the health concern within 48 business hours. Through near real-time consultations with offsite dermatologists, physicians can more quickly diagnose and treat UnitedHealthcare Medicaid patients - especially those who may lack easy access to dermatologists or other specialists - regardless of which medical office they are visiting. According to a 2014 JAMA Dermatology, the average wait time for an in-person appointment is 46 days. "It was very easy to conduct an electronic consult for my patient, and the results came back very quickly. I simply transmitted a picture of the concern through our medical record, and a licensed dermatologist reviewed it and provided diagnosis and treatment recommendations," said Dr. Sara Delaporta, the first care provider in Rhode Island to conduct an electronic consult through Thundermist. "This service gives my patients access to extremely timely care." "We are collaborating with Thundermist on this innovative technology to ensure our Medicaid members in Rhode Island will have better access to quality care no matter where they live," said Patrice Cooper, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island. Skin cancer and other skin-related issues are a significant concern in Rhode Island. About 240 Rhode Islanders were diagnosed with melanoma of the skin on average every year from 2007 through 2011, with an average of 33 people dying annually due to melanoma during that same time period. "We look forward to working with UnitedHealthcare on piloting this great innovation. While many skin conditions are non-life threatening, quick diagnosis and treatment can help individuals heal - and for some with more serious conditions, save their lives," said Charles Jones, president ad CEO of Thundermist. "This system puts more specialty expertise and support in the hands of the primary care provider, avoiding financial and transportation-related barriers to care for our patients."



Thundermist and UnitedHealthcare worked with Community Health Center's (CHC) Weitzman Institute of Middletown, Conn., to set up and conduct the electronic consults. Weitzman's Community eConsult Network (CeCN) is used across the United States by care providers seeking prompt access to high-quality specialty care for their patients. CeCN was developed by practicing primary care physicians and offers consultations in a variety of specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics and pain management. The Jessie B. Cox (News - Alert) Trust funded CHC to develop the eConsult Network. In addition, the Trust offered a challenge grant to Thundermist for evaluation of its eConsult adoption. UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company, is using telehealth technology, care provider networks and benefit plan/reimbursement programs to improve access and health outcomes and reduce costs. UnitedHealthcare offers a broad portfolio of clinical services that use telehealth technology, including consumer-directed, telepsychiatry, remote home monitoring, specialty consultation and other virtual services to assist care providers in evaluating their patients' clinical needs.

UnitedHealthcare serves nearly 300,000 Rhode Islanders with a network of 17 hospitals and nearly 6,000 physicians and other care providers statewide. About Thundermist Health Center

Thundermist Health Center is a non-profit community health center whose mission is to improve the lives of patients and surrounding communities by delivering exceptional health care that breaks down barriers and promotes healthy lifestyles. Services include primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health services, school-based health care, QuickCare, pharmacy, Trans* Health Access, and nutritional services, in particular a Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. Thundermist has locations in West Warwick, Woonsocket, and Wakefield. It serves clients regardless of insurance and ability to pay. Thundermist Health Center is a Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home, the highest level of recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). In 2015, Thundermist served more than 42,000 patients. www.thundermisthealth.org About UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter (News - Alert). Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for UnitedHealth Group. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005157/en/

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[December 01, 2016] Florida's Parrish Medical Center is the First Hospital to Commit to All 12 Actionable Patient Safety Solutions (APSS)

The Patient Safety Movement Foundation (PSMF) is very proud to announce that Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, Florida, has become the first hospital to make formal commitments that align with all 12 Actionable Patient Safety Solutions (APSS) toward eliminating preventable patient deaths by 2020 (0X2020). Earlier this year, Parrish Medical Center made nine commitments through which 85 lives will be saved. Parrish was named one of the winners of PSMF's annual competition to win a private fishing trip with former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter for their estimated projection of "lives saved." This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005597/en/ 2016 Patient Safety Movement fishing trip with former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. (Photo: Business Wire) In October, Parrish Medical Center's Controller, Michael Sitowitz, joined President and First Lady Carter on a private fishing trip in the North Georgia Mountains. They were joined by four other individuals who have contributed significantly to the Foundation's expansion, both domestically and internationally: Dr. Yisrael Safeek of the SafeCare Group; Dr. Robert Kamei and Dr. Michelle Thai, the Foundation's Regional Network Co-Chairs in Asia; and Dr. Javier Davila, the Regional Network Chair in Mexico. Parrish Medical Center will announce their commitments at the 5th Annual World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit, February 3-4, 2017, at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa in Dana Point, California. Since its inception, the Patient Safety Movement Foundation has worked with medical safety experts from around the world to develop a series of simple and easy to follow processes to some of the most common patient safety challenges that hospitals face today. These processes, called Actionable Patient Safety Solutions (APSS), can be adapted to almost any clinical setting, anywhere in the world. There are currently 12 patient safety challenges, and Parrish Medical Center has made a total of 16 commitments that align with all 12 APSS categories, resulting in 142 total lives saved so far in 2016. "As a responsible medical provider on Florida's east coast, Parrish Medical Center has always put patient care and safety first," said Edwin Loftin, Vice President of Acute Care/CNO at Parrish Medical Center. "We are honored to be a part of such a vital movement. The APSS make it easy for medical professionals, in any setting, to follow step-by-step, evidence-based and cost-saving procedures that will spare thousands of families the tragic, yet preventable loss of a loved one." "I remember President Carter asking me why we hadn't committed to all 12 APSS," said Michael Sitowitz, Controller at Parrish Medial Center. "I paused and thought, 'That's a good question.' Once we got back from our trip, we went to work on completing the remaining three commitments. It was an honor to meet the former President and First Lady and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we left recharged to do even more."



"We are impressed to see Parrish make a commitment for every one of our APSS. They are leading the way as an excellent example of an organization that is committed to putting patient safety first," said Joe Kiani, Founder of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation. "We are proud of the 1,624 hospitals that have made a formal commitment to reach zero preventable deaths by the year 2020. I respectfully challenge every hospital to incorporate all 12 APSS in the upcoming year-it is imperative if we are to reach our goal of zero preventable deaths by 2020. Unlike over 200,000 families, that have lost loved ones due to a medical error last year, the lives saved by these commitments allow someone's mother, father, child or loved one to be a part of their lives." "We are extremely grateful to former President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn for once again offering this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the winners and lives they will save," continued Kiani. "Through their leadership, the Carter Center has helped to improve the quality of life for people in more than 80 countries. When they started, Guinea Worm Disease afflicted an estimated 3.5 million people a year in 21 countries in Africa and Asia. Today, they have taken this number down to 22 cases. We had some deep discussions on how we can expedite our efforts to help eliminate the 3 million preventable patient deaths in the developed world and 17,000,000 preventable deaths in the developing world."

Mr. Kiani concluded, "We hope to be announcing soon the next fishing trip with President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn; so please go save our neighbors, friends, and loved ones from preventable deaths and enter into our next Fishing Trip competition. Stay tuned..." For a list of commitments, please visit http://patientsafetymovement.org/commitments-list/. The 12 APSS and Parrish's commitment(s) for each one are as follows: Creating a Culture of Safety

Parrish commits to a Culture of Safety surrounding resuscitation optimization, in which they will implement a system of all call rapid response to promote patient and family involvement in calling rapid response as well as any staff member. Healthcare-associated Infections

Parrish commits to:

- Maintaining zero Indwelling Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections

- Achieve zero level hospital onset LAB ID event for MRSA bloodstream infection and Clostridium difficile infection

- Maintain zero Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection events (CLABSI)

- Maintain zero Ventilator Associated Event with Infection (VAE) events

- Achieve zero deep Surgical Site Infection events for colon and hysterectomy procedures. Medication Errors

Parrish commits to antimicrobial stewardship to achieve optimal clinical outcomes related to antimicrobial use. Monitoring for Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression

Parrish commits to monitoring for opioid induced respiratory depression & deploying systems, assessment, intervention, electronic medical record (EMR), and equipment. Anemia and Transfusion

Parrish commits to using evidence-based information to drive changes that minimize the use of allogeneic blood while maximizing patient outcomes. Hand-off Communications

Parrish commits to distribute "Baby Boxes" to families post-delivery to decrease the incidence of co-bedding and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) through education and emphasis on SAFE SLEEP practices. Suboptimal Neonatal Oxygen Targeting

Parrish commits to utilize evidenced based best practice initiatives to improve patient outcomes and protocols for optimal oxygenation in newborns. Policies and protocols will continuously be updated and reviewed to reflect the monitoring of all resuscitations and oxygen administration in both term and pre-term newborns. Failure to Detect Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD)

Parrish commitment: Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening in Newborns Airway Safety

Parrish commits to develop and deploy a comprehensive, team-based pathway and implement EBP to prevent delayed, missed, or lost airways. Early Detection of Sepsis

Parrish commits to adopt key initiatives for early detection of sepsis, reduction in variation of care for this patient population, improved compliance with the Early Management Bundle, and severe Sepsis/Septic Shock. Optimal Resuscitation

Parrish commits to deploy a system that supports early recognition of subtle changes in patient condition which allows for early intervention. Optimizing Obstetric Safety

Parrish commits to optimize obstetric safety specifically in the care of pregnant women with Hypertensive disorders. The initiative will include a system of risk assessment, protocols, medication management and documentation. Commitments that fall outside of current PSMF APSS categories include: Zero falls with injury for patients

Maintain zero hospital-acquired stage III and IV pressure ulcers Parrish Medical Center Parrish Medical Center (PMC) is a public, nonprofit, acute care hospital in Titusville, Florida, within sight of the launch towers of Kennedy Space Center. PMC has been nationally recognized for clinical care quality, patient safety, low cost, and overall patient experience. It has committed to zero preventable patient deaths caused by indwelling Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Surgical Site Infection for colon resection and total abdominal hysterectomy procedures, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridum difficile infection (CDI), and Sepsis, among many other potential causes. About The Patient Safety Movement Foundation More than 200,000 people die every year in U.S. hospitals in ways that could have been prevented. The Patient Safety Movement Foundation was established through the support of the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare, to reduce that number of preventable deaths to 0 by 2020 (0X2020). Improving patient safety will require a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, medical technology companies, government, employers, and private payers. The Patient Safety Movement Foundation works with all stakeholders to address the problems and solutions of patient safety. The Foundation also convenes Patient Safety, Science and Technology Summits. The first annual Summit was held in January 2013, and brought together some of our nation's best minds for thought-provoking discussions and new ideas to challenge the status quo. By presenting specific, high-impact recipes to meet patient safety challenges, encouraging medical technology companies to share the data for whom their products are purchased, and asking hospitals to make commitments to implement Actionable Patient Safety Solutions, the Foundation is working toward zero preventable deaths by 2020. Visit www.patientsafetymovement.org. @0X2020 #patientsafety #0X2020 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005597/en/

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[December 01, 2016] Health Care Social Media Marketing Market Rises with Improved Availability of High-speed Internet

Social media marketing is an upcoming field; the emergence of which has been fueled by the rapid rise of social media in recent years. Over the last decade, social media such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others have gone from being a novelty to an everyday necessity. Due to the ease of sharing information with the masses, social media marketing has caught on in the last few years.







Perceive the Future Market Projections for Health Care Social Media Marketing at: http://bit.ly/2fU0gjf Health care is the latest sector to join the social media marketing bandwagon. The ease of sharing information on social media has led many medical equipment manufacturers and other entities in the health care field to advertise their products and services on social media and interact with the customers about the same.



The increasing number of social media users is responsible for the rising demand from the health care social media marketing market. The high proportion of the global population with access to high-speed internet and the requisite amount of tech literacy has led to high demand for the availability of medical knowledge on the internet, thus spurring the global health care social media marketing market.





However, the market is held back by restraints such as the possibility of fraudulent information being passed as genuine and the concern for privacy. The lack of privacy in social media is a well-debated topic already, lending weight to the reluctance of some users to post sensitive medical information on the internet.



Apart from advertising, social media marketing is also a powerful tool for interacting with potential customers. Customer feedback about upcoming products and procedures can even be directly implemented in health care products, making them more in line with what the customer actually needs and wants.



Interpret the Key Futuristic Trends for Health Care Social Media Marketing at: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/health-care-social-media-marketing-market.html Regionally, North America emerged as the leading market for health care social media marketing in 2014. The high number of tech-savvy customers and rising usage of and government support for telehealth systems are the main factors driving the North America health care social media marketing market. In the coming years, the Asia Pacific and Rest of the World market for health care social media marketing are expected to emerge as strong contenders in the global scenario, due to the rising availability of high-speed internet and growing social media user base in developing countries such as China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. As a community-building service, TMCnet allows user submitted content which is not always proofed by TMCnet editors. If you feel this entry is of inferior quality or wish to report it for some reason, please forward the URL to "webedit [AT] tmcnet [DOT] com" with your comments.

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[November 30, 2016] Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group acquires Aflex Hose Ltd

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG), the world leader in niche peristaltic pumps and associated fluid path technologies, has acquired Aflex Hose Limited and its subsidiary Aflex Hose USA LLC (Aflex) through its parent company Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc, for 61.4 million. Aflex, based in Halifax, England and with a sales/assembly operation in Pennsylvania, USA, specializes in the design and manufacture of PTFE lined flexible hose for the pharmaceutical, food and chemical process industries. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161130006436/en/ Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group acquires Aflex Hose Ltd (Photo: Business Wire) Aflex is highly synergistic with, and a natural extension to, the WMFTG fluid path product portfolio and further strengthens WMFTG's already strong global presence in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, industrial/chemical and food & beverage sectors. Aflex utilizes patented, market-leading technology to produce PTFE lined flexible hose, which outperforms other PTFE and standard hose-types within the most demanding applications, ensuring the highest levels of chemical resistance, superior flexibility and sterility. Aflex joins a fluid path product range comprising Watson-Marlow Pumps, Watson-Marlow Tubing, Flexicon Filling Systems, BioPure single-use tubing connector systems, Asepco aseptic valves, FlowSmart seals and gaskets, Alitea OEM Pumps, MasoSine Process Pumps and Bredel Hose Pumps. Jay Whalen, President of the Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group comments, "The strategic acquisition f Aflex further broadens our fluid path product range and strengthens Watson-Marlow's position across all our major market sectors. For example in the Biopharmaceutical sector we now have a complete and comprehensive product range to enable customers to source the world's leading, most technically advanced products from a single trusted partner. Our range covers all aspects of technology required for fluid transfer from source to delivery point. This is another exciting milestone for Watson-Marlow and we are looking forward to accelerating our growth with our broadened product portfolio coupled to our process expertise."



Founder, Rod Anderson, will continue in a technical advisor capacity and all senior management will remain. Jeremy Hudson, Managing Director at Aflex commented, "I am very excited to be part of the Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group and look to drive sales further with the expansive WMFTG sales network."

www.wmftg.com

http://www.aflex-hose.com/ EDITOR'S NOTES Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG) is the world leader in niche peristaltic and sinusoidal pumps and associated fluid path technologies. Founded on nearly 60 years of supplying engineering and process expertise and with over one million pumps installed worldwide, our pumps are tried, tested and proven to deliver. WMFTG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc (LSE: SPX), a global organisation employing approximately 5,000 people worldwide. Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group comprises nine established brands, each with their own area of expertise, but together offering our customers an unrivalled breadth of solutions for their pumping applications: Watson-Marlow Pumps : peristaltic tube pumps for biopharm and process industries

: peristaltic tube pumps for biopharm and process industries Watson-Marlow Tubing : precision tubing for pumping and other purposes, in a range of materials

: precision tubing for pumping and other purposes, in a range of materials Bredel : high flow, heavy duty hose pumps

: high flow, heavy duty hose pumps Alitea : unique peristaltic solutions for OEM customers

: unique peristaltic solutions for OEM customers Flexicon : aseptic filling and capping systems

: aseptic filling and capping systems MasoSine : gentle sinusoidal pumps for food, chemical and cosmetics applications

: gentle sinusoidal pumps for food, chemical and cosmetics applications BioPure: advanced single-use tubing connector systems

advanced single-use tubing connector systems ASEPCO: aseptic valves for the biopharmaceutical industry

aseptic valves for the biopharmaceutical industry FlowSmart: high purity sanitary gaskets, silicone transfer tubing and reinforced silicone hoses for the biopharmaceutical industry Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group is an international operation based in Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group has offices in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, UAE, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, USA and Vietnam. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161130006436/en/

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[November 30, 2016] Altamira Supports the USGIF EdGEOcation Giving Campaign for Giving Tuesday 2016

Altamira Technologies Corporation (Altamira) is proud to participate in Giving Tuesday 2016 by supporting the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) EdGEOcation Giving Campaign. Launched earlier this year, EdGEOcation aims to raise $5,000 towards USGIF's geospatial sciences educational programs by December, 31. The EdGEOcation Campaign supports USGIF's outreach efforts that deliver STEM materials to K-12 classrooms, creating interactive learning experiences and encouraging early engagement with geospatial sciences. In collaboration with National Geographic, USGIF has provided giant maps for students K-8 to introduce skills in map reading, geography, and basic satellite imagery analysis. Contributions also help support geospatial tradecraft by funding scholarships, professional certifications, and academic certificates in GEOINT and related fields. Since 2004 USGIF has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to students pursuing studies in geospatial sciences, as well as data and technologies related to human security. USGIF's collegiate Geospatial Intelligence Certificate Programs provide a direct path into the professional GEOINT Community for enrolled students. The program offers cross-disciplinary coursework and training that enhances the knowledge and skillsets required in the professional workforce, ensuring that recent graduates and new hires enter the GEOINT industry with confidence.



"This Giving Tuesday Altamira recognizes the importance of supporting STEM educational programs that aid in the continued study and advancement of geospatial sciences. By supporting education, we can strengthen our nation's future leaders and encourage meaningful engagement with the STEM fields and programs that fuel innovation and ingenuity, driving the future of the Intelligence Community," said Jonathan Moneymaker, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Altamira. Altamira Cares, Altamira's community outreach program, happily enters the 2016 charitable season on Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, by contributing to USGIF and the GEOINT Community.

About Altamira Altamira brings a commercial mindset to solving the most complex national security problems by delivering mission application development, multi-intelligence analysis, cyber operations, and big data solutions to the U.S. Defense and Intelligence Communities. Altamira's culture of innovation and excellence, and mid-market-size, positions us as the premier next generation leader bringing technology solutions to mission. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161130006258/en/

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An unprecedented statewide recount of Wisconsins presidential election began Thursday morning, bringing no major surprises on day one of whats expected to be a nearly two-week task of recounting nearly 3 million ballots.

The recount is the first of a presidential election in any state since 2004 and part of a bid by Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein to scrutinize votes in three states that tipped the Electoral College to Republican Donald Trump.

Wisconsins recount got underway in all 72 counties Thursday. It was requested and paid for by Stein, whose campaign suggested  despite a lack of evidence  that fraud or error may have altered the vote total.

Reid Magney, a spokesman for the state Elections Commission, said shortly before 4 p.m. Thursday that the recount appeared to be proceeding with few glitches.

So far, things are going smoothly, Magney said.

The first results in Thursday evening were from Menominee County. Trump lost two votes compared to the initial count and Democrat Hillary Clinton lost one. Stein gained 17 votes and Libertarian Gary Johnson picked up 12  a discrepancy the state Elections Commission reported was due to human error in which their vote totals from certain wards were omitted from the initial tally.

Steins campaign has raised more than $6.5 million in recent days, which the campaign says will go toward recounts in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Trumps campaign moved Thursday to block the recount in Michigan, saying Stein was seeking it on the basis of nothing more than speculation.

Dane Countys share of the Wisconsin recount got underway Thursday morning at the City-County Building in Downtown Madison. Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said between 36 and 40 recount workers will work 12 hours a day for as many as 12 days to recount by hand the more than 300,000 ballots cast in the county.

Federal law requires the process be done by Dec. 13, in advance of when the Electoral College convenes on Dec. 19 to formally elect the next president.

McDonell said he expects the recount will change vote totals in Dane and other counties by a very small amount. Official results show Trump beat Clinton by about 22,000 out of nearly 3 million votes cast in Wisconsin, or about 0.7 percentage points. State Elections Commission chairman Mark Thomsen, a Democrat, has said he expects the recount to uphold Trumps win.

I think itll be very close to what was reported on election night, McDonell said.

In many cases, vote totals change slightly because a few voters incorrectly filled out their ballots  for instance, by circling a candidates name instead of filling in the oval next to their name. Optical scan machines used to tabulate ballots typically do not record such votes on the initial count. But if recount workers determine the voters intent was clear, the vote is counted in the recount.

Magney said fewer than five votes were called into question in Pierce Countys recount Thursday due to a malfunction in the paper trail maintained by an electronic touch-screen voting machine there. The machines keep a paper trail for use in a recount, but Magney said the paper mechanism had jammed, causing it to fail to record a legible paper trail for the votes in question. Officials in Pierce County were communicating with the machine vendor to obtain a backup copy of the paper trail, Magney said.

Campaigns on hand

Representatives for the campaigns, including for Stein, Trump and Clinton, were on hand to observe the Dane County recount. Those representatives may object to the count of a vote if there are questions about a voters intent or whether the vote is valid.

The bipartisan canvassing board in each county, which includes the county clerk and other members, oversees the process in their county and makes determinations on challenged ballots.

Dane County recount workers, most of them experienced election workers, are paid $20 an hour, McDonell said. The county estimated its share of the recount will cost about $343,000.

On Tuesday Steins campaign paid the state Elections Commission $3.5 million, the estimated cost of the recount, to initiate it. If the recount costs less, the campaign will be refunded the difference; if it costs more, the campaign will be billed for it.

Verifying the vote through this recount is the only way to confirm that every vote has been counted securely and accurately and is not compromised by machine or human error, or by tampering or hacking, Stein said Thursday.Steins campaign, supported by the Clinton campaign, petitioned a Dane County judge to order all counties to recount the vote by hand, but that request was denied.

Fifty-one counties, including Dane, are choosing to do the recount by hand. Twelve are using optical scan machines and nine are using a combination of machines and hand counting.

Nearly two-thirds of the precincts won by Trump are being recounted by hand, compared to slightly less than half the precincts won by Clinton.

State Journal reporter Matthew DeFour and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
[November 30, 2016] The Rogers Foundation Calls For All K-12 And Post-Secondary Education Campuses In Southern Nevada To Be Sanctuaries

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the state of fear and uncertainty among students that has been created by the president-elect's threats to civil rights, The Rogers Foundation today held a press conference calling for all K-12 and post-secondary education campuses in Southern Nevada to unequivocally and publicly declare that their campuses will be sanctuaries for undocumented students, staff, and their family members who face imminent deportation. "Our students and their parents are also concerned that the president-elect's promised changes to our civil rights laws will adversely impact them," said Beverly Rogers, Chairman of the Board of The Rogers Foundation. "President-elect Trump's promised changes to Title IX will eliminate protections that ensure all students, without regard to race, gender, religion or sexual orientation, can learn in a safe and nondiscriminatory environment. In short, the president-elect has promised policies that will devastate our students' lives and divide our community." Accordingly, it was announced that a formal letter making this request is being delivered to Pat Skorkowsky, Superintendent, Clark County School District (CCSD), Len Jessup, President, span >University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Dr. Michael Richards, President, College of Southern Nevada, and Bart Patterson, President, Nevada State College. The president of the CCSD Board of Trustees and the chair of the Board of Regents are also copied.



The letter states, "In light of circumstances, The Rogers Foundation's mission to transform lives through education is now more critical than ever. Our programs support some of Southern Nevada's most vulnerable students, and we believe their rights and future are in danger. It is for this reason we seek to establish sanctuary within all of our educational institutions." The letter outlines several specific safeguards requested and urges that concrete measures be taken to ensure that all students in Southern Nevada are provided the basic American right not to live in fear.

"Our K-12 and post-secondary education campuses must not only be physical safe spaces, but intellectual asylums where freedom to think, to speak, and to hold diverse views is championed," the letter continues. "They should be zones where human rights are upheld, where privacy is respected, where bullying or ostracism cannot take place." About The Rogers Foundation The Rogers Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded in 2013 by James E. and Beverly Rogers, The Rogers Foundation awards scholarships to individual students in Southern Nevada and grants to educational institutions, artists and organizations that support the arts in Southern Nevada. The Rogers Foundation also powers two local organizations: Core Academy and Educate Nevada Now. For more information, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit www.therogers.foundation. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-rogers-foundation-calls-for-all-k-12-and-post-secondary-education-campuses-in-southern-nevada-to-be-sanctuaries-300370972.html SOURCE The Rogers Foundation

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[December 01, 2016] TalentSprint Launches SuperCampus 2.0, a 24x7 Cloud Platform for College Students to Excel in IT Job Interviews

HYDERABAD, India, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Announcement Came at Confluence 2016 Widely-attended by Industry and Academia TalentSprint announced the launch of SuperCampus 2.0 during Confluence 2016, the second edition of its biannual program that brings together leaders from IT industry and academia. Confluence is an interaction forum for stakeholders who create and consume the latest engineering talent across the country. The theme of Confluence 2016 - 'Companies Seek Talent++. Are You Ready?' has attracted a large audience of both industry and academic leaders leading to a vigorous discussion on the future of talent development and acquisition. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/438695LOGO ) According to Dr. Santanu Paul, TalentSprint's Co-Founder and CEO, "It is an oft-repeated complaint that technology companies do not find the skills they are looking for when they visit college campuses. SuperCampus 2.0 has been designed, with input from leading IT companies, to help all colleges and their students achieve the optimal skill threshold expected by the IT sector. It is a 24x7 cloud platform that provides round-the-year engagement with assessment-driven, personalized learning for each and every student, so that no college is left behind with a student skill deficit." TalentSprint's earlier college programs involved faculty visiting campuses to tain students within classrooms. SuperCampus 2.0 is an upgrade based on the principles of skills learning anywhere and on any device. The platform incorporates a layer of artificial intelligence that can recognize every student as an individual learner with unique learning gaps, and customize the learning pathways for each and every one of them.



Speakers and dignitaries at Confluence 2016 included the August presence of Dr. Jaideep Ganguly (Amazon), Suman Reddy (Pegasystems), R. Vasudevan (TCS), Hari Raja (Cognizant), Kris SV (Pegasystems), K.V. Vishnu Raju (Vishnu Educational Society), and P. Balaji (Vasavi College of Engineering). The event was attended by management representatives from more than 75 universities and colleges. TalentSprint has recently tied up with Pegasystems, a global leader in CRM and BPM software for creating a pool of certified talent for working on their platforms. University Academic Program (UAP) certified professionals will command a premium salary of thirty percent. TalentSprint has exclusively partnered with Pegasystems to create an ecosystem for building capacity of certified students from colleges across India for recruitment.

About TalentSprint TalentSprint is India's leading Youth Career Accelerator. Its digitally intelligent platform empowers every young person to pursue an exciting career of their choice. Funded by Nexus Venture Partners and the National Skill Development Corporation, TalentSprint aims to empower one million young job seekers to pursue careers in information technology, banking and financial services, and education. The platform delivers technology-enabled experiential learning through a mix of cloud, contact, and colleges. It leverages digital and social media for youth outreach and forward integrates with a high quality employer network. TalentSprint has enabled 100,000+ youth and 700+ employers since inception. It is the recipient of several national and international awards including the TV5 Business leader Award 2015, Excellence in Education Award 2015, World HRD Congress HR Tech Leader Award 2014, CIO Review Company of the Year Award 2014, Silicon India Industry Performer of the Year Award 2014, Deloitte Fast 500 APAC Award 2014, Deloitte Fast 50 India Award 2014, NSDC Best Performing Partner Award 2013, RED Herring Top 100 Asia 2012, FICCI LeapVault Skills Champion Roll of Honor 2012, NSDC Best Non-Corporate Partner 2012, NASSCOM Emerge 50 2011 and SKOCH Digital Inclusion 2011. For more information please visit http://www.talentsprint.com Media Contact:

Tanushree Kulkarni

[email protected]

+91-8861005345

Candour Communications



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NTT Communications Named Best Global Operator at the World Communication Awards 2016

NTT Communications Corporation (NTT (News - Alert) Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT Group (NYSE: NTT), announced today that it was named Best Global Operator at the 2016 World Communication Awards (WCA) held on Nov 29 2016 in London. NTT Com won this award in 2014 as well and its continued emphasis on strengthening its global telecommunication portfolio has helped the company win this award a second time.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161130006508/en/

WCA 2016 Winner Logo (Graphic: Business Wire)

Launched in 1999, the WCA are synonymous with innovation and outstanding performance. Winning the Best Global Operator award is considered the blue chip mark of success in the global telecom industry and to win, a company must demonstrate a strong service portfolio, invesment in network and service development, a growing and satisfied customer base, and execution of a clear and ambitious strategic plan.







The judges agreed that NTT Com is a worthy winner of this coveted trophy, highlighting the evidence its entry provided in terms of financial and customer growth, supported by glowing testimonials from analysts and customers. NTT Com presents "a very clear picture of global strength and global reach," said one of the judges.

About The World Communication Awards (WCA)

The World Communication Awards (WCA) were established in 1999 to recognize excellence amongst global telecom operators. The WCA are organized by Total Telecom and their owners Terrapinn.

About NTT Communications (News - Alert) Corporation

NTT Communications provides consultancy, architecture, security and cloud services to optimize the information and communications technology (ICT) environments of enterprises. These offerings are backed by the company's worldwide infrastructure, including the leading global tier-1 IP network, Arcstar Universal One VPN network reaching 196 countries/regions and 140 secure data centers worldwide.

NTT Communications solutions leverage the global resources of NTT Group companies including Dimension Data (News - Alert), NTT DOCOMO and NTT DATA.

www.ntt.com | [email protected] Com | [email protected] Com | [email protected] Com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161130006508/en/
[December 01, 2016] Chilean Industries Accelerate the Connection with JUMORE E4B System for Business Opportunities

SANTIAGO, Chile, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- After the APEC Summit, JUMORE continued accelerating its cooperation with partners all across the Americas. In Santiago, Chile, the JUMORE delegation held a meeting with the former president of Chile, Mr. Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle and major figures from ProChile, ASEXMA, Sonami, Cochilco, SOFOFA, SNA, CCS and ENAMI on Nov. 22-24, and multiple cooperation achievements were reached. Mr. Eduardo Frei extended his warm welcome to JUMORE's delegation. He has been actively seeking trade development and is looking for senior strategic partners. He believes that cooperation is more than trade, it's about innovation and new technology. Cooperation with JUMORE would help the development of Chilean Cross-Border E-Commerce by promoting the export of Chilean products and the import of quality services and technology. ProChile expects that more Chilean products will eter the JUMORE platform. ENAMI delegates paid great attention to cooperation in technology and finance, expressing their wish to introduce advanced technology and investment from China so as to satisfy the demand of the developing Chilean mining industry.



Lu Hongxiang, Chairman of Jumore, welcomed more Chilean companies to join the JUMORE Brand Pavilion, that he introduced at the APEC summit in Lima, Peru, JUMORE released the new E4B e-commerce model, where the e-commerce platform provides a marketplace for tangible goods and commodities, and also gives access to Jumore's six service systems - finance, logistics, big data, technology, consulting, and certification. These services aid businesses to upgrade, grow and develop, and support the comprehensive optimization of global industrial structures, which is mutually beneficial to both countries and enterprises. During the meetings with Chilean governmental departments and companies, Mr. Lu reaffirmed that JUMORE has a shared interest with Chile. JUMORE is a bridge for communication that helps Chile connect with the Chinese and global markets. It helps encourage multilateral trade cooperation through E4B, a new e-commerce model that centers around cooperation and mutual benefit. China and Chile have recently signed a memorandum of understanding for e-commerce cooperation, which symbolizes that the two countries will enhance their cooperation on the creation of a favorable environment for e-commerce development and on the promotion of e-commerce cooperation among Chinese and Chilean companies. The cooperation between JUMORE and Chile will be more diversified and make JUMORE a powerful cooperation partner for the stable development of bilateral trade.





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[December 01, 2016] Oncodesign Completes the Acquisition of Francois Hyafil Research Centre and Appoints Two New Strategic Activity Directors

Oncodesign (FR0011766229 - ALONC), a biotechnology company serving the pharmaceutical industry in the discovery of new therapeutic molecules to fight cancer and other serious illnesses with no known effective treatment, today announced the effective transfer to Oncodesign of Francois Hyafil Research Centre (FHRC) from GSK and the appointment of two new activity directors. In order to accelerate its in-house programmes of therapeutic molecules and expand its service offering, Oncodesign signed in September 2016 an agreement for the acquisition of Francois Hyafil Research Centre from GSK in Les Ulis (see Press Release of September 28th 2016). This agreement came into force unconditionally today. Effective transfer to Oncodesign of the building and the research team The transfer to Oncodesign of the 11,000m building, largely rebuilt as new in 2010, scientific equipment and the team of 57 employees, including 47 highly qualified scientists specialising in drug discovery, has been completed. It should be remembered that this transfer was accompanied by financing from GSK of 35 million to be paid to Oncodesign over 4 years, subject to the continued employment of the transferred employees during this period. This financing will enable a significant acceleration in Oncodesign's in-house therapeutic and diagnostic research and will allow the company to offer a broader range of services, particularly in the "Drug Discovery Full Services" market, which is currently worth an estimated $14 billion1. Appointments of Experimentation Director and Discovery Director Dr Fabrice Viviani, 51, former Director of Biology at FHRC has been appointed Head of FHRC and Oncodesign's Experimentation Director, with immediate effect. After 25 years' experience in Drug Discovery, as R&D Director in therapeutic research centres at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Aventis and Sanofi, he joined GlaxoSmithKline as Director of Biology at FHRC in 2012. Fabrice Viviani has considerable expertise in oncology and inflammatory, metabolic, cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases. Fabrice holds a PhD in organic chemistry and a Masters in biochemistry from Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris (France). Dr Alexis Denis, 55, former Director of Medical Chemistry at FHRC has been appointed as Oncodesign's Discovery Director, with immediate effect. After 27 years' experience as Director of Medical Chemistry at HMR, Aventis, Pfizer and Mutabilis, he joined GlaxoSmithKline in 2008. Alexis Denis is an expert in inflammatory and metabolic diseases and in infection treatments. Alexis holds a PhD in organic chemistry from Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris (France).



Fabrice Viviani and Alexis Denis will join Oncodesign's Executive Committee, chaired by Philippe Genne. They will work under the direction of Oncodesign's Chief Scientific Officer, Jan Hoflack. "The completion of this acquisition will enable us to extend our technologies and skills over a large range of therapeutic segments, whilst increasing our capacity in both Discovery and Experimentation. This acquisition is a perfect fit with Oncodesign's approach and gives us new resources to reach the ambitious targets we recently set out in our 2017-2020 Strategic Plan," said Philippe Genne, CEO and founder of Oncodesign. "We are delighted to welcome all those working at the Francois Hyafil Research Centre, and particularly pleased that Fabrice and Alexis will be joining our management team at this exciting time. Their proven experience and scientific expertise will undeniably be key strengths in our continued development."

"On behalf of all of us at the Francois Hyafil Research Centre, I would like to say how happy we are to be joining Oncodesign, with whom we share many values, a solid results-based culture and a clear focus on serving clients," said Fabrice Viviani, Oncodesign's new Experimentation Director. "Our expertise and our capacity in developing Drug Discovery projects will help expand Oncodesign's discovery activities, internally and through collaborations, as well as its service offering. The acquisition of FHRC is above all a real human adventure, and we are impatient to work together on the many promising projects at Oncodesign." Alexis Denis, Oncodesign's new Discovery Director, added: "Oncodesign has unique advantages in the successful discovery of new treatments, thanks in particular to its proprietary Nanocyclix technology, its rich research pipeline in both oncology and other areas, consisting of a new generation of kinase inhibitors. We are thrilled to be working alongside these very innovative teams and to help support Oncodesign's long-term growth plans." Next financial publication: Full-year 2016 revenue, Tuesday January 31, 2017 (after the market close) About d'ONCODESIGN : www.oncodesign.com Founded over 20 years ago by Dr Philippe Genne, the Company's CEO and Chairman, Oncodesign is a biotechnology company that maximises the pharmaceutical industry's chances of success in discovering new therapeutic molecules to fight cancer and other serious illnesses with no known effective treatment. With its unique experience acquired by working with more than 600 clients, including the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, along with its comprehensive technological platform combining state-of-the-art medicinal chemistry, advanced animal modelling and medical imaging, Oncodesign is able to predict and identify, at a very early stage, each molecule's therapeutic usefulness and potential to become an effective drug. Applied to kinase inhibitors, which represent a market estimated at over $46 billion in 2016 and accounting for almost 25% of the pharmaceutical industry's R&D expenditure, Oncodesign's technology has already enabled the targeting of several promising molecules with substantial therapeutic potential, in oncology and elsewhere, along with partnerships with pharmaceutical groups such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ipsen and UCB. Oncodesign is based in Dijon, France, in the heart of the town's university and hospital hub, and within the Paris-Saclay cluster, Oncodesign has 165 employees and subsidiaries in Canada and the USA. 1 Source (News - Alert): VisionGain 2015 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161130006459/en/

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[December 01, 2016] Online Search for Advocates and Lawyers Grows by 75%, Shows a Sulekha Study

CHENNAI, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- - Family Court, Divorce and Domestic Lawyers is the Most Searched Category Across India - Income Tax and Service Tax Lawyers is the Category That has Seen the Maximum Growth Sulekha, one of India's largest digital platforms for local service needs, today unveiled the results of a study undertaken on the online searches for Avocates and Lawyers. Revealing several interesting trends, the study shows an overall increase of 75% in online requests for advocates and lawyers, across India in the last one year. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161004/414896LOGO )

Over 2,00,000 searches on the Sulekha local services platform were analysed in the last one year (July 2015 to June 2016) for various kinds of lawyers and advocates. The study covers the top 8 key metros in the country - Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Pune. The study provides further information about the most popular categories of Advocates and Lawyers:

- Family Court, Divorce and Domestic Lawyers

- Property, Land, Real Estate Lawyers

- Court Marriage and Matrimonial Lawyers

- Civil Lawyers

- Criminal Lawyers

- Corporate and Company Lawyers

- High Court Lawyers

- Consumer Protection and Dispute Lawyers

- Industrial and Labour Lawyers

- Charitable Trust, Society and NGO Registration

- Legal Consultants - Cheque Bounce Case Lawyers







Key findings of the study: - Compared to last year, there is a 75% rise in online search for the Advocates and Lawyers category.

- The top 3 markets that have seen the maximum growth are: Delhi-NCR (104%), Hyderabad (100%) and Pune (85%)

- Delhi-NCR has seen a 104% growth in the searches for advocates and lawyers, with:

-Court Marriage and Matrimonial Lawyers category witnessing a rise of 765%

-Legal Consultants category witnessing a rise of 388%

-Family Court, Divorce and Domestic Lawyer category witnessing a rise of 280%

- From the analysis of nearly 80 sub categories in the Advocates and Lawyers category, apart from the Court Marriage and Matrimonial Lawyers, Copyright Patent and Trademark Registration Lawyers and Traffic Violation, RTO and Transportation Lawyers saw a growth of more than 500% across all cities surveyed.

- Family Court, Divorce and Domestic Lawyers, is the most searched category across all cities surveyed.

- Consumer Protection and Dispute Lawyers, and Charitable Trust, Society and NGO Registration consultants are the categories that have seen a growth of close to 300%.

- Sexual Harassment Lawyers have seen a 148% rise across India, of which Bangalore, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai contributed more than 70%.



Commenting on the findings, Satya Prabhakar, CEO, Sulekha, said, "The study shows the increasing trust that Indians have started to show towards the law and judiciary system. On one side, we see people seeking professional help in legal matters involving divorces and family disputes; the other side shows us an increasing number of searches for court and marriage lawyers, all showing us a picture of contemporary India. Professionals like advocates and lawyers make for a significant portion in the $200 billion Local Services market in India, and we have seen a healthy growth in this category this past year." About Sulekha: Sulekha is one of India's largest and fastest-growing digital platforms for local service need fulfillment in over 40 cities, connecting tens of millions of users and local businesses in 800+ need categories such as computer training, serviced apartments, wooden flooring, party catering, baby-sitting, elder care, yoga lessons, kitchen renovation, wedding photography, moving-packing, pest control, event planning and auto repair. Sulekha has 14 offices and 1,300+ employees across India and abroad (Austin), including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai. Please visit http://www.sulekha.com

Media Contacts:

Tushar Sehgal

[email protected]

+91-7709199993

Brand Manager

Sulekha New Media Pvt. Ltd.



Rashmi Madhu

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+91-9619169629

20:20 MSL



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[December 01, 2016] Amazon.ca Welcomes Customers to Shop the Amazon Launchpad Store

Canadian customers now have access to innovative, cutting-edge products from up-and-coming startups SEATTLE, Dec. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Amazon.ca announced the expansion of Amazon Launchpad for Canadian customers. The store features hundreds of innovative products that are now available for purchase by Canadian consumers. "We are delighted to offer Canadian customers a variety of amazing products from some of the most inventive startups funded by renowned venture capital firms," said Mike Strauch, Amazon.ca Country Manager. Amazon Launchpad has worked with more than 100 leading venture capital firms, startup accelerators, and crowd-funding platforms to bring innovative products to Amazon. Canadian customers can now search for and purchase hundreds of products backed by firms like Andreessen Horowitz, accelerators like Y Combinator, and crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter. The Amazon Launchpad store features best-selling items in a variety of product categories ranging from Cool Gadgets and Kitchen to Beauty and Toys. Featured Amazon Launchpad products include: Nucleus Anywhere Intercom: A HD intercom communication system that brings families together wherever they are

TubShroom Shower, Tub and Drain Protector/Hair Catcher: The last hassle and chemical free hair catcher you'll ever need

Sugru Moldable Glue: A moldable glue that turns into rubber

Outdoor Tech Wired Chips: A solution to biking with music, a universal wireless helmet audio system

Annex Quad Lock Bike Mount Kit: One of the lightest and strongest phone mounting systems available

Go-Comb Wallet Comb + Bottle Opener: A modern grooming accessory designed to travel with you

Illumibowl Toilet Night Light: A subtle sensor light to guide you during midnight trips to the bathroom



The Amazon Launchpad program is open to entrepreneurs everywhere, and can easily make their products available to our customers around the world. The program offers a streamlined onboarding experience, custom product pages, marketing support, and access to Amazon's global fulfillment network, all geared toward helping startups successfully launch their products and help tell their stories. With Amazon Launchpad, startups can overcome many of the challenges associated with launching new products by using Amazon's retail expertise and infrastructure to create awareness and drive sales globally. "The sheer scale that Amazon Launchpad offers a rapidly-growing company like Nucleus is unparalleled," said Morley Ivers, Canadian entrepreneur and President, Nucleus. "In working closely with the Amazon Launchpad team, I've been consistently impressed with the level of service and access this program makes available. This relationship has already propelled my company to great things, and we're grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the Amazon Launchpad program." By opening the Launchpad store to Canadian customers on Amazon.ca, Amazon Launchpad is helping entrepreneurs extend their global reach and grow their sales. To shop the Amazon Launchpad store, visit www.amazon.ca/launchpad.

To learn more about the Amazon Launchpad program, visit www.amazon.com/gp/launchpad/signup. About Amazon Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about. SOURCE Amazon.ca

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[December 01, 2016] DNCA Selects Charles River's Cross-Asset Investment Management Platform & Built-In IBOR Solution

Paris, France-based asset manager DNCA Investments is consolidating systems and automating its front and middle office with the Charles River Investment Management Solution (Charles River IMS). The SaaS (News - Alert)-based platform will streamline portfolio management, trading and compliance processes across DNCA's Equites, Listed Derivatives, Fixed Income and FX operations. The firm is also ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of front office position data with Charles River's Investment Book of Record (IBOR). "With Charles River, we plan to manage all asset classes, products and strategies on a single solution," said Gregoire Scheiff, COO, DNCA. "By automating our investment process, Charles River will help our portfolio managers and traders focus on issues that require their expertise. We should also have the capabilities and scale to keep up with changing business demands and growth." Charles River IMS was chosen to support DNCA's institutional and wealth management businesses for several reasons: Portfolio managers will view risk exposures and holdings in real-time, analyze the impact of asset allocation and de-risking decisions, and optimize and rebalance portfolios when needed

Traders will access liquidity from multiple venues, execute trades acoss all securities and currencies, and ensure trades are compliant

Compliance teams will monitor compliance with all relevant global regulations throughout the trade lifecycle



About DNCA

DNCA is a French asset management company set up in 2000 by wealth-management specialists acting on behalf of private and institutional investors. With a defensive slant, the company seeks to optimize the risk/return ratio on its portfolios. With a team of more than 92 staff, DNCA has developed expertise in European and international equities (long only and absolute return), diversified fund management, convertible bonds and Eurozone bonds. The quality of the company's investment management, which regularly wins awards from the financial press, has enabled the company to enjoy swift growth over the past fifteen years. AUM currently stand at 18.9bn (as at 12/31/2015).

About Charles River

Charles River enables sound and efficient investing across all asset classes. Over 350 firms worldwide use Charles River IMS to manage more than US$25 Trillion (News - Alert) in assets in the institutional investment, wealth management and hedge fund industries. Our SaaS-based solution automates and simplifies investment management on a single platform - from portfolio decision support and risk management through trading and post-trade settlement, with integrated risk and compliance throughout. Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, we support clients globally with more than 750 employees in 11 regional offices. For more information, please visit www.crd.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005001/en/

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[December 01, 2016] To Combat Divisiveness And Strengthen The Fortune 1000 Unitive Aligns Teams Through Focus On Shared Values

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As divides emerge across the country, companies are struggling to unite diverse workforces into unified teams. Visionary entrepreneur, founder, and CEO, Laura Mather understands that focusing on universal values is key to uniting America. That's why today her company, Unitive, whose platform disrupts unconscious bias at every step of the hiring process, announces it will refocus on supporting companies' needs through values-based hiring practices. Partnering with entrepreneurs Mitch Kapor and Freada Kapor Klein, Mather will host a town hall meeting in the heart of Silicon Valley to uncover how companies are coping with current discord and uncertainty. Unitive will then begin working with companies to identify a set of pre-established company-wide values. Using unique software and a team of hiring experts, Unitive will bridge gaps between employees by build hiring processes that reinforce those values and put talent first. Better hiring will build better, more cohesive teams where employees are aligned and connected by shared goals and values, regardless of their backgrounds. "The solution to building successful teams and bridging our national divides is to bring employees, teams, and organizations together through an emphasis on our commonly held values," said Unitive Founder and CEO, Laura Mather. "Now Unitive can meet companies where they are, develop strategies based in their core-beliefs, and create systems that support and strengthen teams with great hiring decisions." As the economy approaches an uncertain future and tensions rise across the country, the cost of bad hires grows exponentially. Companies need to be able to make great hires time and time again, and that means moving away from unreliable gut decisions based on a candidate's appearance, alm mater, or favorite hobbies. Successful organizations will transition their HR departments into values- and metrics-based processes that evaluate candidates' real competencies and their proven ability to do the job.



Unitive's user-friendly platform and vast database allows companies to access and implement best practices in hiring at ever step of their hiring process. From writing job descriptions that appeal to a broad range of candidates to blind resume review sections that focus reviewers on the capabilities that count, to structured interviews that reveal the most about candidates' abilities, Unitive transforms outdated systems to model the best of 21st century talent acquisition strategy. ABOUT UNITIVE

Unitive is the first solution built with the hiring manager in mind. Hiring is one of the most crucial, yet inefficient, parts of running a business, delaying the critical resources you need to scale and grow. Unitive helps hiring managers by automating the process from job creation through decision, powering each step with meaningful data, building stronger recruiter-hiring manager partnership and drastically reducing time to hire. Unitive lets your hiring managers get back to their "real" jobs faster while improving the quality of every hire decision.

MORE ABOUT LAURA MATHER

Engineer, entrepreneur, and mom, Laura Mather, PhD is an expert on the future of the workplace. After selling her cyber security company, Silver Tail, in 2012, Mather created Unitive, a software that optimizes data-driven decision-making in the hiring process, empowering companies to build stronger, more effective teams. Mather was honored as one of Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business, and as one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs. She has been featured in CNN Money, Forbes, Business Insider, Venture Beat, and Fast Company, and is a featured speaker at Techonomy, the National Center for Women in Technology Summit, Fortune's Most Powerful Women Next Generation Summit, HR West, and Ad Week, among others. RECENT COVERAGE NPR

The New Yorker

CNN Money

Business Insider

Fast Company

Forbes

Huffington Post

Financial News

Venture Beat

Refinery29

Insight into Diversity (Page 31)

Think Progress Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150420/199895LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/to-combat-divisiveness-and-strengthen-the-fortune-1000-unitive-aligns-teams-through-focus-on-shared-values-300370003.html SOURCE Unitive

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[December 01, 2016] IBS Software Inks Long-term Deal With Asiana Airlines

SEOUL, South Korea, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel, transportation & logistics IT solutions specialist, IBS Software (IBS) has signed a 10-year multi-million dollar contract with Asiana Airlines Cargo, one of the largest cargo carriers in the APAC region, for the implementation of its award-winning cargo management solution, iCargo to manage the end-to-end cargo functions of Asiana Cargo. Under the deal, IBS will implement the full scope of business operations of Asiana Cargo - including sales, revenue accounting, ULD management, mail management and mail revenue accounting with a single seamlessly integrated platform - iCargo. Seoul-based Asiana Airlines is a global brand and has been in operation for nearly thirty years. Asiana is a member of Star Alliance, and currently operates 14 domestic and 90 international passenger routes and 27 cargo routes throughout Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444599 ) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121122/577929 ) The implementation of the new-gen cargo management system will allow Asiana Airlines Cargo to upgrade its IT capabilities from an existing home-grown legacy core system and a multitude of satellite systems to a fully integrated new generatin platform. This upgrade will enable Asiana Cargo to embrace several value adding capabilities in aspects such as revenue and yield management, product management, real time shipment monitoring and control and advanced technology capabilities such as enterprise mobility to elevate its cargo operations to a much higher level. The iCargo platform will also enable Asiana Cargo to align itself to industry-driven standards and best practices such as eAWB and CXML.



Asiana Cargo will become the latest addition to the IBS Cargo Community, which comprises of 20+ global players in the air freight industry including Airlines, GHAs and Cargo Terminal Operators. IBS' highly modular iCargo solution supports all the IT needs of air cargo management in a single, fully-integrated platform and can be tailored to suit specific customer needs and priorities. Capable of addressing the needs of all kinds of cargo operations - large or small, combination or pure freighter, LCC or full service - iCargo now powers the cargo movement of over 25 leading airlines across the globe making it the leading cargo management solution for the air transportation industry. iCargo solution was selected as the 'Airline Product Innovation of the Year 2015' by CAPA - Centre for Aviation.

Signing the deal in Seoul last week, Kwang-Suk Kim, Executive VP of Asiana Cargo said, "By selecting iCargo as our technology platform, we are hopeful that we would be able to cater to the demands of fast changing logistics services environment and improve our market share. We are sure that it will also bring a ground breaking improvement opportunity in reinforcing cargo operation safety and customer services." "This selection by Asiana Airlines highlights IBS' ability to conceptualize and build industry leading global solutions which bring tangible business benefits. IBS continues to invest in innovative offerings for the airline industry to ensure that our customers stay ahead in this disruptive environment. This partnership with Asiana is also a testament to our commitment to the Korean market as we continue to expand our presence in East Asia" said Rajiv Shah, CEO IBS Software. Ashok Rajan, VP and Head of IBS' Global Air Cargo business said, "We are delighted to welcome Asiana Cargo to the iCargo family. We are excited about the value in business practices that Asiana Cargo will bring to the community given its leading position in the Air Freight industry." More information on IBS is available at http://www.ibsplc.com For media enquiries, please contact

Bratati Ghosh

Chief Marketing Officer, IBS

[email protected]





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[December 01, 2016] A.M. Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of American Safety Risk Retention Group, Inc.

A.M. Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B+ (Good) from B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to "bbb-" from "bbb" of American Safety Risk Retention Group, Inc. (ASRRG) (headquartered in Atlanta, GA). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) has been revised to stable from negative. The ratings reflect ASRRG's weak operating performance, declining surplus levels, limited business profile and management's difficulty in successfully executing a business plan to build its core book of business as a stand-alone entity. Although loss experience in the company's specialized niche has been generally favorable, the expense ratio is highly elevated with limited premium growth opportunities. As a result, pre-tax operating losses have been generated, driving a loss of surplus. Partially offsetting these negative rating factors are favorable risk-adjusted capitalization, despite the recent surplus reductions, management's historical track record of producing profitable business in the company's niche specialty market and strong retention renewal rates. Management is committed to ASRRG's mission of providing insurance solutions to its members and poliyholders remaining loyal to the program, which is evidenced by high retention levels. In an effort to improve operating results, cost reduction initiatives have been implemented. Despite these initiatives, as noted, overall expenses remain high and continue to put a strain on operating performance due to the generally limited business profile.



This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best's Credit Ratings. A.M. Best is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2016 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005712/en/

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[December 01, 2016] Ellis Park To Use Exacta Historic Horse Racing System

HENDERSON, Ky., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Exacta Systems announced today that it has reached an agreement with Ellis Park to provide the Henderson, Kentucky racetrack with its Historic Horse Racing system and games. Ellis Park will close on January 3, 2017 and will reopen on January 6, 2017 with 179 new Exacta HHR terminals. Ellis Park will become the third racetrack operator to switch their Historic Horse Racing system from AmTote/RaceTech to Exacta Systems in the last 20 months. "We are excited to offer our customers what, in our opinion, is the best historic horse racin product on the market," commented Ellis Park President Ron Geary. "Exacta's library of over fifty entertaining game titles and several pari-mutuel pools, many of which offer significant jackpots, will improve the player experience at Ellis Park. Based on their performance at Kentucky Downs and in Wyoming, we are confident that switching to Exacta will allow us to grow and maximize our historic horse racing business, which will in turn allow us to increase purses for our live race meet."



"We are thrilled that Ellis Park will become the latest racetrack to offer the Exacta HHR system to its customers," commented Exacta Systems President Jeremy Stein. "As we continue to set monthly handle records at Kentucky Downs, add new racetrack customers, and maintain approximately 80% of the competitive HHR market in Wyoming, we are demonstrating that the Exacta system is the clear leader in Historic Horse Racing. We are proud to be on the forefront of HHR as it continues to provide much needed new revenue to purses, breeders incentive funds, racetrack operators, and state general funds." For more information about the company and the Exacta historic horse racing system, visit www.exactasystems.com or the Exacta Systems Facebook page.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150211/174951LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ellis-park-to-use-exacta-historic-horse-racing-system-300371385.html SOURCE Exacta Systems

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[December 01, 2016] Former FCC Legal Advisor Lynne Montgomery Joins Wilkinson Barker Knauer

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP is pleased to announce that Lynne Montgomery has joined the firm as Counsel after spending a decade of government service in supervisory and staff positions spanning three Bureaus at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC (News - Alert)). Ms. Montgomery will focus primarily on advising clients on satellite regulatory and transactional matters and licensing issues requiring international coordination. Most recently, Ms. Montgomery served as Legal Advisor to the Chief of the Media Bureau. In this capacity, she served as a liaison between the Media Bureau and the Chairman's and Commissioner's offices, and drafted and reviewed documents related to the Incentive Auction, and broadcast radio and television, cable and satellite services. Prior to that, she spent six years in the International Bureau, where she most recently served as Acting Associate Division Chief of the International Bureau, Satellite Division, Policy Branch. There, she focused on a range of satellite policy and licensing matters, including rulemakings related to allocation of licensed and unlicensed spectrum, analysis of proposed transfers of FCC licenses, review of GSO and NGSO satellite applications and earth station applications, and coordination of satellite orbital locations and spectrum allocation with international organizations and other governments. Ms. Montgomery began her tenure at the Commission as an Honors Attorney and Acting Legal Advisor to the Bureau Chief in the Consumer & Governmenal Affairs Bureau.



Before her work at the FCC, Ms. Montgomery was a Senior Research Associate for the Public International Law and Policy Group. As an Associate Director for the Civil Rights Forum on Communications Policy, Ms. Montgomery developed and implemented outreach programs to increase low-income individuals' participation in telephone subsidy programs by developing educational networks and collaborating with FCC and state government officials. She is admitted to the New York State and District of Columbia bars, an active member of the Federal Communications Bar Association, and is a 500-hundred hour registered yoga instructor. Bryan Tramont, Managing Partner of Wilkinson Barker Knauer, said, "Lynne and I have known each other for almost 20 years - she is a top-notch satellite and media lawyer, a wonderful colleague, and a key addition to our team. Plus she is our first lawyer yoga instructor - further diversifying the firm's capabilities!" Ms. Montgomery commented, "I am excited to start the next phase of my legal career at WBK. I have known Bryan Tramont for a long time and am looking forward to joining him and the rest of the firm's talented team."

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated primarily to the practice of communications and energy law, is ranked as a "first tier" firm by Chambers USA (Telecom, Broadcast, and Satellite: Regulatory), and Legal 500 (Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory), and was twice named "Law Firm of the Year" in communications law by U.S. News - Best Lawyers (2012 & 2014). The firm, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Denver, Colorado, advises clients ranging from global Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups in regulatory, transactional, privacy, consumer protection, intellectual property, corporate and litigation matters involving all aspects of communications and energy law, at both the state and federal levels. Ms. Montgomery is resident in the firm's Washington, D.C. office and can be reached at (202) 383-3397 and at [email protected]. Additional information about Ms. Montgomery can be found at http://www.wbklaw.com/Our_Team/Lynne_Montgomery. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005210/en/

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[December 01, 2016] Eric W. Beyer Joins SiebenCarey

SiebenCarey is pleased to announce that Eric Beyer has joined the firm practicing law in the company's Duluth, Minn., office. Beyer comes to SiebenCarey after practicing for more than 18 years at Falsani, Balmer, Peterson, Quinn & Beyer. He will continue to represent clients with personal injury and workers' compensation claims. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005876/en/ Eric Beyer joins the Duluth office of SiebenCarey. (Photo: SiebenCarey) Throughout his career of helping injured Minnesotans, Beyer has won significant verdicts and settlements. He is licensed to practice law in state and federal court in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Beyer received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1995 and his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in 1998.



Beyer's legal career focuses on car accidents and workers' compensation. In addition, he offers expertise in a wide variety of other personal injury litigation including basic no-fault arbitrations, serious personal injury, product liability, and wrongful death cases. Beyer has been named a Rising Star honoree by Super Lawyers six different years. Super Lawyers ask Minnesota's top lawyers to identify an elite group of emerging lawyers who are either under the age of 40 or have practiced law for less than 10 years, and who have demonstrated the highest standards of excellence. Only 2.5 percent of the state's attorneys are named to the list. In 2003, he received Minnesota Lawyer's "Up and Coming Attorneys" award reserved for attorneys who have distinguished themselves during their first 10 years of practice. Beyer was one of 25 honorees selected.

"Eric is a great addition to SiebenCarey and our Duluth office and we're excited about him continuing his career with us," said Jim Carey, president of the firm. "He is universally regarded as a very accomplished and ethical trial lawyer working solely on behalf of injured people and working families. We share common values based on a commitment to fight for client rights - the right to get their life back, a fair settlement and to seek justice. This has been, and continues to be, our promise for more than 60 years." About SiebenCarey

Founded in 1952, SiebenCarey has grown to become one of Minnesota's largest and most widely respected personal injury law firms, successfully and passionately representing more than 65,000 clients. The firm employs 20 experienced lawyers and professional support personnel covering general trial practice in all courts, personal injury, workers' compensation, wrongful death and medical malpractice. The offices are located around the state of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Duluth and Lakeville. For more information, visit www.knowyourrights.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005876/en/

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[December 01, 2016] LRS Consulting Services Names Minneapolis Branch Manager

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- LRS Consulting Services announced today that Micah Stevenson has been hired as Branch Manager of the firm's office in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kerry Burns, Senior Manager for LRS Consulting Services, said he was excited to find someone with Stevenson's experience in the IT staffing industry. Stevenson has nearly a decade of experience in staff augmentation in IT and financial services. "Micah brings a track record of developing new business," Burns said. "That's really important in our Minneapolis office, where we have aggressive plans for growing our business." Burns also pointed to Stevenson's Minnesota roots. He attended Minnesota School of Business and has worked for companies in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. "Micah's knowledge of the region, its people, and its businesses, can only help us as we work to grow," Burns said. "We're really happy that he has joined our team and we know he can only make us even stronger." <>Stevenson has been praised throughout his career for striving to be a trusted business advisor to all his clients, recognizing the importance of quality service, and working diligently to get the best results for each customer's needs. Stevenson said the move to LRS was perfect for him and will give him a chance to build the company's presence in the Twin Cities .



"I am extremely excited to join LRS Consulting," he said. "It's rare to find a company like LRS with such a vast amount of experience that is still focused on growing, building, and staying ahead of the trend in the IT staffing industry." LRS Consulting Services is the IT and engineering staffing division of Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. (LRS), a privately-held U.S. company with corporate headquarters located in Springfield, IL. Remote offices are located throughout the United States and in key geographic regions around the world. More than half of the Fortune 500 and Fortune 500 Service companies rely on industry-leading LRS solutions, with products in use in over 30 countries. Industry analyst groups recognize LRS as a global IT leader. For more information, visit www.LRS.com.

 Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. All rights reserved. LRS is a registered trademark of Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Kerry Burns

Senior Manager

LRS Consulting Services

913-339-9200, ext. 2346

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lrs-consulting-services-names-minneapolis-branch-manager-300371536.html SOURCE LRS Consulting Services

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[December 01, 2016] ML Strategies' Alex Hecht and Julie Cox Promoted to Senior Leadership Roles

ML Strategies, the government relations and business advisory affiliate of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., has announced the promotion of Alex Hecht and Julie Cox. Mr. Hecht, who previously served as Vice President of Government Relations, will now serve as Executive Vice President and Director of Operations in ML Strategies' Washington, DC office. Ms. Cox (News - Alert), the former Vice President of Legislative Affairs, will now serve as Senior Vice President of Government Rlations & Manager of Operations.



Mr. Hecht and Ms. Cox will work with Senator William "Mo" Cowan, President and CEO of ML Strategies, to further expand the firm's client base across a number of key industries and manage the day-to-day operations of ML Strategies' DC and Boston offices. "Clients have come to rely on Alex and Julie for their sound and strategic counsel," said Senator Cowan. "Having worked alongside them on a number of matters over the last few years, it became very apparent to me that ML Strategies could also benefit from their experience and leadership. I'm delighted they've agreed to help shape the future of ML Strategies."

"From their first days at ML Strategies, Alex and Julie have been integral members of the team," said Stephen P. Tocco, Chairman of ML Strategies. "We are thrilled to see them recognized for their considerable contributions to the success and the growth of our enterprise." Mr. Hecht has more than 15 years of senior-level experience in Congress and trade associations. He is regarded as one of the leading congressional staff specialists on the regulatory process and how federal agencies promulgate rules and regulations. Mr. Hecht assists clients with their legislative and regulatory needs on a wide range of issues, including health care, telecommunications, innovation, technology, energy, and federal procurement. He has developed numerous bills and amendments reducing the regulatory compliance burden of business. Ms. Cox has more than a decade of government affairs and legislative counsel experience. She has successfully advocated for a number of companies before the executive, legislative, and local government branches in the Commonwealth. Her work has also included analysis of the state budget and legislation to determine client impact, developing public relations strategy, and initiating and coordinating the presentation of client initiatives to legislators. For more information on Mintz Levin (News - Alert), please visit www.mintz.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201006163/en/

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[December 01, 2016] Kontrol Energy Agrees to Acquire Log-One Ltd.'s Energy Management System

TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Kontrol Energy Corp. (CSE:KNR) (the "Company") announces that it has agreed to acquire Log-One Ltd.'s Energy Management System ("EMS"), an intelligent, occupancy-based heating and air-conditioning control product, including the hardware, software, intellectual property and patents (combined to be referred to as the "EMS Technology") with closing of the transaction in escrow expected to occur today. The aggregate purchase price for the EMS Technology is $800,000, of which the Company will pay $200,000 in cash on closing, with an additional $50,000 in cash to be paid on January 31, 2017, subject to any reduction for holdback obligations, and $550,000 by way of issuing 1 million common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.55 per share. Further, the Company will enter a 10-year royalty agreement with Log-One Ltd. pursuant to which the Company will pay Log-One Ltd. a graduated royalty of approximately 5% of manufactured cost in respect of sales of EMS units and a 6-month consulting agreement with the principals of Log-One Ltd. "We are excited about this acquisition and to take the existing robust energy management hardware, software and IP and add Internet of Things (IOT) capability with an integrated mobile application platform," says Paul Ghezzi, CEO of the Company. "Delivering energy savings and making these savings visible in real time brings together all the important stakeholders in the electricity value chain including building owners, tenants, utilities and various levels of Government. As electricity prices continue to escalate across North America, we are experiencing strong demand for our solutions and growing portfolio of technologies." Following the acquisition, the Log-One EMS Technology will be rebranded as the Kontrol EMS Technology. By adding Internet of Things (IOT) and mobile application capability the Company intends to create a recurring revenue platform through a SaaS model. The Kontrol EMS Technology will provide for pre-programmed heating and cooling automation, smart learning algorithms and more environmental control while delivering best-in-class energy savings. "The energy retrofit and electricity cost reduction market across North America is a $100 Billion annual market opportunity for the energy efficiency solutions and technology industry," continues Paul Ghezzi. "Our plans for 2017 include expansion into regions of the United States market where electricity costs are the highest. Our expansion is expected to come primarily throuh the demand of our existing customer base which includes some of the largest REITS in Canada."



The company anticipates that the Kontrol EMS Technology will add $4 Million of revenue in 2017 with an anticipated 50% gross margin. Along with the most recently announced potential acquisition and a growing number of potential acquisitions in various stages of due diligence, the Company continues to execute on its business plans to deliver robust accretive revenue and earnings growth with minimum dilution to the existing common share structure. About Kontrol Energy Corp.

Kontrol Energy Corp. (CSE:KNR) is a leader in energy efficiency solutions and technology. Through a disciplined mergers and acquisition strategy, combined with organic growth, Kontrol Energy Corp. provides market-based energy solutions to our customers designed to reduce their overall cost of energy while providing a corresponding reduction in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Through our Energy Savings Simplified Program customers can gain immediate financial savings and the ability to monitor and modify energy consumption and demand in real-time through cloud based IoT solutions. To learn more about Kontrol Energy Corp., please visit the Company's website at www.kontrolenergy.com. Additional information about Kontrol Energy Corp. can be found on its website at www.kontrolenergy.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com Neither IIROC nor any stock exchange or other securities regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Certain information included in this press release, including information relating to future payments of holdback amounts, royalty payments, minimization of common equity dilution, possible future acquisitions, expansion into markets in the United States, anticipated revenue increases and anticipated gross margins; accretive revenue, demand from existing customers, the provision of solutions to customers and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, proposed financial savings and sustainable energy benefits and energy monitoring. growth strategy and financial or operating performance and other statements that express the expectations of management or estimates of future performance constitute "forward-looking statements". The forward-looking statements in this press release are presented for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The forward-looking statements may include financial and other projections, as well as statements regarding our future plans, objectives, or economic performance, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, and other statements that are not recitations of historical fact. We have assumed no material unannounced acquisitions or divestitures. Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief are based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. Such assumptions include, without limitation, that the Offering will be successful, that suitable businesses and technologies for acquisition and/or investment will be available, that such acquisitions and or investment transactions will be concluded, that sufficient capital will be available to the Company, that technology will be as effective as anticipated, that organic growth will occur, and others. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, lack of acquisition and investment opportunities or that such opportunities may not be concluded on reasonable terms, or at all, that sufficient capital and financing cannot be obtained on reasonable terms, or at all, that technologies will not prove as effective as expected that customers and potential customers will not be as accepting of the Company's product and service offering as expected, and government and regulatory factors impacting the energy conservation industry. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as at the date hereof and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements or any forward-looking statements contained in any other documents whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities law. SOURCE Kontrol Energy Corp.

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[December 01, 2016] DMC Heart Hospital Recognized for Excellence in Cardiovascular Advertising, Ranked Among the Nation's Best

DMC Heart Hospital was honored for exemplary work in the 2016 CardioVascular Advertising Awards (CVAA) with a gold award for its radio advertisement titled "Clotbusters." The CVAA is the nation's premier advertising awards program that exclusively recognizes outstanding quality for healthcare marketing in the cardiac and vascular sectors. The ad engages the listener in recognizing the symptoms and understanding the threat of pulmonary embolism, a blockage of the arteries delivering blood to the heart. The Centers for Disease Control estimates suggest that between 60,000 and 100,000 Americans die of pulmonary embolism annually, with 10 to 30 percent dying within one month of diagnosis. The six-story DMC Heart Hospital opened in 2014, part of an ongoing wave of new construction and investment in midtown Detroit. Adjacent to DMC Harper University Hospital, DMC Heart Hospital is dedicated to advanced cardiac care, including outpatient cardiac catheterization labs, diagnostic testing and clinics for atrial fibrillation and heart failure. "At DMC Heart Hospital, we feel it's crucial we communicate within our communities what services are available to help treat both cardiac and vascular diease - especially complex conditions like Pulmonary Embolism," says DMC Heart Hospital President Dr. Theodore Schreiber. "We're honored for this recognition of the hard work and dedication our team does to educate our community in the continued fight against cardiovascular disease."



"It was a privilege to have DMC Heart Hospital participate in this elite and prestigious awards program," said Melinda Lucas, CVAA Program Coordinator. "DMC Heart Hospital exceeded all expectations for quality and excellence in CardioVascular Communications this year." All entries in the CVA Awards were reviewed and judged by a diverse panel of healthcare marketing experts.

In order to be recognized with a gold award in the CVA Awards, the entry must score at or above 95 in the scoring process, placing DMC Heart Hospital's entry in the top five percent of the nation. All winners are posted on the CVA Awards website, www.CVAAwards.com. About the Detroit Medical Center, www.dmc.org Detroit Medical Center includes DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan, DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital, DMC Harper University Hospital, DMC Heart Hospital, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, DMC Hutzel Women's Hospital, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, and DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital. Detroit Medical Center is a leading regional healthcare system with a mission of excellence in clinical care, research and medical education. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201006266/en/

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[December 01, 2016] SynerMed Raises Its Minimum Wage to $15 Per Hour Ahead of 2020 Deadline

SynerMed, a leading healthcare Management Service Organization (MSO) based in Monterey Park, California, is announcing that it will raise the minimum hourly rate for SynerMed employees to $15 per hour. The increase will take effect on December 1, 2016 and will apply to SynerMed employees in every state. Beginning July 1, 2016, the Office of Wage Standards (OWS) of the Bureau of Contract Administration in Los Angeles required all businesses with 26 or more employees to raise the minimum hourly wage to $10.50 per hour. Following guidelines set by the Los Angeles Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO), employers must raise the minimum wage annually until it reaches $15.00 per hour in 2020. Instead of increasing wages incrementally as proscribed by the MWO, SynerMed elected to accelerate the implementation of the new minimum wage requirements to the 2020 wage level for all employees in its Los Angeles, Central Valley, Northern California, San Diego and Colorao offices. This means no SynerMed employee, regardless of which state they work in, will earn less than $15 per hour.



"At SynerMed, we've always viewed ourselves as innovators who lead by example," said James Mason, President and CEO of SynerMed. "The MWO is a great step in the right direction towards giving all workers the fair wages they deserve, but we felt that we could do more. We think of all of our employees as family and we want to do all that we can to make sure that they are taken care of." With the new wage increase in effect, SynerMed's employees can rest assured that their needs will not be overlooked as the company continues to innovate healthcare by providing technology and services that deliver value to health plans, hospitals, physicians and patients.

About SynerMed SynerMed is a market-leading healthcare organization specializing in government-sponsored programs that is headquartered in Monterey Park, California. SynerMed is dedicated to innovating healthcare through an integrated system of tools, purpose-built web platforms and professional services that connects physicians, members, hospitals and health plans. SynerMed's mission is to transform the healthcare delivery system by rewarding high-quality and cost-effective care. For more information about SynerMed, visit www.synermed.com and www.synermedconnect.com. Follow SynerMed on: Twitter

YouTube

LinkedIn View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201006303/en/

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[December 01, 2016] University of the Rockies Introduces New Master of Arts in Counseling Specialization

DENVER, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- University of the Rockies, a leading graduate school focused on the social and behavioral sciences, has announced the addition of a specialization in the master of arts in counseling degree. A specialization in addiction counseling is now offered and provides students the opportunity to study theoretical and applied psychology and counseling with the objectives of understanding human development, child and adult psychopathology and treatment, professional ethics, assessment and statistics, and counseling techniques. This specialization will provide students with the skills needed to offer guidance and treatment to people who are struggling with addictive behaviors. "Far too many struggle with addiction without hel," said Dr. Jeremy Moreland, provost of University of the Rockies. "University of the Rockies is proud to offer this pertinent specialization to help our students address the need."



To learn more about this program specialization, visit www.rockies.edu/degrees/ma-counseling-addiction-counseling.htm. About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a leading graduate school of the social and behavioral sciences that offers programs for students seeking their PhD, PsyD, or Master of Arts degree. Based in Denver, Colo., the University provides students with the convenience of an online education. While working toward a degree from anywhere in the country, students enjoy access to industry professionals, research, and publishing opportunities. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu/, www.twitter.com/URockies, www.facebook.com/UniversityoftheRockies, or call Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager, at 866.621.0124 x11636.

Contact: Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager

866.621.0124 x11636  [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120509/LA03227LOGO-b To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/university-of-the-rockies-introduces-new-master-of-arts-in-counseling-specialization-300371711.html SOURCE University of the Rockies

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Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

You may have heard that Sprint is talking a big game on TV and on the radio about how its network reliability is within 1 percent of Verizon's, and that it's recognized by both Tom's Guide and independent wireless testing companies as the top-performing cellular network. Now Sprint wants to put a phone in its customers' hands that can drive that point home, and that's where the HTC Bolt comes in.





(Image credit: Samuel C. Rutherford / Tom's Guide)

This $600 Sprint exclusive not only boasts fast networking speeds, but it also comes with a solid, all-aluminum body, a big 5.5-inch screen, IP-57 water resistance and fantastic audio. But when the Bolt is compared to a lot of other handsets, though, its middling battery life, mediocre CPU performance and comparatively high price leave me wishing Sprint and HTC had pushed things a little bit further.

You may have heard that Sprint is talking a big game on TV and on the radio about how its network reliability is within 1 percent of Verizon's, and that it's recognized by both Tom's Guide and independent wireless testing companies as the top-performing cellular network. Now Sprint wants to put a phone in its customers' hands that can drive that point home, and that's where the HTC Bolt comes in.



This $600 Sprint exclusive not only boasts fast networking speeds, but it also comes with a solid, all-aluminum body, a big 5.5-inch screen, IP-57 water resistance and fantastic audio. But when the Bolt is compared to a lot of other handsets, though, its middling battery life, mediocre CPU performance and comparatively high price leave me wishing Sprint and HTC had pushed things a little bit further.

Design: Water's no worry

Sporting a big, chunky body that's forged out of aluminum, the 5.5-inch Bolt is essentially an upsized version of the HTC 10. It's got hard, chamfered edges that run along the outside of the phone and a trio of capacitive-touch buttons on the front. Due to its increased proportions and completely flat back, the Bolt doesn't feel quite as elegant as the HTC 10, but the Bolt has a secret feature that the 10 doesn't have: water resistance.





(Image credit: Samuel C. Rutherford / Tom's Guide)

Sprint likes to claim that the Bolt is the first unibody, all-metal, water-resistant phone. It's not. Even if you ignore the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, there's the aluminum-bodied Sony Xperia XZ, which features a higher IP68 rating  making it good for dunks of up to 5 feet for 30 minutes  than the Bolt's IP57 rating, which means that the latter is only certified for dips of up to 3.3 feet.

MORE: Best Smartphones on the Market Now

I do like that the Bolt's fingerprint reader/home button is nearly flush against the phone's front glass panel. I'm still not a fan of the overly jagged ridges on the phone's lock button, however.





(Image credit: Samuel C. Rutherford / Tom's Guide)

Measuring 6.04 x 3.04 x 0.31 inches and 6.15 ounces, the Bolt is almost exactly the same size as the Google Pixel, which is also built by HTC. However, when the Bolt is held side by side next to Samsung's S7 Edge, the S7 Edge is noticeably lighter and more compact  at 5.94 x 2.85 x 0.3 inches and 5.53 ounces  even though it has the same screen size as the HTC Bolt.

Display: A decent LCD

I tend to prefer phones with AMOLED displays because they produce images with richer colors and deeper blacks, but the 5.5-inch LCD screen on the Bolt still looks pretty good. The displays wiewing angles are wide, it has a dense 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution and  unless you are superpicky  its color balance is pretty neutral, too.



With a brightness of 473 nits, the Bolt compares favorably to many of its competitors. While the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge was even brighter at 530 nits, both the Pixel XL and Nexus 6P were dimmer at 396 nits and 337 nits, respectively.





However, the limits of LCD technology show up in the Bolt's color range, which covered a standard 100 percent of the sRGB spectrum. Equipped with AMOLED displays, the S7 Edge, Pixel XL and Nexus 6P phones demonstrated significantly larger gamuts at 191, 189 and 187 percent, respectively.





Finally, with a Delta-E rating of 5.12 for color accuracy, the Bolt was simply OK. (Numbers closer to zero are better.) The Pixel XL's Delta-E was close to the Bolt's at 5.8, although the smartphone average of 4 and the S7 Edge's rating of 2.9 were more precise.

Audio: No audio jack, but still great sound

Even though a world without headphone jacks is coming, I still don't think we're ready for it. However, the Bolt's audio-over-USB and custom USB Type-C headphones are the best arguments I've heard yet for this transition. HTC uses what it calls BoomSound Adaptive Audio to scan your surroundings to automatically adjust playback for the best experience. When you combine that with the Bolt's 24-bit Hi-Res audio, you get a pretty fantastic sound.





(Image credit: Samuel C. Rutherford / Tom's Guide)

When I listened to Ratatat's "Cream on Chrome," going from an S7 with a pair of HTC's own $70 Pro Studio earphones to the Bolt and its specialized USB-C buds was like waking up hazily from a nap  only to discover that the band was playing in my home. The Bolt's audio was punchier, sounded fuller and had way more impact than I'm used to hearing from earbuds.



Sadly, because these headphones rely on custom programming that's specifically designed for the Bolt, they won't work on other USB-C phones. When I plugged them into a Pixel XL, the phone didn't even register that they were connected, and audio continued to play over the Pixel's speakers. If you want to stick traditional headphones into this phone, the Bolt does come with a USB-C-to-3.5-millimeter adapter.

Performance: Lags leading phones

Equipped with a year-old Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, the Bolt's specs are pretty unspectacular. But the phone isn't slow by any means, and flipping between screens in Android felt pretty snappy. But nothing really stands out, either. For people who are worried about storage, the Bolt has an expandable microSD slot that allows you to add up to 2TB of storage.



On benchmarks such as the GeekBench 4 measurement for overall performance, the Bolt's score of 3,572 was 10 to 15 percent lower than that of phones that are powered by newer processors, such as the Snapdragon 820-equipped Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (4,035) and the Snapdragon 821-equipped Google Pixel XL (4,146). Last year's Nexus 6P (which also has a Snapdragon 810) performed slightly better, with a score of 3,714, while the smartphone average trailed a bit behind, at 3,348.





Results were similar on the graphics test. On 3DMark's Ice Storm Unlimited test, the Bolt scored 25,598 versus 24,612 for the Nexus 6P; and 29,851 and 28,182 for the S7 Edge and Pixel XL, respectively.



When we ran the Jetstream 1.1 JavaScript test to evaluate web-browsing performance, the Bolt, with a score of 43.5, wasn't too far off from the 6P's result (46.8), but it couldn't keep pace with scores from the S7 Edge (49.9) and Pixel XL (55.93).

Network speeds

One of the Bolt's most touted features is its potential for superfast 4G LTE, thanks to its Qualcomm X10 modem, which has carrier aggregation that can combine up to three wireless bands into a single giant stream of data. That means, theoretically, that you could get download speeds of up to 450 Mbps, which would be many times faster than most people's wired internet at home.

MORE: The Best Cellphone Plans for Families and Individuals

Unfortunately, the areas where you can take advantage of this feature are limited to a handful of cities, including select parts of Kansas City, Kansas, Chicago, San Francisco, and Dallas. Most people won't actually be seeing network speeds that are any faster than normal until Sprint rolls out its three-band aggregation to more places.



According to the Speedtest app, which gauges networks speeds, the Bolt hit just 12 Mbps down and a pitiful 0.39 Mbps up in our office in New York City. However, in nearby Union Square, which is covered by Sprint's Spark network, the Bolt did much better, with speeds of 58 Mbps down and 13.71 Mbps up. Still, those speeds reflected standard network tdech; three-channel carrier aggregation isn't available in New York yet.

Cameras: OK shots for a midrange camera phone

With an 8-megapixel shooter in front and a 16-MP camera in back, the Bolt features pretty standard specs for a phone that's in this price range. And while the Bolt produced a few gems when I went out shooting, it's clear that HTC is still a step behind other companies  such as Samsung and Google  when it comes to getting the best photos from your phone.





(Image credit: Samuel C. Rutherford / Tom's Guide)

In a typical daytime shot, the Bolt did a decent job of capturing New York City scenes. But compared to shots from an S7 or Pixel XL, the Bolt's results aren't as colorful or detailed. If you look at certain bright spots, like the stripes on the crosswalk and the white on the One Way sign in the photos below, you can see that the Bolt struggled a bit with high dynamic range and exposure  its shot has more area that's completely blown out.





(Image credit: Samuel C. Rutherford / Tom's Guide)

But when you want to capture some fine details, the Bolt's high-resolution, 16-MP camera really delights. This makes it a good pick for people who like to take macro shots. When I snapped a close-up of some flowers, the Bolt produced lovely rich yellows and a lot of detail in the flower's petals and pistil. I wish the phone's sharpening were a little better, however, because with a little tweaking, its photos could look even crisper.





(Image credit: Samuel C. Rutherford / Tom's Guide)

In low light, I found that the Bolt often delivered pretty sharp shots, although it's got a smaller f/2.0 aperture than the f/1.7 lens in the S7. But the pictures that the Bold captured weren't always quite as colorful or grain-free as the Samsung's photos.



I was pretty impressed with a picture I took at a farmer's market as it was closing up. Even though the Bolt's photo is darker, it's actually sharper than the photos from both the S7 and Pixel XL. In more typical shots, the Bolt loses a bit of detail in the lighting and background, versus what was captured by its competitors.



At a nearby holiday market, the Bolt's photo quality was just barely behind what I saw from the Galaxy S7, and it was significantly better than the overly yellow shot that was produced by the Pixel XL.



The 8-MP front cam didn't stand out much when compared to other phones, but I do prefer it over the 5-MP selfie cam in the Galaxy S7, which often produced pics that looked a bit flat, compared to what I got from the Bolt.

OS and Software: Too much Sprint

Even though the Bolt features HTC's Sense skin, the Android 7.0 Nougat build on this HTC phone is pretty close to stock. Or it would be, if Sprint hadn't loaded up the phone with more bloatware than I've ever seen on a phone that's sold in the U.S. There are 11 Sprint apps, five Amazon apps, plus individual apps from such companies as DraftKings, AAA, Walgreens, KeyVPN, Under Armor and Uber. In total, the Bolt arrives out of the box with more than 65 preloaded apps, which is about 50 more than anyone would ever want or need.



And then there are the frequent notifications to remind you about things like your 15-day free trial of visual voicemail running out. It's way too much, and I couldn't blame people if, after launching the phone and seeing this mess, they went running and screaming to another one of the Big Four carriers. Sprint even made custom icons for stock Android apps such as the camera and the clock, because apparently it's a problem if something on the home screen isn't yellow and black.



If you can look past all that, Android Nougat performs pretty much as you'd expect. The only real difference is HTC's BlinkFeed screen, which you can access by swiping right from the home screen so that you can see a curated list of news and stories that can be customized, based on your interests.

Battery Life: Below average

One of the biggest issues with the Bolt is its disappointing battery life. On the Tom's Guide Battery Test, which involves continuously surfing the web over Sprint's LTE network, the Bolt lasted just 8 hours and 15 minutes. That's more than an hour less than the smartphone average of 9:23.





When it comes to 5.5-inch phones with price tags of $600 or more, anything less than 10 hours doesn't really cut it. Samsung's S7 Edge (10:09), Google's Pixel XL (11:11) and even last year's Nexus 6P (12:25) all boast significantly longer runtimes north of that 10-hour line.

MORE: Smartphones with the Longest Battery Life

Bottom Line

The Bolt is a maddening phone. It has fantastic highs, including amazing audio and a slick, but sturdy, water-resistant aluminum body. But subpar battery life and dated specs mean that while the Bolt might have strong network speeds, it's not any faster than flagships from Samsung, Google, LG and others.





(Image credit: Samuel C. Rutherford / Tom's Guide)

With an up-front price of $600, the Bolt might seem like a deal compared to the $795 S7 Edge or $769 Pixel XL, but that's really because the latter two phones aren't in the same league as HTC's offering. The Bolt is a souped-up, midrange phone that has its share of pro and cons, while the S7 Edge and the Pixel XL are true, modern flagships that do everything well.



The standard S7 and LG G5 are also better options if you don't mind a smaller screen. If you're on a monthly plan, the G5 costs just $15 a month, versus $25 for the Bolt. Oh, and let's not forget that both the S7 and G5 also support tri-band carrier aggregation.



It's a shame that real midrange monsters like the OnePlus 3T and Huawei Honor 8don't work on Sprint's network, because they deliver a complete package for a lot less, and they make the Bolt feel really overpriced. If you're OK with paying a little more to stick with Sprint, the Bolt is a decent but pricey midrange option  but it should have been better than it is.
I'm ditching Android for the iPhone  and it's all because of this one thing

Being the only Android user when everyone else uses an iPhone can be a lonely experience, especially when it comes messaging software and the iPhone's notorious green bubble for Android users.
Updated with comment from Uber, 3:38 PM ET, 12/1/16:



Uber is now tracking your location even after you leave the car. A location-tracking feature that the ride-sharing company proposed last year has gone live, despite fierce opposition from privacy advocates.

The good news is that you can turn it off; the bad news is that the process is trickier than it should be.

(Image credit: Uber)

The Naked Security blog from Sophos, a British security firm, has all the details. Version 3.222.4 of the Uber app for Android and iOS adds the new location-tracking feature.

In previous versions, Uber kept track of your location only when you had the app open  a sensible enough feature, given that it helped dispatch cars right to you. The new version, however, keeps tracking after you get out of the car, through your phone's location settings.

MORE: 25 Things You Didn't Know Could Be Hacked

Although you can turn off location tracking, as Uber promised, the company played a cruel trick by forcing users to leave the app and grapple with the sometimes-unintuitive Android and OS settings menus. Even worse: For Android 5.1 Lollipop and earlier, there is no way to turn off location-sharing just for Uber; you have to leave it active or disable it for every app.

Android Marshmallow and Nougat users can disable Ubers location-tracking by accessing Settings --> Apps --> Uber --> Permissions and toggling the Location option.

iOS users can turn off the feature by going to Settings --> Privacy --> Location Services --> Uber and selecting Never.

Android Lollipop and earlier users will have to decide whether they want to keep location services on or off as a whole. They can do so under Settings and Location, then toggling the button. (Uber drivers can still find you as long as you provide a street address.)

Uber claims that this is a pro-consumer move, to ensure that users get dropped off on the right side of the street and/or find rides faster. However, its not hard to see why letting a commercial app track every single move you make might not be such a great idea. If nothing else, if the data ever falls into a malefactors hands, you could have to deal with much worse problems than an app constantly pestering you about whether you want to be picked up from your office, or your favorite bar.

While letting Uber track your location could constantly could theoretically cut down some confusion about which corner youre standing on, the Toms Guide staff does not recommend keeping the feature activated. Even if Uber never uses it for invasive purposes (unlikely), a single data breach could put your information in the hands of some very unsavory people.

Organizations like the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) agree; it filed a claim with the FTC in June to criticize Uber's proposal. (One particularly amusing excerpt: 'To describe Uber as a 'sharing service' is akin to describing a hybrid dinosaur as a 'theme park attraction.'")



For now, take a few minutes to disable the service, then hope that Uber makes doing so a little easier in a future update.



UPDATE: Uber got in touch with Tom's Guide to provide the following statement:



"Were always thinking about ways we can improve the rider experience from sharpening our ETA estimates to identifying the best pick up location on any given street. Location is at the heart of the Uber experience, and were asking riders to provide us with more information to achieve these goals."



A representative also claimed that the app does not track users except while acquiring a ride, traveling, and for up to five minutes after disembarking. Verifying this independently would require access to the app's source code, however.



The company also explained that it eliminated the "While Using the App" option to track locations in the iOS app, leaving only "Always" and "Never" due to how iOS parses device-level permissions. Even "Always" will end tracking a few minutes after a trip's completion, a spokesperson said.
Wire released an update for its secure communications app that allows people to choose between two settings: having their call history sent to iCloud, where law enforcement officials could use digital forensics software to access it, or ignoring one of the marquee features Apple introduced with iOS 10.

The feature, dubbed CallKit, allows third-party apps to notify their users about phone calls right on the iPhone lock screen. These apps were previously limited to sending a push notification about incoming calls--people couldn't swipe on the display to answer a call, decline a call from the lock screen, or view any detailed information about the caller. Apple changed that with iOS 10, and it also started to back up information about those calls to iCloud.

The company already synced call information via the cloud. This can be frustrating--people who share their iCloud accounts might not want someone else to know who they've called, for example--but it was limited to calls made with the built-in Phone app. It becomes more of an issue, however, when apps that people use specifically to avoid both governmental and personal surveillance have to sacrifice security for the sake of convenience.

That's exactly what happened. Elcomsoft, a digital forensics software maker that works with law enforcement officials around the world, revealed that police can access the call logs of any iPhone user if they have access to that person's iCloud account. Here's what the company said in a blog post:

If somebody tries to download a backup created by your iPhone in your iCloud account, you will likely receive an email notification. This does not happen when somebody downloads synced call logs, which effectively allows spying upon you without you even knowing.

Elcomsoft said the only way to prevent this snooping is to disable iCloud Drive; people can also make it harder for criminal hackers to access this information with two-factor authentication. But if this information is backed up to iCloud, and government officials gain access to that account, there's no guarantee anyone will be able to stop tools like Elcomsoft's from gathering their personal data. (Or that they'll even know this spying happened.)

But there are other options. Developers can elect not to support CallKit, or at least to let their users decide if they want to prioritize their convenience or their privacy. Wire did just that with its latest update. Its users can choose to have information about calls received via the service appear on the lock screen, or they can stick with the less-convenient-but-more-secure notifications these apps had to use before iOS 10 debuted over the summer.

This shouldn't have to be a choice. Wire said in its blog post that CallKit is a "great step forward for better user experience and fewer missed calls," but that it had to allow people to disable the feature because it "knew that this was not going to be acceptable for users whove chosen Wire for our focus on privacy." Apple has effectively made the company--and other VoIP service providers--decide between annoying their users and keeping them safe.
A gorgeous hit of soulful surf-rock this morning from Sydney/South Coast six-piece Sun Sap, as they drop their rollicking new single Hanging Hearts.

Described by the band as a bit of a look at lovers, at life and the ups and downs that comes with it, its only the second track weve heard from then band who marked their emergence onto the scene with recent tune Mexico, bringing with them an intoxicating concoction of surf and garage rock, dusted with some honky-tonk quirks.

Having returned from time apart only to escape together to their drummer Shaun Gaidas coastal farm, the band spent their time honing their craft and laying down tracks. Recorded by Shaun and mixed by Timothy R Dunn (Kirin J Callanan, Frowning Clouds, Straight Arrows) at Hanging Tree Studios, theyve put together an impressive emergence from their seclusion thats seen them support a host of great acts so far, including US garage rockers Guantanamo Baywatch, Australia (the band) and The Pretty Littles.

If youre feeling it, you can still catch them supporting Food Court and Polish Club on December 10 at Rad in Wollongong, and be sure to keep an eye out for their debut record, due in 2017.
There was a bit of a ruckus following this years ARIA Awards, with some of the nominees in the Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album category incensed at the fact that psychedelic Melbourne rockers King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard took home the gong for their eighth album, Nonagon Infinity.

As far as they were concerned, it wasnt a hard rock or heavy metal album. Hey [ARIA] you can just go ahead and exclude us from any further nominations from your circle jerk awards plz and thank u, Amity Affliction bassist Ahren Stringer tweeted yesterday. Ps not salty about not winning, just sad to see the fat cats of the Australian music industry so unappreciative of our 15 years of screamo.

Stringer insisted he was not upset that his band did not win the category, arguing that Hellions should have received the ARIA for their latest album, Opera Oblivia. Not to throw shade at any bands who won awards but Hellions made one of the best records of all time, Stringer wrote.

Its not about us losing, trust me we know after this many years were always going to lose. We hate the ARIAs as much as they hate us, Stringer later added. Its about how ridiculous is it is for a band that isnt even a heavy band to win a category. It would be like Donald trump winning

We recently spoke about the confounding way the ARIA Awards nominations are conducted. The fact that bands and labels are allowed to submit their releases to whichever category they feel they have the best chance of winning in is a point of contention for many members of the local music industry and has sparked controversy in the past.

Almost immediately after this years first round of ARIA Award winners were announced, members of Australias classical music community came out slamming the ARIAs for awarding the gong for Best Classical to Sydney electronic dance duo Flight Facilities, who were nominated for their collaboration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

But now a prominent member of Australias heavy music community has come out to defend King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. Melbourne grind masters King Parrot are themselves ARIA nominees, having lost out to Northlane in the Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album category last year.

Speaking to Music Feeds, King Parrot vocalist Matt Young said, Ive seen King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard play and I think that theyre a really really talented band  they work hard, and they certainly fit into that category, because they are a hard rock/heavy metal band.

And I mean, the ARIA Awards arent a popularity or record sales [contest], its voted for by music industry people, so they obviously thought the King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard album was the best record, he continued. I mean, some people could argue that the bands who were sort of complaining and stuff dont fit into the category either, you know?

In fact, Young suggested King Gizzard may even be more at home in the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal category than their co-nominees. You know, Ive heard The Amity Affliction and some Parkway Drive stuff and its not really my cup of tea, he said. Some of the stuff on those is really poppy! And you know, it is what it is. Theres so many different genres and styles under [the hard rock/heavy metal] umbrella now, and maybe [the ARIAs] should make two different categories? I dunno.

But at the end of the day, the ARIA Awards is mostly for music industry people and for the big major label companies, all that sort of stuff. And you know, if you get one, thats great. And if not  well  who gives a shit, really? I mean the fact that [King Parrot] even got nominated for one? I just couldnt even believe it, really. Were a grindcore, thrashy kind of band and the fact that we even got nominated? We thought, Fuck, this is hilarious! To get nominated for something like this!
THE INFLUENCE OF CONSERVATIVE TALKERS IN KANSAS CIT IS KAPUT!!!

Let's start with the good news for the Kansas City late night . . .However, the state of local radio seems in disarray after so many popular hosts were dismissed this year and once again @ KCMO . . .Rather than obsess about rigged radio advertising numbers like other envious trolls clogging up KC message boards and lesser blogs . . . Let's think critically about the reality of Kansas City local radio . . .This is a big deal because less than a decade ago these folks would help to dictate policy and provide a forum for local politicos.Now, they're doing coat drives and sounding a lot like the same-old talk show fodder. Reality: Legions of podcasters and social media scribes have replaced these stalwarts of the local discourse given that their product was easy to duplicate.To be fair . . . The donation/government support model has worked well for outlets like KCUR who have risen to the task of replacing the newspaper and other personality driven content on consumer driven radio. More to the point . . . With younger generations glued to their smartphones and given that newer iPhones don't even have headphone jacks . . . Listening to the chatter of strangers has been supplanted by the more immediate gratification of social media prattle.Developing . . .
With the holiday season around the corner, we thought we would share our favorite holiday characters  with a twist. For centuries, adults have been attempting to shape the behavior of children. Some methods have been proved to be harsher than others, and have been abandoned in modern times. Other methods have simply been altered or changed to put an acceptable face on a medieval nightmare. The characters that we have chosen to share with you arent Santa Claus, Rudolph or Jack Frost. Here are 10 terrifying bits of holiday folklore to keep your kids in line

10. The Whipfather, Assistant to Saint Nick

Country of Origin: France

Courtesy of the French, we have the legend of The Whipfather, Santas Child-Murdering Assistant. Folklore tells us the Whipfather was a desperate, broke innkeeper. One day, he met three young boys from wealthy families. The Whipfather then decided to slits their throats and chop the boys to bits, throwing the pieces into a barrel of brine (salt water). Hoping to further his profit on a slaughtered pig already stewing in the brine, the Whipfather was stopped by  you guessed it  ol Saint Nick. Santa is aware that the Whipfather has been overtaken by avarice and murdered the three young boys.

Of course, Santa being Santa, he restores the boys lives and binds the Whipfather to an eternity of servitude. The Whipfather is usually dressed in dark clothing and wears a length of rope or chain with unkempt hair and a long beard and a sinister scowl. Despite his fading relevance, children are still warned against getting on his bad side or else find themselves visited by the Whipfather, who leave coal or painful red marks on a childs bottom. Like all childrens tales the French certainly had a message they wanted to impart to children: dont succumb to greed.

9. Teke-Teke

Country of Origin: Japan

Not exactly a Christmas tale, but a foreboding folktale to scare children nonetheless. Suicide is highly prevalent in Japanese culture, coming from its historical function as an honorable death as opposed to failure or inevitable death on the battlefield. The theme has also extended to its urban legends. According to legend, Teke-Teke was a woman or young school girl, who either jumped or fell in the path of an oncoming subway train and was severed in half. Her horrible death gave rise to the myth of Teke-Teke, a woman filled with so much anger and pain that she roams throughout Japan in the form of a torso, dragging herself along with her claw-like hands. The origin of the name comes from the sound she makes while moving: teke-teke-teke, as she scrapes the ground and uses her elbows to chase after her victims.

When parents tell their children of Teke-Teke, it always begins with a young man or woman staying out past curfew. They see a beautiful young school girl standing by a windowsill; smiles are exchanged. Suddenly, the girl she jumps out of the window and reveals she is nothing but a torso. The young man or girl tries to get away, but its too late Teke-Teke has produced a scythe, and has cut the child in half. Seems like a bit of an overreaction for staying out past dusk, but thats just us.

8. Split Mouth Woman (Kuchisake-Onna)

Country of origin: Japan

A perfect character for our readers who would like to go with a little something extra for Halloween is the Split Mouth Woman. Another tale that warns children of traveling the streets at night while unaccompanied has even scarier repercussions. The legend of Kuchisake-Onna deems that a child walking alone may happen upon a tall, female figure in a trench-coat. She will have long, black hair with a surgical mask covering the bottom half of her face. A self-conscious woman, Kuchisake-Onna will ask the child if they think she is beautiful. Unfortunately for Japanese children there is no right answer.

If you reply No, a quick and grotesque death awaits you, as she will produce a pair of large scissors and remove your head. An answer of yes will lead to Kuschisake-Onna removing her mask and revealing her grotesque and mutilated face. Her smile sliced from ear to ear  she will ask again, Am I beautiful? For some reason, if you still answer in the affirmative, she will chase you down and slice you in half anyway. Same goes for if you reply, no. It seems the only escape is to be ambivalent and in her confusion, run away to safety.

7. Krampus

Country of Origin: Austria

Getting back into the Christmas spirit, we must introduce Krampus, probably one of the more well-known figures on our list. Krampuss exact origin is unknown, but he is said to have come from pagan traditions. His physical characteristics would bear this out. Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure described as half-goat, half-demon who punishes children who misbehave. Krampus is also hairy and has cloven hooves. His appearance is similar to the devil with his dark fangs, to boot.

The creation of Krampus might have been analogous to the advent of Christianity, with scholars arguing that his possession of chains, symbolizes the binding of the Devil by the Christian Church.

A direct foil to Santa Claus, Krampus is the stick to Santas carrot in shaping childrens behavior. Krampus Night is celebrated on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day in Austria, with men dressed in costumes walking the streets, looking to dole out punishment. Injuries have led to each Krampus being given an identification number to document any overly violent behavior. The Krampus tradition is spreading with more cities in Europe having parades to celebrate the half-goat, half-demon.

It is astonishing that the parades, which took place for generations in the Tyol Region, have even managed to travel to the United States, with parties and parades taking place in Los Angeles. Goes to show you that good news travels fast.

6. Jolakotturinn

Country of Origin: Icleland

One of the most unique characters of folklore on our list is the Icelandic Yule Cat, or the Christmas Cat. Made to strike fear in the hearts of children and workers alike  legend has it that the Icelandic cat will eat all children and workers who did not finish their work on time. However, children who do finish their tasks will be rewarded with new clothes. Some parents even took it a step further, saying that Jolakotturinn would target lazy children. If children worked hard they would have at least one new item of clothing for Christmas. The lazy children would be sacrificed to the Yule Cat.

Researchers believe the origins of the Yule Cat can be traced back to medieval times when land owners would pressure farmers to finish processing their wool before Christmas. The ones who finished their work would be rewarded with new clothing, while the others would be devoured by a monstrous cat. While we dont necessarily have a monstrous cat threatening us to be efficient producers, unemployment and loss of healthcare has done the trick.

5. Belsnickel

Country of Origin: Germany

Our first character from Germany, Belsnickels name is derivative of Saint Nicholas. Belzen is German for to wallop or to drub, while Nickel is a pet name for Nicholas. As his name would suggest, Belsnickel carries a switch to frighten children and candy to reward them for good behavior. He wears tattered old clothing and raggedy fur, and in some traditions, also has a mask. The tradition of Belsnickel made its way to the United States in the 19th century when German immigrants immigrated to the Pennsylvania area (you may recall Dwight Schrute dressing as Belsnickel in one episode of The Office).

In that small American community the traditional Belsnickel lived in, he showed up at houses 1-2 weeks before Christmas, scaring the children because he somehow knew exactly which of them misbehaved. Belsnickel would rap on the door or window with his switch and often the children would have to answer a question for him or sing some type of song. Well-behaved children, or those who would answer the question or sing a song, would be given candies. The other children were not so lucky: if they moved too quickly for the treats, they would get struck with Belsnickels switch. In modern times, the switch has been adapted to only be used as a noise generated device, and the legend of Belsnickel lives on.

4. Hans Trapp

Country of Origin: France

The legend of Hans Trapp comes from Alsace and Lorraine. The antithesis of Santa Claus, Hans Trapp delivers beatings to naughty children while Santa, on his worst day, delivers coal. According to legend, Trapp was, in fact, a real man who was profoundly evil. Rich, greedy, and a worshipper of Satan, Trapp was excommunicated from the Catholic Church. Trapp was forced into exile and he fled into the forest. In his isolation, Trapp was driven mad and developed an insatiable hunger for human flesh.

He eventually began to prey upon children, disguised as a scarecrow with straw jutting out from his clothing. In one particularly ghastly case, he was about to begin feasting on a young boy hed just slaughtered when suddenly, God struck him down with a lightning bolt, killing him. The frightening figure is still a part of French tradition, where he visits young children before Christmas, dressed as a scarecrow, to scare them into good behavior.

3. The Jolasveinar

Country of Origin: Iceland

Another example of traditions being merged or shaped as time passes is the changed identity of the Jolasveinar, or Yule Lads. In their inception, they were 13 Icelandic trolls, who each had their own name and personality. The trolls activities ranged greatly, from leaving gifts to rotting potatoes, with some even described as homicidal murders who ate children. Generally, they were known as pranksters that stole things and caused trouble around Christmastime. The Yule Lads were used to scare children into behaving, just like the Yule Cat.

As time passed and cultures became intertwined, the benign Norwegian figure Julenisse (Santa Claus) rubbed off on the Icelandic traditions. Finally, in the 20th century, the formerly devilish Jolasveinar changed its ways and began leaving gifts more frequently. It eventually shed its medieval appearance and is now characterized in the simple costume worn by traditional Santa Claus.

2. Frau Perchta

Country of Origin: Germany or Austria

During medieval times, fear of a witch could be a very effective way to instill fear into a group of people. And Frau Perchta was a particularly frightening witch. According to German and Austrian tales, Perchta was generous in her rewards to the faithful and kind, but ruthless with the wicked. Very much a Christmas tradition, Perchta would visit homes during the 12 days of Christmas (December 25 through Epiphany on January 6). Children and even adults feared her gruesome punishment of the sinful, rip(ing) out internal organs and replac(ing) them with garbage.

Described as a tall, powerfully built woman, Perchata is thought to have been a goddess during Pagan times but transformed to a slovenly witch during the advent of Christianity. As German society progressed, Perchta began to be used more and more to punish and scare peasant women who became involved in the growing textile industry. During that period, lazy girls and women would be visited by Perchta  so they best finish their garments!

1. Cuco

Country of Origin: Portugal

Sleep little child, sleep now, or the Cuco will come and eat you. Its hard to imagine that a child would not have nightmares after that lullaby. The myth of the Cuco originated in Portugal and Galicia with etymology deriving from the Galician and Portuguese coco: a ghost with a pumpkin head. The Cuco is a child eater and a kidnapper; in some instances, it will simply devour the child, leaving no trace, or it may steal the child away to a place of no return. The caveat of course being that it only bestows this punishment on disobedient children.

Similar to Santa Claus, the Cuco uses the roof only for more nefarious activities. It is on the lookout for a childs misbehavior and can morph into the shape of any dark shadow so it can stay watching. The Cuco is supposed to represent the opposite of the guardian angel and is frequently compared to the devil.

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The Greek government is considering its next moves, including the possibility of a new tender

The Ministry of Environment and Energy officially announced that the talks with Azerbaijan's energy giant SOCAR for the sale of national gas transmission system operator (DESFA) have collapsed

In the last months, the government has been in ongoing talks with representatives of the companies SOCAR and Snam for the sale of 66% of DESFA. The atmosphere in the talks was constructive. Nevertheless, the offer submitted on the part of the prospective buyers regarding the reduction of the sale price (repayment in installments) was legally impossible and would have invalidated the tender a Ministry announcement said.

Sources suggest that the Greek government will decide the next steps collectively in the coming week.This leaves open the possibility of a new privatization tender, since several European companies had shown strong interest in DESFA during the previous tender process.

The completion of the previous tender stumbled on objections raised by the European Commission's competition directorate, which said that SOCAR's stake in DESFA should be under 50%, rather than the 66% package of shares originally on offer. This demand was met by the Greek side, however SOCAR then demanded to pay less than the 400 million euros it initially offered, due to the reduction in the operator's revenue.

The Ministry's announcement further noted that alternative proposals suggested by the prospective buyers to improving the value of the offer through guarantee mechanisms were examined, but also proved impossible to implement under Community law. The government's proposals sought to improve the financial position of the company, on the basis of increasing the recoverable difference of past years in the framework of existing legislation. These proposals were not accepted, with the result that the talks were concluded it stated.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
The vote is expected to take place later on in the evening - Parties comment on efficiency and aims

Greek coalition government has submitted a bill which includes reforms for the second bailout program review and which aims to simply business licensing procedures.

The majority of parties have supported the bill in principle, however New Democracy expressed doubts as to implementation and efficiency, while the Communist Party and Golden Dawn have announced that they will vote against it, arguing that the bill introduces new anti-popular austerity policies.

SYRIZA MP Theodora Tzakri underlined that all pro-European parties must support the bill as it cuts through a lot of red tape, defends the public interest and supports entrepreneurship and the economy. The speaker for the Independent Greeks Giorgos Lazaridis stressed that the bill will set new rules with the aim of crating positive investment environment. New Democracys Dora Bakoyanni however was reserved as to the bills efficiency and flexibility.

The Democratic Alignments Odysseus Konstantinopoulos claimed that the bill is unrealistic and vague; however he admitted that there were many positive provisions. Similarly, the Rivers Giorgos Amyras praised the bill for reducing state control and promoting entrepreneurship. The Union of Centrists Giorgos Katsiantonis commented that while there are many positive provisions in the bill that will bolster the Greek economy and entrepreneurship, he accused the government of huge delays.

Read more here.

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UN Special Advisor on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will be meeting at 8pm today for dinner

UN Special Advisor on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will be meeting at 8pm today for dinner, SigmaLive English can confirm.

UN Cyprus Spokeserspon Aleem Siddique told SigmaLive English: Theres only one topic they will obviously discuss.

Thursday's dinner will represent the first time the three officials have sat at the same table to discus the Cyprus Problem negotiations, since the failed Swiss-based talks on territory.

The meeting will take place at the UN High Commissioner's, Elizabeth Spehar, residence located within the UN Protected Area.

Eide tweeted: "I look forward to hosting [both leaders]."

Eide held separate meetings with Anastasiades and Akinci on Thursday.

After Thursdays talks, Eide is scheduled to visit Athens on Friday for a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotsias, while on Monday he will visit Ankara for consultations with Turkeys government.

BACKGROUND

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and illegally occupied its northern third.

Anastasiades and Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May 2015, with a view to reuniting the island under a federal roof.

Both leaders held talks on the crucial territorial issue in Mont Pelerin, Switzerland from November 7 to 11 and again from November 20 to 21, but failed to come to an agreement.

Once Anastasiades and Akinci agree on territory, next on the negotiating table will be the crucial securities and guarantees issues  both which Akinci wants to tie with the territorial talks.

If a final agreement is reached it will be put to both communities in a referendum. A 2004 peace deal, the Annan Plan, was approved by Turkish Cypriots but overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
The total value of transactions settled via the electronic fund transfer system (EFTS) has reached BD700 million ($1.84 billion) after a year from launch, the Central Bank of Bahrain announced yesterday (November 30).



Launched in collaboration with the BENEFIT Company, EFTS facilitates fund transfers within local banks through different electronic devices.



The EFTS allows retail bank customers to instantly transfer funds, throughout the day, from their bank accounts to recipients accounts in any other bank in just 30 seconds, through "Fawri+", up to a maximum total amount of BD1,000 ($2,633) per day.



This is in addition to the "Fawri" service, which allows fund transfers such as payment of salaries to a single or multiple recipients, within the same bank business day or future date. This is in addition to the introduction of Fawateer service which allows customers to pay their bills through an efficient and fast system.



Sheikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa, executive director of Banking Operations of the Central Bank of Bahrain said: The Central Bank policy aims to continue developing all fund transfer systems by introducing the latest technology in the payment and settlement systems field, as this has significant benefit to the local economy and will enable customers to carry out their banking transactions easily and efficiently.



The Central Bank will continue cooperation with the banking sector and will adopt appropriate policies and legislations to introduce more of these advanced services in the coming period, including allowing companies specialising in financial payments techniques to operate in Bahrain.  TradeArabia News Service
GE, Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) have signed a financing memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate the development of power and infrastructure projects in Iraq.



The agreement also underlines the financial partnerships formed by GE with global and local financial institutions to speed up power and infrastructure projects in the country, said a statement from the organisation.



Earlier this year, a similar financing agreement with the three entities had facilitated the completion of the first phase of the Power Up Plan signed by GE with the Ministry of Electricity to deliver and secure more than 700 MW of power to the countrys grid, it said.



This highlights GEs strong commitment to work with the government in building innovative solutions on technology and financing. The accomplishment of such financing schemes has supported more than $500 million of facilities to the Iraqi government, it added.



Standard Chartered had led the financing for the first phase of the Power Up Plan and the solution demonstrates its structuring and distribution abilities and reflects the depth of relationship that the bank has with GE, TBI as well as investors, including regional partner banks, who participated in this deal. The deal also reaffirms the banks commitment to the Africa Middle East region and to Iraq, said a statement.



GE has the unique ability to structure financing solutions through its global network of banking partners and multiple international export credit agencies. Over the past year, by working with different Ministries in Iraq, GE has attracted more than nine major global export credit agencies to Iraq resulting in significant project investment commitment.



Aziz Koleilat, president and CEO  Iraq and Levant of GE, said: The agreement marks our long-term commitment to Iraq to support the government in driving power and infrastructure enhancements and in undertaking new projects that contribute to sustained economic growth.



The MoU follows the successful completion of the first phase of our Power Up Plan, which we had similarly supported with TBI and SCB, and now helps in meeting the critical power needs of Iraqi people, he said.



By bringing international and local banks to drive financing in the country, we will work to implement the key developmental priorities of the government, he added.



Faisal Al Haimus, chairman of the board and acting CEO of TBI, said: The deal is a strong example of our commitment to support our nations progress. Assuring a reliable infrastructure is central to boosting growth and adding to the welfare of our people.



We will work with our partners in ensuring the financing support outlined in the agreement will contribute to the nations infrastructure development, especially in the power sector, he said.



Ahli United Banking Group - Bahrain will take a risk participation of the club deal as a secondary financier along with the primary financiers being us and Standard Chartered Bank making it the first club deal in Iraqs banking history, he added.



Ahmad Abu Eideh, CEO, Middle East Jordan, Egypt Iraq and Lebanon of Standard Chartered Bank, added: For our institution, the Middle East has been part of our strategic footprint for over 90 years, and this deal is a testament to our commitment to Iraq, an increasingly important economy in the region.



We had launched its operations in Iraq in November 2013 by opening its head office and first branch in Baghdad - to be the only international bank to have full-fledged on-the-ground wholesale banking operations in Iraq, he stated.



The Iraqi government has demonstrated strong resolve in boosting the infrastructure of the country. The support extended by GE, TBI and the bank in this new project financing MoU will help the nation in implementing strategic infrastructure projects, said Eideh.



With the support of the government, our partners and clients, we will continue to play a key role in bringing best international practice financial solutions to our clients operating in Iraq. Our main aim is to meet the increasing banking needs of our clients who are progressively more active in the country, notably in the power, oil, telecoms, infrastructure sectors and large government projects. Thus, participating in Iraqs growth, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
Iran and Romania signed an agreement to build a 1,000-MW power plant near the Iraqi border with an investment of up to $700 million, of which 70 per cent will be sourced by the Romanians and the rest by Iran, a report said.



The plant is intended for electricity exports to Iraq, a government official was quoted as saying in the Iran Daily report, which cited Irna.



Iran is currently exporting some 1,500 MW of electricity to Iraq while the capacity is being expanded to increase this figure to 2,000 MW, the report said.
Capacity expansion at Sohar Refinery will be operational by the second quarter of 2017, a report said.



The expanded capacity of the Sohar Refinery Improvement Project (SRIP) will be stabilised for sustained operations by the end of the same quarter, reported the Times of Oman.



Construction activities are in the advanced stage of completion for major units and likely to be completed by end of 2016. Commissioning activities have already been started for utilities facilities, Christiaan van der Wouden, chief operating officer of Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic), was quoted in the report.



Once SRIP becomes fully operational, crude processing capacity of Sohar Refinery will increase by around 70 per cent and production of major high value products will increase from 34 per cent to 159 per cent, he added.



After completing the project, crude refining capacity will surge ahead by 72 per cent to 28,222 metric tonnes per day, while production of gasoline (petrol) and gasoil (diesel) will grow by 43 per cent and 141 per cent, respectively, the report said.



Also, production of LPG, naphtha, kerosene and propylene will increase by 93 per cent, 159 per cent, 98 per cent and 56 per cent, it added.
Top executives from the regional aviation and tourism sector will gather in Jordan next week to explore latest industry developments and future trends at the Arab Aviation Summit, the most prominent aviation event in Middle East and North Africa (MENA).



Taking place under the patronage of Lina Annab, Minister of Tourism and Antiques, Jordan, the summits agenda this year will focus on the theme Linking Cultures, Driving Economies.



Amongst the line-up of aviation and tourism thought leaders participating in the event are Dr. Bandar Fahad Al Fehaid, president, Arab Tourism Organization of the Arab League; Abdel Wahab Teffaha, secretary general, Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO); Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); Aqel Biltaji, Mayor of Amman and Fouad Attar, managing director of Airbus Middle East amongst many others.



In addition, a number of prominent industry figures will join the summit to discuss trends that have influenced the sector, and propose ways for better collaboration to propel aviation and tourism towards greater and sustained growth. The role of the private sector in developing Arab aviation and tourism is one such panel discussion geared towards tapping into contributions from private enterprises in a sector driven by public funding. Panel engagements at the day-long summit will be moderated by Richard Dean, Co-host of The Business Breakfast show on Dubai Eye 103.8 FM radio.



In addition, conversations will revolve around the role of tourism in promoting culture and diversifying the economy of popular destinations, the need to review industry policies in the region and the future of aviation and tourism in the light of innovations in technology and social media.



"Airbus Middle East is on the front lines in helping sustain and drive the future growth of the regional aviation industry. Being part of the Arab Aviation Summit offers us an ideal platform to engage with industry peers, contribute to the ongoing conversation and create new thought leadership initiatives that promotes the growth of the industry as a whole, said Fouad Attar, Managing Director of Airbus Middle East.



The event will also witness the inauguration of Airbus Little Engineer Workshop  an award-winning initiative dedicated to nurturing young minds and enhancing public understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through interactive and tailored programmes.



Hailed as the voice of the industry, Arab Aviation Summit is an industry initiative organised annually to shed light on trends, insights and opportunities driving the continuous growth and development of the Arab aviation and tourism industry.



Key findings and outcomes from the summit are compiled and developed into a white paper report, which is later presented to regulators and decision makers from both public and private sectors, and followed up by a course of action.

The summit will be held on December 5 at the Dead Sea, Jordan. - TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the emirate's dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage, supported the UAE Embassy in London as a cultural partner to host this years UAE National Day celebrations.



The embassy celebration was attended by representatives of the UAE government and leading figures from the UAE arts and culture scene, as the UAE Ambassador to the UK, Sulaiman Hamid Al Mazroui delivered a short speech to mark the occasion.



The UAE National Day celebrations took place in one of the finest art galleries in the world - the prestigious National Gallery on Trafalgar Square. The event was attended by an official Dubai Culture delegation headed by Dr. Salah Al Qassim, Advisor to Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. In addition, the celebrations witnessed the participation of a number of VIPs and members of the British community attended the high-profile event, with special guests from the UAE joining the festivities to shed light on the vibrant arts, culture and heritage scenes in the emirate.



The National Day celebrations in London also marked another milestone  highlighting the upcoming UK-UAE Year of Cultural Collaboration, announced in early November in the UAE and with co-patrons HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales. This collaboration initiative aims to develop and deliver a unique cultural programme that strengthens existing relationships and creates new ones between people, institutions and businesses.



Commenting on the UAE National Day celebrations in London, Almazroui said: The cultural initiative is aimed at highlighting the role of the UAE as a society which attaches great attention to science and knowledge, and which is rich in culture and arts. This is important to improve the status and prominence UAE is enjoying in UK. Cultural activities convey positive messages about the country, given their emotional influence on different segments of the British society, thereby strengthening ties between the two countries."



Dubai Culture also showcased its centrepiece cultural and heritage initiative at the National Day festivities, the soon to be inaugurated Etihad Museum, which focuses on inspiring Emiratis and international visitors alike with the founding story of the United Arab Emirates. Through a unique visitor journey, the museum will present a 21st century exhibition which features advanced technology and educational programmes along with applications designed to inspire visitors.



Saeed Al Nabouda, acting director general of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: The UAE and the UK are interconnected with a long history of mutual cooperation across the culture, arts and heritage sectors. The UAE National Day celebrations in London helped to highlight our countrys rich national heritage, and raise the profile of the latest cultural projects in Dubai - including the Etihad Museum. This dynamic 21st century museum will inspire its visitors with the story of the founding of the United Arab Emirates and celebrate the dedication, commitment and patriotism of the UAE nations founders.



Al Nabouda continued: These National Day celebrations are the forerunner to a diverse programme of activities that will take place in the UK and the UAE which will feature key events in the arts, education and society, of which Dubai Culture will play a key role. All Dubai Culture initiatives are intended to contribute to cultural relations on an international and regional level.



Dubai Culture aims to enrich the cultural scene of Dubai and draw attention to the emirates rich heritage through the various initiatives it carries out throughout the year. The authoritys mandate is to build bridges of constructive dialogue between different civilisations and cultures, achieved through constructive creative initiatives that benefit citizens and residents all across the emirate. - TradeArabia News Service
Left-wing Illinois Congressman Louis Gutierrez is calling for anarchy in response to Trump's election as President. He told the Reader:

"If you believe in anarchy and a clash of American values, youre going to get a great experiment. Personally, I feel sadness and fear. This is a scary time for our country."

If Trump wants to deport millions of people like he says he does, then the people he wants to deport should say, I want my day in court before a judge. You have to paralyze the system. You need to do what you need to do to fight to save as many people as you can from the devious plans Donald Trumps got coming, claims Gutierrez.

About the election of Donald Trump, Gutierrez told Ben Jorvasky of Reader: "I can't think of anything like it. I remember in 2000, I woke up at 4:30 in the morning and George Bush was the president. I remember feeling a little shell-shocked. But this is very different. This is not Reagan. This is not Bushfather or son. I almost feel sorry about all the terrible things I said about Bush. Man, I was selling wolf tickets when he got elected.

"This is real. This isyou know what I feel? I feel a sense of danger. Existential dread, man. Everybody says, 'Oh, it's all campaign rhetoric.' Yeah? Look at those early appointments. Look at Jeff Sessions. You want to return to a time when women are in the kitchen and gays are in the closet and Muslims are not allowed? Welcome to the Jeff Sessions era. He wasn't qualified to be a federal judge, but he's going to be your attorney general."
Amalfi Coast is a top destination of the rich and famous. It is considered by UNESCO to be an epitome of a Mediterranean landscape, a fascinating combination of nature's beauty and dramatic scenery. Tourist are captivated in the perfect union of the coastal cliff, stunning town and lush forest overlooking the bluish ocean.

A Mediterranean cruise along the Amalfi Coast, has become a yearly tradition of the music industry's power couple, Beyonce and Jay Z. Usually around September, the birth month of Beyonce. Together with their daughter, Blue Ivy, the trio hop on board a million-dollar yacht, Galactica Star, to sightsee the region.

The Galactica Star is a $50million, 65-metre-long ultra-yacht. It has its own private helipad, open-air jacuzzi, high-end galley, spacious sundeck area and several bars to serve its VIP guests. The exceptional aerodynamic design and aluminum body of the yacht make it extremely fuel-efficient and works fast for a vessel its size. According to Daily Mail, it is owned by Nigerian energy tycoon Kola Aluko, who bargains it to guests for a whooping 580,000-a-week. Imagine the budget the couple invested for an extravagant vacation, Blue Ivy must have been so lucky to have superstar parents surrounding her.

Last year, the family hovered to Naples and boarded from there to Capri, a magnificent island where luxuries are found everywhere. If you want to pave a visit like the trio, you got to taste some gelato at Gelateria Buonocore. Experience local gastronomy along the Amalfi Coast in the fishing village of Nerano to din at Conca del Sogno. The restaurant was famed for their raw seafood dishes.

The Carter-Knowles also visited Monaco. It is an independent city-state famous for its expensive casinos, yacht-lined harbor and impressive Grand Prix motor race. Monte Carlo, its main district, housed sophisticated casino complex and the gorgeous Salle Garnier opera house. It also has quite a number of expensive boutiques, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. And get to see Positano, is a cliffside village that is one of the famous holiday destination with a pebble beachfront, with arrays of boutiques and cafes line up in the narrow streets. The picturesque houses are a sight to behold, the photogenic town from a far is already a feast for the eyes.

The Carter-Knowles family vacation is such a heaven on earth experience. If you're green with envy and wants to taste a bit of their fame, you gotta double up your work and start saving, saving and saving. Options are endless in the area depending on your budget, yacht and boat chartering are very usual in the Mediterranean. Prices and services ranges from $3,000 to $900,000 a week.

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Upon the death of Fidel Castro this weekend, travelers can trail back the path of the revolutionary leader of Cuba. Here are five places to visit in Cuba to commemorate the life and times of the former leader of this unique communist outpost.

Visit Fidel Castro's birthplace, Finca Biran. According to History, Fidel Castro was born in the small town of Biran. His father was a wealthy Spanish sugar cane plantation owner, Finca Las Manacas plantation. The city now houses Sitio Historico de Biran, where visitors can visit the area that contains an old school, bar, post office, and a cock-fighting arena. Tourists can also see a bed used by Fidel when he was a child. The graves of his parents can be seen at the entrance of the farm.

Head over to the Moncada Barracks at Santiago de Cuba. This is where Fidel Castro and 140 rebels attempted to overthrow the former Cuban President, Fulgencio Batista. Now, guests can visit Granjita Siboney and Moncada barracks are now museums that houses items of the 1953's revolutionary struggle. Every July 26, the iconic attack is recreated using a motorcade of cars and gunshots.

Escape into the Presidio Modelo on the Isle of Youth. This is where Fidel Castro and his brother Raul were imprisoned for trying to overthrow the previous government. It is now a neglected vast island but it is still worth the visit. This is also where Fidel wrote the manifesto using lemon juice as ink in which is supported will iron out to read his messages.

Relive the history on the Granma Yacht at the Museum of the Revolution. The Castro brothers along with Che Guevara, an Argentinian doctor, purchased a cabin cruiser called The Granma. This is the vessel they used to return to Cuba. It can be seen behind a glass at the Museum of the Revolution in Havana. The Museum was a former Tiffany-decorated Presidential Palace that also houses a number of military artifacts.

Spend a day at Havana. This is where Fidel Castro marched into and set up his headquarters, which was previously Havana Hilton. Now, it is known as Habana Libre Hotel and where visitors can book an appointment to visit the exact room the Fidel used in the hotel. The capital's Plaza de la Revolucion at Havana is now being used for a homage to Fidel Castro this week.

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In the last phases of his reign as the President of The United States of America, Barrack Obama has completed his final foreign trip with a heartfelt message to the public. Following his Peru trip, President Obama shared thoughts of optimism, his wishes for the future of travel and international relations.

Following an official trip to Greece in mid-November, President Barrack Obama has concluded his final foreign delegation with international officials in Peru. Being the first US President to visit countries such as Cambodia, Kenya, Laos, and Greece, Obama shared several thoughts he had gathered from what described to be "a million miles of travel".

In a heartfelt interview with Lonely Planet, the US president stated that his international trips and visits have been fundamental in the strengthening of alliances and the joint realization of several goals. Furthermore, the president moved to note that international relations are crucial in the achievement of a better world economy, as well as the prevention of potential world threats.

Obama also proceeded to talk about the importance of regular communication between nations. In the interview, he stated that coordination and diplomacy are the pillars that the world needs to make the world into a more peaceful and a safer place.

With added emphasis on the importance of the world's youth, Obama continued the interview by mentioning the Young Leaders Initiatives in several countries. By stating several concrete examples, the US president has declared that his initiative is to be considered his greatest "life-changing chapter".

With president-elect Donald Trump set to be inaugurated on January 20, 2017, Obama has continued to express hopes for the next presidency and the continued support of foreign relations. A report by CNN states that Obama has continued to grant reassurance of peace and prosperity to shaken world leaders that are unsure of the future under the Trump administration.

This final trip by Obama has been considered to be part of the US reassurance mission in hopes that the change of administration will not sever any international alliances. Obama has maintained that the future under Trump will not be as bad as several, himself included, have predicted.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018


Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington) introduced successful anti-tax hike measure

SPRINGFIELD  The Illinois House overwhelmingly approved House Resolution 1494 Wednesday, calling on legislators to oppose efforts to raise taxes during the lame duck session. The resolution puts the House on record as opposing the consideration or passage of any income tax increase during a special lame duck session, when only a simple majority is required to pass legislation.

Raising taxes would hurt the people of Illinois. It is unacceptable to allow legislators who will no longer have to face voters to decide the outcome of a tax increase vote, sponsor Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington) said.

McSweeney's resolution was introduced mid-November, when both Democrat and Republican leadership hinted at a "grand bargain" coming after the General Election that would include an income tax hike.
IC Bellagio Press Release



(TRAVPR.COM) ITALY - December 1st, 2016 -

Altagamma and IC Bellagio launch Altagamma Italian Experiences by IC Bellagio, programme to provide unique, behind-the-scenes experiences at some of Italys most iconic brands.

This innovative project, conceived by Altagamma Foundation which gathers and promotes worldwide the most extraordinary Italian brands, is aimed at increasing the number of luxury travelers to Italy, which account for approximately 5% of the over 50 millions foreign tourists who visited Italy in 2016.

The aim of the program is to present the Italian brands as tourist destinations in their own right. Each brand is recognized worldwide as an icon of excellence, creativity, handicraft and customer service.

Altagamma Italian Experiences by IC Bellagio have been designed to help attract international luxury tourists, bringing direct and indirect benefits to the entire country.

IC Bellagio creates unique and extraordinary travel experiences for international clients to Italy. These itineraries are now enriched with unique and exclusive experiences connected with the Altagamma companies. Examples include: visits to ateliers, design houses, workshops, company headquarters, wine-tasting at world-renowned canteens, meetings with entrepreneurs and owners to better understand their projects and growth.

Altagamma Italian Experiences by IC Bellagio blend nature, art and culture and represent an opportunity to make direct contact with the production and the design studios which have brought the Italian brands to the top of their sectors worldwide.

The project will include those Altagamma companies which offer unique experiences  totally different from anything offered so far  which will be customised for the requirements and expectations of each client. These will be experiences specifically created for a limited number of clients and which will be available from 2017.

Paolo Zegna, Vice President of the Altagamma Foundation, said: Altagamma Italian Experiences by IC Bellagio represent an extraordinary possibility of promotion for the entire Country, because they bring to life and give value to the renowned quality and fame of our brands. This is an answer to the growing interest from an international clientele towards the heritage and the craftsmanship of our products, two truly distinctive elements of the Italian brand products.

Andrea Grisdale, CEO and Founder of IC Bellagio, said: IC Bellagio has been providing unique, tailor-made travel experiences to Italy since 1999. For high-end leisure travelers looking for life-changing experiences of an authentic Italy, we craft hassle-free, customized itineraries perfectly matched for each traveler. Altagamma Italian Experiences by IC Bellagio takes our proposition one step further to provide behind-the-scenes access to some of Italys most iconic fashion, hospitality, design and automotive brands. It is a perfect match and one which I am delighted to be able to offer to our clients.

ENDS

###
When the classic style of a '73 VW bus is combined with an electric vehicle conversion and an onboard photovoltaic array, you get an eye-catching family-sized clean transport solution.

Adding solar modules to the top of an electric vehicle (EV) for self-charging isn't quite feasible for mass-production vehicles (yet), but for those willing to do the work on an aftermarket conversion, a DIY solar EV is certainly a viable option, as this project from Brett and Kira Belen illustrates.

This EV conversion project isn't Brett's first, nor is it the Belen's only experience with off-grid solar, but it is the most ambitious, as the ultimate goal will be to travel coast-to-coast, completely on solar electricity. That won't occur until after the next round of upgrades to both the solar array and the battery bank, but the current configuration was sufficient to take the Belens on a 1400-mile roadtrip down the west coast of the US.

 Brett Belan

The Solar Electric VW Bus project takes advantage of the spacious roof of a 1973 VW Transporter as the platform for mounting a 1.22 kW solar array, complete with a hinged mechanism that can tilt the solar panels at up to a 40% angle, which also creates a sleeping loft underneath when deployed (similar to the way stock VW pop-up campers work). A rooftop frame and aluminum racking system supports four 305 W LG solar panels, and a custom canvas 'tent' enclosure, complete with rear window, is attached directly underneath the solar array.

The battery bank of this EV is currently a set of 12 Trojan T-1275 lead-acid batteries sitting in a custom battery box under the rear bench seat just in front of the rear wheels, and although this electric 'gas tank' only provides a range of up to 50 miles per charge, the choice of lead-acid batteries was a matter of affordability, according to Brett. "For three times the price, I could have installed some lithium iron phosphate batteries, but I'm trying to make a point about the affordability of such a vehicle," he said. It takes a bit longer than a day to fully charge the battery bank (which also depends on the length of the day and the geographical location), and an average day of charging at the Belens' house in Ashland, Oregon is said to produce a range of about 15-20 miles of city driving. The vehicle can also be charged via grid connection, with a full battery recharge taking about two hours and 20 minutes (using two 20 A chargers).

 Brett Belan

The original EV conversion project set the Belens back about $25,500, including the cost of the bus itself and an interior overhaul, and all of the various electric drive controller and charging system components necessary to create an electric mini-RV. However, the plan is to upgrade in the spring of next year to what they call Phase Two of the solar electric bus project, which will replace the lead-acid battery bank with a 32 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery bank, essentially doubling the onboard storage capacity (and boosting the range per charge to 100 miles) while dropping 500 pounds of weight from the bus. In addition to the new batteries, a new 6 KW folding solar array, made from lighter solar modules, will replace the current array, giving the upgraded vehicle a potential 150 mile solar range per day. The combined costs of upgrading to Phase Two are said to be in the neighborhood of $27,000.

Get the full scoop on the project at Solar Electric VW Bus or the Facebook page.
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As a precondition to funding schools statewide, Democrats proposed a $700 million State bailout of CPS. We eventually agreed to provide CPS with $215,000,000  the estimated amount of its Fiscal Year 2017 employer normal pension cost  but only if we came together to pass comprehensive pension reform. Without reforms to solve our structural problems, taxpayer money would continue to be wasted on bailout after bailout.

The agreement was clear: Republicans supported Senate Bill 2822 only on condition that Democrats reengage in serious, good faith negotiations; and President Cullerton and Leader Radogno filed motions to reconsider the bill, which would keep the bill in the General Assembly until a pension reform agreement was reached.

The election is over. Despite my repeated request for daily negotiations and hope to reach a comprehensive agreement by the end of next week, we are no closer to ending the impasse or enacting pension reform. Still, President Cullerton withdrew his motion to reconsider the bill, ruled that Leader Radognos motion was inapplicable, and presented the bill to me for approval or veto  forcing me to take action. Then today, President Cullerton suddenly denied that the leaders had agreed that this bill would depend upon first enacting comprehensive pension reform. Breaking our agreement undermines our effort to end the budget impasse and enact reforms with bipartisan support.

The taxpayers of Illinois want a balanced budget. That can only be done if we address the structural imbalances that have bankrupted the State and CPS alike and drain resources that should be spent on other priorities, like improving schools and funding social services. The taxpayers of Illinois do not want just another bailout. Lets get back to work to end the budget impasse and put Illinois on the right track once and for all.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 2822 entitled AN ACT concerning public employee benefits, with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.
The Pro Life Action League had a protest just outside the venue with about 15 people including signs which read, "Cecile Richards: What about his future?" Those signs were next to large poster photos of an aborted baby boy.

This from news release from the University of Chicago: "In 2016, the Supreme Court affirmed the right to safe and legal abortion. Planned Parenthood celebrated 100 years and the presidential election placed women's rights and autonomy front and center. In this lecture, Cecile Richards will discuss what 2016 meant for reproductive rights, and what 2017 has in store."

This past Tuesday, the University of Chicago Law School hosted a lecture by Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood. It was co-sponsored by the school's Study of Gender and Sexuality. The event was part of the Ulysses and Marguerite Schwartz Memorial lecture series. It was free and open to the public, with about 350 attending. It appeared to be mostly students with a small group of journalists.





Upon my arrival, I interviewed a few people outside and took some photographs. I spoke to Joe and Eric Scheider to get an update on their protest plan outside. They were told that they would not be permitted inside. As a clarification once I was inside, I was told that anybody was allowed in but no signs were permitted inside the lecture hall. So this remains unclear if certain people were banned from attending.

After witnessing people going into the building passed security without any intervention, I attempted to enter. I was stopped by a armed security guard who stood in front of the door and asked where I was going. I responded that I was going to the lecture and understood it was open to the public. Keep in mind, the guards had just seen me talking to the protesters. They asked, "Are you with them?"

At this point, feeling intimidated, I decided to say I was a freelance journalist. I was escorted to a media check in. I was allowed in by a media coordination person who explained some "ground rules." I was told I could not video tape and was not allowed to ask a question during Q & A. They explained they did not want a poor quality video posted on the Internet as they would be taping professional. People tape all the time nowadays except at say a "closed press event." This was not closed press as journalists were present. This all seems highly unusual for me, as I attend events almost daily including many at the Institute of Politics here at the University. Usually they just give me the name of a check in person and have a seat. I can understand why they were on edge. Richards did have several bodyguards, along with security and university staff scattered around the room. I wanted to sit in the back row but was assigned a seat in a media section.

There is some irony as I was just at DePaul University a couple weeks ago which had heavy security. They had over 35 security guards to keep a guest lecturer out. Read about it in this Illinois Review story.

So back on topic, Richards spoke for about 30 minutes then took several questions from the audience. She used the term "reproductive rights" at least ten times. There was no mention of David Daleiden's videos which alleged Planned Parenthood illegally sold baby body parts. I was disappointed that the event was not "Livestreamed" or at least placed on YouTube that evening. This is the trend for most of these types of lectures. Facebook LIVE is the newest way to get your message out.

Most of the audience questions involved praise for Planned Parenthood along with questions of surviving under a Donald Trump administration. Perhaps the most interesting question was from a male student who asked Richards something like this: "Do you believe a fetus is a baby the day before it is born or just after it is born?" Richards seemed stunned by the question and said she didn't quite understand it. She went on to talk about women's access to healthcare along with mammograms and cancer screenings. The gentleman did not follow up with a question. I am curious to the answer as she appeared to dodge the question. It will be interesting if this is edited out of the video. There were professional videographers taping the event. I was told it would be available at a later date.

The Pro-Life Action League put out their own points titled: What is Cecile Richards' vision for the future?

1) Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion clinic, responsible for deaths of over 320,000 unborn children every single year---nearly one third of all abortions performed in the United States.

2) Last year, Planned Parenthood officials were caught on tape by undercover investigators negotiating prices for body parts harvested from unborn children aborted at their centers.

3) Planned Parenthood claims that poor women depend on them for basic healthcare, but they provided services to fewer and fewer services women each year---except for abortion. Even though national abortion rates are dropping, Planned Parenthood's abortion numbers keep going up.

4) Planned Parenthood is trying to force taxpayers to pay for abortions by overturning the Hyde Amendment, a bipartisan measure with broad public support that bans taxpayer funding of abortion.

In addition, Eric Scheider from the Pro-Life Action League had this statement: "Donald Trump is making good on his promises to the pro-life movement with the appointment of Representative Tom Price to head HHS secretary putting to an end to Obamacare's attacks on religious freedom and the sanctity of life."

All in all it was interesting lecture along with the protest outside. It is interesting that the University of Chicago Law School is sponsoring this event. In fairness will they allow somebody like Joe Scheidler from the Pro-Life Action League speak on campus this semester in a similar venue? Has an invitation been extended?

I welcome the debate, especially on when does life begin. The discussion today was on "reproductive rights," yet there was no discussion of any rights of the unborn. Does the unborn have any rights?

The National March for Life is Friday, January 15, 2017 in Washington D.C. The Illinois March for Life is Sunday, January 25, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. starting at the Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago.

Mark Weyermuller is a small business person, real estate professional, and conservative activist in Chicago. He is a citizen journalist and regular contributor to Illinois Review. Mark can be heard weekly on the radio in a "man on the street segment" at 10:31pm as a regular guest on the Stephanie Trussell Show heard Sunday nights 9pm-midnight on WLS 890-AM.
Beijing, December 1

China, the worlds second biggest economy, has eradicated 70% of poverty and its per-capita GDP has grown to $8,000 thanks to the three decades of economic development, the government said today.

According to a white paper titled The Right to Development: Chinas Philosophy, Practice and Contribution, the number of phone connections in China has climbed to 1.54 billion last year with 688 million internet users and over 700 million people were lifted out of poverty in the past three decades.

Among the 1.54 billion people with phone connections, about 1.3 billion people use mobile phones in China, it said.

The document, released by the Information Office of the central cabinet, said peoples living standards had significantly improved in the country.

From 1978 to 2015, per capita GDP grew from over $200 to above $8,000, it said. In 1978, per capita disposable income of urban residents was only 343.4 yuan, and per capita net income of rural residents was only 133.6 yuan.

In 2015, per capita disposable income of all residents reached 21,966 yuan ($3,662) and the figures were 31,195 yuan for urban residents and 11,422 yuan for rural residents, state-run Xinhua quoted the white paper as saying.

Chinese residents made 127.86 million outbound trips in the same year, including 121.72 million private trips, it said, adding that China has lifted 700 million people out of poverty through more than 30 years of reform, accounting for more than 70% of the global reduction in poverty.

With the economic development, the average life expectancy in the nation has grown from 35 years in 1949 to 76.3 years in 2015, ranking high among the developing countries, it said.

The level of education has also soared. In 1949, more than 80% of the national population was illiterate, and the enrolment rate of school-age children was only 20%.

In 2015, net enrolment rate of school-age children at the primary school stage was 99.88% and that at the senior high school stage was 87%.  PTI
K V Prasad

The traditional ties between India and the United Arab Emirates have, over the decades grown, riding on the strength of trade and investments. The Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will be the chief guest for the 2017 Republic Day. As the UAE celebrates its 45th national day on December 2, Ambassador Dr Ahmed A R Albanna gives an exclusive interview to The Tribune.

As both countries prepare for this high-level visit of the Crown Prince of UAE to India in January, tell us about the broad contours of the bilateral relationship?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the invitation to the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as the chief guest on the Republic Day. His Highness accepted it. He was in India this February and will be coming twice within a year. This shows the importance of the relationship for the UAE. India is a major trading partner and foreign trade between India and the UAE reached $50 billion. If you look at our relationship 15-20 years back, foreign trade was $180 million. India is the number one trading partner number for the UAE. For India, the UAE is trading partner number three, after the US and China. If you compare the size of US and China with the UAE, that shows the importance of the ties. Some of the major investments are more than $10 billion in ports, oil and gas, real estate and finance and other related sectors. In the last one year, there was $1billion additional direct investment from the UAE. There are more than 2.8 million Indians in UAE and they remitted about $13.2 billion. The UAE-India have major agreements and there are many others in the pipeline.

Of the agreements discussed during the previous visit, one was to work for a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement. What is the progress and is it likely to happen during the visit?

On the strategic partnership, we have been working closely with the Indian side. It is in the final stages for approval and, hopefully, it will be signed either before or during the visit. For the first time, the UAE will be signing such an agreement with a foreign country. It covers the important sectors and creates a mechanism for collaboration and cooperation to reach a better understanding between the two countries.

Will it include counter-terrorism, cyber security, and maritime security?

Yes, it will include all cyber security, counter-terrorism, maritime security and the Indian Ocean Rim. All those matters have been looked at and covered.

One area of convergence during the last visit of the Crown Prince was the view towards terrorism, State-sponsored, non-State actors and India's quest for definition of terror by the UN. Is there progress on that front?

We are working very closely with India in terms of the definition of terrorism, coordinating efforts to jointly reach an understanding and make an effort to collaborate with other countries in reaching an understanding on the definition of terrorism. The UAE has always denounced extremism and was among the very first countries to denounce several acts of terrorism against India, including the one at the Pathankot airbase. The UAE has established an International Centre against extremism and terrorism and those fanatics who use religion, whatever it is, in order to reach their own personal goals. The second is the SWAT Centre between the governments of the UAE and the US, a technology to counter-attack terrorist groups like Daesh and those that are on the UN list as terrorist groups.

Another area in the joint statement was on radicalisation and prevention. How is the cooperation working in this field?

There have been many meetings between different institutions in India with their UAE counterparts to coordinate efforts in preventing people who are misled by those fanatics and extremists groups. Coordinating efforts are in the form of preventing them from joining them, exchange of information regarding extremists and preventing any act of terror.

If we take it forward, there are a number of bilateral requests for extradition of people wanted for acts of criminality by the respective countries? How close is this or are there still areas requiring work?

There are international agreements and protocols that the UAE and India are members of, which both have to implement. Besides, there is a great collaboration in terms of exchange of criminals, of people who have been sentenced in each country.

Trade with India is growing and both the leaders agreed that it should be doubled in the next five years, is it moving in this direction since it includes non-oil?

There is a commitment for trade to reach $100 billion and we are working on that. There is a plan to revitalise the Free Trade Agreement between the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and India. That will be a major tool to increase foreign trade with GCC and mostly UAE since the existing bilateral relationship is very strong. Taking into consideration that there is close relationship with India on ports and some of the major port operators here are Dubai-based.

Since the last visit, in cooperation on military and defence, exchange of information, manufacturing, joint exercises, I foresee a greater cooperation. Especially so in research and development, security and military, including joint production collaboration.

India and the UAE have an agreement on building strategic petroleum reserves. Any movement?

Hopefully, both parties will finalise an agreement and announce it soon. Negotiations are going on and the plan is to build a strategic reserve facility in Bengaluru.

You mentioned 2.8 million Indians in the UAE and labour laws have been a point of discussion. What is your view?

This is one area where we have had many meetings between our Ministry of Natural Human Resource and your Home Ministry. The UAE is a member of UN organisations like ILO and our bylaws are benchmarked as best practices on rights of labour and we exchange the information. Labourers in the UAE are protected by law. We know there has been some effort from the Indian side to implement certain laws that somehow may interfere with what we call sovereign rights of the UAE and other countries. Once those laws are implemented, it will affect the international concept of sovereignty and we have made it very clear to the Indian authorities that these laws may not benefit Indian labourers and might have an adverse effect. There was positive response from Indian officials on it and we assured Indian authorities our bylaws protect all labourers in the UAE, not just Indians. We offered that a committee could meet regularly and discuss and address minor problems.

The UAE promised to earmark $75 billion towards infrastructure investment. How is the progress and when will the funds flow?

We are on the right track. The funds are for the next 10 years. It is matter of formality for India to issue the bylaws, documentation, and mechanism in terms of operation of those infrastructure funds. Funds will, hopefully, flow soon. We are waiting for India to take steps and put systems in place. The ball is on the Indian side.

Will the experience with Emaar or Etilsalat cases be at the back of the mind of the UAE investors?

Those are the legacy issues. Of course, it will have a major effect on new private investments. During the past one year, additional investment came from a company that has a legacy issue. We were able to resolve issues with the assistance from officials and are grateful for sorting it out. Other issues are being worked out. Once it is done, I am confident that investment into India will double and triple.
Sanjay Kapoor

I BELIEVE that Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States of America, said the head of an Iranian media company, a day before the Americans lined up at the polling booths. Many other senior members of the Iranian media were confident about a Trump win. Was it a foreboding of the return of the bad times or astute political analysis? The fact that they were prescient about the US elections and the election of Donald Trump, who promised to scrap the nuclear deal with Iran if he came to power, should suggest that the Iranian society is bracing for the worst. It is also wondering whether the countries that began to do business with them after the signing of the momentous P5+1 nuclear deal and consequent lifting of sanctions would stay the course or begin winding up when the government changes in the US. If so, what will happen to Indias investment in Irans Chabahar Port and the trilateral agreement signed by Iran, Afghanistan and India?

Iran wants India to hasten the construction of the three jetties that have been allotted to it in Chabahar so that the agreement acquires meaning. Indias speed of project execution does not square with Irans expectations. Still Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif, who will be in Amritsar to attend the sixth edition of Heart of Asia conference to explore regional solutions to stabilising war-torn Afghanistan, is expected to present Chabahar and the trilateral agreement as an option to shore up the damaged Afghan economy.

Chabahar provides a strategic and commercial option to India to sidestep Pakistan, which has blocked Indias land access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. An all-weather port in Irans Baloch-Sistan province, Chabahar is barely 60 km from Pakistans upcoming China-funded Gwadar Port. Indias investment here gained urgency after big Chinese investment  $46 billion  in the 2,400-km China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This corridor permanently blocks India from taking the land route to reach Afghanistan or beyond. Though still very sleepy, Chabahars strategic location and the contestation that could take place between countries with competing expectations could turn it into a port of intrigue. Pakistanis and Chinese are always suspicious of Indian intentions in Balochistan, and now Gwadar. Not too long ago, Pakistan had arrested an alleged RAW agent, Kulbhushan Jadhav, who operated out of Chabahar as a businessman.

About 900 km from the Adani-owned Mundra Port in Gujarat, this part of Iran has not seen any reporting in many years. Journalists were not encouraged in the past, but Iran is changing now. This writer is the first beneficiary of this new Iranian approach.

There are just two flights to Chabahar from Tehran. The aircraft of Iran Air lands in this Second World War desert strip located in the middle of nowhere  a town interestingly called Konarak. A newer airport is coming up near the ports free zone. Its a magnificent road from Konarak airport that circuits the grand muddy hills with Martian features and the fishing village of Tees to the emerging port city. A few fancy five-star hotels have come up in the last few years that suggest that the town is ready for receiving business and other tourists. Earlier this month, the port had passengers from Oman  it is barely three hours away by ship. The port authority is looking for similar shipping routes. Why cant Indian ships just come on a friendship visit to Chabahar? wondered a strategic expert in Tehran. The port authority, however, clarified that it would take a month or more to receive ships of a higher tonnage as dredging was still going on to make the port deeper. There are many companies from different parts of the world that are picking up industrial plots in the free zone. From India, though, there have been only enquiries. Iran sees in the development of Chabahar not only an attempt to develop its eastern part, but also an opportunity to leverage its location to earn through transshipment or through a transit economy. Full potential of Irans transit economy is about $100 billion and if things move according to plans, the country could earn more profits than what it would from the export of oil and gas.

Afghan traders, who have had misgivings about the transit treaty that their country has with Pakistan, have begun to set up offices in Chabahar. They are hoping that India will fulfil its commitment that it made when PM Narendra Modi signed the trilateral agreement in May 2016. They want to believe this would lead to resumption of trade with India. Pakistan does not allow Indian trucks to deliver goods to Afghanistan. In September 2016, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani banned Pakistani trucks from going through Afghanistan to access Central Asia till it allowed Indians trucks to enter his country.

Although the Indian Government has been hobbled by the Pakistani blockade to Afghanistan and Central Asia, it still shows ambivalence about this grand enterprise to bypass Pakistan by using Chabahar. Its concerns have, though, mounted since China has sent its naval ships to guard Gwadar Port.

It would be a strategic setback if New Delhi shows any reluctance or hesitation in going ahead with the project due to new US Presidents trenchant opposition to the Iran deal. Not only would it miss an opportunity to tap the huge Central Asian market, but also lose out in integrating its Chabahar enterprise with the North-South corridor that will link India through Iran with Russia and the rest of Europe. Iran has gently conveyed to India that it will not wait endlessly for them to complete their project. We are talking with others too is the cold message that is conveyed repeatedly to this visitor. There is a hint that they can get in the Chinese to invest here. Indians want to prevent that from happening and are seeking Japanese support to fund some of the promises that they have made.

Chabahar is also important as it can serve as a staging post for Indias soft power in this region and beyond. Nearly all the people hum Hindi songs and speak excellent Urdu. It is a beginning of the Indian subcontinent and it shows. All these reasons and more suggest that India urgently get its act together and grab this great opportunity to rebuild old land routes and commerce with countries of Central Asia.

The writer, the Editor of Hardnews, was in Tehran and Chabahar recently
Panipat, December 1

The court of VP Sirohi, Additional District and Sessions Judge, today discharged suspected Lashkar-e-Toiba bomb expert Abdul Karim, alias Tunda, citing lack of evidence.

The court ordered that he should be shifted to the Dasna jail in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Tunda (73) had been accused of carrying out a bomb blast in a private bus in Panipat on February 1, 1997.

Tunda was produced in court amid high security today as he was attacked by two jail inmates in the Karnal jail on Wednesday morning.

He was arrested by the Panipat police on November 8, 2013, in connection with the blast in a private bus in which 10-year-old Madu of Pathri village was killed and several injured. It was alleged that Tunda was the conspirator of the blast.

Advocate Sultan Kharab said,A total of 42 witnesses recorded their statements in court in the case during trial. The prosecution failed to prove the allegations against him. Tunda was arrested from Banbasa on the Nepal border on August 16, 2013. He was an alleged bomb-maker for the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba and accused of masterminding over 40 bombings in India. TNS
Suhail A Shah

Anantnag, December 1

The Army on Thursday claimed to have killed a suspected militant in south Kashmir in a brief gunfight, but the Congress has alleged that the slain was a party worker and was killed in staged encounter.

Sajad Ahmad Malik, alias Bitta, was shot dead this evening in Aagnoo village of Dooru in Anantnag district.

A terrorist was gunned down during an encounter in the area. One weapon was recovered from him, the Army said.

The former Congress village head was in police custody for the past over one and a half months and was accused of being involved in organising protests in the area.

The killing has sparked fresh tension in Anantnag.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir has called the killing a political murder and has sought a judicial inquiry into the killing.

No police official from the area has responded to repeated calls by The Tribune.

However, a senior most police officer in Srinagar said they were ascertaining the facts.

The initial information is that he decamped with a rifle and was killed in a gunfight, he said.
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 1

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti asserted that the fundamental objective of the party had been to work for making Jammu and Kashmir a bridge of peace between India and Pakistan and build trust between the state and the Centre. She asked the party cadre to work towards achieving the said objectives with all seriousness.

Addressing the general council meeting of the party here on Wednesday evening, Mehbooba said people of Jammu and Kashmir had seen the worst of times, and the PDP ever since its inception had been strivingto create a congenial atmosphere to ensure peace, stability and development in the state.

The Chief Minister said people of the state had been the biggest beneficiaries of the peace process between the two countries and unfortunately the worst victims of hostility between the two countries. Terming the dialogue as the only way forward for minimising hostilities, the Chief Minister said the state had to go back to the vision and roadmap of the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed which underscored the need for dialogue and discourse for taking Jammu and Kashmir out of the present situation and building a permanent bond of amity between the two neighbouring countries.

Mehbooba said the PDP had committed itself to the vision of Mufti Sayeed and the agenda of peace and dignity set by him for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

She said her party condemned and rejected the use of violence in any form as the means of achieving any goal. She said the recent unfortunate happenings had not only resulted in the loss of many precious lives and destruction of property but had also given a setback to the process of reconciliation and dialogue.

The Chief Minister hoped that the national leadership, especially the Prime Minister, would continue to spearhead the movement for peace and reconciliation started by Mufti Sayeed.

The PDP president reiterated her commitment to the creation of an atmosphere which would help reconciliation and engagement of all stakeholders of the state in the larger interests of the state and the region. Party leaders Mohammad Sartaj Madni, Nizamu-ddin Bhat and Mehboob Iqbal also addressedthe meeting.
Suhail A Shah

Anantnag, December 1

In a new video featuring outfit commander Zakir Rashid Bhar alias Moosa, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen has warned policemen of dire consequences in case they harassed the families of militants active in the Kashmir Valley.

You have made a huge mistake by messing up with our families; a huge mistake by involving them, Bhat can be seen starting the video with this message. The war was between you and us but you have involved families in this, he says.

The one-minute and 25-second video was circulated on the social media on Thursday morning. Bhat can be seen flanking automated weapons.

Bhat was made the outfit commander following the killing of Burhan Wani on July 8.

Wani started the trend of video messages and the new leadership is continuing with the practice.

The video is Bhats second after he was chosen the leader.

The video, however, does not start with the customary greetings and quotes from the Quran, but sounds curt and pointed from the beginning.

I am forgiving you taking this as your first mistake, Bhat says in the video, while reminding the policemen that they too had families. You mess up with our families and we will not let go of yours, says Bhat.

This is an apparent shift in the approach of the outfit.

Burhan Wani had also rebuked policemen for involving families of militants, but at the same time, he had invoked the Quran and added that the militants would not mess up with the families of policemen. He did, however, repeatedly threaten policemen.

But Bhat has gone a step ahead and threatened the policemens families.

Do you think your families are safe because they are in Jammu? We can bury them anywhere, whether they are in Jammu or Kanyakumari. We are very much capable of that, Bhat says.

Concluding the video he again warns policemen and asks them to secure families of all policemen, from peon to the IG, before you think of messing up with our families again.
R Sedhuraman

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, December 1

Chief Justice of India TS Thakur on Thursday said there would not be any democracy without an independent judiciary, the way there would not be a solar system without the Sun.

People could not enjoy their fundamental and constitutional rights in the absence of an independent judiciary which kept a constant vigil over the functions of the legislature and the executive to ensure that the two wings did not suspend or abrogate these rights, the CJI said.

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He said a five-member Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court struck down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, meant for replacing the Collegium system of appointing higher judiciary judges, as the framers of the Constitution had unequivocally stated that the power to appoint judges was crucial to protecting judicial independence.

CJI Thakur made the remarks while delivering the 37th Bhim Sen Sachar Memorial Lecture here on the subject of Independent Judiciary  Bastion of Democracy.

In fact, there was a move to make even the lower judiciary free from the influences of the legislature and the executive which, however, did not materialise.

Besides the appointment of judges, the judiciary should also enjoy financial autonomy, tenure security of judges and jurisdictional competence, he said.

The CJI said he was delivering the lecture extempore as a judicial officer of the Supreme Court in the research wing had given him a draft speech yesterday evening by resorting to plagiarism by lifting contents from a published article. It was unfortunate that some of the judgments were also being delivered by adopting the cut-and-paste procedure.

Talking about judiciarys challenges, he cited the supersession of judges during the Emergency and the NJAC Act as external threats.

He, however, cautioned the judiciary against internal challenges such as lack of accountability and erosion of credibility in the eyes of the public. The judiciary should remain united in upholding the Constitution and retaining peoples faith in the institution, he said.
R Sedhuraman

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, December 1

The Delhi High Court on Thursday revoked the ban on the manufacture and sale of 344 fixed dose combination (FDC) medicines such as Corex cough syrup, Vicks Action 500 Extra and DCold.

Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw quashed the official notifications, holding that the government issued these orders from March 10 this year without following the statutory procedures.

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Citing the findings of an expert committee headed by Prof CK Kokate, Vice-Chancellor of KLE University, Belgaum, Karnataka, the Centre had said these FDCs had no therapeutic justification.

The government had said it was necessary and expedient in public interest to regulate by way of prohibition of manufacture and sale of these drugs.

Justice Endlaw ruled that the government, though acting in public interest, had imposed the ban after dealing with the problem in a haphazard manner.

The HC ruling came on 454 petitions filed mostly by pharmaceutical companies and some NGOs.

The government claimed that the licences for the manufacture of the FDCs were issued by state licensing authorities between September 1988 and October 2012 without the approval of the Drugs Controller.

However, instead of taking action for cancellation of the licences, the manufactures were asked to apply for licences to the Drugs Controller, while continuing to manufacture the drugs for which according to the Central government licence was wrongly given.

After receiving the applications from the companies, instead of getting these considered by the Drugs Controller, the government set up 10 committees.

After the committees failed to examine all the applications, the Kokate Committee was constituted. The Kokate Committee, instead of considering the applications for approval, went into the aspects of risk to consumers and therapeutic value and therapeutic justification. On receiving report, the government banned the FDCs, the HC noted.
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 1

Within two weeks of Bangladesh getting its first submarine from China, Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today ended a two-day visit to Dhaka with a promise of allowing Indian defence manufacturers to help the neighbouring country set up its own military hardware manufacturing base.

New Delhi has offered Dhaka that Indian public sector undertakings will help build the military production capabilities of Bangladesh. Indian PSUs are already making naval warships, rifles, guns, tanks and armoured vehicles that are needed by the neighbour.

Bangladesh would like to see some growth of its own defence production industry and India has offered its services, sources said.

Leading an 11-member delegation, Parrikar is the first Indian Defence Minister to visit Dhaka. India and Bangladesh have sorted out their differences over the land boundary and maritime boundary disputes and till now the two countries did not have military-to-military relationship.

Parrikar today called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also holds defence portfolio, and discussed measures to strengthen military and security ties. He had yesterday met President Abdul Hamid who assured India that it had zero tolerance policy against terrorism and sought expanded military ties.

New Delhi has offered more training slots for Bangladesh at Indian training institutions. The Defence Minister also met Hasinas security adviser Major General Tariq Ahmed (retd). Hasina herself is expected to visit India next month.
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 1

A united Opposition yet again, on Thursday, did not relent from its demand to seek a vote following a debate on the impact of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8.

The Speaker, Sumitra Mahajan, adjourned the House for the day at 12.30 pm amid sloganeering by the Opposition, which trooped into the Well demanding voting.

Soon after the House met, TMC leader Sudip Bandopadhyay raised the issue of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's aircraft not being allowed to land at Kolkata airport despite technical glitches on Wednesday night.

He said the aircraft had circled overhead for about 30 minutes and alleged that the Air Traffic Control delayed giving the green signal to land despite the pilot pointing out that the plane was running out of fuel.

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Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju, however, refuted the claim, saying the flight hovered only 13 minutes before landing at Kolkata airport.

Raju, also, said that the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiry into the matter.

Soon after, the Opposition, led by the Congress and TMC, trooped near the Speaker's podium demanding discussion over demonetisation as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to conduct the Question Hour despite the din.

The Opposition members continued with their protest against the government forcing Mahajan to adjourn the House till noon.

When the House reassembled, Mahajan disallowed all notices of adjournment motion on different issues.

The Speaker offered a way out asking both sides to start a discussion, but the Opposition insisted on a vote.

Earlier, the Opposition members raised slogans and rushed into the Well demanding a debate on demonetisation under rules, which entail voting, forcing an adjournment till noon.
New Delhi, December 1

Stepping up its attack on the government over Income Tax Amendment Bill, a united opposition on Thursday petitioned President Pranab Mukherjee against it, alleging the legislation was hurriedly passed in the Lok Sabha bypassingparliamentary rules and procedures.

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As many as 16 opposition parties, including Congress, archrivals TMC and the Left, SP and BSP, besides DMK, JMM, NCP and others met the President at Rashtrapati Bhawan this evening and handed over a memorandum, which alleged a "brute and authoritarian" government was "stifling" the democratic process.

The JD-U, whose president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has supported demonetisation, however, was not part of the delegation.

"We appeal to you as the custodian and protector of the Constitution to intervene at this juncture as the democratic rights are being trampled upon by a brute and authoritarian government that is hell bent upon stifling the democratic and legislative process of our Parliament," the memorandum said.

It said the mandatory provisions of Constitution and Rules of Procedure were "totally violated" in passing the Bill.

The memorandum said though Lok Sabha members raised these issues in the House, their democratic rights were denied on the plea that there was no time to wait for the President's assent as the Bill was very important.

"This is not permissible in law and amounts to undermining the authority of the President of India," the memorandum said.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who was part of the delegation, alleged that Parliamentary procedure was not followed in the passing of the legislation and voice of people was being "suppressed blatantly" now in Parliament too.

"We met the President because of the Bill that was passed without allowing any discussion. There is a sense in the country that the voice of the people is being suppressed and crushed.

"This was being done across the country and now it is being done in Parliament blatantly. This is not the way to run parliamentary democracy. That is why we have come to meet the President here," he said.  PTI
Dhaka, December 1

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed measures to strengthen military and security ties between the two countries.

Parrikar, the first Indian defence minister to visit Bangladesh in the last 45 years, met Hasina, who holds the defence portfolio in the cabinet, for about 30 minutes.

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Parrikar, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit leading an 11-member high-powered delegation, yesterday met President Abdul Hamid who assured India that it has zero tolerance policy against terrorism and sought expanded military ties.

The President urged the Indian minister to send more military officials to Bangladesh for training to boost ties between the armed forces of the two countries.

The Defence Minister yesterday also met Hasinas security adviser Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed and discussed bilateral military and security cooperation.

Top Defence Ministry officials in New Delhi had said the focus of Parrikars trip was to deepen security ties and firm up a defence cooperation agreement that is likely to be signed when Hasina visits India next month.  PTI
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 1

India today toughened its stand on holding talks with Pakistan and was firm in its assertion that Pakistan needed to stop cross-border terrorism for dialogue to resume.

Reports emanating from Pakistani media today also suggested that so far, India and Pakistan had no plans to hold a bilateral on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia (HOA) conference scheduled to be held in Amritsar on December 3-4.

At a media briefing today, when asked repeatedly over the possibility of a bilateral in Amritsar since Sartaj Aziz, the de facto foreign minister of Pakistan, will be in attendance, India was quick to say that while it was ready for talks, India will never accept continued terrorism as the new normal of the bilateral relationship.

The official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup, also listed out many of the terrorist attacks against India that had been traced back to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Dawn newspaper in Pakistan quoted official sources as saying that while Pakistan was willing for talks, India was not and also pointed out that New Delhi did not want to discuss the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. While many had pointed out that the HOA conference offered both countries an opportunity to talk and to reduce the bilateral tensions, India seems in no mood to take up Pakistans offer of talks.
R Sedhuraman

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, December 1

Chief Justice of India TS Thakur today said there would not be any democracy without an independent judiciary, the way there would not be a solar system without the Sun.

People could not enjoy their fundamental and constitutional rights in the absence of an independent judiciary which kept a constant vigil over the functions of the legislature and the executive to ensure that the two wings did not suspend or abrogate these rights.

He said a five-member Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court struck down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, meant for replacing the collegium system of appointing higher judiciary judges, as the framers of the Constitution had unequivocally stated that the power to appoint judges was crucial to protecting judicial independence.

CJI Thakur made the remarks while delivering the 37th Bhim Sen Sachar Memorial Lecture here on the subject of Independent Judiciary  Bastion of Democracy. In fact, there was a move to make even the lower judiciary free from the influences of the legislature and the executive, which, however, did not materialise.

Besides the appointment of judges, the judiciary should also enjoy financial autonomy, tenure security of judges and jurisdictional competence, he said.

The CJI said he was delivering the lecture extempore as a judicial officer of the Supreme Court in the research wing had given him a draft speech yesterday evening by resorting to plagiarism by lifting contents from a published article. It was unfortunate that some of the judgments were also being delivered by adopting the cut-and-paste procedure.
New Delhi, December 1

Talking tough in the wake of attack on an Army camp in Nagrota, India on Thursday made it clear that talks with Pakistan cannot take place in an atmosphere of continued terror, which it will never accept as new normal in the bilateral relationship.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said the government is awaiting detailed information on the specifics of the Nagrota attack before it decides on the next steps.

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But I do wish to emphasise that the government takes this incident very seriously and will do what it feels is required for our national security, he asserted.

Asked if there would be bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia (HoA) Conference in Amritsar on December 3 and 4, he said, We have not received any request from Pakistan for a bilateral meeting.

India has always been open to talks but obviously it cannot be that talks take place in an atmosphere of continued terrorism. India will never accept continued terrorism as the new normal in the bilateral relationship, Swarup said.

Indias sharp remarks come two days ahead of the conference where Pakistan will be represented by Sartaj Aziz, Foreign Affairs Adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Earlier, Pakistani media reports had quoted officials as having said there would not be a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the HoA meet on Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will jointly inaugurate the ministerial deliberations on Sunday where the Indian delegation will be led by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the absence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is ill.

Hitting out at Pakistan, Swarup said Pakistan is a country which has a long record of carrying out cross border terrorism which it regards as an instrument of state policy and which puts Islamabad at odds with the rest of the international community.

On the criticism that the attacks increased after the surgical strikes, he said, It was our assessment at that point of time that there was an imminent threat based on hard intelligence about the location of armed terrorists who were ready to infiltrate from across the LoC and carry out terrorist activities on our side.

This imminent threat was successfully neutralised through the surgical strikes. We should not look only at what happened but also at what did not happen, what was prevented through successful neutralisation of terrorists.

On the appointment of Pakistans new army chief, he said it is an internal matter of Pakistan. India will judge Pakistan by its behaviour and its track record and not by change of persons, he added.  PTI
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 1

People in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh had to face a lot of inconvenience on the pay day on Thursday as most ATMs ran dry and there were serpentine queues outside banks to withdraw cash, which at most places failed to arrive till noon.

Salaried class in Chandigarh felt the pinch of cash scarcity as most banks were without cash till noon. While long queues could be seen outside banks, majority of the ATMs remained dry for the third consecutive day, inconveniencing the customers.

As a precautionary measure, many public sector banks had sought services of police to contol the situation.

In Jalandhar, most banks had received cash around four days back. Some of the banks have already exhausted the cash and have displayed messages of No Cash. The rest are on the verge of exhausting the cash. Customers in large numbers thronged the banks where cash was available. People had queued up even before the banks were opened.

In Kurukshetra, the PNB started a 24-hour ATM at its circle office on Pipli Road. Lead bank PNBs deputy GM PS Chauhan said enough cash was kept aside for the salary day. More cash was arriving and various banks from Kaithal, Yamunanagar, Jind and Kurukshetra had arrived in Kurukshetra for collecting cash. The cash would be distributed in the next two days, Chauhan said. Meanwhile, there were queues outside various ATMs.

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In Rohtak, salaried persons and pensioners waited in long queues at banks to withdraw money. They were offered Rs 2,000 to Rs 6,000, irrespective of the amount sought.

District Legal Services Authority deployed para-legal volunteers to assist the illiterate, elderly residents in banking operations.

In Bhiwani, the salaried class is a harassed lot as barring State bank of India and State Bank of Patiala, no other bank received the cash till noon. These two bans were also giving only Rs 4,000 per person. People could be seen standing in queues for long.

In Karnal, long queues were seen at various ATMs. People awaited their turn at various banks for hours. According to authorities, most ATMs didnt have cash; of 350 ATMs, cash was put only in 220. And of these, most ATMs got dry within hours.

People said the administration should have been prepared for this. Gian Prakash, a retired scientist, said he went to the SBI main branch, but there was no one deployed to assist senior citizens.

In Ambala, 90 per cent ATMs were out of cash while most banks did not have sufficient cash to please all customers. Chaos was witnessed outside various banks as a large number of government and private employees besides pensioners queued up to withdraw cash.

Some elderly persons have to face great inconvenience to get even a small amount of cash from the bank.

Asheesh Aggarwal, employed with a private firm, said his salary was credited in his account but he could not stand in queue for hours to withdraw the cash.

A bank manager said he has received limited cash from RBI and it is not possible to accommodate all the salaried persons standing in the queue.

In Shimla, people queued up at banks and ATMs to withdraw money as salaries were credited to accounts. However, no untoward incident was reported. There is no shortage of cash and we have made arrangements so that the customers can withdraw money without any inconvenience, said Sachin Sharma, a bank employee, adding that the withdrawal limit for a week is Rs 24,000.

Ashish Sharma, who was waiting in the queue to withdraw money, said the limit should be increased as most of the payments like rent, bills and ration had to be made in the first week of the month. Moreover, due to demonetisation there had been huge purchases, especially of essential commodities, on credit which had to be paid, he added.

However, a large number of ATMs were either closed or without cash and long queues were seen at ATMs where cash was available for withdrawal.

I visited four ATMs but returned empty-handed and now I am standing in the queue for withdrawing money by cheque, said Pradeep Kumar, an account-holder at the SBI main branch.

We have been selling goods on credit and huge amount is to be recovered from the customers, including bulk purchasers like hotels and institutions, but the repayment is very slow as sufficient cash is not available with customers, said Romesh Sood, former president of Shimla Beopar Mandal.

Satish, an employee of a private organisation, said cash was available in the banks and there was no extra rush, it being a working day. Some businessmen had deferred payment to the staff and staggered the payment schedule to overcome the cash crunch, said leading florist Amit Sood, adding that he was paying salaries to employees by cheque.

Meanwhile, there was not much rush in banks in the industrial area of Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh to draw salaries as only senior executives receive salaries on the first day of the month. Bankers were opening accounts of lower-level employees at various industrial units, where large queues were visible.
Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 1

Conscious of the anti-incumbency against some of its sitting legislators, the Congress is now veering towards the idea of dropping some in the interest of winability.

A detailed discussion to this effect took place at the meeting of the Congress screening committee for Punjab election candidates and it was decided that MLAs who cannot defend their seats should vacate these for more potential ones.

Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh, who met party vice-president Rahul Gandhi in connection with ticket allocations today, told The Tribune: Sitting Congress MLAs who are not in a position to win their seats will be dropped. Winability is the paramount factor for us.

Amarinder had earlier batted for fielding all 45 sitting lawmakers of the party, but the central leadership is clear that legislators on shaky wickets should rest.

Asked if seat would be swapped for sitting legislators who are likely to lose their current segments, Amarinder said a categorical no.

No seat-swapping will be allowed except in the case of 34 reserved constituencies of the state, he said ahead of the second round of screening committee meeting here today.

Amarinder said: Newcomers will be given their current seats only if we are sure they can win. Party chief Sonia Gandhi will take the final call.

The PPCC chief said he was sure that the majority of the 117 candidates would be declared by the Congress this week itself.

The Central Election Committee chaired by party chief Sonia Gandhi will clear most of the seats on December 3, the day it meets, he said.

Phillaurs record clear: Capt

Asked to comment on angst brewing in the Congress leadership around the necessity to induct former Akali minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur into the Congress, Amarinder said there was no problem. He said Phillaur had Enforcement Directorate cases against him, but nothing had been proved.

Will contest from reserved segment, says ex-MP

Chandigarh: Lashing out at her opponents, a former MP from Hoshiarpur, Santosh Chaudhary, said today she was in the race to contest from the Sham Churasi reserved segment. As I am among the few Congress Dalit women leaders to have served on important positions, I am a strong contender for the seat. My daughter is also in contention, she added.  TNS
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 1

Lambasting the Congress yet again on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal issue, BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia today said that it was the Congress that made the agrarian state a water-deficient one.

The former Cabinet Minister told The Tribune on Thursday said that the Boundary Commission, led by Sir Cyril Radcliff, awarded 52 per cent of undivided Punjabs land and 55 per cent of its people to Pakistan and the remainder to India. The Indus Water Treaty signed by the Jawaharlal Nehru-led Congress government gave 80 per cent of Indus water to Pakistan.

Later, the war for water began between various states when Punjab was re-organised in 1967. While we are fighting to sustain our 20 per cent water share with our neighbouring state Haryana, Pakistan is not been able to utilise its share fully. The majority of it is flowing into the Arabian Sea, said Kalia.

Giving a clean chit to his Haryana counterparts, Kalia said it is a dharma yuddha which is being fought between the BJP units of Punjab and Haryana as both are fighting for their right to survive.
R Sedhuraman

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, November 30

The Supreme Court today ordered status quo on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal land and issued notice to Punjab and the Centre on Haryanas plea for Ravi-Beas waters. It also appointed the Union Home Secretary and Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police as court receivers of the canal land and asked them to file a report within a week on the ground situation.

Status quo as of today shall be maintained by the parties, subject to further orders of this court, a Bench comprising Justices PC Ghose and Amitava Roy said.

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Posting the case for December 15, it clarified that for the present, nobody in possession of the lands, etc, in question as on today would be dispossessed before the next date of hearing.

As the apex court has not altered the present status, Punjab farmers would retain possession of the land, at least for now. The Punjab Government returned the acquired land to the farmers through a notification issued on November 16 on the strength of a resolution passed in the Assembly and a Cabinet decision. Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar supported the status quo order. Arguing for Haryana, senior counsel Shyam Divan questioned the validity of the November 16 notification. He said a five-member Constitution Bench of the SC had ruled on November 10 that the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004, was in violation of the Constitution, the Inter-State Water Disputes Act 1956 and the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966, besides being against two apex court judgments delivered on January 15, 2002, and June 4, 2004. Answering the presidential reference on the validity of the 2004 Act, the Constitution Bench had also held that the Assembly had no power to enact any law to nullify the apex courts decree in favour of Haryana.

It was clear from the SC ruling on the 2004 Act that the November 16 notification, which was only an executive action, had no legal sanctity, Divan pleaded and contended that the Union Home Secretary and Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP, who were appointed court receivers of the canal land on March 17, 2016, while hearing the presidential reference, continued to be receivers.

Are you not insisting on status quo ante? the Bench asked Haryana. Divan said he did not want to dispossess the farmers of their land as they had not been made parties to the fresh round of litigation.

Arguing for Punjab, senior counsel Harish Salve said the sensitive issue should be allowed to be handled by those coming to power in the forthcoming Assembly elections in Punjab. The Bench said the case could be posted for April or May after the December 15 hearing.

Senior advocate Ram Jethmalani, who also appeared for Punjab, said the Centre should take the initiative to resolve the issue in national interest by appointing a group of experts to assess the water availability, requirements and entitlement of the two states, besides the compulsions of his client. It should also explore alternative sources which exist, he pleaded.
A REUTER'S message from New York publishes the substance of an interview which His Honour Sir Michael O' Dwyer is reported to have granted to a correspondent of the Associated Press, we believe of America. His Honour availed of the opportunity to emphasise the splendid contribution which the Punjab has made to the War. His Honour said although the population of the Punjab was only one-twelfth of the Indian Empire it had furnished 50 per cent out of 190,000 Indian recruits since the outbreak of the war, and that out of these recruits from the Punjab, the Sikhs had contributed one-third, although the Sikhs comprised only one-tenth of the population of the Punjab. His Honour pointed out that "the misdeeds of a few thousands of the community so far from affecting the traditional loyalty of Sikhs, had only stimulated the Sikh nation to greater service."
Sandeep Rawat

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 1

The district administration is taking all measures to provide foolproof security to Pakistani pilgrims who will arrive in Haridwar next week for pilgrimage at the Piran Kaliyar shrine.

The administration is on the alert in the wake of recent terror attacks on Army camps and regular shelling from across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

As many as 181 Pakistan pilgrims will reach Haridwar on December 8 to pay obeisance to the world famous Urs at Piran Kaliyar. The pilgrimage will conclude on December 15.

It will be the 748th Urs fair this year to be organised in the memory of renowned Sufi Saint Hazrat Syed Alauddin Ahmed Sabir Kaliyari. The Sabir Dargah draws devotees, including Hindus, from across the globe.

Intelligence agencies and the police will keep a tab on the movement, accommodation and movement of the zayarins coming from Pakistan.

Haridwar SSP Rajeev Swarup said the security agencies were on high alert as pilgrims from Pakistan were participating in the fair. Heavy police will be deployed from the railway station till the Sabri guesthouse where zayarins will put up. Sleuths in civvies will also be deployed round the clock. Besides, the police will scrutinise CCTVs on a regular basis, he said.

Those involved in attending and managing the Pakistani zayarins will be issued identity cards.

There are chances of protests by Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad against the Pakistani zayarins so the police have geared up with adequate measures to tackle any incident.

The Provincial Armed Constabulary will also pitch in along with a bomb disposal and sniffer squad to ensure foolproof security.
Islamabad, December 1

US President-elect Donald Trump offered to help solve Pakistans problems and praised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a terrific guy in the first call between the two men, the Pakistani leaders office said.

Historical allies in the region, Islamabad and Washington, have seen relations sour in recent years over US accusations that Pakistan sheltered Islamist militants, a charge denied by the South Asian nation.

Sharifs office said late on Wednesday that the Pakistani premier called Trump to congratulate him on his victory and issued a read-out of the call. Trumps team confirmed the two men talked and issued a brief statement.

President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way, said the statement issued by Sharifs office.

I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it.

The Prime Ministers office did not elaborate on the kind of problems Trump offered to solve. The statement also did not clarify why exactly Trump was impressed with Sharif.

Pakistans sputtering economy has rebounded since Sharif was elected in 2013 and security has vastly improved amid greater efforts by the army to tackle militants such as the Pakistani Taliban.

But security remains a problem as Islamist groups continue to stage mass attacks and Islamic State radicals have sought to gain a foothold inside Pakistan, claiming responsibility for several high-profile attacks. The economy is also facing acute challenges, including energy shortages.

Trumps office said the two leaders had a productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future.

President-elect Trump also noted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif, the statement added.

Strained ties

Detailing the conversation, Sharifs office added that Trump told the Pakistani premier to feel free to call him any time before he assumed office on January 20.

As I am talking to you, Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long, the statement added, paraphrasing Trumps comments.

Sharifs office often releases read-outs of his conversations with foreign heads of state but they are seldom so full of praise for the Pakistani premier, especially during calls with Western leaders.

Sharif invited Trump to visit Pakistan, according to the statement, and the incoming US leader agreed.

Mr Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said the statement.

Few details are known about Trumps planned policy for South Asia but the warm words between the leaders suggest ties could be reset under Trumps presidency and will ease concerns in Islamabad that Trumps anti-Muslim rhetoric in the run-up to the poll will not lead to unfriendly policies towards Pakistan.

At one point Trump proposed banning Muslims from entering the United States, remarks that alarmed the predominantly Muslim nation of 190 million people.

Islamabad has also been concerned about warmer ties between the United States and India, fearful that Washington is pivoting towards New Delhi at a time of heightened tensions between the nuclear armed neighbours who have fought three wars since their independence from British rule in 1947.

Trump also has business ties in India, which has stoked concerns in Pakistan that under his presidency the United States may accelerate its shift towards New Delhi.

Pakistan continues to receive aid as well as military funding and training from the United States, but the US Congress has recently held back some help due to frustrations about Pakistans unwillingness to act against elements of the Afghan Taliban.

Relations hit new lows in May when a US drone killed Mullah Akhtar Mansour, the leader of the Afghan Taliban movement, on Pakistani territory. Reuters
Washington, December 1

India-born Preet Bharara, the powerful US attorney who has facilitated many high-profile insider trading convictions, has agreed to remain in the position after meeting Donald Trump.

Appointed as the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York by outgoing US President Barack Obama in 2009, Bharara has earned the reputation of a crusader prosecutor.

The President-elect asked, presumably because hes a New Yorker and is aware of the great work that our office has done over the past seven years, asked to meet with me to discuss whether or not Id be prepared to stay on as the United States attorney to do the work as we have done it, independently, without fear or favour for the last seven years, Bharara said.

We had a good meeting, he said in a brief interaction with reporters after his meeting with Trump yesterday.

I said I would absolutely consider staying on. I agreed to stay on, said Bharara, who is in his late 40s.

I have already spoken to Senator (Jeff) Sessions, who is as you know is the nominee to be the attorney general. He also asked that I stay on, and so I expect that I will be continuing to work at the southern district, he said.

Leaving Preet in office sends a powerful message to Wall Street that this is not open season for Wall Street folks to run around and do whatever they want, an analyst said.  PTI

Crusader prosecutor has roots in Punjab

Born in a Sikh family in Ferozepur, Punjab, in 1968, Bharara grew up in New Jersey after his parents moved to the US. After being appointed as the US attorney for South District of New York, Bharara has made a mark for himself with many high-profile cases and investigations including foreign countries, insider trading and those involving US politicians. It was under his prosecution, that India-born former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta was convicted for insider trading.

Another Indian part of inauguration panel

A prominent Indian-American industrialist who played a leading role in mobilising Hindus for US President-elect Donald Trump has been appointed to the Transition Finance and Inauguration committee, a Republican Hindu organistion said. Shalabh Shalli Kumar, who is founder and president of Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC), has been appointed to the Transition Finance and Inauguration teams. Kumar along with Steven Mnuchin, Trumps pick for Treasury Secretary, also played a key role in organising the Aab Ki baar Trump Sarkar ad campaign.
Santa Clara, December 1

One of historys best known double acts was temporarily reunited on Wednesday, when Fidel Castros ashes arrived at a mausoleum housing the bones of his fellow revolutionary, Ernesto Che Guevara, part of a three-day cortege for the Cuban leader.

Castro was cremated after he died on Friday aged 90. His ashes are being driven in a military caravan that reverses the route from Santiago de Cuba to Havana taken by his band of guerrillas in a fight to topple a US-backed president in 1959.

A few thousand mourners gathered to greet the caravan at the mausoleum outside Santa Clara, the central town where Argentine doctor-turned-revolutionary Guevara derailed an armored train in a battle against the army of President Fulgencio Batista that helped tip the war to the rebels.

A large billboard bearing Fidels image stood at the base of a nearly 7 meter (23 feet) tall statue of Guevara, beret on his head and marching into battle. Words on the billboard said Until Victory, Always, a phrase Guevara wrote in a farewell to Fidel.

On stage, folk musicians and a theater troupe gave a memorial performance. This is a sacred place for us, because Che rests here. Now Fidel is going to spend the night alongside his battle companion, said Pedro Pineda, 70, a worker in a meat processing plant.

Earlier, crowds lined streets chanting Fidel! and waving small Cuban flags for a man who ruled Cuba for 49 years with a mix of charisma and iron will, creating a Communist state at the US doorstep and becoming a central figure in the Cold War.

The casket containing his ashes will pause at the monument containing Guevaras bones overnight, before continuing towards Santiago de Cuba, the southeastern city in which Castro launched his rebellion against Batista in 1953.

There, Castro will be buried on Sunday in a cemetery that is also the final resting place of 19th century national hero Jose Marti and musical phenomenon Compay Segundo.

Castro died a decade after stepping down due to poor health and ceding power to his brother Raul.  Reuters
London, December 1

Immigration into the UK from within the European Union (EU) has officially overtaken the rest of the world, with Romania replacing India at the top of the table in official figures released on Thursday.

Romanians accounted for 10 per cent of all immigration in 2015 with 54,000 people coming to live in Britain  more than any other nationality, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

China contributed 44,000 immigrants, followed by Poland with 38,000, and India was fourth with 36,000.

"Immigration levels are now among the highest estimates recorded  the inflow of EU citizens is also at historically high levels and similar to the inflow of non-EU citizens," said Nicola White, ONS head of international migration statistics.

"These long-term immigration figures run up to the end of June, so it is too early to say what effect, if any, the EU referendum has had on long-term international migration," she said.

Immigration was one of the key issues that is believed to have swung the vote in favour of an exit from the EU in the June 23rd referendum.

Annual net migration to Britain in the 12 months to June 2016, or before the Brexit referendum, continued at a record level of 3,35,000.

This remains far from the UK government's target to reduce net migration levels to the "tens of thousands".

However, Downing Street insisted Prime Minister Theresa May remains committed to that target.

"She remains absolutely committed to bringing net immigration down to sustainable levels, which means tens of thousands, but we have made clear it will take time," a spokesperson said.

UK Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill hinted at further tightening of immigration measures for non-EU nationals, which will include India, as their hands remain tied on internal European migration until the EU's freedom of movement rules can be addressed once official Brexit negotiations kick off.

"We continue to reform non-EU immigration routes to ensure we attract the best and brightest, who benefit and contribute to this country. But there is more to do as we build an immigration system that delivers the control we need," Goodwill said.

This year's migration was largely fuelled by the highest- ever influx of EU nationals in the 12 months before June's referendum.

Europeans came to Britain for work, from countries like Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Spain and Sweden.

The overall 6,50,000 level of immigration for the year until June 2016 was made up of 2,84,000 EU citizens coming to live and work in Britain, 2,89,000 coming from outside Europe and 77,000 Britons returning to live in the UK.  PTI
Damascus, December 1

Syria's Foreign Ministry lashed out at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the remarks he recently made against the Syrian government, branding the Turkish leader as "tyrant."

"Syria will not allow this tyrant to intervene in its internal affairs and will cut off the hands that try to harm it," Xinhua news agency quoted a statement by the ministry on Wednesday.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The statement came after Erdogan said on Tuesday that the aim of his intervention in Syria is to end the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.

"The remarks of Erdogan reflect the real intentions behind the Turkish aggression on Syria and that's a result of his greed and illusions that feed the the thoughts of this extremist tyrant," the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the ministry urged the international community to put an end to the "Erdogan's meddling in the affairs of the regional countries" as it poses a threat to international peace.

The Turkish army has recently intervened in northern Syria to back rebel groups under a campaign called 'Euphrates Shield', declaring to fight Islamic State (IS) group and prevent Kurdish militias from taking over key areas in the region.

Following Turkish intervention, the Syrian government made it clear that it will deal with the Turkish forces as a force of occupation.

A couple of weeks ago, three Turkish soldiers were killed near the Syrian northern city of al-Bab, which is controlled by the IS.

IANS
Che Guevara and Fidel Castro met in Mexico, where they trained and bought guns in preparation for the Cuban revolution before setting sail for the island on November 25, 1956, 60 years to the day before Castros death.

Guevara rose to become one of the most important men in the rebel force and later in the revolutionary government, heading the central bank and industry ministry, meeting world leaders and finally taking up arms again to try to spark revolution elsewhere in Latin America.

When Batista fled from Cuba and Castros rebels swept into Havana, Guevara set up his office in the La Cabana fortress overlooking the city, where he oversaw the trials of Batista henchmen and executions by firing squad in the moats.

The fame and charisma of the handsome fighter was matched only by Castros and continued to grow after he was captured and executed by CIA-backed Bolivian soldiers in 1967 aged 39.

Guevaras remains were exhumed from a mass grave and buried in Santa Clara in 1997, as the Cuban Communism he helped build struggled to survive after the collapse of the USSR. At the burial, Castro called Guevara a prophet and in a message directed at his late friend, said Cuba was still flying flags of socialism.

While both men were hated by their enemies who say they ruined the economy with socialism and ruthlessly jailed or silenced opponents with a Soviet-style dictatorship, they were anti-imperialist heroes to many, especially in Latin America and Africa.
A tax study completed and presented this week by Mayor Dewey Bartletts administration could help the statewide effort to diversify the tax base, officials said Wednesday.

State Rep. Glen Mulready, R-Tulsa, said hes hopeful that some tax-diversification effort could see success as early as next years legislative session but realistically any overhaul of the tax code could take years.

Theres no reason we couldnt put it through this next budget cycle if the will of the legislature is there, Mulready said. Theres a feeling (among legislators) that somewhere in there theres a reasonable level that diversifying is better.

Mulready attended Bartletts presentation of the tax study to the Tulsa City Council on Wednesday.

The tax study, as previously reported, examines Tulsas service industry as a potentially more-stable well to draw taxes from than Tulsas current reliance on retail sales tax.

Oklahoma law requires that municipalities operating budgets be funded largely through sales tax, which fluctuates some years by several percent.

Mulready told councilors that state legislators have talked seriously about diversifying the states tax base as recently as last year in an ongoing discussion.

We werent talking about taxing all services, and were not talking about being one of only two states that does it, Mulready said. There was quite a bit of energy behind that last year. We didnt end up going anywhere with it.

Mulready said the conversation about diversification needs to continue.

Councilors thanked Bartlett and the studys leader in the Mayors Office, Chief of Staff Jarred Brejcha, for adding details to the discussion.

Its been a frustration of mine for years that the state government has a number of different think tanks that do this kind of work and do a lot of research that provides them great research, Mayor-elect G.T. Bynum said. There really isnt anything like that for cities in Oklahoma. We have to do it ourselves.

Councilor Anna America said the approach looked at in the study would make Tulsas tax revenue source less regressive, an approach she supports.

Figuring out the best way to use the money ... and finding the fairest and most stable way to do that is I think the biggest challenge the city faces, America said. One of the biggest drawbacks particularly with the retail-sales tax we have is that its so volatile.
Mauritania National Day

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am pleased to congratulate the people of Mauritania on the 56th anniversary of your nations independence.

"The United States values its partnership with your country and appreciates your governments role in promoting regional peace and security. We look forward to our continued collaboration in expanding trade and investment, facilitating social progress, and ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law.

"Today  and every day  I wish for all Mauritanians a future of prosperity, freedom, and dignity."
Two men will stand trial in the Aug. 5 shootings of two women during an argument in north Tulsa, a Tulsa County judge decided Wednesday.

Marquis Marshall, 24, is charged with two counts of shooting with intent to kill and one count each of possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and committing a gang-related offense.

Marshalls cousin, 27-year-old Dominic Marshall, will face a judge on one count each of shooting with intent to kill, committing a gang-related offense and possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.

Dominic Marshall had originally been sought as a witness, but was charged in September for his alleged role in the incident.

Assistant District Attorney Brett Mize said Wednesday evening that the cousins are members of a subset of the Hoover Crips street gang. Neither of the women testified during the preliminary hearing on Wednesday, but they are not associated with the group, he said.

Before deciding to bind both over for trial, Special Judge James Keeley heard the 911 call from the incident, as well as from a crime scene detective and another detective who interviewed the Marshalls.

The shooting occurred at a home near Latimer Place and Elgin Avenue.

Tulsa Police Homicide Sgt. Dave Walker said at the time that both women lived in the home where the shooting took place. He said the women appeared to have been shot during a dispute with the Marshalls, whom they both knew.

One of the women was shot once in the chest and was hospitalized in critical condition, although she had eventually been stabilized, Walker said.

The other woman was shot multiple times in an arm but was expected to recover from her injuries.

Court records show the Marshalls have served time in prison for multiple felony convictions, primarily for burglary-related offenses.

They will appear in court for the shooting case Dec. 12 for trial court arraignment before District Judge William LaFortune.
About 100 people met Wednesday morning in Liberators Park at the Jewish Federation of Tulsa to make a statement in defense of religious and ethnic minorities.

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves, said Andrea Walker, Oral Roberts University professor and co-chairman of the sponsoring Compassionate Tulsa steering committee.

She said minorities today are facing a dramatic increase in incidents of racist and xenophobic harassment, vandalism and physical assaults across the country, targeting African-Americans and other people of color, Jews, Muslims, immigrants, members of the LGBTQ community and women.

She challenged Tulsans to treat others the way we want to be treated.

Walker said a compassionate city welcomes diversity, promotes tolerance and acceptance of other cultures and races, accepts all faiths, supports family unity, believes residents should not fear law enforcement and believes all children are entitled to a quality education.

She said a compassionate city does not tolerate hate speech, hate crimes, bullying or discrimination, does not condone racial profiling or misconduct by law enforcement, and does not tolerate activity that marginalizes any segment of society.

Drew Diamond, executive director of the Jewish Federation who organized the event, said it was appropriate to hold it at Liberators Park, which is dedicated to people who liberated Holocaust survivors from concentration camps.

Vicky Langston, a member of the Compassionate Tulsa steering committee, led the group through the Make Tulsa Golden pledge.

Participating were members and supporters of the Coalition for the American Dream, the Committee for Compassion, and the Make Tulsa Golden initiative.
Any Oklahoman in any cabinet position would generally be considered good news for the state.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin as secretary of the interior would be great news  at least for the states oil and gas industry.

Were excited about it, said Chad Warmington, president of the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association, when asked about Fallin being a leading candidate for Interior in President-elect Donald Trumps administration. Shes uniquely qualified from a policy standpoint.

The Department of Interior, along with the Environmental Protection Agency and, to a lesser extent, the Department of Energy, are important federal agencies for oil and gas producers.

Interior oversees the Bureau of Land Management, which is responsible for 245 million surface and 700 million subsurface acres owned by the federal government.

More specifically, it is responsible for leasing mineral rights and overseeing drilling and production on those acres. Last year, lease sales brought in $143.2 million, excluding royalties, and some have complained that the Obama administration has hindered further production on public land.

I think there has been a wide discussion throughout our nation as to do we suppress economic development and what is the right balance between drilling on public lands and how do you find the balance between creating jobs and opportunities and also being good stewards of the land, water and air, Fallin said last week when asked about oil and gas production on public lands.

Conservation, I know, is very important to (Trump), but so is job creation and economic development.

As governor, Warmington said, Fallin has been really good at balancing competing interests, including oil and gas producers, environmental concerns, royalty owners and surface rights.

Interior also oversees offshore oil and gas production and includes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is often at odds with oil and gas interests because of its responsibility for identifying and protecting endangered species.

Also in the secretary of the interiors portfolio are the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, both of which have connections to energy production.

Finally, the secretary of interior also oversees the U.S. Geological Survey, whose work has proved useful for oil and gas exploration for more than a hundred years, but was also key to linking Oklahomas recent earthquake eruption to wastewater disposal well activity.

Those earthquakes have been a headache for Fallin. Some of her most vocal critics believe she has not done enough to prevent them, and say she initially tried to suppress work by the Oklahoma Geological Survey suggesting the link to disposal wells.

They say she favored oil and gas interests, which over her 26-year political career have been her biggest financial sponsors.

Warmington said the criticism is unfair.

I think shes done a good job, despite what the critics say, Warmington said. To go from 2 years ago when we had zero knowledge of what was actually happening to the point now that even the EPA follows what we are doing.

Fallin in 2014 created the Coordinating Council on Seismic Activity to coordinate ongoing and future studies of earthquakes by various groups. That, in turn, led to the development of policies by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission that shut or reduced flow into disposal wells believed responsible for earthquakes.

Fallin infuriated critics in 2015 by signing into law Senate Bill 809, which prohibited cities and counties from banning drilling within their boundaries, but she and legislative leaders said the measure was needed to ensure consistent rules.

How close to the top of the list Fallin is for interior secretary is unclear, but she has several things going for her. Among them is a long-standing loyalty to Trump and the backing of Harold Hamm, the Continental Resources founder who has advised Trump on energy matters.

Being from Oklahoma, if history is a guide, might be to her disadvantage. Very few Oklahomans have held or even been considered for cabinet positions, the best-known being Patrick Hurley, a Tulsa oil and gas attorney who became secretary of war in the Hoover administration. Hurley later served as President Franklin Roosevelts personal representative in China during World War II.
I dont usually give much space to branded content titles, but at least The Story of the Australian Firefighters Calendar, is a charity-driven event -and yes, easy on the eye to boot.

A one-hour special will screen this Saturday on Nine, with sales of the calendar going to the Childrens Hospital Foundation and its affiliate, Camp Oz, plus Mates4Mates and the RSPCA.

The Australian Firefighters Calendar Director, David Rogers, said: We have a proud history of supporting local charities that provide important services in our communities, and I am immensely proud to give Australia a first-hand look at the lives changed by this calendar.

These firefighters work hard each and every day to support the important work these charities do. Seeing the smiling faces of children and families who have benefited from our donations really gives these guys the drive they need to keep on going.

Im excited for viewers to gain an insight into what it takes to be on the coveted front cover of our famous calendar.

A guilt-free, raunchy video is at Vimeo.

The documentary-style program will give viewers exclusive access to behind-the-scenes vision and insight into what really goes on when making this bold Aussie calendar.

Viewers will meet Australias leading firefighters and watch as they put themselves through a gruelling training regime and months of preparation to battle it out for a place at the official calendar photo shoot.

The Australian Firefighters Calendar, now in its 24th year of production, has raised millions of dollars that go to charities across Australia.

In the past two years a whopping $1million has gone towards the Childrens Hospital Foundation and its affiliate, Camp Oz. These funds help burns units across Australia purchase vital medical equipment and conduct important research and clinical trials, which help to develop more effective and less painful treatments for children with burns.

In addition to supporting the Childrens Hospital Foundation, funds raised by the sale of The Australian Firefighters Calendar are shared with other charities, including Mates4Mates and the RSPCA.

Saturday, December 3, at 3.30pm on Nine.
Seven West Media staff were yesterday told about a voluntary redundancy program, which will focus on the television business, according to a report in The Australian.

The approval of redundancies would be at Sevens discretion, so the company would not lose employees who were critical to the business.

Its not clear how many positions will be impacted by the plan.

Last month Seven West Media saids its full-year earnings would be close to 20 per cent down on 2015 / 16 results amid a soft advertising market and costs associated with the Olympic Games.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed the law On amending some legislative acts of Ukraine on the elimination of administrative barriers to exports of services, the presidents press service reported on Wednesday evening.

The law minimizes administrative barriers during signing international contracts, as well as accounting and financial reporting.

According to the presidents press service, from now on, conclusion of foreign economic treaties will be available not only in written, but also in electronic form. The law also forbids the banks to require Ukrainian translation of documents concluded in English. The invoice will be recognized primary document and can be signed via personal signature, analogue of personal signature, electronic signature, electronic digital signature, and electronic signature with single-use identifier.

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Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman on Friday, December 2, will meet with representatives of Ukrainian and foreign business during the 2nd International Trade and Industrial Conference Free Trade Areas: Opportunities and Challenge for Ukraine and partners, the governments press service reports.

Among participants of the conference will be representatives of the Chambers of Commerce of EU countries, diplomatic missions of Canada, CIS countries, GUAM, the European Commission and the European Commission's Delegation to Ukraine, heads of the erkhovna Rada committees, representatives of the central executive authorities of Ukraine, the leading business associations and the Business Ombudsman Council, leading experts in the field of financial, investment activities.

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Romania will continue to unconditionally support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

This was stated by President of the International Union of Bilateral Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Union of Bilateral Chambers of Commerce from Romania Nasty Vladoiu during a meeting with Plenipotentiary Representative of Ukraine in Romania Yevhen Levitsky, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

Romania remains open for further development of mutually beneficial cooperation with Ukraine. Ukraine can continue counting on clear and consistent support from Romania on the bilateral basis, as well as within international organizations regarding the issues of European integration, fight against Russian aggression and protection of positions on strengthening sanctions against Russia for the purpose of full implementation of Minsk agreements, Vladoiu said.

Levitsy, in turn, thanked the IUBCCI leadership and the UBCCR for unconditional support of Ukraine.

Also, the sides during the meeting discussed the state and prospects of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Romania, as well as the role of the system of Bilateral Chambers of Commerce in enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

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Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuri Lutsenko has congratulated officers of the prosecutors office on their professional holiday, noting the responsibility of the mission of renewal and enhancement of the prosecution and bringing it in line with the European standards.

The text of congratulations is published on the website of the General Prosecutors Office of Ukraine.

I am convinced that we are moving the right way. The local prosecutor's offices and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office are being staffed on the competitive basis, the military prosecutor's office effectively performs its tasks. The reform process is ongoing. However, we do not have the opportunity to wait  our society wants to see real achievements in combating corruption, ensuring the principle of inevitability of punishment," the statement reads the message reads.

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Only social, economic and humanitarian issues are solved in Minsk in order to help people on the temporarily occupied territories.

Leonid Kuchma, the second president of Ukraine (1994-2005), said this during the First Baltic-Black Sea Forum in Kyiv on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

Kuchma has stressed that it is necessary to use every opportunity to move towards peace.

At the same time, he has expressed opinion that the solution of the situation around the conflict in annexed Crimea and Donbas depends only on God and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In turn, Leonid Kravchuk, the first president of Ukraine (1991-1994), expressed hope that the initiative of the former leaders of the Baltic-Black Sea Region "will allow to bring a new view of the situation to the Russian president."

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People wont be able to live in the Chernobyl exclusion zone for next 24,000 years due to high level of plutonium contamination.

Currently, the Ukrainian government is looking for the best option for development of this territory, Chairman of the State Agency of Ukraine for Exclusion Zone Management Vitaly Petruk said, Hromadske.tv reports. According to him, after the new Chornobyl confinement is commissioned, Ukraine will move to a new stage, namely the development of the most contaminated area. "We want to make the area near the Chornobyl NPP a zone of special industrial use. Now it is contaminated with transuranic elements, plutonium elements. Their half-life period is 24,000 years, so people will not be able to live a normal life there for next 24,000 years," he said. As Petruk noted, the solar power park is most likely to be built on this territory, and more than 40 world companies have already shown interest in such a project. ol
| By Chris Zang

The roles were reversed on Nov. 17 at an Employee of the Month event, and UMB President Jay A. Perman, MD, was loving it.

Whos flashing? he asked as photos were being taken. Me, sorry, Alex Likowski, director of media relations, said apologetically before a room of Communications and Public Affairs (CPA) staff.

No, keep doing it, Perman responded with a smile, because thats what she does to me.

Patricia Fanning registers bemused surprise as colleagues Amir Chamsaz and Mike Ruddock look on.

She is Patricia Fanning, who as senior media relations specialist in CPA does a lot more than take Permans picture at events. UMBs November Employee of the Month is the hardest and longest working, most dedicated, and most caring employee any of us in CPA knows, Likowski said in his nomination.

He spoke of the yeoman effort Fanning made in placing a series of stories involving the Renaissance Academy (RA) and student Khalil Bridges. RA sits in one of the citys poorest, most violent neighborhoods. Before June, the headlines it earned were roundly tragic. Three of Renaissances students were killed during the last year  one of them stabbed in biology class. But RA also is a Promise Heights school, which means members of the School of Social Work (SSW) are in the school every day, lifting graduation rates and spirits.

Fannings years of work behind the scenes paid off last summer. The Sun ran Renaissance Academy High grieves after three killings, still sees hope for future and then a follow-up story about the aspirations of RA graduates. The Washington Post followed with Coming of age in a city coming apart, which also referenced Promise Heights and the SSW. Still not finished, Fanning helped SSW colleagues write letters to the editor that appeared in The Sun and The Post, continuing the momentum.

Then, on June 23, The Post ran Soar Khalil Soar. The story, about how Bridges graduated from RA last spring against heartbreaking odds, touched heartstrings and purse strings. Within a week, donations to a college fund set up for Khalil outstripped the $30,000 goal.

Fanning, who worked for The Sun for 23 years before coming to UMB in 2009, said she surmounted various obstacles in placing the RA stories.

I remember coaxing Khalil, who just days before had turned 18, to speak to a TV crew awaiting an interview. That required impromptu media training, with encouragement from the SSWs Community Schools coordinator, on a rowhouse stoop across the street from his school. Separately, I persuaded Khalil to retool his letter to Baltimore City Public Schools officials as a letter to the editor, which I placed in The Sun to raise his and UMBs public profile.

But doing whats in her job description isnt the only thing that makes Fanning stand out to her colleagues. Its things like at 6:30 p.m. Friday, most of her co-workers long gone, getting ready to transport food that had been refrigerated after a University event earlier in the day to an extended family living nearby. Whats more, its her having helped three children in that family enroll in A Bridge to Academic Excellence, a tutoring program based at the School of Pharmacy (SOP). And its doing outreach for her Howard County neighbors as well as the West Baltimore neighbors she works with at UMB.

As Laura Kozak, MA, associate vice president in CPA, pointed out at the Employee of the Month ceremony, Fanning works with icepacks on her jaw right after dental surgery and staves off Lyme disease to finish assignments related to SSW and the School of Nursing (her previous beats) and to current duties of UMB community engagement, SOP, and the School of Dentistry.

So sure enough, after the Renaissance Academy series of stories had abated and the TV crews had left, Fanning went a step further. I have continued to keep up with Khalil, she says. I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics and made a scrapbook for his mom. Later I found one of my sons childhood friends in Khalils chosen field who is now serving as a mentor.

As Perman said at the ceremony, where Fanning received a plaque and $250 in her next paycheck, Your colleagues nominated you because they see that when you do something, youre all in. It means a lot to them and it means a lot to me because when you do something all in, youre projecting how wonderful this institution is. Youve done that over and over again.

What does the award mean to Fanning?

Its a validation of the teamwork and relationships required to accomplish either personal or institutional goals, she says. The 2016 Promise Heights coverage actually began in 2014 with The Suns Collateral Damage series that involved my connecting former colleagues at the paper with people at SSW and with West Baltimore residents whom I had come to know through Promise Heights.

And shes not done contributing, be it at UMB or in Howard County, where she chairs outreach for her church, helps the homeless, assists Habitat for Humanity-related projects, and volunteers with the Parks Department at GreenFest.

She says its her way of saying thanks.

Years ago after a horrific car accident, my life was spared by first responders and trauma surgeons. Ive felt compelled to make good use of that gift ever since.
Verizon is selling Google Pixel XL like hotcake. Buyers however, who ordered now will have to wait for their unit to arrive on January 2017.

Verizon delays not unusual

The telephone service carrier has acquired a reputation of shipping smartphone units that have been ordered months ago. The Google Pixel XL smartphone is no exception. Verizon customers who ordered for one right now will have to wait for next year to get it.

The Google Pixel XL 32GB unit will be available on January 11, 2017 while the 128GB unit will be handed out two days later or on January 13. Interestingly, the Google Pixel XL has been out for some time but still takes Verizon almost two months to deliver the item. Some Industry observers projected sales for the Google Pixel XL may almost reached $4 billion by 2017.

Verizon subscribers who placed their Pixel XL orders much earlier however, will be able to receive their units before the end of the year. Verizon will start distributing the Pixel XL smartphone to the early birds on December 26, according to phonearena. Some Verizon customers who could not wait for the Pixel XL choose instead to buy a different brand instead such as the Moto Z Force Droid.

Introducing the Google Pixel XL

Verizon is selling the Google Pixel XL that comes with a 5.5 inch AMOLED display. It comes with either a 32GB or 128GB storage. The Pixel XL also comes in Blue, Black and Silver and it's powered by a 3,450 mAh battery.

Verizon Google Pixel XL retail price

Those who are really bent on getting a Pixel XL may have better luck looking for it in any Verizon store than on its online outlet. Verizon is currently selling the Google Pixel XL 32GB unit for $770 while the 128GB is available for $870. A monthly payment plan is also available for the two versions.
Betsy DeVos' name is starting to get attention. She is, after all, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for the next United States Education Secretary.

Betsy DeVos may be getting negative attention instead of a lot of nods. In Florida, teachers are already planning to protest against Trump's pick.

According to reports, educators and school teachers are not happy with Trump's choice to head the Education system head.It has been reported that a lot from the education sector are going to challenge his choice, cites Sunshine State News. Teachers are saying that Betsy DeVos is totally out of touch with the public school education system and is therefore not fit to run it.

Not everyone agreed that DeVos is the right person to lead a new path for the United States Education System. House Speaker Richard Corcoran's praises towards her are not enough to sway those that do not agree that DeVos fits the job. Corcoran describes her as an intelligent leader in high quality education. For some protestors, she is the opposite. Lily Eskelsen Garcia, who heads the National Education Association which is the largest teacher's union in the country said that DeVos does not know what works best for students, families and educators.

A group of DeVos protestors in St. Petersburg said that she is not the right person to preserve and protect public education. Resaons ranged from facts like she has never attended public school and neither did her children. She has not worked alongside, with or against the public school as well. These school teachers protesting against Trump's choice is apprehensive about DeVos' ideas of school vouchers.

DeVos protestors call themselves the Badass Teachers Association. It comprises 80,000 educators and teachers who are not happy with DeVos' education head appointment. Many fear that if she takes the seat as national head of Education, many will suffer because of her lack of understanding in the public education sphere.

This coming December 1, the Badass Teachers Association is going to take their cause to social media with the hashtag #NotMySOE. While others are organizing official protests.
Applying to Kindergarten when you are in New York City is a daunting and exhausting process. There is even this one school that makes it harder for parents to get their children enrolled.

Hunter College Elementary School is one of the most selective schools in Manhattan. This school has a certain level of exclusivity that encompasses that of Harvard's. They only accept 50 kindergarten students each year and evaluates 4 year olds.

Hunter College Elementary School is a publicly funded school offering Kindergarten through sixth grade for gifted students. It is being managed and administered by a college of the City University of New York, the Hunter College.

The Kindergarten admission is crucial because you cannot afford to get rejected or you cannot apply to the same school again. It is even better in Harvard because you are still given the chance to transfer.

From a pool of 2,500 applicants, Hunter only chooses 25 boys and 25 girls for admission and all of the applicants should be residents of Manhattan. To be exact, Hunter only accepts 2% of the total number of aspirants.

Potential Hunter Students are first asked to take a Stanford-Binet IQ test which they are given 3 weeks to complete. The school warns parents that they should not be preparing their children for the test or they will be disqualified. A total 250 students with the highest scores will be identified. These remaining applicants will be observed based on their individual interactions with peers and with teachers.

The reason why Hunter has an unbelievably tough process for admission is because they are renowned for their ability to provide excellent learning experience to the students who are really gifted and they provide it free of all tuition charges.


Canadian college Carleton University is the most recent victim of a ransomware attack. The hackers have demanded a payment of bitcoins in order for the school to be able to access its computer network.

Ottawa Citizen reported that, on Tuesday, the university's computing and communications services department announced that it had "detected an attempt by an external group or individual to hack into the IT network." It also warned that Windows-based computer systems accessible from the main network may have been compromised.

"Individuals may see ransomware messages appear on their screens, demanding payments via bitcoins," the warning read. "Users are asked to ignore all messages seeking a payment."

The university has advised its students and staff to stop using Microsoft Windows systems. It is also encouraged to shut down the computers in order to reduce traffic on the network.

This is not the first time that hackers have targeted large, educational institutions. Back in June, the University of Calgary paid $20,000 after its computers were attacked.

The San Francisco transit ticketing system was also shut down over the weekend. Ransomware has been used by hackers to infect computer systems of health care facilities in the U.S. and in Europe.

"Ransomware attacks are cash grabs for the attackers," Cheryl Biswas, a cyber-security and threat intelligence consultant at KPMG, said. "It's a super easy way for them to make money."

Biswas noted that phishing campaigns are commonly used to get ransomware inside computers. Once it's in, the virus spreads like "wild fire."

According to CBC News, the hackers are asking for two bitcoin per machine as payment, with a total of 39 bitcoin. It is equivalent to about $39,000 at the current rate.

"We're trying to sort out the details still," said Steven Reid, a media relations officer at Carleton University, said. "It's affecting multiple systems, but we don't know the extent."
It looks like this is going to be a good news for a lot of mothers out there. Researchers in the United Kingdom say that girls who have mothers who nag them are more likely to go to college, get high paying jobs, be more successful and avoid teen pregnancy.

A study by the University of Essex suggests that girls whose parents, more specifically mothers, have high parental expectations are more likely to become successful women. This is because the high expectations of their mothers influence their daughter's major life choices.

This study led by Ericka-Rascon Ramirez followed the lives of over 15,000 girls whose age are between 13 and 14 over a 10 year period. According to the research, nagging has an effect on your kids even if they pretend as though they are not listening.

"In many cases, we succeed in doing what we believe is more convenient for us, even when this is against our parents' will," writes Rascon-Ramirez. "But no matter how hard we tried to avoid our parents' recommendations, it is likely that they ended up influencing our choices."

In short, even if your daughter rolls hers eyes and acts irritated, they're still thankful for your advice and are mostly going to heed it.

Rascon-Ramirez also found that "What our parents expected about our school choices was, very likely, a major determinant of our decisions about conceiving a child or not during our teenage years."

The study concluded that parents with higher expectations about their children reduce the chance of their child to have teenage pregnancy by 4 percent compared to the "relaxed" parents. This study may also hold true for boys, because part of your parents' constant nagging and reminders still boils down to them expressing their expectations which in the long run is still going to work for your own good.
Using Ransomware, hackers attempted to hold a university's network hostage to the tune of $29,000 (according to current conversion rates), news reports say.

Carleton University in Canada has been infected with ransomware, a type of computer virus that locks down computers using encryption, only to be opened after payment has been made, CBC reported. The university, which was infected Tuesday, has since warned its students not to use their computers or connect to the school's network.

"Any system accessible from the main network, that is Windows based, may have been compromised," Carleton's Computing and Communications Services department wrote in an update to its website Tuesday morning. "To reduce traffic on the network, it is recommended that users refrain from using Microsoft Windows systems at the current time and shut down your computer."

The infection affected Carleton Central, the university's information hub for administrative services. David Kenyi, a volunteer Carleton's International Student Services Office, said that students have been unable to register for events at his office, and needed to do it manually using pen and paper.

According to a graduate student who informed CBC of the matter, the hackers demanded payment in the form of an online currency called Bitcoin, which is difficult to trace. The graduate student noted that according to a message seen in one of the school's computers, the hackers were asking for two bitcoin ($1,489.10) per computer, or a total of 39 bitcoin (about $29,000) for all the school's files to be released.

On the day of the infection, the university warned students that if they receive messages demanding a payment, they should ignore it and report it to the school's CCS help desk. The university said that they will work on securing the school's network.

As of reporting time, the CCS department announced that "At this time, no personal information has been accessed. Access to email has returned and is functioning. Repairs to enterprise systems are progressing. With the return of email, all future updates will be emailed to faculty and staff."
Reese Witherspoon and Drew Barrymore are known for their top notch films and family oriented Instagram posts. But they are also keen on making the future of children as bright as it can be.

Stars like Reese Witherspoon and Drew Barrymore celebrate "Giving Tuesday" in the best way possible. And that is, giving back to their favorite charities and in the same line, encouraging other people to do the same.

Good deeds from these stars all around especially since the holidays are nearing. Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon, cites In Style, is supporting Girls Inc. Girls Inc. is an after school program dedicated to provide self esteem activities, STEM projects and financial education to girls in the United States.

Witherspoon posts on Instagram that these girls are going to heal the world.

Actress Drew Barrymore is also supporting "Giving Tuesday." Right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, stars like Barrymore are looking to give away their time and energy to kids who need support.

Barrymore went to the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles and worked with kids by reading stories and spending time with them.

Funny gal Mindy Kaling also celebrated "Giving Tuesday" by lending her support to "The Hole in the Wall Gang." It is a charity that Kaling has supported and it focuses on more than 25,000 kids who are sick.

Rachel Bilson used her entrepreneurial skills and teamed up with eBay for her "Giving Tuesday" activities. The star is raising money that will support her chosen charity. People can shop on eBay for some holiday presents and the proceeds will help support a charity.

Victoria's Secret model Cara Delevingne is doing her part by donating to refugee girls in Uganda. Her support enables these Ugandan girls to go to school.

Lastly, Kerry Washington is also contributing to "Giving Tuesday" by helping end financial abuse. She supports PSIImpact, an organization that is dedicated to helping women lead healthy lives.
San Antonio, Texas USA (UroToday.com) Mark E. Robson, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), discussed somatic profiling in urologic oncology. Multigene panel testing screens for a number of genes at the same time with various panels for particular malignancies. Unfortunately, this is inefficient and costly.Tumor sequencing provides a source of germline genetic information in both a direct and indirect fashion. In addition, further determining whether tumor sequencing and comparing to germline sequencing may or may not have clinical implications. Which somatic variants do we need to evaluate as possible germ line variants? Finding genes consistent with phenotype are important when determining which alleles are clinically important. High penetrance syndromes in urology are being increasingly explored such as upper tract urothelial carcinoma and Lynch Syndrome. Direct generation of germline information during tumor profiling provides additional information for patient and provider during counseling. In a secondary analysis of 1040 cancer patients in a 76 gene panel at MSKCC, a majority of variants identified were actionable with high penetrance. Consented secondary analysis thus offers a prospect of benefit, however, challenges include consent process, resources for variant curation, post-test result transmission, and longitudinal curation among other potential limitations.Presented By: Mark E. Robson, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)Written By: Stephen B. Williams, MD and Ashish M. Kamat 17th Annual Meeting of the Society of Urologic Oncology - November 30 -December 2, 2016  San Antonio, Texas USA
San Antonio, Texas USA (UroToday.com) In patients presenting with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) 25% will have pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) even in the presence of a normal serum creatinine level. In addition, 20% of patients undergoing nephron-sparing surgery will developed significant CKD within 5 years of surgery. It is well known that decreasing GFR has been correlated with risk of death, cardiovascular events and hospitalization.In this session, Dr. Dipen Parekh (University of Miami) discussed modifiable factors that may impact the development of CKD in patients presenting with localized RCC. The pre-operative evaluation of these patients is crucial in the stratification of patients at high risk of developing significant CKD following renal surgery. Import factors in the pre-operative evaluation include proteinuria, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and reduce GFR. Identifying patients at high risk of developing significant CKD should be then be considered from nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) and early referral to nephrology as early referral to nephrology has been associated with improvement in overall survival in patients with diabetes showing evidence of CKD.In regards the surgical technique surgeons have the ability to control the percentage of volume parenchyma spared and the ischemia time during a nephron-sparing procedure. In a study by Campbell and colleagues (Mir et al, Urology 2013), assessing prediction factors of CKD in patient with solitary rental units showed that percentage of renal preservation as the most important factors in the developed of significant CKD. The study was validated in collaboration with the Mayo clinic (Thompson et al, Urology 2012) in which warm ischemia time (WIT) was added to the multivariate analysis model showing that percentage of parenchyma spared was the only predictor associated with development of CKD.The speaker further focuses on the effect of WIT on renal dysfunction by reviewing historical and contemporary studies on the matter. The first mention of the effect of ischemia on renal damage was presented by Dr. Novick in the 1980s concluding that ischemia can be sustained with eventual recovery of renal function if ischemia is limited to 30 minutes. The speaker then presents a counter argument with a contemporary prospective randomized trial assessing the effect of ischemia on functional biomarkers, structural biomarkers and electron microscopy structural changes during nephron sparing surgery (NSS). The study looked at serum samples and core biopsies of normal renal parenchyma prior, at 10 minutes intervals and following renal ischemia during NSS. The study showed no difference in serum marker (Creatinine, Cystatin-C and eGFR) between patients with WIT < 30 min compared to those with WIT up to 60 minutes. There was also no difference in structural biomarkers on immunohistochemical analysis looking at several markers of cell integrity (Actin, Integrin, pTyr). In regards to intracellular changes there was significant difference in mitochondria swelling as time of ischemia increased; however, all the changes were reversed 5 minutes after reperfusion.The speaker concludes pre-screening of patients at risk of developing significant CKD is of most importance to identify patients in which maximal parenchymal preservation should be performed. In regards to ischemia, it appears to be safer than previously though and should not be a limiting factor in regards to providing patients with the best oncological control, parenchymal preservation and renal reconstruction.Presented By: Dipen J. Parekh, MD, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineWritten By: Andres F. Correa, MD, Society of Urologic Oncology Fellow, Fox Chase Cancer Center 17th Annual Meeting of the Society of Urologic Oncology - November 30 -December 2, 2016  San Antonio, Texas USA
Oct. 26, 2022

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.  Cadets got the unique experience of interacting with and learning from the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022 at the U.S. Air Force Academy Sept. 27-29. The National Character and Leadership Symposium sponsored the visit and three days of activities.The 12
The U.S. Navy with assistance from the First Lady Michelle Obama commissioned and brought to life the newest Virginia class submarine, USS Illinois (SSN 786), during a ceremony attended by more than 2,500 at Naval Submarine Base, New London on Oct. 29, 2016.

August 1, 2016 - The future Virginia-class attack submarine USS Illinois (SSN 786) conducts sea trials. Illinois is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; delivery of special operations forces; strike warfare; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of General Dynamics Electric Boat) Illinois, named in honor of the 21st state, is the 13th Virginia-class, fast-attack submarine to join the Navy's operational fleet.



The first lady, who is the ships sponsor, expressed how proud she was of the crew and their families.



"Thank you for giving me the incredible privilege of being associated with you and with your families and with the Illinois for the rest of my life. I will continue to keep you in my prayers every single day and keep you in my thoughts, and know that you have a sponsor that cares deeply."



Obama gave the order to "man our ship and bring her to life" before the crew of about 130 men ran across the brow, onto the vessel.



"There are many out there who have been waiting a long time to address you-not as a PCU, but as a United States Ship-the USS Illinois-a warship," said key note speaker, Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. John Richardson.



Illinois is the third of eight Block III Virginia-class submarines to be built. The Block III submarines are built with new Virginia Payload Tubes designed to lower costs and increase missile-firing payload possibilities. The first 10 Block I and Block II Virginia-class submarines have 12 individual 21-inch diameter vertical launch tubes able to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMS). The Block III submarines are built with two-larger 87-inch diameter tubes able to house six TLAMS each.



USS Illinois Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jessie Porter, highlighted the Illinois' capability to dominate the undersea domain and enable military success in any engagement.



"Over the coming years, this submarine -and others like her-will continue the impressive legacy that our submarine forbearers have established in making our country more secure," said Porter.



"The Illinois has joined the fleet," said Porter. "The crew of Illinois has assumed our watch-a watch that will continue for the next 30 years-always waiting for the call, always ready."



During the ceremony, Obama had the opportunity to announce Illinois' Sailor of the Year, Petty Officer First Class Ryan Mock.



The first USS Illinois (BB 7) was a battleship commissioned in 1901 and was part of President Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet that circumnavigated the world in 1907, introducing America as a global power.



Illinois is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; delivery of special operations forces; strike warfare; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare.



The submarine is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. It will operate for over 30 years without ever refueling.



Construction on Illinois began March 2011; the submarine's keel was authenticated during a ceremony on June 2, 2014; and the submarine was christened during a ceremony Oct. 10, 2015. By U.S. Navy News Desk

Navy News Service

Copyright 2016 Comment on this article
UTA's Mary I. Gourley Foundation scholarship recipients are pictured with President Vistasp Karbhari.

The University of Texas at Arlington recognized 17 student scholarship recipients Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the annual Mary I. Gourley Scholarship Luncheon.

The Mary I Gourley Foundation, based in Fort Worth, helps single parents across North Texas afford college, something many are unable to do while serving as caregivers and breadwinners.

The foundation awards scholarships at six Dallas-Fort Worth universities, including Tarrant County College, Texas Christian University and Texas Womans University.

UTA President Vistasp Karbhari thanked the Gourley Foundation for recognizing the excellence and commitment of the UTA scholarship recipients.

Our students are some of the best and brightest you will find, and they are willing to work hard to earn that valuable college degree," Karbhari said. To the recipients, he asked: "What will you now do with the education youve been given? Will you discover a cure for cancer? Win a Pulitzer Prize for journalism? Or an Academy Award? The students were invited to speak from the heart.

Mickaela Alves, the single mother of a toddler, thanked the scholarship committee, saying that a weight was lifted when she received the financial assistance. Alves hopes to become a lawyer, working to regift the opportunities shes been given by the Gourley Foundation.

James Stratton originally enrolled at UTA in 1985, but left to pursue a career in the Air Force for more than 20 years. Stratton said the military taught him to live by example, so he re-enrolled at UTA to set a living example for his two children, including a 22-year-old daughter who also now attends UTA.

The Mary I. Gourley Foundation generously supports UTA students who work to support their families, said Karen Krause, UTA executive director of Financial Aid, Scholarships and Veterans Affairs. With the help of this scholarship, some of our most deserving Mavericks are provided with an opportunity to overcome individual obstacles.

Gourley Foundation President Robert C. Albritton, Jr., who knew Mrs. Mary Gourley, remembered the woman who has made a difference in so many lives.

She wanted to leave a legacy to help provide to future deserving students what she herself did not have in life  a chance to achieve a college education," Albritton said. "She would be so proud to see the results of her generosity today.

Since 1996, UTA students have received more than $1.2 million in scholarships from the Mary I. Gourley Foundation. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average, and receive monthly financial support and encouragement from the Foundation.

UTAs 2016-17 scholarship recipients include:

Mickaela Alves , Communication Studies

, Communication Studies Yadira Avarado , Criminal Justice

, Criminal Justice Rachel Burkhart , Accounting

, Accounting Debra Dunn, English

English Amanda Floyd , Architecture

, Architecture Heather Fowler , Social Work

, Social Work Tiana Gilbert, Social Worth

Social Worth Brent Hickenbotham, Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering Asha Jennings, Management

Management Kimetrian Jones, Social Work

Social Work Jason Ranck , Economics

, Economics James Stratton , Real Estate

, Real Estate Leah Stroud , Nursing

, Nursing Erica Tillman , Nursing

, Nursing Meghan Wheeler, Education

Education Acacia Young, Biology

About the Mary I. Gourley Foundation

Established with an anonymous gift in 1988, the Gourley Foundation was named for an uneducated single mother who was a close relative of the founding donor. The organization typically assists 80-100 nontraditional students per year.

About The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington is a Carnegie Research-1 highest research activity institution of about 55,000 students in campus-based and online degree programs and is the second-largest institution in The University of Texas System. U.S. News & World Report ranks UTA fifth in the nation for undergraduate diversity. The University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is ranked as the top four-year college in Texas for veterans on Military Times 2016 Best for Vets list. Visit http://www.uta.edu/ to learn more, and find UTA rankings and recognition at www.uta.edu/uta/about/rankings.php.
Study seeks answer to whether mechanical pump can regenerate heart muscle

From left, Dr. Joseph Hill, chief of cardiology at UT Southwestern; principal investigator Dr. Hesham Sadek; and heart failure specialist Dr. Pradeep Mammen.

DALLAS  Nov. 30, 2016  Could heart muscle thats been damaged by a heart attack be prompted to repair itself?

Researchers with UT Southwestern Medical Centers Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine are launching clinical trials to find out. The trials will look at whether a type of mechanical pump called a ventricular assist device can create an environment that results in regeneration of heart cells.

Research at UT Southwestern over the past five years was the first to show that the heart muscle in mammals can actually regrow in the early days of life. This ability stops, in part because of the work load that the heart has to do, and we believe that taking away that load by using ventricular assist devices will reactivate this regenerative ability of the heart, said Dr. Hesham Sadek, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and with the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 5.7 million people have heart failure, which is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to keep up with the demands of the body, but does not mean the heart has stopped working. There are no current treatments to regenerate heart muscle.

Dr. Mark Drazner, head of UT Southwesterns LVAD program, displays one of the VAD mechanical heart pumps, with Dr. Hesham Sadek.

We are looking at a specific and accessible strategy to reawaken the regenerative ability of the adult heart, said Dr. Sadek, who holds the J. Fred Schoellkopf, Jr. Chair in Cardiology.

A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical pump used to support heart function and blood flow in people who have weakened hearts, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health. The device takes blood from a lower chamber of the heart and helps pump it to the body and vital organs, just as a healthy heart would, according to the NHLBI. A small tube carries blood out of the heart into a pump, while another tube carries blood from the pump to the blood vessels, which deliver the blood to the body.

UT Southwestern is establishing a Ventricular Assist Device Program through which the clinical trials will be conducted. The first series of clinical trials will be conducted with patients who currently have or will be getting VADs implanted to treat heart failure. Each trial will use a different measure to assess heart regeneration. The initial trial, which is currently enrolling patients, will use a nuclear imaging modality to assess heart mass. Eventually, the researchers expect to complete six or seven trials that assess the ability of VADs to promote heart regeneration and to discover biomarkers of the process in VAD patients. For more information on the clinical trials, email mailtoingrid.kepinski@utsouthwestern.edu.

The clinical trials build on previous research in Dr. Sadeks lab that found that heart muscle in newborn mammals is capable of regeneration, much like skin and bone are capable of regeneration throughout an animals life. But cardiomyocytes, or heart muscle cells, lose that ability in the days following birth due to the high-oxygen environment of the beating heart.

Dr. Sadek has brought an exciting new perspective to the clinical problem of heart disease. He has obtained evidence indicating that placing a heart on a VAD can active a regenerative response and create new cardiac muscle cells, said Dr. Eric Olson, Director of the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine and Chairman of Molecular Biology.

The opportunity to bring cutting-edge advances in science to our patients with advanced heart failure who require LVAD support is truly exciting and we hope will lead to major advances in the care of such patients in the future, said Dr. Mark Drazner, Medical Director of the Heart Failure, LVAD, and Cardiac Transplant program.

UT Southwestern has played an integral role throughout the relatively short history of VAD therapy and in the devices rapidly evolving technology. UT Southwestern participated in the landmark clinical trial (REMATCH) that led to FDA approval of the first left ventricular assist device for destination therapy and was the only North Texas center to participate in the HeartWare Bridge-to-Transplant trial, which was completed in 2012 and led to FDA approval of the device. UT Southwestern was among the first in the nation to implant a new, smaller-sized VAD to help a muscular dystrophy patient.

In 2015, Dr. Sadek, Dr. Pradeep Mammen, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Integrative Biology, and others found that long-term use of ventricular assist devices induces regeneration of heart muscle by preventing oxidative damage to cardiomyocytes.

This work suggests that by reducing the load on the heart, a pathway for myocyte cell division that has been silenced by high demand can be turned back on. These trials are the clinical translation of that finding in the lab, said Dr. Olson, who holds the Pogue Distinguished Chair in Research on Cardiac Birth Defects, the Robert A. Welch Distinguished Chair in Science, and the Annie and Willie Nelson Professorship in Stem Cell Research.

UT Southwestern established the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine in 2014 with a $10 million endowment gift from the Hamon Charitable Foundation to further research into the relatively new field of regenerative medicine. The Centers goal is to understand the basic mechanisms for tissue and organ formation, and then to use that knowledge to regenerate, repair and replace tissues damaged by aging and injury. The Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine is providing the funding for the VAD heart regeneration studies.

UT Southwestern collaborators include Dr. Mark Drazner, Professor of Internal Medicine and Medical Director of the Heart Failure, LVAD, and Cardiac Transplantation Program, and Clinical Chief of Cardiology, who holds the James M. Wooten Chair in Cardiology; Dr. Mammen, who is with the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine; and Dr. Matthias Peltz, Associate Professor of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. Additionally, the UT Southwestern researchers will be working with Washington University and the University of Utah, two of the largest VAD programs in the country, to recruit patients for the clinical trials.

VAD/Heart Regeneration Timeline

1998-2001: UT Southwestern is one of 20 medical centers in the REMATCH trial comparing ventricular assist devices (VADs) to standard care for heart failure patients. Patients with VADs do significantly better.

A left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, is a mechanical pump that can be connected to the heart of patients whose hearts are failing.

Credit: Jose Cabrera

Feb. 2011: Work by Dr. Hesham Sadek, Dr. Eric Olson and others showing the ability of the neonatal mouse heart to regenerate is published in Science.

April 2014: Cell publishes research by the Dr. Sadek and others showing that oxygen metabolism causes damage to DNA in heart cells, which shuts down their ability to regenerate.

May 2014: UT Southwestern announces the formation of the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine thanks to a $10 million gift from the Hamon Charitable Foundation to focus on tissue and organ regeneration research.

Jan. 2015: A small study by Dr. Sadek, Dr. Pradeep Mammen and others showing that long-term VAD use leads to heart muscle regeneration is published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Sept. 2016: The first patient is enrolled in a series of clinical trials at UTSW studying the ability of VADs to lead to heart regeneration.

About UT Southwestern Medical Center

UT Southwestern, one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institutions faculty includes many distinguished members, including six who have been awarded Nobel Prizes since 1985. The faculty of almost 2,800 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians provide medical care in about 80 specialties to more than 100,000 hospitalized patients and oversee approximately 2.2 million outpatient visits a year.

###

Media Contact: Cathy Frisinger

214-648-3404

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A student-run publishing company at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will launch its newest book, a collection of poetry, with a series of free events Dec. 6-9.

Cornerstone Press will release "Meditations of a Beast" by Kristine Ong Muslim at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in the Laird Room of the Dreyfus University Center. Open to the public, the event will have live music, refreshments and speakers including College of Letters and Science Dean Chris Cirmo, English Assistant Professor and Publisher-in-chief Ross Tangedal and Cornerstone President Scott Thornsen, an English major from Wonewoc. The newest book and others published by Cornerstone Press will be available for purchase. Books are also available online at www.uwsp.edu/cornerstone.

In addition, Cornerstone Press will host a Paint and Sip event at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, in the Laird Room. On Wednesday, Dec. 7, an Open Mic Poetry Night is planned from 7-9 p.m. in The Encore Room in the Dreyfus University Center. An evening of yoga and meditation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in the center's Alumni Room.

Sales of some of Cornerstone's previously published books are being held on Mondays in the Collins Classroom Center and on Thursdays in the Dreyfus University Center. Find @uwspcornerstonepress on Facebook for more information.

The class chose "Meditations of a Beast" because "the poetry spoke to the class, and it was unlike anything the press had published before," said Melanie Heibler, a content editor, co-publicity manager and English major from Plover.

A resident of the Philippines, Muslim has written eight books of fiction and poetry. Her works have been widely published in anthologies and magazines across the world. She has twice won the James Baker Award for Genre Poetry, was a finalist in the 2016 Arsenic Lobster Poetry Prize and her story collection, "Age of Blight," was included in The Best Books of 2016 So Far by the Chicago Review of Books. This year she will also release another poetry anthology, "Black Arcadia," through Philippines Press.

Tangedal taught valuable lessons as the course instructor, said Natalie Wanasek, editor-in-chief of Cornerstone Press and an English major from West Bend. "I have learned more about the publication business in two months than I ever imagined possible."

Students became engaged in the world of publishing, said Tangedal. "They not only learn the practical elements of bookmaking, but they also learn how to work together, to communicate professionally and with candor. I am proud to be a part of such a legacy."

"Cornerstone performs a wonderful service for aspiring writers," said Jim Pollock of the Council for Wisconsin Writers. "Muslim is a wonderful poet and a tribute to Cornerstone Press."

Established in 1984, Cornerstone Press has published 36 titles in every major genre. It is staffed by students in the Editing and Publishing course that operates with the support of the English Department.


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This is the second consecutive year that Microsoft receives this prestigious award which recognises Microsofts commitment to transparency, good governance, sustainable business practices and serving community that provides a model inspiring others to follow in Vietnam, especially in empowering Vietnamese people and organisations to create more and achieve more.

Entering the market in 1996, after nearly 20 years in operation, Microsoft Vietnam not only affirms its position in promoting and developing the ICT sector but also contributes to Vietnam's economic and social developments through a variety of programmes.

The programmes cover infrastructure construction, education projects, entrepreneurship supports, skill trainings and enhancing the quality of human resources.

To date, Microsoft Vietnam has invested $80 million in the country, donated software, provided free services, and granted more than $13 million for roughly 200 non-profit organisations across the country.

Microsoft also actively contributes to enhance ICT applications for non-profit organisations aiming at increasing work efficiency and providing better support to the community.

One of the special investment programmes of Microsoft in Vietnam is Youthspark initiative.

This is Microsoft's efforts over three years (2015-2018) to support Vietnamese youth access CS and ICT, through free classes, internship programmes and connection forums.

Up to present, Microsofts Youthspark has created opportunities for more than 100 thousand Vietnamese youth to learn ICT and CS knowledge, develop appropriate soft skills for learning and working in modern society.

The initiative helps improve the capacity of young people and increase their chance to success in looking for job and entrepreneurship.

It is expected that in the next two years, through cooperation with relevant ministries, sectors, and partners such as Vietnet-ICT, VCCI, Kenan, CED, REACH and NGOs, Youthspark programme will hopefully be expanded and increase the accessibility of young people across the country.

Microsofts long-term commitment to Vietnam is empowering Vietnamese people and organisations to achieve more, especially disadvantaged areas in remote ones.

CSR Recognition Award in the second consecutive year has confirmed Microsofts efforts in community activities in Vietnam.

This is certainly a motivation for Microsoft to continue its mission  to strongly contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam, said Vu Minh Tri, general director of Microsoft Vietnam.

Besides, Microsoft has also supported start-ups and small and medium enterprises.

Microsoft Bizspark successfully supported 194 start-ups. Together with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Microsoft assisted more than 2,000 small and medium enterprises.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Training, Microsofts education programme has reached approximately 63,000 teachers nationwide.

Microsoft employees are also encouraged to spend time for community activities.

In 2016, Microsoft employees have volunteered, spent time and material support for over 1,600 orphans and disadvantaged children in Vietnam.


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The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a bail application for four staff members of local rights group Adhoc and an election official, saying bail could not be granted until the investigation of the lower courts was finished.

The five Adhoc staffers  Lim Mony, Ny Sokha, Nay Vanda and Yi Soksan  along with National Election Committee official Ny Chakrya, have been held in pre-trial detention since May, when they were arrested on bribery charges, which are widely believed to be politically motivated as they related to a sex scandal case against opposition deputy leader Kem Sokha.



Presiding Judge Kim Sathavy said the decision was made to prevent the accused from interfering with the investigation. Vanda said after the ruling that the biggest decision is upon the prime minister: whether to release us or not, reinforcing the belief that they are being held for political gain.

Yem Chantha, Chakryas wife, said her children would likely need to be pulled from school if their father was sentenced.



I dont know what to do. I dont know what to tell them. The only thing I can do is burn incense and pray, he said.



The men could face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.



Sam Sokong, lawyer for the defense, said that his team had raised the national and international law to no avail.



The court did not pay attention to those things, he said.
The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party will be at a disadvantage at the local elections next year after an estimated 1.7 million people did not register to vote by the time the registration period closed on Wednesday, an analyst has said.



Speaking on VOA Khmers Hello VOA program on Monday, governance specialist Ok Serei Sopheak said the result would have a strong impact on the opposition party.



This is because migrant workers are critics of the government and the ruling party, he claimed.



About one in five eligible voters failed to register. Most of those who did not manage to register are thought to be migrant workers based in Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea.



More than 9.6 million people were eligible to vote in the commune elections scheduled for June 4.



Analysts and election monitors have said that financial hindrances prevented many migrant workers from registering.



As well as the financial burden of traveling to a registration station, many migrant workers complained of being denied paperwork by local authorities.



Serei Sopheak said that the CNRP and ruling Cambodian Peoples Party must end the current tense political climate ahead of the election.



They can be tough on each other via the microphone, but other than that they should talk to each other, negotiate with one another, look each other in the eyes, and shake hands so that the people will feel warm and that the election will be beneficial to them, he said.



CNRP president Sam Rainsy and his deputy, Kem Sokha, are both facing legal action in Cambodian courts.



Despite fears that the CNRP may have hemorrhaged support since the enthusiasm of the 2013 election and its aftermath, which saw huge pro-opposition protests in the capital, Serei Sopheak believes most opposition voters in 2013 would continue to vote along party lines.



I can hardly see that they would vote other party, he said.
The Syrian army's push into rebel-held areas of Aleppo continues, and entire districts of Syria's largest city have been returning to government control for the first time in years.



As Assad's forces backed by their Russian allies pound eastern Aleppo, the human suffering mounts and so do questions about whether this signals the end is near for the six-year-old Syrian insurgence.



Some observers think it does.



"The loss of eastern Aleppo in its entirety would signal the beginning of the end of the rebellion, definitely," said Samir Puri, a lecturer on International Relations at Kings College, London.



Aleppo is the last major foothold, and rebel leaders insist that by retaining control of Idlib province and other parts of Syria the war is not ending anytime soon.





"I think it's still far from that because what's happening in Syria is just another battle in the bigger fight there," said Haid Haid, a Syria researcher and associate fellow at Chatham House.



Loss of credibility



But the loss of Aleppo by the mostly Muslim Sunni rebel groups carries big symbolism, which in war, is important.



"With the fall of Aleppo, the rebellion won't end overnight, but it will be dealt such a significant symbolic blow. This is of course Syria's biggest city. The rebels have held it since 2012 and it's very difficult to imagine how the rebellion would be able to, in the context of peace talks, present themselves as a credible political force without some hold in Aleppo," said Puri, who recently authored the book Fighting and Negotiating with Armed Groups:the Difficulty of Securing Strategic Outcomes.



He said negotiations between Assad and the rebels have never gotten off the ground and getting the actors to the table would now be even harder.



"It will be pointless because the regime, when [Assad] was in a bad position a few years ago, he was not keen to really engage in a meaningful discussion on finding a solution to conflict in Syria. So, imagine right now when the regime has the upper hand and he thinks he is winning the war there," said Haid.



Turning point



Haid, originally from Aleppo, left Syria in 2012 - the year after the rebellion started - thinking that with Washington's support, the rebels would soon overwhelm Assad's forces.



Like other Syrians, Haid said he placed great hope at the time the United States would intervene when President Barack Obama issued a warning to Assad.



"We have been very clear to the Assad regime that a red line for us is we start seeing a whole bunch of chemical weapons moving around or being utilized. That would change my calculus," the U.S. leader said at the White House in August, 2012.





One year later, Assad's army killed more than 1,000 people with sarin gas. Contrary to expectations, the United States did not respond with force, and it was then Haid said the hopes of many were dashed. "That was the turning point in the conflict, because not following through with the threat was a green light for Assad to keep doing what he was doing and the only solution according to him was going to be a military solution."



In his London apartment, Haid awakes each day wondering whether his family members in Aleppo have escaped another night unharmed.



"What has been missing so far is the lack of will of the international community to stand up and do its part," he said.





Change in U.S. policy?



Where the conflict heads now depends on whether regional powers siding with the rebels step up their support, and whether the various rebel factions manage to stop their infighting.



Thus far, there is no sign of the Russians letting up their efforts to keep Assad in power.



More notably, there are big questions on what Donald Trump will do about Syria when he is sworn in as U.S. president next month.



Already, the president-elect has given indications Syria will be high on his foreign policy agenda.Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has been quoted by Russian media as saying Moscow diplomats were in contact with Trump on Syria during the campaign.



Before the election, Trump repeatedly said he would cooperate with Russia to fight the Islamic State group.



With Russia showing no signs of letting up the fight on behalf of Assad and the incoming U.S. leadership signaling a larger willingness to work with the Russians to end the Syrian conflict, the rebels appear to have fewer guarantees.
Buzz Aldrin, one of the first men to walk on the moon, had to be evacuated from the South Pole Thursday after apparently falling ill.

The National Science Foundation agreed to evacuate Aldrin, 86, from its Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica to a medical facility in New Zealand, the U.S. government agency said in a statement.



The NSF sent a cargo plane to retrieve Aldrin, who had been visiting Antarctica as a tourist, after receiving a request from White Desert, the tour company that brought Aldrin to the South Pole.

In a statement on its website, White Desert said Aldrins condition deteriorated while he was in Antarctica and the company asked to have him evacuated as a precaution after a discussion with doctors.

His condition was described as stable upon White Desert doctor's handover to the [U.S. Antarctic Program] medical team, the statement said.

Aldrin gained fame in 1969 when he became the second man to walk on the moon as part of the Apollo 11 crew.
Editors note: President-elect Donald Trump and the Carrier Manufacturing Corporation claim that more than 1,000 jobs will remain in Indiana thanks to a deal struck between the incoming administration and Carrier.But several news organizations, as well as the head of the union representing many Carrier workers, say the actual number of jobs saved is around 800.VOA attempted to verify how many jobs were preserved, however the public relations department at United Technologies Corp., Carriers parent company, is not accepting questions from the media.

Air conditioner maker Carrier said it received financial incentives from the Midwestern state of Indiana and a promise from President-elect Donald Trump to improve the U.S. business climate in return for the firm's pledge to keep about 1,000 jobs in the U.S.

The heating and air conditioning company, a unit of the industrial and military conglomerate United Technologies Corp., said earlier this year it was planning to move about 1,400 jobs to Mexico. But now Carrier apparently has agreed to save the jobs of about 1,000 Indiana workers, following talks with Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who is still Indiana's governor.

No specific details have yet been released, but Trump and Pence are scheduled to announce the deal Thursday at Carriers plant in Indianapolis.

A few hours after their visit to Indiana, the victorious Republican team will appear at a campaign-style rally in Cincinnati, Ohio. Trump's campaign organization calls the event the kickoff of his "USA Thank You Tour."

On Twitter, Trump cheered that a Great deal for workers! had been reached; the company said it is pleased to have reached a deal.

However, neither Trump nor Carrier disclosed the fine points of the agreement, such as what workers might have to give up to keep their jobs, what threats or incentives were used to get the manufacturer to reverse course, or whether Carrier's parent company will move other jobs from a separate Indianapolis plant to Mexico.

Trump may have had some leverage over United Technologies, which also owns a company that supplies fighter jet engines and relies in part on U.S. military contracts.

The deal is a win for Trump, who made frequent promises during his campaign for president that he would prevent companies from moving jobs outside the country, and bring back jobs that already have been lost, by imposing stiff tariffs on the companies' products for sale in the U.S.

United Technologies, citing a need for more cost effective operations, said in February it would relocate operations from the two Indianapolis plants to Monterrey, Mexico, sometime around 2019.

Someone captured video of a Carrier official informing employees of the moving plan, and the footage went viral after being posted to YouTube.

Trump seized on Carrier as part of his campaign speech during his run for president.

When Carrier, that left here, goes to Mexico, Trump told a crowd of supporters at a rally in Indianapolis, and they want to sell their product, across the border, and no tax, no nothing, were going to say, sorry folks!

Local union leaders expressed appreciation for Trump highlighting their cause.

"We really appreciate him doing that. Its really getting the message out," Chuck Jones, President of United Steelworkers Local 1999 in Indianapolis, the union representing Carrier workers, told VOA in April.
The first German edition of satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo hit the news stands on Thursday, with a front page lampooning Chancellor Angela Merkel, almost two years after Islamist militants attacked its top editorial staff in Paris.



The magazine also picked on another symbol of post-war German might  Europe's biggest carmaker Volkswagen, still struggling to recover from its diesel emissions scandal.

"VW backs Merkel," reads the headline, with a picture showing a VW mechanic fixing 62-year-old Merkel on a hydraulic lift, saying: "A new exhaust pipe and you'll run for another four years."

Merkel announced last month she would stand for a fourth term in elections next year.

Launch posters showed Merkel sitting on the toilet reading the magazine, with the slogan: "Charlie Hebdo. It's liberating."

The magazine, known in France for ridiculing political and religious leaders, became a symbol for the freedom of expression after two militants broke into an editorial meeting at its Paris office in Jan. 2015 and killed 12 people.

The Islamists accused the magazine of blasphemy for printing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad.

Some German customers said they were buying the magazine as a gesture of solidarity.

"For me, this is more a feeling that I support this and I want it to continue now that it has just started," said Tim Wuennemann.

An initial run of 200,000 will be printed in Germany  twice the circulation of the country's current best-known satirical magazine, Titanic. Some of its contents will be original, some translated from the French.

The boundaries of satire were tested this year when Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan took legal action against German comedian Jan Boehmermann for broadcasting a satirical poem suggesting the president engaged in bestiality and watched child pornography.
You, too, may soon be able to feel what it was like to hit an iceberg on the Titanic.

Construction of a life-size replica of the doomed passenger ship began in China's southwestern Sichuan province on Wednesday with a keel-laying ceremony and fireworks to mark the occasion.

It is part of Seven Star Energy Investment Group's plans for a tourist resort along the Qijiang River in Sichuan's Daying County.

And it will eventually come with a simulation of the iceberg collision that sank the original ship in the Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912.

Backers say the project will also play on the 1997 blockbuster "Titanic" movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Steven Star Chief Executive Su Shaojun said it should not be strange that it is in China.

"It's not like a certain country owns this thing," Su said. "Just like the U.S. can make [animation film] 'Kung Fu Panda,' and that's very common. Same with 'Mulan.' For China, the Titanic represents something of universal value."

Su said the project, which is above its original slated cost of 1 billion yuan ($145.31 million), would probably be finished by the end of 2017.

Hollywood production designer and producer Curtis Schnell, who is working on the project as its Titanic design expert, said despite criticism online that a tragedy in which some 1,500 people died was being resurrected for tourism purposes, Seven Star has recognized the venture in a "very respectful way."

"We're trying to get as close as we can," he said. "We are not building every room in the ship, by any means, but the shell of the ship and the exteriors will be quite accurate. There will be interior rooms to be able to tour and see from the standpoint of historical accuracy."

The new resort will also feature a man-made beach, a "6-D" movie theater, and replicas of a Venetian church and European castles.
Eleven people have been injured in Nicaragua after clashes broke out between police and protesters who oppose the construction of a massive interoceanic canal project in the Central American country, federal police and demonstration leaders said Wednesday.

A gigantic canal project extending 174 miles (280 kilometers) from the Caribbean to the Pacific has been met with disapproval by local residents and environmentalists who warn the project will cause damage to Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America.

Demonstrators had planned to converge Wednesday on Managua, the capital, but canceled the gathering after clashes broke out with riot police the day before in Nueva Guinea, a municipality about 186 miles (300 kilometers) from the capital.

"We decided not to go on with it because we want to show that we love peace, that we are not violent," said Francisca Ramirez, a leader of the movement that opposes the expropriation of land for the canal, saying five protesters had been hurt.

Francisco Diaz, deputy director of the federal police, said riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets against a group of "vandals" who attacked them with sticks and machetes Tuesday, leaving six policemen injured.

The "anti-canal" movement said it would continue its fight against the mega-project, which is being studied for its feasibility.
Colombias Congress Wednesday approved a peace deal between the government and the rebel group known as FARC to end more than 50 years of war.

The lower house voted 130-0 in favor of the agreement, a day after members of the Senate backed it by a margin of 75-0.

Members of former President Alvaro Uribes party walked out in protest in both chambers. He has criticized the peace deal as being too lenient on FARC members, particularly the groups leadership, as well as the sole authority given to lawmakers to approve this version instead of putting approval to a national referendum.

A previous version failed a referendum in October, prompting more than 50 changes to the document.

Congressional approval sets off a six-month process during which the more than 7,000 FARC rebels will hand over their weapons.

But the rebels insist that their troops wont start demobilizing until lawmakers pass an amnesty law freeing some 2,000 rebels in jail.

Tomorrow a new era begins, said President Juan Manuel Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in October for his efforts to negotiate the truce.

Humberto de la Calle, the lead government negotiator, had urged lawmakers to approve the agreement, saying the current peace in Colombia is fragile and that this is a crucial moment for the country.

Peace negotiations have stretched on for four years in the effort to end the conflict that has killed more than 220,000 people and displaced millions.


Iran is threatening to retaliate after the U.S. Senate gave Congress final approval to an extension of the American sanctions against Iran that lawmakers of both parties said is crucial to enforcing the international nuclear accord with Tehran.

Iran has proved that it sticks to its international agreements, but it also has appropriate responses for all situations, said Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi. The extension of sanctions by the U.S. Congress is a violation of the deal.

Ghasemi was not specific about what action would be taken.

Last month, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said he considered the sanctions bill a breach of the nuclear deal and threatened retaliation.

Theyre bluffing, said Middle East expert Matthew McInnis at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute. The Iranians are quite committed to the deal. They understood that these types of legislation such as the Iran Sanctions Act, which have been in effect for a long time, these types of things would likely be renewed.

"Preserving these sanctions is critical given Iran's disturbing pattern of aggression and its persistent efforts to expand its sphere of influence across the Middle East," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican.

"These authorities should remain in place as we address how best to deal with the Iranian missile tests, support to Hezbollah and support of the Syrian regime," McConnell added.



WATCH: Related video clip

Partly lifted

Enacted two decades ago, the sanctions were meant to address long-standing U.S. concerns such as Iran's support for international terrorism. Partially lifted under the nuclear accord implemented last year, lawmakers said sanctions should be kept at the ready.

"The JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] specifically provides for the snap-back of sanctions in the event Iran violates the provisions of the agreement," said Maryland Democrat Ben Cardin. "In order to have snap-backs, you have to have the sanctions regime in place."

Iranian officials blasted the bill, arguing it violates the nuclear pact and will have consequences.

"They're bluffing," said Middle East expert Matthew McInnis at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute. "The Iranians are quite committed to the deal. They understood that these types of legislation such as the Iran Sanctions Act, which have been in effect for a long time, these types of things would likely be renewed."

Trump ripped deal

President-elect Donald Trump repeatedly slammed the nuclear accord during the campaign.

"The stupidest deal of all time," Trump said in the final presidential debate in October. "A deal that's going to give Iran absolutely nuclear weapons. Iran should write us yet another letter saying thank you very much."

"I recommended against ripping up the deal [when Trump enters office]," McInnis said. "President Trump, if he really wants a deal that hits all the big points on [nuclear] inspections and perhaps a better sunset clause [endpoint], he's going to have to look at very severe pressure on Iran and, frankly, with our allies to make that happen."

For now, lawmakers are keeping existing sanctions in place while not ruling out further measures to boost pressure on Iran in the future.

"As flawed as the JCPOA was in my view, the Iranians will know the consequences of any breach," said Democratic Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey. "We will deal with missile proliferation, terrorism, regional destabilization that are just as dangerous and just as threatening to American security."

"President-elect Trump and his administration [will] have the tools necessary to push back against the regime's hostile actions," Republican Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee said in a statement. "I am pleased by the overwhelming support this bill received in both the House and Senate and look forward to continuing our work to hold Tehran accountable."

No veto threat

The White House said President Barack Obama has ample authority to impose punitive measures against Iran, with or without specific legislation, but issued no veto threat of the Iran Sanctions Act.

"The administration retains and has used substantial authority to impose sanctions against Iran," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. "And we're not shy about using it."

"We'll take a look at the bill that's been passed," Earnest said.

VOA's Elizabeth Cherneff contributed to this report.
Hundreds of women poured into the inner sanctum of the iconic Haji Ali Dargah mosque in Mumbai on Tuesday after a Supreme Court order granted them equal access, sparking hope for other cases of discrimination against women.

The lengthy legal battle for women to enter the heart of Haji Ali Dargah is one of many cases for equal access in places of worship in India.

Members of the Haji Ali Dargah Trust, which had argued it would be a "grievous sin" to allow women near the tomb of the 15th century Sufi saint housed within the mosque, welcomed women from across India on Tuesday with tea.

"It was a hugely emotional experience. It has been a tough battle, with many hardships, but we are glad we prevailed," said Zakia Soman, co-founder of Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA), or Indian Muslim Women's Movement, a rights group that had filed a petition in the Mumbai High Court for equal access.

"This is a beginning. It gives me greater confidence about other matters of gender justice we are fighting for, such as triple talaq," whereby a Muslim man can divorce his wife by saying "talaq"  or "I divorce you"  three times.

The Haji Ali Dargah mosque, built on an islet about 500 meters from the coast, can only be reached at low tide and draws thousands of worshippers each day. On Tuesday, women entered the shrine with their heads covered, amid song and prayer, Soman said.

Women had been allowed in Haji Ali Dargah's inner sanctum until 2011, when their entry was suddenly banned. BMMA filed a petition in 2014 against the ban, and the Mumbai court in August ordered the mosque's trust to lift it.

The trust challenged the order in the Supreme Court, which last month upheld the lower court's order.

Also in western Maharashtra state, where Haji Ali Dargah is located, women activists had earlier gained entry to the Shani Shingnapur temple, one of a handful of Hindu temples in the country that denies women access.

The protests have played out on social media, with #RighttoPray and #LetWomenPray trending on Twitter. Activists say the restrictions are based on patriarchy, not religion.

"This is a welcome move in the fight for equal rights which are guaranteed by the constitution," said Kiran Moghe, national joint secretary of the All India Democratic Women's Association, which has backed BMMA. "It is a boost to women in the community addressing other matters of gender justice."

Muslim women's rights activists are also fighting to ban "triple talaq" and polygamy from family civil law, saying Islamic clerics' justifications for these practices are "medieval" and "reek of sexism."
It will be harder to keep the West united toward Russia with Donald Trump as United States president than it has been with Barack Obama, European Council President Donald Tusk said in comments published on Thursday.

Trump's election promise to improve Washington's chilly relations with Russia's President Vladimir Putin have caused jitters within the EU, particularly in eastern member states like Poland and the Baltics.

Putin seemed to respond to Trump in his annual state of the nation address on Thursday, saying Moscow wanted to get along with the incoming U.S. administration and was looking to make friends not enemies.

"Keeping European unity towards Russia in the conflict with Ukraine, and more broadly also in global issues, was possible also thanks to the large support from President Obama," Tusk told Polish TVN24 broadcaster.

"Today, I think that after the election and the victory of Donald Trump, it will be harder to build such unequivocal and uniform policy of the whole western world towards Russia. But one cannot give in," he said.

Tusk, a former Polish prime minister, also said that many public statements from Trump have reflected a different attitude towards Europe, NATO and Russia from his predecessors.

The EU Council president said in his first conversation with Trump, he tried to get the president-elect interested most of all in the situation of Ukraine, but Trump was more focused on Britain's planned exit from the EU.

"I would say the conversation was rather general in nature," Tusk said. "It was longer than I expected but Trump's attention focused rather on Brexit that on eastern issues."

In his election campaign, Trump also asked whether the United States should protect allies seen as spending too little on their defense. That raised fears that he could withdraw funding for NATO at a time of heightened tensions with Russia.

Asked whether he would support inviting Russia back to talks with the Group of Seven (G7) club of major industrialized nations, Tusk responded in the negative.

"There are reasons for which the western world ... has decided in favor of such a tough stance versus Russia and none of these reasons have disappeared," he said.

The United States and the European Union imposed economic sanctions on Russia following its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula. Russia's support for separatists in Ukraine led the G7 to suspend their invitation to Moscow to join their talks.
Hundreds of Cuban exiles in Miami rallied Wednesday for freedom and democracy on the communist island following the death of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

People gathered along the city's famed Calle Ocho street in Little Havana, parts of which were blocked off by police. People waved Cuban and American flags, carried signs denouncing Castro and listened to speeches and Cuban music. A podium on a stage included the words All for a Free Cuba.

A moment of silence was held for those who died trying to escape Cuba by crossing the treacherous Florida Straits and for those who were killed fighting Castro. Prayers were held for political prisoners.

Let's be clear. We are congregated here to remember what we have been through. Cuba demands complete freedom now! said Humberto Arguelles, head of an association of veterans of the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba.

The crowd responded in unison with the chant, Now!

Bay of Pigs veterans attend

The event was held at a memorial for the CIA-backed assault that attempted to topple Castro. Many veterans of that battle remain in Miami and were rally organizers.

Speaker Sylvia Iriondo, president of the Mothers and Women Against Repression, called for an end to what she called unilateral concessions made by the administration of President Obama in a recent thaw in relations with Cuba. Iriondo also said she hopes for support for their cause from President-elect Donald Trump and for greater support for resistance on the island.

People from very young children to the elderly in wheelchairs attended. The Miami area is home to the largest number of the estimated 2 million Cuban-Americans in the U.S., most of them exiles who long opposed Castro and the communist government.

Rally a beautiful, beautiful thing

Before dark, a plane circled over the area towing a banner that said, Vive Cuba Libre, which means Long Live Free Cuba.

Antonia Quintero, 90, sat on a small beach chair along the outside wall of a business near the speakers' stage. She came to the rally with her niece and was holding a Viva Cuba placard.

The rally is a beautiful, beautiful thing. You can't ask for more, she said. I'm very happy that [Castro is] dead, but I'm also happy that I'm here in this country because of him. This type of thing can't happen in Cuba. In Cuba, you can't do anything.

U.S. provides a better life

Inaldo Rodriguez, 25, said he came to the U.S. from Cuba with his parents by plane after obtaining a visa.

I think it's important for the younger generation to continue what these people here started, he said of the exiles.



He said his parents brought him to the U.S. to give me a better life and so nobody imposes their ideology on me.

Celebration after death

Shortly after Castro's death at age 90 became public early Saturday, thousands of Cuban-Americans took to the streets for spontaneous celebrations that lasted most of the weekend.

Despite all the demands for democracy and change, many Cuban exiles also say their homeland is unlikely to undergo a major transformation as long as Castro's brother, 85-year-old Raul Castro, and his allies remain in charge.

At the Miami rally, two men carried a banner that read: Freedom for Cuba is Near if Raul Joins Fidel in Hell.
Hussain Saeed Alnahdi was one of the almost 400 international students attending the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Alnahdi, 24, was from Saudi Arabia. He began his studies at the school in the Midwestern part of the United States last year. But early on the morning of October 30, Alnahdis experience as an international student came to a violent end. An unnamed attacker beat him until he died outside a restaurant in the city of Menomonie.

A few weeks later, police announced they had arrested a suspect. They said they do not believe the attack was a hate crime. But events like the one in Wisconsin have raised concerns for many international students living and studying in the U.S.

Trump concerns

Study in the U.S.A. is a company that supports international students who want to study at American colleges and universities. A few days before the U.S. presidential election, the company released the results of an opinion study of 1,000 international students from 130 countries. Over 65 percent of the students said they would be less likely to study in the U.S. if Donald Trump were elected president.

FPP EDU Media, which also works with international students, released its own survey of 40,000 students in June. Those results suggested 60 percent of their students felt the same way.

During his campaign, President-elect Trump made statements about Mexican people that many critics called racist. At one point, he called for a ban on all Muslims entering the U.S.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights group based in Montgomery, Alabama, has received 437 reports of incidents of intimidation and harassment in the six days following the election.

Renait Stephens, chief executive officer of Study in the U.S.A., says international students and their parents are worried. However, she is also hopeful, arguing that what a politician says during a campaign, and what they do once they are in power, are two different things.

Stephens says international students will have to wait and see what happens.

"Its early days and, until we know something more about any policy changes...were just trying to reassure students that nothing has changed," she said. "U.S. campuses are still safe. Theyre still open. Theyre still diverse, and you still get a fantastic education."

No real threat?

Other experts say there has never been any real threat to international education. The Institute of International Education (IIE) is a nonprofit organization that studies and supports international student exchanges.

Together with the U.S. Department of State, the IIE releases a report every year on the number of international students in the U.S. The 2016 Open Doors report says about 1,044,000 international students attended American colleges and universities last year. That is a record number.

Peggy Blumenthal, an official with the IIE, says the organization has been recording international student numbers for over 90 years.

She says international students are mostly concerned with the quality of the education they can get in the U.S. The rest of the world still values the strength of the American higher education system above almost any other country, she adds.

Blumenthal points to historical examples. When the U.S. accidentally bombed the Chinese embassy in the capital of Serbia in 1999, major protests took place at the U.S. embassy in Beijing. But, she says, shortly after the protests, Chinese students were complaining the American embassy was not processing their visas fast enough.

Blumenthal says this shows world events do not easily affect international student exchanges.

"International students really value their opportunity to study in the United States. And throughout the whole history of our collecting data, there has almost never been a drop in the number of international students coming to the United States," she said. "There have been many important changes in American policy, in international circumstances, in the economy. But the numbers of international students pretty much continues to rise regardless of whats going on elsewhere around them."

Blumenthal acknowledges there could be a small decrease in the number of Muslim students coming to U.S. schools. That also happened after the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11, 2001. But she says a decrease in students from one country is often balanced by an increase in students from other countries.

Economic boost

Foreign students bring a lot to the economies of many towns and cities across the U.S. The U.S. Department of Commerce says international students added about $30 billion to the U.S. economy in 2015. Blumenthal argues that no politician is willing to risk losing that.

However, Philip Altbach remains worried. Altbach, director of the Center for International Higher Education, which works through Boston College to research and support international study, says there are examples of decreases in international study in other countries.

He notes the major decrease of Indian students studying in Australia after several Indians were attacked there in 2009 and 2010. He also says the language Trump and his supporters used during the campaign has lowered the worlds opinion of the U.S.

"I think that the toxic discourse of the campaign, and of what Mr. Trump has said for a long time, actually is extraordinarily damaging for the image of the United States in general, and in the thinking of students and faculty members overseas, who may be considering studying in the United States or coming here as professors," Altback said. "Because the choice of where to study in the world depends very significantly on the comfort that students and their families will feel about the country to which they are planning to go."

Significant loss

Altbach says international students and professors bring different perspectives to the universities where they study or teach. Losing them would cost the American students a lot -- educationally and financially.

He says international graduate students and professors are involved in much of the research done at most U.S. universities. Also, decreases in international student numbers may not affect large, well-known universities, he says. But many others need international students to pay the full price to attend. Having international students pay more makes it possible for schools to let American students attend at reduced cost, he says.

Altbach admits there is no way to know what will happen until the new administration takes office. But until then, universities must make clear public statements saying they will support and protect international students. If not, Altbach says, America may no longer be the first choice for people seeking the best education in the world.
Gambians are voting Thursday in a presidential election where incumbent Yahya Jammeh, in power since 1994 and criticized for widespread human rights abuses, is running for a fifth consecutive term.

About 880,000 Gambians will be eligible to vote when more than 1,400 polling stations open. The winner will serve a five-year term in Gambia, a tiny former British colony in West Africa that occupies a narrow sliver of land surrounded by French-speaking Senegal.

Two candidates, Adama Barrow, the candidate for a coalition of seven opposition political parties, and Mamma Kandeh, of the Gambia Democratic Congress party (GDC), are challenging Jammeh.

No communication

Gambians outside of the country, in the diaspora, say the government has imposed a communication blackout, including all social media platforms, and they say they are unable to contact their respective candidates and polling agents.

People are trying, even from Senegal, to try and communicate with their loved ones inside the Gambia to see what is happening, which has proved futile, said Saihou Mballow, one of the diaspora coordinators for the GDC.

Charges of rigged election

Some diaspora Gambians are also accusing Jammeh of stealing the election before it is held.

The election has already been rigged by the incumbent President Jammeh. I can clearly and confidently tell you that communication international lines have been interrupted; internet has been interrupted. It is very difficult for the opposition here to communicate with their polling agents countrywide to know what is happening, Mballow said, calling the vote a sham.

The European Union was denied of coming into the country to observe the election. Likewise, the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) are not coming to observe the election. Its only local observers who are totally under intimidation and supervision of the government. So therefore the election is not free and it is not fair, Mballow said.

Jammeh has denied accusations of rigging the election. He has said his victory is all but assured with divine intervention and has warned the opposition against protesting.

Our election system is fraud-proof, rig-proof, you cannot rig our elections, he said.

No post-election protests

Jammeh has warned that even peaceful protests will not be permitted after Thursdays election, a move that comes as people are for the first time speaking out more freely against Jammehs rule.

There is no reason that anybody should demonstrate, Jammeh said, adding that demonstrations will not be allowed because those are the loopholes that are used to destabilize African governments.

Candidate Kandeh, who used to be a member of parliament from the ruling APRC party refused to join the coalition of seven political parties.

Diaspora coordinator Mballow denies that Jammeh is using Kandeh to create a semblance of a multiparty election and that Kandeh was trying to get the president re-elected.

What happened was that at the time of the formation of this coalition, they were in negotiations and at the end of the negotiations, they couldnt agree on how to select the flag bearer. Most of the parties said that each party should select delegates who would then choose the flag bearer. But the Gambia Democratic Party which I belong to suggested that the flag bearer be chosen after a nationwide primary system and that whoever is selected would have been selected by the Gambian people, Mballow said.

Jammeh seized power in a 1994 coup and has targeted opponents and several of his own ministers in recent years, while surviving multiple attempts to remove him from power.

The human rights group Amnesty International urged the authorities to ensure that the election and post-electoral period are held in a climate that is free from violence and which fully respects the right of all people to freely express their views.
Scientists using sophisticated scanning technology on the fossil bones of the ancient human ancestor from Ethiopia dubbed "Lucy" have determined that she was adept at climbing trees as well as walking, an ability that in her case may have proven fatal.

Researchers on Wednesday announced the results of an intensive analysis of the 3.18 million-year-old fossils of Lucy, a member of a species early in the human evolutionary lineage known as Australopithecus afarensis.

The scans of Lucy's arm bones showed they were heavily built, like chimpanzees, indicating that members of this species spent significant time climbing in trees and used their arms to pull themselves up in the branches.

Australopithecus afarensis possessed a combination of ape-like and human-like traits. Scientists already knew its feet were adapted for walking upright on two legs, rather than grasping trees, but had wondered about whether it still spent time in trees like its ancestors.

Chimpanzees, the closest living relative of humans, spend a lot of time in trees.

The researchers performed high-resolution X-ray CT scans on Lucy's fossils at the University of Texas and compared the findings to data on the bones of modern humans and chimpanzees.

"The debate about whether or not Lucy climbed trees has been raging ever since her discovery 42 years ago this month  our study brings that debate to a close," said University of Texas paleoanthropologist John Kappelman, one of researchers in the study published in the journal PLOS ONE.

The 1974 discovery of Lucy created a scientific sensation and shed light on early stages of human evolution. Our species, Homo sapiens, appeared in Africa 200,000 years ago.

"Our analysis required well-preserved upper and lower limb bones from the same individual, something very rare in the fossil record," added the study's lead author, Christopher Ruff, a professor of functional anatomy and evolution at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

The findings fit nicely with a study published in August by Kappelman and other researchers that concluded that Lucy herself may have died after a fall from a tree, based on bone fractures detected in the fossils.

Kappelman has hypothesized that Lucy, about 3-1/2 feet tall (1.07 meters), foraged on the ground and sought nightly refuge in trees. Her injuries indicated she fell from a height of more than 40 feet (12 meters), that earlier study found.

"It may seem unique from our perspective that early hominins [members of the human evolutionary lineage] like Lucy combined walking on the ground on two legs with a significant amount of tree climbing, but Lucy didn't know she was unique," he said.
On a hilltop in the occupied West Bank, Israeli teenagers are hammering stakes into the earth and erecting tent frames, preparing the ground for a confrontation with Israeli security forces.

The devoutly religious young men see themselves as a last line of defense for Amona, a collection of pre-fabricated homes perched in the highlands of the West Bank.

It is considered an illegal "outpost" under Israeli law and the Supreme Court has ruled it must be demolished by December 25.

As the deadline approaches and the 330 people living on the hill hunker down for battle, their supporters in Israel's parliament are pushing for a new law that would legalize Amona and dozens of other outposts scattered across land which Palestinians hope will be part of their own independent state.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war.

In the five decades since, it has built about 120 settlements, which most of the world deem illegal and an obstacle to peace with the Palestinians.

High stakes

The stakes in this showdown are high. The fate of Amona has divided the Israeli government, putting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition in peril.

Israeli leaders fear that if the new law passes and the outposts are legalized, it could provide grounds for charges to be brought before the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

As well as the formal settlements, which Israel fully supports, settlers have established more than 100 outposts.

"We are not going to walk out of here. This is our homeland.

This is where we belong," said Elad Ziv, 46, a father of seven who lives with 40 other families on the ridge occupied by Amona, built on private Palestinian land.

Their white mobile homes are scattered around the hillside.

Children ride their bikes along pathways and mothers push babies in strollers. A cluster of Palestinian villages is visible across the valley.

Growing over time

They begin as little more than a tent or mobile home on a hill. But they soon expand, getting hooked up to water and electricity networks and receiving protection from the Israeli army. Over time, they become more established and eventually, like Amona, seek to be recognized as "normal" settlements.

While many settlements are in blocs close to the Israeli border, the outposts are distantly scattered, with the apparent aim of creating a presence throughout the West Bank. For the Palestinians, that makes the goal of a contiguous, independent state ever more difficult to achieve.

The battle over Amona, the largest outpost, has dragged on for eight years, during which time the community has expanded to 200 children. There are two kindergartens and a primary school.

Every time the Supreme Court has ruled it must be torn down, the government petitions for a delay. But this month, the court said there could be no more prevaricating and fixed the December deadline. And so began efforts to introduce a new law.

The Palestinians have denounced the move, as have the United States, the European Union and the United Nations.

Israel's attorney-general objects to it, saying it does not correspond to international law and that would be hard-pressed to defend if it were challenged in the Supreme Court.

Biblical defense

In his kitchen Ziv prepares lunch for his young sons, a handgun strapped to his belt. To him there is no question about ownership in the West Bank, the biblical bedrock of Judaism. It is not Palestinian land, he says, it was promised to the Jews.

"We are not occupying anything. We came back to our forefathers' land, our ancient land."

In 2006 Amona saw a violent eviction, with nine shacks torn down by Israeli authorities. Police on horseback were confronted by thousands of settlers. More than 200 people were injured. The remnants of the fight - twisted metal and rubble - remain.

Amona's people say the land was uncultivated when they arrived 20 years ago. Now they point to the sheep grazing on the hillside among grapevines and olive trees.

But that cannot disguise the fact that the land is owned by someone else.

Across the valley, Palestinian farmer Ibrahim Yacoub, 56, said the territory has been in his family for decades.

"They took over the land piece by piece," said Yacoub, one of 10 Palestinians who first appealed to the Supreme Court.

"They started by building water containers for the adjacent settlement Ofra. Then soldiers came to guard the containers." A few months later caravans sprouted up, he said. "The settlement started to spread like cancer on the mountain."

Clock ticking

As the clock runs down, far-right lawmakers are racing to find a way to let Amona's residents stay. Set for a vote in the coming days is a divisive bill that would legalize dozens of outposts and potentially backdate that legalization.

Israeli settlement watchdog Peace Now has called the bill "a grand land robbery" that would lead to the expropriation of 8,000 dunams (800 hectares) of private Palestinian land.

The bill is being pushed by the pro-settler Jewish Home party, a lynchpin in the coalition government, and by members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's own Likud faction.

Netanyahu is stuck. Privately, he objects to the bill. On Tuesday, he was quoted in Israeli media as telling his security cabinet that the law would lead to prosecution at the International Criminal Court and U.N. action against Israel.

Yet in parliament this month he voted in favor of the bill at its preliminary reading, knowing that if he opposed it, it could force his coalition to collapse.

"It's a political blame game: who will be the guilty one if the bulldozers demolish Amona," Amit Segal, political analyst for Israel's Channel Two, told Reuters. "Bennett and Netanyahu each want the other guy to be the baddy."

Naftali Bennett, the Jewish Home leader and a cabinet member, opposes a Palestinian state and wants to annex most of the West Bank.

He was encouraged by Donald Trump's election as U.S. president, declaring after Trump's victory that the two-state solution was effectively dead and the era of a Palestinian state over.

But if Netanyahu shoots the law down and Amona is razed, the government would likely fall, Segal said.

To avoid that, officials are trying to convince Amona's people to move to a nearby vacant hill while trying to find a legal loophole that would allow them to remain.

So far Amona has rejected the compromises as "humiliating."

"There will be a forced eviction here and it will hurt," the residents said in a written response.
A single mother takes a kindly man into her confidence. A student is plied with beer by a smiling stranger. Beguiling scenes. But Lithuanians are being urged in TV ads to be wary of the kindness of strangers and call a new spyline to check if they are being lured into espionage by foreign agents.

By foreign agents, Lithuania means the Kremlin. Ties have been tense with former imperial master Moscow. But since the annexation of Crimea, Russia is seen in Vilnius as a threat to Lithuania and the other Baltic states of Estonia and Latvia.

People dont even think that information is being squeezed out of them until its too late, Darius Jauniskis, the 48-year-old head of Lithuanias State Security Department, told Reuters.

So to prevent this, we are going public and we are explaining all this, he said.

Ads based on true stories

The Russian Foreign Ministry and the FSB security service did not immediately respond to written requests for comment.

Each ad, Jauniskis said, is based on a true recruitment story.

As the relationship flourishes, the kindly man dupes the lonely mother into installing an information-sucking virus at her workplace. The student wonders if the strangers largesse might just be motivated by the diplomatic career he plans.

NATO and EU member Lithuania is perhaps the most vocal of the Baltics in criticizing Russia and increased Russian military activity in the Nordic region. The government has even published a manual on resisting a Russian invasion.

Russia characterizes such fears as fantasy concocted by a NATO alliance that seeks to intimidate Moscow. NATO also has carried out extensive maneuvers near Russian borders.

Soviet rule

But Lithuania was under Soviet rule only 25 years ago. It was the first country to declare independence from Moscow in 1990 and stave off a Soviet army attempt to topple its government in 1991.

Twelve civilians were killed.

Jauniskis, then 22, stood guard inside the Lithuanian parliament. Later, he led a Lithuanian commando squad fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan alongside Americans.

He said a third of Russian embassy staff were intelligence officers working under diplomatic cover. Equipment installed on the embassy roof allowed them to listen in to phone calls.

You will not recognize a spy, he said. Because a professional spy will not stand out in any way. He will not have a good car or great clothes. He will just be same as any of us.

Moscow targets Lithuanians

Moscow is recruiting Lithuanians on shopping trips to Russia, accusing them of smuggling, then offering to drop charges  and facilitate future shopping  if they agree to provide intelligence, Jauniskis agency said in its annual report.

Russia was also targeting Lithuanian businessmen and diplomats working in Moscow, often using blackmail.

All these things may appear standard fare for many intelligence agencies, but Lithuania sees a particular threat, living as it does in the shadow of so powerful a neighbor.

Russia is abusing every weakness of democracy that it is able to, said Jauniskis. As a former soldier, I can say that defense alone will not win a war. You need to counterattack.

But critics say the spy hotline will only breed paranoia, while perhaps overestimating Russian intelligence capabilities.

Few Russian spies have actually gone to prison. Two Lithuanians were sentenced in 2015 and 2016, and a Russian who Lithuanian prosecutors say is a Russian intelligence officer was detained in 2015.

His trial is in progress.

Trust underminded

Jauniskis said Russia was trying to undermine citizens trust in their own country by repeating falsehoods about it in the media and elsewhere. He proposes legislation to criminalize the spreading of lies to destabilize the country.

I will not get popular by saying this, but times have changed, and we must understand that civil liberties are being curtailed in times of war, he said.

Jauniskis is not impressed by critics accusation that all this constituted a step back to Soviet-style thought police.

I dont think Russia is even concealing that their main target is not Baltics, but destroying the European Union and NATO, Jauniskis said.
An hour's drive from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, paved roads give way to dust, snaking up hills dotted with cornfields and wildflowers.

Carolina, 36, moved to this eastern suburb, Chimalhuacan, four years ago so her family could own land.

But at least once a week, she is stuck waiting outside her cinderblock home for a water truck to chug its slow way to her doorstep, one of tens of thousands of people living on the edges of Mexico's urban megalopolis who have no running water.

"It's because the government doesn't want to spend on us ... They don't want us," said Carolina, who declined to provide her last name.

Her plight, and those of her neighbors, shows the struggle of expanding urbanization in one of the world's biggest cities, placing a burden on government resources and leaving families stranded without basic services.

Running water a year away

People started moving to this neighborhood of Santa Maria about 20 years ago to escape higher rents closer to Mexico City, and the pace of new dwellings picked up in the past decade.

But families had to wait until 2015 to receive electricity, and running water for everyone is not expected to come until at least the end of next year.

Sewage systems are also lacking, and the streets overflow with foul-smelling water in heavy rain, leading to a risk of infection and disease.

Basic water services lacking

Cecilia Gayta, 37, a local political volunteer, is fighting for the community to get state funds to install water tanks.

She estimated that some 90,000 people live in the area and lack basic water services.

"Unfortunately, the government does not pay attention to us," Gayta told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Jacobo Espinoza Hilario, who works on water issues for the International Habitat Coalition, a nonprofit network that deals with housing issues, said part of the problem is the government not enforcing regulations for new developments, especially those on hilltops that could replenish badly depleted aquifers below.

Refilling aquifers becomes more difficult when housing is built on what were once green, unoccupied hills.

New homes add to problem

Those new homes also put pressure on the existing water and sewage resources that are already stretched thin, he said.

"I say these new settlements are doubly damaging," Espinoza Hilario said. "There should be a human right to water ... but it is difficult to comply with this right in a city that misuses its water."

Despite the heavy downpours that come each rainy season, Mexico City has long struggled with providing enough water for some 21 million people in the greater metropolitan area.

Built on the bed of lakes that were drained by the Spanish who conquered the Aztec capital, the city faces acute water shortages despite sitting in a basin that is regularly flooded.

Aquifers overused

With an irrigation infrastructure that has suffered from years of under-investment and neglect, the city relies heavily on pumping up water from underground aquifers.

While laws exist to limit drilling of new wells and prevent overuse, Espinoza Hilario said aquifers are around 300 percent overexploited, with extraction fast outpacing replenishment.

This forces the government to pipe in water from dozens of miles away to reach the city's 7,300-foot (2,225 meters) altitude, an expensive and complicated feat.

Illegal settlements

Enrique Garduno Ruiz, director of Chimalhuacan's water authority, agrees that part of the problem is illegal settlements such as the Santa Maria neighborhood, where people moved without authorization under official development plans.

The land had been used for agriculture and lacked any infrastructure. It was also the subject of dispute between two municipalities, Chimalhuacan and San Vicente Chicoloapan, and neither took responsibility until Chimalhuacan won the rights in 2010.

Since then, the water authority, called ODAPAS (the Decentralized Organization for Running Water, Sewage and Sanitation), started digging wells and installing tanks and pipes, Garduno Ruiz said.

He estimated that out of the neighborhood's population of some 12,000 families, or 60,000 people, more than half now receive running water from two installed large water tanks, with two more tanks set to become operational "soon.

Government struggles

The city also has enough money to install one more tank next year, providing water to everyone by the end of 2017, he said.

The tanks vary in size, some holding about 300,000 liters and others as much as 650,000 liters of water.

But Garduno Ruiz said the city government still struggles with provision of services, since fewer than a third of those who get running water pay for it.

And each week brings more new arrivals flocking to areas like Santa Maria in search of cheap land and affordable living.

Rainwater collection

"Many people work for informal businesses and earn 50, 60 pesos ($2.47, $2.97) a day, which is enough for their food, not to pay for services," he said. "As a city, we can't ourselves resolve these problems of salaries and of work; it's more complicated."

He frets about the future, as Mexico City and the surrounding valley drain groundwater more quickly than it can be replaced.

Some studies show that Chimalhuacan only has a guarantee of enough water until 2050, forcing the government to consider new measures, such as rainwater collection.

"Yes, of course I'm worried," he said.
The one-time most hated man in the U.S. may have been foiled by a group of Australian students.

Martin Shkreli rose to infamy in 2015 when his company, Turing Pharmaceuticals, raised the price of a drug called Daraprim from $13.50 to $750 per pill. The anti-parasitic drug is used by some patients with malaria or AIDS.

Now, Shkreli, who is for many a symbol of greed, faces competition from a group of Australian high school students who developed 3.7 grams of the main active ingredient in the drug, pyrimethamine, for just $20. That would be $110,000 at the markup of Shkreli's company.

"It wasn't terribly hard but that's really the point, I think, because we're high school students," Charles Jameson told the BBC.

Daraprim usually retails for about $1.50 per pill in Australia and Britain.

The students say they were inspired by the high prices in the U.S.

"It seems totally unjustified and ethically wrong," student James Wood said. "It's a life-saving drug and so many people can't afford it."

The drug was developed in the 1950s, but Shkreli acquired rights to it in 2015 and increased the price by 5,000 percent. Shkreli excused the hike, saying the drug was specially designed.

After public outrage, Shkreli lowered the price.

Enterprising Australian high schoolers are not the only problem for hedge-fund manager Shkreli. He was arrested last December on allegations of securities fraud. He goes to trial next year.
Trained in martial arts and firearms, their muscled physiques bursting out of tight t-shirts, young men in Gaza are increasingly finding work with private security firms retained by banks, local celebrities and international visitors.

Three private security companies are now competing in Gaza, offering protection for high-profile Arab and Western delegations or cautious businessmen shifting goods and cash around the fenced-in territory.

While Hamas, the Islamist group that has run Gaza since 2007, has its own armed units to protect international visitors, it does not object to competition from private companies, as long as they coordinate with the authorities.

Akram Al-Balawi, who runs the Castle Security Company, said he had 6,000 applicants when he announced he was hiring. He snapped up 65 men.

"Our staff are carefully selected, they are body-built, highly educated and with good manners," said Balawi, sitting in his office in the heart of Gaza City. "They are not affiliated with political factions."

While Hamas maintains tight security in Gaza, where around two million Palestinians live, there are occasional skirmishes among militant factions and some criminal activity.

Israel also carries out occasional airstrikes in response to mortar fire and has fought several wars with Hamas and other militant groups in recent years.

Balawi said his guards only carry guns when escorting a convoy of money or foreign ambassadors. Major missions, like visits by U.N. officials and senior European figures, are usually escorted by Hamas-run security, he said.

"Muscle of the tongue"

He recently opened the door to women applicants. And, with Gaza unemployment at 43 percent  and as high as 60 percent among graduates  there is no shortage of candidates for a decent paying job.

Those accepted receive paid training at a unit of Gaza's Hamas-run Interior Ministry. They learn martial arts, the use of weapons and how to deal with volatile crowds.

Staff earn between $400 and $600 a month, Balawi said.

Eyad Al-Bozom, the Interior Ministry spokesman, said visits by international delegations are coordinated with them and Hamas's security teams are not paid. Recently their units protected a group of Western diplomats in Gaza, he said.

"[Private security] is still a new experience but we are keen to pursue it and develop it so we give a chance to the civil community to be part of this issue," Bozom said.

At an open space in Gaza, 35 new applicants were put through their paces, carrying out simulations on how to protect clients and get them away from danger. A gun, an AK-47 rifle and a submachine gun were used in the drill.

"We learnt that using a weapon is the last resort," said Islam Salama, 21, an undergraduate in Arabic. "Before the weapon comes the muscle of the tongue."

Saeed Youssef, a 25-year-old business graduate, said he rushed to apply because work opportunities in Gaza were so scarce.

"We are forced to cope with the labor market. I needed the job to build a life, have a future," he said. "People view the unemployed as losers, even if they are educated."
Thomas Alva Edison famously once said, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."

But Edisons one percent inspiration resulted in hundreds of inventions that have revolutionized life for millions of people around the world.

While hes best known for creating the first long-lasting electric lightbulb in 1879, Edison also invented -- and perfected -- more than 1,000 other products... from phonographs and mimeographs, to storage batteries and the first talking doll.

Edisons favorite invention

His favorite, historians say, is the phonograph; the first machine that could capture sound and play it back.

Edison lost his hearing in childhood, but he invented the phonograph in 1877 as a young man and immediately fell in love with it. So much so that he called it his "baby." He improved it in incremental stages over the next fifty years.

An 1888 recording -- titled "Around the World on the Phonograph" -- is believed to be the earliest existing recording of Thomas Edison's voice.

Edison took his discoveries a step further the next year by developing a phonographic (talking) doll, an invention that set an early milestone in the history and technology of recorded sound.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

The house where Edison lived and worked in West Orange, New Jersey, is now a U.S. National Park Service site where visitors can step back in time and get a sense of the day-to-day life of Americas greatest inventor.

National parks traveler Mikah Meyer, who's on a mission to visit all of the more than 400 sites within the National Park Service, spent a day immersing himself in Edison history at the inventors home and laboratory.



They do a really great job of basically saying that all the technology that you now have -- and can access in your hand through your smartphone -- would not exist was it not for Thomas Edisons early work, Micah told VOA in a recent conversation.



A prolific inventor



The lab helped produce some of Edison's most famous inventions, Mikah said, and added that it was a fitting place to have been videotaping the complex on his cell phone. If it wasn't for Edison, we might not have this phone, or the electricity to power it.

Much of the site has been kept intact, from the office and library where Edison kept all his records, to the giant factory next door.

He had this giant storage container with basically anything and everything you could think of so it was this massive operation, Mikah said.

One of the things that was particularly interesting about the complex, he noted, was that rather than it being a place where somebody designs [a product] at one firm, in one building, and then somebody manufactures it at another, and they get the resources from another place, everything was in-house. So they were designing, they were building, they were shipping, all from this one location that the National Park Service now preserves, he said.

With 400,000 artifacts and over five million pages of documents, the site looks very much as it did when Edison was working there.

To modern eyes everything looks so old and antiquated but I can imagine that if you were somebody at the time and you wanted to be in the forefront of creating things and inventing new objects, that this would be the place to go, Mikah said.

Youd probably want to be part of this team just the way that people come to New York if they want to be on Broadway, or they go to LA if they want to be in movies," he added. "I can imagine that this would be the place, the hub where youd want to be.

Father of Motion Pictures

Edison was also one of the first inventors of the first motion picture camera.

In October, 1888, he wrote, "I am experimenting upon an instrument which does for the eye what the phonograph does for the ear.

He joined the ranks of other inventors in elsewhere in the world who were making important discoveries in the movie-making process.

In 1896, Thomas Armat and Francis Jenkins designed the Phantoscope, an early movie projector that displayed the film onto a screen so that a roomful of people could all watch at the same time. Edison bought the rights to the machine and started making his own projectors. The Lumiere brothers, Auguste and Louis, in France, also played a key role in the development of movies.

But with his huge laboratory in West Orange, Edison was able to put the pieces of the puzzle together, which is why he is sometimes referred to as the "Father of Motion Pictures."

On the property in West Orange is a black structure called The Black Maria, considered to be the world's first building constructed solely for the production of movies.

It was designed on a pivot-and-turn system so that it could capture the direct sunlight as easily as possible to make the films, Mikah explained. "Because they didn't have the ability to light movies the way that we do now."

It was just amazing to imagine humans physically turning that, you've got people working all the different aspects of the camera, Mikah said. Stuff that I can now film from the palm of my hand on my iPhone.

Edisons early attempts at movie-making helped set the stage for the remarkable achievements that have been made in film-making since then... and made possible just about every form of digital media we use today.

Follow Mikah

To follow Mikah and learn more about the places hes traveling to, he invites you to visit him on his website.
Women's rights activists on Wednesday urged Nigeria to accelerate efforts to end child marriage after it joined an African Union campaign to eliminate the practice.

Nigeria launched this week a nationwide drive to end child marriage by pushing for policies that protect girls' rights and help the justice system to punish perpetrators. It became the 16th country to join the AU's campaign.

The government made child marriage illegal in 2003, but only two-thirds of the country's 36 states have implemented the law.

At least four in 10 girls in Nigeria are married off before they turn 18, while almost a fifth are wed before they reach 15, according to UNICEF, the U.N. children's agency.

Early marriage deprives girls of an education, increases the likelihood of sexual violence and HIV, and puts them at risk of serious injury or death during childbirth, experts say.

"These [childbirth] complications are a leading cause of death among adolescent girls in countries like Nigeria ... this is unnecessary and unacceptable," said Mohamed Fall, UNICEF's representative in Nigeria.

Rates of child marriage vary widely across Nigeria, with figures as high as 76 percent in the northwest and as low as 10 percent in the southeast, said campaign group Girls not Brides.

Women's rights group Donor Direct Action said the campaign to end child marriage was another positive step after a law banning female genital mutilation was passed last year.

The prevalence of child marriage in Nigeria has dropped by 9 percent since 2003, according to data from UNICEF.

"However, its decline needs to be dramatically accelerated, particularly in the north of Nigeria," Anber Raz of Donor Direct Action told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by email from London. "A lot of social and cultural change needs to happen, which may fall on the hands of local groups, who are under-resourced."

A Nigerian organization, the Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative, said the state also needed to address discrimination in access to education to prevent child marriage.

More than 5 million girls are out of school in Nigeria because of gender discrimination, said campaign group Girl Rising.
The United States could bolster its fight against foreign online propaganda in a major way if Congress passes a portion of the National Defense Authorization Act that would pour $160 million into the effort over two years.

A congressional committee on Wednesday approved the measure, which would expand the ability of the State Department's Global Engagement Center to identify and combat online disinformation. It still must be voted on by the full House and Senate and signed by the president before taking effect.

U.S. 'asleep at the wheel'

Ohio Republican Senator Rob Portman originally launched the effort to combat Russian propaganda in eastern European countries. The focus was broadened to address propaganda aimed at the United States following intelligence reports that Russia tried to sway the U.S. presidential election by stealing and publishing emails belonging to the chairman of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, John Podesta.

This propaganda and disinformation threat is real. It's growing, and right now, the U.S. government is asleep at the wheel," Portman said in a formal statement. The U.S. and our allies face many challenges, but we must better counter and combat the extensive propaganda and disinformation operations directed against us.

Portman's proposal grew out of a previous bill called the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act, which he co-sponsored with Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy in March.

Increased funding needed

The idea behind the original bill was to bolster the U.S. ability to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation, and help local communities in other countries protect themselves from manipulation from abroad.

The measure advanced this week would draw on the resources of the Defense Department, intelligence agencies, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Broadcasting Board of Governors  parent organization to Voice of America and other U.S. government-funded international broadcasters  according to the Washington Post newspaper.

Portman had previously argued that government spending on Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is dwarfed by spending on RT, a Kremlin-funded satellite TV channel, and the Chinese government's CCTV.

These countries spend vast sums of money on advanced broadcast and digital media capabilities, targeted campaigns, funding of foreign political movements, and other efforts to influence key audiences and populations," Portman said in March in an address to the Atlantic Council, a Washington-based research institute.

Funds for independent journalists

Russia has repeatedly denied it tried to affect the outcome of the election, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he had no preference between the two candidates.

In addition to combating online disinformation, the measure would create a grant program to fund independent journalism in Russia and other countries.
OPEC agreed on Wednesday its first oil output cuts since 2008 after Saudi Arabia accepted "a big hit" on its production and dropped its demand on arch-rival Iran to slash output.

Non-OPEC Russia will also join output reductions for the first time in 15 years to help the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries prop up oil prices.

Brent crude jumped over 9 percent to more than $50 a barrel as Riyadh reached a compromise with Iran and after fast-growing producer Iraq also agreed to curtail its booming output.

"OPEC has proved to the skeptics that it is not dead. The move will speed up market rebalancing and erosion of the global oil glut," said OPEC watcher Amrita Sen from consultancy Energy Aspects.

Iran and Russia are effectively fighting two proxy wars against Saudi Arabia, in Yemen and Syria, and many skeptics had said the countries would struggle to find a compromise amid frosty political relations.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said ahead of the meeting that the kingdom was prepared to accept "a big hit" on production to get a deal done.

"I think it is a good day for the oil markets, it is a good day for the industry and ... it should be a good day for the global economy. I think it will be a boost to global economic growth," he told reporters after the decision.

Reduction numbers

OPEC produces a third of global oil, or around 33.6 million barrels per day, and under the Wednesday deal it would reduce output by around 1.2 million bpd from January 2017.

Saudi Arabia will take the lion's share of cuts by reducing output by almost 0.5 million bpd to 10.06 million bpd. Its Gulf OPEC allies the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar  would cut by a total 0.3 million bpd.

Iraq, which had insisted on higher output quotas to fund its fight against Islamic State militants, unexpectedly agreed to reduce production  by 0.2 million bpd.

Iran was allowed to boost production slightly from its October level  a major victory for Tehran, which has long argued it needs to regain market share lost under Western sanctions.

Clashes between Saudi Arabia and Iran dominated many previous OPEC meetings.

"If you get this deal done, it would be huge. You remove a lot of oil from the market and you get the Russian participation," said veteran OPEC watcher and founder of Pira consultancy Gary Ross.

He said oil could rise to $55 per barrel.

Will OPEC comply?

Falih had long insisted OPEC would do an output-limiting deal only if non-OPEC producers contributed.

OPEC president Qatar said non-OPEC producers had agreed to reduce output by a further 0.6 million bpd, of which Russia would contribute some 0.3 million.

Russia, which had long resisted cutting output, pushed its production to new record highs in recent months.

"Russia will gradually cut output in the first half of 2017 by up to 300,000 barrels per day, on a tight schedule as technical capabilities allow," Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told a briefing in Moscow.

Novak, who spoke an hour after OPEC announced its deal, did not say from which output levels Russia would cut.

A combined output reduction of 1.8 million bpd by OPEC and non-OPEC represents almost 2 percent of global output and would help the market clear a stocks overhang, which had sent prices crashing from levels as high as $115 a barrel seen in mid-2014.

Non-OPEC Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have said they might also cut.

OPEC suspended Indonesia's membership on Wednesday since the country, a net importer, could not cut output, Qatar said.

The move will not affect OPEC's overall reduction as Indonesia's share of cuts will be redistributed among other members.

Bob McNally, president of Washington-based consultancy Rapidan group, said on Twitter that compliance with cuts would be key: "In deals with Russia, OPEC is like (the late U.S.) President (Ronald) Reagan used to say: 'Trust but verify'."

OPEC will hold talks with non-OPEC producers on Dec. 9. The organization will also have its next meeting on May 25 to monitor the deal and could extend it for six months, Qatar said.
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Palm oil producers in Indonesia are committing gross labor abuses, according to human rights group Amnesty International. The group accuses the worlds biggest producer, Wilmar, of using child labor and forcing women to work with no pay. Henry Ridgwell reports
President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia is "ready to cooperate" with the administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, adding that it is "important to normalize and develop bilateral relations on an equal and mutually beneficial basis."

Speaking during his annual "state of the nation" address to the Russian parliament and the Federal Council, Putin said cooperation between Russia and the United States "in addressing global and regional issues" is "in the interest of the whole world."

The two countries "share responsibility for ensuring international security and stability, strengthening non-proliferation regimes," he said, adding that any attempt to break "strategic parity" would be "extremely dangerous" and could lead to "a global catastrophe."

Putin said he is counting on "an alliance with the United States in the struggle against a real, not an imaginary threat  international terrorism." The Russian military, he said, is accomplishing that task in Syria, where it has inflicted "significant damage" on "terrorists."

Donald Trump



During the U.S. presidential campaign, Republican candidate Trump praised Putin's leadership and criticized Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton for speaking "very badly" of Putin. Several days after Trump's election victory, the Kremlin said he and Putin had agreed in a telephone call that U.S.-Russian relations were unsatisfactory and that they should work together to improve them.

In his speech Thursday, the Russian president also emphasized his country's relationship with China, stating that "the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation" is a key factor "for ensuring global and regional stability."

Domestic issues



The bulk of Putin's speech focused on domestic issues.

He noted that 2017 will mark the 100th anniversary of the 1917 revolutions that overthrew the tsar and ushered in Communist rule. While he said that this historical legacy must be treated with "respect," he also called it "unacceptable" to "drag the splits, anger, resentment and bitterness of the past into our present life."

Putin also discussed health care and education. Acknowledging that disregard for patients is widespread among Russian doctors, he called for developing high-tech patient-centered care. He also said Russian education must be revitalized to teach children independent thinking and develop their creativity.

Putin delivered his first annual address to Russia's parliament in 2000 and six more between 2001 and 2007. The Russian constitution bars a president from serving more than two consecutive terms, and in 2008, Putin assumed the post of prime minister. In December 2008, a new constitutional amendment extended the president's term from four to six years.

He was re-elected president in 2012.

Quoting philosophers



In his previous annual "state of the nation" speeches, Putin has quoted Russian philosophers. In 2013, he cited Nikolai Berdyaev, the Russian Christian existentialist philosopher. In 2014, it was the Russian emigre political and religious philosopher Ivan Ilyin. Last year, Putin chose Dmitri Mendeleyev, the founder of Moscow State University.

This time, Putin turned to 20th century thinker Alexei Losev, referring to him as an "outstanding Russian and Soviet philosopher." The president chose a quote from Losev on sacrifice and suffering as a part of Russian national character.
The U.S. military has given Russia advanced notice of airstrikes in Syria about five times per month since a U.S.-led coalition strike in September killed Syrian government-aligned forces near Deir Ezzor, a military official told VOA Wednesday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official with U.S. Central Command, which carries out counter-Islamic State operations in the Middle East, said that in those "exceptional" cases, Americans called the Russians on a safety hotline to give them airstrike locations in relation to their distance from the center of a nearby city.

The safety hotline was initially set up to avoid midair collisions between Russian and coalition aircraft flying in Syrian airspace. Brig. General Richard Coe told reporters Tuesday that the September 17 coalition strike near Deir Ezzor was the first time the coalition relayed a strike location to the Russians ahead of time.

Officials say advanced notice was given to the Russians on September 17 to prevent any "miscalculation," due to the large number of coalition planes involved in that strike and the fact that Russian planes often fly into an airfield in Deir Ezzor.

"If we have an operation where the Russians or Syrians are operating in the air or on the ground, we're going to make that phone call to deconflict," a Central Command official told VOA.

The Russians were first to use the hotline to give advanced notice about a strike, according to the official. One notification from Russia came prior to September 17, and it has used the hotline to notify the coalition about two strikes since the deadly Deir Ezzor strike.

In at least two of Russia's advanced notifications, a strike location was relayed as being in an area over a Syrian city, rather than providing exact distances from a city.

A U.S. defense official said the coalition must ensure that the hotline with Russia remains used to deconflict, rather than to coordinate.

"From a mil-to-mil [military-to-military] standpoint, more communication is better than less, so we're doing as much as we can within the bounds of policy," the defense official told VOA.

The U.S.-led coalition typically conducts hundreds of strikes against Islamic State in Syria each month.
The afternoon was gray and rainy in New York City, but the weather did nothing to slow the foot traffic in and out of Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue.

As puddles formed on the sidewalks and streets Tuesday, a group of policemen with M4 rifles slung across their chests stood guard in their usual spot outside the front entrance. Directly across the street, in front of the Prada store, a few news crews were stationed at the curb for their live shots, as reporters waited out the rain under their umbrellas.

Concrete roadblocks and police barricades line the sidewalks around Trump Tower, part of the increased security since Donald Trumps presidential election victory. The building at 725 Fifth Avenue remains open to the public, however, with reporters, tourists and ordinary New Yorkers watching the comings and going of Trump transition team members.

Poinsettias and selfies

Visitors must present their belongings for X-ray inspection before proceeding into the lobby sheathed in terracotta-colored marble. The grand interior is decked out with holiday-season decorations  giant wreaths on the walls, poinsettia plants brightening previously empty corners and a two-story-tall Christmas tree in the atrium.

Like most tourists love to do, Pim Couch and Susan Neighbors were seen snapping selfies. Visiting from Texas, they both remarked on the palpable energy of the building.

Susan and I have been coming to New York for about 12 years now, and Trump Tower has always been one of my favorite places at Christmastime, Couch said. Its always on our Christmas list.

There is more security, and Im glad, Neighbors added. I like to go into places that I feel safe, and it looks like all of them are taking their job seriously.

Reporters wait

Directly across from the bank of elevators on the ground floor, behind a set of velvet ropes, was Hunter Walker, a White House pool reporter. Walker was stationed in the lobby to watch the action and pry information from transition team members about the Trump teams activities.

A small group of reporters, producers and cameramen stood nearby, waiting for anyone willing to stop and speak with them, but not many paused for a chat.

Its like fishing. ... Its a lot of hurry up and wait, Walker said. We sit here for long stretches where we dont see anybody, but you cant really lose focus, because you never know whos going to walk through, and you need to be ready to identify them, jump up and start throwing questions, kind of at a moments notice.

More often than not, it was the pool reporters themselves fielding questions from curious tourists  it was hard to miss their hefty video cameras set up on tripods, a jumble of electrical cables and other TV equipment.

The list of Trump Tower visitors this week included various U.S. senators, former CIA director David Petraeus and former vice president Dan Quayle.

By now, more than three weeks after the political upheaval resulting from Trumps election victory, it was clear that the activity at Trump Tower, now beginning to be known as White House North, is not about to die down anytime soon.
Slovakia passed legislation Wednesday to effectively block Islam from gaining official status as a religion in the near future in the latest sign of growing anti-Muslim sentiment across the European Union.

The former communist state has fiercely resisted EU efforts to cope with a big influx of mainly Muslim migrants into Europe since 2015, in part by opposing quotas to share out asylum seekers among EU members. Prime Minister Robert Fico's government has said Islam has no place in Slovakia.

Parliament adopted a bill sponsored by the Slovak National Party (SNS), junior member in Fico's coalition, that requires a religion to have at least 50,000 members, up from 20,000, to qualify for state subsidies and to run its own schools.

The change will make it much harder to register Islam, which has just 2,000 adherents in Slovakia, according to the last census, and no recognized mosques. The Islamic Foundation in Slovakia estimates the number at around 5,000.

The SNS said the new law was meant to prevent speculative registrations of churches, such as the satirical Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, which has amassed followers worldwide.

"Islamization starts with a kebab and it's already under way in Bratislava, let's realize what we can face in five to 10 years. ... We must do everything we can so that no mosque is built in the future," SNS chairman Andrej Danko said earlier.

There was no immediate comment from the Islamic Foundation.

The law was approved by a two-thirds majority in parliament, comprising both ruling and opposition parties. Lawmakers turned down a proposal by the opposition far-right People's Party-Our Slovakia to raise the religion membership bar to 250,000.

The small central European country's population is 5.4 million; 62 percent of it is declared Roman Catholic.

Danko had called for steps to prevent the registration of Islam and ban the wearing of burqas in public and the construction of mosques and minarets.

EU difficulties in absorbing over 1.36 million new migrants since the start of 2015, and a series of Islamist attacks, have stoked anti-Muslim feeling across the EU and boosted the appeal of far-right, anti-immigrant parties, prompting a rightward shift of governing centrists ahead of key elections next year.
Somalias presidential elections were scheduled for November 30, but the head of Somalias electoral body announced Monday they will be postponed.

In the countrys complicated election system, clan and regional delegates have elected roughly 50 percent of the members of the lower and upper houses of parliament.

The presidential election cannot take place until the remaining parliament members are selected. So it will take some more time before lawmakers determine Somalias next president, as specified in the Provisional Federal Constitution.

Nairobi-based Somalia affairs commentator Abdiwahab Sheikh Abdisamad says he understands the ongoing selection process must be rescheduled, but argues that it should happen soon.

If the current selection process failed to conclude for the next 15 days, then legitimacy of the head of state, legitimacy of the members of parliament, legitimacy of the members of the senate will be in question, said Abdisamad.

The head of Somalias electoral body said Monday the new president will be elected before the end of the year.

But allegations of bribery, intimidation and improper changes in delegations have plagued the electoral process.

Some people, like Abdi Samatar, a Somali-born economic geographer at the University of Minnesota, say such problems will definitely tarnish the results.

"If I was in a casino, God forbid that, but if I was in a casino, I would bet whatever little resources I have, and over the last 30 years that I have been working, that this will produce a corrupt regime, and will indeed produce more fragments of Somalia than the 2012 [election] or the ones prior to that, said Samatar. The level of corruption, culturally, politically, economically, is just beyond this world, frankly.

Others, like Chatham House research associate Ahmed Soliman, admit corruption is a problem, but say there are some positive signs.

He gives the example of electoral authorities dismissing votes in some regions after officials were found not adhering to the 30 percent female representation quota.

There are also positive signs just in the very nature of how this election is being followed and is being much more widely reported, said Soliman. And social media is being much more widely reported on. And social media is being used to tabulate and count every single seat and every single individual that comes into those seats. So there is a lot of scrutiny that is happening.

Soliman believes that working on the electoral process is more important than adhering to a strict deadline, at this stage.

In the countrys electoral process, about 14,000 delegates representing Somalias clans are electing members to the 275-member lower house of parliament. Regional parliaments are selecting the 54-member upper house of parliament.

Somalia does not yet have a one-person, one-vote electoral system, though many citizens and experts hope that can be achieved in the near future.
Nigeria's Nobel Prize-winning author Wole Soyinka has torn up his United States green card and renounced his American residency in protest at Donald Trump's U.S. election win, the writer told news channel eNCA on Thursday.

"I've done it," said Soyinka, 82, when asked if he had followed through on an earlier vow to leave the United States if Trump triumphed in the race for the White House.

"When I was ready, when I'd finished, I negotiated my departure," the Nigerian born author said in Johannesburg on the sidelines of a university conference.

Soyinka has had regular teaching stints at America's ivy league universities since the mid 1990s following his Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986. He was the first African writer to win the award.

A frequent and fierce critic of his own government, particularly over the carnage being inflicted by Boko Haram militants in northeastern Nigeria, Soyinka said he felt ill at ease in the wake of Trump's shock victory.

"We on the African continent could boast that we had a contemporary descendent ruling the United States," Soyinka said referring to outgoing President Barack Obama, whose father was a Kenyan.

"Suddenly, somebody is making speeches which are meant to reverse those gains."
President-elect Donald Trump has picked retired Marine General James Mattis as his defense secretary, but Mattis will need a change in a federal law to be able to take the job.

Trump, appearing at a postelection victory rally in Cincinnati, Ohio, Thursday night, made his choice official after a day of unconfirmed media reports.

Mattis, who earned the nickname "Mad Dog" because of his comments that he likes to fight, was a commander in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. A former top Pentagon official told The Washington Post that Mattis was highly respected.

"He's a warrior, scholar and straight shooter ... he speaks truth to everyone and would certainly speak truth to this new commander in chief," the official said.

But for Mattis to be approved by the U.S. Senate, Congress will have to waive a law requiring defense secretaries to be retired from active service for at least seven years. Mattis retired in 2013.

Indiana visit

Trump headed to the U.S. heartland Thursday, celebrating with some of the voters who are sending him to the White House, while touting his success at keeping nearly 1,000 manufacturing jobs from leaving the country for Mexico. *

He visited a Carrier Corporation plant in Indiana after he and Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who is in his last weeks as Indiana's governor, wooed the manufacturer's executives with $7 million in tax incentives to keep the jobs in the state, even as the company sends others to Mexico.

Trump vowed to keep other companies from leaving the country and promised if they did, their products would "be taxed very heavily at the border" if they tried to then sell the goods in the United States.

WATCH: Trump Talks About Jobs, Taxes, Regulations

"Companies are not going to leave the United States anymore without consequences," said Trump, the billionaire real estate mogul who won the hearts and votes of blue-collar workers by promising to boost the U.S. labor market. "Leaving the country is going to be very, very difficult."

Carrier, a heating and air-conditioning company, is owned by the industrial conglomerate United Technologies. It said earlier this year it was relocating its Indiana furnace plant to Mexico to cut costs.

Carrier said factors in its decision to stay included financial incentives from Indiana and a promise from the incoming Trump administration to "create an improved, more competitive U.S. business climate."

The company said it would invest $16 million in the Indiana operations in the coming years, pledging to continue making gas furnaces in Indianapolis and to base engineers and other corporate staff there as well.

Later Thursday, Trump held his campaign-style rally in Cincinnati. The Ohio visit was to be his first stop on what he is calling a "thank-you tour" to greet some of the enthusiastic supporters who turned out for him on Election Day. Trump has not detailed where else his tour will go, but several other stops are expected in the coming weeks, in states that carried Trump to victory.

The U.S. industrial region was key to Trump's stunning upset win, as he captured four states that the country's Democratic president, Barack Obama, had twice won in his successful White House campaigns.

The U.S. has lost 5 million manufacturing jobs since 2000, some to automation and some to overseas locations where company owners are paying workers less.

Trump may have had some leverage over United Technologies, which also owns a company that supplies fighter jet engines and relies in part on U.S. military contracts.







Local union leaders expressed gratitude for Trump highlighting their cause.

"We really appreciate him doing that. It's really getting the message out," Chuck Jones, president of United Steelworkers Local 1999 in Indianapolis, the union representing Carrier workers, told VOA in April.

VOA's Carla Babb contributed to this report.

* Editors note: President-elect Donald Trump and the Carrier Manufacturing Corporation claim that more than 1,000 jobs will remain in Indiana thanks to a deal struck between the incoming administration and Carrier.But several news organizations, as well as the head of the union representing many Carrier workers, say the actual number of jobs saved is around 800.VOA attempted to verify how many jobs were preserved, however the public relations department at United Technologies Corp., Carriers parent company, is not accepting questions from the media.
The Russian and Turkish foreign ministers pledged Thursday to work together to resolve the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Syrian city of Aleppo.

We are in agreement that a cease-fire is needed so that the tragedy can come to an end, declared Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu after meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

The two ministers met at the Turkish Mediterranean resort of Alanya in the latest step toward a rapprochement. Relations collapsed in November 2015, when Turkish jets shot down a Russian bomber operating from Syria. Moscow retaliated with tough economic and trade sanctions.

The rapprochement initiated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has borne fruit, with both sides committed to restoring relations.

The issue of Syria, however, again threatens to derail those efforts. Erdogan's threat this week to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad militarily saw Moscow call for an urgent clarification. The Russian and Turkish presidents spoke by phone three times this week. Erdogan walked back his comments Thursday, saying Ankaras priority is to defeat both the YPG, the Syrian Kurdish rebel group, and Islamic State.

Erdogans chief of international relations, Ayse Sozen Usluer, acknowledged differences over Syria, but said common ground can be found.

The commonality to protect the territorial integrity of Syria and providing humanitarian aid, for instance for the people of Aleppo, we can negotiate on these issues," Usluer said. "But, on the other hand, Russia insists to protect Assad. ... So this is some kind of convergence and divergence between Russia and Turkey."

Moscow is widely suspected of involvement in an airstrike last week that killed four Turkish soldiers fighting in Syria as part of the ongoing military operation against the YPG and Islamic State.

The date of the latest attack against the Turkish forces, it was very telling, said political columnist Semih Idiz of the Al-Monitor website. It was the same date to the day that Turkey downed a Russian plane. So many people believe there was some kind of Russian involvement.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, speaking in Alanya, denied that either Russian or Syrian forces was involved in the airstrike. Observers say Ankara appears ready to move on, focusing instead on areas of cooperation.

"It was the very telling that the [Turkish] government was very low key on the airstrike. Prime Minister [Binali] Yildirim has said that Turkey will retaliate and left it at that; he didn't pursue the matter," said Idiz.

According to media reports, both sides are cooperating to end the fighting in Aleppo, with Ankara using its contacts with and influence over Syrian rebels. Analysts suggest Ankara may have brokered a similar deal ahead of its incursion into Syria, which started with the capture of the Syrian border town of Jarabulus.

Right after the taking over of Jarabulus in 14 hours, Deriya, near Damascus, which was a stronghold of the rebellion for more than four years, changed hands, said retired senior Turkish diplomat Aydin Selcen, who served widely in the region.

This leads some to think that there was some agreement or understanding between the Syrian regime and Ankara: if you enter Jarabulus; the rebellion has to leave Deriya.

With Turkey remaining one of the main backers of the Syrian rebels and their main supply route, analysts say it retains influence over the rebels. Despite such influence, Ankaras relations with Moscow are widely viewed as unequal.

Turkey is on the weaker side of the equation at the moment because of very bad ties with the West, said columnist Idiz. Both Erdogan and the government and their supporters like to present Russia as [Turkey's] counterbalance to the West. So its really Turkey [that is] in the weaker situation here and Moscow knows this.

Russias political leadership is using increasingly warm words to describe its relations with Turkey, a move analysts say is likely at least partly aimed at unnerving Ankara's NATO allies. Erdogan has also stepped up his rhetoric against Turkey's traditional Western allies, raising more and more questions about Turkeys direction.

That is a mistake, said Erdogan adviser Ayse Sozen Usluer: I don't see any possibility that Turkey will give up its relations with the U.S., or with the West.

Critics of Ankaras rapprochement with Moscow are quick to point out that many Russian sanctions against Turkey remain in force. Cavusoglu said Thursday that both sides agreed to lift remaining sanctions, but Lavrov warned the process will take time, offering no timetable for their end.
Ukraine is due to start two days of missile tests Thursday, a move that has angered Russia, prompting it to put its air defense forces on high alert on the annexed Crimean Peninsula.

The disagreement marks a fresh escalation in tensions between the onetime allies, whose relations collapsed in 2014 after Russia seized Crimea and backed pro-Russian separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine says the tests in its southern Kherson region, bordering Crimea, are legitimate and will be conducted within the framework of international obligations and treaties.

"We will continue to strengthen the defense capability of our nation and continue missile tests and training," Oleksander Turchynov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said Wednesday.

Russia's Defense Ministry has accused Ukraine of seeking to create a "nervous situation" and put its land-based and ship-borne air defense forces in Crimea on higher alert in response, Russian media reported.

Potential response?

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday that he did not know whether President Vladimir Putin had ordered the Defense Ministry to prepare a potential military response to the Ukrainian tests.

He was responding to a question about Ukrainian media reports that said the Russian Defense Ministry had told Ukraine's military envoy that Moscow would shoot down any missiles and destroy their launchers if Kyiv test-fired missiles in the airspace near Crimea.

"In the Kremlin we wouldn't want to see any actions by the Ukrainian side that breached international law and that might create dangerous conditions for international flights over the territory of Russia and adjacent regions," said Peskov.

In September, Russia held large-scale war games across its entire southern military district, including Crimea, which Ukraine and most of the international community say it illegally annexed in March 2014 after street protests toppled a pro-Moscow Ukrainian president.
A U.N. human rights monitor says "ethnic cleansing" is under way in parts of South Sudan, and warns the country is on the brink of a genocide.

Yasmin Sooka heads a U.N. Human Rights Council team that just finished a 10-day visit to South Sudan. In a statement Thursday, she said people are being displaced from their homes through a process of starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages.

"Everywhere we went across this country we heard villagers saying they are ready to shed blood to get their land back. Many told us it's already reached a point of no return," Sooka said.

She added, "The stage is being set for a repeat of what happened in Rwanda and the international community is under an obligation to prevent it."

'Unfounded' accusations



South Sudan's deputy minister of information, Akol Paul Kordit, called the accusations "unfounded." He told VOA's South Sudan in Focus program Thursday that the government is working with the opposition SPLA-IO in the unity government to implement a peace deal the sides signed last year.

"And therefore, there is no way we can prepare an offensive against our own partner in the transitional government of national unity," he said.

Rights groups and aid agencies have repeatedly sounded the alarm about South Sudan, where an armed conflict largely along ethnic lines has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 2.5 million people.

Hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering in camps protected by United Nations peacekeepers.

Political situation



The war was triggered by fighting between supporters of President Salva Kiir and his rival, Riek Machar, in December 2013. Last year's peace deal largely broke down after renewed fighting in the capital, Juba, this past July.

Machar fled the country and called for continued war against President Kiir, while another opposition faction has remained in the government.

Earlier this week, the United States said it has "credible information" that South Sudan's government is targeting civilians in Central Equatoria state and is preparing for "large-scale" attacks, possibly within days.

The U.S. ambassador to the Human Rights Council, Keith Harper, told the U.N. body that the South Sudanese government has mobilized at least 4,000 militia members and "is staging the fighters in Equatoria to begin conducting attacks."

The U.S. is currently pushing the U.N. Security Council to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan.

Sooka, a human rights lawyer from South Africa, led a three-person team that visited parts of Unity, Upper Nile, Western Bahr el Ghazal and Central and Eastern Equatoria states during the U.N. fact-finding mission, which ended Wednesday.

Sooka said she was especially disturbed by the prevalence of rape across the country. "The scale of rape of women and girls perpetrated by all armed groups in South Sudan is utterly unacceptable and is frankly mind-boggling," she said.
The United Nations has renewed pressure on North Korea to reveal details about hundreds of people abducted decades ago, with a new U.N. special rapporteur, fresh from a fact-finding trip to South Korea and Japan, telling reporters, "You never stop believing the missing are alive."

Argentine lawyer Tomas Ojea Quintana, the special rapporteur on North Korea, made the comment in Tokyo Saturday, after completing a 10-day mission to South Korea and Japan. He also met with defectors and families of individuals abducted by North Korean agents. A final report is due to be released in March.

Ojea Quintana told lawmakers in Japan that he was committed to advancing the return of Japanese taken by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s. Japan has officially listed 17 nationals as abductees, but it suspects Pyongyangs involvement in many more. Five of the 17 were repatriated in 2002.

Takehiro Shimada, a Japanese government policy director, said despite Tokyos pleas for information, Pyongyang had failed to respond positively. So, "the government now has [developed] a dual policy."

In part, because this is a matter of the life and the security of the Japanese citizen, the Japanese government must be responsible for getting [abductees] back to their homeland, Shamada told VOA.

Also, because North Korea "did not take Japan seriously, we think its important for us to cooperate with like-minded countries and the U.N. in pressing for abductees to be returned.

'Systematic bduction' from other countries

Earlier hopes of a breakthrough had been kindled by a 2014 report issued by the U.N. Commission of Inquiry into the Human Rights of North Korea. It found that North Korea had "engaged in the systematic abduction, denial of repatriation, and subsequent enforced disappearance of persons from other countries."

While most abductees were taken from Japan and South Korea, others were taken from countries including Thailand, Romania, Lebanon, Malaysia, Singapore, France, Italy, the Netherlands and China.

The majority of victims were taken for labor or other skills. Some were abducted to further espionage and terrorist activities, or were subject to forced marriage. All were placed under strict surveillance, the United Nations said.

Anocha Panjoy, a Thai woman, went missing in Macao in 1978 while working as a masseuse. She reportedly was taken by North Korean agents to teach the Thai language and now wants to return to her family in Thailand.

Cherdchai Chaivid, a director in the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry, said the Thai government has been "trying every year" since 2005 to press North Korea on Anochas whereabouts in efforts to bring her back.

"Lately, weve been trying to get this back on track and weve been trying to gain whatever piece of information we could get our hands on," Cherdchai, speaking through a translator, said earlier this month at a Bangkok seminar on foreign abductions to North Korea.

The two countries have diplomatic relations. But it remained unclear whether North Korean officials had acted on Thailands requests, including their 2006 promise to set up a committee to investigate Anochas case.

Defectors also missing

Another speaker at the Bangkok seminar, North Korean defector Kim Dong Nam, said his son was abducted from China by North Korean agents almost a decade ago. The boy had planned to travel to the United States, but agents learned of those plans through colleagues whod been captured earlier, Kim said through a translator.

"They werent able to withstand the torture," Kim said, noting the colleagues had been "sent back to North Korea and tortured and forced to work for hours  tremendous hours" in a camp.

His son was captured in 2007 in China, taken back to North Korea, escaped and was recaptured after attempting to flee the country, Kim said.

"All we know is that he was captured in 2008," Kim said. "That was the last time I got to talk to my son, and my son said, 'I am tired. Can you please come and help me? Hurry up and come and help me. And his words still ring in my head."

Kim said he has had no more news about his sons welfare.

Little progress

Speakers at the Bangkok seminar acknowledged little progress had been made in getting North Korea to produce information on abductees and defectors.

"I feel very sorry that we cannot move forward and that the authorities in North Korea respond to the UN communications without sincerity and truth," said Kwon Enkyoung, an official with the nongovernmental organization Open North Korea. "And therefore I have great respect for your tireless efforts and unbeatable [sic] hope that you may have your loved ones back.

Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch, said the nonprofit rights group is working to strengthen the alliance of like-minded countries to pressure the North Korean government on abduction.

Each passing day reduces the amount of time the missing and their relatives could be together, he said.

"Time is running out for some of these families," he said, "and so North Korea has to be persuaded on humanitarian grounds to let those people go that they are still holding."
U.S. allies in East Asia on Thursday welcomed the incrementally tougher sanctions imposed on North Korea by the United Nations Security Council, but few in the region expect these new measures to deter the Kim Jong Un government.

Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe put out a statement of support for the new council resolution saying it, reflects the international communitys intention to take tough measures that are in a completely different dimension from past ones.

The South Korean government urged North Korea to heed the international communitys warning to halt its nuclear program or face further consequences.

It will not only face more economic difficulties and diplomatic isolation, but it would also see its rights and privileges as a member of the U.N. suspended, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck.

The South Korean government also announced it would impose additional unilateral sanctions as well.

Fifth nuclear test

The Security Council has imposed several rounds of increasingly harsh, targeted sanctions on North Korea since 2006. Diplomats said the measures have slowed North Koreas march toward a nuclear weapon, but have so far failed to induce Pyongyang to abandon its atomic ambitions.

This new round of economic sanctions, imposed against North Korea for its fifth nuclear test conducted September 9, was unanimously endorsed by the 15 members of the council that includes Pyongyangs key allies China and Russia.

The latest measures seek to further tighten past restrictions and include:

Caps on the countrys coal exports and expanding a mineral trade ban that could deprive the Kim government of an estimated $800 million a year in revenue.

Additional financial restrictions, requiring foreign banks to cease operations inside North Korea and mandating the expulsion of North Korean financial officials from outside countries.

Blacklisting 11 more North Korean officials and 10 more organizations suspected of involvement in the countrys nuclear program, conventional arms trade or coal sector.

Prohibitions on the sale of new vessels and helicopters to North Korea and requiring other U.N. members to deflag any North Korean vessels that are registered in their countries.

Nuclear state

Kim has declared North Korea a nuclear power, but said it would only use these weapons of mass destruction if national sovereignty is threatened by invasive hostile forces with nuclear weapons.

Pyongyang reacted defiantly to the last round of U.N. sanctions imposed in March, by accelerating weapons development efforts, conducting 20 missiles tests and an unprecedented second nuclear test in one year.

Past sanctions have been effective in reducing international trade and investment in North Korea, suspending currency transfers to North Korean banks, and increasing inspections of North Korean vessels.

But at the same time, the price of food and fuel have been unaffected by past trade restrictions and there are indications the leadership has not been seriously impacted.

There are a number of mechanisms in place also to insulate the regime, the leadership from those sanctions. So they dont bear the cost personally and thats a problem with changing the behavior, said Daniel Pinkston, a Northeast Asia analyst and lecturer in international relations with Troy University in Seoul.

China

Beijings enforcement of U.N. Resolution 2321, adopted Wednesday, continues to be crucial as 90 percent of North Korean trade flows either to or through China.

Resolution 2321 is meaningful to supplement previous resolutions, but I am skeptical about its effectiveness considering the dynamics in the international community, said Woo Su-keun, a professor of international relations at Donghua University in Shanghai.

China reportedly imported more than 18 million tons of coal from North Korea this year, 13 percent more than in 2015. Under the new sanctions, Beijing will have to limit its coal imports from its ally to 1 million tons for December.

Beijing had reportedly been reluctant to support stronger sanctions that might cause the collapse of the Kim government, which it sees as a needed buffer to prevent the U.S. and South Korea from expanding their power and presence on the peninsula.

It appears China has shown sincerity, although it did not meet the expectation of the international community, said Chung Sung-yoon, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul.

Beijing has also been critical of the U.S. and South Korea joint decision to deploy the THAAD missile defense shield, which it sees as an unnecessary provocation that could be used against China.

The situation in the region could become more tense when the administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes over in January. During his campaign for the presidency, Trump talked about pressuring China to compel the Kim government to halt its nuclear program.

Youmi Kim and Han Sang-mi in Seoul contributed to this report.
United Nations officials warn civilians in eastern Aleppo are in a state of extreme desperation. They are calling for a humanitarian pause to allow safe passage of the seriously wounded out of the besieged Syrian city, while allowing food and medicine to reach the estimated one-half-million people trapped inside.



U.N. calls for a humanitarian pause have repeatedly been ignored and as time goes by, conditions for civilians trapped inside east Aleppo continue to deteriorate. U.N. food stocks have run out and the number of wounded unable to receive treatment continues to rise.



East Aleppo's hospitals are no longer functioning because Syrian and Russian forces have repeatedly bombed them. The U.N. special adviser for Syria, Jan Egeland, said at least 400 seriously wounded people need to be evacuated immediately so they can receive treatment.





"Operations are now happening in basements without anesthesia. Imagine having your child rushed to an unsanitary basement and then being operated upon without anesthesia. These are the conditions today in east Aleppo," he said.



Russia proposes opening four humanitarian corridors to allow the wounded to leave east Aleppo and aid convoys to enter the city. Egeland said the U.N. is discussing that possibility with Russia, the Syrian government and opposition groups to see if all parties will guarantee safe passage.



The U.N. reports government-controlled west Aleppo is now harboring some 400,000 internally displaced people as well as most of the nearly 30,000 people who recently have fled from the east. Egeland said the U.N. is scaling up its operations in the west and could be in a position from there to help civilians in the east.





"In west Aleppo, which would be half an hour, in one hour away with trucks, we have food for 150,00 people that we could bring to east Aleppo very easily and we have all of the medical equipment, medicine, etc. that they need in east Aleppo.It is pre-positioned. We have people there," he said.



Egeland said all that is missing is access to east Aleppo. He said that is now under discussion with Russia and the government of Syria.
The U.N. Childrens Fund predicts a 60 percent rise in the number of HIV-positive adolescents by 2030, unless theres an increase in funding to fight it.

According to a new UNICEF report, the authors estimate the number of new infections could grow from a quarter million in 2015 to 400,000 in fewer than 15 years.

The report said that an estimated 1.8 million adolescents, ages 10-19, are living with HIV, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa.

On this World AIDS Day, UNICEF is urging continued progress toward prevention of HIV in adolescents.

Young females vulnerable

Vivian Lopez, an HIV program specialist with the U.N. agency, said young women and girls are particularly vulnerable.

In Africa, we have three out of four new infections among adolescent girls in the 15 to 19 age range. And how that can also translate (is) into young women who become pregnant. And then we have a cycle of children becoming newly infected, Lopez said.

The rate of new infections among females is high, Lopez said, because their first sexual experience is often rape.

In its report, UNICEF proposes strategies for accelerating progress in preventing HIV among adolescents and treating those who are already infected, such as:

Investing in innovation, including locally created solutions

Strengthening data collection

Ending gender discrimination, including gender-based violence and countering stigma

Prioritizing efforts to address adolescents vulnerabilities through a combination of prevention efforts, including pre-exposure prophylaxis, cash transfers and comprehensive sexuality education.

Lopez said AIDS is the leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds. She said only half of adolescents with HIV are now on life-saving antiretroviral drugs.

Every two minutes, an adolescent becomes infected with HIV, according to UNICEF.

The report had a number of other findings:

1.6 million infections among children were averted between 2000 and 2015

1.1 million children, adolescents and women were newly infected in 2015

Children ages 0-4 living with HIV face the highest risk of AIDS-related deaths compared with all other age groups.

Theres a gap in diagnosis among children and adolescents because they are hard to identify if their HIV-infected mothers are not found, Lopez said.

So its really a matter of health systems finding new ways of tracking mothers living with HIV and then testing families to see if there are any children living with HIV that can be put on treatment which is life-saving these days, she said.

Funds are lost

Lopez said funds through the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, have been crucial in getting treatment to adults and children living with HIV; but, shes worried that donor organizations are pulling back their support; so far $1 billion has been lost.

Lopez says a significant boost in funding from countries and organizations is needed to help young people in affected countries.

We really need to not only maintain our efforts, but double our efforts in the response to adolescents and HIV and curb this epidemic immediately.

The international agency concluded tremendous progress has been made in efforts to curb HIV transmission around the globe, and now is not the time to pull back.
An unmanned Russian supply spaceship broke up Thursday over Siberia, just six minutes after taking off from a launchpad in Kazakhstan.

The Russian space agency said the Progress craft broke apart about 190 kilometers above the Earth.

Most of the ship and its cargo burned up in the atmosphere. The rest fell in a remote area of Siberia near the Mongolian border. No damage or injuries were reported. The cause of the incident was under investigation.

The ship was carrying about 2.5 metric tons of food, water, fuel and other supplies to the International Space Station. It was supposed to dock Saturday. Russian and U.S. space officials said the six-person crew on the station was in no danger and had plenty of food and fuel.

This was the third failure involving a Russian spacecraft in the last two years. Russian craft are the primary suppliers of supplies to the space station, whose crew currently consists of three cosmonauts from Russia, two U.S. astronauts and one from the European Union.

U.S. supply ships have been grounded since a launchpad explosion in September. A Japanese cargo ship is scheduled to fly to the space station on December 9.
For nearly three decades every December 1, weve heard about the tragedy of AIDS. Activists the world over put a spotlight on the AIDS virus on this day. They encourage testing and distribute leaflets with information on HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, including how it spreads and how to keep from getting it. The United Nations Secretariat Building in New York is lighted with the red AIDS ribbon.

AIDS has killed 35 million people since the start of the pandemic. Its left millions of orphans in its wake. Every year, 2 million people acquire the virus, and the U.N. estimates that more than 1 million people die from the virus annually.

Still, a lot has happened since the first World AIDS Day in 1988. Countries in which the topic was once taboo now offer testing and treatment. Mothers with HIV can have healthy babies and live to raise them. Drugs can keep the virus from spreading. More than 18 million people are on lifesaving anti-retroviral drugs that keep HIV in check. And now, scientists are talking about vaccines and a cure.

Watch: AIDS Vaccine Trial Underway in South Africa

A large-scale trial of a potential vaccine is underway in South Africa. The study will involve more than 5,400 sexually active men and women ages 18 to 35 in a number of areas around South Africa, a country where more than 1,000 people a day are infected with HIV. The trial will last for four years.

The study is funded by the U.S. governments National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which Dr. Anthony Fauci has directed for the past 32 years. While theres a lot of hope that this vaccine could help bring an end to HIV/AIDS, Fauci is a realist.

We have no idea whether it will work or not, he said. More vaccine trials fail than are successful ... the whole rationale for doing a trial is to see if it does work.

Treatment comes a long way

The greatest success since the first World AIDS Day is in treatment. In 1988, a person with advanced AIDS could expect to live a year to a year-and-a-half.

Today, the combinations of therapies we have for individuals, for someone who is in their 20s and gets infected and comes in and gets on a combination of drugs, you could predict that they could live an additional 50 years. That is one of the most extraordinary advances in the transition from basic research to an applicable intervention in any field of medicine, Fauci said.

New, promising treatments for HIV/AIDS also are on the horizon. One study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine is looking at whether the bodys immune system can keep the virus in check. Dr. Pablo Tebas is the lead researcher and spoke to VOA by Skype.

We infuse antibodies into the patients, the participants in the study, and we want to see if those antibodies will control the HIV virus  keep it quiet, and prevent the virus from coming back when we stop anti-retroviral therapy.

Immunotherapy shows promise

The research is similar to the immunotherapy being done in the field of cancer. The technique uses proteins  antibodies  to attack cancer cells.

When you think about oncology and cancer therapy with these immune-based therapies, what people are doing now in that field is to try to boost the immune system to eliminate the cancer cells. The problem of eliminating the HIV hideout is similar. You want to eliminate the cells that harbor the virus, and by making the immune system more active, in finding and eliminating those cells, Tebas explained.

Researchers found that the antibodies suppressed the HIV virus for 21 days. The goal is to find a combination of antibodies that can suppress the virus for six months to a year. Then people infected with HIV will no longer have to take medicine every day for the rest of their lives.

A new trial using two antibodies should start in the next couple of months.
The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power and her family dined at Punda, a New York based Tibetan restaurant on November 26, 2016.

Tenzin Tsering, owner of Punda, says the ambassador and her family was served exclusively Tibetan dishes such as momo, phingsha, shogo si si, tingmo, shapdra, jasha sonam, tsampa shake, and tsamthuk.

Tsering adds that he explained the ingredients, origins, and histories of the dishes, while telling his own story and the current situation of Tibet to the ambassador.

Ambassador Power, following the meal at the restaurant, left a message on her Twitter account saying that the food at Punda was worth having.
The leader of South Africas opposition Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, says President Robert Mugabe should step down.

Speaking in Soweto, South Africa, on Thursday at an event to remember the late former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, said Mr. Mugabe should hand over power to another person like what Castro did a couple of years ago.

We like President Mugabe  But we now need a new leader. Like Castro, he must hand over power to other people, he said.

Castro handed over power to his brother, Raul, following the Cuban Revolution in 1959.

Malema, who used to support President Robert Mugabes rule when he was in the ruling African National Congress, changed his mind when he formed the opposition EFF, which is giving the ANC a torrid time.

He still maintains that he respects President Robert Mugabe for his involvement in the liberation struggle of the 1970s.

Some political commentators said Malemas remarks will resonate well with the majority of Zimbabweans, who claim that Mr. Mugabe has overstayed in power.

The 92-year-old President Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from British rule in 1980. He is the sole presidential candidate for the ruling Zanu PF party in the 2018 polls.
General Michael T. Flynn, the next US National Security adviser is in the process of organizing a radical overhaul of the Intelligence Services.

According to our sources, he is getting ready to challenge the big reforms that took place during the Bush and Obama years:

 placing all 16 Intelligence agencies under the exclusive authority of a Director of National Intelligence, supposed to supervise information sharing;

 abolishing the line between agents on the ground and analysts in favour of functional centres such as the ones we see in the TV series 24.

As we had highlighted at the time, and as General Flynn has also subsequently emphasized:

 the Director of National Intelligence clearly had the power to centralize intelligence which until then had been dispersed, but he lacked the power to interfere with how the different agencies were operating. So for example, he did not have the power to remove an incompetent officer.

 key point: the current functional centres excel in providing information instantly. They are able to pinpoint an individual anywhere in the world and, if need be, eliminate him. But this is not Intelligence. The correct term is crime. Even if the CIA miraculously topples the regimes that the White House disapproves of and sets up secret prisons, it is not by any measure more knowledgeable on anticipating political developments, and to a lesser extent still, military developments.

Michael T. Flynn was so disappointed with how the new CIA was working that he tried  in vain - to set up a service within the Defense Department to compensate for its shortcomings: the Clandestine Defense Service.

Colonel James H. Baker, who is currently directing the strategic office of the Pentagon and who is, like Flynn opposed to the neo-conservatives, should be promoted.

The nomination of Mike Pompeo as the next director of the CIA would have been conditional upon him agreeing to override the reforms brought into being under President Bush and Obama. Despite his extreme declarations  in favour of secret prisons and against the shi-ites - the Kansas representative and the former captain of the calvary, should behave like an obedient soldier.

The current director of National Intelligence, James R. Clapper announced that his role would end with President Obama. Thus his post should disappear.

The 16 agencies should no longer be accountable to the National Intelligence Director but only to the National Security Adviser. In other words, they will be accountable to General Flynn personally.
New Patient Advocacy & Liaison Service

The Ministry of Health, Care and Justice and the Gibraltar Health Authority are pleased to announce the introduction of a new protocol and the setting up of a Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service (PALS). The staff at PALS will act as intermediaries to hospital and clinical staff in order to assist patients and their families.

PALS will ensure a swift turnaround of meeting requests and the resolution of queries and problems from patients and their families in a timely manner. PALS will also provide advice, support and information to patients, service users and the general public to ensure optimum delivery of health care and services.

PALS will be the first point of contact for any person who has a concern or requires advice, information, support, or who is requesting a meeting. Whilst staff at PALS will assist and try to resolve any issues, if they are unable to assist, the individual will be referred to the relevant Departmental Contact Point. Such staff members have been nominated as the contact points for nursing, medical, staff and facilities issues.

Further, the staff at PALS will assist the public on how they can access GHA services, provide information about the GHA in general, departments, locations and contacts. They will also be able to provide advice on the Complaints Handling Scheme, including how to obtain independent help if a member of the public wishes to make a complaint. Information on sponsored patients, or any other department or service, will also be available. PALS will also collect data about patient care problems, report to the appropriate departments, evaluate patient satisfaction and make suggestions for changes or improvements.

Minister for Health, Care and Justice, the Hon Neil Costa MP said On assuming responsibility for health some weeks ago, one of my priorities was to improve the liaison and reporting structure between the general public and the GHA. We all know how distressing it can be for patients and their families, if they have any difficulties to access services or meet with a doctor. The introduction of this new service will provide a point of contact for patients, their families and carers, where they will be able to receive confidential advice, support and information on health related issues and resolve any problems they may be experiencing quickly and in a friendly manner. I invite our community to provide me with any feedback and comments on the new service."

The Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service will be located on Level 2, Zone 4, St Bernards Hospital. Counter Hours - 9am to 1pm (office 8am to 3:30pm Monday-Thursday / 8am to 3:00pm Friday).

Telephone - 20072266 ext: 2102 or 2320 or 20007102 or 20007320

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website - www.gha.gi
Now that Netflixs Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is out in the world, creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband, Gilmore Girls co-executive producer Daniel Palladino, are making the rounds to discuss their most recent deep dive into the lives of Lorelai and Rory.

The two of them took a few minutes earlier this week to answer Vultures burning questions about the final four words in A Year in the Life as well as the most important political question of our time: Would the residents of Stars Hollow have voted for Donald Trump?

Heres what they had to say. (Note: No reporters fell asleep at any time during this interview.)

Lets get right to the heart of the matter: the final four words. Youve said these were the same four words that would have marked the end of the original series. But did you ever contemplate changing the ending for A Year in the Life in a way that differed from that plan?

Amy Sherman-Palladino: We didnt really know what that last season was until we got into it and then we asked a lot of questions and we found out where the show ended. The show could have ended in a different place that made those last four words completely irrelevant. So we went into breaking this in a way that we were really looking at it like these three women are at a crossroads. The patriarch has died and whats the way forward for them?

Organically, the last four words fell into place on this. Its not something we would have shoved in there if it hadnt really led us to a good space and if we werent churning toward that anyhow. Whats interesting about the last four words as originally conceived is they would have been when [Rory] was 22, and while that still, I think, thematically would have worked with the whole idea of history repeating itself full freaking circle  you know, daughter follows in mothers footsteps  to me its actually more interesting, it takes on more relevance, that its at the same age. Shes at the same age now that Lorelai was when we started the series.

Thats just an interesting kind of dynamic. When we met Lorelai, she was 32 and thats where she was in her life and now were leaving Rory at 32 with the thing on the horizon. It felt kind of cooler to us to do it now than if we had done it when we were still on the WB.

Also, Rory has had an opportunity to live life and do some things that her mom didnt.

ASP: Shes bringing more to whatever decision she makes than she would have at 22, fresh out of college.

Let me ask you this: Do you know who the father of Rorys baby is?

ASP: We do.

Is it the same father you would have had in mind if you had done this when Rory was 22?

Daniel Palladino: Maybe not. I think when Amy first talked about the last four words  and we talked about them, like in season three, four, something like that, of the original series  it was really the moment that felt right and we quite frankly didnt exactly know what the specific circumstances are.

ASP: Yeah, we didnt know whose contracts would have been up by that point.

DP: We did not really look beyond it at all on A Year in the Life. I think peoples hunches are probably not going to be too far off. But we dont have any plans. Like, if this story continued right now, we have not discussed, What would Rory have done? Where would she have gone? Theres options, theres choices to be made. We know she started questioning that with her father. We tried to play that that was about the book, but in hindsight that was about this pregnancy and this journey that shes trying to figure out.

ASP: Yeah, it was about raising a kid by yourself and the decisions that lead to that. The nice thing about that Christopher scene  I actually really like that scene and David Sutcliffe played it so beautifully, and hes still so incredibly handsome, its disturbing. Its like it takes on a different meaning once you know what those last four words are. I like scenes like that. You can look into it and gather whatever you want, but her motives for walking into that room were different now than what it appeared to be when she walked in in the first place.

Im sure everyone is asking you this question, but do you want to do another season or series of mini-movies like this? Has that been discussed at this point?

DP: Nothings been discussed. This was kind of set as a one-off thing, but we would never have anticipated that we were going to do this up until a couple of years ago when it occurred to us. So we never say never. It wasnt designed to go beyond this, but it certainly can go beyond this.

ASP: Yeah, it wasnt the sales pitch. The sales pitch was, these are the four stories, this is A Year in the Life, this is what its going to be. There were no ulterior motives walking into that room to pitch, other than we think it will be really interesting to see where these women are over this particular year.

Because it ends the way that it does, some people may assume that, Oh, they set it up to continue.

ASP: Nope, not at all. Weve always tried to not wrap things up in a bow. We tried to do that on the series. Because life isnt like that. You can have a good moment with a parent you are estranged from, and you have a great moment, and then the next time you see them, everythings back to the way it was before and you guys are throwing knives at each other. Life doesnt tend to fix things or wrap them up in bows. Because of that, we wanted the ending of this to not have a pat, And they all lived happily ever after!

Its not that its a sad ending, particularly, but its an ending of, And life throws you another left turn and then youve got to go with the flow. Thats what weve always tried to do, successfully or unsuccessfully, with the show over the life of it. We felt it would have been weird to end this year with, Everyones happy! Yay! Unicorns for all!

A detail that jumped out at me while I was watching was a poster with the date of Luke and Lorelais wedding, which would have been a few days before the election. I didnt know if that was something that was 

ASP: They were so happy then. So innocent to the ways of the world.

DP: We were tempted to put something about  you know, because there was the prospect and the likelihood that there was going to be a woman president-elect at the very, very end. I think that poster [originally] indicated that it would be on November 19, I think it was post-election. I think it may have been post, you know, it was right around that time. We in this industry cant afford to even predict the future even when its as certain as Hillary Clinton winning the presidential election. Quite frankly, this show  Amy and I are dyed in the wool liberals and very left wing. But the show, we always wanted it to be bipartisan and Stars Hollow is a  probably voted for Trump, mainly 

ASP: No. No, no, no, no.

DP: Oh, I think they did.

ASP: No, no, no, no, no.

DP: Its rural America!

ASP: No, no, no, no, no. There is no evilness in Stars Hollow. Do not put that out there, I do not accept that. Absolutely not.

DP: Okay, maybe its a 

ASP: No. No.

DP:  clean, liberal 

ASP: No. No.

DP:  maybe.

ASP: No. No, no, no. The problem is that if we had known Satan was taking over the world we would have needed a whole other budget for, like, dragons and flying demons and, you know, like the sun disappearing from the world. Winter is coming. It would have been so expensive the way we would have needed to do it, had we known that the apocalypse was coming. Its good we didnt, so we didnt have to spend all that money on horns, harpies  and Minotaurs and women with snakes.

It could have been a Game of ThronesGilmore Girls crossover, which would have been interesting.

At this point, a Netflix PR rep, coincidentally named Emily, breaks in: Jen, were out of time.

ASP: The whole world is out of time! Thats what youre saying, Emily, right?

This interview has been edited and condensed.
From MCCs Ride the Cyclone, at the Lortel. Photo: Joan Marcus

Its not impossible to find the right tone for a musical comedy about a gruesome subject: Look at Little Shop of Horrors, which both satirizes and honors the implications of its bloodthirsty-houseplant plot. But its very difficult  and anyway, one-off classics make poor examples. A sadly more typical case is that of Ride the Cyclone, a newtoNew York musical that opened tonight in a handsome MCC Theater production directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell. With its story about teenagers who find themselves in a kind of carny purgatory after dying in a roller-coaster derailment, it clearly wants to be both eerie and funny, as well as subversive, serious, touching, and great. As a result its a little bit of all of the above, except for the last. Indeed, you get the feeling that the show, which was in development in Canada for years before getting its American premiere in Chicago in 2015, has been rewritten so much that, like a corn dog, it has lost any sense of whatever it started out as.

All along, the premise has remained the same: Six semi-dead members of the Saint Cassian High School Chamber Choir of Uranium City, Saskatchewan, compete with one another for the chance to come back to life. (A mechanical fortune-teller called Karnak advises them that the winner will be the one who can garner a unanimous vote from the others.) This provides the excuse for us to meet each of the kids in a series of introductions that quickly drop the thread of the plot. Ocean OConnell Rosenberg (basically lifted from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bees Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre) is a straight-A alpha underminer just asking for a lesson in humility. Ricky Potts is the disabled nerd (lifted from Glee); Noel Gruber, the flamboyant gay boy (also Glee); Constance Blackwood, the super-nice big girl (also Glee); and Mischa Bachinski, the frustrated hunk (also Glee, via Ukraine). Only one of the dead teens is an unfamiliar type, but thats because Jane Doe, as shes called, was decapitated in the accident and whats left of her doll-like body cannot be identified.

Anyway, the contest is a red, or possibly a bloody, herring; not only do the rules keep changing but, soon enough, the electioneering peters out. Now the show seems to switch from Defending Your Life to a variety-show concept, with each of the teens getting a chance to perform a sketch and a song as part of the choirs final concert. Frustrated hunk spits an angry rap (This Song Is Awesome); gay boy vamps a Vie en Rosestyle torch song in French prostitute drag; disabled nerd belts out a Ziggy Stardust glam-rock number (Space Age Bachelor Man) complete with backup from the inexplicable Cat Women from Zolar. The required 11-oclock rave-up (Sugarcloud) is assigned, of course, to the big girl, but only after she undoes her hair. And its more like 9 oclock, because the show, after what appears to have been some merciless cutting, is only 90 minutes long.

Maybe it should have been longer; its only toward the end, as the stabs at snarky humor subside and the kids start considering the brevity of the lives they are leaving, that anything emotionally engaging happens. Until then, Ride the Cyclone feels like a queasy hangover dream with Prince as the dramaturg and some serious short-term memory problems. Its certainly phantasmagorgeous, with Scott Daviss post-apocalyptic carnival setting, Greg Hofmanns psychedelic lights, and an unusually lovely flying sequence for the doll girl. (The MCC production has been enhanced, with an eye toward transfer, by Broadway producer Kevin McCollum.) Rockwells direction (if not her choreography) is filled with clever touches, which the talented young cast mostly carries off. And the vocal arrangements are top-notch, lending greater interest to generic material than it would seem to accommodate.

That last is especially lucky because it doesnt take long before you realize that the utterly random assortment of numbers represents an accommodation the book writers have made to the songwriters, who evidently have only a few pastiche tricks up their sleeves. Worse, the book writers and songwriters are the same two people: Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond. They dont yet have the knack of creating characters and situations that necessitate songs rather than the other way around. Maxwell, a composer, even humblebrags in his bio that hes never written a musical before and this whole musical theater thing is kind of a weird accident. Tell me about it.

Ride the Cyclone is at the Lucille Lortel Theatre through December 18.
First, revival culture came for the property of your intellect, and now its coming for your actual real-estate property. Full House creator Jeff Franklin has purchased the San Francisco pad made famous in those opening credits, after the Full House house went on the market in May. Franklin shelled out around $4 million of that syndication money for the house, and, as he told The Hollywood Reporter, he is a supremely satisfied homeowner. The house came on the market and really, I just thought, I have to buy this house  Im so sentimental about the house. Its great to have the house in our Full House family and be able to preserve it for the fans, he said, adding, Seriously, I love owning this house. Franklin is also making some necessary renovations to the digs; one of his first moves was to restore the door to its former red-painted glory, because some previous inhabitants had the nerve to paint that piece of TV history a shade of sea-foam green. That switch should help Franklin line up his next move, which is to reincorporate the Full House house into Fuller House, should the Netflix revival get a third season. We would take advantage of the fact that I now own the house, and we could go up there and shoot some new footage and maybe bring the cast up and shoot with them up there, Franklin explained. And he has plans for between seasons, too, as hed like to rent the property to fans because, Its a shame to let it sit empty.
Up

Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea

Affleck scored back-to-back-to-back victories from the Gothams, NBR, and the NYFCC, but that fledgling winners streak is tempered by last weeks well-trafficked Daily Beast piece on the sexual-harassment accusations that were levied against Affleck when he directed Im Still Here. Until now, the star has coasted through very friendly profiles in Variety and the Times, and still he may coast: After all, this is an Oscar season where Mel freakin Gibson is doing just fine, even if Nate Parker saw his award hopes dashed by scandal. Still, its bad timing for this splashy expose to come to the fore, just as Afflecks primary competitor, Denzel Washington, begins to assert himself on the campaign trail.
Photo: Jonathan Wenk/ABC

Its no secret that the current state of Muslim representation on TV is troubling, particularly as a post-9/11 culture oversaw the rise of the trope of the Muslim terrorist and as Donald Trumps proposed Muslim ban stokes Islamophobia. Quantico, however, wont be a site for such stereotypes, according to showrunner Josh Safran. Participating in a roundtable discussion for the New York Times, Safran revealed that one of the major rules for Quantico is that it never feature a Muslin terrorist, an edict to which it has so far held fast. He explained, For me, it was important to not ever put a Muslim terrorist on our show. There hasnt been one. He added that the shows current season came close, but only for the sake of misdirection. This year we have the appearance of one  which is a spoiler. But its not true, he said. The guideline is just one of the ways Quantico is responding to the present political climate, according to Safran, who intends to significantly change the tone of the show. He revealed, I called the network and I said, Can we change the show? They said yes. Were changing the show so that it can represent, in a dark time, more hope. Yes, in the darkest of times, there is always TV.
Fuzzys Taco Shop

215 S. University Parks Drive, Suite 107

254-732-1818

www.fuzzystacoshop.com and also on Facebook

Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

Price: $-$$ (see guide below)

Takeout: Yes

Alcohol: Full bar

On the menu: Baja-style Mexican food including fish tacos, burritos and nachos plus enchiladas and fajitas plates; salads; and all-day breakfast items including migas, huevos rancheros.

Good to know: Indoor and outdoor patio seating with pet-friendly outdoor seating. Specialties include The Big Fuzz breakfast sandwich (two fried eggs, bacon, potatoes and jalepenos on teleras bread) and a Fuzzy Rita (peach margarita)

Restaurant origin: Part of a national chain. Partners Laurentiu and Casie Cernat and Mike and Sandy Sandlin opened the Waco location Nov. 4.

Dunkin Donuts

1200 N. Valley Mills Drive

254-732-0629

Hours: 5:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily.

Price: $

Takeout: Yes

On the menu: Doughnuts, muffins, bagels, bakery and breakfast sandwiches, cookies, coffee.

Good to know: Extensive coffee offerings including espresso, cappuchino and latte; blended coffee drinks and cold brew.

Restaurant origin: Dunkin Donuts Waco location opened Oct. 11.

The Mad Hasher

University Parks Drive at Franklin Avenue

254-299-7971

On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-midnight Thursdays-Saturdays.

Price: $ (see guide)

Takeout: Yes

Alcohol: No

On the menu: Breakfast hashes (basics of fried potatoes, meat and cheese, topped with fried eggs) with multiple optional toppings; and sandwiches (Cuban, two with breakfast sausage/ground sirloin patties, two jalapeno waffle sandwiches).

Good to know: Vegetarian The Green Thumb hash is locally sourced. Candied bacon featured on some sandwiches. Waffle sandwiches have fillings of fried chicken and maple syrup or brisket with barbecue sauce.

Restaurant origin: Owned by Jonya Williams of Rio Brazos Catering Company and opened by Williams and general manager Dean Covic in early September.

Moroso Wood Fired Pizzeria

4700 Bosque Blvd.

254-235-6000

On Facebook, Instagram

Hours: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 5-10 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 5-11 p.m. Fridays.

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes

Alcohol: Yes

On the menu: 13 types of Neapolitan pizza (dough from 00 flour, fresh yeast, sea salt and purified water; San Marzano tomatoes; cooked at very high temperature); appetizers including aranchini (fried ravioli balls), made-from-scratch meatballs, charcuterie board; salads; desserts including cannoli, risotta cheesecake and torta al cioccolato (flourless chocolate cake).

Good to know: Tomatoes and flour are imported from Italy with Italian sausage custom-made in Texas. Pizza oven, dough mixer designed for neapolitan pizza. Many recipes are from owner Dan Morosos family.

Restaurant origin: Dan Moroso trained in restaurant and hotel service before following a career as a television production and writer. He and his wife Robyn, a Baylor University graduate with family in Waco, moved to Waco after 17 years in Miami to set up their own restaurant with an emphasis on hand-crafted food and premium ingredients. Opened Sept. 1.

Silos Baking Co.

601 Webster Ave.

254-235-6111

On Facebook, Instagram

Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.

Price: $

Takeout: No

Alcohol: No

On the menu: Eight flavors of cupcakes; cookies (chocolate-chip and chocolate-chip/peanut-butter-chip/walnut); cinnamon rolls (with and without pecans); biscuits (bacon/cheddar and orange/cranberry); almond pastry; and blueberry muffins. Drinks include milk, lemonades and water.

Good to know: Some of the recipes are favorites of Magnolia Market co-owner/founder Joanna Gaines of HGTVs Fixer Upper. Several cupcakes carry Fixer Upper-inspired names, such as the Shiplap (vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream icing), Nuts & Bolts (vanilla cake with pecans and walnuts, cream cheese icing), Silobration (vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream icing) and Cup O Jo (chocolate cake with espresso buttercream icing).

Restaurant origin: Located on the Magnolia Market grounds in the shadow of the twin silos. Opened June 29.

The Provender Store

608 B Austin Ave.

254-265-4327

On Facebook, Instagram

Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes. Catering available.

Alcohol: No

On the menu: Organic delicatessen and bakery with locally sourced foods wherever possible. Hand-cured pastrami, corned beef and chicken; homemade bread, pickles, preserves, mustards and sausage; specialty desserts.

Good to know: Menu updated every few months to reflect seasonally available produce and meats.

Restaurant origin: Owner Craig Parker came to the Waco area as a wine-making consultant, but success with his homemade jams at the Downtown Waco Farmers Market persuaded him of a need for a downtown deli.
It sounds like a rock n roll fans dream: a 1950s recording studio session with soon-to-be giants in the genre Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, with Memphis-based Sun Records founder Sam Phillips at hand.

Dream or not, it actually happened on Dec. 4, 1956, and serves as the basis for a stage musical, Million Dollar Quartet, whose Waco Civic Theatre production opens a two-weekend run Friday.

They basically had a huge, awesome jam session, explained Sarah Miller, director of the WCT production.

The musics the selling point, with hits like Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes, I Walk the Line, Whole Lot of Shakin Going On, Folsom Prison Blues, Great Balls of Fire and more, with a few spirituals and other numbers thrown in.

For Miller, the familiarity of that music made casting the production a little tricky. She needed cast members who could play guitar or piano and suggest the performers they were portraying without falling too deeply into imitation or mimicry.

Thats a really tall order, she said. Most of the audience is able to recognize these people because of the music they produce. What weve tried to do is create the tone of these people.

There was another consideration as well: acting, to pull off the context that brought the Million Dollar Quartet together for that magical session.

The music makes the show fun, but the story makes it real, Miller said.

Million Dollar Quartet has Carl Perkins (Shane Wilson) set to record with newcomer Jerry Lee Lewis (Joey Tamayo) at Sun Records studios when Elvis Presley (Tyler Miller) drops in with his girlfriend, Dyanne (Kelli Ann Pistokache). Then Johnny Cash (Jonah Hardt) stops by to talk business with Sun Records founder Sam Phillips (Roger Houston).

What happens when four talented, spirited musicians get together? They make music, of course.

While Millers cast play and sing, a combo including drums and upright bass provides backing, led by music director (and professional guitarist) Jon Fox. Miller, an East Tennessee native, moved to Waco with her husband, Tyler, two years ago and found her experience working this summer with the WCT musical Beauty and the Beast  Tyler played one of its Gastons  reignited a longtime love of theater and music that led her to apply as director of the current musical.

Working with a small cast has deepened members chemistry and friendship, she said, adding that the personable side of the musical comes through with the well-known songs.

Youre getting to see a more in-depth picture of the characters. Even if you dont like the music, youll appreciate it, she said.
Baylor University will have its annual Christmas on 5th Street event from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday at the Bill Daniel Student Center and Burleson Quadrangle, located on Fifth Street, between Speight Avenue and Waco Creek.

The event will include horse-drawn carriage rides, live music from Cory Morrow at 9 p.m., handbell performances, a tree lighting, a live nativity scene, a petting zoo, pictures with Santa, a Christmas marketplace and more.

Free parking will be available beginning at 5 p.m. at the Speight Avenue and Fifth Street parking garages.

Admission is free.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2gLELii.

Elf on a ReStore Shelf

Waco Habitat for Humanity is sponsoring an Elf on a ReStore Shelf Christmas Party from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Waco Habitat ReStore, 1224 Franklin Ave.

The event will include live music, a visit from Santa, and a 50 percent discount off select brick or 25% off everything in the store.

Admission costs $5 or $10 per family.

For more information, call 756-7575.

Rapid HIV testing

In conjunction with World AIDS Day, the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, 225 W. Waco Drive, will provide free Rapid HIV testing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

Gift cards will be distributed to all who test, while supplies last.

For more information, call 750-5499.

Boil notice lifted

Levi Water Supply Corp. has rescinded the boil-water notice it issued Monday for its water customers.

For more information, call 857-3050.

Submit items for Briefly in printed or typed form to Briefly, P.O. Box 2588, Waco 76702-2588; fax to 757-0302.
An Axtell woman with 14 prior convictions, including two felonies, was sentenced Wednesday to eight years in prison in the death of a dog she claims she was trying to rescue.

Sharon Diane Finley, 56, an apartment manager who said she loves animals, will have to serve at least four years in prison after her conviction on an animal cruelty charge.

Prosecutors Robert Moody and Ryan Bownds asked the 54th State District Court jury of eight women and four men to give Finley a maximum 10-year prison term, saying she has had plenty of time to change her behavior throughout her lengthy criminal history that dates back to 1980 and runs through last year.

It still isnt clear just how the Siberian husky known as Thor was killed. Prosecution witnesses said he died from a stab or puncture wound to the side, while Finley and two defense witnesses said he was struck by a car on U.S. Highway 84 near Bellmead.

What is clear from the two-day trial is Thor and another husky named Loki belonged to Whitney and Matthew Daniels and that Thor died in Finleys custody after she picked up both dogs near the Daniels home on Riverview Road near Downsville.

When deputies confronted Finley about the dogs, they found blood covering the back seat of Finleys car and a folding pocket knife with blood and dog hair on it.

Witnesses spotted Finley picking up the dogs and putting them into her car in December 2015 and then coming back about 90 minutes later and dumping Thors body in a ditch at South Third Street and Riverview Road. Loki, who was in the car, jumped out and ran back home.

Whitney Daniels cried Wednesday during her testimony in the punishment phase of the trial, telling the jury Thor, a rescued dog, had become a valued member of her family and that they and Loki miss him very much.

He wasnt just an animal, she said. He basically became part of our family really quick. He was basically like one of my sons.

After Whitney Daniels testimony, she sat in the back of the courtroom to watch the completion of the trial. During a break between witnesses, Finley turned to her and said, Im sorry, making Daniels cry again. A deputy admonished Finley and told her to face the front of the courtroom.

After the trial was over, Whitney Daniels said she thinks Finley should have gotten 10 years in prison, but said no amount of time would bring back Thor.

Daniels husband, Matthew, testified Tuesday that his family was going to a movie that day and left the two dogs tethered to 30-foot cables in the front yard.

Whitney Daniels said after the trial Wednesday that she thinks Finley saw her dogs, came into their yard and stole them.

Finley, who testified Tuesday, denied taking the dogs off the cables and said she feared they would be hurt because they were running in the roadway. She said she knocked on the door of a home to ask about the dogs owners, but no one was home.

Finley did not testify Wednesday, but four of her friends and her aunt all testified that she is a kind, caring person who loves animals and who goes out of her way to help others. They said she takes better care of her six dogs and horses than she does herself.

Most of them, however, said they were not familiar with Finleys extensive criminal record and agreed with prosecutors that there is another side to Finley that she had not shown them.

Finleys attorney, Phil Martinez, asked the jury for the minimum, two-year prison term.

She is devastated about the outcome and the trial, Martinez said. I still dont think she had any intent to harm any animal. But the jury saw it a different way, and we respect the jurys decision.

The prosecutors presented evidence showing Finley has felony convictions for credit card abuse and forgery and misdemeanor convictions for terroristic threat, reckless driving, two DWIs, driving while license suspended, three criminal trespass convictions, driving while license invalid, making a false report to police, assault and evading police.
Clare Bradburn is still not happy her ex-husband, Edward E. Graf Jr., is not in prison.

But if the confessed double murderer has to be out on parole, Bradburn wants him to continue to wear a GPS ankle monitor so parole officials can keep close tabs on him.

Graf, 64, was sentenced to 60 years in prison in October 2014 and will be on parole until 2048. He was released on mandatory parole seven days after he pleaded guilty in 2014 to killing his two adopted stepsons in Hewitt in 1986.

As a condition of his parole, Graf was placed in the Super-Intensive Supervision Program and ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor. Graf has travel restrictions and has been forbidden from entering or living in certain counties, including McLennan, Denton, Dallas, Harris, Wichita and Henderson counties.

Graf sought to have the ankle monitor requirement lifted last year, but parole officials say the volume of protest letters and emails they received swayed their decision to deny Grafs request.

The condition is up for review each year, and Bradburn again is trying to mobilize opposition forces. She is asking others opposed to Grafs request to write the Board of Pardons and Paroles in Austin.

Bradburn said it is frustrating to have to fight the battle each year. But, it is one she will continue because she feels strongly that Graf remains a threat to her and her family and possibly others.

It is time again to protest the removal of electronic ankle monitoring from the murderer of my little boys, Bradburn said. Ed Graf committed the ultimate heinous crime of burning two children alive. How much worse could it be? And he wants to be free of having to submit his daily activities and not wear the device? We stand strong together to fight for our protection. Family, friends and others who testified against Ed will continue this protest process indefinitely.

Moved to Kerrville

Graf spent three months at a halfway house before parole officials approved his new residence in Kerrville. He is working a construction job there, officials said.

Graf served 25 years in prison after his 1988 conviction in the deaths of the boys, who died in a shed fire behind Grafs home in Hewitt. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals awarded Graf a new trial in March 2013, ruling the arson evidence at his first trial was flawed.

At his retrial two years ago, Graf was sentenced to 60 years in prison after he struck a deal with McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna moments before a jury reached a guilty verdict after 11 hours of deliberations.

One of Grafs retrial attorneys, Michelle Tuegel, said she wrote a letter to the parole board in September asking officials to allow Graf to remove the GPS monitor because he has complied with the terms and conditions of his parole.

Bradburn said those wanting to write the board should use Grafs TDC number, 00484971, and send emails to victim.svc@tdcj.texas.gov. Emails should say Attention: Analyst.

Letters can be sent to Victim Services at 8712 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite 265, Austin, Texas, 78757.
A Woodway family is hoping to start a new holiday tradition in McLennan County, one that will help Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Inc. grant Christmas wishes to help the disabled gain more independence so they can engage more fully in their daily lives.

Partnered through HOCTIL, Melissa and Jody Copp will host the first Giving Trees Festival from Friday evening through Sunday at the Ranger Room in the Waco Convention Center.

The festival brings together local businesses, organizations and schools to design 27 Christmas trees and compete in 15 different categories, which will be judged by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, and Christi Proctor, star of TLCs Trading Spaces.

With all the trees for sale, funds from the events first year will go toward making the Copp familys home fully wheelchair-accessible for their two boys, 8-year-old Calan Copp and 4-year-old Lawson Copp. The goal is to raise about $100,000 to cover the costs, the couple said.

Weve been living in homes that provided more barriers than whats required for differently abled children, and we reached a point where we absolutely had to move out, and our next goal was to create an environment where it was conducive for wheelchairs, said Melissa Copp, a deputy clerk at the federal courthouse in Waco. I knew I had to do something creative and do a fundraiser.

Their sons have a rare mitochondrial condition that has yet to have a specific name for diagnosis, the couple said. They are possibly the only two confirmed U.S. cases of a double-mutation in the gene PNPT1, which is responsible for the mitochondria, or cells that produce energy to the brain and muscles, their parents said.

Because the mutation was

passed down from both mother and father, Calan and Lawson were born with spastic and low muscle tone in their legs, requiring them to use wheelchairs and walkers 100 percent of the time. The couple spent 61/2 years trying to get a diagnosis, but only a new genetic test could confirm the mutation, they said. There is no cure and no prognosis on the condition, they said.

Thats one of those genes where they told us, Dont Google it, youre not going to find anything,  said Jody Copp, a purchasing agent with the city of Waco.

The boys require physical, occupational and speech therapy, orthotics and other adaptive measures necessary for routine functions, and they will need them for the rest of their lives, the couple said.

Our heroes

As soon as they were born, Jody and I noticed delays, and we instantly went into action. We intervened and provided them support, resources. Whatever we thought we could do and throw at them, theyve been able to take it in stride, Melissa Copp said as she began to cry. Theyre absolutely our heroes. Every day, they wake up more determined than the day before, and thats what drives us.

Proof of their tenacity and determination often shows up in physical therapy, Jody Copp said. Often, the boys will work on something for six months or a year, and just when it begins to feel like they might not improve, Calan and Lawson surprise them, he said.

One of the ones that sounds so simple for most people, and they wouldnt really understand this, is crawling, Jody Copp said. We worked on Calan for over a year on how to crawl reciprocally, where you do one leg and then the other leg, because they would bunny-hop and thats kind of how theyd get along.

Just when you get to a point where you think theyre never going to get it, boom. He just starts crawling, and that leads to something else. Its like it takes forever to get these little things, and all of a sudden everything else comes right behind it. Theyll amaze you.

The Copp family has moved from home to home, searching for a place that fits their needs. They now are staying in an apartment, waiting until after the fundraiser to close on a house that has been gutted for them to renovate.

If they raise enough money, they will use the donations for items like roll-under bathroom sinks, accessible showers and wheelchair ramps at the front and back doors of the house.

But as much as the fund-raiser is for their family, its also about bringing a community together to help others facing similar struggles, the couple said.

We dont just give to ourselves, we give to others, and I wanted this to be a sustainable fundraiser for other families, as well, Melissa Copp said. Thats when I knew I had to approach HOCTIL. They were on board instantly.

A primary focus of HOCTIL is promoting and advocating for independence and equal access for the disabled, so they can have a more active role in their community. The festival represents exactly what the nonprofit group represents, said Peggy Cosner, HOCTILs executive director.

The Copp family approached the group in September and have spent the past few months trying to bring as much attention to the festival as possible by reaching out to local businesses, they said.

Cosner said she is amazed at how much energy and time have been put in during such a short period, and she has loved getting to know the Copp family throughout the process.

The miracle of Christmas? Its happening, and were truly grateful, Cosner said.

Melissa Copp will chair the event in the years ahead, and funds raised will go strictly to other Central Texans who need to modify their homes, she said.

The event kicks off from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday with an invite-only VIP preview party for decorators, sponsors and community leaders. Then the event opens to the public from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday an 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Category winners will be announced at noon Sunday, just before a live auction.

Admission is a $5 donation at the door. For more information, visit www.the givingtreesfestival.com.

We work with everyone of any age, just like the Copp boys. Theyre boys, theyre children, and they warm your heart just like anyone else, Cosner said. The only difference is they use their (wheel)chairs.
Every year Texas women must endure a stampede of Trojan Horse laws and regulations assaulting their constitutional right to an abortion. More are on the way.

Trojan Horse, you will remember, is a trap posing as a gift. In this case, it is a regulation that purports to be about protecting the publics health. But its really about disguising yet another indignity for women seeking an abortion.

Trojan Horse laws have made reproductive health care less accessible for Texas women. They have required doctors to give women medically inaccurate information. They even mandate the insertion of an intrusive ultrasound wand into a woman seeking an abortion.

The newest ghoulish assault on Texas women is Gov. Greg Abbotts fetal remains regulation, set to go into effect Dec. 19. His political appointees announced it shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court chastised our state for an end run around a womans right to decide whether and when to have children.

The regulation requires fetal tissue from abortion or miscarriages to be buried or cremated. This unnecessary requirement can cost thousands of dollars in each case. But some legislators want to enshrine the regulation into state law and impose even more unnecessary restrictions on women seeking an abortion.

It is chilling to witness politicians overriding science and medicine to impose their own beliefs on women. They claim their purpose is protecting the publics health and safety by preventing the spread of disease. But by that logic, we should have to hold a burial or cremation for our amputated feet or for each of our extracted teeth.

Officials have had to scramble to assure women that they wont have to somehow find and turn over the tissue if they miscarry at home. No, the state suggests, this is only a public health issue if the pregnancy ends at a health-care facility.

There also are no provisions for donating the tissue for life-saving medical research. And since the vast majority of abortions occur during the first 13 weeks, who will come up with a line of caskets in sizes from three inches to microscopic?

Many of us got our first look inside this Trojan Horse when Gov. Abbott sent out a cynical fundraising appeal about it, boasting that he was protecting the rights of the unborn. He failed to mention the publics health in that appeal.

The real reason politicians are pushing this seems to be the belief that a soul enters the body at conception, therefore making the fertilized human egg the moral equivalent to a fully gestated human being.

As a pastor I respect and support the religious freedom that allows anyone to oppose abortion. But where is religious freedom for those of us who do not pretend to know whether or when the soul enters the body? Where is the religious freedom for the millions of us who believe that womens bodies are not community property simply because they get pregnant? Where is the religious freedom for those of us who respect the moral agency of women?

When Texas politicians worry more about fetal burial than programs that benefit children who have actually gestated, something is terribly wrong. They have simply and cynically turned reproductive health care into a gauntlet of abuse for women.

It is time to end this stampede of Trojan Horse laws and regulations. They are only dishonest attempts to deprive women of the right to choose the reproductive health care they want.

Jim Rigby is pastor at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Austin and serves on the advisory committee for Just Texas: Faith Voices for Reproductive Justice (justtx.org) which among other things holds that women, not politicians, should be the decision-makers about reproductive health care.
St. Stephens Episcopal Church

St. Stephens Episcopal Church at 16th and Adams streets in Ashland is the only Episcopal Church in Saunders County. It was built in 1872 shortly after Nebraska became a state and is the oldest church structure in Ashland. A parish hall, which is the north wing of the building, was added later. The rectory north of the church was built about 1885. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The building is of Gothic Revival design with board and batten exterior siding. Hand-wrought iron crosses are mounted on the steeple and the five-sided apse. Inside, the cathedral ceiling is supported by a double row of crossed trusses. Well-worn kneeling benches and pews are still in place as well as the original etched glass windows. The original pump organ brought from Chicago via steamship and overland from Nebraska City by a team of horses in 1872 is still operable. In 1940 a new hand-carved walnut-paneled chancel was installed with a new altar and red and blue stained glass windows.

In 1992 the building was sold to the Ashland Arts Council and is used for concerts, weddings and meetings. Tours are available.

- Submitted by the Ashland Historical Society. For more information on other items from Ashlands history, visit the Ashland History Museum at 205 N. 15th St., Ashland. The museum is open November to April on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment.
PLATTSMOUTH  Veterans in Eagle and Greenwood will soon be able to receive local assistance on claims and other issues, following the recent revival of a Cass County program.

Cass County Veterans Services Officer Brian Coffman will make monthly trips to Eagle and Greenwood, as part of an initiative to bring support to veterans in their own backyard.

He started last month in Greenwood, where he visited the village library and got a feel for the town and its facilities.

No veterans stopped in on that day, but he did get to chat with village employees.

We had some good talks, he said. It was a quiet day. It was nice to test out the facility.

Once the word gets out, Coffman hopes more veterans in both villages will take advantage of the services he has to offer.

His mission is to provide assistance to veterans and their families through counseling and completing claims through the VA Regional Office, Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies.

The big thing we do is just decipher what the letters they get from the VA mean, Coffman said, adding those letters can be full of technical language thats tough to get through. A lot of times I need to research it.

Those claims often involve healthcare, insurance or education concerns, and they often deal with regulations at multiple levels of government. Coffman plans to be able to clearly explain the various federal, state and county regulations to those who take advantage of the service.

Coffman will bring a scanner with him on every trip, enabling documents to be sent to the proper agencies as efficiently as possible.

His goal is to make the process as easy as possible for veterans while ensuring they get receive the most benefit. That means giving the decision makers in VA offices an easily digestible claim.

We gather all the information and we package it nicely together, he said. If you make it easy for them to make a decision, maybe the decision is going to benefit you more.

Visits will be scheduled in hour-long appointments, Coffman said. Walk-ins will also be serviced, depending on how busy the schedule is for the day.

He will set up temporary shop in the Eagle Fire Station on the first Friday of every month, and in the Greenwood library on the third Friday of each month. He plans to have each visit last from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and expects to have about four appointments during each trip.

This isnt the first time the county has scheduled such visits, Coffman said. The former Veterans Services offer began the endeavor during her time in the office.

Coffman is inheriting the basic plan from his predecessor, keeping the visits to Greenwood, Eagle and Weeping Water. He hopes to learn more about each community has he makes more trips.

I just want to absorb and get my own information, he said.

Coffman is already familiar with the issues veterans face. He has served 24 years in the United States Air

Force, and his father worked as a veterans services officer in Ohio.

That inspired him to follow in his footsteps.

I got to see the impact hes had on veterans, Coffman said. It was the main driving factor on me wanting to seek a position like this.

He also has plenty of experience with all the paperwork veterans are asked to complete.

Im a veteran myself and I know how confusing the process is, he said. I have no underlying agenda. Its just to take care of the veterans in my county.

Another aspect of being a veterans services officer is connecting with veterans on a personal level, Coffman said. His appointments give veterans an opportunity to talk to a willing listener.

He ensures privacy for every appointment, which should make veterans comfortable enough to share information they might not have otherwise. That information can sometimes help clarify questions on claims and lead to additional benefits.

Having the veteran open up and tell me personal things, thats difficult for them, Coffman said. Thats why the privacys key.

And if a veteran is unsure about meeting in public or unable to, Coffman is more than happy to meet their needs.

Im willing to get in my car and go to someones house if I have to take care of them, he said.

Appointments with Coffman can be made by calling the office at 402-296-9368 or by emailing ccvso@cassne.org.

Coffman encourages veterans to introduce themselves next time hes in their town, even if they dont need his help right away.

I definitely want veterans to take advantage, he said. Even if its just to stop in and say hi.
WAHOO  Thanks to modern technology, the recovery process in the wake of a fire at Wahoo State Bank is moving at a fairly rapid rate.

Within two business days of the Nov. 18 fire, the banks Information Technology department was up and running from a remote location and most services were operational.

Within three business days of the fire, internet banking and ATM/Debit card issues were fully resolved.

IT really does add a whole new dimension, said Cynthia Hohl, executive vice-president and board director at Wahoo State Bank.

Hohl said that their IT company, WRK of Omaha, helped them restore their system quickly, something that would have been impossible in a paper-only world.

We have an extensive back-up system. You think its a lot of money over the years but it doesnt feel like it now, Hohl said about moving paper files to digital records.

The bank is not the only one singing the praises of digital files.

Similarly, Al Grandgenett, financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments, said the smoke and water damage that his next-door business endured has not affected his ability to securely service customers.

Any information of importance was double backed up, Grandgenett said.

Remote data backup locations for Edward Jones are in Missouri and Arizona, but Grandgenett said he has also logged into the mainframe computer that stores data.

This remote access connection and security have allowed Grandgenett to work from another Edward Jones office in town, as well as from his own home with the same security.

Security like this is common among financial institutions.

Regulators like the FDIC and state require banks to have a disaster recovery plan, said Stuart Krejci, senior vice president with FirstBank of Nebraska in Wahoo.

Our regulators make us be prepared for disasters like tornados and fires, Krejci said.

FirstBank computers have backups in Omaha and are backed up multiple times a day, Krejci said.

The backups are not only a benefit in accessing and recovering data in case of a disaster, but also play a part in the general safety of sensitive client information.

Keeping the data safe requires an aggressive email filter and anti-virus software, Krejci said.

Beyond conventional safety measure, Krejci said FirstBank hires hackers to try and infiltrate their software and change software randomly to keep from becoming vulnerable.

Simple things like changing passwords regularly might be an inconvenience to customers, but its very beneficial to the public safety, Krejci said.

With off-site data storage protecting the publics information, there are still some on-site precautions to take.

A contingency plan is critical, Grandgenett said.
WAHOO  After a recount of four races and three tie-breakers last week, Saunders County Election Commissioner Patti Lindgren certified the results with villages, counties, cities and school districts on Nov. 28.

For the third seat on Cerescos village board of trustees, Lindgren completed a recount and tiebreaker between Dave Burklund and Tim Hartshorn on Nov. 23.

Hartshorn and Burklund, who each received 215 votes on first count, met Lindgren at the courthouse to witness the recount and participate in the tie-breaker.

Lindgren said that the process of a recount is the same as election night and that all ballots are run again in the same order.

The same number of votes were found in the recount last week.

When the candidates are present for the tiebreaker, Lindgren said she has an assortment of ways to decide the issue. Hartshorn and Burklund agreed upon rock-paper-scissors.

Hartshorn beat Burklund with paper over rock.

Lindgren said that Hartshorn lost a tie six years ago in a coin flip and did not want to go the same route this time.

Scott Peterson and Jean E. Sklenar were also voted to the board in the general election.

A recount and tiebreaker also took place for the third position on the Village of Valparaiso Board of Trustees.

None of the candidates were in attendance, but three undeclared write-ins, Greg Bouc, Jefrrey Draper and Dennis Clark, each received five votes.

Declared write-in Craig Kliment received four votes and was not part of the tiebreaker.

Lindgren said to break this tie, the names were written on paper and put in a fish bowl, then a disinterested party drew the winners name.

Dennis Clarks name was drawn and will join Jim Rezac and Tim Nelson on the board as a result of this years General Election.

There was no recount for the Ward 5 seat on the Raymond Central Public Schools Board of Education, but there were 66 write-in votes compared to declared write-in Matthew Blanchards 36 votes.

Lindgren said that none of the write-in votes were enough for one candidate to cause a recount and that Blanchard won the seat.

All votes for the Ward 5 seat on the Raymond Central board were cast in Saunders County, Lindgren said.

A tiebreaker involving Butler, Saunders and Seward counties took place last week as well, for the four-year term on the south Ward on the East Butler Public Schools Board of Education.

Lindgren said that in her recount for the two candidates, Janice Bostelman received 26 votes and Dan Zysset received 25, the same numbers as the original count.

But, the sum of votes in the three counties involved in the vote for this seat was a tie.

To break the tie, names were dawn from a hat, said Butler County Clerk Vicki Truksa, whose canvassing board worked with the tiebreaker.

Zyssets name was drawn and will serve the four-year term for the South Ward and Bostelman will serve atwo-year term.

The varying terms in this election are part of the school boards process of reducing the number of seats on the board from nine members to six members.

Lindgren said that there could have been another recount due to the lone vote differentiating declared write-in Aaron Johnson and Lynn Hanson for the second spot on Ithacas village board.

Johnson trailed by one vote with 33 to Hansons 34 votes, Lindgren said.

But, Lindgren said Johnson waived his opportunity for a recount.

Gus Moreno and Hanson will serve on Ithacas village board as a result of the general election.

With all county processes complete, the next step in the election process takes place at the state level.

The Nebraska State Board of Canvassers will meet at 9 a.m. on Dec. 5 in the Governors Hearing Room at the State Capitol in Lincoln to certify the results of the general election. The meeting is open to the public.

If the final certified results fall within the parameters of an automatic recount, the board will order that recount be carried out on Dec. 7, according the Secretary of State John Gales office.
EAGLE  Eagles new Monument Park provides a pleasurable view for drivers passing through on Highway 34, and a new place for residents to pass the time.

One young Eagle boy scout resident played a significant role in the completion of the new green space, dedicating a few months of his time to making the park a little more inviting.

Marshall Caddy, 14, dedicated his Eagle Scout service project to improving the park. And he succeeded, bringing in a bench and burying the villages Centennial Time Capsule.

The capsule was originally dedicated in 1986, to mark the villages 100th year anniversary. At that time, it was buried in the main municipal park, but was moved during the construction of new volleyball courts.

After it was exhumed, the capsule was taken to Marshalls scoutmasters acreage. It sat there for a few years until the scoutmaster realized it should be relocated back to Eagle.

The capsule then traveled to the villages maintenance yard right next door to the new park. It resided there for a few years again, until Marshall decided to rededicate it at the new park this past September.

While he was at it, he thought he would add a bench for the community.

I thought it would be nice to have a place nearby to sit and enjoy the park, since the plantings should be enjoyed by others in the community, Marshall said.

In order to complete the project, Marshall had to receive approval from the villages board of trustees.

They approved the location and the style of bench in February 2016, Marshall said. I was then required to raise the funds to purchase the bench and supplies. Eagle Vision, Inc. agreed to allow donations to the project to be made their organization as this was a community betterment project.

Marshall dedicated the better part of this spring raising funds. He approached multiple local businesses for donations. Those donors included Buel Trucking, Douglas V. Duey, Jim Peterson, Eagle State Bank, Jim Hesse, American Exchange Bank, Centre Place Dental, Brenda Vogt, Ray Young and Eagle Vision.

After collecting the needed funds, Marshall worked with Village Clerk Nick Nystrom to order the new bench from Sitescapes in Lincoln. Volunteers helped prepare the site for a concrete slab, which was poured in August. The bench and time capsule were placed in September.

Twelve people total volunteered to help Marshall, including fellow scouts, other youth and adults. The work was completed in about 62 hours.

Marshall and his family held an official rededication for the time capsule at the end of September with troop members and their families.

The project made Marshall the youngest person to achieve the Eagle Scout rank in his troop. He said it was a cool feeling to have that achievement under his belt.

He said he hopes residents will take advantage of the new bench when warmer weather rolls around and the park is a little more green.

I just thought it would be really cool to have this so people could come here and see all the new landscaping, he said.

The village worked with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum earlier this year to decide what plants to sow at the park.

Working with arborist Justin Evertson, they decided on a number of native plants that would enrich the location as well as local wildlife.

We are trying to demonstrate that even in smaller spaces, ornamental landscaping can emphasize native plants, Evertson said. The primary benefit of using native plants is that they help attract and support a wider range of native and important insects, birds and other wildlife. Pollinators are struggling to find suitable habitat and our planted landscapes are great places to help sustain them.

The village also recently installed a new limestone sign for the park, which includes an electronic sign to display community news and other messages.

An official park dedication will likely occur next spring, after sod is installed.

Marshalls father, Terry, said it was a good experience for his son to be involved in the endeavor.

Its like your home  its like doing a home improvement, Terry Caddy said. Thats one of that things about becoming an Eagle Scout. The community and its leaders have given you skills. Once you reach Eagle Scout, its an opportunity to give back.

And Marshall does plan to give back.

Hell be taking a break on his own projects for the time being, but said he would help his fellow scouts on their own Eagle projects.
On Dec. 3 the Museum presents Words on Wings, a literary event with four Pacific Northwest aviation-themed writers. The authors will give individual presentations on the hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Their subjects range from histories of Seattle aviation, to solo transcontinental flights and the first female fighter ace. The programs are free with admission to the Museum, and the authors books will be available for sale.

Schedule

11 a.m.

Tim Nelsons new title, Jet City Rewind, digs into the aviation archeology of the Seattle area from the dawn of human flight to today.

12 p.m.

John Fredrickson will discuss his latest Images of Aviation title, Boeing, which explores the 100 year history of this aerospace giant.

1 p.m.

Harry Andersons Flying 7 Continents Solo is the fascinating account of a pilot flying alone around the world in a small single-engine plane, across oceans and through foreign countries, to achieve the rare goal of landing on all seven continents.

2 p.m.

S.J. McCormack explores this history of Russian female World War II aviators in the novel, Night Witch, and will preview her newest work about the White Lily of Stalingrad, the worlds first female fighter pilot ace.

About The Museum of Flight

Founded in 1965, the independent, non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, serving more than 560,000 visitors annually. The Museums collection includes more than 160 historically significant airplanes and spacecraft, from the first fighter plane (1914) to todays 787 Dreamliner. Attractions also include the original Boeing Company factory, and the worlds only full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer. The Museums aviation and space library and archives are the largest on the West Coast. More than 150,000 individuals are served annually by the Museums on-site and outreach educational programs. The Museum of Flight is accredited by the American Association of Museums, and is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field halfway between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission for adults is $23 on-site and $21 online. Youth 5 through 17 are $14 on-site and $13 online, youth 4 and under are free. Seniors 65 and over $19 on-site and $18 online. Groups of ten or more: $21 per adult, $13 per youth, Thanks to Wells Fargo, on the first Thursday of every month, admission is free from 5 to 9 p.m. And parking is always free. There is a full lunch menu cafe in the Museum and a limited menu cafe in the Aviation Pavilion, both operated by McCormick & Schmicks. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org
China's central government has ordered tighter controls on offshore investments made by state-owned enterprises amid concerns over accelerating capital outflows.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, China's State Council, or cabinet, said it would establish stricter supervision on the acquisition and financing of state assets overseas, including changes in shareholdings, to ensure "the safe operation of overseas assets and to increase the value of assets".

The move comes amid an environment where Beijing has stepped up efforts to control the flow of money offshore, with a resurgence of outflows in recent weeks weakening the Chinese yuan, adding to concerns about the resilience of the world's second-largest economy.

There are growing government concerns that overseas acquisitions are being used to disguise capital flight, with authorities also curtailing options for individuals to invest overseas. Contemporaneous crackdowns on underground banks and foreign casinos  including Australia's Crown Resorts  have also been linked to China's increased scrutiny on capital flows.
Police dog "Jimmy" has helped locate missing Perth mum Amber Wilson.

The mother-of-three was last seen on Monday afternoon driving her white Hyundai Trajet in bushland near The Spectacles around 1.30pm by a member of the public.

The 28-year-old's car was later found abandoned at Kwinana Hub Shopping Centre by police at 3pm.

On Thursday morning police confirmed Ms Wilson had been found in Henderson in Perth's southern suburbs with the assistance of police dog "Jimmy".
From 28 November  9 December, a WCO training expert and a specialist of Portugal Customs conducted the first Regional Theoretical Training in Lima / Peru. Peru just joined the UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme (CCP), agreements with Argentina and Brazil are close to signature.

This training marks the first step of a 3-year cooperation between UNODC, WCO and these important Latin American countries in establishing dedicated Port Control Units to tackle illicit trade in containerized trade.

Currently, Port Control Units established in the framework of the CCP are operational in 34 countries; funding for additional 20 countries has been granted by the donors of this joint UNODC-WCO initiative.



The implementation of the Container Control Programme in Peru is funded by Global Affairs Canada, activities in Argentina and Brazil are financially supported by US Department of State - Export Control and Related Border Security Program (EXBS) and Global Affairs Canada.
The Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) has renewed its warning to Quebecs investing public against binary options companies. In a recent release, the regulator stressed that no firm is currently recognized or allowed to market or offer binary options in the province.Despite our many appeals to be wary of promises of payouts associated with binary options, we continue to receive reports and requests for information from the public," said Jean-Francois Fortin, AMF executive director, enforcement. Our case assessment and cybersurveillance teams are keeping a watchful eye on binary options trading platforms in Quebec, in anticipation of the implementation of appropriate statutory measures. Moreover, we are working with other Canadian regulators to co-ordinate our efforts.Binary options, as explained by the regulator, are derivative products that are like bets: platforms that offer these products ask investors to wager on the performance of a market index, currency, or stock within an extremely short timeframe  often just a few minutes. At the end of the time, the investor either receives a previously determined payout or loses his bet. The proposition is all-or-nothing, with participants often unable to actually claim rewards from their wins.Victims of this type of scheme are tempted by the allure of quick profits or an easy first-time investment opportunity, a statement from the regulator read. The AMF is also concerned that consumers are being solicited aggressively to invest on other platforms to recover their losses, and that some are unfortunately responding to these offers and are being defrauded a second time.According to an informational video produced by the AMF, binary options providers could also engage in identity theft: individuals attempting to claim winnings would be asked for their drivers license number, passport number, and other personal data which could be used to further defraud individuals.The regulator has also updated its online list of websites that operate illegal trading platforms with new sites reportedly offering binary options.
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State Street Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. The company offers investment servicing products and services, including custody; product accounting; daily pricing and administration; master trust and master custody; depotbank services; record-keeping; cash management; foreign exchange, brokerage and other trading services; securities finance and enhanced custody products; deposit and short-term investment facilities; loans and lease financing; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; performance, risk, and compliance analytics; and financial data management to support institutional investors. It also engages in the provision of portfolio management and risk analytics, as well as trading and post-trade settlement services with integrated compliance and managed data. In addition, the company offers investment management strategies and products, such as core and enhanced indexing, multi-asset strategies, active quantitative and fundamental active capabilities, and alternative investment strategies. Further, it provides services and solutions, including environmental, social, and governance investing; defined benefit and defined contribution; and global fiduciary solutions, as well as exchange-traded fund under the SPDR ETF brand. The company provides its products and services to mutual funds, collective investment funds and other investment pools, corporate and public retirement plans, insurance companies, foundations, endowments, and investment managers. State Street Corporation was founded in 1792 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
Humana Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a health and well-being company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Retail, Group and Specialty, and Healthcare Services. The company offers medical and supplemental benefit plans to individuals. It also has a contract with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to administer the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition prescription drug plan program; and contracts with various states to provide Medicaid, dual eligible, and long-term support services benefits. In addition, the company provides commercial fully insured medical and specialty health insurance benefits comprising dental, vision, and other supplemental health benefits; and administrative services only products to individuals and employer groups, as well as military services, such as TRICARE T2017 East Region contract. Further, it offers pharmacy solutions, provider services, and home solutions services, such as home health and other services to its health plan members, as well as to third parties. As of December 31, 2021, the company had approximately 17 million members in medical benefit plans, as well as approximately 5 million members in specialty products. Humana Inc. was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
Post Holdings, Inc. operates as a consumer packaged goods holding company in the United States and internationally. It operates through five segments: Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Foodservice, Refrigerated Retail, and BellRing Brands. The Post Consumer Brands segment manufactures, markets, and sells branded and private label ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal and hot cereal products. It serves grocery stores, mass merchandise customers, supercenters, club stores, natural/specialty stores, and drug store customers, as well as sells its products in the military, ecommerce, and foodservice channels. The Weetabix segment primarily markets and distributes branded and private label RTE cereal, hot cereals and other cereal-based food products, breakfast drinks, and muesli. This segment sells its products to grocery stores, discounters, wholesalers, and convenience stores, as well as through ecommerce. The Foodservice segment produces and distributes egg and potato products in the foodservice and food ingredient channels. It serves foodservice distributors and national restaurant chains. The Refrigerated Retail segment produces and distributes side dishes, eggs and egg products, sausages, cheese, and other dairy and refrigerated products for grocery stores and mass merchandise customers. The BellRing Brands segment markets and distributes ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders, nutrition bars, and supplements. It serves club stores, food, drug and mass customers, and online retailers, as well as specialty retailers, convenience stores, and distributors. Post Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1895 and is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Provident Financial Services, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Provident Bank that provides various banking products and services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. The company's deposit products include savings, checking, interest-bearing checking, money market deposit, and certificate of deposit accounts, as well as IRA products. Its loan portfolio comprises commercial real estate loans that are secured by properties, such as multi-family apartment buildings, office buildings, and retail and industrial properties; commercial business loans; fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans collateralized by one- to four-family residential real estate properties; commercial construction loans; and consumer loans consisting of home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, marine loans, personal loans and unsecured lines of credit, and auto and recreational vehicle loans. The company also offers cash management, remote deposit capture, payroll origination, escrow account management, and online and mobile banking services; and business credit cards. In addition, it provides wealth management services comprising investment management, trust and estate administration, financial planning, tax compliance and planning, and private banking. Further, the company sells insurance and investment products, including annuities; operates as a real estate investment trust for acquiring mortgage loans and other real estate related assets; and manages and sells real estate properties acquired through foreclosure. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 96 full-service branch offices in northern and central New Jersey, as well as in Pennsylvania and New York counties. The company was founded in 1839 and is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey.
RingCentral, Inc. provides software-as-a-service solutions that enable businesses to communicate, collaborate, and connect in North America. The company offers business cloud communications and contact center solutions based on its Message Video Phone? platform. Its products include RingCentral Office that provides communication and collaboration across various modes, including high-definition voice, video, SMS, messaging and collaboration, conferencing, online meetings, and fax; RingCentral Contact Center, a collaborative contact center solution that delivers omni-channel; and RingCentral Engage Digital, a digital customer engagement platform that allows enterprises to interact with their customers. The company's products also comprise RingCentral Engage Voice, a cloud-based outbound/blended customer engagement platform for midsize and enterprise companies; RingCentral Video, a video meeting service which includes our RCV video and team messaging capabilities and offers video and audio conferencing, file sharing, contact, task, and calendar management. In addition, it offers RingCentral Professional, a cloud based virtual telephone service that provides inbound call answering and management services for professionals; and RingCentral Fax that provides online fax capabilities. The company serves a range of industries, including financial services, education, healthcare, legal services, real estate, retail, technology, insurance, construction, hospitality, and state and local government, as well as others. It sells its products through a network of direct sales representatives, as well as sales agents, resellers, and channel partners. RingCentral, Inc. has strategic partnerships with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise; and Vodafone Business. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Belmont, California.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Dec. 01, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 01, 2016 | 01:33 PM | PADUCAH, KY

Two teens accused of putting a newborn infant in a dumpster last July have been found guilty of 1st degree wanton endangerment, 3rd degree criminal abuse and tampering with evidence, but have been spared more serious attempted murder charges.



A McCracken County jury returned the verdict against 18-year-old Trevon Elmore and 16-year-old Casside Cherry Wednesday night, after about five hours of deliberations. The jury recommended that Elmore be sentenced as an adult, and receive a prison term 18 months. Cherry will be sentenced as a juvenile. The defendants were facing attempted murder charges, but the jury chose not to convict them on those counts.



Under a plea agreement reached by both parties in November, Cherry and Elmore would have served seven and eight years in prison, respectively. Commonwealth Attorney Carrie Ovey-Wiggins says Judge Craig Clymer rejected that agreement, forcing the case to go to trial.



"The judge rejected that plea, and that effectively forced me to have to try the case. Unfortunately, the penalty received by the jury was much less than what had been negotiated in the plea agreement." Ovey-Wiggins said.



Clymer will formally sentence both defendants at a Feb. 9 hearing.








By Adam Morton Nov. 30, 2016 | 02:33 PM | PADUCAH, KY





Members of the Kentucky State Senate Majority Caucus Leadership team met in Paducah Wednesday to answer questions on various topics.Senate President Robert Stivers, Majority Caucus Leader Dan Seum, Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, President Pro Tem David P. Givens, and Majority Whip Jimmy Higdon, along with Senator Danny Carroll, met at the Luther F. Carson Center to answer questions in preparation for the upcoming 2017 session.Job creation was the prime focus of discussion. Stivers said, "What we want to do is create an environment and atmosphere that has jobs, at the end of our mission." Stivers went on to say that Kentucky and Paducah have a great agricultural base with the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. He and the other leaders want to expand on that agricultural atmosphere to create manufacturing jobs, and any other jobs that can be created.When asked about the plan of motion, Stivers said it depends on all the senators working together.Senator Danny Carroll said, "It's for us to be prepared. I know there are efforts at Murray State [and] WKCTC to make sure we have the proper training for our workforce." Carroll said that with the growing technology field that is where the efforts need to be made. All the senators agreed that our colleges and universities are graduating "just enough" students in the technology field and the medical field.Stivers said he would like to see more money put into the technology and medical fields in Kenucky's colleges and universities, because the programs just aren't growing.The new legislative session will begin January 3.
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Murray police warn of prowlers in several neighborhoods
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By The Associated Press

Nov. 30, 2016 | GATLINBURG, TN

By The Associated Press Nov. 30, 2016 | 07:24 AM | GATLINBURG, TN

UPDATE: A Tennessee mayor is confirming seven fatalities in the wildfires that swept through the Great Smoky Mountains.



Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters also says nearly four dozen people have been injured in the fires, which destroyed more than 150

buildings.



Heavy rain has been falling today, helping to put out some of the wildfires, but officials say more than 200 firefighters are still out battling flames and hotspots.





ORIGINAL STORY:

A Tennessee tourist mecca is emerging from the smoke, charred and vacant.



During wildfires Monday night, many buildings in Gatlinburg were burned to their foundation. Hotel fire alarms eerily echoed through empty streets lined with burned out cars Tuesday evening.



Three people were killed. The fire destroyed at least 150 buildings, including iconic homes and a resort. Other buildings and attractions remained largely intact, including the Dollywood amusement park in nearby Pigeon Forge.



Wildfires have been burning for several weeks across the drought-stricken South. But Monday marked the first time homes and businesses were destroyed on a large scale.



Gatlinburg, a city that opens up to 11 million visitors annually, is facing a new reality. But Mayor Mike Werner, who lost his home, says his town will pull together and recover.




Rita Redmond was a true lady who felt that every pupil had something to gift to the world
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December 1, 2016

Kings Daughter Hillary Clinton Seeks Radical Parkinson Disease Treatment In France

By: Sorcha Faal, and as reported to her Western Subscribers

An interesting Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) report released in the Kremlin today by the Security Council (SC) states that former US Secretary of State, and failed presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton is preparing to enter hospital in France for a new and radical Parkinson Disease treatment unavailable in the United States . [Note: Some words and/or phrases appearing in quotes in this report are English language approximations of Russian words/phrases having no exact counterpart.]

According to this report, SVR intelligence analysts noted a strange/unusual occurrence just 6 weeks prior to the 8 November US presidential election when Secretary Clintons closest aide Huma Abedin (called Clintons secret weapon) arrived in Paris, France, on 1 October, aboard a private airline leased to an American organization named Global Health Corps.

Accompanying Huma Abedin on this flight, this report continues, was Barbara Bush, the co-founder and president of Global Health Corps, and daughter of former US President George W. Bush.

Upon Huma Abedin and Barbara Bush arriving at the BeauvaisTille Airport in the French commune of Tille on the morning of 1 October, SVR analysts in this report detail, they were driven by their US embassy security escorts to the Saint-Gregoire commune where they entered hospital CHP Saint Gregoire, stayed for 3.5 hours, then departed for Paris arriving at the home of billionaire US fashion retailer Lauren Santo Domingowho that evening was hosting a $5,000-$10,000 fundraising event for Hillary Clinton.

Huma Abedin (center) with Barbara Bush (second from right) at Paris home of Lauren Santo Domingo (far left) on 1 October 2016

At hospital CHP Saint Gregoire yesterday, this report continues, an advanced team of US embassy personal and US Secret Services security operatives spent another 6 hoursleading SVR intelligence analysts to conclude that preparations are being made for the treatment of a high profile American patient.

Important to note about hospital CHP Saint Gregoire, this report says, is that its one of the global leaders in the use of stem cell treatments for Parkinsons Disease, and that is currently not available in the United States.

Parkinson Disease, this report explains, is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system and which Hillary Clintons closest friends have admitted she is in Stage 3 of, and that while she was the US Secretary of State, in 2011, her top aides sought out the drug Provigil to mitigate the effects ofand as revealed by a once secret US State Department email sent to her by her top aide Jacob Sullivan.

To one of the major/main reasons Hillary Clinton is seeking treatment in France, SVR historical analysts in this report say, is due to her being of the original lineage of Filles du Roi (King's Daughters) who were a group of around 800 young women sent from France in the 17th century to help populate North America by King Louis XIV.

Louis XIV, this report explains, was known as the Sun King who practiced occult magic and was at the forefront of the satanic movement known as Renaissance Magicand who believed that his Kings Daughters would one day come to rule over all of North America, if not the world.

In the support of their Kings Daughter Hillary Clinton, this report continues, it has, also, been recently discovered that the French government has secretly given her tens-of-millions of dollars in support of her failed bid to take control of the United Statesthat was thwarted by her stunning defeat at the hands of now President-elect Donald Trump.

To Hillary Clintons still following the ancient satanic occult rituals of her father Louis XIV, this report notes, was shown to be true when Wikileaks revealed the emails of her campaign chairman John Podesta showing not only his practice of ritual magic, his love of child pedophile art, but, most importantly, one of his secret emails containing a picture of him holding up his hands that were inscribed with secret occult symbols.

Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta holding up hands containing occult symbols. Click HERE to know more.

To the American people being able to know these truths about Hillary Clinton, this report concludes, is being fought against by America s all-powerful mainstream propaganda media who have launched the most serious attack against in that nations history against anyone attempting to tell these people what is really happening.

December 1, 2016  EU and US all rights reserved. Permission to use this report in its entirety is granted under the condition it is linked back to its original source at WhatDoesItMean.Com. Freebase content licensed under CC-BY and GFDL.

[Note: Many governments and their intelligence services actively campaign against the information found in these reports so as not to alarm their citizens about the many catastrophic Earth changes and events to come, a stance that the Sisters of Sorcha Faal strongly disagree with in believing that it is every human beings right to know the truth. Due to our missions conflicts with that of those governments, the responses of their agents has been a longstanding misinformation/misdirection campaign designed to discredit us, and others like us, that is exampled in numerous places, including HERE.]

[Note: The WhatDoesItMean.com website was created for and donated to the Sisters of Sorcha Faal in 2003 by a small group of American computer experts led by the late global technology guru Wayne Green (1922-2013) to counter the propaganda being used by the West to promote their illegal 2003 invasion of Iraq.]

[Note: The word Kremlin (fortress inside a city) as used in this report refers to Russian citadels, including in Moscow , having cathedrals wherein female Schema monks (Orthodox nuns) reside, many of whom are devoted to the mission of the Sisters of Sorcha Faal.]

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Andre-Pierre Gignac has revealed that he employed a hypnotist to help haul himself out of a long goal-scoring funk.

The 30-year-old French striker had gone two months without finding the net for Mexican side Tigres, so decided to seek the services of professional hypnotist John Milton in a bid to arrest his slump.

Gignac visited Milton ahead of Tigres recent Liga MX quarter-final second leg against Pumas last weekend and promptly went on to score a hat-trick  his first goals since September 18th  in a 5-0 trouncing.

Speaking in third person for reasons unknown, Milton told ESPNs Raza Deportiva:

What John Milton does is not magic, they arent powers. It is a psychological treatment, an alternative treatment to traditional clinical therapy. Through hypnotherapy you carry out a mental treatment, trying to access conflicting thoughts. With a professional level goal scorer of the stature [of Gignac] we forget that he is also a human being who has certain conflicts that dont allow him to give his best. With therapy, you focus and mentalise to perform as you should.

Its as easy as that, and you really cant argue with the results!
Scouting for innovation has become one of my hats some time ago, as i became engaged in building, expanding, improving and shaping a network of creative heads and misfit changemakers. It is a space that sort of extends your juvenility - following those who thinker, improve on, and manifest endless curiosity and passion for knowledge has this incredible effect. It also preserves the naive, since one preserves the optimism of those who try not to give up and keep on imagining, designing, and building the better future in one way or another.

Youth Global Forum, like other events dedicated to creating a platform for these relentless types, sparks exactly the same feeling of excitement and empowerment. The organisation Youth Time, which has organised similar meetings for 7 years now in Europe, for the first time invited dozens of changemakers to meet outside of it. The idea was brilliant, as we ended up exploring the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, a place of incredible potential and quite visibly heading towards technological growth and sophistication. Indonesia is a place where high quality, cheap 4g is ubiquitous and its main cities have clean, fast Japanese trains and incredible high rises. At the same time just from a very superficial investigation one can see how it struggles with cleanness, traffic, air pollution, poverty and poor living conditions. Writing these words, i sit in a packed minibus to a mountainous village not far from Bogor, yet the views outside are precarious.

The forum is one of two annual events that cater the growing talents. They organise a summer school, where youngsters equip themselves with knowledge and skills for their future social businesses, and it happens every year in a new location (the upcoming one in Austria), and then there is a forum - an offline platform with funding opportunities. During the forum youth meets with experts and networks, and those with projects have a chance to pitch their ideas to a group of panelists, get their feedback, and based on a popular vote - win grants to make their plans come true, or fast forward the implementation. The budgets varied drastically - from 30.000 euros to 700. Everyone had an equal shot here. There are also a couple of scholarships to business schools in Barcelona, Zagreb and Jakarta awarded to the finalists.

My focus was on female entrepreneurs who took part in the competition or came to the forum. I ended up including also projects led by men. So what do these changemakers do?

Olga is an illuminating person - before she went off to become the winner of the competition, we spent a lot of time discussing everything from war in Ukraine to our love for Indian food. Her project came about as a result of observation and personal experiences - she felt disconnected from her own grandparents, and so did many of her friends. But a few years ago she met her German teacher, now 86, who became a surrogate of an emotionally connected grandmother to her. This is when she started thinking of opening a place that would connect young people from disenfrenchised families primarly with lonely elderly who need affection and seek for things to do. After trying out different ways to make it happen, including an obviosuly rigged state organised comoetition which she won not to ever see the money, she went on with her life and started working for a marketing agency, until the youth forum idea came up and it made sense to give it a try again.

Olga talks passionatelly about Russia and problems of uniformity, high expectations about the youth (especially women, who have to be stunning physically and make great careers), isolation and alientation of the eldrely and lack of strong social bonds. She says that the trust and warmth that used to be a Russian characteristic vanished with the transfirmation and it gets worse. People dont smile, the family values fall far behind everything else, and very few peope have means, courage and energy to fight with the system. Olga already tried once running a social project and after teo years she was exhausted and empty.

From old to young is an idea that resonates very well with what my network does - bridging idle resources with needs, especially in cases when there is so much potential for exchange: lonely, still fit and not too old people want to remain active, while many of these youngsters whose parents could not afford extra curricular activities or just cannot give the emotional support to their kids. We have a match here - and there is a vast range of ways in which these two groups will interact. Olga with her 6000 euros of grant from the Youth Time International Movement will now start scouting for space, equipment and start building in offline platform in Moscow. Lets see where it takes her. I keep my fingers crossed for her project, as it addresses issues that are increasingly pressing in the modern world, yet the governments mostly seem to busy to engage in imagining alternative modes of dealing with aging, or with underprivledged youth. It might start as simple as it is, by inviting elderly to hang out with the kids, and it might organically grow into a model case. Time will tell.

Next profile: meet Sri, a young Indonesian researcher who came up with an idea for an organic fertilizer.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/11/2016 (2163 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Taser probe meant to subdue a Winnipeg man  who was later shot by police  got caught in his pant leg and didnt deliver the intended electric shock, court heard Wednesday.

Craig McDougall, 26, was killed eight years ago after he didnt heed police demands to drop the knife he was holding. Before the shooting, one of the three officers who had been responding to a reported stabbing at the McDougalls west-end home tried twice to Taser him. One of the devices two probes landed on McDougalls abdomen area and the other caught his pant leg. If the second probe had touched McDougalls body, he wouldve been on the ground, testified Michael Brave, the Arizona-based national litigation counsel for Taser International.

In Braves testimony, which delved into the technical details of the devices capabilities, court heard Tasers may not work properly on someone who, like McDougall, was wearing baggy clothes.

Craig McDougall, 26, was shot and killed by a Winnipeg police officer on August 2, 2008.

After the Winnipeg Police Services lawyer, Kim Carswell, showed him a photo of McDougalls small Simcoe Street front yard where police confronted him just after 5 a.m. Aug. 2, 2008, Brave agreed the Taser is not a substitute for deadly force. He said it wasnt ideal for the officer with the Taser to stop and reload another cartridge after the first attempt failed, but that she was likely acting in a stressful moment. The inquest has already heard McDougall was talking on his cell phone and was armed with a knife. A large kitchen knife was found at the scene.

The newer models of Tasers used by the police force are equipped with two cartridges on the device itself, court heard earlier this week in testimony from a WPS officer involved with Taser training.

Provincial court Associate Chief Judge Anne Krahn asked Brave whether he believed officers had any other options for non-lethal force when they were dealing with McDougall.

Brave said they could have tried using projectile weapons such as a beanbag gun to subdue him, but in this case the probability of it working would likely have been minimal and that he wouldnt count on it.

Police were responding to a reported stabbing at McDougalls home that night. The inquest took eight years to get underway, and Judge Krahn is expected to consider why there was such a long delay and whether anything could have been done to prevent McDougalls death.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 01/12/2016 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A controversial approach to increasing the availability of MRI diagnostic tests has caught the eye of Manitoba Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen  even at the risk of provoking the federal government.

Goertzen said he is willing to consider an initiative similar to one employed in Saskatchewan that has earned condemnation from Ottawa.

Earlier this year, Saskatchewan adopted a system allowing patients to purchase MRI tests from private providers and avoid lengthy waits. In exchange for each test sold privately, the provider has to agree to test someone on the public wait list at no charge to government.

KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Saskatchewan allows people to pay for MRI tests through private providers. In exchange, providers have to test someone on the public wait list and bear the cost.

Goertzen said Wednesday the so-called two-for-one system has a lot of merit.

It is something that I am certainly willing to look (at) and try here in Manitoba. It takes a proponent, obviously, to want to do it and to come forward with an idea, he said .

We have not had a proposal yet, but were certainly open to one.

Manitoba would have to introduce enabling legislation if it were to adopt a two-for-one exchange, but hes open to other options for private-sector delivery of diagnostic tests.

I would like to see a proposal come forward, he said.

Since the new system came into effect, 2,200 MRIs have been performed in Saskatchewan at no cost to taxpayers, the province says, while the waiting list for scans has dropped by more than 700 patients.

The initiative has so far saved the government nearly $1 million, Saskatchewan Health Minister Jim Reiter said Monday in a letter to federal Health Minister Jane Philpott, which was published by Saskatchewan media.

Philpott had written to Reiter earlier in November to express concerns about private payments for MRIs.

The federal government believes that all medically necessary diagnostic services, such as CT or MRI scans, should be covered by provincial health insurance plans whether the service is provided in a private clinic or a hospital, Philpott wrote.

As such, I would like to see the province of Saskatchewan put an end to the current practice of encouraging private payment for diagnostic services and focus instead on ensuring that all residents have access to medically necessary services in a timely manner, regardless of ability, or willingness, to pay, she added.

Philpott also threatened to deduct federal health transfers to Saskatchewan commensurate with the value of private MRI payments.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Provincial Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen says the two-for-one system has a lot of merit.

Saskatchewan has cried foul, accusing Ottawa of advocating for innovation in the delivering of health-care services and then stifling it.

Rather than backing off its current course, Saskatchewan says it will table legislation to extend its two-for-one system to CT scans.

Earlier in the week, Goertzen pledged solidarity with Saskatchewan in its battle with Philpott.

That is innovation in health care, he said. The federal government is currently setting 100 per cent of the rules but is providing less than 25 per cent of the funding when it comes to health care.

Manitobas NDP Opposition is wondering why the Pallister government seems willing to risk the loss of federal transfer payments by going down the same road as its western neighbour.

When the federal minister is very clear that there will be penalties for moving in this direction, why would the provincial government even be considering it at this point, health critic Matt Wiebe said Wednesday.

We want to see innovation, absolutely, but we dont want to see it at the expense of publicly funded, publicly delivered services like MRIs.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 01/12/2016 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When last I left you, it was in the midst of suggesting how we might bring thousands of our dead back to life.

In a manner of speaking, that is.

The idea was to present names from 100 years ago in such a manner we see them more as people than the distant dead from a distant war.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Actor R.H. Thomson is hoping to use the Winnipeg Art Gallerys east wall to list the names of those killed in the First World War.

Thats what a First World War centennial project, called The World Remembers: 1914-1918, has been doing  one year, one roll call of the dead and one city at a time  for the last three years. As I was saying Tuesday, the man who conceived the idea, Canadian actor R.H. Thomson, wants those thousands upon thousands of names from the 1917 campaign publicly displayed next year on Memorial Boulevard.

On the outer wall of the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG), to be precise.

On the day after he shared his dream as the guest speaker at Fridays 146th annual St. Andrews Society dinner, I asked him what that kind of larger-than-life public salute to the dead would cost. Thomson didnt mention a dollar amount. Nor did he even know if the WAG was interested in lending its wall to project names and images on it for what could be a month and a half or longer. Well, we now have the answers to both those questions.

Thomson got back to me this week with the cost and more details about the 2017 display, which would include a list of the 20,400 Canadians who died during the 1917 campaign. Those arent all of the names that would appear on the digitally produced display, because Thomson  who is co-producing the epic effort  has included the dead from a dozen other participating countries in the total count.

But lets start with the use of the art gallerys outside wall. Is the WAG on board?

Stephen Borys, the WAGs director and CEO, only learned about what Thomson wants to do when he read the Free Press.

We definitely want to support it, Borys said when we spoke Wednesday.

And the wall would work, Borys said, although he also likes, and even prefers, the idea of the display, or perhaps part of it, being inside the building on the main floor wall.

You do it inside, Borys said, you dont have to pay a cent to come into that main hall to see those names on the wall. Its going to attract more attention on the exterior. Its a busy street, and I think its a positive thing. I also would never lose sight of the role the art museum plays in the community with initiatives like this Its rethinking what is the role of the art museum. The fact is the WAG, in an architectural way, is a monument.

So I love the idea because I think we have a role to play here.

That role, though, doesnt include paying for the purchase of the display because the WAG doesnt have budget room for that.

And that brings us to the cost answer, as supplied by Thomson.

The rough pricing for the WAG 2017 display is probably in the $60,000 range for a display that would run each night, all night for at least 45 nights, Thomson wrote in an email.

Now I understand why Thomson seemed reluctant to answer directly when I asked him how much the first time.

If Winnipeg reduces the number of display nights, you would lower the budget, he said.

Thomson said the $60,000 is primarily to cover the rental cost of two large projectors, staffing, a local technical director, installation and teardown, plus taxes, insurance and artwork. Ideally, that artwork would be placed inside the WAGs front door in the form of a display to explain what was happening on the outside.

As for the start date, it would be sometime in September.

The ideal end date of the display is obvious enough: Remembrance Day.

What isnt so obvious, of course, is where Winnipeg can find the money to make it happen.

gordon.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 01/12/2016 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Advertising does not detract from the CBCs mandate and there is no good public policy reason to eliminate advertising from its television services.

At this point youd be forgiven for thinking that this column is about to pick apart the CBCs request to the federal government this week for a massive increase in funding  $318 million more to be exact  so it can broadcast all its services free of ads

We recommend removing advertising from CBC/Radio-Canada, the public broadcaster said in a news release. This would allow the broadcaster to focus squarely on the cultural impact of our mandate. It would also free up advertising revenue to help private media companies transition to a digital environment.

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Hubert Lacroix, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada

Okay. Now stop and think about this fact: the first paragraph did not come from me; it came from a news release issued by the CBC in 2011.

Yes, the same CBC now arguing it should be free of ads once said  just five years ago  there was no good reason to eliminate advertising.

The elimination of advertising revenues would seriously compromise the Corporations ability to fulfill its mandate, CBC President Hubert Lacroix said at the time.

I cant take credit for noticing this somewhat astounding about-face. It took Ken Goldstein, a Winnipeg media consultant with an eagle eye and encyclopedic knowledge of the Canadian media industry, to pick up on it.

Goldstein operates Communic@tions Management Inc. and knows media economics inside out. He has written extensively on how media is changing. His work can be found at media-cmi.com.

His predictions are sobering  by 2025 there will be few, if any, printed daily newspapers in Canada and their digital formats will not match their current scope in print. There might be no local television stations. Both developments pose serious issues for the future of local journalism.

So how does this explain why the CBC has changed its public position on advertising?

It seems the corporations leadership is feeling the pressure from private media companies that are pointing out the impact the CBC is having on their efforts to transform in the digital age, and suggesting that at least some government resources could be better used elsewhere to accomplish the goal of keeping Canadians informed.

Private broadcasters have long questioned CBC activities when the taxpayer-subsidized network does the same things they do and still competes for advertising. Lately that chorus has been joined by newspaper executives, including myself, who have questioned why the CBC is turning its digital service into what is essentially the countrys largest newspaper, competing with existing newspapers for audience and advertising.

Last week, Lacroix shot back, sending a letter to the House of Commons Committee on Canadian Heritage in which he said, The challenges facing media in Canada are many but they are not being caused by the public broadcaster.

He went on to say CBCs presence is more important than ever because of reduced content and smaller newspapers. And he noted the CBC generated only about $25 million in digital ad revenue last year.

The problem with his response is that it proposed only one solution to the massive disruption in the media world and the impact it is having on providing news to Canadians  the CBC.

No one ever said the CBC caused the problem. We just said that the solution is not to have a single publicly funded media company take over the roles that newspapers, radio and TV have long played providing news and information.

The CBC is now trying to carve out a unique space, saying it will be the media outlet that has no advertising and it will leave the ad dollars to private players.

Personally, I think an ad-free CBC would be great. But it is not enough.

The CBC also must stop disrupting the market by moving into areas where there are perfectly good providers already operating. The latest foray is a new opinion section (cbc.ca/news/opinion) that looks very much like the opinion sections that newspapers have long published.

If the CBC stops doing what private operators already do, then there would be every good reason to eliminate advertising.

Bob Cox is the publisher of the Free Press and chairman of the Canadian Newspaper Association.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 01/12/2016 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With the first snow on the ground and Christmas coming, its time to talk turkey about pipelines, and the turkey has landed with the Trudeau governments pipeline announcements. Two projects were given the go-ahead Tuesday  an extension of Enbridges Line 3 and a tripling of capacity for Kinder Morgans Trans Mountain line to Vancouver.

How Canada got here is not just about the facts. Its about the story, the moral narrative, in which facts are included or excluded as the storyteller requires.

One narrative is unfolding south of the border in North Dakota at Standing Rock. It is obviously about aboriginal land rights and treaties, but it is most importantly about whether corporate interests require a licence to operate.

MIKE MCCLEARY / THE BISMARCK TRIBUNE FILES Dakota Access Pipeline protesters sit in a prayer circle at the Front Line Camp in Morton County, N.D. in October.

Not merely a legal licence, but a social licence, as well. In other words, when resources (such as land and water) that belong to all the people are put at risk by the actions of a small group, using them for their own benefit, does the rest of society need to give permission first?

The other narrative about pipelines is the one that has brought our society to where it is today  with its huge disparity in personal wealth, between the one per cent and the 99 per cent; its prosperity with respect to other countries; and the luxuries many of us enjoy as a result.

In that narrative, economic interest trumps everything else. Government exists to facilitate the acquisition of money by those who have the means to use the taxation and legal systems to their advantage. Environmental concerns are like bugs hitting the windshield on a summers highway drive to the lake  if there are too many, you need to pull to the side of the road and clean them off before continuing on your journey, but you certainly dont stop for very long.

If we dont change the story underpinning the choices we make as individuals and as a society to move away from focusing on economics, however, we will continue to change the planet into a place where no one  rich or poor  can easily or happily live.

For example, the new pipelines are intended to handle future long-distance flows of oil, beyond the current system capacity, into a growing global market that will pay more money for more oil. The pipelines are thus intended to provide economic stability for future generations of Canadians.

This is so obviously more fantasy than fact. Global warming and greenhouse gas reduction commitments mean future generations worldwide will want much less oil, not more of it. They will want it closer to home than northern Alberta, to ensure a secure supply in the midst of political and climate instability. The final absurdity is that Canada will never be able to predict or control the global price of oil  since the 1970s, it has been quite clear that other players elsewhere in the world make those decisions.

As for economic stability, investing public money in oil and gas instead of renewable energy is economic malpractice, which becomes clear once you check the markets and see where the returns on investment are really to be found these days.

Nor are the jobs necessarily as advertised. Someone made the wry observation that the largest numbers of jobs associated with the pipeline industry are in cleaning up the spills, not in building or maintaining the pipelines.

Investing in new pipelines means investing in an obsolete technology for highly dubious economic reasons, discounting obvious risks and relying on a moral narrative of industrial progress that can no longer be sustained.

There is an older story about oil worth remembering, one from 1849, when a Canadian named Abraham Gesner invented a cheap and easy way to refine kerosene. In a very short period of time, kerosene replaced sperm whale oil as what people used to light their rooms at night.

Imagine the scene in 1846, though, when the demand for sperm oil was strong, investment opportunities in the whaling industry seemed as lucrative as ever, and entire communities depended on it for their economic survival.

Technologies change, but more importantly, different stories lead us to reframe the facts toward the ending we prefer. In a country ruled by laws that are made and enforced for the benefit of everyone, including future generations, peaceful disagreements are the way we have changed the story.

When laws are made and enforced to prefer economic interests over environmental concerns, where present profit outweighs future risk, where justice is not seen to be done for those without the power or money to fight things in court, unfortunately, there are other ways.

No one in their right mind would operate a vulnerable pipeline across the whole country when the people whose land it crosses object to its presence. In the end, the social licence any business has to operate is more important than whatever its lawyers can argue in the courts.

We all need to watch the story unfolding at Standing Rock and be concerned about how it ends.

Peter Denton teaches the history of technology at the University of Winnipeg and chairs the policy committee of the Green Action Centre.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 01/12/2016 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The long honeymoon for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is effectively over. The furor over his governments decisions to replace Enbridges main export line to the United States and to triple the capacity of Kinder Morgans Trans Mountain line to Vancouver has already erupted. First Nations activists and environmentalists are already protesting, and the decision may well cost some Liberal British Columbia MPs their job.

The prime minister who has had the emotional intelligence to be all things to all people ended up on Tuesday having to make a hard call on the marriage between the environment and the economy. Some will argue the environment lost in that dichotomy. Some will say it was necessary. No one can say this was an easy decision to make. But in making his governments intentions known, Mr. Trudeaus popularity will no doubt take a beating. Welcome to the rough and tumble world of politics, son.

For Mr. Trudeau, it was a balancing act. He banned oil tankers off the coast of northern B.C. and said no to Enbridges Northern Gateway oil pipeline from Alberta to Kitimat, B.C. At the same time, he approved the twinning of Kinder Morgan and increased capacity to 890,000 barrels a day, increasing the number of tankers in Vancouvers waters. He approved the replacement of Enbridges Line 3 pipeline, which runs through a part of Manitoba, but rejected the companys Northern Gateway pipeline.

SEAN KILPATRICK / THE CANADIAN PRESS Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

It should be noted it was the prime minister who delivered the news Tuesday, with his band of ministers, including Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr (Winnipeg South Centre). It would have been easy for Mr. Trudeau to duck the barrage of criticism by hiding behind either Mr. Carr or his environment minister, Catherine McKenna. But he didnt. Instead, he made the announcement himself, and, in the words of the Globe and Mails Campbell Clark, by doing so he took full ownership.

First ministers, indigenous leaders and the prime minister meet next week, and Mr. Trudeau went ahead with his announcement Tuesday in advance of this meeting to further the discussion on climate change. The Liberal government wants to work with the provinces and the territories on a pan-Canadian framework for clean growth and climate change. The paradigm under which the provinces are working has been set. As some have suggested, by expanding fossil fuel exports, real action on climate change may be impossible.

For Alberta Premier Rachel Notley the pipeline announcement was a lifesaver thrown into her provinces turbulent economic waters, particularly as her government faced enormous opposition to a carbon tax introduced in spring. The Alberta economy, which is viewed as a driver behind Canadas full-scale recovery, is expected to benefit greatly from the expansion of exports.

However, First Nations leaders, particularly those in B.C., no doubt feel betrayed. The grand chief of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs called Mr. Trudeau a serial liar, and on the coast, environmental groups have suggested the prime minister has greatly underestimated the social and political unrest the Kinder Morgan project will cause.

In the unhappy alliance between the economy and the environment, the economy won, but the honeymoon for Mr. Trudeau is now officially over. How this country and his party survive remains to be seen.
A former Winona County administrator will receive more than $300,000 in a settlement that ends a years-long battle after he was fired in 2014.

Duane Hebert, who the board chose to terminate in May 2014 after debate about whether he was improperly involved in a potential county contract with a company his wife worked for, was awarded $312,000. As part of the agreement, the county does not admit any wrongdoing.

Heberts lawyer, Eric Kaardal, said Wednesday that the amount is eye-popping, and called it a clear victory for Hebert that will give him the opportunity to return to public administration.

This is the type of settlement he needed to move on with his government career, Kaardal said.

Hebert, who the county hired in 2009, had claimed he was unlawfully discriminated against based on marital status, and that his constitutional rights to hearings were violated during the process.

The settlement did not mention further accusations Hebert had made against the county claiming defamation; the board of commissioners knew accusations against Hebert as committing malfeasance or gross misconduct were untrue, a court filing read.

The settlement was first approved by the Winona County Board of Commissioners Nov. 22, with details not released until Wednesday as the agreement awaited approval.

Hebert said that while he hopes the decision would put the situation firmly behind him, whether he will be able to return to the public sector remains to be seen.

We feel vindicated by the settlement, Hebert said of himself and his family. Its about justice.

Hebert worked for the county from 2009 until 2014, when the board voted unanimously to fire him, citing an independent investigation that concluded he was improperly involved with a renewable energy project the county was considering funding.

Hebert had long contended that his rights were violated and he was discriminated against because of his wifes employment with the energy company, arguing that since she was an independent contractor doing the companys finances, she played no role in negotiating the project.

Shortly after he was fired, he publicly requested an open hearing before the board, but the county never granted the hearing. He also in 2014 filed a discrimination complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

In the suit filed in January 2015, Hebert had originally requested a jury trial and a minimum of $75,000 in monetary damages, according to the filing in Winona County District Court. He also asked for consideration for additional money, if a jury were to determine the board defamed him by making statements about him prior to his dismissal.

Winona County administrator Ken Fritz said Wednesday the settlement would be paid partially by the countys insurer, the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust, and partially by reserves, but did not disclose which amount would come from which source.

Hebert was also involved in a suit after leaving his previous employer, Barron County in Wisconsin, where he was accused of making defamatory statements in 2008 against a former highway department employee.

A jury in 2012 found that the statements were defamatory and awarded the employee $150,000, though the following year an appeal reduced the amount to $50,000.

We feel vindicated by the settlement. Its about justice. Duane Hebert, former Winona County administrator
In recent days, the transition focus has been on President-elect Donald Trumps retreat from some high-profile campaign stances and his personnel choices, including some unseemly public infighting over whether former critic Mitt Romney should be secretary of state.

But the more important aspect of the transition for Trumps long-term success may be the extent to which his team and congressional Republicans can craft viable legislative proposals to implement the policy changes he promised would spur economic growth and make America great again.

Trump himself signaled in his revised 100-day agenda that he realizes this may prove harder than his sweeping campaign rhetoric suggested. He stressed using his executive authority to spur energy production and crack down on visa violators and excluded such high-profile promises as repealing and replacing Obamacare, building a wall to stop illegal immigration from Mexico and enacting a massive job-creating $1 trillion infrastructure upgrade program.

In each area, Trump could confront significant differences with congressional Republicans, who developed their own legislative proposals in hopes of having a GOP president to help enact them.

Potentially contentious areas include:

Infrastructure. Its crucial to Trumps hope of creating millions of new jobs and spurring economic growth. But Republican lawmakers are expressing concern about the cost, reflecting their long-held belief that new spending programs should be totally funded.

Senate Democrats like the idea better but plan to fight a rumored version that would finance some $1 trillion in upgrades to roads, bridges, tunnels and airports with tax credits designed to encourage contractors to undertake needed projects. Some Republicans would prefer to confine new tax breaks to a tax reform bill.

Ron Klain, a former top aide to President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, warned Democrats in The Washington Post that Trumps tax credit proposal was a trap to get support for a tax-cut plan for utility-industry and construction-sector investors, and a massive corporate welfare plan for contractors because there was no guarantee it would fund any new projects.

Another possibility is some version of Hillary Clintons campaign promise for an infrastructure bank designed to attract private investment for new projects.

Obamacare. Trump pledged to ask Congress on Day 1 to immediately deliver a full repeal of Obamacare. GOP lawmakers are chomping at the bit, having voted some 60 times in recent years to repeal the landmark Affordable Care Act.

Selecting Rep. Tom Price as secretary of health and human services puts a strong voice for repeal in the Cabinet. But Trump complicated matters when he told The Wall Street Journal he might keep popular but costly provisions requiring insurers to cover those with pre-existing conditions and let parents cover their children until age 26. That raises the question of helping insurance companies pay their costs if the programs revenue-raising sections are killed.

Senate Democrats, meanwhile, say theyll fight any effort to scrap Obamacare and, with 48 votes, may be able to force a compromise on replacing it. Some Republican governors are reportedly concerned about the political impact of depriving 22 million constituents of their newly acquired health care. Adding to the potentially politically incendiary mix, Price backs fellow House Republicans trying to partially privatize Medicare, a program Trump said hed protect.

The outcome is murky, but lawmakers might end up revising the ACA over a two- or three-year period, rather than eliminating it.

Immigration. Trumps repeated promise to build a great wall to block immigration and make Mexico pay the tab may find favor in neither Congress nor Mexico.

And in a post-election interview on CBS 60 Minutes, Trump seemed to back off building a wall that is impenetrable, physical, tall, powerful, noting there could be some fencing in what might become a less dramatic expansion of the current combination of physical and electronic barriers along the 1,989-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

Tax reform. This remains the likeliest area for action within Trumps first six months because congressional Republicans have already done substantial work on possible legislation. Most pending proposals would simplify the current tax laws and reduce taxes for all, with the biggest breaks going to corporations and the wealthiest taxpayers.

But some analysts fear the revenue loss from Trumps tax plan would balloon the deficit, even using dynamic scoring by which GOP sponsors can claim that economic growth will offset most of it.

Trump vowed to increase annual economic growth, below 2.5 percent for the past decade, to 4 percent, a level not achieved since the 1997-1999 dotcom boom. And he promised to create 25 million new jobs, setting a clear target to measure his success.
It has only been in the 21st century that we have come to understand that God creates some people in such a way that they fall in love with members of their own sex, and God has made sure this is permanent. We call these people gay.

In previous centuries, it was believed that human nature was such that everyone fell in love only with members of the opposite sex. Those who acted differently were believed to be choosing to act unnaturally  sinfully  because it was against the peoples limited understanding of human nature.

Now that we understand that gay people exist, it would seem that religions would expand their understanding of human nature and reconsider their moral judgment accordingly. Some have done this, but many cant, because their primary doctrine is that they can never revise their moral judgments which they believe come from an infallible or inerrant God-connected source.

For example, on July 17, 1870, 55 United States and German bishops walked out of Vatican Council I in protest over what was about to happen. The next day, the remaining bishops proclaimed that popes are infallible on moral issues.

All those religions that fail to evolve their moral judgments as our understanding of human nature evolves are unknowingly becoming advocates of injustice.

But they are still good places to celebrate marriage, the birth of children and coming of age. They are good places to connect with tradition, find compassion, get involved in charitable activities, celebrate happy events and hear inspiring stories.

However, in the 21st century, non-evolving religions are not the place to find the best contemporary moral understanding. Those 55 protesting bishops foresaw this.

The religious leaders at the top of the ladder can be rightfully considered the ultimate word on faith issues. But moral issues are better understood the old fashioned way, by talking to each other, listening, reading, observing, doing scientific studies, sharing values, sharing feeling and all the other ways God has provided so that that all humans he creates can continually evolve to a better moral understanding.

John Rupkey,

Winona
Authorities say a Mauston man held up a Sauk County gas station with a knife last week and made off with cash.

Prosecutors say 31-year-old Zachery C. Jefferson walked into a Kwik Trip on Reedsburgs east side the evening of Nov. 21 wearing a red and black coat and armed with a knife that had a 4- to 5-inch blade.

Witnesses told police Jefferson shoved an employee out of the way and told others inside the store to get back before reaching into the cash register and pulling out nearly $320.

According to a criminal complaint, police later found Jefferson at a Reedsburg home and arrested him. They spoke with a witness who said she had driven Jefferson to the store and parked, and that he later ran out of the store yelling, Get me home.

The Sauk County District Attorneys Office has charged Jefferson with armed robbery, endangering a persons safety with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a concealed knife.

Jefferson faces up to 40 years in prison and $100,000 in fines if convicted of the armed robbery charge.

He has been jailed on a $850 cash bond. If released, he must maintain absolute sobriety, may not carry any weapons, and may not leave the state.

He is scheduled to appear in Sauk County Circuit Court on Dec. 28.
The Volunteers of Columbus Community Hospital will host the Nutman Co. on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hospital. A variety of nuts, candies, chocolates and snack mixes will be available.

A portion of proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Volunteers of CCH who use the funds to purchase equipment and services for the patients of Columbus Community Hospital.

The Volunteers of CCH recently donated over $2,000 to purchase chairs, specifically designed for joint replacement patients. The chairs are being used in the CCH Rehabilitation and Laboratory waiting area.

For more information regarding the Volunteers of CCH call 920-623-1280.
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will once again be stopping in Columbus as it makes its annual pilgrimage across the state to spread Christmas cheer and raise money, food and awareness for local food banks.

The Columbus stop is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 6, with an expected arrival time of 9:05 p.m. and a show by Kelly Prescott and Colin James planned from 9:15 to 9:45 p.m.

A food drive to benefit the local Crossroads Food Pantry is being held in conjunction with the stop. People are asked to bring non-perishable food items with them when they come to see the train. Trailers will be set up by the tracks for donations.

The Columbus Rec Department and Columbus Public Library will be hosting a number of fun activities to keep people entertained while theyre awaiting the trains arrival.

The library will have a new holiday-themed storywalk set up in downtown storefronts. The walk will begin and end at the library, located at 223 W. James St. One page of a book will be posted in the front window of participating businesses, and each page will direct readers to the next stop. People can stroll through the storywalk any time.

The Columbus Area Senior Center, 125 N. Dickason Blvd., will host a family warm-up station from 6 to 8:30 p.m. There, children who have pre-registered will be able to visit with Santa. (Call 920-623-5910 now to sign up.) A variety of holiday craft stations will be set up, holiday films will be played and milk and cookies and other treats will be served. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Next door at the Community Center, there will be an adult warm-up station, also from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Hot beverages will be served, and craft supplies will be available for people to make ribbon trees.

Meanwhile at the Amtrak station, 10 warming barrels will be burning, carolers will be strolling through the crowd and free candy canes and coloring books will be handed out. Bleachers will be set up next to the tracks to accommodate the large crowd expected for the train.

The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Downtown Development Corp. and Columbus Tourism Commission have been promoting the train, along with other local holiday activities, under the banner of A Classic Christmas in Columbus.
The way local law enforcement deals with drug cases has drastically changed over the past few years and with few points of good news, the overwhelming advice is to avoid drugs at all costs.

Education comes before enforcement, Columbia County Sheriffs Office Detective Lt. Roger Brandner, who heads the departments Drug Education and Enforcement program, told a group of about 30 hospital staff and visitors during a presentation on drugs in the community at Divine Savior Healthcare in Portage Tuesday.

He did not mince words about the state of addiction in the county and the difficulty of recovery for those dealing with heroin addiction, saying that of the former users that his department has worked with, at least two have relapsed.

Although heroin is uniquely addictive, Brandner also put things in perspective, laying out the five most addictive substances at the core of many issues in the county: heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, opioids, and alcohol.

The last point brought up a question from the audience of really? Brandner answered that although it might be harder to see given social acceptability, particularly in Wisconsin as the heaviest drinking state in the country, alcohol is an addictive drug as much as any of the others.

It was a lot easier doing investigations for cocaine and marijuana, Brandner said of his time working investigations in the 1990s. Heroin has flooded into the region as a response to demand and because, as a fine powder, it is easier to transport and valuable in even small quantities in the pure uncut form in which it is initially imported.

Whereas years ago an overdose death would prompt an immediate hunt for the source and those involved, Brandner explained, We dont investigate half of them anymore.

This is not a matter of a lack of interest or outrage, but the limits of resources and manpower, he said.

Among cases of heroin addiction, Brandner said, 81 percent reportedly begin with abuse of prescription medication. He showed a slide of the chemical composition of heroin next to prescription pain killers Vicodin and Oxycodone, highlighting that the difference between what is prescribed and what is smuggled is negligible  hence using the term opioids to cover all of them through the rest of the presentation.

Particularly relevant to those in the health care sector, much of the addiction in the county, and nationally, has stemmed from over-prescription of pain medication. One example, Brandner explained, was an 87-year-old who had a prescription for an opioid pain killer that he could buy for $5 per bottle, with his insurance and then make thousands selling it by the pill.

The number of drug-related ambulance calls for overdoses has shot up over the past three years, from 51 in 2013, to 58 in 2014, and 94 in 2015. The numbers, he clarified, did not include walk-ins or drive-ins, in which someone will drop off an unconscious friend at the entrance to the emergency room.

Drug-related deaths, Brandner said, have gone from 11 in 2013, to eight in 2014, to 12 in 2015, to 12 to date in 2016. Those drug fatalities, though, are only reported overdoses, not including a woman who committed suicide after getting in trouble with a dealer.

Asked about the hopes for recovery, Brandner returned to a theme of addiction being a problem to which no family is immune. He said the problem comes with red flags in drug and alcohol abuse before crossing the threshold to heroin addiction.

We need to be parents again, Brandner said. If theyre 18 and youre paying for something, drop it.

For those problems that go beyond the qualifications of law enforcement, he directed the audience to Stacy Davenport, Columbia Countys Medication Assisted Treatment Coordinator.

At the end of the presentation, Brandner introduced a young man who had been able to get away from heroin, clean for two years, serving the end of an 18 month jail sentence with work release.

If I wanted to get it, I could, since he is allowed out of the jail on work release, he said. I just made up my mind, Im done, Ive had enough. Everything I ever had I pawned, Ive got attorney fees in the ten thousands, rehab in the tens of thousands all the money lost from not working, and the financial things are irrelevant. Theres my sons time, I cant get that back.
TOWN OF DEKORRA  Todays scheduled opening of a new Columbia County travel plaza may be another mile marker in efforts to make Exit 115 on Interstate 39-90-94 a destination for truckers and motorists.

The Loves Travel Stop  featuring a gasoline and diesel station, convenience store, Hardees restaurant and vehicle repair facility  has been under construction for about a year on 19.5 acres in the southwest quadrant of Exit 115, off Columbia County Highway CS.

Frank Ille, manager of development for the Oklahoma City-based Loves Travel Stops and Country Stores, said Loves typically open their new facilities on Thursdays, so that the new facilitys staff can have two days of operation under their belts before the busy weekend.

Automobile traffic tends to dominate on weekends, he said, whereas truck traffic is heaviest on weekdays.

The store is scheduled to open at 7 a.m., Ille said.

The construction costs for a facility of this type, he said, typically run between $10 million and $12 million.

At least 60 people will be employed at Loves, Ille said.

Ille said hes had his eye on the site for more than a decade  because its on one of the rare stretches of road encompassing three Interstate highways, and because its between two other Loves properties, in Roscoe, Illinois (just south of the state line), and in Oakdale, in Wisconsins Monroe County.

The parking lot at the new Loves location was full Wednesday, as workers stocked the store and put the finishing touches on the Hardees drive-through menu sign.

A grand opening and ribbon cutting is planned for Dec. 15.

In July 2015, Ille came to the Columbia County Boards Planning and Zoning Committee to seek approval for two changes necessary for building the travel plaza:

A zoning change from A-1 Agriculture to C-3 Highway Interchange  a change that the committee recommended and the County Board later approved.

A conditional use permit to allow mixed-use development. The committee has the final say on mixed use developments.

Columbia County Supervisor Fred Teitgen of the town of Dekorra is chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, and was chairman of the town of Dekorras architectural review committee, as well as a past town chairman.

Town officials, he said, have long sought to develop the area where the interstate meets Highway CS. Steps toward that development, he said, have included creation of a utility district and building of a sewage treatment plant.

Teitgen said former Dekorra Town Chairman Rick Schmidt also worked closely with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to improve travel in the area, including better lighting for the Highway CS bridge.

Its a very attractive area, Teitgen said. Its a nice easy-off, easy-on intersection.

There is one other travel plaza, on the other side of the interstate. Its the Northpoint Plaza gas station and convenience store, with an adjacent McDonalds.

The two facilities, Ille said, should boost the amount of traffic coming off the interstate.

Hopefully, well help them and theyll help us, he said.

With the opening of Loves, Teitgen said, other property off Exit 115 is likely to look more attractive to potential developers.

For now, however, hes happy to see that Loves is about to open.

I keep looking and think, When will we see a grand opening sign?  he said.
Update on the implementation of Wits Transformation Plan

The University announced an accelerated plan to advance transformation through a number of key strategies.

An update on the progress made in each of these areas follows below.

1. DIVERSIFYING THE ACADEMY

Following the approval of Senate and Council, a budget of R45 million to diversify the academy was earmarked and two committees were established to oversee the implementation of this strategy. The first committee is responsible for making appointments and allocating grants to enable African and Coloured staff to apply for promotion to the professoriate. The Transformation Steering Committee is responsible for monitoring progress on this front and for advising on policy and programmatic action.

To date, 19 appointments have been made to diversify the academy and 18 interviews are underway across faculties. In addition, 37 enabling grants totalling R6 million have been awarded to academics across the five faculties. The implementation of this strategy has been successful and we look forward towards completing it in the near future.

2. CURRICULUM REFORM

This component of the transformation plan has filtered through the University and Deans and Heads of Schools have reported progress to the Transformation Implementation Committee.

The Faculty of Health Sciences has held several workshops with outcomes that are currently being implemented.

The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment is addressing transformation in innovative ways through the introduction of additional classes, cross-disciplinary programmes, an internship year and short courses. The Faculty is also piloting a mechanism for students to immediately repeat failed courses and a programme with WitsPlus to allow working students to complete their Honours degrees part-time.

A substantial engagement was hosted by the Faculty of Humanities earlier this year. The discussions will continue within schools and departments. A detailed report has been produced by the Faculty with a list of programmes that will be implemented in each School. The Faculty has also undertaken a substantial survey to better understand its first year students.

All schools in the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management are engaged in discussions and revisions of the curriculum. For example, the new MBA programme in the Wits Business School significantly integrates local business challenges. The School of Economic and Business Sciences is working with other South African and African universities to develop an African-focused economics curriculum.

All staff and students are encouraged to work within their respective schools and disciplines to continuously assess and address the substantive content of all curricula to ensure that our academic programmes are transformative, innovative, relevant and appropriate, and that they speak to our national and continental issues and priorities.

3. LANGUAGE POLICY

The Universitys Language Policy has been approved by Senate and Council and the executive team is developing a plan to resource its implementation. All official University letterheads are also being revised to reflect information in three languages  English, isiZulu and Sesotho.

4. INSTITUTIONAL NAMING

The Institutional Naming Committee has been expanded to include representatives from all stakeholders in the University, including students. The Universitys Naming Policy has been revised and was approved by Senate and Council late last year. Three meetings of the new Committee have already taken place. The first and third were ordinary meetings, whilst the second was a special sitting to review proposals that were made in 2015 to rename buildings at Wits. However, as the policy was under review last year, the meeting was held over to 2016.

A call for proposals was issued for the renaming of the University's places and spaces and the Committee considered a number of proposals that were put forward. These included submissions to rename a building after Robert Sobukwe as well as a proposal to rename a building or space from names that celebrate, commemorate or are symbolic of struggles for gender equality or achievements. The Committee will apply its mind to these proposals at its next meeting. Several submissions to rename Senate House were also reviewed and the Naming Committee unanimously agreed that Senate House should be renamed Solomon Mahlangu House. Following consultation with various stakeholders, these recommendations were ratified by Council in 2016. A second call for proposals to rename buildings and spaces at Wits will be made in 2017, with a focus on naming after symbolic events and/or evocative descriptions of a particular place, and naming after women who have played key roles in academia.

5. INSOURCING

The Insourcing Task Team (ITT), made up of representatives of workers, management, students and academics, holds regular meetings and is making significant progress. An update was circulated last week in this regard.

6. INSTITUTIONAL CULTURE

As part of transforming the institution, the Transformation and Employment Equity Office (TEEO) has rolled out four dialogue sessions to give the University community a platform to discuss pertinent issues and critically engage in a safe environment.

Topics covered so far are Eradicating racism, Decolonisation and Transformation, The intersectionality of queerness, race and gender, and The Politics of Intersectionality and Intrasectionality in Allyship. Most of the sessions were well attended and the University community enjoyed them. Videos of the sessions will be available online for viewing by early 2017. The TEEO will continue to hold these robust discussions to find solutions that will facilitate and influence an inclusive and empowering culture in the University.

The TEEO is in the advanced stage of rolling out the Focus Group sessions in order to facilitate discussions around the themes that emanated from the climate surveys. The rollout of these sessions is planned for 2017. The University community will be notified once the preparations have been concluded. The TEEO will formalise the mediation process and procedure as a preferred dispute mechanism on issues of conflict. The information on mediation is currently being uploaded to the TEEO website and will be ready to go live in early 2017. Furthermore, the TEEO is in the process of enhancing and strengthening the anti-discrimination policy so that it reflects the procedure and process on addressing issues of racism, and all forms of oppression that might be experienced as a crime against humanity.

An advisory committee will be formed to address issues raised and to decide on a proper sanction based on the misconduct. Once the policy has been enhanced, it will be circulated to the relevant structures for approval before its implemented.

The TEEOs website is currently being revamped and will be available to the University community in early 2017.

7. PROMOTING A DIVERSE AND COSMOPOLITAN RESIDENCE LIFE EXPERIENCE

Two task teams were established last year to promote diversity in residences. The first was to explore the existing criteria for admission into residences and to make recommendations in this regard. This has been undertaken and new criteria are being drafted which will be circulated to stakeholders in the University community for comment.

The second team was jointly managed by the Transformation Office, the Student Affairs Division and the Gender Equity Office. The team was tasked with exploring the experiences of current students in residences. This is an ongoing process. The team, which consists of members from the Transformation Office, the Office of Student Affairs, the Gender Equity Office and Drama for Life are working on trans-divisional interventions to address some of the issues that emerged from the residence inquiry and a programme in this regard is underway.

8. ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Most constituencies in the University agree that free, fully funded, quality, decolonised higher education is possible and we are committed to finding effective measures to achieve this goal. A draft pledge was adopted by most constituencies in October this year.

Wits has also made a submission to the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education Funding established by the President last year. Wits submission was made by Professor Hlonipha Mokoena from the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research, who chaired a panel that consulted with various Wits constituencies. The funding of students is not separate from the type of universities or higher education system that we want and in our case what kind of university Wits should be. In discussing the funding of students and universities, we will inevitably be addressing the larger and necessary question of a vision for the system and all institutions therein.

CONCLUSION

Transformation remains an imperative for the University and it is a process that should be owned by every individual in our respective capacities. We trust that through respectful engagement and a commitment to real transformation, we can emerge from these engagements stronger together.
Feet4Fees fundraising walk

A group of 15 students is setting off from Wits on 1 December 2016 to walk about 1000km to Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. They plan to arrive on 20 December.

The group, Feet4Fees, is raising funds for student bursaries. Many of the walkers are current bursary beneficiaries.

Along the route, the team will visit schools to create awareness of how school leavers can continue their education.

All proceeds generated by this project will be administered by the national bursary organisation StudyTrust. StudyTrust is a registered educational trust and an NSFAS NGO partner with over 40 years of experience and a BEE level 1 rating.

Wits BA student Reuben Oosthuysen says the project came about when he realised how students less fortunate than himself were struggling:

Often students do not have living arrangements conducive to study and cant afford decent meals. Many dont have any local family support and have continuous stress about covering academic and personal expenses. Imagine the kind of perseverance required to complete your studies under such conditions. Often very competent students dont return for their next academic year due to lack of funds.

The Feet4Fees walkers range from first-year students to postgraduates and come from all over South Africa.

Here are some of the reasons they give for investing their time and energy into this initiative:

I understand and can relate to having no financial support to fund your dreams. I believe education can change anyones circumstances (speaking from experience). I used to walk to school every day and so I want other deserving students not to have their dreams shattered due to lack of funds.

It is a chance to change a life! I was given a helping hand and it is now time for me to lend a helping hand.

To create future breadwinners.

You can follow their progress on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

What you can do:

Sponsor the walkers  they hope to collect at least R1000 for every kilometre

Sponsor a specific bursary

Make a pledge to support the fundraising drive in future

Think and talk about funding for education

You get:

Individual donors get Article 18A tax receipts

Corporate and business donors get BEE point-earning verification

Students get:
By PTI: Kolkata, Dec 1 (PTI) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today alleged the Army was deployed at two toll plazas at Palsit and Dankuni on NH 2 in West Bengal without informing the state government and described it as "unprecedented and a serious matter."

"Army has been deployed at two toll plazas without informing the state government. This is a very serious situation worse than Emergency," she told reporters at the state secretariat.

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"It is an attack on the federal structure. We want to know the details. The Chief Secretary is writing to the Centre. Given an opportunity I will talk to the President on the issue. Has Emergency been imposed in the country without declaration?" she wanted to know.

The Chief Minister said, "Army is our asset. We are proud of them. We requisition Army in times of major disaster or communal flare up.

"I dont know what has actually happened. Even if there is mock-trial, state government is informed", she said.

Banerjee claimed that the people got panicky due to the deployment of Army at toll plazas.

When contacted, A Defence spokesperson said that the army conducts bi-annual exercise throughout the country with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency.

"There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders", Wing Commander S S Birdi said.

The exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing through a certain area that could be tapped during operations, he said. PTI SCH SUN MD RG

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CarMax, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer of used vehicles in the United States. The company operates through two segments, CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance. It offers customers a range of makes and models of used vehicles, including domestic, imported, and luxury vehicles, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles; and extended protection plans to customers at the time of sale, as well as sells vehicles that are approximately 10 years old and has more than 100,000 miles through wholesale auctions. The company also provides reconditioning and vehicle repair services; and financing alternatives for retail customers across a range of credit spectrum through its CarMax Auto Finance and arrangements with various financial institutions. As of February 28, 2022, it operated approximately 230 used car stores. CarMax, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, Virginia.
By PTI: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Dec 1 (PTI) Pakistan Prime Ministers Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz is set to visit India on Sunday but no bilateral meeting with the Indian side would be held on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar, according to a media report.

The two-day conference is being held in Amritsar this weekend (December 3-4) and Aziz visit Amritsar on Sunday, Dawn News reported.

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Aziz is leading the Pakistani delegation to the meeting of the process that focuses on regional cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for improving connectivity and tackling security threats.

"Pakistan and India would not hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia ministerial conference being held in Amritsar," the report said, citing officials.

"For now we dont see any willingness on their part...the ball is in Indias court, for they know we are willing but we dont know whether they are willing," an official was quoted as saying.

Pakistan and India had held a meeting in Islamabad at the last Heart of Asia ministerial meeting and agreed to start Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue that was to cover all outstanding issues.

The resumption of the dialogue could, however, not take place due to the Pathankot terror attack in January this year.

An official was also quoted as saying that Pakistan had not formally reached out to India for a bilateral meeting in Amritsar.

Pakistans High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit, while participating in BBC Urdus Facebook Live interaction yesterday, said Pakistan was ready for unconditional resumption of dialogue if India is ready.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is not attending the Heart of Asia ministerial meeting.

"Since Sushma Swaraj is not attending, its difficult to have a meeting with anyone else," the daily quoted a Pakistani diplomat as saying.

"The Pakistani side believes that the way out of the current stalemate in ties is India giving up its intransigence," the daily said.

"India has to make up its mind. They are not willing to discuss Kashmir," the official said.

India has been non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Aziz but has made it clear that "talks and terror cannot go hand in hand". PTI SH ASK AKJ ASK

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United Parcel Service, Inc. provides letter and package delivery, transportation, logistics, and related services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States. The International Package segment provides guaranteed day and time-definite international shipping services in Europe, the Asia Pacific, Canada and Latin America, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East, and Africa. This segment offers guaranteed time-definite express options. The company also provides international air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, distribution and post-sales, and mail and consulting services in approximately 200 countries and territories. In addition, it offers truckload brokerage services; supply chain solutions to the healthcare and life sciences industry; shipping, visibility, and billing technologies; and financial and insurance services. The company operates a fleet of approximately 121,000 package cars, vans, tractors, and motorcycles; and owns 59,000 containers that are used to transport cargo in its aircraft. United Parcel Service, Inc. was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Duck Creek Technologies, Inc. provides software-as-a-service core systems to the property and casualty insurance industry in the United States and internationally. The company provides Duck Creek Policy, a solution that enables insurers to develop and launch new insurance products and manage various aspects of policy administration ranging from product definition to quoting, binding, and servicing; Duck Creek Billing that provides payment and invoicing capabilities, such as billing and collections, commission processing, disbursement management, and general ledger capabilities for insurance lines and bill types; and Duck Creek Claims that supports entire claims lifecycle from first notice of loss through investigation, payments, negotiations, reporting, and closure. It also offers Duck Creek Rating that allows carriers to develop new rates and models and deliver quotes in real-time based on the complex rating algorithms; Duck Creek Insights, an insurance analytics solution that allows carriers to gather and analyze data from internal and external sources and facilitate analysis and reporting on a single system; Duck Creek Digital Engagement that offer digital interactions between property and casualty insurers and their agents, brokers, and policyholders; and Duck Creek Distribution Management that automates sales channel activities for agents and brokers, including producer onboarding, compliance, and compensation management. In addition, the company provides Duck Creek Reinsurance Management that automates financial and administrative functions; and Duck Creek Industry Content that provides pre-built content, including base business rules, product designs, rating algorithms, data capture screens, and workflows for insurance lines of business, such as commercial auto, inland marine, and workers compensation. It has a partnership with Shift Technologies, Inc. to implement AI fraud detection. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
According to reports, these two foreign nationals were acting as carriers to transfer black money to someone in Patna.

Income tax officials have begun their investigation about the cash recovered.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: The Central Industrial Security Force at Patna Airport on Thursday evening apprehended two foreign nationals soon after they landed and recovered Rs 1.2 crore from them in the denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency.

According to sources, these two foreign nationals are believed to be from Thailand, who boarded an Indigo flight from Lucknow to Patna.

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The CISF officials had received an intelligence input from Lucknow about couple of people carrying huge amount of cash in the flight. Soon after, the CISF officials began their search inside the Indigo flight as soon it landed at Patna airport at 6.30 pm.

Income tax officials have begun their investigation about the cash recovered and are also trying to ascertain the source and destination of the cash consignment.

One of the Thai national has been identified as S. Parithan.

According to reports, these two foreign nationals were acting as carriers to transfer black money to someone in Patna.

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American Homes 4 Rent is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the US rental industry. The company is a leader in the single-family home rental industry and "American Homes 4 Rent" is fast becoming a nationally recognized brand. The company is known for high-quality rental homes, providing good value and tenant satisfaction while generating profits for investors. The primary investment objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns through dividends and capital appreciation.

The company plans to achieve its objective through the disciplined acquisition of new properties, by expanding its own construction and neighborhood building efforts, growing its geographically diverse portfolio, efficient property management, building a strong brand, and maintaining a sound capital structure.

The company was founded in 2011 by David Singelyn and his partner. Mr. Singelyn has served as a Trustee and CEO since 2012. The company began by acquiring homes in underserved areas and remodeling them to modern standards. The firm has since expanded its operations to construction and now builds planned communities tailored to different lifestyles as well. The company went public in 2013 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

American Homes 4 Rent is an internally managed Maryland real estate investment trust focused on acquiring, developing, renovating, leasing, and operating attractive, single-family homes as rental properties. The company operates through a network of offices and the website AH4R.com. The company owns more than 55,000 properties across 22 states featuring move-in-ready and pet-friendly homes for individuals and families of all sizes.

All previously used properties have been renovated to a high Certified Property standard that brings them to a like-new condition. Interested parties can view listings by area on the website and even use the site to fill out applications and sign leases. Properties are located in communities that fit a variety of lifestyle needs including fences, marble countertops, and even attached 2 and 3-car garages. The communities are located in hand-picked neighborhoods with features including access to commerce, schools, and amenities like lawn care, pools, trails, and fitness centers.

Tenants are afforded many benefits by renting through American Homes 4 Rent. The first and most obvious is the freedom and flexibility of a mortgage-free lifestyle. On top of that, tenants can pay rent or schedule maintenance on their homes through the website, and dedicated service representatives are available 24/7.
The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 13125882 Canada Inc., 211 E. Russell Road LLC, 4458664 Canada Inc., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ASIA PTE. LTD., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES BORROWER S.C.A., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES LLC, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES MIDDLE EAST FZE, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES SERVICES LIMITED, ASTRUM IT GmbH, Accudyne Industries Acquisition S.A r.l, Accudyne Industries Canada Inc., Accudyne Industries S.A r.l., Air Dimensions, Air Dimensions Inc., Albin Pump SAS, BOC Edwards Global Low pressure Air business, CISA S.p.A., Cameron-Centrifugal Compression, Comercial Ingersoll-Rand (Chile) Limitada, Comingersoll-Comercio E Industria De Equipamentos S.A., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Dosatron International SAS, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Proprietary Limited, FlexEnergy Holdings LLC, Frigoblock Grosskopf Gmbh, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First (UK) Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings II Inc., GD Global Holdings Inc., GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., GPS Industries, Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp (Canada), Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Limited, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica SL, Gardner Denver Inc., Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver International Inc., Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Investments Inc., Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan Ltd., Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte. Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia s.r.o., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH (f/k/a ILMVAC GmbH), Gardner Denver Thomas Inc., Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Ghh-Rand Schraubenkompressoren Gmbh, HASKEL EUROPE LTD., HASKEL HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, HASKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC, Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, Haskel France SAS, Haskel Sistemas de Fluidos Espana S.R.L., Hibon Inc., Highspeed Newco LLC, Hingerose Limited, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, INGERSOLL RAND ITS JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHANG ZHOU) TOOLS CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHINA) INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND CHINA LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE MAQUINAS E EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND DE PUERTO RICO INC., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL COMPANY B.V., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL SP. Z O.O., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S. INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PHILIPPINES INC., INGERSOLL-RAND SPAIN S.A., INGERSOLL-RAND U.S. HOLDCO INC., IR HPS Holdco. Inc., ITO Emniyet, Ingersoll Rand Cyprus Investments Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Finance LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Investments LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Ventures LLC, Ingersoll Rand Hong Kong Investments Limited, Ingersoll Rand Inc., Ingersoll Rand Investments (SG) Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Investments B.V., Ingersoll Rand Schweiz Investments Gmbh, Ingersoll Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (China) Investment Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Guilin) Tools Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Hong Kong) Holding Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Air Solutions Hibon Sarl, Ingersoll-Rand Beteiligungs Und Grundstucksverwaltungs Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Colombia S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (Uk), Ingersoll-Rand Company South Africa (Pty) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Cz S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand De Mexico S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Equipements De Production S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Industrial Ireland Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International (India) Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Italia S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Italiana Manufacturing S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Korea Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Korea Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments II S.A R.I., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Industrial Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Machinery (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Malaysia Co. Sdn. Bhd., Ingersoll-Rand S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Services And Trading Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Singapore Enterprises Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand South East Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Superay Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services S.A.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Technologies And Services Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Tool Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Trading Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Vietnam Company Limited, Instrum Rand JSC, Interflex Datensysteme, Ir Canada Holdings Ulc, Ir Canada Sales & Service Ulc, Ir France Sas, Kryptonite corp, Lawrence Factor Inc., LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MILTON ROY (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MILTON ROY (UK) LIMITED, MILTON ROY EUROPA B.V., MILTON ROY EUROPE SAS, MILTON ROY INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., MILTON ROY LLC, MILTON ROY US PURCHASER INC., MP Pumps Inc., Maximum AG Technologies Inc., Maximus Solutions, Mb Air Systems Limited, Nash Elmo, Officina Meccaniche Industriali Srl, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Plurifilter D.O.O., Pt Ingersoll-Rand Indonesia, Robuschi, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, SEEPEX, Seepex (M) SDN, Seepex Australia Pty Ltd, Seepex Beteiligungs-Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung, Seepex France S.a.r.l., Seepex GmbH, Seepex Inc., Seepex India Private Ltd., Seepex Italia SRL, Seepex Japan Co. Ltd., Seepex Nordic A/S, Seepex OOO, Seepex Pumps (Shanghia) Co. Ltd., Seepex UK Ltd., Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Shanghai Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Limited, Shenzhen Bocom System Engineering Co., Superay, Syltone, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, Tamrotor Marine Comp AS Norway, Tecno Matic Europe s.r.o., Thomas Industries Inc., Trane Technologies, Tri-Continent Scientific Inc., Vacuum and Blower Systems division, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zaxe Technologies Inc., Zeks Compressed Air Solutions Llc, Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, Zinsser NA Inc., and crayon interface.

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Deckers Outdoor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs, markets, and distributes footwear, apparel, and accessories for casual lifestyle use and high-performance activities. The company offers premium footwear, apparel, and accessories under the UGG brand name; sandals, shoes, and boots under the Teva brand name; and relaxed casual shoes and sandals under the Sanuk brand name. It also provides footwear and apparel for ultra-runners and athletes under the Hoka brand name; and fashion casual footwear using other plush materials under the Koolaburra brand. The company sells its products through department stores, domestic independent action sports and outdoor specialty footwear retailers, and larger national retail chains, as well as online retailers. It also sells its products directly to consumers through its retail stores and e-commerce websites, as well as distributes its products through distributors and retailers in the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, Latin America, and internationally. As of March 31, 2022, it had 149 retail stores, including 75 concept stores and 74 outlet stores worldwide. The company was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Goleta, California.
By PTI: Berne/New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Moving ahead on automatic sharing of details on suspected black money, Switzerland today initiated its statutory consultation process for bringing into force Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) on tax matters with India and some other countries from January 1, 2018.

The process will continue till March 15, 2017, Swiss Federal Department of Finance (FDF) said in a statement.

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"The AEOI with these countries should enter into force on January 1, 2018 so that data can start to be exchanged in 2019," it added.

The launch of consultation process follows signing of a Joint Declaration between India and Switzerland on November 22 for implementation of AEOI, which provides that both countries will start collecting data in accordance with the global standards in 2018 and exchange it from 2019 onwards.

Switzerland today also launched consultations on introducing AEOI with Andorra, Argentina, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Israel, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Seychelles, South Africa, Turks and Caicos Islands and Uruguay.

FDF said: "The introduction of the AEOI with these countries confirms Switzerlands international commitment to implementing the AEOI standard.

"Switzerland is thus extending its network of AEOI partner states. This will contribute to strengthening the competitiveness, the credibility and integrity of Switzerlands financial centre."

It added: "Important criteria for the acceptance of these countries were in particular the high demands in terms of adherence to the principle of speciality and the safeguarding of confidentiality for the data delivered, which are prerequisites for the introduction of the AEOI."

Switzerland said the automatic exchange of information with these countries will be implemented based on the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (MCAA). The MCAA is based on the international standard for the exchange of information developed by the OECD.

Switzerland is already in the process of introducing AEOI in 2017 with all of the EU states including Gibraltar and with Australia. The same applies to Iceland, Norway, Japan, Canada, South Korea and the British crown dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

"The entry into force of the AEOI with these countries and territories is conditional on approval by Parliament in the 2016 winter session," FDF said.

Switzerland has been at the centre of the debate on black money allegedly stashed by Indians abroad and was known for very strong banking secrecy walls till a few years, before they began wilting under global pressure. PTI BJ SA

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AmerisourceBergen Corporation sources and distributes pharmaceutical products in the United States and internationally. Its Pharmaceutical Distribution segment distributes brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter healthcare products, home healthcare supplies and equipment, and related services to various healthcare providers, including acute care hospitals and health systems, independent and chain retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, medical clinics, long-term care and alternate site pharmacies, and other customers. It also provides pharmacy management, staffing, and other consulting services; supply management software to retail and institutional healthcare providers; and packaging solutions to various institutional and retail healthcare providers. In addition, this segment distributes plasma and other blood products, injectable pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other specialty products; provides other services primarily to physicians who specialize in various disease states, primarily oncology, as well as to other healthcare providers, including hospitals and dialysis clinics; and offers data analytics, outcomes research, and additional services for biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The company's Other segment provides integrated manufacturer services, such as clinical trial support, product post-approval, and commercialization support; specialty transportation and logistics services for the biopharmaceutical industry; and sells pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, micro feed ingredients, and various other products to customers in the companion animal and production animal markets, as well as demand-creating sales force services to manufacturers. AmerisourceBergen Corporation was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
Banerjee at an emergency press conference at the state secretariat today expressed concern over two army jeeps patrolling at two strategic toll plazas, Dankuni and Palsit.

By Romita Datta: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stays put at state secretariat, says she wont leave until Army is withdrawn from toll plaza in front of it.

Banerjee at an emergency press conference at the state secretariat today expressed concern over two army jeeps patrolling at two strategic toll plazas, Dankuni and Palsit.

Dubbing it a "serious matter," she has asked the chief secretary Basudeb Banerjee to dash off a letter to the Union Home minister asking him as to why the army was deployed without the state's knowledge.

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Also Read: Kolkata police, Army spar on Twitter over deployment of forces at toll plazas

"When Emergency is imposed in the country the Centre takes over the law and order situation of the state. The federal states then have little to do. The President declares the Emergency. But nothing of that sort has happened. The Centre has not taken the state into confidence before stationing the army jeeps," she said.

Asked as to what could be the reason for deployment of the Army, she asked the reporters to investigate into the matter.

Over the past one week, Banerjee had voiced concern over being attacked for raising the tempo against Narendra Modi and its demonetisation issue.

She had said that she was not scared of dying. She would see the fight (against demonetisation) to the last.

On Thursday, on her way back to Kolkata from Patna, when her plane, low on fuel, was kept hovering for half and hour for some technical problem, Banerjee's brigade got an opportunity to allege that the Trinamool Congress supremo was being targeted for speaking against Narendra Modi. A cabinet minister of Mamata Banerjee government, Firhad Hakim, went on to say that a conspiracy was underway to eliminate Banerjee for bringing all the Opposition parties on a single platform to fight the demonetisation demon.

Today, the Trinamool Congress MPs along with Congress raised the issue on the floor of the Parliament.

Now, the presence of Army jeeps seems to have stoked Mamata's suspicion that the Centre was trying to destabilise her government.

The Army authorities however, said that the personnel were just keeping a tab on the movement of vehicles, the load they were carrying and just doing routine check-up.

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Governor McAuliffe celebrates National Park Service purchase of Werowocomoco

Now a national park: William & Mary archaeologist Martin Gallivan (left) explains the layout of Werowocomoco to Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe. McAuliffe visited the site, where John Smith, Powhatan and Pocahontas met, in 2014. Courtesy of the Office of the Governor of Virginia Photo - of - Hide Caption

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe on Nov. 30 celebrated the National Park Services acquisition of Werowocomoco, according to a press release from the governors office. Werowocomoco is the former capital of the Powhatan Chiefdom and the presumed site of Captain John Smiths first meeting with the leader Powhatan and his daughter, Pocahontas.

William & Mary archaeologists, notably Martin Gallivan, a professor in the universitys Department of Anthropology, were instrumental in bringing to light the lost city that figures so prominently in American history and legend alike.

When opened to the public, the 264-acre property, located on the bank of the York River in Gloucester County, will be part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the release said.

Werowocomoco is a place of unparalleled significance, not just for the Commonwealths Native community, but for the nation as a whole, said McAuliffe. The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to some of the most important and prominent historical sites in the country and it is a great achievement that this archeological treasure is now under the permanent protection of the National Park Service. Werowocomoco will offer immense insight into untold history by showing us the complexity and depth of the Powhatan Chiefdom, and adds a new chapter to our shared American story.

The announcement was made during the Nov. 30 recognition ceremony at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., and also served as an opportunity for tribal representatives to share their knowledge of the sites significance with state and federal officials. The release from McAuliffes office said that the private discussion among tribal leaders before the public announcement offered invaluable insight into the towns sacred nature and affirmed the projects historical and archeological significance.

The United States has a history going back long before 1607 when Captain John Smith was brought as a captive to Powhatan at Werowocomoco, said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. This Department and the National Park Service have profoundly significant relationships with, and responsibilities to, American Indians. We are duty-bound to steward places like Werowocomoco for all people in close consultation with tribes.

Only about one percent of Werowocomocos 50-acre archeological core has been investigated to date, but initial findings suggest the extensive settlement was occupied as early as 1200 CE and functioned as a spiritual and political center for the regions Algonquian Indians, the release said. At its peak, the Powhatan Chiefdom spread across much of eastern Virginia and may have included 30 tribes with an estimated population of above 14,000.

As a Virginian with an ancestor who landed at Jamestown in 1620, this acquisition of this important space is very personal to me, said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis, a member of W&M's Class of 1975. To many Americans, Werowocomoco represents the intersection between two dynamic cultures. But to many local Virginians, it is significant for the less-told story  the story of people who were here long before John Smith or my ancestors, and whose descendants are an important part of our America.

Since 2003, Virginias Indians have worked with archeologists from the William & Mary to study and excavate the ancient town. Their efforts led to Werowocomocos 2006 listing on the National Register of Historic Places and spurred a conservation easement to be signed in 2013 by then-Governor Bob McDonnell, covering the sites 50-acre archeological core.

Werowocomoco is managed by the National Park Service through their Chesapeake office and their staff on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Trail staff will begin a public planning process this winter in close consultation with the Virginia tribes. To learn more about the Werowocomoco park planning and research, visit the National Park Service website
William & Mary acquires James Monroe letters

Dear Sir. The new collection includes more than two dozen letters, each dating to James Monroe's presidency. All of the letters are from Monroe  the nation's fifth president  to his treasury secretary, William Crawford. Photo courtesy of William & Mary Libraries

Kind Regards. A selection of the letters will be on exhibit at William & Mary's Muscarelle Museum Feb. 11-May 14, 2017. This will be the first time the letters have ever been publicly displayed. Photo courtesy of William & Mary Libraries Photo - of - Hide Caption

William & Mary Libraries has acquired more than two dozen letters handwritten by James Monroe, the fifth president of the U.S. and an alumnus of the university. The letters, which have never before been published, document communications between Monroe and his Secretary of the Treasury, William Crawford.

As there are not many existing letters between Monroe and his cabinet members, we expect these letters to provide new insight into Monroes presidency and lead to new scholarship and discoveries, said Jay Gaidmore, director of the Special Collections Research Center at the universitys Swem Library.

A selection of letters will be publicly displayed for the first time in an exhibit held at the Muscarelle Museum, opening to the public on February 11, 2017. The exhibit, Written in Confidence: The Unpublished Letters of James Monroe, will feature 12 of the newly acquired letters, and will run through May 14.

We have plenty left to learn about Monroes presidency, especially the crucial relationships with his cabinet members, said Sara Bon-Harper, executive director of James Monroes Highland, the William & Mary-owned historic home in Charlottesville, VA. Having access to his personal correspondence will undoubtedly contribute to our growing understanding of Monroe and his presidency.

The letters were purchased from the Raab Collection, a historical document and autograph dealer whose specialties include documents signed by U.S. presidents and other historical figures from the 16th through the 21st century. The firm acquired the letters from descendants of William Crawford. Crawfords correspondence, or what remained after a house fire burned many of his letters, were passed down within the family and eventually came into the hands of Crawfords great-great-great-great grandson. According to dealer Nathan Raab, the owner described finding the letters in a box in his mothers house.

Each time we walk into a strangers home or to see a collection for the first time, we temper our excitement with the knowledge that we dont really know what they have until we see it with our own eyes, but after seeing the materials, we knew we were in the presence of history, said Raab. It gives me satisfaction to think that we have found these documents a new home, where they will be publicly studied, enjoyed and preserved.

The purchase of the letters was made possible by a donation from Jody and Wilma Forsyth, parents of Samantha Forsyth 15, who is currently pursuing a law degree at the university.

We can think of no better place for such letters to reside than at President Monroes alma mater. We believe it important for historical documents such as these to be placed in public depositories where they can be enjoyed by all who have an interest in our political history, said Jody Forsyth.

The acquisition comes at a time when there is a renewed interest in Monroe, whom some call the forgotten president  overshadowed by the legacies of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.

Now, in the 200th anniversary of James Monroes election, it is an appropriate time to re-examine Monroes presidency, one that often gets lost among others in a period of great and formative presidents, said Bon-Harper.

This has been a year of new discoveries regarding Monroe. In April, archeological excavations at Highland revealed the foundations of the original Monroe home, built in 1799. The smaller house standing today, long thought to have been the presidents home, was built nearly 20 years later, during Monroes first term in the White House.

We are currently in the process of deepening our understanding of James Monroe through discoveries at Highland. Our research has identified the archaeological remains of his 1799 main house. This is a major new understanding of Highland, and offers the potential to re-examine Monroe and his legacy, said Bon-Harper.

The letters join the librarys James Monroe Family Papers, a collection of over 300 letters and other documents by, to and concerning Monroe and his family. Dating primarily from 1780 to 1831, the collection covers Monroes service as an officer during the American Revolution, governor of Virginia, minister to France and Great Britain, Secretary of State and War and President, as well as post-presidential years. The collection covers a variety of topics such as family life, business affairs, diplomacy and foreign relations, slavery and politics, and it includes one of the only existing letters written by Monroes wife.

W&M Libraries and James Monroes Highland are preparing to digitize the James Monroe Family Papers, making these materials freely accessible online. The papers are expected to be available online by spring 2017.

Digitizing our original collections  like the James Monroe letters  and making them accessible to scholars worldwide is crucial to advancing scholarship, said Dean of University Libraries Carrie Cooper. We are especially excited to contribute to our nations understanding and appreciation of Monroes presidential legacy.




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Mumbai, Nov 30 (PTI) The winter session of Maharashtra legislature beginning in Nagpur on December 5 is likely to be stormy as the opposition Congress is planning to put the Devendra Fadnavis government on mat over the demonetisation exercise and the "distress" it has caused to common people.

A core committee meeting of the Congress was held at Vidhan Bhavan here today to discuss the floor management strategy of the party.

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Apart from the Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, leaders like Sharad Ranpise, Sanjay Dutt, Varsha Gaikwad and Bhai Jagtap among others attended the meeting.

"The hardships faced by the common man due to demonetisation will be our priority. Apart from the common man, farmers are also suffering as the RBI has banned district cooperative banks from accepting and exchanging demonetised currency.

"We will raise this issue aggressively in both Upper and Lower House during the session," senior leader Arif Naseem Khan, who was also present at the huddle, told PTI.

He said the Congress will also raise demands for reservation to Muslims as well as Dhangar and Maratha communities and the "involvement of BJP ministers in scams" during the session.

"We will not allow the House to conduct business till our demands are met," the former Minorities Affairs Minister said.

The next meeting of core committee will be held in Nagpur on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Vikhe Patil said the Congress will speak with Sharad Pawar-led NCP to get their support during session against the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena.

However, another senior Congress leader expressed doubt over the NCPs ability to corner the government given its debacle in the municipal council polls held recently in Maharashtra.

"NCP may not be aggressive against BJP and Shiv Sena as they are demoralised after their poor performance in the municipal council polls. NCP has also lost three of its MLC seats in recently concluded poll and hence, we doubt their aggressiveness in the session," he said while expressing hope that NCP would at least support the Congress in its bid to take on the government.

Highlighting the "hardhips" encountered by the common people in the wake of scrapping of Rs 500 and 1000 notes, the Congress and other opposition parties have been stalling the proceedings in winter session of Parliament.

Though Shiv Sena is blowing hot and cold over the issue, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has flayed its senior alliance partner, the BJP over the implementation of the demonetisation move. PTI MM NSK BSA BAS

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While Congress has expressed doubts over the government's digitalisation steps, BJP calls it a design to discourage people from doing online transactions.

By India Today Web Desk: The Congress and BJP leaders have locked horns over hacking of Twitter accounts of the principal opposition party and its vice president Rahul Gandhi. While Congress has expressed doubts over the government's digitalisation steps, BJP calls it a design to discourage people from doing online transactions.

Congress MP Kapil Sibal said cyber security issue was not new and the government would have to assure everyone's digital security before speaking about digitalisation.

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On the other hand, BJP has asked Congress to put its house in order before blaming the Centre. Countering Congress' charge and fears about the government's digitalisation moves, the ruling party's spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said digital gateways are far more secure as compared to the social sites. He countered saying Congress was terrorising the people and discouraging them from using online transactions.

Rao reiterated the government's stand that those behind the hacking of Congress and Rahul Gandhi's Twitter handles would not be spared. "We condemn it (hacking)," he added.

Also read: Rahul Gandhi's Twitter hack: Delhi Police begins probe, Congress says eye-opener for Modi

Simultaneously, the BJP spokespersons alleged that Rahul Gandhi wants to take India back to the Stone Age. "Congress party is projecting it intentionally," he said.

On the other hand, the principal opposition party's spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Congress has taken note of the hacking incidents and would be getting in touch with Twitter India. "We are contemplating our next step," he said.

Surjewala said it was wrong to say it was an insider's job.

Also Read: Got them keys: Moments after case filed over Rahul Gandhi's Twitter hacking, Congress account now hacked

Congress' Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor said the hacking was not done by hectors or amateurs. This had been done by professionals. "We want the government to hold a transparent and thorough probe," he said.

He said the hacking incident happened at a time when the government was talking of Digital India. "How can people have faith in it?" he said.Party MP Ashok Chavan too has demanded that the Centre should look into the matter.

Meanwhile, the Centre has ordered an inquiry into the hacking of the Twitter accounts of Congress and its vice president Rahul Gandhi. Informing this, Information and Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "We have ordered an inquiry."

Prasad said a strict action would be taken in the hacking of Rahul Gandhi's hacking. There should not be any politics in it, he added.

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Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz led the Cuban Communist Party for more than half of a century following the fall of the militaristic and oppressive Batista dictatorship, which had came into power following a coup in 1952. He took power on January 1, 1959, promising a revolutionary turnaround, to a country severely afflicted by the 25-year old dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. His embraced communism and the former Soviet Union Regime and almost brought the world to a tragic end with nuclear missiles. Fidel died on November 25, 2016, at the age of 90. Even so, he left behind a legacy characterized by the concept of totalitarian. His presidency was based on communist ideologies of Karl Max.

5. Early Life -

Fidel Castro was born in 1926 as the illegitimate son of a wealthy farmer named Angel Castro and Angel's servant, mistress, and wife-to-be Luna Ruz Gonzalez. He attended two boarding schools before going to El Colegio de Belen, a Jesuit-ran faculty in Havana. Fidel took law at the University of Havana from 1945 where his political mind came alive. While here, he became an influential critic and staunch anti-imperialist of the US involvement in the Caribbean affairs. He achieved publicity as a vocal critic of the US-backed president, Ramon Grau. Fidel went to participate in many violent gang cultures and militia operations transforming from a politically illiterate individual to a political activist in less than three years. He got involved with student-operated criminal enterprises. His anti-Imperialism passion drove him to join the university committee which sought to free the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. He even met Batista, during his early rise to fame. When the latter took the presidency and abolished elections, Castro started his rise to power.

4. Rise to Power -

As a Jesuit-educated lawyer, Castro led the Cuban revolution that ousted the U.S.-backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista. Castro launched the great Cuban revolution against Batistas regime on July 26, 1953. He started by launching the failed Moncada barracks assault, in Santiago. Fidel Castro received a 15 year jail term, but he was later released in 1955 when Batista pardoned him. He spent his exile years in Mexico where he formed a small army with the aim of fighting Batista. His first attempt took place in early December 1956, but the Cuban government ambushed him, killing most of his 81 ragtag bands of followers. Only 12 of them including Fidel, Raul, and Guevara escaped. He then took refuge in Sierra Maestra Mountains, created a formidable guerrilla force that joined forces with the public rebel groups and finally defeated Batista in two years. During the Cold Wars, Castro aligned with the Soviet Union, embracing its concepts and ideologies becoming its principal benefactor for 30 years. The alliance brought billions worth foreign aid to Cuba including gas and oil. When the US discovered Soviet missile in the country, the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis emerged which almost set the world to an Armageddon crisis. When the Soviet Union finally collapsed in 1991, Castro retained his communist ideologies. He undertook series of tentative economic reforms like opening up tourism to save his failing economy. He even managed to patronize Chavez, the then Venezuelan president, to sell him cheap oil and other products.

3. Contributions -

When he came to power, Fidel was intent on transforming Cuba into an egalitarian state that provided equal social and economic opportunities to all Cubans. He sought to bring change to a society which had been depleted of basic humanitarian necessities and to rescue his country from what he perceived as a failing capitalist system. Fidel Castro improved the living conditions of the poor people in his country by bringing schools and hospitals to them. As a result, Cuba achieved a health and literacy level equal to the richest countries. To top it all, he cut down Mafia groups. Fidel also installed a lot of negative contributions to both Cuba and the world as a whole. He cracked on dissident, executed, or jailed opponents and homosexuals seized privately owned properties and monopolized the media. Outside his country, he sent more 350,000 soldiers to fight in Africa as a way of expanding his influence. These soldiers provided the much-needed support to the left-winged Angolan government. They contributed to the craved Namibian independence, a war that finally aided in ousting apartheid in South Africa. Over the years, he sent doctors abroad to care for the poor people and also brought young people from less developed countries and trained them as physicians.

2. Challenges -

Establishing Cuba as a Communist country at the United States' doorstep brought many challenges with it. For Castro to effectively transform Cuba from a playground used by wealthy Americans into Washingtons worst resistance, he had to overcome challenges brought about the US presidents, his loathed capitalists. He outlasted all of them but one. He claimed that the US had attempted to assassinate him many a time, but he survived them. He managed to fend off the 1961 US-supported invasion of the Bay of Pigs. As he swept away capitalism, new challenges emerged, this time from legions of critics and enemies concentrated among Miami-based exiles. These exiled people saw him as a ruthless tyrant.

1. Death and Legacy -

Fidel Castro died on November 25th, 2016. Raul Castro announced his death on Cuban State Television. After his demise, Fidel Castros 57-year-old position in power seems all the more significant. To many, he stifled on democracy, repressed speech, and crushed fundamental human rights. To his legion of followers, he was a hero who fed his poor, provided medicines to Latin America, appalled Capitalism, and pointed his gun to the northern Colossus. His most memorable legacy was his ability to create a communist state some 90 miles of the US shores, defying the United States attempts to topple him. He held on to his ideologies long after the collapse of the Soviet Union remaining a beacon of hope to lefties around the world who still struggled under and against colonial rule. Whether or not History will absolve him remains unseen, nevertheless, Fidel Castro was a figure to behold. He leaves behind the worlds longest serving president legacy for his half-of-a-century-long regime.
Yemen is an Arabic country located in the western region of Asia, with Sanaa being both its capital and the country's largest city. After a coup in 2014, a group by the name Houthis took control of the country even after the deposed President declared that he was still in office. The country is a unitary semi-presidential state and has Arabic as its official language. Yemen has several volcanic islands in the Arabian Sea. In this article, we will discuss some of the highest mountains in Yemen.

Jabal an Nabi Shuayb

Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb is the highest peak on the Arabian Peninsula and is located in Sanaa Governorate. It lies at an elevation of 12,028 feet above sea level with a prominence of 10,912 feet. The etymology of the mountain is biblical. Jabal is an Arabic term for a mountain while Nabi means a prophet. Shuayb is one of the holy messengers known to Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. God sent Shu'ayb to the people of Midian who lied and were dishonest with their weights and measurements. The messenger warned them, but they did not heed to what he said, and the wrath of God destroyed their land. The top of the mountain is closed for security reasons, and military installations are found at the peak. Armed soldiers always guard the peak on a full-time basis, and nobody is allowed past 200 feet vertical height from the peak.

Jabal al Qullah

Jabal al Qullah mountain is located in an area of Yemen known as Mu afazat La ij. It has an elevation of 10,607 feet above sea level making it the second highest peak in the country after Jabal an Nabi Shuayb. The spelling of the name of the mountain varies depending on the language one is using.

Jabal Shakhab Ammar

The mountain is located in An Nadirah with an elevation o 3218 feet above sea level. The superior administrative division is Ibb. There is no documented evidence of the first ascent.

Jabal Ayban

Jabal Ayban is a mountain located near Bayt Naamah. It has several other alternate names, including Djebel Hadde, Jabal Haddah, and Jebel Hadda. It is one of the tallest mountains in the Arabic peninsula with an elevation of 10,457 feet above sea level.

Jabal Rihqah

The elevation of this mountain is 10,112 feet above sea level. It is located seven miles from the town of Bayt Rijal and is also referred to as Jabal Ruqha.

Other Major Mountains in Yemen

Jaabal ash Shar

The elevation of the mountain is 10,102 feet above sea level. It is located in As Saddah within the superior administrative division of Idd.

Jabal Zufar

Jabal Zufar is located in Yarim with an elevation of 9,856 feet above sea level. There are other names and spellings for the mountain, including Jebel Zofar, JAbal Zufar, and Jebel Zofar.

Rounding Out the Top Ten

The elevation of Jabal Kanwab is 9,708 feet above sea level, and it is located in Ar Ryashyyah. Other high mountains in the country include Jabla Maas at 9,649 feet and Jabl  Amlan at 9,626 feet.
Uganda is a semi-presidential country located in East Africa. The capital city is Kampala which is also the largest city in the country. After attaining independence from Britain in 1962, the country elected Milton Obote as the executive Prime Minister and Edward Mutesa II as the President which was largely a ceremonial position. In 1966, there was a power struggle between Obote and King Mutesa who was a traditional Baganda king. The conflict led to the amendment of the constitution in 1967 where the ceremonial roles of the President and Vice President were abolished. Uganda was made a republic and abolished the traditional kingdoms and Obote was declared the executive President without any elections.

Prime Ministers of Uganda

Milton Obote

Milton Obote became the first executive Prime Minister following the end of British colonial rule in Uganda. He was born in 1925 and died in 2005 while in exile in South Africa. At early life, he worked in Kenya as a construction worker and was involved in the national independence movement. Upon going back to Uganda, he joined politics and was elected to the colonial legislative council. In early 1964, there was a military mutiny in Jinja city where the soldiers demanded promotions and pay rise which was agreed upon. Dictatorship marred the tenure of Obote, and at one time, he was implicated in a gold smuggling scandal with some of the top military officers.

Otema Allimadi

Otema Allimadi was born in 1929 in Kitgum, and lived until 2001. He also served as foreign minister from 1979 to 1980 and as an ambassador from 1964 to 1971. He became the first Prime Minister of Uganda after the post was re-established in 1980 and served for five years until 1985.

Paulo Muwanga

Paulo Muwanga was born in 1921 and died in 1991 in Kampala. He was a member of Ugandan's people Congress. In 1980, he was at the helm of the electoral commission and the de facto President for a few days until the Presidential Commission of Uganda was formed. He was the chairman of the commission which held the powers of the President in the country between May and December. After the elections, Milton Obote was declared the President but was ousted by Yoweri Museveni who staged guerrilla warfare. Muwanga later became the Prime Minister in 1985.

Amama Mbabazi

Mbabazi was born in Rukiga in 1949, and as a young man studied law at Makerere University. He worked as a state attorney in the Ugandan Attorney General Chambers and was later promoted to the post of secretary of Uganda Law Council. He has held several other positions in the government of Uganda, including as the head of the External Security Organization, Minister of State for Defense, Minister of State for Regional Cooperation, and Minister of State for Safety. He was appointed as the Prime Minister in May of 2011 and represented Uganda in many international capacities.

Ruhakana Rugunda

Rugunda was born in 1947 in Kabale, and would become a member of the National Resistance Movement Party. He was a doctor in profession, having Bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery and Masters of Science in public health. His political career started at Makerere University where he was elected as the President of the National Union of Uganda Students. However, his break into the national politics came after Museveni seized power in 1986. The President appointed Rugunda in several Cabinet posts, which included Minister of Works, Minister of Health, Minister of Information, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister for the Presidency, and Minister of the Interior. He was later appointed the prime minister in 2014.

Duties of the Ugandan Prime Minister

The post of the Prime Minister in Uganda was first introduced in 1962 and later abolished in 1966 by Milton Obote. It was, however, reestablished in 1980. The primary role of the Prime Minister is to chair the Cabinet. The President is, however, the effective head of the government. Uganda has had several other Prime Ministers in addition to those discussed above. These have included Abraham Waligo, Samson Kisekka, George Cosmas Adyebo, Kintu Musoke, and Apolo Nsiibambi.
Aleexandra Khefren

By: Wayne Morin

A beautiful teenager shocked viewers of a television show in the United Kingdom, by announcing that she is selling her body to the highest bidder in order to help her family.

18-year-old Aleexandra Khefren of Romania, said that she wants to raise at least $1 million by selling her virginity to a man in order to help herself through college.

Khefren revealed that she decided to sell her virginity after her parents got an eviction notice and will have to leave their rented apartment after being unable to pay their landlord.

She also plans to use part of the money to attend the prestigious Oxford University. Khefren went public with her plan on the aThis Morninga show with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.

When she was told that her plan was crazy, Khefren said that other girls lose their virginities to guys and then break up with them.

She also said that the movie aIndecent Proposal,a was her inspiration that she will be able to get $1 million. The movie is about a man and a woman who were very much in love and are married.

They have started their respective careers, and found a perfect location to build their dream house.

When the recession hit and were left with no money, they went to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they were approached by a millionaire who offered them a million dollars for a night with the wife.
Church prayer room (illustration)

By: Mahesh Sarin

Police in the Netherlands, have launched an investigation after a church allegedly added names to its list in order to get additional government funding that it was not entitled to receive.

The Diocese of Oslo, was accused of going through the list of new immigrants, and adding to its list of members those with Christian names.

The church did not get consent from the immigrants to be added to the Diocese of Oslo. The church was slapped with a fine of one million kroner ($142,720) for fraud.

In a separate criminal case, the chief administrative officer has been arrested on a charge of fraud for adding the non-existing members to the church list to secure more funding.

The church insisted that it has never done anything illegal or received too much money.

They did admit to making some mistakes in regards to registration, but claimed that the non-existent members were removed from its list a long time ago.
India has told Pakistan that terror and talks can't go together and Islamabad must stop cross-border terrorism if it wants to have bilateral talks with New Delhi.

By India Today Web Desk: In a clear message to Pakistan, India has told Pakistan to stop exporting terrorism to this side of the border before New Delhi could agree for talks.

The ministry of external affairs on Thursday said that cross-border terrorism could not be accepted as the new normal between India and Pakistan.

MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "We will never accept continued cross border terrorism as the new normal. Pakistan must stop cross border terror and then we can talk."

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READ| Nagrota terror attack: Why brave soldiers are being martyred, asks Mulayam

Vikas Swarup also denied reports that Pakistan had sent any request for bilateral talks during the Heart of Asia Conference. "We have not got any request for a bilateral engagement (with Pakistan). We are always in favour of talks but not in atmosphere of terror," Vikas Swarup said.

Responding to a question about the cancellation of SAARC summit for which Pakistan blamed India, Vikas Swarup said, "It was not India, which scuttled SAARC process. Unanimous members wrote to SAARC chair Nepal that atmosphere was not conducive for the summit," said Swarup.

WATCH:

PAKISTAN HAS TO ACT ON TERROR

MEA spokesperson questioned Pakistan government's seriousness in probing terror related incidents.

"Pakistan called for an international inquiry into the Uri terror attack. We said we are happy even with their domestic inquiry. We gave them DNA samples and fingerprints of the terrorists. So why can't Pakistan match this with its national database? That would be simplest thing to do, but Pakistan instead indulges in propaganda," said Vikas Swarup.

READ| Why Nagrota attack is a slap on security array of army establishments

However, it is not clear yet as to whether India will share the evidence found at the Nagrota terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan. "We are waiting for certain details before deciding on the next step," Swarup said.

WATCH:

'JUDGE PAKISTAN BY ITS TRACK-RECORD'

Replying to a query on the purported telephonic conversation between Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and US present-elect Donald Trump, Swarup said, "We have only seen one side of the conversation. So, we will reserve our judgement."

Swarup also said that the change of Army Chief is internal matter of the neighbour, "but we will judge Pakistan by its behaviour and its track record."

ALSO READ| Terror attack in Nagrota camp: 2 officers, 5 jawans martyred. All terrorists killed

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Sad cat trapped inside bank

By: Feng Qian

(Scroll down for video) Concerned people in the United Kingdom, called for help after they spotted a sad cat trapped inside the lobby of a bank.

The incident unfolded on Tuesday night in Nottinghamshire.

Liz Phillips called the Halifax bank to notify them that a cat was inside the lobby and trying to get out. Phillips recorded a video of the cat and uploaded it to her Twitter account.

A spokesperson for the bank said that the cat was safely let out between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, after sneaking into the branch the day before.

Jaimee also spotted the cat and took photos of it waiting to be let out of the branch. Jaimee uploaded the photos to Twitter, where they went viral.

aJust to let everyone know, we called the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and talked to the restaurant next door, and they have assured us the cat will be okay,a Jaimee wrote on Twitter.
A young man wanted to make a point about racism in the United States, but his plan backfired when he was exposed for a liar by police. 20-year-old Khalil Cavil of Texas was working at the Saltgrass Steak House in Odessa when he claimed he was discriminated against because of his Muslim name. Cavil took
By PTI: From Jaishree Balasubramanian

Bangkok, Dec 1 (PTI) Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was set to be proclaimed the new Thai King today, heralding a new chapter in the countrys monarchy after the passing away of his revered father who was the worlds longest reigning monarch.

Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, head of the junta-appointed legislature, will meet the 64-year-old Crown Prince at Dusit Palace and ceremoniously invite him to take the throne, two days after he was proclaimed King Rama X.

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He will succeed his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also called King Rama the IX who died in October aged 88 and was the worlds longest-reigning monarch.

Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, the regent, will lead the heads of the countrys three executive bodies during an audience with the Crown Prince in the evening.

The other executives are Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Chairman of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Wichitcholachai and president of the Supreme Court Veerapol Tungsuwan.

Pornpetch is expected to formally invite the Crown Prince to ascend the throne as the 10th King of the Chakri Dynasty.

Vajiralongkorn will ascend the throne 50 days after King Bhumibol Adulyadejs death.

Many school representatives from the provinces also headed to Bangkok yesterday to buy portraits of the Crown Prince as well as flags with the Crown Princes emblem. They are preparing decorations to celebrate the new Kings succession.

It is a tradition in Thai households, private offices and government agencies to display portraits of the monarch.

Besides photographs and flags, clothes with logos and messages to welcome the new King are also being stocked to meet the expected high demand.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut led members of the Cabinet and government officials in front of Government House to mark the 50th day of mourning for King Bhumibol.

The ceremony began with the abbot of Ratchabopitsathitmahasimaram temple, leading 89 monks in chanting prayers.

Gen Prayut then led cabinet members and government officials to give alms to the monks.

A similar ceremony was held in front of the the office of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, where governer Aswin Kwanmuang led city officials and members of the city and district councils by giving alms to monks.

A one-year mourning period was announced in Thailand following the monarchs death. The late Kings funeral is expected to be late next year. PTI JB ASK AKJ ASK

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The weakening of the cyclone brings partial relief to the authorities who have put the state machinery on high alert, deploying NDRF and State Disaster Response teams.

By PTI: In a relief, cyclonic storm Nada today weakened into a deep depression and is likely to cross the Tamil Nadu coast tomorrow, even as rains lashed several parts of the scarcity-hit state.

"From a cyclonic storm, it has weakened into deep depression and in the next 24 hours is likely to cross the coast," Area Cyclone Warning Centre Director, S Balachandran, told reporters in Chennai.

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The deep depression is likely to cross coast between Cuddalore and Vedaranyam early morning tomorrow, he said.

READ| Tamil Nadu: Cyclone Nada to weaken into deep depression before landfall

(Photo: Twitter@ibharath)

The weakening of the cyclone brings partial relief to the authorities who have put the state machinery on high alert, deploying National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response teams, and taking elaborate precautionary measures to tackle any eventuality.

Earlier, the MeT office had said the cyclone would cross the state coast near Cuddalore and under its impact, heavy rains could lash Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry.

The deep depression in the south West Bay now lies about 210 km south east of Puducherry, Balachandran said, adding it would move in the West North Westwardly direction and cross the coast.

He said moderate rains were being witnessed in several parts of the state and this was likely to continue.

(Photo: Twitter@ibharath)

Some coastal areas are likely to receive heavy rains, the official said.

During and before the land fall of the depression, winds gusting upto 55 kmph are likely in coastal regions, he said.

Earlier in the day, Agricultural Production commissioner and Secretary, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, said in Cuddalore that all the 32 revenue districts, including 13 coastal districts were being monitored continuously.

"The district administrations are fully prepared (to handle any eventuality)," he said.

State Revenue Minister R B Udaya Kumar said, "Be it heavy rains (which is expected) and gusty winds, all preparations are on (to tackle the situation)."

READ| Cyclone Nada to cross Tamil Nadu on December 2, schools remain closed

(Photo: Twitter@ibharath)

He said during heavy winds power lines will be needing more attention and the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation is fully prepared to tackle the situation.

Holidays had been declared in schools in various coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducehrry for today and tomorrow in view of the cyclone threat.

The rains under influence of the depression have, however, brought cheers to the farmers hit by crop failure due to lack of water for irrigation.

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The current spell of rains marked revival of the north east monsoon which accounts for the major share of rains for the state, after it virtually remained inactive since its onset in October.

Ramjee Panayur (@lramji84) December 1, 2016

READ| Cyclone Nada: 2-day holiday declared in schools at Chennai, fishermen asked to not venture out

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In an act of rank political cowardice, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn absented himself from Wednesdays debate on a parliamentary motion calling for an investigation into former Prime Minister Tony Blair for misleading parliament over the Iraq war.

Since his election as Labour leader on a platform opposing austerity and war, Corbyn has capitulated to the warmongers in the Parliamentary Labour Party at every juncture. This reached its nadir yesterday.

A motion put forward by Scottish National Party (SNP) MP Alex Salmond stated that the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war, published four months ago, provided substantial evidence of misleading information presented by the then prime minister and others on the development of the then governments policy towards the invasion of Iraq as shown most clearly in the contrast between private correspondence to the United States government and public statements to parliament and people.

It called for a parliamentary sub-committeethe Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committeeto conduct a further specific examination of this contrast in public and private policy and of the presentation of intelligence, and then to report to the House on what further action it considers necessary and appropriate to help prevent any repetition of this disastrous series of events.

Of a 650-seat parliament, just 45 MPsmostly from the SNPsigned Salmonds motion. Just two Labour MPs, Kate Hoey and Kelvin Hopkins, signed it.

The SNP brought the motion not out of any principled concerns. Rather, Salmond speaks for those sections of the political elite who fear Blairs ambition to lead a pro-EU campaign will discredit their own attempts to portray this as a progressive alliance. Salmond said in a statement prior to the debate, At a time when Blair is planning his political comeback, it is high time that this Parliament and its committees at long last brought this dark stain on UK foreign policy to a close.

However, despite Salmonds intentions the motion was accurate in its charge that Blair had lied systematically in order to pave the way for war with Iraq. This again placed Corbyn in a position of either taking a stand on principles he claims to defend, or striking yet another rotten compromise with the Blairite wing of his party.

Corbyn had famously declared in July regarding Chilcot, We now know that the House was misled in the run-up to the war and the House must now decide how to deal with it 13 years later, just as all those who took the decisions laid bare in the Chilcot Report must face up to the consequences of their actions, whatever they may be.

True to form, Corbyn was instrumental in making sure that there would be no consequences, for Blair or anyone else. Prior to the debate the Blairite PLP majority reportedly demanded a three-line whip, forcing Labour MPs to attend the debate and to vote against the motion. The Guardian reported that even those Labour MPs who had voted against the Iraq war in 2003 were vociferous in their defence of Blair now. Sources said that chief whip Nick Brown had apparently asked for an indicative vote on where MPs stood at a meeting of the PLP, and MP John Cryer, the left-wing chair of the parliamentary Labour party, which opposed the Iraq war, condemned the [SNP] motion to loud applause.

A Labour spokesperson told The Independent that, instead, there would be only a one-line whip, meaning that attendance and voting against was not mandatory. According to a source cited by the same newspaper, the Shadow Cabinet had nevertheless decided to oppose the SNP motion. Corbyns spokesmen said he would miss the vote because he was committed elsewhere.

It is yet to be revealed what this vital commitment consisted of. But the prior appointment did not prevent him attending the weekly Prime Ministers Question Time immediately prior.

Corbyns exit was a fitting prologue to the disgusting events that followed.

Only around 50 MPs attended the debate, with this number constantly dwindling during the three-hour session. At one point, fewer than 10 Tory MPs remained on the government benches, with barely any more on the Labour side. For three hours various Labour MPs and Tories took turns to praise an unindicted war criminal and to denounce any notion that Blair, or anyone else in ruling circles who backed the war, had anything whatsoever to answer for.

The main speech defending Blair was given by Fabian Hamilton, Labours shadow defence and foreign minister. Hamilton is a signatory of the pro-war Euston Manifesto group and a member of the neo-conservative Henry Jackson Society. He was given his present ministerial post as part of Corbyns efforts to reach out to his opponents. Hamilton beat the drums for war in opposing the motion stating, With instability growing throughout the Middle East, Eastern Europe and beyond, we may face even bigger challenges tomorrow, and that is why I cannot support the motion. He never, "for one second thought that Blair acted in bad faith."

Phil Wilson, who succeeded Blair in his Sedgefield seat, said he was proud to be called a Blairite despite it being a term of abuse and that the entire House should be proud of Tony Blair.

Labour MP Ben Bradshaw said, I am delighted that my own party is having none of this nonsense, and concluded, History will prove our former Prime Minister right over Iraq.

At one point, Labours Ian Austin shouted at Salmond, Sit down! Weve heard enough from you. Sit down!

The motion, when finally voted on, was opposed by 439 MPs, with 70 in favour. Just five Labour MPs supported the motion with 158 voting against.

Wednesdays events must serve as the starkest warning.

Corbyn is not merely defending Blair, the individual, or even acting solely in order to maintain his rotten alliance with the Labour Party right. This requirement flows from the necessity to preserve Labour itself as a party of war.

Corbyn may on occasion call for opposition to this or that element of the governments austerity agenda, but on the fundamental issue of war he acts at all times in defence of the strategic requirements of British imperialism. In 2003, Blair acted as the political representative of the British ruling class, which regardless of party allegiance continues to view its military alliance with Washington as the only means through which it can secure its share of global markets and strategic resources. That is why the lauding of Blair was endorsed by leading Tory Michael Gove, who offered his support to those Labourites who warned that the continued focus on Iraq was preventing British imperialism from stepping up its ongoing military interventions.

Gove insisted that "at no stage was there a deliberate attempt to mislead this House" by Blair. Any claims that he had agreed in advance with US President George W. Bush to go to war, were false.

British inaction in Syria had followed the Iraq war and allowed Assad, Russia and "anti-Semitic Iran" to "unleash hell on innocent people of Aleppo." It was a "dereliction of duty" to be looking backwards rather than accepting "the responsibility on all of us do something to help the people of Aleppo who are suffering now."

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The Chilcot verdict on Iraq: A war crime by British and US imperialism

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UK parliamentary debate buries Iraq War inquiry

[16 July 2016]
Age UK and the Alzheimers Society, charities supporting older people, have published reports describing the way older people are cared for as shameful and scandalous.

Figures suggest that the number of older people not getting necessary help from the authorities now stands at 1.2 million, rising by 48 percent since 2010. Age UK found that since 2010, there are 383,000 people aged 65 or over living with some level of unmet need.

Care in the UK is funded by individuals themselves or local councils, but there are increasing numbers of people reliant on family and friends to support them.

The 1.2 million seniors with insufficient assistance includes 696,500 who receive no help from paid carers, friends or family. A further 487,400 receive some help but not enough, due to help only being available at particular times of the day or their carers only being able to manage some tasks and not others.

Those older people who reported having unmet needs included 291,400 people who have difficulty with three or more essential tasks, including getting out of bed, going to the toilet, dressing and washing. Of this figure, 52,700 people receive no help at all. Overall, local authorities agreed to help just under half of the 6.6 million people who approached them for help.

Where care in the home was provided, there were serious problems identified as to the way patients with dementia were treated. Families of those cared for reported examples of poor care, including loved ones being left in dirty clothes for days at a time, not being given medication and residents going missing from homes due to lack of security.

Staff said they had not been given enough training to enable them to deal with people with complex needs.

The Care Quality Commission, the official inspection body that investigates standards of care, warned a month ago that the sector was at tipping point.

The lack of care is having a direct effect on public hospitals, which are experiencing more and more elderly people arriving at local accident and emergency departments needing help.

The day-to-day impact on peoples lives, including those who are carers, is mounting. The BBC identified 11 councils who had rejected more than 75 percent of applications for help. One example is that of Lorna Wheatley, from North Yorkshire, who has been trying to secure a nursing home place for her 82-year-old mother Celia. Speaking to the BBC, Wheatley said, My mum can barely walk or look after herself, and the council says she only qualifies to live in sheltered housing. Im terrified that without constant support, she could die.

An Alzheimers Society investigation exposed serious shortfalls and a lack of training for home care staff working with people with dementia, leading to intolerable levels of stress for sufferers, family, carers and staff. The investigation utilised a survey of homecare workers and included a Freedom of Information (FOI) request sent to all local authorities in England. The survey included first-hand testimonies of 1,220 people directly affected by dementia.

The Alzheimers Society documented numerous failings in the system, including people not being provided with food or water, being left to sleep in wet or soiled bed sheets, not giving people baths or showers for weeks and people being left with infections that have led to emergency admissions to hospital.

Care workers are facing enormous pressures, with the adult social care budget cut by 40 percent since 2010.

The budget for training and the development of staff is usually the first to be cut. The FOI request showed that 71 percent of the local authorities that responded do not include money for training within their homecare contracts. Another 38 percent do not fund dementia training sessions for homecare providers.

The number of homecare workers who have had dementia training stands at 38 percent of the workforce, with 71 percent not receiving dementia training that is accredited. Fully 43 percent of homecare workers have asked for further dementia training, yet 54 percent of applications for training are turned down.

Linda Jackson, from Orpington in Kent, struggled to get good homecare for her father, Ken, who had Alzheimers disease. She said, Dad was challenging at times and I was told that some carers refused to come back and care for him. They simply didnt know how to cope with his behaviour. He was distressed and worried, yet no one seemed equipped to look after him and give him the basic things he neededfood, medication, and comfort.

She added, Dads last year was a living hell and he was eventually sectioned under the Mental Health Act before dying six weeks later.

Such accounts provide a shocking insight into the lives that many older people and their families endure each day, left struggling to manage tasks that are the most basic human functions and intrinsically connected to a persons sense of dignity.

Those having to work with older people suffering with conditions such as dementia face enormous challenges in attempting to carry out their work. They are generally poorly paid and have to work 60 to 80 hours a week to make a living. A recent employment tribunal case, involving 17 care workers employed by the private contractor Sevacare in the north London borough of Haringey revealed that some of the staff were being paid 3.27 an hour. This is less than half the minimum wage. It is the largest-ever legal claim brought in the care sector. Sevacare, which last year raked in profits over more than 1 million, has contracts across England employing 5,500 care staff, providing care and support to 9,600 people a week.

According to the Unison trade union, some of those on 3.27 an hour were women, employed as live-in carers. They stayed for seven days a week at a time in the home of an elderly women with severe dementia. These carers were on duty 24 hours a day, sleeping on a bed next to the person they were looking after, attending to the womans needs throughout the night.

One carer likened the experience to being in prison, saying they were not allowed to leave the house all week. Workers were also not being paid for the time they spent travelling between home visits. One of the careers, Florence Wambulu, said she worked seven days a week in order to make sure she could pay her bills and look after her family. They have to treat us like human beings, not just someone who is there to make money for them, Wambulu said, adding, We were working like slaves.

Last year, whistle-blower Gillian Demet resigned from her job as a care worker at Sevacar because she was only allowed to spend 15 minutes at a time on visits with frail pensioners.

The care of older people in privately-run care homes, and their own homes, has been increasingly outsourced to the private sector under Conservative and Labour governments. Labour-run councils throughout the UK routinely offer contracts to private companies to provide care. The intolerable conditions outlined by the charities are inhumane. For those being cared for, and the workers tasked with looking after them. They are both exploited by a system that sees them, first and last, as a source of profit.
President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence will appear Thursday at the Carrier heating furnace factory in Indianapolis, Indiana to announce a deal to retain jobs at the facility, which was scheduled to begin downsizing next year and completely close by 2019.

Last February, workers erupted in anger when managers informed them at a plant meeting that the factory would be closed and production moved to Monterrey, Mexico, threatening 1,300 jobs at the plant and another 700 at a facility in Huntington, near Fort Wayne, Indiana. The action was being taken strictly for business reasons, the company spokesman said.

Posturing as a defender of workers and seeking to divert anger over job losses in an anti-Mexican direction, then-presidential candidate Trump told the company that, if elected, he would impose a 35 percent tariff on any products Carrier shipped back to the US.

In a Twitter post Tuesday night, Carrier officials wrote, We are pleased to have reached a deal with President-elect Trump & VP-elect Pence to keep close to 1,000 jobs in Indy. According to a report in Fortune magazine, up to 1,300 jobs will still be transferred to Mexico, including those of at least 300 workers in the fan coil division in Indianapolis. All 700 workers in Huntington will lose their jobs when the plant closes.

Jeff, a Carrier worker, told the World Socialist Web Site, I hope it is only 300 jobs they are taking, but Im thinking it will be 400 lost in Indy.

Workers expressed concerns about additional pay cuts, but hoped that the company would have difficulty reopening the four-year labor agreement it signed with the United Steelworkers union in April. The last two contracts weve given up plenty of concessionseven creating a three-tier wage scale. They werent moving because they were losing money, they were leaving for pure greed, Jeff added.

While Trump supporters and local Democrats, including US Senator Joe Donnelly, have hailed the deal as proof that the president-elect will stand up to companies to defend American jobs, the deal is a boondoggle for Carrier and its parent company, United Technologies Corporation (UTC).

On Thanksgiving, Trump met with UTCs chief executive Gregory Hayes and told him the federal tax changes and deregulation the incoming administration was committed to enacting would save UTC more than the $65 million per year it would get by shifting production to Mexico, where workers are paid $6 an hour in wages and benefits.

It is also likely that Trump promised that UTCa major defense contractorwould receive more lucrative military contracts during his presidency. UTCs Pratt & Whitney division makes engines for the F-35 jet fighter and received a $1.03 billion government order last April.

In this, Trump would be following the advice of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who penned an open letter to the president-elect last week calling on Trump to make it clear to the CEO of United Technologies that if his firm wants to receive another defense contract from the taxpayers of this country, it must not move these plants to Mexico.

The combination of federal and state tax cuts, increased military contracts and corporate deregulation evidently convinced the UTC boss that keeping some operations in Indiana was the patriotic thing to do.

In a statement released Wednesday, Carrier said, Todays announcement is possible because the incoming Trump-Pence administration has emphasized to us its commitment to support the business community and create an improved, more competitive US business climate. The statement went on to say that the deal in no way diminishes our belief that the forces of globalization will continue to require solutions for the long-term competitiveness of the US and of American workers moving forward.

In other words, more wage and benefit cuts, layoffs and speedup are coming.

The extent of any wage and benefit concessions included in the deal is not yet known. A spokesman for United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1999-07, which had already signed a plant-closing and employee severance agreement, told the World Socialist Web Site that the union was not involved in the negotiations with the president-elect. Union officials will reportedly meet with Trump and Pence Thursday morning before the two men visit the plant.

The USW, however, has already agreed to a series of wage and benefit concessions. Under the current four-year contract signed last April, new-hires under Appendix B receive $14.50 to $19.47 per hour, depending on their job classifications, compared to $19.50 to $26.75 for workers hired before 2011. It is likely that Carrier will give severance packages to more senior, higher-paid workers so they can replace them with Appendix B workers.

While several Carrier workers posting on their Facebook page expressed relief over the announcement, many were suspicious of the deal.

One worker said, Folks are praising him for keeping their jobs. To me, no one is safe until they explain what jobs are secure! I dont trust Carrier. When the contract is up, will they just lock the gates on the employees?

She added, The middle class gets stuck paying higher taxes, the employees will pay a price for these jobs to stay. Don't get me wrong. I am very happy for those that keep their jobs. But I have trust issues thinking this is going to run smooth and not have wage cuts.

The deal reportedly includes nearly a million dollars a year in state tax cuts for Carrier. As governor of Indiana, Pence showered hundreds of millions of dollars in corporate tax cuts and other subsidies on General Motors, Carrier and other firms. These giveaways have been paid for through savage budget cuts in public education and other services, and attacks on teachers and other public sector workers.

Pence has also used the lowering of manufacturing wages and benefits, facilitated by the USW, the United Auto Workers and other unions, to lure companies to the state, where the average factory worker makes $24,000 a year, four percent lower than the national average.

Indianapolis has been devastated by wave after wave of factory closings, including the 2010 shuttering of a General Motors stamping plant as a result of Obamas restructuring of GM, and the closing of truck manufacturer Navistars foundry last year. Bearing manufacturer Rexnord recently announced it would close its plant in the city next year, wiping out another 300 jobs.

Trump exploited the deep discontent in so-called Rust Belt states like Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania to win the presidential election. Many workers, including those who voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012, backed Trump because Clinton and the Democrats expressed nothing but contempt for workers whose lives have been ravaged by deindustrialization, wage cuts and increased health care and pension costs.

The decades-long promotion of economic nationalism by the unions, echoed by Bernie Sanders during the election campaign, left workers susceptible to Trumps anti-Mexican and anti-Chinese propaganda.

Workers will soon come to realize that the billionaire real estate mogul has no answer to the social crisis. On the contrary, he is assembling a cabinet of billionaires, including his designated commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, who oversaw the destruction of the jobs, wages and pensions of hundreds of thousands coal miners, steel workers and auto parts workers.

Trumps bringing in opponents of Medicare and there are a lot of workers here who rely on that, a General Motors worker at a nearby Indiana plant said. Referring to the Carrier deal, he added, Corporations never bestowed anything out of the goodness of their hearts. A lot of workers who voted for Trump are going to get hurt. The key thing that got Trump elected was the economy. Workers were angry about the foreclosed houses, the factories bulldozed down.

Years ago I would come out of an election and think, Now its time to unify and work for the good of the country no matter what your party. Now, I look at this whole election process as the two parties of the ruling class working for the same thinglike Obama said, an intramural scrimmage on the same team. I think we peons are going to wake up to this.
On Monday, Republican governor of North Dakota Jack Dalrymple ordered the evacuation of the protesters blocking the completion of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) at the Oceti Sacowan camp outside the town of Cannonball. State officials, including the Army Corps of Engineers, have denied that they are seeking the forcible removal of protestors from the campsites, which have sheltered more than 5,000 protestors since August.

The protesters are fighting against the $3.8 billion Dakota Access Pipeline, which will pump 500,000 barrels of crude oil a day from the Bakken production region of North Dakota to an existing pipeline in Patoka, Illinois, a distance of 1,170 miles. Activists say the pipeline disturbs historical and cultural sites and can potentially contaminate the Missouri River.

The Army Corps of Engineers released a letter the day after Thanksgiving warning protesters that all federal land north of the Cannonball River would be closed to public access for safety concerns after December 5. Native American activists were quick to point out the bitter irony of the letter being sent after Thanksgiving, the traditional American holiday celebrating friendship between Native Americans and immigrants fleeing persecution from Europe.

December 5 is also the birthday of General George Armstrong Custer, who died in the Battle of Little Big Horn when he and a force of American cavalry were annihilated by a coalition of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho Indians.

Activists are determined to make a stand and have made clear they are not leaving. The Army Corps of Engineers has warned that anyone remaining at the campsites after December 5 would be considered trespassing. After a huge public outcry, the Army was forced to state they are seeking a peaceful and orderly transition to a safer location.

Governor Dalrymples emergency declaration stated the camp is not zoned for dwellings suitable for living in winter conditions, and also [does] not possess proper permanent sanitation infrastructure to sustain a living environment consistent with proper public health.

The governor also complained of the inability to effectively provide emergency, medical, fire response services, and law enforcement services.

That most of the protesters, the impoverished and working class natives of North America, have been forced onto reservations that do not to sustain a living environment consistent with proper public health for generations before anyone had ever heard of the Dakota Access Pipeline is, of course, no concern to the federal government.

The harsh North Dakota winters and the entirely unconvincing concern for public health are but the pretexts to remove the final human barriers to complete the pipeline.

In a language echoing the segregationists of the Old South, authorities have blamed outside agitators for fomenting unrest between protesters and police. Col. John Henderson, commander of the Army Corps Omaha district told the Los Angeles Times, Unfortunately, it is apparent that more dangerous groups have joined this protest and are provoking conflict in spite of the public pleas from tribal leaders, adding, We are working to transition those engaged in peaceful protest from this area and enable law enforcement authorities to address violent or illegal acts as appropriate to protect public safety.

In reality, the only ones engaged in provoking conflict and violence are the police and National Guard, who have arrested more than 525 people since August. Water cannon have been used in freezing temperatures as well as tear gas, rubber bullets, and concussion grenades, which have seriously injured 17 demonstrators since last weeks confrontation, which saw 21-year-old Sophia Wilansky brutally injured with the likely loss of her arm.

Wilanskys father denounced the police violence in an emotional press conference outside the Minnesota hospital where she was airlifted, saying, Intentionally an officer threw a grenade that exploded right as it hit her forearm. He added, This is not Afghanistan. Its not Iraq. We dont throw grenades at people.

When Mandan police chief Jason Ziegler was asked by the Bismarck Tribune if the use of extreme force was justified against protestors, he replied cynically, It was effective. Wasnt it?

While the authorities have backed off from threats of physical removal, a free speech zone is being proposed just south of the Cannonball River. On Tuesday, North Dakota officials announced that they will impose heavy fines on those bringing supplies into the campsite. Earlier, officials had warned of a physical blockade of the campsite but have since backed away from that threat.

Police have been told to stop any vehicles entering the camp and inform drivers they are committing an infraction and could be fined up to $1,000.

Also this week, the National Lawyers Guild has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of injured protesters against the police forces of Morton and Stutsman counties. The lawsuit claims police used excessive force against protesters including water cannon and tear gas without any clear warning to disperse. The lawsuit is seeking compensatory damages.

The Obama administration has also released a perfunctory statement through White House spokesman Josh Earnest saying police have an obligation to show restraint and protesters have a responsibility to refrain from violence. Once again, President Obama has equated the peaceful protesters with the vicious actions of the police and National Guard.

In another significant development, up to 2,000 American military veterans are expected to join the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation as early as next week. The group is called Veterans Stand for Standing Rock and is planning a nonviolent demonstration against the assault and intimidation at the hands of the militarized police force.

The group had originally hoped for 500 veterans to sign up on its Facebook account but had to stop sign-ups once they reached the 2,000-number limit. An online fundraiser has earned more than $570,000 in pledges. Organizers encouraged attendees to wear their old uniforms and in a break from military custom will have a chain of responsibility, not a chain of command. There will be no ranks, and veterans will refer to one another by name.

North Dakota State Highway Patrol Lt. Thomas O. Iverson wrote in an e-mail to the New York Times, Law enforcement is aware of the upcoming event planned for December 4-7, adding, If the group remains lawful and refrains from blocking the roadway, there will be no issues.
In the weeks since the November 8 election, US media reports on the spread of so-called fake news during the presidential campaign have increasingly repeated unsubstantiated pre-election claims that the Russian government hacked into Democratic Party email servers to undermine the campaign of Hillary Clinton. There is more than a whiff of McCarthyism in this crusade against fake news on social media and the Internet, with online publications critical of US wars of aggression and other criminal activities being branded as Russian propaganda outlets.

A case in point is an article published in the November 24 edition of the Washington Post headlined Russian propaganda effort helped spread fake news during election, experts say. The article includes assertions that Russian botnets, teams of paid human trolls, and networks of web sites and social media accounts were used to promote sites across the Internet as they portrayed Clinton as a criminal hiding potentially fatal health problems and preparing to hand control of the nation to a shadowy cabal of global financiers.

According to the Post, the exposure of Russian involvement in the spread of fake election news is based on the work of a team of independent researchers and another anonymous group calling itself PropOrNot, which has expertise in computer science, national security and public policy. Although no one from the PropOrNot organization is mentioned by name, the Post quotes the executive director of this group anonymously. The organization has gone so far as to publish a list of 200 web sitesincluding WikiLeaks, the ultra-right Drudge Report and the left-liberal Truthoutthat are deemed routine peddlers of Russian propaganda.

It should be obvious that the Post report is itself an example of the state-sponsored pseudo-news that is increasingly dispensed by the corporate-controlled media to promote the geopolitical and military aims of American imperialism. The New York Times has published similar articles, including one authored by David E. Sanger and posted on the Times web site on November 25 under the headline US Officials Defend Integrity of Vote, Despite Hacking Fears.

Sanger, the chief Washington correspondent of the Times, is a regular sounding board for the military/intelligence establishment, to which he is closely plugged in. He writes that intelligence officials are still investigating the impact of a broader Russian information warfare campaign, in which fake news about Mrs. Clinton, and about United States-Russia relations, appeared intended to influence voters. He adds, Many of those false reports originated from RT News and Sputnik, two state-funded Russian sites.

The readers of this and virtually all other articles on the topic of Russias role in fake news will search in vain for a single piece of evidence to substantiate the claims made. Instead, the views and opinions of experts, usually unnamed, are cited and treated as indisputable factmuch in the manner of Joe McCarthy and similar witch-hunters.

The editors and writers who produce these articles seem not even to notice that their publications have been caught in one colossal lie after anotherfrom the claims of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction used to justify the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003 to the more recent flood of government propaganda in support of neo-colonial wars in Libya and Syria and drone killings in a growing number of countriesall justified in the name of human rights and the war on terror.

There are no institutions anywhere in the world more adept at producing fake news than the American corporate-controlled media.

These same media outlets further discredited themselves by overtly slanting their news coverage of the election campaign in favor of their preferred candidate, Hillary Clinton, and predicting that she would secure a decisive victory. Blindsided by the support for Trump among disaffected and angry lower-income people and taken unawares by the electoral collapse of the Democrats, the corporate media are responding to the growth of popular distrust by seeking to discredit alternative news sources.

This is not to deny the spread of false information and propaganda masquerading as news on the Internet. Fabricated news stories and hoaxes have been circulating online since the World Wide Web began in the 1990s, but there was a significant increase in fake political sites and content during the US elections. Stories that stretched the truth or were entirely made up typically started on mock news web sites and were then amplified by social media sharing. Other false reports originated on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter and spread rapidly with the like, share and comment features of social media.

An analysis published by Buzzfeed on November 16 showed that false political news stories in the final three months of the election campaign, such as a report that the Pope had endorsed Trump for president, generated more engagement on Facebook than the combined top stories of nineteen major US news organizations. The Buzzfeed study noted the hyperpartisan right-wing nature of the top fabricated news items, as well as the spike in the number of visitors to these sites during the final election months.

Another key aspect of online fake news has been the growth of its scope internationally. The Guardian reported in August, for example, that a group of teenagers and college students from Veles, Macedonia set up dozens of political web site facades to both influence and cash in on the Trump candidacy. The Guardian report also pointed out that, although the pro-Trump sham news sites were more popular, both offshore and domestic web sites became very popular and generated income for their publishers whether they were peddling phony conservative or liberal misinformation.

That being said, the campaign in the corporate media against fake news on the Internet, including calls for social media outlets such as Google and Facebook to vet the material that appears on their sites, is a reactionary attack on freedom of the press. It has already elicited positive responses from major Internet sites. Both Google and Facebook have published statements acknowledging that they are working on systems that will use third-party fact-checking of news content published on their services. In the case of Facebook, this initiativereminiscent of Orwells Thought Policewill be reinforced by barring accounts identified as fake news sources from using online advertising tools.

Pressure to shut down or muzzle fake news sites and social media accounts are emanating from the offices of corporate media organizations concerned about the loss of their influence over the public. Any moves to censor Internet content must be opposed as an attack on democratic rights. The measures being prepared today against fake news web sites and social media publishers will be perfected and used tomorrow against the working class and the socialist mediathe World Socialist Web Sitethat articulates and fights for its independent interests.
Protests and clashes with police broke out in Haiti Tuesday amid charges of electoral fraud in the countrys November 20 presidential election. Losing candidates have vowed to challenge the victory of banana exporter Jovenel Moise, the candidate of former president Michel Martellys PHTK (Parti Haitien Tet Kale).

The largest demonstration erupted in Port-au-Princes sprawling shantytown of La Saline, a stronghold of Fanmi Lavalas, the party of former president Bertrand Aristide, which has described the official vote results as an electoral coup. Police used tear gas in an attempt to disperse protesters.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy issued a report Tuesday that it had received reports of gunfire and burning tires at a protest in downtown Port-au-Prince, advising American citizens to stay out of the area.

Preliminary results of the November 20 election have awarded the presidency to Moise. If challenges to the vote count do not result in a change, the countrys Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) will publish the confirmed results on December 29 and Moise will take office on February 7. Because he won more than 50 percent of the vote, there will be no runoff election.

Nonetheless, only slightly more than 20 percent of eligible voters participated. The election was originally scheduled for October 9, but postponed because of Hurricane Matthew. A month and a half after the storm tens of thousands of people in the south of Haiti still have no homes, and some polling places were being used as shelters as election preparations took place. An accurate count of how many thousands of people lost their voter identification cards in the storm is not possible, but according to the Miami Herald only 6,000 people had reapplied for cards before November 20.

The Sud, GrandAnse, and Nippes departments, hit hardest by the storm, also lost most of their fruit trees and other crops, leading to what Le Nouvelliste has called a food catastrophe. According to United Nations figures, nearly 600,000 people in these areas are in urgent need of food assistance.

Haitian workers and peasants have good reason to be wary of elections organized by the countrys ruling elites. The vote to replace Martelly was originally scheduled for October 25, 2015 but was so blatantly fraudulent that the runoff scheduled for January 2016 was postponed and then cancelled. Jocelerme Privert, the president of Haitis Senate, was named provisional president when Martelly stepped down.

Political parties in Haiti are allowed to send observers, or mandataires, to voting centers; the mandataires receive credentials allowing them to vote where they are stationed, rather than at their normal polling place. More than 900,000 of these passes were issued for the October 25 election, and were so uncontrolled that they were openly being sold for as low as $3 each on election day. Nonetheless, European Union and Organization of American States observers called the vote a breath of hope for Haitian democracy.

Legislative elections held on August 9, 2015 were also so corrupted that, according to a National Lawyers Guild report, fraud, violence and voter intimidation were widespread, affecting 67.8 percent of voting centers. The NLG report noted that the police at polling centers did not stop acts of violence and other disruptions, raising questions about whether officers had received an order from above directing them to stand down.

Moise, a businessman and former Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti, was given first place in the results of the October 2015 election, but did not receive enough votes to avoid a runoff. Jude Celestin of the Alternative League for Progress and Haitian Emancipation (LAPEH) came in second but boycotted the scheduled runoff, leaving Moise as the only candidate holding campaign events. Celestin won second place again in the voting just concluded, but with slightly less than 20 percent of the vote.

The number of mandataire credentials issued for November 20 was significantly less (125,800) than in 2015, and controls were supposedly put in place requiring that each badge correspond to the voter ID number of the person wearing it. Nonetheless, a US lawyer from the National Human Rights Network told the Miami Herald that incidents of fraud had been observed.

With or without fraud, Moise benefited from the votes of those who are not struggling just to survive. There were reports of dancing and celebrations in Petionville, a wealthy suburb of Port-au-Prince. One of Martellys last acts in office was an attempt to establish an off-shore banking haven on the island of Gonave; it does not require a stretch of the imagination to predict that his protege will work to benefit international finance.

The elections were held under extraordinary restrictions, ostensibly to prevent violence, but also suppressing basic rights. On November 18, the Haitian National Police (PNH) announced the prohibition throughout the country, from the evening of November 19 through midnight on the 21st, of selling or drinking alcohol; driving a car or motorbike within 100 meters of a polling place; and carrying guns, knives, and blunt weapons. The forced closing of all nightclubs was included in the decree which, however, made no mention of prohibiting bribery.

The PNH mobilized 9,400 police across Haiti, and approximately 3,600 of the UNs hated MINUSTAH force were also used to police the elections. Five hundred MINUSTAH vehicles were made available for the crackdown. In an intimidating statement released November 16, the US embassy in Port-au-Prince said the United States is taking note of parties involved in electoral violence.

The CEP, obviously afraid of public opposition to the election results, made its announcement under heavy guard in Petionville. It also waited until late Monday night, even though the results were supposed to be announced Sunday.

Dr. Marysse Narcisse, the Fanmi Lavalas presidential candidate, won slightly less than 9 percent of the vote, despite campaign support from former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. A lawyer for Fanmi Lavalas has sent a letter to the CEP questioning the vote tally, which was rebuffed by CEP president Leopold Berlanger even before the official count was announced. Opposition parties will be allowed a short window to challenge the results, from December 3 to the 5.
The OPEC oil cartel has reached an agreement to cut production in response to the halving of oil prices since 2014, the most significant downturn in the market in a generation.

The deal, finalised at the OPEC annual meeting in Vienna yesterday, came after two months of negotiations following an in-principle agreement reached in September to reduce output. The negotiations, which appeared several times to be on the brink of breaking up, were over the details of where the cuts in production would fall.

The talks were conducted under a degree of tension, amid warnings that if a deal were not reached then oil prices, which stabilised at $45 to $50 per barrel following the September agreement, would plummet, possibly to as low as $20 per barrel.

The main conflict in the negotiations was between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Saudis demanded that Iran take a cut while the Iranians insisted they were still recovering from the sanctions imposed by the US, which had reduced production. Iran called on the Saudis to cut output as they had increased it after prices began to fall in 2014.

Under the agreement, OPEC, which supplies about one-third of the worlds oil, will cut production by 1.2 million barrels per day (a reduction of around 4.5 percent) to about 32.5 million barrels for six months from the start of January. There is an option to extend the agreement until the end of 2017.

Saudi Arabia will bear the major portion of the cuts, reducing its production by half a million barrels per day, with Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates agreeing to a reduction of 300,000 barrels a day. Iran promised to freeze its output at 3.8 million barrels a day, close to its present level of production, while Iraq agreed to a reduction of 210,000 barrels per day. Libya and Nigeria were granted exemptions because of the political turmoil in both countries.

Russia, a major oil producer that is not an OPEC member, agreed to a tapered reduction of output by 300,000 barrels per day in the first half of 2017. However, it said its cutback was subject to OPEC adhering to the overall limit as well as to Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak described as maximum participation by non-OPEC countries in the restrictions.

At this point, it is not clear from which oil-producing countries outside OPECincluding Azerbaijan, Mexico, Oman and Brazilcuts will come.

The biggest single winner out of the agreement appears to be the US energy companies, particularly those involved in shale oil production.

When oil prices plummeted from their levels of $100 per barrel in 2014, at times reaching as low as $30 per barrel, the Saudi regime stepped up production. Its aim was to drive down prices, expecting this to force high-cost US shale oil producers out of the market.

The tactic appears to have failed. Crude oil production in the US (both from shale and more conventional methods) is down by 6 percent this year and a further decline is expected in 2017. But this decline has not been enough to boost prices to anywhere the level of $60 per barrel that the Saudi regime appears to be seeking. Despite the reductions, US output is still above the levels reached in 2014.

On Wall Street, the S&P 500 oil and gas exploration production index, which mainly comprises US shale companies, was up by 10.8 percent in response to the OPEC announcement. Energy stocks as a whole rose by 5.6 percent, following a rise of around 8 percent in oil prices.

Whether this is maintained is yet to be seen. Michel Cohen, an analyst at Barclays Bank, told the Financial Times the outcome was consistent with what OPEC production levels had been expected to be in 2017 in any case. The OPEC agreement, he said, was highly unlikely to affect the oil market balance.

Others pointed to the fact that the deal is contingent on an agreement with non-OPEC producers to reduce production and cast doubts on whether the cartel can shift prices as it did in the past.

The main factor in the Saudi promotion of the agreement is the impact of falling oil prices on its financial position and fears this could lead to political instability.

Summing up the overall position of oil-producing countries last April, the International Monetary Fund said the adjustment in government spending and taxation needed to absorb the oil price shock was unprecedented. It said export revenues of oil exporting countries in 2015 fell by $390 billion, equivalent to 17.5 percent of their total gross domestic product.

The reduction in revenue has had major effects in Saudi Arabia, with billion-dollar government projects put on hold or cancelled and payments to major construction firms, medical establishments and foreign consultants delayed. According to a Reuters report, the amount still owing to construction firms alone is $21 billion. Companies were faced with delays of up to six months on work they had completed, as the government sought to retain cash.

Earlier this year, the ascendancy of deputy crown price Mohammed bin Salman to a leading position within the regime, second only to King Salman, and his plan for economic restructuring and diversification, was hailed as a major boost. His economic agenda was accompanied by a drive to push back Iranian influence as he launched a brutal air bombing campaign directed against Iranian-supported forces in the Yemen.

But the position of the Saudi economy has gone from bad to worse. The governments austerity driveincluding delays in payments and cuts to public sector workers benefitshas pushed the non-oil sector of the economy into a near-recession. It grew by only 0.7 percent in the second quarter of 2016 compared to 3.5 percent for the corresponding period in 2015.

The crown princes Vision 2030 program is now widely regarded as a joke and wealthy Saudis have been moving billions of dollars out of the country.

One fund manager told the Financial Times: The honeymoon is indeed over. There has not been one bit of good news for the governmentfrom the economy to the disaster in Yemen.

Facing global economic stagnationthe driving force behind the oil price slumpand the boost that other energy sources may receive in the US from the incoming Trump administration, the OPEC agreement has an air of desperation.
In a decision that is provoking widespread anger and disgust, the Charlotte, North Carolina police officer who shot 43-year-old Keith Lamont Scott on September 20 will not face charges according to local prosecutors. R. Andrew Murray, the prosecutor of Mecklenburg County said the officer acted lawfully when he shot Scott.

Scott, who suffered a fatal bullet wound to the back, was stopped by police outside an apartment complex in Charlottes University City neighborhood. Police claimed they saw Scott with a weapon. However, video of the shooting shows Scott with both hands at his sides when officer Brentley Vinson fired four shots, killing the man.

Both Vinson and Scott are black. The killing of Scott set off days of angry protests in Charlotte that were met with a militarized response by authorities, including the imposition of a midnight curfew and the mobilization of the National Guard. One young man, 26-year old Justin Carr, was shot during the protests under murky circumstances.

Police initially refused to release video of the shooting, but backed down in the face of continuing protests. Before the release of the video, police claimed that Scott had something in his hand and pointed it at the officer. In fact video footage showed Scott calmly walking backwards, his hands at his sides, in a non-threatening manner.

Following the shooting police released pictures of a gun and an ankle holster. They claimed that the gun was loaded and had Scotts fingerprints on it. None of the videos showed Scott getting out of his car with a gun in his hand, something all four officers at the scene claimed they saw.

In an audio recording of the shooting Scotts wife can be heard pleading with officers not to fire and insisting that he was unarmed. A protest against the prosecutors decision was planned for Wednesday evening outside police headquarters. Charlotte police said they were mobilizing all their special units, including riot squads.

Through their attorney, Justin Bamberg, Scotts family said they were profoundly disappointed in the prosecutors decision. That does not mean that this officer's killing of Keith Scott was right. All that means is that under the view of the DA's office, it wasn't criminal. And those are two completely different things, Bamberg said.

The decision not to prosecute the officer who shot Scott is the latest in a series of legal travesties related to the police killing of workers and young people, who, in a large number of cases have been unarmed. According to the Washington Post, 875 people have been fatally shot by cops so far this year.

One study found just 41 police officers charged in relation to shootings between 2005 and 2011. That compares to many thousands recorded as justifiable homicide. The Charlotte case follows the exoneration of the New York City police officer that killed Eric Garner in 2014, and the recent dropping of charges against Baltimore cops involved in the murder of Freddie Gray.

The same day that Charlotte authorities exonerated the cop involved in the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, a judge in South Carolina ruled that a jury could consider a lesser charge of manslaughter in the well-publicized case of a white police officer who shot an unarmed black man in the back after a traffic stop. A bystander caught the horrifying incident on his cell phone camera, exposing cops attempted cover-up of the brutal killing.

Under South Carolina law murder is defined as the unlawful taking of life with malice. South Carolina has the death penalty, but since the prosecution is not alleging aggravated circumstances the maximum term the officer could face would be 30 years to life. Manslaughter is the unlawful taking of a life without malice, and carries a significantly lower prison term of 2 - 30 years.

Former North Charleston officer Michael Slager is charged in the April 2015 shooting death of Walter Scott. The unarmed man fled after being pulled over by Slager for a minor traffic infraction. Prosecutors said Scott likely fled because he was behind on child support and feared arrest.

Closing arguments were expected Wednesday afternoon. The jury heard 55 witnesses and visited the crime scene. They also viewed the bystander video several times.

For his part Slager testified, in contradiction to the video evidence, that Scott grabbed his stun gun and came toward him. I felt total fear, he claimed and said he fired until the threat was stopped. The video footage clearly shows Slager shooting Scott in the back as he fled.

With the wave of police violence showing no signs of abating, the administration of president-elect Donald Trump, the most right wing and anti-democratic in American history, is set to take office in January. Trump has stated his unconditional support for the police and his hostility to those involved in protests against police shootings promising to restore law and order and justice in America.

Trump recently interviewed Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke for possible appointment to the post of Homeland Security Director. The fascistic Clarke called protests against Trump that erupted after the election the work of radical anarchists that needed to be quelled.

In an interview with Fox News he spoke of lawlessness and the need for law and order in the American ghetto and cities like Chicago.

In a 2015 radio interview he called for the arrest of those Americans who evinced sympathy for terrorism and their incarceration in offshore prison facilities such as Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. He estimated that up to one million would be jailed under his proposal.

Clarke oversees a brutal law enforcement regime in Milwaukee. One prisoner, Terrill Thomas, died of dehydration in the Milwaukee County jail. Prison authorities cut off water to his cell and he was heard begging for water in the days before he died. Four people, including a newborn baby have died in the jail since April.
President-elect Donald Trumps selection of Georgia Congressman Tom Price as his secretary of health and human services makes clear his intention to carry out a fundamental attack on Medicare and Medicaid, the government health insurance programs for the elderly, the handicapped and the poor that cover a combined total of 130 million people.

Trump announced the appointment on Tuesday, calling the diehard opponent of the bedrock government health programs a problem solver and go-to expert on health care policy. He also named Seema Verma to head the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Verma worked with Republican leaders in Indiana, including the current governor and vice president-elect, Mike Pence, to substantially privatize the states Medicaid program for the poor and impose co-payments on recipients. In the process, she made millions of dollars for her Indianapolis-based firm.

Both Trump and Price have long declared their opposition to the health care overhaul enacted by the Obama administration in 2010, popularly known as Obamacare. But Prices appointment involves more than the promised repeal of Obamas Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is part of a scheme to use the total or partial repeal of Obamacare to begin the dismantling of both Medicare and Medicaid as government-run, universal entitlement programs, and their transformation into voucher programs, in which seniors and poor people would be given government subsidies that would cover only a fraction of the cost of private insurance.

The model for this health care counterrevolution is, to a large extent, Obamacare itself, which forces millions of people to buy policies from insurance companies while providing limited government subsidies for low- and middle-income purchasers.

Price was an orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine prior to becoming the US House of Representatives member from the Sixth Congressional District of Georgia, which includes the northern suburbs of Atlanta, in 2005. This was the district that sent former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich to the House for 20 years, from 1979 to 1999.

In 2015, Price took over as chairman of the House Budget Committee after Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) became speaker of the house. Price also sits on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, and has served as chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a collection of far-right, fanatically pro-market House members who are viscerally opposed to government social programs.

Price has consistently taken right-wing positions, including voting to deny funding to National Public Radio, regularly voting to extend the USA Patriot Act and government spying programs, and co-sponsoring a bill to build additional border fencing between the US and Mexico. He has voted to defund Planned Parenthood. In 2007, he co-sponsored a bill that would illegalize same-sex marriages and he voted against another that would forbid employers from discriminating against gay people in the workplace.

Prices far-right positions have won him accolades from the gun lobby, including the National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of America, as well as anti-abortion groups such as the National Right to Life Center and the Susan B. Anthony List.

He has introduced several versions of his Empowering Patients First Act (EPFA), which seeks not only to repeal the ACA, but to sharply accelerate the privatization and dismantling of Medicare and Medicaid.

The EPFA calls for effectively ending Medicaid as a national program by reducing it to a system of block grants to the states, each of which would have total control over its own program, with the power to restrict eligibility, reduce benefits and impose out-of-pocket costs. According to the Washington-based Center on Budget Policy and Priorities, spending on Medicaid would be cut by as much as 34 percent by 2025 under Prices block grant system.

Medicare would be transformed from a program guaranteeing a defined set of benefits to a premium support model, i.e., it would provide vouchers for seniors and disabled people to apply toward the purchase of policies from private insurers. According to one study, this reform would shift the cost-sharing between beneficiaries and the government from the current situation, where the government pays 70 percent and recipients pay 30 percent, to the reverse, with seniors paying 70 percent of health costs.

It is obvious that this scheme will mean a drastic decline in health care for the elderly and disabled and result in increased poverty and disease and premature death for millions of people. This is precisely what corporate America, which considers health care for the elderly and poor an intolerable drain on its profits, intends.

According to press reports, Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress plan to move quickly to enact measures along the lines of those proposed by Price. They intend to pass legislation in 2017 combining the full or partial repeal of Obamacare with the crippling provisions regarding Medicare and Medicaid outlined above.

The Democrats will mount no serious opposition. Typical of their mealy-mouthed response to these plans is the statement by Michigan Senator Gary Peters, who said, Congress should come together to work on needed reforms and ensure all Americans have access to quality and affordable health care coverage.

To ensure passage of such legislation, and give the Democrats a certain amount of cover for their capitulation, Trump and the Republican leadership in Congress plan to use the budget reconciliation process, an expedited procedure that bars the use of a filibuster in the Senate to block passage of a measure.

Another provision of Prices EPFA bars the use of federal funds to pay for abortions or cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion.
Nada is likely to cross north Tamil Nadu coast, close to Cuddalore by early morning of December 2.

Fishermen anchor in a harbour in Chennai on Wednesday. Tropical cyclone Nada is forecasted to make landfall on the southern coast , on early December 1. Photo: PTI

By Pramod Madhav: As Tamil Nadu gears up for cyclone Nada, the India Meteorological Department has informed that the cyclone was likely to cross north Tamil Nadu coast between Vedaranniyam and Puducherry, close to Cuddalore by early morning of December 2.

The cyclone is presently 350km offshore from Chennai at Bay of Bengal and moving at a speed of 20km an hour. On November 29, a low pressure zone was observed in Bay of Bengal which transformed into a cyclone on November 30.

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The cyclone will make a landfall between Puducherry and Vedaranyam, expectedly on Friday morning.

Also read: Cyclone Nada: 2-day holiday declared in schools at Chennai, fishermen asked to not venture out

In view of the cyclone likely to cross the north coastal area of the state early on December 2, schools have been asked to remain closed today.

GOVERNMENT GEARS UP

The NDRF and SDRF teams are have also been deployed in coastal areas. "Two teams of NDRF and one team of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) are being pre-positioned in Cuddalore, one team each in Nagapattinam and Chennai to meet out any eventuality," a state government release said here.

People have been asked to call toll free numbers 1070 and 1077 in case of any emergency. The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea and to keep their boats tied up in safe places.

Also read: DMK president M Karunanidhi admitted in Kauvery hospital in Chennai

The state government has urged people not to venture outside until officially advised. People have been advised to stay indoors and stay away from low lying beaches or other locations, which may be swept by high tides.

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South Korean President Park Geun-hye delivered a short, five-minute speech on Tuesday, three days after one of the largest mass rallies in South Korean history demanded her removal from office. The president suggested she was willing to resign in the future but the official opposition parties rejected the offer as an attempt to delay an impending impeachment vote.

I will leave all decisions, including the shortening of my presidential term, up to the National Assembly, Park said. It was her third such national address since becoming embroiled in a political scandal in late September. Once the ruling and opposition parties draw up a measure to stably turn over the reins of government, I will step down from the office in line with that timetable and legal procedures.

Park refused to answer questions from the press after her speech, which included another public apology for the scandal that will do little to dispel the publics anger.

It has become increasingly unlikely that Park will finish her term in office, which is officially due to end in February 2018. All three opposition partiesthe Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK, or Democrats), the Peoples Party and the Justice Partyare proceeding with the presidents impeachment, backed by members of the anti-Park faction of her ruling conservative Saenuri Party. Even the pro-Park faction has begun to call for her to resign honorably.

Led by the MPK, the opposition is planning to vote on impeachment tomorrow. When unconditional resignation is the only way to normalize state affairs, the president did not mention it and instead shifted the responsibility onto the National Assembly. It is a mere strategy to disturb the ongoing move toward impeachment, MPK chairwoman Chu Mi-ae said. This sentiment was echoed by Park Ji-won and Sim Sang-jeong, leaders of the Peoples Party and Justice Party respectively.

Until her speech, the opposition had been confident it had enough votes to secure Parks impeachment, as they control 172 seats in the National Assembly, which includes seven independents. To impeach Park, they need only 28 Saenuri Party members to back the motion to secure the two-thirds majority necessary in the 300-seat body. If the impeachment resolution passed, the Constitutional Court would then examine the case, where six out of nine justices would have to approve Parks removal from office.

However, since Parks speech, Saenuri Party members, including from the anti-Park faction, have called for negotiations over her possible resignation. While 40 conservative lawmakers were likely to support impeachment, divisions have emerged in the anti-Park factions ranks, according to one of its leaders, Hwang Yeong-cheol.

Just because [the ruling and opposition parties] dont reach an agreement doesnt mean that well delay or reject the impeachment schedule itself. We need to do our best [to reach an agreement] before December 9, Hwang stated, in an indication that they are trying to push back the vote to next week.

Saenuri Party floor leader Jeong Jin-seok, who belongs to the pro-Park faction, stated: The talks over the impeachment have proceeded so far on the assumption that Park would not step down. But now that the situation has changed, I will discuss the process with the opposition parties from square one.

If the impeachment vote passed, Park would remain president but her duties would be suspended and handed over to Prime Minister Hwang Gyo-an until the Constitutional Court reached a decision. If she were removed from office, a presidential election would be held within 60 days.

Park has also attempted to stall proceedings by expressing support for a special investigation council, which is expected to begin its work next week. On Wednesday, she selected Park Yeong-su, a lawyer recommended by the opposition, to lead the council. The president claimed through a spokesman she would fully cooperate with the teams investigation, including face-to-face questioning.

However, Park has reneged previously on promises to cooperate with the current prosecution team investigating the scandal surrounding her and long-time friend Choi Soon-sil. Choi has been indicted on charges related to soliciting bribe money from corporations and being involved in deciding policy matters despite holding no formal government position.

Mass demonstrations are also set to continue. Another protest in Seoul is scheduled for this Saturday, following last weeks rallies, where 1.5 million people gathered in the capital alone. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held a so-called general strike on Wednesday to allow workers to let off steam, with 60,000 workers rallying around the country, including 22,000 in Seoul.

All the opposition parties are exploiting the public hostility to Park to position their candidates ahead for the next presidential election. They reflect the interests of sections of big business, which are increasingly dissatisfied with Parks inability to force through attacks on working conditions. These so-called labor reforms would lead to the increased casualization of the workforce and the slashing of wages.

The Wall Street Journal noted in October that neither the MPK nor the Peoples Party is fundamentally opposed to reforms, and both are likely to propose their own variations on labor reform as the December 2017 presidential election draws near. The Justice Party, which poses as a left-wing alternative, as well as the unions in the KCTU and Federation of Korean Trade Unions, regularly line up with the Democrats.

The widespread anger of ordinary working people toward Park is an expression, in the first instance, of the outrage felt over her administrations alleged corrupt practices and its contempt for basic legal and democratic norms. At the same time, it reflects broader concerns about the decline of living conditions as a result of the sustained attack on jobs, working conditions and the countrys limited social services by both Saenuri and Democrat-led administrations.

The oppositions drive to remove Park is an attempt to funnel that frustration and anger into support for their presidential election campaigns. None of the economic and social issues will be resolved however as the Democrats, no less than the conservatives, are responsible for the social crisis that workers and youth face today.
US-led airstrikes that killed and wounded as many 200 Syrian government troops in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor on September 17 were carried out in good faith and were the result of human errors, according to a report released by the Pentagons Central Command (Centcom), which oversees ongoing US military operations.

The report, which has been made public only in a redacted version, has all the earmarks of an official coverup, riddled with contradictions and containing a number of facts that point to a deliberate massacre carried out in pursuit of definite political and military aims.

The airstrike, which involved US as well as British, Australian and Danish warplanes, saw 34 guided weapons and 380 rounds of 30mm ammunition unleashed against a longstanding Syrian Army position on al-Tharda Mountain, overlooking Deir ez-Zor Airport. The bombings effectively provided air cover for the Islamic State (also known as ISIS), the supposed target of US military operations in Syria, to overrun the strategic position, which links Syrias ISIS capital of Raqqa with ISIS forces in neighboring Iraq.

According to the Syrian government, 62 Syrian soldiers were killed in the attack and another 100 wounded. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at 90.

The Pentagon report claims that the US military mistook the Syrian government troops for ISIS fighters. We made an unintentional, regrettable error, based on several factors in the targeting process, Brig. Gen. Richard Coe, the Pentagons investigating officer, told reporters Tuesday. He insisted that all those involved in the murderous attack were doing their best to do a good job. No one has been reprimanded for the supposed error. The conclusion was merely that the bloody attack raised a number of lessons to be learned and potential areas for improvement.

Among these lessons was the acknowledged fact that the US Air Forces own intelligence units had raised concerns both before and during the airstrikes that the forces targeted, which included tanks and armored personnel carriers, could not possibly have been ISIS, but somehow, this assessment was not communicated to those who ordered the attack.

The most significant revelation in the report is that the September 17 attack saw the first--and only--use of the so-called Hotline linking the US military and Russian forces, which are operating in support of the Syrian government, for the purpose of warning of an impending attack. This was supposedly in the interests of deconfliction, avoiding an unintended aerial confrontation between the US-led strike force and Russian warplanes.

Curiously, however, the information relayed to the Russians as to the location of the intended target was by the Pentagons own admission incorrect, with the coordinates supplied off by as much as five miles. Had the correct coordinates been relayed, the Russians would have known that the plan was to strike their Syrian allies.

Once the Russians became aware that the airstrikes were being carried out against the Syrian Army and not ISIS, they attempted to contact the American military, but for unexplained reasons were unable to reach the officer in charge of manning the Hotline for 27 minutes, during which the US-led strike force carried out 15 of what the report states were 37 planned strikes.

The combination of human errors that supposedly led to the first direct US assault on Syrian government troops, five years into a war for regime change orchestrated by Washington, is extraordinary.

Military decision makers ignored warnings from their own intelligence officers that the target being hit could not possibly be ISIS. The US command gave the Russians false information as to the area they were targeting, preventing them from learning that the Syrian government forces were about to be hit. And when the Russian military learned of the real target and attempted to use a Hotline set up to prevent a military confrontation between the worlds two largest nuclear powers, they were kept on hold for half an hour.

This preposterous attempt at a whitewash points to the attack on the Syrian military having been planned in cold blood and executed to achieve definite objectives. While the report asserts that the attack was carried out in accordance with the law of armed conflict, the bombing campaign by the US in Syria has been launched without any United Nations authorization and in flagrant violation of Syrian sovereignty. The slaughter of government troops that are engaged in no hostilities with the US is by definition a war crime.

The effect of the airstrike, evidently intended, was to contribute to the fatal undermining of a Syrian cease-fire agreement brokered a week earlier between US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

The September 17 attack was accompanied by wholesale violations of the ceasefire by the Islamist militias that have served as Washingtons proxy troops in the war for regime change against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. And it was followed within days by an attack on an aid convoy north of Aleppo, for which Washington and the Western media immediately blamed Russia and Syria, despite evidence that the real culprits were the US-backed rebels.

From the outset, the cease-fire agreement was bitterly opposed by both the Pentagons civilian leadership and the US military brass because of its provision establishing a Joint Implementation Group that would coordinate US and Russian military operations in Syria against both ISIS and the Al Nusra Front, which served as Syrias Al Qaeda affiliate. The strike against Deir ez-Zor came two days before the center was to begin operations.

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter bitterly opposed the deal within the Obama administration. As the New York Times reported, he feared that the accord would reveal too much to the Russians about American targeting intelligence.

Top uniformed commanders, meanwhile, publicly questioned whether they would abide by the terms of the cease-fire deal in statements that bordered on open insubordination.

Within the US military command, the principal concern was neither prosecuting a war against ISIS nor bringing a halt to the bloodbath in Syria. Rather, its central strategic orientation was and remains preparations for a military confrontation with Russia, raising the prospect of a nuclear third world war.

It was to this end that the decision was taken to slaughter the Syrian troops at Deir ez-Zor.
A takeover of UGL, an Australian-based mining and engineering contractor, by the Spanish-owned construction company CIMIC Group foreshadows further restructuring of UGL and a stepped-up assault on its workers jobs, wages and working conditions.

UGL shareholders are set to vote on the $526 million hostile takeover bid in the next week and a half, after UGLs board of directors approved the offer last week. The announcement followed CIMIC Groups acquisition of more than 50 percent of UGLs shares. In a symptom of UGLs decline since the end of the mining boom, the takeover offer values the business at $3.16 per share, down from $22 in 2007.

The UGL board issued a statement declaring that the companys acquisition meant UGL may not be able to execute its current strategy, business plan or turnaround and its business mix may change if CIMIC Group determine that some assets should be divested.

CIMIC Group will conduct a review into UGLs business model in order to drive operational efficiencies. It has flagged a potential sell-off of assets, along with an overhaul of management and other cost-cutting measures, raising the prospect of layoffs and closures of UGL-operated workshops and sites.

The takeover underscores the deepening crisis of a host of mining and engineering contractors as a result of the collapse of commodity prices, the implosion of the mining boom and a marked slowdown in the construction sector.

CIMIC Groups bid for UGL, unveiled in June, coincided with a 28 percent fall in UGLs share price, driven by a worsening dispute over Japanese company Inpexs Ichthys liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Darwin. A joint venture between UGL and Inpex contractor JKC, the construction of the project has reportedly been marked by repeated delays and disruptions, resulting in major cost blowouts.

In August, UGL announced a $200 million write-down on contracts for the Ichthys project, amid disputes with JKC. Workers involved in the LNG plants construction have been forced to foot the bill for its ongoing crisis. In June, JKC announced 130 redundancies. In November, another 460-480 jobs were cut. Among them were 380 boilermakers, electricians and other tradesmen employed by UGL, and up to 100 staff employed by JKC.

Law firm Slater and Gordon has foreshadowed a shareholders class action against UGL, alleging that the company did not disclose delays at the Ichthys project. In August, UGL posted a full-year loss of $106.3 million, largely on the back of the Ichthys project. Earnings for the construction and engineering divisions of the firm fell by 67 percent to $13.9 million, with fewer contracts in the resources and utilities sectors.

Last year, UGL registered a $236 million loss. The company responded by deepening a restructuring that it began following the global financial crisis. In September last year, it axed 200 jobs. The sackings followed a spate of workshop closures and major job cuts, including at Ballarat in 2012, Taree and Broadmeadow in 2013 and Chullora in Sydney in 2015. (see: UGL workers face deepening job cuts in Australia and Asia)

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU), which covers a number of UGLs sites, played the central role in enforcing the sackings. At UGLs Auburn rail workshop in Sydney, the union defied a vote of workers in September 2015 demanding a halt to retrenchments, and blocked a motion put by workers to hold a sit-in until the company agreed to reinstate all employees who were contesting their retrenchments.

In every instance, the union worked with management to suppress opposition from the workforce, clearing the way for job cuts and an ongoing assault on working conditions. (see: Australia: Union imposes job cuts at UGL, defying workers votes)

The most recent sackings followed years of restructuring that have seen UGLs workforce decline from a peak of around 80,000, to less than 8,000. The company sold off its UK-based retail division, and scaled back its operations in the US and China, in the wake of the 2008 crash.

For his role in imposing the restructures demanded by UGLs corporate shareholders, Ross Taylor, the companys CEO, is set to receive a payout of at least $7.6 million. Almost $7 million of that is tied to his performance, i.e., pushing through the attacks on UGLs workforce.

CIMIC Groups history makes clear that further restructurings are on the agenda. Formerly Leighton Holdings, the business changed its name in early 2015 following a series of allegations of corruption, bribery and other malpractices. The ultimate owner of CIMIC Group is now Grupo ASC, a Spanish-based company with construction, telecommunications and engineering operations around the world. It has total assets valued at over 34 billion in 2016.

In 2013, the Financial Times reported: Long considered one of Spains most secretive companies, ACS acquired a fearsome reputation for launching bold takeovers, using debt to buy up assets and then selling them on for a profit in a manner some analysts quipped was more akin to a private equity group than a construction company.

Since its acquisition by ASC in 2014, CIMIC Group has launched a series of takeover bids, taking advantage of the financial woes of companies in the engineering and mining contracting sectors. At the beginning of this year, CIMIC Group acquired Sedgman, a mining contractor, and earlier took over Devine, a construction company.

The Australian Financial Review last month noted the growing number of takeover bids in the contracting sector. Danny Younis, senior analyst at investment group Shaw and Partners, told the newspaper: The contracting game is currently more depressing than a Dostoyevsky novel, and it is no wonder in the past year or so we have seen companies like ALS, Bradken, Emeco Group, Downer EDI, Ausenco, Sedgman, Broadspectrum, Coffey and now UGL all either be an acquirer, acquired or subject to takeover offers.

The newspaper listed a host of other contractors that have gone into administration, including ADG Global Supply, SubZero Group, Hughes Drilling, THO Services, WDS, Viento Group and Titan Energy Services.

Construction activity in Australia last month was at its lowest level since 2010, with the September quarter down by almost 5 percent on June. Non-residential building fell by close to 11 percentthe steepest drop since 2000. At the same time, mining companies have laid off thousands of workers and demand for coal, iron ore and other commodities remains low.

Speculating on what CIMIC Group will do with UGL, the Australian last month suggested that it may tip part of UGL into Ventia, CIMICs infrastructure, utilities and telecommunications firm, before selling off the new entity. Such a move would inevitably entail further job cuts.

The AMWU has issued no public statement on the takeover of UGL. This is a signal that, as in the past, the union will work with management to impose the demands of the corporate shareholders for ever-greater efficiency and profits.
In a major relief for more than 300 pharmaceutical companies, the Delhi High Court today quashed the ban on fixed-dose combination medicines.

By Anusha Soni: Giving a major relief to over 300 pharmaceutical companies in the country, the Delhi High Court today quashed the government notification of March 2016 under which 344 fixed-dose combination (FDC) medicines, including well-known brands like Corex cough syrup, Vicks Action 500 extra and DCold were banned.

The pharmaceutical companies had rushed to the the Delhi High Court arguing that the move of the government was arbitrary and bad in law.

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However, the government defended it's move arguing that these drugs were unsafe, not efficacious and there was no therapeutic justification to consume them.

ALSO READ: 344 fixed dose combination drugs banned in March: Govt

The government also highlighted the need to safeguard public from irrational FDCs, irrespective of the manufacturer.

The government's decision was supported by some NGOs such as the All India Drug Action Network (AIDAN).

ALSO READ: Cheap alternative to cocaine, psychoactive drug Meow Meow takes Delhi by storm

The Delhi High Court today allowed the plea of the pharmaceutical companies, which includes leading names such as Pfizer, Glenmark, Procter and Gamble, and Cipla.

The judgement was delivered by Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw. An appeal against it is likely to be moved in the division bench of the Delhi High Court.

ALSO READ: India Today Expose: How aspirants take banned drugs to pass police fitness test in Haryana

ALSO WATCH

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OCALA, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say a north Florida man is facing charges after throwing his dog into traffic.

The Ocala Star-Banner (https://goo.gl/cWk6gt ) reports that 55-year-old Michael Lee Britton was arrested Tuesday on charges of aggravated animal cruelty, assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest without violence.

Police responded after a woman called to report that a man had thrown a dog at her moving car. Britton told the Star-Banner that he did it because the dog had been pierced by an arrow. Police found no such wound.

Humane Society of Marion County volunteer Brenda Hall says the Australian shepherd has no broken bones, but he does have fluids in his abdomen, which suggest he might have internal bleeding.

Britton was being held on $4,000 bail.

___

Information from: Ocala (Fla.) Star-Banner, http://www.starbanner.com/

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Following reports of vandalism in the Killearn area, Representative Gwen Graham spoke out Wednesday in Washington, D.C. to speak out against hate.

"Across our country, incidents of hate crimes and harassment are on the rise," Rep. Graham said. "Just this past week, the trend reared its ugly head in my hometown of Tallahassee."

Killearn Lakes Plantation residents reported the shocking vandalism.

The letters "K-K-K" were painted on the side of a community office, the vandalism prompting Graham to take the house floor, speaking out against hate speech not only in Florida but across the country.

Graham went on to quote Elie Wiesel, calling on the public to act saying,

"The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. I wont be indifferent. I wont be silent. And Im asking each of you to speak out against acts of hate wherever you see it. We cannot be bullied or intimidated  we must fight back. Together, we are stronger than any hatred."
LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The newly elected Superintendent of Schools, Rocky Hanna, has decided not to keep Jackie Pons on as a employee of Leon County Schools (LCS).

Hanna sent the letter informing Pons of the decision on Monday and sent a message to the school board members explaining why he made the decision to let Pons go.

Before making the decision, Hanna was sent a letter from Pons' attorney on Nov. 23, letting him know that Pons was "ready and able to assume the duties of Principal, the last position which he help prior to his election as Superintendent."

The letter also mentioned that according to a board policy, Pons was entitled to return to being principal or a position like it, provided he met certification requirements.

On Monday, Hanna met with school board attorneys and district staff, eventually coming to the conclusion that Pons would no longer be associated with LCS.

In the letter Hanna wrote the Pons, he said that the provision allowing elected officials to return to their previous positions, was "not intended to apply and does not apply to [Jackie Pons]".

LCS sent out this statement regarding the decision:

Superintendent Hanna has informed Mr. Jackie Pons, via letter, that he is no longer an employee of Leon County Schools. Mr. Pons was elected to superintendent in 2006. Policy 1430 was adopted in September of 2012, while Mr. Pons was serving as superintendent. The policy is not retroactive and therefore the return from unpaid leave provision does not apply to Mr. Pons.

Chris Petley, a spokesperson for LCS, said that because of the decision, the school board attorney will change the scope of the investigation into Pons for an anonymous package of materials alluding to alleged misconduct.

The District will not comment further on the investigation until it is complete.
TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Throughout the year, WTXL has shared development news around the Capital City with the series "Building Tallahassee."

A longtime local business is moving to the city's Midtown area, which continues to see growth in recent years.

Riccardo's Restaurant has served Italian cuisine Tallahassee for 22 years at its location on Capital Circle.

The restaurant will relocate to Betton Place on Thomasville Road.

Owners John and Alicea Acevedo say they'll move into a space where another italian restaurant used to be for several years.

John says Midtown continues to grow, and he wants his business to be a part of it.

"It's the heart of town," he said. "This is where everybody is -- empty nesters, young professionals. The walking traffic here is incredible. That'll be certainly one of my favorite parts of being in Midtown."

Riccardo's closed its doors November 23 to get ready for the transition to the new location.

The Acevedos hope to open their restaurant on the first week of February.
BJP's youth wing secretary from Salem, JVR Arun, was one of the first to support Prime Minister's demonetisation drive.

By Pramod Madhav: Weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared demonetisation of high-value currency in his bid to fight the black money menace, the BJP's youth wing secretary from Salem was caught with Rs 20.5 lakh, all in valid currency notes.

JVR Arun was one of the first to support the Prime Minister's demonetisation campaign and had posted a message on his Facebook wall saying, "For the progress of my country, I am ready to stand in a queue".

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A bag with new currency notes

Arun was caught during a routine vehicle check near Salem, in Tamil Nadu. Inspector Kannan, who intercepted Arun's car, said, "We were on a routine vehicle check to curb any illegal activity. We stopped Arun's car and on searching it we found a bag containing new currency notes".

ALSO READ: Demonetisation's rude shock: There may not be any black money

According to the officer, 926 pieces of Rs 2,000 currency, 1530 of Rs 100 and 1000 pieces of Rs 50 currency were found from the bag.

Party issues show-cause notice

As Arun couldn't give a proper account of the source of money, the police seized the cash and deposited it with the treasury. They later informed the Income-Tax department about the seizure. A detailed probe is likely to be conducted in the case to find out if bank officials had colluded with Arun.

ALSO READ: AAP hits out at PM Modi's demonetisation again, says Amit Shah converted black money through land deals

The I-T department officials interrogated Arun for more than 10 hours on how and from where he got the money.

Meanwhile, the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit has issued a show-cause notice to JVR Arun seeking an explanation on the matter. BJP state president Tamilisai Sounderrajan said Arun has been removed from the party.

ALSO READ: Mayhem in Kerala as cash crunch continues in banks ahead of first pay day since demonetisation

ALSO WATCH

--- ENDS ---
Vijayawada sub-collector Dr Saloni Sidana tied the knot with IAS officer Ashish Vashishta and paid Rs 500 for the wedding.

By India Today Web Desk: There were many who panicked after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Among those were families of people who were going to get married soon fearing cash crunch.

But on one end was Karnataka mining tycoon Gali Janardhan Reddy who remained nonchalant despite the ban and spent over Rs 500 crore on his daughter's wedding and on the other is an IAS couple who set a solid example of surviving demonetisation by spending only Rs 500 on their marriage.

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Also read: How rich is Janardhan Reddy, man behind the LCD wedding invite?

Vijayawada sub-collector Dr Saloni Sidana got married to Indian Administrative Service officer Ashish Vashishta (Madhya Pradesh cadre) and spent just Rs 500 as court fee.

Ashish had applied for the wedding in the Bhind Additional District court and received a date on November 28. In the presence of their families, the couple got married in the office of Bhind additional district magistrate.

Dr Saloni Sidana ties knot with IAS officer Ashish Vashishta (photo: Facebook/Pradeep Pura)

"They wanted to get married and it was solemnised in the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) court," said Bhind Collector T Ilaya Raja.

Unlike conventional brides, Saloni joined back work within two days of her wedding and distributed sweets among the staff in the collectorate to share the joy.

The 27-year-old officer does not think it is a big deal and said she wanted to have a simple wedding. "In fact, my husband also returned to duty on Wednesday itself," she told HT.

Also read: Kolkata: Marriages marred due to demonetisation

The couple also got married according to their customs and few relatives were present there. However, there was no lavish dinner or reception involved.

Saloni hails from Punjab's Jalalabad district and has worked at the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences as a radiologist. She fell in love with Ashish, who is from Rajasthan, during their training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Adminstration in Mussoorie.

Now, after the marriage, there are chances that Saloni might get Madhya Pradesh cadre according to the rules so that the couple could stay together.

Also read: Rupee revamp: Big fat Indian weddings take a hit after demonetisation

--- ENDS ---
UPDATE 10 p.m. -- Police are searching for two people suspected in the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old clerk during the robbery of a downtown 
IAF's heavy transport aircrafts like C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster have already completed 15 sorties in the last one-week carrying freshly printed notes to RBI's distant regional centres.

By Hemender Sharma: In an attempt to ease the cash crunch from which the banking system is suffering after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes on November 8, the Indian Air force has now been roped in to ferry cash.

Heavy transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF)--the US-made C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster have already completed 15 sorties in the last one-week carrying freshly printed notes from mints to distant regional centres of the Reserve Bank of India.

Check out the size of the other plane in this picture.

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Also Read: Defence Ministry approves procurement of 83 LCA Tejas for Air Force

AIR ROUTE ONLY FOR FAR FLUNG AREAS

India Today has accessed the pictures of the IAF plane taking off from the Devi Ahilya Airport in Indore for one such sortie on Wednesday. The freshly printed notes were brought to Indore by road from the Dewas Mint Press, a top Airport Official told India Today on condition of anonymity.

Under normal circumstances currency is moved by road and rail and the air route is taken only for far flung areas that are not connected by either of the two.

Also Read: Pakistani air force chief warns India against escalating dispute into full-scale war

--- ENDS ---
In January 1972, Operation Simon entered its final stage. A team from Service A, a key department in the KGBs First Chief Directorate (which was responsible for collecting intelligence and special operations outside the USSR) traveled to Paris to gathered intelligence ahead of the operation. Service A was responsible, among other things, for the operations against Zionist and Jewish organizations, an issue of utmost importance as far as the omnipotent KGB head, Yuri Andropov, was concerned.

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In the Soviet intelligences glossary, Operation Simon meets the definition of active measures. Their practical meaning was aimed at exerting useful influence on aspects of interest in the political life of a target country, including its foreign policy; the solution of international problems; misleading the adversary; undermining and weakening the adversary's positions.

Operation Simon included secretly infiltrating the World Jewish Congress (WJC) offices in Paris and copying internal materialmostly documentation on the members of the large international organization in order to map its ties to other key Jewish organization. The Russians surveillance of the headquarters, located in the heart of the City of Lights, revealed that the employees did not sense any danger. While the threat of global terrorism had already been raised at the time, no one in the WJC bothered to install an alarm system or have the offices guarded at night. A KGB team obtained a key to the front door from one of the employees and copied it.

The World Jewish Congress in Geneva in 1953.

And so, on February 12, a KGB operative arrived in Paris to carry out the mission. His nickname was Chub, which in Russian means a Cossacks forelock. Soviet intelligence humor, apparently.

Chub easily infiltrated the building through the main entrance. He worked all night and photocopied a large number of documents. The loot was impressive: A list of the WJCs 20,000 supporters in France, including their names, addresses and information on the donations each of them gave the organization, as well as the names of 3,000 subscribers in 55 countries of Information Juive  a newspaper for the French-speaking Jewish community.

Chub quickly passed on the material to the Soviet Unions embassy in Paris and returned to Vienna the same day using a fake passport. The material reached the desk of General Nikolai Kosov Antonovich, who was in charge of Service A. The operation, it later transpired, was relatively easy but not risk-free. In any event, it suggested just how much Andropov wanted to sabotage Jewish organizations.





Operation Simon was merely a prelude to the real thing.

In the year that followed, KGB experts worked to analyze the material Chub had stolen, leading to the planning of a wide-scale operation. On January 4, 1973, Kosov presented the planned cluster of operations to his boss Andropov, who approved it the next day, and the operation was underway shortly thereafter.

The KGB created an entire series of sophisticated forgeries based on the stolen material and on the contact and member lists. The goal was to sow internal dissent and create a rift between the Jewish organizations, occupying them as much as possible with internal rows, while deepening the suspicion that they were stealing money from one another.

Service A created a new fictitious Jewish organization, Union of Young Zionists  a name which may have sounded familiar to some. The intelligence gathering and research done ahead of the operation revealed that there really was an organization by that name, which was active in Poland in the 1930s and 1940s.

The fictitious organization sent completely fabricated documents to addresses of members found in the documents that were stolen from the WJC headquarters. The fabricated documents framed WJC members of embezzling huge amounts of donations that were supposed to reach Israel and instead found their way into their own pockets.

The World Zionist Organization (WZO) and its operational arm, the Jewish Agency, were also involved in the embezzlement, the fabricated documents suggested.

They further revealed a link between the WJC and radical Jewish organizations that at the time were seeking to spur anti-Semitic activity in Western nations to encourage immigration to Israel.

A man who worked in an executive role in the WJC in Paris during those years, and who I recently met there, told me: It was clear to us that someone was meddling in our affairs. Suddenly, we began receiving feedback from numerous supporters, friends, and donors demanding answers, some using harsh words. They wanted to know what had happened to their donations. We realized we were subject to a serious campaign of disinformation. The rumors, the accusations, the stories about theft  all caused us great harm. There was a sharp drop in donations alongside an atmosphere of suspicion. Some suspected the French intelligence, while others suspected the Russians, but the majority really thought it was a competing organization trying to take our place. Those were very unpleasant days.

Did you file a complaint with the police?

I was not involved in matters of security, but I dont think we did. The embarrassment caused by such a thing, that someone would put so much effort in creating a web of lies about us, or the embarrassment that would be caused by us even investigating the accusations in the letters, was so great that the people in charge decided to shelve the matter.

In October 1973, the KGB used information it obtained in Operation Simon to spread another libel: It created another front organization, this time a French pro-Israel organization, which was allegedly involved in the murder of a relative of then-French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing. The murder, according to the non-existent organization, was in retaliation for the French president's persecution of a group of Jewish financiers and because of his policy, which was hostile towards Israel.

The Moscow center was obsessed with the Zionist subversion against the Soviet Union, Prof. Christopher Andrew, the historian of the British intelligence community, told me.

To the point that they failed to understand how ridiculous it was to try to link the murder to Israel and to Zionism and that there was no chance people would believe this story. Although this libel probably did not cause any damage, and was anyway very far from Moscow's original objective of taking active steps against world Jewry and Zionism, they still saw the entire prank as a great success and were very proud of it.

A danger to world peace

Chapter one of "The KGB's Middle East Files," a special series of articles which brings to light information mined from thousands of KGB documents smuggled to the West in the early 1990s, recounted the story of how Vasili Mitrokhin used his senior position as the spy agency's deputy chief archivist to copy the top secret documentswith the Soviets being none the wiser.





Vasili Mitrokhin

These documents helped expose some 1,000 KGB agents across the world and uncover countless covert spy operations. In addition, two books were published about them by Prof. Christopher Andrew in cooperation with Mitrokhin himself. Nevertheless, only part of the information they contain actually made it to Israel. In fact, much in this vast trove of information about the KGB's operations in the Jewish state and its attitude towards world Jewry and Zionism remains secret.

The Mitrokhin documents have recently been moved to Churchill College in Cambridge. Over the past six months, we've been working on sifting through them, translating them, and cross-referencing the material with other available information and sources.

The Mitrokhin documents at Churchill College in Cambridge

In the first part of the series , we published a list of agents who were handled in Israel, according to the Mitrokhin documents, including names of Knesset members, media personalities, senior engineers in sensitive projects and top IDF officers.

The second part of our series of articles about the Mitrokhin documents revealed the secret ties between the KGB and the Palestinian terror organizations.

In the third part of the series, the Mitrokhin documents reveal that Operation Simon and the operations derived from it were just one battle of the war waged by the KGB against the world Jewry and the Zionist Movement. While domestically, the Second Chief Directorate, which was in charge of internal security, fought against the refuseniksthe movement of Jewish emigration from the USSR, the First Chief Directorate was busy fighting a years-long war, with plenty of manpower and unlimited funds, against all the major Jewish organizations in the world.

The KGB and politburo heads saw the Zionist and Jewish movements as a clear, immediate and real danger to world peace and to the integrity of the Soviet empirea danger which is only second to the main enemy, the United States. And as farfetched as this may sound, they really believed in the Protocols of the Elders of Zion and were certain that the Jews were capable of anything.

Beyond the historical interest in stories about the KGBs war on world Jewry, its important to note that Russia is currently controlled by the agency's graduates. In light of the Russians' smear operations, lies, and imaginative and unethical rifts, the suspicions that Moscow tried to influence the recent US elections or to bring down the Wests Internet servers are definitely understandable.

Yaakov Kedmi, who headed Nativan Israeli intelligence organization that maintained secret contact with Jews living in the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War and encouraged immigration to Israel and is considered one of the senior experts in understanding the Soviet intelligence, told me that the outlook of the leadership in the USSR and of the KGB was based on the notion that world Jewry was an extremely serious danger. They believed that its operations center was in the US and that it controlled the State of Israel from there, as well as controlling the American economy and financial system and the worlds trade and finance system.

In 1992, upon the Soviet empires downfall, Nativ launched a secret operation to obtain access to contacts in the former Soviet Union, getting hold of tens of thousands of documents from nations that were once behind the Iron Curtain.

We were able to learn just how well the KGB knew Israel and what was happening there, as well as the importance the organization ascribed to the Zionist movement and world Jewry, says Kedmi. The agency saw them as a key enemy, if not the main enemy. The harsh anti-Jewish approach was shaped by Andropov more than anyone. The first reason for this approach was personal: Andropov was not one-quarter Jewish, one-third Jewish or half Jewish. He was Jewish, period. I heard it from senior KGB people. Andropov knew that the partys leadership was well aware of that, and some of them were infected with anti-Semitic racist attitudes. In order to prove that he was uninfluenced by his Jewish descent, and that he was genuinely pure when it came to that matter, he took the most radical line."

KGB chief and later Soviet leader Andropov

Israel's close ties with the United States only exacerbated the matter. The Russians knew very well that David Ben-Gurion had a clear American inclination, and that as far as he was concerned, Israel should do everything to be part of the Western bloc and sign a defense alliance with the US. They saw how the Americans excused Israel for starting the Six-Day War, forgave it for the creation of the nuclear reactor in Dimona and ignored it, helped Israel with weapons and supplies during the October 1973 war, etc. They discovered how strong the Jewish influence was in US election campaigns. In their conversations with non-Jewish senior American officials, they repeatedly heard complaints about one official or another who was unable to do something because the Jews got in his way.

As far as the Russians were concerned, the US-Israel relationship was a natural symbiosis in the Western imperialism, which was working against them. One is a continuation of the other. The questions of who wags whose tail and how the tail controls the dog were purely semantic in their eyes.

Caution: Matzah delivery

True to his paranoid behavior, Andropov ordered the KGB to put great efforts in monitoring the ties between Soviet Jews and world Jewry. Even a matzah delivery from Jewish organizations abroad to their brethren in the USSR seemed like a very dangerous subversive act.

Vladimir Bukovsky, a Russian oppositionist who spent many years in KGB interrogations and in prison, returned to the Soviet Union as a historian in the early 1990s and managed to photocopy many documents in the Kremlin archive. He discovered there a transcription of a top secret report Andropov had submitted to the politburo in March 1975, in which he said: The delivery of these packages (of matzah) clearly intensifies the negative processes the Jewish population in the USSR is undergoing, strengthens their nationalist feelings and their support of emigration (to the West). The KGB believes the matzah arriving from abroad must be confiscated immediately.

The organization allotted technological resources and a lot of manpower to monitoring phone calls between local Jews and Jews in the rest of the world. When it the Soviet Jews started complaining about the discrimination against them and presenting the USSR in a negative light, the KGB went to great lengths to cut off the phone communications between the nationalist Jews in the USSR and the foreign elements supporting themin other words, Zionist organizations in the world.

In June 1975, Andropov informed the politburo heads with great satisfaction that the organization had succeeded in preventing or disconnecting phone calls, although the Jews had tried to outsmart them by using non-Jewish names, using public phones or dialing directly instead of through switchboards. Andropov bragged that by clamping down on Soviet Jews' phone calls abroad, the agency had caused significant damage to Zionist organizations in the world.

The KGB saw the US as the global center of Judaism, and therefore as a place to invest great efforts in. On the other hand, the US did all it could to prevent the KGB from operating in its territory. Nevertheless, quite a few operations were carried out in the US as well, in a bid to muddy the local Jewish communitys name and create a conflict between the Jews and other monitories.

For example, the KGB chose the Jewish Defense League (JDL), led by extreme right-wing activist Rabbi Meir Kahane, to help them unknowingly with this active measure. The JDL has tried to carry out attacks against Soviet targets, in protest of the USSRs attitude towards Jews, which made it a target for the Russians. The KGB conducted intensive intelligence gathering activities on the JDL, its operation methods and the language it used to claim responsibility.

Kahane arrested during a 1979 protest in front of the Soviet Embassy in the US against the USSR's treatment of Jews

According to the Mitrokhin documents, in September 1969, and then again several months later, the KGB sent threatening letters on behalf of the JDL to several representatives of Arab states in the United Nations, threatening to carry out terror attacks against the Arab diplomats in revenge for Palestinian acts of terror against Israel and Jews.

The objective was for the letters to spark a lot of anger, not just among the Arabs, but also among UN leaders and the US law enforcement authorities, as this was happening on their soil. Indeed, in response to the letters, the UN turned to the Israeli diplomatic mission and called for action against the JDL, while the FBI stepped up its operations against the group.

But the highlight of this activity was an attempt to drive a wedge between the Jews and the blacks in America. On July 25, 1971, Anatoli Kireev, who was in charge of operations in the US, ordered the KGB branch in New York to launch Operation Pandora. As part of the operation, a series of explosive devices were planted in African-American neighborhoods in New York and in one black college. After their detonationwhich did not cause significant damagethe KGB's operatives claimed responsibility on behalf of the JDL. Pamphlets distributed in black areas described the crimes allegedly committed by the JDL and called for revenge. In addition, the KGB handed out pamphlets on behalf of the Party of National Rebirth, a group of alleged white nationalists, calling on Americans to save America from the Jews.

Some say that the KGB's operations against the JDL were the last straw as far as Kahane was concerned and the pressure put on him and his movement by the FBI became too much for him. So in September 1971 he left the US and immigrated to Israel.

The way the KGB saw it, says Yaakov Kedmi, getting involved with the JDL and the black community in order to create bloody conflicts was a very natural thing. The truth is that the Jews helped the black leadership in the US immensely.

"The JDL acted against the USSR. As far as the Soviets were concerned, it was like killing two birds with one stoneboth taking revenge on the JDL and making it responsible for the attacks on the blacks, and severing the ties between the Jews and the blacks in order to encourage the black revolt against the main government in Washington," Kedmi adds.

Delaying Jews emigration

According to the Mitrokhin documents, in 1975 the KGB branch in New York was deeply involved in helping Russian and Arab diplomats gather votes for the UN General Assembly resolution that determined that Zionism is racism.

In 1976, Andropov initiated a series of secret measures, which the KGB would lead among the global diplomatic community, to push for the appointment of a special committee to investigate Zionism, similar to the UN committee against apartheid. The Arab states, led by then-Syrian President Hafez Assad, eventually decided not to promote the committee.

From the mid-1970s, the USSR toughened its policy on Jewish emigration to Israel. There were several reasons for the stricter policy: First of all, Andropov grew stronger and began serving as a full member of the politburo.

Secondly, in 1975, the American Congress approved an amendment to the US-USSR trade act (the JacksonVanik amendment), which stipulated improvements in the USSRs policy on human rights issues as a condition for a possible easing of American-imposed trade restrictions on the USSR. Suspicious as always, KGS officials were certain that world Jewry was behind the amendment, and so the Soviet Union's human rights policy didn't change and restrictions on Jews weren't eased.

A third reason was the Soviet Jews struggle to immigrate to Israel, which also included subversive operations by Jewish elements against the Soviets and the Americans using immigration permits to taunt the USSR.

The KGB realized that there was one key element behind this international campaign (to help Jews leave the USSR and immigrate to Israel)the Nativ liaison bureau, says Kedmi, who started as Nativ's operations office and later became the head of the organization.

What did you do to make them so angry?

Who did we not approach and who did we not turn against themfrom famous writers to intellectuals, politicians, ambassadors, and actors. They were surprised to learn that a leader in one of the Central American countries, who was actually one of the Communist leaders in that country, had shamelessly pressured the Soviet ambassador to allow the Jews to leave. They suddenly discovered a strong organization using their exact same methods against them, and it drove them crazy.

Former Nativ head Yaakov Kedmi

Andropovs response was indeed powerful. Part of the KGBs work plan for 1976 was dedicated to a series of operations aimed at creating a conflict between Jewish government opponents who had left the USSR and other opponents, mainly Ukrainians who had left during World War II. A special effort was dedicated to the National Alliance of Russian Solidarists (NTS) organization, one of the main anti-Communist movements, in a bid to create a rift between the veteran members, who were mostly non-Jews, and convince them that the Jewish members were attempting to expel them.

According to the Mitrokhin documents, considerable efforts were made in 1977 to defame Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal, allegedly on behalf of former Soviet Jews, after he had issued a series of harsh declarations against the Kremlins policy.

In 1978, following a decision by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union to take measures to expose the reactionary essence of world Zionism and the anti-Soviet Zionist activity, the KGB and the association of Soviet jurists prepared the white paper of Zionisma horrible lampoon including serious lies.

Through the KGBs secret channels, the book was distributed in 32 countries, handed to the leaderships of the Communist parties in the US, Canada and other countries, and distributed among parliament members, ministers and social activists from different countries, as well as representatives of international organizations, libraries and higher education institutions.

The book includes, for example, the story of a former Soviet citizen named Abramov. On April 24, 1978, all shook up, she knocked on the doors of the Soviet embassy in Vienna and said that she had immigrated to Israel two years earlier with her son Oleg. Like the absolute majority of new immigrants from the USSR, the Abramov family also sought to return to the old homeland. It turned out, however, as Abramov testified, that agents of a special security service, specializing in keeping the immigrants in Israel, pressured us day and night.

Her son Oleg eventually received a passport, but was murdered a week before the flight back home. They wanted to murder me and my daughter as well, she said. A day before we left, we were badly beaten by them. At midnight, we escaped to the airport so that no one would see us. In the morning, we flew to Vienna.

Soviet Jewrys battle against state authorities, and the buzz it created thanks to Jewish organizations, did not leave the USSR government indifferent. It knew very well that the countrys image suffered a serious blow in the global public opinion.

KGB officials were convinced that this problematic reality, like almost every other problem, could be changed through active measures that would improve the USSRs image as a country that actually treats its Jewish community well. The organization launched a series of operations, with the biggest one being against Lord Baron Immanuel Jakobovits, the chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth and one of the most important intellectuals and leaders of British Jewry of all times, in addition to his immense contribution in the fields of ethics, morals and medicine.

Lord Baron Immanuel Jakobovits

Jakobovits fought a lot for Soviet Jews and demanded that the countrys authorities not just let my people go but let my people livein other words, that they significantly improve Soviet Jewry's religious and human rights.

The rabbi had asked numerous times for permission to come and see for himself how the Jews were living beyond the Iron Curtain, and he was surely surprised when the approval finally came in November 1975. This unusual development, which was perceived as a good sign as to the USSR governments attitude towards Jews, was even reported by the Jerusalem Post with a big headline. No one imagined that behind the charitable move was a sophisticated KGB plan, and that the rabbi had become the target of an active measures operation against him.

The KGB put together a group of agents and operativesthe Mitrokhin documents detail the names and code names of 11 of themwho would be the ones to meet the rabbi and present him with an utterly distorted picture of the Jews situation.

Primarily, its important to get information about the plans of Rabbi Jakobovits and his delegation, the Operation Order read.

In order to do so, the rabbi and his secretary were placed under close surveillance, and one of the undercover operatives even befriended him. The Jews that met with the rabbi were strictly filtered by the KGB. Some were active agents and some were associated with the government one way or another. The agents presented the delegation with the achievements of Jewish writers and cultural figures in developing Jewish culture and art in the USSR.

KGB agents with senior positions in the religious Jewish community were ordered to present community life in a positive light, to talk about celebrating holidays and observing Shabbat at the synagogue, and to show the delegation a film about the birthday celebration for Rabbi Levin, the former rabbi of the Moscow synagogue.

There were other meetings with Jews who reported how good their life was and how they had no intention, even if they were given the option, of emigrating from the USSR.

To further bolster the positive impression, the authorities accepted the rabbis request and allowed him to meet with Christian clerics, who were also KGB agents and who supported the accounts about the freedom of ritual and religion he had heard earlier.

The operation was deemed a great success. The rabbi returned from the USSR, and although he had also held meetings with oppositionists and aliyah activists, the propaganda planted in his head deeply affected him. In interviews to the media, he said that the situation in the USSR was not that bad, that no more than 100,000 Jews wanted to leave, and that the focus should be less on the refuseniks struggles and more on improving the communitys situation in general. Even years after his visit, when he wrote his memoirs, he refused to acknowledge the fact that he had fallen victim to a sophisticated KGB trick.

Jews under surveillance

According to the Mitrokhin documents, however, not everyone in the Soviet leadership considered Zionism a great danger, or a danger at all. There were those in the politburo who argued that Andropovs obsession is making us look stupid.

In September 1978, when Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko visited the White House, he was surprised to be reprimanded by President Jimmy Carter over a person whose name he was unfamiliar withAnatoly Sharansky. He later changed his name to Natan Sharansky and went on to become a minister in the Israeli government and in 2009 was appointed the Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency.

Natan Sharansky (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

Andropov had ordered to arrest Sharansky and was personally involved in hunting him down. The persecution continued until Sharansky was tried for treason, espionage and incitement and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

After his meeting with the American president, in a conversation with Soviet ambassador in Washington Anatoli Dobrynin, Gromyko referred to Andropovs obsession with Sharansky as absurd.

But as far as Andropov was concerned, it was not absurd at all. In May 1979, he approved a special plan of operation against the international efforts in support of Sharansky. Andropov was especially concerned by a moratorium pledge for the protection of Yuri Orlov (a human rights activist and scientist in Russia) and Sharansky, which was signed by 2,400 American scientists and experts calling on American and Western scientists not to cooperate with Soviet counterparts until the two were released.

The Operation Order, which can be found in the Mitrokhin archive, is long and complicated, and includes dozens of operation sections, such as defaming the moratoriums organizers in the Western press; bribing American scientists to withdraw their support; creating a film named Lie and Hate, which would present Sharansky as a CIA agent; and distributing a proclamation on behalf of scientists, politicians and social activists from West Germany, Italy and other European countries, which would condemn the boycott of scientists and defend the scientific ties between the West and the USSR.

In the first half of the 1980s, the refusenik movementthe most prominent aliyah activistsand the aliyah movement from the USSR reached their lowest point. KGB head Andropov and his successors happily informed the politburoin a report which was partially correct at the timethat they had managed to suppress those movements, and that the Jews who were still active were under continuous surveillance by the agency and were unable to operate. Andropov reported, for example, in May 1981, that the KGB had managed to uncover plans for and prevent a meeting in a forest near Moscow both to commemorate the Holocaust and to protest authorities' refusal to grant Jews exit permits.

Since the early 1980s, as Soviet premier Leonid Brezhnev grew physically and mentally weaker, Andropovs influence grew stronger. He was appointed to replace him upon his death in 1982, and served as the premier of the Soviet Union until 1984.

During that period, the countrys relations with the US reached an unprecedented low and the tensions were the highest since the Cuban missile crisis. These tensions led to US President Ronald Reagans famous speech, in which he referred to the USSR as the evil empire, and increased the friction between the countries to the point of the threat of war. These tensions greatly affected the KGB, which saw the situation as another product of the Zionist plotwhich dominates the American leadership's state of mindto undermine the stability of the Soviet bloc. As a result, the KGB expanded its activity against Zionism.

According to the Mitrokhin documents, on December 25, 1981, the party ordered to improve the intelligence activity against the subversion of the worlds Zionist centers.

Several months later, the heads of all arms of the KGB met in Leningrad for a conference on Zionism. The conferences speeches stressed the extensive subversive activity of the Zionist centers around the world and their infiltration into decision-making centers in different countries, and claimed that the Zionist organizations are affecting some countries foreign policy and aggravating conflicts around the world. The conference further stressed that there is not a single negative incident in socialist countries that Zionists are not involved in.

The Jews in the USSR, they argued, are more inclined to betray the country, to wage a battle against the Soviet regime, to immigrate to a different country, to collect intelligence on the USSR and to hand it over to enemies.

Following the conference, in the summer of 1982, they issued a work plan for fighting Zionism until 1986. Vladimir Kryuchkov, who was appointed head of the KGB in 1988, also stressed that Zionism is the main threat to the USSR and to the Soviet bloc.

The KGBs work plans for the two following years were written in a similar manner. The KGB heads saw the Freemasonry movement as part of the global Jewish conspiracy as well, asserting that the American industrial-military network is still dominated by Jews.

According to the Mitrokhin documents, protocols of the first meetings chaired by Mikhail Gorbachev as the USSR leader in 1985 suggest that anti-Semitism did not skip his generation either. When the KGB presented its work plan against human rights activist Andrei Sakharov and claimed that he was one-hundred percent influenced by his Jewish wife, Yelena Bonner, Gorbachev said, probably jokingly: Well, thats what Zionism does to a person.

Nevertheless, it was Gorbachev who released Sakharov from the house arrest he had been placed under, and later even opened the gates of the USSR for free Jewish emigration, which led to the arrival of about one million immigrants in Israel in the 1990s.

Research and translation from Russian by Will Styles, Alexander Tabachnik, Yana Sofovich and Yael Sass.
ISLAMABAD - US president-elect Donald Trump offered to help solve Pakistan's problems and praised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a "terrific guy" in the first call between the two men, the Pakistani leader's office said.

Historical allies in the region, Islamabad and Washington have seen relations sour in recent years over US accusations that Pakistan shelters Islamist militants, a charge denied by the South Asian nation.

Sharif's office said late on Wednesday the Pakistani premier called Trump to congratulate him on his victory and issued a read out of the call. Trump's team confirmed the two men talked and issued a brief statement.

"President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way," said the statement issued by Sharif's office.

"I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it."
SANTIAGO- Two lawsuits have been filed in Chile against three current or former Israeli Supreme Court justices for endorsing the construction of the West Bank separation barrier and the seizure of goods from Palestinians.

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Chile's Palestinian Federation filed a war crimes suit Monday against current Justices Uzi Vogelman and Neal Hendel and retired justice Asher Grunis, who was president of the court in 2012-15. The group argues that Chile's international agreements allow for suits involving crimes against humanity committed in other countries.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said the suit is a yet another publicity stunt with no legal basis by the Palestinian Federation of Chile.

Palestinian protester

A Chilean-Palestinian woman who owns land in the Cremisan Valley, which is near Bethlehem, filed a separate suit against the justices.

The lawyer representing her in the case, Nicolas Pavez, said the plaintiffs decided to sue in Chile after exhausting all avenues in Israel over the past eight years, leading to the Israel top court ruling on the legality of the barrier.

Nahshon condemned what he called "the cynical abuse of the legal system to advance a political agenda" and said he expects Chilean authorities will "not to give a hand to such abuse."

Marcela Prieto Rudolphy, a Chilean attorney who specializes in human rights, said the suit is not likely to succeed.

"It's impossible for prosecutors to carry out an investigation over acts carried out in another country," she said. "Even if the case received a ruling, it would be impossible to carry it out."

Israel began building the barrier in 2002 in response to a wave of suicide bombings that killed hundreds of people. Israel says the barrier is needed to keep out Palestinian attackers. Palestinians say the structure is an illegal land grab because it frequently juts into the occupied West Bank.

"The Supreme Court justices are accused of giving an appearance of legality to this wall that is illegal and that constitutes a war crime," Pavez said.

Chile's Palestinian community is among the world's largest, with about 350,000 immigrants and their descendants.

The Palestinians seek all of the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war, as parts of a future independent state.

In 2004, the International Court of Justice, the UN's highest judicial organ, issued an advisory opinion that found Israel's barrier to be illegal.
MADISON - The first candidate-driven statewide recount of a presidential election in 16 years was set to begin Thursday in Wisconsin, a state that Donald Trump won by less than a percentage point over Hillary Clinton after polls long predicted a Clinton victory.

The recount requested by Green Party candidate Jill Stein carries none of the drama of the Florida presidential recount of 2000, when the outcome of the election between Al Gore and George W. Bush hung in the balance. Almost no one expects Stein's push for recounts in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania to result in a Clinton victory over Trump.

But still, county election officials across Wisconsin were hiring temporary workers, expanding hours and dusting off recount manuals to prepare for the work of retabulating nearly 3 million ballots.

Most counties will manually recount the ballots, although Stein lost a court challenge this week to force hand recounts everywhere. The state's largest county, Milwaukee, was recounting the ballots by feeding them through the same machines that counted them on election night. In Dane County, where Clinton won 71 percent of the vote, the ballots will be counted by hand.
A member of Knesset from the Bayit Yehudi party has been accused in a Facebook post of sexually harassing women, sending Israeli social media into frenzy in recent days.

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Chagit Moriah-Gibor, who knows the complainants, posted on Facebook calling on other women that may have been harassed by the MK to contact her.

"The stories keep piling up, and this silence is deafening to me," wrote Moriah-Gibor. "There's a senior public official who has attacked and still attacks women, for years now. I know of an old case and recently I've encountered additional stories. Shocking ones. We're trying to put together several testimonies, even anonymously, to expose this man. I'm asking and begging you. If anyone has experienced this, or knows someone else who experienced this, or knows of such an experiencecontact me. Complete confidentiality is assured."

Photo: Shutterstock

Moriah-Gibor told Army Radio on Thursday morning that she is aware of three women who claim the MK sexually harassed them, but none of them would file a complaint with the police.

"It's important to me that this doesn't become a political issue," she said.

Officials in the political establishment said the leaders of Bayit Yehudi knew of the allegations, but did nothing. Party leader Naftali Bennett said Thursday that he spoke with the MK and that "the MK in question completely denied the allegations."

"Minister Bennett is calling on anyone who feels she has been hurt, and any person in any position, to go and complain to law enforcement authorities," his office said.

Associates of the accused MK, meanwhile, said that "We're used to the fact that every few years, there are those who spread stories about the MK, and eventually it turns out there's nothing to these stories. We have no interest in rewarding the slanderers by helping them in blowing things out of proportion, which is why we will settle for this response."

Yedioth Ahronoth has obtained several testimonies from women who claim their friends were harassed by the MK. Two of the women spoke of harassment and another about abuse of authority.

The women who are leading the search for other possible cases are not the alleged victims, but friends of theirs.

One of the women said on Wednesday, "I know a few stories about him. There's one old harassment story from quite a few years ago, and other stories that are more fresh and severe of abuse of authority."

Yedioth Ahronoth has learned that ahead of the 2015 elections, one of the women who claims to have testimony against the Bayit Yehudi MK contacted another member of Knesset, asking her to look into the matter. The MK instructed the woman to take the testimony to the police.

Rabbis in the national-religious sector said they have received complaints from women against the MK and have established a team to investigate the matter, led by Safed's rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu.

Meretz MKs Michal Rozin, Zehava Galon and Tamar Zandberg released a statement on matter, calling on Bennett to "root out the bad apples in your party. This time you won't be able to wait for other people to do your job for you. No one, no matter who, particularly elected officials, has immunity when it comes to hurting women. Every minute of silence puts all members of your party under suspicion and sends a grave message to the alleged victims from the parliament and the minister entrusted with our children's education.

"You must conduct a thorough inquiry in your party and promise the victims your support and protection. You should turn to law enforcement authorities and ask them to launch an investigation. Any other action is akin to cooperating with the suspected MK."







There have been no complaints filed with the police so far.
Mumbai, Nov 30 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today interacted with all the District Collectors on different issues including effects of demonetisation in rural areas of the state.

The discussion was held via video conference on topics like providing relief to farmers after demonetisation, Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojna, Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages and cities, farm ponds progress, a statement from the Chief Ministers Office said.

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Fadnavis asked bank officials to work in tune and consultation with district administration and ensure more flow for disbursement to farmers from District Co-operative Banks, it said.

The Chief Minister also asked to supply lower denomination currency in tribal areas and also organise awareness programs at tehsil level.

Fadnavis also asked the officials to prepare roadmap for cashless economy which includes citizens needs, transferring transactions to digital mode, technology awareness, said the statement.

The Chief Minister asked officials to work with more focus and on mission mode for making cities and villages ODF.

He also reviewed progress for farm ponds and asked to complete the works at the earliest, it added. PTI MR NRB BSA BAS

--- ENDS ---
Israeli-Arab businessmen who were asked to give an estimate to help repair damage caused to a synagogue in Haifa due to the massive fires there have said they will carry out the project pro-bono, and refuse any compensation for the restoration work.

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"I decided to help and not receive any payment," said Walid abu-Ahmed, a wood panel supplier based in Haifa.

"Jews and Arabs live together in Haifa, and there is no discrimination. We must continue with this co-existence and promote peace."

Rabbi Hiyon personally thanking abu-Ahmed (Photo: Mohammad Shinawi)

The third floor of the conservative Moriah synagogue in the Ahuza area of the city was burned in the fires which raged there on Thursday.

The Rabbi of the synagogue, Dovi Hiyon, was also looking for new wooden tables to replace the ones which were destroyed in the fire. He went to carpenter Shachar Sela, who agreed to work pro-bono, but wanted payment for the materials.





Burnt pages from the Synagogue (Photo: Rabbi Dovi Hiyon)

Burnt pages from the Synagogue (Photo: Rabbi Dovi Hiyon)

Burnt pages from the Synagogue (Photo: Rabbi Dovi Hiyon)

The carpenter went to several wood suppliers before reaching out to abu-Ahmad and Ziad Yunis. When abu-Yunis heard what the wood was to be used for, he decided to give the wood free of charge.

"I had tears in my eyes when I heard what was happening," Rabbi Hiyon said. "It was so emotional to hear that Muslims were asking to donate to a Jewish synagogue. I've invited them to evening prayers to personally thank them."

Burnt pages from the Synagogue (Photo: Rabbi Dovi Hiyon)

Rabbi Hiyon with the synagogue in ruins (Photo: Rabbi Dovi Hiyon)

Gadi Gvaryahu, Chairman of Tag Meir  an organization which encourages inter-faith dialogue  said "we need to extend our outreach to the majority of the Israeli-Arab population which is interested in co-existence. The wood supplier and the carpenter are a better representation of the Israeli-Arab population than the extremists."

Abu-Ahmed added that Islam is a religion of forgiveness.

"We are all people," he said. "I call on all citizens  Arabs and Jews everywhere  to continue to live in co-existence. We all want to live happy lives.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- Israel's new ambassador to Turkey has arrived in Ankara as the two countries seek to mend relations that soured after a deadly Israeli naval raid on a Turkish ship headed for Gaza.

Eitan Naeh arrived Thursday morning in the Turkish capital as part of a reconciliation deal clinched in June, ending six years of animosity.

Naeh, quoted by Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, noted that Turkey and Israel "have a history of helping each other in times of need."

Turkey was among the nations to offer assistance to Israel in battling a series of wildfires that raged across the country last month.
About three weeks have passed since the US election. Donald Trump is the president of the worlds strongest power. Countless commentaries have already been written about his election, and all the possible outcries and cries of joy have been heard.

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The appointments for the new administrations are underway, and like after every US election campaign, the main question in Israel is whether the appointments are good for us.

Brooklyn partk defaced with two swastikas and a slogan saying 'Go Trump'

I understand the fear. The appointments made by Trump will affect Israels policy, even if its leaders pretend not to care what the world thinks. But what bothers me is how the reports on the rise in hate crimes and incitement since the elections  like the drawing of swastikas and racist, and even anti-Semitic, graffiti  go hand in hand with the satisfaction by Trumps election in the Israeli government and among a significant part of the Israeli public.

Since Trumps victory was declared, there have been more and more testimonies on social networks and among the American public of physical and verbal attacks on members of minority groups . The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a legal advocacy organization for weakened and poor populations, reported that there had been 701 acts of hate in just the first week after the elections. The list of victims is led by immigrants, blacks and LGBT people. For now, attacks on Jews are in the 10th place, and the drawing of swastikas is in the fifth place. The fact that other minority groups are targeted more than Jews may be the reason why Israelis have been so indifferent to these reports.

The differences between the United States and Israel in terms of hate crimes and incitement are historical. While the American administrations motivation to eradicate hate crimes stems from crimes against black people (racism), Israels motivation stems from hate crimes against Jews (anti-Semitism). Israel doesnt care how racist the new administration is, as long as this racism doesnt hurt Jews. We have no problem with the fact that you hate Muslims and blacks, just dont target Jews. But thats called walking a very tight rope.

Only last week, we saw a clip showing Richard Spencer, a Trump supporter who heads the National Policy Institute (NPI) and backs the creation of an  Aryan homeland, performing a Nazi salute and chanting Hail Trump!

Steve Bannon, who was appointed as Trumps chief strategist, is one of the leaders of the white supremacy movement in the US. His appointment sparked a wide range of reactions among Americas Jews. One of the most interesting ones, which clearly points to the distortion in the Jewish-Israeli approach, came from Jewish jurist Alan Dershowitz, who stated that Bannon was not anti-Semitic and had good relations with Jews. If we translate such a statement to the Israeli reality, it immediately becomes ridiculous. Because even a person who shares a plate of hummus with Arabs may go to war next summer.

Hate crimes and incitement to violence against a person who is considered different, even if he is a non-Jew, should make us cry aloud. We must not trust those who support incitement against people that are considered different, and we must cry out not only in cases of swastika graffiti, anti-Semitic comments or physical attacks on Jews, but also when a gay person is assaulted or when a writing like Make America White Again is spray-painted on a wall. After all, as history has taught us, Jews tend to fall into the same hole others are thrown into.
Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett said Thursday he spoke to an MK in his party who has been accused of sexual harassment and that "the MK in question completely denied the allegations."

"Minister Bennett is calling on anyone who feels she has been hurt, and any person in any position, to go and complain to law enforcement authorities," his office said.
Three Israeli Arabs received prison sentences on Thursday for supporting ISIS and planning to form an ISIS terror cell in Israel.

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The threeAhmed Khalil, 27, from Nazareth; Mohammad Sharif, 23, from Nazareth; and Hamed Ghazaleh, 24, from Yafa an-Naseriyye (Jaffa of Nazareth)were convicted of forming an unlawful association, having contact with a foreign agent, conspiring to commit a crime and planning to form an ISIS cell in Israel.

The Nazareth District Court sentenced Sharif and Ghazaleh to five years' imprisonment each.

Khalil, who identifies with Salafi jihadism, has been serving a life sentence since 2010 for the murder of a taxi driver. He received an additional two-and-a-half years to his sentence.

Ahmed Khalil

Khalil and Ghazaleh had previously known each other, and the two spoke on the phone via a contraband cellphone Khalil had kept hidden in prison.

In July 2015, Khalil called Ghazaleh and said his father was coming to visit him in prison and that the father would pass on a message to Ghazaleh from him.

On Wednesday, it was cleared for publication that a young Israeli Arab from Jaljulia was arrested for supporting ISIS and planning to join the terror organization in Syria.

The Jaljulia suspect's brother crossed the border into Syria in October 2015 using a paraglider, and a relative claimed the suspect "contacted people in Syria to check on his brother, not to infiltrate into Syria himself. There's no basis to the suspicions and we hope he is released soon.

Recently, three residents of Tayibe were also arrested and confessed in their investigation to supporting ISIS, planning to leave for Syria and digging tunnels to smuggle weapons under the security barrier.
BUCHAREST- Military planes and helicopters flew over the Romanian capital Thursday as thousands turned out to celebrate the national day, marking the date when the country reunified with Transylvania in 1918.

President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos were among senior officials who watched a military parade. Some politicians were absent from the main stage after Iohannis said he would not invite to the celebrations those who are being investigated for wrongdoing

However, Senate speaker Calin Popescu Tariceanu, charged with making false statements to protect people in a real estate case, and Liviu Dragnea, chairman of the Social Democratic Party, who was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence this year for voting fraud, turned out for the celebrations nonetheless, and stood in the crowd.
DOHA - An independent English-language news site in Qatar accused the Gulf state of censorship on Thursday, saying two internet service providers had blocked access to its website.

The Doha News, which stirred a debate about the limits of tolerance in the conservative country in August with an opinion column on gay rights in Qatar, said the two internet firms had simultaneously barred access to its website on Wednesday.

"We can only conclude that our website has been deliberately targeted and blocked by Qatar authorities," the Doha News said in a statement. "We are incredibly disappointed with this decision, which appears to be an act of censorship."

A Qatar government spokesman was not immediately available for comment. One of the two internet service providers is state-controlled Ooredoo. The company declined to comment.
PARIS- France called for restraint between Russia and Ukraine after warships from Moscow's Black Sea Fleet took up position off Crimea's western coastline in response to the start of Ukrainian missile tests nearby.

"France is concerned about the deployment of Russian warships off Crimea's coastline," Foreign ministry spokesman Romain Nadal told reporters in a daily briefing. "We call on all parties to refrain from all escalation and urge dialogue to which France is ready to contribute in all possible ways."

Kiev began two days of missile tests on Thursday, angering Russia, which has put its air defence forces on high alert saying it hopes the war games won't disrupt international flights.
BANJUL- Gambians voted on Thursday in the first serious electoral challenge to President Yahya Jammeh, who has said only Allah can remove him from office and once claimed he would rule the tiny riverside West African nation for "a billion years".

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Jammeh, who seized power in a 1994 coup, has made headlines by claiming to have an herbal cure for AIDS that only works on Thursdays, declaring Gambia an Islamic republic, believing that sorcerers killed his aunt, and threatening to slit the throats of practicing homosexuals whom he describes as "vermin."

Rallies for the main opposition challenger businessman Adama Barrow have attracted crowds of thousands, in a rare show of defiance to a leader rights groups say frequently imprisons and tortures opposition figures.

Gambian police and para-military register to vote (Photo: Reuters)

Barrow has promised to revive Gambia's economy, one of the region's most sluggish, end wide spread human rights abuses and to step down after three years as a boost to democracy.

Jammeh's supporters deny allegations of atrocities and he frequently rails against Western interference in African internal affairs. Dressed in white robes and carrying a copy of the Koran, the president has also drawn large crowds during rallies across Gambia, which straddles the Gambia river on Africa's west coast.

Voters queued up at polling stations where they will chose by dropping marbles into drums painted green, silver and purple for the three candidates, each with his picture on. Gambian officials say the system is designed to avoid spoiled ballots and to simplify the process for the many illiterate voters.

Voting drums (Photo: AP)

A Reuters reporter in the country said both internet and international phone signals had been jammed. Repeated attempts to call sources in Gambia did not go through.

Activist Jeggan Grey Johnson with Open Society Foundation called the outages a "deliberate attempt by the incumbent to control any sort of information sharing". Gambia's communications minister could not be reached for comment.

European Union observers have been barred from monitoring the presidential poll; African Union observers have been admitted.

In April, small protests in Banjul calling for electoral reform led to dozens of arrests, including that of the leader of the main UDP opposition party Ousainu Darboe.

Two UDP members have since died in custody while others remain in jail.

Jammeh said this week: "My presidency and power are in the hands of Allah and only Allah can take it from me."
Large amounts of rain began falling in northern Israel Wednesday evening, with rain now reaching the center of the country and the Shfela region

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Rain is expected to continue to fall, with rainfall expected in the northern negev region.

Mataeo Tech weatherman Yaakov Zadah said that "there have been heavy rains accompanied by thunder and hail. There may be flooding in city centers, and flash floods in various rivers. Winds have been recorded at 80-90 kilometers per hour. The sea will have great waves for surfing."

Rain in Ashdod (Photo: Matan Tzuri)

Rain in the Lower Galilee (Photo: Ido Erez)

Rain clouds in Tel Aviv (Photo: Yaron Brenner)

Rain in Jerusalem (Photo: Eli Mendelbaum)

Big waves on the Tel Aviv Port (Photo: Yaron Brenner)

Rain in the Lower Galilee (Photo: Ido Erez)

Rain clouds above Tel Aviv (Photo: Lisa Cohen)

The last 12 hours have seen 16mm of rain fall in the Golan heights, 26mm in the Sea of Galilee area, 12mm in the Upper Galilee, 8mm along the northern coast, 35mm in the Jezreel Valley, 40mm on Mt. Carmel, 5mm in the Sharon region, and 4mm in the Gush Dan region.

The Ashdod municipality prepared its emergency response teams in advance, as the Sharon plains area felt extremely strong winds which brought heavy rain. Meanwhile, heavy rains were reported in the Galilee, and a wintery mix was reported on Mt. Hermon.

The top of Mt. Hermon will be closed to visitors on Friday.
With effect from December 3, 2016, old Rs 500 notes cannot be used for purchase of petrol, diesel and gas at the stations operating under authorisation of public sector oil marketing companies and for buying airline tickets at airport counters, a government notification said.

By Press Trust of India: The government has cut short the deadline of using old Rs 500 notes at petrol pumps and for buying airline tickets at airports till December 2 instead of December 15 announced earlier.

With effect from December 3, 2016, old Rs 500 notes cannot be used for purchase of petrol, diesel and gas at the stations operating under authorisation of public sector oil marketing companies and for buying airline tickets at airport counters, a government notification said. While junking old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 rupee notes on November 8, the government had allowed their use for utility bill payments for 72 hours.

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Also read: Demonetisation Pay Day LIVE: Scramble to draw salary sees huge queues outside banks, ATMs

WHERE TO USE YOUR OLD CURRENCY

This deadline was extended twice and when the last one was to expire on November 24, it amended it to state that only the old Rs 500 rupee note could be used for payment of utility bills like electricity, water, school fees, pre-paid mobile top-up, fuel purchase and airline ticket booking.

While the old note will continue to be accepted for the other utility bill payments as well as at railway ticketing counters and counters of government or public sector undertaking buses for purchase of bus tickets till December 15, it will be discontinued for purchase of fuel and airline tickets at airport counters.

Also read: Delhi: Aam-aadmi bears the brunt of demonetisation, DTC officials accept old notes worth over Rs 8 crore

Also, the government has dropped earlier announced plan to allow the use of Rs 500 rupee notes for payment of toll at national highways from December 3. Toll payment in both old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 rupee notes was accepted till December 2 and from December 3 it was to be limited in 500 rupee notes. But now this facility too has been withdrawn.

From December 3, fuel purchase, airline ticket booking at airport counters and highway toll payment would be allowed only in lower denomination currency or the new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 rupee notes.

Sources said, the move to curtail use of old notes at petrol pumps and highway toll plazas follows reports of the facility being misused to launder black money.

--- ENDS ---
KIGALI- A Rwandan military tribunal began hearings on Thursday against a former army officer deported from Canada last month to face charges over Rwanda's 1994 genocide.

Jean Claude Seyoboka is accused of genocide, planning genocide, and murder and rape as crimes against humanity.

He was a second lieutenant in the army when unknown gunmen shot down a plane carrying the then-presidents of Rwanda and Burundi, triggering an uprising by militias from the majority Hutu ethnic group. The militias killed about 800,000 Tutsis and Hutu moderates.

The military prosecution told the court that Seyoboka, who was deported from Canada on November 18, trained the Interahamwe militia and killed Tutsi in several parts of the capital, Kigali.
VIENNA - Austria's most infamous son, Adolf Hitler, is rarely mentioned in his home country. So it came as a shock to many when presidential candidate Alexander Van der Bellen reached into a folder during a recent live TV debate and produced a photo montage including two images of the Fuehrer.

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The former Greens leader was complaining at a Facebook post in which a campaign picture of him walking his dog had been juxtaposed with photographs of Hitler and his German shepherd dog at the Nazi leader's mountain retreat.

"Do you find that in order?" Van der Bellen demanded of his opponent, Norbert Hofer of the right-wing Freedom Party (FPO), naming an FPO official as one of the people who had shared the image online.

Gate to the Austrian Mauthausen concentration camp (Photo: Reuters)

Hofer, who in the Nov. 20 debate described the post as "dreadful", has protested at the daubing of his own campaign posters with swastikas and Hitler-style moustaches.

It was the latest uncomfortable moment in a long, tortuous campaign for Sunday's election in which Hofer, who despite his anti-immigration platform disputes the label 'far-right', says he has drawn encouragement from Donald Trump's presidential victory in the United States.

Against the background of the migration crisis, the contest will be watched across Europe as a barometer of anti-establishment sentiment and a test of support for populist right-wing politicians, following Britain's Brexit vote in June and ahead of elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany next year.

Some historians see the use of Hitler's image to slur both candidates as another sign that Austria, annexed by Germany in the 'Anschluss' of 1938, has yet to come to terms with its own Nazi past. That stands in contrast with the sense of collective guilt every German has grown up with since World War Two.

"It's only since the second half of the 1980s that Austria's responsibility has become a topic of discussion," said Hannes Leidinger, a history professor at Vienna University.

Austrian Mauthausen concentration camp (Photo: Reuters)

Austria long presented itself as the first victim of the Nazis, a narrative initially supported by the Allies even though large parts of Austrian society celebrated the Anschluss and many took on roles in the Nazi war effort and the Holocaust.

The so-called 'victim myth' only began to crumble in the 1980s when an international scandal unfolded around Kurt Waldheim, who played down his past as an army intelligence lieutenant attached to Germany military units and became United Nations Secretary-General and president of Austria.

The process is still going on. Until 2013, visitors to an Austrian exhibition in Auschwitz, the Nazis' most notorious death camp, could see a display reading "Austria - First Victim of National Socialism". Austria is still updating the exhibit.

ECHOES OF THE PAST

At a seminar last week next to picturesque Lake Ossiach near Austria's border with Slovenia, schoolteachers discussed ways to make Austria's past more accessible to teenagers.

"I was aggrieved when I saw that Waldheim is not an issue any more for my students. This was so important for my own political socialisation, the break with the victim myth. Pupils are simply not interested in this," said one teacher, 50-year-old Barbara Rossi.

Bernhard Glitschtaler, 29, a nose-pierced author of several books on Nazi crimes in the province of Carinthia, said he tried several times to set up a memorial for victims of the Third Reich in his native valley, but was rebuffed by other locals.

Visitors read names of those killed at Austria's Mauthausen concentration camp (Photo: Reuters)

"The families of the victims and the perpetrators still know each other, they work together," he said.

"It's hard to imagine that state of mind, where the descendants of the victims still feel shame about their ancestors' deaths, as well as fear of the consequences if their names are mentioned on a monument."

Werner Dreier, the director of the government-financed Nazi-era remembrance platform Erinnern.at, which has offered advice on how to teach the Holocaust since the early 2000s, says the idea that broader Austrian society carried responsibility has made a "hesitant" entry in school books in recent years.

From post-war curricula, which apportioned the blame to military leaders, to the 1990s, when victims' narratives were the focus, Dreier said the country had come a long way to include the perspective that many civilians helped the Nazis.

Gudrun Blohberger, who heads the pedagogical centre atAustria's Mauthausen concentration camp site, says tours for schoolchildren started to be redesigned around 2007 but the lessons are not yet fully anchored in society.





A barrack at Austria's Mauthausen concentration camp (Photo: Reuters)

"Specifically that you don't just talk about the past, but that you carry the insights that you can gain from the past into your own thinking and your actions," she said. "This is something we should work on very hard."

Most of those taking part in the seminar said it would be wrong to draw simple comparisons between today's parties like the FPO, which criticize Islam and immigration, and right-wing populists in the 1930s.

But some called on teachers to carefully tease out some broad parallels between those times and the present, not only in Austria but also in France or the United States.

"This is about recognizing and explaining the overall character of exclusion," Austrian political scientist and nationalism expert Anton Pelinka said. There was a need, he added, to exert pressure "against hysteria and the construction of fear".

One 33-year old teacher, who preferred to remain anonymous, said he tried to draw lessons not only from Austria's Nazi past but also from other periods like the Balkan wars of the 1990s. Such examples could resonate more strongly with his students, many of whose families have migrated to Austria.

"You find everything from Islamic State sympathizers to far-right extremists in my classes," he said. Such students, he added, are worried about jobs and feel largely excluded from politics.

"I try not to use the Nazi era too much," he said. "I try to draw abstractions from history: people offering simple enemies, simple answers."
ALGIERS -- The United States is "watching very carefully" for Islamic State militants operating outside Sirte as the jihadist group faces defeat in its former North African stronghold, a senior US Department of State official told Reutersew.

"They have made a great deal of progress, but the fight has been quite severe and the Libyan forces have taken a lot of casualties," said Marie Richards, the Department of State's deputy counterterrorism coordinator for regional and multilateral affairs.

"We are very confident that in a short period they will be able to eliminate the threat coming out of Sirte."
WASHINGTON  President Barack Obama has nearly ruled out any major last-ditch effort to put pressure on Israel over stalled peace negotiations with the Palestinians, US officials said, indicating Obama will likely avoid one last row with Israel's government as he leaves office.

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Frustrated by the lack of progress, Obama for more than a year had considered giving a major speech describing his vision for a future peace deal or, in a more aggressive step, supporting a United Nations resolution laying out parameters for such a deal. Although the goal would be to impart fresh urgency to the moribund peace process, either step would have been perceived as constraining Israel's negotiating hand while strengthening the Palestinians' argument on the world stage.

Discussions about those potential maneuvers, under way before the US election, have fallen off since Donald Trump's surprise victory, officials said. Obama is now highly unlikely to approve either of those options presented to him by US diplomats, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss internal deliberations.

Benjamin Netanyahu & Barack Obama in New York (Photo: AFP)

Officials left open the possibility that Obama could address the Mideast issue in a more limited way, short of weighing in on the contours of a future peace accord, before leaving office.

The White House and the Israeli Embassy in Washington both declined to comment.

Obama's reluctance to upset the status quo in his final months in part reflects his desire to protect his legacy of support for the Jewish state. Though he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have disagreed sharply on Israeli settlements and the Iran nuclear deal, Obama recently signed an unprecedented military aid deal worth $38 billion over the next decade.

Avoiding a last-minute fight also allows Obama's successor to approach the Israeli-Palestinian issue unencumbered by a diplomatic hangover.

Anticipating that Democrat Hillary Clinton would win the presidential race, the Obama administration had examined ways for Obama to more explicitly detail what he sees as obstacles to a breakthroughsuch as continued Israeli settlement-building in West Bank lands claimed by the Palestinians for a future state. Clinton, who ran on a pledge to strongly support Israel, could have softened Obama's tone upon taking office, potentially enough to lure both parties back to the table.

Trump's election dramatically changed the calculus.

The Republican Party and many Trump supporters are vehemently opposed to UN actions targeting Israel. So any action by Obama would put Trump on the defensive, potentially aggravating him and forcing him to respond publicly.

That could lead Trump to stake out a hard-line stance in opposition to Obama, in turn making it difficult for him to play a neutral arbiter between Israelis and Palestinians in the future. Trump has voiced interest in being the president to finally solve the Mideast conflict and has suggested his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, could be the one to broker a deal.

In the latest sign he's inclined to maintain the status quo, Obama on Thursday signed a six-month waiver to a law requiring the US Embassy to be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which Israel considers its capital. Presidents have waived the law since it was enacted in 1995. But Trump has insisted he would finally follow through on moving the embassya move that would infuriate Palestinians, who claim Jerusalem's eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

Netanyahu has said little about Trump's victory beyond congratulating himpossibly in an attempt to avoid antagonizing Obama while he is still in office. He's ordered his Cabinet not to comment on the election and told his ministers not to speak to Trump's transition team.

For years, the US has officially opposed any attempts by Palestinians to seek recognition for statehood or allow multi-country groups like the UN to impose solutions.

"Our view hasn't changed that we believe that the preferred path for the Palestinians to achieve statehood is through direct negotiations that will lead to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution," State Department spokesman John Kirby said earlier this week.

Yet early last year, Obama began flirting with the possibility that the US could alter that stance by supporting a statehood bid at the UN, reflecting his dismay about a perceived lack of seriousness by Netanyahu about making peace. Obama was incensed when Netanyahu, during his re-election in 2015, voiced opposition to Palestinian statehood, though the Israeli leader later walked back that statement.

Though Obama and his aides have generally avoided speaking publicly about options being considered, they have conspicuously avoided ruling anything out. Officials maintained that all options remain on the table, unlikely at this point as they may be.

Maintaining ambiguity about what Obama might do could preserve any leverage the president still has over Israel's government. Removing the threat of US action, on the other hand, could embolden Israeli hard-liners and amplify calls for increased settlement construction and even the annexation of parts of the West Bank.

The Republican-run House this week passed a non-binding bill sponsored by House Foreign Relations Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce and his Democratic counterpart urging Obama to continue blocking resolutions that attempt to impose preconditions on a peace deal. The bill passed with support from House leadership and lawmakers of both parties.
Two Iranians and their Kenyan driver, who worked for the Iranian embassy in Nairobi, were charged on Thursday with collecting information for a terrorist act after filming the Israeli embassy, lawyers said.

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Sayed Nasrollah Ebrahimi, Abdolhosein Ghola Safafe and driver Moses Keyah Mmboga "were found taking video clips of the Israeli embassy ... for the use in the commission of a terrorist act", according to a charge sheet produced in court.

Kenyan police responding to terror attack

The three men were in a car belonging to the Iranian embassy when they were arrested on Tuesday, the court papers said. The diplomatic status of the two Iranians was unclear.

The Iranian embassy did not respond to requests for comment.

"My clients pleaded not guilty and have been detained by the ATPU (Kenya's Anti Terrorism Police Unit) for further interrogation," defence lawyer Cohen Amanya told Reuters after the men's court appearance.

Prosecutor Duncan Ondimu said the two Iranians were visiting Kenya but gave no further details.

Kenyan police in Nairobi (Photo: AP)

Kenya has suffered repeated militant attacks in recent years but those were mainly carried out by ethnically Somali militants who would be hostile to Iran because of sectarian differences.

In 2002, 15 people died when an Israeli-owned hotel was bombed in the coastal town of Mombasa at the same time two missiles were fired at an Israeli jet, narrowly missing it.

In June 2013 a Kenyan court convicted two Iranian nationals of being Quds agents plotting attacks against Western targets in Kenya and they were sentenced to life in prison. That sentence was reduced on appeal in February to 15 years imprisonment.

Members of the Revolutionary Guard

Ahmad Abolfathi Mohammad and Sayed Mansour Mousavi were arrested in June 2012 and led officials to a 15-kilogram stash of the explosive RDX. At least 85 kilograms of the explosives that authorities say was shipped into Kenya has not yet been found.

Kenyan anti-terror officials said the two Iranians are members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force, an elite and secretive unit.

In November 2015, two Kenyans admitted assisting Iranian state intelligence to plot attacks on western targets in Kenya, according to the country's police chief. Abubakar Sadiq Louw, 69, and Yassin Sambai Juma, 25, confessed to being spies for the Quds Force, according to Joseph Boinnet.

He said the two had been given money by their handlers to case their targets for future terror attacks and to recruit others, including children. He declined to say which western targets were being surveyed.
A synagogue in the eastern Georgian city of Gori was found on Thursday vandalized, with some of its religious texts stolen and its Torah scrolls torn by unknown individuals.

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The local police have opened an investigation and are looking for the perpetrators. If caught, they are expected to face a prison of term of between three to five years.

Damaged Torah scrolls

Police at the synagogue

Vandalized synagogue

The vandals ripped some Torah scrolls and stole others. In addition, a number of torn books were found in the synagogue's backyard.

This incident is unprecedented in Georgia, a country that is known for its tolerance to Jews and zero cases of anti-Semitism. MK Ksenia Svetlova (Zionist Union), a member of the Israel-Georgia Parliamentary Friendship Group, said, "I was shocked to hear about the destruction of the synagogueThis is a dangerous precedent that must be dealt with now before it grows. Georgia is one of the friendliest countries to Israel, so it's even more surprising and worrying."
Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman held a meeting with the UN ambassadors of several countries in which he discussed Israel's role in the Middle East and the world at large, while slamming the UN's international perception.

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Among participants in the meeting were the UN ambassadors of Canada, Russia, India, Italy, Senegal, Singapore, Rwanda, Greece, Cyprus, Holland, Bulgaria and Argentina. The meeting was hosted by Israel's ambassador to the UN Danny Danon.

Ambassador Danon and Defense Minister Lieberman at the UN

During the meeting, Lieberman told the ambassadors that what has happened in the last decade in terms of world security is very troubling and warned that the UN, and other world bodies, is unable to solve these problems and risks becoming less relevant to what is happening in the international arena.

Lieberman drew on numerous examples of serious international issues, such as the Syrian civil war, where at least half a million people have been killed and millions more displaced. In addition to Syria, Lieberman also drew on the example of North Korea, a country which flouts international laws by committing rampant human rights abuses and nuclear weapons testing.

Lieberman contended that the UN and other international bodies have no real recourse to stop these activities and instead waste their time passing anti-Israel resolutions and motions such as the recent resolution adopted by UNESCO concerning Jerusalem.

"All this proves that the United Nations, including the Security Council, do not perform their duties and are not relevant to the rest of the world," said Lieberman.

After the meeting, Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said that the ambassadors were briefed by Lieberman on Israel's security challenges and the Middle East. "We are strengthening our ties and cooperation with many countries and there is a clear understanding among our allies that Israel is an island of stability in a turbulent Middle East," said Danon.
JACKSONVILLE -- Authorities say a gunman threatened some of the 11 people held hostage at a Jacksonville, Florida, credit union before they were rescued by SWAT team members.

Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams says that after the suspect on Thursday put his gun to the back of the head of one hostage, SWAT team members had resolved to storm the bank at the first opportunity.

Williams says that moment came when two people who had been hiding inside the bank unbeknown to the suspect made a run for it, distracting the gunman. SWAT team members then rushed into the Community First Credit Union and put themselves between the suspect and hostages, according to the sheriff.

Williams says the suspect is in custody.
MOSCOW -- An unmanned Russian cargo space ship broke up in the atmosphere and crashed over Siberia on Thursday en route to the International Space Station due to an unspecified malfunction, the Russian space agency said.

Roscosmos said in a statement that the Progress MS-04 cargo craft broke up at an altitude of 190 kilometers over the remote Russian Tuva region in Siberia that borders Mongolia. Most of space ship's debris burnt up as it entered the atmosphere before crashing over what the space agency said was an uninhabited area.
ANKARA -- "A good part" of Syrian Kurdish fighters have withdrawn from the Syrian city of Manbij, a Turkish deputy prime minister said on Thursday.

Turkey has repeatedly insisted that the Syrian Kurdish YPG and PYD should quit Manbij, something that both they and the United States have said has already happened.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus made the comments during an interview on the state-run broadcaster TRT Haber, and added that Turkey's ongoing operations in Syria's al-Bab and Manbij were matters of national security unrelated to the situation in Aleppo.

Russia is a main backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey supports the rebels fighting to oust him, but the two have been trying to find common ground on Syria since a rapprochement in August.
Chaos is expected at banks across India, with some of them asking for extra security today.

By India Today Web Desk: Demonetisation will face its biggest test today as people rush to banks and ATMs to withdraw their salaries credited in their accounts at the end of the month. Faced with a severe cash crunch, chaos is expected at banks across India, with some of them asking for extra security today.

The Reserve Bank of India has said it is ready for large-scale withdrawals, with government presses printing the new Rs 500 notes round the clock to meet the massive demand.

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Here are the latest developments:

People are likely to throng at bank branches on December 1 as central and state governments credit salaries and pensions to millions of accounts. A large number of ATMs are still dry even 23 days after the government scrapped 500 and 1000 rupee notes last month to crack down on black money. Despite recalibration of nearly 70 per cent of ATMs do not have cash, while people are struggling with the problem of change as the operational ones dispense mostly high denomination Rs 2,000 notes. A visit to different bank branches in both New Delhi and adjoining Noida revealed people hassled after standing in bigger queues to withdraw their salaries. Queues began to form outside banks from 7 am and even earlier, as against the opening time of 10 am for most banks. Banks may have to lower the withdrawal limit as there is limited cash coming from RBI, said an official from UCO Bank. Many banks have made 'SOS calls' to the RBI for additional cash for the first few days of December to meet the initial rush of people. Many banks are contemplating to set up additional counters for withdrawal to meet the rush. Top government officials say special efforts are being made to pump in additional cash into banks to meet the heavy demand for currency notes on account of salary withdrawal. Most private companies in India credit salaries to their employees on the last day of a month even as labour laws allow wages to be disbursed on any day before the 10th of the next month.

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UNITED NATIONS -- Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has apologized for the UN not doing enough to contain the spread of a cholera outbreak in Haiti, but not for bringing the disease to the Caribbean nation.

Ban made his remarks Thursday in a speech announcing the UN's new approach to cholera in Haiti.

"On behalf of the United Nations, I want to say very clearly we apologize to the Haitian people. We simply did not do enough with regard to the cholera outbreak and its spread in Haiti. We are profoundly sorry for our role," Ban said.

Researchers say cholera was introduced to Haiti by Nepalese troops who were part of a UN peacekeeping mission.

For years, the UN denied or remained silent on longstanding allegations that it was responsible for the outbreak.
Lt. Col. John Marks, a pilot with the 303rd Fighter Squadron, logged his 6,000th hour in the A-10 Thunderbolt II at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Nov. 14, 2016.Nearly three decades of flying and 11 combat deployments later, Marks has achieved a milestone that equates to 250 days in the cockpit, which most fighter pilots will never reach and puts him among the highest time fighter pilots in the U.S. Air Force.Ever since the end of the Cold War Era when Marks began his Air Force career , the mission in the A-10 has remained the same protect the ground forces.Six thousand hours is about 3,500 sorties with a takeoff and landing, often in lousy weather and inhospitable terrain, said Col. Jim Macaulay, the 442d Operations Group commander. It's solving the tactical problem on the ground hundreds of times and getting it right every time, keeping the friendlies safe. This includes being targeted and engaged hundreds of times by enemy fire.He also said its a testament to Marks skill that hes never had to eject, and they both praise and respect the 442d Maintenance Squadron for keeping the planes mission ready.Marks early sorties were low-altitude missions above a European battlefield, so different tactics have been used in more recent sorties that have focused on high-altitude missions above a middle-eastern battlefield.In the end, we can cover the ground forces with everything from a very low-altitude strafe pass only meters away from their position, to a long-range precision weapon delivered from outside threat ranges, and everything in between, said Marks.Most combat sorties leave lasting impressions because the adrenaline rush makes it unforgettable, said Marks.The trio of missions I flew on February 25, 1991, with Eric Salomonson on which we destroyed or damaged 23 Iraqi tanks with oil fires raging all over Kuwait certainly stands out, he expressed. The sky was black from oil fires and smoke and burning targets, lending to an almost apocalyptic feel."Recently, a mission I flew on our most recent trip to Afghanistan, relieving a ground force pinned down by Taliban on 3 sides and in danger of being surrounded, using our own weapons while also coordinating strikes by an AC-130 gunship, 2 flights of F-16s, Apaches, and AH-6 Little Birds, stands out as a mission I'm proud of," continued Marks about one of the most rewarding missions of his career, which earned him the President's Award for the Air Force Reserve Command in 2015.Having more than 950 combat hours like Marks does is valuable for pilots in training because experience adds credibility, said Macaulay.I've watched him mentor young pilots in the briefing room then teach them in the air, said Macaulay. Every sortie, he brings it strong, which infects our young pilots that seek to emulate him.As an instructor pilot, Marks said he uses his firsthand experience to help describe situations that pilots learn during their book studies, such as, what its really like to withstand enemy fire.I like to think we can show them a good work ethic as well, Marks added. You always have to be up on the newest weapons, the newest threats, the newest systems. You can never sit still.Marks plans on flying the A-10 until he is no longer capable, which gives him a few more years in the cockpit and the potential to reach 7,000 hours.I love being part of something that's bigger than any individual and doing something as a career that truly makes a difference - whatever you do in the Air Force, you're part of that effort, said Marks. It's going to be up to you to carry on the great tradition we have in our relatively short history as an Air Force.
Dobra, k. Szczecina 900 m2

40 miejsc parkingowych



Atut: Dodatkowe dochody z paczkomatow InPostu, a juz niedugo i z myjni samoobsugowej.



Tradycyjny zakup nieruchomosci, mozliwosc wykupienia uzytkowania wieczystego.
Lutf Amim Shibli had begun his protest on November 1 outside Karachi Press Club (KPC), threatening that he would commit suicide if Raheel was not given an extension in service.

By PTI: A 64-year-old die-hard fan of former Pakistan army chief Raheel Sharif has committed suicide by consuming poison, protesting the government's decision not to give an extension to the just-retired General.

Lutf Amim Shibli, who once served as chairman of the Progressive Workers Union at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), had begun his protest on November 1 outside Karachi Press Club (KPC), threatening that he would commit suicide if Raheel was not given an extension in service.

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"Raheel Sharif is a messiah. I am his fan. Only he can save the country from terrorism and social ills," read the posters and banners set up around his camp.

READ| Pakistan Army ready to teach India a lesson: General Raheel Sharif

According to doctors, the man took his life by consuming poison a few days ago.

"He attempted suicide on November 27 after the ISPR [Inter-Services Public Relations] announced the retirement plan of Gen Raheel. We took him to Jinnah hospital from where he was referred to Aga Khan University Hospital. He was initially on ventilator, but later died," said Shibli's sister-in-law Nooren.

"Before consuming poison, he wrote a letter to his wife, saying that his funeral prayers must be held in front of the KPC," she was quoted as saying by the 'Express Tribune'.

Police surgeon Eijaz Ahmed said that Shibli's post-mortem had not yet been conducted but it looked he died of poisoning.

Shibli's family originally belonged to Jalandhar, India, but they had migrated to Pakistan after independence and he joined the KPT.

READ| Pakistan aware of 'nefarious designs' of enemies: General Raheel Sharif

He had married thrice and his first wife, Gulzari Begum, also a trade union leader of the Pakistan Steel Mills Progressive Workers Union, was killed a few years ago.

He is survived by five children from his first spouse and two children from another wife, who lives in Gizri.

One of his close friends, while requesting anonymity, said the deceased was not mentally fit and would become aggressive on different issues confronted by Pakistan.

"He was frustrated and used to talk about committing suicide. Finally, he did it," he said.

READ| 17 soldiers killed since Army's surgical strike. How should India respond?

Nasir Mansoor, deputy general secretary of the National Trade Union Federation, said Shibli was a leftist leader and his decision to support the army bewildered many of his colleagues.

"We have never supported any general. I don't know how Shibi, who had once played a great role for the rights of labourers, became a fan of Raheel Sharif, which was unusual for left-oriented comrades," he said.

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60-year-old Raheel retired on November 29 after a three-year tenure. General Bajwa, 57, took over the command of the army on Tuesday at a ceremony in Rawalpindi from him.

Also Read:Army launches biggest assault since 2003 against Pakistan to avenge soldier's beheading

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Lower productivity levels and the higher risk of mortality resulting from sleep deprivation have a significant effect on a nation's economy.

Sleep deprivation increases the risk of mortality by 13 per cent and leads to the U.S. losing around 1.2 million working days a year.

Increasing nightly sleep from under six hours to between six and seven hours could add $226.4 billion to the U.S. economy.

A lack of sleep among the U.S. working population is costing the economy up to $411 billion a year, which is 2.28 percent of the country's GDP, a new report finds.

According to researchers at the not-for-profit research organisation RAND Europe, part of the RAND Corporation, sleep deprivation leads to a higher mortality risk and lower productivity levels among the workforce, putting a significant damper on a nation's economy.

A person who sleeps on average less than six hours a night has a 13 percent higher mortality risk than someone sleeping between seven and nine hours, researchers found, while those sleeping between six and seven hours a day have a 7 percent higher mortality risk. Sleeping between seven and nine hours per night is described as the "healthy daily sleep range".

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In total, the U.S. loses just over 1.2 million working days a year due to sleep deprivation among its working population. Productivity losses at work occur through a combination of absenteeism, employees not being at work, and presenteeism, where employees are at work but working at a sub-optimal level.

The study - 'Why Sleep Matters - The Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep'- is the first of its kind to quantify the economic losses due to lack of sleep among workers in five different countries - the U.S, UK, Canada, Germany, and Japan. The study uses a large employer-employee dataset and data on sleep duration from the five countries to quantify the predicted economic effects from a lack of sleep among its workforce.

Marco Hafner, a research leader at RAND Europe and the report's main author, says: "Our study shows that the effects from a lack of sleep are massive. Sleep deprivation not only influences an individual's health and wellbeing but has a significant impact on a nation's economy, with lower productivity levels and a higher mortality risk among workers."

He continues: "Improving individual sleep habits and duration has huge implications, with our research showing that simple changes can make a big difference. For example, if those who sleep under six hours a night increase their sleep to between six and seven hours a night, this could add $226.4 billion to the U.S. economy."

The U.S. has the biggest financial losses (up to $411 billion, which is 2.28 percent of its GDP) and most working days lost (1.2 million) due to sleep deprivation among its workforce. This was closely followed by Japan (up to $138 billion, which is 2.92 percent of its GDP, and around 600,000 working days lost).

Germany (up to $60 billion, which is 1.56 percent of its GDP, and just over 200,000 working days lost) and the U.K (up to $50 billion, which is 1.86 percent of its GDP, and just over 200,000 working days lost) have similar losses. Canada was the nation with the best sleep outcomes, but still has significant financial and productivity losses (up to $21.4 billion, which is around 1.35 percent of its GDP, and just under 80,000 working days lost).

To improve sleep outcomes, the report outlines a number of recommendations for individuals, employers and public authorities:

Individuals - Set consistent wake-up times; limit the use of electronic items before bedtime; and physical exercise during the day.

Employers - Recognise the importance of sleep and the employer's role in its promotion; design and build brighter workspaces with facilities for daytime naps; combat workplace psychosocial risks; and discourage the extended use of electronic devices after working hours.

Public authorities - Support health professionals in providing sleep-related help; encourage employers to pay attention to sleep issues; and introduce later school starting times.
Latest News

Washington, DC - The Department of State has selected the Miller Hull Partnership, LLP of Seattle, Washington for the design concept of the new U.S. Embassy project in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The multi-building complex will be situated on a 9.4-acre site in the Zona 16 neighborhood, and will include a chancery building, Marine Security Guard Residence, and support buildings. The new complex will provide Embassy employees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.

Since 1999, as part of the Departments Capital Security Construction Program, OBO has completed 133 new diplomatic facilities and has an additional 53 projects in design or under construction.

OBOs mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.
Dense fog that has enveloped Delhi and its surroundings may stay there for next few days with met officials saying that the low wind activities are not expected to change soon.

By Parbina Purkayastha: One person has died and 10 others were injured as dense fog and low visibility led to a number of accidents on the Yamuna Expressway.

The deceased was travelling in a car from Firozabad to Noida when he met with the fatal accident near Mathura.

Dense fog enveloped Delhi-NCR forcing slow traffic movement and fatal accidents. Visibility was reduced to less than 50 metres in the region. A number of vehicles crashed into one-another on the expressway.

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READ| Delhi fogged out for second straight day; flights, trains affected

Meanwhile, several flights were delayed and diverted as Indira Gandhi International Airport authorities temporarily suspended the operations for some time due to low visibility. The flight operations have resumed now.

A flight lands amidst dense fog at the Indra Gandhi airport in New Delhi. (Photo: AP)

Several Delhi-bound trains are reported running late. Trains running behind the schedule have also been reported from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana due to thick layers of fog.

READ| What the fog! North India wakes up to season's first haze; Delhi flights hit

Dense fog has aggravated the pollution problem in Delhi as the low wind speed has increased the density of suspended particles in air. According to met officials the current fog and smog situation may continue to prevail for next few days.

ALSO READ:

Got them keys: Moments after case filed over Rahul Gandhi's Twitter hacking, Congress account now hacked

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Chonmipem Horam `Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent`- Victor Hugo Can you imagine a life void of music? Absolutely NOT! Whether you admit it or not, music permeates our daily life, weaving its beauty and emotion through our thoughts, activities and memories. Music is harmony and music is beauty. Music has the quality of expressing the inexpressible. One cannot approach music with ones own peculiar likes, dislikes or tastes, which are all a part of ones own conditioning. Music is something both extraordinarily complex and incredibly simple at the same time.Roots of World Music day World Music Day also known as Fete de la Musique, was a music festival that began in France in 1982.The idea was conceived by French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang in 1981. Since then June 21st has been celebrated every year as World Music Day. Today, it has spread to Argentina, Australia, Britain, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland, Costa Rica, China, India, Lebanon, Pakistan and many other countries. On this day, the musicians perform for free in open areas. Free concerts are organized in parks, museums, train stations, castles etc. This is done to promote music, making all genres of music accessible to the public. It gives an opportunity to communicate and share special bond through music. The term World Music includes traditional as well as non-western music. It is folk music of any culture, created and played by indigenous people. It is a classical form of music accompanied by traditional ethnic instruments, some prominent forms are  Japanese Koto music, India raga music, Tibetan chants and South African `township music`. Genres India, being a land of unity in diversity with various cultures, traditions, art forms, every region has its own unique musical form. While there are various genres, Indian classical music has been divided into North Indian tradition known as Hindustani music and Carnatic music belonging to South India. But apart from these, there are varied forms such as  Bhangra, Bhajans or devotional, Ghazals and Qawwalis, Indi-pop, Folk, Tribal, Film songs, Remixes, Fusion. While, Bhangra is a dance oriented folk music, Bhavageete (literally `devotional song`) is a form of expressionist poetry and light music. Qawwali is a Sufi form of devotional music based on Hindustani classical. And in the West, we have Metal, Punk, Rock, Hip-Hop, Hard Rock, alternative, Experimental, Country, Disco, Funk, Classical, Progressive, Trance, Techno, Ska, Reggae music. Trance Music was developed in early quarters of 20th century and is generally played in club houses and dance floors. Indigenous Country Music born of the US is in form of folk, Celtic, church, gospels and tribal music, while, Pop Music is both classical and folk. Reggae is a music genre developed in late 1960`s. Its lyrics deal with faith, love, sexuality, relationships, injustice etc. Hip-hop is both a cultural movement and genre of music developed in New York City in 1970`s by African Americans and Latin Americans.The good, the bad and the ugly Music is an important form of communication. Its a reflection of society in a particular time and place. Music needs no boundaries, it bonds us irrespective of who we are, and where are we from. Not only its a source of entertainment but it also acts as a medium to convey messages, of how things are, and what lies ahead in the future. Michael Jackson`s song `Heal the world sounds beautiful as well as inspiring as it echoes noble thoughts. There`s A Place In Your Heart, And I Know That It Is Love, And This Place Could Be Much Brighter Than Tomorrow, And If You Really Try You`ll Find There`s No Need To Cry,In This Place You`ll Feel There`s No Hurt Or Sorrow There Are Ways To Get There If You Care Enough For The Living Make A Little Space, Make A Better Place... Heal The World, Make It A Better Place, For You And For Me And The Entire Human Race There Are People Dying, If You Care Enough For The Living, Make A Better Place For You And For Me If You Want To Know Why There`s A Love That Cannot Lie Love Is Strong, It Only Cares For Joyful Giving If We Try, We Shall See In This Bliss We Cannot Feel, Fear Or Dread We Stop Existing And Start Living Then It Feels That Always Love`s Enough For Us Growing So Make A Better World Make A Better World... And The Dream We Were Conceived In, Will Reveal A Joyful Face And The World We Once Believed In Will Shine Again In Grace Then Why Do We Keep Strangling Life Wound This Earth, Crucify Its Soul Though It`s Plain To See, This World Is Heavenly Be God`s Glow We Could Fly So High Let Our Spirits Never Die In My Heart, I Feel You Are All My Brothers Create A World With No Fear Together We`ll Cry Happy Tears See The Nations Turn their Swords Into Plowshares We Could Really Get There If You Cared Enough for The Living Make A Little Space, To Make A Better Place... You And For Me Music also grants us the freedom of expression. Like in late 1980`s and 90`s, young black Americans coming out of the Civil Rights Movement used this to show the limitation of the movement. It used Hip-hop to voice their issues. It lets them the world to be noticed. But inspite of all these social impacts, there have been negative aspects as well. Some of the most popular songs in Hip-hop genre have negatively influenced violence, drugs, alcohol, sex and disrespect for authorities, which is detrimental to the lives and education of the youngsters.Festivals There are many World Music festivals and jazz/folk/roots/new age crossover events. The Ariano Folkfestival is the biggest World Music festival in southern Italy, is held in mid August. The California World Music Festival is held each July at Nevada County Fairgrounds. The World Sacred Music Festival is held annually in Olympia, Washington State. FloydFest in Floyd, Virginia, USA. The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance in Trumansburg, New York, USA. Rainforest World Music Festival is another world music festival held in Malaysia. Stern Grove festival is a San Francisco celebration of musical and cultural diversity. The Starwood Festival in New York has been held in July every year since 1981.
Kathmandu: Prime Minister Prachanda's efforts to achieve reconciliation with the Madhesi issue received a setback on Thursday when the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and the Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal (FSF-N) refused to back the Constitution Amendment Bill.

The Madhesi groups said that the amendment was not acceptable in its current discriminatory form.

UDMF and FSF-N made it clear that that they cannot accept the Constitution amendment bill which has been registered in Parliament by Nepal's government despite opposition from CPN-UML.

A UDMF statement, jointly issued by Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal Chair Upendra Yadav, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Chair Mahantha Thakur and Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party-Nepal Chair Mahendra Prasad Yadav, said, "We cannot accept the Constitution amendment bill, which was unilaterally registered in the Parliament by the government because the bill does not address the issues raised by Madhesis, Janajatis and deprived communities."

FSF-N Chair Yadav alleged that the government has comitted a blunder by going ahead with the Constitution amendment bill without addressing the demands of indigenous nationalities, Tharus, Khas, Muslims, women, Dalits and Madhesi movement.

Yadav said the provincial autonomy and 10-province model were still being treated as disputed issues and the concerns over five Tarai districts Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Kailali and Kanchanpur were yet to be addressed.
New Delhi: The HRD Ministry has appealed to higher educational institutes to develop cashless campuses in line with the government's digital drive.

HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday stressed on digital literacy in order to move towards cashless campuses.

He called on the faculty to encourage people to use a digitally enabled system for transfer of funds.

"The huge digital transformation that India is undergoing at the moment, will bring greater transparency, in eradication of black money and corruption.

You will work hard but someone tomorrow may get a job through corruption," Javadekar said while launching the Vittiya Saksharata Abhiyan here.

He appealed to the higher educational institutes not to receive fees or make any payments in cash.

The VISAKA campaign will involve institutions like the IITs, NITs, IIITs, and central universities and colleges to promote cashless economy, IANS reported.
Shillong: Two civilians who were caught depositing Rs 28 lakh in bank accounts of the banned GNLA terror outfit in old 500 and 1,000 currency notes, were arrested by the Meghalaya Police on Thursday.

The arrested persons have confessed the cash belonged to an area commander of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), IANS reported.

"We have arrested two civilians -- Sengchang Momin and Solly Sangma -- for depositing Rs 28,00,000 in bank accounts in Tura after demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes," the report quoted IGP GHP Raju as saying.

The GNLA, which is fighting for a separate 'Garoland' in Meghalaya, is headed by Champion R. Sangma, who has been lodged in Shillong jail since 2012.

The police have asked the bank authorities to freeze the accounts.

The Centre had recently issued an alert that militant groups might park their illegal money in bank accounts of civilians.
By PTI: New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Experts from various countries have gathered in the national capital for the Fourth India-Central Asia Dialogue to deliberate on impact of changing global dynamics in the region and discuss ways to boost multilateral cooperation.

The two-day dialogue hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) began today at the Sapru House.

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"12 experts from Central Asian countries are participating in the dialogue. Overall, over 20 speakers, including those from India, will address different sessions over the two days," a senior official said.

The subject of the first session this morning was India-Central Asia amid Changing Global Dynamics which was chaired by former foreign minister of Kyrgyz Republic.

Zilola Karimova, Head of Middle East Division, Information-analytical Centre for International Relations in Tashkent, said "the relationship in the region should be based on cooperation and not competition."

"We have been cooperating in areas of transport. And, Uzbekistan is ready to develop relationship with other countries based on mutual trust," she said.

When asked about Iran-Saudi Arabia relationship, Karimova said, "Our main policy is not interference but to resolve all issues with peaceful means. The relationship between the two countries is part of geopolitics and must be solved on a bilateral level."

Iskander Akylbayev, a foreign policy expert from Kazakhstan said, "Central Asia is being seen through a prism of the the Great Game. In terms of geopolitics, we are still not quite in the centre. Some say we are on the periphery. We are not all so united but there is an activation in that process."

Central Asia, in the modern context, generally includes five countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

"The region of Central Asia is poised to play greater regional and international role as the nearby economies of India and China are once again becoming the engines of global economic growth," the ICWA said.

The first India-Central Asia Dialogue was held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyz Republic in 2012, second in Alamaty, Kazakhstan in 2013 and third in Dushanbe, capital city of Tajikistan. PTI KND RCJ

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi: The official Twitter account of the Indian National Congress (@INCIndia) was hacked on Thursday morning, a day after hackers broke into party vice-president Rahul Gandhi`s account (@OfficeofRG).

Some messages laden with expletives and profanities were posted on it.

Reacting to the latest incident, Congress Communication Department in charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said that "free speech and right to disagree in India is under attack by licensed trolls".

"Such despotic and vulgar attempts reflect the extremities of an intolerant culture that resorts to abuse when cornered and left answer less."

He added that the cyber bullying should be "An eye opener for Modiji!"

Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account was hacked on Wednesday night and some obscene were put out online for around an hour.

The hackers had also removed Rahul's profile picture and changed the account title.

The Congress has, meanwhile, filed a complaint with the Cyber cell of Delhi Police on the hacking of its vice president's Twitter account.

The complaint was filed by party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, demanding strict action against those behind the hacking.

After the hacking, Congress raised questions on the digital safety of all Indians and said it reflects disturbing insecurities of the prevalent "fascist culture" in the country.

Gandhi's account was hacked around 8.45 pm and some messages with profanities were put out, but these were deleted soon thereafter.

Here is what Surjewala tweeted today:

First @OfficeOfRG & now @INCIndia hacked by lumpen fascists. Free speech & right to disagree in India is under attack by licensed trolls.1/n  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 1, 2016

Such despotic &vulgar attempts reflect the extremities of an intolerant culture that resorts to abuse when cornered and left answer less.2/n  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 1, 2016
New Delhi: In a major development in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, a Delhi court on Thursday issued fresh open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) against British national Christian Michel James.

The court also issued summons against a company and two other accused in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar issued the fresh arrest warrant against James after Public Prosecutor Navin Kumar Matta urged for the open-ended non-bailable warrant against James since he is staying abroad.

After considering a supplementary charge sheet in the case, the court issued summonses against Delhi-based Media Exim Pvt. Ltd. and its Directors R.K. Nanda and former Director J.B. Subramaniyam under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and fixed January 7 for next hearing.

The court said there is prima facie sufficient evidence on the involvement of accused in the case.

The company will be represented by authorised representative.

ED had filed a fresh chargesheet against James

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in June filed a fresh charge sheet against James and three others, including the company, in its ongoing money laundering probe in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

The ED counsel told the court there is enough evidence against the accused to initiate proceedings.

According to the ED, Media Exim is a shell company of James and incorporated for facilitating transactions of kickbacks.

The agency is said to have found that of the alleged kickbacks received by James, Rs 6.33 crore was routed to India through his shell company Media Exim from his Dubai-based Global Services FZE.

Christian Michel James

James allegedly received around Rs 225 crore as kickbacks from AgustaWestland for the deal inked for the purchase of 12 helicopters in the guise of transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country.

"Nanda and Subramaniyam were appointed Directors of Media Exim Pvt. Ltd., who willingly and knowingly connived with James and helped him in acquiring various immovable and movable properties or assets in Delhi, which have already been attached," the ED said.

James was accused of playing the middleman in this deal and paid kickbacks by Finmeccanica, a group firm of AgustaWestland.

James and two other alleged middlemen Guido Ralph Haschke and Carlo Gerosa have been named as accused in separate investigations conducted by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Both the agencies have also notified an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against James after a city court issued non-bailable warrant against him.

An Italian court revealed that James, a resident of London, was working as consultant in India for AugustaWestland's AWA101 helicopter deal. Investigators said James is currently staying in Dubai where he has been running his companies.

The first charge sheet was filed in the case in November 2014 against businessman Gautam Khaitan, his wife Ritu, Chandigarh-based firm Aeromatrix and two alleged Italian middlemen Gerosa and Haschke.

The charge sheet disclosed that the three alleged middlemen managed to make inroads into the Indian Air Force to influence and subvert the stand of the air force regarding reducing the service ceiling of helicopters from 6,000-metres to 4,500 metres in 2005 after which AgustaWestland became eligible to supply a dozen helicopters for VVIP flying duties.
New Delhi: A local court here has issued a fresh non-bailable arrest warrant Christian Michel James, a British national and the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal case.

Besides the British national, the court also summoned M/s Media Exim Private Limited and its directors R K Nanda and J B Subramaniyam as accused.

The matter will further come up for hearing on January 7.

The accused are co-founders of the firm.

"There is a prima facie evidence against the accused," PTI quoted the court as saying.

The order comes after the government informed the court that the alleged middleman was out of India and pressed for an arrest warrant against him.

An open-ended non-bailable warrant does not carry a time limit for execution.

The Enforcement Directorate had earlier filed 1,300-page complaint in connection with the money laundering case.

India signed the contract to purchase 12 AgustaWestland choppers in February 2010. The choppers were planned to ferry VVIPs like the president and the PM, among others.

The controversy came to light in 2013. And the then Indian defence minister A.K. Antony ordered a probe into the contract.
New Delhi: IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday rejected the Congress' 'sweeping allegations' over the twitter hacking row and said that his ministry has already initiated appropriate action to nab the culprits.

The Congress has indirectly blamed the government over the hacking of its twitter accounts, including that of its vice president Rahul Gandhi.

Terming the attack as a "sinister conspiracy against the party, the Congress alleged that it mirrored the prevalent fascist culture". It also alleged that it exposed the vulnerability of the government's digital India drive.

Clarifying the government's position on the issue, Prasad said, We in Govt totally disapprove of the hacking and appropriate action has been taken.

The minister expressed shock over alleged attempts to link the issue with the government's demonetisation move.

What worries me are the sweeping allegations, as if trying to divert from PM's initiative of cashless economy, ANI quoted Prasad as saying.

Meanwhile, the Congress has filed a complaint with the cyber security cell of the Delhi Police and demanded strict action against those behind the hacking.

"We have written to Twitter to provide us log details such as the IP address of the hackers. We have started investigating the matter," a police officer said.

Both the twitter accounts, however, have been restored.
New Delhi: Hours after Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's telephonic talk with Donald Trump, during which the US president-elect called him a terrific guy, India on Thursday gave a guarded reaction and said it will reserve its judgement till it becomes clear what transpired in the conversation.

Sharif on Wednesday night telephoned US president-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him.

During the conversation, Trump reportedly told Sharif that he would play a positive role to help address Pakistan's problems.

Trump also told him that he is a terrific guy.

Reacting to the Trump-Sharif phone call, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said We have only seen one side of the conversation, so will reserve our judgement.

On the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terror, Swarup said, We will never accept continued cross border terrorism as the new normal, stop cross border terror and then we can talk.

He said that Pakistan called for an international inquiry, we said we are happy even with their domestic inquiry, we gave them DNA, fingerprints, after Uri.

Waiting for certain details before deciding on the next step, Swarup said.

He added that India is always in favour of talks but not in an atmosphere of terror.
London: Romania has overtaken India to emerge as the biggest migrant community in Britain, according to the latest UK figures.

In 2015, some 54,000 Romanians had shifted base to Britain, while some 36,000 Indians migrated to the country during the period, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) said.

"Immigration levels are now among the highest estimates recorded. The inflow of EU citizens is also at historically high levels and similar to the inflow of non-EU citizens," PTI quoted Nicola White, head of ONS, as saying.

"These long-term immigration figures run up to the end of June, so it is too early to say what effect, if any, the EU referendum has had on long-term international migration," she added.

The issue of immigration is believed to be one of the major issues that influenced the Brexit vote in the June 23rd referendum.

The annual net migration to Britain before the vote was pegged at 335,000.

The UK government plans to limit the migration to "tens of thousands".

British Prime Minister Theresa May is committed to bring down the net immigration to sustainable levels, the report quoted a government spokesperson as saying.

This year's mammoth migration of people to Britain was due to the influx of EU nationals to the country  pegged at 650,000 for the year until June 2016.
New Delhi: United States envoy to India Richard Verma on Thursday praised the M777 artillery deal and said that it is a major step forward in the India-US defence relationship.

"As major defence partners, the United States and India remain committed to enhancing military modernisation efforts and building a security partnership based on trust, transparency and shared interests," Ambassador Verma said in a statement on the M777 agreement.

"Indian industry will partner with the US defence subsidiary of BAE Systems to locally assemble, integrate and test the howitzers, supporting Prime Minister Modi`s Make-in-India campaign," he said.

Out of 145 guns, BAE will deliver 25 guns and the rest 120 will be assembled in India by Mahindra.

India on Wednesday signed Letter of Agreement and Acceptance (LOA) with the US to purchase 145 M777 ultra-light artillery guns through the foreign military sale (FMS) route.

"This deal marks a major step forward in the US-India defence relationship and supports jobs in both our countries," Verma was quoted as saying in the statement.

(With IANS inputs)
Dhaka: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will on Thursday meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also holds the defence portfolio.

The minister, who is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, will also hold talks with senior defence officials at Bangladesh Military Academy in Chittagong.

Notably, Parrikar is the first Indian Defence Minister to visit Bangladesh since 1971.

Parrikar, who is leading an 11-member high-power delegation, is meeting top leadership to firm up an upgraded defence co-operation agreement, which is likely to be signed by Hasina during her visit to Delhi later this month.

The accompanying Vice Chiefs of Army and Air Force and Deputy Chief of Navy paid courtesy calls on the respective Service Chiefs of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.

Issues like bilateral naval and air force exercises, training, and capability of Bangladesh defence personnel, the supply of military hardware, technology transfer, co-ordinated patrolling of the international maritime boundary, joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic zones and co-operation in maritime resources offer scope for expanded bilateral defence co-operation between the two countries.

As close neighbours sharing strong cultural and historic bonds, India and Bangladesh have a comprehensive and deep bilateral relationship, including defence co-operation. However, contemporary problems like terrorism and complex geopolitics of the region demand both countries to deepen security ties and expand defence co-operation.

Issues like upgraded military exercises, training and capability building of Bangladesh Armed forces personnel, counter-terrorism and counter-piracy offer scope for expanded defence co-operation.

(With ANI inputs)
Samba (J&K): In a major development, a tunnel has been found near international border in Chamliyal area.

The tunnel found in Chamliyal was used by terrorists in Nagrota attack.

According to BSF IG (Jammu Frontier) DK Upadhyaya, "It is a rat hole-like tunnel and is usually used only once as it is in the open."

Nagrota attack

Earlier, a group of heavily-armed terrorists in police uniform stormed an army unit in Nagrota, about three kms from the Corps headquarters on the outskirts of Jammu city on Nov 29 morning, triggering an intense gunbattle that lasted for several hours.

Seven army personnel, including two officers, were killed in the attack before three terrorists were eliminated in an armed face-off which also involved a hostage-like situation with 12 soldiers, two women and as many children being held captive.

All were later rescued, army spokesman said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on the deadly attack by terrorists on an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir which left seven soldiers dead.

Earlier, army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag briefed Parrikar about the attack.

The assault came just two months after the deadly Uri terror strike.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained seated in the Rajya Sabha even during adjournment of 15 minutes on Thursday.

While the PM remained seated on his chair, several MPS from both the ruling and Opposition parties were seen paying a visit to him for a small chit chat.

PM Modi reached the Upper House few minutes before the Question Hour, when questions related to PMO office were scheduled to be asked.

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan and a AIADMK MPs and a Left MP were seen walking up to him and exchanging pleasantries.

Renowed boxer and member Mary Kom was also seen discussing certain things with Modi.

As members kept meeting him, there were some lighter moments too, as the Prime Minister was seen smiling at times.

The Rajya Sabha was today adjourned again as soon as the house met following a 15-minute-long adjournment after opposition leaders demanded an apology from the Prime Minister.

Later the House was adjourned till 2 pm after huge uproar

As soon as the PM entered the house, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad sought an apology from him for having projected the opposition as "supporters of black money".

Azad was supported by Derek O'Brien of Trinamool Congress (TMC).

(With agencies inputs)
By PTI: New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Experts from various countries have gathered in the national capital for the Fourth India-Central Asia Dialogue to deliberate on impact of changing global dynamics in the region and discuss ways to boost multilateral cooperation.

The two-day dialogue hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) began today at the Sapru House.

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"12 experts from Central Asian countries are participating in the dialogue. Overall, over 20 speakers, including those from India, will address different sessions over the two days," a senior official said.

The subject of the first session this morning was India-Central Asia amid Changing Global Dynamics which was chaired by former foreign minister of Kyrgyz Republic, Askar Aitmatov.

Zilola Karimova, Head of Middle East Division, Information-analytical Centre for International Relations in Tashkent, said "the relationship in the region should be based on cooperation and not competition."

"We have been cooperating in areas of transport. And, Uzbekistan is ready to develop relationship with other countries based on mutual trust," she said.

When asked about Iran-Saudi Arabia relationship, Karimova said, "Our main policy is not interference but to resolve all issues with peaceful means. The relationship between the two countries is part of geopolitics and must be solved on a bilateral level."

Iskander Akylbayev, a foreign policy expert from Kazakhstan said, "Central Asia is being seen through a prism of the Great Game. In terms of geopolitics, we are still not quite in the centre. Some say we are on the periphery. We are not all so united but there is an activation in that process."

Central Asia, in the modern context, generally includes five countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

"The region of Central Asia is poised to play greater regional and international role as the nearby economies of India and China are once again becoming the engines of global economic growth," the ICWA said.

The first India-Central Asia Dialogue was held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyz Republic in 2012, second in Alamaty, Kazakhstan in 2013 and third in Dushanbe, capital city of Tajikistan. PTI KND RCJ

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday stoked a controversy by saying Nagrota terror attack was result of statements made by various ministers against Pakistan post surgical strikes along the Line of Control.

While addressing the press, the National Congress leader also disapproved of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement where he had said - "We don't itch for a fight, but if someone looks at the country with evil eye, we will gouge his eyes out and put them back in his hand, we have that much power.

The ex-J&K CM said if such statements are made, then Nagrota type action is expected.

The NC leader was also of the view that PM Narendra Modi's statement that demonetisation move will end terrorism was also the reason behind terror attacks.

BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh termed Abdullah's statemnets as 'outlandish', saying India has never provoked Pakistan and it has been Islamabad's policy to bleed India 'by a thousand cuts'.

In a first, India on the intervening night of September 28 and 29 carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC with the Army inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan occupied-Kashmir, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned Uri attack would not go unpunished.

Jammu region was rocked by two terror attacks on Tuesday in which seven Army personnel, including two Major-rank officers, were killed and eight other securitymen, including a BSF DIG, were injured, before six heavily-armed terrorists were eliminated in the separate fierce encounters.

In one incident, a group of heavily-armed terrorists in police uniform stormed an army unit in Nagrota, about three kms from the Corps headquarters on the outskirts of Jammu city this morning, triggering an intense gunbattle that lasted for hours.

Seven Army personnel, including two officers, were killed in this attack before three terrorists were killed in an armed stand-off which also involved a hostage-like situation with 12 soldiers, two ladies and two children being held captive.

Three terrorists were gunned down by BSF in Ramgarh area of Samba near the International Border after an encounter that lasted several hours and was followed by intense cross-border firing by Pakistani troops. Four security personnel, including BSF DIG, were injured in this incident.
Delhi: India made it clear to Pakistan on Thursday that terror and talks cannot go hand-in-hand.

"Terror and talks cannot go hand-in-hand. Our stand on this is clear," Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said while addressing the press in the national capital.

"We will never accept continued cross-border terrorism as the new normal, stop cross-border terror and then we can talk," he added.

Swarup further clarified, "No we have not got any request for a bilateral (with Pakistan), also we are always in favour of talks but not in atmosphere of terror."

Regarding the SAARC summit, he maintained, "It was not India which scuttled SAARC process, unanimous members wrote to chair Nepal that atmosphere not conducive."

When asked about Nagrota attack, the MEA spokesperson said, "We are awaiting specific details before deciding on our next step."

At the same time, he pointed out, "I do wish to emphasise that government takes this incident very seriously and will do what it feels is required for national security."

On General Qamar Javed Bajwa taking over as Pakistan's new army chief succeeding Gen Raheel Sharif, Swarup he said, "Change of Army chief is internal matter of Pakistan, but we will judge Pak by its behaviour and its track record."

On November 29, seven Army personnel, including two Major-rank officers, were killed when a group of heavily-armed terrorists in police uniform stormed an Army unit in Jammu and Kashmir's Nagrota.

The unit was about three kms from the Corps headquarters on the outskirts of Jammu city.

Three terrorists were killed in the stand-off which also involved a hostage-like situation with 12 soldiers, two ladies and two children being held captive.

The Army had tweeted then:

The men who laid their lives for the country are:
Ranchi: Afraid of an attack by a herd of elephants, residents of Loharatola village, nearly 40 km from Jharkhand capital Ranchi, have taken shelter in trees.

A herd of wild elephants has spread panic among village residents, damaging their homes and food items and forcing them to flee.

Natwar Lohar, a local villager, said they were forced to live on trees as the elephants had damaged their homes and food items.

"We sleep on the tree to protect ourselves from the elephants. We take children also along with us and all the women sleep together at one place. It is very difficult to manage in the afternoon and night. We stand guard together in the night," said Lohar.

He added that there has been no help from the government or forest officials so far, and they had to fend for themselves.

According to local media reports, the highway too remains almost deserted owing to the fear of wandering elephants.

More than 1,000 people have been killed by elephants in Jharkhand since the state was carved out of Bihar in November 2000.
Tiruchirappalli: At least 10 persons were feared killed and 15 others injured in a fire at an explosive-making unit at Murugapatti, about 40 km from here, on Thursday, police said.

The reason for the fire was not known immediately, police said, adding, three firefighting units and 10 ambulances were pressed into service.

The fire was noticed in one of the manufacturing wings of the factory near Tiruchirappalli and it soon spread to other areas. The noise triggered panic among people in the surrounding area and waves of the blast were felt even two km away from the site, forcing officials to stop traffic on Athur road, police said.

As the area was receiving heavy rains, rescue operations could not be taken up in full swing, though the fire had been almost contained, police said.

"An explosion was heard at Vetrivel Explosives near Tiruchirappalli (333 km from Chennai) in the morning. The ground and first floors have collapsed," news agency IANS quoted G Sathyanarayanan, deputy director-in-charge of Fire and Rescue services (central region), Tamil Nadu, as saying.

There were 15 mini-units in the factory which was manufacturing explosives for deepening and widening wells in the rocky belts.

The licensed unit was working for more than 25 years, police said.

(With Agency inputs)
Bangkok: Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was proclaimed as the new king of Thailand on Thursday.

The 64-year-old ascended the throne 50 days after his father and late King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away.

The Thai monarchy is considered one of the richest in the world.

Vajiralongkorn's ascension to the throne was broadcast live on the national television.

He was reportedly invited to take over the new role by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) after after weeks of protocols.

"I agree to accept the wishes of the late king... for the benefit of the entire Thai people," AFP quoted Vajiralongkorn as saying.

The ascension ceremony at his Bangkok palace was attended by the powerful junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha, the chief of the NLA, among others.

Buddhist temples across the country were asked to beat drums and gongs after his proclamation, the report said.
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday night telephoned US President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him.

The two leaders discussed various issues, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office here.

During the conversation, Trump told Sharif that he is willing to play any role that Pakistan wants to address and find solutions to the country's outstanding problems.

"I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me anytime even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Trump told Sharif.

Trump also told Prime Minister Sharif that he is a terrific guy.

Also Read: Why PM Nawaz Sharif should reach out to US President-elect Donald Trump - Explains ex-Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf

"You (Sharif) are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to seeing you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," Trump was quoted as telling Sharif.

Trump said Pakistan is an "amazing" country with "tremendous opportunities", the statement said.

"Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," the President-elect said.

Sharif also invited Trump to visit Pakistan.

In his reply, Trump said, "He would love to come to a fantastic country, a fantastic place of fantastic people."

"Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people," said Trump.

According to Trump`s transition team, Trump and Sharif on Wednesday discussed how their countries can develop "a strong working relationship".

The two leaders "had a productive conversation about how the US and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future", the transition team said in a statement.

Trump told Sharif in a telephonic conversation that "he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship" with him, it added.

Although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump had spoken when Modi called him to congratulate him on his victory soon after the election results were announced, the conversation with Sharif was the first with a South Asian leader after the beginning of the transition process.

The tenor of Trump`s outreach to Pakistan might surprise some who had expected him to take a strong line against Islamabad because of his criticism of that country and vehement opposition to Islamist terrorism during the campaign.

But the friendlier tone he has taken was in keeping with other assertions he made acknowledging the special risks Pakistan posed with its nuclear weapons and its "semi-stable state".

Because of that, he said in a TV interview during the campaign: "We have a little bit of a good relationship. I think I`d try and keep it."

During his campaign, Trump criticised Pakistan for allowing some terrorist groups to operate from its soil.

He ridiculed President Barack Obama`s administration for not being able to help the jailed doctor who helped the US track down and kill Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was sheltering in Pakistan.

(With Agency inputs)
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday night telephoned US President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him.

The two leaders discussed various issues, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office here.

During the conversation, Trump told Sharif that he is willing to play any role that Pakistan wants to address and find solutions to the country's outstanding problems.

"I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me anytime even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Trump told Sharif.

Trump also told Prime Minister Sharif that he is a terrific guy.

Also Read: Why PM Nawaz Sharif should reach out to US President-elect Donald Trump - Explains ex-Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf

"You (Sharif) are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to seeing you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," Trump was quoted as telling Sharif.

Trump said Pakistan is an "amazing" country with "tremendous opportunities", the statement said.

"Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," the President-elect said.

Sharif also invited Trump to visit Pakistan.

In his reply, Trump said, "He would love to come to a fantastic country, a fantastic place of fantastic people."

"Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people," said Trump.

According to Trump`s transition team, Trump and Sharif on Wednesday discussed how their countries can develop "a strong working relationship".

The two leaders "had a productive conversation about how the US and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future", the transition team said in a statement.

Trump told Sharif in a telephonic conversation that "he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship" with him, it added.

Although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump had spoken when Modi called him to congratulate him on his victory soon after the election results were announced, the conversation with Sharif was the first with a South Asian leader after the beginning of the transition process.

The tenor of Trump`s outreach to Pakistan might surprise some who had expected him to take a strong line against Islamabad because of his criticism of that country and vehement opposition to Islamist terrorism during the campaign.

But the friendlier tone he has taken was in keeping with other assertions he made acknowledging the special risks Pakistan posed with its nuclear weapons and its "semi-stable state".



Because of that, he said in a TV interview during the campaign: "We have a little bit of a good relationship. I think I`d try and keep it."

During his campaign, Trump criticised Pakistan for allowing some terrorist groups to operate from its soil.



He ridiculed President Barack Obama`s administration for not being able to help the jailed doctor who helped the US track down and kill Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was sheltering in Pakistan.

(With Agency inputs)
Havana: A military jeep carrying the ashes of late communist leader Fidel Castro left Havana on a four-day journey across Cuba on Wednesday, with hundreds of thousands of flag-waving islanders bidding farewell along the route.

After two days of tributes to Castro in Cuba`s capital, the "caravan of freedom" departed on a 950-kilometer (590-mile) trek retracing the route of his revolution`s victory tour of 1959.

The flag-covered urn rested on a small olive-green trailer behind the jeep, flanked by white flowers and protected by a glass case, as Havana bid farewell to the man who ruled the island with an iron fist for almost half a century.

The huge crowds chanted "I am Fidel!" and "Viva Fidel!" as the convoy headed on a long trip through the countryside that will end with a burial in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba on Sunday.

Senior officials of the government and Communist Party, as well as Castro`s longtime partner Dalia Soto del Valle, attended the farewell ceremony at the armed forces ministry before the caravan headed out.

Cubans were observing the fifth of nine days of mourning for Castro following his death on Friday at age 90. Castro ruled from 1959 until an illness forced him to hand power to his brother Raul in 2006.

Dissidents call Castro a dictator who jailed opponents but others in Cuba praise his legacy of providing free education and health care to Cubans while defying the US "empire."

"I come from a poor family. I am black. In another era, I wouldn`t have had the opportunity to be who I am today," said Maria Gonzalez, a 31-year-old computer engineer.

Elsewhere along the route, a tearful Esperanza Pares, 86, said it was "moving to say goodbye to a person who meant so much but who lived long enough to accomplish what he wanted."

The urn will be laid to rest at a cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, next to the mausoleum of 19th century independence hero Jose Marti.Castro`s ashes were taking the reverse route that his band of guerrilla fighters took between January 2-8, 1959, to celebrate their defeat of US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista.

The convoy will make a symbol-filled stop on Wednesday in Santa Clara, where the ashes of his Argentine comrade-in-arms, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, rest.

Castro met Guevara in 1955 while in exile in Mexico, and the young doctor joined Fidel and Raul on the boat that took them to Cuba a year later.

Guevara won a crucial battle in Santa Clara in 1958, derailing an armored train and taking the city.

Guevara was given high-ranking positions in the government but he left in 1966 to lead a guerrilla expedition in Bolivia, where he was executed a year later.

His remains were found three decades later and taken to Santa Clara, now home to a huge statute of Che and a museum dedicated to the revolutionary icon.

"His death seemed like something incredible to me. In fact, I don`t know, something that one can never get used to," Fidel Castro once told a Spanish journalist, admitting that he occasionally had dreams in which he spoke with Guevara.As the country ponders its future without Fidel Castro, attention is turning toward Raul and whether he will undertake deeper economic reforms after enacting modest changes in recent years.

The 85-year-old general, who has vowed to step down in 2018, has also restored diplomatic relations with his brother`s eternal enemy, the United States.

"If Fidel`s death results in reforms in Cuba speeding up a little, the rapprochement with the United States could be energized," said Michael Shifter, president of the Washington-based Inter-American Dialogue think tank.

"It`s an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, but a lot will depend on what happens within the Cuban government," he said.

US President-elect Donald Trump threatened this week to halt the detente that was begun by US President Barack Obama if the Castro government doesn`t offer a "better deal" to the Cuban people.

Obama did not join other foreign leaders at a massive rally for Fidel Castro in Havana late Tuesday, instead sending aides as the White House voiced lingering concerns about the human rights situation in Cuba.

Tuesday night`s rally capped two days of tributes in Havana where hundreds of thousands were encouraged by the government to view a shrine to Castro at the capital`s Revolution Square.

Leaders from Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean joined the commemoration, but many skipped the event, highlighting the divisive legacy of the Cold War icon.
Seoul: South Korea`s ruling party on Thursday urged scandal-hit President Park Geun-Hye to step down in April next year, giving her a week to accept their ultimatum or risk impeachment.

Park this week said she would be willing to step down early after coming under huge pressure to quit over an influence peddling scandal that has drawn more than a million people onto the streets in protest.

The ruling Saenuri Party`s 128 lawmakers unanimously agreed to demand Park resign in late April and called for a presidential election to be held in June, six months earlier than scheduled.

"All the lawmakers of the party unanimously approved this timetable", parliamentary floor leader Chung Jin-Suk was quoted as saying by the Yonhap news agency after a crucial party meeting.

The party considered the timetable the most appropriate to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, maintain stability and give political parties time to prepare for the presidential election, Chung said.

Park said Tuesday she would let parliament decide her fate following accusations that she colluded with Choi Soon-Sil -- a secretive confidante dubbed "Korea`s Rasputin" -- to coerce firms to "donate" tens of millions of dollars to foundations which were used for Choi`s personal gain.

Park has been named as a suspect in the investigation, making her the first sitting president to be subject to a criminal probe while in office.

And although Park`s announcement reduced the momentum of calls for her impeachment, the main opposition Democratic Party insisted that Park should be stripped of office by the end of January.

"All South Koreans want Park to leave as soon as possible... they don`t want her to stick around so long," its leader Choo Mi-Ae said.Lawmakers from Park`s own party had backed the opposition-led move to impeach her as early as this Friday.

But one of them, former Saenuri Party head Kim Moo-Sung, said they were now willing to give Park four months to leave office.

"If the president agrees to step down on April 30, there is no need to push through with impeachment", Kim said.

The party would give Park until Thursday next week to accept their demand.

"Otherwise, we would have no other option but to take part in the vote for an impeachment motion Friday next week", said Kim, who is leading the anti-Park group within the ruling party.

While she retains the presidency, Park cannot be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason, but she could be charged once she steps down.

Massive weekly protests have been intensifying over the past month, with up to 1.5 million people braving freezing temperatures in Seoul on Saturday to demand Park`s resignation, according to organisers.

Activists called for a sixth weekly protest on Saturday in central Seoul, despite Park saying she would be willing to cede power.

Park on Wednesday approved a lawyer recommended by the opposition-controlled parliament as an independent prosecutor to carry out a new probe into the scandal.

The special prosecutor will interview Park and be given 120 days to follow up on the findings of state investigators.

She has backtracked on earlier promises to make herself available for questioning in a judicial probe.
By PTI: Jammu, Dec 1 (PTI) Two main complexes at the army unit in Nagrota, which witnessed a fierce gunbattle and hostage-like situation, have been cleared by the army as combing operation continued for the second day today at the camp targeted by terrorists.

"Combing and sanitisation operation have resumed today to clear the entire area of the unit. It will take some more time. No one has been allowed inside so far", a senior army officer said.

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The officer said two main building complexes where the gun-battle and hostage-like situation took place have been cleared and they are totally free from blinds (unexploded shells).

Most of the blinds blast on the spot and the area is being cleared inch by inch so it will take some time before the unit area is opened for normal operation and activity, he said.

"Operation is on to see whether there is presence of any other militant in the area. We cannot take chances", he said.

"Blinds were destroyed today at the site of the deadly terror attack on an army base in Nagrota by a bomb disposal team during combing operations that are still underway," a Defence Spokesman said.

Huge number of blinds of various types have been found in and around the two complexes and other areas of the unit, which were left behind by slain terrorists.

The army launched combing, search and sanitisation operation using sniffer dogs, bomb disposal squads with technical teams armed with equipment after conclusion of the day-long gun-battle between troops and three heavily armed militants, who stormed at 166 artillery unit of Army at Nagrota on Tuesday.

Jammu was rocked by two terror attacks in which seven army personnel, including two Major-rank officers, were killed and eight other security-men, including a BSF DIG, were injured, before six heavily-armed terrorists were eliminated in separate fierce encounters. PTI AB DV

--- ENDS ---
Juba: The South Sudan situation has worsened with UN human rights experts confirming that an "ethnic cleansing" was under way in the war-torn nation.

The African nation has been hit by fresh violence ever since a peace deal between the government and the rebels collapsed in July.

"There is already a steady process of ethnic cleansing underway in several areas of South Sudan using starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages; everywhere we went across this country we heard villagers saying they are ready to shed blood to get their land back," a UN rights expert said.

"Many told us it's already reached a point of no return," the AP quoted Yasmin Sooka of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, as saying.

Places such as Bentiu, Malakal and Wau in South Sudan were the hardest hit.

"The stage is being set for a repeat of what happened in Rwanda and the international community is under an obligation to prevent it," Sooka said.

Also, divisions between the country's tribes have led to a surge of violence.

Both the government and the rebel armies were accused of forcibly recruiting child soldiers for the ongoing war and Sooka has warned that "renewed recruitment shows that they may be preparing for a prolonged conflict.
United Nations: The United Nations Security Council has unanimously imposed its toughest sanctions on North Korea, placing a cap on the hermit state's key coal exports after its defiant nuclear tests.

The new sanctions resolution - which was spearheaded by the United States and came after three months of tough negotiations with fellow veto-wielding council member China - passed by a 15-0 vote.

The resolution demands that North Korea "abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs" and takes aim at the state's exports of coal, its top external revenue source.

Under Resolution 2321, North Korea will be restricted from exporting more than 7.5 million tonnes of coal in 2017, a reduction of 62 per cent from 2015.

Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the resolution would strip the regime of more than $700 million in hard currency, dramatically reducing the money it can spend on nuclear and ballistic weapons.

Speaking to reporters with her counterparts from US allies South Korea and Japan, she said the move marked "the strongest sanctions regime the Security Council has imposed on any country in more than a generation."

"So long as the DPRK makes the choice it has made, which is to pursue the path of violations instead of the path of dialogue, we will continue to work to increase the pressure and defend ourselves and allies from this threat," Power said, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged all countries to enforce the resolution.

"It sends an unequivocal message that the DPRK must cease further provocative actions and comply fully with its international obligations," said Ban, who has flirted with entering politics in his native South Korea after his term ends in a month.

Ban said he was still committed to "sincere dialogue" to resolve the nuclear issue and stood by calls to provide humanitarian assistance to ease the suffering of ordinary North Koreans.

China is North Korea's primary ally and one of the few markets for its coal.

Although Beijing has traditionally protected Pyongyang diplomatically, believing that Kim Jong-Un's regime is preferable to its collapse, it has grown frustrated by the neighbouring state's defiance.

China's UN ambassador, Liu Jieyi, reiterated that Beijing "strongly opposes" the North Korean nuclear tests -- but also made a veiled criticism of joint exercises between the United States and South Korea.

"Certain parties increase their military presence and scale up military exercises, thus intensifying the confrontation," he said at the Council.

"This situation must be changed as soon as possible," he said.
Germany's absence had been expected with the Nuerburgring unwilling to pay hosting fees and Hockenheim reluctant to lose money in successive seasons.

By Reuters: Germany will have no Formula One Grand Prix next year, despite the dominance of Mercedes and the country's new world champion Nico Rosberg, after the race was axed for financial reasons on Wednesday.

While that move will dismay German fans, there was a more welcome change in the renamed Azerbaijan Grand Prix being pushed back to June 25 to avoid a clash with the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar classic.

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Races in Brazil and Canada, whose fate had also been left open on the draft calendar, were confirmed on the 20-round official version published by the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).

There were a record 21 races this year.

Germany's absence had been expected with the Nuerburgring unwilling to pay hosting fees and Hockenheim, which drew a mere 57,000-strong crowd this year, reluctant to lose money in successive seasons.

Hockenheim, one of the best attended venues in seven times champion Michael Schumacher's time, does have a contract for 2018 when the race is expected to return.

Azerbaijan's street race in Baku made its debut this year as the European Grand Prix but organisers had wanted to avoid a repeat of the clash with Le Mans and to remove the logistical challenge of a back-to-back race with Canada.

The races in Austria and Britain are moved back a week to help fill the gap left by Germany, with those grands prix now taking place on July 9 and 16 respectively.

Hungary switches to the July 30 slot that was earmarked for Germany.

Mexico's race is again paired with the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, at the end of October rather than with Brazil which stands on its own as the penultimate round in November.

Malaysia is paired with Japan rather than neighbours Singapore, which remains in its usual slot after Italy. The draft calendar had envisaged Malaysia preceding Singapore.

2017 CALENDAR:

March 26 - Australia (Melbourne)

April 9 - China (Shanghai)

April 16 - Bahrain

April 30 - Russia (Sochi)

May 14 - Spain (Barcelona)

May 28 - Monaco

June 11 - Canada (Montreal)

June 25 - Azerbaijan (Baku)

July 9 - Austria (Spielberg)

July 16 - Britain (Silverstone)

July 30 - Hungary (Budapest)

Aug 27 - Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)

Sept 3 - Italy (Monza)

Sept 17 - Singapore

Oct 1 - Malaysia (Sepang)

Oct 8 - Japan (Suzuka)

Oct 22 - U.S. (Austin)

Oct 29 - Mexico (Mexico City)

Nov 12 - Brazil (Sao Paulo)

Nov 26 - Abu Dhabi

--- ENDS ---

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During search operations, conducted by I-T Department, there would be no seizure of gold jewellery and ornaments to the extent of 500 grams per married women, 250 grams per unmarried women as also 100 grams per male member of the family, it said.

By India Today Web Desk: Amendments to the I-T laws do not seek to tax inherited gold and jewellery as also those items that are purchased through disclosed or agriculture income, the government said today.

The Lok Sabha earlier this week passed the Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, which proposes a steep up to 85 per cent tax and penalty on undisclosed wealth that is discovered by tax authorities during search and seizure.

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Dispelling rumours that jewellery would be covered under the amended law, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said the government has not introduced any new provision regarding chargeability of tax on jewellery.

"The jewellery/gold purchased out of disclosed income or out of exempted income like agricultural income or out of reasonable household savings or legally inherited which has been acquired out of explained sources is neither chargeable to tax under the existing provisions nor under the proposed amended provisions," the CBDT said.

NO SEIZURE OF GOLD FROM MARRIED WOMEN

During search operations, conducted by I-T Department, there would be no seizure of gold jewellery and ornaments to the extent of 500 grams per married women, 250 gm per unmarried women as also 100 gm per male member of the family, it said.

"Further, legitimate holding of jewellery up to any extent is fully protected," it added.

The Bill, which is currently under consideration of the Rajya Sabha, will amend Section 115BBE of the Income Tax Act to provide for a steep 60 per cent tax and a 25 per cent surcharge on it (total 75 per cent) for black money holders.

READ: What happens after 500, 1000 rupee notes scrapped: 10 things you must know

Another section inserted provides for an additional 10 per cent penalty on being established that the undeclared wealth is unaccounted or black money, taking the total incidence of levies to 85 per cent.

CBDT said: "Tax rate under section 115BBE is proposed to be increased only for unexplained income as there were reports that the tax evaders are trying to include their undisclosed income in the return of income as business income or income from other sources.

"The provisions of section 115BBE apply mainly in those cases where assets or cash etc. are sought to be declared as 'unexplained cash or asset' or where it is hidden as unsubstantiated business income, and the Assessing Officer detects it as such."

PENALTY

The Bill also proposes to raise penalty under I-T Act for search and seizure cases by 3-fold to 30 per cent, a move aimed at deterring black money holders, from 10 or 20 per cent currently.

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Once the amendments are approved by Parliament, there would be a penalty of 30 per cent of unaccounted income, if admitted and taxes are paid. This would take the total incidence of tax and penalty to 60 per cent.

While proposing to amend Section 271AAB, the government has decided to retain the provision of levying penalty of 60 per cent of income in "any other cases". That would raise the incidence of tax and penalty to 90 per cent.

READ: Going to exchange your old notes? Keep these 10 points in mind

During 2015-16, the I-T Department conducted 445 searches which discovered undisclosed income of Rs 11,066 crore. Total assets seized were Rs 712.68 crore.

Also 545 searches conducted in 2014-15 have led to admission of undisclosed income worth Rs 10,288 crore. Total assets seized amounted to Rs 761.70 crore.

Besides, 569 searches in 2013-14 saw admission of undisclosed income of Rs 10,791.63 crore and asset seizure of Rs 807.84 crore.

This took the total undisclosed income which was admitted during searches to Rs 32,146 crore.

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Search and seizure operations are conducted by the tax department when the Assessing Officer believes that the assessee is unlikely to produce books of accounts or likely to suppress books of account and other documents which may be useful and relevant to an income tax proceedings.

GOVERNMENT CLARIFICATION

Government clarifies that the apprehension sought to be created that the jewellery with the household which is acquired-out of disclosed sources or exempted income shall become taxable under the proposed Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016, is totally unfounded and baseless.

In the wake of Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016 which has been passed by the Lok Sabha and is under consideration with Rajya Sabha, some rumours have been making rounds that all gold jewellery including ancestral jewellery shall be taxed @75 per cent plus cess with a further penalty liability of 10 per cent of tax payable.

It is hereby clarified that the above Bill has not introduced any new provision regarding chargeability of tax on jewellery. The Bill only seeks to enhance the applicable tax rate under section 115BBE of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the Act) from existing 30 per cent to 60 per cent plus surcharge of 25 per cent and cess thereon. This section only provides rate of tax to be charged in case of unexplained investment in assets. The chargeability of these assets as income is governed by the provisions of section 69, 69A & 69B which are part of the Act since 1960s.

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The Bill does not seek to amend the provisions of these sections. Tax rate under section 115BBE is proposed to be increased only for unexplained income as there were reports that the tax evaders are trying to include their undisclosed income in the return of income as business income or income from other sources. The provisions of section 115BBE apply mainly in those cases where assets or cash etc. are sought to be declared as 'unexplained cash or asset' or where it is hidden as unsubstantiated business income, and the Assessing Officer detects it as such.

It is clarified that the jewellery/gold purchased out of disclosed income or out of exempted income like agricultural income or out of reasonable household savings or legally inherited which has been acquired out of explained sources is neither chargeable to tax under the existing provisions nor under the proposed amended provisions. In this connection, a reference to instruction No.1916 is also invited which provides that during the search operations, no seizure of gold jewellery and ornaments to the extent of 500 grams per married lady, 250 grams per unmarried lady and 100 grams per male member of the family shall be made. Further, legitimate holding of jewellery upto any extent is fully protected.

In view of the above, the apprehension sought to be created that the jewellery with the household which is acquired out of disclosed sources or exempted income shall become taxable under the proposed amendment is totally unfounded and baseless.

With PTI inputs

--- ENDS ---
By Samrudhi Ghosh: Being public figures, Bollywood actors' relationships often find themselves in the limelight. To avoid every move of theirs being splashed across tabloids, the celebrities often have to take hush-hush holidays to keep their romantic liaisons under wraps. Reportedly, Hrithik Roshan, who has recently made headlines for his ugly legal war with Kangana Ranaut, took off to Singapore for a secret romantic getaway. Hrithik was so keen to avoid the prying eyes of the media that he chose to leave his entire entourage behind.

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SEE PIC: Lovebirds Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone fly off to Dubai together

WATCH: Ranveer kisses girlfriend Deepika before going to receive award

Hrithik is not the only one who had to resort to a secret holiday to unwind with his ladylove. Here's a look at other B-Town celebs and their secret getaways.

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif:

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif had always shied away from accepting their relationship to the media. However, a picture speaks a thousand words, and intimate photos of Ranbir and Kat's secret getaway soon went viral. The two were snapped at a beach in Ibiza, and their relationship came out in the open.

Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani:

The two newbies have been going strong for a while now, but have never confirmed that they are dating. Tiger and Disha took off to a secret destination to unwind. The media got no wind of it until their Instgram posts gave it away. Both posted solo pictures from their holiday, but with the identical background, it didn't take long to put two and two together.

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone:

Ranveer and Deepika never miss a moment to be by each other's side. The two lovebirds, who have been wowing their fans with their adorable PDA, flew to Sri Lanka to attend Dippy's best friend's wedding. Photos of the event went viral on social media, with a picture of Deepika holding a baby while Ranveer played with him gaining the most popularity.

Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput:

Shahid and Mira's wedding took everyone by surprise, but the two have never failed to impress us with their love. Owing to Shahid's hectic schedule, the two could not go on a honeymoon after getting married but took off to London after Sasha wrapped up his professional commitments. Mira took to Instagram to post an adorable picture of them.

--- ENDS ---
News

Google Unveils Low-Code App Maker for Corporate Suite

Google today officially entered the low-code dev tool market with App Maker, targeting business users who want to create apps to work with G Suite, the company's counterpart to Microsoft Office.

G Suite provides business-oriented Gmail, Docs, Drive and Calendar apps that work on desktops/laptops, smartphones or tablets.

In today's announcement, the company said the new App Maker -- unveiled after a private preview with big G Suite customers -- can help customize and extend the G Suite experience and perhaps supplant other third-party tools that provide business functionality such as customer relationship management (CRM), support and project management.

"App Maker lets you build a range of applications customized to meet the needs of your organization and connects to a wide range of data sources and APIs," said exec Elissa Murphy in today's announcement. "This unique flexibility starts with built-in support for G Suite products as well as popular services such as Maps, Contacts, Groups and more. You can also leverage other Google Cloud services such as the Directory API and Prediction API, or third-party APIs, to create richer, more intelligent application experiences."

[Click on image for larger view.] Google's App Maker (source: Google)

Like many other similar tools in the rapidly growing low-code space, it provides a cloud-based IDE featuring built-in templates, drag-and-drop UI composability and point-and-click data modeling, which reportedly can let citizen developers easily create their own apps or drastically cut the time needed by professional coders to create apps .

"I was able to develop a really sophisticated app for log-in monitoring from ideation all the way through the final delivered app to our administrators for them to use [in] five weeks," said Troy Whorton, senior application developer for the State of Wyoming, in a Google-provided video. "And that's just unheard of in any other kind of product lifecycle." Whorton said he was at first skeptical of the tool because he's a "real developer."

Other use cases for the tool exhibited in the preview include taking analog claims processes and making them digital and tracking office inventory orders.

The tool is available now only to those enrolled in Google's Early Adopter Program for G Suite Business customers. Interested citizen developers can apply to join that program.

More Coverage of Low-Code Tools
European agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan said there would be no extension of EU subsidies to British farmers beyond 2020

European agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan has warned London that EU subsidies will end in 2020 because of Brexit and it will then be up to the British government to support its farmers.

Hogan, who is Ireland's commissioner, told AFP in an interview on Wednesday that there would be no extension to the farm payments that have been agreed under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.

"I have been assuring farmers in the UK that our payments will continue as they are now until 2020," Hogan said in Brussels.

"Then it's a matter for the British government, on the assumption that the negotiations are concluded, that they will be able to fund all the various farming measures that they wish... from their own resources."

The EU subsidies are legally bound to continue until 2020 despite the fact that British Prime Minister Theresa May's timetable sees the country leaving the EU in early 2019.

Officials from British farming and food industry groups met with British government ministers this week amid fears about how their heavily subsidised sector will cope after Brexit.

Hogan added: "Of course farmers are worried about this but it's a matter for their own government... I have given them the assurance until 2020 and it's up to the UK government to give them the assurances beyond that."

British finance minister Philip Hammond pledged in August to match EU funding for farmers, universities and infrastructure projects after Brexit to 2020 but has given no details of what happens afterwards.

- Seasonal workers -

Hogan meanwhile urged Britain to be "mindful" of the issue of seasonal agricultural workers, following a sharp fall in the number coming to Britain.

"The PM (May) has made it perfectly clear that she wants to have a strong political position on the immigration issues," he said.

"But of course (we) expect that she will be mindful as well of the requirement of many farmers and agribusinesses for seasonal workers which are essential for the viability of their businesses."

Story continues

But the commissioner added that it was up to Britain to find the solution.

"It's not the responsibility anymore of the EU because we didn't cause this particular issue to be a major issue, and neither are we involved in the solution to this problem which has been created by the British government," he said.

Hogan meanwhile said he was "working with the Irish authorities" to minimise the impact of Brexit, as Irish farming is highly dependent on British exports with 41 percent of all the country's farming exports going to Britain.
Arlette Ricci, 75, was handed a one-year prison term and a million-euro fine in April 2015 for allegedly hiding 18.7 million euros ($19.8 million) from the taxman for more than two decades

The heiress to the fortune of French couturier Nina Ricci on Thursday launched an appeal to avoid jail time for tax fraud, in one of the toughest sentences of its kind in French fiscal history.

Arlette Ricci, 75, was handed a one-year prison term and a million-euro fine in April 2015 for allegedly hiding 18.7 million euros ($19.8 million) from the taxman for more than two decades.

Proceedings at a Paris appeal court on Thursday focused on minor questions of law filed by Ricci's lawyers, and the defendant herself was absent.

Ricci stayed "at home in Switzerland for health reasons," her attorney told AFP, saying it was "unknown at this point" whether she would be able to attend in the future.

The Nina Ricci fashion house, founded in 1932 in Paris, is known for its luxury perfumes -- especially the floral classic L'Air du Temps -- and its classic, slender lines.

The case against Arlette Ricci began after revelations that the Swiss private banking arm of British giant HSBC had helped clients hide billions from the taxman, in what became known as the SwissLeaks scandal.

The authorities are demanding Ricci pay back some 10.5 million euros in unpaid taxes, penalties and fines.

They also confiscated properties in Paris and Corsica, estimated to be worth around four million euros.

Ricci was given a two-year suspended sentence on top of her jail term, but she would only have to serve this if she re-offends.

The sentencing was considered exceptionally tough in France, where tax fraud typically is punished by fines and recovery of claimed sums, but hardly ever by jail.

But the court said the heiress's actions had posed "an exceptional threat to public order" and that she had disguised her true wealth "for more than 20 years with particular determination."

The appeal is expected to run until December 14.
Donald Trump launched into a post-election victory lap Thursday by visiting a company where he claimed credit for saving American jobs, as he warned other US firms they will face consequences if relocating abroad.

The president-elect, who made guaranteeing jobs for blue-collar American workers a key plank of his campaign, strode triumphantly through an Indiana factory that makes Carrier air conditioners, trumpeting a deal to keep 1,100 manufacturing positions from being shifted to Mexico.

He completes his tour of the Midwest later Thursday with a campaign-style mass rally in Ohio. The events mark Trump's first major public outings since winning the White House on November 8.

Casting aside interviews for senior cabinet positions yet to be filled, the 70-year-old maverick tycoon flew to Indianapolis where he glad-handed workers on an assembly line before defending his negotiation with the company.

"I think it's very presidential. And if it's not presidential, that's OK because I like doing it," Trump said.

"But we're going to have a lot of phone calls made to companies when they say they're leaving this country because they're not going to leave this country."

During the presidential campaign, the Republican billionaire threatened to slap tariffs on firms that decamped for places like Mexico or Asia where labor costs are cheaper.

It became a refrain of his victorious campaign, during which he repeatedly leaned on Carrier not to ship a planned 2,000 jobs to Mexico.

"Companies are not going to leave the United States any more without consequences. Not going to happen," Trump said as Greg Hayes, chairman of United Technologies Corporation which owns the Carrier brand, looked on.

"You don't have to leave anymore. Your taxes will be at the very low end and your unnecessary regulations will be gone," he said, repeating campaign promises to cut corporate tax rates from 35 percent to 15 percent and curb regulations on industry.

Carrier has announced that it will preserve more than 1,000 jobs and continue to manufacture gas furnaces in Indianapolis. Hundreds of jobs reportedly will still be moved to Mexico.

Story continues

Under a deal hammered out with the help of Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who is Indiana's outgoing governor, the state offered Carrier $7 million in incentives over 10 years, "contingent upon factors including employment, job retention and capital investment," the company said.

Critics are fearful that workers' rights may not be adequately protected, or that the deal may embolden other firms to threaten to relocate jobs.

- Fierce criticism -

"United Technologies took Trump hostage and won," Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont and prominent Trump critic on the left of American politics, wrote in a stinging op-ed in Thursday's Washington Post, saying it "endangered" other American jobs.

Trump "has signaled to every corporation in America that they can threaten to offshore jobs in exchange for business-friendly tax benefits and incentives."

The Trump team hailed the agreement as a "big win." Anthony Scaramucci, an entrepreneur and member of the Trump team's executive committee, said "the whole purpose" was to slash corporate tax rates to make it more competitive for US companies to allocate capital at home.

"I'm hoping that every CEO in America is getting that beacon signal from the new Trump administration that we're open for business here in the United States, and we've got to get American people back working in American jobs."

Steven Mnuchin, the multi-millionaire former Goldman Sachs banker who Trump has nominated as Treasury secretary, said he couldn't remember the last time a president had made such an intervention with an American chief executive.

"I think it's terrific," he told reporters Wednesday, saying that he and Wilbur Ross, the billionaire nominated as commerce secretary, would work with Trump to "do the right thing for the American workers."

The deal is an extraordinary industry intervention by a president-elect.

The White House avoided outright criticism of Trump's effort, but it did express skepticism about the strategy of keeping jobs on American soil, one company at a time.

"Mr Trump would have to make 804 more announcements just like that to equal the standard of jobs in the manufacturing sector that were created in this country under President Obama's watch," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Wednesday.

Trump has so far peppered top-level administration appointments with billionaires and millionaires, after slamming his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton for her Wall Street ties and for amassing millions in between stints in public office.

He has been narrowing his choices for secretaries of state and defense. The Washington Post reported Thursday that Trump has decided on retired Marine general James Mattis, 66, to head the Pentagon.

The pick would be a break from tradition and require congressional intervention, as federal law prohibits defense secretaries from having been on active duty in the previous seven years. Mattis retired in 2013.
A first year engineering student was beaten by his 2 seniors for failing to complete the assignment given by them.

By Ashish Pandey: A ragging incident has been reported at the Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University - Hyderabad (JNTU-H), where a student was allegedly beaten up by seniors.

According to civil engineering first year student Raghavendra, who belongs to Wanaparthy district of Telangana, two senior students identified as Nirbhay and Saisurya Teja asked the junior to come to their hostel Manjeera and allegedly beat him, as he failed to do the assignment given by them.

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After receiving a complaint lodged by the student, the college principal has appointed an inquiry committee to look into the issue, while a case has been registered by the police against the two second year students.

As per the police, the victim was taken away from Kinnera hostel to Manjeera hostel by his seniors, where he was beaten by his seniors on November 28.

"As per the victim, he was forced to remove his shirt and was attacked by the seniors. We have received the complaint and registered a case under Anti-ragging Act. We have also asked the university committee to submit a report. Based on that we will take action," said Inspector Ch Kushalkar.

A case has been registered against Sai Surya Teja and Nirbhay under section 4 (clause 1) of the Telangana Prohibition of Ragging Act (1987) and notices have been served to them.

Meanwhile, student unions on Wednesday staged a protest demanding strict action against the students involved in ragging.

--- ENDS ---
By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Despite open signs of nervousness among legislators, Canada's ruling Liberals bet they can survive the political damage caused by allowing a pipeline to be built from the Alberta oil sands to the Pacific coast. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday approved Kinder Morgan Inc's plan to lay a second pipeline along the route of its existing Trans Mountain line, setting up a conflict with environmentalists who helped him win power last year. The line travels from Alberta's oil sands to British Columbia, which has become a power base for the Liberals. Opponents predict angry provincial voters could kick out many of the Liberal's 17 legislators in a federal election set for October 2019. This could weaken Trudeau's hold on power. He only has a working majority of 15 in the House of Commons, and unless he won seats elsewhere he could be reduced to a minority and forced to rely on other parties to govern. Liberals feel time is on their side. While Kinder Morgan plans to start construction in September 2017, party insiders say the company is likely to face a series of protracted court challenges before it can dig. This means there will be no television shots of protesters confronting construction workers. Video of demonstrations against a pipeline project near a Native American reservation in North Dakota has gone viral, helping spread awareness of the standoff. "How are the protesters going to keep this issue alive when the next election is almost three years away and nothing is going to happen between now and then?" said one Liberal with direct knowledge of the file. Two Liberal legislators from British Columbia openly spoke out against the pipeline before Trudeau's announcement and two other members of the caucus on Wednesday told reporters they were unhappy. Veteran party members say their colleagues need to take a longer view. "Even if an election were held tomorrow we'd lose perhaps four seats in British Columbia. As for 2019, it looks as though we'll lose two," said a second well-placed Liberal. Approving the pipeline is part of Trudeau's strategy to tackle climate change while showing enough support for energy projects to deflect charges his center-left Liberals oppose the oil and gas industry. Liberals say that regardless of the potential pitfalls in British Columbia, Trudeau had to approve Trans Mountain to ensure support from the energy-producing province of Alberta, which has long clamored for more pipelines. The province is key to Trudeau's plans to introduce a national carbon price and the province's left-leaning premier, Rachel Notley, had made clear she would back the carbon plan if Ottawa approved Trans Mountain. "If she doesn't get a pipeline it's game over for a national carbon strategy," said a third Liberal. If Notley loses the next election, due in 2019, she will undoubtedly be replaced by a party that rejects the idea of carbon pricing. Alberta could end up with another pipeline if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump fulfils a promise to allow TransCanada Corp to build its Keystone XL line. Barack Obama had vetoed the project in 2015. That could make it easier for Trudeau to veto another potentially tough project - TransCanada's proposed Energy East pipeline from Alberta to the Atlantic coast. Opposition to the pipeline is high in the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec, where the Liberals hold a whopping 40 seats, and can ill afford to suffer losses. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
ROME/MILAN (Reuters) - A fire broke out at Eni's Sannazzaro De' Burgundi oil refinery in northern Italy on Thursday afternoon, the oil major said, adding there were no reported injuries. Eni, Italy's biggest refiner, said in a statement the fire had started at around 4.00 pm in the so-called EST plant at the refinery. The cause was still unknown. "The fire is currently being extinguished," Eni said. Traders said the 200,000 barrels-per-day refinery had started a 30-day maintenance on November 6. Eni built the EST plant, ENI Slurry technology, to convert heavy oil residues into petrol and diesel products. A spokesperson for the Italian fire brigade said earlier on Thursday the fire was large and had sent up clouds of smoke. "There's a lot of smoke and we are currently evaluating whether any sort of evacuation plan may be needed," Luca Cari told Reuters. (Reporting by Antonella Cinelli and Stephen Jewkes; editing by Agnieszka Flak and Elaine Hardcastle)
By Eric Auchard and Jussi Rosendahl

FRANKFURT/HELSINKI (Reuters) - Nokia smartphones are poised for a comeback after former managers at the Finnish company licensed the handset brand from Microsoft and struck up partnerships with Google and phone manufacturer Foxconn.

Nokia was once the world's dominant cellphone maker but missed the shift to smartphones and then chose Microsoft's unpopular Windows operating system for its "Lumia" range.

Nokia quit smartphones in 2014 by selling its handset activities to Microsoft to focus on mobile network equipment. Microsoft continued selling Lumia smartphones under its own name but this year largely abandoned that business, too.

HMD Global, led by Nokia veteran Arto Nummela, wants to launch its first Nokia smartphone in the early part of next year using Google's (GOOGL.O) Android operating system.

Success will require a dash for scale by stealing business from Apple (AAPL.O), Samsung and dozens of other players in a cut-throat industry.

"Consumers may be carrying different smartphones now, but are they really in love and loyal to those brands?" said Nummela in an interview.

The Nokia consumer brand lives on as the badge on cheaper, entry-level "feature phones" sold mainly in Asia, India and Eastern Europe, though Microsoft invested little to market the name in recent years. Smartphones typically cost anywhere from ten to 30 times as much as these basic phones, which sell for as little as $20.

"For a new entrant, having an established brand provides it with an instant on-ramp," said mobile phone analyst Ben Wood of CCS Insight, who suggested that phone vendors with weaker brands should not take the new challenge lightly.

"The barriers to entry for the Android phone space are low," said Wood. "What HMD has is the Nokia brand and management experience. The key to its success will be driving scale."

CEO Nummela, who was once responsible for Nokia's sales and product development, does not lack ambition.

Story continues

"We want to be one of the key competitive players in the smartphone business," he told Reuters.

HMD President Florian Seiche previously worked at Siemens (SIEGn.DE), Orange, HTC and Nokia. Chief Marketing Officer Pekka Rantala is a former CEO of Rovio, the maker of the Angry Birds game, as well as a Nokia veteran.

"We are not going to skip any markets in the long term," Seiche said, adding that HMD had already set up offices in 40 locations around the world.

NO FUNDING FROM NOKIA CORP

HMD is owned by Smart Connect LP, a private equity fund run by Jean-Francois Baril, who was once in charge of Nokia's world-leading supply chain management system. Other HMD managers have put in money of their own.

HMD on Thursday took over the feature phone business that Nokia Corp (NOKIA.HE) sold to Microsoft. It has a licensing deal with Nokia giving it sole use of the brand on mobile phones and tablets for the next decade. It will pay Nokia royalties for the brand and patents, but Nokia has no direct investment in HMD.

HMD is building its smartphone operating system in partnership with Google and all its Nokia devices will be manufactured by Foxconn (2354.TW) of Taiwan, the world's largest contract manufacturer.

Nummela says his team's enduring relationships with phone service providers and retailers could help HMD quickly convince owners of Nokia feature phones to upgrade in markets like India, Indonesia and Russia.

The Nokia name is still on a tenth of the feature phones sold around the world, though in recent years it ceded ground to Samsung and TCL , maker of Alcatel-brand phones, as well as smaller players, according to market research firm Strategy Analytics.

Shipments of Nokia feature phones plunged 40 percent in fiscal year 2015 and HMD must reverse that decline while trying to break back into the smartphone market, where hundreds of vendors compete by selling phones that can be hard to distinguish.

"The feature phone is the essence of the business," Wood said. "Don't be under any illusions that this market is over."

(Editing by Jane Merriman and Tom Pfeiffer)
Trend Watch

Top 7 Campus Technology Stories in November

From augmented reality to the Trump presidency, here's what was trending on our website last month.

1) Top 10 Education Technologies that Will Be Dead and Gone in the Next Decade

In our 2016 Teaching with Technology survey, faculty members offered their predictions on what the future holds for technology in teaching  including what hardware and systems will bite the dust over the next 10 years.

2) What Will the Trump Presidency Mean for Education?

Disturbingly little is known with any certainty about President-Elect Donald J. Trump's plans for education. Even credible speculation is difficult, given that Trump is far from a traditional Republican and that his statements on a range of issues have proved somewhat inconsistent over the last year or so. But one thing is certain for a Trump presidency backed by a Republican-dominated Congress: Education policy is going to move in a new direction.

3) How to Select the Right E-Portfolio Platform

Electronic portfolio experts from colleges and universities across the country offer their key considerations for choosing a campuswide e-portfolio system.

4) Why the Switch to OER Is Easier Than You Think

Taking into account library articles, web links, videos, simulations and more, many courses are already using a number of open education resources  and the move to full OER doesn't necessarily mean a total revamp, according to research out of Excelsior College.

5) Ed Dept. Launches $680,000 Augmented and Virtual Reality Challenge

The United States Department of Education has formally kicked off a new competition designed to encourage the development of virtual and augmented reality concepts for education.

6) The 'Amazon Effect' on the University Mailroom

Thanks to the popularity of services like Amazon Prime and Google Express, colleges and universities are seeing more package deliveries than ever before. Here's how technology is helping mailrooms cope.

7) Student Success Pervades Top IT Issues for 2017

Educause's annual roundup of the most pressing issues in higher ed technology highlights data issues, digital transformation of learning and "next-generation" use of IT.
By PTI: Bhubaneswar, Dec 1 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said he did not have any other vested interest than development of the state and called upon the industry community to be partners in the growth story.

"I have a vested interest in the progress of Odisha and the prosperity of my people... The people of my state, who have been continuously blessing me know that I have no other vested interest. This is the USP of our state," Patnaik told the gathering comprising the big names like Anil Agarwal, Goutam Adani, Sashi Ruia, Satish Pai, Arundhati Bhattacharya, Sanjay Mehrotra, Saroj Kumar Poddar and many others.

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Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal, Adani Group chairman Goutam Adani and Tata Steels T V Narendran while speaking in the conclave also highlighted how political stability in Odisha has helped them to set up industries in the state.

"Come, join us and be partners in our growth sector. I promise each one of you that our government will walk the extra mile to facilitate investment to promote growth, to provide employment and to reduce disparities," Patnaik said not forgetting to recall his legendary father Biju Patnaik, who was also an industrialist before joining politics.

The CM said the state government has identified five focus sector which are promoted through Odishas industrial policy.

"We will set international benchmark. Odisha is the first state to proactively pursue transparent auction of mineral resources after the amendments in the MMDR Act. I assure you that our policies will sort out the much needed raw material linkage in this changed scenario," he said.

The Chief Minister said apart from investor-friendly policies and technological interventions, the states prime focus is on creating world class industrial infrastructure facilities for investors.

"We are developing large investment regions in the form of National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) at Kalinga Nagar, a petroleum, chemicals and petrochemicals investment region (PCPIR) at Paradip, a port-based manufacturing zone at Dhamra and a number of sector specific industrial clusters," Patnaik added. PTI AAM DKB SMJ LNS

--- ENDS ---
To promote the sale of electric vehicles, four automakers have decided to form a joint venture to create a network of electric charging stations in Europe. This will help them to compete with Tesla Motors, Inc. TSLA, which has been benefiting from its network of Supercharges. Meanwhile, Tesla received permission to open stores in Richmond, VA, while Thor Industries Inc. THO posted strong earnings and revenues for first-quarter fiscal 2017. Further, Toyota Motor Corporation TM and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. HMC reported their production figures for October.

(Read the previous roundup here: Auto Stock Roundup for Nov 24, 2016)

Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories

1. Ford Motor Company F is teaming up with BMW, Daimler AG and Volkswagen AG (including Audi and Porsche) to set up an electric charging network in Europe based on the Combined Charging System standard technology. Construction of the charging stations will commence in 2017 with an initial goal of 400 locations. Within 2020, the companies aim to build a network of thousands of charging points (read more: Ford & Other Automakers to Form European Charging Network).

2. Thor Industries reported first-quarter (ended Oct 31, 2016) fiscal 2017 earnings of $1.49 per share that surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.23. Earnings surged 55.2% from 96 cents per share recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2016.

Revenues rose 65.8% year over year to $1.71 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.52 billion. The year-over-year improvement was driven by higher sales of towable and motorized RVs, along with benefits from the Jayco acquisition (read more: Thor Industries Q1 Earnings Top Estimates, Surge Y/Y).

Currently, Thor Industries has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

3. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner decreed that Tesla can open stores in Richmond. While the states law doesnt allow automakers to operate dealerships, the commissioner gave the ruling as there is no independent dealer in the area. The decision is favorable for Tesla, which uses a direct-selling model for its vehicles and has been facing opposition related to it from many states.

Story continues

Currently, Tesla has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

4. Toyotas total worldwide production declined 5.1% year over year to 860,963 units in Oct 2016. This resulted from a 5.1% production cut in Japan to 331,034 units and a 5.1% decline in production outside Japan to 529,929 units. Total sales in Japan dropped 1.1% to 174,824 units, while exports from Japan dropped 4.4% year over year to 162,143 units (read more: Toyotas October Production & Sales in Japan Down Y/Y).

Toyota currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

5. Hondas production in Japan declined 1.3% to 74,490 units in October. Production outside Japan increased 2.8% to 347,644 units, which was a record high for the month of October. Consequently, worldwide production volume for Oct 2016 was 422,134 units, up 2% from the figure reported in Oct 2015. The automakers global production volume was a record high for the month of October. Sales in the Japanese market improved 3.3% year over year to 57,136 units in October, while exports from Japan soared 12.1% year over year to 12,461 units.

Honda currently carries a Zacks Rank #4.

Performance

The performance of auto sector companies was mostly positive last week. Honda was leading the gainers with a 3.7% rise. Meanwhile, AutoZone, Inc. AZO and Tesla posted the largest losses among the stocks listed below.

Even over the last six months, most auto stocks performed well. Harley-Davidson, Inc. HOG gained the most over the longer term, while Tesla lost the most.

Company Last 1-Week Period Last 6 Months GM +2.0% +14.3% F +0.5% -8.8% TSLA -1.9% -13.7% TM +3.5% +14.7% HMC +3.7% +7.4% HOG +1.6% +31.7% AAP -0.8% +10.7% AZO -1.9% +3.0%

Auto-Tires-Trucks Sector Price Index

Auto-Tires-Trucks Sector Price Index

Whats Next in the Auto Space?

Later today, automakers will report their U.S. sales for November. Also, Ford will pay a quarterly cash dividend of 15 cents per share to shareholders of record as of Oct 27.

On Dec 6, AutoZone will release its fiscal first-quarter financial results.

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WOW Air is bringing back their famous $99 fares, with a number of dates scattered from early to mid December. Act fast for this last-minute trip of a life time.

We have more than a handful of reasons why winter is the absolute best time of year to visit Iceland, including these $99 one-way flights from WOW Air.

The Icelandic low-cost carrier has brought back their $100 fares for flights departing from Washington, D.C. between December 2 and December 13, and returning by December 15.

The Airfare Spot highlighted this amazing deal yesterday, and the fares are still validbut act fast before theyre all sold out.

In addition to these budget-friendly flight deals, travelers can also experience seasonal sights during the short, cold days of winter (such as glacier hikes and ice cave tours).

Lodging is also more expensiveand more limitedin the summertime. Youll avoid peak tourist season and all the surging rates by visiting in December.

If it seems odd to travel between Thanksgiving and Christmas, think again. The lull between the holidays makes it possible to score flash sales (such as this one) and travelers will enjoy swift security lines, quiet roads, and first dibs on seats at the hotel bar.

Just remember that when flying with WOW Air, youll want to keep your luggage to a minimum. Only a small carry-on is included in the ticket price.

Need another reason to visit Iceland now? It's the perfect stopover destination on your way to nearly everywhere else in Europe.

Related Articles
Imagine the look of surprise and joy on a childs face when they open the mailbox and pull out an honest-to-goodness letter from Santa, complete with a North Pole postmark.

Making that vision a reality is incredibly simple  and super cheap, too  thanks to Santas little helper, the U.S. Postal Service.

In an effort to help out the hardworking Santa Claus during his busiest time of the year, the USPS runs a Letters to Santa program. Heres what you need to do to get your child an official Santa response to their Dear Santa letter:

Simply address your childs Dear Santa letter to: Santa Claus, North Pole.

Pretend youre Santa and write a response to your child  on the back of their letter is preferable.

Put Santas response letter into a first-class stamped envelope addressed to your child. The return address on the included envelope should read: Santa, North Pole. When responding as Santa, make the response as personal as possible by highlighting your childs accomplishments over the past year  for example, helping around the house, receiving good grades in a particular subject at school or participating in community service activities, says USPS.

Take the stamped envelope with Santas response and insert it into a second larger envelope  with appropriate postage  and send it to the following address:

North Pole Postmark

Postmaster

4141 Postmark Drive

Anchorage, AK 99530-9998

Thats it! Now sit back and wait for Santas response to your childs letter.

Make sure the Anchorage, Alaska, postmaster receives your childs Santa letter by Dec. 15 so theres enough time for the postmaster to send a letter from Santa back to your house before Christmas.

Will you use the USPS Letters to Santa program? Share your thoughts below or on our Facebook page.

This article was originally published on MoneyTalksNews.com as 'How to Get a Postmarked Letter from Santa'.

More from Money Talks News
Ocean View, Delaware, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global oil storage industry size worth 1400 million cubic meters in 2015, is estimated to register a CAGR of 4% over 2016-2025, hitting 2298 million cubic meters by 2025, according to a recent study on Global Oil Storage Market - Estimations and Forecast, 2016-2025 by Global Market Insights, Inc. Declining crude prices, which has led to higher supply vs demand ratio is a major factor contributing towards global oil storage industry growth. The crude oil prices went through a major drop from trading at USD 105 per barrel in 2012 to USD 43.11 per barrel in 2016. This led to huge crude production rates, which in turn generated heavy demands for increasing oil storage capacities globally.

Rising concerns towards energy security coupled with exploration of unconventional resources will also positively impact oil storage industry share. The government is focusing towards increasing oil reserves to safeguard national economy during energy crisis. For instance, petroleum ministry of India stated about increasing its oil storage capacity taking advantage of the condensed crude oil prices. The Government of India has set up three strategic crude oil reserves, each of 5 MMT capacity in Vishakhapatnam, Mangalore, and Padur. Rajasthan and Odisha will also be included in this setup.

Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/803

Emerging economies will be a lucrative ground for the oil storage industry growth. Asia Pacific market will witness heavy growth over the coming years, owing to massive imports of crude oil across this region. China crude imports have witnessed a rise of 16% in 2016, which will significantly contribute towards APAC market share. US oil storage market size will witness substantial gains over the coming years, primarily driven by the shale revolution. As per the estimates, Asia Pacific, particularly India and China coupled with US have plans to invest over USD 35 billion on oil storage infrastructure.

Oil Storage market report analyses the industry in terms of reserves, materials, fuels, regions, and competition.

Key industry insights from the report include:

Oil storage Market: Reserves Trends

Commercial oil storage reserves market share is estimated to surpass USD 18 billion by 2025, mainly driven by escalating petroleum demand

Strategic reserves market share will increase significantly over the forecast period, owing to storage needs mostly by government bodies to ensure national economic security during energy crisis

Oil storage Market: Materials Trends

FRP or Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic material oil storage market size is estimated to surpass USD 3 billion by 2025. Properties such as corrosion resistance, high strength, and light-weight of these materials will drive the market size.

Steel tank market worth USD 4 billion in 2015, is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period.

Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/803

Oil Storage Market: Fuel Trends

Gasoline commercial oil storage market is estimated to witness a CAGR of 4.9% over 2016-2025

LNG commercial reserves market worth USD 19 million cubic meters in 2015, is estimated to surpass USD 2.9 billion by 2025. Escalating demand for natural gas from power and industrial sectors will catalyze the industry growth

LPG commercial reserves market is projected to surpass USD 2.5 billion by 2025

Oil Storage Market: Regional Trends

US market is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.5% over the period of 2016-2025

UAE market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 4% over the forecast timeframe

Mexico market was worth approximately USD 370 million in 2015 and is estimated to reach a volume of over 13 million m3 by 2025

China oil storage market is forecast to record a CAGR of 5% over 2016-2025

Oil Storage Market: Competitive Trends

Key market players include Containment Solutions, Inc, CST Industries, Inc., Snyder Industries, Poly Processing, Assmann Polyethylene Tank, Red Ewald, Inc., Synalloy (Palmer), Polymaster, Zepnotek Storage Tank, Belco Manufacturing Co Inc, ZCL Composites Inc., L.F. Manufacturing, Inc., Tuffa Tanks, Holvrieka, and Vopak.

Browse key industry insights spread across 170 pages with 308 market data tables & 10 figures & charts from the report, Oil Storage Market Size By Reserve (Commercial Reserve, Strategic Reserve), By Material (Steel, Carbon Steel, Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic), By Fuel (Crude Oil, Gasoline, Aviation Fuel, Middle Distillates, LNG, LPG) Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Netherland, Spain, Belgium, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina) Estimated to Reach 2,298.3 million cubic meter by 2025. Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2025 in detail along with the table of contents:

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/oil-storage-market

Scope of the report:

Global Oil Storage Reserves Analysis: Commercial Petroleum Reserves; Strategic Petroleum Reserves

Commercial Petroleum Reserves; Strategic Petroleum Reserves Global Oil Storage Material Analysis: Steel; Carbon Steel; Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic

Steel; Carbon Steel; Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Global Oil Storage Fuel Analysis: Crude Oil; Aviation Fuel; Middle Distillates; Gasoline; LNG; and LPG

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English Danish

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT NO 66/2016  1 DECEMBER 2016



Henrik Brandt, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Unibrew A/S since 2008, has decided to step down as CEO and focus on non-executive directorships and advisory roles in future.



Jesper B. Jrgensen (50) will be appointed new CEO of Royal Unibrew no later than 1 June 2017.



Jesper B. Jrgensen has many years of commercial and international experience from Arthur Andersen, Carlsberg and latest from the German-based company, Knauf, as Senior Vice President, Northern Europe. During his employment with Carlsberg, Jesper B. Jrgensen had various responsibilities in Denmark, Switzerland, Germany and Turkey  the last five years as Managing Director of Carlsberg Denmark.



On behalf of the Board of Directors I wish to thank Henrik Brandt for an outstanding contribution as CEO of Royal Unibrew. Henrik Brandt has headed an incredible turnaround of the company that was in serious financial disarray eight years ago. Today Royal Unibrew is a strong regional beverage company, financially as well as commercially. Through divestitures and acquisitions among others, Henrik Brandt has ensured significant growth in revenue, profit and market value, says Kare Schultz, Chairman of the Board, and adding: With the appointment of Jesper B. Jrgensen, the Board and I are certain that Royal Unibrew will continue the positive development as a strong regional beverage company with strengthened market positions and earnings.



The past eight years with Royal Unibrew have been both exciting and challenging. Royal Unibrews market position has been strengthened significantly not the least because of the talented, committed and consumer and customer centric colleagues all over the organization which I have been proud to be part of, says Henrik Brandt.



I am impressed by the great results delivered by Royal Unibrew and they reflect the values and the culture that the employees represent. Therefore, I am of course honored to take over the responsibility, and I look forward to continuing the journey in cooperation with my new colleagues in Royal Unibrew, says Jesper B. Jrgensen.





Please address any questions to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kare Schultz by phone +45 22 20 80 17.





Kare Schultz

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Royal Unibrew A/S





Royal Unibrew is a leading regional beverage provider in a number of markets  primarily in Northern Europe, Italy and in the international malt beverage markets. We produce, market, sell and distribute quality beverages with focus on branded products within beer, malt beverages and soft drinks as well as cider and long drinks.



www.royalunibrew.com
Booth #2619, AWS re:Invent 2016, Las Vegas, NV, Dec. 1, 2016, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Informatica, a leading provider of data management solutions, today announced it now provides a hybrid data management platform optimized for scale on Amazon Web Services (AWS), helping enterprises to quickly realize the full value of their AWS implementations.

The benefits of agility, elasticity and cloud economies delivered by AWS are well known. Enterprises embracing AWS are eagerly seeking ways to accelerate their realization of these benefits and gain faster time-to-business insights while ensuring their data remains connected and trusted. With the Informatica Data Management Platform, AWS customers can now benefit from:

Hybrid Data Management - Informatica delivers the pioneering Informatica Enterprise Information Catalog on AWS. This is a key factor in accelerating data migration with confidence to AWS. With the Informatica Information Catalog organizations can quickly and accurately identify on-premise data and the data lineage to easily migrate to AWS while leveraging their on-premise investment in Informatica PowerCenter  on AWS.

on AWS. Industry-leading data integration  The industrys leading enterprise data integration solution, Informatica PowerCenter, is available for single-click deployment on AWS Marketplace to support hybrid or cloud-only data warehouse implementations leveraging Amazon Redshift.

Scaling to unlock big data value  Encapsulating the only comprehensive data lake management solution for AWS, Informatica Big Data Management is available for single-click deployment on AWS Marketplace for streamlined implementation of easily managed, cloud-ready data lakes.

Leading Hybrid Data Management Platform is Optimized for AWS

Award-winning Informatica PowerCenter is available on AWS Marketplace for rapid and highly scalable deployment in AWS environments. Customers can easily stand up new PowerCenter deployments on AWS, or migrate all or part of an existing on-premise PowerCenter deployment to AWS by moving or extending select data integration workloads to AWS. Examples of such hybrid deployments include bursting integration workloads to AWS during peak periods, or using AWS to help provide disaster recovery for on-premise workloads  or vice versa.

Migrate Data with Confidence to AWS

The new Informatica Enterprise Information Catalog enables users to quickly discover and understand all enterprise data for migration, using intelligent self-service tools powered by machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Deployable with a single click from AWS Marketplace, Informatica Enterprise Information Catalog makes it easy to create a roadmap for AWS data migration with full confidence of success.

Additional Informatica data migration tools for AWS environments include a new high-performance Aurora connector that enables seamless migration of relational data from on-premise relational database systems, including Oracle Database and Microsoft SQL Server, to Amazon Aurora.

Jumpstart and Scale Amazon Redshift Data Warehouse

Informatica is making it easy for enterprises to get up and running with Amazon Redshift for cloud data warehousing and to scale existing Amazon Redshift deployments. To handle expanding workloads, Informaticas support for Amazon Redshift now exhibits a 15x performance increase resulting from new partitioning and pushdown optimization support, better leveraging Amazon Redshifts inherent processing power. Other enhanced Informatica capabilities help drive additional significant Amazon Redshift productivity improvements.

Additionally, the new Informatica connector for Amazon Quicksight, delivers connected, trusted data for analytics in Amazon Quicksight.

Unlock Big Data Insights with Data Lakes on AWS

Informaticas comprehensive big data management solution is now available for the first time on AWS Marketplace for single-click rapid deployment helping organizations streamline delivery of data lakes on AWS, and leverage Amazon EMR, Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2). Smooth deployment is further facilitated by a comprehensive reference architecture guide available from Informatica for deploying data lakes on AWS.

Once the data lake is deployed, Informatica provides unique line-of-business self-service capabilities on AWS, via the Intelligent Data Lake, to empower analysts and data scientists to effectively discover and prepare big data sets in AWS data lakes.

Supporting Quotes

"As enterprises look to migrate to the cloud, a hybrid solution is an integral part of that path, said John L Myers, Managing Research Director, Enterprise Management Associates. "Solutions that encompass enterprise-grade data management, on-premise and cloud integration, combined with easy access, provide organizations the ability to focus on execution as they accelerate their journey to the cloud."

Working with our partners to provide customers an optimized experience for transforming, accelerating, and simplifying software procurement and deployment is key for AWS, said Ken Chestnut, global segment lead, Amazon Web Services, Inc. Having the complete Informatica suite of solutions available provides customers a way to manage their cloud presence. It also provides them with a way to easily migrate to AWS Cloud at the pace and flexibility that meets their business needs.

Informatica support for AWS has been an important catalyst for bringing enterprise customers into the AWS ecosystem, said Ronen Schwartz, senior vice president and general manager, Data Integration, Big Data and Cloud Integration, Informatica. We are now making the industrys number one data management platform even more easily accessible for use with AWS to help customers gain faster time to insights using connected and trust-worthy data.

Tweet this: News: @Informatica accelerates enterprise adoption of @AWS http://infa.media/pr161201a

Informatica at AWS re:Invent

Informatica, Silver Sponsor located in booth #2619, will demonstrate the companys leading data management solutions for AWS, including out-of-the-box native connectivity to AWS services, such as Amazon Redshift, Aurora, EMR and S3. Informatica will showcase how the company enables organizations to rapidly integrate any data source in cloud and on-premise into AWS services for hybrid cloud analytics and data migration.

About Informatica

Informatica is 100 percent focused on data because the world runs on data. Organizations need business solutions around data for the Cloud, big data, real-time and streaming. Informatica is the worlds No. 1 provider of data management solutions, in the Cloud, on-premise or in a hybrid environment. More than 7,000 organizations around the world turn to Informatica for data solutions that power their businesses. For more information, call +1 650-385-5000 (1-800-653-3871 in the U.S.), or visit www.informatica.com. Connect with Informatica at https://linkedin.com/company/informatica, https://twitter.com/Informatica and https://facebook.com/InformaticaLLC.

###

Note: Informatica, Informatica PowerCenter and Informatica Big Data Management are trademarks or registered trademarks of Informatica in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other company and product names may be trade names or trademarks of their respective owners.

The information provided herein is subject to change without notice. In addition, the development, release and timing of any product or functionality described today remain at the sole discretion of Informatica and should not be relied upon in making a purchasing decision, nor as a representation, warranty or commitment to deliver specific products or functionality in the future.
CENTENNIAL, Colo., Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NioCorp or the "Company) (TSX:NB) (OTCQX:NIOBF) (FSE:BR3) announces that it will provide an update to investors and the public on its Elk Creek, Nebraska superalloy materials project in a live webcast at 10:30 a.m. Mountain Time on December 9, 2016, following the conclusion of its 2016 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders ("Annual Meeting").



Providing the update will be Mark Smith, NioCorps CEO and Executive Chairman. The live, listen-only webcast will begin at 10:30 a.m. Mountain. Members of the public can submit questions during the live webcast using the online webcast tool, or by sending questions in advance via email to jim.sims@niocorp.com.

Those wishing to view the webcast must pre-register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4658401347688606723. Those wishing to monitor the webcast via a listen-only phone line can do so by calling the long-distance toll numbers listed below and using this passcode: 600-506-610.

* United States, +1 (213) 929-4221 * Ireland, +353 (0) 15 621 584 * Canada, +1 (647) 497-9368 * Italy, +39 0 291 29 46 28 * Australia, +61 3 8488 8981 * Netherlands, +31 (0) 707 709 521 * Austria, +43 1 2060 92965 * New Zealand, +64 9 913 2227 * Belgium, +32 (0) 27 00 6376 * Norway, +47 24 05 54 98 * Denmark, +45 43 31 47 80 * Spain, +34 912 71 8489 * Finland,+358 (0) 972 52 2972 * Sweden, +46 (0) 775 757 472 * France, +33 (0) 157 329 482 * Switzerland, +41 (0) 445 1124 86 * Germany, +49 (0) 692 5736 7212 * United Kingdom, +44 (0) 20 3713 5032

A recording of the webcast will be made available following the event on NioCorps website at http://www.niocorp.com.

The Company does not expect to release any new material announcements during the live webcast, but will provide an update on the progress of its Elk Creek Feasibility Study, which is nearing completion.

NioCorps Annual Meeting will convene on December 9, 2016 at 10 a.m. Mountain Time at the law offices of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 1400 Wewatta Street, Suite 400, Denver, CO, 80202.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Mark Smith

Mark Smith

Executive Chairman, CEO, and Director

@NioCorp $NB $NIOBF $BR3 #Niobium #Scandium #ElkCreek

About NioCorp

NioCorp is developing a superalloy materials project in Southeast Nebraska that will produce Niobium, Scandium, and Titanium. Niobium is used to produce superalloys as well as High Strength, Low Alloy ("HSLA") steel, which is a lighter, stronger steel used in automotive, structural, and pipeline applications. Scandium is a superalloy material that can be combined with Aluminum to make alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium also is a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells. Titanium is used in various superalloys and is a key component of pigments used in paper, paint and plastics and is also used for aerospace applications, armor and medical implants.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this document. Certain statements contained in this document may constitute forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding the expected completion of the Elk Creek Project feasibility study. These and other such forward-looking statements are based upon NioCorps reasonable expectations and business plan at the date hereof, which are subject to change depending on economic, political and competitive circumstances and contingencies. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause a change in such assumptions and the actual outcomes and estimates to be materially different from those estimated or anticipated future results, achievements or position expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause NioCorps plans or prospects to change include changes in demand for and price of commodities (such as fuel and electricity) and currencies; changes or disruptions in the securities markets; legislative, political or economic developments; the need to obtain permits and comply with laws and regulations and other regulatory requirements; the possibility that actual results of work may differ from projections/expectations or may not realize the perceived potential of NioCorps projects; risks of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in development programs; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, mining or development activities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves and resources; and the risks involved in the exploration, development and mining business. NioCorp disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
By Ananth Krishnan: A travel advisory issued by the Indian government asking travellers to carry international credit cards because of the demonetisation cash crunch has triggered worries among tourists and business travellers in China, where credit card usage is relatively limited and visitors often travel with large amounts of cash.

The Indian Embassy in Beijing has started issuing a travel advisory to visa applicants, which was also posted on its website, that asks them to note that Indian currency denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 prior to November 8 were no longer valid as legal tender.

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"For their convenience," the advisory says, "all travellers to India are advised to carry with them sufficiently funded international credit and debit cards for use while in India". Chinese travellers in India and workers with Chinese companies in Gurgaon have in recent days been posting images on social media of long queues and sharing their difficulties in obtaining cash.

READ: Crash crunch and peoples' suffering will continue till March, 2017: Ashvin Parekh to India Today

CHINESE TRAVELLERS IN CHAOS

Two travel agencies in Beijing said, they had received a number of enquiries from travellers on whether they should delay or cancel travel plans because of currency issues. One applicant at the Beijing visa office said the concern following the advisory was that many Chinese use Chinese Union Pay credit cards, rather than Visa or Mastercard that are widely accepted in India. "So we usually prefer to use cash when we travel," he said.

Travellers are able to exchange limited amounts of foreign currency on arrival at airports. Chinese tour groups in particular are known to travel with large amounts of cash, given the limited used of international branded credit cards in China.

READ: As cash crunch hits, mobile ATMs take the roads in Bengaluru and Delhi

ATMs PROBLEMS

The other concern is whether tourists would have access to ATMs during their travels. A number of articles shared by Chinese travellers have amplified those concerns. In recent days, a piece titled "Incredible India: Penniless overnight in the curry-flavoured smog" went viral on Chinese social media. A participant at a seminar in Delhi noted the difficulties of finding cash after the demonetisation announcement, and how she struggled to obtain the right change to buy tickets for the Taj Mahal.

Chinese State media have hailed the move as a "bold" attempt to tackle corruption but have also questioned whether the "gamble" would pay off for the Narendra Modi government. "Modi's move is very bold. We cannot imagine what would happen in China if the country bans its 50 and 100 Yuan notes," said a November 26 editorial in the Global Times.

"Demonetisation is a gamble for Modi," it added. "He bet on both the execution ability of the government and the tolerance level of the Indian society, hoping that the benefits of this reform can outrun the negative social impacts and low morale."

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READ: Bankers grappling with chaos over cash crunch

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By PTI: From Aditi Khanna

London, Dec 1 (PTI) India was ranked second in a list of 300 top universities in emerging economies, "making great strides" in the compilation topped by China.

China ranked first with 52 universities while India was on the second spot with 27 universities in the ranking -- BRICS and Emerging Economies University Rankings 2017 -- compiled annually by Times Higher Education which released its report today.

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"India is making great strides. Its flagship university, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), breaks into the top 15 for the first time this year in 14th place, thanks to improved scores for its teaching environment and research influence.

"The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) climbs three places to 26th, its highest ever rank, due to improved scores across all of the five pillars underlying the methodology," said Phil Baty, editor of the rankings.

"In fact, India could soon overtake Taiwan as the second most-represented country in the top 200 of the table, behind China. Overall, India has 19 universities in the top 200, up from 16 last year, while Taiwan has 21, down from 24," Baty said.

Peking and Tsinghua universities in China held on to the two top spots for the fourth year running and China has a further four universities in the top 10.

Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia, University of Cape Town and University of Science and Technology of China complete the top five rankings.

The other Indian universities to make the cut this year include IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur at joint 32; IIT Madras at 35; IIT Roorkee at 62; IIT Kharagpur at 71; Jadavpur University at 99; IIT Guwahati at 106; Tata Institute of Fundamental Research at 107; University of Delhi at 109; Panjab University at 135; Tezpur University at 140; Savitribai Phule Pune University at 143; Aligarh Muslim University at 157; University of Calcutta at 179; Sri Venkateswara University at 186; National Institute of Technology Rourkela at 195; and Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, at 196.

The un-ranked 200-300 category include Acharya Nagarjuna University, Amrita University, Andhra University, Osmania University, Amity University, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Maharaji Sayaji Rao University of Baroda and Manipal University.

While India and China were described as this years "winners", the performance of the other BRICS ? an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa ? was described as "waning".

"With almost double the number of institutions in this ranking than the second most-represented country, India, China looks set to continue to dominate the list in the years to come, while other nations will have to run faster just to stand still," Baty said.

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There were gains made overall by Turkey (16 institutions ranked, up from nine last year), Egypt (eight versus three last year) and Pakistan (seven versus two last year) in terms of representation. PTI AK CPS AKJ CPS

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The five men who have been rescued are under the protection of the Indian Consulate in Sri Lanka.

By Akshaya Nath: With cyclone Nada fast approaching the coast of Tamil Nadu rough sea is experienced all along the coastal zone and security has also been tightened in all the coastal region.

RESCUED BY SRI LANKAN NAVY

In what can be called as sheer luck, five fishermen from Nagapattinam who had ventured into the Bay of Bengal in a country boat yesterday were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy and were taken to Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

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The five men who have been rescued are under the protection of the Indian Consulate in Sri Lanka. Also, the Sri Lankan government has refrained from charging any case against the fishermen.

Also Read: Cyclone Nada to cross Tamil Nadu on December 2, schools remain closed

CYCLONE NADA CONVERTED TO DEPRESSION

This humanitarian act by the Sri Lankan government comes at a time when there have been several arrests of the Indian fishermen that have been taking place and also at a time when heavy penalty has been announced against trespassers into the Sri Lankan boarder.

Cyclone Nada according to the Met department has lost its intensity and has been converted into depression. Heavy rains are expected at many of the coastal districts and fishermen have been asked to refrain from going to the sea in the next 24 hours.

Also Read: Cyclone Nada weakens over Bay of Bengal, relief to rain-hit Tamil Nadu

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Bangkok, Dec 1 (PTI) Mithali Raj hit a half-century while Ekta Bisht (3/8) and Preeti Bose (3/14) shared six wickets between them to steer India to a comfortable 52-run win over Sri Lanka in the Womens Asia Cup T20 tournament here today. Opting to bat, India posted a modest total of 121 for four in their allotted 20 overs and then managed to restrict Sri Lanka to 69 for nine to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament so far. Opener Mithali gave India a solid platform with a quickfire 59-ball 62 that included six hits to the fence. Smriti Mandhana (21) and Veda Krishnamurthy (21) also chipped in with useful runs, although they failed to accelerate the run-rate. Chasing a modest target, Sri Lanka never looked like in the race as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals with Preeti and Ekta wreaking havoc, running through the islanders middle order. Only two Sri Lankan batswomen could reach the double digit mark, with Dilani Manodara top-scoring with 20. Brief scores: India Women: 121 for 4 in 20 overs (Mithali Raj 62, Smriti Mandhana 21, Veda Krishnamurthy 21). Sri Lanka Women: 69 for 9 in 20 overs (Dilani Manodara 20; Ekta Bisht 3/8, Preeti Bose 3/14). PTI CM PDS PDS

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The guy in the recent viral picture of Jhanvi Kapoor at the Dear Zindagi screening was not Shikhar Pahariya, but Akshat Rajan.

By India Today Web Desk: You're reading it here first. Remember the pictures of Sridevi's daughter Jhanvi Kapoor and 'Shikhar Pahariya' at the Dear Zindagi screening that went viral a few days ago? While others jumped the gun and said that Jhanvi had made her relationship with Shikhar official with this public appearance, we can tell you that it wasn't Shikhar with her, but Akshat Rajan.

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PHOTOS: Sridevi's daughter Jhanvi Kapoor kisses Shikhar Pahariya, photos go viral

So, is Jhanvi dating Akshat? Their social media accounts sure seem to suggest so. Jhanvi is a frequent feature on Akshat's Instagram, and he is pretty vocal about his affection for her. He was even her date to prom, according to one of his posts. Akshat is currently a student at Tufts University, and is studying International Relations, with Entrepreneurial Leadership and Film and Media Studies.

2?0?0?5???2?0?1?5? #TreasureHuntToPromDate A photo posted by Akshat Rajan (@akshatrajan) on Apr 15, 2015 at 12:03pm PDT

I'm home A photo posted by Akshat Rajan (@akshatrajan) on Dec 25, 2015 at 5:59am PST

Here's to the best ??#TakesOneToKnowOne A photo posted by Akshat Rajan (@akshatrajan) on Mar 5, 2015 at 12:17pm PST

On the other hand, pictures of Jhanvi kissing Shikhar Pahariya, went viral a few months ago. Shikhar is the grandson of former Union minister Sushil Kumar Shinde. Reportedly, Sridevi was livid with the photographs and imposed a strict no-boyfriend diktat on her eldest daughter.

We leave it to you to decide who is the man in Jhanvi's life - Shikhar or Akshat.

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Kangana Ranaut is reportedly waiting for the right time to get back at Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh for the jibes they took at her expense.

By India Today Web Desk: Kangana Ranaut, who just returned to the country after a two-month-long shooting schedule in the US for Hansal Mehta's Simran, is in no mood to forgive Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh.

ALSO READ: Hrithik-Kangana battle gets uglier as Ranaut's lawyer retaliates

Both the actors had made tongue-in-cheek remarks about her on Koffee With Karan. Alia wanted to know, "Kangana has a lot of lovely airport looks, but where does she go?" while Ranveer said that Kangana will be a great match for Ranbir Kapoor. Revealing that he would love to set them up, the Bajirao Mastani actor said, "There's a lot of firework. He loves it."

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Mid-Day quotes Kangana's spokesperson as saying, "She is only laughing about it, for now," adding that she is currently focussed on Rangoon and other professional commitments. However, the report says that Kangana will not shy away from speaking her mind when asked about it on a public platform. Perhaps she knows, revenge is a dish best served cold.

ALSO WATCH:

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By Shuja-ul-Haq : One of the biggest challenges that the security agencies have been facing in past few months is to formulate a policy of handling the number of young boys who have gone missing from their homes.

In the last six months, around 100 young local boys have joined militant ranks. The Jammu and Kashmir government now seems to have developed a strategy to attract these men back towards the mainstream and directions for this have come from the top.

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J-K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had said, "I am telling the forces to be patient and help these boys come back. It is better if they join the mainstream rather than getting killed in the encounters".

4 militants surrendered in one month

In last one month itself, four young boys have been persuaded to lay down their arms. Recently one militant was arrested from Sopore. Sources said that the police asked his family who persuaded him to surrender. "We would want them to come home," said PK VAID, ADG J-K Police. 200 militants in the Valley

In the last four months of unrest there have been many reports that militant groups are actively recruiting young Kashmiri men particularly in rural areas. Government figures suggest that 200 militants are active in the Valley and out of these, close to hundred have infiltrated from across the LoC while others are believed to be locals. While the Army is tasked to handle the infiltration issues, bringing back local youngsters from the clutches of militancy seems to be an area of focus for the state police.

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By India Today Web Desk: Katrina Kaif has been turning up the heat, and how! The Baar Baar Dekho actor, who recently made her debut on Facebook, has been giving fans a sneak-peek of her life. Kat, who was in Maldives for a magazine shoot with Manish Malhotra, bid adieu to the island country with a hot photo.

ALSO READ: This is how Katrina Kaif reacted to Ranbir Kapoors Koffee With Karan episode

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ALSO READ: Deepika-Katrina cold war reaches a new level. And Coldplay is involved

Katrina struck the perfect balance between work and play during her trip and made the most of her time on the beach. "Everyone should believe in something. I believe I should go to the beach," she captioned one of her photos. From exploring the picturesque locales on a bicycle to living it up as a beach bum, Kat's posts gave us all major vacation goals.

Now, Kat will be back to the grind and get busy promoting her upcoming film, Jagga Jasoos, where she is paired opposite ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor.

ALSO WATCH:

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Kim Kardashian's sister is also a Victoria's Secret angel, and a really hot one at that!

By India Today Web Desk: The Kardashian-Jenner clan is so full of good looking women, it's difficult to tell who is better than whom.

Making a mark in the modelling industry recently is the younger sister, 21-year-old Kendall Jenner, who did her first-ever Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York City last year.

And yet again, Kendall has proved that she knows very well how to make heads turn as she stepped out for her second VS show at Paris' Grand Palais on Wednesday night.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/uhhuhhonney

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Kim Kardashian's sister wore a racy red lingerie set, teamed up with matching thigh-high suede boots and multicoloured feathered wings. She also donned jade chandelier earrings with an elaborate red statement necklace.

Jenner then switched outfits, to a skimpy black-and-white corset-style bustier with full arms and a high button-up neckline.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/savannahalexusmason

Lady Gaga crooned some of her greatest hits as Kendall walked down the glam runway.

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The series of reply from the state forces on Twitter came minutes after the Army's Eastern Command said that the state police had been informed before positioning the army jeeps.

By Manogya Loiwal : The online spat between the state and the Army's Eastern Command over the deployment of forces at toll plazas turned murkier on Thursday night with Kolkata Police claiming that the army was positioned despite it's refusal due to security reasons and traffic inconvenience.

"Army exercise at toll plaza was objected to in writing by Kolkata Police, citing security reasons & traffic inconvenience," Kolkata Police tweeted.

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In addition, the West Bengal Police tweeted:

West Bengal Police (@wbpolice) December 1, 2016

Adding to information, they mentioned the areas where the forces have been deployed that included, Jamboni, Kharagpur, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Barrackpore , Murshidabad, Burdwan, Hooghly and Howrah.

The series of reply from the state forces on Twitter came minutes after the Army's Eastern Command said that the state police had been informed before positioning the army jeeps.

Army conducting routine exercise with full knowledge & coord with WB Police. Speculation of army taking over toll plaza incorrect @adgpi EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) December 1, 2016

Refuting these claims, chief minister Mamata Banerjee accused the army of misleading the public.

Absolutely wrong and misleading facts by @easterncomd We have great respect for you, but please please don't mislead the people Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 1, 2016

Earlier, while addressing the media at the state secretariat Nabanno, the chief minister accused the Centre of creating a situation "worse than Emergency", by stationing the army personnel across the state. Mamata even refused to return home and remain in her office to 'guard our democracy' till the Army left.

The CM also said that the move by the Centre was an attack on the federal system and she is likely to approach the President to discuss the issue.

"It is an attack on the federal structure. We want to know the details. The Chief Secretary is writing to the Centre. Given an opportunity I will talk to the President on the issue. Has Emergency been imposed in the country without declaration?" she asked.

DEREK O'BRIEN SAYS

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien corroborated the party supremo's concerns and asked if the Centre had imposed a 'General Emergency' apart from 'Financial Emergency'.

Is it Army's duty ? Is this interference part of a plan to start an internal war? Proof on this VIDEO #DeMonetisation #emergency #notesban pic.twitter.com/LxM1EvcZb6 Derek O'Brien (@quizderek) December 1, 2016

In its statement, the Army said, "The Army conducts an annual exercise throughout the county with the aim of getting statistical data about load carriers that could be made available in case of a contingency. For this purpose, vehicles are spotted to get basic parameters like make load capacity. The vehicle is then marked so that the next checkpoint knows that the vehicle had already been checked for the parameters. There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders".

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Nokia was one of the biggest players in the cellphone space for a long time, but the company struggled to compete when smartphones started to take over the market. The company eventually stopped developing its own operating system and switch to Windows before selling its phone division to Microsoft in 2014. Nokias legacy sort of lives on in the Microsoft Lumia line of phones.

But soon you may be able to buy a Nokia-branded phone again. It just wont actually be built by Nokia.

The company has made a 10-year licensing deal licensing with HMD Global, a new Finland-based company that will build and sell phones with the Nokia brand name.

The new phones are expected to run Android-based software, and the plan it to offer those smartphones in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

We first learned about the partnership earlier this year, but things are getting a lot more official looking at Nokia launches a new Phones section on its website (albeit with a note that the site is operated by HMD Global), and HMD officials officially kick off their new initiative, saying that the companys first Android handsets are likely to ship in early 2017.

HMD says its new products will focus on innovation, quality, and experience, alongside the iconic Nokia mobile phone attributes of design, robustness, and reliability. But theres no word on what the new phones will look like, what kind of features theyll have, or how much theyll cost.

Overall, its unclear whether the Nokia name alone carries enough weight in 2017 to give HMDs phones any leg up on the competition or if the phones will have to stand on their own merits in a crowded marketplace.

via The Verge and Reuters
Introducing The Main Index

There are now over 47,000 individual posts here on A Light In The Darkness. They have all been individually added into Main Index categories.



To get the full experience out of A Light In The Darkness and its very extensive library of items, covering virtually all things paranormal, supernatural etc ... we recommend that you flick down the Main Index, which runs down the right hand side of the blog page ... to find the indexed category in which the subject matter you seek is located.



Alternatively, why not use long search bar you will find towards the top of the blog page ...



ENJOY


Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
A court in Panipat today acquitted suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) bomb maker Abdul Karim Tunda in the Panipat blast case due to lack of evidence.

By India Today Web Desk: A court in Panipat today acquitted suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) bomb maker Abdul Karim Tunda in the Panipat blast case due to lack of evidence.

A resident of Pikhuwa in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district, Tunda was arrested by Delhi Police from India-Nepal border in 2013. The CBI had charged him with organising LeT's major terror attacks outside Jammu and Kashmir.

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He is accused in 43 bomb blasts in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Rohtak and Jalandhar in which over 20 persons were killed and over 400 injured.

On April 23 last year, another Delhi court dropped charges against Tunda in connection with two separate blast cases - the October 28, 1997 blast in Karol Bagh and October 1, 1997 explosion in Sadar Bazar.

Incidentally, Tunda, accused of masterminding over 40 bomb blasts in the country, was attacked by two inmates in a Karnal jail on Wednesday by two inmates.

--- ENDS ---
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WSJ: UAE tried to convince Saudi Arabia not to cut oil production

Cavusoglu: Greece must stop arming the demilitarized islands in the Aegean Sea

Moody's downgrades outlook for banks in Germany, Italy, and 4 other countries to negative

About 40 international companies to announce their relocation to UAE by end of year

Israeli Prime Minister cancels participation in climate summit in Egypt

Earthquake strikes in Antalya

Polish manufacturing output falls amid economic uncertainty

IEF: Oil price to exceed $100 due to EU sanctions against Russia

Iranian MFA denies information about country's planned attack on Saudi Arabia

Lebanon: U.S. guarantees will protect maritime border agreement with Israel if Netanyahu wins

Belarusian MFA responds to Armenia after reaction to statements of Alexander Lukashenko

Azerbaijani propaganda machine launches anti-Iranian rumors in social networks

Lavrov and Abdollahian discuss situation in Persian Gulf zone and South Caucasus

Erdogan and Aliyev discuss results of Sochi meeting of Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian leaders

Goldman Sachs predicts that natural gas prices in Europe will fall by about 30%

White House alleges Iran's plans to supply Russia with surface-to-surface missiles

Iran to send delegation to Vienna to strengthen relations with IAEA

Iranian Foreign Minister to discuss state of nuclear deal negotiations with Borrell

Putin: Russia is ready to supply grain to the poorest countries even without participation in the deal

First list of Armenian servicemen killed as result of Azerbaijan's September aggression is published

Pentagon to supply Vampire anti-drone system to AFU

Xi Jinping confirms China's readiness to invest in Pakistan

Kuzmina: I don't agree that Armenia's economy will be swept away if the borders with Turkey are opened

Poland to build wall on border with Kaliningrad

Garo Paylan proposes opening Armenian-Turkish border

Eduard Solovyov: Russia stated extreme undesirability of close contacts between Baku and NATO countries

Zelenskyy: Threat of use of nuclear weapons by Russia exists and it is not related to non-compliance with ultimatums

IRNA: Azerbaijani State Security Service reacted nervously to Pashinyan's visit to Tehran

FLYONE ARMENIA to start operating flights on the route Yerevan - Beirut Yerevan

Moscow to host meeting of Secretaries of CIS Security Councils

Armenian MFA considers it inappropriate to comment on Lukashenko's rambling statements

Dollar rises, euro falls in Armenia

Makredonov: The Sochi summit showed that it is it's too early to write Russia off

Biden's threat to impose profit tax on oil companies is more of boast than threat

Vadim Mukhanov: Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh are one of main points of negotiations

Russia analyst describes Karabakh Armenians fate if Western version of peace treaty is signed

Armenia MFA: Lukashenko statement is disconnected from reality

Russia MFA spox comments on Zangezur corridor prospects

Voytolovsky: Both sides will have weighty reasons to extend Russia peacekeepers mission in Karabakh

Armenia finance minister: Expenditure for PM's office will be reduced next year

Finance minister: Expenses for needs of parliament staff, Armenia President will increase considerably in 2023

Zakharova on meeting of Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs in Sochi

Armenian President congratulates Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

Azerbaijani special forces conduct exercises on border with Iran

Armenia defense minister meets with head of EU monitoring mission

Nikol Pashinyan: It is necessary to continue the work to reduce cash turnover

Russia resumes its participation in grain deal

UK shortage of F-35 fighter pilots

Premier: Ministry of Internal Affairs, Foreign Intelligence Service will be established in Armenia in 2023

Shoigu: The NATO grouping near Russia's borders has grown 2.5 times since February

New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad hopes to continue talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran

Security Council chief receives head of EU monitoring capacity mission to Armenia

Pashinyan: Armenia-Azerbaijan borders existence was recorded both in Sochi and Prague

Second President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan to take part in rally on November 5

Canada to welcome 500,000 immigrants a year by 2025

Armenia PM: Communication difficulties, challenges in relations with Turkey have been overcome

Pashinyan: Armenian side suggests extending mandate of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh

MFA: Armenia has no misunderstandings with Iran

Russia position on Karabakh status corresponds to Armenia government approach, PM says

Pashinyan: Armenia attaches great importance to further development, deepening of relations with Brazil

Premier: Armenia defense spending will increase by 113% in 2023 compared to 2018

Deputy PM Grigoryan to attend Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation, security commissions 3rd meeting

Pashinyan: Armenia has set new record for registered jobs

Israir Airlines launches flights between Tel Aviv, Yerevan

Armenia envoy briefs UK House of Commons defense committee chair on impact of recent Azerbaijan attack

PM: Armenia's economy is booming today

Seoul, Pyongyang launch missiles

Newspaper: Armenia ruling political team is in favor of western version of peace treaty with Azerbaijan

State Department: US will contribute to Armenia-Azerbaijan talks

Turkey parliament approves extending mandate of countrys military in occupied Aghdam of Karabakh

Sweden to reach NATO's defense spending goal of 2% of GDP by 2026

Lebanon raises electricity price for first time since 1990s

Lavrov and Cavusoglu discuss situation over 'grain deal'

Turkey not satisfied with Sweden's promises

Azerbaijan claims to have 'exposed' Azerbaijanis who acted 'under control of Iranian secret service'

Taliban sets up female Interior Ministry unit in Afghanistan to disperse protests

U.S. concerned about Iran's 'threats' against Saudi Arabia

Lebanon is facing a power vacuum, left without a president

Gas exports from Iran to Armenia to double

In first 9 months about $1.7 billion is transferred to Armenia

Baerbock and Scholz disagree on China

Delegations of Ukraine, Turkey and UN temporarily suspend movement of ships in framework of Black Sea grain deal

Qatar Energy Minister calls EU proposal to limit gas prices hypocritical

Jamshidi: Any capturing of further territories is occupation

Putin: Kiev must give real guarantees of strict compliance with the Istanbul agreements

Putin and Erdogan discuss results of meeting of Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders in Sochi

Blinken goes to Germany to meet with G-7 colleagues

Iranist: Cooperation between Yerevan and Tehran will prevent further Turkish activism

U.S. military conducts field weapons inspections in Ukraine

Defense Ministers of Russia and Turkey once again discuss suspension of 'grain deal'

Armenian President and ICRC representatives discuss Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan

Aliyev's aide visits Nakhchivan

Berlin urges Serbia to choose between EU and Russia

Armenian Deputy Prime Minister and USAID representatives discuss bilateral cooperation

Erdogan: Turkey continues to make necessary initiatives on grain deal

Macron promises Ukraine to survive winter and strengthen air defense

The Collins British Dictionary chooses main word of 2022

Medvedev: Western countries are pushing the world into a global war

Deputy Minister: 50,5 bln AMD will be allocated to North-South transport corridor construction in 2023

Georgia begins preparations for multinational exercise Agile Spirit 2023
YEREVAN.  Prosecutor General of Armenia, Artur Davtyan, on Thursday met with US Ambassador Richard Mills.

Davtyan lauded the cooperation with the US Embassy in Yerevan, and expressed readiness to make this collaboration become more dynamic and comprehensive, the Prosecutor Generals Office informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Artur Davtyan noted the overriding priorities of his office. He added that targeted fight against corruption in Armenia is continuous, and that the respective clear directions are being intensified.

Welcoming the Armenian attorney generals offices activities in combating corruption, Ambassador Mills, in turn, expressed willingness to continue the relevant teamwork.

He assured that they will continue to do their utmost toward maintaining the respective accomplishments, and further strengthening bilateral collaboration.

Also, the US diplomat reiterated the readiness to continue assisting in the ongoing reforms by the Prosecutor Generals Office of Armenia, and stressed that his country also favors further strengthening of their cooperation.

At the ensuing talk, the interlocutors discussed matters regarding the judicial domain, and agreed to further intensify cooperation in specific domains.
Saina Nehwal comes back from behind to beat Indonesia's Dinar Ayustine 17-21, 21-18, 21-12 to enter Macau Open quarters.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Star Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal defeated Dinar Dyah Ayustine of Indonesia to enter the third round of the $120,000 Macau Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament here on Thursday.

In a match which lasted around one hour, the London Olympics bronze medallist, who clawed back to the top-10 of women's singles rankings edged past her Indonesian opponent Ayustine 17-21, 21-18, 21-12 in the women's singles event.

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After going down in the first game, the top seed Hyderabadi regained her calm and clinched the next two games to advance in the tournament.

In men's singles, B. Sai Praneeth defeated fifth seed Wong Wing Ki Vincent 21-15 21-17 to advance into the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Both games saw the Indian shuttler overpowering his opponent with some swift court movements and powerful strokes to clinch the issue in 43 minutes.

In other match, Parupalli Kashyap, making a comeback after a long layoff, bowed out of the tournament losing his second round match to Chinese Taipei's Lin Yu Hsien 13-21, 20-22.

In a match which lasted 45 minutes, Kashyap gave away the first game easily but in the second game he displayed some quality strokes -- he, however, failed to overpower his opponent.

In men's doubles category, it was end of road for Indian pair Manu Attri and B. Sumeeth Reddy who were beaten by Danny Bawa Chrisnanta and Hendra Wijaya of Singapore 22-20, 21-19.

The Indian duo started the proceedings on a good note but after a hard fought battle they lost the first game.

The second game saw both sides battling for each point but the Singapore pair proved superior and clinched the issue.

--- ENDS ---
Shabaab Claims Attacks on Saracen International Elements in Somalia and Safaricom in Kenya, Among Other Operations
Unauthorized access to the social media accounts by threat actors like hackers or other adversaries, at times may result in public embarrassment, reputational damage (Personal/Organizational), Law & Order situation etc.

By Sahil Joshi: Advisory from Maharashtra Cyber to general public regarding caution to be taken while using Social Media platforms.

Social media is becoming integral part of one's life and what you post becomes reflection of you/your organization. Unauthorized access to the social media accounts by threat actors like hackers or other adversaries, at times may result in public embarrassment, reputational damage (Personal/Organizational), Law & Order situation etc.

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Following is the advisory issued from the office of Sp.IGP Cyber & PAW, Brijesh Singh, IPS.

Here are few steps to keep your social media accounts safe Enable login verification (e.g. two factor authentication). This is the single best action you can take to increase your account security immediately. Use a strong password (with numbers, characters, capitals, non dictionary word) that you don't reuse on other websites/accounts. Change your password on a periodic basis (atleast once a month). More the number of people having access to your company's social accounts, greater is the chance that those accounts may be compromised. Use social media management system where you can grant your employees access to your social accounts without disclosing sensitive account information to them. Use a password manager to make sure you're using strong, unique passwords everywhere. Social media accounts are sometimes handled by multiple users. If the feature of authorizing each post is available, enable them. While using your social media accounts from public computers, do take care to log off on use. Preferably do not login from public computers (cybercafes, Airport terminals). Avoid using social media accounts containing personal information from public WiFi.

Also Read: Haters out there, 'I love all of you' Rahul Gandhi tweets, after twitter gets restored

Also Read: Why hacker(s) behind Rahul Gandhi, Congress Twitter accounts may never be caught

--- ENDS ---
Founded in 1949, the NIH Record is the biweekly newsletter for employees of the National Institutes of Health.

It is produced by the Editorial Operations Branch, Office of Communications and Public Liaison, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services.

Published 25 times each year, the NIH Record comes out on payday Fridays.
Behind the Facades in France: What expats and the mainstream media (French and American alike) fail to notice (or fail to tell you) about French attitudes, principles, values, and official positions
2016 NPOY Contest Winners Honored

OH&S congratulated winners of the eighth annual contest during the 2016 National Safety Congress & Expo.

Twenty-two companies, including multiple winners Avery Products Corporation, CBS ArcSafe, Inc., Honeywell, and Ringers Gloves, won top honors in Occupational Health & Safety magazines eighth annual New Product of the Year contest this year. Most of the winners were recognized with awards during the 2016 National Safety Congress & Expo, which took place in Anaheim, California, Oct. 17-19.

This year's contest attracted a record number of entries, 84 in all, in 21 award categories, with an independent panel of three highly qualified judges choosing the winners. Many categories were hotly contested, especially the Hand Protection category, in which an unprecedented five products tied. All five of those companies received awards.

The contest's judges were Vince Marchesani, Ph.D., President and CEO of Environmental, Health and Safety International LLC; Chuck Paulausky, CHMM, President of CPSE LLC, a consulting firm specializing in OSHA and EPA compliance and loss control for small to medium-sized businesses; and Linda J. Sherrard, CSP, MS, Safety Consultant II for the Central Prison Healthcare Complex (NCDPS) and former technical editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

To be eligible for the 2016 awards, products must have been introduced to the market between July 5, 2015, and July 4, 2016.

This article originally appeared in the December 2016 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
Chernobyl Reactor Shield's Move Completed

A ceremony in Chernobyl on Nov. 29 marked the successful conclusion of the sliding operation, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development announced.

A massive steel dome encasing the destroyed reactor 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine has been successfully moved into place, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development reported Nov. 29. EBRD is the administrator of the Chernobyl Shelter Fund and is managing the project to make the site safe, and it has been working to construct and then move into position the New Safe Confinement dome for several years.

A steam explosion in 1986 destroyed reactor 4, killing two operators initially and 28 others soon afterward. EBRD announced on its website that a ceremony in Chernobyl on Nov. 29 marked the successful conclusion of the sliding operation, and the international effort to transform Chernobyl into an environmentally safe and secure state by November 2017 was on target.

The dome was moved 327 meters from its assembly point to its final resting place. "The equipment in the New Safe Confinement will now be connected to the new technological building which will serve as a control room for future operations inside the arch. The New Safe Confinement will be sealed off from the environment hermetically. Finally, after intensive testing of all equipment and commissioning, handover of the New Safe Confinement to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant administration is expected in November 2017," EBRD reported.

The New Safe Confinement structure weighs about 64 million pounds. At a point early in its construction, more than 40 countries had contributed to the Chernobyl Shelter Fund, which planned to spend about $2 billion in support of the Shelter Implementation Plan, about two-thirds of it being on the New Safe Confinement, EBRD reported then.
Look Beyond Basic Protection: Vital Considerations in Safety Eyewear

By offering eyewear that is best suited to workers' safety needs first, followed closely by style, employers support a stronger culture of acceptance and compliance.

Safety eyewear is perhaps the most common type of personal protection worn by workers. But despite national safety standards mandating the use of safety eyewear based on the hazards present on the job, more than 700,000 eye injuries occur annually in the United States, at great cost to affected individuals and employers.

Most eye-related injuries are attributed to wearing the wrong type of protection for the hazard present or the absence of safety eyewear altogether. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration calls for employers to ensure employees have proper eye protection wherever hazards to the eyes exist. All eyewear must meet the ANSI Z87.1-2010 standard for impact protection. Safety eyewear styles range from spectacles to sealed eyewear to goggles, each intended to provide a specified level of protection.

Most experts agree that up to 90 percent of eye injuries can be avoided through the proper use of safety eyewear. This article examines the factors beyond basic impact protection that are vital to worker safety and productivity.

Choose Attractive Styling

While protection is the most important attribute of safety eyewear, attractive styling directly supports consistent wear. Studies show that workers who are not comfortable with the style of their eyewear are more likely to remove it, even in the presence of hazards. Furthermore, when workers are allowed to select their own safety eyewear without proper guidance, they are likely to make their selection based on style over safety or fit, which can lead to serious performance problems.

Given the leading role style plays, look for modern, lightweight options such as wraparound frames, floating lenses, or sophisticated metal frames. Many safety eyewear stylesincluding Rx framesare fashioned after popular recreational and sport-inspired sunglass designs. The goal is to select safety eyewear workers are willing to wear, even when a safety manager isnt looking. By offering eyewear that is best suited to workers safety needs first, followed closely by style, employers support a stronger culture of acceptance and compliance.

This article originally appeared in the December 2016 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
In late July, Moussa Aksar, the director of Nigers LEvenement newspaper, answered his phone and heard a familiar voice warning him that he was, once again, in danger.

Be careful, a friendly source told Aksar. Look out for yourself and be careful what you say on the phone.

Aksar had just published Nigers first expose from the Panama Papers, the investigation based on a leak of documents from a law firm that has helped politicians, oligarchs and fraudsters create and use secrecy-veiled shell companies.

The July 25 edition of Aksars newspaper featured a front-page story highlighting previously unknown details regarding an offshore company linked to a businessman reputed to be a major financier of Nigers ruling political party. Copies of the paper sold out within hours.

Many citizens were delighted by the revelations. Others took aim.

Moussa Aksar is reportedly hiding, one Facebook user wrote, accusing Aksar of being wanted by the police for his reporting. Has he lost his ability to make up fake stories? laughed another. Another accused him of blackmail. Aksar suspects he was followed. He told his two daughters to lock the door and to unleash the familys guard dogs.

Aksar and his newspaper arent alone among the journalists and news outlets that have been hit with blowback in response to their work on the Panama Papers investigation, the largest collaboration of journalists in history.

Even as the Panama Papers disclosures have sparked at least 150 investigations in 79 countries around the world, they have also provoked pushback from individuals and governments displeased with revelations of the hidden economic holdings of the global elite. Politicians, business executives and thousands of their supporters have responded with vitriol, threats, cyberattacks and lawsuits, according to a survey by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which coordinated the Panama Papers investigation.

These hardline reactions are part of a continuing pattern around the world of threats and suppression targeting journalists, like Aksar, who fight to tell uneasy stories. Niger authorities jailed Aksar for six days in 2008, for example, for his reporting on corruption and trafficking in fake medicines and black market babies.

We are tracking the impact of Panama Papers and the retaliation journalists and media organizations are suffering, said Courtney Radsch, advocacy director at the Committee to Protect Journalists. Sadly, we find it par for the course that journalists are under attack for reporting on corruption. We know that it is one of the most dangerous beats for journalists.

One of the most unexpected flashpoints to emerge from the Panama Papers is in Spain where Grupo Prisa, the parent company of major newspaper El Pais, announced plans to sue ICIJs media partner, El Confidencial, for $9 million. According to El Confidencial, Grupo Prisa acknowledged the accuracy of El Confidencials reporting but claimed that Panama Papers revelations tying an offshore company to the ex-wife of Grupo Prisas chairman, Juan Luis Cebrian, amounted to unfair competition.

Cebrians ex-wife linked the company to Cebrians business and said that she had no role in its operations, a claim Cebrian denies. Both newspapers are fighting for the top spot in Spains news market. El Confidencial reported that Grupo Prisa claimed it lost readers and suffered economic loss because of El Confidencials reporting on the Panama Papers. Grupo Prisa declined to respond to ICIJs questions and said it is in the lawyers hands.

The editor of the biggest newspaper and the biggest radio station in Spain is shamefully starring in the largest and most unprecedented attack on press freedom in our country, El Confidencial wrote in an editorial in October. If the suit is successful, El Confidencials editor, Nacho Cardero told ICIJ, this suit would mean that journalists can't write or investigate about other editors or journalistic companies no matter the level of public interest.

More than 400 journalists from more than 80 countries have collaborated on the Panama Papers investigation. Backlash against members of the reporting partnership has surfaced in nations where media crackdowns are common and in nations with reputations for high levels of press freedom.

In Tunisia, unknown hackers brought down the online news publication Inkyfada. In Mongolia, a former environment minister sued MongolTV for libel  and lost.

In Turkey, a newspaper partner in the investigative collaboration, Cumhuriyet, reported that a construction and energy executive with connections to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan telephoned to lash out at the paper for publishing his photo as part of its Panama Papers coverage. You put my face on the front page, have you no shame? the business mogul said, according to Cumhuriyet. I will fight you . You sons of bitches, don't make a killer out of me.

The Finnish tax authority threatened to raid journalists homes and seize documents, an unprecedented move in Finlands liberal media environment. Authorities backed down following protests. Finnish broadcaster YLE has filed a court appeal in an effort to definitively nix the tax authoritys ongoing demand for information.

Staffers at La Prensa, a daily newspaper in Panama, were threatened by anonymous Twitter users. What does it feel like to destroy your country? asked one. Another tweet, liked and commented on by Ramon Fonseca, a co-founder of Mossack Fonseca, the Panamanian law firm at the heart of the scandal, featured a photo of La Prensa employees above the comment: This is an act of high treason to the country to which they were born. One online poll asked whether the best way to handle the traitorous journalists was to send them to jail or dump them in the Bay of Panama. For months before and after the projects release, reporters were assigned armed bodyguards who posed as their Uber drivers. It wasnt the first time La Prensa had to enact security protocols, said La Prensas deputy editor-in-chief, Rita Vasquez. The papers editorial team, which objected to the title Panama Papers and to the way some European governments later singled Panama out, said the fallout put the newspaper in one of the most difficult positions in its history.

In Ecuador, displeasure with Panama Papers went to the top. On April 12, President Rafael Correa used Twitter to name several journalists who worked on Panama Papers. Correas supporters followed up to harass the journalists for more information amid accusations that journalists decisions about which names of Ecuadorians to publish were politically motivated. Correas tweet was retweeted nearly 500 times to his 2.9 million followers, including those who replied to lambaste barbarian journalists. Fundamedios, a nonprofit that promotes freedom of expression, reported that President Correas supporters called the journalists mercenaries, rats, corrupt press, and lackeys of the empire. Government supporters then disseminated the journalists private information and photos, even ones where their children appear, wrote Fundamedios.

Ukraines Independent Media Council, a non-governmental body, summoned reporters after a complaint that journalists violated ethical standards by reporting that Ukraines president, Petro Poroshenko, set up an offshore company at the height of warfare between government and pro-Russian forces. The media council criticized how the journalists handled the story, but said the state-run television channel was ultimately justified in broadcasting the piece. It was a bit like a public whipping, said Vlad Lavrov, an investigative reporter with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, which worked on the Poroshenko story. But we said we stand by the story and that they are judging the story not on correctness of the facts, but on our editorial choices of how the story was told.

In Venezuela, reporter Ahiana Figueroa was sacked from one of the countrys biggest newspapers, Ultimas Noticias. Figueroa was part of a multi-newspaper collaboration among different Venezuelan journalists. According to the nonprofit Press and Society Institute in Venezuela, at least seven Venezuelan news platforms attacked journalists who worked on Panama Papers.

Keung Kwok-yuen, a senior editor at the popular Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao, was unexpectedly sacked the same day in April the newspaper published a front-page story that exposed offshore activity of a former commerce secretary, a current member of the legislature, one of the worlds richest men and Hollywood martial-arts star Jackie Chan. Reporters Without Borders and others condemned the move. The handling of Mr Keungs dismissal is full of anomalies making it difficult for anyone to accept it as a pure cost-cutting move, the Foreign Correspondents Club of Hong Kong said in a joint statement signed by associations and unions of journalists. Hundreds of journalists and citizens rallied outside Ming Paos office on May 2, waiving sticks of ginger (Keung means ginger in Cantonese) and demanding Keungs reinstatement.

Journalists who simply relayed reports of Panama Papers were also targeted. In China, media censors instructed websites to self-inspect and delete all content related to the Panama Papers, according to China Digital Times. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the communications minister warned journalists to be very careful about naming names from the Panama Papers, including, it was presumed, the sister of President Joseph Kabila.

Investigative journalists are used to working under intense pressure, but in countries where press freedom isnt the norm, these pressures can become debilitating and even dangerous roadblocks for reporters, ICIJ Director Gerard Ryle said.

One of the benefits of collaboration is the way journalists can band together to overcome these issues  whether its through sharing expertise, resources, or just helping a partner to get their story published. ICIJ has been lucky to work with such a courageous group of reporters who have made it possible to tell some important stories that might have otherwise been quashed.

A few days after publishing his Panama Papers scoop in Nigers LEvenement, Moussa Aksar traveled north to a town in the Sahara Desert where he often spends time in the summer. It was a relief, Aksar said, after the media attacks and the intense social media posts that proliferated after his story.

Now, back at home in Nigers capital, Niamey, Moussa says the benefits of working as part of the Panama Papers team are clear, even though authorities in his country have not announced any investigation or inquiry as a result of his newspapers findings.

Publishing Panama Papers with hundreds of other journalists allowed me to be part of the big league, he said. The protection of the partnership with ICIJ provided me with access to important sources of information and strengthened the publics trust in my work.

Aksar says he has no plans to stop reporting on the Panama Papers and other subjects that make his government squirm.
The visit focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and proposing a new security framework to step up capabilities of both countries' armed forces.

By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Defence minister Manohar Parrikar visited Dhaka on a 2-day trip from Wednesday, with an agenda to strengthen security ties and engage both countries into greater cooperation towards military setup.

In a first such visit by a defence minister in over 45 years, Parrikar paid a courtesy call to Bangladesh President Advocate Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He delivered Narendra Modi's greetings to them and communicated his desire for Sheikh Hasina to pay a visit to India.

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The defence minister was accompanied by his entourage of high-ups from the ministry, that included deputy chiefs of the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy, among others.

THE VISIT AND MEETINGS

He met with the prime minister's security advisors, Bangladesh military and Air Force chiefs, Director General of Coast Guard and Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division.

Also read: Bangladesh will stand by India if attacked: Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan

Also read: India to install modern anti-infiltration mechanisms on Pakistan, Bangladesh borders

Parrikar's visit focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and proposing a new security framework to step up capabilities of both countries' armed forces. His proposed framework included training programmes, joint exercises, increase of HDR activities and also blue-economy opportunities.

He also expressed India's support to Sheikh Hasina's vision for the country inspired by the Bangabandhu's dream, who is also known as Bangladesh's father of the nation.

Also read: Bilateral trade collapses, thousands of trucks queued up on India, Bangladesh Border

The defence minister later gifted a replica of a helicopter used at Dimapur in 1971 during Bangladesh's War of Liberation and some photographs of paratroopers who took part in the war. It was the first helicopter built by the Bangladesh Air Force during the Liberation war.

The air frame has been donated to the Liberation War Museum in capital's Agargaon, it was brought to Dhaka by an IL76 aircraft of Indian Air Force two days earlier.

--- ENDS ---
News

Microsoft Adds Collaboration Tools to PowerPoint, Outlook

The latest round of feature improvements to Office 365 includes enhancements to PowerPoint's and Outlook's collaboration capabilities.

Some of the improvements -- which apply to the desktop, browser and mobile apps -- are yet to come or are just available this month to "first release" Office Insider Program testers. Most of them, though, are available with the November update, which will roll out to Office 365 subscribers at various intervals. Microsoft doesn't specify the dates when Office 365 updates appear, as explained in this support document.

Besides the PowerPoint and Outlook updates, Microsoft also made it easier for users to get notified when documents get shared, among other improvements described in its announcement this week. The features are demonstrated in this Microsoft Mechanics presentation.

Perhaps the highlight of this month's release is that PowerPoint now supports "real-time" coauthoring, where a shared presentation document can be edited by different users simultaneously. Microsoft Word already has this capability. The PowerPoint coauthoring capability is available now for Windows tablet users of the PowerPoint Mobile application. Windows desktop users can get a preview of it today if they are part of the Office Insider beta-testing program.

The November update is also bringing an easier way to transform a traditional attached document in an Outlook e-mail into a sharable document that's accessible from a cloud-based storage service. It still takes some steps to make that happen, though. The attachment needs to be uploaded to a OneDrive account or an Office 365 Group document library. Next, the user needs to "specify sharing permissions for the email recipients." This shared document capability is available now for all Office 365 subscribers using the Windows desktop version of the Outlook application. It's also available now for users of the Outlook on the Web application, which is the one that runs in a browser.

Excel, PowerPoint and Word now have a "Shared with Me" tab that will show the documents that other users have shared. It's available for Android, iOS, Mac and Windows users. It's still to come for the Windows Mobile platform.

Also added to Excel, PowerPoint and Word is a new "Recent Folders" list. It shows up under the "Recent" tab in those applications. However, this feature is just available now to Office Insider testers.

Microsoft has introduced a test version of document-sharing notifications in Excel, Word and PowerPoint, which alerts end users when document changes are made or when documents get shared. The feature's availability and capabilities vary. Android and Windows Mobile consumer users have access to it today if they are Office Insider participants. It'll be arriving next month for consumer iOS users, Microsoft promised. Business users won't see it this month, but it'll be available "in the coming months" on all mobile platforms, Microsoft indicated.

Office 365 business subscribers using the "current channel" or "deferred channel" to receive Office 365 updates can designate some users as part of the "first release" distribution cycle if they want to get early access to features at the beta-test level. The "channels" term is lingo that Microsoft adopted back in February to describe its various Office 365 releases.
3 Reasons Singapore Companies Are Still So Reluctant to Offer Formal Flexi-Work Arrangements

The Baby Bonus isnt the only cash incentive that doesnt seem to be working. The governments Work-Life Grant, which attempts to persuade businesses to put in place formal flexi-work arrangements, doesnt seem to have borne much fruit.

While a recent report showed that more firms were offering ad-hoc flexi-work arrangements, the number of companies offering formal flexi-work arrangements remained unchanged from the previous year at 47%.

Ad-hoc arrangements involve allowing an employee some flexibility when emergencies and unexpected events pop up, such as taking time off in the middle of the day to go to a medical appointment. On the other hand, formal flexi-work arrangements require a lot more acceptance on the companys part, since theyre not one-off events, but designed to allow employees more control over their time.

So why are companies so reluctant to offer formal flexi-work arrangements despite the fact that a lot of work can now be done remotely thanks to the internet, and despite the cash incentives the government is dangling? Here are three possible reasons.

Employers dont trust their employees

It all sounds very primary school, but the fact is that many employers still take a paternalistic view of their employees. These employers tend to assume their employees will take advantage of flexi-work policies to slack off, and so insist that their workers sit under their noses where they can be supervised.

What these types of employers dont realise is that, at least in the case of knowledge workers, long hours spent sitting in the office do not mean higher productivityin the case of excessive working hours, productivity actually falls dramatically as employees fiddle with their phones or work as slowly as they can. Office workers are not doing factory work, and the amount of time they spend on the job is a poor indicator of actual productivity.

Employers also need to realise that shifting the focus from the amount of time spent at work to the actual results produced encourages employees to complete assigned tasks as efficiently as possible, whether theyre at the office or working from home.

Story continues

Employers choose their own convenience over employee morale

There are many employers who know that flexi-work would improve employee moralebecause lets face it, who wouldnt be happy they get to avoid the peak hour MRT crush?but they choose not to deny their employees such flexibility simply because its more convenient for them as employers to know exactly where their workers are.

Sure, most bosses know that can reach their employees immediately just by shooting them an email or calling them on their mobile phones. But they still prefer knowing they can instantly see their employees in the flesh when theyre seated at their cubicles, or dump documents on their desk without having to first scan them.

Ultimately, there will always be a trade-off when it comes to offering flexibilityif you allow your employees to work staggered hours, therell always be one or two hours during the day when the boss is in but their workers arent.

What employers need to understand is that technology can go a long way towards mitigating these disadvantages, and the rewardsa more motivated workforce and higher employee moraleare great.

Employers do not associate high turnover with lack of flexibility

It is often nothing more than staggering how little some managers in Singapore understand about what factors demotivate employees and cause them to leave a company.

Some managers tend to think the key to employee retention is to dole out better salaries and good bonuses. Conversely, Singaporeans are starting to place a much higher premium on work-life balance and flexibility.

I dont think Im exaggerating when I say that a lack of flexibility and an unwillingness to promote work-life balance can really destroy employee morale. For instance, some companies fine latecomers for arriving at work after 9ama friend of mine who works in one such company was recently fined $5 for coming in at 9:03am, despite the fact that he seldom saw clients and most of his work was done on the computer.

While this might further the companys aim of eliminating tardiness, at some point they should ask themselves if its worthwhile doing so if it means employees are unhappy and the turnover rate is highif employees routinely work past 6pm, they are likely to be resentful that the company does not also acknowledge the fact that they leave late.

Singapore SMEs know very well that a low turnover rate is difficult to achieve. Young Singaporean employees have a reputation for being job hoppers wholl walk out if they dont like their jobs.

What they need to understand is that offering flexible work arrangements can go a long way towards lowering their turnover rate, as shown in a recent report.

If employers are serious about stopping their workers from quitting in droves, they need to do some soul-searching and ask themselves whether theyre willing to tighten their grip on their employees if it makes them more fulfilled at work and less likely to leave.

Does your workplace offer formal flexi-work arrangements? Tell us in the comments!

The post 3 Reasons Singapore Companies Are Still So Reluctant to Offer Formal Flexi-Work Arrangements appeared first on the MoneySmart blog.

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Online Stock Trading in Singapore

If you are an active trader, you would know that choosing the right broker is half the battle won. Not only do high commission fees eat into any potential profits, having a trading platform that is not user-friendly can also cause lots of frustration or trading mistakes. Here's a look at some factors you should consider when choosing a stock brokerage in Singapore.

Trading Fees

Trading fees are part of the cost paid to your broker when you trade. These fees can differ with regards to the type of products you trade, the trading size, as well as the market access. The amount of fees paid is important because they should be included as the cost of investment and will affect the total returns you make. Do bear in mind that these fees are typically charged on both the purchase and sale of your stocks. Other than brokerage fees, other additional fees can include exchange fees, CDP clearing fees as well as goods and services tax.

From our research, most brokers in Singapore charge a minimum commission of S$25 to S$28 of fee for transactions below S$50,000. Only SAXO charges a substantially lower commission rate of 0.12% on your trades, with a minimum cost of S$15. But the downside is that your stocks are stored in a custodian account instead of the CDP.

Type of Brokers

Most brokers in Singapore are full-service brokers, providing a range of comprehensive services required to support your trading needs. These include account opening at their local offices, funding services, platform demos, stocks research and broker-assisted trades. Familiar names like Phillip Securities and DBS Vickers are some examples of full-service brokers.

Another type of brokers here are online brokers which are usually international or foreign brokers. These brokerages may not have a local office which can present some problems for those new to trading. Customer service may be lacking as they might be situated in a different timezone and funding your account may be less straight-forward compared to a local broker. However, they make up for this by offering much lower fees. We've prepared a list of best online brokers in Singapore (both local and international) so you can pick the one that most suits your needs..

Story continues

Market Access

Singapore's stocks market may be too small for some investors, or perhaps they consider it less exciting because it is not volatile enough. While most stock brokers here will allow you access to trade Singapore stocks, not everyone can give you access to other markets. This is especially true if you are looking at markets from emerging countries.

You may also want to explore other product classes, such as contracts for difference (CFDs), Exchange-traded funds(ETFs) or futures and would like to use the same broker for this purpose. It may also be worthwhile to check if the broker allows you access to these various asset classes as well before you open an account with them. You can check out market-access allowed by each brokers in Singapore here.

Trading Platform

Unless you are too busy, most people these days usually execute their trades themselves online instead of calling in to get their brokers to do it for them. If you belong to this group, having a user-friendly trading platform is extremely important.

Other than that, more advanced traders may want to subscribe to more sophisticated platforms that give them more functions, such as interactive charting functions, access to historical pricing and various technical indicators. As such, it is wise to request for a platform demo or subscribe to a free trial before you open an account.

Banks or Brokerages

The broking business in Singapore has seen banks jumping in to take up a substantial market share from traditional stock brokers. It is no longer uncommon to find banks offering broking services to retail investors  DBS Vickers, iOCBC and Maybank Kim Eng are some familiar examples.

One of the advantages of opening a stocks trading account with a bank is that you can transfer money more easily from your bank account to fund your trading account. However, the efficient banking system here also means most brokerages allow you to transfer funds from your bank account to your trading account, so this counts as a small factor.

Look Beyond Trading Fees

Since the trading fees offered by most local stock brokers are rather competitive, choosing one based on fees itself may seem like a trivial concern. However, minimizing trading fees can be influential to your returns over a long period, especially if you trade frequently. Also, you should consider the other factors mentioned above, especially the access to overseas markets and the ease of use of the trading platforms to ensure you can trade the way you want.

Written by Lynette Tan

The article 5 Factors To Consider When Choosing An Online Stock Broker In Singapore originally appeared on ValuePenguin.

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Arcadis Singapore published its latest Global Built Asset Performance Index.

The index is an alternative measure of a countrys economic performance by measuring how built assets can power more growth to economies and contribute to better performance.

It was reported that buildings and infrastructure contributed US$36 trillion to global GDP in 2016, an increase of US$3 trillion from 2014.

This represents an increase of global GDP attributed to buildings and infrastructure from 38.7% in 2014 to 39.6% in 2016. Remaining GDP is generated from wages and resource rents.





Source: Unsplash

Source: Unsplash

According to the report, Singapore generates the highest built asset income per person in Asia, at US$35,900 per capita, though this growth has plateaued.

High capital productive investments have propelled Singapore to steadily gain a strong position in creating a comprehensive manufacturing hub.



Although reliance of built assets has been reduced, its high-tech manufacturing is retained.

However, this figure is only expected to be a slight decline through Singapores resilient economic growth that exemplifies development through investment in built and intangible assets.

Hong Kong trails in second at US$21,400 built asset income per person in Asia per capita. In global rankings, Qatar takes a substantial lead in this segment at US$66,300 followed by United Arab Emirates at US$37,900.

Analysts remain optimistic in the strength of the economy through new smart infrastructure and urban development projects such as the new Central Business District and the High Speed Rail in neighboring Malaysia.



There remain continuous investments in Singapores Changi Airport to double passenger capacity to 135 million by 2025.





Source: Unsplash

Source: Unsplash

Findings of the report include China pushing ahead of the U.S. with nearly double the returns from buildings and infrastructure. Chinas reliance on its built asset returns will continue as its efforts to shift the focus away from manufacturing and construction endures.

Story continues

It is also projected that India will be the next powerhouse to overtake the US as it increases real returns from built assets by as much as 126% in the next decade.

These new emerging markets have been growing at above-average growth rates and projected to continually progress ahead of current favourites.



Built assets performance continues to be an integral measure for nations seeking to boost their economic returns.

Despite difference requirements, regulatory frameworks and funding models, common elements can be adopted, adapted and shared across borders to gain from best practices at a global scale.

(By Lily Teh)

Related Articles

- Building for the future: Singapore tech and construction integration

- How can ASEAN cope with a slowing Chinese economy?

- 5 Singapore Exchange (SGX) stock picks for 2016
A 2GB data plan is for $15.

Singapore telco giant StarHub granted the demands of its subscribers who are constantly overseas with the launching of DataTravel plan.

In a statement, StarHub announced that its postpaid customers can avail of 2GB data that can be consumed within 30 days for a flat fee of $15. A larger 3G DataTravel plan is also available for a $20 fee.

The telco said DataTravel plans can be used across multiple destinations including Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Philippines.

StarHub Head of Product & Marketing Wang Li-Na said customers will receive SMS notifications before their DataTavel expires or depletes. More so, unused data will be carried forward for another 30 days of use.

Our DataTravel customers will be able to enjoy doing what they have come to love on their phones simply and affordably, with a data plan that can be brought across multiple borders and mobile networks. With DataTravel, we are happy to free our customers from the common constraints of overseas data usage, that are cost and accessibility," she said.





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AFP News

Denmark's left-wing Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Wednesday kicked off the process of forming a new, broader government one day after scoring a narrow election victory. The Social Democrats, the largest party in parliament with 50 of 179 seats and accustomed to leading minority governments, now want to govern across the political divide after Frederiksen secured their best election win since 2001. "It will be very, very difficult. We don't know if it will be possible, but we will try our utmost", she told a party debate on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, the prime minister formally presented the resignation of her outgoing government to Queen Margrethe. The leaders of Denmark's 11 other parties in parliament were each meeting the queen individually on Wednesday before the monarch formally tasks Frederiksen with trying to form a new government. Frederiksen will then "enter into negotiations to form a broader government and that will probably take a while," political scientist Rune Stubager, a professor at Aarhus University, told AFP. Her left-wing bloc, which includes five parties plus three seats from the autonomous territories Greenland and the Faroe Islands, won a majority of 90 seats, compared to 73 for the right and far-right, and 16 for the centre. It was the Social Democrats' best election outcome in two decades, gaining two seats and securing over 27 percent of the vote, and allows Frederiksen to enter negotiations from a position of strength. Frederiksen's photo-finish win scuppered hopes of former two-time prime minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who founded a new Moderates party just months earlier, of becoming kingmaker in the new administration. - Broken dreams - The Moderates won more than nine percent of votes and Lokke Rasmussen insisted he wanted to be "the bridge" between the left and right, but daily newspaper Jyllands-Posten concluded that "in theory, Mette can do without Lars Lokke". While the Moderates will be part of negotiations, Stubager expressed doubt that they would be willing to "compromise sufficiently" to secure posts in the cabinet. A "more realistic" plan for Frederiksen would be a coalition government with various parties on the left, he said. While Frederiksen's government was largely hailed for handling the Covid-19 pandemic, the election was triggered by the country's so-called mink crisis. The affair erupted after the government decided in November 2020 to cull the country's 15 million minks over fears of a mutated strain of the novel coronavirus. The decision turned out to be illegal, and the Social Liberal party propping up Frederiksen's minority government threatened to topple it unless she called early elections to regain voters' confidence. The Social Liberals paid a price for the gamble, losing nine of their 16 seats and on Wednesday their party leader resigned. - 'Zero refugees' - To rule, the Social Democrats will still need to depend on support from the Social Liberals, which has made clear it will not support another minority one-party government. Broad consensus for Denmark's restrictive migration policy left the issue largely absent from the election campaign, but it could resurge in government negotiations. Advocating a "zero refugee" policy, the outgoing government had worked on setting up a centre to house asylum seekers in Rwanda while their applications are processed. The Social Liberals oppose the plan. "It will be very difficult for the Social Democrats to turn soft or to the left on immigration, because that has been a very pivotal point in their strategy over the past five, six years," Stubager said. "To give up on that would have dramatic consequences for them." The far-right has heavily influenced Danish politics in recent decades, but three populist parties together won just 14.4 percent of votes and are not expected to play a key role in the upcoming negotiations. The anti-immigration Danish People's Party, which hovered above 20 percent a few years ago, fell to 2.6 percent, its worst result since entering parliament in 1998. A new party founded by former immigration minister Inger Stojberg, the Denmark Democrats, instead won 8.1 percent, on a platform of less centralisation, less influence from Europe and fewer immigrants. cbw-jll/po/jm
Lets start from the beginning  where did the name for the video come from, and is there any kind of hidden meaning behind it?

The name for the video was a happy accident, thanks to Andy Coleman. I had been having a lot of trouble coming up with something to call the project for a while; it needed to reflect the gritty and rough textures of the footage and the places we were filming in. Andy was walking through Little Paradise, a street in Bristol, and sent me photographs of the area and the street sign; I fell in love with it straight away. The look of the place is so shitty, but its beautifully shitty.

Dave Snaddon  crooked grind, Bristol  photo CJ

When did you decide that you were going to following up Perfect Blues with a second full-length project? And was everyone involved keen from the get go, or did it build stage by stage?

I wanted to immediately correct the issues I had with Perfect Blues  I think it had too many people involved, and it ended up being something that I wasnt that stoked on. However, I learnt a lot from it, so Im glad it happened.

I needed to make a video that reflects what I want to see and something that I could be proud of. I hit up Andy, Jess and Nicky first, and as word got around, everyone else was keen. I explained the direction and feel I wanted, and it made sense to keep it small and focus on what we all wanted to see in a video.

Manhead was filming for the National Skateboard Co. video for a good proportion of the process; Im so pleased that he managed to get a full part together for us as well. Ryan Price was a late addition, he was very persistent and demanded that he should have a part in the video, too. The nutcase filmed his part in 9 months!

Watching it in the Cinema last night it almost felt like a video for an extended scene. It seems like Get Lesta offer a similar sort of deal for their crew, with the days of UK board brand full lengths being few and far between.

I completely agree. My main focus was always Jess, Andy, Nicky, Ryan, Manhead and Snadz, but I made a conscious effort to include people who are really good friends that I felt should be featured in the video. Its really something when you watch two and a half years worth of footage condensed into 26 minutes of really good and really shit memories!

Im not going to say that it was an easy ride, I cant even begin to imagine the total time spent filming and the money that was spent on petrol, plane tickets, train tickets and food by everyone. Not to mention the various health issues! We didnt set out to make any money from the video, we did it purely to create something physical that people could hold and keep on their shelves, rather than an online video that could be potentially forgotten within a week.
How can you earn buy-in from reluctant or uninformed stakeholders about threat assessment programs, workplace violence, travel security, and more? In this episode of SM Highlights, hosted by Chuck Harold, Cornelis van Putten explains how changing terminology can change the lens through which non-security personnel can view and participate in threat assessments. Also, Mackenzie Grahek outlines how to build more inclusive and secure travel risk assessments that support at-risk employees, including women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

This episode is sponsored by RaySecurListen for an exclusive interview with CSO Will Plummer about how mail threats are evolving alongside workplace violence trends.
The creator of one of the best and biggest burgers ever passed away in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the age of 98.

By Shreya Goswami: Many of us might not have known who exactly Michael 'Jim' Delligatti is, but we sure enjoyed his creation--the Big Mac at McDonald's. The inventor of one of the best burgers in the world passed away at the age of 98 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Monday night, surrounded by family.

If it hadn't been for this man, our burgers would have been tasty, but uninspired--two halves of a bun, stuffed with a patty, a lettuce, and some cheese.

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But Delligatti came up with the Big Mac in 1967, and revolutionised the burger scene. At the same time, he made McDonald's one of the biggest franchises ever, thanks to the popularity and fame the Big Mac got the company.

Jim Delligatti was one of the biggest franchisees of the McDonald's company. Picture courtesy: Instagram/polk93

According to a BBC report, Delligatti was one of the first franchisees of McDonald's, and ran some stores in the 1950s. He was based out of Uniontown, near Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, USA. At the time when Delligatti came up with this unique burger, McDonald's was serving a line of simple burgers, fries and drinks.

Also read: Can you look away from this burger that explodes melted cheese? Hell no!

The franchise was not convinced in the beginning that innovation was the way to go, because its limited products were selling very well. So when Delligatti came up with his seven-ingredient Big Mac which had a double dose of everything--beef patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions and special sauce--they weren't too excited. But soon, his genius turned them around, and the Big Mac became one of the most popular burgers in the world.

McDonald's shared a post in Delligatti's memory, after his passing was announced. Picture courtesy: Instagram/mcdonalds McDonald's shared a post in Delligatti's memory, after his passing was announced. Picture courtesy: Instagram/mcdonalds

After 1967, Delligatti went on to run 48 McDonald's branches, making him one of the biggest franchisees in the company. He also opened the Big Mac Museum in 2007, where visitors can pose for photos in front of a four-metres wide Big Mac.

Delligatti's life made a lasting impression on McDonald's. After his death was announced, McDonald's posted this on all its social media handles: "Today, we celebrate the 98 inspirational years of Big Mac inventor, Michael "Jim" Delligatti. Jim, we thank and will forever remember you."

And so will every burger-lover in this world.

--- ENDS ---
Every year, new and improved technologies emerge that have consistently proved to be beneficial for our everyday lives. Owing to the positive impacts that these tools of technology bring to the businesses, more and more organizations are adopting these to improve efficiency and productivity.

Various technologies like cloud computing, smart data storage, video conferencing, wireless networking, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and so on have helped in automating certain tasks and made the businesses processes simpler and smoother.

While staying updated is a cornerstone of every successful business, it is equally important to ensure that your employees can adapt to the integration. Only a fully functional team that is ready to move towards innovation can help in taking your business forward.

Lets take a look at a few ways in which you can accomplish this.

Introducing New Technology to Employees

Ensure That IT Teams Understand the Companys Goals

The first step to making a technology work for your business is to ensure that the IT personnel handling the integration is completely aware of the companys goals and objectives and are providing the right kind of support. Additionally, they should collaborate with the department heads to guarantee that the technology is aligned with the requirements of the company before bringing the team members onboard with it.

Working out the potential flaws and the inefficiencies of the technologies will ensure that employees do not encounter any glitch while using these tools. Any obstacles faced by the employees at the beginning can demotivate them and can turn out to be a hindrance to their enthusiasm for embracing the technology.

Encourage Education

Adequate training is one of the most crucial components in enabling your staff to adapt to new technology integration at the workplace. With every new adoption, employees should be retrained about how to utilize these in their tasks.

Some employees do not have a knack for technology and may feel intimidated with the integration. You would need to provide additional support to them to ensure that they attain a level of comfort with these tools. The idea is to ease the workflow with these tools and not make these turn into a burden for your employees.

Listen to Their Feedback

For your employees to be receptive to new technologies, you should create an environment in the workplace that is conducive to learning. Your employees should not hesitate to talk freely about the problems they are facing, any inputs that they might have about the integration and so on. This will help them feel involved in the integration and would enable them to learn more.

You can consider setting time aside for addressing these concerns. Department heads should be open to new ideas. Interactive sessions, hands-on training activities, weekly meetings, seminars and recurring training sessions should be conducted to ensure that employees doubts are heard, discussed and cleared as they move ahead with the integration.

Create a Culture of Progression

User experience is one of the primary aspects that make the integration of technological tools successful. People usually gravitate towards a tool that is fluid and easy to use. Therefore, it is important to make learning about a technology fun and engaging. To accomplish this, you should make your team understand how the implementation will optimize workflow and reduce their burden.

For example, using wireless technology helps in fueling the concept of a mobile workforce. WiFi connectivity reduces the usage of a cluster of cables, which can pose a hindrance to collaboration and workflow. Making your employees aware of these concepts can help in swifter adoption.

Track Results and Make Adjustments

The idea is to ensure that the implementations of the tools do not become stagnant with time. Therefore, it is crucial to measure the results, the return on investment, the impact on the users and so on. These metrics can then be utilized to identify the problem areas and ways to make the technology work more efficiently for your business procedures.

You can consider asking your employees to present new ways to use the technology. Viable solutions should be tested to make the necessary adjustments. This can facilitate regular learning for your employees.

These steps will ensure that your employees become more receptive to the integration. You would also need to plan financially for the upgradation and the adjustments. This will help in avoiding any financial setbacks.
Grants

Steelcase Education Offers $65,000 Classroom Redesign

The company's 2017 Active Learning Center Grant launches today.

Steelcase Education's Active Learning Classroom 2

Schools, colleges and universities across North America looking to revamp classrooms for active learning can apply for funding through a new grant opportunity from Steelcase Education. The company has opened the application process for its third annual Active Learning Center (ALC) Grant, offering "modern and flexible classroom redesigns" to institutions that "show a commitment to fostering student engagement, creativity and success."

Up to 15 grant recipients will receive $65,000 worth of Steelcase furniture, design services, installation and onsite training, as well as a pre- and post-occupancy measurement tool to evaluate results. Grantees can choose one of four active learning environments:

Active Learning Classroom 1, featuring tiered seating and tables for preserving sightlines in multiple configurations;

Active Learning Classroom 2, designed for hands-on activities and informal conversations;

Active Learning Classroom 3, with separate zones for collaboration, listening, independent reading, making and more; and

Active Learning Classroom 4, focused on smart tech support and extreme mobility.

The 2017 ALC grant is open to schools grades 612, community colleges, four-year colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. "Grant applicants are asked to describe their teaching goals, the pedagogy they plan to implement in the new classrooms and how an active learning environment will positively benefit both their teaching and their students," according to a press release. Schools may also submit applications for library and media center spaces if they are used for instructor-led learning. "Grantees will be selected based on education strategies that align with active learning philosophies. They will also be asked to describe how they plan to measure their student's success rates and how they will share that information with the broader education community."

The 2016 grant recipients, selected from a pool of 800 applicants, were: Boyce Middle School (Pittsburgh, PA), College of Lake County (Grayslake, IL), Furman University (Greenville, SC), LaSalle College Montreal (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), Lipman Middle School (Brisbane, CA), Timber Ridge School (Mt. Prospect, IL), Shorecrest Preparatory School (St. Petersburg, FL), St. Edward's University (Austin, TX), St. Elizabeth High School (Wilmington, DE), Tennessee Tech University (Cookeville, TN), Turner/Bartels K-8 (Tampa, FL), University of Saint Mary (Leavenworth, KS) and Upper Arlington High School (Upper Arlington, OH).

The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 10, 2017; winners will be announced March 24. To apply, go to the Steelcase Education site.
By Fabian Cambero

SANTIAGO, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Anglo American Plc (LSE: AAL.L - news) 's Los Bronces copper mine in Chile (Stuttgart: 704599.SG - news) remains closed because of an illegal occupation by protesting contract workers, the company said on Wednesday.

The protestors seized the installations on Saturday, the second such occupation at the mine this month, and demanded better contract terms and benefits similar to those of staff workers.

Los Bronces "remains suspended, and will continue to be suspended while not in condition to operate safely," Anglo said. "The company is ready to assume the implied costs."

Miners in Chile, the world's No. 1 copper exporter, have traditionally saved money by using outsourced labor for some work. But increasing disputes with contract workers mean many are looking to bring more jobs in-house.

Last year, state copper company Codelco was hit by a series of strikes by contract workers that forced it to halt operations at a number of mines temporarily.

Los Bronces is Anglo's main copper operation in Chile. Codelco, Mitsui & Co and Mitsubishi Corp (LSE: 7035.L - news) also own stakes in the mine.

Last year, the Anglo American Sur complex, which includes Los Bronces and the smaller El Soldado mine, produced 437,800 tonnes of copper out of Chile's total 5.76 million.

(Reporting by Fabian Cambero, Writing by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
Donald Trump has warned companies considering leaving the US that they will face consequences if they move.

During a tour of the Carrier air-conditioning factory in Indianapolis, Indiana, the President-elect told workers that firms moving abroad would be "taxed very heavily" at the US border.

:: Trump picks 'Mad Dog' Mattis as defence secretary

"Companies are not going to leave the United States any more without consequences. Not going to happen," he said.

"They can leave from state to state, and negotiate deals with different states, but leaving the country will be very, very difficult."

:: Donald Trump to leave business empire to avoid conflict of interest

During the presidential campaign, Mr Trump repeatedly threatened to slap tariffs on firms choosing to move to countries where labour costs are cheaper.

His latest comments - his first major public remarks since winning the White House - came as he announced a deal with Carrier to prevent jobs being moved to Mexico.

The Republican billionaire made saving the plant a central promise of his campaign, and has now confirmed a deal to keep 1,100 jobs there - although hundreds of workers still face unemployment.

Indiana state officials have agreed to give United Technologies Corp, which runs the plant, $7m worth of tax breaks over 10 years.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence said the move will keep the jobs in "the heart of the heartland".

He said: "This is a great day for Indiana and it's a great day for working people all across the United States of America."

Mr Trump's supporters have described the deal as the first tangible part of his plan to increase employment.

But liberal Senator Bernie Sanders, who was up against Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, said the deal should worry Americans.

Carrier "took Trump hostage and won," he wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post.

Mr Sanders said the incoming President had "endangered" other US jobs "because he has signalled to every corporation in America that they can threaten to offshore jobs in exchange for business-friendly tax benefits and incentives".

Story continues

:: President-elect Donald Trump threatens to 'terminate' US-Cuba deal

Mr Trump also is under pressure to prevent other job cuts across the state, with several other factories in Indiana set to close.

More than five million manufacturing jobs have been wiped out across the US since 2000, with Indiana alone losing about 150,000 factory roles.
LONDON, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Gasoline refining margins in northwest Europe rose on Wednesday, mirroring a jump in benchmark gasoline prices following an oil output cut agreement from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

* U.S. gasoline stocks rose 2.1 million barrels last week, almost double the amount expected, with the largest build coming on the Gulf Coast at 1.6 million barrels and then on the East Coast with 456,000 barrels.

* Despite the build, normally bearish for U.S. gasoline futures, RBOB prices extended gains to almost 7 percent, following crude oil prices.

* Dutch FNV trade union said industrial action at Shell (LSE: RDSB.L - news) 's 404,000 bpd Pernis refinery continues this week. FNV said workers were stopping the start-up of a residual conversion unit at the refinery but owner Shell said operations were running as planned.

* Water levels along the Rhine river continued to decrease, and with no rain predicted in Germany and Switzerland for the next two weeks, barge traffic was expected to be significantly limited, brokerage Riverlake Barging said.

* Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Co (ORPIC) said it was preparing to restart its 116,000 bpd day Sohar oil refinery with the feed cut-in for the residue FCC process was expected to occur on Thursday morning.

* Kenya's oil importers are seeking more than 410,000 tonnes of oil products for January to early February delivery, including 149,093 tonnes of gasoline, in a tender closing Dec. 1, trade sources said.

* Colombia's Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC - news) seeks a 195,000-200,000 barrel cargo of gasoline RON 92 for December delivery. Bids will be accepted until Nov. 30, indexed to unleaded 87 gasoline prices at the U.S. Gulf Coast.

GASOLINE

* No barges of benchmark Eurobob gasoline traded.

* Elsewhere during the day, Gunvor and Total (LSE: 524773.L - news) sold four barges to BP and Shell all at $464 a tonne fob ARA.

* The December swap stood at $481 a tonne fob ARA at the close compared to $453 a tonne in the previous session.

Story continues

* There were no trades of premium unleaded gasoline barges but bid and offer discussions emerged at $490 to $491 a tonne fob ARA, compared to $457 to 461 a tonne in the previous session.

* Gasoline barge refining margins rose to fell to $12.85 a barrel from $8.30 a barrel previously.

* U.S. December RBOB gasoline futures were trading 7.84 percent higher at 1.485 a gallon by 1725 GMT.

* The U.S. gasoline crack (RBC1-CLC1) traded at $13.05 a barrel, up from $12.70 a barrel previously.

NAPHTHA (NAF-C-NWE)

* No trades seen

(Reporting by Sabina Zawadzki)
There is no limit on holding of gold jewellery or ornaments by anybody provided it is acquired from explained sources of income including inheritance.

By India Today Web Desk: The Narendra Modi has been quick to quell the confusion regarding the ceiling on gold after the Lok Sabha passed the Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill earlier this week. Close on the heels of the Finance Ministry and Press Information Bureau, Union ministers have also issued clarifications regarding the changes made in the law pertaining to possession of gold.

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Clarifying the government's stand, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu blamed others for spreading confusion. "There is no new amendment in Income Tax Act vis-a-vis gold. Some elements are creating unnecessary confusion," he said.

He said no explanation is needed if gold is ancestral or has been in possession for long. "No clarification is required on what we call 'streedhan'," he said.

READ| No seizure of gold jewellery up to 500 g per married lady in Income Tax raids

Minister of State for Finance Arjun Meghwal too cautioned people not to fall into the "trap" being laid by those who are spreading apprehensions. "No action would be taken on the gold in the possession of the people and which are from known sources. No decision has been taken on ceiling more than 500 gm of gold," he said.

Meghwal said the government would not act in a hurry even on the gold worth lakhs and crores purchased in panic after demonetisation. These people did not provide any PAN number or sources to hide from the Income Tax authorities. "The government will properly investigate. You can keep any quantity of gold if you have sources," he said.

--- ENDS ---
By Padraic Halpin DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland's central bank is not seeking to dissuade financial firms from moving investment banking or trading operations to Dublin as a result of Brexit and is receiving applications from a range of sectors, its head of regulation said on Thursday. Banking sources told Reuters last week the central bank had signalled to several large investment banks considering a move from London after Britain leaves the EU that it would be reluctant to host large trading operations. "I want to be clear: we do not have such a position. We have not sought to dissuade any such entities from seeking authorisation nor are we planning to do so," Cyril Roux said in a speech. "Such applicants, of course, like any other applicant, can expect a rigorous process." Roux said there was no need for extra caution because the risk appetite for such trading activities was set by the European Central Bank - supervisor for the largest banks in the euro zone - which has given "zero indication" that it opposes high-risk trading moving to a small city like Dublin. Dublin, which is already one of the world's largest centres for fund administration and has a growing financial technology and insurance presence, is competing with cities such as Amsterdam, Paris, Luxembourg and Frankfurt to gain from potential Brexit-related moves. Roux said the bank had seen a material increase in queries from UK-authorised entities, several of which had moved into the pre-application or application phase, meaning the Irish financial sector was set to grow, quite possibly significantly. Enquiries have come "throughout the spectrum" of sectors, he said, naming insurance, payments institutions, firms authorised by MIFID (markets in financial instruments directive) and CSD (central securities depositories). Roux expects applications to continue in the coming months as companies prepare for the possibility of a loss of passporting rights into the EU, a system that lets them operate across the bloc but under the supervision of just one regulator. Ireland's financial services minister told Reuters last week that some firms making applications would also be waiting to see if there was any further clarity on the terms of Brexit before making any final decision to move. Roux reiterated that any firm seeking a licence to set up in Ireland would have to have a substantive presence in the country, something major firms understood but others seeking to "nail a brass plate, rent a room and still keep doing everything from the UK" did not. "We have to tell them it's not going to happen," Roux said (Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by David Evans and Jane Merriman)
LONDON, Dec (Shanghai: 600875.SS - news) 1 (IFR) - A London court case in which one of Barclays (LSE: BARC.L - news) ' most senior investment bankers is claiming unfair dismissal has been postponed until May.

Richard Boath, former co-head of global finance in EMEA, is suing Barclays in a pay dispute and for unfair dismissal. He claims he was fired due to what he told fraud investigators during an investigation into the bank.

Boath was interviewed by the UK's Serious Fraud Office in a criminal investigation over the bank's fundraising with Qatar investors in 2008, and his lawyer said at the employment hearing last week Boath was fired as a "direct response" of what he told the SFO.

The judge adjourned the hearing until May after more than a week of discussions over whether reporting of the case should be restricted.

The SFO asked for the hearings to be in private, saying it could prejudice any future charges it could bring against people involved. Barclays supported the application.

Thomson Reuters (Dusseldorf: TOC.DU - news) , the owner of IFR, is part of a media consortium arguing for the hearing to be held in public. Reporting restrictions have been applied on the hearing.

The adjournment means the hearing is unlikely to be heard until after the SFO has decided whether to charge any individuals. It has said it expects to make any charges by the end of March.

Barclays' fundraising with Qatar and other investors in 2008 enabled the bank to avoid taking a state bailout, but it has since been criticised as not fully transparent. The SFO's investigation centres on commercial agreements between Barclays (Swiss: BARC.SW - news) and Qatari investors.

Barclays paid 322m in fees over five years to Qatari investors under two advisory services agreements in 2008, and details of those payments were not disclosed.

The SFO interviewed Boath under caution and gave transcripts of the interviews to Barclays.

Boath, most recently Barclays' chairman of the financial institutions group, left the bank in March. (Reporting by Steve Slater; Editing by Ian Edmondson)
HEMPSTEAD, Texas  In a story Nov. 30 about a judges ruling upholding Waller Countys ban on guns in its courthouse, The Associated Press reported erroneously that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has said government entities that can be penalized for posting signs banning guns include a government courtroom or those offices essential to the operation of the government court. Paxtons previous opinion, issued in December 2015, suggested government entities cannot be penalized for posting such signs.

A corrected version of the story is below:

Judge keeps guns out of Waller County courthouse

A judges ruling that upholds Waller Countys ban on guns in its courthouse keeps the southeast Texas county at odds with the state attorney general

HEMPSTEAD, Texas  A judges ruling that upholds Waller Countys ban on guns in its courthouse keeps the southeast Texas county at odds with the state attorney general.

State District Judge Albert McCaig Jr. ruled this week in a lawsuit by a gun rights supporter who wanted county officials to remove signs warning visitors to the courthouse in Hempstead that firearms are prohibited.

State attorney General Ken Paxton has said the government entities that cannot be penalized for posting such signs include a government courtroom or those offices essential to the operation of the government court. But McCaigs decision interpreted that to prohibit all firearms and other weapons in the entire government building that houses a court.

State law already bars firearms from the premises of any government court or offices utilized by the court. The Waller County Courthouse, where McCaig has a courtroom and offices, also houses the countys administrative offices, an arrangement common in many Texas county courthouses.

This was not, and still is not, a matter of Waller County, or any member of Waller Countys Commissioners Court, being anti-gun or anti-carry in any way, Waller County Judge Trey Duhon told the Houston Chronicle (http://bit.ly/2gKsnis). Waller Countys decision in this matter was simply to enforce the law exactly as it was intended by the Texas Legislature.

Paxton, who has filed his own lawsuit against the county, said McCaigs ruling that resolved a suit involving Terry Holcomb Sr., founder of the group Texas Carry, makes a mockery of legislative democracy.

Holcomb, who started the legal fight in May with a letter requesting removal of the courthouse signs, said hes appealing McCaigs ruling.

I have no doubt that the Court of Appeals will reject the trial judges usurpation of law and apply the statutes as written, Paxton said.
Reddit will ban hundreds of users for making inappropriate comments, its CEO Steve Huffman announced today, less than a week after he admitted to secretly modifying the comments of posters on the sites forums dedicated to Donald Trump.

We have identified hundreds of the most toxic users and are taking action against them, ranging from warnings to timeouts to permanent bans, Huffman wrote in a Wednesday post on Reddit, which bills itself as the front page of the Internet.

In addition to the bans, posts on the Reddit pages devoted to Trumpcalled subredditswill no longer show up on Reddits r/all page, a collection of the sites most popular posts. Many sticky posts on the Trump subreddit were showing up on the r/all page because posters were circumventing organic voting in order to slingshot posts into r/all, Huffman claimed.

The 33-year-old Reddit co-founder returned to the company as its CEO in 2015 after a hiatus during which he helped start the travel booking site Hipmunk, among other projects. He upset many Reddit users last week when he secretly edited posts criticizing him for banning a subreddit discussion of the Pizzagate conspiracy theory, which accuses Hillary Clinton of being involved in a secret pedophile ring and is popular among pro-Trump Internet commenters.

In a Reddit post on Nov. 24, Huffman admitted that he had edited many comments directed at his username, spez, to appear as if they had been directed at moderators of the Trump subreddit.

While many users across the site found what I did funny, or appreciated that I was standing up to the bullies (I received plenty of support from users of r/the_donald), many others did not, Huffman wrote in Wednesdays post. I understand what I did has greater implications than my relationship with one community, and it is fair to raise the question of whether this erodes trust in Reddit.

Huffmans actions and apology, as well as Reddits decision to ban troublesome users, comes as the role that fake news stories play in online discussion of politics has kicked off a national debate. President Obama last week singled out fake news stories appearing on social media sites as a serious problem facing American democracy.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
BISMARCK, N.D.  The Latest on the protest against the Dakota Access oil pipeline (all times local):

7:45 p.m.

Military veterans who have arrived at an encampment to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline walked into an area that has been blocked off by police and asked the officers standing guard there to lay down their arms.

A group of 15 to 20 veterans, some wearing camouflage jackets, staged the symbolic protest on Thursday evening to show their solidarity with opponents of the pipeline slated to carry oil from western North Dakota to Illinois.

Using a megaphone, police told the veterans to move away because they were trespassing. The veteran shouted back that they had served their country and had a right to be there.

The protest lasted about 40 minutes on a cold evening with snow on the ground, forcing the veterans to scramble over mounds of snow during the peaceful demonstration.

___

5 p.m.

Military veterans plan to gather at the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota next week to show their support for those camped in protest of the four-state Dakota Access pipeline.

Veterans Stand for Standing Rock says 2,000 veterans will gather Sunday in Fort Yates, which is on the reservation. The organization says theyll be bused to the protesters main camp on Monday and spend most of Tuesday and Wednesday on the front lines.

The group has set up a page at GoFundMe.com to raise money for food, transportation and supplies. As of Wednesday afternoon, it had raised nearly $700,000 of its $1 million goal.

The pipeline is designed to carry oil from North Dakota to Illinois. Opponents, including the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, say it will harm drinking water and cultural sites.

___

3:50 p.m.

A woman who has been on a hunger strike has been arrested after protesting the Dakota Access oil pipeline at the Iowa Utilities Board building and demanding a meeting with the boards chairwoman.

The Des Moines Register reports (http://dmreg.co/2gWjc2u ) that Jessica Reznicek was arrested Wednesday on a trespassing charge after refusing police orders to leave the building.

Reznicek and other supporters entered the building around 9 a.m. Wednesday. They want the board to revoke construction permits for the four-state, $3.8 billion pipeline in Iowa. Reznicek and another man have been on a hunger strike outside the building.

The pipeline is designed to carry oil 1,200 miles from North Dakota through South Dakota and Iowa to a shipping point at Patoka, Illinois.

Opponents, including the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in North Dakota, fear it will harm drinking water and cultural sites.

___

2:30 p.m.

North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple has re-emphasized his state has no intention of blocking food and supplies from coming into a large encampment where people have gathered to protest the four-state Dakota Access pipeline.

Dalrymple issued a mandatory evacuation Monday for the Oceti Sakowin, or Seven Council Fires camp, on federal land to safeguard against harsh winter conditions.

Dalrymple said Wednesday that the order created a misunderstanding after some state officials said delivering supplies to the camp could be subject to a $1,000 fine.

The Republican says the state is not going to have roadblocks and we are not going to be stopping people because it would be a huge mistake from a humanitarian viewpoint.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently said all federal lands north of the Cannonball River will be closed to public access Dec. 5, including the camp.

___

2:05 p.m.

North Dakota leaders will borrow an additional $7 million to cover the cost of law enforcement related to the ongoing protest of the four-state Dakota Access oil pipeline.

The states Emergency Commission voted Wednesday to borrow the funds from the state-owned Bank of North Dakota. The commission is headed by Gov. Jack Dalrymple.

The group earlier approved $10 million in emergency spending.

Officials say the new loan should cover the states cost of policing protests over the $3.8 billion pipeline through December.

Dalrymple says requests for reimbursement from the federal government have been unsuccessful.

Pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners says it made an offer to reimburse the state for policing costs. Dalrymple says he is not aware of an offer and its unclear whether the state could legally accept it.

___

AP photographer David Goldman at the protest encampment contributed to this story.
Steven Mnuchin, President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Treasury Department, said Wednesday that privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is right up there on the top-10 list of things were going to get done, setting off a buying frenzy among investors.

Weve got to get Fannie and Freddie out of government ownership, Mnuchin said during a wide-ranging morning interview on Fox Business Network. It makes no sense that these are owned by the government and have been controlled by the government for as long as they have.

Mnuchins comments galvanized investors who have been scooping up shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac since the election in anticipation that action might be taken on the government-sponsored entities (GSE). By the end of trading, Fannie Maes share price, had jumped 46 percent, to $4.49. Freddie Macs share price climbed 43 percent, to $4.31.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantee about 60 percent of the mortgages in the United States and are the biggest source of homebuying credit. During the Great Recession, when Fannie Maes share price plummeted from $66.49 to less than $1 in 18 months, they were put into conservatorship run by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Although both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remain publicly traded companies, they have remained under government control since 2008.

As part of the arrangement, which was altered significantly in 2012, their profits are sent back to the Treasury Department, much to the dismay of private shareholders who have been lobbying strongly or, in some cases, suing to have dividends paid to investors.

Efforts to resolve the status of Fannie and Freddie have languished for years. Part of the problem is that the most popular mortgage  the 30-year, fixed-rate, pre-payable mortgage  probably would go away without a government guarantee. Private lenders are reluctant to take on the risk associated with that product. The mortgage industry welcomes change to the government-sponsored enterprises  but with caveats.

Im encouraged to hear that ending the GSEs conservatorship will be a priority for the new administration and that they see the need to reform the system before releasing the GSEs from government control, said David Stevens, president and chief executive of the Mortgage Bankers Association. We look forward to working with the next administration toward realizing this goal.

The siphoning of the profits has created another looming crisis for Fannie and Freddie: no capital. Their equity will dwindle to nothing in 2018. But even that might not be enough to provoke change.

Those who have been following GSE retooling for years say its not as simple as Mnuchin suggests. Trump had said little about housing during his presidential campaign, leaving many observers to wonder what, if anything, he would do.

Never underestimate the ability of Washington to kick the can down the road, Cato Institute economist Mark Calabria said. I give it a 50-50 change that [Trump] hands over conservatorship to his successor.

mnuchin-conservatorship
The Obama administration says it plans to stick with strict fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks for the model years 2022 to 2025, despite protests from some automakers and concern about how the incoming Trump administration might alter them.

Environmental Protection Agency administrator Gina McCarthy on Wednesday proposed leaving the current standards in place, saying an extensive technical analysis had shown that automakers are well-positioned to meet the greenhouse gas emissions targets that were established in 2012 with the goal of reducing pollution and nearly doubling fuel economy. EPA officials noted that the agencys analysis showed that manufacturers should be able to meet the standards at even lower costs than initially anticipated  and, indeed, that dozens of models of cars already do.

McCarthy said in a statement that the decision to adhere to the standards would give automakers regulatory certainty and could save U.S. drivers billions of dollars at the pump.

In a call with reporters on Wednesday, Janet McCabe, EPAs acting assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, was asked repeatedly whether the agency was trying to lock in the new regulations now, for fear that the Trump administration might try to roll them back once in office. She insisted that McCarthy had made the decision based on extensive technical assessment showing that manufacturers could meet the requirements and that American consumers would benefit.

Shes not speaking to anything a future administration may or may not do, McCabe said, adding: There has been years worth of work to get us to this point. There isnt a reason at this point to consider changing the standards . . . We think there is tremendous support for the clean car program.

The decision marks the culmination of a midterm review of fuel-efficiency standards that were designed to reshape the motor vehicle fleet and more than double fuel efficiency by 2025. In setting the standards, the Obama administration in 2012 agreed to auto industry demands that the targets be reexamined for technological and economic feasibility and possibly reset in 2017. But the administration said the possibility meant that the regulations could be tightened as well as loosened.

Earlier this summer, a technical assessment by the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the fuel-efficiency standards championed by President Obama in 2012 would probably fall short of the 54.5-miles-per-gallon target for 2025, in part because consumers were buying more sport-utility vehicles and pickup trucks than expected. But the same report states that no technological or economic barrier prevented automakers from continuing to improve fuel economy and cut back on emissions.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) had been pressing for loosening the standards, while experts concerned about climate change sought to protect what was seen as one of Obamas most significant steps to contain greenhouse gas emissions, while bolstering U.S. energy security.

On Wednesday, nobody got everything they wanted, said Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign.

Environmental activists, however, praised the EPAs decision, which, if finalized, will make it more difficult and time-consuming should the Trump administration seek to weaken the existing standards.

Today, EPA made sure that automakers keep delivering cars that are exponentially less polluting and more efficient, Aminah Zaghab of the advocacy group Environment America said in a statement. Transportation is the number one source of global warming pollution in this country. Todays announcement protects our health and environment by ensuring our cars will get much cleaner over the coming years.

Auto industry representatives, meanwhile, accused the EPA of hastening its preliminary determination before a new administration takes office.

This extraordinary and premature rush to judgment circumvents the serious analysis necessary to make sure the [emissions] standards appropriately balance fuel efficiency, carbon reduction, affordability and employment, AAM said in a statement. The evidence is abundantly clear that with low gas prices, consumers are not choosing the cars necessary to comply with increasingly unrealistic standards. Wishing this fact away does no one any favors, and getting this wrong has serious implications.

The EPA said it will take public comments on its decision until Dec. 30.

obama-emissions
WASHINGTON  The Justice Department on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping set of changes to the federal prison system  creating what it termed a school district for inmates, agreeing to pay for every inmate to get a birth certificate and state ID card, and mandating new standards for privately-run halfway houses.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch lauded the efforts as critical ways to help those leaving prison adjust to life in the outside world. But, like many criminal justice overhaul efforts, they might be short-lived under the Trump administration.

Lynch discussed the changes at an event about criminal justice reform at the White House Wednesday, and Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates ordered the overhaul of halfway houses in a memo to the acting director of the Bureau of Prisons. Reducing recidivism has been a priority of Lynchs Justice Department, which paid several outside consultants to study Bureau of Prisons programs and halfway houses and recommend changes.

Lynch said she was really excited because these are changes that we are making about how we handle reentry within the Bureau of Prisons that will live on past this administration, that are going to become part of the DNA of the Bureau of Prisons.

But Donald Trump and his pick for attorney general, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., have in past public statements indicated disagreement with some of the Justice Departments efforts to reduce recidivism. Sessions, in an October 2015 congressional hearing on sentencing laws and the prison system, said he supported efforts to keep offenders from repeating their misdeeds, but he questioned the necessity of some programs.

Do you think . . . nobodys ever tried a program to reduce recidivism? he asked. He added later: My observation over the years of attempts to have education and other kind of character-building programs in prison before theyre released doesnt seem to have much benefit.

In an interview with The Washington Post, Yates said she believed the incoming administration would nonetheless maintain the changes. She said research had shown inmates participating in correctional education programs had 43 percent lower odds of returning to prison than those who did not, and that would mean cost savings for the Bureau of Prisons.

The Trump transition team did not return a message seeking comment.

The Justice Department said it planned to build a semiautonomous school district within the federal prison system and would offer programs for literacy, high school diplomas and postsecondary education. The district will have its own organizational chart and even a superintendent, Amy Lopez, who worked as an educator in the Texas prison school system, the Justice Department said.

Education is the key to successfully coming back home for so many people, Lynch said.

Yates said the effort would not require any new money, but a shifting of other resources.

The department also said it would pay for every federal inmate leaving the Bureau of Prisons to obtain a birth certificate and state-issued identification card, making it possible for them to secure employment and housing, register for school and open bank accounts.

Yates said Wednesday the effort would cost $1 million to $1.5 million initially, but it would save the Bureau of Prisons $19 million a year. That is because inmates would be able to find jobs and housing more quickly, which would allow the prison system to transfer them to home confinement with less delay, Yates said.

Yates also directed the Bureau of Prisons to adopt clear, uniform standards for halfway-house providers, and to collect and publish data measuring performance. Until now, Yates wrote, the Bureau of Prisons had not required halfway houses to provide the same base level of standards  instead employing a patchwork of requirements from those in individual contracts.

prison-reform
Lauding PM Modi, Ambani said this historic step has given strongest possible push to digitally-enabled, optimal-cash economy in India.

By India Today Web Desk: Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani on Thursday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his bold decision on demonetisation.

Ambani while congratulated PM Modi said, "Today, I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's bold and historic decision to demonetise old currency. By introducing demonetisation, our PM has given us a cashless optimal economy, everybody has a digital ATM in hand now."

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The Reliance chairman added that he believes common people will be the biggest beneficiaries of this change. He further added, "Digitally-enabling transactions will boost economic growth, while bringing unprecedented transparency and accountability."

Also read: Jio announces Happy New Year offer, everyone gets free data until March 31

Lauding the prime minister, Ambani said with this historic step, PM Modi has given strongest possible push to digitally-enabled, optimal-cash economy in India.

In his address, Ambani announced Happy New Year offer that will give free "unlimited" data, voice calls and messages to all Jio users until March 1.

Also read: Demonetisation: PM Modi sits through noisy scenes, two adjournments in Rajya Sabha

--- ENDS ---
HOUSTON  Former Austin police chief Art Acevedo was confirmed as Houstons new police chief Wednesday, while El Paso Fire Chief Samuel Pena was confirmed as Houstons new fire chief.

The Houston City Council voted unanimously to approve both appointments.

Acevedo takes office Thursday and will be paid $280,000 annually, over $100,000 more than what his predecessor Charles McClelland received. Pena begins in mid-December and will receive $180,000 a year, the same as former chief Terry Garrison.

Acevedo, 52, said that creating a relationship between the police force and the community at large will be a priority. He calls it relational policing.

Every person that we contact as members of the Houston Police Department  whether its that 911 operator, that crime scene tech, police officers on the front line, detectives  is an opportunity to create the relationship, he said.

Pena, 47, promised that the Houston Fire Department will make this community the great community that it should be.

I pledge my whole loyalty to the Houston Fire Department and the city of Houston, Pena said. What I ask from the Houston firefighters is that they pledge their loyalty to this community as well.
SANTA FE  Miranda Rabago repeatedly told police that she had no idea how her 18-month-old malnourished son got the head injuries that lead to his death, but nows shes in the Santa Fe County jail on child abuse charges resulting in death.

Her arrest comes one week after Rabago asked a Santa Fe District Court judge for sole legal custody of her three children and claimed she could prove that she was fit to care for them.

According to a Santa Fe police report, baby Ares Baroz was taken to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center around 6:45 p.m. Nov. 21 after Rabago, his mother, said he was unresponsive. His injuries concerned doctors so they called police and told them the infant had a skull fracture on the back of his head and had black brain from prior shaking. He also had a broken right clavicle from a previous incident.

Ares was taken to University of New Mexico Hospital via ambulance, where doctors there determined that Ares was in the lowest percentile for his height and weight and that he was malnourished and under-cared for.

Rabago, 27, told police that she had no idea how Ares was injured. She said she put the boy in his crib around noon Nov. 21 after he fell asleep in the living room, woke up from a nap at about 5 p.m. and noticed that Ares was still asleep. Rabago said she tried to wake him up by calling his name and touching his hand but said he would only slightly open his eyes then close them again. She said she became worried and asked her friend to give them a ride to the hospital. Ares had broken his right clavicle when he hit his head on a table as he was learning to walk about a month before, Rabago told officers.

Detectives searched Rabagos apartment on San Ignacio Road, near Cerrillos Road and Zafarano Drive, and found blood on a pillow and a sippy cup full of rotten milk in Ares crib. There was a glass pipe with marijuana residue on it next to the crib and another on the floor next to a mattress in the living room.

She was taken into custody around 3 a.m. Nov. 22. Rabago is being held on a $100,000 cash bond for abuse of a child resulting in great bodily harm and reckless abuse of a child resulting in death, both first-degree felonies. Court records indicate that she doesnt have a prior criminal history in New Mexico.

Rabago filed for divorce from her husband, Brandon Baroz, Nov. 15 and said the couple has three children. She is asking Judge Sylvia LaMar for full custody, and she checked the box on the petition that says she is a fit and proper person to have sole legal custody of her children.

Children, Youth and Families Department spokesman Henry Varela said law enforcement has not released any children into the agencys custody in relation to this case and believes they may have been left with a safe family member.
WASHINGTON  Richard Stengel, the State Departments undersecretary for public diplomacy, bluntly states the problem that has been worrying him, and should worry us all: In a global information war, how does the truth win?

The very idea that the truth wont be triumphant would, until recently, have been heresy to Stengel, a former managing editor of Time magazine. But in the nearly three years since he joined the State Department, Stengel has seen the rise of what he calls a post-truth world, where the facts are sometimes overwhelmed by propaganda from Russia and the Islamic State.

We like to think that truth has to battle itself out in the marketplace of ideas. Well, it may be losing in that marketplace today, Stengel warned in an interview. Simply having fact-based messaging is not sufficient to win the information war.

Stengel poses an urgent question for journalists, technologists and, more broadly, for everyone living in free societies or aspiring to do so. How do we protect the essential resource of democracy  the truth  from the toxin of lies that surrounds it? Its like a virus or food poison. It needs to be controlled. But how?

Stengel argues that the U.S. government should sometimes protect citizens by exposing weaponized information, false information that is polluting the ecosystem. But ultimately, the defense of truth must be independent of a government that many people mistrust. There are inherent dangers in having the government be the verifier of last resort, he argues.

Our conversation took place in Stengels office, the same room that was used by Secretary of State George C. Marshall, a paradigmatic figure in the American age of reason. As Stengel observed, the problems of todays information-saturated society would have been unimaginable for Marshall, who lived at a time when information was scarce and precious, and openness brought change.

Now, says Stengel, social media give everyone the opportunity to construct their own narrative of reality. He recalls the early days of the Islamic State in 2014, when extremists used brutal imagery to terrorize people and recruit followers. The State Departments early counter-radicalization efforts mistakenly were tit for tat, arguing with jihadists interpretation of Islam. A better strategy, U.S. officials learned, was to empower others who could make the case more effectively.

The central insight was that were not the best messenger for our message, Stengel explains, because in the post-truth world, the people were trying to reach automatically question anything from the U.S. government.

Russias propaganda campaigns since the 2014 invasion of the Crimea have been much subtler and harder to combat. Thats partly because Moscows goal isnt to confront the West head-on, but to spread doubt and mistrust within.

Stengel quotes Peter Pomerantsev, the author of Nothing is True and Everything is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russia. For a Russian leadership schooled on KGB tactics, Pomerantsev argues, Its not an information war. Its a war on information.

Stengel dissects the pastiche of fact and fantasy on Russian media outlets such as Russia Today and Sputnik this way: Theyre not trying to say that their version of events is the true one. Theyre saying: Everybodys lying! Nobodys telling you the truth!'

In the cyber-propagandists atomized, construct-your-own-narrative world, agreement on a common framework of factual evidence can become almost impossible.

How should citizens who want a fact-based world combat this assault on truth? Stengel has approved State Department programs that teach investigative reporting and empower truth-tellers, but hes right that this isnt really a job for Uncle Sam.

The best hope may be the global companies that have created the social-media platforms. They see this information war as an existential threat, says Stengel. The tech companies have made a start: He says Twitter has removed more than 400,000 accounts, and YouTube daily deletes extremist videos.

The real challenge for global tech giants is to restore the currency of truth. Perhaps machine learning can identify falsehoods and expose every argument that uses them. Perhaps someday, a human-machine process will create what Stengel describes as a global ombudsman for information.

But right now, the truth is losing. And we wonder: Which side will Americas next president take in the war on information?

Copyright, Washington Post Writers Group
The oft-quoted Chinese philosopher Confucius is credited with saying, True wisdom is knowing what you dont know. By that standard, the five  yes five  New Mexico agencies weighing in on whether a handful of health-insurance companies really owe the state $193 million or more in back premium taxes are wise indeed.

Because its been two years since the Office of the Insurance Superintendent first asked for an audit. Three months since an independent audit reported the underpayment. Two months since state Auditor Tim Keller released the report and insurers vociferously denied being deadbeats. Two weeks after the Department of Finance Administration and the Legislative Finance Committee joined Keller to block any reduction in assessments proposed by the OIS. Days since state Attorney General Hector Balderas joined this game of 20 Questions because of a murky pending criminal investigation supposedly being done into at least one insurer that allegedly owes back taxes. And yet state officials  and thus the tax- and premium-paying public  remain clueless as to who owes what, if anything.

Maybe theres only a tiny bit owed, or maybe theres a lot owed, Keller told Journal editors and reporters this week.

Either way, you can bet your bottom dollar that the folks who ultimately pay the premiums  New Mexico taxpayers and health-insurance customers  will get the bill.

Keller is right to push for a new independent audit, to require that audit to try to reconcile information not just from the Insurance Office but the insurers as well, and that any deals to reduce taxes owed be placed on hold until all that happens.

It is worth noting 330,873 voters passed a constitutional amendment in 2013 making the Insurance Office an independent agency so it could focus on complex actuarials, law and the entities, items or services insurance covers. Also, so it could presumably be more accountable for its decisions as its superintendent is hired  and can be fired  by a committee that is in turn mostly appointed by the Legislature and governor.

It is also worth noting Superintendent of Insurance John G. Franchini, who was unanimously recommended for his post, disputes the first audits methodology and findings and supports a second audit as a way to bless the system his staff has since put in place to assess back taxes. Its good that Franchini is on board, especially given Kellers statement this week that I just dont believe anything coming out of (the Insurance Office) anymore. We cant rely on their own calculations.  the department itself is broken on this issue. Were not sure theyre capable of dealing with this question, and thats the nicest way I can put it.

Keller didnt exactly sugarcoat his criticism, and he shouldnt. Theres not much nice about a huge state budget deficit, about what would appear to be bureaucratic incompetence or about an ongoing inability to get to the bottom of who owes the state how much, if any, money.

The state needs to commission a second audit it can have confidence in ASAP.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
The three Darnell siblings spoke openly to the Journal about their familys six-year relationship with the New Mexico guardianship system. They each spoke of the helplessness they felt watching their mother, Blair Darnell, lose both her independence and her dignity. They said they want to warn New Mexicans that it could happen to them. They want the system to be made better, more compassionate and responsive to the elder wards loved ones so entire families can stay together until their parents final days.

All the family members who spoke to the Journal said they felt as though they had nowhere to turn after their aging parent entered the guardian/conservatorship system. They each said they wrote lengthy complaints to the offices of the Albuquerque district attorney, the attorney general and/or the governor, to no avail.

Avoidance

Some are warned away from the system because of its problems.

One retired Albuquerque attorney told the Journal that a family member had, in his words, kidnapped his now-deceased mother, overmedicated her and forged documents to take control of her estate. He says he sought advice from a lawyer with expertise in the elder guardian arena and as a professional courtesy was warned away from asking for the courts help.

He said he went to then-District Attorney Kari Brandenburg, who he said told him the case was too complicated to pursue. He then turned to the states top law enforcement officer. The office of Attorney General Hector Balderas told this attorney in a letter that, Our jurisdiction extends only to Medicaid provider billing fraud and abuse, neglect or exploitation of residents within facilities.

But the letter went on to say the AGs Office is aware of the number of exploitation cases involving family members that occur outside the facility-exploitation context and agree that it is an issue of importance.

In cases in which a guardian is appointed, the judge ultimately is responsible for the appointees behavior. But families say that in their estimation, the judges they dealt with failed to conduct the follow-up needed.

Mary Darnell says she kept fighting what she saw as an unfair system, despite her battle with breast cancer along the way, because in quiet conversations toward the end of her mothers life, Blair instructed her not to let the bastards win.

My mother told me, Get these laws changed so this doesnt happen to another family,  Mary said. And I intend to do that.
Editors note: Investigative journalist Diane Dimond, whose weekly syndicated column on crime and justice appears in the Journal, is preparing a book on the nations elder guardianship system. Its a system designed to protect the elderly from the unscrupulous. But as Dimond discovered, it can be dominated by a core group of court-appointed, for-profit professionals who are accused of isolating family members and draining the elders estates. New Mexico is no exception.

This is the final installment of a five-part Albuquerque Journal series.

Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

Blair Darnell died on Nov. 18, 2015, at the age of 85. After a lifetime spent as a cowgirl and raising champion quarter horses with her husband, Casey, the last five years of her life were spent under a court-ordered guardianship and conservatorship program approved by District Judge Beatrice Brickhouse.

After Blair Darnells eldest daughter, Kris Darnell-Kreger, disagreed with her siblings about what was best for their widowed mother and took the matter to court in January 2010, the once close-knit family fractured.

Blair, suffering early stages of dementia, was declared incapacitated by Judge Brickhouse, who appointed a team of for-profit professionals to, literally, take over every facet of Blair Darnells life. As a ward of the court, Mrs. Darnell lost her civil rights to make her own decisions.

The Darnell estate, estimated at $5 million when the court stepped in, dwindled to less than $750,000. The monies were spent to pay for Blairs simple living expenses  even though she had trust and Social Security income  and for a team of court-appointed guardianship professionals. The finances were administered by a powerful court-appointed conservator named Darryl Millet.

Today, Casey and Blair Darnells three youngest children  Cliff, Emily and Mary  continue to seethe about how their parents beloved 17-acre ranch was divided up, dismantled and finally sold off without their consent by conservator Millet  even though a family trust was in place. Kris Darnell-Kreger has declined Journal requests to be interviewed.

Millett told the Journal he was faithful in his duties to do what was best for Blair Darnell. Court officials said Judge Brickhouse could not comment on the case.

The Darnells cherished childhood ranch was a prime bosque property with an extensive pasture and access to the Rio Grande. It has been described as beautiful, unique and supportive of migratory bird habitat. The events that led to the familys losing the property can be tracked by court documents and other information uncovered by the Journal during a 10-month investigation. It is a complicated legal trail that, the three Darnell siblings say, was fraught with emotion and frustration and was extremely expensive for them to traverse.

Property sale

On March 20, 2013, Darryl Millet filed a motion with Judge Brickhouse requesting a hearing to approve his plan to sell the bulk of the Darnell ranch, about 15 acres. Under rules of the Uniform Probate Code, all guardian proceedings in New Mexico are strictly sequestered, kept secret, to protect the privacy of the ward.

Despite the secrecy, and the rule that a conservator may act independently of the family and is only required to report to the judge, Cliff, Mary and Emily Darnell learned that Millet had received a $1.54 million offer on the property from a man named Jay Rembe. Mary, who has had her real estate license for 20 years, felt that price was way too low. Through her attorney, Mary let the judge know of her professional opinion and that there was someone ready to offer much more for the ranch.

 On April 8, 2013, a sworn affidavit was filed with the court informing the judge that the Darnells longtime neighbor, Denny Gentry, was prepared to offer $1.7 million for the 15-acre plot held in Casey Darnells A Trust. Gentry told the court he had expressed an interest in buying the property years earlier and that Blair Darnell had indicated that when the property was listed, we would have first right of refusal against any offer.

 On April 10, Mary Darnell asked the court to hold a hearing on the matter. The next day, she filed an emergency motion to force the conservator to reveal documents related to his proposed sale.

 On May 13, Judge Brickhouse held a closed hearing on conservator Millets motion for approval of sale. Also on this day, Cliff Darnell filed his opposition to the proposed plan.

 On June 25, after a flurry of back-and-forth pleadings and affidavits, Judge Brickhouse approved the $1.54 million offer from Rembe.

Despite that, there was no sale at this point. Because there is no transparency in this process, there is no public information available to explain why a higher offer was not pursued. And there is no way to determine why both the $1.54 million offer and the $1.7 million proposal ultimately fell through.

Suspect

On July 31, Mary Darnell, confused and concerned about the process, received an opinion from a real estate lawyer she consulted about the conservators fiduciary responsibility to her family. In an email reviewed by the Journal, the Albuquerque attorney wrote that after reviewing all the information Mary had sent, he considered the sale proposal Millett had submitted to the court to be suspect, and said Millet should have engaged a Realtor as an independent third party.

In his letter to Mary Darnell, John Lieuwen wrote, It is blackletter law that a trustee owes a fiduciary duty to both the present income beneficiary (Blair Darnell) and the remaindermen (the heirs). Even if the trustees primary charge is the current beneficiary, he cannot do anything which will compromise the remaindermens interest.

On Oct. 29, Mary, with the blessing of brother Cliff and sister Emily, filed a motion asking Judge Brickhouse to require Millet to produce financial information or, in the alternative, to remove him as conservator/trustee.

The next day, before the judge could consider the motion, Millet closed on a deal to sell the Darnell ranch to Tom L. Stromei for the even lower price of $1.4 million.

According to the purchase agreement, the sale included the entire ranch  all 17 acres, including Blair Darnells home and the two-acre parcel on which the home still sits. This, even though the two-acre parcel and home were protected separately in the familys B Trust.

Included in the cash deal was a life estate deed allowing Blair to remain in her home on a fenced-in, one-acre parcel until she died. Upon her death, the home and land would automatically pass to Stromei.

The three youngest Darnell children call it a suspect, sweetheart deal, but they were powerless to stop it.

When contacted by the Journal, Stromei said he knew nothing about the back story of the land. The property was put on the market by a real estate broker, and I purchased the property, and thats the end of it, he said. Stromei said he had never had any other dealings with conservator Millet, and as the conversation abruptly ended, he added, I dont appreciate the accusations those people make around here.

At the beginning of the Darnell saga, Kris Darnell-Kregers attorney, Greg MacKenzie, provided a verified petition to the court saying the Darnell land was worth some $300,000 an acre. Thats about $5.1 million.

Five years later, in an improved real estate market, the conservator sold it for approximately $82,000 an acre at the $1.4 million price.

In the summer of 2015, Bernalillo County records show, Stromei resold the land to the New Mexico Game and Fish Department for $2.8 million. That price calculates to about $165,000 an acre, double the price Stromei paid. Transcripts of the Sept. 29, 2015, New Mexico State Game Commission meeting reveal that Stromei, the new owner of the Darnell ranch, originally listed the property for sale at $3.5 million and the commissioners were delighted to have gotten it for the lower price of $2.8 million.

The record describes the ranch this way: The property represents one of the largest underdeveloped parcels of land fronting the Rio Grande River in this area. It provides prime access to the river and Albuquerques Cottonwood Bosque, supports multiple species of migratory waterfowl including many duck species, Canada geese, and sandhill crane.

All by design

The three youngest Darnell heirs, worried that the real estate deal could come back to have major tax repercussions for them, refused to sign a final settlement agreement because conservator Millet insisted he be granted protection  a waiver of liability against future legal action  before closing out the estate and disbursing the inheritance.

Family members believe that demanding heirs to sign such a document under adversarial circumstances calls into play a state statute that says, in part, A release by a beneficiary of a trustee from liability for breach of trust is invalid to the extent: (1) it was induced by improper conduct of the trustee.

Marys lawyer wrote to her in April 2016 urging her to stop her repeated requests for a full accounting of her mothers finances and questioning the conservators actions.

Millet and all the other lawyers made this a complex litigation case that has many layers. All by design, Patrick Westerfield wrote. I do strongly recommend that you do agree to settle and move on.

Millet and other lawyers involved in guardianship matters say they cannot speak about individual cases, but that they are professionals dedicated to protecting the wards.

The three youngest Darnell siblings decided to fight on. They sought out a veteran certified public accountant with three decades of experience in estate and trust work to pore over the incomplete financial ledgers Millet had provided.

In a sworn statement, he declared to Judge Brickhouse, The documents submitted by Mr. Millet, if they are to be a financial accounting, are inaccurate and substantively deficient  nothing more than the printout of a check register.

Cliff, Emily and Mary continued to insist that the court order a full accounting. Then they learned how much that would cost them.

At the end of June 2016, Albuquerques Modrall law firm filed court papers on behalf of Millet to terminate his duties, approve all actions he had taken as Blair Darnells conservator and trustee and to release him from any liability.

The motion also asked Judge Brickhouse to approve setting aside $100,000 for final attorneys fees and to pay for the requested accounting. That last request rankled Cliff, Emily and Mary, who said they believe a conservators duties should have included keeping a good accounting all along.

Cliff complains not about any one person but the system.

If you have no transparency, you cant expect judges and lawyers to self-regulate, he said. With their hourly wage, theres no incentive to get it done. It is wrong that (the system) is not transparent.

Not wanting to have to set aside an additional $100,000 of their inheritance, Cliff, Emily and Mary had what one described as a come-to-Jesus meeting. As the first anniversary of their mothers death neared, they realized the longer they fought the more money they would lose.

They decided to hold their noses and sign a final settlement in which they agreed not to take future legal action against conservator Millet. In return, the Modrall firms request to withhold $100,000 was dropped.

District Judge Shannon Bacon, in an interview with the Journal, discussed the courts inability to audit the appointed conservators annual reports. She said it is essentially an honor system between the judge and the appointed representatives and said eight of 10 judges in Albuquerque who hear guardianship cases each have more than a total of 1,000 cases on their dockets.

New Mexico doesnt have three cents to rub together, Judge Bacon said. Every year we ask the Legislature for more money, and every year we dont get it.

Guardians and conservators are not licensed in New Mexico, although they may have acquired various certifications. Some of those certificates can be purchased online after taking a short exam.

Nancy Oriola, CEO of the elder care firm Decades LLC, which handled some of the Darnell case, said she is a proponent of licensure for guardians ad litem and court visitors. She said she is one of fewer than 100 professionals in the United States who are certified as Master Guardians.

Mostly gone

Court documents reviewed by the Journal show that when Decades was appointed as the first guardian/conservator for Blair Darnell, the firm initially valued her estate at between $4 million and $5 million. Recently obtained financial statements indicate the remaining balance is now less than $750,000, to be split four ways.

On Sept. 30, Judge Brickhouse signed the agreement officially terminating the guardianship and conservatorship of Blair Darnell. It had been nearly six years of court involvement with the Darnell family and about 11 months since Blair Darnells death.

I want it to be over, Emily told the Journal. I want to get on with our lives  (but) they have a way of perpetuating things, she said. How do you fight this if you are a normal human being? What do they want? They already got (Mother). They took her final years  and almost all her money. Arent there some checks and balances that say enough is enough?

COMING SUNDAY: Are there solutions?

This concludes the Journals five-part series on the problems and heartache many families experienced after their elder loved ones became wards of the state of New Mexico. On Sunday, reporter Diane Dimond offers some solutions proposed by affected families and advocates ready to fight for change.



You can contact her at www.DianeDimond.com; e-mail to Diane@DianeDimond.com
SANTA FE  New Mexicos newly elected secretary of state, Maggie Toulouse Oliver, will take office on Dec. 9, Secretary of State Brad Winter announced Wednesday.

Toulouse Oliver will be sworn in at 4 p.m. at the state Supreme Court and immediately assume the job, according to the Secretary of States office.

She will fill out the remaining two years of the term of former Secretary of State Dianna Duran, who resigned last year, pleaded guilty to misusing her campaign funds to underwrite a gambling habit, and was jailed for a month.

Now begins the hard work of enacting important reforms that will strengthen transparency and accountability at all levels of government and ensure trust in our political process, Toulouse Oliver said in a statement.

She said during her campaign that she would push for creation of a statewide Ethics Commission and for funding to overhaul the states campaign finance reporting system.

A Democrat, Toulouse Oliver has been Bernalillo County clerk for a decade. She defeated Republican state Rep. Nora Espinoza of Roswell in the Nov. 8 general election.

While statewide officials typically are sworn in on Jan. 1 after their election, Toulouse Oliver can start early because she is filling an unexpired term.

Republican Gov. Susana Martinez appointed Winter to fill in until a successor to Duran was elected. He has served nearly a year, and Martinez praised him for the integrity and dedication he brought to the job every single day.

The governor said Winter, a five-term Albuquerque city councilor, oversaw the fair electoral process that New Mexicans expect and deserve.

I hope I made a positive difference during my short time, said Winter, who cited accomplishments including online voter registration and expanded online services in the corporations bureau.

Duran, a former Otero County clerk and former state senator who was the first Republican elected to the office in 80 years, resigned in October 2015, midway through her second term.
SANTA FE  A dispute between two elected members of the board of the Kit Carson Electric Cooperative escalated into a fight at a board meeting Tuesday, and one board member ended up at a hospital for repair of a split lip.

No charges had been filed as of Wednesday, and the two combatants gave decidedly different accounts of what happened.

Taos police say Chris Duran was defending himself from Virgil Martinez in the altercation, which started during a closed executive session of the Kit Carson board at the co-ops offices.

But it was Martinez who went to the hospital and received stitches.

Chris Duran in self-defense popped him in the mouth and split his lip, said police Lt. David Maggio.

Duran, in a phone interview with the Journal on Wednesday, said Martinez physically assaulted him and he acted to defend himself.

He said several witnesses saw what happened, and that Martinez insulted Duran, Durans family and Durans actions as a professional. Martinez also threatened to kill him, he said. Duran, of Rodarte, south of Penasco, said he didnt want to say more because the police investigation is ongoing.

Martinez, 62, disputed Durans account and called Durans claim that he threatened him a made-up story. How can I kill anyone? I dont even have a gun.

He said the dispute started in executive session over financial issues and that he was beaten up after trying to push Duran away. That was my mistake, he said. He took advantage of it.

Martinez, of Cerro, north of Questa, said he was the only board member to vote against a proposed electricity rate increase, on grounds that a lot of jobs have been lost in northern New Mexico and people are having a hard time paying utility bills.

They (other board members) always want to start fights with me because of the rate increase, Martinez said. Its been hard on me.

Martinez said that the younger Duran, identified by internet sites as 44 years old, hit him in the face and that he was also hit after he was on the floor. He said he may have lost consciousness. After a certain point, I didnt know where I was at, he said.

Police Lt. Maggio said police were called to the co-op offices in Taos about 2 p.m. Tuesday. The investigating officer reported that Virgil came at Chris and Chris defends himself after the two stepped out of the boardroom.

Just a fight that got out of hand, Maggio said, a minor little tussle.

He said there may be no charges filed in the case but that misdemeanor assault was a possibility.

Kit Carson Co-op CEO Luis Reyes said there would be an internal investigation within the board because the board has a code of conduct. He wouldnt say what started the argument because discussions in executive session are supposed to be confidential, but did say the rate increase pending before the state Public Regulation Commission was not what the board members were talking about.

Martinezs wife, Gloria Martinez, said her husband has been on the board for about 25 years. Nothing like this has ever happened. Sometimes they exchanged words and stuff, she said.

The Kit Carson Co-Op serves about 30,000 members in Taos, Rio Arriba and Colfax counties.

Freelance reporter Andy Stiny contributed to this report.
FARMINGTON  A Shiprock man accused of fatally stabbing his wife made an initial appearance today in federal court.

Larry June, 57, was charged Tuesday in the death of his wife during an incident on Nov. 25 in Sheep Springs.

June, who was arrested Tuesday, appeared in Farmington Municipal Court this morning. During the hearing, he listened to Federal Magistrate Judge Paul Briones read the charges of murder and committing a criminal offense in Indian Country.

Briones accepted a request by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Nayback, who spoke during a conference call, to keep June in custody.

The judge also scheduled a detention hearing and preliminary hearing for Friday in federal court in Albuquerque.

On Tuesday, the criminal complaint and affidavit were filed in U.S. District Court of New Mexico. The affidavit states Navajo Nation police officers and emergency medical services responded to a report of a stabbing the evening of Nov. 25 in Sheep Springs.

They came into contact with a 53-year-old female identified in the affidavit as Jane Doe, who was unresponsive and bleeding from several wounds, and began life-saving measures but their efforts were unsuccessful.

The victims name is not listed in the written statement but sources with knowledge of the case confirmed that the victim was Junes wife, Lucy June.

A subsequent investigation determined Lucy June was transported from the scene of the stabbing by three concerned citizens to an area near the intersection of U.S. Highway 491 and New Mexico Highway 134.

Interviews done during the investigation revealed she had been seen selling food with her husband from a trailer set up at a traditional Navajo ceremony held east of U.S. Highway 491.

Multiple witnesses told a tribal criminal investigator they heard an argument from inside the trailer and at least two witnesses looked into a window and saw a man standing above Lucy June.

They also heard June identify her husband as the man who stabbed her, according to the affidavit.

Witnesses also told authorities the man in the trailer was observed leaving the scene.

Navajo police officers located Larry June on Nov. 26 at a house in Shiprock, where he was subsequently taken into custody.

At the time of his arrest, June was wearing sweatpants stained with a red substance similar in appearance to blood, the affidavit states.

In an interview on Monday, June told law enforcement officials he was the husband of Jane Doe and they were selling food from his wifes trailer at the ceremony.

He said they started to argue and his wife yelled at him several times, causing him to feel embarrassed, according to the affidavit.

June added his wife poked him with a lighter and he responded by pushing her then they fell and he punched her three times.

According to the affidavit, Junes wife grabbed a knife from the table with her right hand, swung it toward June but missed him and stabbed herself once in her right side.

June heard a woman ask about the situation and he left the trailer, the affidavit states.

Members of Junes family attended the hearing today but declined to comment.

In a telephone interview after the hearing, Laralyn June, Junes daughter, said the situation is hard for both families but they are praying each day to heal.

She said her family understands because of the court process, they are unable to see June but he is loved and we are with him.

Noel Lyn Smith covers the Navajo Nation for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4636.



2016 The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.)

Visit The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) at www.daily-times.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

_____
ALAMOGORDO  The Alamogordo Police Department is warning residents of a new scam involving someone pretending to be soliciting funds for care packages for Military members during the holidays.

APD was made aware of several scam attempts on Nov. 28. According to an APD press release, the solicitor is reported to be going door-to-door and using the name Fary Espinosa. Espinoza is described as a Hispanic male, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, medium build with short brown hair. According to the release, Espinosa allegedly has a past of fraudulently soliciting funds in Nevada with other individuals.

Alamogordo residents are requested to remain vigilant during the holiday season, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Anyone having suspected dealings with Espinosa is asked to contact the Alamogordo Police Department at 439-4300. APD also wants to remind citizens to never give out personal information to anyone over the phone or via the internet.



2016 the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.)

Visit the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.) at www.alamogordonews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The sources say not a single sentry was posted at the gate of the campus and there was no evidence that the gunmen encountered any resistance at the entry point.

By Atir Khan: The gunmen who stormed a military camp in Jammu this week faced little resistance in entering the base due to a series of security loopholes and lapses despite the Army being on high alert following repeated terrorist attacks and ceasefire violations by Pakistan. Seven soldiers, including two officers, were killed in the predawn assault. Highly placed sources told Mail Today that the base in Nagrota cantonment was wanting in security arrangements. The main gate was unmanned and unguarded.

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Senior Army officers have taken cognisance of the loophole in the security and are reviewing the situation at all army installations and cantonments. The sources say not a single sentry was posted at the gate of the campus and there was no evidence that the gunmen encountered any resistance at the entry point which allowed them to have a free run in the base, firing indiscriminately.

Though all three terrorists were gunned down, bodies of two Army jawans were found lying about 30 metres away from the main gate. An aggressive retaliation at the entrance could have deterred the attackers and alerted officers and other personnel present inside. The assault came on the same day Pakistan's new army chief, Lieutenant General Qamar Javed Bajwa, took charge, and his predecessor, General Raheel Sharif, issued a stern warning to India over "violence in Kashmir".

Also read: Nagrota: Bravery of officers' wives averts hostage crisis

Also read: Revenge for Afzal Guru, said paper found with one of the Nagrota attackers

ARMY CAUGHT OFF-GUARD

While families of personnel trapped inside the base due to the attack put up a brave front, the Army quick reaction team rescued two majors and a child from the officers' mess in a bulletproof paramilitary vehicle. Nagrota, located about 20km from Jammu city, is the headquarters of a major battalion of the Indian Army comprising border security forces and counter-terror troops. The strike came two months after terrorists attacked a base in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector and killed 19 soldiers, leading to a spike in cross-border tensions.

Also read: Terror attack in Nagrota camp: 2 officers, 5 jawans martyred. All terrorists killed

In response, India carried out "surgical strikes" across the border. Army headquarters sources said the possibility of a unit leaving its main gate unmanned or unguarded in a highly sensitive security zone was remote but the facts would come out clearly in the court of inquiry ordered by the Northern Command. Army chief Dalbir Singh Suhag visited the spot where the Nagrota attack took place. He also attended the wreath-laying ceremony. Sources said the timing of the attack was chosen by the terrorists in such a way that they caught Army personnel by surprise.

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Also read: New Pakistani Army Chief takes command on the day of terror attack on Indian Army unit in Nagrota

The early morning raid could not be stopped along the National Highway 1 flanked by the Nagrota cantonment on either side. It is now clear that the terrorists had a fair idea of the coordinates of the place. The point was clearly vulnerable and had been chosen after a comprehensive recce by the attackers. It is also suspected that the terrorists had local support, which enabled them to get details about the vulnerability of the base.

The cantonment also has a sizeable civilian population living inside it. There are private houses, shops, dhabas along the highway. This allows free movement of civilians in one of the most sensitive and largest army installations in north India. Since the cantonment is situated along the busy Jammu-Srinagar highway, there are no barricades along the route for routine checking. The checks could slow down fast-moving vehicles. The Army alone cannot make foolproof security arrangements of the cantonment without support of the local administration and the government.

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Say what you want about Fidel Castro, in Africa he was a liberator. His aid to the South African anti-apartheid struggle will forever be remembered as a grand stroke of moral leadership, in great contrast to American policy.

Thats the theme of various sympathetic postmortems for the Cuban dictator, who died at 90 on Nov. 25.

Castros detractors express an American-centric view, the New York Times Pentagon correspondent, Helene Cooper, noted Sunday on Meet the Press: The Castro that I grew up knowing as a child growing up in Liberia was a Castro who fought the South African apartheid regime that the United States was propping up.

To be sure, it would be hard to exercise unchallenged rule over a country for nearly half a century without doing anything admirable. So stipulate that Castros Cold War-era backing of Nelson Mandelas African National Congress, and his armys war against South African troops in nearby Angola, belong on the plus side of historys ledger.

Whether that mitigates Castros apologia for the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, his alliance with, and expressed admiration for, the East German builders of the Berlin Wall, or his support for Moammar Gaddafi in Libya and Hugo Chavez in Venezuela  not to mention the disastrous results of communism in Cuba itself  is a thornier question, however.

Answering it would require broader examination of Castros Cold War record in Africa, to include the eastern regions of the continent, where Cuba intervened militarily on behalf of the Ethiopian dictator, Lt. Col. Mengistu Haile Mariam, in the 1970s.

Mengistu participated in a successful military coup against the U.S.-backed Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974, eventually seizing power on Feb. 3, 1977,by massacring his rivals in the officer corps.

Castro admired this bloody deed as a preemptive strike against rightists that showed wisdom and cleared the way for Cuba to support Mengistu without any constraints, as he explained to East German dictator Erich Honecker in an April 1977meeting whose minutes became public after the fall of European communism.

Castro hatched a plan to steer Ethiopia into the Soviet camp in alliance with two Soviet-backed neighbors, southern Yemen and Somalia. However, Somalias dictator, Mohamed Siad Barre, balked. He saw the upheaval in Addis Ababa differently: as an opportunity to seize Ethiopian territory long inhabited by ethnic Somalis.

Somalia invaded this arid region, known as the Ogaden, in July 1977.Castro responded by sending 17,000 soldiers (armed and transported by Moscow) to save Mengistu and punish what was  as Castro correctly pointed out  a clear violation of international law by Siad Barre. Never mind that, to Somalis, Ethiopias borders were those of Haile Selassies defunct empire, which had split their ancestral land and enjoyed international recognition only due to Western imperial machinations.

At the time, President Jimmy Carter was pursuing better relations with Havana and even considering an end to the U.S. embargo. Cuban military intervention in Africa, predictably, made it impossible for Carter to pursue the opening. Castro didnt mind that, either.

By March 1978, the Cubans had ousted the Somalis  and then stayed to deter Somalia (now armed by Washington) from trying again. With the Cuban forces watching his back, Mengistu wrapped up his bloody campaign of domestic repression, known as the Red Terror, and sent his own Soviet-equipped, Cuban-trained troops to crush a rebellion in Eritrea.

The last Cuban troops did not leave Ethiopia until September 1989; they were still on hand as hundreds of thousands died during the 1983-1985 famine exacerbated by Mengistus collectivization of agriculture.

Abandoned by Havana (and Moscow), and facing a rebellion, Mengistu fled to Zimbabwe in 1991; dictator Robert Mugabe, another close friend of Cuba, granted him asylum.

Today, of course, the Horn of Africa remains tumultuous. Somalia is a failed state, which not even 25,000 U.S. troops could stabilize in the early 1990s. In Ethiopia, Mengistus successors cooperate with the United States against terrorism, and the United States, in return, mostly tolerates their human rights abuses.

Looking back, its hard to see what lasting benefit, if any, Castros intervention achieved, though the sacrifice of Cuban blood and treasure 8,000 miles from home was certainly permanent.

Whats impressive, rather, is the senselessness of it all. Cuba brought no more order out of chaos in the Horn than the other, larger foreign powers  from the British Empire to Mussolinis Italy to Barack Obamas America  that have intervened over the centuries.

Perhaps Gen. Arnaldo Ochoa, the soldier who actually led Cubas troops in the Ogaden (and, later, Angola), could find a moral to the story.

Alas, this hero of Cubas African wars died in 1989. Fearing that the popular general could become a political rival, Castro ordered him arrested and tried on trumped-up treason and drug charges  then shot at dawn.

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MONTERREY, Mexico  Glowing metal pulsing at 2,912 degrees Fahrenheit in the DeAcero steel companys colossal new steel mill here is recycled from mountains of old auto parts, barges and broken-down dishwashers bought from scrap yards here and in Texas.

The companys metal is shipped back across the border to Missouri, to a plant that produces nails sold at Home Depot and Lowes stores across America. What they sell competes for shelf space with products pumped out by the worlds dominant steelmaking power, China.

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump blasted the North American Free Trade Agreement as the worst trade deal ever and threatened to rip it up. And yet the North American economy is a vast interlocking web of enterprises that would not be easy to unravel.

Mexican manufacturing has enjoyed a boom under NAFTA. At the same time, U.S. farmers ship oceans of grain to Mexico. Countless products, like those nails, result from manufacturing chains that straddle both countries and ship goods back and forth over the border. American companies profit from the trade  Walmart is Mexicos biggest employer  and that helps to prop up Americans 401 (k) accounts. American-made parts that are assembled into cars in Mexico and sold back across the border mean fewer jobs in Detroit, but cheaper cars for all Americans.

Its not a one-sided thing, said Sam Vale, a McAllen, Texas, businessman who owns and operates a commercial bridge across the Rio Grande. Is the American public willing to spend 30 to 40 percent more for an automobile just because these guys lost their jobs?

President-elect Trumps rejection of NAFTA has placed American manufacturing at a crossroads and caused alarm south of the border. Trump has warned American companies against moving operations abroad, and some have reversed plans to do so. On Tuesday, Carrier, a manufacturer of air conditioners, promised to keep nearly 1,000 jobs in Indiana that had been intended for Mexico.

If Trumps anti-free trade convictions are carried into his presidency, he could unravel the economic and geopolitical consensus that has guided relations in North America for the past quarter-century. Economists and rattled business leaders say the return of tariffs would sledgehammer the intricate border-crossing supply chains that have pushed bilateral trade to more than $500 billion a year, potentially wiping out tens of millions of jobs in both countries.

Mexico has made undeniable economic gains in the 22 years since the start of NAFTA. A muscular new manufacturing belt of steel mills, auto factories and electronics plants has arisen from the parched scrublands of northern Mexico, where workers earning $2 or $3 an hour make things that used to roll off assembly lines in Ohio, Indiana and the factory towns of the American Rust Belt.

Trump triumphed in those states with the message that Americas losses were Mexicos gains, vowing to avenge them with import tariffs and penalties on U.S. companies that move jobs south. He points to the $61 million trade deficit with Mexico as evidence that NAFTA is a loser for the American economy.

But untangling the web of benefits, profits and cost savings is not simple, since so much cross-border commerce is driven by major U.S. companies. Business executives on both sides of the border cant quite think that a U.S. president would tear up an agreement whose benefits to American corporations and consumers seem obvious.

If you close the border for one day, all the industry in the Midwest stops, said economist Luis de la Calle, who worked on NAFTAs implementation at Mexicos embassy in Washington. The level of integration is much more profound than people think or than Trump imagines.

Mexicos economy is showing signs of stress from Trumps win. The Mexican peso has lost nearly 10 percent of its value, and a new report by Mexicos second-largest bank predicts the country will enter a recession if Trump follows through on his threats to scrap NAFTA, which would scare away foreign investment.

But the potential pain to the U.S. economy has received less attention. Key sectors are powered by trade with Mexico. Mexico is the second-largest destination for U.S. exports, and iconic American companies such as Caterpillar, Ford and GE often send U.S.-made components over the border to Mexico for assembly, shipping back finished products duty-free. The factories and manufacturing plants of northern Mexico are increasingly powered by natural gas piped in from Texas.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 6 million American jobs depend on trade with Mexico, and about 40 percent of Mexicos exports are made from U.S. parts, components and other inputs.

This model has allowed American firms to compete and thrive, sending their stock prices soaring while helping them fend off competition from European and Asian manufacturers that also outsource to assembly plants in China and other low-wage nations. Although these high-end manufacturing jobs in Mexico pay less than in the United States, they also act as a magnet keeping Mexicans from migrating to the United States. Migration rates for Mexicans are at their lowest levels in decades.

Globalization has its shortcomings and problems, I agree, and we need to address them, said Fernando Elizondo, a top official in Mexicos industrial powerhouse state of Nuevo Leon. But going back to a world of isolationism makes no sense. Are we all going to live on farms again, raising chickens and pigs?

More than a dozen U.S. and Mexican companies that assemble or manufacture products in northern Mexico declined to respond to questions about the potential effects on their businesses from new trade barriers, in what may be a sign of anxiety that Trump may follow through on his threats.

Company representatives who agreed to discuss the issue argued that technology and robotics are rapidly replacing U.S. manufacturing jobs, so trying to force companies to leave Mexico wouldnt restore American factories to their former glory. Instead, the breakdown of NAFTA probably would bring a trade war. During his campaign Trump threatened to slap 35 percent tariffs on cars and auto parts imported from Mexico. Mexico could quickly retaliate by raising tariffs of its own.

American companies find Mexico attractive because of low labor costs, but also because of valuable incentive packages provided by Mexican authorities in tax breaks, land and infrastructure. Cardone, an auto parts manufacturer that was widely criticized for its plans to relocate a plant from Pennsylvania to northern Mexico, said the move was needed to improve competitiveness in an industry where price sensitivity is critically important, company executive George Zauflik said in a statement.

Were in the remanufacturing business, which means that Cardone is constantly seeking new ways to design and remanufacture auto parts that provide greater value for our customers. As a result, we are devoting significant investment dollars to innovation, particularly on high-tech, higher-wage engineering jobs, almost all of which are in the U.S., he said.

Trump has singled out the American auto industry for criticism at a time when U.S. carmakers are opening several new assembly plants in Mexico. He claimed last week that he had convinced Ford to reverse its decision to move an auto plant from Kentucky to Mexico.

But the company said it was never planning to close the plant. Instead it was planning to move production of its Lincoln MKC model to make more of its popular Escape-model SUVs at the Kentucky plant, which operates round-the-clock at full capacity.Now, that wont happen.

Carrier, the air conditioner company that has operated for nearly 70 years in Mexico, has nearly completed a 645,000-square-foot factory in the western suburbs of Monterrey, the companys fifth plant in Mexico, said Manuel Gutierrez, director general of Carrier in Mexico. Many of the companys products are exported back to the United States. But Carriers deal with Trump to keep nearly 1,000 jobs in Indiana throws those plans in doubt.

Without a doubt, these are times of much expectation and uncertainty, Gutierrez said. Were still in that stage of deciding how we will continue with our advances.

In 2012, along a desolate expanse of creosote brush west of Monterrey, the DeAcero steel company built a state-of-the-art $750 million steel mill that is painted red to blue to mimic the colors of cooling steel. The company melts down scrap metal to produce beams, rebar and cables, mostly for the Mexican construction industry. But it also ships products such as barbed wire and fencing to the United States.

The company acquired a nail manufacturing plant in Poplar Bluff, Mo., in 2012, and by sourcing its raw materials from Mexico it has remained competitive with the Chinese firms that dominate the U.S. market.

Company executive Juan Antonio Reboulen said that if a Trump administration imposed new tariffs on the steel rods it ships north, the 700 workers at plants in Missouri and Texas could lose their jobs.

The United States would be shooting itself in the foot, he said.

On the world stage, Mexican firms see themselves as a natural partner for the United States in the larger competition with China, which is expanding its trade and influence in the Western Hemisphere. A week after Trumps win, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in South America with promises to double foreign investment in the region. He signed new trade deals with Ecuador, Peru and Chile, and the latter two are would-be members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal backed by President Obama. Trump has said he will order an immediate American withdrawal from that pact.

China accounts for half of the worlds steel production, making eight times more than the United States and Mexico combined, and far more than the countrys slowing economy can use. Chinas notorious dumping practices, in which state-subsidized products are sold for export below cost, is the real threat to U.S. and Mexican producers  not NAFTA, DeAceros executives say.

They want Trump to see Mexico as a partner, not a rival.

If we dont join forces to strengthen North America, we will be flooded with imports from China and Korea, Reboulen said.

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LOS ANGELES  When Platform opened this year just outside Los Angeles, the upscale shopping center set aside four stores for a specific class of highly sought-after retailers.

Platform, which also contains restaurants and office space, wasnt looking for a particular brand or merchant. Instead, it went hunting for retailers happy with a brief stay, some as short as three days.

So much stuff is accessible online, said David Fishbein, a principal at Runyon Group, the real estate firm behind Platform. To give people experiences and content to do in person they cant find anywhere else is really appealing.

Pop-up stores  once seen as only a step up from a vacant storefront  have become a key strategy for some malls.

These kinds of stores have been around for decades, sliding into empty storefronts left vacant by more desirable long-term tenants. Come October, temporary stores peddling costumes open seemingly overnight, while toy stores and Christmas tree lots spring up in November.

But in recent years, shopping centers have realized that pop-up stores are a way to gin up excitement among shoppers by making under-the-radar brands accessible and bringing in startups linked to celebrities.

With online sales forecasted to grow as much as 10 percent this holiday season to $117 billion, brick-and-mortar stores are upping their game to compete.

The idea for owners is What can I do to generate traffic and buzz?' said Mitchell Hernandez, a senior associate at real estate giant CBRE.

The mantra a few years ago was having 100 percent occupancy, Hernandez added. Now, some think that a better idea is to have 90 percent occupancy and have 10 percent devoted to rotating pop-up shops.

At Platform, Fishbein said carving out permanent space for an ever-changing roster of pop-ups was part of the plans from the very start. With the retail industry evolving faster, he said, landlords have to more quickly adapt to changing consumer tastes.

We want to experiment and test different ideas, Fishbein said. If you have everything leased to tenants for five to 10 years, you dont have a lot of opportunities as a landlord to create change.

Instead of signing long leases, these brands stay for as little as a few days up to a year, Fishbein said. The current lineup includes Floral Art, a flower shop, and the Lapis Press, which sells art.

Fishbein said some brands are testing the waters before opening a permanent brick-and-mortar store, while others view pop-ups as a marketing tool and way to broaden their exposure.

For St. Frank, a luxury home decor retailer based in San Francisco, its a little bit of both. St. Frank, which sells textiles sourced from around the world, started as an e-commerce merchant in 2013. In the past year, the company opened up two brick-and-mortar stores in San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

But St. Frank never had a pop-up before opening at Platform in October. St. Frank intends to use that store to test the Southern California market and experiment with building out a small space on a slim budget, founder and CEO Christina Bryant said. Its also a way to see if pop-ups could be a profitable component to St. Franks business model.

Platform only takes a percentage of sales, instead of charging rent, Bryant said. That lowers the risk for a young company. Bryant said shes also looking at pop-up and permanent store locations in New York.

In larger cities like LA, its more expensive for a young brand, she said. So being able to test in a small way to see if rent and store economics can work is invaluable.

Poketo, a Los Angeles-based art and design store, also has a spot in Platform. The retailer, which has popped up previously in Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters concept store called Space Ninety 8, already has two stores, one in downtown LA and the other in the Line hotel in Koreatown.

Before committing to a permanent store, however, Poketo wanted to test the market beyond its base, said co-founder Ted Vadakan.

Vadakan said pop-ups can be a boon for both retailers and malls, but only if its a right match between the two. Selecting the wrong brand, he said, can erode a malls credibility.

You start to not to trust the curation or development or the quality, he said. Some shopping centers end up bringing in whatever and whoever.



2016 Los Angeles Times

Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The four Guy children gathered last week for a Thanksgiving feast at their parents tidy, two-story home, situated on the corner lot of Goldenview Lane inside a manicured neighborhood in Knoxville, Tennessee.

It would be the familys last holiday together in that house, for in two weeks, Joel Guy Sr., and his wife, Lisa, planned to move to his late mothers mountain home 90 miles away in Surgoinsville. Family members there told the Kingsport Times-News that they were looking forward to a Christmas reunion.

The Guys said their post-Thanksgiving goodbyes first to their three daughters, who all live in Tennessee, and planned to send-off their son, Joel Michael Guy Jr., 28, on Friday. Hed been living in Baton Rouge, for nearly a decade, and his parents financially supported him.

After Thanksgiving, authorities say, theyd planned to tell him they were cutting him off.

Its still unclear what happened next, whether the Guys ever had a chance to deliver their message. What authorities do know is that the son stayed in Tennessee three days longer than hed planned, and that by Sunday afternoon, his parents home had been turned into what police called a horrific and very gruesome crime scene.

During a welfare check Monday, after Lisa Guys employer told police that she didnt show up for work, authorities entered the home and discovered a barking dog locked in an upstairs room and the remains of Joel Sr. and Lisa Guy scattered throughout the house, their dismembered body parts resting in a homemade acidic solution concocted to erase evidence of the crimes that took place there.

There were signs of a struggle, authorities said, and the scene was so toxic and spread out that it took investigators in hazmat suits all of Monday and Tuesday to process the evidence.

On Tuesday night, Joel Guy Jr. was arrested outside his Baton Rouge apartment and charged with first-degree murder, the Knox County Sheriffs Office announced at a news conference Wednesday. Authorities think he worked alone, killing his parents sometime between Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.

He stayed in the house with their remains until Sunday, when he drove his car to Baton Rouge.

At the news conference, Maj. Michael MacLean with the sheriffs department called the crimes very, very rare.

Its in the one percentile of homicides in the United States that involve mutilation or dismemberment. Its not something we run across, MacLean said. Usually theres a motivation behind it, in this case we just dont know what that is.

Although family members told authorities about the elder Guys plans to scale back their sons financial support, MacLean would not confirm whether that was their sons motive for allegedly killing and mutilating them. Authorities consider it a possible motive, MacLean said at the news conference, but Joel Guy Jr. has been unwilling to speak with police since they took him into custody Tuesday night.

Its unclear, but unlikely, that the son was a beneficiary of his parents life insurance policy, MacLean said.

The sisters told police that nothing seemed amiss with their brother during Thanksgiving, and that there were no family disputes that day. MacLean said that authorities are not aware of any history of mental illness and that the suspect has no criminal record.

Although the acidic solution the victims were found in  a corrosive cocktail of liquid fire, hydrogen peroxide, sewer cleaner and bleach  caused them to suffer excessive decomposition, MacLean said investigators were still able to identify them. It did, however, make it difficult to determine the cause of death.

The elder Guys suffered multiple vicious stabs wounds, law enforcement determined, and were possibly tortured.

Police waited two days to tell the public about the gruesome killings and the arrest of Joel Guy Jr. because they said they didnt want to tip the son off that he might be a suspect.

MacLean described the son as a college student in Baton Rouge. The sheriffs office told the Advocate that the suspect attended Louisiana State University at one point before withdrawing last year, but an LSU spokesman would not confirm that when the newspaper asked.

I have no information to provide about that individual, said Ernie Ballard, a spokesman.

Neighbors told the Advocate that Joel Guy Jr. was reclusive and quiet. He lived alone in his Baton Rouge apartment, but had previously lived with a roommate, the newspaper reported.

Rene Charles, the sister of Joel Guy Sr., told the Kingsport Times-News that she couldnt believe her nephew could be capable of carrying out such brutal killings.

Were very shocked that he would do something like this, Charles told the newspaper. Its one thing to stab someone, but to do everything that he did, to dismember his parents bodies?

She said the family was looking forward to the end of December, when theyd all gather for the holidays.

We were going to have Christmases together again, she told the Times-News. We were just fixing to have all of us back together again.

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Once, on a visit to the French countryside, I visited the most beautiful, picturesque little country farm Id ever seen. The farm produced an organic yogurt for the market and, ever the annoying economist, I asked my host how this boutique operation could compete with factory farms. We couldnt possibly do so, he told me. The farm never came close to profitability and survived only because of deep subsidies.

This revelation led to the inevitable compare-and-contrast discussion between the proud French farmer and efficiency-oriented American. The punchline of that conversation came back to me Wednesday for a topical reason Ill reveal in a moment. The farmer explained to me that the way to think of his operation was that of a nonprofit that the public willingly supported in order to enjoy truly organic food and the existence of a quaint, non-corporate farm (it was open to visitors, which was how I happened to be there).

Consider President-elect Donald Trumps deal with United Technologies to preserve 1,000 jobs at its Carrier air conditioner factory in Indianapolis instead of moving the jobs to Mexico. News reports suggested that the outsourcing would have saved the company $65 million a year, as the firm planned to pay Mexican workers about one-fifth of the U.S. wage ($5 vs. $25 per hour).

Its not clear what carrots and/or sticks are on offer from various levels of government; the mayor, the governor  who happens to be Vice President-elect Mike Pence  and Trump himself were in on the deal. But company officials essentially said theyd eat the loss in the interest of positive PR, maintaining UTCs lucrative deals with the Defense Department, and doing a solid for the incoming administration. Given annual revenue of $56 billion and profits of $4 billion a year, that may be a perfectly smart business decision for the firm.

But is it good economics?

It certainly doesnt seem like a sustainable way to adapt to the pressures of globalization. Somebody has to make up that wage differential, either taxpayers (subsidies), consumers (higher prices), or shareholders. In fact, as Nelson Schwartz reported in the New York Times, While the standoff loomed large in the lives of its employees in Indiana, for United Technologies the forgone savings is tiny  equivalent to about 2 cents per share in earnings. (The other way to make up the difference would be productivity, but theres little productivity differential between most new Mexican factories and U.S. ones.)

Members of team Trump claim they might want to do more of these types of interventions. And theres no question that what they did here at Carrier is both smart politics and a real, unequivocal boon for the Carrier workers who get to keep their high-value-added jobs relative to what may otherwise be available to them.

But to make this type of intervention a core part of their job-growth strategy would be a mistake. I dont think Americans want to subsidize factories the way the French subsidize farms. This sort of production cannot be sustained as some sort of non-competitive museum model, where we push back on trade-induced job losses through tax breaks and government contracts. True, governors and mayors commonly dole out such goodies as bribes to factories to settle in one state vs. another, but thats a zero-sum game, and often ends up as a big waste of precious resources. Meanwhile, its also a game of corporate whack-a-mole. While Trump et al. were brokering this deal, nearby factories were packing up for Mexico.

As I recently wrote, weve generally failed to even try to implement a solution to this problem of global competition eroding our manufacturing base. A systemic approach, as opposed to what Trump is up to here, will require reducing our trade deficit in manufactured goods by pushing back against countries that manage their currencies to make our exports expensive and their exports cheap. It will require investments in advanced manufacturing so we can close the wage gap with productivity. It will require systemic state and older city economic development of the type economist Tim Bartik describes here and here. It may require direct job creation to employ displaced workers when none of the above comes through.

For all my American efficiency, I see nothing wrong with highly inefficient, yet lovely and healthy, French farms. But lets not conflate that with a sustainable policy to meet the economic needs of the millions of workers, along with their families and communities, on the wrong side of the globalization equation.

 Bernstein, a former chief economist to Vice President Biden, is a senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and author of the new book The Reconnection Agenda: Reuniting Growth and Prosperity.

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Donald Trump is coming back to the Midwest on Thursday for the first time since the election to take a victory lap in the region that gave him the presidency. The billionaire businessman quipped throughout the campaign that America is going to win so much when hes president that people are going to get tired of winning. This morning he flies to Indiana to tout the first such win, a deal he cut with Carrier to keep 1,000 jobs in the U.S. that were otherwise going to Mexico. (Hell tour a plant that will no longer be closing.) From there, he flies to Cincinnati for a blowout rally at U.S. Bank Arena, the first stop of a Thank You Tour that will also take him to Iowa and Michigan in the coming days.

 Like so many issues throughout 2016, from Trumps support for waterboarding to his proposed Muslim ban, there is a wide chasm between elite skepticism of the Carrier deal and the unadulterated excitement of Trumps base.

Intellectuals, conservative economists and good-government experts have many substantive concerns about the agreement and the secretive process in which it was negotiated. The real reason that the jobs are staying appears to be that United Technologies, which owns Carrier, is one of the largest defense contractors and worries about losing billions a year in high-margin business with the federal government if it doesnt placate the incoming president. While Carrier publicly attributes its reversal to an aid package offered by Indiana, a state economic development official said yesterday that the company rejected similar terms before the election.

You know who doesnt care that Trump might have shaken down a federal contractor to score an early political victory? People who live in the Rust Belt and want good-paying jobs. The non-college-educated, blue-collar workers who voted for Trump, who feel that free trade is bad for them and who believe government has been working for others  not them. More fundamentally, the vast majority of Americans will see nothing more than the headline that just says Trump saved 1,000 jobs. For the president-elect, that is mission accomplished.

 We live in the age of the permanent campaign, and Trump is intent on continuing to play the outside game  even before his inauguration. One reason he spends so much time on Twitter is that he sees it as a direct line to the people, unfiltered by the mainstream media. Big rallies give him the same opportunity, and his advisers say to expect a lot of them, even during the first year  when presidents traditionally focus on winning the inside game. Aides say he is not going to let the bully pulpit of the presidency go to waste.

 Moreover, his early focus on the Midwest demonstrates a clear recognition of how crucial the region will be to his reelection hopes in 2020. He recognizes that people in this region have high expectations that he can bring back their jobs and make their lives better, and he wants to create a sense of forward progress and momentum to keep them from growing disillusioned.

Trump carried Ohio by nine points and Iowa by 10 points, after Barack Obama carried both four years ago. After Obama picked off Indiana in 2008, Mitt Romney prevailed by 10 points in 2012. This year, Trump won the Hoosier State by 19.Thats quite a swing and evidence of what might be a larger political realignment, as certain states in the Rust Belt move toward the Republican column while traditionally-Republican states in the Sunbelt (Arizona) and Intermountain West (Colorado, Nevada) drift toward the Democrats.

 But Wisconsin and Michigan  Trumps two biggest upset victories  were so close that Jill Stein is legally entitled to request recounts. (Wisconsins begins Thursday. Michigans starts Friday.)

Hillary Clinton probably could have kept both states in the Democratic column had her campaign deployed its resources more wisely. The fact that the floor was falling out underneath her in Ohio, which has key demographic similarities to Michigan and Wisconsin, should have set off alarm bells in Brooklyn before the final week about the rest of the Midwest. But, just days before the election, Clinton officials were pooh-poohing complaints from people in Wisconsin that the candidate had not stumped in the Badger State, insisting that she didnt need to. Instead they were holding conference calls to boast about investing (i.e. , wasting) money in states like Missouri, Arizona and even Texas. In retrospect, the hubris is even more breathtaking than it felt in the moment.

I point this out not to kick the Clinton people while theyre down but to convey the important point that Trump still has his work cut out for him in this region, especially when it comes to reassuring some of the suburban moderates who broke for him only after FBI director James Comeys announcement.

 New Yorkers are poised to hold the most sway in Trumps administration (think Jared Kushner and the Goldman guys), but Midwesterners will be very well represented in the upper echelons of government.

Since Mike Pence, the outgoing Indiana governor, replaced Chris Christie as head of the transition team, hes invited several Hoosiers who are loyal to him to Trump Tower for meetings with the president-elect. The day before Wednesday, Dan Quayle came. Then Wednesday, retiring Sen. Dan Coats (who succeeded Quayle in the Senate when he became vice president) visited. Coats is now reportedly under consideration for the Director of National Intelligence job. An Indianapolis consultant who has done work for Pence is going to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which will be a very important job with the repeal of Obamacare near the top of the new presidents agenda. This, and other pending picks, will increase the new vice presidents influence.

Pence on Wednesday also huddled with Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, whose son ran Trumps campaign in the state:

Incoming White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, who may try to run for governor in Wisconsin down the road, is expected to bring some fellow Badgers with him to the West Wing.

Trumps pick for Education Secretary is Michigan billionaire Betsy DeVos, who married into the Amway fortune. Her husband ran unsuccessfully for governor against Jennifer Granholm in 2006.

 There are 2018 implications, as well. Democratic senators Joe Donnelly (Indiana) and Claire McCaskill (Missouri) are up for reelection in Midwestern states that broke heavily for Trump. Romney won Missouri by nine. Trump won by 19. Democrats bet that McCaskill will benefit from the inevitable backlash to any new president in his first midterm, but depending on how everything shakes out Trump could be a quite effective surrogate for whomever emerges as the GOP nominee.

 To be sure, Democrats are not ceding the Rust Belt. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, one of the most progressive members of Congress, is very likely to win reelection in two years. Rep. Tim Ryan, whose challenge against Nancy Pelosi for Democratic minority leader failed yesterday, may now try to run for governor in 2018 to succeed John Kasich. Democratic leaders from four states in the Midwest have also invited the candidates for DNC chair to speak at the Ohio Democratic Partys executive committee meeting next week about how theyll try to win in the region again.

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About 2.1 million people tuned in Tuesday night to the premiere of A&Es Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, Reminis eight-episode docuseries that promises a deep dive into shocking stories of abuse, heartbreak and harassment within the Church of Scientology. Network executives say its the channels most-watched premiere in two years.

A solid number for the show isnt surprising  Scientology is one of those topics thats irresistible, mostly because of the secretive nature of the famously controversial church. Remini, known for the hit sitcom King of Queens, was a devout Scientologist for 35 years before she left the church in 2013. She has been an outspoken critic ever since, although it is extremely rare for anyone to criticize Scientology after they leave. Heres her history of calling out the church:

July 2013: Page Six confirms that Remini, who rose to very high levels in the organization once she became a star and donated millions, has left Scientology. A Remini source says the actress was put through interrogations and blacklisted within the church when she started to question leader David Miscavige, particularly the whereabouts of his wife, Shelly, who reportedly hasnt been seen in public since 2007.

Remini said she also disagreed with the churchs policies that restrict members from talking to relatives who criticize the church, a practice known as disconnecting. She is stepping back from a regime she thinks is corrupt. She thinks no religion should tear apart a family or abuse someone under the umbrella of religion,  the source says.

Later that month, Remini echoes this sentiment to People magazine. I believe that people should be able to question things. I believe that people should value family, and value friendships, and hold those things sacrosanct, she says. That for me, thats what Im about. It wouldnt matter what it was, simply because no one is going to tell me how I need to think, no one is going to tell me who I can, and cannot, talk to.

August 2013: Remini files a missing-person report for Shelly Miscavige, which the Los Angeles Police Department calls unfounded. The church says its ill-advised, ludicrous self-promotion on Reminis part.

September 2013: Remini joins the cast of Dancing With the Stars, where she lands in fifth place. During one episode, she tells her partner, Tony Dovolani, that she hoped the show would help her move on. The church is looking for me to fail so they can say to their parishioners, You see what happens when you leave the church? Theyre waiting for me to fail, Remini says.

February 2014:Remini tells Buzzfeed that she quit Scientology because her young daughter was getting closer to the age of getting acclimated in it and would have to sit for audits, where members divulge personal information. Plus, Remini thought Scientology was taking over her life. I was spending most of my time at the Church, she says. So, I was saying family first, but I wasnt showing that. I didnt like the message that sent my daughter. (Scientology officials call Reminis statements absurd, insulting and motivated entirely by a desire to grab attention.)

March 2015: Alex Gibneys Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief documentary airs on HBO, featuring multiple ex-members telling horror stories about their time in the organization. Remini tweets her praise: Thank you to the brave who did something about it. And to those who didnt have a voice, you do now.

May 2015:Remini sits for an interview with Oprah Winfrey in Oprah: Where Are They Now? and talks about how painful it was to leave friends behind in the church. Im learning theres a new world out here and there shouldnt be any kind of judgment toward somebody who has a belief system that is not yours, she says.

July 2015: The second and final season of her TLC reality show, Leah Remini: Its All Relative, premieres, and Remini talks more about how she left to protect her daughter.

October 2015: Remini writes a book, Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology, and promotes it with an in-depth interview on 20/20, reiterating her previous claims and saying she didnt want want to be disconnected from her daughter.

November 2015: Reminis book is released, and she spills lots of dirt, including tales of Scientology superstar Tom Cruise and Katie Holmess wedding weekend, which is where her relationship with the church started to go downhill after Remini was accused of behaving badly. The churchs response? Remini is pathetically exploiting her former religion, her former friends and other celebrities for money and attention to appear relevant again.

December 2015: According to her show on A&E, Remini starts to get lots of requests for help from people who still have family members in the church. She captures one story on video of a family torn apart by Scientology, and decides to develop a show.

November 2016: Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath premieres on A&E, chronicling Reminis past and the stories of former members, who allege physical and sexual abuse. (Scientology officials say all of them are lying.)

I want to give a voice to these stories, Remini says in the show, enough that people will be incensed by it to put some pressure on this organization to stop abusing people.

For the record, the church has called Remini an obnoxious, spiteful ex-Scientologist and claims the actress is bitter that she was expelled for unethical conduct; it also disputes many statements made in the A&E show. Church officials say that Remini is trying to distort the truth about Scientology and that shes doing (the show) for the money and now tries to pretend otherwise.

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When the Kennedy Center doles out those coveted rainbow-striped medals Sunday to members of the legendary rock outfit the Eagles, some of the bands fans wont have the warm fuzzies.

Some Eagles devotees are upset about the Kennedy Centers decision to give the award to four members of the Eagles (Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy Schmit and the late Glenn Frey)  and not to three onetime members the fans say contributed to the bands sound and some of its best songs.

Superfan Brandon Butler started an online petition to add the three ex-Eagles  Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Don Felder  to the Kennedy Centers honoree list, and he lodged his complaint with the center. There was a sense of outrage in the fan community, Butler said, noting that the guys left out were responsible for some of the bands most iconic licks (such as the riff at the beginning of Hotel California).

The Kennedy Centers response? Sorry, not happening.

The Kennedy Center consulted with the Eagles and through that discussion, it was determined that the four band members who carried the torch  will be awarded the Honors. We appreciate that there will be some debate about who constitutes the Eagles. This determination does not discredit the contributions of former band members, President Deborah Rutter said in a statement to Butler.

The band has a complicated history with former members. (As Rolling Stone put it, leaving the Eagles is like leaving the Mob: Once youre gone, thats it.)

Butler says he was disappointed by the response but grateful that the Kennedy Center folks heard him and his fellow petitioners. At least it didnt fall on deaf ears, he said. But that doesnt mean we agree.

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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  The morning papers were giddy with hyperbole on Thursday over the news that Donald Trump had spoken to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by phone a day earlier and showered compliments on a country he once accused of betrayal and disrespect  even offering to help the nuclear power solve its problems abroad.

 Call me anytime, Trump tells PM, touted the Express Tribune, describing the instant rapport between the two leaders during the congratulatory call initiated by Sharif. His office then released a readout of the call.The newspaper also suggested that the U.S. president-elect, who called Pakistan a fantastic country with fantastic people, might prove to be Islamabads good friend.

By the end of the day, though, the official tone had become more circumspect, and commentators were skeptical that Trump, who has little foreign policy experience and close business relations with Pakistans archrival India, really was ready to weigh in on the thorny issues that have long roiled the Muslim-majority nations international relations.

Our relationship with the United States is not about personalities, it is about institutions, said Nafees Zakaria, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry. Describing Sharifs gesture as a courtesy call, Zakaria said Pakistan would welcome any effort by Trump to ease regional tensions, but the spokesman added, We do not comment on bilateral relations between sovereign countries.

Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, an analyst and former foreign minister, observed that although Mr. Trump is a warmhearted person, he lacks expertise in foreign policy and is not yet in office. Noting the obvious excitement shown by Sharifs office over the conversation, Kasuri said, One nice call . . . is not something we read too much into. Trump, he added archly, could have been equally effusive with Indian Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi.

The reaction in India, not surprisingly, was cooler still. India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads over the Himalayan region of Kashmir for decades, but India has always opposed Pakistans desire to have the United States or other countries play a mediation role. Tensions have escalated in recent months, with deadly border attacks against Indian forces and harsh repression of protesters in the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir.

Insofar as the fantastic conversation is concerned . . . I would reserve my judgment, said Vikas Swarup, a spokesman for Indias Ministry of External Affairs. We have seen only a one-sided version of that conversation. Swarup said India would welcome a dialogue between Pakistan and the United States to resolve outstanding issues but specified that the most outstanding issue is Pakistans continued support to cross-border terrorism.

Many comments posted on social media in India were derisive and mocking, as were many comments from Pakistanis. Some made fun of Sharif, who is accused of hiding financial assets abroad, casting him as desperate for foreign friends. Some derided both leaders as corrupt scammers who would get along famously as a result.

So where is the new Trump Tower in Pakistan actually going to be? one post asked.

  

The Washington Posts Annie Gowen and Rama Lakshmi in New Delhi contributed to this report.

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SP president Mulayam Singh Yadav has urged the government to let the Indian Army take its own decisions in dealing with cross-border firings and terror attacks.

By India Today Web Desk: In a veiled attack on the Narendra Modi government, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday urged the Centre to let the army take its own decisions.

Mulayam Singh suggested that the decisions of army in dealing with terrorists were being influenced and interfered with by the Centre.

"We have the best army in the world. Then why our soldiers are getting martyred," asked Mulayam Singh Yadav.

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"Let the army take its decisions independently. All will be over soon. People, who are threatening will be nowhere to be seen," Mulayam said.

READ| Terror attack in Nagrota camp: 2 officers, 5 jawans martyred. All terrorists killed

Responding to constant reference to nuclear bombs by several Pakistani leaders, Mulayam Singh said, "There is no need to get scared of atom bombs. India can destroy many of their bombs."

'GIVE ARMY FREEDOM'

"We don't want war, but our army should be given freedom," Mulayam Singh Yadav said.

Mulayam Singh's comments have come at a time when combing operation is still going on at 16 Corps Command headquarters at Nagrota in Jammu, where two army officers and five jawans were martyred in a terrorist attack.

At least 23 jawans have been martyred in terrorist strikes and cross-border firings since Uri terror attack in September this year including the Nagrota incident.

WATCH:

Here is the list of attacks post-Uri incident:

October 16: Sudesh Kumar of 6 Rajput Regiment lost his life in firing on the LoC in Rajouri.

October 22: BSF jawan Gurnam Singh was fatally injured in cross-border firing in Kathua. He later succumbed to his injuries.

October 24: Head Constable Sushil Kumar died in firing from Pakistani side in RS Pura sector.

October 27: Another BSF Head Constable, Jitendra Singh was martyred in RS Pura sector in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan.

READ| Demonetisation's rude shock: There may not be any black money

October 28: Three jawans were martyred including two in Machhil sector. BSF jawan Nitin Subash Koli lost his life in an accidental explosion while retaliating to shelling by Pakistan in Machhil sector. Mandeep Singh Rawat was killed in gunfire by terrorists, who mutilated his body at Macchil. Sandeep Singh Rawat lost his life foiling an infiltration bid at Tangdhar along LoC.

READ| Old Rs 500 notes valid for fuel, air ticket purchase till Dec 2, not Dec 15

October 31: An Army jawan and a woman were killed on Monday afternoon as Pakistani troops resorted to heavy mortar shelling along LOC in Rajouri and Mendhar sectors, Jammu-Kashmir.

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November 6: Two jawans were martyred. Sepoy Gursewak Singh of 22 Sikh and Naik Tukpare Rajendra Narayan of 22 Maratha light infantry were killed in heavy shelling from Pakistan at several locations in Poonch.

November 8: Naik Pritam Singh lost his life in heavy firing by Pakistan along LoC.

READ| 82 per cent ATMs dry because government used that money to pay its own employees

November 9: Another soldier was fatally wounded as Pakistani snipers attacked army posts in Nowshera sector. Jawan later succumbed to his injuries.

November 21: BSF Head Constable Rai Singh lost his life in shelling from Pakistan in Rajouri district.

November 22: Three soldiers were killed in encounter with terrorists in Machhil area. The body of one of the martyrs was mutilated.

ALSO WATCH:

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WASHINGTON  Some of Vice President-elect Mike Pences new Washington neighbors are welcoming him to the area with gay-pride flags.

WJLA-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2fPicrT ) that several people on Pences new block have hung rainbow pride flags to show their displeasure about his positions on LGBT issues.

Pence is living in the neighborhood during the transition before he moves into the vice presidents mansion on the grounds of the Naval Observatory next year.

LGBT activists have criticized Pence for a religious-objections law he signed as Indiana governor that they said could sanction discrimination against gay people.

IIsle Heintzen is one of Pences new neighbors. Heintzen says the flag was designed to be a respectful message expressing her disagreement with Pences thinking.

A Pence spokesman did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Thursday.
The green energy tariff regulators approved for the $250 million Facebook data center being built in Los Lunas could trigger a sea change for renewable energy in the state, according to public utilities attorney Bruce Throne.

Throne made the comments Wednesday evening at an event hosted by the Santa Fe Solar Energy Association and the Santa Fe Sustainable Everything Advocates. Throne was retained by Facebook to guide the social media giant through negotiations with Public Service Company of New Mexico and the states regulatory process, though he told his audience at the Santa Fe Public Librarys Southside branch that he was making his presentation as a private attorney and not on Facebooks behalf.

At the event, Throne expanded on the argument made by environmental advocates when Facebooks contract with PNM was facing regulatory approval: that the green energy tariff, also known as the green rider, could act as a template for other organizations to secure special rates with utilities for renewable resources. Those special rates could in turn attract new businesses to the state and add new solar and wind facilities to the power grid.

This is an incredibly important tool for economic development, said Throne, who referred to statistics showing the solar energy industry employed 1,899 people in New Mexico as of November 2015.

As approved by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, the tariff creates a legal mechanism for PNM to acquire renewable energy on Facebooks behalf and then to be compensated by Facebook for those resources. The data centers energy would come primarily from three solar facilities built by PNM and funded by Facebook.

When the facilities produce more energy than the data center uses, PNM would credit Facebook. Should the solar facilities produce less energy than the data center requires, PNM would power the site with its existing infrastructure at a rate that includes a fee that is fixed for 10 years, according to a different part of the contract.

Public records show Facebook could pay PNM up to $31 million a year for electricity.

Throne said the tariff creates several requirements for an entity to be considered a qualified customer eligible for the program. Among other things, customers must be new (they cant have taken service from PNM in the past), they have to enter into a special services contract with PNM, the customer has to use a minimum of 10 megawatts of energy and the customer must create 10 megawatts or more of renewable energy.

The (PRC) would have to approve each deal under the tariff, but a precedent has been set here for any large customer to come in and do something similar, even with another utility, said Throne.

One member of the audience pointed out that a New Mexico-based organization that had historically been a PNM customer could likely work around the first requirement by creating a new company, which Throne agreed was a possibility. He also said the tariff could be a way to fund utility infrastructure improvements without using state or even utility money, because under the tariff, all system improvements resulting from the added facilities are the financial responsibility of the qualified customer.

Throne, who over four decades in the legal profession has represented utilities, regulators, and businesses, said the green energy tariff is unlike anything hes ever encountered in his career.

This is one of the few things Ive ever seen that is actually win-win-win, he said.
PARIS  Francois Hollande, Frances unpopular Socialist president, announced Thursday night that he would not seek reelection in 2017.

Ive decided not to be a candidate to renew my mandate, he said on French television.

The announcement was unusual, as Hollande is a sitting president who is nearing the end of the first of two possible terms in office. But after consistently high unemployment figures and a string of terrorist attacks that killed more than 230 people in the past two years, he became the most unpopular president in the history of modern France.

A recent poll conducted by Le Monde newspaper placed Hollandes approval rating at 4 percent.

Hollandes decision opens the field for a leftist candidate to square off against Francois Fillon, who won both rounds of Frances conservative primaries last week, and Marine Le Pen, the outspoken leader of Frances far-right National Front party who has been steadily rising in the polls.

Had Hollande stayed in the race, analysts predicted that the spring 2017 general election would have been largely a contest between the center-right and the far right. But now there will be room for a leftist candidate without Hollandes low approval ratings to fight for the presidency.

Frances leftist primaries will be conducted in January, but Manuel Valls, Hollandes current prime minister, is already the favorite. Valls has said he is ready to compete in the election, although he has not formally announced his candidacy.

Emmanuel Macron, Hollandes former economy minister, has announced he will run in 2017 as an independent candidate.

Despite his unpopularity, Hollande said in his speech that he had only one regret  having proposed the loss of nationality. 

The provision, proposed in response to the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 130 people, would have stripped French citizenship from convicted terrorists who held dual nationality.

Ultimately abandoned, the proposed nationality law alienated much of the French left, which argued that it would have enshrined in the French constitution differences among citizens.

Some analysts see Hollandes decision as a rapprochement with his own party, already in shambles before an election in which it will compete against strong right-wing candidates less than a year after Donald Trump was elected U.S. president and Britain voted to leave the European Union.

He wants to end his term reconciled with the left, said Patrick Weil, Frances preeminent historian of nationality and immigration. He wont run because it would divide it  he knows he hurt the left profoundly.

Frances presidential election will take place in April and May 2017.

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The League of Conservation Voters called on Donald Trumps three oldest children Thursday to ensure their father protects the environment, citing an open letter they and the president-elect signed in 2009 urging President Barack Obama to act on climate change.

Thursdays letter, which was signed by LCV President Gene Karpinski and LCV Board of Directors Chair Carol Browner, who served as Obamas climate czar during his first term, highlights the extent to which environmentalists are concerned about the direction of the next administration. On Wednesday more than 2,300 scientists, including 22 Nobel laureates, sent a letter to Trump and GOP congressional leaders urging them to respect scientific integrity once they take the helm of both the executive and legislative branch in January.

Karpinski and Browner note that all four Trumps signed a letter addressed to Obama and published in the New York Times in November 2009 that cautioned, If we fail to act now, it is scientifically irrefutable that there will be catastrophic and irreversible consequences for humanity and our planet.

Seven years later the stakes have never been higher in the global fight against climate change, Karpinski and Browner write in Thursdays letter.

None of Trumps children spoke extensively about the issue of climate change during the campaign, though Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are both avid hunters. Donald Trump Jr. told a group at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnerships meeting this summer that the campaign had broken away from a lot of traditional conservative dogma on the issue, in that we do want federal lands to remain federal, a position his father outlined in a Field & Stream interview nearly a year ago.

The Trump campaign could not be reached for comment Thursday.

On the question of climate change, however, Trump has given little indication that he would pursue the kinds of policies that LCV and other groups support. He has vowed to boost fossil fuel production in the U.S., particularly within the coal industry, and mocked the idea that global warming is a threat during a town hall meeting in New Hampshire during the GOP primary. At that event, LCV volunteer Meghan Andrade asked Trump what he would do to address the issue, to which he replied, Let me ask you thistake it easy fellashow many people here believe in global warming? Do you believe in global warming?

After asking three times, Who believes in global warming? and asking for a show of hands, Trump concluded nobody believed climate change was underway except for Andrade.

Well its a very interesting question, Trump said. You believe, right, you believe?

Referring to that incident, Karpinski and Browner write, On Election Night, your father said he wants to be a president for all Americans. Its pretty simple. For your childrens future and the future of all Americans, we must honor the United States commitments under the Paris agreement and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050, and we must defend the Clean Power Plan, the single largest step our nation has taken to address climate change.

They also specifically single out some of the those being considered by Trump to head key environmental agencies or to serve as top advisers  including the Competitive Enterprise Institutes Myron Ebell, former GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin and former Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Chairman Kathleen Hartnett-White  as people who should make it nowhere near his administration. Our planet simply cant afford to give polluters free rein to pollute our air and water and even sell off public lands.

It is unclear how much leverage the nations environmental groups  including LCV, which endorsed Hillary Clinton for president before a single primary ballot was cast, and spent $10 million in an effort to help her win the White House  have when it comes to either Trump or his three oldest children, who serve as some of his top advisers.

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Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg has set aside $100 million for charity, in a move that observers say reflects a renewed sense of urgency in philanthropic giving by  and for  women following last months presidential election.

Sandberg donated 880,000 Facebook shares to the Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Fund, according to a company filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. According to the Wall Street Journal, the donation will be used to fund LeanIn.Org, her nonprofit focused on womens empowerment, among other organizations.

A lot of very powerful women are investing in womens causes and, quite honestly, theres been a renewed push to invest after the election, said Melanie Ulle, a Denver-based philanthropic adviser and consultant to non-profits. Women feel that the patriarchy is alive and well  the outcome of the election confirmed that for many people  and they want to change that.

Thousands of Americans have donated to causes related to reproductive rights and womens issues since the election, she said. Planned Parenthood, for example, received nearly 80,000 donations in the three days following the presidential election, which the organizations president called an unprecedented outpouring of support, according to The Atlantic.

We have this idea that philanthropy is old white men, but that is changing, said Debra Mesch, director of the Womens Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University. Women are earning more money, they have more education. Their role in philanthropy has been growing exponentially.

More wealthy women are making their mark publicly, not just by working behind the scenes of family foundations as they typically did in the past, Mesch said. Sandberg, is at the forefront of that movement, along with Melinda Gates, Priscilla Chan and Sara Blakely, the billionaire founder of Spanx who has pledged to give away most of her wealth.

These are high-profile women who are not only coming into their own, but who have their own values and visions about how they want to change the world, she said.

By some estimates, women now make up nearly half of the countrys millionaires, and about 10 percent of its billionaires. But Mesch says its not just the uber-wealthy who are becoming more involved in philanthropy.

There has been a groundswell of women of all income levels coming together to give what they can, she said. Theyre sitting at their dining room tables forming community-based networks with each other.

Last year, Americans gave an estimated $373 billion to charitable causes, according to an annual report by the Giving USA Foundation. Among the largest recipients of philanthropy: Religious groups (33 percent), education (16 percent) and human services (12 percent).

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Here is a strategy for start-ups dealing with regulators who might shut down your product: Make it free.

Scrappy self-driving car start-up Comma.ai released a free software kit on Wednesday to help developers learn to build a device that can turn any car into an autonomous vehicle. The year-old company, which is founded by a well-known hacker and backed by prominent Silicon Valley investors, hopes to accelerate the development of self-driving cars while skirting the ire of Washington.

The move raises questions of how the United States should foster innovation for promising technologies that also carry great risks. Experts say self-driving cars have the potential to dramatically reduce the number of accidents of the roadway, most of which are caused by human errors. But Commas self-driving kit has only logged roughly 5,000 miles of road time, a number that is effectively a useless barometer for judging safety, said John Simpson, of the safety advocacy group Consumer Watchdog.

The announcement also reflects the types of maneuvering start-ups are increasingly engaging in as they chart a path in heavily regulated sectors of the economy. A wave of companies in areas such as housing, DNA testing and aerospace is weighing whether to work with officials or to follow the playbook of companies such as Uber and Airbnb  asking forgiveness, but not permission, and seeing where the chips fall.

In Commas case, the strategy was an end run around the rulemakers.

When Comma.ais founder, George Hotz, announced his plan to sell a do-it-yourself self-driving software and hardware kit for $999 at a large industry conference this fall, the tech world was giddy with excitement. While large automakers and technology giants have poured billions into autonomous vehicles, Commas tech would have dramatically lowered the bar for entry.

Washington was skeptical: Shortly after the announcement at the Techcrunch Disrupt conference, Hotz was slapped with a warning letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 27-year-old Hotz  who was the first person to jailbreak an iPhone and whose hacking capabilities earned him a New Yorker profile and an offer from Elon Musk to build Teslas automated systems  tweeted out the letter. It asked for detailed information about the safety of the product he said he intended to launch before the end of the year.

Within hours of getting the NHTSA letter, Hotz canceled the product launch. He didnt have the money to hire lawyers required to get government approval, he said in an interview with The Post this week. Hotz added he had been receiving unnerving, unsolicited house calls from California officials, who stopped by to review what he was building.

He decided that a workaround would be to offer up the code to his kit  for free.

We want to be the Android operating system for self-driving cars, Hotz said at a news conference Wednesday, held in the companys garage in San Franciscos Potrero Hill neighborhood. Hotz was referring to the open-source smartphone operating system, which has become ubiquitous because it is free and developers can easily innovate on it.

The code, which is available on the open-source collaboration platform GitHub, allows anyone (but really, hardcore hackers) to build a dashcam-like device that they can set up in their car. The device plugs into a port in the car called a controller area network, or BUS (in most cars built after 2006). Users must build the device with a 3-D printer and have an Android OnePlus 3 phone to run the code and provide the camera that can scan the road.

Technically, Hotzs software isnt a fully autonomous car such as the ones being tested by Google or GM. Hotz says it is an open-source alternative to Teslas autopilot, which is considered semi-autonomous. When a user switches it on, the car goes into an autopilot mode enabling the driver to take their hands off the wheel and the gas pedal. The car can also stay in its lane and brake for the driver. Currently, the software works only with some Hondas and Acuras.

For safety, Hotz said his self-driving software is designed to shut down and decelerate the vehicle after six minutes if the driver doesnt actively keep it on.

Because NHTSA regulates commercial vehicles, Hotz said he is exempt from regulatory scrutiny because he is not selling anything.

NHTSA spokesman Bryan Thomas said the agency had no comment.

Simpson, the Consumer Watchdog advocate, said he was skeptical of Hotzs regulatory hack. He said that NHTSA has the authority to pull any car off the road that has features that make it an imminent danger, and that the agency has the authority to review free add-on features to cars. Comma is a clear threat to highway safety, and attempting to release it like this is absolutely outrageous, he said. NHTSA and the California DMV should act now to keep vehicles equipped with Holtzs device off the highway.

He added that any driver who put this on their car could be breaking the law. Under California law, an autonomous vehicle is not allowed on a public road without a permit that includes a $5 million insurance policy and a demonstrable training program for drivers. Even though Hotz calls his innovation a self-driving kit, he argued his product is more like Teslas autopilot and is therefore exempt from self-driving regulations.

Hotz warned that the government should not attempt to shut down a tool that could save lives, and said that engineers should be free to build products for the good of society. He also dismissed the possibility that open-sourcing the technology could enable hackers to break into cars, saying cars were already so connected to the Internet that the risk was present regardless.

Were not offering this as a consumer product, Hotz said. This is for tinkerers. These are people who, if they wanted to do bad things, they already could.

Jabbing at bureaucrats everywhere, he opened his news conference playing the 90s hip-hop classic Regulate and ended it with a lyric from the rapper Drake: Everyone who doubted me is asking for forgiveness. If you aint been a part of it, at least you got to witness.

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MOSCOW  An unmanned Russian cargo spaceship heading to the International Space Station broke up in the atmosphere over Siberia on Thursday due to an unspecified malfunction, the Russian space agency said.

The Progress MS-04 cargo craft broke up at an altitude of 190 kilometers (118 miles) over the remote Russian Tuva region in Siberia that borders Mongolia, Roscosmos said in a statement. It said most of spaceships debris burnt up as it entered the atmosphere but some fell to Earth over what it called an uninhabited area.

Local people reported seeing a flash of light and hearing a loud thud west of the regional capital of Kyzyl, more than 3,600 kilometers (2,200 miles) east of Moscow, the Tuva government was quoted as saying late Thursday by the Interfax news agency.

The Progress cargo ship had lifted off as scheduled at 8:51 p.m. (1451 GMT) from Russias space launch complex in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, to deliver 2.5 metric tons of fuel, water, food and other supplies. It was set to dock with the space station on Saturday.

Roscosmos said the craft was operating normally before it stopped transmitting data 6  minutes after the launch. The Russian space agency would not immediately describe the malfunction, saying its experts were looking into it.

This is the third botched launch of a Russian spacecraft in two years. A Progress cargo ship plunged into the Pacific Ocean in May 2015, and a Proton-M rocket carrying an advanced satellite broke up in the atmosphere in May 2014.

But both Roscosmos and NASA said the crash of the ship would have no impact on the operations of the orbiting space lab that is currently home to a six-member crew, including three cosmonauts from Russia, two NASA astronauts and one from the European Union.

Orbital ATK, NASAs other shipper, successfully sent up supplies to the space station in October, and a Japanese cargo spaceship is scheduled to launch a full load in mid-December.

NASA supplier SpaceX, meanwhile, has been grounded since a rocket explosion in September on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The company hopes to resume launches in December to deliver communication satellites.

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This version corrects the spelling of the region to Tuva, not Tyva.

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Aerospace Writer Marcia Dunn in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report.
Convicted murderer Albert Jose Ramirez of Clovis will remain in prison after the state Supreme Court agreed with the Office of the Attorney General Criminal Appeals Division by affirming his murder conviction.

Ramirez was found guilty by a Curry County jury for murdering his mothers boyfriend at her Clovis home in 2007, the Attorney Generals Office said in a news release. Ramirez shot the victim multiple times including bullets to the head as the victim lay on the ground.

 I hope todays decision can bring closure to the family of the victim and to the Curry County community as Mr. Ramirez will serve out his life sentence in prison, said Attorney General Balderas in a statement. I want to thank the Clovis Police Department and the District Attorneys Office for their work on this case.

The AGS Office said Ramirez appealed his conviction citing seven arguments, but the Supreme Court disagreed with all of them and affirmed his murder conviction.

The Office of the Attorney General Criminal Appeals Division handles all murder conviction appeals in the State of New Mexico.
LANSING, Mich.  The Latest on the presidential recount efforts in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin (all times local):

4:45 p.m.

Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein says President-elect Donald Trumps objection to her campaigns request to recount Michigans presidential votes is shameful and outrageous.

Stein response Thursday came after the Trump campaign filed an objection, delaying the planned Friday start of the recount.

Trumps attorneys say Stein, who finished fourth in Michigan, is not aggrieved by any alleged election fraud or mistake, that a recount couldnt be finished on time and that her petition wasnt properly signed. Trump says Stein is asking for an expensive, time-consuming recount on the basis of nothing more than speculation.

Stein has also requested recounts in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, which began its recount on Thursday.

Michigans elections board will consider Trumps objection on Friday. The recount now couldnt start until next week, at the earliest.

___

3:30 p.m.

President-elect Donald Trumps campaign has filed an objection to Green Party candidate Jill Steins request for a hand recount of Michigans presidential election votes.

The objection filed Thursday will delay or block the recount, which the state was planning to begin Friday.

The Board of State Canvassers has scheduled a meeting Friday to hear arguments. The Michigan Bureau of Elections says the recount cannot begin until two business days after the four-member, bipartisan board resolves the objection.

Trumps attorneys say Stein, who finished fourth in Michigan, is not aggrieved by any alleged election fraud or mistake, that a recount couldnt be finished on time and that her petition wasnt properly signed. Trump says Stein is asking for an expensive, time-consuming recount on the basis of nothing more than speculation.

Stein has also requested recounts in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, which began its recount on Thursday.

___

10:30 a.m.

Observers representing Democrat Hillary Clinton, Republican Donald Trump and Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein are spread out throughout Wisconsin to watch as ballots are recounted.

Trumps Wisconsin campaign director Pete Meachum was in Madison on Thursday for the start of the recount. Meachum says the campaign had people in every major county across the state. Trump won Wisconsin by about 22,000 votes, or less than a percentage point.

Stein has raised questions about the integrity of votes cast in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan without presenting any proof of wrongdoing.

Stein said in a statement that verifying the vote through this recount is the only way to confirm that every vote has been counted securely and accurately and is not compromised by machine or human error, or by tampering or hacking.

___

9 a.m.

The recounting of the presidential election results in Wisconsin is underway. Its the first candidate-driven recount in the United States since Florida in 2000.

Green Party candidate Jill Stein requested the recount that started Thursday, even though she has no chance of picking up the roughly 1.3 million votes needed to win. Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton by about 22,000 votes in Wisconsin.

Stein says she wants a recount to ensure ballot tabulating machines were not compromised by hackers.

Workers in 72 counties across the state began recounting ballots at 9 a.m. They have until 8 p.m. Dec. 12 to finish.

In Madison, about 40 workers gathered in two conference rooms overflowing with sealed bags of ballots from across the county.

___

8:40 a.m.

Vote counters, observers, reporters and curious onlookers are filling the hallway outside two large conference rooms in a downtown office building in Madison, Wisconsin, where a recount of the presidential race is about to begin.

Similar scenes are playing out across the state Thursday as the recount requested by Green Party candidate Jill Stein gets underway. All 72 counties were required to start by 9 a.m. They have less than two weeks to recount nearly 3 million ballots. The deadline to complete it is Dec. 13, but the state Elections Commission gave counties until 8 p.m. Dec. 12 to finish.

Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell walked down the hallway in Madison about an hour before the recount was to begin, bringing coffee for those about to begin the recount.

Stein has also requested recounts in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Almost no one expects the recounts to result in a victory for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton over President-elect Donald Trump.

___

12:05 a.m.

The first candidate-driven statewide recount of a presidential election in 16 years is set to begin in Wisconsin.

The recount starting Thursday was requested by Green Party candidate Jill Stein. It carries none of the drama that Florida did in 2000, when the outcome of the election between Al Gore and George W. Bush hung in the balance.

Almost no one expects recounts this year to result in a Clinton victory.

But still, county election officials across Wisconsin were hiring temporary workers, expanding hours and dusting off recount manuals to prepare for the work of retabulating nearly 3 million ballots.

A recount was to begin Friday in Michigan and Stein is suing for a recount in Pennsylvania.
If the effort to phone Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, is any indication, President-elect Donald Trumps properties may be about to get inundated with calls.

Digital firm Revolution Messaging and the liberal Creative Majority PAC launched an online phone bank designed to connect callers with Trump properties around the world in order to express their concerns about his upcoming presidency.

The effort  channeled through WhiteHouseInc.org  hopes to push Trump toward selling off his corporate assets as a way to guard against conflicts of interest when he becomes president. Trump has not been clear about whether he is planning to divest from his business between now and Jan. 20 or merely transfer its management to his three eldest children.

Would-be participants sign up on the website with their phone number and email address, then receive a phone call that connects them with a Trump property.

WhiteHouseInc.org struck a biting tone as it urged readers to sign up for the call list.

By not divesting himself from his businesses, [Trump is] actually creating satellite White Houses all over the world. That means we have dozens of phone numbers we can use to reach the president and discuss the issues that matter most, the site stated.

When you submit your phone number on the right, youll receive a call and be randomly connected to one of Trumps properties. Dont be fooled, theyll ask you to make a reservation or a tee time, but remember, youre talking to the White House, so use the opportunity to discuss important issues.

As example topics, the site listed dismantling the 1st amendment and doing nothing to address the student loan debt. (Lets put those whiny millennials in their place . . . Pour yourself a little Trump vodka and call White House Inc. today!)

Alcohol is a familiar theme in calling efforts facilitated by Revolution Messaging: 2013s Drunk Dial Congress targeted lawmakers during the 2013 government shutdown.

Trump has promised to provide details about his plan to leave his business during a Dec. 15 press conference.

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, he tweeted Wednesday.

trump-phones
By PTI: Bhubvaneswar, Dec 1 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today met industry leaders of 19 group of companies personally on a one-to-one basis on the second day of the Make In Odisha conclave here.

"I am extremely pleased over the response we get from the investors. They have reaffirmed their commitment. I have spoke to 19 business leaders," Patnaik told reporters expressing optimism over the possible investment in the state.

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Patnaik said the event will go a long way in carrying forward the brand Odisha as a land of new opportunities.

Describing the discussion as meaningful, Patnaik said that the industry leaders have displayed their commitment and support for the industrial growth of Odisha which will lead to massive employment opportunities for the states youths.

The meeting with the captains of industry, which lasted for more than two hours, included Satish Pai of Aditya Birla Group, Goutam Adani of Adani Group, Arundhati Bhattacharya of SBI, Anil Agarwal of Vedanta Resources, Sanjay Mehrotra of SanDisk, Saroj Kumar Poddar of Adventz Group, Navneet Bhagat of Fortunex, Krishna P Maheswari, Kamal Maheswari, Rajamani Krishnamurty and Prasanna Choudhury of Essel Group.

Several companies led by CII chairman Naushad Forbes also met chief minister.

They are N Kumar of Sanmar Group, Binod Sharma of Dekim Electronics, Tom Albanees of vedanta Resources, Vinayk Chaterjee of Feedback Infra, Ramesh Kymal of Gamesa Winf Turbine Private, Piruz Khamatta of Rasna Pvt Ltd, S Shivakumar of Agri and IT business of ITC, Aswani Malhotra of Weikfield Foods, B K Goenka of Welspun Group, Sukarna Singh of TASL, B Thiagarajan of Blue Star and T V narendran of Tata Steel.

Earlier in the day, Patnaik laid foundation stone of the ITC limiteds food processing unit at Khurda food park.

While addressing the inagural session of the Make in Odisha conclave, Adani Group Chairman Goutam Adani said that his company would increase its investments in Odisha by about Rs 3,000 crore. He said this new investment will create 10,000 new jobs in the state.

He also said that the group plans to double the capacity of its Dhamra port in the state to 50 million tonnes soon.

Hindalco will invest Rs 4,000 crore in its expansion programme in the state while T Krishnakumar, the CEO India CBO & Region Director of Coca-Cola India announced to invest Rs 500 crore in Odisha in next three years.

Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra said: "We are optimistic to receive a large investment proposal." PTI AAM BBN MD BAL LNS

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  A Florida man has been sentenced to four years in prison in an identity theft case in New Mexico.

Prosecutors say 51-year-old Clinton William Yetter, of Gainesville, also was sentenced Thursday to two years of supervised release after he serves his prison term.

Yetter was indicted in May 2013 on two counts of making false statements and two counts of aggravated identity fraud.

The indictment alleged that Yetter made the false statements while applying for U.S. passports in New Mexicos Bernalillo County in October 2011 and May 2012.

Yetter also was accused of using the name of another person in making the passport applications.

He pleaded guilty to the two charges without the benefit of a plea agreement earlier this year.
The New Mexico Workforce Solutions and Higher Education Departments Thursday announced a new internet portal to connect college students looking for internships with employers.

Proposed last year by Gov. Susana Martinez, the Students Work portal was built by Central New Mexico Community College students. The portal allows college students to browse opportunities and employers to browse potential candidates.

Use is free and available to all New Mexico college students.

Internships are an important tool for preparing our college students to join the workforce after they graduate, Martinez said in a news release announcing the site. By bringing higher education and our business community together to establish this internship portal, well help more students get more of the skills they need to succeed while still in college  in turn helping our employers better fill the positions they need in todays dynamic workforce.
MEXICO CITY  Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim says a Donald Trump presidency could be good news for Mexico.

At a forum with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Thursday, Slim discarded the pessimistic narrative about how Trumps hard-line views on immigration and free trade could shake Mexico.

The telecommunications magnate, who is one of the worlds richest people, said that if Trump achieves his promises to expand the U.S. economy, create millions of jobs and lower middle-class taxes, it will be fantastic for Mexico by increasing U.S. consumption.

And Trumps promise for big spending on infrastructure projects would mean more jobs for Mexicans because there are not enough Americans to fill them, Slim said.

He added that Trumps tough talk toward Mexico should spur the country to refocus on investing in its own economy.
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

Bern, 01.12.2016 - On 1 December, President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann addressed the ministers of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency ESA and Canada in Lucerne. Switzerland has co-chaired ESA with Luxembourg since 2012. Spain will take over the chairmanship at the meeting in Lucerne.

In his address, President Johann Schneider-Ammann cited Switzerlands continuous commitment since the start of Europes space adventure, not only on a political level, but also on an industrial level and in terms of scientific research. He stressed the positive impact of investment in space activities on education, innovation, economic growth, and above all on reducing the risks of deindustrialisation. Switzerland is a reliable partner thanks to the quality of its technological products and its culture of collaboration. ESA remains the preeminent platform in Europe allowing its member states to accomplish collectively projects and missions, which would not be possible individually.

The president underlined the advantages enjoyed by the citizens and economies of Europe thanks to the advances made through ESA. This investment helps to boost scientific knowledge and technological expertise, as well as competiveness and more generally, our overall quality of life.

The ESA Ministerial Council meets every 3 to 4 years to set the course for future European space activities. At this years meeting the major decisions concern future and collective financing of the scientific programme, the earth observation programme and the technology aspect of telecommunications and integrated applications programmes.

While in Lucerne, Mr Schneider-Ammann also met with Mr Etienne Schneider, Luxembourgs economic affairs minister, and Mr Luis de Guindos, Spains minister of economic affairs, industry and competitiveness, regarding the new chairmanship of the ESA Ministerial Council.

Switzerland and ESA

The European Space Agency has launched over 70 satellites into orbit and is currently running 18 scientific missions. ESA also manages the development of Galileo, the European satellite navigation system, several environmental observation satellites and the launchers Ariane and Vega. Each year Switzerland contributes around EUR 146 million to ESA. In 2016 the agencys overall budget amounted to EUR 5.3 billion. Thanks to this participation, Swiss research institutes and aerospace companies are able to benefit and build on their excellent scientific and technological expertise, while maintaining access through competition to international projects and markets.

Address for enquiries

Evelyn Kobelt, EAER Press Spokesperson, tel. 058 462 20 59, evelyn.kobelt@gs-wbf.admin.ch

Publisher

Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

http://www.wbf.admin.ch




We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain.
The rampant inflation currently tearing through world economies has had little to no effect on venture capital investing according to a new survey from PitchBook.
Archaeological work beside the River Wensum in Norfolk has revealed more than 80 rare Middle Saxon log coffins and plank-lined graves, preserved by their waterlogged environment  the first time that such coffins have been found in these numbers and such good condition in Britain. What can the unusual finds tell us about an early Christian community? Carly Hilts spoke to James Fairclough, MOLA, and Barney Sloane, Historic England, to find out more.

While excavating waterlogged land beside the River Wensum, the last thing archaeologists from MOLA expected to find were graves  let alone a previously unknown Anglo-Saxon cemetery containing dozens of rare timber coffins and plank-lined graves in an unprecedented state of preservation  yet this unlikely turn of events is exactly what happened during recent work near Great Ryburgh, Norfolk.

Hints of the sites archaeological potential had initially been identified during research by local archaeologist Matthew Champion, and when the owner of a nearby four-star holiday cottage decided to create a lake (for conservation purposes, and to offer fishing to his guests) and flood defences on the same spot, Archaeological Solutions was commissioned to investigate the 1ha affected as part of the planning process. After this, MOLA carried out excavations immediately before and during the construction of the lake.

Initial discoveries in the southern portion of the site were all distinctly domestic in nature: two Roman kilns; a web of Romano-British, Anglo-Saxon, and later medieval drainage ditches; and, towards the northern end, a massive boundary ditch. Incised across the entire site, this 3.5m- to 4m-wide division was stuffed with fragments of butchered animal bone and Middle Saxon (c.AD 650-850) pottery. The discovery of such quantities of refuse spoke of a once-thriving early medieval community somewhere in the vicinity  yet no other clear sign of such a settlement could be seen. Beyond this boundary, however, the team began to uncover burials.

Unexpected finds

Among the first five or six graves excavated, one contained something thought to be very unusual: a coffin crafted from the hollowed-out trunk of an oak tree. This was initially interpreted as the burial of a particularly high-status individual, perhaps a community elder or local leader whose elevated position in life had merited special treatment in death. As more graves emerged, however, it quickly became apparent that, far from being a mark of exclusivity, log coffins were actually in the majority. Of the 89 graves revealed to-date, 81 contained hollowed-out trunks, while six more used timber in a slightly different way, lining the grave cuts with expertly hewn planks.

It was a remarkable and totally unexpected development. Although the use of wooden caskets or grave linings in early medieval burials is not unknown, it is usually only hinted at by fragments of degraded timber or soil stains. The discovery of near-complete coffins is a much rarer occurrence, dependent on a very narrow set of environmental conditions  and to find them in such numbers is completely unprecedented. The Great Ryburgh examples survive only thanks to a fluke of local geology producing a fortuitous mix of acidic sand and alkaline water. The opportunity to explore such a site under modern conditions was not one to be taken lightly, and at this stage Historic England stepped in to provide funding and scientific advisors for further investigation. What would this work reveal?

At present, analysis of the finds is only in its very early stages, and no artefacts to help establish their date have been recovered, grave goods being entirely absent  although three fragments of Middle Saxon Ipswich ware pottery were identified in the grave fills. Dendrochronology (the study of tree rings) has so far produced one result, however. A sample taken from one of the plank-lined graves suggests that the cemetery had been in use during the mid 8th century, and that these may be the earliest plank-lined burials yet found in this country.

The dug-out coffins refer to even older funerary practices: burials of this kind are first seen in Europe in the early Bronze Age, before reappearing in the early medieval period. Yet if the Great Ryburgh graves were harking back to earlier, perhaps ancestral, pagan customs, the cemetery itself seems to have been a Christian one: all of the graves are oriented eastwest (except for two earlier graves that lie northsouth and are thought to be possibly Roman in date), and none of their occupants are accompanied by objects of any kind.

It was a neatly organised burial ground, the graves forming three orderly rows with a couple of eastern outliers, which showed no sign of intercutting, perhaps suggesting that they were originally marked in some way. Furthermore, as some of the rows appear to extend towards the north-west, perhaps continuing outside the excavated area, it is possible that this is in fact only part of an even larger cemetery. On this matter, at least, the archaeology provides clear clues  but what are we to make of the two different approaches to using wood?

Funerary fashions?

It could be that the log coffins and plank-lined graves represent two evolutionary stages of the same practice, although the fact that both kinds of grave are scattered throughout the same rows suggests that they are unlikely to reflect a chronological progression (this phasing may become clearer as more dating results come in). Instead, might they have been used by groups with differing social status  perhaps the scarcer and arguably more finely crafted plank-lined graves contained the remains of elite members of the community, with the rougher dug-outs perceived as a more basic equivalent?

Certainly, many of the log coffins do not seem to have used particularly high-quality wood; rather, they frequently appear to have employed leftovers  sections from towards the top of the trunk, whose knotted and curving wood was not suitable for cutting into planks for other uses. Yet if there were status differences between the two kinds of burial, this social segregation is not echoed in their mingled distribution, and suggestions that the log coffins may have been seen as the downmarket option seem less likely when you consider that it would have taken an estimated four man-days to hollow out a single coffin  this was not a cheap or easy option.

In that case, might the use of varying qualities of timber suggest that the community accorded some kind of particular significance to the inclusion of wood in their burials, to the extent that having it was so important that you used whatever was available rather than go without? This trend  whether favoured for fashionable or ritual reasons  might be exemplified by one of the burials in particular, where a curved grave had been dug to accommodate a curved log coffin, in which a contorted skeleton was found, suggesting that the body had been squeezed into the space.

The human remains that these coffins contained are also largely intact, thanks to the waterlogged conditions  although fluctuating water levels mean that some of the small bones have been lost in many cases, while the weight of the wet, sandy soil has left the remains fragile and crumbly. So far, only limited examination of the bones has taken place, but an initial assessment of the size of the graves suggests that the vast majority of the individuals buried at Great Ryburgh are likely to be adults. Subsequent osteological analysis should reveal the breakdown of men and women in the cemetery population, which might shed further light on the nature of the community it served; if there is an even mix, the graves are likely to be associated with a domestic settlement, but a significantly male-dominated group might indicate a possible monastic community.

Search for a church

Whether the sites inhabitants held religious or more worldly roles, there does not appear to be a clear link between the cemetery and any earlier phase of the villages extant church (the current incarnation of which dates from the late Saxon/early Norman period). Although the newly discovered burials lie just 100m from this structure, if they formed part of its graveyard that would imply hundreds of inhumations filling the gap between the excavated site and the church  something that seems very unlikely for a small village, which would presumably have been smaller still during the Anglo-Saxon period.

There is no documentary evidence for another earlier church near the site  but tantalising hints of just such a structure might come from the archaeological record: MOLAs excavations have revealed a promising void at the heart of the Middle Saxon cemetery (visible in the lead image for this feature). It is surrounded by the rows of graves, and within it lie the remains of a small timber structure. This building, which measured around 6m by 4m, is now represented only by a rectangle of beam slots, as well as fragments of four evenly spaced timbers, which survive in situ along its northern side. The entrance appears to lie to the south, and the structure is oriented on the same alignment as the graves, pointing eastwest lengthwise. While no dating evidence is yet available for the building, that its footprint seems to have been respected by the graves does imply a connection. Might this have been some kind of small church or mortuary chapel associated with the cemetery?

Although there are many questions outstanding for the Great Ryburgh finds, it is hoped that further research will help to illuminate the cemeterys significance. Archaeological work on the site has now concluded, but the next stage of the project will see a raft of post-excavation analysis brought to bear; the team hopes that dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating of some of the timbers from the graves will help to unpick the sites development  as well as filling in what they describe as a black hole in dendrochronological data for this period in the region  while DNA, osteological, and isotope analysis on the human remains will help to reveal more information about the origins, health, diet, and lives of the people buried there.

Investigating inhabitants

As for who these people might have been, the possibilities are as tantalising as they are currently open-ended. Might the cemetery have served an as-yet undiscovered trading centre, presumably located nearby to take advantage of easy access to the River Wensum? Or could this have been a more inward-looking religious community? The prominence of adults among the dead  unless children were buried separately in an unexcavated part of the site  lends credence to suggestions of a monastic population. Moreover, the uniformity of burial practices, and the orderly arrangement of the graves and lack of intercutting, might suggest that the cemetery was only short-lived, perhaps used by only a couple of generations  something that further dating analysis may help to clarify.

The teams research has already revealed why the cemetery had been dug in what would, at first glance, appear to be counterintuitively boggy ground: historical documents report that the course of the river had actually been changed in more recent times, deliberately diverted to serve a nearby mill  something that makes the resulting waterlogging of the land, and the remarkable preservation that it permitted, seem all the more serendipitous.

Perhaps the most intriguing question raised by the site, however, is whether its strikingly conservative timber-related funerary practices represent a local quirk or, given that the use of wood in such contexts is known elsewhere, might this be a rare snapshot of a much more widespread phenomenon, illuminating previously littleunderstood Middle Saxon burial customs? Either way, the Great Ryburgh site has thrown open a window on an early Christian rural community and, as post-excavation analysis continues, one that may yet reveal many more secrets.

Further information

Read more about the finds at www.mola.org.uk/blog/discovery-rare-anglosaxon-burials-revealed and https://historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/news/survival-of-rare-anglo-saxon-coffins, and explore a 3D interactive model of a log coffin burial at https://sketchfab.com/models/116c131fac8443ccbec7ff2f19f5173a

This is a feature published in CA 322. Read on in the magazine. Click here to subscribe.
The Jamai Raja actress might be dating someone.

By India Today Web Desk: Jamai Raja actress Nia Sharma is quite happy these days. And why wouldn't she be happy? She is young, travelling the world, and doing the job that she loves. But there might be another reason behind her glow.

Confused?

Well, the stunning actress is apparently in love. She recently confessed to Tellychakkar that she is seeing someone. But we don't know who is she dating.

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Also read: Bad news for Jamai Raja fans; Nia Sharma aka Roshni has quit the show

"I am not single," the actress recently confessed.

However, the actress also said something in the interview that has left us quite puzzled.

This is what she said:

"Actually I am single, but in my mind I am not single."

Wow! Now that is super-confusing!

She clarified her statement saying, "As I said I am single, but I never felt like being single."

Well, we are as confused as you are.

But hopefully Nia will share some good news soon.

--- ENDS ---
The West Bengal chief minister who was in Patna on Wednesday to protest against demonetisation said that the people of the country will never forgive political leaders who are backing PM Narendra Modi on demonetisation.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar extending support to PM Narendra Modi over demonetisation has strained his relations with West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee.

It is evident that Nitish and Mamata shared a great rapport for past few years but Nitish's stand on demonetisation has compelled Mamata to call demonetisation supporters 'traitors'.

The West Bengal chief minister who was in Patna on Wednesday to protest against demonetisation said that the people of the country will never forgive political leaders who are backing PM Narendra Modi on demonetisation. "Those who are supporting demonetisation are traitors and the people of the country will never forgive such leaders," said Mamata Banerjee.

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ALSO READ | Mamata slams PM for imposing 'super emergency' in country through demonetisation

Mamata even showered lavish praises on RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav for supporting her sit-in protest on the issue of demonetisation. Lalu had also sent senior leaders Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and Ram Chandra Purve to support Mamata's protest. In fact, when she arrived in Patna on Tuesday evening, she had paid a visit to Lalu's residence and spent quality time with the Yadav family. The bonhomie between Mamata and Lalu's wife Rabri Devi was evident.

Surprisingly, Mamata chose not to meet the Bihar CM during her visit to Patna. It may be remembered that Mamata Banerjee had attended Nitish Kumar's swearing-in ceremony twice last year, first when Nitish became CM by dislodging former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi in February 2015 and later when Nitish won elections in November 2015.

Earlier, Mamata, who is spearheading the anti-demonetisation campaign in the country, held a sit-in protest meet in Delhi, Kolkata and Lucknow before coming to Patna.

--- ENDS ---
Banks across India struggled to meet cash demand despite government and the RBI taking several steps to ensure a smooth flow.

People queue as they wait for their turn outside a bank in Allahabad. (Photo: REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash)

By India Today Web Desk: The Narendra Modi government's several steps to ensure smooth flow of cash after pay day did not prove to be enough. Reeling under cash shortage, banks across the country could not meet the withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000 per person set by the Reserve Bank of India, said a senior official at a public sector bank.

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While some banks disbursed only Rs 5,000 per person, those with better cash availability could provide Rs 10,000-Rs 12,000 per withdrawal.

With a large number of ATMs still not calibrated to dispense new currency, the demonetisation chaos continues.

ALSO WATCH

How did India cope with pay day chaos today In Kerala, 42 of the 157 state treasuries ran dry till afternoon leading to a massive chaos at banks. "Banks do not have the money to disburse. Till now, 42 state treasuries are unable to disburse money as cash did not arrive," said Kerala's Finance Minister Thomas Issac. He said the state had requested the RBI for Rs 2,000 crore of which the central bank had assured to provide Rs 1,000 crore by today. Incidents of violence were reported in Uttar Pradesh. In Meerut, angry customers went on a rampage at a Syndicate Bank branch on Hapur Road after it ran out of cash. Dozens of vehicles were damaged, traffic was disrupted and an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was torched. Mob violence was reported in Agra, Pilibhit and Baghpat disricts. People struggled to withdraw money from their own accounts in Maharashtra. Senior citizens and pensioners were worst hit who had to wait in long queues to withdraw cash today. "We are forced to stand in queues from 7 am to ensure we get some cash for our routine expenses," said a pensioner outside a bank in Andheri. In southern states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, people suffered from cash crunch. In barely few hours, several banks reported no cash, others said they were anyway running low on cash. Most ATMs remained closed, and a few which opened in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and other major towns soon went dry. The scene was no different in Gujarat. Several banks restricted cash withdrawal due to paucity of funds, while a number of ATMs remained inoperative. Some banks also turned away people, saying they had exhausted the cash and were yet to receive more of it. On a day when people struggled to withdraw money, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the hardships faced by people won't last long but demonetisation's effect on the economy is going to be long-term. "The effect of demonetisation will remain for one or two quarters, but its effect on the economy will be seen in the long-term," said the Finance Minister on the sidelines of 'Made in Odisha' conclave.

With inputs from Jeemon Jacob from Thiruvananthapuram

ALSO READ: No seizure of gold jewellery up to 500 g per married lady in Income Tax raids

ALSO READ: RBI's disbursement of new notes discriminatory: Mamata Banerjee

ALSO WATCH

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Update 4.30pm: In a statement, King's Hospital school confirmed gardai and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, are currently investigating an alleged incident at the school.

The school said no further statement would be made at this time.

Meanwhile, the Church of Ireland expressed its "sincere concern" and offered thoughts and prayers after news of the elleged incident surfaced.

A statement issdued on behalf of Archbishop Richard Clarke, Archbishop Michael Jackson and Bishop Pat Storey said:

"Following news of an alleged sexual assault at the Kings Hospital School, we express our sincere concern and offer our thoughts and prayers for the child and family at the centre of this incident.

"We trust that the process of investigation by the statutory authorities will bring about a just outcome, and we also pray for the wellbeing of the pupils and staff of the school at this difficult time."

Earlier:

Gardai have confirmed that they are investigating an alleged assault at a school in the Lucan area of Dublin.

It is reported that a 13-year-old boy was sexually assaulted with a hockey stick by eight other pupils at King's Hospital school in Palmerstown last Thursday.

The Irish Times also claims a number of students have been suspended from the co-education boarding and day secondary school.

The school confirmed that the alleged incident is being investigated by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.

It said it will make no further statement, while Tusla has said it does not comment on individual cases.
Modified On Feb 24, 2017 03:04 PM By Arun

Ford might just be considering the Kuga for the Indian market. It is interesting to note that a single unit of the Ford Kuga was imported from the UK sometime last year for R&D Purposes. Dig further into the data and you'd find a few parts and peripherals for the Kuga that have been imported into India. All of this does point towards possible homologation, and subsequent testing to prep it for the great Indian outdoors.

What is the Kuga?

The Kuga is a mid-size SUV that sits a notch below the Endeavour in Ford's portfolio. It is based on the same C1 platform that also underpins other global bestsellers from Ford - the Focus hatchback and the C-Max MPV. In terms of dimensions, it is a sizeable fella, measuring 4.5 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and 1.7 metres tall. It is also known as the Ford Escape in a few markets, which is in line with Ford's tradition of naming their SUVs starting with the letter E (EcoSport, Explorer, Expedition, Endeavour... you get the drift).

Where does it fit in?

The 5-seater SUV takes on the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Hyundai Tucson, the Mazda CX-5 and the Kia Sportage globally. In India, it will slot into the same segment as the Hyundai, and its contemporaries such as the Honda CR-V and the Skoda Yeti. Naturally, that means a price range that spans from Rs 17 lakh to Rs 22 lakh.

What's under the hood?

The Kuga gets a choice of three diesel and two petrol engines globally. There's the familiar 1.5-litre TDCi diesel available in a 120PS tune, or a larger 2.0-litre TDCi that can be had with 150PS or 180PS. The bigger engine also gets an optional all-wheel drive and Ford's 'Powershift' 6-speed automatic gearbox, in case you do not fancy a front-wheel drive variant with a 6-speed manual. On the petrol front, Ford's 1.5-litre Ti-VCT motor finds itself in the engine bay of the Kuga, with either 120PS, 150PS or 180PS on tap. Only the most powerful version gets an optional all-wheel drive configuration.

As far as India is concerned, the Ford Kuga might just be a diesel-only offering, just like the Endeavour. The smaller 1.5-litre engine might power entry-level offerings, whereas the range-topping variant could get the 2.0-litre motor with optional all-wheel drive.

What about the interiors?

Well, it is a conventional Ford layout. If you have been in a Figo or an EcoSport, the design and the theme will seem familiar. In terms of goodies, the Kuga gets an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, bundled with Ford's updated SYNC3 interface. Feel-good features include leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a massive sunroof and electric seats - pretty much the standard 20 lakh SUV fare, then. Just like the Endeavour, the semi-auto parallel park is available as an option for the Kuga internationally, but it remains to be seen if that option is ticked for India.

Does it look good?

Take a good look at the pictures and let us know what you think! We think it is handsome, with the right amount of muscle. It does look slightly MPVish in profile, and it could do with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel too, but we're just nitpicking. The family face with the big air dam and the projector headlamps looks swell, and so do the all-LED tail lamps. The design isn't as curvaceous as the Tucson, nor as outright boxy as the Yeti - it is a nice blend between old-school SUV charm and a modern runabout; which we like!

When is it launching?

Good question! While there's no official word from Ford, the Kuga might just make it to our shores in the second half of 2017. Oddly enough, the time of launch depends largely on how the market warms up to the Tucson. Simply because, the sub 25 lakh rupee SUV segment hasn't been a volume mover in the Indian context, and Ford will be wary of introducing an all-new product in a slow-moving bracket. For now, the American automaker looks more than willing to sit on the sidelines and play the waiting game, gauging market demand.

Ford currently retails two SUVs in the Indian market - the EcoSport and the Endeavour - both of which have seen a fair share of success. An SUV to bridge the gap between the two seems like a good idea on paper, but we'll need to wait and watch if Ford puts the plan into action.

Have a look at - Camaro Vs Mustang: Pony War Returns In Transformers 5!
From Withers charities & philanthropy team, partner Chris Priestley and associate Hugo Walford explain how the fundraising regulators recent guidance requires charities to review their fundraising agreements.

The Fundraising Regulator has recently published guidance in the form of frequently-asked questions (FAQs) on new fundraising requirements, including information on charity fundraising which must be covered in trustees annual reports, and further provisions that must be included in a written agreement with a professional fundraiser or commercial participator.
China, for its part, is lagging behind when it comes to manufacturing generic drugs, and its firms are struggling to compete with Western ones both at home and overseas.

By Ananth Krishnan: China's pharmaceutical companies are eyeing India's pharma industry for acquisitions and tie-ups as a path to go global as they grapple with how to crack overseas markets.

India imports most of its bulk drugs from China, which has raised concerns about the pharma industry's dependence on China for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). On Monday, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha in a written reply that "efforts are being made for revival of the API industry to lessen dependency on import of key starting materials, intermediates and bulk drugs including from China." India imported $1.63 billion worth of bulk drugs in 2015-16, accountng for 64 per cent of total imports.

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China, for its part, is lagging behind when it comes to manufacturing generic drugs, and its firms are struggling to compete with Western ones both at home and overseas.

"Today, more and more Chinese companies see India as their first destination when going global," Wang Dehua, Director of the Institute for the Southern and Central Asian Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Center for International Studies, said in a commentary on Thursday published in the Global Times, a widely read Party-run tabloid.

Pointing to the July announcement that Shanghai-based Fosun Pharmaceutical Group was looking to acquire an 86 per cent stake in India's Gland Pharma for $1.26 billion - the largest such deal involving any Chinese company in India - Wang suggested that the deal was aimed as much at the Indian market as towards boosting the company's global ambitions.

He said "Fosun is not merely targeting the Indian market through its acquisition of Gland Pharma". "India leads the world in generic drugs and its industry is quite internationally oriented. Acquiring Gland Pharma could help Fosun crack overseas markets."

Doing so "could let China learn from India and could also prompt China to open up its pharmaceutical industry," he suggested, particularly when it comes to manufacturing generics and research and development, where he noted India's industry outperforms China's.

Fosun, he suggested, could be the first of many Chinese pharma companies that follow this path to going global.

For Indian pharmaceutical companies that have struggled to enter the Chinese market which is dominated by big Western pharma companies, Wang said the deals could provide entry into the large China market.

Indian firms that have set up offices in China have complained of a lack of market access, pointing to overly restrictive regulatory procedures, an issue that Delhi has taken up with Beijing for close to a decade, however with little success.

--- ENDS ---
The NCUA Wednesday banned four former credit union employees who were convicted of theft or embezzlement.

Sonja L. Matos, a former employee who worked in the risk management/card services ATM department for the $1.2 billion Corning Federal Credit Union in Corning, N.Y., pleaded guilty to a theft charge. In U.S. District Court in Rochester, N.Y., in December 2015, she was sentenced to time served and two years of supervised release, and was also ordered to pay $40,000 in restitution. Matos stole the funds from the credit unions ATMs, according to federal court documents.

Gwendolyn Hughes, a former employee of Norfolk Schools Federal Credit Union in Norfolk, Va., pleaded guilty to an embezzlement charge of less than $200, a misdemeanor, in June in Virginia Criminal District Court in Norfolk. She received a suspended sentence, which was conditioned on the completion of two years of good behavior. Hughes was also ordered to pay restitution of $4,131. Norfolk Schools FCU was approved by the NCUA earlier this year to merge into the $62.8 million NMA Federal Credit Union in Virginia Beach, Va.
Talking Points

Chinas official manufacturing PMI survey was very strong for November

Its private counterpart was less so, but still better than expected

The Australian Dollar s reaction was hard to gauge in a session replete with noise

The Australian Dollar rose on Thursday after news of a strong month for Chinese manufacturing hit the wires. However, a variety of international and local factors are in play in the Aussie market so a direct link is tough to prove.

Chinas official Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for November showed that the manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace since July, 2014. The PMI came in at 51.7. In the logic of PMIs, 50 is the magic level which separates expansion from contraction.

The markets had been looking for a more modest, 51.0 level. Published after the official data, the Caixin PMI took a little of the shine off. It focuses on smaller, private enterprises and was nowhere near as strong.

It came in at 50.9. That was just ahead of the 50.8 which markets had been looking for, but all the same a big plunge from the 51.2 seen in October. This PMI did show prices climbing for producers, which may be welcome news for Beijing as it seeks to fight deflationary pressures.

The Australian Dollar often functions as a liquid proxy-market for the Chinese economy thanks to Australias strong commodity-export links with the giant to its North. It may have done so on Thursday, although a backdrop of more general US Dollar strength and the fillip given to Australian raw material producers by oil prices OPEC-inspired surge makes it hard to tell.

There was also some weak capital spending data out of corporate Australia which could have weighed on the currency. At any rate, the Aussie has had a whipsaw sort of morning.

Have financial markets matched DailyFX analysts Q4 forecasts? Find out here !

Chart compiled using TradingView

--- Written by David Cottle, DailyFX Research
Post-fact, trust and Trump were the main words that resonated around DRs Koncerthuset in Copenhagen on the first day of the EBUs annual News Xchange conference for the broadcast news industry.

Welcoming over 600 news professionals from around the world, EBU Media Director Jean Philip De Tender said that redefining journalism is what we are going to discuss over the next two days.

Making news popular is not the same as making popular news. Providing news that can be understood not only by the better educated who have learned to manage their emotions but also by the other half. That is the moral duty we have. News is not only commenting on society or giving it a frame, news is a fundamental part of society.

Donald Trump and Brexit loomed large in much of the firsts days debate. In one panel the BBCs Nick Robinson and DRs Tine Gtzsche asked, following the votes in the UK and US in 2016, Are we out of touch?

Keynote speaker pro-Brexit MEP Nigel Farage warned the audience that broadcasters need to press the reset button. You have to be more responsible and more representative. Youre probably talking to less than half the population.

Immigration, radical Islam, climate change  these are areas where youre losing touch with vast swathes of your population, he continued. You have to change otherwise youll come back here in 5-years time and theyll be fewer of you.

His fellow panellist Jon Williams from ABC News accepted things had to change but confronted Farage on statements he made about refugees arguing they were factually inaccurate: A different era requires a different way for us to do our jobs  the secret might be to double down on journalism  go out and talk to people and hold others to account.

How to restore trust in the media was also debated. We should look at it on an ideological level, said Turkish writer and journalist Ece Temelkuran. We should take the discussion further, she argued Its an ideological war  its about a clash of systematic values.

Hindustan Times journalist Yusuf Omar told the News Xchange that traditional media was losing audiences and trust to social media because it just wasnt responsive enough to the way audiences were thinking.

The Trump result was obvious and all over social media, he said. The top five most shared stories on Facebook the week of the election were right leaning. Vote Trump was googled more than Hillary. If you didnt see this play out youre looking in the wrong places.

He advocated the mobile phone as the best tool to reach audiences. The future of journalism is selfie journalism  it's raw  its the device we have the most access to  it's hyper local - its our atomic agent of change. Make journalism great again by listening to the audience.

The Trump Effect was debated by a panel which included right leaning Breitbart News journalist Matt Boyle and Amy Goodman, from Democracy Now!, on the left.

Goodman said the corporate media had served as Trumps red carpet.

All the networks became Trump TV  you had the candidate himself framing the narrative cabled into everyones home. Its unacceptable that the media served as a platform for one candidate.

Boyle said that there was barely any coverage of issues in the mainstream media  it was a personality battle. Breibart reported the election as a race against change.

It wasnt shocking to us about Trump or Brexit, he added. We approached it without the contempt other people in the media have for Trump. When you try to claim youre objective when there are multiple levels of bias its not the way forward.

Sarah Kendzior, a journalist and author from Missouri, offered a different perspective on how the media can regain audience trust.

A good way to remedy trust in news is to build up local organisations to stop this stereotypical reporting of voters in the future.

Rhetoric matters  what matters is who gets hurt, Kendzior added. The obligation of journalists is to serve the public. Right now journalists are not doing their job - standing up for vulnerable citizens which is what their priority should be.

Watch highlights from day one in the video above and on the News Xchange Facebook page. During the first day the event hashtag #NX16 trended in Denmark, Switzerland and the United Kingdom among other countries.

The conversation continues on day two with, among other sessions, a look at digitals next frontiers and a keynote on Storytelling and Committed Accountability from the Spotlight Team at The Boston Globe.
Washington, D. C. November 30, 2016 -- Hearing is a vital sense for marine mammals who use it to forage, communicate and navigate. Many of these mammals produce specific vocalizations that can be used to identify the species and track their locations via acoustic monitoring. Traditionally, scientists have used underwater microphones to listen for marine mammals, either on the seafloor or towed behind a boat. But now scientists can use autonomous underwater vehicles, gliders and floats specially equipped with hydrophones, to listen to marine mammals in ways impossible until now.

The direct comparison of these methods conducted by a team of researchers spanning both U.S. coasts will help us to better collect data to monitor marine life for both conservation and management of protected species.

The use of gliders and floats in passive acoustic monitoring helps address the spatial and temporal tradeoff of stationary and towed instruments.

"Towed instruments provide great spatial coverage. A boat can 'mow the lawn' over a large area in a relatively short period of time, while stationary recorders on the seafloor have great temporal coverage, but they record only within a certain range of the hydrophone," said Selene Fregosi, a researcher at the Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies, Oregon State University and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Newport, Oregon. "A mobile, autonomous recorder can both cover a large area and survey for weeks or months at a time, without the high cost of operating a large research vessel." Understanding how the methods compare and what their strengths and limitations are is a key to the monitoring of sea life.

During the 172nd Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and the 5th Joint Meeting with Acoustical Society of Japan, being held Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2016, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Fregosi will explain how the research team tested the two methods simultaneously by deploying their glider and float in the area where cabled, bottom mounted hydrophones were installed. The cabled hydrophone array localized where animals were, and by using those locations researchers evaluated the performance of the glider and float. By recording simultaneously on all the different instruments, data on the capabilities of the autonomous systems was collected.

The most challenging factor in this testing was fighting bad weather to deploy and recover the instruments.

"We had a very short window of time we could work in the area of the cabled array when there wasn't a Navy exercise, so we didn't really have much time to wait for good weather days. Plus, we had communication problems with the glider halfway through the deployment," Fregosi said. "We weren't getting regular messages every 6 hours as usual, so going out to recover it was a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. But we got lucky that the glider managed to communicate right when we needed it to."

The test of how well these instruments can detect different species of marine mammals, and over what distances, is just the first step towards using acoustic data collected by gliders and floats to estimate marine mammal density and abundance. These are critical measurements for conservation and management of these protected species.

The next step is to take these comparisons and use the baseline detection capabilities of these instruments to better interpret results in a biological context. Fregosi looks forward to putting these tools to work. "I am hopeful that the use of gliders and other autonomous instruments will become more widespread. They can lead to data collection in areas that weren't feasible to study before," Fregosi said.

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Presentation 3pABb3, "Simultaneous recordings of marine mammal calls by a glider, float, and cabled hydrophone array," by Selen Fregosi is at 3:15 p.m. HAST, Nov. 30, 2016 in Room Coral 2.

MORE MEETING INFORMATION

The 172nd Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America

The meeting is being held Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2016 in Honolulu, Hawaii

USEFUL LINKS

Main meeting website: http://acousticalsociety.org/content/5th-joint-meeting-acoustical-society-america-and-acoustical-society-japan

Technical program: http://acousticalsociety.org/asa2016fall.abstractcentral.com/planner.jsp

Meeting/Hotel site: http://acousticalsociety.org/content/5th-joint-meeting-acoustical-society-america-and-acoustical-society-japan#hotel

Press Room: http://acoustics.org/world-wide-press-room/

WORLD WIDE PRESS ROOM

In the coming weeks, ASA's World Wide Press Room will be updated with additional tips on dozens of newsworthy stories and with lay-language papers, which are 300-1200 word summaries of presentations written by scientists for a general audience and accompanied by photos, audio, and video. You can visit the site during the meeting at http://acoustics.org/world-wide-press-room/.

PRESS REGISTRATION

We will grant free registration to credentialed journalists and professional freelance journalists. If you are a reporter and would like to attend, contact Emilie Lorditch (elorditc@aip.org, 301-209-3029) who can also help with setting up interviews and obtaining images, sound clips, or background information.

LIVE MEDIA WEBCAST

A press briefing featuring the acoustics of snapping shrimp and coconut beetles plus, how speech sounds influence female vocal attractiveness will be webcast live from the conference on Wednesday, Nov. 30th from 10 - 11 a.m. HAST in room Iolani I.

ABOUT THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is the premier international scientific society in acoustics devoted to the science and technology of sound. Its 7,000 members worldwide represent a broad spectrum of the study of acoustics. ASA publications include The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (the world's leading journal on acoustics), Acoustics Today magazine, books, and standards on acoustics. The society also holds two major scientific meetings each year. For more information about ASA, visit our website at http://www.acousticalsociety.org.
Starting testosterone treatment is associated with an increased risk of serious blood clots (known as venous thromboembolism or VTE) that peaks within six months and declines gradually thereafter, concludes a study in The BMJ today.

Although the increased risks are temporary, and still relatively low in absolute terms, the researchers warn that failure to investigate the timing and duration of testosterone use in previous studies could have masked this association.

Over the first decade of this century there has been a striking increase in testosterone prescribing in men, mainly for sexual dysfunction and/or decreased energy.

Studies have reported contradictory results on an association between testosterone use and the risk of VTE, but failure to investigate the timing and duration of use may explain the conflicting findings.

In June 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada required a warning about the risk of VTE to be displayed on all approved testosterone products.

So an international team of researchers set out to determine the risk of VTE associated with use of testosterone treatment in men, focusing particularly on the timing of the risk.

The study involved data from 19,215 patients with confirmed VTE and 909,530 age-matched controls from over 2.2 million men registered with the UK Clinical Practice Research Database between January 2001 and May 2013.

Three mutually exclusive testosterone exposure groups were identified: current treatment, recent (but not current) treatment, and no treatment in the previous two years. Current treatment was subdivided into duration of more or less than six months.

VTE was defined as comprising deep vein thrombosis (leg clot) and pulmonary embolism (lung clot).

After taking account of potentially influential factors, the researchers estimated rates of VTE in association with current testosterone treatment compared with no treatment.

In the first six months of testosterone treatment, they found a 63% increased risk of VTE among current testosterone users, corresponding to 10 additional VTEs above the base rate of 15.8 per 10,000 person years. The risk declined substantially after more than six months' treatment and after treatment stopped.

This is an observational study so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, say the authors. And they stress that the increased risks are temporary, and still relatively low in absolute terms.

Nevertheless, they say their study suggests "a transient increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism that peaks during the first three to six months and declines gradually thereafter." And they add that failure to investigate the timing of venous thromboembolisms in relation to the duration of testosterone use "could result in masking of an existing transient association."

"Future research is needed to confirm this temporal increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism and to investigate the risk in first time testosterone users and confirm the absence of risk with long term use," they conclude

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Research: Testosterone treatment and risk of venous thromboembolism: population based case-control study

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/doi/10.1136/bmj.i5968

About BMJ

BMJ is a healthcare knowledge provider that aims to advance healthcare worldwide by sharing knowledge and expertise to improve experiences, outcomes and value. For a full list of BMJ products and services, please visit bmj.com
Cancer Research UK has announced the largest investment to date into its network of Centres across the UK. 190 million has been committed to 13 Cancer Research UK Centres over the next five years.

Additionally, Cancer Research UK and the Departments of Health* are investing 36 million over five years into 18 Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres (ECMCs) for adult patients and also a network of Centres for children**.

The huge investment will draw together world class research and medical expertise to accelerate advances in research and support clinical trials essential to getting lifesaving treatments to patients.

Cancer Research UK Centres*** bring together research teams from local universities, NHS hospitals and other research organisations. They operate as a network that focuses on translational research -- getting cutting edge discoveries from the laboratory to patients and learning as much as possible from patients to initiate new research ideas and programmes.

The ECMCs**** aim to bring better treatments faster to cancer patients in the UK through both the adult and children's network of Centres. They are hubs where promising cancer treatments - including small molecule drugs, surgery, immunotherapy, and vaccines - are safely tested for the first time in patients. These Centres help give people with cancer access to cutting-edge treatments and precision medicine by testing new ways of detecting and monitoring the disease and how it responds to treatment.

This investment will also train the next generation of cancer researchers by funding PhD students and cancer doctors at the start of a research career, and providing specialist training for ECMC staff involved in the development and delivery of clinical trials.

Centre status is awarded to locations performing the highest quality cancer research, and investment is made into infrastructure, funding for technical staff, equipment, training and running costs, developing the breadth and depth of research at each of these Centres.

The applications are reviewed by an international panel of experts to make sure that only the best science is funded.

Dr Iain Foulkes, executive director of strategy and research funding at Cancer Research UK, said: "This is the largest investment we have ever made into the Centres and we are incredibly proud of that. It's also the first time we have co-funded the paediatric ECMC network with the National Institute for Health Research and the Chief Scientist Office, Scotland, which will help boost research to develop smarter, kinder treatments for children.

"This money provides vital infrastructure for bench to bedside research. By strengthening the relationship between scientists and doctors, basic research guides clinical practice as effectively as possible.

"This is particularly important for hard to treat cancers like pancreatic, oesophageal, lung and brain tumours. By combining expertise and different disciplines, we hope to ignite much needed momentum into research for these cancers.

"The funding is also an investment in the next generation of scientists. We are creating opportunities for PhD students and ensuring that the brightest scientists are attracted and supported in their career in cancer research."

Nicola Blackwood, Minister for Public Health and Innovation, said: "We want to lead the world in fighting cancer. The work of Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres is crucial in this fight. This next phase of funding from the National Institute for Health Research will help our world-leading researchers to continue to make new discoveries.

"The collaboration between universities, NHS Trusts and the research community is a key reason these centres are successful, and illustrates why the UK is the best place in the world to be a researcher.

"I hope this funding will ultimately lead to more timely, life-saving treatments for patients."

Sir Harpal Kumar, chief executive at Cancer Research UK, said: "Together, these Centres accelerate the discovery and development of better treatments for cancer patients. They are a unique opportunity for collaboration, both locally across universities and hospitals, and nationally across the network of Centres.

"I'm particularly pleased that our international panel of experts, which renewed these Centres, stated repeatedly their view that there is no other network like this, of this quality, anywhere else in the world.

"This is an exciting time for cancer research. Emerging treatments like immunotherapy are radically changing the field, we are increasingly able to tailor more treatments to individual patients, and advances in technology mean we can collect and share more research data than ever before.

"Cancer Research UK's projections are that we will reach more than 500,000 new diagnoses of cancer a year in the UK by 2035. By that time, our goal is that three in four people will survive their cancer. Funding these Centres is one of the charity's most important strategic priorities and one which will help us reach this ambition.

"This huge investment is only made possible through generous donations from the public and the tireless fundraising of our supporters."

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For media enquiries contact Stephanie McClellan in the Cancer Research UK press office on 020 3469 5314 or, out of hours, on 07050 264 059.

Notes to editor:

* National Institute for Health Research (England), Chief Scientist Office (Scotland), Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland) and the Health and Care Research Wales (Wales).

** The paediatric ECMC network focuses on rare children's cancers and early phase trials that bring new treatments to children. The network is also advancing research in immunotherapy, precision medicine, and collecting crucial samples for research into children's cancers in the future.

*** The Cancer Research UK Centres are: Cancer Research UK Manchester Centre; Cancer Research UK ICR Centre; Cancer Research UK Imperial Centre; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre; Cancer Research KHP Centre; Cancer Research UK Barts Centre; Cancer Research UK UCL Centre; Cancer Research UK Oxford Centre; Cancer Research UK Newcastle Centre; Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre; Cancer Research UK Birmingham Centre; Cancer Research UK Glasgow Centre; Cancer Research UK Southampton Centre.

**** The ECMCs are: Barts ECMC; Belfast ECMC; Birmingham ECMC; Cambridge ECMC; Cardiff ECMC; Edinburgh ECMC; Glasgow ECMC; ICR ECMC; Imperial ECMC; KHP ECMC; Leicester ECMC; Liverpool ECMC; Manchester ECMC; Newcastle ECMC; Oxford ECMC; Sheffield ECMC; Southampton ECMC; UCL ECMC; and a Paediatric ECMC network.

About the science at the ECMCs:

The adult and paediatric ECMC Networks support some of the best clinical science in experimental therapeutics at the forefront of cancer research in the UK. ECMCs are a partnership between a university and at least one NHS Trust/Board which act as an efficient and effective hub to assist in the delivery of early phase cancer studies across the Network of UK sites to enable faster and more personalised patient benefit.

The ECMC Initiative was launched in 2007 as a partnership between CRUK and the DHs collectively. 1,500 new early phase trials over ten years in 35 cancer types were reported within the Network, providing access to innovative treatments to 18,000 patients. In addition, ECMCs have been able to leverage over 155 million from industry towards clinical trials and pre-clinical research in experimental medicine.

About Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research.

Cancer Research UK's pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.

Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated.

Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last forty years.

Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK's ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years.

Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.

Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022 or visit http://www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About the National Institute of Health Research

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is funded by the Department of Health to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. The NIHR is the research arm of the NHS. Since its establishment in April 2006, the NIHR has transformed research in the NHS. It has increased the volume of applied health research for the benefit of patients and the public, driven faster translation of basic science discoveries into tangible benefits for patients and the economy, and developed and supported the people who conduct and contribute to applied health research. The NIHR plays a key role in the Government's strategy for economic growth, attracting investment by the life-sciences industries through its world-class infrastructure for health research. Together, the NIHR people, programmes, centres of excellence and systems represent the most integrated health research system in the world. For further information, visit the NIHR website.
SDSU psychologists discover that connections between regions of white matter in the brains of people with autism are more symmetrical across hemispheres

Divvying up tasks between the left and right hemispheres of the brain is one of the hallmarks of typical brain development. The left hemisphere, for instance, is involved in analyzing specific details of a situation, while the right hemisphere is involved in integrating all the various streams of information coming into the brain.

A new study by neuropsychologists at San Diego State University suggests that in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) the brains' hemispheres are less likely to specialize one way or another. The finding gives further insight into how brain development in people with ASD contributes to the disorder's cognitive characteristics.

The study, led by Ralph-Axel Muller and Ruth Carper of SDSU's Brain Development Imaging Lab (BDIL), investigated how connections within the brain develop differently in children and adolescents with ASD than in their typically developing peers. Shannon Yandall DeJesus, an undergraduate psychology student at SDSU, and Jeffrey Treiber, an SDSU alumnus currently in medical school at the University of California, San Diego, also contributed to the study.

Using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique known as diffusion tensor imaging, the team studied the brains of 41 participants with ASD and 44 without, examining how densely connections formed between different regions of white matter in the brain. They found that in typically developing young people, the right brain hemispheres had densely packed connections.

"This fits with the idea that the right hemisphere has a more integrative function, bringing together many kinds of information," the team wrote in a summary of their research.

However, in the participants with ASD, these brain connections were more evenly distributed across both hemispheres. The findings are published in the December issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

"The idea behind asymmetry in the brain is that there is a division of labor between the two hemispheres," Muller said. "It appears this division of labor is reduced in people with autism spectrum disorder."

That lack of specialization could manifest itself in what Muller calls "weak central coherence"--a concept best summed up in the idiom, "not seeing the forest for the trees." Many people with ASD are very good at seeing details but have difficulty putting it all together into a cohesive narrative, he explained.

More research is needed to determine whether these brain-connection asymmetries cause this inability to cohesively assemble information, or are actually the result of it, Muller added. That and other future research will benefit from SDSU's first imaging facility, which will play a central role within the Engineering and Interdisciplinary Sciences Complex, scheduled to open in 2018. The facility's MRI machine will be installed early next year.

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For three consecutive years, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UT Dallas has received funding from the National Science Foundation to support a center that, in partnership with industry, conducts research to increase the amount of energy the nation gets from wind.

Since 2014, the NSF has given UT Dallas and the University of Massachusetts, Lowell $532,732 to support the operations of the industry/university cooperative research center known as WindSTAR, the center for Wind-Energy Science, Technology and Research.

Each university has attracted corporate partners to ensure that the research and education programs are relevant to industrial needs.

"The potential for land-based and offshore wind energy is tremendous," said Dr. Mario Rotea, head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and director of the UT Dallas WindSTAR team. "But realizing this potential requires a coherent industry-relevant research and development program that involves industry, academia and government."

In its first two years, the center has raised $693,750 from industry partners to execute research projects that will advance utility-scale wind energy in the nation.

Renewable energy technologies, such as wind energy, could supply an estimated 80 percent of total U.S. electricity generation by 2050, according to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

According to the American Wind Energy Association, Texas ranks first in the country for both installed capacity and under construction wind capacity, while supporting more than 24,000 wind-related jobs.

The UT Dallas team in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science -- consisting of Rotea, Drs. Stefano Leonardi, Yaoyu Li and Valerio Iungo -- is focused on developing technologies to increase energy capture in wind turbines and wind farms and improving the reliability of wind turbines.

The number of utility-scale operating turbines in the U.S. is close to 50,000. When turbines age, they no longer operate at optimal efficiency, Rotea said. The WindSTAR team has developed a software solution -- the extremum-seeking control algorithm -- that allows these turbines to continuously operate at their optimal efficiency as they age.

"Of course, efficiency may decrease with time, but the extremum-seeking controller finds and tracks the best possible efficiency at any point in the life of a turbine," said Rotea, holder of the Erik Jonsson Chair.

This technology innovation has made the 2016 Compendium of Industry-Nominated Technology Breakthroughs of NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers. According to industry members, this technology could likely result in $470 million to $780 million increases in annual revenue for the U.S. wind power industry, even with the current installed capacity.

One of WindSTAR's industry partners is EDP Renewables. Justin Johnson, director of project management, said working with university partners often brings new opportunities or ideas.

"Technology in the wind industry continues to develop at a rapid pace, and WindSTAR is contributing to that development," Johnson said. "Wind is not different from other industries in that we are faced with problems to fix and opportunities to exploit. Our student and research partners at WindSTAR are engaged on both fronts, and projects like this have the potential to lower the cost of wind energy."

At the wind farm level, the WindSTAR team is using computational models and field experiments to diagnose power losses in wind farms. The results are used to develop control algorithms that coordinate the operation of multiple turbines so that they extract maximum energy from the wind with minimal losses.

"To put it simply, if the first row of turbines gets all the energy from the wind, then there is not much energy left for the back rows," Rotea said. "We will coordinate how each row works together to maximize the energy that can be extracted from the wind farm."

These issues are not new, but the potential for significant revenue gains is, he said. Just a 1 percent increase in annual energy will likely result in $30 million to $50 million in additional revenue from Texas wind power at the current capacity levels.

Industry partners with the center include wind farm owners and operators EDP Renewables, Pattern Energy, Leeward Renewable Energy; wind turbine and component manufacturers General Electric Power and Water, TPI Composites, Bachman, Huntsman, National Instruments; and others such as the Maine Composites Alliance and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

"This industry/university cooperative research center is a certificate that the research we pursue at UT Dallas helps industry while meeting the highest standards of use-inspired research," Rotea said. "The end result will be new technologies for wind power diagnostics, new control systems for improved reliability and energy capture, and graduates who are ready to take the lead in the field. In the coming years, we will add research thrusts in grid integration and storage."

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Researchers pair acoustical analysis with brain mapping to understand how children process emotion in speech and how it might influence their development

Washington, D. C., December 1, 2016 -- Even if they don't understand the words, infants react to the way their mother speaks and the emotions conveyed through speech. What exactly they react to and how has yet to be fully deciphered, but could have significant impact on a child's development. Researchers in acoustics and psychology teamed up to better define and study this impact.

Peter Moriarty, a graduate researcher at Pennsylvania State University, will present the results of these studies, conducted with Michelle Vigeant, professor of acoustics and architectural engineering, and Pamela Cole professor of psychology, at the Acoustical Society of America and Acoustical Society of Japan joint meeting being held Nov. 28-Dec. 2 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The team used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to capture real-time information about the brain activity of children while they listening to samples of their mothers' voice with different affects -- or non-verbal emotional cues. Acoustic analysis of the voice samples was performed in conjunction with the fMRI data to correlate brain activity to quantifiable acoustical characteristics.

"We're using acoustic analysis and fMRI to look at the interaction and specifically how the child's brain responds to specific acoustic cues in their mother's speech," Moriarty said. Children in the study heard 15 second voice samples of the same words or sentences, but each conveyed either anger, happiness, or were neutral in affect for control purposes. The emotional affects were defined and predicted quantitatively by a set of acoustic parameters.

"Most of these acoustic parameters are fairly well established," Moriarty said. "We're talking about things like the pitch of speech as a function of time ... They have been used in hundreds of studies." In a more general sense, they are looking at what's called prosody, or the intonations of voice.

However, there are many acoustic parameters relevant to speech. Understanding patterns within various sets of these parameters, and how they relate to emotion and emotional processing, is far from straight forward.

"You can't just talk to Siri [referring to Apple's virtual assistant] and Siri knows that you're angry or not. There's a very complicated model that you have to produce in order to make these judgements," Moriarty explained. "The problem is that there's a very complicated interaction between these acoustic parameters and the type of emotion ... and the negativity or positivity we'd associate with some of these emotions."

This work is a pilot study done as an early stage of a larger project called, The Processing of the Emotional Environment Project (PEEP). In this early stage, the team is looking for the best set of variables to predict these emotions, as well as the effects these emotions have on processes in the brain. "[We want] an acoustic number or numbers doing a good job at predicting that we're saying, 'yes, we can say quantitatively that this was angry or this was happy,'" Vigeant said.

In the work to be presented, the team has demonstrated the importance of looking at lower frequency characteristics in voice spectra; the patterns that appear over many seconds of speech or the voice sample as a whole. These patterns, they report, may play a significant role in understanding the resulting brain activity and differentiating the information relevant to emotional processing.

With effective predictors and fMRI analysis of effects on the brain, the ultimate goal of PEEP is to learn how a toddler who has not yet developed language processes emotion through prosody and how the environment effects their development. "A long term goal is really to understand prosodic processing, because that is what young children are responding to before they can actually process and integrate the verbal content," Cole said.

Toddlers, however, are somewhat harder to image in an fMRI device, as it requires them to be mostly motionless for long periods of time. So for now, the team is studying older children aged 6-10 -- though there are still some challenges of wriggling.

"We're essentially trying to validate this type of procedure and look at whether or not we're able to get meaningful results out of studying children that are so young. This really hasn't been done at this age group in the past and that's largely due to the difficulty of having children remain somewhat immobile in the scanner."

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Presentation 4aAA11, "Low frequency analysis of acoustical parameters of emotional speech for use with functional magnetic resonance imaging," by Peter M. Moriarty is at 11:15 a.m. HAST, Dec. 1, 2016 in Room Lehua.

MORE MEETING INFORMATION

The 172nd Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America

The meeting is being held Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2016 in Honolulu, Hawaii

USEFUL LINKS

Main meeting website: http://acousticalsociety.org/content/5th-joint-meeting-acoustical-society-america-and-acoustical-society-japan

Technical program: http://acousticalsociety.org/asa2016fall.abstractcentral.com/planner.jsp

Meeting/Hotel site: http://acousticalsociety.org/content/5th-joint-meeting-acoustical-society-america-and-acoustical-society-japan#hotel

Press Room: http://acoustics.org/world-wide-press-room/

WORLD WIDE PRESS ROOM

In the coming weeks, ASA's World Wide Press Room will be updated with additional tips on dozens of newsworthy stories and with lay-language papers, which are 300-1200 word summaries of presentations written by scientists for a general audience and accompanied by photos, audio, and video. You can visit the site during the meeting at http://acoustics.org/world-wide-press-room/.

PRESS REGISTRATION

We will grant free registration to credentialed journalists and professional freelance journalists. If you are a reporter and would like to attend, contact Emilie Lorditch (elorditc@aip.org, 301-209-3029) who can also help with setting up interviews and obtaining images, sound clips, or background information.

LIVE MEDIA WEBCAST

A press briefing featuring the acoustics of snapping shrimp and coconut beetles plus, how speech sounds influence female vocal attractiveness will be webcast live from the conference on Wednesday, Nov. 30th from 10 - 11 a.m. HAST in room Iolani I.

ABOUT THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is the premier international scientific society in acoustics devoted to the science and technology of sound. Its 7,000 members worldwide represent a broad spectrum of the study of acoustics. ASA publications include The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (the world's leading journal on acoustics), Acoustics Today magazine, books, and standards on acoustics. The society also holds two major scientific meetings each year. For more information about ASA, visit our website at http://www.acousticalsociety.org.
Speaking at a seminar on 'Indian Economy - The New Norm' at Bhubaneswar said banning black money is really commendable. Without facing any kind of unrest this decision is being steadily implemented across the country.

By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has credited the Narendra Modi government with implementing the demonetisation initiative without facing any kind of unrest.

Speaking at a seminar on 'Indian Economy - The New Norm' at Bhubaneswar today, Jaitley said, "Chhupi huyi currency bahar aana badi baat hai (The coming out of the hidden currency notes is really commendable). Without facing any kind of unrest this decision is being steadily implemented across the country."

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Also Read: Demonetisation to have positive impact on economy: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

POLITICIANS, MEDIA UNCHANGED

However, the Finance Minister had a word of caution for the politicians and journalists. "Neta aur media waale nahi badle, iske alawa desh mein sab badal gaya (Politicians and media persons have not changed. Otherwise, everyone else in the country has changed,") he said.

He further said, "Our journalists just focus on the painful aspect of every situation ignoring its socio-economic background and hard work in implementing it."

MEDIA'S FOCUS ON HARDSHIPS

Jaitley perhaps was referring to the several stories appearing in different sections of the media of hardships which are being faced by the people standing in queues at ATMs and banks to withdraw money, the deaths which allegedly are taking place due to demonetisation (at least the Opposition making such an accusation), problems being faced by families who are witnessing marriages in their homes and the like.

The Minister further said some changes, which are now taking place, look difficult in immediate context but have huge potential to bring change in long run. He also thanked Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for extending support to the governments demonetisation move and Goods and Services Tax.

Also Read: On elusive RBI Governor Urjit Patel, his boss Arun Jaitley has this to say

--- ENDS ---
Cleveland... A team of scientists at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Australia, and Germany discovered that the orchid mantis looks like a flower due to the exploitation of pollinating insects as prey by its praying mantis ancestors. By studying the evolutionary relationships of the orchid mantis and its distant relatives, the team discovered that females in the orchid mantis lineage increased in size and changed color over their evolutionary history to gain advantage over large pollinating insects, such as bees, as well as the ability to attract them for predation. However, the morphologically dissimilar males are small and camouflaged, enabling them to live a life of predator avoidance and mate finding. The team found that this difference in males and females, termed sexual dimorphism, was likely the result of female predatory success that favored larger and more conspicuously colored individuals. This result challenges the traditional explanation for sexual dimorphism in arthropods as an increase in female egg production and suggests female predation strategy led to the differing male and female ecologies in the orchid mantises. The research was published online in the journal Scientific Reports.

Lead author Dr. Gavin Svenson of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and co-authors used their evolutionary reconstruction of the group to demonstrate that a size increase in floral associated mantises provided access to more prey options, which set the stage for the evolution of floral simulation through size, shape, and color modifications that helped attract insect pollinators as prey. Thanks to a body of ecological research on the orchid mantis previously conducted by co-author Dr. James O'Hanlon of Macquarie University in Australia, it was known that females masquerade as flowers (floral simulation) to attract pollinating insects to eat, but that they do not sit on flowers themselves. This knowledge helped the team decipher the likely evolutionary scenario that gave rise to floral simulation in the orchid mantises and provided the opportunity to correct the long-held misunderstanding that orchid mantises sit on orchids, which their namesake incorrectly suggests.

"This study is a demonstration of how basic systematics research can inform our understanding of evolution by establishing patterns not previously seen," said co-author Henrique Rodrigues.

"Bringing together ecological research with an evolutionary analysis enabled us to explain how such a remarkable, flower masquerading lineage of praying mantis could evolve," said co-author Sydney Brannoch. Co-authors Rodrigues and Brannoch are both Ph.D. candidates at Case Western Reserve University and are based at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Svenson's laboratory.

The research project, under the direction of Svenson, was primarily focused on the systematics and taxonomy of a broader lineage of praying mantises, which included the orchid mantises. Acting on a suggestion made by co-author Dr. Frank Wieland of the Palatinate Museum of Natural History in Germany, the team took notice of a small group of extremely large and colorful mantises that grouped together in the evolutionary analysis. Although these relationships were never before outlined, they suggested a clear pattern of extreme sexual dimorphism in the orchid mantis lineage.

"It was not our intention to study the orchid mantises specifically, but when a unique pattern emerges, one must pursue fascinating results," said Svenson, curator of invertebrate zoology at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and adjunct assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University. "Finding the first case of males and females of a praying mantis species living extremely different adult lives was interesting and unique, but discovering the first case of arthropod sexual size dimorphism caused by female predatory success rather than investment in reproduction was both surprising and rewarding. This is particularly true when the original research focus was to fix the classification system to reflect true evolutionary relationship. Finding patterns in your study group that inform broader evolutionary understanding is the holy grail of systematics research."

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To view a photo gallery visit cmnh.org/hymenopus

About The Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, incorporated in 1920, is one of the finest institutions of its kind in North America. It is noted for its collections, research, educational programs and exhibits. The collections encompass more than 5 million artifacts and specimens, and research of global significance focuses on 10 natural science disciplines. The Museum conserves biological diversity through the protection of more than 7,300 acres of natural areas. It promotes health education with local programs and distance learning that extends across the globe. Its GreenCityBlueLake Institute is a center of thought and practice for the design of green and sustainable cities. http://www.cmnh.org

Original source:

Svenson, G.J., Brannoch, S.K., Rodrigues, H.M., O'Hanlon, J., and F. Wieland. 2016. Selection for predation, not female fecundity, explains sexual size dimorphism in orchid mantises. Scientific Reports 6: 37753 DOI:10.1038/srep37753
In Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia, new infections are falling; the percent of the population infected with HIV is stabilizing; and over half of all people living with HIV are virally suppressed

December 1, 2016 -- NEW YORK -- National surveys in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia reveal exceptional progress against HIV, with decreasing rates of new infection, stable numbers of people living with HIV, and more than half of all those living with HIV showing viral suppression through use of antiretroviral medication. For those on antiretroviral medication, viral suppression is close to 90 percent. Thirty-five years into the global HIV epidemic, these findings are a clear sign of progress and source of hope for the rest of the world.

These data are the first to emerge from the Population HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) Project, a unique, multi-country initiative funded by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The Project deploys household surveys, which measure the reach and impact of HIV prevention, care and treatment programs in select countries. ICAP at Columbia University is implementing the PHIA Project in close collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with ministries of health.

Importantly, the data positively demonstrate that the 90-90-90 global targets set forth by UNAIDS in 2014 are attainable, even in some of the poorest countries in the world. According to these ambitious targets for 2020, the goal is for 90 percent of people with HIV to be diagnosed, 90 percent of those diagnosed to receive HIV treatment, and 90 percent of those on treatment to be effectively treated and achieve suppression of their infection. This would translate to 73 percent of all HIV-positive people being virally suppressed. The data show that once diagnosed, individuals are accessing treatment, staying on treatment, and their viral load levels are suppressed to levels that maintain their health and dramatically decrease transmission to others.

"The effects of HIV have been far-reaching. But these outcomes affirm that global, country, and U.S.-supported HIV efforts have been successful to date, and that strong progress is being made across the entire HIV continuum of care, including excellent durability of first line treatment regimens with high adherence to medications," said Ambassador Deborah Birx, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.

The PHIA Project surveys describe national HIV epidemics by looking at HIV incidence (the rate of new infections), HIV prevalence (the percent of the population living with HIV), and the prevalence of viral load suppression (a measure of a well-controlled HIV infection), all through a nationally-representative sample of the population. Additional measures in the surveys look at the proportion of those with HIV who have been tested and who are on treatment.

The household surveys of approximately 80,000 adults and children in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia were conducted in 2016. Results show that the rate of new infections is less than one percent per year. HIV prevalence, at 10 to 14 percent, is similar to 2010 estimates, and more than half of all adults living with HIV have viral load suppression. Compared to 2003 incidence estimates for the same three countries of between 1.3 and 1.5 percent per year, the current rate of new HIV infections has been cut in half during the past 13 years, when effective HIV treatment became available in sub-Saharan Africa largely through support from PEPFAR.

"The survey was designed to identify the rate of new infections at the national level, as well as to estimate the number of people living with HIV," said Dr. Jessica Justman, PHIA principal investigator and senior technical director at ICAP. "This information is critically important to determining future resource needs."

Preliminary data analyses show that, as of 2016:

In Zimbabwe, among adults ages 15 to 64, HIV incidence is 0.45 percent; HIV prevalence is 14.6 percent (16.7 percent among females and 12.4 percent among males); 60.4 percent of all HIV-positive people are virally suppressed, and 86 percent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.

In Malawi, among adults ages 15 to 64, HIV incidence is 0.37 percent; HIV prevalence is 10.6 percent (12.8 percent among females and 8.2 percent among males); 67.6 percent of all HIV-positive people are virally suppressed, and 91 percent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.

In Zambia, among adults ages 15 to 59 years, HIV incidence is 0.66 percent; HIV prevalence is 12.3 percent (14.9 percent among females and 9.5 percent among males); 59.8 percent of all HIV-positive people are virally suppressed, and 89 percent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.

"The partnership with the ministries of health has been fundamental to the success of the surveys," said Dr. Shannon Hader, director of the Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis at CDC. "This kind of information has not been available before and the ministries are eager to use the survey results to inform their policies and programs."

With high HIV prevalence estimates of 10 to14 percent, these three countries continue to bear a substantial HIV burden. Nonetheless, with prevalence stabilizing and incidence falling, the PHIA survey results suggest that people living with HIV are living longer thanks to effective and accessible treatment.

"It is heartening to see the impressive viral suppression noted in the three countries among those on treatment," said Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, global director of ICAP. "Viral suppression is critical for the well-being of people living with HIV and for preventing HIV transmission to others."

The results from the first three PHIA surveys compel the global community to strengthen its efforts to reach those who have yet to receive an HIV test and to engage, support, and enable those who test HIV-positive to start and stay on effective treatment in order to achieve long-term viral suppression.

"Importantly, the PHIA surveys point to what still needs to be done, who we need to reach, and where we must focus our efforts, in order to build on these achievements," Ambassador Birx added. "The findings will guide an effective response to the epidemic."

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Detailed data are available in country-specific summary sheets released by the ministry of health in each country and available on the PHIA Project website: phia.icap.columbia.edu.

About the PHIA Project

The PHIA Project is a five-year, multi-country initiative funded by U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and conducted by ICAP at Columbia University, CDC, and local governmental and nongovernmental partners. The PHIA Project consists of household-based, population surveys that will collect information related to HIV in 13 countries.

About ICAP

ICAP was founded in 2003 at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. Now a global leader in HIV and health systems strengthening, ICAP provides technical assistance and implementation support to governments and non-governmental organizations in more than 21 countries. ICAP has supported work at more than 5,300 health facilities around the world. More than 2.3 million people have received HIV care through ICAP-supported programs and over 1.3 million have begun antiretroviral therapy. Online at icap.columbia.edu

This project is supported by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the terms of cooperative agreement #U2GGH001226. The contents are the responsibility of ICAP and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Government.

Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health

Founded in 1922, Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health pursues an agenda of research, education, and service to address the critical and complex public health issues affecting New Yorkers, the nation and the world. The Mailman School is the third largest recipient of NIH grants among schools of public health. Its over 450 multi-disciplinary faculty members work in more than 100 countries around the world, addressing such issues as preventing infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, maternal and child health, health policy, climate change & health, and public health preparedness. It is a leader in public health education with over 1,300 graduate students from more than 40 nations pursuing a variety of master's and doctoral degree programs. The Mailman School is also home to numerous world-renowned research centers including ICAP (formerly the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs) and the Center for Infection and Immunity. For more information, please visit http://www.mailman.columbia.edu.
Researchers from the University of Sao Paulo have produced a tool for reference labs to assist epidemiological surveillance by analyzing clinical samples from patients with suspected infection by dengue, Zika, chikungunya and many other viral agent

Researchers from the University of Sao Paulo (USP) at Ribeirao Preto in Brazil have developed a platform that analyzes clinical samples from patients to diagnose infection by 416 viruses found in the world's tropical regions.

According to its creators, the tool can be used by reference laboratories such as Adolfo Lutz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and Evandro Chagas Institute in Brazil to assist epidemiological surveillance by detecting pathogens with the potential to cause epidemics in humans.

Results of the research project, which was coordinated by Victor Hugo Aquino, a professor at the University of Sao Paulo's Ribeirao Preto Pharmaceutical School (FCFRP-USP), and supported by FAPESP, have been published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

"The number of patients with suspected dengue, Zika or chikungunya infection will increase when summer arrives," said Aquino, lead author of the article. "Conventional methods are frequently unable to confirm diagnosis of these diseases, so we don't know which viruses are circulating."

In his view, if a tool like this had been available when Zika began circulating in Brazil, it might have been possible to restrict its spread to the initial outbreak location. "We took a long time to realize an epidemic was under way because no one was thinking of Zika at the time," he said.

In addition to the pathogens, the platform detects others that as yet have been identified only sporadically but could become epidemics.

Examples include Mayaro, an alphavirus related to chikungunya that is transmitted by wild mosquitoes such as Haemagogus janthinomys, and Oropouche, which to date has caused epidemics confined to riverine communities in the Amazon region and is transmitted mainly by midges of the species Culicoides paraensis.

"There are several other viruses that haven't yet caused problems in humans but may do so one day," Aquino said. "They're evolving all the time, and with the degradation of natural environments infectious agents once confined to natural niches could spread farther afield."

Although the platform is designed above all to detect pathogens transmitted by arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks, it can also diagnose infectious agents transmitted by small mammals, like hantavirus.

Aquino explained that the selection encompasses all viruses occurring in tropical regions with DNA sequences deposited in GenBank, a public database maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which is part of the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM).

How it works

The platform consists of a DNA microarray slide with eight identical sub-arrays containing viral probes replicated at least three times to complete the array with 15,000 probes. Each probe contains the sequences for 60 nucleotides that are complementary to the genomes of the viruses to be detected.

According to Aquino, the sequences were mounted on the basis of information from GenBank using bioinformatics.

"If a blood sample contains one of the 416 viruses included on the microchip, the pathogen's genome will bind with one of the probes to produce a marker that can be detected by a scanner," Aquino said.

The device that reads the results is the same as that used in microarray assays for the analysis of gene expression.

"Initially, the test will not be for the entire population because of high cost," Aquino said. "It will be used on patients with suspected dengue, Zika or other febrile diseases whose diagnosis isn't confirmed by conventional methods."

The methodology was validated using 20 viruses available at FCFRP-USP's Virology Laboratory. The validation tests did not point to cross-hybridization, which produces a positive result for more than one infectious agent and hinders correct identification of single viruses.

Nevertheless, the method proved effective to diagnose cases of co-infection, such as when the same patient has been infected by both Zika and dengue.

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PHILADELPHIA (December 1, 2016) - The Monell Center announced today that it has received a $345,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant supports an innovative global health research project titled, "Developing Novel Pediatric Formulation Technologies for Global Health: Human Taste Assays."

Millions of children in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and other developing regions die each year from treatable diseases. Although cost-effective medications are available for many diseases, children often reject medicines due to their horrible taste.

The overall goal of the newly-funded research is to utilize Monell interdisciplinary expertise on the sense of taste to identify compounds that block the bitter or other bad tastes of potentially lifesaving drugs. By combining cell-based screening assays with human sensory testing, Monell scientists will validate a viable method to identify natural compounds or FDA-approved drugs that block aversive sensory messages at the taste receptor level in the mouth before they reach the brain.

"Even the best drugs are not effective if people won't take them," said Monell Center Director Robert Margolskee, MD, PhD. "The Gates Foundation grant will allow us to leverage Monell's collective strengths in sensory science, taste cell technology, and interdisciplinary research to reduce the repellent tastes of life-saving oral medications."

Tablets are the formulation of choice in developing countries because they are cost-effective and have a more durable shelf life. However, most children under the age of seven are unable to swallow pills, so medications for young children typically are administered as crushed tablets added to a liquid. Although sweeteners and other flavors often are added to partially mask the offending tastes, this approach has limited effectiveness for young children, who find bitterness more repulsive than adults.

With the intent of providing proof of principle for the efficacy of cell-based taste screening assays to identify taste blockers that can increase pediatric pharmaceutical compliance, the newly-funded studies will focus on four life-saving drugs.

Three of the target drugs are used to treat devastating parasitic infections: artemisinin and piperaquine, which are administered together as a treatment for malaria, and praziquantel, given for schistosomiasis. The fourth drug, zinc sulfate, is used to help manage the symptoms and severity of recurrent diarrhea, a leading cause of death of infants and young children in developing countries.

The exploratory research will be conducted by an interdisciplinary team of Monell scientists over an 18-month period.

Sensory scientist Paul Breslin, PhD, will conduct human perceptual studies to determine the oro-sensory and nausea-inducing profiles of the target drugs. While the Monell team suspects that bitterness will be the primary offending sensory quality, testing will also probe for other off-putting qualities, including sourness, astringency, odor, and irritation.

The human sensory findings will guide molecular biologist Hakan Ozdener, MD, PhD, and taste physiologist Alexander Bachmanov, PhD, who will use cultured human taste cells, a technology developed at Monell, to identify whether bitter, sour, or other taste cell types are stimulated by the drugs. Another group led by molecular biologist Peihua Jiang, PhD, will identify which of the 25 different human bitter receptors are activated by each of the four drugs.

Sensory cells that respond positively to the drugs will be used to identify potential receptor blockers. DiscoveryBioMed, Inc., a human cell-based drug discovery contract research organization led by physiologist Erik Schwiebert, PhD, will use target sensory cells supplied by Monell to perform high-throughput screening assays using libraries of natural compounds and pharmaceuticals.

Compounds identified as potential blockers will then be validated at Monell both in vitro, using cultured human taste cells and bitter receptors, and in vivo by human sensory testing.

"The human sensory studies will allow us to precisely identify the sensory barriers that children experience when taking these drugs, while the two cell-based screening assays will help us identify blockers for bitterness or other objectionable sensory qualities. Using this interdisciplinary approach, we will establish the principle of taste screening to help improve the palatability and effectiveness of oral medications world-wide," said Margolskee.

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The Monell Chemical Senses Center is an independent nonprofit basic research institute based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For over 48 years, Monell has advanced scientific understanding of the mechanisms and functions of taste and smell to benefit human health and well-being. Using an interdisciplinary approach, scientists collaborate in the programmatic areas of sensation and perception; neuroscience and molecular biology; environmental and occupational health; nutrition and appetite; health and well-being; development, aging and regeneration; and chemical ecology and communication. For more information about Monell, visit http://www.monell.org.
OHSU researchers compare prevalence of aquaporin-4 in the brains of those who had Alzheimer's to those who didn't have the disease

PORTLAND, Ore. - A new scientific discovery may provide a future avenue for treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

A study published Nov. 28 in the journal JAMA Neurology examined aquaporin-4, a type of membrane protein in the brain. Using brains donated for scientific research, researchers at OHSU discovered a correlation between the prevalence of aquaporin-4 among older people who did not suffer from Alzheimer's as compared to those who had the disease.

"It suggests that aquaporin-4 might be a useful target in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease," said senior author Jeffrey Iliff, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine in the OHSU School of Medicine. "However, we aren't under any illusion that if we could just fix this one thing, then we'd be able to cure Alzheimer's Disease."

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, most often associated with aging, that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is the leading cause of dementia worldwide and is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The disease has no known cure but there are treatments available for some of its symptoms.

Aquaporin-4 is a key part of a brain-wide network of channels, collectively known as the glymphatic system, that permits cerebral-spinal fluid from outside the brain to wash away proteins such as amyloid and tau that build up within the brain. These proteins tend to accumulate in the brains of some people suffering from Alzheimer's, which may play a role in destroying nerve cells in the brain over time.

"This system, and the failure of the system, may be one of many things that goes wrong in people with Alzheimer's disease," Iliff said.

The study closely examined 79 brains donated through the Oregon Brain Bank, a part of the OHSU Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center. They were separated into three groups: People younger than 60 without a history of neurological disease; people older than 60 with a history of Alzheimer's; and people older than 60 without Alzheimer's.

Researchers found that in the brains of younger people and older people without Alzheimer's, the aquaporin-4 protein was well organized, lining the blood vessels of the brain. However within the brains of people with Alzheimer's, the aquaporin-4 protein appeared disorganized, which may reflect an inability of these brains to efficiently clear away wastes like amyloid beta. The study concluded that future research focusing on aquaporin-4 - either through its form or function - may ultimately lead to medication to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease.

In 2015, a multidisciplinary team of scientists from OHSU led by Iliff was awarded a $1.4 million grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation to use to develop new imaging techniques based on MRI to see these processes at work in the aging human brain for the first time.

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In addition to Iliff, co-authors included Douglas M. Zeppenfeld; Matthew Simon, J. Douglas Haswell, and Daryl D'Abreo of the OHSU Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine; Charles Murchison, Joseph F. Quinn, M.D., and Jeffrey Kaye, M.D., of the OHSU Department of Neurology; and Marjorie R. Grafe, M.D., Ph.D., and Randall L. Woltjer, M.D., Ph.D., of the Department of Pathology.

This work was supported by funding from the American Heart Association, grant 12SDG11820014, the Oregon Partnership for Alzheimer's Research, grants from the Research and Development Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Institutes of Health (NS089709), including Alzheimer's Disease Center grant AG08017 from the National Institute on Aging that supported the longitudinal follow-up and subsequent brain autopsies providing the human brain samples used in this study.

About OHSU

Oregon Health & Science University is a nationally prominent research university and Oregon's only public academic health center. It serves patients throughout the region with a Level 1 trauma center and nationally recognized Doernbecher Children's Hospital. OHSU operates dental, medical, nursing and pharmacy schools that rank high both in research funding and in meeting the university's social mission. OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute helped pioneer personalized medicine through a discovery that identified how to shut down cells that enable cancer to grow without harming healthy ones. OHSU Brain Institute scientists are nationally recognized for discoveries that have led to a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease and new treatments for Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke. OHSU's Casey Eye Institute is a global leader in ophthalmic imaging, and in clinical trials related to eye disease.
Residents in peer-driven rehab less likely to reoffend when word choices change

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The evolution of how prisoners in substance-abuse programs communicate is a good indicator of whether they'll return to crime, new research has found.

The relationships between prisoners enrolled in "therapeutic communities," groups that focus on rehabilitation from drug and alcohol addiction, are key to those programs' effectiveness, said researcher Keith Warren, an associate professor of social work at The Ohio State University.

And the theory behind these efforts rests on the idea that peer interaction will support learning that displaces ingrained (and unhealthy) ways of thinking that stand in the way of people leaving addiction behind.

In this study, the first to test that theory, Warren and co-author Nathan Doogan, a postdoctoral researcher in Ohio State's College of Public Health, analyzed tens of thousands of written communications collected at four minimum-security facilities in Ohio with programs designed as an alternative to traditional prison time.

The more a participant's language choices changed during rehab, the less likely he was to return to prison, they found. The study was published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.

"It's not just being in the program that seems to help, it's the cognitive engagement in it," Warren said.

The messages exchanged between program participants come in two forms.

The first, called "pushups," are congratulatory notes to a peer - something like, "Good job talking about your triggers in group today, man."

The second, called "pull-ups," are meant to steer a fellow prisoner toward better choices - something like, "Hey brother, next time try talking to me instead of getting into a fight."

Once approved as appropriate for group consumption, the written notes are typically read aloud to the group during meal time or a meeting.

Doogan and Warren examined how these communications changed for each of 2,342 men included in their study. They looked at pushups and pull-ups in each inmate's first two to three months in the program and held those up against the messages they sent fellow prisoners in the second two to three months. In all, the researchers analyzed about 267,000 messages. Only graduates of the program were included in the study.

The more their word combinations shifted, the greater the chance the men didn't return to prison. In cases where the inmates did return, those who showed the least change in how they thought and wrote tended to return to prison most quickly.

The study didn't focus on "positive" or "negative" word choice, but on change in general, with the goal of getting a handle on whether the program was reshaping the participant's way of thinking, Doogan said.

"It wasn't so much sentiment, but whether we could measure some form of change in the individual," he said.

The sheer number of interactions for an individual resident didn't seem to make a difference - only the changing nature of those notes. That's important because it seems to mean that simply interacting isn't enough and that a person has to be engaged and evolve in his thinking, the researchers said.

Shifts in how we put together our thoughts and express them in writing are a good indication of a true evolution in how we think, Warren said.

"Learning is a change in connections between ideas," he said. "In a therapeutic community, you would hope that they are abandoning some old connections and developing some new ones."

The researchers created a tool for analyzing word choices, identifying 500 words that could potentially be combined in a note to one participant from another. Doogan and Warren counted change when inmates added new word combinations or abandoned old ones. They attempted to control for variables outside of changed language including race, age and education level.

Understanding - and being able to measure - changes linked to reduced rates of repeat incarceration could eventually help program directors refine how they approach different participants, the researchers said.

For instance, if it was clear an addict's communications with others in the program were not changing in nature, it might be a clue that the individual needed more one-on-one attention, Doogan said.

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The study was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

CONTACTS: Keith Warren, 614-292-9187; Warren.193@osu.edu. Nathan Doogan, 614-247-6082; Doogan.1@osu.edu.

Written by Misti Crane, 614-292-5220; Crane.11@osu.edu.
Middle Eastern Bitumen, a rare, tar-like material, is present in the seventh century ship buried at Sutton Hoo, according to a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on December 01, 2016 by Pauline Burger and colleagues from the British Museum, UK and the University of Aberdeen.

The seventh century ship found within a burial mound at Sutton Hoo, UK was first excavated in 1939 and is known for the spectacular treasure it contained including jewellery, silverware, coins, and ceremonial armour. The site is thought to be an example of the European ship-burial rites of the time, and also includes a burial chamber where a corpse was likely laid. Fragments of black organic material found in this chamber were originally identified as locally-produced 'Stockholm Tar' and linked to repair and maintenance of the ship. The authors of the present study re-evaluated these previously-identified samples, as well as other tar-like materials found at the site, using imaging techniques and isotopic analysis and found the samples had been originally misidentified.

By comparing the samples from Sutton Hoo to various reference materials, the researchers' analysis revealed that the previously-identified 'Stockholm Tar' lumps actually displayed the molecular and isotopic characteristics of archaeological bitumen, and specifically bitumen from the Middle East rather than from a local British source. Archaeological finds of bitumen from this period in Britain are extremely rare and the authors state that this finding is the first material evidence for trading of Middle Eastern bitumen northwards into the British Isles.

While the original form and purpose of the bitumen could not be discerned from the remaining fragments, the authors suggest that it may have been included deliberately in the burial chamber, possibly the remaining components of ornamental objects adorning the grave, or perhaps included as a prestigious raw material.

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In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available paper: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=info%3Adoi/10.1371/journal.pone.0166276

Citation: Burger P, Stacey RJ, Bowden SA, Hacke M, Parnell J (2016) Identification, Geochemical Characterisation and Significance of Bitumen among the Grave Goods of the 7th Century Mound 1 Ship-Burial at Sutton Hoo (Suffolk, UK). PLoS ONE 11(11): e0166276. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0166276

Funding: This research was supported by funding from the European Commission Research Executive Agency (REA) via the Marie Curie Actions - Intra-European Fellowships for Career Development funding scheme (FP7-MC-IEF), Grant Agreement No. 253942, awarded to PB and RJS for project AMPT (Ancient Maritime Pitch and Tar: a multi-disciplinary study of sources, technology and preservation). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
New model suggests testable hypotheses that could aid lab research toward novel treatment strategies

Scientists have created the first validated mathematical model of an important cellular defense mechanism against the bacterium Salmonella, according to a new study in PLOS Computational Biology.

Worldwide, Salmonella is responsible for millions of infections and thousands of deaths every year. When Salmonella enters a human cell under certain conditions, a process called xenophagy may target the bacterium for destruction. Understanding how cells defend against Salmonella is essential to develop new treatments, but xenophagy is not yet well-understood.

In the new study, "wet lab" scientist Ivan Dikic and the bioinformatics team of Ina Koch at Goethe University Frankfurt used existing knowledge of molecular interactions, combined with a computer science technique called Petri nets, to build a mathematical model of xenophagy.

To test the model, the researchers investigated what would happen when several proteins in the xenophagy process were virtually perturbed--a technique known as in silico knockout. The results of this computer-based perturbation were consistent with data from lab experiments in which the same proteins were perturbed, confirming that the model accurately reproduces known parts of the xenophagy process.

The scientists also proposed a potential new mechanism for one of the proteins involved in the xenophagy process. This and other hypotheses suggested by further in silico knockout investigations could be tested in lab experiments.

"The in silico knockouts formulate hypotheses for future experimental studies towards a better understanding of the cellular antibacterial defense and towards a better treatment of illnesses caused by Salmonella infection," says study first author Jennifer Scheidel.

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In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS Computational Biology: http://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005200

Citation: Scheidel J, Amstein L, Ackermann J, Dikic I, Koch I (2016) In Silico Knockout Studies of Xenophagic Capturing of Salmonella. PLoS Comput Biol 12(12): e1005200. doi:10.1371/ journal.pcbi.1005200

Funding: This work was supported by the LOEWE program Ubiquitin Networks (Ub-Net) of the State of Hesse (Germany) (20120712/B4; https://biochem2.com/LOEWE/) and by the Cluster of Excellence `Macromolecular Complexes' of the Goethe University of Frankfurt (3212070002/TP2; http://www.cef-mc.de/index.php?id=2). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
HOUSTON - (Dec. 1, 2016) - When a male fruit fly gets aggressive, he rears up on his back four legs and batters his foe with his front pair. Neither fly seems particularly damaged by the encounter, but their subsequent actions are telling about the ways of social evolution, according to Rice University evolutionary biologist Julia Saltz.

Saltz went to the fruit fly fights every day for months to find out how the creatures' genotypes -- the genetic code that determines what they are -- affect their phenotypes -- the characteristics they present to their fellow flies.

In doing so, she bolstered the longstanding hypothesis in psychology that individuals are not merely subject to their social environments, but choose and create them through their interactions.

By placing genetically distinct variants of flies in various and sometimes uncomfortable situations, Saltz observed their behavior under stress and how stress altered the behavior of interacting individuals -- a process called social-environment construction -- when the "stressed" fly was moved to a new group for further observation.

"The main takeaway is that individuals' behaviors affect their social environments," she said. "In other words, when you pick your friends, it matters to you and it affects both what happens in the group and your behavior at a later time."

The study appears in the Nature journal Heredity.

Saltz, an assistant professor of biosciences, said few have undertaken direct studies of social-environment construction because of the difficulty involved. "You can't do it with people," she said, noting that it would be "unwise" to send someone into a room of subjects and have that person punch another.

But fruit flies are a worthy substitute, as both their genetic traits and environments can be manipulated easily, Saltz said.

Saltz, sole author of the paper, observed focal males - her primary subjects - either alone or with small groups of 2 to 8 fruit flies over two days in each experiment. (They totaled 1,300 flies over many months.) She placed genetically identical pairs in either their preferred or nonpreferred environments -- either large or small groups -- and measured their aggressive behaviors. She noted different genotypes of fly have different group-size preferences, allowing for variation among the experiments.

In the first stage of the study, she determined the preferences of focal males by genotype for group size. In the second stage, over hundreds of experiments, she put individual focal males into various-sized groups of "stimulus" flies.

"For day one, I put a 'genotype one' focal male with a group of flies, and a 'genotype two' with a replica group with the same sex ratio, number and genotype, reared under standard lab conditions," she said. "That way, I knew the social environment was the same for both focal males. If there was something different about how the groups behaved, it had to be due to the genotype of that one extra male.

"Arguably, the focal male would influence the behavior of other individuals in the group, which is what we saw," Saltz said.

She said males in their preferred groups were attacked more frequently than those in nonpreferred groups. "We don't totally know why that is, but we can say for sure the combination of that male's genotype and its preference caused the other males to act more aggressively toward it."

On day two, Saltz took the focal males -- dabbed with yellow paint to identify them -- from their initial groups and put each with a single "naive" male in a petri dish "arena" and found the previous day's experience made them less aggressive.

That may show what Saltz called the "loser" effect, in which males who lose an initial encounter are less aggressive in subsequent encounters. "That seems to be true here, except that there's no good definition of losing," she said. "That's why I like to think of it as being attacked more often."

Saltz noted the flies display other types of aggression, and they may also pass chemical signals that are relevant in social environments. But lunging attacks were easiest to measure.

"It's an open question of how damaging aggression is to flies, but they seem totally fine after, so it's not like they can kill another male and then get all the food," she said. "There are subcomponents of aggression that are slightly ambiguous, but for this study I measured lunging, which doesn't look like any other behavior.

"The male actually rears up. The front two legs and part of its body go up and it slams its legs onto another male. It's not ambiguous, and a male can only lunge at one other male at a time, so you know exactly who was being aggressive and who was the recipient."

Saltz said future studies involving larger sets and more genotypes should help show how behavior and evolutionary fitness are affected by group size and composition. She also noted studying fruit flies for two days out of their average 70-day lifespans (for lab-reared flies) is inherently limited, because it doesn't account for long-term or permanent effects.

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The National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and John S. Dunn Foundation supported the research.

Read the abstract at http://www.nature.com/hdy/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/hdy2016101a.html

This news release can be found online at http://news.rice.edu/2016/12/01/bickering-flies-make-evolutionary-point/

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews

Related materials:

Saltz Lab: https://saltzlab.wordpress.com

BioSciences at Rice: http://biosciences.rice.edu

Wiess School of Natural Sciences: http://natsci.rice.edu

Images for download:

http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/11/1205_FLIES-1-WEB-134px2i.jpg

Rice University evolutionary biologist Julia Saltz manipulated fruit fly populations to show that individuals are not merely subject to their social environments, but choose and create them through their interactions. Her study appears in the Nature journal Heredity. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)

http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/11/1205_FLIES-2-WEB-s61rhr.jpg

Julia Saltz, an evolutionary biologist at Rice University, placed genetically distinct variants of fruit flies in various and even uncomfortable situations to observe their behavior under stress and how it altered the behavior of interacting individuals when the "stressed" fly was moved to a new group. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,910 undergraduates and 2,809 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for happiest students and for lots of race/class interaction by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview.
Tuesday (Dec.6), Charles Mullighan, MD, MBBS, of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, will be awarded the 2016 William Dameshek Prize. The award recognizes Mullighan's internationally acclaimed research on the pathogenesis and biology of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A member in the St. Jude Department of Pathology, Mullighan is a world leader in ALL research. In collaboration with James R. Downing, MD, St. Jude president and chief executive officer, Mullighan has led much of the scientific discovery work on the genomic basis of ALL. Mullighan now oversees research looking to develop targeted therapeutic strategies for genetically defined subsets of ALL, many with poor prognoses, in children and adults. His studies have had profound implications for the understanding of the genetic basis of ALL and have led to multiple new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The William Dameshek Prize, named for a past president of ASH and the original editor of the scientific journal Blood, recognizes recent outstanding contributions to the field of hematology by an investigator under age 50.

Saturday (Dec.3), St. Jude postdoctoral fellow Chengcheng Liu, PhD, will present evidence that underscores how variations in the ways patients respond to the drug asparaginase may decrease tolerance to mercaptopurine, an important drug in the treatment of pediatric ALL. Asparaginase and mercaptopurine are used together for successful ALL treatment, but doses of both drugs sometimes have to be limited due to drug toxicities. Such changes to therapy may jeopardize treatments. In this study, researchers found that patients who have lower antibody responses to asparaginase could not tolerate higher doses of mercaptopurine. "Mercaptopurine now joins a growing list of anti-leukemic drugs, including steroids and methotrexate, that interact with asparaginase and affect how patients tolerate chemotherapy," said senior author Mary Relling, PharmD, chair of the St. Jude Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Liu works in Relling's laboratory. The study involved 390 ALL patients treated on the St. Jude Total XV protocol. Patients with higher levels of asparaginase antibodies had higher tolerance for mercaptopurine. This observation could help guide future treatments by tailoring doses of both drugs to the specific responses of individual patients. Liu received an ASH Abstract Achievement Award for this work. (Abstract 179)

Saturday (Dec. 3), postdoctoral fellow Ilaria Iacobucci, PhD, of the St. Jude Department of Pathology, will present evidence that a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) called acute erythroid leukemia (AEL) includes multiple genetic subtypes with distinct genomic features and clinical outcomes. About one-third of patients with the AEL subtype had specific mutations that suggest targeted therapies with tyrosine kinase/Ras inhibitors might be beneficial. The study is the first comprehensive genomic analysis of this rare form of AML in children and adults. Researchers used genome, exome and transcriptome sequencing to map the genomic landscape of 159 cases of AEL in patients from the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia, and used this information to generate new experimental models of the disease. Iacobucci works in the Mullighan laboratory. (Abstract 39)

Sunday (Dec. 4), Thomas Alexander, MD, MPH, a physician scientist working in the Mullighan laboratory, will report on the genetic basis of a high-risk subtype of leukemia called mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL). The results describe the first comprehensive genomic analysis of MPAL using 119 confirmed pediatric cases collected from 13 collaborative groups worldwide. The findings show that a subtype known as B/myeloid MPAL is characterized by frequent chromosomal rearrangements involving the ZNF384 gene. The T/myeloid subtype is characterized by mutations similar to early T-cell precursor ALL. In each subtype, the different phenotypes within a case of MPAL share a common genetic basis. These results will aid in efforts to design treatment strategies for MPAL. (Abstract 454)

Sunday (Dec. 4), Kathryn Roberts, PhD, a staff scientist in the Mullighan laboratory, will report that the experimental targeted therapy LOXO-101 is remarkably effective in a mouse model of a high-risk subtype of ALL known as Philadelphia chromosome-like (Ph-like) ALL. LOXO-101 is designed to selectively inhibit a family of signaling proteins encoded by NTRK genes that promote cancer growth. LOXO-101 is currently in clinical trials for treatment of solid tumors with fusion genes involving NTRK genes. For this study, researchers created the first genetically engineered mouse model of Ph-like ALL with the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion gene. Treatment with LOXO-101 alone completely suppressed proliferation of leukemic cells in the preclinical model. The findings indicate that all newly identified ALL patients should be screened for the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion. Clinical trials are also warranted to test the effectiveness of LOXO-101 in combination with chemotherapy regimens. (Abstract 278)

Monday (Dec. 5), Deepak Chellapandian, MD, MBBS, a clinical fellow in the St. Jude Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, will report the results of a multi-center, international study that found it is not uncommon for two rare immune proliferative disorders to strike the same patient. The combination was associated with reduced survival. The disorders--Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)--are characterized by an abnormal buildup of immune cells in different organs. This study included 384 children and young adults with LCH that affected several organs. Researchers reported that 11 percent or 44 patients also had HLH. Five-year survival for patients with both disorders was 70 to 75 percent, compared to 98 percent for patients with multi-system LCH alone. More research is needed to improve diagnosis and treatment of HLH in patients with multisystem LCH. The senior author is Kim Nichols, MD, of the St. Jude Department of Oncology. (Abstract 707)

Monday (Dec. 5), Rina Nishii, a student in the St. Jude Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, will present evidence that germline mutations in the ETV6 gene contribute to leukemia by disrupting its role as a repressor of transcription during blood development. Nishii works in the laboratory of Jun J. Yang, PhD, an associate member of the St. Jude Hematological Malignancies Program and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Previous research from Yang and others has linked inherited variations in ETV6 to an increased risk of developing ALL or other blood cancers. Until now, however, how the mutations changed gene function was largely unknown. This study provides an answer. Researchers evaluated 30 ETV6 variants from pediatric ALL patients and found 18 that resulted in the dramatic loss of function of the ETV6 protein. ETV6 mutations predispose individuals to develop ALL, but the alterations are not sufficient to cause the disease. In this study, whole genome sequencing of five ALL patients from two families with germline ETV6 variations identified other mutations that likely cooperate with ETV6 defects to trigger leukemia. (Abstract 1085)

Monday (Dec. 5), Christophe Lechauve, PhD, staff scientist in the St. Jude Department of Hematology, will detail how the alpha subunit of the hemoglobin protein and a chaperone protein work together to fine-tune blood pressure. Lechauve works in the laboratory of Mitchell Weiss, MD, PhD, chair of the St. Jude Department of Hematology. Previous work reported on the role of the alpha hemoglobin subunit's role in stimulating small blood-vessel constriction. Now investigators have identified how the chaperone protein alpha hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP) contributes to the process. In red blood cell precursors, AHSP transiently binds and stabilizes alpha globin to facilitate assembly of the oxygen transporter hemoglobin A. In this study, researchers found that AHSP played a similar stabilizing role for alpha hemoglobin subunits expressed in endothelial cells lining the blood vessels. Specifically, in endothelial cells, AHSP stabilizes alpha hemoglobin prior to its interaction with endothelial nitric oxide synthetase. That sets the stage for degradation of nitric oxide, which stimulates vasoconstriction. Additional research is needed to understand how this process may contribute to human disease, including alpha thalassemia or high blood pressure. (Abstract 557)

Tuesday (Dec. 6), Michelle Churchman, PhD, scientific manager of the Mullighan laboratory, will report on inherited variants of the IKZF1 gene that leave individuals at an increased risk for pediatric ALL. The work was a collaboration with the study's co-corresponding author, Jun J. Yang, PhD, an associate member of the St. Jude Hematological Malignancies Program and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. IKZF1 joins several other genes that are associated with an inherited predisposition to develop ALL early in life. This study began with a genetic analysis of a single family with multiple cases of childhood ALL. Researchers identified mutations in IKZF1 that likely contribute to the disease. Sequencing of germline DNA from normal blood samples of more than 5,000 children with ALL identified 28 unique IKZF1 variants in 44 cases. Laboratory tests showed most of the variants disrupted the normal function of IKZF1, and in some cases, decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. Alterations in IKZF1 have been associated with high-risk forms of ALL that respond poorly to treatment. (Abstract LBA-2)

Education Program

Sunday (Dec. 4), 11:15 am - 12:15 pm: Mitchell Weiss, MD, PhD, will chair an educational session entitled Gene editing - not just CRISPR.

Saturday (Dec.3), 2 pm - 3:30 pm: Kim Nichols, MD, will chair an educational session entitled Genetic susceptibility to leukemias; repeats on Monday (Dec.5), 2:45 pm- 4:15 pm.

Saturday (Dec.3), 2 pm - 3:30 pm: John Sandlund, MD, will participate in an educational session entitled Pediatric hematologic malignancies; repeats on Sunday (Dec.4), 9:30 am - 11 am.

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Rahul told party leaders that this issue is not 'directly related to public' so the focus should be demonetisation and not Twitter hacking issue.

Rahul told party leaders that this issue is not 'directly related to public' so the focus should be demonetisation and not Twitter hacking issue.

By Kumar Vikrant Singh: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has directed his party MP's and leaders not to raise his Twitter hacking issue in Parliament.

In a meeting held at 9:30am in Parliament with other Opposition parties, it was decided that the issue of Twitter hacking of Rahul Gandhi will be raised by Congress members and will be backed by entire opposition as it was done in case of Mamta Banerjee's flight landing delay issue.

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While some members tried to raise this issue in Lok Sabha, Rahul reportedly stopped them.

Rahul told party leaders that this issue is not 'directly related to public' so the focus should be demonetisation and not Twitter hacking issue.

LOVE ALL MY HATERS: RAHUL

Meanwhile, a day after his Twitter account was hacked and expletives posted on it, Rahul Gandhi today tweeted to say he "loves all my haters and they are beautiful".

"To everyone of you haters out there: I love all of you. You're beautiful. Your hatred just doesn't let you see it yet," Rahul Gandhi said on his Twitter account @OfficeOfRG after it was restored.

The Twitter account of the Congress too was hacked on Thursday morning but restored later on. On the other hand, the Congress said on its Twitter handle @INCIndia:"Hello everyone! We are back. The tweets in the morning lacked wit, evidently. Anyway, Mr Modi, back to people's questions, care to answer?"

Twitter hackers relentless despite uproar, FIR, govt action; Congress media cell man latest victim

--- ENDS ---
BOSTON, MA (December 1, 2016) - Investigators at the Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies (ICRHPS) at Tufts Medical Center (Tufts MC) and Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) - a shared resource between Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM), together with the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) School of Medicine's Brain Injury Outcomes (BIOS) Division and the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), won a seven-year, $25 million award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) to form one of only three new national Trial Innovation Centers (TICs) that will provide high-quality design and operational support to investigators conducting multi-center clinical trials.

The JHU/Tufts MC/TUSM TIC will be jointly led by principal investigators Daniel F. Hanley, MD, the Jeffrey and Harriet Legum Professor of Neurology and Director of BIOS, Daniel Ford, MD, MPH, the David M. Levine Professor of Medicine and Vice Dean for Clinical Research in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Harry P. Selker, MD, MSPH, Executive Director of ICRHPS and Dean of Tufts CTSI. The JHU/Tufts MC/TUSM collaboration will provide Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) investigators with world-leading expertise in state-of-the-art trial design and execution of multi-site studies particularly in the areas of neurology and cardiology and will lead innovative projects in clinical trial performance metrics and adaptive and integrated trial design such as 'efficacy to effectiveness' (E2E, developed by Dr. Selker and the Tufts team) to maximize trial performance.

The three TICS (JHU/Tufts MC/TUSM, Utah, and Duke-Vanderbilt) together with a Recruitment Innovation Center (RIC) at Vanderbilt University and the 64 CTSA Program Hubs make up the NCATS Trial Innovation Network, which will support investigators with protocol development, implementing central institutional review boards (IRBs) and recruitment plans while also developing and disseminating sustainable innovative practices across the network. The Trial Innovation Network establishes a new model of collaboration in multi-site clinical trials by linking local resources at the 64 national NIH-supported CTSA Hubs and their over 500 affiliated clinical institutions spanning all domains of health care with the centralized expertise at the TICs and RICs. This will ultimately transform how clinical trials are conducted by providing a framework for excellence in clinical trial practice to allow new treatments and drugs to reach patients faster and in a more cost effective manner.

The Trial Innovation Network invites CTSA investigators to submit requests for support via their website. For more information, please contact the JHU/Tufts MC/TUSM Project Director at Tufts, Sheeona Gorman (sgorman@tuftsmedicalcenter.org).

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About Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital for Children

Tufts Medical Center is an exceptional, not-for-profit, 415-bed academic medical center that is home to both a full-service hospital for adults and Floating Hospital for Children. Conveniently located in downtown Boston, the Medical Center is the principal teaching hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine. Floating Hospital for Children is the full-service children's hospital of Tufts Medical Center and the principal pediatric teaching hospital of Tufts University School of Medicine. Tufts Medical Center is affiliated with the New England Quality Care Alliance, a network of nearly 1,800 physicians throughout Eastern Massachusetts. For more information, please visit http://www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org.

About the Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies (ICRHPS)

The ICRHPS at Tufts Medical Center encompasses programs in clinical and health policy research, and provides a research culture and environment that facilitates cross-disciplinary studies. Its work spans the study of clinical features of disease; specific treatments and their optimal use; measurement of clinical, functional, and social outcomes of health care interventions; optimal use of clinical data and other evidence; comparative effectiveness; and the influence of socioeconomic, organizational, and policy factors on health and health care. For more information, visit https://www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/Research-Clinical-Trials/Institutes-Centers-Labs/Institute-for-Clinical-Research-and-Health-Policy-Studies/Overview.aspx.

About Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI)

Tufts CTSI, a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported partnership among all the schools of Tufts University; Northeastern University, Brandeis University, RAND; Tufts CTSI-affiliated hospitals, and health care industry and community organizations, was established in August 2008. Its purpose is to accelerate the translation of laboratory and medical research into clinical use, widespread medical practice, and into improved health care delivery and health policy. It connects people to research resources, consultation, and education, and fosters collaboration with scholars of all disciplines and with community members, with the ultimate goal of improving the health of the public. Tufts CTSI is currently funded by the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, award number UL1TR001064.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and Senior Service America, Inc., have named David Burnes, BSc, MSW, PhD, of the University of Toronto as the 2016 recipient of the Senior Service America Junior Scholar Award for Research Related to Disadvantaged Older Adults.

This honor acknowledges presentations at the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting that represent exemplary basic or applied research related to the capabilities, contributions, challenges and concerns of disadvantaged older adults, especially those who are low-income and minority group members. The Junior Scholar Award recipient must have less than five years of professional experience after receiving his/her terminal graduate degree.

Burnes was selected for the paper "Varying Appraisals of Elder Mistreatment among Victims: Findings from a Population-Based Study." This study was the first to ask a random sample of older victims about the seriousness of the mistreatment they experienced. The findings have strong implications for how to detect and respond to elder mistreatment.

The award presentation took place at GSA's 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting, which was held November 16 to 20 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This conference fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, educators, and practitioners who specialize in the study of the aging process. Visit http://www.geron.org/2016 for further details.

Burnes is an assistant professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto and an affiliate scientist at the Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest. He completed a PhD at the Columbia University School of Social Work, concentrating in advanced practice and gerontology.

He teaches and researches primarily in the area of gerontology, specializing on the issue of elder mistreatment in community and long-term care settings. His research focuses on understanding and preventing elder mistreatment, including the development of basic knowledge, problem conceptualization, developing and evaluating evidence-based practices/interventions, and outcome measurement. Current projects include identifying the prevalence and risk factors of elder mistreatment in the community, exploring the process of resident-to-resident aggression in long-term care settings, understanding problem severity, implementing goal attainment scaling to measure the effectiveness of elder mistreatment response programs, and developing new ways to operationalize and measure key elder mistreatment outcomes.

Burnes also has prior practice experience in areas of child protection and adult counselling/psychotherapy and is currently involved in community-based initiatives to intervene on cases of elder mistreatment.

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The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the nation's oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society -- and its 5,500+ members -- is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public. GSA's structure also includes a policy institute, the National Academy on an Aging Society, and an educational branch, the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education.

Senior Service America, Inc. (SSAI) is committed to making it possible for low-income and other disadvantaged older adults to participate fully in determining their own future and the future of their communities. For more than 40 years, the organization has operated the federal Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) through a network of local subgrantee organizations. For more information, please visit http://www.seniorserviceamerica.org.
Among women with metastatic breast cancer, treatment with a drug that is biosimilar to the breast cancer drug trastuzumab resulted in an equivalent overall response rate at 24 weeks compared with trastuzumab, according to a study published online by JAMA.

Biological agents, including monoclonal antibodies, have increased the treatment options and greatly improved outcomes for a number of cancers. However, patient access to these biologics is limited in many countries. With impending patent expiration of some biological agents, development of biosimilars has become a high priority for drug developers and health authorities throughout the world to provide access to high-quality alternatives. A biosimilar drug is a biological product that is highly similar to a licensed biological product, with no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety or potency.

Treatment with the anti-ERBB2 humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and chemotherapy significantly improves progression-free and overall survival in patients with ERBB2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer. In this multicenter, phase 3 study, Hope S. Rugo, M.D., of the University of California San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and colleagues randomly assigned patients with ERBB2-positive metastatic breast cancer to receive a proposed trastuzumab biosimilar (MYL-14010) (n = 230) or trastuzumab (n = 228) with a taxane (a chemotherapy agent) to compare the overall response rate and safety after 24 weeks. Chemotherapy was administered for at least 24 weeks followed by antibody alone until unacceptable toxic effects or disease progression occurred. Tumor was assessed every 6 weeks. The primary outcome was week 24 overall response rate defined as complete or partial response.

The overall response rate was 70 percent for the proposed biosimilar vs 64 percent for trastuzumab. At week 48, there was no statistically significant difference with the proposed biosimilar vs trastuzumab for time to tumor progression (41 percent vs 43 percent), progression-free survival (44 percent vs 45 percent), or overall survival (89 percent vs 85 percent). In the proposed biosimilar and trastuzumab groups, 99 percent and 95 percent of patients had at least 1 adverse event.

"Trastuzumab is not widely available around the world," the authors write. "A biosimilar treatment option may increase global access to biologic cancer therapies, provided, among other issues, that the price of the biosimilar is sufficiently inexpensive to enable women in non-high-income countries to access this therapy."

The researchers note that further study is needed to assess safety as well as long-term clinical outcome.

(doi:10.1001/jama.2016.18305; the study is available pre-embargo at the For the Media website)

Editor's Note: This study was funded and sponsored by Mylan Inc. and Biocon Research Limited. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, etc.

Editorial: Scientific Evidence and Financial Obligations to Ensure Access to Biosimilars for Cancer Treatment

In an accompanying editorial, Howard Bauchner, M.D., Editor in Chief, JAMA, Chicago, and colleagues write that one of the sponsors of this study, Mylan, "has recently attracted attention because of the pricing, promotion, and involvement in the health policies of schools regarding one of its products, injectable epinephrine (EpiPen). There has been substantial criticism of the company by patients, physicians, and politicians about the recent price increase and the subsequent introduction of a generic epinephrine product by the same company."

"The proposed trastuzumab biosimilar will need to be priced at a level at which patients who otherwise would not have access to expensive therapies such as trastuzumab could receive needed therapy. In announcing their FDA submission for the proposed trastuzumab biosimilar, the sponsors of the trial by Rugo et al have expressed their 'shared commitment to increasing access to these critical medicines worldwide' and indicated that 'this advancement in the U.S. will enable us to enhance access to this affordable therapy to larger patient pools.' Ultimately, to fulfill these pledges the manufacturers must ensure that the pricing of this biosimilar product is responsible and fair and provides access to this important therapy at an affordable price."

(doi:10.1001/jama.2016.18743; the editorial is available pre-embargo at the For the Media website)

Editor's Note: All authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none were reported.

Editorial: Biosimilar Therapy for ERBB2 (HER2)-Positive Breast Cancer

"The greatest potential value of the proposed trastuzumab biosimilar would be facilitating access to treatment for patients with ERBB2-positive breast cancer and gastric cancer around the world who now are untreated because of prohibitive costs," write Harold J. Burstein, M.D., Ph.D., and Deborah Schrag, M.D., M.P.H., of Harvard Medical School, Boston, and Associate Editor, JAMA (Dr. Schrag) in an accompanying editorial. "Unless the price of the trastuzumab biosimilar is set considerably lower than the 25 percent to 30 percent discounts typically seen during the last decade for biosimilars entering European markets, treatment will remain inaccessible for far too many patients."

This study "opens the pathway to therapeutic biosimilars in oncology and should facilitate market forces that lead to lower drug prices. Hopefully, this competition will be sufficient to make trastuzumab and other biologics more affordable and thereby make cancer care both more effective and more equitable around the world."

(doi:10.1001/jama.2016.18979; the editorial is available pre-embargo at the For the Media website)

Editor's Note: Both authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none were reported.

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To place an electronic embedded link to these articles in your story These links will be live at the embargo time: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2016.18305

http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2016.18743

http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2016.18979
One of the biggest challenges to wider adoption of wind and solar power is how to store the excess energy they often produce.

A technology developed at the University of Chicago, and now being commercialized by a University startup, is addressing the intermittent nature of these renewable sources. It uses a selectively evolved, unicellular microorganism that helps convert electricity into methane gas. That gas can be stored, transported and used wherever natural gas is used, including for the generation of power on demand.

Laurens Mets, associate professor of molecular genetics and cell biology, began developing the technology in the late 1990s. From it, the startup Electrochaea was born with support from the University's technology transfer office, which is now part of the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

"Direct scaling at this pace and scale is rare in the energy field," Mets said. "But we found this technology to be eminently scalable, so I'm very confident about its commercialization."

Electrochaea was selected for the 2014 Global Cleantech 100--a list of 100 private companies with the greatest potential to solve the clean energy crisis according to the market intelligence firm Cleantech Group. It has experienced a string of successes, including a large-scale demonstration facility that delivers methane to Denmark's pipeline grid and a commercial-scale plant announced in October to be built in Hungary.

"The disruptive energy storage technology developed by Dr. Mets in his lab has been validated by Electrochaea and is now being shown to scale in a commercially meaningful way," said Cristianne Frazier, senior project manager of technology commercialization and licensing at the Polsky Center.

Electricity into methane

At the center of the power-to-gas technology is a strain of methanogenic Archaea--a microorganism that Mets adapted for industrial use.

Equation

The above equations show the process of converting electricity and carbon dioxide to methane gas.download Configure

The process starts with surplus electricity that is coming from a wind farm or solar array, but isn't needed immediately. That power is used to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is combined with waste carbon dioxide from any of a variety of sources, such as a biogas or an industrial process, in a proprietary bioreactor in which the microorganisms efficiently catalyze conversion of the mixture into methane and water.

The resulting methane can be transported in existing pipelines or converted into compressed natural gas or liquid natural gas, making it available to generate electricity. The technology offers a large carrying capacity--more than competing bulk-energy storage systems, such as batteries, pumped hydroelectric and compressed air, according to Mets.

The technology enables increased use of variable electricity sources such as wind and solar by storing excess power, thus smoothing out the variability and making renewables more feasible and economically viable.

The carbon dioxide produced by burning the methane product of the process was waste from its original source and would have been released into the atmosphere in any case. The power-to-gas technology is thus carbon-neutral in its primary impact on the environment. It has the additional important impact of displacing net carbon emissions from burning of fossil fuels for energy generation with energy derived from renewable wind and solar sources.

The potential of the patented power-to-gas technology is significant, according to Seth Snyder, leader of the Water-Energy-Sustainability Initiative at the Argonne National Laboratory. "Methane could be the primary source for much of society's energy needs including electricity, heating, industrial processes and transportation," he said. "Therefore a robust way to create clean methane from renewable sources has the potential to transform our energy systems."

Mets continues his research at the University and aims to refine the novel technology. He hopes to adapt it to produce gasoline and jet fuel.

"What's so interesting is that Electrochaea is demonstrating that a very fundamental process in nature can be harnessed and adapted to address an immediate societal challenge," Snyder said. "If done correctly, the benefits could be significant in Europe and Asia."

Company develops technology

The links between the company and the University are numerous. The University recognized the importance of Met's discoveries early on and filed several families of patent applications that would be licensed to Electrochaea and become central to the startup's intellectual property portfolio.

"The technology commercialization and licensing team at the Polsky Center, Electrochaea and Dr. Mets have worked collaboratively on everything from company formation and technology development to Series A financing and patent prosecution, and I believe those relationships have helped foster a successful company," Frazier said.

Created in 2006, Electrochaea first validated the process in its laboratory in St. Louis. It began field testing Mets' power-to-gas technology in 2011. Three years later, Electrochaea started constructing a large-scale demonstration facility at a wastewater treatment plant outside Copenhagen, with the treatment plant providing the waste carbon dioxide used in the conversion process. Based on the success of that project, which is called BioCat and went live in June, Electrochaea is building a 10-megawatt plant in Hungary that will be the world's first commercial-scale power-to-gas plant.

"Electrochaea ramped up very quickly, with several steps, from the one-liter reactor in my lab at the University, through the one-megawatt BioCat project and now the 10-megawatt commercial plant in Hungary. The microbes have proven to be very robust," Mets said.

The Hungarian plant will be built by Electrochaea and Magyar Villamos Muvek, that country's largest energy provider. As with BioCat, the new plant will provide methane directly to the existing system of natural gas pipelines.

Electrochaea plans to build an additional plant in Switzerland and envisions plants with up to 1,000 megawatts of capacity. Meanwhile, Pacific Gas and Electric Company is building a small demonstration plant at the National Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado.

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Creative achievement can provide a buffer against being anxious about death, research from psychologists at the University of Kent shows.

Creative people, such as newly-announced Nobel Prize for Literature winner Bob Dylan, are often thought to be motivated by the desire to leave an enduring cultural legacy. Through their creative work, creatives such as Leonard Cohen and David Bowie continue to live on in our culture even after passing away.

Conversely, the destruction of ancient monuments and artefacts in Iraq in 2015 by members of Islamic State could be interpreted as a symbolic act aimed at achieving high negative impact on society through the destruction of a cultural legacy.

Now research, conducted by Rotem Perach, a postgraduate researcher at Kent's School of Psychology under the supervision of Dr Arnaud Wisman, shows that those with high levels of creative ambition and achievement are particularly likely to be more resilient to death concerns.

In what is thought to be the first empirical study of the anxiety-buffering functions of creativity among people for whom creativity constitutes a central part of their cultural worldview, the research analysed findings from a group of 108 students.

The students completed two questionnaires to gauge their level of creative achievement and creative ambition. Those with a record of creative achievement, coupled to high levels of creative ambition, were found to make less death associations in their thought processes after thinking about their own demise in comparison to those in the control condition.

In comparison, among those with low levels of creative ambition - whatever their record of creative achievement - thinking about their own mortality did not affect their levels of death-thought accessibility in comparison to controls.

The findings suggest that those who pursue creativity and produce significant creative contributions may benefit from existential security in the face of death.

The paper, entitled Can Creativity Beat Death? A Review and Evidence on the Existential Anxiety Buffering Functions of Creative Achievement, is published in the Journal of Creative Behavior. See: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jocb.171/full

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For interview requests or more details of the event, contact Martin Herrema at the University of Kent Press Office.

Tel: 01227 823581/01634 888879

Email: M.J.Herrema@kent.ac.uk

News releases can also be found at http://www.kent.ac.uk/news

University of Kent on Twitter: http://twitter.com/UniKent

Notes to editor

Established in 1965, the University of Kent - the UK's European university - now has almost 20,000 students across campuses or study centres at Canterbury, Medway, Tonbridge, Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome.

It has been ranked: 23rd in the Guardian University Guide 2016; 23rd in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2016; and 22nd in the Complete University Guide 2015.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2015-16, Kent is in the top 10% of the world's leading universities for international outlook and 66th in its table of the most international universities in the world. The THE also ranked the University as 20th in its 'Table of Tables' 2016.

Kent is ranked 17th in the UK for research intensity (REF 2014). It has world-leading research in all subjects and 97% of its research is deemed by the REF to be of international quality.

In the National Student Survey 2016, Kent achieved the fourth highest score for overall student satisfaction, out of all publicly funded, multi-faculty universities.

Along with the universities of East Anglia and Essex, Kent is a member of the Eastern Arc Research Consortium (http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/partnerships/eastern-arc.html).

The University is worth 0.7 billion to the economy of the south east and supports more than 7,800 jobs in the region. Student off-campus spend contributes 293.3m and 2,532 full-time-equivalent jobs to those totals.

In 2014, Kent received its second Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
PHILADELPHIA - Two new treatments are showing promise and overall survival is on the rise for AL amyloidosis, according to a series of studies involving researchers in the Abramson Cancer Center and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. They will present their findings at this week's 58th Annual American Society of Hematology Meeting and Exposition in San Diego.

Immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is a rare, life-threatening disease that occurs when toxic proteins build up in organs, which alters their normal function. The most commonly affected areas include the heart, kidneys, liver, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract.

A standard approach involves using a proteasome inhibitor which kills the abnormal cells producing the toxic proteins. But some patients show resistance to the commonly used drug bortezomib. A new Penn Medicine-led study shows another inhibitor, carfilzomib, is an effective alternative. Carfilzomib was previously approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of multiple myeloma in 2012. Researchers gave it to 28 amyloidosis patients, 24 of whom completed at least two cycles of treatment. Of those 24, 15 of them not only responded to the drug, they also avoided one of the most common side-effects associated with treatment. (Abstract #645)

"Not only did we see strong responses to this drug across dosage levels, we also did not find significant neuropathy, a common complication of amyloidosis and its treatment which causes nerve pain, weakness, or numbness, in any of our patients," said the study's lead author Adam Cohen, MD, an assistant professor of Hematology-Oncology and the director of Myeloma Immunotherapy at the Abramson Cancer Center. The study was sponsored by the Academic Myeloma Consortium.

Cohen noted the drug can lead to serious cardiac toxicity, including four patients who developed either congestive heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms, so doctors will need to use this selectively and closely monitor patients. But he says this study could provide guidance on how to use carfilzomib in amyloidosis cases moving forward, particularly in patients who show resistance to bortezomib and other therapies.

The most cutting edge approach to AL amyloidosis involves using monoclonal antibodies to clear the amyloid from the affected organs, and a new multi-center study found promising results using an investigational agent known as NEOD001. Researchers, including Brendan Weiss, MD, assistant professor of Hematology-Oncology and director of the Penn Amyloidosis Program, gave patients monthly infusions of the antibody after completing standard chemotherapy. Of the 69 patients involved in this phase of the study, the response rate was 53 percent among cardiac patients and 64 percent among renal patients. NEOD001-treated patients also achieved improvement in peripheral neuropathy. The overall cardiac and renal response rates were independent of the response to and type of prior chemotherapy. (Abstract #644 and Abstract #647)

"What we found is that this treatment seems to have activity regardless of the depth of response to prior chemotherapy," Weiss said. "This is a strong signal of the drug's overall potential efficacy."

This study was led by researchers at the Mayo Clinic and Stanford University and funded by Prothena Biosciences, which is developing NEOD001. Further clinical trials are ongoing at Penn.

Weiss is also the author of a Penn-led study showing new signs of hope for AL amyloidosis patients. That research used the nationwide Swedish Patient Registry - whose national health system has led to the creation of a robust patient database - to identify all patients diagnosed with AL amyloidosis between the years 1995 and 2013. The study found from 1995 to 1999, overall survival for patients at one year was 43 percent. Over the years, that number has steadily increased. Between 2010 and 2013, the one year survival rate jumped to 61 percent. (Abstract #6448)

"In the past, outcomes in AL amyloidosis were very poor," Weiss said. "These survival gains are likely due to newer, highly-effective chemotherapies, improved supportive care, and possibly earlier diagnosis, all reasons to hope for continued improved outcomes in this disease."

The Penn Amyloidosis Program is an international leader in the care of the disease, treating about 100 patients each year. It is one of the few programs to bring together experts from multiple specialties to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient, including the core areas of hematology, cardiology, and nephrology. This multidisciplinary expertise has helped the Penn Amyloidosis Program become just one of 13 members of the Amyloidosis Research Consortium in the United States, and the program is actively participating in multiple innovative clinical trials.

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Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $5.3 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 18 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $373 million awarded in the 2015 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Chestnut Hill Hospital and Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine.

For more Penn Medicine news from the 58th Annual American Society of Hematology Meeting, visit: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/News_Releases/2016/11/ash/index.html
Perth-based company, Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd, has obtained export approval from the United States authorities in relation to its Magnolia Project.The US Department of Energy has today authorised the company to export LNG, from its proposed facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to countries that have not entered a free trade agreement with the US.The company says its Magnolia LNG facility will have capacity of at least 8 million metric tonnes per year.It will also have up to four trains  each with a liquefaction capacity of 2 million tonnes per annum or more, as well as ship, barge and truck loading facilities.Liquefied Natural Gas posted a net loss of $115.1 million at 30 June 2016.
There is not a breath of wind outside, while inside the air conditioning is running at full blast. Cooling and heating account for some 32 percent of global energy consumption, and some 30 percent of CO2 emissions. Climate change is driving an increase in cooling requirements  and a related health risk: if air conditioning systems are not properly maintained, mold develops inside the equipment and in air ducts. This affects peoples immune systems just as drafts can. Europe is seeing the spread of a healthier, more efficient form of air conditioning: active systems that are built into ceilings, walls, and floors. Like the radiators in a central heating system, they have (cold) water flowing through them. Such climate control components quickly reach their operating limits, however: if cooled surfaces reach the dew point, condensation forms on them  just like it does on a glass of cold lemonade.

Comfortable temperatures with minimal energy consumption

Researchers at Fraunhofer IBP have developed innovative technology that prevents condensation: a special heat-conducting polymer film. When applied to multifunctional ceiling panels, it has the same effect as insulating glass and allows the panels to function well below the dew point without condensation forming. Our system is unique in the world, says Alexander Buff, a scientist at Fraunhofer IBP in Rosenheim. The concept was funded by the Fraunhofer Venture Group (see link below), and a patent is pending. Now a team of six, the scientists have been awarded level I EXIST start-up research funding from the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy. The teams Clear Sky Cooling project is currently being spun off from Fraunhofer under the name Interpanel GmbH, with Alexander Buff as its CEO, and the multifunctional cooling and heating system will be available from mid-2017.

Multifunctional, upgradable modules

What makes the technology special is that it avoids the problem of the dew point, and it is multifunctional. Around two square meters in size, the modules can be combined flexibly. As efficient LED lighting panels, they save energy. With its acoustic activation, the system simplifies interface planning. High-density modularity reduces the systems overall size and saves on installation time. Sheets of film are individually printable and easy to replace. The long-lasting modules can be taken down and re-installed elsewhere.

Ceilings fitted with the system achieve much the same refreshing effect as a starry sky on a warm summer night: once the sun goes down, the air feels pleasantly cool because the clear, cold night sky draws away the heat, causing an instant drop in perceived temperature. The ceiling panels work according to the same physical principle: their cooled surfaces absorb the heat given off by people in a process that is direct, noiseless, and free of drafts. Ceiling panels can be cooled at the push of a button or by means of a motion sensor, and in around three minutes they generate a pleasant ambient climate in the room beneath them  as beneath a cool night sky. Because it circumvents the problem of the dew point, the system can also be used in open spaces such as industrial workplaces or open-plan offices. Instead of causing cold air to swirl around in a space, the panels absorb the naturally radiated heat only where comfort is needed. Such zonal usability makes Clear Sky Cooling particularly energy-efficient. It is especially suited for use in health-related environments such as hospitals, physiotherapy centers, and fitness studios, as well as in open-plan offices, conference centers, and manufacturing facilities. The system works independently of surrounding drafts and humidity, and so its operation is nearly safe and maintenance-free.

At the BAU trade fair from January 16-21, 2017 in Munich, the future Fraunhofer spin-off Interpanel GmbH will exhibit its innovative technology at the Fraunhofer Building Innovation Alliances special show, Fraunhofer CityLaboratory  creating living spaces (Hall C2, Booth 538).


Architects, bricklayers, plumbers, pipe fitters  tradesmen of all sorts work together on building construction. This variety means that coordinating work isnt always easy, as domain-specific plans are hard to understand for others, leading to errors and delays. Building Information Modeling (BIM) simplifies work coordination by integrating all data into a three-dimensional model, adding details of technical requirements, building costs or timeframes, and storing it all centrally. In this way, all project participants can be sure that they are referring to the same, up-to-date architectural plan for their work. As a result, planning is coordinated, decisions are made more transparent and construction is quicker, more accurate and more cost-efficient.



A wide variety of additional information can be attached to individual construction components, for example fire protection data, energy characteristics, data from life cycle analyses, manufacturer details, assembly instructions, operating characteristics or maintenance intervals. Each component can have additional information associated with it. BIM effectively creates a digital twin of the building, says Peter Noisten, project manager at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP. This enables project participants to visualize the nascent building better and earlier and to make more informed decisions, resulting in more accurate planning and a decreased error count.

BIM in Germany  BIMiD

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institutes for Building Physics IBP and Industrial Engineering IAO aim to promote this planning method in Germany by gathering practical experience and generating recommendations. To this end, they are collaborating with various partners in the BIM Reference Project in Germany BIMiD project, which is focused on two construction projects funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy: a Volkswagen Financial Services building in Braun-

schweig and the Pionierkaserne office complex in Ingolstadt. A reference process  developed by Fraunhofer IBP together with AEC 3 Deutschland GmbH and approved by the architects and engineers association AHO e.V.  maps out the main building development stages according to HOAI, Germanys official Fee Regulation for Architects and Engineers, in chronological order from the initial concept to a buildings dis-

mantling. This reference process is available online since May 2016; Fraunhofer IBP will use it in construction projects receiving the institutes support as a tool to help builders and planners as well as facility managers during the introduction of the BIM method.



Decision-makers are convinced of the benefits of BIM, says Noisten. Not only does it let them make important decisions much earlier on than before, but those decision ma-

kers are also much better informed. Gunter Wenzel, head of department at the Fraun-

hofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, elaborates: BIM is extremely effective when experts get together to compare notes, too. Construction professionals stand to-

gether in a CAVE projection room for an immersive virtual reality simulation, where the technology lets them experience the latest planning status naturally and intuitively, with no laborious explanations necessary. This notably increases efficiency  issues that pre-

viously required two or three meetings to resolve can now be completed with just one.

Simulating indoor climate with reliable data

Having a digital twin of a building presents advantages that prove useful far beyond the normal construction planning process. For example, Fraunhofer IBP researchers use the virtual plans to simulate and optimize indoor climate, acoustics and energy use and optimize them  long before the foundation stone is laid. Until now engineers were obliged to reenter data from the plans manually into other software. With BIM, we can plug data directly into a simulation, says Noisten.

BAU ZEIT  A tool for everyone, including SMEs

To date, smaller trades such as pipe fitters have not been able to benefit from BIMs advantages, as the relevant software was too expensive to be profitable for them. Instead they have continued with their previous planning methods. The problem is, their current software is not compatible with BIM software, so pipe fitting companies are left without access to the overall plan and any changes to it must be sent to them separately. Breaks in communication of this sort are a frequent cause of building errors.



Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF in Magdeburg seek to fill this gap with their IT project BAU ZEIT, with a view to smoothing the path to BIM for small and medium-sized enterprises. Were integrating common planning tools such as MS Project and Excel into BIM software, explains Stefanie Kabelitz, a scientist at Fraunhofer IFF. Communication will become easier, planning effort will decrease and costs will fall. We expect individual parties to save up to 30 percent of working time. The BAU ZEIT tool collects all information in a central database and communicates any changes to all the different participants.

Communicating better with future users and citizens

BIM isnt just good news for construction professionals: laypersons also benefit from BIM. It allows a buildings future users to connect with the project early on  doctors monitoring the construction of a clinic for example. Digital imaging serves here as a comprehensible visualization tool. It also helps citizens connect with public building projects, as researchers at Fraunhofer IAO found out working with communication scientists from the University of Hohenheim on the VisB+ project. Previously, many taxpayers had the feeling that they were only presented with beautified versions of draft designs for planned construction projects, rather than realistic designs. BIM now makes it possible for members of the public to view the current planning status of a project as an intuitive and credible 1:1 virtual model.



Researchers from Fraunhofer IAO, Fraunhofer IFF and Fraunhofer IBP will be presenting their projects relating to BIM at the BAU trade fair in Munich from January 16 to 21, 2017 (Hall C2, Booth 538). The institutes will continue to promote the three-dimensional planning method in the future, too: the new BIM at Fraunhofer project will see them introduce the tool in the Fraunhofer construction division, and will use it in a selected construction project.
Kalyan: Aman Tandel (25), one of the four youths who left their Kalyan homes in May 2014 to fight alongside the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq, is said to have been killed in an airstrike.

An unknown caller informed Amans father Naeem Tandel on Saturday of his sons death. Family sources said the person claimed he was calling from Turkey and specifically asked for Naeem. After Naeem confirmed his identity, the caller told him that your son Aman has been martyred in an airstrike in Iraq. The person, who had called around 11.30pm, went on to recite a part of a verse from the Quran that is usually said on getting the news of death. When Naeem asked for his identity, the caller refused and hung up.

In May 2014, four youths from KalyanAman Tandel, Fahad Shaikh, Shaheem Tanki and Arib Majeedleft the country on the pretext of going on a pilgrimage and joined the IS in Iraq. Of the four, Arib returned, surrendered to the authorities and is now in jail. Another caller had earlier informed the Tanki family of Shaheems death.

That leaves only Fahad Shaikh still probably active with the terrorist group.

Naeem Tandel broke down as he informed his wife about their son Amans death in Iraq. He was the only son of the Tandels. Naeem, sobbing, told me, My familys only heir has not survived, for whom will we live now?' a family friend told TOI. As news of Amans purported death spread, several relatives visited the Tandels over Sunday and Monday.

Fahad Shaikhs family is worried about their son. A close relative said as there is a war-like situation in Iraq, they too fear for his life. He added that they had last seen Fahad in a 22-minute video released by IS in which Aman and Fahad were seen.

Source : TOI
Digital war on with Congress's official account now hacked, moments after the party lodged a complaint with Delhi Police over hacking of Rahul Gandhi's account.

By India Today Web Desk: Moments after the Congress filed a police complaint against the hacking of Rahul Gandhi's verified Twitter account, the party's account on the microblogging site was hacked today with similar abuses posted on it.

"We got them keys keys keys. You really want to lodge a complaint, huh?" the first tweet posted by the hacker said, referring to the complaint filed with the Delhi Police cyber cell.

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The hacker has also claimed to have hacked the emails of the Congress and has threatened to make them public.

"Coming up is a full dump of inc.in congress emails, stay tuned for Christmas special. We have enough info to drop your party down to shreds," a tweet on the Congress handle said.

"Congress can kiss our ass. Legion shall prevail, justice shall strike!" said another on Congress's official account, @INCIndia.

"And rahul gandhi, you can kiss our ass you silly retarded tw4t. Need some life lessons on autism bro?" a pinned tweet addressed to the Congress vice-president said.

"For every retard out there who thinks we have a political agenda - No, we don't," the hacker said in a series of abuses.

Check out how Twitterati reacted to the official account of Congress being hacked. They did grab popcorn.

DAY AFTER RAHUL GANDHI'S TWITTER HACKED

In his first reaction to the cyber attack on his party, Rahul Gandhi today said the hacking of verified Twitter accounts is "a huge question mark on digital security".

The Opposition has said it will raise the issue of the twin hacking of Congress's verified Twitter accounts in both the Houses of Parliament today.

The posts on the Congress handle came a day after Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account was hacked and abusive posts tweeted there.

The hacker had posted abusive content on the account which talked of corruption within the Gandhi family and called Rahul various names.

The hackers had removed Rahul's profile picture and changed the account title from @OfficeOfRG to Retarded gandhi. The hacker had even changed his bio to "the Official account of Retard Gandhi".

One of the illegal posts had abusive language like "my family is a bunch of corrupt....(expletives) retarded... (expletives)".

It is not clear how someone took control of Rahul's verified Twitter account. The abusive tweets were later deleted.

The Congress said it expects the police to bring out the truth about the hacking last evening. The party on Wednesday said the hacking smacked of "sinister conspiracy and reflected disturbing insecurities of prevalent fascist culture".

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"Pre-meditated hacking of @OfficeOfRG smacks of a sinister conspiracy to abuse and intimidate. It strengthens our resolve to fight for the nation," Congress spokesperson RS Surjewala tweeted on Wednesday.Watch the video here:





--- ENDS ---
The CEO of Twitter in Ireland has announced he is to leave the company.

Mark Little tweeted that he is departing "with heart full of gratitude & love for this team".

Im leaving @TwitterDublin with heart full of gratitude & love for this team. Twitter at its best. Smart, passionate, creative. So much fun. pic.twitter.com/LcolQ2mzPj  Mark Little (@marklittlenews) December 1, 2016

He says he has seen more change than expected at the company and "now it's time to move on".

It's my first anniversary at Twitter. Learned more this past year than I hoped for. Seen more change than expected. Now its time to move on  Mark Little (@marklittlenews) December 1, 2016

Mr Little said in a statement: "For several months, Twitter has been considering changes to its Media Partnerships team, which I led in Europe. In October, the decision was made to restructure the team and locate its leadership roles in the United States.

"I was asked to consider a possible return to the US, where I was living when I joined Twitter, or building on my role as Twitters managing director in Dublin.

"I decided that neither would be the right fit for me - or Twitter Dublin - and opted for a mutually agreed exit from the company."

He only took up the role in June, after the departure of its former CEO Stephen McIntyre.

Up to that point, Mr Little had held the role of vice president of media in Europe - having joined the company 12 months ago.

There has been no word yet on a replacement for him.

A Twitter spokesperson said: "Mark Little will step down in his dual role as MD of Twitter Dublin and vice president of media in Europe."

"We want to express our gratitude for his exemplary stewardship of Twitter Dublin and for leading our European Media team over the past 12 months."
David South has slept in a one-man tent in a derelict shed in Limerick every night for the past five months.

Speaking at the filthy freezing squat, he pleaded for the government to help provide more accommodation for the homeless community.

Im so lonely, all I want is a bit of companionship. There were people with me here before but theyre gone now, he added.

A metre away from Mr Souths sleeping quarters lies a tent where Louise Bubu Casey previously slept.

The mother of two was found dead in the city centre from a suspected drugs overdose on November 8 last. A man who overdosed on heroin was found dead in his sleeping bag in another tent there last September.

Isolated, in the middle of this abandoned shell, Mr South, whose parents died by the time he was 20, said he was unsure how to get the help he needed to get his life back on track.

Mr South, who dropped out of college a few years ago, said: Im here five or six months. Its a big old abandoned warehouse and its totally derelict; its a filthy place. Its freezing cold and riddled with rats.

Campsite for homeless appears in derelict warehouse in Limerick https://t.co/ADj8h3SdFA (GM) pic.twitter.com/kHvrKluwvh  Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 30, 2016

Unable to cope with life after his parents deaths, he abandoned the family home in Fedamore, ending up on the streets of Limerick city addicted to drugs and begging to feed his habit.

My parents died, I dropped out of college and I started smoking heroin. Im drug-free since February but Im stuck in a rut here, and I want to be doing something with my life.

At one point there were eight tents in the camp.

Im the only one staying here. There used to be about 15 people, that came down to eight, and then four, and then three, and now me, Im the last one. Ill be lucky to last a few months. I get lonely. Its terrifying coming down here at night because I dont know who will be here, he said.

Mr South said he did not want to stay in homeless hostels because of problems with drugs and people being threatened.

According to figures supplied by Limerick city and county council there were 57 children and 140 adults homeless in Limerick as of November 25.
Donal Billings, aged 66, also made bomb threats relating to the State banquet for the British monarch at Dublin Castle and against Cork Airport, from where the Queen was departing the country.

The court heard that in one bomb threat, the caller said he was from the Republican Brotherhood Squad, that there were mortars set for Dublin Castle, adding this is for the Queen.

In another threat, the caller said there were two bombs in the toilets at Cork Airport on the day the Queen was due to fly out. In a series of threats over five days in May 2011, Billings told gardai there was a bomb at the Sinn Fein headquarters in Dublin and on a second bus.

Garda investigations, including phone analysis and surveillance, resulted in the identification of the suspect, who was arrested on May 20 and found in possession of a SIM card and a mobile phone connected with making the death threats. Mr Justice Tony Hunt praised the gardai saying it was a well executed and comprehensive investigation. The court heard because the first threat by Billings on May 16, regarding the bomb on board a Dublin-bound bus, resulted in the seizure of a functioning explosive device, gardai treated his subsequent threats very seriously, although no bombs were located in those cases.

Billings was convicted at the Special Criminal Court last month of possessing an explosive device and four additional charges of making bomb threats during the royal visit.

The court heard that Billings, from Dublin but living in Drumlish, Co Longford, had a previous conviction in Northern Ireland from 1973 for unlawful possession of explosives and sentenced to eight years in prison.

Mr Justice Hunt said it was an obvious feature of concern that an explosive device was found on a bus with a large number of passengers, which could have caused great injury and destruction if detonated, either accidentally or not.

Detective Inspector Pat Finley, who led the investigation, said this fact, in the circumstances of a visit of a foreign dignitary to the country, meant the subsequent threats were taken very seriously.

A technical report on the bomb on the bus said there was no doubt the device, if initiated, could cause a large amount of destruction and that anyone in the vicinity of it could have experienced serious injury.

Sentencing will take place on December 15. Billings faces a maximum sentence of 14 years for the bomb charge.

News: 8

Editorial: 12
The local authority has been pushing hard in recent years to get unfinished or unmaintained estates under its control, thus ensuring residents have proper water and sewerage supplies, plus adequate lighting and footpaths.

Since a major push was launched by the council since 2010 it has taken over the running of 421 former private estates.

A report sought from council officials by the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Seamus McGrath, showed that the local authority had applied for special funding from the Government to takeover 92 estates.

The grant-aid was to be used to upgrade services to a standard that they could be in future maintained annually by the council.

John ONeill, the councils director of planning services, said that in July they received provisional approval for funding for 15 of the estates.

It is hoped that way more will be approved for takeover in the next few months.

Council officials did not list in their report which estates had already got the nod and which others were in the queue for approval. He said a significant amount of estates personnel resources has been concentrated on dealing with the initiative and they were progressing a list of candidate estates that it is proposed to progress to taking in charge as soon as possible.

However, he added this was subject to compliance with new protocols in place with Irish Water whose agreement in principle to take sanitary services in charge is required.

Mr McGrath, who has championed the cause in recent years of residents in private estates getting council control for their services, said he was pleased with the progress.

We owe it to residents whose estates have been neglected, he said.

Cllr Gerard Murphy said it was very important to keep the pressure on. He added it was encouraging financial institutions, which held insurance policies for developers who went bust during the recession, were now prepared to hand over money to finish off estates which did not have complete services.

North Cork-based Cllr Frank OFlynn said he thought it was a success story for the county council, but Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley, who lives in Youghal, said she had a number of estates in her area which still had not been taken in charge by the council.

Council CEO Tim Lucey said the local authority had made great progress over recent years, but taking over estates had become more complicated due to the creation of Irish Water.
Minister of state for communities and drugs strategy Catherine Byrne directly contradicted senior party officials during a closed parliamentary party meeting which saw backbench TDs urge ministers not to pursue people who have so far refused to pay charges.

Speaking during the two-hour meeting which was dominated by the Irish Water situation, Ms Byrne and at least a dozen other TDs and senators said people who paid must now be refunded.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 30, 2016) - Morumbi Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:MOC) ("Morumbi" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to the company's previous news releases concerning its acquisition (the "Acquisition") of the El Mochito zinc mine in Honduras ("El Mochito") from affiliates of Nyrstar NV ("Nyrstar"), the Company has satisfied all conditions precedent to the completion of the Acquisition capable of being satisfied prior to closing, other than the approval of the Honduran Commission for the Defense and Promotion of Competition. The result of the satisfaction of these conditions is that the outside date for the completion of the Acquisition is January 31, 2017, in accordance with the Company's September 22, 2016 share purchase agreement with Nyrstar (the "Agreement") pursuant to which the Company will acquire 100% of Nyrstar's indirect subsidiary American Pacific Honduras SA de CV ("AMPAC").

Key conditions that have now been satisfied include the final approval of the Acquisition by the TSX Venture Exchange, which the Company received on November 28, 2016, the settlement pursuant to the Agreement of a form of Off-take agreement between AMPAC and Nyrstar to be entered into on closing, the completion of an audit of the financial year of AMPAC ended December 31, 2015 and the completion of an independent technical report on El Mochito in accordance with NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, expected to be filed on SEDAR shortly.

Together with Nyrstar, the Company is continuing its discussions with Honduran anti-trust officials with a view to expediting the necessary approval and obtaining authorization to complete the Acquisition in advance of the expiry of the statutory waiting period under Honduran law. Such discussions continue to be positive and Morumbi remains optimistic of completing the Acquisition by the end of December 2016. Receipt of this approval is also one of the final escrow release conditions for the $19.5 million acquisition financing of subscription receipts, which closed on October 13, 2016. The Company also continues to make progress in its plans to qualify the securities underlying the subscription receipts and anticipates filing a short form prospectus to this end in December.

Commenting on the milestone, Chris Buncic President and CEO, stated, "We are very pleased with the continued progress on multiple fronts on this transformative transaction for the Company. We remain on course to assume operations at the mine and begin executing on our strategy by year end. Our constructive conversations and visits to the mine support our confidence in the opportunities to increase efficiencies we have previously expressed."

About Morumbi Resources

Morumbi is a public company focused on evaluating producing and advanced development stage mineral resource opportunities principally in Latin America. The Company recently announced a transaction to acquire the El Mochito mine in Honduras from Nyrstar NV, and is working to close this acquisition targeting the end of the year. The Company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "MOC".
GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB--(Marketwired - December 01, 2016) - ANGKOR GOLD CORP. (TSX VENTURE: ANK) (OTC PINK: ANKOF) ("Angkor" or "the Company") announced today the resignation of Mr. Aaron Triplett as Angkor's CFO to pursue other opportunities, and the appointment of Mr. Terry Mereniuk, B.Comm., CPA, CMC, as interim CFO.

Mr. Mereniuk is currently a director of Angkor. Mr. Mereniuk has been a Director and CFO of several public and private companies. Prior to that, he owned and operated his own accounting firm. Terry obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (with distinction) from the University of Alberta in 1981. He is a Certified Management Consultant since June 1988 and a Chartered Professional Accountant since December 1983.

The Company welcomes Mr. Mereniuk to his new role and extends its thanks to Mr. Triplett for his service. His contributions to the Company have been greatly appreciated.

ABOUT ANGKOR GOLD CORP.

ANGKOR Gold Corp. is a public company listed on the TSX-Venture Exchange and is Cambodia's premier mineral explorer with a large land package and a first-mover advantage building strong relationships with all levels of government and stakeholders.

ANGKOR'S six exploration licenses in the Kingdom of Cambodia cover 1,352 km2, which the company has been actively exploring over the past 6 years. The company has now covered all tenements with stream sediment geochemical sampling and has flown low level aeromagnetic surveys over most of the ground. Angkor has diamond drilled 21,855 metres in 190 holes, augured 2,643 metres over 728 holes, collected over 165,000 termite mound samples and 'B' and 'C' zone soil samples in over 20 centres of interest over a combined area of more than 140km2, in addition to numerous trenches, IP surveys and detailed geological field mapping. Exploration on all tenements is ongoing.

Website at: http://www.angkorgold.ca or follow us @AngkorGold for all the latest updates.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Dec. 1, 2016) - Pilot Gold Inc. (TSX:PLG) ("Pilot Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional drill results from the Main Zone at the 100% controlled Goldstrike Project in southwestern Utah. The primary target is shallow, Carlin-style, oxide gold mineralization within the 14 km2 "Historic Mine Trend", between and down-dip of historic open pits.

Highlights include:

2.00 g/t Au over 7.6 m in PGS107

in PGS107 0.88 g/t Au over 9.1 m in PGS 108

in PGS 108 0.47 g/t Au over 25.9 m in PGS109

in PGS109 0.52 g/t Au over 10.7 m in PGS 110

in PGS 110 0.51 g/t Au over 13.7 m in PGS 113

in PGS 113 0.70 g/t Au over 25.9 m in PGS114

in PGS114 0.42 g/t Au over 10.7 m and 0.87 g/t Au over 10.7 m in PGS115

and in PGS115 1.20 g/t Au over 22.9 m including 2.48 g/t over 6.1 m in PGS117

including in PGS117 0.84 g/t Au over 10.7 m including 1.20 g/t over 6.1 m and 0.83 g/t Au over 10.7 m in PGS126

including and over in PGS126 0.80 g/t Au over 22.9 m and 0.84 g/t Au over 27.4 m in PGS129

* Please note that due to having two drills on the property, assay results for the holes are not necessarily received in sequence.

KEY POINTS

Drilling has concluded in the Main Zone (located on the eastern end of the Historic Mine Trend) to prepare it for inclusion in a resource estimate, projected for completion in Q1/Q2 2017.

Over 30 additional drill holes are currently pending assay results. Of the 21 released drill holes, 18 holes contained mineralized intercepts of at least 0.26 g/t Au and nine of those contained a second mineralized intercept. Three holes had no significant results.

Assay results are pending from 17 holes drilled in the Dip Slope target, an area approximately 2.5 km long and up to 750 m wide, located to the north of the Main Zone. This area hosts several historic pits with unmined gold intercepts in historic holes and much of the target area is very sparsely drilled.

One drill is currently focused on the Covington - Moosehead historical pit areas, testing the main graben-bounding Covington fault.

A second drill is testing the Peg Leg Graben, located to the southwest of the Main Zone. Results are pending from all of these holes.

Hole PGS129 is a new discovery area in the Main Zone, extending to the north towards the Dip Slope target.

ABOUT GOLDSTRIKE

Goldstrike is located in the eastern Great Basin, immediately adjacent to the Utah/Nevada border, and is a Carlin-style gold system, similar in many ways to the prolific deposits located along Nevada's Carlin trend. Like Kinsley Mountain and Newmont's Long Canyon deposit, Goldstrike represents part of a growing number of Carlin-type systems located off the main Carlin and Cortez trends in largely underexplored parts of the Great Basin.

Goldstrike is an early-stage exploration projects and does not contain any mineral resource estimates as defined by NI 43-101. The potential quantities and grades disclosed herein are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource for the targets disclosed herein. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in these targets being delineated as a mineral resource.

Further information on Goldstrike is available in the technical report entitled "Technical Report on the Goldstrike Project, Washington County, Utah, U.S.A.", effective April 1, 2016 and dated October 7, 2016, prepared by Michael M. Gustin, C.P.G. and Moira Smith, Ph.D., P.Geo., available on the Company's website at www.pilotgold.com or under Pilot Gold's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 1, 2016) - Probe Metals Inc. (TSX VENTURE:PRB) ("Probe" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding option agreement with Alexandria Minerals Corporation ("Alexandria"), whereby Probe may earn up to a 70% interest in the Cadillac Break East Property (the "Property"), located 25 km east-southeast of Val-d'Or, Quebec. The Property is comprised of 232 mining claims totaling approximately 72 square kilometres and will be part of the Company's Val-d'Or East Project ("Val-d'Or East").

David Palmer, President & CEO of Probe Mines states "This transaction forms part of our Val-d'Or East consolidation strategy, designed to acquire highly prospective ground in what we see as an under-explored part of one of Canada's premier gold mining camps. In addition to the property hosting over 300,000 ounces of gold, we have also strengthened our exploration potential with over 14 kilometres of strike length along the prolific Cadillac Lake Break, a structure responsible for over 20 million ounces of gold production in Quebec. We are very pleased to be working with an established Val-d'Or exploration company like Alexandria, who's experience and knowledge of the area will be invaluable in advancing our exploration programs and unlocking value for both companies. We look forward to starting work on the property as soon as possible."

Figure 1 - Val-d'Or East Project





The highlights of the agreement are as follows:

Probe will issue 300,000 common shares to Alexandria;

Probe may earn a 60% interest (the "First Option") in the Property by spending an aggregate of $5,000,000 on exploration expenditures over 4 years;

Upon completion of the earn-in requirement, a joint venture will be formed with Probe holding a 60% joint venture interest and Alexandria owning a 40% joint venture interest.

Probe may earn an additional 10% (total of 70%) interest in the Property by completing a pre-feasibility study, incurring an additional $2,000,000 in exploration expenditure and issuing 200,000 common shares to Alexandria on completion of the 70% earn-in requirement.

Thereafter, each party will be required to contribute to any further programs pro rata according to its joint venture interest. Should a joint venture party fail to make any of its required program contributions, its interest will be diluted accordingly. If a party's joint venture interest is diluted below 10%, its joint venture interest will be converted to a 2% NSR.

Probe will be the operator of exploration programs on the Property.

About the Cadillac Break East Property:

The property is relatively underexplored and, although little detail is known of the subsurface geology, it is generally recognized that the geological environment shows potential for both gold and base metals. The property is underlain by mafic to felsic volcanic rocks and related sills of the Malartic Group, underlying the north half of the property, in contact with sedimentary rocks of the Pontiac Group, to the south. The contact between the two geologic terrains is the Cadillac Break Shear Zone, a major geologic fault zone that controls the location of gold deposits over a distance of 300 kilometers in Quebec and Ontario.

Located along the north edge of the property is the Sleepy gold project, which hosts a Current Resource of 1,855,300 t @ 5.1 g/t gold, for a total of 307,350 oz. gold, uncapped (see Alexandria Minerals Press Release, October 22, 2014). The gold resources occur as disseminated gold-pyrite mineralization hosted in the Vicour Sill, a differentiated, 7 km long gabbro-diorite sill.

Beyond the Sleepy project boundaries, past exploration work since the 1920's has consisted of regional and early stage exploration programs. These include airborne geophysical surveys, principally magnetic, VLF and electromagnetic (EM) surveys, as well as local surface magnetic, EM, and Induced Polarization surveys. The property has also been the subject of overburden drilling campaigns, local soil geochemistry surveys and prospecting. Bedrock drill campaigns have generally been small in number and size, ranging from single holes to six holes at any given time.

Due to the relatively limited amount of bedrock drilling, gold and base metal prospects are widely scattered. Mineralization intersected in surface prospects and drill holes include copper and zinc sulfides, massive pyrite layers, and gold-quartz-tourmaline-pyrite veins.

The agreement is subject to the TSX Venture Exchange approval.

Qualified Person:

The technical content of this press release has been reviewed by Mr. Marco Gagnon, P.Geo, who is a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of NI 43-101, and Executive Vice-President and a director of Probe.

About Probe Metals:

Probe Metals Inc. is a leading Canadian gold exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company is well-funded and controls a strategic land package of over 1,000-square-kilometres of exploration ground within some of the most prolific gold belts in Ontario and Quebec: Val d'Or, West Timmins, Casa-Berardi and Detour Quebec. The Company is committed to discovering and developing high-quality gold projects, including its key asset the Val-d'Or East Gold Project. The Company was formed as a result of the sale of Probe Mines Limited to Goldcorp on March 13, 2015. Goldcorp currently owns a 14% stake in the Company.
People's Party proposes vote on motion Monday



By Kim Hyo-jin





President Park Geun-hye's political gambit to let the National Assembly decide on her presidency has apparently succeeded in distracting the National Assembly from the move to impeach her.



The opposition bloc failed to submit a joint impeachment motion against Park, Thursday, after the second-largest opposition People's Party raised an objection to the timing.



They initially planned to submit the motion for a parliamentary vote Friday in cooperation with a group of anti-Park lawmakers from the ruling Saenuri Party.



However, the People's Party called for a delay in the vote, citing changing sentiment toward the impeachment among the members of the Saenuri Party.



It instead proposed voting on the motion Dec. 5. Interim leader Park Jie-won said his party decided the date as its official position, expressing hopes that the remaining opposition parties will get onboard.



Leaders of the three opposition parties met earlier in the day to narrow their differences on when to forward it, but to no avail.



Main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairwoman Rep. Choo Mi-ae, along with Chairwoman Rep. Sim Sang-jeung of the minor opposition Justice Party, pushed hard to submit the motion Thursday, propelled by public sentiment and confidence in the ruling party's inevitable participation in the vote.



But Rep. Park insisted on delaying it to either Dec. 5 or 9, expressing concerns that the motion could be voted down with no promise of support from ruling party lawmakers.



"The Saenuri Party lawmakers have no intention to back the impeachment even if we arrange the vote for Dec. 9," Choo said during the meeting. "If we delay the vote, it is inevitable that we will lose momentum in pushing for impeachment."



Rep. Sim agreed, saying, "It is the people's order to do it on Friday. The delay won't change anything. If the ruling party votes against the motion, they will do the same next week."



Rep. Park, however, objected, saying the opposition bloc needs to persuade anti-Park lawmakers to join them first. "Not submission, but passage of the motion should be the aim of the impeachment process," he said.



The submission of an impeachment motion is only possible when a majority of 300 Assemblymen support it. The remaining opposition parties cannot meet the required number 151 without the 38 People's Party lawmakers.



Their clash came after the ruling Saenuri Party made it an official position that it will have the President step down by the end of April and push for an early presidential election in June, prioritizing the shortening of the presidential term to impeachment.



Anti-Park lawmakers in the Saenuri Party agreed to the plan for the President's orderly handover of power, which has been supported by her loyalists, showing signs of breaking away from their earlier impeachment efforts.



Their changing stance was already detected during Choo's meeting with former Saenuri Party Chairman Kim Moo-sung, a de-facto leader of the anti-Park lawmakers, earlier in the day.



During the meeting, Kim clashed with Choo, asking her to end the push for the impeachment if Park decides to leave by the end of April. Choo declined, saying the President should be ousted by January at the latest.



This brought a severe backlash from the People's Party. It denounced Choo for unilaterally arranging the meeting with Kim and mentioning the shortening of Park's term, after the opposition parties agreed not to discuss it but to push for impeachment.



"It is just impossible to understand why Choo acts unilaterally, ignoring a united move with other opposition parties," People's Party interim leader Park, told reporters. "If the motion is voted down, it will only be giving an indulgence to the President."



The ruling party lawmakers who are not affiliated with Park hold the key to passing the impeachment motion. Assuming 172 opposition and independent lawmakers all vote in favor, at least 28 votes are required from the ruling bloc. The law requires support from two-thirds of the 300-member National Assembly to pass the motion.




Delhi Police has said that an FIR has been registered and investigation has also started into Twitter hacking case.

By India Today Web Desk: The cyber cell of Delhi Police today began its probe into the hacking of Rahul Gandhi's verified Twitter account after the Congress filed a First Information Report (FIR) earlier today.

Delhi Police's Joint Commissioner Deependra Pathak said, "Delhi Police has received a complaint regarding Rahul Gandhi Twitter case. The FIR has been registered. We have started the investigation."

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Rahul's account was hacked twice in the last 24 hours. On Wednesday evening, abusive posts laden with expletives appeared on his timeline. They were posted again this morning, shortly after a case was registered by Congress spokesperson RS Surjewala.

A longer set of similar tweets was also posted on @INCIndia, the official Twitter handle of Rahul's party, the Indian National Congress.

Also read: Got them keys: Moments after case filed over Rahul Gandhi's Twitter hacking, Congress account now hacked

One of the tweets on the Congress account said that a "full dump" of party emails will be posted soon. "...Stay tuned for Christmas special. We have enough info to drop your party down to shreds," it said.

EYE-OPENER FOR MODI: CONGRESS

The Congress said the hacking exposed the vulnerability of cyber security and digital platforms. It also said it's an eye-opener for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has over 25 million Twitter followers.

The party's Communication Department in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said: "First @OfficeOfRG and now @INCIndia hacked by lumpen fascists. Free speech and right to disagree in India is under attack by licensed trolls."

"Such despotic and vulgar attempts reflect the extremities of an intolerant culture that resorts to abuse when cornered and left answer less," added in his tweet.

Also read: Nagrota attack: Congress demands tribute to martyrs, walks out of Lok Sabha

Surjewala said Congress has fought "such hatred and animosity with Gandhian compassion and tolerance. Sabko Sanmati dey bhagwan (in hindi)".

CENTRE ORDERS PROBE

The Centre has ordered an inquiry into the hacking of the Twitter accounts of Congress and Rahul Gandhi. Informing this, Information and Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "We have ordered an inquiry."

Prasad said a strict action would be taken in the hacking of Rahul Gandhi's hacking. There should not be any politics in it, he added.

Congress MP Kapil Sibal said cyber security issue was not new and the government would have to assure everyone's digital security before speaking about digitalization.

Congress' Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor said the hacking was not hectors or amateurs. This had been done by professionals. "We want the government to hold a transparent and thorough probe," he said.

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Party MP Ashok Chavan too has demanded that the Centre should look into the matter.

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Yoon Su-yeon stands on the street in Osaka, Japan, on Monday to offer hugs to Japanese passersby. / Captured from YouTube



By Hong Dam-young

A Korean woman dressed in traditional attire has held her arms wide open for a hug in the middle of a busy street in Osaka, Japan, where anti-Korea sentiment has been running high recently.

A wooden sign in front of her read in Japanese: "I am Korean. Anti-Korea rally is taking place across the street. But I trust you. Would you like a hug?"

Her eyes were covered and nervousness was etched on her face.

Yoon Su-yeon stood on the street Monday to offer hugs to Japanese passersby.

A group of anti-Korea protesters marched behind her waving "Rising Sun" flags, a reminder of Japanese war crimes and imperial aggression during the Second World War. The use of the flag is considered heavily offensive in Korea, a Japanese colony from 1910 to 1945.





The video that captured the hugs  released on YouTube on Monday  showed curious Japanese people flocking around her. Nobody approached at first, but a young woman made the first move. Then, one after another, smiling people of all ages hugged her.



Her bold move got the attention of many, following long-running anti-Korea sentiment that has been increasing in Osaka in response to "wasabi terror."

The incident unfolded in October when some Korean visitors accused a sushi restaurant in central Osaka of intentionally serving them excessive wasabi "to make fun of them." The report sparked controversy on social media over whether the extra wasabi was a discriminatory and ill-intended act by the Japanese restaurant against Korean customers.

Other incidents followed in which Japanese allegedly attacked Koreans and damaged a Korean national flag by drawing cockroaches on it.

The Korean consulate general in Osaka even warned Korean visitors to be careful.





A passerby hugs Yoon while curious Japanese people flocked around her. / Captured from the Internet



Meanwhile, the free-hug campaign to dispel such enmity was started by a Japanese man who also filmed Monday's free hug. Koichi Kuwabara, 31, has been repeating the campaign across major cities of the two countries, including Busan in Korea and Kyoto in Japan, for the past five years. As the campaign grew, volunteers from both countries joined in. On his first outing in Korea in 2011, he reportedly hugged 100 people in three days.

The 2:30 minute YouTube video went viral on social media, with netizens commenting: "This is so touching," "Love wins hatred" and "I feel grateful for their effort to bring the two countries together."

The clip signs off with narration that resonates with both sides.

"Hatred doesn't bring peace. We can stay together with smiling faces.

"Won't you build our future together?"
This file photo taken on May 25, 2002 shows Cuban President Fidel Castro speaking to a crowd, holding a Cuban flag, in Sancti-Spiritus, some 340 kilometers east of Havana. / AFP



By Park Si-soo



Cuba's former President Fidel Castro, who led a rebel army to improbable victory, embraced Soviet-style communism and defied the power of 10 U.S. presidents during his half century rule, has died at age 90.

"The commander in chief of the Cuban revolution died at 10:29 p.m. (Friday)," President Raul Castro said in an urgent TV speech. The President ended his announcement by shouting the revolutionary slogan: "Toward victory, always!"

Fidel Castro ruled Cuba as a one-party state for almost 50 years before Raul, his younger brother, took over in 2008. The senior Castro will be cremated on Dec. 4.

In April, Fidel Castro gave a rare speech on the final day of the country's Communist Party congress.

He acknowledged his advanced age but said Cuban communist concepts were still valid and the Cuban people "will be victorious."

"I'll soon be 90," the former president said, adding that this was "something I'd never imagined."

"Soon I'll be like all the others, "to all our turn must come," Fidel Castro said.

Castro -- who had survived many assassination plots -- was the longest serving non-royal leader of the 20th Century.







A file picture dated 03 January 2004 shows Cuban President Fidel Castro addressing the nation on occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution in the Karl Marx Theater in La Havana. / EPA-Yonhap



His legacy



Castro's reign over the island-nation 145 kilometers from Florida was marked by the U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis a year later that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

The bearded revolutionary, who survived a crippling U.S. trade embargo as well as dozens, possibly hundreds, of assassination plots, died 10 years after ill health forced him to hand power over to Raul.

Castro overcame imprisonment at the hands of dictator Fulgencio Batista, exile in Mexico and a disastrous start to his rebellion before triumphantly riding into Havana in January 1959 to become, at age 32, the youngest leader in Latin America. For decades, he served as an inspiration and source of support to revolutionaries from Latin America to Africa.



His commitment to socialism was unwavering, though his power finally began to fade in mid-2006 when a gastrointestinal ailment forced him to hand over the presidency to Raul in 2008, provisionally at first and then permanently. His defiant image lingered long after he gave up his trademark Cohiba cigars for health reasons and his tall frame grew stooped.

''Socialism or death'' remained Castro's rallying cry even as Western-style democracy swept the globe and other communist regimes in China and Vietnam embraced capitalism, leaving this island of 11 million people an economically crippled Marxist curiosity.

In this March 14, 1957 file photo, Fidel Castro, the young anti-Batista guerrilla leader, center, is seen with his brother Raul Castro, left, and Camilo Cienfuegos, right, while operating in the Mountains of Eastern Cuba. / AP-Yonhap



He survived long enough to see Raul Castro negotiate an opening with U.S. President Barack Obama on Dec. 17, 2014, when Washington and Havana announced they would move to restore diplomatic ties for the first time since they were severed in 1961.

He cautiously blessed the historic deal with his lifelong enemy in a letter published after a month-long silence. Obama made a historic visit to Havana in March 2016.

Fidel Castro Ruz was born Aug. 13, 1926, in eastern Cuba's sugar country, where his Spanish immigrant father worked first recruiting labor for U.S. sugar companies and later built up a prosperous plantation of his own.

Castro attended Jesuit schools, then the University of Havana, where he received law and social science degrees. His life as a rebel began in 1953 with a reckless attack on the Moncada military barracks in the eastern city of Santiago. Most of his comrades were killed and Fidel and his brother Raul went to prison.

Fidel turned his trial defense into a manifesto that he smuggled out of jail, famously declaring, ''History will absolve me.''

Freed under a pardon, Castro fled to Mexico and organized a rebel band that returned in 1956, sailing across the Gulf of Mexico to Cuba on a yacht named Granma. After losing most of his group in a bungled landing, he rallied support in Cuba's eastern Sierra Maestra mountains.

Three years later, tens of thousands spilled into the streets of Havana to celebrate Batista's downfall and catch a glimpse of Castro as his rebel caravan arrived in the capital on Jan. 8, 1959.

The U.S. was among the first to formally recognize his government, cautiously trusting Castro's early assurances he merely wanted to restore democracy, not install socialism.







This Sept. 25, 2016 file photo shows Cuba's former leader Fidel Castro talking with China's Premier Li Keqiang, in one of the last pictures taken of Castro before he died, in Havana, Cuba. / AP-Yonhap



Within months, Castro was imposing radical economic reforms. Members of the old government went before summary courts, and at least 582 were shot by firing squads over two years. Independent newspapers were closed and in the early years, homosexuals were herded into camps for ''re-education.''

In 1964, Castro acknowledged holding 15,000 political prisoners. Hundreds of thousands of Cubans fled, including Castro's daughter Alina Fernandez Revuelta and his younger sister Juana.

Still, the revolution thrilled millions in Cuba and across Latin America who saw it as an example of how the seemingly arrogant Yankees could be defied. And many on the island were happy to see the seizure of property of the landed class, the expulsion of American gangsters and the closure of their casinos.
By India Today Web Desk: It's been almost a year since Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif decided to part ways. If the two have ignored each other off camera, they have maintained a stoic silence on camera. And with the two shooting for a film together amidst their break-up, things have been too uncomfortable. But being the complete professionals that the two are, Ranbir and Katrina have wrapped up the shooting of Anurag Basu's much-awaited film Jagga Jasoos. And soon the lead cast will have to begin promotions of the film. And this is what is giving the makers sleepless nights.

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ALSO READ: How did Katrina Kaif react to Ranbir Kapoor's Koffee With Karan episode, you wonder?

ALSO READ: Are Ranbir-Katrina back together? Secret meetings suggest so

However, buzz has it that the makers of Jagga Jasoos have issued a diktat to Ranbir and Katrina to keep their personal differences aside and promote the film with more affection.

According to a report in DNA, Ranbir and Katrina are being given the example of Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone and have been asked to follow in their footsteps in terms of film promotions.

A source was quoted as telling the daily, "The production team wants Ranbir and Katrina to promote the film like Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh - with sincerity and affection. Ranveer is extremely exuberant, demonstrative and physical in his show of affection. Katrina and Ranbir have moved on in their lives, but the film's team want them to be more affectionate and natural towards each other as they will be promoting the film together."

Keeping in view the cold vibes between Ranbir and Katrina on the sets of Jagga Jasoos, the makers want them to take it easy during the film promotions. "Right now, they are not even talking to each other. They shot the last schedule in Mumbai last week in complete silence. They would come on the sets, shoot, and go back to their vans. There have been enough delayed schedules and cancellations of the film's dates because of the couple and the film has been delayed by almost two years. Now the producers don't want to take any additional risks before the release," added the source.

A lot has been written about the awkwardness between the ex-lovers on the film sets and the makers want that to remain the past. While Ranbir, who is also one of the producers of Jagga Jasoos, is ready to be amicable, Katrina apparently isn't too keen.

"The producers of Jagga Jasoos feel that the cold vibes between their main leads might affect the box-office prospects of the film and there has been enough negativity around it. It remains to be seen now whether Katrina or Ranbir toe the line on this one. While Ranbir has a stake in the film, being one of the producers, Katrina is in no mood to listen," said the source.

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Jagga Jasoos is a story about a detective in search of his missing father. The film is set to hit the screens on April 7, 2017.

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By Karishma Kuenzang: It is time to huddle inside blankets and replace your cocktails and beer with warm rum, toddy and mulled wine. For those who have declared their undying love for wine, several restaurants in the city are offering special discounts on the Lannisters' favourite drink. There are special sangria nights (always a hit among women) and wine tastings too. Here, we list out four places - Raasta, Sevilla-The Claridges, Fio Cookhouse & Bar and Tabula Beach Cafe - where you can indulge in tasting the elixir of the gods.

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Raasta

Where: Hauz Khas Village (Sundays); Cyber Hub, Gurugram (Tuesdays)

Price for two: Rs.2,000 While Raasta serves one type of sangria based on red wine, its combination of the Bob Marley tunes along with Sangria on the house can be quite pleasant. Sip its special sangria and groove to tunes by Dr Paddy, who will be spinning a heady mix of beats. Joy Singh, co-partner Raasta, says, "People are going to shift to rum for the warmth it gives in the chill. Sangria nights have a special place here because of its Caribbean connection, and it's a good drink to serve at this time of the year, thanks to the weather! It's a really classy cocktail."

The sangria at Raasta is simply delicious. Photo: Mail Today

Fio Cookhouse & Bar

Where: Epicuria Mall, Nehru Place

Price for two: Rs.3,500If you're looking for sangria deals, then head to Fio Cookhouse & Bar where they are giving a discount on their 1,000 ml sangria pitcher, from Mondays to Sundays, 4 pm to 7 pm. Ideal for an evening of catching up, the outlet is seeing a lot of couples on a date or friends lapping up the deal. Their concoction, made with 150ml wine, 150ml Triple Sec and 5ml cherry syrup, topped with apples, grapes, pomegranate and oranges, chilled overnight, promises to give a pleasant kick.

Also read: We need to market better, experiment more and drink wine, say India's top culinary experts

Tabula Beach Cafe

Where: Khel Gaon Marg, Asian Games Village Complex

Price for two: Rs.2,000It hosted its first Sangria night for ladies in July, and introduced free sangrias for women every week at their ladies' night on Tuesdays for November, after seeing the phenomenal response it got. It offers red sangria - made by using orange juice, Vodka, Red wine, Peach schnapps -and white sangria. Book a table, because it gets quite crowded.

Sevilla-The Claridges has a great collection of wine. Photo: Mail Today

Sevilla - The Claridges

Where: 12, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, Aurangzeb Road

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Price for two: Rs.4,500Sevilla has collaborated with wineries from across France to introduce five organic wines to its menu. Sourced from small family-owned estates, these wines are from regions across France where wine-making is a passion handed down from generation to generation. The Loire Valley, especially, has a long history of wine-making. The wines exhibit fruitiness with fresh, crisp flavours. The organic wines being served under Sevilla's name include La Mariole from Xavier Ledogar, Languedoc, made using centuryold Carignan vines which has a smoky and spicy flavour.

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By PTI: From Aditi Khanna

London, Dec 1 (PTI) Immigration into the UK from within the European Union (EU) has officially overtaken the rest of the world, with Romania replacing India at the top of the table in official figures released today.

Romanians accounted for 10 per cent of all immigration in 2015 with 54,000 people coming to live in Britain ? more than any other nationality, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

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China contributed 44,000 immigrants, followed by Poland with 38,000 tally, and India was third with 36,000.

"Immigration levels are now among the highest estimates recorded ? the inflow of EU citizens is also at historically high levels and similar to the inflow of non-EU citizens," said Nicola White, ONS head of international migration statistics.

"These long-term immigration figures run up to the end of June, so it is too early to say what effect, if any, the EU referendum has had on long-term international migration," she said.

Immigration was one of the key issues that is believed to have swung the vote in favour of an exit from the EU in the June 23rd referendum.

Annual net migration to Britain in the 12 months to June 2016, or before the Brexit referendum, continued at a record level of 335,000.

This remains far from the UK governments target to reduce net migration levels to the "tens of thousands".

However, Downing Street insisted Prime Minister Theresa May remains committed to that target.

"She remains absolutely committed to bringing net immigration down to sustainable levels, which means tens of thousands, but we have made clear it will take time," a spokesperson said.

UK Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill hinted at further tightening of immigration measures for non-EU nationals, which will include India, as their hands remain tied on internal European migration until the EUs freedom of movement rules can be addressed once official Brexit negotiations kick off.

"We continue to reform non-EU immigration routes to ensure we attract the best and brightest, who benefit and contribute to this country. But there is more to do as we build an immigration system that delivers the control we need," Goodwill said.

This years migration was largely fuelled by the highest- ever influx of EU nationals in the 12 months before Junes referendum.

Europeans came to Britain for work, from countries like Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Spain and Sweden.

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The overall 650,000 level of immigration for the year until June 2016 was made up of 284,000 EU citizens coming to live and work in Britain, 289,000 coming from outside Europe and 77,000 Britons returning to live in the UK. PTI AK CPS AKJ CPS

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The battle of Isandlwana represented a clash of two radically different military systems  a modern, Western, technologically-advanced professional army pitched against an indigenous African tribal army of part-time warriors armed primarily with shields and spears.

The British Army was in a state of flux in the 1870s, and many attitudes and practices which had survived since the days of the Napoleonic Wars, more than 60 years before, were gradually giving way to more progressive ideas. Although perhaps no longer the scum of the earth of Wellingtons day, ordinary soldiers were still recruited from among the poorest levels of British society, and men signed on for a minimum of six years service, with a further six on the active reserve. The standard infantry tactical unit of the day was the infantry battalion  eight companies, nominally of 100 officers and men apiece, but often under-strength in field conditions.

Battalions constituted tightly-knit, family-like units, with common traditions and histories, despite the huge social gulf that separated the rank-and-file from from the officers who commanded them.

Both battalions of the 24th Regiment were attached to the Centre Column  which was unusual, since it was rare for two battalions of the same regiment to serve together. Five companies of the 1/24th and one company of the 2/24th were wiped out at Isandlwana, while Rorkes Drift was defended by B Company of the 2/24th.

While troops serving in India were allowed to wear khaki uniforms, infantry battalions still fought in scarlet tunics elsewhere in the world, even in the summer heat in Zululand. They were armed with the single-shot breach-loading Martini-Henry rifle, which was considered one of the best military firearms of the day  it was robust, easy to use, and accurate, particularly under battlefield conditions at ranges of 300 yards or less. Changes in battlefield theory meant that in 1879 the British were beginning to experiment with more open and fluid tactics on the battlefield. Ironically, the dispersal of detachments over too wide an area was a major factor in the defeat at Isandlwana.

Pulleines forces were supported by two light 7-pdr muzzle-loading guns, while Durnfords command included a battery of three rockets  gloriously Victorian contraptions which fired a 9-pdr shell, essentially a modified firework, from a collapsible metal frame.

Natal volunteers

Chelmsford had no regular cavalry troops available at the beginning of 1879, and instead persuaded the Natal authorities to allow him to deploy the small settler Volunteer units which the colony had raised for its own defence. Apart from the professional Natal Mounted Police, these were part-time militias who met once a year to train, who chose their own uniforms and elected their own officers, but who were armed and equipped by the Colony.

The movement was popular among the sons of the settler-gentry, and most could ride and shoot and understood the country and local conditions, but they lacked the experience of the regulars. 25 Policemen and 32 Volunteers from three different units were killed at Isandlwana.

To further make up his numbers, Chelmsford pressurised the Natal Government to raise an auxiliary force, the Natal Native Contingent, from among the Colonys African population, many of whom were linked to the Zulu kingdom by past conflicts. Despite some reluctance on the part of the Colony to arms its majority population, three regiments of infantry and five smaller mounted units were raised.

They were not authorised until the end of 1878, however, and had only weeks to train for the war, and the infantry, in particular, suffered from a shortage of good European officers and NCOs. Only one man in ten was issued with a firearm  the rest 1carried traditional weapons and were distinguished from their Zulu enemies by little more than a red head-band and a rolled blanket.

To read about the Anglo-Zulu War, see the latest issue of Military Times  out now
Immediately following yesterdays news that Yoenis Cespedes had agreed to re-sign with the Mets on a new four-year deal, speculation about the possibility of a Jay Bruce trade began. Reports earlier in the week had indicated that the Mets would try to trade Bruce in the event of a new Cespedes deal, but Newsdays Marc Carig reports that Curtis Granderson is drawing more trade interest than Bruce in early talks. Per Carig, the Mets arent closed off entirely to the idea of moving Granderson over Bruce, but the decision will be influenced by the strength of the return theyd get in a Granderson deal. The Blue Jays are one team with interest in Granderson, according to FanRags Jon Heyman (Twitter link).

Meanwhile, MLB.coms Anthony DiComo reports that the Mets overwhelmingly strong preference is to move Bruce as opposed to one of Granderson, Michael Conforto or Juan Lagares (Twitter links). While the Mets have gotten calls on all four outfielders, DiComo conveys that the Mets have made it clear that neither Conforto nor Lagares will be going anywhere. The Tigers made an attempt at prying Conforto away from the Mets when they asked for him in return for J.D. Martinez prior to New Yorks deal with Cespedes, Carig reports in his column, but that lopsided asking price predictably didnt gain any traction with the Mets. (The Posts Mike Puma notes that the the Mets still consider Conforto a building block moving forward even after his rough 2016 season.)

The financial difference between Bruce and Granderson isnt especially great, with Bruce set to earn $13MM next year to Grandersons $15MM. However, Granderson has been a quietly productive member of the Mets since signing his four-year, $60MM pact prior to the 2013 season, hitting a combined .241/.342/.436 and averaging 25 homers per season. While neither slugger has hit lefties whatsoever in recent years, Granderson is better-equipped than Bruce to handle center field despite being six years older. It should also be noted, of course, that Bruces tenure with the Mets was mostly a struggle. Though he caught fire late in the year and went 12-for-25 with four homers over his final eight games, Bruce batted just .219/.294/.391 as a member of the Mets, including a .174/.252/.285 skid prior to that eight-game heater to close out the year.
Strategic Communications Africa Ltd. (Stratcomm Africa) is set to celebrate with all, the 10th edition of Praise Jam, a praise and worship ministry, on Saturday, 3rd December at the Accra International Conference Centre at 4pm.

This years event with the theme, Our God, Our Rock, Our Salvation...10 years & counting will see spirit-filled performances from top gospel artistes such as Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Joe Mettle, DSP Kofi Sarpong, Opiesie Esther ,Eugene Zuta , Pastor Bright, E Rock, Kofi Ennin, Gramophone chorus and many others.

According to the CEO of Stratcomm Africa, Praise Jam is one of the many ways in which we deploy our God given talents and expertise to His service. Through Praise Jam, we communicate the goodness of God, to edify believers, present Him to those who have not met Him even as we glorify Him.

She added, we have no doubt that our theme this year means as much to you as it means to us.For where would we be without Him?He has been our Rock and our Salvation!.

Praise Jam has since its inception continuously brought together Stratcomm Africas clients, suppliers, family members and members of the general public to praise and thank God for his blessings throughout the year.

Praise Jam 2016 powered by Stratcomm Africa is sponsored by Uber, Jospong Group of Companies, Casilda, DPI, The page Hotel, , Cadling Fashions, and John Moore. Patrons will get a free Uber Ride to the show. Follow Stratcomm Africa on Facebook and on Instagram

Media partners for the 10th anniversary edition include Starr FM, Live FM, Kasapa FM, Empire Fm, Sweet Melodies, Ghana News Agency, Ghanaian Times Newspaper, Daily Graphic, Graphic Showbiz, Spectator , The Finder, Daily Dispatch, , The Enquirer, The herald, The New Crusading Guide, News Ghana, Modern Ghana and The Chronicle

About Stratcomm Africa

Strategic Communications Africa Ltd. (Stratcomm Africa) is an international total communication, reputation management and research agency dedicated to using communications as a means of enhancing performance in various contexts. Stratcomm Africa specializes in evolving and implementing systematic and comprehensive communication strategies for individuals, organizations, public and private, both national and international settings.

About Praise Jam

Praise Jam is an annual praise and thanksgiving event organized by Stratcomm Africa. The event seeks to create a platform to celebrate and thank the Lord for His goodness through the year.
01.12.2016 LISTEN

Debbys long awaited debut single Mighty God was produced by multi-award winner, Evans Ogboi. The song tells of her divine transformation; how God healed her brokenness and set her free.

The song is to encourage the world that God is mighty and will fulfil His promises in no time. Therefore, anticipate God, answered prayers, joy, hope and freedom through her music.

DOWNLOAD

Download link: https://goo.gl/pi8Ghs

LYRICS

MIGHTY GOD

Written by Debby Olusoga

Intro:

This is a victory song

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!!

Chorus:

Hallelujah

Hallelujah 2x

Verse 1:

From zero to hero.

And my sadness to sounds of joy

He turns pain to praises

What a mighty God is He.

Chorus:

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! 2x

Verse 2:

From slavery to freedom

From no one someone

He breaks my chain in pieces

What a Mighty God is He

Chorus:

Hallelujah !

Hallelujah 2x

BRIDGE/VAMP:

His name is Mighty

Mighty Mighty God /2ce

He rode on wind,

He part the the sea

He healed the sick

He sets me FREE..

He's Adonai, the King of Kings

Chorus:

Hallelujah

Hallelujah 2x

J E S U S

J E S U S 2x

Hallelujah

Hallelujah 2x

ABOUT DEBBY OLUSOGA

Deborah Olotu-Olusoga Debby is a Nigerian born, UK based multi-talented gospel artist. She's a prolific Songwriter and Worship Leader who started singing classical Christian music at the age of 8 in a Roman Catholic Church in Nigeria. Her love for music grew out of several unanswered questions she experienced while growing up and she began to develop her thoughts into writing, many of which became news article, songs and book. She was appointed at the Redeemed Christian Fellowship (RCF) as the Choir Coordinator while in higher Institution where she was fondly called CC Love, a combination of her title and one of her songs. She was a member of two different gospel bands and mass choir. She organised her first Youth Musical Concert in 2006 and has ministered at various churches and events.

Her aim is to reach the heart of every believer and non-believer with the love and liberty in Jesus Christ.

Debby obtained Bachelor of Science combined honours degree from the University of East London in Public health with Health Services Management. She also studied Mass Communication, Conflict Analysis and other Christian courses including Ministering to People in Pain.

CONNECT WITH DEBBY OLUSOGA

Facebook: Debby Olusoga

Instagram: @debbyolusoga

Twitter: @debbyolusoga
Afro-pop artiste Joseph Mensah Ntim, known also as Ogya Mensah De Voice in the music scene, has called on Ghanaians to vote for a leader who has the welfare of the people at heart.

The artiste who is credited with a number of hit songs mentioned that Ghana needs a visionary leader who loves the country than he loves his pockets.

Ogya Mensah who recently released his latest hit single titled 'Get Serious' said the stakeholders in the creative industry should vote for a serious leader who is ready to work closely with the industry to formulate ways to help musicians, actors and actresses reap the fruits of their labour.

The Afro-pop artiste charged Ghanaians to examine critically the track records and manifestos of the contending parties before they make their choices in the election.

He advised Ghanaians to refrain from violence and to do their bidding in order to ensure a peaceful general election come December 7.

He added, We must rather learn to tolerate and respect one another's preferred choice in order to have a peaceful election.
By PTI: Ahmedabad, Dec 1 (PTI) Police today seized cash worth Rs 20 lakh in scrapped Rs 1,000 notes from a vehicle at Vartej crossroads near Bhavnagar district of Gujarat.

Babusinh Parmar, a construction contractor from Palitana, was carrying the currency notes on his four-wheeler allegedly after collecting them from a relative living in Bhavnagar, and was on his way to his home town in Palitana in the same district, police said.

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Police stopped his car and found out that he was in an inebriated state. When his vehicle was checked, Rs 20 lakh in Rs 1,000-currency notes was recovered from his vehicle and he was detained.

"When asked about the source of the money and where he was carrying it, Parmar said that he had collected the money from his relative living in Bhavnagar," Vartej police official said.

"Parmar was booked under relevant sections of the motor vehicle act for drunk driving. He was detained and cash was seized and handed over to the Income Tax department," the official said. PTI KA PD DK BSA RYS

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The maiden edition of an event dubbed 'Great Volta Carnival', organised by GlobaFest, in partnership with One Ghana, turned out to be highly entertaining as artistes billed for the night thrilled music fans with magnificent live performances.

The event, held at the Jubilee Park in Ho in the Volta Region last Sunday, featured some of the Ghanaian music legends such as the BET award winner, Stonebwoy, Edem, dance hall artistes, Kaakie and Ebony.

The artistes who were unveiled as peace ambassadors early this month thrilled fans to an electric performance, which many described as the biggest peace concert outside Accra.

All the artistes used the concert to relaunch themselves. They held expectant fans spellbound with 40 minutes bouncy performances of songs from their old and new albums.

The fans sang and danced along with them throughout their stage performances. It was, indeed, not only an emotional, but also a memorable event.

The artistes used the event to encourage the youth to desist from any form of violence and election malpractice before, during or after the electioneering period.

Performing alongside the heavyweights were home-based artistes, Vibes Adel, Fresh Mc, Pacy and Lega, Flames, Kasere, Seyfame, Maestro, Tuwise, Remy Jay, Blaq Originator, Kush Elikem, Enamily, Bongo I, Kemenya and Klala.

Hiplife godfather Reggie Rockstone and Gemini were not left out as they made surprise appearances.

The Great Volta Carnival started on Saturday with a well-coordinated peace walk across the principal streets of Ho. It witnessed the attendance of supporters and stakeholders from the major political parties in the country.

Its main objective is to educate the youth as well as encourage Ghanaians and the people of the Volta Region to incorporate peace in the forthcoming December 7 polls.

Fifty cultural groups were on cue to display and educate attendees on the rich cultural values and heritage of the Volta Region.

Certificates were presented to peace ambassadors by former Minister of Transport, Dzifa Aku Ativor.
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Trade and International Relations, Mr Eddie Makue, has voiced satisfaction that all political parties in the Committee have welcomed the National Liquor Policy. Mr Makue said this is a positive step towards regulating responsible alcohol use in the country.

There was unanimity across all political party lines that indeed the policy is important and will contribute towards responsible drinking. This will potentially deal with the aspects of safety and security in the broader society, Mr Makue said.

We need to look at the detrimental impact alcohol has on our society and give consideration to raising the sin tax such that it becomes a deterrent to the abuse of alcohol, especially by young people, he said.

The Department of Trade and Industry was in Parliament to brief the Committee on the liquor policy. The Department said it had consulted widely, but cautioned that the liquor industry wields a significant influence over regulating the industry.

Mr Makue urged the Department to consult widely on the policy and ensure it reaches such organisations as religious leaders and taverns associations.
By Stephen Asante, GNA

Kumasi, Nov 30, GNA - Some national officers of the United Front Party (UFP) are fuming over the decision by their disqualified flagbearer, Nana Agyenim Boateng, to back the re-election bid by President John Dramani Mahama.

They said that was done without consulting the party and lacked popular support.

The aggrieved officers at a press conference addressed by Mr. David Bunya, the running mate and founding member of the UFP, said they were throwing their weight behind the New Patriotic Party's standard-bearer, Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

He said more than 75 per cent of the party's members were convinced that Nana Akufo-Addo would do a better job.

The NPP, it indicated, had the best alternative socio-economic development agenda likely to transform the lives of the people.

Its zeal to fight corruption, revolutionize the industrial sector and stimulate private sector growth together with plans to develop the education, agriculture and health sectors are admirable and require the support of everybody.

He said they found Nana Akufo-Addo as a strong and capable leader, who could restore hope to the nation's mismanaged economy by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Mr. Fred Osei-Agyen, also a founding member and the party's 2012 running mate, stated that the NDC was undeserving of another four-year term, adding, this would worsen the suffering the people.

He said the party would work hard to bring the NPP back to government to end the widespread economic suffering and pain.

In Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana would have one of the best leaders, somebody, who understands governance and capable of tackling the growing impoverishment of the population by the NDC's eight-year misrule.

Mr. Osei-Agyen said their decision to support the NPP was borne out of the party's strong performance - good track record of the Kufour Administration.

GNA
30.11.2016 LISTEN

By Joyce Danso, GNA

Accra Nov. 30, GNA - The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has launched a five- year strategic plan that would re-define the Ministry's strategic direction from 2017 to 2021.

The occasion was also used to outdoor the Ministry's Friday Wear.

Nana Oye Lithur, sector Minister who launched the plan estimated it to cost GHa 220, 268, 049 for executing the plan during the five- year, adding the plan was consistent with Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution.

She explained that the plan also aligned with the thematic areas of Ghana's Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework, Agenda 2030 of the African Union and the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations.

Nana Oye recalled that the Ministry of Gender was created by President John Dramani Mahama through an Executive Instrument in January, 2013 as a successor to the Ministry of Woman and Children's Affairs.

This, she said, implied the expansion of the mandate of the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs to include Gender and Social protection Issues.

'With the strategic change in focus, it became necessary to restructure the Ministry to enable us deliver on our expanded mandate,' Nana Oye Lithur added.

The sector Minister said the plan had eight focus areas with strategic goals of progressively reducing discrimination on grounds of sex, promote rights and empower all persons especially women and girls for sustainable development.

The Gender Minister said some of the focus areas include child rights promotion and development, social protection and development, domestic violence and human trafficking, research, information and data management.

Other areas she said were performance measurement, monitoring and evaluation, public education and financial mobilisation and Organisational Support Services.

Nana Oye Lithur said the Ministry aimed at progressively reducing the incidence of domestic violence and human trafficking as well as promoting evidence-based research, information and data management systems to ensure comprehensive, timely and reliable information and data for evidence based decision making.

According to her the Ministry among others would also promote communication and advocacy systems at all levels as well as promote gender, children and social protection issues.

To achieve the goals of the plan, Nana Oye Lithur said the Ministry would adequately provide resources to ensure sustainable implementation interventions in order to attain its mandate.

The Sector Minister who described the plan as participatory adding: ' We made frantic effort to engage all our stakeholders including beneficiaries of our interventions, civil society, development partners and other ministries, government agencies to ensure full coverage of all critical issues.'

According to her 'successful implementation of the plan will depend on the availability of both human and financial resources, as a ministry we will ensure that our focus areas prioritised in the budget ceilings to be given to government'.

She therefore appealed development partners, the private sector and civil society to partners the Ministry for effective implementation of the plan.

Mr Anthony Mends, a Consultant to the Ministry indicated that the plan would mainstream issues of aging in the development process, end hunger as well as expanding the school feeding programmes to cover all regions.

Mr Mends cited slow progress in eliminating gender-based irregularities, inadequate representation and participation of women in governance as well as low awareness and disregard of Children rights as some challenges facing the Ministry.

Other challenges he said were weak enforcement of Child Protection Legal framework and inadequate and insecure facilities for Correctional and Remand centres.

The Consultant said the plan when rolled out, correctional ad facilities would be refurbished and track all cases of child abuses for proper resolution.

GNA
By Gifty Amofa/ Mizpah Tumtuo, GNA

Kumasi, Nov 30, GNA - An 18-year old farmer caught with two locally manufactured short guns and cartridges has been remanded in prison custody by a Kumasi Circuit Court.

Fatawu Ali has been charged with unlawful possession with firearms and ammunition and pleaded not guilty.

He was ordered to make his next appearance on Thursday, December 15.

Police Inspector Owusu Agyemang told the court, presided over by Mrs. Mary Nsenkyire, that the accused was arrested on November 08.

These were found concealed in a bag, he was traveling with on a mini-bus during a snap check mounted by the police on the Kumasi-Techiman road, at Namong near Abofour.

Also uncovered in his bag was a mask, he added.

The prosecution said Ali in his caution statement denied ownership of the guns, ammunition and mask.

GNA
By Kwamina Tandoh, GNA

Accra, Nov. 30, GNA - Twenty two small and medium (SME) print companies in Ghana received the necessary skills to meet international standards through in-depth training by Canon Central and North Africa, a leader in imaging solutions and Invest in Africa.

The Professional Print Excellence programme was held in partnership with Invest in Africa, a cross-sector partnership of companies with the vision to create thriving African economies working with private and local public sector companies.

It aimed to improve the commercial and technical skills of 22 local professional printing SMEs by providing them with focused training to help run large volumes of business and deliver world-class printing products and services.

Owners and managers of the local SMEs were trained and mentored over a year, which included a two-week intensive entrepreneurial, business management and business planning skills programme that was delivered by third party experts such as Empretec and Ernst and Young.

In addition, technical skills were provided by Canon trainers with support from Invest in Africa and MFI International Group.

The partnership between the two organisations was established in response to a study conducted by Canon in 2015 to understand the professional printing industry in Ghana.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Accra, Mr Ayman Aly, Marketing Manager, Canon Middle East, said the training programme set the stage for building the capacity of the selected SMEs in the printing sector to help position them to increase competitiveness and generate profit.

He said Canon commissioned a market research for Ghana and found that some corporate organisations were often using print providers in foreign countries for their print requirements.

Mr Aly said some companies explained that they could be persuaded to have more material printed within Ghana if printing quality improved.

He said the trainees had benefited from how to use the latest technologies and new trends in printing in order to fulfil the growing needs of big organisations to achieve good quality print in Ghana.

Mr Sam Brandful, Ghana Manager for Invest in Africa, said the SMEs were selected through the Invest in Africa's Africa Partner Pool, Ghana's first cross-sector online business platform that connected larger international and Ghanaian companies to local business across sectors.

He said the SMEs would be assisted financially to acquire the modern technologies in the printing sector to improve quality service.

Mr Emmanuel Kpakpo Brown, the Manager of Inkexpress Business Solutions, and a beneficiary of the programme in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said the programme had had a notable impact on him to deliver quality services to meet international standards.

GNA
Accra, Nov. 30, GNA - The Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Mr Chukwuemeka Eze has expressed optimism that the December 7 polls will be peaceful.

A statement issued by WANEP and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday quoted Mr Eze as saying that going by the level of preparedness and especially the concerted efforts of civil society organisations and collaboration with key state institutions especially the National Peace Council and other stakeholders, the elections would be held in an atmosphere of peace.

'I am envisaging a peaceful atmosphere for people to exercise their franchise and ensure that Ghana's democratic credentials are not dented,' he said.

"WANEP is leaving no stones unturned towards ensuring that peace prevails in the upcoming elections. We in WANEP are prepared and have been monitoring the security situation through our robust early warning system,' he added.

The statement said WANEP with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Election Monitoring, Analysis and Mitigation (EMAM) project.

It said the project was inspired by WANEP's desire to contribute and commit to the sustenance of peace during the elections and based on organisation's past intervention experiences in the 2008 and 2012 general election.

It said WANEP in collaboration with other major stakeholders also played a key role to promote a peaceful outcome in the 2012 elections.

According to Mr Eze, WANEP made significant impact in previous elections but this year, WANEP would up its game adding: 'We did it in previous elections but I assure you that this year we have made further progress,' he added.

As the leading civil society organisation for peace and security in West Africa and a resource to African Union and ECOWAS, WANEP is sufficiently prepared for the elections and has set up modalities for the sustenance of peace and stability during this period.

The Election Monitoring, Analysis and Mitigation (EMAM) Project provides real time data on potential risks and hotspots to inform prevention of violence and mitigation before, during and after the elections.

Under this project, WANEP and its partners have established an Election Situation Room with a central coordinating body in Accra and two satellite rooms in Kumasi and Tamale and deploying 750 observers to monitor the elections.

Following on the launch of the EMAM project in May, WANEP facilitated the formation of the National and Regional Election Response Groups as well as an enhanced collaboration with the National Peace Council and the Ministry of Interior for the prevention and mitigation of electoral violence.

Further, WANEP revised the election monitoring indicators developed in 2012 to reflect current dynamics and threats to look out for in 2016 elections.

It has also added new features to its highly developed Peace Monitoring Centre where it generates and analyses information on the electoral process and provide to National Peace Council and other relevant stakeholders.

In recognition of WANEP's expertise and professionalism in election monitoring, several groups and organisations have been visiting WANEP to receive update on the dynamics of the electoral processes in the run up to the elections.

Some of the organisations include delegation from the African Union, the National Democratic Institute, the United States Institute of Peace and the International Republican Institute and delegates from the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa.

The groups commended the level of information provided and the sophistication of the early warning system.

GNA
Accra, Nov 30, GNA - Wholesalers and distributors are being encouraged to use the Instant Pay (GIP) for their transactions to ensure quick payment and delivery of goods particularly during this yuletide.

The Instant Pay is another payment system introduced by the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), which enables an individual or organisation to transfer funds from one account to the other and the transfer will be effected instantly.

The introduction of the Instant Pay is to give businesses and individuals another payment option, which ensures instant transfer even with different banks.

Speaking in an interview, the Chief Executive of GhIPSS, Archie Hesse said businesses now have various options to choose from depending on their needs.

He said while cheques as well as ACH transactions could clear in two days and in a day for express transactions, businesses now have the option of real time interbank transfers.

'Instant Pay is just like cash but more secured because once you issue the instruction through your bankers, the recipient receives the money instantly,' Mr Hesse said.

Delays in payment for goods remain a bottleneck for wholesalers and distributors and sometimes leads to delay in delivery of good.

It gets worse when the distributor is not located in the same region as its supplier. Currently businesses are working hard to cash-in on the Christmas and New Year festivities while manufacturers and producers are also making sure they rake in enough to meet their annual target.

He explained that, for people who must make payment to get delivery of goods, Instant Pay is the best option.

'Imagine you are out of stock this Christmas season, you don't have to go through the Christmas induced traffic to make cash payment. What if you're not in the same town as your supplier? But with Instant Pay, just go online and transfer the money, it is instant, cheaper, secured and convenient' he added.

Mr. Hesse urged bank customers to talk to their banks to set them up for the Instant Pay transfers.

Currently, most of the big banks are offering the Instant Pay service.

GNA
By Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA

Sekondi (WR), Nov. 30, GNA - Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, has called for the establishment of a Western Region Development Authority to facilitate the development drive of the Region, which it contributes the chunk of the national resources.

Ogyeahoho Gyebi made the suggestion, on Monday, when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo with his entourage, paid a courtesy call on the House, to share his vision and plans for Ghana with the traditional rulers.

He appealed to the NPP flagbearer to construct a teaching hospital in the Region and renovate health facilities that had deteriorated in order to improve healthcare if he was given the chance to rule the country, on December 7.

Ogyeahoho Gyebi, who is the Paramount Chief of Sefwi-Anhwianso, advocated the resourcing of the second cycle institutions in the Region with computers and science laboratory equipment so that students in such educational institutions could compete favourably with their counterparts in the well-endowed schools.

He complained about the destruction of the forest reserves through the activities of illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as 'galamsey', which he said, had polluted water bodies and degraded the environment.

He, therefore, asked an NPP Administration to institute mechanisms to halt the menace.

Ogyeahoho Gyebi emphasised the need for the chieftaincy institutions to be actively involved in local governance administration so that traditional authorities could contribute their quota towards national development.

Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, the Paramount Chief of Nsein Traditional Area, expressed disappointment with the continuous disrespect some politicians exhibited towards traditional rulers, saying: 'At mid-night then someone knocks at your door that a politician is campaigning in your traditional area so you should wake up'.

'Anyone who ascends the Presidency cannot rule this nation without the support, assistance and cooperation of chiefs, therefore, in the December 7 Elections, any party that wins ought to accord the chieftaincy institution the due respect and dignity it deserves,' he stated.

He urged the leadership of the political parties to accept the outcome of the elections without resorting to any violence or mayhem so that peace and harmony would prevail.

He said the Electoral Commission, in this regard, should ensure free and fair electoral processes so that both the victor and vanquish would accept the results without degenerating into conflict.

He also entreated the security agencies to remain neutral and provide adequate security to the election materials at all the polling stations.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, commended the contributions of some of the leading personalities in the Region, saying their inspirational roles helped to secure independence for the nation.

They include George Alfred Grant, Francis Annor Williams, Nana Kobina Nketsia IV and R. S. Blay.

He reiterated that an NPP Administration would create a Western North from the Western Region for the proper administration of the areas and ensure that the resources would be utilised expeditiously for accelerated development.

He assured that his Administration would increase the production of cocoa to 1.5 million tonnes from the current 700,000 tonnes per year and make the Region an oil hub in the West African Sub-region, with the oil service sector, leading the process.

Nana Akufo-Addo explained that the West Africa Mill and Cocoa Processing Company (WAMPCO) would be supplied with cocoa beans to make it operational to employ more Ghanaians.

He said an NPP Administration would relocate the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to the Region so that it would be closer to the centre of the oil industry for the proper administration of the sector.

He explained that it would ensure the fair disbursement of state funds, saying $275 million dollars from the 1.6 billion dollar capital budget for next year would be disbursed among the 275 constituencies to fast-track development.

The NPP Presidential Candidate was accompanied by Mr. Peter Mac Manu, the National Campaign Coordinator of the NPP, Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, the former Trade and Industry Minister, as well as some national and regional executives of the Party.

GNA
By Lydia Asamoah, GNA

Accra, Nov. 30, GNA - The Electoral Commission (EC) has been called upon to ensure that it prevents any suspected persons below the age of 18 from participating in the voting exercise.

'Any person found to have engaged children in that manner must be dealt with as prescribed by law', Mr Bright Appiah, Executive Director of Child Rights International has said.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Accra, Mr Appiah asked the EC to follow the Supreme Court Consequential order not to allow children to vote.

In the Abu Ramadan case, the Supreme Court asked the EC to delete the names of minors in the Voters Register.

Mr Appiah said since the interest of children matter in the December 7 elections, there was the need for the necessary steps to be taken to ensure their welfare.

He said although Ghana Education Service had declared a holiday for school children on Election Day, matters of security for children everywhere in the country should be a concern for all.

Mr Appiah explained that areas that children were supposed to be during the election period like schools, children's park, correctional homes and shelters should be classified as flash points.

The EC, security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders in the elections should facilitate the protection of children.

Mr Appiah commended political parties for demonstrating their commitments towards ensuring the non-participatory rights of children in elections in Ghana.

'Political parties have demonstrated this commitment as we see minimal use of children in political activities. On this we want to congratulate the political parties for demonstrating their commitment in this regard and do hope to continue in our collective efforts to protect children in Ghana,' Mr Appiah said.

He advised children to do their parts by staying at home and witness the process of voting while their parents or guardians protect and direct them.

Mr Appiah urged the media to join in keeping watch for the safety of children by reporting positively and protectively on children throughout the election period and at all times.

GNA
Pakistan and India will not hold any bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Conference being held in Amritsar.

By Indo-Asian News Service:

Pakistan and India will not hold any bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Conference being held in Amritsar on December 3-4, it was reported on Thursday.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz is leading the Pakistani delegation to the two-day meeting that will focus on cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for improving connectivity and tackling security threats in the region.

ALSO READ:Pakistan accuses India of sponsoring terrorism at Brussels conference "For now, we don't see any willingness on their part... the ball is in India's court, for they know we are willing but we don't know whether they are willing," a foreign office official told Dawn on Wednesday.

INDIA RECEIVED NO REQUEST FROM ISLAMABAD

India on Wednesday clarified that it has not officially received a request for any bilateral meeting from Islamabad.

"Pakistan has not requested for any bilateral meeting so far," Gopal Baglay, who heads the Indian Ministry of External Affairs division dealing with Pakistan, said at a briefing in New Delhi.

Pakistan and India had at the last Heart of Asia ministerial meeting in Islamabad agreed to start "Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue" that was to cover all outstanding issues. The resumption of the dialogue could, however, not take place due to the Pathankot attack in January, earlier this year. VIOLATION OF CEASEFIRE RUINS BILATERAL RELATIONS

Bilateral relations further deteriorated in July following the commencement of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir and India placed the blame for the September 18 Uri military camp attack and continuing infiltration attempts on Pakistan.

Things turned worse with the spike in ceasefire violations at the border that have left dozens of people dead in barely two months.

The Pakistan government decided to attend the Heart of Asia conference despite a deep freeze in bilateral ties, even though India had scuttled the SAARC summit that Islamabad was to host in November this year.

Aziz had earlier said in Islamabad: "India sabotaged SAARC, but Pakistan would not do the same."

ALSO READ: Pakistan's former foreign minister Sartaj Aziz to visit India for conference on Afghanistan

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--- ENDS ---
Ghana Mine Workers Union has criticized government for compromising the job security of its workers in the interest of Foreign Companies.

According to the Union, government has over the years exhibited indifference toward the welfare of mine workers especially, as employers in the sector, usually multinationals abuse the rights of workers.

Most employers of the Union say they have adopted a system where they cyclically lay-off workers, only to re-engage them shortly.

Speaking at the second half National Executive Council meeting held in Accra, National Union Chairman, Kwaku Mensa Gyakari, said this, plus the unbridled outsourcing of projects form part a scheme designed to manipulate the countrys labour laws.

Delivering the keynote address, General Secretary of the Union, Prince William Ankrah bemoaned what he said are income disparities in the sector.

The gap between the salaries of top management and even skilled workers according to him is unacceptably wide, which requires urgent attention.

Most highly skilled workers in the sector according to the Union are earning salaries 150 times less than what top managers earn.

The annual event is aimed at taking stock of activities within the sector and formulating solutions towards addressing existing challenges.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Kuuku Abban |Joy Business
I am not sure if Manhyia has already apologized to President John Mahama. He was hooted at when he attended Asantehenes mothers funeral. It was a shameful act, and my inkling is that, although Manhyia did not sanction the behavior, Otumfuo may need to publicly condemn it, to show he does not endorse such unruly behaviors.

Anyway, the first time I was involved in a pre-election poll was in the year 2000, when the CDD, during an unrelated research interview, asked all enumerators to find out, as a last question, who the respondents will vote for in that elections.

This year the polling has assumed some complex religious dimensions. Pastors have done their polls. My friend, Obinnim has gone to the extent of making sure that all NDC members will sleep on the election day, and they will only wake up during the counting, thereby giving the NPP nearly 100% of the total vote cast.

In the midst of these polls are very inviting songs. Songs with perfect rhythms; songs that encourages love and affection for the competing candidates. Most of these songs have no message. And lets be honest with ourselves, the Onaaampo song is now the most popular political song, with dancehall danceable flavors, but the most useless in terms of substance. I did not want to do any equalization here, because I dont care if I am accused of being one-sided, but the Onaampo song is as useless in substance as that of Nana ye winner oo, oye winner song. What is it that contains in those two songs that we can derive anything from? Onaaampo, and oye winner, and then what?

So on Wednesday December 7th, all of us will wake up very early in the morning, to queue, some in the sun, to cast our votes, one for Onaaampo, the other for Nana ye winner? That we are not asking any questions of what those songs mean for our future, our children and their education, we are not asking why the quality of our education has become so poor, so much so that going to school is no longer a skills acquisition mission, going to school has now become a fashion for our young people; everyone is going to the university, so I am also going.

And we have translated the same thing into our democratic journey, that we dont really care about why we are queuing to vote, what we care about are Mahama Onaampo and Nananana ye winner oo, oye winner aaa.

In the end we are queuing to vote because somebody gave me GHC5 today, the other person gave me GHC50, so that has given me the energy to vote for him, we are queuing to vote because NDC or NPP is my party, and I have to vote for my party. It doesnt matter whether the person you are voting for is a thief or is someone who promote thievery. Once we have decided to vote, we vote out of nothing.

It worries me that our political parties have become like Hearts and Kotoko for us. Supporters are driven by passion and vain enthusiasm for the parties; their only interest is that their party wins in the elections. We have reduced governance to mad circles; our election is now driven by cheerful hearts, no matter how awful leadership looks or will look, no matter how bad the offerings are, we are prepared to support any group of thieves to be elected as our leaders, simply because they represent our parties.

I have said time without number that it is ok to belong to a political party. It is ok to like and support a candidate. But it is not ok to vote for the candidate of the party you support at all course, even if the person representing that party is nakedly corrupt.

Ghana is a rich country. The only reason why we are poor is because our resources are leaking. Stealing, procurement abuse, looting of the state resources, these are the reasons our villages are suffering, these are the reasons we are suffering. It is estimated that for every one million Cedis given out in contract, nearly half of that amount leaks into corruptible pockets. Young people who have not had any business experiences suddenly become rich, and they can afford unlimited luxuries, and we fail to ask them questions as to their source of riches.

And the followers of these politicians continue in poverty. The politicians steal in large volumes, and live ostentatiously, and they will bring the poor the crumbs during elections, use psychological tricks to enforce loyalty though in pain, and these politicians snatch the votes away from the poor, and we see them again in the next elections when they need to gather our votes again.

Unfortunately, although in a lot of cases our politicians force us to vote on tribal lines, these political thieves amass their wealth in the cities, enjoy with their families in the cities, and the poor person who votes to empower them, does not benefit from any of the loot.

I am a very unhappy Ghanaian, so I reflect a lot, especially within the context of all that Ghana stands for, we should ask ourselves what roles our votes will play in setting our country forward or backward. Who amongst the contesting candidates has a genuine capacity to guaranty sound development, and whose clean integrity is deserving of our votes?

Unfortunately because of political expediency, we blind ourselves, we block our conscience, and we vote for unemployable people to go to Parliament, to make laws for us, and to govern our country. And they go to Parliament, some becoming burdens to themselves, others in constant expectation of what they will receive at the end of the month.

We are in a critical moment. We are called upon, divinely, to exercise the talent God gave us, to choose wisely, with the interest of Ghana at heart. Why cant we say, in the spirit of patriotism that, yes I like this or that party, but I will not vote for the person representing the party because that person is not fit to be trusted with our resources?

My worry, my brother, is that this party politics is gradually replacing religion, it is gradually replacing our loyalty to Ghana our motherland. The connection between party loyalty and the human soul is deepening just too much for comfort, and both the NDC and the NPP are exploiting our gullibility.

In America, for several decades some of their citizens were not allowed to vote. They fought for the right to vote. For so many years women were unqualified to vote. It took several years of right activists to gain the right to vote. There are so many countries in the world where even in the 21st century, some women did not have the right to vote.

In Ghana we fought to restore democratic rule. Before independence, and virtually from 1966 to 1992, we were not given our right to choose who leads the country. The 1992 Republican Constitution gave back our voice, and bestowed on us the responsibility to choose our own leaders.

The voice that the constitution has given us is not to be taken for granted. The right to vote, especially only once in every four years, and once we have taken that decision, we have to wait for another four years to either repeat our decisions or change our minds, that right is not to be taken for granted.

So I will cast my vote next week, and I will do that without any pomp. I will do it quietly, and I will not come back to the polling center to witness the counting. While in the queue, while waiting for my turn, I will reflect over my personal life, I will reflect over my community, all the children whose lives are cut short because they could not afford malaria treatment, I will reflect on all those children who died of malnutrition, I will ask myself questions, questions about opulence and human suffering, and I will ask myself why we are rich and yet we are so poor.

One of the questions I will ask during my solemn moment will be whether I am about to cast my one vote sincerely, conscientiously, and whether I have reflected enough to merit the opportunity I have been given to participate in this voting exercise. And while in the ballot box, I will invite God to be my witness; whether I have been responsible in exercising the power that the constitution has given me, the power to choose who leads my constituency, and the power to choose who leads this country, and in that prayer mode, I will cast my vote, and I will walk away quietly, and I will sing, God win...

James Kofi Annan
The Ghana National Fire Service has launched the Home Fire Safety Certification Project and 2016/17 National Bush Fire Prevention Campaign in the three regions in the northern part of Ghana.

The Home Fire Safety Certification Project, or DumGya Project', (Put out the fire), is aimed at tackling the ever-increasing domestic fire outbreaks in the country.

It is being implemented in partnership with private sector players under the national policy on public-private partnership on service delivery.

Upper West Region launch

Speaking at the launch of the project in the Upper West Region, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister DR. Alpha Museiku Akbar, said domestic fires have destroyed several properties in the region putting the lives of especially women and children at risk.

He commended the Fire Service for Initiating the Dumgya Project to proactively raise awareness on the rising spate of domestic fires most of which are preventable.

He expressed optimism that conscious efforts would be made to educate women and children on the proper use of gas cookers to avert home fires.

Dr Akbar said the negative consequences of bush fires outweigh the prospects and should be guarded against.

He appealed to the Ghana National Fire Service to intensify its sensitisation and anti-bushfire campaigns and to extend it to the rural areas where bushfires are prevalent.

He charged Municipal and District Assemblies in the Region to support the Fire Service with bylaws on bush burning and to prosecute offenders in the courts.

Private sector participation

Tiberias Ghana Ltd a wholly owned Ghanaian company has partnered the Ghana National Fire Service in the provision of logistics for the centralisation of the project, assist in training and equipment of personnel with appropriate technology in accordance with LI 1724.

A representative of Tiberias Gh Ltd, GyrkyeDarko noted that his outfit will also provide home fire safety equipment such as fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

He said this would help reduce deaths through inhalation of smoke and assist insurers in the determination of premiums and payment of claims.

Upper East Region launch

At the Upper East Regional Launch, the Regional Minister, Albert Abongo said the launch of the project is very timely as domestic fires continue to destroy lives and properties in the region.

He noted that fire aggravates poverty and deprivation because of the losses it brings in its wake and the injuries usually sustained.

He, however, indicated that the destruction caused by fires can be prevented with the adoption of fire safety measures at home.

He called on the Fire Service and communities to increase collaboration on behavioural change to mitigate fire outbreaks in the country.

The Chief Fire Officer Dr. Albert Brown-Gaisie observed that the increasing spate of domestic fires in the country could've been prevented by following basic fundamental and rudimentary practices of fire safety management.

He said the fire service will continue to intensify efforts at fire prevention in the country.

Dr. Brown-Gaisie, therefore, called for increase citizen participation in fire safety and prevention.

Northern Region launch

Speaking in Tamale the chief fire officer Dr Albert Brown-Gaisie indicated that preventable fires put undue pressure on the national kitty.

He expressed worry about the rampant bushfire, especially in food producing areas which he says affects the incomes of farmers and the food security situation in the country.

He also announced that the GNFS would form volunteer and fire prevention cadets in schools to complement efforts at creating awareness on fire safety and prevention.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Northern Regional Minister Abdallah Abubakari highlighted the importance of the Home Fire Safety Certification Project and the Bush Fire Prevention Campaign.

He said it would help residents prevent fires especially at the various markets in the region.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | GN
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has appealed to the government for an urgent financial support and legal assistance to deal with GH50.2 million judgment debt and 49 court cases.

Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon, says the situation is distracting the Assembly from effectively carrying out its mandate and damaging its image.

Mr Ackon revealed that " the Assembly has now been saddled with a total judgment debt of GH50.5 million" when he was delivering a sessional address at the formal opening of the 2nd session of the General Assembly in Kumasi.

Mr Ackon says court orders have taken a chunk of the Assemblys financial resources from almost all its bank accounts.

Between 2015 and July 2016, KMA paid GH976,120.62 to Sapso Construction Ltd purported to have constructed market stalls in 1994 but the cost of the project was not paid for by the KMA at the time.

Also, GH258,897 was paid to Freko FD Enterprise Ltd and Osbon Ltd for sanitation services provided between 2007 and 2012

Mr Ackon says currently, the court has granted three companies to seize and sell KMAs movable and immovable properties to settle judgement debts.

He hints efforts are underway to investigate the basis of the judgement debt cases.
Kibeho (Rwanda) (AFP) - Christian pilgrims gather each year in their thousands in the southern Rwandan hill town of Kibeho, some hopeful of miracles where three schoolgirls said the Virgin Mary came to them.

A service held Monday in the small, isolated town marked the 35th anniversary of the first reported appearance of the mother of Christ, which was authenticated by the Vatican in 2001.

People crowded together in front of the brick church, some seated on the grass, facing a platform surrounded by blue and white flags, to hear the mass said in Kinyarwanda, French and English.

"It's the fourth time I've come here. It was a long trip, but that doesn't matter because I come to pray on holy ground," said Alphonse Munyemana, a bicycle-taxi driver of 19 who arrived on Sunday afternoon after pedalling for 10 hours from Nyamagabe to the north.

Many pilgrims came to Kibeho by bus, others also rode their bikes or came on foot and some travelled from neighbouring countries.

Rwanda is a former Belgian colony in central Africa bordered to the east by English-speaking nations.

People slept on the grass in front of the church, lacking the money to pay for a room in one of the hotels in town, which were all full anyway.

The annual pilgrimage began once the Roman Catholic Church formally acknowledged that the Virgin Mary had appeared to teenagers Alphonsine Mumureke, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie-Claire Mukangango, on November 28, 1981 and in subsequent years.

At the foot of the hill on which the church stands, the faithful queue up to fill containers with water from the "spring of the Virgin Mary", which trickles into a brownish pond.

Rwanda's Kibeho has become a little Lourdes with pilgrims flocking to the town in hopes of a miracle, 35 years after three Rwandan women had a vision of the Virgin Mary

"In the past, I had problems with swollen feet and breathing difficulties, but thanks to the blessed water I am cured," said Caritas Niyibigira, 47, from Rubavu in western Rwanda.

Grace Morris, a woman of 31 from Uganda, says that earlier this year, she saw a paralysed young boy recover the use of his limbs after being taken into the Chapel of Apparitions, the former high school dormitory where the Holy Mother is said to have appeared to the girls.

"We saw the child come running out of the chapel shouting with joy," Morris said.

'Rivers full of blood'

The Polish priest who has been rector of the sanctuary for 11 years, Zbigniew Pawlowski, says that the spring water is like "that of Lourdes, a bit special."

However, he notes that none of the miracles held to have taken place at Kibeho have been investigated by a scientific commission and thus they have not been recognised by the Holy See.

Along the main road leading to the church, pilgrims can stop at boutiques to buy rosaries, statues of the Virgin Mary and T-shirts marked "I am the Mother of the Word," which she is held to have told the schoolgirls when she first appeared.

Apart from a message calling for conversion, the Holy Mother is said in some interpretations to have warned of the genocide that would claim some 800,000 lives 13 years later, when Hutu militias and soldiers mostly massacred minority Tutsis.

"The Virgin Mary spoke and showed the girls a mystical journey, the girls saw hills full of corpses, rivers full of blood," Pawlowski said.

"There were hills, burnt houses and many dead people, so we can say that the Virgin Mary showed what was going to happen in Rwanda a few years later."

Catholic pilgrims carry a statue of the Virgin Mary during celebrations in Kibeho in southern Rwanda

Kibeho was not spared in the slaughter.

In April 1994, hundreds of Tutsis who had taken refuge in the parish church, about 800 metres (half a mile) from the sanctuary, were massacred by Interahamwe youth militia.

Between April and July 1994, mass murders took place in many churches, where the killers found their victims gathered -- some were betrayed by priests who handed over their flock.

On November 21, the Rwandan Catholic church asked for forgiveness for all Christians involved in the genocide, in a letter signed by the country's nine bishops. The government led by President Paul Kagame, a former rebel whose forces ended the massacres, rejected the apology as inadequate and said that the call for forgiveness should come from the Vatican itself.

The church has been losing ground in Rwanda since the genocide. While about half the population of 11.5 million remain Roman Catholics, many people have turned to Pentecostal preachers and their call for "awakening".
The Chief Justice, Georgina Wood, has denied the request for live cameras in the Supreme Court for the oral examination of the embattled businessman, Alfred Agbesi Woyome, by former Attorney General, Martin Amidu.

The Chief Justice was petitioned by one Richard Asante Yeboah, who argued that a live telecast of the proceedings would bolster confidence in the legal system and ensure that due process is followed.

Mr. Yeboah also explained that, the move will ensure transparency.

But in a letter signed by the Judicial Secretary, Justice Alex Poku-Acheampong, the Chief Justice indicated that, the live telecast of cases are not normal court practice.

I have been directed by the honourable Ladyship Chief Justice to inform you that, regrettably, she is unable to accede your request for a live telecast of the above-mentioned case as it is not the normal practice by the judiciary, a letter sighted by Citi News said.

The only time the Chief Justice allowed cameras in the Supreme Court room was during the 2012 Election Petition case in which the New Patriotic Party and its flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo challenged the 2012 presidential election results.

Mr. Amidu, was granted permission by the Supreme Court to orally examine Mr. Woyome.

But Mr. Woyomes lawyers filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to suspend the courts decision to allow the oral examination.

The court thus adjourned the hearing of the case to December 1, 2016, because parties to the case; the Attorney General and Amidu, received the application late.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonine.com/Ghana
Ga-Dangme Chiefs have spoken. And they are explicitly clear in their message. They want President John Dramani Mahama to retain power in this years election and have accordingly told their people to vote for the President his ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) on December 7.

Their position is simple: Ga-Dangmes will vote for the party which respects their dignity as a people. Ga-Dangmes will vote for the President who is changing the lives of Ga-Dangme people and transforming Ga-Dangme land. JM tsano, the proclaimed.

In other words, the Ga-Dangme chiefs have told their people to, on December 7, reject the party and presidential candidate that disrespect them and seek to trample on their dignity and ethnic identity , with impunity.

When the Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, embarked on his Greater Accra campaign tour for President Mahama last week, he had the Presidents message in his mouth for the Chiefs and people of Ga-Dangme. He asked the chiefs and people to retain President Mahama and the NDC in power on December 7.

The first point of call by the Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, was the Nungua Traditional Council. That was where the Nungua Mantse dropped the first bombshell.

His Royal Majesty, Odaifio Welentsi III, did not mince words when he pointed out that ''Some people have said that Gas are useless. Some have said that no Ga qualifies to become running mate and vice president in their party. Some have also said that Gas should be attacked and killed, adding that Listen to what the political parties are saying. I won't tell you to vote for party A or B, but reject those who speak against Gas.

The Nungua Mantse had the full support of the other chiefs present. A number of them also stated clearly in separate speeches that they as chiefs have every right to decide which political party they want to work with in government in developing Ga-Dangme land, and that presently they have an ally in President Mahama and the NDC, who respect their ethnic identity and dignity as a people, an ally for the development that they need and so would do everything in their power to ensure victory for the ruling party in the election.

Without a doubt the Ga chiefs are calling on their people to reject NPP and vote for the NDC because the NDC respects all tribes and grants people from all tribes the opportunity to lead. The NDC has already given an Ewe, a Fanti and a Gonja the opportunity to be President of Ghana. They are confident that one day, Ga-Dangme will have its turn. And so they stand a better chance supporting the NDC which does not discriminate against any tribe.

It is on record that the Minority Leader in Parliament, Hon Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu, had insultingly said that there is no high profiled Ga-Dangme worthy of choice by the NPP flagbearer as running mate and potential vice president. To him, Ga-Dangmes dont match up to NPPs standard for even the second highest office of Kwame Nkrumahs Ghana. According to him, the only one who could fit the bill is the too old Prof Mike Oquaye whose age automatically disqualifies him.

It is on record that NPP Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, in 2012, called for the killing of Gas and Ewes.

It is on record that NPPs Kofi Kapito of the Consumer Protection Agency fame in the run up to the 2012 elections said repeatedly in a political debate on radio that Gas are useless.

It is also on record- and this is what makes it even more unconscionable- that the NPP and its leadership have demonstrated an open endorsement of these reckless comments of leading members of the party by throwing their full support behind the perpetrators. Till date, not even a face-saving apology has come from either Kennedy Agyapong or Kofi Kapito to the Ga people for the dangerous comments they made about them. Osei-Kyei Mensah-Bonsu's rather lame apology obviously has been taken with a pinch of salt.

Can anybody blame Ga chiefs for taking a stance against the NPP in this years elections? Of course not! This is a party that has consistently sought to desecrate the very core of the existence of Ga-Dangmes.

When the minority leader flagrantly made the insulting comment about Ga-Dangmes, he could not have been unaware of the fact that he was attacking the dignity of a whole ethnic group.

When the NPP maverick mouth shooter and MP for Assin Central, declared war on his Oman FM and charged his partys militants to slaughter ethnic Gas and Ewes, he could not have been oblivious of the dire consequences of his reckless comment.

When NPPs Kofi Kapito made that reprehensible comment about Ga-Dangmes, he was not muttering audible words from a dream in a deep sleep. He certainly spoke from the abundance of the hearts of leading members of that party, which appears to have formed this dangerous mind-set of the tribal bigots in that party against some ethnic groups including Ga-Dangmes.

It is time for reality check, as the chickens have come home to roost. The two leading political parties- NDC and NPP- are intensifying their campaigns ahead of this years elections nationwide and like in all the other places, are knocking on the doors of the people of Ga-Dangme for their mandate.

The Ga-Dangme chiefs and people are telling the NPP that they cannot eat their cake and have it. Especially when till date, the party has not ensured that an unqualified apology is rendered for the derogatory comments against Ga-Dangmes by leading members of the party.

The Chiefs of Ga-Dangme their people are saying they believe in the project called Ghana, which is being championed by the NDC, a party where all men are equal, a party where tribal, social and religious prejudice and discrimination have no place, a party where equal opportunities exist for everyone.

Let us not forget so soon Mr Osafo Marfos comments that only those who have natural resources in their lands (parts of Akan areas) have the right to rule Ghana. Let us not forget that Osafo Marfos nation-wrecking comment was secretly recorded, in a secret meeting. It was meant for the consumption of only NPPs Akan supremacists.

Also importantly, let us not forget that NPP flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, endorsed Osafo Marfos explosive comments. He said categorically on Starr FM that Mr Osafo Marfo was right in saying what he said and that as the leader of the NPP, he saw nothing wrong with the comment made by the leading member of his party. In fact, Nana Akufo-Addo stated categorically that Mr Osafo Marfo was stating an economic reality. What a way to justify the unthinkable! But that is Akufo-Addo, the apostle of division for you.

Is it not nauseating enough that the Akufo-Addo NPP leadership has adopted a posturing towards Ga-Dangmes as an ethnic group that seeks to make them feel inferior and insecure in their own land?

The Nungua Mantse did not stop with the expression of disgust at NPPs disrespect towards Ga-Dangmes. When he touted the Presidents virtues regarding the massive infrastructural projects being built by him in the Greater Accra region and other parts of the country, little did the Chief of Staff and his team know that he was setting the tone for similar endorsements of President Mahama by his colleagues across the region.

Chiefs of Nungua Traditional Council, Chiefs of La Traditional Council, Divisional Chiefs of Ga Rural Danfa, Chiefs of Ada Traditional Council, Chiefs of Ga West Municipality, Chiefs of Trobu and many others have all said when the Chief of Staff and his team met them at different meetings that Ga-Dangmes are solidly behind President Mahama and the NDC and charged Ga-Dangmes to turn out in their numbers to vote massively for President Mahama and the NDC for a resounding victory on December 7.

The message of the Ga-Dangme chiefs was simple: Ga-Dangmes will vote for the party and President who respect their dignity as a people. They have said that Ga-Dangmes will vote for the President who is building visionary projects and transforming Ghana including Ga-Dangme land- a President who is building projects for future generations. They have said that Ga-Dangmes will vote for President Mahama and the NDC because they desire peace, security and unity of our dear nation Ghana.

President Mahama therefore, is the real deal for Ga-Dangmes in this years elections.
The Central Bank of Ghana has introduced a new set of business regulations and corresponding sanctions to effectively regulate the microfinance industry.

Limits of risk management and effective corporate governance practices are outlined in the sixty-six-page document.

It also emphasises the need for boards of the companies to act collectively with management to put some orderliness in their operations.

Banking Consultant with the Osei Tutu II Centre for Executive Education and Research, Nana Otuo-Acheampong, indicates injecting governance practices into the guidelines is appropriate.

The regulator has also launched a Logo to distinguish between credible, licensed microfinance institutions and unlicensed ones.

They did it for the Forex Bureau and it brought stability in that sector so we felt that when we have that common logo, people can have the confidence to work with us, says Chairman of Ghana Association of Micro-Finance Companies, Collins Amankwah.

The move is meant to prevent a repeat of 2011 unfortunate episodes where many of such institutions folded up due to operational mishaps.

At the launch of the business regulations and logo in Kumasi, Head of other Financial Services Department at the Bank of Ghana, Kofi Amowua told Luv Biz the sanctions are limited to monitoring sanctions.

Your returns must come in timely; if you submit late, or inaccurate returns, you will pay some fine. You must make prudential requirements and operate soundly, he said.

Again, if the company does not meet the requirement or capital adequacy, plus if inadequate provisions are made for loans, sanctions will be applied.

If we see that a member is going contrary to the guidelines we will be the first to report the member to Bank of Ghana.
The Minister of Transport, Fiifi Kwetey, has rubbished campaign promises made by the presidential candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo.

According to Fiifi Kwetey, the promise of change being touted by Akufo-Addo is fake and cautioned Ghanaians to beware.

Speaking at the Setting the Records Straight forum in Accra on Wednesday, Fiifi Kwetey said president John Mahama has already started the authentic change Ghanaians need.

Ghana does not need any fake change; the change must be the right kind of change. The change that the NPP is proposing is a fake change. NDC under the President Mahama is already bringing the authentic positive change that our country needs.

Fiifi Kwetey, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Ketu South Constituency, argued that, Nana Akufo-Addo cannot ensure positive change in his own party, let alone the people of Ghana because everything Nana Addo touches turns from bad to worse.

Overview of Nana Addo's major promises

Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP have accused the Mahama-led government of plunging the country into a ditch despite having a lot of revenue under their disposal.

Akufo-Addo has however promised to turn the fortunes of the country around for the better if given the chance on December 7, 2016.

He has thus promised to build factories in all districts of the country, and also give each of the 275 constituencies $1 million dollars, to boost development in the country.

The NPP presidential candidate has also promised to revive what he described as the collapsing national health insurance scheme and invest more in the agric sector.



By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
No one can dispute the fact that the former Attorney-General and Anti-corruption campaigner, Martin Amidu, is a very patriotic citizen and a true statesman of this country. Mr. Amidu, since 2014 has tried his best to get back our GH 51.2 million which was wrongfully paid to businessman, Woyome, in 2010 by the governing National Democratic Congress(NDC). But all Mr. Amidu's attempts have proved futile despite a favourable judgement by the Supreme Court in July, 2014 ordering the state to retrieve the cash.

Martin Amidu continued with his case and fight to get back our monies from Woyome and the NDC government by applying to the Supreme court in November this year. The court accepted his request and after hearings expressed their disappointed that the state had not made any serious attempt at retrieving the amount. Mr. Amidu won the case to orally examine Woyome and the 24th November, 2016 was the date the court set for a showdown between Amidu and Woyome.

Almost every patriotic Ghanaian was very happy with this judgment and highly anticipated the interrogation. Notable among them was the Editor in Chief of the New Crusading Guide, Abdul Malik Kweku Baaku. Just as we were waiting for the interrogation, Woyome filed another lawsuit at the Supreme court preventing Amidu from cross examining him. Mr. Amidu was served with Woyome's writ on the very day of the hearing. He was ambushed and picked unaware.

It will be interesting to note that a day before the scheduled date for Amidu's cross examination, Amidu expressed doubt that the highly anticipated interrogation will come off. To buttress his point, he stated unequivocally that; "The conduct of the President convinces me as a senior and foundation member of the governing NDC, that he would do everything in his power to ensure that the examination, orally on oath of the lootee for whom his government looted the the public purse, may not come on 24th November, 2016.... Mark my words". He made this statement in a five page letter or epistle as we may call it.

The former Attorney-General who introduced words like 'gargantuan" into Ghana's contemporary political vocabulary further described Woyome as a lootee and the Mahama led NDC government as "constitutionally incompetent" because he has failed to stick to his sworn oath to uphold the 1992 constitution. Apparently, it is quite obvious that every average minded Ghanaian can argue that the besieged businessman could have revealed politically explosive information during the cross examination that could destroy the President's very narrow chances on reelection come December 7, 2016. Moreover, the government's reluctance in retrieving the cash and its reactions after the the November 16 ruling tells us that the Mahama led NDC government smelt the rat vis-a-vis the entire issue. The only realistic option therefore left for Ghanaians to get back their money wrongly given to Woyome is to vote out this very incompetent, corrupt, clueless and uncaring NDC government.

Ghanaians then have a golden opportunity to bring in Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a man of vision, integrity and competence. Nana Addo is above all incorruptible. A NPP government led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo and Dr. Bawumia will bring this county back to life. Even though Martin Amidu has filed another application at the court still praying the court to throw out Woyome's application and have Woyome cross examined, the easiest and best option is to use the democratic means, thus, through the ballot box.

However, if voters wish a doomed future for this county, they should vote for this very incompetent, uncaring and corrupt NDC government again. Ghanaians must heed to the advice of former President J. J Rawlings who recently said, "I believe that if we bring on board people who have not compromised themselves, people who have not allowed themselves to be corrupted by patronage or money, we could be doing better than what is going on, or what we are doing".

With barely a few days to the polls, I humbly appeal to all Ghanaians to come out in their numbers and vote massively for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the NPP.

Fellow Ghanaians, let's kindly Vote for change!!!

Let's Vote for a brighter future.

Let's vote for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the NPP.

Tonduogu Musah Abass

Email: [email protected]
By PTI: New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) In order to ensure fair access to the co-location facility, markets regulator Sebi today directed stock exchanges to allow direct connectivity between such facility of one bourse with the other.

Co-location or proximity hosting service is offered by stock exchanges to brokers and data vendors allowing them to locate their trading and other systems within the premises.

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Exchanges have been asked to allow direct connectivity between servers of a stock broker placed in co-location facility of a bourse and servers of the same stock broker placed in co-location facility of a different bourse.

This facility should be available to all the co-located brokers, who are desirous to avail such connectivity, in a fair and equitable manner, Sebi said in a circular.

"Stock exchanges are advised to allow direct connectivity between co-location facility of one recognised stock exchange and the co-location facility of other recognised stock exchange," it added.

While facilitating co-location facility, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) directed stock exchanges to to put in place necessary systems for implementation of its circular within one month.

Sebi said that co-location services provided by a third party or outsourced from a third party is deemed to be provided by the stock exchanges.

The exchanges would have to ensure complete control and jurisdiction over the matters related to its co-location facility. Further, they will remain responsible and accountable for actions of such outsourced entity with respect to co-location services.

Also, they would have to submit a quarterly compliance report to Sebi regarding the outsourcing services after placing it before the board of the respective stock exchanges.

The regulator said facility that allows stock brokers and data vendors to connect to the stock exchange trading system over a Local Area Network would fall within the definition of Co-location and proximity hosting. PTI SP ADI SA

--- ENDS ---
First Lady Mrs. Lordina Mahama Has Challenged The Youth Aspiring To Be Entrepreneurs Particularly Those Going Into The Beauty Industry To Take Full Advantage Of The Opportunities The Sector Offers.

Addressing the 8th Graduation ceremony of the National Association of Beauticians and Hairdressers in Accra, Mrs. Mahama noted that they must not concentrate on only hair and other make-ups areas but must also consider that they would make considerable fortune and revenue from product sales through product franchise arrangement with beauty products manufacturing companies.

She asserted that After going through a period of intensive training, you are graduating today and would be going into the real world of work where you would face significant challenges. However, whether you succeed or not is entirely dependent upon your ability to locate and take up the opportunities the industry offers.

These opportunities Mrs. Lordina Mahama said can be identified when the young entrepreneurs are disciplined determined and focused, adding that people always look out for new and fresh trends in the beauty care industry hence those in the industry must be innovative and stay one step ahead of the competition.

According to her with the introduction of new technologies, the beauty industry has to constantly innovate in order to keep up with the demands of modern trends. She entreated those in the beauty industry to always be seeking new trends and exploring new fashions in order to be successful in the business adding that their approach to work in a professional and cheerful manner as well as satisfying their clients also count for their success.

Touching on the theme for the occasion Growing Business for the Youth the First Lady said it is appropriate and captures exactly what the Government is already doing and intends to scale-up.

She said Government has put in measures to develop the small and medium enterprise sector, because this is the main driver of economic growth and Technical and vocational training is also at the core of governments job creation strategy.

Ensuring youth economic empowerment is an important objective of the government. This is why, for the first time, the beauty and creative industry has been placed under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. The government therefore is putting together sustained strategies to advance opportunities for the youth to earn an income and become self-reliant she asserted.

Government in the coming years would increase the allocated funds to the Youth Enterprise Support (YES) programmes, which is currently giving support to scores of youth entrepreneurs who have also employed many of their colleagues.

Mrs. Mahama expressed the commitment of the Lordina Foundation to continue to contribute to the under privileged in society including support for artisans. She believes that by supporting graduate apprentices who want to start their businesses after apprenticeship but have no working capital to do so, the foundation would indirectly be creating opportunities for young people so they can become entrepreneurs; realize their immense creative potential and help the growth of the economy.

She however called on various associations in the beauty industry to come under one umbrella or association, for in unity lies strength since the current situation where there are different associations does not give them collective bargaining power to properly lobby government and other satellite organizations for the benefit of their members.

The First Lady presented hairdryers, hand dryers, sterilizers. Trolleys, foot massage and wig stands to the Association to be given to the graduands to start their own businesses.

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare for her part said the solution to unemployment is vocational and technical skills profession. She therefore expressed the need for the potentials of the youth to be harnessed for the development of the country.

The National President of National Association of Beautician and Hairdressers, Joyce Lamptey congratulated the graduands for successfully passing through the training and encouraged them to continue schooling when they have the means.

I will urge you to cling to the vocation you have had but will caution you that vocations are dynamic and you must continuously practice and improve on what you have been taught in school since school has no end she advised.

The National Association of Beauticians and Hairdressers has been holding graduation in all ten regions of Ghana for a decade now. About eight hundred apprentices have been passed out this year. The Overall best student award went to Helen Sika.

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, Deputy Minister for Defence, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei and CEO of MASLOC, Sedinam Tamakloe Ationu accompanied the First Lady.
The sun rose to find dozens of eligible professional voters queued up at various centres to cast their ballots as the special voting exercise begins across the country.

Security personnel, electoral commission officials and the media numbering over 127,394 are expected to cast their votes.

As at 6am, Joy News' Kwame Asare reported that voters had already lined up at the Ho Central polling station in the Volta region as the electoral commission officials set up the place.

A total of 1216 people expected to vote in the Sunyani East constituency of the Brong Ahafo region and voting started at 7:15am, Prescious Semevoh reported.

More to follow...

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | AA
01.12.2016 LISTEN

I was born and raised in Zimbabwe and I never got to witness the struggle that brought my country independence. I grew up enchanted by stories of the liberation struggle and as a child, one of my many ambitions was to become a soldierapart from being a superhero with super powers. Like everyone else born after independence, I was referred to as a Born Free. It is a title that hints a great degree of privilege: we were born in the right time period of the right country.

This is a period where every Zimbabwean enjoys the benefits of the liberation struggle, freedom for all and emancipation from the institutions established by colonial rule. However like most Zimbabweans, I was disillusioned by the reality of the post-independent Zimbabwe. The colonial institutions remained in place and the majority of the nation is up to this day enslaved by poverty. Various civil societies, non-profits and government agencies have launched various development initiatives up to this day to attempt to bail us out of the failed national dream, but we sure have a long way to go. One area in the neo-colonial equation has however been ignored in all these efforts, and this is religion.

When the Imperialists came to Zimbabwe over a century ago, they had a bible in one hand and a gun in the other. They made Christianity the official religion of the nation and anything other than that was in bad taste. Mbuya Nehanda, a national icon of liberation was killed in the name of Christianity: she was a spirit medium for the traditional religion and fought for her freedom to death. While in my opinion, her religion was just as dogmatic as any other, including Christianity, her cause was noble and of great significance to secular values. It is unfortunate that upon this independence she died for, the state still endorses Christianity and exclusively this one Abrahamic religion. Maybe it was because Bishop Muzorewa was part of the Lancaster House Agreement or the people in power were all Christians. So the Born Frees like myself were not born free from religion. We were all born into Christianity and all its vices whether good or bad.

We were indoctrinated from childhood and taught what to believe, what to think and what not to think or believe. If we were born in Saudi Arabia we would be Muslims, Hindus if we were Indians, Buddhists if we were from far-east Asia and we would not be religious at all if we were born in Sweden, the Czech Republic or Japan! Instead, we were born in a Zimbabwe were we are free from anything except baptism as an infant and the emotional manipulation this institution brought about by the colonial era comes with. Growing up, I realized the title Born Free was a mockery and living in a religious community, I had to conform and keep the questions I had about religion to myself.

Now, I know the constitution stipulates that everyone is free to have their own beliefs, but the same document says Zimbabwe is a Christian country! Does this mean that I am not a Zimbabwean because I am not a Christian? Public schools hold Christian prayers, so do parliamentarians and people meeting for council meetings! What does this mean for Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Traditionalists, Atheists like myself and many other religious minorities? I wonder what the reaction would be if a Satanist does his prayer in public meetings. It is also interesting to note that tax exempt church dignitaries like Ezekiel Guti publicly endorse politicians who put in place legislation that affects even the non-religious population.

I remember watching the documentary Democrats (2013) that followed the COPAC constitution making process and I was filled with disgust when the MDC representative (the supposed liberal party that by virtue should embrace constitutional virtues like secularism) went on to say that the constitution (which is supposed to be the most important document in the country with regards to good governance, law and order from the logical reasoning of Zimbabweans and not bronze age Israelite experiences) was the second most important document in the country after the bible! He must have had a different bible because mine tells me to keep slaves, rape women and pay their fathers fifteen shekels of silver, stone all those who refuse to respect Saturdays (You know, because Saturdays are awesome!) and slay all those who refuse Jesus rule (Luke 19:27- the reason why they had the crusades in medieval Europe). That is the book he encouraged everyone to uphold and yes, many Zimbabweans thought this was a wise declaration.

Religion has been given more respect than it deserves in Zimbabwe. The government is turning a blind eye to the various Christian denominations that are denying children basic health care (vaccinations) to children who have no choice but to go with their delusional parents wishes despite Zimbabwe being a signatory to the African Charter for childrens rights which emphasizes on the best interest of the child. Scientific education is being suppressed because of religious convictions, very few people understand natural history, let alone anything about the cosmsos, thanks to CONTENT; that multi-disciplinary subject in primary shools that teaches creationism and science interchangeably in 2016! Certain denominations also advance issues of witchcraft, mermaids and other unprovable allegations that demonize individuals. While our government and the judicial system have incriminated some of these paranoid religiotards, most of them get away with it nowadays with the various miracle entities that are flourishing across the nation. Child marriages are also acceptable in various communities with nothing but unreasonable religious justifications for these atrocities. As Arthur C Clarke said, The greatest tragedy in human history is when religion hijacked morality.

We have a lot of people who are living without religion in Zimbabwe and are disgusted by the evils done in the name of religion. Most of them do not have a voice and cannot share their views in fear of persecution or isolation. Zimbabwe Secular Alliance is a group made up of free thinkers who are either Atheist, Agnostic or even religious who are advocating for the separation of church and state. They want a truly inclusive religious country where no one shoves their views or religion into someone elses throat through legislative authority or using state machinery. The government should be neutral on matters to do with religion and everyone should be free to hold their beliefs without fear of persecution or exclusion. We also aim to connect and co-ordinate a vibrant secular community and make a platform to discuss secular concerns while removing the stigma traditionally associated with non-religious people.

My name is Takudzwa Mazwienduna and I am an Atheist although I used to be very religious. Reading the bible made me doubt, question, and eventually leave the religion of my childhood which was Christianity. I realize many Christians do not know more than 25% of whats in that book, they know a few memory verses instead that resonate with their natural humanistic selves. Like and follow our Facebook page: Zimbabwean Atheists, you can also join our Facebook group Zimbabwean Atheists, Agnostics and Free Thinkers and you can raise all your concerns about secularism. Thank you for reading.
Kasese (Uganda) (AFP) - Outside the mortuary in Kasese, grief-stricken families wait to find out if their missing relatives were among scores killed by Ugandan security forces at the weekend.

Huddling in groups, some pull clothes over their mouths and noses to mask the sickening stench of the decomposing corpses inside.

Kikanda Bwambale, 40, was back at the mortuary to look for his older brother, Siriro, after being turned away the previous day.

Bwambale last heard from Siriro on Saturday when he visited the local king's palace to discuss a land issue. That day, clashes broke out between royal guards and Ugandan police that left nearly 90 dead.

"My brother had never been to the palace before. He was a peasant, he didn't know anything about politics or the kingdom," said Bwambale. "I think he's been shot."

Mumbere Isaac, 27, was also looking for his brother, Nyanza. "The bodies in there are burnt and decomposed," he said, distraught that he may be unable to identify the corpse.

Sobs rang out as coffins were loaded into trucks or carried to grave sites as families who had recovered their dead began holding funerals.

People read a list of those detained in police custody in Kasese after clashes between police and the royal guard

The official police toll from weekend fighting first given on Sunday stands at 62. However Kasese's district police commander has told AFP another 25 bodies were found in two sub-counties on Monday.

The government accuses King Charles Wesley Mumbere of stoking a secessionist rebellion and stormed his palace on Sunday to arrest him. He has been taken to the capital Kampala where he was charged with murder.

Fear and anguish

But in Kasese there are different stories, with some suspecting the real toll tops 100.

Tembo Jockim of the Ugandan Red Cross said his team were blocked from the royal palace during the fighting and that many people remain missing.

"Civilians, wives to the royal guards were at the palace and we know that in the palace there were children and they're seen neither in police custody nor in the death list," Jockim said.

Cecile Brucker, a project coordinator with the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF), was surprised by the low number of wounded that seemed out of step with the death toll.

Relatives of policemen killed during the clashes between security forces and royal guards of King Charles Wesley Mumbere of the Rwenzururu kingdom

"We didn't treat many injuries, only two. We trawled the local health facilities and found only 12 people being treated at the local hospital," Brucker said.

The Ugandan government alleges that kingdom hardliners want to secede and establish an independent state they call the Yiira Republic that would include a part of neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, whose people share the same culture and language as the local Bakonzo.

Before being recognised as a traditional kingdom in 2009, Rwenzururu had a long history as a separatist movement, and the government said a trained, armed militia had set up camp in the palace and surrounding mountains.

Uganda's Internal Affairs Minister General Jeje Odongo said machine guns, pistols, machetes, spears and petrol bombs had been found in the palace.

But Bwambale said none of this meant anything to his missing brother.

"He didn't support a Yiira Republic or not. He was not interested in that."

Region feels 'oppressed'

Days after the violence, Kasese is gradually returning to a semblence of normality with shops and restaurants opening, but anguish and fear remain.

Near some market stalls in the town centre, Abdon -- who did not want to give his full name for fear of reprisals -- said the ethnic group of the Rwenzururu kingdom feel marginalised.

Security forces patrol in Kasese after clashes between the police and royal guards left scores dead

"The Bakonzo community feel that they have always been oppressed, even since colonial times. The whole of this region was underdeveloped," he said.

But he denied government claims of ethnic militancy or a drive for secession.

"We've just heard of 'Yiira' on press or media but publicly nobody has held a rally or any gathering about that," he said. "It's normally in government-owned newspapers how people are planning to have a separate state called Yiira."
Some NDC supporters in the Ashaiman constituency, are threatening to vote against President Mahama if he fails to visit the constituency before the December 7 polls.

According to the youth group, known as NDC Asanka Crackers, despite the fact that the Ashaiman constituency is the fourth largest constituency with the highest voter population in the country, the President has failed to show them some appreciation for their loyalty to the NDC..

The anger of the supporters in the constituency stems from the fact that the President has failed to visit the constituency since he begun his campaign tour.

The angry NDC supporters on Wednesday afternoon protested at one of their meeting grounds and threatened to vote skirt and blouse, and also campaign against the President should he not rescind his decision of not visiting the constituency ahead of the December polls.

We are not happy with the way the President is handling us in Ashaiman. He has decided to deliberately avoid visiting the Ashaiman constituency because he thinks it is a safe haven for him; but if care is not taken, we shall show him that the people of Ashaiman cannot be taken for granted they stated

They youth continued that how can we be voting for the NDC every election year and the President instead of appreciating us by at least paying us a visit and sharing his plans with us; is playing games with us. We shall show him where the power lies by voting against him or at best stay home without stepping out in our numbers to vote.

The angry supporters noted that, the Presidents visit to the Ashaiman constituency has been cancelled thrice.

Our NPP brothers are always teasing us that we are being used and dumped by the NDC; and this attitude by the President only confirms what our NPP brothers are saying, and we feel it is highly disrespectful to the over eighty thousand NDC supporters in Ashaiman.

They added that, the NPPs Presidential candidate has visited the constituency twice, and this is turning the ground into their favour so it is important John Mahama also comes to Ashaiman to stir up the fire in our members.

If he fails to come, it will affect our quest to give the party 85 thousand votes, and he [President] should not blame us when this happens.

However the Deputy constituency campaign coordinator for the NDC, Godwin Tsimese, who rushed to the meeting grounds of the youth to calm tempers down, said the party though is worried about the Presidents inability to visit the constituency, it is not enough justification for the youth to be worried.

Inasmuch as we share in the frustration and disappointment of our party faithfuls over the Presidents inability to visit us due to his tight schedule, we still believe there is the need for our party people to exercise restraint in their dealings.

Mr. Tsimese said the partys hierarchy in the constituency, is still in touch with the Presidents protocol team to try and work something out.

It is early days yet for our people to worry, we are working out with the Presidents protocol team to work something out to ensure that smiles are put on the faces of our people Mr. Tsimese noted.

He urged the party supporters to exercise restraint and have faith in the party and President Mahama as their problems would be addressed.

He assured that the agenda 85 thousand votes as targetted by the NDC is still on course, as the party is doing everything possible within its powers to ensure it is achieved in the Ashaiman constituency.



By: Elvis Washington/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Members of NPP-Denmark have learnt with utter shock and sadness the death of Mr. Kwabena Boadu (K.B.), the press secretary of the running mate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia. With his intelligence, dedication and loyalty, Mr. Boadu grew in his role to become a real and indispensable partner to his boss, Dr. Bawumia in pursing the partys agenda.

A true unsung hero in the party has fallen. His death is all the more painful coming less than two weeks to elections for which he has worked so hard to ensure NPP achieve victory and then go ahead to implement its many brilliant policies and ideas that are being expounded on the campaign trail to position Ghana on the path of real prosperity.

Mr. Boadu had become an important bridge connecting many brilliant young men/women supporters to the mainstream party. That is to say through his influence, many talented youthful supporters got actively involved in advancing the cause of the party. He was thus effectively helping shape a bright future for the party. The outpouring of grief by Ghanaians both young and old following his death attests to the many hearts he touched in his young life. It is beyond sadness that such a young man with so much promise has had to exit this world so prematurely.

NPP-Denmark joins the entire NPP family in expressing its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Kwabena Boadu, Dr. Bawumia and the youth wing of the party. We urge the party faithful, particularly those in the youth bracket, to use this misfortune that has befallen us as a rallying cry and work even harder in these last few days to the elections to ensure a decisive victory for Nana Addo and the NPP. This is a cause he believed in and died for. A victory for NPP will be the biggest tribute to our fallen brother and patriot. Let us win it for K.B.

May the Good lord accept and keep you in His bosom till we meet again, Kwabena. Damirifa due, Patriot K.B.!!!

The Executive Team

NPP-Denmark
On November 30, 2016, the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata who was convicted on June 18, 2008 of willfully causing financial loss of GH230,000 to the state and of misapplying public property and who received a free, absolute and unconditional pardon of the conviction on January 7, 2009.

Although the 2009 unconditional pardon robs the Court of Appeal's ruling of practical significance, it will or should excite the minds of students of the law.

At issue, is the effect of accepting a pardon on a convict's right to appeal and the Republic's obligation to respond to such an appeal.

The common law is settled that a convict who accepts an unconditional pardon waives any right of appeal with respect to that conviction. The underlying theory is that accepting the pardon carries with it an implied admission of guilt and closes the chapter on the case. In effect, a convict who wants to preserve his right to appeal should reject such a pardon.

Having accepted a free, absolute and unconditional Presidential Pardon, Mr. Tsikata had no standing to appeal his conviction; the Court had no jurisdiction to hear a matter for which the appellant had been forgiven for confessing his sin; and the Republic had no obligation to respond to an appeal by an appellant that it had unconditionally and absolutely pardoned.

In consequence, the Court could neither exonerate him, as it claims it has, nor affirm the judgment of the court below. Corollary, the Court's exoneration will not work to empower the prosecutors, if they were so inclined, to retrial him anymore than the Court could have referred the case to the court below for further proceedings. In effect, this matter was res judicata and should not have exercised the time and mind of the Court! Win, lose or draw, Mr. Tsikata remains unconditionally pardoned for his conviction as there is no existing conviction that the Court of Appeal could quash. On its part, the Republic had no interest or obligation to respond to an appellant who had accepted an unconditional pardon, reducing the proceedings to a one-sided affair with only one likely inconsequential outcome.

Subsequent to his pardon-based release, Mr. Tsikata has publicly declared that he has rejected the pardon. That, of course, is brutum fulmen. It is analogous to wearing a cross around the neck while pocketing a talisman. Mr. Tsikata cannot reject a pardon that he is enjoying. In fact, but for the pardon, he could not practice law and participate in the famous 2013 election petition as those convicted of crimes of dishonesty and moral turpitude are barred from practicing law. That is, the conviction had been quashed by the pardon at the time that Mr. Tsikata appeared before the Supreme Court.

George Wilson provides the best example of how to reject a pardon. He was pardoned after being convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Wilson rejected the pardon and the United States Supreme Court (32 US 150 [1833]) upheld his right to reject the pardon as follows:

"A pardon is a deed, to the validity of which delivery is essential, and delivery is not complete without acceptance. It may then be rejected by the person to whom it is tendered; and if it is rejected, we have discovered no power in this court to force it upon him." Subsequently, Mr. Wilson was hanged.

In my opinion, the Court erred by allowing Mr. Tsikata, my learned brother, to eat his cake and have it.
Geopolitics, the study of how spatial dimension impacts on and affects states' politics, may offer an important contribution to analysing strategies suited to developing rail infrastructures beween Italy and the Balkans.

The Balkan idea sets and fixes the concepts and definitions between real and ideological, so as to generate a counterposition of geographical and geopolitical concepts.

While in some cases the term "Balkans" does refer to a mountainous system, in others the definition tends to stretch to indicate the peninsula, or an area of chronic instability, a Europe powder keg or Continent underbelly, to the point of being used to decline a value judgement (consider the expression Balkanization, a paradigm used in other geographical contexts characterised by political instability.)

The peculiarity of this space, which was for centuries a vehicle for great migrations, wars, traffic and cultural exchange, is provided by its physical form, which made it a fault, or point of contact, between different areas (Western and Eastern), religious and cultural models (Christianity and Islam, Catholicism and orthodoxy), as well as between two opposing economic models. The Balkans, observing a map, further present a triple "personality" in short distances: Mediterranean and maritime along the coast, Central-European in the Southern plains, Balkan in the continental mass. The ethnic mosaic, another concept linked to the Balkans, seems, then, to represent a sole aspect linked to a wider context, characterised by being complex and fragmentary.

The counterpositions and tensions distingishing this area, crossing and subject to external yearning, differently renewed each year till today, appeal to long-term factors in European history, but mainly to insular, peripheral peculiarities and peculiarities of the closed spaces characterising them. These conditions actually made it hard to create and develop a proto-national awareness based on territorial consciousness deriving from urban, borgeouis culture. In contrast, the varied stratification of urban cultures have given rise to various identifying paths, on which Balkan nationalisms, mainly characterised by elements such as ethnocentrism and xenophobia, were built. Affermation of new nations was actually based predominantly on the glue of purification from elements foreign to the natural Group. Such nationalist drives, on which foreign powers ambiguously weave cultural and geopolitical influence so as to erode definitively the authority of the Ottoman Empire and the institutional base it set up, will turn the Balkans into an area for European powers' rivalries to clash (interposed). In the same way one may remember how the unification of the Balkans was only possible with intervention by the Sultan's foreign power. One may indeed state the history of these territories, proceeding in the same direction as geography, characteised by complexity and diversity, reinforced certain peculiar traits such as diffidence towards the State, reinforced cultural identities and weak territorial attachment, mainly linked to the field of the small natural region.

Such phenomena reappeared with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the disappearance of great multinational entities (the dissolvement of the USSR and Yugoslavia), which led to new races to fill empty spaces, hence giving rise to Yugoslav secession wars, which were - not by chance - situated on the ridge of a great geopolitical transition.

Europe - in some way agent for intervention in the US area to follow its own strategic interests - failed to take concrete action, and this not only hindered the search for a solution, but also furthered the existing conflicts, until one may call the area a "geopolitical hotbed.

All this went on while the Community in Europe was trying to find a common market and negotiate the Maastricht Treaty to create an Economic_Monetary Union. So this crisis created a threat for the European constituting order, and also represented a failed chance for Europe to show it exists and can act as a great power.

It is clear that if the policy of a dynamic era like this one can exploit the evolved communication system so as to spread or compromise spaces and adopt names, concepts and strategic doctrines that do not correspond to previous geography, it still cannot change geography itself, or what man accumulated on the land for millennia, from an urban, economic, infrastructure, ethnic and political point of view.

Indeed, each strategic representation cannot ignore the powerful bonds created by geography and history. In our age's geo-history, the "Balkan hinge", whose borders often divided historians, refers to an idea of a firmly delineated area rather than a great geographical region (is the natural border the Balkan chain or the Danube? Do Rumania or Slovenia belong? Turkey and Greece?) and occupies a European area represented by countries that entered the EU or are have been nominated to. For simplification, this area's central core may be represented by the triangle of Belgrade-Thessaloniki-Sophia. Under the strictly geopolitical profile, one may state even today the Balkans do not constitute a unified system, but they are very fragmented in both North-South and East-West directions. With the exception of Slovenia, and partly Croatia - for historical reasons tighly linked to Central Europe - the region may be subdivided into Western, Southern and Eastern Balkans. The first area is geopolitically characterised by the contrast between Serbia and Croatia to spread its influence to Bosnia and Herzegovina; the second by the Albanese issue and influence from Greece; the third has special features and is formed of States bathed by the Black Sea.

Europe has, then, the duty to integrate this area by a development and regional interconnection strategy that focuses on a solid infrastructural transport network, a tool that is fundamentally important in that it is suited to facilitate and raise economic interexchange and the cultural "contaminations" necessary to yield that European spirit of belonging, useful to create consolidated continental awareness, embryo for true, structured political union. Trans-Balkan circulation (consider the Danube axis, or Via Egnatia, the Ljubljana-Belgrade axis, and Istanbul therefrom) historically represented an element able to unify the region's various populations, in contrast to country and state atomising, favouring creation of an integrated whole, unifying the Balkans and linking them to the world. The circulation networks, then, represent a fundamental element, especially in this era of multi-pole geopolitical transition.

It is actually true that planning any infrastructural system can hardly ignore the global geopolitical and geoeconomic picture, even more so in the current context, where continental infrastructures constitute an essential moment for economic rebirth, able to affect both technology modernisation processes and foreign policy stability. In this regard it is important to refer to the fact that it is no accident the economic power developed recently by the Chinese colossus is supported by a series of strategic infrastructural projects useful for accompanying, protecting and raising the Country's expansion capacity. This certainly involves the great "New Silk Way" project for land and sea, devised by Peking with the main aim of moving China close to the rest of the Euro-Asian continental mass and the Mediterranean, and also developing the inland zone, lagging behind the coastal strip.

But not only China, also other players like Russia, India, Iran and countries from Africa, ASEAN and Latin America are moving to create new communication paths.

So in the face of ths activism, experienced globally, it is good for the European front to also approach a development and regional interconnection strategy via a solid infrastructural transport network to involve all Europe and, most of all, the Balkan area. This could arise by simulating innovative initiatives to promote public - private partnership (obviously, no integration form may be painless, and to be held legitimate it must be based on consensus and acceptance by local governments).

This means the development of corridors becomes essential. For Italy in particular, corridors V and VII carry high strategic importance. Corridor V is especially important for Po Valley - Veneto outlets to the North-East. Primarily for the Trieste - Budapest route, which is central to the interests of Austria and Germany, which obviously have the understandable wish to keep intact all the Street and rail traffic using their networks, not least with regard to traffic from Southern France, the Iberian peninsula and Southern Switzerland. These flows would actually be interrupted by Corridor V, should it present better conditions than the current ones.

It must also be added that improved transborder links with the Balkan area could also encouage concrete, real stabilisation and integration thereof with Europe's Western part, freed from the (currently latent) danger of terrorism and crime. Continuing current instability would actually consolidate the proliferation of organised crime and terrorism, making the Balkan fault even more fragmented and unstable and creating an irreparable break with the sparkling Asian area which is living a period of unstoppable growth and expansion.

We must then focus on fully developing the concept of "network" to focus on creating full vertical and horizontal integration of the Europe system. This links could encourage mitigating this fragmentation which, as the opening foresaw, distinguished the history of this region, which could instead reproduce land for opportunity instead of conflict, representing at the same time an element to support Greater European integration.
01.12.2016 LISTEN

Considering its devastating consequences, equating joblessness to a demon which needs to be exorcised is undoubtedly justifiable. The need to exorcise this age-old demon  joblessness, or better still unemployment - has perhaps received attention now than any other time in the history of the world.

In the recent elections of the United States, amidst sensitive issues like immigration, education and deficit, job creation discussions took centre stage. The former secretary of state and candidate of the Democrats, Hillary Clinton, prioritized job creation in her fist- term -to -do- list which she labeled a 100 days job plan. At the heart of this plan was an agenda to revitalize the employment market by making the largest investment in good paying jobs since world war . The key elements of her 100 days job plan agenda included making bold investments in Americas infrastructure, industry and manufacturing; cutting taxes and reducing red tapes to engineer small business growth.

Business man, real estate mogul and President elect, Donald Trump, equally proffered a great job creation policy. Most analysts believe his victory was largely propelled by his job creation mantra. Trump promised to be the greatest job president that God ever created. Exit polls conducted by Fox during the elections suggested that 65 percent of voters agreed with Trumps assertion that international trade cost jobs. Overall, Trumps commitment was to create 25 million new jobs over the next decade.

I revert home to focus on the essence of this article. Essentially, I seek to analyse efforts by the two main political parties - NPP and NDC - aimed at exorcising this age-old demon (unemployment).

A recent report by the World Bank on employment revealed that about 48 percent of Ghanaian youth are jobless. This report came at a time when the governments Communication Ministry had released a report claiming to have created 600,000 jobs. The Ministrys report also emphasized that 96,000 people had also been empowered to create their own jobs. Though these job creation figures sound robust, they appear to be a drop in the ocean considering the magnitude of the unemployment situation depicted by the World Bank figures. Again, there are others who will certainly take job creation figures from government with a pinch of salt. This stance is justifiable considering the fact that similar job creation figures churned out by the Ministry of Communication in the past were dismissed by the sector minister for Employment.

In the face of Ghanas alarming unemployment situation, it will be disingenuous to discount the various job creation attempts by the NDC government. The much touted capital investment in infrastructure has certainly created some casual jobs. Again, GYIDA in spite of its numerous corruption scandals has certainly created jobs. Another GYIDA related agency - YES, is deemed to have created some significant jobs. These direct government interventions, coupled with many others highlighted in the NDCs 2016 manifesto are direct investment meant to create jobs.

Through similar interventions the NPP equally created divers jobs. The youth employment initiative, without doubt, is the brainchild of the NPP. Equally the NPP embarked on various infrastructural projects that obviously created jobs.

In all of these job creation attempts, what appears missing is a deliberate policy to convert the nations raw materials into finished goods - industrialization - which in my view is the panacea to unemployment. Admittedly, the current government has made strides at industrialization. However, considering the enormity of the unemployment situation the poor approach towards the execution of industrialization programmes leaves much to be desired. The Komenda sugar factory for instance was shut down for maintenance barely a month after it was commissioned. The Ayensu starch factory and Aveyime rice projects started by the Kuffour administration are on its knees for mysterious reasons.

Industrialization is obviously the greatest pillar in the quest to exorcise this demon of old-unemployment. The perennial export of our raw materials since independence in the face of the nations overwhelming unemployment situation is only a bastardization of our educational prowess. With the numerous resources at our disposal, turning Ghana into an industrial hub to engineer job creation is not beyond our reach. To this end, the view of the NPP on industrialization ought to be endorsed by all well wishers of our beloved country. Building a factory in each district of our country is a sine qua non for job creation.

Samuel Kofi Dobbin,

A concerned Ghanaian,

Freelance writer,

Social commentator

Tel: 0245085951

Email: [email protected]
The New Patriotic Party Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu, has confirmed report of attempted bribe by President John Mahama and his brother, Ibrahim Mahama.

The president was said to have induced Bugri Naabu with mouthwatering package, including cash and luxurious vehicles in order to smear his (Mahama's) main opponent in the December 7 election, and NPP leader, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The NPP had revealed the attempted bribery of its high-ranking member at a press conference on Tuesday, describing it as despicable.

It is true. I think they've shown you the car, I believe they didn't just call the press conference, so, there's no doubt about that, but you can call later. Thank you, Mr Bugri Naabu told Accra-based Atinka FM morning show host Ekuorba Gyasi, yesterday  a day after the news broke.

DAILY GUIDE's attempts to speak to the NPP chairman were unsuccessful as he was reported to be at a rally yesterday.

Mr Bugri Naabu, according to a reliable source, will hold a press conference in Tamale today to throw more light on the bribery scandal involving the president and his brother.

Mustapha Hamid, spokesperson for Nana Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, November 29, accused Mahama and his brother Ibrahim of inducing Bugri Naabu with two SUVs, GH3.3 million and GH500,000 in October this year.

The said goodies, according to Mr Hamid, were meant to cajole the NPP Northern Regional chairman to ditch the party and launch scathing tribalistic assault on Akufo-Addo and label him as intolerant to people of Northern extraction.

It's terribly sad. This country is in serious trouble; we need to rescue this country from serious trouble. The presidency has been so depraved, so muddied, so dirtied that I tell you in all sincerity as a Ghanaian that I feel terribly sad as a Ghanaian, said Mustapha.

According to him, On Friday, 28th October, 2016, our Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu, was invited to meet President John Dramani Mahama. The meeting was set up by his brother Ibrahim Mahama and a friend of his, Mohammed Awal. Ibrahim Mahama and Awal drove to the office of Bugri Naabu in Osu, near the Osu Police Station, Accra, shortly before 9pm. It was Alhaji Awal who walked to Bugri Naabu's office. With Bugri Naabu were Majid Bawa and John Kwaku Alhassan (JK), who contested in the NPP parliamentary primary in the Yunyoo Constituency. Awal said that the president wanted to see Bugri Naabu and insisted it was important that Bugri meets with the president, Mr Hamid narrated.

The NPP alleges that Mr. Bugri Naabu was taken to a meeting in Ibrahim Mahama's house, where he (Ibrahim), President Mahama and Awal Mohammed met Bugri Naabu, the press statement said.

As the president was talking, Ibrahim got up to signal and a man walked into the room with a bag behind his back. He dropped it in front of Bugri and left. Ibrahim opened it and it was full of fifty Ghana-cedi notes. Bugri asked what that was about. Ibrahim said there was GH500,000 in it. The deal was that they were prepared to give him more.

Bugri said to them that he was surprised. Why now? The government had sat on Bugri's money as a contractor for years. Bugri was still owed GH247,000 for a feeder road contract and the certificate had been ready since 2013, when he was not even Regional Chairman, but they refused to pay because he is NPP.

This was the full details of the deal they offered Bugri that night:

Brand new V8 Toyota Land Cruiser;

Brand new V6 Mitsubishi Pajero;

Brand new Nissan Pick-up;

GH3.3 million, including the contract sum owed to Bugri minus the GH500,000,

and a new road contract.

Ibrahim said they were prepared to give Bugri a road contract worth GH190 million. There and then, they offered Bugri work on a road that he had already worked on years ago under the NPP, the Osenase-Apinamang Road. The president directed Bugri to see the Director of the Department of Feeder Roads, Francis Digber. When Bugri was leaving, Ibrahim asked him to give GH50,000 of the GH500,000 to Alhaji Awal, promising to reimburse him later, according to Mustapha.

Bugri later paid the money into his Prudential Bank account.

He was said to have reported the full details of the meeting to the NPP flag bearer, who was out of Accra campaigning.

A few days later, to show good faith, Ibrahim Mahama joined a high-powered NDC delegation, led by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Kenneth Wujangi, with Minister of State, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed and Ghana's Ambassador to Angola, Moses Bukari Mabengba, to the funeral of Bugri Naabu's daughter. Ibrahim Mahama generously donated GH20,000 at the funeral, and the president GH10,000.

True to their word, the first of the three vehicles was ready and Bugri sent one of his boys to pick it up. According to the Customs Classification and Valuation Report, the vehicle was imported into Ghana by Malin Investment Ltd in August this year and the duty paid on it was GH40,274.70, Mustapha said.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, I have given you enough names and enough details to support the case that the president and his brother have approached Bugri and offered him cash, a contract and vehicles and in return, for him to create divisions in the NPP and tell lies about the flag bearer and paint him as an ethnic bigot who hates northerners, he added.

But Kofi Adams, campaign coordinator of the National Democratic Congress, has challenged the allegation, stating that John Mahama was not in Accra at the time mentioned in the press statement.

On 28th October, 2016, President Mahama was not in Accra. He was on a campaign trip. He embarked on tours through Adukrom, Lower and Upper Manya, Kpong and Asuogyaman before finally ending it at Akosombo. I was there. We got home after mid-night. Is Mahama a magician to divide himself into two beings? Mahama present in two regions simultaneously?
Shah Rukh Khan came together with wife Gauri and children Aryan, Suhana and AbRam for a rare family photo.

By India Today Web Desk: Shah Rukh Khan may be a superstar, but he is also a family man. The actor misses no opportunity to spend time with his family, and recently flew down to the US to spend time with his eldest son, Aryan, on Thanksgiving. He took to Instagram to share a selfie with Aryan, that subsequently went viral.

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SEE PIC: Shah Rukh Khan's selfie with son Aryan is too hot to handle

SEE PIC: SRK's daughter Suhana has fun with her girl gang

Now, family photos of the Khans have emerged on social media. The photographs feature Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan with their three children, Aryan, Suhana and AbRam, all sporting the classic white-on-denim look.

Designing for Ace Group India who have always been creative, innovative & imaginative in the front of the real estate developments in Delhi . A photo posted by Gauri Khan (@gaurikhan) on Dec 1, 2016 at 5:14am PST

On the work front, SRK is riding high on the success of Gauri Shinde's Dear Zindagi with Alia Bhatt. He is also gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Raees, which is set to hit screens on January 26, 2017.

--- ENDS ---


Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, has insisted that President John Mahama has resorted to vote buying in a desperate attempt to hang onto power.

He noted that the president and his wife, Lordina Mahama, who are feeling the political heat, have been visiting the length and breadth of the country lately and distributing cash and sumptuous items just to induce voters.

According to Nana Addo, the president is aware that defeat is starring him in the face because his National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration has mismanaged the country's economy and impoverished the citizens over the past eight years.

The president and his wife are busily dashing out goodies and cash to people to vote for them in the impending elections. The NDC has no message so they have resorted to vote buying to retain political power, but it won't work.

Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi to round off his campaign in the Ashanti Region yesterday, the NPP leader indicated that the NDC doesn't have any campaign message to woo voters.

Nana Akufo-Addo stated emphatically that the vote buying mission, which President Mahama and his wife had initiated, is a clear indication that the NDC has failed to deliver on its campaign promise of 'Better Ghana' from 2008 to date.

President Mahama if you claim your administration has performed why are you not campaigning on your achievements but you and your wife, Lordina Mahama, have resorted to vote buying? the NPP standard bearer quizzed sarcastically.

Jabs

Nana Akufo-Addo descended heavily on President Mahama and his team of communicators for relying on propaganda and blatant lies to confuse the electorate so that they would cast their vote for the NDC on December 7.

He challenged him (president) to campaign on the achievements of the NDC administration if he has any, stressing that the NDC's propaganda and 'dirty lies' cannot secure him electoral victory.

NPP Campaign

According to Nana, since the beginning of its political campaign, the NPP has consistently campaigned on issues and policies, devoid of propaganda and blatant lies, stressing that the party is the obvious choice for Ghanaians.

Nana Akufo-Addo insisted that he and his team of competent men and women have what it takes to turn the fortunes of the country around, noting that the NDC had failed and therefore it doesn't deserve to occupy the Flagstaff House any longer.

Advice To Voters

The NPP presidential candidate admonished voters to look out for the symbol of the elephant on the ballot paper before they cast their ballots so that they would not make any mistake of spoiling their votes.

He stressed that he is on the fifth position on the ballot paper in the presidential race but the NPP parliamentary candidates are on different positions throughout the country.

The press conference was graced by party bigwigs such as Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Wontumi, Alan Kyerematen, among others.

Also in attendance were the presidential candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai aka Odike and Kofi Akpaloo, presidential aspirant of the Independent People's Party (IPP), who have declared their support for the NPP.

Noise Making Ban

Nana Akufo-Addo said he was supposed to address a mammoth rally in Kumasi yesterday to end his Ashanti Regional campaign tour before the December 7 polls, but the NPP called off the programme because of the ban on noise-making in the region following the death of Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi
The Police Administration has denied claims that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) John Kudalor has commanded security officers at the Ghana-Togo boarder to allow Togolese and strangers to come and vote on election day.

The Director General in-charge of Criminal Investigation Department, COP Prosper Kwami Agblor, said Mr Kudalor said at Aflao that nobody can prevent any eligible voter from voting on polls day.

The CID boss said the allegation is a calculated propaganda designed to discredit the integrity of the Police Service.

He said, The IGP has no jurisdiction in Togo so as to command Togolese security officers to open their boarders.

Dr John Kudalor is not the Controller General of the Immigration or Commissioner, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and so cannot command officers of these two sister security institutions.

COP Agblor claimed that intelligence available to the police indicated that more of such vilifications, false allegations and attacks were in the offing.

The intelligence wing of the service has been tasked to look for the would-be perpetrators and pick them up for the necessary action, he posited.

The allegation against the IGP received mixed feelings from the public and the Volta Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Amewu and Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People's Party (PPP) appealed to Togolese not to come and vote on December 7.

Touching on the clash between some National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters and security details of the flag bearer of the NPP, COP Agblor said the matter was still under investigation.

Some progress has been made on the matter and at the appropriate time, it will be made public, he said.

On the assertion by Mohammed Abdulai aka Naaba, brother of Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Collins Dauda, to the effect that he has been killing people, the CID boss said, the suspect was arrested and granted police enquiry bail on November 16, 2016; but the matter was still under investigation.

In the recent reported attack on an NPP parliamentary candidate, George Boakye, in the Asunafo South Constituency of the Brong-Ahafo Region, COP Agblor said four suspects behind the incident were arrested, put before court and remanded in prison custody.

Commenting on the attacks on the Loyal Ladies of NPP and the Electoral Commission office where some items were carried away and others destroyed at Suhum in the Eastern Region, the CID director general said the case was still under investigation.

The cyber crime unit of the CID has been tasked to investigate and trace the origin of some audio-visuals making the rounds on social media on the IGP and the police administration, he disclosed.

By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey

([email protected])
The Green Center for Alternative Medicine Practitioners in Nigeria, a college of training alternative and traditional medicine practitioners in Lagos state, Nigeria has appointed Dr. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, a renowned alternative medical practitioner in Ghana who has specialized in prostate cancer, prostate cancer researcher and policy maker as a visiting professor of Alternative Medicine.

Dr. Nyarkotey Obu well-known for his works in prostate cancer and alternative medicine in the country completed his PhD (A.M) at the IBAM Academy, Kolkata, India.

Dr. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu has published extensively on prostate cancer and alternative medicine in Ghana. He was appointed the national president of the Alternative Medical Association of Ghana (AMAG) to steer its affairs and early this year was also appointed as research professor of prostate cancer and holistic medicine at Da Vinci College of Holistic Medicine in Larnaca city, Cyprus.

A copy of the appointment letter issued by Dr. Darlington C. Okafor the Academic Director reads:

On behalf of Green Centre Academy, Lagos Nigeria, we are glad to inform you that the academic board of this academy has approved your appointment as a visiting Professor in Alternative Medicine. The statement further said Having considered your wealth of experience in Alternative medicine and your

Contribution to the development of Alternative medicine in Ghana, we belief that our academy will benefit immensely from your knowledge and your passion and advocacy for the eradication of cancers (Prostate Cancer) using natural /Alternative Medicine remedies, the statement concluded.

The Green Centre Academy institute in Nigeria is passionately committed to the development and promotion of Natural/ Alternative medicine practice in Nigeria and within the Africa sub-region. The college has trained over 3,000 students within and outside the country in Natural/Alternative medicine. We are also in collaboration with the agency of the federal ministry of science & technology in Nigeria which is the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency, Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association and also Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China among others, the academic director revealed.

Dr. Nyarkotey is the director of Mens Health Foundation Ghana; De Mens Clinic & Prostate Research Lab and Dangme media limited publishers of Dangme newspaper. Dr. Nyarkotey Obu studied the first ever masters program in Prostate Cancer organized by Sheffield Hallam University UK and Prostate Cancer UK and his future Doctoral of Science (DSc) which he revealed will focus on Prostate cancer and Immunology: The Role of holistic Urology
Ghanaians have still not forgotten the stingy Brazil Embraer 190 jet deal that was spearheaded by then Vice President Mahama, and the subsequent alleged abortive probe that was commissioned into it by the late President Mills. The truth must explode! This makes the death of the late President still remains a mystery to the citizen vigilante. The death of the late President Mills seize factual facts and must not be ignored as it may give the electorates picture of the persona of contestants on the ballot paper.

In 2010, the late John Evans Atta Mills set up a committee which was to investigate into the procurement scandal of an Embraer 190 jet. The committee was to investigate his deputy in a contract which received a lot of criticism. The then vice president of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, who is now the sitting president, was caught in the web of this unprecedented corrupt scandal. The misuse of the hard earned tax payers money to purchase this jet which was estimated not to be more than 151,515,000.00 Ghanaian Cedis which is $37.8 million.

In the course of the negotiations and procurement processes, vice-president John Dramani Mahama who led the negotiations bought from the manufacturers an Embraer 190 jet which is ranged between $28 million to $40 million with an enhance accessories. What transpired in the contract still remains an enigma to Ghanaians as the Embraer 190 jet was bought with the taxpayers hard earned money with a whooping fee of $55.26 million. The jet bought by vice-president John Dramani Mahama not of a good standard, therefore, it needed an extra tank which cost $8million, an air stair case of $1million and an in-flight entertainer at a cost of $1.4 million.

President Dramani Mahama on his return later came telling the good people of Ghana that the manufacturer's gave him a replica of the jet as a gift back home. Those times, some of the core members of the ruling NDC started to throw harsh words on the man and vehemently saying that such an act will cause the party to lose the 2012 general elections. The relationship between the president and the vice president in those times became more hostile when the $10 million Korean STS deal also came under the light of the president after seeing the deceptive picture and claims of his deputy. This was made clear in an open court hearing during the companies dispute with its local partners in Korea for what is known as facilitation fee. It was president John Dramani Mahama who also started the negotiations with the company. So who truly took that transaction fee from the company? President Mahama needs to tell the people of Ghana.

This was the reason why the late president John Evans Atta Mills set up a committee as he promised on probing into the matter to find out the bare facts and figures. The committee of enquiry was established which included the membership of Hon. William Aboah, Mr. George Amoah and Brig. Gen. Allotey (Rtd) to investigate the processes of the acquisition of five aircraft, including Embraer 190 aircraft and hangar to the Ghana Army. The Committee was set up to investigate whether John Mahama led team was diligent, truthful, incorrupt, patriotic, and prudent and authorized to acquire five jets for Ghana, but sadly, the work of the committee of enquiry never started. Ghanaians do not know when that committee will resume its work to reveal the mysteries about that scandal masterminded by John Dramani Mahama (then vice president).

Martin Amidu, former Anthony General during the late President Mills era came out saying that, pressure groups never allowed the committee to take off." But the very fact that the late President Mills contemplated this Committee meant that he was uncomfortable with and suspicious of the alleged prices of the aircraft. (Courtesy: Ghanaweb General News of Monday 22nd October 2012). This raises eyebrow questions on the credibility of the contract and the truth of the procurement process still remains untouched.

The case was thrown to the thrash as president Mills met his untimely death on 24th July, just five (5) months to the 2012 general elections. The committee needs to let the good people of Ghana know what was actually transpired in the findings and whether the vice president was guilty or not guilty of the corruption saga. Again, the good people of Ghana needs to know the exact amount that was used in buying the Embraer 190 jet and the replica jet that was giving to the vice-president as a gift back home as he claimed.

This will clear the cliche that surrounds John Dramani Mahama as corrupt throughout his political life and at the same time puts himself in a posture that he is fighting corruption. Ghanaians need answers to issues that involves the use of tax payers money. In my next article, I will reveal why the chief of staff is seriously campaigning to avoid the head-cut.

Akwasi Brobbey

0548412192

[email protected]

Offinso College of Education
01.12.2016 LISTEN

By Francis Ameyibor, GNA

Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - Election 2016 Special Voting began at 0700 hours on Thursday with progressive queues at the 284 designated polling stations for the polls.

It is the seventh successive multi-party elections under Ghana's Fourth Democratic Republican dispensation.

Some 127, 000 registered voters who are expected to perform electoral duties on December 7 are expected to cast their ballots during the 10-hour period across the country to elect a new president and 275 parliamentarians.

Polling continues until 1700 hours, unless they are extended because of technical reasons. Seven presidential candidates are contesting for the highest office in the land.

They are President John Dramani Mahama of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC); Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, of the New Patriotic Party (NPP); Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, Convention People's Party (CPP); and Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, National Democratic Party (NDP).

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Progressive People's Party (PPP); Dr Edward N. Mahama, People's National Convention (PNC); and Mr Jacob Osei Yeboah, an independent presidential candidate.

The candidate who wins 50 per cent plus one of the votes wins the presidential contest and would rule for four years.

In the event of no candidate winning that 'magic number' in the first round, there would be a run-off between the top-two candidates in two weeks.

Party agents and both local and foreign observers are also monitoring events at the various polling stations, while security officials keep guard to forestall any disruption or disturbances.

GNA
The special voting exercise ongoing in polling stations across all 275 constituencies, is experiencing some challenges.

While the Electoral Commission (EC) is insisting persons who registered for special voting should be allowed to vote at the various constituencies they had been designated to, Citi News' Fred Djabanor who reported from Klottey Korle, stated that he was not allowed to vote because the returning officer indicated that he was not a registered voter in that particular constituency.

We were informed by the returning officer here at the voting centre that if you are not a registered voter within the Klottey Korle constituency, you cannot vote despite the fact that your name is on the special list of voters. We are told that per the directives you are suppose to go back to your constituency where you registered and go check whether you will be allowed to vote. People who are not original voters here cannot vote, Fred reported.

He further stated that, some police and military personnel who could not find their names on the special voters list were very upset.

Some Police and security personnel are very angry. According to them, their names were on the special voters' list but when they came here; they were told their names were not here and they cannot vote.

Some security personnel who spoke to Citi News also expressed their frustration.

One security official said : Im going to the North, how can I go there, come back to Accra on December 7, vote and go back?

Another said; If we are being treated like this, how much more a pure water seller on December 7?

Responding to these concerns, the Public Relations Officer of the Electoral Commission, Eric Dzapasu, said the Commission will take measures to immediately resolve the challenges.

He believes the returning officer at Klottey Korle might have erred in refusing to allow the affected persons to cast their ballot.

70 police officers' names missing in N/R

Meanwhile Citi News' Northern Regional correspondent, Abdul Karim Natogmah, reported that about 70 police officers could not find their names on the special voters' list, despite registering for the exercise.

He said the Tamale Metro Police Commander could also not find his name on the special voters list.



By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @EfeAnsah
'The opposite of love is not hatred, it is indifference", so the saying goes. Experience and our grey-haired men should constantly remind us that, a nation that decides to play the proverbial rope which proudly perched around the creeping plant and paid deaf ear to the deafening noise of the recalcitrant bird, despite several complaints from a worried tortoise, will eventually find its sorry self in the hunter's quiver one hot Saturday afternoon.

Barely two weeks ago, I was on some major online news portals to lament heavily on how the Ghana Education Service is sporting with the education and future of our basic school children by overburdening them with a literary book and further punishing teachers with incessant and time-wasting workshops on it.

In the said article, I mentioned the book and sought to prod the 'ears' of the Ghana Education Service to wake up to its promise of making sure questions on the book are featured in the English Language paper one of this and subsequent year's Basic Education Certificate Examination.

It's not for nothing that I should be disturbing your peace with yet another 'noise' bordering on our education. As usual, I will pour my thoughts here and only hope the institutions that matter move in swiftly to salvage the situation before it grows into a backyard ghost to haunt and stagnate our progress.

In its frantic efforts to rid government's payroll of the numerous unscrupulous, recalcitrant and nation-wrecking ghosts that have diabolically survived on the public purse for ages, the Controller and Accountant General's Department has put in place a number of stringent measures, one of which is salary validation. This mechanism does not only intend to send some ghosts back into their sorry graves, it also aims at reducing absenteeism in our public institutions to its barest minimum.

The entire essence of this salary validation system, as sent to me by one of the heavily-embittered teachers, reads, "The Electronic Salary Payment Voucher is to improve the delivery of financial management services of the government and the general public. The E-SPV system provides for electronic reconciliation and verification of the information on the nominal roll of management units. That's, head of payroll management units would with a click of the button validate and return the salary voucher electronically."

To make it simple for assimilation, heads of payroll management units (and in the case of schools, headteachers and circuit supervisors) are required to verify their teachers monthly, by way of filling an Accountant General-provided form online, detailing the number of days a teacher reports to work for the month. Any teacher whose verification does not go through, for one reason or the other, before the validation deadline concludes will have to cook a bitter story he himself cannot taste, for the sip of his wife and children, if any. A teacher who is also not verified for two successive months or more, I understand, is automatically declared a ghost and will subsequently be flushed out of Controller and Accountant General's payroll.

It's however sad to learn that just a few months into the implementation of this national coffers-saving intervention, some headteachers and circuit supervisors who feel their belly-needs are more pressing than the collective well-being of Ama Ghana are already working tirelessly at nipping the system in the bud. In some schools, teachers are made to pay five Ghana cedis or more to head teachers in the name of buying airtime to verify them. And when the headteacher has taken this 'data dime' and he is done with his part of the assignment, the circuit supervisor who is supposed to do the final verification will also claim he has no laptop to finish the process and this will thus open a new chapter of the struggle.

To save any unwarranted delays and the damaging blow any such filibuster may deal their pockets, these same teachers, whose salaries are already under intense pressure, in their bid to leave their banking halls with smiling envelops and escape the frowns and wraths of their families and creditors, will have to reach their pockets once again and make another contribution to buy a laptop for a circuit supervisor.

It's just unfathomable how the Controller and Accountant General's Department has been able to come up with such a brilliant idea but cannot collaborate with government to get these supervisors some laptops and save our teachers the hustle and bustle of having to make a double contribution before their salaries arrive safely in their pockets. While we applaud the Accountant General for coming to the rescue of the public purse with such a wonderful initiative, we plead with him to do everything within his means to ensure that the system works without giving any person or group of persons any cause to whimper and whisper about it.

You see, our refusal to take some of these issues up, especially those pertaining to our education, and do justice to them is a regrettable reflection of how playful and unserious we are as people and this, perhaps, necessitates a revisit to the old days of 'Ka na wu' (say and die), a bold and fearless spirit of saying things as they are, albeit minus insults, and damning the dreadful consequences. Unfortunately, this spirit has been thrown to the dogs and replaced with pathetic partisan politics of insults everywhere. It's a pity how we all seem to be growing into one funny generation of people who bask in the ecstasies and fallacies of pettiness and trivialities at the expense of staidness and celerity.

If the old days of 'ka na wu' still existed, perhaps, our politicians wouldn't have to wait till a few months to elections before they get problems fixed or embark on petty developmental projects to win our applauses. If the old days of 'ka na wu' still existed, perhaps, state and public institutions wouldn't be transformed into 'jobs for the boys', with sheer disregard for competence. Perhaps, if the old days of 'ka na wu' still existed, our chiefs would not take part in partisan politics by declaring support for specific presidential candidates and go about flapping their feathers in their palaces. And perhaps, if the old days of 'ka na wu' still existed, we would all come to appreciate the uncomfortable truth that our duty to do that which is right and productive does not rest on the shoulders of government, and that, we owe our conscience a moral obligation to protect and lift high the flag of Ghana at all times.

May we be bold and fearless in our quest for excellence.

Jet Alan.
The circumstance that informed a Kumasi High Courts decision to give green light to auctioneers to facilitate the sale of a widows property, to cover debts of her divorced husband (deceased) seems to have raised dust as she moves to petition the office of the Chief Justice for redress.

According to Angelina Gertrude Sarpong, she is still in shock over why the High Court, then presided over by His Lordship Justice Emmanuel Ankamah would deny her justice despite several applications and proofs presented to the court by his lawyers to contend ownership of the property.

The property; plot No.20 Block T at Adiemra, Kumasi in the Ashante region, is for my children from a divorce court, and I am the Trustee, since my kids were minors, by an Accra High Court 2 from 1985 to 1991.This property was bought straight in our son's name then was given to all the five children of the marriage. And it has been our bona fide property for over30 years now. Along the line with our consent, we allowed my Ex late husband to live there for running bankrupt and also became sick, since we were in Accra and later flew to the United States for the children to go to University, Madam Sarpong explained.

Lawyer for Madam Gertrude Sarpong, William Kusi, of the Dominion Chambers, on his part, deliberating on the matter in an interview bemoaned the courts decision, saying it was in bad taste.

He also noted that When the man died, one of his daughters and his brother quickly went to court to issue a writ to the commercial court to claim that comfort and a certain Family Head were administrators of Frank Osei Assibeys Estate, they took an action against them to recover some amount of money they alleged osei Assibey was indebted to a certain Abani when he was alive.

And then at the trial they filed a statement of defense... virtually admitting that the man was indeed owing the money, and then they went to the court to seek summary judgment , with two reliefs that either the court entered judgment for the recovery of the money or entered judgment for judicial sale of the house, then we had to come into the issue when they attached the house to sell it, so immediately we saw it we filed an inter pleader as the rule required, through the inter pleader we had to prove to the court that the property did not belong to the late Osei Assibey, then they would also prove why the thing was for Osei Assibey, but as soon as we filed at the court then they said our license as a law firm, our chamber registration had expired.

He explained that Our chamber registration is an annual thing; it was supposed to expire in November, so we went to court to advance amendment, then the Judge said no, we even had to go to the Legal Council for a cover letter, showing it was supposed to be renewed in November then the Judge again said no, the Legal Council could not lecture him law, and because the inter pleader had come from our law firm it was declared NULL and VOID , so we said ok the partys themselves could file the inter pleader , so we filed an appeal on their behalf, but we saw that they were still pursuing the agenda of selling the house, so we applied for a search at the lands Commission and it became clear that Frank Osei Assibey had transferred the property to one of his sons, Papa Kwame Owusu Sekyere, and with Angelina Gertrude Sarpong holding the property in trustee .

However, a search results intercepted by this paper, and Signed by Nana Yaa A.A Nnuro, Regional Lands Officer, (Legal Department) revealed that there was an assignment dated 27th august, 1982 and made between the late Frank Osei Assibey and Angelina Gertrude Sarpong in trust for Papa Kwame Owusu-Sekyere (minior) which was registered on 6th September, 1982 under title No. 9731 and Serial NO. 537/82.

According to the search results, an application for consent to assignment was also made between Papa Kwame Owusu-Sekyere of the one part and Franklin Osei Assibey, Linda Osei Assibey, Sandra Osei Assibey, and Jerrand Osei Assibey of the other part dated 8th February , 2011 has been submitted for processing .

Another part of the search results further read that Caveat from W. Kusi Legal Consult dated 25th February 2013 to bring to our notice that ownership of the House, according to High Court Judgment is in favor of five children of Angelina Osei Assibey and to reject any sale or purchase of the said house against the sale of the property had been received.

Stay tuned.
Some persons who are supposed to take part in the Special Voting exercise have been prevented from voting.

They have been turned away by Electoral Commission (EC) officials because they could not find their names Special Voters register.

JoyNews Araba Aggrey reporting from a polling centre in the Anyaa Sowutuom has reported that about 10 people out of more than 400 voters have so far been prevented from voting.

According to her, those who have been turned away are angry stressing that they believe it is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise them.

In the Ho Central constituency in the Volta region, 45 people could not also find their names in the Special Voters register.

JoyNews Fred Kwame Asare reported from that constituency that some security persons have threatened that, if they are not allowed to vote now, they will abandon their posts to go and vote on December 7.

In the Eastern region, Kofi Siaw reported from the New Juaben South constituency that the situation is no different

Kofi Adjei in the Awutu Senya West Constituency in the Central region also said over 20 persons have been prevented from voting.

According to him, Most of them cannot find their names. They are very angry.

Erastus Asare Donkor reporting from the Asawase Constituency reported that the exercise is largely going on smoothly but two people so far have been prevented from voting because they could not find their names.

The situation the Western region is no different. There is some anger at the Takoradi Central Constituency, JoyNews Western regional correspondent, Kwaku Owusu Peprah reported.

A Special Voter, who could not find his name, told Kwaku Owusu Peprah Voting in this particular exercise is as important to me as my monthly salary, and that nothing will prevent him from voting.

Rafiq Salam also reported that in the Wa Central constituency, 888 voters are expected to cast their ballot but Some of the people cant find their names.

According to him, Some of the security men are not happy because some of them have travelled from long distances to vote.

Manasseh Azure Awuni reporting from the Ayawaso East constituency in the Greater Accra region also reported that 90 people have voted so far.

Some people could not find their names, and that, the EC had to rely on party registers to allow people vote.

Naa Amarley from the Oforikrom Constituency in the Ashanti region told Super Morning Show on Joy FM host, Kojo Yankson that the New Patriotic Party (npp) is moving to stop the exercise there.

This, she said, is due to discrepancies in the Special Voters register. The NPP said they were given a list of 400 persons and they are surprised that the list has shot up to 600.

Eric Dzakpasu, Public Relations Office of the EC reacting to the developments, in an interview on the Super Morning Show, noted that the rules applying to the special voting are not different from the regular voting, and that You cannot vote outside your constituency.

He explained that the Special Voting list was compiled from information given to the EC by the agencies including Police Service, the National Media Commission, the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association.

A large number of them have not transferred their votes, he explained.

About 127,000 persons are currently taking part in the Special Voting exercise across the country.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | DA
Nana Adu-Asare and other dignitaries being conducted round the showroom by top executives of SSAL

Silver Star Auto Limited (SSAL) has revived its operations in the Ashanti Region by inaugurating a new showroom and service centre in Kumasi.

The company also announced a free diagnosis campaign for owners of Suzuki vehicles, with a 20 percent discount on labour and genuine spare parts.

The move, the company said, is in line with its vision of bringing Mercedes-Benz & Suzuki vehicles, as well as genuine parts to the doorsteps of customers in the Ashanti Region.

SSAL is also committed to bringing the best in Sales and After-Sales service to the Ashanti Region.

Located at the Prempeh 1 Street in Adum, the facility would provide sales and after-sales support for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, Suzuki vehicles, Energizer Automotive Batteries and MOTUL Automotive oil and lubricants.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Nouhad Kalmoni, who was speaking at the launch said, Kumasi is important for us as it happens to be the second biggest city in terms of population and Mercedes-Benz cars in operation.

With the addition of Suzuki vehicles, we can now cater for a bigger portion of the population in the region. We hope to sell at least 12 units Mercedes-Benz cars, 75 units of SUZUKI and look to receive and service 50 cars a month at the workshop in the first year, he said.

Mr. Kalmoni said the company would start its operations with passenger cars mainly, saying this entry will pave the way for the introduction of commercial vehicles such as buses, vans, tipper trucks and tractor heads in the region.

Amakomhene Nana Adu-Asare, who spoke on behalf of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, commended SSAL for such investment, describing it as a positive addition to the well-established automobile industry in Kumasi.

He said, We are particularly happy that users of the company's franchise brands would now have access to genuine spare parts and quality automobile oil and batteries at their doorsteps.
By PTI: Bengaluru, Dec 1 (PTI) The mortal remains of martyr Major Akshay Girish Kumar, killed during the terror strike on Nagrota Army camp in Jammu, were cremated with full military honours here today.

The body of 31-year old Kumar was brought from New Delhi in an IAF aircraft and kept at the Yelahanka Air Force station where the Army and IAF officials and dignitaries paid their last respects to the martyr.

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Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra and Bengaluru Mayor Padmvathi laid wreaths on the body of Kumar, who was part of the Quick Reponse Team that swung into action soon after the terror strike on Tuesday.

Jayachandra announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh to the family of Kumar, who was among the seven armymen, including two officers, killed in the terror attack. In a sombre atmosphere, Kumars friends, relatives and mourners from the nearby areas paid homage as his body was kept for public viewing at his residence here. Kumars father Girish Kumar retired as a Wing Commander and is now serving as a pilot with a private airline. Kumar is survived by wife Sangeetha and two and a half year old daughter Naina. PTI RA VS RG

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Ing. George Essandoh-Executive Secretary of GhIE (left) presenting a best student award to Ing. Eyram Stephen Tettevi.

The Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) has inducted 145 new engineers who passed the Engineering Professional Examinations at the 16th Induction ceremony held in Accra.

President of GhIE, Ing. Dr. Kwame Boakye, who was speaking at the induction ceremony, appealed to the new engineers to always keep in mind the objective of GhIE which is to promote and advance science and engineering to the benefit of society.

You must further observe that most development problems are essentially engineering problems and that no nation ever developed without indigenous engineers, he said.

Engineering has been and continues to be the backbone for the development and progress of any country, Dr. Boakye said, adding this places a special responsibility on us, individually and collectively in the development of Ghana.

Group picture of the newly inducted engineers with the President and Council members of the GhIE

Ing. J.V. Duncan William, former President of the GhIE, explained to the new engineers the role of the Engineering Council as a regulatory body mandated by law to regulate the practice of engineering in the country as enshrined in the Engineering Council Act, 2011 (Act 819).

Chairman of the Membership Committee of GhIE, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, said a total of 191 candidates participated in the Professional Examinations at Tarkwa, Kumasi and Accra but 145 passed.

Certificates were presented to the new engineers in Civil Technical Division, Electricals/Electronic Technical Division, Mechanical/Agric/Marine Technical Division and Chemical/Mining Technical Division.

Special awards were given to the best students in the four divisions.

Ing Prof. William Kwame Buah received the best student award in the Chemical/Mining Division, Ing John Emmanuel Cudjoe received the best student award in the Civil Division, Ing. Josiah Kwamina Attah-Yalley received the best student in the Electrical/Electronic Division while the best student award in the Mechanical/Agric/Marine Division went to Ing. Eyram Stephen Tettevi.
Alfred Agbesi Woyome, Ernest Thompson (SSNIT Boss), Ace Ankomah (OccupyGhana)

Pressure group OccupyGhana has cautioned the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) against funding the latest controversial project being undertaken by embattled financier of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alfred Agbesi Woyome.

The group shocked Ghanaians last week when they revealed that Woyome's company had been awarded another $8 million (GH35m) contract by the government.

The news is coming at a time when the government is struggling to recoup the GH51.2 million dubiously paid to the NDC man in 2010 by the government on the instructions of then Attorney General, Betty Mould Iddrisu and her deputy, Ebo Barton-Odro.

The group released documents detailing how Anator Holding Company Limited which Woyome claims belong to him, was given the contract by then Minister of Transport, Dzifa Aku Attivor, to develop deep seaports (including) industrial parks and green townships in Ghana and the deal was signed just last year December.

Mr. Woyome tried to rubbish the pressure group's claims but OccupyGhana has come out strongly  even with more evidence  suggesting that SSNIT is being pressured by the government to support the project with funds.

SSNIT's Stake

In a statement yesterday, OccupyGhana said the Mahama-led NDC government has issued a directive to SSNIT to use pension funds to acquire a 24% stake in what it called this phantom Woyome project.

The group averred, OccupyGhana has noted that its last press release on the above matter has been met with silence from government officials, and two farcical denials of there even being an agreement: one by Woyome and another by Mr. Selby, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport. We have rebutted this by posting the agreement on our website.

Phantom Concept

According to the pressure group, Woyome designed a concept seeking to provide solar power and 20,000 houses for an Urban Renewal Project and claimed it was going to be replicated and adapted to agriculture, mining or manufacturing communities with job creation prospects.

Woyome managed to get the Finance Minister at the time, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, to write a letter dated 15th December, 2009 to in principle accept participation stake-holding of 24% in the joint venture, the group disclosed.

It said, That letter was however, clear that the Government was going to subject the proposal to further discussion with relevant stakeholders, leading to formal negotiations towards a definitive agreement. The letter was also clear that a final position on all aspects of the project would only be arrived at after discussions with all stakeholders, subject also to Cabinet and Parliamentary approvals.

By the time Woyome re-surfaced in 2014, what was a Green Township project had transformed and ballooned into a huge Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project designed to do practically everything under the sun: electricity, deep sea ports, roads, railways, hospitals, factories, agriculture, mining, archaeological findings, OccupyGhana underscored.

Woyome's Consultant

On 19th August, 2016, Woyome's consultant, Albert Essamuah Associates Limited, now claiming to have been appointed as the Government's consultants (and we are yet to see evidence of any such appointment), wrote to the Chief of Staff demanding the latter to issue an urgent directive from your august office, to SSNIT through its Board Chairman, to take up the 24% stakeholding of the Government of Ghana in the Project SEZ on behalf of the people of Ghana. This letter also revealed that 'when the construction of the Port commences the value will escalate to over US$25 billion,' stated the pressure group.

OccupyGhana said although the said letter was 'disingenuously' silent about the value of the alleged 24% stake that SSNIT was to be directed to acquire, What is apparent is that either SSNIT or the Government was expected by Woyome to fork out a colossal 24% of US$25bn for that acquisition, which translates into a whopping $6 billion!

So, what Dr. Duffuor had clearly stated as an 'in principle acceptance' with several approval conditions was, after the illegal Framework Agreement was signed between Woyome and Dzifa Attivor, being represented to the Chief of Staff as a firm commitment to acquire a 24% stake in the phantom project, the group said.

Legal Opinion

We are satisfied to note that the Chief of Staff asked for a legal opinion from the Attorney General, not on whether or not Ghana had committed to acquire that 24% stake (which would be false), but on whether the government could issue the directive to SSNIT as demanded by Woyome, it observed.

They said an opinion dated 30th September 2016 and signed by Dr. Dominic Ayine, Deputy Attorney General stated that the Chief of Staff can issue directives with respect to SSNIT to take up the 24% stake in the project, but subject to compliance with the investment guidelines established by the National Pensions Act (2008).

By William Yaw Owusu


01.12.2016 LISTEN

Technology is not the exclusive preserve of men even though they dominate the industry. The tight control of men in the industry has made it difficult for women to venture into the tech world. Jumia Travel can describe it as a male tech chauvinism. According to Intels report on women and the web, On average, the developing world, nearly 25% fewer women than men have access to the internet, and the gender gap soars to nearly 45% in regions like sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite the increased penetration of the internet in Nigeria, very few women are represented in technology space. There is no gainsaying that there are more women interested in the industry but some may be discouraged because men currently dominate the industry. Dont allow this stereotype to get to you. Here are five reasons you should join the Nigerian tech movement as a Nigerian woman.

Technology will not be skewed towards men

Since the technology industry is dominated by men, it will no doubt be skewed towards them. This means their decisions will most likely be made to favour them. But, if there are more female represented in the industry, this will not happen. The perspective of women will be considered before any decision is made. There will be diversity in technology thus making it cut across gender.

Reduce social inequalities

Technology is the fastest growing industry in the world. In fact, it is the future. So, if women are missing now in this rapidly evolving world of technology, the social inequalities between men and women will continue to expand.

Give a voice to women

The more women are represented in technology the more women will have a voice in the industry. So, whatever is happening in the industry, the voice of the Nigerian woman will not be absent.

Technology innovation will improve

According to countrys metrics, 50.6% of Nigerians are men while 49.4% are female. If the former are already well represented, the latter can barely be found in the industry. This is an important part of our population raging with tech ideas languishing outside the industry. So, technical innovation will considerably improve as women will contribute their quota to its development.
Government has directed the Ministry of Power to halt the processing of application for Independent Power Plants in the country.

The move is aimed at assessing the situation to determine the country's future power demand.

President John Mahama disclosed this in an address read on his behalf at the official launch of the Ghana Exim Bank.

I've had the unpleasant duty of having to ask the Ministry of Power to halt the processing of further applications for independent power plants in the country until a very elaborate study can be done and that is almost complete, he stated.

At the peak of Ghana's power crisis, the country granted permission to some Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to work on increasing the country's generation capacity.

The pockets of opposition of possible hikes in utility prices with the relative high cost of production notwithstanding, the IPPs have contributed to the increase in the country's power generation.

The President also touted what he referred to as the country's emergency power resolution programme which has improved the supply of power significantly.

Infact the coming on board of the IPPs has brought forward the capacity we need or plants too which we had expected to off take the projected Sankofa gas, he added.

Meanwhile the Power Ministry is almost done with its study on the country's future energy needs which is expected to inform further decisions in the granting of licenses to subsequent IPPs.

The power crisis which spanned for about four years, affected most sectors of the economy with some huge layoffs in certain instances.

Businesses say they are still recovering from the effects of the reeling power crisis as their balance books are yet to reflect in the huge losses made during the period.



By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
Meet Richard, an officer of the Electoral Commission who cannot vote in the process for special categories of essential service providers designated as special voters.

The professional nurse and 'part-time EC officer' is disappointed. He told Joy News, that this is because of a last-minute change in the electoral rules.

Initially, he was informed during training for EC officers that he was to cast his ballot where he would officiate which is Adentan, he told Joy News' Jennifer Akuamoah.

But his dutiful enthusiasm to work drained out of him when he was hit when news that he can work as an Electoral Officer but cannot vote in Adentan as an Electoral officer.

His name was not included on the list in Adentan. "We got here this morning and there has been a new development".

"If you registered outside Adentan then you need to go to wherever you registered to go an cast your ballot for the special voting" he explained.

His name is on a list in the Upper Manya Krobo Asesewa area in the Eastern region which is where he originally registered.

'Per what they are saying, my name has been added to the special voting list in the Eastern region'.

He tried to appeal to his supervisor to do something about his situation. "He said there is nothing they can do since my name is not part of the special voting list that they have here now".

The reality of his disenfranchisement dawned on him, his disappointment was obvious.

"It cannot be possible. I can't travel from here to Asesewa at this time to go and cast my ballot".

Even worse, he won't get a second chance to vote on December 7 when all other Ghanaian registered voters are expected to participate.

This is because Richard will have to be at work as an EC official, helping other Ghanaians to exercise their fundamental human right, a process which has incidentally denied him his own fundamental human right too.

Richard is in disbelief.

"I can't vote.I can't vote because I am an EC official on that day", he repeated the line like a chorus in a Christmas carol.

"So they have disenfranchised me. I can't exercise my franchise on December 7 which is bad" Richard's confusion was complete.

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|[email protected]
Business man Alfred Woyome had his wish granted Thursday when the Supreme Court granted a request for the postponement of the much anticipated oral examination by his biggest adversary Martin Amidu.

The embattled NDC financier prayed for a stay of an earlier ruling which gave Amidu the opportunity to cross-examine him on his assets and how the state could retrieve an amount of 51 million dubiously paid to him. He had already filed a suit for the review of the earlier ruling.

On Thursday Justice Anin Yeboah in his ruling said it was important for the proceedings to be put on hold since the review case may have a substantial impact on the pending oral examination.

He adjourned the case to December 15 for hearing on the review case.

More soon

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
With just six days to the 2016 general elections, the leadership of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) has declared support for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

In a statement, signed by the National Chairman, Kwaku Abankwa, General Secretary, Agyenim Boateng, National Organiser and co-founder, Ernest Berko and National Communication Director, Alex Ababio, the executives said they would offer unflinching support to Nana Akufo-Addo in the upcoming general elections.

They said they considered the leadership qualities of Nana Akufo-Addo, as well as the policies and proposals contained in the 2016 manifesto of the NPP before making the decision.

After assessing the manifestoes of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP, we realized that we share ideas with the NPP in the sustainable development of Ghana, they stated.

According to GFP executives, Nana Addo has leadership qualities and vision to effectively steer the affairs of the country.

Apart from that, they indicated that Nana Addo has shown that he is selfless leader who is not corrupt and would fight corruption and social injustice in the country.

Nana Addo has spent a better part of his life mentoring a large number of Ghanaians, particularly lawyers and other business leaders in the country.

Nana Addo showed courage as he graciously accepted the verdict of the Supreme Court ruling in 2013 election petition even when it did not go in his favour.

Furthermore, executives of the GFP said the NPP appreciates the socio-economic problems faced by the country and has workable solutions in their manifesto to address these economic challenges.

When Ghanaians entrust stewardship of this country to NPP under the leadership of Nana Addo, the true economic transformation of Ghana would be fully realized.

They also commended the NPP for introducing the one district-one factory policy, tax cuts, free SHS policy, social intervention programmes for the poor, particularly, the head porters, also known as Kayayei.

By Charles Takyi-Boadu


THE CONCERN Assemblymen in the Bosomtwe District in the Ashanti Region have thrown their unflinching support for Nana Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to win the polls.

They stated categorically that the NPP's campaign promise of 'One Million Dollars for One Constituency' is the best among all the campaign messages and policies that the various political parties had tabled.

Spokesperson of the assemblymen, Joseph Asante, stated that the 'One Million Dollars One Constituency' policy is the surest way for the country to end poverty, notably in the rural areas.

According to him, the policy indeed gives credence to the fact that Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP were determined to end poverty and boost transformation so as to bring comfort and joy into the lives of the citizenry.

Speaking at a well-attended press conference on Tuesday, Mr Asante, who is the assemblyman for Aputuogya Electoral Area, admonished Ghanaians to vote massively for the NPP on December 7.

He was of the opinion that the myriad of tribulations and economic woes facing the citizenry would be a thing of the past if the NPP wins the impending polls, saying that the NPP is the best political party to manage Ghana.

According to him, the NPP's 'One Million Dollars for One Constituency' policy would help bridge the wide developmental gap that currently exists between the cities and the small towns.

The result of the elections will determine the direction and future of Ghana for the next four years, he said adding Ghanaians must critically analyze the various contestants and their party's manifesto to enable them vote wisely.

The 'One Million Dollars for One Constituency' policy, he noted, would help resource the assemblymen and the Unit Committees to provide basic amenities for their area, stressing that the policy is the best antidote for the ever increasing hardship in the country.

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi


The Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo Addo has stated that he does not want to become president to rob the country of its resources.

He had consequently called on all to vote massively for NPP in the upcoming election to enable him improve on the living standards of Ghanaians.

Nana Addo said this during a mammoth Central regional rally at Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Upper Denkyira East.

Thousands of supporters of the party including the national and regional executives, all the 23 Parliamentary Candidates and their chairmen as well as former ministers of state among others attended the rally.

Nana Addo urged Ghanaians not to listen to insinuations that the NPP cannot do anything about the harsh economic climate in the country when voted into power.

We will work according to what is in our manifesto and not utter false promises to get your votes, he said.

He underscored the need for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to refrain from any form of manipulation, cheating and tricks during the election, to ensure peaceful election.

He assured Ghanaians that he would revive all the collapsed policies initiated by the former President John Agyekum Kufour such as the School Feeding Programme, Capitation Grant, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Metro Mass Transit, and Free Mass Cocoa Spraying.

He promised to restore the teachers and nurses training allowance which had been scrapped by the NDC government who claimed to be transforming Ghana.

Nana Addo expressed concern over the high rate of unemployment in the country and promised to find a solution to it when given the mandate as the next president of Ghana.

He stressed that education is the bedrock of every nation's development, hence the introduction of Free Senior High School Policy while adult education will also be brought back to enable most illiterate adults have access to education.

The former Minister of Trade, Mr Alan Kyerematen asserted that the introduction of 'one district one factory' would help reduce the unemployment situation in the country.

The regional chairman, Robert Kutin in his address said the rally had sent a signal to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government that Ghanaians are ready for a change.

He said the party is poised to capture 16 out of the 23 seats in the region in the upcoming election and therefore urged all to embark on house to house as well as door to door campaign to enable them win the election massively.

Email:[email protected]

From Sarah Afful, Dunkwa-On-Offin


Mike Hammah (2nd right) with some SIC Top Executives presenting the cheque to Ato Forson

SIC Insurance Company Limited, Ghana's leading Non-Life Insurance Company, has presented a cheque of GH1,674,721.20 to the Ministry of Finance as dividend for the year ending 2015.

The amount represents 40 percent of total dividend to shareholders of the company.

Mike Hammah, Board Chairman of SIC Insurance Company Limited, who was speaking at the presentation ceremony, expressed appreciation to government for its cooperation over the years.

He said the company has embarked on an Enterprise Risk Management programme which is aimed at consistent improving efficiency to strengthen internal control systems to consolidate gains to provide value for its shareholders and stakeholders alike.

Mr. Hammah said SIC Insurance paid GH4,178,977.20 as dividend to its shareholders in 2015, representing a 20 percent increase over the amount last paid in 2012.

He said the board and management were working hand in hand to align the company's risk appetite to its strategy going forward.

This, he said, would enhance risk response decisions and thus reducing operational surprises and losses.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of Government, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, commended SIC Insurance for the payment in the face of stiff competition in the insurance industry and encouraged the company to remain resilient, reliable and profitable in order to increase its dividend in the ensuing year.

He said as the industry leader, SIC Insurance must continue to be relevant on all fronts to provide the needed direction for the industry.
By PTI: Mumbai, Dec 1 (PTI) Solar engineering firm Sterling and Wilson today said it has signed pact with a consortium led by ACWA Power to construct a 170 mega watt (MW) photo-voltaic facility in the Kingdom of Morocco.

The Shapoorji Pallonji Group company, which has over 1 GW of installations on ground, is expected to begin construction on the project, NOOR PV I Programme, shortly and is estimated to take 12 months to complete.

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The NOOR PV I Programme will consist of three projects: NOOR Ouarzazate IV with a capacity of around 70 MW, NOOR Laayoune (80 MW) and NOOR Boujdour (20 MW).

The electricity produced by the plants using photovoltaic (PV) technology will power thousands of homes and reduce carbon emissions by thousands of tonnes every year, the company said in a statement.

"We have been selected as the EPC contractor for what will be one of the largest Solar PV plants in North Africa," it said, adding once completed, the plant is expected to be operational for 20 years.

Sterling and Wilson president (renewable and electrical) Bikesh Ogra said that the projects have been awarded after an intense competitive bidding process.

"Morocco has been one of our most important target markets and these projects would hopefully enable us to consolidate our positioning for all forthcoming opportunities in the country and the region as a whole," Ogra added.

Sterling and Wilson said it would also be contributing to the local development of the community by ensuring maximum engagement of local resources on these projects.

The company would provide specialised training locally to both skilled and unskilled resources in order to meet the project expectations. PTI SSM NRB BAL RYS

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The automation of Ghana's birth registration process, a programme spearheaded by the Births and Deaths Registry, UNICEF and the mobile network operator Tigo, won the 'Changing Lives Award' at the just-ended AfricaCom2016 Awards in Cape Town, South Africa.

AfricaCom is the biggest gathering of all African telecom service providers and vendors to network, showcase and discuss new and emerging technologies.

It also celebrates the contributions of outstanding operators.

Country Representative of UNICEF, Susan Namondo Ngongi, was happy that the partnership was yielding great results.

Birth registration is a fundamental human right and an important national exercise for inclusion and social protection. When we are able to identify children, the country can effectively plan in terms of resource mobilization and distribution. We are also able to protect them from exploitation, including child marriage and labour, she emphasized.

CEO for Tigo and 2015 AfricaCom CEO of the Year recipient, Roshi Motman, was grateful to UNICEF and the Government of Ghana for the consistent support.

Digital inclusion is an important focus for us and we will continue to look for innovative ways to integrate technology to create and scale up social good.

The outcomes of this programme so far has been very impressive, together we are replacing the manual service with an effective and efficient process that ensures that every child is accounted for, she added.

The Births and Deaths Registry is happy to note that through the collaborative efforts with Tigo and UNICEF, we are gradually overcoming the challenges associated with the manual registration of new births. Since the launch of the programme in May 2016, supervision has been made easier, as senior officials are able to log into the system and verify which district and region has not uploaded data since the last check.

The programme promises good prospects of changing the face of birth registration and improved coverage in Ghana, said John Agbeko, the Registrar for Births and Deaths.

In May 2016, UNICEF, Tigo and the Births and Deaths Registry, officially launched the automation of birth registration in Ghana after months of testing and training to digitize the manual process.

The programme, which is already being piloted in 300 communities across the country, has reduced paper work and travel time among officials of the Births and Deaths registry.

It provides information in real time and digitally stores birth registration documents.
Abraham Lincoln once said Nothing is politically right which is morally wrong but to many so called neo political activists in Ghana today, this admonition means nothing. Once they have access to the microphone and can scream in a debate, hold press conferences to launch scathing attacks, it is well with their soul. This becomes even more sickening when perpetrators of such immoral activities are rewarded with political appointments if their parties win political power.

I cannot fathom the rationale behind the press conference held by the New Patriotic Party (N.P.P) on Tuesday, 29th November, 2016 on an alleged bribery attempt supposedly to have been committed by the president of the republic and the Commander-in Chief of the Ghana Arm Forces, H.E John Mahama and his brother, Ibrahim. This piece is to analyze issues emanating from the press conference and to state otherwise its political correctness barely one week to the General Elections of 2016.

Mustapha Hamid, an Islamic scholar and spokesperson for the NPP 2016 flagbearer, is a fine brain in academia. I recall vividly my days at the University of Cape Coast, when he took me through a course titled Religion in Africa- Islamic perspectives. Academically brilliant but politically skewed as politics sometimes overcloud his sense of judgement, arguably not.

I remember also what my uncle told me during his days at Kamina Barracks, Tamale. Hamids father, a military officer in charge of Armory has to flee kamina through Burkina Faso to Belgium, where he is currently domiciled, I guess. This was because there was an alleged coup plot to overthrow Rawlings PNDC government somewhere 1983-1985 of which he was implicated. Therefore, Mustapha Hamids hatred for P/NDC is acceptable.

I also recalled a story my grandfather shared with me about Bugri Naabu. My grandfather and others were in the forefront of the Konkomba-Nanumba war as senior police officers on ground. Mr. Bugri Naabu was declared persona non grata in the city of Tamale after his inter-royals hotels was vandalized. His attempt to transact business at ADB main branch led to the death of innocent souls, who besieged the bank upon news broke out that he was in the bank.

I did not intend to affect sensibilities by recounting history, but pardon me if it does so. This is to help understand some characters in our societies who are parading themselves as men of integrity unblemished, and pontificating others for corrupt practices and immoral conduct by riding on public sentiments.

To my brothers and sisters of northern extraction- Northern, Upper West region and Upper East regions: we must know where we came from, where are now, and where we are going.

The colonial establishments relegated us farther away from all aspects of Human Development Index, by establishing schools, industries, and railway system in the south to our detriment. When might is strength, then we are called to participate. But it took the visionary leadership of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to break this jinx. He built schools, roads, factories to open up the north for development. He instituted free education, with the thinking that every Ghanaian everywhere, no matter your geographic location, would be able to develop your potentials and to serve Ghana in any capacity. Kudos to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

The seed Nkrumah sowed brought forth eminent Ghanaians from that part the country. The likes of Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Alhassan Andani, H.E Aliu Mahama of blessed memory, Dr. Mahamoud Bawumia, Edward Salia, Martin Amidu, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, R2BEES, Abedi Pele, Hawa Yakubu, just to mention a few, are great and illustrious sons and daughters from the region who have served and continue to serve Ghana diligently.

I am sure Dr. Nkrumah was joyfully turning in his grave when Dr. Hilla Liman won the 1979 General Elections in Ghana to become the first president of the 3rd Republic. I could hear Nkrumah in my spirit saying the dream is accomplished. But this was short lived as Limans administration was overthrown in 1981, 31st December.

This dream was rekindled when Alhaji Aliu Mahama, of blessed memory partnered J.A Kuffour to win the 2000 and 2004 General elections to form government. H.E. Aliu served diligently for eight years as the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana with all sincerity and integrity-a true northern brand. His decision to lead his party as the next flagbearer was fiercely challenged and contested by 16 other members of his party. Though he was the most qualified for serving eight years as VEEP, he lost it. As Nana Addo rightly put it the NPP is not ready to cede its non-akan leadership, as reported by Haruna Attah in his recently article making waves in the media.

Then , came John Mahama, a great grandson of Ndewura Jakpa, from Bole; born in Damongo also from the north, partnered Prof. Mills of blessed memory to victory in the 2008 elections. He was elevated to the office of president after the untimely death of President Mills in July 2012. Americans will never forget 9/11 in their history. We the people of Ghana will never forget 24/7 as well.

H.E. John Mahama, won the 2012 general elections but his legitimacy to govern was challenged at Supreme Court for eight months before the courts finally affirm his legitimacy in August 2013. Coupled with market fires, burning of national installations and offices, ministries, series of demonstrations against him all over the world was carefully orchestrated to malign, denigrate, and smear him with all forms of negativity. But he remain resolute in advancing the better Ghana agenda by changing lives and transforming Ghana with monumental infrastructure development across all facets of the economy- education, road and transport, health facilities, electricity expansion and water. This legacy of his poses a serious threat to his political opponent who are bent on thwarting his second term bid.

It was shameful, regrettable, and though expected that barely a week to the general elections on December 7, the opposition NPP held a press conference the tarnish the image of the first gentleman of the land, Prez. John Mahama in a corrupt and bribery allegation. Ironically, the president was busy commissioning eight community day SHS in the central region, the infamous Kotokuraba market, Kasoa interchange and the Greater Accra Regional Hospital at Ridge, ACCRA. That is the COMMISSIONER GENERAL, hate him or like him.

This press conference was addressed by Mustapha Hamid, a proud son from the north. It is sad how the NPP has been using people of northern extraction within their party to malign and destroyed the reputation of their fellow tribesmen on the other side of the political divide. It is deliberate, vicious and Machiavellian for the NPP to be engaged in such things. My worry is how the educated elite who are being used cant read in between lines. It happened to Chairman Afoko, his own brother from the north was used to initiate a petition for his removal; Sammy Crabbe, a Ga was used.

It is disheartening that the likes of Muatpha Hamid, Kamal Deen and his northern compatriots in the NPP has allowed themselves to be used for this agenda to smear the untainted JOHN MAHAMA, the president.

Bob Nesta Marley said in his hit song ..how long shall they (NPP) kill our prophets while we stand aside and look.. Since John Mahama became president, there is a deliberate attempt to thwart his second term but who Jah, bless none curse.

To our northern brothers and sisters in the NPP, your insult and vilification of John Mahama is enough. The presidency is the symbol of the nation and that office you are fighting so hard to occupy should be respected and protected as such. Dont allow yourselves to be used against your brothers and sisters who are on the other side. Resist the attempt to be used and dumped for being seen as second fiddle in your own party (NPP). The Akans has a saying  Asante Nkae. Reflect on it.

The book of life, the Holy BIBLE says in 2 peter 2:18 for when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error.

Criticisms should be constructive and should not be an attack on the person involved. Those seeking equity must come with clean hands.

For it is written again in the Bible that while they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is bought into bondage -2 Peter 2:19. Drill ship, great cape etc.

I write this from afar as a Political Watcher, Risk Analyst, Educationist, student of Political history, economic and social blogger. But let me hastened to add that political insults and thuggery should not be part of our body politics. The freedom of the people chose its leaders is the root of liberty.

To my lecturer Mustapha Hamid, elder Bugri Naabu and to all political activists in Ghana there should be modicum of tolerance and respect to our leaders and potential leaders. Some are destined to succeed, but many determine to succeed. Whoever wins the December elections needs our total support to move the Ghana we all envisaging.

Paramount is the fact that, aside politics there is friendship to keep and a family to protect.

God bless our homeland Ghana, and let peace reign in our endeavours.

Thank you.

Jonah Savimbi S

e-mail: [email protected]
UNAIDS and media partner StarTimes are working together to reach millions of people with World AIDS Day messages on the theme of HIV prevention. UNAIDS has produced two short videos that promote the life-cycle approach to HIV preventionfinding HIV solutions for everyone, at every stage of life. StarTimes will broadcast the videos across their African networks in English and French from today until the end of the year.

StarTimes is a major digital television operator licensed to broadcast in 30 countries across Africa. No one should be left behind by the AIDS response. Promoting HIV prevention options alongside HIV testing and treatment can ensure that the world will get on the Fast-Track to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.

The videos can be viewed on UNAIDS YouTube channel at the following links:




The APC Northern Regional Treasurer, Ibrahim Mashoud, on behalf of the regional executives; disassociated themselves from the APC leader, Hassan Ayariga's endorsement of President John Dramani Mahama for the December 7 polls.

We in the Northern Region were not consulted by anybody especially Ayariga; when he decided to throw his weight behind a certain party in Ghana. We were not consulted in the Northern Region and so we disassociate ourselves completely from throwing his weight behind the NDC.

We in the APC and for that matter the regional, constituency and Parliamentary candidates of the Northern Region; wish to state here and now to the good people of Ghana that, we sincerely endorse the candidature of Nana Akufo, the NPP Flagbearer for 2016. Ibrahim Mashoud explained their decision, saying,

The endorsement came after series of meetings considering the corruption, mismanagement, wastage of the economy, high rate of unemployment, highest rate of incompetence, killer taxes, collapse of the private sector, high utility bills, tribal politics just to mention a few.

He exposed Hassan Ayariga's ignorance on the composition of the APC Northern Regional chapter.

Hassan Ayariga does not know all his regional executives not to talk of constituency members who were behind him, he does not know anybody. We went round to form the constituency executives.

He has never been to Tamale to see any constituency executives not to talk of the regional. So I want to say emphatically that Hassan Ayariga does not know anybody in the Northern Region so far as the APC is concerned.

He insisted that, Nana Akufo remained their obvious choice for the December 7 Presidential poll.

Our support and votes are for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo of the NPP, and we are declaring that all our members should vote for him on December 7. Our support for Nana Akufo Addo is solid and unshakable.

-Citifmonline
The newly-refurbished 420-bed Greater Accra Regional Hospital has been opened by President John Mahama.

The $250m EXIM Bank USA and HSBC-funded health facility spans a total of about 15.65 acres, and is expected to serve an estimated population of over five million.

The facility will also serve as a clinical training site for students from various institutions such as nursing training institutions, radiology institutions and physiotherapy schools.

The hospital also has an accommodation for critical and emergency staff, house officers and trainees for easy movement to the hospital.

President Mahama, giving his inaugural address, expressed his delight at the inauguration of the first phase of the hospital after three and half years of construction.

The dream of having a modern hospital was on top of my agenda and I am personally gratified that finally phase 1 of this laudable dream has become a reality, he said.

The president mentioned that the new structure would address the huge problem of child and maternal health by providing adequate space and modern equipment to ensure proper services.

He said the facility has been expanded tremendously to meet the needs of the growing populace and as phase 2 comes on board in the ensuing year, all the out-patient clinics will be developed for Ridge to have a total hospital.

I make a firm promise to you that in 24 months from now, the phase two will be completed to make this facility we are outdooring today very complete, he announced.

Dr Thomas Anaba, Medical Director of Ridge Regional Hospital, in his welcome address, acknowledged the many benefits the new building adds to the hospital's activities.

He, however, assured that management has taken a number of strategic initiatives to ensure smooth and efficient running of this new hospital.

Dr Anaba stated that the hospital management has developed a pricing model for the hospital, a standard operation policy and protocols document to serve as reference document for conducting clinical and administrative affairs in the hospital.

The hospital can boast of facilities such as a maternity centre consisting of antenatal clinic, female ward, post-natal ward and labour ward, the child health and neonatal intensive care unit comprising of four wards with no consulting rooms and also sanitary facilities for the medical staff.

The hospital also has a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment block, medical support including pharmacy, laboratory, central sterilisation, logistical support namely kitchen laundry workshop, central stores, technical rooms, a creche and changing room.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri


Hundreds of special voters who queued at polling stations across the country to cast their vote in the Electoral Commission's early voting exercise on Thursday, fear they will be disenfranchised.

Over 127,000 security and media personnel as well as EC officials and others who will be busy on Election Day, are expected to take part in the exercise.

Although the exercise; which commenced in the 275 constituencies has been largely peaceful, complaints of missing names is threatening to cast a slur on the exercise.

Some other people who were also supposed to vote outside their original constituencies, were turned away by Returning Officers.

Below are updates from the various regions:

Upper East Region:

From the Upper East Region, Citi News' Frederick Awuni reported that, a total of 1,480 persons are expected to cast their votes in the exercise.

He reported that, the New Patriotic Party and the Convention People's Party's polling agents at the Bolgatanga Regional House of Chiefs polling station, protested vehemently against some police recruits, who were brought from the Pwalugu Police training school to vote.

The recruits numbering about 703 started their training in November 2016 at the police training school, and were bused to the polling center to vote; but the agents for NPP and the CPP protested their eligibility to vote since they were yet to complete their training to become police officers.

Awuni added that, the process was brought to a halt at about 9:00am until the agents for the NPP and CPP together with police officers drove them away.

So far, calm has returned to the area, and voting has commenced at the polling center, he added.

Brong Ahafo Region:

Mashoud Kombat, Citi News' Brong Ahafo Regional correspondent, also reported that, some security personnel at the Asutifi North constituency raised concerns over their missing names on the register.

Though they will not speak on record, they bitterly complained to the EC officials at the place.

Western Region

Obrempong Yaw Ampofo also reported from Amenfi West Constituency in the Western Region that, some Fire and Police service officials whose names were not found on the special voters list, were advised to go to their original constituencies where they registered.

He also said in the Kwesimintsim Constituency, although 117 were originally expected to vote, the number had jumped to 222.

Ashanti Region

In the Ashanti Region, Lauretta Timah said a police officer who was transferred from the Volta region to vote in the Bantama Constituency , was turned away because his name did not appear in the register.

He said his name is in the list given to the political parties, but absent in the Electoral Commissions copy. He said a couple of other police men have the same challenge, Timah added.

Eastern Region

The Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Peterkin Yentumi Gyinae, could not also vote because his name was not found on the special voters list.

Greater Accra

In the Greater Accra Region, Citi News' Lawrence Segbefia reported that, the exercise has been peaceful at the Nungua Police station, where special voters in the Krowor constituency were casing their votes.

As at 11:15am, 342 people had cast their vote out of total voter list of 955. A few security officers were prevented from voting because their names were not in the list. Most of them expressed their dissatisfaction.

Okai Koi central constituency

In the Okai Koi Central Constituency, Godwin Akweiteh Allotey reported from the Tesano Police station, that the exercise was smooth.

The Returning officer at the polling station in an interview, said about 501 people are supposed to cast their votes before close of polls at 5:00pm.

Klottey Korle

In the Klottey Korle Constituency, Citi News Fred Djabanor reported that, persons who were not originally registered in the constituency yet their names were found on the special voters list, were prevented from voting.



By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
Former boss of the Ghana National Petroleum Cooperation (GNPC), Tsatsu Tsikata, has lauded the Court of Appeal for the judgment that overtur ned his criminal sentence in 2008.

According to him, the judgment will guarantee the enforcement of the rights of all citizens.

He therefore described it as a victory for Ghanas democracy.

Mr. Tsikata was sentenced to five years imprisonment in June 2008, for causing financial loss to the state.

But he insisted he insisted on his innocence, and said he was a victim of political witch-hunting by the then Kufuor administration.

Addressing the press on Thursday, Mr. Tsikata said the decision by the Court of Appeal is an important one.

I believe that the Court of Appeal yesterday [Wednesday] especially in upholding constitutional rights that are there for all of us is an important decision, which must not just be seen in relation to me, Tsatsu Tsikata, upholding and enforcing the constitution as the Court of Appeal did. It is valuable for all of us. No one should have to go through what I went through that day and thereafter, he added.

Kufuor's pardon

On his pardon by former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Mr. Tsikata said the Court of Appeals judgment overlooked it.

The Court of Appeal also gave due consideration to the pardon that was granted by former President Kufour in his last day in office. The court again relied on various provisions of the constitution to show that the right of appeal is a constitutional right which cannot be taken away by an executive act such as the exercise of prerogative of mercy. The judiciary is the body in which final judicial power resides, my right of appeal therefore remained, and the jurisdiction of the court of appeal over the appeal was not taken away by the supposed pardon. As you all know, that pardon was rejected by me the very day it was announced; and I wrote to the former president from hospital bed in Korle Bu to that effect, he added.

Court of Appeal frees Tsikata

The Court of Appeal on Wednesday overturned a High Court judgment which sentenced Tsatsu Tsikata to jail, for willfully causing financial loss to the state.

According to the Court of Appeal, the judgment of the High Court was a miscarriage of justice, because it did not give Mr. Tsikata a fair opportunity to defend himself.

The Court further went ahead to acquit and discharge Tsatsu Tsikata of all charges brought against him.



By: Godwin A. Allotey & Franklin Badu Jnr./citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
The Electoral Commission (EC) is assuring Ghanaians of an error free general elections on December 7 despite widespread reports of omission of names in the Special Voters register.

Hundreds of Special Voters have expressed anger after they could not find their names in the register after polls open on Thursday for the Special Voting exercise.

Over 127,000 persons, including security personnel and journalists, are currently taking part in the Special Voting exercise across the country.

Some security persons, who have been turned away by the EC because they could not find their names, have threatened that, if they are not allowed to vote now, they will abandon their posts to go and vote on December 7.

Already, there are rising concerns that the challenges being experienced with the Special Voting should be a source of worry for the EC with five days to the main polls. More than 15 million Ghanaians are expected to vote on that day.

Eric Dzakpasu, Head of Communications for the EC addressing the concerns in an interview on the Super Morning Show with Kojo Yankson said the December 7 polls will be error free.

With the largest numbers, we are going to get it right, he assured.

He explained that the widespread omissions in the Special Voters register maybe due to the fact that a large number of them have not transferred their votes, he explained.

Mr Dzakpasu noted that, the rules applying to the special voting are not in any way different from the rules applying to general elections, and that You cannot vote outside your constituency where you are registered.

He explained that the Special Voting list was compiled from information given to the EC by agencies including Police Service, the National Media Commission, the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association.

If your ID card number is correct and valid, certainly your name must be on the Special Voters list in the constituency where you are registered, the EC communications person stressed.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Ernest Dela Aglanu (Twitter: @delaXdela / email: [email protected])
The United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki Moon yesterday spoke to both President John Dramani Mahama and the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo-Addo.

In the separate telephone conversations with the two leaders ahead of the December 7 general election, the UN Chief discussed an electoral exercise devoid of violence against the role of the leaders.

The Secretary-General underscored the importance of an environment conducive to peaceful and credible elections, and urged the two leaders to continue their role in defusing tensions and preserving peace.

Bearing in mind Ghana's history of political stability and peaceful elections, the Secretary-General underscored the need for all political parties to sign a Code of Conduct which will greatly assist in lowering tensions and preventing electoral violence.
A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right. Thomas Paine

WE HEARD IT LIVE. Our President addressing the people of Lawra stated: 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. Let anything happen today and let our brother Bawumia say he is standing for President in NPP. They will never give it to him when the misfortune hit us and Mills passed onif it was another party, they would have insisted there should be a congress they would have given the leadership to somebody elseI 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 your religious affiliation.

And the President, a graduate of history, went on to give a distorted account of the leadership of the United Party vis-a-vis the National Liberation Movement and the Northern People's Party in the early post-independence Ghana!

This vile, abominable, ghoulish, nightmarish, outrageous and repulsive statement gets coloured and garbled by His Excellency Haruna Atta's statement: I do recollect very clearly Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo Addo invited me to his office (and he said) 'Haruna, your support for Aliu was flamed, if you think our party will cede its Akan leadership, you are wrong

The Ghanaian Ambassador to Namibia continued: Not only that, Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, going beyond Nana Akufo Addo's ethnicity, used religion as his anti-Aliu stance:  with a nation of about 70% Christians, do you think it will be fair to have a Muslim President? O, judgment, thou art fled to brutish beasts, And men have lost their reason that was erudite Mark Anthony moaning the assassination of Julius Caesar, so repeats Kwasi Adjei.

So, did President Mahama think that he could get all Ghanaians to be gullible enough to buy this line of argument? Has the President forgotten that on December 31st 1981, Flt Lt. Jerry John Rawlings overthrew Dr. Hilla Limann, a Northerner, who had won 62% of the popular vote? And Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings founded NDC through which Mahama rose to become President.

There is nothing wrong in appealing to your people to vote for you because you are a 'son of the soil' but why should anyone denigrate other parties and their membership/leadership and attack them with tribal and ethnocentric statements?

When Mahama made a courtesy call on the Asantehene, the King admonished him to tell Ghanaians what he has been able to do and what he is capable of doing next time he is given a renewed mandate. The President should have evoked the sobriety in him. But what has been observed for the past eight (8) years of his ascendancy to the top of Ghanaian politics is that Mahama does not listen to advice. He has cocooned himself in the comfort of a coterie of friends and relations who, besides barricading the fortress against any entrance to him, would not give him good advice. They have built strong walls to keep people who do not belong at bay, portraying them as intruders.

Just because Mahama wants power, he is invoking Neanderthal argument, and stoking the fire of ethnicism  2016! It is puerile, shameful, cynical and, of course, dangerous.

You remember Rwanda? The minority Tutsis (cattle herders) had lived peacefully with the majority Hutus (farmers) under Belgian hegemony  until 1994. The immediate cause of the war was the shooting down of the air plane carrying President Habyarimana and Burundian President, Cyprien Ntaryamira on April 6, 1994. This signaled the end of the various Peace Accords and the beginning of the war.

Self  created barriers were erected, and ID cards were screened to identify Tutsis (the ID cards contained ethnic classification of Hutu and Tutsi). (You see the wisdom in General Kutu Acheampong's edict cancelling Tribe from all statutory application forms. Yet, Asantes did not pardon him just because he was a 'son of the soil'?). A local radio charged: You have to kill the Tutsis; they are cockroaches The messages were everywhere: All those who are listening, rise, so we can fight for our Rwanda We must all fight the Tutsis, we must finish with them, exterminate them, sweep them from the whole country They must be exterminated. It was the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) led by Paul Kagame that ended the genocide. At the last count, between 700,000 and 1,000,000 people were slaughtered: 70% of Tutsis and 20% of Hutus, Any lesson?

Remember also the unspeakable atrocities of the Liberian civil war (1989-1997) where innocent children had their hands chopped off and left over 600,000 dead, and child soldiers' senses had been numbed to barbarity; or the Sierra Leonean civil war (1991-2002) with child soldiers, who defiantly and callously murdered their own parents; or the Cote d'Ivoire civil war (2002-2007) with a rebel-held Muslim north and government-held Christian south. Remember what helped Nigeria to have a smoothly run election in 2015 the presence of Professor Attahiru Muhummadu Jega as the Electoral Commissioner, with a clear unbiased mind and transparent processes.

Why should we go back to ethnicism/tribalism? What defence do the NPP and its flagbearer have for these accusations? The NPP's running mate, Dr Mumuni Bawumia, is from the North. If something should happen, and Nana Addo decides not to carry on with the task of Presidency, the NPP, by its tradition, would throw the contest open, but Dr. Bawumia stands a good chance of carrying the day. What do the minority tribes say to all these: Krobos, Adas, Gas, Afutus, Sefwis, et cetera?

Look, the NPP believes in democracy, unlike the NDC which can have the Swedru Declaration, in which Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings in a solo political puissance gave the leadership mantle to Prof. Atta Mills in 1999. Remember the aftermath- the rumpus it caused, leading to Goosie Tandoh leaving the NDC to form his own political party. Or the case in which George Boateng was smeared with a disease of the brain for daring to challenge President Mahama. Top it up with the ouster of Dr. Hilla Limann, the first Ghanaian President from the north by Flt. Lt. Rawlings, owner of NDC.

What President Mahama said in 2008 is as good today as it was then: anybody touting infrastructural developments is doing an exercise in mediocrity. When Mahama said this in 2008, he had disciples. What has changed now, for him to sing a new song?

President Mahama's insistence on having done only one term is ridiculous as it is quixotic. So if Mahama should resign now (we will not talk of death), Amissah -Arthur would mount the platform and claim that he is a neophyte, being a 'tabula rasa' as far as governance is concerned, so Ghanaians should give him a mandate for 8 years!

Many people have made their minds; only few are still keeping their choice to their chests, for 'last minute' dramatization by J. M.  that is waiting for his swan song: whether it will be J.M. Toa so or J.M. Twa so.

Sorry, John has conjured his own doom: where did all the loans he took from foreign donors go to? How did SADA with all officials from the north fare? He tried to brand Nana Addo as a person who would sack chiefs if he were given the mandate. It did not wash. How is he treating Abugri, the Northern Regional Chairman of NPP? He should be satisfied for the opportunities he has had. Mind you, Martin Amidu, Big Brother, a Northerner and founding member of NDC is watching. Adieu, if farewell, bye-bye, or so long are too mundane.

Africanus Owusu-Ansah

[email protected]
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj seeks report from the Indian Consulate in Dubai regarding the Indian man who walked 1000 km for court proceedings.

By India Today Web Desk: External affair minister Sushma Swaraj is surely one of the 'new age' ministers whose social media game is one level above others. After the tragic story of a 48-year-old Indian man from Tamil Nadu went viral on the social media, Sushma Swaraj decided to intervene and sought a report from the Indian consulate in Dubai.

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Sushma Swaraj tweeted, "I have asked for a report from Indian Embassy in Dubai." to ensure his return to his homeland.

I have asked for a report from Indian Embassy in Dubai.Indian Walked 1,000 Km To Dubai Court https://t.co/kbvwVV67QP via @ndtv @templetree1 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 30, 2016

Jagannathan Selvaraj walked 1000 km in two years to attend labor court proceedings after he was denied the permission to go back to India to attend his demised mother's funeral.

Due to lack of funds, he travelled to Karama from Sonapur multiple times over last two years for court hearings. He walked through the windy deserts and busy highways of Dubai, just to get back to Tamil Nadu.

Read the entire story of Jagannathan Selvaraj here: Tamil Nadu man walks 1000 km in Dubai for a flight ticket to return home.

This is not the first time Sushma Swaraj has helped Indians living abroad after learning about their plight through social media platforms. Whether it was her responding to the video of 168 Indians stuck in Iraq or to the plea to rescue Pranshu Singhal's brother stuck on Doha Airport, Sushma Swaraj has been benevolent and quick to help.

--- ENDS ---
Right Reverend Dr. Paul Kofi Fynn, Chancellor of Wisconsin International University College (WIUC) Ghana, has called on graduates not to wait for government to create jobs for them.

He stated that government, which must create the enabling environment to businesses to thrive, is not obliged to create jobs for graduates in the country.

According to him, graduates, who expect the government to employ them, were engaged in lazy thinking.

Lazy Thinking

It's rather unfortunate that in Ghana someone will graduate from University and he cannot even ride a bicycle, I don't even want to talk about car, it is a shame because everybody is depending on the government to provide jobs for themit's just a lazy thinking, he stated.

Dr. Fynn, who disclosed this while addressing students and guest at the 9th Congregation in Accra over the weekend, blamed politicians for creating the impression that it was the duty of the government to create jobs for the unemployed.

The WIUC Chancellor further argued that the lucky graduates who manage to secure jobs begin to steal and manipulate the system due to their proficiency in Information Technology (IT) which eventually leads to the total shut down of the company.

He urged the graduands to make good use of their God-given talents, abilities, opportunities, as well the knowledge they had acquired for the benefit of society.

Leaders

Rev. Dr. R. M. Roegner, in a keynote address on the theme, 'The Kind of Leader Others Want To Follow,' emphasized the need for the graduands to be honest, let go off their ego, work with excellence and build positive relationships to become productive leaders.

Dr. Carlos Arrow, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, said his outfit is set to roll out new professional programmmes.

He said that plans are afoot to establish a School of Allied & Health Sciences to train physician assistants, laboratory technicians and pharmacists.

Dr. Arrow disclosed that in partnership with the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, WIUC is in the process of developing a short course in Counter-Terrorism and Executive Leadership Training in Environmental Substantiality.

Ms. Tittilayo Precious Asekun-Shittu, the Overall Best Student, in a message read on the behalf of the graduands, expressed gratitude to the university for imparting knowledge into them.

Four years ago, we joined WIUC as lumps of clay, hopeful of being molded into something better. Today, we walk out of its doors like diamonds, valuable and shinning bright with potentials.

There were goodwill messages from the University of Cape Coast, University of Ghana, Legon, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Sun Baohong, the China's Ambassador to Ghana.

In all, a total of 776 students comprising seven Diploma students, 628 undergraduates and 141 Postgraduates graduated.

By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson

[email protected]




A delegation of over 80 South African businesspeople has been invited to participate in the African Investment and Business Forum taking place in Algiers, Algeria from 3 to 5 December 2016. The forum will be attended by over 2000 delegates from different African countries.

The Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies says the main objective of participating in the forum is to strengthen bilateral economic relations between South Africa and Algeria.

Algeria has been South Africas largest export trading partner in the North Africa region, having accounted for 43% of SAs total trade with North Africa in the period from 2011 to 2015. The value of trade between the two countries reached over R13.4 billion, from 2011 to 2015. South African exports estimated at R13 billion while imports from Algeria were R463 million, says Davies.

He highlights that the composition of South Africas top five exports to Algeria included vehicles, prepared foodstuffs, vegetable products, machinery, base metals and other products. Meanwhile South Africas top five imports from Algeria consisted mainly of mineral fuels, chemicals, ceramic products, vehicles and other products.

Davies says despite a trade balance that is skewed in favour of South Africa, a closer analysis of bilateral trade trends illustrates that the volume and value of trade is generally declining. He adds that this indicates that South Africa is gradually losing its import market share in Algeria.

In 2011 roughly 72% of all South Africas exports to North Africa were destined for the Algerian market and in 2015 the figure dropped to only 24% which is the lowest record in the past five years. Algeria is seeking more trade and foreign investment to diversify its economy especially in light of the current low oil prices, which have adversely affected Algerias GDP growth rate in the past years, says Davies.

He emphasises that taking part in this forum will afford South African companies first-hand opportunity to network, identify partners for joint ventures, and create opportunities for the export of value added goods and services to Algeria and the North Africa region.
Leadership is one of the biggest failures of the African continent. It is unfortunately blessed with a handful of non-performing and sit-tight leaders who have refused to abdicate political power.

Topping the list of longest serving African leaders are Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Equatorial Guinea and Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Angola who have both spent 36 years in power and 92-year-old Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe who has ruled his country for 35 years.

Even the leaders who havent been administering their countries for decades are either dictator or replace their fathers after their deaths. A perfect example of this is Faure Gnassingbe of Togo who took over the reigns of power after his father, Eyadema Gnassingbe passed away in 2005.

These leadership shortfalls are having a huge impact on the development of tech in the continent.

In Africa, the digital divide across demographic groups remains substantial. There is a 12-percentage point difference in access between youths (20%) and those more than 45 years old (8%). Women and rural people are also less likely to have access.

Since many African leaders fall within this 8% who are not tech or digital savvy, they can safely be described as digital illiterates.

Meanwhile, the fairly young leaders who are either digital immigrants or digital followers are too dictatorial or corrupt to provide tech, innovation and entrepreneurial support for their citizenry.

This has opened a digital gap between the seemingly analog leaders (digital illiterates) and digital followers who are breaking the boundaries of technology. Digital followers have to a very reasonable extent made Africa a developer of technology than receivers.

The present internet penetration in the continent is 28.7% according to internet world stats. This number is way too low. Despite these, many digital followers are floating startups (like Esoko in Ghana, SaferMom, Nigeria, and Hyperion Development South Africa) to provide different services. Of course, we must not forget the handouts from international aid organisations whose dollars our African governments can barely account for.

Sadly, the role of the government in all this is just to regulate and tax the life of startups trying to rev up the African tech industry.

Thus, it is no gainsaying that digital followers are functioning and thriving in a very tough and unfriendly environment with little or no government support. This is wrong.

It, therefore, did not come as a surprise to many when Namibia was ranked higher than prominent countries like South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria on the Global Entrepreneurship Index.

On account of African government shirking their responsibilities, international serial investors have taken over their duties as they organise innovation and tech competitions/awards for African startups to provide them with much-needed funds. For example, 4 million dollars was recently awarded to eight startups providing solar power across Africa.

It must, however, be stated that some African leaders are making concerted efforts to bridge the gap.

In Nigeria, the decline in crude oil prices has led the government to think outside the box. Technology is an untapped gem in Nigeria which the present administration is trying to explore in order to reduce the dependence on oil.

In July, President Muhammadu Buhari hosted the first ever Aso Villa Demo Day where 50 most innovative startups were given the opportunity to pitch their startups. Rwanda, Kenya, Egypt and South Africa among other African countries are also doing well to enhance and grow technology in their countries.

Irrespective, there is still so much to be done. This is because, without government support, it will be very difficult for African digital followers to achieve anything tangible.

It is the duty of government to provide the infrastructure which is lacking in many African countries and reduce government bureaucracy. You can only imagine how long it takes for you to register a small business in Africa. Importantly, an enabling business ambience should be developed in order to shrink this digital divide.

In addition, government officials must have a considerable knowledge of technology before seeking political office. You will be shocked by the number of Members of Parliament and government officials who cannot operate digital technologies. It is always handled by their personal assistant. It is this kind of leaders who call for the ban of social media . The more a government have digital compliant members the more they will be disposed to supporting technology in Africa.

There is no doubt that technology can significantly contribute to the development of the continent. It doesnt really matter now if you're an analog leader. The most important thing is to feature young and vibrant digital followers who can drive a digital government which in turn would deploy resources into technology development.
In response to recent claims in some media outlets, the European Union Delegation to Liberia wishes to make clear that the European Union has not requested an audit of the budget support previously provided to the health sector and nor has it placed a hold on future assistance to Liberia.

The European Union Delegation reminds all media outlets that we are always happy to provide details of our cooperation activities.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana has admitted there are challenges with the special voting currently ongoing as hundreds of special voters complain of missing names on voters register.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Commission said it is working with the top hierarchy of the security agencies to resolve the problem as soon as possible.

The statement comes shortly after a presidential dialogue between the Electoral Commission chair Charlotte Osei with the seven candidates contesting the December 7 elections this morning.

-Myjoyonline
Accra, Nov. 30, GNA - Young women entrepreneurs have underscored the importance of using digital media to creating visibility for their business, attracting new clients, investors and partners.

At a networking forum dubbed: 'Women Innovate: Digital,' by international NGO, Reach for Change with support from Women in Social Enterprise and telecom operator, Tigo, a number of women shared their positive experience on promoting their business through digital media.

Providing guidance on how social entrepreneurs can use digital tools to tell their stories, the Creative Director and Founding Editor for Circumspecte.com, Jemila Abdulai, said it was important for social and digital entrepreneurs to own the narratives of their business.

'As young business women, we need to tell our story and control the narratives about our business, else other people will tell it and it may not be favourable to our business,' she said.

She also said it was important for entrepreneurs to create a digital trail of all the amazing work that they do. This would help them raise the profile of their business, attract partnership or even funding from other bigger organisations.

Another Digital and Social entrepreneur and founder of Tatas and Friends and Go Digital Ghana, Caritas Naa Ayele Aryee, recounted how she started her business online and used social media to drive engagement, participation and raise funds for various deprived schools.

'With very limited budget I started Tatas and Friends and engaged digital influencers to help me build an online presence. I used my own story and my passion to help others to connect and engage with the followers I had built on social media. Together we created fantastic social media buzz about 'Kenkey for the needy' and got radio and television inviting us to come for live interviews,' she revealed.

Ms Toyin Dania from Djembe Communications, a PR and Communications Consultancy, said storytelling was a combination of marketing, public relations, sales and social responsibility.

She was of the view that if it was employed effectively on digital platforms, it could be used to grow social enterprises and positively impact society.

The panel also educated participants on the do's and don'ts of social media engagement and some of the digital and social tools they could employ to dictate the narrative about what they do and to create an advantage for their various brands.

GNA
By A.B. Kafui Kanyi, GNA

Ho, Jan. 1, GNA - Reverend Sister Margaret Mavis Ankamah, Member of Justice and Peace Commission, Ho Diocese of the Catholic Church, has charged observers of the 2016 general election to play their role 'with strict impartiality' on Election Day.

She asked them not to allow opinions to influence their judgments and overcome the temptation to be carried away by happenings at the polling stations.

Rev Sr Ankama gave the admonition at a day's training for 80 observers of the Ho Diocese ahead of the December 7 polls.

The training was under the auspices of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference with funding from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.

The trainees would observe the December polls in Ho Central, Kpando, Agotime-Ziope, Adaklu and Ho-West constituencies.

Rev Sr Ankamah urged the trainees to refrain from expressions of bias or preference in relation to parties, candidates or issues in contention with the elections.

Mr Stephen Koku Salakpi, Coordinator of the Training reminded the trainees to arrive at the polling centres before 07:00 hours and note and record whatever happened.

He asked them to observe the post-election atmosphere and take judicious notice of conduct of winners and losers.

A participant, told 'GNA Tracks Elections 2016' being funded by GOIL that they were ready to help ensure the transparency and credibility of the general election.

GNA
Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - Ghana has signed a 7.84 million Euros mixed credit facility agreement with the Nordea Bank of Denmark for the establishment of an Environmental Monitoring Laboratory at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT).

The Environmental Monitoring Laboratory is to promote teaching and research for the UMaT and the establishment of an Environmental and Safety Engineering Department.

The project will be funded through a grant of 2.9 million Euros from DANIDA as well as the 7.84 million Euros loan facility from the Nordea Bank.

Deputy Finance Minister, Mrs Mona Quartey, signed on behalf of Ghana while Mr Henrik Brink, the Vice-President of Nordea Bank, signed for the company.

Mrs Quartey said the agreement marked another milestone in the process that would lead to a significant improvement in the tertiary education sector, especially in the area of science and technology.

She said the project would help train the manpower needs of applied research and equip trainees to address the environmental challenges faced in the degraded mining enclaves and forest reserves.

Mrs Quartey said the project would create a platform for the establishment of an Environmental and Safety Engineering Department at UMaT thereby enhancing the capacity of the university to enrol more students and produce graduates well vested in environmental issues.

'The project will create a balancing mechanism between the extent of dependence of the national economy on mining operations and the prevention of the potential adverse effects of activities of operators in the industry on the economy,' she said.

Mrs Quartey said the project would also help to reduce the level of cyanide holdings, minimise the quantum of mining waste as well as minimise the pollution of rivers through the reduction of cyanide spillages.

She expressed the hope that mining companies would take advantage of the opportunities the project would provide in making available laboratory services that address mines-related environmental consideration.

Tove Degnbol, the Danish Ambassador to Ghana, said the support was highly relevant in the situation Ghana found itself as mining was a major industry in the country.

Professor Jerry Kuma, the Vice Chancellor of UMaT, said the environmental lab was key to the university's quest to be relevant in the mining and business sectors.

He said with the project UMaT would be well positioned to minimise the effects of mining on the communities.

GNA
By Laudia Sawer,GNA

Prampram (GAR), Dec. 1, GNA - The Ningo-Prampram District Assembly (NIPDA) on Thursday held its third General Assembly Meeting with a call residents to promote peace in the district during the election.

Alhaji Sa Rhack Nartey, Ningo-Prampram District Chief Executive, urged Assembly members to encourage their residents to cherish the peaceful atmosphere in the area and conduct themselves peacefully during and after the elections.

According to him, enough police personnel and soldiers would be deployed to the District to ensure the prevention of chaos in the area and to deal with people who would perpetrate illegalities.

He said the Assembly would release one of the Assembly vehicles to the Police for monitoring during the election.

He added that his outfit had purchased two motorbikes for the Police to enhance their visibility in the district.

On achievements of NIPDA, he announced that the District placed third and second positions respectively during the first and second quarter regional monitoring exercises for the 16 districts in the Greater Accra Region Education wise, he mentioned that this year's Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) success for the area shot from 43 per cent to 51 per cent using aggregate 30 as a ceiling point.

He also indicated that 159 laptop computers were distributed to 51 public schools in the District to improve teaching and learning in the basic schools.

The DCE said the Assembly partnered the Health Directorate to organize series of education for women which led to 365 skilled birthday as compared to the 359 recorded during same period in 2015.

Alhaji Nartey announced that efforts were put in place to increase the number of beneficiaries on the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme from 899 to 1500.

In the agriculture sector, a total of 65 outboard motors were distributed at a subsidized price to boost fishing activities.

The Assembly presented a double cabin vehicle each to the Health Directorate and the Physical Planning Department to enhance their work in the district.

GNA
By GNA Election Team

Koforidua, Dec 01, GNA - There is confusion, anger and disappointment among people, who were expected to take part in the special voting in the Eastern Region but could not find their names on the special voters roll.

Many of these people were in Akosombo, Koforidua and Nkawkaw.

Mr. Johnny Easmon, Presiding Officer at the Galloway Police Canteen polling centre in the New Juaben South Constituency, said everybody was supposed to have gone to the constituency, where they registered.

He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that those who registered in the area, had not been having any difficulty, locating their names.

A total of 1,641 voters are expected to cast their ballot in the Juaben South, six clear days to the general polls.

As of 09:00 hours when the time the GNA got to the Galloway Police Canteen Centre, 198 people had casted their ballot while others waited in a queue for their turn.

At Nkawkaw 210 out of the 636 voters had voted, three hours after the voting started.

GNA
Ultras also handed over more demonetized currency to them and asked the construction employees to convert them into new Rs 2000 notes.

By Ashish Pandey: Mahabubnagar Police of Telangana recovered over 12 lakh demonetized currency 12 lakhs belonging to Maoists from construction company employees .

CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYEES PAY MAOISTS COMMISSION

While Police arrested the two employees of Gaja Engineering Pvt. Ltd, executing a roads construction work in the maosits affected forest area in Bhadradri-Kothgudem District, they also arrested a post master who was trying to convert the 1000 and 500 denomination currency for a commission.

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According to the police arrested 2 people, Deputy Project Manager Chintha Trinadha Rao and Engineer Lolla Siddarth, an engineer on November 12 went to the forest area to hand over Rs 1.30 lakh in cash in new and old currency as a commission to carry on their project in the red rebel infested area as demanded by Maoists.

But as the demonitization decision was announced by Prime Minister Modi Maoist only took new currency notes and returned the demonetized currency.

Over Rs 12 lakh recovered

MAOISTS HANDED DEMONETISED CURRENCY FOR EXCHANGE

Ultras also handed over more demonetized currency to them and asked the construction employees to convert them into new Rs 2000 notes.

As the employees were threatened by armed rebels, Rao and Siddarth decided to contact G Satyanarayana Chary who worked as branch post master in Manthangode village of Makhtal in Mahbubnagar District and offered him to exchange the money for a commission.

" Post master Satyanarayana Chary demanded 30 per cent commission initially but finally the deal was on 15 per cent. Based on a tip off the police arrested all the three accused"

DEMONETISED MONEY RECOVERED

Police recovered 800 notes of old Rs 1000, 800 notes of Rs 500, and 14 notes of Rs 100 amounting to Rs 12 lakh fourteen hundred (1201400) in total.

All three have been arrested under section 409, 420 IPC RW section 8(1)(2) of Telangana state public security act at Makhtal police station and sent to judicial custody.

Also Read: Bengaluru ATM theft: Day after driver ran away with Rs 1.37 crore, Rs 45 lakh and a gun recovered

Also Read: Fresh currency notes recovered from militants

--- ENDS ---
By Laudia Sawer,GNA

Tema, Nov 25, GNA - Mr Carlos Ahinkorah, Tema West Parliamentray Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has donated various items to Tema Polyclinic.

The items included suction tubes, crutches, bin liners, sigma frames, adult diapers, dressing packs, plasters and disposable gowns.

Others are: specimen containers, nose masks, tourniquet, walking sticks, stethoscope and maternity pants.

Mrs Alberta Ahinkorah, wife of Mr Ahinkorah, presenting the items on his behalf, said it was to help improve health delivery at the Clinic which is in his constituency.

Mrs Ahinkorah stated that her husband always donated items and equipment to the clinic as he believed in quality health delivery.

She called on residents in the constituency to massively vote for Mr Ahinkorah to enable him advocate for the upgrading of the clinic.

Mrs Silvia Esinam Nutakor, Deputy Director of Nursing Service at the Tema Polyclinic, received the items on behalf of her outfit and thanked the NPP parliamentary candidate for the gesture.

Mrs Nutakor appealed for more of such donations from the candidate and other individuals and organizations to help solve some of the clinic's challenges.

GNA
By GNA Election Team

Kumasi, Dec 01, GNA - Voting by security officers and other officials, who would be performing special duties on election-day - December 07, got off to a smooth start in the Ashanti Region.

A total of 19,710 voters are on the special voters list in the region and expected to cast their ballot by the close of voting.

The election materials had been delivered to the designated polling centres on time and the biometric verification devices were not presenting any challenges.

At the Kumasi Central Police Station, long queues had been formed at the two centres, when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited.

Security officers, who could not find their names on the list looked visibly angry and disappointed.

A total of 121 voters out of the expected 557 had already voted as of 09:20 hours at Ejisu.

More than 100 others were standing in a queue, waiting patiently for their turn to exercise their franchise.

The Presiding Officer, Mr. Kwamina Bartels, confirmed that 10 people could not find their names and said except for that, all had gone well so far.

In Juaben, 38 out of the expected 188 people had voted as of 09:10 hours.

The Presiding Officer said eight voters could not find their names and that had been the only problems.

Thirteen (13) people had successfully cast their ballot at the Oforikrom Police Station, an hour-and-a-half after the voting began.

Six hundred and five (605) names are on the list at this centre.

Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Oforikrom, expressed discomfort with the inconsistency in the original special voters list given to his party and the one being now used.

He said he had a difficulty with jump of the number of special voters from 314 to 605. At the Juaso Court Hall Centre, 28 people had cast their ballot two-and-a-half hours into the exercise.

Mr. Kennedy Baffour Awuah, the Presiding Officer, said 12 people whose names were missing from the list had been referred to the District Office of Electoral Commission.

Forty-seven (47) voters had already gone through the exercise when the GNA got to the Asokwa Police Station.

Four hundred and forty-two (442) people are voting in this centre.

At Nkawie, 175 out of the 410 voters had voted as of 1109 hours.

Political party agents were present in all the centres visited, keeping a close eye on things to make sure that nothing went wrong.

GNA
By Iddi Yire, GNA

Dodowa (GAR), Dec. 1, GNA - Mr Eric Banye, the Country Programme Co-ordinator of the SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, has blamed inadequate regulatory framework for the poor dissemination of clean and sustainable energy technologies in Ghana.

He named other contributory factors as inadequate financing schemes to support clean cooking, inadequate public awareness on the benefits of clean cooking technologies and uncoordinated research and development.

Clean energy or renewable energy is the energy that is collected from resources which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.

It often provides energy in four important areas such as electricity generation, air and water heating/cooling, transportation, and rural (off-grid) energy services.

Mr Banye noted that the promotion of the clean energy was essential in combating challenges from climate change.

He was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview at Dodowa on the sidelines of a three-day capacity building workshop for media professionals organised by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, under 'The Voice for Change Partnership Programme (V4C).'

The V4C is an evidence-based advocacy programme being implemented by the SNV Netherlands Development Organisation in partnership with the International Food and Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Dutch Ministry is funding the programme for the period 2016 to 2020 as part of its worldwide effort to reinforce space for CSOs worldwide.

The programme is focused on four thematic areas - Food and Nutrition, Security, Renewable Energy and WASH.

He said the V4C Partnership on clean energy sought to promote access to clean cooking and access to off-grid electrification.

He said research had revealed that globally three billion people cooked and heated their homes using open fires and that 90 per cent of wood fuel in Ghana was obtained directly from the natural forest.

Mr Banye said in Ghana over 80 per cent of households continued to rely on solid fuels (wood and charcoal) for cooking adding that research showed that Household Air Pollution caused 13,400 deaths each year, the majority of whom were women and children.

He said the Government recognising all the challenges and therefore instituted programmes over the years to reduce the use of those inefficient Cookstoves.

Other programmes are to promote the enforcement of existing policies such as the Ghana Country Action Plan for Clean Cooking 2012, Renewable Energy Act 2011, National Energy Policy 2010, and the Bio-energy Policy for Ghana 2010.

Mr Banye called for the localisation of efforts to control climate change through the promotion of the usage of clean energy fuels and planting of more trees.

He explained that as the trees grew, they would make use of the atmospheric carbon dioxide, thereby helping to reduce global warming.

GNA
By Iddi Yire/Kwamina Tandoh, GNA

Accra, Dec 01, GNA - Mrs Charlotte Osei, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has urged both its permanent and temporal staff to put Ghana first in their work to ensure a successful general election.

Mrs Osei warned them not to put any candidate or political party first, stating: "Put Ghana first, do what is right. We all know the right processes; follow the laws and the right processes.

"What the country requires of us is to do our work to the best of our ability," Mrs Osei stated in Accra during a day's prayer and fasting session for peaceful elections.

It was organised by the EC and the National Commission for Civic Education, (NCCE) in collaboration with the Retired Staff Association of the EC.

"In the plethora of voices, beating war drums, making all kinds of negative pronouncements about Ghana because of elections, everybody is afraid. And everybody is shouting we need peace. What we are saying today is that there will be a lifting up. There will be no war in Ghana. There will be peace in Ghana," she said.

Mrs Osei urged Ghanaians to safeguard the peace and stability the nation was enjoying now and not allow politics to derail it.

She said there were 15.7 million people on the voters register and 28,992 polling stations nationwide.

Mrs Osei said the Commission had deployed 70,709 biometric verification devices (BVDs), 148,000 EC personnel and 64,000 security personnel for the conduct of the election.

She noted that there were over 400 international observers and 10,000 local observers on the ground to monitor the election.

She expressed gratitude to God for how far he had brought the Commission and prayed that the grace of God would see the staff through.

Dr Lawrence Tetteh, a renowned international Evangelist, who delivered the sermon, said God would give Ghana a President on December 7.

He urged Ghanaians to be praying for the EC to enable it to live up to its mandate.

He also encouraged Mrs Osei and her team of Commissioners to be firm and just in the performance of their duties.

Dr Tetteh further advised Mrs Osei to remain focused and not allow offences to distract her attention.

He called on the two leading candidates in the presidential election, President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to condemn their followers who insulted people.

Dr Tetteh offered special prayers for Mrs Osei and the entire Commission for divine grace and empowerment to enable members to deliver on their mandate.

The service was attended by Ms Georgina Opoku Amankwah, EC Deputy Chairman; Hajia Sa-Adatu Maida and Mrs Pauline Adobea Dadzawa, both Commissioners at the EC, and Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, the Accra Mayor.

GNA
Juba (AFP) - UN human rights experts on Thursday said "ethnic cleansing" was underway in South Sudan after visiting the country where violence has soared since a peace deal collapsed in July.

"There is already a steady process of ethnic cleansing underway in several areas of South Sudan using starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages; everywhere we went across this country we heard villagers saying they are ready to shed blood to get their land back," said Yasmin Sooka of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.

"Many told us it's already reached a point of no return."

Sooka was part of a three-member team which travelled to battleground towns such as Bentiu, Malakal and Wau to gather facts about the situation in the world's youngest country.

Jarring testimony gathered by the team during their 10-day visit shows a nation on the brink of "catastrophe", said a statement issued by the commission.

"The stage is being set for a repeat of what happened in Rwanda and the international community is under an obligation to prevent it," said Sooka.
Foreign Office Minister, Tobias Ellwood, said:

Britain supports a strong civil society in Egypt. The law on Non-Governmental Organisations passed by the Egyptian Parliament on 29 November is a step backwards. At a time of economic hardship, Egypt needs civil society more than ever. So I am deeply concerned that this legislation will be used to prevent Egyptians from contributing to their countrys future, and will create obstacles to international support to Egypt.

It leaves Egypt further than ever from implementing the civil society freedoms in the Egyptian constitution. I have raised these concerns with Egyptian Parliamentarians who visited London this week."
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) yesterday held a press conference and wildly accused President John Dramani Mahama and his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, of attempting to bribe the Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu. Mustapha Hamid, who addressed the media, said the intention was to get Bugri Naabu to turn against the NPPs flag bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, portray him as a divisive ethnocentric bigot and destroy his chances of winning the 2016 elections.

Mr. Bugri Naabu

On Friday, the 28th of October 2016, our Northern Regional Chairman, Mr. Daniel Bugri Naabu, was invited to meet President John Dramani Mahama. The meeting was set up by his brother Ibrahim Mahama and a friend of his, Mohammed Awal. Ibrahim Mahama and Awal drove to the office of Bugri Naabu in Osu near the Osu Police Station, Accra shortly before 9pm. It was Alhaji Awal who walked to Bugri Naabus office. With Bugri Naabu were Majid Bawa and John Kwaku Alhassan (JK), who contested in the NPP parliamentary primaries in the Yunyoo constituency. Awal said that the President wanted to see Bugri Naabu and insisted it was important that Bugri meets with the President, the NPP press statement said.

The NPP further alleged that Mr. Bugri Naabu was taken to a meeting in Ibrahim Mahamas house, where President Mahama, Ibrahim Mahama, and one Awal Mohammed met Bugri Naabu. The press statement said:

As the President was talking, Ibrahim got up to signal and a man walked into the room with a bag behind his back. He dropped it in front of Bugri and left. Ibrahim opened it and it was full of Fifty Ghana Cedis notes. Bugri asked what that was about. Ibrahim said there was GH500,000 in it. The deal was that they were prepared to give him more.

Bugri said to them that, he was surprised. Why now? The government had sat on Bugris money as a contractor for years. Bugri was still owed GH247,000 for a feeder road contract and the certificate had been ready since 2013, when he was not even Regional Chairman but they refused to pay because he is NPP.

This was the full details of the deal they offered Bugri that night:

(1) Brand new V8 Toyota Land Cruiser

(2) Brand new V6 Mitsubishi Pajero

(3) Brand new Nissan Pick-up

(4) GH3.3 million, including the contract sum owed to Bugri and minus the GH500,000.

(5) Plus a new road contract



The Mitsubishi Pajero vehicle allegedly given to Bugri Naabu as a bribe

Some documents covering the car

Ibrahim said they were prepared to give Bugri a road contract worth GH190 million. There and then, they offered Bugri work on a road that he had already worked on years ago under the NPP, the Osenase-Apenamang Road. The President directed Bugri to see the Director of the Department of Feeder Roads, Mr Francis Digber. When, Bugri was leaving, Ibrahim asked him to give GH50,000 of the GH500,000 to Alhaji Awal, promising to reimburse him later.

The press statement continued: The very next day, Bugri managed to locate the one Prudential Bank that he knew would be open on a Saturday and put the money in. That is, the Abossey Okai Branch. He deposited it in his account number 0090985590013, which account holding branch is Ring Road Central. Bugri immediately reported the full details of the meeting to the Flag bearer, who was out of town campaigning, but through a trusted aide who is also a senior member of the NPP campaign. A few days later, to show good faith, Ibrahim Mahama joined a high-powered NDC delegation, led by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Kenneth Wujangi, with Minister of State, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed and Ghanas Ambassador to Angola Moses Bukari Mabengba, to he funeral of Bugri Naabus daughter. Ibrahim Mahama generously donated GH20,000 at the funeral, and the President GH10,000.

True to their word, the first of the three vehicles was ready and Bugri sent one of his boys to pick it up. According to the Customs Classification and Valuation Report, the vehicle was imported into Ghana by Malin Investment Ltd in August this year and the duty paid on it was GH40,274.70.

Letter authorising the DVLA to transfer the ownership of the Vehicle to Bugri Naabu

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, I have given you enough names and enough details to support the case that the President and his brother have approached Bugri and offered him cash, a contract and vehicles and in return, for him to create divisions in the NPP and tell lies about the flagbearer and paint him as an ethnic bigot who hates northerners.

But, I know there are some who may still doubt me. Well, let me give you just one more piece of the evidence. The company that imported the vehicle and transferred it to Bugri, Malin Investment is owned by a Hawah Hayisi Aryee Mahama and Frank Nuhu Alormasor, a Personal Assistant to the President. I leave it to you to find out who Hawah Mahama is.

The director of the President Mahamas campaign, Mr. Kofi Adams denied the allegation on Joy FM yesterday. He, however, admitted he hadnt spoken to the president on the matter before denying the claim.

It is not clear who Hawah Hayisi Aryee Mahama is and her relationship with President Mahama. But Frank Nuhu Alormasor is well known. He is a special aid to President Mahama. He is the best person to exonerate the President.

Bribes are not given with receipts and documentation. But in this case, the vehicle has a paper trail. The vehicle was owned by a company before it was transferred to Bugri Naabu. One of the two directors of that company is the Presidents special aid, Frank Nuhu Alormasor. At this point, the burden of proof is not on the NPP. It is on Mr. Alormasor.

He should tell us the circumstances under which the ownership of the vehicle was transferred from Malin Investment Limited to Daniel Bugri Naabu. The letter which was written to the DVLA authorizing the transfer of the ownership stated that the vehicle had been sold. How much was it sold to Bugri Naabu? How did he pay? Cash? Cheque? And why should a construction company buy a car in 2016 and sell it a month or two afterward? Is that part of the companys business? What necessitated the selling of this car if it was an isolated case? How did Bugri Naabu know about the deal? Or are all the documents accompanying the vehicle fake? If so, he should prove it? Or was the vehicle a gift to Bugri Naabu and not a bribe?

It is possible the NPP can make wild and baseless allegations in these last days. For the meeting and the cash, it will be their word against that of the Mahamas. But to the extent that there is a paper trail on that suggests a link between the vehicle and people close to the President, it will be necessary that the President, his brother and his aid come clean on this. The president is the commanding officer of the battalion that is supposed to fight and defeat corruption in the country. Allegations of acts of corruption against him are and should be taken seriously.

If it is not true, we will want to know. They may also consider suing Bugri Naabu and the NPP if this is a case of unfounded fabrication. This is not one of the senseless political utterances that should not deserve a response. I called Frank Nuhu Alormasor twice yesterday. The call went through but he did not pick up. Some of my colleagues have also tried sources close to Ibrahim Mahama and the President to get their responses but all of them have declined comment. But we should get to the bottom of this serious matter. If the NPP are lying, it is important to expose them.

Milin Investment Limited is said to have won a road contract on sole-sourcing basis in March last year, which means the company is active. One of the owners of the company is President Mahamas Special aid, Frank Nuhu Alormasor

For now, NPPs wild allegations backed by the documentation accompanying the vehicle sound more believable than those who are denying without speaking to the parties accused. Three years ago, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, denied that President Mahama had no relationship with gay writer Andrew Solomon before the launch of his book. He later came back to apologise because there was evidence of friendship between the two.

Former Minister of Information and Media Relations, Mahama Ayariga, defended the President without speaking to him but later had to apologise because of glaring facts that emerged

When I was doing the story on the Ford Gift saga involving President Mahama, I spoke to the Presidents advisor on governance, Daniel Batidam. I asked what advice he would give the president on whether or not to accept a high-value gift from a contractor who did business with the government. This was because the Presidents code of conduct for his ministers and public officers prohibited the acceptance of gifts of any value from a business entity.

Well, Im sure you know that these are not situations that would occur in reality in terms of the kind of president we have, Mr. Batidam said.

Its a hypothetical situation, I told him.

I think its obvious, Mr. Batidam said. Its obvious that any leader, any president: not even a president, a minister; a responsible public servant would know that that situation could put him in a situation of not only conflict of interest but potentially being corrupted.

And so I think it goes without saying that you cannot take gifts from sources that have the potential of influencing your decision making. Its not acceptable. I think a responsible leader, minister [or] senior public servant would not need to be advised on that.

The day the story was published, the President admitted taking the Ford Expedition Vehicle as a gift from the Burkinabe contractor, Djibril Kanazoe. He explained that the vehicle was added to the pool of vehicles at the Flagstaff House.

With the past as a guide us, it is difficult to trust anybody who denies allegations made against another person without first speaking to them. President Mahama, Ibrahim Mahama and Frank Nuhu Alormasor ought to respond.

The party foot soldiers and loyal sympathisers who think with their hearts will believe the denials from Kofi Adams and Koko Anyidoho without interrogating the facts contained in the documents. But there are people in this country who think and reason with their heads. They need to be convinced, if they are to believe the denials.

The writer, Manasseh Azure Awuni, is a senior broadcast journalist with Joy 99.7 FM. His email address is [email protected] The views expressed in this article are his personal opinions and do not reflect, in any form or shape, those of The Multimedia Group, where he works.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative in Ghana Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi has endorsed the HopePal  a visionary project initiated by Hope For Future Generations (HFFG) to promote the welfare of Persons with disability as the world prepares to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Explaining why UNFPA has endorsed the project, Dr. Ahonsi said What attracted us to the HopePal Project is that it provides a platform through which young persons living with disability can be mentored and their capacity built by those you would consider role models so that they can participate more fully in society.

Speaking on Morning Starr  a flagship program on Accra based Starr Fm on Thursday December 1, 2016 the UNFPA Rep emphasized that, As we approach the International Day of Persons with Disabilities which is just 2 days away, it is important that we highlight issues of persons with disability.

According to him Ghana and the rest of the world have accepted the Sustainable Development Goals which mandates that no individual is left behind in development efforts; therefore, We cannot leave persons with disability behind. We must involve them in the way we plan and implement our policies and programs.

As a landmark for celebrating fifteen years of existence under the theme Championing Equal Opportunities for Women, Children, and the Vulnerable through Sustainable Partnerships, HFFG has come up with this visionary project in line with the organisations 5 year Strategic Plan which intends to pay special attention to this marginalized groups through an integrated approach that addresses population dynamics, gender equity and equality concerns to reduce their vulnerability.

The HopePal initiative is a partnership between HFFG and Starr Fm  an affiliate of the Excellence In Broadcasting (EIB) Networks  Africas fastest growing Media Organisation  which comprises of entities such as GhOne TV, Agoo TV/Fm, Live Fm, Kasapa Fm, Ultimate Fm, Abusua Fm, Daily Heritage Newspaper, and Empire Radio among others.

The Maiden HopePal event will be held at the Mampong Technical School for the Deaf Deaf in Akuapem, Eastern Region as part of activities marking the International Day of Persons with Disability on Saturday December 3, 2016.

Key highlights of the event include the maiden HopePalympics which will consist of various sporting activities, the UN Day Message, and interactions with the staff and students of the school.

This years International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being marked on the theme Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want.
More than 1,500 residents of Kwaobaah and its surrounding communities last Saturday benefitted from a free National Health Screening exercise organised by the Deputy National Women's Organiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Upper West Akim District of the Eastern Region.

The beneficiaries were mainly the aged, children and the less-privileged.

The free health screening exercises is one of the NDC social and health intervention policies dubbed, " DR DR NDC" which seeks to provide residents of deprived communities with an opportunity to check their health status and also access quality healthcare services.

Apart from the free diagnosis, residents also enjoyed free healthcare services such as Hepatitis B and C, typhoid fever, blood pressure and sugar level screening and medication.

They were also screened for diabetes, hypertension, malaria, and other ailments by a team of medical officers, led by the Deputy National Women's Organiser, Dr Catherine Deynu.

The event, held at the Anglican Basic School school Park at Kwaobaah/Nyanorh community , was highly patronised.

As early as 7:30 a.m., hundreds of people eager to access free healthcare services and seek counselling on nagging issues confronting their health and well-being had gathered on the school compound.

Majority of the beneficiaries lauded the "DR DR NDC " health screening team and the NDC party for continuously supporting the community as part of its socio-political responsibility.

Some of the residents commended the Deputy National Women's Organiser and the NDC for bringing healthcare services at their door steps free of cost and urged the party to continue organise the event at least twice a year and also add another venue to cater for more people.

They however assured the NDC and President John Mahama for votes, not for only the health screening but the number of development projects brought to the communities

Dr Catherine Deynu said the exercise was in line with the government and the NDC social Democratic policy of ensuring that its stakeholders got access to quality healthcare services.

She added that it is in keeping with its interest in the health of Ghanaians, stating that the social contract between the NDC Government and the people of Ghana is to help create a thriving society by investing in the physical well-being of people.

She urged residents to keep their homes and the community clean, saying good healthcare services without a clean environment were meaningless.

District Chief Executive for Upper West Akim Assembly Mr Derek Ohene- Bekoe commended the DR. DR NDC free health screening for the voluntary intervention to screen the resident at no cost.

He said, though the assembly has made effort in providing health care to the people, the social intervention by the NDC free healthcare would go a long way to improve the health condition of the residents as most of them are not even aware of their health status.
FLAGS coloured with the red, black and green of Ghanas ruling party flutter feebly in the still, hot air that barely stirs above Independence Avenue as it bends down towards the sea. There it ends abruptly before the sweeping curves of grey Italian marble meant to resemble, depending on whom one asks, the stump of a tree or the buried hilt of a sword. Beneath it lies the body of Kwame Nkrumah, the countrys first president and, for many millions of people, a man synonymous with Africas liberation from colonialism. Ghana, in 1957, was the first sub-Saharan African country to win its independence.

Yet here, at the birthplace of democracy in Africa, are portents of its fragility. On what was once the whites-only polo ground where Nkrumah declared the new state, his headless statue stands as a reminder of how a once-promising flame guttered. After declaring a one-party state and mismanaging the economy, Nkrumah was overthrown in a violent coup in 1966. It took more than a quarter of a century before the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1992 ushered in the start of what many now call Africas second liberation, and put an end to a cycle of military coups in Ghana interspersed only by brief periods of civilian government.

Nkrumahs heirs

More worrying than reminders of democracys past corruption are the whiffs of its current decay. A presidential election is to be held on December 7th. But apart from a few billboards, most of them hailing the accomplishments of the incumbent, John Mahama, there are few visible signs that either the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) or the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) are campaigning vigorously for the support of voters.

The NPPs muted campaign is easily explained: it last formed a government eight years ago and its coffers are almost empty. Without a victory this year it will struggle to finance another serious bid for the presidency in four years time.

The NDCs lackadaisical drive for votes, by contrast, reflects the insouciance of Mr Mahama. Instead of trying to win over voters through a battle of ideas, his party relies on patronage, and on spending money it does not have. Since the NDC came to power eight years ago, spending on civil servants has exploded (see chart), pushing Ghana precipitously close to a debt crisis so severe that it was forced to turn to the IMF for a bail-out last year. Under strict supervision the government has grudgingly brought its spending under control. However, with public debt hovering at about 70% of GDP (and debt repayments accounting for a third of government revenue), its finances are precarious. Worse, it has already squandered the windfalls it expects from the development of large offshore oilfields. The roads are full of potholes, there are regular power cuts and big companies talk openly about moving across the border into Ivory Coast.

The opposition, led by Nana Akufo-Addo, a genteel lawyer and economist, would probably make a better fist of running the country with a mix of market- and investment-friendly policies. But it seems unlikely to be given the chance. We have one party that is good at winning elections but cant run the country and another that is good in government but not at winning elections, laments one businessman. Although the NPPs instincts are relatively liberal, it has tacked in a populist direction, with slogans such as one district, one factory and one village, one dam, in a bid to broaden its appeal.

Polling data are scarce but few reckon the NPP stands much of a chance. It seems to be preparing for defeat by complaining that the election will be rigged. Charlotte Osei, the head of the electoral commission, insists that this will be the cleanest vote in Ghanas history, but she will face a tough task convincing voters of that. Many complain that the electoral roll has been stuffed with supporters of the ruling party who are ineligible to vote, because they are too young or are not citizens.

And politics in Ghana can be a grubby business at the best of times. The 2012 election was won because of me, boasted one government minister to your correspondent. Im the one who did the gerrymandering. More recently a video has circulated showing Mr Mahamas motorcade driving through a market with him leaning out of the sunroof of his car handing out wads of cash. At first his spokesman said he was handing out pamphlets, though he was at a loss to explain why they were palm-sized and tightly rolled. He later said the money was compensation for damage to some of the market stalls.

Such antics might be brushed off as theatre, but elections in Ghana are usually closely fought affairs. The winning margin will probably not be more than a few percentage points, increasing the incentive to cheat or disrupt the vote. If the result is indeed that close it will probably be contested in the courts, making it harder for Ms Osei to convince the losing side that the vote and count were fair. Many in Ghana fret that violence could break out.

Whichever party wins will have its work cut out, not only in trying to stabilise the economy, but also in tackling some of Ghanas deeper problems. Foremost among these will be to unpick a highly centralised state in which the president wields almost untrammeled power to make appointments to thousands of important posts. These include municipal and district chief executives (the equivalent of mayors and governors) and heads of supposedly independent institutions, such as the electoral commission and the anti-corruption agency. If Ghana is to live up to its reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa, it needs to clean itself up.

This article was amended on November 18th to note that Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence.

Thanks

Kofi
By PTI: From Jaishree Balasubramanian

Bangkok, Dec 1 (PTI) Thai police have arrested three suspected Muslim insurgents who had allegedly planned to launch bomb attacks in Bangkok.

The three suspects were earlier also detained by soldiers who invoked the emergency law but the Narathiwat Court freed them on Tuesday, Deputy Police Commissioner Sriwarah Rangsipramkul said.

They were rearrested by police after a Criminal Court warrant was issued against them on last Friday, Sriwarah said, adding that they were charged with possessing illegal explosives and unlawful association, local media reported.

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The insurgents were identified as Talmeshi Totalyong, 31, Abdullashi Luakraji, 19, and Mubahri Kana, 22. They are all residents of Muslim majority southern province Narathiwat.

Police said in October they had learned of a plot to launch car-bomb attacks in Bangkok by insurgents from the deep South.

Sriwarah added that at least one of the three had confessed to a plan to launch attacks in Bangkok.

Sriwarah said police had obtained evidence that the three suspects had met and planned the attack here.

Rights activists have criticised police for stepping up crackdowns on student activists in areas near Ramkhamhaeng University here after the alleged bomb plot was announced. PTI JB PMS

--- ENDS ---
The National Democratic Congress will formally petition the Electoral Commission today over what it says is the potential risk of disenfranchising thousands of voters for the 2016 elections.

The Director of Elections Samuel Ofosu Ampofo told Joy News the party is not happy about the drama of missing names on the special voters list.

Several hundreds of security officers, EC officers and media personnel may not vote at all in this year's election because they could not find their names on the special voters list.

They were supposed to cast their ballot today because they will be on official duty on December 7, 2016, the date for the elections.

Over 127,000 people were expected to take part in this early voting exercise but with reports that trickled in from across the country it appears a huge number of the early voters may be disenfranchised.

Most of the early voters did not find their names on the register, something that created chaos across the various polling stations.

Some of the affected security personnel have threatened to vacate their post and go and vote on election day if they are not allowed to take part in the early voting.

With the winner of the 2008 elections determined by just 40,000 votes the outcome of the special voting will be crucial for all the parties, particularly the front runners in the upcoming election- NDC and the NPP.

Director of Elections of the NDC Ofosu Ampofo said the party will file a formal protest to the EC to rectify the matter.

The EC has meanwhile urged the special voters who did not find their names on the register to remain calm. It is not clear yet how it intends to resolve the matter.

Meanwhile, the voting has ended at the various polling stations with hundreds still left in the dark about the next line of action to take.

The electoral commission has summoned an emergency IPAC meeting at 6:30pm to discuss the matter with all stakeholders.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
The Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) will arrive in Ghana Friday, December 2, ahead of the 2016 Presidential and Parliamentary elections which comes off on Wednesday, December 7.

The Head of the Mission, H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba, a former President of Namibia is in Ghana at the invitation of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana.

H.E Hifikepunye Pohamba will lead the Mission to monitor and ensure that the 2016 elections in Ghana are transparent, open and competitive.

A final and comprehensive report will be released within two months from the date of announcement of final election results.

The deployment of an AUEOM to Ghana reflects AU Commission's desire and aspiration to promote good governance, democracy, respect for human rights and justice and the rule of law in all of AU member states.

The deployment of the AU Mission to Ghana is in line with paragraph VI (d) of OAU/AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections, paragraph 4.6 of the AU Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions as well as the democratic principles and values enshrined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

The aim is to contribute to democratic consolidation in Ghana. The AU Observation Mission comprises observers drawn from the Pan African Parliament, the Permanent Representatives' Committee, Election Management Bodies, Civil Society, Think Thanks, and independent experts from 25 African countries.

-Starrfmonline
Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - Ghanaians in general and Christians in particular have been urged to be imitate the humility of Jesus Christ, during the December 7 parliamentary and presidential elections to ensure that, the much needed peace is maintained in the country.

'Fellow Ghanaians, I want you to answer the following question for yourselves: if Jesus was a Ghanaian how would he have conducted Himself before, during and after the elections?

Certainly, He would not use abusive language to campaign, he would not fight or snatch ballot boxes on the day and he would accept the results whether it be in His favour or not, just for peace to prevail,' he said.

Rt Rev Dr Setorwu Ofori, Moderator of the Global Evangelical Church, made these assertions when he led an intercessory prayer session for the nation during a Thanksgiving Service to climax the Church's 2016 National Convention held at the Church's Convention Centre at Adaklu Wumenu near Kpetoe in the Volta Region.

The Convention, which was attended by more than 5,000 members drawn from all over the country, Togo and Burkina Faso, was on the theme: 'Thy Kingdom Come, Living the Kingdom Life.'

Rev Ofori said as true Christians and patriotic citizens, we ought to be principled, peace loving and passionate about our beloved country and the generations unborn.

He said the true Christian and anyone who had Ghana at heart would not snatch ballot boxes, be violent or a hooligan but would endeavour at all times to hold the flag of Ghana in high esteem.

The Moderator therefore implored all and sundry to demonstrate these typical Christian values and Ghanaian attributes before, during and after the December 1 and 7 elections.

The Guest Speaker, Apostle J.F.K. Mensah, of the Great Commission Church, urged Christians to take soul winning more seriously in order to depopulate the kingdom of Satan.

He said it was the duty of church leaders to teach their members the undiluted word of God, while it was incumbent on members to also go into the world and spread the good news thereby evangelising people to the folk of Christ.

Apostle Mensah challenged Christians to live morally upright lives so as to attract unbelievers to the faith adding: 'Let your actions and lifestyles preach to people.'

The participants at the 2016 Convention were also taken through topics such as 'The Role of Women in Kingdom Business, Business Forum, Counseling Sessions, Intercessory prayers, as well as Healing and Deliverance Sessions.'

In an inter Presbytery Quiz Competition, Keta Presbytery emerged first, with Akatsi and Sogakope Presbyteries occupying the second and third positions.

GNA
By Afedzi Abdullah, GNA

Cape Coast, Dec. 1, GNA - Media organisations who flout laid down regulations or breach ethical codes governing media operations during the 2016 Presidential and Parliamentary elections may have their broadcasting license revoked.

The National Media Commission (NMC) would work closely with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to impose sanctions on any media outlets that behaves irresponsibly.

Mr Gyan-Apenteng, the Chairman of the NMC, disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of a training workshop for members of the Central Regional Media Advisory Committee in Cape Coast.

The training was to make members of the Advisory Committee understand the work and mandate of the NMC such that they could deliver as expected.

It also offered them an opportunity to outline how they would organise their work in relation to the impending elections.

Mr Gyan-Apenteng said media houses had to ensure that their platforms were not used to incite violence and reminded them of their responsibility towards safeguarding the peace and security of the nation.

He said media houses, irrespective of their ownership, must uphold the highest journalistic standards to promote peace and be responsible in their reportage so as not to escalate tension in the election period.

Mr John Simpson, the Acting Chairman of the Committee, said the committee would sensitise all media houses in the region on the need to uphold high journalistic standards.

He admonished journalists to provide equal reportage to all political and independent candidates so as to create a level playing field that would enhance the credibility of the polls.

Mr Alexander Bannerman, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the NMC, called on the media to help publish the work of the committee to create awareness of their existence in the region.

He called for support from all stakeholders for the committee to effectively carry out its mandate.

Members were taken through the process of conflict resolution with premium on conflicts between media houses, journalists and the public.

The Regional Media Advisory Committee was established to, among other things, assist the NMC monitor media houses in the region to live up to standard and to help settle complaints by and or against the media.

The programme was supported by STAR-Ghana with funding from UK AID, the European Union and the Danish International Development Agency.

GNA
By GiftyAmofa, GNA,

Kumasi, Dec01, GNA - The KMA Circuit Court, presided over by Mrs. Mary Nsenkyire, has ordered a Togolese, caught with two large quantity dried leaves, suspected to be marijuana, to be held in prison custody.

Akwasi Gator, alias 'Efo,' 45, a carpenter, has been charged with possessing narcotic drug without authority and pleaded guilty to offence.

He would make his next appearance on Tuesday, December 13.

Police Inspector Benjamin Owusu Agyemang told the court that the accused was arrested on November 17, at about 0200 hours at Patriensain the Asante-Akim Central municipality.

He said the officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) acted upon a tip off.

The prosecution said the dried leaves had been compressed into 26 parcels, concealed in two fertilizer sacks and hidden in his carpentry workshop.

Gator admitted ownership of the drug and mentioned one Kwaku of Koforidua as his source of supply but could not lead the police to the said man.

A sample of the leaves had been sent for laboratory test to confirm if indeed it is marijuana.

GNA
By Hafsa Obeng, GNA

Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, the Minister of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts, says nations cannot develop only on the basis of economic thinking but required values to make economic development possible.

She said these values, including aspiring for excellence, were part of the aspirations Ghana had at independence and they were as relevant then as they are now.

'Participating in the world economy is virtually impossible without cultivating and tapping into the creativity core of the people. We cannot continue to be a nation of shop keepers selling anything that other people dump on us,' she said.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare was addressing the first national conference of the Ghana Culture Forum in Accra on Tuesday.

The conference, on the theme: 'Projecting our National Culture; the Quest for Creativity, Excellence and Relevance,' is to serve as a platform to discuss the cultural factors of the nation.

She said a careful study of global and domestic markets had proven that tourism together with products from cultural industries could play a very important role in diversifying and expanding the national economy.

She said the Ministry decided to build a relationship with a network of cultural groupings, institutions and personalities with a view to ensuring constant dialogue with a wide spectrum of members of the creative community.

It was also to ensure that as many members of the creative community would be made aware of policies and programmes which seek to bring culture and the creative industries into the mainstream of national development.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the Ghana Cultural Forum had offered the opportunity to the Ministry to try out a novel way of collaborating with civil society and the private sector to develop and promote policy.

'Government has since 2015 allocated close to two million Ghana cedis through the Forum for disbursement to the culture and creative arts domains and also to support other major cultural events and activities.

'These include capacity building workshops in music, dance, film, theatre and concert party, phonography, book fairs and publications as well as institutional support for the Ghana Culture Forum,' she said.

The sector Minister said those were first signs of hope and that if properly developed the country could find a way to bring resources together and manage them in order to generate growth.

She said the Ministry would expect that the Forum would expand and deepen its activities, legitimize its existence by going nation-wide to give a voice to the many hundreds of artistic groupings scattered around the country.

This, she said, would make a major contribution to providing information on the scope of creative activities and players in the country.

'My Ministry has sought to provide a platform for the Creative Arts to thrive through the institution of novel special events like the Ghana Carnival and HOMOFEST and the revitalisation of NAFAC'

She urged practitioners to move into the mainstream of national development planning by looking at the sector very differently, creating and producing on a large scale and having the business acumen to get the country's goods onto the market place.

Professor Kofi Agyekum, the Director of School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, said culture affected every aspect of human life including social, occupational, religious and family.

He said culture came with its own moral as well as the technical knowhow, ideas and skills, adding that cultural norms related to the ethics of a society as well as the standards of behaviour that were acceptable.

Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, Convener of GFC, said the GCF was a membership based civil society consultative forum.

It is a network of cultural practitioners, activists and organisations united around a common vision of affirming the cultural foundations of development and enhancing the cultural sector.

She said it was to ensure recognition and mainstreaming issues of culture in national development as enshrined in the Constitution and the Directive Principles of State Policy.

GNA
Hohoe (V/R), Dec. 1, GNA - The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has organised a debate for parliamentary candidates at Hohoe to promote issue-based elections.

The programme, which was funded by STAR Ghana, the Danish Institute of Parties and Democracy (DIPD), Ford Foundation, and the Mondelez International, was to provide the platform for citizens to engage with their aspiring candidates on their development priorities.

All the candidates were present with the exception of the Convention People's Party. They are; Ms Bernice Adiku Helu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the incumbent Member of Parliament, Mr Marlon Praises Anipa of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ms Justine Kumordzi of the National Democratic Party (NDP), and Mr Ameckson Selasie Frank of the Progressive People's Party (PPP).

The audience including 15 chiefs and queen mothers, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Heads of Department, the Divisional Police Commander, Christian and the Muslim Clergy, people with disabilities and students, engaged the candidates making them to better explain their policies.

The debate, moderated Mr Kwesi Jonah, a Senior Research Fellow of IDEG and former Head of the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, focused on education, health, and job creation among other things which were identified as the priority areas of concern of the people.

GNA
01.12.2016 LISTEN

By Rachel Fosuah Osei, GNA

Kumasi, Dec 01, GNA - Deputy Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Kwaku Osei Ampofo-Duku, has assured the nation that the police would continue to remain politically neutral and professional in the performance of their duties.

He said they would be firm and even-handed in the enforcement of the law.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ampofo-Duku was inaugurating the Buobai and Parkoso police stations in the Asokore-Mampong municipality at separate ceremonies.

He said they would deal with any infraction of the law without fear or favour to make sure that the right things were done.

Both police stations come with charge offices, male and female cells, store and washrooms.

These were built by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, from his share of the MPs Common Fund.

ACP Ampofo-Duku warned anybody out there to create confusion on voting day to have a change of heart, saying 'we would apply force against anyone who decides to cause trouble'.

He used the occasion to urge increased public cooperation, understanding and support to arrest criminals.

Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak said he was confident that the strong police presence would help to discourage people from engaging in criminal activities.

He advised the people to have the courage to flag up criminals in their midst to the police.

Mr. NuruHamidan, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), underlined the need for the police to protect the identity of their informants.

Nana Boakye Ansah, the Asokore-Mamponghene, donated two motorbikes to the police to aid their day-and-night patrol.

GNA
By GiftyAmofa/Rachael FosuahOsei, GNA

Kumasi, Dec 01, GNA - A 22-year old mechanic accused of robbing a hairdresser of her mobile phone valued at GHE150.00, has been sentenced to 13 years imprisonment by a Kumasi Circuit Court.

Fred AttahAntwi wept uncontrollably after the court, presided over by Mrs. Mary Nsenkyire, announced the punishment for his crime.

The convict had pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Police Chief Inspector Felix Akowuah said the incident happened on August 22, at about 2045 hours.

The victim, Bertha Oduro Antwi, was about opening the main gate to her house at Chirapatre, when the convict attacked her.

He hit her with a hammer before forcibly seizing her mobile phone.

The woman, bled profusely from a deep cut, screamed for help, as Fred took to his heels, leaving behind a pair of brown slippers, he was wearing and the hammer.

A witness in the case helped to track him down to his house, where he was arrested and handed over to the police.

The Judge said she took into consideration the plea by his counsel for leniency because he was young and a first offender and the remorse, he showed.

GNA
01.12.2016 LISTEN

By Paul Achonga Kwode, Tamale

Tamale, Dec. 1, GNA - The special voting for the presidential and parliamentary elections are underway in the Tamale metropolis with many security officers not finding their names on the voters' register.

In the Tamale Central polling station, the Northern Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ken Yeboah, and his Deputy as well as other senior officers could not find their names on the voters register.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Ebenezer Tetteh, the Northern Regional Public Relations Officer of the Police who did not also find his name, explained that the names had been sent to areas where they registered.

He said the Inspector-General of Police had earlier directed that officers who were working in places either than their constituencies should be given three days excuse duty to enable them to vote.

Alex Akrofi, a journalist based in the Region, expressed disappointment over his inability to find his name on the voters register, saying he would be actively working on December 7 and expressed wonder how he was going to exercise his franchise.

Mr Anabila Atinga, Presiding Officer for the Tamale Central Polling station, told the GNA that 114 voters had cast their ballot as at 0930 local time.

He said 1,029 voters were on the voters register and all electoral materials were in place and asked why some voters could not find their names.

GNA
The Hindu Mahasabha is planning to hold a "buddhi-shuddhi yagya" for UPSC topper Tina Dabi's family if they don't cancel her wedding to second-ranker Athar Aamir Khan.

By India Today Web Desk: UPSC topper Tina Dabi announced her relationship with second-ranker Athar Aamir-ul Shafi Khan via a Facebook event earlier in November. But even before that, people who followed her social media page had guessed about the brewing love story. Tina never shied away from sharing her pictures with Aamir.

Twenty-year-old Tina became famous after topping the UPSC exam, as Aamir came second. In May 2016, the two met for the first time at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy for Administration in Mussoorie during a felicitation function. And that is where it all began.

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Read more: An IAS love story: UPSC topper Tina Dabi is dating 2nd rank holder Athar Aamir Khan

However, after Tina revealed her plans to marry Aamir, many criticised the inter-caste relationship. The Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha, meanwhile, called it a case of love jihad.

Tina Dabi with boyfriend Athar Aamir Khan. Source: Tina Dabi/ Facebook

THE BUDDHU-SHUDDHI YAGYA

A few days ago, members of the Hindu Mahasabha wrote a letter to Tina Dabi's parents asking them to either cancel the inter-religion wedding or convince Aamir to convert to Hinduism.

The Hindu Mahasabha has now announced that they would be performing a "buddhi-shuddhi yagya" for Tina's family if they don't cancel the wedding.

"We sent a letter to Tina Dabi's parents on Tuesday and today we sent the same letter to the topper as well," a TOI report quotes the outfit's national general secretary, Munna Kumar Sharma.

"If we don't get a reply soon, we will soon meet the family and conduct a buddhi-shuddhi yagya and make them understand the grave mistake they are encouraging. They should not, at any cost, let their daughter marry a Muslim," said Sharma.

The couple has clarified that they would continue to follow their own faith after marriage, but Sharma blew off that claim as "rumours".

"These are all rumours. It is obvious that a girl will have to follow the culture and religion of the family she gets married into. We cannot let love jihad take place," TOI quotes Sharma.

The Hindu Mahasabha's letter addressed to Tina's father, Jaswant Dabi, is said to have been as follows:

"All of us were very happy after the success Tina achieved when she topped the UPSC 2015 exam. But her decision to marry Khan has come as a shock and all of us are very sad to know this. This is to inform you that Muslims are promoting 'love jihad' on a high level wherein they make Hindu girls fall in love with them, convert them to Muslim religion and marry them. But if marrying each other is important for both of them, then we suggest that Khan's ghar-wapsi be done."

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Tina and Aamir have not yet responded to the Hindu Mahasabha's reaction to their wedding plans. Their original social media pages also seem to have been taken down.

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01.12.2016 LISTEN

By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA

Accra, Dec.1, GNA - Mr John Wilson, the President of the Institute of Human Resource Management Practitioners, has challenged Human Resource (HR) Practitioners to look for opportunities that will add value to the Human Resource jobs they are doing.

He said it was expected of HR Practitioners to look out for formal barriers that would promote their works through effective communication and leadership skills.

'Start thinking of how you can exploit areas that will save your companies,' Mr Wilson sated in Accra on Thursday at the eighth graduation of the Institute of Human Resource Management Practitioners (IHRMP).

He mentioned transformation, which was the re-inventing of skills, looking out for employee engagement in their culture as well as employment creation and labour productivity as some of the top five strategies HR practitioners could adopt in building their capacities in the coming years.

Mr Wilson tasked governing members and other leaders of the institute to be interested in the works of their members.

'We shouldn't churn out products but we should find out the good work they are doing in their  work places,' he said.

Addressing graduands who were made up of 98 Associate and 12 certified members, Mr Wilson expressed happiness at the increase in the 2016 class, saying: ' Our graduands increased this year, last year Certified members were two while Associate members were 63. This shows how we are growing and our numbers should go with our presence and effectiveness,' he said.

He therefore asked graduands to convince their other colleagues to pursue the programme adding that 'Just tell them it can be done'.

Speaking on the theme: 'The HR Professional-The Indispensable Business Partner,' Mr Ebenezer Agbettor, the Executive Director of IHRMP, urged the graduands to let their thinking be strategic and business- like.

'Stand tall and distinguish yourselves from the number of cow boy and girls parading themselves to be HR practitioners.

'Let's go out there and move away from whatever we have been doing in the past into things that add value,' he advised.

Mr Agbettor lauded the graduands for not throwing in the towel at the hard pressed time of their studies and worked very hard to be crowned eventually.

On the increment, the Executive Director of IHRMP noted that the programme, which started in 2002, had seen an increase by 70 per cent from last year.

Mr John Eluerkeh, the Chairman of the Professional Certification Board, said HR profession was more diversified and concrete than ever.

He therefore reminded graduands that after being provided with a solid foundation, the profession was no longer about what they knew but about why they did outside.

'And that is what your credibility comes in, demonstrate competence to make a difference,' he said.

Mr Charles Arko, the Vice President of Groupe Ideal, called for a more crucial approach coupled with perseverance in graduands endeavours.

'You must be talent mangers, serve as allies to other departmental heads and be effective change managers,' he said.

Awards were presented to outstanding students who excelled academically after the completion of their level three and four programme of study.

GNA
By PTI: Chennai, Nov 30 (PTI) With Tamil Nadu bracing itself to face cyclonic storm Nada, likely to cross the north coastal area of the state early on December 2, NDRF and SDRF teams are being deployed in coastal areas and schools have been asked to remain closed tomorrow.

"Two teams of NDRF and one team of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) are being pre-positioned in Cuddalore, one team each in Nagapattinam and Chennai to meet out any eventuality," a state government release said here.

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Stating that India Meteorological Department has informed it that cyclonic storm Nada was likely to cross north Tamil Nadu coast between Vedaranniyam and Puducherry, close to Cuddalore by early morning of December 2, the government said all District Collectors have been alerted.

They have been advised to take all necessary action to evacuate people from low lying and vulnerable areas to the relief centres, wherever required, it said.

The government has asked the general public to call toll free numbers 1070 and 1077 during emergency situations and have been also advised to listen to the latest updates by IMD about the cyclone.

"Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea and to keep their boats tied up in safe places. The public are also advised to move to the relief centres as and when advised by the District Collectors," the release said.

Meanwhile, private and state-run schools in districts, including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Cuddalore and Nagapattinam have intimated parents that schools will be closed tomorrow in view of heavy rains expected tomorrow.

Colleges are also likely to be closed.

The government also gave an elaborate set of "Dos and Donts" in view of the storm.

It urged people not to go outside until officially advised safe, to be on guard against being misled by rumours, and those housed in relief shelters not to leave the premises until directed to do so by the rescue personnel.

The note said people should not leave safer places during a lull, children should not be allowed to go out during the cyclone and that none should touch loose or dangling wires from lamp posts.

People have been advised to stay indoors and get away from low lying beaches or other locations which may be swept by high tides, it added. PTI VGN APR KIS

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By Indo-Asian News Service: It was a literary night at the National Centre for the Performing Arts when authors of all genres arrived at the 14th Raymond Crossword Book Award in Mumbai.

Lyricist Gulzar bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award to author Ruskin Bond at the 14th Raymond Crossword Book Award on Tuesday.

In fiction category, it was Scion of Ikshvaku by Amish Tripathi that won the award in the popular fiction category. Twinkle Khanna's Mrs Funnybones took the popular non-fiction award.

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Playing It My Way by Sachin Tendulkar (co-author Boria Majumdar) was given the award for Best Biography while Radhakrishnan Pillai bagged the popular award in Business and Management category for his book Chanakya in You.

Health and fitness book, Body Goddess, written by Payal Gidwani, got the award in the health and wellness category, while it was Roopa Pai who was awarded for children's writing for her book, Gita for Children.

Amitav Ghosh was awarded the Crossword Book Award--jury in the fiction for his Flood of Fire, while in the non-fiction category it was Gita Press and the Making of Hindu India by Akshaya Mukul that bagged the jury award for best non-fiction.

The Sun That Rose From the Earth by Shamsur Rahman Faruqi was given the jury award for the best translated book, and Ranjit Lal won the jury award in the children's book category for his writing, Our Nana was a Nutcase.

The evening also saw the launch of the coffee table book, The Benevolent Narmada, featuring photographs by Hari Mahidhar and script by Vithal Nadkarni.

Accepting the award, author Ruskin Bond, addressing the event through a video conference, said: "I'm told, Gulzar is coming to give me the award. I'm 82 years old now, and don't travel around much. But it is great to receive this award from him and from Crossword Bookstores."

Author Ranjit Lal, after receiving the award, said, "This recognition is special because Our Nana was a Nutcase is not an ordinary story. Nana is actually bringing up his daughter's four children. There is a brilliant role reversal, when the children witness their Nana's gradual decline with Alzheimer's, come to terms with it and slowly realise that it is they who have to be the caregivers for their Nana."

"It feels wonderful to win the Popular Award because it means the book has truly resonated with young readers, which is what every writer truly wishes for her book. Children's literature, in India as everywhere, needs all the help it can get to reach a wider audience," author Roopa Pai said, after winning the award in children's book category.

Author Amish Tripathi said, "It is an honour to receive the popular Crossword Book Award in the fiction category for the book Scion of Ikshvaku. It is an award decided by the readers. It is the job of a writer to write a book but it is only when it's picked by readers, liked by readers that makes its true purpose."

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Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been denied another chance at freedom.

Nnamdi Kanu is still in detention

Kanu's case was decided by Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, Thursday, December 1.

Justice Nyako declined to release the detained leader of the IPOB leader on bail.

Nyako equally refused bail applications made by three other pro-Biafra agitators, Mr. Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, who are facing trial alongside Kanu.

Vanguard reports that the four defendants who are answering to an 11-count charge bordering on treasonable felony and their alleged involvement in acts of terrorism, had through their lawyers, pleaded the court to release them on bail pending the determination of the charge against them.

Their separate bail applications were predicated on sections 158, 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, as well as section 35 and 36 of the 1999 constitution, as amended.

READ ALSO: Panic in Onitsha as soldiers block Niger Bridge

Wani shugaban kungiyar Indigenous People of Biafra mai suna Nnamdi Kanu

The defendants contended that charges against them were not only bailable offences, but also not felony punishable with death.

Arguing that the presumption of innocence under the Nigerian constitution was in their favour, the defendants said their release from detention would enable them to properly defend the charge against them. Besides, they insisted that their right to self determination was guaranteed both by the Nigeria constitution and Article 20 of the Africa Charter on Peoples and Human Right.

They maintained that IPOB which they said has been registered in over 30 countries, has not been proscribed or declared as a dangerous organisation under any law.

They defendants expressed their readiness to produce reasonable sureties before the court. However, FG, vehemently opposed release of any of the defendants on bail.

Government lawyer, Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, told the court that the defendants would constitute a threat to national security, once freed from prison custody.

READ ALSO: Nigeria hates Igbos so much; we would have done well in Biafra  Igbo leaders

nnamdi kanu has been denied bail following a seating of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Labaran, who further applied to the court for protection of witnesses billed to testify against the defendants, drew attention of the court to the fact that the 1st defendant, Kanu, has dual citizenship.

READ ALSO: Final Showdown: Nigerian troops advancing into Sambisa to face Boko Haram

He argued that Kanu who he said has both Nigerian and British passports, would escape out of the country if released on bail. While praying the court to allow the defendants to attend their trial from Kuje prison, FG, stressed that Onwudiwe was a major threat, saying he was the only one facing a particular count of preparatory to commit an act of terrorism.

Meanwhile, in her ruling, Justice Nyako, held that charge against the defendants are very serious in nature, and therefore not ordinarily bailable.

Irrespective of what the charge is, the court has to exercise its discretion on way or the other, the Judge held, adding that some of the charges against the defendants could attract life imprisonment if proved by FG. Justice Nyako also dismissed contention by the defendants that President Muhammadu Buhari had openly directed that they should not be released on bail.

The Judge held that President Buhari, being a citizen of Nigeria, was at liberty to exercise his freedom of speech. She maintained that the President lacks the capacity to influence the decision of the court, saying the defendants did not place any new fact or law capable of persuading the court to reverse an earlier ruling of the court that denied them bail.

Nnamdi Kanu with members of his family inside the court room. He has reportedly apologised to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The offences are serious in nature and carries very severe punishment if proven.

I hereby therefore refuse bail of the applicants. But in the alternative, I hereby order accelerated trial of this matter to almost commence immediately, but not later than two months, the Judge held.

Immediately after the ruling was delivered, FG, applied for all the witnesses to be allowed to testify behind screen. It also prayed the court for identities of the witnesses not to be revealed in any record of the proceeding.

The defendants however opposed the application, contending that granting such request would amount to a gross violation of their rights to fair hearing. We vehemently oppose secret trial of the defendants.

They were accused in the open, we also request that they be tried in the open. The defendants need to see those testifying against them eye-ball-to-eye-ball. We are ready for this trial, Kanus lawyer, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor submitted.

Specifically, FG had in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, alleged that the quartet conspired to commit treasonable felony contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, CAP. C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2014.

FG alleged that they committed the offence along with others now at large, on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015, in Nigeria, London and United Kingdom.

It told the court that the defendant conspired among themselves to broadcast on Radio Biafra which is monitored in Enugu and its environs, preparations they were making for states in the South-South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue states, to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into a Republic of Biafra.

Whereas FG identified Kanu as the arrow-head behind the hate broadcasts, it fingered Onwudiwe as the National Coordinator of the IPOB movement.

The defendants had on November 8, pleaded not guilty to all the charges against them, even as the court adjourned to hear their bail applications. Kanu was previously facing a six-count treason charge with Madubugwu and Nwawuisi, before FG amended the charges to include Onwudiwe as one of the defendants.

Justice Nyako is now the third judge to handle the trial. It will be recalled that the former judge handling the matter, Justice John Tsoho had on September 26, disqualified himself from presiding over trial of the defendants.

Justice Tsoho who earlier denied the defendants bail, premised his decision to hands-off the case on a petition pending against him before the National Judicial Council, NJC. Kanu and his co-accused persons had in their joint petition, alleged that Justice Tsoho indulged in act of judicial rascality, by delivering conflicting rulings on the same subject matter.

They alleged that the judge summarily reversed his previous ruling that barred the Federal Government from masking all the witnesses billed to testify against them.

The defendants maintained that the Judge denied them fair hearing on the day he gave FG the nod to produce masquerades to testify against them.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed who was the first judge Kanu was taken to by FG, had in a bench ruling he delivered on December 23, 2015, also distanced himself from the matter.

Kanu who was hitherto the Director of Radio Biafra and Television, has been in detention since October 14, 2015, when he was arrested by security operatives upon his arrival to Nigeria from his base in the United Kingdom.

The defendants were alleged to have committed treasonable felony, an offence punishable under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

FG alleged that they were the ones managing the affairs of the IPOB which it described as an unlawful society. Kanu was alleged to have illegally smuggled radio transmitters into Nigeria, which he used to disseminate hate broadcasts, encouraging the secession of the Republic of Biafra, from Nigeria.

The IPOB leader earlier denied the charges, even as the court, on January 20, ordered remand of the defendants at Kuje prison in Abuja.

Count one of the charge against the defendants read: That you Nnamdi Kanu, M, Onwudiwe Chidiebere M, Benjamin Madubugwu M, David Nwawusi M and others now at large, on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015 in Nigeria and London, United Kingdom, did conspire amongst yourselves to broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu and other areas within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, preparations being made by you and others at large, or states in the South East and South South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue States to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into a Republic of Biafra and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, CAP.C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2000.

Source: Legit.ng
The ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday, Decmber 1, announced Bolaji Abdullahi, as its new national publicity secretary.

All Progressives Congress (APC) has chosen Bolaji Abdullahi to be the mouthpiece of the party.

Abdullahi succeeds Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was sworn in as the Minister of Information and Culture in 2015.

The new national publicity secretary was unveiled at a mini convention at Chelsea Hotel in Abuja. He is from Kwara state just like the minister of information. Mohammed.

Legit.ng brings you 9 facts about the new spokesperson for the ruling party:

READ ALSO: Saraki accused of bribing Oyegun over spokesman position

1. Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi was born in 1969.

2. He attended the University of Lagos, Akoka-Lagos where he graduated with a B.Sc. Second Class Upper degree, in Mass Communication.

3. Mallam Abdullahi started his working career as a volunteer and part-time worker in civil society organizations and international agencies before joining ThisDay newspapers as a reporter in 1997.

4. He returned to ThisDay in 2000 as the Deputy Editor of ThisDay , and become the Deputy Editor of ThisDay a year later.

5. In 2001, he won the British Council Chevening Scholarship to study for a postgraduate programme in Governance and Development at the prestigious Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, in the United Kingdom where he bagged a Masters Degree with Distinction in 2002.

6. In 2003, he was appointed as the Special Assistant, Communication and Strategy to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Dr Bukola Saraki, and in 2005, he was appointed Special Adviser on Policy and Strategy to the Governor.

READ ALSO: Prof Akinwande rejects Buhari's offer again

7. In April 2007 he was appointed as the Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, a position he held until May 2011.

8. Mallam Abdullahi was appointed as the Minister of Youth Development by former president Goodluck Jonathan, in July 2011.

9. Mallam Abdullahi has written over 1000 newspaper articles. He authored the Nigeria country report for the Transparency Internationals Global Corruption Report, 2003.

Source: Legit.ng
As many as 30,000 Europeans responded to a survey which asked if sexual intercourse without consent could be justified for flirting, walking alone at night, wearing revealing clothing, and other reasons.

By India Today Web Desk: On behalf of the European Commission, a survey was carried out and later it was found that about 27 per cent of Europeans think that it depends on certain circumstances, for rape to be acceptable.

Washington Post reported the survey which asked Europeans if sex without consent could be justified for one or all of the following reasons:

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Nearly 30,000 Europeans responded to the survey where 27 per cent young men and 20 per cent of young women believed that non-consensual sex was acceptable in all of the aforementioned circumstances, or in one at least.

Close to 50 per cent of respondents in Romania and Hungary were likely to excuse rape. The highest number of people who believed rape was okay belong to Malta, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

ON THE OTHER HAND

Countries like Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands had some of the lowest number of people who accepted rape. But, still six to 15 per cent of people in these countries would still excuse rape for one or more of the reasons mentioned above.

After analysing the survey, The Daily Dot quoted , "It's worth noting that most of the 'reasons' suggested by the European survey placed blame on the victim of the rape or assault-showing that many societies in Europe believe assailants have more rights over the bodies of others than people, especially women, have over themselves".

Apart from Europeans, recently, even Americans elected a president who said he would grab women by we all know 'what'. And talking about our land of Kama Sutra, rape is the fourth most common crime against women in the Democratic Republic of India, and in 98 per cent of the cases, rapes are committed by someone known to the victim.

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OSHA's online newsletter provides the latest news about enforcement actions, rulemaking, outreach activities, compliance assistance, and training and educational resources.
Contact

Russell Finex Inc.

***@russellfinex.com Russell Finex Inc.

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-- A subsidiary of the Profel Group, Profel Extrusion & Finishing is a Belgium-based company that specializes in the extrusion of aluminum. Overall, Profel Extrusion & Finishing processes around 14,000 tons of aluminum per year; using 20% of processed material for the production of its windows and doors. The remaining 80% is sold to European customers; mainly within the construction industry. To ensure only high quality frame products are supplied, the powder paint is screened before it is applied to eliminate any irregularities in the aluminum profiles.The company was initially using small vibratory sieves but these could not meet capacity requirements as well as the screening accuracy needed. The company therefore approached Russell Finex for a solution to their processing problems, and following consultations, a Russell Compact Sieve fitted with a Vibrasonic Deblinding System was provided promptly for testing at the customer's site, to ensure the high quality standards could be met. After successful trials, Profel Extrusion & Finishing purchased four Russell Compact Sieves each fitted with a Vibrasonic Deblinding System.The Russell Compact Sieve is a vibratory sieve which due to its compact design can easily be installed into existing production lines. Two of the four purchased sieves were installed at the end of the powder paint manufacturing line while the other two were installed within the powder coating line to sieve reclaimed powder paint. With the Russell Compact Sieves installed, Profel Extrusion & Finishing experienced less downtime and their internal quality assurance department reported less rejected profiles.Contact Russell Finex for more information regarding the Russell Compact Sieve, or to discuss your separation requirements and schedule a product test.
Agribotix Farmlens Drives Value For John Deere Dealers Around The World John Deere Dealers Take Advantage of Data-and-Analytics Platform Integrated with Operations Center to Add Value, Strengthen Customer Relationships By: Agribotix BOULDER, Colo. - Nov. 30, 2016 - PRLog -- Agribotix, a leader in drone-enabled agricultural intelligence, announced that integration of its platform with the John Deere Operations Center has led to significant expansion of its international customer base, from North America to the South Pacific. The US-based maker of the award-winning Agribotix



Battle River Implement, an Alberta, Canada-based customer of Agribotix and a John Deere dealership, integrates via John Deere's API Services. "We chose Agribotix FarmLens data processing plus its



Battle River is the most recent addition to the growing list of dealerships that are finding Agribotix solutions provide significant incremental benefits to their grower-customers. In addition to a substantial and growing base of Deere dealers in the US and Canada, Agribotix also works with other Deere dealers around the world.



Emmetts, a Deere dealer in Australia and one of Agribotix's oldest customers, appreciates the increased customer interaction and value FarmLens delivers. "We selected Agribotix solutions as a way to increase the value we provide to our growers," said Matt Burns, Precision Ag. Solutions Manager with Emmetts. "By offering drones and field-specific analytic reports that integrate with the customers' John Deere Operations Center account, we're able to deliver insights to customers' production practices to assist with data-enabled decision making. The grower benefits from making well informed decisions, and Emmetts benefits from a stronger relationship with growers."



"Our goal is to make the Agribotix solution painless for John Deere dealer customers to adopt," said Jason Barton, VP of Sales for Agribotix. "Not only is our Agrion drone system built on the easy-to-operate DJI PHANTOM 3 drone, we have also integrated FarmLens with the Deere Operations Center farm management software system."



The integration allows a user to push the only" products designed to boost a farmer's bottom line.



About Agribotix



Founded in Boulder, Colorado, in 2013, Agribotix LLC delivers agricultural intelligence to increase yields and profits using drone-enabled technologies. All Agribotix solutions include FarmLens, a leading cloud-based data analysis and reporting solution for people using drones in agriculture. Outputs include agricultural intelligence maps for in-season fertilization, georeferenced reports that can be used to identify underperforming areas, and specialized reporting that supports precision agriculture programs. The FarmLens solution is available separately and in complete bundles including a drone system. For more information, visit www.agribotix.com or call (720) 295-3625.



DJI and PHANTOM are trademarks of DJI. John Deere is a registered trademark of Deere & Company. Agribotix, FarmLens, and Agrion are trademarks of Agribotix, LLC.



Contact

Paul Hoff

***@agribotix.com Paul Hoff End -- Agribotix, a leader in drone-enabled agricultural intelligence, announced that integration of its platform with the John Deere Operations Center has led to significant expansion of its international customer base, from North America to the South Pacific. The US-based maker of the award-winning Agribotix FarmLens SaaS platform that helps farmers increase yields and reduce costs said that its growing client roster includes the top two John Deere dealers in Australia, as well as dealers in Canada and the US market.Battle River Implement, an Alberta, Canada-based customer of Agribotix and a John Deere dealership, integrates via John Deere's API Services. "We chose Agribotix FarmLens data processing plus its Agrion agricultural drone system to offer our customers an affordable tool to help optimize their yield," said Matt Hansen, Integrated Solutions Manager. "Agribotix delivers superb Digital Scouting Reports, and pushing that data into their John Deere Operations Center account provides substantial value for farmers."Battle River is the most recent addition to the growing list of dealerships that are finding Agribotix solutions provide significant incremental benefits to their grower-customers. In addition to a substantial and growing base of Deere dealers in the US and Canada, Agribotix also works with other Deere dealers around the world.Emmetts, a Deere dealer in Australia and one of Agribotix's oldest customers, appreciates the increased customer interaction and value FarmLens delivers. "We selected Agribotix solutions as a way to increase the value we provide to our growers," said Matt Burns, Precision Ag. Solutions Manager with Emmetts. "By offering drones and field-specific analytic reports that integrate with the customers' John Deere Operations Center account, we're able to deliver insights to customers' production practices to assist with data-enabled decision making. The grower benefits from making well informed decisions, and Emmetts benefits from a stronger relationship with growers.""Our goal is to make the Agribotix solution painless for John Deere dealer customers to adopt," said Jason Barton, VP of Sales for Agribotix. "Not only is our Agrion drone system built on the easy-to-operate DJI PHANTOM 3 drone, we have also integrated FarmLens with the Deere Operations Center farm management software system."The integration allows a user to push the Agribotix Digital Scouting Report directly into their Operations Center account. This report, the most intuitive and effective in the drone analytics market, combines whole-field evaluations with field-specific weather data and location-tagged photos and comments from scouts or agronomists. Agribotix offers a full range of "agriculture-only" products designed to boost a farmer's bottom line.Founded in Boulder, Colorado, in 2013, Agribotix LLC delivers agricultural intelligence to increase yields and profits using drone-enabled technologies. All Agribotix solutions include FarmLens, a leading cloud-based data analysis and reporting solution for people using drones in agriculture. Outputs include agricultural intelligence maps for in-season fertilization, georeferenced reports that can be used to identify underperforming areas, and specialized reporting that supports precision agriculture programs. The FarmLens solution is available separately and in complete bundles including a drone system. For more information, visit www.agribotix.com or call (720) 295-3625.are trademarks of DJI. John Deere is a registered trademark of Deere & Company. Agribotix, FarmLens, and Agrion are trademarks of Agribotix, LLC. Email : ***@agribotix.com Tags : Drone , Agriculture Industry : Agriculture Location : Boulder - Colorado - United States Account Phone Number Disclaimer Report Abuse Account Email AddressAccount Phone Number Agribotix News Agribotix Wins Emerging Cleantech Company of the Year Award


Matthew Brickman of iMediate Inc. made a recent video update explaining the importance of keeping Government, Church and School separate from the Home.

By: iMediate Inc.

1 2 3 4 5 2016 Presidential Election for United States President 2016 Election Donald Trump vs Hillary Clinton Florida Family Divorce Mediation Matthew Brickman - Florida Divorce Mediator iMediate Inc - Florida Family & Divorce Mediation www.ichatmediation.com

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-- The Presidential Election of 2016 was held on November 8th, 2016 and a new U.S. President was elected. With a slew of new policies upcoming and recent policy changes such as the Collaborative Process Act , this sparked Matthew Brickman's comments made in a video posted on his YouTube Channel.He opened by saying, "I want to come to you this month and talk to you about the upcoming Presidential election which will be held Tuesday, November 8th, regardless if your candidate is Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. At the end of the day, regardless of which individual becomes the leader of the free world, what really matters is who is the leader of your own home."His full comments can be seen below: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=YjVarmG7NJo His comments addressed the different views parents have on raising their children and how divorce affects that. Once matters are turned over to the judicial system the government will then be able to govern how the children are raised between both parents. His closing comments reflected that by saying, "So at the end of the day regardless of who is President of the United States, who do you want and how do you want your children to be raised? Do you want your children to be raised by the Federal Government or do you want your children to be raised by you? I know that for myself as a parent I wanted to raise my children, I wanted to have input in their lives.."Matthew Brickman has also had strong critique of Governor Rick Scott on other issues affecting parenting and children as well. Matthew Brickman has been certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a county civil family mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. He is also an appellate certified mediator who has mediated a variety of small claims, civil, and family cases that number in the hundreds.Website: http://www.iChatMediation.com If you are a law firm and wish to schedule your mediation, you can use this form to schedule your mediation online: Law Firm Scheduler If you are an individual and wish to schedule your mediation, you can use this form to schedule your mediation online: Individual Mediation Scheduler iChatMediation - Family Mediation Services , 1200 Town Center Drive #424, Jupiter, FL 33458 (877) 822-1479
Lyfboat was invited to the Africa health business symposium in Nairobi, Kenya. It was an honor to represent Lyfboat and be part of select companies discussing innovation and technologies to improve healthcare for Africa.

By: african business review

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-- Healthcare demands in Africa are changing. Africa's healthcare systems are at a turning point and the reforms that governments undertake over the next decade will be crucial in improving overall health in the continent.A growing urban middle class is willing to pay for better treatment has opened the door to the private sector, which is starting to play a new vibrant role, often working in partnership with donors and governments to provide better healthcare facilities and increased access to medicine at an affordable price.Substantial investment will be needed to meet the growing demand  largely from low and middle-income households, which comprise 70 percent of Africa's purchasing power.At this symposium, clear success stories and opportunities will be shared by experts from both the public and private sector that will effectively promote the growth of the private sector within the continent so as to be the true partner with the public sector in turning around the health indicators towards a Healthier AfricaThe objective of the symposium is to promote the private health sector in Africa and to create partnerships that will increase the accessibility and affordability of healthcare for all Africans and will be a platform to openly discuss the 5 key game changers identified by Africa Health Business:Healthcare Financing : Strategies towards achieving Universal Health CoverageHuman Resources for Health: Bridging the gap in AfricaPublic Private Partnerships:Fostering InvestmentsDigital Technologies:Disruptive Technologies in HealthSupply Chain Management: Strengthening Accessibility and Efficiency
The European fintech company Credissimo is the first company in the world to launch a chatbot service for online consumer loans.

By: Credissimo AD

Contact

i.kostov@credissimo.bg

00359070012012 00359070012012

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-- The European company Credissimo is the first company in the world to launch a public beta version of an automated chatbot service for granting online consumer loans. The chatbot allows for the entire process of product selection, loan application and approval by Credissimo to be done within minutes entirely in the chat channel of Facebook - Messenger.Giants like Facebook, Microsoft MasterCard, Bank of America and fintech startups are currently using similar technology The chatbot service of Credissimo is already available to Bulgarian citizens, who can apply for an online consumer loan in the form of a conversation without leaving their chat applicationThe chatbot-based loan service of the company is another convenient tool based on technical innovation, available to the users of Credissimo. Chatbot platforms use software based on artificial intelligence. The difference with other types of automated services is that it has the flexibility and ease of communication similar to a conversation with a human operator, which significantly improves the user experience and offers a more comfortable environment.Thanks to this new service, Credissimo can now hold automated dialogues with its customers, guiding them step by step through the service - from application to loan disbursement, while achieving further economies of scale through this automation.The fully automated bots, such as the one used by Credissimo, are the future of communication between customers and business. Similar to assistants such as Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant, chatbots understand both text and voice commands.The chatbot technology is rapidly developing and in the coming years its capabilities will overshadow the traditional sales and customer support channelsStudies show that users prefer this easiest option for access to various kinds of services - from shopping and financial services to booking travel. Chatbots are another step towards a fully human form of a conversation between the user and a robot.Credissimo's Chatbot Messenger service assists the customers throughout the whole process of application for an online loan. The client, using chat messages sent to the robot, can ask questions, choose a loan product, amount and repayment schedule. This process is significantly faster, more convenient and more accessible than any other traditional form of consumer loan application. The chatbot collects and processes the information and thus completes the process within minutes. The only thing the client needs in order to initiate the procedure is the Facebook Messenger mobile app or its desktop version on their computer.Credissimo closely monitors the possibility of integrating chatbots in other major chat channels. The company is already working on integrating its chatbot service with Viber, WhatsApp, Slack and Skype. Credissimo's mission is focused on constantly improving the user experience.Credissimo is a leading fintech company specialized in online non-banking financial services, with nearly a decade of experience. It currently operates the Bulgarian and Macedonian markets, with plans to further expand its operations to other European countries. Its signature innovative approach has lead the company to be number one in the online consumer lending market in Bulgaria and Macedonia.
Zayed University celebrates UAE's 45th National Day and marks National Martyrs' Day

Contact

Sara Hassan

Media Relations Specialist

***@zu.ac.ae Sara HassanMedia Relations Specialist

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-- Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance and President of Zayed University, celebrated the 45th National Day and marked the National Martyrs' Day yesterday (Wednesday) at Zayed University in Dubai campus.Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, observed a minute of silence in Abu Dhabi campus to pay tribute and pray for souls of martyred soldiers and celebrated the 45th National Day, which saw a huge turnout and contributions from Zayed University students, faculty, and staff.Celebrations saw the presence of Dr Marilyn Roberts, Provost, Dr Fatima AlDarmaki, Assistant Provost for Student Affairs, faculty, and staff, who gathered at the central courtyard to express their gratitude and love for the UAE.With the presence of a large number of students, Zayed University honored the bravery of those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and defended the sovereignty of the nation, in the line with the declaration of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to mark November 30 each year to remember the UAE's fallen heroes.Additionally, Zayed University came alive on the occasion of the 45th National Day being celebrated with a wide range of events from cultural dances and traditional exhibitions that captivated hundreds of students, staff, and faculty in both campuses.A number of activities were also organized including, traditional handicrafts workshops, photos and book galleries, and heritage villages were set up to showcase precious Emirati foods, music, dance, and poetry.As part of Zayed University National Day celebrations, the six-year old Muhra Al Shehi, who His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, described her as an Emirati angle and the queen of children, expressed her love to the country's leaders and recited some poems.A wide array of competitions and exhibitions were conducted to award the best decorative car and the best photograph, which mark the 45th National Day. Students and faculty were all dressed in traditional clothing and displayed UAE flags of all sizes in addition to dazzling traditional Emirati dances and shows performed by the Spirit of the Union School as well as Al Mazyod National Band.About Zayed UniversityZayed University is today the premier national university in the United Arab Emirates and a regional leader in educational innovation and change. It has created and implemented a skills-rich, outcome-based general education program that systemically develops student skills, knowledge, and values associated with liberal learning and provided a solid foundation for pursuit of disciplinary majors and future careers. Zayed University welcomes national and international students, and provides them with a high quality education, offered by seasoned teaching scholars to prepare them to shape the future of the United Arab Emirates.Zayed University offers Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in the following Colleges: College of Arts & Creative Enterprises (recognized as substantially equivalent by NASAD), College of Business (Accredited by AACSB), College of Communication & Media Sciences (Accredited by ACEJMC), College of Education (Accredited by NCATE), College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, and College of Technological Innovation (Accredited by ABET). For more information, visit www.zu.ac.aeMedia contacts: Sara Sabry, Media Relations Specialist at the Office of the Vice President at Zayed UniversityDir-Tel: 025993630Mobile: 0566561059E-mail: Sara.Hassan@zu.ac.aeWeb: www.zu.ac.ae
By: SGS S.A

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-- As previously advised, the ballot for first Draft International Standard (DIS) of ISO 45001 failed to gain approval in May 2016. It received approximately 3,000 comments during the ballot and these were discussed by the ISO/PC283 Project Committee at a meeting held in June 2016 in Toronto, Canada.The Committee has agreed to move forward with publication of a second DIS (DIS2) for the highly anticipated ISO 45001 standard.Following the announcement to proceed, a Technical Group was convened in September to undertake a review of the comments received. A full Project Committee meeting has also recently been held in Lithuania on October 30  November 4, 2016 to review the work of this Technical group.During this latest Project Committee meeting, progress has been made in agreeing the texts in DIS2 for the majority of clauses 4 to 10. The Project Committee will meet again in February 2017 in Vienna to complete the review of the comments received. In addition, the timeline of the project has been extended from three to four years and the ISO secretariat has also confirmed that the nine-month extension may also be applied should the project fail to complete in time.The revised timeline based on recent progress and the latest information received is as below: February 2017  Project Committee meets and completes its review of comments April/May 2017  The DIS2 is released for ballot June/July 2017  The DIS2 ballot is held September 2017  Project Committee meets to review the results of the DIS2 ballotIf DIS2 is approved and there are only a limited number of comments, the Project Committee could agree to avoid an FDIS stage and complete the review of DIS2 comments at the September meeting, thus publication could be announced as early as November 2017. However, if an FDIS process is required or a large number of comments are received (requiring additional meetings to process them), publication could be delayed to March 2018.SGS continues to have ongoing involvement in the development of the new standard.Further information and updates on the development of ISO 45001 and its publication schedule will be issued by SGS as they become available.For more information, please contact:International Marketing ManagerSGS S.A.t: +603 2095 9200
By: Mohammad Al Gergawi

Mohammad Al Gergawi

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-- Earlier this year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced at the World Government Summit that the new cabinet of the United Arab Emirates will include a Minister for the Future, this role was appointed to Minister Mohammad AlGergawi who was previously serving as Minister of Cabinet Affairs.The appointment of AlGergawi was announced during the biggest government reshuffle wherein new portfolios of ministers were created, such as a Minister for Happiness, Tolerance and Youth among others.When asked about the reasoning behind combining both portfolios, AlGergawi said "The relationship is quite simple, and frankly, very necessary. A Minister of Cabinet Affairs is usually the cabinet member in charge of overseeing the progress and performance of the government, a minister for the future is mandated with the task of forecasting and foreseeing future opportunities and challenges, and creating a roadmap of overcoming these challenges."AlGergawi also added "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum truly reinvented the role of government during this cabinet reshuffle, with the focus on delivering citizen happiness, and announcing a minister for youth from the youth, a talented 22-year-old female, His Highness is setting benchmarks for governments worldwide."Reference Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Mohammed_ Al_Gergawi
By: City of Las Vegas, NM

Contact

City of Las Vegas, NM

Lee Einer, PIO

***@ci.las-vegas.nm.us City of Las Vegas, NMLee Einer, PIO

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-- Representatives of the bilingual/ immersion program will be Grand Marshals of the City's Electric Light Parade.Las Vegas Mayor Tonita Gurule-Giron said "I wanted to recognize the efforts and successes of the bilingual/immersion teachers of both school districts this year. Bilingual programs help our children academically, as well as building a culturally aware and cohesive community. Language is the cornerstone of culture, and by preserving the Spanish language we also preserve our unique culture."Bilingual/ immersion programs, which are in place in both local school districts,, teach children fluency in both English and a home or target language reflective of the community's culture.At Los Ninos Elementary School, the program begins in Kindergarten, with ninety percent of the class schedule being taught in Spanish.The ratio of Spanish to English is shifted until, by the Fifth Grade, half of the class schedule is taught in Spanish and the other half in English.Research studies have shown such programs to have a host of benefits, including building self-esteem and improving academic achievement by incorporating the students' cultures into classroom instruction.The programs are funded by New Mexico's Bilingual Multicultural Education Act.Las Vegas City Schools Associate Superintendant Michael Lovato said the program has a positive impact on student achievement. "There's a direct correlation with our bilingual program students going on to participate in high school advanced placement and honors programs," Lovato said.West Associate Superintendant Darice Balizan said that bilingual education programs provide benefits to both language learners and their communities. "Development of proficiency in one's heritage language," Balizan said, "allows the student to participate in his/her own culture, and to understand and express the perspectives of his/her culture in the larger society."
On 30 November, in Amsterdam, Home Invest Belgium has acquired directly 241 holiday homes in the Center Parcs complex Port Zelande located in Ouddorp, between Grevelingen Lake and one of the most beautiful beaches of the North Sea (province of Zeeland). The cottages are part of a complex of approximately

[]
Ford CEO Mark Fields and Ford of Europe President Jim Farley have unveiled the 2017 Ford Fiesta which promises to be bigger, safer and loaded with added features as compared to its outgoing model. 2017 Ford Fiesta is presented in four versions to include Ford Fiesta Titanium, Fiesta ST-Line, Fiesta Vignale and Fiesta Active soft-roader, all of which are noted for their added styling cues.

In terms of stance and style, 2017 Ford Fiesta is strikingly different from its earlier model. It was noted to sport a wider and lower position with a large black front grille, a black lower lip and slanting headlights along with horizontal tail lamps. Roof bars and distinctive body kit are also a part of its new makeup while front end of the new model still carries the distinct structure of a Fiesta.

Interiors of 2017 Ford Fiesta include features that have been enhanced in quality and technology with an all new dashboard design, an optional 8 floating touchscreen display and Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system.

2017 Ford Fiesta is called the most advanced small car in the world and comes in loaded with safety features such as Pre-Collision Assist, Pedestrian Detection, Active Park Assist, Perpendicular Parking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System and Lane Keep Aid among others.

2017 Ford Fiesta will be powered by a new 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine which is the first three cylinder engine to sport cylinder deactivation allowing for improved fuel efficiency and reduced auto emissions. This new engine is rated to deliver 140 PS. Other options on offer include 120 PS 1.5 liter diesel mill.

Ford Fiesta will be produced from Fords plant in Cologne as per an agreement signed in 2015 between Ford and German Works Council allowing for flexible work regulations. India might get the new Fiesta, but only as a sedan which is expected to be manufactured at Ford plant in Chennai.

News Release
About Bruce Schneier

I am a public-interest technologist, working at the intersection of security, technology, and people. I've been writing about security issues on my blog since 2004, and in my monthly newsletter since 1998. I'm a fellow and lecturer at Harvard's Kennedy School, a board member of EFF, and the Chief of Security Architecture at Inrupt, Inc. This personal website expresses the opinions of none of those organizations.
Researchers have discovered that mice with Huntington's disease (HD) suffer defects in muscle maturation that may explain some symptoms of the disorder. The study, "Progressive Cl channel defects reveal disrupted skeletal muscle maturation in R6/2 Huntington's mice," which will be published online November 29 in The Journal of General Physiology, suggests that HD is a disease of muscle tissue as well as a neurodegenerative disorder and that therapies targeting skeletal muscle may improve patients' motor function.

HD is a progressive, and ultimately fatal, disorder caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene that results in the production of defective huntingtin RNA and protein molecules that disrupt various cellular processes. The cognitive and psychiatric disturbances associated with HD, including memory loss and mood swings, are thought to result from the death of neurons in the striatum and cerebral cortex. But some of the disease's motor symptoms, such as involuntary movements and muscle rigidity, could arise from the effects of mutant huntingtin in skeletal muscle.

Andrew Voss and colleagues previously found that mice with an early-onset form of HD showed skeletal muscle defects at late stages of the disease, particularly a decrease in the function of a protein called ClC-1, which conducts chloride ions into the cell. This appeared to be caused by defective processing of the messenger RNA encoding ClC-1 and contributed to muscle hyperexcitability, potentially causing some of the motor symptoms associated with HD. But the loss of ClC-1 function could simply be a late response to the death of neurons innervating skeletal muscle; whether the chloride channel is affected during the onset and progression of HD remained unclear.

In the new study, Voss and colleagues at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California, examined their HD model mice throughout the course of the disease. They found that the RNA encoding ClC-1 was misprocessed in both HD and control mice when they were young, but, as they grew older, only healthy animals were able to start correctly processing the RNA to produce functional ClC-1. Thus, even before their motor symptoms began to appear, ClC-1 function was reduced in the skeletal muscle of HD mice compared with healthy, control animals.

This suggested that muscle maturation might be disrupted in HD mice. Voss and colleagues found that HD mice expressed a form of the muscle motor protein myosin that is usually only produced in newborn mouse muscle. Moreover, they identified similar defects in muscle maturation in a different strain of mice with adult-onset HD.

"Our results support the idea that HD is a myopathy as well as a neurodegenerative disease and may provide a new opportunity to improve patient care by targeting skeletal muscle tissue," Voss says. In addition, researchers and clinicians may be able to use the skeletal muscle defects as biomarkers to track the progress of HD, a much easier task than examining patients' brain tissue.
Scientists have long used satellite tags to track blue whales along the West Coast, learning how the largest animals on the planet find enough small krill to feed on to support their enormous size.

Now researchers from NOAA Fisheries, Oregon State University and the University of Maryland have combined that trove of tracking data with satellite observations of ocean conditions to develop the first system for predicting locations of blue whales off the West Coast. The system, called WhaleWatch, produces monthly maps of blue whale "hotspots" to alert ships where there may be an increased risk of encountering these endangered whales.

NOAA Fisheries has begun publicly posting the maps on its West Coast Region website each month. A new scientific paper published in the Journal of Applied Ecology describes the development of the WhaleWatch system and the methodology behind it.

"We're using the many years of tag data to let the whales tell us where they go, and under what conditions," said Elliott Hazen, a research ecologist at NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center and lead author of the new paper. "If we know what drives their hotspots we can more clearly assess different management options to reduce risk to the whales."

Helen Bailey, the WhaleWatch project leader at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and coauthor of the paper, described WhaleWatch as an innovative combination of satellite technology and computer modeling that will help protect whales by providing timely information to the shipping industry. NASA helped fund the project, which draws on ocean observations from NASA and NOAA satellites.

"This is the first time that we've been able to predict whale densities on a year-round basis in near-real time," said Bailey, who specializes in studying the movements of marine mammals and hopes the same approach will be used for other species of whales. "We hope it's going to protect the whales by helping inform the shipping industry."

Blue whales are listed as an endangered species, although their population has increased in recent years. Earlier research has found that shipping lanes to and from Los Angeles and San Francisco overlap with important blue whale foraging hotspots, putting whales at risk of fatal ship strikes.

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Studies have found that ships off the West Coast strike an average of about two blue whales a year, although some ship strikes probably go unnoticed.

"No ship captain or shipping company wants to strike a whale," said Kip Louttit, executive director of the Marine Exchange of Southern California, which tracks ship traffic into and out of Southern California ports. "If we can provide good scientific information about the areas that should be avoided, areas the whales are using, I think the industry is going to take that very seriously and put it to use."

NOAA Fisheries has developed a California Current Integrated Ecosystem Assessment to examine how environmental conditions affect marine resources including whales and other marine mammals. Hazen said WhaleWatch could help evaluate different management strategies to tell whether they are effective in reducing risk to whales.

"This is where science meets management," he said. "Now we have the tools for scientists to predict outcomes of different decisions or choices." As the scientists note in the new paper, the WhaleWatch model "provides a critical step towards developing seasonal and dynamic management approaches to help reduce the risk of ship strikes for blue whales in the California Current."

Maps produced by the model may also prove useful to fishermen who want to reduce the risk of whales becoming entangled in lines attached to crab traps or other gear.

The strength of WhaleWatch is more than a decade of tracking data collected by Bruce Mate of Oregon State University and his team for more than 100 blue whales from 1994 to 2008. Hazen used computer models to look for relationships between the movements of the whales and environmental factors such as ocean temperature, chlorophyll concentrations and other factors.

"Nobody has ever had a database like this for any whale anywhere in the world," Mate said. "These aren't guesstimates of how whales may respond to certain conditions, but actual data on how they did respond, which improves the accuracy of the predictions."
A University of California, Riverside assistant professor has combined photosynthesis and physics to make a key discovery that could help make solar cells more efficient. The findings were recently published in the journal Nano Letters.

Nathan Gabor is focused on experimental condensed matter physics, and uses light to probe the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics. But, he got interested in photosynthesis when a question popped into his head in 2010: Why are plants green? He soon discovered that no one really knows.

During the past six years, he sought to help change that by combining his background in physics with a deep dive into biology.

He set out to re-think solar energy conversion by asking the question: can we make materials for solar cells that more efficiently absorb the fluctuating amount of energy from the sun. Plants have evolved to do this, but current affordable solar cells -- which are at best 20 percent efficient -- do not control these sudden changes in solar power, Gabor said. That results in a lot of wasted energy and helps prevent wide-scale adoption of solar cells as an energy source.

Gabor, and several other UC Riverside physicists, addressed the problem by designing a new type of quantum heat engine photocell, which helps manipulate the flow of energy in solar cells. The design incorporates a heat engine photocell that absorbs photons from the sun and converts the photon energy into electricity.

Surprisingly, the researchers found that the quantum heat engine photocell could regulate solar power conversion without requiring active feedback or adaptive control mechanisms. In conventional photovoltaic technology, which is used on rooftops and solar farms today, fluctuations in solar power must be suppressed by voltage converters and feedback controllers, which dramatically reduce the overall efficiency.

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The goal of the UC Riverside teams was to design the simplest photocell that matches the amount of solar power from the sun as close as possible to the average power demand and to suppress energy fluctuations to avoid the accumulation of excess energy.

The researchers compared the two simplest quantum mechanical photocell systems: one in which the photocell absorbed only a single color of light, and the other in which the photocell absorbed two colors. They found that by simply incorporating two photon-absorbing channels, rather than only one, the regulation of energy flow emerges naturally within the photocell.

The basic operating principle is that one channel absorbs at a wavelength for which the average input power is high, while the other absorbs at low power. The photocell switches between high and low power to convert varying levels of solar power into a steady-state output.

When Gabor's team applied these simple models to the measured solar spectrum on Earth's surface, they discovered that the absorption of green light, the most radiant portion of the solar power spectrum per unit wavelength, provides no regulatory benefit and should therefore be avoided. They systematically optimized the photocell parameters to reduce solar energy fluctuations, and found that the absorption spectrum looks nearly identical to the absorption spectrum observed in photosynthetic green plants.

The findings led the researchers to propose that natural regulation of energy they found in the quantum heat engine photocell may play a critical role in the photosynthesis in plants, perhaps explaining the predominance of green plants on Earth.

Other researchers have recently found that several molecular structures in plants, including chlorophyll a and b molecules, could be critical in preventing the accumulation of excess energy in plants, which could kill them. The UC Riverside researchers found that the molecular structure of the quantum heat engine photocell they studied is very similar to the structure of photosynthetic molecules that incorporate pairs of chlorophyll.

The hypothesis set out by Gabor and his team is the first to connect quantum mechanical structure to the greenness of plants, and provides a clear set of tests for researchers aiming to verify natural regulation. Equally important, their design allows regulation without active input, a process made possible by the photocell's quantum mechanical structure.
Despite the many innovative services in the digital age, conventional banking remains important to newly-established businesses; banking cannot yet be replaced by online financial services such as crowdfunding or PayPal, say Professor Jan Riepe and Markus Merz from the University of Tubingen in a recent study. The economic researchers investigated what role the traditional banks play for newly-founded companies within a highly-developed economy based on the unique example of the US cannabis industry. They found that both the credit and transaction services traditionally provided by banks are key.

The special legal situation of the US cannabis industry gave Riepe and Merz a unique opportunity to examine an industry which lacks access to banking services, combining two event studies with a survey. In some US states, marijuana producers and distributors can operate legally within almost the same parameters as other businesses. Twenty-five states fully or partly allow the production, sale and consumption of medical and/or recreational marijuana. It was legalized in seven more states on November 8. However, banks are still not permitted to conduct business with members of the industry because marijuana remains a prohibited substance under US federal law.

This creates major challenges for the marijuana industry. For instance, businesses cannot get loans and are forced to make payments to employees, suppliers -- and even pay their taxes -- in cash. This makes logistics and bookkeeping more difficult and increases security problems.

The Tubingen researchers initially hypothesized that traditional banking would no longer play much of a role for newly-funded companies in the United States because there is a great proliferation of alternative financial service firms there. In two event studies, the researchers examined the movement in share prices of the 94 marijuana-related businesses listed on US stock markets -- focusing on far-reaching political and legal decisions and with a view to the sector's access to banking services. Riepe and Merz analyzed the movement of share prices on the same day relevant decisions were announced. "That enabled us to draw conclusions about how relevant access to the banking system is for the businesses we were researching," Markus Merz says.

In the first instance, the Department of Justice and the Treasury's Financial Crime Enforcement Network made a statement on February 14, 2014. The two ministries reiterated that banks conducting business with marijuana businesses continue to infringe federal law -- but that in principle the two Departments do not intend to prosecute it. Reacting to the statement, marijuana businesses' stock prices rose an average of twelve percent.

The response on January 5, 2016 was quite different following a court decision on Federal Reserve participation. Despite the federal authorities' statement in 2014, few banks were willing to do business with marijuana-related companies -- although it is potentially very lucrative. A group of producers had therefore established their own bank -- The Fourth Corner Credit Union -- in the state of Colorado. But in order to operate in an orderly and reliable fashion, The Fourth Corner Credit Union needed an account with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City -- a branch of the US central bank.

The Federal Reserve Bank refused. The marijuana producers took the case to court. In a surprise judgement, their suit was rejected. It was a severe blow to the industry's hopes of having their own bank, allowing easy access to banking services. Stocks in cannabis-related businesses fell on average 4.3 percent in the following two days. "This indicates that banks continue to play a central role for newly-established enterprises," says Merz, "They cannot be completely replaced by financial technology services."

"Now we are trying to better understand in exactly which situations banks are especially important to businesses," says Professor Jan Riepe. In particular the researchers aim to discover the value of access to bank transactions and to financing for budding start-ups. They are conducting a detailed survey of 50 marijuana businesses. "We think that this will enable us to make conclusions about when and how banks should be bailed out in the future -- and when it is possible to let them fail."
The evolution of how prisoners in substance-abuse programs communicate is a good indicator of whether they'll return to crime, new research has found.

The relationships between prisoners enrolled in "therapeutic communities," groups that focus on rehabilitation from drug and alcohol addiction, are key to those programs' effectiveness, said researcher Keith Warren, an associate professor of social work at The Ohio State University.

And the theory behind these efforts rests on the idea that peer interaction will support learning that displaces ingrained (and unhealthy) ways of thinking that stand in the way of people leaving addiction behind.

In this study, the first to test that theory, Warren and co-author Nathan Doogan, a postdoctoral researcher in Ohio State's College of Public Health, analyzed tens of thousands of written communications collected at four minimum-security facilities in Ohio with programs designed as an alternative to traditional prison time.

The more a participant's language choices changed during rehab, the less likely he was to return to prison, they found. The study was published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.

"It's not just being in the program that seems to help, it's the cognitive engagement in it," Warren said.

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The messages exchanged between program participants come in two forms.

The first, called "pushups," are congratulatory notes to a peer -- something like, "Good job talking about your triggers in group today, man."

The second, called "pull-ups," are meant to steer a fellow prisoner toward better choices -- something like, "Hey brother, next time try talking to me instead of getting into a fight."

Once approved as appropriate for group consumption, the written notes are typically read aloud to the group during meal time or a meeting.

Doogan and Warren examined how these communications changed for each of 2,342 men included in their study. They looked at pushups and pull-ups in each inmate's first two to three months in the program and held those up against the messages they sent fellow prisoners in the second two to three months. In all, the researchers analyzed about 267,000 messages. Only graduates of the program were included in the study.

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The more their word combinations shifted, the greater the chance the men didn't return to prison. In cases where the inmates did return, those who showed the least change in how they thought and wrote tended to return to prison most quickly.

The study didn't focus on "positive" or "negative" word choice, but on change in general, with the goal of getting a handle on whether the program was reshaping the participant's way of thinking, Doogan said.

"It wasn't so much sentiment, but whether we could measure some form of change in the individual," he said.

The sheer number of interactions for an individual resident didn't seem to make a difference -- only the changing nature of those notes. That's important because it seems to mean that simply interacting isn't enough and that a person has to be engaged and evolve in his thinking, the researchers said.

Shifts in how we put together our thoughts and express them in writing are a good indication of a true evolution in how we think, Warren said.

"Learning is a change in connections between ideas," he said. "In a therapeutic community, you would hope that they are abandoning some old connections and developing some new ones."

The researchers created a tool for analyzing word choices, identifying 500 words that could potentially be combined in a note to one participant from another. Doogan and Warren counted change when inmates added new word combinations or abandoned old ones. They attempted to control for variables outside of changed language including race, age and education level.

Understanding -- and being able to measure -- changes linked to reduced rates of repeat incarceration could eventually help program directors refine how they approach different participants, the researchers said.

For instance, if it was clear an addict's communications with others in the program were not changing in nature, it might be a clue that the individual needed more one-on-one attention, Doogan said.
A team of scientists at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Australia, and Germany discovered that the orchid mantis looks like a flower due to the exploitation of pollinating insects as prey by its praying mantis ancestors.

By studying the evolutionary relationships of the orchid mantis and its distant relatives, the team discovered that females in the orchid mantis lineage increased in size and changed color over their evolutionary history to gain advantage over large pollinating insects, such as bees, as well as the ability to attract them for predation. However, the morphologically dissimilar males are small and camouflaged, enabling them to live a life of predator avoidance and mate finding. The team found that this difference in males and females, termed sexual dimorphism, was likely the result of female predatory success that favored larger and more conspicuously colored individuals. This result challenges the traditional explanation for sexual dimorphism in arthropods as an increase in female egg production and suggests female predation strategy led to the differing male and female ecologies in the orchid mantises.

The research was published online in the journal Scientific Reports.

Lead author Dr. Gavin Svenson of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and co-authors used their evolutionary reconstruction of the group to demonstrate that a size increase in floral associated mantises provided access to more prey options, which set the stage for the evolution of floral simulation through size, shape, and color modifications that helped attract insect pollinators as prey. Thanks to a body of ecological research on the orchid mantis previously conducted by co-author Dr. James O'Hanlon of Macquarie University in Australia, it was known that females masquerade as flowers (floral simulation) to attract pollinating insects to eat, but that they do not sit on flowers themselves. This knowledge helped the team decipher the likely evolutionary scenario that gave rise to floral simulation in the orchid mantises and provided the opportunity to correct the long-held misunderstanding that orchid mantises sit on orchids, which their namesake incorrectly suggests.

"This study is a demonstration of how basic systematics research can inform our understanding of evolution by establishing patterns not previously seen," said co-author Henrique Rodrigues.

"Bringing together ecological research with an evolutionary analysis enabled us to explain how such a remarkable, flower masquerading lineage of praying mantis could evolve," said co-author Sydney Brannoch. Co-authors Rodrigues and Brannoch are both Ph.D. candidates at Case Western Reserve University and are based at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Svenson's laboratory.

The research project, under the direction of Svenson, was primarily focused on the systematics and taxonomy of a broader lineage of praying mantises, which included the orchid mantises. Acting on a suggestion made by co-author Dr. Frank Wieland of the Palatinate Museum of Natural History in Germany, the team took notice of a small group of extremely large and colorful mantises that grouped together in the evolutionary analysis. Although these relationships were never before outlined, they suggested a clear pattern of extreme sexual dimorphism in the orchid mantis lineage.

"It was not our intention to study the orchid mantises specifically, but when a unique pattern emerges, one must pursue fascinating results," said Svenson, curator of invertebrate zoology at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and adjunct assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University. "Finding the first case of males and females of a praying mantis species living extremely different adult lives was interesting and unique, but discovering the first case of arthropod sexual size dimorphism caused by female predatory success rather than investment in reproduction was both surprising and rewarding. This is particularly true when the original research focus was to fix the classification system to reflect true evolutionary relationship. Finding patterns in your study group that inform broader evolutionary understanding is the holy grail of systematics research."
Galaxies are often thought of as sparkling with stars, but they also contain gas and dust. Now, a team led by UCLA astronomers has used new data to show that stars are responsible for producing dust on galactic scales, a finding consistent with long-standing theory. Dust is important because it is a key component of rocky planets such as Earth.

This research is published online today in Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Jean Turner, a UCLA professor in the department of astronomy and physics, her graduate student S. Michelle Consiglio, and two other collaborators observed a galaxy roughly 33 million light-years away. The researchers focused on this galaxy, called "II Zw 40," because it is vigorously forming stars and therefore useful for testing theories of star formation. "This galaxy has one of the largest star-forming regions in the local universe," Turner said.

The researchers, led by Consiglio, obtained images of II Zw 40 using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array telescope. This telescope, located in Chile's Atacama desert, is composed of an array of 66 individual telescopes that function as a single large observatory. In 2011, Turner took a three-month sabbatical from UCLA to help prepare the Atacama Array to be used by the astronomical community. "I helped with reducing data and served as astronomer on duty," she said.

The telescope is sensitive to light in the millimeter and submillimeter part of the electromagnetic spectrum, just slightly shorter than microwaves. Capturing this kind of light requires a telescope at high altitudes -- this one is built on a plateau at 16,400 feet -- because "the Earth's atmosphere is beginning to absorb very strongly at those wavelengths," Turner said. "All ALMA scientists work at a lower elevation because you can't think well at that altitude," she added.

Consiglio and her team observed the central region of II Zw 40, a part of the galaxy with two young clusters of stars, each containing roughly a million stars. By imaging II Zw 40's star clusters at different wavelengths, they constructed a map that traced the dust in the galaxy. Astronomical dust -- made mostly of carbon, silicon and oxygen -- is prevalent in the universe. "If you look at the Milky Way in the sky, it looks kind of patchy and splotchy. That's due to dust blocking the light," Turner said.

The researchers tested whether the location of the galaxy's dust was consistent with the location of the galaxy's star clusters. They found that it was: Consiglio and her team showed that II Zw 40's dust was concentrated within roughly 320 light-years of the star clusters. "The dust is all focused near the double cluster," Turner said. This observation supported their hypothesis that stars are responsible for producing dust. "The double cluster is a 'soot factory' polluting its local environment," Consiglio said.

Scientists have long theorized that stars produce dust by expelling the elements fused deep within their interiors, enriching their host galaxies in elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. However, astronomical data have thus far not backed up that claim. "People have looked for this large-scale enrichment of galaxies, but they haven't seen it before," Turner said. "We're seeing galaxy-scale enrichment and we see clearly where it is coming from."

The researchers propose that the dust enrichment is so obvious in II Zw 40's star clusters because they contain large numbers of very young, massive stars, which are the producers of dust. "The evolutionary time scales of these stars are short enough that you see the dust before it has a chance to get dispersed very far from its source," Turner said. "We're looking at the best place to see dust enrichment, in large star clusters," Consiglio added.

These new results motivate the team to observe more star clusters. "This is a snapshot of a double cluster at one age in one galaxy," Turner said. "Our goal now is to find other sources and look at them in different stages of evolution to better understand the evolution of these giant star clusters and how they enrich their environment in dust."
National surveys in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia reveal exceptional progress against HIV, with decreasing rates of new infection, stable numbers of people living with HIV, and more than half of all those living with HIV showing viral suppression through use of antiretroviral medication. For those on antiretroviral medication, viral suppression is close to 90 percent. Thirty-five years into the global HIV epidemic, these findings are a clear sign of progress and source of hope for the rest of the world.

These data are the first to emerge from the Population HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) Project, a unique, multi-country initiative funded by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The Project deploys household surveys, which measure the reach and impact of HIV prevention, care and treatment programs in select countries. ICAP at Columbia University is implementing the PHIA Project in close collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with ministries of health.

Importantly, the data positively demonstrate that the 90-90-90 global targets set forth by UNAIDS in 2014 are attainable, even in some of the poorest countries in the world. According to these ambitious targets for 2020, the goal is for 90 percent of people with HIV to be diagnosed, 90 percent of those diagnosed to receive HIV treatment, and 90 percent of those on treatment to be effectively treated and achieve suppression of their infection. This would translate to 73 percent of all HIV-positive people being virally suppressed. The data show that once diagnosed, individuals are accessing treatment, staying on treatment, and their viral load levels are suppressed to levels that maintain their health and dramatically decrease transmission to others.

"The effects of HIV have been far-reaching. But these outcomes affirm that global, country, and U.S.-supported HIV efforts have been successful to date, and that strong progress is being made across the entire HIV continuum of care, including excellent durability of first line treatment regimens with high adherence to medications," said Ambassador Deborah Birx, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.

The PHIA Project surveys describe national HIV epidemics by looking at HIV incidence (the rate of new infections), HIV prevalence (the percent of the population living with HIV), and the prevalence of viral load suppression (a measure of a well-controlled HIV infection), all through a nationally-representative sample of the population. Additional measures in the surveys look at the proportion of those with HIV who have been tested and who are on treatment.

The household surveys of approximately 80,000 adults and children in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia were conducted in 2016. Results show that the rate of new infections is less than one percent per year. HIV prevalence, at 10 to 14 percent, is similar to 2010 estimates, and more than half of all adults living with HIV have viral load suppression. Compared to 2003 incidence estimates for the same three countries of between 1.3 and 1.5 percent per year, the current rate of new HIV infections has been cut in half during the past 13 years, when effective HIV treatment became available in sub-Saharan Africa largely through support from PEPFAR.

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"The survey was designed to identify the rate of new infections at the national level, as well as to estimate the number of people living with HIV," said Dr. Jessica Justman, PHIA principal investigator and senior technical director at ICAP. "This information is critically important to determining future resource needs."

Preliminary data analyses show that, as of 2016:

In Zimbabwe, among adults ages 15 to 64, HIV incidence is 0.45 percent; HIV prevalence is 14.6 percent (16.7 percent among females and 12.4 percent among males); 60.4 percent of all HIV-positive people are virally suppressed, and 86 percent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.

In Malawi, among adults ages 15 to 64, HIV incidence is 0.37 percent; HIV prevalence is 10.6 percent (12.8 percent among females and 8.2 percent among males); 67.6 percent of all HIV-positive people are virally suppressed, and 91 percent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.

In Zambia, among adults ages 15 to 59 years, HIV incidence is 0.66 percent; HIV prevalence is 12.3 percent (14.9 percent among females and 9.5 percent among males); 59.8 percent of all HIV-positive people are virally suppressed, and 89 percent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.

"The partnership with the ministries of health has been fundamental to the success of the surveys," said Dr. Shannon Hader, director of the Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis at CDC. "This kind of information has not been available before and the ministries are eager to use the survey results to inform their policies and programs."

With high HIV prevalence estimates of 10 to14 percent, these three countries continue to bear a substantial HIV burden. Nonetheless, with prevalence stabilizing and incidence falling, the PHIA survey results suggest that people living with HIV are living longer thanks to effective and accessible treatment.

"It is heartening to see the impressive viral suppression noted in the three countries among those on treatment," said Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, global director of ICAP. "Viral suppression is critical for the well-being of people living with HIV and for preventing HIV transmission to others."

The results from the first three PHIA surveys compel the global community to strengthen its efforts to reach those who have yet to receive an HIV test and to engage, support, and enable those who test HIV-positive to start and stay on effective treatment in order to achieve long-term viral suppression.

"Importantly, the PHIA surveys point to what still needs to be done, who we need to reach, and where we must focus our efforts, in order to build on these achievements," Ambassador Birx added. "The findings will guide an effective response to the epidemic."
Previous studies identified the Hippo pathway kinases LATS1/2 as a tumor suppressor, but new research led by University of California San Diego School of Medicine scientists reveals a surprising role for these enzymes in subduing cancer immunity. The findings, published in Cell on December 1, could have a clinical role in improving efficiency of immunotherapy drugs.

"Before our study, no one knew that the Hippo pathway was regulating immunogenicity," said first author Toshiro Moroishi, MD, PhD, postdoctoral researcher at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. "LATS1/2 deletion in cancer cells improves tumor immunogenicity, leading to the destruction of cancerous cells by enhancing anti-tumor immune responses."

Hippo pathway signaling regulates organ size by moderating cell growth, apoptosis and stem cell renewal, but dysregulation contributes to cancer development. In vitro studies of Hippo pathway kinases LATS1/2 showed that the loss of these enzymes promoted cell proliferation and tumor survival. In vivo research using immune-compromised mouse models also supports a tumor suppressor function of the Hippo pathway.

However, when Moroishi and team deleted LATS1/2 from mouse cancer cells and examined tumor growth in models with healthy immune systems researchers found that immunogenicity -- the ability to stimulate an immune response -- improved, destroying cancer cells. Researchers caution that immune systems of mouse models are different from the human immune system so the response might be different and further studies are needed.

If the outcome proves to be the same, using a LATS1/2 inhibitor alone or in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor may stimulate the immune system of patients that previously did not respond to immunotherapy treatments.

Currently, most immunotherapy research focuses on targeting the immune system, but the new findings reveal that tumor cells may also be vulnerable to inhibitors.

"Inhibiting LATS1/2 could be an attractive approach to treat cancer," said Kun-Liang Guan, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology at Moores Cancer Center and senior author of the study. "LATS is an ideal target because there are many kinase inhibitors that have been successfully developed as cancer drugs."
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide. It offers a range of skin care products, including moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, body care, exfoliators, acne care and oil correctors, facial masks, cleansing devices, and sun care products; and makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and powders, as well as compacts, brushes, and other makeup tools. The company also provides fragrance products in various forms comprising eau de parfum sprays and colognes, as well as lotions, powders, creams, candles, and soaps; and hair care products that include shampoos, conditioners, styling products, treatment, finishing sprays, and hair color products, as well as sells ancillary products and services. It offers its products under the Estee Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, MAC, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Smashbox, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, GLAMGLOW, Kilian Paris, Too Faced, Dr. Jart+, DECIEM, and The Ordinary brands. The company sells its products through department stores, specialty-multi retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies, and salons and spas; freestanding stores; its own and authorized retailer websites; third-party online malls; stores in airports; and duty-free shops. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Edgar the cat was surrendered to the Humane Society of Carroll County in Maryland when his owner could no longer keep him. (Edgar, it turned out, didn't get along with his owner's grandchildren.) The staff at the humane society were shocked when they first saw Edgar - because of how huge he is.

Humane Society of Carroll County

The 9-year-old cat weighs in at 21 pounds, which is much larger than an average cat. (He's not quite as big, however, as Samson, who was recently named New York City's largest cat.) Edgar truly is a gentle giant, and the staffers who helped process him into the shelter were amazed at how loving and patient he was. "Edgar was so sweet coming into the shelter and handled his intake process with shining stars," Michelle Fidler, director of animal care at the Humane Society of Carroll County, told The Dodo.

Dodo Shows Faith = Restored Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog

Humane Society of Carroll County

Since Edgar was so noticeably large, Fidler thought the shelter's Facebook followers might enjoy seeing his picture, and was shocked by how excited people got over him.

Humane Society of Carroll County

"Never did I expect to get the response that we did," Fidler said. "Currently the post has been seen by 1,402,479 people. It has 6.2K likes, 13K shares and 6.7K comments." Edgar the gigantic cat became an internet sensation, and people from all over the country began bombarding the shelter with adoption requests for the very special cat. A local woman heard about Edgar, too, and that day she and her boyfriend made their way over to the shelter to make Edgar the newest member of their family.

Humane Society of Carroll County

"As soon as I saw his picture, I was in awe," Jenna Schwartz, Edgar's new mom, told The Dodo. "I've never seen a cat that big before, he really catches your eye. He's gorgeous!"

Humane Society of Carroll County

Edgar is now settled into his new home, and is loving every minute of it. He has two other rescue siblings, a cat named Loki and a Chihuahua named Thor, and they love him just as much as his new parents do.

Humane Society of Carroll County
Debt investors are losing faith Canadian grocer Sobeys Inc. can engineer a quick turnaround from its troubled foray into the countrys western market.

Sobeys long-term debt is trading near its lowest level in more than five years after credit firms placed the companys rating, teetering one step above junk, under negative outlook earlier this year. The yield premium investors demand to hold Sobeys 2023 bond over government debt is more than 300 basis points, wide for a bond of its rating and duration, according to Patrick OToole, portfolio manager at CIBC Asset Management.

The market is basically already saying, Youre high yield,  OToole said. CIBC holds Sobeys bonds. If somebody does pull the trigger and downgrade them, theyll probably widen further because there will be some forced sellers.

Sobeys spokesman Andrew Walker declined to comment, saying by email the Stellarton, N.S.-based company is in its quiet period ahead of fiscal second-quarter 2017 earnings Dec. 14.

Canadas No. 2 grocer by sales, with more than 1,500 stores in 10 provinces, has faced operational challenges integrating Safeway Inc.s Canadian stores, acquired by parent Empire Co. in June 2013. Sobeys has reported $2.8 billion in goodwill impairments, wiping the remaining goodwill from its western business. It listed $6.2 billion in sales in the last quarter, a 1-per-cent year-over-year decline. It has also been losing market share on price competition.

These challenges in the West were mainly self-inflicted and more compounded by a weak economy in the West, Francois Vimard, Empires interim chief executive officer, appointed in July, said on a Sept. 15 earnings call. The companys priorities are building sales, reducing costs and improving store-level execution, he said.

We had lost some confidence that Sobeys would be able to turn things around within an acceptable time frame, Michael Goldberg, the DBRS Ltd. analyst who rates the company, said by phone from Toronto. Were willing to give them another year to stabilize the earnings, but we also want to see an increase in operating income.

DBRS, which put Sobeys on negative outlook in September, is looking for the company to reach $1 billion in earnings a year, or $250 million in a quarter, Goldberg said. Sobeys reported $225 million in earnings for the quarter ended Aug. 6, down from $303 million for the same period the previous year. He said same-store sales in western Canada have declined for three consecutive quarters.

S&P Global Ratings generally gives investment-grade companies up to two years to show improvement before a downgrade, according to analyst Alessio Di Francesco. But Sobeys, dropped to negative in March, could be banished to high-yield sooner if things dont improve. With its BBB- rating reflecting operational challenges as opposed to debt load, he said, the company needs to become more competitive in discount pricing.

When we look at some of their competitors in the market, theyve had pretty good quarters, Di Francesco said by phone from Toronto.

Loblaw Cos., the number one grocer in Canada, reported retail sales of $13.9 billion, a 1.3-per-cent increase year-over-year, in the most recent quarter. Its leverage ratio is 1.8 times debt to earnings, compared with Sobeyss 3.5 times. Rated BBB with a stable outlook by S&P, Loblaws 2023 bond is trading with a spread of about 140 basis points, according to Bloomberg data.

CIBCs OToole said a downgrade could offer an opportunity in Sobeys bonds, with spreads widening possibly another 50 to 75 basis points.

We still think they have a decent business, their financials are still pretty respectable  at some point, theyll turn things around out West, he said. But it may not come soon enough for the rating agencies liking.

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OTTAWATorontos Pearson International Airport  already Canadas busiest  is on track to become an elite mega hub but its going to take federal investments to help make it happen, a new report says.

The operators of Pearson are appealing for assistance to solve the traffic woes that clog area highways and, within the terminals, new funding to eliminate backlogs at security checkpoints and customs and immigration inspections.

And they want Ottawa to rethink visa demands that currently deter some international travellers from using Toronto to make connections.

The report, prepared for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, argues that those investments will pay off, putting Pearson in position to capitalize on growing air travel and double its annual passenger traffic to 80 million a year by 2035.

The report, titled Growing Canada with a Mega Hub Airport, will be released Thursday at a Canadian Club of Toronto event featuring Howard Eng, CEO of the airport authority, and Ben Smith, president, passenger airlines, at Air Canada.

It says Pearson has the potential to join the ranks of Londons Heathrow, Los Angeles International and Dubai, so-called mega hub airports characterized by high passenger volumes and a wide selection of international connections.

Mega hubs are becoming increasingly important in facilitating routes and global trade, the report says.

Already Pearson creates 332,000 direct and indirect jobs and is responsible for 6.3 per cent of Ontarios economic output.

Those impacts could be bigger if Toronto Pearson can seize its opportunity and develop into a mega hub, the report said, predicting that employment could double.

The economic prosperity of city-regions is inextricably linked to their connectivity to the rest of the world, it says.

But the report, which was obtained by the Star, cautions that there is a limited window for Pearson to develop into a mega hub.

And it underscores several big hurdles to achieving that status, starting with the clogged roads around the airport and poor transit access to what is already the second largest employment zone in the country.

The airport authority has been pushing for a regional transit hub on airport property that would be served by buses, airport express trains, and regional services to move passengers and employees from across the region.

To make that a reality, the airport authority is urging Ottawa to support regional transit systems by cost-sharing on their expansion plans.

Inside the airport, the report echoes past calls for Ottawa to invest heavily to eliminate frustrating backlogs at security screening. While more than half of travellers at Pearson have to wait 20 minutes or longer to get through security, most passengers at Heathrow are whisked through in under 5 minutes.

The longer the wait, the less attractive it is to fly through Toronto Pearson, the report says.

There are now insufficient funds to support a world-class security screening process, which requires investment in additional personnel and new, innovative screening processes and technologies, the report says.

It calls for up to $50 million in new federal funding, backed by a $30 million investment by the airport, to hire more staff and install improved screening checkpoints to get wait times under 10 minutes.

The report says another $5 million is needed to ease backlogs for arriving travellers at customs and immigration checkpoints, saying that funding has not kept up here either.

Finally, it asks Ottawa to reconsider requirements for visas and electronic travel authorizations for passengers who are only passing through the airport.

The report urges Ottawa to follow the examples in Europe, the Middle East and Asia that do not require such paperwork to simply transit through an airport unless a traveller is from a high-risk country.

Connecting passengers are vitally important for global airline networks and mega hub competitiveness, the report says.

Ironically, the report comes as federal cabinet ministers ponder a sell-off of Canadas big airports to help raise billions of dollars to help fund the infrastructure program.

Like Pearson, many of the airports across the country are managed by not-for-profit authorities. But private investors are keen to get a slice of the action, lured by the promise of a stable long-term return from running the airports. But there are concerns that a private sector profit motive would hit travellers in the pocketbook.

The federal government commissioned Credit Suisse to analyze the options. Sources tell the Star that the report has been submitted to government and its findings are being evaluated.

By the NumbersPearson International Airport in 2015

443,000 flights.

41 million passengers, expected to rise to 44 million this year.

Flights to 180 destinations worldwide.

Busy cargo hub that facilitates export of Canadian goods, such as $79 million in live Atlantic lobster and $1.7 billion in diamonds.

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OTTAWACanada wants to work with the United States to face the challenge posed by Russia, Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion said Thursday.

Dion steered clear of weighing in directly on comments Donald Trump made during the U.S. election campaign in which he praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But the minister said Canada and the U.S. have a shared interest in dealing with Russias incursion into Ukraine.

We want to have a very positive and constructive role to play in our relationship with the United States bilaterally and also what we can do together in the world, including facing the challenge (of) Russia, Dion said in an interview.

Russias annexation of Ukraines Crimea Peninsula in 2014 and its backing of separatist rebels in the countrys east have prompted NATO to bolster its military footprint in eastern Europe.

The NATO policy is deterrence and dialogue. Canada was alone to do deterrence without dialogue and we are correcting that, said Dion.

The Conservative opposition has criticized Dion and the Liberals for re-engaging with Russia, accusing it of cosying up to the Putin regime. Former prime minister Stephen Harper avoided direct contact with Putin at international events during most of his last two years in office, as his government downgraded diplomatic contact.

Dion said after the U.S. election that Canada would maintain sanctions on Russia. Last week, his spokesman Joseph Pickerill told The Canadian Press that Canadas diplomatic re-engagement with Russia did not mean business as usual.

The duration of our sanctions are clearly linked to Russias complete implementation of the Minsk agreements and respect for Ukraines sovereignty, he said.

Conversely, Canada, together with its G7 partners, stands ready take further restrictive measures should Russias actions so require.

On Thursday, European Council President Donald Tusk said it would be hard to preserve the Wests unity on Moscow after Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20.

Tusk told a Polish television station that in a recent conversation he had with the president-elect, Trump was more concerned with Britains decision to leave the European Union after this summers Brexit vote than he was about Russia.

Dion refused to be drawn into a discussion about Trumps Russia policies.

He said the governments policy is not to speculate on what the Trump administration might do once in power.

John Brennan, the director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, was not as reluctant. He told the BBC earlier this week that Trump should be wary of Russias promises and criticized it for its role in helping the Syrian government wage its costly civil war.

Peter Kent, the Conservative foreign affairs critic, said it is too early to say whether Trump will temper his campaign rhetoric on Russia.

We hope that among the foreign policy experts he engages in his administration there will be cautionary voices urging great care in dealings with Russia, Kent said.

Kent said he is concerned with the governments muted voice regarding the defenceless civilians of Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria and its desire to get to the table with Russia on Arctic issues.

Brennan also told the British broadcaster it would be the height of folly to tear up the 2015 Iran agreement, which restricts Irans ability to take part in certain nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions.

Dion also said he wants to see the nuclear deal with Iran preserved, something Trump has said he wants to scrap.

We think its a deal (that is) good for the world, and we support it, Dion said.

Kent said given that Trump has already modified a series of campaign promises, its not clear the nuclear deal with Iran  which the Conservatives opposed in the last days of their government and in opposition  is in any jeopardy.

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The hostage is taken, dragged from a hired car at gunpoint, snatched in a narrow laneway, roused from sleep on a sailboat. The devastated family is consumed by panic, confusion and questions. Lots and lots of questions.

Meanwhile in the capital, an elite government team assembles in a war room that thrums with electronic chatter and purpose. The prime minister is briefed. Men in uniform are mobilized.

This is how it happens in the movies. One tub of popcorn later, the good guys save the day.

This is not the reality.

Canadas war room is more like a boardroom  where a leaderless, interdepartmental committee of good people with good intentions meet and deal not only with kidnappers demands but also with bureaucratic and political inertia.

Interviews with more than 50 people, including government and security officials, past and present, and former hostages and their relatives, reveal a range of obstacles, including lack of leadership, lack of continuity, unnecessary secrecy and political paralysis.

Problems with Canadas approach were flagged eight years ago when Stephen Harper was prime minister and Ottawa was overwhelmed by five overseas abductions in five months: freelance journalist Amanda Lindhout in Somalia; CBC reporter Mellissa Fung in Afghanistan; aspiring filmmaker Beverley Giesbrecht in Pakistan; and Canadian diplomats Robert Fowler and Louis Guay in Niger, where they were working for the United Nations.

A secret U.S. diplomatic cable dated January 2009, and later released by WikiLeaks, revealed Canadas bureaucratic angst: Ottawa met each kidnap on the fly without any firm policy guidance  and now it wanted U.S. input to help close those gaps, laying out new Canadian rules especially with regard to policy on ransom payments but also for dealing with hostage-takers, the media, the families of victims and interested third parties (i.e. insurance companies and employers).

John Proctor, who worked on the Canadian effort as a senior intelligence adviser with the Department of National Defence, confirmed that a comprehensive policy was ready to go when Parliament was prorogued in December 2009.

There was a very serious effort to put together all the pieces  and it died completely, Proctor, now a vice-president of global cybersecurity for the Ottawa-based firm CGI, told the Star.

Bob Rae, former MP and lawyer, says if changes have been made, he hasnt seen them.

In opposition, Rae was Liberal Foreign Affairs critic while Fowler and Guay were held hostage. Fowler thanks Rae in his book, Season in Hell, for keeping in touch with his wife, Mary, during their ordeal. His praise of Rae is in stark contrast to how Fowler felt his case was handled by many in the Canadian government, noting that his wife had to meet with then-UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in New York to get any real update  or a reason to hope.

Lying in the hot Sahara sand, having made a proof-of-life video recording on Day 5, I never imagined that it would take 45 days before anyone told Mary that we were alive, or that the person who eventually passed her such happy news would not be a Canadian, Fowler writes.

Rae, who left politics in 2013, again tried to help a family of a hostage when the Abu Sayyaf Group abducted his university friend, John Ridsdel, in the Philippines along with fellow Canadian Robert Hall. Ridsdel and Hall were held for months before they were executed within seven weeks of each other earlier this year.

If theres no person whos clearly in charge and given responsibility to report to the prime minister on an urgent critical situation, things get lost in the bureaucracy and turf wars get played, and nobody really knows whos reporting to who and which department, says Rae.

Only in war zones has Canada had an effective war room.

The room erupted in cheers as three bearded, emaciated, exhausted men trudged along the receiving line of RCMP officers who they were meeting for the first time, but who knew everything about them.

There are these big guys, big strapping RCMP dudes and theyre standing there like this, says Canadas Jim Loney, puffing out his chest. Theyve got their arms crossed, their necks are back. And were like, Thank you. Thank you so very much. 

It was March 23, 2006, and Loneys first day of freedom after 118 days as a hostage of an Iraqi group called The Swords of Righteousness Brigade. When he entered the operations centre in Baghdads fortified Green Zone, he stared at a photo of himself staring back. There were also photos of fellow Canadian Harmeet Singh Sooden, Briton Norman Kember and American Tom Fox, a web of string connecting their images to Post-it notes and maps.

Loney, Sooden and Kemper were members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams, who had travelled to Iraq to document human rights abuses and promote peace. Two weeks earlier, their U.S. colleague Fox had been executed when demands to release Iraqi prisoners had not been met.

The Christian Peacemaker Teams release, for Ottawa, was as good as it got. In the decade since, even as Britain, the U.S., Australia and other allies have refined how they work to secure the release of citizens kidnapped abroad  including the creation of dedicated fusion cells  Ottawas policy has suffered from neglect under Conservative and Liberal governments alike.

The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, proved a key turning point for Western governments grappling with abductions overseas, sparking a rise in the number of hostage-takings and the political risk.

What happened after 9/11 was that everybodys budgetary dollars became so focused on terrorism, says Gary Noesner, who spent the last 10 years of his career as chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit before retiring in 2003. Everybody wanted a piece of pie. So now you had 20 cooks in the kitchen and nobody knew what anyone was making.

Canada followed the U.S. lead, pouring money into national security, dramatically increasing the RCMPs role. Kidnapping investigations were led by the RCMP, working with senior diplomats and various departments, including JTF2, the elite military force and the two spy services, CSIS and CSE. In political-speak, this is known as the whole of government approach, which means drawing on all the best resources.

But that has also led to turf battles and political hyper-caution, and it is the families of hostages who get lost in the fray.

During the CPT kidnapping negotiations, there was the position of a parliamentary secretary, who drew authority directly from Prime Minister Paul Martins office. I was the go-to person, says former MP Dan McTeague, who had that job. If things went wrong, I was to blame. If things went right, we looked good.

McTeague said he made an effort to call the families of hostages daily to give whatever update he could, backed by Martin, who also personally called Loneys family as soon as news broke of the kidnapping.

My brother Matt was travelling in Machu Picchu and he wasnt sure if he should come home, and my brother Ed was in Vancouver, says Jim Loney. The prime minister . . . called my dad and said, Is there anything I can do? And he said, Bring my boys here. 

Among the gaps in Canadas hostage response system, multiple sources told the Star, are a lack of support and expertise in handling the very specific and evolving challenge of overseas kidnapping.

I dont think its resourced enough, says Andy Ellis, who retired this year as assistant director of operations at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.

They have a huge responsibility in that department, he said of foreign affairs, now known as Global Affairs Canada. Really hard-working people who are asked to do Herculean tasks with next to no resources.

There is also little continuity.Since Joshua Boyle and his American wife, Caitlan Coleman, were abducted by the Taliban in Afghanistan in October 2012, there have been five directors of the Task Force on International Critical Incidents, the Global Affairs Canada unit responsible for kidnappings. Each transition brings growing pains.

Noesner said governments often operate in a helter skelter way and expertise is lost when people are transferred or new governments take over.

You have to restart each time, Noesner says. Its a terrible recipe; its the nature of bureaucracy.

Ellis, who now works as a consultant and is helping, pro bono, in cases of Canadians held abroad, says governments will always lack the options available to private security companies.

The private side of things can be more nimble, be quicker to the point. They can offer options and maybe they can take away the risk before it becomes too great, he said. The difference is the private sector is results-focused and I would argue, the public sector, is politically focused. Theres always a political element. What will the minister think? Will the minister sign offon this?

The political fallout of kidnappings can be huge. Consider Jimmy Carters failed 1980 attempt to end the Iran hostage crisis and rescue 52 Americans, which cost him the next election.

Worldwide, fewer than 100 private security consultants specialize in international hostage negotiation. They are a tribe unto themselves, contracting their services, directly or indirectly, to companies or relatives of kidnap victims. Some are incredibly skilled. Some are not. All are expensive.

Multiple sources within this community singled out the Canadian passport as a particularly weak shield for those held hostage abroad, because Canada lacks the agility of its peers and has failed to elevate its game. Ottawa rarely works in concert with private security firms  telling the families it is an either-or decision for them.

Where things generally go wrong for police forces like the RCMP is that their skills are designed domestic for events like when a bank robbery goes wrong and turns into a siege, said one veteran of the private hostage response world.

In their own jurisdictions, they are trained to move toward one of two outcomes  convince the villains to give up or keep them talking long enough for direct action by a SWAT team. The problem is that when someone gets kidnapped by a gang in Africa or the Philippines or wherever, you are not going to convince them to give up. And you are not going to get enough intel for a rescue. Neither of these strategies is going to work.

In the absence of a viable strategy or clear leadership to demand otherwise, government response teams tend to default to bystander status, hoping instead that local authorities will solve the crisis.

But even then, success requires unrelenting government-to-government engagement at the highest levels: engagement that the families of Canadian hostages, Ridsdel and Hall, say was not enough, when their loved ones faced the threat of beheading in the Philippines.

One clue in that case emerged in emails first obtained by Vice News under access-to-information legislation. Under the heading URGENT, a March 17, 2016, message between two senior Ottawa officials calls for Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion to telephone his newly elected counterpart in the Philippines literally during his first hour in office to underline Canadian seriousness of purpose about the hostage crisis, which was spiralling toward disaster.

The five-word reply: Decision was not to pursue.

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The woman who has spoken for John Tory since the 2014 election campaign is handing the mayoral megaphone to a former Toronto Sun city hall reporter.

Amanda Galbraith, Torys amiable 33-year-old communications director and his frequent shadow at public events, is leaving to become a principal at Navigator Ltd., Canadas best-known crisis communications firm.

She will be replaced by Don Peat who covered Rob Fords chaotic mayoralty for the Toronto Sun and the early days of Torys administration.

Peat starts Dec. 5 and Galbraith finishes Dec. 16, midway through Torys four-year term. The change comes as Tory is set to oversee a shuffle of councillor appointments to key committees that will shape debate in the terms back half.

Before the 2014 election Galbraith worked in the offices of then-prime minister Stephen Harper and then-cabinet minister John Baird, and later at Playbook Communications. After defending Tory against attacks from Doug Ford and Olivia Chow during the bruising 10-month campaign, she left Playbook, which was bought by Navigator, to join his staff.

On CityTVs Breakfast Television last week, Tory joked of Galbraith, who had signaled that he had to wrap up his appearance on the show: Shes my boss. Well, actually my real boss is my wife but then shes my other boss. Galbraith replied: Only sometimes.

Galbraith is expected to help plan for, and work on, Torys October 2018 re-election bid.

She will work in Navigators issues management practice and help expand the municipal affairs practice across Canada. The firm chaired is well-known for its work helping companies and public figures, including former attorney general Michael Bryant and, briefly, broadcaster Jian Ghomeshi.

Chris Eby, Torys chief of staff, spent four years at Navigator as a communications strategist before leaving on acrimonious terms. The company is a minor player at city hall but has in the past lobbied officials including Galbraith, according to the lobbyist registry.

Peat was the Suns city hall bureau chief and a popular figure on Twitter before returning to the Sun newsroom as assistant city editor. Before joining the Sun, according to his company biography, he was a crime reporter at the Peterborough Examiner and worked as a journalist in Honduras.

Other changes at city hall will come next week when the committee responsible for appointments decides how to shake-up the make-up of vital committees and boards. While the changes may not register with the public, they will indicate how satisfied Tory is with his own team and further alienate left-leaning councillors.

Change is expected on the licensing committee, now chaired by Councillor Cesar Palacio. Tory publicly criticized the way members of the public were treated by other committee members during the heated taxi-Uber debate.

Other members of Torys executive committee have challenged him.

Councillor Michael Thompson, globetrotting chair of the economic development committee, was unhappy at being removed early in the term from the police services board and publicly pushed the mayor to support the end of police carding.

Councillor Paul Ainslie, who chairs the government management committee, spoke out against the mayor's push for a one-stop subway extension in Scarborough, arguing a plan for LRT lines made more sense for residents.

Both Thompson and Ainslie have picked their current committee seats as their top choices. All of the back-half term picks will be finalized by council next month.

Councillor Jon Burnside, a former cop, has shown interest in a police board spot and could replace the mayor as his designate on that body.

The most popular board for re-appointment was the TTC, with nearly half of council expressing interest in being given a seat.

With files from Jennifer Pagliaro

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Canadian mainstream media disproportionally focus on black immigrant men criminally charged for not disclosing HIV status to their sexual partners when the majority of offenders are white, says a new study.

To mark World AIDS Day on this month, a team of Canadian researchers recently released the pioneering study identifying a clear pattern of racism toward black men in the reporting of HIV non-disclosure in Canadian newspapers.

The most striking revelation of this report was the grand scale of stereotyping and stigmatizing by Canadian media outlets in their sensationalistic coverage of HIV non-disclosure cases, said Eric Mykhalovskiy, a York University sociology professor, who leads the team.

Its upsetting to read myths masquerading as news and repeating the theme of how black men living with HIV are hypersexual dangerous others. This approach not only demeans journalism, but it inflames racism and HIV stigmatization, undermining educational and treatment efforts.

Based on the database of Factiva, an English-language Canadian newspaper articles from 1989 to 2015, researchers from York, University of Toronto and Lakehead University identified 1,680 reports of HIV non-disclosure cases. Of those reports 68 per cent, or 1,141 of the articles, focused on racialized defendants.

According to court records of HIV-related criminal cases in Canada, African, Caribbean and black men living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, account for 20 per cent or 36 of the 181 people charged for these offenses. However, 62 per cent or 1,049 of the 1,680 media reports focused on these 20 per cent of the cases.

Immigrants and refugees receive particularly higher amount of coverage. While only 32 of the 181 accused are known to be migrants to Canada, yet stories about their offences represented 62 per cent (1,046 of 1,680) of the media coverage.

The report documents the medias stigmatizing and unjust racial profiling of black heterosexual immigrant men in HIV non-disclosure cases that perpetuates systematic discrimination, said Christian Hui, an HIV activist and co-founder of the Canadian Positive People Network.

We know next to nothing about them other than their name, age, residence, occupation, the charges they face, said the report. What is distinct about the coverage of African, Caribbean and black male defendants is how (they) are linked with racializing forms of representation in ways that amplify connections between HIV, criminality, race and foreignness.

Mykhalovskiy said the research team recognized that accused criminals often refuse to speak with the media at their counsels advice, but it does not change the fact black immigrant offenders are disproportionally represented in the coverage.

The study urges the Canadian media to treat HIV non-disclosure as a health issue and not simply a crime story; to stop using mug shots that further stigmatizing and discriminate people with HIV as criminals; and to reach out to AIDS service organizations when interviewing sources for these stories.

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Bad news can be good for a governments soul.

Ontarios auditor general has revealed road-building blunders, eHealth excesses, hospital horror stories, and cap and trade troubles.

Queens Park is wasting massive amounts of public money, as governments are wont to do (See also: federal auditor generals report this week). The provincial auditor makes many sensible suggestions for reform.

So far, so good.

But theres a more contentious tenor to this years audit. And a sharper tone to the governments response.

Between the lines  and there are a lot of lines in a two-volume report totalling 1,063 pages  a war of words is underway. It pits auditor general Bonnie Lysyk, an officer of the legislature, against a Liberal government that now views her as a rogue officer.

Its a battle of attrition and repetition.

The auditor attacks, the government counterattacks; she recapitulates, the Liberals reprise; she drowns the media in detail, the government deluges reporters with an unprecedented lineup of five senior cabinet ministers at a news conference.

Case in point: In three consecutive reports, the auditor keeps condemning a government decision curbing her power to vet advertising spending. It was a controversial move, but the Liberals made an arguable case that the auditors clumsy screening was gumming up government ads.

It was the Liberals who first gave the auditor final say on its ads; a decade later, they decided to dial it down a bit, which is their right  right or wrong. The government argued that Lysyks office was reflexively rejecting ads merely for having too much (Liberal) red in depictions of apples or bricks. They reduced her discretion, but reinforced the rules preventing politicians from appearing in ads or inserting their names.

Today, Lysyk is still fighting the advertising vetting battle she lost long ago  and wont let it go. She claims Ottawa is getting better on advertising while Queens Park is getting worse, but as the fine print in her own report acknowledges, the federal government is only slowly catching up to where Ontario is today  still with the toughest rules in Canada.

When does the natural tension between auditor and audited cross the line from bottom lines to battle lines? Consider the case of the disappearing hard drives.

Lysyk sounded the alarm last summer in a special report on the Pan Am Games, claiming that officials had not handed over their hard drives as requested. On cue, the opposition pounced on the presumed coverup of deleted emails, demanding outside investigations (call in the OPP!).

But in a September report, the information and privacy commissioner found no deliberate attempt to thwart the auditor general before the leased hard drives were returned (their contents were retained online). The auditors allegations didnt add up.

Against that backdrop of audits, allegations, and attrition, the Liberals are increasingly wary of Lysyks modus operandi. And have come up with their own countermeasures to inoculate themselves.

When the auditor started poking around eHealth, the Liberals assigned their high-profile problem solver, retired TD Bank CEO Ed Clark, to pre-empt her with a report of his own. His predictable conclusions (eHealth is worth billions and has potential to do great good) were matched only by her predictable allegations (eHealth hasnt lived up to its potential and has cost billions to date).

Now, a bigger dispute is going well beyond headlines to the bottom line  potentially setting the government back billions of dollars. Once again, the Liberals are trying to discount her accounting methods.

Last summer, just as the government was coming within reach of a campaign promise to eliminate the budget deficit, Lysyk decided to move the goalposts further back. No longer could the Liberals claim certain pension surpluses as assets (even though pension deficits must still be counted as liabilities). Her accounting change added $2.2 billion to the current deficit, and billions more to Ontarios overall debt.

Civil servants vigorously disputed her change of heart  the auditor generals office had long endorsed the old accounting method going back to the Tory era. At an impasse, the government agreed to provisionally change the books, but promptly appointed a panel of four top accounting and pension experts to review the dispute.

In her latest report, the auditor tries to pre-empt the governments end run around her, devoting dozens of pages to her technical arguments. Lysyks bottom line, however, is to withhold full approval for the governments books in the previous year (issuing only a qualified audit opinion), blaming the Liberals for using the old accounting method that she signed on to at the time.

Amid uncertainty, an auditor can issue a qualified opinion. Not so easy for a newspaper to publish caveat columns. But its hard to know whos right or wrong in this high-stakes dispute until the expert panel issues its report in the weeks ahead.

The only political certainty is that this war of attrition and repetition is now an annual auditors affair.

Martin Regg Cohns political column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. mcohn@thestar.ca , Twitter: @reggcohn

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Premier Kathleen Wynnes government is being hammered for spending an extra $20 million on government advertising that Ontarios auditor general dubbed misleading at times.

In the wake of the auditors annual report into problems such as long health-care wait times and shoddy road construction, opposition parties zeroed in Thursday on a 66-per-cent increase in the ad budget last year to $49.9 million.

The extra spending is troubling when many people are feeling the pinch of skyrocketing hydro bills, said Progressive Conservative MPP and finance critic Vic Fedeli.

While the government continues to make life unaffordable for Ontario families, theyre advertising on the taxpayers dime, he said, calling many government ads shameless and self-promoting.

Auditor general Bonnie Lysyk said a controversial 2015 decision by the government to weaken restrictions on government ads likely prompted the Wynne administration to do more advertising.

Defending the ads, Treasury Board President Liz Sandals said many have included information on vaccinations, flu shots, daycare and other legitimate subjects.

Weve shared information about changes in the rules for child care and to help educate parents on how to distinguish between whats licensed child care, whats not licensed child care, she said during question period.

How do you respond if theres a problem in child care? Those are all things we have spent money on.

The auditors report, however, cited one series of ads on the now-defunct Ontario Retirement Pension Plan that could leave the impression the ORPP will, in fact, close the retirement savings gap, not shrink it.

That could be misleading, said Lysyk, who railed against a vague script in another ad boasting that Ontario schools provide world-class education and that more Ontario students are reaching their potential than ever before.

The ad did not provide the public with any useful information, concluded the auditor, who said her office would not have allowed the ads under previous rules that were stricter.

New Democrat MPP Catherine Fife said the government, which is now trailing the Conservatives in public opinion polls, watered down the ad rules passed 12 years ago to hold onto power with an election looming in 2018.

Parents sitting in hospital rooms with sick kids have to watch commercials claiming this government has reduced emergency room wait time. Meanwhile, in Kitchener-Waterloo, our local hospital is fundraising for emergency room residents (doctors) to address the wait times.

Sandals said Ontario is the only jurisdiction in Canada and one of the few in the world to ban partisan government advertising with prohibitions on naming MPPs and using colours identified closely with political parties.

Under the old rules, government ads were required to inform people about programs, policies and services, which prevented self-promotional and congratulatory ads, Lysyk said.

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BOGOTAAfter five decades of war, more than four years of negotiations and two signing ceremonies, Colombias congress late Wednesday formally ratified a peace agreement allowing leftist rebels to enter politics.

The 310-page revised accord was approved unanimously by the lower house, which voted a day after the Senate approved the same text 75-0 following a protest walkout by the opposition led by former president Alvaro Uribe.

The accord introduces some 50 changes intended to assuage critics who led a campaign that saw Colombians narrowly reject the original accord in a referendum last month. President Juan Manuel Santos has said there wont be a second referendum.

Revisions range from a prohibition on foreign magistrates judging alleged crimes by government troops or by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia to a commitment from the rebels to forfeit assets, some amassed through drug trafficking, to help compensate their victims.

But the FARC wouldnt go along with the oppositions strongest demands  jail sentences for rebel leaders behind atrocities and stricter limits on their future participation in politics.

There needs to be a balance between peace and justice, but in this agreement theres complete impunity, Uribe, now a senator, said during Tuesdays heated debate. Other senators accused him of standing in the way of a peace deal that he pursued with the FARC as president from 2002-10.

Santos says ratification will set in motion the start of a six-month process in which the FARCs 8,000-plus guerrillas will concentrate in some 20 rural areas and turn over their weapons to United Nations monitors.

Tomorrow a new era begins, Santos said Tuesday, celebrating the Senates endorsement and the expected approval by the lower house.

But the rebels insist that their troops wont start demobilizing until lawmakers pass an amnesty law freeing some 2,000 rebels in jail.

D-Day starts after the first actions are implemented, the rebel leader Pastor Alape, a member of the FARCs 10-member secretariat, told foreign journalists last week after the new accord was signed. The president unfortunately has been demonstrating an attitude that creates confusion in the country.

The debate over amnesty highlights one of the peace deals early challenges: the need for congress to pass legislation implementing the accord and setting up special peace tribunals.

Santos was initially counting on swift approval of the needed changes that in some cases require constitutional amendments. But the referendum loss has left the status of his fast-track authority in doubt, awaiting a ruling by the constitutional court. Experts say a solid pro-peace coalition could crumble if implementation drags on and butts against the political manoeuvring for the 2018 presidential election.

Beyond the legal hurdles, there is also concern FARC fighters will wind up joining criminal gangs rampant throughout the country or the much-smaller rebel National Liberation Army, which for months has been playing cat and mouse with the government over opening a peace process of its own. On Wednesday, both sides said they would delay until January any decision about when to start talks.

Combating security threats will test the states ability to make its presence felt in traditionally neglected rural areas at a time of financial stress triggered by low oil prices.

There is also a risk that peace could trigger more bloodshed, as it did following a previous peace process with the FARC in the 1980s. At that time, thousands of former guerrillas, labour activists and communist militants were killed by right-wing militias, sometimes in collaboration with state agents.

Worries about new bloodshed, although less prevalent than in the darker days of Colombias half-century conflict, has become more urgent with more than a dozen human rights defenders and land activists in areas dominated by the FARC being killed by unknown assailants since the initial signing ceremony in September. So far this year, 70 have been killed, according to Bogota-based We Are Defenders, more than in all of 2015 and 2014.

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Senator Bernie Sanders called out Donald Trump in a Washington Post oped, for the deal he made with Carrier Corporation to keep some 1,000 jobs in America.

Carriers parent company, United Technologies, announced, in February, that it would be eliminating 2,100 jobs: 1,400 at Carrier and 700 at United Technologies Electronic Controls.

Sanders criticized the apparent terms of the deal to save roughly 1,000 American jobs, which includes about $7 million in tax breaks in a multi-year deal with the state of Indiana.

The incentives offered by the state were an important consideration, Carrier wrote in a statement on Wednesday.

The former Democratic presidential candidate said this sets a dangerous precedent, in which corporations can take advantage of the new president-elect by threatening to outsource jobs, to receive their own tax cut.

Sanders is not alone in this belief.

Justin Wolfers, a professor of economics and public policy at the University of Michigan, tweeted, Every savvy CEO will now threaten to ship jobs to Mexico, and demand a payment to stay. Great economic policy.

During his campaign, Trump said he would make Carrier pay a damn tax, but Sanders said despite Trumps pledge to be tough on corporate America, the president-elect seems to be doing the exact opposite.

After striking the deal with Carrier, Trump tweeted that it was a Big day on Thursday for Indiana.

We will keep our companies and jobs in the U.S. Thanks Carrier, he wrote.

In his Washington Post article, Sanders wrote about his own plans to prevent jobs from being outsourced to other countries, in the form of proposed legislation, called the Outstanding Prevention Act. He wrote that companies should not be able to receive federal contracts or reward executives with bonuses if they outsource jobs.

A full transcript of the article by Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, is below:

On Thursday, about 1,000 Carrier workers and their families should be rejoicing. But the rest of our nations workers should be very nervous.

President-elect Donald Trump will reportedly announce a deal with United Technologies, the corporation that owns Carrier, that keeps less than 1,000 of the 2,100 jobs in America that were previously scheduled to be transferred to Mexico.

Lets be clear: It is not good enough to save some of these jobs. Trump made a promise that he would save all of these jobs, and we cannot rest until an iron-clad contract is signed to ensure that all of these workers are able to continue working in Indiana without having their pay or benefits slashed.

In exchange for allowing United Technologies to continue to offshore more than 1,000 jobs, Trump will reportedly give the company tax and regulatory favours that the corporation has sought.

Just a short few months ago, Trump was pledging to force United Technologies to pay a damn tax. He was insisting on very steep tariffs for companies such as Carrier that left the United States and wanted to sell their foreign-made products back in the U.S.

Instead of a damn tax, the company will be rewarded with a damn tax cut. Wow! Hows that for standing up to corporate greed? Hows that for punishing corporations that shut down in the United States and move abroad?

In essence, United Technologies took Trump hostage and won. And that should send a shock wave of fear through all workers across the country.

Trump has endangered the jobs of workers who were previously safe in the United States. Why? Because he has signaled to every corporation in America that they can threaten to offshore jobs in exchange for business-friendly tax benefits and incentives.

Even corporations that werent thinking of offshoring jobs will most probably be re-evaluating their stance Thursday morning.

And who would pay for the high cost for tax cuts that go to the richest businessmen in America?

The working class of America.

Lets be clear. United Technologies is not going broke; last year, it made a profit of $7.6 billion and received more than $6 billion in defense contracts. It has also received more than $50 million from the Export-Import Bank and very generous tax breaks. In 2014, United Technologies gave its former chief executive Louis Chenevert a golden parachute worth more than $172 million. Last year, the companys five highest-paid executives made more than $50 million. The firm also spent $12 billion to inflate its stock price instead of using that money to invest in new plants and workers.

Does that sound like a company that deserves more corporate welfare from our government?

Trumps Band-Aid solution is only making the problem of wealth inequality in America even worse.

I said I would work with Trump if he was serious about the promises he made to members of the working class. But after running a campaign pledging to be tough on corporate America, Trump has hypocritically decided to do the exact opposite. He wants to treat corporate irresponsibility with kid gloves.

The problem with our rigged economy is not that our policies have been too tough on corporations; its that we havent been tough enough.

We need to re-instill an ethic of corporate patriotism. We need to send a very loud and clear message to corporate America: The era of outsourcing is over. Instead of offshoring jobs, the time has come for you to start bringing good-paying jobs back to America.

If United Technologies or any other company wants to keep outsourcing decent-paying American jobs, those companies must pay an outsourcing tax equal to the amount of money it expects to save by moving factories to Mexico or other low-wage countries.

They should not receive federal contracts or other forms of corporate welfare.

They must pay back all of the tax breaks and other corporate welfare they have received from the federal government.

And they must not be allowed to reward their executives with stock options, bonuses or golden parachutes for outsourcing jobs to low-wage countries.

I will soon be introducing the Outsourcing Prevention Act, which will address exactly that.

If Donald Trump wont stand up for Americas working class, we must.

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A single dose of psilocybin, the long-banned active compound in magic mushrooms, significantly reduced anxiety, depression and the fear of death among cancer patients for months at a time, according to two studies published Thursday.

Eighty people in separate clinical trials at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and New York University Langone Medical Center were given psilocybin under close supervision. The majority experienced an increase in optimism, a feeling of connection with other people, and mystical and spiritual experiences. The effects persisted through the six-month followup period.

The research, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, is the latest to suggest that psilocybin and other hallucinogenic drugs might be beneficial for people with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and drug, alcohol or tobacco addictions.

Dr. Craig Blinderman, a palliative care expert at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center who was not involved in the research, called the results groundbreaking. If they are confirmed, he said, psilocybin could become a powerful tool in easing existential distress in people with life-threatening cancer and other diseases.

Other scientists cautioned that psilocybin and other hallucinogens can be unpredictable.

For Dinah Bazer, a 69-year-old Brooklyn resident, the NYU trial was a life-changing experience. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May 2010, she was treated successfully but really went nuts worrying that the cancer would return, she said.

In the fall of 2012, she was given psilocybin  though at the time she was not told whether she was getting the drug or a placebo  and stretched out on a couch listening to music under the watchful eye of two therapists. Soon, she said, she saw a black mass, like a giant lump of coal under her rib  her fear. Erupting in anger, she shouted, Get the f---out! I wont be eaten alive!

Later during the experience, Bazer, an atheist, said she felt bathed in Gods love. She said she has not worried about a return of the cancer since.

The Hopkins and NYU studies had some differences but produced almost identical results. Roland Griffiths, a psychopharmacologist who led the Hopkins study, said the key finding  that a single dose of psilocybin produced enduring relief  represented a possible new model for treating other psychiatric ailments. Psychiatrist Stephen Ross, who led the NYU study, said it is critical to find new treatments for anguished cancer patients because such distress is linked to increased rates of suicide and decreased survival.

In both studies, about 80 per cent of participants said the psilocybins effects lasted for at least several months; more than 70 per cent said the experiences were among the most meaningful of their lives. They reported no serious side effects.

In almost a dozen opinion pieces accompanying the studies, other researchers called for stepped-up research on hallucinogens. Its time to take psychedelic treatments in psychiatric and oncology seriously as we did in the 1950s and 1960s, which means we need to go back to the future, wrote David Nutt, a psychiatrist at Imperial College London.

Joshua Gordon, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, called the research fascinating. He added that anything that has that dramatic effect is worth looking at carefully. But he also said that it was important to proceed cautiously because sometimes people will try things on their own to see if it works, and thats something you want to avoid.

Others expressed additional concerns. Glen Hanson, a pharmacologist who is the director of the Utah Addiction Center at the University of Utah, warned that the drug is unpredictable and could cause extreme anxiety, even psychosis. Psychobiologist Bertha Madras of Harvard Medical School worried about medicalizing the drug.

We are already seeing a national epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, she said. And if we medicalize another group of drugs, one has to weigh the cost-benefit equation to society. Will people think this is a safe drug . . . but will it, in fact, be a plague on society?

Griffiths and Ross, the study leaders, said psilocybin is not addictive but agreed that it should not be used outside clinical trials, where participants are carefully screened.

Both trials  NYU had 29 participants, and Hopkins had 51  used synthetic psilocybin. The studies were randomized, and neither the patients nor their monitors knew who was receiving the drug and who was getting the placebo. Several weeks after the first dosing, participants received whatever treatment they had not received the first time.

Griffiths said he tried to minimize the placebo effect  in which patients perceive an improvement from an inactive treatment  by using a low dose of psilocybin as the placebo and a high dose as the treatment medication. The patients knew they would get psilocybin both times, but didnt know the doses. He said there was such a large difference in the results that he didnt think the placebo effect was a problem. NYU used niacin, a B vitamin known to produce a rush, as the placebo.

Psilocybin attracted intense interest from researchers in the 1950s and 1960s, but the work was shut down when the drug was banned under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. Today, it is classified as a Schedule I drug in the U.S., meaning it is deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose.

Possession of active magic mushrooms is also illegal in Canada, where psilocybin is classified as a Schedule III drug comparable to the psychedelic LSD.

In the past decade or so, research has slowly resumed, funded mostly by non-profits and advocates who believe in psilocybins therapeutic value. The Hopkins and NYU studies, for example, were largely paid for by the Heffter Research Institute, a New Mexico non-profit. George Greer, Heffters medical director, said the group was working with a non-profit institute in Wisconsin to try to move the drug into larger, Phase 3 trials that would be required to receive Food and Drug Administration approval.

Petra, a 63-year-old Seattle resident who spoke on the condition that her last name not be used for privacy, was treated for ovarian cancer and, like Bazer, was worried it would recur. But during her treatment with psilocybin, she said, she calmed down.

I felt an acceptance of the world as it is and myself as I am, she said. She learned new ways to handle stress, such as meditation. Two years later, when doctors saw a suspicious lesion and suggested surgery, she urged them to wait, saying it was unlikely to be cancer  which turned out to be correct. The psilocybin had knocked back my anxiety almost completely, she said.

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BOUNTIFUL, UTAHPolice said a quick-acting parent disarmed a student who brought two guns to a Utah middle school Thursday and fired a round into the ceiling, with no injuries reported.

Bountiful Police Lt. Dave Edwards said police were still trying to determine Thursday morning if the student intentionally fired the gun inside Mueller Park Junior High in the northern Utah city of Bountiful or if the gun accidentally went off while the parent was disarming the student.

The parent managed to detain the student until a police officer who happened to be down the street arrived soon after and took custody of the student, Edwards said.

Police recovered two guns from the student, but Edwards did not immediately have details about the weapons or where the student obtained them.

Edwards did not have details about why the student had guns or how the parent encountered the student in the school. The identities of the parent and student and whether they knew each other were not immediately available.

The school, about 11 miles (18 kilometres) north of Salt Lake City, remained on lockdown as officers went room-by-room through the building to ensure it was safe. Parents arriving at the school were allowed to pick them up at a church across the street.

Davis School District spokesman Chris Williams had no further details but praised the parent who intervened, saying Its all of our jobs to keep kids safe.

Williams had no immediate information about the student but said, Whoever it is certainly faces a lot of trouble.

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BOUNTIFUL, UTAHPolice said two fast-acting Utah parents disarmed their own 15-year-old son in the hallway of a Utah middle school Thursday after the troubled teenager brought the familys shotgun and handgun to school and fired at least one round without injuring anyone.

Bountiful police Chief Tom Ross said the boys mother and father became concerned about their son Thursday morning. They went to Mueller Park Junior High, in the northern Utah city of Bountiful, when they noticed their weapons were missing. Ross said the parents confronted their son in a school hallway and disarmed him.

Police were still trying to learn whether the student intentionally fired the gun or if the weapon went off accidentally while the parents intervened.

Ross did not immediately have details about whether anyone else was around, but he says students were in classes nearby. Ross did not know whether a gun fired more than once or how the parents disarmed their son or their specific concerns about him. Ross did not know why the student brought the weapons to the school or what he intended.

A teacher called 911 and a police officer who happened to be down the street arrived and took custody of the student soon after, police said.

Police recovered a handgun and a shotgun from the student, Ross said. He did not have details on which weapon fired.

Davis School District spokesperson Chris Williams praised the parents, saying Its all of our jobs to keep kids safe.

Williams had no immediate information about the student or whether the student had any history of trouble or incidents at the school, but, whoever it is certainly faces a lot of trouble.

Ross said the student was in custody Thursday morning, but he did not know if the student was still being questioned at the school or in another location. He did not know if the student had been arrested on suspicion of any specific charges.

Ross said the students parents remained with their son through the process.

The school, about 18 kilometres north of Salt Lake City, remained on lockdown as more than 100 officers went through the building room by room to ensure it was safe.

Several hundred parents arrived and waited in the snow across the street from the school for word from police and administrators about when they could pick up their children. They later packed into a church across the street to sign up to take their children home.

School officials began allowing parents to take students home around 11 a.m.

Candy Beckstead said she was at a dentists office when her sister called to tell her that there was something going on at her sons school.

She didnt hear from her son, in Grade 8, but rushed to the school.

I freaked out and went into panic mode, she said. Screaming, crying.

The incident comes about two weeks after another Utah student stabbed five random high school classmates and himself before he was cornered by school workers, according to police.

The victims and the 16-year-old suspect survived. The teen has been charged with five counts of attempted murder in connection with the Nov. 15 rampage at a school in Orem, about 80 kilometres south of Mueller Park Junior High.

Police also arrested a teenager in late October after he shot an older boy twice in the head in a fight over a girl near another Utah middle school. Charges against the 14-year-old include attempted murder and weapons violations.

The Associated Press is not naming the boys because it does not normally name juvenile defendants.

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LOS ANGELES  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, labelling 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  the 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 favourites as Froot Loops and Apple Jacks.

On Wednesday, Breitbart placed an article about its #DumpKelloggs campaign in the top slot of its homepage. By early afternoon, the article had drawn more than 6,000 reader comments, many in support of the boycott.

Kelloggs decision to blacklist one of the largest conservative media outlets in America is economic censorship of mainstream conservative political discourse. That is as un-American as it gets, Breitbart said in a statement.

The site said it has a community of 45 million loyal readers who are also a powerful consumer group that reflects the values of mainstreet America. In October, the site drew 19.2 million unique visitors, up nearly 50 per cent from 12.9 million visitors in the same month last year, according to data from ComScore.

The Kellogg Co. said in a statement that it regularly works with media buying partners to ensure our ads do not appear on sites that arent aligned with our values as set forth in our advertising guidelines.

Kelloggs guidelines state that it wont place ads in media that encourages offensive behaviour to others, or where the media is not consistent with our product or corporate image.

The cereal company said that it advertises on a large number of websites, so occasionally something is inadvertently missed. In this case, we learned from consumers that ads were placed on Breitbart.com and decided to discontinue advertising there.

It is common for companies to buy online ads through third-party networks or ad exchanges that place the ads on numerous sites. As a result, many companies may not be aware of which sites on which their ads ultimately appear.

Other companies that have pulled their ads from Breitbart in recent weeks include the insurance giant Allstate and the ad exchange AppNexus.

We determined that the site violates our hate speech prohibition, said Josh Zeitz, a spokesman for AppNexus. He said that Breitbart was never a direct client, but that some of AppNexus technology partners made Breitbarts inventory available on its exchange.

A spokeswoman for Allstate declined to comment.

It remains unclear how much the loss in ad revenue will hurt Breitbart. The media company is privately held and doesnt discuss its business operations. But Chief Executive Larry Solov recently told the Los Angeles Times that the company relies on advertising for the majority its revenue and that it uses multiple ad networks.

The company said Wednesday that Kelloggs decision will make virtually no revenue impact. It said the move by Kellogg and other companies represents an escalation in the war against conservative customers whose values propelled Donald Trump into the White House.

Breitbart is rumoured to receive significant backing from the hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer, who has been a key supporter of Trump. The site was founded a decade ago by journalist Andrew Breitbart, who died in 2012, and has an editorial staff of about 100 worldwide.

The site has seen a surge in popularity in the months leading up to the election and is planning to expand its footprint into France and Germany to capitalize on the nationalist movements gaining steam in Europe as a result of the continents refugee crisis.

On Wednesday, some of Breitbarts top brass took to social media to take aim at the advertising defectors, describing Kellogg as bigotry for breakfast.

Far, far, far more bigotry comes from the left than the right, said Alex Marlow, Breitbarts editor in chief, on Twitter.

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Last week, the Toronto Police revealed some of the details of the counter-radicalization program they have quietly been operating, unbeknownst to the general public, for two years.

In the program, people deemed at risk of extremism are referred to hubs of service providers  medical and psychological professionals, the school board, community housing  that will formulate an intervention. Teachers are being trained to recognize signs of extremism in their students.

Similarly minded projects have also been running in Calgary and Montreal, and the federal budget dedicates $35-million for the development of an Office of Counter-Radicalization.

Counter-radicalization/countering violent extremism (CVE) programs are frequently pitched as a gentler alternative to criminalization, as a means of combating terrorism before it occurs. And yet, as academics and civil liberties organizations warn, these pre-emptive approaches pose serious risks to fundamental rights and freedoms. Intrusive state intervention is legitimated in the name of prevention: before any law has been broken, before any crime has been committed. Completely non-criminal perspectives and behaviours are cast as menacing markers of pre-criminality.

Ben Emmerson, lawyer and UN Special Rapporteur, recently conducted a global review of counter-radicalization/CVE. He concluded: Given the absence of any attempt at a definition [of violent extremism] at the international level and the broad national definitions, the use of the term as a basis for the adoption of new strategies, measures and legislation may prove even more dangerous for human rights [including freedom of expression and non-discrimination] than the term terrorism.

The rights-endangering nature of counter-radicalization experiments, particularly in the U.K. and U.S., inspires certain questions about the development of such efforts in Canada.

First: what is the scientific basis for counter-radicalization?

The Toronto program has apparently distilled 103 factors to determine whether someone is at risk for extremism  but this expansive list of risk factors has not been disclosed for public scrutiny. This is troubling, because counter-radicalization/CVE initiatives in other countries have used extremely dubious science to stigmatize certain opinions and behaviours as harbingers of violence.

As the Open Society Justice Initiative found in its October 2016 study of Prevent, the U.K.s counter-radicalization strategy: Prevents targeting of non-violent extremism and indicators of risk of being drawn into terrorism lack a scientific basis. Indeed, the claim that non-violent extremism  including radical or religious ideology  is the precursor to terrorism has been widely discredited by the British government itself, as well as numerous reputable scholars (my emphasis).

In September, 140 academics signed an open letter criticizing the British governments reliance on a secret study of 20 prisoners to extrapolate radicalization risk factors for the general population. Around 80 per cent of the thousands of referrals to the U.K.s deradicalization program, Channel, have been dismissed as spurious: an indication of the scattershot character of the enterprise.

Second: are certain groups being disproportionately targeted?

Counter-radicalization ventures usually purport to be general in their scope, and not specially fixated on any particular religious or ethnic community. For example, the Toronto program claims to be concerned with all forms of extremism, from Islamist-inspired to White supremacist to environmental.

However, the capaciousness of the terms extremism and radicalization leaves plenty of room for the exercise of biases (conscious and subconscious). In the U.K., for instance, Muslims comprised approximately 70 per cent of referrals to Channel in 2015.

In Canada, it is likely that Muslim communities will also receive a disproportionate share of counter-radicalizing attention, since public government reports on the terrorist threat focus almost exclusively on Muslims  even though internal CSIS communications indicate that White supremacist and right-wing violence is of greater concern.

Third: what are the effects of counter-radicalization programs?

There is scant evidence that counter-radicalization actually counters any source of terrorist violence. For example, a 2015 study in the Journal of Terrorism Research determined that it remains exceedingly difficult to gauge the real success of Prevent ... it is unclear as to whether such programs have actually been successful in deterring extremist ideology.

On the other hand, these programs do have harmful effects on the communities placed under exceptional suspicion. As the American Civil Liberties Union, Article 19, and the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University point out in a joint letter to Ben Emmerson: CVE initiatives in the United States and Europe focus overwhelmingly on Muslim communities, with the discriminatory impact of stigmatizing them as inherently suspicious and in need of special monitoring. They transform the relationship between Muslims and schools and social service providers into security-based engagements.

It is particularly disturbing when teachers are asked to evaluate their students for signs of extremism, mutating what is meant to be a relationship of trust into a relationship of surveillance.

It is highly doubtful that surveilling beliefs and behaviours with no established causal relationship with violence will make Canada any safer. What it is almost certain to do, however, is make already-vulnerable communities less secure than ever.

Azeezah Kanji is a legal analyst and writer based in Toronto.

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To his credit Mayor John Tory, faced with $30 billion in approved but unfunded capital projects, has decided to do the right thing. He is backing a staff report calling for tolls on the DVP Parkway and Gardiner Expressway.

This will prove to be a contentious move with council and motorists across the GTHA. Even before Tory made the formal announcement, one media commentator predicted this would prove to be the beginning of the end for Tory.

Its actually the end of the beginning for Tory. Hes finally stepping up to the tough process of finding new revenue sources for capital projects and city operations.

Obtaining the support of council for tolls will be more politically challenging than it needed to be. Thats because neither Premier Kathleen Wynne nor Mayor Tory have done anything to educate the electorate about the proven advantages of road pricing (tolls, parking levies and fees).

Theyve both pursued what they felt were less politically controversial financial schemes. Wynne ignored advice from mobility pricing advocates. Instead, she opted for selling off 60 per cent of Ontario Hydro. That decision has proven to be more politically damaging than she expected.

Tory has flip-flopped on tolls. For the last two years hes mused about funding ideas such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and selling a portion of Toronto Hydro. Both have serious shortcomings.

In announcing his support for expressway tolls Tory focused on the fundraising potential. Its considerable. He suggested a $2 dollar per vehicle toll could raise about $200 million annually. To raise the same amount of money from property taxes would require annual increases of between 5 and 10 per cent.

Hopefully what eventually evolves is a congestion pricing toll model. During rush hours tolls would go up and would drop or be absent entirely during off peak times. Distance travelled would be calculated into the fare. A true user fee. Not a tax grab.

Tory also pointed out that tolls help share the financial burden the city shoulders for the 40 per cent of the non-Toronto motorists moving in and out of the city on the DVP and Gardiner. Most 905 mayors were quick to condemn the idea. They point out Toronto has the lowest property taxes in the region and should be looking to that source. He may yet have to do that as well to deal with the citys structural operating deficit estimated at $500 million for 2017.

Theres another important reason to adopt expressway tolls. Its a fundamental transit truth. Building more transit alone wont curb congestion. It has to be combined with road pricing initiatives that modify driver behaviour as well as raise money.

Congestion is the result of underpricing the use of roads. Current road pricing policy requires all users to act in the same manner: paying for road use with time spent in traffic. Experience in other jurisdictions shows when a time-priced system is replaced with a money-priced approach, things change.

Drivers who value their time pay the toll for a faster commute. They see expending personal time as their least renewable resource, money as more renewable. Others, who are more money conscious, will consider car pooling, switching to commuter rail, local transit or alternative routes. Others will move closer to work, or simply avoid peak periods.

This modified travel behaviour is what reduces traffic volume and travel time on expressways. Tolls instantly make existing commuter rail and local transit more cost competitive. That reduces the pressure for higher fares and subsidies.

If roads are not properly priced, when new transit projects open only a limited number of drivers will give up their vehicles. The car is too seductive. Under our existing time-priced system more investment in infrastructure will simply induce more travel on both modes, with minimal impact on gridlock.

Some drivers will argue theyve already paid for roads with their gas taxes and licence fees. According to a recent C.D. Howe Canadian Infrastructure Policy study theyre covering less than 70 per cent of roadway expenses.

Tory should be encouraged by the latest poll results. Forum Research found 46 per cent of Toronto voters approved of tolls. Mainstreet Research put approval at 70 per cent. These are surprisingly high levels of support for such a controversial idea.

The mayor must seek approval from Queens Park. This gives Premier Wynne another chance to do the right thing and endorse road pricing.

R. Michael Warren is a former corporate director, Ontario deputy minister, TTC chief general manager and Canada Post CEO. r.michael.warren@gmail.com

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Mayor John Torys plan to introduce road tolls on the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway is bold. Similar policies have been successfully introduced in several cities across the world. Yet here in Canada, Toronto is entering new territory.

The plan is also smart. Tolls will help raise much needed cash to pay for big improvements to the citys transportation network. Perhaps even more importantly, tolls can help unlock the citys crippling traffic.

But pricing roads in Toronto  or anywhere for that matter  can be a divisive issue, and not everyone is happy with Torys announcement. So, lets start with something every Torontonian can agree with: something must be done about Torontos traffic.

At rush hour, parts of the city come to a grinding halt. Even during off-peak hours, stop-and-go traffic is the norm, and is particularly bad for people commuting from neighbouring suburbs. Traffic can also be unpredictable. A 30-minute journey home can quickly turn ugly with a single fender-bender.

Traffic in Toronto has become so pervasive that it may now be an accepted part of city life. Yet this congestion imposes such enormous costs that we shouldnt accept it. It means less time for work, family, and play. It also leads to more accidents, air pollution, slower movement of goods, and can contribute to mental fatigue and stress. All told, estimates of Torontos congestion are in the ballpark of $7 billion per year, according to Metrolinx.

Can we build our way out of this mess? Probably not. No matter how many new roads are built in Toronto, demand outstrips supply. In fact, evidence suggests that expanding road capacity is a counterproductive (and expensive) way to deal with congestion. Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research, for example, finds that new roads lead to comparable increases in driving. Build it and they will come (and clog).

Worse still, Torontos congestion extends beyond its roads. The citys public transit network operates well above its normal capacity, and the city is too strapped for cash to provide necessary improvements.

This is why the proposed road toll for Torontos two biggest thoroughfares is good news for Torontonians. If designed well, road tolls can help alleviate traffic while also providing governments with a new source of revenues that can be used to improve the overall transportation system. They also reduce the need for new expansions to cope with peak-demand.

Road tolls reduce traffic congestion because they provide an incentive for drivers to consider different ways, or times, to travel. Sure, lots of people will choose to pay the toll, and there will still be hundreds of thousands of cars moving every day on the Gardiner and Don Valley. But some people  those with viable transportation alternatives or more flexible schedules  will opt for a different way to get around the city. This switch on the margins frees up space for those who continue to drive their regular route, making for a faster and safer commute.

In Stockholm, traffic levels dropped (literally) over night after the introduction of a pilot toll around the citys downtown core. This was matched by an uptick in public transit ridership, and a reduction in greenhouse gases and air pollution. Moreover, the policy is popular. Before a trial period, only 34 per cent per cent supported tolls. After they experienced the reduced congestion for seven months, 70 per cent were in favour. Similar success stories with tolls can be found in Oregon, London, Minnesota, Singapore, and even on Torontos 407 highway.

Toronto should be applauded for its decision to move ahead with road tolls. Like in Toronto and other Canadian cities, the idea of road tolling has been thrown around for decades, yet building the necessary momentum has been a perennial challenge. Toronto is finally close to moving past the hump.

Road tolls come in many shapes and sizes, and can be tailored to be smart, practical, and fair. Public transit capacity can be increased prior to introducing road tolls so people have viable transportation alternatives. To ensure smoother and faster traffic flows, toll rates can fluctuate with traffic, rather than being a flat fee. If Toronto can get these details right, it can make major strides in breaking through its traffic problem. Time to get Toronto moving.

Mel Cappe is a professor in the School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Toronto and a member of the Ecofiscal Commission. Don Drummond is the Stauffer-Dunning Fellow in the School of Policy Studies at Queens University and a member of the Ecofiscal Commission. Christopher Ragan is an economics professor at McGill University and chair of the Ecofiscal Commission.

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Journalist Christiane Amanpours address last week to the Committee to Protect Journalists in New York is extremely relevant. The need for the mainstream media to re-commit to an unwavering role in delivering pure facts is more important now than ever.

Some news outlets may have been more committed to delivering facts than others. So its up to readers, viewers and listeners to decide where they get their information.

But too many, it seems, have relied over the past year or more on social media. Donald Trump aside, this has been a very dangerous trend. And dwindling ratings/circulation and news coverage budgets have not helped.

The media have always been under attack from one source or other, but never to the degree that were seeing now. And its not only from Trump. While re-dedicating themselves to ever-higher standards, media will now have to reinvent themselves to deal with what social media is pumping out in the form of fake news (to which Trump has been just one major contributor).

Some social media may also have learned some lessons from this and may have accepted responsibility, as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg recently acknowledged.

Amanpour asked a very good question off the top. What would Ed Murrow do? Fifty-one years after his death, the iconic CBS newsman is still regarded by a (admittedly-dwindling) number of reporters as a leading light in truthful, gutsy, advocacy journalism. He took on an earlier narcissist sociopath in the 1950s by the name of McCarthy  and won. Joe McCarthy self-destructed within months.

Nobody  doubtless including himself  knows what will happen with a Trump presidency. As we know, hes already reversed himself on several issues, probably thanks to prevailing wisdom that has eked its way through to the Trump Tower. He may, in fact, moderate his attitude about mainstream media, as well. Who knows?

But the same media are going to have to figure out how to deal with this guy in, one hopes, some constructive way. And Trump will be forever totally unpredictable.

Amanpours warnings are critically important at this worrisome time. She has articulated the urgency of the message better than weve heard from anyone else to date.

Ian Sutton, Kingston

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Re: Why UN Peacekeeping is worth the risks, Opinion Nov. 23

Why UN Peacekeeping is worth the risks, Opinion Nov. 23

Peggy Masons defense of UN peacekeeping is misleading.

First, the NATO-led mission to Afghanistan was not a debacle, as she claims. Last time I checked the democratically elected Afghanistan government was still in power.

While the Taliban insurgency is still a problem, the Afghanistan government with the support of the NATO trained Afghan security forces has demonstrated a remarkable resilience in the face of this threat. Peace will eventually come to Afghanistan but it will be on terms dictated by the Afghanistan government and not from anything the UN did.

Second, UN peacekeeping missions  post-Cold War  have largely been a failure as demonstrated in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. In Yugoslavia it took a NATO military mission  with clear military objectives  and the armed intervention of France in Rwanda to bring any semblance of peace to these two countries after the monumental failures of the UN peacekeeping efforts.

UN peacekeeping missions are failing in Mali, the Congo, Central African Republic as well as South Sudan. There are no national or strategic reasons for Canada to involve themselves in any of these UN missions.

Curt Shalapata, Oshawa

UN peacekeeping helps create the political, socio-economic and security conditions necessary for peace in war-torn regions, and indeed merits considerable Canadian support. Kudos to the Trudeau Liberals for re-engaging in this vital effort.

Such peace operations, however, still take months to organize, and therefore the UN also requires its own standing force that can take immediate action to prevent natural or man-made disasters from escalating out of control.

A Canadian proposal for a UN Emergency Peace Service (UNEPS) would be another signature project helping Canada restore its traditional reputation as a global peacebuilder. In addition to providing a robust military presence, UNEPS could also deploy an array of civilian teams specializing in policing, humanitarian, human rights, and conflict resolution activities.

Tens of thousands of lives could by saved by this increased UN capacity. Canada should add its weight to make it so.

Larry Kazdan, Vancouver

Is it selfish to ask what if Canada, instead of sending 600 troops and

helicopters to Mali, sent them instead to Canadas remote indigenous communities to help build and rebuild homes, schools, water and sewage systems?

Conditions in Mali are surely desperate, but in Mali there is no peace to keep. Young Canadians will die; others will return home with PTSD.

In contrast, in Canada, despite Euro-Canadians 500 years of continuous war on Indigenous peoples land, language, religion and culture, they are still reaching out to us, asking for respect and equitable treatment.

Douglas Buck, Toronto

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Re: Toronto woman says fellow bank customer made anti-Asian slurs, Nov. 28

Toronto woman says fellow bank customer made anti-Asian slurs, Nov. 28

I was disgusted to read about Stephanie Kim being harassed in a bank, but I am even more horrified by the lack of response by all who witnessed this outrageous behaviour. I am proud to say Toronto is the most multicultural city on this planet, and despite our differences we are a beacon of light in a darkening world, an homage to human unity.

And now more than ever, we need to look out for one another.

Greg Stock, Toronto

The white man who insulted the Korean lady at the TD bank at Queen and Spadina is a bully. Even though other people were at the branch, they did nothing. Doing nothing means that they condone what the man did?

I know how it feels to be an outsider in Toronto even though I was born here. Everyone, white or non-white, is a person no matter the colour of our skin. I do not have to like people but I do have to try and tolerate others even if I do not like them.

No one should have to look over their shoulder just in case someone attacks either verbally or physically. Do not judge people by the way they look or behave. Which is hard because we judge people all the time.

Ken Shino, Scarborough

It concerns me that nowhere in the piece about the woman in the bank being subject to taunts based on her apparent ethnicity is there a mention made of the fact that the man could be exhibiting symptoms of a mental health condition. The irrationality of the attack, combined with his appearance, makes this almost a certainty. What is also a concern to me is that as a result of the encounter, it is speculated that this behaviour is another sign of festering racism in the city.

Of any media outlet in this city, I expect the Star to be cognizant of the large numbers of people with serious mental illnesses or conditions who are victimized by neglect, poverty, poor and unsafe (or no) housing, stigma and prejudice.

While there is a remote possibility that the man guilty of this attack does not have a mental health condition, any speculation about this sort of attack being an indication of racism across this city is irresponsible and premature.

Mike Higgins, Toronto

I was in a situation similar to this, not as a victim but as one who took the individual to task for their behaviour. You cannot be someone from a nation that prides itself on tolerance and remain silent when this is not the case. We all should have learned this from the recent U.S. election. When it comes to tolerance, Canadians are vastly different than Americans.

John E. Eisan, Toronto

I was shocked and sad to read this. In the GTA we are so diverse yet still there are people who are remain openly racist. To me it looks like the election of Donald Trump south of the border is encouraging closet racist to come out. We should be vigilant and not allow some politician to take advantage of the situation. Our political class must change and keep their promise. Usual old time politics will backfire.

Dewan Afzal, Mississauga

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Re: From a way of life' to poison on their plates, Nov. 23

From a way of life' to poison on their plates, Nov. 23

As a long-time mercury researcher, and ENGO (environmental non-governmental organization) delegate to UNEPs Minamata Convention (2010-11), I commend the Star for its ongoing investigation pertaining to mercury exposure and the adverse effects on the residents of Grassy Narrows that has plagued the community for many decades.

Mercury is a well-known worldwide toxin, a traveler without a passport. Consequently, it has received international attention, resulting in the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty under the United Nations Environment Program, whose objective is to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds.

The convention was adopted in October 2013. In order to enter into force, 50 countries are required to ratify the convention. To date, 128 countries are signatories and 35 countries have ratified it. Canada, while a signatory, has not yet ratified it. Our delay in ratifying the convention is unwarranted and inexcusable.

Anna Tilman, Aurora

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Global oil prices soared by almost 9% to the $50-a-barrel range Wednesday, after OPEC agreed to its first limit on production since 2008.

OPEC agreed to cut output by 1.2 million barrels a day to cap production at 32.5 million barrels a day, effective Jan. 1, 2017, according to OPEC President Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada. The duration of the agreement is six months, but can be extended for another six months to "take into account prevailing market conditions and prospects," OPEC said in a statement.

The cartel has "made great success," Al-Sada said at the 171st Meeting of the OPEC Conference in Vienna. "The market needs to be re-balanced; re-balancing the market needed courageous decisions from OPEC along with the support of some key [non-OPEC] countries."

Brent crude, the global benchmark, surged 8.8% higher to $50.47 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained approximately 8.6% to $49.12. Earlier in the trading session WTI's gains were more than 9%.

In addition to the 1.2 million barrel-a-day cut, the agreement is also subject to a 600,000 barrel-a-day reduction from key non-OPEC producers, Al-Sada said, citing Russia's commitment to cutting production by 300,000 barrels a day. Al-Sada said other countries have pledged their commitment to this cut. There will be a meeting to finalize this element of the agreement.

OPEC's leading producer, Saudi Arabia, will impose the biggest cut, around 486,000 barrels a day. The cartel's No. 2 producer, Iraq, unexpectedly agreed to reduce production by 210,000 barrels per day, after claiming it should be exempt as its needs oil revenues to fund its war against ISIS militants. Meanwhile, Iran was allowed to slightly increase production from its October levels to near pre-sanction production levels.

OPEC member nation Indonesia will not be participating in the reductions as it is a net importer, Al-Sada said. The nation has decided to suspend its OPEC membership, the second time since joining the cartel. In January 2009, Indonesia suspended its membership but was reactivated in January 2016. Libya and Nigeria were also exempt from cuts due to civil unrest.

The following chart was supplied by OPEC. The organization did not offer an explanation of why some of the numbers don't addup.

While some traders were hesitant about any agreement getting done, Daniel Dicker, president of wealth management firm MercBloc and a Real Money contributor, expected OPEC's leading producer, Saudi Arabia, to get a deal completed.

The Saudis deserve credit for imposing the biggest cut and getting a "very significant concession" on production levels from Iraq, Dicker said in a phone interview Wednesday. He believes that oil prices will move to the mid-$50 range, if the deal can be implemented.

The implementation of the cuts is critical to this deal.

"The OPEC decision is especially notable because it shows that they are capable of actually making a deal," wroteReal Money contributor James "RevShark" DePorre. "Wide-spread cheating is anticipated, but there is at least a hint at some discipline when it comes to controlling oil output."

Even though the production cut will send prices higher, Stephens analyst Matthew Marietta said the markets will take more time to re-balance.

"While we are encouraged that OPEC is recognizing it cannot continue to grow output like it has over the past 2 years, we reiterate our view that structurally oversupplied crude markets will take more time to balance," Marietta wrote in a research note Wednesday. He also sees prices in the mid-$50 range.

While that market appears to be bullish on the OPEC production cut agreement, the real winners of the deal may be U.S. producers.

"We see a potentially immediate positive impact on the outlook for U.S. onshore drilling and completion activity should the oil price move above the $50 a barrel level expected by our commodities team in the wake of the OPEC deal," Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysts wrote in a research note Wednesday.

"While OPEC takes on the role of stabilizing market forces (i.e. addressing the global glut), this frees up U.S. energy companies to increase output and benefit from higher prices without contributing too much toward downward pressure on crude prices," Action Alerts PLUS portfolio co-managers Jim Cramer and Jack Mohr wrote in a recent note to subscribers.

U.S. integrated oil majors, such as ExxonMobil (XOM) , Chevron (CVX) and ConocoPhillips (COP) , were all gaining Wednesday. Action Alerts PLUS holdings Schlumberger (SLB) and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) were also up during the trading session.

Employees of TheStreet are restricted from trading individual securities.



Action Alerts PLUS, which Cramer co-manages as a charitable trust, is long OXY and SLB stock.
President-elect Donald Trump will nominate former Goldman Sachs partner Steve Mnuchin as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, he announced on Wednesday morning. The pick may be broadly positive for regional bank stocks and some big insurance companies, analysts said.

Trump confirmed plans to nominate Mnuchin as well as billionaire investor Wilbur Ross as Secretary of Commerce and Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts as Deputy Secretary of Commerce. In a statement, his camp said the team "will be instrumental in implementing the President-elect's America First economic plan."

Mnuchin, who served as Trump's campaign finance chairman, had confirmed his nomination and Ross' in a joint appearance on CNBC's "Squawk Box" earlier in the day. Various outlets reported the picks on Tuesday evening.

Mnuchin, 53, who has no history of public service, would be the third former Goldman Sachs executive to become Treasury Secretary, following in the footsteps of Henry Paulson, a George W. Bush appointee, and Robert Rubin, a Clinton nominee. In the announcement statement, Trump called Mnuchin a "world-class financier, banker and businessman" who played a key role in his economic plan.

Mnuchin co-founded hedge fund Dune Capital Management after leaving Goldman Sachs in 2002. He joined a collection of other investors including billionaire John Paulson, to acquire IndyMac, a California-based bank that failed in 2008 during the financial crisis and was seized by regulators. The institution was renamed OneWest and later sold to CIT Group Inc. ( (CIT) ) in a $3.4 billion deal was approved by regulators to create a "systemically important" financial institution, despite opposition to the deal by a number of Californians.

Jaret Seiberg, analyst at Cowen Washington Research Group, said Mnuchin's experience at OneWest and CIT Group suggests he understands the challenges regional banks are confronting. "We believe this choice should be broadly positive for regional banks," Seiberg said.

Mnuchin could quickly get behind Republican-backed legislation to raise a $50 billion threshold at which a big bank automatically becomes designated a "Systemically Important Financial Institution." Banks designated as SIFIs are subject to tougher liquidity requirements as well as an obligation to draft living wills explaining how they would unwind themselves in bankruptcy. The move would be a positive for a number of regional bank SIFIs, including Zions Bancorp ( (ZION) ), Comerica ( (CMA) ) and Huntington Bancshares Inc. ( (HBAN) ), which would find themselves below the threshold.

Mnuchin would need to quit a couple corporate board positions if he was confirmed by the Senate to take the position, according to a review by relationship mapping company BoardEx, a service of The Deal's parent, TheStreet.

If chosen, Mnuchin would need to resign from the boards of both Sears Holdings Corp. ( (SHLD) ) and CIT Group. Mnuchin would also need to resign from his position as chairman and CEO of Dune Capital.

In addition, before taking on the new role, Mnuchin would need to either sell investments or place them into a blind trust. Mnuchin owns about $100 million in CIT Group stock, according to pay research firm Equilar, which he would need to sell or put into a blind trust.

As Treasury Secretary, Mnuchin would become chairman of the Financial Stability Oversight Council, a panel of regulators charged with identifying future risks to the economy. One of the council's main obligations is to designate financial institutions outside of the mainstream banking sector as SIFIs. The post-2008-crisis Dodd-Frank Act set up the FSOC and its designation authority after the near-failure and tax-payer-backed bailout of American International Group Inc. ( (AIG) ), a mega-insurance company that escaped serious regulatory oversight in the build-up to the financial crisis. One regulatory analyst in Washington told TheStreet that he believed Mnuchin would effectively end the council's efforts to designate new financial institutions as systemically important. He added, however, that the it is unlikely he will eliminate the FSOC altogether.

The prospect of Mnuchin as Treasury Secretary is likely a boon for the remaining non-bank SIFIs, AIG and Prudential Financial ( (PRU) ). Isaac Boltansky, analyst at Compass Point in Washington agreed that FSOC will be far less active under Trump. "From a practical perspective, we believe the odds of additional SIFI designations under the current framework are extremely low and that the existing SIFI insurers are likely to be de-designated in the years ahead," he said.

Democrats had already put out statements in anticipation of Mnuchin's installation into the position. They derided the choice, arguing that Mnuchin's appointment is another example of Washington's revolving door between government and Wall Street that helps ensure that the largest financial institutions remain too-big-to-fail.

"Candidate Trump pledged to tame Wall Street and drain the swamp in Washington, D.C.," said Bart Naylor, Financial Policy Advocate, at Public Citizen. "Instead, President-elect Trump spent last week pouring more sludge in the swamp by naming K Street lobbyists."

The Communications Workers of America, a labor union, said in a statement that it is difficult to think of a nominee who "better embodies the culture of Wall Street greed than the former Goldman Sachs partner."

Ross, the 78-year-old private equity billionaire at the helm W.L. Ross & Co. known best for restructuring failed companies in industries including steel, has been speculated as Trump's Commerce Secretary pick for some time. His appointment would require him to step down from a number of public and private company boards, including ArcelorMittal (MT) , the Bank of Cyprus, Exco Resources (XCO) , Sun National Bank (SNBC) and Nexeo Solutions (NXEO) . It will also require him to sell his investments or place them into blind trusts.

Trump in a statement called Ross "a champion of American manufacturing" and "one of the greatest negotiators I have ever met."

The president elect said Ross' second-in-command, Ricketts, will help the administration cut waste and streamline government, touting the "incredible job he and the Ricketts family did in the purchase and turnaround of the Chicago Cubs." The complement marks quite a turnaround from Trump, who on the campaign trail attacked the Ricketts following reports the family had donated to an anti-Trump super PAC.
Pilgrim's Pride Corp. (PPC) announced Tuesday that it would pay $350 million for poultry company JFC LLC, which does business as GNP Co.

The sale comes three years after GNP was acquired by family-owned hog producer Maschhoffs LLC. The terms of that deal were not disclosed, although at the time GNP generated sales of about $400 million. GNP generates sales of about $460 million, according to a Pilgrim's investor presentation on Tuesday.

Through its Gold'n Plump and Just BARE brands, GNP is the nineteenth-largest chicken producer in the United States, with a 1% domestic production share. Pilgrim's is the second-largest producer, with a 17% share.

"GNP gives PPC access to two established brands in the retail poultry space to expand its value-added offerings, where its existing retail tray pack business have been more focused on private label/store brand offerings," Goldman, Sachs & Co. analyst Adam Samuelson wrote in a Wednesday note.

Editors' note: A full version of this article was originally published by The Deal, a sister publication of TheStreet that offers sophisticated insight and analysis on all types of deals, from inception to integration. Click here for a free trial.

Pilgrim's will pay 5.2 times GNP's expected Ebitda, excluding expected synergies, it said in the investor presentation. The buyer said in a statement that it expects $20 million in annualized synergies, primarily from production, distribution and purchasing, as well as $28 million in tax savings and a post-synergies Ebitda multiple of 3.9.

"While they have been very profitable, they have never achieved the economies of scale that Pilgrim's could, and they then never been able to grow as fast because of the national distribution that Pilgrim's can help them have," Pilgrim's CFO Fabio Sandri said on a call with analysts.

GNP is headquartered in St. Cloud, Minn., with additional production plants in Luverne, Minn. and Cold Spring, Minn., as well as a production plant, feed mill and hatchery in Arcadia, Wisc.

Greeley, Colo.-based Pilgrim's said GNP is will help improve distribution in the upper Midwest. Noting that half of GNP's products are antibiotic-free, Pilgrim's CEO William Lovette said on the call that the acquisition bolsters the company's products for the "evolving food conscious consumer," including organic and cruelty-free products.

GNP provides Pilgrim's with poultry production technology "including controlled-atmosphere stunning, aeroscalding, and automated deboning." These technologies, Goldman Sachs' Samuelson wrote, "could be deployed much more widely across PPC's production footprint, with potential savings from these actions not embedded in management's synergy goals."

For Maschhoffs, which saw GNP invest about $95 million in its facilities in the last four years, the deal helps the company gets back to its roots.

"The primary reason behind this is that they're focusing on the pig business," Maschhoffs' spokesman Josh Flint said by phone. "They have extensive experience raising pigs over four generations."

Pilgrim's is controlled by Brazilian food company JBS SA, which as of Sept. 25 owned 77% of its shares. Subsidiary JBS USA Holdings Inc. paid $800 million for a 64% stake in the then-bankrupt company in 2009 and subsequently increased its stake.

Pilgrim's has underperformed in the past month, down 13% while the S&P is up 3%, "owing mainly to price-fixing allegations surrounding the chicken industry," wrote analyst Akshay Jagdale in a note Wednesday. Pilgrim's and other poultry producers have fought a series of lawsuits filed since September alleging that they're fixing prices to drive up costs. The Georgia Department of Agriculture's chicken price benchmark, the Georgia Dock, said Wednesday that it won't publish its weekly chicken price report due to a lack of data from participating producers.

"We welcome enhancing transparency and price discovery mechanisms, including the Georgia Dock, although we believe the recent media interest conveys an imbalanced reaction to this reporting by the market," Lovette said on the analyst call. "We continue to provide pricing data to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and we're comfortable attesting to its accuracy."

Still, Lovette said that less than 5% of Pilgrim's sales are tied to the Georgia Dock, and CFO Sandri added that "as we move most of our portfolio from the standard production to the differentiated products" such as antibiotic-free chicken, "these commodity price discovery tools are becoming less and less important."

Pilgrim's will fund the GNP transaction, which is expected to close next quarter, with cash and existing credit lines. The addition will be accretive to Pilgrim's 2017 diluted EPS. Jagdale estimated that the acquisition will be 9% accretive to his 2017 Ebitda estimate and 8% accretive to his 2017 EPS estimate. "We estimate PPC's pro forma leverage will be at ~1.2x (vs. 1.0x currently), leaving the company plenty of room to pursue further deals," he added.

Pilgrim's and GNP both declined to comment.
Valeant's (VRX) day has gone from bad to worse.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has released letters between the commission and Valeant from as early as 2005 that show that the federal government had concerns about Valeant's tax accounting and use of non-GAAP reporting measures.

The correspondence, however, also appears to indicate that Valeant is working to clean up its act.

"It also appears from the correspondence that in response to concerns highlighted by the SEC, Valeant is re-assessing its current non-GAAP reporting and disclosures and is likely to present new measures and disclosures with its 2017 guidance and 4Q16 results, including a potential new adjusted net income measure.," Wells Fargo analyst David Maris wrote in a note published in part via Barrons.

The release comes on the heels of news that Valeant likely won't be able to sell its Salix gastroenterology division to Takeda Pharmaceuticals (TKPYY) for $10 billion, as previously rumored.

And investors aren't taking well to the news, either. Valeant's stock fell nearly 8% Wednesday to a close of $15.79.

Valeant could not be reached for immediate comment. Takeda has yet to return calls for comment.

The Laval, Quebec-based company has been struggling with investor concerns for months, and its share price has taken a hit. Valeant shares have fallen 77% since March when the initial news broke of potential accounting issues.

The company has made an attempt to save face, announcing on Nov. 29 that it is expanding its sales force for its drugs Xifaxa, which treats irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and Relistor for opioid induced constipation.

While an expansion sounds good on the surface, competition is likely to enter the market soon, making the move useless down the line.

"We think that the expansion is a reasonable, but ultimately futile," Mizuho analyst Irina Koffler wrote in a Wednesday note.

The drugmaker has been under the microscope for its alleged accounting problems and steep price hikes on drugs the company acquired during years of acquisitions fueled by debt.

Valeant has seen its valuation suffer thanks to allegations relating to its relationship with mail-order pharmacy Philidor Rx Services and Philidor's customer R&O Pharmacy, as well as the company's legal but questionable accounting gamesmanship. Valeant in March pinned the blame on its former CFO and former controller, Howard Schiller, for its misstatements of earnings.

On Nov. 17, the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against former Valeant and Philidor executives for engaging in "a multi-million dollar fraud and kickback scheme." Gary Tanner, a former executive at Valeant, and Andrew Davenport, the former CEO of Philidor were charged.

Valeant's market cap hit $5.39 billion Wednesday.
Commercial air service between the U.S. and Havana is gearing up this week despite a series of unexpected events and potential obstacles.

Nine days of mourning in Cuba, following Fidel Castro's death on Friday, has largely shut down commerce in Cuba. Donald Trump's election as president has raised questions about whether rapprochement will continue.

Additionally, the eagerness of U.S. carriers to begin Cuba service -- plans by eight airlines to begin flights from 10 U.S. cities to a half dozen Cuban cities have been a case of too much, too soon -- has come face to face with limited demand: American Airlines (AAL) said Wednesday that in February it will cut back to 10 daily Cuba flights from 13, with the reductions coming in service between Miami and Holguin, Santa Clara and Varadero, which will all go to one daily flight from two.

Terri Pope, American's vice president for airport customer service and the Charlotte hub, said such changes are common. "We look at our network every day," Pope said. "We look from a metrics standpoint."

Nevertheless, Wednesday's startup of Charlotte-Havana service was a festive affair -- with Cuban hats, Cuban coffee and Cuban pastries handed out in the airport -- as well as a deeply emotional event for at least two Cuban-American employees of American airlines, who took advantage of the opportunity to visit the island that many people fled after Castro came to power.

Domingo Alfaro, a Charlotte-based management pilot who flew as first officer, said he left Cuba as a small child. He said he sought the trip because Cuba "is like an old love that got away, and now you're able to go back and see [her}."

Alfaro, along with captain Craig Jones, also a management pilot, were scheduled to fly to Havana and then fly the return trip to Charlotte. They will be on the ground in Havana for about 90 minutes. "We'll be able to walk around and step on the ground and see it and feel it," Alfaro said.

Miami-based employee Alexis Coello also made the round-trip on Wednesday. Her grandparents and parents had left Cuba. "It's very emotional for my family," she said. "I'm American but I'm also Cuban {and} I want my feet to touch Cuban soil."

At the airport ceremony, Brent Cagle, Charlotte's aviation director, said, "In the airport world, it's always a good day when we are celebrating a new international destination."

While Miami is American's primary hub for service to Cuba, the Caribbean and Latin America, Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts noted that Charlotte serves about three dozen markets where it could provide Havana connections that Miami lacks.

President-elect Trump has said he may roll back the diplomatic thaw with Cuba that has enabled flights by U.S. carriers. Roberts said she finds that unlikely.

"Once you have an opening, it's hard to go back," she said. "{Trump} will see the opportunity. There is so much in Cuba to develop. If the business case is made to him, he should keep this relationship going."

Nine days of mourning in Cuba led to the postponement of a visit by about two dozen Charlotte officials because many of the country's attractions are closed. The trip is expected to be rescheduled.

Delta (DAL) on Thursday will begin flights to Havana from Atlanta, Miami and New York, while Spirit (SAVE) will begin Fort Lauderdale-Havana service. Delta said it cancelled events it had planned in Havana. A delegation led by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also decided not to go.

On Monday, American began Miami-Havana service while JetBlue (JBLU) began New York-Havana and Orlando-Havana. On Tuesday, United (UAL) began Newark-Havana service. Southwest (LUV) will begin Fort Lauderdale-Havana on Dec. 12.

Service to other Cuban cities began in August, but the start of Havana service was delayed due to higher demand from airlines.

This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. It facilitates the processing of payment transactions, including authorization, clearing, and settlement, as well as delivers other payment-related products and services. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; prepaid programs and management services; commercial credit and debit payment products and solutions; and payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts. It also provides value-added products and services comprising cyber and intelligence solutions for parties to transact, as well as proprietary insights, drawing on principled use of consumer, and merchant data services. In addition, the company offers analytics, test and learn, consulting, managed services, loyalty, processing, and payment gateway solutions for e-commerce merchants. Further, it provides open banking and digital identity platforms services. The company offers payment solutions and services under the MasterCard, Maestro, and Cirrus. Mastercard Incorporated was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Purchase, New York.
B&G Foods, Inc. manufactures, sells, and distributes a portfolio of shelf-stable and frozen foods, and household products in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The company's products include frozen and canned vegetables, vegetables, canola and other cooking oils, vegetable shortening, cooking sprays, oatmeal and other hot cereals, fruit spreads, canned meats and beans, bagel chips, spices, seasonings, hot sauces, wine vinegar, maple syrups, molasses, salad dressings, pizza crusts, Mexican-style sauces, dry soups, taco shells and kits, salsas, pickles, peppers, tomato-based products, baking powder and soda, corn starch, cookies and crackers, nut clusters, and other specialty products. It markets its products under various brands, including Ac'cent, B&G, B&M, Back to Nature, Baker's Joy, Bear Creek Country Kitchens, Brer Rabbit, Canoleo, Cary's, Clabber Girl, Cream of Rice, Cream of Wheat, Crisco, Dash, Davis, Devonsheer, Don Pepino, Durkee, Emeril's, Grandma's Molasses, Green Giant, Joan of Arc, Las Palmas, Le Sueur, MacDonald's, Mama Mary's, Maple Grove Farms of Vermont, McCann's, Molly McButter, New York Flatbreads, New York Style, Old London, Ortega, Polaner, Red Devil, Regina, Rumford, Sa-son, Sclafani, Spice Islands, Spring Tree, Sugar Twin, Tone's, Trappey's, TrueNorth, Underwood, Vermont Maid, Victoria, and Weber and Wright's. The company also sells, markets, and distributes household products under the Static Guard brand. It sells and distributes its products directly, as well as through a network of independent brokers and distributors to supermarket chains, foodservice outlets, mass merchants, warehouse clubs, non-food outlets, and specialty distributors. The company was formerly known as B&G Foods Holdings Corp. and changed its name to B&G Foods, Inc. in October 2004. B&G Foods, Inc. was founded in 1822 and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey.
AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases. The company's marketed products also comprise Synagis for respiratory syncytial virus; Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent for Influenza; Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR for schizophrenia bipolar disease; Nexium, and Losec/Prilosec for gastroenterology; and Vaxzevria and Evusheld for covid-19. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. It has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule medicines for obesity; Neurimmune AG to develop and commercialize NI006; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop eplontersen, a liver-targeted antisense therapy in Phase III development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; Proteros Biostructures GmbH to jointly discover novel small molecules for the treatment of hematological cancers; Sierra Oncology, Inc. to develop and commercialize AZD5153. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
Providing a loving home

The Foster Family Programme is a joint initiative by the governments main child protection agency the Institute of Social Well-Being and Research (IBESR), the NGO Terre des Hommes and UNICEF.

Marie-Denise was one of the first women to provide a home to children who have been separated from their biological parents. Rooted in the belief that the best place for a child is with a family or a setting that emulates it, UNICEF supports the extension of the foster family network throughout Haiti, offering a sustainable and appropriate alternative to the institutionalization of children.

Since 2014 this programme includes a formal certification process that each foster family must undergo. Foster parents like Marie-Denise receive technical support and guidance, not payment. Their action is based on compassion and love, not financial interests.

Across the country an estimated 30,000 children between 0 and 17 years currently live in over 700 institutions. Although they are called orphanages, the majority of the children they house have at least one living parent.

Parents who leave their children at institutions do so because they do not have the means to take care of them, explains Geraldine Alferis, child protection specialist with UNICEF Haiti.

This is what happened to Sabrina. Her biological mother left her at the main hospital in Les Cayes where the malnourished toddler was found by UNICEFs partner organization Terre des Hommes.

In collaboration with the IBESR we continuously monitor clinics and health centres to identify children like Sabrina who have been separated from their parents. Our aim is to place these children in a safe family-like context early on, while seeking to trace the biological parents and, if possible, establish conditions for reunification, says Marie Paule Gelus who manages the foster family programme at Terre des Hommes in Les Cayes.

In the case of Sabrina, such reunification didnt happen. Her mother left without a trace and has not sought to get back in touch.
With improved treatment access and reduced HIV infection rates among children In recent years, the next step is to increase prevention  especially among at-risk youth and adolescents  by promoting measures like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and raising awareness in schools and communities.



BANGKOK, Thailand, 1 December 2016  In Bangkok, 18-year-old Kawee* lives in a single rented room with his mother, a supermarket cashier. His father abandoned them both when he was very young. When he was around 15, he found out he had HIV after several years of unprotected sex with older men.

I always knew I was different than other boys, Kawee says. I had my first boyfriend when I was 12. He was 34. After that I had many different boyfriends. I never used a condom.

It wasnt until he was 14 that Kawee found out about HIV through sexuality education at school. My teacher taught us about HIV, showed us images of AIDS patients, which was scary, he says. But I carried on having sex without condoms  I didnt think HIV would affect me.

Within a year, Kawee started developing AIDS symptoms, including loss of appetite and diarrhoea. He searched online and found a clinic that did anonymous HIV tests. His result was positive. I was shocked and confused, he recalls. I didnt know what to do. My mother couldnt accept what had happened, but I told my teacher and she helped me through it. She said I will always be at your side to support you.

These days, Kawee is healthy. He takes his antiretroviral (ARV) medicine regularly and practices safe sex. He also attends counselling sessions at SEARCH Thailand, where he is training to be a peer educator. But he still struggles with stigma and discrimination.



Focus on prevention

In 2015, every two minutes an adolescent was newly infected with HIV. There is no cure, but we know exactly how transmission happens and we know how to prevent it. The vast majority of these new infections are happening in developing countries, but projections show new infections could rise where they were formerly on the decline 32 per cent of new HIV infections among adolescents aged 1519 happened outside of sub-Saharan Africa.

While the prevention methods we know about are effective, such as condoms and clean needles, trends over the past decade prove that a lack of knowledge and misconceptions persist, and we must continue to pursue new and innovative ways to stop the spread of HIV.
Congressional negotiators on Wednesday approved an initiative to track and combat foreign propaganda amid growing concerns that Russian efforts to spread fake news and disinformation threaten U.S. national security.

The measure, part of the National Defense Authorization Act approved by a conference committee, calls on the State Department to lead governmentwide efforts to identify propaganda and counter its effects. The authorization is for $160 million over two years.

If approved by the full House and Senate, the measure could reach President Obama in December. It would be the most significant initiative against foreign governments disinformation campaigns since the 1990s.

This propaganda and disinformation threat is real, its growing, and right now the U.S. government is asleep at the wheel, Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) said in a statement. The U.S. and our allies face many challenges, but we must better counter and combat the extensive propaganda and disinformation operations directed against us.

The initiative grows out of a bill authored in March by Portman and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) called the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act. It initially sprang from a desire to help independent journalists and nongovernmental organizations in European nations such as Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia, which face a heavy tide of Russian propaganda.

But the context shifted in recent months as independent experts warned that Russia was carrying out an intensive propaganda campaign during the U.S. election season. The effort helped push misleading reports on the Internet and into voters social-media feeds, experts concluded.

Russian officials have consistently denied meddling in the U.S. election, but concerns over the issue have run high amid reports this year of Russian hackers infiltrating the computers of elections officials in several states and stealing sensitive emails from the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta, Hillary Clintons campaign chairman.

In the wake of this election, its pretty clear that the U.S. does not have the tools to combat this massive disinformation machinery that the Russians are running, Murphy said in an interview.

The measure approved Wednesday is aimed at foreign information sources, not ones based in the United States.

The effort would expand the State Departments Global Engagement Center, which focuses on combating propaganda and recruitment by the Islamic State and other violent extremist groups, and would draw support from the Defense Department, intelligence agencies, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

The measure also would create a grant program to help foster civil society and independent journalism in countries targeted with propaganda campaigns by Russia and other foreign powers, including China.

One independent researcher into Russian propaganda efforts, Clint Watts, said he worried that the Global Engagement Center is poorly suited to lead a broad U.S. government response that spans several departments. He complained that the resulting effort may be unfocused and overly bureaucratic.

Its the opposite of what we need, said Watts, a former FBI agent and a fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. We need to be moving quickly, nimbly.

The Senate Intelligence Committee, meanwhile, has approved language in the fiscal year 2017 intelligence authorization bill calling for new executive branch efforts to combat what it characterized as active measures by Russia to manipulate people and governments through front groups, covert broadcasting or media manipulation.

There is definitely bipartisan concern about the Russian government engaging in covert influence activities of this nature, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement. If you read section 501 of this years intelligence authorization bill, it directs the President to set up an interagency committee to counter active measures by Russia to exert covert influence over peoples and governments. So that shows you that senators from both parties are clearly concerned about Russian covert influence efforts.

In a separate action this week, six Democrats and an independent on the Senate Intelligence Committee called on Obama to publicly disclose more information about Russian government activity during the election.

We believe that there is additional information concerning the Russian government and the U.S. election that should be declassified and released to the public. We are conveying specifics through classified channels, said a letter from the senators dated Tuesday.
Employees walk in the Carrier plant parking lot on Wednesday in Indianapolis. Donald Trump persuaded the air-conditioning manufacturer not to move up to 1,000 jobs from Indiana to Mexico. (Darron Cummings/AP)

President-elect Donald Trumps nascent administration on Wednesday began outlining the contours of its strategy for jump-starting the nations economy, including how it would overhaul the tax code, rethink trade agreements and directly negotiate with major corporations.

Treasury secretary nominee Steven Mnuchin rejected claims that Trumps tax program would benefit mainly the wealthy, instead highlighting plans for a child-care tax credit and a middle-class tax cut.

There will be no absolute tax cut for the upper class, he said on CNBC. There will be a big tax cut for the middle class.

Trumps strategy secured an early victory this week when the president-elect persuaded air-conditioning manufacturer Carrier not to move up to 1,000 jobs from Indiana to Mexico. The negotiation was an unusual move for a modern president, but Mnuchin suggested such direct intervention would be an important tool under the new administration.

It starts with an attitude of this administration, Mnuchin said Wednesday on CNBC. This president, this vice president-elect is going to have open communications with business leaders.

Hours after President-elect Donald Trump tweeted about his deal with Indianapolis-based Carrier, factory worker react to the news that their jobs might be saved. (Whitney Leaming/The Washington Post)

Mnuchin and Trumps pick for commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, also called for moving away from the broad multinational free trade agreements that have shaped the global economy over the past generation in favor of bilateral deals. But they stopped short of embracing the president-elects most heated election rhetoric, calling for double-digit tariffs on imports from China and Mexico.

Turning Trumps sweeping campaign promises into reality could prove a daunting challenge for his newly named economics team, which includes Todd Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, as deputy commerce secretary. Trumps proposals are both expansive and aggressive, starting with a pledge to create 25 million jobs and push growth to 4 percent annually.

[Trumps new Treasury, Commerce nominees say no absolute tax cut for the wealthy, predict faster economic growth]

Many economists have questioned whether that is even possible in the face of an aging workforce and slower growth in productivity. In addition, rewriting the tax code would be a mammoth undertaking that has eluded Republican lawmakers since the 1980s, and independent analysts cast doubt on whether Trump can make the numbers add up.

On Wednesday, Trumps new economic team said that overhauling taxes  particularly cutting the corporate tax rate  would create incentives for businesses to invest and hire more workers, eventually resulting in higher tax revenue. But an analysis by the independent Tax Foundation estimated that Trumps plan would cost at least $2.6 trillion over the next decade, even after accounting for stronger growth.

Steven Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker and Hollywood financier, is President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for treasury secretary. He spoke at Trump Tower Nov. 30. (The Washington Post)

Mnuchin and Ross reiterated the administrations commitment to cutting taxes for the middle class, but that remains a key difference between the president-elects campaign plan and the tax blueprint put forth by GOP leaders on Capitol Hill.

The congressional plan, like Trumps, would cut taxes for the wealthy and for corporations, but it would not do nearly as much as Trump would to cut taxes for lower- and middle-income Americans.

Reconciling the two will be a major sticking point in any tax-reform negotiations next year, although House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) praised Trumps nominees on Wednesday.

I am excited to get to work with this strong team to fix our broken tax code, ease the regulatory burden on American businesses, and grow our economy, he said.

Mnuchin also pushed back against analysis by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center that found the bulk of the benefits under Trumps plan would go to wealthy households, while some single-parent households would end up paying higher taxes.

Were going to have the most significant middle-income tax cut since Reagan, he told reporters.

Business groups welcomed the focus on tax cuts and praised Trumps nomination of Cabinet officials with industry backgrounds.

They understand that modernizing our outdated, anticompetitive tax system will be the most effective way to produce the economic growth that puts more people to work in good jobs, said John Engler, president of the Business Roundtable.

On trade, Mnuchin and Ross sounded a somewhat softer note than Trump did on the campaign trail. During the election, Trump called China the worlds single greatest currency manipulator. But on Wednesday, his top economic advisers demurred when asked whether they would take formal action against the country.

If we determine that we need to label them as a currency manipulator, thats something the Treasury would do, Mnuchin said.

And though they expressed disapproval of sweeping multinational trade agreements in favor of bilateral deals with other countries, they backed away from threats to impose double-digit tariffs on imports from Mexico and China.

Everybody talks about tariffs as the first things. Tariffs are the last thing. Tariffs are a part of the negotiation, Ross said on CNBC. The real trick is going to be increase American exports.

Trumps efforts to keep Carrier in Indiana underscore both the potential benefits and pitfalls of his hands-on approach. Under the agreement, the company will receive tax incentives from the state economic development corporation to keep about 1,000 jobs in the state, said John Mutz, a member of the agencys board and the former lieutenant governor of Indiana.

The dynamics of the situation changed, Mutz said.

[After Trump pledged to keep Carrier jobs in U.S., company says it wont move nearly 1,000 to Mexico]

Mutz said he had not reviewed the final terms of the agreement and could not provide details about how much money the company would receive or over what period. If the agreement is only for a few years, Trumps efforts might give workers only a temporary reprieve.

Experts said custom deals such as the one struck with Carrier could create a haphazard system in which the government winds up picking corporate winners and losers, said Timothy Bartik, an economist at the nonpartisan W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. Instead, he said, governments should focus on providing training for workers and investing in research and development to encourage businesses to invest and grow.

The trouble with striking just individual deals is that means that some people are subject to different rules, Bartik said. If you think of things as deals, who gets the deals? Does it become a system of favoritism?

Although the agreement was celebrated as a win in the United States, officials in Mexico faced growing uncertainty.

Carrier had already begun building a new factory in the outskirts of the city of Monterrey, although company officials would not say whether any of the 2,000 employees originally projected to staff it had been hired. Paulo Carreno, a deputy foreign minister in charge of North American relations, said that every company on both sides of the border has full liberty to decide where to put their own business.

What we have created with the U.S. and Canada is we not only buy and sell things with one another, we build things together, he said. We need to not only keep this relationship but to deepen it.

Jim Tankersley and Josh Partlow contributed to this report.
While others in government are bound by rules and regulations about their business ties, the president has fewer such restrictions. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Donald Trump pledged Wednesday that he would leave my great business in order to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, prompting warnings from ethics experts that he must sell off his corporate assets if he wishes to resolve concerns about his financial interests influencing his new position of power.

In early-morning messages on Twitter, Trump left vague whether he would divest himself of his business interests or merely transfer day-to-day management to his children.

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, the president-elect tweeted, saying he would spell out the details in a Dec. 15 news conference.

In response, the federal governments leading ethics agency appeared to take the unusual step of publicly urging Trump to sell his business holdings. In a series of casually worded tweets that were posted, removed and posted again, the Office of Government Ethics, the traditionally staid federal agency that often works closely with presidential transition teams, said that the only way to resolve these conflicts of interest is to divest.

OGE spokesman Seth Jaffe said in a statement later Wednesday: Like everyone else, we were excited this morning to read the President-elects twitter feed indicating that he wants to be free of conflicts of interest. OGE applauds that goal. And while the agency had not obtained new information about Trumps plan, Jaffe said, Divestiture resolves conflicts of interest in a way that transferring control does not.

Donald Trump has a lot of potential conflicts of interest as president  but there's no law that specifically requires a commander in chief to remove themselves from all of their business interests. The Fix's Peter W. Stevenson explains why presidents usually put their assets in a "blind trust" to avoid problems. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

The OGEs messages were out of character for an ethics agency that is famously discreet, its advice delivered confidentially. The Watergate-era agency has broad responsibilities, overseeing the executive-branch ethics program, preventing conflicts of interest and working with every agency of the federal government to implement a working ethics program.

The offices decision to go public surprised outside government-ethics experts, who nevertheless joined to say that Trump must sell his assets to be clear of conflicts.

I think theyre trying to nudge him toward the right direction. And I think they should be doing that, said Richard Painter, chief White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush. OGE should be worried. Theres a lot to worry about here.

A Trump transition official declined to respond to further questions about the president-elects plans.

Stuart E. Eizenstat, who served as President Jimmy Carters domestic policy chief and helped guide his transition to the White House, said that Trumps announcement was an important first step showing that he recognizes the concerns of the press and the public.

Presidents are not bound by the strict conflict-of-interest laws governing most U.S. elected officials. Most modern presidents have agreed to sell or sequester their assets in a blind trust, led by an independent manager with supreme control, to keep past business deals, investments and relationships from influencing their White House term.

Don W. Fox, a former general counsel and acting director of the agency, noted that Trumps disclosed financial holdings were unusually complex and widespread, saying, It is not apparent on the face of it whether he could divest from all of his businesses.

Giving company management to three of his adult children  Donald Jr., Eric and Ivanka  would leave open the potential for Trump to make presidential decisions for their benefit. The children have already played a key part in Trumps governing preparations, serving on the transition team now selecting key appointees and sitting in on meetings with foreign heads of state.

If Trumps family does take over management of the business, Norman Eisen, the chief White House ethics lawyer for President Obama from 2009 to 2011, said that an ethics firewall would need to be put in place to combat the risk of improper preferential relationships and treatment for the Trump Organization with the United States government and foreign ones.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said Wednesday on MSNBCs Morning Joe that he was not ready to reveal whether the move would include Trump truly severing ties to his business or whether he would simply leave the day-to-day operations to the three children.

Its not the easiest thing to work out, Priebus said. What you see in those tweets is the person at the top that understands and is willing and showing the American people that hes working hard on it and hes taking it seriously.

The weeks since Trumps electoral victory have been marked by a series of revelations about the mixing of his private ventures and public ambitions.

Trump welcomed a group of Indian business executives to meet with him and his family at Trump Tower, where talk turned to the potential for new real estate deals. Trump and his daughter Ivanka met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during Trumps first meeting as president-elect with a foreign head of state.

His company, the Trump Organization, has over the years sealed lucrative real estate and branding deals for business in at least 18 countries and territories around the world, including in places where the United States has sensitive diplomatic ties, such as Turkey, Azerbaijan and India.

Trumps company is also pitching foreign diplomats on his new luxury hotel in Washington as a place to book rooms and hold meetings. But such entreaties eventually could run afoul of an emoluments clause in the U.S. Constitution that bars the president from accepting gifts from foreign leaders  even if he is not actively running the company.

Buffeted by entanglement worries, Trump has largely dug in, arguing the laws totally on my side, meaning, the president cant have a conflict of interest, in an interview last week with the New York Times.

In theory I could run my business perfectly, and then run the country perfectly, Trump said. But I would like to do something. I would like to try and formalize something, because I dont care about my business.

Peter Schweizer, a conservative author who raised alarms in the book Clinton Cash about Hillary Clintons possible conflicts of interest because of donations to her familys foundation, said Trump will face an equally skeptical public, not just about his entanglements but also about those of his children.

Its incumbent on the president of the United States, particularly one who is seemingly committed to draining the swamp, to remove any questions about financial transactions involving him or his family, said Schweizer, who is also close to Trump senior adviser Stephen K. Bannon, who served as chairman of the Government Accountability Institute, where Schweizer is president.

Michael Toner, who served as general counsel to the Bush-Cheney transition in 2000, recalled the 10-week post-election period as a time for setting broad ethical policy  and considering specific safeguards for the incoming president  that would set the tone for the incoming administration.

At the time of the Kennedy-Johnson transition, Lyndon B. Johnson separated himself from the Texas radio stations he operated, creating a blind trust and removing himself, at least officially. After his election in 1976, Carter set up elaborate arrangements to remove himself from the family peanut business, its management and knowledge of day-to-day decisions.

Rosalind S. Helderman and Jonathan OConnell contributed to this report.
Control. That word tolls like a bell throughout Brian Jay Joness new biography of George Lucas. It shapes the arc of Joness narrative: As a filmmaker, Lucas searched for control, achieved control in ways no one had quite done before, and finally relinquished control.

With his Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies, Lucas created the vogue for fantastic adventure films and their string of sequels. They brought him fame and fortune, but also persistent criticism such as Pauline Kaels snipe that Lucas was hooked on the crap of his childhood and was essentially in the toy business. With technical innovations in sound, special effects and computerized filmmaking, Lucas changed not only the way movies are made but even the way they are shown. His THX sound system forced theater owners to rearrange theaters speakers and alter the acoustics to certain specifications. When he switched from shooting on film  which he once described as a stupid 19th century idea  to digital photography on Attack of the Clones in 2002, he spurred theaters to change to digital projectors. By 2014, 92 percent of U.S. theaters had them.

That he would be known as a great technician might not have surprised the young George Lucas, tinkerer with toy trains and later with motorcycles and cars, but that he would be criticized for becoming a popular filmmaker would have. While still in his teens, he discovered the French New Wave and the underground avant-garde filmmakers of the San Francisco Bay Area. His first efforts as a filmmaker at the University of Southern California were arty, even avant garde, and his first feature, THX 1138, a dark, dystopian science fiction movie, grew out of a short film he made at USC. It was also the film that, after Warner Bros. took it out of his hands and cut four minutes from it, launched his lifelong quest for control of his work.

THX 1138 was produced by Francis Ford Coppola, only five years older than Lucas. In Joness telling, Coppola serves as something like the older brother Lucas never had, with both the closeness and conflicts of a sibling relationship. They met in 1967, and Lucas learned the ropes of filmmaking as a production assistant on Coppolas film The Rain People. Both had dreams of establishing their own studios in Northern California, removed from the interference of the movie industry in Southern California. The difference was that Coppola, always extravagant in ideas and actions, imagined his American Zoetrope as a corporate compound, with its own airport and fleet of helicopters. Lucas started Lucasfilm Ltd. in his home in Mill Valley, Calif., with only two employees, himself and his then-wife, Marcia. Zoetrope became a financial disaster; Lucasfilm grew into a major force in the movie business.

Coppolas failure served as an object lesson for Lucas. Their differing approaches to the movie business were defined once when they were both asked what they would do with $2 billion if someone gave it to them. Coppola said, Id borrow another $2 billion and build a city! Lucas said, Id invest a billion of it and use the other billion to build a town. Lucas maintained control by reinvesting his money and plowing his profits back into his films. His approach, as Jones phrases it, was: Create. Oversee. Control everything.

But control had its price: Lucass hands-on approach to every aspect of the first Star Wars film led to hospitalization for stress and exhaustion. His solution was to give up one task: directing. Harrison Ford shrewdly noted that as director, Lucas regarded actors as an inconvenience. Mark Hamill put it more starkly: I have a sneaking suspicion that if there were a way to make movies without actors, George would do it. Lucas returned to directing when he made the trilogy of prequels to Star Wars, by which time some of the actors in his films, such as the infamous Jar Jar Binks, were created in the computer.

And then, at peak control, he gave it all up. His first marriage had foundered in part because he and Marcia, the film editor he had met while he was at USC, grew apart during his obsession with Star Wars. When he began contemplating marriage again, he was negotiating the sale of Lucasfilm and its subsidiaries to, of all things, a Southern California studio: Disney. The cash and stock deal that gave Lucas $4.05 billion, took place in 2012, and the next year Lucas married Mellody Hobson, the president of a Chicago investment firm.

But in retirement, Lucas is still playing the control game. Over the years, he has amassed a collection of art by Norman Rockwell and other narrative artists and illustrators including N.C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter and Maxfield Parrish. It was, Jones comments, art that actually spoke to him. His earlier proposals to build the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in San Francisco or Chicago have foundered because of opposition to the site and city politics, but hes negotiating again with San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Jones observes that wherever its eventually built, you can bet Lucas will be intimately involved in its layout, design, color scheme, and lighting.

This biography is unauthorized, but even though Jones interviewed only a handful of Lucass friends and collaborators, he has mined the literature on Lucass life and work to produce an admirably comprehensive view. He treats the man more as a businessman than an artist, avoiding psychologizing and critical assessments of the films to concentrate on the tangible accomplishments. As a book, its not so much for Star Wars fans  although even they will probably find something new in it  as it is for those who want to know how Lucas changed an industry.

Charles Matthews is a writer and editor in Northern California.
Neither the humpbacked 747 nor the cherry-red public buses that crisscross London surpass the Big Mac as the worlds most famous double-decker. Ever since Jim Delligatti, who died Nov. 28 at 98, created the sandwich in 1967 at a McDonalds franchise near Pittsburgh, it has been the flagship item of the global fast-food chain, selling more than a half-billion servings annually in the United States alone.

The Big Mac has been called the Elvis of sandwiches, the Paul Bunyan of hamburgers. Its the solid-food equivalent of Coca-Cola, a totem of consistency instantly recognizable from western Pennsylvania to India, where cows are considered sacred by the nations Hindu population and where the Big Mac is made with mutton or chicken and called the Maharaja Mac. President Bill Clinton, the onetime burger devourer in chief, was known to indulge his Big Mac Attack, as one memorable advertising campaign described such cravings.

Mr. Delligattis creation, a sensation from the start, was the subject of a legendary advertising campaign in 1974. The inescapable jingle mirrored the essential excess of the Big Mac itself, making one word of its ingredients  twoallbeefpattiesspecialsauce- lettucecheesepicklesonionsona-sesameseedbun  and daring people to pronounce it. (A follow-up spot featured people struggling to master the tongue-twister.)

The sesame seeds atop the bun were the piece de resistance, a simple but decadent touch that marked the sandwichs status as the grandee on the McDonalds menu. For the company, the Big Mac was a shot across the bow to Burger Kings Whopper, created a decade earlier.

The Big Mac became a baby boomer favorite, then a Generation X delight, then a millennial treat, and on it went, even as grass-fed, antibiotic-free meat ate into Big Macs primacy and McDonalds sustained withering attacks from critics. The film Super Size Me (2004), in which documentarian Morgan Spurlock risks his health to subsist on McDonalds for a month, and Eric Schlossers book Fast Food Nation (2001) found deep fault with many of the companys products.

Marion Nestle, a New York University nutrition and public health professor, wrote in an email: The Big Mac has had an enormous influence on American  and international  eating patterns, not all to the good alas. Its become a synonym  the prototype, an American icon  for junk food.

The Big Mac has become a Rorschach test in an all-consuming debate: Is it an emblem of life-affirming plenty? A comforting embrace of fat and salt? A waist-expanding public health hazard at 540 calories  or more? Is it American cultural imperialism in sandwich form?

From any perspective, Mr. Delligattis legacy amounted to much more than a meal. The Economist magazine began printing its annual Big Mac Index three decades ago, tracking the cost of the burger across the globe. Burgernomics, as the British publication dubbed it, has become a wry, easily digestible and much-cited measurement of currency values.

Mr. Delligatti conceived the burger in a simple effort to grow business at his franchises in western Pennsylvania. He thought that only a new item would do the job, but he said he faced resistance from a very cautious McDonalds bureaucracy that did not wish to tamper with the success of the simple lineup of burgers, shakes and fries. They worried about the sandwichs high price  45 cents, twice the price of a cheeseburger.

He could proceed, he was finally told, but only if he used ingredients already on the menu. (He violated the order by acquiring oversize buns for his oversize burgers.) At his Uniontown, Pa., franchise, he spent weeks formulating the special sauce. He saw the dressing  often described as Thousand Island with a few twists  as the critical ingredient, the big thing that would distinguish his double-decker sandwich from culinary forebears.

The sandwich (29 cents with coupon) sold so well in Uniontown  with profits reportedly jumping by 12 percent  that Mr. Delligatti began to feature it at his other franchises. The company introduced it nationally in 1968, for 49 cents, and sold it under various names, among them the Aristocrat and the Blue Ribbon Burger. A young McDonalds advertising department secretary, Esther Glickstein Rose, reportedly christened it the Big Mac.

The Big Mac became the chain burger by which all subsequent ones have been measured. But Mr. Delligatti, who spent some years in Southern California, acknowledged a debt to Bob Wian, who operated a Glendale, Calif., hamburger stand and crafted a similar double-decker burger in the late 1930s that became the signature item of Bobs Big Boy restaurants.

This wasnt like discovering the lightbulb, Mr. Delligatti later told the Los Angeles Times. The bulb was already there. All I did was screw it in the socket.

Michael James Delligatti was born in Uniontown on Aug. 2, 1918, and moved frequently in the area for his fathers jobs as a blacksmith, cobbler and confectioner.

After Mr. Delligattis Army discharge during World War II  he developed trench foot in Europe  he managed a drive-through restaurant in Newport Beach, Calif., and co-founded a casual eatery in Pittsburgh.

While attending a Chicago restaurant fair in 1955, he met businessman Ray Kroc, who was building the McDonalds empire. Two years later, Mr. Delligatti opened his first McDonalds in Pittsburgh. He owned 48 stores at his peak, gradually selling many of them back to the company.

At the time of his death, at his home in the Pittsburgh suburb of Fox Chapel, Mr. Delligatti owned two McDonalds, and his family members ran more than two dozen more in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. He helped many employees become franchise owners and was also involved in Pittsburgh-area charities.

His first marriage, to Ann Vunora, ended in divorce. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Eleanor Carmody Delligatti of Fox Chapel; a son from his first marriage, James Delligatti of Fox Chapel; a son from his second marriage, Michael F. Delligatti of Wexford, Pa.; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Culinary luminaries have staked varying positions on the Big Mac. Julia Child, a fan of McDonalds fries, once said she disliked the sandwich because it was all bread. In New York magazine, food critic Mimi Sheraton suggested the toilet as the perfect repository for the sauce, which she called an oily, sweet-sour emulsion. Yet Michael Stern, the eminent food writer, told the Los Angeles Times that the Big Mac was a secret source of pleasure that, once a year, really satisfies that primeval need.

This year, McDonalds began test-marketing bigger and smaller variations on the Big Mac  the Grand Mac and Mac Jr.  to keep up with competing market forces demanding more and less.

Mr. Delligatti, who also played an instrumental role in the creation of McDonalds breakfast menu, did not receive a financial windfall from the Big Mac. Everybody thinks I did, he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. But no way. All I got was a plaque.

He said he ate at least one Big Mac a week, noting that moderation was only common sense. His son Michael, echoing his father, said the Big Mac has been unfairly targeted for criticism. You go to high-end restaurants and get the lobster bisque, Michael Delligatti said, thats way more calories than a Big Mac.


The U.S. Navy battleship USS Arizona burns in the Hawaiian port of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, after being hit by Japanese aircraft. (REUTERS)

The front page of the Post the day after the attack.

DEC. 7, 1941 Seventy-five years ago this week, the first Japanese bomber appeared over the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii just before 8 a.m. local time. It was part of a surprise attack by a fleet of almost 200 aircraft that within 30 minutes destroyed the USS Arizona.

Japan, Axis partner of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, struck the first blow in the long-feared battle of the Pacific, Edward T. Folliard wrote in the Dec. 8, 1941, edition of The Washington Post. That initial report put the death toll at 104. The final tally was more than 2,300, with more than half dying on the Arizona. A total of 21 U.S. vessels and 323 military planes were sunk or damaged.

The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called the ambush a date which will live in infamy, and asked Congress for a declaration of war on Japan. The Pacific war lasted until September 1945.

An estimated 2,000 to 2,500 out of 60,000 survivors of the attack are still alive, but their numbers are dwindling, The Post noted in a story last September on the death, at age 94, of Raymond Haerry, who was on the Arizona when it was hit. This month, a group of military organizations is honoring Haerry and other survivors, as well as those lost that day, during 11 days of events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attack.
Last week, @Work Advice shared tips on how to get your resume through an employers automated gatekeepers. Now that human reviewers are involved, its time to get creative and slip your resume into a box of gourmet doughnuts, as one San Francisco marketing whiz did  right?

Nope. Ditch the gimmicks. You do want to stand out  but with strong, solid content that shows you understand the needs of the employer, says Lauren Milligan, founder and chief executive of ResuMayDay.

Heres a top-down list of the elements your resume should contain:

Opening statement: Milligan recommends a summary statement that presents you as the solution to problems the employer may be having.

Work history: From the employers perspective, the reverse chronology  starting with your most recent job and working backward  is still the best format. The first thing [employers] want to know is where you worked and when you left, Milligan says. Recent equals relevant.

Thats not to say a functional resume  arranged by the type of work you did, rather than when you did it  cant get results. But because that format is so often used to disguise periods of un- or underemployment, the typical hiring managers reaction is, Im going to find what this persons trying to hide, Milligan says.

So how do you account for a damning chasm in your career when you were out of work or scraping by in subsistence jobs? First, take heart: In this economy, thats not the black mark it used to be, provided you show you were busy during that time, says Diana Funk, senior consultant with Human Capital Strategic Consulting. Milligan suggests addressing any gap greater than a year with one or two lines summarizing anything you did relating to your target industry  training, self-study, volunteering  and emphasizing the strengths and skills youre bringing with you.

Describe your work history in plain English. I cant stand when job descriptions are so abstract that I cant figure out what they did, Funk says. Replace vague phrases such as responsible for with verbs: oversaw, managed or led. Show results, not just duties.

As discussed last week, sprinkle keywords throughout  but go easy on the jargon, especially if youre transitioning from a field with its own highly specialized language, such as the military, Funk says. A friendly civilian can help translate your experience into generic terms. Dont include hobbies unless they are relevant or the ad requested them. Even then, be sparing with details.

Length: Keep it to one page whenever possible. Spotlight only your best and most relevant accomplishments for each employer. Says Milligan: No one has ever gotten an interview off the second page of a resume.

Ask Karla Miller about your work dramas and traumas by emailing wpmagazine@washpost.com. Read more @Work Advicecolumns.

For stories, features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit The Washington Post Magazine.

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The New York Post  seen here on a newsstand on Nov. 9  is Donald Trumps hometown paper, and he enlivened its gossip columns for years with well-placed tips. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Almost as soon as Donald Trump wrapped up his ostensibly off-the-record meeting with TV news executives and anchors last week at Trump Tower, the New York Posts scrappy gossip column, Page Six, had the first inside account.

It was like a f---ing firing squad, an anonymous source told the column about Trumps combative remarks. The meeting was a total disaster.

Hmm. Total disaster. Now who does that sound like?

And when Melania Trump decided she was staying in New York City rather than moving to the White House so that the Trumps young son, Barron, could finish the school year, the Post was first with the news, too. It was sourced to two unnamed people familiar with the Trump transition.

So far, so good in the Age of Trump for the 215-year-old tabloid. The paper and Trump go way back, to his days as an up-and-coming New York real estate developer and man about town. Long before he ran for president, long before The Apprentice, Trump was the star of hundreds of Post news stories, Page Six items and pieces by the papers longtime gossip columnist, Cindy Adams.

During the soap-opera drama of his adulterous romance with Marla Maples in the early 1990s, for instance, Trump appeared on the papers cover for eight straight days. It was during this stretch that he was the subject of one of the most famous headlines in the papers history of famously colorful headlines: Best Sex Ive Ever Had, based on an oversharing quote supposedly uttered by Maples.

The papers long-standing relationship with Trump may now be paying off with some inside tips about  or possibly even from  the new president-elect and his inner circle.

Its his hometown paper, says a source in the upper reaches of Trumpworld. He was an eccentric billionaire living in Manhattan. Theyve always had a sort of mutually beneficial relationship. It was proximity and convenience. But this source, speaking anonymously so as not to get crosswise with either Trump or the paper, said a past relationship doesnt guarantee a future one: I dont think one paper is better positioned than any other.

In fact, in his first encounter with print journalists as president-elect last week, Trump met with reporters and editors from the New York Times, the strait-laced graduate student to the Posts rambunctious undergrad in the New York media firmament. The Post doesnt seem likely to get a visit anytime soon.

Nevertheless, the Post can count among its advantages an owner, Rupert Murdoch, who has long wielded political power through his New York media properties (the Post, the Wall Street Journal, Fox News and the TV station WNYW) and has a long relationship with Trump of his own.

The Post was among the first major American media assets Murdoch bought when he arrived on these shores from Australia in 1976. He took what had been an afternoon daily under former owner Dorothy Schiff and quickly turned it into a sensation-seeking morning tabloid (Headless Body in Topless Bar is perhaps the greatest tab headline ever) resembling his Australian and British papers. Its editorial page morphed from liberal to conservative, in line with Murdochs politics.

Even as Murdochs horizons expanded globally, the Post remained something like his American Rosebud. He gave up control of the paper in 1988 when federal cross-ownership rules forced him to choose between it and his New York TV station license. But Murdoch reacquired it five years later, saving it from bankruptcy under a special waiver from the Federal Communications Commission.

Before and since, Murdoch has carried the paper through many money-losing years, including recent ones. Like all newspapers, the Posts print circulation has slid precipitously; it was down to 231,000 last month, according to its own account, or less than half of the figure of five years ago. It does far better online, having attracted 28.8 million unique visitors online in October, according to ComScore, or roughly the same as its arch tabloid rival, the Trump-loathing New York Daily News.

As the firing squad story of last week suggested, the Post is still wired into Trumpworld through Page Six, the gossip column that Murdoch started upon buying the paper. (The column no longer appears only on Page 6 of the print edition and is no longer a single page.)

Trumps earliest fame came from his semiregular appearances on Page Six starting soon after the columns debut in the late 1970s. Many of the items about him were fed to the paper by Roy Cohn, Trumps lawyer and his mentor in the dark arts of media manipulation.

I think Page Six definitely played a role in helping push Donald Trump to the first round of his never-ending whatever, commented Susan Mulcahy, one of the columns earliest reporters and editors, in a 2004 oral history of it for Vanity Fair. It definitely helped create his first level of celebrity hell. I wrote about him a certain amount, but I actually would sit back and be amazed at how often people would write about him in a completely gullible way.

Emily Smith, the British expat who now edits and writes for Page Six, has reported from within Trump Tower before. In addition to last weeks firing squad story, she scored a mini-scoop last week by reporting that Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, the organizer of the glamorous annual Met Gala, has been brought on by Melania Trump to help organize inaugural events. (Smith did not respond to requests for comment; a spokeswoman for the paper said it would pass on commenting for this story.)

One of the Posts big scoops during the campaign was its publication of nude photos of Melania (cover line: The Ogle Office) in late July. But Trump quickly extinguished any controversy over the photos, taken while she was a model in 1995, when he told the paper, In Europe, pictures like this are very fashionable and common.

One veteran New York journalist said it was plausible that Page Six could enjoy improved access to a Trump White House. Old habits die hard, he said. I would not be surprised if Donald Trump has Emily Smiths landline and cell number memorized.

Then again, maybe not.

I think Page Six was the monster gossip column of all gossip columns at a time when the Post and other papers were voraciously consumed in the dead-tree format, says Lloyd Grove, an editor at large at the Daily Beast who once wrote The Washington Posts Reliable Source column and later a gossip column for the Daily News. Like every other newspaper brand, it has suffered from the Balkanization of the media landscape. Its now such a fractionalized environment. You hardly need Page Six when you can get all the news, fake news and gossip you want from your Facebook feed.

Some things may not have changed. In her reminiscence about Page Six in 2004, and in a piece she wrote for Politico this year, Mulcahy recalled numerous instances in which Trump misdirected or lied to her as she was reporting on him.

He was a great character, she told Vanity Fair, but he was full of crap 90 percent of the time.

To which Trump himself replied to Vanity Fair: I agree with her 100 percent.


A door opens onto Old Town Krakow, Poland, which is full of centuries-old buildings. (Jon Arnold Images Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo)

On a hot August morning, I stroll the streets of old Krakow. In the main square, I wander from the Polish citys ancient cathedral to the 14th-century market hall and then down a side street to the brick courtyard of one of the oldest universities in the world. As I go, I dodge street performers and crowds of tourists, and around one corner I nearly run into a man in a bear suit shouting pierogi! The sight of the dumpling hustler makes me want a change of pace.

Earlier, I had arranged for a tour of an entirely different part of the city run by a local outfit with the intriguing name of Crazy Guides. Their tours offer offbeat excursions that provide a local perspective on unique sites in Krakow.

In the late afternoon, my guide Izabela meets me outside a McDonalds next to a historic rampart that once was part of the city walls. Izabela and I head over to a tram while street musicians in Polish folk costumes play Beatles songs on accordions.

Twenty minutes later, the tram arrives in Plac Centralny. We are in the heart of Nowa Huta, a Krakow suburb built in the 1950s to be a socialist showpiece.





Now a neighborhood of roughly 200,000 people, Nowa Huta, Polish for New Steel Mill, was Joseph Stalins so-called gift to Krakow after World War II, and an unwanted one at that.

The neighborhood provides a ready way to experience Polands recent Communist past  a past the Polish government, nervous about Russias regional saber-rattling, has been dismantling in the past year by removing Soviet-era street names and landmarks.

But as Nowa Huta makes clear, sometimes history is more indelible, and can be a helpful way to assess progress.

After we exit the tram, Izabela stops in front of a large street map next to a flower-lined park at a square once named for Stalin. Now it is named for Ronald Reagan, or Ronalda Reagana if you prefer the Polish version, one of many renamed places in the neighborhood.

The map gives an overview of what Stalins gift included  a planned community centered on massive steelworks, with housing for workers, schools, parks and hospitals. The new community was created following a postwar referendum by Krakow residents rejecting the new authoritarian regime. In response, Stalin brought in thousands of laborers to reshape chic, intellectual Krakow  considered the cultural heart of Poland  into an industrialized city of the proletariat.

And all of this came with a price. One of them is evident. Many buildings across the city are stained darkly from heavy industry that brought with it heavy pollution.

From the park, we take a city bus to the headquarters of the Nowa Huta steelworks. Along the way, Izabela, who I learn also studies psychology at that ancient Jagiellonian University in the Old Town, says, There is one thing Nowa Huta didnt include, which people kept asking for, what do you think that was?

While I think about this, we walk from the bus stop to a group of buildings on a forlorn, grassy square. On the grass sits a huge concrete sign with the formal name of the complex  Huta im. T. Sendzimira. To our right is a concrete-block building with odd swirls and crenelations along the roof, perhaps a misguided nod to the crown on the spire of Krakows cathedral.

It looks like a bunker from the Renaissance, Izabela says as we stare at it, trying to figure out what the architects had in mind.

Soviet wedding-cake, I suggest.



A bread stall is perched near St. Marys Basilica. Churches especially became important in communist times. (photoslick/Alamy Stock Photo)

The building was the administrative headquarters for the steel factories (then named for Vladimir Lenin). Ahead of us, miles of factories and industrial sprawl cover former farming villages. In a change likely to make Stalin wince, the steelworks are now owned by a multinational corporation.

With the late evening sun setting and the shadows of communism all around us, we get back on a city bus that heads down Solidarity Way to our next stop.

The bus rolls along wide, leafy streets, giving Nowa Huta a surprisingly parklike feeling despite block after block of drab, gray buildings designed in a form of architectural propaganda known as socialist realism. As part of that, the streets were designed to be wide enough to allow for tanks, and the buildings were intended to double as fortifications.

So, did you decide what people asked for the most during communism? Izabela asks as we exit the bus.

Color?

Here, Ill show you, she says. Soon we are in front of a sleek, modern structure, appointed with timber and appropriately arklike  the Lords Ark church.

Poland built more churches during the communist time than any other time in its history, Izabela tells me. With Poland so heavily Catholic, faith was a way for them to hold onto their identity.

Equally important, I learn, was Pope John Paul II, who grew up not far from Krakow. He also has a nearby boulevard named for him.

As the archbishop of Krakow in the 1950s, he pushed for the one thing Nowa Huta residents wanted  a church  and later, as pope, advocated strongly for Polish freedom.

An important landmark to his efforts sits just down the street from the Lords Ark church. Here, a bronze cross commemorates the site of violent riots in 1957 over the placement of a cross. Locals erected the cross after authorities changed their minds about permitting a church on the site. After many arrests, fatalities and ongoing protests, the dissidents won out in the 1960s and authorities approved construction of the Lords Ark church  an important early success in the pushback against the Communist government.

Now on this summer evening, all is peaceful and two elderly women talk on a bench while children run back and forth on scruffy grass.



A statue of Pope John Paul II, who spoke out for Polish freedom, stands near the Cathedral Museum. (Michael Brooks/Alamy Stock Photo)

Across the street from the cross, Izabela and I head into the basement of another charcoal-colored building, and down the steps to a dive bar. (Also nearby is the Museum of Poland under the Communist Regime, which is under renovation but includes a chilling exhibit on Nowa Hutas vast system of nuclear bomb shelters.) Izabela insists that I try a soda once popular in Communist times. Called an oranzada, it isnt bad, similar to a flat Fanta.

The bar once was a movie theater, and one of its highlights, I learn, is a propaganda film from the early days of Nowa Huta, which the friendly bartender screens.

In black and white, to the sounds of military music, women prepare meals in shiny, new apartments and smiling young people busily work with bricks and mortar in between group calisthenics.

After 10 minutes, the credits roll.

You properly brainwashed now? Izabela asks, smiling.

Yes, I am all ready to build a factory, I say. Actually, after all the propaganda, I am ready for a beer.

Outside, we walk through the neighborhood and Izabela explains that Nowa Huta has had its own growing pains while transitioning to capitalism. After the fall of communism, the neighborhood had a lot of unemployment and crime, she says. My boss was considered crazy to go here, which is why he called it Crazy Guides.

Close to Plac Centralny, just down the street from where we started at Reagana Square, we sit outside a still-popular restaurant from the Communist years. Inside, the Stylowa restaurant has Old World charm and traditional dishes.

On this warm evening, we sit outside on the patio. Beer in hand, I watch young people in stylish clothes, full shopping bags and mobile phones walk by in a place where less than 30 years ago people waited in line for hours for bread or shoes. With the economy sinking by the 1980s, Izabela tells me, if people saw a line they would join it, figuring whatever was available could be used for barter.

In the space of a few hours we have gone from Krakows beautiful market square to Communist factories and slab housing blocks, from socialist soda to trendy shoppers and skateboarders in skinny jeans.

There was a statue of Lenin right over there, Izabela adds, pointing to a dry fountain with skateboarders riding in the bowl and along the edges. People always thought it was made from the strongest material, but once it came down [during the collapse of communism in 1989] the insides were mostly empty . . . so that tells you something.

I reflect on this, then raise my glass and say to Izabela and to Poland generally in these uncertain times, na zdrowie  to your health.

Biggar is a writer based in Northern California and the District.

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Airline industry critics are unhappy with the size of Transportation Department fines, saying they are not a significant deterrent. (Julio Cortez/AP)

The Department of Transportation fined airlines $4.5 million in 2016 for infractions ranging from lengthy tarmac delays to failing to compensate passengers for lost luggage, almost double last years amount and the highest since 2013.

The DOTs Aviation Consumer Protection Division, which is responsible for ensuring that airlines follow federal regulations, issued 23 consent orders  voluntary agreements worked out between the agency and an airline that generally have the same effect as a court order  in 2016, up from 15 last year. Its the third-highest number, in terms of civil penalties, in 10 years.

But it isnt clear whether these actions are benefiting the passengers theyre supposed to protect. Industry watchers say the numbers dont tell the full story  something you already know if youve flown this year.

The years biggest enforcement action was a $2 million fine against United Airlines for violating federal disability assistance regulations. Investigators found numerous instances in which the airline failed to return passengers wheelchairs, other mobility aids or assistive devices to them in a timely manner. It also said the airline failed to return them to passengers in the condition in which the airline received them. United says the complaints it received represented a very small number when compared to the number of requests for wheelchair assistance it received.

[Uptick in popularity of hard-sided luggage suggests hard truths about traveling]

One of the most interesting enforcement actions, and a sign that the DOT is taking its full-fare advertising rule seriously, is a $150,000 fine levied against VivaAerobus, a Mexican discount airline. (The rule stipulates that the full price of an airline ticket, including all mandatory taxes and fees, must be displayed in the price quote.) In response to a consumer complaint, the agency found that VivaAerobus advertised fares that did not include a mandatory issuance fee.

The fee could not be avoided and was not disclosed to the passenger until the final step in the booking process. The government also found that VivaAerobus used what it called the opt-out method of selling optional services, which preselected several optional services and required that customers remove them before finalizing the booking to avoid being charged for them. The airline blamed the infractions on a website error.

Several enforcement orders were addressed through a sting operation called Task Force Lightning, an undercover operation in which plainclothes DOT investigators visited a dozen American airports to ensure that airlines front-line employees were disclosing their obligations for compensating passengers. Airlines were dinged for infractions including improper disclosure of baggage compensation rules and providing inaccurate denied-boarding compensation information. The fines were relatively small, ranging from $30,000 to $45,000, but as I noted in an earlier column, DOT insiders say that the goal of the task force was education, not punishment.

Ben Edelman, a university professor based in Boston whose complaint resulted in a $40,000 fine against British Airways for inaccurately quoting taxes, fees and carrier charges on its U.S. website, says the government takes its time evaluating customer complaints. For example, he says, one grievance he filed against American Airlines for using the label tax for its own surcharges has been pending since Dec. 12, 2013.

Industry critics are also unhappy with the size of the DOT fines, saying they are not a significant deterrent. Airlines collect about $250 billion in revenue each year for travel to, from and within the United States, which means their DOT fines represent about 0.002 percent of their profits.

By comparison, the average traffic ticket ($150) is about 0.3 percent of the median household income of $55,775. Imagine if every speeding ticket were suddenly cut by a factor of 100, so that the average ticket was 0.003 percent of your annual income. Would you take a $1.50 speeding ticket seriously?

[Travelers are turning to credit-card disputes when other routes to a refund have failed]

The DOT says the fines make a difference and are based on a variety of factors, such as the consumer harm caused by the violation, whether the airline profited from the infraction and whether its a repeat offense. We try to figure out an amount thats high enough to have a deterrent value, says Blane Workie, assistant general counsel for Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings.

Consumer advocates say that while theyre encouraged by this years enforcement actions, the DOT has focused on some issues while ignoring others. The takeaway from Task Force Lightning is that consumers still dont know their rights, and more needs to be done to keep them informed, says Charlie Leocha, president of Travelers United, an advocacy group for air travelers. He thinks that the DOT needs to begin posting some of the rules that deal with lost-luggage compensation and denied-boarding statements at airports, so passengers will know their rights.

It would keep the airlines honest, Leocha says.

But would it make air travel any better? Its hard to tell.

Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United. Email him at chris@elliott.org.
Seventy-three million Americans travel abroad every year. In the 2015 fiscal year, the State Department issued nearly 50,000 emergency passports, responded to 31,581 welfare and whereabout queries and scheduled 9,425 visits to Americans imprisoned overseas. More than 10,500 U.S. citizens also died on foreign soil. (The data includes tourists and expats.) The moral of the stats: Stuff  serious stuff  happens during international trips. The agency assists Americans in trouble, but we can also help ourselves. Several experts shared tips on how to travel smartly and safely. Heed their advice, so that you can avoid calling the embassy for H.E.L.P.

Tommy Phillips, warden in Yanbian, China

Download the State Department app, so that you can receive notifications  if the political climate changes or the place you are traveling to becomes dangerous  or any other pertinent information concerning your travel plans. Always have identification on you. Have your passport and a copy of your passport, kept in a different place, readily available. Have the phone number to the U.S. Embassy and also locate the nearest consulate office for the region you will be in. When traveling, be aware of your surroundings. U.S. citizens are not warmly welcomed by everyone in the world. Go out of your way to know local customs and learn a little bit of the language. Be respectful, because you are representing the United States when you are in another country. Most important, enjoy your traveling experience and have fun!

[These State Department volunteers step in when Americans land in trouble abroad]

Jennifer OSullivan, warden in Siem Reap, Cambodia

The one thing I would recommend to U.S. citizens abroad, either temporary or long-term, is to register online with the local U.S. embassy. [The free program is called Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP.] This will ensure that they are kept up-to-date with any important information about that country and in an emergency situation, whether it be a natural disaster, health concern or upheaval of the government. The U.S. Embassy is excellent about keeping its citizens apprised via email.

Faith Birnstein, warden in Chongqing, China

In China, and in Chongqing specifically, I think that if Americans can adjust their expectations regarding the service industry standards, they will be less frustrated and more able to enjoy and appreciate some of the heartfelt services unique to here. For example, it may be difficult and frustrating to get a proper cup of tea or coffee with milk (to an American, a simple request), but the same staff who wasnt helpful will then walk you to a bus stop, hail a taxi for you or go beyond common expectations to be hospitable. Chongqing people have spicy, warm hearts.

Berit and Dan Wick, wardens in Cartagena, Colombia

Always buy travel medical insurance. Know that most U.S. travel insurance companies are pay, submit claim and get reimbursed. Travel with multiple credit cards [in case you need to pay a hefty hospital bill upfront]. Never travel alone. Carry a list of medicines and your medical history. Watch out for others wanting to help you: Questionable translators, nurses or intermediaries will tack charges onto your bill without your consent. Youre going to a foreign country, so remember its not the United States, so many things may be different. You may need to fend for yourself in a different culture.

MJ Walker, a warden in Nigeria

The Department of State frequently updates the Worldwide Caution to provide information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Recent terrorist attacks serve as a reminder that U.S. citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness wherever they may travel. Given the frequency of natural disasters, it is simply good policy that American Citizens Services is aware that you are in the country and might need assistance. If they are not aware, they cannot assist you in the event of an emergency.

Additional tips

The State Departments Bureau of Consular Affairs can help Americans in many situations, such as illness, violent crimes, lost passport and fatalities, but not all: The agency cant get you out of jail, for instance, but the staff can drop off toiletries and advocate for humane treatment while you are incarcerated. If you run out of money abroad, the embassy can offer you a loan to get you home. However, it will cancel your passport until you repay the money. Leave an itinerary with a friend or family at home and check in with them frequently. Check your health insurance before you go to see if you are covered. Remember, Medicare does not extend beyond U.S. borders. Some credit cards cover disruptions of trips, as long as you booked the travel components on that card. Invest in a cellphone plan or a SIM card with international service.

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A Classic Journeys walking tour group crosses the pasture overlooking the Cotswolds village of Adlestrop, which Jane Austen memorialized  and fictionalized  in her third novel, Mansfield Park. (Nancy Nathan)

If you ever need reminding how odd the English can be, take a trip to Swinbrook, urged a British travel blog I read just before leaving for a fall walking tour of the Cotswolds, that glorious unspoiled region in south-central England, bounded roughly by Oxford, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Im always up for any reminder of how odd the English can be, so I considered myself lucky that our groups walks indeed would lead to Swinbrook, which lies on one of the most fascinating of hundreds of public footpaths through the golden limestone villages and sheep pastures that are so evocative of the wool trade that built the region six centuries ago.





The oddities we discovered at Swinbrook, a small village only about 20 miles west of Oxford, are found at its medieval stone church, with its 17th-century effigies of the Fettiplace family lining a wall of the sanctuary. The Fettiplace men, who once ruled large parts of Oxfordshire, lie propped up on their elbows one on top of another, carved in white marble in their knights armor, facing visitors in floor-to-ceiling horizontal stacks set in tall marble niches, as if frozen in the midst of Pilates class.

Those Fettiplace knights are odd enough, but after they had been leaning on their elbows for three centuries, the notorious and elite Mitford clan joined them at Swinbrook in the 1920s, after their family fortunes had fallen. Just outside the church door we saw the simple, weathered gravestones of four of the six Mitford daughters, including the famous writer Nancy; Pamela, the rural Mitford; Diana, who shocked British society by breaking up two marriages to be with fascist demagogue Sir Oswald Mosley; and the virulently anti-Semitic Unity Mitford, whose friendship (some say more) with Adolf Hitler drove her to attempt suicide in Munich when Britain declared war on Germany.



The famous Fettiplace men adorn St. Marys Church in Swinbrook. (Nancy Nathan)

My husband, Dave, and I were in a group of eight Americans and a British guide on a six-day trip with the San Diego-based Classic Journeys, which specializes in small-group walking tours. The two-mile Windrush Valley Walk to Swinbrook from our base in the town of Burford is one of many named trails found throughout the Cotswolds, whose length, degree of challenge, and twists and turns are detailed in walking-tour guidebooks and online. (The Cotswolds just marked its 50th anniversary as a protected area, known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or AONB. There are 3,000 miles of walking routes within that area. The regions website contains maps and detailed routes, as well as a calendar of guided walks.)

The Windrush Valley walk leads you along the slow Wind-rush River, across the wooden stiles that get you over fences and past curious cows and sheep, whose deposits present the only real obstacles to a walker. Midway is the tiny, 11th-century St. Oswalds Church, stranded in a grassy field. Just before we reached it, I paused to talk to the only human we had encountered, a woman who looked well past her 70s, striding over an ancient, narrow bridge where the Windrush passed by her stone farmhouse. I wanted to know what she thought of all of us walking through the fields and pastures. She told me that the paths evolved because people used them to go from home to work over centuries, like the man she saw for many years carrying his scythe through her familys fields on his daily journey. I told her I was writing this article and asked her name. She said I could just call her Mrs. Buxton. So it was of special interest a few minutes later when we crossed the pasture to St. Oswalds, walked over two mossy stone markers on the ground just outside the threshold and saw the family that they memorialized: Buxton.

St. Oswalds is known because it was the church serving a vanished medieval village. Only by walking there can you make out the faint outlines of foundations and streets of the settlement wiped out by the famine of 1315 and then the Great Plague of 1348. Inside, through a creaking, short wooden door (a hand-lettered index card just inside reminds the visitor to shut it to keep out birds) are ancient pews big enough for the Buxtons and a few others, and remnants of medieval wall paintings. A Roman villas mosaic from about A.D. 200 was discovered under the floor in a recent excavation, but has been covered for protection.



In a pasture, walkers including Judy Newman, center, and Judy Landau, right, both of Chevy Chase, climb over one of the many fences in Swinbrook. (Nancy Nathan)

As with the other walks we took during our Cotswolds stay, which were almost entirely through level or gently sloping fields, the one along the Windrush Valley trail was remote. Besides Mrs. Buxton, the only others we passed were a pair of young women  with the dogs that seem to accompany all Britons at all times and in all places  who told me they had driven 20 miles from Cirencester for an afternoon ramble of their own. They grew up walking the footpaths with their grandparents, they said, before trail markers pointed the way.

Though we decided to join a group  and there are many companies, American and British, which offer Cotswolds walking tours of various lengths  it is also possible to do it yourself by choosing one or more villages to stay in and setting out from there with your trail maps. Thirty years ago, NBC News anchor John Chancellor wrote about his love of walking from one Cotswolds village inn to the next, where he would bed down for the night and continue the following morning. He described in colorful detail the stiles and landmarks of one route, which started in Moreton-in-Marsh, ran through Blockley and finished at Chipping Campden. My husband and I used some free time to retrace the Chancellor route to see how it had changed, and found that while he wrote that it was largely unmarked, today the path  like all in the Cotswolds  is clearly signed with fixed wooden Monarchs Way and Heart of England Way markers at twists and turns, and guidebooks to take you step-by-step. (Take the stile on the left, followed by another immediately on the left, followed by one immediately on the right crossing a field to a gap in the trees, reads one typical portion.)

I asked voluntary warden Rosemary Wilson, one of several hundred who help maintain the signs and stiles and also organize free walks, whether there are parts of the footpath network where directions can be challenging. Apparently, that was a softball for her. You only just have to keep your wits about you, she said. In fact, in our five days of following paths, we found there were few points at which the route wasnt clear.

The beauty of walking is what you see right in front of your nose that you couldnt catch in a drive-by. There were the faint outlines of that disappeared village at the stranded church of St. Oswalds in the middle of pastures and nowhere near any road. Another day, we came over a rise between fields and could make out on a green hillside the lines that were the remnant of ridge-and-furrow plowing abandoned after the population was decimated in the 14th century and the farming economy transitioned from agriculture to livestock. On still another walk, this time along the small River Coln to the National Trust property at the excavation of a Roman villa at Chedworth, we found a most unusual Roman remnant we never would have seen except on foot. One of our group, Judy Landau of Chevy Chase, spied one of the very large Roman snails still found around the villa, descendants of ones the Romans are known to have imported as delicacies.

And while it lies south of the Cotswolds, our tour included a three-mile walk into Stonehenge, a route that indispensably allows you to see how that monument from 2500 B.C. is just one part of a complex array of other henges and barrows and ancient avenues to Stonehenge itself.

Among the more than 50 trails in guidebooks, there are some bread-and-butter Cotswolds walking routes, a group of voluntary wardens told me when I sat down with them in Burford. One is that Windrush Valley walk to Swinbrook. Another is the Cotswold Way National Trail, which runs all the way from Chipping Campden in the north down to Bath, a total of 102 miles, and which some group tours walk from end to end in segments over differing lengths of time, from one to two weeks. Cotswolds trail guides lay out both circular walks that take you back to your base village or inn, and others where you arrange a pickup or hire one of the services that will forward your bags to a new base.

A wooden signpost points the way in the Cotswolds. (Keith Douglas/Alamy Stock Photo)

On a beautiful late afternoon, we walked one short segment of the Cotswold Way that starts where a path climbs from Chipping Campden to the regions second-highest point, above the lovely town of Broadway, where a 1799 folly  the limestone Broadway Tower erected for the fun of it  affords views as far as Wales. (It was at the tower that 19th-century design master William Morris vacationed for a few years.) The one-mile ramble down to Broadway from the tower is one of the iconic Cotswolds trails. At the bottom, I chatted up a taciturn Brit who was just behind us. He shrugged when I asked him about his countrymens devotion to walking their land. He dismissed me with this: In America, dont you just have things called side-walks? 

Another mornings walk started at a fascinating National Trust property at Chastleton, a 1600 wool merchants estate. The Trust took it over when descendants of the original owners had to give it up after 400 years of increasingly failed maintenance. The Trust has decided that Chastleton will stand as a monument to the rise and fall of properties owned by the once-wealthy. We are leaving the boarded-up windows, the wasps nests. We dust around the cobwebs, and we dont pull as many weeds as we might, said Rosy Sutton, a Trust conservator.

From Chastleton, and across stiles and through sloping pastures where once again it was just us and the horses and sheep, we wound our way to the village of Adlestrop. We stood at a vantage point in its churchyard that overlooks the yellow limestone home where Jane Austen used to visit relatives when it was a parsonage. In the church, a note to visitors says: A self-proclaimed desperate walker, Jane Austen more than likely walked the pleasant lanes from Adlestrop, which she describes in Mansfield Park as a retired little village between gently rising hills.  How cool it was to realize that we had just descended the very same.

Nathan is a Washington-based television news journalist and freelance travel writer.

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What a Trip: A walk in the Cotswolds
Our readers share tales of their ramblings around the world.

Who: Francisca Helmer (author), her husband, Colin Helmer, and sons David and Richard Helmer, all of Bethesda.

Where, when, why: We traveled to Japan in mid-December 2015 to visit Richard in Akita, Japan, where he was spending his junior year at Akita International University. Before joining Richard, who was taking final exams when we first arrived, we spent a week and a half visiting other Japanese cities, including Osaka, Himeji, Kyoto and Nara. The three of us met up with Richard in Akita a few days before Christmas. Then we traveled together to Kowakubi, a village outside Akita, as well as Nikko, Kamakura and Tokyo, where we all participated in Japanese New Years celebrations.

From left, Colin Helmer, Richard Helmer, the author and David Helmer gather in front of Akita International University in Japan. (Amy Tseng)

[Interested in sharing your own What a Trip story? Apply here.]

Highlights and high points: The dozens of beautiful Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines we visited were memorable in their own ways. Some were elaborately carved and gold-encrusted, while others were simple and quietly elegant; some were modest neighborhood places of worship, while others were famous pilgrimage sites. All showed a reverence for nature and exemplified ancient Japanese traditions and aesthetics. We also fell in love with Himeji Castle. We understood why it is nicknamed the White Egret Castle as we approached the striking building situated on a hill overlooking the city.

Cultural connection or disconnect: New Years festivities are important in Japan. On New Years Eve in Tokyo, we joined hundreds of people packed into the courtyard of a Buddhist temple at midnight to listen to the temple bell ring 108 times. According to Buddhist tradition, that is the number of evil desires humans are subject to, and it is thought that listening to temple bells ring that many times will rid us of those desires. The following day, thousands of people throughout the country visit Shinto shrines, where they burn incense and perform other rituals to purify themselves for the New Year. We joined them at a number of shrines in the city, where we enjoyed the festival atmosphere and many tasty treats being sold by food vendors. Our favorite was the grilled octopus.

Biggest laugh or cry: I had heard of the famous Japanese vending machines that sell a huge range of products, but for some reason I never expected that the machines could dispense hot beverages. I was delighted to be able to buy hot coffee in a can from vending machines all over Japan, and it became a regular habit on chilly mornings during our visit. Similarly, it would never have occurred to me to buy lunch in a convenience store, but they stock a wide variety of delicious Japanese and western snacks that made for cheap and easy meals on the go.

How unexpected: The somewhat shabby and depressed appearance of Akita, a city with about 330,000 inhabitants in the north of Japans main island, contrasted strikingly with the vibrancy and youthfulness of Tokyo, with 38 million people in its vast metropolitan area. We were surprised to see empty high-rise buildings in Akitas downtown center, and in the nearby tiny agricultural village of Kowakubi, about 20 miles from Akita, we saw a number of elderly people, but only one child. Both places made us think of the demographic and economic challenges Japan is facing today. Tokyos streets, trains and subways teem with people of every age, but visitors who only see the capital would never know that the rural areas of the country are struggling with a demographic crisis.

Fondest memento or memory: Our family spent Christmas Eve in a traditional Japanese inn with hot springs, known in Japan as an onsen, in Kowakubi. The inn is an old, wooden building with traditional family communal bedrooms where tatami sleeping mats are laid out for guests every night. There was a full moon that night, and we bathed in an outside pool fed by the natural hot springs. Steam rose from the hot, milky mineral water into the cold, clear night air as the moon lit the surrounding trees. Afterward, we ate a traditional Japanese multi-course feast. Although some of the dishes were strange to our western taste buds, they were all beautifully prepared and the innkeeper was so kind and eager to please that we all enjoyed the meal. The next morning, our hostess gave us each a pair of gift-wrapped chopsticks for Christmas. It was a magical holiday.

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People relax, float and socialize in the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa in Grindavik, Iceland. Icelandair is offering a deal on a five-night trip to the Iceland Airwaves music festival in 2017. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

This weeks best travel bargains around the globe.

Land

Save more than $1,400 on andBeyonds new Southern Africas Finest itinerary. The 11-day adventure starts at $11,780 per person double in May and from $13,925 from June through September  a savings of up to $1,415. The tour goes from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Botswanas Okavango Delta to Cape Town and includes all accommodations, featuring some all-inclusive lodges; game drives on land and on a river; transportation; transfers; taxes; and more. Info: andbeyond.com.

The clock is ticking on the National Park Services centenarian special. Visitors who are the same age as the agency earn a free night at Big Trees Lodge or Half Dome Village in Yosemite. Winter rates are typically from $89 and $120, respectively. Stay by Dec. 31; proof of age required. Info: travelyosemite.com/special-offers/specials-packages/lodging/centenarian-promotion.

Uber and American Express are offering two free rides from select U.S. airports, with a value of up to $65 each. Valid through Dec. 31. Before requesting a ride, enter AMEXAIRPORT in the Uber apps promotion code; if using the newest version of Uber, go to the payment tab to enter the code. You must use an American Express card; prepaid cards are not eligible. Eleven airports are participating, including Washington Dulles and Reagan National. Limited availability. Info: uber.com/promo/american-express- airport-rides- 2016.

Sea

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is celebrating the launch of its 2017-18 voyage collection with free business-class international air for all suites categories. For example, the 10-night Rome to Lisbon itinerary departing on April 26 starts at $8,999 per person double, a two-for-one fare with free round-trip air. (Brochure price was $22,198.) Price also includes free unlimited shore excursions, WiFi, beverages, specialty restaurants, transfers, prepaid gratuities, taxes and one pre-cruise night in a luxury hotel (concierge suites and above). Book by Dec. 31. Info: 844-473-4368, rssc.com.

Victoria Cruises is offering a two-for-one deal on 2017 cruises along Chinas Yangtze River. The promo applies to the Three Gorges Highlights cruise, which sails for four nights from Yichang to Chongqing or for three nights on the reverse itinerary. To receive the discount, you must purchase the cruises shore excursion package, which is also two-for- one. Sale is valid on superior cabins only. The discounted price starts at $980 per couple, including port charges, plus $90 for the daily excursion package. A luxury amenity package, which includes enhanced dining privileges, WiFi access and other perks, is also two-for-one, with a discounted price of $200 per couple. A service charge of $25 per person, instead of tips, applies. Book by Dec. 31. Info: 800-348- 8084, victoriacruises.com/about/specials.

Air

Alaska Airlines has sale fares from BWI Marshall, Reagan National and Washington Dulles to several cities on the West Coast. For example, nonstop flights from Dulles to Seattle start at $296 round trip, including taxes. Other airlines are matching, but fare typically starts at about $375. Travel Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday, from Jan. 10 through March 8 (Feb. 16-26 blackout dates apply). Some dates are sold out. Book by Monday at alaskaair.com.

Package

Icelandairs five-night trip to the Iceland Airwaves music festival now starts at $875 per person double. The deal includes round-trip airfare from Washington Dulles to Reykjavik, five nights at Hotel Fron, five-day music festival pass, breakfasts and taxes. The festival, which features more than 200 performers, takes place Nov. 1-5, 2017; daily departures are offered Oct. 28-Nov. 2, 2017. Priced separately, the trip costs about $1,140. Info: 800-223-5500, icelandair.us/vacations/package/iceland-airwaves.

 Carol Sottili, Andrea Sachs
Minutes before Holland Americas Nieuw Amsterdam was scheduled to depart for Fort Lauderdale, Berit and Dan Wick received an urgent call at home. Without delay, the couple hailed a taxi to the port terminal in Cartagena, Colombia. Once aboard the vessel, Dan approached an American stretched out on a hospital bed surrounded by the ships doctors and nurses. The woman was pale and struggling to breathe; an oxygen mask covered her face. Her sister-in-law waited by the gangplank, filled with worry and concern.

Dan accompanied Sue Wright in the ambulance, a bumpy ride along cobblestone roads. Berit loaded Rosemary Cox and 16 days worth of luggage into a car. By the time they reached the hospital, the cruise ship had sailed off. But the Wicks  strangers at first, advocates to the very end  stuck by the pair until they were well enough to return home a week later.

(Jan Feindt/for The Washington Post)

Its a sudden shock for people to find themselves in a foreign country, not speaking the language, not expecting to be disembarked from an enjoyable cruise and having a serious medical condition, said Dan, a Californian who moved with his wife and daughter to Colombia in 2003. We are here for them, to be a familiar North American face, helping with logistics, language and arranging to get them back home.

The Wicks are good Samaritans of a specific breed: The expats act as wardens on behalf of the U.S. State Department. Their voluntary role in the consular services program is specific in mission (help your fellow Americans) and broad in services (do whatever you can to achieve Goal A).



I am often called upon to assist U.S. citizen travelers who encounter difficult and often confusing situations that require immediate assistance, from stolen passports and money, incarceration for breaking foreign laws, political unrest, falling ill and even personal conflicts resulting in physical assault, John Mackey, a four-year warden in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, wrote by email.

The program originated during the 1930s, when embassies relied on volunteers to disseminate critical information to citizens living abroad. The name derives from World War II air raid wardens who patrolled territories in the United Kingdom and United States. The service resembled a phone tree: Participants would knock on doors and ring up landlines to deliver messages ranging from administrative updates (absentee voting, Social Security benefits) to code-red warnings (evacuation meeting points, natural-disaster shelters). These days, most of the 276 overseas missions can dispatch information electronically. Technological innovations have freed up the wardens to focus more on American tourists whose trips have taken an unpredictable turn down an unimaginable road.

These people get themselves into trouble, said Adriana Michele, a New Yorker who has dedicated more than 25 years to volunteering in Cartagena.

The wardens can help them get out of it.

[How to stay safe and secure while traveling overseas]

Community spirit

Who are the wardens and, more important, how can you flag one down if youre in a bind? Got a name and number?

The wardens are civilians  emphasis on non-State-Department employees  with strong ties to their community a la Mister Rogers. They are typically fluent in the culture, habits, layout and language of their adopted country. Elizabeth Gracon, a U.S. embassy official in Colombia, described them as a local face on the ground.

Many of the volunteers have full-time jobs. Tommy Phillips, a three-year warden in China, is the chef-owner of Bread Rock Bistro, a popular expat restaurant in Yanji, in the northeastern province of Jilin. Jennifer OSullivan teaches yoga and runs a handful of bars and cafes with her husband in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Other wardens are retired or iced their careers to pursue humanitarian projects. The Wicks, for instance, left Silicon Valley to volunteer at a school in Cartagena and start a foundation. Despite the wardens divergent backgrounds, they all share a charitable streak.

They are Americans helping Americans, said Christine Fagan, a division chief in the departments Office of Overseas Citizens Services. Also, the warden can give the local perspective.

Recruitment into the program is a casual affair. A consular officer might deliver an open invitation to join the warden network during a town-hall-style meeting or an embassy event. Or a member might entice a friend to join the club, as was the case with Tommy, a veteran who explained that he wanted to continue to serve my country however I could.

Wardens are found in every country with State Department presence. The size of the cadre depends on the destination and its level of development. Urban centers with strong teleconnectivity need fewer volunteers than remote areas with primitive communication systems. Communities without a consular office nearby also lean more heavily on wardens.



State Department volunteer wardens Dan Wick, left, and his wife, Berit Wick, right, speak with physician Martin Caravajal at a hospital in Cartagena, Colombia, that takes care of many American travelers. The Wicks role is to help fellow Americans in distress. (Andrea Sachs /The Washington Post)

They can assist Americans who cant get to the embassy, Fagan said.

Because of the programs informal arrangement (for instance, there is no training or manual), officials do not have a global head count of participants. But they can provide a snapshot of the warden census map: Lebanon, 90; Thailand, 73; Honduras, 25; Bangladesh; 23; Togo, 22; Chad, 18. Colombia claims 25 wardens, including four in Cartagena. I met the quartet during my October visit, but in arbitrary life, I would not have known their identities unless I had signaled an S.O.S.

So how do you, the American traveler, solicit help from a warden? You dont.

The chain of command starts with the embassy. The tourist or concerned family members in the States will contact the office for help. The staff might resolve the situation in-house or an officer might notify the warden for assistance. The issue might be an easy fix, such replacing a stolen passport. Or it might demand a significant amount of time and emotion on the volunteers part. For example, if an American dies abroad.

We know a lot more about repatriation than I ever thought we would, Berit said.

During last years cruising season, the Wicks handled the arrangements for three deaths. Berit still tears up over the memory of a Chicago woman who had been cruising with her husband three years ago when she became ill. She died while Berit was in the ICU with her.

An increasing load

Como estas? the MediHelp hospital nurse asked.

How are you? Berit translated.

Im fine, Richard Adelson answered from his perch on a padded chair.

Do you want anything from the minibar . . . like a Scotch on the rocks, Berit joked, veering from the official script.

The nurse brought Richard a small cup of vanilla ice cream, a welcome break from the infirmary staple of rice, rice, rice.

The Adelsons capped off a very busy week for the Wicks, who also receive calls from the port agents about incoming medical cases. Sue Wright was the first patient to disembark, on a Wednesday in mid-October. The ship also dropped off an Indonesian crew member with a torn esophagus. The next day, the Cartagena hospital received a District woman who had hit her head on a tree branch during a shore excursion and lost consciousness. An interpreter had accompanied the hearing-impaired cruiser. The Wicks had to juggle conversations in English, Spanish and sign language. On Saturday, the couple helped a German woman and her partner, who suffered a stroke aboard their sailboat. On Sunday, a crewman with a broken tooth arrived. So did Richard.

It was very frightening. I cant imagine if I had been left in a strange country and couldnt speak the language, said Barbara Adelson, his wife. It was such a relief knowing that there was someone to help us.

During Richards hospitalization, the Wicks provided Barbara with an Internet phone, so that she could converse with her children in the States. They compiled a cheat sheet of essential Spanish words and phrases for Richard, including tengo sed (thirsty), dolor (pain) and pato (bed pan). They confabbed with doctors about his condition and translated their diagnoses. And they called the Adelsons travel-insurance company numerous times, updating the agents on his recovery and submitting the information required for reimbursement. They also invited the family (son Brian later flew down from Philadelphia) to bunk at their four-bedroom condominium. Amenities included hot showers, home-cooked meals and fast friends, including Sue and Rosemary, who were also guests.

Theyve made me feel so amazing, Barbara said. I feel like Ive known them forever.



Over the years, as more cruise lines have added Cartagena to their itineraries, the number of warden cases have ballooned. (dbimages /Alamy Stock Photo)

On Monday night, the hosts and their visitors gathered around the dining table on the balcony. The air was warm, and the harbor shimmered under the city lights. Dan said grace. Everyone uttered, Amen. Then they dug into the spread of salmon, salad and mashed potatoes, and drained a bottle of wine.

On average, the Wicks tend to about 60 impaired travelers a year. About two-thirds are American, and nearly half stay with them. They still remember their first case from about eight years ago. A young woman ran out of money. They visited her at her hostel while she waited for a government loan to fund her trip home. Over the years, as more cruise lines have added Cartagena to their itineraries, the number of cases has ballooned. When the couple moved to town, about a dozen ships docked here; now a staggered parade of 225 vessels marches over from October to May. Back then, they didnt know much about medical procedures or the mechanics of travel insurance. Not so now.

On the day the hospital released Richard, the Wicks submitted a fit-to-fly form to the insurance company. They explained to the Adelsons that the company would arrange and cover their travel expenses to Philadelphia. However, the process could take several days. A second option: Pay out of pocket and fly back tomorrow.

I want him home, Barbara said.

Thats wise, Barit replied.

The next morning, Rosemary, Sue, Richard, Barbara and Brian all boarded the same flight to Miami.

Emotional attachment

Finally, a quiet day.

Though cruisers surged through town, there were no calamities or crises. I stopped by Adrianas jewelry shop, which was thick with tourists ogling emeralds. She invited me into her office, which was tucked behind the maze of glass cases.

Things were easier back then, she said of Cartagena in the mid-1980s. There werent that many tourists.

Adriana and Hortensia de la Rosa, her Colombian assistant and an honorary warden, receive three to four calls from the embassy a year. One oft-repeated story involved a mentally unstable mother who threatened to jump off a building. Another involved a bipolar man who succumbed to the darker elements of the city.

Some people have drug problems and hook up with prostitutes, she said.

Hortensia joined the conversation and shared a tragic tale about a young man and his uncle, who had taken him on a male-bonding trip. The 20-year-old, who had cocaine in his system, toppled off a 14th-floor balcony. His parents and grandparents flew down when he was in a coma. Hortensia helped them at the hospital, and later with repatriating the body of their loved one.

You get to know them, Hortensia said of the victims, and you cant avoid getting emotionally involved.

The attachments tug in both directions. Earlier in the week, she had told me about a family from New York who were traveling in a van to Barranquilla when it crashed. The husbands rib pierced his lung. Over the Christmas holiday weekend, Hortensia and Adriana tracked down a doctor who could operate on him immediately. During surgery, Hortensia held his wallet and clothes while waiting. Later that evening, she peered through the window of the recovery room. The American gave her a thumbs-up.

Hortensia paused the story and reached into her purse. She pulled out a crumpled letter. The typed note was from the American to the U.S. ambassador to Colombia. She pressed a tissue to her eyes as we read the note together. He wrote that Hortensia was there to help my family in any way she could. He proceeded to list those ways. He concluded with: That relationship produced real results for us. We will never forget.

A few months later, Hortensia and Adriana received a certificate of appreciation from the U.S. Embassy in Bogota. The accolade sits on a shelf in Adrianas office, framed and under glass.

A last look

On my last full day in Cartagena, I took a break from the hospital visits to explore Old Town, a walled labyrinth of Spanish colonial buildings and festive plazas. When I left the medical center, the Wicks had been translating pre-op instructions for the German sailor and were trying to locate a mandarin speaker for a Chinese crewman in the intensive care unit. I felt a twinge of guilt as I wandered in and out of shops and drank cup after cup of Colombian coffee. In the early evening, I received a text from the Wicks that they were finally leaving the hospital.

We met for dinner at an Italian restaurant in Getsemani, a spirited neighborhood emerging from a tawdry period. Over pasta and wine, we reviewed the patients of the week. Dan showed me an email from Sue, who thanked the couple for their help and hospitality. He shared a message from Brian, who wrote that he didnt know how his parents would have managed without them. Dan and Berit were touched by the gratitude, but they didnt linger long on the events. They knew that as each case closes, another one opens.

The next afternoon, they were planning on visiting a cruiser in a Barranquilla hospital. The man had pneumonia and no money. That was all the information they knew and, for their mission, all they needed to know.

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In a 1953 photo, the Rosenberg boys  Robert, left, and Michael  pose with their grandmother, Sophie Rosenberg, during a protest outside the White House. (AP)

On the day Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were scheduled to face the electric chair as convicted spies in June 1953, their sons, Michael and Robert, then 10 and 6, were told to go to a friends house and play baseball until dark.

When they walked back in the house that evening, Michael asked family members if his parents lives had been spared. When he didnt get a direct answer, he knew his worst fears had been realized.

It was just days after the two boys had protested at the White House and handed a letter to a security guard asking the president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, for clemency. The request hadnt been granted.

On Thursday morning, the two brothers  who took the last name of their adopted family, Meeropol  returned to the White House. Now 73 and 69, they approached the northwest gate with a letter addressed to President Obama asking that he issue a statement exonerating their mother, who they say was wrongly convicted and sentenced.

We are giving the United States government the chance to acknowledge the injustice done to our mother, Robert Meeropol said to a group of reporters and onlookers. This is a test to see if our government has the courage and commitment to true justice to acknowledge the terrible wrong it did to her and to us.

The brothers, who took the name of the family that adopted them, Meeropol, say their mother was wrongfully convicted and executed. Michael is on the left. ( Joe Heim/The Washington Post)

After 40 years of research and struggle, we are sharing with President Obama the fruits of that struggle and once again asking for presidential action, said his brother, Michael.

This time we are not merely advocates for our family, but for our country. It is never too late to learn from the mistakes of the past, he said.

Citing evidence that was unsealed last year, the brothers say their mother was not a spy and that she was convicted based on perjured testimony and judicial misconduct.

Our claim is that the trial of Ethel Rosenberg was a perversion of justice, Robert Meeropol said. The FBI files show that my mother was only arrested to use as a lever against her husband.

The Rosenbergs were arrested in 1950 and charged with conspiring to provide technical information about building an atomic bomb to the Soviet Union.

Ethel Rosenbergs brother, David Greenglass, who was working on the top-secret Manhattan Project at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, had been arrested earlier that year. He told investigators that his brother-in-law was a Soviet agent who had recruited him to steal classified information.

Initially, Greenglass told a grand jury that his sister was not involved in any espionage activities, but he later changed that story and said she typed up notes for her husband about the information Greenglass provided. That reversed testimony led to the charges against Ethel.

Many years later, Greenglass said he implicated his sister to protect himself and his wife.

The Rosenbergs trial began on March 6, 1951. They were convicted on March 29 and sentenced to death a few days later. Opposition to the sentence came from figures as varied as Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso and Pope Pius XII, who petitioned Eisenhower to spare the couples lives.

Michael Meeropol said Thursday that he remembers taking part in the White House protest 63 years ago and seeing a broad coalition of supporters and signs that said such things as The electric chair cant kill the doubts in the Rosenberg case.

He also remembers his brother asking, When are we going to see mommy and daddy? for many weeks after their parents died.

The brothers have fought for years to clear the Rosenbergs names. Although they admit that their father was a spy for the Soviet Union, they do not believe he passed along secrets about the atomic bomb, the crime for which he was tried and executed.

Their mother, they say, was not guilty of spying. They dismiss assertions made by some historians of their mothers guilt as absolutely absurd.
When Larry Stafford heard that Sen. Ulysses Currie was retiring and Curries wife was being floated as his replacement, the political activist thought: Here we go again.

Earlier this year, after the death of Del. James E. Proctor Jr. (D-Prince Georges), the county Democratic Committee nominated Proctors wife as his successor, urged on by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert). Stafford figured the same would happen with Shirley Gravely-Currie, 66, who appeared to have the support of Miller, Del. Dereck E. Davis (D-Prince Georges) and most of the county Senate delegation. And he wasnt happy about it.

Its not their seat, said Stafford, executive director of Progressive Maryland. Its the peoples seat.

This time, the central committee apparently agreed. Its members were bitterly divided over whether to support Gravely-

Currie or one of three other interested candidates: former delegate Melony G. Griffith and Dels. Darryl Barnes and Angela M. Angel, both of District 25. They would be expected to run for a full four-year term in 2018 if chosen for the seat.

On Tuesday, after weeks of acrimonious indecision, Ulysses Currie (D-Prince Georges) rescinded his resignation, saying he would rather stay in office an additional two years than have the committee appoint someone who would have a political advantage two years from now.

[Maryland state Sen. Ulysses Currie rescinds resignation]

The unusual sequence of events illustrates the growing willingness of Maryland Democrats to challenge their partys establishment, and the impact of that change on county politics.

For decades, when a statehouse seat became vacant, committee members from the affected county received phone calls from their state senators, telling them who they should nominate as a replacement. And support that person they did.

But when Currie announced his intent to step down after a 30-year career, Prince Georges committee members balked. It was the latest instance in which they have proven to be political upstarts, adamant about making their own decisions and questioning local Democratic leaders.

In September, the committee went against the will of most senators and voted not to endorse a position on ballot Question D, which asked voters to add two at-large seats to the nine-member County Council. The referendum, which was approved by the council and supported by party leaders, passed by a substantial margin on Election Day.

The committee members, elected two years ago, share some similarities with the freshman class in the Maryland House of Delegates, who have pushed back against the Democratic legislative leadership on issues ranging from which bills to support to who should take the lead in challenging Gov. Larry Hogan (R).

Despite a push from the majority of the senators who represent Prince Georges, many committee members wanted to fill Curries seat with someone other than his wife. Two people familiar with the process said Gravely-Currie was running third among the four candidates under consideration.

This is a new generation of the central committee, said committee member Belinda Queen-Howard, who represents District 25 and was supporting Griffith. Some were under the control of the county executive, some under the control of their senators. Now they realize they dont have the control of the votes.

One Democratic state senator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss party business, said, Theres been a little bit of a change in the times. The senator suggested that vacancies should be filled with special elections, rather than appointments.

Queen-Howard and others said they were frustrated by Curries decision to rescind his resignation and worried about whether the veteran lawmaker, whose health is declining and who has rarely spoken in public in recent months, will be able to finish the rest of the term.

When he announced his plans to resign, Currie, 79, cited his health challenges in a letter to Miller and said he can no longer serve with the strength and energy you all deserve.

Everybody knows his health is failing, Queen-Howard said. Im disappointed because I really wanted my senator to leave with respect and dignity. At this point, I dont think thats going to happen.

Stafford said he is proud that the committee took an anti-establishment stand rather than rubber stamping a vote for the political favorite.

Maybe this signals a decline of a certain era of Prince Georges County politics, he said.
Prince Georges County Council member Mel Franklin (D-Upper Marlboro) was charged with driving under the influence in an injury crash on Nov. 21. (Mark Gail/For The Washington Post)

Prince Georges County Council member Mel Franklin, who was charged with driving under the influence last week in a crash that injured two people, also damaged another government vehicle on two separate occasions four years ago, according to county records.

Franklin (D-Upper Marlboro) totaled a county-owned Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicle in a distracted-driving crash in 2012, the records show, two months after banging up the same vehicle in an incident that he did not report to police.

The more serious collision involved Franklin rear-ending a car on the Beltway and resulted in more than $33,000 in repair costs and losses to the government, according to damage reports. Neither crash was reported to the public when it occurred.

Franklin was behind the wheel of another county-issued SUV last week, late on the night of Nov. 21, when he allegedly plowed into the back of a sedan on Pennsylvania Avenue near Forestville. The driver and passenger from the sedan went to the hospital. Police said no one else was in Franklins vehicle.

The second-term council member was charged with driving under the influence after state troopers tested him and found he had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10, greater than the legal limit of 0.08. Police said Franklin was about 70 yards away from the Ford Explorer, in the median of the roadway, when they arrived at the scene.

This car was allegedly struck by an SUV driven by Prince Georges Council member Mel Franklin on Nov. 21. (TWP)

Franklin, 41, has not responded to repeated requests for comment. His attorney also declined to answer questions.

In Prince Georges County, lawmakers can be assigned a full-time car from the countys fleet of vehicles, or seek a travel stipend to cover the cost of driving their own cars on official business. The county vehicles are for work-related travel and incidental personal use.

County Council spokeswoman Karen Campbell said Thursday that because of his driving record, Franklin will no longer have access to the fleet.

The lawmaker was issued an SUV when he was elected to office in 2010, according to Roland Jones, director of the countys Office of Central Services. On Oct. 5, 2012, he was involved in a crash that damaged the SUVs front end and grill but was not reported to police. It cost the county about $1,500 to fix the vehicle.

On Dec. 5 of that year, about 7:30 p.m., Franklin slammed the SUV into the back of a GMC Yukon on the Beltway. He told state troopers he took his eyes off the road for a moment to change the radio station and did not receive a citation.

The countys body shop declared the vehicle a total loss, which cost the government $33,171.92 to replace, according to documents provided to The Washington Post.

Neither Franklin nor his attorney have said where he was headed at the time of each of the collisions.

Franklin at that point began to use his personal vehicle, Jones said. In May of this year, he asked for a county vehicle and was issued the SUV that was involved in the crash that led to the drunken-driving charge.

Campbell, the council spokeswoman, would not say whether Franklin needed approval to be assigned the SUV.

Franklin isnt the first Prince Georges elected official to get in trouble while driving a county-owned vehicle. In 2012, council member Karen R. Toles (D-Suitland) was clocked going more than 100 mph on the Beltway and charged with reckless driving. She avoided getting points on her drivers license by agreeing to be sentenced to probation before judgment after a two-hour trial before Anne Arundel District Court Judge Megan Johnson.

Toles still uses a take-home vehicle, Campbell said, as do council members Andrea C. Harrison (D-Springdale), Obie Patterson (D-Fort Washington), Todd M. Turner (D-Bowie) and Mary A. Lehman (D-Laurel). Council Chair Derrick Leon Davis (D-Mitchellville), vice-chair Dannielle M. Glaros (D-Riverdale Park) and council member Deni Taveras (D-Adelphi) receive the automobile allowance, Campbell said.

Other Washington-area jurisdictions appear to have more stringent policies on when elected lawmakers can use government vehicles.

Members of the Montgomery County Council drive their own cars and are reimbursed for mileage, officials there said. In Arlington County, board members and the appointed county manager have access to the countys fleet of vehicles on an as-needed basis, for county business only, spokeswoman Mary Curtius said.

Members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors do not have full-time access to vehicles but can reserve a car if needed for government business or work-related trips. The District of Columbia has a pool of two cars and a van that the 13-member council and its staffers share for official business only.

Prince Georges County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, who has a government-issued car and driver, said he has limited the number of people in the executive branch who have access to the fleet. He added that his administration does not police the council.

Its clearly within their purview to make the rules, Baker said. I think theyll look at the policies now and see if they need to be changed.

Lynh Bui, Peter Jamison, Antonio Olivo, Patricia Sullivan and Bill Turque contributed to this report.
Grant Tinker, right, with his then-wife Mary Tyler Moore in 1976. (Associated Press)

Grant Tinker, a television producer and network executive who ushered in a new era of sophisticated prime-time programming in the 1970s and 1980s, championing such well-received series as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Hill Street Blues, Cheers and The Cosby Show, and who turned around NBCs flagging fortunes in the early 1980s, died Nov. 28 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 90.

NBC announced his death. The cause was not disclosed.

Mr. Tinker, who began his career at NBC during the dawn of the television era, later became an advertising executive who helped develop The Dick Van Dyke Show in the early 1960s. Several years after he married the sitcoms co-star, Mary Tyler Moore, the two founded a production company, MTM Enterprises, that launched some of televisions most honored and successful programs.

Their first effort, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, debuted on CBS in 1970 and featured the personal and professional misadventures of a single woman working in a TV newsroom. The groundbreaking series, which brought the concerns of working women to prime-time television, went on to win 29 Emmy Awards during its seven seasons.

Three of the shows spinoffs, Rhoda, Lou Grant and Phyllis, became critical and commercial hits, along with other MTM sitcoms such as The Bob Newhart Show, about a Chicago psychologist, and WKRP in Cincinnati, about the staff of a Top-40 radio station.

Grant Tinker with former wife Mary Tyler Moore in 1997. (Chris Pizzello/Associated Press)

Other producers, most notably Norman Lear with All in the Family, were stretching televisions sense of social awareness in the early 1970s. But Mr. Tinker, as president of MTM, was widely credited with bringing high standards and an upscale sensibility to prime time.

For two different decades, he defined smart, independent producing on television, first at CBS and later at NBC, Ron Simon, curator of television and radio at the Paley Center for Media in New York, said in an interview. He didnt interfere with creativity. He gave total freedom to his writers and producers and helped define television as a writers medium.

Mr. Tinker often said his only talent was finding talented people and letting them do their jobs. Among those he hired were writers James Brooks and Allan Burns, who were crucial to the success of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Steven Bochco, the creator of Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law.

Grant gave us blanket approval of anything we wanted to do, not just autonomy, but support, Brooks told Time magazine in 1981. Hes a pragmatist with a passion for quality.

After his success at MTM, Mr. Tinker was named chairman of NBC in 1981. NBC was in last place among the three major broadcast networks of the time and was in such bad shape that its parent company, RCA, was thinking of selling it or shuttering it altogether.

Mr. Tinker took a patient approach, renewing shows that didnt immediately find an audience, such as Bochcos gritty police drama Hill Street Blues and the hospital show St. Elsewhere  both produced by MTM. Despite dismal early ratings, he renewed Cheers, a comedy set in a Boston neighborhood bar, and Family Ties, about aging hippies raising children in the 1980s. All became long-running hits.

He revamped NBCs news operation and added prime-time blockbusters to the lineup, such as L.A. Law, the stylish detective series Miami Vice and, especially, The Cosby Show. The Cosby sitcom was the breakout No. 1 hit and established the networks must-see TV comedy block on Thursdays for decades to come.

Grant Tinker, right, and Mary Tyler Moore in 1973. (AP/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

By the end of 1985, Mr. Tinker had transformed NBC from an industry laughingstock to TVs most-watched network. Johnny Carson and David Letterman ruled late-night television, and Today had become the No. 1 morning show.

All five Emmy nominees for best comedy series in 1987 were developed under Mr. Tinkers watch at NBC: Cheers, The Cosby Show, Family Ties, The Golden Girls and Night Court. (The winner was The Golden Girls, about four older women sharing a home in Florida.)

Mr. Tinker also improved NBCs bottom line from $48 million in profits in 1981  a quarter of CBSs profits  to more than $400 million in 1986.

That year, NBCs parent company was taken over by General Electric, and Mr. Tinker left the network. In a 1994 autobiography, Tinker in Television, Mr. Tinker deflected credit for his own good fortune.

I just had the good luck to be around people who did the kind of work that the audience appreciates, he said at the time. The success just rubbed off on me.

Grant Almerin Tinker was born Jan. 11, 1926, in Stamford, Conn. His father ran a lumber business.

He served in the Army Air Forces during World War II and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1949. He then joined NBC in New York, working in the mailroom, before moving into advertising.

After helping develop The Dick Van Dyke Show, which aired on CBS, he returned to NBC as a vice president of television programming in 1961. He and Moore were married in 1963, six years before they formed MTM, along with a third partner, Arthur Price.

Mr. Tinkers first marriage, to Ruth Byerly, ended in divorce. He and Moore divorced in 1981. Survivors include his third wife, Brooke Knapp; four children from his first marriage; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After leaving NBC, Mr. Tinker formed a production company with the Gannett newspaper publishing conglomerate, but the only noteworthy success was the show Baywatch.

His production company folded in 1990 but Mr. Tinker kept a wary eye on television, admiring some shows and holding others (reality shows, in particular) in contempt for lack of redeeming social value.

Even when he was leading NBC, Mr. Tinker fondly recalled the heady days when he, Moore and others were developing new shows at MTM.

Ill always rather be a programmer, he said in 1984. At MTM, we were doing just the things we chose to do, and having some success. It was the best of all worlds. I didnt have to wear a tie, and I never wore real shoes.
This car in Burtonsville, Md., was spray-painted with the word Trump. Another had racist written on it. (Montgomery County Police)

Authorities are investigating possible biased-based vandalism after three cars were spray-painted with swastikas and derogatory words, according to Montgomery County Police.

Officers were called to a Burtonsville home in the 3000 block of Spencerville Road at about 6:25 a.m. on Wednesday for the report of vandalism, police said.

The homeowner reported waking up and discovering three cars in the familys driveway spray-painted with symbols, the word racist and other words related to the homeowners possible political affiliation, police said.

One of the photos released by police shows the word Trump spray-painted on one of the cars with something blurred out underneath in the image.

The homeowners political beliefs likely motivated the vandalism, police said, though authorities did not detail how a bystander would know the homeowners political leanings.

A swastika was spray-painted on a car. (Montgomery County Police)

Police are asking anyone with information about this case to call 240-773-6870 or, to remain anonymous, 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $10,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.
Authorities said a pursuit ended with a man reversing his car into a police cruiser. Police said he had a gun and while officers tried to arrest him, an officers weapon was fired, but no one was injured. (Prince George's County Police Department)

Authorities said a brief pursuit of a man, who was reportedly driving his car around Maryland and shooting a weapon Wednesday night, ended with gunfire and an arrest.

No one was injured, police said.

The pursuit began in Capitol Heights, Md., around 4:30 p.m. and ended in Southeast Washington. Authorities said an officer fired his weapon as he was trying to arrest the man.

Officers, who approached the mans car in the 5200 block of Southern Avenue SE, spotted a gun in the mans lap, said a Prince Georges County police spokesman. The mans name was not released.

[An 11-year-old played Grand Theft Auto  then led police on a high-speed chase in the family car]

The incident began shortly after police received a 911 call about a man shooting a weapon in the area of Urn Street and Nova Avenue in Capitol Heights. When officers found the car, they tried to make a traffic stop, but the driver took off.

Authorities later caught up with the car. At one point, police said the man reversed his car into a police cruiser and hit it. Shortly after he was taken into custody, a D.C. police spokesman said.
Police have identified a Maryland man who was found shot to death on a street in Prince Georges County on Wednesday.

At about 6:40 a.m., officers responded to the 5300 block of Crittenden Street in Bladensburg to check on the welfare of a man in the road, the Prince Georges County Police Department said in a statement. They found 40-year-old Ramiro Moya of Crittenden Street suffering from a gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are searching for a motive and suspects in the shooting. They have asked anyone with information to contact them at 301-772-4925, or visit pgcrimesolvers.com.
Police said Wednesday that they have arrested a second man in connection with a 2015 shooting in Southwest Washington.

On July 23, 2015, about 4:55 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Darrington Street SW for a reported shooting, D.C. police said in a statement. They found 25-year-old Isiah Agyekum of Southwest suffering from gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital, where he died, the statement said.

[Virginia man charged with murder in 2015 D.C. shooting]

Last month, police said they arrested 23-year-old Turell Campbell in the District in the shooting. Campbell, of Portsmouth, Va., was charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Police said they arrested 23-year-old Marquete Murray, of District Heights, Md., Wednesday. Murray was also charged with first-degree murder while armed, police said.
Police said Thursday that they have arrested three men in a shooting in Manassas last week.

About 1:05 a.m. Nov. 25, officers responded to the 9200 block of Byrd Drive for a reported shooting, Manassas City police said in a statement. They found 44-year-old Jose Tomas Velasquez of Manassas shot twice in the abdomen, and he was transported to a hospital, where he died, the statement said.

After linking a vehicle involved in the homicide to a crime in Culpeper, Va., according to the statement, police arrested Daiquan Lamar Thompson, 18, of Centreville on Wednesday. He is charged with second-degree murder and robbery in an unrelated incident. Also arrested was Bobby Lewis Thomas, 21, of Manassas, who is charged with accessory after the fact to second-degree murder.

On Thursday, police arrested 18-year-old Desmond Cordell Woodson of Manassas Park; he is charged with second-degree murder.

In a videotaped statement, the Manassas City police chief, Douglas W. Keen, said Velasquez was leaving a Thanksgiving celebration when he got into a confrontation with two of the three men who were arrested. Those two men were picked up by a vehicle and fled the area, he said.

Our prayers . . . go out to the Velasquez family, the chief said. He was a hard worker, contributed to this community and was well known.

A prayer vigil for Velasquez is scheduled for Thursday night, the chief said.
Authorities are investigating a multiple shooting Wednesday night in Baltimore. Six people were hit, and two of those victims died, a police spokesman said.

Police were called to the scene around 6 p.m. in the area of Duvall Avenue and Garrison Boulevard, in northwest Baltimore.

T.J. Smith, a Baltimore police spokesman, said a lone shooter who was traveling on foot, came around a corner and started shooting people outside a grocery store. Smith added that authorities are investigating whether the shooting might be linked to a slaying that happened in recent days.

There were some crimes recently in the area, Smith said, and he added that we do believe that the violence Wednesday was possibly connected to an earlier incident.

Its despicable that were talking about two more men that are dead, one more thats in critical condition and six people being shot, he said.

Five of the victims were men and one was a woman. One man died on the scene and a second man died at a local hospital. A third man was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, he said.
A Virginia man police say set his girlfriend on fire last month before fleeing was arrested in the Richmond area Thursday, a day after the woman died.

Fairfax County police reported the arrest in a case that began Nov. 19 at about 1:40 a.m., when authorities responded to a residence in the 4900 block of Keeler Court for the report of a house fire and a disorderly man.

[Virginia woman, 64, set on fire during argument, police say]

Firefighters extinguished the blaze and discovered that 64-year-old Delores Williams of Alexandria had been badly burned. She had argued with her live-in boyfriend, Lewis Edward Reeder, and he set her on fire, Fairfax police previously said.

Williams died of her injuries at a hospital on Wednesday, Sherman Williams, her cousin, said.

On Thursday, Fairfax County Police said Reeder was apprehended at around 6:15 p.m. somewhere in the Richmond area and is in custody in Richmond, though they said they did not immediately know which law enforcement agency arrested him.

Reeder was arrested after authorities near Richmond received a tip and pinged Reeders phone, a spokeswoman for Fairfax Police said, and he was arrested without incident.

Reeder was being sought for aggravated malicious wounding, police said, although they added that additional charges are possible

Sherman Williams said his cousin, who retired from the Environmental Protection Agency, was a generous person who helped raise his nephew after his sister died.

She was a wonderful person, he said. She loved to cook, she loved family, she took care of family.

He also said she started seeing Reeder two or three years ago after her former partner died. She was trying to make something out of nothing with this guy, he said.

Victoria St. Martin contributed to this report.
Richard Spencer, the face of a white-nationalist group that gained notoriety and momentum after Donald Trumps election, has been allowed by the federal government to operate his nonprofit organization in financial secrecy for the past three years.

Spencers think tank, the National Policy Institute, has not filed financial returns with the federal government since 2013, according to a database of nonprofit records. That has allowed the institute to avoid public scrutiny at a time when the alt-right  the term Spencer coined to describe a movement seeking a whites-only state  has garnered international attention.

The institute is a public charity that relies heavily on contributions. The Internal Revenue Service almost always requires organizations such as his, which are exempt from paying taxes, to file returns that detail where the money comes from and how it is spent.

[Lets party like its 1933: Inside the alt-right world of Richard Spencer]

But  for reasons the IRS has declined to explain  the organization has been categorized among those not obligated to file any returns whatsoever, according to an examination by The Washington Post. Tax experts asked to review the case by The Post said they believed the classification is erroneous and should be fixed.

Thats absolutely a mistake, said Chuck McLean, a senior research fellow at GuideStar, which collects millions of nonprofit records. There is absolutely no reason to believe thats correct.

It remains unclear how this happened, but nonprofit analysts say the IRS probably made the error.

An IRS spokesman would not comment, citing federal privacy law.

Spencer said he did not know whether his organization had filed returns with the IRS in recent years, and he could not explain why the institute was not required to provide the documents, known as Form 990s.

This whole idea that we dont need to turn in 990s is definitely news to me. I give this responsibility to others, he said. Ignorance is not an excuse, but I am really ignorant about this stuff.

Three white-nationalist nonprofits similar in size and mission  the VDare Foundation, the New Century Foundation and the Charles Martel Society  are all obligated to file returns with the IRS.

After being contacted by The Post, Spencer said he talked to his accountant, who is now preparing to release the missing records Monday, though it remains unclear when or if the institute will provide them to federal authorities for review.

Philip Hackney, who formerly worked in the IRS chief counsels office, said that even if the government made the mistake, Spencers organization is not free from responsibility.

I dont think the fact that the IRS improperly coded them should absolve them of a duty to file the Form 990, Hackney, a Louisiana State University law professor, wrote in an email. They certainly should have been able to make that determination on their own.

Spencer would not discuss whether the institute had ever informed the IRS of the apparent error.

I dont want to jeopardize us in any way by saying something wrong, he said.

Groups that monitor Spencer and other white nationalists were unaware that the IRS does not demand that his organization file returns, and they objected when they found out.

If theyre going to claim tax breaks for their donors, we should know where the money is coming from and what the money is being spent on, said Southern Poverty Law Center spokeswoman Heidi Beirich. Its important for the IRS to hold them to the same standard they hold the rest of us.

Marilyn Mayo of the Anti-Defamation League echoed that opinion.

Its quite surprising, she said, that no ones really brought this to the attention of the public . . . or tax authorities.

The IRSs master list of tax-exempt organizations, GuideStar said, indicates that since 2007 the institute has not been required to file returns, but it did so until three years ago, when it provided a record of its 2012 financial activity. The document noted the organizations total revenue ($125,325) and where that money came from; a breakdown of its expenses ($123,219); its program service accomplishments (a conference in Seattle, the development of a website, the publication of a book and a journal). It also asked for answers to questions such as whether the institute had engaged in any lobbying or political campaigning.

Before this years presidential campaign, Spencer and his fellow alt-right members had promoted their pro-white ideals mostly in online obscurity.

But Trumps rhetoric on undocumented immigrants, Muslims and political correctness deeply resonated with them  and helped introduce their cause to the mainstream. Though the president-elect denounced the alt-right last week, its adherents had celebrated his victory and his announcement that the chief White House strategist would be former Breitbart chairman Stephen K. Bannon, who once called his website the platform for the alt-right.

A recent conference hosted by the institute drew scrutiny when a video of Spencer shouting Hail Trump!  and the Nazi salutes it elicited  went viral.

The night before, at a private dinner for conference attendees, Spencer had joked that they should party like its 1933, referencing the year Adolf Hitler was appointed Germanys chancellor.

The organization, Spencer said, has continued to generate about $100,000 a year in revenue, though the torrent of publicity over the past month has prompted an uptick in donations. The $80,000 cost of the conference, he said, was mostly covered by admission fees.

Spencer talks often of his goal to open an office in Washington, but the missing returns could at least temporarily disrupt the institutes financial future.

Marc Owens, the former head of the IRS nonprofit division, explained that if the agency corrects the classification error, an automated system will see that the institute has not filed a 990 for three consecutive years, triggering the revocation of its tax-exempt status.

Theyd have to call back to complain, he said.

Regardless of when the returns are filed, Owens added, the public may not see the IRS-approved versions for up to a year.

The incident, he asserted, further indicts his former employer, which he and others have long argued should not be in charge of supervising nonprofits.

It suggests some real weaknesses in IRS oversight, he said. I think, frankly, it shows that the system is broken.

If the IRS had for so long neglected to properly monitor an organization as extreme as Spencers, Owens wondered, what else might the agency be missing?
Jack Evans, chairman of the Metro board , and some of his colleagues are being criticized for their political rhetoric. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe blasted Metros board as a joke Wednesday over a proposal to cancel the Silver Line, and his transportation secretary called for board members to adopt a lower profile, saying their political rhetoric is hurting the system.

Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne, speaking at a regional transportation forum in Arlington, said Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld should serve as the public voice of the agency.

[Metro board members suggests killing Silver Line in apparent bid to pressure Va. ]

Although Layne didnt initially name names, he said afterward that Jack Evans, the Metro boards chairman and a D.C. Council member, who was sitting in the front row, was among those he was criticizing, along with board member Corbett A. Price, who also represents the District.

McAuliffe (D) and Layne also rejected calls from Evans (D) and other District officials to quickly push for a regionwide sales tax or other dedicated funding source for Metro. They said Virginia would contribute more money to the transit system only after seeing a detailed, long-term plan for fixing the agencys problems.

Metro board member Corbett Price has said the agency should cancel the Silver Line to save money. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)

Evans and other D.C. officials responded that Metros financial condition is so dire that it cant afford to wait. They said Virginia and the rest of the region already have all the information they need.

The pointed exchanges between the two jurisdictions highlight the political and economic divisions within the Metro board and the region as they struggle to repair the aging system, along with its finances and governance structure.

The 16-member board was nearly paralyzed last year after several newcomers, including Evans, pushed for a shake-up of the system. The board regained momentum after hiring Wiedefeld as general manager a year ago, but rifts have opened again over service hours, funding and board structure.

Price triggered the latest dust-up Tuesday when he said Metro should consider canceling the Silver Line extension in Northern Virginia to save money. If Virginia wants to complete the extension, he said, it ought to support a regionwide sales tax, as D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) has urged.

Evans expressed support for Prices idea, which drew a withering response from McAuliffe. Speaking on WTOPs Ask the Governor program, McAuliffe said Metro board members dont have a clue what theyre talking about.

[Virginia Gov. McAuliffe rips Metro boards political theater]

McAuliffe faulted board members for engaging in goofy, naive political theater and yakking at the press when they should be focusing on how to fix the system.

The governor said he understands the need for a dedicated source to fund Metros operations and maintenance but is reluctant to offer any funding until he has a clear idea of how it will be used.

Come to me with a comprehensive long-term plan, tell me what the cost is going to be and I will be your greatest advocate, he said. But people throw out numbers  as I say, you dont go to your legislature with half-baked plans. You cant.

McAuliffe also said that the boards governance structure stinks and that he would be open to proposals for changing how the transit system is governed.

[There are four proposals to save Metro. Which might prevail?]

Layne made his comments faulting board members at the forum organized by the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Other speakers at the event included Wiedefeld; Leif Dormsjo, the Districts transportation director; and Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn.

Were not comfortable at any level with what weve been hearing out of the board, quite frankly, Layne said. We believe that Paul [Wiedefeld] is the one that brings the most credibility.

He said Metro needs calm heads, real solutions, instead of political expediency and threats.

Evans responded during the question-and-answer period, saying he has spoken out forcefully to stir concern about Metro. A high-profile chairman, he has repeatedly pressed for billions of dollars of fresh funding for Metro and for streamlining the boards structure to make it more effective.

I volunteered for this job, Evans said. My passion is to get Metro fixed. Over the last year and a half, my goal was to bring the regions awareness of the dire situation we face to everyones attention, because there was a view that Metro would take care of itself, that everything was fine.

He continued: At least at this point, everybody realizes thats not the case.

Asked later about Virginias criticisms, Evans again defended Price for suggesting that Metro should not extend the Silver Line given that its operations would add to the agencys deficit.

In analyzing what Corbett said, he is a turnaround specialist. He is not a joke, Evans said.

If you are running a core business that is failing  thats Metro; were losing $900 million a year  would you continue to expand that business? Thats all that Corbett is saying. Thats not an unreasonable thing to bring up, Evans said.

Virginia officials said it would be self-destructive to cancel the $5.8 billion Silver Line extension, the second phase of which extends the line to Dulles International Airport and into Loudoun County. Phase 2, which is scheduled to open in 2020, is almost half-built, and cancellation would break contracts, draw lawsuits and snarl development plans along a key corridor in Fairfax and Loudoun counties.

The Silver Line is going to get built, Layne said. To suggest otherwise is obviously political rhetoric, he added.

Metro is not building or paying for construction of the Silver Line, but it is responsible for operating it. Price said that killing the extension would save about $100 million in operating costs over two fiscal years beginning in mid-2018.

Dormsjo joined Evans and Price in urging fast action to raise money for Metro. He said Virginia and Maryland should pass legislation in the General Assembly sessions beginning in January to allow their Washington suburbs to tax themselves to support Metro.

I dont think we have the luxury of an additional 12 months to contemplate the future of Metro, said Dormsjo, who also is a Metro board member.

Marylands Rahn took a position close to Virginias, saying its a long road before Gov. Larry Hogan (R) could decide whether to support allowing Montgomery and Prince Georges counties to tax themselves for Metro.

There needs to be a lot of refinement for that conversation to move forward, Rahn said. Im not sure that expecting something like that to pass this legislative session would be a reasonable expectation.

But Rahn disclosed that Marylands thinking is closer to the Districts than to Virginias regarding another key issue  changing Metros governance structure.

Virginia has said its necessary to revise Metros compact, the founding document that dictates the funding and governing structure. The District has instead said that a debate over the compact would distract from the more important priority of obtaining dedicated funding.

Rahn said changes to the compact would be very difficult and added, I just dont see that as a productive area for us to be working in.

At the same time, he acknowledged that the current disputes highlight the difficulties of three jurisdictions coming together.

In a related development, Board of Trade President James C. Dinegar said regional business leaders plan to increase their advocacy to pressure elected leaders to support increased funding for Metro. You will see an enhanced role from the business community, not just weighing in on this but pushing this on a faster track, Dinegar said.

To overcome disagreements among top business groups over the best way forward, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, or COG, plans to invite them to meet to agree on a common strategy.

We must have a unified approach in order to succeed, COG Chairman Roger Berliner said.


The Confederate memorial statue Appomattox at the intersection of South Washington and Prince streets. (Dayna Smith/The Washington Post)

Alexandrias dramatic attempt to revisit its Civil War-era history appears to have stalled, two months after the city council voted to remove the name of Jefferson Davis from a major highway and move a controversial statue of a Confederate soldier from a busy Old Town intersection.

State legislators who represent the city told the council Tuesday night that they wont introduce a bill in Richmond to relocate the Appomattox statue because to do so would diminish their effectiveness on other issues.

As for the proposed renaming of Jefferson Davis Highway, city officials have yet to announce how they will solicit community suggestions on what to call the roadway, although city spokesman Craig Fifer says he hopes to have a process in place by the end of December.

The all-Democratic council voted unanimously in September to rename the roadway and try to move the statue.

The depiction of the south-facing Confederate soldier, unarmed and in mourning for his dead comrades, conjures up something I cannot agree with. I cannot support it, council member John Taylor Chapman, who is African American, said at the time. Because [Confederates] would have continued the enslavement of people who look like me.

On Wednesday, Chapman  who has since started a tour company that focuses on freed slaves in Alexandria  said he was disappointed that state lawmakers would not seek permission to move the statue from the Republican-majority General Assembly.

What we heard last night is they dont want to go forward with it for political reasons, because it would hurt their personal standing, he said.

State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D), the senior local legislator, told the council that there was no reason to think the legislature would approve an exemption from a state law that prohibits the relocation of war memorials.

It wouldnt help us advance the rest of our priorities, and its not a productive use of our time, Ebbin said.

Del. Charniele Herring (D) agreed, adding that there is no legal basis for requesting an exemption. Del. Mark Levine (D) said that after the councils vote, he received about a dozen calls opposing the statues move and none in favor.



After the Alexandria City Council voted to try to move the Appomattox statue out of this intersection, someone posted a sign on its base calling the lawmakers cowards. (Linda Kramer Jenning)

Ebbin had earlier signaled the unlikelihood of getting such a bill through the legislature, calling it a non-starter unless the United Daughters of the Confederacy, which owns the statue, would publicly back the idea of moving it. Mayor Allison Silberberg (D), who met with the groups local president, said the organization would not take such a stance.

Alexandrias city attorney has said that moving the 1889 statue therefore may require that state law be changed or rescinded  an unlikely prospect given that the legislature passed a bill early this year to strengthen that law.

However, the bill was vetoed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), whose spokesman said Wednesday that it is the governors position that dispositions of these monuments are up to the cities and counties to do with them as they see fit.

A task force is working on a statewide guide on how communities can do that, McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy said.

The statue has long been a sore point for some Alexandria residents, who say it glorifies the army that fought to retain slavery in the Civil War. Others call it a legitimate historical marker, occupying the spot where a local regiment mustered to retreat from the city just before Union troops seized Alexandria in 1861.

The council had proposed moving the statue a total of about 20 feet, from the middle of the intersection of Washington and Prince streets to the lawn of the Lyceum, a local history museum.

Although that proposal may be stalled, Silberberg said Wednesday that the renaming of Jefferson Davis Highway  the name given by the state to U.S. Route 1 in the 1930s to honor the president of the Confederacy  is moving ahead.

In Alexandria, the name is used on street signs north of First Street, although the highway splits into Patrick Street and Henry Street in the heart of the city. Fairfax County, south of Alexandria, calls the road Richmond Highway, while Arlington has retained the Confederate name.

Alexandrias council batted around a few renaming options in September, including Richmond Highway, Patrick Henry Highway and others, but ultimately decided to seek suggestions from residents.

Only about five people offered ideas right after the vote, Fifer said. But more ideas will be solicited once a formal process is in place.

Were asking if you could rename Jefferson Davis Highway, what would it be called? Here are some of the submissions weve received so far.

William Tecumseh Sherman Highway

-Stephen from Alexandria

Richmond Highway - because it neither honors nor offends anyone

- Dan from Falls Church

Freedom Highway

-Craig from Fairfax

Robert E. Lee Memorial Highway

-Nick from Alexandria

Patrick Henry Street (Non-controversial, simple continuation of Patrick and Henry Streets.)

-Dylan from Alexandria

Barack Obama Highway (instead of the Confederate President, name it after the first African American President)

-Beth from Arlington
The remains of the Roaring Fork Baptist Church and a nearby home destroyed in the wildfire in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Dec. 6, 2016 The remains of the Roaring Fork Baptist Church and a nearby home destroyed in the wildfire in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Bonnie Jo Mount/Washington Post

A wildfire has struck the Chimney Tops mountain and the resort city of Gatlinburg.

A wildfire has struck the Chimney Tops mountain and the resort city of Gatlinburg.

A wildfire has struck the Chimney Tops mountain and the resort city of Gatlinburg.

The deadly wildfires that engulfed two Tennessee tourist towns leading into Great Smoky Mountains National Park left at least seven dead and hundreds of buildings damaged or destroyed, officials said late Wednesday as the terrible toll of the fires began to take focus.

At least 53 people were treated for injuries at hospitals, though their conditions were not known. The fires that raced down the mountains into the resort towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this week are estimated to have damaged or destroyed more than 700 homes and businesses  nearly half of them in Gatlinburg.

Park Superintendent Cassius Cash said late Wednesday afternoon that the fire was likely to be human-caused.

There were numerous new blazes overnight Tuesday, according to officials  most of them brush fires. First responders were also struggling with small mudslides and rock slides, as the lush foliage that once held the ground in place has burned away.

Park officials estimated that about 16,000 acres had burned by Wednesday afternoon.

Michael Luciano captured video of the wildfire burning north of the Great Smoky Mountains as he tried to flee to safety in the early morning of Nov. 29. Luciano and a fellow passenger were escaping Chalet Village in the town of Gatlinburg, Tenn., as flames tore down trees and cabins alongside the road. (Facebook/Michael Luciano)

Search-and-rescue efforts were ongoing Wednesday in the charred mountains, but some areas throughout Sevier County remained unreachable, authorities said. The Red Cross and state police both launched a service to try to reunite those who were separated; the number of those missing is not clear.

The Knoxville News Sentinels online bulletin board had notations with photos for 10 people.

Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said rescuers found three people who had been trapped since the fires started spreading wildly in high winds on Monday night. The mayor said the three were in good shape.

That is some good, positive news for a change, he said.

Gatlinburg Police Chief Randall Brackins said rescuers have searched about 30 percent or less of the town so far.

More than 14,000 people were evacuated from Gatlinburg on Monday night, and many of them are still nervously awaiting word of when they can get back into the town to see whether they still have homes.

Were going to be okay, Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner reassured locals repeatedly throughout the news conference Wednesday morning. He said the town could reopen later this week, after the fires forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists. Tourism powers much of the economy of both towns nestled amid the Smokies.

A raging wildfire spread into downtown Gatlinburg, Tenn., on Nov. 28 and 29. Onlookers and residents captured images of the leaping flames and smoke-filled skies as police issued evacuation orders. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Elsewhere in the state, two died and more than two dozen were injured as deadly tornadoes struck, many of them in McMinn County, in the southeastern part of the state.

More than 20 tornadoes were reported to the National Weather Service overnight Tuesday across the Southeast.

Angela Fritz contributed to this report.
Dinah Bazer, seen at her home in Brooklyn, said participating in the NYU psilocybin trial was a life-changing experience. (Sasha Arutyunova/For The Washington Post)

A single dose of psilocybin, the long-banned active compound in magic mushrooms, significantly reduced anxiety, depression and the fear of death among cancer patients for months at a time, according to two studies published Thursday.

Eighty people in separate clinical trials at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and New York University Langone Medical Center were given psilocybin under close supervision. The vast majority experienced an increase in optimism, a feeling of connection with other people, and mystical and spiritual experiences. The effects persisted through the six-month follow-up period.

The research, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, is the latest to suggest that psilocybin and other hallucinogenic drugs might be beneficial for people with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and drug, alcohol or tobacco addictions.

[3 cancer patients explain how psychedelics eased their fears]

Craig Blinderman, a palliative care expert at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center who was not involved in the research, called the results groundbreaking. If they are confirmed, he said, psilocybin could become a powerful tool in easing existential distress in people with life-threatening cancer and other diseases.

Researchers at NYU's Langone Medical Center explain their research giving cancer patients suffering from anxiety or depression a dose of psilocybin, the drug found in "magic mushrooms." (New York University Langone Medical Center)

Other scientists cautioned that psilocybin and other hallucinogens can be unpredictable.

For Dinah Bazer, a 69-year-old Brooklyn resident, the NYU trial was a life-changing experience. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May 2010, she was treated successfully but really went nuts worrying that the cancer would return, she said.

In the fall of 2012, she was given psilocybin  though at the time she was not told whether she was getting the drug or a placebo  and stretched out on a couch listening to music under the watchful eye of two therapists. Soon, she said, she saw a black mass, like a giant lump of coal under her rib  her fear. Erupting in anger, she shouted, Get the f---out! I wont be eaten alive!

[A consumers guide to the hottest field in cancer treatments]

Later during the experience, Bazer, an atheist, said she felt bathed in Gods love. She said she has not worried about a return of the cancer since.

The Hopkins and NYU studies had some differences but produced almost identical results. Roland Griffiths, a psychopharmacologist who led the Hopkins study, said the key finding  that a single dose of psilocybin produced enduring relief  represented a possible new model for treating other psychiatric ailments. Psychiatrist Stephen Ross, who led the NYU study, said it is critical to find new treatments for anguished cancer patients because such distress is linked to increased rates of suicide and decreased survival.

In both studies, about 80 percent of participants said the psilocybins effects lasted for at least several months; more than 70 percent said the experiences were among the most meaningful of their lives. They reported no serious side effects.

In almost a dozen opinion pieces accompanying the studies, other researchers called for stepped-up research on hallucinogens. Its time to take psychedelic treatments in psychiatric and oncology seriously as we did in the 1950s and 1960s, which means we need to go back to the future, wrote David Nutt, a psychiatrist at Imperial College London.

Joshua Gordon, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, called the research fascinating. He added that anything that has that dramatic effect is worth looking at carefully. But he also said that it was important to proceed cautiously because sometimes people will try things on their own to see if it works, and thats something you want to avoid.

Others expressed additional concerns. Glen Hanson, a pharmacologist who is the director of the Utah Addiction Center at the University of Utah, warned that the drug is unpredictable and could cause extreme anxiety, even psychosis. Psychobiologist Bertha Madras of Harvard Medical School worried about medicalizing the drug.

We are already seeing a national epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, she said. And if we medicalize another group of drugs, one has to weigh the cost-benefit equation to society. Will people think this is a safe drug . . . but will it, in fact, be a plague on society?

Griffiths and Ross, the study leaders, said psilocybin is not addictive but agreed that it should not be used outside clinical trials, where participants are carefully screened.

[In a first, U.S. trial to test Cuban lung-cancer vaccine]

Both trials  NYU had 29 participants, and Hopkins had 51  used synthetic psilocybin. The studies were randomized, and neither the patients nor their monitors knew who was receiving the drug and who was getting the placebo. Several weeks after the first dosing, participants received whatever treatment they had not received the first time.

Griffiths said he tried to minimize the placebo effect  in which patients perceive an improvement from an inactive treatment  by using a low dose of psilocybin as the placebo and a high dose as the treatment medication. The patients knew they would get psilocybin both times, but didnt know the doses. He said there was such a large difference in the results that he didnt think the placebo effect was a problem. NYU used niacin, a B vitamin known to produce a rush, as the placebo.

Psilocybin attracted intense interest from researchers in the 1950s and 1960s, but the work was shut down when the drug was banned under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. Today, it is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose.

In the past decade or so, research has slowly resumed, funded mostly by nonprofits and advocates who believe in psilocybins therapeutic value. The Hopkins and NYU studies, for example, were largely paid for by the Heffter Research Institute, a New Mexico nonprofit. George Greer, Heffters medical director, said the group was working with a nonprofit institute in Wisconsin to try to move the drug into larger, Phase 3 trials that would be required to receive Food and Drug Administration approval.

Petra, a 63-year-old Seattle resident who spoke on the condition that her last name not be used for privacy, was treated for ovarian cancer and, like Bazer, was worried it would recur. But during her treatment with psilocybin, she said, she calmed down.

I felt an acceptance of the world as it is and myself as I am, she said. She learned new ways to handle stress, such as meditation. Two years later, when doctors saw a suspicious lesion and suggested surgery, she urged them to wait, saying it was unlikely to be cancer  which turned out to be correct. The psilocybin had knocked back my anxiety almost completely, she said.
Zimbabwes leather exports depend on good animal husbandry

Zimbabwe

In an official report to Zimtrade, Zimbabwe's Trade Development and Promotion Organisation, an expert non-profit organisation based in The Netherlands has advised tanners and leather goods manufacturers in Zimbabwe that improving husbandry is a key to developing the sectors export potential.

Hans Akkerman, Sector Coordinator Textile & Leather Industry and Consumer Products at PUM Netherlands Senior Experts, is collaborating with ZimTrade to conduct a scoping exercise of the leather sector in Zimbabwe.

Having over 40 years experience in advising manufacturers in the EU and South America on Strategy, Organisation, Marketing and Technology, Akkerman told local companies that intend to penetrate the export market that it is essential to improve their processes in order to produce quality products, to gain and maintain a sustained competitive advantage and market presence internationally.

Some manufacturers have told Zimtrade the quality of their finished products is being compromised by the low quality of locally-produced finished leather. According to Hakkerman, one of the keys to the process is to improve animal the countrys husbandry practices so that the hides collected are of a premium quality for use in the tanning industry.

According to ZimTrade, global imports of leather products and footwear increased from US$123 billion in 2011 to US$132 billion in 2015, with handbags and leather seats up 33% and 15%, respectively. Zimbabwes exports of footwear increased from US$1.3 million in 2011 to US$2 million in 2015.

Sources: ZBC/NewsDay
Say what you want about Fidel Castro, in Africa he was a liberator. His aid to the South African anti-apartheid struggle will forever be remembered as a grand stroke of moral leadership, in great contrast to American policy.

Thats the theme of various sympathetic postmortems for the Cuban dictator, who died at 90 on Nov. 25.

Castros detractors express an American-centric view, the New York Times Pentagon correspondent, Helene Cooper, noted Sunday on Meet the Press: The Castro that I grew up knowing as a child growing up in Liberia was a Castro who fought the South African apartheid regime that the United States was propping up.

To be sure, it would be hard to exercise unchallenged rule over a country for nearly half a century without doing anything admirable. So stipulate that Castros Cold War-era backing of Nelson Mandelas African National Congress, and his armys war against South African troops in nearby Angola, belong on the plus side of historys ledger.

Whether that mitigates Castros apologia for the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, his alliance with, and expressed admiration for, the East German builders of the Berlin Wall, or his support for Moammar Gaddafi in Libya and Hugo Chavez in Venezuela  not to mention the disastrous results of communism in Cuba itself  is a thornier question, however.

Answering it would require broader examination of Castros Cold War record in Africa, to include the eastern regions of the continent, where Cuba intervened militarily on behalf of the Ethiopian dictator, Lt. Col. Mengistu Haile Mariam, in the 1970s.

Mengistu participated in a successful military coup against the U.S.-backed Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974, eventually seizing power on Feb. 3, 1977, by massacring his rivals in the officer corps.

Castro admired this bloody deed as a preemptive strike against rightists that showed wisdom and cleared the way for Cuba to support Mengistu without any constraints, as he explained to East German dictator Erich Honecker in an April 1977 meeting whose minutes became public after the fall of European communism.

Castro hatched a plan to steer Ethiopia into the Soviet camp in alliance with two Soviet-backed neighbors, southern Yemen and Somalia. However, Somalias dictator, Mohamed Siad Barre, balked. He saw the upheaval in Addis Ababa differently: as an opportunity to seize Ethiopian territory long inhabited by ethnic Somalis.

Somalia invaded this arid region, known as the Ogaden, in July 1977. Castro responded by sending 17,000 soldiers (armed and transported by Moscow) to save Mengistu and punish what was  as Castro correctly pointed out  a clear violation of international law by Siad Barre. Never mind that, to Somalis, Ethiopias borders were those of Haile Selassies defunct empire, which had split their ancestral land and enjoyed international recognition only due to Western imperial machinations.

At the time, President Jimmy Carter was pursuing better relations with Havana and even considering an end to the U.S. embargo. Cuban military intervention in Africa, predictably, made it impossible for Carter to pursue the opening. Castro didnt mind that, either.

By March 1978, the Cubans had ousted the Somalis  and then stayed to deter Somalia (now armed by Washington) from trying again. With the Cuban forces watching his back, Mengistu wrapped up his bloody campaign of domestic repression, known as the Red Terror, and sent his own Soviet-equipped, Cuban-trained troops to crush a rebellion in Eritrea.

The last Cuban troops did not leave Ethiopia until September 1989; they were still on hand as hundreds of thousands died during the 1983-1985 famine exacerbated by Mengistus collectivization of agriculture.

Abandoned by Havana (and Moscow), and facing a rebellion, Mengistu fled to Zimbabwe in 1991; dictator Robert Mugabe, another close friend of Cuba, granted him asylum.

Today, of course, the Horn of Africa remains tumultuous. Somalia is a failed state, which not even 25,000 U.S. troops could stabilize in the early 1990s. In Ethiopia, Mengistus successors cooperate with the United States against terrorism, and the United States, in return, mostly tolerates their human rights abuses.

Looking back, its hard to see what lasting benefit, if any, Castros intervention achieved, though the sacrifice of Cuban blood and treasure 8,000 miles from home was certainly permanent.

Whats impressive, rather, is the senselessness of it all. Cuba brought no more order out of chaos in the Horn than the other, larger foreign powers  from the British Empire to Mussolinis Italy to Barack Obamas America  that have intervened over the centuries.

Perhaps Gen. Arnaldo Ochoa, the soldier who actually led Cubas troops in the Ogaden (and, later, Angola), could find a moral to the story.

Alas, this hero of Cubas African wars died in 1989. Fearing that the popular general could become a political rival, Castro ordered him arrested and tried on trumped-up treason and drug charges  then shot at dawn.

Read more from Charles Lanes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Democrats are in danger of moving from complacency to panic. Neither is particularly helpful.

The complacency part is obvious: Until about 9 p.m. Eastern time on Nov. 8, supporters of Hillary Clinton (myself included) were certain that Donald Trumps weaknesses among women, nonwhite voters and younger Americans would prevent him from becoming president.

This analysis was half-right: Trump lost the popular vote by more than 2 million. But things went just wrong enough for Clinton in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania to give Trump his electoral-college victory. His combined margin in the three states stands at about 100,000. Roughly 134 million votes have been counted nationwide.

[Stick a sterling silver fork in Trumps populism]

Is pointing to the limits of Trumps victory simply a way of evading the depth of the Democrats plight? After all, they also failed to take over the U.S. Senate in a year many Republican incumbents looked vulnerable. They picked up a paltry six seats in the House. Add to this the large-scale losses of governorships and state legislatures since the Democrats recent high point in 2008 and you have the makings of a party-wide nervous breakdown.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Nov. 30 was reelected as House minority leader, winning 134 votes against 63 votes for her challenger, Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio). (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

Note, however, that the party in the White House often fares badly in midterm elections, Democrats especially so because they lean on votes from the young, who are less inclined to go to the polls in off-years.

But unless Trumps first two years are wildly successful, 2018 offers Democrats opportunities to rebuild hollowed-out local parties. This is especially true in statehouses, as The Posts Greg Sargent pointed out. Ten states with Republican governors could plausibly turn blue (as could New Jersey in 2017).

Clintons popular-vote advantage speaks to other opportunities. It reflected a shift toward the Democrats in Sun Belt states with large minority populations that is likely to continue. In Texas, Clinton got some 560,000 more votes than President Obama did in 2012, while Trump ran 4.6 percentage points behind Mitt Romneys showing. Trump also fell short of Romneys percentages in California, Arizona and Georgia.

[Bernie Sanders: Carrier just showed corporations how to beat Donald Trump]

The Democrats big Sun Belt problem on election night was Florida. Both major-party candidates received more votes there than the 2012 nominees, but Trumps gains were significantly larger. If Democrats are looking for a state to fret about in their postmortems, Florida should be at the top of the list.

Trumps narrow wins in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania (unless theyre miraculously overturned in recounts), plus his larger victories in Ohio and Iowa, have the Democrats focused on the white working class  and on whether its time for the end of identity liberalism, the headline of a recent New York Times opinion piece by Mark Lilla, a Columbia University political philosopher.

Lillas New York Times essay provoked a polemical tempest. Many advocates for African Americans, gay men and lesbians, immigrants and women fear Lillas suggestion would lead liberals to abandon beleaguered constituencies at the very moment when they most need defending.

In fact, Lilla is right that liberalism needs to root its devotion to inclusion in larger principles and should not allow itself to be cast (or parodied) as simply about the summing up of group claims. He is also dead on when he writes: If you are going to mention groups in America, you had better mention all of them. If you dont, those left out will notice and feel excluded. Democrats, who gave us the New Deal and empowered the labor movement, should be alarmed by the flight of the white working class.

[Mitt Romney is a sellout. So what?]

But Lillas critics are right about something, too: An effort to reach out to the white working class cannot be seen as a strategy for abandoning people of color, Muslims or immigrants, or for stepping back from commitments to gender equality, or for withdrawing support for long-excluded groups. Liberalisms very inclusiveness offers Democrats long-term advantages both in the Sun Belt and among younger voters who will own the future.

A panicky abandonment of their core commitments is the last thing Democrats need. Far better advice comes from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who urges the party to re-engage with rural and small-town voters. Also promising: the formation of a Blue Collar Caucus in the House announced this week by Reps. Brendan Boyle, an Irish Catholic from Philadelphia, and Marc Veasey, an African American from Fort Worth.

I mention the backgrounds of this pair of Democrats because their cross-racial partnership sends exactly the right message. Progressivisms embrace of social and economic justice is about lifting up the left-out across all of our dividing lines. Remembering this is the first step toward political recovery.

Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Nature abhors a vacuum, and so does government. If no one knows what to do, if there is chaos and indecision, then the person with the clearest vision  for good or for ill  wins the argument. Thats the lesson of the Russian Revolution, of Weimar Germany, and, without meaning to overdramatize  we are not talking about events on that scale  thats also the lesson of Brexit Britain.

Britain is past the surprise of Junes referendum and well into the stage of trying to make Brexit happen. Theresa May, the prime minister, has promised to invoke Article 50, the legal mechanism for leaving the European Union, next March. She won cheers at her party conference by declaring that Brexit means Brexit. She does not appear to be deterred by a court decision requiring more parliamentary scrutiny of the process.

But because the European Union is so many things  a trading bloc, a manager of agricultural subsidies, a coordinator of anti-terrorism teams, a funder of culture and scientific research  this statement is farcical. Brexit means Brexit  but what does Brexit mean? During the referendum, the leave campaigners avoided talking about Britains future relationship with Europe (and the rest of the world) because their visions differed so profoundly. Should Britain retain close economic links to the continent, remaining a member of its single market? Should Britain annul all treaties and start again? Are there other options, some organizations in which it would be useful to remain? The situation is further clouded by the fact that the leave campaign, like the other populist campaigns this political season, made a series of unfulfillable promises, from the general (take back control!) to the specific (350 million pounds a week, a number plucked from the air, for the National Health Service!). None of these can possibly be delivered.

Instead of offering an answer to these questions, the prime minister has created exactly the sort of vacuum that nature and government abhor. Her cabinet members offer different proposals on different days; May herself says she wont offer a running commentary, i.e., no proposals at all. European officials scan the British press for clues; the British press has been reduced to photographing the notebook of a parliamentary assistant in order to figure out Mays goals. (One of them seems to be have cake and eat it.)

The result is a classic revolutionary dynamic. In the general chaos, the loudest, clearest and most convincing voices are the most radical: Leave the E.U., leave all of its institutions and just take the hit. Start paying high tariffs, lose the right to sell services in Europe, drop out of those research teams, eliminate all relationships with allies. A small number of anti-European Conservatives  theyve been preparing this moment for years  are arguing for this form of hard Brexit. So is the UK Independence Party and its most powerful media backer, the Daily Mail .

May, like a hapless Kerensky, spends much of her time trying to counter or pander to the minority radicals. At her party conference in October, she threw a bone to the xenophobes by mocking citizens of the world; the rest of the time, she gives the impression, in the words of Financial Times columnist David Allen Green, that she is in an intense negotiation  not with the E.U., but with her own politicians and press.

Already, the ideas being mooted in the British political debate are much more extreme than anything heard in the referendum campaign, and far from what many people thought they were voting for. But the really dangerous bit comes next. If May makes any compromises at all, the radicals will blame her, not their own folly, for the broken promises. If theres no extra money for the NHS, if the populist press doesnt feel control has been taken back, if too many immigrants remain  then the fanatics will find scapegoats: anyone deemed insufficiently radical, or inadequately nationalist, or lacking in nerve.

Unless the moderate majority organizes itself into an organized, aggressive and verbal lobby, the angry minority will win this argument. Because this is 2016 and not 1917, I dont expect an actual civil war to follow. But the damage in lost trade, lost political clout and lost time may be worse than it could have been, and the bitter politics will keep Britain divided and inward-looking for many years.

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Dennis Ross, a counselor at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, was a special assistant to President Obama from 2009 to 2011. He is the author of Doomed To Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship from Truman To Obama.

Like many of his predecessors, Donald Trump aspires to Middle East peacemaking: I would love to be able to be the one that made peace with Israel and the Palestinians, he said recently, adding, I have reason to believe I can do it. Bringing peace to the Holy Land has clearly had an allure for American presidents.

Even though his health was failing, Franklin D. Roosevelt chose to meet Saudi King Abdul Aziz ibn Saud in Egypt after the Yalta Conference because he believed he could persuade him to give a portion of Palestine to the Jews without harming in any way the interests of the Arabs. Dwight Eisenhower, under the code name Project GAMMA, employed Robert Anderson to work secretly with David Ben-Gurion and Gamal Abdel Nasser to forge peace  and was deeply disappointed when it failed. Richard Nixon, though suffering from phlebitis, traveled to Egypt, Israel and Syria in the waning days of his presidency, believing he could build real momentum for peace. For Jimmy Carter, Arab-Israeli peacemaking was the preoccupation of his presidency  and as he would later say, the Middle East question preyed on [my] mind. The only plan that would bear the name of our 40th president was the Reagan Plan for Middle East peace that Ronald Reagan presented on Sept. 1, 1982.

As Bill Clintons Middle East envoy, I saw firsthand how Arab-Israeli peace was his mission. It would lead him to host Yasser Arafat and Ehud Barak at Camp David in the summer of 2000 and five months later to offer the Clinton Parameters for settling the conflict. George W. Bush might have come to it late but he would host a peace conference in Annapolis  and Barack Obama would make Israeli-Palestinian peace a priority at the outset of his presidency, later lamenting the failure of his secretary of state, John F. Kerry, to reach a peace deal after an intensive nine-month effort that ended in spring 2014.

Doubling down on remarks made a day earlier, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump questioned whether either Israel or Palestine "has the commitment to make" such a deal. (Republican Jewish Coalition)

Historically, presidents have been drawn to peacemaking for objective and subjective reasons. Objectively, most believed  incorrectly  that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was the source of all regional conflict and that argued for resolving it. Subjectively, there was something deeper going on  there was a fascination with being the one to bring peace to the region that is the birthplace of civilization and three great religions. Holy Land conflict has always captured the attention of the world and drawn in American presidents. Its very intractability may also be a source of the attraction. Again, look at Trumps description of it as the ultimate deal.

Can the Trump administration succeed where others have failed? Trump surprised the world by getting elected; if he is to surprise the world on Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking, he will need to keep the following guidelines in mind:

Be prepared to stick with diplomacy even if it means making only incremental progress. In the absence of diplomacy, violence often fills the void and deepens the disbelief that the conflict will ever end. All-or-nothing approaches inevitably produce nothing.

Probe what is possible privately, and aim to achieve something concrete. Most importantly, dont launch big public initiatives before knowing they can succeed; given the current level of disbelief among Israelis and Palestinians, the most important objective may be to restore a sense of possibility.

Initial efforts should thus be designed to get each side to address the doubts of the other and demonstrate that change is possible. For example, the Israelis could address Palestinian doubts by declaring there will be no Israeli sovereignty east of the security barrier and Israel will no longer build outside the settlement blocs. The Palestinian Authority could do the equivalent by acknowledging there are two national movements requiring two states for two peoples and by ending its efforts to delegitimize Israel in all international forums.

Focus peacemaking not just on top-down but also on bottom-up efforts; improving the Palestinian economy, infrastructure and institution-building is in the interest of both sides and could alter the deep alienation of the Palestinian public. Far too little has been done on the state-building, bottom-up side of peace diplomacy.

Reconsider a strictly bilateral approach to Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Palestinians are too weak and too divided even to be able to come to the negotiating table; the Israeli government and public are so convinced that they get nothing of value in return for concessions to the Palestinians, they wont make any. Test privately, therefore, whether Arab state cover is possible in the negotiations. Ironically, both sides need the Arabs  with the Palestinians needing a cover even to talk, much less concede anything, and the Israelis believing only the Arabs can compensate for concessions they make to the Palestinians.

Recognize that Israeli, Palestinian and Arab risk-taking on peace may be influenced by how credible the United States seems to be in countering threats from Iran on the one hand and Sunni Islamists on the other. No one is going to expose themselves if they dont feel secure and trust the United States.

Ultimately, reconciling Israeli security with Palestinian sovereignty needs is likely to require fresh approaches. An Arab state role in fulfilling Palestinian security responsibilities, performance-based criteria to determine the timetable for Israeli withdrawal, and lease arrangements to permit ongoing Israeli and Palestinian presence in each others states consistent with each others sovereign jurisdiction may be keys to success.
David Henkin is a professor of history at the University of California at Berkeley.

As enthralled users of new communications devices, we are all attuned to the transformative power of technological innovation. But what does this phenomenon really signify? Didnt earlier generations also experience innovations and dislocations as ruptures? For more than a decade, New York Times journalist Thomas Friedman has been raising his hand to offer emphatic answers to these difficult questions. As in his earlier writings, he again insists in Thank You for Being Late: An Optimists Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations that the present and the future are different from the past, especially in how rapidly and significantly things change. And as his subtitle suggests, he is remarkably sanguine about what this might portend.

To get us to see that things in the past were fundamentally different, Friedman first urges us to recognize that everything now is fundamentally the same  in other words, that seemingly discrete phenomena in our world fit into one storyline. Friedman is a lumper. And from his perspective, developments such as cloud technology, long-distance migration, same-sex marriage and climate change all epitomize the same trends and reflect the same forces. The result is a sprawling book of astonishing topical breadth and apparent conceptual simplicity. Readers will encounter all sorts of interesting content along the way  about cyber-piracy, online education, topsoil erosion, U.S. foreign policy, South Asian start-ups and the history of Minneapolis  but they may read the overall picture as less coherent and encouraging than Friedman wishes.

Skeptics of Friedmans technophilia will recoil from his latest salvo, in part because of his heavy reliance on tech-industry insiders for assessments of the social significance of their products and his relentless and unabashed adoption of the industrys promotional lingo. Even his reasonable and old-fashioned call for political policies modeled on the diversity, flexibility and resilience of the natural world appears here under the banner Mother Natures killer apps, a phrase he repeats nearly a dozen times over the space of a short section. Friedmans celebration of the start-up of you  and his habit of quoting uncritically and at great length Silicon Valley designers saying things like the twentieth century was all about getting you to love the things we make, [while] the twenty-first is all about how to make the things you love  will surely remind some readers of nothing so much as a mobile-phone commercial. In The World Is Flat (2005), he lauded the power of new technologies to collapse traditional borders and hierarchies, and now in his latest book he repeats essentially the same claims that, after the pivotal year 2007 (a vintage year in history, he argues), everything became unrecognizably and unexpectedly different.

The bigger problem, even for sympathetic readers of this humane and empathetic book, is that Thank You for Being Late provides no clear way of unifying its subject. Friedman insists that the world is fast, that everything is constantly accelerating and that the rate of acceleration has increased, but he does not acknowledge that those slogans mean quite different things. Nor is he interested in the distinction between a faster pace of life and a faster pace of technological change. These phenomena are surely related, but Friedman offers little guidance about that relationship other than analogy. He does think, however, that certain accelerations are more important than others, namely the trinity of computer processing, commerce and climate change. These are parallel developments, though one dominates. Friedman believes that microchips, which have been doubling in power approximately every two years  in accordance with Moores Law, a 1965 prediction about the density of transistors on an integrated circuit  are the prime movers of our time.

As in his earlier work, Friedman promotes technological determinism (the view that technical innovations rather than other agents, events or forces drive historical change), but even this doesnt quite add up to a coherent and consistent connection among the books many subjects and arguments. It is not always evident how Friedman defines technology or why he accords it such importance. We certainly learned on 9/11, he writes, how nineteen angry men, super-empowered by technology, could change the whole direction of . . . world history. Which new technologies does Friedman have in mind? Aeronautics? Skyscraper construction? Cellphones? He moves breezily along to the next example or topic, as if the 2001 terrorist attacks call our attention to technical innovation rather than to religion, geopolitics or the culture of air travel. From his confident, omnivorous perspective, every story confirms the power of digital technology and the novelty of social conditions, even when his facts and informants suggest other explanations. When he cites a study linking gross domestic product to rates of Internet penetration, for example, he can imagine the correlation only in one direction.

Like technology, Moores Law is also an elusive character in Friedmans story. Calling it a law implies an explanatory power that Gordon Moore never intended, and references to the acceleration of Moores Law suggest that the growth of microchip transistor density (which has actually slowed down in recent years) is somehow an autonomous force. But Moores Law stands for something larger here. Friedmans story is animated by the insight that exponential growth is hard to anticipate. As one of his sources puts it, We are wickedly bad at dealing with the implications of compound math. Friedman believes that anything that grows by doubling  processing power, trade patterns, energy use, human population  will move faster than we expect and at some point will cross some fundamental threshold. He may be correct about the psychology, but the question of when a fundamental threshold has been crossed requires longer perspective and seems open to debate.

When Friedmans story veers from technophilia and retreats from its commitment to labeling every trend an acceleration of an acceleration, it becomes more compelling  but also more discordant. His bracing jeremiad on climate change, for example, sits uneasily with his celebration of the environmentally troubling phenomena of worldwide connectivity and cloud technology. And by the time we read a nostalgic evocation of growing up in the 1960s in St. Louis Park, Minn., in which Friedman vigorously affirms high teacher salaries, liberal arts education and personal contact, we might forget his earlier embrace of the brave new world of massive online courses and his advocacy of a fresh educational regime of technical training and skills for a new economy. Repeatedly, Friedmans resolve to face the challenges of global interdependence and virtual connectedness with confidence in the wisdom of the marketplace flinches in deference to traditional community, ancient wisdom and the last laugh of nature.

A similar ambivalence shapes Friedmans attitude toward the issues of speed and time alluded to in the books title. He pays homage early on to the virtues of pausing, slowing down and being late, only to rush into a breathless narrative that repeatedly prophesies its own obsolescence. By the time the paperback comes out, he promises proudly, revisions will be in order. Unlike his weekly column for the Times, a book holds out the promise of sustained reflection, but Friedman commits himself to the dangerous goal of timely publication.

When the folks at Farrar, Straus and Giroux scheduled the books release for after the presidential election, they probably anticipated a congenial fit with the results of the vote. Donald Trumps surprising nomination, like the Brexit campaign, exemplifies for Friedman the forces of disorder and dislocation unleashed by accelerated global movement and economic change. Hillary Clintons victory, on the other hand, would have confirmed his conviction that technological progress and globalization cannot be resisted and that increased connectivity ultimately supports the liberal goals of tolerance, multiculturalism and meritocracy.

In a characteristic vignette, Thank You for Being Late relates the story of a shared Lyft ride in San Francisco in which some passengers vote a fellow rider out of the car for expressing homophobic views. Friedmans source, a researcher at something called the Institute for the Future, observes that intolerance does not jibe with an economy built on platforms that value participation, and Friedman audibly beams. But the Lyft drivers take on the same event is different, focusing more on local, tribal norms than on the logic of the sharing economy: You wont get a ride in San Francisco with those values  you are in the wrong city. The conflict between the two interpretations is exactly the kind of thing that Friedman tends to overlook. Those who revisit the relationship between technology and social values in the Trump era might approach the subject more cautiously.
Latvian soldiers take part in a military parade celebrating the 98th anniversary of Latvias proclamation of independence, in Riga, Latvia, on Nov. 18. (Valda Kalnina/European Pressphoto Agency)

The Nov. 27 The World article Latvia is preparing for the worst against Russia accurately described the concerns in the country of my birth and in Eastern Europe after President-elect Donald Trumps half-baked winging it in answering questions about NATO in the recent presidential campaign. Eastern Europeans are legitimately concerned about Russian President Vladimir Putins possible aggression toward the Baltic states and whether Mr. Trump now understands U.S. obligations to NATO members.

Eastern Europeans rightly fear that Mr. Putins stroking of Mr. Trumps ego may cloud his judgment on foreign policy.

To avoid serious misunderstandings and lead Putin to be cautious about making mischief inside NATO countries, it would be appropriate for Congress to indicate support for Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania against any potential future Russian aggression. Doing so during the planned visit by Ojars Kalnins, chairman of the foreign-affairs committee in Latvias Parliament, and his Estonian and Lithuanian colleagues this month would be ideal.

Also, let Congress encourage Mr. Trump and his staff to do the same publicly, positively resolving Mr. Trumps apparent unpredictability and clarifying opposition to any further Russian military adventures in Eastern Europe.

Talivaldis Ivars Smits, Hyattsville
THE BIOLOGICAL and Toxin Weapons Convention, a treaty outlawing the development and production of germ weapons, lacked effective verification and compliance mechanisms from the moment it entered into force in 1975. A series of review conferences has tried to improve it, without much success. The eighth conference, just concluded in Geneva, fell flat.

Thanks largely to disruptive moves by Iran, participants said, the conference ended without agreement on a detailed work plan until the next conference in 2021, omitting the meetings of experts that could be so important in tackling recent advances in the life sciences, including genomics and synthetic biology. While the treaty remains in effect, the dismal outcome of the conference reflects a growing and worrisome trend in arms control. Treaties negotiated late in the Cold War and just after it are under stress. They were never an ironclad guarantee that nuclear, chemical and biological weapons would not be used, but they provided a certain stability and sense of confidence. These will be lost if the treaties are neglected.

In an article in Foreign Affairs, Michael Krepon, a co-founder of the Stimson Center, describes a period of unparalleled achievement from Ronald Reagans second term through the end of Bill Clintons. This included, among other things, the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, two strategic arms limitations treaties, the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty, the Chemical Weapons Convention , the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and threat-reduction measures under the Nunn-Lugar legislation, as well as the 1991 initatives that unilaterally pulled back tactical nuclear weapons. Now, Mr. Krepon says, all of this work is in peril in a time of great unraveling.

The main reason is the tension in relations between the United States and Russia, a rift that deepened over Russias instigation of violence and coercion in Ukraine, over a rollback of democracy by President Vladimir Putin, and more than two rounds of NATO expansion and increased U.S. missile defenses in Europe. This friction is real and cannot be wished away. Arms control has always been based on a certain degree of trust  witness Mr. Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev  and is eroded without it.

The INF Treaty is clouded by U.S. allegations that Russia has flight-tested a new ground-launched cruise missile in violation. The CFE treaty is largely dead after Russia pulled out, saying the map of Europe had changed. The test-ban treaty has led to the creation of a globe-spanning network of monitors, but it has not entered into force because eight nations, including the United States, have yet to ratify it. The chemical-weapons treaty is one of the most successful mutililateral arms-control efforts of the era, yet its prohibition on chemical weapons is being sorely tested by their use in the Syrian war.

Nuclear, chemical and biological threats are not going to vanish. The world is safer with these treaties than without them. Where possible, they ought to be strengthened, rather than allowed to fall into disrepair.












i) Added Matter Nicocigs submitted that Fontem had broadened the scope of the 349 application during prosecution in order to ensnare existing devices. The key question when addressing added matter was summarised in Richardson-Vicks by R.Jacobs in a single sentence:



"I think the test of added matter is whether a skilled man would, upon looking at the amended specification, learn anything about the invention which he could not learn from the un-amended specification".

To assist matters, a three part test for added matter was formulated in T0331/87 Houdaill. The skilled person must be able to recognise directly and unambiguously that:



the (removed or replaced) feature is not explained as essential in the original disclosure; it (the said feature) is not, as such, indispensable for the function of the invention in the light of the technical problem it serves to solve; and the replacement or removal requires no real modification of other features to compensate for the change.

The problem identified by both the 349 application and granted patent was the same, that current electronic cigarettes are complicated in structure with bodies that can be roughly divided into three sections, which have to be connected through via plugging or thread coupling before use. However, the solutions provided by each were different, and Nicocigs argued that this led to a dramatic change in the nature of the inventions.



The solution taught by the application



The solution disclosed by the granted patent used the word 'shell' to describe a hollow body (which may or may not be integrally formed) with a detachable end. The battery assembly, atomiser assembly and liquid storage component all sit within this shell, with at least the liquid storage component being at the detachable end. However, the patent refers to the cigarette bottle assembly as a 'liquid storage component'; changing its character from a porous component of the cigarette bottle assembly, to a standalone component for storing liquid and enabling the flow of liquid to the porous component of the atomiser.



Mr Baldwin agreed that the granted device differed from that of the application, and that matter had been added to teach the skilled addressee about the new device. The use of the adjective 'porous' to describe the component of the atomiser - and omission of that adjective to describe the liquid storage component - would teach the skilled addressee that the latter component need not be porous where the application taught that it is essential. The skilled person would therefore learn something about the invention which he would not have learned from the application. Therefore, the patent was found to contain added matter, and in breach of A.123(2) EPC. Nicocigs submitted that Fontem had broadened the scope of the 349 application during prosecution in order to ensnare existing devices. The key question when addressing added matter was summarised in Richardson-Vicks by R.Jacobs in a single sentence:To assist matters, a three part test for added matter was formulated in T0331/87. The skilled person must be able to recognise directly and unambiguously that:The problem identified by both the 349 application and granted patent was the same, that current electronic cigarettes are . However, the solutions provided by each were different, and Nicocigs argued that this led to a dramatic change in the nature of the inventions.The solution taught by the application involves an integrally formed shell housing the connected battery and atomiser assemblies together. A detachable cigarette bottle assembly (comprising a hollow shell and a porous/perforated liquid storage component) is mounted in one end of the shell and fits with the atomiser assembly.The solution disclosed by the granted patent used the word 'shell' to describe a hollow body (which may or may not be integrally formed) with a detachable end. The battery assembly, atomiser assembly and liquid storage component all sit within this shell, with at least the liquid storage component being at the detachable end. However, the patent refers to the cigarette bottle assembly as a 'liquid storage component'; changing its character from a porous component of the cigarette bottle assembly, to a standalone component for storing liquid and enabling the flow of liquid to the porous component of the atomiser.Mr Baldwin agreed that the granted device differed from that of the application, and that matter had been added to teach the skilled addressee about the new device. The use of the adjective 'porous' to describe the component of the atomiser - and omission of that adjective to describe the liquid storage component - would teach the skilled addressee that the latter component need not be porous where the application taught that it is essential. The skilled person would therefore learn something about the invention which he would not have learned from the application. Therefore, the patent was found to contain added matter, and in breach of A.123(2) EPC.

ii) Novelty and Inventive Step The ensuing novelty attack argued that the 349 patent was anticipated by the 350 application, but in order to succeed Nicocigs needed to show that:

a) 350 disclosed a product falling within the scope of the 349 claims;

b) that 350 is eligible to claim priority; and

c) that 349 is not entitled to claim priority. Mr Baldwin found the 350 application to disclose a product falling within the scope of claims 1, 8, 12 and 13 of 349, the 350 application to be entitled to priority, and 349 not to be entitled to priority.



In their defence, Fontem argued that if 349 was anticipated by 350 (condition a), then all the claimed integers were clearly and unambiguously disclosed and enabled by the priority document (being materially the same as the 350 application). Therefore, the granted 349 patent must surely be entitled to claim priority. However, Fontem had muddied the concepts of anticipation (does the prior document disclose something which falls within the claim) with priority (does the prior document support the claims across their whole width), and Mr Baldwin agreed that the priority document did not support the full breadth of the granted 349 claims, and therefore not entitled to claim priority.



Having met all three conditions, the 349 patent was considered anticipated by 350.



In addition, Mr Baldwin also found claims 1 and 12 of the 349 patent to be obvious in light of both US4947874 (Brooks) and EP0893071 (Takeuchi) separately. The ensuing novelty attack argued that the 349 patent was anticipated by the 350 application, but in order to succeed Nicocigs needed to show that:Mr Baldwin found the 350 application to disclose a product falling within the scope of claims 1, 8, 12 and 13 of 349, the 350 application to be entitled to priority, and 349 not to be entitled to priority.In their defence, Fontem argued that if 349 was anticipated by 350 (condition a), then all the claimed integers were clearly and unambiguously disclosed and enabled by the priority document (being materially the same as the 350 application). Therefore, the granted 349 patent must surely be entitled to claim priority. However, Fontem had muddied the concepts of anticipation () with priority (), and Mr Baldwin agreed that the priority document did not support the full breadth of the granted 349 claims, and therefore not entitled to claim priority.Having met all three conditions, the 349 patent was considered anticipated by 350.In addition, Mr Baldwin also found claims 1 and 12 of the 349 patent to be obvious in light of both US4947874 (Brooks) and EP0893071 (Takeuchi) separately.

iii) Infringement In considering infringement, Mr John Baldwin QC found in Fontems favour that Nicocigs products infringed claims 1, 12 and 13 of the 349 patent, but by then it was too late, and the patent did not survive the barrage of invalidity attacks submitted by the claimant.

Summary The case serves as a stark warning on the dangers of the added-matter, the monster patent attorneys tell children about at night. Alas added-matter is not an imaginary foe, but a real one, and should be respected (and feared) accordingly. Seemingly innocuous amendments during prosecution can mount up, causing problems, or ultimately invalidation of the patent, later on.







Post-script In the meantime, we The case serves as a stark warning on the dangers of the added-matter, the monster patent attorneys tell children about at night. Alas added-matter is not an imaginary foe, but a real one, and should be respected (and feared) accordingly. Seemingly innocuous amendments during prosecution can mount up, causing problems, or ultimately invalidation of the patent, later on.In the meantime, we learned yesterday of the EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal decision in G1/15. The priority analysis in Nicocigs v Fontem may no longer be in accordance with the EPO approach to partial priority, but we probably need to see the reasoned decision of the EBA.

Back in May of this year, Nicocigs initiated proceedings to revoke Fontems patent ( EP(UK)2022349 ) and also sought a declaration of non-infringement of the patent in relation to their products, to which Fontem filed a counterclaim for infringement.The case was fuelled by the familial relationship of the 349 patent, which claims priority from a Chinese Utility Model (CN2006290805U) filed on 16 May 2006. On 15 May 2007, two separate PCT applications (WO07131449; WO07131450) claiming priority from the utility model were filed, and entered the European phase, becoming EP2022349 and EP2022350 respectively. However, only 349 was granted.It was common ground between all parties that the 350 application was identical in all material respects to the priority document, whilst the sibling 349 application contained a number of differences, with further amendments introduced during prosecution.The divergence of the granted 349 patent from the application as filed, and the priority document, provided Nicocigs with the ammunition they needed to seek invalidation for added matter, lack of novelty and obviousness. The judge, Mr John Baldwin QC, ultimately found the 349 patent to be invalid on all counts. However, in the interests of brevity and focus, we shall be looking at the added matter objections in more detail, and summarising the other findings.The 349 patent related to an electronic cigarette, one which vaporises a liquid containing nicotine to simulate cigarette smoke. The patented product comprised three main components: a battery (3); an atomiser (8); and a liquid storage component (9), all within a shell (a, b).The user inhales through the mouthpiece (b1, far right hand side), causing air to flow into air inlets (a1), past the atomiser (8) towards the mouthpiece (b1). The pressure change activates the battery (3) which heats the atomiser (8) and vaporises liquid stored in a porous component of the atomiser (8). The user inhales the condensed liquid vapour, and any evaporated liquid is subsequently replenished in the porous component by liquid from the storage component (9).
The Supreme Courts liberal justices grilled a lawyer for the Obama administration Wednesday about whether the federal government has the right to indefinitely detain immigrants who are facing deportation.

The eight-member court struggled with how to resolve the issue, which has taken on increased importance because of President-elect Donald Trumps vow to step up the already active deportation record of the Obama administration.

In particular, the court was considering whether immigrants facing deportation are entitled to bond hearings and possible release while fighting deportation if they have been held more than six months. That deadline was set by one of the appeals courts that has considered the issue. The kind of immigrants covered by this case include a wide range of people, from longtime legal residents to those who were detained upon first arriving in the country.

Acting Solicitor General Ian Heath Gershengorn told the justices that the range of immigrants covered is reason enough to reject the one-size-fits-all six-month detention limit imposed by U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in San Francisco. Such a deadline is not in the federal statute, which says the government shall detain immigrants facing deportation.

The Supreme Court has ruled in the past that undocumented immigrants are entitled to some form of due process when challenging their detention but also that brief detentions were allowed. Courts have interpreted that guidance in varying ways, with the appeals courts in San Francisco and New York requiring more procedural safeguards for those who would be held for months or even years.

The courts liberals were skeptical of Gershengorns arguments in favor of the leeway Congress provided, and several questioned whether the Constitution allowed it.

We are in an upended world when we think 14 months or 19 months is a reasonable time to detain a person, said Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Justice Stephen G. Breyer worried about someone who had served a criminal term, say for four years, and then faced a similar wait in detention while fighting deportation.

Your punishments over, but youve got four more years here of punishment while we try to get to stage two, which is called the removal order, Breyer said. Thats whats bothering me.

But Gershengorn said the delay is often at the request of the immigrant facing deportation, who is trying to build a case for why he should remain in the country.

The representative of the immigrants at issue in the case is Alejandro Rodriguez, a lawful permanent resident who came to the United States as an infant. He was working as a dental assistant when the Department of Homeland Security began removal proceedings against him in response to a conviction for drug possession and an earlier conviction for joy riding.

Rodriguez was detained for three years before he was allowed to challenge his confinement. ACLU lawyer Ahilan T. Arulanantham said there were hundreds or thousands in similar situations.

Were just talking about the need for an inquiry, that is, the need for a hearing that is individualized rather than a categorical presumption that someone is a danger and flight risk, Arulanantham said.

But Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said the federal statute does not support the request. Ill tell you, on the language of the statute, I think you have a pretty tough . . . argument, Alito said.

When the lawyer said he had a constitutional argument as well, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy reminded him that the lower court had not ruled on the constitutionality of the federal law. We do not have the constitutional issue before us, Kennedy said.

Justice Elena Kagan said she did not think that kept the court from rendering a decision.

It seems to me that its quite obvious what the court below thinks as to the constitutional question, said Kagan, or else it would not have ordered the six-month reviews.

Then the court should have struck down the statute instead of rewriting it, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. responded. We cant just write a different statute because we think it would be more administrable, he said.

The case is Jennings v. Rodriguez.
As the future Trump administration begins to take shape, the Obama White House is engaged in a frenzied, final effort to put in place as many new rules and regulations as time allows. The goal: to complete several major regulations and other executive actions before President Obama leaves office on Jan. 20.

Under consideration are executive actions that would affect land use, private-sector pay and the workplace. They include measures to protect large areas of public land in the American West, bolster energy efficiency for industrial appliances and give greater power to state and local governments to offer retirement savings plans for private-sector workers. The new rules also claw back Wall Street bonuses from executives whose actions hurt their firms, and strengthen standards designed to reduce falls in the workplace.

This administration has been particularly aggressive in the last year to 18 months in finalizing its particular regulatory priorities, said Rosario Palmieri, vice president of labor, legal and regulatory policy at the National Association of Manufacturers. In the past several months, most people in Washington were focused on the election, he added. We spend a lot of time focused on regulation.

While Republicans are already warning that they will reverse some of the rules Obama will issue during the last months of his presidency, White House officials are determined to move ahead, reasoning that having more rules in place will force the new administration to choose which ones are worth the time and effort of reversal.

A GOP Senate leadership aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a process that is still underway, said every committee is working to identify what rules under its jurisdiction might be reversed. Given the fact that each rule reversal takes up 10 hours of floor time in the Senate and that senators must also confirm key political nominees and pass a budget, the aide estimated that Congress was likely to overturn between five and seven of Obamas last rules.

As a candidate, Donald Trump vowed to dismantle some of President Obama's key achievements. Washington Post White House reporter David Nakamura breaks down what the Obama administration is worried about going forward. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

For the administration, that means full speed ahead.

In recent weeks, White House Domestic Policy Council Director Cecilia Munoz says she has been directing her staff to get flu shots and to take their vitamins: The schedule is such that if we have anybody get sick, its not clear that we can meet our deadlines. Munoz said.

On Monday, Munozs team finalized a rule to evaluate whether schools were succeeding or failing under the sweeping Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) passed by Congress a year ago.

The rule requires that if schools fail to ensure that 95 percent of their students take required annual tests, states must take action against them. The ESSA replaced the controversial No Child Left Behind Act, the centerpiece of President George W. Bushs education policy. When Obama signed the new bill last December, he referred to it as an early Christmas present: After more than 10 years, members of Congress from both parties have come together to revise our national education law. A Christmas miracle, he said.

But the administrations interpretation of the new law has been controversial in its own right. Some have said that even with the added flexibility, it is too punitive.

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who co-authored the bill and criticized an earlier version of the rule for being overly prescriptive, said he will scrutinize both that regulation and a pending one that will dictate how school districts spend roughly $15 billion to aid poor students. He is worried that the new rule will not solve his problems with the bill.

They run the risk of turning a Christmas miracle, as he called it last year, into a lump of coal, Alexander said in an interview.





[Why Obama will protect a sacred tribal site in Utah, over GOP objections]

Speaking to reporters recently, Obama said that he recognized that when Donald Trump takes office and a new, GOP-controlled House and Senate are sworn in next year, they will have the option of trying to undo some of those rules and regulations that weve put in place. And thats their prerogative. Thats part of how democracy works. But I feel very strongly these are the right things to do, and Im going to make sure I do them.

And he rebuffed those Republicans who suggest he should hold off on any unfinished business: I think their general approach seems to be that probably two days after my reelection, I should stop until the next election. I dont think that thats what the Constitution calls for.

Even before this final flurry of activity, Obama will already have enacted nearly 56 percent more economically significant rules by Nov. 30 than George W. Bush did during his entire two terms, according to data from Daniel Perez, a policy analyst at the Regulatory Studies Center at George Washington University. An economically significant rule is defined as one that produces at least $100 million worth of economic impact.

The final months of any administration usually bring a significant uptick in the completion of significant rules. Bill Clinton finalized 41 during his last four months in office, according to Perezs analysis, while Bush completed 48  or nearly 10 percent of his total regulatory output over two terms  during that same period.

After the Interior Department finalized rules last month aimed at curbing methane emissions from oil and gas operations on federal land, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) warned that Congress was prepared to pass legislation under the Congressional Review Act that would negate that regulation and others. That 20-year-old law, which has been used only once to overturn a federal rule, allows the House and Senate to eliminate a regulation within 60 legislative days of its passage by a simple majority vote if the president signs the bill.

Now, I feel assured that President Trump will sign those things, to reverse some of these late regulations coming out by the Obama administration, Barrasso said. And we plan to use that technique vigorously in the next administration.

One potentially vulnerable rule reduces greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty trucks and tractor-trailers, which was finalized in August and is estimated to cut 1.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the lifetime of the regulated vehicles. Dave Cooke, a senior vehicles analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said he hopes the rule stays in place because most of the affected manufacturers support it.

This is an instance where these companies arent going to want their regulations messed with, Cooke said.

[How the Congressional Review Act will help Trump boost fossil fuels]

If Congress does reverse a rule, the law says that the administration cannot reissue it in substantially the same form.

Its a very blunt tool, Perez said. Its not a hammer; its a sledgehammer.

While Republicans will have the votes to unravel several of these policies, overturning many of them will still involve a protracted regulatory and, in some cases, legal process. This, in part, helps explain why White House and agency staffers are so diligently pressing ahead with their remaining business.

And the prospect of unified Republican control next year, according to several individuals working on these issues inside the administration and out, has only intensified the White Houses push to finalize key executive actions.

Last December, Howard Shelanski, who heads the Office of Informational and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), issued a memo warning that agencies should strive to complete their highest priority rulemakings by the summer of 2016 to avoid an end-of-year scramble.

To some extent, the administration has succeeded in clearing out its regulatory cupboard. The overall number of rules actively under consideration is the lowest since at least the spring of 2006, according to OIRA, and is 15 percent lower than at the end of the last administration.

And a number of significant regulations could still be issued before Trump takes office. Business groups are worried about several, including an Environmental Protection Agency update of standards aimed at preventing accidental chemical releases, an Interior Department stream-

protection rule and revision of workplace standards affecting how workers shut off a complicated piece of machinery.

The Energy Department is working to finalize nearly a dozen separate efficiency rules that will affect equipment including furnaces, commercial boilers and portable air conditioners. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the energy saved over the lifetime of these products would be equal to roughly one-fifth of the total energy consumed by the United States in a single year.

Palmieri said that in regard to new rules such as tighter energy efficiency standards, many manufacturers are extraordinarily concerned about what it means, and what they have to do.

But David Goldston, NRDCs director of government affairs, said the administration has built the strongest and most detailed record possible on why many of these rules are needed. Critics might call them midnight rules, he added, but it becomes midnight because youve gone through the other 24 hours.

The administrations opponents have gotten federal courts to temporarily block a couple of Labor Department rules in recent weeks, including one making full-time employees earning up to $47,476 annually eligible for overtime pay and one making it easier for agencies to deny federal contracts to firms with labor-law violations.

[Tex. judge halts rule that would have extended overtime to 4 million workers]

While some of these disputes may get resolved in court, analysts predict the Congressional Review Act may serve as the main vehicle for reversing Obamas last regulations. Rohit Kumar, a principal at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP who served as a top aide to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), said that anything in the areas of tax, financial services, labor or environment could be a target for the new Congress.

Administration allies are already gearing up for the battles they will face next year. Jamie Williams, president of the Wilderness Society, said the measures  whether they promote renewable energy development or protections for tribal sites on public lands  are all things were prepared to defend going into the new administration.

In the meantime, Munoz is hard at work. She has a detailed, color-coded tracker for education regulations. It is printed on 11x17 paper so it can all fit, and she knows she has only so much time.

Obviously, we have a hard stop, she said. We are going to make it to the finish line.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated when the Congressional Review Act was passed. It was made into law in 1996.
President-elect Donald Trump on Dec. 1 celebrated a deal that will keep jobs at a Carrier plant in Indianapolis and announced that he chose retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis for secretary of defense. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

President-elect Donald Trump on Dec. 1 celebrated a deal that will keep jobs at a Carrier plant in Indianapolis and announced that he chose retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis for secretary of defense. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

Donald Trump has not changed.

At his first rally since being elected president, Trump only occasionally read from his teleprompters, instead entertaining the audience with whatever was on his mind. He recounted in great detail all the ways that he won, noted that world leaders now call him from their magnificent rooms, and gleefully reflected on how it was a lot of fun fighting Democrat Hillary Clinton, to which the crowd chanted: Lock her up! Lock her up!

He complained about his partys top leaders, prompted the crowd to boo their state governor, referred to a third-party candidate as that guy and told the crowd to keep going as they booed the extremely dishonest press. He announced his pick for secretary of defense, retired Marine Gen. James Mattis, but told the crowd to keep it a secret until Monday. He mocked a small group of protesters as they were led out: They dont know that Hillary lost a couple of weeks ago.

Somewhere amid the insults, grievances and brags,Trump promised to heal this divided country.

Ive always brought people together. I know you find that hard to believe, Trump said Thursday night as he kicked off the Donald J. Trump USA Thank You Tour 2016 of states he won. We are going to bring our country together, all of our country. Were going to find common ground, and we will get the job done properly.

President-elect Donald Trump held a rally in Cincinnati on Thursday, holding what his team called "USA Thank You Tour 2016." (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

The election might be long over, but Trump seems intent on continuing to campaign. While many presidents-elect before him have used the weeks between Election Day and Inauguration Day to promote policy ideas and reach out to Americans who voted for someone else, Trump fired up his base.

[The trick to persuading Trump? Flattery, proximity and snappy pitches]

What presidents-elect often do is they try to create the impression that theres a healing period now, that theres a coming together, said Robert Dallek, a presidential historian. The impulse generally has been to create a new sense of shared national unity, rather than to show a divided country. Thats why theres usually not an impulse to hold these rallies.

After George W. Bush was first elected in 2000, he held a series of roundtable discussions that focused on themes of his campaign, such as tax cuts, education reform and faith-based initiatives. In 2009, President-elect Barack Obama took a whistle-stop tour on his way to the inauguration, following part of the route taken by Abraham Lincoln on his way from Illinois to the 1861 inauguration.

The speech rolling on Trumps teleprompters focused on policy and promises of unity  but he couldnt stay on script. After being cloistered away in his skyscraper and private clubs for more than three weeks, Trump was clearly excited to be back on a rally stage, feeding off the energy of the half-filled US Bank Arena. At one point, his oldest son tweeted: He is having a good time tonight.

Although Trump was his same self, everything had changed. He is now the president-elect. His words are now even more scrutinized. And security is even tighter  leading law enforcement to shut down several bridges leading into the city for nearly two hours during rush-hour traffic, angering many Cincinnatians. Trump blamed the gridlock for his smaller-than-expected audience.

I didnt know what came with this position, Trump said upon taking the stage, and I didnt know that they closed down the roads.

1 of 62 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Trump visits Carrier Corp. plant in Indiana View Photos President-elect Donald Trump appears in Indiana to salute workers at a factory where he says he saved hundreds of jobs from moving to Mexico and then in Ohio on the first stop of a Thank You Tour to honor the supporters in states that helped him to his stunning victory. Caption The president-elect has visited Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio and Indiana, where he toured the Carrier factory. Dec. 17, 2016 President-elect Donald Trump waves as he is greeted by Azalea Trail Maids on his way to a thank you tour event in Mobile, Ala. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Trump lost the Republican primary here to Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who refused to endorse Trump or attend the partys convention in Cleveland in July.

In the great state of Ohio, we didnt have the upper echelon of politicians, Trump said, as the crowd booed their governor. Trump told them that Kasich did call him after the election to offer his congratulations.

But, Trump repeatedly reminded his crowd, he still won  even though he claims the media was against him. Trump said he didnt understand why it took so long for news outlets to declare him the winner. Or why they predicted he wouldnt break through the blue wall in states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

We did break it. We shattered that sucker, Trump said. That blue wall is busted up.

Meanwhile, a few dozen protesters stood guard outside, chanting love trumps hate and 2.5 million, Clintons margin over Trump in the popular vote. Throughout the night, they yelled at Trump supporters.

Thanks for making life hell for women! Really appreciate it, yelled Michelle Frigault, 53, a geriatric social worker. Thanks for taking away womens rights.

Frigault said that she has cried every day since the election, feeling like she lives in an alternate world. She and her wife now physically feel afraid for their safety, and they worry about their friends who are immigrants or live in poverty.

I think hes got other concerns than having people come and say how great he is, she said. This is a waste of his time. He is now the president-elect of the United States.

As Trump neared the end of his speech, he returned to his teleprompter and shared words of inspiration.

Im asking you to join me in this next chapter of this unbelievable and unprecedented movement, Trump said.

But he was distracted by a man in the crowd, stopping mid-sentence to say: Hes a believer. Youre a believer, right? Hes a believer.

Trump told the crowd it is an exciting time to be alive and that the script is not yet written. He told them that he is just their messenger, although Ive been a very good messenger, lets face it.

He thanked Ohio, an incredible place. He again called his victory a landslide and called reporters extremely dishonest, seemingly unwilling to end the rally .

He finally concluded: We are going to come together and make America great again.

As the Rolling Stoness You Cant Always Get What You Want began to play, Trump stayed on stage, clapping and waving, extending the night just a couple more minutes.

Anu Narayanswamy in Washington and Kevin Williams contributed to this report.
Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis has been chosen to be secretary of defense by President-elect Donald Trump, according to people familiar with the decision. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis has been chosen to be secretary of defense by President-elect Donald Trump, according to people familiar with the decision. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday he has chosen retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis, who has said that responding to political Islam is the major security issue facing the United States, to be secretary of defense.

We are going to appoint Mad Dog Mattis as our secretary of defense, Trump told a rally in Cincinnati, the first stop on a post-election thank-you tour.

Trump joked that the media and audience should keep the news to themselves. We are going to be announcing him Monday of next week, Trump said. Keep it inside the room.

Mattis, who retired as chief of U.S. Central Command in 2013, has often said that Washington lacks an overall strategy in the Middle East, opting to instead handle issues in an ineffective one-by-one manner.

Is political Islam in the best interest of the United States? Mattis said at the Heritage Foundation in 2015, speaking about the separate challenges of the Islamic State and Iranian-backed terrorism. I suggest the answer is no, but we need to have the discussion. If we wont even ask the question, how do we even recognize which is our side in a fight?

View Graphic Here are the people Trump has chosen for his Cabinet

To take the job, Mattis will need Congress to pass legislation to bypass a federal law stating that defense secretaries must not have been on active duty in the previous seven years. Congress has granted a similar exemption just once, when Gen. George C. Marshall was appointed to the job in 1950.

Earlier Thursday, Jason Miller, a spokesman with the Trump transition team, tweeted that no decision had been made, but Trumps son Donald Jr. retweeted a report saying that Mattis got the job.

[How Trump Mattis as Pentagon chief would break with 65 years of history]

Mattis, 66, served more than four decades in the Marine Corps and is known as one of the most influential military leaders of his generation, a strategic thinker who occasionally drew rebukes for his aggressive talk. Since retiring, he has served as a consultant and as a visiting fellow with the Hoover Institution, a think tank at Stanford University.

Like Trump, Mattis favors a tougher stance against U.S. adversaries abroad, especially Iran. The general, speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in April, said that while security discussions often focus on terrorist groups such as the Islamic State or al-Qaeda, the Iranian regime is the single most enduring threat to stability and peace in the Middle East.

[What Trump may not know about the generals hes eyeing for top positions]

Mattis said the next president is going to inherit a mess and argued that the nuclear deal signed by the Obama administration last year may slow Irans ambitions to get a nuclear weapon but will not stop them. But he added that absent a clear and present violation, he did not see a way that Washington could go back on it, because any unilateral sanctions issued by the United States would not be as valuable if allies were not on board.

President-elect Donald Trump walks out with retired Marine Gen. James Mattis after a meeting at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster Township, N.J., on Nov. 19. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

In terms of strengthening Americas global standing among European and Middle Eastern nations alike, the sense is that America has become somewhat irrelevant in the Middle East, and we certainly have the least influence in 40 years, Mattis said.

But Mattis may break with Trumps practice of calling out allies for not doing enough to build stability. Mattis served from November 2007 to August 2010 as the supreme allied commander of transformation for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, focused on improving the military effectiveness of allies. Trump called NATO obsolete earlier this year before saying later that he was all for NATO but wanted all members to spend at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense, a NATO goal.

The president-elect is smart to think about putting someone as respected as Jim Mattis in this role, said a former senior Pentagon official. Hes a warrior, scholar and straight shooter  literally and figuratively. He speaks truth to everyone and would certainly speak truth to this new commander in chief.

[Trump is surrounding himself with generals. Thats dangerous.]

But the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Trumps personnel choices, said: If theres any concern at all, its the principle of civilian control over the military. This role was never intended to be a kind of Joint Chiefs of Staff on steroids, and thats the biggest single risk tied to Mattis. For Mattis, the biggest risk for him personally is that he will have a national security adviser in the form of Mike Flynn whose management style and extreme views may arch Mattiss eyebrows and cause conflict over time. Its no fun to be secretary of defense if you have to constantly feud with the White House.

[Trumps pick for national security adviser brings experience and controversy]

Mattis, whose nicknames include Mad Dog and the Warrior Monk, has had a leading hand in some of the U.S. militarys most significant operations in the past 20 years. As a one-star general, he led an amphibious task force of Marines that carried out a November 2001 raid in helicopters on Afghanistans Kandahar province, giving the Pentagon a new foothold against the Taliban after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Using the call sign Chaos, he commanded a division of Marines during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 and returned there the following year to lead Marines in bloody street fighting in the city of Fallujah.

Mattis continued to rise through the ranks and establish his credentials as a military thinker, co-authoring the U.S. militarys new counterinsurgency manual with then-Army Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus while Mattis was a three-star general at Quantico, Va.

He was considered a leading contender to become commandant of the Marine Corps in 2010 but was bypassed in favor of Gen. James F. Amos. Instead, Mattis replaced Petraeus as the chief of Central Command, overseeing U.S. military operations across the Middle East.

Even though Central Command did not encompass Israel, Mattis made a concerted effort to reach out to his Israeli military counterparts, according to Steven Simon, who worked with Mattis when he served on Obamas National Security Council.

Simon, who now teaches at Amherst College, said Mattis made frequent stops in Israel during trips to the region, part of an effort to encourage the Jewish state and its Arab neighbors to work together to counter Iranian influence. They respected Mattis because they saw him as a straight shooter and a good listener, Simon said of the Israelis and Arabs.

The general retired from that position in 2013, about five months earlier than expected, prompting speculation that he was forced out after clashing with some in the Obama administration on Iran policy. U.S. officials denied that was the case at the time, and Mattis declined to comment.

[Trump signals intent to keep hard-line positions with national security picks]

Mattis occasionally has come under scrutiny for impolitic remarks. Most notably, he said in 2005 during a panel discussion in San Diego that its fun to shoot some people and I like brawling, drawing criticism from the Marine commandant at the time, Gen. Michael Hagee. But Hagee also later backed Mattis, saying the general often spoke with candor to reflect the horrors of war. Other supporters noted that he often stressed to his troops that it was important to treat civilians in a combat zone with care.

It is unclear whether the legislation required to make Mattis the Pentagon chief will be difficult to obtain from Congress. A 1947 national security law said that a general must wait 10 years from leaving active duty before becoming defense secretary. An exception was granted on a one-time basis for Marshall, with lawmakers saying in special legislation at the time that it was the sense of the Congress that after General Marshall leaves the office of Secretary of Defense, no additional appointments of military men to that office shall be approved.

The 10-year period was reduced to seven years in 2008 for several senior civilian defense positions, including defense secretary.

Congress could follow the model set by Marshalls nomination to similarly waive restrictions for Mattis, and leaders may try to vote on legislation paving the way for Mattiss nomination early next year, before Trump formally takes office. In years past, Senate committees have also held confirmation hearings for Cabinet secretaries before incoming presidents deliver their formal nominations following inauguration.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), a member of the Senate Armed Services subcommittee on personnel, said Thursday night that she will oppose Mattis becoming Pentagon chief.

While I deeply respect General Mattiss service, I will oppose a waiver, she said. Civilian control of our military is a fundamental principle of American democracy, and I will not vote for an exception to this rule.

Others, including Rep. Mac Thornberry (R.-Tex.), the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, signaled support for the pick.

Few individuals in the field of national security are as respected and admired as Jim Mattis, Thornberry said. His nomination as Secretary of Defense is an excellent selection, and I am grateful for his willingness to serve in this capacity. I will work with my colleagues in the coming days to clear the way for his confirmation by the Senate.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that he looks forward to beginning the confirmation process as soon as possible in the new year.

General Mattis has a clear understanding of the many challenges facing the Department of Defense, the U.S. military, and our national security, McCain said. America will be fortunate to have General Mattis in its service once again.

Philip Rucker, John Wagner, Adam Entous, Missy Ryan and Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report.

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He cites op-eds from Daniel Benjamin in Politico Magazine and Josh Rogin in The Washington Post which rely heavily on innuendo rather than facts; asking if these attacks were designed to influence Trumps cabinet picks and US foreign policy?

Sheehan, notes the MEK and, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), were reportedly added to the US Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) in the late 1990s, for the murder of six American military personnel in the early 1970s and for taking over the US embassy in Tehran in 1979. Those claims were based on evidence provided by the Iranian Regime and have since been thoroughly debunked.

The MEK and the NCRI were both removed from the FTO by 2012 after they had already been removed from the watch lists of other Western governments.

Benjamin especially should take note of that. He was in the State Department when the MEK was delisted and his bureau received criticism from then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for taking too long to remove the MEK from the terror list

Sheehan wrote: It is curious why anyone would seek to re-litigate this and other rulings by high courts in Washington and Europe that forced Mr. Benjamin, in his capacity as the Department of State Coordinator for Counterterrorism, to remove the MEK from the FTO list.

Both Benjamin and Rogin should realise that if they want to make a partisan point about Trumps White House appointments, showing links to a group which believes in gender equality, a non-nuclear Iran, and a secular democratic government, will not discredit the presumptive picks.
Russian President Vladimir Putin gives his annual state of the nation address in the Kremlin in Moscow. (Pavel Golovkin/AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin called for better ties with the United States in his annual address Thursday, while brushing away allegations of meddling in the U.S. presidential campaign and Washingtons concerns about Kremlin interference in other countries.

But the moment that went viral on Russian websites was an image of the national broadcast that showed his prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, eyes turned down, appearing to doze off.

Whether the premier was napping or just checking his notes, the image was seen by many as an appropriate metaphor for the 70-minute, nationally televised speech.

In a businesslike tone that recalled a Soviet Communist Party Central Committee meeting, Putin ticked off various economic issues and raised his emotional level  and his own voice  only when he brought up the Olympics doping scandal and external pressure on Russia.

Theyve used everything against us, Putin said. Myths about Russian aggression, about propaganda, interference in other countries elections, besmirching our athletes, including Paralympic athletes.

Few politicians have used television to craft a personal narrative better than Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Julie Vitkovskaya,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

Unlike other foreign colleagues, who see Russia as an enemy, we are not looking for and never looked for enemies, Putin added.

He repeated his desire to improve Russias relationship with Washington  another clear signal of Moscows hopes to build ties with President-elect Donald Trump  amid Western outcry over Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014, its proxy war in eastern Ukraine, and its air campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

[Some GOP lawmakers question possible Russia reset]

We are ready for cooperation with the new administration, Putin said. I am counting on joint efforts with the United States in the fight against real, not imagined, threats of international terrorism.

Putin has on several occasions spoken of the need to mend U.S.-Russian ties since the election of Trump. Trump, for his part, has spoken about the need to cooperate with Russia.

For most of the address in the opulent St. Georges Hall of the Kremlin, Putin listed economic data and plans to improve Russias infrastructure. Government officials and members of parliament applauded mildly here and there.

The only emotional parts of the speech concerned international politics; everything else was dreary, full of banalities, said Stanislav Belkovsky, a liberal Russian political analyst, on the independent television station TV Rain.

Later, he added: Its clear that Putins address to the Federal Assembly is nothing more than a ritual at this point. He doesnt treat the content of his speech seriously.

[Trumps global business reach raises questions about his diplomacy]

An example: Putin has slowly worn away democratic institutions such as opposition parties and checks and balances against his own power, but he praised his administrations course of developing democratic institutions and increasing competition.

Opposition parties have been pushed to the sidelines in Russia, and October parliamentary elections returned a supermajority for Putins United Russia party.

Weve proven that we live in a healthy society that is sure of its just requirements, where immunity from populism and demagoguery is being strengthened, and where the meaning of mutual support, consolidation and unity is valued, Putin said.

The Russian leader said unity had helped stave off coups and in the end, anarchy  a veiled reference to the color revolutions of other post-Soviet states such as Ukraine, where Russia is fighting a proxy war in the east after annexing the Crimean Peninsula.

Putin also made a reference to the refugee crisis in Europe and the chaotic election campaign in the United States.

Its troubling that in the world, even in the seemingly most well-off countries and stable regions, there are more schisms and national, religious, political and social crises, the Russian leader said.

We know well the consequences of such so-called great upheavals, Putin said, noting the 100th anniversary of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution next year.

Pro-establishment politicians and observers praised the speech and Putins calls for consolidation.

Liberals consider patriots idiots, patriots consider liberals traitors, tweeted Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin political analyst. Putin called on them to stop quarreling and create a normal society.

Others saw it a different way.

This address is so boring its funny, tweeted Belkovsky.

Much of Putins speech touched on specifics of the economy, mired in a two-year slowdown, and he called for tax reform, investment in health care and education, and improvements in technology.

Let us remember that we are a united people, we are one people, we have one Russia, he said.

Read more:

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Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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The morning papers were giddy with hyperbole on Thursday over the news that Donald Trump had spoken to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by phone a day earlier and showered compliments on a country he once accused of betrayal and disrespect  even offering to help the nuclear power solve its problems abroad.

 Call me any time, Trump tells PM, touted the Express Tribune, describing the instant rapport between the two leaders during the congratulatory call initiated by Sharif. His office then released a readout of the call. The newspaper also suggested that the U.S. president-elect, who called Pakistan a fantastic country with fantastic people, might prove to be Islamabads good friend.

[Pakistans surprisingly candid readout of Trumps call with prime minister]

By the end of the day, though, the official tone had become more circumspect and commentators were skeptical that Trump, who has little foreign-policy experience and has close business relations with Pakistans archrival, India, really was ready to weigh in on the thorny issues that have long roiled the Muslim nations international relations.

Our relationship with the United States is not about personalities  it is about institutions, said Nafees Zakaria, a spokesman for the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Describing Sharifs gesture as a courtesy call, Zakaria said Pakistan would welcome any effort by Trump to ease regional tensions, but the spokesman added, We do not comment on bilateral relations between sovereign countries.

Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, an analyst and former foreign minister, observed that although Mr. Trump is a warmhearted person, he lacks expertise in foreign policy and is not yet in office. Noting the obvious excitement shown by Sharifs office over the conversation, Kasuri said, One nice call . . . is not something we read too much into. Trump, he added archly, could have been equally effusive with Indian Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi.

[Trump pitches India and U.S. as best friends]

The reaction in India, not surprisingly, was cooler still. India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads over the Himalayan region of Kashmir for decades, but India has always opposed Pakistans desire to have the United States or other countries play a mediation role. Tensions have escalated in recent months, with deadly border attacks against Indian forces and harsh repression of protesters in the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir.

Insofar as the fantastic conversation is concerned . . . I would reserve my judgment, said Vikas Swarup, a spokesman for Indias Ministry of External Affairs. We have seen only a one-sided version of that conversation. Swarup said India would welcome a dialogue between Pakistan and the United States to resolve outstanding issues but specified that the most outstanding issue is Pakistans continued support to cross-border terrorism.

Many comments posted on social media in India were derisive and mocking, as were many comments from Pakistanis. Some made fun of Sharif, who is accused of hiding financial assets abroad, casting him as desperate for foreign friends. Some derided both leaders as corrupt scammers who would get along famously as a result.

So where is the new Trump Tower in Pakistan actually going to be? one post asked.

Annie Gowen and Rama Lakshmi in New Delhi contributed to this report.

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David Hamilton with two of his works at an exhibition in Aschendorf, Germany. (Ingo Wagner /European Pressphoto Agency)

David Hamilton, a widely published British photographer whose alluring images of young women were variously celebrated as art and condemned as pornography, died Nov. 25 in Paris. He was 83 and had recently professed his innocence after a former child model accused him of raping her three decades ago.

Emergency officials told the Associated Press that Mr. Hamilton was discovered at his apartment in cardiac arrest. Agnes Thibault-Lecuivre, a spokeswoman for the Paris prosecutors office, said on Nov. 29 that the autopsy identified asphyxiation as the cause of death. Suicide is the leading theory in the investigation, she said, but it has not yet been confirmed.

In a long career that spanned film and still photography, fashion and portraiture, Mr. Hamilton became internationally known for his ethereal images of girls on the cusp of womanhood.

Some models he photographed in the nude. Others wore thin, even translucent garb or floral crowns. He favored a soft-focus style that imbued his images with an immediately recognizable quality  the Hamilton blur, it was called.

In his photography, published in volumes with titles including Dreams of a Young Girl and The Age of Innocence, Mr. Hamilton said that he sought to depict the candor of a lost paradise.

Nudity and purity, sensuality and innocence, grace and spontaneity  we made contradictions of them, Mr. Hamilton once told an interviewer. I try to harmonize them, and thats my secret, and the reason for my success.

That success was the subject of intense debate, with Mr. Hamiltons admirers comparing him to French painters of the 17th and 18th centuries.

He sees his subjects through a shimmering haze of delight, half fatherly, half loverly, as shy, enchanting creatures who live in a world that is several degrees removed from real life, New York Times photography critic Gene Thornton wrote in 1978.

It is an ideal world of the thought, Thornton continued, that in painting is associated with the names of Watteau, Boucher and Fragonard, a world that is deeply moving because it resonates with real feelings that real people have about life, yet is not, in any usual sense of the word, realistic at all.

Other viewers did not see Mr. Hamiltons output in the same idyllic light. Times film critic A.O. Scott described Bilitis (1977), one of several movies that Mr. Hamilton directed in the 1970s and 1980s, as a work of gauzy, arty, breathlessness and an exemplar of soft-core artsploitation pictures. Photography critic Sarah Boxer, also writing in the Times, called The Age of Innocence and its images of bare-breasted girls as the essence of icky, and the author as someone who could be considered a dirty old man.

In the 1990s, conservative radio host Randall Terry lobbied law enforcement officials to pursue charges against the bookseller Barnes & Noble for selling The Age of Innocence and other volumes containing nude images of children. In one case, a Tennessee district attorney dropped obscenity charges after Barnes & Noble agreed to display copies of Mr. Hamiltons books on higher shelves, out of childrens reach.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Hamilton dismissed his critics as the great unlaid.

According to the Guardian, he located his models during what he described as shopping expeditions on the beaches of Southern France. Because of his renown, parents permitted him to photograph their children.

One model, the French radio host Flavie Flament, published in October an autobiographical novel, The Consolation, in which she recalled being raped at age 13 by a photographer she did not name. Her portrait by Mr. Hamilton appeared on the cover.

Flament later identified Mr. Hamilton as her alleged assailant after several women contacted her, she recounted, to say that they, too, had been victimized.

Mr. Hamilton threatened to sue his accusers.

Clearly the instigator of this media lynching is looking for her 15 minutes of fame by defaming me in her novel, he said in a statement reported Nov. 22 by the Agence France-Presse. He decried the media for presenting these accusations like the truth. I was accused several years ago and cleared. I am innocent and should be considered so.

Mr. Hamilton was born in London on April 15, 1933. British newspapers reported that he was evacuated during the bombings of World War II to Dorset, in southwest England.

He studied architecture before becoming a fashion photographer, working for magazines including Elle in France. He later became art director at the Printemps department store in Paris. His artwork appeared on postcards and in calendars, in addition to fashion magazines.

The Daily Telegraph reported that his marriage to Gertrude Hamilton was dissolved. A complete list of survivors could not immediately be confirmed.

Responding to critics who equated his photography with pornography, Mr. Hamilton evoked the memory of another artist he said was poorly understood: Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, the 19th-century author of Alice in Wonderland, who had intense relationships with young girls, at times photographing them in the nude.

If Lewis Carroll were alive today he would be in jail! Mr. Hamilton told the Los Angeles Times, using Dodgsons pen name. He was a wonderful man!

James McAuley contributed to this report.
The Islamic State has launched 632 vehicle bombs against Iraqi forces since their offensive to reclaim the city of Mosul began six weeks ago, a senior military official said Thursday.

The widespread use of vehicle-borne bombs  at a pace that amounts to 14 per day  has helped make the battle for the militants largest stronghold in Iraq particularly treacherous. Local troops are taking significant losses as they face a well-armed adversary in close-range firefights, while civilians bear the brunt of relentless militant shelling.

The stakes are high for the Iraqi government and its U.S. backers as they orchestrate a massive, multipronged attack on a large, densely populated city that has been under extremist control for 2 years.

In his first televised update since the offensive began, Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Yarullah, who commands the ongoing operation, said Iraqi fighters had made significant progress in clearing the Islamic State from villages surrounding Mosul and, in recent weeks, had captured a growing number of neighborhoods within the militant-held city. The United States and its allies are also conducting airstrikes in support of ground forces.

Yarullah described some of the challenges that an array of Iraqi fighters  including army, federal police and elite counterterrorism troops, along with local tribesmen and Iranian-backed militiamen  had encountered. Explosive-mounted vehicles  including cars, trucks, armored personnel carriers and even armored bulldozers  have been a hallmark of the militants effort to hold off advancing forces.

[The mounting death toll in Mosul forces questions about the battle plan]

While Iraqi troops have disabled many of the bombs before militants could set them off, some of the vehicles have struck their targets with deadly results. An Islamic State video released last month showcased a variety of such attacks, some of which set off massive explosions and sent Iraqi forces fleeing for their lives.

While insurgent car bombs are nothing new, countering those attacks has become much more difficult within the narrow streets and tightly packed homes of Mosul. The thick armor that militants apply to the vehicles make them harder to disable, while the density of the populated urban area means airstrikes are more risky.

While Iraqi officials have said the pace of car bombs has dropped off as the battle wears on, militants retain substantial firepower.

The general provided his update on the 45th day of an operation that has proved deadly for civilians, tens of thousands of whom have already fled the city. Those who remain risk being caught in the crossfire or being struck by mortar shells that militants are firing at recently recaptured neighborhoods. According to a U.N. report released Thursday, nearly 900 civilians have died in Nineveh province, where Mosul is located, since the beginning of October.

Yarullah said the presence of more than a million civilians was a central factor in the pace of advance, which has slowed as troops try to press further into the city east of the Tigris River. If it wasnt for the civilians and the need to protect them, [our troops] would have gone much more quickly, he said.

Read more:

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Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Retired general David Petraeus speaks to the media while leaving Trump Tower this week in New York. President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team are in the process of filling Cabinet and other high-level positions. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Donald Trump, on the campaign trail, would occasionally compare the criminal investigation into whether Hillary Clinton mishandled classified information with the case of former CIA director David Petraeus. In Trumps view, Petraeus, who pleaded guilty to mishandling classified information, was pursued unfairly, while Clinton deserved to be treated more harshly.

The system is rigged, Trump tweeted after the FBI recommended that Clinton not be charged. General Petraeus got in trouble for far less. Very very unfair! As usual, bad judgment.

That assessment has long irked Clinton supporters and even the FBI  which feels that Petraeuss case was a clear-cut example of criminal wrongdoing with aggravating factors, while Clintons was not. Now, Petraeus is under consideration for a job in Trumps administration  possibly even as secretary of state, the job Clinton used to hold.

Petraeus and Trump met this week, and Trump wrote on Twitter that he was very impressed!

[Unlike Petraeus and others, Clintons case lacked malicious intent or other nefarious elements]

Retired Army general David Petraeus has emerged as a potential pick for secretary of state in the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. (Bastien Inzaurralde,Osman Malik/The Washington Post)

If nominated to be secretary of state, Petraeus would have to undergo a potentially bruising confirmation hearing that would probably reexamine the lurid case that led to his conviction and dredge up old comparisons to Clinton. His and Clintons cases both involve investigations of mishandling of classified information, but under dramatically different circumstances.

Petraeus pleaded guilty last year to a misdemeanor charge of mishandling classified information, admitting that he gave sensitive materials to his former lover and biographer, Paula Broadwell. He was sentenced to two years of probation and fined $100,000. His probation includes several restrictions that could complicate his holding a Cabinet position  for instance, he must have work-related travel approved by the U.S. Probation Office, and he must submit to warrantless searches by his probation officer at any time.

Petraeuss probation expires in April 2017, and Trump, upon taking office, could commute his sentence. Jeffrey H. Smith, an attorney for Petraeus, said that his client has made frequent international trips in the past 19 months, and all have been approved by the probation office. Smith said it would be premature and wrong, in my judgment  simply because he admitted to this one mistake and was convicted of a federal misdemeanor  that he cannot serve as secretary of state.

From his point of view, he admitted his mistake, hes paid the price, and the Senate and the country ought to view him in that regard, Smith said. He stood up and took his medicine, and given everything hes done for the country, and given the potential that he could be secretary of state and what he could bring to the table, he wants all that to be considered as a whole.

[The full probation conditions for David Petraeus]

Those involved in the Petraeus case at one point contemplated much more serious charges of lying to the FBI and violating a section of the Espionage Act. Officials have said the information contained in the eight notebooks Petraeus gave to Broadwell could have caused grave damage to national security, if disclosed.

The information included war strategies and the identities of covert officers, the officials said. Petraeus also told agents that he had not provided classified information to Broadwell or facilitated her obtaining it, which FBI Director James B. Comey said was a lie.

Smith said Petraeus realized soon after he gave the journals to Broadwell that was a mistake, and he asked for them back. He said Broadwell had agreed that she would not use classified material in her book, and none was included. Smith also disputed that Petraeus intentionally misled investigators, saying that Petraeus had forgotten about the journals when the FBI asked him whether he gave Broadwell classified information.

At a congressional hearing this year, Comey asserted forcefully that the Petraeus case was worthy of prosecution, while the Clinton case was not. He said the Petraeus case illustrates importantly the distinction with the Clinton matter.

So the question is, do you agree with the claim that General Petraeus, and I quote, got in trouble for far less, end of quote? Do you agree with that statement? Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) asked the FBI director.

No, its the reverse, Comey said.

And what do you mean by that? Cummings said.

His conduct, to me, illustrates the categories of behavior that mark the prosecutions that are actually brought. Clearly intentional conduct. Knew what he was doing was a violation of the law. Huge amounts of information that  even if you couldnt prove he knew it  it raises the inference that he did it. An effort to obstruct justice. That combination of things makes it worthy of a prosecution, a misdemeanor prosecution, but a prosecution nonetheless.

[How David Petraeus avoided felony charges and possible prison time]

Smith declined to comment on the direct comparison of Petraeuss case and Clintons.

FBI agents investigated Clinton to determine whether classified information was mishandled because of her use of a private server while she was secretary of state. Comey said Clinton and her staffers were extremely careless in how they handled sensitive material, and there was evidence of potential violations of the statutes regarding the handling of classified information. But Comey said that no reasonable prosecutor would actually bring a case against her.

Classified material did traverse Clintons private server. Information in 110 emails contained information sensitive enough to be classified at the time it was sent or received, and eight email chains included information properly classified as top secret, the highest level of classification, Comey said.

But Comey said agents could find no substantive evidence that Clinton intended to mishandle classified information, that she lied during her interview with agents, or that she made any efforts to obstruct justice. Clinton has said using the private server was a mistake and one she wishes she had not made.

Comey did not fully clear Clinton of wrongdoing. Were an FBI employee to do what she did, Comey said, the employee might face professional consequences, such as a loss of a security clearance, suspension or even termination. But he said he did not feel she should be charged with a crime.

Petraeus  a retired Army general and former CIA director who left the agency amid revelations about his relationship with Broadwell  would need a security clearance to serve as secretary of state. The CIA suspended his security clearance after his conviction and it remains suspended, U.S. officials said. A CIA spokesman declined to comment. Smith said that Petraeus does not hold a security clearance.

A criminal conviction would not automatically preclude Petraeus from obtaining a clearance. He would have to pass a background check that assesses his strength of character, trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, discretion, and sound judgment, as well as freedom from conflicting allegiances and potential for coercion, and a willingness and ability to abide by regulations governing the use, handling, and protection of classified information, according to information on the State Departments website. Whether to grant a clearance is a discretionary security decision based on judgments by appropriately trained adjudicative personnel, according to the site.

A State Department official said the department would not speculate on prospects for that process.

This story has been updated with comments from Petraeuss lawyer.

Greg Miller contributed to this report.

For a video, go to wapo.st/clintonpetraeus.

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In a historic vote, Colombia's lower house passed a revised peace deal with the country's FARC rebels on Nov. 30, a day after the senate approved the deal. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

In a historic vote, Colombia's lower house passed a revised peace deal with the country's FARC rebels on Nov. 30, a day after the senate approved the deal. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Colombias congress approved a historic peace deal with the countrys largest rebel group on Wednesday night, raising hopes that Latin Americas longest war was finally ending.

The vote came two months after voters narrowly rejected a similar peace accord in a nationwide referendum. But after making changes to the pact, President Juan Manuel Santos decided to get it approved by lawmakers. The war, which started in 1964, has left at least 220,000 dead and drove 7 million people from their homes.

The 130-to-0 decision by the lower house, which came one day after the senate approved the agreement, paves the way for guerrilla fighters to lay down their weapons and enter the political arena. Opponents of the peace deal abstained from voting.

Gratitude to Congress for its historic support of Colombians hope for peace, Santos tweeted after the vote in the lower house.

In recent weeks, Santos and his team of negotiators scrambled to save the deal, the product of nearly five years of painstaking negotiations with commanders from the FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Santos met extensively with opponents who insisted he was giving away too much to rebels guilty of murder, terrorism, kidnapping and drug running.

The government then went back to the bargaining table with the rebels and won new concessions, but the guerrillas would not budge from their insistence that any peace deal allow them to form a political party and run for elected office once they give up their guns.

Many uncertainties remain about the road ahead, and supporters of the peace deal are anxious about how quickly the process might unfold. The government and rebels reached a cease-fire agreement in June, but some analysts said the Santos administrations unconventional method of winning approval for the pact could force it to spend months on approving implementing legislation, delaying major steps in demobilization of the rebels.

Still, the absence of a dramatic conclusion to the peace process should not detract from the deals significance, said Bernard Aronson, a longtime diplomat appointed by President Obama as a special envoy to the Colombian peace process.

The war has been an open sore for Colombia for five decades, Aronson said. Turning the FARC from a violent revolutionary group into a political party is huge for the economy and security of the country. It means Colombia can emerge as a model success story for Latin America.

Santos, who will receive the Nobel Peace Prize on Dec. 10 for his efforts to end the war, chose to bypass Colombian voters this time, sending the deal to congress instead, where he enjoys majority support. The revised agreement, a 310-page document, gave Colombias justice system more oversight over the deal, offered additional assurances to landowners that private property rights would be respected and re-affirmed the governments right to use aerial spraying as a technique for eradicating illegal coca.

This last part of renegotiation was exhausting. It took us to the limit, Sergio Jaramillo, the governments peace commissioner and one of the top negotiators, told reporters after the vote. But now we pass to something more difficult, which is to change the conditions on the ground and benefit our campesinos. And to assure there is safe transit for the FARC and to worry about the security of communities.

The ultimate goal, he said, was no more political deaths in Colombia.

Santoss decision to pursue a legislative route angered Colombias conservatives and raises the possibility that the peace deal will turn into a political football next year when the presidential campaign to replace Santos kicks off. In the 166-member lower house, opponents of the agreement abstained from voting and walked out of the congress in protest.

We do not support the illegality of ratifying the new accords, Ciro A. Ramirez, a lower house representative, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.

Although the congress ratified the peace accord, it still must pass separate laws in order to implement it and start the process in which the FARC rebels turn in their weapons.

Among those pending measures are a law that would give amnesty for certain political crimes such as a rebelling against the state. Colombias normal procedure for approving such laws usually takes many months.

Adam Isacson, a Colombia expert with the Washington Office on Latin America, said the cease-fire could deteriorate during the time it takes to send the measures through the legislative system.

It's unlikely that FARCs entire membership would happily sit in their camps, doing nothing while hanging in their hammocks, for that many months of uncertainty, he said.

To avoid this delay, Colombian authorities hope to fast-track the new implementing laws, allowing rebels to begin disarming and moving into U.N. camps in a matter of weeks. However, Colombias constitutional court must rule on whether the process can be sped up, because the plebiscite was rejected.

Aronson, the U.S. envoy, noted that on Tuesday, the same day senators in the capital, Bogota, voted to approve the peace deal, a 6-year-old girl was killed by a land mine in the Choco department, one of Colombias poorest and most war-ravaged areas. Only Afghanistan has more injuries and deaths from land mines each year.

It was a sobering reminder that Colombia will have a long road ahead, Aronson said. Under the terms of the peace accord, the government has committed to redouble investments in rural infrastructure and the resettlement of families displaced by the fighting. But the new accord also contains assurances to wary Colombian landowners that their property rights will be protected. And it will force the guerrillas to make financial reparations to victims with the money they accumulated from drug profits and kidnapping schemes.

Theres a huge amount of reconstruction that needs to be done to repair the country and repair victims, Aronson said. But if it proceeds as specified, itll be a significant transformation of Colombia.

Miroff reported from Havana. Julia Symmes Cobb in Medellin contributed to this report.

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The article by Georgetown University Professor Hunter takes the position that Trumps election is bad news for Iran and is possibly even a preface to the deliberate destabilization of the theocratic government. One reason that Hunter cites for her conclusion is the support that some of Trumps close advisors have given to the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran. But even in absence of known relationships with the leading Iranian resistance organization, other advisors have made it abundantly clear that they have hardline attitudes about the Islamic Republic and may even support a policy of regime change.

President-elect Trump himself had suggested on the campaign trail that he would tear up last years Iran nuclear agreement soon after taking office. Since the election, he has focused instead on the concept of renegotiation, but previous analyses have pointed out that in practice this could thoroughly undermine the deal, perhaps compelling the Iranians to cancel it on their end. It is widely understood that any outcome along these lines would revive the threat of American military action.

That same article recommends that Tehran seek to avoid this by avoiding provocative responses to any preliminary action that might be taken by the incoming American president. Even the Iranians dealings with the arguably conciliatory Obama administration have tended toward provocation, with incidences of close contact between Iranian and American naval vessels more than doubling after the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

But various other commentators have pointed out that Trump may not tear up the agreement, but simply enforce it more rigorously, in which case an aggressive Iranian response may result in its failure and justify additional punitive measures by the Trump-led US government.

However although the aggressive stance of the Trump administration may encourage that rhetoric and thereby make global reintegration more difficult for Iran, some analysts insist that this situation will not necessarily lead to American confrontation of Irans activities in the Middle East. This was the position taken by an article that appeared at the Huffington Post on Monday. It argued that Trump may not decide to exert pressure on Iran over such things as its interventions in the Syrian and Yemeni civil wars. Indeed, Trump intimated in the presidential debates and elsewhere that he would cooperate with Iran and with its allies including Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, in the interest of pursuing a policy focused on the destruction of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Putting it more bluntly, the Huffington Post article suggested that Iran could be the first beneficiary from Trumps policies in Syria. If this is true, it may mean that Tehran is actively anticipating permissiveness from the Trump administration, with regard to Irans interventionist policies. This would in turn serve as one explanation for why Iranian armed forces Chief of Staff General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri recently announced that the country was considering the establishment of permanent naval bases in both Syria and Yemen.

The Associated Press quoted Bagheri as saying that the establishment of such bases is 10 times more important than Irans nuclear program, and a source of deterrence against foreign pressure. And contrary to the analysis provided by the Huffington Post, remarks like Bagheris can easily be interpreted to mean that the Iranians are in fact anticipating increased pressure from the US and its allies under the Trump administration, and are making last-ditch efforts to shore up their foreign influence before that pressure comes to bear.

Whatever the current impetus behind it, this strategy of foreign influence does not begin or end with Syria and Yemen. It also includes Iraq, where the Islamic State is also flourishing, partly as a result of the conditions created by longstanding Iranian influence, which previously encouraged the marginalization of Sunnis under the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. As Iran and Iraq work together in the fight against ISIL, they are also working together to promote Irans broader foreign policies.

For instance, Iran and Iraq have both publicly decried the Turkish presence in the northern, predominantly Kurdish region of Iraq. Turkey insists that its deployment of advisors across the border was a response to requests by local populations, while Iran and Iraq describe it as a violation of sovereignty, being unauthorized by the Iraqi national government.

This conflict reflects long-standing tensions in the relationship between Iran and Syria, but those tensions diminished in the wake of Ankaras domestic crackdown following an attempted coup. Iran offered support to the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan and has since been trying to leverage the situation for greater cooperation between Ankara and Tehran. Such cooperation would presumably include both a withdrawal from Iraq and an end to Turkeys commitment to the moderate rebel groups fighting against Assad in Syria.

In the run-up to his election, President-elect Trump also expressed support for the Erdogan government, questioning the Obama administrations condemnation of the crackdown. This naturally leads to additional questions about the actions that Trump will actually take in the region, especially if Iranian-Turkish cooperation is firmly established by the time he takes office. And the Iranians may even have this in mind as they continue to push for that cooperation.

Reuters pointed out on Monday that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had received a visit from Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and had declared, If major regional powers stand together, problems in Iraq and Syria will be resolved without the need for foreign powers.

Rouhanis comments came in the context of a specific request for regional cooperation between Iran and Turkey, but the generalized language was no doubt an intentional effort to include a range of other potential subjects of Iranian influence. On Monday, Fox News featured an interview with military analyst and retired General Jack Keane, in which he expressed a common assumption about Iran: that it would continue to try to dominate the region in the months ahead.

Keane went on to say that this would keep Iran policy as a high priority on the agenda for the incoming Trump administration, and would likely lead to increased pressure, including economic sanctions. Keane also speculated that this might be enough to push the Iranians into canceling the nuclear agreement, thereby effectively fulfilling Trumps campaign-trail promise.

If events do take this course, the question will then remain as to whether the Trump administration will take more broad-based aggressive actions. The makeup of his advisory staff may suggest that he will, but certain other entanglements may suggest otherwise. For instance, President-elect Trump maintains business relationships with Russia and has promised to improve relations between the US and its former Cold War adversary.

Regardless of those relationships, Professor Hunter argues that Russia and China would both use the failure of the Iran nuclear deal as leverage to seek other concessions from the US. If these efforts are successful, they may cut against the Trump administrations generalized hostility toward the Iranian regime. That is to say, both Russia and China have been enjoying steadily improved relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, as partly evidenced by a recent Wall Street Journal report implying that Russia is still defending the Iranian position in negotiations with OPEC.

The 14-member oil cartel, with support from non-member Russia, will be pursuing an oil output agreement on Wednesday, although previous such efforts failed as a result of Irans unwillingness to participate. Russia is now parroting Irans commitment to freeze but not reduce output. And although it is generally understood that OPEC cannot afford to go without an agreement, it remains to be seen whether the organizations Saudi leadership will be satisfied with the arrangement being held over it by Iran and Russia.

Ordinarily, one would expect the US to stand by its traditional Saudi allies if it were to wield any influence over such negotiations. But in light of Trumps relationship with Russia, his possible willingness to cooperate with Iran over regional conflicts, and his previous insistence that the Gulf Arab states will have to pay for continued friendship with the US, nothing of this sort can be taken for granted.
Workers perform routine maintenance at the DeAcero steel mill in Mexico. The company melts down scrap metal from Mexico and the United States to produce steel beams, fencing and other products, mostly for the North American market. (Josh Partlow/The Washington Post)

The glowing metal pulsing at 2,912 degrees Fahrenheit in the DeAcero companys colossal new steel mill here is recycled from old auto parts, barges and broken-down dishwashers bought from scrap yards here and in Texas.

The companys metal is shipped back across the border to Missouri, to a plant that produces nails sold at Home Depot and Lowes stores across America. The nails compete for shelf space with products pumped out by the worlds dominant steelmaking power, China.

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump blasted the North American Free Trade Agreement as the worst trade deal ever and threatened to rip it up. And yet the North American economy is a vast interlocking web of enterprises that would not be easy to unravel.

Mexican manufacturing has enjoyed a boom under NAFTA. At the same time, U.S. farmers ship oceans of grain to Mexico. Countless products, like those nails, result from manufacturing chains that straddle both countries. American companies profit from the trade  Walmart is Mexicos biggest employer  and that helps to prop up Americans 401(k) accounts. American-made parts that are assembled into cars in Mexico and sold back across the border mean fewer jobs in Detroit, but cheaper cars for all Americans.

Its not a one-sided thing, said Sam Vale, a McAllen, Tex., businessman who owns and operates a commercial bridge across the Rio Grande. Is the American public willing to spend 30 to 40 percent more for an automobile just because these guys lost their jobs?

President-elect Trumps rejection of NAFTA has placed American manufacturing at a crossroads and caused alarm south of the border. Trump has warned American companies against moving operations abroad, and some have reversed plans to do so. On Tuesday, Carrier, a manufacturer of air conditioners, promised to keep nearly 1,000 jobs in Indiana that had been intended for Mexico.

If Trumps anti-free-trade convictions are carried into his presidency, he could unravel the economic and geopolitical consensus that has guided relations in North America for the past quarter-century. Economists and rattled business leaders say the return of tariffs would sledgehammer the border-crossing supply chains that have pushed bilateral trade to more than $500 billion a year, potentially wiping out millions of jobs in both countries.

Mexico has made undeniable economic gains in the 22 years since the start of NAFTA. A muscular new manufacturing belt of steel mills, auto factories and electronics plants has arisen in the parched northern scrublands, where workers earning $2 or $3 an hour make things that used to roll off assembly lines in Ohio, Indiana and the factory towns of the American Rust Belt.

Trump triumphed in those states with the message that Americas losses were Mexicos gains, vowing to avenge them with import tariffs and penalties on U.S. companies that move jobs south. He points to the $61 million trade deficit with Mexico as evidence that NAFTA is a loser for the American economy.

But untangling the labyrinth of benefits, profits and cost savings is not simple, since so much cross-border commerce is driven by major U.S. companies. Business executives on both sides of the border cant quite think that a U.S. president would tear up an agreement whose benefits to American corporations and consumers seem obvious.

If you close the border for one day, all the industry in the Midwest stops, said economist Luis de la Calle, who worked on NAFTAs implementation at Mexicos embassy in Washington. The level of integration is much more profound than people think or than Trump imagines.

Mexicos economy is showing signs of stress from Trumps win. The Mexican peso has lost nearly 10 percent of its value, and a new report by Mexicos second-largest bank predicts the country will enter a recession if Trump follows through on his threats to scrap NAFTA, which would scare away foreign investment.

But the potential pain to the U.S. economy has received less attention. Key sectors are powered by trade with Mexico. Mexico is the second-largest destination for U.S. exports, and iconic American companies such as Caterpillar, Ford and General Electric often send U.S.-made components over the border to Mexico for assembly, shipping back finished products duty-free. The factories and manufacturing plants of northern Mexico are increasingly powered by natural gas piped in from Texas.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 6 million American jobs depend on trade with Mexico, and about 40 percent of Mexicos exports are made from U.S. parts, components and other inputs.

This model has allowed American firms to compete and thrive, sending their stock prices soaring while helping them fend off competition from European and Asian manufacturers that also outsource to assembly plants in China and other low-wage nations. Although these high-end manufacturing jobs in Mexico pay less than in the United States, they also act as a magnet keeping Mexicans from migrating to the United States. Migration rates for Mexicans are at their lowest levels in decades.

Globalization has its shortcomings and problems, I agree, and we need to address them, said Fernando Elizondo, a top official in Mexicos industrial powerhouse state of Nuevo Leon. But going back to a world of isolationism makes no sense. Are we all going to live on farms again, raising chickens and pigs?

Expectations and uncertainty

More than a dozen U.S. and Mexican companies that assemble or manufacture products in northern Mexico declined to respond to questions about the potential effects on their businesses from new trade barriers, in what may be a sign of anxiety that Trump may follow through on his threats.

Company representatives who agreed to discuss the issue argued that technology and robotics are rapidly replacing U.S. manufacturing jobs, so trying to force companies to leave Mexico wouldnt restore American factories to their former glory. Instead, the breakdown of NAFTA probably would bring a trade war. During his campaign Trump threatened to slap 35 percent tariffs on cars and auto parts imported from Mexico. Mexico could quickly retaliate by raising tariffs of its own.

American companies find Mexico attractive because of low labor costs, but also because of valuable incentive packages provided by Mexican authorities in tax breaks, land and infrastructure. Cardone, an auto-parts manufacturer that was widely criticized for its plans to relocate a plant from Pennsylvania to northern Mexico, said the move was needed to improve competitiveness in an industry where price sensitivity is critically important, company executive George Zauflik said in a statement.

Cardone is constantly seeking new ways to design and remanufacture auto parts that provide greater value for our customers. As a result, we are devoting significant investment dollars to innovation, particularly on high-tech, higher-wage engineering jobs, almost all of which are in the U.S., he said.

A bulwark against China

In 2012, along a desolate expanse of creosote brush west of Monterrey, the DeAcero company built a state-of-the-art $750 million steel mill. The company melts down scrap metal to produce beams, rebar and cables, mostly for the Mexican construction industry. But it also ships products such as barbed wire and fencing to the United States.

The company acquired a nail manufacturing plant in Poplar Bluff, Mo., in 2012, and by sourcing its raw materials from Mexico it has remained competitive with the Chinese firms that dominate the U.S. market.

Company executive Juan Antonio Reboulen said that if a Trump administration imposed new tariffs on the steel rods it ships north, the 700 workers at plants in Missouri and Texas could lose their jobs.

The United States would be shooting itself in the foot, he said.

On the world stage, Mexican firms see themselves as a natural partner for the United States in the larger competition with China, which is expanding its trade and influence in the Western Hemisphere. A week after Trumps win, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in South America with promises to double foreign investment in the region.

China accounts for half of the worlds steel production, making eight times more than the United States and Mexico combined. Chinas notorious dumping practices, in which state-subsidized products are sold for export below cost, is the real threat to U.S. and Mexican producers  not NAFTA, DeAceros executives say.

They want Trump to see Mexico as a partner, not a rival.

If we dont join forces to strengthen North America, we will be flooded with imports from China and Korea, Reboulen said.

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The stunning military defeats suffered by US-backed rebels in Syrias northern city of Aleppo since the weekend have touched off a wave of demoralized recriminations within Washingtons political establishment, the military and intelligence apparatus and the corporate media, which together instigated and defended the bloody five-and-a-half-year war for regime-change against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian troops, backed by Hezbollah fighters from Lebanon and Shia militias from Iraq, have succeeded in overrunning close to half of the eastern section of Aleppo, which the rebels, a collection of militias dominated by the Syrian Al Qaeda affiliate, the al-Nusra Front, had held for over four years.

The consolidation of government control over all of Aleppo, which is now almost universally recognized as inevitable, would deprive the US-backed forces of their last urban redoubt and place all of Syrias main population centers under government control.

Among the most bitter responses to this development is a front-page article published Tuesday by the New York Times titled Assads Prize If He Prevails: Syria in Tatters, which grudgingly acknowledges that President Bashar al-Assad is starting to look as if he may survive the uprising, even in the estimation of some of his staunchest opponents.

For the Times, this is indeed a blow. Ever since President Barack Obama declared in 2011 that Assad must go, and the CIA and Pentagon, working in league with the most reactionary monarchical dictatorships in the Middle EastSaudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAEbegan pouring in billions of dollars in arms and money to back jihadist mercenaries, Americas newspaper of record has functioned as the leading propagandist for Syrian regime-change.

Its editorial pages are overseen by James Bennet, a figure with the closest ties to the state apparatus and the top echelons of the Democratic Party. (His father is a former head of USAID, a front for the CIA, and his brother is the senior senator from Colorado). The Times has churned out countless lying and hypocritical editorials and columns by such writers as Nicholas Kristof and Roger Cohen justifying the bloodbath instigated by US imperialism in Syria as a human rights crusade and promoting a more aggressive intervention, including a confrontation with Syrias principal ally, Russia.

The latest front-page piece only underscores the fact that the line between editorial propaganda and news coverage in the newspaper has long since ceased to exist. The Times has shamelessly used its reporting to justify terrorist attacks and sectarian atrocities carried out by CIA-backed Islamists as legitimate actions by democratic revolutionaries, while demonizing Assad in the same manner employed in relation to Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi to prepare public opinion for the US wars of aggression in Iraq and Libya, both of which involved the murder of the targeted leaders.

The author of Tuesdays article is Alissa Rubin, who served as the Baghdad bureau chief for first the Los Angeles Times and then the New York Times between 2003 and 2009, a period in which it is estimated that the illegal US invasion led to the deaths of roughly one million Iraqi men, women and children.

One would never guess from the feigned moral outrage of Times correspondents like Rubin over the Assad militarys use of barrel bombs and Russian bombing of Al Qaeda positions in populated urban areas that the same newspaper promoted a war that involved far greater crimes in Iraq as well as the US regime-change operation that unleashed the carnage in Syria.

The bulk of Rubins article consists of quotes from well-known advocates of the Syrian regime-change intervention and its escalation, such as former US ambassadors Ryan Crocker and Robert Ford.

Crocker predicts that the fighting in Syria will go on for years even if the government retakes all of Aleppo. He compares it to the 15-year civil war in neighboring Lebanon, suggesting that the bloodshed in Syria is likely to continue even longer.

Ford comments that even if the government consolidates its rule over all of Syria, the country will be reduced to a half-dead corpse this gaping wound that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Rubin writes: Assads victory, if he should achieve it, may well by Pyrrhic: He would rule over an economic wasteland hampered by a low-level insurgency with no end in sight. She also predicts that the country would be starved for economic resources to rebuild what the war for regime-change has destroyed.

The American Congress is unlikely to contribute, and neither are institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, where opponents of Mr. Assads like the United States and Saudi Arabia have considerable influence, she writes.

No doubt these predictions dovetail with specific policy options now under consideration in the White House, the Pentagon and the CIA. Even if Assad succeeds in staving off for now the US attempt to overthrow him, every effort will be made to continue bleeding the country white.

Behind the unconcealed anger and vindictive tone of Rubins piece lies the knowledge that the propaganda campaign waged by the Times to promote the imperialist intervention in Syria with hypocritical rhetoric about human rights and democracy has proven a failure. This same sentiment is undoubtedly shared by a whole section of the pseudo-left, tendencies such as the International Socialist Organization and others, whose arguments in support of the war for regime-change were virtually indistinguishable from the line dictated by the CIA to the Times editorial board.

The demoralization among these layers is deepened by the pending ascension to the presidency of Donald Trump, who has called into question the arming of Islamist rebels and suggested his administration would seek closer cooperation with Russia in suppressing ISIS and Al Qaeda in Syria.

Anyone interpreting Trumps remarks as a harbinger of a new era of peace in the Middle East or anywhere else on the planet, however, will be in for rude shocks, sooner rather than later. The objective logic of the protracted crisis of American capitalism as well as Trumps own America First policy leads to an explosive escalation of US militarism.

Whatever the billionaire con mans semi-coherent comments on Syria, he has surrounded himself with right-wing warmongers who are determined to continue war throughout the region, including against both Iran and Russia. Moreover, he has already laid out plans for a major expansion of the US Army and Navy as well as Washingtons nuclear arsenal.

Should the incoming administration change the rhetoric justifying such an escalation from the human rights and democracy tropes of the Obama years back to the global war on terror, or just the naked defense of US interests, the Times can be counted on to make the necessary adjustments to its journalistic propaganda.
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A member of the Electoral College has officially announced his resignation after previously stating he was hesitant to vote for Donald Trump. Texas Republican Art Sisneros confirmed to Politico on Monday that his position would be given to an alternate elector, who will be chosen by the state's remaining electors Dec. 19.

Sisneros originally announced his decision to resign in a blog post Saturday, expressing at great length his concerns about the "corrupt" Electoral College and why he believes Trump is "not qualified" to be president of the United States.

"I do not see how Donald Trump is biblically qualified to serve in the office of the presidency," he wrote. "Of the hundreds of angry messages that I have received, not one has made a convincing case from scripture otherwise. If Trump is not qualified and my role, both morally and historically, as an elected official is to vote my conscience, then I can not and will not vote for Donald Trump for president."

Photo credit: Getty

He went on to acknowledge that his resignation would not stop Trump from becoming the president. However, this knowledge only strengthened Sisneros's resolve not to cast his vote for him.

"The reality is Trump will be our president, no matter what my decision is," he wrote. "Many are furious that I am willing to have this discussion publicly. Personally, I wish more civil officers would be honest about their convictions."

"Since I cant in good conscience vote for Donald Trump, and yet have sinfully made a pledge that I would, the best option I see at this time is to resign my position as an Elector," he continued. "The people will get their vote ... I will sleep well at night knowing I neither gave in to their demands nor caved to my convictions. I will also mourn the loss of our republic."

Texas Republican Party chairman Tom Mechler has since released a statement acknowledging Sisneros's decision to resign and explaining that the remaining Texas Electors will continue forward as planned.

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"We respect Mr. Sisneros decision and appreciate his willingness to step down from his position as a Presidential Elector in Texas," he said, according to the Houston Chronicle. "The responsibility of selecting his replacement now falls into the hands of the other electors from Texas when they assemble on December 19th, and we will continue to move forward with the process."

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By David Ingram (Reuters) - Buzz Aldrin, the former U.S. astronaut and the second person to walk on the moon, was in stable condition after being evacuated from the South Pole to a New Zealand hospital because of a medical problem, a U.S. agency and his tour company said. Aldrin, 86, arrived by cargo plane in Christchurch, New Zealand, early on Friday local time, according to the U.S. National Science Foundation, which manages the U.S. Antarctic Program. He was visiting the South Pole as part of a tourist group when his condition deteriorated, the tourism company White Desert said in a statement. Aldrin had fluid in his lungs but was in good spirits and responding well to antibiotics, the company said. He would be kept in the hospital for observation. Aldrin was a fighter pilot during the Korean War before joining the U.S. astronaut programme. On July 20, 1969, he stepped on the moon about 20 minutes after Neil Armstrong had taken the historic first step. Their moonwalk was part of the Apollo 11 lunar landing was watched by a then-record television audience of 600 million people. Aldrin last year helped to launch a research institute at the Florida Institute of Technology aimed at paving a path toward Mars exploration and settlement. On Tuesday, he wore a T-shirt saying "Destination: Mars" as he prepared for the trip to Antarctica, according to photographs on his Twitter account. (Reporting by David Ingram in New York; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Bill Trott)
All Contributions Will Go to Help Dallas-Area Families in Need During the Holiday Season

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / 1-800-Car-Wreck is proud to announce the beginning of the annual "Stuff the Bus" Holiday Toy Drive in association with K104 and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). The fundraiser will help provide toys, socks, blankets, and canned food to Dallas area children, families, and the elderly who are in need during this holiday season.

"We are so happy to participate in this worthwhile campaign again," stated Amy Witherite, partner at Eberstein Witherite, LLP, the law firm of 1-800-Car-Wreck. "Although people are in need throughout the year, it seems as if there is a greater spirit of giving during the holiday season, so we want to take advantage of the good work that DART and K104 are doing to encourage Dallas-area residents to contribute to this toy drive. Contributions help area children, seniors, and families, and it's all about trying to make a difference in the life of someone less fortunate."

As part of the toy drive, Eberstein Witherite will be donating supplies such as toys, blankets, and food. Anyone who is interested in contributing to the toy drive can bring new and unwrapped adult socks, blankets, unwrapped toys, and canned food to Mockingbird Station on Friday, December 2, 2016 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The team at 1-800-Car-Wreck will be on site from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and will be guests on the Dede in the Morning Show during that time. K104 is the well-known nickname of KKDA-FM, and the station is a sponsor of the "Stuff a Bus" campaign. Radio hosts will do a live broadcast at Mockingbird Station.

DART bus drivers and DART police officers will be accepting donations during the event, which is designed to filled an entire DART bus with toys, clothes, and food as apart of two DART employee campaigns: "Santa Cops" and "Comforting of the Souls."

"Santa Cops" is run by the DART Police Department and provides toys and food to disadvantaged families. "Comforting of the Souls" is run by DART's Northwest Bus Division and provides adult socks and blankets to the elderly living in nursing home facilities.

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Media Contact

Lucy Tiseo

Eberstein & Witherite, LLP

Phone: 800-779-6665

Email: lucy.tiseo@ewlawyers.com

Connect with Eberstein & Witherite on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Source: http://www.1800-car-wreck.com/1-800-car-wreck-announces-annual-stuff-bus-holiday-toy-drive-k104-dart.html

SOURCE: Eberstein & Witherite, LLP via Submit Press Release 123
An explosion caused a fire at a fast-food restaurant in Victoria Square, Athens, Greece, early on December 1, reports said.

A female employee of the restaurant was killed, and other people were injured, according to local reports, which said authorities believed the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder.

The Viktoria Inn Twitter account shared videos and photos of the moments after the explosion. The source stated that they were working on the top floor when they had to evacuate the building because of the blast. Credit: Twitter/The Viktoria Inn via Storyful
Clementine sorbet Instead of Christmas pudding with Irish cream, for less sugar and fewer calories

Christmas is certainly the time for indulgence  gifts, wines, food, you name it.

However, the last thing on that list can cause rather a lot of anxiety for those of us that dont fancy breaking our healthy lifestyles and putting on a few pounds in the festive season.

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Get your deco fix in these vibrant cities across America.

Art deco expresses America's best and worst of times: the exuberant Jazz Age and the Great Depression. Miami Beach's Art Deco District is the largest and best known art deco wonderland, celebrating the Art Basel Miami Beach festival from Dec. 1-4. Manhattan's art deco skyscrapers "dazzle, entertain, amaze," Frank Lloyd Wright once noted. But many other U.S. cities have spectacular examples of this 1920s-1930s style, with a mix of striking geometric patterns, bold colors, streamlined modernized classicism and flamboyant new materials like chrome. Most of these buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Here are cities across America where you can admire this ultra-popular architecture.

New York City

Think art deco, and the first structures that spring to mind are New York City's Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. The 1930 Chrysler Building is most striking for its nickel-chromium steel pinnacle of zigzags inside crescent-shaped sunbursts and its three-story lobby with red Moroccan walls and inlaid wood elevator doors. The 1931 Waldorf Astoria is another famed example. But lesser-known must-sees across the city that never sleeps include the 1931 salmon-colored General Electric Building, whose pink marble lobby has a vaulted aluminum ceiling in sunburst motifs, and the 1927 Fred F. French Building, which features a bronze lobby with elaborate art deco designs.

Pittsburgh

Downtown Pittsburgh has several grand art deco sights. The 1927-1929 Koppers Building has striking art deco designs, especially its ornate three-story marble and bronze lobby. The 1931 Federal Reserve Bank building, with stunning cast aluminum figures and grille work, was recently converted into the Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown. Two former bank vaults have been transformed into meeting rooms, and the building's former firing range has become an indoor swimming pool. Plus, the Omni William Penn Hotel's Urban Room is an art deco masterpiece with gilt-trimmed black Carrara glass walls and 15 murals designed by Ziegfeld Follies set designer James Urban.

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Baltimore

Part of Charm City's charms can be seen in its art deco buildings. The Baltimore Trust Company Building, completed in October 1929 on the eve of the stock market crash, was virtually abandoned for almost a decade. The 34-story skyscraper with setback terraces is adorned with Mayan statues, reliefs and a gilded roof, plus it has a mural-filled lobby. The Senator Theatre, a well-restored 1939 art deco classic, still operates today and even uses its 40-foot silver screen. Its materials epitomize the era, with touches such as black marbleized Carrara glass, fluted aluminum, glass blocks and red neon.

Washington, District of Columbia

The nation's capital features a host of art deco gems. Several government buildings earned their own style, "New Deal federal architecture." A superlative example is the 1935-1936 Department of the Interior building. Its exterior and interior, with more than 40 Depression-era murals, became known as a "symbol of a new day." The exterior of the 1932 Folger Shakespeare Library on Capitol Hill also earned its own style name, "Greco Deco," for its streamlined classicism. At Ronald Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, visit the 1941 Terminal A, with its glass balustrade along the mezzanine, concrete polychrome mosaic panels and 30 artworks on display from the era.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, a Blue Ridge Mountain arts haven, offers a wealth of art deco buildings. Two of Asheville's top art deco jewels, both from 1928, are its imposing pink city hall and the S&W building, a former speakeasy and cafeteria. City hall's octagonal tiered red-tile roof showcases pink marble with green and gold feather decoration. S&W's brightly colored facade has glazed terra-cotta panels, slate, glass and wrought iron, topped by a blue-and-green tile parapet.

Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach's Art Deco District, with about 800 historically significant structures in a 125-square block area, is the country's largest concentration of 1920s-1930s architecture. According to the National Register of Historic Places, the Art Deco District "was one of the earliest National Register listings (1979) to recognize the importance of the architecture of this period." The classic art deco style has variations such as Mediterranean Revival or "Med-Deco." Unique Miami Beach touches are pastel facades, curved corners, portholes, concrete overhangs above windows and rocket ship shapes. Make sure to visit the Art Deco Welcome Center of the Miami Design Preservation League to learn more.

Chicago

"Chicago really shines in its quality and variety of art deco structures," says Amy Keller, executive vice president of the Chicago Art Deco Society. The 1929 Carbide and Carbon Building embodies the extravagance of the Roaring '20s, with polished black granite, green and gold terra-cotta and a tower covered with 24-karat gold gilt. The building's shape and coloring resemble a champagne bottle. Today, the building has been converted into a Hard Rock Hotel. Plus, the 1929 Chicago Motor Club, now a Hampton Inn, was originally lauded as a "temple of transport" with its three-story lobby mural and opulent lobby bar, which showcases a real 1928 Ford Model A.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa has an entire downtown Deco District and even a Tulsa Art Deco Museum located in the 1931 Philcade Building, one of America's first indoor shopping malls. Epitomizing art deco's use of rich materials, the museum's first two floors are covered with glazed terra-cotta ornamentation and the lobby is rich with mahogany, bronze, glass and terrazzo. Downtown Tulsa also features one of America's finest examples of "ecclesiastical art deco," the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. Stylized versions of praying hands are displayed throughout this building of metal, glass, terra-cotta, limestone and granite. It's also uniquely one of the world's few art deco buildings designed by a woman, Adah Robinson.

Houston

Houston's city hall is "WPA Deco," a Depression-era project funded by the federal Works Progress Administration. Metal grilles above all entrances of the 1939 building showcase images of lawmakers, including Thomas Jefferson, and the lobby features magnificent ceiling murals. Meanwhile, the 1927 Esperson Buildings, a 32-story structure commissioned by Mellie Esperson, honors her mogul husband, Neils Esperson, and its adjacent 1941 annex bears her name. And the 1929 Gulf Building, now the JPMorgan Chase Building, is significant for both its art deco exterior facade and interiors. Its original elaborate interior spaces boast stained glass and gold-leaf, plus eight frescoes depicting scenes from Texas' history.

Los Angeles

It probably comes as no surprise that Los Angeles boasts some of the best art deco movie theaters, including the 1927 Grauman's Chinese Theatre (now the TCL Chinese Theatre). The theater established an exotic style, with bronze dragons along jade-colored pagoda roofs, gold ornamentation and cinnabar terra-cotta surfaces. Meanwhile, the 1931 Wiltern Theatre features a sunburst ceiling with rays representing skyscrapers and the 1931 Sunset Tower Hotel epitomizes art deco's ZigZag Moderne style. Plus, the Georgian Hotel was an early speakeasy, with infamous patrons like Bugsy Siegel. Other masterpieces are Bullock's Wilshire Department Store (built in 1928) and the Wilshire Boulevard Temple (established in 1929).





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Get your deco fix in these vibrant cities across America.

Art deco expresses America's best and worst of times: the exuberant Jazz Age and the Great Depression. Miami Beach's Art Deco District is the largest and best known art deco wonderland, celebrating the Art Basel Miami Beach festival from Dec. 1-4. Manhattan's art deco skyscrapers "dazzle, entertain, amaze," Frank Lloyd Wright once noted. But many other U.S. cities have spectacular examples of this 1920s-1930s style, with a mix of striking geometric patterns, bold colors, streamlined modernized classicism and flamboyant new materials like chrome. Most of these buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Here are cities across America where you can admire this ultra-popular architecture.

New York City

Think art deco, and the first structures that spring to mind are New York City's Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. The 1930 Chrysler Building is most striking for its nickel-chromium steel pinnacle of zigzags inside crescent-shaped sunbursts and its three-story lobby with red Moroccan walls and inlaid wood elevator doors. The 1931 Waldorf Astoria is another famed example. But lesser-known must-sees across the city that never sleeps include the 1931 salmon-colored General Electric Building, whose pink marble lobby has a vaulted aluminum ceiling in sunburst motifs, and the 1927 Fred F. French Building, which features a bronze lobby with elaborate art deco designs.

Pittsburgh

Downtown Pittsburgh has several grand art deco sights. The 1927-1929 Koppers Building has striking art deco designs, especially its ornate three-story marble and bronze lobby. The 1931 Federal Reserve Bank building, with stunning cast aluminum figures and grille work, was recently converted into the Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown. Two former bank vaults have been transformed into meeting rooms, and the building's former firing range has become an indoor swimming pool. Plus, the Omni William Penn Hotel's Urban Room is an art deco masterpiece with gilt-trimmed black Carrara glass walls and 15 murals designed by Ziegfeld Follies set designer James Urban.

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Baltimore

Part of Charm City's charms can be seen in its art deco buildings. The Baltimore Trust Company Building, completed in October 1929 on the eve of the stock market crash, was virtually abandoned for almost a decade. The 34-story skyscraper with setback terraces is adorned with Mayan statues, reliefs and a gilded roof, plus it has a mural-filled lobby. The Senator Theatre, a well-restored 1939 art deco classic, still operates today and even uses its 40-foot silver screen. Its materials epitomize the era, with touches such as black marbleized Carrara glass, fluted aluminum, glass blocks and red neon.

Washington, District of Columbia

The nation's capital features a host of art deco gems. Several government buildings earned their own style, "New Deal federal architecture." A superlative example is the 1935-1936 Department of the Interior building. Its exterior and interior, with more than 40 Depression-era murals, became known as a "symbol of a new day." The exterior of the 1932 Folger Shakespeare Library on Capitol Hill also earned its own style name, "Greco Deco," for its streamlined classicism. At Ronald Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, visit the 1941 Terminal A, with its glass balustrade along the mezzanine, concrete polychrome mosaic panels and 30 artworks on display from the era.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, a Blue Ridge Mountain arts haven, offers a wealth of art deco buildings. Two of Asheville's top art deco jewels, both from 1928, are its imposing pink city hall and the S&W building, a former speakeasy and cafeteria. City hall's octagonal tiered red-tile roof showcases pink marble with green and gold feather decoration. S&W's brightly colored facade has glazed terra-cotta panels, slate, glass and wrought iron, topped by a blue-and-green tile parapet.

Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach's Art Deco District, with about 800 historically significant structures in a 125-square block area, is the country's largest concentration of 1920s-1930s architecture. According to the National Register of Historic Places, the Art Deco District "was one of the earliest National Register listings (1979) to recognize the importance of the architecture of this period." The classic art deco style has variations such as Mediterranean Revival or "Med-Deco." Unique Miami Beach touches are pastel facades, curved corners, portholes, concrete overhangs above windows and rocket ship shapes. Make sure to visit the Art Deco Welcome Center of the Miami Design Preservation League to learn more.

Chicago

"Chicago really shines in its quality and variety of art deco structures," says Amy Keller, executive vice president of the Chicago Art Deco Society. The 1929 Carbide and Carbon Building embodies the extravagance of the Roaring '20s, with polished black granite, green and gold terra-cotta and a tower covered with 24-karat gold gilt. The building's shape and coloring resemble a champagne bottle. Today, the building has been converted into a Hard Rock Hotel. Plus, the 1929 Chicago Motor Club, now a Hampton Inn, was originally lauded as a "temple of transport" with its three-story lobby mural and opulent lobby bar, which showcases a real 1928 Ford Model A.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa has an entire downtown Deco District and even a Tulsa Art Deco Museum located in the 1931 Philcade Building, one of America's first indoor shopping malls. Epitomizing art deco's use of rich materials, the museum's first two floors are covered with glazed terra-cotta ornamentation and the lobby is rich with mahogany, bronze, glass and terrazzo. Downtown Tulsa also features one of America's finest examples of "ecclesiastical art deco," the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. Stylized versions of praying hands are displayed throughout this building of metal, glass, terra-cotta, limestone and granite. It's also uniquely one of the world's few art deco buildings designed by a woman, Adah Robinson.

Houston

Houston's city hall is "WPA Deco," a Depression-era project funded by the federal Works Progress Administration. Metal grilles above all entrances of the 1939 building showcase images of lawmakers, including Thomas Jefferson, and the lobby features magnificent ceiling murals. Meanwhile, the 1927 Esperson Buildings, a 32-story structure commissioned by Mellie Esperson, honors her mogul husband, Neils Esperson, and its adjacent 1941 annex bears her name. And the 1929 Gulf Building, now the JPMorgan Chase Building, is significant for both its art deco exterior facade and interiors. Its original elaborate interior spaces boast stained glass and gold-leaf, plus eight frescoes depicting scenes from Texas' history.

Los Angeles

It probably comes as no surprise that Los Angeles boasts some of the best art deco movie theaters, including the 1927 Grauman's Chinese Theatre (now the TCL Chinese Theatre). The theater established an exotic style, with bronze dragons along jade-colored pagoda roofs, gold ornamentation and cinnabar terra-cotta surfaces. Meanwhile, the 1931 Wiltern Theatre features a sunburst ceiling with rays representing skyscrapers and the 1931 Sunset Tower Hotel epitomizes art deco's ZigZag Moderne style. Plus, the Georgian Hotel was an early speakeasy, with infamous patrons like Bugsy Siegel. Other masterpieces are Bullock's Wilshire Department Store (built in 1928) and the Wilshire Boulevard Temple (established in 1929).

Marsha Dubrow is a freelance writer specializing in travel and the arts. You can follow her on Twitter @MarshaDubrow, connect with her on Facebook and LinkedIn. She earned an M.F.A. in Writing and Literature at Bennington College, which published her book "Single Blessedness."
General Motors pretty much owns the full-size SUV segment with its entries from Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac. Sales of the Generals six regular- and extended-length full-size SUVs totaled 255,907 through November; in the same period, Ford found just 63,887 buyers for its four total variants of the competing Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. It cant hurt that GM covers all the pricing bases from the $48,410 entry-level Chevy Tahoe to the $98,790 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum 4x4. As those hefty MSRPs suggest, these trucks produce lots of profits, especially luxury variants like the one weve tested here, the GMC Yukon XL Denali.

Big and Capable

More than a people hauler, the extended-wheelbase Yukon XL can tow and haul heavy cargo, too. Nearly 19 feet long from stem to stern and riding on a massive 130-inch wheelbase, the big GMC has room for up to eight people (our Denali test trucks second-row captains chairs limited it to a maximum of seven) and can carry 39 cubic feet of their belongings behind the third row. Tow ratings range from 7900 to 8100 pounds, depending on equipment.

Paying the $8650 premium for the Denali upgrade over the next-lowest trim, the SLT 4x4, brings magnetic-ride-control dampers, HID headlamps, active noise cancellation, a larger alternator (to handle these electrical upgrades), a customizable drivers display, a glitzy grille, and sparkling body-side trim. A more functional Denali upgrade is its 6.2-liter V-8, which supplants lesser versions 5.3-liter V-8. The 6.2 is a detuned version of the Corvette Stingray engine and produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque here, output we made ample use of during a 40,000-mile long-term test of a 2015 Yukon XL Denali. So why test the same GMC again? Since our long-termer was built, GM replaced the 6.2s former six-speed automatic transmission with a new eight-speed unit.

The new powertrain pairing propelled this 2017 model from rest to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 98 mph. Compared with the best results we got from our 2015 long-termer, those are improvements of 0.1 and 0.2 secondessentially a wash. The eight-speed proved somewhat more useful in terms of fuel economy, if not in our combined average16 mpg, just like the long-termerthen over our 200-mile, 75-mph highway cruising test. During that exercise, this Yukon XL returned 21 mpg, or 1 mpg higher than its EPA highway rating.

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The Yukons interior is nearly identical to that of its mechanical twin, the Chevrolet Suburban, setting aside the upgraded materials and features that come with the Denali trim level. This isnt a bad thing in terms of comfort, ergonomics, and first- and second-row room, but some of the same plastics that disappoint in that base $48K Chevy are still prominent in this rig, and the third row is uncomfortable, tough to clamber into, and set very low to the floor. The central infotainment touchscreen is crisp and clear, responds quickly to inputs, and has redundant buttons and knobs beneath it. Theres even a small space behind the screenwhich motors up and out of the wayto store or charge a phone and to hide other small items youd like to conceal. There are so many storage cubbies of various sizes scattered throughout the cabin that its hard to imagine anyone needing to leave something behind.

In its element while cruising the interstates, the Yukon XL wafts along quietly and generally isolates occupants from the outside world, while also feeling planted and stable. However, when traversing Michigans most broken pavement, some tire slap and suspension noise invades the cabin, and the ride can get flinty on the Denali editions 22-inch wheels (our long-termers 22s weighed 88 pounds per corner with the tires installed).

Big, Not Best

The Yukon XL yields to the Ford Expedition EL/Lincoln Navigator L when it comes to cargo capacity, giving up three cubic feet with all seats raised and nine with the second and third rows stowed. Those arent insignificant, but you can still fit a studio apartments worth of stuff in here. Indeed, choosing the long-wheelbase XL model means 24 cubic feet more space behind the third row than in the standard Yukon and as much as 30 additional cubes with the seats folded. In the latest redesign for 2015, GM achieved a nearly flat load floor by adding a platform with storage beneath, but this is a work-around for the inefficient packaging of the live-axle rear suspension, a carryover from the full-size-pickup platform on which GMs full-size SUVs are based. In contrast, Fords Expedition employs an independent rear suspension that both enables more efficient packaging and a more compliant ride over washboard sections of gravel roads. In addition, GMs platform raises the load height by about three inches, which may not seem like much until youre trying to stuff a heavy refrigerator through the hatch.

Parking or maneuvering a vehicle that is seven feet wide (including big mirrors) and 224 inches long can be a challenge. Indeed, while testing the GMC, a tight parking lot put the SUVs safety features through their paces. Proximity sensors were buzzing front and back, cross-path detection chimed as others navigated around the monster SUV, and the transmission and shifter (and the driver) got a workout while making something like a six-point turn to slot the beast into a narrow space. Our test vehicle also came equipped with a high-resolution backup camera as well as GMs haptic alert system, which vibrates the drivers seat when the vehicle is closing on an obstruction. These haptic alerts also deliver warnings from the lane-keeping-assist and blind-spot-detection systems.

While the Yukon XL Denali is a hugely capable and pleasant enough vehicle, there are plenty of other options that ring in under its massive $81,000 MSRP. For instance, all the space, a large portion of the capability, and most of the comforts can be had for $10,000 less in the Chevy Suburban Premier. The bow-tie versions only concession is that it cant be ordered with the 6.2-liter V-8, but the 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 is no slouch, delivering a zero-to-60-mph run of 7.1 seconds in our testing. Those considering the Yukon more for its trimmings than its hauling capabilities might consider the Mercedes-Benz GLS450, which starts at less than $70,000 and has a far more luxurious interior. It also offers a more satisfying driving experience and a lot more brand cachet. While the GMC resides in a perfect middle ground between Chevy and Cadillac when viewed from a GM-centric perspective, the Yukon XL Denalis price elevates it to a level where ultra-luxurious appointments, stellar road handling, andin many casesbetter off-road prowess come from more prestigious brand names that design their big SUVs on dedicated platforms.

Its a competent, strong, and luxurious SUV, but the Yukon XL Denali isnt the best bang for your buck, unless, perhaps, youre pricing it like real estate, by the square foot. Building these vehicles on existing pickup-truck mechanical elements may enhance GMs profit margins, but challenging the most luxurious seven- or eight-seat SUVs would take more effort to deliver a deluxe driving experience that goes beyond embellishing a work truck with a bunch of features and trim.

Specifications >

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-/4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door hatchback



PRICE AS TESTED: $81,295 (base price: $72,860)



ENGINE TYPE: pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection



Displacement: 376 cu in, 6162 cc

Power: 420 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm



TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode



DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 130.0 in

Length: 224.3 in

Width: 80.5 in Height: 74.4 in

Passenger volume: 176 cu ft

Cargo volume: 39 cu ft

Curb weight: 6025 lb



C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 5.8 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 15.1 sec

Zero to 110 mph: 19.2 sec

Rolling start, 560 mph: 6.3 sec

Top gear, 3050 mph: 3.1 sec

Top gear, 5070 mph: 4.0 sec

Standing -mile: 14.3 sec @ 98 mph

Top speed (governor limited): 112 mph

Braking, 700 mph: 185 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.77 g



FUEL ECONOMY:

EPA city/highway driving: 14/20 mpg

C/D observed: 16 mpg

C/D observed 75-mph highway driving: 21 mpg

C/D observed highway range: 650 mi




Dr. Raj Panjabi is not your ordinary doctor. Hes a Harvard Medical School instructor, a doctor at Brigham and Womens Hospital, a TIME 100 Most Influential People honoree for his work on Ebola in rural Liberia, and now, hes the 2017 winner of the coveted TED Prize.

Every year since 2005, the nonprofit TED has issued an annual prize, providing honorees with $1 million to accomplish their wisha powerful, world-changing idea of their choosing. Previous honorees include Bono and chef Jamie Oliver. Panjabi says he will work on refining his wish with the TED team, and will announce his vision at the 2017 TED Conference in April.



At the age of 9, Panjabi, fled civil war in his home country of Liberia to the United States. He returned to Liberia in 2005 nearly two decades later as a doctor, and used funds he received as a wedding gift to launch Last Mile Health, an organization that trains and equips people to become health care workers and provide for their communities in Liberia. When Panjabi arrived in Liberia in 2005, there were only 51 doctors to serve nearly its 4 million people. For perspective, thats as if the entire city of Washington, DC, had only 8 doctors.

People were dying from conditions that they shouldnt in the 21st century, like pneumonia and childbirth, says Panjabi in an interview with TIME. They would die anonymously.

Today, thanks in large part to his work, the country has hundreds of health workers and is on its way to training and employing over 4,000.

The award is granted each year to an exceptional person with the means to tackle a global problem.

I feel shocked and humbled, says Panjabi, whose ultimate goal is to provide medical care to everyone, everywhere, every day.

We look for an individual and issue that in our opinion will experience a tipping moment in the year ahead, says TED Prize director Anna Verghese. Raj is incredibly wise and compassionate, and hes created something really successful. Hes dignifying the role of the community health worker, and the prize will really accelerate the progress.

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Health care workers trained and supported by Last Mile Health were critical in helping snuff out the devastating Ebola outbreak that began in 2014. The organization trained 1,300 community health workers who offered care and logistics during the outbreak, particularly in reaching people outside of city centers which werent easily reached by already scant resources.

Now, the group is working with the Liberia Ministry of Health to launch a National Community Health Assistance Program that will train and employ more than 4,000 community health workers throughout the country. In 2016, Last Mile Healths community health workers conducted over 42,000 patient visits, including treatment of 22,000 cases of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea in children.

A 2015 report by Last Mile Health, the World Bank and others shows that every dollar invested in community health workers in sub-Saharan Africa results in an economic return of $10. More health care workers means fewer people have untreated infectious diseases, for instance, and they miss fewer days of work. Of course, sub-Saharan Africa isnt the only place that can benefit.

Coming after the election its clear that rural America has an economic crisis and a health care crisis, says Panjabi, adding that thousands of jobs could be created if a similar initiative was put into place stateside.

Being a physician taught me that we are not defined by the crises in our lives, says Panjabi. We are defined by how we respond. Currently, 1 billion people worldwide live without access to health care because they live too far away from clinics and physiciansa gap Last Mile Health endeavors to narrow.

There is so much to be done, says Panjabi. The healthier we keep our communities, the more productive they will be. Morally, its the right thing to do.
Everyone seems to have a difficult person on their holiday shopping list. It could be someone who has very particular tastes or a relative who already owns everything he wants. Instead of spending hours at the mall or online searching for the perfect item, an easier option may be to give the gift of money. However, rather than fork over cash, which can make some recipients uncomfortable, try these three options instead.

[See: 10 Classic (and Unique) Retirement Gift Ideas.]

Charitable donation. Giving a cash contribution to a person's favorite charity is one way to provide a thoughtful gift for the difficult-to-buy-for recipient on your list. As an added benefit, money given to qualified charities may also be written off on your taxes if you itemize deductions.

However, for some people with IRAs or stocks, there may be better ways to give a charitable gift on someone's behalf and save money on taxes. One option is to give appreciated stock, according to Trey Smith, senior vice president at SunTrust. "This gives the opportunity to gift some stock to charity and avoid capital gains," he says. It typically only makes sense if someone is planning to donate $1,000 or more, and not every charity is equipped to accept a gift of stock.

Another option is available to retirees with traditional IRAs. After age 70 1/2, the government requires account holders to take out a required minimum distribution, or RMD, which is taxed at a person's normal tax rate. Since not all retirees need this money, they can avoid the taxes by having the money donated directly from their IRA to a charity. "In my opinion, it's one of the best ways for those who are charitably inclined to meet their RMD," Smith says. To ensure the transaction goes smoothly and you receive all possible tax benefits, Smith suggests conferring with a tax preparer or financial planner before making the gift.

[Read: How to Pay Less Taxes on Retirement Account Withdrawals.]

Stocks. Although there are no guarantees, the gift of stock could be a present that keeps giving for years to come. It also may be a bit more interesting than a $20 bill slipped inside a card. "Because stock is a dynamic thing, it's an engaging gift," says Avi Lele, CEO and co-founder of Stockpile.

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While you could buy an individual stock and present that to the recipient, Lele thinks he has a better idea. His company, Stockpile, offers gift cards that can be redeemed for fractional shares of stock. That way someone can own a part of Google even if they don't have $795 to buy a single share of Alphabet Inc., the company that owns the search engine giant. The gift cards can be purchased online or physical cards are available in retail stores such as Target, Office Max and Sam's Club. "Giving someone the future is always a great gift," Lele says of the potential benefits of stock. He notes a quarter of Stockpile accounts are opened by kids and teens who seem to enjoy purchasing stock in their favorite companies and then tracking its progress.

As with any brokerage firm, there is a transaction cost for purchases on Stockpile. However, the upfront cost is factored into the initial purchase price so recipients don't have to pay anything when redeeming a gift card.

[Read: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding 529 College Savings Plans.]

College fund. Making a donation to a college fund is a tried and true Christmas gift in many households. However, forget the traditional savings bonds, which will earn a paltry 0.10 percent interest for Series EE bonds purchased between Nov. 2016 and April 2017. Instead, make a contribution to a 529 plan on behalf of the college-bound people in your life. "Instead of a blue sweater, you could give a check for college," says Curtis Loftis, the State Treasurer of South Carolina. "I think the greatest gift that anyone can give another is the gift of higher education."

It's a gift that may come with tax benefits for both the giver and receiver. Money deposited in a 529 plan grows tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free if used for qualified higher education purchases. Some states, like South Carolina, also allow the giver to take a state income tax deduction on their contribution.

Each state has its own 529 plan, and the details for how to give a gift contribution can vary, but many plans are working to simplify the process. South Carolina, for example, has set up a website at FutureScholar.com, where families can send invites to family members who may want to make a contribution. Or, if a relative wants to give to someone who doesn't already have an account, the site allows visitors to print up a gift certificate that can be mailed to the recipient along with a check to be used as their initial deposit.

As for the idea that giving a financial gift is boring, Loftis says, "Most children in America are going to get plenty of trinkets." Rather than add to the clutter, give them a gift that has the potential to change their lives.





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Entrepreneur Jo Malones business philosophy has three core tenets: passion, resilience, and creativity.

You have to have a passion for your product, your business and your team. Dont be frightened of hard times. Resilience is really important; it builds business muscle. And respect creativity. She walks right by the side of you. You dont own it. But when she whispers in your ear, make sure youre listening.

Malone has experienced her fair share of setbacks while trying to build her business. Twenty-two years ago, when she was 35 years old, she was trying to sell enough pots of face cream to pay her rent. She started with a few plastic jugs, a saucepan and raw ingredients in her kitchen. Today, the eponymous line is a well-known beauty brand that was acquired by Estee Lauder (EL) in 1999.

Since the acquisition, Jo Malone London has become an integral part of the conglomerates luxury portfolio. The company even highlighted Jo Malone last quarter, citing the fragrance lines strong double-digit gains as a bright spot.

Though Malone left the brand in 2006 and has since founded a new fragrance collection, Jo Loves, she said shes still proud to be associated with the namesake fragrance linemost of the time.

Im really proud of what Ive built. The biggest cosmetic giant in the world bought me because they couldnt create [what I did]thats a huge compliment. I dont regret the sale, and I certainly dont regret selling to Estee Lauder, Malone told Yahoo Finance. It was weird in the beginning, but Im kind of used to it now. Theres moments and days where I feel that [the brand] is not me. And then there are moments where I read about a member of the team doing something amazing and I feel proud.

Its easy to gloss over the gritty, less-than-glamorous paths that entrepreneurs like herself had to take before reaching any semblance of success, but it doesnt tell the full story of an individuals journey. Thats why she chose to detail the various hurdles shes had to overcome in her new autobiography, My Story.

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The book really goes in between the surface of success, and it takes you down into the cracks of what its really like to come back and build again.

Having grown up in government housing in London and struggling with dyslexia all her life, Malone was told that she would never make anything of herself. But, now she credits her tough upbringing with giving her the fortitude to build two companies from the ground up.

I didnt know what an entrepreneur was at 11, but I knew that it was up to me to put food on the table and to make sure everything ran. And I think the moment when I learned how to make face creams, and I knew that if I made 100 pots of face cream they would sell and there would be money to pay the rent, that was the moment where I think the entrepreneur was probably born in me.

Melody Hahm is a writer at Yahoo Finance, covering entrepreneurship, technology and real estate. Follow her on Twitter @melodyhahm.
As President-elect Donald Trump and congressional Republicans begin a perilous drive to overhaul the nations health care system, the gravity of dismantling the Affordable Care Act and devising a politically acceptable replacement is beginning to sink in with GOP lawmakers and many of those who voted for Trump.

Trump blithely asserted recently on CBSs 60 Minutes that he and his allies on Capitol Hill will be able to simultaneously repeal and replace Obamacare early next year without wreaking havoc on the 20 million or more Americans who currently get their health care insurance through the program. However, senior House and Senate Republicans said this week that it could take as long as two to three years to hammer out a bipartisan replacement plan that could muster the necessary majorities in the House and Senate.

Related: 8 Big Changes Under Tom Prices Obamacare Replacement Plan

Prominent GOP lawmakers including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas and Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the chair of the Senate Health, Education and Labor Committee, told reporters that reaching consensus on a replacement plan without stripping millions of Americans of the security of health care insurance will take a number of years to achieve.

Were talking about a three-year transition now that we actually have a president who is likely to sign the repeal into law, Cornyn told reporters Wednesday, according to Politico. People are being, understandably cautious, to make sure nobodys dropped through the cracks.

McCarthy told reporters on Tuesday that once Obamacare is repealed and the consequences begin to sink in, that you will have hopefully fewer people playing politics and more policymakers in both parties willing to come together to write replacement legislation. He added that when there is a date certain that Obamacare will disappear, you know you have to have something done.

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Joseph Antos, a health care expert with the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said on Thursday that Republican leaders may be kidding themselves if they think they can get by with an open-ended deadline or replacing the Affordable Care Act.

Related: GOP Cuts in Medicare May Be Next After Dismantling Obamacare

In the end, a two or three-year timeline is the same as saying nothing will ever happen, he said in an interview. In my view, they have a year. If they dont pass a replace plan by lets say December of 2017, then I think the reasonable view of Democrats in the Senate will be, well, they couldnt get their act together, so why should we think we should help them?

But if the Republicans could manage to both repeal and replace Obamacare within a year or so, he added, Thats serious. It shows they really are going to do something. It matters.

Repealing Obamacare will be the easy part for Republicans who are tentatively targeting mid-January for action, right around the time that Trump takes the oath of office as president. The Republicans already had a dress rehearsal for such action last January, when the GOP-controlled House and Senate used arcane reconciliation budget rules to ram repeal legislation through Congress and send it to the presidents desk. President Obama vetoed the legislation, but Trump is certain to sign a similar bill when it reaches his desk in the Oval Office.

The Republicans wont need a single Democratic vote to accomplish their reprise of the Obamacare repeal legislation, which provided for a two-year wait before implementation. But crafting a replacement for the Affordable Care Act is a much different challenge and one that will require the acquiescence of some Democrats in order to achieve a needed 60-vote super majority to pass major legislation in the Senate.

Related: Obamacare RIPRepublicans Finally Have a Plan

The Republicans are far from agreeing among themselves on the details of new Trumpcare legislation to succeed Obamacare. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) has outlined an alternative in his Better Way proposals and House Budget Committee Chair Tom Price (R-GA), who has been chosen by Trump to become Secretary of Health and Human Services, has prepared a very detailed free-market style plan.

Trump has said that he is inclined to keep the good parts of Obamacare, including provisions that allow parents to keep their children on their health care policies until they turn 26 and a ban on insurance companies denying coverage to consumers with pre-existing chronic health problems. But beyond that, the Republicans approach to replacing Obamacare is very much a work in progress.

Although a new Kaiser Family Foundation tracking survey shows that the public is still divided over Obamacare, many of the ACAs major provisions continue to be quite popular with people, even across party lines. Moreover, while half of those who voted for Trump favor repealing the law, the public more generally is more divided over the issue. Just a quarter of the voters surveyed since the election favor repealing the entire law, while 17 percent would scale it back, 30 percent would expand it and 19 percent would leave it as it is.

Public Divided on Health Care Law

Related: Replacing Obamacare: Here's How Republicans Can Fix Medicaid

It took Obama, the Democrats and special interest groups nearly two years to forge a compromise on the current health insurance program before it was passed and signed into law in March 2010. Because of the size of their majorities in the Senate and House in 2010, the Democrats were able to pass Obamacare without a single Republican vote. However, the Republicans wont have that luxury and will likely need at least eight or nine Democrats to join with them.

Republicans have spent so many years bashing Obama and his Democratic allies for the many shortcomings in the Affordable Care Act  especially numerous technical problems with its online insurance exchanges, soaring premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and the collapse of nearly two dozen non-profit cooperatives  that Democrats are likely to relish the GOPs challenges and headaches in finally offering a serious alternative of their own.

Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Price and other GOP leaders will be challenged to assemble a coalition including the insurance industry, hospitals and doctors, the pharmaceutical industry, consumer advocates and others who will be needed to assure passage of new legislation. We know that to correct [Obamacare] is going to take some time, its just that simple, Senate Finance Committee Chair Orrin Hatch (R-UT), told The Washington Post.

Related: Health Industry Breathes Easier as Post-Obamacare Path Stabilizes

However, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and other Democrats appear to be enjoying the Republicans discomfort as they inherit responsibility for Obamacare and other major health care programs including Medicare and Medicaid. Already there have been reports that UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross-Blue Shield and other major insurers are likely to accelerate their withdrawal from the Obamacare program over the next year or two as uncertainty grows over the programs fate.

As the Republicans begin to wade into the political quagmire of health care, Schumer likened it to the dog that caught the bus. Now that they essentially own health care policy, Republicans may face voter resentment and backlash in the 2018 mid-term elections.

Theyre stuck and thats why they dont have a solution, he told reporters.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
By Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - About 30,000 people are receiving aid after fleeing the besieged eastern zone of Aleppo in the past few days, taking the total number of displaced people in the Syrian city to more than 400,000, U.N. special envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Thursday. By Wednesday, about 18,000 people had been registered entering government controlled areas and about 8,500 crossing into Sheikh Maqsoud, the Kurdish-controlled zone of Aleppo, de Mistura's humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland told reporters. He said those figures were likely to have risen on Thursday. A ground and air campaign by Syrian government forces and their Russian and Lebanese allies that began in September has cut off rebels in their most important urban stronghold, and left around 250,000 civilians with rapidly dwindling food and medical facilities. On Sunday and Monday the city's rebels suffered their biggest reverse in four years, losing around a third of the area they had controlled. Syria and Russia have declined a United Nations request for a pause in the fighting to evacuate 400 sick and wounded in need of immediate treatment, but Russia wants to discuss the idea of setting up four humanitarian corridors, Egeland said, adding: "A humanitarian corridor can work if all the armed actors respect it." The United Nations has food for 150,000 people ready in western Aleppo but it still cannot reach roughly 200,000 who remain in the enclave, where food stocks have run out and surgery is being done in basements without anaesthetic, he said. MOST VULNERABLE ON EARTH The United Nations is scaling up its presence in western Aleppo to help with the aid effort but also to monitor the treatment of people fleeing the besieged zone. There are no more vulnerable people on Earth, probably, than the civilian population in Aleppo," said Egeland. "And they are extremely vulnerable for possible actions by the armed opposition groups as they try to leave and by all of the groups that will meet them as they leave." The International Committee of the Red Cross is in talks with the Syrian government to gain access to people being screened or detained after fleeing the siege, a senior ICRC official told Reuters. Although 30,000 were known to have fled to the western sector, countless others were likely to have escaped in other directions, and the number could rise by tens of thousands, the ICRC said in a statement. Egeland said the top priority remained a pause in the fighting, as well as finding shelter for people as winter begins. De Mistura renewed his call for the members of the jihadist group formerly known as the Nusra Front to leave the besieged zone, which he said would help save lives and strengthen the argument for a ceasefire. Elsewhere in Syria, aid convoys reached the four besieged towns of Foua, Kufreya, Madaya and Zabadani this week. But overall, only 8 percent of Syria's besieged population received aid in November. The United Nations' convoy plan for December has not yet been approved by the government, Egeland said. (Reporting by Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
As 2016 draws to a close, economic forces that are mostly tied to a Santa Claus rally are being felt on the Wall Street way before Christmas. The U.S economy expanded at an encouraging pace while consumer confidence gathered strength in recent times, which will provide the much-needed boost to the broader markets in December.

But, its also the outspoken, Armani-clad populist President-elect Donald Trump who has given enough impetus to the markets with his pro-growth policies. Oil prices, in the meantime, has gathered steam and contributed to the Trump-induced market rally. OPECs historic decision to trim production levels drove crude prices higher. Thus, its time to invest in some solid stocks which are likely to make the most of the bullish sentiments.

Santa Claus Rally Comes Early

If you are an investor, it feels like Christmas has come early this year. And why not? Both the Dow and the S&P 500 are trading at all-time highs, bond yields are scaling and the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), a key measure of market expectations of near-term volatility, is way below the key 20 level mark. Now the question is, with stocks already scaling high, can a Santa Claus rally push them further?

Before we answer this question, we need to know what a Santa Claus rally is. It is the rise in stock prices in the month of December, generally seen over the last five trading days of the passing year and the first two trading days of the approaching one. The term was first coined by market analyst Yale Hirsch in 1972 in The Stock Trader's Almanac. Performance of the market during these trading days mostly gives a fare view of how the market is likely to do in the next year.

But, many analysts and commentators have been using the term to refer to the period from the beginning of December, or even as early as Black Friday, to Christmas. And this time around, the markets have started to do well banking on strong GDP and, there you have it, a Santa Claus rallyConsumers have also shown their confidence in their financial future and are willing to spend more, which usually triggers a Santa Claus rally.

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Holiday spending rose 9% during Thanksgiving and Black Friday combined, compared with the same two-day period last year, according to First Data. As per Adobe Digital Insights, Cyber Monday online sales increased 12.1% this year compared to 2015, due to massive growth in mobile traffic and sales (read more: 4 Top eCommerce Stocks for the Holiday Season).

GDP Growth, Consumer Confidence Strong

The U.S. economy expanded faster than expected in the third quarter. According to the Commerce Departments second estimate, GDP increased 3.2% in the third quarter. This is a considerable improvement over the advance estimate of 2.9% and higher than the expected pace of 3%. Consumer expenditure, the powerhouse of GDP growth, increased 2.8% during the third quarter. This was significantly higher than the 2.1% estimated earlier (read more: 6 Stocks to Buy on Strong GDP Growth).

Consumer confidence made a strong rebound in November to hit a nine-year high. According to The Conference Board, Consumer Confidence Index increased from October to 107.1 in November, marking the highest since Jul 2007. Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board said, Consumer confidence improved in November after a moderate decline in October, and is once again at pre-recession levels... A more favorable assessment of current conditions coupled with a more optimistic short-term outlook helped boost confidence (read more: 4 Retail Stocks to Buy on 9-Year High Consumer Confidence).

Trump Trade to Boost Santa Rally

December is more or less a decent month for stocks, which are often buffeted by a Santa Claus rally. The first two weeks generally tend to be flattish on an average, but, stocks have ended the month of November with solid gains in a postelection Trump rally. Dow has risen 5% since the election outcome, the broad-stock benchmark S&P 500 index has climbed 3.8%, while the Russell 2000 Index of small-cap stocks which is most sensitive to economic prospects for the country, has jumped over 12%.

Such momentum, driven by expectations of market-friendly policies from Trump, is expected to add to the Santa Claus rally. Theres been a sharp run-up in the stock price of banks, healthcare, chemical, restaurants and industrial companies as investors remain bullish on Trumps fiscal policies for economic growth. Investors anticipate lower corporate taxation and regulations, along with higher infrastructure spending under a Trump administration. The broader equity market, in the meanwhile, is also benefitting from an exodus of cash from government bonds, real estates and gold (read more: 4 Blue Chip Stocks to Buy as Trump Rally Rages On).

Crude Oil Joins the Trump Party

Oil prices also leaped as OPEC confronted its skeptics by agreeing to its first production cut in eight years on Nov 30. OPEC overcame disagreements between the groups largest producers, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq, by agreeing to trim output by about 1.2 million barrels a day by Jan 2017.

According to the Wall Street Journal, a production cut of this size could push oil supplies below demand levels sooner than expected. The WTI and Brent crude surged 8.52% and 8.10% to $49.44 per barrel and $46.38 a barrel, respectively (read more: OPEC Has Finally Agreed to Cut Output, Sending Oil Up 7%).

Gearing Up for a Solid End to 2016: 5 Solid Picks

Thanks to positive seasonal trend along with stocks benefiting from election related tailwinds, surely, this time around we are lining up for a strong year-end rally. December, historically, has been one of the best months of the year, with the broader market have only fallen in six years since 1984.

Hence, it will be prudent to invest in five of the best stocks in the market that can make the most of this bullish sentiment. Such stocks have a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and a VGM score of A. Here V stands for Value, G for Growth and M for Momentum and the score is a weighted combination of these three metrics. Such a score allows you to eliminate the negative aspects of stocks and select winners.

Burlington Stores, Inc. BURL: This retailer of branded apparel products has a year-to-date return of more than 100%. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 37.6%, more than the industrys return of 17.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increased 6.4% over the last 60 days.

The Children's Place, Inc. PLCE: This children's specialty apparel retailer has a year-to-date return of 88.1%. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 41%, higher than the industrys return of 3.9%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increased 8.3% over the last 60 days.

KVH Industries, Inc. KVHI: This manufacturer and seller of mobile communication products and services has a year-to-date return of 15.7%. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 114.3%, more than the industrys return of 11%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings soared 150% over the last 60 days. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Dean Foods Company DF: This food and beverage company has yeilded a year-to-date return of 15.8%. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 31.5%, more than the industrys return of 26.5%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increased 3.2% over the last 60 days.

Magellan Health, Inc. MGLN: This healthcare management business firm offers a year-to-date return of 18.1%. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 160.3%, more than the industrys return of 11.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings rose 32.4% over the last 60 days.

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The American health care system faces massive uncertainty heading into 2017. Three years after the rollout of the Obamacare exchanges, more Americans have insurance than ever before, but theyre also having more trouble affording it. The promise of health care reform was a key part of the platform that got Donald Trump elected, but while changes are almost certainly coming, just what theyll be and how theyll affect you is still unclear  and likely will be for months if not years.

President-elect Trump promised to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, but he has already begun to walk that back and signal that he may leave in place some of the more popular provisions of the law, including coverage for those with pre-existing conditions and the ability of young adults to stay on their parents plans until age 26.

At the same time, his choice of Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), an outspoken Obamacare critic, to head the Department of Health and Human Services, is being seen as a signal that Trump is committed to dismantling the Affordable Care Act.

Related: 8 Big Changes Under Tom Prices Obamacare Replacement Plan

Any such changes would have to make their way through Congress and would likely be phased in over a period of years. Whether Americans get their insurance for 2017 through work or on the exchanges, most will lock in their plan selection before Trump takes office, and its unlikely that new rules in Congress would impact those choices. Any changes that are put in place usually wouldnt start until the first day of the new plan year, which would be in 2018, says Boston-based benefits consultant Pat Haraden.

In the meantime, heres what you need to know about 2017:

1. Youll pay more out of pocket.

The cost of premiums for insurance provided by a large employer is expected to go up 5 percent next year, while the cost of premiums on the exchanges is increasing by an average 25 percent. In both cases, the cost of deductibles is also rising quickly.

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Related: The Health Care Industry Is in a Panic Over Obamacare Repeal

2.  especially for prescription drugs.

The rising cost of prescription drugs, particularly brand name pharmaceuticals, has become a major driver of the increasing cost of care. The overall cost of drugs prescribed to workers under age 65 is expected to grow 11.6 percent next year, on top of an 11.3 percent hike this year. In response, insurers are limiting their formularies and shifting away from co-pays to co-insurance, which transfers part of that cost onto consumers.

Prescription drug prices are often one of the big first expenses that people see before theyve met their deductible, says Steve Wojcik, vice president of public policy at the National Business Group on Health, which represents large employers. There is a sticker shock.

Related: The 20 Most Expensive Prescription Drugs in America

Consumers do have some new tools, however, to help offset those costs. Websites like GoodRx provide more transparency on prescription drug pricing, make it easier to comparison shop between pharmacies and offer access to coupons. Paying for prescription drugs via tax-advantaged health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts can also help reduce the out-of-pocket hit.

3. More access to telemedicine.

A growing number of employers are encouraging the use of telehealth services, which allow workers to virtually visit with a doctor via online video. Nine in 10 employers will make telehealth services available to employees in states that allow it next year, up from 70 percent this year, according to the National Business Group on Health. In addition to a much lower cost, telemedicine is also much more convenient for workers, making it less likely that theyll need to take time off to visit a doctors office for routine illnesses.

Some larger employers are installing on-site telemedicine kiosks, where employees are able to take vitals such as their heart rate or temperature while theyre consulting with a doctor. Telemedicine is also seen as an answer to the doctor shortage thats plaguing both large metropolitan areas, where doctors are too busy to grant same-day appointments, and rural areas, where there just arent enough doctors. Its becoming a growing trend among mental health providers as well.

Related: One Expert Says Seniors Would Lose with Ryans Medicare Plan

While many employers pick up the tab entirely, the cost of a routine virtual visit with doctor runs less than $50, making it a viable option for even those who dont have health insurance or who have to pay out of pocket because of a high deductible or other reason. Telemedicine just doesnt have the same expenses as the brick-and-mortar health care system, says Sam Gibbs, executive director of AgileHealthInsurance.com.

4. Doctors offices go digital.

A decade or more after it became commonplace to book an airline ticket or check your bank balance online, you can finally communicate with your doctor the same way. Many medical providers were slow to make the shift due to compliance requirements for medical privacy laws, but a growing number of doctors now operate portals through which patients can make an appointment, send a note, renew prescriptions or access their medical records without sitting on hold with a receptionist.

5. Medical identity theft continues to rise.

This type of ID theft, in which thieves steal your Social Security number and health insurance information to fraudulently obtain medical services or treatment, continues to plague the health care industry. As banks and credit card providers have made it harder for crooks to crack into their systems or use the data that they obtain by doing so, medical information has become a much bigger target. Nine in 10 health care organizations have had a breach in the past two years and 45 percent had more than five data breaches in that period, according to the Ponemon Institute.

Related: Why Trumps Idea of Amending Obamacare Simply Cant Work

While absolute prevention of medical ID theft is nearly possible, health care providers and insurers are starting to take steps to mitigate the risk. (There are also some steps you can take to protect yourself.) In the meantime, a growing number of employers are offer ID theft monitoring as a voluntary part of their benefits package.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
In a favorable turn of events for the beleaguered energy sector, the price of Brent crude  the international benchmark for oil prices  rose by more than 10% on Nov 30, 2016 to over $50 a barrel. This was mainly because some of the world's largest oil producers agreed to reduce output for the first time since 2008 in a bid to support prices.

OPEC Finalizes Output Cut Deal

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which accounts for one-third of global oil supply, announced its decision to curb output. The declaration, made at the organizations headquarters in Vienna, called for an output cut by around 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd), or over 3%, to 32.5 million bpd from Jan 2017.

The decision to curb output by 1 million b/d represents a reduction of roughly 1% of worldwide production. This, in turn, is expected to reduce the supply glut that has depressed prices for over two years.

Why the Delayed Production Cut?

Two years ago, global oil prices crashed after far more crude was pumped out worldwide than anyone needed. Adding to the woes, Saudi Arabia  OPECs most powerful member and de facto leader  refused to cut output in hopes of driving the U.S. fracking industry  with its higher production costs  out of business.

In those two years, Iran started production after the lift of Western sanctions, U.S. production declined, billions of worldwide oil investment dried up. Saudi Arabia was worst hit by the price crash. This was because of the depletion of foreign exchange reserves of the country and instability in Saudi due to lower oil revenues. Hence, the country finally decided to change its stance.

Who Takes the Production Cut?

Saudi Arabia, which increased oil production to a record in 2016, agreed to take the biggest hit. Under the pact, Saudi Arabia is expected to slash its production by 0.5 million bpd to 10.058 million bpd.

On the other hand, Iraq  OPECs second-largest producer  unexpectedly agreed to reduce output by 0.2 million to 4.351 million bpd. Additionally, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar agreed to cut production to the tune of 0.3 million bpd.

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Iran, which had lost market share under Western sanctions, was allowed to boost production slightly and freeze it close to its current levels of 3.797 barrels a day. Also, Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Gabon and Venezuela agreed to cut production by a total of 0.26 million bpd.

Nigeria and Libya were exempted from the deal owing to their struggling production levels as a result of militant attacks. Indonesia, the cartel's only Asian member, has decided to suspend its membership as it is unwilling to cut its production as suggested by OPEC.

Non-OPEC members are also expected to reduce oil output with additional cuts totaling 600,000 barrels a day, about half of which is expected to come from Russia in the first half of 2017.

What Does This Mean for Oil Stocks?

The impact of OPECs decision on the energy world was immediate as share prices of energy companies around the globe rose alongside improvement in the currencies of large exporters. Some of the biggest gainers from OPECs announcement were U.S. Exploration and Production companies.

Following the rise in oil prices above the $50 per barrel level, the players involved in exploration and production (E&P) activities are now in a position to sell crude at higher prices. This should enable them to generate more cash flows for shareholders in the coming days.

We have used the Zacks Stock Screener to narrow down to five stocks that offer VGM score of B or better and boast a favorable Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). VGM score, where V stands for Value, G for Growth and M for Momentum, is a comprehensive tool that allows investors to filter through the standard scoring system and picke winning stocks.

5 Stocks to Bet on

AllianceHoldings GP, L.P. AHGP

Alliance Holdings produces and markets coal, primarily to utilities and industrial users in the U.S. The stock has a VGM score of A. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

McDermott International Inc. MDR

McDermott International is an engineering and construction company, which is solely focused on the offshore oil and gas business. The stock has a VGM score of B and has an expected earnings growth rate of 34.8% for the current year.

Ultra Petroleum Corp. UPLMQ

Ultra Petroleum is an independent oil and gas company, which engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, operation, and production of oil and natural gas properties. The stock has a VGM score of B and has an expected earnings growth rate of 425.8% for the current year.

Braskem S.A. BAK

Braskem, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells thermoplastic resins. The stock has a VGM score of A and has an expected earnings growth rate of 37.8% for the current year.

Ocean Rig UDW LLC ORIG

Ocean Rig was founded in 2010 and is based in Houston, TX. This stock from the Oil and Gas Drilling industry has a VGM score of A and has an expected earnings growth rate of 96.4% for the current year.

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Looking for performance in 2017.

While 2016 brought its share of surprises -- an early-year market retch, the Brexit and Donald Trump's election stunner -- Wall Street did what Wall Street does best: It made money. The Standard & Poor's 500 index was pacing a roughly 8 percent return with a month left in the year, and several areas of the market were doing far better. As we head into 2017, investors are once again faced with the question of where to find performance. And while it does pay to target a few individual stocks, you can do well even by targeting broad investing themes via the diversification and relative safety of the market's best exchange-traded funds.

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (ticker: VOO)

It's almost a moral obligation to suggest investors have some of their portfolio dedicated to "the market." That's because humans have an awful time beating "the market." So if you can match the return of "the market" -- namely, the S&P 500 -- for a negligible cost, why wouldn't you? The VOO allows you to do just that, giving you access to Apple (AAPL), Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) and a host of other American blue chips. It's a growth play that also yields a decent 2 percent in dividends, and it can be had for a song.

Expenses: 0.05 percent or $5 annually for every $10,000 invested.

iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB)

The past year and a half has been a sobering period for biotech stocks as the industry came to terms with possible margin-cramping regulation. The impetus was a single tweet in late 2015 from Hillary Clinton, then the seeming favorite to win the White House, promising to crack down on price gouging. But the election of Trump has put such reform in question, granting a reprieve of sorts to biotech stocks. That's great news for the IBB, which is a collection of Wall Street's top biotechs, including Celgene Corp. (CELG), Biogen (BIIB) and Gilead Sciences (GILD).

Expenses: 0.47 percent

SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE)

Another popular Trump play shortly after his election was banking stocks. The logic: The Trump administration will tear down several bank regulations, including Dodd-Frank. That last bit might be a touch ambitious, but Trump should have success in knocking down a few barriers to bank profitability. Meanwhile, a Federal Reserve rate hike or two seems increasingly likely, and that in turn will bolster banks' net interest margins. All this conspires to help the components of the SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF -- a fund focused on regional bank stocks including KeyCorp (KEY), Regions Financial Corp. (RF) and Citizens Financial Group (CFG).

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Expenses: 0.35 percent

VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH)

While many investors choose to chase the many faces of tech hardware, be it hardware firms like Apple or service providers like Facebook (FB) and Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL), much of the money in tech is to be made in the background. Semiconductor stocks are a prime play in tech because they're at the base of everything, powering smartphones and drones, servers and databases. SMH is a focused basket of 26 semiconductor stocks including Intel Corp. (INTC) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) that has outperformed the market over most significant time periods.

Expenses: 0.35 percent (includes 6-basis-point fee waiver)

Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF (BOTZ)

The BOTZ ETF is a likely winner not just for 2017, but several years into the future. That's because it's a play on a pair of growing tech trends that have plenty of gas in the tank -- roboticization and artificial intelligence. This not only includes sexy technologies such as autonomous cars, but also boring (but lucrative!) advances in industrial robotics. That leads to holdings such as Mitsubishi Electric, which produces robots for the manufacturing industry, or SMC Corp., whose pneumatic control engineering solutions power industrial automation.

Expenses: 0.68 percent

iShares U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (PFF)

For the uninitiated, preferred stocks are often considered to be a stock-bond "hybrid," as they offer a few characteristics of each. Preferred stock does represent ownership in a company, just like common stock, but it doesn't include voting rights, just like bonds. Also like bonds, preferreds offer a fixed (and high!) regular payout. The PFF is the market's most popular way to harness the power of preferreds, providing exposure to nearly 300 preferred shares with a heavy tilt toward financials such as Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC) and HSBC Holdings (HSBC). It's also a significant source of yield, at well more than 5 percent.

Expenses: 0.47 percent

SPDR Bloomberg Barclays High Yield Bond ETF (JNK)

Another way to collect big income is via high-yield bonds -- typically referred to as "junk." This term is used to describe less-than-stellar credit ratings in the issuing companies, requiring higher payouts to compensate for the enhanced risk of holding their debt. The JNK helps mitigate some of that risk by holding more than 800 different junk bonds, with nearly 90 percent of those coming from industrial companies. Currently, top holdings include debt from SFR Group, Sprint Corp. (S) and Western Digital Corp. (WDC), and the yield stands at more than 6 percent.

Expenses: 0.4 percent





More From US News & World Report


Bride groom happy confetti wedding smile

Marriage doesn't just mean merging two lives, it also means combining everything from furniture to finances.

Once you walk down the aisle, every money-minded decision you make  from saving for retirement to going out to lunch  affects your partner as well.

And while there are a few financial practices that foster a happy, healthy life together, there are plenty to avoid as well.

Business Insider spoke with multiple financial and relationship experts about how successful couples handle and talk about money. Here are eight things thriving couples never do:

They don't have different goals

Successful couples come up with goals together and check in frequently to make sure they're on the same page. Financial goals set the course for the rest of your life goals  Should we blow our money on a trip to Italy or save up to buy a home?  so it's important for couples to make sure they want the same things.

"While you may have different ways you handle your money on the day to day, when you know what you're both collectively working towards for the long term, you'll be able to make decisions that help you get closer to these goals," Pamela Capalad, CFP and founder of Brunch and Budget, told Business Insider.

One person never controls everything

As partners in marriage, it's natural to split up responsibilities. I'll cook dinner if you do the dishes. You clean the bathroom, I'll tackle the laundry. And in a lot of household areas, that works. But big financial decisions should always be handled together, even if one person is routinely responsible for quotidian tasks like buying groceries or paying bills.

If there's too much control by one person it can ruin a marriage, Pam Horack, CFP and "Your Financial Mom" at Pathfinder Planning LLC, told Business Insider.

"I've heard stories about 'my husband doesn't give me any money for anything' or 'I spent $5 on lunch and my husband yelled at me.' That's not really a money issue, that's a control issue, and so that's something that needs more help than just spending $5 or $10 on lunch," she explains.

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They never avoid talking about money

Just as each relationship is unique, each couple's financial situation is as well. Spouses should be comfortable creating an open dialogue around money, where they can share any thoughts, plans, or ideas they have without fear of judgement.

"Couples do best when they have ongoing dialogues about their perpetual issues," Michael McNulty, a Ph.D. at The Chicago Relationship Center and master trainer with The Gottman Institute, told Business Insider. "If they fail to have ongoing dialogues about the ones that are most challenging to them, that can cause problems, and certainly money is one of the ones that can be most problematic. It's a basic need and it can really become an issue for people when they aren't on the same page."

If money becomes a point of contention for any reason, avoiding the issue will only prolong it.

"With something as important as money, if they don't have a comfortable ongoing dialogue, then what ends up happening is that matters don't end up getting talked about or discussed as they unfold," McNulty says.

They don't forget the details

Insurance. Estate planning. Naming a guardian for your children. The little things that might feel like another tick off your to-do list at the time add up to a lot in terms of future preparedness, and smart couples know not to put these things off.

Though often overlooked, estate planning documents, such as wills, are key factors in a successful financial future. As soon as they walk down the aisle, couples should think about naming beneficiaries, healthcare proxies, and powers of attorney. When kids come into play, it's important to name guardians for them as well, Katie Gampietro Burke, CFP at Wealth by Empowerment, told Business Insider.

It's also important to evaluate your insurance needs and double check that you're properly covered. The biggest financial mistake Sophia Bera, CFP and founder of Gen Y Planning, sees 30-somethings make is being underinsured  especially if they have another person depending on them, such as a spouse or children.

Bera recommends getting a term life insurance policy that's seven to 10 times your salary  enough to be able to cover your income, pay off a mortgage, and take care of your kids if anything were to happen to you.

Small white house tree home

They never live above their means

Just because you can technically afford a $500,000 house doesn't mean it's the best choice for your family or your finances. Purchasing a home at the top of your budget ties up cash you could be putting toward other goals, such as travel, college funds, or retirement savings.

"Spend less than you think that you need to," Horack advises.

She emphasizes that "everything we have  it's all temporary." Will you downsize after your kids head off to college? How long will you have your car before trading up to a newer model? At the end of the day, many 'big' purchases aren't as permanent as they seem.

They don't hide their financial pasts

Understanding where your partner is coming from regarding their money philosophy is crucial to finding common ground and developing compromises that work for both of you. Was money tight when your spouse was growing up? Had they been deceived about money in a prior relationship? Has handling money been an issue for them in the past?

"If you get those stories back and forth, often it's easier for partners to understand one another," McNulty says.

It can be difficult to open up about money, but it's ultimately necessary.

"It's a sore subject, but you should still have that conversation," Burke says. "It's definitely not an easy one, [but] it's an important conversation."

They never cover up their mistakes

If you forget to pay a bill or spend too much on a silly purchase, it's tempting to cover it up and keep your partner from ever finding out. But don't. Successful couples come clean to each other about their money mistakes  no matter how small.

Hiding mistakes "can lead to distrust, and that's one of those root causes of people having some issues along the way," Horack says.

"Be honest about your mistakes because the other person can't help you if they don't know about them," she adds. Remember: You're a team.

They're never secretive

Successful couples "never hide [money] from each other and they never use it as a point of resentment or as a weapon in a conversation," Capalad says.

From revealing their credit card debt to discussing day-to-day purchases, couples in successful marriages aren't secretive about money. Rather, they're open and honest with each other about everything, down to even the tiniest details.

"They will find out one way or another," Capalad says. "There is a lot of embarrassment and shame when it comes to sharing your money situation. It can represent mistakes you've made in the past, decisions you regret, and take a big toll on your self worth. These are all feeling you should be able to share with your spouse and work through together."

As soon as they get married  or ideally, before  successful couples show their entire hand to their partner. That means coming clean about their salaries, credit card debt, student loans, credit score, and anything else that might affect their financial future as a couple.

"They should sit down and have a very open and honest discussion about their money and what they have," Horack says.

NOW WATCH: 8 great ways to earn passive income





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The 911 call made by Kanye Wests personal physician after the rapper suffered an apparent mental breakdown at his Los Angeles home on November 21 has been released.

Read: Kanye West Hospitalized After He Cancels Remaining 'St. Pablo' Tour Dates

The 911 dispatcher told Dr. Michael Farzam: Don't let him get any weapons or anything like that.

The doctor also requested police backup, saying: I'm just calling from my cell phone to request if we can have the police back-up because I don't think the paramedics, y'know... I think, he's definitely going to need to be hospitalized.

According to reports, the doctor told 911 he needed help for a "male with mental illness." To protect the Famous rappers identity, the doctor identified him as Jim Jones.

The dispatcher told the doctor: If anything changes, if he does become physically combative between now and when police and/or paramedics get there, call us back immediately.

Read: Kanye West 'to Pull Through' Following Mental Health Crisis: Source

West was taken to UCLA Medical Center where he spent the last nine under observation. He was reportedly released Wednesday and according to sources is at home "getting some rest."

Watch: All Fall Down: Models Buckle Under the Heat in Kanye West's Yeezy Season 4 Fashion Show

Related Articles:
A 9.5-foot long manatee found trapped in a Florida storm drain is now recovering at SeaWorld after a seven-hour rescue.

Read: College Students Rescue 4 Kittens Trapped in Drain Pipe During Storm

The female manatee, which rescuers estimate to weight between 900 and 1000 pounds, was found stuck in a Jacksonville storm drain Wednesday morning by a construction worker paving a nearby street.

"I didn't think a manatee could fit through these pipes," said Beth Pulignano, a witness to the spectacle, according to WJXT.

Dozens of neighborhood residents watched as rescue crews, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, worked to free the enormous animal.

"Every life is precious to us," Fire Chief Robin Gainey told WJXT. "Doesn't matter who they are."

The rescue team dug up the ground around the storm drain, and even split a pipe to make room and pull the manatee out safely.

Children who had gathered around the scene even held up signs of support, reading "Save Venetia the Manatee," while others named the sea cow "Piper."

By that afternoon, the manatee was lifted out of the ground with some minor scrapes and bruising, the Florida Wildlife Commission wrote on Facebook.

She was transported to SeaWorld in Orlando Wednesday evening to be treated by a team of marine biologists and veterinarians.

"After being trapped for so long, we want to make sure that she can move normally on her own," said Dr. Stacy DiRocco, a veterinarian at Seaworld. "No fractures, she's moving her paddle normally, her pecs look great, she's breathing well. Nothing that looks too severe to me."

Read: Happy 68th, Snooty! World's Oldest Manatee Honored With Birthday Bash

SeaWorld expects to be able to free the manatee within a week, WJXT reported.

According to the Florida Wildlife Commission, it is currently migration season for manatees. Officials are asking anyone who sees an injured, sick, dead or tagged manatee to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.

Story continues

Watch: Florida Woman Rinses Off Manatee Lost in Algae Bloom With Hose: 'It Was Struggling to Clear Its Airway'

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Jerusalem (AFP) - A leading minister called Mahmud Abbas Israel's top ideological enemy on Thursday after the Palestinian president suggested he could withdraw recognition if progress was not made towards peace.

Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz, seen as close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called the Palestinian leader's remarks at a Fatah party congress in Ramallah on Wednesday "a sad joke."

"Abu Mazen talks about stopping recognising Israel -- he never really recognised Israel's right to exist and the Jewish people's right to a state of their own," Steinitz told army radio, referring to Abbas.

"Ideologically Abu Mazen is the number one enemy of the very existence of Israel, even more than (Yasser) Arafat was," he said referring to Abbas's predecessor, who led an armed struggle against Israel before signing the Oslo peace accords of 1993 and 1995.

While Palestinian leaders have recognised the state of Israel, Israeli leaders have called on them to do so as a "Jewish state", which Abbas has refused.

For the Palestinians, doing so could preempt negotiations on the so-called right of return, the demand that Palestinian refugees from the time of Israel's creation in 1948 be allowed back under a peace deal.

Israeli leaders say the refusal shows the Palestinians are not truly interested in peace with a Jewish-majority nation.

Speaking at his Fatah party's first congress since 2009, Abbas said: "Our recognition of the state of Israel is not free and must receive mutual recognition in return.

"If Israel goes to the UN and is recognised as a Jewish national republic of Israel, then they will have international recognition," the 81-year-old said during his three-hour speech.

"At the moment, we must lead a peaceful popular resistance and we want to keep our hand extended for peace, but if Israel does not recognise us, we will withdraw our recognition."

Story continues

While Israeli politicians accuse Abbas and other Palestinian leaders of inciting violence, Israeli military officials have saluted his efforts to coordinate security.

Israel's security establishment sees him as far preferable to Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip.

Iran and Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah are regularly named as Israel's top threats in the Middle East.
This is how the ACLU is already fighting to protect abortion rights

The ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and Center for Reproductive Rights are teaming up to challenge laws threatening abortion rights in three states. Reproductive rights are under attack  which isnt surprising news, considering that theyve been under attack for a long time. But since the results of the presidential election were announced, reproductive rights activists have been working extra hard to protect these life-saving rights, including abortion rights. And now organizations are taking legal action to protect access to this health care.

The three organizations joined forces on Wednesday to protect abortion rights in Alaska, Missouri, and North Carolina.

From the success of their June Supreme Court win, the three organizations are looking to increase awareness across the country. Though in Texas the courts protected womens rights to have access to an abortion center, the fight continues in other states where similar lawsuits have cropped up  and Texas now plans to implement laws forcing women to bury or cremate fetal remains.

A photo posted by Planned Parenthood (@plannedparenthood) on Nov 9, 2016 at 11:27am PST

The ACLU has released an official press release on the news, highlighting exactly whats at stake and how you can get involved. But even with all of the increased actions by these important organizations, its vital that we do what we can as citizens to get involved  posting about this on social media, volunteering at clinics, attending protests, and donating to these organizations specifically can help make a difference.

Donate to Planned Parenthood here, the ACLU here, and Center for Reproductive Rights here.

The post This is how the ACLU is already fighting to protect abortion rights appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Halfway through this year's Actor Roundtable, just as THR's group was settling in with one another, Casey Affleck paused to look at Jeff Bridges with something bordering on awe. "Jeff," he said, "not to draw attention to your age or anything, but I just want to point out that when I was born in 1975, you had already worked with Peter Bogdanovich, John Huston and Robert Benton."

"Yeah," Bridges shrugged.

"So you were bushed before I was born, man," said Affleck.

That gives some idea of the warmth that flowed among the group, one of THR's younger-skewing actor gatherings, with Bridges, 67 (Hell or High Water), playing patriarch to Affleck, 41 (Manchester by the Sea); Mahershala Ali, 42 (Moonlight); Andrew Garfield, 33 (Hacksaw Ridge, Silence); Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 35 (Snowden); and Dev Patel, 26 (Lion).

Many confessed to being nervous, especially beside the elder statesman. But Bridges surprised them at the Nov. 12 shoot in Hollywood by admitting he was jittery, too - and that after all these years, he still feels fear when he takes on a role.

What do you most like about acting and what do you like the least?

Andrew Garfield I just like knowing everything I can. I love the fact that I get to train for a year as a Jesuit priest and then train to be a cop and learn how to make a rocking chair. I want to know everything about everything, and that's not possible and it won't be possible. I'm not ever going to reach it. Neil Young has a recurring dream where he has the perfect melody - and he wakes up every time and can't remember it. And that's what it is for me. There's something to aspire to always, there's somewhere further to go. And the thing that I hate about acting is - well, everything I just said. (Laughter.) The longing is so f - ing painful sometimes.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt What I don't like is: I guess since the heyday of Hollywood, there has been a merging of actors and royalty and celebrity. It's tough to complain, because it's a really privileged life I get to lead, [but] the whole celebrity thing is unhealthy and I feel bad perpetuating it.

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What made you want to be Snowden?

Gordon-Levitt When Oliver Stone asked me to do that part, I was excited, but then the next thought I had was, "Wait. Edward Snowden? I know I've heard that name, but which one is he and what exactly did he do?" Once I did some learning, I realized I'm really grateful for what this man did. There's a lot of misinformation about what he did and didn't do.

Did you meet him?

Gordon-Levitt I met him for the first time a few months before we shot the movie. I went to Moscow and sat with him in a pretty plain office - him and his longtime girlfriend, Lindsay Mills. We talked about all kinds of things, but what was really useful for me was those little human things, which is what I was looking for as an actor. I was completely focused on all those little details of how he sits or stands or walks or talks. Those were the really invaluable nuances.

David Needleman

Dev, what did you like and not like about Lion?

Dev Patel It sounds really cliched, but I don't get roles like that - ever. To be shot like that, to say such words of gravitas and not be pandering or playing a sort of tech geek, was a transformative journey. It was also something I could relate to: about someone who has suppressed his culture and a part of himself for a while to try and fit in, and then all of a sudden those memories come back. When I first went to India for Slumdog Millionaire [Patel is British of Indian descent], it was a lightbulb moment, you know? And all those cliches I had about the country and the people were dispersed straight away.

When you met the real-life character you played, how did that shape your performance?

Patel It was the most terrifying thing I've ever been through, because I'd shot the end of the film first - so I felt like I knew this guy, Saroo Brierley. He's the epitome of a fiercely driven young man, and he's got this photographic memory, which is incredible. This is a guy who found his mother from space, using Google Earth. And he could remember his past so vividly that he could gather so much information from these pixels. And I [said], "What is that like?" He's like, "Every click of that mouse, I felt like I was getting one step closer to her, where I could smell her." That just blew my mind.

Jeff Bridges I was digging what you were saying, Andrew. It's very paradoxical, man. The very thing you love is the thing that you hate. The first word that came to mind - what do you love or hate, you know? - flop sweat, man. Just the fear, the anxiety. The greater the gift, the greater the fear of not being able to [deliver]. I'm a product of nepotism. My dad, Lloyd Bridges, he loved showbiz so much, he wanted all his kids to get into it. I said, "Oh, but Dad, I want to do music." He said, "Don't be ridiculous. Acting is great." And maybe about 10 or 12 movies in, I had just finished a movie - and usually after a movie I say, "I don't know if I ever want to do that again. My pretend muscle is just exhausted." (Laughter.) And I get a call from my agent, and he's all excited and says, "You've just been offered, by John Frankenheimer, to be in The Iceman Cometh with Fredric March, Lee Marvin, Robert Ryan." And I said, "I'm bushed." And about five minutes later, [director] Lamont Johnson calls me up and he says, "You're bushed? You're an ass." And he hung up on me. So I said, "Well, I'm just going to throw myself into this and it'll probably be the final nail in the acting coffin." And it was eight weeks of rehearsal with Fredric March and Robert Ryan. And to see the anxiety that these guys had, and the fear of doing the thing justice, and then to see the joy that they had at the same time - I was caught up in that and realized that this fear and anxiety probably will never go away, and it's your buddy, how you play with it, how you dance with it.

Mahershala Ali In some way it's an indication that I'm in the right place, because the fear is kind of informing me: I'm in the place where the known is ending and the unknown is beginning. And that is our job, to consistently put ourselves in a position where we're uncomfortable and going beyond our comfort zone. If you're fortunate enough to build a career, a little pebble is put out in front of you, and you've got to step toward it, and with each step you're hopefully going further out and getting beyond what you've done before and exploring territory that has yet to be explored. So you have to really make friends with that fear. It's a bit of a tightrope walk.

What was the tightrope in Moonlight? You played a drug dealer we fall in love with.

Ali I've been able to make a living playing characters that are in a certain world - [like in] House of Cards and these FBI-type parts. At a certain point, you find yourself being thought of a certain way. You can become very narrow. And so it becomes a fight to be thought of in a different light, and to fight your own fear, wondering if you can do something beyond what you've done already. What probably concerned me most was that I was literally doing three other jobs, and so every day I was traveling. It was [about] trying to really be conscious of what part I was playing on that day, and I had a lot of fear about bleed[-through] from one part into the other.

David Needleman

Garfield Did you have practices to cross the boundary between each character?

Ali Basically, I made playlists specific to each character. So when I'd be traveling to that gig, I would really only listen to that character's music.

Gordon-Levitt I do that a lot.

Casey Affleck I've never played more than one thing at a time. But music can be so emotionally evocative.

You stepped into a role Matt Damon was meant to play in Manchester by the Sea. Did you talk to him about it?

Affleck Matt was going to direct that movie and then he decided not to. That happened long before we started the movie. And I can't really talk - I don't know how you guys feel, but talking to other people about a part is not helpful for me. It's such an internal and complicated and still mysterious process. It's almost all inside. And it was hard [emotionally]. Three times a week I'd show up and have to stand over someone who's your dead relative and try to be authentically in that place. It broke me into a place where it became much easier to do all of it.

Do you like to rehearse?

Affleck I don't do that much, but on this movie - because Kenny [Lonergan, the writer-director] came out of a theater background - he wanted to rehearse a lot and talk about it. The fun part for me is endlessly talking about why does he do this, or why does he do that, or why doesn't he? I really get into that. [But] on movies that are small like that, with a low budget, you don't feel like you have enough time. So sometimes we would only have time to shoot half the scene, or the whole scene just played on one person. So you spend a week working on that scene and [are told], "We're not going to shoot that half of it." That's OK. It still holds together, which is a testament to Kenny knowing which sacrifices to make and which not to make, and knowing which limbs to cut off and the thing could still live.

Andrew, you had a very tough shoot on Silence.

Garfield When you see Martin Scorsese trekking up the same mountain as his crew, with mud this deep and rain coming down, like a 15-year-old boy, there's nothing to complain about. And he's been wanting to make this film for 28 years. But what the character goes through was deeply uncomfortable. [He plays a 17th century missionary in Japan who's tortured.]

David Needleman

Did you read a lot about Saint Ignatius Loyola?

Garfield Yes. He was a pretty amazing cat, to patronize him. (Laughter.) He was a soldier, he was a warrior and a womanizer. He was all machismo, and then he got very badly wounded and was bed-ridden for months, and had this spiritual awakening and decided to be the most extreme version of what it is to be Catholic, went out into the wilderness and begged for alms and starved himself. He was the extreme warrior version of a spiritual missionary, and he created this Society of Jesus and they called themselves Soldiers for Christ. The biggest gift he gave the world were these things called the Spiritual Exercises, which are actually the basis for all 12-step programs and also inspired Carl Jung with his work with dreams and active imagination. It's a monthlong retreat where you meditate on the life of Jesus - I mean, you imaginatively place yourself in the story of Jesus from his birth to his resurrection. And I'm not a Christian person. I would consider myself pantheist, agnostic and occasionally atheist and a little bit Jewish. (Laughter.) But mostly confused. I spent a year with one particular Jesuit priest, Father James Martin, who was a consultant on the film.

Did he say anything that changed your view of life?

Garfield Yes. He said, "I have two pieces of good news: There is a Messiah, and you're not him." (Laughter.)

That's a great line.

Garfield And it's pretty good for our egocentric culture right now.

Bridges Oh, I had some great advice recently. Do you guys know Kevin Bacon? I worked with him recently [on 2013's R.I.P.D.] and he told me a great bit of advice. We're talking about this anxiety, and he huddled us all together, doing this scene, and he says: "Now remember, everything depends on this." (Laughter.) You know how ridiculous that is! But also, it does in a way.

You're a bit more experienced than these actors. What advice would you give them?

Bridges My mom would send me off to work, and she would say, "Remember, Jeff, have fun and don't take it too seriously."

Do you have fun when you act?

Affleck Not in the traditional sense, but it can be very satisfying. I don't know if anyone does it for fun. Usually if it feels like fun, it ends up not being any good.

Bridges Isn't it wonderful when you have high expectations of yourself and then the thing transcends your expectations?

Affleck That never happens. (Laughter.)

Bridges Come on, man, that's never happened to you?

Affleck I'm still waiting for that to happen.

Bridges And then sometimes you can have the opposite, man, and it's heartbreaking. I did a movie - oh, this makes me sad to even say this - Hal Ashby's last movie, 8 Million Ways to Die [1986]. I can see how this would drive the financiers crazy, because the script was just an outline. You would just show up, and Hal would say, "Let's jam." But they had no respect for him, and this one producer sabotaged Hal terribly. He sent a spy to watch us and report back to him. And finally this producer showed up - we had about three days to go, big scenes - and he said, "I'm shutting you guys down. Today is your last day." We said, "What are you talking about?" He said, "Yeah, this is it." So Hal went into his trailer - he probably burned one, you know? He came out and truncated a three-day [scene] into a [single] telephone call. Hal gave it to his editor and the producer went in there, fired Hal, kidnapped the film and just cut it against the grain, and then Hal died. I mean, shit, you know?

Joseph, you worked with a great director, Oliver Stone. Was that fun?

Gordon-Levitt I'll echo my colleagues here and say "fun" might not be the best word to use. But fulfilling and challenging. Oliver, in particular, is really intense.

David Needleman

Did you get criticized for playing Snowden?

Gordon-Levitt Yes. But to me, that's sort of a sign that it's working. The point of making a movie like that is to start a conversation. And that's how a democracy works best. Disagreement is not bad; controversy is not bad.

Affleck I agree with him. No, I'm just kidding. (Laughter.)

Gordon-Levitt I was so happy for a second. I was like, "Yeah, he agrees."

How was playing Snowden different from playing other characters?

Gordon-Levitt You're dealing with a character who does very deliberately think about everything and is in the middle of a very high-stress and high-stakes situation.

Is it good for an actor to think very deliberately?

Gordon-Levitt On one of the movies I did in my early 20s, Mysterious Skin, I remember sitting down for a rehearsal with the director, and I had made all my notes in the script and in the novel, and I wanted to talk to him about all these different things. And he was like, "That's all great, that's all great, [but] you probably shouldn't think about it too much." And I took his word for it, and I'm really glad I did, because it was appropriate for that particular character. It depends on the movie.

What real-life characters would you like to play?

Ali [Boxer] Jack Johnson. Someone who was definitely going to live life on his own terms, who was very much flawed, hyper-masculine, but also really aware of the soil of that time and what he was coming out of, making certain choices that were both a statement of his masculinity but also a cry for help.

Patel I don't know what I would like to play, but I know what I'm afraid of playing: those big studio movies. After Slumdog, I did a film that was not well received at all [2010's The Last Airbender]. The budget of Slumdog was like the budget of the craft services of this movie. And I completely felt overwhelmed by the experience. I felt like I wasn't being heard. That was really scary for me, and that's really when I learned the power of no, the idea of saying no. Listen to that instinct you get when you read those words for the first time.

What roles did you say no to?

Patel Lots since then. [It's about] the work you choose. To be able to have a confidence to say no.

On that film, what suggestions did you say no to?

Patel Oh, I didn't, that was the thing. And afterward, I came out of that and saw a stranger on the screen that I couldn't relate to.

Bridges Andy and I have been in the superhero world. And it's such a -

David Needleman

Garfield It's brutal.

Bridges Oh, it's so wild.

Garfield (To Patel) I love what you just said, that you were looking at a stranger and feeling like you were perpetuating something that's toxic and something that's shallow and something that has no depth, no matter how much depth was attempted. Spider-Man was my favorite superhero, my first superhero costume when I was a 3-year-old at Halloween. I was like, there's millions of young people watching who are hungry for someone to say, "You're OK. You're seen very deeply." And more often than not the opportunity is not taken, and it is absolutely devastating and heartbreaking because there is so much medicine that could be delivered through those films.

Bridges But can I just riff off that? Iron Man, we [director Jon Favreau and actor Robert Downey Jr.] read the script and it wasn't really right, you know? We had two weeks' rehearsal and we basically rewrote the script. And the day before we were going to shoot, we get a call from the Marvel guy saying, "Oh no, no, no. None of this is right." So we would muster in my trailer and rehearse while the guys were in the studio tapping their foot, saying, "When are they going to come?" We were still trying to figure out the [scenes] we were going to shoot.

Would you do another big superhero movie?

Bridges Well, I was in Tron. (To Affleck) I thought one time you would be my son in that thing.

Affleck Yeah. I asked them to recast my father, and they wouldn't do it. (Laughter.)

So would you do another film like that?

Bridges Oh, yeah. I really set out to not develop a strong persona and mix it up so the audience would have an easier time projecting whatever character I was playing.

David Needleman

Are roles more limited for non-white actors?

Ali Take it, brother.

Patel Oh, man. Look, I think everyone at this table has probably faced a pigeonhole in some shape or form. My motto is, you've got to take on the mold to break it.

Ali It has to change from the inside out, like from a Barry Jenkins [the writer-director of Moonlight], someone who is from Liberty City, Florida, and having his own experiences that are worthy of a narrative. But part of the challenge is to transcend race, so you bring something unique to a character that maybe wasn't written for a black person.

Affleck As a group of artists, as a community, we have an obligation to try to open doors. But it's really hard to go just from top down. There also have to be arts programs in schools.

Can any of you imagine giving up acting?

Affleck I can. There are a lot of things I'd like to do - hang out with Jeff a bit. My mom is a teacher, so I spent my life in a classroom with her after school. I could see doing that. It seems like fun.

Bridges Ceramics. I don't have a kiln. I love to go to this place where there's a guy who is a master whom I can hang with, and a little communal camaraderie is nice. But now at 67, I'm living a teenage dream, man. I've got a little band, and we jam. We get out there and just have a ball.

Ali I would, at some point, love to direct. But it's taken me a long time to get to this place and in some ways I feel like I'm right at the beginning of having an opportunity to explore characters in a fuller way. And so I want to be in that place for a time.

Is there one word or phrase you use or others use that you hate?

Gordon-Levitt "Like."

Ali I say "all good" too much. "But it's all good."

Garfield Because it's not all good. (Laughter.) Nor should it be.

Patel I keep saying, "You know," especially with all this press, you know? And they don't know; they're asking you a question.

Bridges The word that pops into my mind, but I kind of like it, is "man." You know what I mean, man?

Gordon-Levitt I hope you don't stop saying that.

Last question. You're on a desert island and can have one actor or actress with you. Who?

Garfield Emma Stone. I love Emma. [They dated for several years.] She's all right. She can come.

Gordon-Levitt Orson Welles.

Bridges I've got to fire up my dad, man. Why not?

Affleck I want to take the little kid from Lion [Sunny Pawar].

Patel It would have to be Bruce Lee, man. I am the biggest Bruce Lee fan.

Ali My brother Andre Holland. He really inspires me. I told him this the other day. I was like, "Man, I want to do acting push-ups after watching you work."

Tune in to the full roundtable when it airs on SundanceTV Jan. 22, 2017.

This story first appeared in the Dec. 9 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Seattle-based MatterFab is working on a 3-D printer that looks like a walk-in freezer but can use laser microwelding to make metal components out of powder. (Credit: MatterFab)

Some aerospace ventures came to Starburst Accelerators shark tank in Seattle today to find investors. Others were looking for customers. But unlike the TV version of Shark Tank, none of them was sent away in defeat.

There are no winners or losers, Van Espahbodi, Starbursts co-founder and chief operating officer, told GeekWire at the end of the all-day pitch session.

Instead, a dozen entrepreneurs got the chance to pitch their ideas at the Museum of Flight, in front of venture capitalists, aerospace executives and other industry types (plus a couple of journalists).

Starburst Accelerator

Todays gathering marked the first Starburst event conducted in Seattle, which has been gaining more visibility as an aerospace industry hub  thanks to the likes of such stalwarts as the Boeing Co. as well as more recent entrants such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos Blue Origin space venture. Both of those companies had representatives in the audience today.

Three hometown aerospace ventures had spots on the schedule, including Seattle-based MatterFab, which is working on a 3-D printer that can create metal parts from laser-welded powder.

After years of development and millions of dollars in startup funding, MatterFab is on the verge of putting its machine to work. Its already talking with Blue Origin as well as Boeing, SpaceX and GE about doing business.

Weve been told, If you had anything today, you would be building our parts,' MatterFab CEO Jonathan Saint Clair said.

RBC Signals CEO, Christopher Richins, is looking for investors as well as customers to add to his list. Richins founded RBC Signals, based in Redmond, Wash., last year to provide ground station services for whats expected to be entire constellations of satellites in low Earth orbit.

So far, he and his fellow executives in Russia and Israel have knit together a network of 28 satellite communication antennas in 18 locations around the globe.

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Were able to sign revenue-sharing deals, so were not taking on the costs of leasing, Richins told GeekWire. Were able to maintain a very flexible network now, and then as our customers come to us and require dedicated assets, were able to either buy, build or lease dedicated infrastructure to meet their needs.

@RBCSignals pitching a service to move data from space to ground in response to fast growing need @starburstinnov pic.twitter.com/SU2nOLDkNU  Eric Anderson (@AndOneTech) November 30, 2016

Seattle-based Aerostrat is offering a slightly more down-to-earth service: a software platform called Aerros thats designed to keep track of aircraft maintenance schedules from start to finish.

Aerostrat CEO Elliot Margul said the market for such software amounts conservatively to $250 million a year. Subscription revenue for each product could amount to as much as $30 million a year, he said.

The company was founded just a year ago. Weve been working now with eight airlines to really test and develop our product, Weve actually just sent out contracts to two of those  and we expect to have those closed in early January Margul said.

The future for Aerostrat is really bright, Margul said. We have a lot of other products in our pipeline that wed really like to build.

The shark tank attracted nine other ventures from out of town  in a couple of cases, way out of town.

BOXARR, a startup based in England, offers a simple-to-use boxes and arrows production management platform thats catching on with Boeing, Airbus and other industrial heavy-hitters.

Then theres WiN MS, a French company that has developed a high-tech system to monitor cables and connections for potential problems. The current applications focus on aviation, but the system could be adapted in the future for electric cars, smart grids and oil and gas distribution systems.

The most interactive venture represented at the Starburst event was iQ3, headquartered in Woburn, Mass., which brought along an HTC Vive headset to show off its virtual-reality platform for web conferencing and collaborative computer-aided design.

Dan Burton, the CEO of DroneBase, touted his companys 50-state network for capturing drone imagery. DroneBase has provided low-cost imagery for Zillows online real-estate service, surveyed damaged homes in Georgia for Allstate after Hurricane Matthew for Allstate, and counts lots of other high-profile companies (such as Tesla and Hilton) among its clients.

The Los Angeles-based company is paying drone pilots by the gig to cope with the demand.

You can think of DroneBase as an Amazon Web Services for drones, Burton told the Seattle audience.

Electric Power Systems, Evigia, Identify3D, Koolock and Pierce Aerospace rounded out the shark tanks dozen. Attendees were given the chance to rate all the presentations online, but Starbursts Espahbodi said the ratings wouldnt figure in any sort of reward.

The true reward came during the breaks  when entrepreneurs had a chance to chat with potential backers, customers and advisers. And theres a chance that some of todays presenters will eventually get in on Starbursts newly announced $200 million venture fund.

Today, everyone got a free piece of advice from Raj Singh, managing director at JetBlue Technology Ventures.

My advice is, dont fall in love with the technology. Find a business case, Singh told the audience during a lunchtime panel discussion. I see a ton of technology. I was at a VR/AR event yesterday, and all these guys had these wonderful predictions about how this is going to change our life, but not one of them could come up with a solid business case for a killer application that would allow them to get out there, flourish and make money.  If youre going to be a business, find a customer.

More from GeekWire:
Afghan female volleyball players called for a change in mindset Thursday at a Kabul tournament marking a rare chance for women athletes to compete in the national spotlight in the deeply conservative, war-torn Muslim country.

The United Nations hosted the tournament as part of a campaign against gender violence in Afghanistan, still seen by foreign observers as one of the worst places in the world to be a woman.

"Initially, my father was against my playing volleyball, he threw out my jerseys," Muzhgan Sadat, a member of the Afghan Red Crescent team, told AFP.

The young business graduate, her head covered in a scarf, said she begged her father to reconsider -- and, when he finally saw her play, "he changed his mentality".

"I urge every single person, please change your mind and don't look down on women," the 23-year-old said.

"Please don't impose your restrictions and oppressions on them. A woman has the same abilities as a man does... Chase your dreams, never give up, fight against restrictions and show your parents that women can be as good as men."

Shugla Hellali, a specialist on gender issues at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Afghanistan, told AFP she is "optimistic" about women in Afghanistan.

"Ten years ago, we had no girls' volleyball team in the country, but now they have come such a long way forward," she said.

Gender equality in Afghanistan has improved somewhat since a US-led coalition toppled the hardline Taliban regime in 2001, but women still suffer tight restrictions and regular violence.

In March 2015, a 27-year-old woman known as Farkhunda was beaten to death in Kabul after being falsely accused of blasphemy, a case that became a symbol of the endemic violence that women still face.
Famed astronaut Buzz Aldrin had to be evacuated from the South Pole for medical reasons, the National Science Foundation said Thursday, and will be taken to nearby New Zealand for treatment.

The NSF, which is providing the air lift, said that a New York Air National Guard plane will transport Aldrin from Antarctica to New Zealand as soon as possible. He appears to have been in Antartica as a tourist, posting several photos in advance of his journey to Twitter.

The emergency request for an ailing visitor was made by The Antarctic Company, a South African tourism company, according to the NSF. The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators confirmed Aldrins evacuation, saying he was stable when he was taken from the South Pole to McMurdo base in Antarctica.

Aldrin, 86, was the second man to walk on the moon as part of the 1969 Apollo 11 crew.

We're ready to go to Antarctica! May be our last opportunity to tweet for a few days! We're go for departure to the launchpad! pic.twitter.com/vFvsu6OQhb  Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) November 29, 2016

Aldrin has focused his time on supporting human colonization of Mars in recent years.
The Hague (AFP) - Amsterdam has reached a pioneering agreement with home rentals website Airbnb to limit the sharing of private homes to 60 days a year, the city and website said Thursday.

"A home should remain a home," said Amsterdam councillor Laurens Ivens, in a joint statement which announced what it called a "unique" deal with Airbnb.

The Dutch capital said in 2014 it had became one of the first cities in the world to adopt rules allowing residents to "share the home in which they live for a period of 60 days per year".

The city of some 830,000 residents, famous for its canals, welcomes more than 17 million visitors every year, leaving many jostling for space on the busy roads and pushing up the price of accommodation.

"Today's agreement focuses on tackling bad actors, and ensuring that home sharing remains sustainable and positive for locals and neighbours," Amsterdam and Airbnb said in the statement.

The agreement will go into effect from January 1, 2017 and will last until the end of December 2018.

Airbnb will introduce a new day counter on its site to help hosts track their rentals and to ensure no-one breaks the rules "unless hosts confirm they have a proper licence".

The increasingly popular site has been targeted by several cities exasperated by what is seen as a bid at times to avoid local laws and taxes.

Barcelona city hall said last week it would fine Airbnb and its rival HomeAway 600,000 euros ($635,000) for marketing lodgings that lacked proper tourist permits.

And New York state tightened rental rules in October slapping a steep fine on people who rent out their entire, unoccupied apartment for less than 30 days which has squeezed the city's long-term rental market.
Alan Gross, an American contractor held captive by the Fidel Castro regime for five years, was released in 2014 when President Obama reopened diplomatic relations with Cuba. Gross spoke to Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric about the death of the former Cuban leader and said Castro's legacy is "brutality." He also compared President-elect Donald Trump to Castro, saying, "He's off his rocker. He's a megalomaniac of the same ilk as Fidel Castro, only he's not as well read."
The Daily Beast

Amy Beth Bennett/Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via GettyIn the final hours of the two-day sentencing hearing for Nikolas Cruz, the gunman who killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the family members of some of his victims fiercely confronted not only him, but also his defense team.Cruzs attorneys locked horns with Judge Elizabeth Scherer frequently before, during, and after a nearly four-week death penalty trial, crescendoing in an explosive exchange on Tuesday that saw
Les Sables-d'Olonne (France) (AFP) - Britain's Alex Thomson took back the lead Thursday in his battle with French rival Armel Le Cleac'h for first place in the Vendee Globe solo round-the-world yacht race.

Thomson, on Hugo Boss and aiming to become the first non-French winner of the gruelling race, was just 0.65 nautical miles (1.2 kilometers) ahead of Le Cleac'h in Banque Populaire VIII.

But the leading pair, now into the Indian Ocean and heading towards Australia, were more than 660 nautical miles ahead of third place Sebastien Josse on Edmond de Rothschild.

After 25 days, the 29 yachts have been cut to 25 spread over almost 4,850 nautical miles.

Thomson was the early leader but Le Cleac'h overtook five days ago after the right foil on Thomson's vessel was broken by an underwater object.

Josse has said he believes he can still catch the leading pair. But Thomson and Le Cleac'h have set a record-breaking time so far. Le Cleac'h said on Wednesday however "I am not sure I will be able to keep up this pace for the whole race."

The race started in Les Sables d'Olonne on France's west coast on November 6. The winner is expected back in port around January 20.
David Arquette is opening up about the loss of his sibling Alexis.

While attending The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and SAG-AFTRA World Aids Day Panel event in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the actor explained how his family has found solace surrounding the actor and transgender activists unexpected death.

 are doing alright, the actor, 45, told PEOPLE. Things like that, in the best case scenario, bring families closer together. It definitely did that for us. Rosanna is really spearheading a foundation for Alexis which were going to announce soon, the next few days.

In September, Alexis died from complications related to AIDS, after suffering for a long time, according to a source.

The whole family rallied around her, the source previously told PEOPLE. And in the end they were always there to support her. Everyone knew was imminent. It was a matter of time.

Following her death, the family  including siblings David, Patricia, Rosanna and Richmond  released a statement: Alexis was born as Robert, our brother, part of the statement read. We loved him the moment he arrived. But he came in as more than a sibling  he came as our great teacher. As Alexis transitioned into being a woman, she taught us tolerance and acceptance. As she moved through her process, she became our sister, teaching us what real love is.

We learned what real bravery is through watching her journey of living as a trans woman. We came to discover the one truth  that love is everything.

Though Arquette says the grief is very real, he continues to look at the positive.

I learned everything from Alexis, he said. I learned art. I learned comedy. I learned how to be real, to be honest. I learned acceptance, which was a big theme in general. I learned to be myself and own who you are  be true to you.




Allstate O.N.E. Rider Safety Program

In 2009 Allstate Insurance launched its Once is Never Enough (O.N.E.) program, an awareness campaign created to help reduce the number of motorcycle crashes involving other vehicles at intersections. The signage campaign encouraged motorists to look twice, because once is never enough. The company worked with local traffic authorities to install 179 Watch for Motorcycles signs in 41 different cities across 21 states at dangerous intersections for riders.

Now Allstate has donated and installed a sign on a fellow riders property at his request. Longtime rider Jason Large of Jackson, Ohio, reached out to Allstate hoping for a way to protect riders on the major state route he lives on. Allstate was inspired by Jasons desire to help keep his fellow riders safe, which is why he was selected for the special installation. The hope is that Jasons persistence and passion to advance motorcycle safety in his community will inspire other riders to do the same.

Watch for Motorcycles

The O.N.E. program is the flagship initiative of Allstates Rider Protection Project, a collection of programs and applications built to help keep riders riding, safely. Other programs in Allstates Rider Protection Project include:

The Rider Risk Map  an interactive map on Facebook (facebook.com/AllstateMotorcycle) that lets riders flag a location that may be especially dangerous for fellow riders

The Rider Protection Zone  a traveling rider experience that visits several of the highest-profile motorcycle rallies around the country, spreading the word about motorcycle safety and advocacy through in-person safety demonstrations and social media, using the hashtag #Watch4Moto

The Good Ride App  a mobile app that can be downloaded and used to alert friends and family that youre heading out for a ride and to remind them to watch for motorcycles, as well as track your rides, log bike maintenance, as well as other useful tools and activities

The Ride for Awareness  a 111 day, 21,000 mile journey to all 50 states completed by one rider sponsored by Allstate in 2015 that encouraged each state to add a question regarding motorcycle safety to their state test to receive a drivers license (visit allstate.com/ride to learn more about this epic road trip)

For more information about Allstates Rider Protection Project, visit www.allstateridernews.com.
For most companies, failure is a reason for staff to be depressed, not a reason for them to throw parties.

At Alphabet's research arm X, formerly known as Google X, however, failures are something that can be celebrated. As one of X's top executives Obi Felten explained Wednesday during Fortune's Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit in Laguna Niguel, Calif., X has instituted an annual ritual modeled after D?a de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday when families honor their deceased relatives.

The point is to bring a feeling of closure for workers on projects that didn't take off and to celebrate "letting go," Felten said. Regarding the first such celebrations, she said, "It was an incredibly powerful moment."

There were "a lot of tears and in the end a lot of drinking," she added.

It's all part of the process of creating so-called moonshots, Alphabet's ambitious projects like self-driving cars that may be revolutionary if they ever turn into actual businesses. Or they may just flop.

Subscribe to the Broadsheet, Fortune's daily newsletter on the world's most powerful women.

A grand project to create renewable fuel from sea water, for example, turned out to not make business sense after the price of oil fell, thus X shelved it.

People who work at X must get accustomed to failing, because you "can't do moonshots if everything works, it's almost kind of the opposite," Felten said.

Still, the hope is that out of the many failures, a successful moonshot could lead to a big breakthrough. Self-driving cars, for example, is one such project Alphabet is excited about and is "just about to graduate" from an experiment to a business, she said.

"Our money comes from Ruth Porat," Felten said about Alphabet's CFO with a Wall Street pedigree. "She would like her money back with a good return on her investments.

See original article on Fortune.com

More from Fortune.com
Marked by being easily startled, irritable and hypervigilant, hyperarousal is a cluster of symptoms that afflicts many people with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Along with hallmark symptoms such as flashbacks and frightening thoughts, hyperarousal is a common feature of PTSD, which involves persistent stress following a traumatic event. Challenges treating PTSD in general remain, and hyperarousal specifically can be very difficult to treat, says Dr. Sanjay Mathew, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine and staff physician at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.

Mathew and research colleagues at Baylor recently received a grant that will provide more than $1.35 million from the National Institute of Mental Health over two years to study and develop a drug that might mitigate hyperarousal in patients with PTSD.

At present, there are two Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs to treat PTSD, the antidepressants Zoloft and Paxil (generics: sertraline and paroxetine). Though clinicians say these medications can be helpful, neither of the drugs was specifically designed to treat PTSD. "There's a big dearth of effective drug treatments, and that's what the focus of our research is," Mathew says. "Psychotherapies help a lot of people, but still many will have residual symptoms or incomplete resolution."

[See: Apps to Mind Your Mental Health.]

Battling Hyperarousal

Often accompanied by depression, PTSD can strain relationships and lead people to withdraw from social situations; hyperarousal, in particular, can make it difficult to concentrate, disrupt sleep and increase the likelihood of angry outbursts. Many people who don't seek treatment in a timely fashion experience worsening of the symptoms, especially with regards to hyperarousal, including sleep problems and anger management, says Dr. Yuval Neria, professor of medical psychology at Columbia University Medical Center and director of Trauma and PTSD at the New York State Psychiatric Institute in New York City.

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"About 50 percent of those who develop [and are] diagnosed with PTSD cannot be helped by current therapy or therapy approaches, unfortunately," he adds. But clinicians hasten to advise that anyone who experiences symptoms believed to be PTSD should seek professional help. While starting with talking to a primary care doctor is reasonable, Neria recommends getting a referral to a trauma specialist. That could include a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker trained in helping people deal with trauma and PTSD. "The first step is really to be assessed and to be diagnosed correctly," Neria says.

Military veterans who get help for PTSD through the VA health system are commonly treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Two approaches considered to be effective in treating PTSD, cognitive processing and prolonged exposure therapy, are used within as well as outside the VA to treat individuals with the disorder.

"Prolonged exposure is essentially exposing the patient to the traumatic stressor in great detail, with the idea that the exposure to the feared stimulus or set of stimuli will over time become less important, and the patient will be able to extinguish their learned fear response," Mathew notes. This could be done through narrative scripts, where a person describes, in much detail, the nature of the trauma, like a sexual assault. "Some people do exposure via video clips, or there's virtual reality-type exposures," he says. For example, Virtual Iraq provides veterans of that war as well as those who served in Afghanistan with virtual reality environments created to treat PTSD. "The best treatment to address hyperarousal symptoms, I think, is prolonged exposure therapy," Neria says.

With cognitive processing therapy, the focus isn't so much on the exposure, but on thinking patterns of individuals with PTSD. "How you process specific events, and the meaning of specific events, and thinking of constructive ways to take a thought and change the associated feeling or behavior," Mathew explains. With cognitive behavioral therapy -- which also involves addressing disruptive thought patterns -- and cognitive processing therapy, "the hyperarousal symptoms -- the sleep disturbances, anger, irritability, the jitteriness and hypervigilance -- often improve for patients," says Dr. Mark Pollack, chairman of the department of psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

[See: Coping With Depression at Work.]

Letting Your Guard Down

Standard medications used to treat PTSD also help relieve hyperarousal symptoms, Pollack says; and, in general, hyperarousal decreases as patients see overall improvement in their PTSD.

When hyperarousal persists, Pollack says, certain other medications may also be helpful. "Medicines that block some of the stress hormones, the adrenaline rushes that people get with hyperarousal -- drugs like prazosin, for example, or beta blockers like propranolol can be used to decrease some of that arousal," Pollack says. And antiepileptic medications may be used to treat hyperarousal symptoms frequently seen in people with PTSD, such as irritability and outbursts of anger, which often occur with epilepsy as well.

Finding effective treatment is all the more important, experts say, not only given how emotionally and physically draining it is to constantly be in "fight or flight" mode, but because aspects of hyperarousal, like angry outbursts, can alienate loved ones. "PTSD affects the whole family and actually can cut across generations, or [have an] impact on the children of those who are affected," Pollack says.

[See: How to Find the Best Mental Health Professional for You.]

And while access issues -- from insurance coverage limitations to availability of mental health care in certain areas -- persist and PTSD treatment continues to evolve, Neria urges those experiencing PTSD symptoms, including hyperarousal, to persevere in their search for relief. "My advice is to not be discouraged," he says. "Examine whether a combination of medication, especially SSRIs, and prolonged exposure [therapy] may be helpful."

Michael Schroeder is a health editor at U.S. News. He covers a wide array of topics ranging from cancer to depression and prevention to overtreatment. He's been reporting on health since 2005. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at mschroeder@usnews.com.
Company Receives Unanimous Approval of Agreement for the 1,000,000 Square Foot Cultivation Development in Freetown

DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / AmeriCann, Inc. (OTCQX: ACAN), a company that is developing sustainable, state-of-the-art medical cannabis cultivation properties, has secured a Host Community Agreement ("HCA") with the Town of Freetown for its Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Center ("MMCC") project. The HCA adds significant value to the MMCC project by documenting a supportive relationship between the Town of Freetown and the 1 million square foot development.

On November 28th, 2016 the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the Host Community Agreement for AmeriCann's MMCC project. The Massachusetts Medical-Use of Marijuana Program requires operators to secure letters of support or non-opposition from the host communities.

As the developer of the project, AmeriCann has obtained the Host Community Agreement which streamlines the application process and creates a competitive advantage for tenants at the MMCC.

Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure that will make it the first state in the eastern U.S. to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. The Commonwealth has had a medical marijuana program that was approved in 2012. According to industry experts, the combined market for both the medical and new adult program could exceed $1.8 billion annually.

AmeriCann recently completed the acquisition of a 53 acre Massachusetts property from Boston Beer Company (SAM-NYSE) for $4,475,000 in cash. The Company plans to develop the property as the Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Center (the "MMCC") which is expected to be one of the largest and most technologically advanced cannabis cultivation facilities in the nation.

AmeriCann recently completed a $2 million all equity financing that will be utilized in part for the Company's Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Center development and to pursue new opportunities in California, Pennsylvania, Florida and other states.

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About AmeriCann

AmeriCann is a publicly traded company that is developing sustainable, state-of-the-art medical cannabis cultivation properties. The Company has over 1,000,000 square feet of facilities in the planning and design stages of development. The Company has designed a proprietary line of cannabis infused products which will be branded and licensed to companies in regulated markets.

AmeriCann, Inc. is a Certified B Corp, an acknowledgment of the Company's commitment to social and environmental ethics, transparency and accountability. AmeriCann became the first public cannabis company to earn this respected accreditation. More information about the Company is available at: www.americann.co.

About Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Center

The Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Center is approved for nearly 1,000,000 square feet of medical cannabis cultivation and processing in Freetown, Massachusetts. The state-of-the-art, sustainable, greenhouse project will consist of multiple planned phases for tenants in the Massachusetts medical marijuana market. AmeriCann's Cannopy System uniquely combines expertise from traditional horticulture, lean manufacturing, regulatory compliance and cannabis cultivation to create superior facilities and procedures.

The first phase of the project consists of 130,000 sq. ft. of cultivation and processing infrastructure. AmeriCann can expand the first phase to approximately 600,000 sq. ft., based on patient demand.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (which Sections were adopted as part of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "prospects," "outlook," and similar words or expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," "may," and "could" are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, performance or achievements. The Company disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, a future event, or otherwise. For additional uncertainties that could impact the Company's forward-looking statements, please see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015, which the Company has filed with the SEC and which may be viewed at http://www.sec.gov.

Contact Information:

Corporate:

AmeriCann, Inc.

3200 Brighton Blvd. Unit 114

Denver, CO 80216

(303) 862-9000

info@americann.co

www.americann.co

Investors:

Hayden IR

hart@haydenir.com

(917) 658-7878

SOURCE: AmeriCann, Inc.
Despite President-elect Donald Trump's Nov. 8 victory, investors held high hopes for Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (SWHC) ahead of its second quarter earnings release, scheduled for Thursday after market close.

A majority of analysts polled by Zacks Investment Research advised investors to buy shares of the Springfield, Massachusetts-based company and forecasted second quarter earnings per share of 55 cents, more than double last years 25 cents per share. In last quarters earnings release, Smith & Wesson reported that sales had grown more than 40 percent over the past year, while profits more than doubled.

In a September news release, Smith & Wesson chief executive James Debney attributed the sales boost to Along with the companys acquisitions of outdoor products and accessories makers Taylor Brands and Crimson Trace. He also referenced strong consumer demand as reflected in adjusted background checks under the FBIs system of determining whether someone is eligible to buy a firearm.

But, as Wall Street Journal columnist Steve Russolillo noted, gun sales tend to surge in the lead-up to the likely election of candidates with strict stances on gun control.

The steady climb of Smith & Wessons share price in the weeks before Nov. 8 was met with a sharp 25 percent drop after Democratic candidate Hillary Clintons loss to Trump. The stock has since risen and plateaued around $24  still below its pre-Election Day value of nearly $28.

But despite Trumps win and his stated view of the Second Amendment as Americas first freedom"  a stance that usually reduces immediate demand for firearms  gun sales havent exactly slowed since the election.

On Black Friday, the FBIs National Criminal Background Check System processed a record number of transactions, with 185,713 seeking gun purchase certification, ahead of last years 185,345.

And holiday shoppers werent alone in stocking up on weapons after Trumps victory. As NBC News reported, some gun store owners have seen an uptick in sales to minorities harboring fears of hate crimes under the new president-elect, who made numerous inflammatory remarks over the course of his campaign, incited violence at his rallies, suggested that Second Amendment people eliminate his opponent and has appointed a chief strategist widely considered to be a white supremacist.

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People of color feel that racists now feel like they can attack just because the president is doing it, Virginia-based gun shop owner Earl Curtis told NBC News.

Going forward, looser weapons regulations means easier access, which could translate to increased sales  and more revenue  for Smith & Wesson. As Stockton University public policy analyst and finance professor Michael Busler told The Street: Anything that makes the purchase of guns easier is going to benefit a manufacturer of guns.

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Andorra la Vella (Andorra) (AFP) - Andorran lawmakers have agreed to end banking secrecy in the Pyrenees mountains principality once considered a tax haven, approving automatic sharing of information on accounts held by non-residents.

The General Council, the unicameral parliament, approved on Wednesday the measure which will come into effect from January 2018 for accounts held by residents of EU countries.

"Not approving this would have sent a very negative message to the world," Finance Minister Jordi Cinca told the lawmakers.

Nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, banking accounts for 20 percent of the economy in the nation of barely 90,000 citizens.

Andorra was briefly on the OECD's "gray list" of non-cooperative tax havens drawn up as part of a crackdown on tax evasion after the global financial crisis.

In 2015, the Banca Privada d'Andorra (BPA), the principality's fourth largest bank was accused by a unit of the US Treasury Department of having taken bribes to channel profits and facilitate laundering of cash from Russian and Chinese organised crime as well as Venezuela's state oil firm PDVSA.

The charge led Andorran regulators to take control of the bank, whose chief executive was arrested.

Automatic transfer of banking account data is becoming the international standard to help reduce tax evasion.

Andorra follows Monaco, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and San Marino in signing a deal with the EU, which wants to cut down on fraud and tax evasion via neighbouring countries.
Activists marched in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on November 30 in protests against a planned appearance by Steve Bannon on the campus at Harvard.

Bannon had cancelled his appearance at a Harvard Institute of Politics conference the day before, but protesters gathered at John F Kennedy Park nonetheless to protest against Trump advisers and white supremacy, according to a Facebook event page for the demonstration.

Demonstrators, including Jewish peace activists, marched carrying anti-fascist banners. Credit: Twitter/Eli Gerzon of Jewish Voice for Peace via Storyful
When it comes to procrastination, nobody said it better than Mark Twain: "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow." And no one turned procrastination around better than Mozart, who wrote the overture to "Don Giovanni" the night before it debuted.

It's understandable that some students -- even diligent ones -- may wait until the last minute to apply for scholarships. But with the holidays approaching, it's easy to get sidetracked and miss scholarship deadlines.

[Get a plan together to prioritize scholarship applications.]

Here are six scholarships you should apply for before ringing in 2017.

The Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Awards Program is one of the most lucrative opportunities still available in 2016. This scholarship is open to women who are enrolled in or have been accepted to undergraduate degree programs or vocational or skills training programs and who provide the primary financial support for their families. Applicants must also reside in one of the organization's member countries, including the U . S . , Canada, Japan and Mexico.

Applicants must first apply at the local club level, where awards vary, by writing a 750 or fewer word essay on why they are deserving. Club winners then compete regionally for additional awards. Each of the 28 regions awards a $5,000 scholarship to its first-place contestant, and most also give additional $3,000 awards.

Finally, the 28 first-place essays compete for three $10,000 awards. Apply by Dec. 15 for consideration.

The Foreclosure.com Scholarship Program also has the quickly approaching Dec. 15 deadline. Although time is running short to apply, the payoff for recipients is great -- the top prize is $5,000, and the four next-best entries receive $1,000 apiece.

The scholarship is open only to currently enrolled college students. Essays must be between 800 and 2,000 words.

The essay prompt asks students to detail measures they would put in place to prevent another housing crisis or whether they believe another collapse is inevitable. Interested students should visit the foreclosure.com website for the full rules and essay prompt.

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Engineering undergrads looking for additional college funding can apply for the American Society for Nondestructive Testing Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship. With a Dec. 15 deadline, this program awards up to three $3,000 scholarships each year to students specializing in the nondestructive testing and evaluation field.

[Find a STEM scholarship for each type of college student.]

In addition to the application, students enrolled in U.S. colleges with recognized engineering programs must submit three letters of recommendation signed by three faculty members as well as an original essay describing how they envision NDT/NDE playing a role in their career.

S cholarship opportunities are also available for current and prospective law school students. A California-based personal-injury law practice will award the $3,000 Reeves Law Group Scholarship to a student who best shows his or her desire and goal to use the legal system to improve or fix problems in society. Applicants are urged to cite deeds they have performed to achieve that goal.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are either students at an accredited U.S. law school or undergraduates who have applied to or will apply to law school. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Dec. 15.

[Consider these law school scholarships.]

Another California-based law firm offers the $1,500 Farzad Family Law Scholarship with a Dec. 15 application deadline. The merit-based scholarship is open to all U.S. college or law students admitted to or attending accredited universities.

To apply, applicants must write a three-part essay, first rewriting a specific child custody law, then defending why their draft is better than the original and finally writing the opposition to their draft. Each part has a designated word count.

One more end-of-the-year scholarship students can consider is the Tenshon Design Scholarship. The deadline to apply for the $1,500 spring semester award is Dec. 15.

The Phoenix-based shade sail and shade canopy manufacturer offers its award to currently enrolled college students interested in architecture, design and engineering. To apply , applicants must study Tenshon's standard-sized shade sails and create a unique design they feel will stand out. Applicants must use 3-D modeling software SketchUp to create and submit their designs.

The clock is ticking to apply for these 2016 scholarships, so take charge now before the year and your chance at these scholarships end.

Arthur Murray, a graduate of the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill, is managing editor of the GoodCall.com newsroom. The organization provides access to information, data, technology and tools, including a scholarship engine, to help visitors make important decisions.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Lundin Law PC, a shareholder rights firm, announces a class action lawsuit against Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation ("Cognizant" or the "Company") (CTSH) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws between February 27, 2015 and September 30, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period should contact the Firm prior to the December 5, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here. You can also call Brian Lundin, Esquire, of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or e-mail him at brian@lundinlawpc.com.

No class has been certified in the above action yet. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member.

According to the complaint, Cognizant made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: the Company lacked effective internal controls over financial reporting; that certain improper payments were made for permits and building licenses for some of its facilities in India; and that as a result of the above, Cognizant's statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

On September 30, 2016, Cognizant announced that it would conduct an internal investigation into whether certain payments in India violated the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The Company also announced that its President resigned. When this information was released to the public, shares of Cognizant lowered in value, which caused investors harm.

Lundin Law PC was founded by Brian Lundin, a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding shareholders' rights.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in certain jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Story continues

Contact:

Lundin Law PC

Brian Lundin, Esq.

Telephone: 888-713-1033

Facsimile: 888-713-1125

brian@lundinlawpc.com

http://lundinlawpc.com/

SOURCE: Lundin Law PC
By Ahmed Elumami TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Gunfire could be heard over Tripoli on Thursday as armed groups mobilized heavy weapons and took up positions in several parts of the Libyan capital. Militias that hold effective power across the city clash frequently, but the shooting was heavier than usual and tanks and armed convoys could be seen in some areas. The immediate cause of the latest violence was not clear. Tripoli is controlled by a patchwork of armed groups, some with a quasi official status. Fighting is often sparked by turf wars or revenge attacks, while armed groups are also divided between those that support a U.N.-backed government that arrived in the capital in March and those that oppose it. After the 2011 uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, Libya splintered into rival fiefdoms controlled by groups originally made up of former rebels. Rival alliances fought for control of the capital in 2014, after which competing governments and parliaments were set up in Tripoli and the east. The U.N.-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) was tasked with uniting Libya's warring factions but has struggled to assert its authority in Tripoli and has been rejected by power brokers in the east. Recently the government it displaced in Tripoli has attempted a comeback, regaining control of the Rixos hotel, which was meant to house a new legislative body under the deal that created the GNA. Military vehicles were seen mobilizing near the Rixos on Thursday and shops in the area closed amid rising tension. Military vehicles including tanks could also be seen in Bab Benghashir and Abu Salim neighborhoods, while clashes were reported in Abu Salim and Hadba districts. The city center was calm but residents were rushing to do shopping and head home before nightfall. The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying France was "very worried by the escalation of violence between armed groups in Tripoli". "(France) is in close contact with (GNA) Prime Minister Fayez Seraj and supports his efforts to restore the authority of the state, especially in Tripoli," the statement said. There was also fighting on Thursday in Libya's second city, Benghazi, where forces loyal to eastern commander Khalifa Haftar have been waging a military campaign against Islamists and other opponents for more than two years. There were sporadic clashes and air raids around the besieged district of Ganfouda, one of the last holdouts against Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA). The LNA launched its latest assault on the area on Wednesday. A medical official said 11 men from the LNA had been killed and 36 wounded in two days of fighting. (Additional reporting by Ayman al-Warfalli in Benghazi and John Irish in Paris; Writing by Aidan Lewis)
Spoiler alert! If you haven't watched Wednesday's 100th episode of Arrow, do not proceed. Everyone else, you may read on.

Arrow reached its 100th episode milestone by honoring the past, but with a mind-bending twist.

For much of Wednesday's episode, which coincided with the Supergirl, The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow crossover event, Oliver (Stephen Amell) spent a large part of it stuck in an alien pod -- "the Dominator matrix," as executive producer Marc Guggenheim called it -- and hallucinating what his life would have been like had he not gotten on the Queen's Gambit all those years ago.

Let's just say, Oliver's life would have been very different -- no crime-fighting, for one thing -- and far less tragic.

RELATED: 'Arrow' Stars Weigh in on Oliver Queen's Ever-Changing Hairstyles

In the faux reality, Oliver and Laurel (Katie Cassidy) were engaged, Ray (Brandon Routh) and Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) were about to walk down the aisle, Moira (Susanna Thompson) and Robert (Jamey Sheridan) were alive and happy together, Diggle (David Ramsey) was the Green Arrow, and Sara (Caity Lotz) came into town for her sister's wedding.

"We make a reference in the end of the Legends episode [of] the crossover that this was sort of Oliver's version of 'Flashpoint' and it's Oliver's version of 'The Girl Who Has Everything' [episode] from last year's Supergirl," Guggenheim told reporters at a recent screening. "There's a reason why these stories are iconic or familiar tropes, even in comic books."

"When you show the protagonist the path not taken and you put them in the situation where they can choose to stay on that path or go back to their life with all of its ugly aspects and challenges, and they choose the selfless choice of returning to that ugly past," he said, "it makes your character stronger because it forced Oliver to double down on his mission and commit to this life with all of its losses and failures and challenges."

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RELATED: 'Arrow' Stars Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards Dish on 'Olicity's' Romantic Future

The CW

Oliver and Laurel's engagement served as the structural backbone of the episode, giving a reason for familiar faces to come together for a momentous -- albeit fake -- occasion. The Arrow producers explained why they felt it important to make Laurel, who was killed off in season four, a central figure in such a pivotal episode.

"Even though the show has evolved, Laurel is at the heart of it. She was Oliver's great love, she's Sara's sister, she's Lance's daughter. Watching those early episodes, so much of it revolved around her relationship with all these characters," executive producer Andrew Kreisberg said. "Even if we do get to 200 episodes, Laurel will always be at the heart of the series and be an important character."

"On top of that, Katie Cassidy will always be so important to us," he continued. "We were so happy that she agreed to come back because she is part of the family, both behind the camera and in front of it."

RELATED: 'Arrow' Boss Talks 'Flashpoint' Shocker and Season 5's Big Bad

While it was bittersweet seeing Thompson and Sheridan back in the Arrow fray, not all the actors the producers wanted to bring back for the landmark moment were available -- namely Colton Haynes (Roy) and Colin Donnell (Tommy).

"We're so immersed in it, sometimes it's easy to forget just how far the show has come and how different it used to be," Kreisberg said. "Watching the early episodes and watching the 100th and seeing Oliver have scenes with his mom, and remembering how important [Moira] was to the mythology and these characters and to everything that happened, that was the thing that made it feel like a 100th episode."

The CW

That's not to say Haynes and Donnell's presence wasn't felt in the episode. There was a cheeky reference to Donnell's current role on NBC's Chicago Med during the engagement party scene, where Tommy's absence was explained as him working "triple shifts at the hospital."

Holograms of Roy and Tommy -- as well as Moira, Robert, Felicity and Laurel -- appeared before Oliver, right before he left his faux reality and returned to his real life. "That beat was not in the original break of the episode," Guggenheim told ET, revealing that Haynes and Donnell's holograms were taken from old episodes and modified to fit the scene.

RELATED: Stephen Amell Teases 'Arrow' Season 5: 'We're Trying to Do It Right'

Guggenheim shared that there were scripted moments with Haynes and Donnell that were in the script "that we obviously couldn't do" due to their "availabilities." One of those moments had Roy playing a significant part in the faux reality. "Roy was going to be Thea's boyfriend -- that hadn't changed -- and they met when he stole her purse, and that also hadn't changed," he said. "I thought that would have been fun and nice to see."

As for what the events of the 100th episode mean for the next week's fall finale, Guggenheim reaffirmed that Oliver "has a new sense of purpose." "He goes into [the episode] with a reaffirmation of his bond with Thea because they basically chose each other," he hinted. "That carries through the midseason finale and sets up things beyond it."

What did you think of the 100th episode of Arrow? Tell us in the comments below or by tweeting @etnow!

Arrow airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.

RELATED: 'Arrow' Star Stephen Amell Reveals His Best On-Screen Kiss

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Categories (Hidden) / Celebrity Beauty

Model Ashley Graham just hit a major career milestone: She graces the January 2017 cover of British Vogue. While the accompanying tagline reads the model with attitude, we think her stunning natural beauty likely also played a role in nabbing her the coveted editorial. The body-image activist is pictured wearing minimal makeup with her wavy hair looking gorgeously untamed.

Ashley, who prefers to avoid the term plus size, is surely thrilled that the glossy chose to enhance the features she was blessed with. The breathtaking cover shot even highlights her freckles. Makeup artist Sally Branka added minimal peach tones to Ashleys lips and eyes and subtly filled in her brows. As for her carefree touseled hair, were pretty sure its a total I-woke-up-like-this moment. Natural beauty for the win.
South pole two

An evacuation flight rescuing astronaut Buzz Aldrin from the South Pole after he became ill with fluid in his lungs has safely landed in New Zealand, according to statement on his website.

Aldrin, 86, was the second man to walk on the moon, joining Neil Armstrong in the Apollo 11 Lunar Module in July 1969. He has since become an author and advocates crewed missions to Mars.

Here's the full statement published on Aldrin's website:

The evacuation flight for Buzz Aldrin has successfully landed at Christchurch, New Zealand and he has been transferred to hospital for examination. He is currently has fluid in his lungs but is responding well to antibiotics and being kept in overnight for observation. His condition is stable and his manager, who is currently with him, described him being in good spirits.

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the team at the American National Science Foundation for accommodating Buzz and his manager on one of their flights from the South Pole to New Zealand via McMurdo.

There will be further updates when additional information is available.

A post to Aldrin's Twitter account also showed the lunar explorer in a hospital bed, smiling for the camera.

Official statement about Buzz and his evacuation from the South Pole. He's recovering well in NZ. Full statement https://t.co/OacRI4577Z pic.twitter.com/QdrEaHuQHq  Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) December 1, 2016

The National Science Foundation announced Thursday morning that it would provide a "humanitarian medical evacuation flight" from the South Pole for an "ailing" Buzz Aldrin. No further information was given as to his condition.

Aldrin posted on Twitter on Tuesday that he was headed to the South Pole as part of a tourist trip:

The NSF's statement said an NSF plane would fly Aldrin from the Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole to McMurdo Station on the Antarctic coast. At that point, ski-equipped LC-130 cargo planes flown by the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard will take him to New Zealand "as soon as possible."

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White Desert, the company handling Aldrin's trip, posted this statement on its website:

A White Desert client, Buzz Aldrin, has been evacuated from South Pole. Mr Aldrin was visiting the Pole as part of a tourist group and while there his condition deteriorated. As a precaution, following discussion between the White Desert doctor and the US Antarctic Program (USAP) doctor, Mr Aldrin, accompanied by a member of his team, was evacuated on the first available flight out of the South Pole to McMurdo with the USAP under the care of a USAP doctor. His condition was described as stable upon White Desert doctor's hand-over to the USAP medial team.

White Desert would like to express their gratitude to USAP at this time for their support.

His family have been informed of the situation. This flight is still in progress and there will be further updates when additional information is available.

It's the start of summer in Antarctica, when travel to Amundsen-Scott is relatively routine, if not cheap or easy.

During the winter, researchers at Amundsen are much more sealed off from the world. Only three emergency evacuations have ever been attempted during those harsh, dark months, most recently this past June.

NOW WATCH: Forget the gross factor: There are serious health reasons for why you shouldn't pick your nose





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Today in 5 Lines

In a series of early-morning tweets, President-elect Donald Trump said he would remove himself from his business operations in order to focus on the presidency, but he did not provide additional details on how the plan would be carried out. Trump also announced his plans to nominate Steven Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs executive, to serve as secretary of the treasury and investor Wilbur Ross to serve as secretary of commerce. Democrats reelected Representative Nancy Pelosi as House minority leader over Ohio Representative Tim Ryan in a 134 to 63 vote. District Attorney Andrew Murray announced that Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Officer Brentley Vinson will not face charges in the shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott in September. Officials said seven people have been reported dead in the Tennessee wildfires.

Today on The Atlantic

Change of Heart: Donald Trump ran as the anti-establishment candidate, but three of his early Cabinet picks are sitting members of the House or Senate. Despite a turbulent campaign, congressional Republicans and the president-elect appear to be clearing the air. (Russell Berman)

The Rainbow Coalition: Some pundits and academics attribute Hillary Clintons defeat to the Democratic Partys focus on identity and social issues. But in North Carolina, that same focus allowed Roy Cooper to defeat Republican incumbent Governor Pat McCrory. (Vann R. Newkirk II)

Deja Vu?: A number of Trump supporters have compared his victory to President Andrew Jacksons landslide win in 1828. While the two men have their similarities, a deeper look at Jacksons victory complicates the comparison. (Steve Inskeep)

Follow stories throughout the day with our Politics & Policy portal.

Recommended: Trump Surrogate: There's No Such Thing as Facts

Snapshot

House of Representatives Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi reacts as she arrives to speak to reporters after she was re-elected to her post on Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Washington. Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

What Were Reading

Who is Steven Mnuchin?: President-elect Donald Trumps pick for Treasury secretary was a partner at Goldman Sachs and invested in several Hollywood hits. Heres how he ended up in Trumps inner circle. (Max Abelson and Zachary Mider, Bloomberg)

Story continues

Recommended: 'The Scourge of the Left': Too Much Stigma, Not Enough Persuasion

Waiting for Answers: Saira Khan is the sister of Syed Rizwan Farook, whoalong with his wife, Tashfeen Malikkilled 14 people in San Bernardino, California, in 2015. Khan has been fighting for custody of their orphaned baby girl over the last year, but so far the county would only agree to grant her regular, six-hour visits. (Eli Saslow, The Washington Post)

On the Wrong Track: In a post-Obama political climate, Democrats must find a new identity, argues Lisa Boothe, but it looks like the party is set to repeat some of the same mistakes of the past eight years. (Washington Examiner)

The Future of Activism: In an interview with The Verge, Black Lives Matter organizer DeRay Mckesson discusses what he expects the movement will look like in five yearsand explains how technology makes people woke. (Kwame Opam)

No Easy Fixes: Congress is poised to pass the 21st Century Cures Act, which would help fight the heroin and painkiller epidemic. Theres one problem: Instead of cracking down on the pharmaceutical companies that fueled the boom in opioid abuse, lawmakers are rewarding the industry. (Sam Stein, Matt Fuller, Ryan Grim, The Huffington Post)

Visualized

Inside Jobs: The Atlantic interviewed 100 American workers from various demographic and educational backgrounds on the meaning of their work. Read their stories here.

Question of the Week

Vice President-elect Mike Pence has officially moved to Washington, D.C., and President-elect Donald Trump is expected to follow suit in the coming weeks. President Obama and Michelle Obamas go-to restaurants in the District have long been documented. Which restaurants do you expect Pence and Trump to frequent?

Send your answers to hello@theatlantic.com, and our favorites will be featured in Fridays Politics & Policy Daily.

-Written by Elaine Godfrey (@elainejgodfrey) and Candice Norwood (@cjnorwoodwrites)

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Vienna (AFP) - One is a gun-loving populist and Islam critic, the other an elderly pro-EU professor with Green backing -- the rivals in Austria's presidential re-run on Sunday mirror the deep fault lines splitting both the country and Europe.

In the far-right corner stands parliamentary speaker Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party (FPOe), founded by ex-Nazis in the 1950s.

The 45-year-old narrowly lost the election in May but now has another shot after the initial run-off was annulled over procedural irregularities.

Described as the FPOe's "friendly face", the self-proclaimed political "gladiator" pushes themes like anti-immigration with a winning smile instead of the incendiary rhetoric of party chief Heinz-Christian Strache.

Hofer's polished campaign -- run under the slogan "Tough in action, engaging in tone" -- earned him 35 percent in the first round in April, the FPOe's best-ever result at federal level since 1945.

But observers warn the smooth politician is a "wolf in sheep's clothing" who has already threatened to seize upon never-before-used presidential powers to fire the government or call a referendum on Austria's European Union membership.

No-one can level the same accusation at ex-Greens chief Alexander Van der Bellen.

At 72, the grey-haired economics expert cuts a somewhat dishevelled and often grouchy-looking figure next to the FPOe's strapping poster boy who walks with a cane after a paragliding accident.

If "Hofer is the offensive attacker who knows he can only score if he's not too aggressive, Van der Bellen comes across as a nice, older gentleman", political expert Peter Hajek said.

But even Van der Bellen has at times bared his teeth, saying he would refuse to swear in Strache as chancellor if current poll leader FPOe wins the next general election scheduled for 2018.

The remark prompted Hofer to call him a "green dictator".

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In the course of their encounters, the pair have traded increasingly sharp barbs, exposing their glaring differences over issues like immigration.

- 'I have the people' -

Van der Bellen was born during World War II in Vienna to an aristocratic Russian father and an Estonian mother who fled Stalinism -- earning him the tag "communist" from Hofer.

The arrival of the Red Army in 1945 forced the family to escape to the southern state of Tyrol, where Van der Bellen spent an "idyllic childhood".

His academic career saw him become dean of the economics faculty at the University of Vienna, before he joined the Greens in the mid-1990s. The party achieved record results under his decade-long leadership.

Van der Bellen's trademark professorial manner has often riled Hofer.

"I'm talking about Europe: E-U-R-O-P-E. Never heard of it?" Van der Bellen taunted his opponent during a TV encounter earlier this year.

"My God, the schoolmasterliness, Herr Doctor Van der Bellen," an agitated Hofer shot back.

Van der Bellen's huge backing from celebrities and the country's top politicians has left his rival unimpressed.

"You have the glitterati, but I have the people," the far-right politician observed.

- Steady climb -

Hofer, a trained aeronautical engineer, has had a slow but steady climb to the top over the past two decades.

The son of a conservative councillor in Burgenland state, he joined the FPOe in 1994 and was made party secretary two years later.

Biding his time, he later became a close adviser to Strache who took over the party reins from the charismatic Joerg Haider in 2005.

On Hofer's advice, Strache dropped openly xenophobic comments to adopt a more moderate course and focus on social welfare and purchasing power, to steal support from the traditional parties as the economic crisis hit.

The strategy paid off, with the FPOe now consistently topping opinion polls.

During his own campaign, Hofer has mainly pushed for Swiss-style direct democracy and opposition to international trade deals.

While his core support is among the working and rural classes, he has won support right across Austrian society.

- 'Love to shoot' -

Yet, despite his amiable appearance, Hofer is a true-blue far-right proponent who wants a "Europe of fatherlands" and says "Islam is not a part of Austria".

Critics have also highlighted his membership of a pan-Germanic student fraternity.

"When we speak about Norbert Hofer, we speak about someone fascinated with the ideology of a Greater Germany... someone pulled from the hat of a party chief with links to the neo-Nazi scene," according to Austrian news magazine Profil.

Hofer's Instagram account shows the father-of-four -- who occasionally carries a Glock pistol in public -- at a shooting range with his children.

"I just love to shoot," he once declared, saying he understood the rising trend of gun owners in Austria "given current uncertainties".
VIENNA (Reuters) - Tetchy accusations of lying dominated the final televised presidential debate in Austria between far-right candidate Norbert Hofer and former Greens leader Alexander Van der Bellen on Thursday. Polls show them neck-and-neck for Sunday's vote. A Hofer victory would make him the first far-right head of state in the European Union. Van der Bellen narrowly won a run-off vote in May, which was annulled due to sloppy counting. After almost a year of campaigning, the two candidates, who have left centrist rivals far behind, showed clear signs of losing patience with each other, flinging around accusations ranging from endangering Austria's economy to espionage. "I get it, you were nothing," Hofer said to Van der Bellen, who is running as an independent candidate, rhetorically taunting him about his previous role with the Greens and accusing him of having been a Communist. "You're lying again!" Van der Bellen replied. After Hofer accused him of having been a spy, he said: "This is the meanest thing I've experienced in a long time ... This is ridiculous." Hofer said Van der Bellen had told lies about his stance on civil service and conscription laws as well as Austria's neutrality. "This is another falsehood," Hofer said. The moderator on public broadcaster ORF tried to force the candidates to focus on their policies, but both read out loud repeatedly from big folders full of printouts of contentious quotes by the other and aggressive Facebook posts. After an FPO official had implied on television that Van der Bellen's father might have sympathized with Nazi fascism, the independent candidate rejected such allegations and produced a photo of his father, who died 50 years ago. Hofer described this move as a "bad foul" and called on his rival to stop "wanting to inspire pity", adding some of Van der Bellen's supporters had also called him and his father a Nazi. (Reporting by Shadia Nasralla; Editing by Alison Williams)
BDCI Enters the $15 Billion Dollar Bottled Water Market

JACKSON, MS / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Bahamas Development Corporation (OTC PINK: BDCI) has executed an asset purchase agreement to acquire an operational semi-automatic BF-3000 XLT water line manufactured by Norland Products, Inc.. A deposit was made to the Escrow agent on 11/21/2016. The purchase will not result in any dilution or toxic debt to the Company.

The Norland BF-3000 XLT water line can produce up to 3,000 half (1/2) liter bottles per hour. Once the water line is shipped and set-up locally in Freeport, BDCI will be able to produce fresh bottled spring water with high alkaline content for sale across the Bahamas. BDCI has also acquired 60,000 empty bottles that will be used to help introduce Bahama Springs to the Bahamas.

The average cost to produce one bottle of high alkaline content water is approximately $0.15 on an Island that hosts 500,000 tourists per month and where regular bottled water costs over $3.00 per bottle. The Bahamas spends millions of dollars importing water annually. Bahama Springs can supply locally sourced natural spring waters of the Bahamas, which is naturally fortified with minerals. With name recognition and national support, this water can later be distributed throughout the Caribbean and even penetrate the U.S., just like Fiji Water.

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) owns and controls underground fresh water springs high in alkaline content. It is willing to sell spring water to BDCI, thus giving us the only nationally recognized bottled spring water that has the backing of the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Bahamian government. The water is so clean that it only requires simple filtration. Reverse osmosis is not necessary.

BDCI notified the GBPA of the water line acquisition and other developments after the deposit was posted to Escrow.

The Bottled Water Industry

As Americans look for better-for-you alternatives to carbonated soft drinks (CSDs), the U.S. bottled water category is reaching unprecedented heights, according to new research from Chicago-based Mintel, which reveals that sales of bottled water increased 6.4 percent to top $15 billion in 2015. The market research firm expects sales to continue ascending at a rapid pace through 2020, with projected sales growth of 34.7 percent for the category, including 75.1 percent growth for the sparkling/mineral water/seltzer segment.

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A wide range of interest also has emerged in functional attributes for bottled water. More than two in five (43 percent) consumers are interested in bottled water enhanced with vitamins; another three in 10 agree that the ideal bottled water should contain minerals (29 percent) and energy (29 percent). When it comes to calorie counting, consumers show a clear preference for zero-calorie bottled water (31 percent), as opposed to less than 100 calorie offerings (13 percent). The market research adds that two in five (43 percent) consumers say that the ideal bottled water would have no artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors (43 percent) or artificial colors (40 percent), and one-quarter of consumers report that their ideal bottled water would be GMO-free or organic (24 percent). The trend of increasing demand for organic food and drink options continues as research indicates 37 percent of consumers feel better about themselves when they buy organic foods and beverages.

Photographs: Bahamas Development Corporation (BDCI) Norland Products BF-3000 XLT water line



Bahamas Development Corporation, in compliance with SEC regulations, may in the future use social media outlets like Facebook or Twitter and its own website to announce key information in compliance with Reg FD.

For additional information about this release please contact:

Investor Relations:

769-218-1796

https://twitter.com/bahamasdevcorp

https://www.facebook.com/Bahamas-Development-Corporation-469640663243771/

info@bahamasdevelopmentcorp.com

http://www.bahamasdevelopmentcorp.com/

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in Section 27(a) of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, estimates of services and equipment markets, release of corporate apps, growth of platform, target markets, product releases, product demand and, business strategy. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also consider that any investment in securities is at risk.

Details of the Company's business, finances, appointments and agreements can be found as part of the Company's continuous public disclosure on otcmarkets.com.

SOURCE: Bahamas Development Corporation
DUBAI (Reuters) - Bahraini authorities have put a prominent human rights lawyer on trial for charges that include insulting state institutions, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday, in a further crackdown on dissent. The New York-based rights group said that Mohammed al-Tajer, who has defended opposition figures and rights activists involved in 2011 pro-democracy protests, was questioned by the public prosecutor on Nov. 10 for inciting hatred of a religious sect and misusing a telecommunications appliance. No date has been set for a trial. Al-Tajer faces prison sentences totaling more than five years if convicted. Bahraini officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. Public prosecutors had cited a private WhatsApp voice message sent in early 2016 in which 50-year-old al-Tajer said that the country's public prosecution was employing surveillance teams to intercept "every word about Sunnis, Saudi Arabia, hatred of the regime, or insults against the king, HRW quoted his lawyer as saying. Al-Tajer is facing charges because he stated the obvious: Bahraini authorities are snooping on their citizens and anyone who steps out of line online faces jail time, said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at HRW. Host of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, Bahrain is seen by other Sunni Muslim-ruled Gulf states like Saudi Arabia as a bulwark against the influence of their Shi'ite Muslim adversary Iran. Majority Bahraini Shi'ites say the Sunni Muslim-dominated government discriminates against them, while authorities deny that and say opposition politicians are trying to undermine security. Al-Tajer in July was added to a list of Bahrainis including activists, journalists and lawyers, who are banned from traveling abroad, part of a series of measures authorities have been using against opponents. These included closing down the main Shi'ite opposition group al-Wefaq and revoking the citizenship of top Shi'ite Muslim cleric Ayatollah Isa Qassim. Rights groups including Amnesty International have criticized the kingdom's lack of an independent judiciary and accused its security forces of committing torture and other forms of ill-treatment with impunity. (Reporting by Sami Aboudi; Editing by Tom Finn and Toby Chopra)
A Baltimore tutor at City Springs Elementary School faces child abuse and assault charges after slamming a 7-year-old child against a wall so hard his body went limp, police said.

To watch a child be basically manhandled like a sack of potatoes is incomprehensible, Baltimore Police Department spokesman T.J. Smith told the Baltimore Sun.

Police arrested Timothy Randall Korr after video footage showed him carrying the second grade student a short distance before slamming him against the wall. The identity and condition of the boy, who was taken to John Hopkins Hospital, were not released.

Korr, 25, was charged with first- and second-degree child abuse, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and neglect charges, police said. The Baltimore Sun reports he was terminated by the Baltimore Curriculum Project, which created his position at the school.

We are heartsick that this child suffered this injury, Laura Doherty, president and CEO of the Baltimore Curriculum Project, said. We pray for his complete and quick recovery and for his family as well. This is an unusual, isolated incident for our schools, and we are participating in a thorough investigation into what exactly happened.
[November 30, 2016] Fitch Rates Southern Illinois Healthcare Enterprises' (IL) Series 2016A&B Bonds 'A+'; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has assigned an 'A+' rating to the following bonds expected to be issued by the Illinois Finance Authority on behalf of Southern Illinois Healthcare Enterprises, Inc. (SIHE): --$80.82 million fixed-rate revenue bonds (tax-exempt), series 2016A; --$65.99 million fixed-rate revenue bonds (taxable), series 2016B. Fitch has also affirmed the 'A+' rating on approximately $68 million of SIHE series 2005 bonds. The series 2016A&B bonds are expected to be issued as fixed-rate bonds. The series 2016A bonds are to be tax-exempt while the series 2016B will be taxable. Bond proceeds will be used to advance-refund the series 2005 fixed-rate bonds, fund certain capital projects, reimburse SIHE for approximately $20 million of prior capital spending, and pay the costs of issuance. Maximum annual debt service (MADS) will increase from $12.2 million to $16.2 million pro forma. The bonds are expected to price via negotiation the week of Jan. 9, 2017. The Rating Outlook is Stable. SECURITY Bond payments are secured by a pledge of the gross revenues of the obligated group. KEY RATING DRIVERS SOUND PROFITABILITY: SIHE has a track-record of profitability and sound operating EBITDA margins. SIHE's operating EBITDA margin measured 10% in fiscal 2016 and 9.5% through six-months fiscal 2017. ADEQUATE DEBT COVERAGE RATIOS: SIHE's stable profitability and manageable debt burden results in adequate pro forma debt coverage ratios, with 4.6x MADS coverage by EBITDA based on interim fiscal 2017. SOUND LIQUIDITY: Based on Sept. 30, 2016 financial statements (and including $20 million of cash reimbursement for prior capital), SIHE's pro forma cash on hand measures a favorable 269 days and pro forma cash-to-debt 153%. ELEVATED CAPITAL SPENDING: As expected, SIHE's capital spending is projected to be elevated in the coming years. Total capital spending is projected at just over $350 million between fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2021, highlighted by an OR expansion project and implementation of a new Epic electronic medical record (EMR) system. SIHE's average age of plant measured a low 8.7 years at fiscal year-end 2016. DISTINCTLY LEADING MARKET SHARE: SIHE maintains a distinctly leading 56% inpatient market share of a broad seven-county service area. RATING SENSITIVITIES MAINTENANCE OF CREDIT PROFILE: Fitch expects Southern Illinois Healthcare Enterprises (SIHE) will maintain operating margins and absorb the new debt issuance to sustain good liquidity and adequate debt coverage ratios despite elevated capital spending in the coming years. With the series 2016A&B financing, Fitch believes SIHE does not have additional debt capacity at the current rating level. CREDIT PROFILE SIHE is a three-hospital health system headquartered in Carbondale, IL, approximately 105 miles southeast of St. Louis. Hospitals include 154-bed Memorial Hospital of Carbondale (in Carbondale, IL), 114-bed (which includes 29-rehabilitation beds) Herrin Hospital (in Herrin, IL), and 25-bed critical access hospital St. Joseph Memorial Hospital (in Murphysboro, IL). Total operating revenue was over $560 million in fiscal 2016. SOUND PROFITABILITY SIHE has a track-record of profitability and sound operating EBITDA margins (which are consistently in the 10% range). SIHE's operating EBITDA margin measured 10% in audited fiscal 2016 and 9.5% through unaudited six-months fiscal 2017. SIHE's fiscal 2016 results benefited from: volume gains in most key areas, including inpatient admissions (up 2.5% in fiscal 2016) and observation stays (up 5.2%; total hospital stays up 3.4% including inpatient admissions and observations), inpatient surgeries (up 7.2%), outpatient surgeries (up 11.1%), and outpatient visits (up 4.3%); lower agency costs (down approximately $3 million); and continued benefits from the improvement program developed with Huron Consulting. SIHE's volume growth has occurred in part as the system has worked to decrease out-migration to the St. Louis area, through expansion of new service and recruitment of specialists in key areas such as neurosurgery and cancer services (SIHE's new cancer center opened in 2015). As part of this strategy, SIHE joined the BJC Collaborative, which includes eight hospital systems in Missouri and Illinois and is anchored by BJC HealthCare. BJC is SIHE's preferred referral for certain high acuity services and BJC re-refers these patients back to SIHE for services that SIHE can accommodate. Additional benefits to SIHE from the collaborative also include shared best practices and supply and capital spending cost savings. SIHE's budgeted operating margins are in-line with historical results though unaudited six-months fiscal 2017 (as of Sept. 30, 2016) moderated slightly, with an operating EBITDA margin of 9.5% (compared to 10.1% for the same period fiscal 2016). Volume trends in interim fiscal 2017 were mixed, with declines in inpatient admissions, observation stays and inpatient surgeries, offset in part by growth in outpatient surgeries and total outpatient visits. ADEQUATE DEBT COVERAGE RATIOS SIHE's stable profitability and manageable debt burden (pro forma MADS measures 2.8% of total revenue) results in adequate debt coverage ratios. Based on six months fiscal 2017 results, pro forma MADS coverage by EBITDA measures 4.6x ('A' median is 4.5x), debt-to-capitalization 32% ('A' median is 36%), and debt-to-EBITDA 3.4x ('A' median is 2.9x). Financial covenants included in SIHE's MTI (News - Alert) and private placement agreements include minimum debt service coverage of 1.25x (consultant call-in) and 1.15x (event of default) and maximum debt-to-capitalization of 60% (consultant call-in) and 65% (event of default). Following the issuance of the series 2016A&B bonds, SIHE will have $257 million of debt. Approximately 55% of pro forma debt will be fixed-rate and 45% variable-rate. SIHE has two fixed payor swaps in place as a hedge on variable-rate debt. The counterparties on the swaps are Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Morgan Stanley. The total notional amount of the swaps was $70.7 million at fiscal year-end 2016. The net termination value of the swaps was a negative $18.4 million to SIHE at fiscal year-end 2016 and negative $19.6 million at unaudited Sept. 30, 2016. Collateral posting on the RBC swap is required if its negtive termination value exceeds $15 million.



SIHE's debt coverage position is bolstered by the fact that the system has manageable operating leases and does not have a defined benefit pension plan. SOUND LIQUIDITY

SIHE's liquidity position remains favorable. Based on Sept. 30, 2016 financial statements (and including $20 million of cash reimbursement for prior capital), SIHE's pro forma cash on hand measures a favorable 269 days ('A' median is 216 days), cushion ratio measures 24x ('A' median is 19x), and cash-to-debt measures 153% ('A' median is 149%). ELEVATED CAPITAL SPENDING As expected, SIHE's capital spending is projected to be elevated in the coming years, particularly in fiscals 2017 and 2018. Total capital spending is projected at just over $350 million between fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2021, or roughly $70 million per year (compared to budgeted depreciation expense of $32 million in fiscal 2017). Highlighted projects include expanding OR space and implementation of the Epic EMR system, which is expected to go-live in summer 2017. SIHE's average age of plant was a low 8.7 years at fiscal year-end 2016 ('A' median is 11.0 years). SIHE does not have additional new money debt in the coming years beyond the series 2016A&B bonds. DISTINCTLY LEADING MARKET SHARE SIHE maintains a distinctly leading and growing 56.2% inpatient market share of a broad seven-county service area in 2015 (up from 50.4% in 2013). The service area is centered around Jackson County, IL. SIHE's market share growth has come largely at the expense of Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, IL, the only competitor that captures more than 10% of SIHE's service area. Heartland's market share has decreased from 14.0% in 2013 to 10.9% in 2015. SIHE's service area is challenged to some degree, although the area's economy is stabilized by significant economic anchors including Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and SIHE. Population trends in Jackson County are stagnant to declining, the median household income level in the county is well below national and Illinois averages (due in part to the presence of a large university), and the poverty rate is well above average (U.S. Census Bureau data). While the unemployment rate in the Carbondale-Marion, IL MSA is above average, at approximately 6%, the unemployment rate is palatable. DISCLOSURE SIHE covenants to disclose both annual and quarterly financial statements through the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board's EMMA system. Audits are to be filed within 150 days after the fiscal year-end. Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. Applicable Criteria Revenue-Supported Rating Criteria (pub. 16 Jun 2014)

https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/750012 U.S. Nonprofit Hospitals and Health Systems Rating Criteria (pub. 09 Jun 2015)

https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/866807 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form

https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1015605 Solicitation Status

https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1015605 Endorsement Policy

https://www.fitchratings.com/regulatory ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTPS://WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON (News - Alert) THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEB SITE AT WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA, AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE, AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE CODE OF CONDUCT SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. Copyright  2016 by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries. 33 Whitehall Street, NY, NY 10004. Telephone: 1-800-753-4824, (212) 908-0500. Fax: (212) 480-4435. Reproduction or retransmission in whole or in part is prohibited except by permission. All rights reserved. In issuing and maintaining its ratings and in making other reports (including forecast information), Fitch relies on factual information it receives from issuers and underwriters and from other sources Fitch believes to be credible. Fitch conducts a reasonable investigation of the factual information relied upon by it in accordance with its ratings methodology, and obtains reasonable verification of that information from independent sources, to the extent such sources are available for a given security or in a given jurisdiction. 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As a result, despite any verification of current facts, ratings and forecasts can be affected by future events or conditions that were not anticipated at the time a rating or forecast was issued or affirmed. The information in this report is provided "as is" without any representation or warranty of any kind, and Fitch does not represent or warrant that the report or any of its contents will meet any of the requirements of a recipient of the report. A Fitch rating is an opinion as to the creditworthiness of a security. This opinion and reports made by Fitch are based on established criteria and methodologies that Fitch is continuously evaluating and updating. Therefore, ratings and reports are the collective work product of Fitch and no individual, or group of individuals, is solely responsible for a rating or a report. The rating does not address the risk of loss due to risks other than credit risk, unless such risk is specifically mentioned. 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Fitch receives fees from issuers, insurers, guarantors, other obligors, and underwriters for rating securities. Such fees generally vary from US$1,000 to US$750,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent) per issue. In certain cases, Fitch will rate all or a number of issues issued by a particular issuer, or insured or guaranteed by a particular insurer or guarantor, for a single annual fee. Such fees are expected to vary from US$10,000 to US$1,500,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent). The assignment, publication, or dissemination of a rating by Fitch shall not constitute a consent by Fitch to use its name as an expert in connection with any registration statement filed under the United States securities laws, the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 of the United Kingdom, or the securities laws of any particular jurisdiction. 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Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f302724%2fe9d2e8a8bc624d45878929b83706aacb

It's been six years since designer Jean-Paul Gaultier trundled out that banana leaf bag "inspired by the tropics," but people still can't get over how much it looks like a pack of street food.

The clutch, which was part of a 2010 couture collection for fashion house Hermes, is pretty much the exact size and shape of a parcel of banana leaf-wrapped food that you can find on the streets of Southeast Asia.

SEE ALSO: American kids try French food and it didn't go over so well

The Thais use the fragrant leaf to wrap desserts such as sticky rice and custard. In Malaysia, it looks like a takeaway pack of nasi lemak  the country's national dish that consists of coconut rice, chicken, egg, peanuts, anchovies and sambal chili.





It looks a lot like this:

A photo posted by  Viji Rajasundram  (@vrviji) on Nov 30, 2016 at 12:39am PST

A photo posted by Sharon Toh (@twlsharon) on Nov 29, 2016 at 6:00pm PST





This is what's in the pack, by the way:

A photo posted by Yingjie (@yinjyeppp) on Nov 30, 2016 at 6:13pm PST

The meme has surfaced yet again thanks to an article in Malaysia's World of Buzz.

Earlier this year, Thai-language publication Spokedark TV also featured it.

The bag has gone viral on social media, fuelled by the amusement of many Southeast Asians.

my grandma can make me this bag for free im laughinghttps://t.co/NYT0Epy8bU  blacktabbath (@tofuc4t) November 30, 2016

I mean if I can find Nasi Lemak inside my bag, it'll be great. https://t.co/saiPLoodCc  Sarah Daniel (@rahrahdeee) November 29, 2016

This cracked me up so hard!  Now I'll never feel bad walking around with my nasi lemak bungkus ever!#fashionhttps://t.co/XNK1AWdFR0  Kianga (@kianga_n) November 30, 2016

Image: hardwarezone

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Earlier this year, Thai users reacted similarly:

And back in 2014:

Gaultier, who left Hermes in 2010 after seven years at the helm as creative director, had reportedly said that the collection was inspired by Mexico, and ancient Inca culture. Uh, and Avatar.

But it's not just about Mexico, JP tells me. It's about history, and the Incas and even some Avatar thrown in!  Jeanne Beker (@Jeanne_Beker) January 27, 2010

While you might struggle to recall banana trees in Avatar, it's clear that the bag is a dead ringer for the humble pack of nasi lemak.
Photo credit: undefined

From Harper's BAZAAR

Even President Obama has heard the pleas for the First Lady to run for office in 2020. After the election results at the beginning of the month sent the nation into a frenzy, citizens desperately begged FLOTUS to run for president, as #Michelle2020 became a trending topic on Twitter.

When Michelle Obama herself was confronted with the idea while addressing veterans at the White House, she playfully laughed it off.

Audience member to FLOTUS: Run for president! @FLOTUS: Be quiet back there. (Laughter) pic.twitter.com/0yBV2flWc1 - BuzzFeed (@BuzzFeed) November 14, 2016

But what does POTUS himself think of his partner running for office in four years? In a new interview with Rolling Stone, which took place on the same day the election results were announced, President Obama finally broke his silence when he was asked, "Do you think Michelle should run for office?"

He answered:

"Michelle will never run for office. She is as talented a person as I know. You can see the incredible resonance she has with the American people. But I joke that she's too sensible to want to be in politics."

So there you have it-Michelle really is too good for us. But if the First Couple won't be spending the next few years out of the White House starting another presidential campaign, what will they be doing? According to POTUS, there's not a lot of down time planned post-presidency.

"I will continue to be very active, and Michelle is going to continue to be very active  and [on] the very thing that brought us here, which is our belief that when you work with people on the ground at a grassroots level, change happens," he said.

For President Obama, those activities include writing a book and organizing a "presidential center," which will focus on training and empowering "the next generation of leadership." But if either he or the First Lady changes their minds on a potential Michelle 2020 campaign, Barack can surely squeeze in First Gentleman prep into his schedule.

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Photo credit: undefined

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Barbarians on Bikes - Biker Book Report

Back before there was the internet, if you wanted sensational fake news and scantily clad women, you had to pick up a "men's magazine" at your local newsstand. The Men's Adventure Library selection Barbarians on Bikes collects the most interesting, sensational and salacious artwork involving bikes and bikers and forms them into a slightly risque book.

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If you are a fan of the biker movies I have been reviewing, you may want to pick up this book. It is light on the reading, but full of pictures that you are sure to enjoy. The artists are not anyone you are likely to have heard of, but their talent is as good as David Mann, the Rembrandt of biker painting. You will notice some odd choices of bikes in the compositions though, which betrays the fact that these illustrators probably didn't ride. I'm pretty sure cycle Nazis didn't ride Yamaha 2 stroke enduros, like in the above picture.

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There are plenty of Nazis in the book, too, and they are on both sides. There are the Hell's Angels types displaying the symbols of National Socialism, as well as stories about bikers fighting actual Nazis in WWII. You'll also see the bikers fight the Cubans, the red communist menace, the Japanese, and everyone else America hated in the years immediately following the second World War. Then, of course, you have the bikers as the menace, pillaging and destroying the American way and everything it stands for.

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Since these were magazines aimed at men, you also get plenty of art depicting girl gangs. The exploits of these gangs, and their actual existence was probably based on as much truth as the fake news headlines on Facebook. The covers of these men's mags were the original click bait!

20161201_000734

The excerpts of some of the stories are reprinted alongside the pictures, if you are interested in reading them. It is a shame the publishers of the book did not have all the reprint rights to the entire articles as well, but that would have been a huge legal hurdle and expense. New Texture, the small independent publisher, has released several other volumes in this series that do reprint the collected stories by a particular pulp author, or stories focused on one subject. If after looking at these pictures you have the burning desire to read the stories that thrilled your father and grandad, you can shop for their other books on their website or Amazon.

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20161130_235750

At more than 8.5 inches x 11 inches and over 125 pages, this is a nicely sized book. The magazine covers are reprinted at nearly their original size inside, and always in full color, unless they were originally black and white. There is a hard bound edition, perfect for the coffee table of your man cave or bike club hang out, for $39.95, and a similarly sized softcover version for just $19.95. If you have someone on your Christmas list who likes old bikes this would make a good gift, but be warned, some of the pictures are not quite safe for work.

20161130_235513

I totally enjoyed flipping through these old sensationalist pages, and I may just have to pick up one of their other compilations of pulp magazine stories. This book wraps up with a short story by author and retired former LAPD detective Paul Bishop. During his time on the force had to go toe to toe with the real bikers in their heyday, back in the 1970s, so he probably knows more than the original authors of these magazines. For a trip back to the days before Sons of Anarchy defined the biker gang, take a spin through Barbarians on Bikes.

20161130_234947

If you have any motorcycle-related book, movie or music suggestions, I'd love to hear hear it. Either post in the comments section, or email us.

Learn more about Bryan and the rest of RideApart's excellent staff here: The RideApart Team

Follow RideApart on Facebook and Twitter, along with@RideApart on Instagram.
Biran (Cuba) (AFP) - Nobody in Fidel Castro's village expected the boy who liked to walk barefoot and jump in the river to leave the comforts of his family's ranch to launch a revolution.

The late Cuban leader and his brother, President Raul Castro, were born in Biran, a town nestled amid rolling hills and sugarcane plantations on the eastern end of the Caribbean island.

His 77-year-old half-brother, Martin Castro Batista, who still lives in the village, remembers how Fidel kept quiet at home about his ambitious plans.

"He spoke little out of fear that the old man would find out," Castro Batista said as he sat on a rocking chair in his home.

Martin and Fidel are the sons of Spanish immigrant and wealthy landowner Angel Castro, but they have different mothers. Fidel's mother, Lina Ruz, was a Cuban peasant who had seven children.

A rural road with a simple sign reading "historic site" leads to the family's property, which is now a museum. Fidel Castro was born there on August 13, 1926.

"We have more than 100 tourists per day at the moment, when normally we have 15 to 20, sometimes 50," said Antonio Lopez Herrera, 65, the site's official guide.

"It has surged since Fidel's death" on Friday at age 90, Lopez said.

Fidel Castro visibly had a privileged childhood. Angel Castro, who was a soldier when he arrived in Cuba, built a house with a red roof and yellow walls on a vast green space dotted with palm trees.

Around the property, he built a school, a cinema, a grocery store, a bar and a post office. There's even a dentist's office and a cockfighting arena.

"We never needed to leave," Lopez recalled.

Lopez gets emotional as he shows Fidel's small bed, where he slept for the first three months of his epic life.

"He took time to fall asleep" and needed to be rocked, the guide said.

"He was a very happy, very rebellious child," Lopez said. "He liked to be anywhere but home."

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Castro would jump in the river, ride horses and climb mountains.

"He was an audacious, brave child," Lopez said.

Castro walked around barefoot, hanging out with the ranch's 80 Haitian workers until his mother had to fetch him.

He left Biran at age six to attend school in the seaside southeastern city of Santiago de Cuba, where his ashes will be laid to rest on Sunday after they are taken on a four-day ceremonial journey across the island.

- Napoleon the hunting dog -

But Castro always returned home for vacation.

"He would hunt small birds with his dog, Napoleon," Lopez said, showing a photo of a teenage Fidel Castro posing with his rifle and pet.

His half-brother, Martin, remembers that Castro "always walked around with weapons. He liked to hunt and he would fire in the air."

Paco Rodriguez, 91, knew the Castro brothers when he was a child. The siblings affectionately called him Paquito.

"We played together. We went to school together. We trained to box. We played ball," Rodriguez said with a nostalgic gaze.

While dissidents in Cuba called Castro a dictator who jailed opponents, finding a critical voice in Biran about the "maximum leader" is impossible.

"He was this place's prodigal son," Lopez said. "Here, even the rocks love Fidel."

When Castro nationalized properties after the 1959 revolution, he immediately applied the law on the family ranch, building housing for locals on the land.

While his parents built a comfortable house for him next to theirs, Castro never wanted to live there.

- 'A rich man' -

Castro said he was affected by the poverty around his village.

"All the friends with whom I played in Biran, with whom I went up and down, everywhere, are the poorest people," Castro once told Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet.

"What probably most influenced me was that, where I was born, I lived with the most humble people," Castro said.

Lopez said Castro "could have lived here peacefully" but instead he abandoned everything for the Sierra Maestra, the mountains in which Castro's guerrillas hid while fighting the army of US-backed dictator Batista.

"He had everything. He was a rich man," Paco Rodriguez said. But his contacts with the Haitian workers made him "see that there are injustices," so Castro packed up "and went for it."
By Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - When Gina Miller took the British government to court over triggering Brexit, she didn't expect death threats or the need to bring in security so that her children could get to school safely. A successful London investment manager, Miller was assigned by a judge to be the lead claimant in a court case brought by members of the public, which challenged Prime Minister Theresa May's authority to start talks to pull Britain out of the European Union without first asking parliament. Since a panel of three High Court judges ruled in her favor last month, she has received relentless racist and sexist intimidation, including e-mails warning she would be gang raped and calling for her to be run down on the street. The government has appealed the case, which goes before Britain's Supreme Court next week. Miller, 51, has reported the threats to the police who she said were likely to speak to or arrest five people any day. She has spent 60,000 pounds for her own protection including dealing with attacks on the website of her business. The experience of what she describes as a "poisoned chalice" legal challenge has revealed how divided Britain has become since the EU referendum campaign in which one lawmaker, Jo Cox, was killed on the street by a Nazi-obsessed loner. "This division was always there but Brexit perhaps has been irresponsible: Those who were talking about leaving in particular have emboldened people to think such behavior is acceptable," Miller told Reuters at a temporary office which she has leased for security reasons. "It's revealed a side to society which is extremely worrying." She was born in what was then Britain's South American colony British Guiana, now the independent state Guyana, and sent to school in Britain by her parents. A selection of the threatening emails she has received, which she showed to Reuters, was littered with racist slurs as well as sexist obscenities. "The levels of sexual and racial violence have been quite extraordinary, to the level that because I'm a 'colored woman' I don't have any place outside of a kitchen." Some of the hatred, she says, arises from right wing media focusing on her biography to discredit her. Britain's most widely-read newspaper, The Sun, called her a "foreign-born millionaire", an epithet that, she notes, the paper doesn't use to describe its own Australian owner Rupert Murdoch, or Britain's New York-born foreign secretary. "You don't see Boris Johnson described as 'foreign-born'," she said. "I am British. I went to a British school, I pay British taxes and my children are British." "BORN FIGHTER" The Brexit campaign is not her first foray into public policy. Previously, Miller, who founded investment manager SCM Private with her hedge fund manger husband Alan, advocated for more transparency around fund management fees and financial product charges. That galled some asset managers in London, but produced nothing like the anger of Brexit. While supporters feted Miller for her legal action against the government, opponents have cast her as a wealthy pawn of an establishment which wants to soften or slow Brexit in defiance of the wishes of the people. In the June 23 referendum, 51.9 percent, or 17.4 million people, voted to leave the EU while 48.1 percent, or 16.1 million people, voted to stay. If Miller's victory is upheld in the Supreme Court, the government would be forced to accept a vote in parliament over starting the formal EU divorce talks which are triggered by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. That could delay Brexit and increase scrutiny of May's negotiation. Miller, who describes herself as a "born fighter" and "a failed lawyer", felt physically sick when she heard the referendum result, but says her goal is not to block Britain's exit from the European Union. She says prime ministers should not be allowed to undermine 400 years of parliamentary sovereignty. She also dismisses the idea that she is a representative of an out of touch elite. "My principles have been exactly the same from when I slept three weeks in a car because I had no money, to being a single parent doing four jobs to pay for myself through university, having no food, I have had both extremes," she said. "What is wrong with me now using my money that I have worked very, very hard for to do what I think is right?" said Miller. She is being represented by London law firm Mishcon de Reya, which agreed not to charge legal fees. The case was brought on behalf of a group of campaigners but Miller became its face when she was assigned the role of lead claimant by one of Britain's top judges. The second named claimant is Deir Tozetti Dos Santos, a Brazil-born hairdresser. Both are British citizens. Before the High Court hearing, May suggested that people bringing such cases were attempting to subvert democracy. After three of England's top judges ruled against the government at the High Court, the Daily Mail newspaper cast the bewigged justices as out of touch "enemies of the people". Since the High Court ruling, May has said she values the independence of the judiciary and the freedom of the press. But critics have faulted the government for failing to defend the judges more vociferously. Miller said Britain's political leaders, including in the opposition Labour Party, were too afraid to confront the emotion unleashed by the referendum. "They're being silent because everything to do with Brexit is so emotionally charged that they're hiding and they're quite happy for me to take the blame and be in the headlines and take the threats while they sit around and figure out what they do." Even more anger will be unleashed if Brexit turns out not to improve the lives of those who supported it, she added. "You've woken up an element in society and promised them their lives are going to get better. And when their lives don't get better they are going to be even more angry than they are now," she said. "The politicians are setting themselves up for a really, really dangerous future." The Brexit case is based on legal arguments about Britain's constitution that go back centuries. The government argued that it could invoke Article 50 without lawmakers' approval using "royal prerogative", the power of ministers to act on behalf of the monarch, especially when making or withdrawing from foreign treaties. Miller's lawyers argued that quitting the EU would deprive people of rights, which is prohibited without parliament's approval under 17th century court rulings and the 1688 Bill of Rights. The High Court agreed. The BBC has reported that the government has prepared a brief bill of just three lines to send to parliament, in case the Supreme Court upholds the ruling. Miller said that she would want to see a full and properly drafted act. "There needs to be more than two paragraphs, it needs to be a properly drafted act," Miller said. "If you are going to take away people's rights, inevitably by triggering Article 50, there has to be a discussion about the direction of travel." The Supreme Court, which agreed to hear the appeal, has added another constitutional wrinkle to the case: it will allow lawyers for Scotland to argue that the Scottish legislature should also have a say before Brexit. "They're allowing quite a number of cans of worms to be opened by doing this appeal," said Miller. "Here we are with Brexit -- leaving -- and we have not answered the fundamental questions." (Editing by Peter Graff)
Grupo Televisa, S.A. (TV) is the leading media company in the Spanish-speaking world. The company runs four television networks in Mexico. They also have interests in TV production, broadcasting, international distribution of television programming and direct-to-home (DTH) satellite services among others.



They export their programs to the US through Univision and to other TV networks in over 50 countries.



Disappointing Results



The company reported lackluster financial results for Q3 2016. Net income came in at approximately $70.8 million, down 79.6% year over year. Earnings per Global Depository Shares (GDS) were 12 cents, significantly short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 20 cents.



According to the management, the depreciation of the peso had an impact on their operations particularly on CapEx, which are primarily in the US dollars. The company plans to reduce CapEx for 2017, given the weakness of the peso.



The stock fell more than 4% after the report.



Downward Revisions



After weak results, analysts have slashed their estimates for the company. Zacks Consensus Estimates for the current and the next fiscal year are now $0.51 per share and $0.73 per share respectively, down from $0.66 per share and $0.85 per share, before the results.



The company had an average negative quarterly surprise of 49% for the last four quarters.



The Bottom Line



While the company has a leading position in Spanish language content and pay-TV industry in Mexico, there are growing headwinds for the company.



While consumption in Mexico had remained strong so far, growth estimates for the economy have been coming down. Further there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the potential impact of US trade and immigration policy changes on the Mexican economy after the US presidential election.



The Mexican telecom regulator had identified Televisa as a dominant player in the broadcast TV market. Thus, the company may face more stringent regulatory measures, going forward.



Also, the new reform bill of the Mexican government will allow America Movil to enter the broadcasting market of Mexico, which has been dominated by Televisa for a long time. This would hurt Televisas advertisement revenues.



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By John Davison FADILIYA, Iraq (Reuters) - Abdel Razzaq Jalal paused, visibly traumatized, as he told how Islamic State militants tortured him in a Mosul prison to force him to say he was a spy. "I never confessed. I knew the punishment would be death," he said. The ultra-hardline group arrested the 39-year-old in his village near Mosul in northern Iraq earlier this year, accusing him of spying for Kurdish forces. After six nights and seven days of beatings, abuse and death threats, he says the militants let him go, after an Islamic State judge ruled there was not enough evidence to sentence him. Jalal was lucky to escape with his life. Islamic State has executed scores of people it accused of spying in Mosul in recent weeks alone, as U.S.-backed Iraqi forces push further into its city stronghold. He knew it could have been worse. The fate of several fellow villagers from Fadiliya, a few miles northeast of Mosul, and of many others arrested elsewhere during Islamic State's more than two-year rule, remains unknown. While the physical scars faded - Jalal showed months-old pictures on his phone of bruises and cuts all over his body - the ordeal remains etched in his memory. "They hung me upside down from my feet and beat me for two hours. That was on the first night," Jalal said. "They used cables, wooden sticks, and one of them - there were three or four - pistol-whipped me repeatedly on my head." The militants, all from Mosul's surrounding areas, tried to make him confess to spying for Kurdish peshmerga forces who had been fighting against Islamic State, he said. When he refused, they stepped up the abuse and threats. "The second day, they lay me flat on my stomach with my hands tied behind my back. One man stood on my legs, another on my head, and they began raising my arms. I thought my chest was going to break." Before he was tried, the militants put him into an orange jumpsuit - the clothing in which Islamic State often kills its victims - and told him he would be sentenced to death by decapitation. Two of his more than 40 cell mates were killed that way, he said, after they confessed under duress to directing air strikes against Islamic State fighters. Reuters was not able to independently verify his account. STILL MISSING Jalal said he did not know why he was arrested. He was a local member of a Kurdish political party, he said, but denied spying. "They had every detail on me and my family. It must have been from informers - locals - in the village," he said quietly. Jalal had been terrified of rearrest. Upon returning to Fadiliya after his incarceration, he told villagers he was well treated, in case Islamic State's spies reported back to them. A small number of Islamic State sympathizers or supporters in Fadiliya have been rounded up by Kurdish security forces since the peshmerga recaptured it in late October, local officials say. "If I found another informer, I'd turn him in - even if it were my own brother," Jalal said. For him, the ordeal is over, but others in Fadiliya suspect their relatives are still suffering a similar fate, or worse. Abdel Ilah Jassem's 25-year-old brother Iden was arrested at an Islamic State checkpoint just outside the village more than two years ago. He has not heard from him since. "I went to a Daesh (Islamic State) police station. They said Iden had been killed, but didn't provide me with proof - no body, not even a paper saying he was executed," said Jassem, 45, who lost his other brother in 1988 in the Iran-Iraq war. "I'm sure he's still alive," he said, referring to Iden. "Every day I ask people in the area if they've heard anything new. So far, there's nothing." (Editing by Dominic Evans and Giles Elgood)
London (AFP) - A Belgian man accused of giving money to a key suspect in the Brussels and Paris terror attacks took the stand in his British trial Thursday to protest his innocence and condemn Islamic State militants as "worse than animals".

Zakaria Boufassil, who lives in Birmingham in central England, is accused of handing A3,000 ($3,770, 3,550 euros) in cash to Mohamed Abrini when the latter visited the city in July 2015, with the knowledge that it would be used for terrorism.

Testifying at Kingston Crown Court near London, the 26-year-old admitted to meeting Abrini and to holding a bag of money for his alleged conspirator, Mohamed Ali Ahmed, but said he had "no idea" of its intended use.

Ahmed, also from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to the same charge last month, but Boufassil said he had "never communicated his plans to me" and took "advantage of my naivety".

Speaking in French through a translator, Boufassil said he gave the money to Ahmed in a park in Birmingham, and stayed there smoking while he and Abrini went elsewhere.

"He never told me that the person who was coming to get the money was a bad person. Had I known it I would never have kept the money," Boufassil said.

He told the jury that after about 15 or 20 minutes, Abrini returned on his own, asked Boufassil if he spoke French and introduced himself, as they had never met before.

Boufassil said he agreed to help Abrini find a cheap local hotel, and was then asked him to call him the following day to take him clothes shopping, but Abrini never answered his phone.

Boufassil, who admitted to being a regular cannabis user, struggled to remember dates and times in cross-examination.

Prosecuting lawyer Max Hill accusing him of lying, alleging that he helped plan the meeting with Abrini and acted as a French translator.

As a follower of Sufism, a mystic Islamic order that is viewed as heretical by hardline militant groups, Boufassil condemned the Islamic State group.

"For me, those people are worse than animals," he said.

Abrini, dubbed the "man in the hat" for his image caught on security cameras before the Brussels airport bombing in March, is in custody in Belgium over his suspected involvement in that attack and those in Paris last November.
If you need a button pushed, Alec Baldwins little girl Carmen has it covered!

The comedic actor and his wife Hilaria attended the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center on Wednesday night with their 3-year-old daughter along for a very special honor: pressing the button that kicks off the Christmas season in New York City.

Best button presser ever, Hilaria, 32, captioned a festive Instagram video of Carmen doing the big honor of lighting the 94-foot iconic Norway Spruce during the cold and rainy ceremony while dad Alec, 58, holds her proudly.

Want all the latest pregnancy and birth announcements, plus celebrity mom blogs? Click here to get those and more in the PEOPLE Babies newsletter.

Once Carmen was out like a light for the night, her mom took to Instagram once more to share a sweet message to her daughter.

In case you were wondering: button pressing is very exhausting, Hilaria captioned a shot of Carmen sound asleep, decked out in heart-patterned pajamas.

Sleep sweet my little angel   she added. Thank you for lighting up our holiday season.

Carmen has been one of the main stars of her moms Instagram account lately, along with brothers Leonardo Angel Charles, 11 weeks, and Rafael Thomas, 17 months.

Anyone who doesnt treat you with the utmost respect is not worth your time, Baldwin recently wrote in a letter to her daughter.

Always be kind, confident. Just nod and walk in the other direction  towards true power, happiness and grace. Waste no energy. Own your amazingness  stick together with those who see you and treat you brilliantly. So you can do the same for them #karma #love.




[November 30, 2016] Appier raises US$ 19.5 million in additional series B funding to fuel AI-powered product development and further growth

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, artificial intelligence company Appier announced that it has closed US$ 19.5 million in additional Series B funding from Pavilion Capital International Pte Ltd (a member of Temasek Holdings), WI Harper Group, FirstFloor Capital, and Qualgro. The company will use the funding for AI-powered product research and development and to support continued hiring and market expansion in Asia. In total, this round of funding brings Appier's Series B total to US$ 42.5 million and total funding to date to USD 49.5 million. Since Appier's initial Series B funding last year, Appier's business has tripled. Appier also announced the pilot launch of Appier's Aixon Platform in Taiwan, Japan and Singapore. A platform that helps a variety of businesses collect and analyze user data to generated insights to inform their marketing decisions, the platform marks a step towards the development of artificial intelligence-powered business tools which can help businesses better inform their decision making through predictive data analysis. Chee-Kong Choun, from Pavilion Capital International Pte Ltd said, "With its early investment in cross screen artificial intelligence, Appier is at the forefront of major changes sweeping the technology industry. We're excited to partner with Appier as it moves into the next phase of its product development and growth." The volume of data that businesses have to cope with has exploded. In fact, more data has bee created in the past two years than in the entire previous history of the human race. But companies face a challenge when it comes to extracting useful insights from this data, and a shortage both of qualified people and of technology is becoming a serious constraint on business growth.



"Businesses today have to make decisions and operate in an increasingly complex, fast-paced and interconnected online and offline environment. Artificial intelligence is the best approach to resolve the complex questions affecting businesses at scale," said Chih-han Yu, co-founder and CEO, Appier. "This funding will enable us to continue to invest in AI-driven business products that help solve some of the problems facing industry today." "AI is the next wave of technology disruption that will reshape the world we live and work in. Appier's performance over the past four years is a testament to their vision and focus on technology," said Edward Liu, Partner of WI Harper. "We're delighted to partner with such a talented team as they gear up for the next phase of their growth."

"Making data actionable is a huge problem for businesses today. Since its founding in 2012, Appier has helped brands across Asia make sense of their consumer and their varying journeys across devices. Their continued focus on technology that turns data into insights, borne out in their team of accomplished AI scientists, gives us great confidence in Appier," said Nizar Ali, Managing Director from FirstFloor Capital. "An Asia-first and cross screen-first technology company, we see Appier as a highly innovative and cost-effective platform to enhance consumer loyalty and conversion, leveraging artificial intelligence," said Heang Chhor, Managing Partner of Qualgro. "We're looking forward to partnering with Appier teams, as they scale up in Australia, New Zealand and the rest of Asia." About Appier Appier is a technology company that makes it easy for businesses to use artificial intelligence to grow and succeed in a cross screen era. Appier is formed by a passionate team of computer scientists and engineers with experience in AI, data analysis, distributed systems, and marketing. Our colleagues come from Google, Intel, Yahoo, as well as renowned AI research groups in Harvard University and Stanford University. Headquartered in Taipei, Appier serves more than 500 global brands and agencies from offices in eleven markets across Asia, including Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Sydney, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Hong Kong, Mumbai, New Delhi, Jakarta and Seoul. For more information please visit www.appier.com. Media contact Appier

Sana Rahman: [email protected] Hoffman

Lauren Lee: [email protected] / +852 2231 8116 Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160203/8521600740LOGO

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In 2017, innovative travel companies, apps and products will change travel as we know it. Eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable travel will be a top industry trend, says Rebecca Warren, managing editor at Lonely Planet. With the United Nations declaring 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, you can expect industrywide efforts to reduce carbon emissions, she says. But the upcoming year is about more than just responsible travel. From inventive tools that allow you to snap high-quality travel photos or map out your trip with an artificial intelligence platform to evolving alternative accommodation platforms, there are plenty of groundbreaking changes on the horizon.

To help you stay attuned to the latest travel trends (as well as those fads on their way out) U.S. News got the inside scoop from top travel experts.

[See: 8 Ethical Travel Destinations to Visit in 2017.]

Artificial Intelligence Tools Are Improving and Expanding

Travel sites have long been toying with the idea of implementing real-time messaging platforms and personalized automation technology. "Artificial intelligence is finally becoming a reality," says Jason Clampet, co-founder and editor in chief of travel site Skift. Today, you can use Google's AI personal assistance or Siri to book your travel plans, he explains. "That has the potential to really change how people search for travel on the booking side," Clampet says. In the past, companies were geared toward desktop and mobile search. "Now the search box is going away," Clampet says. With artificial intelligence through voice-activated platforms, the lines are getting redrawn, he says. Other artificial intelligence tools to watch include Lola, an on-demand travel app that lets you research or book your travel plans on the go, and Expedia, which is planning to launch an AI platform for personal messaging and customer assistance.

You'll Go Green

With a rising consumer and industry interest in ecotourism, hotels, tour operators and outfitters will incorporate responsible practices and encourage travelers to plan low-impact getaways, Warren says. Traveling shorter distances is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint, she explains. "One trans-Atlantic flight equals a year's worth of driving, so consider planning an adventure closer to home," she says, highlighting Canada as an ideal place for a green getaway. "Another way to bring sustainability to the forefront of your travels is to chose hotels and restaurants that are eco-minded in their practices. And perhaps one of the most immediate ways to help is by choosing to visit destinations that will benefit the most from your tourist dollars," she adds, pointing to destinations like Nepal as a place that's benefited from tourism money getting funneled into the local economy.

Story continues

You'll Likely Want to Visit Vanishing Destinations

Destinations at risk of disappearing will also see a rise in tourist traffic, explains Everett Potter, a columnist for USA Today and author of " Everett Potter's Travel Report." There's an urgency to "see places before they are completely changed," he says, highlighting places such as the Arctic and Antarctic as popular destinations affected by climate change. Another top destination is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia for adventure travelers yearning to see the coral "before it's gone or completely changed," he adds.

[Read: 7 Secret Tricks to Scoring a Cheap Business-Class Seat.]

Attraction Bookings Are Going Digital

Aside from travel accommodations, a rising number of restaurant reservations, tours and activities are getting booked via online distributors. With Airbnb's recent debut of its Trips app -- which aims to help travelers book experiences, activities and even restaurant reservations on the fly in destinations across the globe -- major vacation attraction companies have growing competition in the digital space. "Most tourism activities are small-scale businesses," Clampet explains, pointing out that the majority of tourism companies are reluctant to transition into the digital space. But with Airbnb's extensive technology and distribution, it's likely Airbnb's move will inspire competitors to up their game, Clampet adds.

There Will Be More River Cruising Options and Itineraries

With a growing number of itineraries and ships, the river cruising boom is not fading anytime soon, Potter says. Boomers are looking to take bucket-list sailings in exotic, far-off destinations, he says. Beyond iconic itineraries on the Danube and Rhine rivers in Europe, in 2017 travelers can enjoy sailings in southern Africa along the Chobe River with CroisiEurope or explore tucked-away wine regions across Bordeaux, France, with luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises. Plus, there are plenty of river ships debuting in 2017 and 2018. Crystal Cruises recently launched the Crystal Mozart, its first-ever river cruise along the Danube, with four additional river ships set to debut next year.

High-Paying Loyalists Will Be Rewarded

With frequent-flier program changes among all three legacy carriers (Delta, United and American) that reward travelers based on price paid rather than distance flown, travelers are starting to realize that "when airlines say loyal, they mean spend money," Clampet says. Another interesting trend is a brewing battle between legacy carriers and low-cost airlines such as Spirit and Frontier airlines. With bare-bones fares like United's new Basic Economy option, which allows travelers to book discounted tickets but sacrifice the opportunity to use overhead storage space or select a seat prior to check-in, airlines are "catering to people buying on price," Clampet says. However, elite frequent fliers who participate in the program will have the privilege of placing large bags into overhead bins, though they will not earn elite-qualifying miles with basic fares.

Cuba Tourism Will Continue to Soar

While it remains to be seen what President-elect Donald Trump's policy will be toward Cuba, you'll likely continue to see heightened tourism in the country, Potter says. After all, the first U.S. commercial aircraft in more than 50 years touched down in Havana on Nov. 28. And with the other legacy airlines selling routes to the country and major industry players such as Marriott and Carnival offering accommodations and the chance to cruise to Cuba, experts agree that it's unlikely the recent positive trend in diplomatic relations will be reversed.

[See: 10 Frequent Flier Secrets Every Traveler Should Know.]

Taking Trip Photos on Your Smartphone Will Be a Cinch

Snapping the perfect vacation photos on your smartphone will get easier thanks to a host of sophisticated and tech-savvy smartphone apps. "As the technology of mobile devices and photography apps improve, the ability to capture professional-quality images on your phone makes everyone capable of creating magazine-worthy images," Warren says. From retouching apps to editing apps such as Snapseed and VSCO, you'll have plenty of tools to take better (and enhanced) vacation photos.

Liz Weiss is the Travel editor for Consumer Advice at U.S. News, where she writes and edits consumer-focused travel content that offers trip-planning inspiration and helps consumers make smarter travel decisions. She has been covering the travel industry for nearly five years at U.S. News & World Report. She also manages the En Route blog, and has been interviewed on a variety of outlets, including MarketWatch and Fortune. Prior to joining the Consumer Advice team, Liz oversaw the development and content creation for U.S. News Travel's Best Cruises, Best Travel Rewards and Best Vacations franchises. A native of Washington, D.C., she received a bachelor's degree from George Washington University. You can follow Liz on Twitter or email her at eweiss@usnews.com.
In 2017, innovative travel companies, apps and products will change travel as we know it. Eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable travel will be a top industry trend, says Rebecca Warren, managing editor at Lonely Planet. With the United Nations declaring 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, you can expect industrywide efforts to reduce carbon emissions, she says. But the upcoming year is about more than just responsible travel. From inventive tools that allow you to snap high-quality travel photos or map out your trip with an artificial intelligence platform to evolving alternative accommodation platforms, there are plenty of groundbreaking changes on the horizon.

To help you stay attuned to the latest travel trends (as well as those fads on their way out) U.S. News got the inside scoop from top travel experts.

[See: 8 Ethical Travel Destinations to Visit in 2017.]

Artificial Intelligence Tools Are Improving and Expanding

Travel sites have long been toying with the idea of implementing real-time messaging platforms and personalized automation technology. "Artificial intelligence is finally becoming a reality," says Jason Clampet, co-founder and editor in chief of travel site Skift. Today, you can use Google's AI personal assistance or Siri to book your travel plans, he explains. "That has the potential to really change how people search for travel on the booking side," Clampet says. In the past, companies were geared toward desktop and mobile search. "Now the search box is going away," Clampet says. With artificial intelligence through voice-activated platforms, the lines are getting redrawn, he says. Other artificial intelligence tools to watch include Lola, an on-demand travel app that lets you research or book your travel plans on the go, and Expedia, which is planning to launch an AI platform for personal messaging and customer assistance.

You'll Go Green

With a rising consumer and industry interest in ecotourism, hotels, tour operators and outfitters will incorporate responsible practices and encourage travelers to plan low-impact getaways, Warren says. Traveling shorter distances is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint, she explains. "One trans-Atlantic flight equals a year's worth of driving, so consider planning an adventure closer to home," she says, highlighting Canada as an ideal place for a green getaway. "Another way to bring sustainability to the forefront of your travels is to chose hotels and restaurants that are eco-minded in their practices. And perhaps one of the most immediate ways to help is by choosing to visit destinations that will benefit the most from your tourist dollars," she adds, pointing to destinations like Nepal as a place that's benefited from tourism money getting funneled into the local economy.

Story continues

You'll Likely Want to Visit Vanishing Destinations

Destinations at risk of disappearing will also see a rise in tourist traffic, explains Everett Potter, a columnist for USA Today and author of " Everett Potter's Travel Report." There's an urgency to "see places before they are completely changed," he says, highlighting places such as the Arctic and Antarctic as popular destinations affected by climate change. Another top destination is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia for adventure travelers yearning to see the coral "before it's gone or completely changed," he adds.

[Read: 7 Secret Tricks to Scoring a Cheap Business-Class Seat.]

Attraction Bookings Are Going Digital

Aside from travel accommodations, a rising number of restaurant reservations, tours and activities are getting booked via online distributors. With Airbnb's recent debut of its Trips app -- which aims to help travelers book experiences, activities and even restaurant reservations on the fly in destinations across the globe -- major vacation attraction companies have growing competition in the digital space. "Most tourism activities are small-scale businesses," Clampet explains, pointing out that the majority of tourism companies are reluctant to transition into the digital space. But with Airbnb's extensive technology and distribution, it's likely Airbnb's move will inspire competitors to up their game, Clampet adds.

There Will Be More River Cruising Options and Itineraries

With a growing number of itineraries and ships, the river cruising boom is not fading anytime soon, Potter says. Boomers are looking to take bucket-list sailings in exotic, far-off destinations, he says. Beyond iconic itineraries on the Danube and Rhine rivers in Europe, in 2017 travelers can enjoy sailings in southern Africa along the Chobe River with CroisiEurope or explore tucked-away wine regions across Bordeaux, France, with luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises. Plus, there are plenty of river ships debuting in 2017 and 2018. Crystal Cruises recently launched the Crystal Mozart, its first-ever river cruise along the Danube, with four additional river ships set to debut next year.

High-Paying Loyalists Will Be Rewarded

With frequent-flier program changes among all three legacy carriers (Delta, United and American) that reward travelers based on price paid rather than distance flown, travelers are starting to realize that "when airlines say loyal, they mean spend money," Clampet says. Another interesting trend is a brewing battle between legacy carriers and low-cost airlines such as Spirit and Frontier airlines. With bare-bones fares like United's new Basic Economy option, which allows travelers to book discounted tickets but sacrifice the opportunity to use overhead storage space or select a seat prior to check-in, airlines are "catering to people buying on price," Clampet says. However, elite frequent fliers who participate in the program will have the privilege of placing large bags into overhead bins, though they will not earn elite-qualifying miles with basic fares.

Cuba Tourism Will Continue to Soar

While it remains to be seen what President-elect Donald Trump's policy will be toward Cuba, you'll likely continue to see heightened tourism in the country, Potter says. After all, the first U.S. commercial aircraft in more than 50 years touched down in Havana on Nov. 28. And with the other legacy airlines selling routes to the country and major industry players such as Marriott and Carnival offering accommodations and the chance to cruise to Cuba, experts agree that it's unlikely the recent positive trend in diplomatic relations will be reversed.

[See: 10 Frequent Flier Secrets Every Traveler Should Know.]

Taking Trip Photos on Your Smartphone Will Be a Cinch

Snapping the perfect vacation photos on your smartphone will get easier thanks to a host of sophisticated and tech-savvy smartphone apps. "As the technology of mobile devices and photography apps improve, the ability to capture professional-quality images on your phone makes everyone capable of creating magazine-worthy images," Warren says. From retouching apps to editing apps such as Snapseed and VSCO, you'll have plenty of tools to take better (and enhanced) vacation photos.





More From US News & World Report


Every now and then, a story emerges on the internet involving Bill Murray in some way or another. The latest appearance of the elusive and impulsive acting legend has come in the form of an appearance at a Lupe Fiasco show at The Belmont in Austin, Texas. The now 66-year-old actor watched on from the side of the stage, attracting the attention of people in the audience for obvious reasons. What's even better about his appearance at the show, though, is that he helped encourage an encore.

Encouraging not just one, but two encores, Bill Murray clearly enjoyed his time at the show. "Y'all go home and take Bill Murray with you, so I can go home," Lupe jokingly told the audience. Of course, Murray was invited backstage after the show, with Lupe saying he gave some "amazing words of encouragement." Posting pictures of the encounter on both Twitter and Instagram, Lupe seemed thrilled to have such a guest at one of his shows.

Previously, Bill Murray has been spotted in the studio with Rick Ross, apparently having made a song together before Rick Ross vanished. Murray spoke about the incident on Jimmy Kimmel last year, and we're still waiting for the results of their song together.

When @BillMurray comes to your show in Austin, TX and proceeds to FORCE an encore! 



(Gave me some amazing words of encouragement ) pic.twitter.com/XSKQ9x0XWL  Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) December 1, 2016

Finally had my first event crashed by #BillMurray - Lupe Fiasco's show at the Belmont in Austin. He even got Lupe to double encore. pic.twitter.com/cwUHsUxZvN  Mike Hanley (@tourphish) December 1, 2016

Continue Reading On PigeonsandPlanes

More from PigeonsandPlanes
You dont have to be a science guy like Bill Nye to understand the impact of climate change.

Nye himself says Americas national parks are unfortunately full of clear-cut signs of how global warming is hurting the precious lands our ancestors set aside for future generations of Americans to enjoy.

Climate change is a serious problem for national parks, Nye tells PEOPLE. And if you visit national parks I think anybody will have an appreciation for it.

Nye, who was tapped to be the centennial ambassador for the National Park Foundations Find Your Park initiative, says a visit to a national park can change your life  and can be an eye-opening experience for anyone who doubts that now is the time for action on climate change.

If you go to Glacier National Park, youll see the glaciers are not where they used to be, Nye explains. You dont have to be a glaciologist with a micrometer to tell the difference between where youre standing and where the glacier used to be and where the glacier is today. You can see it easily.

And then in places, there are a lot of parks on seashores. As the ocean gets warmer, its getting bigger. As things get bigger, they expand. And so the ocean is encroaching on these park lands in a way that it didnt used to 50 years ago. Saltwater is finding its way up into what used to be freshwater preserves. And youll notice that ecosystems are changing. Its the speed  thats the problem, everybody. Its not just that its changing, its the speed that its changing.

RELATED VIDEO: Michelle Obama Talks Exploring National Parks with Daughters Sasha and Malia

As an old outdoors guy, Nye says he was happy to get involved when the National Park Foundation asked him to help raise awareness about the importance of visiting and preserving the countrys parks.

What we want is to have the national parks here 100 years from now, he says. We want your kids to be able to visit the national parks, your grandkids to visit national parks. So we want to preserve them, we just want to raise awareness.

Story continues

But its not exactly old outdoors guys the agency is looking to awaken  its millennials. Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation, tells Adweek that adults between ages 18 and 35 are less interested in visiting national parks than people of other age groups  in part due to their interest in technology.

So this week, Nye reached out to that demographic  many of whom grew up watching him in his 90s hit educational show Bill Nye the Science Guy  via a platform they use in their daily lives: Facebook.

The educator and television personality joined forces with the National Park Foundation on Giving Tuesday to host a Facebook Live View-a-Thon fundraiser on Mashable. Proceeds from the event went to the National Park Foundation, the official charity of the National Park Service, which manages all national parks and some federal monuments in the U.S.

We very much want millennials to embrace the national parks and appreciate them, Nye says. Theyre the voters of the future. Its in their hands now. And we want to preserve the national parks.

Theyre priceless, he adds. Come on, people.




The regulator of securities firms in the U.S., the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has imposed a fine of $7 million on Merrill Lynch, a unit of Bank of America Corporation BAC, for inadequate supervision of securities-backed leverage in their clients brokerage account. Merrill Lynch will pay $6.25 million in fine and around $780,000 in restitution to settle the charges.



Merrill Lynchs clients used leverage to buy Puerto Rican municipal bonds and other securities. The regulator separately found that from Jan 2010 through Jul 2013, the companys systems lagged in ensuring the suitability of such securities for its customers.



The regulator mentioned that during this period, 25 customers with modest net worth and investment objectives had 75% or more of their portfolios invested in Puerto Rican securities and lost approximately $1.2 million when they liquidated those securities to meet margin calls. Merrill Lynch will pay nearly $780,000 in restitution to 22 affected clients who were leveraged and had a high percentage of their assets invested in Puerto Rico securities. Notably, the company has already compensated some customers.



Per the regulator, Merrill Lynchs loan management accounts (LMAs) are lines of credit that allow customers to borrow money from an affiliated bank using securities held in the brokerage accounts as collateral. Notably, holdings in such securities were highly leveraged through either LMAs or margin. FINRA found that between Jan 2010 to Nov 2014, Merrill Lynch lacked adequate supervisory systems and procedures regarding its customers' use of proceeds from these LMAs.



Further, the regulator noted that Merrill Lynchs policy as well as the terms of the non-purpose LMA agreements barred customers from using LMA proceeds to purchase several types of securities. However, the firm's supervisory systems and procedures were not adequately designed to govern such use. Moreover, during this period, the companys brokerage accounts jointly purchased hundreds of millions of dollars within 14 days of receiving incoming transfers of LMA proceeds.



BofA spokesman, Bill Halldin, stated, Following a comprehensive internal review of our loan management accounts, we reported issues to FINRA, cooperated fully with their inquiry and have strengthened our controls and procedures". Merrill Lynch neither admitted nor denied the charges.



Over the past few months, regulators have been targeting financial bigwigs over unfair business practices. In Sep 2016, Wells Fargo & Company WFC faced a combined fine of $190 million from California and federal regulators over the opening of nearly 1.5 million of unauthorized deposit accounts. In Oct 2016, Morgan Stanley MS was charged with conducting an unethical, high-pressure sales practice against their clients brokerage accounts.



Shares of BofA have gained more than 25% on the NYSE so far this year; outpacing 11.3% gain of the Zacks categorized Major Regional Banks industry.

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BANK OF AMER CP Price

BANK OF AMER CP Price | BANK OF AMER CP Quote

Currently, Bank of America carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.



Another stock in the same space worth considering is The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation BK, also holding a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increased nearly 4% to $3.15 per share over the last 60 days.



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By Kieran Guilbert DAKAR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A spate of attacks by Boko Haram in southeastern Niger in recent months is hindering the delivery of aid to more than 200,000 people forced from their homes, aid agencies said on Thursday. Niger's Diffa region is hosting around 220,000 displaced people - split almost evenly between uprooted Nigeriens and Nigerian refugees - who have fled violence by the Islamist militants on both sides of the border, the United Nations says. The region has been targeted around 15 times since September in attacks blamed on Boko Haram, causing thousands more to flee and restricting access to those in need of aid, said the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Boko Haram militants have killed about 15,000 people and displaced some 2.6 million in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria during a seven-year campaign to carve out an Islamist caliphate. The Islamist group still launches deadly attacks despite having been driven out of much of the territory it held in 2014. "The humanitarian situation is really dire, and deteriorating," Geoffrey Denye, a spokesman for aid group World Vision, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from Chad. "The displaced are getting harder to reach and humanitarians are required to take more risks to provide aid due to the insecurity." Several aid agencies said the military had restricted humanitarian access to areas around the town of Bosso, where 32 soldiers were killed in June by Boko Haram in the militant group' deadliest attack in Niger since April 2015. [nL8N18W0CM] Along with Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria and Benin, Niger has contributed troops to a 9,000-strong regional task force dedicated to fighting the group. Among the recent attacks in Diffa, supplies and essential medicines have been looted from health facilities. This could scare local health workers and deter from working in the region, according to medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). "On the whole, the aid response is not as effective as it should be," said Mari Carmen Vinoles, Niger programme manager for MSF. "There is a problem around coordination, the different responsibilities of various humanitarian actors are not clear." Some of the displaced are in refugee camps, others live in makeshift huts along Niger's main highway, but most are dotted across than 100 villages and informal sites. [nL5N18G2E6] "These people are spread across an area the size of Belgium, and most are without livelihoods or access to social services," said U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) spokesman Benoit Moreno. "It's a challenge for humanitarian organisations," he added. (Reporting by Kieran Guilbert, Editing by Katie Nguyen. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org)
By Lisandra Paraguassu BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's Supreme Court indicted the president of the Senate, Renan Calheiros, on Thursday for embezzlement, a ruling that is expected to fan growing tensions between the judiciary and Congress over corruption cases. The top court voted 8-3 to try the senator on charges of misusing public funds in a nine-year-old case involving the payment of child support for a daughter Calheiros had in an extramarital affair. Calheiros was indicted for billing the Senate for car rentals with false contracts. But the court dismissed charges he had falsified documents, including receipts for cow sales, to mask palimony payments prosecutors said came from an engineering firm. Renan, a key ally for President Michel Temer's drive to restore fiscal discipline and pull Brazil from recession, faces 11 investigations for corruption, eight of them for what prosecutors describe as kickbacks in a massive graft scandal centered on state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro S.A., known as Petrobras. The senator's office said he would his prove his innocence in a case where prosecutors had failed for nine years to provide evidence against him. A skilled politician, Calheiros has survived previous corruption accusations, including charges he took an Air Force jet to get hair implants. When he was accused in 2007 of letting a lobbyist pay support for his illegitimate daughter, Calheiros stepped down as Senate boss to save his seat and he re-emerged as a power broker in Brasilia politics some years later. Calheiros' term as head of the Senate expires in February, long before his case can reach a conclusion, so the fallout for Temer is limited. But it does further tarnish the image of an unpopular government and the scandal-plagued ruling PMDB party. It will also worsen relations between Congress and the judiciary, which have soured over attempts by lawmakers to curb the authority of prosecutors and judges in a move to shield themselves from corruption charges. Calheiros on Wednesday failed to rush through the Senate a corruption bill sent up by the lower chamber of Congress that would undermine the authority of prosecutors and establish penalties for judges for abusing their authority. Prosecutors see the bill as an attempt to intimidate them as they prepare to implicate dozens of politicians in a plea deal with a major contractor involved in the Petrobras scandal. (Writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Richard Chang and James Dalgleish)
(Removes reference to testimony from "bank employees" in second paragraph)

By Ana Mano and Guillermo Parra-Bernal

SAO PAULO, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Brazilian police investigating alleged bribery of tax officials on Thursday raided Itau Unibanco Holding SA, the latest bank to be swept up in the widening probe.

Earlier in the day, federal police launched 34 search warrants and took testimony from 13 people in the states of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Pernambuco.

While the police did not name the bank involved in the latest phase of the so-called "Operation Zealot," Itau, Latin America's largest bank by market value, confirmed that it was the target.

The probe centers on allegations that dozens of companies bribed members of the CARF, a Finance Ministry body that hears appeals on tax disputes, to get favorable rulings that reduced or waived the amounts they owed.

Itau's preferred shares, most widely traded class of stock, posted their biggest intraday drop in three weeks, shedding as much as 4.3 percent.

The probe is part of a worsening political climate in Brazil, where a larger corruption scandal ensnaring state oil producer Petrobras, its contractors and numerous politicians has hampered business confidence and impeded efforts to recover from a two-year recession.

Apart from Sao Paulo-based Itau, the tax probe has targeted its peers, including Banco Bradesco SA and a money management firm controlled by billionaire Joseph Safra's Safra Group and Banco Santander Brasil SA. Bradesco and Santander Brasil have denied wrongdoing, while the Safra Group has repeatedly said the accusations lack any basis.

MANIPULATION

In a statement, the police said there is evidence that a CARF councilor and Itau teamed up with legal and financial advisers to manipulate tax disputes between 2006 and 2015.

The manipulation "of administrative tax processes took place in at least three instances" during that period, the police statement said.

Itau said the searches related to tax disputes involving the local unit of FleetBoston Corp, which the Brazilian lender bought a decade ago. The wrongdoing was allegedly related to business conducted by BankBoston, as FleetCorp's brand was known.

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According to the Itau statement, its acquisition of the unit did not entail the transfer of tax cases, which it said are the responsibility of Bank of America Corp - the ultimate buyer of FleetBoston. Bank of America's media office in Brazil did not comment.

"Itau has had no involvement in the conduct of those businesses, including the hiring of any consultancy firm or lawyers," Itau said in the statement.

Operation Zealot has not only implicated some of Brazil's most influential firms, but also some of the nation's foremost power brokers. Luiz Carlos Trabuco, Bradesco's chief executive officer, has been accused alongside three of the bank's main executives.

Brazil's benchmark Bovespa stock index, in which Itau is the most heavily weighted stock, fell as much as 1.3 percent - the second decline in three sessions.

(Additional reporting by Pedro Fonseca; Editing by Christian Plumb and Dan Grebler)
[December 01, 2016] EDMI Awarded Commercial Product Assurance for Communications Hub

LONDON, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- EDMI Europe Limited is pleased to announce that the AICH Standard 420 Communications Hub has been granted Commercial Product Assurance (CPA) certification against the Security Characteristic Smart Metering Communications Hub v1.2 at Foundation Grade by the National Cyber Security Centre. The AICH Standard 420 Communications Hub has been developed by EDMI on behalf of Arqiva and will be installed across Scotland and northern England as part of the smart meter rollout. The hub will enable communication with electricity meters, gas meters and the In-Home Display (IHD) allowing consumers to effectively monitor and manage energy usage. The Communications Hub is the first of EDMI's products to achieve CPA which is a UK Government backed scheme administered by NCSC providing the assurance that a product has met stringent predefined security levels. Alan Masterman, General Manager, EDMI Europe, commented, "The award of CPA for the Communications Hub marks a significant milestone for EDMIand demonstrates EDMI's commitment to deliver. The CPA process for the Communications Hub was rigorous and the lessons learnt have been invaluable to our business, ensuring a smooth path for certifications for future SMETS2 products. We are also proud to announce that we have commenced supply of live Communications Hubs to Service Users."



Sean Weir, Director of Smart Metering & M2M at Arqiva, said: "Delivering the infrastructure for Great Britain's smart energy meter programme is a huge task, and the security of the system is of paramount importance. Our partnership with EDMI is key to its delivery and we are delighted to have worked with them on achieving the CPA accreditation for the Communications Hub." About EDMI: http://www.edmi-meters.co.uk

EDMI Limited is one of the leading smart metering solutions providers in the world. EDMI is focused on designing, developing and manufacturing innovative and technologically advanced energy meters and metering systems for the global utility industry. EDMI's metering portfolio includes a comprehensive range of premium quality metering products, advanced infrastructure and energy management systems. With over 25 years' experience of manufacturing smart meters and over 1.2 million EDMI smart meters installed in the UK alone, EDMI's products are tried and tested, giving customers the confidence of working hand in hand with a company with a proven track record. EDMI is owned by Osaki Electric Co. Ltd, a Japanese metering solutions provider listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Media Contact:

Sally Cowling

Marketing Manager

EDMI Europe Limited

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 44 (0)191 233 6322





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SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil's federal police on Thursday launched a raid targeting Itau Unibanco Holding SA as part of a probe into alleged bribery of tax officials, a source briefed on the matter said. In a statement, the police confirmed 34 search warrants are being served in the states of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Pernambuco. The new phase of the so-called "Operation Zealot" investigates a banking institution which the federal police did not name. The probe relates to alleged "collusion" between a member of the CARF, a Finance Ministry body that hears appeals on tax disputes, and the unnamed banking institution, the statement said. The source, who confirmed the target is Itau, said the raids mark a new phase of Operation Zealot, which investigates the alleged involvement of banks and companies in the bribing of Brazilian tax auditors to waive or reduce tax payments. The wrongdoing was allegedly related to business conducted by the local unit of FleetBoston Corp that Itau bought a decade ago, according to the source. It involved law firms and consultancy firms and allegedly took place between 2006 and 2015, the police statement added. Spokespeople at Itau were not immediately available for comment. (Reporting by Pedro Fonseca; Writing by Ana Mano; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Breitbart News has unleashed a full-scale campaign against Kellogg Co. after the food manufacturer announced that it was discontinuing ads on the alt-right website because it is not aligned with our values as a company.

On Wednesday, Breitbart kicked off an online boycott with the hashtag #DumpKelloggs, which briefly became the top-trending term on Twitter in the U.S. As of Thursday at 11 a.m. PT, Breitbart claims more than 145,000 people have signed its online petition against the company. The site has created an image showing all of Kelloggs brands.

In addition, Breitbart News on Thursday featured on its homepage an eight-month-old story, headlined Criminal Investigation Opened After Man Appears to Urinate on Kelloggs Cereal Assembly Line, citing a video allegedly recorded in 2014 at a Kellogg facility in Memphis, Tenn. It also posted an item Thursday with the headline, #DumpKelloggs: Minority Employees Accuse Kelloggs of Racism, Subjecting Them to N-Word, Photo of a Baboon, citing an Oct. 27 report by NBC Rhode Island affiliate WJAR, after posting this on Wednesday: SHOCK: Amnesty International Blasts Kelloggs for Using Child Labor-Produced Ingredients.

Breitbart  which critics accuse of producing a virulent stream of racist, sexist, homophobic and xenophobic material  has come under new scrutiny after executive chairman Steve Bannon joined Donald Trumps campaign as CEO, and since has been tapped as chief strategist and senior counselor to the president-elect. Bannon has said he is taking an extended leave of absence from Breitbart and will have no involvement with the company during his tenure in the Trump administration.

While other advertisers including Allstate and Warby Parker have also pulled ads from Breitbart, so far Kellogg appears to be the sole target of the far-right site.

Asked for comment on Breitbarts actions, Kellogg VP of global communications Kris Charles said in a statement, To be clear, our decision had nothing to do with politics. We regularly work with our media-buying partners to ensure our ads do not appear on sites that arent aligned with our values as set forth in our advertising guidelines. She said the company heard from consumers that Kelloggs ads were placed on Breitbart.com and decided to discontinue advertising there.

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Breitbart staffers have denounced the move by the company. For Kelloggs, an American brand, to blacklist Breitbart News in order to placate left-wing totalitarians is a disgraceful act of cowardice, editor-in-chief Alexander Marlow wrote on the site.

Stories on Breitbart.com have included such pieces as Bill Kristol: Republican Spoiler, Renegade Jew, Roger Stone: Huma Abedin Most Likely a Saudi Spy With Deep, Inarguable Connections to Global Terrorist Entity, Suck It Up Buttercups: Dangerous Faggot Tour Returns To Colleges In September, Theres No Hiring Bias Against Women in Tech, They Just Suck at Interviews, and The Solution to Online Harassment Is Simple: Women Should Log Off.

In an interview last month with the Wall Street Journal, Bannon admitted that the alt-right movement has some racial and anti-Semitic overtones. But he said Breitbarts definition of the alt-right is younger people who are anti-globalists, very nationalist, terribly anti-establishment.

Breitbart claims to have 45 million readers. According to comScore, in October 2016, the site had 19.2 million unique U.S. visitors for the month.

Kellogg, with 2015 sales of $13.5 billion, is the worlds leading cereal producer and the second-largest producer of cookies, crackers and savory snacks. Its brands include Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Flakes, Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Special K, Keebler, Pringles, Pop-Tarts, Cheez-It, Eggo, Nutri-Grain, Kashi and Morningstar Farms.

Twitter, meanwhile, has taken steps to block alt-right users from its service, including Breitbart contributor Milo Yiannopoulos after he engaged in online harassment of actress and comedian Leslie Jones.

Related stories

Donald Trump Taps Breitbart Executive for Top Campaign Post
Breitbart News is blasting the decision by Kelloggs to pull its advertising from the far-right conservative website and encouraging its readers to boycott the breakfast cereal maker.

For Kelloggs, an American brand, to blacklist Breitbart News in order to placate left-wing totalitarians is a disgraceful act of cowardice, Alex Marlow, Breitbart editor in chief, wrote in article published online Wednesday. Boycotting Breitbart News for presenting mainstream American ideas is an act of discrimination and intense prejudice. If you serve Kelloggs products to your family, you are serving up bigotry at your breakfast table.

The top three stories leading Breitbarts homepage on Thursday morning were about its declared war with Kelloggs, including one entitled: #DumpKelloggs: Far-Left Cereal Giant Kelloggs Warns of Racial Privilege.

Another was a link to a petition boycotting Kelloggs breakfast cereals, which Breitbart says has been signed by more than 100,000 readers.

To be clear, our decision had nothing to do with politics, Kellogg Company spokeswoman Kris Charles said in a statement to Yahoo News. We regularly work with our media-buying partners to ensure our ads do not appear on sites that arent aligned with our values.

She added that the company learned from consumers that its ads had been placed on Breitbart.com and decided to discontinue advertising there.

Steve Bannon (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP)

The move comes amid growing concern over the sites role in elevating the so-called alt-right after President-elect Donald Trumps controversial appointment of Breitbart CEO Steve Bannon as his chief White House strategist.

During Bannons tenure at the news website, Breitbart published a number of incendiary articles, including one (Hoist It High and Proud: The Confederate Flag Proclaims a Glorious Heritage) encouraging readers to display the Confederate flag after Dylann Roof allegedly killed nine African-Americans at a Charleston, S.C., church.

Related: Bernie Sanders to Trump: Rescind appointment of racist Bannon

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Bannon said the controversy is merely an attempt by liberal critics to smear both him and Trump after losing the election.

Im not a white nationalist, Bannon told the Hollywood Reporter. Im a nationalist.

Breitbart views itself in a similar vein.

Breitbart News is the largest platform for pro-family content anywhere on the Internet, the site stated in its #DumpKelloggs petition. We advocate for traditional American values, perhaps most important among them is freedom of speech.

The Los Angeles-based website, which claims it has a readership of 45 million, said Kelloggs decision to pull its ad will make virtually no revenue impact.

It does, however, represent an escalation in the war by leftist companies like Target and Allstate against conservative customers whose values propelled Donald Trump into the White House, Breitbart said.
By Devika Krishna Kumar

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices surged 4 percent on Thursday, with Brent crude at its highest in about 16 months, extending gains after OPEC and Russia agreed to restrict output to reduce the global supply glut more quickly.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed on Wednesday to its first oil output reduction since 2008 after the group's leading producer Saudi Arabia accepted "a big hit" and dropped a demand that arch-rival Iran also slash output.

The deal also included OPEC's first coordinated action in 15 years with non-member Russia. Azerbaijan said it was also willing to discuss cuts.

Doubts about the historic deal were widespread in the market.

"It remains to be seen how well they stick to the plan, but if OPEC hadn't come to an agreement the probability is that oil prices would have fallen to $40 a barrel, perhaps even lower," said Simon Flowers, chief analyst at consultancy Wood Mackenzie.

"Brent was trading at about $50 a barrel after the announcement, and we expect it to trade at an average of $55-$60 per barrel in 2017."

Benchmark Brent futures (LCOc1) settled 4.1 percent or $2.10 higher at $53.94. Earlier in the session, prices jumped as much as 5.2 percent to $54.53 a barrel, the highest level since July 27, 2015.

U.S. crude (CLc1) ended the session at $51.06, up $1.62 or 3.3 percent on the day. Its session high was $51.80 a barrel, 13 cents below its 2016 high.

Brent crude's premium to U.S crude (WTCLc1-LCOc1) widened to the biggest in about ten weeks.

U.S. refined products also rose along with crude - ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) futures (HOc1) soared as much as 5.5 percent to its highest in more than a year while gasoline futures (RBc1) jumped as much as 6 percent.

The OPEC deal triggered frenzied trading, with Brent futures hitting record trading volumes for February and March, when the supply cuts should start to be visible in the market.

The Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE.N) said ICE Brent crude futures hit a daily volume record of 1.96 million contracts on Wednesday while the CME Group said open interest in WTI futures rose to a record 2.1 million contracts on the day of the OPEC agreement. [nASC09LHZ]

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Even after Thursday's steep rise, oil prices remained about half their mid-2014 levels, when prices began to collapse to the lowest in a generation.

OPEC produces a third of global oil, or around 33.6 million barrel per day, and the deal aims to reduce output by 1.2 million bpd from January 2017, similar to January 2016 levels.

"It's clearly too soon to know what beyond the short-term market gain will be the consequences of this mini-renaissance of OPEC - for other producers and for the group itself," Credit Suisse analysts said.

Others noted that the cuts could leave the field open for other producers, especially U.S. shale drillers.

"We do not believe that oil prices can sustainably remain above $55 per barrel, with global production responding first and foremost in the U.S.," Goldman Sachs said.

The head of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol warned of greater volatility after the OPEC deal.

"Unlike in the past OPEC decisions, if prices move to around $60, a substantial amount of oil in United states is ready to come to the markets," Birol said.

OPEC will hold talks with non-OPEC producers on Dec. 9. The group will also have its next meeting on May 25 to monitor the deal, which it said it could extend for six months.

For a Graphic on oil price vs production, click - http://product.datastream.com/dscharting/gateway.aspx?guid=ea95e198-4a0c-48e3-a750-7574b2660076&action=REFRESH

For a Graphic on OPEC's market share struggle, click - http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/OPEC-MEETING/010021V94JT/index.html

For a Graphic on OPEC's dwindling spare capacity, click - http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/OIL-OPEC/010030P51GF/OPEC-OIL.jpg

For a Graphic on U.S. shale costs falling, click - http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/OPEC-MEETING/010030SC1P5/USA-SHALE-OPEC-B.jpg

For a Graphic on Middle Eastern oil field breakeven costs, click - http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/USA-SHALE/010030S21NL/USA-SHALE-OPEC.jpg

(Additional reporting by Christopher Johnson in London, Henning Gloystein and Keith Wallis in Singapore; Editing by Marguerita Choy and David Gregorio)
During the throes of Apples epic legal battle with Samsung a few years ago, one of the more interesting nuggets of information to emerge  aside of course from a bevy of iPhone prototypes  was that Apple executive Phil Schiller was extremely unhappy with Apples advertising efforts.

If you recall, Samsung released a string of clever ads that targeted Apple and its fan base directly. The ads were creative, funny and, for the first time, put Apple on the defensive. While we had seen anti-Apple ads from the likes of Microsoft before, Samsungs efforts were far more effective.

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A representative example of Samsung mocking all things Apple can be seen below.

Meanwhile, Apples own advertising efforts at the time were bland, predictable, and altogether stagnant. In 2013, the Wall Street Journal even took note, asking if Apple had lost its cool to Samsung? When Schiller got wind of the article, he was none too pleased and fired off an email to TBWA  Apples longtime ad agency  exclaiming that we have a lot of work to do to turn this around. Specifically, Schiller wanted Apples ads to be more creative and wanted Apples ad agency to experiment with ideas in a more open and expansive way.

In the years that followed, Apple itself became more open to exploring new business relationships with different ad agencies. Whats more, Apple began doubling down on its own in-house advertising unit. In short, Apple stopped relying exclusively on TBWA and began entertaining ad ideas from wherever they happened to emanate from. At the same time, Apple also became more aggressive about hiring some of the top ad talent in the industry.

The results of Apples renewed focus on advertising have been striking.

Over the past few months alone, the quality and uniqueness of Apples commercials have been taken up a notch. Some are creative, some are emotional and some are downright quirky, but the overall takeaway is that Apples recent string of commercials have been anything but boring and predictable.

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Touching on this point, longtime Apple ad guru Ken Segall recently opined that Apples most recent ad  Bulbs  is one of the greatest commercials Apple has ever made.

Segall writes:

This spot is so artfully constructed, and so intensely energetic from the start, it literally embodies the ads concept. That being: ideas have tremendous power. The montage is built upon the foundation of the recurring visual: a line of exploding light bulbs that seemingly goes on forever. I love that the images representing civilizations greatest ideas are not the usual suspects. Depicting a range of great ideas allows the ad to weave in a sense of humor  thus toilet paper can share the stage with space exploration.

Its a nice ad, to be sure, but as Segall points out, a number of other Apple commercials over the last few months have been unusually memorable, from Taylor Swift falling down on a treadmill to the heavily stylized Diver iPhone 7 ad that has the markings of a short film.

Say what you will, but these commercials are not only memorable, but help spark conversation. In fact, a few such ads have even managed to go somewhat viral.

A few months ago, for example, Apples Cookie Monster commercial touting the iPhone 6s Hey Siri feature has garnered 12.6 million views on YouTube since its release. Meanwhile, the aforementioned Taylor Swift ad has garnered an even more impressive 19.1 million views.

Not every single Apple ad over the past 18 months or so has been a standout effort, but theres no denying that Apples batting average has improved considerably during that window.

Funny enough, Apples ads have gotten so good that they can sometimes oversell a given feature. During the Bulbs ad above, for example, its hard to realistically take seriously that the Touch Bar belongs deserves a spot next to inventions like the wheel and fire in the pantheon of human achievements.

Similarly, Apples Balloons commercial below is great, but the ability to send full-screen balloon animations  while nice  is hardly compelling and magical. That said, isnt that, in a certain sense, the entire point of advertising? If Apple can create a commercial that evokes an emotional response from users, no matter the subject matter, thats all it really needs to do.

We saw a similar effort with this Steph Curry commercial dubbed Half Court intended to highlight the iPhones Live Photos feature.

Speaking to Apples renewed advertising prowess, the company with the recent release of the iPhone 7 managed to create a remarkably clever and engaging commercial for an otherwise unexciting feature  improved water resistance.

But saving the best for last, one commercial that was an absolute home run was Apples recent ad for Apple Music starring James Corden. Without question, this was one of the funniest ads Apple has ever released. All the while, the ad also managed to touch on all of Apple Musics most attractive selling points.

Trending right now:

See the original version of this article on BGR.com
London (AFP) - The British government voiced disappointment on Thursday after a UN panel rejected its request to review a ruling that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is being arbitrarily detained.

"Julian Assange is not, and has never been, arbitrarily detained in the UK," junior foreign minister Alan Duncan said in a statement.

"We completely reject the opinion of the UN Working Group and are very disappointed that they will not review their deeply flawed and incorrect position," he said, adding that Assange's presence at the Ecuadoran embassy was "entirely self-inflicted".

Having initially issued its opinion in favour of Assange in February, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said it was not changing course as the British request "did not meet the threshold of a review... and (was) thus not admissible".

Assange, 45, has been at the Ecuadoran embassy in London since 2012, having taken refuge to avoid being sent to Sweden where he faces a rape allegation that he denies.

He fears Sweden would extradite him to the United States to answer for the leaking of diplomatic cables and other classified documents by his whistleblowing website. The disclosures caused huge embarrassment in Washington.

The UN panel, which is attached to the Human Rights Council, met between November 21-25 but only published its findings on Wednesday.

The fate of the former computer hacker, who turned WikiLeaks into a vehicle for releasing classified documents on the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, remains unclear.

He was grilled over the longstanding rape allegation by an Ecuadoran prosecutor at the embassy for two days earlier this month. The questions were provided by Swedish officials but the answers were confidential.

Swedish prosecutors dropped a sexual assault probe into Assange last year after the five-year statute of limitations expired. But they still want to question him about the 2010 rape allegation, which carries a 10-year statute of limitations.

Assange insists the sexual encounters in question were consensual.
By Emma Batha LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Female genital mutilation can be "wiped out in a generation" across the globe, Britain's interior minister Amber Rudd said on Thursday, as she called for everyone to pull together to tackle this "horrendous crime". Rudd, who took office four months ago, said she was determined to see Britain's first successful prosecution for FGM that was made illegal in 1985. Britain, which has placed itself at the centre of the global debate to end FGM, has recently strengthened its law to stop the practice and introduced a new offence of failing to protect a girl from being cut. It is also working with grassroots organisations in Britain to change attitudes within communities and investing in programmes in Africa aimed at tackling FGM in some of the countries where it is most prevalent. "FGM is a devastating act of violence that no woman or girl should ever have to suffer," Rudd told a conference bringing together survivors, ministers, health workers, police and charities. A 2014 study estimated that almost 200,000 women and girls in England and Wales had undergone FGM or were at risk of being cut in a ritual that involves the partial or total removal of external genitalia. In its most extreme form the vaginal opening is also sewn up. Communities affected by FGM in Britain include Somalis, Sierra Leoneans, Eritreans, Sudanese and Egyptians. The practice - done for cultural, traditional or religious reasons - can have devastating physical and psychological consequences. "It stays with you forever and it is a big part of your life," said Sarian Kamara, 39, a London community worker who was cut as a child in Sierra Leone. The forum examined what the government and other agencies could do to encourage encourage communities to abandon the ritual. "FGM is everybody's business," Kamara said in a statement after addressing the conference. "Everyone is responsible and everyone can do their little bit to make sure girls and women are protected from these kinds of violence." Police say one problem is that girls are highly unlikely to report their parents for FGM - an offence which carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence - and would not want to give evidence against them in court. They are now concentrating efforts on targeting cutters  the people who perform FGM  and those who make arrangements for girls to be cut, whether in Britain or abroad. Campaigners believe many girls are taken overseas to be cut during the school holidays. Worldwide around 200 million women are thought to have undergone FGM. (Editing by Belinda Goldsmith; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org)
ROME (Reuters) - Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Thursday that Britain's planned exit from the European Union was about taking back control of immigration. Sky News earlier reported that Johnson had told four EU ambassadors, who were not named, that he was personally in favor of allowing free movement of people within the bloc. Prime Minister Theresa May has said Britons' vote in June to leave the EU was a message that free movement of people from the EU could not continue unchanged. In the lobby of a Rome hotel hosting a conference sponsored by the Italian Foreign Ministry, Johnson said he had told EU ambassadors that Britain was leaving the bloc to be able to better control immigration. "What I said very clearly to that group of ambassadors, I think it was at a breakfast, was that immigration had been a good thing for the UK in many respects, but it had got out of control and that we needed to take back control," Johnson told reporters. Afterward, as he ducked into an elevator, Johnson would not respond directly to the question about whether he supported free movement of people, shouting back as the door closed: "Take back control, that is why we are leaving the European Union!" (Reporting by Isla Binnie; writing by Steve Scherer; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
LONDON (Reuters) - Centrica owned British Gas, Britains biggest energy supplier, has frozen its standard energy prices this winter, it said on Wednesday, putting more pressure on rival companies to do the same. British wholesale gas and electricity prices have risen about 30 and 40 percent respectively since June, along with a rebound in other commodities such as coal, leading to speculation that some electricity suppliers could raise prices. British Gas, which has around 6 million customers, said the price of its standard variable energy tariff would remain unchanged through this winter. It is also launching a product allowing customers to fix their energy bills until March 2019. The move follows price freeze pledges made last month by rival firm SSE , and independent supplier Good Energy . It also ramps up pressure on the remaining "big six" firms Iberdrola's Scottish Power, RWE's npower , E.ON and EDF Energy , to do the same. Energy bills have doubled in Britain over the past decade to about 1,200 pounds a year, and the government has said it could intervene in the market if it believes prices are too high. (Reporting By Susanna Twidale; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Emily Ratajkowski steps out in Beverly Hills wearing a chic western inspired look. (Photo: Getty Images)

Emily Ratajkowski shows us how the saddlebag is the perfect accessory to wear this holiday season. Although clearly embracing the California sun, Emily recently stepped out in Beverly Hills wearing a modern, Western-inspired outfit.

Emily chose a studded, brown suede jacket, black crop top, and flared pants. She finished off her look with a stylish saddlebag worn across her body. Clearly, Emily liked her bag so much she decided to match her flared trousers with the bag's Bordeaux wine color. The chic pony hair handbag is from Salvatore Ferragamo's Pre-Fall 2016 collection and retails for $1,950.

Not quite ready to splurge on Emily's Ferragamo saddlebag? Don't worry  we rounded up 10 budget-friendly versions that you can shop right now.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
[December 01, 2016] Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Aeris to Open New Aeris IoT Hub in Chicago

CHICAGO, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly will join Aeris employees on Tuesday (Dec. 6) to cut a ribbon on the companys new Chicago office in River North.

What: Grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony When: Tuesday (Dec. 6) at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CST) Where: Aeris, 435 N. LaSalle Street (corner of N. LaSalle and W. Hubbard Streets), River North, Chicago Who: Marc Jones, chairman and CEO of Aeris and a Chicago native, will host Mayor Emanuel, Alderman Reilly and representatives from the State of Illinois with Aeris employees and partners. Why: To commemorate a partnership between the state of Illinois, city of Chicago and 42nd Ward with Aeris, a Silicon Valley-based company expanding its operations in Chicago. Invitation:  Journalists, bloggers and industry analysts are invited to attend.





 Video and photo opportunities are available. 1:1 interviews with Aeris executives may be arranged.

 RSVP to Kevin Petschow at 312.985.9182 or [email protected] and to arrange your 1:1 interview.

CLICK TO TWEET: Aeris (@AerisM2M), @RahmEmanuel, @AldReilly to cut ribbon Tuesday (Dec. 6) on new Aeris #IoT hub in #Chicago http://www.aeris.com/news/ About Aeris

Aeris is a pioneer and leader in the market of the Internet of Things  as an operator of end-to-end IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) services and as a technology provider enabling other operators to build profitable IoT businesses. Among our customers are the most demanding users of IoT services today, including Hyundai, Acura, Rand McNally, Leica, and Sprint. Through our technology platform and dedicated IoT and M2M services, we strive to fundamentally improve their businesses  by dramatically reducing costs, improving operational efficiency, reducing time-to-market, and enabling new revenue streams.

Tags/Keywords: Aeris, Aeris IoT Solutions Platform, Internet of Things, IoT, machine-to-machine, M2M, telematics, Marc Jones, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Brendan Reilly For more information, contact: Kevin Petschow Aeris +1.312.985.9182 [email protected]

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Banjul (Gambia) (AFP) - Gambian President Yahya Jammeh faced the strongest electoral challenge of his 22-year rule Thursday as voters went to the polls, braving an internet and phone blackout the government defended as a security measure.

After an unprecedented two-week opposition campaign that has energised his rivals, Jammeh rumbled into the capital's cricket ground in a 4X4 and after casting his vote predicted his best score ever.

"By the grace of the almighty Allah, there will be the biggest landslide in the history of my elections," said Jammeh, wearing his usual white robes and sunglasses and carrying a staff and Koran.

Some 890,000 Gambians were eligible to vote -- by dropping a marble into a coloured drum for their candidate -- in a west African nation long accused by rights groups of suppressing freedom of expression.

Votes were being counted after polling stations closed at 5pm (1700 GMT).

The winner in the three-way race will serve a five-year term in the tiny former British colony with pristine beaches that occupies a narrow sliver of land surrounded by French-speaking Senegal.

Jammeh, who once said he would govern for a billion years if God willed it, is running for a fifth term with his ruling Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC).

He faces previously unknown businessman Adama Barrow, chosen as the opposition flag bearer by a group of political parties who have joined forces for the first time and won unprecedented popular support.

"Power belongs to the people. You cannot stop us and you cannot stop them," Barrow said after voting in the village of Old Yundum.

"If (Jammeh) loses, let him concede defeat. And we know he is going to lose," Barrow told AFP.

- 'Yearning for change' -

The United States noted that turnout appeared to be high and that the vote took place in "generally peaceful conditions".

But State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Washington remained concerned about "the arrest of opposition supporters and... the disruption or blockage of internet, SMS, phone, and social media", as well as claims of voter intimidation.

Story continues

One opposition supporter, Sulayman Jallow, said "we were yearning for a change of government".

"We have been marginalised, we have been persecuted, we have been tortured," Jallow added.

A third candidate, former ruling party MP Mama Kandeh, is also standing for the Gambian Democratic Congress (GDC).

All three men are 51, born in 1965, the year The Gambia won independence from Britain.

At his final campaign rally, Jammeh warned that protests over the election result would not be tolerated.

If Barrow were to win -- a tall order both in terms of votes and the likelihood of Jammeh giving up power -- he would likely decide to serve a three-year term at the head of a transition reform government.

- Blackout -

The government meanwhile defended a cut to internet and international calls, which went down at around 8:15pm (2015 GMT) on the eve of the vote. Text messages stopped Thursday afternoon.

This was "so people don't give out false info," said Information Minister Sheriff Bojang.

"This is a security measure. They will lift it as soon as the result is announced," he told AFP by phone.

Popular private voice and messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Skype and Viber were unavailable without a Virtual Private Network (VPN), software many Gambians use to work around the problem.

"The government must publicly endorse the right to peaceful assembly and end the telecommunications ban," Human Rights Watch deputy programme director Babatunde Olugboji said in a statement, blasting the shutdown.

The opposition has relied on messaging applications and texts to organise rallies and move around roadblocks set up in Banjul during the last week of campaigning.

No professional international observers were on the ground for the vote, diplomats confirmed, but a small team of African Union experts was monitoring events along with Banjul-based US and European delegations already present in the country.

Jammeh seized power in a 1994 coup and has survived multiple attempts to remove him from the presidency.

Some 60 percent of the population live in poverty, and a third survive on $1.25 (1.20 euro) or less a day, according to the UN.
Ouagadougou (AFP) - Desperately poor Burkina Faso has known much turmoil over a half-century of independence, and is once again poised for battle, but this time its ambitious prime minister pledges it will be an "insurrection against poverty".

"We are at a critical moment in our history. This is a programme of truth, a programme of rupture", Paul Kaba Thieba told AFP.

Thieba, who cut his teeth in west African policy as an economist and central banker, is one of the architects of that rupture from Burkina's strongman past.

His civilian-led government was formed following a rare victory of people power two years ago, as former leader Blaise Compaore was run out after trying to extend his 27-year rule.

Now Burkina Faso is looking ahead with a 23.5 billion euro (dollar), five-year development plan to rid itself of its unwelcome distinction as one of the world's poorest countries.

"We succeeded with the popular insurrection (against Compaore). We were victorious in resisting the coup d'etat", Thieba said in an interview, referring to a September 2015 coup attempt by Compaore loyalists.

"There is one insurrection left to win, and that is the insurrection against poverty".

Burkina President Roch Marc Christian Kabore will lead a delegation to a donors conference in Paris next Wednesday and Thursday aiming to raise 8.6 billion euros in loans.

- No handouts -

Thieba says the state will finance 15 billion euros of its development plan with "our own resources" -- a heady claim for a nation whose annual budget in 2016 weighed in at 2.8 billion euros and whose top exports include cotton and sesame seeds.

The goal, he said, was to bring the numbers of Burkinabe who live in poverty from today's staggering rate of 40 percent down to 35 percent in 2020, to create 50,000 new jobs and enact needed structural reforms.

"We aren't going to Paris to ask for handouts but to build partnerships... If you just take the handouts... and don't make the structural reforms needed to allow those investments to take hold, then the whole thing serves no purpose," he said.

Story continues

President Kabore, who like Thieba also trained in economics and worked in banking before turning to politics, has laid out a progressive platform to modernise the nation of 17.4 million, ranked 183rd out of 188 on the UNDP human development index.

Thieba said their plan included a focus on girls' education and family planning in a bid to lower the birth rate.

"The rate of demographic growth is 3.1 percent per year. With economic growth at six percent, it is difficult to imagine reducing poverty", he said.

He also said they hoped to harness new technologies to help the 80 percent of Burkinabe who eke out a scrappy existence on subsistence agriculture.

"Fertile land throughout Burkina Faso is going unused, or is underutilised... The production techniques we employ produce weak yields," he said, citing average national yields of grain of 1.5 to two tonnes per hectare (0.41 to 0.61 tonnes per acre), compared with 10 to 12 tonnes in other states.

"The Burkinabe people have to understand that financing the PNDES (development plan) is a patriotic act," he said. "The goal is to take control over our own destiny."
Sherri Papini, the California mom who mysteriously vanished in early November before being found allegedly beaten but alive along a rural road on Thanksgiving Day, is offering new details about the two Hispanic women who allegedly abducted her.

During a series of interviews this week with investigators, Papini told them that one of the women had long curly hair, thin eyebrows and pierced ears. The other woman, who was older, had straight black hair with gray and thick eyebrows. Both of the women allegedly spoke in Spanish the majority of the time.

There is a lot still unknown about her assailants, said Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko at a Wednesday afternoon press conference. Bosenko said Papinis alleged abductors had sometimes covered her face and had concealed their faces as well during her three-week ordeal.

Sherry did her best in providing the descriptions but was not able to provide a detailed description because of the assailants covering their faces, Bosenko said.

Papini, he said, was cooperative and courageous during the intense interviews with investigators. Police also showed Papini video surveillance footage of SUVs seen in the area around the time of her abduction, but none of the vehicles were a match, said Bosenko.

Papini was allegedly kidnapped while out for a jog on Nov. 2. She was found around 4:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day in Yolo County  about 150 miles south of her Redding home, where she was last seen.

Papinis husband, Keith, described the horrific condition she was in the first time he saw her after her release by her captors.

My first sight was my wife in a hospital bed. Her face covered in bruises ranging from yellow to black because of her repeated beatings. The bridge of her nose broken, Keith Papini wrote in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. She has been branded and I could feel the rise of her scabs under my fingers.

He added that Papini weighed only 87 lbs. and her long, blonde hair had been chopped off. He wrote that Sherri had been thrown from a vehicle with a chain around her waist  which was also attached to her wrists  and a bag over her head.

Story continues

On Wednesday, Bosenko confirmed that Papini was branded but would not provide any details about what the brand looked like or where it was placed on her body.

Bosenko told PEOPLE that the motive behind the alleged kidnapping is still unclear.

We dont know what the motive or the reason for the abduction was, he says. We dont know if this was a targeted abduction or a random abduction or she was the specific target. We dont have the reason as of yet of why she was abducted. We dont have details on where she was being held during this period of time.




In Fox Searchlights upcoming Jackie, director Pablo Larrain focuses on the days following the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination of President John F. Kennedy, creating a window to Jackie Kennedys emotional state as she confronts the unimaginable. Traumatized, she must quickly make the decisions that will determine how history will remember her husband.

Natalie Portman plays the enigmatic first lady, 34 years old and the mother of two young children at the time. Shes followed by DP Stephane Fontaine, whose unobtrusive camera shadows her as the narrative seamlessly blends fact and fiction, presenting Jackies public and private life without apology.

When we first started talking about the movie, Pablo wanted to get rid of the storytelling thats known to everyone and get closer to Jackies inner feelings, says Fontaine. The whole movie is built as a very intimate story of what it was like if we only focused on her.

Filming moved swiftly over 23 days on stages in Paris, with 10 days in Washington D.C. and Baltimore. The cinematographer turned to Super 16mm film to replicate the texture of the archival footage sewn into the narrative. Arriflex 416 cameras were paired with Zeiss Super Speed MKII lenses, providing soft, elegant visuals for colorist Isabelle Julien to match.

The structure of the film is based on a series of interviews in which Jackie speaks about the tragedy to a journalist, played by Billy Crudup. The interview sequences were shot on location with a very clean, still frame  not even a bird can be seen flying outside.

If you didnt notice, Natalie is always center of frame, and most of the movie is constantly on the move, so it felt right to have the interview scenes static, says Fontaine. It seemed to us that when she invites this journalist over, she makes a conscious decision to speak. Shes no longer in the turmoil and chaos that happened right after the assassination. She has had time to think about it. You get to see a much stronger Jackie than you meet days before.

Story continues

Another big piece of the story is Jackies televised tour of the White House, broadcast on CBS and NBC in 1962. That was on black-and-white video, Fontaine points out. In order to re-create the look, we used an old three-tube camera that Pablo had when he was shooting No.

Wide-angle lenses and extreme close-ups pushed Jackies distress after Kennedys death. We didnt use long lenses that would make for a more abstract background. Instead we chose very wide lenses that allowed us to get very close to Natalie. It added to the paranoia and claustrophobia, says Fontaine, who operated the camera himself.

I was able to get a foot away at times but still provide a sense of the people or environment around her, he notes. It requires a lot of courage from the actors and a trust in the director. Its like an unspoken contract. Once you establish that, youre then just in a circle of light creating a moment.

Related stories

Nickelodeon Lights Up Holiday Special 'Albert' With Rendering Technology Redshift

'Moonlight,' 'Black Panther' Production Designer on Big Break With Ryan Coogler

Natalie Portman Honored by Palm Springs Film Festival for 'Jackie'
Ottawa (AFP) - Canada has restricted six chemicals used to make the opioid fentanyl, which has been blamed in thousands of overdose deaths across the country.

"This will make it harder to access the chemicals used to make illicit fentanyl, and provide law enforcement with a stronger ability to take action on these substances," Health Canada said in a statement late Wednesday.

The precursors were added to a list of controlled drugs and substances, making it immediately illegal to import or distribute them without authorization.

The move follows a two-day summit in November hosted by Health Minister Jane Philpott with health experts seeking solutions to the opioid crisis.

"There are deaths virtually every single day as a result of opioid overdoses," she told reporters.

"This (measure) is one in a whole range of steps that we are taking as a government to address this very serious public health crisis," she added.

Last week, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Chinese authorities reached agreement to jointly combat the trans-Pacific flow of fentanyl into Canada.

Highly potent and addictive, the analgesic is estimated to be up to 100 times stronger than morphine. The related drug carfentanil is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl.

Two milligrams of pure fentanyl (the size of about four grains of salt) is enough to kill the average adult.

Coroners have said the drugs were responsible for 2,000 deaths in Canada in 2015. An even higher number is expected this year.

Police busted six clandestine labs in Canada making fentanyl between 2011 and 2015, but now they say it is increasingly being ordered over the Internet and imported from overseas.
Ottawa (AFP) - Canada on Thursday rescinded travel restrictions on Mexicans, which were imposed in 2009 in an attempt to stem bogus refugee claims but became a major irritant in bilateral relations.

The move comes as President-elect Donald Trump looks to restrict illegal entries from Mexico to the United States by building a massive border wall.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised in June to scrap the restrictions after government figures showed Mexican asylum bids had fallen from a peak in 2008, when Mexicans accounted for one in four refugee claims, to below one percent.

That goodwill announcement was made during a visit by Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto for an annual North American summit.

On Thursday, Ottawa said getting rid of the visa requirement will boost tourism, and business travel between the two countries.
Cannabis-based products for pets are becoming a growing trend in Toronto , CBC News reported Wednesday.

Three Vancouver companies told CBC Toronto there is a lot of demand from people looking to move away from traditional medicines.

One dispensary owner told the publication that although the main ingredient is derived from pot, pets won't get high from the products.

"We sell straight CBD tinctures with absolutely zero THC. There are no psychotropic effects, only the medicinal benefits of CBD," the owner said.

He explained that CBD oil can be used to treat ailments such as inflammation, mood disorders, seizures and chronic pain in humans. He said it can help pets with the same problems, but without the intoxicating effects of THC.



Read the CBC News full report here.





More From CNBC


The meticulous records of Capt. James Cook, the intrepid British explorer famous for exploring Australia and the Hawaiian islands, have found a new and modern-day value: Helping climate change scientists understand the extent of sea ice loss in the icy Canadian Arctic, according to a new study.

Notes, charts and maps created by Cook and his crew during an Arctic expedition in August 1778 carefully documented the position and thickness of the ice barring the explorers' way. They were searching for a corridor that they thought would link the Pacific and northern Atlantic oceans and offer a new maritime trade route between Great Britain and the Far East.

Cook never found that route, known today as the Northwest Passage. But his observations and those of his crew provide the earliest recorded evidence of then-extensive summer ice cover in the Chukchi Sea. That part of the Arctic Ocean lies between Alaska and Russia. These records, when compared to modern observations of sea ice, indicate how dramatically Arctic ice cover has changed  particularly in recent years, according to study author Harry Stern, a researcher with the Polar Science Center at the University of Washington. [On Ice: Stunning Images of Canadian Arctic]

While Cook wasn't the first explorer to search for the Northwest Passage  nor was he the last  he was the first to chart the ice border that bisected the ocean north of the Bering Strait, Stern said in the study. Cook was also the first to attempt the approach from the Pacific side by traveling up the North American coast, Stern said.

At the time, finding this route  which would have expedited and strengthened trade with the Orient  was an especially urgent goal for Great Britain. In fact, the House of Parliament issued an act in 1745 offering a reward of up to 20,000 pounds (about $24,978 U.S.) for finding and mapping the passage, according to archives of the Royal Greenwich Observatory maintained by the University of Cambridge Digital Library.

Story continues

Stern, who studies climate and Arctic sea ice, researched Cook's journey for an essay the climate scientist contributed to the book "Arctic Ambitions: Captain Cook and the Northwest Passage" (University of Washington Press, January 2015). As Stern studied the archival documents from the 1778 voyage, he realized he was looking at the very first detailed maps of the ice edge in the Chukchi Sea, he said.

"Ten or twelve feet high"

Prior to Cook's expedition, maps of the area offered little detail or were spectacularly inaccurate; one Russian map that Cook used for reference indicated that Alaska was an island, Stern wrote.

Cook sailed through the Bering Strait on Aug. 11, 1778, but his progress was abruptly halted near Alaska on Aug. 18 by ice that was "as compact as a Wall and seemed to be ten or twelve feet high at least," he wrote in his journal.

In a journal entry the next day, Cook described tracking the edge of sea ice hidden in the fog by listening for the sounds of bellowing walruses, which he called "sea horses." Stern pointed out that this may be the first recorded use of remote sensing  obtaining information about a distant object by calculating energy it emits  to locate the position of sea ice.

An impenetrable wall

Cook scoured the edge of the ice wall for 11 days, but though he traveled as far west as the coast of Siberia, he couldn't find an opening. Forced to retreat south, Cook vowed to resume the search the following summer, but he never returned to the region, and died in Hawaii six months later.

Still, Cook's thwarted efforts collected important data about Arctic ice, the researchers said. His records of the impenetrable ice wall's location and scope were so accurate that the notes could be used in alignment with later maps. This helped scientists to clarify historical sizes and positions of the ice edge, and to determine how it varied over time, Stern said.

And over hundreds of years, the size of the icy wall Cook originally documented fluctuated somewhat from year to year but didn't shift dramatically  until the 1990s, Stern told UW Today. Since then, changes have been significant, he said.

"The summer ice edge in the Chukchi Sea is now hundreds of miles farther north than it used to be," Stern said.

It wasn't until the beginning of the 20th century that the Northwest Passage was navigated in its entirety  albeit in a relatively small ship  in an expedition led by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen between 1903 and 1906. And in 2007, with Arctic sea ice at its lowest levels in 30 years, the passage opened enough to accommodate large cargo ships and research vessels.

Might Cook have found that elusive passageway in 1778, if sea ice cover were more like it is today? Probably, Stern told UW Today  but that doesn't mean it would have been easy.

"One thing hasn't changed: It's still dangerous to navigate through ice-covered waters," Stern said.

The findings were published online Nov. 3 in the journal Polar Geography.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
[December 01, 2016] Agribotix FarmLens Drives Value for John Deere Dealers Around the World

BOULDER, Colo., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Agribotix, a leader in drone-enabled agricultural intelligence, announced that integration of its platform with the John Deere Operations Center has led to significant expansion of its international customer base, from North America to the South Pacific. The US-based maker of the award-winning Agribotix FarmLens SaaS platform that helps farmers increase yields and reduce costs said that its growing client roster includes the top two John Deere dealers in Australia, as well as dealers in Canada and the US market. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444633 Battle River Implement, an Alberta, Canada-based customer of Agribotix and a John Deere dealership, integrates via John Deere's API Services. "We chose Agribotix FarmLens data processing plus its Agrion agricultural drone system to offer our customers an affordable tool to help optimize their yield," said Matt Hansen, Integrated Solutions Manager. "Agribotix delivers superb Digital Scouting Reports, and pushing that data into their John Deere Operations Center account provides substantial value for farmers." Battle River is the most recent addition to the growing list of dealerships that are finding Agribotix solutions provide significant incremental benefits to their grower-customers. In addition to a substantial and growing base of Deere dealers in the US and Canada, Agribotix also works with other Deere dealers around the world. Emmetts, a Deere dealer in Australia and one of Agribotix's oldest customers, apprecates the increased customer interaction and value FarmLens delivers. "We selected Agribotix solutions as a way to increase the value we provide to our growers," said Matt Burns, Precision Ag. Solutions Manager with Emmetts. "By offering drones and field-specific analytic reports that integrate with the customers' John Deere Operations Center account, we're able to deliver insights to customers' production practices to assist with data-enabled decision making. The grower benefits from making well informed decisions, and Emmetts benefits from a stronger relationship with growers."



"Our goal is to make the Agribotix solution painless for John Deere dealer customers to adopt," said Jason Barton, VP of Sales for Agribotix. "Not only is our Agrion drone system built on the easy-to-operate DJI PHANTOM 3 drone, we have also integrated FarmLens with the Deere Operations Center farm management software system." The integration allows a user to push the Agribotix Digital Scouting Report directly into their Operations Center account. This report, the most intuitive and effective in the drone analytics market, combines whole-field evaluations with field-specific weather data and location-tagged photos and comments from scouts or agronomists. Agribotix offers a full range of "agriculture-only" products designed to boost a farmer's bottom line.

About Agribotix Founded in Boulder, Colorado, in 2013, Agribotix LLC delivers agricultural intelligence to increase yields and profits using drone-enabled technologies. All Agribotix solutions include FarmLens, a leading cloud-based data analysis and reporting solution for people using drones in agriculture. Outputs include agricultural intelligence maps for in-season fertilization, georeferenced reports that can be used to identify underperforming areas, and specialized reporting that supports precision agriculture programs. The FarmLens solution is available separately and in complete bundles including a drone system. For more information, visit www.agribotix.com or call (720) 295-3625. DJI and PHANTOM are trademarks of DJI. John Deere is a registered trademark of Deere & Company. Agribotix, FarmLens, and Agrion are trademarks of Agribotix, LLC. Media Contact:

Paul Hoff

Skype: paulhoff

Email: [email protected] Related Images image1.jpg image2.png Related Links Agribotix Web Site This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agribotix-farmlens-drives-value-for-john-deere-dealers-around-the-world-300371440.html SOURCE Agribotix

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BOCA RATON, FL / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / With the legalization of marijuana looming on many ballots across the country, Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne explains what the public should expect. Over the past few years, our country has retrieved much more data on the positive and negative effects of the use of marijuana. Marijuana is legal in a select number of states and has become legal in many others after voters voiced their opinions at the polls in early November. We as citizens need to be educated on how marijuana will affect the average person's life, particularly on our roadways, says Boca Raton car accident lawyer Joe Osborne.

According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety "Fatal crashes involving drivers that recently used marijuana doubled in Washington after the state legalized the drug" This AAA statistic can certainly be explained by both sides of the pro and anti-marijuana conversation, but no one can argue that it adds an ever-growing variable to the roadways. The ideal situation for someone who gets behind the wheel is one that allows them to get to their destination without any injury or damage to their vehicle.

Additionally, as the use of marijuana is legalized more people who had previously followed the law will venture to try marijuana. With the number of users rising it doesn't seem that long until more people will get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence. Instead of being drunk, they might be high or both. Neither of those two mental states seems like a preferred one to the rest of the public who you may share the road with.

Even though in 2015 the Drug and Alcohol Dependence Journal came out with a study that "viewed through a simulator and studied that individuals who drank alcohol were more likely to swerve out of their lane than pot smokers." This quote may or may not support the Marijuana or Alcohol proponents but the objective of the study essentially is to find out what drug affects decision-making more.

Those who do follow the law and remain sober while driving will have to be aware of the possibility of increasing dangers says top car accident lawyer Joe Osborne. The best recommendation we can give is to drive in a defensive manner as well as make sure you seek legal advice if you're met with these unwanted circumstances.

As the law changes in the upcoming months and marijuana does become legal it is also important to know if there is a legal limit in your state (ex: Alcohol is .08), and how much marijuana you are allowed to carry on your person. If you do happen to be involved in a car accident and marijuana plays a role in the accident or injury it's important to pursue the best car accident lawyer; Joe Osborne and his car accident law firm thoroughly investigate your case and work to achieve a successful outcome.

Society can agree that drugs and alcohol should never be used while operating a vehicle. Not only are you putting your life in danger but you are risking the life of many innocent men, women, and children. Unfortunately, the citizens of this country will be forced to adjust to the abundance of high drivers.

If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident due to a driver under the influence in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach Counties and have any questions about accident law, contact Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne at (561) 800-4011 or fill out this online contact form. You can discuss your case, how the law may apply and your best legal options to protect your rights and obtain compensation for your injuries.

Press Contact:

Personal injury lawyer Joseph Osborne

561-800-4020

source: http://www.oa-lawfirm.com/car-accident-lawyer-will-legalization-weed-make-roads-dangerous/

SOURCE: Personal injury lawyer Joseph Osborne via Submit Press Release 123
By David Shepardson and Ginger Gibson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - United Technologies Corp's Carrier unit said on Wednesday it got financial incentives from Indiana and a pledge from President-elect Donald Trump to improve the climate for business in the United States in exchange for keeping more than 1,000 jobs in the state rather than moving them overseas. The heating and air-conditioning unit of the industrial and military conglomerate did not give a value for the financial incentives, but a source briefed on the matter said it was a fraction of the $65 million that Carrier planned to save by moving production to Mexico. The deal, an outline of which was announced late on Tuesday, is a win for Trump as he seeks to make good on his popular campaign message of persuading companies to keep jobs in the United States. More details are expected on Thursday when Trump visits the Carrier plant in Indianapolis. Hammered out by United Technologies CEO Gregory Hayes, Trump and Vice President-elect and Indiana Governor Mike Pence, the deal lets the incoming administration claim an early victory before it takes office on Jan. 20. It allows the company to dodge some public backlash and avoid a drawn-out fight with Trump, who vowed to punish U.S. companies that shifted jobs abroad. Perhaps more importantly for both, it helps set the tone of a business-friendly administration ready to ease regulations and cut U.S. corporate taxes. Today's announcement is possible because the incoming Trump-Pence administration has emphasized to us its commitment to support the business community and create an improved, more competitive U.S. business climate, Carrier said in a statement on Wednesday. It said the incentives offered by the state were an "important consideration." TAX SLASH? Steven Mnuchin, Trump's pick for U.S. Treasury secretary and co-author of the president-elects tax plan, and Wilbur Ross, Trump's nominee for commerce secretary, on Wednesday reinforced the sweeping proposals Trump put forward in September to simplify the tax code and slash the corporate tax rate to 15 percent, cutting the top rate for all businesses from the present 35 percent. Our first priority is going to be the tax plan... lowering corporate taxes so we make U.S. companies the most competitive in the world, making sure we repatriate trillions of dollars back to the United States, Mnuchin told reporters at the Trump Tower in New York City on Wednesday. He said the deal with Carrier showed that the incoming administration will have open communications with business leaders. The deal will save only about half of the 2,100 jobs that Carrier said in February it would cut in closing two Indiana plants. The manufacturer said the forces of globalization will continue to require solutions for the long-term competitiveness of the U.S. and of American workers moving forward. Trumps intervention in the Carrier case raises the question of whether he will step in whenever manufacturing jobs are lost. By negotiating a deal with one company, Trump could come under pressure to do similar deals with other companies, said Alex Major, a partner at law firm McCarter & English. That could result in what he called a revolving door of trick or treaters at the White House, looking for handouts as they threaten to move jobs overseas. Aside from Carrier, Indiana businesses have outsourced at least 3,660 jobs since the middle of last year, Labor Department figures show. Senator Joe Donnelly, an Indiana Democrat, noted that there are two other companies closing two Indiana factories, including one a mile from the Carrier plant in Indianapolis that is expected to move to Mexico. OTHER COMPANIES IN CROSSHAIRS Oreo cookie maker Mondelez International, another company Trump has accused of shipping jobs overseas, told Reuters it has not heard from Trump since the election. Apple Inc , another Trump target on the campaign trail, which makes the vast bulk of its electronics in Asia, has made an attempt to reach out to the president-elect. Trump told the New York Times he had received a call from Apple CEO Tim Cook. He said he told Cook he would like to see Apple build a big plant in the United States," according to the Times report, with the help of incentives and a very large tax cut for corporations. Apple did not answer questions about the call between Trump and Cook, but it did note that it employs 80,000 people directly in the United States. Carrier declined to disclose the exact size of the incentives for keeping jobs in the state. "It's a modest state tax credit utilizing existing state tax tools; nothing new," an Indiana state official told Reuters. "It would be the same kind of package that would be considered for any other company that would come in," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the incentives have not yet been made public. Carrier still plans to close a factory in Huntington, Indiana, that employs 700 people making controls for heating, cooling and refrigeration and move the jobs to Mexico by 2018. (Reporting by David Shepardson, Ginger Gibson and Mike Stone in Washington; Additional reporting by Tracy Rucinski, Karen Pierog and Renita Young in Chicago; Editing by Soyoung Kim and Bill Rigby)
A high-profile attorney who once represented Casey Anthony has been arrested for allegedly conspiring to smuggle 1,500 kilograms of cocaine into the U.S., PEOPLE confirms.

According to a federal complaint obtained by PEOPLE, Todd Macaluso, 54, was arrested on November 14 in Haiti along with two other men: Carlos Vasquez and Humberto Contreras.

The complaint alleges the three men planned to fly from Haiti to Ecuador, pick up cocaine, and then transport it to Honduras to subsequently be imported into the United States.

 PEOPLEs special edition True Crime Stories: Cases that Shocked America is out now.

The complaint alleges that Macaluso was captured on a recording in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, telling the two co-defendants that the corporate jet he had just arrived in from Orlando had the cargo space and heft to carry the drugs.

Haitian authorities arrested the three men. They were flown to New York five days later. A judge ordered Macaluso to be held without bail, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

 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.

Its not Macalusos first brush with the law. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to defrauding clients and was sentenced to five months in prison.

Macaluso represented Anthony when she was accused of murdering her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee. He worked on her case for about a year before ultimately stepping down. After Anthonys acquittal and release from jail, he provided the private jet Anthony used to leave Orlando.

Attorneys for Macaluso did not respond to PEOPLEs request seeking comment. He has requested a preliminary hearing for December 5 to enter a plea.




By Sarah N. Lynch (Reuters) - The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission failed to verify whether futures and swaps brokerage firms have adequate policies to help ward off cyber attacks, an internal CFTC audit found. The audit was completed in October by Brown & Company CPAS and Management Consultants PLLC at the request of the CFTC's inspector general. It found that the CFTC, in conducting cyber security examinations of the firms, did not employ a "risk-based approach" to "independently test results of the cybersecurity assessments" it did. Cyber security has been deemed one of the biggest threats to the U.S. financial system. The audit was posted online after Reuters requested it through a Freedom of Information Act request. Auditors took issue with the method the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight used when it conducted cyber security exams. They said the CFTC merely asked the brokers for information about their cyber security policies and procedures without checking to see if the information was accurate. "Validating registrant data submitted in the assessments can enhance the agency's ability to effectively deploy its limited staff resources and may reduce cybersecurity risks," the audit said. The finding sparked sharp disagreement with the CFTC, which in a response to the audit defended its exams and disputed the way the watchdog characterized them. "Due to budgetary constraints, the creation of an independent testing program is not feasible," the CFTC said. High-profile hacks, including an $81 million heist from the central bank of Bangladesh and attacks against major banks like JP Morgan and retailers like Target, have put the spotlight on the issue and prompted regulators to step up scrutiny of the firms they oversee. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2014 said it was making cybersecurity a focal point of its compliance examinations. It has since conducted two rounds of sweeps to ensure that brokerages and wealth managers are taking steps to safeguard sensitive customer information. The CFTC based its cyber security reviews of 48 futures firms and 49 swap dealers on the SEC's cyber examination initiative, the audit said. The SEC's practice has been to ask a series of questions, request supporting documentation to verify the information and, in some cases, visit the firms. The audit concluded that the CFTC's efforts fell short compared with the SEC's methods because of the lack of verification. The CFTC sharply refuted that claim, saying its approach to assessing the firms was "virtually identical" to that employed by the SEC and much more than simply a "request for information." The audit also made other recommendations, including urging firms to file sensitive information to the CFTC using a secure connection. That practice was implemented in late September. It also recommended that the CFTC urge brokers to increase the frequency of their own internal and external penetration tests. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Dan Grebler)
We have good news and bad news: The good news is that theres a new model-approved fashion trend taking over. The bad news? Its in the form of thigh high black leather chaps, paired with light-wash denim  a look that Karlie Kloss, Kendall Jenner, and Gigi Hadid are all standing behind.

Yesterday, Kendall Jenner gallivanted around Paris before the Victorias Secret Fashion Show, wearing none other than a confusing combination of denim shorts, mesh Christian Louboutin booties, and a thigh-high leather piece up her legs. We investigated, and the conclusion is clear: shes wearing chaps.

But it wouldnt be a true Paris outing without a matching KenGi moment  which is why Kendalls look seems to have inspired BFF Gigi Hadid to hop on the bandwagon as well. The model stepped out for her VS rehearsal wearing black over-the-knee boots and denim shorts. In other words, shes slowly creeping her way into chap territory. Hadid paired the look with a gray hoodie and denim jacket, taking a sportier approach to the trend than her BFF.

RELATED PHOTOS: Almost Show Time! Behind the Scenes with the Victorias Secret Fashion Show Squad

Apparently, Karlie Kloss didnt want to miss out on a VS squad moment  because even though the model isnt in Paris for the show this year, she wore the uniform nonetheless. The model sported a black leather pair of chap-inspired boots from Rihannas Denim Desserts collection with Manolo Blahnik, paired with  you guessed it  a pair of light-wash jeans. She paired the look with an Adidas tank, pulling off a look similar to Hadids.

And if Klosss chaps look familiar, thats because the denim version has been worn by not only Rihanna, who designed them, but Jennifer Lopez as well. Lopez was gifted a pair by Rihanna, and wore them in her Aint Your Mama video.

Well, now you know what to add to your holiday wish list. (You might add massive amounts of confidence to that list while youre at it!)

What do you think of the look? Would you try it? Sound off below.




[December 01, 2016] Fitch Affirms Concord Hospital, NH's Revenue Bonds at 'A+'; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the 'A+' rating on the following bonds issued by the New Hampshire Health and Educational Facilities Authority on behalf of Concord Hospital (Concord): --$45.5 million revenue bonds, series 2013A; --$33.7 million revenue bonds, series 2011A. The Rating Outlook is Stable. SECURITY The bonds are secured by the gross revenue of Concord's obligated group. KEY RATING DRIVERS HEALTHY LIQUIDITY METRICS: As of Sept. 30, 2016, Concord held $288.7 million of unrestricted cash and investments, equaling a strong 258 days cash on hand (DCOH), 23.9x cushion ratio, and 304% of debt, all exceeding Fitch's 'A' category medians. Concord also has $48 million of restricted funds to support operations and capital spending. LOW DEBT POSITION: Maximum annual debt service (MADS) of $12 million represents a manageable 2.7% of total revenues in fiscal 2016 (unaudited Sept. 30 year-end). Additionally, debt to EBITDA of 1.4x remains favorably below Fitch's 'A' category median of 2.9x. Concord's low direct debt burden is somewhat offset by its growing defined benefit pension liability which totaled $85.1 million as of Sept. 30, 2016 for a 69% funded status. CONSISTENT FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: Concord's financial performance is steady, with the operating EBITDA margin at 9.6% in fiscal 2015 and 9.7% for unaudited fiscal year 2016. Profitability remained healthy in fiscal 2016 despite $2.6 million of increased losses under New Hampshire's Medicaid Enhancement Tax program and the termination of a professional service agreement with a large physician group. Medical staff additions, strong volume gains and lower average length of stay supported fiscal 2016's results. LEADING MARKET PROFILE: Concord enjoys a leading inpatient market position in a favorable service area in the state of New Hampshire's capital city. The most recent data indicated about 70% inpatient market share with the closet competitors located about 18 miles south in Manchester with a modest penetration of Concord's primary service area. RATING SENSITIVITIES FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND POSITION: Fitch expects Concord Hospital to maintain earnings and debt service coverage at or around historical levels. Plans for heightened capital spending are expected to moderate liquidity growth, but Concord Hospital maintains the balance sheet flexibility to absorb the investments. The potential for a $50 million borrowing in fiscal 2018 will be evaluated when plans are finalized, but Fitch notes that Concord Hospital has some debt capacity at the current rating level. CREDIT PROFILE Concord Hospital is a 295-bed acute care hospital located on a 111-acre campus in Concord, NH, approximately 65 miles north of Boston, MA. Total revenues in fiscal 2016 were approximately $447.7 million. Located in the capital of New Hampshire, Concord benefits from a stable population and employment base that includes federal, state, and local government employees. Concord defines its primary service area (PSA) as 25 surrounding cities and towns, where it garners significant market share. In 2010 (most recent data available), the hospital had a leading inpatient market share of over 70% in its PSA. The next closest competitors are Elliot Hospital, located about 18 miles south in Manchester, and Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital (part of Dartmouth-Hitchcock, rated 'A'/Stable Outlook), located in Lebanon, NH, which both had about 8% inpatient market share in the PSA. As a result of employed medical staff additions and reduced average length of stay, inpatient business has grown over the past few years. Admissions (14.1%) and observation cases (7.7%) increased from fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2016. Additionally, outpatient volumes have experienced solid growth. This is despite the termination of a professional services agreement with an affiliated physician clinic of Dartmouth-Hitchcock. The clinic remains physically located adjacent to Concord's main hospital and continues to admit patients to the hospital. Management reports some reduction in ancillary services volume, but relations remain positive. Concord's financial profile is characterized by a consistent operating performance and a robust balance sheet. Profitability is solid and steady, with the operating EBITDA margins averaging a healthy 10% from fiscal 2013-2016, which compares well to Fitch's 10.3% 'A' category median. Bottom-line earnings are boosted by steady investment returns with EBITDA margins averaging 12.6% over the last four years and equaling Fitch's 'A' category median. Good cash flow and a manageable debt burden results in very good MADS coverage of 4.7x in fiscal 2015 and 5.7x for the unaudited fiscal year 2016. Despite approximately $29 million of unrealized losses during the past few fiscal years, stable earnings and manageable capital expenses resulted in growing cash balances. As of Sept. 30, 2016, Concord held $288.7 million of unrestricted cash and investments, up from $221.9 million at the end of fiscal 2012. Capital plans are expected to accelerate over the next few years for information systems ($22 million), parking garage ($10.5 million) and a new specialty care medical office building ($50 million). As a result, liquidity is expected to moderate and Concord anticipates a debt issuance to fund the medical office building in fiscal 2018. Fitch notes that Concord does have some debt capacity at the current rating level, but will evaluate the project and proposed debt plans once plans are finalized.



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December is a tough month to focus on home maintenance. Theres so much holiday cheer to hang up and drink down that doing routine chores seems like a wet blanket over the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Festivus spirit. But you can give yourself an early holiday present by doing just a few maintenance tasks before cold weather truly sets in.

Weve created a handy checklist of home maintenance tasks that need to be completed this month, plus tips for how to do them faster and easieror with the help of a pro.

Watch: Tis the Season to Tackle These 3 Easy Home Maintenance Tasks

Check these to-do items off your list, then sit back with a few mugs of eggnog and enjoy the rest of the year. (Tip: Dont drink while operating a snowblower. Youll thank us later!)

1. Snow removal

Task: Clear snow and ice from walkways.



Shortcut: To use a snowblower and avoid constantly having to adjust the chute, start in the middle of the driveway and blow the snow to one side, then make a U-turn and blow the snow to the other side. (Yep, its that simple.) Just make sure to fuel and oil up your snowblower now, in case its suddenly needed.]

If youre using a shovel, clear the snow after every 2 or 3 inches of snowfall, which is significantly better for your back, heart, and general disposition than trying to lift a foot or more of snow.

Call in the pros: Hiring a neighborhood kid will probably cost you $25 and a cup of hot chocolate. Hiring a professional will cost $40 to $65, depending on the length of your driveway and the depth of the snow. Its best to contract with a snow-removal service at the beginning of the snowy season (read: now) and pin down a price. The last thing you want is to beg a plow driver to clear your driveway after a blizzard, when hes the most in demand.

2. Prevent ice damming

Task: Prevent ice dams in your gutter and on your roof, which can push water into your home.



Shortcut: If you live in a frigid or snowy climate, you can install heating cables along the edge of your roof to keep snow runoff from freezing. Fifty feet of cable costs about $230.

Story continues

Call in the pros: A roofing company will install heating cables on your roof for, on average, $817. If your roof is particularly steep or big, youll pay more.

3. Beef up insulation

Task: Check attic insulation to make sure it hasnt deteriorated or flattened, which will reduce its efficiency.



Shortcut: Look across your attic, and see if the insulation is level with the attic floor joists, or if its packed belowwhich indicates you need more. (If its packed down below the top of the joists, then it loses some of its insulation power.) The cheapest way to beef up insulation is to lay down fiberglass batts, which cost about $100 to $500 for an 800-square-foot open attic.

Call in the pros: Putting down insulation is labor-intensive and can be messy. You can hire a company to insulate an 800-square-foot attic for $400 to $1,800, depending on the type and insulating value of the material you choose.

4. Put up/take down holiday decorations

Save time next year by winding your lights around a cord holder this year. quavondo/iStock

Task: Before you hang decorations, make sure to replace your old, incandescent lightbulbs with LED lights, which stay cooler and decrease fire risk.

Shortcut: If you hang lights in the same place each year, install permanent hangers, which will save time every year thereafter. When you take down the lights, keep them from tangling by winding them around a cord holder or heavy cardboard, or threading them in and around an old Pringles can.

Call in the pros: The cost of hiring pros to light up your home like the Griswolds will vary from place to place and depend on the size of the project. For instance, this San Antonio, TX, company charges $149 to $1,399 to hang lights you own. Take-down prices range from $99 to $299.

5. Get your home ready for guests

Task: Spruce up your guest room for your friends and family. Launder sheets and blankets for the holiday rush.

Shortcut: You can buy brand-new beddingcomforter, sheets, pillowcasesfor less than $50, which will give rooms a new look and feel. Fill a basket with bottles of water, bags of nuts, and tiny tubes of shampoo and conditioner youve taken from hotels (cmon, we know were not the only ones doing it).

Call in the pros: Hire a cleaning service to help out. A one-time cleaning of a 1,300-square-foot, single-story home runs $95 to $300.

6. Clean the chimney

Task: This is a must-do, regardless of whether you are burning wood logs or have a gas fireplace. If you havent gotten a chimney sweep yet this year, nows the time to get on it before you fire that baby updirty chimneys are a leading cause of house fires. (Pro tip: To keep things clean year-round, remove fireplace ash after each blaze. If you have a compost pile, throw ashes there, which will help make luscious soil.)

Shortcut: You can clean the chimney yourself, but it isnt for the faint of heart. Youll need plastic sheeting and tape, several types of chimney brushes, safety gear, and a reliable ladderplus a willing desire to climb on top of your roof. Does this sound like you?

Call in the pros: We recommend this route to make sure your chimney has gotten the full work-up before you set a Yuletide log ablaze. The standard chimney inspection costs about $100 to $250, depending on roof accessibility and the type of chimney you have.

7. Prevent icy hazards

Task: Take steps to deal with any home issues that could prove dangerous in icy weather. Turn off water to exterior spigots, drain them, and leave them open throughout the winter to minimize chances of frozen, burst pipes. Make sure outdoor stair railings arent wobbly, which could cause someone to slip and fall on iced-over steps. Wrap exposed piping in your basement and garage with heat tape, which will keep water flowing freely in cold snaps. Trim overhanging branches that could cause roof damage if they snap under the weight of snow or ice.

Shortcut: If branches arent too large or hard to reach, use a pole saw or pruner. Just dont venture onto the roof to get the job done.

Call in the pros: Tree limb removal costs vary, but its usually between $50 and $75.

8. Get rid of critters

Task: We mentioned this one last month, but it bears repeating during these frigid months. Squirrels, rats, and raccoons will crawl through any hole or crack in your toasty attic to stay warm. If you hear the patter of little feet overhead, or notice that the instant ramen in your pantry has mysteriously been invaded, youll have to set traps or lay poison.

Shortcut: Its so much easier to keep pests out than to chase them away. Inspect your homes exterior to make sure vents are covered, holes are patched, and cracks are sealed.

Call in the pros: Most animal removal companies will get rid of pests for you, but for a hefty price. If you have squirrels, for example, youll pay $300 to $1,500 for a professional to inspect, set traps, remove said squirrels, and seal entry points. Now, go enjoy the holidays already!

The post Check Yourself: Home Maintenance Tasks You Need to Tackle in December appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com.
China officially established a new national steelmaking leader -- the world's second-largest manufacturer -- on Thursday by merging two giant mills, as Beijing pushes consolidation in the industry to combat overcapacity.

Shanghai-based Baosteel Group and Wuhan Iron and Steel Group, in the central province of Hubei, were combined to create China Baowu Steel Group, second only to Paris-listed ArcelorMittal.

Its birth was marked with a ceremony in Shanghai attended by top national government and company officials.

The combined new entity will have total assets of 730 billion yuan ($105.9 billion) and 228,000 employees, a Baowu statement said.

The two firms' combined steel topped 60 million tonnes last year, according to data from the World Steel Association, exceeding that of previous national leader Hesteel.

Baosteel, which had been China's No. 2 steelmaker, has issued new stock to existing shareholders of Wuhan Iron and Steel to absorb the company.

The new group's focus will be to "improve the international competitiveness" of China's steel industry, said Ma Guoqiang, Baowu's chairman.

Chinese steel demand has slumped as economic growth slows and the global steel industry is hit by a glut.

The crisis has seen manufacturers in Asia, Europe and the US suffer huge losses and led to political frictions between trading partners and accusations of dumping.

Beijing has vowed to eliminate 100-150 million tonnes of capacity -- out of a total of 1.2 billion tonnes -- by 2020.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's ruling Communist Party has issued new rules to push its fight against deeply entrenched corruption, telling senior officials to travel "without pomp", not to have too many staff and not take too many holidays. President Xi Jinping has waged war against graft since assuming office four years ago, warning, like others before him, that the problem is so severe it could weaken the party's grip on power. The party has already cracked down on what it terms extravagance, hedonism and bureaucratism. The new rules, issued late on Wednesday, further formalize practices and guidelines already generally in effect. Top officials should "travel without pomp, minimize impact on public life, and not have vehicles exceeding the set standards", say the rules, which were released by the official Xinhua news agency. Holidays should be limited and properly approved, the "right" number of staff should be employed, relatives and employees must be "strictly constrained" and top officials should not delay leaving their offices on retirement, the rules state. The Politburo, one of the party's elite ruling bodies headed by Xi, would be the first to follow the rules, and Xi himself is leading by example, Xinhua said. "To forge an iron, one must be strong oneself," it said. "Whatever you demand others do, you should first do yourself; whatever you forbid others to do, you should firmly forbid to yourself," it said. Government departments should now draft detailed plans to implement the new rules and strengthen supervision, which should be implemented without compromise, it said. China does not have an independent anti-corruption body and insists the party and the government can police themselves. Xi's crackdown on corruption has moved in recent months away from high-profile officials to weeding out daily corruption at the grass roots, making almost anyone a potential target. The drive for a clean party, referred to in official documents as "intra-party supervision", was the focus of a four-day meeting of senior party officials in Beijing in October, which concluded by anointing Xi as "core" leader of the party. On Wednesday, the party also adopted measures on what it refers to as "democratic life" to ensure officials have the "correct political consciousness". The measures have important meaning for "guiding members and party leaders to firmly establishing political, overall and core consciousness", Xinhua said. "Authorities should organize 2016 annual democratic life meetings to analyze party members' integrity by criteria such as loyalty, honesty, frugality and whether they insist on seeking truth from facts," it added. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Paul Tait)
ULAANBAATAR (Reuters) - A major border crossing between China and Mongolia has imposed new fees on commodity shipments between the two countries, amid a diplomatic row sparked by the visit to Ulaanbaatar of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama last week. The Dalai Lama is cherished as a spiritual leader in predominantly Buddhist Mongolia, but China regards him as a dangerous separatist and warned the visit could damage bilateral relations. The crossing at Gashuun Sukhait is used to export copper from the giant Oyu Tolgoi mine run by Rio Tinto, as well as coal from the Tavan Tolgoi mine, which China's state-owned Shenhua Group is currently in the running to develop. The crossing in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia would charge vehicles a transit fee of 10 yuan ($1.45) each time they pass through the border, and would also impose an additional charge of 8 yuan per tonne for any goods they are delivering, according to a notice issued by local authorities and published by the Mongolian Mining Journal on Wednesday. For precious metals and copper concentrate worth more than 10,000 yuan per tonne, exporters would be charged 0.2 percent of the total value of the cargo, the notice said, adding that the new charges would come into effect on Dec 1. Dale Choi, an independent mining analyst in Ulaanbaatar, said 900 trucks pass through Gashuun Sukhait every day, adding that around 133,000 tonnes of copper concentrate is delivered into China every month via the crossing. Local government officials contacted by Reuters on Thursday could not confirm the veracity of the announcement, but a senior industry representative in Ulaanbaatar who is familiar with the matter said the new charges were now in effect. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang did not confirm whether or not the new border fees were connected to the Dalai Lama's visit, saying that he was unaware of the situation. "As for the Dalai Lama's visit to Mongolia, China has expressed its position many times," he said at the ministry's regular press briefing on Thursday. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959. Beijing regards him as a "splittist", though he says he merely seeks genuine autonomy for his Himalayan homeland, which Communist Chinese troops "peacefully liberated" in 1950. Geng said in a statement last month that Mongolia needed to "adopt effective measures to eliminate the negative effects of the Dalai Lama's visit". The diplomatic repercussions could hit Mongolia hard, with the crisis-hit government desperate to boost economic ties with its powerful southern neighbor and use Chinese investment and knowhow to kickstart key mining and infrastructure projects. China has already postponed a Nov. 28 meeting between the two sides, Mongolian government spokesman G. Otgonbayar said via Twitter last week. Mongolian government officials are due to hold talks on Friday with international partners, including the International Monetary Fund and the Development Bank of China, to discuss Mongolia's currency and balance of payments crisis. (This story has been corrected to change foreign ministry spokesman's response to "unaware of situation" from "aware of situation" in paragraph 8) (Reporting by Terrence Edwards in ULAANBAATAR and David Stanway in SHANGHAI, Additional Reporting by Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Editing by Nick Macfie)
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Governor Chris Christie speaks to supporters in West Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. January 31, 2016. REUTERS/Brian C. Frank/File Photo

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie may want to become the next chairman of the Republican National Committee, according to Politico.

Christie has expressed interest in the position to President-elect Donald Trump's transition team, sources told Politico.

The current RNC chairman, Reince Priebus, is stepping down to become Trump's chief of staff in the White House.

In recent weeks, it has become clear that it's unlikely Christie will be offered a position in Trump's administration. He was previously heading up Trump's transition team, but was reportedly forced out of the position after clashing with others on the team.

Christie has previously insisted that he will finish out his term as governor, which ends in January 2018.

NOW WATCH: Clinton's and Trump's final ads perfectly explain how different they are





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Chris Pratt may be the next George Clooney  when it comes to playing pranks, at least. In response to fans demands for pics featuring the actor alongside his Passengers co-star Jennifer Lawrence, he began posting away. The only catch? Lawrence is artfully hidden from view in one way or another. It all began on Wednesday, when the 37-year-old star posted a selfie with Lawrence in which he cropped out half her face.

Finally got that selfie with Jen y'all wanted. #passengersmovie A photo posted by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on Nov 29, 2016 at 7:06am PST

Finally got that selfie with Jen yall wanted, he victoriously declared. J.Law and Pratt have been globe-trotting together as they promote the flick, which opens later this month. (Pratts better half, actress Anna Faris, has also been along for part of the ride, as evidenced by photos on his Instagram feed in which she is not cut out.)

In another pic, Pratt says hes just hanging with his bestie Jen. Jen, however, has her back to the camera and is clearly talking to someone else entirely.

Just hanging with my bestie Jen. #passengersmovie A photo posted by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on Nov 30, 2016 at 2:57am PST

Later, he posted yet another shot with 24-year-old Lawrence cropped out.

Here Jen and I pose with @elrubiuswtf A photo posted by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on Nov 30, 2016 at 6:54am PST

In case youre wondering, @elrubiuswtf is a Spanish YouTube personality noted for his coverage of gameplay and video blogs. (He posted his own version of this photo with Lawrences entire face in view, for what thats worth.)

Rather than the prank dying out, it seems its only gaining steam, as Pratt took it to the next level while on their London stop, by sharing a video featuring Lawrence. For the record, keeping someones face out of a video is harder than cutting that person out of a picture. He has some serious skills.

Heres an extremely artistic and meaningful video I made in which Jen is heavily featured, Pratt explained. In the video, the actor swings a tray with glasses on it around in circles while Lawrence hovers in the background. Though she can be heard at the very start mumbling something to the effect of Oh, right, after that, the video goes into silent slow motion (which is probably the artistic angle Pratt referenced in his description).

Story continues

Here's an extremely artistic and meaningful video I made in which Jen is heavily featured. #passengersmovie A video posted by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on Dec 1, 2016 at 3:37am PST

Perhaps the best part of this ongoing prank is that, since J.Law is not on social media (bless her), she may never know its happening. One can only hope that her ignorance will encourage Pratt to keep it going as long as possible because perhaps the only thing better than a high-concept science fiction rom-com for the holidays, is this:




Chris Pratt spoke about how Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 helped him grieve his father and its too much

Warning, youre totally going to need a tissue for this one. Chris Pratt has spoken about how filming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 helped him deal with his fathers death and its just too much.

While Chris Pratt might usually make us smile with his adorable and goofy Instagram pics and videos, the star isnt afraid to broach serious topics, especially when it comes to his family. That actor and father often shares videos of his 4-year-old son Jack, and last year he paid tribute to his late father, who died in 2014, on Twitter and how he impacted his parenting skills.

Now Chris has opened up about how filming the sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy helped him face his grief and its emotional.

Speaking to British GQ, the star said that he was initially reluctant to face his problems, but he was glad that he did.

The truth is I ripped open some wounds that had been healing for some time. And I didnt want to. But I knew it was right for the moment, he said. There are wounds that are never going to be totally healed. It would probably make for a better story if it was some emotional thing that I hadnt dealt with When we face the death of a parent, you sometimes feel regret that you didnt fully embrace what you had.

Your to do list:

1)have kids

2)play outside

3)teach them to fish

4)take pictures



Thanks Dad. Miss you man. pic.twitter.com/xvc83AMiSr  chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) September 5, 2015

Speaking to American GQ last year, the star opened up about what it was like losing his father while filming Jurassic World.

Given that he was playing the lead, Chris said that felt responsible to keep attitudes positive on set.

I compartmentalized it all and dealt with it in my own way, but not openly for people to see. I got pretty angry and got drunk and almost got in a fight with a drug dealer outside of my hotel room, he said.

Continuing, he went on to say that his dad was an old school dad who taught him and his brother to be tough.

In his own way he let me know that he was proud of me, he said. He didnt really react in any way, one way or another, but he was definitely proud. If I was on TV, he watched everything I was in. So it felt like I was able to communicate with him through doing work that was on TV.

I love Parisian artwork. I find it so inspiring. For instance I saw this painting behind me and was inspired to sit exactly like her. #passengersmovie A photo posted by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on Nov 29, 2016 at 6:33am PST

While were excited to see Chris in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, were also so glad that through his work he was able to address whatever issues he was facing. Its great to hear that hes managed to tackle his grief and were so impressed with his bravery for speaking out about it.

We love you Chris!

The post Chris Pratt spoke about how Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 helped him grieve his father and its too much appeared first on HelloGiggles.
[December 01, 2016] CompuCom Names Dan Stone as Chief Executive Officer

CompuCom Systems, Inc. ("CompuCom"), a leading technology infrastructure services company, today announced it has appointed Dan Stone as its new chief executive officer, effective November 28, 2016. Don Doctor, who has served as chief executive officer since January 2015, will serve on the company's board of directors as executive chairman of the parent company board. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005986/en/ Dan Stone is appointed CompuCom's Chief Executive Officer (Photo: Business Wire) "Dan and I have been working closely together while he established and led CompuCom's End-User Enablement business, and his strategic thinking, vision and focus on end users make him the perfect choice to lead the company," noted Doctor. "I'm excited about Dan and the talented group of leaders we now have in place, and the direction they are taking the business." Stone previously served for two years as EVP and president, End-User Enablement, a core strength in CompuCom's portfolio that helps IT executives manage the convergence of social interaction, mobility, Big Data and cloud - empowering end users as they interact with each other and their information. "CompuCom is at an exciting time in its evolution and I'm poud to have the opportunity to lead our team," said Stone. "Don has been instrumental in transforming the company over the past couple of years and bringing it to the place it is today, and I look forward to continuing that transformation."



Prior to joining CompuCom, Stone served as president and general manager of Lenovo (News - Alert) Latin America, a $3B business division, where he led 7,000 employees across 15 countries and two continents, and operated six vertically integrated manufacturing sites. Previously, he was the chief strategy officer at Lenovo, leading the development and implementation of global corporate strategy technology investments, strategic partnerships/alliances, as well as post-merger management activities across the globe. Stone becomes chief executive officer as CompuCom increases its focus on helping companies around the world acquire, deploy and manage the technology and applications that their organizations require for development and service. The company is accelerating its presence in the automation space, with the planned acquisition of the IoT business of Extensys, a top provider of IoT solutions, and the integration of its core team. CompuCom also recently partnered with intelligent automation leader Arago to integrate Arago's problem-solving artificial intelligence solution, HIRO, into all of CompuCom's managed services solutions for the data center - enabling incidents to be diagnosed and remediated more quickly, efficiently and with greater certainty.

The company also expanded its partnership with Intel (News - Alert) to launch cloud-based managed services, making infrastructure management and managed security offerings affordable for organizations of any size. About CompuCom CompuCom Systems, Inc., a global company headquartered in Plano, Texas, provides IT managed services, infrastructure solutions, consulting and products to Fortune 1000 companies committed to enhancing their end users' experience. Founded in 1987, privately held CompuCom employs approximately 11,500 associates. For more information, visit www.compucom.com.  2016 CompuCom Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. CompuCom is a registered trademark of CompuCom Systems, Inc. Arago is a registered trademark of Arago, and is used with permission. Extensys is a registered trademark of Extensys, Inc., and is used with permission. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation, and is used with permission. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005986/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Cinelou Films has set an Oscar weekend release date of Feb. 24 for its Vera Farmiga-Jacob Tremblay comedy-drama Burn Your Maps, Variety has learned exclusively.

The film, directed by Jordan Roberts, centers on an American 8-year-old who declares to his parents that he is actually a Mongolian goat herder born in the wrong place. When he meets a similarly displaced Indian filmmaker, they journey east, seeking what they believe to be their true place in the world.

Its the same kind of quirky story as Little Miss Sunshine, and we think mature audience will respond  particularly with an opening on the Oscar weekend, said Mark Canton, who founded Cinelou in 2014 with Courtney Solomon.

Burn Your Maps is the fifth title from Cinelou, founded as a prestige label specializing in character-driven adult-targeted movies in the $10 million range. Since then, its released Jennifer Anistons dark comedy Cake and Eddie Murphys Mr. Church with Robert De Niros The Comedian set to open Jan. 13 through Sony Classics. Cake performed solidly in limited release with $2.9 million and Aniston received Golden Globe and SAG nominations. Mister Church was less successful with $685,000 via Freestyle.

On Wednesday, the Sundance Film Festival gave a competition slot on Jan. 21 to Cinelous military drama The Yellow Birds, starring Tye Sheridan, Jack Huston, Alden Ehrenreich, Jason Patric, Toni Collette, Jennifer Aniston. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling international distribution for a total of six Cinelou releases.

Burn Your Maps, which premiered in September at the Toronto International Film Festival, will open in two New York and two Los Angeles theaters on Feb. 24 before widening to somewhere between 350 and 600 locations. Canton and Solomon assert that their focus on quality material provides Cinelou with the momentum to continue attracting top talent  with plans to announce three more movie projects next year.

Actors are looking to do something besides superhero and franchise movies, Solomon said. And were really enjoying what were doing.

Story continues

Canton was a studio exec at Warner Bros. and was the chairman of Columbia Pictures in the 1990s. His producing credits include the 300 movies, Immortals, The Spiderwick Chronicles and Escape Plan.

Solomon was the head of genre specialist After Dark Films before joining Cinelou.

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According to a Bloomberg report, following Brexit, some of London-based equity and interest-rate derivatives traders of Citigroup Inc. C might be moved to Frankfurt. However, depending on negotiations between the U.K. and the European Union (EU), the plan might take a turnaround.



Several U.S. and Asian banks have their base in the U.K. that accommodates over 250 foreign banks for European operations. The country provides them an automatic passport to conduct business throughout all the 28 countries in the EU.



Brexit might lead to the termination of the passporting rights to the U.K. Therefore, with a majority of European employees in London, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPM and Morgan Stanley MS are planning to move their staff from London.



Possible locations considered by the U.S.-based banks to move their staff include Frankfurt, Ireland and Paris.



Per the report, Citigroup is in talks with the German financial regulator  BaFin to get regulatory approvals for moving the operations. Further, the U.S. lender has planned to move operations to the EU before the negotiation period ends. Therefore, the bank is in discussions with the European Central Bank and regulators in EU nations to transfer certain businesses.



We are evaluating our options as negotiations between the EU and U.K. continue, Edwina Frawley-Gangahar, a Citigroup spokeswoman said in an e-mailed statement. Considerable uncertainty remains over the nature of the U.K.s eventual exit from the EU, and therefore we have not taken any decisions at this point. London is, and will remain, our EMEA headquarters and a global hub for many of our businesses, she added.



However, spokesmen for BaFin and the European Central Bank refrained from commenting.



Since the financial crisis, Citigroups business has been adversely affected because of pressure from regulators and market forces. The bank has cut a number of jobs and branches since 2012, when Corbat became the CEO. The recent move will provide some relief to the investors.



Citigroup currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).



Stock to Consider



The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation BK has been witnessing upward estimate revisions for the last 60 days. So far this year, the companys share price has been up more than 18.6%. It carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



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Bamako (AFP) - Clashes between armed groups near the northern Malian city of Gao left at least one person dead and a dozen injured, and the local airport was closed after being hit in a jihadist attack, sources said.

Fighting erupted Thursday between the towns of Tessit and Intillit among unidentified militias, an elected official who asked not to named said.

The combattants were believed either to be aligned with the ex-rebel Azawad movement or with an ethnic Touareg group called Imghad or its pro-government ally, the official said.

The clashes were confirmed by a foreign security source who said the fighters were probably connected to groups involved in a peace process for Mali's volatile north.

The elected official earlier said that two had died in the fighting, but a number of sources later said that one person had been killed.

Meanwhile the UN mission to Mali (Minusma) announced that Gao airport -- a key transport hub -- had been shut down following a jihadist suicide attack on Tuesday night.

A car bomb destroyed prefabricated hangars used by the mission's aircraft, Minusma said in a statement.

Damage to the installations and debris on the runway "has made the airport unusable for the moment and it is temporarily closed," it said, adding that the clean-up would begin once the area was made safe.

Minusma said a second vehicle had been "abandoned in situ, containing 500 kilos (1,100 pounds) of explosives and other devices" and these needed to be neutralised.

The attack was claimed the same evening by the Algerian jihadist group of Mokhtar Belmokhtar, which said in a statement that the airport had been attacked as it was one of the most important sites used by foreign forces in Mali.

The one-eyed killer of hostages and a notorious Al-Qaeda ally in North Africa, Belmokhtar was reported to have been killed in a French air strike in southern Libya last month.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Monday a report in the Wall Street Journal that US intelligence helped France target the veteran jihadist.

Mali regained control of the northern cities from the jihadists after a French-led international military intervention in January 2013, but insurgents remain active across large parts of the region.
Oenophiles of the future could find themselves heading to the balmy terroir of the United Kingdom to sample the latest fine wines.

Warmer temperatures in the U.K. due to man-made climate change could make the country a leading wine producer by the end of the century, according to new research. The study, commissioned by the company Laithwaites Wine, evaluated how rain and temperature conditions are expected to change by 2100.

The study shows that conditions in central and eastern England may be ideal for Sauvignon Blanc while Scotland could produce Pinot Grigio. Britain already has a successful wine industry, with over 500 vineyards producing, among others, globally celebrated sparkling wines. But climate change could make higher elevations suitable for wine production.

Climate is critical to successful grape cultivation, says study author Mark Maslin, a professor at the University College London. This study could signal how we think long-term about British wine production and redraw the future wine map of the world.

The study provides new detail to a topic of frequent research. Previous studies have shown that global warming over the past several decades has actually helped French wine producers, but scientists also found that those benefits would like fade with increased warming.
Despite her failure to win the presidency over Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton's lead in the popular vote hit a new landmark Thursday. She has registered more than 2.5 million more votes than the president-elect, according to an analysis from Cook Political Report.

Clinton has garnered 65,152,112 votes, compared to Trump's 62,625,928. That's a margin of 2.53 million votes. The Democratic nominee's margin in the popular vote is also rapidly approaching 2 percentage points. It stood at 1.9 percentage points Thursday, up from 1.8 points the day prior and 1.7 points earlier in the week.

Trump, of course, is in the midst of transitioning to the White House because of a convincing win in the Electoral College. After smashing Clinton's so-called firewall of blue states, Trump won 306 electoral votes, easily surpassing the 270 needed to clinch the presidency. Trump picked up nearly every important swing state like Florida and North Carolina, while also flipping states most polling experts expected to lean blue such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

While Trump has begun to fill out his administration and is set to embark on a so-called thank you tour  during which he'll travel to states he won to hold rallies  many have refused to simply accept the results of the election.

Green Party nominee Jill Stein is perhaps chief among that group. She's launched a recount effort with plans to double-check results in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan amid reports of possible discrepancies with voting machines.

The recount is highly unlikely to change anything  the New York Times dubbed the effort the "longest of long shots"  but if Clinton, in fact, won those three states, it would take her to 278 electoral votes. Trump won Pennsylvania by 64,374 votes, Wisconsin by 22,177 and Michigan by 10,704, according to Cook Political Report.

Clinton's campaign said it saw no evidence of discrepancies but would help with Stein's recount effort in order to "ensure the process proceeds in a manner that is fair to all sides." Trump, meanwhile, has called the recount a "scam" perpetrated by the Green Party to fill its coffers.

Related Articles
A man who dressed up as a clown to cheer children trapped in war-devastated east Aleppo was reportedly killed in a missile strike on Tuesday.

Anas al-Basha, 24, worked at Space for Hope, a center that helps hundreds of Syrian children in the rebel-held region of Aleppo, Syria. On Tuesday, an air strike presumed to be from Russian or government forces killed al-Basha, the Associated Press reports.

He would act out skits for the children to break the walls between them, Samar Hijazi, who was al-Bashas supervisor at Space for Hope, told the AP. All of us in this field [of childcare] are exhausted, and we have to find strength to provide psychological support and continue with our work.

His death occurs as the 250,000 civilians trapped in Aleppo live in danger of airstrikes and lack access to food, hospital care or other necessities. Space for Hope provides counseling and other help for some of the 100,000 children caught in the war zone.

Anasrefused to leave Aleppo and decided to stay there to continue his work as a volunteer to help the civilians and give gifts for the children in the streets to bring hope for them, wrote Mahmoud al-Basha, who said he was Anas brother, the BBC reports.

The Russians and Assad regime killed my brother Anas. Anas who refused to leave Aleppo and decided to stay there to Posted by Mahmoud Al Basha on Wednesday, November 30, 2016

[AP]
By Jonathan Stempel and Nate Raymond

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Billionaire Steven A. Cohen's former hedge fund SAC Capital Advisors LP will pay $135 million to settle a lawsuit by investors in the drugmaker Elan Corp, who said they lost money because of insider trading by one of his portfolio managers.

The preliminary class-action settlement with SAC, now known as Point72 Asset Management LP, was filed on Wednesday with the federal court in Manhattan, and requires approval by U.S. District Judge John Koeltl.

It resolves claims over an estimated $275 million of illegal trading gains in Elan and the drugmaker Wyeth by Mathew Martoma, who worked at SAC's CR Intrinsic Investors unit, based on tips from a Michigan doctor about a 2008 Alzheimer's drug trial.

"We are pleased to have resolved this matter and close the books on this chapter of SAC-era litigation," Point72 spokesman Mark Herr said in a statement.

SAC pleaded guilty to fraud in 2013 and paid $1.8 billion in criminal and civil settlements with U.S. authorities. It settled with Wyeth shareholders for $10 million last December.

Martoma, meanwhile, is appealing his February 2014 insider trading conviction, while he serves a nine-year prison term.

Cohen, 60, was not criminally charged, but in January accepted a two-year ban on managing money for outside investors to end a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission civil probe into his supervision of Martoma.

That ban ends on Jan. 1, 2018, and no fine was imposed. Point72 is based in Stamford, Connecticut.

SAC and Cohen did not admit wrongdoing in settling with the former Elan investors, including purchasers of its American depositary receipts and stock options.

Perrigo Co bought Elan in 2013, while Pfizer Inc bought Wyeth in 2009.

Lawyers for the Elan investors plan to seek up to $35.1 million for legal fees and $2.8 million for costs, which would be drawn from the $135 million settlement, court papers show.

Cohen can donate leftover settlement funds to charities he chooses, with the consent of the Elan investors. He is worth $13 billion, Forbes magazine said.

The case is Kaplan et al v SAC Capital Advisors LP et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 12-09350.
The Colombian House gave final approval Wednesday to a revised peace deal with FARC rebels, in a bid to end more than a half-century of civil war.

The peace deal, which was updated after voters rejected it Oct. 2, was approved despite vocal opposition from former far-right President Alvaro Uribe who led the vote-no effort and whose followers in Congress refused to participate in the vote. Uribe has said the peace deal is far too lenient.

The deal passed 130-0 in the House a day after the Senate voted 75-0, less than a week after it was signed by President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC leader Rodrigo Londono in Bogota last Thursday.

The revised deal does not need to be approved by voters.

Tomorrow a new era begins, an era of peace with this adversary we have had for 52 years, said Santos, who will receive the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

Santos tweeted his gratitude for the vote.

Congress now has to pass a separate bill to implement the agreement. Authorities are hoping to fast track the legislation to keep the peace deal from falling apart.

The previous deal was rejected by less than a half percentage point in a nationwide referendum. Fifty changes were made to the document although its main points remained intact.

To achieve an agreement with the FARC after 50 years of war in an agreement which really gets to the roots of the violence, the conditions that have provoked the violence, this guarantees an end to that violence, and its nothing less than a miracle, High Commissioner for Peace Sergio Jaramillo said during Tuesdays debate.

The deal, which took four years to negotiate, calls for a six-month disarmament and resettlement process to be monitored by the United Nations, bringing an end to the longest civil war in Latin America. During that time they are to form a political party.

colombia farc

Photo: Felipe Caicedo/Reuters

Story continues

The new deal incorporated was worked out when negotiators returned to Havana to resume talks after the voter rejection. The Los Angeles Times said some of the changes imposed more severe restrictions on rebel movements. They also required rebels to reveal drug trafficking routes to enable the Army to move in and prevent drug traffickers from taking over. Additionally, the rebels must provide inventories of assets to be used to pay reparations.

The rebels are guaranteed access to seats in Congress and will receive only minimum house arrest sentences for war crimes.

The government agreed to invest in rural infrastructure and resettle families displaced by the fighting.

Some 7 million people have been displaced since 1958, with more than 260,000 dead, at least 79,000 missing and 30,000 kidnapped, Telesur reported.

The war has been an open sore for Colombia for five decades, Bernard Aronson, who was appointed by President Obama as a special envoy to the Colombian peace process, told the Washington Post. Turning the FARC from a violent revolutionary group into a political party is huge for the economy and security of the country. It means Colombia can emerge as a model success story for Latin America.

Related Articles
(BOGOTA)  After five decades of war, more than four years of negotiations and two signing ceremonies, Colombias congress late Wednesday formally ratified a peace agreement allowing leftist rebels to enter politics.

The 310-page revised accord was approved unanimously by the lower house, which voted a day after the Senate approved the same text 75-0 following a protest walkout by the opposition led by former President Alvaro Uribe.

The accord introduces some 50 changes intended to assuage critics who led a campaign that saw Colombians narrowly reject the original accord in a referendum last month. President Juan Manuel Santos has said there wont be a second referendum.

Revisions range from a prohibition on foreign magistrates judging alleged crimes by government troops or by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia to a commitment from the rebels to forfeit assets, some amassed through drug trafficking, to help compensate their victims.

But the FARC wouldnt go along with the oppositions strongest demands  jail sentences for rebel leaders behind atrocities and stricter limits on their future participation in politics.

There needs to be a balance between peace and justice, but in this agreement theres complete impunity, Uribe, now a senator, said during Tuesdays heated debate. Other senators accused him of standing in the way of a peace deal that he pursued with the FARC as president in 2002-10.

Santos says ratification will set in motion the start of a six-month process in which the FARCs 8,000-plus guerrillas will concentrate in some 20 rural areas and turn over their weapons to United Nations monitors.

Tomorrow a new era begins, Santos said Wednesday, celebrating the Senates endorsement before the vote in the lower house.

But the rebels insist that their troops wont start demobilizing until lawmakers pass an amnesty law freeing some 2,000 rebels in jail.

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D-Day starts after the first actions are implemented, the rebel leader Pastor Alape, a member of the FARCs 10-member secretariat, told foreign journalists last week after the new accord was signed. The president unfortunately has been demonstrating an attitude that creates confusion in the country.

The debate over amnesty highlights one of the peace deals early challenges: the need for congress to pass legislation implementing the accord and setting up special peace tribunals.

Santos was initially counting on swift approval of the needed changes that in some cases require constitutional amendments. But the referendum loss has left the status of his fast-track authority in doubt, awaiting a ruling by the constitutional court. Experts say a solid pro-peace coalition could crumble if implementation drags on and butts against the political maneuvering for the 2018 presidential election.

Beyond the legal hurdles, there is also concern FARC fighters will wind up joining criminal gangs rampant throughout the country or the much-smaller rebel National Liberation Army, which for months has been playing cat and mouse with the government over opening a peace process of its own. On Wednesday, both sides said they would delay until January any decision about when to start talks.

Combating security threats will test the states ability to make its presence felt in traditionally neglected rural areas at a time of financial stress triggered by low oil prices.

There is also a risk that peace could trigger more bloodshed, as it did following a previous peace process with the FARC in the 1980s. At that time, thousands of former guerrillas, labor activists and communist militants were killed by right-wing militias, sometimes in collaboration with state agents.

Worries about new bloodshed, although less prevalent than in the darker days of Colombias half-century conflict, has become more urgent with more than a dozen human rights defenders and land activists in areas dominated by the FARC being killed by unknown assailants since the initial signing ceremony in September. So far this year, 70 have been killed, according to Bogota-based We Are Defenders, more than in all of 2015 and 2014.
[December 01, 2016] Global $8.67 Billion Pipeline Safety Market 2016-2021 by Pipeline Monitoring Systems, Secure Communication, Perimeter Intrusion Detection, SCADA for Pipelines, Intrusion Control Systems Security - Research and Markets

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BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's government is ready to speed the passage of laws and reforms so it can carry out a peace deal with leftist FARC rebels, pending approval from the constitutional court, officials said on Thursday. Both the senate and the lower house backed the accord in votes this week, giving necessary legislative approval to the deal to end 52 years of war in which more than 220,000 people have been killed and millions displaced. But rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) said they would not begin demobilizing until parts of the accord, including an amnesty law for most fighters, are approved by lawmakers. The government hopes the court will allow those laws to move ahead more quickly than normal by cutting the number of required debates. "We expect a decision in the coming days and based on that decision of the Constitutional Court we can proceed to the implementation of the accords," Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo told journalists. The coalition of President Juan Manuel Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in October, has a majority in congress and the laws are likely to pass easily. The right-wing opposition, led by former president and now senator Alvaro Uribe, demand that FARC leaders get traditional jail time and refused to vote on the deal. The agreement to end Latin America's longest insurgency was put together in just over a month after the original pact was narrowly defeated in a referendum on Oct. 2. The amnesty law, which would protect rebels not involved in war crimes or human rights violations from prosecution, would be the first to go to lawmakers, Cristo said. Some 7,000 fighters are set to lay down their weapons under the deal. Other laws would include rural reform, victims compensation, removal of land mines and a United Nations-monitored ceasefire all agreed to in the peace deal. The FARC, which started as a rebellion fighting rural poverty, would be allowed to form a political party. Though Colombians want an end to bloodshed, many in the largely conservative country of 49 million are wary of forgiving the FARC for decades of bombings, kidnappings and displacements. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Helen Murphy and Grant McCool)
It took an actual act of Congress to steer local judges in Washington, D.C., toward broader disclosure of potential conflicts of interest.

The U.S. Senate passed a bill Tuesday that mandates increased transparency in the District of Columbias court system in response to a 2013 Center for Public Integrity investigation that gave the city a failing grade. The House approved the measure in September.

The legislation's passage was a rarity in the deeply divided Congress and a welcome victory for the citys non-voting representative to Congress, D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, who cited the Centers probe in pushing for changes.

The public deserves to have complete and appropriate information on the finances of judges charged with upholding justice in our city, the Democrat said in a statement Wednesday.

The White House did not immediately respond to inquiries on whether President Barack Obama will sign the District of Columbia Judicial Financial Transparency Act before he leaves office, but Norton and one of the Senate sponsors, Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, were optimistic.

Related story: State supreme court judges reveal scant financial information

This story is part of Justice Obscured. Lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding the financial holdings and activities of the nations most powerful judges. Click here to read more stories in this investigation.

Don't miss another Politics investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email.

The measure calls for making the annual financial disclosures of D.C. court judges similar to those already required for federal judges  and making those reports available to the public. While D.C. Court judges paychecks come from the federal government, the judges have not been held to the same standard as federal judges when it comes to publicly disclosing their financial affairs.

The measure also includes several other provisions intended to improve the D.C. court system, including allowing the courts to accept credit card payments.

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The push for the bill came because the Center for Public Integrity gave the District an F for its poor judicial disclosure and ranked it tied for 47th among state high courts nationwide in its 2013 Justice Obscured project.

The only states that scored worse  Montana, Idaho and Utah  did not require judges to publicly file annual reports at all. (In light of the Center for Public Integritys investigation, however, Montanas Supreme Court has since ordered judges to file the same financial disclosures as other statewide officials.)

Such annual disclosure reports typically show judges income, investments, debts and the gifts theyve received. But in D.C., only two of the disclosure forms 10 sections  Business and Charitable Affiliations and Honorarium  have been open for public inspection.

That makes it difficult for the public to have confidence that judges personal financial interests are not affecting their caseloads.

To change the rules, the legislation had to go through Congress, rather than the Districts City Council, because of the peculiar relationship the city has with the federal government as the nations capital, creating stiff odds for the decidedly local issue.

Still, the measure won bipartisan support in a Congress that has rarely been able to agree on much. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Georgia, had called on his colleagues to support what he called the good government bill when it came before the House.

This increased disclosure will help to strengthen an important pillar of our judicial system: the public's trust in an impartial judicial system, he said at the time.

The D.C. Open Government Coalition, which pushed for such reforms since 2014, welcomed the news of the bills passage and expressed thanks for Norton's leadership.

It will correct a gap in D.C. government transparency we have been concerned about for years," said Fritz Mulhauser, who co-chairs the coalitions legal committee.

Related story: Montana judges to disclose financial ties after Center report

This story is part of Justice Obscured. Lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding the financial holdings and activities of the nations most powerful judges. Click here to read more stories in this investigation.

Related stories

Copyright 2016 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C.
In the coming days, the Republican-controlled Congress is likely to approve legislation that will invest more than $6 billion in public health and medical research over the next decade. It will expedite basic research into new medical devices and disease-curing drugs. It will reform mental health treatment and fund research into brain injuries and Alzheimers. The bill authorizes $1 billion to combat the opioid epidemic and $1.8 billion for Vice President Joe Bidens moonshot project to cure cancer.

Those highlights are cited with equal enthusiasm by the coalition of Republicans and Democrats who wrote the 21st Century Cures Act and by administration officials hoping it will be perhaps the final significant piece of legislation that President Obama signs.

But to Senator Elizabeth Warren, the bill is an enormous giveaway to pharmaceutical companies, a danger to the public, and a legislative license for corporate fraud, bribery, and extortion.

I know the difference between compromise and extortion, the Massachusetts Democrat declared in a fiery speech on the Senate floor Tuesday. Compromise is putting together common-sense health proposals supported by Democrats, by Republicans, and by most of the American people, and passing them into law. Extortion is holding those exact same proposals hostage unless everyone agrees to special favors for campaign donors and giveaways to the richest drug companies in the world.

Warren delivered her broadside in a last-minute bid to stop legislation that had been barreling toward passage in the waning days of the 114th Congress. The House initially approved the bill last year, and after negotiations produced a compromise with the Senate, the lower chamber overwhelmingly passed a new version late Wednesday afternoon, 392-26. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has vowed to send the measure to Obama before Congress recesses next weekif Warren and her allies dont block it first. A day after her floor speech, Warren sent an urgent fundraising plea headlined Hijacked to her sizable donor base. Senator Bernie Sanders quickly joined her effort, issuing a statement of opposition to the bill on the same grounds.

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I know the difference between compromise and extortion.

In many respects, the Cures Act represents precisely the kind of diligent, bipartisan legislating to which members of both parties have longed to return. Aimed at a clear public needimproving medical researchit is the product of three years of work by Representative Fred Upton of Michigan, the Republican chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Representative Diana DeGette of Colorado, a liberal Democrat on the committee.

With the encouragement of the research community and the pharmaceutical industry, both sought legislation that would make it easier to find life-saving cures by cutting barriers that hold up clinical trials and the approval of new drugs and devices those studies can lead to. Republicans prioritized an overhaul of regulations that, they argued, stifled biomedical innovation, while Democrats wanted both a boost in funding and structural reforms for basic research at the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.

Recommended: Trump Surrogate: There's No Such Thing as Facts

Those changes will last for decades after the money is spent, DeGette said in an interview. Its really not just bringing devices and drugs to market more quickly, but its also being able to expedite the basic research behind the way were developing these devices.

The bill passed by a wide margin in July 2015, drawing even more support from Democrats than Republicans. Just seven Democrats voted against it, while 70 Republicansmostly conservativeswere opposed. In negotiations with the Senate, the legislation arguably became even more favorable to Democrats. A few provisions sought by drug companies were cut out, including one that would extend the period of exclusivity for new medications by six months and delay the introduction of cheaper generics. Biden won money for his cancer moonshot, and a coalition of lawmakers secured funding to send as grants to states fighting opioid addiction. Republicans won the inclusion of long-sought reforms written by Representative Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania to expand mental health services and prioritize treatment of serious illnesses.

The White House gave the final compromise its strong support, saying the legislation offers advances in health that far outweigh its concerns about the funding of the bill, which came partly from selling off oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Yet the changes were not enough to satisfy either the far right or consumer advocacy organizations like Public Citizen, which said the bill still went too far in relaxing approval standards for drugs and devices. The conservative group Heritage Action noted that the legislation had ballooned from 300 pages last year into an almost 1,000-page omnibus health care spending bill. Although its specific objections focused on spending, its core critique was nearly the same as Warrens: In Washington terms, back-room negotiators have turned the Cures bill into a Christmas Tree, loaded with handouts for special interests, all at the expense of the taxpayer, Heritage wrote.

Recommended: 'The Scourge of the Left': Too Much Stigma, Not Enough Persuasion

On the left, Public Citizen argued that even before the bills relaxed regulations, Congress had already made it too easy to get drugs and particularly new medical devices to market without sufficient study. Weve already reached a point, we believe, where weve gone too far, said Michael Carome, director of the organizations health research group. The existing regulations already provide a pathway for quick review for bringing drugs to market. And any further weakening would undermine where we are.

In particular, Carome cited a provision in the Cures Act that would allow a company to win approval for a second use of an FDA-approved drug without conducting a randomized clinical trial and instead using whats known as real world evidence.

He explained: Suppose a drug is approved for rheumatoid arthritis and you have to do the randomized clinical trials to prove it was safe and effective, and now you want to have marketed for multiple sclerosis, you can rely upon real world evidence, which is a much lower standard of evidence. Its more subject to bias and manipulation and can be very misleading. If youre a patient, such a double standard should be very disconcerting.

Warren seized on that same provision, arguing that it amounted to legalized fraud.

Pushing treatments without scientific evidence that they work is fraudfraud that can hurt people, she said in her floor speech. It also undercuts the development of real cures.

Recommended: Many of Trump's Own Supporters Don't Think He'll Fix America

In an unusual alliance with Republican Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa, Warren also criticized a provision that would exempted companies from having to disclose certain payments to hospitals and doctors encouraging them to prescribe their drugs. With opposition mounting, the legislations sponsors removed that language at the last minute, but Warren said its removal was not enough to win her support.

Her attack on the bill this week blindsided supporters like DeGette, who insisted the measures benefits clearly outweighed its flaws and said Warren either misunderstood or was misrepresenting the Cures Act. Theres absolutely no weakening of any kinds of review, DeGette told me. We have the gold standard for safety and efficacy in the world, and we preserve those.

She noted that the bill had strong support from many in the research community and at the NIH, and she pointed out that many provisions sought by Big Pharma that had been included in earlier versions were now gone. To categorize this bill as a giveaway to Big Pharma is just simply not accurate, DeGette said.

To categorize this bill as a giveaway to Big Pharma is just simply not accurate.

Democrats are anxious to pass the bill while Obama is in office for many reasons, none more so than the fact that they will surely lose leverage with Donald Trump in the White House. The cancer money is obviously a priority for Biden, and lawmakers in both parties say the funding for the opioid epidemic is already long overdue.

There is urgency for Republicans, too. The legislation is a legacy project for Upton, who will remain in Congress but because of GOP term limits is ending his tenure as chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. And once Trump takes office, this bill likely would fall further down on an agenda packed with bigger-ticket items like tax reform and repeal of Obamacare. Not only will it get worse for Democrats next year, I think itll be very difficult to find that sweet spot where we agree on legislation in a bipartisan way, DeGette said.

Warren, however, seems unconcerned with the question of timing or leverage. To the dismay of fellow liberals like DeGette, she has chosen to make the 21st Century Cures Act the first Democratic policy fight of the Trump era.

The American people didn't give Democrats majority support so we could come back to Washington and play dead, she said. They didn't send us here to whimper, whine, or grovel. They sent us here to say no to efforts to sell Congress to the highest bidder. They sent us here to stand up for what's right. Now, they are watching, waiting, and hopinghoping we show some spine and start fighting back when Congress completely ignores the message of the American people and returns to all its same old ways.

Republicans will control this government, Warren continued, but they cannot hand over that control to big corporations unless Democrats roll over and allow them to do so.

Its a debate Democrats know they need to havewhether and when to work with Trump and the Republicans, or whether simply to fight him at every turn. But the president-elect is still weeks away from becoming president. And to the many lawmakers172 of them in the House on Wednesdaywho share concerns about corporate influence but who believe the Cures Act is a fair compromise that will on balance improve public health, Warren chose the wrong bill, and the wrong moment, to make her stand.

Two days after the Massachusetts senator called the Cures Act an example of legalized fraud and extortion, all but six House Democrats voted for it anyway.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
It is getting a bit frustrating seeing that, despite eight episodes of a conspiracy brewing in The White House, President Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) is none the wiser about it. Season 1, episode 8 of ABCs Designated Survivor started right where episode 7 left off two weeks ago with FBI Deputy Director Jason Atwood (Malik Yoba) becoming a part of the conspiracy after his son Luke was kidnapped.

Here are the highlights of The Results:

Atwood Confesses To Killing Majid Nassar

Atwood meets the mysterious woman (Mariana Klaveno) who has held his son hostage in some shady building. She tells him to confess to killing Nassar because he felt it was his patriotic duty to kill the man that was responsible for so many deaths. Atwood is obviously angry and tells her she wont get away with it, but with Lukes life hanging in the balance, he does confess to murdering the Al-Sakar terrorist to Kirkman.

Fortunately, FBI Agent Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) knows something is wrong with Atwood. She follows him and takes photos of him meeting this mysterious woman. Unfortunately, Catalan knows Hannah is watching them and clicking photos of the meeting.

A Ricin Crisis Was Averted By The President

Meanwhile, in the Oval Office, the President is dealing with a ricin crisis. Several poll workers have been poisoned and an investigation reveals that the poll booths were laced with a toxin known as ricin. Kirkman has a dilemma to deal with: Either risk the lives of voters and get a congress since the election is to vote for a house of representatives, or cancel the elections and the government collapses.

Things get worse in Designated Survivor episode 8 when one ricin victim and poll worker dies. However, Kirkman, inspired by the poll workers commitment to doing her civic duty so that people can vote, decides to hold the elections. He and the First Lady Alex (Natascha Mcelhone) decide to head to the polling booth to cast their votes. This encourages people all over the country to cast their vote.

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Designated Survivor

Photo: ABC/Ben Mark Holzberg

Hannah Wells Is Still Investigating

Wells soon figures out that Atwood has been roped into the conspiracy. Her suspicions are further strengthened when Chief of Staff Aaron Shore (Adan Canto) tells her that her boss confessed to killing Nassar. However, rather than spilling the beans to Shore, she runs a trace on Atwoods phone and calls a number. The mysterious caller, the same one who led her to room number 105, tells her that they will never meet each other. She also gives her a clue  11:15 p.m.

Tom Is Leos Son!

Leos (Tanner Buchanan) paternity again comes into question when a reporter asks him for a comment on a rumor that the President isnt his father. Leo confronts his father and they decide to do a DNA test.

When the DNA results come in, neither Alex, Tom nor Leo open the sealed envelope. Tom tells his son it doesnt matter to him what it says and Leo decides that no matter what the results indicate, Tom is his father. However, towards the end of episode 8, we finally see Tom opening the envelope and learn that he is indeed his father.

Tom quickly shoves the DNA results on the reporters face for good measure.

Kirkman Has To Die?

Designated Survivor ended this week with Peter MacLeish (Ashley Zukerman) making his intentions clear to Congresswoman Kimble Hookstraten (Virginia Madsen) that he wants to be the President of the United States. It isnt a distant dream since he is already a candidate for the Vice Presidency. After meeting Kimble, MacLeish meets the mysterious woman who kidnapped Atwoods son.

MacLeish asks her how many people have to die for her plan to succeed. Just one more, she replies. Its obvious that this person is Tom Kirkman.

Designated Survivor Season 1 airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST on ABC.

Designated Survivor

Photo: ABC/Ben Mark Holzberg

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Grand Mufti Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, a controversial Syrian cleric and ally of the Bashar Assad regime, visited Ireland as part of a Syrian religious delegation on Wednesday, November 30, and spoke to Irish lawmakers on Thursday, December 1.

Hassoun defended the Assad regime against accusations of war crimes, and engaged in a heated discussion with Labour Senator Ivana Bacik.

Bacik questioned Hassoun on a number of issues, including a number of documented strikes on medical facilities across the country. This regime, between 2000 and 2010, built 28 hospitals in Aleppo, and three universities, and more than seven churches and 100 mosques, said Hassoun. Why would the regime destroy it?

When challenged by Bacik, a visibly angry Hassoun said, I swear to you that the opposition is destroying all this, not the regime.

Hassoun courted controversy in 2011 for saying that all the sons and daughters of Lebanon and Syria will set out to become martyrdom-seekers in Europe and on Palestinian soil should Western countries intervene in Syria. Credit: Oireachtas TV via Storyful
This couple finally took wedding pictures for their 70th anniversary, and our hearts cant take it

Ferris and Margaret Romaire recently celebrated a beautiful milestone  seven decades of marriage. When the high school sweethearts tied the knot in 1946, they didnt have a photographer  so, this time around, their granddaughter Amanda Kleckley planned a photo shoot for the couples 70th wedding anniversary, and the pictures are just as sweet as youd imagine.

Ferris, 90, dressed in a tux and Margaret, 89, wore a lavender gown and veil for these incredibly special anniversary photos. They sipped celebratory champagne and their ear-to-ear smiles in the photos are definitive proof that pictures are worth a thousand words  and true love exists in real life, not just fairy tales.

I just wanna show how adorable my neighbors are. They've been married for 70 years pic.twitter.com/z0pVKxY8ee  Paige Landry (@paigelandry123) November 13, 2016

The couples photographer, Lara Carter, asked Ferris and Margaret for some words of wisdom about how to make a marriage thrive.

Ferris emphasized the importance of mutual respect and giving each other space, and they each lovingly joked about how apologies are sometimes necessary  even if they dont actually think theyre wrong. If a problem came up they solved it. It was more important to compromise and move on than to be right, Carter told The Huffington Post. Two was always better than one!

The Romaires still reside in their hometown of Morgan City, Louisiana and live in the same house where they raised their four children. The couple, who now has eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, prioritize shared values over material goods  specifically, a strong faith, devotion to their children, and a sense of humor.

The Romaire couple is officially our new #RelationshipGoals.

The post This couple finally took wedding pictures for their 70th anniversary, and our hearts cant take it appeared first on HelloGiggles.
One-day business owners workshop provides wireless repair professionals with profitability strategies.

Norwalk, CT - December 1, 2016 - TMC and The Branding Network announced today the addition of Wireless Repair Roundup at ITEXPO Fort Lauderdale on February 8, 2017. Wireless Repair Roundup provides key strategies in creating exceptional customer experiences and prepares retailers for growth.

We are excited to partner with ITEXPO to present another Wireless Repair Roundup, a one-day pre-conference business owners workshop session specifically for the wireless repair community, said Michelle James, president at The Branding Network and producer of events for the wireless repair community. Creating community and cross-pollinating like-minded communities to foster new business development and networking has been a very successful formula for growing the $5B wireless repair industry over the last few years. We are pleased to partner with the team at ITEXPO for another great event. At Wireless Repair Roundup Fort Lauderdale, attendees will learn key strategies like how to create an exceptional customer experience including social media, merchandising and supply chain practices preparing retailers and techs for exponential growth in 2017. Experts will dive into the hottest tips to increase store traffic and profits. Established device repair storeowners, franchisees or others considering jumping into the wireless repair business can all count on lively expert advice and takeaway winning profitability strategies.

Wireless Repair Roundup sponsors include ReVamp Wholesale, MyCoolCell, RepairShopr, FixFinder, Power Future Mobility and more. Seating will be limited to 150 attendees, February 8, 2017, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. We encourage attendees to participate in the ITEXPO show floor activities which begin at 4pm, immediately following the conclusion of the one-day workshop, added Michelle James. Workshop attendees are also welcome to attend the entire ITEXPO event February 8-10, 2017 in sunny Fort Lauderdale. Wireless Repair Roundup Fort Lauderdale attendance fee is $299 and includes lunch. For updates and the full agenda details, go to www.WirelessRepairEVENTS.com.

For more information or to register for Wireless Repair Roundup, contact Frank Coppola at 203-852-6800 x131. For media inquiries, contact Jessica Seabrook. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages for Wireless Repair Roundup can contact Michelle James at 561-713-4394.

About The Branding Network

The Branding Network is a marketing agency established in 2004 with the goal to build and enhance brands that inspire others to take action. Our specialty is building technology communities in motion. We identify strategies to realize measurable business goals. From development to execution, results are what matter most. The Branding Network is the producer of the Wireless Repair Roundup, Wireless Repair EXPO and publisher of SmartBrief on Wireless Repair. www.TheBrandingNetwork.com

About TMC

Global buyers rely on TMCs content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. This presents branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities for vendors/sellers.

TMCs Marketplaces:

Unique, turnkey Online Communities boost search results, establish market validation, elevate brands and thought leadership, while minimizing ad-blocking.

Custom Lead Programs uncover sales opportunities and build databases.

In-Person and Online Events boost brands, enhance thought leadership and generate leads.

Publications, Display Advertising and Newsletters bolster brand reputations.

Custom Content provides expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts.

Comprehensive Event and Road Show Management Services help companies meet potential clients and generate leads face-to-face.



For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com.

Media and Analyst Contact:

Jessica Seabrook

Marketing Director

TMC

203-852-6800 x 170

[email protected]

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CNBC's Jim Cramer said on Thursday to keep an eye out on the number of subprime delinquencies after New York Fed researchers said millions of Americans are falling behind on their car loans.

The number of subprime auto loans falling into delinquency hit its highest level in six years, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, and the rise has caused concern for U.S. regulators.



"Even though the balances of subprime loans are somewhat smaller on average, the increased level of distress associated with subprime loan delinquencies is of significant concern, and likely to have ongoing consequences for affected households," Fed researchers wrote in a post Wednesday.

Cramer said the new data is something worth monitoring.

"The subprime stuff  I don't know," Cramer said on " Squawk on the Street ." "When you talk to bankers behind the scenes, they continue to say, look, you need your car to go to work. And it's not going to be like a house where you leave the keys. We've heard it before."



The Fed's remarks on car loans comes as Ford (F) posted Thursday better-than-expected sales in November. Cramer said the report comes as a surprise to some analysts who were expecting much weaker numbers.

"This is a remarkable number for Ford," Cramer said. "A lot of people felt November would be a weaker month because some of the retail numbers. That F-150 a lot of people were concerned that had been peaking."
Santa Clara (Cuba) (AFP) - Luis Monteagudo, a hardened Cuban military veteran, remembers with pride fighting alongside revolution icon Ernesto "Che" Guevara and watching maximum leader Fidel Castro fire a gun.

Monteagudo, 78, grieved when Guevara was killed in the mountains of Bolivia in 1967 and now he is mourning Castro, who died on Friday at age 90.

"The blow has been so overwhelming that you can't think," said Monteagudo with teary eyes as he adjusted his hearing aid in his home in the central city of Santa Clara.

A military jeep took the ashes to Santa Clara early Thursday, the first stop in a cross-country trip that will end with a burial in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba on Sunday.

Santa Clara is also home to the remains of Guevara, the Argentine doctor and Castro's comrade-in-arms whose victory against the army of dictator Fulgencio Batista in Santa Clara in 1958 became a major turning point in the revolution.

"We still miss Fidel, just as we miss Che," said Monteagudo, who joined Guevara's rebel force when he freed his home town of Cabaiguan in 1958.

- Failure in Congo -

The veteran is black, like most of the more than 100 Cubans who accompanied Guevara to help rebels in what is today the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1965.

The attempt to export Cuba's revolution to Africa was a failure, which the Argentine fighter himself admitted.

It cost Monteagudo his hearing, damaged by the sound of canons.

Sitting in his small home, the bony former fighter recalled meeting Castro while he was training in a camp in Pinar del Rio in western Cuba.

"He visited us weekly and trained with us," he said. "We were impressed by his confidence when he spoke. He could be contagious."

Monteagudo also was impressed by Fidel Castro's marksmanship, but the leader told him that he was sending a chief who was "better than him."

They only found out it was Guevara when he arrived in Congo.

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"Che was an expert in everything, very demanding. He was an enemy of lies and flattery," Monteagudo said.

- From fighter to singer -

When he returned from Congo, Monteagudo taught marksmanship at special camps in Cuba to future Latin American and African guerrillas.

He learned about Guevara's death while training Angolan troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The aging former soldier likes to sing verses called "decimas" to hail his heroes. But he has yet to write one for Fidel Castro.

"I haven't been able to do so because of the shock."
This year, Czech lawmakers proposed two amendments: one that threatened free speech, and one that might help protect it during and after 2017.

First, the threat: In mid-November, a group of 64 Czech lawmakers proposed amending the countrys criminal code to make it illegal to defame the president. The amendment would prosecute whoever publicly defames the president of the republic, or hinders the execution of his powers, and thus denigrates his reputation. Lawmaker Zdenek Ondracek, member of the Communist Party, said the law intends to return respect to the country, that it may no longer be a nation of boors.

However, Czech President Milos Zeman could himself be said to be contributing to the boorishness of the nation. He has repeatedly put forth rhetoric supportive of Russian President Vladimir Putin; refused to grant an award to Holocaust survivor Jiri Brady because his nephew, the minister of culture, met with the Dalai Lama; and generally has invoked the ire of many fellow Czechs  precisely the kind of ire the amendment would render illegal.

And that is not supposed to be the point of defamation laws, Office of Security Cooperation in Europe representative Dunja Mijatovic said in a statement. Defamation laws should not be tools for politicians and those in authority to silence critical voices, Mijatovic said. On the contrary, public figures should withstand a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism because of their public roles.

Zeman himself has not commented on the amendment, but Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka spoke out against it  even though its backed by some members of his own party, the Social Democrats. The amendment, Sobotka said, could be used to crack down on criticism.

But, then, this is hardly the first time Sobotka and Zeman have publicly disagreed. After serving as chairman of the Social Democrats for almost a decade, Zeman lost a presidential bid in 2003 and feels betrayed by groups of his Social Democrats, which by that time included todays PM Bohuslav Sobotka, Jakub Janda of the Prague-based think tank Evropske Hodnoty told Foreign Policy in an interview.

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Just how bitter their rivalry remains is unclear. Janda said Zeman is looking for revenge against Sobotka, and the two officials periodically clash on foreign policy and other issues. But Michal Vit, a research fellow at Pragues Europeum, told FP he believes Sobotka and Zeman are trying to calm relations.

On the proposed amendment against free speech, both Janda and Vit agree it is unlikely to pass when lawmakers vote on it later this month. That does not mean Zemans antics are to discontinue: Janda predicts that Sobotka and Zeman will go on hating each other until legislative elections in October 2017.

Nor does it mean that free speech, and particularly a free press, is safe in the Czech Republic. Sobotka is not expected to keep his position as prime minister after next October, while Zeman will be president until 2018. The next PM is expected to be Andrej Babis of the populist ANO 2011 party. Babis is currently the most popular politician in the country. He is also, Janda explained, is an oligarch who owns about half of Czech media.

Vit noted that Babis does not himself tell his journalists what to print, and that they decide whether to run certain stories. But, as the Economist pointed out after Babis purchased a major publishing house in 2013, one does not need to explicitly run propaganda to discredit the opposition  his employees writings may be swayed by his influence. You can guess, Janda told FP, what it means for the media debate and scrutiny.

That brings us to the second amendment  the one that might protect free speech in 2017 and beyond. On Tuesday, the lower house of Parliament amended a bill to limit politicians business interests  and prevent them from pursuing possession of power over the media.

Photo credit: MICHAL CIZEK/AFP/Getty Images
Former CIA director David Petraeus speaks after leaving the Federal Courthouse in Charlotte, North Carolina, April 23, 2015. REUTERS/Chris Keane

Former CIA Director David Petraeus would need to notify his probation officer if he is chosen as President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of state, according to court documents cited by CNN and USA Today on Wednesday.

The documents stipulate that Petraeus, who is serving two years' probation after pleading guilty to charges of mishandling classified information, would have three days to inform his probation officer about his new job.

If hired by Trump and confirmed by Congress, Petraeus would also have to get approval from a court or his probation officer before he can travel out of North Carolina for work, and submit to periodic, warrantless searches of his property and electronic devices, according to the court documents.

Petraeus is reportedly one of four candidates in the running for the secretary of state position, along with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Corker, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and retired Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly.

NOW WATCH: 'That hypocrisy is also real'  Jon Stewart takes liberals to task for calling all Trump supporters racist





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Today marks the 61st anniversary of Rosa Parks decision to sit down for her rights on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus, putting the effort to end segregation on a fast track.

rosaparks400

Parks was arrested on December 1, 1955, after she refused to give up her seat on a crowded bus to a white passenger.

Contrary to some reports, Parks wasnt physically tired and was able to leave her seat. She refused, on principle, to surrender her seat because of her race, which was the law in Montgomery at the time.

Parks was briefly jailed and paid a fine. But she was also a long-time member of the NAACP and highly respected in her community.

The NAACP realized it had the right person to work with, as it battled against the system of segregation in Montgomery. It also worked with another group of local leaders to stage a one-day boycott of passenger buses, when Parks went to court.

The group expanded to include other people, chose a name, the Montgomery Improvement Association, and planned an extended boycott.

But the MIA also needed a public spokesman with leadership qualities to make their fight into a wide-ranging cause.

Their pick was a little-known pastor who had recently arrived in Montgomery: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In her later years, Parks said 26-year-old King was picked because he was a newcomer to Montgomery and didnt have any enemies in the community.

The combination of the MIA, King, Parks, and a united African-American community made the boycott a success. About 75 percent of the public transportation customers in Montgomery were black, and they remained united for more than a year, as the boycott crippled revenues for the bus line.

Parks lost her job and Kings home was attacked, but the movement kept the boycott in place for 381 days.

At the same time, the segregation fight was making its way to the Supreme Court.

On November 13, 1956, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Browder v. Gayle, and it agreed with a district court that segregation on buses operating within Alabamas boundaries was illegal, because it deprived people of equal protection under the 14th Amendment.

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The legal team that had pursued the case for the NAACP included Thurgood Marshall, a future Supreme Court justice. It had decided that Parks case would get tied up in the state court system and filed a separate suit on the behalf of four other women.

After the boycott ended, Parks moved to Virginia and to Michigan. She eventually worked in the office of Representative John Conyers until her retirement.

When she passed away at the age of 92 in 2005, Congress voted to have Parks honored by having her coffin at the Capitol Rotunda for a public viewing.

At the time, she was only the 30th person accorded that honor. She was the first woman to receive the honor, and her coffin sat on the catafalque built for the coffin of Abraham Lincoln.

Related Stories On Constitution Daily

10 famous quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

How Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s birthday became a holiday

10 fascinating facts about the I Have A Dream speech
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f29621%2ffish-escape

Either this beta fish had a terribly short life or it hatched an amazing escape plan.

Fish owner Brook Essick was transferring her fish Dane from a small glass to a large tank after a cleaning when something went wrong. Moments after the transfer, Dane's body became lifeless, and Essick presumed the poor fish dead.

"When we put him back in the bowl, he swam for probably five seconds and then just immediately 'died' and started floating," Essick told Mashable.

Essick was unable to confirm that Dane still had life left in his small fishy body, so she did what most fish owners do when their loved ones die, and she flushed Dane off to fishy heaven.

But Dane wasn't giving up so easily.

The cool water of the toilet sprung Dane back to life. Could it be? Yes. Dane was alive.

But it was too late. The toilet had been flushed, and Dane was long gone before the he could be pulled back to safety.

Some people were obviously upset for poor Dane, but Essick insists it was a terrible accident.

"I was in shock and I felt so bad," said Essick. "Regardless of what people are saying, I did not mean to kill the fish, I thought he was already dead."

"Gone but never forgotten," Essick's friend Macy wrote when she tweeted a video of Dane's demise.

RIP Dane.

BONUS: Watch as this 9-year-old boy saves his baby brother with one epic catch.
Wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains area near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, have left seven people dead, officials said Wednesday. Over 14,000 people have been evacuated since the fire broke out Monday night when ashes from flames in Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park blew into Gatlinburg due to high winds.

Authorities were working to identify the deceased and no further details were released. The fire destroyed more than 15,500 acres, injured 53 people, torched over 700 houses and damaged Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cities as well as surrounding areas. Gatlinburg Police Chief Randall Brackins said about 30 percent or less of the city area has been searched so far, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Heavy winds, which authorities said were of hurricane-force, intensified the fire Tuesday. This also resulted in fallen trees, which barred access to some areas, Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller said. Although heavy rains in the area helped ease the fire, Miller said that firefighters were now facing rocks and mudslides.

By Wednesday afternoon, firefighters contained most of the blaze. However, authorities expressed uncertainty over the situation. A hotline for people to report missing friends and family was set up by state law enforcement.

While the evacuation order for Pigeon Forge was lifted, the one for Gatlinburg remained.

Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner said that authorities were in talks to re-open the city Friday so that business owners can review the damage.

You really cant let everybody in yet because there are still areas that haven't been searched, there are still areas where electric lines are down, power poles are down, Werner reportedly said.

Werner himself lost his home, two dogs and all seven of the condominium buildings he owned, according to AP. He is staying at a friends house and has reportedly raised about $150,000 from local businesses to help with the relief efforts.

I really cant dwell on it that much. I think of others that have lost theirs, and it keeps my mind off of our problems, he said. Its really hard, its really tough.

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By Suchitra Mohanty and Zeba Siddiqui

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Delhi High Court stayed on Thursday a government ban on 344 drugs that it deemed lacked therapeutic efficacy, after over six months of hearing more than 300 petitions filed by drugmakers against it.

Sanjay Jain, a lawyer representing the central government, told Reuters the government was evaluating the decision and planned to appeal at a higher court. The exact reasons for the stay are not yet known, as the order has not been made public yet, but is expected to be uploaded on the court website.

Thursday's decision provides interim relief to several local and multinational drugmakers operating in India's $15 billion drugs industry whose business had been hit by the ban. Many, however, had obtained stay orders days after the ban was announced in March.

The move covered fixed-dose combination drugs, which are cocktails of medicines that are used worldwide to improve patients' compliance in complicated courses of treatment, especially for conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

In India, however, lax regulation and inconsistent enforcement of laws has led to many such drugs entering the market without central government approval, a Reuters investigation found last year. Roughly half the drugs sold on the Indian market are combination medicines, including many antibiotics, the misuse of which leads to antibiotic resistance. (http://reut.rs/1J9azFo)

The government announced the ban in March saying extensive deliberations with scientific experts had found the medicines lacked therapeutic efficacy. (http://reut.rs/2gKUfo2)

Most companies filed petitions arguing the government did not exercise its powers appropriately.

The reversal of the ban means companies can continue to sell these drugs.

The decision is another setback for India's efforts to weed out irrational fixed-dose combination drugs from the market. A similar move in 2007 to ban about 294 such drugs was also met with stiff resistance from the industry, which obtained a stay.

(Writing by Zeba Siddiqui; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Port-au-Prince (AFP) - Haitian police stopped hundreds of demonstrators challenging the presidential election's outcome on Wednesday, blocking them, clashing with stone-throwers and lobbing tear gas to disperse the crowds.

On Tuesday, sporadic violence broke out in some of Port-au-Prince's poorest neighborhoods -- carried by Maryse Narcisse's Fanmi Lavalas Party -- against winner Jovenel Moise, the man former president Michel Martelly chose to represent his party.

Early data show that Moise won the election outright, garnering 55.7 percent of the November 20 vote, barring the need for a second round. But he lacks popularity, with only 21 percent of eligible voters having cast their ballots.

Demonstrators marching Wednesday ran up against officers with heavy weapons and riot shields, who blocked them in Petionville, a well-off suburb of the capital.

Marchers lobbed stones at police, who first responded with tear gas grenades and then water cannons.

Jude Celestin is so far second with 19.52 percent of the vote. Moise Jean-Charles (11.04 percent), and Maryse Narcisse (8.99 percent) are readying to take their disputes to the electoral authorities.

The electoral council issued a statement on Wednesday reminding Haitians that the results are only preliminary and urging "parties, political groups and candidates to refrain from declaring themselves elected."

Haiti is one of the world's most inequitable countries, according to the World Bank, with the electoral crisis a further demonstration of the persistent divisions between the poor majority and the wealthy elite.

The election, which took place without major incident, is seen as an essential step to allow the country to return to the constitutional order after the cancellation of the first round of the presidential election held in October 2015.

Since February, Haiti has been headed by a temporary president, Jocelerme Privert, whose mandate was supposed to end in June.
Jibrin (Syria) (AFP) - Fawwaz al-Ashaari stayed on in rebel-held east Aleppo through the loss of his eldest son and his home. But as fighting got closer, he joined a mass exodus to government territory.

Some 20,000 civilians have made the same journey since Saturday as a government offensive on rebel-held areas has intensified. Another 30,000 have sought refuge in a Kurdish-controlled enclave between the city's two sectors.

"I can't lose any more," Ashaari told AFP in a temporary shelter in the government-held town of Jibrin, about 10 kilometres (six miles) north of Syria's battleground second city.

His back propped up against his battered black suitcase, Ashaari said he now had a single wish.

"The rest of my children only want to live in safety. They have seen death several times. I want them to know life."

Ashaari and his family lived in the Sakhur neighbourhood, where they had endured more than four years of bombardment and siege since the rebels seized it in mid-2012.

But as government troops and allied fighters overran it this week, they set off on the treacherous journey across the front lines.

They are among hundreds of displaced now housed in the three concrete blocks that make up the Jibrin reception centre.

A crowd of new arrivals -- mostly women and children -- waited in the cold to register their names with Syrian authorities and receive food, mattresses and blankets.

Dozens of others huddled under charcoal-grey blankets, trying to keep warm and dry as rain drizzled outside.

More than 250,000 civilians stayed on in east Aleppo under rebel rule.

After the government launched a renewed offensive to retake the whole city earlier this year, it announced several humanitarian pauses backed by its main ally Russia to allow civilians to flee.

But until the past week, only a handful left.

- First hot meal in months -

East Aleppo had been under siege for four months without access to food or medicine, and an AFP correspondent saw Russian soldiers among those serving meals to the desperate civilians arriving in Jibrin.

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Families queued for plates of hot rice, meat, bread, eggs and lentils prepared by chefs from Syria, Russia and the government's other main ally Iran.

Watery soup was ladled out of a large vat in the back of a truck bearing a Russian flag.

Nawwara, 14, counted the number of people ahead of her in the queue, impatient to taste her first proper meal in months.

Her mother had decided just the previous evening that they would leave their home in a rebel-controlled district of Aleppo.

"She just said: 'We're leaving,'" Nawwara said, recalling the scene from her bedroom window as her neighbours scurried out of their homes in the winter darkness.

Other families were relieved to finally be warm, after months without access to heating fuel.

"I could warm up for the first time," said Abdel Latif, 56, who arrived in Jibrin with his wife and other family members on Wednesday.

"It's been three years since we had gas at home," he said, edging closer to a bonfire.

- No alternative -

Many were still exhausted from their terrifying escape on foot through the war zone.

Umm Munir stretched out legs still sore several days after she fled Massaken Hanano, the first district recaptured in the regime's offensive.

"Our journey on foot lasted six hours. They were the longest hours of my life," the 55-year-old said.

"We went from neighbourhood to neighbourhood until we got to an army checkpoint."

Civilians arriving in Jibrin are greeted by aid groups and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, which conducts medical checks and transports any urgent cases to hospital.

But for surrendering rebel fighters, the reception process is more complicated.

Syrian soldiers record their names and take their identification papers to check whether they completed their compulsory military service.

In the early years of Syria's five-and-a-half-year civil war, many of those joining the rebels were deserting soldiers.

"Men who fought with rebel groups must clear up their status with the government, and the state will then take the necessary measures," said Aleppo's deputy governor, Abdel Ghani Kassab.

One former rebel fighter, who identified himself only as Ahmad, 40, from the Sakhur district, acknowledged he had been reluctant to surrender.

"I was afraid that the army would detain me... but I didn't have much choice," he said.
park

WASHINGTON, DC  As the bizarre scandal over South Korean President Park Geun-Hye's relationship with a family friend snowballs toward her possible impeachment or resignation, US commitment to deploy THAAD to the region "continues forward."

"Our THAAD deployment continues," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told Business Insider during a press briefing. "The effort to do that as quickly as possible continues forward, and I am not aware of any plans to alter that at this point."

On Tuesday, Park announced in a brief televised speech that she was willing to leave office early and have parliament decide her fate. If Park is unseated, an election must be held within 60 days to find her successor.

"I don't think THAAD deployment will change unless a new administration in South Korea  even a progressive one  thinks little of providing for the country's national defense," Victor Cha, senior adviser and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Business Insider.

Negotiations to deploy THAAD, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense antimissile system, to South Korea have been ongoing since Park's October 2015 visit to the White House. And in July, Washington formally agreed to equip Seoul with the unique missile-defense system to further defend the region amid North Korea's missile tests.

Earlier this month, Gen. Vincent Brooks, the Army commander of US Forces Korea, said deployment was to occur within eight to 10 months.

Pentagon on THAAD deployment: 'We want to do this as quickly as possible' 

The US's other major ally in the region, Japan, may look to acquire the missile defense system as well.

"The discussion of THAAD for Japan is part of a much larger global demand signal for interceptors with a greater reach than, say, Patriot," Thomas Karako, the director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Business Insider.

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THAAD Launch

"In theory, the potential is there for deployment of a US-owned and operated system, but in practice the demand for US missile defenses well outstrips supply. The US Army does not have extra batteries lying around to send permanently to every base and ally threatened by hostile missiles."

Right now, five THAAD batteries  each with approximately 100 soldiers  are assigned to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. One of those batteries was deployed to Guam in April 2013 to deter North Korean provocations and further defend the Pacific region.

We spent a day with THAAD, read more about how this system works 

The United Arab Emirates became the first foreign buyer of THAAD after signing a deal with the Department of Defense for $3.4 billion.

"If partners and allies want the sustained presence of THAAD or any system for that matter, they're likely going to have to follow the example of the United Arab Emirates and procure it for themselves," Karako added.

NOW WATCH: Meet THAAD: Americas answer to North Korean threats





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Henning Kamm has been appointed managing director of film production company Real Film Berlin. Kamm, a native of Hamburg, had previously served as managing director of and executive producer for Detailfilm, the company he founded in 2007 with Fabian Gasmia.

Michael Lehmann, chairman of executive management for the Studio Hamburg Production Group, said: We look forward to setting forth with him to position Real Film creatively in the market, not only in the national TV business, but in the field of international co-production.

I want to use my experience on the trading floor of international film and their expertise in the German market to tell stories that appeal on a worldwide scale, Kamm said. This new capacity is the logical step following an unforgettable, successful era of work together with my highly esteemed partner at Detailfilm.

Detailfilms films played at leading festivals including the Berlinale, Sundance, Karlovy Vary and Locarno, and at such museums as MoMA in New York. They have been honored with numerous jury and audience prizes, including the Lola, Karlovy Varys Crystal Globe, and the SXGlobal Award, and a nomination for a European Film Award. Recent credits include Olivier Assayas Personal Shopper, starring Kristen Stewart, and Mia Hansen-Loves Things to Come, starring Isabelle Huppert.

In 2014, Kamm was Germanys nomination for Producer on the Move, a program run by European Film Promotion. He is a member of the European Film Academy and the European Producers Club, and an EAVE and Inside Pictures alumni. In January 2015, he founded Zentropa Hamburg together with Danish powerhouse Zentropa.

Among other projects, Henning is presently working on Dustin Looses Bosporus Brothers, Erik Schmitts The Tiny Lady, Carlo Zorattis La Vita Nuova, and Mara Eibl Eibesfeldt Days of Kindness.
At first, photographer Harry Benson said no to taking pictures of The Beatles.

It was 1964 and the Scottish-born photojournalist wanted to travel to Uganda for a story about its newfound independence, not take pictures of some British rock-and-roll band on its way up, which his editor had asked him to cover.

I knew who The Beatles were, but they hadnt had their big breakthrough yet, Benson, now 87, tells PEOPLE.

His trip to Africa was not to be. At 11 p.m., the night before Benson was set to fly there, his editor at The Daily Express in London called him and told him that indeed, the big boss was sending him to Paris the next morning to photograph the band.

Any reservations Benson had faded the minute he heard The Beatles sing All My Loving in Paris, where they were performing just before they headed to the United States for the first time.

I thought, S. Im on the right story! This is the right story! The following day they were number one, two and three in America. They became a phenomenon.

So did Benson. With his laid-back, self-deprecating manner and knack for consistently capturing the perfect moment on film, Benson went on to become one of the worlds most renowned and prolific photographers.

Working for publications including Life, Vanity Fair and PEOPLE, Benson earned unprecedented access to every president since Eisenhower (hes taken more pictures of President-elect Donald Trump than anyone else) and to icons including Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Muhammad Ali.

I was ambitious, he says. I was like a rabid dog.

Now, a new documentary, Harry Benson: Shoot First, gives an in-depth look into a storied career that has spanned more than 60 years, starting with Bensons humble beginnings in Scotland, where he started shooting with a Coronet Cub box camera his father gave him.

Out Dec. 9, the film chronicles Bensons perch from the front lines of history, photographing Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Jr., Greta Garbo and Robert F. Kennedy when he was assassinated in 1968.

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I was right next to him when he got shot, says Benson.

For more on Harry Benson and his legendary photographs, pick up a copy of PEOPLE on newsstands Friday.

He also got up close and personal with The Beatles in Paris in 1964, capturing some of the most intimate photos ever taken of the band with his famous Pillow Fight picture.

While Benson and the Fab Four were staying at the swanky George V Hotel in Paris, he suggested that they have a pillow fight like the one they had had a few nights before.

John Lennon said, No, well all look childish and silly. They all turned and said, Yeah, thats right. Yeah, yeah

Pauls sitting there, drinking a brandy. I stretch out on the settee. John slips away and comes up behind him and hits him with a pillow and that was it. Went on for about half an hour.

He says he knew at that moment that these images would become iconic and that he would soon be leaving Fleet Street in London.

What that picture meant was that I was coming to America, he says. That I was not going back.




MATTOON (JG-TC) -- The annual Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters Holiday Auction is scheduled for Saturday at the Cross County Mall.

The event will include a silent auction at 10 a.m. and a live auction at 11:30 a.m. in a storefront next to the entrance of J.C. Penney. Acoustic Suede will provide live music from 10 to 11 a.m., and free doughnuts and other refreshments will be available.

In addition, Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Kelly Hardy said raffle tickets will be sold for $5 each for a chance to win a seven-night stay in Venice, Fla. The winner will be announced during the live auction.

Hardy said the Holiday Auction has been a tradition for many years and is the second biggest fundraiser for Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters after the annual Bowling for Kids Sake benefit.

"The auction helps us raise money to match more kids (with mentors) during the next calendar year," Hardy said.

Some of the scheduled auction items include tickets to St. Louis Cardinals games, The Magic House, and other St. Louis area attractions; an authenticated signed photo of Chicago Cub Miguel Montero; an antique dresser; gift baskets; holiday decor items; and gift certificates to local restaurants and shops.
A Hindu-American group is calling on Donald Trump to reconsider his approach to Pakistan after an unusually detailed readout of a call showed the president-elect offering gushing praise for the countrys prime minister.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a D.C.-based advocacy group, cited a long list of Pakistan issues for Trump to consider, including human rights abuses, the rise of extremism in the country and Pakistans conflict with neighboring India. If the transcript of the conversation is indeed accurate, wed urge President-elect Trump to look more carefully at Pakistans record within its own borders and with its neighbors before offering praise, said Suhag A. Shukla, HAF executive director, in a statement.

Trump brought up none of those topics in his recent conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, according to the and instead lavished praise on his counterpart, according to a readout provided by the Pakistani government. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way, Trump said, according to the readout. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems.

The call drew condemnationand confusionfrom foreign policy experts. Pakistan is technically an American ally that receives financial support, but relations have been tense in recent years, with the U.S. saying the country needs to do more to combat terrorism within its borders. Furthermore, Trump sought to win over Indian-Americans during his presidential campaign promising he would be a close friend. Pakistan and India have been hostile toward each other since they became separate political entities in 1947; since then, they have fought four wars and continue to battle over Kashmir.

Pakistans challenges are only further amplified by an unabated rise in radicalization and the presence of dozens of domestic and international Islamist terrorist organizations which have historically enjoyed the patronage of the states security and intelligence services, said Shukla. The American interest in a strategic partnership with the only secular democracy in the regionIndiais gravely compromised by Pakistans proxy war in Kashmir and cross-border terror attacks in India.
There are few foreign policy topics quite as complicated as the relationship between India and Pakistan, South Asias nuclear-armed nemeses. Any world leader approaching the issue even obliquely must surely see the Handle With Care label from miles away, given the possibility of nuclear conflict.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, however, doesnt seem to have read the memo, injecting a pronounced element of uncertainty about the position of the worlds only remaining superpower on this most complex of subjects in a call with the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

According to a readout of the conversation from the Pakistani authorities, he apparently agreed to visit the country and said he was ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. He reportedly added: You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way.

The hilarity of his hyperbole aside, Trumps intervention could have serious consequences for both regional and global stability.

First, a quick summary: since the British quit the subcontinent in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought four wars, of which three have been over the northern region of Kashmir. Heavily militarized, and divided between the two by a de facto border called the Line of Control (LoC), Kashmir is claimed in its entirely by both New Delhi and Islamabad. With tensions in the region climbing again in recent months, another war, many fear, could potentially go nuclear. Against this backdrop, Washington has a particularly tricky balancing act to negotiate if it is to help maintain stability.

Ties with Islamabad have deteriorated in recent years, with questions about Pakistans role in abetting terror groups souring relations. But although military and economic aid to Pakistan has been cut, reflecting U.S. frustration with Islamabads support for anti-American insurgent outfits such as the Taliban, the cord hasnt been severed; Pakistan continues to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. financial support, and some in Washington question whether America can afford to walk away.

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Senator John McCain made this argument in the Financial Times earlier this year, citing the continued US troop presence in nearby Afghanistan. The U.S. mission in Afghanistan is immeasurably more difficult without Pakistans co-operation in taking on terrorists that operate across the Afghan-Pakistani border at will, he wrote, adding: Likewise, the strategic imperative for improved relations between the US and Pakistan is clear  for the safety of American troops and the success of their mission in Afghanistan, for the stability of the region and for the national security of both Pakistan and the U.S.

India  and a growing cohort of voices internationally  would strongly disagree. New Delhi has long blamed Pakistan for sponsoring terrorist attacks on its soil, a charge Islamabad denies. Tensions have spiraled in recent months, after a devastating attack on an Indian military base near the LoC on Sept. 18 that killed several Indian soldiers. Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the attackers came from Pakistan and, in response, ordered what New Delhi described as a surgical strike in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir to take out other terrorist teams allegedly poised to enter its territory. Until then, India had been careful not to do anything that might spark a military clash with Islamabad. Although Pakistan denied that the strike even took place, the announcement marked a hardening of the Indian stance.

Low-level fighting between the two around the border area has continued since, with matters escalating on Nov. 29, when a group of heavily armed militants assaulted another Indian army unit, killing at least seven Indian soldiers.

As India reels from the attack, with analysts around the world watching closely for any retaliatory steps that could trigger a full-scale war, the readout of Trumps call throws up a host of problematic questions. Will Trumps America openly side with Pakistan on the countrys dispute with India? And where does that leave India, an increasingly important U.S. ally under recent American Presidents? How will India now react to any US attempt to cool tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad?

Only last year, at the beginning of 2015, President Obama became the first American leader to attend Indias annual Republic Day parade, an annual show of Indias military might in the capital New Delhi. It was a strong message from the U.S. leadership that the two countries shared an increasingly close relationship, with deepening economic and military ties.

Washington has clearly been cultivating a regional counterweight to China, Indias powerful northern neighbor. China has noticed, and has correspondingly been building links with Pakistan. In fact, as Obama landed in India, China rolled out the red carpet for Pakistans then military chief, who was visiting Beijing. Around the same time, a commentary in the Global Times, a Chinese newspaper with close government ties, warned against what it called the Wests ulterior motives in deepening links with India.

Has Trump changed his mind? With so little information about his policy positions, its impossible to know. It could be just loose talk. But in this nuclear-armed region, thats troubling enough.
The joint venture of The Dow Chemical Company DOW and Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco), Sadara Chemical Company, was inaugurated by King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud. The JV is part of the growth and economic diversification strategy of the country under its Saudi Vision 2030 plan.

The Sadara complex consists of 26 production units, making it one of the largest integrated chemical facility globally and also the largest built in a single phase. The facility comprises of flexible cracking capabilities and is expected to manufacture over 3 million metric tons of high-value performance plastics and specialty chemical products. The company aims to take advantage of the fast growing markets, including transportation, infrastructure, packaging and consumer products.

The Sadara complex has commenced its Mixed Feed Cracker along with commissioning three polyethylene trains, qualifying 25 products as well as shipping polyethylene to nearly 100 customers spread in over 25 countries. The venture is on schedule for a sequenced start-up process, continuing with the polyethylene and polyolefins envelope, the propylene oxide/isocyanates/polyurethanes envelope, and finally the ethylene oxide/propylene oxide/specialty chemicals units.

Saudi Arabia aims to diversify the economy with the inclusion of Sadara, which will add value to the existing petroleum reserves and manufacture chemicals that are not currently produced in the Middle East. Moreover, the venture will increase employment in the region. Dow Chemical expects to add 4,000 jobs directly and 10,000 indirectly for Saudi nationals as well as foreigners.

Dow Chemical has been investing in Saudi Arabia for over 4 decades and employs more than 500 individuals in the country. The company is one of the largest foreign investors in the nation. Recently, Andrew Liveris, CEO of Dow Chemical, also met H.R.H. Deputy Crown Prince Salman Al Saud, to discuss the companys existing investments and potential opportunities in line with Dow Chemicals growth strategy and the Saudi Vision 2030.

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In June, Dow Chemical was the first company to be given a trading license in Saudi Arabia, allowing 100% ownership in the countrys trading sector. The company has a number of other joint ventures in the country, including one with Juffali & Brothers and another with Saudi Acrylic Monomer Company (SAMCo).

The companys other investments include agreements with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to build a new Dow Middle East Research and Development Center, and a Reverse Osmosis manufacturing facility. The facility would be the first unit of its kind outside of the U.S.

Shares of Dow Chemical closed 3.2% higher at $55.72 on Nov 30.

DOW CHEMICAL Price

DOW CHEMICAL Price | DOW CHEMICAL Quote

Dows adjusted earnings for third-quarter 2016 topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate, aided by its productivity and cost-reduction actions. However, profit (as reported) slid year over year, hurt by charges related to the Dow Corning ownership restructure. Revenues rose year over year, and beat expectations.

Dow should benefit from its productivity and aggressive portfolio management actions as well as strategic investments in the U.S. Gulf Coast and the Middle East. The company is also moving forward with its planned mega-merger with DuPont DD, which is expected to create significant synergies. Dow should also gain from cost synergies associated with Dow Corning Silicones business in 2016.

Dow currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Other Stocks to Consider

Better-ranked companies in the chemical space include The Chemours Company CC and FMC Corporation FMC, both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Chemours has an expected long-term growth of 15.5%.

FMC has an expected long-term growth of 10.88%.

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The Get Down's Justice Smith is getting up onstage.

The actor of the Netflix series has joined the cast of Yen, MCC Theater announced Wednesday, along with Chance actress Stefania LaVie Owen and Ari Graynor. They join the previously announced Manchester by the Sea star Lucas Hedges in the new production.

Trip Cullman (Significant Other) will direct Anna Jordan's Bruntwood Prize-winning off-Broadway play. Previews begin Jan. 12 ahead of a Jan. 30 opening at MCC's regular home, the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York. The limited engagement is set to run through Feb. 19.

In Yen, Bobbie (Smith) and Hench (Hedges) are home alone. Days are filled by streaming porn, playing video games, watching the world go by. Their mom (Graynor) rarely visits these days, and it's chaos when she does. But when animal-loving neighbor Jenny (Owen) takes an interest in their dog Taliban, the boys discover a world far beyond what they know.

Read more: How Baz Luhrmann's Netflix Series 'The Get Down' Painstakingly Re-Created the '70s
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Ecoark Holdings, Inc. ("Ecoark")(EARK), a provider of a growing suite of proprietary technologies and services that drive sustainability and facilitate sustainable growth for a wide range of clients, announced today that it will be presenting at the 9th annual LD Micro Main Event on Thursday, December 8 at 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Brad Hoagland, Ecoark's Director of Corporate Development, will be presenting, as well as meeting with investors.

The LD Micro Main Event is the largest independent conference for small/microcap companies and will feature 240 presenting names.

View Ecoark's profile here: http://www.ldmicro.com/profile/EARK

News Compliments of Accesswire

About Ecoark Holdings Inc.

Based in Rogers AR and founded in 2011, Ecoark Holdings, Inc. is a growth-oriented company based in the retail and logistics hub of Northwest Arkansas. Ecoark's portfolio of technology solutions increase operational visibility and improve organizational transparency for a wide range of corporate clients.

Ecoark's technologies fight waste in Operations, Logistics, and Supply Chains across the evolving global economy. Ecoark's portfolio of companies and technologies work to integrate people, processes, and data in order to overcome ingrained operational hurdles and create new revenue streams.

Ecoark's vision is to expose the cycles of waste that reduce efficiency and cost effectiveness across the business landscape. Ecoark's strategically acquired subsidiaries have anticipated and responded to key economic factors impacting every business today.

Ecoark addresses these vital economic factors through four active subsidiaries, Zest Labs, Eco3d, Pioneer Products, and Magnolia Solar.

For more information, please visit www.ecoark.com.

About LD Micro

LD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space. What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into an event platform hosting several influential conferences annually (Invitational, Summit, and Main Event).

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In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector. LD will continue to provide valuable tools for the benefit of everyone in the small and microcap universe.

For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at david@ldmicro.com or visit www.ldmicro.com/events for more information.

Company Contact

Brad Hoagland, CFA

479-259-2981

Bhoagland@ecoarkusa.com

Media Contact

Matthew Bretzius

FischTank Marketing and PR

Matt@fischtankpr.com

SOURCE: Ecoark Holdings, Inc. via LD Micro
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f301764%2fc203b264550d4b6396ae25038bce4b48

When ecstasy hits, it unleashes a rush of euphoria and abundant compassion in users. That's precisely why the drug could be an effective treatment for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), early studies show.

A large-scale clinical trial is set to move forward next year to test the therapeutic benefits of MDMAa.k.a. ecstasy, or mollyin survivors of war combat, sexual assault, violent crimes and other traumatic experiences.

SEE ALSO: New artificial intelligence technique could erase fear from your brain

This week, the Food and Drug Administration said researchers could move ahead with the trial after a series of smaller trials proved successful. The bigger Phase 3 trial could pave the way for the agency to approve ecstasy as a legal drug within a few years.

"It changed my life," C.J. Hardin, a U.S. Army veteran who served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, told the New York Times.

"It allowed me to see my trauma without fear or hesitation and finally process things and move forward," he said.

Promising results push FDA to green light broad trials for Ecstasy as treatment for PTSD https://t.co/yS1mNo4eHY  David Philipps (@David_Philipps) November 29, 2016

Hardin participated in an earlier clinical trial in South Carolina that combined weeks of psychotherapy with limited doses of MDMA, administered under a psychiatrist's guidance. The Phase 3 trial could follow a similar approach, and include hundreds more patients.

Like so many street drugs, ecstasy use comes with (and is also known for) a wide array of health risks, like high fevers, liver failure, cardiac arrest or brain damage. But the drug remains popular among recreational users for its "prosocial" effectsthe increased sensations of friendliness, affection and trust.

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Studies of MDMA's effects on the brain show the drug triggers the release of a hormone called oxytocin, thought to bring about those prosocial feelings. Ecstasy may also tamp down feelings like fear or threat, by weakening activity in the brain's amygdala region.

Two 2014 studies found that MDMA reduced subjects' abilities to perceive negative emotional states in other people. Not only that, but the drug also made participants less bothered by social rejection.

Like MDMA, PTSD also significantly alters brain activitybut in a completely different way.

Traumatic stress can cause increased activity in the fear-stoking amygdala region, studies show. It also interferes with neurochemical systems that moderate stress and affect memory functions.

By combining MDMA with therapy, patients can quiet their disabling fears and explore the root of their trauma in a more productive way, said Brad Burge, communications director for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, a small nonprofit funding MDMA clinical trials.

"When people are processing extremely difficult or fearful emotions, as is the case with PTSD, it can be very helpful in allowing people to clearly describe what they're experiencing," he told Mashable by phone from Santa Cruz, California.

Hardin, the U.S. veteran, said ecstasy helped him climb out of a world marked by sleepless nights and dreams of explosions and death. "The MDMA sessions showed me a light I could move toward," he told the Times from his home in Charleston, South Carolina.

Posters are shown outside the Army's Suicide Prevention Program in Fort Riley, Kansas, 2009.

Image: Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Ann and Michael Mithoefer, a wife-and-husband team leading clinical trials in South Carolina, said they found a combination of non-drug therapy sessions and drug-assisted sessions together reduced a range of negative symptoms in their patients.

In one trial, the patients reported a 56 percent drop in the severity of symptoms like general anxiety, depression and nightmares. At the end of the study, two-thirds of patients no longer met the criteria for having PTSD, according to the Mithoefers' research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Follow-up exams with patients found the improvements lasted over more than a year after therapy.

The trail was one of six Phase 2 studies backed by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Burge said that among the 106 total participants, 66 percent no longer had PTSD by the end of the trial.

Australian Federal Police in 2005 display more than one ton of MDMA (ecstasy) pills seized from Melbourne's waterfront.

Image:

The association as of now is the only U.S. organization driving clinical research in MDMA for therapeutic use in PTSD.

The drug first emerged from the labs of German drug manufacturer Merck in the 1910s. In the following decades, researchersincluded the U.S. Army in the 1950sexplored the synthetic drug's potential uses in psychotherapy and psychiatry.

But when ecstasy became a popular club drug in the 1980s and 90s, governments worldwide cracked down. U.S. regulators in 1985 placed the pill on a list of prohibited substances that included heroin and LSD. The association was created that same year.

Burge said the organization needs to raise at least $20 million to support three to four years of Phase 3 trials. A chunk of that money will go toward paying a drug manufacturer to make pharmaceutical-grade MDMA for the research.

He said he expects the FDA to formally green-light the Phase 3 trial in early 2017, and potentially approve the drug for prescription use by 2021.

"We see a very clear path ahead," Burge said. "More people are realizing that we need better approaches to the treatment of PTSD. That's contributed to more [societal] openness toward this research."

Medical experts who spoke with the Times said they were hopeful out the upcoming clinical trials but remained wary of the potential for drug abuse. After all, opioid painkillers like OxyContin are prescription drugs. And the U.S. is now suffering an epidemic of opioid addiction .

"It's a feel-good drug, and we know people are prone to abuse it," Dr. Charles R. Marmar, the head of psychiatry at New York Universitys Langone School of Medicine, told the newspaper. Marmar is a leading PTSD researcher and was not involved in the study.

And of course, prolonged use of ecstasy might harm the brain, several studies have shown.

A 2011 study found that long-term users risk damaging their brain structure and developing significant memory problems. Another study in 2013 found long-term ecstasy use may alter brain activation in regions that affect verbal memory.

Still, Marmar said it "will be of great use" if the clinical studies show positive results.

"PTSD can be very hard to treat," he told the Times. "Our best therapies right now don't help 30 to 40 percent of people. So we need more options."
CHARLESTON -- Two people admitted taking part in a group of seven accused of working together in at least two counties to make methamphetamine.

Chadd Colclasure was sentenced to prison for his Coles County conviction, adding to the prison time he also received in Shelby County.

Also, Amanda O'Day was placed on probation but the sentence was the type that could mean she won't have a record of a conviction.

The two suspects were part of the group that was indicted in November of last year by what's called a statewide grand jury.

The grand jury's work can take place anywhere in the state to consider charges against people suspected of committing related crimes in more than one county. The Illinois Attorney General's Office then prosecutes the cases in one of the counties in which the crimes reportedly occurred.

The suspects were accused of working together to obtain ingredients for and manufacturing methamphetamine in Coles and Moultrie counties, as well as others in the cases of some of the suspects, during various months of 2015.

Colclasure, 42, for whom court records list a Windsor address, pleaded guilty to a charge of participation in methamphetamine manufacturing.

With the agreement in his case, he was sentenced to four years in prison for the conviction that could have brought a four- to 15-year prison term, though prison time wasn't required.

Colclasure's Coles County sentence will be added to the six-year prison term he received in September for a methamphetamine manufacturing conviction in Shelby County.

His Coles County sentence also included payment of about $3,000 in fines and court fees, while a charge accusing him of selling methamphetamine in Coles County in September 2015 was dismissed.

O'Day, 32, whose address on record is on Broadway Avenue in Mattoon, pleaded guilty to a methamphetamine conspiracy charge and was sentenced to three years of first offender probation.

That form of probation allows for no record of a conviction if its terms and requirements are completed successfully. O'Day was ordered to be evaluated for substance abuse treatment and to pay about $4,000 in fines and court fees.

For both suspects, Circuit Judge Teresa Righter accepted plea agreements that Assistant Attorney General Barry Shaefer and Public Defender Anthony Ortega recommended.

Three of the other suspects pleaded guilty earlier, while the cases against two remain pending.
Ed Sheerans clearly not hiding away until that nasty Action Man-style scar disappears.

Hey, maybe he even LIKES it. But one things for certain  Eds head will NEVER be the same ever again.

Ed Sheeran/PA Photos

In case you didnt hear the weekends gossip, the unsightly slice to the Sheeran cheek was formed when an overenthusiastic Princess Beatrice decided to set up a fake knighting ceremony for James Blunt at a royal shindig. Yes, really.

Unluckily for Ed, he was caught in the crossfire.

And since the 25-year-old was booked to perform at the East Anglia Childrens Hospices gala dinner at the Natural History Museum last night, he couldnt really avoid mentioning that huge gash on his face.

Its nice to be back, he told the crowd. Ive had a whole year off. I went to Japan for about a month and hung out with Japanese people. Got my face cut open, anyone read about that?

Ed Sheeran and Princess Beatrice/PA Photos

Yes, yes, we did! And frankly were just happy Eds still able to perform. She couldve had his eye out!

An insider at the party, which took place at Princess Andrews royal pad in Windsor, said that Beatrice misjudged the weight of the sword and had no idea Ed was right behind her.

He was rushed to hospital for treatment with his girlfriend Cherry Seaborn, and although the cut was stitched up it looks pretty likely to leave a nasty scar.

A couple of the guests said it could have been worse and he could have been blinded in the eye but Ed really played it down, an insider told The Sun. Everyone was totally shocked and apparently Beatrice was very upset.

But Ed was the perfect gentleman and told her it was just an accident. However it became apparent that the wound needed treatment so Ed was taken to hospital. He had to have stitches put in.

Beatrice was said to be inconsolable.

Ed Sheeran/PA Photos

However, rather than head home to lick his wounds, Ed actually went straight back to the royal bash and picked up where hed left off.

Thats the spirit! Lets just hope someone had put the sword back in the cupboard.
MANAGUA (Reuters) - Eleven people have been injured in Nicaragua after clashes broke out between police and protesters who oppose the construction of a massive inter-oceanic canal project in the Central American country, federal police and demonstration leaders said on Wednesday. A gigantic canal project extending 174 miles (280 km) from the Caribbean to the Pacific has been met with disapproval by local residents and environmentalists who warn the project will cause damage to Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. Demonstrators had planned to converge on the capital of Managua on Wednesday afternoon, but canceled the gathering after clashes broke out with riot police the day before in Nueva Guinea, a municipality about 186 miles (300 km) from the capital. "We decided not to go on with it because we want to show that we love peace, that we are not violent," said Francisca Ramirez, a leader of the movement that opposes the expropriation of land for the canal, saying five protesters had been hurt. Francisco Diaz, deputy director of the federal police, said riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets against a group of "vandals" who attacked them with sticks and machetes on Tuesday, leaving six policemen injured. The "anti-canal" movement said it will continue its fight against the mega-project, which is currently being studied for its feasibility. (Reporting by Ivan Castro; Writing by Natalie Schachar; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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The Royals is turning into a family affair for its star.

Elizabeth Hurleys 14-year-old son, Damian, was cast in the third season of the E! show as Hansel, the spoiled Crown Prince of Liechtenstein. The mother-son duo appeared on Today to talk about the perks  and odd parts  of working together.

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Although this was Damians first television acting gig, he was no stranger to the set. According to Hurley, her son came every day because they shot during his summer break.

Everybody loved him, they promised him a part one day, and suddenly this day came, the 51-year-old actress said.

Although Hurley admitted to being nervous about Damians abilities, she couldnt be more proud of his performance.

He was knock-out when he was shooting, she said.

Hurley claims that her son didnt need any help, but she did give him some straightforward tips before the big gig.

Damian says her advice was, Learn your lines and dont be annoying.

Hurley noted that Damians education was the priority for the time being, but shes excited to hand on the baton to her child and see what happens with his career.

As for Damian? Hes caught the acting bug.

Im obsessed, he said.

The Royals returns Sunday at 10 p.m. ET on E!




Its not unusual for a biopic to present a manicured, zoomed-in version of a true storycompressing a life for audience satisfaction, while boiling off the messier elements. In Jackie, that meta storytelling process is woven into the films substance. This is a movie broadly about Jacqueline Kennedy in the wake of her husbands assassination, but its also about her efforts to shape the countrys perception of the event amid her deep trauma, and to leave out the uglier parts. Pablo Larrains new film is a wonderful subversion of one of Hollywoods favorite genres: an illustration of public life that understands its inherent artifice.

People like to believe in fairytales, Jackie (Natalie Portman), intones to the journalist Theodore H. White (Billy Crudup). The film is structured around an interview she gave to White eight days after John F. Kennedys assassination, in which she was careful to mention her husbands fondness for the musical Camelot, and firmed up the mythic legacy of his presidency. Jackie is a remarkably composed, artful piece of storytelling about storytelling, as an examination of the gauzy reputation of the Kennedys and the darker myth-making involved. It attempts to reckon with the inner life of an iconic figure while acknowledging just how much she worked to obscure it.

Larrain, a Chilean director, has some experience making movies about the selling of a story. His Oscar-nominated No (2012), about the 1988 plebiscite that ended Augusto Pinochets dictatorship in Chile, was shot like a 1980s news broadcast, on grainy magnetic tape and in a square aspect ratio. It had a time-capsule feel, but it brought the viewer inside the time capsule; it was a recreation that was more than fuzzy footage of protests on a vintage TV. Jackie has its own visual archness. Here, Larrain films his subjects in extreme close-up, often having them look right at the camera lens, as if theyre speaking straight to the viewer.

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Theres a voyeurism to much of the film, which follows Jackie in the immediate aftermath of her husbands death. For much of the first act, shes still wearing the iconic pink Chanel suit from that day, covered in his blood. The audience sees her undress, shower, talk to her children, and over the following week, try to arrange a state funeral that conveys appropriate grandeur. They see her close relationship with Robert F. Kennedy (Peter Sarsgaard), which vacillates between that of bickering siblings and that of an old married couple. She talks to a priest (John Hurt) about her fury with God over what shes lost, including the children she miscarried. Viewers watch as her pain spills out behind closed doors, while she tries to carefully manage it in front of the cameras. Portmans performance is, unsurprisingly, perfectly controlled at all times.

Recommended: Trevor Noah Finds His Late-Night Voice

Throughout, Larrain frequently cuts back to Jackies interview with White, in which she calmly lays out what he can and cant include in his reportingreminding him that shes never smoked a cigarette, for example, as she lights one up in front of him. The gap between how she was and how she wanted the world to see her is made thuddingly obvious, but the story she was promoting was obvious, toonot just her repeated mentions of Camelot (the title song of which, along with Mica Levis gorgeous minor-key score, is a recurring motif in the films soundtrack), but also in the massive funeral she planned.

Jackie is an emotionally vivid work, bright and flamboyant at times, but always told with compassion.

Larrain (working from a script by Noah Oppenheim) also pivots back to Jackies famous tour of the White House, broadcast live on television in 1962, which helped sell Americans on the major renovations shed made to the building. There, viewers see Jackie first exercising her muscles for crafting a national narrative. The ostentatiousness of the redecoration was there to lift the whole nations spirits, to celebrate Americas historical legacy rather than hide it behind closed doors. Larrain leans into the royal opulence of the Kennedys while poking fun at it from afar.

This is a film about the difference between public and private grief, rendered on the biggest scale possible. But its also about the guilt contained therein, as Jackie struggles to reconcile the story shes built with the very flawed man that she undoubtedly loved. Jackie is an emotionally vivid work, bright and flamboyant at times, but threaded through with compassion. Larrains wide-screen cinematography is designed to envelop the viewer in his characters mindsets and the stunning environment around them, so its be best to see Jackie on a large screen. Above all, what Larrain understands about his subject is that she would want this movie to overwhelm the viewer; he tells her tale with a certain slyness, and with all the majesty she would demand.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Emma Stones pale purple dress is a breath of fantastical air

Emma Stone, star of the upcoming film-musical La La Land, is slated to host Saturday Night Live this Saturday, alongside musical guest Shawn Mendes. In a promotional YouTube video for this weeks episode, Stone shows off a whimsical pale purple dress while struggling with an uncooperative elevator door.

Because everything about La La Land nods to the memorable era of the film-musical (between the late 30s and 50s), were thinking Stones SNL promo outfit  and antique suitcases  are suitably influenced by that era as well.

The dress has a vintage flair to it with its necktie, ruffles, and button-up, Leg-of-Mutton sleeves. The black firework pattern adds a bit of sparkle and is definitely reminiscent of 1940s dress detailing.

Emma Stone on SNL

We can just imagine that the SNL writers must have had a heyday writing musical skits for Saturdays episode. Plus, considering that Emma Stone is one of the most lovable returning SNL hosts, we honestly cant wait to see what antics she gets into this time at 30 Rock.

This promo video is seriously getting us AMPED:

Stone also appeared on Good Morning America this week, during which she wore a vintage-inspired floral dress similar to that in her SNL promo video. Note the necktie on this little number as well. Are necktie dresses a thing now? If not, they should be because they are pretty darn cute.

Maybe after the release of La La Land on December 9th, well be seeing a lot more 40s-inspired outfits. Although the film takes place in present day, costume designer Mary Zophres tapped into earlier retro fashion to connect the contemporary story to the throwback film-musical.

To better understand what were getting at, check out the trailer for La La Land. Are we about to see a resurgence of the film-musical? Maybe  just maybe.

Were just so excited for all of it  SNL, La La Land, vintage fashion! Its all too much to handle, but in the best way possible. Tune into Saturday Night Live this Saturday, December 3rd, to laugh along with our girl Emma Stone.

The post Emma Stones pale purple dress is a breath of fantastical air appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Warning: This recap of the What We May Be episode of Empire contains spoilers.

Few things chill the blood or terrify the mind quite like meeting your new boyfriends mom for the first time. Thats a first impression with potentially fatal consequences, and it doesnt matter how delicious your impeccably chosen Cheesecake Factory appetizer is, you better be your best self. One miscalculated punchline or controversial political belief could leave you heartbroken and alone for the rest of your life! The stakes are THAT high. OK, maybe not, but have you ever dated a child of PHYLICIA RASHAD? Its saying something that Cookie  a woman who recently spent 17 years in prison  appeared absolutely terrified.

What We May Be was a tight and funny exercise in parental drama, from Cookies sudden remembrance of her fathers death to her attempts to be the stately matriarch she suddenly needs to be. Also, Mrs. Huxtable herself showed up to give everyone the side-eye for 42 minutes! Lets talk about it.

We began with an enviable sight for anyone anywhere: Taye Diggs at the door with a couple of lattes.

He had surmised correctly that doffing his top on live TV would win Cookie over, and within seconds they were awkwardly making out (while Cookies cell phone kept blowing up with the usual Empire drama). They were BACK ON.

At what appeared to be a daily business meeting during which everyone watched a local morning zoo radio show (on TV?), the DJs really laid into Jamal for not performing live anymore. They even referred to him as the Turkey of the Year! I honestly cannot think of anything more hurtful, and apparently neither could Jamal. He needed to do something to save face and pronto!

Andres big conflict arrived when Nessa and Shyne invited him to a block party they were throwing in honor of Nessas dead brother. As her new boyfriend (and supervillain Clyde to her Bonnie) Andre was obligated to be there. Which meant that he was probably going to be immediately invited to another, more pressing obligation. But in this case Shyne would probably murder him if he didnt come to the block party, so the decision would be an easy one.

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The fallout for Jamals accidental overdose was actually pretty minimal. His producer-lover explained it away to Jamals drug counselor thusly: NBD DEAL W/IT BYE. Even more helpfully, he gave Jamal a packet of street drugs which he claimed were better for him than prescribed painkillers. What a true friend.

I loved when Cookie arrived, mostly because she walked in with a handful of loose Red Vines, as though she maybe had a plastic barrel of them in her car. But also when she noted the TWO HUNKS leaving Jamals pad at the same time, she accused her son of hoin. Cookie was not wrong!

Jamal then presented Cookie with a tightly edited montage of all her childhood home movies while he sang a new song about her life. She was very into it at first when it was mostly just images of her and her sisters hanging out on sidewalks. But then footage of her father started unspooling and she was NOT into it. She basically spun around flipping off every monitor and then ran out of the room. That was probably not the reaction Jamal was hoping for.

At this point none other than Phylicia Rashad entered the picture! She played Taye Diggs mother, and the way she carried herself projected pure royalty. They were at some function that shed attended strictly to meet Cookie Lyon for the first time. As you might imagine, Cookie FLAKED. She was too upset about Jamals home movies to attend, which, OK. This did not make a very good impression on Phylicia Rashad if were being quite honest, and it hurt Taye Diggss feelings as well. Oh, Cookie.

My favorite thing in this episode was our glimpse at Carols new job at the hair store. It was like a superstore of affordable hair options!! Jamal paid her a visit in order to chat about what exactly had caused Cookie to fly off the handle like she had, so Carol whisked him down the hair extension aisle and told him a tale!

Do you want to know what the big secret was when it came to Cookies relationship with her father? OK, I will tell you. Basically when she was a teen he had forbidden her to date Lucious, but she couldnt stop dating Lucious! One time after a date that went really late Cookie arrived home and her father had found a gun and drug money in her room, and had therefore packed her a suitcase and kicked her out! Just kicked her right out of that house. Oh, and then he died! That is a truly cheap way of winning an argument, but whatever. Heart attacks happen. The moral of the story was, Cookie had murdered her father by dating Lucious and to this day she did not feel great about that.

Another very fun moment came when Cookie asked Candace to help her become a classy society bitch so that she could take Mrs. Huxtable to dinner to apologize for flaking. First of all, anytime we get to see Vivica A. Fox is a blessing, but also I love being reminded that Cookie has spent 17 years in prison and maybe hadnt learned all her etiquette lessons yet. Unfortunately just when her education was underway, Lucious arrived to inform her that hed booked all the rest of the tables in all the restaurants in town! He was trying to throw salt in her game of impressing Taye Diggss mom! Classic Lucious.

Fortunately Candace had the bright idea of simply hiring a catering chef and throwing a dinner party in Cookies penthouse. Cookie was concerned about all the sensual art shed collected over the years (there are penises on my wall) so we were then treated to a makeover montage! Of an apartment!

Aside from the very weird Amazon Echo product placement scene wherein Porsha commanded the service to deliver them some yellow silk pillows, it was fun seeing the apartment get redone right before our eyes. HGTV realness!

Bella Lyon was being a total drama queen in this episode, just crying and crying so much. Hakeem barely knew what to do about it, and Anika was off somewhere doing whatever. Relax, Bella, damn!

Guess who was late for the block party? Andre! Nessa looked sad and Shyne looked ticked. Plus Andre had promised to bring Freda Gatz and she was a no-show as well. This block party was going from bad to worse.

Speaking of bad to worse, Cookies dinner party was not going off as planned. For one thing, Jamal was HIGH ON DRUGS. For another, Hakeem brought Bella over so that Cookie could get her to stop crying. And then, wouldnt you know it? Lucious and Anika showed up to stir the pot even more. (Technically Anika just wanted her baby back, but still.) And as all this chaos transpired, guess who was LIVING for it?

Taye Diggss mom basically entered that room and scanned it with the intensity of the Terminator. Everything around her was drama, and we were meant to believe she did NOT approve of this circus. She was, after all, the powerful mother of the citys next mayor. But the main thing was, she simply did not say a damn WORD the entire party, she just sort of looked around with a half-smirk and mentally sipped tea the entire time. How else would a person react to a Lyon family meltdown?

Empire-3x07_17

The night was saved, however, when Jamal became slightly less high and he sat down to play the song hed written about Cookies life. The song definitely contained a few too many details of her struggles that could maybe be considered a violation of her privacy, but other than that it was a pretty, heartfelt ode to a mom who deserved more recognition.

Even Lucious seemed touched by the performance and quietly excused himself, and it caused Cookie to think back to her father with fondness. But most importantly, afterward Phylicia Rashad took Cookie aside and revealed that she actually respected Cookie and related deeply to Cookies family drama. In other words, Cookie was IN.

We ended the show with a comparatively NBD tease Andre finally arrived at Shynes block party with Freda Gatz in tow! Freda and Nessa took the stage together and it was all very fun. Except Shyne recorded the performance on his phone! Can you believe it?!? Truly the most shocking cliffhanger in Empire history.

What We May Be may not have been heavy on twists or revelations, but any episode centered around Cookie is a good episode. I liked learning more about her tragic relationship with her father (especially in how it established even further the effect Lucious has had on her life) and her attempts to reconcile her dirty past with her new desire to be upstanding. Dont get me wrong, I prefer the loud and shameless Cookie we first met, but I appreciate the struggle nonetheless. Plus its good to know that even when you think everythings going wrong, itll be all right and Phylicia Rashad will end up respecting you. We should all be so lucky.

What did YOU think of What We May Be?

Empire airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on Fox. Watch clips and full episodes of Empire for free on Yahoo View.
What happens when you invite the entire Lyon clan to whats supposed to be a fancy dinner? Chaos and a really good ballad.

In Season 3, episode 7 of Foxs Empire Cookie tries to impress her boyfriend Angelos mom by hosting a swanky dinner party, but things go downhill fast. The episode also reveals a lot more about Cookies childhood, including a heartbreaking revelation about the relationship she had with her father.

The episode kicks off with Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) on the phone with Tiana (Serayah). Tiana is apparently agitated about something, and Cookie doesnt have time for it, telling Tiana she needs to get in the studio ASAP. Tiana hangs up on her. Cookie gets a knock at her door and its Angelo (Taye Diggs) with two cups of coffee. She grabs one, invites him and asks him what hes doing there. Angelo tells Cookie that he got her text about the press conference he did, and tells Cookie that she already knows how he feels about her but he wants to know if shes in or out. Angelo clearly wants to get back together with Cookie, and kisses her. They start making out and Cookie tells him that shes in. Aww, Cangelo (we like the sound of that) is back together.

Meanwhile, Lucious (Terrence Howard) is having a meeting a meeting with Jamal (Jussie Smollett) and other Empire execs about Jamals declining numbers. Lucious isnt happy that Jamal isnt bringing in the numbers hes supposed to for Empire Xtreme. Lucious also plays a video of radio host Charlamagne tha God giving Jamal turkey of the year for falling off the radar after getting shot.

As Lucious is meeting with Jamal, Andre (Trai Byers) is taking a phone call in his office. He ends it when Nessa (Sierra McClain) walks in. She invites him to a memorial party her family is having for the death anniversary of her brother. She tells him that Shine is going to be there, and then warns Andre that Shine wants to kill him. At that moment, Shine walks into the office and tells Andre that Lucious tried to play him because Freda Gat (Bre-Z) refused to work with Empire again. Andre says he has no idea that Freda felt like that but hell fix it. Andre suggests that he invite Freda to the memorial party. Shine doesnt think its a good idea, but Nessa is onboard with it.

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Jamal is still struggling with his post-traumatic stress disorder and almost fatal overdose. After his meeting with Lucious, he heads home to find Phillip (Juan Antonio) and D-Major (Tobias Truvillion) in his kitchen arguing over Jamals near-death experience. Phillip wants D-Major to take it more seriously. As D-Major is leaving he hands Jamal some pills and tells him that its not as strong as what his doctor has been giving him.

Cookie walks in and Jamal tells her that he wants to show something hes been working on. Its a song he recorded with videos from Cookies childhood. At first Cookie loves it, but when she sees her father in the videos she gets really upset. Your dad seems so cool, Jamal says but Cookie tells him to turn it off and says he cant use those videos.

You had no right digging that stuff up, she says storming out of his apartment saying shes running late to meet Angelos mother.

Because Cookie was caught off-guard with the videos she never makes it to the event to meet Angelos mother. Angelo is mad, but Cookie tells him that shes going to make it up to him by inviting them to dinner. Angelo says that his mom is big on family so he asks Cookie to invite her children to the dinner.

Throughout the episode, there are a couple flashbacks to when Cookie was younger. In one flashback she has while explaining to Angelo why the videos Andre used to upset her so much. Viewers see Lucious dropping Cookie off at her house. Cookie gets on him for bringing her home so late but kisses him and gets out of the car. As she tries to sneak into her house, her dad flings the door and drops a suitcase in front of her. He wants her to move out because he found a gun and money in her room. Cookies dad tells her that hes not going to let Lucious ruin his other daughter like he ruined her. Cookie begs her dad to let her stay, but he closes the door in her face.

Another flashback reveals that Cookies dad died a few days after he kicked her out. In the scene, Cookie and Lucious pull up to her fathers house and see him getting taken away in an ambulance. Cookie runs up to her sisters to ask whats going on and one of her sisters tell her that their dad had a heart attack. The sister tells Cookie its her fault and their dad was heartbroken over Cookie choosing Lucious over her family.

A third flashback reveals that Cookies father had big plans for her and wanted her to go to medical school. Cookie thought her dad was too hard on her and put too much pressure on her.

Empire season 3 episode 7

Photo: Fox

The night of Cookies dinner  which had to be held at Cookies home where Lucious can try to sabotage it arrives and shes extremely nervous. Jamal is the first one to show up, but hes really high on the new pills D-Major gave him. Angelo and his mother Diane (Phylicia Rashad) are next to arrive. Diane tells Cookie that she knows she redecorated her home for the dinner. Jamal, still very high, tells everyone that Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray) isnt coming to the dinner, but suddenly he barges through the front door with a screaming baby Bella. Hakeem hands Bella to his mom and greets Diane.

Diane asks Hakeem where the mother of the baby is, and Jamal tells her that shes being shady. Cookie tells Jamal to shut up and informs everyone that dinner is ready. Theyre having seafood, but Angelo tells Cookie that he forgot to tell her that his mom is allergic to seafood. Theres another knock at the door and this time its Lucious and Anika (Grace Gealey). Anika is frantic about baby Bella and Lucious yells at Hakeem for taking Bella and not telling anyone. Lucious then greets Diane and tells her that Anika is his wife but also the mother of his sons baby. Lucious wants to know where Andre is.

It turns out that Andre skips the dinner to go to the memorial celebration for Nessas brother. He also gets Freda to come along with him. At first, Andre plans to leave the party early to try and make it to Cookies dinner, but Nessa convinces him to stay. She performs a tribute song for her brother and then invites Freda on stage with her. As they perform, Shine secretly records the duet.

Back at Cookies dinner, she tells Diane that she knows her family can be a little crazy but she wouldnt trade it for anything in the world. She then asks Jamal to sing a song, and he tells them that hes going to perform a song he wrote about Cookie. As hes singing, it becomes evident that its a track about Cookies father dying and her meeting Lucious. Later, Diane tells Cookie that she knows Cookie tried to impress her and she can see why Angelo is attracted to her. Diane says Cookie has a fire in her, but warns her not to burn her son with that fire.

Empire airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EST on Fox.

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Time to groove and swing to the music of Penang Island Jazz as Laundry bar is bringing over the special sound to Klang Valley on 10 December 2016.



In collaboration with Penang Island Jazz Festival, the event will be an exclusive one-night only performance featuring Macedonian-born New York-based Vladimir Cetkar Trio and Malaysia's very own Jumero as the night's opening act.

Vladimir Cetkar is a guitarist, vocalist, and composer and has been hailed by international critics and music experts as one of the most promising names in the jazz, funk and soul genre.



His critically acclaimed album release "We Will Never End" in 2008 has received rave reviews worldwide, garnering the attention of and praise of many music luminaries including, George Benson, Dimitri From Paris, Omar(UK), Matt Bianco, Simon Hale, Jestofunk and Jamiroquai.



Meanwhile, joining Vladimir on stage will be local favourite acoustic trio Jumero consisting of Jared Lim, Michael Lim and Ryan Gomes, who is known for their relaxing and pleasant styles of music.



In addition to the amazing performances, guests will get to enjoy cool and refreshing drinks while experiencing a night of soul-funk-jazz-retro meets 21st century live music at its best.



Taking place at Laundry, The Curve, the event is opened to public from 7.30pm onwards.
This Immigrant Doctor Is Reimagining Health in the American City

Donald Trump is still seven weeks away from taking office, but when it comes to permitting the controversial practice of deep-sea mining, the incoming administrations hands are already tied.

On Wednesday, the Center for Biological Diversity announced it has settled a federal court lawsuit against the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its parent agency, the U.S. Department of Commerce, in a move that will compel federal officials to conduct in-depth assessments of the risks to wildlife and underwater ecosystems before issuing permits for the exploration of the ocean floor for rare-earth metals and minerals.

The settlements terms will be binding on the Trump Aaministration, said Emily Jeffers, an attorney for the environmental group. Trumps campaign website does not mention deep-sea mining, although it does call for opening offshore leasing and eliminating all wasteful and unnecessary regulation.



He wants to ramp up coal production and is not concerned about the impact of strip mining and mountaintop removal, so it makes me think he wouldnt be afraid to strip-mine the ocean floor, Jeffers said of the president elect.

The Trump transition team and NOAA did not respond to requests for comment.

The Center for Biological Diversity sued the federal government in 2015 over its extension of two exploratory permits for a Lockheed Martin subsidiary that wants to conduct deep-sea mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, halfway between Mexico and Hawaii.

NOAA extended those permits without conducting the necessary environmental assessments required by federal law, the lawsuit alleged.

Deep-sea mining is still in the development phase worldwide, and no country or company has yet mined the ocean floor for the estimated billions of dollars worth of gold, nickel, copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, and other rare-earth metals and minerals resting up to a mile under the sea.

Improved extraction technologies and skyrocketing prices for these materials, fueled by the consumer electronics boom, have made seafloor mining increasingly attractive. Mining companies around the world now have exploration licenses on more than 930,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean floor.

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But many scientists warn that deep-sea mining, and even exploration for potential sites, can damage marine ecosystems.

A close analogy to deep sea mining, strip mining on land, has had many ill effects on wildlife and human health, the lawsuit states. Similarly, deep seabed mineral mining could disrupt marine communities throughout the ocean.

Because of the novelty of deep seabed mining and the potentially severe environmental effects, diligence in analyzing and processing licenses and permits is especially critical, it continues.

Deep-sea mining scrapes minerals off the seafloor like a bulldozer, which destroys seabed habitat, the environmental groups attorneys wrote. Mining machinery emits noise that can disturb or even harm marine mammals and churns up sediment plumes that smother seafloor organisms and release nutrients that produce toxic algae blooms. Waste released in the process can cloud water and reduce photosynthesis and productivity, and toxic heavy metals in sediment plumes readily enter the food chain.

RELATED: Blue Planet: The Fight to Save the Worlds Oceans

Light and noise from mining ships, meanwhile, can disrupt seabird behavior and result in exhaustion or death, and vessel collisions risk harming whales and other marine mammals, the lawsuit says.

According to the settlement, NOAA agreed to conduct an environmental analysisif and when NOAA authorizes Lockheed Martin to conduct at-sea, phase II, exploration activities.

The company is still in its first phase, which is limited to onshore analyses of seafloor data and global commodity prices.

We wanted to make sure that any activities at sea required a thorough environmental review, and we werent clear that actually was going to happen, Jeffers said.

Seafloor exploration has many of the same problems as actual mining, she said. Exploration has a lesser degree of damage that would result from extraction. But they do have to take samples and disrupt the sediment.

I think its a good first step, Jeffers said of the settlement. Deep-sea mining is going to be, in the next 10 to 20 years, a very significant issue with serious environmental ramifications, and I think we need to start thinking now about whether we want to allow this type of activity to happen.

At the very least, she added, we need to ensure we do adequate environmental review so we know the type of damage that will result from strip-mining the ocean floor.

Sign the Petition: Governor Brown: Protect Endangered Amphibians by Banning the Importation of Bullfrogs to California

Related stories on TakePart:





 Companies Want to Strip-Mine the Ocean for Metals

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 These Robots Let Everyone Explore the Oceans

Original article from TakePart
The Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that it's sticking with fuel economy standards that call for carmakers to hit an average of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 for their light vehicles.



The standard was formally proposed in 2012, and the EPA was scheduled to assess automakers' progress toward meeting it next year. But the agency released the assessment Wednesday. President-elect Trump takes office on Jan. 20, and it's uncertain whether he'll seek to change the standard.



The EPA said automakers can meet the new standard at lower-than-expected cost. It also said that automakers have a range of technologies to meet the standard, including hybrids and electric cars.



"Manufacturers are adopting fuel efficient technologies at unprecedented rates, all while vehicle sales have increased for six consecutive years," the EPA said. The agency also said the standard will save consumers money.



Wednesday's decision has a 30-day public comment period.



Consumers Union, the policy and mobilization arm of Consumer Reports, has long supported the new standard.



Automakers pushed back after Wednesday's announcement.



"This extraordinarily and premature rush to judgment circumvents the serious analysis necessary to make sure the CAFE/GHG [corporate average fuel economy and greenhouse gas] standards appropriately balance fuel efficiency, carbon reduction, affordability and employment," the Auto Alliance, which represents automakers, said in a statement. "The evidence is abundantly clear that with low gas prices, consumers are not choosing the cars necessary to comply with increasingly unrealistic standards."



The group added that it looks forward to working with the Trump administration, Congress and California regulators.





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Top pick tires for 2016

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Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.
CHARLESTON -- Multiple criminal charges are now on file against a Moultrie County man suspected of stealing three vehicles and setting fire to two of them in Coles County last month.

Kaden R. Dedman is also accused of leading police on a chase that reached speeds of more than 90 mph before he drove another vehicle, reportedly stolen in Moultrie County, into a river.

Dedman, 19, for whom records list a rural Sullivan address, admitted to Mattoon police that he stole two vehicles in Mattoon and one in Charleston, according to records in his court case.

Those vehicle thefts took place a few days before his arrest after the crash into the Little Wabash River in southwest Coles County on Nov. 11, the records say.

Charges against Dedman in Coles County include possession of a stolen vehicle, arson and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude police, all felony offenses.

In addition, he's accused of stealing a cellphone from a Coles County taxi service driver and failing to pay for the ride from Charleston to Mattoon the service provided him, also on Nov. 11.

That's according to the allegations in misdemeanor theft charges that were also filed in his case.

Dedman's arrest followed a report of stolen vehicles in Moultrie County, leading an Illinois Conservation Police officer to search for and locate the pickup truck he was driving west of Mattoon, the case's records say.

According to the officer's account, Dedman refused to stop, drove into Mattoon and disobeyed at least two stop signs.

The pickup truck reached a speed of 92 mph after leaving the city, then went through a farm field before crashing into the river, according to the records.

Mattoon police records in the case say Dedman was interviewed later that day and admitted to the Mattoon and Charleston vehicle thefts and arsons.

Dedman allegedly stole a pickup truck in Charleston and another in Mattoon, both on Nov. 10, and later abandoned and set fire to each in Mattoon. He's also accused of stealing and then abandoning another vehicle, also in Mattoon, later that day.

According to the Mattoon police records, Dedman said he found all three vehicles unlocked and with the keys inside.

Dedman pleaded not guilty to the charges during a court hearing earlier this week and another court appearance is scheduled for Monday. He remains jailed in Coles County with his bond set at a level that would require $5,000 to be posted for release.

Requirements for Dedman if he does post bond include a substance abuse evaluation and that he be released only into a treatment program.

The most serious of the Coles County charge against Dedman could result in a prison sentence of three to seven years with a conviction, though prison time wouldn't be required.

Moultrie County court records show traffic citations on file against Dedman for speeding and fleeing or attempting to elude police in connection with the Nov. 11 incident.
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) ERIC has launched Accelerated Network Build, a new solution to streamline and accelerate the network build process for operators.

Fast conversion of product idea to revenue and minimal costs are a critical need in this industry. Rapidly evolving technology renders these processes even more complex. Ericsson has come up with this Accelerated Network Build solution in time to address such issues in infrastructure deployment model, before the Internet of Things and 5G development takes hold.

Talking about the new solution, it delivers higher speed by reducing build time by 50%, improves quality by cutting number of site visits by 70% and enhances predictability with 99% first-time right delivery. Further, it has negligible impact to operators' customers during build out or introducing new technologies, while augmenting coverage and capacity.

Ericsson believes that its solution will revolutionize how networks are built and set a new standard, integrating technology innovation and cloud-based tools with streamlined processes.

Per the recent Ericsson Mobility Report, adoption of 5G subscription is projected to be much faster than the previous generations, and it expects over half a billion 5G subscriptions by 2022 end. Further, the burgeoning market for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices is also set to skyrocket, and is set to cross mobile phones as the biggest category of connected devices by 2018.

These figures clearly reflect the need of operators to build future networks quicker than ever before, without impacting business operations during the process. On the contrary, current methods of network build incorporate lengthy deployments, as they involve multiple handovers between activities and parties.

Ericsson Accelerated Network Build solution is based on a proprietary cloud-based toolkit that delivers streamlined process improvements and a host of technical innovations, thus catering to the ever increasing demands of both operators and their clients.

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ERICSSON LM ADR Price and Consensus

ERICSSON LM ADR Price and Consensus | ERICSSON LM ADR Quote

Ericsson continues to aggressively drive progress in 5G technology and is involved in multiple engagements with different operators across the world. It has already signed significant 5G agreements with telecom majors like Vodafone Group VOD, Telefonica and Qualcomm Inc. QCOM to bank upon the commercialization of 5G technology.

Of late, Ericsson has been grappling with plunge in demand in Russia and Brazil and accelerating negative industry trends have posed challenges. Further, the company is facing stiff competition from Huawei Technologies Co. and Nokia Corp. To combat such critical industry concerns, Ericsson recently struck a partnership with Cisco Systems Inc., to boost its product line up and sell more complete networks. Ericsson expects that the deal would generate $1 billion or more in annual sales for each company by 2018.

Whether the recent improvement and cost streamlining efforts of this Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) company will help it to weather the lackluster demand across the industry, remains to be seen.

Stocks to Consider

A better-ranked stock in the same space is Harris Corp. HRS, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Harris is an international company, focused on communications equipment for voice, data and video applications. The company has an impressive earnings surprise history for the trailing four quarters, beating estimates all through, for an average of 4.2%.

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Addis Ababa (AFP) - An Ethiopian opposition leader has been arrested following his return from Europe where he had spoken out against a state of emergency imposed last month to quell anti-government protests, his coalition said Thursday.

Merera Gudina, the 60-year-old chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) was arrested at his home in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Wednesday and is being held in an unknown location with three others, said Beyenne Petros, president of the Medrek opposition alliance of which the OFC is a member.

The government confirmed his arrest to the state-controlled Fana Broadcasting Corporate, saying that he was held for "violating (the) state of emergency".

Officials told the broadcaster that Gudina is accused of meeting Berhanu Nega, the leader of a banned group, while he was in Belgium.

Earlier this month Gudina addressed the European Parliament in Brussels, alongside Olympic silver medallist runner and fellow Oromo tribe member, Feyisa Lilesa.

Nega, an opposition activist sentenced to death in absentia, attended the same meeting.

At home in Ethiopia, Gudina has strongly criticised repression of the unprecedented protests that have posed the biggest challenge to the quarter-century rule of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).

"This is the first time they are targeting the highest level of leadership. I don't fully understand. Merera has always done things peacefully and played by the rules," Petros said of Gudina, a veteran political leader.

During the Rio games, Lilesa drew attention to an Oromo anti-government movement by crossing his wrists above his head -- a gesture that has become a symbol of the protest movement. He has been in self-imposed exile since then.

Hundreds have been killed in a government crackdown since the unrest began about a year ago, according to human rights groups.

A state of emergency was announced in October, a week after more than 50 people died in a stampede in the Oromia region when security forces teargassed a religious festival where protesters were chanting anti-government slogans.

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Since then, official figures show over 11,000 people have been arrested in the Oromia, Amhara and Addis Ababa regions where protests had been centred.

Among those arrested are leaders of small opposition parties, journalists and at least two bloggers.

Ethiopian authorities said last month that 2,000 of those detained had been released after undergoing a "re-education" and "counselling" programme.

A key complaint of the protesters is a political system which has meant that the ruling party holds all 546 seats in parliament.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn in October promised electoral reforms, but Gudina said this was "too little, too late".
By Aaron Maasho ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Ethiopian troops killed 15 armed rebels crossing from Ethiopia's arch-rival Eritrea over the weekend, and captured more than 70, an official said on Thursday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Tewolde Mulugeta said the insurgents were members of Ginbot 7, which Ethiopia says is backed by Eritrea. He said 115 insurgents had entered Ethiopia's Tigray region on Saturday and then been attacked by soldiers and local militiamen: "Of the 115, our troops killed 15 rebels and captured 73." Eritrean government officials were not immediately available for comment; they routinely dismiss allegations by Ethiopia, which they in turn accuse of seeking to destabilize the region. The two nations often accuse one another of supporting insurgencies in the other country -- a legacy of years of bitter conflict that has left them with a disputed border. Eritrea, a former province of Ethiopia, won independence in 1991 after 30 years of war. Seven years later, hostilities erupted again, over the border, and around 70,000 people were killed. A peace agreement was signed in 2000, but enmity continues. Ethiopia wants a full negotiated settlement and Eritrea demands the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from a disputed town. In July, the two countries traded accusations of aggression along their disputed frontier, and each claimed to have repulsed the other and inflicted heavy casualties. (Editing by Katharine Houreld and Kevin Liffey)
London (AFP) - A record 284,000 EU citizens arrived in Britain in the year to June when the Brexit referendum was held, with a particularly high number coming from Romania and Bulgaria, official data showed on Thursday.

There has also been a sharp increase in applications for citizenship by EU migrants since the Brexit vote, while Ireland said there had been a spike in Britons with Irish ancestry getting passports.

Net migration to Britain -- the total of all migrant arrivals minus departures -- was at a near-record of 335,000, far above the government's target of 100,000.

The period covered by the data goes to only a few days after the June 23 vote meaning it was "too early to say what effect, if any, the EU referendum has had," said Nicola White, head of international migration at the Office for National Statistics.

"Immigration levels are now among the highest estimates recorded," she said, adding that Romania was the most common country of previous residence in 2015, making up for 10 percent of the total.

The influx of workers from Eastern Europe over the past decade was a key driving factor behind the Brexit vote and Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to cut down on EU immigration.

May has also said she wants an "early agreement" to guarantee the status of the estimated three million EU citizens currently living in Britain once exit negotiations with the EU begin but will make this conditional on a deal for Britons living in the EU.

Thursday's data also showed a surge in citizenship applications by some of the EU nationals in Britain.

The number of outstanding applications from European citizens to secure residency in Britain rose to almost 100,000 in early July 2016 from 37,618 in June 2015, the Guardian newspaper reported.

Britons concerned about their ability live in other parts of the European Union after Brexit have meanwhile been applying for Irish citizenship.

Ireland earlier this week said that requests for passports from Britain totalled 1187,058 between January and October, a 34-percent increase from the same period a year earlier.
Brussels (AFP) - European agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan has warned London that EU subsidies will end in 2020 because of Brexit and it will then be up to the British government to support its farmers.

Hogan, who is Ireland's commissioner, told AFP in an interview on Wednesday that there would be no extension to the farm payments that have been agreed under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.

"I have been assuring farmers in the UK that our payments will continue as they are now until 2020," Hogan said in Brussels.

"Then it's a matter for the British government, on the assumption that the negotiations are concluded, that they will be able to fund all the various farming measures that they wish... from their own resources."

The EU subsidies are legally bound to continue until 2020 despite the fact that British Prime Minister Theresa May's timetable sees the country leaving the EU in early 2019.

Officials from British farming and food industry groups met with British government ministers this week amid fears about how their heavily subsidised sector will cope after Brexit.

Hogan added: "Of course farmers are worried about this but it's a matter for their own government... I have given them the assurance until 2020 and it's up to the UK government to give them the assurances beyond that."

British finance minister Philip Hammond pledged in August to match EU funding for farmers, universities and infrastructure projects after Brexit to 2020 but has given no details of what happens afterwards.

- Seasonal workers -

Hogan meanwhile urged Britain to be "mindful" of the issue of seasonal agricultural workers, following a sharp fall in the number coming to Britain.

"The PM (May) has made it perfectly clear that she wants to have a strong political position on the immigration issues," he said.

"But of course (we) expect that she will be mindful as well of the requirement of many farmers and agribusinesses for seasonal workers which are essential for the viability of their businesses."

Story continues

But the commissioner added that it was up to Britain to find the solution.

"It's not the responsibility anymore of the EU because we didn't cause this particular issue to be a major issue, and neither are we involved in the solution to this problem which has been created by the British government," he said.

Hogan meanwhile said he was "working with the Irish authorities" to minimise the impact of Brexit, as Irish farming is highly dependent on British exports with 41 percent of all the country's farming exports going to Britain.
The European Commission has unveiled a series of tax reforms and efficiencies that it says will help e-commerce and online businesses thrive in the European Union.

Under the proposals, consumers and companies will be able to buy and sell goods and services across borders more easily online thanks to the introduction of an EU-wide one-stop-shop digital portal for the payment of value added tax (VAT). According to the European Commission (EC), the proposals will save businesses across the EU 2.3 billion ($2.4 billion) a year by cutting red tape and administrative costs.

Under the existing system, online traders have to register for VAT in every EU member states where they sell goods. The EC estimates that these obligations cost businesses around 8,000 ($8,500) for every EU country into which they sell.

The new plans, which form part of the EC's digital single market strategy to simplify and modernize trade throughout Europe, will mean that online business are only required to make quarterly returns for VAT due across the whole of the EU - a system that already exists for sales of certain e-services such as mobile phone apps and collected more than 3 billion in VAT in 2015.

A new yearly threshold of 10,000 in online sales will also be introduced to enable small and start up businesses to continue using the VAT rules of their home country. The EC says this arrangement will make complying with Europe's labyrinthine tax laws easier and more cost effective for 430,000 companies across the EU, representing 97 percent of all micro-businesses trading cross-border.

The new rules also mean that VAT will be paid in the member state of the consumer, increasing VAT revenues for the EU's 28 member states -- which includes France, Germany, Spain and, at least until 2019 when Brexit becomes a likely reality, the United Kingdom -- by 7 billion ($7.4 billion) by 2020, according to European officials.

"We are delivering on our promises to unlock e-commerce in Europe," said Andrus Ansip, vice president for the Digital Single Market, calling the simplification of VAT regulations "the last piece in the puzzle."

Story continues

"Today's proposal will not only boost businesses, especially the smallest ones and startups, but also make public services more efficient and increase cooperation across borders," Ansip went on to say.

The proposed measures also include the provision that digital publications such as e-books and online magazines will be subject to the same favourable VAT rate as their printed equivalents. That reform coupled with the one-stop-shop VAT efficiencies will mean that "companies big and small that sell abroad online will now deal with VAT in the same way as they would for sales in their own countries," said Pierre Moscovici, commissioner for economic affairs, taxation and the customs union.

"That means less time wasted, less red tape and fewer costs," stated Moscovici, crediting the proposed reforms with allowing micro businesses and startups to "tap into new markets more easily."

The legislative proposals will now be submitted to the European Parliament for consultation.
WARSAW (Reuters) - It will be harder to keep the West united toward Russia with Donald Trump as United States president than it has been with Barack Obama, European Council President Donald Tusk said in comments published on Thursday. Trump's election promise to improve Washington's chilly relations with Russia's President Vladimir Putin have caused jitters within the EU, particularly in eastern member states like Poland and the Baltics. Putin seemed to respond to Trump in his annual state of the nation address on Thursday, saying Moscow wanted to get along with the incoming U.S. administration and was looking to make friends not enemies. "Keeping European unity towards Russia in the conflict with Ukraine, and more broadly also in global issues, was possible also thanks to the large support from President Obama," Tusk told Polish TVN24 broadcaster. "Today, I think that after the election and the victory of Donald Trump, it will be harder to build such unequivocal and uniform policy of the whole western world towards Russia. But one cannot given in," he said. Tusk, a former Polish prime minister, also said that many public statements from Trump have reflected a different attitude toward Europe, NATO and Russia from his predecessors. The EU Council president said that in his first conversation with Trump, he tried to get the president-elect interested most of all in the situation of Ukraine, but Trump was more focused on Britain's planned exit from the EU. "I would say the conversation was rather general in nature," Tusk said. "It was longer than I expected but Trump's attention focused rather on Brexit that on eastern issues." In his election campaign, Trump also asked whether the United States should protect allies seen as spending too little on their defense. That raised fears that he could withdraw funding for NATO at a time of heightened tensions with Russia. Asked whether he would support inviting Russia back to talks with the Group of Seven (G7) club of major industrialized nations, Tusk responded in the negative. "There are reasons for which the western world ... has decided in favor of such a tough stance versus Russia and none of these reasons have disappeared," he said. The United States and the European Union imposed economic sanctions on Russia following its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula. Russia's support for separatists in Ukraine led the G7 to suspend their invitation to Moscow to join their talks. (Reporting by Marcin Goettig; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
By Paritosh Bansal and Serajul Quadir DHAKA (Reuters) - Before Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury orchestrated Bangladesh's worst militant attack, he sought and won approval for it from Islamic State. A Canadian of Bangladeshi origin, he was told by his contact in the militant group, Abu Terek Mohammad Tajuddin Kausar, to target foreigners, according to a senior police official who has seen communications between the two men. Chowdhury, located in Bangladesh at the time, proposed an attack on a Dhaka eatery frequented by expatriates. On July 1, a group of gunmen stormed the Holey Artisan cafe in the city's Gulshan neighborhood, murdering 22 people, most of them foreigners, in an overnight siege that shocked the country. The back-and-forth between Chowdhury, 30, and Kausar, 35, which includes drafts of articles later published in Islamic State magazines, has not been previously reported. Together with attempts by people linked to Islamic State to recruit and fund militancy in the country, the documents show the extremist organization has built deeper connections with Bangladeshi militants than was previously known. The police official declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the information. Reuters could not independently verify the contents of the communications. As Islamic State comes under pressure in its home base of Syria and Iraq, its activities in outposts such as Bangladesh could intensify, experts have said. The extent of Islamic State's influence in Bangladesh will be key to the country's garment sector that employs millions of people and earns $28 billion a year in exports. Any sign the global jihadi network is making inroads could force Western brands to look elsewhere for cheap clothes. In the year before the cafe atrocity, a string of grisly individual murders, including of bloggers and foreigners, had already raised the alarm for overseas investors. In its Rumiyah magazine published after the cafe massacre, Islamic State claimed two dozen attacks in the country since September 2015. The claim could not be independently verified. LOCAL MILITANTS OR ISLAMIC STATE? After the siege, police raided suspected jihadi hideouts and said they killed dozens of militants and arrested hundreds more. Still, the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Islamic State does not exist in the impoverished South Asian nation of 160 million people, and instead blames the rise in political violence on the Islamist opposition. Opposition leaders deny any link and say it can be traced to the bitter rivalry, which has long poisoned politics in the country, between Hasina's ruling Awami League and its main rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as well as Jamaat-e-Islami. "These are all home-grown people," said Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, adding that the siege militants belonged to a new faction of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a banned group he said had ties to the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami party. An aide to Hasina said that, while local militant groups had links with Islamic State, the extent of support was limited. "They are not an organized group here. People with Islamic State links are here. But that is not to say Islamic State is here." FUNDING AND RECRUITING Bangladesh police first came to know about Chowdhury around fall of last year, but they did not know his whereabouts, the police official said. In December, Dhaka police seized about 3.9 million taka ($50,000) destined for a close associate of Chowdhury's. The money, which the police official said was sent via the informal hawala cash transfer network, came from a UK-based company. The company's founder, Siful Sujan, was killed a few days later in Syria. At the time, investigators could not establish the money had been sent on Islamic State's instructions, the police official said. Chowdhury's group, meanwhile, was recruiting. Tanvir Kaderi and his wife, Abedatul Fatema, had a comfortable middle-class life in Dhaka, with two children and steady jobs. "We were a very happy family," Kaderi's son Mohammed Tahrim Kaderi Abir wrote in a confession presented before a magistrate. Abir, an eighth grade student, wrote that his parents' behavior started to change after they went on the Haj pilgrimage in 2014. After that, Kaderi told a preacher he had dreamed he was standing with a weapon in his hand in the middle of a desert. Kaderi also started spending time with acquaintances from the local mosque, who introduced the family to others, including associates of Chowdhury. They in turn preached to the family about faith and jihad and showed them videos of the war in Syria. One gave them a copy of Dabiq magazine, an Islamic State publication, according to the confession. The preparations for the cafe attack began at least as early as June, around the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, according to Abir's confession. Kaderi rented an apartment in Basundhara area of Dhaka, near the cafe. A few days later the five militants who conducted the attack showed up at the house. Kaderi's family moved to Dhaka's old city the night of the raid. MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS Chowdhury was killed on Aug. 27. That and the other raids gave police access to his correspondence with Kausar. In one, Chowdhury was asked by Kausar to answer questions for an interview, which was eventually published in Dabiq in April under the nom de guerre Abu Ibrahim al-Hanif. Al-Hanif was identified in the magazine as head of Islamic State in Bangladesh. In another, Chowdhury sent the draft of an article about the cafe attack, which was published after his death in Rumiyah magazine, the police official said. Kausar's mother said he moved to Australia in 2006 and she had not heard from him since before the attack. Tahera Begum, who lives in a town 135 miles from Dhaka, said she did not know whether he had links with Islamic State. Before his death, Chowdhury made Kaderi the new point of contact with Kausar, the police official said. At around 7.30 p.m. on Sept. 10, police knocked on the door of Kaderi's apartment, where his wife, one of his sons and some associates were hiding. In the ensuing chaos, police were attacked with grenades and knives, while some women in the apartment threw chili powder at them. Kaderi ran into a room. As they tried to apprehend him, he swung a scythe at police, who were using his son as a shield. Kaderi told his son, "If you get hit, you will either be martyred or Allah will reward you." By the time the raid was over, Kaderi had slit his own throat. The last known link to Islamic State in Bangladesh was dead, although the police official said they did not know if anyone else was in contact with the militant group. POLITICAL STRIFE Opposition leaders accuse the government of using militancy as an excuse to stifle dissent. "A democracy deficit is definitely encouraging the extremists," said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP's secretary general who spent months in jail and now faces prosecution in dozens of cases. The Jamaat leadership has gone into hiding after several of its top leaders were executed during the past two years for war crimes committed during the country's 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. In an email, Maqbul Ahmad, the head of the party, denied any connections with JMB or other militants. "The government is consistently denying the actual presence of terrorism in Bangladesh," Ahmad wrote. "Rather they are using it as an effective instrument of repression of Islamists." Soon after the cafe attack, the government placed a bounty of 2 million taka ($25,000) on Chowdhury's head. A series of raids on militant hideouts followed. By Oct. 3 police said they had killed 42 militants and arrested at least 221 people, according to an internal police report. Militant groups, including a faction ideologically linked to al Qaeda, have gone quiet and police say the overall security situation is under control, although the threat is not over. (Additional reporting by Amran Abocar in TORONTO; Editing by Mike Collett-White)
By Harriet McLeod

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - A white South Carolina police officer committed a crime when he shot a fleeing black motorist last year, prosecutors argued at his murder trial on Wednesday, while defense attorneys said the shocking video of the killing did not tell the whole story.

Lawyers made their closing arguments to jurors, who then began deliberating to decide whether former officer Michael Slager, 35, should be convicted for killing 50-year-old Walter Scott in North Charleston.

No verdict was reached, and deliberations were set to resume on Thursday.

Video of the April 4, 2015 shooting, captured by a bystander, intensified national debate about racial bias in law enforcement. The jury of 11 white people and one black person viewed it repeatedly during testimony in state court over the past month.

Lawyers for Slager argued the video wrongly transformed him into a national symbol for a wave of police killings of black men in cities including New York, Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri. Slager was fired, arrested and charged with murder.

"He shot him in fear of his life," attorney Andy Savage said. He said Slager did not know at the time that Scott was unarmed and called the motorist "out of control."

Slager testified on Tuesday that he felt "total fear" when he shot Scott, whom he had stopped over a broken brake light. When Scott fled, Slager chased him, first firing a Taser stun gun at him and then drawing his firearm after a tussle.

Prosecutors contended Slager did not appear to be in danger when he fired at Scott's back, hitting him with five bullets.

"How do you avoid the danger of Walter Scott running away?" prosecutor Scarlett Wilson asked the jury. "You stand still."

The state said Scott fled because he was behind on child support payments and feared arrest, noting that any struggle with the officer reflected his reaction to the stun gun used.

Earlier on Wednesday, the jury visited the empty lot where the shooting occurred, taking in a final bit of evidence.

Story continues

Slager acknowledged in court that some things clear on the video were not known to him as the incident unfolded, saying "my mind was like spaghetti."

Prosecutors accused Slager of altering the crime scene by moving the Taser closer to the handcuffed body so he could claim Scott had taken the stun gun.

The jury could weigh a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. Slager faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted of murder.

(Reporting by Harriet McLeod; additional reporting by Letitia Stein in Tampa, Florida; Editing by Grant McCool and Lisa Shumaker)
Killing Fields is back -- and ET has your first look at season two, which returns to the Louisiana swamplands to solve the 1997 homicide of former Louisiana State University student Eugenie Boisfontaine.

While the series -- which is filmed in real time -- didn't solve the mystery in its first season, detectives Rodie Sanchez and Aubrey St. Angelo are as determined as ever to bring justice to Boisfontaine's family.

But within the sprawling area where Boisfontaine's body was found -- known locally as killing fields -- there are dozens of unsolved deaths to investigate. And under Sheriff Brett Stassi and Major Ronnie Hebert, the detectives also investigate current crimes, including a terrifying case of a body stuffed inside a barrel. Believing it's linked to an unsolved disappearance from 26 years ago, Sanchez starts putting all the cases together.

MORE: Amanda Knox, OJ Simpson and Our Fascination With True Crime

Could these open investigations lead to new clues in cold cases? It's only a matter of time before forensic technology and investigative police work lead them to justice -- and, more importantly for the victims and their families, to closure.

If nothing else, Killing Fields will satisfy the appetite of true-crime fans. "Crime has always been a staple of television," says Tom Fontana, creator of NBC's Homicide: Life on the Street and an Emmy-winning writer and producer, acknowledging the recent success of true-crime documentaries Making a Murderer, Amanda Knox and others. "These days, because of the advances in technology -- both in fighting crime and behind the camera -- we have a much larger palette from which to choose, so we're able to tell fuller, compelling stories."

The show, which is co-executive produced by Fontana and Oscar-winning director Barry Levinson, will return with seven new episodes starting Jan. 3, 2017, at 10 p.m. ET.

Want even more mystery? Here are five true crime stories you need to watch:

Story continues

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By Rania El Gamal, Parisa Hafezi and Dmitry Zhdannikov

VIENNA (Reuters) - Russian President Vladmir Putin played a crucial role in helping OPEC rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia set aside differences to forge the cartel's first deal with non-OPEC Russia in 15 years.

Interventions ahead of Wednesday's OPEC meeting came at key moments from Putin, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani, OPEC and non-OPEC sources said.

Putins role as intermediary between Riyadh and Tehran was pivotal, testament to the rising influence of Russia in the Middle East since its military intervention in the Syrian civil war just over a year ago.

It started when Putin met Saudi Prince Mohammed in September on the sidelines of a G20 gathering in China.

The two agreed to cooperate to help world oil markets clear a glut that had more than halved oil prices since 2014, pummelling Russian and Saudi government revenues. Oil prices are up 10 pct this week topping $53 a barrel.

The financial pain made a deal possible despite the huge political differences between Russia and Saudi over the civil war in Syria.

"Putin wants the deal. Full stop. Russian companies will have to cut production," said a Russian energy source briefed on the discussions.

In September, OPEC agreed in principle at a meeting in Algiers to reduce output for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis.

But the individual country commitments required to finalise a deal at Wednesday's Vienna meeting still required much diplomacy.

Recent OPEC meetings have failed because of arguments between de facto leader Saudi Arabia and third-largest producer Iran. Tehran has long argued OPEC should not prevent it restoring output lost during years of Western sanctions.

Proxy wars in Syria and Yemen have exacerbated decades of tensions between the Saudi Sunni kingdom and the Iranian Shi'ite islamic republic.

BRINKMANSHIP

Heading into the meeting, the signs were not good. Oil markets went into reverse. Saudi Prince Mohammed had repeatedly demanded Iran participate in supply cuts. Saudi and Iranian OPEC negotiators had argued in circles in the run-up to the meeting.

Story continues

And, then, just a few days beforehand, Riyadh appeared back away from a deal, threatening to boost production if Iran failed to contribute cuts.

But Putin established that the Saudis would shoulder the lion's share of cuts, as long as Riyadh wasn't seen to be making too large a concession to Iran. A deal was possible if Iran didn't celebrate victory over the Saudis.

A phone call between Putin and Iranian President Rouhani smoothed the way. After the call, Rouhani and oil minister Bijan Zanganeh went to their supreme leader for approval, a source close to the Ayatollah said.

"During the meeting, the leader Khamenei underlined the importance of sticking to Iran's red line, which was not yielding to political pressures and not to accept any cut in Vienna," the source said.

"Zanganeh thoroughly explained his strategy ... and got the leader's approval. Also it was agreed that political lobbying was important, especially with Mr. Putin, and again the Leader approved it," said the source.

On Wednesday, the Saudis agreed to cut production heavily, taking "a big hit" in the words of energy minister Khalid al-Falih - while Iran was allowed to slightly boost output.

Iran's Zanganeh kept a low profile during the meeting, OPEC delegates said. Zanganeh had already agreed the deal the night before, with Algeria helping mediate, and he was careful not to make a fuss about it.

After the meeting, the usually combative Zanganeh avoided any comment that might be read as claiming victory over Riyadh.

"We were firm," he told state television. "The call between Rouhani and Putin played a major role ... After the call, Russia backed the cut."

IRAQ LAST-MINUTE HITCH

But OPEC would not be OPEC without a last-minute quarrel threatening to derail the deal. Iraq became a problem.

As ministerial talks got underway, OPEC's second-largest producer insisted it could not afford to cut output, given the cost of its war against Islamic State.

But, facing pressure from the rest of OPEC to contribute a cut, Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi picked up the phone in front of his peers to call his prime minister, Haider al-Abadi.

"Abadi said: 'Get the deal done'. And that was it," one OPEC source said.

(additional reporting Alex Lawler and Ahmad Ghaddar; editing by Dmitry Zhdannikov and Richard Mably)
By Rania El Gamal, Parisa Hafezi and Dmitry Zhdannikov

VIENNA (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin played a crucial role in helping OPEC rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia set aside differences to forge the cartel's first deal with non-OPEC Russia in 15 years.

Interventions ahead of Wednesday's OPEC meeting came at key moments from Putin, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani, OPEC and non-OPEC sources said.

Putins role as intermediary between Riyadh and Tehran was pivotal, testament to the rising influence of Russia in the Middle East since its military intervention in the Syrian civil war just over a year ago.

It started when Putin met Saudi Prince Mohammed in September on the sidelines of a G20 gathering in China.

The two agreed to cooperate to help world oil markets clear a glut that had more than halved oil prices since 2014, pummeling Russian and Saudi government revenues. Oil prices are up 10 pct this week topping $53 a barrel.

The financial pain made a deal possible despite the huge political differences between Russia and Saudi over the civil war in Syria.

"Putin wants the deal. Full stop. Russian companies will have to cut production," said a Russian energy source briefed on the discussions.

In September, OPEC agreed in principle at a meeting in Algiers to reduce output for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis.

But the individual country commitments required to finalize a deal at Wednesday's Vienna meeting still required much diplomacy.

Recent OPEC meetings have failed because of arguments between de facto leader Saudi Arabia and third-largest producer Iran. Tehran has long argued OPEC should not prevent it restoring output lost during years of Western sanctions.

Proxy wars in Syria and Yemen have exacerbated decades of tensions between the Saudi Sunni kingdom and the Iranian Shi'ite Islamic republic.

BRINKMANSHIP

Heading into the meeting, the signs were not good. Oil markets went into reverse. Saudi Prince Mohammed had repeatedly demanded Iran participate in supply cuts. Saudi and Iranian OPEC negotiators had argued in circles in the run-up to the meeting.

Story continues

And, then, just a few days beforehand, Riyadh appeared back away from a deal, threatening to boost production if Iran failed to contribute cuts.

But Putin established that the Saudis would shoulder the lion's share of cuts, as long as Riyadh wasn't seen to be making too large a concession to Iran. A deal was possible if Iran didn't celebrate victory over the Saudis.

A phone call between Putin and Iranian President Rouhani smoothed the way. After the call, Rouhani and oil minister Bijan Zanganeh went to their supreme leader for approval, a source close to the Ayatollah said.

"During the meeting, the leader Khamenei underlined the importance of sticking to Iran's red line, which was not yielding to political pressures and not to accept any cut in Vienna," the source said.

"Zanganeh thoroughly explained his strategy ... and got the leader's approval. Also it was agreed that political lobbying was important, especially with Mr. Putin, and again the Leader approved it," said the source.

On Wednesday, the Saudis agreed to cut production heavily, taking "a big hit" in the words of energy minister Khalid al-Falih - while Iran was allowed to slightly boost output.

Iran's Zanganeh kept a low profile during the meeting, OPEC delegates said. Zanganeh had already agreed the deal the night before, with Algeria helping mediate, and he was careful not to make a fuss about it.

After the meeting, the usually combative Zanganeh avoided any comment that might be read as claiming victory over Riyadh.

"We were firm," he told state television. "The call between Rouhani and Putin played a major role ... After the call, Russia backed the cut."

IRAQ LAST-MINUTE HITCH

But OPEC would not be OPEC without a last-minute quarrel threatening to derail the deal. Iraq became a problem.

As ministerial talks got underway, OPEC's second-largest producer insisted it could not afford to cut output, given the cost of its war against Islamic State.

But, facing pressure from the rest of OPEC to contribute a cut, Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi picked up the phone in front of his peers to call his prime minister, Haider al-Abadi.

"Abadi said: 'Get the deal done'. And that was it," one OPEC source said.

(additional reporting Alex Lawler and Ahmad Ghaddar; editing by Dmitry Zhdannikov and Richard Mably)
By Rania El Gamal, Parisa Hafezi and Dmitry Zhdannikov

VIENNA (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin played a crucial role in helping OPEC rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia set aside differences to forge the cartel's first deal with non-OPEC Russia in 15 years.

Interventions ahead of Wednesday's OPEC meeting came at key moments from Putin, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani, OPEC and non-OPEC sources said.

Putins role as intermediary between Riyadh and Tehran was pivotal, testament to the rising influence of Russia in the Middle East since its military intervention in the Syrian civil war just over a year ago.

It started when Putin met Saudi Prince Mohammed in September on the sidelines of a G20 gathering in China.

The two agreed to cooperate to help world oil markets clear a glut that had more than halved oil prices since 2014, pummeling Russian and Saudi government revenues. Oil prices are up 10 pct this week topping $53 a barrel.

The financial pain made a deal possible despite the huge political differences between Russia and Saudi over the civil war in Syria.

"Putin wants the deal. Full stop. Russian companies will have to cut production," said a Russian energy source briefed on the discussions.

In September, OPEC agreed in principle at a meeting in Algiers to reduce output for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis.

But the individual country commitments required to finalize a deal at Wednesday's Vienna meeting still required much diplomacy.

Recent OPEC meetings have failed because of arguments between de facto leader Saudi Arabia and third-largest producer Iran. Tehran has long argued OPEC should not prevent it restoring output lost during years of Western sanctions.

Proxy wars in Syria and Yemen have exacerbated decades of tensions between the Saudi Sunni kingdom and the Iranian Shi'ite Islamic republic.

Story continues

BRINKMANSHIP

Heading into the meeting, the signs were not good. Oil markets went into reverse. Saudi Prince Mohammed had repeatedly demanded Iran participate in supply cuts. Saudi and Iranian OPEC negotiators had argued in circles in the run-up to the meeting.

And, then, just a few days beforehand, Riyadh appeared back away from a deal, threatening to boost production if Iran failed to contribute cuts.

But Putin established that the Saudis would shoulder the lion's share of cuts, as long as Riyadh wasn't seen to be making too large a concession to Iran. A deal was possible if Iran didn't celebrate victory over the Saudis.

A phone call between Putin and Iranian President Rouhani smoothed the way. After the call, Rouhani and oil minister Bijan Zanganeh went to their supreme leader for approval, a source close to the Ayatollah said.

"During the meeting, the leader Khamenei underlined the importance of sticking to Iran's red line, which was not yielding to political pressures and not to accept any cut in Vienna," the source said.

"Zanganeh thoroughly explained his strategy ... and got the leader's approval. Also it was agreed that political lobbying was important, especially with Mr. Putin, and again the Leader approved it," said the source.

On Wednesday, the Saudis agreed to cut production heavily, taking "a big hit" in the words of energy minister Khalid al-Falih - while Iran was allowed to slightly boost output.

Iran's Zanganeh kept a low profile during the meeting, OPEC delegates said. Zanganeh had already agreed the deal the night before, with Algeria helping mediate, and he was careful not to make a fuss about it.

After the meeting, the usually combative Zanganeh avoided any comment that might be read as claiming victory over Riyadh.

"We were firm," he told state television. "The call between Rouhani and Putin played a major role ... After the call, Russia backed the cut."

IRAQ LAST-MINUTE HITCH

But OPEC would not be OPEC without a last-minute quarrel threatening to derail the deal. Iraq became a problem.

As ministerial talks got underway, OPEC's second-largest producer insisted it could not afford to cut output, given the cost of its war against Islamic State.

But, facing pressure from the rest of OPEC to contribute a cut, Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi picked up the phone in front of his peers to call his prime minister, Haider al-Abadi.

"Abadi said: 'Get the deal done'. And that was it," one OPEC source said.

(additional reporting Alex Lawler and Ahmad Ghaddar; editing by Dmitry Zhdannikov and Richard Mably)
For Shia LaBeouf's latest military drama, Man Down, in which he stars as a U.S. Marine, the actor decided to add some realism to a scene in which he gets pepper sprayed in the face by opting to use real pepper spray.

ET's Ashley Crossan caught up with LaBeouf at the premiere of Man Down in Los Angeles on Wednesday where he opened up about why he chose to suffer for the scene.

"I'm scared I'm not good enough," the outspoken 30-year-old star admitted. "It's like when you go bowling, [and] you put up the bumpers. You might be able to hit a strike without the bumpers but why not put the bumpers up?"

"The guy who did it to me, this guy named Nick Jones Jr., who is my heart, he is the Marine I went through this whole thing with," LaBeouf added. "He knew how to do it in a safe way, so it just seemed like an easier thing than to have to conjure it."

RELATED: 'Man Down' Director Dito Montiel on Shia LaBeouf's 'Crazy Energy' & Never Knowing What's Going to Happen Next

According to the star, they only needed to film the scene twice, so he actually got sprayed in the face both times. However, he said the incident wasn't nearly as bad as it sounds.

"We just did it twice real quick. Just really fast," he said. "It wasn't really that crazy every Marine does it."

LaBeouf's co-star, Jai Courtney, remembered the day they shot the pepper spray scene vividly, and recalled how well LaBeouf actually handled the painful experience.

"He's a trooper. He just went for it but I'm sure it sucked," the 30-year-old Suicide Squad star shared. "I think he'd been worked up a little too much and he was a little too prepared. He was prepared for it to be worse than it was, but he's a tough dude."

WATCH: Shia LaBeouf Is Hitchhiking Across the Country and Calling It Art

Meanwhile, LaBeouf is also feeling the love for his turn in another independent feature, American Honey, which recently earned six Independent Spirit Award nominations.

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To promote the film, which tells the tale of a wild trek across the United States, the stars hit the open road for an American Honey road trip of their own.

In fact, LaBeouf even celebrated his 30th birthday in June while promoting the film in Philadelphia, which he admitted was a town he didn't expect to have a great time in, but ended up loving.

To commemorate the occasion, LaBeouf went out for a traditional Philly cheesesteak.

"It was quite cool. And I remember, this is quite Philly, I went there and they gave me a free sandwich and I was like, 'Cool can I get some fries?' and they were like, 'Hell no man, you have to pay for them fries,'" LaBeouf recounted. "That's very Philly."

Man Down hits theaters Dec. 2.

WATCH: Shia LaBeouf Says He Didn't Like the Movies He Made With Steven Spielberg

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Only ET was on the set of Lifetime's Britney Spears biopic with star Natasha Bassett, who dished on what makes her the perfect person to play the pop icon.

"I have a huge amount of respect for Britney and for her career," Bassett told ET's Leanne Aguilera. "I listened to her music so much growing up. I have videos of me as a tween practicing her songs in the mirror with a hairbrush in my hand."

WATCH: Britney Spears TV Movie Will Feature Justin Timberlake Romance

Right now, the young Australian actress is best known for her scene-stealing role in the film Hail, Caesar!, but that's all about to change once viewers see her slithering across the floor, channeling Spears' most memorable performances in the upcoming TV movie.

"I've watched every video I can. Every interview I can," said Bassett, who admitted she's not a natural dancer. "I just immersed myself into Britneyland."

As the unauthorized project is moving forward without Spears' blessing (a rep told ET that Spears will not be contributing to the movie "in any way, shape or form"), Bassett hopes that her hard work results in a performance that wins over the GRAMMY winner.

"I really hope she watches the movie, because I think she'd really enjoy it," Bassett said. "It's really a love letter to her and to her story, so I really hope she watches it and I just wish her all the happiness in the world."

PICS: Lifetime's Britney Spears Biopic Casts Its Justin Timberlake

The upcoming two-hour film will span Spears' early days in Kentwood, Louisiana, her high-profile romance with Justin Timberlake and her struggles following her parents' divorce, as well as her short-lived marriages to Jason Alexander and Kevin Federline. It will also cover Spears' custody battle over her young sons and career highlights like kissing Madonna at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards.

"I started to gain a lot more of an understanding of what she went through," Bassett said. "And it was very sad. I just feel like I have so much more of an understanding of what she went through now."

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Timberlake, Federline and Alexander will be played by Nathan Keyes, Clayton Chitty and Kelly McCabe, respectively.

Lifetime

Keyes opened up about his transformation into a young J.T., saying, "He's got all those iconic hair styles. We affectionately call them the ramen noodle hair. We also do this curl, which is like the cap and highlight number and then we get the darker look and the little pompadour later, so we kind of span all time with it."

RELATED: Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's Iconic Matching Denim Outfits

Aside from the hairdos, Bassett remembers Timberlake's relationship with Spears as a huge focal point for a generation of teenyboppers before social media.

"I think they had such a special relationship, and it was something very pure," Bassett said. "It's been really lovely being able to experience that relationship through this story."

Getty Images

One thing she was not eager to experience was dancing with a snake draped over her shoulders.

"It was awful. I was crying," Bassett recalled. "I'm getting like panic attacks thinking about that snake."

WATCH: Britney Spears Says She Wants to Collaborate With Ex Justin Timberlake: He's 'Very Good'

Fortunately for Bassett, she learned a trick for channeling Spears' fearlessness in any situation.

"Just saying 'It's Britney, b**ch' over and over in my head," she said.

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US-based social network Facebook has introduced high score challenges to its dedicated messaging app, Messenger, via a selection of miniaturized video games including "Space Invaders," "Pac-Man," "Shuffle Cats" and "Words with Friends."

Seventeen games have made the launch selection for Messenger's Instant Games collection, rolling out to 30 countries on the iOS and Android versions of the app.

Foundational classics from the '70s and '80s up to more recent hits are in on the action.

Maze game "Pac-Man" (1980,) earth defense shooters "Space Invaders" (1978) and "Galaga" (1981), bricks, bat and ball title "Arkanoid" (1986), a portion of input-mashing sprinter "Track & Field" (1983) and "Puzzle Bobble" (1986) have all made the cut.

Modern names from the mobile age have also been included, such as lexical pursuits "Words with Friends" and "Wordalot Express," the numerical twists of "2020 Connect" and "Templar 2048," and shooting gallery "Shuffle Cats Mini" from "Candy Crush Saga" house King.

The move helps Facebook's Messenger establish itself further in a global segment of messaging apps that increasingly use games as a way to keep users engaged and in contact with each other.

Naver, whose interests are traditionally concentrated in South Korea and Japan, introduced a gaming sub-brand to its multi-use messaging app Line in 2011.

Similarly, Kakao Corp (whose founder had connections to Naver parent NHN) supplies a swarm of games for users to choose from.

And WeChat, provided by Chinese internet giant Tencent, started rolling out its platform of embedded games worldwide in 2014.

"We think this is just the beginning for games on Messenger," Facebook said in a public announcement introducing the Instant Games feature.
(Reuters) - Facebook Inc Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg has donated more than $100 million to the Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Fund.

Sandberg's donation to her donor advised fund comprised 880,000 of Class "A" shares of Facebook, according to a regulatory filing on Wednesday. The donation was made on Nov. 21, according to the filing. http://bit.ly/2gIf3yW

This comes months after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan said they would donate more than $3 billion toward a plan to "cure, prevent or manage" disease.

In December 2015, Zuckerberg made one of the largest pledges in history when he and his wife said they would donate 99 percent of their company shares to charity.

Sandberg's donation will be used to fund LeanIn.Org, her nonprofit focused on women's empowerment, as well as OptionB.org, an initiative focused on helping people build resilience after experiencing loss, the Wall Street Journal reported citing people familiar with the matter. http://on.wsj.com/2fNQkV5

Sandberg, 46, who joined Facebook in 2008 as chief operating officer for the popular social media platform, lost her husband to a treadmill accident while they were vacationing in Mexico last year.

The couple, married for 11 years, had two children together, a son and daughter. Last July, Sandberg joined the board of Survey Monkey, the online polling company that had been run by her husband.

(Reporting by Aurindom Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Sunil Nair)
Police are investigating whether cyberbullying played a role in the suicide of 18-year-old Brandy Vela, who shot herself in the chest at her Texas City, Texas, home on Tuesday, PEOPLE confirms.

Vela was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead upon arrival, the Texas City Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE in a written statement.

Velas sister, Jacqueline, 22, told Click 2 Houston that her family received an alarming text message from her that day that read, I love you so much just remember that please and Im so sorry for everything.

Jacqueline told the news outlet that she tried everything she could to save her sisters life.

I heard someone crying so I ran upstairs and I looked in her room and shes against the wall and she has a gun pointed at her chest and shes just crying and crying and Im like, Brandy please dont, Brandy no,' Jacqueline told the outlet.

Jacqueline added that moments later, I was in my parents room and I just heard the shot and my dad just yelled, Help me, help me, help me.'

 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.

On Wednesday night, their father, Raul Vela, told the Galveston County Daily News that his daughter suffered from cyberbullying, involving fake Facebook profiles and social media posts that advertised illicit activities using his daughters phone numbers.

He told the newspaper that she changed her number multiple times and reported the harassment to police multiple times. But nothing changed because the people behind it were anonymous.

Maybe I was approaching it the wrong way, he said. They couldnt do anything about it.

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Jacqueline told CNN, They would say really, really mean things like, Why are you still here? They would call her fat and ugly. She was beautiful, absolutely beautiful; the only thing people could find to pick on her was her weight, she said.

Velas bedroom is now covered in Post-it notes, including two that read, You will always own a piece of my heart, and You will never be forgotten, the outlet reports.

 PEOPLEs special edition True Crime Stories: Cases that Shocked America is out now.

The Texas City Independent School District wrote in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that Vela had a lot of friends and was thought of warmly by her peers and teachers.

According to the statement, before Thanksgiving break, Vela brought to the schools attention that she was getting harassing messages on her cell phone outside of school. School investigators found that the app being used to send the messages was untraceable.

The school encouraged her to change her phone number, but theyre not sure if she did so, the statement says.

We have and will always cooperate with the police, part of the statement reads. If anyone knows anyone suspected of harassing Brandy, we need that information on that shared with the school and police. We take cyberbullying seriously and would penalize to the full extent of the law for any violations.

Texas City Police Detectives are currently investigating the allegations of the Cyberbullying.

A prayer vigil will be held in the parking lot of Texas City High School on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

In a letter to parents and guardians that was obtained by PEOPLE, principal Holly La Roe said, We encourage you to be especially sensitive and prepared to offer support to your child during this time. Deaths like this impact different children in different ways.




Online movie ticketer Fandango has bought Latin American ticket-seller Cinepapaya for an undisclosed price, expanding operations into Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia.

The deal, announced Thursdays, follows Fandangos acquisition of Ingresso.com in Brazil last year with cinema ticketing up 30% year-over-year. Fandango also bulked up earlier this year by buying Flixster and the Rotten Tomatoes aggregator site.

This is an exciting time at Fandango, said President Paul Yanover. While our business in the U.S. continues to accelerate across online, mobile and social platforms, we are bringing our innovative moviegoing products and services to even more consumers across Latin America. We are currently experiencing tremendous momentum in Brazil, with Ingressos significant growth, and with the addition of Cinepapaya, Fandango will emerge as a leading online ticketer throughout Latin America.

The company said Latin Americas grew 13% in 2015, citing statistics from the Motion Picture Association of America. Fandango also said an online ticketing study published earlier this year by Grand View Research showed that the Latin American online movie ticketing market share is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 16% by 2022.

Yanover told Variety that Latin Americas middle-class is growing quickly and has a high familiarity with smartphone technology.

We are thrilled to be part of the Fandango family, said Manuel Olguin, Cinepapaya founder and CEO. Expanding from a single movie theater in Peru in 2013 to more than 1,200 screens in seven countries today, Cinepapaya leads the way in mobile innovation and movie-related content in Latin America. All along our team has been enhancing the moviegoing experience for millions of users, while helping our exhibitor partners stay ahead of the latest technological trends.

He added that he expects growth to accelerate with the new ownership. Peru-based Cinepapaya touts itself as offering a turnkey e-commerce solution for theater owners, including ticketing, payment, ticket validation and business intelligence software packages. Cinepapayas exhibition clients include Cinemark, Cinepolis, Cine Colombia, Cinestar and Cine Pavilion.

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Fandango said its ticketing in the U.S. has gained 40% year-over-year with more than 70% of its tickets now sold on mobile devices for 28,000 screens. It portfolio reaches more than 60 million unique visitors per month, according to comScore, with 205 million app downloads. Fandango operates as a unit of NBCUniversal.

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There have been 875 people who have been shot and killed by police in the United States in 2016, according to figures compiled by the Washington Post, with the number of black people fatally shot continuing to grow. By Sept. 25, there were 173 black people shot and killed by police and the number has jumped to 202, an increase of 29 over more than two months.

In the same span, 61 more white people have been shot and killed by the police, accounting for a total of 386 of the 875 deaths. Meanwhile, 26 more Hispanics have died from fatal police shootings, resulting in 137 deaths.

There has been an average of 2.61 people who have been shot and killed by police this year, which is on pace for a lower number than last year when there were 986, or an average of 2.7 per day.

While the number of police shooting and killings remains high, the number of officers convicted of shooting and killing people remains significantly low. On Tuesday, a North Carolina District Attorney announced that officer Brentley Vinson would not be charged for the death of Keith Lamont Scott, who Vinson shot and killed in a line of duty in September.

There isnt much data regarding the number of police officers charged and convicted of shooting crimes, mostly because there wasn't a tracking system in place. The Washington Post started recording fatal policing shootings in January 2015, and although the FBI does have a national database of fatal police shootings, police departments arent actually required to update the information regularly. FBI officials announced in early 2016 changes would be made to improve the national data system, but the updated regulations and requirements for recording the data wouldnt take effect until 2017.

A 2015 analysis conducted by Philip Stinson, an associate criminology professor at Bowling Green State University, found no officers were convicted of murder or manslaughter in fatal on-duty shootings in 2014 or 2015. In August, a Virginia police officer was convicted of manslaughter for the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old black man in a confrontation over alleged shoplifting. Also in August, a Baltimore police officer was found guilty of first-degree assault and a weapons charge but was found not guilty on an attempted murder charge.

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An analysis in April, also conducted by Stinson, showed that 125 police officers had been charged with violent crimes including murder and non-negligent manslaughter between 2005 and 2011, with 77 convictions. Thirteen of the convictions were linked to fatal on-duty shootings.

However, the study reported police officers throughout the U.S. were arrested about 1,100 times a year, mostly for charges of simple assault, aggravated assault and drunken driving, with 58 percent of the crimes occurring while police officers were not on duty. Of all the arrests and charges of police officers, 72 percent received convictions.

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TOLEDO -- A Mattoon man has pleaded guilty to a first-degree murder charge for fatally shooting another Mattoon man in Greenup and has been sentenced to 23 years in prison.

In addition, a Charleston woman has pleaded guilty to robbery regarding the July 20 incident at a Greenup residence that led to the death of Eric M. Lavaly, 22.

Lamont Mimms, 23, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on Nov. 23 in Cumberland County circuit court. He also had been charged with attempted first-degree murder, armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, but these charges were dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

Court records show that Mimms is mandated to serve 100 percent of his 23-year prison sentence without time being deducted for good behavior. He will be given credit for 125 days served in jail. His prison sentence will be followed by three years of probation.

During Mimms' preliminary hearing, Illinois State Police Special Agent Scott Rhodes testified that the July 20 fatal shooting took place at Trenton J. Adamson's home at 610 W. Cumberland St. in Greenup.

Rhodes reported that Mimms, Adamson and Lavaly were at this residence when Kyle Covault of Casey arrived there, allegedly to sell an unspecified amount of cannabis.

The investigator testified that a fight allegedly started shortly after Covault's arrival and gunshots were allegedly fired between him and Mimms. Rhodes reported that shots fired by Mimms mortally wounded Lavaly and wounded Covault.

During a hearing on Monday, Laurinda McWhorter, 24, of Charleston pleaded guilty to a robbery charge in connection with this incident. She had been charged with armed robbery, for which prison time would be required. This charge was reduced as part of her plea agreement.

McWhorter has been sentenced to 120 days in jail, with credit for 53 days served, followed by 36 months of probation.

Adamson, 28, has been charged with armed robbery regarding the July 20 incident and has a status hearing scheduled for Dec. 12.

Covault, 22, has been charged with being in possession of cannabis with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a firearm regarding this incident. He has a pretrial conference scheduled for Jan. 30.
By Irene Klotz CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Reuters) - An unmanned Russian cargo ship loaded with more than 2-1/2 tons of food and supplies for the International Space Station broke apart about six minutes after liftoff on Thursday, Russia's space agency Roscosmos said in a statement. A Soyuz rocket carrying the Progress capsule blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan as planned at 9:51 a.m. EST, a NASA TV broadcast showed. But ground control teams then lost radio contact with the rocket and most of the spacecraft fragments burned in the dense atmosphere, Roscosmos said in a statement. It added that the capsule was last confirmed flying at an altitude of about 190 km (118 miles) over the remote and unpopulated area of the Republic of Tyva. The cause of the accident is under investigation. The six-member crew aboard the International Space Station is not in any danger and has enough supplies for several months, NASA said. Thursdays launch was the fourth failed cargo run to the station in the past two years, including one previous Progress failure. The accident comes at a critical time because SpaceX, one of two U.S. companies flying supplies to the station for NASA, has not yet returned to flight following a Sept. 1 launch pad accident. SpaceX is awaiting approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees U.S. commercial space transportation, to fly as early as Dec. 16 with 10 satellites owned by Iridium Communications Inc. SpaceX's next cargo flight for NASA is targeted for January. Orbital ATK and Japan's space agency also fly supplies to the station, a $100 billion laboratory that flies about 250 miles (418 km) above Earth. Launch of a Japanese cargo ship is scheduled for Dec. 9. (Reporting by Irene Klotz; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Tom Brown)
DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Federal drug sentences can be harsh says John Helms federal drug defense attorney. For many defendants, despite what their lawyer has told them, the reality of a long sentence sometimes does not really sink in until after the judge actually announces the sentence in court. Until the judge says those words, they may convince themselves that what they are being told just won't happen to them. So, is there anything that can be done after sentencing to get a lower sentence? The answer is, "Yes."

In federal drug cases, there are two primary ways of getting a reduction in your sentence after you have been sentenced. The first involves cooperating with the government, and the second involves changes to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines after you were sentenced.

Under Rule 35 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, a defendant can receive a reduced sentence for cooperating with the government after sentencing. Like cooperating before sentencing, the government must file a motion asking for the reduction. Also like pre-sentencing cooperation, the defendant must provide "substantial assistance" to the government in the investigation or prosecution of one or more other persons in order for the government to ask the court for a reduction, and the amount of reduction the government requests is up to the prosecutor in charge of the case, says drug trafficking lawyer John Helms.

For some defendants, the possibility of cooperating after sentencing is one last lifeline they may be thrown. Cooperation usually involves giving the government information about other people that helps the government investigate or prosecute them, such as telling them about someone else's involvement in the defendant's crime or other crimes. Any information you give them must be truly helpful to the government, though.

In order to encourage defendants to come forward reasonably quickly, Rule 35 requires the government to file a motion for a reduction within one year after the judge announces the sentence in court. The only exceptions are: (1) if the defendant did not know about the information until one year or more after sentencing; (2) the defendant provided the information within one year, but it did not become useful to the government until after one year; or (3) if the defendant could not have reasonably anticipated that the information would become useful to the government until more than one year later, and the defendant provided it promptly after its usefulness became apparent. So, if you have useful information after you have been sentenced, do not wait until it is too late to provide it.

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The second major way to get a sentence reduction after sentencing is if you were sentenced under an old version of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and a newer version would result in a lower Guideline range. Congress passed a law to give courts this power. It is at 18 U.S.C. section 3582(c)(2).

In federal drug cases, beginning on November 1, 2014, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines included changes that reduce the Guideline range for most types of drug cases. If you were sentenced under the pre-2014 version of the Sentencing Guidelines, you may qualify for a sentence reduction based on the recent changes to the Guidelines.

Using this statute, I recently obtained a sentence reduction of almost two years for a defendant convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine. To do that, I filed a detailed motion with the court showing that the defendant was sentenced in the middle of the Sentencing Guideline range in effect at the time. However, if he had been sentenced today, I demonstrated that the middle of his Sentencing Guideline range would have been about 23 months lower. The court agreed with my motion and reduced his sentence.

Anyone who wants to get a reduction of a sentence for themselves or their loved one should contact an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. What I have described here is simplified in order to show what is possible. Either route takes skill, experience, and effort. A reduction of a sentence is too important to trust to someone who does not know how to do it effectively. If you or someone you know has been charged with a federal drug offense or want to get a sentence reduction, contact Federal drug defense attorney John Helms immediately. Call 214-666-8010.

Media Contact

Dallas Criminal Lawyer John Helms

214-666-8010

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-helms-69172699

source: http://johnhelms.attorney/federal-drug-defense-attorney-getting-reduced-sentence-federal-drug-cases/

SOURCE: John Helms Law Firm via Submit Press Release 123
Year over year, sales plunged 14% at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCAU) in November to 160,827 units. The Jeep brand posted a sales drop of 12% year over year as the Jeep Cherokee showed a sales decline of 37% and the Compass posted a monthly sales drop of 24%. Grand Cherokee sales fell 2% and Patriot sales tumbled 14%.

According to TrueCar, FCA's incentive spending came in at $4,154 per unit, up 17.9% year over year and down 0.7% compared with October 2016. Unit incentive spending totaled $4,154 at Ford and $4,305 at GM, up 23% and 12.7%, respectively, year over year.

Analysts at Edmunds had projected November sales at 159,561 units, a 14.2% year-over-year decrease. KBB had estimated unit sales of 168,000 at an average selling price of $36,244 for November, up 2.4% year over year and down 1.2% month over month.

ALSO READ: America's 25 Murder Capitals

The companys Jeep brand sold a total of 67,285 units in November and has sold an 11-month total of 843,217, up 8% year over year. The all-new Jeep Renegade has sold 94,561 units for the year to date, up 81% compared with the same period last year.

Ram pickup sales increased 8% in November to 36,885 units and posted a year-to-date sales increase of 8%. Last year, Ram sold 34,145 pickups in November.

Year over year, sales of the companys Chrysler brand plummeted 47% as sales of the Chrysler 200 fell 72% year over year in November to 2,8493. FCA is doing its best to sell all dealer inventory on this discontinued model. Sales of the Chrysler 300 tumbled 45% to 2,566 units. The all-new Pacifica minivan posted November sales of 8,753, and it has sold 52,083 since first becoming widely available in April.

ALSO READ: The Worst Companies to Work For

The companys Dodge brand sales fell 21% year over year in November, while sales of the Dodge Caravan dropped 39% to 6,696 units in the month. The company's Journey compact sport utility vehicle saw sales slip 11% year over year to 7,133 units in November.

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Chryslers shares traded down about 0.3% Thursday morning, at $7.64 in a 52-week range of $5.45 to $9.51.

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Susan Quimpo was preparing for a protest outside the Philippines Supreme Court when she heard that a helicopter was already carrying the body of the man responsible for killing one of her brothers, and disappearing another, to a heros burial in Manila.

The dictator Ferdinand Marcos was hounded out of the Philippines by the People Power Revolution of 1986. He fled to Hawaii, where he died and was interred in an Oahu mausoleum until 1993. That year, his body was brought back to the Philippines and kept at a museum in Ilocos Norte, the province where he was born. There is uncertainty as to whether the contents of a glass-topped coffin at the museum really were his mortal remains or simply a wax replica.

At least one academic has asked if it was really Marcos body that was buried on Nov. 18 in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony at the Heroes Cemetery  or Libingan ng mga Bayani, as the hallowed resting ground for presidents, military notables and other Philippine greats is formally known. But it really doesnt matter. His burial, symbolic or literal, came replete with full military honors and represented to many Filipinos the appalling rehabilitation of a man who imposed martial law in 1972, imprisoned 70,000 of their compatriots; tortured 34,000; killed over 3,200 others (all according to Amnesty Internationals estimates), and stole up to $10 billion from state coffers by the reckoning of the Philippines Supreme Court.

Quimpo, 55, feels only anger and disgust. Speaking to TIME by phone on Wednesday, she said that during Marcos rule five of her siblings were tortured and sexually abused by members of the police and military.

I spent my entire high school visiting one military camp after another every weekend and hearing stories of torture and rape from my siblings and those incarcerated with them, she said.

Quimpos brother Ishmael Jr., who had been a student leader before joining the underground resistance to Marcos, was 24 years old when his body was found with seven bullet wounds in the Philippine countryside.

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Another brother, Ronald Jan, vanished in October 1977, when he was a 23-year-old university student. Quimpo suspects they mistook him for his elder brother during a search of the family home and bundled him away.

He told me that he was going to eat dinner at home later that evening but he never came home, she tells TIME.

For strongman President Rodrigo Duterte  who has referred to Marcos as the best President  the burial was the fulfillment of a campaign promise he said would heal the nation. Instead, it has fueled outrage and brought the countrys culture of official impunity into glaring focus.

Marcos burial  eight days after the countrys Supreme Court had given it the green light but before the 15-working-day period allowed for appealing the decision had elapsed  has angered many Filipinos like Quimpo. They are taking to the streets to protest the lionization of a dictator who, they say, was buried like a thief in the night.

Last Friday, some 20,000 martial law survivors, students, workers and other protesters amassed in Manilas Rizal Park, according to an organizers estimate. On Wednesday another 15,000 protested in Manila, with rallies held in other parts of the country and in the U.S., where there is a sizable Philippine community.

Alongside Quimpo and tens of thousands of demonstrators who gathered at the People Power Monument in Manila on Wednesday was law student and activist Kathryn Leuch.

She had spent Tuesday night occupying the street near the Heroes Cemetery with her group Block Marcos, and tells TIME that the strong presence of high school and university students at the demonstrations flew in the face of the stereotype of politically apathetic Filipino youth. This shows that when theyre needed they will be there, she says by phone from Manila. They will take on the struggle. They can organize.

Some of the people protesting with her, Leuch says, had voted for Duterte because they had become frustrated with widespread corruption and a lack of progress on poverty and labor rights under successive Philippine governments.

For them Duterte represented a fresh change, even if he did threaten to deprive people of their rights, Leuch tells TIME, but now people are saying that this isnt what we signed up for because it seems that hes still abiding with these major political personalities.

Duterte has promised that the military will not crack down on protesters.

But it is not only the burial that has made some Filipinos question their presidents ties to the late dictators family. When he visited Beijing last month, Duterte introduced Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  the dictators son  to Filipino expats there as the next Vice President.

For martial-law survivor Quimpo, there are also similarities between Dutertes bloody drug war  which has seen the deaths of at least 5,000 people  and the atmosphere in the run-up to Ferdinand Marcos declaration of martial law. They are trying to cultivate a milieu of fear and that is what Marcos had used to quell the opposition, she says.

Stung by criticism of his methods, Duterte has threatened to impose martial law himself and to kill human-rights activists. Some protest leaders have suggested that recent alleged bombing attempts could be a scare tactic to deter protesters from gathering.

Several people are dead every day from extrajudicial killings. Theyre just shot and you dont even know their names sometimes  their names dont even appear in the newspapers, Quimpo tells TIME. Daily killings, talk of suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, talk of martial law  all this really stinks of the Marcos era.
Though they only wrapped up four years ago, the Twilight movies already seem ancient history in pop culture terms. Ditto the memory of Taylor Lautner as an Oughties It Boy, that temporary career heat cooled by a series of weak big-screen vehicles even as his co-stars were reinventing themselves with uneven but cumulative success as serious adult actors.

Run the Tide is unlikely to reverse that trend at point when Lautner has mostly retreated to TV anyway (Scream Queens, Brit Cuckoo), though the actor gives a creditable enough turn as a young man who has raised his little brother alone  then flees with the kid once their hitherto abusive, drug-addled mother exits prison to resume custody. This competently crafted but uninspired tearjerker, a feature debut for both director Soham Mehta and scenarist Rajiv Shah, is getting a limited theatrical launch Dec. 2. Yet it feels like a cable and rental time-filler, with prospects sure to be much improved in those formats.

After suffering the full brunt of single parent Lola (Constance Zimmer), and her violent and irresponsible behavior, Rey (Lautner) is determined not to let much-younger sibling Oliver (Nico Christou) risk the same kind of ruined childhood. So he puts any of his own plans on hold, sticking around to work at the local gas station/grocery store owned by moms ex-beau Bo (Kenny Johnson) and raises Oliver himself, even as his former classmates go on to college and bigger things. One of them  one-time g.f. Michelle (Johanna Braddy), whom he hasnt seen in years  turns up unexpectedly. Shes graduated from Stanford and established an upwardly mobile career in San Francisco. Their dormant romance rekindles in an inebriated late-night tryst, during which she impulsively urges him to join her in San Fran.

Its an offer hes inclined to take seriously when he learns that Lola gets out of the state pen in just two days, after a six-year stint. Whats more, she fully intends to take charge of 10-year-old Oliver, whos too young to recall Lolas pre-prison destructiveness and has an idealized perception of his mom. Fearing the worst, Rey creates a feeble pretext for a road trip for the brothers from which, unknown to Oliver, he does not intend them to return.

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As they drive from the desert to the Bay Area, with Lola and reluctant Bo in eventual pursuit, Run the Tide never becomes terribly eventful  nor does it ever rise above watchable-but-forgettable status. Road movies have sometimes gotten by on little more than the strongly felt bond between two characters who may spat, yet also always have each others back. Unfortunately, a major problem here is that newcomer Christou is no more appealing than whats on the page  and since, as written, Oliver is an irritatingly precocious, potty-mouthed brat, theres not enough rooting interest at the films core fraternal relationship.

Like many a good-looking young male actor, Lautner benefits from the hints of deeper character that a little aging has brought. Allowed to be scruffier (and hairier) than usual here, he immediately seems more of an actor to be reckoned with, less of a teen-mag-friendly hunk. (Some may be dismayed that he doesnt even take his shirt off until very late in the movie, and then only in a dimly lit night-swimming sequence, leaving those famous abs in shadow.)

But the script doesnt offer much help. Its progress affords a couple of mild reversals of expectation in the later going, yet these land with little dramatic impact; and there just isnt much complexity built into characters who pretty much reveal all at our first encounter. Lautners earnest turn, as well as those of familiar TV faces Johnson (Bates Motel, The Shield) and Zimmer (Entourage, UnReal), are hamstrung by writing that demands a certain emotional urgency while providing the performers little opportunity for surprise or nuance. Tide is smoothly packaged in tech and design departments, but its 90-odd minutes wash over the viewer and recede without leaving a lasting impression.

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If it feels like 2016 has been the kind of year that would make even the most cheerful soul a bit grumpy, there's evidence that feeling is justified.

Dictionary.com just announced its "word of the year," and it's not exactly about unicorns, glitter and rainbows.

Read for yourselves:

NEW YORK (AP)  You might have thought about it, heard it. A lot. You might have even felt it: Dictionary.com's word of the year is "xenophobia."

While it's difficult to get at exactly why people look up words in dictionaries, online or on paper, it's clear that in contentious 2016, fear of "otherness" bruised the collective consciousness around the globe.

The Brexit vote, police violence against people of color, Syria's refugee crisis, transsexual rights and the U.S. presidential race were among prominent developments that drove debate  and spikes in lookups of the word, said Jane Solomon, one of the dictionary site's lexicographers.

The 21-year-old site defines xenophobia as "fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers." And it plans to expand its entry to include fear or dislike of "customs, dress and cultures of people with backgrounds different from our own," Solomon said in a recent interview.

The word didn't enter the English language until the late 1800s, she said. Its roots are in two Greek words  "xenos," meaning "stranger or guest," and "phobos," meaning "fear or panic," Solomon added.

The interest was clear June 24, within a period that represents the largest spike in lookups of xenophobia so far this year. That was the day of Brexit, when the UK voted to leave the European Union.

Searches for xenophobia on the site increased by 938 percent from June 22 to June 24, Solomon said. Lookups spiked again that month after President Obama's June 29 speech in which he insisted that Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric was not a measure of "populism," but rather "nativism, or xenophobia, or worse."

Solomon added that chatter about xenophobia goes well beyond the spikes.

"It has been significant throughout the year," she said. "But after the EU referendum, hundreds and hundreds of users were looking up the term every hour."

Robert Reich, who served in the administrations of Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter and was President Clinton's labor secretary, felt so strongly about xenophobia's prominence today that he appears in a video for Dictionary.com discussing its ramifications.

"I don't think most people even know what xenophobia is," Reich, who teaches public policy at the University of California, Berkeley, said in an interview. "It's a word not to be celebrated but to be deeply concerned about."

Solomon's site, based in Oakland, Calif., started choosing a word of the year in 2010, based on search data and agreement of in-house experts that include a broad swath of the company, from lexicographers to the marketing and product teams to the CEO, Liz McMillan.

The word and the sentiment reflect a broader mournful tone to 2016, with Oxford dictionary editors choosing "post-truth" as their word of the year, often described in terms of politics as belonging to a time in which truth has become irrelevant.

"I wish," Solomon said, "we could have chosen a word like unicorns."

***

First of all, it strikes me that this story defines "xenophobia" but then uses a word like "lexicographer" with no explanation at all. That word, by the way, means "an author or editor of a dictionary," according to Merriam-Webster and, coincidentally, Dictionary.com.

Second of all, I think since we all are suffering through so many people's xenophobia, we should get to vote on a happier term to be dubbed the "word of the year."

If not a "happy" term, then at least a word or phrase that's a bit more fun.

How about "whopperjawed"? That's a cool word. Oh ... don't know what it means? Well, it's kind of like "cattywampus," you know: It means something is askew or out of whack.

This was a new word to me. A friend and I were on the phone chatting, and she suddenly scolded her cat. When I asked what was wrong, she said something to the effect of, "Oh he's been messing with the window blind and got it all whopperjawed."

I started laughing. "Whopperjawed?!" I couldn't stop my giggles. She finally broke away from her grumpiness about the cat's shenanigans (oh, so many fun words here!) and laughed, too. She'd just always heard that word, and never thought about it being a funny term.

I like "kitty-corner" or "catty-corner," which of course means something diagonally opposite from you: "My best friend lives catty-corner from me."

Sheldon Cooper may have "Fun with Flags" (from the "Big Bang Theory"), but I'd do a little show called "Wild Words" if I could.

Perhaps the first word appropriate for that would be "nerd" or "dork." Ah well. We can't all be rock stars.

My friend who lives in the South has some good words. She calls little statues or what-nots -- things that I would call "dust collectors" -- "chachkies." Come to find out, that's a Yiddish term for trinkets and collectibles.

Oh, what's "Yiddish"? My intensive internet research -- a Google search -- tells me it's: "a language used by Jews in central and eastern Europe before the Holocaust. It was originally a German dialect with words from Hebrew and several modern languages and is today spoken mainly in the US, Israel, and Russia."

How about this one: "The cats 'caterwauled' all night and kept me awake." Maybe 2016 has made a lot of us feel like crying out or howling -- caterwauling.

It was cute to me the first time I noticed a friend in Texas say she was "fixin' to" go to the store. Most regions have their own phrases, words or kind of localized dialect. I find that fascinating.

My grandma Weaver had a few of these. She used to say she was just "briggling" around the house, kind of like "piddling" around the house, which is just fooling around or messing around doing a few odds and ends of chores and such. She also talked about "slow time" or "fast time" every occurrence of Daylight Saving Time.

Some terms become universal and we use them, to be technical, incorrectly. Kleenex brand tissues are so common that most people say, "Could you pass me a Kleenex?" when they should ask for a "tissue." That's like, down South, when you ask for a Coke and it means a Pepsi, too, or any other soft drink. You can tell that Coca-Cola is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga.

By the way -- is it a pop or a soda? If you were my grandma Weaver, it would be a "sodie."

I say, let's ignore this xenophobia word trend and make our own fun phrase popular. Everyone Google -- that means, look up on the internet -- something like "Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear" a dozen times a day this week, and maybe we'll get a new trend going for Dictionary.com.

Just try it in between briggling around the house and straightening that whopperjawed window blind. It'll be a barrel of laughs!

Hm. I wonder where that one comes from ...
Ankara (AFP) - Israel's new ambassador to Turkey arrived in the capital Ankara on Thursday, an Israeli embassy official said, to serve as the first official envoy since a six-year spat put diplomatic relations on ice.

Eitan Naeh arrived in the morning, the official, who did not wish to be named, told AFP. Naeh is due to present his letter of credence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the next few days.

Naeh, who had been serving as deputy head of mission at the Israeli embassy in London, was chosen as ambassador earlier this month by a government committee.

A career diplomat, he previously worked at the embassy in Ankara from 1993 to 1997.

Naeh is the country's first envoy since Israeli commandos raided a Gaza-bound ship of activists in 2010.

After the raid which killed 10 Turkish activists, relations between the two countries plunged to an all-time low with both pulling their envoys out from the respective capitals.

At one point, Erdogan even accused the Israeli leadership of "keeping Hitler's spirit alive".

But the bitter rift came to an end in June after long-running secret talks in third countries with Israel offering $20 million in compensation, an apology over the raid and permission for Turkish aid to reach Gaza.

Last week firefighting planes from Turkey were sent to Israel after bushfires raged.

Thanking Ankara for its support and the warm welcome, Naeh told reporters at the airport: "We have a history of helping each other in times of need."

In a video shared by the embassy's official Facebook account, Naeh said: "I am very happy to be back in Turkey as ambassador. We have a lot of work to do... I am looking forward to starting the work here, officially."

The process to normalise relations was strongly supported by the United States, which had long wanted to see NATO ally Turkey resume its once-close relationship with Israel.

Turkey this month appointed Prime Minister Binali Yildirim's foreign affairs advisor Kemal Okem as its ambassador to Israel.
Leading thermal imaging camera maker, FLIR Systems, Inc. FLIR, recently announced the completion of the buyout of nano helicopter technology firmProx Dynamics AS, for roughly $134 million in cash. Prox Dynamics will be integrated in FLIR Systems unmanned aerial systems (UAS) business within the Surveillance segment.It will leverage Lepton technology to expand the airborne sensor product line.

Encouragingly, FLIR Systems' shares have recorded an average return of 16.4%, almost double of the Zacks categorized Electronics-Military Systems Market industry average of 8.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.61 trend has remained unchanged over the past two months at $1.61.

Founded in 2007, Prox Dynamics AS develops nano-class UAS for a variety of applications, including military & para-military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Prox Dynamics Black Hornet aerial sensor and hand controllers can provide soldiers significant advantage in situational awareness and mission planning.

Some of the noteworthy features of Black Hornet drone include FLIR Systems' Lepton micro thermal camera, visible spectrum cameras, advanced low-power rotor technology and proprietary software for flight control and stabilization. Leveraging on FLIR Systems Lepton sensor, Prox Dynamics has developed a comprehensive solution for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Going forward, FLIR has plans to invest in Prox Dynamics Personal Reconnaissance System to bolster their range, cost, flexibility, and performance, which in turn is an ideal springboard for the further growth of Surveillance segment.

FLIR Systems has been diligently pursuing strategic acquisitions to boost its core and non-core business and this is the second acquisition during the fourth-quarter, since it inked an agreement to buy Point Grey Research, Inc. The company believes Point Grey Research buyout can translate into great growth prospects as machine vision and retail people counting are attractive end-markets and are somewhat underpenetrated application spaces for thermal imaging technology.

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FLIR SYSTEMS Price

FLIR SYSTEMS Price | FLIR SYSTEMS Quote

The recently acquired firm, Prox Dynamics follows FLIR Systems commercially developed, military qualified model, which has been a major profit churner for the company. Through this unique model, the company develops technology by investing in research & development, and then equips it with military standards for sale to the government. Using this model, the Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company has been able to combat softness in cyclical spending associated with government markets.

Stocks to Consider

Other favorably placed stocks in the broader sector include Arotech Corp. ARTX, Northrop Grumman Corp. NOC and Engility Holdings, Inc. EGL. All three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Arotech Corporation makes zinc-air batteries for military and homeland security applications. It also provides advanced high-tech multimedia training systems for law enforcement and paramilitary organizations. The company has beat earnings twice in the past four quarters and has a whopping average positive surprise of 265.3%.

Falls Church, VA-based Northrop Grumman Corp. supplies a broad array of products and services to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The company has managed to beat earnings each time in the trailing four quarters, boasting an average surprise of 8.3%.

Engility Holdings is engaged in providing government services in engineering, professional support and mission support to customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, Federal civilian agencies and allied foreign governments. The company has a striking earnings surprise history over the trailing four quarters, beating estimates all through. It boasts an average positive surprise of 23.2%.

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Former Cuban prisoner Alan Gross had some harsh words for Donald Trump Wednesday, telling Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric that the president-elect is a megalomaniac of the same ilk as Fidel Castro, only hes not as well read.

Gross was a U.S. contractor who was arrested in Cuba in 2009 while working on a project to provide wireless Internet access to the countrys Jewish community, and spent five years in a Cuban prison. He spoke to Couric about his hopes for the future of U.S. relations with the island nation, Castros death and Trump.

History will never absolve him. But perhaps now the voices of Cuba will be heard. Speak up, Cuba.  Alan P. Gross (@AlanPGross) November 26, 2016

Though he said Trumps statement on the news of Castros death last weekend was absolutely right on target, Gross said, I do not think that the president of the United States should make that type of statement. Trump had condemned the brutal dictator for his long history of fundamental human rights violations.

In contrast, Gross pointed to President Obamas far less critical comments as the statement of a statesman.

Grosss release from prison in 2014 was integral to Obamas effort to reopen U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba, and he praised the presidents executive action to ease restrictions on Cuban-Americans to travel and send money home to family on the island.

Slideshow: Cuba releases American Alan Gross as U.S. prepares to overhaul Cuba policy >>>

There is a direct and undeniable correlation between easing in restrictions in remittances  and growth in [Cubas] private sector, Gross said, insisting that the U.S. trade embargo, launched during the Cold War, was only intended to be applied to government of Cuba, which at the time had decimated the private sector.

He argued that the trade embargo should finally be lifted, and said it would put enormous pressure on the government of Cuba because they will no longer be able to blame the bad guys in the north on their economic woes.

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During the campaign, Trump had vowed to reverse Obamas efforts to warm relations between the U.S. and Cuba. But since then, Trump has not repeated that stance, and earlier this week he suggested that there was room for Cubas government to negotiate with him:

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.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2016

Gross dismissed the threat from Trump. Its not rational for the future head of state to be tweeting unsubstantiated garbage, he said.

Hes got to understand that theres a difference between finance and economics, that theres a difference between statesmanship and bullying, he continued. This isnt a Trump Hotel.  Were the leaders of the free world and hes talking about deals?

Gross clarified that he has no fondness at all for the government of Cuba, but I have the highest admiration for the people of Cuba, who sustained me for five years. Still, two years after his release from prison, Gross said, I feel like I can say Ive had the Cuban-American experience.

I was in Cuba and I lost everything, everything, he said. And now, I came to the United States and Im rebuilding my life.

_____

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Oil prices are increasing since OPEC reached an agreement on its first oil production cut since 2008, but will the rally continue? Former Shell Oil President John Hofmeister weighed in on whether the deal will even hold up across the oil producing nations.

Well I think its still a big question mark whether it holds and I think the faster the oil price rises the less the chances that it will hold because there are a lot of folks out there, OPEC as well as other producers that are really short of cash and have lived with such difficulty in the last few years that theyll do anything they can to raise production in the short term in order to capture some of that available money with higher oil price, Hofmeister told the FOX Business Networks Neil Cavuto.

But, according to Hofmeister, even if President-elect Donald Trump makes it a priority to deregulate the U.S. oil industry, consumers should not expect an immediate decline in oil prices.

Well I dont think were going to see any kind of immediate return to prosperity or to rapid production increase and thats because the moneys not there and the banks are still reluctant to loan to oil and gas producers from , you know, the past.

Hofmeister detailed other factors that would slow an increase in U.S. oil production.

And we also have a supply chain thats broken. And we are short on people. And so the combination means its going to be a year, year and a half, to kind of gear up the system.

But Hofmeister said despite all of these obstacles, any help the incoming administration could provide is still welcome.

Any relief that the new administration can provide from the burden that the previous administration, or the current administration, put on the industry would be welcome.

Hofmeister predicted there would be an increasing activism in response to any potential deregulation efforts in of oil industry by the Trump administration.

But what also might happen is that in response to any relaxation, were going to see a lot of activism like were seeing in North Dakota right now, Hofmeister continued, The absurdity of course is these people dont mind raising the price of the product to the American people, which will dent the otherwise good economic growth of the American economy.

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Having decisively defeated several rivals in his partys primary this past weekend, Francois Fillon will carry the standard for Les Republicains in Frances presidential election next spring. Competitors and commentators  indeed, many voters  were surprised by this outcome. Surprised because Fillon had long trailed in the polls; surprised because Fillon, a former prime minister, was long dismissed as the eternal No. 2; surprised because Fillon has promised, if elected, to starve the beast that the French fondly call letat providence  the welfare state  a move that in France has not typically been a winning campaign strategy. But surprised, too, because, as the rest of the country is now discovering, Fillon is Catholic. Very Catholic. So Catholic, at least to the secular left, that a headline in the newspaper Liberation screamed: Help, Jesus has returned!

Fillon has never made any secret of his beliefs. He hails from the Vendee, the western region that was the site of a long and bloody resistance to the secular values, laws, and, ultimately, soldiers of revolutionary Paris. A lieu de memoire, or site of memory, for French Catholics, the Vendee is famed for the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Pierre de Solesmes, where Fillon goes every year on retreat. In his campaign book Faire (To Make), Fillon, known for his reticence, nevertheless recalls with deep emotion his Catholic schooling, explains how it has shaped his worldview, and affirms: I was raised in this tradition, and I have kept this faith. And, as it turns out, legions of Frenchmen and women who have not kept their faith will nonetheless turn out in droves for a politician who has.

These men and women are, in the controversial term coined three years ago by the sociologists Emmanuel Todd and Herve Le Bras, les zombies catholiques of France. In their book Le mystere francais, Todd and Le Bras tried to explain why, in a country where barely five citizens in 100 attend church, the weight of Catholicism is still evident. From the millions of parents who took to the streets in the mid-1980s to protest the Socialist governments effort to merge private (and overwhelmingly Catholic) schools with public schools to the millions who, 30 years later, took to the same streets to protest the new (but hardly different) Socialist governments effort to legalize gay marriage, these armies of French zombies would have overwhelmed the likes of Brad Pitt, let alone government ministers.

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But this is less World War Z than the newest chapter in the guerres franco-francaises  Frances long series of civil wars fought over the legacy of the French Revolution, which pit a secularist left against a traditionalist right. Todd and Le Bras marvel over the persistence of Catholic habits and values in regions where Catholicism has more or less vanished as an institution. The most astonishing paradox, they note, is the rise of social movements shaped by a religion that has disappeared as a metaphysical belief. Unable to resist the French weakness for paradox, Todd and Le Bras conclude: Catholicism seems to have attained a kind of life after death. But since it is a question of a this-worldly life, we will define it as zombie Catholicism.

Zombie Catholics share certain symptoms: Not only do they hail from regions where resistance was greatest to the French Revolution, but they also have taken advantage of the benefits that flowed from that seismic event. Highly educated and meritocratic, they also privilege a traditional ordering of professional and domestic duties between husbands and wives; strong attachment to social, community, and family activities; and a general wariness over the role of the state in private and community affairs, including free schools (Catholic private schools).

Fillon can check all of these boxes. His economic liberalism, in particular, has led critics to label him a French Margaret Thatcher. But Fillons genius was his recognition that Frances zombie Catholicism isnt just a cultural identity but also a latent political one. Indeed, the zombies came out to vote for him in greater numbers than anyone had anticipated: In the second round of the primary, more than 4.3 million individuals went to the polls. For a party that had never before chosen a presidential candidate by primary, this was a stunning success. (It is important to note that the primary was partly open: Anyone who paid 2 euros and declared they held to right-wing or centrist values was allowed to cast a vote. Although estimates vary of the percentage of those from the left and center who voted, pollsters attribute the second swell of voters to those mobilized by Fillons candidacy.)

Equally stunning is how the electoral map dovetails with the sociological map traced by Todd and Le Bras. For example, the Vendee and Brittany, the western regions that formed Fillon, are among what the authors call the most anthropologically hardened zombie Catholic enclaves  places where the church has vanished but its practices and values persist. Voters from these parts of France also rallied in greater numbers than elsewhere to Fillon, while in those regions identified by Todd and Le Bras as anthropologically hardened liberal enclaves  especially in the south, much of Paris (and the former red belt that surrounds it), and other large cities  voter turnout was significantly smaller. According to Jerome Fourquet, the director of opinion and business strategies for French pollster IFOP, the takeaway was clear: Catholic, or at least zombie Catholic, voters played a disproportionate role in the primary.

Just how Catholic Fillon will remain during his campaign for the Elysee remains to be seen, but all signs point to his beliefs being both sincere and deeply held. When the French political scene was upended in 2012 by the monumental clash over the legalization of same-sex marriage, Fillon never hid his opposition. Once the legislation was passed, Fillon acknowledged that the law must be respected, but he has also repeatedly voiced his opposition to the laws so-called excesses, by which he means the right of same-sex couples to either adopt or use a surrogate mother. His hostility to the law attracted the support of Sens Commun (Common Sense), a deeply conservative Catholic organization tied to La Manif Pour Tous (Protest for Everyone), the political movement that led the massive protests against the same-sex marriage law. Frigide Barjot, the former leader of La Manif Pour Tous and a controversial figure, appeared at Fillons headquarters Sunday night to celebrate his victory. Fillons personal opposition to abortion  Given my own faith, I cannot approve of abortion, he said in early October  has also sent ripples of concern across the political spectrum.

Equally unsettling have been Fillons remarks on Islam. Though not as provocative as Nicolas Sarkozy, who relentlessly played the identity card during his campaign, Fillon has nevertheless underscored what he considers to be the unprecedented challenge Islam poses for France. He insists on Frances Christian roots, a statement critics denounce as an implicit warning to French Muslims that they are not chez soi in France. He has claimed that there is a concrete problem with radical Islam, immediately adding, afterward, that Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Buddhists, and Sikhs do not threaten our national unity. Not surprisingly, the Collective Against Islamophobia in France issued a warning about Fillons candidacy, declaring that anti-Islamic remarks made by Fillon spokeswoman Valerie Boyer  most notably, that only Muslim extremists wear headscarves  represented a small taste of what to expect from a Fillon presidency.

On the center and left, the takeaway from all this has been panic: It is as if real zombies have invaded France. Some of the headlines in French media following Fillons primary win were nearly as apocalyptic as those in the United States following Donald Trumps victory. When not stammering over the large cross Boyer wore during a press conference, the co-owner of the left-leaning Le Monde newspaper, Pierre Berge, tweeted that Fillons supporters were no better than the Petainists of Vichy France.

As for Le Monde itself, an editorialist observed, simply, that Fillons victory revealed the emergence of a Catholic and patrimonial right.

And yet, given the lamentable state of the Socialists, bled white by infighting and tied to the most unpopular president in the history of the Fifth Republic, Fillon seems likely to be the only thing standing between France and a National Front presidency in next springs election. The question now is whether he will be able to convince voters from the center and left to overcome their worries about his religion and his austere economic plans.

Its also an open question whether French Catholics  zombie and non-zombie alike  will maintain their own resistance to the National Fronts anti-Europe, anti-Muslim, and anti-liberal siren call. Fillon does seem to have harnessed what the religion specialist Henri Tincq calls identity Catholicism. Those Frenchmen and women, he said, uneasy with a modernity that has largely erased Christian values from issues like education, family, work, and sexuality, and increasingly ill at ease with transnational institutions like the EU and the transnational flow of peoples  especially when they are Muslim and hail from the Middle East  have increasingly been retreating to the ostensible safety of traditionally national institutions like the Catholic Church. Fillon is now offering them what seems to be a compelling political alternative to the sclerotic secularism of the left and unsavory heritage of the extreme right.

But if this activation of Catholic identity already marks a shift in French politics, its ultimate significance is not yet clear. Much depends on the long-term direction taken by the newly awakened horde of zombie Catholics. Will they retreat further to the right and into the arms of the National Front? The late and great historian of French politics Rene Remond always insisted that the more observant French Catholics are, the less likely they are to vote for the National Front. But this truism has, with time, frayed dramatically; moreover, it never applied to the zombies to start with. An IFOP poll taken after last years regional elections revealed that 32 percent of practicing Catholics voted for the National Front. Not only was this higher than the national average  28 percent  of National Front voters, but it was also more than double the percentage of Catholic votes tallied for the party in 2014. As a headline in the Catholic magazine Pelerin announced, the Catholic dam is collapsing.

The same poll revealed, however, that western France, Fillons homeland, continued to resist the National Fronts rise. Many Catholics, regardless of their religious practice, continue to feel repugnance in voting for a party whose founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen, thrived on values they consider antithetical to their worldview. But it bears noting that his daughter, Marine Le Pen, continues to reinvent the National Front, also known by its French name Front National or FN. It was no accident that when Le Pen the younger recently replaced the traditional logo of the blue-white-and-red flame of the National Front with a blue rose, she also removed the very names Le Pen and Front National from the partys graphics. Now, her public appearances are framed by Marine and Au nom du peuple. (In the name of the people.) As one of her advisors remarked, Marine Le Pen is not the candidate of the FN but of all Frenchmen and women.

Fillon may have ridden a wave of the undead to victory in the primary. It remains to be seen, however, whether the Catholics  dead and undead alike  will stick by his side this spring.

Photo credit: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images
Paris (AFP) - The French parliament on Thursday began debating a bill to ban pro-life websites from spreading "false information" about abortion, with rightwing lawmakers arguing it would contravene freedom of expression.

The debate comes less than five months before France elects a new president, with the rightwing Republicans party candidate Francois Fillon, a staunch Catholic who says he is "personally" opposed to abortion but will not try to overturn the law, tipped to win.

"Freedom of expression should not be confused with manipulating minds," Socialist Family Minister Laurence Rossignol said as the debate kicked off.

The bill would extend to cyberspace a 1993 law criminalising "interference" in abortions in the form of "false information".

The original intent of the law was to prevent pro-life activists from physically blocking access to abortion clinics.

The 1993 law needs to be adapted to "the digital reality", Rossignol said. "Thirty years ago militants chained themselves to abortion clinics... today their successors are continuing this fight on the web."

The law is punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros ($31,900).

The bill "is totally against freedom of expression," Bruno Retailleau, who heads the Republicans party group in the Senate, told French radio Thursday.

He added that the bill went against the "spirit" of the 1975 law that legalised abortion, which called for women to be informed of alternatives.

Health Minister Marisol Touraine, for her part, denounced what she called a "cultural climate that tends to make women feel guilty" for seeking abortions.

The proposed law is aimed at "preventing these websites from disseminating disinformation," Touraine said on French television.

"We have the right in France to be against abortion (and) the right to say you're against abortion," she said, while adding that the bill aims to prevent websites from intentionally misleading women in order to dissuade them from seeking abortions.
PARIS (Reuters) - French police have intercepted over a ton of cocaine that had arrived by plane from Colombia, a public prosecutor said on Thursday. The drug, worth about 100 million euros ($100 million dollars), was seized in a warehouse in the southwest France town of Bayonne on Wednesday, the Bordeaux prosecutor said in a statement. Ten people of Colombian, French, Spanish and Dutch nationality suspected to be involved in flying the drug in to France were arrested as part of the police operation. (Reporting by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Alison Williams)
Kanye West may have been discharged from the hospital, but his wife Kim Kardashian West is still struggling to cope.

As of Wednesday, West had returned home after being hospitalized for exhaustion last week, but a source tells PEOPLE Kardashian West continues to feel the strain.

Kim is really stressed out, says the insider of the reality star, who was still recovering from trauma of her own when Wests crisis hit. Just two months ago, Kardashian West, 36, was robbed at gunpoint and had millions of dollars worth of jewelry stolen from her in Paris.

According to the insider, Kardashian Wests family and friends are rallying around her to provide whatever support they can.

Everyone is trying to pitch in and help her out to relieve some of that and everything shes going through, says the source.

West, 39, was hospitalized on Nov. 21, shortly after he canceled the remaining 21 dates of his Saint Pablo tour. At the time, Kardashian West was in New York City planning on attending the 2016 Angel Ball, which honored her late father Robert Kardashian, who died of esophageal cancer in 2003. The event would have marked the stars first public appearance since the robbery, but she skipped out on the gala at the last minute to rush back to Los Angeles in order to be by Wests side.

While rumors of marriage trouble began circulating after Wests hospitalization, a source close to the couple told PEOPLE on Thursday that there arent serious issues in the relationship.

That is not accurate, said the insider. There are frustrations and problems, like any relationship, but they love each other deeply.

According to the source, West is the Keeping Up with the Kardashians stars best friend and soulmate  and indeed, the mother of two spent much of her time at her husbands side while he was in the hospital.

Now, the rapper is continuing his recovery, and a source confirmed to PEOPLE on Wednesday that hes home with his wife and their daughter North, 3, and son Saint, who turns 1 on Monday.

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He seems okay and happy to be home, said the source, who added that West will continue to receive treatment and help with how to cope with stress.

Added the source: He needs to learn how to better balance his work and family life.




The iconic Full House home is off the market and in the series creators hands.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jeff Franklin has bought the iconic San Francisco house in which the Tanner family lived. The house is located in San Franciscos Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood at 1709 Broderick St.

In September, the residence was being advertised for rent for $13,950 per month. Previously, it had been for sale, for $4.15 million, SF Gate reported.

See Video: 'Fuller House' Season 2 Trailer Promises Tanner Family Holiday Hijinks

The house came on the market and really, I just thought, I have to buy this house, Franklin told THR. Im so sentimental about the house. Its great to have the house in our Full House family and be able to preserve it for the fans.  Seriously, I love owning this house.

Its facade, painted white, served as the exterior of the Tanner family home in the opening credits and in various other transition shots on the Bob Saget-led sitcom.

See Video: Watch Candace Cameron Bure Freak Out When Adam Levine Picks Her Daughter on 'The Voice'

The home is 2,985 square feet, with three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, according to SF Gate.

However, none of the homes interiors were used in either Full House or Fuller House  the actual inside of the Tanner residence was a studio set in Burbank, California.

Fuller House, a sequel starring Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber, returns to Netflix with Season 2 on Dec. 9. Bob Saget, John Stamos, and Dave Coulier also reprise their roles in guest star spots on the series.

Related stories from TheWrap:

'Fuller House' Recasts DJ Tanner's Ex-Boyfriend

'Fuller House' Has 'Given Up' on Olsen Twins Cameo, Jodie Sweetin Says

'Fuller House': 5 Things to Love About the Show Critics Hated
Ever since I can remember I have seen heroes on T.V. There was Lassie and Rin Tin Tin Lone Ranger and Tonto and the list continues

But one in particular stands out among the rest and that is Superman.

People were clueless to what his real identity was Clark Kent the mild soft spoken reporter was really Superman the fearless alien from another planet who came to save the day and win the heart of Lois Lane. There was only one thing that could defeat him and that was kryptonite

There was a time in my life when I really needed a super hero I wasnt waiting outside a phone booth I was in a phone booth, pregnant and unwanted with no place to go and no money to spend with a three year old son by my side. I had just traveled from Arizona in a car that was almost as old as me to a place in California.

I was randomly calling names listed in the phone book when someone I didnt know answered the phone I told her I needed a place to stay and in no time at all I had a home. I cant remember her name but I will always remember her she fed me and my son and gave us a place to sleep some would say that was a divine appointment from God I know it was.

I wasnt anybody of importance born to a mother who didnt want me and to a father who wasnt around I was looking for love in all the wrong places; when one night I looked out my living room window and yelled: God if your out there where are you? He had been there all along he was just waiting for me to acknowledge him it took a while but I finally answered the call he had on my life to be one of his. No he didnt swoop down and carry me from danger but instead like a gentleman he waited on me to choose him and the life he had in store for me.

We all have choices in this life some are made for us and others are not Since I started living for him I have never regretted my choice

Jesus truly is a super Hero and he doesnt need a disguise! He saved my day and my life I know he can do the same for you.

Bonnie Ramsey, Mattoon
Jeff Franklin poses outside the Tanner home, his new property, in San Francisco. (Courtesy of Jeff Franklin)

by Chris Gardner

The Tanner House is back in the Full House fold.

Veteran TV producer Jeff Franklin  creator of the beloved long-running Full House  has purchased the iconic San Francisco property where the Tanner family lived, located in the citys Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood at 1709 Broderick St. The house went on the market in May with a price tag of $4.15 million and Franklin snapped it up in a deal that closed this fall, paying right around $4 million.

Built in 1883, the Charles Lewis Hinkel home is noted for its Italianate, Victorian architecture and was handpicked by Franklin nearly 30 years ago to serve as the Tanner household in stock shots featuring the outside of the home. Inside, the nearly 2500 sq. ft. includes three bedrooms and four bathrooms. Despite a recent redesign that some realtors described as sophisticated, Franklin is planning to redo the interiors to match its sitcom heritage, making it appear as if the Tanner family really lives there.

The house came on the market and really, I just thought, I have to buy this house, Franklin told The Hollywood Reporter during a telephone interview from San Francisco on Wednesday afternoon. Im so sentimental about the house. Its great to have the house in our Full Housefamily and be able to preserve it for the fans.  Seriously, I love owning this house.

Another thing he loves: The property now has a red door once again. The previous owners painted it a seafoam green color, but Franklin made the change one of his first orders of new homeowner business, a detail that will surely please fans  many of which still flock there on a daily basis for photo ops. There are probably 250 fans per day that show up and take a picture in front of it, Franklin noted. It will be a lot more fun for the fans because now the house will look like the Tanners really live there. Its a gift to the fans but its also fun for me to own it.

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But they better hurry because the red door will take a temporary hiatus. I need to do some construction work on the inside, and do a seismic retrofit so the building is safe. It still has the original, brick foundation from 1883, and the whole house needs to be brought up to code, Franklin explained. That will probably be six months of construction and during that time, the red door will not be there because I dont want it to get ruined.

Franklin recalled that he picked that particular home after a location manager visited San Francisco to select options for the Tanner family residence before they started shooting in early 1987. I wanted the family to live in one of those classic Victorian homes, he added. For some reason, that one jumped out at me. There were lots of candidates but that was the winner.

(Credit: Photofest)

Franklin laughed that they paid a ridiculous amount, like $500, to shoot a bunch of shots of the home  everything from lights on, lights off, daytime and nighttime  so they would have options moving forward. We didnt need to go back there until several years later, but by that point the owner, I guess, had become annoyed with fans coming by and they werent in a cooperative mood, he said. Subsequent owners also were frustrated living inside a tourist magnet.

Because of that, Franklin said that no one has allowed us to shoot in that house since we did our very first stock shoot back in April of 87. Our audience has watched the same cars drive by that house now for 29 years. Its going to be really nice to see some new cars drive by the house.

As the new owner, Franklin is looking toward making the home a part of the new incarnation of the show, Fuller House, which streams on Netflix. The reboot debuted in February and a second season is prepped and ready to roll out on Dec. 9. He is hoping to hear from Netflix shortly about a season three renewal, giving them an option to shoot in and around the home.

We would take advantage of the fact that I now own the house, and we could go up there and shoot some new footage and maybe bring the cast up and shoot with them up there, he said, adding that he also plans to take advantage of the shows upcoming anniversary, albeit in a more private way.

Full House premiered on Sept. 22, 1987, making Sept. 22, 2017, the shows 30th anniversary. That will be around the time that all of my construction will be done so I hope to bring the cast up to the house and have a big slumber party here so people can drive by and actually see the Tanner family living there for one whole day, he explained. That would be pretty fun.

By then too, the red door will be back and the landscaping and window treatments will match the looks from the sitcom, said L.A. native Franklin, who owns only one other home, his permanent residence in Los Angeles. Up first though, are a series of fan events staring in San Francisco this week and continuing on to Tokyo, where he said the reboot has been a huge hit.

In addition to some filming and fun cast events, Franklin does have an eye to rent out the property to the public. Its a shame to let it sit empty, he says. I will be renting it out but Im not sure yet what, where, when or how. At some point soon I will figure that out.

Fuller House returns to Netflix on Dec. 9.
Mexican comedy "You're Killing Me Susana" ("Me Estas Matando Susana") is to be released in US theaters in February next year reports Deadline.

Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, the film has already been released in the actor's native Mexico and is now set to play theaters in Los Angeles and New York City beginning February 17, before being rolled out to 10 additional cities.

Also starring Veronica Echegui, the movie tells the story of Eligio (Bernal), a Mexican soap actor whose wife Susana (Echegui) has left him without a word.

After finding out that she has moved to Iowa to attend a writing program at the university, he decides to go after her and try to save their marriage. However after arriving he discovers she has already moved on, and winning her back will be harder than he thought.

Based on the novel "Deserted Cities" ("Ciudades Desiertas") by Jose Agustin, the film has been directed by Roberto Sneider ("Tear This Heart Out").
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - The head of the Gaza Strip's first Coca-Cola plant said Thursday he hoped the venture would send a "message to investors" that the beleaguered Palestinian enclave was open for business.

"It's a message to a lot of investors and global companies that investments in Gaza can succeed," said Yasser Arafat, Gaza manager of Palestinian Coke franchisee National Beverage Company (NBC).

"If we can move away from fear we can reduce unemployment," he told AFP.

A few hundred metres (yards) from the border with Israel the new $20 million (19-million euro) bottling facility formally opened Wednesday.

It will provide around 120 jobs immediately, Coca-Cola said, with an eventual expansion to 270.

In Gaza, blockaded by Israel for nearly a decade, the launch is the result of years of work and was hailed as a rare positive moment for the ailing economy.

"It is wonderful that an international company opened a branch in Gaza," said Samir Skaik, who works in tourism, hoping it will encourage more investment.

The 15,000 square-metre site was a hive of activity Thursday, with forklift trucks shuffling crates of bottles to and fro.

Marcel Abu Shadaq, in his 20s, said the plant's opening "helps a lot of young people in the current circumstances to gain a source of income and end the frustration."

Opening a new business in Gaza brings with it a "unique" set of challenges, Arafat admitted.

Israel has maintained a blockade on the Palestinian enclave for a decade, which it argues is necessary to prevent Islamist movement Hamas, which runs the Strip, from expanding its military capabilities.

The two have fought three wars since 2008, the most recent of which in 2014 left much of Gaza's industrial sector badly damaged, as well as thousands of homes destroyed.

The unemployment rate in the coastal territory is over 40 percent, with close to two-thirds of young people out of work.

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Arafat is careful not to step into politics or comment on the possible irony that Coca-Cola, perhaps the most obvious symbol of Americanisation, is seen as a ray of hope in the territory run by Hamas, which America considers a terrorist organisation.

"We do not look at things politically at all, we look at things in economic terms," he said.

"If the economy strengthens friendship then it is to be welcomed."

The United Nations has estimated the Palestinian economy could double in size if the Israeli occupation ended.
NASA

Despite the fact that everyone from the Mythbusters to Buzz Punch-Out Aldrin has shot them down, moon landing conspiracy theories just will not die. So a bunch of Germans, sick to death of hearing about them, are going to disprove them by sending a robot to the moon to explore the lunar landing site.

Admittedly, theyre also doing it because they can make a ton of cash. Google has a Lunar X-Prize, essentially a giant cash reward of $20 million to get a robot on the moon and met certain criteria, like traveling a few hundred feet and sending photos back to Earth. Teams also get a bonus for exploring a lunar landing site, so the Germans has some cash at stake. Since lunar landing sites are important history that need to be preserved, the rover can only get about 200 meters away, but thats more than close enough to snap a few pictures and both secure a giant pile of cash and stick it to every tiresome jerk on the internet.

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Either way, 2017 promises to be interesting, as in order to get the prize, the teams have to land on the Moon by 2017. And once they do that, well, we have a viable method of landing robots on the moon and poking around. Or possibly digging out tunnels for a lunar colony, although one step at a time.

(via Gizmodo)
Gigi Hadid at the Victorias Secret after-afterparty, left, and hosting the AMAs in the same look just weeks before.

When the fashion mavens at Atelier Versace design the most dazzling, custom-made tracksuit on the planet, you wear it as much as possible. And Gigi Hadid, the proud owner of this glitzy number, is doing just that.

On Wednesday in Paris post-Victorias Secret Fashion Show (and following the official afterparty), the model changed into a bling-covered jumpsuit that she previously wore on a very public stage. Just weeks before, Hadid sported the crystal piece onstage while hosting the American Music Awards. It was just one of seven outfits she slipped into throughout the night.

@gigihadid closed the #AMAs looking effortlessly cool and chic in a custom-made #AtelierVersace jumpsuit. #VersaceCelebrities A photo posted by Versace (@versace_official) on Nov 20, 2016 at 8:47pm PST

The brand behind the sheer and sparkly creation, which Hadid paired with silver underwear and a matching bra, called the look effortlessly cool and chic.

Hadid, who appeared in the Italian brands most recent ad campaign, walked the red pink carpet in a different piece from the company just hours before.

Hadid, who walked in the annual show for the second time like Jenner, wore a showstopping chain and sequin dress. (Photo: Getty Images)

Made of a similar glittering chainmail used in the jumpsuit, the 21-year-old looked incredibly glamorous  although definitely not as comfortable as she appeared to be in her jumpsuit.

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There were a lot of familiar faces in the Gilmore Girls revival: Luke! Lorelai! Logan! Lane! People whose names dont start with L! But overall there was one glaring omissionthe song that played over the opening credits for seven seasons.

The classic title sequence featured famed songwriter Carole King and her daughter, Louise Groffin, singing a duet called Where You Lead, an homage to the mother-daughter relationship at the heart of Gilmore Girls. The song was not only irresistibly catchy (dont pretend you dont sing along), but also set the tone for each episode, reminding viewers about the special nature of Lorelai and Rory Gilmores bond. While King made a guest appearance in the new Netflix series, the songs absence was both noticeable to fans eager for their return trip to Stars Hollow.

Luckily, YouTube user rose tyler felt fans pain and fixed the credits by adding Kings song back to the credits, as well as a few other A Year in the Life scenes. Perhaps if the fans lead, the show will follow and if Netflix does indeed order more Gilmore Girls episodes, Kings song will be back where it belongs.
Just days after researchers announced the largest-ever recorded die-off of the Great Barrier Reef, a government report to UNESCO released Thursday noted that farm chemicals and coastal sediment flowing into the waters were the biggest threats to the continued survival of the extensive ecosystem.

The report, which was meant to show that the reef didn't need to be put on an in danger list, indicated that there were some real and pressing issues for the 1,400-mile-long reef off the coast of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef, located off the western shore of Australia, is the worlds largest collection of coral reefs and contains 400 types of coral and thousands of species of fish and mollusks.

While grim in itself, the report also neglected to mention a plan to construct one of the largest coal mines in the world 200 miles inland, according to the New York Times. That coal mine, a recently approved $17 billion project that could produce as much as 60 million tons of coal a year, could present further risks for the reef in the form of toxic flows from the mine or coal burning.

Scientists recently found that a large, 435-mile-long section of the Great Barrier Reef lost 67 percent of its shallow-water corals in just one year. The loss was perpetuated by rising sea temperatures, which, in turn, caused the coral to expel algae. The process, which left the coral white afterward, is commonly referred to as bleaching.

Most of the losses in 2016 have occurred in the northern, most-pristine part of the Great Barrier Reef. This region escaped with minor damage in two earlier bleaching events in 1998 and 2002, but this time around it has been badly affected, Terry Hughes, the director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University, said in a news release accompanying those findings.

Coral reef die-off is expected to continue as the effects of climate change are felt around the globe. Climate change, caused by human greenhouse gas emissions, is expected to raise water temperatures and temperatures in the Earths atmosphere.

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Related Articles
CHARLESTON -- Along with Santa, a reindeer will be going down to the Charleston square this Saturday as part of the citys annual Christmas celebration.

The reindeer will be one of many sights, festivities and activities to take part in at Christmas in the Heart of Charleston, scheduled to take place from 4:45 to 7 p.m. Saturday all along the square.

Among the roasted chestnuts and Christmas carolers, Diane Ratliff, Charleston tourism supervisor, said they were able to have the return of a reindeer with additional sponsorship.

Ratliff said the funds available for about the past five years did not allow for the reindeers return until this year. People will be able to greet the deer, petting it as well as taking pictures.

A staple of the night, Santa will also be there on the square. Ratliff said those wishing to have pictures taken with Santa need to bring their own cameras.

Kicking off the evening, a short parade full of horses and carriages decked out in lights will go around the square at 4:45 p.m. In the parade, people can expect to see staples such as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in their sleigh.

Following the parade, the First Federal Savings and Loans Association Christmas tree will be lit at 5 p.m.

People will be able to take part in Coles County Courthouse tours throughout the two-hour Charleston traditional fest. The tours will take attendants through the tunnel connecting the Coles County jail and courthouse; it is used to transport inmates to and from the jail for their court hearings.

Also coming back for Christmas in the Heart, Girls Scouts will be having a station near the corner of Seventh Street and Jackson Avenue where people can write out Christmas cards to soldiers.

Carriage rides will also be available throughout the festivities.

Live music will be performed through the night as people roam the square, getting hot chocolate and cookies or kettle corn if they wish.

Outside the official Christmas in the Heart of Charleston hours, Charleston Alley Theatre will be performing their final show of the year, The Blue Bird, at 7:30 p.m.

Other happenings around the square during the Charleston Christmas festivities are detailed on the Christmas in the Heart of Charleston Facebook page.
Harper Lees lawyer is planning to bring the authors beloved novel To Kill A Mockingbird to life by transforming Lees hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, into a major tourism destination.

A small coalition, including Lees lawyer Tonja Carter, is working to create the Harper Lee Trail to honor Lee, who died at 89 in February.

According to The Birmingham News, the trail will include a Harper Lee museum, to be housed in the 1909 building where Lees father once practiced law; replicates of three houses inhabited by characters in the book; and more attractions for To Kill a Mockingbird fans. The coalition also plans to refurbish the building where Lee and her sisters lived late in their lives.

George Landegger, a paper mill magnate who is working with Carter on the project, said the group aims to increase visitors to the town from about 30,000 to potentially 250,000 annually.

Lee based To Kill a Mockingbirds fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, on her own hometown of Monroeville. The Monroe County Courthouse, currently one of the few tourist attractions in the town dedicated to Lees legacy, served as the inspiration for the courthouse setting of the famous trial scenes in the novel.

According to Pete Black, a board member of Lees non-profit organization, Mockingbird Company, the Harper Lee Trail plan is still in its formative stages. A foundation still needs to be registered in order to fund the project, which is scheduled to roll out starting as early as March and will take years to complete.

With Ms. Lees passing in February weve been working with leaders in Monroeville on how do we honor Ms. Lee, Black told AL.com. Weve got big plans, working on a big vision.




London (AFP) - Hate crimes in the wake of Britain's decision to leave the European Union frequently took inspiration from the campaign to leave the bloc, according to a study released on Thursday.

Police recorded a spike in hate crimes in the days following Britain's June 23 referendum to leave the EU, after a campaign which drew heavily on public concerns around immigration.

An Institute of Race Relations analysis of 134 racist incidents reported in the media in the month after the vote has found 51 of these either specifically referred to the referendum or messages used during the campaign.

"Fuck off back to your country," a man was told after being asked if he was from an EU country, the report said.

"Just go home. We voted you out. You will have to leave the country soon," a man told one eastern European woman, in another of numerous examples cited by the Institute.

Violence was also directed at those who supported Britain remaining in the EU, with one campaigner having the windows of their business smashed, the Institute said.

The charity found 93 of the cases analysed featured a white British perpetrator, while two people were listed as black and in 39 cases the ethnicity was unknown.

Muslims made up the largest group of victims, in 30 incidents, while 28 cases involved southern or eastern European victims.

The Institute criticised the policies of both Conservative and Labour governments, as well as British media reporting on immigration, as laying the groundwork for hate crime after the referendum.

"Our thesis is that the spike in race hatred has had a direct impetus from the divisive approach to race, religion and migration which is now official policy.

"To put it simply, if a hostile environment is embedded politically, why should we be surprised when it takes root culturally?"

While the analysis focused on incidents reported in the media following the vote, earlier this year the National Police Chiefs' Council said more than 3,000 incidents were reported to police nationwide between June 16 and 30.

The figure represents a 42 percent increase on the same period in 2015, which police attributed in part to greater vigilance by officers and greater awareness among the public.
(HONOLULU)  Hawaii Five-O actor Keo Woolford has died three days after suffering a stroke. He was 49.

Publicist Tracy Larrua announced Woolfords death on social media . She said he had a severe stroke on Friday and died Monday at a hospital in Hawaii.

Woolford played detective James Chang in CBSs reboot of Hawaii Five-O. Co-star Daniel Dae Kim paid tribute to Woolford on Twitter on Tuesday , writing, As talented as you were, I will remember you most for your kindness. Thank you for sharing your light with us.

Woolford had small roles in several films, including 2014s Godzilla and Act of Valor in 2012. He also wrote and directed The Haumana, a 2013 independent film based on his one man show.
Khazir (Iraq) (AFP) - Abdelwahed Mahmud dug gullies around his tent in northern Iraq Thursday after heavy overnight rain flooded Khazir camp, the latest hardship to hit the thousands of families displaced around Mosul.

"This is to stop the rain, if we don't dig these, it will keep coming in," said the 35-year-old, using the back of his spade to shore up the sides of his tent.

Around 74,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since tens of thousands of Iraqi forces launched a major offensive to retake Mosul, the last major bastion in Iraq of the Islamic State group.

The first major rain storms of the winter swept the Mosul area late Wednesday, miring the displaced gathered in the crowded camps dotting the region.

Earlier this week, the first sub-zero temperatures hit the region and on Thursday some families in Khazir camp woke up to find their foam mattresses soaked in muddy water.

"We are cursed," said Samar Lafi, a woman with decaying teeth who did not know her year of birth but looked in her mid-thirties.

"We don't put the heater on, we'd rather use the paraffin they are giving us to cook," said the mother of two, who was displaced twice since IS conquered large parts of Iraq in 2014.

People trudged along in the mud, carrying gas canisters and bottled water, or pushing wheelbarrows filled with basic goods down the camp alleys.

- Water in the tents -

Some wore plastic bags over their shoes to walk through the puddles while a group of children embraced the situation and played in the biggest pool of muddy water.

"This is how we live," said Waddah Abdelhadi, from Mosul's Intisar neighbourhood, extending his arms in a gesture of powerlessness and looking at the thousands of white tents around him.

"The water entered some tents, we wish they had put a concrete base under them or surfaced at least the main road to facilitate the movements of those coming back with from the shops," said the 28-year-old, who described himself as a poet.

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The tents in Khazir, the largest of the camps set up for the people displaced by the Mosul offensive, stretch over more than a kilometre.

"It's very muddy inside the tents, and it's only going to get worse with the frosty weather," Abdelhadi said.

Camp manager Badreddin Najmeddin said 6,000 heaters were handed out in Khazir over the past two days.

The hundreds of thousands who remained in their homes inside Mosul face no better conditions however, with fierce fighting raging in the city.

The United Nations warned on Wednesday that up to 500,000 civilians inside Mosul were facing a shortage of drinking water that will have a "catastrophic impact."
Paris (AFP) - The heiress to the fortune of French couturier Nina Ricci on Thursday launched an appeal to avoid jail time for tax fraud, in one of the toughest sentences of its kind in French fiscal history.

Arlette Ricci, 75, was handed a one-year prison term and a million-euro fine in April 2015 for allegedly hiding 18.7 million euros ($19.8 million) from the taxman for more than two decades.

Proceedings at a Paris appeal court on Thursday focused on minor questions of law filed by Ricci's lawyers, and the defendant herself was absent.

Ricci stayed "at home in Switzerland for health reasons," her attorney told AFP, saying it was "unknown at this point" whether she would be able to attend in the future.

The Nina Ricci fashion house, founded in 1932 in Paris, is known for its luxury perfumes -- especially the floral classic L'Air du Temps -- and its classic, slender lines.

The case against Arlette Ricci began after revelations that the Swiss private banking arm of British giant HSBC had helped clients hide billions from the taxman, in what became known as the SwissLeaks scandal.

The authorities are demanding Ricci pay back some 10.5 million euros in unpaid taxes, penalties and fines.

They also confiscated properties in Paris and Corsica, estimated to be worth around four million euros.

Ricci was given a two-year suspended sentence on top of her jail term, but she would only have to serve this if she re-offends.

The sentencing was considered exceptionally tough in France, where tax fraud typically is punished by fines and recovery of claimed sums, but hardly ever by jail.

But the court said the heiress's actions had posed "an exceptional threat to public order" and that she had disguised her true wealth "for more than 20 years with particular determination."

The appeal is expected to run until December 14.
Can you help NASA figure out a way for astronauts to poop more safely in space?

Listen up, were not kidding about this. NASA needs your help solving a poop problem.

The agency asked the publics help to find a way to manage human waste in space suits  and theyre willing to pay $30,000 for the right idea.

In NASAs Space Poop Challenge (again, not kidding) scientists explain that space suits are designed to protect the astronauts and can be worn for up to six days if their spacecraft or space station were to become unlivable.

If that were to happen, though, the astronauts would need a waste system more hygienic and efficient than diapers.

A photo posted by NASA (@nasa) on Nov 30, 2016 at 2:06pm PST

The system has to operate in the conditions of space  where solids, fluids, and gasses float around in microgravity and dont necessarily mix or act the way they would on earth, NASA explained to contestants.

Contestants can submit their ideas until December 20th, and NASA will announce the winners on January 31st. NASA plans to implement the winning design over the next three to four years.

The post Can you help NASA figure out a way for astronauts to poop more safely in space? appeared first on HelloGiggles.
By Jussi Rosendahl HELSINKI (Reuters) - Helsinki will not follow Bilbao and Venice in hosting a Guggenheim museum after city councillors finally rejected proposals first made five years ago for a new building on the Finnish capital's waterfront. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation raised the idea for the museum in 2011 but the project faced strong resistance from the start as many Finns coping with an economy in recession and austerity measures considered it a waste of money. Following a five-hour meeting, Helsinki city council turned down the plan to build the museum on what is now a car park for the third time in the early hours of Thursday, with 53 members voting against a revised proposal and 32 supporting it. Osku Pajamaki, a council member from the Social Democrats, said he was happy with the vote, adding: "There are no shortcuts to tourism and cultural attractions when the Finnish capital is in question." Under the revised plan, the city of Helsinki would have paid 80 million euros ($85 million) and private donors about 66 million euros of the building costs. The government ruled out any state aid for the museum in September due to opposition from the co-ruling nationalist Finns party. The museum's promoters had said it would give Finland a cultural and tourism boost, citing the example of the Bilbao Guggenheim which helped to transform the northern Spanish city into a popular art and architectural destination. Finnish foundations, companies and private individuals such as Nokia's former chief executive Jorma Ollila had pledged funds for the project. The Guggenheim Foundation's deputy director Ari Wiseman told newspaper Helsingin Sanomat he believed the vote meant the project was "practically finished". "The political climate has changed and the financial situation has changed," he was quoted as saying. (Additional reporting by Tuomas Forsell; Editing by Catherine Evans)
Apollo the 5-month-old pit bull puppy is getting extra hugs today, after saving his owners girlfriend from a terrifying attack.

According to the New York Post, 18-year-old Maya Fairweather was visiting her boyfriend, Carlos Guzman, at his apartment in the Red Hook neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, on Monday night. Around 10 p.m., the teen decided to take Guzmans puppy, Apollo, for a walk.

Once she reached a nearby park, Fairweather let the pit bull off his leash so he could run around on the grass, while she watched on listening to music through her headphones.

I felt someone pull my headphones, she told NY Post. I thought it was my boyfriend grabbing me, so I turned around and smiled  but it wasnt my boyfriend.

Instead in was an unfamiliar man, who started attacking Fairweather, pushing her to the ground and tearing at her pants. After struggling with the attacker for a few moments, the teen was saved by her protective pup companion. Apollo raced to the scene and latched on to the attackers leg.

The puppy bit down so hard, the stranger was forced to take his attention off Fariweather to try to shake the dog off. The girl used the moment of distraction to run across the street and escape. Eventually, Apollo released the attacker, who fled from the scene.

He was protective, Fairweather said about the dogs heroic deed. I think it wouldve been a lot worse. I wouldnt have been so lucky.

After the incident, Fariweather and Apollo, who was not harmed during the encounter, returned to Guzmans apartment. Guzmans sister took Fairweather to a local police station to report the attack. Authorities are now searching for the man.

Fairweather is understandably grateful for the role Apollo played in her escape, but is surprised the usually tame canine came to her rescue.

He is a sweet dog. I never thought he would bite anyone. He never bit anyone before. Hes usually very friendly and just jumps on everyone, she said.




A driver from South Africa was minding his own business on a highway when a hippo suddenly decided to ram his car, leaving the vehicle mangled.

Read: Lost Mastiff With Broken Leg Reunites With Family After Running Off, Thanks to Microchip

Wilus Ceronie, 26, was traveling back from Mozambique after his first day at a new job Friday when he squared off with the hippo who happened to be at the side of the road.

In video from LatestSightings.com, the hippo charged toward Ceronies vehicle and rammed the front of it.

*Warning: Graphic Language Used in Clip.

Ceronie told Latest Sightings: I braced myself as I realized he wasnt going to stop. He hit the [truck] head on and then tried biting it. I guess after that he decided he had won because he just turned around and left.

A photo of Ceronies truck was uploaded on Facebook that shows the damage to the vehicle.

Even though there was damage done to the bonnet of my vehicle and the door couldnt open, Im grateful there were no serious injuries at the end of day, he told Latest Sightings.

Read: Cop Adopts 3-Legged Puppy After It Was Thrown From Moving Car: 'I Was the Right Officer at That Moment'

Hippo sightings are common in South Africa and the animals are known to be aggressive despite their lethargic demeanor.

Watch: Monsters, Gorillas and Santa Claus Captured on Surveillance Cameras Set Up Around Local Park

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Francois Hollande announced on Thursday that he will not be running for a second term in next years elections, becoming the first president in Frances modern history not to seek reelection.

"I've decided not to be a candidate to renew my mandate," Hollande said in a televised address to the nation.

Hollandes approval rating had dropped to a historic low of 4 percent, making him the least popular French president since the Second World War. In early polling for next Aprils election, the Socialist Party representative was at just 9 percent of the vote, trailing by some distance the only other two confirmed leading candidates, Francois Fillon, who on Sunday won the French Republican presidential primary, and Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Front.

Hollandes four-year presidency has been dogged by criticism from the outset over his lack of clarity over the economy and planned tax rises. The 62-year-old has been unable to arrest a slumping economy that has ground to a halt. Meanwhile, he has been criticized for failing to protect citizens in the wake of a string of terrorist attacks that have hit the country over the past two years. Islamic militants have killed more than 230 people in France since January 2015.

In his address, Hollande said he was aware of the risks of not running for reelection and warned against turning to Le Pen. The rise of the National Front leader has been compared to other populist uprisings across the globe, including Donald Trump's election victory in the United States and the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom.

However, latest polls suggest that Le Pen would likely be beaten in the first round of voting by Fillon, the former prime minister who surprisingly beat out former president Nicolas Sarkozy in the Republican primary.

With Hollande dropping out, Le Pen and Fillon are expected to be joined in next years election by Manuel Valls. The current prime minister is the early favorite to take over from Hollande as the Socialist candidate.

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Paris (AFP) - France's divided ruling Socialists began accepting candidates on Thursday for a party primary race ahead of next year's presidential election, with incumbent Francois Hollande yet to declare whether he will stand.

Hollande, who has some of the lowest approval ratings for a French president since World War II, is keeping his party in suspense ahead of a planned primary contest to choose its leader in January.

Several of his allies have suggested recently that Hollande might try to skip the selection process, which the 62-year-old head of state is unsure of winning.

Arnaud Montebourg, a leftist former economy minister, submitted his name on Thursday and has insisted the primary should go ahead to unite the fragmented leftwing around a single candidate.

Cancelling the contest would be a "very serious blow against democracy", he argued on Wednesday.

Hollande's popularity has plummeted after five years in power marked by U-turns on major policies, terror attacks, high unemployment and embarrassing revelations about his private life.

If he stands, a new poll on Wednesday predicted he would win just 7.0 percent of votes in the first round of next year's election in April -- strengthening his critics who view him as a lame duck.

Voter surveys currently tip rightwing Republicans party candidate Francois Fillon to win the election, with the far-right National Front candidate Marine Le Pen seen as his closest challenger.

But with the Socialist candidate still unknown and the role of independents such as 38-year-old ex-minister Emmanuel Macron difficult to predict, analysts urge caution about the forecasts.

Under pressure from his increasingly rebellious prime minister, Manuel Valls, Hollande has said he will clarify his intentions some time this month.

The left-leaning Le Monde newspaper had more harsh words on Thursday for the president, whose leadership was described as "pathetic" by Fillon at the weekend.

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Le Monde wrote in an editorial that the Socialists risked tearing themselves apart, further diminishing their chances in next year's presidential and parliamentary elections.

"The person who is most responsable is Francois Hollande, who has not given a meaning to his time in office, occupied the job with authority or imposed himself as the legitimate candidate for his party," it said.

"The longer he keeps up the uncertainty, the worse the confusion will get," it said.

And there could be more bad news to come.

Hollande's embittered former aide Aquilino Morelle has announced a tell-all book to be published around the same time as the primary about the president's first few years in power.

Its title? "The Abdication".
When Mike Pence saw Hamilton on Nov. 19, he didn't expect a post-performance lecture on diversity, but the cast couldn't resist the opportunity to express their views to the vice president-elect. In 1968, Eartha Kitt, then 41, did something similar with Lady Bird Johnson and later felt it seriously damaged her career.

Debuting on Broadway in 1943, Kitt, born dirt-poor on a South Carolina cotton plantation, built a multifaceted show business life that included stage acting, dancing, singing (a come-hither 1953 hit version of "Santa Baby") and movies. When she made the 1958 film Anna Lucasta with Sammy Davis Jr., THR said her performance "is best summarized by the word 'great.' " In 1953, Kitt was making $10,000 per week ($90,000 today) singing at the El Rancho Vegas casino/hotel. By 1968, she was playing Catwoman on ABC's Batman - and was famous enough to be invited to the 50-women luncheon the first lady hosted (with seafood bisque, chicken and ice cream on the menu) to discuss "What Citizens Can Do to Insure Safe Streets."

Read more: Donald Trump Fans Bash Wrong Hamilton Theater Over Broadway Cast's Address to Mike Pence

The irrepressible Kitt immediately brought up the Vietnam War and, while waving a cigarette, said: "You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed. No wonder the kids rebel and take pot. And Mrs. Johnson, in case you don't understand the lingo, that's marijuana." There was more to her rant, and Kitt was unrepentant. She later said: "I should put on my claws. I am the Catwoman of America. If Mrs. Johnson was embarrassed, that's her problem."

The media backlash led to Kitt leaving the country for a few years and the CIA compiling a dossier on her (she was labeled a "sadistic nymphomaniac" with "a very nasty disposition"). But she did return to the White House. In 1978, Jimmy Carter invited her, along with Vincent Price, to a celebration at Ford's Theatre. Kitt, who died in 2008, took the invite "as a personal message."

This story first appeared in the Dec. 9 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

Read more: Denzel Washington and Viola Davis Interviewed By Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Race, Family and 'Fences' in the Trump Era
A worker monitors a process at the copper smelter of Codelco Ventanas in Ventanas city, Chile. January 7, 2015. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido

A hot new hedge fund had a great November.

London-based Commodities World Capital returned 9.9% net last month in its third month of trading.

That brings its year-to-date returns to 10.07%, according to an investor letter viewed by Business Insider.

The firm launched in September, and its first two months of trading were almost flat, at 0.15% in September and 0.02% in October.

"We are pleased with our first near double digit return and expect the commodities environment to continue to offer such opportunity," the letter said.

It is unclear how much money the firm manages, but Business Insider reported earlier this year that the firm was aiming to raise about $100 million, and planned to run that capital for about half a year before taking in new investors.

CWC attributed its November performance mostly to its long copper position, accompanied by long positions in zinc, both long and short positions in gold and a short in silver, the letter said.

The firm plans to try and protect gains through the rest of the year while remaining "nimble" to put money to work when opportunities arise.

"This means we will aim to keep a little dry powder for new ideas," the letter said. "Opportunities are presenting themselves with a frequency not seen in years."

Commodities firms have barely gained this year. The HFI Americas Commodities index, which tracks commodities hedge funds, is up 1.45% through October. November figures were not yet available.

The GSCI commodity index was up 4.3% for November.

CWC was started by Luke Sadrian, Martin Reinke and Martin Jackson.

Sadrian, the CIO, previously worked at Brevan Howard, Moore Capital and his own firm Sadrian Bowman.

Reinke previously was a managing director at Barclays and Morgan Stanley, according to a LinkedIn page. Jackson was previously a metals trader at Sadrian Bowman, Merrill Lynch and UBS, according to a LinkedIn profile.

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NOW WATCH: A penny costs 1.43 cents to make  heres what the rest of US currency costs





More From Business Insider


Wearing a full face of makeup is a requirement for women at one luxury London hotel. (Photo: Trunk)

Women who work at the luxury Dorchester hotel in London are reportedly up in arms about a list of grooming rules that includes to wear full makeup, have regular manicures, and wear deodorant, and to not have oily skin.

It is disgusting. This list is like something out of the Dark Ages and downright offensive, an unnamed employee told the Daily Mail. Its not as though you choose to have oily skin, and a lot of women, especially teenagers, cannot help it  no facial wash or moisturizer in the world can control that.

Added the source: The women are all pretty livid but worry that if they complain  or rebel and turn up to work with chipped, dirty nails and hairy legs, for example  theyll be sacked on the spot.

The Dorchester hotel. (Photo: Alamy)

The list of rules for female employees that apparently prompted some to complain at the $900-a-night Dorchester is as follows, according to the Daily Mail:

DO:

Shave your legs (even if wearing tights)

Wear full makeup

Wash your hair

Brush your teeth

Use deodorant

Have regular manicures

DONT:

Have oily skin

Wear overly garish or bright makeup

Display chipped or bitten nails

Have off-putting body odor

Display any excess body hair, which includes the face

A Dorchester publicist did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Yahoo Beauty, but Roland Fasel, the hotels general manager and U.K. regional director, told Indy100: The Dorchester has a proud community of employees who uphold world-leading hospitality standards including grooming, in line with many other brands. All new applicants, both men and women, are sent a copy of our grooming standards in advance of interview.

Recent stories about similar grooming codes at work have included one about a woman in Canada who decided against showing up for a job interview at a Body Shop in Toronto after she was instructed via email to appear in a full face of makeup, as is required by all women working in the stores. And in September, an appeals court set a worrisome precedent about employee rules by upholding an Alabama insurance companys right to ban a woman from wearing dreadlocks at work, despite the racial and cultural implications as argued on behalf of the employee by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

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While laws on whats permitted regarding employee grooming and dress codes may differ in the U.K., they are generally legal in the U.S., unless they discriminate based on gender.

For the most part these dress codes are legal as long as they are not discriminatory, notes the website for the nonprofit organization Workplace Fairness. For example, men and women can have different dress codes if the dress codes do not put an unfair burden on one gender. However, even if a dress code is discriminatory, an employer does not need to make exceptions for certain employees if doing so would place an undue burden on the employer. For example, if someones religion said they could not wear pants but they worked at a factory that required them to wear pants, a court would likely side with the employer, as the pants are for the employees safety.

The Dorchester told Indy100 that there are also grooming standards for men, who are required to have clean, manicured nails as well. But its unclear how unequal the rules are for men versus women.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.


Starbucks (SBUX) Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz said Thursday that he would be stepping down from the CEO post and handing the keys over to Kevin Johnson, the current president and COO of Starbucks.



The announcement surprised investors and caused the stock to tumble more than 10 percent. Starbucks shares have since recovered and are trading down 3.6 percent after-hours.

The transition will occur on April 3, 2017, and it will allow Schultz to focus on turning Starbucks' Reserve-branded coffee bars into destination restaurants.

Schultz was quick to remind analysts on a conference call Thursday that he is not leaving the company, but instead transitioning into this new role.

"As I focus on Starbucks next wave of retail innovation, I am delighted that Kevin Johnson  our current president, COO, a seven-year board member and my partner in running every facet of Starbucks business over the last two years  has agreed to assume the duties of Starbucks chief executive officer. This move ideally positions Starbucks to continue profitably growing our core business around the world into the future," Schultz said in a news release.



The company's flagship Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room opened in its home market of Seattle in 2014. These "megastores" are designed to be much larger than a traditional Starbucks cafe and allow the company to do small-batch roastings of "rare and exotic" Reserve coffees.



"This is an opportunity for us to elevate food," Schultz told reporters back in July. "This will once again reaffirm Starbucks' leadership in all things coffee."

"Howard Schultz has been phenomenally successful in building up the Starbucks business into the global powerhouse it is today," Neil Saunders, CEO of Conlumino, told CNBC. "However, the business is now at a different stage and as a more mature entity the future opportunities are less about expansion and more about careful operational management to generate incremental growth and drive efficiencies. Schultz has the capability to do this, but it is probably not what excites him: he's a business builder and an innovator. By comparison, Kevin Johnson is a good operational head who knows the business and has the full trust of Schultz."



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Schultz first joined Starbucks in 1982 as director of operations and marketing when the company only had four stores, according to Starbucks. Over time he grew it into a iconic brand.



This will not be the first time Schultz has vacated the CEO role: He had previously served as the company's chief executive from 1987 to 2000, but he returned to the position in 2008.

Some see his planned departure as a good sign for Starbucks' outlook.

"It is obvious that he thinks Starbucks is in a good place," Bonnie Riggs, restaurant industry analyst for the NPD Group, told CNBC. "He stepped back in when they were struggling and most definitely turned the concept around. He can now move on to other areas of interest, but I have no doubt should they falter, he would jump back in."



The company noted during the call that there are no other planned leadership changes in the near term.



Johnson, who has been the company's president and chief operating officer, joined Starbucks in 2015, according to his company biography. He has served on the company's board of directors since 2009.

Johnson previously served as CEO of Juniper Networks and was the president of the platforms division at Microsoft.

"Kevin has been a wise and supportive resource for me," Schultz said during a conference call Thursday.



Schultz praised Johnson, noting that the last two fiscal years have been the best in the company's history in part because of the COO.

The leadership transition also sparked speculation about Schultz's potential political plans: He has been a supporter of President Barack Obama and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and some have already questioned whether he would pursue his own presidential run.

CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin contributed to this report.







More From CNBC


Fox 2000 has acquired Sherman Alexie's best-selling YA book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

Hugh Jackman, who has a first-look deal at Fox, will play a supporting role in the film as well as serve in some producing capacity.

The story centers on a teen named Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, he leaves his troubled school on the reservation to attend an all-white farming town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.

Temple Hill, which has teamed with Fox 2000 on a number of YA hit adaptations including The Fault in Our Stars, will produce alongside Donners' Company (Deadpool).

Alexie, who grew up on the very same reservation depicted in the book, is no stranger to Hollywood, having written the 1998 indie breakout Smoke Signals, another coming-of-age story set on a reservation.

Temple Hill's Wyck Godfrey and Isaac Klausner are producing Absolutely True Diary alongside Lauren Shuler Donner and Jack Leslie.

Though the book was published nearly a decade ago, it continues to sell briskly, appearing on the New York Times' best-seller list years after its initial run. It remains a favorite among middle-school teachers, but also is credited with dealing realistically with harsh issues including poverty and bulimia.

Elizabeth Gabler and Erin Simonoff are overseeing the film at Fox 2000.

Jackman is currently shooting The Greatest Showman for Fox. He is repped by WME, Lou Coulson Associates and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

Alexie is managed by Anonymous Content.

Read more: Sherman Alexie -Book Cover-The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian- Publicity -EMBED
The husband of kidnapped jogger Sherri Papini is giving his first TV interview since her abductors released her on Thanksgiving morning after three weeks of captivity.

Read: Jogger's Husband Insists Kidnapping Wasn't a Hoax, Says She Was Emaciated and Had Hair 'Chopped Off'

Keith Papini told ABCs 20/20 in a special airing Friday that his wife was bound, she had a chain around her waist, a bag over her head. Her left hand was in the vehicle chained to something, so she wouldnt run away. She was chained anytime she was in the vehicle.

When his 34-year-old wife was released, he said her captors [opened] the door, cut something to free her restraint and kind of pushed her out of the vehicle. She has no idea where she's at and then ran to the freeway.

But the nightmare wasn't over as no one would stop to help her.

She screamed so much she was coughing up blood from the screaming, trying to get someone to stop, he said. She thought, well maybe people aren't stopping cause I have a chain around my waist, I looked like I escaped from prison, so she tucked the chain into her clothing.

More details about the wifes kidnappers are also coming to the surface.

Suspect No. 1 was the younger of the two suspects. She had long curly hair, a thick accent, pierced ears and thin eyebrows.

Suspect No. 2 was older, had straight black hair with some greying and thick eyebrows.

Former FBI profiler Brad Garrett told ABC that the woman known to her Northern California community as Supermom may have been abducted by a cult.

You cut their hair, you beat them you you're really talking about behavior of what a cult or an extremist group would use to break somebody down, he said.

Read: Woman Who Found Missing Jogger on Side of Road: If She Was Willing to Get Hit by a Car, She Needed Help

Private investigator Bill Garcia, who worked with the Papinis when she went missing, told NBC it could have been sex traffickers.

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I suspect the type of injuries Sherri suffered, the beatings, the cut hair, especially the chains and the branding  indicates it was one of the sex trafficking [groups], he said.

Watch: California Jogger Found Alive After Disappearing a Month Ago, Cops Say She Was Abducted

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Berlin (AFP) - Some put Chancellor Angela Merkel on a pedestal, but French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo placed her on a toilet seat as it tries to conquer Germany with its provocative brand of humour.

The magazine hit German newsstands Thursday with its first foreign-language edition, an innovation that comes nearly two years after its staff was almost wiped out in a deadly jihadist attack in Paris.

Known for its biting cartoons and commentaries, the no-holds-barred publication launched in Germany with a poster showing Merkel sitting on a porcelain throne and reading the weekly, with the slogan: "Charlie Hebdo -- it's liberating."

Although the maiden edition spared its new readers any truly outrageous content, it couldn't resist lampooning Merkel with a gallery of offensive cartoons inside the 16-page paper.

One portrayed the chancellor standing naked on an EU flag as "the last bastion of the free world", with black-red-gold tassles on her nipples and a barbed-wire belt around her waist.

Another showed the German leader, who faces elections in 2017, wearing an Adidas tracksuit in the style of the late Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro, in which a wrinkled "Merkel Cancellaria Maxima" demands "a mandate for 50 years".

Charlie Hebdo star cartoonist and publisher Laurent Sourisseau, better known by his artist's name Riss, believes Germans will grow to love his magazine.

"Humour is everywhere, even in Germany," he told public broadcaster ARD this week.

"It's an experiment for us to publish Charlie Hebdo in another language and try to find new fans for the magazine who can help defend it."

Morning sales were brisk at Berlin's busy Alexanderplatz train station, according to a a newspaper seller with a supply of 150 copies going at four euros ($4.25) each.

"Right now they're selling well," he said. "They're an instant collector's item."

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- 'Subtle as a steamroller' -

Despite its many loyal fans and supporters in France, Charlie Hebdo has never had a shortage of enemies.

It became a target of Islamist extremists after publishing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, seen as an act of blasphemy by many Muslims, but has also delighted in outraging the Vatican and the French political establishment.

It angered many with a cartoon of Syrian refugee boy Aylan Kurdi, who was photographed dead on a Turkish beach in 2015, by imagining he would have grown up to join the "arse-gropers" who committed mass sexual assaults in the German city of Cologne last New Year's Eve.

Charlie Hebdo is now produced in a secret location, a legacy of the January 2015 massacre at its former offices that claimed 12 lives, including some of France's best-known cartoonists.

The German version is edited from France by a 33-year-old from Berlin who on the advice of her colleagues uses a pseudonym, Minka Schneider.

Schneider, speaking to Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily, recalled that the "Je suis Charlie" (I am Charlie) solidarity movement was especially strong in Germany, where the magazine sold 70,000 copies of its "survivors' edition" one week after the shootings.

Charlie Hebdo's German version, with an ambitious initial print run of 200,000, consists mainly of articles and cartoons translated from the French, but its editors plan to create more German content.

German media mainly greeted the launch of Charlie Hebdo, which will compete with homegrown monthlies Titanic and Eulenspiegel, the local counterparts to Britain's Private Eye and US site The Onion.

The Frankfurter Rundschau daily judged that, although the proudly tactless Charlie Hebdo regularly takes a running leap across the boundaries of good taste, its appearance on the German media scene is to be welcomed.

Charlie Hebdo features humour "as subtle as a steamroller" and its "impudence, especially when dealing with the religions, is legendary," the newspaper said.

"The magazine is pure impertinence. From December 1, German readers will be subjected to it. What can we say? Quite simply: Welcome, Charlie Hebdo."
iHeartRadio launched its on-demand music service in beta Thursday, promising paying users unlimited streaming access to full albums and millions of songs. The on-demand service is powered by Napster, the music service that until recently was known as Rhapsody in the United States.

iHeartRadios on-demand service, dubbed iHeartRadio All Access, is available on Android and iOS devices for a monthly fee of $9.99. In addition, iHeartRadio is also launching a commercial-free version of its existing personalized radio service called iHeartRadio Plus for $4.99 a month. Both services are scheduled to become available on the desktop next month.

iHeartRadios upcoming on-demand music service is being powered by Napster, both companies announced Thursday. The cooperation gives iHeartRadio a way to quickly launch an on-demand service while helping Napster to grow its B2B business.

Napster CEO Mike Davis told Variety earlier this week that his company has seen its B2B business grow much faster than its direct-to-consumer business, with a lot of growth coming from partnerships with carriers like Sprint in the U.S. and Telefonica in Brazil.

However, Napster isnt ready to become a dedicated white-label platform for other companys music services just yet. We have a very robust B2C business, Davis said. And even with its iHeartRadio partnership, the company is keeping some brand equity: The services full-length name isniHeartRadio All Access powered by Napster.

As for iHeartRadio, launching a subscription service is as much about taking on Spotify as it is a defensive move against Pandora, which is set to launch its own on-demand tier any day now.

iHeartRadio will promote the service through the 852 local radio stations its parent company iHeartMedia owns across the country in the hopes of convincing traditional radio listeners to sign up for a subscription plan. However, theres little guarantee that these audiences actually do want to pay for streaming music.

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iHeart competitor Cumulus tried to do the same through a partnership with Rdio last year, but ended up writing off millions because radio listeners simply didnt bite.

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Following Pandora's Example, iHeartRadio Announces Music Subscription Services

Napster Is Back as Rhapsody Rebrands Its Streaming Service

Music Subscription Service Rhapsody Now Has Close to 3.5M Paying Subscribers
CHICAGO, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed on Thursday a bill to give the Chicago Public School (CPS) a one-time $215 million state payment to help cover the district's escalating pension costs.

The Republican governor said Democrats reneged on a June deal that tied the bill's enactment to the legislature's passage of comprehensive pension reform, which has yet to gain any traction in the fall legislative session scheduled to end on Thursday.

Cash-strapped CPS included the money in its $5.46 billion fiscal 2017 operating budget.

The nation's third-largest public school system is struggling with pension payments that will jump to about $720 million this fiscal year from $676 million in fiscal 2016, as well as drained reserves and debt dependency.

Following a meeting earlier on Thursday with Rauner and other legislative leaders, Democratic Senate President John Cullerton told reporters there was no definitive agreement tied to the bill. He also said his chamber would attempt to override a veto of the bill.

"Breaking our agreement undermines our effort to end the budget impasse and enact reforms with bipartisan support," Rauner said in his veto message.

Illinois is limping through its second straight year without a complete budget. It also lacks a plan to curb a huge $130 billion unfunded pension liability in the wake of an Illinois Supreme Court ruling that found the state constitution prohibits pension benefit cuts for public sector workers.

"Despite my repeated request for daily negotiations and hope to reach a comprehensive agreement by the end of next week, we are no closer to ending the impasse or enacting pension reform," Rauner said.

A stopgap budget approved in June expires at the end of this month.

Early on Thursday, Rauner used a Facebook post to denounce Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan for pushing for another stopgap budget that would not include reforms long-sought by the governor.

"I informed the speaker that the only way that I could possibly accept another stopgap spending plan is if we include two powerful bipartisan reforms with it - term limits and a permanent property tax freeze," Rauner said.

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Madigan, who has resisted the inclusion of the governor's reforms in a budget deal, later told reporters the idea of a stopgap budget originated with the Rauner Administration.

"I'm suggesting a budget," he said.

(Reporting by Karen Pierog; editing by Diane Craft)
We English speakers all know: To sound smart (or insufferable), use French. That movie has a certain je ne sais quoi; my grandmother exhibited a true joie de vivre. French has been fancy since 1066 when the conquering Normans ate boef while the lowly English peasants cared for the cu.

Or to sound open-minded (or stoned), use Sanskrit. No one will be surprised to learn that the first recorded use of the word karma in a popular U.S. publication was in 1969  in the California-based Surfer magazine.

These days, another word is making inroads into the American English lexicon. Its inshallah  an Arabic Islamic expression that means God willing. Inshallah first made its English debut in the 19th century, but its only since 9/11 that the word has become fashionable among non-Muslim, non-Arabic-speaking Americans. Youve probably heard it already in passing, which is my point. The Atlantics James Fallows has tweeted it. Even actor Lindsay Lohan has made a faltering attempt. Ive heard it in meetings, on the metro, and at a casual Sunday brunch in Brooklyn.

For all these inshallah-invokers, the phrase seems to combine the prestige of French and the multiculturalism of Sanskrit  with an added thrill of risk.

President-elect Donald Trump is stacking his administration with supporters who believe that Islam is inherently violent, dangerous, and threatening. Some who evince this view believe that anything associated with Islam has a diabolical power, an insidious evil that has to be guarded against at every turn as the Puritans guarded against witchcraft.

Michael Flynn, a retired intelligence officer whom President-elect Donald Trump has tapped for national security advisor, has called Islam a malignant cancer and believes that sharia, or Islamic law, is creeping into U.S. laws and institutions. Conspiracy theorist Frank Gaffney, who advised Trump during the campaign and is good friends with Steve Bannon, the president-elects senior strategist, has previously written that the U.S. Missile Defense Agency logo contains a hidden star and crescent, the symbol of Islam, and that it thus suggests official U.S. submission to Islam. Its an argument that comes out of the world of Christian fundamentalism, which has long sought out occult symbols in the most innocuous of sources.

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This fear extends to the Arabic language. In 2013, Gaffney criticized John Brennan as President Barack Obamas pick to head the CIA, deeming him the single most important enabler of the Islamic supremacists agenda in government today. One piece of evidence Gaffney gave for this assertion? Brennan speaks fluent Arabic. After listing the names of several terrorist organizations at a speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in May 2015, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham reportedly quipped that everything that starts with al in the Middle East is bad news. Al, of course, is simply Arabics definite article, equivalent to the in English.

It should come as no surprise, then, that inshallah has found itself in the crosshairs of these rising Islamophobes. In June, when BBC presenter Nicky Campbell ended his usual segment with crossed fingers and a poorly inflected inshallah  Were in Uxbridge next Sunday for a special, asking, Are we facing the end of the world? So well see you then, inshallah  it set off a right-wing media firestorm.

Breitbart wrote that the incident comes just days after the BBCs Head of Religion admitted that Islamic State is rooted in Islam. Jihad Watch, a popular anti-Islam website, commented: A conquered, colonized people adopts the language and practices of its conquerors. In April, a University of California, Berkeley, student of Iraqi origin was removed from a Southwest Airlines flight after another passenger heard him speaking Arabic on his cell phone; he had ended his conversation with inshallah.

The latent Islamophobia the word can conjure seems to be part of the its growing appeal among progressive urbanites in the United States. As the Islamophobia industrial complex has expanded, so has a cultural push against it. Garnishing your conversation with an inshallah or two is a small act of resistance, a direct jab at the belief that Islam  and by association, Arabic  is sinister. Its the linguistic equivalent of donning a headscarf in solidarity for World Hijab Day. Or the spoken version of the anti-Trump ad near Dearborn, Michigan, a city with a large population of Arab-Americans, which was written in Arabic and read: Donald Trump cant read this, but he is scared of it. Its a subtle political statement, a critique of Republicans who believe certain sounds, like incantations, must cross the lips in order to defeat evil (radical Islamic terrorism) whereas other sounds (inshallah, Allahu akbar) must remain taboo.

But why inshallah and not some other Arabic word? There are dozens of other common Islamic expressions, including bismillah (in the name of God), barakallah (blessings of God), and alhamdulillah (praise be to God), that havent crossed into English (though bismillah makes a cameo in Queens 1975 classic Bohemian Rhapsody).

The reason is that inshallah is a charming, maddening, and undeniably useful expression. On paper, the word is very similar to God willing, its Christian, English equivalent. Its an acknowledgment of the human inability to foresee or control the future while harking to the belief that a Greater Being holds humanitys fragile plans in its omnipotent hands.

But unlike the English God willing, inshallah also serves as a convenient preordained excuse for what may go wrong. If your toilet is broken and your plumber says hell come tomorrow, inshallah, you may be in for quite a wait. In countries such as Egypt, inshallah has expanded into a society-wide verbal tic invoked by Muslims, Christians, and even the nonreligious for occasions as mundane as ordering a hamburger or riding an elevator  a phenomenon that a 2008 article in the New York Times dubbed inshallah creep.

Thats what has made it so easy for visitors to pick up. Inshallah conveys an uncertainty that hopefully lacks. The project will be done by 9 p.m., hopefully implies that a sense of control still resides in your hands and thus a lingering amount of responsibility if the deadline isnt met. The project will be done by 9 p.m., inshallah, by contrast, indicates that some outside force  an indolent contract worker, slow trains, spotty internet, even fate itself  is now in the drivers seat and that if things go wrong, its not your fault.

Its also exotic in a way that the down home God willing can never be. That phrase conjures images of church pews and pro-life protests outside Planned Parenthood  nothing that progressive Americans typically want to associate with. Throwing inshallah into a sentence here or there  Tom will be filing that report tonight, inshallah!  signals membership in a well-educated, well-traveled, and tolerant urban elite.

Arabic-speaking Americans dont seem to mind this bit of friendly borrowing. Marya Hannun, a Palestinian-American doctoral student based in Washington, D.C., called the trend charming, explaining that when speaking Arabic, non-Muslims as well as Muslims use inshallah. She described its use among Americans as solidarity and finding meaning in a language other than your own.

I say it every now and then, said Thorstan Fries, a New York-based consultant who told me that he picked it up from a college friend studying Arabic. I started saying it much more frequently after a trip to Morocco a couple years ago. They say it all the time, and I think its cool.

Of course, to view a Middle Eastern import as exotic is also to risk condescension. The very first recorded use of inshallah in the English language was not just atrociously Orientalist  it was also incorrect. In his 1857 work The Kingdom and People of Siam, John Bowring, a British politician and the fourth governor of Hong Kong, wrote, Inshallah! Such promptitude was, I believe, never before exhibited in an Asiatic Court. But inshallah is used exclusively for events that have not yet occurred. What Bowring likely meant was mashallah, an Islamic phrase expressing amazement at an existing set of circumstances.

The first to use it in natural speech, not in a grandiose reference to foreign peoples, was T. E. Lawrence, otherwise known as Lawrence of Arabia. Lawrence viewed Arabs with respect, lived among them, and adopted some of their customs  including, apparently, the habit of checking plans against the divines schedule. I have been photographing this last weekand will more next. Developing too inshallah, he wrote in a letter dated 1911.

Britains entanglements in the Middle East, North Africa, and India put it in intimate contact with Muslim peoples decades before the United States became similarly involved. Inshallah followed on the heels of colonialism. For the British upper classes, Arabic was a sign of distinction; the Arabists dominated Britains Foreign Office for decades, and Prime Minister Anthony Eden  who sent Britains reputation in the Middle East plummeting with the Suez crisis  prided himself on his fluency.

At the time, American English was far more preoccupied with the apparatchiks and cosmonauts of the Cold War. It wasnt until the expansion of U.S. military involvement in the Middle East, particularly after 9/11, that the region became a national preoccupation. (Though the growing number of Muslim and Middle Eastern immigrants in the United States has also helped popularize the word. One person I spoke to learned it from Arabic-speaking students she encountered at her university; another googled it after he saw Muslim friends posting the word on Facebook.) The study of Arabic has blossomed across the United States, and a legion of American military officials, diplomats, journalists, government contractors, NGO workers, academics, and students flowed in. Upon their return home, many brought with them the ubiquitous, malleable, and easily pronounceable inshallah.

Its now common currency among the younger generations at the State Department, journalists whove spent time in the region, and soldiers who deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan  and, increasingly, among the people who travel in the same elite circles as these folk. As one colleague, who uses the word but has no background in the Middle East, told me, I learned it because everyone at every damn development NGO uses it. Others I know say they picked it up from artifacts of contemporary popular culture, like Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseinis novel The Kite Runner, which was adapted into a movie in 2007, and Rabia Chaudrys book, Adnans Story, published this year.

Theres now a good chance inshallah may find a permanent home in English. But those afraid of creeping inshallah should take heart. This wouldnt be the first time that the word has imbedded itself in a Western language. Ojala is a common Spanish word often translated as hopefully. In fact, ojala is merely the Hispanicized pronunciation of inshallah, which made its way into the language during the centuries of Muslim rule in Spain that ended in 1492. Yet as far as I can tell, despite this obvious case of linguistic jihad, neither Spain nor the 20 other countries where Spanish is the official national language has yet fallen to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Nor has asking a waitress for more pancake syrup  from the Arabic sharab, a versatile word that the West acquired during a previous episode of war-induced cultural cross-pollination, the Crusades  ever proved to spontaneously convert anyone to Islam. Nor has spending hours studying algebra  another one of those menacing al words  ever made anyone more inclined to funnel ones life savings to al Qaeda.

It turns out short vowels, sibilants, and fricatives might not be as magical as some have been urging us to believe. Donald Trump and his national security team would be wise to take note. God willing.

Photo credit: CHIP SOMODEVILLA/Getty Images/Foreign Policy illustration
The inventor of the Big Mac has died aged 98

The man behind the iconic McDonalds Big Mac has died aged 98.

Michael Jim Delligatti invented the famous sandwich in 1967 where it was trialled in Uniontown, Pa., south of Pittsburgh, and sold for just 45 cents. Within a year, the sandwich had been rolled out to every McDonalds franchise in the country, and by 1969 it allegedly brought in around 19% of the companys total sales. Indeed, the Big Mac is still so popular that last year McDonalds Sweden launched a shop dedicated to the burger, and McDonalds sells around 550 million Big Macs in the U.S. alone every year.

However, sadly Michael Delligatti passed away on Monday (November 28th) in his home in Fox Chapel, Pa.

RIP James Delligatti, creator of the Big Mac. Thanks for all the delicious memories, Jim. pic.twitter.com/cxIGA0hbo6  McDonald's Philly (@McDPhilly) November 30, 2016

Known for its two beef patties, its center sliced bun, and Secret Sauce, the Big Mac became synonymous with its famous commercials, including this retro 1968 one that sees an actor in a beige suit explaining what goes into the sandwich.

However, the burger became known for its catchy jingle that lists the ingredients of the Big Mac.

Indeed, Delligatti even opened his own Big Mac Museum in 2007.

Speaking to Reuters at the time, he opened up about why he invented the iconic hamburger sandwich.

I felt that we needed a big sandwich, but you couldnt do anything unless they gave you permission, he said. The first day we just used the regular bun, we didnt have any center (bread) slice. Making it that way made it very sloppy. The next day we put the center slice in, and today it looks the same.

Delligatti actually went rogue while making the Big Mac. While his idea was approved by McDonalds, he used a large sesame seed bun from a local baker to put the burger together.

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Today, we celebrate the 98 inspirational years of Big Mac inventor, Michael "Jim" Delligatti. Jim, we thank and will forever remember you. pic.twitter.com/wmEFrmazdn  McDonald's (@McDonalds) November 30, 2016

Part of the Big Macs appeal, however, is that Special Sauce.

While McDonalds revealed how the sauce is made in a recent video, a bottle of the Mac Sauce was sold for $18,000 only last year.

[Jim] is an exemplary individual who embraced the community and championed many causes and organizations that benefitted children, McDonalds told BBC Newsbeat in a statement. We will remember Jim as an insightful franchisee, a knowledgeable businessman, and an honourable gentleman who left a legacy of four generations of family members running great restaurants in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Earlier this year, McDonalds announced that they were launching a new version of the Big Mac, the Mac JR, a smaller version of the sandwich. Similarly, it was revealed that the fast food giant was trialling a Sriracha Big Mac, too.

Our thoughts are with Delligattis family at this time.

The post The inventor of the Big Mac has died aged 98 appeared first on HelloGiggles.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Lundin Law PC , a shareholder rights firm, announces a class action lawsuit against Adeptus Health Inc. ("Adeptus Health" or the "Company") (ADPT) on behalf of purchasers of Adeptus Health securities pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's secondary public offering (the "SPO") on or about July 31, 2015, or purchasers of common shares between April 23, 2015 and November 16, 2015, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors, who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the SPO or the Class Period, are encouraged to contact the firm prior to the December 27, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here. You can also call Brian Lundin, Esquire, of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or e-mail him at brian@lundinlawpc.com.

No class has been certified in the above action yet. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member.

The complaint alleges that through the Class Period, Adeptus Health made material false and/or misleading information and/or failed to disclose: that the Company engaged in widespread predatory billing practices, particularly with respect to lower acuity level patients; that Adeptus Health's predatory billing practices subjected the Company to numerous known but undisclosed risks, such as financial risks, reputational risks, risks associated with improper financial reporting, civil or criminal sanctions, and even exclusion from federal and state healthcare programs; that the Company's financial statements were not prepared in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; that contrary to the Company's representations about its practice of referring lower acuity patients to urgent care facilities, Adeptus Health routinely treated lower acuity patients and excessively billed them for services; and that as a result of the above, Adeptus Health lacked a reasonable basis for its statements about its business and future financial prospects at all relevant times. On November 17, 2015, KUSA, an NBC-affiliated television station located in Denver, Colorado, aired an investigative report about the predatory billing practices at Adeptus Health's Colorado First Choice emergency rooms. When this information went public, the stock price of Adeptus Health fell, causing investors serious harm.

Lundin Law PC was established by Brian Lundin, a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding the rights of shareholders.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact:

Lundin Law PC

Brian Lundin, Esq.

Telephone: 888-713-1033

Facsimile: 888-713-1125

brian@lundinlawpc.com

http://lundinlawpc.com/

SOURCE:Lundin Law PC
By Stephen Kalin BAGHDAD (Reuters) - In early June, two Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias under the nominal control of the Iraqi government stormed into an Iraqi military airbase north of Baghdad. Driving armored vehicles and wielding rocket launchers, they took over a building on the base. The Iraqi commander at the base, near the town of Balad, asked the militiamen to leave. But the men ignored him as well as orders from the central government in Baghdad, according to two army officers in the Salahuddin Operation Command, the regional military headquarters. The June standoff grounded four Iraqi F-16 fighter jets and pushed more than a dozen U.S. contractors  there to help local pilots bomb Islamic State militants  to flee, according to the army officers and an Iraqi military intelligence source. It also underscored one of the biggest challenges ahead for Iraq. Baghdad is currently battling to prise hardline Sunni group Islamic State from the northern city of Mosul. In that struggle, government troops are fighting alongside the country's Shi'ite militias, as well as Kurdish and U.S. forces. But the government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi knows that even if it defeats Islamic State it needs to bring the Shi'ite militias under greater control. Iraqi and Western officials alike say episodes like the one in Balad raise serious questions about Abadi's ability to do that. The militias came together in 2014 after Islamic State seized a third of the country. Officially, the militias form a government-backed popular fighting force called the Hashid Shaabi, which has been instrumental in protecting Baghdad and pushing back Islamic State. But the militias have also created headaches for the government. Many of them have ties to Iran and have amassed vast military and political influence. Sunni Iraqis and human rights groups have accused some of them of rights violations, torture and murder. The militias deny the charges of abuse, torture and murder, and say they are simply battling Islamic State terrorists. At the Balad airbase in June, Iraqi army troops dealt with the rogue fighters by walling off the section of the base they had seized. The fighters eventually agreed to leave for a local farm after the intervention of their boss, Qais al-Khazali. He leads Asaib Ahl al-Haq, one of Iraq's fiercest Shi'ite militias. SIGNS OF PROGRESS? Abadi came to power in 2014, promising to mend wounds between Iraq's Shi'ite majority and Sunni minority. The latter dominated the country during Saddam Hussein's iron-fisted rule and have chafed under Shi'ite governments since his toppling in 2003. To promote national unity, Abadi has promised to rein in the militias. Technically, the Hashid Shaabi reports to the prime minister through long-time national security advisor Falah Fayyad. Other Hashid leaders hold official positions. Spokesman Ahmed al-Assadi, for example, is a lawmaker. As well, Baghdad allocates salaries for about 110,000 Hashid members. But Western diplomats say money for Shi'ite fighters is regularly dispensed through commanders, giving them de facto control of the purse strings. And the Hashid routinely presents itself as loyal to the Iraqi people rather than the state. Fayad's deputy Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes  many militia members see him as the Hashid's real leader  is a veteran commander with long-standing ties to Iran. Iraqi and Western officials say Abadi is too weak to take on the militias directly. When he first came to power, the prime minister tried to integrate the Hashid Shaabi into the regular security forces but that plan quickly died. Now he is pursuing a softer approach. In February he issued an executive order meant to nudge militias into accepting government control. Diwan Order 91 directs the Hashid Shaabi to become "an independent military formation, part of the Iraqi armed forces and linked to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces ... on the current model of the counter-terrorism service." In November, parliament passed a law to that effect which also calls on fighters to cut party affiliations and refrain from practicing politics. There are signs of progress. After leading the fight against Islamic State in 2014 and 2015, the Hashid has mostly played a supporting role in recent government advances. Reuters has seen a memo Mohandes sent in June that directed fighters to eliminate factional flags and chants. But the militias remain outside the control of the defense ministry. They dominate in and around Baghdad, throughout eastern Diyala province and in large parts of Salahuddin province further north. And they still raise religious banners that portray Shi'ite imams and logos of partisan groups. SECRET PRISONS The militias also control at least half a dozen of their own prisons, according to local officials, police and army sources. One is located in Jurf al-Sakhar, a town south of Baghdad that was captured by security forces and militia fighters in 2014. According to one national security official, the town and surrounding area is still controlled by Kataib Hezbollah, one of the most secretive of the Shi'ite militias in the Hashid Shaabi. The U.S. Treasury calls the group a terrorist organization. "More than a year ago, the Kataib group set up their own detention centers and turned multiple former government buildings and large houses into tightly secured detention centers," said the official. "All we know is that hundreds of prisoners from Anbar (province) are detained ... The group is conducting its own investigations ... and security forces have made no contribution at all to these procedures." A senior local official confirmed Kataib ran its own prisons and said many of the inmates were Sunnis who had been detained at a checkpoint in Razzaza, a desert area separating western Anbar province from Shi'ite shrines in the south. Ahmed Salmani, a lawmaker from the nearby Sunni town of Qaim, said around 2,200 people are being held there. He said he had discussed their fate, including incidents of torture, with the defense and interior ministries as well as Abadi. One local said he had three sons who were rounded up at the Razzaza checkpoint. One was killed, he said. "I lost my three sons in front of my eyes at that ominous checkpoint," said the man, who paid $20,000 to have three of them returned. But "the oldest one, Omar, had been tortured to death." Kataib Hezbollah spokesmen Jaafar Hussaini said reports of secret prisons were "baseless and a shameless attempt to distort the image of Kataib." He said the group was operating alongside the army, police and counter-terrorism forces to keep Islamic State out of the area. REINING IN THE NUMBERS Western diplomats say the Hashid's ranks could be halved if Iraq manages to defeat Islamic State. But they also fear a hardcore could evolve into something resembling Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard. That would help cement the influence Tehran has gained in Iraq since Saddam's fall. But according to one senior diplomat in Baghdad, Iranian officials have expressed their unwillingness to treat Iraq like a protectorate. "They keep telling us they can't manage a client state," the diplomat said. Senior Iraqi security officials also reject any further increase in Iranian influence. The Iranian embassy in Baghdad did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Militia leaders themselves are split, with some suggesting they will not lay down their arms even if Islamic State is defeated. Jawad Talabani, a commander in Asaib Ahl al-Haq, said groups like his see no need to join the official Iraqi security forces. He said his militia would only lay down its weapons once all Sunni groups are defeated, and will resist forced disarmament. "The role of the security forces is to protect the Iraqi people and we will support the security forces if that is requested from us," he told Reuters. Kareem Alewi al-Mohamadawi, a spokesman for the Badr Organisation, the single biggest Shi'ite militia, said the group would revert instead to its pre-2014 status, with some members serving in the police and others operating independently. But the big groups are less of a concern to Iraqi officials and Western diplomats than smaller, more radical ones that take more direct support from Iran. Earlier this year, Baghdad began working with the United Nations to establish a demobilization program for Hashid members who consent to give up their arms. Senior Iraqi security officials say the aim is to cut the size of the Hashid significantly. But with the fight against Islamic State not yet over, the program has not started. Rebuilding the regular military, which was crippled by corruption and sectarianism and then overrun by Islamic State in 2014, will take time, according to officials. In June, when black-clad commandos from the government's elite counter-terrorism service marched in Baghdad with army and police units to celebrate the restoration of Falluja, Hashid forces marched beside them. Abadi looked on, saluting from a viewing platform. A colonel in the police command of Tikrit, a Sunni town now adorned with Shi'ite militia banners and pictures of Iran's Supreme Leader, put it this way: "We don't have any authority over them (the militias). They are a state inside a state." (Edited by Michael Georgy and Simon Robinson)
President-elect Donald Trump may have raised eyebrows when he called for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S., but he isn't alone when it comes to politicians targeting Islam in an effort to limit religious freedoms. The parliament of predominantly anti-migrant Slovakia passed a law on Wednesday making it difficult for Islam to qualify as a recognized religion in the former Soviet state, Reuters reported.

The law raised the number of adherents to a particular religion to 50,000 from 20,000 in order for the sect to receive state funding, operate its own schools and be considered an official religion by the Slovakian government. There are approximately 2,000 Muslims in Slovakia, where Prime Minister Robert Fico has said Islam has no place in the country.

With Wednesdays legislation, passed easily by a two-thirds majority, Slovakia joined several other nations in attempting to impose limits on religious freedom. Neighboring Hungary, another reluctant European Union recipient of refugees from the Middle East and Africa, recently faced criticism from a prominent national Muslim group when a southern town banned mosque construction at the end of November.

A little more than a year earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban received backlash after writing in an op-ed in a German newspaper that Muslims must be kept out of the country as a way to keep Europe Christian. In a more direct plea shortly after the editorial was published, Orban said at a news conference that Hungary has a right to decide that we do not want a large number of Muslim people in our country.

Further east, the oppressed Muslim minority of Myanmar, known as the Rohingya, have dealt with not only a lack of official recognition of their religion, but, for the most part, a lack of citizenship as well.

In June, a secretive Myanmar government letter surfaced, calling for a ban on the use of the groups name, insisting that the Rohingya, whose million members live in the northern region of the Rakhine state, should be referred to as people who believe in Islam. Ethnic Rakhine residents of the province should be officially labeled people who believe in Buddhism, it added. Myanmars Buddhist nationalists prefer to categorize the group as Bengalis, or citizens from nearby Bangladesh, rather than to use the moniker describing them as a Burmese minority.

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Like that of Slovakia, the government of Angola also does not formally recognize the Muslim religion. While the notion that the majority Catholic southeast African nation has imposed an outright ban on Islam has been debunked, the government closed and even demolished several mosques over the past couple of years that it claimed were built without permission.

Nestled in the South Pacific  far from the refugee crisis stirring anti-Islam sentiment in much of Europe  predominantly-Christian Samoas National Council of Churches called on the prime minister in May to reevaluate the countrys constitutional religious freedom laws and potentially ban the Muslim faith. The religious groups call came after Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi indicated his intentions were to review the nations constitution and potentially tweak its language to further embrace Christianity.

Though its not clear whether Malielegaoi made the changes, Muhammad Yahya, the leader of Samoas Muslim League and one of the nations 120 or so adherents to Islam, told the local Samoa Observer he didnt expect his government to make such a move, as it would place Samoas prime minister in the same extremist league as Trump.

This is a way of inhuman thinking, he told the paper. They are acting like herds People nowadays have to separate between religious people and terrorists.

Related Articles
* Twenty IS commanders killed this year

* Group has used messaging apps to recruit and communicate

By Ali Abdelaty

CAIRO, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Islamic state has told its members to stop using internet-based communication apps like WhatsApp and Telegram on smartphones, suspecting they are being used by the U.S.-led coalition to track and kill its commanders.

Until recently, the hardline group used such apps to chat with members and supporters outside its main areas of control in Syria, Iraq and Libya -- including, say French officials, the assailants who staged attacks across Paris a year ago, killing at least 130 people.

A U.S.-led military coalition has been bombing Islamic State positions since 2014, when the group proclaimed a caliphate in Syria and Iraq. Twenty commanders of the group were killed this year, including spokesman Abu Muhammad Al-Adnani.

"If you get onto the programs like WhatsApp and Telegram or others from Mosul, and get in touch with a person being tracked, the crusaders will start thinking about you ... assessing your importance and identifying the locations of the (Islamic State) centres by following you," said an article in the group's weekly newspaper, Al-Naba, published online.

The new instructions came as the group tries to fight off a U.S.-backed offensive on Mosul, its last major stronghold in Iraq, by far the biggest city it controls.

Islamic State members already avoid communicating directly with each other on Twitter, which they used 2-3 years ago to spread their ideology and attract new followers.

The group has used Telegram, a messaging service, but its account has become a lot less active. While Telegram offers private messaging, its main use to Islamic militants has been as a distribution tool to share propaganda with backers to repost on Twitter for the wider world.

Pro-IS sites on Telegram frequently remind readers that Telegram is for sharing messages only among supporters, and "not a media platform for (preaching) to all Muslims and the West", in other words for recruiting sympathisers to join their cause.

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Dozens more alternative messaging apps exist, offering various degrees of anonymity and security, but the phones required to use them are seen as increasingly risky possessions.

Al-Naba called on the militants to shut down their mobile phones before entering any of the group's bases to avoid exposing them to air strikes by the U.S.-led coalition.

"Switch off your phone after you finish your communication and beware of the greatest disobedience of all - switching it on when your are in one of the offices," it said. "As long as it has power, the phone is spying on you."

In Mosul, Islamic State is cracking down on communication with the outside world to prevent residents from helping the forces advancing on the city, executing people for using mobile phones. Earlier this year, it confiscated satellite dishes to prevent people from seeing the progress made by the Iraqi army.

Islamic State has executed 42 people from local tribes, caught with SIM cards, Iraqi intelligence officers said last month. This could not be independently confirmed.

WhatsApp bars Islamic State supporters for a litany of violations of its terms of service. But identifying violators in private conversations is difficult since the Facebook-owned company implemented strict end-to-end encryption earlier this year.

Telegram, which has a long history of anti-censorship battles with governments around the world, says its policy is to block terrorist channels open to the public, and other illegal public content. Private communications between individuals are not blocked on the service, as these conversations are also encrypted.

Despite the company's ban, this week pro-Islamic State Telegram channels claimed responsibility for a knife attack at Ohio State University and detailed Islamic State fighters' plans in the Philippines to expand into southeast Asia.

(Additional reporting by Eric Auchard in Frankfurt; Editing by Maher Chmaytelli and Peter Graff)
As political uncertainty looms in Italy, the populist Five Star Movement said it would renegotiate the country's membership of the euro if it came into power.

Luigi Di Maio, a member of the Five Star Movement, wants to "re-discuss the EU and euro parameters" to address poverty and investment issues in Italy.

If such negotiations failed, Italy would have a referendum on a new kind of relationship with the euro area.

"If (the EU) won't listen to us, we will propose a referendum on the euro to ask the Italian citizens what they want to do," Maio told CNBC on Thursday.

"Those who brought us in the euro never asked us if we did want to join it. Now we ask the citizens if they want to stay in the common currency or begin to address a two-tier euro scenario or a return to monetary sovereignty," Maio said.

This Sunday's referendum in Italy could be the beginning of the end for the current government and spark fresh elections. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi decided to take a proposal to reform the constitution to a referendum vote, adding that if voters rejected it, he would resign from the government.

Polls have indicated that Italians will say "No" to the reforms and with that a "No" also to the prime minister.

A big "No" victory would mean that an early election would be inevitable.

"We are against any other government, formed by technocrats or in any other way. We are in favor of new election," Maio told CNBC.

Renzi took office in 2014, replacing the previous center-left prime minister.

"This is a prime minister who must pass through the popular vote, sooner or later," Maio added.

New elections could open the door to the 5SM. Polls have the populist party five percentage points behind Renzi's Democratic Party, which could become thinner with a referendum loss for Renzi.

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By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - A 'No' vote in Sunday's referendum on constitutional reform would be a slap in the face to Europe, said the head of the rightist Northern League, pledging to pull Italy from the euro if he wins the next national elections. Matteo Salvini, who has said he would run for prime minister, has helped lead the campaign against the government's planned overhaul of the constitution, saying it does not address Italy's main problems. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi says his reform will boost political stability in a country that has had 63 governments since 1948, and has promised to resign if he loses the vote. Opinion polls suggest that he is set for defeat. In an interview with Reuters, Salvini said that if the 'No' camp won, Italy should hold elections in 2017, a year ahead of schedule. "This 'No' vote will also be a 'No' vote against the rules and regulations of Europe, which have been disastrous for Italy," Salvini said, adding that EU austerity measures had shredded the Italian economy. EU leaders, including European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, have thrown their weight behind Renzi, fearful that his resignation might unleash political and economic turmoil. The 43-year-old Salvini said Europe had let Italy down, limiting its ability to salvage its debt-laden banks and doing little to help it deal with an influx of almost half a million migrants over the past three years. A vocal supporter of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and a fierce critic of mass immigration, Salvini said he would place quitting the single euro currency at the heart of his election manifesto. "We want a more just currency, which would probably be valued 20 percent lower than the actual euro, giving our companies 20 percent more chance to export," he said. A survey published by La Stampa newspaper last week said 71 percent of Italians thought leaving the euro would make Italy's fragile economy even worse, but Salvini dismissed the polls and said he was working with economists on a plan for withdrawal. "I am not mad. We have thought things through, because if I am elected, I will have to do this," he said. LEAVING THE NORTH The Northern League is the third largest political force in Italy, garnering support of around 13 percent against roughly 30 percent for both Renzi's Democratic Party (PD) and the anti-system 5-Star Movement, which is also opposed to the euro. The once dominant Forza Italia (Go Italy) party of former premier Silvio Berlusconi lies just behind the Northern League. Analysts say center-right parties would have an outside chance of victory if they could create a united front, as in the past. Berlusconi, who turned 80 this year and survived major heart surgery, has said he wants to return to front line politics at the head of the center-right, challenging Salvini for supremacy. He has also adopted a eurosceptic stance, saying that Italy should introduce a second currency to run alongside the euro. The bearded Salvini said he wanted to see primary elections for the center-right, like those that have just anointed Francois Fillon as France's conservative presidential candidate. "If Italians want him (as leader) then I will bow to their will, but for what it is worth, my feeling is that Italians have a different view," he said. To bolster his electoral standing, Salvini plans to drag his party far from its northern roots, dropping the word "Northern" from its name and campaigning across the country. The party's veteran founder Umberto Bossi has denounced the plan and said Salvini should be dropped as leader. But Salvini said it made no sense to remain closed in one region. "The battle for jobs, taxes, pensions, immigration, schools and justice is fought from the south to the north. (The League) will be found in every square and courtyard in the country. I don't want to exclude anyone," he said. (Reporting by Crispian Balmer; editing by Richard Lough)
What did Jackie really know? Get new details about her complicated marriage to JFK, suicidal despair after his death and how she found the strength to go on. Subscribe now to get instant access to this Kennedy confidential, only in PEOPLE!

First Lady Jackie Kennedy was plunged into shock and despair when her husband, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated at 46 in 1963. But even in the midst of unimaginable tragedy, she had a key focus: to ensure that his legacy endured. And to do that, she spun a fantasy that has only grown in the five decades since.

On Nov. 29, 1963, four days after her husbands burial, the widowed mother of two invited Life magazine journalist Theodore H. White to the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. There, Jackie, then just 34, crafted a glittering fairytale about JFKs 1,000 days in the White House that continues to captivate the nation. The inspiration? JFKs favorite Broadway musical, Camelot  the story of mythical world, ruled by King Arthur, where goodness reigned supreme.

Dont let it be forgot, that for one brief, shining moment there was Camelot, Jackie told White, quoting from the musical.

In this weeks PEOPLE cover story, those who knew the iconic First Lady offer insight into what she shrewdly viewed as an opportunity to ensure that her husbands achievements would never be forgotten.

She wanted to be sure he was remembered as a great President, her longtime Secret Service agent Clint Hill, who was present for the interview and shared his memories of the First Lady in his 2012 memoir Mrs. Kennedy and Me, tells PEOPLE.

RELATED VIDEO: Natalie Portman Talks About Becoming Jackie Kennedy

Now a new movie, Jackie, starring Natalie Portman in the title role, delves into the little-known story behind the Camelot myth and Whites Life interview, which Jackie herself edited in her kitchen.

It is astounding to me that a week after JFKs death, she had the presence of mind to come up with the extraordinary and unexpected reference that has stuck with us for decades, says the films screenwriter, Noah Oppenheim.

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But the first ladys Vassar College classmate Susan Wilson says dreaming big came naturally for Jackie.

She always had a sense of destiny about herself, says Wilson. She had this sixth sense  of reaching for the stars.




Iron Man is one of the most influential comic book movies of all time - and Jeff Bridges says he played a bigger role than the villain.

The actor teamed up with director Jon Favreau and actor Robert Downey Jr. to rework the script with just weeks to go before shooting.

"Iron Man - we read the script, and it wasn't really right, you know? We had two weeks' rehearsal, and we basically rewrote the script," Bridges recalled during The Hollywood Reporter Actor Roundtable. "And the day before we were going to shoot, we get a call from the Marvel guy, saying, 'Oh, no, no, no. None of this is right.' So we would muster in my trailer and rehearse while the guys were in the studio tapping their foot, saying, 'When are they going to come?' We were still trying to figure out the [scenes] we were going to shoot."

Bridges' Obadiah Stane has the distinction of being the first chief villain of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (and the speaker of one of its finest lines: "Tony Stark was able to build this in a cave!"). The actor said he wouldn't rule out doing another superhero film (he also starred in the ill-fated 2013 comic book adaptation R.I.P.D.).

"I really set out to not develop a strong persona and mix it up so the audience would have an easier time projecting whatever character I was playing," he says of the possibility of doing another superhero film.

Read the full Actor Roundtable here. It features plenty of fun superhero tidbits, such as Andrew Garfield expressing regret over his Amazing Spider-Man movies.

Read more: Actor Roundtable: Jeff Bridges, Casey Affleck and 4 More on "Brutal" Superhero Roles, Dream Second Careers
Jennifer Aniston is definitely entertaining the idea of a return to the small screen.

The 47-year-old actress -- who starred on Friends from1994 to 2004 -- appears on Netflix's Chelsea on Dec. 9, and admits that she has thought about coming back to TV. Host Chelsea Handler suggests to her longtime friend that she create a show with her Office Christmas Party co-star, Jason Bateman, writer Justin Malen and executive producer Will Speck.

WATCH: Jennifer Aniston Talks Her Sweet Thanksgiving Surprise From Justin Theroux, Opens Up About Her Moving Op-Ed

"We're so all over that. Television is where it's at," Aniston -- -- whose husband, Justin Theroux, currently stars on HBO's The Leftovers -- responds.

"I really do believe the shows are more interesting," she adds. "There's more opportunity for women ...unless they want you as a superhero."

That being said, the A-lister would be "psyched" if someone asked her to take on such a role. "I would want to be, like, the really uncoordinated superhero. I couldn't take myself seriously leaping out of somewhere in a full leather something," Aniston quips.

She also jokes that 50-year-old Catwoman star, Halle Berry, could play a sexy superhero "for the rest of her life," referring to her age-defying good looks.

WATCH: Jennifer Aniston Reveals She 'Can't Help' Watching Friends Reruns, Says the Cast Didn't Like the Theme Song

During the interview, Aniston appears quite comfortable chatting with Handler, though the two make no mention in the clip of the actress' ex-husband, Brad Pitt, and his split from wife Angelina Jolie -- though the talk show host has spoken about the breakup on several occasions in the past.

"As if Jen cares -- she doesn't care. It's ridiculous that people still drag her into this," Handler told Grazia magazine of her friend's reaction to Pitt's divorce. "Hello, as if she is sitting around even caring about this."

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Photo: Getty

Jennifer Lawrence sported a major braid on Thursday at the London photo call for her new film Passengers. With windblown kinks in the front and messy pieces in the back, the thick, back-grazing braid is majestic in a wild horse kind of way. The volume and piecey strands at the crown show off the depth in Lawrences hair color and frame her face perfectly.

J. Laws pulled back hair puts the spotlight her face, and her dark lids and perfect highlight make for a striking look. She made her light eyes pop with a smoked out cat eye that highlights her hooded eye shape. Brows are straight, soft, and light, allowing for the eye makeup to take center stage. J. Law framed her face with bronzer at the hairline, jaw line, and below the cheekbones. She finished off the look with a sheer lip gloss and a glowy highlight at the high points of the face on the forehead, bridge of the nose, inner eyes, cupids bow, and tops of the cheekbones. We love the sunny look in the midst of London fog.

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Johnny Depp and Amber Heards divorce is nearly finalized, a person close to the negotiations confirms to PEOPLE.

Heard will receive around $6.8 million  which is the rest of the $7 million the former couple originally agreed upon, minus the money Depp already donated directly to Heards preferred charities: the American Civil Liberties Union and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

Depp will pay out the settlement over the next 12 months, and Heard is expected to turn over the money to the charities by the end of 2018. TMZ was first to report the settlement.

For the past three months, the exes have been at odds over which of them would give the money to charity. After Heard pledged her settlement to charity, a rep for Depp announced that the actor would make payments directly to the Childrens Hospital and ACLU on Heards behalf.

WATCH: Amber Heard Calls Out Johnny Depp for Using Charity Donation as His Tax Deduction

But a member of Heards team rejected Depps payment plan, saying it was an attempt to use the donations as a tax write off. If Johnny wishes to change the settlement agreement, we must insist that he honor the full amount by donating $14M to charity, which, after accounting for his tax deduction, is equal to his $7M payment obligation to Amber, a rep for Heard said in a statement.

Johnny is obligated by the settlement to pay Amber, and she in turn will honor her pledges to Childrens Hospital and the American Civil Liberties Union, Heards lawyer, Pierce ODonnell, previously told PEOPLE. Ambers commitment to protecting victims of domestic violence and helping sick children is her lifes work.

Heard was granted a temporary restraining order in May after claiming that Depp had verbally and physically abused her throughout their relationship. She filed for divorce a few days prior to end their 15-month marriage.




By Erica Teichert

(Reuters) - A federal jury in Dallas on Thursday ordered Johnson & Johnson <JNJ.N> and its DePuy Orthopaedics unit to pay more than $1 billion to six plaintiffs who said they were injured by Pinnacle hip implants, a lawyer for the plaintiffs said.

The jurors found that the metal-on-metal Pinnacle hip implants were defectively designed and that the companies failed to warn consumers about the risks.

The six plaintiffs in this case are California residents who were implanted with the hip devices and experienced tissue death, bone erosion and other injuries they attributed to design flaws. Plaintiffs claimed the companies promoted the devices as lasting longer than devices that include ceramic or plastic materials.

J&J and DePuy are facing nearly 8,400 lawsuits over the devices, which have been consolidated in federal court in Texas. Test cases have been selected for trial, and their outcomes will help gauge the value of the remaining claims.

Mark Lanier, lawyer for the plaintiffs, said the verdict was "a message loud and clear" that J&J has "a really nasty part of their business they need to clean up."

J&J did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Erica Teichert in New York; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
In late July, Moussa Aksar, the director of Nigers LEvenement newspaper, answered his phone and heard a familiar voice warning him that he was, once again, in danger.

Be careful, a friendly source told Aksar. Look out for yourself and be careful what you say on the phone.

Aksar had just published Nigers first expose from the Panama Papers, the investigation based on a leak of documents from a law firm that has helped politicians, oligarchs and fraudsters create and use secrecy-veiled shell companies.

The July 25 edition of Aksars newspaper featured a front-page story highlighting previously unknown details regarding an offshore company linked to a businessman reputed to be a major financier of Nigers ruling political party. Copies of the paper sold out within hours.

Many citizens were delighted by the revelations. Others took aim.

Moussa Aksar is reportedly hiding, one Facebook user wrote, accusing Aksar of being wanted by the police for his reporting. Has he lost his ability to make up fake stories? laughed another. Another accused him of blackmail. Aksar suspects he was followed. He told his two daughters to lock the door and to unleash the familys guard dogs.

Aksar and his newspaper arent alone among the journalists and news outlets that have been hit with blowback in response to their work on the Panama Papers investigation, the largest collaboration of journalists in history.

Even as the Panama Papers disclosures have sparked 150 official investigations in at least 79 countries around the world, they have also provoked pushback from individuals and governments displeased with revelations of the hidden economic holdings of the global elite. Politicians, business executives and thousands of their supporters have responded with vitriol, threats, cyberattacks and lawsuits, according to a survey by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which coordinated the Panama Papers investigation.

These hardline reactions are part of a continuing pattern around the world of threats and suppression targeting journalists, like Aksar, who fight to tell uneasy stories. Niger authorities jailed Aksar for six days in 2008, for example, for his reporting on corruption and trafficking in fake medicines and black market babies.

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We are tracking the impact of Panama Papers and the retaliation journalists and media organizations are suffering, said Courtney Radsch, advocacy director at the Committee to Protect Journalists. Sadly, we find it par for the course that journalists are under attack for reporting on corruption. We know that it is one of the most dangerous beats for journalists.

One of the most unexpected flashpoints to emerge from the Panama Papers is in Spain where Grupo Prisa, the parent company of major newspaper El Pais, announced plans to sue ICIJs media partner, El Confidencial, for $9 million. According to El Confidencial, Grupo Prisa acknowledged the accuracy of El Confidencials reporting but claimed that the Panama Papers revelations that tied an offshore company to the ex-wife of Grupo Prisas chairman, Juan Luis Cebrian, amounted to unfair competition.

Cebrians ex-wife linked the company to Cebrians business and said that she had no role in its operations, a claim Cebrian denies. Both newspapers are fighting for the top spot in Spains news market. El Confidencial reported that Grupo Prisa claimed it lost readers and suffered economic loss because of El Confidencials reporting on the Panama Papers. Grupo Prisa declined to respond to ICIJs questions and said it is in the lawyers hands.

The editor of the biggest newspaper and the biggest radio station in Spain is shamefully starring in the largest and most unprecedented attack on press freedom in our country, El Confidencial wrote in an editorial in October. If the suit is successful, El Confidencials editor, Nacho Cardero told ICIJ, this suit would mean that journalists cant write or investigate about other editors or journalistic companies no matter the level of public interest.

This story is part of The Panama Papers. Click here to read more stories in this series.

Don't miss another Accountability investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email.

More than 400 journalists from more than 80 countries have collaborated on the Panama Papers investigation. Backlash against members of the reporting partnership has surfaced in nations where media crackdowns are common and in nations with reputations for high levels of press freedom.

In Tunisia, unknown hackers brought down the online news publication Inkyfada. In Mongolia, a former environment minister sued MongolTV for libel  and lost.

In Turkey, a newspaper partner in the investigative collaboration, Cumhuriyet, reported that a construction and energy executive with connections to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan telephoned to lash out at the paper for publishing his photo as part of its Panama Papers coverage. You put my face on the front page, have you no shame? the business mogul said, according to Cumhuriyet. I will fight you . You sons of bitches, dont make a killer out of me.

The Finnish tax authority threatened to raid journalists homes and seize documents, an unprecedented move in Finlands liberal media environment. Authorities backed down following protests. Finnish broadcaster YLE has filed a court appeal in an effort to definitively nix the tax authoritys ongoing demand for information.

Staffers at La Prensa, a daily newspaper in Panama, were threatened by anonymous Twitter users. What does it feel like to destroy your country? asked one. Another tweet, liked and commented on by Ramon Fonseca, a co-founder of Mossack Fonseca, the Panamanian law firm at the heart of the scandal, featured a photo of La Prensa employees above the comment: This is an act of high treason to the country to which they were born.

One online poll asked whether the best way to handle the traitorous journalists was to send them to jail or dump them in the Bay of Panama. For months before and after the projects release, reporters were assigned armed bodyguards who posed as their Uber drivers.

It wasnt the first time La Prensa had to enact security protocols, said La Prensas deputy editor-in-chief, Rita Vasquez. The papers editorial team, which objected to the title Panama Papers and to the way some European governments later singled Panama out, said the fallout put the newspaper in one of the most difficult positions in its history.

In Ecuador, displeasure with Panama Papers went to the top. On April 12, President Rafael Correa used Twitter to name several journalists who worked on Panama Papers. Correas supporters followed up to harass the journalists for more information amid accusations that journalists decisions about which names of Ecuadorians to publish were politically motivated.

Correas tweet was retweeted nearly 500 times to his 2.9 million followers, including those who replied to lambaste barbarian journalists. Fundamedios, a nonprofit that promotes freedom of expression, reported that President Correas supporters called the journalists mercenaries, rats, corrupt press, and lackeys of the empire.

Government supporters then disseminated the journalists private information and photos, even ones where their children appear, wrote Fundamedios.

Ukraines Independent Media Council, a non-governmental body, summoned reporters after a complaint that journalists violated ethical standards by reporting that Ukraines president, Petro Poroshenko, set up an offshore company at the height of warfare between government and pro-Russian forces. The media council criticized how the journalists handled the story, but said the state-run television channel was ultimately justified in broadcasting the piece.

It was a bit like a public whipping, said Vlad Lavrov, an investigative reporter with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, which worked on the Poroshenko story. But we said we stand by the story and that they are judging the story not on correctness of the facts, but on our editorial choices of how the story was told.

In Venezuela, reporter Ahiana Figueroa was sacked from one of the countrys biggest newspapers, Ultimas Noticias. Figueroa was part of a multi-newspaper collaboration among different Venezuelan journalists. According to the nonprofit Press and Society Institute in Venezuela, at least seven Venezuelan news platforms attacked journalists who worked on Panama Papers.

Keung Kwok-yuen, a senior editor at the popular Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao, was unexpectedly sacked the same day in April the newspaper published a front-page story that exposed offshore activity of a former commerce secretary, a current member of the legislature, one of the worlds richest men and Hollywood martial-arts star Jackie Chan.

Reporters Without Borders and others condemned the move. The handling of Mr Keungs dismissal is full of anomalies making it difficult for anyone to accept it as a pure cost-cutting move, the Foreign Correspondents Club of Hong Kong said in a joint statement signed by associations and unions of journalists. Hundreds of journalists and citizens rallied outside Ming Paos office on 2 May, waiving sticks of ginger (Keung means ginger in Cantonese) and demanding Keungs reinstatement.

Journalists who simply relayed reports of Panama Papers were also targeted. In China, media censors instructed websites to self-inspect and delete all content related to the Panama Papers, according to China Digital Times. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the communications minister warned journalists to be very careful about naming names from the Panama Papers, including, it was presumed, the sister of President Joseph Kabila.

Investigative journalists are used to working under intense pressure, but in countries where press freedom isnt the norm, these pressures can become debilitating and even dangerous roadblocks for reporters, ICIJ Director Gerard Ryle said.

One of the benefits of collaboration is the way journalists can band together to overcome these issues  whether its through sharing expertise, resources, or just helping a partner to get their story published. ICIJ has been lucky to work with such a courageous group of reporters who have made it possible to tell some important stories that might have otherwise been quashed.

A few days after publishing his Panama Papers scoop in Nigers LEvenement, Moussa Aksar traveled north to a town in the Sahara Desert where he often spends time in the summer. It was a relief, Aksar said, after the media attacks and the intense social media posts that proliferated after his story.

Now, back at home in Nigers capital, Niamey, Moussa says the benefits of working as part of the Panama Papers team are clear, even though authorities in his country have not announced any investigation or inquiry as a result of his newspapers findings.

Publishing Panama Papers with hundreds of other journalists allowed me to be part of the big league, he said. The protection of the partnership with ICIJ provided me with access to important sources of information and strengthened the publics trust in my work.

Aksar says he has no plans to stop reporting on the Panama Papers and other subjects that make his government squirm.

This story is part of The Panama Papers. Click here to read more stories in this series.

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Copyright 2016 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C.
Oscar-nominated writer, filmmaker and actress Julie Delpy has written and will direct and star in My Zoe, which will shoot in the U.K. next spring. Delpy is joined in the cast by Daniel Bruhl and Gemma Arterton.

Gabrielle Tana, Oscar nominated for Philomena, is producing the London-set movie for Steve Coogans Baby Cow Films, while Protagonist Pictures is handling international sales on the film. Protagonist will present the project to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin in February. Hubert Caillard and Dominique Boutonnat of Frances Electrik Films will co-produce.

My Zoe is the fascinating and confrontational story about the lengths to which a mothers love goes for her child, according to a statement from Protagonist. Delpy plays Isabelle, a geneticist recovering from a toxic marriage and raising her daughter Zoe in conjunction with her ex-husband. Zoe means everything to her mother, but when tragedy strikes the fractured family, Isabelle takes matters into her own hands.

Bruhl (Inglourious Basterds, Rush, Alone in Berlin) and Arterton (Their Finest, The Girl With All the Gifts, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters) play a couple Isabelle turns to for help in Moscow. Lior Ashkenazy (Big Bad Wolves, Footnote) plays Isabelles new boyfriend. The role of the ex-husband James is currently being cast.

Delpy commented: I started thinking and taking notes about this film over 20 years ago. It first came to my mind discussing with [Krzysztof] Kieslowski about parenting, love and fate. The film is about the unconditional love you feel as a parent. It was a very profound process to write it. I gave it all the truth I had and I hope it resonates with others.

My Zoe is one of those movies that people stand around and argue about, Protagonist CEO Mike Goodridge said. Julie has created a compulsive drama about what it means to be a parent, and what lengths a parent will go to for their children.

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Tana described the script as riveting, a page turner. I could not put it down on first read.

Delpy is best known for her role in the Before Sunrise trilogy, which she co-wrote, sharing Oscar nominations for Before Sunset and Before Midnight. Her writing/directing credits include The Countess, 2 Days in New York and Lolo.

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Birthday with bae! Kaley Cuoco stepped out in West Hollywood on Wednesday night to celebrate her 31st birthday with her boyfriend, Karl Cook.

The pair were spotted holding hands while making their way to celebrity hot spot Craig's. The Big Bang Theory star wore black leather leggings and a matching jacket with her long blonde hair down.

WATCH: Kaley Cuoco Gets Candid About Plastic Surgery, Wanting to Remarry & Starting a Family: 'I'm Meant to Be a Mom'

Her boyfriend rocked a pink and blue plaid jacket with jeans.

Cuoco has been spending lots of time with her man lately, posting a cute pic to Instagram earlier this week sitting in between him and her English bulldog with the caption, "I can't choose."

She recently opened up to Women's Health magazine about first meeting Cook, saying, "Literally, we bumped arms at a horse show. We each said, 'Oh, I'm sorry' -- and everything changed. I looked at him and he looked at me"

The CBS star also posted a throwback group shot to Instagram with her gal pals from her blowout 30th birthday, writing, "This time last year I was with 12 of my best gfs on the birthday trip of a lifetime in Mexico City visiting @blackjaguarwhitetiger. An adventure I will never forget!!!!! Love you girls!!!!"

This time last year I was with 12 of my best gfs on the birthday trip of a lifetime in Mexico City visiting @blackjaguarwhitetiger . An adventure i will never forget !!!!! love you girls!!!!  A photo posted by @normancook on Nov 29, 2016 at 9:33pm PST

WATCH: Kaley Cuoco Shares Sweet Snap With Boyfriend Karl Cook and Her Dog: 'I Can't Choose'

It was also her younger sister Briana Cuoco's birthday on Monday and Kaley posted a goofy pic with the caption: "It's your birthday @bricuoco!!!!!!!!! The best sidder in all the land. I love you forever!!! Happy birthday!!!"

For more from the couple, watch the clip below!

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ET has obtained audio of the 911 call made by one of Kanye West's doctors last Monday after the 39-year-old rapper abruptly canceled the remaining U.S. dates of his Saint Pablo tour.

The voice heard on the call, which can be listened to in the video above, belongs to Dr. Michael Farzam, ET has learned. Parts of the conversation have been redacted by authorities.

WATCH: Kendall Jenner Gives Update on Kanye West's Health: 'Everyone Is Doing OK, Just Praying'

"Yeah I'm actually one of his doctors, I'm just calling from my cell phone," Farzam explains to the dispatcher. "A request if we can have some police backup 'cause I don't think the paramedics, you know."

"If you can bring both, yes," Farzam continues. "I think he's definitely going to need to be hospitalized, so I wouldn't just do the police by itself, I think he needs to"

The dispatcher then directs Farzam to describe West's medical condition, and asks if there were any weapons involved or in the area.

"No, no other weapons, no," Farzam confirms, adding, "He's here with us, we'll keep an eye on him."

The dispatcher advises Farzam not to let West "get any weapons or anything like that."

"If anything changes, if he does become physically combative between now and when the police and/or paramedics get there, call us back immediately at 911," the dispatcher adds.

WATCH: Kanye West Suffered 'Paranoia' Before Hospitalization, Was 'Unsettled' by Kim Kardashian Robbery

A source previously told ET that the call was made because "Kanye was having paranoia."

"He was not speaking correctly. He was convinced people were out to get him," the source explained. "Saying things like, 'No one is on my side. It's just me and Kim [Kardashian] against everyone. No one is on my side. You're all out here to get me.' He was not making sense. He was on a rant that wasn't understandable. It was jibberish."

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"He was NOT having suicidal thoughts," the source added. "That is not the case. There was nothing that lead anyone to believe he was suicidal or wanted to kill himself. He just wasn't making sense at all -- and that got everyone nervous. For him, when he doesn't sleep, it turns into paranoia."

Shortly after the 911 call was made last week, West was transported to the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he spent nine days. He was released on Wednesday around 2 a.m.

A source confirmed to ET that the "Famous" rapper is now staying at his Bel Air, California, home with his wife, Kim Kardashian West, and their two children, North, 3, and Saint, 11 months.

WATCH: Kanye West Still Hospitalized After 1 Week: Where Things Stand

"Kanye is at home and is resting," the source revealed. "He is happy to finally be back home and with the kids. He missed them so much."

"It's Saint's first birthday on Monday and he is happy he can be there for that," the source continued. "Kanye is a wonderful father and loves his kids very much."

As ET previously reported, a source previously confirmed to ET that West was at personal trainer Harley Pasternak's home at the time he was hospitalized, where he was "strongly convinced to go to the hospital for his own well-being and safety." Despite reports that West allegedly attempted to assault a staff member at Pasternak's gym before his hospitalization, another source close to West told ET, "[There was] no assault, no fight."

West suffered from what one source attributed to "sleep deprivation and exhaustion.

WATCH: Kanye West Released From the Hospital

Another source called it "a mental breakdown." "It was a combination of a lot of issues: stress, anxiety, paranoia. He just broke," the source claimed to ET. "There have been signs recently of him just overwhelmed. Kanye hasn't been himself for a while."

Hear more in the video below.

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Kanye West has been released from the hospital after spending nine days at UCLA Medical Center.

WATCH: Kanye West's Difficult 2016: A Timeline From 'Life of Pablo' to Kim Kardashian's Robbery to His Breakdown

Earlier this week, a source close to the 39-year-old rapper and his wife, Kim Kardashian West, told ET that doctors were "reluctant to diagnose anything," though Kanye was said to be "doing much better" after being hospitalized on Nov. 21. Through it all, the source said, Kim had stayed by his side "24/7" as he recovered.

"Kim is more dedicated and devoted to Kanye more than ever," a source said. "She knows that there are limitations for how much a person can do or take on. She knows that he just needs a break, and she will make sure he gets that. This is only making their marriage stronger."

A source previously confirmed to ET that Kanye was at personal trainer Harley Pasternak's home at the time he was hospitalized, where he was "strongly convinced to go to the hospital for his own well-being and safety." Despite reports that Kanye allegedly attempted to assault a staff member at Pasternak's gym before his hospitalization, another source close to Kanye told ET, "[There was] no assault, no fight."

Kanye suffered from what one source attributed to "sleep deprivation and exhaustion," and another source called "a mental breakdown." "It was a combination of a lot of issues: stress, anxiety, paranoia. He just broke," the source told ET. "There have been signs recently of him just overwhelmed. Kanye hasn't been himself for a while." In addition to a strenuous work schedule, a source also told ET that Kanye had been deeply "unsettled" by his wife's terrifying armed robbery in Paris.

Prior to the hospitalization, Kanye had been making headlines for erratic behavior at his latest shows, including going on a lengthy rant in which he took shots at longtime friends Beyonce and Jay Z. The "Fade" rapper abruptly canceled the 21 remaining dates on his Saint Pablo tour prior to his hospitalization.

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WATCH: Kanye West 'Misses His Kids' Amid Hospitalization

ET spoke to Kanye's close pal, John Legend, last week while he was promoting his new album, Darkness and Light, and Legend noted that the GRAMMY-winning rapper has "been through a lot lately."

"All I can see is what [Kanye] said to the public -- and that is he's tired and needs some rest," Legend said before news broke that Kanye had been hospitalized. "I think he's been through a lot lately with what happened to Kim. I think if he needs to rest, I think his fans will be patient and let him rest. He'll come back stronger, hopefully."

Watch below:

--Reporting by Jennifer Peros.

For more Entertainment Tonight videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

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Kanye West was discharged from the UCLA Medical Center Wednesday night, where he had been under observation since November 21 and treated for exhaustion, CNN reports.

West, 39, was admitted to the hospital shortly after canceling the remaining shows on his Saint Pablo tour.

The cancellation followed a series of bizarre concert appearances.

At his November 17 show in San Jose, California, West announced his support for President-elect Donald Trump and called out Beyonce and Jay Z in a 17-minute rant. Two days later, he abruptly walked off the stage at a show in Sacramento.

Sources close to the situation told People that West was not committed against his will and instead freely checked into the hospital under the advice of his physician.

West's wife, Kim Kardashian West, had been at the rapper's bedside each of his nine days in the hospital, according to CNN's sources.

West is now "home, getting some rest," according to People.

NOW WATCH: 7 details you may have missed on episode 9 of 'Westworld'





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Kanye West reportedly left the UCLA Medical Center on Wednesday after more than a week of hospitalization, according to the Los Angeles Times.

West is now at home with wife Kim Kardashian West and their children, reports TMZ, which first broke the news that the rapper left the hospital. He is, apparently, not completely in the clear yet. According to TMZ, West will need ongoing psychological and medical treatment following his reported nervous breakdown.

It was reported on Monday, his originally planned release date, that West was still not stable enough to leave the hospital. Details on his hospitalization have not yet been released, with reports ranging from extreme paranoia to exhaustion.

West was hospitalized on Nov. 21, after the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call of a disturbance, and found a medical emergency upon arrival, a LAPD spokesperson told Variety at the time.

The hospitalization followed a tumultuous week for West. Days before, West declared at a concert that if he voted in the election, he would have voted for President-elect Donald Trump. The statement was largely met with boos from the crowd.

Later that week, he generated more controversy by launching into a rant about Beyonce, Jay Z, Mark Zuckerberg, Google, and more at a Sacramento show. The hashtag #KanyeIsOverParty began trending shortly after the rant hit social media. The morning he was hospitalized, it was announced that he would be canceling the remaining 21 dates on his Saint Pablo tour.

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Kanye West Cancels All Remaining 'Saint Pablo' Tour Dates
The husband of Sherri Papini, the California mom who mysteriously vanished earlier this month, is recounting his wifes kidnapping in his first on-air interview since her discovery.

In an exclusive sit-down with 20/20, Keith Papini describes Sherris 22-day captivity including the moment she was thrust from a moving vehicle on Thanksgiving, the day she was discovered.

She was bound, she had a chain around her waist, that is correct, she had a bag over her head, that is correct, Keith told ABC News Matt Gutman.

Her left hand was in the vehicle chained to something, she was chained anytime she was in a vehicle. They opened the door, she doesnt know because she had a bag over her head, they cut something to free her restraint that was holding her into the vehicle and then, kind of, pushed her out of the vehicle, Keith continued to detail of what his wife told him.

Sherri was allegedly kidnapped while out for a jog on Nov. 2. The mother of two was found around 4:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day in Yolo County  about 150 miles south of her Redding home, where she was last seen.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE on Tuesday, Keith explained the brutal condition his wife was in when he reunited with her for the first time.

My first sight was my wife in a hospital bed. Her face covered in bruises ranging from yellow to black because of her repeated beatings. The bridge of her nose broken, he wrote. She has been branded and I could feel the rise of her scabs under my fingers.

He also noted that she weighed only 87 lbs. and her long, blonde hair had been chopped off.

During a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko revealed new details about the two Hispanic women who allegedly abducted Sherri.

Sherri told investigators that one of the women had long curly hair, thin eyebrows and pierced ears, and the other woman, who was older, had straight black hair with gray and thick eyebrows. Both of the women allegedly spoke in Spanish the majority of the time.

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Bosenko said the alleged abductors had sometimes covered Sherris face and had concealed their own faces as well during her three-week ordeal. Sherri did her best in providing the descriptions but was not able to provide a detailed description because of the assailants covering their faces, Bosenko said.

The motive behind the alleged kidnapping is still unclear as authorities continue to investigate.

Keiths emotional interview airs on ABC News 20/20 Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 p.m. ET.




Kim Kardashian West is standing by her man.

While rumors of marriage trouble between the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star and husband Kanye West have been circulating ever since the rapper was hospitalized for exhaustion last week, a source close to couple tells PEOPLE there arent serious issues in the relationship.

That is not accurate, says the insider. There are frustrations and problems, like any relationship, but they love each other deeply.

According to the source, West is the stars best friend and soulmate.

West, 39, was hospitalized on Nov. 21, shortly after he canceled the remaining 21 dates of his Saint Pablo tour. Kardashian West, 36, was in New York City planning on attending the 2016 Angel Ball  which honored her late father Robert Kardashian, who died of esophageal cancer in 2003  but skipped out on the gala at the last minute to rush back to Los Angeles to be by Wests side.

In the days that followed, Kardashian West spent much of her time with her husband at the hospital, and a source told PEOPLE last week she was very concerned and had barely left his side.

West remained hospitalized through Thanksgiving. As of Wednesday, he had been discharged from UCLA Medical Center, and a source told PEOPLE the artist is home, getting some rest.

Kanye is at home with Kim and the kids, said another insider of the family, which includes daughter North, 3, and son Saint, who turns 1 on Monday. He seems okay and happy to be home. Kims family is visiting.

According to the source, West will continue to receive treatment and help with how to cope with stress.

He needs to learn how to better balance his work and family life, said the insider.




Kroger Co. (KR) reported its fiscal third-quarter financial results before the markets opened on Thursday. The company said that it had $0.41 in earnings per share (EPS) and $26.56 billion in revenue. The consensus estimates from Thomson Reuters had called for $0.41 in EPS and revenue of $26.34 billion. In the same period of last year, it posted EPS of $0.43 and $25.07 billion in revenue.

Total sales, excluding fuel, increased 7.1% in the third quarter compared to the same period last year. Total supermarket sales, excluding fuel and Roundy's, increased 1.6% in the third quarter compared to the same period last year.

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In terms of guidance for this fiscal year, the company expects guidance to be in the range of $2.10 to $2.15, down from the previous range of $2.10 to $2.20. The consensus estimates are $2.13 in EPS and $115.21 billion in revenue for this fiscal year.

During this quarter, the company repurchased $1.4 billion in common shares and returned $418 million to investors in the form of dividends. Other major cash outflows were the merger with Roundys for $866 million and the merger with ModernHealth for roughly $390 million. On the books, Kroger's cash and temporary cash investments totaled $374 million at the end of the quarter, versus $274 million in the same period from last year.

ALSO READ: The Worst Companies to Work For

Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO, commented:

I am proud of our associates for continuing to connect with our customers in a difficult operating environment. Deflation persisted as we expected during the quarter. We are firmly focused on our long-term strategy of improving our connection with customers and associates, and continue working on process changes to lower costs. We don't change our strategy based on quarterly swings in results. We remain committed to delivering on our long-term earnings per share growth rate guidance.

After opening more than 3% lower on Thursday, shares of Kroger traded up fractionally to $32.50 shortly thereafter, with a consensus analyst price target of $35.91 and a 52-week trading range of $28.71 to $42.75.

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New York (AFP) - In the wake of Donald Trump's victory and the recent rise of the white nationalist "alt-right," a 150-year-old racist group has been spreading its wings: the Ku Klux Klan, which on Saturday is planning its first post-election rally.

"Our membership grows by the day," said Gary Munker, who identifies himself as a spokesman for the group. The Klan, since its creation in 1866, has called for a white and Christian America; historically, it has resorted to lynchings and racial violence as the means to its end.

Like the former KKK leader David Duke, who supported Trump's candidacy -- and was eventually disavowed by the New York billionaire -- Munker says he was drawn by the Republican candidate's language, particularly his attacks against immigrants and his talk of deporting millions.

The movement was born in the devastated states of the South in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, just three years after President Abraham Lincoln ordered all slaves in the South to be freed.

Munker, wearing one of the group's emblematic hooded white robes, claimed that his branch of the KKK -- the Loyal White Knights -- has 700 members on Long Island, where he lives, and an additional 500 in the rest of New York state.

Munker, 36, who calls himself a family man, said people were beginning to "wake up" to what is happening in the country.

He said that he joined the Loyal White Knights -- one of 40 local or regional groups making up the Klan -- five years ago after seeing his quiet and "essentially white" neighborhood change seemingly overnight with the arrival of subsidized housing units and a much more diverse population.

- No resurgence -

Munker, who was vague about his full-time profession for fear he might lose his job, is an active member of the Klan: a native of a rural part of Long Island, he regularly distributes tracts in nearby cities in an effort to draw new members.

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The last time he did this was on November 17, in a parking lot in the village of Patchogue, which entered the dark annals of American racism after a group of high school students taunted and punched and then murdered an Ecuadoran immigrant in 2008.

The discovery of Munker's leaflets prompted some 200 local residents to organize a rally against racism the following Sunday.

Far from the killings or the burning crosses that made the Klan's grim reputation, leafleting is now the Klan's chief activity in 14 states and "gives them an extensive geographical reach," said Carla Hill, an investigative researcher with the Center on Extremism of the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish group dedicated to fighting intolerance.

The latest available data, she said, does not point to a resurgence of the movement, whatever Gary Munker might say: 74 instances of KKK leafleting have been counted so far this year, compared to 86 in 2015.

The Loyal White Knights have announced plans for a rally Saturday in North Carolina, without confirming the exact time or place.

But even if it does take place, Carla Hill said, it is unlikely to attract much more of a crowd than the Klan's last several demonstrations, which rarely drew more than a few dozen participants.

- 'Political space' -

For Mark Potok, a specialist at the Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors extremism in the US, even if so-called white nationalism has undeniably gained prominence since the arrival of Barack Obama as the first black US president, the movement appears unlikely to take on significant momentum.

Klan membership is no more than 6,000 today, he noted, compared to 40,000 in the 1960s and several million in the 1920s.

Still, proponents of white superiority feel that Trump's election has given them "a political space to present their views as legitimate," Potok said, adding that "they have not been taken that seriously in 50 years."

Thus, a conference November 20 in the federally owned Ronald Reagan Building in Washington gathered some 250 white supremacists, some of whom raised their arms in a Nazi-like salute to their far-right leader Richard Spencer -- and to Trump's victory.

But these "intellectual" extremists, who refer to their movement as the alt-right," "look down on the Klan," Potok said.

For the Klan, with its dark history of violence, "can't make the claim like Richard Spencer that 'we are standing up for the rights of white people (but) we don't hate anybody,'" said Potok.

But Munker said he mistrusts the smooth talkers of the alt-right:

"We are Christians (while) they let anybody in -- and just that makes me wonder about their integrity," he said.
By Ulf Laessing KALAK, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi Kurdish food retailer Nuri Barzan was considering closing his warehouse because of the lack of business when the launch of a military campaign to oust Islamic State from their stronghold of Mosul eased his worries. But with Iraqi forces having recaptured parts of Mosul since October, traders in Kurdish towns have been quick to start supplying shops that are opening again in retaken districts. "Sales have gone up by 50 percent since the operation started as traders stock up for Mosul," Barzan said, sitting in his warehouse in Kalak, a town just east of Mosul. His stocks include rice, cooking oil, soap and cornflakes -- goods in high demand in Mosul districts resuming life after two- and-half-years of occupation under Islamic State. "I was thinking to shut down the shop as the business was very bad but now I am more optimistic," said Barzan, who runs the warehouse with his two sons. "We are still not back where we were before but are hopeful." It is a welcome development. Unemployment has been on the rise in Kurdistan, an autonomous region in northern Iraq, for two years as oil prices have slumped and the Baghdad government has cut off funding after the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) started building a crude pipeline to Turkey. Abandoned construction sites, shuttered shops and traders sitting idle in their offices had become a frequent sight in Kalak, the rest of Kurdistan and the regional capital Erbil. Mosul, an Arab city, used to get supplied mainly by traders from the western neighbor Syria shipping Turkish, Iranian and Syrian goods. The militants boosted that route by linking Mosul with its Syrian stronghold Raqqa, while roads to the Kurdish and Iraqi government-held territory had been largely cut off. "My goods now come from Kalak," said Farhan Mijel, owner of one of the number of groceries which have reopened in eastern suburbs since Iraqi force breached Islamic State defenses. "I didn't know the traders. They were recommended to me by Kurdish friends," he said. "Beforehand everything I sold came from Syria." He said the Kurds were offering good prices, allowing him to sell a can of fizzy drink for 250 Iraqi dinars ($0.22), half the 500 dinars under Islamic State when supplies were limited. In recent days prices have gone up though as civilians are fleeing parts retaken by army due to suicide bombings and rockets blamed on Islamic State. SOLDIERS, AID WORKERS The Kurdish economy has also been given a boost by an influx of tens of thousands of soldiers and policemen taking part in the Mosul campaign, and aid workers helping the almost 80,000 civilians who have fled the battle. "Business is picking up as traders come to buy goods for Mosul," said Moayed Mamand, another Kurdish trader in Kalat. Like Barzan, he sells mostly food products from Turkey and, in much smaller volumes, from Iran. Only cheese and milk are locally made. Every morning dozens of trucks start from Kalat and other Kurdish towns to bring anything from water, bread, rice or soap to two camps that are home to more than 40,000 displaced or to army bases. Other traders serve Mosul shops, talking or bribing their way through army checkpoints. "The economy had hit bottom but now it's very good," said Ahmed Mohammed, an official in Khabat, a town next to Kalak. Soldiers -- part of a 100,000 strong force sent to the north -- were flocking to the busy Khabat market. "We all come here to buy cloths," said Mahmoud Hakim, a soldier sent from Baghdad, while checking out winter coats. "Its much cooler here than in Baghdad." ($1 = 1,160.3000 Iraqi dinars) (Editing by Angus MacSwan)
On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ...
Kuwait City (AFP) - Kuwait's appeals court has upheld a 10-year jail sentence against an online activist on charges of insulting the emir and harming national interests, a newspaper reported on Thursday.

Waleed Fares was convicted of spreading false news on Twitter about the Gulf state's domestic affairs which harmed national interests and of insulting the emir and undermining his authority.

He was also convicted of publishing comments deemed offensive to judges and the public prosecutor.

On Wednesday, the appeals court upheld the 10-year jail sentence handed down by a lower court, Kuwait's Al-Qabas newspaper reported.

In recent years, dozens of opposition politicians and activists have been jailed by the Kuwaiti courts, most of them on charges of insulting the emir or undermining his authority.

Dozens more are awaiting trial on similar charges.

The crackdown came after the emir dissolved an opposition-dominated parliament in 2012 sparking two years of mass street protests.

A key opposition member of the dissolved assembly, Mussallam al-Barrak, has been in jail for more than 18 months, serving a two-year sentence on charges of insulting the emir during one of the protests.
By Piya Sinha-Roy LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - "La La Land," a modern-day musical love story of two struggling artists in Los Angeles, cemented its Hollywood awards season front-runner status on Thursday by simultaneously leading the nominees for Critics' Choice Awards and being named best picture by New York film critics. "La La Land" scored 12 Critics Choice nominations, including best picture, best actress for Emma Stone, best actor for Ryan Gosling and best director and screenplay for Damien Chazelle. Sci-fi drama "Arrival" and independent drama "Moonlight" both landed 10 nominations each, including in the best picture race, as well as best director for Denis Villeneuve and Barry Jenkins respectively. The New York Film Critics Awards, a separate critics organization, named its 2016 winners on Thursday, with "La La Land" taking best picture. Jenkins was named best director. The Critics' Choice Awards are chosen by the 300-plus members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA). Winners will be announced at a televised ceremony held in the Los Angeles coastal town of Santa Monica on Dec. 11. Both the New York Film Critics and BFCA members rarely cross over into the film Academy and industry guilds that picks nominees and winners for the majority of Hollywood's awards shows, but the critics' awards help to build buzz for potential Oscar front-runners. Also in the Critics Choice best picture race is Denzel Washington's "Fences," Mel Gibson's war drama "Hacksaw Ridge," crime thriller "Hell or High Water," adoption tale "Lion," "Loving," about an interracial married couple, family grief drama "Manchester by the Sea," and Clint Eastwood's "Sully." Stone will be contending for best actress opposite Amy Adams for "Arrival," Natalie Portman for "Jackie," Ruth Negga for "Loving," Annette Bening for "20th Century Women" and Isabelle Huppert for "Elle." Gosling will face Casey Affleck for "Manchester by the Sea," Washington for "Fences," Tom Hanks for "Sully," Joel Edgerton for "Loving" and Andrew Garfield for "Hacksaw Ridge" in the best actor race. The Critics Choice Awards divides the movie categories across drama, comedy, action, animated and sci-fi/horror, to include the bigger budget studio films sometimes overlooked during awards season. In the action movie categories, superhero films "Captain America: Civil War," "Deadpool" and "Doctor Strange" will compete against "Jason Bourne" and "Hacksaw Ridge." (Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in La La Land (Photo: Toronto International Film Festival)

By Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter

The New York Film Critics Circle has chosen La La Land as the best film of 2016. The critics group voted on its annual film winners on Thursday.

Although Damien Chazelles Ryan Gosling- and Emma Stone-starring musical took the top prize, that was the only NYFCC award won by the Oscar frontrunner. Fellow frontrunners Moonlight and Manchester by the Sea won three awards each. Manchester took best actor (Casey Affleck), best screenplay (Kenneth Lonergan) and best supporting actress (Michelle Williams), who was also recognized for her work in Certain Women. Moonlight took best director (Barry Jenkins), best supporting actor (Mahershala Ali) and best cinematography (James Laxton).

Related: La La Land, Arrival, Moonlight Top Critics Choice Nominations

Isabelle Huppert followed her surprising Gotham Awards win on Monday with the NYFCCs Best Actress prize, recognizing her work in both Elle and Things to Come. O.J.: Made in America continued its documentary winning streak, after nabbing a Gotham award and National Board of Review prize in the same category earlier this week. Zootopia was named Best Animated Flm. Toni Erdmann was selected as Best Foreign Language Film, and Best First Film was a tie for the Hailee Steinfeld-starrer Edge of Seventeen and Krisha.

Two special awards were announced, one for Martin Scorseses longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker and the other for Julie Dashs Daughters of the Dust 25th anniversary restoration.

Last year, Carol was the big winner among the NYFCC, with the Cate Blanchett-starrer taking four awards, including the top prize of best picture.

Last year, Carol was the big winner among the NYFCC, with the Cate Blanchett-starrer taking four awards, including the top prize of Best Picture.

The full list of the NYFCCs 2016 winners follows.

Best Film: La La Land

Best Actor: Casey Affleck for Manchester by the Sea

Best Actress: Isabelle Huppert for both Elle and Things to Come

Best Director: Barry Jenkins for Moonlight

Best Screenplay: Kenneth Lonergan for Manchester by the Sea

Best Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali for Moonlight

Best Supporting Actress: Michelle Williams for both Manchester by the Sea and Certain Women

Best Animated Film: Zootopia

Best Cinematography: James Laxton for Moonlight

Best First Film (tie): The Edge of Seventeen and Krisha

Best Foreign Language Film: Toni Erdmann

Best Documentary: O.J.: Made in America

Special Awards: One for editor Thelma Schoonmaker, the other for Julie Dashs Daughters of the Dust 25th anniversary restoration

Story continues

Founded in 1935, the organizations membership includes critics from daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, magazines, and qualifying online general-interest publications. Every year in December, the group meets in New York to vote on awards for the previous calendar years films.

Related: La La Land Costume Designer Explains the Retro Realistic Look of the Film

In addition to the regular categories, which include best picture, director, actor, and actress, special stand-alone awards are given to individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions to the art of cinema, including producers, directors, actors, writers, critics, historians, film restorers, and service organizations.

The awards will be handed out in New York in January.

La La Land featurette: The Score:
(Reuters) - Arsene Wenger said Arsenal's lack of urgency early in the match and not his team selection was to blame for the London club's 2-0 League Cup quarter-final loss to Southampton on Wednesday. Southampton will take on Liverpool in the semi-finals after first half goals from Jordy Clasie and Ryan Bertrand got them past a weakened Arsenal side and into the last four for the first time since 1987. "We didn't have enough urgency in the first half. We were weak in some departments and we paid for that," Wenger told reporters. "We gave ourselves a mountain to climb. We were not good enough defensively and gave cheap goals away ... it was one of these nights where we looked like we could play for two hours without scoring a goal." Wenger made 10 changes to his side from the team that beat Bournemouth last weekend but would not accept that as a reason for the defeat. "I don't think the problem was there. We had players who are used to top-level competition, but I think we maybe didn't have the right urgency from the start," the 67-year-old added. "We were not incisive enough in the first half, especially. In the second half they played very deep and were sharper than us." Southampton manager Claude Puel made eight changes from the side that beat Everton at the weekend and, although impressed the victory, warned against complacency. "We moved the team at the start with different players and the answer from them was fantastic," Puel told the club website. (www.southamptonfc.com) "We will see for the future of the competition, but for now we have no time to be satisfied and happy because it's important ... to make a good result in the Premier League and then we have a very important final game in the Europa League." Tenth-placed Southampton visit Crystal Palace in the league on Saturday before their Europa League match at home against Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Southampton will take on Liverpool over two legs in the League Cup semi-finals on Jan. 10 or 11 and Jan 24 or 25 to decide who plays Manchester United or Hull City in the final. (Reporting by Debanjan Bose in Bengaluru)
Istanbul (AFP) - Moscow and Damascus were not behind an air strike in Syria last week that killed four Turkish soldiers, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday, refuting Turkish claims.

"Neither Russia nor Syria, its air force, had anything to do with this," Lavrov told a news conference in the southern Turkish resort of Alanya, alongside his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu.

"Our (Russian and Turkish) representatives had discussed this issue right after the incident on various levels," he said.

Turkey blamed Syria for the November 24 strike, which came on the first anniversary of the shooting down of a Russian military warplane by the Turkish air force.

That incident sparked an unprecedented crisis in relations between Turkey and Russia, who remain on opposite sides of the Syrian conflict.

Ankara is staging an unprecedented military operation in northern Syria to support rebels against Islamic State (IS) jihadists.

With Turkey's help, opposition fighters have so far retaken Jarabulus, Al Rai and the symbolically important town of Dabiq from IS.

Moscow has sided with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, providing military support that the Western observers say is killing civilians, not just jihadists and the rebels.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed Syria three times on the phone in the last week including the Turkish soldiers' deaths.

Lavrov warned that coordination between Moscow and the US-led coalition was key to improving the fight against terrorists.

"We coordinate with the US-led coalition, of which Turkey is a part, with the goal of avoiding unplanned incidents. So, through these channels, it would make sense to check who was flying and who was not flying."

- Humanitarian corridors in Aleppo -

Lavrov also defended Moscow's involvement in a massive Syrian bombing campaign to crush the last resistance by rebels in eastern Aleppo, which has forced thousands of civilians to flee.

Story continues

"We have helped the Syrian regime to thwart attempts by terrorists to block the exit of civilians from eastern Aleppo," Lavrov said in Alanya.

Lavrov said Russia used any opportunity to help civilians despite what he said "threats from those called local council to prevent passage of humanitarian convoys and fire on them."

The UN reported Thursday Russia proposed setting up four humanitarian corridors to eastern Aleppo to allow aid to enter and to evacuate the injured.

- 'Meetings with Syrian opposition' -

Lavrov added now that "most of eastern Aleppo has been liberated", he did not understand why large-scale efforts to organise humanitarian convoys had not yet begun despite talks with the United Nations.

Lavrov also confirmed "ongoing" meetings with the Syrian opposition "to convince them to become part of the solution" but declined to comment on its details.

"We never evaded contact with all opposition groups," he stressed.

For his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called for a "ceasefire" in Syria and for humanitarian aid to be sent to the country.

He later added: "A political solution is the best solution."
Lester Holt will anchor NBC Nightly News live from Hawaii on the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. The December 7 broadcast will feature interviews with World War II veterans and their families. Additionally, Nightly News will air a Lester Holt conversation with Tom Brokaw from The Intrepid, in which Brokaw, who currently is involved in fundraising for The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, discusses his reporting on that era of U.S. history.

On Pearl Harbor Day, Holt will also contribute coverage to NBCs Today, and MSNBC and NBC News social media accounts. NBC News correspondent Joe Fryer will also report live from Pearl Harbor on December 7 for MSNBC and NBC Nightly News. Fryer will contribute additional coverage on the anniversary throughout the week.

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JERUSALEM, Dec 1 (Reuters) - The partners in the Leviathan natural gas field off Israel's coast said on Thursday they signed a deal worth about $2 billion to supply gas to Dalia Power Engines.

Under the deal, Dalia -- the largest private power plant in Israel -- will receive 8.8 billion cubic meters of gas for up to 20 years once production starts.

Leviathan, which is expected to start production in 2019 or 2020, was discovered in the eastern Mediterranean in 2010. Much of its 622 cubic meters of natural gas is earmarked for exports, while the Leviathan partners have already signed supply deals within Israel and abroad, including with Jordan.

Partners in Leviathan include Texas-based Noble Energy with 39.66 percent stake, Israel's Avner Oil and Delek Drilling who each have a 22.67 percent share, and Ratio Oil with the remaining 15 percent stake.

Earlier this week, Delek and Avner said they signed commitment letters with HSBC and J.P.Morgan for up to $1.75 billion of financing to develop the Leviathan site.

(Reporting by Steven Scheer)
LOS ANGELES, CA and RESTON, VA / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Lightbridge Corporation (LTBR), a U.S. nuclear fuel technology company, announced today that it will be presenting at the 9th annual LD Micro Main Event on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 9:30 -10:00 AM PT in Track 1 at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Seth Grae, President & Chief Executive Officer of Lightbridge Corporation will be presenting, as well as meeting with investors.

The LD Micro Main Event is the largest independent conference for small/microcap companies and will feature 240 presenting names.

View Lightbridge's profile here: http://www.ldmicro.com/profile/LTBR

News Compliments of Accesswire

About Lightbridge Corporation

Lightbridge (LTBR) is a nuclear fuel technology company based in Reston, Virginia, USA. The Company develops proprietary next generation nuclear fuel technologies for current and future reactors. The technology significantly enhances the economics and safety of nuclear power, operating about 1000 C cooler than standard fuel. Lightbridge invented, patented and has independently validated the technology, including successful demonstration of the fuel in a research reactor with near-term plans to demonstrate the fuel under commercial reactor conditions. The Company has assembled a world class development team including veterans of leading global fuel manufacturers. Four large electric utilities that generate about half the nuclear power in the US already advise Lightbridge on fuel development and deployment. The Company operates under a licensing and royalty model, independently validated and based on the increased power generated by Lightbridge-designed fuel and high ROI for operators of existing and new reactors. The economic benefits are further enhanced by anticipated carbon credits available under the Clean Power Plan. Lightbridge also provides comprehensive advisory services for established and emerging nuclear programs based on a philosophy of transparency, non-proliferation, safety and operational excellence. For more information please visit: www.ltbridge.com.

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About LD Micro

LD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space. What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into an event platform hosting several influential conferences annually (Invitational, Summit, and Main Event).

In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector. LD will continue to provide valuable tools for the benefit of everyone in the small and microcap universe.



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The Lil Wayne bus shooting that occurred in April 2015 has taken another turn. The rappers former tour bus driver, Alvin Lewis, is suing Young Thug, Birdman, Peewee Roscoe, Cash Money records and Young Money records for their involvement in a shooting of a bus he was driving.

Lewis said he has suffered and continues to suffer substantial and continuing pain, anguish, suffering, discomfort, medical expenses, lost personal and professional property, and lost wages. The complaint also states that defendants placed plaintiff in immediate fear of death and severe bodily harm by attacking and attempting to kill him without any just provocation or cause, reported CourthouseNews.com.

Before the shooting occurred, Lil Wayne performed at the Compound nightclub in Atlanta. According to the complaint, a confrontation between Lil Waynes crew and Peewee Roscoes crew arose, with Roscoe allegedly saying, This is my city Ill spray the bus.

Lil Wayne and Birdman

Photo: Getty Images/Doug Benc

Authorities escorted the bus as it left the area, but Roscoe continued to pursue the vehicle, allegedly pulling up beside the bus and firing at it with a .40 caliber handgun and a 9mm handgun. The rapper was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the shooting.

In August 2015, Roscoe, who serves as Young Thugs manager, said he shouldnt be held fully responsible for the shooting. In court documents obtained by TMZ, Roscoe said [Birdmans] financial dispute with [Lil Wayne] is what ultimately led to the shooting.

Rapper T.I., who has a relationship with both Lil Wayne and Young Thug, believes Roscoe was not responsible for the shooting. During an interview with DJ Drama on Shade45, T.I. alleged that Roscoe took a charge, trying to stay silent for somebody.

I know he didnt do it. I wont lie to you. Its a tough spot. I still love Wayne. I still do everything I can for him, T.I. added.

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Back in April 2015, Lil Wayne's life was nearly in jeopardy after his tour bus was targeted and shot at by Peewee Roscoe (aka Jimmy Carlton Winfrey) after Wayne's show in Atlanta. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but now, Wayne's former tour-bus driver is seeking retribution after that traumatic experience drained him emotionally and financially.

According to Courthouse News, a suit filed Nov. 16 at Georgia's Cobb County by Alvin Lewis alleges that Young Thug, Birdman, Jimmy Carlton Winfrey, Cash Money Records and Young Money Records placed him "in immediate fear of death and severe bodily harm by attacking and attempting to kill him without any just provocation or cause." In addition to that, Lewis is suing for assault and battery, breach of contract and intentional infliction of distress and more.

Last April, Winfrey pulled up to Wayne's tour bus and fired several gunshots in the alleged gang-related shooting. No one was injured. Following the shooting, Winfrey attempted to hide the car he was driving in, but to no avail.

As a result, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with the first 10 years being served in jail and the remainder on probation. In the suit, Lewis also explained how he "has suffered and continues to suffer substantial and continuing pain, anguish, suffering, discomfort, medical expenses, lost personal and professional property and lost wages." He's currently seeking unspecified damages for his emotional state.

Though Winfrey was the only one facing charges, Birdman and Young Thug were deemed as his associates in the indictment. Both men have remained adamant of their noninvolvement and innocence regarding the situation.
It's the stuff of dreams. On Feb. 27, 2011, producers Iain Canning, a Brit, and Emile Sherman, an Aussie, won the Oscar for best picture for The King's Speech - the very first film they made after launching See-Saw Films in 2008, a U.K.-Australian production and financing company. (It also was the first time either attended the Academy Awards.)

See-Saw was a bold gamble considering its London and Sydney offices are on opposite ends of the planet, but the payoff was immediate. Sherman and Canning - who talk almost every day but can go several months without seeing each other - have deep connections in their respective film communities, plus are able to tap into generous government-backed film funds and tax incentives in both locales. They cover the rest of a film's budget via foreign presales and rich deals with U.S. companies, including go-to partner The Weinstein Co.

It was Canning's friend and British producer Gareth Unwin who brought King's Speech to Canning in London; it also helped that Sherman knew fellow Aussie Geoffrey Rush, who starred in the George VI biopic opposite Colin Firth. King's Speech went on to gross a stunning $414 million on a reported $15 million budget.

Chris Chen

While it hasn't yet repeated the financial windfall, See-Saw and its 25 employees have established the company as a home for prestige film and TV fare, from British filmmaker Steve McQueen's Shame to acclaimed television series Top of the Lake from Aussie filmmaker Jane Campion (McQueen is Canning's pal; Campion is Sherman's). In addition to planting a flag in this year's awards race with Lion - they won't say how much the film cost, but Harvey Weinstein's shop plunked down $12 million for distribution rights in much of the world - See-Saw is getting more ambitious in scope.

The outfit is in production on Mary Magdalene - Universal International and TWC are partners on the biblical epic - and prepping McQueen's Widows, an ensemble female heist movie that's set in Southern California.

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Sherman, 44, a married father of three young boys, lives in Sydney, while Canning, 37, resides in London with his husband, Ben. Both filmmakers recently spoke with THR about why they have every faith in Weinstein, the importance of casting Chiwetel Ejiofor as Peter in Mary Magdalene and why they will never be producers for hire.

Chris Chen

Lion is based on the story of Saroo Brierley, a 32-year-old adopted Tasmanian man who used Google Earth to find his birth family in India. How did you prevail in a bidding war for his life rights?

Sherman: We had a home-court advantage. The disadvantage was that we were very late to the table. When we turned up, there had been about 20 companies around the world who put in bids. But Saroo's obviously Australian. My job was to make him feel we'd tell the most respectful, authentic version of the story.

Canning: In those early days, some people suggested setting the story in America to make it more commercial.

Sherman: Sometimes America can think it is the center of the world. We have a different perspective.

The Weinstein Co. is going through lean times. Are you worried about Lion getting enough support?

Canning: No. Lion is the sort of film that TWC does incredibly well. Look at King's Speech. But it is interesting to look at the landscape in terms of U.S. indie distributors. There's been a real shapeshift. TWC has had to change the way it is. I think they will release fewer films now, but concentrate on those films.

Chris Chen

How did you first meet, and why did it make sense to partner with someone so far away?

Canning: I was working as a foreign sales agent at Renaissance Films in London in 2004 and selling Candy, a film starring Rush and Heath Ledger that Emile produced. We didn't know each other well when we formed See-Saw.

Sherman:The idea was to be the ultimate U.K.-Australian co-production company. Both countries have a history of supporting film. It allows us to make a movie that can compete with Hollywood but doesn't cost us more.

Read more: Trump's Twitter Tirades and Why TV News Will Adapt to a New Normal (Guest Column)

What size are your budgets?

Sherman: We support emerging filmmakers with budgets under $10 million. Outside of that stream, our films tend to be in the $15 million to $40 million range.

Canning: We had a watershed moment after The King's Speech where we were offered a film by a significant [European] distributor that was financed and ready to go. But we just didn't feel like it was adding anything to the world. We said no, and that really defined us going forward. It has led us in strange directions, but it is the only compass we have.

Will Brexit hurt the film business in the U.K. and Europe?

Canning: Yes. The smaller projects from first- or second-time filmmakers usually are made with subsidies from Europe. They are going to be harder to make, and that's a tragedy. If I hadn't been an executive producer on Hunger, I would not have the relationship I have with Steve McQueen, so it's important to be there at the ground level.

Chris Chen

Were you shocked when it passed?

Canning: I went into a depression I'm not out of yet.

Sherman: The world is dividing between the populist and global movement.

How will a Trump presidency impact what movies are made?

Sherman: The one thing we could say is that it feels like the world is aching for films that tell stories of love and the coming together of people of all backgrounds.

Read more: 'Rogue One' Writer Tony Gilroy to Make Millions Off Reshoots

Any concerns that Mary Magdalene, starring Rooney Mara, will spark controversy among conservative Christians?

Canning: No. We wanted to address the misunderstanding, or idea that Mary Magdalene also was Mary the prostitute. Even the Catholic Church now agrees it is an amalgamation of the two.

Sherman: The film isn't radical and is faithful to the Bible in many ways. Mary was one of few, if not the only, females that went with Jesus Christ to Jerusalem. She was there at the crucifixion and the resurrection. For women of faith, as well as men, it offers a real opportunity to celebrate a woman as part of that story.

Canning: When we were scouting in Jerusalem, we met a Catholic nun who asked us what we were making the film about. When we told her, she said, "Please, don't make her a prostitute." And we said, "We're not, we're not." She said, "Thank you, because she is not here to defend herself."

Chris Chen

Joaquin Phoenix plays Jesus in the film, while Chiwetel Ejiofor plays the apostle Peter. Will Ejiofor's casting prompt debate?

Sherman: Color-blind casting is exciting. As producers, we need to be responsible and lead the discussion regarding diversity instead of hiding behind "we're just doing our jobs." Also, we want to capture the ethnicity of the place. The people we've cast and the accents we're using haven't been seen before in terms of stories about Jesus.

Neither of your spouses work in the film industry. Good or bad?

Sherman: This is an all-consuming business, so it is good to have a reality check from people who just don't care that much.

Canning: And try explaining what a producer is to your parents. They sort of got it when we won the Oscar for The King's Speech. (Laughter.)

This story first appeared in the Dec. 9 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
With Lion, the Weinstein Company has another potential crowd-pleaser that also could be an Oscar crowd-pleaser. The film, runner-up for the Peoples Choice Award at this years Toronto Film Festival, has all the elements that make a hit but at its heart is an emotional powerhouse of a true story. It centers on 5-year-old Saroo from Calcutta, who becomes hopelessly lost during an outing with his older brother and begins a journey across continents to eventually find a new life in Australia with his adoptive parents, John and Sue Brierley. The boy has all sorts of obstacles before that happens, including a train trip to nowhere where he eventually is picked up by officials who cant understand him and dont know where he came from. One thing leads to another and, eventually, Australia.

Cut to 25 years later: Saroo Brierley, now firmly Australian, becomes obsessed with finding his mother and brother, even though the tiny village in India is like locating a needle in a haystack. But with the help of a never-say-die attitude and Google Earth, he begins his quest  one that becomes more intense as the movie rolls on. As I say in my video review (click the link above to watch), it is an amazing tale of one boy, lost then found, then found again.

Dev Patel had a great passion for playing this role, and it shows. Hes excellent as the older Saroo, a young man with a mission. He is the perfect complement for Sunny Pawar, who plays the 5-year-old Saroo, and is an irreplaceable fixture in the films first half. A non-actor, Pawar is simply a screen natural and really provides the heart and soul of the film, as does Nicole Kidman as his adoptive mother in one of the stars warmest and most effective turns in some time. David Wenham provides nice support, as does Rooney Mara, nicely underplaying the role of Saroos girlfriend.

Adapting the material from Saroo Brierleys autobiography A Long Way Home, screenwriter Luke Davies navigates a tricky story that could have run out of steam once it hits Australia but somehow makes it all one piece. Garth Davis direction is masterful in bringing all the elements together. That it all actually happened gives Lion great power, and audiences will be hard-pressed to hold back the tears in this one, yet it never succumbs to cheap sentimentality. Producers are Iain Canning,Emile Sherman and Angie Fielder. The Weinstein Company has the film in limited release now with expansion throughout awards season.

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Do you plan to see Lion? Let us know what you think.

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soyuz russia roscosmos spaceship nasa

An uncrewed cargo ship bound for the International Space Station (ISS) is now a bunch of burned wreckage in a remote region of Russia.

On Thursday morning, Roscosmos  Russia's space agency  launched an expendable Progress module crammed with 5,383 lbs of food, water, medical equipment, toiletries, and other supplies toward the ISS. It was riding a Soyuz rocket launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome site in Kazakhstan.

However, a little more than 6 minutes and 30 seconds into its roughly 9-minute flight, the Progress ship stopped communicating. That was more than 2 minutes before it was supposed to enter orbit, according to Spaceflight Now.

"After the launch of the Soyuz-U launch vehicle along with the Progress MS-04 cargo spacecraft, telemetry connection was lost on the 383th second of flight," read a tweet from Roscosmos, according to a translation by RT.com, one of Russia's state-controlled news agencies.

After that point, the Progress should have separated from the third and final upper stage of the Soyuz rocket.

It looks like today's Russian rocket launch crashed, as the 3rd-stage motor failed. Not good. https://t.co/jtO28qBGej https://t.co/RqoINnle2v  Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) December 1, 2016

NASA quickly told the Expedition 50 ISS crew aboard the space station about the incident.

"Unfortunately I have some not-so-great news for you guys," a mission controller told astronauts. "Basically, what we saw was indications of the third-stage [separation] occurring a few minutes early and we haven't had any communications with the Progress at all."

When a spacecraft detaches too early from its rocket ride, it's not a good situation. It doesn't have enough speed to reach orbit and instead arcs back toward Earth, plows through its thick atmosphere at thousands of miles per hour, and either burns up, crashes, or both. Failure to separate leads to a similarly unfortunate outcome.

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Earlier reports suggested that one of those scenarios had happened, suggesting the breakup and crash occurred over land in the Tuva region of Russia.

Unconfirmed reports of large explosion in the Tuva region of Russia after launch of #Progress65. May be debris, location good match.  Alasdair Allan (@aallan) December 1, 2016

The Tuva region is just east of Kazakhstan and northwest of Mongolia:

tuva region russia google maps labeled

Roscomos later confirmed the loss of the Progress MS-04 about 118 miles above Tuva, a "rugged uninhabited mountainous territory," the agency wrote in a release.

"[M]ost of the fragments were burned in the dense layers of the atmosphere," it said, implying that some of the wreckage may have hit the ground.

The loss of Progress MS-04 poses a hiccup for operations aboard the ISS. However, Roscomos said the incident "will not affect the normal operation of the ISS systems and space station crew." In a post for NASA's Space Station blog, writer Mark Garcia backed up this assertion.

"The Expedition 50 crew is safe aboard the station," Garcia wrote. "Consumables aboard the station are at good levels."

NASA is also reminding the public that JAXA  Japan's space agency  is launching its HTV-6 cargo ship to the ISS on December 9, so spaceflyers may not wait long for more supplies.

An investigation into the incident has begun

Soyuz MS-01 NASA

Soyuz rockets also launch astronauts and cosmonauts into space.

Companies like SpaceX, Boeing, and Orbital ATK are developing alternative means of getting people to the ISS, since the Soyuz system is currently the only way to launch anyone into space.

Until then, NASA will continue to pay Russia up to $81 million per astronaut per launch, absent the rollout (and space agency approval) of something like SpaceX's Dragon crew module atop a Falcon 9 rocket.

However, that rocket system also recently suffered a failure, though during a routine launchpad test.

Russia has formed a state commission to investigate why the Progress module never made it to space aboard the Soyuz rocket.

NOW WATCH: Here's the incredible view an astronaut sees on a space walk





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Copenhagen (AFP) - The container shipping unit of Danish conglomerate A.P. Moller-Maersk said on Thursday it had agreed to buy German peer Hamburg Sud, as the industry consolidates amid a downturn.

"The acquisition of Hamburg Sud is in line with our growth strategy and will increase the volumes of both Maersk Line and APM Terminals," the chief executive of Maersk Line and the Maersk Group, Soren Skou, said in a statement.

Part of the family-owned Oetker Group, Hamburg Sud operates 130 container vessels and is the world's seventh largest container shipping line, with $6.73 billion ($6.06 euros) in revenue last year.

The acquisition takes Maersk Line's global capacity share to 18.6 percent from 15.7 percent.

"Maersk Line expects to communicate further details following the approval of the sales and purchase agreement expected early in the second quarter of 2017," the company said, adding that it planned to complete the transaction by the end of next year.

The shipping industry is undergoing a wave of consolidation after suffering its worst downturn in six decades amid overcapacity and slumping global trade.

Japan's three largest shipping firms said in October they were merging their container businesses, and France's CMA CGM earlier this year bought Singapore-based container liner Neptune Orient Lines (NOL).

Hanjin -- South Korea's largest shipping company and once the world's seventh biggest -- filed for bankruptcy protection in August.
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After Tammy Burgess was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 55, she fell into the grips of crippling anxiety.

"I would just lay on the couch. I didn't go to work," she recently told researchers at New York University's Langone Medical Center. "When you're anxious about cancer, everything else becomes anxious."

But Burgess said she eventually broke free of her existential fears, thanks to a surprising treatment: a capsule of psilocybin, a mind-altering compound found in magic mushrooms.

"It was so peaceful and so beautiful," Burgess recalled.

SEE ALSO: Ecstasy can reduce fears and stress in PTSD patients. Here's how.

Burgess was among 29 participants in a small clinical trial to see whether psilocybin  a banned substance in the United States  could ease anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Participants, who all had cancer, received the doses in an eight-hour, supervised session together with psychological counseling.

The trial's results were published Thursday in conjunction with a similar study by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, which involved 51 cancer patients.

In the trials, researchers had to secure federal waivers to use psilocybin. The naturally occurring compound is listed as a Schedule 1 substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, meaning it is banned as the federal government has ruled it has no accepted medical use. Marijuana is also a Schedule 1 substance.

The psilocybin studies found that just a single dose of the drug could significantly reduce depression and anxiety in people suffering from cancer with limited side effects, according to the research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

About 80 percent of participants in the two studies showed clinically significant reductions in both psychological conditions that lasted for more than six months. After participants ingested the psilocybin, researchers continued to track their clinical evaluation scores for anxiety and depression over several months. Participants received therapy sessions before and after consuming the drug.

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The studies add to a growing body of research exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic substances. Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the go-ahead to a large-scale trail of MDMA, a.k.a ecstasy, for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.

While researchers studied health impacts of psychedelic drugs in the 1950s and '60s, much of their work was halted after the substances became criminalized in the '70s and '80s. Researchers have only recently resumed these types of studies in the last decade or so.

"Our results represent the strongest evidence to date of a clinical benefit from psilocybin therapy, with the potential to transform care for patients with cancer-related psychological distress," Stephen Ross, lead investigator for the NYU study and director of substance abuse services at NYU Langone, said in a statement.

Roland Griffiths, a neuroscience professor at Johns Hopkins, noted that traditional psychotherapy offered to cancer patients, such as behavioral therapy and antidepressants, may not take effect for weeks or months, if ever.

"The most interesting and remarkable finding is that a single dose of psilocybin, which lasts four to six hours, produced enduring decreases in depression and anxiety symptoms, and this may represent a fascinating new model for treating some psychiatric conditions," Griffiths said in a news release.

Besides creating conscious-expanding experiences and unleashing a wave of compassion and connectedness, eating too many magic mushrooms can cause nausea, vomiting, lack of coordination  or even lead to death in extreme scenarios.

Researchers leading the clinical trials stressed that they gave patients the psilocybin capsules under tightly controlled conditions and in the presence of clinically trained monitors. They cautioned against using the compound outside of such a research or patient care setting.

Jeffrey Lieberman, a former president of the American Psychiatric Association, and Daniel Shalev of the New York State Psychiatric Institute were among the leaders in psychiatry, palliative care and drug regulation who provided commentary in support of the new research.

The studies are "a model for revisiting criminalized compounds of interest in a safe, ethical way," they wrote. Lieberman and Shalev said easing research restrictions on psychedelics would open up "much potential for new scientific insights and clinical applications."

Closeup image of dummy psilocybin drug.

Image: NYU LANGONE MEDICAL CENTER

Other experts, however, express skepticism about the results. William Breitbart, who chairs the psychiatry department at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, said the diversity in the participants' cancer diagnoses undermined the studies' findings.

Patients included people with early-stage cancer up to imminent terminal illness, making it harder to know which patients might have found relief from anxiety and depression without psilocybin, the New York Times reported Thursday.

"Medical marijuana got its foot in the door by making the appeal that 'cancer patients are suffering, they're near death, so for compassionate purposes, let's make it available,'" Breitbart told the newspaper. "And then youre able to extend this drug to other purposes."

BONUS: Stunning images of the supermoon from around the globe
Washington (AFP) - Islamic State group jihadists are making a "last stand" in their former Libyan stronghold of Sirte, where they now control only around two blocks, the Pentagon said Thursday.

The IS group had held all of the Mediterranean port city as recently as early this summer, establishing a significant foothold in Libya.

The United States started a bombing campaign in August at the request the UN-supported Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) to help local forces recapture the city more than a year after the IS group seized it.

Although the operation has taken months longer than initially expected, it has pushed back the group's control to around 50 buildings.

The remaining jihadists are few in number "but they are persistent and fighting to the death," Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said. "It's a stubborn area."

"This is ISIL's last stand in Sirte and they are fighting hard," he added, using another acronym for the IS group.

The fall of Sirte -- the hometown of the slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi located 450 kilometers (280 miles) east of Tripoli -- would represent a significant blow to the jihadists, who have also faced a series of setbacks and major assaults in Syria and Iraq.

US warplanes, drones and helicopters have conducted 467 strikes since the air operation began on August 1.

The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp and its contingent of aircraft, which were involved in earlier strikes, left the region in October and continuing strikes are being conducted by drones.
The Nebraska Attorney General's office has accused a Lincoln-based clothing business of ripping off both customers and sales agents.

According to a complaint filed this week in Lancaster County District Court, Pixi Chix and its owner, Andrea Christensen, have taken money from both customers and sales consultants and then failed to fulfill their orders.

The business also is accused of selling college and pro team apparel without licenses to do so.

The Attorney General's Office says in its complaint that it has received at least 140 complaints from customers and sales consultants, but a spokeswoman for the office said several dozen more complaints have been received in the past two days.

Christensen, who also operated the business under the name State 51 Wear, is accused of violating both the Nebraska Consumer Protection Act and the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, as well as the Seller-Assisted Marketing Plan Act.

If found guilty, she could face fines of $2,000 for each violation.

Customers and sales agents of the business have been complaining for months on social media, alleging that they paid for custom-made merchandise and then never received it, received only part of it or received their items months after they were promised. There also have been complaints of merchandise being of a much poorer quality than what was promised.

The Better Business Bureau has registered nearly 90 complaints against the business just in the past year.

Earlier this month, Christensen was ordered to pay more than $11,000 to a supplier after failing to appear to contest a lawsuit against her.

Those wishing to file complaints with the Attorney General's office can call 402-471-2682 or go to https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov.

Christensen could not be reached for comment. A phone number listed for both Pixi Chix and State 51 has been disconnected.
A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers is rushing to finalize a new healthcare law that would overhaul the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and earmark billions of dollars for medical research. The bill, called the 21st Century Cures Act, is also a huge win for lobbyists: 1,455 lobbyists, working on behalf of 400 different healthcare companies, medical device makers and research institutions weighed in on the 900 pages of regulatory tweaks and research grants.

The 21st Century Cures Act passed the House Wednesday by a vote of 392-26. The Senate is expected to take it up next week and President Barack Obama has indicated he will sign the bill when it comes to his desk.

The law combines more than $5 billion in funding for medical research and anti-addiction services, with significant changes in how the FDA regulates drugs and medical devices.

Originally conceived as a bill to boost research, the law has been revised and tweaked countless times to build bipartisan support. At the same time, pro-industry groups have used the bill as a vehicle to achieve their long standing legislative agenda: to reduce the regulatory burden of bringing products to market.

The medical devices and pharmaceuticals have sprinkled all sorts of goodies in the bill, Dr. Michael Carome, director of the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen's health research group, told International Business Times. While he applauds the push for more research funding, Carome said the final version of the bill is a bad deal for patients because it effectively makes it easier for drug companies and medical device manufacturers to get FDA approval for their products without demonstrating that consumer safety has been taken into account.

Supporters of the measure applauded the new research funding  including $1.8 billion for the popular Cancer Moonshot initiative  and characterized the bill as a much-needed reform for the FDA. Its going to be a game-changer, House Speaker and Republican Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan said Wednesday. It will fundamentally transform the way that we treat and cure diseases in this country.

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But Carome and other consumer advocates are particularly concerned with several provisions that make it much easier for pharmaceutical companies to bypass stringent testing requirements to market and sell drugs for multiple uses.

Currently, if a company wanted to sell a drug to treat more than one ailment, it must conduct randomized scientific trials showing the product does indeed work for each separate illness it's marketed for.

The 21st Century Cures Act lowers that threshold and tasks the FDA to adopt a real-world evidence standard  a far cry from the clinical trials the FDA has been requiring. Instead of conducting randomized, controlled experiments, a company would be required only to submit observational data from a set of patients already using the drug.

This undermines the gold-standard of safety thats supposed to be included in the review process, said Carome.

The bill also frees pharmaceutical companies to work with insurance companies to promote off-label uses for their drugs and creates a new category of breakthrough medical devices which qualify for expedited regulatory approval. In some cases, it allows the industry to submit summaries of trial data when seeking FDA approval, instead of the entire raw data-set.

These regulatory changes are alarming to some experts who study the FDAs review process.

Daniel Carpenter, a historian at Harvard who writes about the FDA, has called the new bill the 19 Century Fraud Act, and warned that relaxing FDA standards threatens to take us back more than a century. Dr. Reshma Ramachandran, co-chair of the 20,000-member National Physicians Alliance, is also a harsh critic of the bill. She argued in a recent op-ed that it could fundamentally distort the meaning of FDA approved. Supporters of the bill stress that the regulatory tweaks have the stamp of approval from Andrew Eschenbach, George W. Bushs FDA commissioner, who has been consulting with congress over the law.

Carome, with Public Citizen, said the weaknesses in the bill are the direct result of industry lobbying: Over the last two years, lawmakers were subjected to one of the most intense lobbying blitzes of the Obama era, as the pharmaceutical and medical device industries worked to influence the final text of the bill. The frenzy was so intense, Politico reported early this month, that lobbyists have been privately referring to the bill as a grab-bag and a Christmas tree.

Kaiser Health News reviewed the lobbying records filed by the Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America, the trade group representing drug makers, and found the industry group spend up to $24.7 million lobbying on the bill. (On some of the lobbyists' disclosure forms, multiple healthcare laws are listed, and it was not clear how the industry's lobbyists divided their time.) The mega-drug maker AbbVie  which manufacturers Humira, one of the most lucrative pharmaceuticals marketed for multiple uses  spent up to $7.7 million. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent up to $136.5 million.

The bill also had support from the US. Oil and Gas Association  which spent $293,000 on lobbying  since some of the new funding for research would come from selling oil crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

The proliferation of lobbying struck a nerve with Massachusetts Democrat Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who along with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is trying to lead a Democratic insurgency against the law.

"This is a bad bill, which should not be passed in its current form," Sanders said on the eve of the House vote. "It's time for Congress to stand up to the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies, not give them more handouts."

Warren railed against the measure on the Senate floor Monday: "Does the Senate work for Big Pharma that hires the lobbyists and makes the campaign contributions, or does the Senate work for American people who actually sent us here?"

Warren singled out the case of W. Ed Bosarge, a Texas stem-cell entrepreneur, who donated more than $3 million to GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells Super PAC. Bosarge also hired lobbyists to persuade Republican senators to introduce provisions that would allow certain stem cell treatments to go to market before theyve been proven effective.

Some, but not all of Bosarges requests were integrated into the final version of the 21st Century Cures Act. Some other industry-supported provisions, including a proposal that would have made it easier for doctors to hide payments they receive from pharmaceutical and medical device companies, were rolled back ahead of Wednesday's vote.

According to data from the Center for Responsive Politics, the lawmakers who introduced the measure are bankrolled by the healthcare industry. One of the bills original sponsors, Michigan Republican Rep. Fred Upton, collected more than half a million dollars from the industry over his last two campaigns. His co-sponsors, Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Joe Pitts and New Jersey Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone, both collected more than $300,000.

Upton, for his part, has said meeting with children suffering from spinal muscular atrophy convinced him to author the legislation. Well find cures for these diseases that impact every family that is out there, whether it is cancer, lupus, Alzheimers, diabetes, you name it, he said after the bill passed the House.

Carome was blunt in his assessment of the bills success: The process for passing and crafting this legislation is corrupt, he said. The most popular provisions  the additional funding for opioid treatment and medical research  dont lock in a long term funding stream, Carome said, and could be eliminated under a Donald Trump administration.

There's no guarantee that future Congress will appropriate that funding  a GOP-led legislature could very well cut it, he said. And in exchange for something this illusory, many lawmakers have agreed to permanently weaken some FDA standards in favor of the industry.

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Three Maori women performed a haka at the site of protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline on Saturday, November 26, as part of what they said was a call to the First Nation women of Standing Rock.

Benita Tahuri, Harete Whakatope and Ninakaye Taanetinorau were among a group of six New Zealand residents to visit the site and express solidarity with the Sioux people and environmentalists who oppose construction of the pipeline.

Footage recorded by Maori man Marcus Matawhero Lloyd was shared of their protest, which took place amid severe winter conditions.

The Guardian reported snow had started to fall at Standing Rock as more protesters travel to the site to show support, despite orders to evacuate as temperatures fall.

We went to pass on the timeless, powerful and successful intentions of our ancestors by staring them in the eye, Taanetinorau told Storyful. Credit: YouTube/Marcus Matawhero Lloyd via Storyful
DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / The city of Fort Worth's announcement to create additional green space in the historic neighborhood of Fairmount was encouraging to founder and CEO of Western Rim Property Services, Marcus Hiles. The renowned real estate developer has been providing Texans with ecologically sustainable luxury living for over three decades, and is proud to see his company's values being replicated on the government level.

In September, Fort Worth city council member Ann Zadeh described plans to expand an already existing park on lands adjacent to the Fire Station Community Center in the Fairmount area. The highly desired and necessary renovations will add 1.35 acres of walking paths, manicured flora and fauna, congregational areas, and play spaces as part of an initiative to maintain, improve and enlarge open outdoor zones in Texas' urban cores. Marcus Hiles, a longtime proponent of increasing the state's tree canopy and a leading supplier of energy efficient housing, believes his communities helped establish the current environmentally conscious trend that is sweeping the nation. Each of Western Rim Property Services' developments create large swaths of public and private parks in cooperation with local governments and charity initiatives, and one of the company's main mission statements is to plant 100,000 caliper inches of trees every ten years. Beautiful, natural landscapes are featured at every possible opportunity, as properties border impressive lakes, expansive trails, and even massive protected state forests.

Internally and externally, buildings are thoughtfully constructed with the highest quality materials in order to be ecologically proactive, yet visually stunning. Roofs and attics are equipped with reflective, radiant TechShield barriers that reduce heat transfer by up to 97 percent, and can lower indoor temperatures by over thirty degrees during harsh summer months. High-density weather stripping and dual pane windows with a layer of argon gas and a solar heat gain coefficient of at least 0.22 further assist in climate control and protection from the elements. Only air conditioners with a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of 16 or more are used, and inside, programmable thermostats allow residents to use up to 30 percent less energy, reducing their utility bills and carbon footprint. By maintaining standards well above industry averages, Hiles and Western Rim provide comfort in the most extreme weather conditions, ensure a respectful, mutually beneficial relationship with the environment, and have lowered carbon emissions by 32,000 tons across over 10,000 properties.

Marcus Hiles, Fort Worth real estate investor and developer, is the CEO & Founding Chairman of Western Rim Property Services, which has been creating affordable luxury rental options and impactful communities across the Lone Star State since 1990, and currently manages over 15,000 properties. As the son of an inner city minister, Hiles is also an avid philanthropist and enjoys giving back to his community. The entrepreneur has completely funded the construction of two large churches in Texas and Massachusetts, and is an instrumental supporter of public and private K-12 initiatives, after school programs, university career services, and job placement programs.

Marcus Hiles - Chairman & CEO of Western Rim Property Services: http://www.MarcusHiles-News.com

Western Rim Property Services- Marcus Hiles - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Western-Rim-Property-Services-Marcus-Hiles-1013270532051763/

Marcus Hiles (@marcus_hiles) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcus_hiles

Marcus Hiles - Western Rim Properties - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-0OBq1LCu8

Contact Information:

MarcusHiles-News.com

marcus@marcushiles-news.com

SOURCE: Marcus Hiles
DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / One of Texas' most prominent business leaders is using his influence to take a stand for disadvantaged children. Marcus Hiles, the CEO of Western Rim Property Services, strongly advocates the right for every student to receive the highest quality of education, regardless of his or her familys socioeconomic status. Putting words into action, Hiles purchased over 3,000 backpacks - filled with binders, pencils, note cards and other school supplies - which he personally donated to children in need throughout the Dallas/Forth Worth area.

Charitable actions akin to Hiles' have become increasingly vital in recent years, as the city's inner-city school districts have struggled to overcome a 2011 decision by the state Legislature to cut $5.4 billion in education funding. Hit the hardest by the cuts were schools in low-income, urban communities, where minimal property taxes were unable to compensate for the budget loss. Since the controversial 2011 decision, these schools have lost an average of 12 percent of their full-time teachers, leaving students overcrowded and with less individual attention. As reported in the New York Times, the state of Texas considers 66 percent of students in the Dallas district at considerable risk of dropping out, and Marcus Hiles believes the city's youth must be afforded better opportunities. "For these children hailing from lower income families, a quality education plays a pivotal role in improving social mobility," Hiles elaborated. "Kindergarten through 6th grade is essential to the next generation's success."





The president of the Texas Association of School Administrators, Karen Rue, similarly urged that, "kids deserve transformational, top-to-bottom reform. We need a better understanding of what it costs to educate 5.2 million students." To assist policymakers in ensuring every child is educated enough to command a job paying above the poverty line, the AEI-Brookings Institute, a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit public policy research organization formed a Working Group on Poverty and Opportunity. In its 2015 report, the Working Group recommended policies increasing public investment in preschool and postsecondary education, promoting social-emotional as well as academic skills, modernizing the organization and accountability of the educational system, and closing resource gaps. Education has always been a vital way for Americans to transform their economic circumstances. In a time of rising inequality, increasing the quality of and access to education has the potential to offer improved opportunities for countless American children.

Marcus Hiles is a renowned real estate investor and the CEO & Chairman of Western Rim Property Services, Texas' leading supplier of affordable luxury apartments and townhomes. The son of an inner city minister, Hiles' urban upbringing led to a passion for philanthropy, and he has worked hard to alleviate hardships for economically disadvantaged women and children. Hiles charitable works include over $2.5 million in donations to education initiatives, the construction of two large churches, and the improvement of public parks, lakes, streams and green spaces throughout Texas.

Marcus Hiles - Chairman & CEO of Western Rim Property Services: http://www.MarcusHiles-News.com

Western Rim Property Services- Marcus Hiles - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Western-Rim-Property-Services-Marcus-Hiles-1013270532051763/

Marcus Hiles (@marcus_hiles) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcus_hiles

Marcus Hiles - Western Rim Properties - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-0OBq1LCu8

Contact Information

MarcusHiles-News.com

www.MarcusHiles-News.com

marcus@marcushiles-news.com

SOURCE: Marcus Hiles
BOSTON (Reuters) - Massachusetts' top financial regulator on Thursday charged a Boston-based investment adviser and his employer, LPL Financial LLC, with fraudulently selling annuities to retirees.

Roger Zullo defrauded his clients, lied to his supervisors and fabricated client financial suitability profiles to enrich himself and his employer by selling identical, illiquid, and high-commission variable annuities, the state said in its complaint. It charged LPL Financial LLC with having failed to properly supervise him.

Zullo, who works near the city's financial district and whose website says that he will help clients develop "integrated wealth and income management strategies," did not immediately respond to a request for comment. His lawyer, David Freniere, also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. LPL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a civil complaint, Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin charged that Zullo earned $1.8 million in variable annuity commissions over the course of three years, making nearly all of the money by selling the same annuity product, the Polaris Platinum III (B shares).

The complaint said Zullo had a pattern of switching clients, including many nurses and other healthcare professionals, out of their annuities every six or seven years and earning commissions "over and over again from the same clients." He met one client at a subway station near his office in early 2015 to sign the paperwork to switch her into Polaris Plantinum annuity, the complaint says.

While some at LPL were aware of Zullo's sales habits, the company failed to act appropriately the state said, noting that "Zullo bypassed LPL's paper-thin compliance review process for these sales by fabricating client financial suitability information, such as age and liquid net worth."

Galvin's office has long sought to crack down on financial advisers who may be taking advantage of elderly clients.

In this case, the state is seeking to revoke Zullo's registrations in the state and have the him and LPL return all profit and other payments they received from the alleged wrongdoing.

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
Editors Note: This story originally ran on December 1, 2016.

When Mel Gibson and Andrew Garfield gather to speak on their WWII film Hacksaw Ridge, each has jetted into LA from Europe where they are making other movies. Gibson left the set of The Professor and the Madman, a movie hes starring in with Sean Penn. Garfield was deep into developing the semi-schizophrenic character he was about to start playing in Under the Silver Lake, but it doesnt take much time for them to snap back into Desmond Doss mode.

The moment they received a sustained standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, Gibson and Garfield put themselves into the awards season race with Hacksaw Ridge, capping a remarkable 15-year ordeal to bring to the screen the story of the first conscientious objector to win the Medal Of Honor. That medal was pinned on Doss by President Harry Truman for courage under fire that included pulling 75 wounded men to safety one night during a siege gone horribly wrong in the Battle of Okinawa in the waning days of WWII.

The clock started on the drama when producer David Permut brought Terry Benedict, who had befriended Doss while making a documentary about him, to Bill Mechanics Pandemonium offices. Benedicts documentary took Doss and a few of his surviving platoon-mates back to Maeda Escarpment. It was the site of the bloodiest battle in the Pacific, where the army medics heroism stunned soldiers who labeled Doss a coward for his unwillingness to pick up a rifleor even to fight on Saturday, which fell on the Seventh-day Adventists Sabbath day. Benedict, who had been granted feature rights by Doss and his church, brought to his meeting with Mechanic an appearance by Doss on This is Your Life that left the producer pulling out his checkbook to buy the property.

He figured there would be a short path to the screen. After all, the biggest problem was that Doss heroics were so extreme they had to be downplayed in the movie simply because audiences wouldnt have believed the full extent. That included the level of cruelty his commanding officer and fellow enlisted men displayed toward Doss as they tried to drum him out of the army on a Section Eight discharge for mental instability. But it most profoundly played out when Doss proved himself the bravest man in Japan on a day when the medic and his men were overrun by the Japanese forces, driven down from the high ridge, leaving dead and wounded soldiers behind by the score. The Japanese had designs on killing and torturing the injured, but Doss had ideas of his own. Using his faith as his guide, he dodged and evaded the enemy and dragged his own men to a cargo net, lowering them to safe ground below with a long rope.

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At the point where Desmond is injured by a grenade and they are pulling him out on a stretcher, what actually happened was that some other soldier was wounded and Desmond rolled off the stretcher, Mechanic says. He was just blown up by a grenade, but he treats this other guy, and he is out there for another five hours sitting there. He gets shot twice and straps on a rifle butt as a splint. When they dont come get him, he crawls. There were things that left us thinking, who would believe that?

Turns out Doss had 17 pieces of shrapnel in his body and his arm was shattered. The key to the story was the fact that, while Doss might have used part of a rifle as a splint, he held true to his vow to never raise a weapon to kill the enemy.

How could such a heroic WWII tale remain untold on the screen for over 70 years?

It was not for lack of trying. Hal Wallis campaigned for the rights, even bringing Audie Murphy with him to persuade Doss. They were sent packing because the last thing the humble Doss wanted was to glorify his achievements. It was only in his later years, following the death of his wife, that Doss relented to the call from his church that the time felt right for his story to be told.

He didnt want to publicize himself, didnt really want a movie made of his life and it wasnt until he was in his 80s that his friends convinced him that his story had to live past him, Mechanic says. We brought on Robert Schenkkan to write it, sold it to Walden Media, with an eye toward protecting the religious content. Not to dial it up or down, just tell the story as it was.

Nothing came easy, not even landing Gibson to make his first directing project in a decade. The script by Schenkkanthe Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright behind The Kentucky Cycles who wrote four episodes of the WWII miniseries The Pacificwas strong, but Gibson wouldnt bite. He turned it down twice. Mechanic, who, while a top Fox exec, acquired the foreign rights on Braveheart that got the Best Picture winner financed, immediately thought of the filmmaker.

I felt that Desmond was, in a way, like William Wallace without the sword, he says. One was violent and the other non-violent, but they were both men prepared to die for what they believed in. I pitched the film to people as a different form on Braveheart and sent it to Icon. They said they loved it, but it was a no. I sent it again, same thing.

Gibson suggests that it took time for the script to rattle around his head before the visuals changed his mind. But he was carrying the shrapnel of a series of self-inflicted public outbursts, the most serious of which came in the back of a cop car in Malibu when a drunken Gibson spouted anti-Semitic remarks that left him persona non grata. Mechanic thinks that for whatever reason Gibson was too preoccupied to take his overtures seriously. I dont think he ever really read it closely because on the third approach he committed in one day.

I passed on Braveheart. I kind of liked it and thought, maybeI dont know, Gibson says. One reason or another. Then its like what happened [here]. The wheels start going around and you start visualizing it.

Braveheart was initially offered to Gibson as an acting role alone. But he was looking to step up after doing the small character piece The Man Without a Face. I started visualizing it, a lot. I would think about how cool could this be? Youd have a shot list in your head and visualize what you wanted to see. Two years later, Id finished a movie and someone said, What do you want to do next? Gibson remembered Braveheart. Hacksaw Ridge reverberated the same way, I looked at it again and I just saw it with new eyes, he adds.

By then, Garfield, fresh off The Amazing Spider-Man, was being eyed for the lead. Even though Gibson isnt a fan of superhero movies, hed seen the British actors work in films like The Social Network, where he played Mark Zuckerbergs estranged college pal Eduardo Saverin. The empathy that Garfield exudes more than just about any other actor of his age convinced Gibson and he was in.

But, although Walden Media sparked to the faith-based heroism, the company set the budget very tight, and ultimately dropped out when the filmmakers could not meet the contractual requirement to make a PG-13 film. Braveheart was 50% more expensive than this movie and that was 23 years ago, Mechanic says. We got the budget down but I just didnt think there was a chance in hell this was anything less than R. Mel doesnt have it in his being to take that script and not show it on screen. That defined who Desmond Doss was. His beliefs arent real until he proves it on the battlefield. Anyone could say, Im not going to pick up a weapon. Put yourself in a situation when youre the only guy out there and 1000 Japanese soldiers are coming after you. Thats when your beliefs are tested. Without that violence, to me its not a story.

That meant starting from scratch and piecing together a budget for a $40 million movie only made possible by shooting in Australia with nearly the entire cast down under  Garfield and Vince Vaughn were among the few exceptions, and while Gibson is American, he was born in Australia. It was his first movie back home in 30 years after starting his career there with films like Gallipoli and Mad Max.

Even though Cross Creek Pictures came in for a piece, the lack of a big visual effects budget required inventiveness with the requisite explosions, with charges that could detonate practically under the noses of actors playing the soldiers. We just didnt have any money and that was the single biggest obstacle, says Mechanic. Mic Rodgers, our stunt guy and one of the few guys we brought in from outside Australia, had done all Mels pictures and he brought in this technology. Hes up on the battlefield with our head stuntee, who has this camera, and Mic is demonstrating the bomb. It goes off about a foot away from him and you see dirt, but no Mic. He was gone. The stuntee is like, Holy shit, I just blew up my boss. It was the funniest thing as Mic got up.

It was this technology that made the action achievable at this budget level. It was supplemented by digital effects, but all that stuff was real and stunt-driven, Mechanic notes.

All the financial wizardry still left them short as they ended with battle scenes. Mechanic says he and Gibson personally covered the costs needed to get the required shots.

Gibson stopped short of playing Doss father  a violent drunk who eventually would help his son in his fight against the army to be sent into battle. He said he would have played the part if no one better emerged. But putting Gibson in that role might have been a bit too on the nose given the circumstances that kept him from behind the camera the last decade, even though he has been sober now for longer than that. He found Hugo Weaving. The guy killed me, Gibson says. I thought he was great. He became the obvious choice to do that part. You get somebody like Hugo, you use that guy. I cant do what he can do.

The shoot was arduous. I dont know if I was ever frightened because I had that Desmond energy inhabiting that character, Garfield says. I dont know if Desmond had the time to be frightened, whether he turned that into physical action or a prayer, but it was thrilling to have the physical things happening around us as actors and extras. And stunt guys were dealing with all these box bombs and explosions with mud flying. There were times where it got tricky, especially when we were trying to achieve something intimate while mud was landing in the back of your throat.

Gibson adds, Youre trying to play a moment and being hit by that stuff, its just awful. I remember in a film I did years ago, the wind is blowing this filthy sand into my eyes while Im trying to emote. You watch it back and think it worked out okay, but you are just having a miserable fucking time trying. Youve just got to try to relax because any skill requires that.

Garfield came to Hacksaw Ridge after completing an equally difficult shoot on the Martin Scorsese-directed Silence. He said that film was harder, partly because the shoot was solitary and he starved himself to look the part of a Jesuit priest. This was a new thing for me with Mel, and the way he works, and the feeling that he creates on set, and the feeling he creates within the company, Garfield says. It feels like youre a traveling theater company and thats Mels background as well; drama school in Sydney. I did mine in London and started in theater and it felt like a company of traveling gypsies. There was a real joy on the set, amidst the trickiest, most harrowing stuff we had to do.

Garfield says the cast bonded like a battalion might. You have to laugh to keep from crying as you imagine what those guys went through. Theres an absurdity youre witnessing on a daily basis where, if you truly let the reality deeply in, its going to destroy you. That is when the psyche cracks and the PTSD sets in.

There was something so spirited and joyful and loving about the Hacksaw experience; not that those things werent present on Martys movie. But Silence was much more isolating, where on a personal level the primary relationship is between my character and a god that may or may not be there; a silent god. I was isolated, hungry, lonely and celibate for six months. It was absolutely fucking fascinating. But [on Hacksaw], having the brothers and the wife and a great leader in Mel, and maybe the odd beer on the weekend, made it ever so slightly easier.

Many of the visual flourishes that make Gibsons films singular come in the moment. Garfield recalls an 11 p.m. text from Gibson saying he was planning to change a big scene in which Doss is doused in water, scheduled for the following day. I was anxious because you like to have a framework, and youve already laid that out. But you just totally trust it because hes operating from this deep guttural instinct, not dissimilar to where Desmond was operating from within his life. Mel is very, very in touch with his primal nature and that still, small voice inside. Hes a very emotional filmmaker, a very visceral, physical filmmaker.

Says Gibson of the seminal baptism scene: I just wanted a moment where it was like this kind of transition, this cleansing moment. And it became literally that. He comes off the hill and hes all covered in blood and mud, and I needed that moment where you just focus in a kind of spiritual or ethereal, lyrical way. It was something I cooked up on the spur of the moment, and we threw it together. You have these moments of clarity that are hard because theyre not on the schedule and the budget is so tight. But you just go, oh no. I have to fit this in.

Another scene, in which Doss covers an injured soldierall except his eyesin dirt to conceal him from Japanese soldiers, was the same. You think, that guys eye, in the ground, now that would be a cool image. And then youve got no choice but to find a way to do it.

It fell to Mechanic to explain each of these detours to the bond company. But when he ran Fox, Mechanic was also the point person for James Cameron as he mounted Titanic. Coming through Hacksaw Ridge has left him feeling that the market for literate movies is as bad as any time he can remember.

The business is in a very weird place, he says. To me, this is the worst of times. Its probably the lowest ebb of motion pictures ever, maybe since the late 60s led to the 70s films. I keep waiting for the phoenix to rise, or for the whole thing to fucking crumble, and then maybe we can pick back up and get real movies made again. But to me, this is a period of just abject terrible movies. Nobody cares, and there is no alternative. Studios, right now, are manufacturers. Like Detroit. Theyre manufacturing cars, looking for this years model of the Chevy. Other than a Dark Knight, which breaks the rules, were in a business where almost all the quality is being pushed into tiny little pictures, and Im not interesting in making little pictures. Mel is not a perfect person, but he has improved on each of his pictures, and Andrew is the finest young actor of his generation. I had this experience on Titanic, and on Braveheart, and here, also. When you look in the eye of Jim Cameron, and when you look in the eye of Mel Gibson, it makes you feel, okay, were putting all our money on this guy.

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BURLINGTON, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Memex Inc. ("MEMEX") (TSX VENTURE: OEE) announced today that its Chief Executive Officer, David McPhail, will present at the 9th annual LD Micro Main Event Investor Conference on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 2:30pm Pacific Time at the Luxe Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Mr. McPhail will also meet with investors.

"Our presentation at a recent U.S.-based conference generated significant interest and resulted in numerous meetings. I am excited to share the MEMEX story with investors at the LD Micro conference," said Mr. McPhail. "We believe the quality and breadth of tech companies attending the LD Micro Investor Conference will attract like-minded investors with whom our story will resonate."

View Memex Inc.'s profile here: http://www.ldmicro.com/profile/OEE.V

News Compliments of Accesswire.



About LD Micro

LD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space. What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into an event platform hosting several influential conferences annually (Invitational, Summit, and Main Event).

In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector. LD will continue to provide valuable tools for the benefit of everyone in the small and microcap universe.

For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at david@ldmicro.com or visit www.ldmicro.com/events for more information.

About MEMEX

MEMEX, the developer of MERLIN, an award winning IIot technology platform that delivers tangible increases in manufacturing productivity in Real-Time, is the global leader in machine to machine connectivity solutions. Committed to its mission of, "Successfully transforming factories of today into factories of the future", and encouraged by the accelerating adoption and success of MERLIN, MEMEX is relentlessly pursuing the development of increasingly innovative solutions suitable in the IIoT era. MEMEX envisions converting every machine into a node on the corporate networks, thereby, creating visibility from shop-floor-to-top-floor. MEMEX, with its deep commitment towards machine connectivity, offers solutions that are focused on finding hidden capacity by measuring and managing Real-Time data. This empowers MEMEX's customers to effectively quantify and manage OEE, reduce costs, and incorporate strategies for continuous lean improvement.

Story continues

Media Contact

Memex Inc.:

David McPhail, CEO

Phone: 519-993-1114

Email: david.mcphail@MemexOEE.com

Rashi Rathore, Marketing Manager

Phone: 905-635-3040 ext 103

Email: Rashi.Rathore@MemexOEE.com

Investor Relations

Sean Peasgood, Investor Relations

Phone: 416-565-2805

Email: Sean@SophicCapital.com

SOURCE: Memex Inc. via LD Micro
A Memphis couple on vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, are missing and their three children are injured after wildfires swept through the area on Monday.

Jon Summers, an architect, and his wife, Janet, both 61, havent been found, and their three sons  Branson, 23, and twins Wesley and Jared, 22  have been hospitalized after being caught in the fire, according to USA Today.

The boys are doing much better. Thats great news, Steve Berger, president of the architectural firm that employs the father, told the news outlet. Were very hopeful about Jon and Janet being located.

A fundraising page has raised over $26,000 to help with the brothers medical expenses and injuries.

On Wednesday, the outlet reported that Mike Agee, a possible family friend, said that the family became separated as they tried to escape the fires.

What we know is in trying to escape, the family split up once their escape route was blocked by debris in the road. The boys went one way and the parents continued down the road, the post read.

He added, Wesley, Branson and Jared Summers..were found unconscious in Gatlingburg in the midst of wildfires. They were on a family vacation with their parents, Jon and Janet Summers. The sons are at Vanderbilt Medical Center in the burn unit and unconscious as a result of smoke inhalation. We are trying to locate the parents who were probably injured. If anyone knows anything, please let me know.

Another family friend, Silas Armstrong, said theyre a close-knit family and the parents had homeschooled their sons.

According to the outlet, Janet Summers initially took to Facebook to write about the fire.

Feels like end of times. Businesses closing, people wearing masks, she wrote. The fires in the North Carolina mountains are close to Gatlinburg. We are in an odd space with little visibility, ashes floating.

Seven deaths have been confirmed after the wildfire spread throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Approximately 7,139 people across multiple counties are without power from the storms, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.




Costco has cleared the first hurdle in planning to open a Lincoln store.

The Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Commission on Wednesday voted 7-2 to recommend approval of a use permit to allow the warehouse retailer to build a store at 16th Street and Pine Lake Road. Commissioners also voted 8-1 to approve a Comprehensive Plan amendment and zoning change for the site, which is farmland owned by Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.

The plan calls for a 156,000-square-foot store, along with gas pumps for 16 vehicles on about 20 acres between 16th Street and Hazel Scott Drive.

The location, between two schools, has drawn strong opposition from people living in the area, who have said the development will produce too much traffic and increase risks to schoolchildren.

Several of the commissioners expressed concerns about traffic as well but said they felt that they needed to rely on the recommendation of city staff.

"Planning and Public Works are telling me this can be managed," said Commissioner Maja Harris.

Commissioner Jeanelle Lust, who had voted for the Costco use permit three weeks ago when it failed to get enough votes to advance, changed her vote Wednesday.

She said she had previously voted for it based on city traffic figures showing an alternate commercial development at the site could produce more traffic than Costco. However, she said, she thought the traffic figures were based on a development similar to the strip mall on the south side of Pine Lake at 14th Street. But the traffic numbers the city projected included a hypothetical 52,000-square-foot big box store, which Lust said was not comparable. She still voted in favor of the Comprehensive Plan amendment and the zoning change.

Commission Chairman Chris Hove was the other vote against the project.

Hove said he supports a Costco in Lincoln, but not at the 16th and Pine Lake site.

"The unintended consequences of this development will be enormous," said Hove, who said he felt like Planning Department officials are "desperately trying to accommodate Costco" at a site that's not appropriate for it.

Debbie Stuart, who lives in the area and has been a vocal opponent of the development, said she was "very disappointed" in the vote.

"I feel like the safety and the traffic concerns have not been adequately addressed," Stuart said.

The proposal will now go to the City Council, which will make the final decision.

Costco officials have said they hope to start construction in the spring and be open by next fall.
In 2014, the government of Mexico initiated major reforms within its telecommunications sector. Mexicos telecom regulatory authority, the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), had taken several steps to instil competition in the highly monopolistic industry. Those reform initiatives have started bearing the desired results.

Recently, the IFT announced that the countrys telecom sector has witnessed a 13.3% growth in revenues year-over-year in the third quarter of 2016. This growth rate is highest among all the other sectors of the economy. Remarkably, the telecom sectors growth rate is more than six times higher than the 2.04% overall growth rate of Mexicos GDP in the same time frame. In the third quarter of 2016, the broader telecom sector of Mexico generated total revenue of approximately MXN 513 billion.

Mexico has been witnessing massive investment in its telecom sector. In Jun 2016, the countrys Secretariat of Communications and Transport (SCT) declared that a total of more than $6.5 billion has been invested in the last three years. Additionally, around $13.5 billion has been invested recently in the telecom sector. Furthermore, the upcoming nationwide shared broadband network will further attract around $7 billion worth of investment.

At present, there are three nationwide telecom operators in Mexico. Mexican telecom behemoth America Movil SAB AMX and Spanish telecom giant Telefonica SA TEF were the two incumbents. Last year, the U.S. telecom behemoth AT&T Inc. T entered the fray with the acquisition of Grupo Iusacell and Nextel de Mexico. All three stocks mentioned above currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Furthermore, AT&T acquired U.S. satellite TV giant DIRECTV, which had a strong Latin American presence including Mexico. Moreover, the IFT has permitted the Mexican TV broadcasting giant Grupo Televisa SA TV to enter the countrys telecom market. However, the company is yet to take any decision in this regard.

Story continues

In Mar 2016, Mexico established the Telecommunications Investment Promotion Agency through a presidential decree. The agency is responsible for the installation of the governments proposed 4G LTE shared network and provision of telecommunications services. The federal government will provide the resources to the agency that will be managed by a board of directors, headed by the Minister of Communications and Transport while the IFT will regulate it.

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(Updates with comments from afternoon news conference)

By Ana Isabel Martinez and Michael O'Boyle

MEXICO CITY, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Mexican Central Bank Governor Agustin Carstens will stand down in July, a move that adds doubts about the direction of Latin America's No. 2 economy following the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president.

The central bank on Thursday announced the impending departure of the 58-year-old Carstens, who has been at the helm of the central bank since 2010 and whose term had been due to conclude at the end of 2021.

Carstens, a former Mexican finance minister and highly respected by international investors, will leave to take the top job at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in October for a five-year term, the Basel-based BIS said. Carstens has for some time had his eye on such a role. He ran unsuccessfully in 2011 to head the International Monetary Fund, losing to France's Christine Lagarde.

His replacement was not immediately clear, but at an afternoon news conference, Carstens said he expected Mexico's president to name the new governor before he steps down at the end of June.

The peso currency, which has been battered by fears surrounding the Trump presidency, weakened more than 1 percent against the U.S. dollar on the news that Carstens was leaving, hitting its lowest since mid-November in the aftermath of the election.

The peso later pared losses to trade down about 0.8 percent.

Carstens said it was "exaggerated" to attribute the day's peso depreciation to his resignation, saying that it was a reaction to movements in global interest rates.

Carstens also said that the federal government had respected the central bank's autonomy and he was sure that current Finance Minister Jose Antonio Meade would be able to maintain the confidence of investors in Mexico.

Meade said that there would be an orderly transition.

"It was shocking," Ernesto Revilla, an economist at Banamex, said of Carstens' departure. "There were rumors of this, but no one was expecting it to happen so soon, especially with the new Trump scenario."

Story continues

"Agustin has been a pillar of economic policy in Mexico," Revilla noted.

The peso suffered on Thursday because "there is no clear successor at the central bank ... There is no one on the top of peoples' minds of who could take his place," he added.

LEAVING IN A STORM?

At the news conference, Carstens was asked whether he was jumping ship in the middle of the storm, a reference to the election of Donald Trump. He replied that he would still be around for seven more months.

"I hope the storm does not last that long," he said.

Among possible successors mentioned were Alejandro Werner, a former deputy finance minister who holds the top post for the Western Hemisphere at the International Monetary Fund, as well as current deputy central bank governor Manuel Ramos Francia, who is less well known in global financial circles.

Former Finance Minister Luis Videgaray, a close ally of President Enrique Pena Nieto, is also seen as a potential replacement, though he is a divisive figure in Mexican politics.

During the U.S. presidential campaign, Carstens warned that Trump's election could hit Mexico like a hurricane.

However, following Trump's surprise victory, he suggested the next U.S. government's impact could be less severe.

Most members of the central bank's board are concerned that uncertainty about new economic policies under Trump could further hammer the peso, according to minutes from the central bank boards last meeting released earlier on Thursday.

"Going forward, the majority agreed it's possible that the ... recovery won't be sustainable due to the aforementioned uncertainty surrounding the economic policies of the new administration of the U.S. government," the minutes said.

Trump threatened to rip up a free trade deal with Mexico during the campaign and any such move could hit Mexico's economy, which sends around 80 percent of its exports to the United States.

Mexico's central bank raised its main interest rate by 50 basis points to 5.25 percent on Nov. 17, the fourth hike this year to support the peso, which hit a record low after Trump's win. It is down more than 20 percent this year.

Carstens is known as a savvy political operator who rose from being the central bank's chief economist in the 1990s to hold senior posts in the finance ministry. As head of the central bank, he presided over Mexico's recovery from the global financial crisis and helped keep inflation low in a country that had suffered a string of economic mishaps in previous years.

(Additonal reporting by Miguel Angel Gutierrez, and Noe Torres; Editing by Simon Gardner and Andrew Hay)
(Adds Slim comments from TV interview)

By Christine Murray

MEXICO CITY, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim said on Thursday that if President-elect Donald Trump succeeds in office, it will be good news for Mexico, and that he would be more worried as an American than a Mexican about the next U.S. government.

Slim, a telecoms tycoon who spent several years as the world's richest man, says he has never met Trump, but the two businessmen traded barbs during a bruising U.S. election campaign in which Trump vowed to build a wall along the southern border to keep out Mexican immigrants.

In October, Trump accused Slim, the top shareholder in The New York Times Co, of trying to help Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton, even though Slim's shares have limited voting rights.

Then, a few days before the Nov. 8 election, Slim said Trump's plans could "destroy" the United States economy.

In his first public comments since Republican Trump's stunning victory, Slim said that Trump's plans could risk the international leadership role the United States plays.

"I'd be more worried if I were American," he said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. "If he's going to close the economy ... if he's going out of the NATO and other international (bodies)."

But Slim added that Trump's potential success would also be Mexico's, arguing that a 4 percent U.S. growth rate and the creation of millions of jobs would benefit Latin America's second biggest economy.

"That's fantastic for Mexico," Slim said at a Bloomberg event in Mexico City.

Mexico should turn its attention inward and invest to spur growth, Slim said. He said Trump's win had not affected any of his own investment plans.

Still, Slim also warned the audience about the effects of some of the protectionist measures Trump has threatened to impose, including steep tariffs on Mexican-made goods.

"To put a tax of 35 percent on our exports will be paid by (U.S.) consumers," he said while speaking on a panel alongside Bloomberg founder and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Story continues

Trump has said he would renegotiate or scrap a trade deal with Mexico. Trump attacked U.S. companies investing south of the border, battering Mexico's peso.

"It's not easy to build a wall, anyway they build tunnels and most people arrive by plane," Slim joked in comments before the election, referring to drug cartels digging tunnels to smuggle their products into the United States.

(Reporting by Christine Murray, additional reporting by Enrique Andres Pretel; Writing by Gabriel Stargardter and Dave Graham; Editing by Chris Reese and Grant McCool)
Washington (AFP) - So, how do you pronounce the last name of Steven Mnuchin, the banker, Hollywood producer and political fundraiser tapped by President-elect Donald Trump as the next Treasury secretary?

Well, give it your best shot -- you probably won't be far wrong.

A quick online search produced an impressive array of variations.

The New York Times, the paper of Mnuchin's hometown, offered "mi-NEW-chin." The Washington Post, the paper of his future home if he is confirmed by the Senate, suggested the slightly broader-sounding "mah-NEW-chin."

And Salon.com took an in-between approach, with "meh'NEW'-chen."

Mnuchin was for years a partner at Goldman Sachs -- and the son of a partner at Goldman Sachs -- so it seemed logical to query the media office of the famous investment banking firm.

But a very polite media rep there placed a reporter on a rather extended hold -- and then came back to ask for a bit more time -- because she was finding that "everybody pronounces it differently."

Turns out Mnuchin's father, Robert Mnuchin, was an art dealer in addition to having been an investment banker. An employee at the Mnuchin Gallery in Manhattan made it clear that the establishment has no connection to Steven Mnuchin -- but she allowed that father and son did pronounce their name the same way:

M'noo-shin.

And that's pretty close to the way the Goldman Sachs media rep pronounced it when she finally finished her survey: M'noo-chin.

But just to be on the safe side, she declined to give her own name.
A Florida mother left her infant alone in a car while she shopped for Thanksgiving deals, police have said.

Shannon Bunkley, 21, was charged with child neglect after she allegedly left the baby strapped in a car seat in the parking lot of a Target store in Panama City, authorities said.

Read: Mom Arrested After Son, 2, Accidentally Shoots Daughter, 1, in Face While They Were Left Alone in Car

The vehicle was not locked. A driver called 911 after pulling next to Bunkleys car outside the store on Thanksgiving night and seeing the unattended 4-month-old, police said.

Officers responded and called childrens services workers after finding the baby. They told Target supervisors to make an announcement over the public address system, but no one responded to a call for the babys parents to come forward, police said.

Read: Cops Arrest Dad Who Allegedly Left 5-Year-Old Daughter at Bus Station, Later Found Mom Dead

Bunkley was arrested about 40 minutes later, when she and her boyfriend returned to the car, authorities said.

The woman was released to attend a pre-trial program after being booked into the Bay County Jail, according to nwfdailynews.com.

A phone message left by InsideEdition.com on Wednesday with the Panama City Police Department was not immediately returned.

Watch: Jon Voight Buys Thanksgiving for Non-Profit While Shopping in Walmart

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Grayson Smith has been inspiring others with his sense of determination and ability to love from the moment he was born.

He is absolutely just  theres not even a word to describe him. He is just incredible, the 3-year-old boys mother, Jenny Smith, told InsideEdition.com. He is so funny. He is so smart. He has beaten every single odd that every doctor has ever told us.

The Ranburne, Alabama, child was born with 22 different birth defects, diagnosed with an array of medical conditions that had never before existed in one person, his mom said.

Born with occipital encephalocele, craniosynostosis, micronathia, thumb hypoplasia, a cleft palate, hypospadias, congenital anomalies of the lower limbs, ASD of the heart, apnea and appearing unable to see or hear, his prognosis was not good.

Every doctor told us that he would never survive past two weeks, Smith said.

Now three and a half, Grayson is a happy, sarcastic, caring child who has so far undergone 24 head and brain surgeries, seen 19 shunts put in, is intellectually rating above his age level and is the strongest fighter his parents have ever seen.

He is terminal, his conditions are terminal. Doctors tell us just take it day-by-day. And we really do just take it day-by-day and enjoy every moment, Smith said.

In an effort to find support, Smith and her husband created a Facebook page to share their sons story and connect with others going through similar journeys.

Read: 7-Year-Old Girl Doesn't Let Having Amputated Legs Stop Her From Being a Gymnast

We really didnt know what to do, Smith said of the decision to look to social media. We had doctors telling us he wasnt going to live  but its developed into more of a support page for other parents as well.

The Graysons Story Facebook page became a platform for Grayson and his family to make a difference.

Story continues

People, theyre inspired by him and hes inspired by them. Hes built a lot of special relationships with a lot of special people, Smith noted, saying her chatty little boy often connects with other children with special needs.

He loves to be on the phone, she said with a laugh.

With more than 16,000 followers, Graysons page has largely become a source of positivity, but a cruel corner of the internet nearly saw that come to an end.

A follower of Graysons story messaged me... and said, Im so sorry, but I wanted you to know that I had come across this, Smith said.

A photo of her little boy had been making its rounds online, turned into a hurtful meme that read: That face you make when your parents are actually cousins.

I was devastated, but I thought its just one picture; its just one thing. And then I googled it and it popped up everywhere, Smith said. The devastation and the hurt I felt  we initially were going to take the (Facebook) page down, but Im proud of the child he is and Im proud of the accomplishments hes made. He is thriving and doing well beyond anybodys expectations, which is why we are fighting back and speaking out because hes fighting back and speaking out.

Smith and her family members began reaching out websites where the meme had popped up to ask them to remove the image. Shes had a mix of responses.

A couple have said, we will remove it immediately. Other websites say were not removing it. Its our First Amendment right and well post what we want. Well keep going and circle back around to them, Smith said.

Read: 14-Year-Old Named Isis Posts Tearful Video to Empower Others Being Bullied

She and her husbands three other children  Grayon has a little brother who will be 1 year old this month, a 10-year-old brother and a 13-year-old sister  have also been hurt by the meme, but Smith has turned the experience into an opportunity to grow.

Of course they want to defend their brother and theyre hurt by it, but they also pray for people like this, to forgive them, Smith said. We just kind of handle it as a whole and learn from it. Even though people can be hurtful, hateful and cruel, you always return that with love and respect, regardless. But you have to defend yourself and stand up for what you believe is right.

Since word of the meme has spread, Smith said she and the family have received an outpouring of support. Many have flocked to the Facebook page to show their love for Grayson as well as taken to his YouCaring page, where those interested can donate to help fund his many surgeries.

Grayson's story touched my heart  please know that there are more decent folks out here than trolls - it's just that the trolls are noisier! one donor wrote.

Grayson, you are truly a hero and a strong little boy. I know you will make it through in life because you have love all around you, another person posted.

Its turning into such a positive experience, Smith said. Im glad we did fight back; Im glad that we are moving forward with saying, this is not okay a lot of people get discouraged and they want to just give up thats what we were originally going to do  but you cant do that. You cant allow people to bully you like that. You have to overcome it and you have to keep going.

To donate to aid in Graysons medical expenses, visit his YouCaring page by clicking here.

Watch: Mom of Olympian Gabby Douglas Opens Up About 'Hurtful' Social Media Bullying

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carrier employees laid off

Carrier employees are rejoicing Donald Trump's announcement on Thursday that their company will be keeping more than 1,000 jobs in Indiana.

It's a reversal from Carrier's statement nearly a year ago that the Indianapolis-based air-conditioning company would relocate its plant to Monterrey, Mexico, starting in 2017.

In a video that went viral in February, company president Chris Nelson can be seen delivering the bad news to a large crowd of employees.

The crowd erupted into anger, reacting to Nelson's announcement with jeers and obscenities.

One person could be seen walking out of the meeting.

At one point, Nelson pleaded with the crowd to quiet down so he can continue with the statement, saying, "I've got information that's important to share as part of the transition."

"I want to be clear  this is strictly a business decision," Nelson continued, drawing another round of boos.

"This was an extremely difficult decision. It was made most difficult because I understand that it will have an impact on all of you, your families, and the community."

Carrier was one of two United Technologies plants to announce a move to Mexico in February  the corporation announced on the same day it would also be moving a plant in Huntington, Indiana. That closing does not appear to be part of Trump's deal, ABC2 reported, and will cost Huntington approximately 700 jobs.

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Moonwalker Buzz Aldrin flashes a thumbs-up during his evacuation from Antarctica to New Zealand. His manager, Christina Korp, is in the foreground, taking the selfie shot. (Christina Korp Photo via Twitter)

Buzz Aldrins South Pole adventure turned into a medical emergency when his health deteriorated, but his manager says the Apollo 11 moonwalker is safe today in a New Zealand hospital.

The 86-year-olds health declined during a tour of Antarctica, an adventure travel firm called White Desert said in a statement today.

Aldrin was handed over to the National Science Foundation for a medical airlift. The first leg of the outward trip took Aldrin from NSFs Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to McMurdo Station on Ross Island, aboard a ski-equipped LC-130 cargo plane from the New York Air National Guard. He was flown from McMurdo to Christchurch, New Zealand, aboard a Safair cargo plane, NSF said.

White Desert said Aldrin was taken to a Christchurch hospital, where he was found to have fluid in his lungs. The travel firm said he was responding well to antibiotics and being kept overnight for observation.

His condition is stable, and his manager, who is currently with him, described him being in good spirits, White Desert said.

Aldrins manager, Christina Korp, tweeted a couple of selfies showing Aldrin being treated. After a grueling 24 hours were safe in New Zealand, she wrote. Korp said more information was available on Aldrins website, BuzzAldrin.com, which was slammed by a surge in data traffic.

After a grueling 24 hours we're safe in New Zealand. Here's the press release about how @TheRealBuzz is doing. https://t.co/neSc2MSaA7 pic.twitter.com/ompWjrbws7  Christina Korp (@Buzzs_xtina) December 1, 2016

The detailed diagnosis wasnt released, but the South Pole is considered a high-altitude environment that poses a risk for respiratory problems. That could explain the fluid in the lungs.

Story continues

Aldrin is arguably the most traveled of the surviving Apollo astronauts. This month he went through a grueling series of trips to Australia, California, Florida, Washington, D.C., Texas, Dubai and South Africa  all documented on his Twitter account, @therealbuzz.

He was one of the first humans to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, accompanying Neil Armstrong to the surface while Michael Collins flew above in the Columbia command module.

When Armstrong passed away in 2012 at the age of 82, Aldrin said he was deeply saddened.

I had truly hoped that on July 20th, 2019, Neil, Mike and I would be standing together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our moon landing.  Regrettably, this is not to be, Aldrin said.

Heres hoping that Aldrin is standing, hale and hearty, when the golden anniversary is celebrated.

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Khazir (Iraq) (AFP) - Ihsan Ismail has spoken to his family just twice in a month. In the desperate flight from their village outside Mosul they were separated and are now confined to different camps for the displaced.

More than 70,000 people have fled their homes since Iraqi forces launched their offensive on October 17 to retake Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, from the Islamic State group.

As if living under IS rule for more than two years and being forced from their homes were not enough, now some of the displaced are having to deal with the added burden of being separated from their families.

Security forces say measures are needed to ensure the jihadists do not infiltrate the camps that have sprung up around Mosul to house the displaced. But rights groups are concerned that the restrictions go too far.

Ismail, 18, fled his village of Abu Jarbua east of Mosul shortly after the offensive was launched, and an hour before his parents and little sister Nurhan were able to leave.

Kurdish peshmerga fighters, who are allied with Iraqi federal forces in the Mosul battle, took him to a camp at Khazir but his family was taken to another camp.

He has since only been able to speak to them twice.

"It's been a month like this... I miss them very much," Ismail said. "All I'm asking for is to rejoin them. What's the difference? ... A camp is a camp."

In nearly all of the camps set up to house the displaced, residents are forbidden from leaving and in some cases have had their mobile phones and identity cards confiscated.

"We are at war with terrorists who use all possible means to carry out attacks, and members of Daesh can hide themselves among the displaced and form clandestine cells," Jabar Yaur of the Kurdish interior ministry told AFP, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

- 'De facto detention' -

Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the restrictions being put on those forced from their homes, known as Internally Displaced Persons, or IDPs.

Story continues

"In the camps under Iraqi federal control, IDPs have no free movement at all, unless authorities decide to transfer them or send them back home," said Belkis Wille, HRW's senior Iraq researcher.

The situation is almost the same in camps controlled by Kurdish forces, with a few exceptions, like in the Debaga camp south of Mosul where the displaced are allowed to go to the neighbouring village if they leave behind a piece of identification, she said.

"This is a quite disturbing situation, the pattern is very dangerous," Wille said.

"It is de facto detention -- even if it is not detention, in reality it looks like detention."

Ismail is hardly alone -- three of his uncles have also been separated from their families.

Fawaz Khaled, a 42-year-old father of nine, said he and his two brothers also fled Abu Jarbua when Kurdish forces moved in to drive out the jihadists.

After arriving at a peshmerga checkpoint they were taken to Khazir and told their families would join them. They were instead taken to another camp, at Qimawa.

"We are in this situation since October 28 and nobody is listening to us," Khaled said, sipping tea in a tent at Khazir.

Shaima Ismail has not seen her two oldest boys since she also fled Abu Jarbua with her four children.

When they arrived at the peshmerga checkpoint, Mahmud, 16, and three-year-old Amani were allowed to stay with her in Khazir.

But Ahmad, 21, and Mohammed, 20, were taken to the Qimawa camp.

"I have begged them to bring me to my children, or to let them come here, but nobody will give me an answer," she said.

Her boys call just once a week, afraid that camp officials will discover their mobile phone.

"They tell me they are doing OK and then hang up," she said. "The worry is eating away at me."
Nebraska's high rate of binge drinking and low rate of treatment among those who abuse alcohol caught the eye of a legislative task force working over the interim.

The Behavioral and Mental Health Task Force, chaired by Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz, included the problem on its list of 18 recommendations, released Thursday.

Senators also took on the challenges of a lack of adequate mental health workers, a waiting list and shortage of staff at the Lincoln Regional Center and the limited ability of the state's jails and prisons to meet the high mental health needs of those arrested and sentenced to those facilities.

Binge drinking, defined as five drinks within two hours for a man and four for a woman, is associated with a host of problems and Project Extra Mile says excessive drinking costs the citizens of Nebraska more than $1.1 billion a year, $491 million of which falls on government.

Among Nebraskans who abuse alcohol, only 7 percent received treatment, according to a 2016 University of Nebraska Medical Center assessment.

The task force looked at the statewide capacity to address substance use, Bolz said.

"When we have waiting lists that are three weeks long for the right level of care, those are issues of resources and capacity," Bolz said.

The seven-member task force looked at how to better invest in prevention, while looking at rates paid to providers of those services.

"We know that we are underfunding those services," Bolz said.

The Legislature and the state's Division of Behavioral Health should work together to fund provider rates that have fallen significantly behind the cost of providing the services, specifically in the substance abuse area, the report said.

The report said the state, in general, and rural areas in particular, don't have a sufficient number of mental health workers. Senators recommended publicly funded post-graduate fellowships in psychiatry for physician assistants and psychiatric nurses. There are 791 physician assistants in the state, but only 14 are psychiatric providers.

Providing internships for master's level students in rural and underserved areas, and expanding student loan forgiveness, especially for those willing to serve populations including non-English speakers and substance abusers, were also recommended.

The senators found a waiting list for services at the Lincoln Regional Center and a need for additional inpatient beds and staff, especially nurses.

They recommended adoption of a mental health care provider shortage emergency act, to ensure that if the Regional Center falls below a certain staff level, a portion of vacancy savings would go for staff retention bonuses.

A study could determine the right size and staffing for the center to ensure those who get civil or court-ordered commitments receive treatment they need, the task force said.

Bolz said a recommendation to create an emergency protective custody "no-refusal center" for short stays for violent or dangerous people who cannot be served at the Regional Center or a hospital, could ease pressure.

Senators also recommended mental health technical assistance opportunities for law enforcement and county jails for assessment, treatment, referral and health and safety stability. And developing appropriate mental health treatment and programs in state prisons would help people succeed after they have left.

Greater access is also needed to medications, and managing those medications for people in outpatient settings, the task force learned. Recommendations included adjusting rules for inmates leaving prison to have sufficient medications until a medical appointment can be made in their communities, and expanding access to services to support recovery.

Task force members are already drafting legislation based on the recommendations, Bolz said.

She will have a bill to expand drop-in and respite housing opportunities statewide, such as Lincoln's Keya House, a crisis diversion home, and the Honu Home, a respite residence for people with mental health needs who were recently released from jail or prison.

Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue will work on workforce development. And Omaha Sen. Sara Howard is working with state Medicaid to authorize reimbursement for peer support services.
By Alan Baldwin LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - The competition for the last three slots on the 2017 Formula One starting grid is hotting up but Indonesian driver Rio Haryanto believes he is still in with a shout. "Of course there is a chance to get back again. We are working hard to get the seat back," the 23-year-old told Reuters. "It has to be next year." Haryanto started 12 races for Manor this year, becoming the first Indonesian to compete in Formula One, before being replaced by French rookie Esteban Ocon after the German Grand Prix in July. He has been the team's reserve since then, itching to get back on the racetrack. Manor's future is currently up in the air, with owner Stephen Fitzpatrick saying at last weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that talks were at an advanced stage with an unnamed investor, and they have yet to confirm their two drivers. The other seat still open is at Sauber. Ocon has already moved on to Force India for 2017 while Germany's Pascal Wehrlein, the Mercedes reserve who raced for Manor this year, has been linked to Sauber in media speculation if he does not stay at his current team. Brazilian Felipe Nasr and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez are also seeking to secure their Formula One futures and talking to Manor. Nasr has lost a key sponsor in Banco do Brasil, which makes staying at Sauber uncertain, while Gutierrez has been replaced at Haas by Denmark's Kevin Magnussen after failing to score a point all year. Haryanto's manager Piers Hunnisett told Reuters that he was doing all he could in the "game of musical chairs". "There are three places left now. Once one gets done, everything else can go very quickly. We are just watching everybody," he said. "I'm quite positive we can do something. But things change very quickly in Formula One. I know we've still got huge support from Indonesia, the media and the fans. Sponsorship is ongoing," he added. Hunisett said his focus was now more on private backers across South-East Asia rather than government funding, although Haryanto could count on ongoing support from state oil and gas company Pertamina. "When it comes to releasing the money, when you've got housing problems and education and health issues, it is difficult to justify," he said of state support. "We have got some more leads now with other sponsors, non-government, where it's easier to work with. "The good thing is that Rio is the only driver from Asia, so from a marketing point of view...up until Germany, we were just starting to make inroads into other markets -- China, Thailand, Malaysia. The interest was growing." (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Toby Davis)
Dec 1 (Reuters) - The following financial services industry appointments were announced on Thursday. To inform us of other job changes, email moves@thomsonreuters.com.

ROTHSCHILD & CO

The financial adviser has appointed Michael Speller as head of debt advisory, North America, a key target for expansion of the Paris-headquartered firm's advisory services.

STANDARD CHARTERED PLC

The financial services company has hired Barclays' top regulatory lawyer, Chris Allen, as its new general counsel, clients and products, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

MOELIS & CO

The boutique investment bank hired Credit Suisse M&A banker Jay Finney as a managing director focusing on industrials.

WELLS FARGO & CO

James Strother, Wells Fargo's general counsel who had originally planned to retire at year-end, will stay on indefinitely in the position to deal with the fallout from a sales scandal, according to a bank spokesman.

OANDA

The U.S.-based online foreign exchange company named Neil McDonald as global head of trading and quantitative analytics.

PUTNAM INVESTMENTS

The U.S.-based investment manager named Samuel Cox and Kathryn Lakin as co-directors of equity research.

UNIGESTION

The boutique asset manager appointed Miles O'Connor as chairman to the board of Unigestion UK, based in London.

ALVAREZ & MARSAL

The professional services company promoted Jonathan Hickman to co-head of the southern region for its North American restructuring division.

(Compiled by Komal Khettry and Ankit Ajmera in Bengaluru)
Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - German lawmakers will question Chancellor Angela Merkel in March on how much she knew about Volkswagen's dieselgate emissions cheating scandal before it became public knowledge, an MP told AFP on Thursday.

Volkswagen admitted in September 2015 that it installed software in 11 million cars worldwide that reduced emissions of harmful nitrogen oxides when it detected the vehicle was undergoing regulatory tests.

American environmental authorities had revealed the emissions cheating earlier the same month.

But "there are an increasing number of indications that the Chancellery and Chancellor Merkel were occupied with this question well before 2015," Green Party MP Oliver Krischer told AFP.

He said members of a Bundestag (German parliament) inquiry committee would ask the chancellor on March 8 about the government's role in setting EU-wide emissions regulations, as well as a 2010 meeting with then-California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger about the topic.

Parliament documents show that alongside Merkel, MPs on an inquiry committee have summoned a clutch of serving and former ministers to give evidence.

The minister-president of the federal state of Lower Saxony -- home to VW's Wolfsburg headquarters and a Volkswagen shareholder to the tune of almost 12 percent -- will also give evidence.

MPs hope to shed light on the government's relationship with carmakers going back as far as 2007, two years after Merkel first took office.

"We need to finally get transparency about the cronyism between the federal government and the car industry," Krischer said.

Volkswagen has set aside around 18 billion euros ($19 billion) to cover the costs of the emissions scandal, but analysts have warned the final bill could be much higher.

The firm has already agreed a $14.7-billion settlement in the US, but still faces litigation in Germany, France, and South Korea.

EU politicians are also piling on pressure for the firm to compensate European customers.

After reporting a group loss of 1.6-billion-euros in 2015, the Volkswagen brand this year announced a massive restructuring that will see it shed 30,000 jobs by 2020 and re-orient itself towards electric cars.
Corporate South Korea is going through a rough patch.

Samsung Electronics has been forced to recall exploding phones and washing machines. Hyundai Motor Group has been hit with crippling labor strikes and declining profits. The nations shipping giants are facing bankruptcy and reorganization. A corruption scandal that goes from the chairman on down is rattling hospitality and retail conglomerate Lotte.

Even the bizarre scandal around President Park Geun-hye is touching the big companies, with Samsungs headquarters raided by police looking for evidence of ties to the presidents shamanistic confidante.

South Koreas mighty chaebol are in crisis  which is a problem, because theyre ubiquitous.

These great Korean family-owned conglomerates, such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG, are the result of 50 years of close government cooperation. The government  for many years, a dictatorship  built a mighty export economy by picking winners and creating national champions with low-interest loans and other forms of favoritism. Today, the chaebols presence is inescapable, with even residential buildings branded with their giant logos.

These conglomerates can be made up of dozens of affiliates, not all of them related to their core business. For instance, Samsung  best-known for mobile phones and televisions  also builds ships, bridges, and apartment buildings; runs hotels and department stores; manufactures biologics; and has financial services affiliates. Their sprawl and impact on the Korean economy has no analogue in the United States since the days of Rockefeller, Getty, and Vanderbilt.

Its tempting to attribute the chaebols current problems to their similar heritage, size, and cultural uniqueness  they are, after all, products of a country that is 97 percent ethnically Korean, Confucian in social order, and, until the past 50 years or so, pretty isolated from the rest of the world. But that only gets at the surface of things. Yes, the ethnic homogeneity and supposed cultural conformity of South Korea always make these kinds of easy explanations plausible. Maybe its the lack of innovation because of Confucian conformity, some proffer. Or the emphasis on hierarchy that means subordinates dont challenge bad decisions, others speculate. These quasi-Orientalist answers come too quickly to mind  for both Western and Korean critics. (In truth, Korea is a global leader in patents and has a long history of dissent, protest, and unionism.)

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The truth is that its not cultural malaise thats choking the chaebol but market forces. The giant corporations made a series of disastrous decisions that have left them at the mercy of ever-changing markets  just like their Western counterparts from Ford to Nokia.

Much of Hyundais rapid sales growth from the mid-2000s to 2012 came from building factories in each of the booming BRICs  Brazil, Russia, India, and China  creating eye-catching designs that excited American consumers, winning consistently high quality rankings, and riding a weaker won, the South Korean currency, that gave Hyundai a leg up on its Japanese competitors in foreign markets.

Now, most of the once hot BRICs economies are either cooling off, like China, or in chaotic recessions, like Brazil. The won is off its lows, reducing Hyundais cost advantage. And the company made a strategic misstep: It focused on making better versions of its top-selling Sonata and Elantra sedans as car buyers worldwide, watching gas prices plummet, began buying SUVs. Hyundai was caught flat-footed with only two SUVs in its lineup, while most rivals had five or more. Hyundai is now scrambling to build new SUVs of its own.

Samsung plays in one of the worlds most competitive arenas  smartphones and electronics. It was the companys rush to beat Apple to the market with the newest, most feature-laden smartphone  not Samsungs Koreanness  that led to the problems with the Galaxy Note 7, now banned from aircraft worldwide for fear of fire.

The success of the Korean shipping industry has been a point of national pride. Even its existence is a testament to chutzpah: Hyundai founder Chung Ju-yung signed his first contract to build a ship before he had built a shipyard. He finished both ahead of schedule.

And, like the automakers who eyed developing countries a decade ago, Korean shipbuilders believed globalization was an irreversible upward arrow and built more and bigger ships. But then the worlds economies crashed in 2008 and 2009. And recovery has been slow if nonexistent in several countries. Consequently, there is less and less need for new ships. Just as importantly, shipping fees are at historic lows.

And although the national champion strategy dominated previously, today the Korean government is getting out of the business of picking winners. Last year, the Export-Import Bank of Korea promised $3.8 billion in loans to prop up struggling Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering. The move enraged Koreans, whod paid for previous DSME bailouts in 2001 and 2014, and wanted to know where their money had gone. This year, when Hanjin Shipping collapsed, the government said no to a bailout, forcing the company  like any failing business  to take refuge in bankruptcy.

As for the scandal at Lotte  a pan-Asian food, hospitality, and retail chaebol with holdings in the United States  its the kind of sibling rivalry and corruption tale thats easy to find in any nation when billions of dollars and jealous family members are in play.

The family nature of the chaebol may seem foreign to Westerners, but there are plenty of clannish corporations in the United States and Europe: The New York Times, Rupert Murdochs News Corp, Mars, and Bechtel are all family-owned and run. Bechtels CEO job has been handed down, father to son, like the chairmanships of Samsung, Hyundai, and LG. That works out great, if the offspring are smart and grounded; less so when theyre incompetent and treat the family business like a personal ATM, which appears to be the case at Lotte. In addition to citing a range of bribing and embezzlement charges, Korean prosecutors say the Lotte chairman used company money to pay salaries to relatives who did no work.

This sort of corruption and opaque ownership structure creates what Western investors call the Korean discount, meaning shares of the chaebol trade for less than their actual value. The big companies have been criticized for an imperial management style and poor shareholder accountability. In 2014, Hyundai directors voted to buy a piece of downtown Seoul real estate for a new corporate headquarters without being told its price by the company chairman. This angered investors and gave Hyundai a public relations black eye, but it also led to the company creating Koreas first-ever board-level shareholder rights committee. As the chaebol soon transition to third- and fourth-generation leaders  many of whom are the first family members to be educated outside of Korea and speak fluent English  the conglomerates likely will conform even more to global corporate norms.

What will happen to the great Korean brands? The Harvard Business Review recently estimated that the Note 7 crisis wont hurt Samsungs brand in the long term, at least partly because geographically identified brands bounce back quickly, adding that local customers [in this case, Koreans] are much quicker to forgive and to give the brand a second chance.

Maybe or maybe not. However much the chaebol want to be the face of Korea, the public has a love-hate relationship with their great brands. They are proud of Samsungs global No. 1 status, but some feel so resentful of its oversize influence that they call their country the Republic of Samsung. For years, Koreans have carped that Hyundai charges Koreans more for their cars than foreign buyers. (Koreas 10 percent sales tax may have something to do with that.) Further, as historically high Korean trade walls fall, more and more Koreans are buying European, American, and even Japanese cars. Just as with American car owners, patriotism matters less than price.

During the Great Recession, when two of the big three U.S. automakers were in bankruptcy (and the other leveraged sky-high), analysts and journalists didnt ask, Whats wrong with America?  as though some native ethno-cultural trait had caused Detroit automakers to build bad cars. The automakers had made poor business decisions, not culturally motivated ones, that led to their problems.

Korean businesses, in good times and bad, should be judged the same way.

Photo credit: ED JONES/AFP/Getty Images
By Claire Milhench LONDON (Reuters) - Namibia would remain a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) if the United States joined, Namibia's president Hage Geingob told Reuters in London on Thursday. Namibia said in March that it would withdraw from the ICC, which sits in The Hague and has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The court has come under criticism from African nations. "People are saying that it only targets African leaders. That seems to be true ... and that's a problem," said Geingob, who was elected as president of Namibia in November 2014. Whilst parliament still needs to debate Namibia's withdrawal, Geingob said his feeling was it would go ahead. "But if you convince the United States to come, we will stay," he said. The United States is not currently a participant in the ICC as it has not signed or ratified the Rome Statute, a treaty which serves as the ICC's governing document. "Africa needs to develop its own processes, systems, courts and institutions," Geingob added. "It would help us to be self sufficient. We must build lasting institutions ... not something imposed from foreign countries." Turning to the economy, Geingob said he expects growth of 2 to 3 percent in Namibia in 2017, up from around 2.5 percent in 2016, and below the average longer term trend of 4-5 percent. "But we need about 7 percent growth, which we are failing to do," he said. "That's why are encouraging people to come in to invest, to manufacture in Namibia, transfer technology, and that way we can create jobs." Namibia's economy has been hit by a prolonged drought and a contraction in the mining sector, but Geingob said tourism had picked up this year with more people choosing Namibia over destinations in the Middle East due to the troubles there. The Namibian economy is also closely linked to that of South Africa, and Geingob added they were following political developments there. An ongoing feud between President Jacob Zuma and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has unnerved investors and business leaders. "What happens in South Africa has a serious impact on the region and Namibia," he said. "So we are looking at the situation carefully, and are sometimes worried, but the system is resilient and they will overcome that - they are a democratic country." (Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Europeans must increase military spending to protect peace and independence as tensions between Russia and NATO continue to flare up, two senior Lithuanian officials told The Associated Press this week. The officials said President-elect Donald Trump's remarks during his campaign that NATO members must pay up if they want support from the U.S. are spot on.

"President Donald Trump said that Europe in general should put more attention on defense and we fully agree," Defense Minister Juozas Olekas said Monday. "The peace and independence of our country is very important and we should put attention on that and not only waiting and relying for everything on the United States."

In a separate interview with The Associated Press, Lithuania's foreign minister said he didn't think the U.S. would actually turn its back on NATO members under a Trump administration. "I hope and believe  and I can't imagine otherwise  that the U.S. will remain a key player in the world and also a leader of NATO," Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said Tuesday.

Russia has been particularly assertive about holding military drills near the Baltic region in recent months after military operations in Georgia, Ukraine and Syria, prompting nations such as Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, to debate increased military spending.

"We need a credible deterrence policy in the Baltic region to influence the Russian calculus to make the costs of interference too high," Estonia's President Toomas Hendrik Ilves warned in May. He has seen been replaced by President Kersti Kaljulaid.

NATO requires its 28 members to spend 2 percent of GDP on defense, but few do. The median NATO member spending in 2015 was 1.18 percent of GDP, while the U.S. spends 3.7 percent of its GDP on defense. Lithuania plans this year to spend 1.8 percent on defense after reintroducing compulsory military conscription last year.

"Frankly it was true and Europeans must deliver more," Linkevicius said of Trump's call for NATO members to increase spending.

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NATO troops are holding military drills in Lithuania this week, while NATO leaders have called on Russia to maintain peace in the region.

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Baghdad (AFP) - The scope of the toll the six-week old battle for Mosul has taken on Iraqi forces emerged Thursday, with UN figures showing that around 2,000 had been killed in fighting last month alone.

While high casualty tolls were expected for what has been Iraq's toughest battle against the Islamic State group to date, few figures had been released.

The United Nations' mission in Iraq released monthly casualty figures for November that showed 1,959 members of the Iraqi forces were killed just last month and 450 others wounded.

The UN toll includes members of the army, police engaged in combat, the Kurdish peshmerga, interior ministry forces and pro-government paramilitaries.

The UN statement also said at least 926 civilians were killed, bringing to 2,885 the number of Iraqis killed in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict last month.

"The casualty figures are staggering, with civilians accounting for a significant number of the victims," the top UN envoy in Iraq, Jan Kubis, said.

The spike in casualties comes as a major offensive to retake the IS stronghold of Mosul, Iraq's largest military operation in years, enters its seventh week.

Kubis said the growing death toll was largely a result of the jihadists' ferocious defence of Mosul, the city where they proclaimed their now crumbling "caliphate" in 2014.

"Daesh (IS) has been employing the most vicious tactics, using civilian homes as firing positions as well as abducting and forcibly moving civilians, effectively using them as human shields," he said.

The US-led coalition assisting anti-IS forces in Iraq and Syria admitted Thursday to "inadvertently" killing 54 civilians in both countries between March and October.

"Although the coalition makes extraordinary efforts to strike military targets in a manner that minimizes the risk of civilian casualties, in some cases casualties are unavoidable," the coalition said in a statement.

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A July 18 strike that killed 100 IS fighters also killed as many as 24 civilians, the statement added.

The UN did not provide a regional breakdown of the overall toll but its casualty figures have been going up steadily since the launch of the Mosul offensive on October 17.

- Increase in casualties -

The number of members of the Iraqi forces killed released by the UN for October was 672.

The highest number of civilian deaths recorded in November was in Nineveh province, of which Mosul is the capital, with 332, the UN figures showed.

The UN explained it had few reliable figures for the western province of Anbar, which has seen continued IS-related violence in recent weeks, and suggested that real casualty figures were likely higher.

The government in Baghdad rarely divulges casualty figures during a military operation.

Officials from the Kurdistan region's peshmerga ministry said more than 1,600 peshmerga fighters were killed since IS took over large parts of Iraq in June 2014.

"Since the beginning of the war against Daesh, which means June 2014, until November 30 (2016), the total number of martyrs is 1,614 and the wounded are 9,515," peshmerga ministry secretary-general Jabar Yawar told AFP.

Burials at the main Shiite cemetery of Najaf, as well as partial figures provided by local officials across the country and the number of obituaries posted on Facebook also pointed to significant losses among the security forces.

After the launch of the offensive in mid-October, tens of thousands of Iraqi forces started closing in on Mosul, retaking towns and villages in Nineveh province.

Iraqi federal forces entered the city from the eastern side and admitted they were met by stiffer than expected resistance.

Military officials and experts had warned before the start of the offensive that the toughest fighting would be on the western side of the city.

The peshmerga were mostly involved in the early phase of the offensive and now hold positions a few miles from Mosul city limits.
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Donald Trump may try to build a wall against Mexico  but Susan Pearlman of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is busy constructing her own kind of wall.

Pearlman recently came home to her college town to find an anonymous letter telling her that her gay pride flag made a neighbor feel "deeply troubled." Pearlman, whose daughter is a lesbian, chose not to take down her flag but instead reached out to her neighbors  who responded by putting up 20 pride flags outside their own homes, Pearlman told Mashable.

SEE ALSO: Donald Trump's war on LGBTQ people has already begun

Pearlman, who describes her community as having a "history of being LGBT friendly," was shocked to receive such a letter.

"I wanted to explain to you that the flag deeply troubled me in hopes you might understand why ... I was troubled by the rainbow flag because it overlooks so many of the things our country represents. The flag is missing the white stripes that represent purity and innocence," the letter reads.

Image: susan pearlman

The neighbor subsequently asks Pearlman not to take the flag down but to instead put an American flag next to it, side by side.

Pearlman told Mashable she put up the flag to express support for the LGBTQ community after the Pulse massacre in Orlando, Florida. After receiving the letter, Pearlman shared it with a few of her concerned neighbors:

"I opened the letter the evening of Nov 9th after returning home and immediately showed a few of my neighbors," Pearlman told Mashable. One of them "read the letter and asked where she could find a flag ... a couple others agreed with her. Then in response to an email I then sent to the rest of my street the flag 'wall' grew! As of today there are 20 flags flying and more are to come."

Image: susan pearlman

Pearlman shared her story on Pantsuit Nation, a secret group of Hillary Clinton supporters that has remained active even after the election. Her post has received over 32,000 likes.

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A report released from the Southern Poverty Law Center on Tuesday found that there has been 867 hate incidents post-election. Of those, 95 were directed at LGBT people.

Earlier this year in Natick, Massachusetts, a neighborhood put up 40 pride flags after a lesbian couple came home to find that their house had been egged and their pride flag stolen.

BONUS: This coat doubles as a sleeping bag to keep the homeless warm in the winter
A federal judge Wednesday ordered Douglas County's insurance carrier to pay $5 million to a pair wrongfully arrested for a Murdock couple's murder in 2006 after the county's crime lab chief planted evidence against them.

Nick Sampson and Matthew Livers will split the amount, the coverage limit on St. Paul Travelers Cos.'s policy that covered David Kofoed, when he planted evidence against them.

The two were arrested in the murders of Wayne and Sharmon Stock, Livers' aunt and uncle, at their Cass County farmhouse.

Livers, who has a learning disability, falsely confessed during a coercive interrogation, implicating himself and his cousin Sampson in the killings.

He recanted a day later.

But Sampson spent at least six months in jail before charges were dropped.

DNA found on a ring at the Stocks' home ultimately led investigators to a young Wisconsin couple, Jessica Reid and Gregory Fester II, who killed the Stocks while traveling through the state on a crime spree.

They both are serving life sentences for it.

At a trial, prosecutors later alleged Kofoed had planted blood evidence in a car to bolster a case against Livers and Sampson.

Kofoed was convicted and went to prison for two years for evidence tampering.

Sampson and Livers sued him and the Nebraska law enforcement agencies and investigators who had tried to build the case against them.

They settled separately with state and county authorities for $2.6 million, leaving only the claims against Kofoed.

In 2013, U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon entered a $6.6 million judgment against him in the civil rights case, and Sampson's and Livers' attorneys filed garnishment claims against St. Paul Travelers Cos. in an effort to get the money.

Bataillon later determined the policy afforded coverage. But in his order Wednesday, the judge didn't award interest on the judgment, which would've added thousands.

Bataillon did award nearly $233,000 in attorney fees, despite attorneys for St. Paul arguing it would be premature, pending their coming appeal over the court's decision on coverage.

Within 14 days, attorneys for Sampson and Livers are to submit calculations for the proportionate share of the $5 million each should get.

And the court will enter an order directing the payment.

Attorneys on either side did not return messages Wednesday seeking comment on the decision.
Neil Patrick Harris is the man that keeps on giving!

The actor isnt slowing down for the holidays as he finds time to raise HIV/AIDS awareness with philanthropic organization (RED).

The star of the upcoming Netflix show, A Series of Unfortunate Events, tells PEOPLE exclusively hes passionate about changing the future of the world for his children, Harper and Gideon.

As a father with kids in kindergarten, it gets more apparent to me that things need to be done, he says. Not for us in our immediate life, but for the lives of the generations that come after us. If you can actually commit to making something like HIV/AIDS vanish  then I think thats worth putting a spotlight on.

The Tony Award-winning actor  who is working with The Coca-Cola Company this World AIDS Day in support of the companys partnership with (RED)  spent five months filming for the highly anticipated A Series of Unfortunate Events and plays the villain Count Olaf on the show.

The Count, a sinister character, didnt seem to faze Harper and Gideon when he appeared for FaceTime chats while still in costume.

I was in Vancouver. They were in New York , he explains. I want to make sure that they know the process. Not only of what my face is going to be or what Im going to be looking like, but what their papa does for a living.

Harris children visited the set of the Netflix show and became a part of the family there.

When it comes to their own family, Harris, 43, and his husband, David Burtka, 41, have simple but sweet holiday plans for their kids.

Our parents come into town with us, he says. I love the rituals of the tree and shopping. It ends up being a busy year for everyone, and when you get a week or two to really just huddle up and be with the people you love, its great.

As for whether hed return to a Broadway stage in the near future, Harris misses it, but isnt willing to put his kids through such a rough schedule.

You have to be headed toward the theatre by 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m., and thats when the kids are having their bath time and about to go to sleep, he says. Thats an almost harder schedule for little kids.

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When I go see a show, I am so impressed by the caliber of talent on the nightly, he adds. Its one of the great reasons to go to New York. You never know.

For a chance to win a night on the town with Harris and his husband, visit omaze.com/nph and donate to win.




By Costas Pitas LONDON (Reuters) - Net migration from the European Union to Britain hit a record high in the 12 months running up to June's referendum vote to leave the bloc, in which concerns about immigration motivated many Brexit voters. The ruling Conservatives had promised to cut annual immigration to under 100,000 but have failed to fulfill their pledge partly as the number of European new arrivals continued to rise, spurred on by factors such as better job prospects. Net migration to Britain from the EU, those arriving minus those leaving, reached a new record of 189,000 in the year to June, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. Overall net migration was 335,000, just 1,000 short of the previous high. Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to control immigration as part of a Brexit deal, with many voters blaming the EU's freedom of movement rules for the increase in new arrivals which the government said it may now be able to limit. "Brexit gives us the opportunity to be able to control numbers coming in from Europe," immigration minister Robert Goodwill told Sky News on Thursday. "We want to return to sustainable levels and that's all about... the pressure it puts on the health service, the pressure it puts on education, the pressure it puts on housing and that was very clear during the referendum," he said. Britain has yet to detail its aims ahead of EU divorce talks but many European leaders have already said it should not expect to keep unfettered access to the single market, key to many businesses, and be able to limit freedom of movement at the same time. Just over half of net migration to Britain came from non-EU nations but Romania became the most common country of last residence for immigrants arriving in Britain in 2015, accounting for 10 percent of all new arrivals, the ONS said. Until 2013, Romanians and Bulgarians had been limited in the types of work they could do in Britain. The presence of large minority communities and the English language have long made Britain an attractive place but high unemployment and lower wages in southern Europe have helped spur on recent waves of immigration. Employment opportunity was the key factor, according to the ONS' Head of International Statistics Nicola White. "The main reason people are coming to the UK is for work, and there has been a significant increase in people looking for work, particularly from the EU," she said. (Editing by Catherine Evans and Stephen Addison)
El Salvador, Nicaragua earthquake measuring 7.2 on Richter scale, thought to cause 1 meter tsunami along Pacific coast of Central America.

Update 4:10 p.m. ET: The PTWC is now reporting that the tsunami threat has passed. The organization advises that minor sea level fluctuations might be observed along the Pacific coast of Central America for the next several hours.

Original Article: The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting that a magnitude-7.0 earthquake has struck 153 km southwest of Puerto El Triunfo, El Salvador, in the Pacific Ocean.

The quake was said to have occurred at 1:43 p.m. ET at a depth of 33 km.

Tsunami waves between 0.3 and 1.0 meters are expected along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua and El Salvador, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The PWTC advises that people caught in tsunami waves might drown, be crushed by flotsam, or even swept out into the open ocean, making rescue difficult.

Breaking News is reporting that the PTWC advises that the risk of a tsunami remains along the Pacific coast of Central America. The news organization states that the government of El Salvador has advised citizens to evacuate areas within 1 km of the Pacific coast and to move to high ground.

No damage or injuries are being reported in El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, or Nicaragua as a result of the quake or possible tsunami.

The Caribbean coast of Central America has been battered by Hurricane Otto over recent days, with the storm making landfall at about 1 p.m. today, almost simultaneously with the earthquake.

More than 15,000 people were evacuated in advance of Ottos landfall, which has prompted the declaration of a national emergency in Costa Rica, according to the Weather Network. The heavy rains accompanying Otto have raised concerns about flooding and mudslides, as reported by the Independent.

Tsunami warning issued after powerful quake strikes off El Salvador https://t.co/nhMDZvayAU pic.twitter.com/pGa6HQJ4FB  Trending Disasters (@Disastrolizer) November 24, 2016

Earthquake Track reports that this is the second Nicaraguan earthquake in the past week. On November 20, there was a magnitude-4.4 quake located at a depth of 53 km near Intipuca, La Union, El Salvador. Nicaragua is reported to have experienced 84 earthquakes over the past year.

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The New York Times reported on a tsunami that swept the Pacific coast of Nicaragua following an earthquake in 1992. That quake reached magnitude-7.0, and it was located 75 miles southwest of Managua, which resulted in at least 14 dead, 25 missing, and 22 injured people.

A five-foot tidal surge was reported after the 1992 Nicaraguan earthquake in Puerto Sandino, where shipping containers and vehicles were said to have been thrown and damage was sustained to a dock.

A city worker clears debris caused by earthquakes in Nagarote, Nicaragua, on April 16, 2014. [Image by Esteban Felix/AP Images]

The 7.0 quake in 1992 was described by Alejandro Morales with the Institute of Earth Studies as the strongest in the country in 20 years.

Google advises those caught in areas affected by earthquakes to expect aftershocks and to be prepared for falling debris and buildings that might accompany them. The company further recommends avoiding open flames in buildings while the possibility of aftershocks remains, staying away from coastal areas, driving carefully, and making preparations to take detours if necessary.

A worker removes debris from an earthquake-damaged home in Nagarote, Nicaragua, in April 2014. [Image by Esteban Felix/AP Images]

In early 2011, a magnitude-9.0 earthquake struck near Tohoku, Japan, which resulted in a devastating tsunami and the nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Google reports that the Earth experiences about one major 8.0-or-greater-magnitude earthquake each year.

Just three days ago, a 6.9-magnitude quake occurred off the coast of Japan, near Fukushima, as reported by Zero Hedge, which was then followed by a 5.5-magnitude quake yesterday. Tsunami up to three meters were forecast after the November 21-quake, as reported by the Guardian.

Through this weeks Japanese tsunami scare, the largest waves observed were said to have been 1.4 meters in the port town of Sendai. Twelve people were reported injured in the latest Japanese quake, including an elderly Fukushima woman, who was hurt when a piece of furniture fell onto her with the heaving earth.

[Featured Image by Arnulfo Franco/AP Images]

El Salvador, Nicaragua Earthquake: Coastal Evacuation Order Lifted [Updated, Map] is an article from: The Inquisitr News




On Wednesdays Conan, Nick Offerman shared some interesting things in his new book, Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop. One of his friends made the illustrations in the book and added, according to Offerman, a four-page homoerotic comic book about me and Chris Pratt chopping down a tree.

Conan OBrien showed the hilariously drawn pages and featured a cell of Offerman rubbing lotion on a shirtless Chris Pratt. Offerman said, If youre going to be in the woods messing around with tools, you dont want to get sunburned.

We were not aware that Parks and Recreation fan fiction existed, nor were we aware that it can be made by a person who was on the show. If Nick Offermans acting and woodworking careers fall through, perhaps we can expect more of this.

Conan airs weeknights at 11 p.m. on TBS.

Sen. Bernie Sanders calls out media for election coverage:

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram  or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Cynthia LuCiette, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Actors Nicole Kidman and Casey Affleck appeared on the fifth season of Variety and PBS Actors on Actors series, in which they discussed Kidmans upcoming film Lion and its heavy themes surrounding adoption.

Kidman notes that her role in the film was a good fit for her, as she was able to draw from her own personal experiences in adopting two of her four children. The actress portrays Sue Brierley, an Australian woman who adopts a lost child from India.

I have adopted children, so obviously  that was probably the connecting tissue for me, Kidman says.

Affleck revealed he was pleasantly surprised with the film, particularly regarding the maternal motifs presented throughout.

The movie seemed like its just a story about people, and didnt have any message or wasnt so heavy-handed with any one idea in there, Affleck explains.  It just stirred up all these ideas about adoption, and all of that was sort of on your character and you handled it so well because you understood the complexity and that decision.

Kidman and Afflecks interview will air during the fifth season of the Emmy Award-winning series on PBS SoCal KOCE, presented by The Venetian Las Vegas. The new season debuts on Jan. 3. Click here to view the full interview.

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LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigeria's United Bank for Africa (UBA) has secured a $150 million loan deal with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support infrastructure projects in Africa's top economy, the bank said on Thursday. UBA said the credit line would also be used to support small and medium scale enterprises and businesses owned by women. Nigeria is in its deepest recession in 25 years, brought on by low oil prices, which has seen foreign investors flee its financial markets, caused chronic dollar shortages and created risk aversion among local funds. "The line of credit comes at an opportune time and would boost efforts at reducing the huge power sector financing deficit ... and complement our support to medium and small scale enterprises," said Kennedy Uzoka, UBA's chief executive. The AfDB has provided liquidity to UBA in the past for trade finance and other lending activities, he said. Nigeria's economic slowdown coupled with the currency crisis has impacted loan growth in Africa's most populous nation, frustrating businesses and households. (Reporting by Oludare Mayowa; editing by Chijioke Ohuocha and Jason Neely)
Abuja (AFP) - A Nigerian court on Thursday refused bail to a separatist activist, whose arrest last year sparked a wave of bloody protests across the country.

Nnamdi Kanu heads the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) group, which has emerged as the new face of the campaign by the Igbo people of southeast Nigeria for a separate Biafra state.

He has been in custody since his arrest in October 2015, facing charges of treason, operating pirate Radio Biafra and belonging to an unlawful organisation.

Federal high court judge Binta Nyako refused an application by Kanu's lawyers to release him and three others, ruling that the "alleged offences for which the defendants are standing trial are serious."

Nyako said Kanu and the other suspects could face up to life in prison if convicted.

In refusing bail, Nyako also ordered the case heard "almost immediately but not later than two months from now."

Kanu's lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor told AFP he would appeal.

"We are surprised at the ruling of the court but we still have the right of appeal," he said.

The court is now adjourned until December 13 to consider a prosecution request for the trial to be conducted behind closed doors to protect witnesses.

Dozens of pro-Biafra campaigners stood outside the court chanting slogans such as "All hail Biafra" and "All we want is freedom."

After the hearing, Kanu and the other suspects, all dressed in white, were whisked away by security officials.

At least three judges, including in an ECOWAS court, have ordered Kanu's release, but the Nigerian government refused to free him, saying he would jump bail.

Kanu's separatist IPOB group has held a series of protests across the country in recent months, sparking bloody clashes with the security forces.

Last week, Amnesty International accused security agents of killing some 150 Biafra protesters in the past year, but the military denied the charge.

Kanu is pushing for a separate republic of Biafra, nearly 50 years after a previous declaration of independence sparked a civil war.

The 1967-70 conflict left more than a million people dead, most of them from starvation and disease, as the Igbo nation was blockaded into submission.
Johannesburg (AFP) - Nigerian Nobel prize-winning author Wole Soyinka said Thursday he has fulfilled his pledge to throw away his US residency green card and leave the country if Donald Trump won the presidential election.

Shortly before the vote, Soyinka had vowed to give up his permanent US residency over a Trump victory to protest against the Republican billionaire's campaign promises to get tough on immigration.

"I have already done it, I have disengaged (from the United States). I have done what I said I would do," the 82-year-old told AFP on the sidelines of an education conference at the University of Johannesburg.

"I had a horror of what is to come with Trump... I threw away the (green) card, and I have relocated, and I'm back to where I have always been" -- meaning his homeland Nigeria.

The prolific playwright, novelist and poet won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986 and has been a regular teacher at US universities including Harvard, Cornell and Yale.

At the same time he said he would not discourage others from applying for a green card.

"It's useful in many ways. I wouldn't for one single moment discourage any Nigerians or anybody from acquiring a green card... but I have had enough of it," he said.

Soyinka, one of Africa's most famous writers and rights activists, was jailed in 1967 for 22 months during Nigeria's civil war.

He was reported to have recently completed a term as scholar-in-residence at New York Universitys Institute of African American Affairs.
Nina Dobrev has been pretending to be other characters since she was little, and its adorable

By far one of our fave celebs is Nina Dobrev. Nina Dobrev is just so, so hilarious, so sweet, and so talented. TBH, were obsessed with her, and were so curious about what Nina Dobrev would do after The Vampire Diaries. Clearly, shes up to even more amazing things (though well adore TVD forevermore!), and in a recent interview with Flaunt Magazine, she shared an amazing throwback memory to what she was like as a kid. And apparently Dobrev was an actress before she was an actress!

In her interview with Flaunt Magazine, Nina Dobrev said shes been creating characters since basically forever.

In the interview, she shared what it was like growing up in Toronto (where she moved after being born in Bulgaria), and touched on how playful she always was. Its seriously *so* cute. She said,

When my mom would eventually meet the person, shed find that Id given them a fake name, a fake background, a fake everything. I was creating characters from when I was tiny.

Nina Dobrev

Why? Because it was fun! Dobrev has always been *so* creative, and its so, so sweet.

I thought it was fun to see how far I could go in convincing someone of something that wasnt real. I found pleasure in it.

2016 American Music Awards - Arrivals

Spoken like a true performer.

The post Nina Dobrev has been pretending to be other characters since she was little, and its adorable appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during his visit to Mexico last August. (Photo: Dario Lopez-Mills/AP)

Dear Donald Trump: The scientific community is watching.

More than 2,300 scientists, including 22 Nobel Prize winners, signed an open letter urging the president-elect and the incoming 115th Congress to ensure that the federal government will support scientific inquiry and rely upon it when shaping public policy.

The letter, published earlier this week, lays out four crucial steps the Trump administration and Congress can take to strengthen the role of science in policymaking: Foster a strong and open culture of science, ground public safeguards like the Clean Air Act firmly in scientific knowledge, adhere to high standards for scientific integrity and independence and provide adequate resources for federal scientists to conduct their work.

These steps are necessary to create a thriving scientific enterprise that will strengthen our democracy and bring the full fruits of science to all Americans and the world, the letter reads. The scientific community is fully prepared to constructively engage with and closely monitor the actions of the Trump administration and Congress. We will continue to champion efforts that strengthen the role of science in policymaking and stand ready to hold accountable any who might seek to undermine it.

Many scientists are alarmed by Trumps election in part because of the antagonism he displayed toward their collective endeavor. This included spreading climate change skepticism, suggesting vaccines cause autism and making wildly inaccurate claims about everything from voter fraud to the unemployment rate.

The signers, who hail from all 50 states, said the well-being and health of people in the United States and beyond is improved when U.S. policies are informed by science unfettered by inappropriate political or corporate influence.

To build on this legacy and extend the benefits of science to all people, including Americans who have been left behind, the federal government must support and rely on science as a key input for crafting public policy, they wrote. Policymakers and the public alike require access to high-quality scientific information to serve the public interest.

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The Union of Concerned Scientists, the science advocacy nonprofit that arranged the letter, fears that Congress will reintroduce legislation that would increase political control over federal agency experts who are entrusted with using science to protect the environment and public health.

Scientists are mobilizing because transition team members and potential Cabinet appointees have a demonstrated history of suppressing science and attacking scientists when the results prove inconvenient, Michael Halpern, the deputy director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said to Yahoo News.

And when science is politicized, its the health and environment of the American people who suffer. The scientific community felt the need to set clear and reasonable expectations while the President-elect is assembling his team, before he steps into the White House.

The organization emphasized the importance of federal scientists being able to conduct research without political or private-sector interference and to freely communicate their findings without fear of retaliation.

A thriving federal scientific enterprise has enormous benefits to the public, said Nobel Laureate Carol Greider, director of molecular biology and genetics at Johns Hopkins University, said in a press release. Experts at federal agencies prevent the spread of diseases, ensure the safety of our food and water, protect consumers from harmful medical devices and so much more. The new administration must ensure that federal agencies can continue to use science to serve the public interest.

In the same release, physicist Lewis Branscomb, who directed the National Bureau of Standards under President Nixon, said a prerequisite for any cabinet position should be respect for the role of science in policymaking.

Americans recognize that science is critical to improving our quality of life, and when science is ignored or politically corrupted, its the American people who suffer, Branscomb said.

This is not the first letter of its kind. In September, 376 members of the National Academy of Sciences released an open letter warning about the severe risks of climate change and the damage pulling out of the Paris Agreement would have on the United States international reputation.

Last month, a prominent physics group, the American Physical Society, retracted a press release that congratulated Trump on his victory after backlash from its members.
A 23-year-old Lincoln man got a year in prison on a terroristic threats charge Wednesday for making a bomb threat in an online chat to a bank employee.

Justin A. Colbert pleaded no contest to the felony in October.

In addition to the prison time, Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong sentenced him to a year of supervised release.

Lincoln police arrested Colbert on Dec. 11, 2015, after taking a report from Union Bank that he had become aggressive in an online chat Dec. 2 with an employee about closing his account.

Police said Colbert sent sexually explicit photos to the employee and then said there was a bomb at the bank branch that would detonate in two hours.

LPD and Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded. LFR did not find a bomb.
north carolina pat mcCrory

The North Carolina state elections board approved Gov. Pat McCrory's appeal to recount the votes in Durham County, giving a glimmer of hope to his last-ditch attempt to win reelection.

McCrory, a Republican, had claimed that inaccurate ballot machines prevented a proper tally of 90,000 early votes in Durham County, a liberal hotbed that swung the race to Democrat Roy Cooper at the eleventh hour on the night of the election.

Members of the state board said there was sufficient doubt in the outcome to justify recounting the results there, and overturned a November 18 decision by the Durham County elections board that rejected McCrory's request for a recount.

The state board, consisting of three Republicans and two Democrats, voted 3-2 along party lines to authorize the recount.

"Its necessary that the public have faith and confidence in the system," James Baker, a Republican board member, said at the hearing on Wednesday. "Lets get it all out in the open."

The decision is good news for McCrory, who is facing calls to concede from opponents, including Cooper himself. His initial Election-Day deficit of about 4,500 votes has mushroomed to more than 10,000 as absentee and provisional ballots are tallied.

Republicans immediately raised questions about the 90,000 votes, which were registered shortly before midnight on November 8, apparently snatching a close victory away from McCrory.

Since Election Day, McCrory has lodged challenges of voter fraud across the state, some of which were dropped due to a lack of evidence. The challenges have prevented some of North Carolina's 100 counties from reporting official election results.

McCrory filed for a statewide recount last week, but his final deficit must be within 10,000 votes of Cooper for it to happen, according to state law. The Republican said he wouldn't seek the statewide recount if he won his Durham County appeal.

Roy Cooper

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On Wednesday, Cooper's attorney Kevin Hamilton argued that McCrory's team had failed to provide "substantial evidence" of irregularity with the machines in Durham County, as state law requires. Board member Maja Kricker, a Democrat, agreed.

"If we dont have an irregularity, were really going to simply say, 'Well, people have questions, so were going to recount," Kricker said at the hearing. "How many more questions are going to be raised? In how many other elections is this going to be raised?'"

"This sets a precedent. And I don't think it's a precedent we should set."

In a statement, Cooper campaign manager Trey Nix said, "It is wrong that Governor McCrory continues to waste taxpayer money with false accusations and attempts to delay and that the Republican controlled Board of Elections did not follow the law."

Nix said the Cooper campaign is "confident" the recount "will confirm Roy Cooper's election as Governor of North Carolina."

The machine recount should take about eight hours, election officials said, meaning North Carolinians could learn the result of the election by the end of the week.

The contest between McCrory and Cooper was the closest of any gubernatorial election this year and will be the last in the country to be settled. If McCrory loses, he'll have the unfortunate distinction of being the only governor nationwide this year  and the first in North Carolina's history  to lose in a reelection bid.

NOW WATCH: Trump goes on a tweetstorm less than 48 hours after promising to be more 'restrained' on Twitter





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By Greg Lacour

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Reuters) - A police officer "acted lawfully" when he shot and killed an armed black man in Charlotte, North Carolina, in September and will not face criminal charges for his use of force, a district attorney said on Wednesday.

Officer Brentley Vinson reasonably believed he and several other officers faced an imminent threat from Keith Scott, 43, who they saw holding a gun when they confronted him in the parking lot of a Charlotte apartment complex, District Attorney Andrew Murray told a news conference.

"Officers can be heard at least 10 times ordering Mr Scott to drop the gun," the prosecutor said, referring to videos of the incident. "Mr. Scott did not comply with those commands."

The decision not to prosecute Vinson raised fears of fresh protests in Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city and a U.S. banking hub. Scott's death on Sept. 20 sparked a week of sometimes violent demonstrations, making the city another flashpoint in two years of protests over police killings of black men, many of them unarmed, across the country.

Nearly 100 people gathered in the rain Wednesday night outside the city's police headquarters, where chants included, "the whole damn system is guilty as hell." Protesters, who were spirited but not violent, then began marching in the area where earlier this fall people smashed windows and looted businesses.

Four people were arrested for obstructing traffic during the "mostly peaceful" protest, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said on Twitter. One was also charged with disorderly conduct, police said.

Scott's family said in a statement they were "profoundly disappointed" by prosecutors' findings, but they asked "that everyone work together to fix the system that allowed this tragedy to happen in the first place."

The family and people who said they witnessed the shooting disputed that he had a weapon. Some said the father of seven was instead holding a book and was shot by a white officer, rather than Vinson, who is black.

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The district attorney said the two-month investigation disproved those claims.

Murray showed surveillance footage from a convenience store Scott visited minutes before the shooting that showed a bulge in his pants near his right ankle. That was consistent with the holster and gun later described by officers and located at the scene, the prosecutor said.

Murray acknowledged that none of the video recordings from the scene offered clear evidence that Scott was holding a gun when he was shot.

However, Murray said, "all of the credible and available evidence suggests that he was, in fact, armed." Several self-described eyewitnesses did not actually see the incident, he added.

Analysis of all the officers' guns confirmed Vinson was the only one who fired his weapon.

The officers described Scott as having a blank stare "as if he was in a trance-like state," consistent with the side effects of a medication Scott's wife confirmed he had been taking, Murray said.

The prosecutor said Scott's DNA was found on his gun, which was cocked with the safety off and a round in the chamber.

(Additional reporting and writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Tom Brown)
Nutanix Inc. NTNX share price fell more than 6% to close at $32.00 on Nov 30, after the company reported disappointing first-quarter fiscal 2017 results. Loss of 37 cents per share was wider than 27 cents reported in the year-ago quarter despite registering a strong top-line growth.



This was Nutanixs first quarterly earnings release after its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on Sep 30, when it sold 17.1 million shares at a price of $16.00 per share.



Notably, although the stock soared 131.3% to close at $37.00 on debut, the share price has significantly come down in the last couple of months. Since Sep 30, the stock is down 13.51% as compared with the Zacks It-Services industry decline of 1.69%.



NUTANIX INC-A Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

NUTANIX INC-A Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | NUTANIX INC-A Quote

Quarter Details



Nutanixs enterprise cloud platform converges traditional silos of server, virtualization and storage into one integrated solution and can also connect to public cloud services. The companys offerings include two software products Acropolis and Prism, which are delivered on x86 servers.



Revenues surged 90.1% from the year-ago quarter to almost $167 million, driven by 84.2% and 114% growth in product and support & other services revenues to $70.4 million and $17.4 million, respectively.



Billings were up almost 87% year over year to $239.8 million (35% from new customers), reflecting strength in the companys expanding product portfolio.



Nutanix stated that it won well over 100 federal deals, with 12 of them in excess of $1 million. Acropolis Hypervisor (AHV) will be used in over one-third of the total federal nodes shipped during the quarter. From a year-over-year growth perspective, federal bookings grew 78% in the reported quarter.



Nutanix added 705 end-customers during the quarter. Total end-customer count was 4,473 at the end of the first quarter. End-customers with lifetime bookings over $1 million grew to 256 in the quarter. Some of the notable customers in the quarter were Toyota Motors North America, Scotia Bank, GIC and ICICI Bank among others.



During the quarter, Nutanix signed an extended agreement with Dell, which will run through Jun 2021. The deal is significantly positive as it reduces concerns over Dells plans to replace Nutanix with VMware VMW products, in which the company has a majority control post EMC acquisition.



Management stated that Dell was responsible for signing a number of new Global 2000 customers during the quarter. Moreover, the teams (Dell and EMC sales) are also engaged in deeper collaboration to bring automation and one-click delight to erstwhile EMC products via Nutanix Prism.



During the quarter, Nutanix also announced that its software will support Ciscos CSCO Unified Computing System (UCS) C-Series servers.



Gross margin expanded 40 basis points (bps) from the year-ago quarter to 60.9%.



As percentage of revenues, Sales & Marketing (S&M), Research & Development (R&D) and General & administrative (G&A) decreased 760 bps, 60 bps and 100 bps, respectively.



However, operating loss widened to $44.4 million from a loss of $31.8 million in the year-ago quarter.



Guidance



For the fiscal second quarter, revenues are anticipated to be in the range of $175$180 million. Non-GAAP gross margin is expected to be 60%, while loss is anticipated to be in the range of 3536 cents.



Zacks Rank & Key Picks



Currently, Nutanix carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Amdocs Limited DOX with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) is a better-ranked stock in the sector. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.



Long-term earnings growth for Amdocs is currently pegged at 7.5%.

Story continues

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Barack Obama

President Barack Obama opened up about what he will miss most as his second term in the White House comes to an end.

Before Obama greeted the President-elect Donald Trump following the November 8 election, he sat down with Rolling Stone magazine, to reflect on the election, his legacy, and the future.

Obama recounted some celebrated moments, like the killing of Osama bin Laden and the passage of the Affordable Care Act, as well as some moving memories of his interactions with ordinary Americans.

But the president didn't drone on with big or small achievements. Instead, he spontaneously turned to his feelings deep down and gave a tribute to the White House team.

"I think the thing that I will miss the most about this place, the thing that can get me sentimental  and I try not to get too nostalgic, because I still got a bunch of work to do  it's the team we built here," Obama said, praising the young people working alongside him.

"What I will take away from this experience is them: seeing how they work together, seeing the commitments they have made toward the issues that we care about," Obama said.

Brian Deese stands behind Obama.

The president specifically pointed out Brian Deese, the 38-year-old senior advisor to the president, as an example of the talented staff working in his administration.

"Nobody outside of the White House necessarily knows Brian," Obama said. "He engineered the Paris Agreement, the [Hydrofluorocarbons] Agreement, the Aviation Agreement, may have helped save the planet, and he's just doing it while he's got two babies at home, and could not be a better person."

Obama mentioned his connection with the staff, especially those who are younger, in other interviews, saying he has been encouraging those who were disappointed by the election of Trump.

In a New Yorker profile published earlier this month, Obama and his chief of staff, Denis McDonough were described as "almost like grief counsellors," during post-election conversations with White House staffers.

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And one of the things that I have been telling my younger staff, who in some cases have only known politics through my presidency, is history doesn't travel in a straight line. And it zigs and it zags and sometimes you take two steps forward and then you take a step back, Obama told Rolling Stone.

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Donald Trump Obama

The Obama administration recently expanded a 15-year-old congressional authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) to include members of the African Islamist militant group al-Shabab, The New York Times reported earlier this week.

The AUMF was passed shortly after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, authorizing the US military to wage a global war on Al Qaeda and "associated forces"  a provision that has allowed the Obama administration to bypass new authorization from Congress for operations targeting militants in Libya, Yemen, and now, Somalia.

Obama's characterization of the Islamic State  and now, of al-Shabab  as an "associated force" of Al Qaeda has been controversial, with many experts warning that it is a slippery slope to a forever war.

"The potential for the war to expand around the world cries out for a genuine expiration date," Ryan Goodman, an expert on international law and member of the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote last year. "The next administration should know that it will have to justify its own choices when the time comes for renewal."

Some analysts fear, however, that the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump will inherit vastly expanded war powers under Obama's elasticized AUMF. They say it could encourage Trump to preserve the tradition of bypassing congressional approval for combat operations against Islamists.

Its crazy that a piece of legislation that was grounded specifically in the experience of 9/11 is now being repurposed for close air support for regional security forces in Somalia, Micah Zenko, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, told The New York Times.

"This administration leaves the Trump administration with tremendously expanded capabilities and authorities," he added.

Trevor Timm, executive director of the Freedom of the Press foundation, tweeted on Monday that "everyone's freaking out about Trump, but not many seem to care Obama is unilaterally expanding war powers for him."

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'They're happy to give him carte blanche'

It's unclear whether Obama's expansion of the AUMF to include al-Shabab would give Trump war powers he wouldn't have already under the legislation.

While Obama has demonstrated that the president doesn't actually need new congressional approval to launch combat operations against Al Qaeda's "associated forces," Congress' role in overseeing the war on terror has been limited by its inability to pass new legislation that delineates its constraints.

Last year, for example, lawmakers voted to approve funding for the war against ISIS, but avoided specifically authorizing the war under a new AUMF.

"I suspect the Trump administration may be inclined to a very expansive reading of [AUMF] authorities, whether Obama establishes this precedent or not," Stephen Biddle, an adjunct senior fellow for defense policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, told Business Insider.

"Real capability of the next president may be more decisive than interpretations of legal authority," he said.

Lindsey Graham

Incidentally, the Trump administration's capabilities could be broadened both practically and legally not by Obama but by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a hawk who was one of Trump's harshest critics along the campaign trail.

The South Carolina senator proposed in January that the president be authorized to "use all necessary and appropriate force"  including ground troops  against ISIS, its "associated forces," and any "successor organizations," without an expiration date.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell  who, along with other Senate Republicans, had been reluctant to "tie the president's hands behind his back" with a new AUMF that might constrain rather than expand war powers  surprised when he fast-tracked the bill for a debate.

The Obama administration and Democratic senators, meanwhile, have pushed for a narrower AUMF that does not include ground forces and would expire after three years.

"Some of the same House and Senate members who are so critical of this so-called imperial president [Obama] are ready to make him an imperial president when it comes to war-making, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, said last year. Theyre happy to give him cart blanche.

But they didn't end up giving that to Obama  Graham's proposal has yet to come to a vote.

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By Arshad Mohammed and Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama, keen to preserve his legacy on domestic health care and the Iran nuclear deal, is not expected to make major moves on Israeli-Palestinian peace before leaving office, U.S. officials said on Thursday. One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the last word on the president's failed peace effort might come from Secretary of State John Kerry at an appearance on Sunday at an annual Middle East conference in Washington. Obamas aides are wary of being seen picking a fight with Donald Trump at a time when he hopes to persuade the Republican President-elect to preserve parts of his legacy, including the Iran nuclear deal, Obamacare and the opening to Cuba. While Obama has yet to present his final decision, several officials said he had given no sign that he intended to go against the consensus of his top advisers, who have mostly urged him not to take dramatic steps, a second official said. "There is no evidence that there is any muscle behind (doing) anything," said a third official. Putting new pressure on Israel could be seen as a vindictive parting shot by Obama at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first official said, noting they have had a testy relationship. There is concern that Trump, in response, might over-react in trying to demonstrate his own pro-Israel credentials, for example by moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, a step that would enrage Palestinians and create an international furore. Officials said Obama has weighed enshrining his own outline for a deal in a U.N. Security Council resolution that would live on after he gives way to Trump on Jan. 20. Another idea was to give a speech laying out such parameters. These options appear to have lost steam. Kerry, who led the last round of peace talks that collapsed in 2014, appears on Sunday at the Saban Forum conference of U.S., Israeli and Arab officials. Officials could not rule out that Obama might also talk about Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy before he leaves office. The White House and the Israeli embassy declined comment. The central issues to be resolved in the conflict include borders between Israel and a future Palestinian state, the fate of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which most nations regard as illegal, the fate of Palestinian refugees and the status of Jerusalem. Israeli officials remain concerned that Obama and his aides have not explicitly ruled out some kind of last-ditch U.S. action, either at the United Nations or in another public forum. U.S. officials said Obama could also have his hand forced, notably if another nation like France put forward a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity as illegal or illegitimate, daring Washington to veto it as it did a similar French-proposed resolution in 2011. U.S. ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, asked if Washington would again veto a French proposal, told Israel's Army Radio: "We will always oppose unilateral proposals." He added: "If there is something more balanced, I cannot guess what the response will be." (Additional reporting by Jeffrey Heller in Jerusalem; Editing by Yara Bayoumy and James Dalgleish)
Oh, so THIS is how Rory paid for all her flights to London during Gilmore Girls

As a one-time struggling freelance writer, while watching Gilmore Girls: A Year in in the Life, every time Rory got on a flight to London I practically screamed at my television, HOW IS RORY AFFORDING THESE FLIGHTS TO LONDON?

Flights to London are expensive, I know this because I looked them up the other day because I was so frustrated with Rory Gilmore. And while, yes, sometimes freelancing means youve got to get up and go to follow the story, traveling on a freelancers salary does not mean, I think Ill go to London tomorrow. That is absurd. Girl, arent you also you paying for your healthcare out of pocket, too? Do we need to talk about your spending?

three

Thankfully, Im not the only one out there completely befuddled with Rorys banking account. TVLine is also pretty confused about Rorys jet setting lifestyle, and in a new interview with Gilmore Girls showrunner, Amy Sherman-Palladino, she explains just how Rory was flying across the Atlantic every other week.

A lot of it was points, ASP explains. When you travel that much you have points. Shes flying economy. Shes flying JetBlue on a deal. And shes using her points.

Oh. Points. Um, okay? TBH, I fly a lot as it is, and I actually cashed in all my JetBlue points not that long ago to fly from Boston, Massachusetts toBuffalo, New York. But like, Buffalo and London are basically the same thing.

Pushing our point related questions aside, ASP continues that while they were writing the new Gilmore Girls episodes they didnt put much thought into where Rorys money was coming from. She just had it.

We didnt really focus on money because, quite frankly, I dont think anyones worried that Rory is going to starve. Between Emily Gilmore, Lorelai Gilmore Logan there were so many [well-off] people in her life that wouldve made sure she didnt fall through the cracks.

And it also looks like they made sure she got a cushy window seat on every transatlantic flight, too.

The post Oh, so THIS is how Rory paid for all her flights to London during Gilmore Girls appeared first on HelloGiggles.
A man already in prison for strangulation was charged Wednesday with a 2015 sexual assault in Lincoln.

Mario Lee, 48, is serving a one-year sentence at the Omaha Correctional Center for strangulation and false reporting stemming from an incident that happened in Lancaster County on Sept. 6., 2015, according to records.

Now, he is accused of grabbing a woman he had just met on July 25, 2015, leading her down a bridge embankment and raping her, according to a warrant for his arrest.

The woman got away and walked to a nearby fast-food restaurant and called a friend in Jefferson County to pick her up, the warrant says.

The friend drove her to Jefferson County, where the woman reported the assault, and staff from the sheriff's office there took her to the hospital and notified Lincoln police.

DNA taken from the woman was sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab for testing, and on April 5 police got word Lee is a likely match, documents say.

Video surveillance shows Lee and the woman together at the gas station where they met and at the People's City Mission, where he had been staying, according to the court documents

Lincoln police interviewed Lee May 13 at the Omaha prison and charged him Wednesday with first-degree sexual assault.

He began serving his current prison sentence Feb. 29 and becomes eligible for parole on Sunday.
It started on a whim.

Scott and Trish Snyder were both unemployed, without much to do. A friend of the Mantua, Ohio, couple was expecting a baby, and the Snyders, who love to carve and paint, thought, Why not make her a rocking horse?

Then, a year later, in 2011, they learned about a local Apache helicopter pilot who had been killed in Afghanistan. Christopher Thibodeau, 28, had just learned that he was going to become a father one week before.

We looked at each other and said, We have to do something for his child,  Scott Snyder recalls. So we built him a horse.

And that was the beginning of Heros Rock, a non-profit that creates customized rocking horses for children of fallen soldiers.

The Snyders, who recently returned from a two-month road trip to donate 18 hand-carved ponies to Fisher Houses  comfort lodging for families of wounded veterans needing hospital care  have given away nearly a dozen horses to the families of soldiers killed in action, with plans to craft dozens more. Families who receive the rockers are nominated by friends and relatives.

From start to finish, with help from local volunteers, each horse takes almost three months to complete, customized with a soldiers favorite colors, hobbies or personal mementos.

Using oak or ash wood, Scott does the carving and Im in charge of the painting, Trish, 54, who used to work as a phlebotomist for the Red Cross and has two grown sons, tells PEOPLE. We feel a lot of pressure to get them right and exemplify what these soldiers stood for. Its very emotional  all of these people are our sons ages. By the time were finished, we feel like were part of their family.

Adds Scott: Theyre not just the kids who live in the next town or down the road. Theyre our kids. Theyre our countrys kids. Their families deserve something to remember them by that will always bring smiles and joy.

With each rocking horse costing more than $1,000 to craft, the Snyders rely on donations through their gofundme site to help defray costs. Throughout the process, they consult with family members of the fallen soldiers to ensure that their loved ones personalities are captured in the carvings.

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Although weve carved a lot of horses, weve also made rocking helicopters, dragons, tigers and turtles, Scott, 54, and a retired body shop worker who used to repair semi trucks, tells PEOPLE. I love knowing that were creating something to help children take their minds off the sadness.

In memory of Jordan Byrd, an Army medic killed in Afghanistan in 2010, four days after his son, Ayden, was born, the Snyders crafted a rocking Humvee decorated with replicas of bird tattoos he and his wife, Savanna, had on their arms.

We deliver each rocker to the families personally, and thats always rewarding, says Scott. We know that our rockers will be a portrait of a hero from a childs point of view. That always brings a few tears.

Because Christopher Thibodeau had planned to make a helicopter rocker for his son following his tour in Afghanistan, the Snyders decided to turn that dream into a reality for the young pilots survivors.

I wondered if it might cause the family pain to remember that, but being a pilot is what Chris lived for, Trish tells PEOPLE. So we made a helicopter in his honor. More than anything, you want to do these guys proud.

In Christophers case, that was a mission accomplished, says his mother, Doreen Thibodeau, who works in the student affairs office at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

When Christopher was killed in action two weeks before he was scheduled to return home, we were devastated  losing a child is impossible to comprehend, Doreen tells PEOPLE.

Just prior to deploying, hed married the love of life, Leesandra, and nine months into his deployment, he learned he was to become a first-time dad, she says. How could we ever explain to our grandchild why his daddy was not here to share in his life?

The Thibodeaus were surprised and delighted to hear from a couple of crazy hippies, hoping to make a difference, says Doreen, who is now close friends with the Snyders, along with her husband, Bob.

In February 2012, when Scott and Trish delivered a helicopter rocker to their grandson, Liam, then 6 weeks old, there were a lot of smiles, laughter and tears shed, recalls Doreen. Each and every day, when Liam wakes up and sees that rocker in his room, he knows there are people who care he would grow up without his daddy because his daddy loved his country.

Thoughts like that are what keep us going, adds Scott. We feel weve found a purpose, a way of saying, Thank you. Every time, a child climbs onto one of one of our rockers, we know there will be smiles. That tugs at our hearts.

Know a hero? Send suggestions to heroesamongus@peoplemag.com. For more inspiring stories, read the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine




(Reuters) - The oil price rally sparked by an OPEC-Russia deal to cut output is likely to be short-lived, say traders in Asia, because the agreement may only draw more supplies from storage tanks and more crude shipments from the United States.

And even without increased supplies from elsewhere, if the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia do reduce production by 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) as pledged, the cuts would not be deep enough to shrink a glut that began to build in mid-2014, traders said.

"The cut by OPEC will be largely offset by increases in U.S. production where the rig count has already increased," said India Oil Corp's Director of Finance A K Sharma.

"So surplus (oil) will stay in the market. If there is any impact, it will be short term."

Higher oil prices and lower production costs are encouraging U.S. shale operators to increase output, while Kazakhstan started production at the Kashagan field in October.

Traders said the extent of the impact of the output deal will also depend on how it affects exports from Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members.

Cuts in export supply from producers could come from changes in operational tolerance, a contractual clause that allows either the buyer or seller to increase or reduce volumes by up to 10 percent, trade sources said.

The OPEC deal "will provide some price momentum but it cannot be compared with the cut seen back in 2008," a Singapore-based trader said, referring to the last OPEC production cut at 4.2 million bpd.

Production cuts early in the year are also a normal response to a low-demand season in February and March when Asian refiners typically shut for maintenance, he said.

Stronger prompt prices have also narrowed oil contango market structures, potentially prompting the release of oil from storage that could add to supplies, traders said.

Oil is more expensive in future months in a contango market, encouraging traders to store the commodity, but supplies are backed out when spreads start to weaken.

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Strength in Middle East crude benchmark Dubai may also further narrow its price gap against Brent, leading Asia refiners to buy more oil from the Atlantic Basin and the Americas, traders said.

IMPACT ON OIL DEMAND, MARGINS

Asian refiners are more concerned about the impact of higher oil prices on demand and profitability rather than the OPEC supply cuts as most have other crude sources to turn to.

China's independent refiners - also known as teapots - usually take more crude from South America and West Africa, for example.

The OPEC cuts will come mostly from Saudi Arabia and its Middle Eastern allies United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, from whom teapots barely import, so the impact will be minimal, said Zhang Liucheng, vice president of Dongming Petrochemical Group, the country's largest independent refiner.

As for any broad increase in oil prices, "whether it would affect teapots' crude demand, we'll need to watch out for domestic demand for refined fuel, which has not been great as even gasoline demand is growing less fast," Zhang said.

A spokesman at South Korea's second-largest refiner GS Caltex said: "What's more important to us is the product crack spread rather than the rising crude oil price ... We have to watch how the OPEC decision will affect oil demand."

(Reporting by Florence Tan in SINGAPORE, Chen Aizhu in BEIJING, Nidhi Verma in NEW DELHI, Osamu Tsukimori in TOKYO and Jane Chung in SEOUL; Writing by Florence Tan; Editing by Tom Hogue)
ZURICH, Dec 1 (Reuters) - The umbrella body representing national Olympic committees paid Patrick Hickey's bail to allow him to return home after he was arrested in a probe into an illegal ticket-scalping ring during the Rio de Janeiro Games. The former head of the Olympic Council of Ireland and the European Olympic Committee, who was released from prison in August, has maintained he is innocent of all charges. Irishman Hickey, 71, was allowed to leave Brazil in November on condition he paid 1.5 million reais ($432,201) in bail. "ANOC can confirm that on humanitarian grounds they have agreed to temporarily loan the bail payment for Patrick Hickey to return home for medical reasons," the Lausanne-based Association of National Olympic Committees said in a statement on Thursday. "The payment was made as a temporary loan so Patrick Hickey could meet his bail requirements and return to Ireland where he can receive medical treatment for a heart condition. The terms ... make it clear it must be repaid to ANOC in full." The Rio Games were staged in August. ($1 = 3.4706 reais) (Reporting by Greg Stutchbury in Wellington; Editing by Tony Jimenez)
OMG: There could be a Glossier retail store in the future

If youve ever endured a Glossier waiting list, this is gonna be music to your ears.

Mega boss Emily Weiss has raised $24 million bucks to take her brand Glossier international. She also hinted that brick and mortar shops will be part of the beauty brands expansion plan. Emily announced Glossiers new funding via Into the Gloss, writing:

The Series B fundraise marks the third time in three years that Ive asked total strangers for money so I can build what a lot of people thought was a Crazy Idea. Except this time around, the idea of a digitally native, community-driven beauty brand didnt seem so insaneand thats because so many of you have proven that its not.

(Read the full post here, its really inspiring.)

Start today and every day with the Phase 1 Set: four products designed to work together to keep skin hydrated, dewy, and glowing all over. A photo posted by Glossier. (@glossier) on Nov 15, 2016 at 5:58am PST

The new round of funding for Glossier marks one of the largest rounds of funding by a women-led startup in recent years, according to Forbes. Not bad for a brand thats only around two years old. Keep that factoid in mind when creating your 2017 vision boards.

On the site today: @emilywweiss announces our latest round of funding Read more (and get a sneak peak at @glossier's new space) at link in bio A photo posted by Into The Gloss (@intothegloss) on Nov 30, 2016 at 11:51am PST

We can only imagine how beautifully minimal (and pink!) the Glossier boutiques will be. She shared a pic of a space and teased more about the boutiques saying, This cash infusion will help us see through our vision of Glossier becoming a truly global community. That means launching products in two new categories, opening permanent retail (see photo above more on that soon), and yes, finally going international.

Swipe Generation G onto naked lips Sheer, matte, popsicle-stain flushperfect A video posted by Glossier. (@glossier) on Oct 19, 2016 at 3:14pm PDT

The investment wont be all about getting our hands-on retail fix, it also looks like Glossier products may be getting an upgrade. Emily writes,

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Well continue to invest in new technology, because we think every woman should have the ability to be connected through her beauty knowledge, opinions, products, and routine.

Good morning San Francisco! #glossierinthewild more on our Stories A photo posted by Glossier. (@glossier) on Oct 24, 2016 at 8:54am PDT

We cant wait to get up close and personal with our favorite Glossier highlighters, serums, and Generation G lipsticks. Stay tuned for more updates on how you can get to know the Glossier brand IRL.

The post OMG: There could be a Glossier retail store in the future appeared first on HelloGiggles.
saudi trader

OPEC finally agreed to curtail output during its meeting in Vienna on Wednesday.

This marks the cartel's first cut since 2008 and reverses its two-year strategy of pumping as much oil as desired.

OPEC agreed to collectively cap output at 32.5 million barrels per day, a decrease of 1.2 million bpd. The Saudis will bear the brunt of the cut, reducing output by 500,000 barrels per day, to about 10.1 million bpd.

Additionally, non-OPEC members, including Russia, are slated to tag along. This would bring the collective OPEC and non-OPEC cut to 1.8 million bpd, or about 2% of current global output.

The decision reflects producers' desires to end the global oil supply glut, which has kept prices depressed for over two years.

The cartel originally reached an "agreement" to limit its production back in September at informal talks in Algeria, with the intention of officially putting the plan into action come November. But most analysts were beginning to doubt whether OPEC would actually pull the trigger, arguing that geopolitical tensions and strategic market interests would prevent the group from cooperating.

Screen Shot 2016 12 01 at 10.04.11 AM

However, beneath the regional rivalries, major oil producers are increasingly facing growing financial stresses at home, which theoretically could translate into political stresses, making domestic concerns a possible factor in coming to an agreement.

"As with the Algiers Accord, we believe that [the] announcement reflects the tough economic circumstances faced by the sovereign producers and the desire for a measure of relief to shore up domestic support," Helima Croft, the global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets and whose team has long argued that the cartel would come to an agreement, wrote.

Those domestic concerns could be especially important for Saudi Arabia, which has been pushing forward with spending cuts and reforms and has been working on curtailing its "addiction" to oil via the Vision 2030 plan. Although there have yet to be major protests from the population, the austerity measures are front-loaded, which has created a challenge for the government.

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"We note that even a recovery into the mid $50s still leaves our fragile five at heightened risk for instability and supply disruptions, but will help Saudi Arabia achieve some of its key Vision 2030 priorities, avoid an increase in borrowing costs, and find notable public support," she added.

Back in September, the kingdom announced several fiscal-consolidation measures, including cutting ministers' salaries by 20% and canceling bonus payments for state employees, in an effort to reduce its record budget deficit. That was significant given both that two-thirds of working Saudis are employed by the state, meaning consumption could take a hit and the wage cuts could increase political risk. The kingdom's earlier cuts on electricity and water subsidies were not well received by the public.

"These will not be the last such moves, and we expect the government to introduce new measures over 2017, in line with Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Plan (which lay the reform path to follow to diversify the economy away from its overreliance on oil and the public sector)," argued a BMI Research team in a note to clients.

Screen Shot 2016 12 01 at 10.13.26 AM

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for Saudis rose to 12.1% in the third quarter of 2016  the highest since 2012  compared to the overall unemployment rate of 5.7%, which includes both Saudi nationals and foreign workers. "Employment growth in the private sector will be limited, given the economic slowdown. As a result, the rate of unemployment for Saudi Arabian nationals will continue to increase over 2017. Higher unemployment will translate into lower demand from Saudi Arabian households, further hurting the non-oil economy," the team added.

Plus, the Saudis face several other problems: The campaign in Yemen has been "prohibitively expensive." Their foreign-exchange reserves have fallen since oil prices started plummeting. Bloomberg reported back in September that the kingdom could cancel over $20 billion worth of projects, and there have been ugly economic data points.

"We believe that the Saudi Arabian economy has still not felt the entire impact of the government's fiscal consolidation reforms," the BMI team wrote.

saudi reserves

And so, Wednesday's "decision will likely be very well received by the Saudi public, which is struggling in the face of sharp spending cuts and austerity measures," according to Croft.

"Oil in the $50s will also help the Kingdom avoid costly credit ratings downgrades as it ramps up borrowing. As long as Saudi Arabia remains firmly committed to the deal, which is slated to last for six months (or longer with a six-month extension option) we believe that the arrangement will hold."

As a final note, for what it's worth, the late oil watcher Robert Mabro once quipped that OPEC should change its logo to a tea bag "because it only works when in hot water."

NOW WATCH: Watch the Air Force drop 8 armored Humvees out of a plane from 5,000 feet





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Amid rising speculation, anticipation and skepticism, OPEC leaders were finally in tune with an output cut on November 30 in Vienna. The deal sent oil prices soaring the most in nine months and global energy stocks to the highest levels since January. Though Iraq and Iran were hurdles to this historic agreement, the cartel was finally able to cut the output cut deal for the first time in eight years.

WTI crude ETF United States Oil USO added about 8.7% on the day the deal was announced while Brent crude ETF United States Brent Oil BNO climbed about 9.1%. The largest energy ETF Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF XLE jumped 5.1% on November 30 while the S&P 500 lost about 0.3% (read: Oil ETFs Jump on Renewed Hopes of OPEC Cut).

Investors should note that OPEC was third time lucky about an output cut this year after reeling under acute pricing pressure for long. Attempts were also made in Doha in April and in Algeria in September (read: 3 Country ETFs Soaring on Hopes of Oil Output Curb).

OPEC top-brass Saudi has disagreed to the deal mainly citing Irans lack of participation. In fact, Iran has been boosting production since international sanctions on it were lifted in January. This is because Iran was producing below its capacity and pre-sanctions levels since 2011 while the other countries raised their output limit to record levels.

However, finally OPEC decided to slash production by about 1.2 million barrels a day by January to about 32.5 million barrels. Notably, OPECs estimated output in October was 33.6 million barrels a day.

Inside Individual Production Quotas

The agreement excluded Nigeria and Libya, but enacted quotas on Iraq for the first time since the 1990s. Iraq has now decided to reduce output by 210,000 barrels a day from October levels while the OPEC powerhouse Saudi will decrease production by 486,000 barrels a day to 10.058 million a day.

The key bottleneck in the deal so far  Iran  was permitted to increase production to about 3.8 million barrels a day, against Saudi Arabias previous pitch for 3.707 million barrels a day.

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The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait will lower production by 139,000 barrels a day and 131,000 a day, respectively. More importantly, non-OPEC country Russia, which was producing at a post-Soviet record, will also slash its output by 300,000 barrels a day though it is conditional on its technical abilities.

Time to Buy Oil & Energy ETFs

Though anything concrete in the oil patch will happen only when the participants stick to their commitments, as of now there should be a rally in the oil patch. In any case, several analysts like Goldman Sachs and Soros Fund Management are bullish on oil, irrespective of the output cut deal. While Goldman anticipates a deficit in the oil patch in the second half of next year, billionaire investors George Soros assumed new positions in eight energy-related firms in Q3. Goldman now sees the deal as incredibly appealing.

ETFs & Stocks to Profit

So, while oil ETFs including USO, BNO, iPath S&P GSCI Crude Oil TR ETN OIL and VelocityShares 3x Long Crude Oil ETN UWTI aregreat betson the OPEC deal,investors can also have a look at regular and leveraged energy ETFs too. Several energy ETFs hit a 52-week high following agreement (read: 10 Leveraged/Inverse ETFs with Over 30% Surge in November).

Below we highlight the energy ETFs that surged 10% or more on November 30.

Direxion Daily S&P Oil&Gas Exploration & Production Bull 3X ETFGUSH  Up 34.6%

Direxion Daily Energy Bull 3X ETFERX  Up 15.3%

PowerShares S&P SmallCap Energy ETFPSCE  Up 12.73%

PowerShares DWA Energy Momentum ETFPXI  Up 12.66%

SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment &Services ETFXES  Up 12.59%

SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Productiin ETFXOP  Up 11.58%

VanEck Vectors Oil Services ETFOIH  Up 10.62%

ProShares Ultra Oil & Gas DIG  Up 10.56%

VanEck Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETFFRAK  Up 10.46%

Stocks at 52-Week High

Below are the energy stocks that hit a 52-week high on November 30 and surged at least 20%.

Oasis Petroleum Inc. OAS  Up 27.73%

WPX Energy Inc. WPX  Up 27.59%

Continental Resources Inc. CLR  Up 22.88%

Nabors Industries Ltd. NBR  Up 22.25%

Callon Petroleum Company CPE  Up 22.08%

Marathon Oil Corporation MRO  Up 20.80%

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By Rania El Gamal, Alex Lawler and Ahmad Ghaddar VIENNA (Reuters) - OPEC has agreed its first oil output cuts since 2008 after Saudi Arabia accepted "a big hit" on its production and dropped its demand on arch-rival Iran to slash output, pushing up crude prices by around 10 percent. Fast-growing producer Iraq also agreed to curtail its booming output, while non-OPEC Russia will join output cuts for the first time in 15 years to help the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries prop up oil prices. "OPEC has proved to the skeptics that it is not dead. The move will speed up market rebalancing and erosion of the global oil glut," said OPEC watcher Amrita Sen from consultancy Energy Aspects. The cut did not come without a casualty, however. Indonesia, the producer group's only East Asian member, said it would suspend its membership after rejoining only this year as it was not willing to comply with the output cuts sought. Following news of the deal, the price for Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, surged to settle up nearly 9 percent. They eased slightly in early Asian trading on concerns that other producers, especially U.S. shale drillers, could fill any gap. The agreement came despite huge political hurdles. Iran and Russia are effectively fighting two proxy wars against Saudi Arabia, in Yemen and Syria, and many skeptics had said the countries would struggle to find a compromise. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said ahead of the meeting that the kingdom was prepared to accept "a big hit" on production to get a deal done. "I think it is a good day for the oil markets, it is a good day for the industry and ... it should be a good day for the global economy. I think it will be a boost to global economic growth," he told reporters after the decision. SOME CAUTION ON CUTS Some observers were more cautious. "This is an agreement to cap production levels, not export levels," British bank Barclays said in a note. "The outcome is consistent with ... what OPEC production levels were expected to be in 2017, irrespective of the deal reached." Despite Wednesday's price surge, oil prices are still only at levels last seen in September and October, when plans for a cut were first announced, and are at less than half their levels of mid-2014, when the glut started. OPEC produces a third of global oil, or around 33.6 million barrels per day, and under the Wednesday deal it would reduce output by around 1.2 million bpd from January 2017. That would take its output to January 2016 levels, when prices fell to over 10 year lows. Saudi Arabia will take the lion's share of cuts by reducing output by almost 0.5 million bpd to 10.06 million bpd. Its Gulf OPEC allies - the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar - would cut by a total 0.3 million bpd. Iraq, which had insisted on higher output quotas to fund its fight against Islamic State militants, unexpectedly agreed to reduce production - by 0.2 million bpd. Iran was allowed to boost production slightly from its October level - a victory for Tehran, which has long argued it needs to regain market share lost under Western sanctions. WILL OPEC COMPLY? Falih had long insisted OPEC would limit output only if non-OPEC producers contributed. OPEC president Qatar said non-OPEC producers had agreed to reduce output by a further 0.6 million bpd, of which Russia would contribute some 0.3 million. Russia had previously resisted participating and instead pushed production to new records in recent months. "Russia will gradually cut output in the first half of 2017 by up to 300,000 barrels per day, on a tight schedule as technical capabilities allow," Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said from Moscow. Novak, who spoke an hour after OPEC announced its deal, did not say from which output levels Russia would cut. Non-OPEC Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have said they might also cut. "With the deal agreed to in principle and country level quotas established, focus will now shift to implementation," Goldman Sachs said in a note to clients. OPEC will hold talks with non-OPEC producers on Dec. 9. The organization will also have its next meeting on May 25 to monitor the deal and could extend it for six months, Qatar said. INDONESIA SUSPENDS MEMBERSHIP Indonesia, the cartel's only Asian member, said it would suspend its membership as it wasn't willing to cut its production as agreed by OPEC. "The meeting... requested for Indonesia to cut around 5 percent of its production or around 37,000 barrels per day... As a net oil importing country, a cut to production capacity would not benefit Indonesia," the country's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said in a statement. Indonesia has a patchy OPEC membership history. After first joining in 1962, it left in 2009 as dwindling production meant that Southeast Asia's most populous country had become a net importer of crude oil, which is against OPEC's statute for full membership. Despite this, it re-joined OPEC in early 2016. Indonesia's suspension will not affect OPEC's overall reduction as its share of cuts will be redistributed among other members. (Additional reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin, Shadia Nasralla, Lisa Barrington and Henning Gloystein; Writing by Dmitry Zhdannikov; Editing by Dale Hudson and Richard Pullin)
HSBC and OCBC are appointed as arrangers and dealers.

Real estate owner, developer and operator OUE Limited is on the lookout for possible investors as it sets up a $3b multicurrency debt issuance program under its treasury arm, which will be the issuer of notes and securities.

The group appointed HSBC and OCBC as the dealers and arrangers of the programme. Under the said programme, OUE Treasury may, from time to time, issue notes and perpetual securities in Singapore dollars or any other currency as agreed between the dealers and the issuer.

The proceeds from the issuance of bonds will be used for the purpose of funding general working capital, or for the feneral corporate funding including investments and capital expenditures. It may also be used for refinancing the existing borrowings of the group.





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Getty Image

Its noteworthy that this years most talked about film about an American political figure  right smack in the middle of a new, even worse era of political strife  is made by a Chilean filmmaker. But maybe thats just what Jackie needed, a look from a bit on the outside at one of the most important figures of the 20th century. Actually, once you see Pablo Larrains haunting, beautiful Jackie, its evident thats exactly what the film needed because it just all works so well. And we havent even gotten to Natalie Portmans done-deal, going-to-be-Oscar-nominated performance as Jackie Kennedy.

Told in flashback a few weeks after the assassination of her husband, Jackie features Natalie Portman absolutely transforming herself into Jackie Kennedy. The film crisscrosses back and forth from Jackie Kennedy giving a televised tour of the White House to the day of the assassination, which includes, from Jackies perspective, maybe the most brutal cinematic depiction of that event put to film. Ahead, Larrain explains the nuances involved with bringing Jackie to fruition.

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Its an interesting time to be making a movie about American political figures right now.

It is, yeah. It was very unexpected. But, yeah, it ended up being like that. I never thought that I would ever make a movie about Jacqueline Kennedy actually really until Darren Aronofsky had this wild idea of bringing a Chilean into this project. But its been a very beautiful experience.

Back in September, Jackie kind of came out of nowhere. Its rare when theres not a lot of early hype.

I think a movie should fight for their own interest on the cinema first, and then you get to talk about it if people are interested. But I think if you really trust a movie, you have to play it and you have to play it in the cinema and you have to trust the film. And thats what we did, I guess. Instead of sort of talking out loud about the film before it went out, we trust the film and we protect it until it was ready to go and we show it and share it.

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Hype can be detrimental.

Yeah, and I think its an unpredictable movie and that unpredictability is what makes it interesting somehow. Because its a movie about a woman, its a movie about one of the biggest crises in the history of this planet, and its a movie about a private person that later became an icon. And I couldnt agree more with you. I think its been a fascinating process and I have learned a lot, I have to say.

Your movie depicts maybe the most horrific recreation of the Kennedy assassination Ive ever seen. And its from Jackies perspective, which made it more horrifying.

I remember when I got the script and then I got into the Warren Commission Report. The script was amazing and then the Warren Commission Report would describe how he was assassinated: like one bullet here and one bullet there, third bullet in the skull. And at the end was, Jacqueline Kennedy, his 34-years-old wife, was sitting next to him. And we were like, why dont we think for the length of this film that he was sitting next to her. And so thats why our approach is only her perspective all the way in the film. And why would we go away from her in that specific moment, you know? And it was fair to the story and the point of view that we had that if were going to show the assassination, were going to show it from her perspective. And she was very close, man. So why would we go away from it? And yeah, we wait until the right moment shows up, because this is a movie about memory and memory is very random and its associated to emotions. And it felt better when we cut the film to put it there because that was the moment she would probably remember it strongly, you know? And we had to be close and graphic because we need to share that emotion so people will understand what she went through.

It also makes you realize how lucky she was to have survived that day.

Yeah, of course. Oh, yeah. That bullet could easily have gone through to her. Whoever shot that bullet was of course a good shooter, you know?

Its interesting you said whoever.

Oh, you know, I never got into who shot that bullet and why.

I only ask because you said whoever, which I thought was interesting.

Yeah, because what happens is that this is a very large discussion around the subject, and I never wanted to get into there, because that was not her issue. Its not her story, you know? If we would be making a movie about that, I would probably answer that with more sensibility.

This is a weird question, but can a performance ever be too good? At times it felt like I was watching the real Jackie Kennedy.

It was one of the challenges. When you make a movie about somebody whos so famous with somebody thats also so famous like Natalie, its like how many minutes it takes to the audience to say, all right, thats Jackie.

Very quick. It does not take long.

And I think thats why the film started with a black image and the music flows for 15 seconds over a black image. And then a close-up of Jackie that lasted for a while while she walks. And I think theres something in Natalies eyes, man. Of course she has the intelligence, the beauty, the sophistication that resembles Jackie  but Jackie Kennedy was a very mysterious woman, and theres a lot thats been written about her. If you go on Amazon, type her name and you get a hundred, maybe a thousand biographies.

I remember when she was alive, as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and she was very mysterious. No one ever knew what she was doing.

But not just because she would take care of her own privacy, but just look at pictures of her. Type Life Magazine and you will see her pictures, her color pictures, see her eyes, and theres something in those eyes, man, that has an incredible amount of mystery. And thats what Natalie does so well, too. And thats why you were like, oh, shes Jackie, because I cant answer the question who she is. Thats the trick, the level of mystery that involves her.

You brought up the music cues. The score for Jackie is tremendous.

Well, the score is amazing. I think Mica Levi is very much a genius. What happens with scores is that, most of the time, the scores are like sort of repeating the idea that is in the image. So just like if its sad, then youll play sad music. What we try to do here is to bring another sensibility, another emotion, another expression with the music so that, combined with the image, it would create a third idea that is more hard to describe.

One of the most haunting scenes Ive seen this year is after the president is shot and we watch Jackie holding him while the car is speeding down the highway on the way to the hospital.

Well, I think what happens is that most of what has been done around the subject, its from when they get into the motorcade in Dallas and they drive around until the assassination moment, right? But then I discovered that there was this moment from the assassination to when they got to Parkland  which is the hospital where Kennedy actually died  and it was six and a half minutes. And Im like, what? Can you imagine that she hold his head on her lap for six and a half minutes.

Thats a very long time.

Its an eternity, man. And I was like, we have to deal with that.

Youre right. No ones ever really explored those six minutes.

I was like, why hasnt anybody focused on these minutes that must be an eternity for her? And thats why we stayed there. And I tried to shoot it in different angles with different intentions and then we used it and set it up in the editing as you see in the film, because its an important moment. Those are the moments that stay with us. And I think that was a very tough moment for her, because thats the moment, those six and a half minutes, shes saying, hes going to die, Im a widow, my life has changed, Ive got to leave the White House, what am I going to do, this is horrible, this is too sad. Like all those things. Whats going to happen to my children? Whats going to happen to this country? Are we in war? How many questions can you ask? Millions of questions and all that is just so sad and distracting and horrible. And you need that to understand how strong she was, because later she would put the entire countrys grief, her own grief, and her familys grief on her back and she would walk and push, which is what she did.
For 25 years, Roger Figard has been in charge of most everything linear in the city -- streets, sidewalks and rights-of-way for an assortment of pipes carrying water to homes and wastewater away from homes.

But not trails. Thats another department, Parks and Recreation.

And Figards job as city engineer involved services people understand, care about and are quick to complain about -- smooth streets, potholes, snow removal, traffic signals and traffic jams.

Under Figards watch, the city street system has grown.

* From 1,830 lane miles of road to 2,890 miles.

* From 310 intersections with traffic signals to 430.

* From zero roundabouts to 37, with nine more under construction or being planned.

Figard began working for the city 38 years ago, first as a construction engineer, then as superintendent of the city water system's production and treatment before being appointed the city's top engineer.

As the city's top engineer, Figard supervised a department of more than 210 employees and a budget of more than $88 million in local, state and federal funds.

"His legacy will endure for years to come," said Public Works and Utilities Director Miki Esposito, who listed some of the Figard-era projects.

The Harris Overpass, Antelope Valley, the West Haymarket redevelopment project, rallying support for the South and East beltways -- these important projects represent some of his largest contributions to the city of Lincoln, she said.

Figard became city engineer in a simpler time. A major street widening project or a bridge replacement could take two to three years from planning to completion.

Today, with increased regulations, particularly environmental compliance rules, those projects take five to six years.

We cant get an environmental document done in two to three years, said Figard, who retired in mid-November as city engineer but is continuing part-time as the head of the Railroad Transportation Safety District, a county-city agency he has headed for almost 25 years.

Probably the biggest change during his era was the need to involve the public and those most interested in a specific project early in the process, Figard said.

That means several public meetings on projects as designs are being developed.

Unless people believe they have been heard and are part of the decision-making process, it is hard to move a project along, he said.

Public Works also works harder to accommodate the needs of business owners and homeowners as they do street maintenance or construction projects, he said.

We always thought we were doing the right thing, but today, business owners and residents feel more empowered to tell the department when they think the plan isnt working, he said.

Though the material used for streets hasnt changed much in 25 years, the technology that surrounds engineering has. Figard took the professional engineering exam with a slide rule. Today, computers do all the heavy lifting, using the information input to come up with a solution.

During Figards tenure, engineering and planning staff came up with Lincolns two-plus-one strategy -- two lanes plus a center turn lane -- on inner-city arterials. The two-plus-one solution allows for more traffic without widening to four lanes.

In the early- to mid-2000s, a conscious decision was made to convert most of the streets in the built environment -- from Ninth to 84th Street and Cornhusker to Nebraska 2 -- to two-plus-one and live with more congestion, Figard said.

Widening streets is controversial and expensive. In Lincoln widening would have meant tearing out homes on one side of the street, making widening costs prohibitive, he said.

The two-plus-one solution improved safety and capacity without the cost, he said.

The decision to live with narrower arterials is still a contentious issue, and commuters from the fringes continue to complain. But Figard said widening these roads to four lanes is not likely to happen.

As a member of a state Board of Public Roads, Figard helped produce more relaxed state standards for city and county streets that save communities money. And he was part of the group that produced the RUTS (rural to urban transition for streets) agreement requiring roads built within 3 miles of the city meet higher standards, so Lincoln doesn't end up with more Old Cheney Roads and South 56th Streets that required complete reconstruction.

Figard is known for his "remarkable ability to keep the peace, smooth things over, calm people and situations down," said Esposito. "Hes the guy with all those years of experience and perspective who has come through every battle and knows better than to worry too much," she said.

Figard is retiring as the biggest project during his 25 years comes to a close -- Antelope Valley.

When he became city engineer in the fall of 1991, one of his early meetings was about Antelope Valley.

And just a few months before he retired, the joint Antelope Valley board held its last meeting and closed out the books on the $246 million project that involved a new street system and bridges, flood control and recreation, and used federal, state and local tax dollars.

The multiple problems went back to the 1960s and '70s: the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was landlocked by the street system; the Natural Resources District needed to resolve flooding issues; the city needed a better north-south corridor through central Lincoln, Figard said.

The old way of doing business -- engineers coming up with two or three alternatives, then asking the stakeholders to decide which was best -- didnt work here.

So the three groups decided they would come up with one solution and one that didnt ask anyone to choose roads or flood control or UNL expansion.

It took three years of meetings, many meetings, before the three groups and the broader community came up with a plan that everyone could support, Figard said.

And that plan was not the best transportation solution or the best flood control solution. But it was the best combination, he said.

Figard and Glenn Johnson, who retired this summer as the Lower Platte South NRD manager, were key players in the Antelope Valley project.

We can take a great deal of satisfaction in seeing that project done, of solving 30 to 40 years of discord and conflict between the city and UNL and the NRD," said Figard.

"We can walk away with smiles on our faces knowing that it was a job well done that is continuing to produce results.
Islamabad (AFP) - Pakistan said Donald Trump praised its prime minister as a "terrific guy" and offered support for a "fantastic" country, in an effusive phone call that baffled many after sharp criticisms in the past.

The Pakistani government released the candid account, complete with Trump's trademark language, after Nawaz Sharif phoned the billionaire real estate mogul to congratulate him on his election victory.

The widely-circulated statement released late Wednesday caused surprise given the anti-Muslim rhetoric of the Trump campaign and the president-elect's past description of Pakistan as "not our friend".

It said Trump told the embattled Pakistani leader, currently embroiled in a corruption court case, that he has a "very good reputation".

"You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you prime minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," it quoted Trump as saying.

"Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," Trump said according to the statement, while also offering to help solve the nation's many challenges which include a violent insurgency.

"I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it."

Trump has long been disdainful of Pakistan on social media.

On January 17, 2012, he tweeted: "Get it straight: Pakistan is not our friend. We've given them billions and billions of dollars, and what did we get? Betrayal and disrespect  and much worse. "

Pakistanis have also been suspicious of his relationship with arch-rival India.

- 'Zany' -

Pakistan heavily relies on US aid and is likely to get around $1 billion in economic and security assistance in the 2017 financial year.

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Relations plummeted after it emerged in 2011 that the US had carried out a raid to kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, found hiding in Pakistan, without Islamabad's consent.

Trump's election has met with concern over what it could mean for aid commitments and bumpy diplomatic relations.

However, the government statement said Trump urged Sharif to call him "any time even before 20th January" when he takes power.

Trump also responded to an invitation to visit Pakistan by saying he would "love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people", it said.

He would be the first US president to visit since George W. Bush during military leader Pervez Musharraf's rule in 2006. "His visit to Pakistan would be most welcome," a foreign ministry spokesman said Thursday. Pakistan "would like to strengthen ... the existing relationship further and we would like to continue working with the new administration when it takes over," he continued.

Some social media users appeared to welcome the phone call revelations.

"Fantastic diplomacy" wrote Pakistani journalist Waseem Abbasi, based in Washington, on Facebook.

Some were more sceptical.

"But Mr Trump do you know most Pakistanis are Muslim - how can they be 'brilliant and exceptional' as well? Won't you stop them entering?" wrote journalist Omar Quraishi on Twitter.

Trump railed against Muslims during the campaign and vowed to ban them from entering the US.

"I'm still trying to process that zany Trump-Sharif phone call. Who would have known that Trump would become a spokesman for ?" tweeted Michael Kugelman, an analyst at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington.

Kugelman later warned not to read too much into the call, given how "unpredictable" Trump can be.

Trump's transition team confirmed the call but gave a more toned-down account, saying the pair had a "productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future."

"President-elect Trump also noted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif," it said in a statement.
Pakistans Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday that Islamabad welcomed President-elect Donald Trumps enthusiasm in helping resolve Pakistans long-standing conflict with India. At his weekly news conference, Nafees Zakaria said Pakistan is hoping to strengthen relations with the U.S.

We have longstanding relations with Washington and would like continuing working with the new US administration to further strengthen them, Zakaria reportedly said, adding that the real estate mogul expressed his desire of playing a role in the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Zakarias comments come a day after Islamabads Press Information Department released an official statement detailing a phone conversation between Pakistans Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Trump.

As I am talking to you prime minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people, the statement quoted Trump as saying. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people.

He reportedly mentioned his interest in helping Islamabad in resolving its conflicts saying, I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems.

Trump also added that he would love to visit the country. Zakaria said the phone call was a courtesy call and that Trump visiting Pakistan would be most welcomed.

Trumps relationship with Pakistan could affect Washingtons ties with New Delhi, a staunch U.S. ally. On the campaign trail, Trump said the U.S. and India would be best friends adding: There isn't going to be any relationship more important to us.

If we could get India and Pakistan getting along, I would be honored to do that. That would be a tremendous achievement I think if they wanted me to, I would love to be the mediator or arbitrator, he said in October.

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David Petraeus after a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower in New York on Monday. (Photo: Lucas Jackson/Reuters)

Presidential appointees often come with some sort of baggage. But retired Gen. David Petraeus, whom President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering for secretary of state, is potentially in a league of his own.

The former CIA director  who pleaded guilty in 2015 to mishandling classified information that he shared with his mistress, Paula Broadwell  would apparently need to get permission from a probation officer to leave North Carolina to fulfill his duties as secretary of state, a condition of Petraeus two-year probation.

The defendant shall notify the probation officer within 72 hours of any change in residence or employment, read a court judgment, which was shared on Twitter by USA Today reporter Brad Heath. The defendant shall not leave the Western District of North Carolina without the permission of the Court or probation officer. Travel allowed for work as approved by U.S. probation office.

The fine print of Petraeus probation. (Photo: U.S. District Court/Western District of North Carolina)

Another condition would give the probation officer the right to search Petraeus personal and office computers without a warrant.

The defendant shall submit his person, residence, office, vehicle and/or any computer system including computer data storage media, or any electronic device capable of storing, retrieving, and/or accessing data to which they have access or control, to a search, from time to time, conducted by any U.S. Probation Officer and such other law enforcement personnel as the probation officer may deem advisable, without a warrant, the document read.

Gen. Petraeus, one of the people on Trump's list for Secretary of State, has to check with his probation officer before leaving western N.C. pic.twitter.com/ay64N3JYIQ  Brad Heath (@bradheath) November 30, 2016

All of which may be why some political analysts say Trump would have to pardon Petraeus before any confirmation hearings could begin.

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There would be several problems with his confirmation, Fox News Andrew Napolitano said Tuesday. At the time of his guilty plea, he admitted to taking federal government property. That would bar him from holding a federal office.

Additionally, there would be a deep sense of irony if Trump picks Petraeus to lead his State Department. During the campaign, he raged at Hillary Clinton for mishandling classified information while she was secretary of state, which he said should disqualify her from the presidency.

On Monday, the president-elect met with Petraeus at Trump Tower to talk about the position, tweeting that he came away very impressed with the retired general.

Just met with General Petraeuswas very impressed!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2016

Trump is said to be considering at least four other candidates for secretary of state: former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former New York City Rudy Giuliani, Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee and former U.N. ambassador John Bolton.
Philip Lee, a producer who straddles China and Hollywood, is on board to produce an Indian martial arts film and a trilogy of movies by Million Dollar Baby, and Crash writer Paul Haggis.

Lee, who was associate producer on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and executive producer on Cloud Atlas, The Revenant, and Assassins Creed, recently teamed with Hollywood financier Markus Barmettler to launch production venture Facing East. He spoke to Variety after delivering a master class in Goa at the recent Film Bazaar.

The 19th Step is a project that was previously announced in 2008 with Indian filmmaker Bharat Bala to direct. The film will be based on the ancient Indian martial art Kalaripayattu that later evolved into Oriental martial arts like Kung Fu.

The film was due to star Indias Kamal Haasan, Asin, and Japans Tadanobu Asano but eventually fell through due to what Lee describes as stupid reasons. Lee reconnected with Bala at Film Bazaar and the script is now being reworked, before a fresh set of actors is approached. Lee will produce via his Facing East outfit along with Balas Bharat Bala Productions.

The timing is good, Lee said. It is the kind of project that has international appeal.

Haggis will write and direct a trilogy for Facing East based on U.S. author Paolo Bacigalupis young adult novels, beginning with Ship Breaker, Lee revealed. Haggis is currently working on the scripts.

Lee is also working with Ronny Yu on an as-yet untitled project, due to shoot in late 2017. It is a project that will be shot in Honolulu. It is set at the turn of the century and is about a Chinese policeman, an inspector who was very famous, Lee said. No cast has been attached yet. The project was earlier titled Chinatown. I hated the title, says Lee. Right now we are calling it the Ronny Yu Untitled Picture,' he added.

Terrence Malicks Radegund, on which Lee is a producer, is currently in post and will be ready sometime in 2018, Lee said.

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Lee is also partnering with Rob Minkoff (The Lion King) and former Disney executive Steve Fickinger to produce a Broadway version of Farewell My Concubine, based on Pik Wah Lees novel that Chen Kaige made a Palme dOr-winning film of in 1993. Pre-production will begin imminently with a director and cast set to be attached soon.

Lee said that financing for the long gestating project Razor, based on the bestselling comic-book series Razor and Stryke created by Everette Hartsoe, is pretty much in place, quoting fellow producer Jeff Most. Lee is not involved in the financing of Razor. Rob Cohen is attached to direct.

Variety had previously revealed that Samuel L. Jackson was in final discussions to star in Peter Segals $130 million science fiction film Inversion. Lee confirmed the casting, saying, Samuel Jackson is contracting with us right now. Filming will commence Feb. 27 in Berlin. The cast also includes Travis Fimmel and Chinas Liu Yifei.

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Man Who Pirated 'The Revenant' Ordered to Pay $1.1 Million to 20th Century Fox

Cinematographers Weigh Pros, Cons of Large-Format Cameras for Tentpole Movies

NBC Orders Pilot From Warren Leight and Paul Haggis, Developing 'Waking Lions' From Gideon Raff
Dec 1 (Reuters) - Pacific Investment Management Co (Pimco) and a top U.S. regulator have settled claims the bond manager mismarked securities in a fund formerly managed by investor Bill Gross, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.

Pimco agreed to pay about $20 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission, people familiar with the matter told the WSJ. (http://on.wsj.com/2gEr854)

"Pimco is pleased to have resolved the BOND ETF matter with the SEC," a Pimco spokesman said in an email.

"Accordingly, the firm has enhanced its policies and procedures relating to valuation of smaller-sized positions and performance attribution disclosure," the spokesman said.

(Reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
Pluto

Pluto is hiding a very big secret some 3 billion miles away from Earth: a vast ocean of liquid water.

If you could suck all of the liquid from below the dwarf planet's icy shell, it might amount to a sphere up to 780 miles wide, or about 75% of all of Earth's liquid water reservoir, according to data shared with Business Insider. (And Pluto is one of the solar system's smaller ocean worlds.)

Researchers announced their discovery of Pluto's presumable ocean in two Nov. 16 studies in the journal Nature, both of which used data from the July 2015 flyby of NASA's New Horizons spacecraft. Now a Dec. 1 Nature study further backs up that idea.

Two questions on many researchers' minds, however, are what's in the water  and could it support alien life?

Steven Vance, an astrobiologist and geophysicist at NASA JPL, previously told us Pluto's ocean might contain "alcohols (methanol, ethanol), hydrocarbons (methane, ethane), and more complex molecules made from [carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen] that are so abundant on Pluto."

Such chemicals could act like an antifreeze, making Pluto's frigid, sub-freezing waters more slushy than liquid. The compounds might also form the chemical basis for life and consumable energy.

But Bill McKinnon, one of the authors of the latest study in Nature, thinks it's also laced with a noxious chemical found in bottles of window cleaner: ammonia.

"New Horizons has detected ammonia as a compound on Pluto's big moon, Charon, and on one of Pluto's small moons. So it's almost certainly inside Pluto," McKinnon said in a Washington University in St. Louis press release. "What I think is down there in the ocean is rather noxious, very cold, salty and very ammonia-rich  almost a syrup."

It's unknown how much ammonia Pluto's ocean contains, but a mixture ranging from 10% to 35% ammonia (and 90% to 65% water, respectively) is "capable of causing severe burns with deep ulceration, blisters and permanent scarring" and swallowing it can trigger "vomiting, diarrhea, collapse and death," according to one material safety data sheet we found.

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pluto subsurface ocean ucsc

Earth is proof that life is crafty and can eek out an existence in rough environments. Bacteria might even exist miles below Antarctic ice in permanently dark lakes of glacial water.

So could strange forms of life also exist in Pluto's global ocean?

"It's no place for germs, much less fish or squid, or any life as we know it," he said in the release. "But as with the methane seas on Titan  Saturn's main moon  it raises the question of whether some truly novel life forms could exist in these exotic, cold liquids."

McKinnon continued:

"Life can tolerate a lot of stuff: It can tolerate a lot of salt, extreme cold, extreme heat, etc. But I don't think it can tolerate the amount of ammonia Pluto needs to prevent its ocean from freezing  ammonia is a superb antifreeze. Not that ammonia is all bad. On Earth, microorganisms in the soil fix nitrogen to ammonia, which is important for making DNA and proteins and such.

"If you're going to talk about life in an ocean that's completely covered with an ice shell, it seems most likely that the best you could hope for is some extremely primitive kind of organism. It might even be pre-cellular, like we think the earliest life on Earth was."

Still, Kevin Hand, a planetary scientist at NASA JPL who wasn't involved in the research, said nitrogen-containing ammonia and other chemicals make Pluto "interesting in the context of habitability."

"Nitrogen is a critical element for life as we know it and Pluto's putative ocean could be a source of both liquid water and nitrogen," Hand said. "When searching for life beyond Earth we have long 'followed the water', but we also need to 'follow the carbon' and 'follow the nitrogen'  Pluto may combine all three."

Hand wouldn't go so far as to say the dwarf planet could support life, but it might raise the chances of finding it elsewhere in the solar system or the Milky Way.

Why scientists are pretty sure Pluto has a big ocean

pluto asteroid impact nature james tuttle keane shutterstock business insider

The first-ever close-up images of Pluto from New Horizons revealed a 325,000-square-mile, heart-shaped basin of nitrogen ice, called Sputnik Planitia, that was littered with cracks and fissures.

Computer analysis of the feature and Pluto's orbit suggested something was off: Given the way Pluto interacted with its moon Charon, there should be a lot more material located at Sputnik Planitia.

"It's a big, elliptical hole in the ground, so the extra weight must be hiding somewhere beneath the surface. And an ocean is a natural way to get that," said Francis Nimmo, a planetary scientist at University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), in a UCSC press release.

Back in November 2015, scientists announced their belief that Sputnik Planitia was created by a giant impact of some kind, which blasted away huge chunks of Pluto's water-ice crust.

"[W]e are almost certainly talking a [comet] strike out there, rather than a (rocky) asteroid," Bob Pappalardo, a planetary scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory who wasn't involved in the new research, previously told Business Insider in an email.

The new studies add to this idea, noting the catastrophe must have happened within the past 4 billion years and that the impact site was originally more than 4 miles deep.

The giant scar has since sprung back and partly filled in with dense and heavy nitrogen ice, they found. Researchers also figured out with computer models that Pluto's internal tides with Charon can't be explained if the world was solid all the way through.

"We tried to think of other ways to get a positive gravity anomaly, and none of them look as likely as a subsurface ocean," Nimmo said in the release.

Vance, who's working on NASA's mission to Europa  another ocean world, this one orbiting Jupiter  expressed no doubt Pluto indeed has an ocean.

"A subsurface liquid ocean makes sense, given nitrogen's insulating properties," he previously told Business Insider in an email.

While scientists continue to ponder the chemistry of Pluto's new watery realm, New Horizons will keep on flying toward its next exotic and icy destination  the Kuiper Belt Object 2014 MU69  at a blistering pace of 32,000 mph. It should reach the 30-mile-wide object in January 2019.

NOW WATCH: NASA just released a video of what it would be like to land on Pluto, and it's breathtaking





More From Business Insider


More than a week after Nintendo officially released Game Freaks Pokemon Sun and Moon, the official soundtrack of the Nintendo 3DS titles is finally available to download from iTunes. Another good news that arrived this week refers to how Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon have become the fastest-selling games of Nintendo in the Americas.

On Wednesday, BulbaNewsNOW announced on its official Twitter account that the soundtrack for the well-received Pokemon games is now available for purchase on iTunes. The publication that followed the journey of the two games ever since they were announced also provided a link to the official iTunes Preview page for the soundtrack, entitled Pokemon Sun & Pokemon Moon: Super Music Collection.

Based on the preview page, the soundtrack contains 169 tracks that include Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinoses An Adventure Is Beginning, as well as Minako Adachis Alola Region Theme that features Masaya Watanabe, Lisa Ooki, Yuu Ochida, Naoto Fuga and Masayuki Okazaki. Also included in the collection is Hitomi Sato and Go Ichinoses Professor Kukuis Theme, Adachis Lillies Theme and Masuda and Tomoaki Ogas Lets Go to Ultra Space! Each track costs $0.99, while the entire collection is valued at $9.99.

Meanwhile, it appears that Pokemon Sun and Moon received a lot of love ever since they were released on Nov. 18. In Nintendos latest press release, the Japanese video game company announced that the new titles have already become the fastest-selling games in the Americas in the history of Nintendo.

Less than two weeks since they were launched, the sold units have already reached 3.7 million. Nintendo revealed that this accounts for an 85 percent increase on the sales of the new games as compared to Pokemon X and Pokemon Y, My Nintendo News reported.

With these huge sales figures, Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon have proved themselves as two of the hottest video games to buy this holiday season, Nintendo of Americas Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doug Bowser was quoted as saying. With great reviews and outstanding fan response, these next iterations in the Pokemon series are sure to please any player in the family."

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WARSAW, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Poland has launched a tender to buy 14 helicopters as part of an urgent operational need of the armed forces, the defence ministry said in a statement on Thursday without elaborating.

The ministry said NATO member Poland would spend all the funds allocated in the state budget this year to modernise its armed forces, despite having cancelled a preliminary deal to buy 50 Caracal helicopters from France's Airbus.

Critics said cancelling the 13.5 billion zloty ($3.4 billion) Airbus deal would mean Poland could fail to spend all the funds earmarked for army modernisation and fall short of the NATO target of spending at least 2 percent of output on defence.

"The Ministry of Defence plans to spend over 61 billion zlotys on the programme of technical modernisation (of the armed forces) in the years 2017-2022," the ministry said in its statement on Thursday.

"Out of this, over 24 billion zlotys will be spent within the next three years," the ministry said. "Additionally, spending on army modernisation not included in the technical modernisation programme will reach about 17 billion zlotys."

After cancelling the Airbus deal, Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz said it would buy two Black Hawk helicopters from the Sikorsky Aircraft Corp's factory in Poland this year and eight helicopters from the plant next year.

Later in October, the ministry said it had invited Airbus, Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky subsidiary and Leonardo-Finmeccanica for talks about buying army helicopters.

The defence ministry was not immediately available to comment on the tender for 14 helicopters.

NATO's European members cut defence spending to historic lows after the break-up of the Soviet Union a quarter of a century ago.

Although military spending has increased due to Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, among other things, only Britain, Poland, Greece and Estonia meet the goal of spending 2 percent of gross domestic product on defence.

($1 = 4.2086 zlotys) (Reporting by Marcin Goettig; editing by David Clarke)
Local Planning Commission members had much sympathy for two businesses that would like to sell liquor but don't meet strict distance rules.

* Open Harvest grocery, near 16th and South, which wants to sell locally produced beers and could use the additional income.

* Walgreens at 48th and O streets, which is separated from the nearest residence by a parking lot and a 10-foot retaining wall.

But neither business meets the current hard and fast rule that businesses with a license to sell liquor or beer off-sale be at least 100 feet from homes, churches, schools, parks and state mental institutions. It is a rule that helps protect local neighborhoods, particularly in older areas of the city, from a proliferation of off-sale liquor businesses, supporters say.

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission voted 8-1 to maintain the current 100-foot rule, but suggested planning staff consider creating specific rules for exceptions that would allow for businesses like Open Harvest and Walgreens to get off-sale licenses.

I do think we are having some nonsensical results as result of the way the ordinance is written, said Commissioner Jeanelle Lust. But the policy is working the way we want it to. It is a protection for the neighborhoods."

Lust and other commissioners suggested a deeper analysis of the ordinance and potential rules for waivers.

I hope to continue the conversation and find a way to have our cake and eat it too, said Commissioner Maja Harris.

The commission decision is a recommendation to the Lincoln City Council, which makes the final decision.

Lincoln attorney Mark Hunzeker, representing Walgreens, has proposed reducing the 100-foot distance to 50 feet. He noted a number of inconsistencies, where businesses got licenses in earlier eras under less strict rules.

The city also treats businesses differently in newer shopping centers, Hunzeker noted.

But city planner Brian Will pointed out that these shopping centers are generally physically buffered from neighboring residential areas.

The strict 100-foot rule is applied in shopping centers in the older areas of town, where no special buffers exist, he said.

Open Harvest could not meet even the proposed new rule, and would like the street itself that separates the business from nearby homes to count as the buffer.

Open Harvest needs to be a one-stop shopping experience, able to sell beer and wine, said Brande Payne, the grocery co-op's board chair.

We would love to support local beer and wine producers, said Payne, pointing out that more than 30 percent of the Open Harvest goods come from local sources.

During a public hearing Wednesday, representatives from several neighborhood associations opposed reducing the 100-foot rule, pointing out it would allow another 650 properties potential access to liquor licenses.

This 100-foot rule is one small protection for these older neighborhoods, said Pat Anderson, with NeighborWorks Lincoln and the Lincoln Policy Network, representing many neighborhood groups across the city.

Too many liquor stores can bring problems to these neighborhoods, she said.

The Witherbee Neighborhood, near the Walgreens store, is well served (with package liquor stores) by the current policy, said Richard Bagby, president of the association.

Within six blocks, there are six or seven businesses with off-sale licenses currently, he said.

Changing the rule solves no current problems for the neighborhood and might bring more problems, he said.

The commission needs to focus on the broad issue, the impact of a change, not on two narrow examples, said Shawn Ryba with NeighborWorks Lincoln.

His agency works with the dysfunction caused by the density of alcohol outlets, Ryba said. "This is not going to protect neighborhoods."
(Reuters) - Police arrested a suspected bank robber and freed 11 people who were briefly taken hostage during an attempted heist at a bank in Jacksonville, Florida on Thursday, authorities said.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the suspect had been armed with a handgun but that no one was shot.

"Reports of people shot are inaccurate and untrue," the sheriff's office said on Twitter.

Law enforcement officers had raced to the Community First Credit Union bank after receiving a call just after 9:00 a.m. reporting a robbery there.

A sheriff's office spokeswoman said the suspect barricaded himself inside the building with the hostages, while SWAT team officers and negotiators sought to contact the suspect.

(Reporting by Daniel Wallis in New York; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and James Dalgleish)
By Ajit Maan

Best Defense guest columnist

The recent changes to Indias social cohesion and foreign policy that were inaugurated along with President Narendra Modi may foreshadow changes Americans can expect to result from Donald Trumps impending inauguration.

Both countries are experiencing tension between the need for global economic ties and free trade on one hand, and popular backlash against globalization on the other. Longing for a return to an idealized past, and nationalistic slogans like Make in India and Make America Great Again, implicitly suggest that globalization undermines national economic interests and also imply that it is possible to turn back the clock on interdependent economies.

In India, the increased purchasing power of a new, techy middle class is running into an increasingly xenophobic national identity. In the economic seat of Maharashtra, for example, extremists have raised the slogan Maharashtra for Marathis, reflecting an anti-immigration, anti-English language, and anti-Muslim agenda, all backed up with violence. Shiv Sena in Maharashtra has been involved in attacks against non-Marati speakers, immigrant communities, and businesses owned by non-Marathis. Both Modis BJP party and Shiv Sena have a history of conducting terror campaigns against non-Hindus and have effective grass-roots support. The Indian prime minister has had an intimate and lifelong association with the Hindu nationalist organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, with its political goal of a Hindu nation, of which the BJP, Modis Bharatiya Janata Party, is a part.

There is a feeling in both countries of victimization of the masses by minorities. For example, the influential upper middle class Patels rioted  some 30,000 strong  in the Western Indian State of Gujarat, because of perceived social inequities. Ironically, this privileged group is claiming that the lowest castes have been given unfair economic advantages by the reservations (Indias version of affirmative action). Patel rhetoric does not not account for the fact that changes in economic class do not translate into changes in caste status.

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Religious nativism has found its place in both countries. India, home to the original Muslim ban, might re-invigorate it as a government policy rather than what it is now  social policy in some pockets that the central government overlooks and Modi personally refuses to object to.

Plurality has begun to be labeled anti-national. Whether advocated by intellectuals, artists, student protestors, religious minorities, all are seen as elitist threats and justified target of majority violence. Muslims have always been a favorite target, but now their marginalization is so widely accepted that BJP parliamentarians feel free to suggest that Indias Muslim populations should go to Pakistan.

What do these similarities mean for U.S.-India relations looking forward? Any changes to trade and immigration are two areas that will seriously impact both countrys economies, and while Trump has issued contrary statements about each, the economic bottom line will probably carry both countries into mutually beneficial agreements, despite nationalistic rhetoric of keeping jobs at home.

Identity politics have worked for both Trump and Modi in their own countries, and they mesh nicely. Far-right Indian groups like Hindu Sena are celebrating Trumps victory, and the ongoing prayers of the fringe group Mahasabha were answered.

The anti-establishment mood on which both Modi and Trump rode in depends upon positioning the establishment as somehow outside of the mainstream. They can be expected to continue to position themselves this way  as both representatives of the masses and yet outsiders of the establishment.

As Trump is comfortable with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Modi shouldnt be a problem. Relatedly, human rights will not a major concern, nor safeguarding minority communities. Trump has said, The Indian and Hindu community will have a true friend in the White House. And better yet, I love Hindu. Cant beat that.

Ajit Maan is a security and defense analyst and author of Counter-Terrorism: Narrative Strategies and co-editor of Soft Power on Hard Problems: Strategic Influence in Irregular Warfare. She has contributed to the Indian Defense Review, the Indian Military Review, Indian Strategic Studies, Real Clear Defense, Defense and Intelligence Norway, Foreign Policy, the Small Wars Journal, and the Strategy Bridge.

Photo credit: DOMINICK REUTER/AFP/Getty Images
Dec 1 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Wall Street Journal. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- Donald Trump's nominee for Treasury secretary, who worked for Goldman Sachs and billionaire investor George Soros, made millions buying failed IndyMac. His resume appears at odds with the president-elect's campaign rhetoric, which targeted Wall Street bankers. http://on.wsj.com/2gmVknM

- In a letter sent on Wednesday, incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the takeovers of U.S. companies by China's Dalian Wanda Group Co and others warrant further scrutiny to determine whether they are being orchestrated by Chinese government interests - possibly leaving U.S. companies to compete on an uneven playing field. The move increases the likelihood of a re-examination of how the U.S. allows the nation to invest in American companies. http://on.wsj.com/2fNCt19

- Colombian legislators approved a peace agreement late Wednesday with the country's communist guerrillas, ending Latin America's longest armed conflict, which killed hundreds of thousands of people over the course of 52 years. http://on.wsj.com/2gXf4PX

- OPEC representatives reached a landmark deal to reduce oil output, propelling crude prices more than 8 percent after months of wrangling and market uncertainty about the ability of the once-mighty group to strike an agreement. http://on.wsj.com/2g6W8Ko

- High-income households will not receive an "absolute tax cut" under a Trump tax plan, the president-elect's new pick for Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday, a promise that is at odds with tax proposals from Donald Trump and House Republicans. http://on.wsj.com/2gmaae3

- The federal government is on track to forgive at least $108 billion in student debt in coming years, as more and more borrowers seek help in paying down their loans, leading to lower revenues for the nation's program to finance higher education. http://on.wsj.com/2gIcsSV

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- Donald Trump said he is taking steps to separate himself from his businesses "to fully focus on running the country". But House Democrats and others questioned whether conflicts of interest would remain if his adult children take operational control of his global real-estate empire. http://on.wsj.com/2gUVQKK

- The House on Wednesday passed far-reaching legislation aimed at bolstering federal funds for biomedical research and speeding up drug and medical-device approvals by the Food and Drug Administration, a goal long sought by the pharmaceutical industry. http://on.wsj.com/2gXfeXt

- Malicious software disguised as legitimate apps for Android smartphones and tablets has seized control of more than one million Google accounts since August, according to research from security firm Check Point Software Technologies Ltd . http://on.wsj.com/2gUY2Sn

- Facebook Inc Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg put more than $100 million into her charitable fund with plans to give to groups that promote women's rights and help grieving families. http://on.wsj.com/2fNQkV5 (Compiled by Aurindom Mukherjee in Bengaluru)
Dublin (AFP) - Syria's pro-regime Grand Mufti Ahmed Badreddin Hassoun on Thursday rejected claims he had encouraged terrorism in Europe, during a rare visit outside Syria that has triggered outrage from rights groups.

"They say that I said I will send terrorists to Europe to kill themselves. I don't know why they lie in their translations," the top Sunni cleric said, speaking in Arabic through an interpreter.

"I said, don't bombard Syria or Lebanon. If fire gets burning in Syria or Lebanon there are dormant cells in the world that will be awakened. I feared for Europe," he said in comments before an Irish parliamentary committee.

However, a 2011 speech of his available on YouTube suggests otherwise.

Hassoun issued a clear warning against intervention in Syria, saying: "From the first round fired, the sons of Syria and Lebanon will become fighters who will carry out suicide attacks on the land of Europe and Palestine.

"I say to Europe and the United States: we will prepare the fedayeen (fighters) if you strike Syria, because now it's an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth," he said at the time.

Hassoun often appears alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for religious occasions.

In 2012, a US group promoting peace in the Middle East rescinded an invitation for him to speak saying that it had not properly researched his background.

Hassoun arrived in Ireland on Tuesday as part of a religious delegation of Syrian religious leaders and visited Trinity College Dublin on Wednesday.

The Irish Syria Solidarity Movement has called for Hassoun to be arrested for hate crimes.

It said his support for Assad made him "repugnant" and called him a "horrible prop of a vile dictator".

Ali Salim, a senior member of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, was quoted by The New Arab as calling him a "war criminal" and adding: "He's not welcome."

Novelist Robin Yassin-Kassab, who also addressed the parliamentary committee on Thursday, called Hassoun a "propagandist for genocide" in a tweet.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Rapper Kanye West was released from hospital on Wednesday, according to media outlets citing unidentified sources, more than a week after he was admitted for exhaustion. CNN and the Los Angeles Times said West left the UCLA Medical Center. People magazine quoted an unidentified source as saying West was "home, getting some rest." Representatives for West could not immediately be reached by Reuters for comment on West's health status or hospital release. A spokeswoman for West's wife, reality TV star Kim Kardashian, said in an email there were no updates and referred queries to West's representatives. The "Jesus Walks" rapper, 39, was taken to the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at the University of California, Los Angeles, last week after police responded to a call for help, several media outlets reported. Sources close to the rapper told People he was exhausted from a "spiritual crisis." West's hospitalization followed a series of public rants and the cancellation of the rest of his concert tour. It came after a demanding couple of months for the rapper and his wife after she was robbed at gunpoint in Paris, forcing the family to reassess its security and public profile. Kardashian, according to reports, has been by West's bedside during his hospitalization. Her E! Network reality show, "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," is "currently in production and has not been halted," a network representative said in a statement. (Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Grant McCool and Peter Cooney)
Rapper Kodak Black was all smiles as he strode out of a South Carolina jail after posting bail and being conditrionally released for a criminal sexual conduct charge on Thursday afternoon. The Pompano Bay, Florida, native posted $100,000 bond before leaving the Florence County Detention Center.

Shortly after being released, Kodak Black took to Instagram to share some words of exuberance with his 1.5 million followers, telling them in part that he "happy to finally be going home to my family and friends. I look forward to clearing my name in the very near future."

He also thanked his attorneys and expressed how eager he was to get back to work in the studio. The post garnered nearly 200,000 likes. The full text of his message can be read below.

"He's doing great," Kodak Black's defense lawyer Beattie Ashmore told the Sun Sentinel shortly after he was released. "He's really doing great, he's very happy to be out in the fresh air."

Kodak Black's accuser has not been identified by name but the Sun Sentinel described the woman as a fan the rapper. The 19-year-old born Dieuson Octave was arrested Monday for the alleged assault that his accuser said happened in a South Carolina nightclub in early February.

The police warrant for Kodak Black's arrest was issued May 26 and says in part that the rapper "forced the victim onto the bed in the room and then onto the floor of the room," before he "attacked the victim orally," XXL reported. After the accuser "repeatedly told the defendant no and to stop," the warrant reads.

Though Kodak Black has been freed on bail, he is still facing the possibility of being sentenced to as many as 30 years in prison if he is convicted.

Kodak Black was previously sentenced to 120 days in jail for charges from August that included possession of a firearm and robbery.

Related Articles
FT. MEYERS, FL / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Ray Higdon, a long term resident of Fort Myers, Florida, has announced an upcoming network marketing training event to be held in Fort Myers. Higdon states that his network marketing training company will be hosting the event, which is planned for December 10, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The marketing event will be held at the Holiday Inn, located at 9931 Interstate Commerce Dr., off Alico Rd., in Fort Myers.

The exclusive one day event called Home Business Intensive will provide intensive training, and Higdon states that it is a must for network marketers. He says that they plan to cover several important topics.

"We're going to cover so much critical information," Higdon states. "We'll give you warm market recruiting strategies that are sure to boost your closing ratio, and cold marketing scripts to help you effectively approach people you don't know and help them get started as customers or reps."

Higdon states that more information about the event and the topics that will be covered can be seen by those who view his Facebook page. "We want to show you how simple strategies can help you to create lifestyle and financial freedom in your network marketing business," Higdon says.

Higdon states that the six-hour meeting will include intensive network marketing training. He says that those who register will be treated to lunch by the company, and a bonus book signing. The book signing by Higdon will be for his newly released book called "Vibrational Money Immersion."

In addition to cold calling techniques, Higdon states that they will be covering social media platforms and how to gain prospects through this very effective marketing platform. He says that his super team nurturing formula for creating a winning team attitude will also be covered, in addition to various other topics of interest for marketers.

Higdon and his company state that they urge all marketers or home business owners to join them for the conference in Ft. Myers in December. They state that more details on the event, including a complete listing of all bonuses and topics that will be covered, can be seen on their official website on the "ticketing confirmation page" for registration.

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Contact Ray Higdon:

Ray Higdon

support@RayHigdon.com

RayHigdon.com

PO Box 07028

Ft. Myers, FL 33919

SOURCE: Ray Higdon
By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is in talks with the Syrian government about gaining access to people fleeing rebel-held eastern Aleppo who are being screened or detained, a senior ICRC official told Reuters on Thursday. Dominik Stillhart, director of ICRC operations worldwide, said the aid agency was in touch with all sides to be able to deliver food and other supplies to civilians trapped in the besieged sector and to evacuate the wounded. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, has reported that the government is detaining and questioning hundreds of those fleeing. A Syrian military source denied this on Wednesday saying there had been no arrests. "We are of course trying to get access to these screening facilities and screening centers. In Syria we also have access to a number of places of detention," Stillhart told Reuters in an interview at the ICRC's headquarters in Geneva. "But the situation is for the time being extremely confusing. It is not easy for our teams to have access to these centers," he added. "But that is another area of dialogue we have of course with the Syrian government and we are working on that access." Damascus has said throughout the five-year conflict that allegations of arbitrary detention and torture are fabricated. The ICRC, whose Syria operation is its largest worldwide, has not had access to eastern Aleppo since April. It is in touch with many rebel groups inside the sector, reminding them of the rules of war, Stillhart said. "It's mainly messages about sparing the civilian population that is really caught between a rock and a hard place in these urban areas that are affected by fighting," he said. The ICRC has called for the warring sides to allow it to evacuate the sick and wounded needing treatment, whom the United Nations said on Thursday now number 400. "We don't know how many urgent cases there are. We suspect that there are many," Stillhart said. For medical evacuations to be carried out, all sides must agree. "And so far we have not seen a situation whereby all sides agreed for the evacuation of civilians or even more urgent medical cases that need evacuation." "There must also be many combatants that have been wounded," he added. "And of course again under international humanitarian law, anybody who is out of combat deserves medical treatment." (Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Regina King is headed to Netflix.

The Emmy winner has signed on to star in the streaming giant's forthcoming racial crime drama Seven Seconds, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

In the series, which hails from The Killing creator Veena Sud, tensions run high between African American citizens and Caucasian cops in Jersey City, where a teenage African American boy is critically injured by a cop.

King will play Latrice Butler, a devout churchgoer and a proud wife and mother. After her and her family move out of the projects and become first-time home owners, Latrice is shaken to her core when she learns that her 15-year-old son Brenton has been in an incident. Suddenly aware that there's more to Brenton than she and her husband were aware of, Latrice is rocked by the power of her anger at her son's predicament, an anger that will change her life, her relationship with her husband, and more.

Read more: Regina King Shares Differences Between Working in Front of and Behind the Camera

King joins a cast that includes David Lyons, Michael Mosley, Russell Hornsby and Beau Knapp.

This is the latest small screen role for the veteran actress, who is also set for the upcoming third seasons of The Leftovers and American Crime. King has won back-to-back Emmys for her work in the first and second seasons of the John Ridley anthology series in 2015 and 2016. In recent years, King has also built a career behind the camera, directing episodes of Scandal, Being Mary Jane and Greenleaf, among others.

She's also known for her roles in shows including Southland, 24, The Big Bang Theory and her breakthrough role on 227, as well as films including Ray and Jerry Maguire. She is repped by ICM, John Carrabino Management and Del Shaw.

Sud will serve as showrunner on Seven Seconds, which will kick off with a 10-episode first season. She will exec produce with Lawrence Bender, Kevin Brown, Alex Reznik and Gavin O'Connor, the latter of whom will also direct. Fox 21 will produce.
Regina King has booked yet another starring role.

Shes joining the cast of Veena Suds Seven Seconds, a crime drama slated for a 10-episode run on Netflix.

In the drama, tensions run high between African-American citizens and Caucasian cops in Jersey City, where a teenage African-American boy is critically injured by a cop.

King plays Latrice Butler, a devout churchgoer and a proud wife and mother. After she moved out of the projects with her family and becomes a first-time home owner, she is shaken to her core when she learns that her 15-year-old son, Brenton, has been involved an incident. When she learns that theres more to Brenton than she and her husband were aware of, Latrice is rocked by the power of her anger at her sons predicament  an anger that will change her life, her relationship with her husband.

The Emmy-winning actress (American Crime) joins previously announced cast members David Lyons (Game of Silence), Michael Mosley (Sirens) and Patrick Murney (Public Morals).

King is already slated to return for the third season of ABCs American Crime as well as HBOs The Leftovers. Shes also spent time behind the camera as well, directing Scandal, The Catch and Greenleaf, among others.

King is repped by ICM, John Carrabino Management and Del Shaw.

Sud (The Killing), who will serve as showrunner on the series, executive produces with Gavin OConnor, Lawrence Bender, Kevin Brown and Alex Reznik. The show hails from Fox 21. Sud

The series is based on the 2013 Russian action movie, The Major, which was written, directed by and starring Yuri Bykov and produced by Rock Films.

No premiere date has been announced yet.

Related stories

'American Crime' Season 3 Plot Revealed, Regina King Returning to John Ridley's ABC Series

From Morgan Freeman to Matthew Rhys, Actors Take on TV Directing Reins

Supporting Actors Roundtable: Stars on Scene-Stealing Roles, Auditions, and Why TV Takes Big Risks
So you want to make big money by investing in real estate. Youre not alone! But for a newbie, this world may seem confusing. One easy way to get started is with a real estate investment trust, or REIT (pronounced reet). So what exactly is a REIT?

A REIT is a way to increase the amount of real estate in your financial portfolio without requiring you to actually buy a piece of property.

REITs were created by Congress in 1960 so that investors without the millions of dollars required to invest in commercial property could invest in real estate. Many REITs are publicly traded on stock exchanges and own a variety of property such as shopping malls, shopping centers, offices, hotels, apartments, self-storage facilities, industrial warehouses, and health care facilities such as medical offices and assisted-living facilities.

Most REITs manage their property as well as own it. Some REITs dont own property at all and invest instead in mortgages. Other REITs are not publicly traded. Individual investors can buy REIT shares instead of entering into a real estate partnership.

Like any other investment, the performance of individual REITs fluctuates for a variety of reasons. The best resource for information about REITs is the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, which has extensive research and data on REITs. According to NAREIT, the average annual return on equity REITs between January 1978 and December 2010 was nearly 12.3%.

During the Great Recession, REITs often performed stronger than other investments because many of them had less debt than private real estate investors prior to the downturn, and some also sold property at the height of the real estate boom. The greater financial strength of REITs allowed many of them the ability to purchase discounted property from distressed private investors during the recession.

How to invest in REITs

Most REITs invest in a particular property type and diversify by owning property in a variety of markets in the United States and sometimes overseas.

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Among the publicly traded REITs, the following property sectors are represented:

Retail: 26%

Residential: 13%

Office: 12%

Health care facilities: 11%

Lodging and resorts: 7%

Self-storage: 6%

Timber: 5%

Over the past two decades, according to NAREIT, many REIT property sectors have earned double-digit returns:

Self-storage: 16%

Health care: 12%

Office: 11%

Retail: 11%

Residential 11%

Future performance of individual REITs depends on a variety of factors, including the economy and the internal management of each REIT. Different property sectors are affected in different ways by macroeconomics.

For example, the retail sector tends to be affected by consumer confidence and employment, but REIT shopping center owners have taken steps to adjust their property model to offset sluggish retail spending, such as adding more restaurants and drawing people to shopping centers and malls for the experience rather than individual stores. Individual REITs within each property sector often focus their investments in a particular geographical area or property type, such as medical offices or high-end luxury hotels.

While REIT investments require less time and energy than buying property on an individual basis, you still need to do your due diligence and research any fund before you choose to invest.

The post What Is a REIT? Real Estate Investment Trusts, Explained appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com.
The remains of a 5,000-year-old city, including a cemetery and several houses, have been unearthed at the site of Abydos in Egypt.

The city, whose size is not clear, dates to the early dynastic period when the first pharaohs ruled a united Egypt, said Mahmoud Afifi, the head of Ancient Egyptian Antiquities at the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, in an Arabic language statement.

One of the houses excavated in the newly discovered 5,000-year-old city at Abydos was made mostly from organic materials that are now decomposed. Inside the house, archaeologists found pottery and stone tools. Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities

Photos released on Thursday (Nov. 24) by the ministry show the remains of buildings made of mud bricks and organic materials that are now mostly decayed, along with pottery and stone tools found inside the structures. In addition, a necropolis (cemetery) holding at least 15 burials was found near the city, according to the ministry statement. The remains of a person lying in a fetal position were found in one of the now-exposed graves, according to the released images, which also show a structure nearby that would have covered the burial in ancient times. [Photos: Ancient Egyptian Tomb with Pyramid Discovered at Abydos]

A structure made of mud-brick, possibly a residential complex was found in the ancient city at Abydos in Egypt. Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities

Although the people buried in this cemetery were probably not pharaohs, many early rulers of Egypt were buried at Abydos at sites not far from the city.

For instance, a pharaoh named Aha, who ruled Abydos more than 5,000 years ago, built an elaborate complex that included tombs for servants, dwarfs (who may have served as entertainers) and animals, including lions and dogs. Aha's tomb was discovered more than a century ago, and archaeologists believe that some or all of the people and animals buried with Aha may have been sacrificed after the pharaoh's death so that they could be buried with him.

Many news outlets suggested the city was 7,000 years old, an error that may have resulted from mistranslating the Arabic language release. The ministry, which now uses a Facebook page to issue news releases and video, did not release an English language statement. The ministry used to be able to issue news releases in both Arabic and English and had a staff member who could respond to reporter inquiries. The ministry's increasingly limited ability to communicate with media, particularly English language outlets, may have contributed to the confusion that led many media outlets to report that the city is 7,000 years old when it is actually closer to 5,000.

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The Egyptian antiquities ministry has been facing a cash crunch for years as the countrys tourism has yet to recover to the levels it enjoyed before the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, according to several experts familiar with the situation.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
* Deal adds to Remy's niche whiskey portfolio

* Financial terms of deal not disclosed (Adds background, details)

PARIS, Dec 1 (Reuters) - French spirits group Remy Cointreau said on Thursday it had agreed to buy American single malt whiskey maker Westland Distillery to tap growing demand for higher-priced spirits and boost its profit margins.

Seattle-based Westland, which has a portfolio of single malts in a price range of between $70 and $125, will complement Remy's portfolio of small, niche upmarket single-malt whisky brands such as Bruichaddich on the Scottish Isle of Islay and Domaine Des Hautes Glaces in France.

The United States counts for 25 percent of a global single malt whisky market of 6 million 9-liters cases.

The U.S. single malt whisky market also had Compounded Average Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8 percent in volume in the last five years against 6 percent for the world market, Remy added.

The transaction, whose financial terms were not disclosed, is due to close before the end of the year, Remy said.

Remy Cointreau expressed confidence in year-end profit targets last month after a recovery in demand for cognac in China and in its main U.S. market boosted half-year results.

Remy shares, which are up by around 20 percent so far in 2016, were down 2 percent in early session trading.

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)
Donald Trump and Chris Christie at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., on Nov. 20. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who lost his spot as chairman of President-elect Donald Trumps transition team last month, is reportedly eyeing a new job: Republican National Committee chairman.

Politico reports that Christie has expressed interest in the post currently held by Reince Priebus, whom Trump has tapped as his chief of staff. Priebus, who was elected RNC chairman in 2011 and reelected in 2013, said he would remain as chair until a successor is named.

A representative for the New Jersey governor did not immediately return a request seeking comment.

Christie met with Trump last month in Bedminster, N.J., where the president-elect was auditioning potential candidates for his Cabinet.

But Trumps relationship with Christie, a former GOP rival who endorsed him early during the campaign and became one of his top advisers, has reportedly soured of late.

Last month, Yahoo News reported that Christies ouster as head of the transition team came amid Trumps growing concerns about the governors role in the Bridgegate scandal, in which two of Christies close aides were convicted of conspiracy on Nov. 4. During the trial, witnesses testified that Christie was aware of the plan to tie up traffic in Fort Lee, N.J., to punish its mayor, though the governor has steadfastly denied any role.

Related: How Christie lost his spot on the Trump transition team

And Christie, once considered a possible candidate for Trumps attorney general, said last week that he has no plans to leave New Jersey for Trumps White House, and expects to finish his term as governor in 2017. (Term limits prevent him from seeking reelection in Trenton.)

For some reason people think Im equivocal on this, and Im not. I am completing my term, Christie told reporters. For those of you who would be distraught over the idea that I would leave before Jan. 18 of 2018, no reason for you to be distraught. Im not leaving. For those of you who would be looking forward to me leaving before Jan. 18 of 2018, sorry to disappoint you, but Im not going to.

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But he also left the door at least a crack open.

If something extraordinary happens in the world where my service is needed, I will consider a request, Christie said.

The RNC is expected to meet in mid-January before the inauguration to elect its next chair.

In August, Politico reported that former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, who like Christie lost to Trump during the GOP primary, was exploring a possible bid for RNC chair. Other possible candidates included Arizona Republican Party Chairman Robert Graham and Matt Pinnell, a former Oklahoma GOP chair who is the RNCs national state party director.

At that time, Priebus was mulling another reelection bid while resisting calls from RNC members to cut ties with Trump.
By Diego Ore and Sarah Marsh SANTA CLARA, Cuba (Reuters) - Thousands of people greeted Fidel Castro's funeral cortege on its journey across Cuba on Thursday after a symbolic overnight reunion at the mausoleum in Santa Clara housing the bones of fellow revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Waving flags and chanting "I am Fidel," Cubans thickly lined pastel-colored colonial streets in admiration of Castro, who died on Friday at age 90 as one of the towering figures of the 20th century after establishing a Communist state 90 miles (145 km) from the United States. The government declared nine days of mourning. The outpouring from ordinary Cubans contrasts with the hatred of many Cuban exiles who saw Castro as a tyrant who jailed opponents and ruined the economy with socialism. "With the death of Fidel, the revolution must continue on its path, no steps backwards," said Pedro Sanchez, 81, who said he fought in Castro's rebellion against a U.S.-backed president in the 1950s. The procession was slowly making its way east, destined for the final resting place of his ashes in Santiago de Cuba, where Castro's rebels first launched an attack on the U.S.-backed forces of Fulgencio Batista in 1953. Batista was finally driven from Cuba on Jan. 1, 1959, and the cortege is retracing the trek Castro made from that day until he arrived in Havana a week later. Castro would go on to rule for 49 years, attempting to erase U.S. influence from a country that had been dominated by its northern neighbor for decades. Building a healthcare system for the poor, he sent doctors around the world but also soldiers to Africa to help Namibia achieve independence and weaken apartheid in South Africa. Guevara, who once approximated Castro's charisma and influence, also embarked on guerrilla missions in Latin America, dying in battle in Bolivia in 1967. His monument was placed in Santa Clara, where he also led a crucial fight against Batista forces in December 1958. Whether out of revolutionary zeal, nationalist pride or a sense of obligation in a one-party state, Cubans have poured onto the streets to bid their final farewell to Castro. Many lined up for hours to pass through a memorial in Havana's Revolution Square. Tens, if not hundreds of thousands, gathered there on Tuesday night for a four-hour ceremony in which presidents from around the world delivered eulogies. (Writing by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Jonathan Oatis)
London (AFP) - Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto on Thursday said that for more than three years it has faced an investigation by top US financial regulator SEC over a writedown of Mozambique assets.

"In response to press reports regarding a US Securities Exchange Commission investigation, Rio Tinto confirms that it is cooperating with inquiries from the relevant authorities relating to the impairment included in the company's 2012 accounts in respect of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique," Rio said in a statement.

"As the SEC investigation, which started in April 2013, remains ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time," it added.

In January 2013, Mozambique cast doubt over why the miner made a US$3 billion writedown on its Mozambican assets -- an amount that contributed to Rio chief executive Tom Albanese losing his job the same month.

After spending close to $4 billion acquiring Australian-listed Riversdale Mining in 2011, Rio Tinto said it struggled with the cost of transporting coal from mines to market.

But Mozambique expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation.

Albanese resigned also as Rio suffered impairments of $10-11 billion, mostly related to the 2007 purchase of aluminium firm Alcan.
Miami (AFP) - Homeless men curl up on mattresses along a broken sidewalk littered with trash and syringes in Miami, a city struggling with the highest rate of new HIV infections of any big American metropolis.

Around the corner, Florida's first-ever needle exchange program opens Thursday, decades later than in many parts of the United States, and experts hope not too late to curb the burgeoning health crisis.

"We already have the perfect storm here in Miami," said Hansel Tookes, a 35-year-old doctor who began working several years ago to open a needle exchange in south Florida.

"We have a serious heroin epidemic. We were a cocaine town, but now we have this transition into opiate use," he added, referring to prescription painkillers that some inject to get high.

Miami's rate of new HIV infections -- 51.2 per 100,000 people -- far exceeds any other metropolitan area in the United States, according to data released this week by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The nearly 1,400 new HIV infections last year in Miami -- a metro area including some 2.7 million people -- is about double the rate of all other big American cities, after adjusting for population size.

"Miami has overthrown Baton Rouge, Louisiana as the riskiest city for HIV," said Ethan Reynolds, a spokesman for GetTested.com.

And there is little help for those who inject drugs and want to stop.

"There are barriers everywhere," Tookes said.

"The system is built to make things more difficult for our patients."

- An old idea for a new problem -

The idea for needle exchange programs began in Amsterdam in 1983, with the goal of helping addicts avoid sharing dirty needles that spread blood-borne diseases, including hepatitis.

Users could bring their old needles to a clinic and trade them for new, sterilized ones.

Similar programs spread through the United States, beginning with San Francisco in the late 1980s.

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But a limited number of cities have hosted needle exchanges. Critics have long held that the programs encouraged illegal drug use and did nothing to rehabilitate addicts.

There was also a long-time ban on federal funding, which was effectively lifted in December 2015, when President Barack Obama signed a budget that allowed federal funds for syringe services programs, just not the needles themselves.

That funding change was "essential," said David Rosenthal, medical director of the Center for Young Adult, Adolescent and Pediatric HIV at Northwell Health in New York.

"Clearly, patients need to be ready to stop using drugs" for a needle exchange program to be effective, he said.

"Until individuals are ready to change their behaviors and stop using substances, we need to make sure we are giving them tools to keep themselves as healthy as possible."

- Rural surge -

A surge of HIV infections last year in Indiana -- nearly 200 in a rural community of 4,200 people -- shocked the nation.

The infections spread mainly among whites who were crushing painkillers and sharing needles to inject them among friends and family members.

Eventually, Indiana Governor Mike Pence -- who is now the vice president-elect -- reversed course by lifting a ban on programs that distribute clean needles.

This week, as World AIDS Day approached, CDC director Tom Frieden warned that "opiates threaten to undo the progress we have made preventing HIV over the past three decades," and called for wider use of needle exchanges.

Injecting drug users make up about 3,000 new HIV infections per year in the United States -- about nine percent of all new HIV cases in the nation.

But less than one percent of federal funds to fight HIV goes to needle exchange programs, Frieden said.

"The science shows that syringe services programs work. They save lives and money," he told reporters.

"And study after study has shown that they don't increase illegal drug use or crime."

- They won't be forgotten -

The University of Miami's new needle exchange is housed in two freshly painted trailers, stocked with syringes, tourniquets, cookers, condoms, blankets, food and free HIV tests.

Emelina Martinez has worked with people on the streets since the mid-1990s, doing HIV outreach, and said she is looking forward to helping at the new facility.

"These are my people," she said, smiling as she spoke of sharing hugs and stories with people who call her "Emy."

"I hope at least health-wise it helps a lot. With clean needles there is less infection, fewer wounds," she said.

"They will be healthier, just in general. And they won't be forgotten.

"So maybe it will inspire some of them to get better."
CHICAGO -- Fake news is on people's radar like never before, due to speculation about what role it may have played in the past election. And not a moment too soon; the lack of media literacy in this country is becoming an epidemic -- one that, like so many other public health threats, is particularly harmful to children.

Recently, researchers at Stanford University's History Education Group began to measure what they call "civic online reasoning," which they define as the ability to judge the credibility of information viewed while on electronic devices.

The Group administered 56 tasks designed to evaluate understanding of the reliability of news sources to middle school, high school and college students -- in both well-resourced and under-resourced schools -- across 12 states.

What the researchers found comes as no surprise to anyone who spends time with young adults who have had digital devices in their hands since toddlerhood:

"Overall, young people's ability to reason about the information on the internet can be summed up in one word: bleak," reads the study's executive summary. "We would hope that middle school students could distinguish an ad from a news story. By high school, we would hope that students reading about gun laws would notice that a chart came from a gun owners' political action committee. And, in 2016, we would hope college students, who spend hours each day online, would look beyond a .org URL and ask who's behind a site that presents only one side of a contentious issue. But in every case and at every level, we were taken aback by students' lack of preparation."

The authors conclude that our ability to harness the power of the free flow of information is threatened by media illiteracy and "will depend on our awareness of this problem and our educational response to it. At present, we worry that democracy is threatened by the ease at which disinformation about civic issues is allowed to spread and flourish."

Unfortunately, the skill of media literacy is a narrow one that is possessed mostly by people in the media. We cannot expect parents to teach their children skills like understanding that "native advertising" and "sponsored content" on a legitimate news site are not independently reported news without a hidden agenda if the parents themselves don't understand that there is a distinction.

And expecting the educational system to craft a response to this major blind spot in current education curricula for tomorrow's voters and citizens is practically out of the question.

A 2015 study on the necessity of media literacy for teachers found that "Media literacy remains perhaps the most important addition to current teacher education, even if it must be 'slipped in' with the rest of the curriculum [because] requiring an entire course in media literacy in undergraduate teacher education may not be feasible at many colleges and universities with teacher preparation programs."

As a teacher, I have seen countless students who could not spot the differences between reliable sources and plain propaganda. But, worse, I've seen numerous examples of teaching materials that have included outdated (and therefore incorrect) news articles, handouts produced by for-profit organizations looking for future customers, and untold numbers of videos from sources that were clearly produced by organizations with strong political agendas.

These things jump out at trained journalists, but it's sort of unfair to bash teachers for presenting such materials to their students as trustworthy and factual when teachers can't spot the inconsistencies and were never taught how to do so.

"When we began our work we had little sense of the depth of the problem. We even found ourselves rejecting ideas for tasks because we thought they would be too easy. Our first round of piloting shocked us into reality," the Stanford History Education Group study declares. "Many assume that because young people are fluent in social media they are equally savvy about what they find there. Our work shows the opposite."

They believe that awareness is the first step in demonstrating the link between digital literacy and citizenship in order to "mobilize educators, policymakers, and others to address this threat to democracy."
Former local broadcast television executive Robert Bennett, founding general manager of of WCVB-TV in Boston who later became president of Metromedia Broadcasting, has died following a long illness. He was 89.

Bennett was the primary force behind the establishment of WCVB. The station came about after the Federal Communications Commission in 1972 awarded a television license to a new group of Boston-area operators in Boston, with Bennett chosen to head up the group. Under his stewardship WCVB became a model of the possibilities of local television, bucking convention at the time by airing dozens of hours of locally produced content per week. WCVB also began running programming 24 hours a day, becoming the first southern New England station to do so.

The effort paid off early on for the channel, when WCVB received the Peabody Institutional Award for overall programming excellence in 1975. Later, in 1981, the New York Times called the station probably Americas best television station. That same year, Bennett oversaw the sale of WCVB to Metromedia in a $220 million deal.

WCVB became the flagship station of Metromedia, then the largest broadcast station group in the United States, and Bennett became President of Metromedia Broadcasting, and a partner and member of the office of the President of Metromedia Inc. under founder and chairman John W. Kluge. Bennett oversaw the 1985 sale of WCVB to Hearst in 1985, and was a part of the 1986 sale of Metromedias television stations to News Corp, which used them as the basis for Fox television later that year.

Born in Altoona, Pennsylvania in 1927, Bennetts career began in 1948 as a page at CBS radio. In 1952, he became a salesman at Los Angeles KTTV-TV, and served from 1958 to 1966 as the stations vice president and sales director. Rising through Metromedia, Bennett became Vice President and General Manager of WTTG-TV in Washington, D.C., and soon after served in the same role at WNEW-TV, New York from 1969 to 1971.

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Bennett received the 1985 Presidents Award from the National Association of Television Program Executives and was later inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. A resident of Newport Beach since the 1980s, Bennett is survived by his wife, Marjie, his son and daughter, and his grandson.

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Robert Bennett, the pioneering television executive who became the first general manager of WCVB-TV in Boston and then president of Metromedia Broadcasting, has died. He was 89.

Bennett died Tuesday at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif., a spokesperson for WCVB announced.

In 1972, the FCC awarded a television license to a new group of operators in Boston, and Bennett was selected to lead the group at WCVB. It went on to produce more than 60 hours of locally produced programming at a time when most stations were simply doing local newscasts and the occasional documentary.

Among WCVB's notable original productions were the 1981 ABC telefilm Summer Solstice, set in New England and starring Henry Fonda and Myrna Loy; the Norman Lear sitcom The Baxters, developed for national syndication; another sitcom, Park Street Under, from which Paramount Television and NBC reportedly developed Cheers; and more than 200 national and international award-winning documentaries, dramas and magazine/talk shows.

Under Bennett's leadership, WCVB received a Peabody Award and was recognized by The New York Times as "probably America's best television station."

WCVB was sold to Metromedia for a record price of $220 million in 1981, and Bennett became head of the company's station group - then the largest in the nation - working with legendary media tycoon John Kluge.

In 1985, he helped spin off WCVB to the Hearst Corp. for $450 million, another record-high price. The remaining Metromedia stations would form the core of the Fox Broadcasting Network.

"Bob was beloved by all, with an infectious personality and unparalleled leadership ability," Bill Fine, WCVB president and GM, said in a statement. "In launching WCVB in 1972, Bob's vision was one of a truly local television station, a blueprint that has been dutifully followed for 45 years. He was a genuine broadcasting pioneer and legend, respected equally by his staff and competitors. His impact on local broadcasting, nationwide, is his legacy."

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Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Altoona, Pa., Bennett began his career in 1948 as a page at CBS Radio in Hollywood. In 1952, he became a salesman at KTTV-TV in Los Angeles, then served from 1958-66 as vice president and director of sales at the station. Rising through the ranks of Metromedia's broadcast division, he then headed WTTG-TV in Washington and WNEW-TV New York.

In 1985, Bennett was the recipient of the President's Award from the National Association of Television Program Executives, one of the industry's highest honors.

Bennett lived in Newport Beach for the past 31 years. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Marjie; daughter Kelly; son Casey; and grandson Brandon.

Read more: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2016
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Rosetta Genomics (ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based and other molecular diagnostics, announces that Company management will be presenting at the 9th annual LD Micro Main Event on Tuesday, December 6th at 11:30 AM PST (2:30 PM EST) at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Kenneth A. Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics, will be presenting a corporate overview, as well as meeting with investors.

The LD Micro Main Event is the largest independent conference for small/microcap companies and will feature 240 presenting names.

Mr. Berlin's presentation will be webcast live and archived for 90 days on the Company's website at www.rosettagx.com.

View Rosetta Genomics' profile here: http://www.ldmicro.com/profile/ROSG

News Compliments of Accesswire.

About Rosetta Genomics

Rosetta develops and commercializes a full range of microRNA-based and other molecular diagnostics. Rosetta's integrative research platform combining bioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory processes has led to the discovery of hundreds of biologically validated novel human microRNAs. Building on its strong patent position and proprietary platform technologies, Rosetta is working on the application of these technologies in the development and commercialization of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic tools. Through the acquisition of PersonalizeDx, the Company now offers core FISH, IHC, and PCR-based testing capabilities and partnerships in Pathology, Oncology, and Urology that provide additional content and platforms that complement Rosetta's microRNA and Next-Gen Sequencing offerings. RosettaGX Reveal, a Thyroid microRNA Classifier for the diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid FNA smears, as well as the full RosettaGX portfolio of cancer testing services are commercially available through the Company's Philadelphia, PA- and Lake Forest, CA-based CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified labs. For more information visit www.rosettagx.com.

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About LD Micro

LD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space. What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into an event platform hosting several influential conferences annually (Invitational, Summit, and Main Event).

In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector. LD will continue to provide valuable tools for the benefit of everyone in the small and microcap universe.



For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at david@ldmicro.com or visit www.ldmicro.com/events for more information.

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta's future expectations, plans and prospects constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those risks more fully discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of Rosetta's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 20-F, as filed with the SEC. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Rosetta's views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Rosetta does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements unless required by law.

Rosetta Genomics Contact:

Ken Berlin, President & CEO

(267) 298-1159

investors@rosettagx.com

Rosetta Genomics Investor Contact:

LHA

Anne Marie Fields

(212) 838-3777

afields@lhai.com

SOURCE: Rosetta Genomics vid LD Micro
By Tom Polansek

CHICAGO, Dec 1 (Reuters) - CME Group Inc plans to strengthen efforts to deter wrongdoing in markets by raising the maximum possible fine for rule breakers, the company said on Thursday, further raising the stakes for rogue traders following the first U.S. criminal convictions for the manipulative trading practice known as spoofing.

The owner of the Chicago Board of Trade, New York Mercantile Exchange and other markets is preparing to increase the top monetary penalty to $5 million per offense from $1 million starting on Dec. 14, according to a notice sent to clients.

The CME is making that change and others to address the "increasing complexity of disciplinary matters," after reviewing its procedures, the notice said.

The company, a self-regulatory organization, fines firms and individuals and suspends them from its markets for violations ranging from failing to supervise employees to wash trading, in which traders sell contracts to themselves to make a market look more active than it is.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association also oversee market participants.

Lawyers and traders said the rise of computerized and algorithmic trading has complicated regulatory work due to the large size and speed of transactions. They have focused recently on spoofing, after a provision against the trading practice was implemented as part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform, lawyers said.

Spoofing usually involves using algorithms to place orders with the intent to cancel them before execution. By creating an illusion of demand, spoofers can influence prices.

"Previously, traders were on the floor, trading physical products," said Braden Perry, who was formerly a senior trial attorney for the CFTC. "It's a whole new world now."

Raising the maximum fine helps the CME address "the realities of the world that sometimes a $1 million penalty might not be enough to deter a certain kind of behavior," said Perry, a partner at the law firm Kennyhertz Perry in Kansas City, Missouri.

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Last month, a British trader, Navinder Sarao, became the second person convicted of spoofing U.S. futures markets. The first, Michael Coscia, is appealing his conviction.

The CME notice said it wanted to make its rules "more applicable to the types of disciplinary cases going through the enforcement process."

A spokeswoman did not respond to a question about what types of cases the notice referred to.

Bill Harts, chief executive of Modern Markets Initiative, which represents high-speed traders, said algorithmic trading did not make disciplinary matters more complex.

"When trades are executed by computer, there is a robust, immutable audit trail that is simple for regulators to look at, analyze, and act on," he said.

(Reporting by Tom Polansek; Editing by David Gregorio)
The West must abandon its attempts of geopolitical engineering in Syria, Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview published Wednesday. Lavrov also called for Russias western and regional allies to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the middle-eastern country.

The Syrian conflict can only be settled by the Syrians themselves. In this regard, we reiterate our calls on our western and regional partners to abandon attempts of geopolitical engineering in this region, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic and work together to help achieve the main goal of life becoming peaceful again in this country, Lavrov reportedly told Italys Corriere della Sera newspaper.

His comments come at a time when Syrian forces backed by Russia-led airstrikes have ravaged the country, leaving in its wake a battered Aleppo, Syrias largest city and once the war-torn countrys industrial hub. The continuous bombardment of rebel-held Aleppo has killed hundreds and displaced thousands.

Lavrov

Photo: REUTERS/ALKIS KONSTANTINIDIS

Lavrov continued in his interview that with a new president coming to power in the U.S., Washington will take a more practical approach in its foreign policy. President-elect Donald Trump had said on the campaign trail that his administration will work closely with Russias President Vladimir Putin.

Putin had called to congratulate Trump on his victory earlier this month and the two spoke briefly about improving U.S.-Russia ties and working together to fight terrorism.

We hope that the foreign policy team of the new president, which is being formed now, will take practical steps in this direction, and cooperation with it will be constructive, he said. We are interested in expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges, contacts between people.

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Lavrov is likely to meet with his U.S. counterpart John Kerry on the sidelines of the Rome Mediterranean Dialogues conference in Italy early December, Russias Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Wednesday.

This meeting is being prepared but the purpose of our ministers visit to Rome is the participation in an international conference on the Middle East problems, Ryabkov reportedly said. The US secretary of state will also be there. I think that the meeting [between Labrov and Kerry] will take place but its final details are still being coordinated.

Meanwhile, a senior United Nations official urged the Security Council to come together and help Syrians trapped in besieged cities with dwindling food and water supplies and no access to humanitarian aid.

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen OBrien said Wednesday: For the sake of humanity we call on - we plead - with the parties and those with influence to do everything in their power to protect civilians and enable access to the besieged part of eastern Aleppo before it becomes one giant graveyard.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Warships from Russia's Black Sea Fleet have taken up position off Crimea's western coastline to help strengthen the peninsula's air defences in response to the start of Ukrainian missile tests nearby, the RIA news agency reported on Thursday. Kiev began two days of missile tests on Thursday, angering Russia, which has put its air defence forces on high alert saying it hopes the war games won't disrupt international flights. "Warships of the Black Sea Fleet ... have taken up positions near Crimea's western coast for the duration of Ukraine's planned missile tests from Dec. 1-2," a military source in Crimea told RIA. "The ship's air defence units have been put on a higher state of alert. Their equipment is designed in the first instance to shoot down heavy anti-ship missiles and cruise missiles. Together with land-based air defence units on the peninsula, the ships have thrown up a practically impenetrable shield against the enemy's rockets." Vladimir Krizhanovsky, a Ukrainian military official, earlier on Thursday told the 112 TV channel that the exercises had begun and that everything was going smoothly. "The tests are being carried out in accordance with international law," said Krizhanovsky. He said they were taking place at least 30 kilometres (18.64 miles) from Crimean air space. "Therefore it would be wrong to reproach Ukraine," he said. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. (Reporting by Andrew Osborn/Andrey Ostroukh in Moscow; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
I oppose the recount.

There are, to my mind, only two reasons to re-examine ballots in a presidential campaign, as Green Party candidate Jill Stein has raised money to do. The first is in the event of error or fraud, but there is no evidence thereof in the 2016 election, as Stein herself has admitted.

The second is in the event the margin of victory is especially slim. And yes, in the three states where Stein is pushing for a recount  Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania  the margins are indeed thin, particularly in Michigan, which Hillary Clinton lost by just 11,612 votes.

But in a case like that, the recount must begin immediately  and preferably automatically  to be seen as credible. A recount three weeks after the fact cannot avoid the appearance of dirty tricks. Indeed, if the results in any of the states in question were overturned at this late date, Donald Trumps supporters would suspect malfeasance  and be justified in doing so.

Dont misunderstand: I remain unalterably convinced that the new president is an awful person and that America made a generations-defining mistake in choosing him. But that does not give us license to casually undermine the integrity of the election.

Besides, Trump is doing a fine job of that without Steins help.

Youd think, what with recruiting the political equivalents of Darth Vader and Victor Von Doom for his cabinet and presumably ordering a new Oval Office rug with a giant golden T in the center, hed be too busy for such things, but youd be wrong. On Monday, Trump tweeted, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally.

It was hardly the first time he didnt know what the hell he was talking about. Not only is there zero evidence this supposedly massive fraud happened, but simple logic says that it could not. To be here illegally is to live off the grid, to be paid in cash, avoid interactions with police, steer clear of City Hall. Why would one such person  let alone millions  jeopardize the security of anonymity to cast a fraudulent vote?

Its an idiotic idea. News organizations dutifully dubbed it baseless, too polite to say that his claim contained enough steer manure to fertilize Central Park.

And at this point, anyone who ever believed in an ideal called America should be unnerved.

A democracy is, in many ways, a fragile thing. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, it depends for its very existence upon the consent of the governed  meaning not our support of every action a government takes, but rather, our willingness to believe in its integrity. It is from this that democratic government derives its power. Democracy, then, is an act of mutual agreement.

In a nation of 320 million people who share no one ancestry, culture or faith, it is also connective tissue. The idea that my vote matters no more  or less  than yours is the tie that binds an Inuit in Bethel, Alaska to a Haitian refugee in Miami to an Irish Catholic in Boston to a Mexican-American in San Diego to a Muslim in Kansas City. It is the thing that makes us Americans.

And its the thing Trump burned down in his scorched earth appeal to bigotry and resentment. Now, here comes Stein in a desperate bid to deny the electorate its appalling choice. Avatars of a demoralized left and a hateful right, they are alike in at least one respect: their apparent willingness to damage what they purport to love.

So we find ourselves at a no-win crossroads. Trumps victory is a terrible thing.

Stealing it would be even worse.
Geneva (AFP) - Russia has proposed setting up four humanitarian corridors to battered eastern Aleppo to allow in aid as well as hundreds of desperately needed medical evacuations, the United Nation said Thursday.

"The Russian Federation announced that... they want to sit down in Aleppo with our people there to discuss how we can use the four corridors to evacuate people out," Jan Egeland, head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, told reporters in Geneva.

"We have at least 400 wounded that need immediate medical evacuation," Egeland said, adding that there would also be discussions on using "these corridors to get medical supplies and food in."

His comments came as hundreds of elite Syrian troops were moving into east Aleppo Thursday ahead of a push into the most densely populated areas, after the UN warned the city risked becoming a "giant graveyard".

A government offensive to retake all of Aleppo has pounded the city in recent days, with the relentless barrage leaving Aleppo's streets strewn with the bodies of men, women and children, many lying next to the suitcases they had packed to escape.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said Wednesday that more than 50,000 people have fled Aleppo's rebel-held districts to both government-held territory and Kurdish-controlled districts.

Egeland, who put the exodus at at least 27,000, said the UN had access to all the people in both the government- and Kurdish-held areas, but still could not reach those in besieged parts of the east.

- Respected by all sides? -

Syria's main ally Russia has previously unilaterally declared the creation of evacuation passages from east Aleppo, but the UN was not involved and the routes, which came under rebel fire, went largely unused.

Egeland acknowledged that previous attempts at setting up humanitarian corridors had not been successful due to "issues with both sides," but said "a humanitarian corridor can work if all the armed actors respect it".

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He said Russia has pledged to respect the corridors, and that "we (the UN) now feel confident that the armed opposition groups will do the same".

"Now I think it has dawned upon all sides the urgency of the situation," he said.

The UN peace envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told reporters that a humanitarian "pause" in the fighting remained UN priority.

Egeland said access to the besieged areas of east Aleppo was essential, adding that the UN has enough food stored in western Aleppo to feed 150,000 people in the east, as well as medical supplies to cover all the needs there.

As for western Aleppo, he said the main concern was providing adequate shelter for those flooding in from the east, who are joining some 400,000 displaced Syrians already in that part of the city.
By Denis Pinchuk

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia is ready to cut oil production "gradually" by up to 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the first half of next year as part of an agreement with OPEC, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday.

"Russia is ready to join the agreement ... Based on our active talks over the last couple of months with key OPEC members and non-OPEC countries, Russia will gradually cut its output by up to 300,000 barrels per day in the first half of 2017," Novak told reporters.

He added that it was technologically challenging for Russia to cut production sharply.

"Our talks with non-OPEC countries allow us to expect some countries to join the deal, cumulatively contributing approximately up to 300,000 bpd," Novak said. He did not elaborate.

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are the second- and third-biggest oil producers among ex-Soviet countries after Russia. Russia, the leading global oil producer, saw its output hit post-Soviet highs in recent months. (O/RUS1)

Novak gave no indication from which level Russia was ready to cut output. The Kazakh energy ministry declined immediate comment. The Azeri energy ministry could not be reached for a comment on Wednesday.

"We are optimistic about the agreements reached and consider today's agreement as historically important," Novak said. He added that OPEC and non-OPEC nations were choosing the timing for a separate meeting to sign a memorandum on the deal.

"We think such a meeting will take place within the next 10 days," Novak said.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed on Wednesday its first oil output cuts since 2008 after Saudi Arabia accepted "a big hit" on its production and dropped its demand on arch-rival Iran to slash output.

(Reporting by Denis Pinchuk; Additional reporting by Mariya Gordeyeva in Almaty and Nailia Bagirova in Baku; Writing by Andrey Ostroukh/Katya Golubkova; Editing by Dale Hudson)
Rome (AFP) - Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Thursday for a fresh start in relations with the United States under Donald Trump and fired a parting shot at outgoing President Barack Obama.

"We are confident that the new administration does not want to repeat the errors of the outgoing one, which deliberately destroyed US-Russian relations," Lavrov was quoted as saying in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

Trump's election victory and the positive noises he has made towards Moscow have been greeted with trepidation in Ukraine and former communist states that are now part of the US-led NATO alliance.

During the campaign, Trump praised President Vladimir Putin and said he would seek to improve relations with Moscow while casting doubt on Washington's commitments to its NATO allies.

Lavrov told Corriere: "Naturally we positively welcomed the willingness for cooperation between our two countries shown by Trump during the election campaign.

"On our part we are always available for a honest, pragmatic dialogue with Washington on all bilateral and global questions..."

He added: "We hope that the new president's fledgling foreign policy team will take concrete steps in this direction and that the cooperation will be constructive."

Lavrov defended Russia's build-up of forces in areas close to ex-Soviet NATO states as a response to the Western allies "political-military pressure on our country" which had obliged Moscow to "take appropriate measures for our defence and national security."

Lavrov was in Rome to attend a conference on Mediterranean security issues, during which he was due to meet with his US counterpart, John Kerry.
Discovery channels will not be available on Tricolor TV, Russia's largest pay TV operator, as of December over a revenue division dispute.

Media Alliance, the Russian distributor of Discovery channels, has suspended its agreement with Tricolor.

"Media Alliance is suspending the broadcasting of Discovery Channel HD, Eurosport 1 HD and TLC HD on Tricolor TV," Grigory Lavrov, general director of Media Alliance, told The Hollywood Reporter. "We haven't resumed the contract because of differences over the scheme of distributing revenues between the content producer and the operator."

"Tricolor TV brought forward unacceptable conditions that are not commensurate with our continuous investment in content," he added.

Tricolor TV did not respond to The Hollywood Reporter's request for comment.

Since the beginning of 2016, Discovery channels have been distributed in Russia by Media Alliance, a joint venture of Discovery Communications and Russia's National Media Group. A law that came into effect on January 1, 2016, limits foreign ownership of media companies to 20-percent stakes.

Media Alliance also distributes Turner's Cartoon Network, Boomerang and CNN in Russia.

In 2015, Tricolor had 11.8 million subscribers, which corresponds to roughly one-third of all pay TV subscribers in Russia.

Disputes between content producers and pay TV operators have not been uncommon in Russia. In 2014, after a sharp devaluation of the ruble, the pay TV operator Acado disconnected Viasat channels.

Read more: Russia's Gazprom Media Launches Foreign Drama Channel
Positive views of the west among Russians have risen to a 16-year high, with 71 percent in favor of closer "economic, political and cultural ties with the West," a new survey has found.

Analysts say Donald Trump's victory in the U.S presidential race and the way Russian TV and media covered it played a key role in lowering anti-Western sentiment, which the survey by Moscow-based independent pollsters the Levada Center show has sharply dropped in the past two months.

In a survey of 1,600 Russians aged 18 and over carried out in cities, towns and villages across Russia November 18-20, most said they wanted a reset in relations with the West.

Responding to a question on what sort of Kremlin policies they would support, 71 percent agreed that "further expansion of economic, political and cultural ties, rapprochement with the West" was desirable.

The last time the figure was this high was in March 2000 - a few months after Vladimir Putin had succeed Boris Yeltsin as Russian leader, when 76 percent of Russians wanted better relations with the West, up from 69 percent in November 1999.

The rise in pro-Western sentiment is also reflected in a decline in negative attitudes towards the U.S. and the EU: 54 percent of Russians view the EU negatively and 56 percent feel that way about the U.S., down 8 percent compared with two months ago.

Read more: Pro-Kremlin TV Anchor Warns Russia Has Power to 'Turn the U.S.A into Radioactive Ash'

Sentiment against the West swung sharply downwards two years ago, coinciding with deteriorating bilateral relations between Washington and Moscow over Russia's seizure of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, falling oil prices and a collapse in the value of the ruble.

As the Kremlin increased anti-Western rhetoric, public television - which most Russians continue to rely upon for news, even if they do not always trust it - picked up the tone. In one notorious incident, talk-show host Dmitry Kiselyov remarked that Russia was "the only country in the world that could realistically turn the U.S.A into radioactive ash."

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But a recent softening of state television's approach to the West, which coincided with positive coverage of Trump during the presidential race and a warm welcome of his victory from influential media figures such as RT head Margarita Simonyan (who tweeted November 9 that she planned to "drive around Moscow with an American flag" flying from the window, "they deserve it.") appears to have influenced public opinion.

"Russian mass media actively circulates  pro-Russian views [of Trump and other, European, right-wing politicians], which obviously conditions the layman's perception of Western countries," political analyst Mikhail Komin, told Russia Beyond the Headlines, a website sponsored by Russian government newspaper Rossiskaya Gazeta.

Read more: Hollywood Majors' Russian Units Could Benefit from Trump Election, Experts Say
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's agriculture safety watchdog has proposed quarantining the entire southern region of Krasnodar to prevent African Swine Fever (ASF) from spreading, it said in a statement on Thursday, a measure that could hit some grain exports. The watchdog, known as Rosselkhoznadzor in Russian, had been expected to consider just quarantining some areas of Krasnodar, which is a major grain exporter via the Black Sea. The decision about whether to impose a quarantine or not will be taken by the Krasnodar regional administration and may come on Friday, watchdog spokesman Aleksey Alekseenko said. The regional administration did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters. ASF is a highly contagious fever among pigs. Analysts have said a quarantine could limit the transportation of grain due to concerns the fever could be transmitted via animal feed. "The decision is yet to be taken. Let's see what set of measures it takes," Alekseenko said when asked how badly a quarantine could affect grain exports. A quarantine would not stop exports of grain from other regions via the Black Sea ports of the Krasnodar region if certain safety measures are taken, he said. Krasnodar imposed a special regime within 5 km of farms affected by ASF in three areas earlier this week, though all were far from the Black Sea. There were 10 outbreaks of swine fever in Krasnodar in November, according to Rosselkhoznadzor. According to agriculture consultancy SovEcon, there were also signs of ASF in the district with the Black Sea ports of Tuapse and Yeysk. They supplied a combined 1.2 million tonnes of grain in July-September, or 9 percent of Russian grain exports. (Reporting by Polina Devitt and Olga Popova; editing by David Clarke)
By Clement Uwiringiyimana KIGALI (Reuters) - A Rwandan military tribunal began hearings on Thursday against a former army officer deported from Canada last month to face charges over Rwanda's 1994 genocide. Jean Claude Seyoboka is accused of genocide, planning genocide, and murder and rape as crimes against humanity. He was a second lieutenant in the army when unknown gunmen shot down a plane carrying the then-presidents of Rwanda and Burundi, triggering an uprising by militias from the majority Hutu ethnic group. The militias killed about 800,000 Tutsis and Hutu moderates. The military prosecution told the court that Seyoboka, who was deported from Canada on November 18, trained the Interahamwe militia and killed Tutsi in several parts of the capital, Kigali. "Another witness told us that they saw him with in one hand with a gun and in another hand with clubs. Imagine a soldier who should be assuming the role of securing the population and instead he kills them," prosecutor Capt. Kagiraneza Kayihura told the court. Seyoboka is also accused of leading an attack that killed two politicians, Theoneste Gafaranga and Andre Kameya, who opposed the genocide. Seyoboka appeared in court in the green uniform assigned to Rwandan military prisoners. He pleaded not guilty, saying he was a simple soldier commanded to fight a rebel group. The rebels, led by current President Paul Kagame, eventually took control of Rwanda and ended the genocide. "Is it criminal (for a soldier) to fight a war?" Seyoboka asked the court. Rwanda says it has issued over 600 arrest warrants globally for genocide suspects still at large. (This version of the story corrects spelling of prosecutor's name) (Reporting by Clement Uwiringiyimana; editing by Katharine Houreld)
Kibeho (Rwanda) (AFP) - Christian pilgrims gather each year in their thousands in the southern Rwandan hill town of Kibeho, some hopeful of miracles where three schoolgirls said the Virgin Mary came to them.

A service held Monday in the small, isolated town marked the 35th anniversary of the first reported appearance of the mother of Christ, which was authenticated by the Vatican in 2001.

People crowded together in front of the brick church, some seated on the grass, facing a platform surrounded by blue and white flags, to hear the mass said in Kinyarwanda, French and English.

"It's the fourth time I've come here. It was a long trip, but that doesn't matter because I come to pray on holy ground," said Alphonse Munyemana, a bicycle-taxi driver of 19 who arrived on Sunday afternoon after pedalling for 10 hours from Nyamagabe to the north.

Many pilgrims came to Kibeho by bus, others also rode their bikes or came on foot and some travelled from neighbouring countries.

Rwanda is a former Belgian colony in central Africa bordered to the east by English-speaking nations.

People slept on the grass in front of the church, lacking the money to pay for a room in one of the hotels in town, which were all full anyway.

The annual pilgrimage began once the Roman Catholic Church formally acknowledged that the Virgin Mary had appeared to teenagers Alphonsine Mumureke, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie-Claire Mukangango, on November 28, 1981 and in subsequent years.

At the foot of the hill on which the church stands, the faithful queue up to fill containers with water from the "spring of the Virgin Mary", which trickles into a brownish pond.

"In the past, I had problems with swollen feet and breathing difficulties, but thanks to the blessed water I am cured," said Caritas Niyibigira, 47, from Rubavu in western Rwanda.

Grace Morris, a woman of 31 from Uganda, says that earlier this year, she saw a paralysed young boy recover the use of his limbs after being taken into the Chapel of Apparitions, the former high school dormitory where the Holy Mother is said to have appeared to the girls.

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"We saw the child come running out of the chapel shouting with joy," Morris said.

- 'Rivers full of blood' -

The Polish priest who has been rector of the sanctuary for 11 years, Zbigniew Pawlowski, says that the spring water is like "that of Lourdes, a bit special."

However, he notes that none of the miracles held to have taken place at Kibeho have been investigated by a scientific commission and thus they have not been recognised by the Holy See.

Along the main road leading to the church, pilgrims can stop at boutiques to buy rosaries, statues of the Virgin Mary and T-shirts marked "I am the Mother of the Word," which she is held to have told the schoolgirls when she first appeared.

Apart from a message calling for conversion, the Holy Mother is said in some interpretations to have warned of the genocide that would claim some 800,000 lives 13 years later, when Hutu militias and soldiers mostly massacred minority Tutsis.

"The Virgin Mary spoke and showed the girls a mystical journey, the girls saw hills full of corpses, rivers full of blood," Pawlowski said.

"There were hills, burnt houses and many dead people, so we can say that the Virgin Mary showed what was going to happen in Rwanda a few years later."

Kibeho was not spared in the slaughter.

In April 1994, hundreds of Tutsis who had taken refuge in the parish church, about 800 metres (half a mile) from the sanctuary, were massacred by Interahamwe youth militia.

Between April and July 1994, mass murders took place in many churches, where the killers found their victims gathered -- some were betrayed by priests who handed over their flock.

On November 21, the Rwandan Catholic church asked for forgiveness for all Christians involved in the genocide, in a letter signed by the country's nine bishops. The government led by President Paul Kagame, a former rebel whose forces ended the massacres, rejected the apology as inadequate and said that the call for forgiveness should come from the Vatican itself.

The church has been losing ground in Rwanda since the genocide. While about half the population of 11.5 million remain Roman Catholics, many people have turned to Pentecostal preachers and their call for "awakening".
Fidel Castros death at age 90 renewed hope for more steps toward political freedom for 11 million Cubans and toward economic modernization for the island nation just 90 miles from the United States.

Although Fidel Castro was respected by some on the left, he ruled with brutality. Fidel, and his brother Raul, who has been the day-to-day ruler since 2006, killed, imprisoned and tortured thousands of dissenters.

Castros death might have also strengthened hope in Nebraska for renewed agricultural trade with Cuba -- if Donald Trump were not waiting to move into the White House next month.

The president-elects Cuba policy is muddled.

Last week Trump tweeted: 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.

Early in the campaign Trump sounded more optimistic about relations between the two countries. In an interview in march on CNN, Trump said that he "probably" would continue to normalize economic and diplomatic relations with Cuba. He even mentioned the possibility of opening a Trump hotel in Cuba.

Nebraska has had a closer relationship than most states with Cuba, and has sold at around $70 million dollars worth of beef, wheat and beans to Cuba under an exception to the trade embargo put in place more than a half-century ago. When Dave Heineman was governor, Nebraska officials made three trade missions to Cuba.

There were hopes that the deals inked then would lead to other trade opportunities, but the complexities of trade when the embargo was still in effect were daunting, and other countries offered agricultural products at cheaper prices. Nebraska has not sold any goods to Cuba for more than five years.

Hopes for more trade rose again when President Barack Obama reopened a U.S. embassy in Cuba last year, and dropped some travel restrictions. In September Nebraska farmer Jim Miller visited Cuba on a trade mission representing the U.S. Soybean Export Council. But the most direct impact of Obamas executive actions was on travel. Multiple airlines have resumed regular flights to Cuba from the United States.

However, shortly before the election, Vice-Presidential Candidate Mike Pence told an audience in Florida, "Let me make you a promise. When Donald Trump is president of the United States, we will repeal Obama's executive orders on Cuba."

Pences comments may have netted some votes from Cuban exiles in Miami, but in the long range, continued engagement with Cuba like that started by Obama is more likely to bring better living conditions and more freedom to Cuba, as well as more trade opportunities for Nebraska.
Ryan Reynolds is now totally outnumbered at home  but hes not hating it.

The actor, 40, opened up about life with two daughters on Canadas eTalk, explaining that while the dynamic hasnt changed, theres just more.

Theres more love, theres more diapers. Theres more all that stuff, you know, he shared.

Xavier Collin/Image Press/Splash News Online

Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively, 29, recently welcomed their second child in September. The little girls name has yet to be revealed, but Reynolds assured, We settled on the right one.

Want all the latest pregnancy and birth announcements, plus celebrity mom blogs? Click here to get those and more in the PEOPLE Babies newsletter.

RELATED VIDEO: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Welcome Second Child

The couple also shares that daughter James, 2, has taken quickly to being a big sister.

It was kind of profound, Reynolds explained. I just love watching my older daughter take care of the newborn. Thats been kind of neat to see.

He concluded of being a dad, Its the best thing. Its the best thing that could ever happen to you.




Ryan Reynolds is loving fatherhood.

The 40-year-old actor welcomed his second daughter with his wife, Blake Lively, in September and says he's loving every moment.

WATCH: Ryan Reynolds Jokes He Fell in Love With Wife Blake Lively 'After the Sex'

"There's just more. There's more love, there's more diapers. There's more all that stuff," he said during an interview on Wednesday. The couple has yet to reveal the name of their newborn, but Reynolds believes they "settled on the right one."

The Deadpool actor also opened up about the joy he feels when observing his almost 2-year-old daughter, James, behave as a big sister.

"It was kind of profound," he said. "I just love watching my older daughter take care of the newborn. That's been kind of neat to see."

WATCH: Blake Lively Sends the Cutest 40th Birthday Message to Ryan Reynolds -- See Her Sweet Post!

Reynolds was speaking out as part of a new campaign with Toronto's SickKids Hospital, the actor has been a fierce supporter of kids battling cancer in the past, something he says both his Deadpool role and daughters inspired him to do.

"[Deadpool] is a character who has cancer and suddenly all of these kids were reaching out to me who had cancer, who looked up to this character who sort of, for lack of a more elegant way to describe it, flipped cancer the bird," he told ET Canada.

"And I suddenly started meeting kids from all over the place and we were hosting them on set and you start to see these guys and you think about how lucky and how privileged we are," he added. "Not only to be in the position we are, which we can have a pretty loud megaphone to raise awareness for this, but also that I am one of the lucky people that my kids are healthy and well, and I can't help but project that onto my own life. I want to do everything I can to help people who are going through this and make sure we eradicate this as much as possible."

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Last month, Reynolds joked about what it's like to live in a house full of women.

"Two under two is tough!" he told Conan O'Brien. "Lot of estrogen. It feels like an American Girl Doll just took a s**t on my life. I'll pour some cereal in the morning and there's like a tiny shoe in there. That's a choking hazard for me!"

The proud dad also quipped about not favoring one child over the other, saying, "It's pretty remarkable, you know? I used to say to my wife all the time, 'I can't actually imagine ever loving a second child as much as I love the first.' Then, that baby comes popping out and I acted like I was totally wrong."

For more about Reynolds and Lively's second child, watch the video below!

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Panelists at an Wednesday night SAG-AFTRA event emphasized that Hollywood needs to tell stories that speak to the continuing epidemic of HIV/AIDS.

"Where are the movies about Alvin Ailey?" asked actor/writer Tarell Alvin McCraney, of awards contender Moonlight, referencing the famed dancer and choreographer who died of AIDS in 1989. "The stories are there but they don't make it to where people see them."

For McCraney, the issue is personal, among other reasons because his mother was diagnosed as HIV-positive when McCraney was 13.

McCraney was part of a panel, held on the eve of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, sponsored by the union and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and featuring an array of actors, activists and storytellers, including David Arquette, Jaime Pressly, writer and pediatrician Neal Baer (ER, Law & Order: SVU) and HIV and trans activist Chandi Moore (I Am Cait). SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris of 90210 fame was also in attendance.

Although HIV is now a treatable condition, only 40 percent of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S. are receiving proper drug therapy, said another panelist, pioneering physician Dr. Michael Gottlieb. Without medications to drive viral loads to undetectable levels, people still die of AIDS, with somewhere between 6,700 to 12,000 such deaths in 2014, Centers for Disease Control figures indicate.

And the problem is especially acute in what PBS recently called the "epicenter of the AIDS epidemic in America," the southeast - a bastion of red states that includes seven of the ten states with the highest rates of infection. Fully one-half of black men who have same-sex contact will be HIV-positive by age 35, according to Joel Goldman, managing director of the Taylor foundation.

"The scientific progress has been amazing," said Gottlieb. "The social progress has been less amazing." But Hollywood can help change that, agreed the panelists, through storylines that connect the dots and put a human face on the ongoing disease. A 2002 Kaiser Foundation study supports this notion, with statistics that show significant changes in knowledge and behavior among viewers of medical content on ER.

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One element of progress, in addition to tests and therapeutic medicines, has been PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, a tongue-twister that means prescribing ant-HIV drugs to sexually active people who are uninfected, in order to prevent the virus from taking hold in the event of exposure. Developed over the last few years, PrEP has proved very effective. But, said Goldman, many Southern doctors won't prescribe PrEP medications, because they believe it encourages promiscuity.

"There are limits on people's ability to be empathetic" regarding illness, said Gottlieb.

Hovering mostly unaddressed until the end of the panel was the issue of access to health insurance, and the newly chilly political climate. Although President-elect Donald Trump has actually spoken positively about the LGBT community, his running mate and appointees to such offices as attorney general and health and human services secretary have unsympathetic or outwardly anti-gay records. Trump's relations with racial minorities are quite fraught, and his commitment to "repeal and replace" Obamacare has created enormous concern and uncertainty.

"Those who are most vulnerable in our society are about to get more vulnerable," said McCraney. "It is a very fearful time," agreed Baer.

Carteris kicked off the evening with a nod to the late Taylor, whose AIDS activism began during another difficult time, the presidency of Ronald Reagan, himself a former SAG president. "She met the disease head on," said Carteris.

Up next was Jason Stuart, co-chair of the union's national LGBT committee, who noted the committee's goal of creating "a safe place in the workplace, [and] equality."

Taylor's granddaughter Naomi Wilding spoke next, noting that "this panel, this union and this audience are uniquely positioned" to help end the stigma and fear that surrounds the disease.

David Arquette offered brief remarks, saying he was present to honor the memory of his sibling, transgender actress and activist Alexis Arquette, who died from AIDS-related complications on Sept. 11.

Baer spoke of introducing an HIV storyline in ER in 1996, and of writing gay storylines for various shows before he himself came out. "It's such a privilege to work with amazing directors and actors to tell these stories," said Baer, who currently has a pilot regarding hate crimes under consideration at Fox.

Moore focused on personal responsibility, after Goldman noted that trans women are 49 times more likely than cis women (non-trans women) to be HIV-positive. "We have to continue to find ways to encourage people to stay in care," Moore said. She too discussed stigma, saying "we have to break down these walls."

Pressly recounted a story about the power of media and her beloved uncle Alan, who was hospitalized in the 1980s with what doctors said was hepatitis C. But one day, Pressly discovered a copy of People magazine with a person with AIDS on the cover whose distinctive visible symptoms were the same as Alan's. "That looks just like Uncle Alan," Pressly told her mother, and they brought the copy of People to the doctors, who than ran tests for the various symptoms outlined in the magazine article.

Alan became the seventh person diagnosed with AIDS in the state of North Carolina, Pressly said, but even after his death in 1985, her grandmother - Alan's sister - insisted he had died of leukemia, not AIDS. It's been a long time since then, but the stigma and fear persist, agreed the panelists, and Hollywood can help change that.
Half a dozen prominent HIV/AIDS activists asserted Wednesday night at SAG-AFTRAs Los Angeles headquarters that American society has to break down more barriers to deal effectively with the disease after more than three decades.

We have to have a culture of healing which we do not have now, said Tarell Alvin McCraney, writer of the story that serves as the basis for awards contender Moonlight, titled In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.

McCraneys mother died of AIDS when he was 13. I remember the first time I cried was when I saw Forrest Gump and saw Jenny die and related that to my mother dying, he added.

We have to get in the room with those who are most vulnerable, McCraney added. Were not teaching young people ways to be intimate and safe.

McCraneys message was repeated in a variety of ways during the two-hour Our Role in the Fight discussion, held on the eve of World AIDS Day by the performers union with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation  which presented clips of Taylors pioneering efforts to raise awareness. Taylors granddaughter Naomi Wilding noted that her grandmothers goal was to eliminate the disease.

Joel Goodman, managing director of the foundation, moderated the discussion. SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris said, I look forward to the day when we can celebrate there being no more World AIDS Days.

Dr. Michael Gottlieb, who became the first physician to identify AIDS in 1981, announced that tremendous scientific progress has been made in identifying, treating and preventing the disease, but then noted that there has been no reduction in new infections in the United States in 20 years and that 40% of the new infections are in the black community.

Chandi Moore, a transgender activist who appeared in the I Am Cait series with Caitlyn Jenner, noted that a scene in which AIDS was discussed was cut from the show, adding, People are still not willing to talk about it. We have to break those barriers down and start having those conversations.

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ER producer Neal Baer shared that stories can lead to social change and pointed to Gloria Reubens HIV-positive character, Jeanie Boulet, on the show as being one of the first times that such a character did not suffer a horrible death.

Its always through conversation, that conflict, that we move forward, Baer added.

Jaime Pressly recalled her favorite uncle dying of AIDS in North Carolina when she was seven and added that shes campaigning for people to deal with the disease directly. We need to promote friends going together to clinics to get tested, she added.

David Arquette attended the start of the panel, saying he wanted to pay tribute to his late sibling Alexis Arquette, who passed away in September.

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Mary Sibley (Janet Montgomery) may be without her powers in Salem Season 3, episode 4, but she certainly isnt without confidence, sass and charisma. The powerful witch lost all her powers in episode 3 when her son (Oliver Bell), the devil, broke their contract and took all her elemental powers.

What happened in the WGN America series this week? Here are the highlights of Nights Black Agents:

Cotton Heads To Boston  And Encounters Witches

Episode 4 picks up right where Salem left off two weeks ago with the great revered Cotton Mather (Seth Gabel) running off to Boston. Even when his wife and witch Anne Hale (Tamzin Merchant) uses all her powers to persuade her husband to come back to Salem, he proceeds to his destination.

Alone, scrambling in the woods and smeared in blood and human feces, Cotton stumbles upon two acquaintances. They are a puritan couple that religiously heard all of his father, Increase Mathers (bless his soul!) sermons. Cotton hitches a ride with them to Boston but before they can ride off, the wife puts him to sleep. They are witches!

The devil ordered all the witches from Salem to Boston to catch Mather and bring him home. This puritan couple are known as Nights Black Agents (the same as the episodes title).

The puritan couple provide some much needed dark humor in Salem Season 3. They tie up Cotton and the wife attempts to make a meat pie out of his flesh to serve the dark lord. Yikes. Even their familiar, a cute dog that turns out to be not-so-cute, pees all over the priest. It looks like the end of the great reverend.

Fortunately, when the couple are busy bickering, Cotton manages to untie his bonds and plunge a knife into the husband. He even throws the dog in the fire.

Salem

Photo: WGN America

Mary Deals With The Side Effects Of Losing Her Powers

Back in Salem, Mary is reeling from the loss of her powers. Much like how addicts suffer when they are off drugs, Mary is suffering from tremors, cold sweats and hallucinations. Her past crimes come to haunt her. All the souls she burned by calling them witches and the ones that died from a plague she unleashed on earth are torturing her.

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The Sentinel (Samuel Roukin) takes advantage of Marys vulnerable state to get her to suicide. But Mary isnt weak. She realizes that she is now free from the clutches of her son while his bodyguard, The Sentinel, cannot do anything without his boss permission, including killing Mary Sibley.

Isaac Bonds With The Little Girl He Rescued

Elsewhere in Salem, Isaac (Iddo Goldberg) bonds with the little girl her rescued from witch Mercy Lewis (Elise Eberle). We learn that her name is Dorcas (Emma Claire Wynn) and she and her mother were branded witches. She watched her mother die from the plague while she was chained in prison.

Isaac gets a new purpose: Save such girls from witches. He heads over to Mercys brothel only to discover that the girls dont want to be rescued. They are happy to give drops of blood in exchange for food, warmth and freedom to keep their earnings. He also learns that the birds caged in her room are actually men!

Salems New Power Couple: Mercy And Hawthorne

Before Isaac enters Mercys room, Salem Season 3, episode 4 gives us an understanding of Salems new and emerging power couple: Mercy and Magistrate Hawthorne (Jeremy Crutchley). Not only are they enjoying each others company but the power-hungry couple have set their sights on ruling Salem.

Tituba Gives Cotton Surprising News

When Cotton finally heads to Boston through the woods, Tituba (Ashley Madekwe) finds him and gives him a surprising news: He is going to be a father. Anne is pregnant. Last episode, she did mention that she feels something growing inside of her.

Tituba presents him with a choice: Head to Boston and tell the people there the truth about Salem and the devil or go to your son and be a father. If he chooses Boston, he will never be able to see his son. What will he choose? He better decide fast because the devil is going to kill Anne.

John Alden Gets His Hands On Angel Tears

In another part of the woods, John Alden (Shane West) follows his protege  the girl pretending to be a boy  to a camp. The French have captured this girl and are about to kill her when Alden arrives. He gets a hold of the angel tears and learns that this powerful device was used to wipe out a town not far from Salem. It sends everything to hell. Just when he learns this, Alden is surrounded by undead Native Americans.

Salem Season 3, episode 4 ends with the Essex witches rescuing Mary from the house and offering to hide her in the woods. However, Mary has a plan to take down the devil. She goes back to the house. Hell hath no fury like a Mary Sibley scorned.

Salem Season 3 airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EST on WGN America.

Salem

Photo: WGN America

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Discovery has found its FBI agent for Manifesto.

Avatar star Sam Worthington has been tapped to play opposite Paul Bettany in Discovery's Unabomber drama, Manifesto, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The eight-episode series, produced by Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti's Trigger Street and Lionsgate Television, tells the story of how the FBI captured Ted Kaczynski (Bettany), one of the most infamous criminal masterminds in the world.

Read more: Discovery Greenlights Unabomber Drama 'Manifesto' From Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti

Worthington will play FBI agent Jim "Fitz" Fitzgerald, one of the most decorated profilers in the history of the bureau, whose radical approach to intelligence gathering ultimately took Kaczynski down. Manifesto will be Worthington's first major leading role on U.S. television.

Manifesto was written and exec produced by Andrew Sodroski and overseen by showrunner Greg Yaitanes (Quarry, Banshee), the latter of whom will also direct. Spacey, Brunetti and Troy Searer exec produce alongside Discovery's John Goldwyn. The real Fitzgerald will serve as consulting producer.

Worthington currently stars in Mel Gibson's Hacksaw Ridge. His credits include Avatar, Terminator Salvation, Clash of the Titans and more. He's repped by CAA, Shanahan Management, Anonymous Content and Hansen Jacobson.

A premiere date for Manifesto has not yet been determined.
Making an an accomplished debut at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize in the world cinema category, Elite Zexers Sand Storm was named Best Film at the Ophir AwardsIsraels version of the Academy Awardswhile picking up a number of other accolades on the festival circuit. Subsequently, the drama was submitted as Israels entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2017 Oscars, entering a pool of 85 contenders competing for five coveted slots.

Elite Zexer - Sand Storm.jpeg

If Sand Storm is nominated, it would be the 11th film representing Israel at the Oscars. A meditation on the binds presented by the unchangeable rules of cultural tradition, Zexers feature directorial debut follows the lives of two Bedouin womenmother and daughterwhose lives come undone as they move against the societal grain.

Speaking with Deadline senior editor Dominic Patten following an Awardsline screening of the film, Zexer detailed the origins of the film in her mothers photographic passion project. She started taking photos of Bedouin villages ten years ago. She went from being a fly on the wall to being the complete opposite in a matter of seconds, Zexer explained. She met a lot of people that she became very, very good friends with, and she started caring very much about them. She started spending all her time in different villages, and it came to the point that she spent so much time there that if you wanted to see my mom, you had to come with her.

Spending time with her mother in these villages, Zexer got to know a number of Bedouin women intimately, hearing their stories about marriage and rigid cultural traditions, requiring that the parents pick their daughters suitor. One of these ladies was a young woman who was one of the first in her village to go out to university. She met a young man at university and fell in love, which is not allowed, she continued. Her family found out and they told her, you cant go out to university. She has to stay home, and she has to marry the man that they choose for her.

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In the video above, Zexer relays vividly events from the womans life, which mirror powerful events in the film, and the effect that this womans story had on her.

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War-movie scores arent just military drums and brass bands anymore. The music is as much about the men as about the battle. That was made clear this year with Rupert Gregson-Williams music for Hacksaw Ridge and Alan Silvestris score for Allied.

Hacksaw Ridge director Mel Gibson tracked down English composer Gregson-Williams after hearing his work on this summers The Legend of Tarzan and offered him the film about Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), the pacifist combat medic who won a Medal of Honor for saving 75 lives during the Battle of Okinawa.

We didnt want to make him into a conventional action hero, says Gregson-Williams. Instead, based on Dosss religious convictions, he wrote a theme that harks back to ancient religious harmonies something a little psalm-like. My idea was to keep it simple, because Desmond was not complex. I wanted to give him some faith without being pious.

For the early home scenes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, he added a subtle touch of guitar (to make us feel more rustic in a certain time and place rather than being specific to the Appalachians). Gibson chose, however, to play the first 12 minutes of battle scenes without any music. Its just the realism of war, the composer says.

Music does play a key role throughout that second half of the film, with orchestra augmented with synthesizers. With synths, you can create other atmospheres that youve never heard before. Plus, as we got onto the ridge, I wanted to make us feel like we were in hell. Synths enable you to crackle and push and tighten the rope more effectively than just orchestra.

And later on, he notes, as the music reflects the Americans being overrun by the Japanese, we chose to lose some of the sounds of war. So the music rises above it and gets your heart pounding. It was quite interesting working with Mel on sound; he doesnt hold back. He chose some quite powerful moments.

There is also choir, but used sparingly, Gregson-Williams says. I didnt want to dose the whole thing in choir. But there was a moment up on the ridge where Desmond questions his faith; he doesnt know whether he should abandon the ridge. He kneels down. I wanted to invoke something there.

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The composer turned to three soloists: renowned British cellist Caroline Dale, electric cellist Peter Gregson, and  surprisingly  his own voice. We can make the electric cello sing, he says. A trained chorister, Gregson-Williams sings himself, in a couple of places, very high, a sort of countertenor. It gives the score a magical purity; its another reflection of that early-music sound, he explains.

For Allied, his 16th film with director Robert Zemeckis, composer Silvestri was flown to London, the day after principal photography wrapped, to watch the first assembly with his filmmaking partner of more than three decades (encompassing Back to the Future, Forrest Gump and Cast Away).

Silvestri says he spent weeks searching for the right approach. For the opening, as Brad Pitt parachutes into the North African desert, he recalls Zemeckis saying I dont really want to give away anything we dont have to. So the music doesnt say anything about 1942, or the Germans. Thats not what the movie is about.

That opening music has a sense of mystery: an echoing piano, a distant bassoon, a solo flute. Then as we see the desert, some unusual percussion conveys a sense of an exotic place, a rawness, Silvestri explains.

The composer searched for what he calls a point of access and found it in a line that Pitt says halfway through the film, when questions arise about his wife (Marion Cotillard): Cest la guerre. That inspired a delicate theme for their family.

I started to think of that as an anthemic piece of music that somehow addresses the paradox of what were seeing, Silvestri says. Youre seeing the most beautiful event known to man taking place, this birth of a new life, in the midst of the most horrible things known to man: death, destruction, brutality.

Interestingly, Silvestri never alludes to the period in his score and, he adds, it wasnt an action score on any level. Yes, it was about war, but I didnt need to play this as a World War II movie. So he also augmented his 80-piece orchestra with tons of tracks of electronics all through the movie.

The period was reflected not through the dramatic score but through newly recorded versions of classic 1940s-era songs including The Sheik of Araby, You Are My Lucky Star, Flying Home and especially Sing, Sing Sing played with gusto by a London big band.

They decided against licensing the master recordings of the original hits because of the recording technology of the day, Silvestri says. Our perception of the sound of these is sometimes different than the reality.

Silvestris next big assignment: the two-part Avengers film Infinity War due in 2018 and 2019.

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Scripps Networks Interactive said Thursday that it will add former Turner Broadcasting CEO Philip Kent to its board of directors.

Kent, who served as CEO of Turner from 2003 to 2013, will be nominated for the company's 2017 shareholder meeting and succeed David Galloway, who will be retiring from the board.

"We are delighted to add a media executive with the knowledge and experience of Phil Kent to the board of Scripps Networks Interactive," said Scripps president, chairman and CEO Kenneth Lowe.

He added: "Phil has led complex organizations that grew in the face of increased competition and has a deep understanding of the international media landscape that will be critical as we continue to focus on growth outside the United States. His strategic knowledge and commercial acumen will be invaluable to the board and the company."

Kent was succeeded in his Turner role by John Martin.

Galloway, who served as CEO of the publisher of the Toronto Star newspaper from 1988 to 2002, will leave the Scripps board after nine years. He was chair of the compensation committee for seven years.

"David has been an incredible asset to the board and provided valuable service to the company during his tenure," Lowe said. "We will all miss his leadership and counsel, and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

Read more: Scripps Head of International Lifestyle Channels on Growth Strategy, Why Content Travels (Q&A)
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - An escaped Californian inmate was recaptured on Wednesday, a week after he cut through the bars of a second-story jail window and rappelled down the building's side with a rope made of clothes, police said.

Rogelio Chavez, 33, was detained at an apartment in San Jose and found under the influence of narcotics, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith told reporters.

He escaped Santa Clara County jail last week with another inmate, 26-year-old Laron Campbell, who was captured on Tuesday night at his sister's house in the Bay Area city of Antioch, Santa Clara County Undersheriff Carl Neusel said.

Police had been serving a warrant at the house when Campbell crashed through the ceiling from the attic above and was arrested.

Chavez was being held pending trial on a number of burglary, extortion and false imprisonment charges. Campbell was facing trial on robbery, false imprisonment and criminal threats charges. Both men face life in prison if convicted, local media reported.

The prisoners used clothes to climb down the side of the building, according to the sheriff's office, which provided photos of the garments wrapped around the sliced bars. Two other inmates who broke out of the jail with the pair were caught immediately, the sheriff's office said.

A woman in the apartment with Chavez was arrested for obstructing law enforcement, being a felon in possession of a firearm and being an accessory in Chavez's escape, police said.

Campbell's sister, Marcaysha Alexander, was detained on suspicion of harboring a fugitive, Neusel added.

(Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Andrew Heavens)
Since the governor is clearly what some people call a "cafeteria Catholic," picking and choosing which doctrines it is morally or politically convenient to embrace, perhaps he should pick whichever of three Nebraska bishops he thinks might bless the tortured logic of his plan to conceal his method of killing a prisoner ("Ricketts dismisses secrecy concerns," Nov. 30). More to the point, what would Jesus do?
Mariahs World Mariah Carey

(Credit: E! Entertainment)

The eight episode, one-hour docu-series Mariahs World will grant VIP access to the songstress like never before as she begins her "Sweet Sweet Fantasy" tour of the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa, all while planning her upcoming wedding to Australian business mogul, James Packer. The docu-series will feature an intimate look at the world renowned icon, including her family, friends and inner circle, who keep this diva at the top of her game.

Mariahs World premieres Sunday, December 4 at 9 p.m. on E!
President-elect Donald Trump announced his picks for the biggest roles at the Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday, naming Rep. Tom Price as the new health secretary and healthcare consultant Seema Verma as lead administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The two selections offer some insight into the role Vice-President-elect Mike Pence plays in shaping the cabinet, and the potential battle that may loom for government health care.

Verma has an extensive history in the healthcare industry. Her consulting firm, SVC Inc., worked alongside Pence to reform Indianas Medicaid program following the induction of President Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act (ACA). Vermas new appointment will require her to oversee and advance the Medicare, Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), but her industry track record has been largely favored by conservatives interested in phasing out government healthcare programs, making Trumps CMS pick a rather contentious one for the more than 100 million people covered by Medicare, Medicaid and the ACA.

While Pence was governor of Indiana, Verma helped create Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0, which required users, including low-income recipients, to make monthly payments for their health insurance services with restrictions that warranted a six-month lockout from coverage if even a single payment was missed.

National Health Law Program policy analyst David Machledt told NPR that the provisions Verma curated for HIP 2.0 block people from getting the health coverage that they need. About 410,000 people in Indiana are currently covered by HIP 2.0.

Early evaluations show that a lot of people dont understand this plan and dont understand the incentives in it, he said, adding that proposals like Vermas Indiana coverage program, which is also favored by Republican-dominated states like Iowa, Kentucky and Ohio, could result in harsher provisions throughout the country.

Along with Price, an orthopedic surgeon and chief sponsor of an ACA-repeal bill that Obama vetoed in 2015 and an outspoken proponent of reducing healthcare funding, Trumps promise to bring down the ACA and reshape the other two health care entitlement programs could become reality.

Trump transition spokesperson Jason Miller told reporters on Tuesday that Trump intends to expand the use of health-savings accounts, which would allow insurers to sell policies across state lines, and reform Medicaid from an entitlement program by cutting grants and reducing federal rules.

Confirmation for cabinet appointments will begin in January. It takes a majority of senators to confirm a cabinet member, and the Republicans will have 52 seats in the incoming Senate.

Related Articles
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two senior U.S. senators said on Wednesday they want to amend a law allowing lawsuits against Saudi Arabia over the Sept. 11 attacks to narrow the scope of possible lawsuits. Lindsey Graham and John McCain, two of the Republican party's congressional foreign policy leaders, said they would introduce an amendment to the law so that a government could be sued only if it "knowingly" engages with a terrorist organization. "All we're saying to any ally of the United States (is), you can't be sued in the United States for an act of terrorism unless you knowingly were involved, and the same applies to us in your country," Graham said in a Senate speech. In September, the Senate and House of Representatives overwhelmingly rejected President Barack Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, known as JASTA, making it U.S. law. However, lawmakers said almost as soon as they did so that they wanted the scope of the legislation narrowed to ease concerns about its potential effect on Americans abroad, which was one reason Obama vetoed the measure. The law grants an exception to the legal principle of sovereign immunity in cases of terrorism on U.S. soil, clearing the way for lawsuits seeking damages from the Saudi government. Riyadh denies longstanding suspicions that it backed the hijackers who attacked the United States in 2001. However, it was not immediately clear whether Graham and McCain's proposal would go anywhere. A group of Sept. 11 families, who lobbied intensely for the bill and have strong support in Congress, immediately objected to their suggestion because it would weaken the law. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
President-elect Donald Trump ran partly on general bashing, and now he is contemplating stocking his administration with retired generals. Whats up with that?

Here are six related thoughts.

First, he is not just picking any generals. Rather, he seems particularly to favor those who displeased President Barack Obama  Generals Michael Flynn, James Mattis, and David Petraeus (and I expect before this is all over he may tap a fourth general ousted by Obama, one Stanley McChrystal). These are the ones that Trump has listened to, so far. We dont know how he will deal with the Other Generals  those he perceives as having failed to cross the Obama White House  such as the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the four service chiefs.

Second, he has yet to issue an order (although I do hear that Flynn has already given some heads-up taskers to people in government). When he does issue one, his favored generals likely will be surprised by how much they tell him they cant do with the military instrument. He also might be taken aback in finding they are less radical than he thinks, and that these old officers generally agree on policy. Generals Petraeus and Mattis, for example, know each other pretty well. They have different personalities, but are similar in their professional outlooks. Both have been commanders of Central Command, and so planned for war with Iran. I suspect both are likely to advise him to keep the nuclear deal but to hold Irans feet to the fire in other ways.

Third, he may be surprised that both are fans of beefing up the State Department. I remember Mattis once telling members of Congress that they either needed to spend more money on diplomacy or more money on ammunition, and that he preferred the former.

Fourth, I think he is going to be surprised at how often they respond, Yep, tried that. Heres why we think it didnt work. These guys arent dummies. Theyve spent most of the last 15 years either fighting or getting ready to fight or recovering from a fight. These are generals who think it is their duty to tell the facts as they see them  whether or not the civilians want to hear it. Thats one reason Mattis got crosswise with the Obama White House: He kept on pushing them on Iran, saying, Okay, what happens next? Say you get a nuclear treaty with them, and then they step up conventional hostilities in Syria, the Persian Gulf, and the rest of the region?

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Fifth, these guys have been around the block. They wont be stampeded by some kid on the National Security Council staff calling up and saying, The White House wants The only proper response to that is, Who at the White House wants that?

Sixth, related to that, these old generals know Congress a lot better than Trump does. It would be fairly easy for the secretary of state and the secretary of defense to line up with Senate committee chairmen to block a White House move they dislike. I think that former Secretary of State Colin Powell, as chairman of the Joint Chiefs, did something similar very early in the Bill Clinton administration, cooperating with Sen. Sam Nunn, then chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to outmaneuver the White House on lifting the ban on gays serving openly in the military. And note that in that case, Nunn was a member of the presidents party, just as John McCain, the current chairman of SASC, is now.

There will be conflicts and gaffes. My guess is that Flynn will be the first to leave office. Thats partly because it is easier to get rid of a national security advisor than a cabinet member. For example, yet another retired Marine general, James Jones, came and went quickly in Obamas first term. Republican icon President Ronald Reagan churned through six national security advisors in eight years. I also see departure looming in Flynns future because Ive been told repeatedly that he did not do well at Defense Intelligence Agency, and so in his new job may be in even more over his head. As I wrote before, his reputation is that he is tactically great but strategically clueless.

Mattis and Petraeus might last longer, but both might do a lot of grinding down their teeth. Neither one suffers fools gladly, or even presumptuous civilians.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Regina King has signed on to Netflixs 10-episode crime drama Seven Seconds.

Written by Sud, Seven Seconds is based on the 2013 Russian action movie The Major (). Tensions run high between African-American citizens and Caucasian police in Jersey City, where a teenage African-American boy is critically injured by a cop.

King will play Latrice Butler, a devout churchgoer and choir leader, a school secretary, a wife and the mother of a 15-year-old boy. After she and her family move out of the projects and become first-time homeowners, she is shaken to her core when she learns that in this time of promise, her son Brenton has been in an incident. Suddenly aware that theres more to Brenton than she and her husband were aware of, Latrice is rocked by the power of her anger at her sons predicament, an anger that will change her life and her relationship with her husband and more.

King is returning for the third installment of ABCs American Crime and plays Erika Murphy on HBOs The Leftovers.

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(Adds that victims include General Authority of Civil Aviation)

By Jim Finkle, Tom Finn and Jeremy Wagstaff

Dec 1 (Reuters) - Shamoon, the destructive computer virus that four years ago crippled tens of thousands of computers at Middle Eastern energy companies, was used two weeks ago to attack computers in Saudi Arabia, according to several U.S. cyber security firms.

CrowdStrike, FireEye Inc, Intel Corp's McAfee security unit, Palo Alto Networks Inc and Symantec Corp warned of the attacks, though they did not name any victims. They did not say how much damage had been caused or identify the hackers using Shamoon, which cripples computers by wiping drives used to start machines.

Saudi Arabia said on Thursday that hackers had launched an attack on computers on government bodies and organizations in the transport sector in mid-November, heightening concern about security in the world's largest oil exporter.

Victims included the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Saudi agency that runs airports, where the attack disrupted work for several days, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the investigation.

The attack originated outside the country and was one of "several ongoing cyber attacks targeting government authorities," the National Cyber Security Center, an arm of the Ministry of Interior, told state news agency SPA.

The statement did not give details of the identity of the attacker or the damage caused, beyond saying the virus aimed to disrupt servers and plant malicious software in computer systems.

The 2012 Shamoon attack on Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, was widely seen as a watershed event. At the time, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said it was probably the most destructive cyber attack on a business. There have since only been a few major attacks with disk-wiping malware, including ones in 2014 on Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands Corp and Sony Corp's Hollywood studio.

In the initial Shamoon hacks, images of a burning U.S. flag were left on computers at Saudi Aramco and RasGas Co Ltd. A disturbing image of the body of 3-year-old drowned Syrian refugee Alan Kurdi was used in recent attacks.

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The 2012 hackers were likely working on behalf of the Iranian government, said CrowdStrike Chief Technology Officer Dmitri Alperovitch. It is too early to say whether the same group was behind Shamoon 2, he said.

Tehran has been investing heavily in its cyber capabilities since 2010, when its nuclear program was hit by the Stuxnet computer virus, widely believed to have been launched by the United States and Israel.

The malware triggered the disk-wiping to begin at 8:45 p.m. local time on Nov. 17, according to the security firms.

The Saudi business week ends on Thursday, so it appears to have been timed to begin after staff left for the weekend to reduce the chance of discovery and allow maximum damage.

(Reporting by Jim Finkle in Boston, Tom Finn in Doha and Jeremy Wagstaff in Singapore; Editing by Alison Williams and Leslie Adler)
By Jim Finkle, Tom Finn and Jeremy Wagstaff

(Reuters) - Shamoon, the destructive computer virus that four years ago crippled tens of thousands of computers at Middle Eastern energy companies, was used two weeks ago to attack computers in Saudi Arabia, according to several U.S. cyber security firms.

CrowdStrike, FireEye Inc (FEYE.O), Intel Corp's (INTC.O) McAfee security unit, Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW.N) and Symantec Corp (SYMC.O) warned of the attacks, though they did not name any victims. They did not say how much damage had been caused or identify the hackers using Shamoon, which cripples computers by wiping drives used to start machines.

Saudi Arabia said on Thursday that hackers had launched an attack on computers on government bodies and organizations in the transport sector in mid-November, heightening concern about security in the world's largest oil exporter.

Victims included the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Saudi agency that runs airports, where the attack disrupted work for several days, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the investigation.

The attack originated outside the country and was one of "several ongoing cyber attacks targeting government authorities," the National Cyber Security Center, an arm of the Ministry of Interior, told state news agency SPA.

The statement did not give details of the identity of the attacker or the damage caused, beyond saying the virus aimed to disrupt servers and plant malicious software in computer systems.

The 2012 Shamoon attack on Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, was widely seen as a watershed event. At the time, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said it was probably the most destructive cyber attack on a business. There have since only been a few major attacks with disk-wiping malware, including ones in 2014 on Sheldon Adelsons Las Vegas Sands Corp and Sony Corp's Hollywood studio.

In the initial Shamoon hacks, images of a burning U.S. flag were left on computers at Saudi Aramco and RasGas Co Ltd. A disturbing image of the body of 3-year-old drowned Syrian refugee Alan Kurdi was used in recent attacks.

Story continues

The 2012 hackers were likely working on behalf of the Iranian government, said CrowdStrike Chief Technology Officer Dmitri Alperovitch. It is too early to say whether the same group was behind Shamoon 2, he said.

Tehran has been investing heavily in its cyber capabilities since 2010, when its nuclear programme was hit by the Stuxnet computer virus, widely believed to have been launched by the United States and Israel.

The malware triggered the disk-wiping to begin at 8:45 p.m. local time on Nov. 17, according to the security firms.

The Saudi business week ends on Thursday, so it appears to have been timed to begin after staff left for the weekend to reduce the chance of discovery and allow maximum damage.

(Reporting by Jim Finkle in Boston, Tom Finn in Doha and Jeremy Wagstaff in Singapore; Editing by Alison Williams and Leslie Adler)
Shanghai (AFP) - Three sculptures in a Shanghai park have been dismantled by authorities after the British creator of London's "Timepiece" blasted one as plagiarising her work, in the latest example of copying in China.

Wendy Taylor, whose 43-year-old sundial sculpture stands on the banks of the River Thames near London's Tower Bridge, told British news outlet The Independent that a holidaying art aficionado alerted her to the apparent replica.

"At first I thought someone had done a clever Photoshop and changed the background, but then I looked more closely and thought, 'Oh my God no, this is a complete copy'," Taylor was quoted as saying in the report published Sunday.

The Chinese version, by an unspecified artist, has stood in a park next to the Huangpu river, which courses through the commercial hub, since 2006, Shanghai media reports said.

It has since been removed and an AFP journalist saw park workers filling its circular base with plants and flowers on Thursday.

At the same time AFP witnessed workers removing two other statues, one of which resembled "Lute Being Played by Evert Taube", which stands in the Swedish capital Stockholm.

The other bore a striking similarity to the centrepiece statue of the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Taylor said in an email to the Shanghai Daily that she was delighted by the "wonderful news" of the sculpture's removal, and she hoped it "had really been destroyed and not just been put somewhere else".

AFP was unable to obtain comment from Shanghai officials on the artistic brouhaha.

Chinese counterfeiters have turned copyright piracy and product mimicry into a fine art, ranging from bootleg DVDs to fake fashion labels and a range of other popular consumer brands.

British artist Anish Kapoor angrily complained last year that his "Cloud Gate" sculpture in Chicago, which resembles a giant shiny metal bean, had been ripped off by a similar design erected in the Chinese city of Karamay.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 30, 2016 / Lundin Law PC, a shareholder rights firm, announces a class action lawsuit against Tenet Healthcare Corp. ("Tenet" or the "Company") (THC) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws between February 28, 2012 and October 3, 2016 inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors, who purchased or otherwise acquired Tenet shares during the Class Period, are encouraged to contact the firm in advance of the December 6, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here. You can also call Brian Lundin, Esquire, of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or e-mail him at brian@lundinlawpc.com.

No class has been certified in the above action. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Tenet made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: the Company illegally paid kickbacks to induce the referral of patients to Tenet's hospitals for labor and delivery; that Tenet defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program through this scheme; and that as a result of the above, statements about Tenet's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

On August 1, 2016, Tenet announced that it reached an agreement in principle with federal and state authorities that the Company would pay nearly $514 million to settle allegations that four Tenet hospitals in Georgia and South Carolina paid kickbacks for obstetric referrals. Under the settlement, two Tenet subsidiaries would plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate federal kickback laws. On October 3, 2016, Tenet issued a press release and filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, announcing that the Company finalized the agreement in principle announced on August 1, 2016. When this news was announced, the stock price of Tenet fell, causing investors serious harm.

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Lundin Law PC was established by Brian Lundin, a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding the rights of shareholders.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact:

Lundin Law PC

Brian Lundin, Esq.

Telephone: 888-713-1033

Facsimile: 888-713-1125

brian@lundinlawpc.com

http://lundinlawpc.com/

SOURCE: Lundin Law PC
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Lundin Law PC, a shareholder rights firm, announces a class action lawsuit against Impax Laboratories, Inc. ("Impax" or the "Company") (IPXL) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws between February 25, 2014 and November 3, 2016 inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period should contact the firm prior to the January 9, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here. You can also call Brian Lundin, Esquire, of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or e-mail him at brian@lundinlawpc.com.

No class has been certified in the above action yet. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member.

The complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Impax made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: that the Company was engaged in conduct that would trigger investigations of possible collusion of generic drug pricing by the antitrust division of the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") and the Connecticut Attorney General; that the DOJ investigation and the underlying conduct would likely result in criminal charges against Impax for collusion of generic drug pricing; that the Company lacked effective internal controls over financial reporting; and that as a result of the above, Impax's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When this news was announced, shares of Impax fell in value, causing investors serious harm.

Lundin Law PC was founded by Brian Lundin, a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding the rights of shareholders.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in certain jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact:

Lundin Law PC

Brian Lundin, Esq.

Telephone: 888-713-1033

Facsimile: 888-713-1125

brian@lundinlawpc.com

http://lundinlawpc.com/

SOURCE: Lundin Law PC
The United States Postal Service announced on November 22 that a 2017 stamp celebrating the 150th anniversary of Nebraskas statehood will feature a photograph by Michael Forsberg of the sandhill crane migration along the Platte River. What an iconic image of Nebraskas wilderness to share with the rest of the nation. Congratulations to Mr. Forsberg for having this photo selected to honor Nebraska. Along with a 70-cent international airmail stamp issued in 2001 with a Forsberg photo of Nine-Mile Prairie outside of Lincoln, this new stamp will become a part of the legacy of the United States stamp program.
For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

The husband of Sherri Papini, the California mom who mysteriously vanished last month, is telling of his own, personal agony as his wife spent 22 days in captivity.

In an exclusive sit-down with 20/20, Keith Papini opens up about the personal toll his wifes capture took on him.

I thought about her being there screaming my name, he said.

Sherri vanished while out for a jog on Nov. 2. The mom of two was found around 4:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day on the side of a Yolo County road  about 150 miles south of her Redding home.

Papini said Sherris captors pushed her out of a vehicle with a chain around her waist and a bag over her head on the day of her release. They left on the side of a road, badly beaten and bruised, her hair shaved off and her body branded, he said.

She screamed so much, shes coughing up blood from the screaming trying to get somebody to stop, he said.

And again, just another sign of how my wife is, shes so wonderful. Shes saying, Well, maybe people arent stopping because I have a chain that looks like I broke out of prison so she tried to tuck in her chain under her clothes.

 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.

Keith explained reuniting with his wife after her release, noting her battered and bruised condition in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

My first sight was my in a hospital bed. Her face covered in bruises ranging from yellow to black because of her repeated beatings, he said. The bridge of her nose broken. She has been branded and I could feel the rise of her scabs under my fingers.

He added that she weighed only 87 lbs. and her long, blonde hair had been chopped off.

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Sherri Papinis Husband Reveals Her Horrific Conditions After Release: Broken Nose, Hair Shaved and Weighing 87 Lbs.

Police said Sherri was able to provide authorities with details about her alleged abductors  who police have described as two Hispanic women.

Sherri said that one of the women had long curly hair, thin eyebrows and pierced ears. The other woman, who was older, had straight black hair with gray and thick eyebrows. She told investigators that both of her captors spoke Spanish a majority of the time.

Sherri did her best in providing the descriptions but was not able to provide a detailed description because of the assailants covering their faces, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said during a recent press conference.

The motive behind the alleged kidnapping is still unclear as authorities continue to investigate.

Keiths emotional interview airs on ABC News 20/20 Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 p.m. ET.
Crimean tensions. Russia has put air defense units on high alert and deployed ships from the Black Sea fleet off the coast of Crimea in preparation for two days of missile tests Ukraine has said it will conduct on Thursday and Friday.

Russia has reportedly threatened to shoot down the missiles and strike their launch platforms if the tests go forward, but Kiev has rejected the threats, saying the tests will occur 18 miles outside of Crimean airspace. One Russian official told RIA that the deployed ships are designed in the first instance to shoot down heavy anti-ship missiles and cruise missiles. Together with land-based air defense units on the peninsula, the ships have thrown up a practically impenetrable shield against the enemys rockets.

In August, Russia deployed long-range S-400 missile systems to Crimea, which it annexed in 2014 to widespread international outrage, and in September Moscow carried out large-scale military land exercises on the peninsula.

Russia popular on the Hill. The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed  by a 390-30 margin  a new intelligence policy bill that takes aim at Russia by calling for the establishment of a high-level panel to counter Russian attempts to exert covert influence in the United States and its allies.

The bill says the committee would work on countering active measures by Russia to exert covert influence, including exposing falsehoods, agents of influence, corruption, human rights abuses, terrorism and assassinations carried out by the security services or political elites of the Russian Federation or their proxies. Another provision of the bill limits the travel of Russian diplomatic personnel in the U.S. to no more than 25 miles from their official posts unless the FBI informs Congress that the officials have been cleared of any evidence of wrongdoing.

Demands for election intel. In a related move, seven Democratic members of the Senate intelligence committee have written to President Barack Obama to request he declassify relevant intelligence on the Russian government and the US election that should be declassified and released to the public, according to The Guardians Spencer Ackerman. No Republican joined the call for declassification, nor did the outgoing ranking Democrat, Dianne Feinstein of California.

Story continues

In October, U.S. intelligence officials accused Russias of hacking into the Democratic National Committees networks. Just after the election of Donald Trump, NSA Director Adm. Michael Rogers added that the hacking was a conscious effort by a nation state to attempt to achieve a specific effect.

Awkward. The bills and calls for declassification come as the incoming Trump administration and Moscow look to be working to reach an accommodation, even before Trump takes office. Russian officials have said in recent days that theyve been in touch with the Trump team. These are different people whom we have known for a long time already, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told the TASS news agency.

And speaking in Moscow Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin echoed the sentiment, saying he had recently spoken to Trump and their opinions coincided over how tensions between Washington and Moscow could be straightened out. This all follows news that Donald Trump Jr. held private talks with a pro-Russia figure in Paris in October that included discussions over how the two countries might cooperate to fight the Islamic State in Syria. Trump famously rejected the conclusions of the U.S. intelligence community that Russia was working to influence the U.S. election.

One last time on North Korea. In what is likely to mark its final bout of nuclear diplomacy, the Obama administration secured unanimous passage Wednesday of a U.N. Security Council resolution meant to further choke North Koreas earnings in retaliation for developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, FPs Robbie Gramer and Dan De Luce report.

They write that he resolution targets coal, North Koreas most lucrative export, and slashes exports of silver, copper, and nickel. Eight years of U.S. and U.N. diplomatic maneuvering during President Barack Obamas tenure has left North Korea increasingly isolated, but has still utterly failed to achieve the primary goal of curbing the countrys nuclear weapons and missile program. North Korea has detonated five nuclear weapons in underground tests since 2006  four while Obama was in office  and conducted a flurry of missile launches for its growing missile arsenal. U.S. intelligence officers believe it is only a matter of time before the regime builds a nuclear-tipped intercontinental missile capable of striking the United States.

South Sudan moves too late? Faced with U.N. warnings of a possible genocide in South Sudan, American diplomats this week were set to embrace an arms embargo against the worlds newest country.

But the effort, FPs Colum Lynch writes, may be coming too late. The South Sudanese military is poised to launch an offensive as the annual dry season  prime time for fighting  resumes in December. And U.S. President Barack Obamas administration, struggling to mount an international response to the killing, has been forced to shelve its planned sanctions after American diplomats realized they couldnt muster the nine votes necessary for U.N. Security Council approval.

New model diplomacy. On Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone. And then Islamabad released an unforgettable readout of the call, which said that Trump called Sharif a terrific guy. FPs Emily Tamkin has more: Trump reportedly added that he is ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it.

Not the usual diplo-speak, for sure. Tamkin notes that by writing such a blank check, Trump just promised the head of Pakistan, a country warped by the use and abuse of proxy terrorist groups, which is perpetually at odds with its nuclear-armed neighbor, which is deepening defense and economic ties with China, and which has been very recently rocked by cross-border violence, that he will personally take care of whatever Pakistan needs.

Change of heart? Kind of. Former Defense Secretary Bob Gates, who once called Donald Trump willfully ignorant about the rest of the world, said on Wednesday that he hopes he was wrong, and is somewhat encouraged by some of the people Trump is reportedly considering to be in his cabinet. He continues to be bothered by the number of former generals Trump is considering, however, telling CBS News that there is the danger of too much military influence in the White House. I think it would be very difficult to have former generals as both secretary of State and Defense. I think that is probably too much military influence in the decisionmaking process, he said.

Good morning and as always, if you have any thoughts, announcements, tips, or national security-related events to share, please pass them along to SitRep HQ. Best way is to send them to: paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or on Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley

Whos Where When. The Obama administration has set specific U.S. force levels in both Iraq and Afghanistan, something which many critics  and many in the Pentagon  have said has tied the hands of military commanders. Its unclear what the incoming Trump administration will do with the wars it is inheriting, but on Thursday at 10:00 am, Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo) is holding a hearing to explore the issue of lifting the troop caps. Testifying are retired Lt. Gen. Jim Dubik, and retired Gen. Carter Ham. Livestream here.

North Korea

North Koreas brutal network of prison camps is expanding. The Guardian reports on a new study by a U.S.-based Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK), which used satellite imagery to analyze the camps. HRNK says that under Kim Jong Un, the North has closed prisons close to the Chinese border and expanded others deeper in the country. Satellite imagery recently released by Amnesty International of North Koreas Camp 15 shows that the North has expanded and built new structures at the facility.

South Korea

South Korea is planning on making its own fighter jet, according to Yonhap News Agency. The Souths Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced that design work for a new Korean Fighter Experimental (KF-X) jet is kicking off this month. The projected cost for the program is around $15 billion and the planes are expected to replace South Koreas fleet of American F-4 and F-5 jets.

Ships ahoy

Retired admirals and former Director of National Intelligence Adm. Dennis Blair and Rear Adm. Mike McDevitt squared off in a debate over whether an American military presence in the South China Sea is reconcilable with Chinas interests and sovereignty on Wednesday. McDevitt argued that American allies in the region are uncomfortable being forced into confrontations that involve choosing sides between the U.S. and China. Blair said the Chinese are often baffled at Americas desire to increase its military role in Asia, seeing it as an unwarranted move in the face of peaceful Chinese behavior.

Indias indigenously-built aircraft carrier might take a longer time to finish than initially thought and thats making U.S. defense officials queasy. The Wall Street Journal reports that American engineers who inspected the carrier in February found it drastically behind, estimating that it wont be ready for at least another decade. The U.S. has been counting on an Indian navy buildup to help check Chinas growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean. Indias struggling efforts to build a carrier indigenously reportedly spurred the Obama administration to green light a host of technology cooperation programs in order to get the ship up and running faster.

After breaking down and having to be towed into port, the U.S. Navys $4 billion stealth ship is finally able to move under its own power again. USNI News reports that leaks in the ships lube oil chillers allowed seawater to seep into bearings connected to the Advanced Induction Motors. The USS Zumwalt is headed next to Mexico and then home to San Diego.

The U.S. Coast Guard is looking to jump in on all the action in the South China Sea. VOA News reports that Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Paul Zukunft believes that the Coast Guard could help the U.S. assert its right to freedom of navigation in disputed waters without the added diplomatic baggage of a military face on that presence. U.S. military officials had told FP that the idea had been floated previously but initially rejected. China often uses its coast guard in disputed waters around the region for similar reasons.

Photo Credit: Vietnam News Agency/AFP/Getty Images
jax-sons-of-anarchy

FX

The world of Sons of Anarchy will ride again.

FX announced that the pilot for Mayans MC  Kurt Sutters Sons spinoff about SAMCROs sometimes friendly, sometimes rival gang, the Mayans Motorcycle Club  is officially revving up, which is exciting news for fans of bad motor vehicle wordplay. The series will take place in a post-Jax Teller world, where EZ Reyes, a prospect in the Mayan MC charter on the Cali/Mexi border, struggles with his desire for vengeance against the cartel, and his need for respect from the women he loves. Sutter co-wrote the pilot with his producing partner Elgin James, who founded the anti-racist street gang FSU (which originally stood for F*ck Sh*t Up; it became Friends Stand United).

Related Links:





No casting details have been announced yet.

Sons of Anarchy is the highest-rated ongoing drama in FX history, so theres pressure on Mayans MC  described as a dark, visceral family drama that takes a new look at the most American of icons, the 1% outlaw, this time reflected through a Latino lens  to be just as popular. Especially after Sutters The Bastard Executioner was canceled after one season. It sounds like that experience, as well as Donald Trump being elected president, has humbled Sutter, once described as TVs most depraved showrunner.

It will be interesting to see how that manifests itself in Mayans MC.
The Sons of Anarchy universe expansion will indeed continue. The pilot for FXs Mayans MC, focusing on the Mayans motorcycle club, will begin shooting in March, directed by Sons creator Kurt Sutter from a script from Sutter and Elgin James. Sutter will serve as executive producer, with James as co-executive producer.

Mayans will follow EZ Reyes, a prospect  potential member  for the clubs charter on the California-Mexico border. EZ will struggle with his desire for vengeance against the local cartel and his need for the women in his life to respect him. Sons fans will recognize the Mayans from Sons of Anarchy, where they were sometimes allies, sometimes adversaries to the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Clubs northern California charter.

Mayans MC hasnt officially been ordered to series, but the odds of it ending up among FXs busted pilots  a small group in and of itself  are small. Sons of Anarchy was FXs highest-rated ongoing series over its seven-season run, a show that routinely beat out its broadcast competition in the 10 p.m. hour. Sutters last show for FX, the non-SoA-related The Bastard Executioner, didnt fare quite as well, and Sutter and FX agreed to end the series after a season.

Mayans MC comes from Fox 21 TV Studios and FX Productions. Sutter is represented by WME. James is represented by WME, Electric City, and Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown.

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Sony Pictures Television is to co-produce a Mandarin-language version of U.S. TV series Chosen in partnership with Chinese video platform iQIYI.

The action thriller was originally produced by SPTs Playmaker Media with support from Australian regional fund Screen NSW. The story follows a family which becomes drawn into a deadly game, but ultimately binds together to save each other.

Production is expected to begin in Spring 2017 with an anticipated launch in the fall. The Chinese series is expected to feature Chinas top stars, as well as international actors and production crew.

The deal is a rare example of co-operation between a Chinese video group and a Hollywood studios TV offshoot in order to make a Chinese series.

iQIYI, a subsidiary of Chinese search engine giant Baidu, has been among the leading firms developing original content for Chinese video services. It says that its exclusive programming has attracted high levels of paying subscribers.

We look forward to bringing culturally relevant, premium content to iQIYIs important and growing audience, said Dai Huang, VP of sales, international distribution and production at Sony Pictures Television, Asia Pacific.

Quality control is key to the development of any industry and iQIYI strives to make the best possible resources available to raise the level of crafting in net film production, said Yang Xianghua, iQIYIs senior vice president.

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Sony Pictures Television and Chinese online video platform iQIYI have entered a deal to co-produce a Mandarin-language version of Crackle series Chosen. The three-part adaptation will be produced by SPTs Sydney-based Playmaker Media with support from Screen NSW for streaming in China. Production is eyed for spring 2017, starring an A-list Chinese cast, with launch expected in the fall next year.

Chosen aired for three cycles on Sonys Crackle beginning in 2013 and starred Milo Ventimiglia, Chad Michael Murray and Rose McGowan. The action thriller follows a family that becomes drawn into a deadly game but ultimately binds together to save each other. The Chinese version will incorporate international actors and production crew.

Online viewing in the Middle Kingdom has surged in recent years. In a nod to how the Chinese market is looking to learn from Hollywood, iQIYI SVP Yang Xianghua noted at a Beijing press conference today, Quality control is key to the development of any industry and iQIYI strives to make the best possible resources available to raise the level of crafting in net film production.

Sony is in bed with the Chinese also via a deal with Dalian Wanda Group which will see the Chinese conglomerate provide marketing help in launching some of the studios tentpoles in China, and provide 10%-15% in co-financing on others.

IQIYI this week also extended its relationship with Lionsgate via a long-term output deal for China which will include the studios upcoming features as well as some library titles.

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JOHANNESBURG, Dec 1 (Reuters) - South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has ordered an investigation into the tax collection authority, officials told parliament on Thursday, underlining rising tensions between the Treasury and the revenue agency.

Gordhan has expressed concerns at the leadership of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), saying earlier this week he could not vouch for the accuracy of the information it provided because of a lack of accountability and cooperation from its top management.

SARS said in a statement on Thursday it was concerned over the comments questioning the integrity of its leadership.

News of the latest investigation adds to the impression of a system in turmoil after months of tension between President Jacob Zuma and the finance minister, who himself survived a separate probe into allegations of fraud while he was the head of SARS.

The tensions have unnerved investors at a time when Africa's most industrialized economy is stalling, with growth forecast at 0.5 percent this year by the Treasury.

An 8-member team set up by the Treasury to investigate governance at SARS said in a presentation to parliament, seen by Reuters, that it was studying whether the agency was sufficiently accountable and had the capacity to deal with illicit financial flows.

It was unclear when the probe was initiated, but Business Day newspaper quoted the head of the committee, Dennis Davis, as saying it had been carrying out its work for several months.

Davis could not be reached for comment at the number provided on the committee's website. SARS spokesman Sandile Memela and Treasury spokeswoman Yolisa Tantsi did not immediately reply to telephone and email requests for comment.

"The implication is that he has a lack of confidence in the top leadership at SARS," political analyst Daniel Silke said, referring to Gordhan.

Gordhan and SARS commissioner Tom Moyane, who was appointed in 2014 by Zuma, were at loggerheads earlier this year when Moyane refused to halt an operational turnaround plan that had been vetoed by the minister.

At the time, media reported that Gordhan had threatened to resign from the cabinet unless Moyane was removed from his role.

(Reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng and Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by James Macharia and Mark Trevelyan)
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry said Thursday he sees "possibilities of real policy reform" emerging from the November election in terms of health care, modernization of the nation's infrastructure and fundamental changes in budgeting and taxation.

Fortenberry said three words -- curiosity, possibility and urgency -- describe the mood in Washington as the lame-duck session of Congress meets to wrap up this year's legislative work while a new president-elect and a new Congress wait in the wings.

"There is a real unleashing of possibilities," the 1st District Republican congressman said during a telephone interview.

"Partisan paralysis needs to be finished," Fortenberry said. "We've got to get things done."

First out of the gate may be "a new type of health care reform" that replaces the Affordable Care Act while preserving some of its features, the congressman said, transforming health care coverage into a new model that places more reliance on the concept of health savings accounts.

The current system is "unsustainable," Fortenberry said.

"But we are not going back to a system that excludes (coverage for) pre-existing conditions," he said. "We cannot leave certain groups of people behind."

Fortenberry said he also wants to preserve Obamacare's provision allowing children as old as 26 to be included in their parents' health insurance plan and retain the current ban on insurance coverage caps.

President-elect Donald Trump's proposal for a massive program to modernize America's infrastructure represents a broad recognition that the country needs to improve its airports, roads and bridges, Fortenberry said. And the Lincoln congressman would add railroads to that list.

Modernizing the nation's railroad system "should have a place in any infrastructure bill," Fortenberry said. Rail traffic along the East Coast corridor is significant, he said, but a modern transcontinental route also is a worthy public investment even if it isn't profitable.

Infrastructure improvement would be a wise economic investment, Fortenberry said, but it needs to be paid for and "not just deficit-spend."

Tax reform should include provisions to spur small business activity and lure overseas U.S. investments back to America, he said.

Fortenberry said that "what (Trump) did with Carrier Corporation was brilliant," suggesting that his direct intervention in helping arrange a deal to keep the company from moving about 1,000 jobs from Indiana to Mexico is the kind of active engagement needed to prevent U.S. jobs from leaving the country.

"He negotiated something," Fortenberry said. "He went to the heart of the matter."

Indiana officials agreed to give United Technologies Corp., the company's owner, $7 million in tax breaks over 10 years as part of the deal, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The company still plans to move about 600 jobs to Mexico but will invest about $16 million to keep its operations in Indiana.

Fortenberry declined to name any preference between Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani as Trump's secretary of state but suggested that retired Gen. David Petraeus deserves to be in that mix.
By Harriet McLeod

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - Jurors deliberated for a second day on Thursday on a murder charge against a white former South Carolina police officer accused of fatally shooting a fleeing black motorist last year, and activists vowed to protest if they disagreed with the verdict.

Ex-North Charleston patrolman Michael Slager, 35, faces up to life in prison if found guilty of murder in the death of 50-year-old Walter Scott in April 2015.

A guilty verdict for a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter would carry between two and 30 years behind bars.

Organizers for civil rights groups told Reuters that an acquittal would prompt demonstrations.

"We won't sit idly by," said James Johnson, state director for the National Action Network in South Carolina.

The jury of 11 white people and 1 black person will decide Slager's fate in a case that gained widespread attention after a bystander's cellphone video footage of the officer shooting at Scott's back was made public.

The video added fuel to a national debate over the use of force by U.S. law enforcement against minorities in the wake of police killings of black men in cities including New York, Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri.

Jurors, who viewed the video multiple times and heard testimony from dozens of witnesses during the trial in state court in Charleston over the past month, began deliberating Wednesday evening.

On Thursday afternoon, they requested transcripts of the testimony given by Slager and the chief investigator on the case.

Slager told jurors earlier this week that Scott ran after being pulled over for a broken brake light and resisted the patrolman's orders to stop.

Prosecutors said Scott likely fled because he was behind on child support payments and feared arrest.

Scott was not armed, but Slager's lawyers said the officer did not know that at the time of the confrontation.

Slager said Scott grabbed his stun gun as the two men scuffled. Feeling "total fear," Slager said he pulled out his gun and opened fire until he had stopped the threat.

Story continues

Prosecutors argued that the video proved Slager was not in danger when he fired eight shots at the fleeing Scott, hitting him with five bullets.

Outside the Charleston County Judicial Center on Thursday, where television crews, police, chaplains and bystanders waited for a verdict, Anthony Scott, brother of Walter Scott, offered his view on the trial.

"It's gonna be okay," he said. "If it's not okay, we're not done."

(Reporting by Harriet McLeod; Writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Leslie Adler)
By Jack Kim SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean opposition parties differed on Thursday on when to bring an impeachment motion against scandal-tainted President Park Geun-hye and were far apart from her conservative party on her offer to quit. Park on Tuesday asked parliament to decide how and when she should step down in a dramatic turn of events in the influence-peddling scandal, an offer that the main opposition Democratic Party rejected as a ploy to buy time and avoid impeachment. The smaller opposition People's Party on Thursday warned against bringing an impeachment motion to the floor of parliament without ensuring the support of Park's Saenuri Party, which would be needed for it to pass. "If the motion is voted down, it is effectively a remission of her sins," People's Party chief Park Jie-won told a party meeting. But the leader of the Democratic Party, Choo Mi-ae, insisted on an immediate motion so she can be out of office by the end of January. Park Jie-won, who is not related to the president, has said he would also consider bringing the motion to a vote next Friday and indicated his party was open to negotiating how the president should leave office and when. President Park has been under pressure to step down over allegations by prosecutors that she colluded with a friend to allow her improper influence in state affairs and in fundraising for two foundations set up to back her policy initiatives. She has denied wrongdoing but acknowledged she would need to step down to end the turmoil, amid a series of large protests bringing hundreds of thousands of people to the streets of Seoul on Saturdays. The three opposition parties together hold 165 of the single-chamber parliament's 300 seats and can initiate an impeachment motion. But they need support from at least 28 Saenuri members for it to pass. The vote, if successful, has to be reviewed by the Constitutional Court, which can take up to 180 days. Legal experts have said the review could be over in a third of that time. Kim Moo-sung, a Saenuri leader who has called for Park's resignation, said after meeting Democratic Party leader Choo that he had proposed that Park leave office by the end of April so an election can be held around the end of June. (Editing by Nick Macfie)
By Aaron Ross KARUKWAT, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - Charity Mandulu said the executions began soon after government soldiers - around 100 of them mostly from South Sudan President Salva Kiir's Dinka ethnic group - arrived in her home town of Tore Payam. "They started to demand things. If you didn't give to them, they killed you," she said, visibly exhausted from what she said was a week-long walk through the bush and across the southern border to relative safety in Democratic Republic of Congo. Mandulu's account and those of some of the other 64,000 people who have fled South Sudan to isolated northeastern Congo could not be independently verified. The South Sudanese government, which has fought a civil war against rebels headed by former vice president Riek Machar for three years, says it only targets the rebels, who say in turn that they only attack the military. But the refugees' accounts and a human rights report from the Equatoria region, much of which is cut off by fighting, point to both sides targeting civilians along ethnic lines, adding weight to a U.N. warning of a genocide in the making. Mandulu, taking shelter in the Congolese village of Karukwat, said among the first to be killed in Tore Payam were a woman and a local trader accused by the soldiers of collaborating with Machar's SPLA-IO rebels. "They (the soldiers) said Equatorians are rebels," she said, her nine-month-old baby in her lap and a child clinging to either arm. "They even started searching for civilians in the bush, started killing them." Mandulu left behind her 10-year-old son, who had been at her aunt's house when the attack began. Her husband had been away in the capital Juba at the time. She has had no news from either. "KILLED LIKE ANIMALS" More than one million people have fled South Sudan since the conflict erupted in December 2013 after Kiir fired Machar as vice president, the largest mass exodus of any conflict in central Africa since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Over 4,000 a day have been crossing into Uganda, where the Bidibidi refugee settlement, open since August, now hosts over 188,000 people. Another 36,600 refugees have reached Ethiopia since early September, and over 57,000 fled to Congo this year. The fighting has mostly pitted Kiir's Dinkas, the dominant ethnic group estimated to be roughly a third of the population, against Machar's Nuer tribe. But as fighting has spread to southern border states, known as Greater Equatoria, it has sucked in dozens of other ethnic groups that are also historically in conflict with the Dinka. Adama Dieng, U.N. Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, warned the Security Council this month that the violence was providing "fertile ground" for a genocide. The Nuer and Dinka, cattle-keeping peoples in the central Nile valley, have a long and sometimes deadly history of rivalry over grazing lands. A near 50-year conflict against the Sudanese government in Khartoum ending in 2005 worsened these tensions. In 1991, for example, forces allied to Machar massacred 2,000 Dinka civilians, according to rights groups. Human Rights Watch last week accused the army of killing civilians and raping women thought to be Nuer and said rebel forces from ethnic groups in Equatoria had targeted Dinka civilians in and around Yei, the latest flashpoint. In Karukwat, which is sheltering hundreds of refugees, Ferana Lavirck, 23, spoke of the aftermath of a clash between government troops and rebels, when enraged soldiers returned to his village and attacked civilians. "They came back and start stabbing people, taking people's property," he told Reuters. "Schoolgirls were raped ... There is no proper security. Everything was destroyed. People were killed like animals." WORLD POWERS STEP IN The United States is pushing for a U.N. arms embargo on South Sudan and further targeted sanctions, including against Machar and Paul Malong, the head of President Kiir's army. [nL1N1DJ16S] The Security Council has also authorised a 4,000-strong regional protection force for South Sudan, after the existing 12,000-troop U.N. peacekeeping mission failed to protect civilians during fighting in Juba in July. [nL8N1DR070][nL1N1D2167] But there are fears it could be too little too late. A report by a U.N. panel of experts this month said the war was increasingly viewed by both sides as "a zero-sum confrontation between the Dinka and non-Dinka tribes". The head of the U.N. commission on human rights in South Sudan said on Thursday that ethnic cleansing was taking place in some areas, where the stage was set for a repeat of the Rwandan genocide. "There is already a steady process of ethnic cleansing underway in several areas of South Sudan, using starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages," Yasmin Sooka said in a statement. Asked about the report, Kiir told Reuters: "There's no such thing in South Sudan. There's no ethnic cleansing." There are signs of Kiir's forces importing large amounts of ammunition. A Nov. 25 letter seen by Reuters from the South Sudanese embassy in Ethiopia to army headquarters in Juba referred to a shipment of 20,000 rockets, 20,000 hand-grenades, 7,964 mortar bombs and nearly 3 million rounds of ammunition. The letter's authenticity could not be confirmed, and there was no immediate comment from the Sudanese army. As farmers fled the violence in Equatoria, traditionally South Sudan's bread basket, they left their crops rotting in the fields. Up to 4 million people  over a third of the country's population  are severely food-insecure, the World Food Programme said this month, describing the current level of malnutrition as unprecedented. [nL8N1D54WA] Casie Copeland, a researcher with the International Crisis Group, said the world had turned a blind eye to the fighting in its newest country, whose independence from Sudan in 2011 was strongly backed by the United States and other Western nations. "From the war's outset the U.N. never tried to maintain a death toll. Guesses vary from 50,000 up to 300,000. It demonstrates a shocking lack of humanity that no one has tried to establish the scale of violence," she said. U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said the U.N. mission in Sudan had faced numerous challenges accessing affected areas but was doing all it could to establish death tolls and other human rights violations. So far, villages in Congo, a country with its own long history of civil war, are coping with the influx. In the Congolese town of Meri, where over 6,000 South Sudanese have settled, local women have pooled their meagre resources to buy high-protein supplements for refugee children. But recurrent crises have stretched resources, as high-profile cases like Syria command donor attention. In recent years, the U.N. refugee agency in Congo has only been funded at about a quarter of what it says it needs. "We don't have sufficient means to help them," said Medard Mokobke Mabe, the coordinator for the Red Cross in Karukwat, estimating that more than 100 refugees arrive each day. "There isn't food to eat." (Additional reporting by Ed Cropley in Johannesburg, Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva and Michelle Nichols in New York, editing by Joe Bavier, Tim Cocks and Philippa Fletcher)
By Aaron Ross KARUKWAT, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - Charity Mandulu said the executions began soon after government soldiers - around 100 of them mostly from South Sudan President Salva Kiir's Dinka ethnic group - arrived in her home town of Tore Payam. "They started to demand things. If you didn't give to them, they killed you," she said, visibly exhausted from what she said was a week-long walk through the bush and across the southern border to relative safety in Democratic Republic of Congo. Mandulu's account and those of some of the other 64,000 people who have fled South Sudan to isolated northeastern Congo could not be independently verified. The South Sudanese government, which has fought a civil war against rebels headed by former vice president Riek Machar for three years, says it only targets the rebels, who say in turn that they only attack the military. But the refugees' accounts and a human rights report from the Equatoria region, much of which is cut off by fighting, point to both sides targeting civilians along ethnic lines, adding weight to a U.N. warning of a genocide in the making. Mandulu, taking shelter in the Congolese village of Karukwat, said among the first to be killed in Tore Payam were a woman and a local trader accused by the soldiers of collaborating with Machar's SPLA-IO rebels. "They (the soldiers) said Equatorians are rebels," she said, her nine-month-old baby in her lap and a child clinging to either arm. "They even started searching for civilians in the bush, started killing them." Mandulu left behind her 10-year-old son, who had been at her aunt's house when the attack began. Her husband had been away in the capital Juba at the time. She has had no news from either. "KILLED LIKE ANIMALS" More than one million people have fled South Sudan since the conflict erupted in December 2013 after Kiir fired Machar as vice president, the largest mass exodus of any conflict in central Africa since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Over 4,000 a day have been crossing into Uganda, where the Bidibidi refugee settlement, open since August, now hosts over 188,000 people. Another 36,600 refugees have reached Ethiopia since early September, and over 57,000 fled to Congo this year. The fighting has mostly pitted Kiir's Dinkas, the dominant ethnic group estimated to be roughly a third of the population, against Machar's Nuer tribe. But as fighting has spread to southern border states, known as Greater Equatoria, it has sucked in dozens of other ethnic groups that are also historically in conflict with the Dinka. Adama Dieng, U.N. Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, warned the Security Council this month that the violence was providing "fertile ground" for a genocide. The Nuer and Dinka, cattle-keeping peoples in the central Nile valley, have a long and sometimes deadly history of rivalry over grazing lands. A near 50-year conflict against the Sudanese government in Khartoum ending in 2005 worsened these tensions. In 1991, for example, forces allied to Machar massacred 2,000 Dinka civilians, according to rights groups. Human Rights Watch last week accused the army of killing civilians and raping women thought to be Nuer and said rebel forces from ethnic groups in Equatoria had targeted Dinka civilians in and around Yei, the latest flashpoint. In Karukwat, which is sheltering hundreds of refugees, Ferana Lavirck, 23, spoke of the aftermath of a clash between government troops and rebels, when enraged soldiers returned to his village and attacked civilians. "They came back and start stabbing people, taking people's property," he told Reuters. "Schoolgirls were raped ... There is no proper security. Everything was destroyed. People were killed like animals." WORLD POWERS STEP IN The United States is pushing for a U.N. arms embargo on South Sudan and further targeted sanctions, including against Machar and Paul Malong, the head of President Kiir's army. The Security Council has also authorised a 4,000-strong regional protection force for South Sudan, after the existing 12,000-troop U.N. peacekeeping mission failed to protect civilians during fighting in Juba in July. But there are fears it could be too little too late. A report by a U.N. panel of experts this month said the war was increasingly viewed by both sides as "a zero-sum confrontation between the Dinka and non-Dinka tribes". The head of the U.N. commission on human rights in South Sudan said on Thursday that ethnic cleansing was taking place in some areas, where the stage was set for a repeat of the Rwandan genocide. "There is already a steady process of ethnic cleansing underway in several areas of South Sudan, using starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages," Yasmin Sooka said in a statement. Asked about the report, Kiir told Reuters: "There's no such thing in South Sudan. There's no ethnic cleansing." There are signs of Kiir's forces importing large amounts of ammunition. A Nov. 25 letter seen by Reuters from the South Sudanese embassy in Ethiopia to army headquarters in Juba referred to a shipment of 20,000 rockets, 20,000 hand-grenades, 7,964 mortar bombs and nearly 3 million rounds of ammunition. The letter's authenticity could not be confirmed and South Sudan's military spokesman declined to comment. "I have no information on what you are talking about, and therefore I cannot react to what I have not seen with my own eyes," said spokesman Lul Ruai. As farmers fled the violence in Equatoria, traditionally South Sudan's bread basket, they left their crops rotting in the fields. Up to 4 million people  over a third of the country's population  are severely food-insecure, the World Food Programme said this month, describing the current level of malnutrition as unprecedented. Casie Copeland, a researcher with the International Crisis Group, said the world had turned a blind eye to the fighting in its newest country, whose independence from Sudan in 2011 was strongly backed by the United States and other Western nations. "From the war's outset the U.N. never tried to maintain a death toll. Guesses vary from 50,000 up to 300,000. It demonstrates a shocking lack of humanity that no one has tried to establish the scale of violence," she said. U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said the U.N. mission in Sudan had faced numerous challenges accessing affected areas but was doing all it could to establish death tolls and other human rights violations. So far, villages in Congo, a country with its own long history of civil war, are coping with the influx. In the Congolese town of Meri, where over 6,000 South Sudanese have settled, local women have pooled their meagre resources to buy high-protein supplements for refugee children. But recurrent crises have stretched resources, as high-profile cases like Syria command donor attention. In recent years, the U.N. refugee agency in Congo has only been funded at about a quarter of what it says it needs. "We don't have sufficient means to help them," said Medard Mokobke Mabe, the coordinator for the Red Cross in Karukwat, estimating that more than 100 refugees arrive each day. "There isn't food to eat." (Additional reporting by Ed Cropley in Johannesburg, Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva and Michelle Nichols in New York, editing by Joe Bavier, Tim Cocks and Philippa Fletcher)
By Isla Binnie ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi says "loads of people" will vote in a Dec. 4 referendum on his wideranging constitutional reform, but he may be privately hoping that those in the poorer south stay at home. Renzi has pledged to resign if Italians reject his plan to shrink the upper house Senate, effectively turning a debate on highfalutin points of law into a personal vote of confidence. Before a blackout was imposed on opinion polls two weeks ago, all surveys showed the 'No' camp was well ahead, sending shivers through financial markets wary of instability in the euro zone's third-largest economy. The polls said the strongest anti-reform sentiment appeared to be in the southern regions, which are home to more than a third of the electorate, but which also register the lowest turnout figures in Italy -- a fact which might help Renzi. Economic stagnation and widespread organized crime in the south has contributed to a steady erosion of faith in politics. "Voter abstention in the south favors 'Yes', because they are more inclined to vote 'No', but they are also less likely to vote," said Carlo Buttaroni, president of pollsters Tecne. The last time Italy held political elections, for the European parliament in 2014, 51.7 percent turned out in the regions south of Rome, compared with 66 percent in the north-west, which includes the financial capital Milan. Disaffection is deepest in Sicily and Sardinia, whose economies have been hit harder by years of recession. Just 42.7 percent of islanders cast a ballot in 2014. In a further twist, turnout is traditionally much lower in referendums. This is because normally at least 50 percent of the electorate have to vote for the plebiscite to be valid. So one tactic to register disapproval is simply to stay at home. This happened in Italy's last referendum in June on oil drilling rights, when turnout was just 31.2 percent, guaranteeing that the measure failed. However, under Italian law, votes on changing the constitution have no set quorum. "We are worried that people opposed to this reform will simply not vote, thinking that is all they have to do, like in June," said an official with the Northern League party, which is campaigning hard against Renzi's overhaul. GUT INSTINCTS Renzi's Democratic Party (PD) in Sicily is focusing on mobilizing its electorate and explaining the practical benefits of its plans, regional party secretary Fausto Raciti said. "This is a reform that tries to imagine a country that moves at one speed, not at two different speeds, and we are pushing that idea," said Raciti. His party is also pushing against the anti-system 5-Star Movement (M5S), which offers a protest vote against hardship which is seen as being aggravated by years of corruption. Some mainstream southern politicians have fueled the 5-Star fire. Vincenzo De Luca, the outspoken PD president of Campania, Italy's third-largest region which surrounds the city of Naples, was recorded at a private meeting in mid-November apparently recommending influence peddling as a way to bring 'Yes' votes. "Offer them a fish supper ... whatever the hell you have to do," De Luca said in the recording broadcast by Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper. The veteran politician added that the region had received "rivers of money" from Renzi's government. De Luca denied any wrongdoing and Interior Minister Angelino Alfano dismissed the incident, telling parliament that public spending was subject to strict rules. Federico Benini, head of the Winpoll polling agency, said De Luca's words would resonate. "It is vital for the south to get money to restart its economy, and he played on that, on people's gut instincts." (Additional reporting by Wladimiro Pantaleone in Palermo; Editing by Crispian Balmer)
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Nigeria's Nobel Prize-winning author Wole Soyinka has torn up his United States green card and renounced his American residency in protest at Donald Trump's U.S. election win, the writer told news channel eNCA on Thursday. "I've done it," said Soyinka, 82, when asked if he had followed through on an earlier vow to leave the United States if Trump triumphed in the race for the White House. "When I was ready, when I'd finished, I negotiated my departure," the Nigerian born author said in Johannesburg on the sidelines of a university conference. Soyinka has had regular teaching stints at America's ivy league universities since the mid 1990s following his Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986. He was the first African writer to win the award. A frequent and fierce critic of his own government, particularly over the carnage being inflicted by Boko Haram militants in northeastern Nigeria, Soyinka said he felt ill at ease in the wake of Trump's shock victory. "We on the African continent could boast that we had a contemporary descendent ruling the United States," Soyinka said referring to outgoing President Barack Obama, whose father was a Kenyan. "Suddenly, somebody is making speeches which are meant to reverse those gains." (Reporting by Mfuneko Toyana; editing by Richard Lough)
Three months removed from a disastrous and frightening explosion that left its next mission in doubt, SpaceX is scheduled to take flight on Dec. 16 while carrying new satellites for Iridium Communications Inc., Iridium said in a statement Thursday.

While the Federal Aviation Administration must still approve the launch, Virginia-based Iridium said it expects to be SpaceXs first return to flight launch customer.

"We're excited to launch the first batch of our new satellite constellation. We have remained confident in SpaceX's ability as a launch partner throughout the Falcon 9 investigation," Iridium CEO Matt Desch said. "We are grateful for their transparency and hard work to plan for their return to flight. We are looking forward to the inaugural launch of Iridium NEXT, and what will begin a new chapter in our history."

The latest launch for technology billionaire Elon Musks ambitious effort will fire off a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, located some 150 miles north of Los Angeles, at 12:36 p.m. PST (3:36 p.m. EST), and will deliver 10 of Iridiums new global satellite constellation systems called Iridium Next into low-earth orbit.

The announcement comes three months after a highly publicized and panned launch on Sept.1 that saw a Falcon 9 rocket explode at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. A fireball engulfed the rocket, and while no one was hurt, the explosion, according to Musk, was caused by super-cooled oxygen reacting to carbon fiber in the rockets fuel tank.

It was a really surprising problem, Musk told CNBC on Nov. 6. Its never been encountered before in the history of rocketry.

The explosion, while inflicting a major blow on Musks project, also destroyed a $200 million satellite built of Space Communication Ltd, an Israeli company, but Iridium told Reuters it has been assured SpaceX has solved the fueling problem.

We are confident that SpaceX understands its fueling process now and will do it successfully for our launch, Iridium spokeswoman Diane Hockenberry wrote in an email to Reuters.

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Howard Schultz

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is stepping down next year, the company announced on Thursday.

Schultz will be replaced by Starbucks' president and COO, Kevin Johnson, effective April 3. Johnson has been a member of Starbucks' board of directors for seven years.

Schultz will be appointed executive chairman. According to the company, he will shift his focus to Starbucks' higher-end Reserve line and the company's social initiatives.

"As I focus on Starbucks next wave of retail innovation, I am delighted that Kevin Johnson  our current president, COO, a seven-year board member, and my partner in running every facet of Starbucks business over the last two years  has agreed to assume the duties of Starbucks chief executive officer," Schultz said in a statement published on Starbucks' website.

Starbucks shares were down roughly 3% in after-hours trading following the announcement.

Screen Shot 2016 12 01 at 4.20.04 PM

In a call with investors on Thursday, Schultz emphasized he would continue to play an active role in the business.

"I'm not leaving the company. I'm here every single day," he said.

Schultz said that Johnson, "is better prepared on a go-forward basis than I am."

According to Johnson, the pair began conversations in May about what future roles they wanted to have at the company. There are no other planned leadership changes.

Howard_Schultz_and_Kevin_Johnson.JPG

Schultz has been instrumental in growing Starbucks' business, joining the company in 1982 as director of operations. He became CEO of Starbucks Corporation in 1987.

He left the position of CEO once before, in 2000. Schultz returned to Starbucks as CEO in 2008 after a hiatus during which he remained chairman to lead the company's financial turnaround.

"The differences between then and now couldn't be greater. In 2007, 2008, the country was going through a cataclysmic financial crisis that affected all companies, especially consumer brands, and Starbucks was not immune," Schultz said in Thursday's call.

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Schultz said he believes Starbucks' management team today has capabilities and experience the company lacked in 2000.

"On a personal level, I don't think I was as prepared then as I am now, primarily because of my confidence in the strategy, my confidence in the team, and my deep deep respect for Kevin Johnson as a servant leader," Schultz said.

In recent months, Schultz has emphasized the importance of Starbucks' premium Reserve brand, as well as the company's ethical responsibilities.

"It's clear to the me that the universal interest in premium retail experiences is not skewed to only the US," Schultz told Business Insider in October. "I think there is a bigger trend here  as companies face the threat of e-commerce and mobile shopping, the burden of responsibility of the bricks and mortar retailers is to create a very immersive, dynamic experience."

Schultz is also known for his outspoken political opinions. The CEO has launched campaigns to address issues including racism, homelessness, and veteran unemployment. In September he endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton for president.

Schultz's political involvement has led some to speculate that his exit as CEO opens a door for him to run for president. Schultz denied that he had plans to run for public office in an interview with The New York Times published on Thursday.

When asked if he may change his mind in the future, he told The Times, "That's the way I feel today."

The company announced the news via a release on Starbucks' website. Here's the release in full:

"Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) today announced that Kevin Johnson, president and chief operating officer and a 7-year member of the Starbucks Board of Directors, will expand his responsibilities and assume the role and responsibilities of president and chief executive officer, effective April 3, 2017.

"Also effective April 3, 2017, Howard Schultz, chairman and ceo, will be appointed executive chairman and will shift his focus to innovation, design and development of Starbucks Reserve Roasteries around the world, expansion of the Starbucks Reserve retail store format and the company's social impact initiatives. In this new role Schultz will continue to serve as chairman of the Board.

"'Starbucks consistently outperforms the retail industry because our stores, our offerings and the experiences our partners create make us a destination. The best evidence of the success of the core strategy driving our business is that we continue to deliver quarter after quarter of record, industry leading revenue, comp sales and profit growth, and that the newest classes of Starbucks stores continue to deliver record-breaking revenues, AUV's and ROI both in the U.S. and around the world,' said Schultz. 'As I focus on Starbucks next wave of retail innovation, I am delighted that Kevin Johnson  our current president, COO, a seven-year board member and my partner in running every facet of Starbucks business over the last two years  has agreed to assume the duties of Starbucks chief executive officer. This move ideally positions Starbucks to continue profitably growing our core business around the world into the future.

As president and chief operating officer since March 2015, Johnson has led the company's global operating businesses across all geographies as well as the core support functions of Starbucks supply chain, marketing, human resources, technology, and mobile and digital platforms. Johnson has been a Starbucks board member since 2009, and will continue to serve as a member of the Board.

"Over the past two decades, I have grown to know Starbucks first as a customer, then as a director on the board, and for the past two years as a member of the management team. Through that journey, I fell in love with Starbucks and I share Howard's commitment to our mission and values and his optimism for the future," said Johnson. It is an honor for me to serve the more than 300,000 partners who proudly wear the green apron and I consider it a privilege to work side-by-side with Howard, our world-class board of directors, and a very talented leadership team. Together, we will reaffirm our leadership in all things coffee, enhance the partner experience and exceed the expectations of our customers and shareholders. We believe in using our scale for good and having positive social impact in the communities we serve around the world.

Johnson's career spans 33 years in the technology industry which included a 16-year career at Microsoft and a five-year tour as CEO of Juniper Networks. At Microsoft, he led worldwide sales and marketing and became the president of the Platforms Division. In 2008, he was appointed to the National Security Telecommunication Advisory Committee where he served Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He joined the Starbucks board in 2009 and the management team in 2015.

NOW WATCH: We did a blind taste test of Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte and Dunkin' Donuts' Pumpkin Latte





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OMAHA  An Omaha man charged with killing his girlfriend and her 2-year-old daughter has made a deal to avoid the death penalty.

Dontevous Loyd, 24, pleaded no contest Wednesday to two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder and two weapons counts. Prosecutors dropped plans to seek the death penalty in exchange for Loyd's pleas. Under state law he'll be imprisoned for life. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 15.

Police said Destacia Straughn, who had dated Loyd on and off, told police on Dec. 6 last year that she was afraid of Loyd, and officers removed him from her apartment. Police say later that night Loyd kicked in Straughn's apartment door and began shooting, killing Straughn and her daughter, Kenacia. Three other women visiting were wounded.
New York (AFP) - Howard Schultz, the charismatic head of Starbucks, will step aside as CEO next year, turning a major page in the history of a company he built into an iconic global brand.

Having led the company's rise from a sleepy Seattle chain into the world's biggest coffee business, Schultz will stay on as executive chairman and chairman of the board, the coffee giant said Thursday in a surprise announcement that sent the share price down after hours.

The change will take effect April 3.

Schultz will hand the reins to president and chief operating officer Kevin Johnson, a close friend who was tapped as number two at the company in 2015 and has been a Starbucks board member since 2009.

The move comes as the firm faces an increasingly crowded market for higher-quality retail coffee shops and seeks to bolster foot traffic.

Schultz will devote his time to developing high-end superpremium coffee shops around the world known as Starbucks Reserve Roasteries, the company said in a statement.

It plans to open 20 to 30 outlets in the coming years.

"I will be here full-time," Schultz told a conference call with analysts. "I am not leaving the company, I am here day to day."

- New initiative -

Schultz, who joined Starbucks in 1982 as a sales manager, is considered the driving force behind the worldwide success of the coffee chain begun in 1971.

He briefly left in 1986 following a dispute with the then-owners to set up his own company, Il Giornale, before buying out their shares in 1987 with support from local small investors.

Starbucks now operates more than 25,000 stores in more than 75 countries, with a turnover of around $20 billion in fiscal year 2015.

Schultz, 63, told The Wall Street Journal on Thursday that the company's new initiative would help maintain in-person sales as consumers increasingly move to online shopping rather than visiting malls, where many Starbucks outlets are located.

"I don't have any time horizon that would limit my engagement in the company," he said. "This gives me the entrepreneurial freedom to do what I think I do best."

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Incoming CEO Johnson is a tech industry veteran, having spent 16 years at Microsoft and five as CEO of the networking equipment company Juniper Networks.

Prior to the announcement, the company's share price closed up 0.9 percent in New York but fell 3.35 percent in after-hours trading to $56.55 at 2250 GMT.

- Socially responsible -

Schultz is outspoken about social issues such as gay rights and gun violence and has worked to make Starbucks socially responsible.

The company increased the base salaries of its US employees by 5 percent in July after they expressed concerns about the effect new software enabling customers to place orders on their smartphones would have on jobs.

The company has also opened outlets in poor areas and supported initiatives against racism.

Schultz is close to the Democratic former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, whom he supported during the election campaign. But he has dismissed persistent rumors he would run for office himself. Many, including some of his friends, have said he may run for president in four years.

He steps down as Starbucks goes ahead with plans to double the number of its stores in China over five years.

But it has run afoul of European regulators, one of several major US companies the European Commission accused of having received illegal tax benefits from Ireland.

In October 2015, the commission also ordered Starbucks to repay up to 30 million euros ($33 million) in the Netherlands, saying tax breaks there amounted to unlawful state aid.

The Dutch authorities are fighting the decision.

Schultz has sought to step away from running Starbucks before.

The Wall Street darling became the company's chairman in 2000 before returning as chief executive in 2008 with the onset of the global financial crisis.

Shares worth $10 at that time climbed to a record high of more than $60 by the end of last year.
Art experts in Australia have found a rare paper banknote from the Ming Dynasty of Imperial China hidden inside an antique wooden sculpture that was being prepared for auction.

The Chinese characters on the crumpled banknote show that it was issued in the third year of the reign of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty  or 1371 in the Western calendar. The inscriptions also warn would-be counterfeiters that they face the penalty of death by beheading.

The 645-year-old banknote was found hidden inside a wooden sculpture of the head of a "luohan," a religious figure from Chinese Buddhism, that may once have stood in a family or public temple, said Paul Sumner, chief executive of Mossgreen's Auctions in Melbourne, Australia, which discovered the note. [See photos of the paper banknote that dates back to China's Ming Dynasty]

Sumner said the firm's specialist in Asian artworks, Ray Tregaskis, spotted the note wedged inside the hollow head of the sculpture as he inspected the artifact in preparation for an auction in Sydney, Australia, next month.

"It wasn't easy to see  it was hidden right up out of eyesight, folded up into a little, 1-inch [2.5 centimeters] fold," Sumner told Live Science. "The note has been in at least two collections that we know of without the knowledge of the owners."

Currency experts at Mossgreen's Auctions immediately identified the note as a rare paper "bank seal" that was issued in China during the Ming Dynasty.

"It wasn't in very good condition, as you'd imagine with all those folds and after hundreds of years with some degree of exposure to the elements," Sumner said.

Very few of these Ming Dynasty banknotes have survived to present day, he added, "bearing in mind that they were constantly being handled  it's not like people kept them in plastic sleeves, like collectors would today."

Ming money

The Ming Dynasty banknote is much larger than modern paper money, roughly equivalent to the size of a standard "U.S. letter" page of paper.

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Chinese characters and official seals printed in red and black ink declare that the note is a "Great Ming Treasure Note" with a value of "one guan"  depicted as 10 "strings" of Chinese copper coins, which could be grouped with a string through the hole in each coin.

According to the American historian of Chinese currency John E. Sandrock, one guan was equivalent to 1,000 copper coins, or 1 ounce (28 grams) of pure silver.

The newfound banknote also includes a dire warning to counterfeiters that they will be punished with decapitation, and offers a large reward to anyone who informs on such criminals.

At the time this banknote was issued, paper money was almost unheard of outside China. The first European banknotes date from the mid-17th century, around 300 years later. [The 25 Most Mysterious Archaeological Finds on Earth]

Based on the date on the banknote and the expert dating of the sculpture it was found in, it's thought the money may have been hidden as a religious offering when the sculpture was already 30 to 50 years old, Sumner said.

Small offerings like inscriptions on paper, rice grains and semiprecious stones are often found sealed inside the bases of antique Chinese figurines, he said. However, a high-value banknote is considered an extraordinary find, he said.

"From our point of view, what makes the banknote important is that the dating is very close to the dating we'd assumed from stylistic details about the [louhan] figure, as well as the intrigue factor of finding it," Sumner said.

Long journey

Sumner said the sculpture that held the hidden banknote was purchased by the Australian art collector Raphy Star from a specialist dealer in the United Kingdom, but nothing is known about the artifact's origins in China.

"These figures were created for veneration and for spiritual use, sometimes in temples and sometimes in homes," Sumner said. "It may have been part of a larger figure, and because of its size, [we can conclude that] it probably stood in a temple."

The long journey of the sculpture and its hidden banknote may not be over yet: Both artifacts are up for auction in Sydney on Dec. 11, along with the rest of the Raphy Star collection, and are likely to return to China, Sumner said.

"The Chinese have been major buyers for a long time now, and have been repatriating important pieces back to China  particularly mainland China," he said.

The entire Raphy Star collection of artworks from China, Japan and Southeast Asia could fetch up to 5 million Australian dollars ($3.7 million U.S.) at auction, Sumner said.

The louhan sculpture and banknote will be sold together, as a single lot, with an estimated value of up to 45,000 Australian dollars ($34,000 U.S.).

"It's not that we were worried about being beheaded ourselves, but we just thought it might have been more auspicious to keep the two together," Sumner said. "It's such a great story that we didn't really want to separate them."

Original article on Live Science.

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Beirut (AFP) - Here are the latest developments on the main battle fronts in Iraq and Syria, as of 2100 GMT on Thursday:

SYRIA

- Battle for Aleppo -

Elite Syrian troops moved into east Aleppo ahead of a push into the rebel sector's most populated areas, as regime ally Russia called for corridors to bring in aid and evacuate the wounded.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on a visit to Turkey, said Moscow had used every opportunity to help civilians, but accused rebels of threatening "to prevent passage of humanitarian convoys and fire on them".

Since Saturday more than 50,000 people have poured out of east Aleppo into territory controlled by government forces or local Kurdish authorities, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Thousands more have sought refuge in the remaining rebel-held neighbourhoods in southeastern Aleppo.

On Thursday, four children from a single family were killed in artillery fire by regime forces on the rebel-held Maadi neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to the Observatory.

The government's offensive has left 42 children dead, among a total of more than 300 civilians killed since the launch of the battle on November 15.

Retaliatory rocket fire by the rebels on government-held areas in west Aleppo has killed 48 civilians, according to the Britain-based Observatory.

- Raqa -

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance, is advancing in the desert as it tries to push closer to the Islamic State group's de facto Syrian capital of Raqa.

The SDF has been battling the jihadists to drive them from positions around 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of the city.

IRAQ

- Battle for Mosul -

The toll for Iraqi forces emerged of the six-week-old battle for Mosul, with UN figures showing that around 2,000 had been killed in fighting last month alone.

The United Nations mission in Iraq released monthly casualty figures for November that showed 1,959 members of the Iraqi forces were killed just last month and 450 others wounded.

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The UN toll includes members of the army, police who are engaged in combat, the Kurdish peshmerga, interior ministry forces and pro-government paramilitaries.

Since launching an offensive on October 17 to oust IS from its last Iraqi stronghold, pro-government forces say they have recaptured 40 percent of the eastern half of the city and are edging towards the Tigris river that divides it.

More than 70,000 people have fled the fighting, but upwards of a million are still there, including around 600,000 in the eastern neighbourhoods.
Florida police have freed 11 hostages from inside a local bank after an allegedly gun-wielding, would-be robber took over the building Thursday morning, police say.

Jacksonville Sheriffs Office deputies took the suspect into custody and freed the hostages at around 11:10 a.m.  two hours after authorities first responded to a report of a bank robbery at Community First Credit Union on West Edgewood Avenue, police announced via Twitter.

 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.

Another came in a short time later saying someone had been shot. That is unconfirmed, one deputy said in a live stream on Periscope as the situation unfolded. We cannot confirm at this time that we do have someone inside shot. But we know multiple people are being held hostage inside the bank by a suspect who is armed with a handgun.

Jacksonville sheriff Mike Williams is expected to give a press conference regarding the incident just before 12 p.m.




(Reuters) - A man accused of fatally shooting a Washington state policeman before barricading himself inside a home with two children was killed on Thursday after a lengthy standoff with officers, police said.

The officer was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance call on Wednesday afternoon at a home in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Police spokeswoman Loretta Cool told reporters. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

"We've suffered a great loss, and I think the community has suffered a great loss," Cool said.

The suspect then barricaded himself inside the house for about 12 hours while officers tried to coax him out, police said. At about 3:30 a.m., a SWAT team entered the building and the suspect was killed.

Details about the death were not immediately released.

Pierce County Sheriff's Office spokesman Ed Troyer told reporters that officers knew there were children inside the house. "He was using them as a shield," Troyer said.

Officers rescued an eight-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, Northwest Cable News reported. Police have not identified the suspect or the fallen officer.

(Reporting by Laila Kearney; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Cities around the world can combat climate change without national government support, the mayors of Sydney and Vancouver said on Wednesday, amid fears that a Donald Trump U.S. presidency could undermine efforts to limit global warming. The two were in Mexico City for the C40 Mayors' Summit, where nearly 50 mayors and deputies from around the globe will discuss environmental issues such as air pollution. Since his election victory, President-elect Trump has said he was keeping an "open mind" on whether to pull out of the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement to tackle climate change. Trump had previously called man-made global warming a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese. "Denial doesn't stop climate change accelerating so it's even more important for cities to do their bit," Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore told Reuters. "An important message from Sydney to the U.S. cities is: 'Notwithstanding a Trumptype government, you can get on and do an incredible amount,'" she added. Cities are responsible for up to 70 percent of the world's harmful greenhouse gases, according to a 2011 report by the United Nations. Earlier in November, a group of 40 U.S. mayors sent an open letter to Trump stating that they would forge ahead in tackling climate change, even without his support. "In Canada and Australia we've had very difficult governments in recent years that have denied climate change and slowed down progress to adapt," Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson told Reuters at the event. "We do our best with our national governments regardless of their stripes ... Trump's election certainly affects our overall state of confidence," he added. Having faced less interest from national governments in the past, both Robertson and Moore said that they have turned to the private sector to help solve climate-related problems. "We're starting to realize the private sector is a much more effective partner for many of our city strategies," Robertson said. The Paris accord seeks to limit global warming to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times. (Reporting by Christine Murray; Editing by Sandra Maler)
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays) Lincoln will host a book fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Barnes & Noble location at 52nd and O streets. Two area authors -- Ruth Marimo and Pete Allman -- will be signing books.

Ruth Marimo started writing her memoir, OUTsider, while in jail awaiting deportation. Marimo is a business owner who continues to stay in this country legally. She advocates for immigration reform and speaks out against the mistreatment of LGBTQ people in Africa.

She will be available to sign her book, OUTsider, and Indelicate Things, from noon to 3 p.m., and will speak at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Pete Allman recently published the third installment of self-help books. His latest explores key premises and 10 strategies for staying off the therapist's couch. He has been a psychotherapist for over 20 years; is the co-founder and president of Lighthouse, and also teaches psychology classes at Doane University-Lincoln.

He will be available to sign his book, Shrink-Proof Your Life: Top Ten Ways to Stay Off the Therapists Couch, from 1:30  2:30 p.m.
Earlier this year, viewers were stunned watching Silicon Valley star T.J. Miller flawlessly host the Critics Choice Awards while attached to four life-sized puppets.

The 35-year-old actor, who will host the show for the second time on Dec. 11, tells PEOPLE his performance caught the eye of A-list audience member Jennifer Aniston and her hubby Justin Theroux.

We had this great moment where I was talking to Amy Schumer in the middle of a crowd, and then as I kind of walked passed , she gave me this look, he explains. It was her and Justin and they were like, Youre doing a hell of a job. And youre pretty committed to making this a good show because you were wearing four life-sized puppets on you through the entire monologue.'

For more on T.J. Miller starring in Office Christmas Party and hosting the Critics Choice Awards, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday

Miller says Aniston let him on come on board to star alongside her in the holiday comedy Office Christmas Party. In the film, Aniston plays Millers mean sister and business partner who is trying to shut down the companys holiday party.

RELATED VIDEO: The Story Behind the Story of Jackie Kennedy and JFKs Legacy

She has one heck of a headlock, Miller says. Shes sort of Americas sweetheart but she has this range. I learned a lot from her and shes just got limitless potential.

As Miller gears up to host the award show for a second time, he says hes not nervous.

Its going to be even more ridiculous and inspirational than ever before, he says. My only focus is to put on a better show than last year.

The Critics Choice Awards air Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. ET on A&E.




"Taste the feeling."

About 95% of the water is undrinkable in Hamas-controlled Gaza, an enclave of 2 million Palestinians where infrastructure is deteriorating after a decade of conflict with Israel. The unemployment rate is more than 40%, and as high as 90% among college-educated women. Last year, the United Nations predicted the territory would be uninhabitable by 2020.

Try telling that to Coca-Cola. On Nov. 29, a local bottler for the Atlanta, Georgia-based beverage giant opened a $20 million factory in Gaza.

The new facility is the result of four years of work on the part of National Beverage Co., which has 600 employees and about $100 million in revenue, according to CEO Zahi Khouri. The factory will employ 120.

While the opening is a public-relations coup for Coca-Cola, its also a reminder of the role played by American multinationals. US president-elect Donald Trump may have roiled relations with the Muslim world by proposing a registry of people from Muslim countries, but Coca-Cola, which operates in 200 countries, cant afford to alienate a significant emerging market.

Multinationals have to have a foreign policy, says Khouri, a Palestinian refugee who became an American citizen. Khouri first convinced Coca-Cola to invest in the West Bank in 1998, after the Oslo Accords.

Coke has already faced backlash over Gaza, which has been under an Israeli military blockadereinforced by Egyptfor a decade. Attacks by Israel in 2014 led to boycotts of Coca-Cola in Muslim communities in India and the Pacific region.

The company needs the Middle East. Coca-Cola saw its revenue decline to $44.3 billion in 2015 from $46.9 billion in 2013 as developed-world consumers eschewed its flagship sugary drink. In 2012, Coke announced plans to spend $5 billion in the 24-country Middle East North African region.

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The Gaza factory isnt likely to be profitable anytime soon, Khouri says, but its still a sign of hope for local young people. In building the facility, National Beverage Co. faced obstacles that ranged from negotiating with Israelis over equipmentbeing a Palestinian on Israeli roads requires a lot of work, he says wrylyto sourcing uncontaminated water. Gazas aquifer is contaminated because the territorys only outdated power plant was damaged in the war, shutting off power to the sewer system.

The bottler also took out risk insurance on the factory from an arm of the World Bank, which will cover any damages caused by another conflict.

There wont be another war, Khouri says, optimistically. Even politicians mature.

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US tech companies will likely face increased government scrutiny under a Trump presidency if the president-elects first two choices to head law enforcement and intelligence agencies are any indication, Bloomberg reports.

As Trumps transition team has announced, Republican senator Jeff Sessions is the president-elect's pick for Attorney General, and Republican representative Mike Pompeo is expected to serve as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

The news comes amid wider movements both nationally and internationally that give governments greater authority over tech companies. For instance, the FBIs Rule 41 comes into effect this week providing the Department of Justice with new hacking powers, and the UK passed the new Investigatory Powers Bill on Tuesday giving law enforcement agencies the authority to force communication service providers, including ISPs and mobile carriers, to store user information for 12 months.

Decreasing data protection, whether by the government or not, could have a negative impact on US tech companies operations. Thats because it reinforces consumers concerns about the lack of privacy regarding their personal data. End users are sharing an increasing amount of personal data and need to feel confident that their data  and privacy  are protected. When asked how important it is that information entered into apps and online is kept secure and private, 84% of respondents said very important, according to Purple Insights. Requiring companies to provide backdoor access to governments would violate consumers' trust and likely lead to a decline in users of these companies products.

Moreover, a reluctance to provide user information could hurt the development of burgeoning tech such as voice assistants and chatbots. These technologies need vast amounts of user data not only to function, but also to be useful to consumers. Data such as payment and location information needs to be stored in order to provide context, conversational baselines, and intuitive capabilities for the technology. Threatening this future could result in significant pushback from the tech industry on the new administration.

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However, the appointments are not completely surprising  many tech companies expected the new administration to require they provide backdoor access to the government. Trump supported the court order calling for Apple to facilitate access to an encrypted iPhone used by the San Bernardino shooter, and asked consumers to boycott the company until it complied. Law enforcement agencies argue that tech companies have a responsibility to comply with investigations.

All of this will bring conversations about cybersecurity to the forefront during the next four years. BI Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service, has compiled a detailed report on cybersecurity that details the current landscape for companies in critical infrastructure sectors, as well as how companies can protect their control systems from hackers.

Here are some of the key points from the report:

Companies that operate critical infrastructure sites reported 295 cyber incidents in 2015, up from 245 in 2014.

Hackers are targeting the industrial control systems that operate critical infrastructure because of the enormous damage they can cause by crippling such infrastructure.

Industrial control systems typically werent designed to be connected to the internet, so they werent built with cybersecurity capabilities to ward off hackers.

The hack that caused a blackout in the Ukraine could serve as a blueprint for other hackers that want to target critical infrastructure, helping them succeed in future attackers.

The Ukraine hack highlighted the importance of training employees about cybersecurity and placing additional access controls on industrial control systems beyond firewalls.

In full, the report:

Explains the challenges that companies face in securing industrial control systems that they are connecting to the internet.

Breaks down what made the hack against the Ukraines power grid so successful.

Highlights how this attack will impact other companies operating critical infrastructure.

Details the best methods for securing industrial control systems against hackers.

Interested in getting the full report? Here are two ways to access it:

Subscribe to an All-Access pass to BI Intelligence and gain immediate access to this report and over 100 other expertly researched reports. As an added bonus, you'll also gain access to all future reports and daily newsletters to ensure you stay ahead of the curve and benefit personally and professionally. >> START A MEMBERSHIP Purchase & download the full report from our research store. >> BUY THE REPORT

The choice is yours. But however you decide to acquire this report, youve given yourself a powerful advantage in your understanding of cybersecurity.





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Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f302594%2f2270b2fbc254460b932224c9750c3fd5

Sitting on an inflatable flamingo in the sea seems like a great Instagram opportunity, until you get pulled further...and further out to sea.

It's what happened to four teenage girls on "Schoolies"  a spring break-style holiday for Australian school leavers  on Phillip Island in the state of Victoria.

The group were found "floating helplessly" on two inflatable flamingos, a dinosaur and a unicorn half a kilometre (0.3 miles) from shore on Monday, in waters that reportedly, so happen to be teaming with sharks.

SEE ALSO: Little wombat named George just wants to play with his human friend

"We just wanted to get a few good Instagram pictures, and it turned out we drifted nearly all the way to the other island," Katie, as she's known, explained on The Project.

One of the girls, Taylor, started having a panic attack when they realised how far they'd wandered from land. A combination of light winds and a strong tide had slowly pulled them dangerously far out.

Four schoolies have been rescued after drifting almost half a kilometre out to sea on inflatable animals. #7News https://t.co/QmEfGDYi4J  7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) November 30, 2016

Fortunately for them, fisherman Alex King and his friend were looking for squid in the area and came by the trouble-stricken seafarers.

"As soon as we approached them, we figured they were in a bit of strife," King told 7 News.

"And at first they were like, 'thank god you're here' because there was no one else on the water."

He let them hitch a ride back to shore, where they've learnt their lesson about riding inflatable animals in the open sea for a photo opp.

At least it makes for a good holiday tale.
Two of the three $2,000 scholarships awarded by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation through its annual Nebraskans of World War II essay competition have gone to Lincoln Pius X High School students. The winners were Alli Davis and Rachel Duden, both of Lincoln Pius X High School, and Kyle Johnson of Omaha North High School.

The annual competition is open to students in the 18 communities that were home to Nebraskans killed on the USS Arizona.

Four other entrants were recognized with the 2016 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Award of $400 each.

The scholarship competition was launched in 1999. It was funded through a bequest of the late noted Nebraskans, Barney and Vada Oldfield and Helen E. Clough of Lincoln, whose brother Edward J. Clough was one of 22 sailors who died at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

The goal of the World War II Book Project was to provide copies of two booksThe Men of the USS Arizona and The Men of the USS Utahto every high school in 18 Nebraska towns and cities," said Leslie Fattig, executive director of the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.

"These towns and cities were once home to Nebraska sailors who have been entombed aboard the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, since December 7, 1941," she added.

The high schools receiving the books in Lincoln are:

Lincoln Christian High School, Lincoln East High School, Lincoln High School, Lincoln Lutheran High School, Lincoln Northeast High School, Lincoln North Star High School, Lincoln Southeast High School, Lincoln Southwest High School, Parkview Christian High School, Lincoln Pius X High School, and SDA Schools of Lincoln.
(Adds comment from defense lawyer, case citation, byline)

By Nate Raymond

NEW YORK, Dec 1 (Reuters) - A federal jury has ordered two Texas-based home mortgage entities and their chief executive to pay nearly $93 million for defrauding the U.S. government into insuring thousands of risky loans, according to court records.

Americus Mortgage Corp, AllQuest Home Mortgage Corp, and their founder, Jim Hodge, were found liable on Tuesday by a Houston federal jury for violating the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act.

The jury awarded nearly $93 million in damages, including $7.37 million against Hodge, a sum that is subject to mandatory tripling under the False Claims Act. Further penalties are expected, which U.S. District Judge George Hanks will set at a later date, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara's office said in a press statement released late on Wednesday.

During the period at issue, the companies were known as Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp and Allied Home Mortgage Corp.

Wendell Odom, their lawyer, said he anticipated an appeal in the case, one of several the U.S. government has brought against lenders following the 2008 financial crisis.

He said the government was seeking to recover damages for "hyper-technical violations of federal regulations" that had little to do with market conditions that led loans to default.

The lawsuit was one of several brought by Bharara's office against lenders who underwrote loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration's Direct Endorsement Program.

The lawsuit was announced in 2011, when Bharara's office intervened in a pending whistleblower case. It was transferred from New York to Texas in 2012.

The government contended that Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp operated over 100 "shadow" branch offices that originated FHA-insured mortgage loans without approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The government said that those undisclosed branches were not subject to HUD oversight and that their mortgage default rates were disguised as the loans were submitted using the ID numbers of approved branches.

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Allied Home Mortgage Corp also recklessly underwrote and certified at least 1,192 loans that were ineligible for insurance under HUD's guidelines, resulting in $85.6 million in losses when the mortgages defaulted, the government said.

Bharara, in announcing the verdict, said the jury "held Mr. Hodge and Allied responsible for their lies and has made them pay for losses the United States suffered on loans that would never have been insured by HUD absent their lies."

The case is U.S. v. Allied Home Mortgage Corporation, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, No. 12-02676.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Andrew Hay)
By Nate Raymond

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A federal jury has ordered two Texas-based home mortgage entities and their chief executive to pay nearly $93 million for defrauding the U.S. government into insuring thousands of risky loans, according to court records.

Americus Mortgage Corp, AllQuest Home Mortgage Corp, and their founder, Jim Hodge, were found liable on Tuesday by a Houston federal jury for violating the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act.

The jury awarded nearly $93 million in damages, including $7.37 million against Hodge, a sum that is subject to mandatory tripling under the False Claims Act. Further penalties are expected, which U.S. District Judge George Hanks will set at a later date, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara's office said in a press statement released late on Wednesday.

During the period at issue, the companies were known as Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp and Allied Home Mortgage Corp.

Wendell Odom, their lawyer, said he anticipated an appeal in the case, one of several the U.S. government has brought against lenders following the 2008 financial crisis.

He said the government was seeking to recover damages for "hyper-technical violations of federal regulations" that had little to do with market conditions that led loans to default.

The lawsuit was one of several brought by Bharara's office against lenders who underwrote loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration's Direct Endorsement Program.

The lawsuit was announced in 2011, when Bharara's office intervened in a pending whistleblower case. It was transferred from New York to Texas in 2012.

The government contended that Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp operated over 100 "shadow" branch offices that originated FHA-insured mortgage loans without approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The government said that those undisclosed branches were not subject to HUD oversight and that their mortgage default rates were disguised as the loans were submitted using the ID numbers of approved branches.

Story continues

Allied Home Mortgage Corp also recklessly underwrote and certified at least 1,192 loans that were ineligible for insurance under HUD's guidelines, resulting in $85.6 million in losses when the mortgages defaulted, the government said.

Bharara, in announcing the verdict, said the jury "held Mr. Hodge and Allied responsible for their lies and has made them pay for losses the United States suffered on loans that would never have been insured by HUD absent their lies."

The case is U.S. v. Allied Home Mortgage Corporation, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, No. 12-02676.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Andrew Hay)
Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is expected to formally accept an invitation by the countrys parliament Thursday to take the throne, making him King Rama X  the tenth monarch in the 234-year-old Chakri dynasty.

The 64-year-old prince returned to Thai capital Bangkok from Germany on Thursday, two senior military officials told Reuters. He is required to formally accept the parliaments invitation in order for it to proclaim him as the countrys new king.

National Legislative Assembly President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai will officially invite him to become king later Thursday. The prince is expected to meet Pornpetch Thursday evening after a Buddhist ritual marking 50 days of former Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadejs death. Vajiralongkorns will then formally accept the invitation to become the king in a live telecast from the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Bhumibol, who died on Oct. 13 at the age 88, appointed his second child and only son Vajiralongkorn as his successor in 1972. He was expected to ascend the throne the day Bhumibol died. However, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said the crown prince asked to delay the succession so that he has time to mourn. Meanwhile, the royal duties have been looked after by regent Prem Tinsulanonda.

Unlike his father who was revered in Thailand as a demigod, Vajiralongkorn is not liked by majority of the Thai people due to several scandals linked to him. The crown prince, who has married at least thrice, has been involved in an international custody battle and is also reported to be in a relationship with a former flight attendant in Germany. Vajiralongkorns name has also been linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was exiled following corruption allegations.

The official coronation of Vajiralongkorn will be held only after the cremation of Bhumibol, who was the longest-serving head of the state in the world. The cremation will reportedly take place next year.

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On Thursday, Thailand received a new king for the first time since 1946. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn formally took the throne, ending a seven-week royal interregnum after his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died Oct. 13. The coronation allays many concerns over the countrys political stability; the Thai monarchy traditionally has a heavy hand in guiding in the countrys fractious political system.

The new king will be insulated from criticism through the countrys stringent lese-majeste laws. But that doesnt mean hes earned the respect of his people just yet, most of whom have only known only one king in their life. And with uncertainty over King Bhumibols successor also comes deep-seated political uncertainty, as Foreign Policy noted.

Given his fathers widespread popularity, King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, as he is now known, has big shoes to fill. King Bhumibol, who reigned for 70 years, was widely revered and considered an anchor of stability in a country that endured decades of political tumult, from coups to attempted coups to constitutional crises. In 1992, King Bhumibol solidified his popularity by brokering peace amid a bloody coup detat that pitted pro-democracy forces against the military.

He has an uphill battle to earn the popularity his father enjoyed. Though he was designated the successor to the throne in 1972, the newly anointed king spent much of his life abroad in Germany, meaning the Thai public doesnt know much about its new monarch  especially since it is illegal to openly discuss royal succession. And some of the information Thais do have isnt flattering.

I have to be very frank. My son, the crown prince, is a little bit of a Don Juan, his mother said in a 1982 interview with the Wall Street Journal. (That interview got the Journal banned from Thailand for negatively portraying the royal family).

And then, of course, theres Air Chief Marshal Foo Foo. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorns third wife had a white poodle that earned a senior ranking in the Thai air force. When the dog died in 2015, it was cremated after the requisite four days of Buddhist funeral rites.

Though the new king received military training in his youth, he reportedly has a tense relationship with the countrys ruling junta, which has a penchant for orchestrating coups if politicians fall out of their favor. Thats kept the country in sustained political strife since 2005, when political elites first began to quietly jockey for power as they braced for the ailing King Bhumibols death.

Photo credit: Borja Sanchez-Trillo/Getty Images
Is it OK to sneak off to city hall before a formal wedding? (Photo: Gallery Stock)

Is it cheating, or needlessly sneaky, to get legally married before your wedding? Not necessarily, and its actually more common than you think.

For generations, military couples have rushed to city hall before one of them has to serve overseas. Its a favorite tactic of celebrity couples, most recently Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson, who kept their marriage a secret all through the Olympics, and theyve still never revealed why. Jim and Pam snuck away from their nutty wedding to get hitched on a Niagara Falls boat on The Office. And, BIG GILMORE GIRLS SPOILER ALERT, Luke and Lorelai made it official on the night before their wedding, banishing for good their previous bad wedding juju.

Then again, just because its become a pop culture standard doesnt mean its always done right. Before you choose this option, here are a few guidelines to follow.

Do: Get on the same page as your partner.

Theres no right or wrong reason for getting a quickie Vegas or city hall marriage, as long as you both agree. Some are just eager to tie the knot before they can save up money for a big wedding. Some need to get immigration or insurance paperwork in order. Some want to avoid complications of foreign marriage licenses for their destination wedding. Some might just want to eliminate their bad case of nerves before doing it in front of 200 people.

Connecticut couple Kate and Matt Wimsatt got married in secret so that she could get his health insurance. But we werent ready to tell our families, Kate told Yahoo Style. The Wimsatts married secretly two years before their real wedding, with only Matts brother and girlfriend as witnesses.

If theres some less savory reason to keep friends and family in the dark, however, that could be a bad sign of what your future holds.

Do: Invite a couple of tight-lipped witnesses.

You should have witnesses that are trustworthy, so they can hold on to your secret until you are ready to announce it officially, etiquette expert Elaine Swann said. This may go without saying, but keep everyone off social media until youve told your family.

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Dont: Keep your secret forever.

The Wimsatts managed to keep their marriage under wraps until they were in the middle of planning their wedding, when their Episcopal priest made them fess up.

He told us it would be deceptive to not tell our families we were married at that point, Kate said. Otherwise we maybe would have kept it secret.  I think it was a nice secret to have, to me. I enjoyed it.

But Swann agrees with that priest.

What we have to think about is that marriage is a good thing and something that should be shared, she said. I believe it is slightly deceptive if people think youre coming together as man and wife [at the public wedding].

Once youve told close friends and family, you can ask them to spread the word for you, or you can add the fact to your story on your wedding website.

Dont: Confess your marriage as an apology.

Its important that the couple set the tone for what their decision is and how theyre moving forward, Swann said. When you do start to share with family members, make sure that the way you roll it out is as if theres not really anything up for discussion, so it doesnt turn into this heart-wrenching thing where people are weighing in and giving their opinion. You can start by saying, Wed like to share with you that weve got some great news.

When you state it as a matter of fact  and a fantastic one, at that  the people who love you dont have much to argue with, though you shouldnt be surprised if they feel disappointed or left out.

When we did tell my parents, we were sitting at the kitchen table, and my mom dropped a dish and chipped it, Wimsatt said. Then she picked it up, and she just said, Well, why didnt you invite us? That was it.

Do: Consider your bigger wedding as a special occasion anyway.

I think its important for a couple to look at this as a celebration, as opposed to, We did something really sneaky and now are trying to get you onboard with this thing, Swann said of any after-the-fact wedding reception.

Wimsatt said their invitations included the subtle phrasing to the blessing of a marriage, and they said I do instead of I will in their vows, but very few noticed the difference.

Saying our vows and sharing the day with our friends and family meant the world to us and was meaningful to everyone  who cares that it was legal before then? wrote one bride on the WeddingBee boards. To us, signing a piece of paper in advance didnt take away from the significance of publicly declaring ourselves husband and wife.

Do: Decide together which anniversary to celebrate.

Unless youre the type who likes to make a big deal of as many dates as possible, you might want to pick just one  either your courthouse date or the day of your party  to avoid confusion later. Swann has seen more couples decide to honor their legal marriage date.

Weve kind of forgotten the date of the secret wedding, Wimsatt said, adding that they also forget their other anniversary most of the time. Weve been grocery shopping and looked at each other and gone, like, Oh my God! Happy Anniversary! We just forget every single year.

Having just welcomed their third child, 16 years after they went to city hall, they might be doing just fine without that particular convention too.

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Photo: BSIP/UIG via Getty Images

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the go-ahead Tuesday for large-scale clinical trials of MDMA for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder.

MDMA  better known as Ecstasy  will be part of phase 3 clinical trials, a final step before the party drug is potentially approved as a prescription drug for the treatment of PTSD, the New York Times reports. If approved, Ecstasy could become a prescription drug by 2021.

FDA spokesperson Sandy Walsh tells Yahoo Beauty that the FDA cant speculate on how likely any product or drug is to be approved by the agency. Products have to meet the FDAs standards for efficacy and safety and go through our drug approval process, she says. The FDA also cant currently comment on why Ecstasy is being studied due to federal law and FDA regulations, she says. However, she points out, schedule I substances (a class of drugs that includes Ecstasy), are subject to the most stringent restrictions under the Controlled Substances Act and may not, under the express provisions of the CSA, lawfully be manufactured, distributed, dispensed, or possessed except as part of a research protocol that is approved by FDA, registered with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and subject to record-keeping and storage rules. However, these drugs can be researched under certain restrictions.

The idea of using of Ecstasy to treat PTSD didnt come out of the blue. One study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2012 found that patients given three doses of Ecstasy under a psychiatrists care reported a 56 percent decrease in the severity of their symptoms on average. And at the end of the study, two-thirds of patients no longer met the criteria for having PTSD.

According to the National Center for PTSD, the condition is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, such as combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. Symptoms vary but can include reliving the event through flashbacks (or nightmares), avoiding situations that remind a patient of the traumatic event, and feeling on edge. There is also a link between PTSD and suicide, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, although the correlation is not entirely clear.

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An estimated 8 percent of the population will have PTSD at some point in their lives, and about 8 million people suffer from the condition each year, the National Center for PTSD says.

Psychiatrist Gail Saltz, MD, host of The Power of Different podcast, tells Yahoo Beauty that there are cases in which Ecstasy has been shown to be successful in accelerating the beneficial effects of psychotherapy for PTSD, even when other treatments have failed. However, she points out, these cases are anecdotal, so phase 3 trials of the drug are needed.

The therapeutic use of MDMA to help with PTSD is encouraging, licensed clinical psychologist Alicia H. Clark, Psy.D., tells Yahoo Beauty. Its capacity to produce feelings of calm, love, and safety appears to allow PTSD sufferers (in a therapeutic setting) to re-experience their trauma through a lens devoid of anxiety. Clark likens MDMA to hypnosis or progressive densitization, allowing patients to actively pair their traumatic memories with feelings of calm, love, and safety, laying down new associations and pathways that help them remember their experiences more positively.

This is powerful and appears to trigger associations that are lasting in the patients who have tried the treatment, Clark says. So much of therapeutic progress is about changing ones perspective and outlook, and this new therapy appears to jumpstart this with a population in great need.

I believe we have to go to the root of the disorder, which is why ecstasy may prove helpful, Mike Dow, Psy.D., psychotherapist and author of The Brain Fog Fix, tells Yahoo Beauty. It may allows us to use exposure therapy, a type of cognitive behavioral therapy, in a more effective way. Many patients with PTSD drop out of traditional exposure therapy because it takes a long time and involves recounting horrific events 10, 20, or 50 times, he says, adding, if ecstasy combined with therapy that helps reprocessing trauma (what theyve done in the most recent studies) can help treat PTSD, its worth the risk.

Saltz says Ecstasy may be effective in treating PTSD because the drug affects dopamine and serotonin production systems in the brain, leaving a patient with positive feelings, and a sense of warmth and trust with others, the latter of which is important in allowing a therapist to guide patients in therapy. It can also help patients have a different perspective, allowing them to reprocess the traumatic event, and it may help them have a change in perception, which also enhances understanding and reprocessing of the traumatic memory.

However, Saltz points out that Ecstasy can be addictive. Anything that effects dopamine systems can be addictive, she says. It feels good, so it is easily abused. Ecstasy can also cause brain damage if used in an ongoing manner, she says, and even in the short term, the use of Ecstasy for days can cause depression, irritability, and sleeplessness.

Clark points out that the abuse potential with ecstasy is high. It is important to note, however, that the drugs reported success is under the direct supervision and guidance of a skilled clinician to facilitate healing, she says. Using MDMA recreationally and without clinical supervision, while tempting to sufferers already prone to substance abuse, would not likely produce the desired results.



James J. Galligan, Ph.D., a professor of pharmacology and toxicology and director of the neuroscience program at Michigan State University, tells Yahoo Beauty that ecstasy isnt an addictive drug in the way that heroin, cocaine, or even alcohol is. People do like to use it, but it doesnt work on the brain in the same way that other highly addictive drugs work, he says.

Currently, PTSD patients are treated with several methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (in which a therapist helps people change the way they think about and approach a trauma), exposure therapy (which attempts to desensitize a patient to the trauma), group therapy, and medications, such as anti-depressants, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports.

Despite the concerns about the use of Ecstasy as a PTSD treatment, Saltz says current treatment options only work for about 60 to 70 percent of patients. Many are untreated, and it can make them unable to function in their work and in relationships, she says. New treatments are needed.

Ecstasy may be a solution, she says  we just need to learn how to control its use. If Ecstasy can actually help the nonresponders to stay in and benefit from the psychotherapy, that would be very worthwhile, she says. Then we as a society and as a medical profession will have to figure out how to manage the potential for abuse.

Clark agrees. More therapies and treatment methods are sorely needed, and MDMA, if shown to be safe and effective, could provide needed relief to veterans and trauma survivors who are suffering and fighting to reclaim their lives, she says.

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Heres all the times we LOLed during Lin-Manuel Mirandas episode of Drunk History

We already knew Lin-Manuel Miranda would be absolute perfection in his Drunk History episode. After seeing hysterical preview clips for the show online, we could not contain our excitement for the full episode.

And Lin-Manuel Mirandas full Hamilton story on Drunk History was as fun as we expected and so much more.

Not only did he drop some major (albeit somewhat colorful) knowledge about Alexander Hamilton, but he also added his patented lovable Miranda charm to the storytelling itself.

Here are all the times we LOLed while watching the epic episode.

1. The badass comedic casting Hamilton and Burr.

Drunk History always does a pretty spectacular job of casting its historical characters. But the choice of Alia Shawkat as Alexander Hamilton and Aubrey Plaza as Aaron Burr was a particular stroke of genius.

2. Describing the young Hamilton at Queens College.

Despite the fact that Hamilton wasnt exactly humble, we highly doubt he every said anything close to what Miranda quoted him as saying. Then again, maybe he would have been even more successful if he had been so blunt as to call himself really [bleeping] smart. Who knows?

3. Lin-Manuel Mirandas straight-up infectious laughter.

When he said, Im giggly, and theres gaps in my memory already, we were already totally relating to the musical superstar.

4. His blushworthy and NSFW description of The Reynolds Pamphlet.

The fact that he describes The Reynolds Pamphlet like a sexy Penthouse letter (combined with the smoky visuals and sexy saxophone background) is beyond charming. And the colorful language he uses to describe the content definitely had us cracking up.

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5. The whole Questlove aside.

Midway through his story, Miranda gets completely distracted by a text from Questlove, which leads to a FaceTime session between the two friends that made us love them both even more.

6. The war noises.

When Miranda describes Hamilton leading the battle of Yorktown and added the sound effects bilup bilup bilup pfffft, history has never been funnier.

7. Closing Time

Almost done with the episode, Miranda decides to get back to his musical roots. He sits at the piano and belts out an inebriated rendition of Semisonics Closing Time then has a philosophical moment. He says, Its like a metaphor for everything. Drunk or sober, you cant help but agree.

8. The fact that it was surprisingly educational.

Sometimes learning about your own history can create the best kind of genuinely surprised laughter. Learning about Hamilton and some of the dramatics of the American Revolution that we never knew before was legit entertaining.

9.The oh-so-relatable ending.

Spoiler alert: The episode ends exactly like youd expect from any (playfully fun) drunken night with the two hosts eating food out of an aluminum foil take out container. It is so wonderfully accurate we cant even handle.

10. Just everything about it.

Drunk History consistently provides some pretty charming programming. Combine the shows natural charm with all the charisma of Lin-Manuel Miranda dishing on a subject hes clearly passionate about and you get some seriously epic comedic television.

Is it too much to ask for Lin-Manuel Miranda to host at least one episode of this show every season? Or, maybe, we can just become BFFs with him and pick his brilliant (and hilarious) brain for more entertaining knowledge.

The post Heres all the times we LOLed during Lin-Manuel Mirandas episode of Drunk History appeared first on HelloGiggles.




In the fallout of the election, one key question that the fashion industry keeps returning to is whether or not designers who disagree with President-elect Donald Trumps politics will refuse to dress his wife, future first lady Melania Trump.

During an appearance Wednesday morning on The View, Tom Ford stated that he will join Sophie Theallet as one of the designers who will not be outfitting Melania. However, his reasoning differs from that of Theallet, who cited Donalds racism, sexism and xenophobia as the root of her decision.

Read more: Boohoo Makes a Play for Nasty Gal

Shes not necessarily my image, explained Ford. I was asked to dress her quite a few years ago. I declined.

However, the designer  who identified himself as a Democrat who voted for Clinton and is sad and disappointed with the election results  noted that it wasnt necessarily Melania so much as her position as the first lady that factored into his decision.

Photo: Getty Images

Even had Hillary won, she shouldnt be wearing my clothes, said Ford. Theyre too expensive. And I dont mean that in a bad way  theyre not artificially expensive, its the cost to make these things. When asked if Melania should steer clear of expensive pieces altogether, he added, Im going to leave that to Melania. (Based on Melanias campaign trail wardrobe, which included pieces by Roksanda Ilincic, Ralph Lauren and Gucci, we have a feeling that she wont give up her luxury habit.)

Read more: Fashion Designer Sophie Theallet Refuses to Dress Melania Trump

During her time in the White House, Michelle Obama was known for wearing more affordable pieces from J. Crew and Talbots, as well as her fair share of pricier designer pieces by the likes of Brandon Maxwell, Jason Wu and Naeem Khan. In 2011, she even donned a Tom Ford gown.

Michelle I dressed once when she was going to Buckingham Palace for dinner with the Queen, and I thought it was appropriate, said the Nocturnal Animals director of the occasion, adding, I live in London, so that made sense.




While Tommy Hilfiger has said that any any designer should be proud to dress future First Lady Melania Trump, his contemporary  fashion designer and filmmaker Tom Ford  feels differently.

The Nocturnal Animals director stopped by The View on Tuesday, where he firmly said that he wont be dressing the 46-year-old former model anytime soon  and in fact hasnt been for some time.

I was asked to dress her quite a few years ago and I declined, Ford said. Shes not necessarily my image.

While the 55-year-old American designer identified himself as a Democrat who had voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and was sad and disappointed at her loss, he said his decision not to work with President-elect Donald Trumps wife has nothing to do with politics.

Instead, Ford said he feels the First Lady should be dressing in a way that relates to the American people.

Had Hillary won, she shouldnt be wearing my clothes  theyre too expensive, he said. And I dont mean that in a bad way. Theyre not artificially expensive  its how much it costs to make these things. But I think to relate to everybody, you shouldnt be necessarily wearing .

And though Ford had dressed Michelle Obama in the past, he said he only chose to do so for a very special occasion. Michelle I dressed once  when she was going to Buckingham Palace for dinner with the Queen, he said. And that I thought was appropriate.

RELATED VIDEO: The Mens Fashion Trend That Drives Tom Ford Crazy

Fords not alone in his strong stance. Unlike Hilfiger, others are taking strong stances against dressing the future First Lady  including Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs and Cynthia Rowley.

Sophie Theallet even posted an open letter on Twitter saying she would not be lending her clothes to dress the next First Lady.

As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next First Lady, Theallet wrote. The rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia unleashed by her husbands presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by.

What do you think about Tom Fords statements? Sound off below!




RACINE  An 17-year-old male from Illinois was charged with second-degree sexual assault of a child after the girl reportedly woke up to the assault.

Jaylen M. McCrary, of Chicago, reportedly committed the act Thursday with a 15-year-old, according to the criminal complaint.

The victim reportedly said she did not consent to the assault. McCrary told police the incident was consensual, the complaint said.

McCrary is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. Dec. 8 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. He remained in custody as of Thursday at the Racine County Jail, online records showed.
Controversial news anchor Tomi Lahren tried to defend her views to Trevor Noah on Wednesday night's edition of The Tonight Show. She is the host of TheBlaze.

In the past, Lahren compared the Ku Klux Klan to the Black Lives Matter movement in a now-deleted tweet. She defended her statement Wednesday. You're starting to loot, burn, and riot  what did the KKK do? Lahren said.

Lahren, 24, denied she was racist, saying she does not see color: I go after Hillary Clinton, and she's as white as they come. Noah then asked, What do you do at a traffic light?

Tension grew on the stage when Noah asked Lahren what she wished people knew about her. I wish that we could disagree with each other without thinking we are bad people or ill-intentioned folks, she said. Because I criticized a black person or the Black Lives Matter movement doesn't mean Im antiblack. It doesn't mean I don't like black people or that I'm racist.

For those who want to know more about the conservative talk show host, continue reading:

1. Lahren is a native of South Dakota. She grew up in Rapid City and always had a penchant for politics. Lahren would watch the news with her family. I cannot tell you how many times I would pause the show to give my two cents, she told the Rapid City Journal in September 2014. You name it, we talked about it.

2. Lahren earned her own talk show after she applied for an internship. It was on One America News Network. She explained to the RCJ: After our tour we went back to [broadcasting head] Robert Herring's office. He asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I would literally 'do whatever.' I just wanted the opportunity. He looked at me and said, 'How about your own show?' My jaw dropped. I was stunned. I just wanted an internship. He gave me a show.

3. Lahren claims to speak for the voiceless. They're thinking it in their minds, they're seeing it on TV. They're telling it to their friends and family. They're saying it at the dinner table. And I was just the one that came out and said it on a platform and it resonated, she told Fox News in July.

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4. Marines are prominent in her family. I grew up in the Midwest. I grew up in South Dakota. My family is patriotic. I'm an everyday American. What I would like to get out there is that everyday Americans feel this way, she said, according to Britain's Daily Mail.

5. Shes not afraid to take on celebrities. Lahren has battled A-listers like pop star Beyonce, rapper Jay Z and Greys Anatomy star Jesse Williams.

Tomi Lahren

Photo: Comedy Central

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The best way for competitive swimmers to hold their fingers is to spread them slightly apart so they rake the water, a new study finds.

In the hunt for the technique that could bring the fastest freestyle swimming, previous research hinted that swimmers could improve their efficiency by spreading their fingers apart, but much remained uncertain how this might work and how much swimmers needed to spread their fingers to benefit.

To solve this mystery, fluid dynamicists investigated both virtual models of human arms in computer simulations and 3D-printed models of human arms in wind-tunnel experiments. They analyzed the forces that these models experienced at five different levels of finger spreading: At zero degrees of spread, where all the fingers were pressed together like a paddle, through progressively wider 5-degree intervals all the way to 20 degrees of spread. [The 4 Types of Exercise You Need to Be Healthy]

The best results were seen with 10-degree finger spreading in both computer simulations and wind-tunnel experiments, the researchers said.

The researchers explained that as fingers spread apart, some water slips through them. However, the resulting turbulence can limit the flow of water between the fingers. As such, slight finger spreading can effectively increase the surface area of a hand. Up to a certain point, the benefit from this effective boost in surface area outweighs the effect of water lost between the fingers, said study co-author Josje van Houwelingen, a swimming fluid dynamicist at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands.

In the study, even 5-degree finger spreading reduced the amount of drag that arms experience by 2 percent in computer simulations and 5 percent in wind-tunnel experiments.

"Using optimal finger-spreading might give a competitive edge," van Houwelingen told Live Science.

Although these effects are subtle, they could make a big difference in races between elite swimmers. "When you are a top swimmer, this very small effect, only a few percent, can make the difference between a gold medal and no medal at all," van Houwelingen said in a statement.

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"We made a rough, and a little bit exaggerated, estimate for the possible improvement on the 50-meter freestyle," van Houwelingen said. "This resulted in a 0.6-second improvement." In contrast, she noted that the time difference between first and sixth place at the woman's 50-meter freestyle final at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro was just 0.12 seconds. [10 Biggest Doping Scandals in Olympics History]

Van Houwelingen noted that she was a swimmer herself, and tried the raking technique during swimming. She found it difficult to keep her fingers spread a constant distance from each other, "but since elite swimmers can also optimize their starting position up to 1 degree, they most probably also can also apply something of this knowledge to their technique."

The researchers noted that their research involved arms moving somewhat unrealistically at constant speeds through fluids. They now plan to put 3D-printed arms in a big water tank and see what forces they experience when they perform more realistic swimming movements using a robot. [Infographic: Body Types of Olympic Athletes]

The scientists detailed their findings Monday (Nov. 21) at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics in Portland, Oregon.

Original article on Live Science.

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carrier donald trump

News that the air conditioning manufacturer Carrier will keep roughly 1,000 jobs in the US instead of moving them to Mexico is certainly a win for President-elect Donald Trump. It's also a victory for the workers whose jobs were at stake.

But for the manufacturing industry as a whole, which has suffered from massive job cuts in recent decades, the reality is much more complicated.

T.J. Bray, who has worked at Carrier's Indianapolis factory for 14 years, said he was "shocked and excited" when the news broke that Carrier had agreed to keep some jobs in Indianapolis.

"It seems like a victory for the little people," Bray, who serves as a media representative for the manufacturer's United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1999 union, told Business Insider.

However, Bray isn't quite ready to declare the deal a win yet. While many Carrier employees voted for Trump, Bray and others remain skeptical of his ability to keep his campaign promise to keep jobs from leaving Indiana.

"I'm waiting to see what sacrifices were made," Bray said Wednesday morning.

As details of the deal emerge, it appears that the state of Indiana and the state's taxpayers will make the biggest sacrifice. Indiana officials agreed to give Carrier's parent company United Technologies Corporation $7 million in tax breaks over 10 years to keep jobs in the state, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Of the 1,100 jobs staying in the US, 300 are research and headquarter positions that were never going to move to Mexico, according to the Wall Street Journal. Carrier is still moving 600 jobs from the Indianapolis factory and 700 jobs from the nearby Huntington, Indiana plant to Mexico. About 800 manufacturing jobs will stay in the US as a result of the deal.

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Bray said workers have been kept in the dark on the details of the negotiation, finding news on Twitter along with the rest of the world. As news has trickled out, workers have responded with a mix of skepticism and excitement.

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"We dont have any details on how they worked it out. We just know that supposedly hes saving 1,000 jobs. But what does that really mean? To me its not quite clear yet, and even if it is, Im still not a Trump supporter or a fan," Carrier worker Donnisha Taylor told the IndyStar. "Its half and half right now. You've got some people that are praising Trump for saving the day, and then youve got people who are skeptical. But something is fishy."

Also worrisome for manufacturing workers is the fact that the Carrier deal fails to indicate how Trump will prevent more jobs from leaving the US.

"This issue that has happened in this country of outsourcing and losing American jobs has been happening for quite a while, and it's just been escalating," Bray said.

Carrier acknowledged in a statement Wednesday evening that the deal with Trump doesn't offer a long-term solution to the effects of globalization.

"This agreement in no way diminishes our belief in the benefits of free trade and that the forces of globalization will continue to require solutions for the long-term competitiveness of the U.S. and of American workers moving forward," the statement said.

Carrier logo

Indiana has lost 7,000 manufacturing jobs in the last year alone, the Wall Street Journal reported. Across the US, the number of manufacturing jobs have fallen to 12 million  down from 20 million jobs at its peak in 1979.

"Ill give Trump his due, but I hope he and the American people and Congress dont forget about all these other jobs going to Mexico," Chuck Jones, the president of Local 1999 union, told the New York Times. "Down the pike, a lot more are going to be moving out."

While campaigning, Trump frequently touted his plan to keep jobs in the US, which involved taxing companies that move jobs out of the US. That strategy seems to have shifted.

In a speech at Carrier's Indianapolis plant on Thursday, Trump emphasized that cutting federal regulations and corporate taxes were key to keeping jobs in the US.

The biggest thing Bray believes workers want in a new president is a politician who cares about their interests.

"They want to be given a fair chance to make good money and take care of their families, and they want politicians that aren't going to look for their [own] best interest with all these special interest groups and lobbyists that are infesting Washington and Wall Street," Bray said. "I think a lot of people are hoping that maybe Trump changes that."

But the president-elect cannot personally bargain with every factory that threatens to send jobs overseas.

As a result, workers and labor unions have pushed for specific policy changes that they believe could bring manufacturing jobs back to the US. These are bigger-picture changes: reworking trade deals and creating regulation that financially punishes companies that outsource jobs.

"During the campaign, the president-elect spoke out vigorously for the need to bring jobs back home, to invest in domestic manufacturing, take a hard line with trading partners and reform our nations failed trade practices. The USW shares those goals," the United Steelworkers Union said in a statement in support of Trump's plan to keep the Indianapolis factory open on Wednesday.

One of Trump's major campaign promises that resonated with manufacturing workers was his promise to rework NAFTA and other trade deals that make it easier and less expensive for companies to move jobs to Mexico.

Additionally, as president, Trump has the ability to advocate for policies that would withdraw military contracts from any company that outsources a certain number of jobs. United Technologies makes roughly $5.6 billion annually, or 10% of its annual sales, from military sales, so it's likely Trump used that as leverage against the company, according to the New York Times.

"If we start hitting these companies wallets really hard, they may have to think twice on if they will leave or more overseas jobs," Bray said.

Bernie Sanders

Sen. Bernie Sanders recently introduced legislation that would cut benefits and increase taxes on companies that outsource jobs, as well as ban them from receiving federal contracts, tax breaks, grants, or loans.

Trump won over workers with a similar promise to aggressively tax companies that outsource jobs. But to craft the Carrier deal, Trump and Pence utilized a different strategy that emphasizes tax breaks, instead of tax increases.

This reversal is a major reason that left-leaning politicians, such as Sanders, have come to criticize the deal.

"United Technologies took Trump hostage and won. And that should send a shock wave of fear through all workers across the country," Sanders wrote in an opinion piece published on Thursday in the Washington Post.

Trump's pick of Mike Pence as a vice president also signaled that Trump may not take the hardline approach to companies that outsource jobs that he promised while campaigning. As governor, Pence provided $24 million in incentives to 10 companies that outsourced jobs to foreign countries, the IndyStar reported in August.

Carrier provided Trump with a symbolic victory in his promise to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US that required very few actual sacrifices from either the president or the company.

Going forward, Trump isn't going to be able to handcraft a deal with every single company that plans to outsource jobs. A better tactic, according to critics of the deal as well as some workers, would be to work with Congress to pass policies that actually help keep manufacturing jobs in the US.

NOW WATCH: Starting January 20, Trump could text you anytime he wants





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Donald Trump scored a victory with Carrier this week, but the President-elect's Whack-a-Mole approach to corporate America may not be sustainable or wise once he's in the White House.

Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence traveled to the Carrier's Indianapolis factory on Thursday to celebrate an agreement for the company to keep 1,000 jobs in Indiana. The deal marks at least a partial win for Trump, who on the campaign trail promised to prevent the heating and air conditioning systems maker from relocating its manufacturing operations to Mexico.

Trump spokesman Jason Miller in a press call on Thursday said the deal with Carrier, which is owned by United Technologies , represents Trump and Pence "making good on their promise to go to bat for American workers."

The 1,000 jobs Indiana is saving compare with about 150 million jobs in America, including about 12 million to 13 million in manufacturing.

"This is a good thing, but it doesn't substitute for real policy," said Dean Baker, macroeconomist and cofounder of left-leaning policy think tank the Center for Economic and Policy Research.

Trump often targeted specific companies on the campaign trail for perceived misdeeds. He called for a boycott on Starbucks over its holiday cups and floated the idea of boycotting Apple over its manufacturing practices. He also attacked Macy's , Oreos maker Nabisco, owned by Mondelez , and Ford .

Since his election, Trump has continued the habit. He said in a meeting with the New York Times he told Apple CEO Tim Cook he wants the tech giant to build a plant in the United States.

Not only is the approach not quantitatively significant, but perhaps importantly, it sets a bad precedent.

"If it becomes common for Trump to engage in these kinds of deals or stunts, companies will see an incentive in engaging the president this way," said Watson.

Carrier sparked outrage in February when a video was posted on YouTube depicting workers being delivered the news the Indianapolis plant would be closing, resulting in the loss of 1,400 jobs. Federal officials told the Associated Press the deal with Trump means 800 union workers' jobs will be spared, suggesting hundreds of jobs will still be lost.

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There is no word on what will happen to an additional 700 jobs to be lost as the result of the closing of a second factory, United Technologies Electronic Controls, in nearby Huntington. A company spokeswoman did not return request for comment on the matter.

"If this Carrier deal is a sign of things to come, honestly, it's kind of benign. It's not really going to have much impact on the U.S. economy," said Bill Watson, trade policy analyst at the Washington. D.C.-based libertarian think tank the Cato Institute.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest said as much in a press briefing on Wednesday, acknowledging the announcement as "good news" but noting it's a drop in the bucket. "If he does that 804 more times, then he will have matched the standard established by President Obama -- at least when it comes to manufacturing jobs," he said.

Economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman pointed out on Twitter that if Trump did a "Carrier-style deal" every week for the next year, he could bring back 4% of the manufacturing jobs lost since 2000. In a separate tweet, he said Trump would need to complete one Carrier-sized deal a week for 30 years to save as many jobs as the auto bailout.

There are a number of elements in Trump's policy proposals that could fuel job growth and inspire more companies to invest and remain in the United States. The President-elect has promised major tax cuts for corporations, repatriation incentives, regulatory rollbacks and infrastructure investments.

"I think those are more useful things for the president-elect to do than the company-by-company, Carrier approach, which comes with a lot of downside," said Doug Holtz-Eakin, economist and president of center-right policy institute the American Action Forum.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Indiana officials have agreed to give United Technologies $7 million tax breaks over 10 years to encourage it to keep Carrier jobs stateside. Carrier received state incentives as well.

Carrier had estimated it would save $65 million a year with the move, indicating it has more to gain than the immediate monetary impact.

"They see a lot of public relations benefits to that, and they also want to send a message to people that we're all going to work together on behalf of the American middle class," said Trump transition team member Anthony Scaramucci while speaking to reporters at Trump Tower on Wednesday.

John Mutz, an Indiana Economic Development Corp. board member, told the IndyStar that the Carrier decision had much to do with United Technologies' desire to stay in the Trump administration's good graces. The company receives numerous government contracts, especially on defense. United Technologies owns Pratt & Whitney, which makes fighter jet engines, and has an aerospace systems unit that makes parts for commercial and military aircraft.

"Carrier came out of this deal with an excellent lobbying opportunity, they were able to do something nice for President-elect Trump, they were able to get some subsidies. It's not necessarily a bad business situation for Carrier," said Watson.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who had encouraged Trump to use defense contracts as leverage in negotiations, criticized Trump in a Washington Post op-ed. "In essence, United Technologies took Trump hostage and won," he wrote.

While the deal may be good for Indiana workers, United Technologies and Carrier, it could ultimately be unwise for America and for Trump.

"There is a real risk. We don't want the policy to be that we beat up on whatever company happens to catch Donald Trump's eye," said Baker.

"If I was in the White House, the thing I'd worry the most about is Trump now has some interest in the success of a specific operation in Indiana. From a purely political point of view, you don't want the president taking ownership of anything that he can't control the outcome of," said Holtz-Eakin.

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Donald Trump is still weeks away from taking the presidential oath of office, but a deal he championed with an Indiana manufacturer is already threatening to challenge longstanding trade rules designed to prevent public contracts from being targeted to domestic firms.

On Thursday, Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence attended an Indianapolis event to celebrate Carriers decision to quash its plan to shift up to 1,000 manufacturing jobs from Indiana to Monterrey, Mexico. Carrier officials said that new state tax incentives were an important consideration in their decision to keep some of the jobs in the United States.

However, a top Indiana economic development official said the decision was based more on the firms fear that if it shifted the jobs out of the United States, Trumps administration would punish Carriers parent company, United Technologies, by restricting its access to billions of dollars of federal government contracts. United Technologies annually gets roughly $5.6 billion in federal contracting largesse, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Companies are not going to leave the United States anymore without consequences, Trump said during a speech at the company. Its not going to happen.

Trumps new administration could follow the Carrier deal by seeking to systematically leverage its power over federal contractors to get companies to preserve domestic jobs. But that would run up against key provisions in longstanding U.S. trade deals that  if broken  could subject the United States to international sanctions.

Under those pacts  which Trump and many progressive public officials have campaigned against  federal, state and local governments face restrictions on efforts to award or rescind government contracts on the basis of where a company is located, or where its workforce is domiciled. In practice, those rules effectively prevent government officials from preferencing U.S.-based companies in their decisions to award government contracts. In 2015, roughly $13 billion of federal contracts went to foreign firms or foreign-based subsidiaries, according to data from Bloomberg Government.

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The policy tool Trump just used, conditioning procurement contracts on U.S. employment, is one of the policies forbidden in our current trade agreements, said Lori Wallach of Public Citizen, a left-leaning group that has pressed public officials to alter Americas current trade policies. As part of Trump changing those trade agreements, he could announce to our trade partners that getting rid of those procurement rules are one of the things he is going to negotiate.

The idea of leveraging contracting power is hardly new. Many states procurement codes include language designed to preference local vendors in government contracting decisions. Congress in 1983 passed the Buy America Act to try to make sure infrastructure projects use domestically produced materials.

To comply with trade agreements that bar contracting preferences, though, the United States has periodically waived those contract preference laws for companies based in trading-partner nations. Wallach told International Business Times that even before fully renegotiating trade deals, Trump could use his executive power to rescind those waivers, thereby opening up the possibility of new contract preference laws at the state and federal level.

As a practical matter, if he was serious about this, he would announce a change in that regulation, and theres a whole process to do that  but he can do that unilaterally, Wallach said. He would then give notice to the signatories of the World Trade Organization procurement agreements that this is an issue I intend to use the fast track authority that Congress gave me to negotiate a change of these rules.

According to Obama administration officials, U.S. companies have a stake in preserving the existing system. The current procurement rules that bar contract preferences were created with the aim of ensuring that U.S. goods, services and suppliers will be given fair and non-discriminatory opportunities to compete for foreign government contracts, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

One of the key U.S. objectives in negotiating access to foreign procurement markets is to obtain a commitment from a foreign country to not apply domestic preferences that would prevent or undermine participation by U.S. suppliers in that country's procurement, says the National Association of Procurement Officials in a review of the rules.

A recent case shows how those rules can operate in practice: Last week, the WTO ruled that a Washington State tax incentive for Boeing violates international trade agreements. The tax incentive package said it would be terminated if any final assembly or wing assembly  has been sited outside the state of Washington. Arbiters ruled that the clause effectively made the tax benefits contingent on the company producing planes in the state  which they said violated trade rules against domestic preferences. The ruling could force lawmakers to rescind or amend the tax package.

If Trump moves to scrap such rules and target federal contracts to firms that keep jobs in the United States, it could prompt other countries to do the same for their own companies.

If he tries to institutionalize this and its not just 1,000 Carrier jobs but every company with federal contracts, he could newly introduce that federal contractors not offshore jobs, that would definitely go against what weve committed to do at the WTO, said Todd Tucker, a trade expert at the Roosevelt Institute. It would be enormously politically popular, but the risk from a policy perspective is what if that starts going willy nilly across the board, so that we are doing it and other countries are doing it, that ends up helping inefficient industries. Theres a danger of it going too far.

Tucker added, though, that we dont want what we have now, which is under under no circumstances can countries say for this industry there is a strategic reason we want it local."

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New York (AFP) - Donald Trump kicked off a victory tour through the Midwest on Thursday, swinging through Indiana to trumpet a deal to keep 1,000 manufacturing jobs from relocating to Mexico and addressing a campaign-style mass rally in Ohio.

The president-elect, who upended the US establishment and the world by defeating Hillary Clinton on November 8, made guaranteeing jobs for blue collar American workers a key plank of his presidential campaign.

Casting aside interviews for senior cabinet positions yet to be filled, the maverick tycoon flew out of New York bound for Indiana where he will tour an air conditioning plant that he repeatedly leaned on in public not to ship a planned 2,000 jobs to Mexico.

The 70-year-old billionaire will be accompanied by Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who is winding down his official duties as governor of Indiana and also helped to broker the deal.

"Getting ready to leave for the Great State of Indiana and meet the hard working and wonderful people of Carrier A.C," Trump tweeted.

Carrier, a subsidiary of United Technologies, has announced that it will preserve more than 1,000 jobs and continue to manufacture gas furnaces in Indianapolis, but the precise details of the agreement are unclear.

"The incoming Trump-Pence administration has emphasized to us its commitment to support the business community and create an improved, more competitive US business climate," said Carrier.

"Incentives" offered by the state were "an important consideration," it said.

Critics are fearful that workers' rights may not be adequately protected, or that the deal may embolden other firms to threaten to relocate jobs in exchange for reported tax and regulatory breaks offered to Carrier.

Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont and prominent Trump critic on the left of American politics, savaged the deal in an op-ed published in The Washington Post on Thursday.

"United Technologies took Trump hostage and won. And that should send a shock wave of fear through all workers across the country," he wrote.

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- Fierce criticism -

"Trump has endangered the jobs of workers who were previously safe," Sanders added. "He has signaled to every corporation in America that they can threaten to offshore jobs in exchange for business-friendly tax benefits and incentives."

The Trump transition team has hailed the agreement as a "big win" but declined to flesh out the details when pressed by reporters, saying that it would be down to the president-elect and Carrier to speak on Thursday.

But on Wednesday, Anthony Scaramucci, an entrepreneur and member of the Trump team's executive committee, said "the whole purpose" was to slash corporate tax rates to make it more competitive for US companies to allocate capital at home.

"I'm hoping that every CEO in America is getting that beacon signal from the new Trump administration that we're open for business here in the United States, and we've got to get American people back working in American jobs."

Steven Mnuchin, Trump's nominated treasury secretary and multi-millionaire former Goldman Sachs banker, said he couldn't remember the last time a president had made such an intervention with an American CEO.

"I think it's terrific," he told reporters Wednesday, saying that he and Wilbur Ross, the billionaire nominated as commerce secretary, would be working with Trump to "do the right thing for the American workers."

Trump has so far peppered top-level administration appointments with billionaires and millionaires, having slammed Clinton for her ties to Wall Street and for amassing a fortune of millions in between stints in public office.

Later on Thursday, Trump and Pence will travel to Ohio to lead a rally in Cincinnati. Trump was the first Republican nominee for president to win the state since 2004. Unlike several other swing states it is not scheduling a recount.

The evening event at the home of the Cincinnati Cyclones, which can host more than 17,000 people, is expected to be similar to those that drew enthusiastic crowds of thousands during the campaign.

The transition team has dubbed it a "thank you tour."

While such rallies are untraditional for a US president-elect, Trump often spoke of the thrill of addressing such enormous crowds during the campaign.
RAYMOND  A Kenosha man is charged with identity theft after allegedly using his brother's name during a traffic stop and then leading a state trooper on a foot chase.

According to the criminal complaint:

Gregory J. Rowlette, 27, of the 4000 block of Harding Road, was pulled over for speeding at about 1 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Highway 45 and 7 Mile Road, at the Raymond/Norway town border.

When the trooper asked for identification, Rowlette reportedly said his name was "Eric Rowlette" and that he did not have his driver's license with him.

The trooper reportedly ran the name given by Rowlette on a database and realized the picture on the database did not match the subject's appearance, even after Rowlette took off the sunglasses and hat he was wearing.

Rowlette was asked to step out of his vehicle, but then allegedly took off running eastbound into the Town of Raymond. The trooper eventually caught up with Rowlette and detained the suspect at gunpoint, according to the criminal complaint. When queried, Rowlette told the trooper the identification information he initially provided in fact was that of his brother.

Rowlette faces a felony charge for identity theft and a misdemeanor charge for resisting an officer. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.

Rowlette remained in custody as of Wednesday at the Racine County Jail, online records showed.
President-elect Donald Trump claimed a big win Wednesday when he announced he had successfully pressured Carrier Corporation not to move some of its production facilities from Indiana to Mexico. While the company will still shift some production south of the border, the change of plans will save about 1,000 jobs in Indiana. Trump plans a celebratory visit to the state on Thursday.

While the circumstances of the arrangement arent clear -- there appears to have been some sort of state-level tax relief offered to the company -- the implications are troubling to advocates of free trade and laissez-faire capitalism. Carriers parent company, United Technologies, also likely saw some benefits to currying favor with the incoming president -- its defense contracts with the federal government are worth tens of billions of dollars. Analysts said the company stood to lose out on millions in savings by leaving some production in Indiana, even with the tax savings on offer.

Related: 8 Big Changes Under Tom Prices Obamacare Replacement Plan

The Carrier deal marks the second time in a matter of weeks that Trump has announced that he had personally intervened to change the decision-making of a private sector company. On November 17, he took credit for a change in plans by Ford that prevented a production line for the Lincoln MKC sport utility vehicle moving from Kentucky to Mexico. (Though Trump suggested he had saved jobs, Fords original plan had been to make a different vehicle at the same Kentucky plant.)

This is not a precedent we want to see -- American presidents arent supposed to interfere on behalf of individual companies, said David Boaz, executive vice president of the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank in Washington.

When the president does it himself it makes clear that this is a crony economy, to benefit the presidents friends, and that individual companies can be subject to pressure and punishment directly at the hands of the president. Thats not something that normally characterizes a democratic or republican form of government.

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He added, Frankly, it brings to mind the term banana republic.

Related: Are Coal Miners Headed for Heartbreak Under the GOP?

In general, the federal government has tried to avoid implementing whats known as industrial policy in the United States. And U.S. lawmakers over the years have frequently railed at the countrys economic competitors, like Japan, who have used government policies to give a competitive advantage to a specific industry.

However, there have been forays into something like industrial policy in the past: John F. Kennedy, in 1962, bullied the steel industry into backing down on a price increase. Twenty years later, Ronald Reagan would slap 100% tariffs on some Japanese electronics, and pressure Japanese carmakers to voluntarily reduce the number of vehicles they were exporting to the U.S.

But such moves have, historically, been relatively rare in the U.S., compared to other countries, and a presidents personal intervention into an individual companys decision-making process is all but unheard of.

On Wednesday morning, though, two key Trump appointees -- prospective Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and his counterpart at the Commerce Department, Wilbur Ross -- celebrated the Carrier deal on CNBC and made it clear that this will be business as usual in a Trump administration.

Related: Will Democrats Stand Up to Trump? Heres Their First Test

Ross called the deal a great present from the president -- here we have a trade victory before we even come into office.

Mnuchin added, This started because the president-elect called up the CEO of United Technologies [Carriers parent company] and said, Its important to keep jobs here. Wilbur and I will continue that.

Representatives of the business-friendly U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Competitive Enterprise Institute declined to comment on the question of whether, as a matter of policy, the president ought to be getting involved in firms business decisions. There was no response to a request for comment from the Business Roundtable.

But to Boaz at Cato, the pitfalls seem painfully obvious.

It may backfire on President Trump, because he can do this once or twice but he cant do it consistently without really screwing up the economy, he said. Part of this is the president picking individual groups of workers and saying, I will help them without a sense of what that does to the economy as a whole.

Once you do it, then youre going to have people in Ohio saying, Why dont you stop this company from moving its plant? Whyd you do it for Carrier and the workers in Indiana, but youre not doing it for the workers in Ohio?

Related: Here's the Funny Thing About Trumps Flag-Burning Tweet

He warned, If other companies start calling Wilbur Ross and saying, He did it for Carrier, cant he do it for us? then it will introduce real inefficiency into the economic system and into the decisions of investors.

There is also a real question as to whether Trump could affect companies decision-making on a regular basis if he really is inclined to try. The Carrier deal may have been easier than most because of a combination of United Technologies reliance on federal contracts and the fact that Trumps vice president, Mike Pence, is currently the governor of Indiana.

Its not clear that Trump would have similar leverage over a different firm in a different state.

Carrier, in a statement late Wednesday, said the change in its plans "is possible because the incoming Trump-Pence administration has emphasized to us its commitment to support the business community and create an improved, more competitive U.S. business climate. The incentives offered by the state were an important consideration."

The company also said, "This agreement in no way diminishes our belief in the benefits of free trade and that the forces of globalization will continue to require solutions for the long-term competitiveness of the U.S. and of American workers moving forward."

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Threatening that the horrors experienced by Jews in Nazi Germany would soon be repeated against Muslims in the United States, a letter writer to three mosques in California over the weekend had a clear and chilling message: Your day of reckoning has arrived. Theres a new sheriff in town  President Donald Trump.

The episode is just one of hundreds of incidents of hate that have swept the country since Trump defeated Hillary Clinton to become president-elect on Nov. 8. In the 10 days following the election, the Southern Poverty Law Center recorded 867 occurrences of hateful harassment, adding the caveat that the number "almost certainly represents a small fraction of the actual number of election-related hate incidents that have occurred."

Yet even many of the cases that have been documented will not be classified as hate crimes under the law, and even fewer will be prosecuted as such. Problems and inconsistencies exist at every step of the process for prosecuting a crime that is about more than simply an individual's action, but also their motivation. Not only is it a unique challenge in law enforcement but, after Trump's ascendance to one of the world's most powerful positions, the debate over how to police hate crimes is also an increasingly important one.

A hate crime is defined by the FBI as a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offenders bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity. There can often be a thin line between protecting an individual's right to freedom of speech under the First Amendment and interpreting an incident as a crime. Telling a woman in a hijab to "get out of the country," or giving a Nazi salute to an African American, for example, are not criminal offenses.

Even when the line is crossed into illegality, there is no uniform method for prosecuting hate crimes in the United States. Indeed, there are five states that dont have any laws specifically against hate crimes. One of those is South Carolina, where Dylann Roof is accused of killing nine black parishioners at a church in Charleston last year. Rather than the state, it was down to federal prosecutors and current attorney general Loretta E. Lynch to bring hate crime charges against Roof.

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"I think most experts will agree that there is a vast amount of under-reporting," said Oscar Garcia, deputy district attorney for San Diego's Hate Crimes Unit. "Victims and witnesses are reluctant to come forward and theres so much discretion involved whether the police mark it on a report as a suspected hate crime."

The federal law against hate crimes was significantly strengthened by the 2009 passing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. It extended a law first created at a very basic level by the Civil Rights Act in 1968 to include crimes motivated by a victims actual or perceived gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. It also removed the provision that the victim must be engaged in a federally protected activity, such as voting or attending school, at the time of the attack.

Thirteen years in the making, only in President Barack Obama's first year in office was it finally signed into law, having been held under threat of veto by his predecessor, President George W. Bush. During debates on the subject, one of the most vocal opponents was Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, the man who next year is set to become the most senior law enforcement official in the country having been selected by Trump for the post of attorney general.

Trump

Photo: Reuters/Jonathan Ernst

His appointment adds to concerns that Trump's administration will make the prevention, recording and prosecution of such incidents even more difficult than under the current patchy legal framework between local, state and federal departments.

As it is, the exact extent of the problem Sessions is likely to inherit is hard to pin down. The 1990 Hate Crimes Statistics Act required the Justice Department to collect data on hate crimes, which it publishes annually through the FBI. However, those figures are incomplete due in no small part to the fact that 20 states do not have any requirement to collect their own data on hate crimes.

Charlotte, the scene of the 2015 mass shooting in South Carolina, recorded just two hate crimes in all of 2013. As extraordinary as that may seem, a total of 87 cities with populations over 100,000 people, including Miami, Portland and Honolulu, either failed to report hate crime statistics to the FBI in 2015 or reported having zero such incidents.

When the FBI reported earlier this month that the number of hate crimes in 2015 had risen by 6.8 percent from the previous year to 5,850, it was understandably interpreted as a serious concern. However, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, which includes crimes that weren't reported to police, has found that number to be vastly higher. For 2012, the most recent year for which records are available, it reported the number of hate crimes as 293,800.

With no requirement to report, the stark difference in figures can in part be put down to basic logistical failures on the part of some local law enforcement agencies, according to Mark Potok, senior fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center.

We found that a huge number of state police officials were simply filling in zero when they did not get reports by the deadline, Potok told International Business Times.

But issues exist even before it comes to reporting figures. Investigating an incident as a hate crime involves adding a whole extra element to what could otherwise go down as a straightforward offense.

"Sometimes the evidence isnt there or [police] didnt ask the right questions in initial interviews with the victim," Potok said. "Sometimes theyve got a local prosecutor, this sometimes happens in southern states, who dont believe in hate crime laws and they know they're not going to be prosecuted as such anyway so why bother to go the extra step to try to figure out motive when you already know subject A punched subject B in the nose."

The same lack of understanding often exists on the part of the victim. And even when they do realize their civil rights have been violated, there can be an unwillingness to speak up. That appears particularly true in a post-election climate that has not only been cited as a cause for the recent surge in incidents of hate, but also as an extra factor in making victims hesitant to involve the authorities.

Along with victims, witnesses are now also growing wary of retaliation, said Garcia.

"Maybe they're fearful that their face is going to be plastered up there, maybe they're fearful, especially if its anti-Muslim, they dont want to be perceived as being pro-Muslim," he said, recounting a recent case where the employees of a restaurant were unwilling to cooperate after a Muslim customer was physically attacked by three other patrons. "Thats kind of something different I hadnt seen before."

Even if a conviction for a hate crime can be achieved, there is no guarantee that an adequate sentence will be forthcoming. As it stands, sentencing for hate crimes is entirely discretionary and no extra punishment is required to be imposed as it is many states, say, in the case of gang membership. In California, for example, there are mandatory prison sentences for different levels of crimes committed as part of gang activity.

It meant that in San Diego a man only received probation for beating up two African-Americans in his neighborhood bar because they were black. Eight months later, he attacked a Hispanic man in front of his wife and young child, telling him to "get out of the country." Again, the judge handed down only a probationary sentence. The man was later shot and killed by a Hispanic gang member.

"I dont think it is [strong enough] especially with whats happening currently post-election," Garcia said of the current legislation. I would hope that they would put more teeth into it. I think that would instill a sense of fear in those who are prone to commit these crimes to think 'yeah I'm definitely going to get more penalty if I'm apprehended and prosecuted for these offenses.'"

Hopewell Baptist church burned

Photo: Angie Quezada/Delta Daily News

The issue was even more confused before the passing of the 2009 act when there was no single piece of legislation dedicated to hate crimes. Arguing against the act at the time, Sessions, who was denied a federal judgeship by the Senate in 1986 over alleged racist comments, suggested that federal involvement should be limited.

When we now carve out a different class of people that may also deserve that kind of protection, we need  to explain why these cases are such that they are not being adequately prosecuted by state courts, why they're not being adequately prosecuted throughout the system, and why we need to have the federal government take over prosecutions that they have not taken over before, Sessions said. People are concerned with how we are picking and choosing the people who receive the extra protection.

Michael Lieberman, Washington Counsel for the Anti-Defamation League, helped lead the effort to pass the 2009 act. He said the potential for hate crimes to spark wider public unrest is reason enough for them to be treated as special cases.

Not that many crimes can result in a riot, but hate crimes can, he said. Every major law enforcement organization and every major civil rights organization were on the same side [in supporting the legislation]. These laws really can have a deterrent impact and they really can tamp down community disorders.

While the recently released FBI data for 2015 demonstrated a worsening problem, the Southern Poverty Law Center's real-time count has illustrated the number of incidents directly related to the election. And the organization, which tracks hate groups, is not alone in its efforts.

Launched in the wake of the spate of reports since the election, Harass Map works closely with research teams at Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northeastern University, and relies on individuals to enter reports of incidents that have already been detailed by the media.

There is a clear and obvious need for us to track the hate crimes and create manageable data in order to affect policy and action, Vanessa Diaz, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles' Bunche Center for African American Studies who co-founded Harass Map, told IBT. Were hoping to be able to get help and services to different communities and have the data as a way to affect policy during the Trump presidency. [To use] the data to establish what kind of work needs to be done to address these concerns, where it needs to be done and for whom it needs to be done.

Sparked into action by such reports, some elected officials have already recognized that work needs to be done. Last week, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced he was creating a special police unit to tackle what he described as an explosion in hate crimes since the election.

The ugly political discourse of the election did not end on Election Day, Cuomo said. In many ways, it has gotten worse, [turning] into a social crisis that now challenges our identity as a state and as a nation and our people.

Meanwhile, Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut has revealed plans to submit legislation mandating tougher sentences for those convicted of hate crimes. Included in his legislation will be incentives and resources for law enforcement to report hate crimes and a provision allowing victims to report them anonymously.

Extra initiatives have also been launched in recent days in Delaware, Maryland and Massachusetts, while In San Francisco, undercover officers are being sent into neighborhoods to see if they become victims of hate crimes.

In California, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom has called on local authorities to establish a zero-tolerance approach toward hate in schools. According to the Southern Policy Law Centers data, K-12 schools have been the most common location for incidents of hate, with 183 in the 10 days post-election.

In a survey conducted by the Southern Poverty Law Center of 10,000 teachers, counselors, administrators and other school workers, 90 percent responded that their school's climate had been negatively affected by the results of the election. Eighty percent, meanwhile, reported increased anxiety on the part of students concerned about the impact of the election results on themselves and their families.

We're seeing things like middle school students blocking Latino and Latino-looking students from entering a lunch room or a classroom chanting 'build a wall," Diaz said, describing one such reported incident.

Trump has repeatedly promised to build a wall along the entire U.S.-Mexico border. He has also called for a ban on all Muslims entering the U.S., as well as a registry to be set up of Muslims already in the country and strict surveillance of mosques.

"I think it has evoked a lot of fear," Corey Saylor, director of the department to monitor and combat Islamophobia at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said. "Parents in particular. I'm hearing from a lot of parents, whose kids are coming to them, [saying] 'When are the camps coming? Are we going to be deported?'"

Trump's actions since the election have done little to calm those fears. As well as the selection of Sessions, the Republican has appointed Steve Bannon, the head of Breitbart Media, which he once called a "platform for the alt-right," an offshoot of conservatism combining white nationalism, racism and populism.

Steve Bannon

Photo: Reuters/Carlo Allegri

"What weve seen is people feeling like they are able to publicly express hatred of any minority at all," Potok said. "It's as if Pandora's Box has been opened and these beasts have come leaping out. It's celebratory violence announcing the arrival of white nationalists, or their friends at least, in the White House."

The Southern Poverty Law Center said it has so far received around 675,000 signatures on petitions calling on Trump to rescind his appointment of Bannon and to distance himself from white nationalists.

For his part, Lieberman, of the Anti-Defamation League, insists he and others are ready to hold Trumps administration and, in particular, Sessions, to account over their handling of hate crimes.

Enforcement of civil rights laws should not be a discretionary thing that some people think is a good idea and others dont, Lieberman said. These are the laws of the land and were going to work as hard as we possibly can to hold any confirmed attorney general to full and fair enforcement of the full range of civil rights laws.

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By Emily Stephenson and Melissa Fares

NEW YORK, Dec 1 (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump visits a factory in Indiana on Thursday to kick off a "thank you tour" and celebrate his role in persuading air conditioner maker Carrier Corp to preserve around 1,000 jobs in the state rather than move them to Mexico.

Trump was then due to hold a rally in Cincinnati, Ohio, and address supporters who helped him win that swing state in his stunning victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

In an early victory for the Republican before he takes office, Carrier said this week it agreed to keep more than 1,000 jobs at its plant in Indianapolis and at its headquarters, while still planning to move more than 1,000 other U.S. jobs to Mexico.

Trump campaigned hard on keeping jobs in the United States and frequently targeted Carrier for planning to ship jobs overseas as he appealed to blue-collar workers in the Midwest.

Though the company is still outsourcing Indiana jobs to Mexico, the deal marks a quick win for Trump, who has spent most of his time since the Nov. 8 election in New York building his team ahead before the Jan. 20 handover of power from President Barack Obama.

Carrier confirmed that Indiana agreed to give the company $7 million in tax incentives. A source briefed on the matter said the tax incentives are over 10 years and the company has agreed to invest $16 million in the state, which is run by Governor Mike Pence, Trump's vice president-elect.

Trump spokesman Jason Miller told reporters the Carrier deal is proof that "this administration is going to make good on our promises to keep jobs here in America."

But Carrier, a unit of United Technologies Corp, still plans to move 600 jobs from the plant to Mexico, the Wall Street Journal said. Reuters reported earlier this week Carrier also still intends to close a factory in Huntington, Indiana, that employs 700 people making controls for heating, cooling and refrigeration and move the jobs to Mexico by 2018.

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U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who lost the Democratic primary to Clinton, said the Carrier deal is incomplete and leaves the incoming Trump administration open to threats from companies.

"Trump has endangered the jobs of workers who were previously safe in the United States. Why? Because he has signaled to every corporation in America that they can threaten to offshore jobs in exchange for business-friendly tax benefits and incentives," Sanders wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece on Thursday.

He noted that Trump had originally said he would save 2,100 jobs that Carrier planned to move to Mexico.

"Let's be clear: It is not good enough to save some of these jobs," Sanders said.

CINCINNATI RALLY

The Indiana and Ohio stops will be Trump's first public events since he won the presidency.

At the Cincinnati event, Trump and Pence will talk about what is ahead and the "positive change" Trump will bring to the country, spokesman Miller said.

Trump's Cincinnati rally looks like it will echoes the raucous events that characterized his election campaign, in which he railed against Washington insiders and Wall Street and vowed to "drain the swamp."

But now Trump is turning to establishment figures to fill critical positions in his administration.

On Wednesday, Trump said he would nominate former Goldman Sachs banker Steven Mnuchin, to lead the Treasury Department. Trump named Wilbur Ross, a billionaire known for his investments in distressed industries, as his nominee for commerce secretary.

The Trump team has also tapped a series of experienced Washington hands to oversee the transfer of power within government departments and agencies.

The real estate mogul and former television celebrity, who has never before held elected office, has named some members of his Cabinet but has many other jobs to fill.

The Cincinnati rally follows a car and knife attack this week by a Somali immigrant and Muslim student, Abdul Razak Ali Artan, at Ohio State University in Columbus that left 11 people injured, for which Islamic State claimed responsibility.

After the attack, Trump criticized Artan's entry into the country. In a Twitter message, Trump said, "ISIS is taking credit for the terrible stabbing attack at Ohio State University by a Somali refugee who should not have been in our country."

Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, accused Trump of seeking to exploit the "tragic situation in Ohio."

(Additional reporting by Steve Holland and David Shepardson Writing by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Alistair Bell)
By Drazen Jorgic ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - U.S. president-elect Donald Trump offered to help solve Pakistan's problems and praised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a "terrific guy" in the first call between the two men, the Pakistani leader's office said. Historical allies in the region, Islamabad and Washington have seen relations sour in recent years over U.S. accusations that Pakistan shelters Islamist militants, a charge denied by the South Asian nation. Sharif's office said late on Wednesday the Pakistani premier called Trump to congratulate him on his victory and issued a read out of the call. Trump's team confirmed the two men talked and issued a brief statement. "President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way," said the statement issued by Sharif's office. "I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it." The prime minister's office did not elaborate on the kind of problems Trump offered to solve. The statement also did not clarify why exactly Trump was impressed with Sharif. Pakistan's sputtering economy has rebounded since Sharif was elected in 2013 and security has vastly improved amid greater efforts by the army to tackle militants such as the Pakistani Taliban. But security remains a problem as Islamist groups continue to stage mass attacks and Islamic State radicals have sought to gain a foothold inside Pakistan, claiming responsibility for several high-profile attacks. The economy is also facing acute challenges, including energy shortages. Trump's office said the two leaders had a "productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future". "President-elect Trump also noted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif," the statement added. STRAINED TIES Detailing the conversation, Sharif's office added that Trump told the Pakistani premier to feel free to call him any time before he assumes office on January 20. "As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," the statement added, paraphrasing Trump's comments. Sharif's office often releases read outs of his conversations with foreign heads of state but they are seldom so full of praise for the Pakistani premier, especially during calls with Western leaders. Sharif invited Trump to visit Pakistan, according to the statement, and the incoming U.S. leader agreed. "Mr Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people," said the statement. Few details are known about Trump's planned policy for South Asia but the warm words between the leaders suggests ties could be reset under Trump's presidency and will ease concerns in Islamabad that Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric in the run up to the poll will not lead to unfriendly policies towards Pakistan. At one point Trump proposed banning Muslims from the entering the United States, remarks that alarmed the predominantly Muslim nation of 190 million people. Islamabad has also been concerned about warmer ties between the United States and India, fearful that Washington is pivoting towards New Delhi at a time of heightened tensions between the nuclear armed neighbors who have fought three wars since their independence from British rule in 1947. Trump also has business ties in India, which has stoked concerns in Pakistan that under his presidency the United States may accelerate its shift towards New Delhi. Pakistan continues to receive aid as well as military funding and training from the United States, but the U.S. Congress has recently held back some help due to frustrations about Pakistan's unwillingness to act against elements of the Afghan Taliban. Relations hit new lows in May when a U.S. drone killed Mullah Akhtar Mansour, the leader of the Afghan Taliban movement, on Pakistani territory. (Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
By Emily Stephenson and Dustin Volz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump, who pledged on the campaign trail to "drain the swamp" in Washington, is staffing his on-the-ground transition teams mostly with government veterans, including ex-lobbyists, a Reuters review of publicly available information shows. Drawing heavily from former military, congressional and agency staff, he has named about 140 operatives to "landing teams" at various government departments to smooth the transition to a new Trump administration. The Reuters review found that about 80 percent of them have prior government experience. At least 25 of them have done lobbying work at some point in their careers, and at least six appeared to be actively working as registered lobbyists up until November. Trump made getting rid of insiders a key tenet of his campaign. We have to break the cycle of corruption, and we have to give new voices a chance to go into government," Trump said on Oct. 18. Historically, it isn't unusual for presidents-elect to staff their landing teams with government veterans and it probably helps, said experts on presidential transitions. "If you were really trying to drain the swamp ... you want to get people who actually understand the terrain," said Max Stier, president of the Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit group focused on government service. For instance, Sharon Brown-Hruska is on several Trump landing teams, including one for the market-regulating Commodity Futures Trading Commission. She is a former CFTC commissioner. Brown-Hruska could not be reached for comment. Shawn Krause, who is on the housing and urban development transition team, represents mortgage lender Quicken Loans in Washington as chief of its government advocacy program. Krause was a registered lobbyist until early November, when she deregistered because she had not actively lobbied for some time, Bill Emerson, chief executive at Quicken Loans told Reuters. Nova Daly, who lobbied for the aluminum extrusion industry, is on Trump's trade office landing team. Reached by email, Daly said he had terminated all his lobbying activity. Jessica Ditto, deputy communications director for the Trump transition, said the presence of Daly, Krause and others on the landing teams was not at odds with Trumps campaign statements about the country being run poorly or about getting rid of bureaucrats who dont create jobs. These volunteers who have experience in government are going to help us ensure that we understand the areas that need to be fixed, she said. Trump's transition rules require landing team members to sign a code of conduct requiring them to agree not to lobby for six months after they complete their work. A five-year ban is being applied by Trump to actual administration hires. Trump has nominated some figures from the Washington establishment to top posts, including Elaine Chao, a former labor secretary who is his nominee for transportation secretary. Norm Ornstein, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, is skeptical about the appointment of Washington veterans to the transition teams. "Those draining the swamp will be alligators themselves," he said. But Steve Moore, a Trump policy adviser who is not a formal part of the transition, said, "If you want an incredibly ambitious legislative agenda in your first 100 days ... having people with political savvy and knowing how to pass laws and how the process works is a real asset." (Additional reporting by Julia Edwards Ainsley; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Ross Colvin)
President-elect Donald Trump has already spoken to 44 world leaders on the phone since winning the U.S. election, including several conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On Wednesday, Trump made his first overture to former Soviet Central Asia, speaking with Nursultan Nazarbayev, the president of Kazakhstan. The pair talked counterterrorism, nuclear nonproliferation, and ways the Trump administration could actually mend fences, as promised during the campaign, with Moscow.

According to a readout of the telephone conversation released by the Office of the President of Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev congratulated the president-elect on his recent victory. Trump then praised the Kazakh presidents 25 years of leadership, which he described, according to the readout, as a fantastic success that can be called a miracle. (While Nazarbayev has managed to navigate the economic and political tumult of the fall of the Soviet Union and raise living standards in the country, his government has faced staunch criticism for human rights abuses and media censorship from advocacy groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.)

The pair then exchanged pleasantries and talked about a range of issues, from nuclear weapons to the war in Syria, before zeroing in on ways that Washington can reach out to Moscow. While far from revelatory  Trumps call Wednesday with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif offered plenty more gobsmack moments as well as a possible rewriting of U.S. policy toward Pakistan  the exchange could still be significant as Trumps transition team tries to cobble together its foreign policy agenda.

Nazarbayev is the first Central Asian leader to speak with the real estate mogul-turned-politician  and thats no accident. Kazakhstan, an oil-rich country of more than 17 million, has distinguished itself by trying to punch above its weight diplomatically, by hosting peace talks on Syria, negotiations about the Iran nuclear agreement, and recently securing a non-permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.

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More to the point, perhaps, Kazakhstan is also a close ally of Russia. According to the readout, the two leaders discussed how Washington and Moscow could mend ties, with Nazarbayev suggesting the fight against terrorism, the Ukrainian crisis settlement and the global nuclear security strengthening as areas ripe for greater cooperation. In response, Trump is said to have been very optimistic about the prospects of developing cooperation between Washington and Moscow, given his recent conversations with Putin.

On the campaign trail, Trump said the United States should look to repair its relationship with Russia, especially by cooperating to fight the Islamic State in Syria. The president-elects transition team is yet to name several key cabinet posts, like secretary of state, that could augment the incoming administrations foreign policy. But Trump has selected Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn as national security advisor, an appointment likely to shape the broad cut and thrust of the Trump administrations global engagement.

A retired three-star general and former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012-2014, Flynn is petrified by the threat posed by Islamic terrorist groups  he actually likened the threat from the Islamic State to that posed by Nazi Germany  and called for cooperating with Moscow in order to fight terrorism. Flynn has also labeled Iran as a threat to the United States, and, like Trump, wants to tear up the Obama administrations landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran.

Whether Trump decides to follow through on ending the nuclear deal could have a major impact on Kazakhstan, which has made nuclear nonproliferation a centerpiece of its foreign policy. Following the collapse the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan gave up its inherited nuclear weapons and has since parlayed its nuclear-free status into diplomatic outreach. According to Nazarbayevs official biography, the president resisted calls from other world leaders, including former Libyan President Muammar al-Qaddafi, to keep the warheads, but instead elected to give them up in exchange for international recognition, respectability, investment and security.

Given Trump and Flynns views on the U.S. nuclear accord with Iran, Kazakhstan will likely be looking for new diplomatic avenues to limit the spread of nuclear weapons  especially if that means bending some important ears in the Trump White House. In an interview with Foreign Policy in April, Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov said that his country prized the nuclear accord as a positive achievement.

We will play any role necessary to make sure the Iran deal stays in place, Idrissov said at the time.

Photo credit: NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP/Getty Images
President-elect Donald Trump officially tapped private equity billionaire Wilbur Ross to serve as his Secretary of Commerce on Wednesday, giving the so-called "king of bankruptcy" first crack at implementing his economic platform.

"Wilbur knows that cutting taxes for working families, reducing burdensome government regulations and unleashing America's energy resources will strengthen our economy at a time when our country needs to see significant growth," Trump said in a statement.

Ross, 79, served as a senior policy adviser on Trump's campaign. If confirmed, he will be called upon to promote Trump's ostensibly protectionist agenda. The President-elect has vowed to renegotiate, or exit, the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and take a more aggressive stance towards China.

Ross will have oversight of the International Trade Administration, which promotes U.S. exports of nonagricultural goods, as well as the Economic Development Administration, which provides grants to stimulate job growth in economically distressed areas.

"Protectionism is a pejorative term. It's not really something that's meaningful," Ross said Wednesday on CNBC. "There's trade, sensible trade, and dumb trade. We've been doing a lot of dumb trade. That's the part that's going to get fixed."

In an October Wall Street Journal op-ed, Ross and University of California-Irvine professor Peter Navarro wrote that Trump would be able to eliminate the U.S.' trade deficit through "smart, tough negotiations" and reduce regulatory burdens on domestic business. Navarro did not respond to a request for comment.

Though most observers will be focused on Ross' approach to trade, he will also have control of some more disparate entities thanks to his position, such as the Census Bureau and the National Weather Service.

Ross made his name - and his fortune, estimated to be about $2.9 billion - investing in distressed companies, first at Rothschild Inc. and then at his own firm, WL Ross & Co. Ross sold his company to Invesco in 2006 for $375 million. A call to his office at Invesco was not immediately returned.

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Ross' best-known investments have been in the heavy industrials and energy sectors, which have shrunk in the U.S in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Trump attracted disaffected workers in those industries with campaign promises to restore economic security and bring back manufacturing jobs.

In 2002, Ross created the International Steel Group after he purchased the struggling LTV Steel, Acme Steel, Weirton Steel and later, Bethlehem Steel companies. He sold the company for $4.5 billion in 2005 to Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, who was in the process of forming Luxembourg-based steel conglomerate ArcelorMittal.

His coal play was less successful.

Ross built the International Coal Group in 2004, which was centered around the assets of bankrupt Horizon Natural Resources. His investment in the company allowed him to shed existing contracts with the United Mine Workers of America, drawing the ire of the labor union. In 2006, 12 miners died in an explosion at an ICG mine in Sago, West Virginia, an incident that briefly turned Ross into a national villain over perceived unsafe conditions at the mine.

"I don't know what is harder-trying to get to sleep at night with Sago hanging over me or getting up in the morning to face another day of internal sorrow and external criticism," Ross told New York magazine at the time. He pledged to match contributions to the victims' families dollar-for-dollar: Trump reportedly gave $25,000.

Ross sold International Coal Group to Arch Coal in 2011 for about $3.4 billion. Arch Coal began Chapter 11 proceedings in January 2016 and cut about $4.5 billion in debt before it emerged from bankruptcy in October.

A mine workers' union spokesman declined to comment on Trump's selection of Ross.

Since the 2008 financial crisis, Ross' investments have largely focused on the financial sector. He has a large stake in the Bank of Cyprus and is currently vice chairman of the institution.

He currently sits on the board of at least five public companies, including ArcelorMittal, Bank of Cyprus, Exco Resources Inc., Sun National Bank and Nexeo Solutions Inc., according to data gathered by relationship mapping service BoardEx, a subsidiary of TheStreet.

If he becomes Secretary of Commerce, Ross would need to immediately resign from all the boards and likely sell his investments or place them into a blind trust, Nell Minow, vice chairman of governance consultancy firm ValueEdge Advisors, previously told The Deal.

Trump himself has been a lightning rod for controversy over perceived conflicts of interest between his real estate empire and his role as President. Trump claimed on Twitter Tuesday that "legal documents are being crafted which take me completely out of business operations," but it is unclear what measures he will take.

Trump said he will hold a news conference to discuss the matter on Dec. 15. For now, he's touting his fellow dealmaker.

"Wilbur Ross is a champion of American manufacturing and knows how to help companies succeed," Trump said. "Most importantly, he is one of the greatest negotiators I have ever met, and that comes from me, the author of The Art of the Deal. Together, we will take on the special interests and stand up for American jobs."

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By Nick Carey and Andy Sullivan

ELKHART, Ind./WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As President-elect Donald Trump received a warm welcome in Indianapolis on Thursday for helping to preserve 1,000 manufacturing jobs, embattled workers elsewhere in the state said that his work had just begun.

United Technologies Corp's (UTX.N) decision to keep half of the 2,100 Indiana jobs it was to shift to Mexico allowed Republican Trump to claim credit after he promised to revive the industrial base of the United States in his populist election campaign.

But the author of "The Art of the Deal" will have a lot more dealmaking to do if he wants to stop the steady erosion of manufacturing jobs from the country because of automation and lower costs abroad.

"Now that they've saved jobs at one plant, we want to see it happen here and elsewhere. If Trump doesn't make that happen then people are going to be very disappointed in him," said Susan Haines, a production coordinator at auto-parts maker CTS Corp (CTS.N), which plans to eliminate 230 Indiana jobs by 2018 as it ships production overseas.

Across Indiana, manufacturers are eliminating at least 5,000 jobs this year under pressure from global competition, according to a Reuters analysis of Labor Department filings. At least 4,060 jobs are disappearing because employers are shifting work to Mexico or other countries, the filings showed.

And 960 workers employed by five companies in Indiana are losing their jobs because their U.S. employers are not able to compete with cheaper imported goods.

Some of those facing job cuts said they did not expect Trump to intervene on their behalf, but they will expect him to take broader steps to protect factory work.

"If in four years it's the same old crap that's going on we'll give another candidate a shot," said Michael Mobley, whose employer, Aurora Casket, eliminated 35 jobs in September and plans to cut another 35 jobs next year as it shifts work to Mexico from Aurora, Indiana.

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FACTORY WORK LAGS ECONOMIC RECOVERY

As elsewhere in the United States, factory work in Indiana lags as the broader economy has recovered from the 2008-2009 recession. Manufacturing employment is down 7.4 percent from January 2007 levels even as total employment in the state has risen 3 percent since then, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nationwide, manufacturing employment is down 12.5 percent since 2007, according to the bureau, even as overall employment has risen 8.8 percent since then.

United Technologies' subsidiary, Carrier Corp, faced harsh scrutiny after it announced in February that it was eliminating 1,400 jobs at an Indianapolis plant that makes heating and air conditioning units, and 700 jobs at a United Technologies factory in Huntington, Indiana.

On the campaign trail, Trump turned the Carrier layoffs into a symbol of working-class frustration, promising that he would rebuild a manufacturing base that has been eroded over the past three decades.

Trump and his vice president-elect, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, worked out an agreement with United Technologies CEO Gregory Hayes that gives the company $7 million in financial incentives from the state, along with a promise to improve the U.S. business climate.

The deal has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. U.S. Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders said it will encourage other companies to threaten to eliminate jobs in return for tax breaks, while some corporate advisers said it smacked of coercion.

"The fact that he is strong-arming a company to potentially stay and do work here is not pro-business," said Alex Major, a partner at McCarter & English who counsels companies on regulatory issues.

The deal also does nothing to prevent other employers from shipping work out of state.

In Elkhart, a small city 160 miles north of Indianapolis, auto-parts maker CTS is not the only company to pull up stakes. Electronics maker Harman International (HAR.N) also plans to eliminate 125 jobs by January as it shifts work to Tijuana, Mexico. The two companies got subsidies from the state totalling $750,000 in 2014.

Still, Trump's willingness to provide tax breaks and other incentives for employers is an encouraging sign, civic leaders said.

"If we have to wait for President Trump to come to Elkhart it may take a while. But if he says here are some tools, we can figure out how to use them," said Kyle Hannon, president of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce.

Others are counting on Trump to take greater steps. Employers will continue to shift work overseas until he rewrites trade agreements, raises tariffs and adds other protections, labour leaders said.

"We're going to need to hold Trump to his word to save American workers' jobs across the country," said Wayne Dayle, who as regional director for the United Steelworkers union in Indianapolis represents employees at the Carrier plant.

(Reporting by Nick Carey in Elkhart, Indiana and Andy Sullivan in Washington, additional reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; editing by Soyoung Kim and Grant McCool)
MOUNT PLEASANT  A Mount Pleasant man was charged Wednesday with nine felony cocaine-related charges after allegedly selling drugs while under surveillence for more than a year.

Javonte R. Hunter, 28, of the 1400 block of Warwick Way, allegedly sold on seven occasions between Sept. 9, 2015 and Sept. 12, 2016, according to Racine County sheriff's investigators.

The total amount of cocaine allegedly sold during the controlled buys was 4.3 grams.

During a search at Hunter's home, investigators allegedly discovered .1 grams of cocaine, $660 in cash, a digital scale, a cell phone with messages using obvious language regarding drug trafficking of cocaine, the complaint said.

Hunter faces seven felony counts of manufacturing or delivering cocaine with the intent to deliver or distribute at or near a school, one felony charge for possession of cocaine, and a felony charge for maintaining a drug trafficking place.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 8 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. Hunter remained in custody as of Wednesday at the Racine County Jail, online records showed.
(Adds background, paragraphs 4-5, reports of defense secretary nominee)

By Emily Stephenson

INDIANAPOLIS, Dec 1 (Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump warned on Thursday that U.S. companies would face "consequences" for outsourcing jobs abroad, as he touted his early success in persuading an air conditioner maker to keep about 1,000 jobs in the United States rather than move them to Mexico.

"Companies are not going to leave the United States anymore without consequences. Not going to happen," the Republican said on a visit to a Carrier Corp plant in Indianapolis.

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, did not say what the consequences would be, but he frequently threatened during the election campaign that his administration would put a 35 percent import tariff on goods made by American manufacturers that moved jobs offshore.

It is unclear what steps would have to be taken by federal authorities before Trump could retaliate against individual companies shifting jobs abroad.

Trump also did not address whether Carrier's parent company, United Technologies, would face any consequences for continuing with plans to move 1,300 other Indiana jobs to Mexico.

Trump made keeping jobs in the United States one of the main issues of his campaign and frequently pilloried Carrier for planning to move production to Mexico as he appealed to blue-collar voters in the Midwest.

Apparently under pressure from Trump, Carrier announced this week it had agreed to keep more than 1,000 jobs at the plant and at its headquarters, while still planning to move more than 1,000 other U.S. jobs to Mexico.

Trump said his negotiations with the maker of air conditioning units were a model for how he would approach other U.S. businesses that are tempted to move jobs overseas to save money.

He pledged to create a healthy environment for business through lower taxes and fewer regulations.

"I just want to let all of the other companies know that we're going to do great things for business. There's no reason for them to leave anymore," Trump said.

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If that approach did not work, there would be penalties, Trump warned.

TAX INCENTIVES

The deal marked a quick win for Trump, who has spent most of his time in New York since the Nov. 8 election building his team ahead of January's inauguration, when he will succeed Democratic President Barack Obama.

Media outlets reported on Thursday that retired Marine General James Mattis would be named defense secretary, but a Trump spokesman said no decision had been made.

Trump toured the plant in Indianapolis and shook hands with workers on an assembly line. Some workers yelled: "Thank you Mr. Trump" and "Thanks Donald" as he greeted them.

Carrier confirmed that Indiana agreed to give the company $7 million in tax incentives. A source briefed on the matter said the tax incentives were over 10 years and the company had agreed to invest $16 million in the state, where Trump's vice president-elect, Mike Pence, is governor.

Carrier still plans to move 600 jobs from the plant to Mexico, the Wall Street Journal said. Reuters reported earlier this week that Carrier also still intended to close a factory in Huntington, Indiana, that employs 700 people making controls for heating, cooling and refrigeration and move the jobs to Mexico by 2018.

SANDERS CRITICISM

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who lost the Democratic nominating race to Hillary Clinton, said the Carrier deal was incomplete and left the incoming Trump administration open to threats from companies.

"Trump has endangered the jobs of workers who were previously safe in the United States. Why? Because he has signaled to every corporation in America that they can threaten to offshore jobs in exchange for business-friendly tax benefits and incentives," Sanders wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece on Thursday.

He noted that Trump had originally said he would save 2,100 jobs that Carrier planned to move to Mexico.

"Let's be clear: It is not good enough to save some of these jobs," Sanders said.

Despite Trump's deal, employers elsewhere in Indiana are laying off five times that many workers because of foreign competition.

Trump was due to hold a rally in Cincinnati later on Thursday and address supporters who helped him win the swing state of Ohio in his upset victory over Clinton.

The Indiana and Ohio stops are Trump's first public events since he won the presidency.

At the Cincinnati event, Trump and Pence will talk about what is ahead and the "positive change" Trump will bring to the country, spokesman Jason Miller said.

On Wednesday, Trump said he would nominate former Goldman Sachs banker Steven Mnuchin to lead the Treasury Department. Trump named Wilbur Ross, a billionaire known for his investments in distressed industries, as his nominee for commerce secretary.

The Cincinnati rally follows a car and knife attack this week by a Somali immigrant and Muslim student, Abdul Razak Ali Artan, at Ohio State University in Columbus that injured 11 people. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility.

In a Twitter message, Trump said: "ISIS is taking credit for the terrible stabbing attack at Ohio State University by a Somali refugee who should not have been in our country."

The Council on American-Islamic Relations accused Trump of seeking to exploit the "tragic situation in Ohio."

(Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Doina Chiacu and David Shepardson in Washington; Writing by Lawrence Hurley and Richard Cowan; Editing by Alistair Bell and Peter Cooney)
A bank established by President-elect Donald Trump's choice for Treasury secretary, Steve Mnuchin, once tried to foreclose on a 90-year-old Florida woman over a $0.27 payment mistake, reported Politico Thursday. Critics in the story allege that OneWest, founded by Mnuchin and partners, took advantage of the 2008 housing collapse by buying out risky loans from mortgage lender IndyMac and, in turn, getting help from Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to cover the costs.

OneWest has been widely criticized for its aggressive foreclosure tactics, and Politico surfaced an especially troubling example from two years ago that involved 90-year-old Ossie Lofton in Lakeland, Florida. She had apparently take out a reverse mortgage, a loan that allows older homeowners to use to equity they've built up in their homes to get cash without a monthly payment plan.

Lofton reportedly owed the bank $423.30 after some confusion insurance coverage. She mistakenly sent a check for only $430. OneWest sent another bill for $0.30 but Lofton sent the bank just $0.03. OneWest, in turn, foreclosed. Florida Rural Legal Services, a non-profit, challenged the foreclosure and requested the local court for a jury trial last month.

Mnuchin and his partners last year sold OneWest, which has been described a so-called "foreclosure machine," for a reported profit of about $1.5 billion. "Mr. Mnuchin oversaw a bank that created difficulties and financial ruin for tens of thousands of families," Kevin Stein, from the housing advocacy group California Reinvestment Coalition, told NPR.

Mnuchin, 53, has no government experience, but has long been a major Wall Street figure and has had a career defined by "moving fast to seize opportunities that might terrify others," according to the Wall Street Journal. He also spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs, a firm tied to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton during the presidential campaign, but has also featured prominently in Trump's transition into the White House.

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Billionaire Wilbur Ross is a "really good choice" to head the Commerce department, former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley told CNBC on Wednesday.



For one, Ross is extremely close to President-elect Donald Trump and that's important for a Cabinet position, he said in an interview with " Closing Bell ."

Plus, "he's been in multiple different industries, businesses, has seen the good and bad of a lot of different industries and the difficulties internationally. And he's been a strong advocate for a different trade policy," said Daley, who served as Commerce secretary under President Bill Clinton .

On Wednesday, Trump tapped Ross for the position. Ross, 78, has been a staunch supporter of Trump and is one of his economic advisors.

Daley said Ross will be an important senior member of the president's economic team and will be listened to when he's part of economic discussions.

Ross, who heads the private equity firm WL Ross & Co, told CNBC on Wednesday he wants to overhaul "dumb trade" deals the United States has with countries around the world.

He also favors bilateral agreements with trade partners, rather than regional pacts.

However, Daley, who is now managing partner at Argentiere Capital, said that is easier said than done.

"If you do one-on-one deals, you go and do a separate deal with China, you do a separate deal with Japan ... that's not only taxing, you've got a lot of similarities when you look at a region like Asia that you'd like to be able to take advantage of on a bigger deal," he noted.

And while he applauds talk about getting more U.S. exports into China, he said that's something the U.S. has been trying to accomplish for years.

"We all want to push an open China, but it's not as easy as some people think."

 CNBC's Matthew Belvedere and Reuters contributed to this report.









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TUNIS (Reuters) - The Tunisian government will sell its stakes in telecom companies Orange Tunisia and Ooredoo next year, a senior official told Reuters on Thursday. "The government will sell next year its 10 percent stake in Ooredoo and its 51 percent holding in the company Orange Telecom," Habib Dabbabi, a junior minister in digital economy, told Reuters. He added that the government had not decided whether it would carry out the sales by tender or on the stock market. The government will keep its 65 percent holding in Tunisia's third major telecoms company, Tunisie-Telecom, Dabbabi said. French telecoms firm Orange has a 49 percent stake in Orange Tunisia, which has more than 4.5 million mobile phone subscribers in the North African country. Ooredoo Tunisia is controlled by the Qatari companyof the same name and has about 6.5 million mobile subscribers. The government confiscated a 51 percent stake in Orange Tunisia from a son-in-law of former leader Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali after he was ousted in an uprising in 2011. The son-in-law, Marouane Mabrouk, has appealed against the government's seizure of the stake. Tunisia has a population of 11.5 million people and mobile penetration of 97 percent. (Reporting by Tarek Amara; editing by Susan Thomas)
American Crime star Regina King will headline Netflixs racial crime drama Seven Seconds, from The Killing executive producer Veena Sud, per The Hollywood Reporter.

RELATEDWhite Collar Vet Tim DeKay Joins American Crime Season 3

The series explores the tensions between African-American citizens and Caucasian cops in Jersey City after a teenage African-American boy is critically injured by an officer. King will play the victims mother, a devout churchgoer who is shaken to her core by the incident.

King is also slated to return to American Crime for Season 3.

Ready for more of todays newsy nuggets? Well

* Buffy alum Charisma Carpenter will guest-star during Season 2 of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders as a yoga-obsessed divorcee whose traveling partner is suspected to have been killed by the Yeti while trekking in the Himalayas, TVLine has learned. The actress  who shared a photo from set on Instagram  appears in Episode 12.

Instagram Photo

* Sam Worthington (Avatar) will star opposite Paul Bettany in Discovery Channels eight-episode Unabomber series Manifesto, our sister site Deadline reports. The actor will play FBI agent Jim Fitz Fitzgerald, whose radical approach ultimately took down Unabomber Ted Kaczynski (Bettany). Additionally, Keisha Castle-Hughes (Game of Thrones) is in negotiations to portray Fitzs street-agent partner, Tabby.

* Bravos Watch What Happens Live will debut a new (and much larger) studio, logo and name  Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen  on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 11/10c.

* BBC America has released new art for the Doctor Who Christmas special, The Return of Doctor Mysterio, airing Sunday, Dec. 25 at 9/8c.

Doctor Who Christmas Special

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A Kickstarter campaign to reprint Fortunato Depero's iconic design book "Depero Futurista" has reached its crowdfunding goal. The book will join another major design book to find its way back to print, as Paul Rand's "A Designer's Art" has just hit shelves.

"The Bolted Book"



First published in 1927, Depero's volume on avant-garde design and book-making is known as "The Bolted Book" for the two industrial aluminum bolts that bind its pages.



An Italian Futurist artist and designer, Depero filled his monograph with typographic experimentation, innovative layouts and work in a wide range of media.

"Depero Futurista" "is universally recognized as a landmark avant-garde example of the "book as object," according to the Kickstarter campaign page to bring the book back into print.

The Kickstarter campaign launched in October for a goal of $249,000; at last count, more than $258,000 had been raised.



Behind the effort are Designers & Books, the Center for Italian Modern Art in New York (CIMA), and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto, Italy (Mart), which houses the Depero archives. The plan: to publish a new facsimile edition that will be the first exact copy of of the book since its original publication 90 years ago.



The campaign is currently promising to send a completed book in July 2017 to those who pledge $127; for smaller pledges, a tote bag and a poster are available.

When the bolts are removed, the pages become 240 prints that can be displayed on a wall, the campaign page points out.



All 240 pages of the original "Bolted Book" can be viewed at www.boltedbook.com.



"Paul Rand: A Designers's Art"



Last month, graphic designers rejoiced when Paul Rand's major contribution to the field got a highly anticipated reprint by Princeton Architectural Press.

Arguably the most influential graphic designer of the 20th century, Rand was behind the logos for IBM, UPS and ABC, among many others. He published his monograph in 1985, including 27 essays that reflect on his process and theory as well as more than 200 illustrations.



An afterword from prominent art director, author and critic Steven Heller is included in the new edition.



Rand's "intense belief in the rightness of form in all design established a veritable territorial imperative for design thinking," Heller writes.



"Paul Rand: A Designer's Art" is available for $50 from Princeton Architectural Press.
Spotted in Dandaragan in Western Australia, these two brown snakes fought like mad to secure the affections of a female brown snake in order to mate with her.

According to the Australian Museum, male brown snakes will fight for their opportunity to breed with a nearby female.

The museum states: The combating snakes intertwine tightly and wrestle for up to half an hour or more, with each snake trying to push down and overpower the other. Credit: Facebook/Danny Moroney via Storyful
NEW YORK, Nov 30 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Wednesday threw out the last vestiges of private litigation over alleged aluminum price-fixing, dismissing lawsuits by Eastman Kodak Co , Fujifilm Holdings Corp, Reynolds Consumer Products and three other plaintiffs.

U.S. District Judge Katherine Forrest in Manhattan on Oct. 5 dismissed nationwide litigation in which purchasers accused Goldman Sachs Group Inc, JPMorgan Chase & Co, mining company Glencore Plc and others of conspiring from 2009 to 2012 to boost prices by reducing supply.

Forrest later agreed that the other six plaintiffs were entitled to have their claims considered separately because they had filed their own lawsuits.

But she said those claims must also fail because there was no proof that the defendants engaged in anticompetitive conduct outside the aluminum warehouse services market.

"The court accepts that plaintiffs here paid higher prices as a result of the alleged conduct," she wrote. "That is not enough. plaintiffs needed to be injured in the warehouse services or warrant trading markets that were allegedly being directly manipulated."

The main case is In re: Aluminum Warehousing Antitrust Litigation, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 13-md-02481.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Andrew Hay)
RACINE  A Racine man has been charged in connection to an incident last week in which he allegedly fled police  dragging an officer in the process  and then crashing his car and injuring two children.

Michael A. Wright, 26, of the 1600 block of Monroe Avenue, was charged Wednesday with felony hit-and-run causing injury, two felony charges for first-degree recklessly endangering safety, and a felony charge for attempting to flee or elude traffic officers. He faces potential additional penalties for being a repeat offender, court documents indicated.

According to a criminal complaint:

Wright was pulled over Nov. 22 in the 1300 block of South Memorial Drive by an unmarked squad car. Officers reportedly recognized Wright and knew he had warrants for his arrest.

When asked to step out of the vehicle, Wright allegedly backed up his car and dragged an officer, who was trying to open the cars door when it began to move, as far as 40 feet before accelerating at a high rate of speed and driving away from the scene.

Wrights vehicle was found at the intersection of South Memorial Drive and Durand Avenue after being involved in a crash. Victims of the crash told police that Wrights car mounted a curb, went left of center while turning onto Durand Avenue, struck one vehicle and then hit another vehicle with two children in it head-on, according to the complaint. The two children, ages 7 and 9, reportedly suffered chest pain as a result of the crash.

Police located Wright soon after, near the intersection of South Memorial Drive and Winthrop Avenue, and detained him.

Wright is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 8 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. He remained in custody as of Wednesday at the Racine County Jail, online records showed.
LONDON (Reuters) - British carpet distributor Headlam (HEAD.L) said full-year profit should beat current market expectations as price rises introduced after the pound fell in the wake of the Brexit vote had not had an adverse impact on revenue.

Shares in the firm, which supplies independent floorcovering retailers and contractors, rose by as much as 5.6 percent in early trade on Thursday.

In August Headlam increased prices on residential floorcoverings imported from continental Europe by 3.5 percent on average to cover the pound's fall against the euro.

"The price increases ... have remained in place since their introduction in August and, pleasingly, appear to have had no adverse impact on residential sector revenue," the firm said.

"As a result of this, and due to continued volatility in foreign exchange rates, it is the companys intention to keep these price increases in place going forward."

Headlam said it has continued to experience no discernible impact on trading following the EU referendum in June, although August was slightly weaker than expected because of a softer commercial market in Britain.

Consumer spending in Britain has held up since the Brexit vote. However, the Bank of England and many economists fear higher prices caused by the Brexit hit to the value of the pound and slower jobs growth will eat into households' purchasing power next year.

For the 10 months to Oct. 31 Headlam's total revenue was up 5.2 percent year-on-year. UK revenue accounted for about 88 percent of the total.

UK like-for-like revenue in the second half of the year to Oct. 31 was up 4.8 percent. Trading during November maintained that trend.

Revenue from the company's continental European businesses grew 2.6 percent over the 10 months when measured in constant currencies.

"Subject to trade continuing as anticipated during the remaining important weeks of the year, the company expects to report preliminary results (for 2016) before non-recurring items ahead of current consensus market expectations," it said.

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Prior to Thursday's update analysts were on average forecasting a pretax profit of 37 million pounds ($46.4 million), up from 36 million pounds in 2015.

Shares in Headlam were up 4 percent at 492 pence at 0936 GMT.

($1 = 0.7978 pounds)

(Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Susan Fenton)
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain would have liked to quickly resolve the issue of post-Brexit rights of European Union nationals in Britain but needs the bloc's agreement on the reciprocal rights of Britons in the EU, Brexit minister David Davis said on Wednesday. The EU earlier this week rebuffed a call from pro-Brexit British lawmakers for a quick deal on mutual residence rights for British and EU expatriates, saying it had to wait until full-blown divorce talks began. "If were up to us we would have this resolved in months but we have to get the agreement of the European Union too," Davis said, adding that Britain had a responsibility to protect the rights of its citizens by not agreeing to a non-reciprocal deal. Davis also said that the outcome of a court appeal over whether parliament's approval is needed to begin formal Brexit talks may impact any bill the government eventually has to introduce. The BBC reported last month that the government had prepared a bill of just three lines which it believed would be "bomb-proof" against amendments by lawmakers who may try and add conditions to the approval. "On the question of the court case, it isn't just a yes or no outcome ... the actual nature of the bill may be influenced by the outcome," Davis said. During the same question session in parliament, junior Brexit minister David Jones said it was "extremely difficult" to see how one part of the United Kingdom could remain part of the single market if the rest did not. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by Sarah Young)
The Ukrainian military said Thursday that Kiev had begun missile launch drills close to the border with Russia-occupied Crimean peninsula, ignoring Moscows threats of a retaliatory strike.

The launches have already begun, so everything is going according to plan, Vladimir Kryzhanovsky, chief of the southern branch of the Ukrainian militarys press, told Russias TASS news agency. He said the missiles would come as close as 30 kilometers, or about 18 miles, to Crimean airspace.

Russian ships from the Black Sea Fleet have reportedly moved to the west of the Crimean peninsula to provide air defense over Russian territory.

However, Ukraine has moved the high-risk zones of its missile launches westward, away from Russias territorial waters, a spokesman for the Russian civil aviation authority Rosaviatsiya told reporters.

The new zones lie over international waters. The territorial waters of Russia are not affected. This zone is within Russian air traffic controllers zone of responsibility, but this will not affect flight safety, he reportedly said.

This incident adds to heightened tensions between the two countries that were once allies. Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Moscows support for separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine led to the collapse of the alliance.

Kiev has maintained that the two-day exercise is legitimate and in accordance with international laws.

We will continue to strengthen the defense capability of our nation and continue missile tests and training, the secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council, Oleksander Turchynov, reportedly said Wednesday.

The Russian defense ministry has accused Ukraine of creating a nervous situation and Crimean premier Sergey Aksyonov assured the peninsulas citizens that the drills posed no threat to them.

The Armed Forces [of Russia] fully ensure security of Russian citizens, including on the territory of the Crimean Republic. All our flights are performed as scheduled, Aksyonov said.

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He also accused Kiev of attempting to play dirty tricks, but added: This is not dangerous for the life and health of our citizens, everything will be okay.

Related Articles
By Pavel Polityuk and Gleb Stolyarov KIEV/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Ukraine's military said its two-day missile drill starting on Thursday would avoid the airspace over Crimea, sidestepping a possible confrontation with Russia which annexed the peninsula in 2014. News of the tests had angered the Kremlin, prompting it to put its air defense forces on high alert and maneuver warships in the Black Sea. The disagreement marked a fresh escalation in tensions between the neighbors and one-time allies, whose relations collapsed after Russia seized Crimea and backed pro-Russian separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine. Volodymyr Kryzhanovsky, a Ukrainian military official, said the exercises, which are taking place in Ukraine's southern Kherson region bordering Crimea, were being carried out in accordance with international law. The exercises were taking place at least 30 km (18 miles) from Crimea's air space, "therefore it would be wrong to reproach Ukraine," he told the 112 TV channel. Moscow initially responded to the test plans by putting its land-based and ship-borne air defense forces in Crimea on higher alert and a Russian military source accused Ukraine of trying to create a "nervous situation." On Thursday Russia's federal aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, said in a statement that it had received new coordinates for the tests that meant the "danger zone reserved for missile launches does not now affect the air space over Russian territorial waters." Ukraine says the aim of the tests is to bolster its defense capabilities. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that he did not know whether President Vladimir Putin had ordered the defense ministry to prepare a potential military response to the Ukrainian tests. He was responding to a question about Ukrainian media reports which said that the Russian Defence Ministry had told Ukraine's military envoy that Moscow would shoot down any missiles and destroy their launchers if Kiev test-fired missiles in the air space near Crimea. "In the Kremlin we wouldn't want to see any actions by the Ukrainian side that breached international law and that might create dangerous conditions for international flights over the territory of Russia and adjacent regions," said Peskov. Kryzhanovsky said the Ukrainian military was ready for "any developments". Russia held large-scale war games across its southern military district in September, including Crimea. (Additional reporting by Andrey Ostroukh in Moscow; Writing by Alessandra Prentice in Kiev and Andrew Osborn in Moscow; Editing by Jack Stubbs and Andrew Heavens)
Aden (AFP) - The UN envoy to Yemen and President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi met Thursday in the southern city of Aden to discuss a new bid to end the country's conflict, a government official said.

Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who flew in from Riyadh, held several hours of talks with Hadi at the hilltop Al-Maashiq palace, where members of his government are also staying, before leaving Aden, the official said.

The UN envoy, after meeting Hadi in Aden for the first time, said the visit was a "message of respect" for the president, in videotaped comments sent to reporters.

The aim of his mission was to "return to dialogue and a peaceful solution", Ould Cheikh Ahmed said, reporting "much positivity" from Hadi.

Aden has been serving as Yemen's temporary capital since pro-Hadi forces with support from a Saudi-led Arab coalition recaptured it from Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels last year.

Hadi, who has been based mostly in Riyadh since Yemen's conflict broke out, flew to Aden last Saturday.

The government-run sabanew.net website said Hadi handed the envoy a letter reiterating the governments rejection of a roadmap presented by Ould Cheikh Ahmed in October, which would see the president eased out of power.

The contents of the peace roadmap have not been made public.

But informed sources say it calls for agreement on naming a new vice president after the rebels withdraw from the capital Sanaa and other cities and hand over heavy weapons to a third party.

Hadi would then transfer power to the vice president who would appoint a new prime minister to form a government in which the north and south of Yemen would have equal representation.

Late last month, Ould Cheikh Ahmed said he has been preparing "for a new round" of peace talks, after a previous round held in Kuwait collapsed in August.

More than 7,000 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 wounded since Yemen's conflict escalated after the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in March 2015 to support Hadi.

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On a separate front, Aden has been the target of frequent jihadist attacks claimed by Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group which have expanded in Yemen's south and east.

On Thursday, three Al-Qaeda suspects, including a local leader named Abu Jeni al-Suairi, were killed in an apparent US drone strike on their vehicle in the eastern province of Hadramawt, security officials said.

In Shabwa province, further south, suspected Al-Qaeda gunmen shot dead a retired intelligence officer, Colonel Salem Yusr, as he was left a local market, they said.

Washington regards Al-Qaeda's Yemen-based branch as its most dangerous, and it has kept up a long-running drone war targeting its commanders.
Juba (AFP) - UN human rights experts on Thursday said "ethnic cleansing" was under way in South Sudan after visiting the country where violence has soared since a peace deal collapsed in July.

"There is already a steady process of ethnic cleansing underway in several areas of South Sudan using starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages; everywhere we went across this country we heard villagers saying they are ready to shed blood to get their land back," said Yasmin Sooka of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.

"Many told us it's already reached a point of no return."

Sooka was part of a three-member team which travelled to battleground towns including Bentiu, Malakal and Wau to gather facts about the situation in the world's youngest country.

Jarring testimony gathered by the team during their 10-day visit shows a nation on the brink of "catastrophe", said a statement issued by the commission.

"The stage is being set for a repeat of what happened in Rwanda and the international community is under an obligation to prevent it," said Sooka.

At a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, Sooka warned of "unprecedented levels of violence and ethnic tension" without using the term ethnic cleansing, a war crime closely related to genocide which refers more to groups being forcibly removed from a particular area.

South Sudan's current conflict began nearly three years ago when President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy and political rival, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup.

Hopes that an August 2015 peace deal would bring peace to the young nation were dashed when fighting erupted in Juba in July, leading to a surge of violence around the country characterised by divisions between the country's 64 tribes.

- 'Still time to prevent it' -

Sooka said on Wednesday that government and rebel armies were both forcibly recruiting soldiers -- including children -- and warned that "renewed recruitment is an indicator that all the parties are preparing for the next conflict".

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She said fighting was expected to get worse as the dry season settles in.

Keith Harper, the US ambassador to the UN rights council warned that the government appeared to be preparing for large scale attacks, and had in the past two weeks mobilised at least 4,000 militia fighters to the southern Equatoria region.

Among the atrocities reported to the commission was widespread gang rape, with some women unable to receive medical treatment for the complications suffered after sexual attacks.

"The scale of rape of women and girls perpetrated by all armed groups in South Sudan is utterly unacceptable and is frankly mind boggling," said Sooka.

"Aid workers describe gang rape as so prevalent that it's become 'normal' in this warped environment."

After decades of civil war South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011.

However hopes of a fresh start for the oil-rich nation were quickly dashed as internal political divisions burst to the surface, fracturing the government and people along ethnic lines with devastating consequences.

Sooka said that many of the warning signals of impending genocide are already there.

"An existing conflict, resort to polarised ethnic identities, dehumanisation, a culture of denial, displacement based on ethnicity and in some places indications of systematic violations and planning -- but the important thing is there is still time to prevent it," she said.
Sometimes an unexpected musical approach to a subject reaps dramatic dividends.

Abel Korzeniowskis music for Nocturnal Animals switches genres, scoring the psychological drama as a thriller and the crime tale as an intimate personal story. Nicholas Britells Moonlight uses hip-hop techniques but not hip-hop per se in its story of a gay African-American man. And Dustin OHalloran and Hauschkas original score for Lion avoids all reference to Indian music despite the setting of much of the film.

Tom Fords Nocturnal Animals intertwines two stories, about an unhappy art-gallery owner (Amy Adams) and her ex-husbands novel about a violent crime in west Texas that ruins the life of a peaceful man (Jake Gyllenhaal).

Says Korzeniowski: One is a psychological drama, purely internal and emotional. The other is a crime story, as bloody and violent as you can get. The movie makes the case that an emotional harm is as devastating, as life-shattering, as any other kind of violence.

To address this, he adds, the score is written in reverse. The crime story is scored as a very emotional, intimate journey. The story outside, the drama of Susan, is scored like a thriller, as if you were watching a Hitchcock movie. (One critic suggested the music was like a marriage of Philip Glass and Bernard Herrmann.)

Korzeniowskis richly orchestrated and haunting opening music, scored for a 70-piece ensemble, sets the stage, although the composer says he worked and reworked the piece to the very end, to find the right balance, not to cross a boundary or make it too circus-like.

But, he also points out, some of the cues inside the movie are extremely small  like discovering the bodies in the field. (The idea was) to not damage the very fragile feeling, not to overwhelm it and yet give it an extra emotional underlining. So we needed reduced forces and there is this very simple, descending melody, very poignant.

The Polish-born, L.A.-based composer did Fords previous movie, A Single Man, and as before, found the creative process to be very intuitive. We tried many things while searching for the right approach, he says. They worked closely for two months, including three weeks in London prior to recording.

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Intriguingly, despite the many scenes set in rural west Texas, there are no guitars and no hint of country music. The story in Texas is basically a fairy tale, Korzeniowski explains. In a way, its not real. If the book story was a standalone film, there would probably be more action music. There is drive and energy but its mostly emotional, to tell us that its really inside someones head. Its not about scoring objective reality.

On Moonlight, New York composer Nicholas Britells a-ha moment was learning that director Barry Jenkins was a fan of chopped and screwed music, a style of Southern hip-hop in which, Britell explains, you take tracks and slow them down, where you get this very rich and deepened audio texture to the music.

So, Britell offered, What if I actually wrote and fully recorded music, and then there was this second part of the process where I chopped and screwed the score? Thats what we ended up doing.

He began by writing a piece for violin and piano for Little, the boy in the first third of the film. In the early cuts that I saw, there was this feeling of intimacy, sensitivity and beauty, Britell says. I was trying to channel the musical sound of poetry.

Then I started slowing it down and bending it, he explains. It was two or three octaves lower. Then I layered it on top of itself but staggered, then I ran it through a vinyl filter. You just felt this kind of rumbling, and occasionally poking through would be this bell-like sound  the violin and piano from the original theme  and that became the music of the schoolyard scene with the fight.

Some of the music, such as in the swimming scene, was more classically styled (I basically wrote a kind of violin concerto). Certain cues felt like they needed an intimacy because of the nature of the film, Britell says. Barry was very open to a wide range of possibilities.

Strings and piano, whether pure or processed, are still at the heart of the score. We both felt that we wanted the soundscape to be real instruments, says the composer. We wanted there to be a human-ness. And while Jenkins was based in L.A., he often flew to Britells Manhattan studio and spent days together working together and trying things out.

Most of the score consists of just a handful of players. At its largest, there was a group of about 20 that included strings, French horn, clarinet, oboe and bass flute. There was never any thought of attempting to try music of the streets for each chapter of Little / Chiron / Blacks life, Britell says. You dont always know when somethings going to work, but when it works, you immediately know. This just felt right to us.

For Lion, director Garth Davis wanted two composers for the two halves of his film about an Indian boy who is lost, eventually adopted by an Australian family and later, as an adult (Dev Patel), goes in search of his birth mother and hometown.

Both were pianists  German-born Hauschka (Volker Bertelmann), and American-born Dustin OHalloran  and unbeknownst to Davis, they were also good friends. According to Hauschka, Davis wanted him for the first half (because my music has a lot of childish elements as well as exploring elements, and some wildness) and OHalloran for the second (the more emotional part of the story).

They did, in fact, spend a month working separately in their own studios (Hauschka in Dusseldorf, OHalloran in L.A.). We explored the scenes that we liked, says Hauschka. They then joined forces in California, taking all of our ideas and finishing it up together, says OHalloran.

An orchestral approach, OHalloran says, would have been too much. For us, it was trying to find the right restraint, the right level. So they used grand piano, upright piano, prepared piano (placing objects between the piano strings, in this case wooden mutes, felt, papers and foils) and a small string section that ranged from a quartet to 20 players.

The focus is on his emotional state, says OHalloran. Most of the score is single takes. It was about getting the right performance. With the pianos, we would really play to the picture.

And interestingly, there is no Indian music in the score. From the beginning it was clear that we were going to tell an emotional story, not a story of country and race, OHalloran says. The heart of the film is about human connection, and thats a universal feeling, no matter where youre from or your economic situation.

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'La La Land' Named Best Film by New York Film Critics Circle (Full List)

'La La Land,' 'Arrival,' 'Moonlight' Lead Critics' Choice Movie Nominations
IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces a class action lawsuit against Tenet Healthcare Corporation ("Tenet" or the "Company") (THC). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares between February 28, 2012 and October 3, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the Firm prior to the December 6, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

If you purchased Tenet shares during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or via e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

There has been no class certification in this case. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member.

The Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Tenet made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: the Company illegally paid kickbacks to induce the referral of patients to Tenet's hospitals for labor and delivery; that Tenet defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program through this scheme; and that as a result of the above, statements about Tenet's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. On August 1, 2016, Tenet announced that it reached an agreement in principle with federal and state authorities that the Company would pay nearly $514 million to settle allegations that four Tenet hospitals in Georgia and South Carolina paid kickbacks for obstetric referrals. Under the settlement, two Tenet subsidiaries would plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate federal kickback laws. On October 3, 2016, Tenet issued a press release and filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC, announcing the Company finalized the agreement in principle announced on August 1, 2016. When this information was revealed to the public, shares of Tenet dropped in value, causing investors serious harm.

If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit at no charge, or if you have questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or via e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

Contact:

Joon M. Khang, Esq.

Telephone: 949-419-3834

Facsimile: 949-225-4474

joon@khanglaw.com

SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP
Miami (AFP) - Buzz Aldrin, the 86-year-old retired US astronaut who was the second man to walk on the Moon, has been evacuated from the South Pole for medical reasons, officials said Thursday.

Aldrin was visiting Antarctica as part of a tourist group, when his "condition deteriorated," said a statement from the operator, White Desert.

Aldrin was "was evacuated on the first available flight out of the South Pole," it added, describing the move as "a precaution."

"His condition was described as stable upon White Desert doctor's hand-over to the US Antarctic Program medical team," the statement said.

No other details about Aldrin's condition were released.

In 1969, Aldrin and Neil Armstrong became the first men to walk on the Moon, as part of the Apollo 11 mission.

Armstrong stepped out of the lunar module first, uttering the now famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Aldrin stepped out next.

"Beautiful, beautiful. Magnificent desolation," Aldrin said on July 20, 1969.

In recent years, Aldrin has authored books for adults and children and advocated establishing a permanent human colony on Mars.

The National Science Foundation said it received request to evacuate him and dispatched a humanitarian medical flight to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.

From there, another flight would take Aldrin to McMurdo Station on the Antarctic coast, and then to New Zealand "as soon as possible."

An NSF spokesman told AFP he was unable to confirm the status of the flight to New Zealand, given the early hour in McMurdo.

NSF said it "will make additional statements about the patient's medical condition only as conditions warrant."

- 'Here I come' -

Aldrin is an avid user of Twitter, and tweeted in recent days about his trip to the South Pole.

"I could be a little underdressed for Antarctica. Although I tend to be hot blooded," he wrote on November 27, posting a picture of himself wearing a black and red Mars shirt.

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"South Pole, here I come!" he wrote a day later.

Born in Montclair, New Jersey on January 20, 1930, Aldrin was educated at the prestigious West Point military academy in New York state.

He joined the US Air Force, and flew 66 combat missions in the Korean War, shooting down two enemy fighter jets.

He earned a doctorate in astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and devised manned space rendezvous techniques -- an orbital maneuver during which two crafts dock in space -- that were later adopted by NASA.

In 1963, he was picked to join the select corps of early US astronauts, and six years later he set a record -- now broken -- for the longest space walk by spending five and a half hours outside the spacecraft during the Gemini 12 orbital mission.

He logged a total of 4,500 hours flying time, 290 of them in space.

He is known to be a Republican and a devout Christian, and has said he took communion while in the spacecraft that landed on the Moon.

Aldrin has been married and divorced three times and has three children.
RACINE  Dozens of vote-counters and observers made their way to the Racine County Courthouse Thursday morning as a historic presidential recount got under way across Wisconsin.

Tabulators have to go through nearly 97,000 Racine County ballots cast in the Nov. 8 election after Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein filed a request and paid almost $3.5 million to cover costs.

It is a monumental undertaking, County Clerk Wendy Christensen said as she gave instructions in front of a conference room where the recount is taking place.

The recount began just after 9 a.m. It must be completed by 8 p.m. Dec. 12.

Workers spent Thursday mostly setting up the recount, which included reconciling poll books with official election numbers and verifying that absentee ballots were properly accepted or rejected, Christensen said.

Ballots will likely start to be counted on Friday, with most going through a machine and some  like votes cast on a touch-screen  done by hand.

No problems had been reported as of Thursday afternoon.

Recount need disputed

The recount has drawn criticism from Republicans and even some Democrats, as results are not expected to change. But Dave Palmer, observing the recount on behalf of the Stein campaign, said it was important to confirm the election was done properly.

The purpose of the recount is not necessarily to change the result. The purpose of the recount is to ensure the integrity of the process, said Palmer, a Mount Pleasant resident who was a Democratic National Convention delegate for Bernie Sanders.

The reason why theres a concern is that there was a big discrepancy between the exit poll results and the officially recorded results. In other words, there was a big difference between how people say they voted and how officials say people voted.

However, its not uncommon for exit polls to not match eventual results. Josh Schimek, 37, said the recount is pretty ridiculous ... on its face.

Its something we dont need to be doing, said Schimek, a Town of Dover resident observing on behalf of the Donald Trump campaign. I understand personally the reasons as to why someone might want to do a recount. But in this case, there was no evidence to warrant it.

Stein alleged in a filing with the state that irregularities with the Wisconsin vote indicated potential tampering. That, combined with well-documented and conclusive evidence of foreign interference in the presidential race before the election, call into question Wisconsins results, Stein alleged.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has said there is no evidence any voting machines were hacked.

Trump won Wisconsin by about 22,000 votes, or less than a percentage point. In Racine County, he got 46,611 votes compared to Democrat Hillary Clintons 42,512 votes, according to final official numbers.

Not Bush v. Gore

The Wisconsin recount marked the first time in 16 years there was a candidate-driven recount of a presidential recount. But it does not carry the same drama as the Florida presidential recount of 2000, when the outcome of the election between Al Gore and George W. Bush hung in the balance.

This is certainly not Bush v. Gore, said Mike Haas, Wisconsins chief elections administrator.

Even so, the campaigns for Trump, Clinton and Stein all had observers spread throughout the state to watch the process. The recount will have to move quickly. The federal deadline to certify the vote to avoid having the fate of Wisconsins 10 electoral votes decided by Congress is Dec. 13. Even if that were to happen, the votes would almost certainly go to Trump, since Republicans control both chambers of Congress.

The action in Wisconsin could soon be duplicated in Michigan and Pennsylvania, where Stein is also pushing for recounts. Trump narrowly beat Clinton in all three states, but recounts were not expected to flip enough votes to change the outcome in any of the states.
(Reuters) - Everton striker Enner Valencia is hoping to see more first team action and have a bigger impact on the club's season as the Premier League approaches its traditional hectic festive schedule towards the end of the year. The 27-year-old Ecuadorean, who moved to Everton on a season-long loan deal from West Ham United, is yet to make a Premier League start this season, with all his five appearances coming off the bench. "Hopefully, I can play more games in this busy time over Christmas. I really want to be a part of the team and hopefully there will be a lot of rotation with players coming in and out," Valencia told the club's website (www.evertonfc.com). "Hopefully, I can play my part. It is always the same when you go to a new club. You have to learn how they want you to operate. It has been different to what I have done previously. "But when you start to understand what the manager wants from you then it becomes easier and that is how it is going at the moment." With just one win in their last nine games, Everton have failed to live up to their early season promise and face a challenging December, with matches against Manchester United, Arsenal, city rivals Liverpool and champions Leicester City. "We have to take advantage of the Christmas period, although it will be difficult. We have some important matches coming up and need to pick up as many points as we can," Valencia added. Everton, who are seventh, host sixth-placed United on Sunday. (Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru; Editing by John O'Brien)
Rio de Janeiros Latin American Training Center has launched The Guide for Latin American Film Commissions, a Spanish-language ebook aimed at meeting the growing demand for information to establish and operate a film commission in the region.

Presented Wednesday Nov. 30 at Buenos Aires Ventana Sur market by LATC founder and president, Steve Solot, the new publication, available online free of charge on latamtrainingcenter.com, is a companion to the previous Guide for Film Commissions in Brazil, published last year by LATC.

Aimed at multiple audiences, including government officials, film and TV producers, politicians and managers, the goal of the new guide is to contribute to filling a void in the sector. In its introduction, the ebook points out that the significant increase in recent years in the number of offices in Latin America has made countries, states and cities recognize the positive impact of audiovisual activity in local economy. But the trend is facing challenges such as a disorderly proliferation of film commissions and the demand for services in quite diversified locations.

Organized in two sections, the guide first presents ten technical chapters addressing the creation, structure, administration and operation of a film commission in Latin America.

The second part includes ten articles by renowned international experts focusing on film commissions critical importance for audiovisual content production and their contribution to economic development and job creation.

My basic advice to anyone interested in establishing a film commission is to first ensure that the relevant government authorities understand the needs and benefits of a film commission, and then that they will provide strong political support, as well as at least a minimum of economic support to implement the new commission, Steve Solot told Variety.

The experts from the U.S. and Latin America that contributed to the guide include Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film and TV Alliance-IFTA; Kevin Clark, executive director of the Assn, of Film Commissioners International-AFCI; Nancy Haecker, president at Location Managers Guild International-LMGI, and Vans Stevenson, the MPAAs senior vice president for state government affairs.

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There are also articles by Miguel Angel Benzal, CEO of Spains Egeda producers rights collection society, Viviana Dirolli, legal affairs manager at Argentinas INCAA Film Institute; Ana Aizenberg, coordinator of the Latin American Film Commission Network-LAFCN; Adrian Solar, president of FIPCA, the Ibero-American Federation of Film and Audiovisual Producers, and Joseph Chianese, executive vice president at EP Financial Solutions.

Solot, ebook coordinator and also executive director at both Rio Film Commission and Brazilian Film Commission Network-REBRAFIC, highlighted some cases of successful film commissions in the region.

Colombia with a solid foreign production incentive, Mexico City with a strong administrative structure for issuing film permits, Rio de Janeiro with strong support by the municipal film agency and Chile with a winning public relations and marketing campaign showing off its diverse locations, he said.

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Brazil's Davi Pretto On 'Rifle,' Brazil's Rural Diaspora, Doc-Fiction Boundaries
Around 90% of its revenue are denominated in USD.

The recent spate of events affecting the global economy, including Brexit and Trump win, has certainly cast clouds on high-tech design and manufacture firm Venture Corp. But the recent spike in US dollar strenght has proven to be beneficial to the firm according to OCBC Investment Research.

OCBC said Venture will surely benefit from the said spike, as around 90% of its revenue is denominated in USD.

"This could further boost its sales should strength in the USD sustain," the research firm noted.

More so, Venture will receive additional boost due to the weakening of Malaysian Ringgit. OCBC argues that this is significant as around 60% of its manufacturing operations are done in Malaysia.

"Hence, we believe if the weakness of MYR against SGD persists, VMS may benefit from lower operating expenses, and could potentially see some lift in earnings as a result," OCBC explained.





More From Singapore Business Review


Vic Mensa recently joined protesters, known as water protectors, in Standing Rock, North Dakota, where thousands have gathered to block the building of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The pipeline is being constructed near Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and the Standing Rock Sioux tribe contends that the pipeline will disturb its sacred sites, infringes on past treaty agreements and endangers their primary water supply, the Missouri River, as the pipeline passes under it.

On Sunday, the rapper filmed a Facebook Live video to explain why he joined the protest. "This is by treaty, by law, this is land that belongs to the Standing Rock Sioux," Mensa said, adding, "An oil company wants to build the Dakota Access Pipeline and put it through their water source to potentially or most likely contaminate water that services millions of people."

Later he discussed the racist implications in the decision-making of where the pipeline is being routed. "The pipeline was supposed to be over by Bismark, in a different area that's not Indian country and it's a white area. So what they did was they said, 'That's too risky for their water source so, we're gonna switch into Indian country,'" Mensa said. "And, we're not having that. We can't have that and that's why I want to put this message out."

In addition to his Facebook video where he likened Standing Rock's potential water contamination to the catastrophe in Flint, Michigan and showed an overview of the large camp area, the Chicago MC took to Instagram to call for more people to join the protest. "If you believe in the inalienable rights of people; the right to clean drinking water, the right to food and shelter and the right to freedom, then you have to support Standing Rock," he posted on Instagram along with a photo of a #NoDAPL sign on Monday. "Get on a plane, drive, take a bus, whatever you have to do."

Earlier this week the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers set a December 5th deadline for protesters to decamp, as ABC News reports. While the agency said "it has no plans for forcible removable," those remaining could receive trespassing charges and be prosecuted. Over the last several weeks, protesters have been subjected to water cannons, rubber bullets and concussion grenades.

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Mensa said he would return on December 4th to stand with protestors against the deadline. Several artists have rallied to support the protest efforts at Standing Rock. Dave Matthews, Graham Nash, Neko Case and Ledisi held a benefit concert in Washington, D.C. last Sunday. That same day, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Jason Mraz also staged a Stand in Solidarity With Standing Rock show in Fort Yates, North Dakota, near the pipeline protests. Neil Young penned a message of solidarity addressing President Obama regarding the Standing Rock protest and also performed for Standing Rock protesters earlier this month.

Related Content:
Earlier this week, Chicago rapper Vic Mensa posted a series of photos on Instagram showing solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux's resistance against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Since April, thousands of Native and non-Native activists have gathered in Cannonball, North Dakota, to camp and peacefully protest the crude oil pipeline that infringes on tribal sovereignty and threatens the Missouri River, a direct water source for the Standing Rock and millions of Americans downstream.

I've been at #StandingRock for the last 3 days, and the experience has been amazing. If you're not in tune with what's going on here, Standing Rock is an Indian reservation where a major oil company is trying to drill a pipeline underneath the river that supplies drinking water for millions of people on and off of the reservation. Drilling that oil pipeline could contaminate the livelihood of so many people, primarily indigenous people of this land that have been systematically destroyed since Europeans arrived in America. Thousands of people have come from all over the world to Standing Rock to stop that pipeline from being drilled and protect the water.

A photo posted by Vic Mensa (@vicmensa) on Nov 28, 2016 at 1:48pm PST

For three days, Mensa traveled to North Dakota to support the indigenous activists, who call themselves water protectors, on the front lines. An impassioned Mensa enlightened his followers, taking to social media to highlight the political and social struggles of Native American communities and making larger connections to Black Lives Matter and the water issues in Flint, Michigan. In a Facebook Live video, Mensa touched on the police brutality and violence the water protectors have faced in the past few months -- including tear gas, attack dogs, rubber bullets, concussion grenades and even water cannons in below-freezing temperatures. Hundreds of unarmed activists have been injured and arrested throughout the months.

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standing rock is the most important struggle to support right now. what has been done to native americans for 500+ years cant continue

- vino (@VicMensa) November 28, 2016

Because of underrepresentation in mainstream media, the #NoDAPL movement has largely been documented through social media and benefits greatly when allies such as Mensa and Neil Young support it with their platforms. Mensa announced he will be returning to Standing Rock on Sunday to protest the North Dakota governor's camp evacuation order.

if you believe in the inalienable rights of people; the right to clean drinking water, the right to food & shelter and the right to freedom then you have to support standing rock. Get on a plane, drive, take a bus do whatever you have to do. December 5th the Army Corps has set an ultimatum for the people camped at standing rock, saying that they will forcibly remove the water protectors. When one of our freedom is on the line all of our freedom is on the line. Fight for freedom.

A photo posted by Vic Mensa (@vicmensa) on Nov 28, 2016 at 2:28pm PST
Its the most wonderful time of the year! For the 2016 Victorias Secret Fashion Show, the Angels flew to Paris, France, where they walked the runway at the Grand Palais. We caught up with VS-veteran Lily Aldridge before the show to see what she thinks of some of her looks from years past in Yahoo Styles video series, Timeless, Timewarp, or Time to Hide.

The first photo is of Aldridge as a young bridesmaid at her brothers wedding, sitting next to a surprise supermodel guest. See the 31-year-old model as a teen, in her early 20s, and in some of her favorite looks ever. Our favorite moment? When she exclaimed Im just a little, tiny, cute little baby there!, about a certain shot. Watch the video to see which one!

See all of our coverage live from Paris for the Victorias Secret 2016 Fashion Show, right here.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
Pope Francis will address the Global Forum on Dec. 3. The Archbishop of Washington talked to TIMEs Elizabeth Dias about the Holy Fathers vision for the global economy

What would be a conversation starting point for Pope Francis and business leaders?

The world of business does pay a lot of attention to sustainable development, and that means respect for people, the next generation, as well as the planet itself. I wonder if that isnt in fact what the Pope has been talking about. The Pope focuses on the human person. He tends to look at the marginalized, because not many others are looking at them. He calls attention to every human being.

How then do you put this together in some sort of sustained economic development?

We are talking about protecting the environment and respecting the human person, but that does not compromise legitimate economic progress, it just focuses it so that when we get into the world of sustainable development, it is only going to be sustainable if we are doing this development in a way that the planet isnt spoiled and that people come out the better for it.

What topics might Pope Francis call attention to?

One of the great tragedies of our age is human trafficking. It cant be brushed aside. The other thing the Holy Father would definitely raise is the need to address people who are immigrants, migrants, people who are fleeing parts of the world where terror is a fact of life. I dont think you can even begin to have a meeting on economics, on scientific or cultural development, and not look at the tens of thousands, not to say hundreds of thousands, of people displaced and desperate for the basics of life.

Any others?

I hope that religious liberty, religious freedom, would make it to the table as well. You cant really claim to be focused on economic development, sustainable development that cares for people and the planet, and then look the other way when it comes to people being persecuted, abused and even killed for religious reasons.
In past years at Art Basel Miami Beach and all of its myriad satellite events, Virgil Abloh's work has mostly been relegated to DJ status, but this year he's taken it up a notch to prove his reputation as modern-day Renaissance man: The Off-White designer makes his public debut today (Dec. 1) at Design Miami with a furniture collection.

It's not entirely surprising to see Abloh move into another creative medium, given his already multifaceted career as a DJ, fashion designer, creative director for Kanye West and general man-about-town (and many of them, from his studio base in Paris to new Off White outposts in Tokyo and Singapore). But perhaps the most obvious clue to his new design foray is his background in architecture. Abloh studied the subject while at The Illinois Institute of Technology, and it's easy to see the influence that the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe curriculum, with its grid structure, has had on his Off White creations and now furniture.

The collection of chairs and tables are raw and durable, using materials like stone, wood and steel and feature chairs in the shape of cubes and a grid-topped table with a base of wood and stone that reads like a work-in-progress tableau vivant.

Abloh's booth also includes his signature white stripes in the form of rotating signage that reads "Picture a lake" and "This is not real." Abloh also lent his voice to a night panel Wednesday night (Nov. 30), "Open Worlds: Art in the Age of Interactivity," alongside artist Daniel Arsham, actress Rosario Dawson and filmmaker Dan Trachtenberg.

personal artworks "components table / tri-vision sign / free cubes" booth C06 @designmiami / miami @artbasel - represented by @aureliejuliencollectibledesign

A photo posted by @virgilabloh on Nov 29, 2016 at 9:08am PST

At the event, held at Audemars Piguet's Art Commission "Reconstruction of the Universe" by artist Sun Xun, the designer talked about creating products and pieces that are made to also exist both in the real world and in the virtual worlds of social media. "I think the screen or the device that's in your pocket, it's the video game controller. (I'm) trying to do something exciting on this treadmill of culture," he said at the panel, which was hosted by Take-Two Interactive. "The way for me to play it, and the way my audience receives the work that I do, it's through this image, it's through the scroll."

The designer also went on to talk about the importance of introducing new culture and art to his audience, a collection of some 753K on Instagram and Twitter and a customer that often skews younger. "My following loves a printed t-shirt, of course, but this week to be able to post a chair from Design Miami, it's so far removed from their typical attraction," he said. "I'm doing it on purpose to lead them to other spheres beyond fashion." Abloh has also pointed to the importance of a new generation of designers -- including himself -- representing Art Basel and Design Miami.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he wants to reset relations with the United States when President-elect Donald Trump takes office in order to work together on range of issues, including terrorism.

We are ready for cooperation with the new U.S. administration, Putin said in a speech at the Kremlin, according to a Bloomberg report. It is important to normalize and start developing bilateral ties on an equal and mutually beneficial basis.

Putin pointed to the fight against ISIS in Syria as an area of partnership. Trump has suggested repeatedly that he would shift U.S. policy in Syria away from supporting rebels in Syria who oppose both ISIS and the countrys current regime to joining with Russia in support of the current regime. Russia also benefit from Trumps plan to lift sanctions that were first imposed when the country annexed Crimea in 2014.

Unlike some of our foreign colleagues, who see Russia as an opponent, we arent looking for enemies and never have done, we need friends, Putin said. But we wont allow our interests to be infringed.

The statement comes nearly eight years after the start of a failed attempt by the Obama administration to improve relations with Russia. The symbolic reset centered largely on arms reduction and nuclear non-proliferation, but the collaboration fell apart quickly when Putin returned to the presidency. Trump, on the other hand, campaigned on renewed relations with Putin, suggesting that the two would get along.
RACINE  The pending move of Beth Israel Sinai Congregation to West Racines edge now looks less than certain. But should it occur, the new synagogue would include a preservation/museum room of Jewish artifacts that would be open to the public.

The congregation recently sold its long-time synagogue at 944 Main St. to Franksville-based True Life Ministries for $250,000. Beth Israel has a pending deal to buy and move the synagogue to 3009 Washington Ave., the former Steinberg Financial building.

On Wednesday, the Racine Plan Commission unanimously recommended granting a conditional-use permit to Beth Israel. But during the public hearing, a neighbor alerted any Beth Israel representatives who might be present to a potential lurking problem.

While welcoming the synagogues arrival, the neighbor said for years the neighborhood has been trying to get the city to redo a short stretch of east-west alley behind 3009 Washington Ave., that she described as one huge pothole. And she said neighbors do expect that to occur next year, along with the accompanying assessment to adjoining property owners. In the spirit of being neighborly, she didnt want the synagogue members to blindly walk into that situation.

During the commission meeting Matt Sadowski, the citys assistant director of city development, explained that when a place of worship is opened in a commercial district, the city requires it also have a component that is open to the public outside of regular worship service hours.

In this case, the museum would be at the rear of the synagogue, directly accessible from the rear and from the parking lot. Sadowski said if the synagogue were opening in the heart of West Racine, the city would have required the museum, the public component, to be in front. But being on the fringe of the district, a rear entrance is acceptable.

Disconcerting news

Later Wednesday night, William Balsiger, curator of the future Jewish museum room, said the news about the possible future alley assessment could actually quash the pending purchase.

However, should the deal go through, Balsiger shared his thoughts and plans for the museum room  which would not open for months. Beth Israel has existed for 150 years, he said, and many artifacts are being found as the congregation moves out of its previous synagogue.

Were uncovering more and more artifacts, Balsiger said.

He has found engraved silver Torah crowns that have never really been displayed; hand-written, hand-bound Torahs; and scrolls, as examples.

The first donation, Balsiger said, was a 1938 songbook with all the lyrics in both Hebrew and Yiddish.

Also, the congregation has had men fight and die in various wars, Balsiger continued, and said: They were never really property memorialized; there could be a section for that.

Balsiger also is working with the Racine Heritage Museum, which will have artifacts that could be used to keep the museum displays fresh.

It would likely be open about three days a week, and Balsiger said he hopes it would not have an admission fee, although that has not been finalized.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / Vuzix Corporation (VUZI), a leading supplier of Smart Glasses, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies and products for the consumer and enterprise markets, announced today that it will be presenting at the 9th annual LD Micro Main Event on Tuesday, December 6 at 2:30 PM PST / 5:30 PM EST at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Vuzix Chief Executive Officer and President, Paul Travers, will be presenting, as well as meeting with investors.

The LD Micro Main Event is the largest independent conference for small/microcap companies and will feature 240 presenting names.

View Vuzix's profile here: http://www.ldmicro.com/profile/VUZI

News Compliments of Accesswire.

About Vuzix Corporation

Vuzix is a leading supplier of Smart-Glasses, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies and products for the consumer and enterprise markets. The Company's products include personal display and wearable computing devices that offer users a portable high quality viewing experience, provide solutions for mobility, wearable displays, and virtual and augmented reality. Vuzix holds 49 patents, and 40 additional patents pending, and numerous IP licenses in the Video Eyewear field. The Company has won Consumer Electronics Show (or CES) awards for innovation for the years 2005 to 2016 and several wireless technology innovation awards among others. Founded in 1997, Vuzix is a public company (VUZI) with offices in Rochester, NY, Oxford, UK, and Tokyo, Japan.

About LD Micro

LD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space. What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into an event platform hosting several influential conferences annually (Invitational, Summit, and Main Event).

In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector. LD will continue to provide valuable tools for the benefit of everyone in the small and microcap universe.

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For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at david@ldmicro.com or visit www.ldmicro.com/events for more information.

Contact:

Investor and Media Relations Contact:

Andrew Haag

Managing Partner

IRTH Communications

vuzi@irthcommunications.com

1-866-976-4784

Vuzix Corporation

25 Hendrix Road, Suite A

West Henrietta, NY 14586 USA

Investor Information  Grant Russell

IR@Vuzix.com

Tel: (585) 359-7562

www.vuzix.com

SOURCE: Vuzix Corporation via LD Micro
A map of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) stores nationwide shows an interesting pattern. Their concentration is heaviest near its home state of Arkansas and thinner, for the most part, in states far away. If Wal-Mart stores were more evenly distributed, its shot at larger revenue and a knockout blow to some of its weaker competitors would be better. However, store distribution is an Achilles' heel. Location caps its U.S. sales opportunities.

Wal-Mart could argue that e-commerce makes up for lack of store concentration outside its traditional bastions. But e-commerce remains only a few percentage points of its overall total revenue.

ALSO READ: America's 25 Murder Capitals

Wal-Mart has 3,504 Supercenters in the United States, 424 discount stores and 683 Neighborhood Markets. As an example of how these are skewed by location, Arkansas has 80 stores and New York 87. Wal-Mart has 80 stores in Oklahoma and 45 in New Jersey.

From a location standpoint, even failed retailer Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD) has a better spread of stores, based on the U.S. population. It has five Kmarts in Arkansas, along with seven Sears locations. It has 46 Kmarts and 39 Sears locations in New York. In short, the map of Kmart and Sears stores spreads almost identical to population density. Even if Sears Holdings disappears, it will not be for want of good coverage of the American consumer population.

ALSO READ: The Worst Companies to Work For

Some of Wal-Mart's most critical programs rely on its stores. First among these is the "buy online, pick up at store" plan, which saves people shipping costs. Over much of the United States, the program cannot be effective because there are no stores. Wal-Mart also has a large layaway program, which is impractical for people who cannot easily get to a location.

Wal-Mart has the advantage over almost all of its brick-and-mortar competitors of a larger marketing budget, a powerful brand, product buying power it can pass on to customers and stores the size of aircraft carriers. None of that helps for people who cannot get there from here.

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A Washington state police officer was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call, and the suspect was killed by cops in the ensuing night-long standoff, PEOPLE confirms.

The officer was identified at a press conference as 45-year-old Reginald Jake Gutierrez, who joined the Tacoma Police Department in 1999.

According to police, the suspect, a 38-year-old man whose name has not been released, barricaded himself inside a home during an 11-hour standoff. There were two children with him in the home  a 6-year-old and an 8-year-old  whose relationship to the suspect is not clear.

The suspect allegedly used the children as a shield before he was shot, police said at a press conference, but the children were ultimately unharmed.

We were able to get in the house and get one of the kids away from him, Pierce County Sheriffs Office spokesman Ed Troyer told the The News Tribune. We had a SWAT member who had a clear shot. We fired one round, which struck , and we were able to rescue the second kid.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene and allegedly had multiple weapons, Troyer told the outlet.

According to the Washington Post, the suspects wife and another woman were inside the house when the officer was shot but manage to escape before the suspect locked himself inside.

 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.

During the stand-off, Gutierrezs body was transported to the Pierce County Medical Examiner, where law enforcement stood guard, according to KTVB. He was pronounced dead at 9 p.m.

We choose this profession to try and make a difference. We sign up to help those in need, Sgt. Jim Barrett, Tacoma Police Union president told KTVB. In his career, this officer did just that. He made a difference in the lives of those he came in contact with. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.




President Barack Obama is set to hold his final national Christmas tree lighting as commander in chief at the White House Thursday afternoon. It will be the 94th installment of the annual ceremony that was started by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923.

The president and first lady Michelle Obama are scheduled to light the tree for the eighth and final time on the Ellipse at the White House on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. EST.

The ceremony typically includes a hearty roster of musicians and performers spanning nearly every genre, and this year is no different, according to the National Christmas Tree Lighting website. Eva Longoria is set to host the event, with Yolanda Adams, Marc Anthony, Kelly Clarkson, The Lumineers, Chance the Rapper, James Taylor, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood all slated to take the stage and perform a medley of holiday tunes, according to the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, which are presenting the ceremony.

The first lady welcomed the national Christmas tree when a horse-drawn carriage transported the 19-foot Balsam fir from Wisconsin to the White House on Friday.

While that tree was planted on the Ellipse, another set of trees, albeit much smaller than the national tree, was being decorated in the White House Dining Room with a host of adornments, including a LEGO gingerbread house, CBS News reported.

Free tickets for the ceremony have already been distributed based on a lottery system. Those without the required tickets but still wish to watch the ceremony can do so via a live stream by clicking here on the White house YouTube channel.

The ceremony will also be televised Monday on the Hallmark Channel at 7 p.m. EST and a video of the ceremony will be available for viewing on the National Christmas Tree Lighting website on Tuesday.

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Great investing opportunities exist everywhere in the stock market. But how do you find them?

Tracey Ryniec, Stock Strategist at Zacks Investment Research, discusses two hidden gems that might be worth a closer look at by investors: MKS Instruments (MKSI) and Snap-On, Inc. (SNA).

Hidden gems are stocks that are followed only by a handful of Wall Street analysts and which the rest of the stock market doesnt pay much attention to but they should because their fundamentals are strong.

MKS Instruments is expected to grow earnings by 30% this year and another 20% next year as its semiconductor business heats up. In the third quarter, the semiconductor business was up 15% quarter over quarter to $210 million. Total revenue was up 17% in the quarter to $381 million.

MKS Instruments has a forward P/E of 20. Its a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Snap-On is based in Kenosha, Wisconsin and makes tools and diagnostics equipment. Earnings are expected to grow 12% this year and 9.5% next year. Its one of those solid American companies that never gets the glory but keeps producing results year after year.

It's a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).



But what else should investors take away from these two companies? Watch our short video below to learn more about these hidden gems.

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(Adds detail throughout)

By Ross Kerber and Dan Freed

Dec 1 (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co said on Thursday its board had amended bylaws to require that the bank separate the chairman and chief executive roles, a win for activists who had pressed for the change after a scandal over unauthorized customer accounts.

The amendment also calls for the chairman and vice chairman of the board to be independent directors, and provides an annual retainer of $250,000 for the chairman and $100,000 for the vice chairman.

Investors, including the state treasurers of Connecticut and Illinois, had filed a resolution calling on the bank to require an independent board chair.. The investors said the bank needs stronger oversight after it emerged in September that thousands of Wells' branch staff had opened as many as 2 million accounts without customers' consent to meet sales targets.

The scandal led to the departure of former Chairman and Chief Executive John Stumpf on Oct. 12. President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Sloan replaced Stumpf as CEO, while lead independent director Stephen Sanger became chairman.

"We believe formalizing this structure is the right decision at this time for the company and its investors, customers, and team members," Sanger said in a press release.

Wells Fargo reached a $190 million regulatory settlement over the unauthorized accounts, though other government inquiries and investor lawsuits are still outstanding.

Tim Smith, who leads shareholder engagement efforts at Walden Asset Management, which represents one of the filers of the shareholder resolution, said investors planned to withdraw it in response to the bank's action on Thursday.

Of the new bylaw, Smith said via e-mail, "We believe this is a best governance practice and empowers the Board in its role of overseeing management on behalf of investors."

It is common among the largest U.S. banks to combine the chairman and CEO jobs, as at JPMorgan Chase & Co and Goldman Sachs Group Inc, despite frequent pressure from activists to break up the jobs in the wake of the stumbles.

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Bank of America Corp split up the titles after the financial crisis, then unilaterally changed its bylaws in 2014 to give CEO Brian Moynihan the chairman's title and held a shareholder vote the following year that authorized the change.

A spokesman for Wells Fargo referred questions about the bylaw change to public relations firm Sard Verbinnen, which declined to comment.

(Reporting by Dan Freed in New York and Ross Kerber in Boston; Additional reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Edited by Carmel Crimmins and Tom Brown)
By Ross Kerber and Dan Freed

(Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co <WFC.N> said on Thursday its board had amended bylaws to require that the bank separate the chairman and chief executive roles, a win for activists who had pressed for the change after a scandal over unauthorized customer accounts.

The amendment also calls for the chairman and vice chairman of the board to be independent directors, and provides an annual retainer of $250,000 for the chairman and $100,000 for the vice chairman.

Investors, including the state treasurers of Connecticut and Illinois, had filed a resolution calling on the bank to require an independent board chair.. The investors said the bank needs stronger oversight after it emerged in September that thousands of Wells' branch staff had opened as many as 2 million accounts without customers' consent to meet sales targets.

The scandal led to the departure of former Chairman and Chief Executive John Stumpf on Oct. 12. President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Sloan replaced Stumpf as CEO, while lead independent director Stephen Sanger became chairman.

"We believe formalizing this structure is the right decision at this time for the company and its investors, customers, and team members," Sanger said in a press release.

Wells Fargo reached a $190 million regulatory settlement over the unauthorized accounts, though other government inquiries and investor lawsuits are still outstanding.

Tim Smith, who leads shareholder engagement efforts at Walden Asset Management, which represents one of the filers of the shareholder resolution, said investors planned to withdraw it in response to the bank's action on Thursday.

Of the new bylaw, Smith said via e-mail, "We believe this is a best governance practice and empowers the Board in its role of overseeing management on behalf of investors."

It is common among the largest U.S. banks to combine the chairman and CEO jobs, as at JPMorgan Chase & Co <JPM.N> and Goldman Sachs Group Inc <GS.N>, despite frequent pressure from activists to break up the jobs in the wake of the stumbles.

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Bank of America Corp <BAC.N> split up the titles after the financial crisis, then unilaterally changed its bylaws in 2014 to give CEO Brian Moynihan the chairman's title and held a shareholder vote the following year that authorized the change.

A spokesman for Wells Fargo referred questions about the bylaw change to public relations firm Sard Verbinnen, which declined to comment.

(Reporting by Dan Freed in New York and Ross Kerber in Boston; Additional reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Edited by Carmel Crimmins and Tom Brown)
NEW YORK, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co said it will continue to offer individual retirement accounts that pay brokers commissions and will adjust procedures to comply with a new U.S. financial regulation that requires companies to put clients' interests first, according to a memo sent to staff on Thursday.

Wells became the latest bank brokerage to announce plans to adopt the U.S. Department of Labor's fiduciary rule, set to take effect in April. The regulation aims to eliminate conflicts of interest in the financial advice Americans receive on retirement accounts by requiring firms to change how brokers get paid.

While there is some question as to whether industry groups or Republicans will succeed in delaying the start date of the rule, Wells Fargo's rivals Bank of America Corp's Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley have already started making changes to comply with the rule.

In the memo, Wells Fargo said it plans to continue offering commissions-paying accounts in a way that complies with the rule's "best interest contract exemption," which allows firms to keep commissions-paying retirement products if they provide greater disclosure about fees to clients.

The bank said it will provide more information on specific adjustments in the coming weeks, according to the memo.

Merrill Lynch plans to discontinue retirement accounts that pay brokers commissions, while Morgan Stanley will keep offering commissions-paying accounts under the best interest contract exemption.

Morgan Stanley has said it will meet the standards set by the new regulation by retraining brokers, having clients sign additional disclosure contracts, and adding new supervisory software.

(Reporting By Elizabeth Dilts; Editing by David Gregorio)
From 2011 to 2013, the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana gave Carrier and an affiliated company $1.7 million in grants and tax incentives, as an inducement to keep two manufacturing plants in the state and bring additional work in. It turned out not to be enough.

Earlier this year, Carrier said it would move those factories to Mexico, eliminating 2,000 jobs and saving $65 million. Indiana and its governor, Mike Pence, demanded most of the tax break money back, and got it.

Then Donald Trump got elected president. Trump had bashed Carrier while campaigning, saying that if he were president, companies wouldnt get away with such a move. And now, Trump has persuaded Carrier to keep at least half of the 2,000 jobs it planned to outsource in Indiana, a remarkable instance of federal arm-twisting aimed at a single corporation. Companies are not going to leave the U.S. anymore without consequences, Trump said while touring the Carrier factory in Indiana.

To reach the deal, Indiana reportedly offered the heating and air conditioning company $7 million in new tax incentives, more than 4 times the previous inducement. So in that regard, Trump may have helped Carrier get a better deal. And theres no federal commitmentthe money will supposedly come from Indiana, courtesy of Hoosier taxpayers.

Theres also the possibility that Trumps negotiators privately threatened to scale back on contracts awarded to Carriers parent company, United Technologies (UTX), a big defense contractor with more than $5 billion in annual revenue from federal contracts. Or, Trump may have promised UT a louder voice in upcoming negotiations over tax cuts and regulatory cutbacks than it might have otherwise had.

The deal is obviously good news for the Carrier workers who get to keep their jobs, but Trumps intervention in a public companys business decisions springs all kinds of red flags. For one thing, tax incentives are generally a lousy way to keep jobs, even though many states offer them. One study found that states spent an average of $456,000 per job to lure or keep employers within their boundaries, an amount that raises the questionwhy not just give the money to workers directly? Another study pointed out that tax breaks are rarely targeted at the young, growing companies that create most new jobs, and instead tend to go to big, established companies that dont do much new hiring.

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Perverse incentives

Tax breaks also create perverse incentives. Companies, for instance, have learned to play one state off another when angling for the best tax deal they can get for a new plant or facility. When the state of Connecticut wouldnt lower General Electrics taxes, it decided to move its headquarters to Boston, where it got a much better deal. Companies could do the same thing at the federal level by threatening to move jobs out of the country, to see what Trump might offer them to stay.

Tax incentives that offset the cost of labor also give companies a stronger incentive to substitute automation and other types of technology for labor, as long as theyre not committed to a minimum number of jobs. That way, employers can benefit from tax breaks while still lowering labor costs by replacing people with machines.

Its also obvious that Trump cant negotiate tax incentives one-by-one with every company thats considering offshoring jobs. Republicans have said for decades that the government shouldnt be in the business of picking winners and losers, and it should stay out of the way instead of trying to influence corporate decision-making. Trump obviously feels differently. A lot of CEOs should probably start to prepare for an unexpected phone call.

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman.
Where do people get fake news? Not CNN, says CNN. A segment in which the networks Alisyn Camerota traces some Trump voters misinformation to Fox Business News is burning up social media.

On Thursday, Camerota conducted a panel discussion with Trump voters in which one, Paula Johnson, insisted that 3 million people voted illegally in California.

Voting is a privilege in this country. And you need to be legal, not like California where 3 million illegals voted, Johnson said.

Also Read: Trump Told to Divest His Businesses in Series of Snarky Tweets From Office of Government Ethics

Camerota asked her where she got her information.

From the media. Where else would we get it? said Johnson. Some of it was CNN, I believe.

(It wasnt. The 3 million figure came from a random guy on Twitter who declined to cite a source when CNN pressed him on where he got the number.)

Johnson then said illegal immigrants were caught voting illegally in Nashua, N.H., and said, The president said I could vote. Im here illegally. She provided no citation for that quote, but added that President Obama had told people in the U.S. illegally that they could vote.

(The Washington Post found that there was no actual illegal voting in Nashua.)

Also Read: Why Tom Ford Won't Dress Melania Trump: 'She's Not Necessarily My Image' (Video)

Another panelist agreed that Obama had said people could vote illegally: Google it, she said.

So Camerota did.

I see where it came from and its  Fox Business Network deceptively edited a clip of Barack Obama to argue that the president encouraged illegal immigrants to vote when in fact he said nothing of the sort when you go back to the transcript, said Camerota, reading this Mediaite story.

Fox Business edited an interview Obama did with Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez on the YouTube channel mitu, right before the election, to make him sound like he was OK with millions of undocumented immigrants rushing to Californias voting booths.

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Fox Business News Stuart Varney said in introducing the edited clip that appears to encourage illegals to vote, and he promises no repercussions if they do.

Also Read: How Donald Trump Used Facebook Quizzes to Suppress Hillary Clinton's Vote

But thats not what he said. Heres the actual transcript of the interview:

RODRIGUEZ: Many of the millennials, Dreamers, undocumented citizens  and I call them citizens because they contribute to this country  are fearful of voting. So if I vote, will immigration know where I live? Will they come for my family and deport us?

OBAMA: Not true. And the reason is, first of all, when you vote, you are a citizen yourself. And there is not a situation where the voting rolls somehow are transferred over and people start investigating, etc. The sanctity of the vote is strictly confidential in terms of who you voted for. If you have a family member who maybe is undocumented, then you have an even greater reason to vote.

But heres how Fox edited the clip:

RODRIGUEZ: Many of the millennials, Dreamers, undocumented citizens  and I call them citizens because they contribute to this country  are fearful of voting. So if I vote, will immigration know where I live? Will they come for my family and deport us?

OBAMA: Not true. The sanctity of the vote is strictly confidential.

Fox Business News did not immediately respond to TheWraps request for comment.

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President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring some radical changes across the economy in order to boost hiring and corporate earnings, while cutting taxes. Some sweeping policy changes are expected in the healthcare sector as Trump aims to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, which is better known as Obamacare, with Health Savings Accounts.



At the same time, he intends to revamp the Medicaid, jeopardizing the future of about 12 million recipients. Speculations are rife that the program will continue to exist, albeit at reduced funding, with recipients being forced to navigate through some hurdles to remain eligible for coverage.



Healthcare insurance firms are also averse to the idea of Trump favoring a key mandate of the erstwhile healthcare law, which prohibits insurers from refusing coverage to patients with preexisting medical problems or from over charging them. Insurers argued that this has eroded their profitability, and has significantly impacted their bottom line over the years.



As the equity market braced itself for the Trump era, some healthcare stocks felt the tremors of his ensuing policy reforms and declined significantly in November. We have narrowed this list by picking a handful of stocks that have eroded in excess of 50% in the past month and are currently trading in excess of $4 per share. Let us have a sneak peek into the list of such underperforming healthcare stocks for the last month.



3 Healthcare Underperformers in November



Adeptus Health Inc. ADPT: Based in Lewisville, TX, Adeptus is a premier patient-centered healthcare firm that offers high-quality emergency medical care through its network of freestanding emergency rooms and partnerships with premier healthcare providers. This Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) stock has declined approximately 69% in November and has underperformed the Zacks categorized Medical-Hospitals industry. The company missed the third-quarter earnings for a negative average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 28.6%.

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ADEPTUS HEALTH Price

ADEPTUS HEALTH Price | ADEPTUS HEALTH Quote

The companys earnings estimates for the current quarter have drastically reduced 73.2% from 82 cents to 22 cents per share, in the last 30 days. For the current year, earnings estimates have declined from $2.16 to $1.11 per share or 48.6% in the last 30 days, signifying negative investor sentiments.



Cempra, Inc. CEMP: Headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC, Cempra is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical firm focused on developing antibacterials to meet critical medical needs. Cempra currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The stock has declined nearly 65% over the past 30 days. In addition, it has underperformed the Zacks categorized Medical-Services industry with an average negative return of 11% compared with 7.3% for the latter.

CEMPRA INC Price

CEMPRA INC Price | CEMPRA INC Quote

Dynavax Technologies Corp. DVAX: Headquartered in Berkeley, CA, Dynavax is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm that develops multiple products for the prevention of infectious diseases, the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and also treatment of cancer. This Zacks Rank #3 stock declined approximately 51% in November and has underperformed the Zacks categorized Medical-Biomed/Genetics industry with an average negative return of 55.8% compared with 9.7% for the latter.

DYNAVAX TECH CP Price

DYNAVAX TECH CP Price | DYNAVAX TECH CP Quote

Furthermore, the company missed the third-quarter earnings for a negative average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 13.7%. Earnings estimates of the company have reduced 7.5% and 4.2% for the current quarter and current year, respectively, in the last 30 days, signifying negative investor sentiments.



Moving Forward



Similar to prudent buying decisions, exiting certain underperformers at the right time helps maximize portfolio returns. Selling off losers can be difficult, but if both the share price and estimates are falling, it could be the most opportune time to get rid of them. Investors, therefore, could benefit if they get rid of these healthcare stocks that seem to have lost their sheen at the moment.



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Results: negative

It can feel like a cruel game of hide and seek: Many women spend years actively avoiding pregnancy, but when they welcome it, it evades them. If that sounds familiar, take heart: "It can be totally normal to try for 11 months and not achieve a pregnancy," since infertility is defined as having unprotected sex consistently for a year without getting pregnant, says Dr. Stephanie Romero, an OB-GYN and assistant professor at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. Even if something is wrong, you can take comfort in company -- about 1 in every 6 U.S. couples faces infertility at some point. Among the (often treatable) reasons:

You're old(er).

Ready or not, here the truth comes: Female fertility hits a significant tipping point around age 35, and declines most drastically after 40. "Mother Nature wanted us to have our 10 kids by the time we were 25 and maybe drop dead by exhaustion at 40," says Dr. Serena H. Chen, a reproductive endocrinologist and OB-GYN in Livingston, New Jersey. "That really is our biology." But choices like egg freezing are increasingly available for women who want to delay pregnancy. "We can't solve the age-related issue," says Chen, who serves on the medical and scientific advisory board for Progyny, a company that offers fertility solutions including egg freezing, "but we can give people options."

You smoke.

It's all fun and games until you want to get pregnant. "Smoking and drinking and drug use can all have a significant impact on your health, and especially your reproductive health," Chen says. Smoking can cause women's eggs to die off faster; in fact, up to 13 percent of female infertility is caused by cigarette smoking, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine reports. The good news is that changing your lifestyle habits can make a big difference. Quitting smoking, for one, "will improve your fertility, lower your miscarriage risk and improve your chances of having a baby," Chen says, "but it doesn't stop the biological clock."

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You're carrying a lot of extra fat.

Obesity affects all body systems, and the reproductive system is no exception. "[Fat] is not a passive tissue -- it's an inflammatory organ [that's] damaging our bodies," Chen explains. What's more, obesity can lead to hormonal changes that compromise fertility by, for example, leading to irregular periods and ovulation -- when an ovary releases an egg to be fertilized. Women who are obese are also at higher risk for medical conditions that can compromise fertility, such as thyroid disease and diabetes. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends talking to a provider about whether you should try to lose weight before trying to get pregnant.

You're underweight.

Fat is also a very necessary tissue for the reproductive system; too little can weaken your chances of pregnancy by altering or even halting your period and ovulation. "Our bodies preserve ourselves at the expense of fertility," says Dr. Eric Levens, a reproductive endocrinologist at Shady Grove Fertility's Northern Virginia location. Long-distance runners, ballerinas and women with eating disorders are among those who may need to increase their body fat before trying to get pregnant. If you're not having regular cycles, "seek care very quickly," rather than wait 12 months, Levens says, since there's already a problem and time is of the essence to determine a cause and treatment.

You have a medical condition.

A top cause of female infertility is a condition that many women don't know they have and many more have never heard of: polycystic ovary syndrome, an endocrine disorder that can cause follicles to collect on ovaries and lead to irregular periods and other symptoms. "Your ovaries aren't getting the hormonal input from your brain and you're not ovulating when you should," Romero says. Endometriosis, too, is a top cause of female infertility that often goes undiagnosed. Genetic conditions, thyroid problems, fibroids, chlamydia and blocked fallopian tubes may also be to blame. "If you're worried, seek counsel," Leven says, since most conditions are treatable. "You don't have much to lose."

It's not you.

While infertility is often bucketed as a women's issue, about 40 percent of the time, a couple's problem can be traced at least in part to the man, ASRM says. "There's a fairly equal distribution between male and female factors," Levens says. For example, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory issues, spinal cord injuries, tumors and undescended testes are all fairly common (and often treatable) culprits of male infertility. Because basic testing for these problems is relatively simple and cheap, Levens typically begins with the man when narrowing down why a couple might be having trouble getting pregnant. "Treatment is based on history, underlying medical issues and these test results," he says.

No reason.

If male factors are ruled out and a woman's workup -- which might include a medical history, blood and imaging tests to evaluate egg supply, and a hysterosalpingogram, which can reveal blocked fallopian tubes -- comes up normal, you may be slapped with "unexplained infertility." "That's probably one of the more frustrating categories because there's not that 'aha' moment," Levens says. Still, it's important for clinicians to know what the problem is not before counseling patients on options like medications to stimulate egg growth or assisted reproductive technology like in vitro fertilization. "You should at least make an informed decision," Chen says, "instead of just hoping things will work themselves out."
Dozens of House Democrats despondent over the shellacking their party took in the Nov. 8 elections were more than ready to dump their veteran leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, and take a chance on a new direction.

But Pelosi, the 76-year-old former House Speaker who was first elected to Congress in 1987, prevailed again when the time came on Wednesday morning to choose a minority leader, garnering 134 votes or 68 percent of the Democratic caucus.

Pelosi clearly lost ground from the last time she received a serious challenge, six years ago. Sixty-three Democrats cast their votes for Rep. Tim Ryan, a backbencher from Youngstown, Ohio. And Pelosi had to scramble to placate younger members with leadership rules changes that likely will pave the way for newer faces in the coming years.

Related: Meet the Guy Who Wants to Topple House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi

Ryan, 43, and his supporters argued that despite Pelosis years of experience and prowess as a fundraiser and legislative strategist, the Democratic leadership was long overdue for a change. Clinton and the Democrats had been caught flatfooted during the campaign by focusing too much on Trumps glaring character flaws while failing to develop a compelling economic message to galvanized dispirited middle class and blue-collar workers. His championing of the depressed Rust Belt economy and sharp criticism of free trade agreements seemed to better reflect the political zeitgeist since President-elect Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton.

Yet the beleaguered House Democrats werent willing to take a flyer on Ryan  a likable politician with virtually no leadership experience  when their party was in crisis and so much of the Democratic legacy was on the line. For the first time in eight years, the Republicans will hold a firm grip on the White House and both chambers of Congress beginning in January. They are vowing to dismantle or dramatically alter Obamacare and social programs dating back to the Great Society of the mid-1960s. And they cheered Pelosis win. This year voters went to the polls and made a bold statement for change in Washington but House Democrats just doubled down on the status quo, the Republican National Committee said in a statement. The fact that Tim Ryan was able to peel off over 60 Democrats in his campaign for Minority Leader reveals Democrats have no unified vision for our country and are content to once again entrust leadership to someone who has led their party into total irrelevance in the House.

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Related: Ryan Declares GOP Has a Mandate to Enact Sweeping Changes

Pelosis leadership may be more important than ever for Democrats now. Without Obama in office to block Republican salvos, as he did last January in vetoing an earlier attempt to repeal Obamacare, the Democrats last line of defense will be the shrewdness and boldness of their party leaders in trying to at least slow the GOP momentum. That means that much will ride on the performances of Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, who just succeeded Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada as Democratic minority leader, and on Pelosi.

The San Francisco Democrat is peerless as a combatant for liberal causes and has shown an iron will during countless battles over the years over spending, health issues, abortion rights, foreign policy, defense, taxes and even the debt ceiling. She was instrumental in passing Obamas 2009 stimulus package. And when things looked bleakest for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, Pelosi assured a despondent Obama, We can make this work.

Now Pelosi and Schumer have little choice but to play an aggressive defense. Lacking the numbers in the House or Senate to prevail on most key disputes, the two will have to be careful in picking their battles and knowing when to retreat or cut a deal. Pelosi and Schumer already have signaled a willingness to negotiate with Trump and the Republicans on a $1 trillion package of infrastructure construction. There also may be common ground on a paid family leave program and closing some glaring tax loopholes.

But Pelosi and Schumer have also signaled they are prepared for all-out warfare with Trump if he and the Republicans try to overhaul Medicare and Medicaid, or if the president-elect is serious about building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border or rounding up and deporting millions of illegal immigrants.

Related: Dueling Trump and GOP Tax Plans Would both Cause Much Larger Deficits

That helped to explain why a slew of senior Democrats, including fellow Californian Adam Schiff and Joaquin Castro of Texas, put her name in nomination. Schiff probably put it best in urging his colleagues to rally round Pelosi and her top lieutenants, Reps. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who is 77 years old, and 76-year-old James Clyburn of South Carolina.

Everything we care about [is] at risk, Schiff said, according to Politico. We need the very best to lead us.

Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY), who is retiring at the end of the year, added that Its not just the politics, its not just that she wins elections, its not just the fundraising, but that she gets things done for our caucus and the American people.

Related - Trump Proposes $1 Trillion for Infrastructure Without Raising Taxes

We are in a minority, Israel told MSNBC yesterday. And yet as a minority party, every time these Republicans try and send us off a fiscal cliff or shut down the government, she produces the votes necessary to move the country forward. And we are going to rely on her to do that now more than ever, because youve got an administration, a speaker of the House and a secretary of Health and Human Services who are obsessed with privatizing Medicare.

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Looking for a stock that might be in a good position to beat earnings at its next report? Consider Diamondback Energy, Inc. FANG, a firm in the Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry, which could be a great candidate for another beat.

This company has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. In fact, in these reports, FANG has beaten estimates by at least 50% in both cases, suggesting it has a nice short-term history of crushing expectations.

Earnings in Focus

Two quarters ago, FANG was expected to post earnings of 15 cents per share, while it actually produced earnings of 26 cents per share, a beat of 73.3%. Meanwhile, for the most recent quarter, the company looked to deliver earnings of 35 cents per share, when it actually saw earnings per share of 54 cents instead, representing a 54.3% positive surprise.

DIAMONDBACK EGY Price and EPS Surprise

DIAMONDBACK EGY Price and EPS Surprise | DIAMONDBACK EGY Quote

Thanks in part to this history, recent estimates have been moving higher for Diamondback Energy. In fact, the Earnings ESP for FANG is positive, which is a great sign of a coming beat.

After all, the Zacks Earnings ESP compares the most accurate estimate to the broad consensus, looking to find stocks that have seen big revisions as of late, suggesting that analysts have recently become more bullish on the companys earnings prospects. This is the case for FANG, as the firm currently has a Zacks Earnings ESP of 5.88%, so another beat could be around the corner.

This is particularly true when you consider that FANG has a great Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) which can be a harbinger of outperformance and a signal for a strong earnings profile. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

When you add this solid Zacks Rank to a positive Earnings ESP, a positive earnings surprise happens nearly 70% of the time, so it seems pretty likely that FANG could see another beat at its next report, especially if recent trends are any guide.



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General Motors Company GM is expected to incur a loss of around $9,000 on every Chevrolet Bolt it will be selling in the U.S. The automaker is willing to bear the expenses as it believes that the strategy will pay off in the long run.



Other automakers including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. FCAU and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. NSANY are also incurring losses in order to sell zero emission vehicles (ZEV). Fiat Chrysler is losing $14,000 per vehicle while Nisan Leaf has advertised low lease deals for $149.



The reasons behind this strategy include:



State Guidelines



The state of California requires automakers to sell some environment-friendly vehicles in order to do business there. Nine other states have also adopted this strategy, including New York and New Jersey. Together, these states make up around 30% of the total U.S. market. This forces automakers to boost sales of ZEV in these markets.



Stricter state laws are expected to require ZEVs to contribute 15.4% of vehicle sales by 2025, which is five times the current level. To meet this target, sales of ZEVs, plug-in hybrids and fuel-cell cars will rise.



Moreover, after the development of charging-station infrastructure and decline in battery costs, global demand for ZEV is poised to rise significantly. There will also be huge demand for ZEVs in China as it is taking note of the climate change threats.



Tax Benefits



U.S. offers incentives for the productions of ZEVs. The government provides $7,500 of tax credits to buyers. In addition, the government gives credits to automakers for fulfilling the greenhouse gas reduction target set by Obama administration.



Appeal to Younger Customers



Chevrolet Bolt will appeal more to young, technologically savvy customers. Bolt offers 238-mileage, which is better than the other mass-market electric vehicles. It will be available to customers in California and Oregon starting this month. General Motors also plans to launch the Bolt in China and Europe. This will give it an advantage over electric automaker Tesla Motors, Inc.s TSLA mass vehicle Model 3, which will be available from next year.



ZEV Credits



General Motors will earn more credits if it sells more ZEVs. It can also sell the surplus credits to its competitors. This will have a positive impact on the results of the company.



Price Performance



In the last three months, General Motors share price increased 7.37% while the auto tire truck market share price declined over 1.09%. The company benefitted from better results recorded in the last quarter and its initiatives including expansion of Maven and investment in facilities. Expectations of higher earnings are also driving results.

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GENERAL MOTORS Price

GENERAL MOTORS Price | GENERAL MOTORS Quote

General Motors currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).



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Comedy Central

In the just-released Daily Show oral history book theres a chapter that breaks down Jon Stewarts righteous and much-celebrated takedown of CNBC financial analyst Jim Cramer in March of 2009 amidst the kickoff of the great recession. Stewart and his crew were possessed with fire and anger and a need to hold Cramer and his ilk accountable; not for giving bad advice, but for seemingly shirking responsibility and denigrating those who took that advice. They were outraged and they wanted to say something about it.

Make no mistake, Stewart undermined Cramers credibility, but not in a way that was everlasting. As former Daily Show head writer Elliot Kalan acknowledged in the book, Cramer went back to work. Hes still there.

Remember, The Daily Show is an instigator for change, not an instrument of it. It takes the issues and the politicians and it sniffs out bullsh*t and presents its findings to its viewers in a powerful way. Whether that information brings a lasting result is more on us than on them, but it doesnt seem like were able to stop treating politics as though it is, to borrow a phrase from Stewart during the Cramer interview, a f*cking game.

After watching new(ish) host Trevor Noahs ascendant interview with Blaze pundit Tomi Lahren on The Daily Show I was impressed by the civil and calm debate that I had just witnessed. Then I went on Twitter.

We can sidestep a recitation of the insults because I dont feel like typing that many asterisks and lets just assume that I wrote a couple hundred words praising Noah and Lahren for their own tweets, wherein they continued to treat each other with respect while also speaking to the destructive stock response that the interview generated in some circles. That was originally the plan when I started typing because that kind of thing is a rare and welcome sight to behold, but I cant help but focus on the hyperbole. And because of that, this tweet strikes me as half-right and fully interesting.



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Trevor Noah didn't "go to war" with or "destroy" Tomi Lahren, he gave her brand more audience & humanized someone who dehumanizes us.  The Slaves Singing (@williamcson) December 1, 2016

The headlines heralding Noahs decimation of Lahren are grossly overstated and completely worthless. Its all in service to that rah rah team spirit thing where winning is the only thing that matters when people scream on cable even though were all losing a little bit each time we expose ourselves to it. Lahren is still standing and still content in her view of the world. In that respect, nothing changed.

With regard to the point about Lahrens Daily Show appearance normalizing or humanizing her views, I partly agree. Hateful ideas have more power when they are presented in an easy conversational way by a congenial ambassador. But

There is a difference between this late night viral moment and Jimmy Fallon tousling Donald Trumps hair in terms of normalizing or humanizing such an ambassador of woeful ideas. There was no effort to sell Lahren as anything besides a passionate advocate for her point-of-view on The Daily Show. Now, was that point-of-view offensive? In certain bubbles, including my own, absolutely. But we cant shield ourselves from opposing thoughts, especially when they are under direct scrutiny and when contrasting theories are on display beside them.

Scary as it may be, we all need to trust the process and let the audience look at the bare facts so they can decide who is right and what they think passes for human and normal.

The media isnt nearly as effective a messenger as it thinks it is when it comes to monster-making and offering lectures of high grace and purpose on how we should all think and feel. Donald Trump was roundly criticized by the press from every angle and he still won. That doesnt mean that the criticism was completely without merit, it more likely means people tuned out from the unrelenting sameness of the message (and the overall noise of the election) and went with their gut. Flooding the room with liberal bon mots will only widen the divide and push people into their own alt-right thinky safe spaces. People dont need to dig in, they need to loosen up and hear each other speak.

Trevor Noah and Tomi Lahren are imperfect role-models when it comes to the presentation of civility and the embrace of intellectual diversity because both often serve as royals within those ideological bubbles, but this brief twinkle of light in the dark sky is something to set our compasses to.

Lets talk this sh*t out, America.

Jason Tabrys is the features editor for Uproxx. You can engage with him directly on Twitter.
[Photo: Pexels]

Were all guilty of cracking open a bottle of Shiraz after a long hard day  besides a good warm bath, nothing quite relaxes the senses in the same way.

But apparently, its not as much of a stress reliever as it seems, due to the way it affects our brains.

If anything, it makes us want to drink more and more, without feeling making us feel any better.

A study by the University of Pennsylvania looked into the effects of drinking while stressed by examining the brain chemistry of rats.

Researchers exposed the rats to stress, then gave them what was essentially an alcoholic drink (sugar water and ethanol) after a period of 15 hours, measuring how much they drank.

[Photo: Pexels]

The stressed rats guzzled far more mixture than the group that werent stressed. And not only this, but they continued the habit for several weeks afterwards.

The scientists findings, published in Neuron, show that rats exposed to stress had a weakened alcohol-induced dopamine response and voluntarily drank more alcohol compared to controls [the non-stressed mice].

In other words, the stress weakened their natural pleasure response  meaning that alcohol didnt trigger the reward centre in the way it usually would.

And as a result, they drank more and more.

Not only this, but they found that this exposure to booze and stress could change the rats reward circuitry; neurons that would usually inhibit the mice from drinking flipped around and got them excited about drinking instead.

[Photo: Pexels]

And when the rats were given a chemical that reduced the effects of stress  putting their circuitry back to normal  they drank less again.

This may not come as a surprise  weve all had a rubbish day, knocked back a few G&Ts at the end and only felt more miserable and drunker.

But these could be pretty useful findings for figuring out how to treat PTSD:

This line of research has implications for people with PTSD who have an increased risk for over-use of alcohol and drugs, John Dani, PhD, chair of the department of Neuroscience in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania said.

Story continues

And so, the team is looking further into how we can tweak this reward system in order to prevent us from drinking too much.

What do you think about the study? Tweet us at @YahooStyleUK.

This is how much sugar is in your morning bowl of cereal

Is free psychotherapy the answer to PMS?
- By David Goodloe





"Part of the reason why I'm supporting Trump is that I think we need a more radical, new approach to government, at least in the U.S., from what we've had before." - Wilbur Ross, June 2016





When a new administration is about to take over, it is only natural for people to be curious about those who will be responsible for carrying out the new president's policies. Such is the case with the post-election nominations made by President-elect Donald Trump in the three weeks that have passed since the election.







The Wall Street Journal has called the president-elect's choices for administration posts his "A team." Others have called it a "team of rivals," echoing the phrase historian Doris Kearns Goodwin used to describe the group with whom Abraham Lincoln surrounded himself at the dawn of his presidency more than a century and a half ago.



Trump's earliest appointments have tended to be in the area of economic policy, reflecting a decidedly pro-business stance. He chose his former campaign finance chief, banker Steven Mnuchin, formerly of Goldman Sachs, to head the Treasury Department; another choice was Wilbur Ross (Trades, Portfolio), founder of private equity firm WL Ross & Co., as Commerce secretary.



Ross, who is on the record as saying the U.S. needs "a more radical, new approach to government," built his reputation and his fortune (estimated to be $2.9 billion) by acquiring failed companies for low prices, restructuring them and selling them for huge profits. Observers who seek clues to Ross' intentions at Commerce probably will find more in those events and the guru's previous statements; few clues are to be found in Ross' third-quarter portfolio transactions.



In the third quarter he sold out two holdings and trimmed a third.



Ross' largest transaction of the quarter was his divestiture of a 98,693-share holding in Fitbit Inc. (FIT), a San Francisco-based consumer electronics company known for its personal fitness metrics measurement products, for an average price of $14.58 per share. The deal had a -0.25% impact on the portfolio.



Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio) is Fitbit's leading shareholder among the gurus with a stake of 2,013,820 shares. The stake is 0.9% of Fitbit's outstanding shares.



Fitbit has a price-earnings (P/E) ratio of 18.55, a forward P/E ratio of 14.53, a price-book (P/B) ratio of 1.67 and a price-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.78. GuruFocus gives Fitbit a Financial Strength rating of 9/10 with no debt and a Profitability and Growth rating of 4/10 with return on equity (ROE) of 9.96% that is higher than 68% of the companies in the Global Scientific & Technical Instruments industry and return on assets (ROA) of 7.02% that is higher than 77% of the companies in that industry.





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1480622066986.png





Fitbit sold for $8.44 per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Fitbit a fair value of $4.92.



The guru also sold out his 18,705-share holding in Zayo Group Holdings Inc. (ZAYO), a Colorado-based communications infrastructure company serving data centers, wireless carriers, Internet service providers and government agencies, for an average price of $28.92 per share. The divestiture had a -0.11% impact on the portfolio.



Manning & Napier Advisors Inc. is Zayo Group's leading shareholder among the gurus with a stake of 1,884,970 shares. The stake is 0.78% of Zayo Group's outstanding shares.



Zayo Group has a forward P/E ratio of 29.50, a P/B ratio of 6.49 and a P/S ratio of 4.40. GuruFocus gives Zayo Group a Financial Strength rating of 4/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 5/10 with ROE of -3.66% that is lower than 70% of the companies in the Global Communication Equipment industry and ROA of -0.69% that is lower than 64% of the companies in that industry.





1480622795660.png





Zayo Group sold for $33.08 per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Zayo Group a fair value of $-1.93.



The guru trimmed his position in Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (XENE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Canada, by more than 5% with the sale of 23,905 shares for an average price of $7.72 per share. The transaction had a -0.03% impact on the portfolio.



Ross remained Xenon's leading shareholder among the gurus with 412,479 shares of the company. That represents 2.31% of Xenon's outstanding shares.



Xenon has a P/B ratio of 2.09 and a P/S ratio of 24.68. GuruFocus gives Xenon a Financial Strength rating of 10/10 with no debt and a Profitability and Growth rating of 3/10 with ROE of -34.24% that is lower than 51% of the companies in the Global Biotechnology industry and ROA of -32.29% that is lower than 53% of the companies in that industry.





bbf928dbfd20ea7f76de6bb8a4fdc3dc.png





Xenon sold for $7.9 per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Xenon a fair value of $-15.3.



Fitbit reportedly is nearing completion of a deal to acquire smartwatch maker Pebble.



Disclosure: I do not own any stocks mentioned in this article.



Start afree seven-day trialof Premium Membership to GuruFocus.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.






Lance Reddick, best known for his work on Fringe and The Wire, has joined Kate Bosworth and Tyler Hoechlin in The Domestics, a post-apocalyptic thriller set up at MGM.

Mike P. Nelson wrote the script and is directing the project, which is in preproduction and is being produced by Hollywood Gang.

Set in the harrowing future, Domestics tells of a young couple, played by Bosworth and Hoechlin, who have to travel through a dangerously gang-infested countryside in order to make it home.

As the third lead of the movie, Reddick will play a man who invites the duo into his home but who may also be more than meets the eye.

A shoot in New Orleans is being prepped.

Reddick recently co-starred on Amazon's recent original series Bosch, and will be seen in February in John Wick: Chapter 2, in which he reprises his role of Charon, the concierge of a hotel frequented by assassins.

Reddick is repped by Paradigm and Grandview.

Read more: Box Office: 'Fantastic Beasts' Crosses $500 Million Mark Worldwide
Authorities have charged a Florida woman with first-degree murder for her alleged role in the 2014 execution-style fatal shooting of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel.

Katherine Magbanua, 31, was arrested in October on second-degree murder charges. According to court records viewed by PEOPLE, a grand jury indicted her of first-degree murder on Tuesday.

One of the alleged killers, Luis Rivera, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last month in exchange for testifying against his alleged co-conspirators. The other alleged killer, Sigfredo Garcia, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

In probable cause affidavits from the Tallahassee Police Department obtained by PEOPLE in September, Magbanua is one of four people listed as responsible for the murder of Daniel Markel. Investigators allege in the documents that Magbuanas boyfriend at the time, Charlie Adelson, organized a murder-for-hire plot that led to Markels killing.

Adelson is the brother of Markels ex-wife, Wendi Adelson. The affidavits state Markel and Wendi Adelson were going through an acrimonious divorce and custody battle

 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.

However, Charlie Adelson has not been charged with a crime, and his attorney, David Oscar Markus, has denied the allegations to PEOPLE.

Magbuana is alleged to have introduced Adelson to Garcia and Rivera, according to the affidavit.

In a statement to CBS affiliate WCTV, a lawyer for Magbuana says that her client is innocent.

 PEOPLEs special edition True Crime Stories: Cases that Shocked America is out now.

Because Katie has maintained the truth, that she is innocent and had nothing to do with this, the prosecution has decided to tighten the screws a little more, Attorney Tara Kawass said in a statement. Thats how they broke Rivera and got him to lie. But Katie is much stronger than that thug. Plus, she has the truth on her side. Thats a powerful ally.




BERLIN, Dec 1 (Reuters) - One of the world's biggest networks of hijacked computers, which is suspected of attacking online banking customers, has been targeted by police swoops in 10 countries, German police said on Thursday

In an internationally coordinated campaign, authorities carried out the raids on Wednesday, seized servers and website domains and arrested suspected leaders of a criminal organisation, said police and prosecutors in northern Germany.

Officials said they had seized 39 servers and several hundred thousand domains, depriving criminals of control of more than 50,000 computers in Germany alone. These hijacked computers were used to form a "botnet" to knock out other websites.

The strike came in the same week that hackers tried to create the world's biggest botnet, or an army of zombie computers, by infecting the routers of 900,000 Deutsche Telekom with malicious software.

The attack failed but froze the routers, causing outages in homes, businesses and government offices across Germany on Sunday and Monday, Deutsche Telekom executives said.

Police said criminals had used the botnet targeted in Wednesday's international raids and known as "AVALANCHE" since 2009 to send phishing and spam emails. More than a million emails were sent per week with malicious attachments or links.

When users opened the attachment or clicked on the link, their infected computers became part of the botnet.

The raids came after more than four years of intensive investigation by specialists in 41 countries.

Authorities have identified 16 suspected leaders of the organisation from 10 different countries.

A court in Verden, northern Germany, has issued arrest warrants for seven people on suspicion of forming a criminal organisation, commercial computer fraud and other criminal offences.

(Reporting by Caroline Copley; Editing by Alison Williams)
- Britain's Alex Thomson took back the lead Thursday in his battle with French rival Armel Le Cleac'h for first place in the Vendee Globe solo round-the-world yacht race. Thomson, on Hugo Boss and aiming to become the first non-French winner of the gruelling race, was just 0.65 nautical miles (1.2 kilometers) ahead of Le Cleac'h in Banque Populaire VIII. But the leading pair, now into the Indian Ocean and heading towards Australia, were more than 660 nautical miles ahead of third place Sebastien Josse on Edmond de Rothschild. After 25 days, the 29 yachts have been cut to 25 spread over almost 4,850 nautical miles. The race started in Les Sables d'Olonne on France's west coast on November 6. The winner is expected back in port around January 20.

AFP
Banjul (Gambia) (AFP) - Gambian President Yahya Jammeh seized power in a 1994 coup and has maintained it ever since with a blend of severity, mysticism and iron-clad self-belief.

"No matter what people say about me, I am not moved... I don't listen to anybody because I know what is important," he said on applying to run for a fifth term in office at Thursday's presidential election.

Governing, he said, "is between me and God Almighty."

This deeply devout Muslim grew up in the western village of Kanilai in 1965, the year that The Gambia, a long east-west sliver of land bordered by Senegal, gained independence from Britain.

His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Doctor Yahya Abdul-Azziz Jemus Junkung Jammeh Naasiru Deen joined the army in 1984 -- his military title is the only one he has lost.

Ten years later, Jammeh mounted a coup with fellow army officers against Dawda Jawara, who had ruled the country since independence, pledging to root out corruption and hold elections.

After giving up his rank of colonel to allow him to contest elections as a civilian, Jammeh swept the vote in 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011, following a 2002 constitutional amendment removing presidential term limits.

- Rights abuses -

Now 51, Jammeh has attracted worldwide attention for declaring The Gambia an Islamic nation, withdrawing the country from the International Criminal Court, and claiming he had concocted a herbal cure for HIV/AIDS.

The longtime ruler has woven a shroud of mysticism around himself using religion and rumours of secret powers.

Never seen without his Koran, sceptre and prayer beads, Jammeh's billowing white robes are rumoured to hide a bulletproof vest, the legacy of several coup attempts by his own guards.

In the last few years, a crackdown on journalists, opposition figures and anyone deemed disloyal within the ruling Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), has intensified.

He has promised to bury critics "nine feet deep" and told the UN Secretary-General to "go to hell" after Ban Ki-moon called for an investigation into an activist's death in custody.

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But in another moment he urged his supporters to restrain themselves from violence and allow this week's election to go ahead peacefully.

Rights groups allege that those who defy him end up in the country's notorious Mile Two prison, where the UN in 2014 said it had obtained evidence of torture and executions by the country's National Intelligence Agency, which reports directly to Jammeh.

This was supplemented by "interference with the independence of the judiciary, denial of due process, prolonged pretrial and incommunicado detention," Special Rapporteur Christof Heyns said.

"The security forces are his tools, and he uses them to control Gambia by arresting people who don't share his views," a prominent opposition figure told Human Rights Watch.

- Isolated -

Gambia's diplomatic relations have also been precarious of late. In December 2014, the EU cut off 13 million of funding, and threatened to block another 150 million in response to the country's poor human rights record.

International criticism followed the introduction of an "aggravated homosexuality" law in October 2014 that imposed life sentences for a series of new offences.

And EU and ECOWAS observers are not attending 2016's presidential vote.

Relations with neighbouring Senegal too are at an all-time low.

A huge increase on customs fees for trucks entering Gambian territory was put into place without warning in February, cutting the country off from vital supplies for months.

One Banjul-based diplomat told AFP that the blockade, the effects of a 2013 drought, and tourist fears of Ebola in a country that relies on sunseekers for up to 20 percent of its GDP had made economic conditions unbearable for many Gambians.

Jammeh controls several businesses in the country and has in the past seized them without warning, discouraging foreign investment.

The state of the economy has pushed many young Gambians to take the "Back Way", or migrant route across the Sahara to Libya, where they board boats bound for Italy.

But others remain grateful for investment in education and the health system, which were severely neglected under his predecessor.

"He has totally changed the life of the Gambian people," said Yankuba Colley, a key Jammeh campaign organiser. "The future of The Gambia lies in his hands."
LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Rating agency DBRS said a 'Yes' vote in Sunday's constitutional referendum in Italy would be the best outcome for the country's credit rating, which is currently under review with the threat of a downgrade.

DBRS' rating is key because a cut to Italy's A(low) rank would mean its banks would have to pay more for European Central Bank funding under current rules. DBRS has delayed its review until after the referendum and must conclude it by Feb. 3, 2017.

"If a yes vote prevails, then we would assume (Prime Minister Matteo) Renzi stays in and he has a mandate to continue with his economic reform programme. That would most likely be the best outcome from a credit standpoint," DBRS' co-head of sovereign ratings Fergus McCormick told Reuters on Thursday.

"If the referendum is defeated by a very wide margin, and then snap elections are called, this raises the political uncertainty...We are concerned about investor sentiment in this environment." (Reporting by John Geddie; Editing by Marc Jones)
Gov. Scott Walkers family commission is calling for a series of state law and policy changes to alleviate poverty by strengthening families.

The Future of the Family Commission on Thursday recommended the state expand taxpayer-funded vouchers for private schools, offer marriage tax credits, increase access to quality child care, and teach financial and family planning skills in school and parenting and relationship skills in prison.

The commission also suggested that Wisconsin schools employ and promote the Success Sequence, an idea promoted by the Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C. think tank, that emphasizes graduating from high school, getting a job, and turning 21 and getting married before having children.

The recommendations could factor into Walkers upcoming budget proposal.

Governor Walker thanks members of the commission for their hard work and looks forward to reviewing their recommendations, Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said. The governor is committed to helping strengthen families as we move forward into the new year and legislative session.

Walker created the 12-member commission in January as a way to identify challenges and barriers families face and to discover solutions on how we can help them overcome those hurdles.

The commissions 94-page report  resulting from five meetings  doesnt include a price tag for its recommendations.

It identified 19 different challenges facing families, including: a lack of support for mens roles in forming and sustaining families, too many barriers to marriage, unplanned pregnancies, lack of family planning, lack of quality education for high-risk youth, inadequate adult literacy and math skills, insufficient supply of high-quality early childhood education, few positive cultural messages about marriage and cultural messages that sexual activity disconnected from a committed relationship has no consequence.

12 recommendations

To address those challenges, the commission made 12 recommendations, including:

Increase the demand for marriage by removing barriers such as marriage license fees and tax structures that create a disincentive for two-parent households; considering marriage and child tax credits; developing healthy relationship/marriage readiness programs; reframing the concept of marriage for teens and young adults and providing divorce intervention services.

Educate young people about prevention of unplanned pregnancy by highlighting family planning and opportunities available by delaying sexual activity.

Provide in-home education programs, including relationship skills, for new fathers.

Teach financial and life skills in high school, such as the cost of child support and the Success Sequence  which prescribes graduating from high school, getting a job and waiting until marriage and age 21 before having children.

Increase high school students exposure to technical fields, especially in low-income communities.

Promote school choice/taxpayer-funded vouchers for private schools.

Align transportation resources with available jobs.

Provide support for offenders to re-enter society.

Increase access to affordable, quality early childhood education.

Develop and promote positive cultural messages for both men and women about healthy relationships.

Provide programs for incarcerated men that build their skills in the areas of parenting, marriage and finance.

Encourage community-based social support networks for families.

Lawrence Berger, director of the Institute for Research on Poverty at UW-Madison, said the report addresses many of the key issues associated with family formation and stability, particularly by emphasizing the roles of men and fathers. However, he said he is less optimistic about the emphasis on marriage promotion and healthy marriage programs because the current evidence indicates these programs have not been effective.

Marriage programs ineffective?

This is not to say that effective programs could not be developed or that we should not continue experimenting with such programs, but the fact of the matter is that evaluations of existing programs have not demonstrated that they are effective, said Berger, who testified before the commission.

He took issue with the report not recommending making long-acting reversible contraceptives such as intrauterine devices and implants more easily available to low-income women, something he deemed potentially game changing in terms of unplanned births, which account for the majority of nonmarital births, and associated family complexity and instability.

He also said it didnt address financial support for those who are unable to work or face heavy barriers to employment, such as low education and skills, long periods of disconnection from the labor market, limited connection to social welfare programs, and criminal records.

I would have liked to see a more explicit focus on how best to support these individuals and families not only to move into the labor market, but to also access sufficient economic resources during the process of doing so, Berger said. This, too, is crucial for family functioning and for best enabling parents to contribute to their children both financially and in terms of high quality caregiving.

Julaine Appling, president of conservative Wisconsin Family Action, said she supported the commissions recommendations, particularly on marriage.

Their recommendations are right in line with what we believe must be done, Appling said. I trust the state Legislature will utilize many of these recommendations and will make this a very high priority this session.

Editor's Note: This story has been corrected to accurately reflect the source of the "Success Sequence."

Walker created the 12-member (Future of the Family Commission) in January as a way to identify challenges and barriers families face and to discover solutions on how we can help them overcome those hurdles. The commissions 94-page report ... identified 19 different challenges facing families.
Purchasing tickets for live events is becoming an increasingly stressful task, and a lot of this has to do with the existence of ticket bots. Ticket bots allow scalpers to purchase blocks of concert tickets and tickets for other live events, preventing the average customer to purchase their own and ultimately forcing them to buy tickets from scalpers at a higher price.

Luckily for the state of New York, though, Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed a new law that will make the use of ticket bots a class A misdemeanor. Breaking this new law, which goes into effect in February 2017, could mean hefty fines or even imprisonment. While ticket bots were already banned in the state, the punishment was much less severe.

Cuomo said in a statement: "These unscrupulous speculators and their underhanded tactics have manipulated the marketplace and often leave New Yorkers and visitors alike with little choice but to buy tickets on the secondary market at an exorbitant mark-up."

As Pitchfork points out, the New York attorney general's January report found that three brokers alone had purchased over 140,000 to New York events using bots between 2012 and 2014. New York joins 12 other states that have banned ticket bots, and legislation against the software has also been introduced in Congress.

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BEIJING (Reuters) - Young gay men are the frontline of China's battle to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, with new cases occurring at one of the fastest rates of any segment of the population. More than 2,300 students between 15 and 24 tested positive for HIV/AIDS in the first nine months of this year, with new cases in the group increasing fourfold since 2010, according to data from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDCP) that was cited by the official Xinhua News Agency late on Wednesday. By the end of September, more than 654,000 people were living with HIV/AIDS in China, Xinhua said. As the problem worsens, Beijing has turned its HIV/AIDS prevention efforts towards high-school and university students. China's first-ever health center focusing on preventing the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus, which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, among those aged 15-24 was opened in Beijing on Saturday, according to the official China News Service. The proportion of cases caused by unprotected sex between males in that age group had risen to more than 80 percent from around 60 percent in 2008, Bao Yugang, China director at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a non-profit group told China News at the launch of the center. World AIDS Day is celebrated on Thursday and Peng Liyuan, China's popular First Lady and a World Heath Organization HIV/AIDS prevention goodwill ambassador, attended an event at a Beijing university on Tuesday to raise awareness among students. The government has struggled to raise awareness about safe sex and the need for regular checks among high-risk groups, with many HIV-positive individuals going untested. "When I was first confirmed (as HIV-positive) it wasn't because I intentionally went to get tested, it was when I was having treatment for an illness in hospital, the hospital just did a test without telling me," said Xiao Ji, a 25-year-old who identifies as gay man and who used a pseudonym. "When the results came out (the hospital) refused to treat me," he said. The spread of HIV/AIDS remains a serious issue in China, with nearly 9,000 deaths from AIDS and more than 34,000 new cases in the first eight months of 2016, according to a CCDCP report. According to UNAIDS, many men who have sex with men do not see themselves as homosexual. Many are also married or have sex with women. Wu Zunyou, director of the Chinese National Centre for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, said: "Because of reasons related to fear, exposure of their identity, exposure of the fact that theyre infected, and discrimination, those who have contracted (HIV) dont wish to talk about their own identity as a host of the disease." (This story has been corrected to show that fourfold increase is among students, not all young gay men, in paragraphs 1 and 2) (Reporting by Natalie Thomas, Joseph Campbell and Christian Shepherd; Writing by Christian Shepherd; Editing by Paul Tait)
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  In this edition of the Dutram Report, Eric Dutram talks with Ted Theodore, the Vice Chairman and CIO of TrimTabs, to discuss the new TrimTabs fund, TTAC. They also go over supply demand principles in ETF form, and what using a float shrink strategy means for investing and how it can potentially lead to outperformance. To listen to the podcast, click here: ( https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/237549/can-supply-and-demand-help-you-be-a-better-investor )

The concept of supply and demand should be easily understood by not just anyone who has taken an economics course, but every investor as well. Yet, while this idea makes plenty of sense and we can see it working in a number of aspects in our lives, it can be tough to find this strategy in the investing world.

Well, if you are curious on how to apply this technique in the world of stocks, youll definitely want to listen to this edition of the Dutram Report. In this episode, I speak with Ted Theodore, the Vice Chairman and CIO of TrimTabs for some insights on this topic, as well as his companys Float Shrink ETF (TTAC).

This fund takes supply demand principles and uses them in a strategy called float shrink. The idea behind this approach is to look for companies that are shrinking the number of shares in the float (hence the name), and this is usually done by looking at firms that have buybacks which reduce the supply of shares out in the market. However, the folks at TrimTabs dont just look at buybacks, and so Ted and I discuss some of the other keys to this approach as well, such as free cash flow.

We also briefly discuss some of the funds main competitors such as PKW and TTFS. The comparisons between TTFS and TTAC are especially interesting, largely because TrimTabs used to be manager for that product from AdvisorShares. We talk about some of the challenges in starting this process over, but note that a reduced expense ratio probably doesnt hurt matters, and especially for investors interested in this float shrink approach.

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These topics and more are all discussed in the latest edition of the Dutram Report so make sure to check it out for additional information. And for more news and insights into the world of ETFs, make sure to be on the lookout for the next edition of the Dutram Report, and check out the numerous other great Zacks podcasts as well!





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Zenefits COO David Sacks

It's been two steps forward and one step back for troubled startup Zenefits and its legal problems after it admitted earlier this year it was selling insurance without proper licensing in multiple states.

On Thursday, the state of Washington's insurance commission said that Zenefits' basic business model, of giving away HR software for free to customers who buy insurance from it, was illegal in that state.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler ordered Zenefits to cease the free distribution of its employee benefits software, saying the tactic violates Washington state insurance law against inducements.

Zenefits has agreed to charge Washington state businesses $5 per user for the software that it gives away for free in other states.

Kreidler had also previously fined Zenefits $100,000 in October 2016 for selling insurance without proper licensing in that state.

This news comes days after Zenefits announced that it had settled its problems with California. Zenefits paid $7 million to California to settle its most egregious legal issues, including its admission that it had skirted some legal requirements for training people for their California state insurance licenses.

The disclosures of its licensing issues led to the sudden resignation of its founder CEO Parker Conrad earlier this year, replaced by investor, COO, and Valley executive A-lister David Sacks. Since then, Sacks has been negotiating with state regulators, many of who imposed small fines.

Sacks also banned the practice of drinking alcohol at work, laid off workers, renegotiated with investors, and reduced the valuation of the company by half to $2 billion. He offered the remaining workers a chance to walk with severance if they didn't want to stay, fired other executives involved in the licensing issues, reorganized leadership, and launched a new version of the company's main product.

Zenefits founder CEO had once promised that its core software will always be free.

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Here's the full press release from the insurance commissioner.

OLYMPIA, Wash.  Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler ordered Zenefits to cease free distribution of its employee benefits software, noting the tactic violates Washington state insurance law against inducements.

Washington is the first state to take action against the company for violating inducement laws. Under an agreement with Kreidler, Zenefits can challenge the order within 90 days.

California-based Zenefits began operations in Washington in 2014, selling online human resources services to businesses. As part of its free software offer, Zenefits provided certain features with a paid commission. To access these premium features, the company required the client to designate Zenefits as its broker of record, then collected the commissions associated with the insurance product sold.

The inducement law in Washington is clear, Kreidler said. Everyone has to play by the same rules.

The law permits a licensed producer to offer no more than $100 per person during a consecutive period of 12 months.

Zenefits markets software's value at $29,100 to $45,000 per year. The company will determine what fee to charge its Washington customers starting Jan. 1, 2017, in accordance with the order.

Kreidler also fined Zenefits $100,000 in October 2016 for employing unlicensed producers to sell insurance in Washington. The company allowed unlicensed employees to complete 179 insurance transactions between Jan. 1, 2014 and Nov. 30, 2015. Washington is among a handful of states, most recently California, to fine Zenefits for allowing unlicensed producers to sell insurance.

Both actions resulted from a two-year investigation of Zenefits by Kreidlers office.

Kreidlers investigation also found:

Zenefits offered individual clients up to $2,000 in cash for referring companies through a program called Friends with Zenefits. Zenefits paid at least one individual $250 for two referrals.

At least 25 state residents chose Zenefits as their insurance broker after a demonstration of the companys software.

Here's the full statement from Zenefits lawyer, Josh Stein.

Today, Zenefits has reached a compromise agreement with the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) on how Zenefits will price its services in Washington State. Beginning January 1, at the order of OIC, Zenefits may no longer provide free software services in Washington. As a result, Zenefits will charge all Washington state customers $5 per employee per month for our core HR product.



This agreement arises from OICs interpretation of its anti-rebating statute, which prohibits brokers from refunding part of their commission back to clients. These anti-rebating statutes are designed to protect consumers from discriminatory pricing. Unfortunately, the Washington commissioner seeks to use a consumer protection statute to raise prices for Washington consumers, a counter-intuitive and wrong decision that we disagree with.



The Washington viewpoint is a decidedly minority view. Since its founding, Zenefits has had conversations with regulators about our business model, which includes some free HR apps. Many states have looked into the issue and concluded that free software from Zenefits is not a problem; in fact, its in the interest of consumers. Only one state other than Washington has disagreed. Utahs department of insurance tried to force Zenefits to raise prices for consumers, and Utahs state legislature and governor quickly took action, passing a bill to clarify that its rebating statute should not be interpreted to prohibit innovative new business models that deliver value to consumers.



We do appreciate the efforts of Commissioner Kreidler and the OICs staff to reach this compromise agreement with us. This agreement provides a template for Zenefits to do business in states with a minority interpretation of the rebating statute (whereas the short-lived Utah decision would have effectively prohibited us from doing business in the state). But an even better solution would be for all states to interpret the rebating statute in the way it was intended -- to protect consumers, not brokers that compete with Zenefits.



We believe that our core HR product is worth the $5 price that we will charge, and we're going to include our new HR Adviser app as part of the bundle to make this an even better deal for our customers. But that's not the point. Zenefits and every other company should have the freedom to set prices for our products and services in the way that drives the best value for consumers. We will work with the legislature and other stakeholders in the coming months to uphold this principle.



In the meantime, our customer service teams will be reaching out directly to all our Washington customers to make it as easy as possible for them as we transition to this new pricing structure in Washington.

NOW WATCH: Here's how much you need to make to be in the top 1% of every state





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Apples Smart Battery Case for iPhone is gross. Its ugly, and theres really no getting around that. Before today, buying one should have come with a sense of shame and regret, but now that theres a Product (RED) version, at least you can pick one up and know that youre doing some good for the world, even if its at the expense of good taste.

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Apple announced today that its bringing a (RED) version of its lumpy battery case to its its retail stores and online shop, along with new iPhone SE case, Beats Solo 3 wireless headphones, and Beats Pill, also as part of the (RED) program. The new products continue the companys tradition of charitable efforts and long-standing support of (RED)s mission to provide medical relief to AIDS-stricken regions of Africa.

Additionally, Apple is launching a special Product (RED) effort via Apple Pay. Starting today and carrying on through December 6th, the company will donate $1 to (RED) every time Apple Pay is used at an Apple Store or on Apple.com, with a maximum contribution of $1 million. Interestingly, Bank of America is matching that offer, and will also donate up to $1 million in total for Apple Pay transactions using its cards.

The gift of life is the most important gift that anyone can give, said Tim Cook via press release. Thanks to the vision and dedication of (RED), an AIDS-free generation is within our reach. We want to leave the world better than we found it, and thats why our longtime partnership with (RED) remains so important to us.

The new product versions should appear in the Apple online store starting today, as well as in Apple Store locations.

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Theres a new way to visit the White Housewithout leaving home. The Obama administration released an app on Thursday that lets users see an interactive, 3-D video of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as it goes through a whole year of seasonal and state events.

The app, called 1600, can be downloaded for both Apple and Android devices. Then, when app users point their smartphone camera at a dollar bill, they will see the White House come to life.

The video is not explicitly political, but the White House seemed to recognize that some Americans are looking for a sense of stability as President Barack Obama prepares to hand the country over to Donald Trump next month. Youll see that even as seasons and people change, the White House endures as an institution of American democracy, Press Secretary Josh Earnest wrote in a White House blog post announcing the app.

Users may not get to sit next to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a State Dinner or roll an Easter egg with Beyonce and Jay Z in person, but the app does offer a glimpse at events including state visits, July Fourth fireworks and animated snowmen on the White House lawn.
The Internet Archive, which operates the so-called Wayback Machine that holds copies of Web pages at various times, is asking for donations for its new Canadian project (AFP Photo/Michael Bocchieri) (Getty/AFP/File)

Washington (AFP) - The Internet Archive, which keeps historical records of Web pages, is creating a new backup center in Canada, citing concerns about surveillance following the US presidential election of Donald Trump.

"On November 9 in America, we woke up to a new administration promising radical change. It was a firm reminder that institutions like ours, built for the long term, need to design for change," said a blog post from Brewster Kahle, founder and digital librarian at the organization.

"For us, it means keeping our cultural materials safe, private and perpetually accessible. It means preparing for a Web that may face greater restrictions."

Kahle said the center would begin raising funds to establish a copy of the archive in Canada, citing the principle that "lots of copies keep stuff safe."

The goal will be to operate "in a world in which government surveillance is not going away; indeed it looks like it will increase," he said.

While Trump has announced no new digital policies, his campaign comments have raised concerns his administration would be more active on government surveillance and less sensitive to civil liberties.

"Throughout history, libraries have fought against terrible violations of privacy -- where people have been rounded up simply for what they read," Kahle wrote.

"At the Internet Archive, we are fighting to protect our readers' privacy in the digital world."

The Internet Archive, which operates the so-called Wayback Machine that holds copies of Web pages at various times, is asking for donations for its new Canadian project.

Keeping the project going means "saving 300 million Web pages each week, so no one will ever be able to change the past just because there is no digital record of it," Kahle said. "The Web needs a memory, the ability to look back."
Nokia, which is now a leading telecom equipment maker, has licenced its brand to HMD Global (AFP Photo/Antti Aimo-Koivisto) (Lehtikuva/AFP/File)

Helsinki (AFP) - Nokia, once the world's top mobile phone maker, will make a comeback on the smartphone market in the first half of 2017, the company and its licensee said Thursday.

Nokia, which is now a leading telecom equipment maker, has licenced its brand to HMD Global which is to launch its first Nokia smartphone products early next year.

The Finnish company said HMD had received the green light to proceed with production after completing all necessary transactions with its Taiwanese manufacturing partner, FIH Mobile of FoxConn Technology Group, and with US tech giant Microsoft which had bought the unprofitable phone business from Nokia in 2014.

"HMD can begin operations as the new home of Nokia phones, under an exclusive global brand license for the next ten years," excluding Japan, Nokia said in a statement.

Microsoft's venture into phone manufacturing cost it $7.2 billion in 2014, but proved short-lived last May, when it said it would sell its feature phone business to HMD Global and FIH Mobile for $350 million (329.4 million euros).

Microsoft also decided to end its smartphone manufacturing in Finland, letting go of some 1,350 smartphone makers and former Nokia employees.

When Nokia sold its phone business to Microsoft, it agreed not to get back into smartphones until the last quarter of 2016. With the restriction no longer valid next year, HMD can begin making new smartphones under the Nokia brand.

"Nokia branded feature phones remain one of the most popular choices of mobile phone in many markets around the world today and HMD will continue to market them... alongside a new range of smartphones and tablets to be announced later by HMD," Nokia said.

Nokia is not a shareholder in HMD, but will receive royalty payments for sales of each mobile phone and tablet sold under its brand.
Felicity Jones plays Jyn Erso, the newest hero in the Star Wars universe. Jyn will lead a band of daring rebels in Rogue One, hunting down the schematics of the Empires most dangerous new weapon. But while we wait for Rogue One to hit cinemas, Jones is ready to entertain us with a different kind of Star Wars experience.

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In a shoot with Glamour the actress gave some of the most important old and new characters in Star Wars yearbook-like superlatives.

For example, according to Jones, Leia is most likely to dance like Beyonce when nobody is watching. Chewbacca is the most likely to never shut up, Yoda is most likely to spend Friday night at home, and Kylo Ren is most likely going to return your Christmas gift. You should probably get Kylo a gift card at most.

Jones does yearbook quotes for plenty of other Star Wars characters, including Rey, Darth Vader, Han Solo, C-3PO, and others, so check out Glamours full video below. This is likely just one of the many stunts Disney is preparing in anticipation of the upcoming Star Wars movie  check out the latest trailer for the movie.

Rogue One hits theaters on December 16th, with tickets already available online for preorder. And before you ask, no, theres not going to be a Rogue One sequel.

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The Galaxy Note 7 was discontinued, but not all buyers brought in their brand new phablets for exchange or refund. Since discontinuing the product, Samsung issued an update that limits the maximum battery charge to 60% of its original capacity, a move meant to decrease the explosion risk. But the company will not stop there to prevent you from using the phone. Samsungs next move is to brick the handset.

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The company will work with mobile operators to prevent Galaxy Note 7 units from connecting to their cellular networks. Samsung already did this in New Zealand, and now the company will expand the program to Australia.

The network discontinuation will start on December 15th in the region, the company said in an announcement, but customers will start receiving notifications about the change on December 1st. On-going communication and updates should follow in the next three weeks.

Once the procedure is complete, you wont be able to use the phone on any wireless network. Sure, itll work on Wi-Fi, but this wont be enough for most mobile users.

Samsung urges customers in Australia to swap their Galaxy Note 7 units for a different device or seek a refund. Customers who exchange the Galaxy Note 7 for either the Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge will receive a specific partner offer to the value of $250, on top of any refunds for any differences in resale prices.

No matter what argument youd use to defend your Galaxy Note 7, we still encourage you to stop relying on a potentially hazardous device for your daily mobile needs.

A report from earlier this week claimed that Samsung will tell us what went wrong with the Galaxy Note 7 by the end of the year.

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By Jim Finkle, Tom Finn and Jeremy Wagstaff (Reuters) - Shamoon, the destructive computer virus that four years ago crippled tens of thousands of computers at Middle Eastern energy companies, was used two weeks ago to attack computers in Saudi Arabia, according to several U.S. cyber security firms. CrowdStrike, FireEye Inc , Intel Corp's McAfee security unit, Palo Alto Networks Inc and Symantec Corp warned of the attacks, though they did not name any victims. They did not say how much damage had been caused or identify the hackers using Shamoon, which cripples computers by wiping drives used to start machines. Saudi Arabia said on Thursday that hackers had launched an attack on computers on government bodies and organizations in the transport sector in mid-November, heightening concern about security in the world's largest oil exporter. Victims included the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Saudi agency that runs airports, where the attack disrupted work for several days, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the investigation. The attack originated outside the country and was one of "several ongoing cyber attacks targeting government authorities," the National Cyber Security Center, an arm of the Ministry of Interior, told state news agency SPA. The statement did not give details of the identity of the attacker or the damage caused, beyond saying the virus aimed to disrupt servers and plant malicious software in computer systems. The 2012 Shamoon attack on Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, was widely seen as a watershed event. At the time, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said it was probably the most destructive cyber attack on a business. There have since only been a few major attacks with disk-wiping malware, including ones in 2014 on Sheldon Adelsons Las Vegas Sands Corp and Sony Corp's Hollywood studio. In the initial Shamoon hacks, images of a burning U.S. flag were left on computers at Saudi Aramco and RasGas Co Ltd. A disturbing image of the body of 3-year-old drowned Syrian refugee Alan Kurdi was used in recent attacks. The 2012 hackers were likely working on behalf of the Iranian government, said CrowdStrike Chief Technology Officer Dmitri Alperovitch. It is too early to say whether the same group was behind Shamoon 2, he said. Tehran has been investing heavily in its cyber capabilities since 2010, when its nuclear programme was hit by the Stuxnet computer virus, widely believed to have been launched by the United States and Israel. The malware triggered the disk-wiping to begin at 8:45 p.m. local time on Nov. 17, according to the security firms. The Saudi business week ends on Thursday, so it appears to have been timed to begin after staff left for the weekend to reduce the chance of discovery and allow maximum damage. (Reporting by Jim Finkle in Boston, Tom Finn in Doha and Jeremy Wagstaff in Singapore; Editing by Alison Williams and Leslie Adler)
By Irene Klotz CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Reuters) - Tech billionaire Elon Musks SpaceX hopes to return its Falcon 9 rocket to flight on Dec. 16, said Iridium Communications Inc, which plans to have 10 of its satellites on board for launching. The launch is contingent on approval by the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees U.S. commercial space transportation, Iridium said on Thursday. We are looking forward to return to flight, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said in a statement from Iridium. SpaceX suspended flights after one of its rockets burst into flames on Sept. 1 as it was being fueled for a routine prelaunch test at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The company traced the explosion to a fueling system problem that caused a pressurized container of helium inside the rockets upper stage to burst. The accident destroyed a $200 million satellite owned by Israel's Space Communication Ltd. We are confident that SpaceX understands its fueling process now and will do it successfully for our launch, Iridium spokeswoman Diane Hockenberry wrote in an email to Reuters. Iridium's satellites, however, will not be aboard the rocket during the prelaunch engine firing, she added. SpaceX declined to comment about the status of its accident investigation or what measures it will take to ensure the problem will not reoccur. The company uses extremely cold liquid propellants loaded just prior to blastoff to increase the rocket's power so it can fly back to Earth and be reused. A U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration advisory panel last month publicly questioned the safety of SpaceXs fueling process, especially since the company has been hired to begin flying astronauts to the International Space Station in 2018. The Sept. 1 accident was the second for SpaceX in 29 flights of the Falcon 9. The company, owned and operated by Tesla Motors Inc Chief Executive Officer Musk, has a backlog of more than 70 missions for NASA and commercial customers, worth more than $10 billion. SpaceX has not disclosed the extent of the damage at its primary launch site in Florida. The Iridium satellites will be launched from SpaceXs California launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Iridium intends to replace its current mobile communications network with 81 new satellites made by Italy's Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture of Thales SA and Leonardo Finmeccanica SpA under a contract worth $2.3 billion. SpaceX is under contract to launch at least 70 of the satellites. (Story corrects contract value in second to last paragraph to $2.3 billion from $2.8 billion) (Reporting by Irene Klotz; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
According to the Pew Research Center, 72 percent of American adults own a smartphone as of February 2016more than double the number reported in 2011. In the past half-decade, smartphones have gone from a toy for the tech-savvy and wealthy to a tool as ubiquitous as the wristwatch (many of which are now smart as well).

Automakers are catering to this consumer trend by equipping their vehicles with Wi-Fi hotspots (see General Motors and others), integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality into their vehicles infotainment systems, and developing their own downloadable apps for smartphones, tablets, and watches. The apps are designed to improve customer convenience, and common features include remote keyless entry, GPS tracking, vehicle diagnostic reports, and the ability to send a destination from your phone to the in-dash navigation system.

We gathered a cross section of five automakers mobile apps, as well as compatible vehicles, to examine the breadth and capability of this new technology. These were BMW Connected North America (tested using a 2016 BMW 740i), myChevrolet (2017 Chevrolet Volt), Infiniti Connection (2017 Infiniti QX30), Tesla Motors (2015 Tesla Model S), and MyHyundai, which was previously known as Hyundai Blue Link (2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited). Although we will refer to Hyundais app by its current name, note that we completed testing on the previously titled Hyundai Blue Link app and that MyHyundais general functions appear essentially the same as those of the Hyundai Blue Link app.

By no means are these five vehicle apps necessarily the best, nor are they the only manufacturer-backed mobile apps available today; however, this quintet of promising options did show off some of the technologys more useful and/or state-of-the-art functions. Some of the features on these mobile applications are limited to higher-end models. For example, myChevrolet and MyHyundai offer remote-start functionality, something not available on a number of competitors. Meanwhile, Infiniti Connection and MyHyundai were the only two apps we tested that provide real-time speed and location alerts.

Story continues

In the interest of leveling the playing field, we interacted with the apps on two phones: an Apple iPhone SE 64GB and a Motorola Moto X (second generation). The former represented Apples iOS and relied on AT&T as a carrier; the latter ran Googles Android operating system and used Verizon. On all of our test subjects, save for the BMW Connected North America app, which was unavailable on Android at the time, we used both operating systems to find out if any user-experience or interface differences exist. We can report that operational disparities were few. Any noteworthy variations are mentioned in the text below, which is organized by function.

From left to right: BMW Connected North America, myChevrolet, MyHyundai, and Tesla. Infiniti Connection's remote commands are not available on the QX30 due to the vehicle's Mercedes-Benz sourced hardware; however, Infiniti offers this function on its other products.

Remote Locking and Unlocking

With the exception of the Infiniti QX30, every vehicle app we tested included some sort of key-fob functionality. Infiniti doesnt generally exclude this feature from its Infiniti Connection mobile application. But in the case of the QX30, a vehicle that relies heavily on Mercedes-Benz parts, the Infiniti Connection software is unable to communicate with the Benz-sourced hardware.

The remaining vehicles app-based key fobs worked much like a digital version of a standard keyless-entry system: A Lock button locked the doors, and an Unlock button unlocked them. BMW Connected North America recently added unlocking capability, but at the time of our test, only locking could be controlled remotely. In theory, being able to unlock ones car remotely means that owners can leave their keys behind and still have access to their vehicle. These four apps also offered some form of control of the lights and horn via the digital fob, giving users the opportunity to find their vehicle in a crowded lot.

Each app also had its share of quirks. BMW, Hyundai, and Tesla generally require some form of confirmation before carrying out the commands initiated via the app. In the case of BMW, this means users must hold down the fob button on their screen for two seconds before it will allow an action to take place. Hyundai requires users to enter a PIN, and Teslas app asks iOSbut not Androidusers if theyre sure they want to unlock the vehicle. Some actions through Teslas app required entering a password. Meanwhile, myChevrolet consistently completed an action well before the app acknowledged the fact (we know this because wed hear the car lock or unlock while the app was still registering the request).

For the most part, the apps fob functions revealed pleasantly quick response times between requesting an action and seeing the car complete said action. With a response time under three seconds, myChevrolet was the quickest at responding to our appeals on both our iOS and Android devices, and BMW was the slowest at roughly 11 seconds. As a former owner of a General Motors vehicle, this author can attest to the slow response times of the companys previous OnStar RemoteLink app. Interestingly, General Motors stated that its data does not reveal any difference in response time between the previous app and the current app, but we noticed a significant improvement. Perhaps chalk it up to dynamic factors such as location or carrier.

In short, response times may vary no matter the app and vehicle.

From left to right: BMW Connected North America, MyHyundai, and Tesla all offered some form of remote climate control functionality. Unfortunately, BMW Connected North America limited access to just the fan function, whereas A/C and heating options are offered on MyHyundai and Tesla.

Remote Engine Stop/Start

Of our test subjects, two also offered remote-start functionality. Both our Chevrolet Volt and Hyundai Elantra Limited test cars could be started (and stopped) from the comfort of a couch, courtesy of their respective apps. In the case of myChevrolet, users are given a quick warning on requesting a remote startbut not before a stopthat reminds them: Use remote start when it is safe and legal.

Both myChevrolet and MyHyundai require users to input a four-digit PIN before approving remote start and stop, and this command took a bit longer to stream through the airwaves than locking and unlocking, with myChevrolet taking about eight seconds to respond and Hyundais app taking almost 30 seconds. Following the press of the apps Start button, MyHyundai leads users to a page that allows them to set the amount of time the engine will run before shutting off, turn on the front defroster, and adjust interior temperature settings before submitting the request.

The latter feature wasnt unique to MyHyundai, though. BMW Connected North America also lets users adjust interior climate; however, since the engine cant be turned on remotely, BMWs system is only able to operate the fan and not the air conditioning or the heater, making it significantly less useful.

Likewise, Tesla lets its users adjust interior climate settings from the cars mobile app. HVAC commands were responded to quickly with the Android app, while a loading circle briefly appeared before an action was completed when using iOS.

Although the Tesla Model S doesnt have a formal remote start or stop function within its mobile appit doesnt have an engine, after allthe cars large-capacity battery pack is always at the ready to devote electrons to completing an app function. Furthermore, Teslas app also offers a Keyless Driving function that allows users to drive off without the vehicles key. After tapping the Start button located within the app and entering a personal password, the driver has two minutes to enter the car, press the brake, and drive away.

What about Hacking?

As useful as these features can be, there is the real concern of security hacking. A hacker who enters a vehicle app can gain access to the aforementioned remote features as well as the vehicles and/or the users location information.

There are a couple of implications here, Ken Munro, a partner at cybersecurity firm Pen Test Partners, said. You could find where the vehicle is, and thats obviously quite useful. Once youve gotten in the vehicle, you have access to the wiring [and other systems].

Pen Test Partners notably discovered vulnerabilities in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs app, due to what Munro described as the cars unusual method of relying on Wi-Fi instead of a GSM network to communicate information between the car and the mobile app.

GSM networks arent invulnerable to hacking, though. Take the Nissan Leaf, a vehicle that uses a GSM network to charter communication between the app and the car, which security researcher Troy Hunt was able to hack.

In the case of the Leaf, its app provided Hunt with information such as the distance traveled during each trip as well as the date and time when each trip occurred. With this information, a hacker could, in theory, figure out an owners daily patterns: morning departure time, commute length, what time he or she returns home, and when the vehicle is likely to be left unattended.

If you have physical access [to the vehicles systems] and you can rewrite software, then you have a problem, Hunt warned. [A hacker] can actually remain [digitally] present in the vehicle, waiting to strike.

The automotive industry is now taking steps to avoid future issues related to hacking. Last year, a number of automakers came together to create an Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC) to share and track threats and vulnerabilities to various automotive systems. More recently, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced a bug bounty program that pays independent researchers as much as $1500 for bringing security flaws to light.

While all alerts on MyHyundai must be set on the MyHyundai website, most alerts for InfinitiConnection can be set within the mobile app itself.

Vehicle Tracking

You dont need to be an expert hacker, though, to keep tabs on your vehicle. A handful of manufacturers allow app users to set speed and location alerts for their vehiclesa boon for individuals who are prone to using valet parking or lending their car to friends or family. Of the five apps we engaged with, however, only MyHyundai and Infiniti Connection (and only as part of the Infiniti Connection Plus package) offered features of this nature. Unfortunately, we found that both brands have work to do to improve the user experience of these functions.

To use MyHyundais alerts, the user must first download a separate app within the vehicles infotainment system, something we admittedly struggled to find without the help of a Hyundai specialist. (We found this rather surprising given the generally intuitive nature of the Elantra Limiteds infotainment system.)

Our frustrations were just beginning. We soon learned that alerts can only be set via the MyHyundai website, not from the MyHyundai mobile app itself. Once on the site, users can choose to set alerts for exceeding a specific speed (in 5-mph increments starting as low as 25 mph and as high as 100 mph) or driving during an unapproved time. Furthermore, users can set a location boundary (as little as a mile or as far as 99 miles) around a specific address or point of interest. Users can choose if the boundary is inclusive (meaning alerts are sent if the vehicle leaves the virtual barrier) or exclusive (meaning alerts are sent if the vehicle enters the virtual barrier), and if the boundary is square or circular in shape.

Alerts are sent to the mobile app and are also very briefly displayed on the cars infotainment screen. Wed prefer if the in-vehicle alerts were displayed longer so that the offending driver has a chance to see when he or she is doing something that goes against the wishes of the vehicles owner.

Likewise, Infiniti Connection allows users to set alerts for speed (between 25 mph and 200 mph, as well as specific time frames for when this speed should not be exceeded), curfew, and location boundaries. On top of these features, Infiniti Connection lets a user set alerts for the vehicles arrival. As on the Hyundai, in-vehicle alerts are displayed all too quickly on the infotainment screen.

Almost every available Infiniti Connect alert can be set within the app or through the Infiniti InTouch Services web page. The one exception is location boundaries, which can only be set via the web. Once online, users can elect to have the boundary radiate from a selected address by as little as one mile or as far as 3000 miles. Likewise, users can choose whether the boundary is inclusive or exclusive. All alerts in Infiniti Connection are sent to a notifications tab within the app, but users can also choose to have these alerts sent via a phone call, text message, or email.

Teslas Summon Feature

Given the revolutionary nature of the Tesla Model S, we were surprised to find that the electric vehicles mobile app was rather run of the mill. Admittedly, though, it runs the mill like an experienced CEO. Credit the apps masterful user experience, which makes navigating and using the many available features both easy and logical.

However, Teslas app does have a few features that set it apart, such as the ability to let users remotely open or close the cars sunroof (which weve used to torment drivers of our long-term Model S). Theres also the map, which pinpoints not only the cars location but also the direction in which the vehicles pointed. And, of course, theres Summon, which allows users to remotely drive their Tesla forward or backward. Truth be told, though, unless you actually park your Tesla in a very, very tight parking space (say a narrow garage), the feature is more of a parlor trick. Using Summon is as simple as pushing the apps Summon button and then using the Forward and Reverse buttons to move the car remotely in said direction. Summon also can be initiated without the app from the Teslas touchscreen or with the key fob. We found it generally responsive; however, the car did, rather strangely, turn to the left when we were Summoning it on one occasion (it automatically steers to avoid perceived obstacles, which it must have detected incorrectly).

In the Year 2000 . . .

Teslas Summon and Hyundai and Infinitis alerts werent the only futuristic features to be found among the apps we tested. Our 2017 Chevrolet Volt test vehicle, like a number of General Motors products, was 4G LTE enabled and able to serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Starting with a free three-month or 3-GB trial, consumers can purchase data plans that range from $10 per month for 1 GB to $40 per month for 10 GB once the trial period is over. Through myChevrolet, owners can manage and keep track of the vehicles data, name and enable the hotspot, and set a network password.

Apps and Entrees: The Takeaway

Much like a sunroof or SiriusXM satellite radio, your car or trucks mobile app is a convenience feature. Treat it as such. If you can afford the space on your mobile device and/or any potential fees to use the apps features, youll likely appreciate what it has to offer. What is certain is that vehicle apps will become very important in the future. In fact, they may even be the primary key fob or become as critical to your car or trucks performance abilities as the engine under its hood or the infotainment system perched in the center stack. For now, though, communication between ones car and mobile device is nicenot essentialto have.

From left to right: BMW Connected North America, myChevrolet, Infiniti Connection, MyHyundai, and Tesla. Only BMW's GPS function is connected to the user's phone and not the car. Tesla's also shows vehicle direction, as well as speed and acceleration inputs if the car is in motion.

The Cost of Convenience

BMW Connected North America (Tested with 2016 BMW 740i)

+/ One of the simpler apps we tested, BMW Connected North America offers interesting features such as the ability to sync your phones calendar to the car, send location information from the app to the car, and share information on predicted arrival time via text or email.

Oddities include a remote climate-control function that only works the fan, not the A/C or the heat. Not to mention that, as of now, the U.S. version of the app is limited to iOS. And BMW only recently added lock capability in addition to the ability to unlock from the iOS app.

$ The app, which is free to download, requires that users own a 2014 or newer BMW (excluding the 2014 X6) with navigation and have an active BMW ConnectedDrive/Assist subscriptiona service BMW includes on its new vehicles free of charge for four years. After the initial service period ends, consumers must pay for at least one of many individual BMW ConnectedDrive/Assist features to maintain access to the app. ConnectedDrive/Assist subscriptions cost $199 per year for the Safety plan and an additional $199 annually to add the Convenience plan.

myChevrolet (Tested with 2017 Chevrolet Volt)

+/ MyChevrolet offers a boatload of convenience features. The most impressive is its ability to remotely control the vehicles 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot as well as keep track of data usage.

Special to the Volt are a handful of charging tools. Users can plug in (pun intended) their departure time, plus optimize how the car charges: immediately, based on departure time, or a combination of best rate and departure time.

$ MyChevrolet is free to download; however, to get access to myChevrolets more noteworthy featuressuch as the remote key fobusers must have an active OnStar account. Fortunately, OnStar Basic is included for five years with the purchase of a new General Motors vehicle, after which users will need to purchase an OnStar plan if theyd like continued access to the apps array of features. Plans currently cost as little as $19.99 per month or $199.90 per year or as much as $34.99 per month or $349.90 per year, depending on the features desired.

MyHyundai (Tested with 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited)

+/ Like myChevrolet, MyHyundai (formerly Hyundai Blue Link) stood out because of its large list of features. The app offers a fantastic climate-control function via the remote-start system. Users can opt to turn on the front defroster, adjust the interior temperature, and even set the amount of time the engine will idle during a remote start.

Meanwhile, a bevy of alerts that can be pushed to the mobile app can be used to let the vehicle owner know if his or her car or truck is being driven above a specified speed, within a restricted location specified by the owner, and more.

The biggest gripe was that alert settings cannot be made from the mobile app.

$ Blue Link consists of three packages: Connected Care, Remote, and Guidance. Each is available for a limited trial period on MyHyundaicapable vehicles: Connected Car for one year and the other two options for three months. Once the trial is over, the packages cost $99 per year each or $297 per year in total. Connected Care is best described as Hyundais take on General Motors OnStar, offering convenience features such as automatic collision notification and maintenance alerts. Remote gives app users access to the digital key fob, and Guidance adds Google destination-search functions to the cars infotainment system. If all youre looking for is the convenience of a smartphone app, you can download it for free and then plunk down $99 for complete access to the Remote package.

Infiniti Connection (Tested with 2017 Infiniti QX30)

+/ With the exception of the Infiniti QX30, every vehicle app we tested included some sort of key-fob-like functionality. Infiniti, for its part, includes this feature with its Infiniti Connection mobile app, but our test vehicle, the QX30, relies heavily on Mercedes-Benz electronics and other hardware with which the Infiniti Connection software was unable to communicate.

On the plus side, Infiniti makes up for the QX30s lack of a remote fob by including alerts that rival, if not best, those of MyHyundai. Almost all alerts, save for one, can be requested via the app. Sadly, the apps user interface is a bit of a mess.

$ Infiniti Connection is free for six months with the purchase of a new Infiniti. To enjoy the alert functions, customers must put down $308 for the Infiniti Connection Plus package after the trial; however, $179 per year gets users a simpler Infiniti Connection package that sacrifices alerts but keeps features such as automatic collision notification, maintenance alert, and alarm notification.

Tesla Motors (Tested with 2015 Tesla Model S)

+/ The king of user-friendliness among the five apps we sampled, Teslas app lacks many of the overwrought features that have made the manufacturers vehicles so intriguingexcept Summon, which allows users to move their Tesla forward or backward using their phone.

Truth be told, unless you actually park your Tesla in a very, very tight space (such as a narrow garage), the feature is more a gimmick than anything else. Using Summon is as simple as pushing the apps Summon button and then using the Forward and Reverse buttons to move the car remotely in said direction. Summon can also be initiated via the Teslas touchscreen or the cars key fob, requiring no smartphone interaction.

More mundane features that stood out included the ability to open or close the cars sunroof, as well as the apps map function, which shows where the car is and its direction of travel.

$ The Tesla Motors app is free to download and use with your Tesla vehicle.
We talked to digital activists Access Now to find out how we can better protect ourselves online

The newest ethical campaign from the international soap and lotion connoisseurs at Lush features a partnership with the digital activists at Access Now who are currently focusing their energies on fighting against government-enforced internet shutdowns. All the proceeds from Lushs new Error 404 bath bomb will go towards the digital activists at Access Now as part of the #KeepItOn campaign.

We were lucky enough to attend a launch event for the new Lush bath bomb, where Lush representatives talked about their decision to campaign against internet shutdowns. Reps from Access Now explained the growing need for digital activism.

Before taking off, we got to chat with the digital activist Deji Olukoton who manages the global campaigns as well as Kim Burton who is the Security Education Coordinator for the 24/7 helpline.

Internet shutdowns destroy livelihoods, conceal human rights violations, separate families, disable emergency services and censor journalists. #keepiton @accessnow A video posted by Lush Cosmetics North America (@lushcosmetics) on Nov 25, 2016 at 7:21am PST

HG: What is the mission statement for Access Now?

Deji Olukotun: We defend the digital rights of people all over the world, thats our mission. We have a 24/7 digital helpline, where we help activists, marginalized people, LGBT people, journalists, 24 hours a day [so] we can help them with their phones or computers that have been hacked or compromised. We also do campaigning, this shutdown campaign is part of our pro-active work.

Internet shutdowns are the reality for millions of people around the world. And they are no accident. #keepiton @accessnow A video posted by Lush Cosmetics North America (@lushcosmetics) on Nov 25, 2016 at 8:08am PST

HG: I know that you had this planned before the presidential election. But do you feel the timing is now more significant because people are now worried about censorship in the U.S.?

DO: Yes, definitely. The campaign wasnt specifically timed around the election, but what weve seen abroad is that internet shutdowns happen around elections. We are in the perfect storm right now after the election, with Trumps rhetoric about a rigged election, mistrusting the process, and the proliferation of fake news stories, so yeah its more relevant. Weve already seen it in Cameroon, [Africa]. It fits a trend of leaders who want to seize power, theyll use [internet shutdowns], and shut down social media. They dont want people talking to each other, its a really troubling thing. Unfortunately, the recipe is there for a perfect storm of censorship.

Story continues

When others are silenced, it's time to speak out. #keepiton @accessnow A video posted by Lush Cosmetics North America (@lushcosmetics) on Nov 25, 2016 at 9:38am PST

HG: When did you guys first start? Also, what are the primary ways people can support you or get involved?

DO: We started during the Green Revolution in Iran, we saw the government disrupting the internet and we decided to start Access Now. Our helpline was a big part of that. People can take action on our website, you can sign our petition to Keep It On that well be handing off to world leaders. Of course, we love support from donations. Right now our helpline is available to American organizations as well, its not just international.

There are a lot of people who will be targeted, a lot of people are really concerned about how the new administration will treat them. We are there to support them on the digital side, to make sure their communications are secure. For example, in Syria, when people got arrested one of the first things the captors asked for was their passwords. Most of our cases this year have come from Syria, all of these technologies we use leave a digital trail that authorities can use.

Tell world leaders to keep the internet on! #keepiton @accessnow A video posted by Lush Cosmetics North America (@lushcosmetics) on Nov 25, 2016 at 10:37am PST

HG: Is your helpline primarily dedicated to educating people about their digital rights, or is it primarily used for people already targeted?

Kim Burton: We deal with the people who are being shut down or worried about being shut down. When someone contacts us, the first thing well do is vet them for security purposes, check out their organization or reach out to a mutual contact. It works out because a lot of the people who need help are connected to each other.

Internet shutdowns harm human rights and the economy. #keepiton @accessnow A video posted by Lush Cosmetics North America (@lushcosmetics) on Nov 25, 2016 at 12:19pm PST

HG: Do you have a piece of advice for people worried about their digital rights? What is an easy first step to ensure better security?

KB: So, password protection is good. You can get a password manager, which is basically a piece of software on your computer. You no longer have to create or remember passwords because the password manager does that for you. So its a lot safer than anything you create for yourself. Also, Googles two-step verification is really easy and good to install for any email accounts. What they do is essentially text you a code you have to enter after your actual password. All of those companies have tutorials you can walk through.

Visit www.accessnow.org/keepiton to learn more and get involved. #keepiton @accessnow A video posted by Lush Cosmetics North America (@lushcosmetics) on Nov 25, 2016 at 12:42pm PST

You can check out the Error 404 bath bomb on the Lush website to help their important cause with Access Now. The campaign ends today!

The post We talked to digital activists Access Now to find out how we can better protect ourselves online appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Last week has been quite a lull for the U.S. telecom industry. Nevertheless, few developments made it to the headlines.

Telecom and pay-TV behemoth AT&T Inc. T finally launched the much-awaited DirecTV Now mobile video streaming service, marking the companys entry into the OTT space. Additionally, the company announced a new video platform for all of its video and television services.

In addition, AT&T and DISH Network L.L.C., a wholly-owned subsidiary of satellite TV operator DISH Network Corp. DISH, along with British multinational advertising and public relations company WPP Group plc jointly announced plans to acquire advertising firm INVIDI Technologies.

Meanwhile, T-Mobile US Inc. TMUS  the fastest growing wireless carrier in the U.S.  has been accused of dodgy accounting practices by the CtW Investment Group. Present Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules allow companies to report non-GAAP performance metrics.

However, since non-GAAP measures are generally presented as per the discretion of management, companies are required to show a reconciliation statement detailing the exact reasons for the difference between the GAAP and the non-GAAP numbers. CtW group claims that T-Mobile US has provided inadequate details on the same.

According to a recent report by telecom giant Verizon Communications Inc. VZ Enterprise Solutions' third annual Verizon Retail Index, the average daily eCommerce traffic volumes to U.S.-based retailers on Black Friday were up 9% year over year while peak ecommerce volumes were 39% higher than 2015 levels, indicating increased consumer engagement through digital platforms.

Moreover, Thanksgiving drove eCommerce traffic by 10% year over year while peak eCommerce volumes were 22% higher than 2015 levels. Verizon currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Further, Verizon and Riverbed Technology have formed an alliance to create a hybrid cloud computing structural design based on Amazon.com, Inc.s AMZN Amazon Web Services (AWS). The architecture, dubbed as AWS Direct Connect Solution, will help the telecom giant meet the growing hybrid cloud computing demand from enterprise customers.

Story continues

Regional telecom service provider Cincinnati Bell Inc. CBB recently announced an alliance with eero inc., maker of the worlds first whole-home WiFi system. As per the deal, Cincinnati Bell will be offering eeros whole-home Wi-Fi system at eight of its retail stores across Greater Cincinnati.

In a separate development, telecom and data service firm Windstream Holdings, Inc. WIN plans to discontinue the DSL (digital subscriber line) service it offers to small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) and residential customers in CLEC (competitive local exchange carrier) territories across 25 states.

Read the last Telecom Stock Roundup for Nov 24, 2016.

Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories

1. The basic package of DirecTV Now comprising 60 channels is priced at around $35 per month. Other packs range from $50 to $70 a month which will offer a wider range of channels. Moreover, since AT&T operates its own wireless network, the company can price its DirecTV Now offering by bundling wireless data packages with the OTT service. This will help draw new wireless customers. (read more: AT&T Launches DirecTV Now Service on New Video Platform.)

2. AT&T, DISH and WPP have decided to maintain INVIDIs current operations along with its current employees in their current locations. INVIDI has offices in Princeton, NJ, Newtown, PA, New York, Denver, CO and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Moreover, INVIDI will continue operating independently under the companies collective ownership. Also, each of its new owners will appoint representatives to INVIDIs board of directors. Meanwhile, AT&T will be holding a controlling stake in the company. (read more: AT&T, DISH Network & WPP to Acquire INVIDI Technologies.)

3. The CtW groups claims are largely focused on the revenue estimates adopted for accounting of T-Mobile US Equipment Installation Plans (EIP). Additionally, T-Mobile US has been held accountable for providing a lower amount of credit loss allowance while in reality, its customers have been unable to meet their contractual obligations. Thus, by disregarding the credit risks associated with the EIPs, T-Mobile US may have inappropriately boosted its profits. (read more: Is T-Mobile US in Trouble for Accounting Practices?)

4. The Verizon Retail Index specializes in consumer ecommerce traffic during the holiday shopping season. The index also tracks eCommerce traffic across Verizon's broadband networks. The index monitors network traffic throughout the holiday shopping season, including events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The escalation in eCommerce and mCommerce traffic on Black Friday implies that the telcos efforts to expand its digital-video network have paid off. Verizon has also been engaged in a number of digital ventures. (read more: Verizon Retail Index Sees High eCommerce Holiday Traffic.)

5. By offering eeros line of products in its retail stores, Cincinnati Bell will be able to grow its FTTH (Fiber to the home) customer base. FTTH is presently the fastest growing method of providing higher bandwidth to consumers and businesses, thereby enabling enhanced video, Internet and voice services. Further, the eero home-WiFi system is easy to install and use. Customers will also be able to use WiFi connections through multiple access points throughout their homes to create a wireless mesh network. (read more: Cincinnati Bell to Offer eero WiFi Products at Retail Stores.)

Price Performance

The following table shows the price movement of the major telecom players over the past week and the last six months.

Company Last Week Last 6 Months VZ 0.42% -1.96% T 0.00% -1.33% S 3.14% 106.32% TMUS -0.63% 26.78% VOD -0.81% -12.65% CHL 1.64% -3.12% AMX 4.58% -1.14% CMCSA -0.44% 9.81% DISH 2.10% 15.13%

Over the last five trading sessions, share price movement of major telecom stocks witnessed a mixed trend. America Movil (4.58%) and Sprint (3.14%) gained considerable value over the same time frame. Similarly, over the last six months, the price performance of most telecom stocks was mixed. Among the stocks that gained significantly were Sprint (106.32%), T-Mobile US (26.78%) and DISH (15.13%). On the other hand, Vodafone lost 12.65% in the same time period.

Whats Next in the Telecom Industry?

We do not foresee any significant changes in the telecom industry or overall global economic factors that can affect the industry in the coming week. Consequently, we expect stocks to trade in line with the broader market movement.

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Kendall Jenner came to slay!

The 21-year-old model made her second appearance in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris, France, on Wednesday, rocking the runway in some seriously sexy ensembles.

WATCH: Bella Hadid Slays in Sexy Lingerie While Reuniting With Ex-Boyfriend The Weeknd on Victoria's Secret Runway

Jenner's first look, a black-and-white ensemble consisting of a strapless lace bra, matching barely-there panties and black feathered angel wings, undoubtedly turned heads. "Wow Kenny so breathtaking," mom Kris Jenner said of the look on Instagram.

Getty Images

The reality star proved she's a pro when it comes to walking the catwalk, blowing a signature VS Angels kiss to the star-studded crowd.

Getty Images

Later, Jenner brought the fire in another lacy get-up, a bright red bralette, thong and sky-high heeled booties.

Getty Images

Get it, girl!

Getty Images

WATCH: Gigi Hadid Praises Lady Gaga: She's a Great 'Big Sister to Me'

Mama Kris couldn't contain her excitement over this look either. "My gorgeous little Angel!!!!!!!!" she shared on Instagram.

ET's Kevin Frazier was backstage with Jenner just moments before she hit the runway, where she revealed none of her famous siblings were in Paris to watch her own the catwalk in person, but were cheering her on from home in Los Angeles.

"It's [just] me," she dished. "Yeah, no one is coming out but they're all -- I've literally been texting with all of them, like, the past couple days."

"Everyone's freaking out, I got so many flowers from all my family members," she added. "So, yeah, I feel the love for sure from L.A."

WATCH: Kendall Jenner Gives Update on Kanye West's Health: 'Everyone Is Doing OK, Just Praying'

Jenner also gave ET an update on her brother-in-law, Kanye West, who remains hospitalized at the UCLA Medical Center following what sources claim was "a mental breakdown" due to "stress, anxiety and paranoia."

Story continues

Hear more in the video below.

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On Tuesday's Conan, Senator Bernie Sanders had some sharp criticism of the media during and after the election. He specifically called out network and cable news media, saying, "What media loved was the fact that Trump would say one absurd thing after another, ugly things about people we have never heard before from a presidential candidate. That was great TV. CNN's ratings went way up. " Sanders went on to explain that the media has been doing a poor job of informing the public on issues that genuinely affect millions of Americans. He said, "Turn on network news tonight and watch it for the next year. See how much coverage there is about climate change, which is threatening the existence of the entire planet" Thankfully, Senator Sanders said that those who watch the news have the power to fix the problem. "I think the American people have got to demand more out of media. The American people have got to demand that media talk about the issues that impact our lives."
Resilient podcast

Adversity is never the end of the story.

Authenticity. Determination. Trust. Grit. No matter how experienced you are or what industry youre in, the basics of great leadership are universal. In this podcast, were bringing you the voices of leaders who put these attributes into action.
President John Mahama has opened the newly refurbished Ridge Hospital , with a promise to complete the second phase of the project in 24 months.

The 420-bed hospital, which will now be known as the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, is equipped with ultra-modern facilities and is expected to help improve the qualify of and access to healthcare in the region.

I'm very happy that we are able to deliver a project like this. What we are doing is to provide equipment in the new facilities that we have so that our health professionals will be able to give off their best to the patients, the president said at the commissioning of the projects first phase on Wednesday.

Mahama said the government made the decision to build the hospital as a first step to alleviating the plight of health professionals who he said work in very challenging environments.

Sometimes ,equipment even for basic diagnosis is difficult to find, and that is why we are trying to make a change by providing the facilities. We have well-trained healthcare professionals and I think that that will enhance the quality of health of our people, he said.

The hospital will serve the Greater Accra Region, but the main catchment area includes Nima, Maamobi and Accra Central, which have the highest population density in the Greater Accra Region, will now be served by world-class medical facilities.

Surveys conducted at the Ridge Hospital indicate that about one out of every four of the daily total output of the hospital are residents of these localities, which are relatively deprived communities in the Accra metropolis.

The facility was financed by the Government of Ghana with support from Exim Bank and the HSBC Bank.

Meanwhile Nollywood star actor, Osuofia, say the Ridge Hospital is like a seven-star hotel.

Watch the video below:

READ ALSO: GHC3.3 million bribery saga: We have given Bugri Naabu several gifts in the past - Mahama's brother

READ ALSO: Ghanaians wickedly devour Akufo-Addo for dodging presidential debate

Source: YEN.com.gh
Got questions about the Wisconsin presidential election recount that begins Thursday? Here's a Q&A to address some of the basics.

Why is this recount happening?

Because Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein requested it, saying in her recount petition that she believes "an irregularity has occurred" in the counting of Wisconsin's presidential votes. State law permits any candidate to petition for a recount of their election if they believe a mistake or fraud was committed in counting the votes or that another problem occurred.

Is the recount happening only in Wisconsin?

Stein's campaign is moving ahead with recounts in Michigan and Pennsylvania, too. The three Great Lakes states secured an Electoral College win for Donald Trump.

What measures were taken to ensure the votes were properly counted on Election Day and not subject to being hacked?

Stein's campaign has discussed a hypothetical cyber-attack to alter election results that would focus on voting machines. In Wisconsin, that typically refers to optical scanners that tally paper ballots or touch-screen machines used, primarily by people with disabilities, to cast votes.

State officials say extensive measures are taken to prevent unauthorized people from accessing the machines.

Voting machines are publicly tested in each municipality throughout the state, then sealed and secured until Election Day. Before the polls open, election officials must verify the machines remain sealed.

At the polling place on Election Day, access to the machines is closely guarded.

Is there evidence the election results reported in Wisconsin are not legitimate?

Stein's campaign acknowledges there's no direct evidence, saying it could only emerge through a recount or audit of the vote.

The campaign has cited a University of Michigan professor's statistical analysis of vote totals from small wards in Wisconsin that use certain optical-scan machines to count the votes. According to the professor, Walter Mebane, the totals from those wards exhibit numerical anomalies that bear further scrutiny  and could be a sign the vote totals were altered. But a UW-Madison political science professor, Barry Burden, said the analysis may be flawed because the sample size of the number of votes cast in small wards may not be large enough to yield accurate results.

Is there anything else?

The Stein campaign cited several factors that it says give cause for concern about the integrity of the results. They include the discrepancy between the results in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania and the pre-election polls and exit polls in those states. They also include the unusual prevalence of cyber-attacks in 2016 aimed at influencing the election, such as the hacking and leaking of emails from Democratic National Committee staffers and Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta.

Could the recount change the outcome of the election?

Official results show Trump beat Democratic candidate Clinton in Wisconsin by a little more than 22,000 votes, or about 0.7 percentage points. Members of both parties acknowledge the chance of that margin being erased in a recount is basically nil  absent an unprecedented scale of vote-counting error or an unprecedented effort to tamper with the results.

Are taxpayers covering the cost of the recount?

No. In Wisconsin, unless the winning margin in an election is 0.25 percentage points or less, the candidate requesting the recount must pay for it. On Tuesday, Stein's campaign paid $3.5 million to the state Elections Commission to cover recount costs incurred by the commission and each of the state's 72 counties. If additional costs are incurred, the campaign will be billed for them.

Who conducts the recount?

The process plays out at the county level in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties. Bipartisan county canvassing boards, which include the county clerk and two other members, oversee the process in their county in tandem with staffers they assemble to conduct the recount.

Candidates may also have representatives at each recount location to observe and, if they wish, to object to ballot determinations by recount officials.

How is it done?

About 90 percent of the votes cast in Wisconsin are on paper ballots. Most counties will recount them by hand, one ballot at a time. Others will use optical scan machines or a mix of the two methods.

About 10 percent of the votes are cast on electronic touch-screen machines. For those votes, a paper receipt is created when the vote is cast, then verified for accuracy by the voter before they leave the polling place. Those receipts are what will be recounted.

Can the public observe?

Yes. The recount is public, just like a city council meeting or a legislative session. Clerks can place some limitations on access, depending on the size of the room.

When must the recount be completed?

The Electoral College convenes on Dec. 19 to cast their ballots for president based on the popular vote in each state. In order for Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes to be guaranteed for the top vote-getter here, the recount must be completed by Dec. 13. It's currently scheduled to be done by 8 p.m. Dec. 12.

What happens if the recount isn't completed by then?

If the recount is certified by Dec. 13, the state's results are guaranteed under federal law to direct which candidate electors vote for on Dec. 19. After Dec. 13, Congress could vote to choose which candidate gets Wisconsin's votes, with the governor breaking any tie between the House and Senate.
27 NC lawmakers from Tarai in favour of amendment bill

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Genuine demands should be fulfilled and debatable ones should be discussed further
Constitution amendment: UML prepares to flex muscles

The main opposition CPN-UML has said it is all set to counter the constitution amendment bill from the streets, Parliament and court.
UML obstructs parliament meet, calls amendment bill anti-national

Main opposition party, CPN-UML walked out of the meeting of legislature parliament on Thursday protesting against the constitution amendment bill tabled by the government.
Leaders of Kasese district are demanding the government to first release the Mumbere of Rwezururu before going into any dialogue with the government.

Speaking during the prayers in Najjankumbi, the LOP Winnie Kizza says the government had invited all leader from Kasese for a dialogue but this can not happen in the absence of Mumbere.

He says government should release him and all the royal guards who were arrested before they go for the dialogue because they burnt his palace, undressed people and paraded them in public and killed his people.

She also reveled that they they are looking for finances to enable them take Museveni to ICC for the crimes he has committed in killings Ugandans.

She however condemned the killings and called upon all Ugandans to pray for the people of Kasese most especially those who have died and those undressed to regain their dignity
Residents of Buhweju district have asked the government to equip with appropriate skills and technology that will enable them mine gold in this district.

These alleges that some foreigners mainly Chinese, and Indians are steadily penetrating the industry creating fear among local citizens.

Now reacting to their concern, the Buhweju Resident District Commissioner Emmy Katera said that as a district, they are planning to stop all foreigners engaging in this mining without authorization.

He added that they will invite the minister of Energy and Mineral development to assess the area and see how police can help them.
The Marine Corps and the Army use different rifle ammo -- and Congress is demanding a report explaining why.

The final joint version of the Fiscal 2017 National Defense Appropriations Act, released Wednesday, includes a provision requiring the secretary of defense to submit a report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees explaining why the two services are using different types of 5.56 mm ammunition for their M16A4 and M4 rifles.

According to the provision, the report must be submitted within 180 days after the bill, which includes the entire defense budget for the coming year, is enacted.

If the secretary of defense does not determine that an "emergency" requires the Army and Marine Corps to use the two different types of rifle ammo, they must begin using one standard kind within a year after the bill is passed, it states.

This provision, introduced by the House of Representatives, addresses a longstanding difference in procurement strategies between the two services. The Marine Corps uses an M855 5.56 mm round, while the Army uses the M855A1. The Army moved away from the M855 in 2010 after finding that the M855A1 steel-and-copper round performed better. The Marine Corps planned to do the same, but the project was sidetracked in 2009 when some bullets did not follow their trajectory in testing.

In 2015, Marine Brig. Gen. Joseph Shrader, then commanding general of Marine Corps Systems Command, told a congressional panel there were plans to test the M855A1 rounds again.

"What we are pursuing in a new round  are three things -- precision, lethality and reduced signature or muzzle suppression," he said.
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YMCA to host holiday grief counseling session

AUBURN  The YMCA of DeKalb County will host Surviving the Holidays and Special Days After the Loss of a Loved One on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the chapel. Trained grief counselors from The Peggy F. Murphy Community Grief Center, a service of Visiting Nurse, will present the overview.

Those attending may join grief counselors for a conversation about getting through the holidays, with helpful suggestions for coping, dealing with holiday expectations and finding new ways to remember a loved one.

This event is free to everyone who wishes to attend.

AfterProm fundraiser raffle in progress

GARRETT  The Garrett High School AfterProm Committee is holding a Christmas fundraiser through Dec. 16.

First prize is a $250 meat package from LaOtto Meats. Second prize is a $150 meat package from LaOtto Meats.

Tickets are available at the three school offices and in the superintendents office for a cost of $2 each or 3 for $5.

The winning ticket will be drawn Dec. 20.

All proceeds will benefit the 2017 After Prom Event.
Whether you're looking for an all-time classic like "Monty Python's Flying Circus" or a modern gem like "Veep," these are the best comedy show
A Holmen High School business teacher recently had the opportunity to acquire more tools for guiding her students in money management.

Amy McCutchen received a scholarship to attend the 2016 Jump$tart National Educator Conference Nov. 5-7 in Dallas, Texas.

I loved the conference and have many new tools and resources that can be used when teaching personal finance, McCutchen said. Personal finance is a required course at Holmen High School; most take the class in their junior year and some in their senior year.

A 2002 HHS graduate, McCutchen returned to Holmen as a teacher beginning in the 2007-08 school year.

McCutchen received the scholarship to attend the conference through a program Jump$tart offers first-time conference attendees. In addition to basic information, the application for the scholarship asked applicants to indicate how many students they impact each year in their personal finance classes and to provide an example of an aha! moment with one of their students.

The aha moment I submitted was when one of my students I had in class as a junior came back to me a year later to talk about renting, McCutchen said. We had a unit in personal finance on renting an apartment, and she wanted to review the unit with me again before she started looking for her first place to rent.

At the conference, McCutchen and other attendees were able to share information about their programs, as well as hear from nationally known experts. One of the speakers was Adam Carroll, the creator of the documentary Broke Busted & Disgusted, which tells the story about the college student debt situation.

The highlight of the conference was networking with people from all over the United States that care strongly about teaching our youth about financial literacy and listening to speaker Adam Carroll, McCutchen said. Carrolls message was about student debt and how we need to guide our students to make sound decisions when taking on debt for college.

Jump$tart is a nonprofit made up of a coalition of financial education stakeholders. It brings together organizations committed to advancing financial literacy among pre-school through college-age students.

The coalition offers 24 scholarships to pre-K through 12th grade classroom teachers to attend the conference. McCutchen was the only area teacher to attend the conference, where she joined personal finance educators from 46 states.
Nearly 20 people who live near the site of a proposed 195-foot telecommunications tower in the town of Holland turned out for a public hearing on the tower Monday night. The tower appears destined for approval, despite their concerns, and it would not have made any difference if the hearing drew more people than the Dakota Access Pipeline protest in North Dakota.

The La Crosse County Board really has no choice but to approve the tower or face legal action. But after Monday nights public hearing, members of the boards Planning, Resources and Development Committee voted unanimously to delay its action on the proposal until its next meeting, which is set for Jan. 3.

The Wisconsin Legislature put a provision in the 2013 budget bill  without any hearing  that basically tied the hands of local units of government when deciding whether to grant permits for new telecommunication towers.

If theyve met state standards, then were required to approve it, said Charlie Handy, the countys planner.

It might seem like the state made life easier for local officials, especially elected ones, because it takes the decision-making out of their hands, but thats not how Handy sees it. I think it makes it tougher, he said. If youre going to hold a public hearing, you like to be able to address the concerns and not just pass the buck.

At Mondays hearing, residents cited concerns about property values, health effects, proximity to the Holland Air Park, and even the need for the tower. Holmen Public Works Director Dean Olson, representing the village, noted that Holmen and Holland have worked out a boundary agreement that calls for residential development of the area around the tower site, plans that would be jeopardized by erection of the tower.

Clearly, it would be disappointing if La Crosse County would support any action that would jeopardize this future goal for the area of impact, said Olson, who concluded by indicating the village might take legal action if the tower is approved.

But with the new regulations, local governments can no longer deny wireless tower permits solely for aesthetic reasons, limit the height of towers to under 200 feet, or require that antennas and structures be placed on public property, such as water towers.

Local officials can deny a tower permit if the applicant does not investigate co-location  putting equipment on another providers tower  but there are few other options local governments can turn to for preventing erection of a telecommunications tower. They also cant prohibit towers from going in specific locations and they cant force companies to do environmental testing or require monitoring for radio frequency emissions.

And local officials cant drag their feet. The state requires municipalities to rule on a permit application within 90 days or the application will be considered automatically approved. The county board would have take action at its Jan. 19 meeting to meet the state deadline.

Committee members considered not taking a vote on the conditional-use permit application for the tower and having it gain automatic approval under the state law, but that would strategy would deprive the county the chance to impose some limited conditions on the tower, such as a minimum setback from the road and a $20,000 bond to guarantee removal of the tower should it no longer be needed.

The Holland tower, which would be built on Old Hwy. NA west of Hwy. 35, is being proposed by Green Bay-based Bug Tussel Wireless, a company that focuses on improving cell phone reception and providing mobile internet access in rural areas. The company helps the big cell phone providers improve reception in rural areas, particularly in major highway corridors.

Eventually, wed like it to be fairly ubiquitous throughout rural La Crosse County, Bug Tussel President and CEO Steve Schneider said in a phone interview Monday afternoon.

Schneider said the company does take community concerns to heart, despite the state law that allows companies to ignore citizen sentiment. He noted that the company will bring the tower proposal to the Holland Town Boards Dec. 7 meeting, even though hes not required to.

Youve got to work with the communities youre in, Schneider said. If you do get hearings where there are a lot of people opposed, then you do back off.

If theyve met state standards, then were required to approve it. Charlie Handy, La Crosse County planner.
Root beer or 7-Up? The question to the grandchildren had just fallen from my lips when I got a look from Grandma Gretchen. Theres milk, she said, soto voice, as we prepared to sit down for lunch last weekend.

So it was that I slipped innocently, unaware that the children had had their quota of sugary treats, into the national debate about sugary carbonated sodas. That issue took an interesting turn in the Nov. 8 election when voters in several cities approved taxes designed to fight obesity and raise money, about a penny per ounce in the recent proposals, for various local projects. Seven U.S. cities have now adopted soda taxes after a decade in which some three dozen proposals around the country were successfully defeated with opposition by the beverage industry.

With all the local needs for more revenue such as fixing roads, I began to wonder if soda taxes were on the agenda locally.

Adam Hoffer, assistant professor of economics at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, said he had heard of nothing of such efforts in our area and not much about it statewide, for that matter. He has collaborated with economics professors at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University on the effects of so-called sin taxes such as those on tobacco or sugary drinks. They made the case in a paper several years ago that the costs of sin taxes often outweigh the benefits. Their work was cited widely in national media, according the Huntsman alumni magazine.

Hoffer, who has been at UW-L for five years, and his colleagues pointed out that state and local governments are burdened by ever-increasing spending obligations and by the political unpopularity of raising traditional taxes. To find needed revenue, state and federal governments have recently revived an old but not necessarily good idea of adopting sin taxes to refill their coffers. They cited the following reasons to oppose sin taxes because:

They take advantage of unpopular activities to raise revenue, which would otherwise be politically difficult to do,

The burden of the taxes falls disproportionally on low-income households, and

Sin tax proposals trigger socially wasteful lobbying by the affected producers.

For example, the New York Times story following the election said that the beverage industry trade group spent $38 million opposing the fall ballot proposals.

In the case of soda taxes, Hoffer said there is no broad research to find any definite links with health benefits.

Nonetheless, Kelly D. Brownell, the dean of the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, predicted in the Times story that in a year or two, the soda taxes will be widespread. Brownell is an authority on sin taxes who first proposed a tax on junk food in 1994.

The heavy spending in support of soda taxes by billionaires is one more demonstration of how the super wealthy are shaping our public policies.

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg spent some $20 million on the Bay Area (San Francisco and Oakland) fall campaign, according to the Times. And the Times quoted John Arnold, a hedge fund billionaire who supported soda tax proposals as good ways to raise municipal money: Do you do it by increasing sales taxes or increasing income taxes, or can you find ways, like through soda taxes, where you get an added benefit of improving the health at the local level in addition to raising money?

Hoffer calls the sin tax a lazy way to raise money for a particular goal such as better health.

The jury may still be officially out whether decreased soda consumption through soda taxes will help address the problems of obesity or diabetes. But our families have already made the choice not to drink much soda  something I didnt need a discussion of soda tax to remind me  just a glance from Grandma Gretchen.
There was a line of people fawning over the memories of Alvin Blackdeer for over an hour after Barbara Blackdeer-Mackenzie finished her presentation about her father.

I grew up on the prairie with your father. I remember seeing your father all over town, my parents were close to him. Your father was so smart, were some of the memories shared with Blackdeer-Mackenzie.

She gave the presentation at the Holmen Area Historical Societys November meeting, which features a veteran every year.

Alvins popularity in the community was evidenced by the turnout; a member of the society told Blackdeer-Mackenzie that it was one of the biggest crowds the society had ever seen.

I am a professional speaker, but this was exciting, this was scary. Normally, I do not talk about myself or my family, especially in front of my family and hometown, Blackdeer- Mackenzie said.

Blackdeer-Mackenzie, known as Bambi to the community for most of her life, grew up in Brice Prairie with her father, Alvin, her mother, Muriel, and her seven older half-siblings.

She graduated from Winona State University in 1992 with a bachelors degree in history and communication studies, the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire in 2003 with a Master of Education, and is currently working on her educational leadership doctorate at St. Marys University.

She lives in Black River Falls, the Ho-Chunk Nation headquarters, and works with the Nations Social Services Children and Family Services Unit.

The life of Alvin Blackdeer

Alvin Blackdeer was a decorated man who was well-respected by his community.

He was born March 29, 1926, to Charles and Caroline Blackdeer. Although raised in Brice Prairie his entire childhood, Alvin was born in Valley Junction, Wis. Tomah Memorial Hospital was the only hospital designated for Native American use.

He spent his childhood on the prairie with his 10 siblings, where he hunted, fished and grew up with traditional Ho-Chunk values. His life has been immortalized by his late wife, Muriel, in her book, An Eagle Blessed our Home.

Blackdeer graduated from high school in 1943 and promptly joined the U.S. Navy. At the end of the world wars, there was a Blackdeer son in every branch of the military.

He worked on the U.S.S. Tangier in Hawaii and was able to travel to the Philippines and Corregidor before he was discharged.

According to Blackdeer-Mackenzie, Alvin was a self-described swap jockey who re-upped after he was discharged. He was a seaman first class six months before the Korean War.

Alvin came back in 1948 to see the prairie changing; he saw the laying of electrical lines and the infrastructure development that changed his childhood lands.

He worked for the La Crosse County Sheriffs Department as a deputy for 11 years, and also as an Onalaska Constable. He then worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 32 years. He began as a fireman and ended his career as an engineer.

Alvin was elected to the Onalaska Town Board for two nonconsecutive terms in 1968-72 and 1981-86.

On top of his work, Alvin was the commander of the Winnebago Veterans Association where he worked on Indian programming. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and volunteered at any and all VA meetings.

I spent my childhood in VAs and nursing homes, Blackdeer-Mackenzie said.

Blackdeer-Mackenzies sister joked about Alvins military pride.

He was very proud of being a WWII veteran; he would tell so many stories at the dinner table, I thought he was in the service forever, Debra Welander said.

In 1960, on John F. Kennedys campaign trail, Alvin and his brother, Wilbur Blackdeer, honored Kennedy by giving him a war bonnet, making him an honorary chief.

We honor veterans through feathers, Blackdeer-Mackenzie said. If there is a red tip on the feather, that means they were in hand-to-hand combat and wounded their enemy.

In 1965, a widowed Alvin met a widowed Muriel, and they were married a year later. They bonded over music and their pride in their heritagesMuriel was Norwegian.

She would listen to him sing, and she fell in love with his voice, Blackdeer-Mackenzie said.

Barbara was born in 1967 and is the only child from the union.

He didnt speak the Ho-Chunk language in the home because he had no one to talk to, so I probably only had 10 words in my whole repertoire, Blackdeer-Mackenzie said.

The 1970s and 1980s marked a time in Alvins life where he was heavily involved in politics. He helped incorporate the Ho-Chunk Nation (then known as the Wisconsin Winnebago Tribe), and worked in school programs, sang and scouted.

He was medically retired in 1980, and passed away on Jan. 27, 1988.

Code talkers

The code talkers were Native American members of the military who used a secret code that could only be deciphered by their native languages. There were 33 tribes involved in the program.

The program was so detailed and critical that each member in it had a man on his ship or base assigned to kill the member if the code were ever to be compromised.

The code talkers were declassified in 2008 and the Ho-Chunk Nation was recognized for their involvement in 2013 with a gold medal.

It was not until 2015 that Blackdeer-Mackenzie was notified that Alvins name was submitted for verification. Around Memorial Day 2015, the Blackdeer family found out that Alvin had been acknowledged as a code talker.

He never said anything; a clue I guess was that he had wartime and peacetime discharge, she said.

The tribe is still putting together all the pieces, but Blackdeer-Mackenzie will soon be accepting a silver medal on her fathers behalf.

Ho-Chunk Nation

Although Alvin was a beloved and active member of the community, he had to fight for his nations recognition.

The Ho-Chunk religion was outlawed until 1978. They had to practice in secrecy, it was more systemic, Blackdeer-Mackenzie said. Even today, the elders say it has to stay secret.

According to Blackdeer-Mackenzie, Ho-Chunks have been in what is now Wisconsin for 40,000 years.

It was not until recently that they were able to claim their heritage.

In 1934, under the Indian Reorganization Act, the Ho-Chunks legislature was allowed to begin managing their lands and assets. In 1960, their constitution was approved and in 1994, they switched their name to the Ho-Chunk Nation.

The reasoning behind the name change was to regain identity. Winnebago was a Potawatomi word used to describe the nation.

There are currently about 7,000 members of the nation living in Wisconsin, while there is about the same amount in its sister nation, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. The sister nation is established from the population that was forced west.

Blackdeer-Mackenzie spoke about current issues through the eyes of the Ho-Chunk Nation and her father.

There are only two percent of fluent speakers, so at first, things like the mascot issue, dad wanted to keep those names to create a political presence, but now we have seen an identity crisis, she said. These mascot names, and John Wayne movies, have replaced what our culture has lost.

After putting together what could only be bits and pieces of her fathers life for an audience of engaged listeners, Blackdeer-Mackenzie described her father as her hero.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), the Onalaska School District exceeded expectations in the 2015-16 school year.

Thats according to the DPIs annual report card scores released Nov. 17, stating that Onalaska placed 95th out of the 424 school districts in the state of Wisconsin  putting it in the top 25 percent of the state.

Since the 2011-12 academic year, the DPI has compiled report cards that rate every school district in Wisconsin (and every individual school within that district) on four categories: areas of proficiency, post-high readiness, student growth, and the districts ability to close the achievement gaps between the highest and lowest performing students.

The DPI gave Onalaska 4 out of 5 stars for the 2015-16 school year and an overall score of 79.6 out of 100.

This is slightly down from 2013-14s score of 79.7, and 1.4 points lower than 2012-13s score of 81. (These are the only other years in which the DPI produced report cards for the Onalaska School District).

Regionally, Onalaska scored middle of the road. They came behind West Salem (83.9) and Bangor (79.7), but ahead of Holmen (77), Sparta (66.5), Tomah (65.1) and La Crosse  which posted the lowest regional score of 62.3 and was the only district to score as low as 2 out of 5 stars.

In areas of proficiency, post-high readiness, and student growth, the district scored consistently higher than the state average.

Every school within the school district earned four out of five stars except Irving Pertszch Elementary, which earned an overall score of 84.4 and 5 of 5 stars.

Were very happy to see we did significantly exceed expectations, Irving Pertszch Principal Todd Antony said. This does validate the direction that were taking with our school learning objective.

Northern Hills Elementary earned a 73.4 out of 100, giving it the lowest score in the district.

Northern Hills was hit the hardest in their student growth category, which is measured by a students improvement over time on the state reading and mathematics tests. The school scored 16 percentage points lower than the state average in this category.

Amy Russ, the first-year principal at Northern Hills, said the elementary school is looking to boost that score.

Were trying to dig more into that and look at what we can focus on to help increase our students achievement in that area, she said.

However, on the bright side, Northern Hills did score over 20 percentage points higher than the state average on its ability to close the achievement gaps between the highest and lowest performing students  the same category Irving Pertszch excelled at.

Onalaska Middle School earned a 79.4 and the high school scored an 82.4  putting it in the top 20 percent of public schools in the state, according to principal Jared Schaffner.

School board president Ann Garrity thanked all the board members and school principals for their hard work.

Thank you very much for what youre doing for all of us, she said. I think the people in this community, and specifically the kids, appreciate that.
The frac sand discussion in Winona County is over.

At least for now.

The Winona County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 22 voted narrowly to ban industrial sand mining for use in fracking in the county, following years of debate over what the countys role is in regulating and overseeing the commodity whose popularity related to its use in fracking elsewhere in the country spiked in recent years, only to see markets drive the demand into a near lull in 2016.

The decision, which makes Winona County the first in Minnesota to pass a full ban without restrictions, was approved by a 3-2 vote, with commissioners Marcia Ward and Steve Jacob dissenting.

The vote has been consistent for several months, amid multiple public hearings, working sessions, board discussions, and other gatherings as the county has vigorously debated its future role in playing a necessary role in a process that has invigorated domestic oil production while raising significant concerns over environmental and community health.

Supporters of the ban have been vocal for several years to move the process forward, citing concerns with water and air quality, health effects on county residents and reclamation possibilities, as well as the ability of the Winona County planning department staff to oversee the industry given its size, resources and workload.

Commissioner Greg Olson, the leading proponent of the ban from its first proposal, an issue that in some ways defined his successful re-election campaign, maintained that the majority of the people he heard from supported the ban.

Id put more weight on the public that had spoken  than I do a letter from an attorney from Minneapolis, Olson said, addressing ongoing concerns that an outright ban could invite legal challenges to the county. I think (the people) have been very unanimous.

The other commissioners in support of the ban, Jim Pomeroy and Marie Kovecsi, didnt take much time to reiterate arguments theyve made in the past that the ban was the most efficient and clean way to move forward in terms of regulating the fine, round sand that in recent years has brought national and international interests to the county seeking to mine and process it.

Ward and Jacob, meanwhile, were equally consistent in their arguments against the ban over the past several months, also maintaining that there will be impending lawsuits over the decision and it was unnecessary to ban a commodity when there are regulatory options.

Jacob, whose motion to postpone the issue until Dec. 27 was voted down, said that a recent letter sent to the county board members by Minneapolis-based law firm Larkin Hoffman on behalf of unnamed clients threatening legal action, the letter Olson had referenced, showed that the board should not approve the ban.

Jacob also said he had spoken with a representative of the Minnesota Industrial Sand Council and he thought the board should wait and review.

With this litigation pending  the wise thing to do would be to take the ordinance that we propose and the pending lawsuits and have the county attorney look at them, Jacob said.

While Jacob advocated discussing the ban and lawsuit potential with parties threatening to sue the county, and referred to the document as a lawsuit, County Attorney Karin Sonneman clarified that a lawsuit would actually have to be filed to be called such, and the letter also referred to having to first review the decision made by the board.

There is no lawsuit; it is the threat of a lawsuit, Sonneman said.

Sonneman said that the process of creating a record of how the board made the decision was exactly the process intended to protect the county against a lawsuit.

Sonneman said that that given the threats of lawsuits by mining industry advocates and opponents of the ban throughout the public discussions at the planning commission and county board levels, a person would have to be living under a rock to be surprised by a lawsuit or the threat of a lawsuit.

Jacob and Ward also reiterated their characterization of the debate as urban versus rural interests.

Additionally, Ward said, there wasnt enough attention given to viewpoints that opposed the ban in the documentation pulled together to support the ban.

Its very insulting to all the people who came and all the organizations who support the compromise, Ward said. Thats the beauty of democracy; theres more than one opinion, and no one opinion is right.

The ban amendment was drafted by Sonneman and drew from several examples, including Goodhue Countys Florence Townships ban on silica sand mining for fracking and the Land Stewardship Projects proposed ban language from the spring.

The legal analysis made several additions to the initial language, including making an argument for the amendment as it relates to the values in the countys comprehensive plan and the purpose of the countys zoning ordinance.

It also clarifies the distinctions between restrictions on different types of mineral excavation, extraction and land alteration by defining some as commercial minerals compared to industrial minerals.

It would not affect the inter-county or interstate commerce of sand by truck, rail or barge, and would only apply to new mines not grandfathered in, which were previous concerns with the ban.

Id put more weight on the public that had spoken  than I do a letter from an attorney from Minneapolis. I think (the people) have been very unanimous. County Commissioner Greg Olson
There are two numbers Ive been reflecting on this month: $2.1 billion and $373.3 billion. One of these is the total amount raised by the Trump and Clinton campaigns in the last election cycle. One is the amount of charitable contributions during 2015, a record-setting year. Can you guess which is which?

You may be surprised to learn that the smaller amount$2.1 billionis what went toward presidential elections. $2.1 billion is not an inconsequential sum; I can think of a thing or two Id do with that kind of money that could be more useful than mailbox flyers and attack ads. But, more important, that $2.1 billion pales in comparison to the $373.3 billion that the second most generous nation (Myanmar beat out the U.S. last year, according to the Worldwide Giving Index) contributed to charitable purposes in 2015.

The point of calling out these numbers is not to make you give moreor lessto political campaigns. Being a former congressman myself, believe me, I know there is a lot of rhetoric about the role of political contributions, and individuals donating to candidates is not where the problem lies. Rather, what I want you to note is that across the board, Americans are generous people.

Minnesotans are no exception. On Give to the Max Day alone, people collectively donated $20.1 million to Minnesota charities. In Spring Valley, a community of 2,429, nearly $19,000 was raised for their local community foundation.

For sure, November is a month of competing economic interests. November 25, aka Black Friday, officially kicks off the gift buying season, followed closely by Cyber Monday. Yet are you aware that Nov. 29 is Giving Tuesday? In Minnesota, that is the third charitable day of the month, following National Philanthropy Day (Nov. 9) and Give to the Max Day (Nov. 17). So, while we will be spending quite a bit in the next month and a half on holiday gifts and parties, we are also being asked to open our wallets for a variety of charitable causes.

Again, I point these facts out not to solely ask you for moneyalthough I will make a strong case that giving to Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is a smart investment in the regionbut to make you reflect on one of the most important ways you invest in our collective future. Clearly, politics and government are not the only way to bring about change. Our charitable organizations are also vitally important to our nations success.

No doubt, this election has left a strong emotional wake. As I mentioned in my last op-ed, I dont expect that to go away quickly. In response, many people are already turning to charitable contributions as a way to support causes they care about deeply. They see organizations like SMIF as flexible, non-partisan, issue-focused vehicles for making a difference.

So, as you make your shopping gift list, I would also encourage you to spend some time thinking about the areas where you want to make a difference. As in politics, I advocate for making those contributions (as well as gift purchases) as local as possible. If you have a local community foundationhere at SMIF we alone help to manage 26 in our regionconsider supporting their endowment fund. If you feel concerned about a particular issue post-election, find charities that are working for your cause. Perhaps even consider forming a giving circle, pooling resources with others interested in a similar cause, such as the WINGS group in Northfield (Women in Northfield Giving Support). There are many more such organizations to choose from.

For those of you who have already contributed this yearboth in time and moneythank you. A spirit of generosity is one of the many assets that makes our region special.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. You can reach me at timp@smifoundation.org or 507-455-3215.
HOUSTON, Minn.  James A. Lange, also known as, Jimmy and Cool Hand Luke, 68, of Houston, died Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. Memorial services followed by military honors will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Community Church of Hokah. Visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to time of service Monday, both at the church. A complete obituary will follow. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
Hmong students concerned about preserving their identity are pushing back after the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse initially canceled a spring heritage language course.

The university has offered a two-semester heritage language series open only to native Hmong speakers for more than a decade but in recent years has canceled the spring offering after only a handful of students enrolled and finished the course. When administrators again decided not to offer the course again this spring, Hmong students and their allies fought back, with the UW-L Student Association passing a resolution Wednesday night in support of the students efforts.

Language is all about the survival of our culture and our people, UW-L student Linda Xiong, co-chair of the Hmong Organization Promoting Education told a crowd of more than two dozen Hmong students and their allies at the standing-room-only association meeting. If we dont have this class, that is not inclusive excellence.

Xiong was one of many Hmong students and alumni who addressed the crowd of 50 or so during the public comment portion of the meeting. Many spoke of how UW-Ls formal commitment to diversity efforts and inclusive excellence rings hollow when administrators decide not to offer the heritage language course, which offers not only a chance to connect with Hmong language and heritage but also provides a safe space for Hmong students.

If you think this campus is diverse, you need to check yourself, check your whiteness and your privilege, HOPE co-chair Ntxawm Xyooj said. Taking away this class takes us away as people. It takes away our souls.

Mai Chao is a local elementary teacher and UW-L alumnus who took the spring semester language course. She said the course is more than language and more than a class for students looking to connect with their identity and others in the Hmong community.

She said students of color in K-12 and higher ed deal with teachers who might gloss over Hmong history and culture due to lack of experience and ignorance. The Hmong language class let students talk about these issues and learn about themselves and their identity.

The class provides a place for students to belong, she said. Where we dont have to explain ourselves to others.

UW-L lecturer Bee Lo, who has taught both the heritage language courses and beginning Hmong language classes open to all students, said Hmong language offerings at UW-L started in the late 1990s after students expressed a desire to bring the Hmong language back. Lo said speaking only English in K-12 classes forces Hmong students to leave heritage and culture at the classroom door.

Lower-level language courses died out due to lack of interest after a few years, Lo said. And, according to UW-L data, only four students completed the course for native speakers in 2012 and 2013, and fewer than 10 enrolled those semesters, below the 12 that the College of Liberal Studies requires to offer a course.

The La Crosse Area Hmoob Cultural and Community Agency, Inc., also offers a number of Hmong language classes and cultural practices training. Facility Manager Ka Vang said the next round of classes will begin in January.

In an interview, Lo pointed out that other courses in the modern languages department have enrollments below that threshold. In response, Provost Betsy Morgan and department chair Marie Moeller said special consideration is given to courses that are required for a major, some tenure-track professors offer courses as small-group individual studies, and others are part of collaborative programs in which several campuses use distance learning technology to offer one class at multiple locations.

During Wednesdays meeting, Moeller and Liberal Studies dean Julia Johnson said a compromise had been reached to offer the class in collaboration with UW-Stout. That didnt satisfy many of the students in the crowd, who said such Hmong language course couldnt be offered as a distance learning opportunity.

Johnson and Moeller also promised the students there would be work going forward to ensure the class could be offered in the future. There will be a public forum at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, room 340 of Cartwright Center m. for students and others to provide additional feedback about the course and the need for Hmong cultural programming at the university.

Faculty in the department will also look at the Hmong cultural programs and offerings at other UW System campuses to find better ways to give Hmong students the resources they want. During her remarks to the crowd, Johnson said she wanted to honor the authenticity of the room and acknowledge the history of this country being based on racial discrimination. She apologized to Bee and the students for any hurt the departments actions had caused.

We have to stand with you and by you, she said. If we dont, you can come for us because we deserve it.
SPARTA  Seven times Zachary Davis drove a 14-inch blade through Derek Magnusons back.

The men met just hours earlier, sometime on March 10, 2015. Davis snapped when Magnuson made sexual advances on his boyfriend inside Magnusons hotel room.

The machete penetrated Magnusons lung, diaphragm and rib, Monroe County District Attorney Kevin Croninger said Thursday. He suffered until he died minutes later, alone on the floor of room 118 at the EconoLodge.

Zachary Davis not only robbed Derek Magnuson of his possessions, and of the rest of his life, but he robbed him of his right to have a dignified death. He did that, essentially, for $700, Croninger said. And he will do it again if he gets out.

Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Todd Ziegler sentenced Davis, 27, to life in prison without the possibility of release for killing Magnuson.

I cannot justify Mr. Davis being out of the prison system in the future, Ziegler said.

Davis and his boyfriend turned co-defendant, 22-year-old Sebastian Martinez, also known as Sabrina Martinez, ended up in Tomah on March 10 after a cross-country crime spree that included leading police on a high-speed pursuit in a car stolen from Idaho. In Tomah, they met Magnuson, a 43-year-old Tomah military veteran relapsing on alcohol who invited the couple to his hotel room.

Early the next morning, Magnuson groped Martinez before Davis retrieved a machete he bought days earlier and stabbed him repeatedly. Magnuson tried to escape with his life, but Davis pulled him back inside the room, leaving him for dead in the blood-soaked room after stealing his wallet, Croninger said.

The only reason you bought that machete was to intimidate ... and in this case to brutally stab Derek seven times, one that almost went through him, Magnusons father testified. You left him there to die while you robbed him.

The couple used Magnusons card for $700 worth of purchases within 12 hours of his death, starting with $21 at McDonalds.

This isnt a sign that someone is remorseful, Ziegler said.

A jury in September convicted Davis of first-degree intentional homicide after a nine-day trial. The panel also found him guilty of car theft and armed robbery.

Croninger argued for the maximum sentence  life in prison without release, plus 36 years  while defense attorney Chris Zachar asked for release eligibility, arguing Davis could redeem himself.

Thats awful ironic given the way Mr. Davis treated Mr. Magnuson, Croninger said.

Davis had a tumultuous childhood and was the victim of child sexual assault that left him suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Zachar said. He functions at the level of a sixth-grader and is mentally ill.

Hes still broken, he said. Hes deeply flawed. But hes still a human being.

Zachar argued a fight broke out when Davis caught Magnuson sexually assaulting Martinez and that Davis stabbed the victim to save his own life.

This is not self-defense or the defense of others, Croninger said. The facts dont support that.

Davis apologized to his victims family, telling them he prays that they can heal.

I wish I could take your pain away, he said. I dont blame any of you for hating me.
VIROQUA, Wis.  Dozens of Vernon County voters will have their ballots counted in the 32nd Senate District race despite clerical errors.

Republican challenger Dan Kapanke, who asked for a recount after losing to Sen. Jennifer Shilling by just 56 votes, had sought to disqualify 46 ballots from three municipalities where clerks failed to fill in their addresses on absentee ballot envelopes.

The Vernon County board of canvassers voted unanimously Thursday to overlook the missing addresses on absentee ballots that were not delivered by mail.

All but seven of the ballots in question were cast in the municipal clerks office with the clerk serving as the witness. In many cases, the clerk simply listed clerk or clerk office as the address. In others the address field was left blank.

Joe Olson, an attorney representing Kapankes campaign, argued that insufficient ballots must be disqualified according to a change in state law that took effect earlier this year.

The state legislators are allowed to decide when and how electors are able to cast their ballots, he said. This is not a result that anyones excited about.  (But) it was their decision.

Shilling campaign attorney Matt ONiell said voters should not be disenfranchised because of the technical mistakes of officials. He noted that La Crosse County officials counted hundreds of absentee ballots in spite of similar mistakes by clerks in the towns of Onalaska and Greenfield.

The Vernon County clerks who made the errors argued for the board to give deference to the voters.

I dont think its fair, said Al Buss, Kickapoo town clerk. The voters did nothing wrong, and I made an honest mistake.

Dozens of observers, including some whose ballots were being challenged, packed the county board room for the meeting, which kicked off the fourth day of the recount.

Ray Key said he was prepared to protest if his vote was rejected. The town of Kickapoo resident, who voted in person in the town clerks office, said he voted for Shilling but noted his ballot would have been thrown out regardless.

In the event an absentee voter is disqualified, a ballot is pulled at random from the stack in what is known as a draw-down.

The three-person canvass board decided any ballot filled out in the presence of the clerk should count, although absentee ballots delivered by mail with a missing witness address could be challenged individually.

We are following examples of all other counties, said Vernon County Clerk Ron Hoff. Its common sense and the right way in our opinion.

Meanwhile, Shillings lead grew to 64 votes as Vernon County completed its recount Thursday.

Shilling has so far gained 29 net votes; Kapanke has picked up a net of 21. Both candidates made large gains in the city of Viroqua, where older scanning machines failed to register improperly marked ballots.

Hoff noted that touch-screen machines used in other municipalities were 100 percent accurate.

Its just a wonderful machine, Hoff said. In every recount theyve been perfect.

Crawford and Monroe counties completed their Senate recounts earlier this week. La Crosse County, which accounted for about 70 percent of the more than 89,000 ballots cast, is expected to wrap up the recount Friday.

Kapankes campaign said last week that he decided to request the recount because the results were so close. Shilling, who has since been re-elected as the Senates minority leader, issued a statement saying she is focused on moving Wisconsin forward.

Meanwhile, clerks in the 32nd District are preparing to join election officials across the state in a recount of the presidential election, in which Republican Donald Trump edged Hillary Clinton by just 22,177 votes to win Wisconsins 10 electoral college votes.

That recount, requested by Green Party candidate Jill Stein, prompted the state GOP to accuse Democrats of attempting to steal the election.

The Clinton campaign and her liberal allies that are pushing this recount should know that the people of Wisconsin have already spoken and rejected their brand of politics, said party spokesman Pat Garrett. Their attempt takes this Election away from the voters in Wisconsin will fall as flat as Hillary Clintons failed campaign message.
CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis.  A former substitute teacher is facing two counts of exposing a child to harmful material in October incidents at Chippewa Falls Senior High School.

A $5,000 signature bond was continued Tuesday for Merlin H. Kardin, 70, of Fall Creek. He is scheduled to next appear before Judge Steven Cray at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18.

According to a criminal complaint:

Chi-Hi Principal Rebecca Davis told Chippewa Falls Police on Oct. 20 that several students had seen Kardin view pornographic images and videos on a school computer during a science class and a math class.

A police officer went to a classroom where Kardin was teaching and asked that he open the internet tabs on his school computer. Kardin opened a Facebook page with his profile and news feed visible. It had a thumbnail side profile of a female breastfeeding an infant. Kardin was then taken out of the classroom.

Kardin said he did not view any photos of naked men or women on the school computer. However, a student said Kardins computer monitor was visible to the student while Kardin watched a naked female and male on Oct. 18 and a naked female on Oct. 20.

Kardin was ordered by Cray in October to have no contact with any person under the age of 18 that is unsupervised, and is to have no contact with any school in the state of Wisconsin. He is not to possess or view any pornography.
Around the world, inspiring, compassionate people have learned that freedom of speech is not always free: A young man in Cameroon was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a text message. A photojournalist was tortured and jailed for capturing a protest in Egypt. A teacher in Indonesia was whipped and arrested for raising a flag. These troubling incidents are just a few of many human rights violations occurring daily, and three of the 12 cases being featured in the 2016 Amnesty International Write for Rights campaign.

Write for Rights, in its 12th year, is the worlds largest human rights event, calling on people to pull out a pen and paper on behalf of prisoners of conscience who have received punishment or abuse for speaking out against violence, government or injustice. Amnesty International hopes to flood government officials with more than 4 million letters this December as a peaceful yet powerful call to action.

The case of Ilham Tohti, an economics professor in Beijing sentenced to life in prison in 2014 on charges of separatism, is particularly meaningful to local Amnesty International group 581, who selected his case as its main focus due to the blatant violation of his human rights and extreme, unjustified sentence. Tohti, a member of the Uighur ethnic group, spent 20 years attempting to foster an understanding between the Uighurs residing in Xinjiang and the Han, the dominant ethnic group in China, and created an online newspaper citing examples of the Hans favorable treatment. He was arrested in 2013.

The eight members of group 581, three of them academics themselves, meet monthly at Viterbo University and have been working for Tohtis freedom for the past 20 months.

He just wanted to work on human rights for his people, he doesnt practice violence in any way, and he was arrested for doing the kind of work Amnesty does, said Joan Schoenfeld, current lead of the local Amnesty group, and a member since 1989. Some of his students who wrote for the newspaper and compiled information were sentenced as well.

Currently the only Amnesty group in the United States covering his case, the group reached out to U.S. Rep. Ron Kind and Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, who in turn had their offices reach out to the U.S. State Department, asking them to contact the Chinese ambassador and request his release. Schoenfeld plans to invite local officials to participate in Write for Rights, and says several of the 12 featured cases speak to her.

Leonard Peltier has been in prison since 1975  people have been writing on his behalf for 35 years, Schoenfeld said of the 71-year-old Native American who was charged with murder despite coerced witnesses and withheld evidence. Bayram (Mammadov) and Giyas (Ibrahimov) are facing 12 years for graffiti (in protest of the authoritarian state of Azerbaijan). Human rights violations happen everywhere, but before Amnesty people didnt talk about it.

Four prisoners of conscience were freed due to the 2015 Write for Rights Campaign, a testament to the power of the pen.

What Amnesty has always talked about anecdotally is when prisoners are released, they say their treatment improved when the letters started coming in. We can write to them personally as well and it gives them hope and lets them know they havent been forgotten about, Schoenfeld said. If you only come to one Amnesty meeting this year, this is the one to come to. Its very satisfying to sit down, think about someones life and write for them. You dont need to bring anything but a pen. Even if you only have five minutes, you can write on behalf of one person.

As the organization says, write a letter, save a life.
I am writing in response to the article "Adams County: A vote for Barack Obama, then Donald Trump; What happened?" I am 33 and grew up in the expanse of the Chicago suburbs. Both my parents have lived in the same town for more than five decades. Adams County is now going through a demographic change similar to one that took many Illinois towns by storm about 30 years ago. That change involved mass migration; Wisconsin is seeing the same type of migration, especially in workers on dairy farms. Adams County towns probably look different to many longtime residents. Not only does the county now have a lot of new people, but small businesses like Mexican restaurants, stores and newsstands that cater to people who speak Spanish give their towns a different feel than in decades past. This shift happened fast.
Seventeen years ago Tomah residents Debbie and Paul Stott welcomed their three daughters, triplets Erica, Jenna and Kayla, into the world.

Now, the girls are attending their senior year at Tomah High School, set to graduate in May.

Stott said shes trying to prepare for when the girls leave the house after they graduate.

Its kind of hard to take, everybody will be gone all at once, she said. Its not like youre losing one child, but to lose three at once (is hard). Were trying to prepare ourselves for this. I keep thinking, Theyre excited about this, I need to be too. This is a whole new chapter for them.

The triplets were born May 2, 1999, at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, about a minute apart six weeks early.

Stott said she didnt get to see the girls until two days after they were born.

I wasnt really able to see them because there were 20 people in the room when they were delivered, she said. Then I was kind of sick ... so I didnt get to see them the first two days, (but) they were doing pretty good.

It was challenging taking care of three infants, but the girls learned to depend on each other, Stott said.

They kind of entertained each other, which was nice, she said. We had a house ... with a big play room. We hooked up a monitor down there, and they just played and I had the thing in the kitchen so I would see what they were doing and I could still get stuff done.

Jenna said it was nice growing up with two siblings her age.

It was always nice, especially in the summer  if you wanted to go out and play, usually they would go with you, she said. Sometimes they wouldnt, but nine times out of 10 they would ... its like you had an automatic set of friends  although sometimes we irritated each other.

Erica agreed.

I think it was fun having two other people that you could do everything with  like get braces together and go through life together, she said.

Its also nice as teen-agers, Kayla said.

Were in a lot of different classes now, but its still nice to be like, Hey, what page is that on? or Do you have your textbook for this class? she said. Its nice to have somebody to ask.

Theyre always there for each other even though they have different friend groups, Jenna said.

We have a lot of mutual friends, but we do hang out with like different people, she said. (But) sometimes its nice to just be like, I have my sisters, because we share similar ideas on a lot of things, so its kind of nice to fall back on them sometimes.

At first they did everything together, Debbie said, until after sixth grade.

They went to St. Marys, so they were in the same classroom, and they never got away from each other, she said. So finally after sixth grade they said, I cant do this anymore, we put them in the middle school and they got spread out a little more.

Before attending Tomah Middle School, they functioned as a unit, Kayla said. It was nice to venture outside of the group.

That was a big thing, she said. I think it was hard for us to figure out who we were as individuals because we functioned as a unit for the first 13 years. Then when I got into middle school and we were all in different classes, I could kind of figure out who I really was outside of the collective group. So that was very nice.

While close all their lives, the girls are individuals and have their own personalities, Debbie said.

Ericas pretty intense, shes a very academically intense person, grades are really important to her, not that they arent for the other two, she said. Kaylas one that tells you what she thinks, you dont have to wonder what shes thinking ... shes direct and lays it on the table. Jennas just always been a giggly-laughy, sparkly-eyed big smile kid  good-natured. But she was always over-the-top goofy.

The separation was important to finding themselves as individuals, Erica said, both in middle school and high school.

I think for me it was junior year of high school when I decided to join more things that I thought I was interested in and I realized I actually really was interested in doing  like HOSA, she said. I feel like taking really hard classes allowed me to become friends with people that have the same academic goals for the future and want to challenge themselves ... so I think just pushing myself academically made me surround myself with people that can help me reach my goals.

Meeting new people, especially in high school, helped Kayla find herself.

I went into high school and I kind of felt a little lost, she said. So I got into doing track and band and I pushed myself to try a lot of different things, I tried so many things in high school, and I was really glad I did that. Especially with FFA  I found really nice people and people that I feel like shaped me to be who I am.

Jenna agreed.

I think middle school was just a big awkward mess ... it was a transition, she said. But I feel like high school, especially trying new clubs and activities ... (pushes) you to try things you normally wouldnt have done and it opened up doors (for me) to meet new people.

All three plan on attending college.

Erica plans to attend the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, majoring in neuroscience with a pre-chriopractic or pre-med focus.

Kayla will be attending Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and will major in food science with a minor in either agronomy or agriculture business.

Jenna is attending the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota. She will enters as undeclared, unsure of what she wants to major in but plans to do something with youth ministry.
TOMAH  The Veterans Administration is asking nearly 600 patients of its Tomah hospital to get screenings for hepatitis and HIV after discovering that a dentist wasnt using sterilized equipment.

The dentist, who was hired in October 2015, was reusing drill bits without properly sterilizing them. The VA requires its dentists to dispose of bits after one use.

The VA announced the lapse Tuesday, the same day it began contacting 592 patients seen by the dentist over the past year.

Acting director Victoria Brahm said only 54 of those patients received crowns or bridges, but the VA wants to test every patient he treated.

Were trying to be transparent, Brahm said. Were taking extreme measures.

The dentist, one of four who practiced at the facility in the past year, has not been identified because of federal employee protections.

VA spokesman Matthew Gowan said the screenings are precautionary.

There is no indication of a transmission of an infection, Gowan said. Out of an abundance of caution its still the proper thing to do.

If any veterans are found to be infected, the VA says it will provide the necessary care and treatment without charge.

Gowan said the dentist was removed from patient care on Oct. 21, immediately after senior staff learned of the violation. The VAs Clinical Episode Response Team launched an investigation that concluded Oct. 31.

Brahm said the VA spent the past four weeks reviewing patient medical records and organizing a hotline and clinic for testing and follow-up care if needed.

We needed to know exactly what we were dealing with first, Gowan said. Folks have not been sitting on their hands.

A review board is scheduled to meet Dec. 5 to recommend disciplinary action against the dentist, who is currently on administrative duties.

Brahm said the VA also has contacted the dental licensing board in Texas, where the dentist was licensed, as well as state and federal prosecutors who are reviewing the case for possible criminal charges.

This was a purposeful act by a dentist who knew better, Brahm said.

The violation was initially reported by a dental assistant who was filling in for the dentists regular assistant, who Brahm said is also being investigated.

Brahm praised the assistant for coming forward and said she hopes that organizational changes made since she took over the troubled organization last year has made it more comfortable for employees to speak out.

Weve been working really hard to change the culture, Brahm said.

Brahm also said dental assistants now rotate regularly so they are not always working with the same dentist.

The Tomah medical center was at the center of an 18-month Congressional investigation that culminated in May with a top VA official acknowledging a clear and inexcusable lack of leadership was to blame for the deaths of at least to veterans who were treated there.

The investigation began after 2015 media reports detailed high levels of opioid prescription and a pervasive culture of intimidation and retaliation against employees who spoke out. Two top officials from Tomah  Director Mario DeSanctis and medical Chief of Staff Dr. David Houlihan  were removed in the wake of that report, as were at least two other care providers.
Memories can recall happy, sad, and even monumental moments of an ordinary life. Memories of veterans are especially poignant, yet rarely shared. It is vital that we hear their stories, for us, for those to come and even for the vets themselves. In honor of Pearl Harbor Day, we share this interview with one of our local World War II veterans.

Elnor Haugen, El to his friends, was born on July 7, 1923. His proud Norwegian roots are similar to many in this area. Sigord, Els father, immigrated to the United States in 1916 with his widowed mother and three brothers, to join a sister and brother who had come earlier. El and his brother Raymond grew up on a farm in Coon Valley, close to where his four uncles settled in Coon Valley, Chaseburg and Southridge. Els mother, Minnie, was from Spring Coulee so there was always family around. Both his parents spoke Norwegian and taught him. Its hard to find people who can speak Norwegian now, he told me.

On the farm, Elnor remembers having horses and cows, raising hay and corn, and of course, working tobacco. Manure was the only fertilizer used. Back then, we hoed the corn to keep the weeds down. El was only 7 years old when Adolph Brye gave him $1 to start a bank account. Thats how I started to learn to save my money. Els mother died when he was only 11 years old. He and Raymond were raised by a single father who never remarried and Elnor got the job of caring for the chickens. He kept the egg money but had to pay all the expenses. What I got from the chickens, I could slip some of that away. Elnor said it was a good life lesson.

So far, this story is like many in the area, Norwegian immigrant grandparents, farmers, hardships as a family, but this is no ordinary story. After graduating from Westby High School, El was attending vocational school in La Crosse when he and four friends decided to join the service. In the fall of 1941, Tug, Howard, Erling, Leland and I went to the recruiting office to join up. All five left for basic training in the Army Air Corp on Nov. 4. They stayed together that first year in Milwaukee; then Fort Sheridan, Illinois; then Keesler Field, Mississippi; and finally Fort Logan, Colorado. But the army wouldnt keep that many boys from the same town together for overseas missions so then they were separated.

El remembers that monumental Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, when he was on his bunk at Keesler Field (Mississippi) and heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor on the radio. We beat it in to Biloxi because we were afraid they would quarantine us and that meant they wouldnt get off the base for awhile. It was only four weeks after he had left Coon Valley.

After Pearl Harbor, with the United States so involved in the war, El had to finish his training and was sent to Colorado before he could be put to task on a mission. Finally, he left the United States on Dec. 13, 1942, on a boat that took him to North Africa. Crossing the Atlantic was very stormy; everyone got sick. Elnor was OK because he stayed on top, on the deck of the boat, for the fresh air. The waves were high, taller than the boat. But he lost his balance and slipped to the edge of the deck before he caught the rail. I went back down. I didnt want to fall off the boat. He chuckled.

Join us next week as we continue Elnors story.

The next meeting of Westby Area Historical Society will be Dec. 5 at 11:30 a.m. Please join us as we wrap up 2016 with our annual meeting and a potluck lunch.
MADISON  The state could save millions and exert more control over health benefits for state workers if it self-insured them, but administrative costs could increase and the risk for large medical claims could be substantial, a new state report says.

Consultants have said self-insurance could save $42 million a year or cost $100 million more a year. The new report, by state officials, says the current health insurance program for state workers, which uses 17 HMOs, saves an average of more than $30 million a year through competitive bidding.

The new report, by staff at the state Department of Employee Trust Funds, was presented Wednesday to the Group Insurance Board, which oversees the $1.4 billion health benefits program for 250,000 state and local government workers and their family members.

The board was expected to discuss bids from companies seeking to participate in a self-insurance program in closed session Wednesday and act on the matter publicly Dec. 13. A move to self-insurance would then go before the state Legislatures Joint Finance Committee.

The move could take effect in 2018. The Wisconsin Association of Health Plans opposes the idea, and other groups including the Wisconsin Hospital Association and the Wisconsin Medical Society told Gov. Scott Walker this month to consider how the change could impact the states health care market and economy.

Currently, nearly all state workers and dependents, almost 100,000 of whom are in Dane County, are covered by the 17 HMOs, which receive premiums and accept the risk for claims.

Under self-insurance, the state would pay benefits directly and take on the risk. One or more companies might help administer the program.

By switching to self-insurance, the state could avoid an Affordable Care Act fee and an insurance risk charge, which compensates insurers for taking on the risk of health benefit costs, according to the new report. The report acknowledges, however, that recent political events have called into question the future of the health law and its fees.

The report doesnt quantify the potential savings from insurance fees, but a previous report by Segal Consulting said the state could avoid $18 million a year in Affordable Care Act fees by shifting to self-insurance.

Self-insuring could also allow the state to save more money through wellness and disease management initiatives, the new state report said. Because (self-insuring) employers bear the financial risk of claims cost, they also receive all of the rewards when they are better able to manage their claims cost, the report said.

Administrative costs by companies that run self-insurance programs generally are less than those charged by insurers, but the states own administrative costs could rise because more staff would be required, the report said.

Other concerns about self-insurance include assuming the risk for state workers relatively high disease burden. About 64 percent of state workers have chronic medical conditions, compared to 50 percent of workers nationally.

The full amount of this risk will be borne by the state under self-insurance, the report said.

Legal liability also could increase, and insurance companies may not be able to pass on certain savings as much if theyre acting as administrators and not insurers.

In the current system, HMOs submit bids each year. Those with the lowest bids  and to some extent, those with the best quality scores  are assigned the lowest premiums for employees. Health plans can lower their bids to move into the favored status.

Over the past nine years, the state has saved $283 million through the bidding process. The current structure has served as a powerful negotiation tool, the report said.

However, the current program is hard to administer because it involves so many insurers, and the state has little leverage to influence health plans for which state workers make up a small percentage of members, the report said.

By switching to self-insurance, the state could avoid an Affordable Care Act fee and an insurance risk charge, which compensates insurers for taking on the risk of health benefit costs, according to the new report. The report acknowledges, however, that recent political events have called into question the future of the health law and its fees.
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(3) Aug 17 (3) Aug 16 (3) Aug 15 (5) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (3) Aug 12 (4) Aug 11 (3) Aug 10 (3) Aug 09 (4) Aug 08 (2) Aug 07 (2) Aug 06 (2) Aug 05 (2) Aug 04 (2) Aug 03 (3) Aug 02 (4) Aug 01 (3) Jul 31 (2) Jul 30 (5) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (3) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (3) Jul 25 (6) Jul 24 (3) Jul 23 (4) Jul 22 (4) Jul 21 (4) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (4) Jul 18 (4) Jul 17 (4) Jul 16 (4) Jul 15 (5) Jul 14 (3) Jul 13 (4) Jul 12 (4) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (5) Jul 09 (2) Jul 08 (2) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (2) Jul 05 (2) Jul 04 (3) Jul 03 (4) Jul 02 (5) Jul 01 (3) Jun 30 (2) Jun 29 (3) Jun 28 (4) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (5) Jun 23 (3) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (2) Jun 20 (4) Jun 19 (3) Jun 18 (3) Jun 17 (1) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (2) Jun 13 (5) Jun 12 (4) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (2) Jun 09 (2) Jun 08 (2) Jun 07 (2) Jun 06 (2) Jun 05 (2) Jun 04 (2) Jun 03 (2) Jun 02 (4) Jun 01 (3) May 31 (4) May 30 (5) May 29 (3) May 28 (3) May 27 (3) May 26 (4) May 25 (4) May 24 (2) May 23 (4) May 22 (4) May 21 (5) May 20 (6) May 19 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(3) Feb 16 (5) Feb 15 (4) Feb 14 (3) Feb 13 (4) Feb 12 (3) Feb 11 (3) Feb 10 (4) Feb 09 (4) Feb 08 (3) Feb 07 (4) Feb 06 (3) Feb 05 (3) Feb 04 (3) Feb 03 (5) Feb 02 (4) Feb 01 (3) Jan 31 (3) Jan 30 (3) Jan 29 (4) Jan 28 (3) Jan 27 (2) Jan 26 (4) Jan 25 (3) Jan 24 (5) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (4) Jan 21 (3) Jan 20 (3) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (4) Jan 17 (3) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (4) Jan 13 (3) Jan 12 (6) Jan 11 (4) Jan 10 (4) Jan 09 (3) Jan 08 (4) Jan 07 (3) Jan 06 (4) Jan 05 (3) Jan 04 (4) Jan 03 (5) Jan 02 (4) Jan 01 (3) Dec 31 (2) Dec 30 (2) Dec 29 (2) Dec 28 (3) Dec 27 (3) Dec 26 (2) Dec 25 (2) Dec 24 (3) Dec 23 (3) Dec 22 (3) Dec 21 (3) Dec 20 (4) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (5) Dec 17 (3) Dec 16 (3) Dec 15 (3) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (2) Dec 11 (6) Dec 10 (4) Dec 09 (4) Dec 08 (6) Dec 07 (5) Dec 06 (3) Dec 05 (3) Dec 04 (4) Dec 03 (3) Dec 02 (3) Dec 01 (4) Nov 30 (2) Nov 29 (3) Nov 28 (3) Nov 27 (2) Nov 26 (3) Nov 25 (5) Nov 24 (4) Nov 23 (6) Nov 22 (5) Nov 21 (4) Nov 20 (2) Nov 19 (5) Nov 18 (7) Nov 17 (5) Nov 16 (4) Nov 15 (6) Nov 14 (3) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (4) Nov 11 (3) Nov 10 (3) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (3) Nov 07 (2) Nov 06 (2) Nov 05 (2) Nov 04 (4) Nov 03 (4) Nov 02 (4) Nov 01 (2) Oct 31 (3) Oct 30 (4) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (2) Oct 27 (3) Oct 26 (3) Oct 25 (2) Oct 24 (2) Oct 23 (2) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (2) Oct 20 (3) Oct 19 (3) Oct 18 (2) Oct 17 (2) Oct 16 (2) Oct 15 (2) Oct 14 (4) Oct 13 (2) Oct 12 (3) Oct 11 (2) Oct 10 (2) Oct 09 (4) Oct 08 (4) Oct 07 (4) Oct 06 (3) Oct 05 (4) Oct 04 (5) Oct 03 (3) Oct 02 (6) Oct 01 (6) Sep 30 (5) Sep 29 (3) Sep 28 (3) Sep 27 (7) Sep 26 (4) Sep 25 (3) Sep 24 (5) Sep 23 (8) Sep 22 (3) Sep 21 (3) Sep 20 (6) Sep 19 (3) Sep 18 (3) Sep 17 (5) Sep 16 (7) Sep 15 (3) Sep 14 (4) Sep 13 (3) Sep 12 (5) Sep 11 (5) Sep 10 (5) Sep 09 (7) Sep 08 (5) Sep 07 (2) Sep 06 (7) Sep 05 (4) Sep 04 (4) Sep 03 (2) Sep 02 (2) Sep 01 (2) Aug 31 (3) Aug 30 (3) Aug 29 (3) Aug 28 (3) Aug 27 (3) Aug 26 (4) Aug 25 (3) Aug 24 (3) Aug 23 (3) Aug 22 (4) Aug 21 (4) Aug 20 (4) Aug 19 (4) Aug 18 (3) Aug 17 (2) Aug 16 (2) Aug 15 (5) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (5) Aug 12 (10) Aug 11 (5) Aug 10 (4) Aug 09 (5) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (6) Aug 05 (5) Aug 04 (5) Aug 03 (3) Aug 02 (5) Aug 01 (7) Jul 31 (5) Jul 30 (4) Jul 29 (4) Jul 28 (3) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (5) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (5) Jul 23 (5) Jul 22 (7) Jul 21 (5) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (5) Jul 18 (6) Jul 17 (5) Jul 16 (5) Jul 15 (6) Jul 14 (4) Jul 13 (3) Jul 12 (2) Jul 11 (2) Jul 10 (2) Jul 09 (2) Jul 08 (2) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (2) Jul 05 (2) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (3) Jul 02 (2) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (6) Jun 29 (4) Jun 28 (6) Jun 27 (6) Jun 26 (6) Jun 25 (6) Jun 24 (6) Jun 23 (4) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (4) Jun 19 (5) Jun 18 (8) Jun 17 (6) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (5) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (4) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (4) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (5) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (3) Jun 05 (3) Jun 04 (3) Jun 03 (3) Jun 02 (3) Jun 01 (4) May 31 (2) May 30 (2) May 29 (2) May 28 (2) May 27 (4) May 26 (4) May 25 (3) May 24 (2) May 23 (2) May 22 (3) May 21 (5) May 20 (4) May 19 (2) May 18 (3) May 17 (3) May 16 (3) May 15 (4) May 14 (5) May 13 (3) May 12 (4) May 11 (3) May 10 (4) May 09 (4) May 08 (4) May 07 (3) May 06 (2) May 05 (3) May 04 (4) May 03 (2) May 02 (3) May 01 (3) Apr 30 (3) Apr 29 (4) Apr 28 (2) Apr 27 (3) Apr 26 (4) Apr 25 (2) Apr 24 (3) Apr 23 (2) Apr 22 (2) Apr 21 (4) Apr 20 (4) Apr 19 (5) Apr 18 (7) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (10) Apr 15 (5) Apr 14 (3) Apr 13 (4) Apr 12 (5) Apr 11 (4) Apr 10 (4) Apr 09 (7) Apr 08 (4) Apr 07 (7) Apr 06 (4) Apr 05 (7) Apr 04 (5) Apr 03 (4) Apr 02 (5) Apr 01 (5) Mar 31 (5) Mar 30 (5) Mar 29 (7) Mar 28 (6) Mar 27 (5) Mar 26 (5) Mar 25 (6) Mar 24 (5) Mar 23 (5) Mar 22 (5) Mar 21 (4) Mar 20 (3) Mar 19 (6) Mar 18 (6) Mar 17 (2) Mar 16 (4) Mar 15 (5) Mar 14 (4) Mar 13 (5) Mar 12 (5) Mar 11 (4) Mar 10 (4) Mar 09 (2) Mar 08 (5) Mar 07 (4) Mar 06 (3) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (6) Mar 03 (4) Mar 02 (4) Mar 01 (5) Feb 28 (6) Feb 27 (4) Feb 26 (4) Feb 25 (6) Feb 24 (2) Feb 23 (3) Feb 22 (4) Feb 21 (6) Feb 20 (2) Feb 19 (6) 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Mar 11 (1) Mar 10 (1)
Indonesia says its armed forces will expand their watch around a group of islands in the South China Sea to keep away Chinese fishing crews.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in October that his government would never compromise on claims around the Natuna Islands.

The Natunas are a group of about 270 very small islands and land formations northwest of Borneo.

Chinese ships often sail in nearby waters. China claims most of the South China Sea and the areas natural resources, such as fish, oil and natural gas.

Widodo visited the Natuna islands during military exercises in September and October.

An Australian researcher says many Indonesian officials believe they can press territorial claims to the islands and develop economic links with China at the same time. David McRae is a researcher with the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne.

Theres a strong feeling among many Indonesian officials that it can both assert its rights over the area it claims as its exclusive economic zone around the Natunas and develop strong economic ties with China at the same time.

Last year, President Widodo called on China and Indonesia to increase two-way trade to $150 billion by the year 2020. That would double total trade between the countries from 2014 levels, according to the World Bank.

The two sides already have strong trade ties. Indonesia imports more from China than any other country. China also is Indonesias second biggest export partner.

But Indonesias cabinet has developed plans to claim the area around the Natunas as an exclusive economic zone. China says its boats have long fished in the same waters.

Indonesian fisherman oppose illegal fishing

Indonesians, especially fishers, dislike illegal fishing. Yet illegal fishing has become a problem in Indonesia because of a lack of enforcement around the countrys 13,000 islands.

Yet Indonesia has been increasing enforcement efforts in the South China Sea. And Widodo has said his country should harvest fish and recover the gas that are said to be in and around the Natunas.

In March, a Chinese coast guard vessel prevented Indonesian officials from stopping a Chinese ship. Two months later, Indonesias navy stopped a Chinese fishing boat. Then, in June, the navy fired on another Chinese boat. One sailor may have been injured.

Researcher David McRae notes that China has not protested or threatened economic measures against Indonesia.

Experts say Indonesia mainly has tried to prevent problems around the Natuna islands, instead of reacting to them. Indonesian officials also avoid discussing past incidents or making warnings like the Philippines did from 2010 to early this year. In 2012, China reduced trade and cut back on visitors to the Philippines.

Trade between the sides continues

Last year, Widodo and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed eight agreements. They were partly meant to increase Chinese involvement in the development of roads, ports and other infrastructure. And this year, both sides agreed to work together on energy, agriculture and building an industrial park.

As construction projects become too competitive at home, Chinese companies are looking overseas, experts say. The Chinese government has described Indonesia as part of a maritime silk road. China wants to develop trade and relations with countries across this area, stretching from Asia to Europe.

Some experts say the silk road idea increases the importance of the ties between China and Indonesia. Natalie Sambhi is a researcher at the Perth USAsia Centre in Australia.

Indonesia is an important component of the way China sees the strategic landscape in the Asia Pacific, particularly as a key state in Southeast Asia, and it would be a boon for China to maintain its relationships with Indonesia on the basis of its wanting to implement things like its 21st Century maritime silk road and its one belt, one road initiative.

But some observers say Indonesia can press its territorial claims in the South China Sea because it does not depend much on China economically.

Carl Baker directs programs at the Pacific Forum CSIS in Honolulu, a foreign policy research group. He says Indonesia is less dependent on China than other countries in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia feels less concerned about Chinese response because its less dependent on Chinese invest and infrastructure development than some of the other more dependent countries in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia is a major exporter of commodities, such as agricultural products. The country also has a large market at home of 250 million people. Total exports were valued at more than $176 billion dollars in 2014.

Indonesia has been a member of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank since January. China is the banks biggest shareholder. However, Indonesias biggest export partner is Japan.

Im Mario Ritter.

Ralph Jennings reported this story for VOANews.com. Mario Ritter adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write us in the comments section below.

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Words in This Story

exclusive  adj. available to only one person or group

authorities  n. people who have power to make decisions and enforce rules

strategic  adj. relating to a long-term plan to reach a goal

boon  n. something that is helpful, that provides a good outcome

implement  v. to put in place or into action

initiative  n. the power or opportunity to do something before other do it

vessel  n. a ship or boat

commodities n. goods that are traded widely


The Islamic State terror group has called a man who attacked people with a car and a knife at Ohio State University a "soldier of the caliphate.

The group made the statement on the Amaq news agency website, which is linked to Islamic State, or IS.

Police say Abdul Razak Ali Artan carried out the attack, which injured eleven people, at the university in Columbus, Ohio Monday. Police then shot and killed him.

Artan was a refugee born in Somalia. He was a legal permanent resident of the United States studying business at Ohio State University.

He posted a statement on the social media network Facebook shortly before the attack. In it, he blamed America for killing Muslims in other countries.

He also praised al-Qaida cleric Anwar al-Awlaki as a hero, law enforcement officials told U.S. media.

Officials are still investigating why Artan carried out the attack. But, in his statement, he said he was willing to kill, those he called, infidels to stop America from "interfering with other countries."

Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs said terrorism is a possibility in the attack.

Artan drove a car into a group of people near the street. He then got out of the car and began stabbing people with a knife.

Jacobs said, because Artan drove onto the sidewalk, police believe the attack may have been planned.

Leaders of the Muslim and Somali communities in Columbus condemned the attack. They said they were "heartbroken" by it.

Hassan Ali Omar, Chairman of the Somali Community Association of Ohio, told VOA the Somalis he spoke to were distressed to learn Artan was a Somali refugee.

"Some women told me they felt sick, they were heartbroken, they were shocked because they feel they have had enough troubles already," he said.

Omar was one of the community elders who visited Artans family. He said he met his mother and siblings and they told him they are feeling, "at a loss and a lot of pain."

"They said he was (a) hard-working person who loved education. They said their son had good culture and that they were not expecting that he would do this kind of act," he said.

There are nearly 60,000 students at Ohio State Universitys main campus. The people injured in the attack include both employees and students.

Police Chief Jacobs noted a previous terrorism case linked to Columbus. Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud was arrested in 2015 after returning from Syria.

Mohamud, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Somalia, was charged with providing material support to terrorists.

Columbus has one of the largest Somali communities in the United States.

Im Mario Ritter.

Alice Bryant adapted this report from VOA news. VOA Somali service's Harun Maruf and VOA National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Mario Ritter was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

caliphate  n. an area that is supervised by an Islamic leader

cleric  n. a member of the clergy in any religion

infidel  n. a person who does not believe in a religion that someone considers the true religion

campus  n. the area of and around a university, college, school

heartbroken  adj.to be very sad

elders  n. a person who is older

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From: Mary Ashur < maryashur25@gmail.com >

Sent: Sat, Aug 20, 2016 8:39 am

Subject: It is my intention to compensate you with 40% of the total money





Hello my good friend and beloved, greetings to you and to your family, How is life over there in your country,i hope that you are in atmosphere of peace and love, m ine is fine over here in Accra, Ghana.

My name is Mary Ashur, i am 25yrs single soon will be 26, tall and fair in complexion, v ery good looking girl that is very caring, giving, and beautiful loving girl, above all God fearing and trusted, I really want have a good relationship with you, a relationship of deep feeling that will construct a mutual u nderstanding. My parents are late, as my late father was a successful business man and well rich manager in an manufacturing company, and please listen to this very attentively : few months ago I and my parents where inside our house when some assassination came inside our house and shut my parents and they both died, and after then i became very afraid of my own life too due to it was my uncle who is the brain behind this death honestly my beloved. After the death of my parents, i run to the refugee camp in Accra Ghana to stay where my evil uncle can't see me, and my uncle sold all my father's properties to a Chinese Expatriate and left nothing with me. On a faithful morning as i was cleaning my father's room , I opened my father's briefcase i found a file containing some important documents recording that my beloved late father deposited the sum of $2,500,000.00, two million five hundred thousand dollars and kept it very secret and put it in a box and deposited it in one security company in Ghana as a family items. I decided to go and see if i can receive the box from the security company so that I can start a better life and take care of myself. On my arrival, the Branch manager over there I met in person can not allow me to claim the box as a refugee girl, he told me that my father's instruction to them old enough for take care of box that i should go and look for a honest and reliable foreigner person that will represent me as my partner or a trustee so that the company will release the money to me from the help of the foreign trustee.

I have chosen to contact you after my prayers and I believe that you will not betray friend, my trust, b ut rather take me as your own sister. More so, I would like to disclose much to you if you can help me to relocate to your country because my uncle have threaten to assassinate me, you will help me by recommending a nice University in your country so that I can complete my education, as soon as I receive your interest in helping me, I will put things into action immediately.

Please do keep this only to yourself please I beg you do not to disclose until I come over to your country once the fund has been transferred to your account because I am afraid of my wicked uncle who has threatened to kill me, i hope my explanation is very clear. It is my intention to compensate you with 40 percent of the total money for your assistance and the balance shall be my capital in your establishment which will still be under your cares and your control until i complete my education in your Country. so if you are happy and interested to help me in this venture, please kindly reply me back and let me tell you the way forward, and next step procedures.

Thanks and remain blessed . Mary



From: Mary Ashur < maryashur25@gmail.com >

Sent: Wed, Aug 24, 2016 7:44 pm

Subject: My dearest, I need your assistance to receive my box





My dearest, I am more than happy in your reply to my mail today. How is your day ?Mine is a little bit hot over here in Accra, Ghana. It's just like one staying in the prison and i hope by Gods grace i will come out here soon. I don't have any brother , sister or relatives now whom i can go to all my relatives ran are no where to be found here the only person i have now is Rev father Kingsley who is the pastor of the (Life Christian Church) here in the camp, he has been very nice to me since i came here but i am not living with him rather i am leaving in the women's hostel because the camp have two hostels one for men the other for women. as you asked i don't have a boyfriend and still a student my final year before the accident happen.

As a refugee here i don't have any right or privilege to do any thing be it money or whatever because it is against the law of this country. I want to go back to my studies because i only attended my first year before the tragic incident that lead to my being in this situation now took place.

Please listen to this, i have my late father's deposit certificate here with me which i will send to you later , because when he was alive he deposited box where the amount sum of money in a leading security company here in Accra, Ghana, which as a family items andI need your assistance to receive the box, So i will like you to help me receive this box in your country, when the box is received by you and from it you can open it and send some money for me to get my traveling documents and air ticket to come over to meet with you.

I kept this secret alone and the only person that knows about it is the Reverend because he is like a father to me. So in the light of above i will like you to keep it to yourself and don't tell it to anyone for i am afraid of loosing my life and the money if people gets to know about it, please send me your information's such as your.

(1)your full names : (2)your country and city: (3)telephone number, (4)your house address, (5)your occupation and more things about you. (6)your pictures or ID card of any :

Remember i am giving you all this information due to the trust i deposed on you. I like as you are a honest and understanding person, truthful and a man of vision, truth and hardworking. My favorite language is English and very fluently, Have a nice day and think about me, Awaiting to hear from you soonest, on your positive response i will give you the contact of the security company where my financial inheritance box is deposited so that you will contact the company to know the possibilities of helping deliver the box to your country.

Yours forever In l ove



My dearest, I am more than happy in your reply to my mail today. How is your day ?Mine is a little bit hot over here in Accra, Ghana. It's just like one staying in the prison and i hope by Gods grace i will come out here soon. I don't have any brother , sister or relatives now whom i can go to all my relatives ran are no where to be found here the only person i have now is Rev father Kingsley who is the pastor of the (Life Christian Church) here in the camp, he has been very nice to me since i came here but i am not living with him rather i am leaving in the women's hostel because the camp have two hostels one for men the other for women. as you asked i don't have a boyfriend and still a student my final year before the accident happen.



From: Mary Ashur < maryashur25@gmail.com >

Sent: Mon, Aug 29, 2016 3:49 pm

Subject: Get back to me with your details and receive my inheritance box





Hello dear, Get back to me with your details and receive my inheritance box to your country first and then i can come out from this camp and which i am not even supposed to stay in, so just get back to me with your informations, if only you are ready and willing to help me.

Take care. Mary





From: Mary Ashur < maryashur25@gmail.com >

Sent: Wed, Oct 26, 2016 3:23 pm

Subject: Darling, just send me money for my papers fee.





My dear, i really will appreciate it if we meet soon, i can if only you invite me and welcome me very well much, i can also tell you that i will need money to prepare myself and then come over to you, sorry about that, i am ready and willing to come over to you, just send me money for my papers fee.

Thank you for your love and kindness, is better we meet than talk over the email.



From: Mary Ashur < maryashur25@gmail.com >

Sent: Mon, Oct 31, 2016 5:30 am

Subject: let me know how much you can send to me for my travel.





Hello my love, To travel to your country i need about 1700 dollars, so tell me how much you can help with and i will figure out the rest so that as soon as possible will come over to your country and be with you forever, i love you and since we started communicating, i feel and miss our meeting, butlet me know how much you can send to me for my travel.



From: Mary Ashur < maryashur25@gmail.com >

Sent: Thu, Nov 3, 2016 11:16 am

Subject: Send the money and i will help myself with the balance.





Okay, i am willing and ready to come over to you, as a matter of fact i will need this amount you have, send it with this data soon. .

Receiver's Names : Kennedy Kumeko Bani Country : Ghana City : Accra the amount and send the receipt to me. . maryashur25@gmail.com

My love to know that you are serious and ready to welcome me to your country, about my last father funds, is still i need your help but that will be when i come over to you.

Send the money and i will help myself with the balance.



From: Mary Ashur < maryashur25@gmail.com >

Sent: Sat, Nov 5, 2016 8:51 am

Subject: For traveling to your country i need about $1700



Hello my love, okay you can go ahead and send the amount you have to me, and about the name of Kennedy Kumeko Bani is my friend here our house friends (here are some of herpictures), and nothing else, like i told you i have no passport, mineis old and expired, to receive money only with the help of Kennedy i will have the money, then start my arrangement, and waiting for your next mail to have the money payment.





From: Mary Ashur < maryashur25@gmail.com >

Sent: Sat, Nov 5, 2016 8:56 am

Subject: Send me the money soon





Hello my love, okay you can go ahead and send the amount you have to me, and about the name of Kennedy Kumeko Bani is my friend here our house friends (here are some of herpictures), and nothing else, like i told you i have no passport, mineis old and expired, to receive money only with the help of Kennedy i will have the money, then start my arrangement, and waiting for your next mail to have the money payment. Send me the money soon : Country : Ghana City : Accra the amount and send the receipt to me Receiver's Names : Kennedy Kumeko Bani



If you received a similar letter, please ignore it. Do not answer it. If you do, you will end up on more of the mailing lists used by the criminals behind this fraud. Read more....
LEXINGTON, Neb. - Like any health fair, the one held Tuesday afternoon in Lexington High School's east gym had representatives from healthcare groups and providers.

What made this fair standout, however, was that students also had their own tables and displays.

As part of their semester long project for Your Health Class, LHS students researched different aspects of public health and presented their findings at the health fair.

The health fair included booths staffed by the Your Health class and health agencies. The event was organized by representatives from Lexington Regional Health Center and the Your Health class.

About 500 students attended the health fair, said Pat Samway with LexingtonRegionalHealthCenter. She said the healthcare vendors enjoyed doing health screenings and the student participation at the event.

Austin Bacon, teacher of the Your Health class, said students were divided into groups of three, and assigned a health topic for their final project after completing a preliminary group project. His class has 18 students.

As part of the final project, students were required to do a public service announcement, complete a PowerPoint presentation, and complete a pre-and-post test evaluation on their project topic, Bacon said.

At the health fair, students in the class, dressed in red t-shirts, stood next to their display poster, had information showing on their laptops and were ready to engage fellow students, staff, and visitors about their health topic.

"They connected this to the Lexington community. Each poster was bilingual. The diversity of each student and their knowledge was used to help the community and their peers. It's been an inspiring effort for them to help others," Bacon said.

Bacon said the Health Fair was a huge success that allowed students to use their confidence and knowledge on their topics to educate and engage others.

Students had to take on a lot of responsibility, hold each other accountable, and build trust within their team, he said. This type of activity will prepare them for their futures in the work force or college, Bacon said.

"As their health teacher I wanted my students to think about their own experiences, and our community as a whole to achieve optimum health for our community. I feel this project made our students truly sit down and think How can we make our community a better place? They really took the bull by horns, and exceeded my expectations," Bacon said.

Kim Matthews, a community impact and research specialist with the minority healthy disparities initiative at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has worked with the school to implement this new pilot class.

Matthews said the Your Health class is an effort to change the health curriculum at LHS. The class is meant to engage students more and provide more hands-on opportunities, she said.

As part of the class, Matthews said speakers were brought in from health care fields, the art department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and representatives from UNL and the University of Nebraska Medical Center to further educate the students.

Grant funding from the Rural Futures Institute also helped fund the pilot class, she said.

All students in the class were required to complete community engagement hours. The wide exposure to different aspects of public health could open the door for students to consider a career in nursing, research and public health education, Matthews said.

Some of the seven final project topics for the class included: cross cultural health, Type II diabetes, healthy vs. non-healthy relationships, teen drug and alcohol abuse, depression, teen pregnancy, and human trafficking.

Some training students received included learning about visual literacy from UNK artists and learning how blood sugar and blood pressure tests are administered from healthcare workers, Bacon said.

Student Tate Amos's group chose the topic of human trafficking. As he researched and got engaged with the topic, Amos said the project had an impact on him.

"I knew practically nothing about it going into it. After two weeks, I got disgusted. Human trafficking is the third largest crime industry behind weapons trafficking and drug trafficking," Amos said.

Even though slavery was abolished in the United States, it still goes on beneath the surface in the form of human trafficking, he said.

At the health fair, Amos had a donation jar. He said all money raised would be given to the Polaris Project, a group that helps raise awareness about human trafficking.

Amos had a black $99 dollar mark on one of his hands at the event - this is the average amount of money a human is worth when he or she is being trafficked.

"Children and females are the two main victims of human trafficking. I wanted children and their parents to know more about human trafficking, so parents can protect their children," Amos said.

Gerardo Martinez, whose group had the topic of Cross Cultural Health, said this topic took into account people who come from different cultures who encounter accessibility and obstacles when trying to receive healthcare.

"They have no cultural background. When they go to the hospital, they get an interpreter to help them understand what's going on," Martinez said.

The main goals for Cross Cultural Health are to break down linguistic and cultural barriers, he said.

Zulfa Mohammed, whose group had the topic of diabetes, said the disease is a growing issue in Lexington.

Every year 1.4 million people get diagnosed with diabetes, Mohammed said.

Researching the topic allowed him to learn that the pancreas, which makes insulin, either doesn't produce enough or makes too much insulin, which can lead to diabetes, Mohammed said.

Chris Barrios, a student in the diabetes group, said a family history or genetic risk of having diabetes could increase the likelihood someone would develop the disease.

Barrios noted that those with Hispanic and African ancestry are more susceptible to getting diabetes.

Shoo Ru, another student in the diabetes group, said the health experts and guest speakers who trained students in the class were very enlightening for him.

"They helped me understand different diseases. I learned about diabetes, teen pregnancy, and depression. Depression is a family issue for me, so it helped me a lot," Ru said.

Esmeralda Mora, whose group topic was teen drug and alcohol abuse, said it was important for parents and kids to know the risks and consequences of her topic, which is an issue in Lexington.

"Those who start using drugs and alcohol at a young (ages 11 to 18) are more likely to become addicted later in life," Mora said.

Isabel Navarrette, also in the drugs and alcohol abuse group, said kids who have parents or family members who drink or do drugs can find themselves doing it at a young age because it's accepted in the family.

She said a lot of youth in high school try drugs or drink alcohol, a troubling trend.

"Some kids don't take it seriously but it will affect them. There are consequences," Navarrette said.

Another health fair is planned at the school in spring, Samway said.
Two alleged tire thieves were apprehended Wednesday following a brief pursuit by Dawson County law enforcement.

A spokesperson with the Lexington Police Department said Brooke Hajdasz, 26, and Spencer Wozniak, 23, both of Rice Lake, Wisc., fled the Lexington Walmart without paying for new tires.

According to Dawson County Sheriff Gary Reiber, the pair was located by a deputy near Cozad, who clocked the suspects 2010 Ford Ford Focus at 77 miles-per-hour in a 60 mile-per-hour zone. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspects vehicle accelerated. The deputy pursued.

Pursuit was called off after the suspects vehicles speed topped 100 miles-per-hour through the community of Cozad. The deputy discovered the vehicle shortly thereafter in the north ditch along Highway 30, approximately two miles east of Gothenburg.

According to jail records, Hajdasz was arrested and charged with possession of hashish, operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, possession of stolen license plates, carrying a concealed weapon, two counts of misdemeanor theft by taking, willful wreckless driving, possession of narcotic equipment, and possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. Her bond was set at 10-percent of $20,000.

Wozniak is charged with possession of hashish, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of stolen license plates, two counts of theft, possession of narcotic equipment, and possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. Wozniaks bond was set at 10-percent of $10,000.

The Gothenburg Police Department assisted DCSO in the apprehension of the suspects. The Lexington Police Department investigated the tire theft.
PHOENIX -- The big announcement by the governor's office this week that a California firm will invest $700 million to build an auto manufacturing plant in Casa Grande left out one important fact: The company doesn't have anywhere near that much.

In fact, a spokesman for Lucid Motors put the company's bank account in the "few hundred million'' range even after several rounds of fundraising. And much of that cash has come from Chinese investors and even a Chinese state-owned company.

But David Salguero said the company is sure it can raise the rest of the money by 2022 to turn out at least 130,000 all-electric vehicles a year with price tags north of $100,000 from a plant Lucid sayd will hire 2,000.

He said Lucid is courting new investors. And Salguero said the company is counting on profits from the first vehicles which are scheduled to roll off the assembly line in late 2018 -- years before the company will have the cash to finish the plant.

That lack of cash has not dimmed the views of the projects by Gov. Doug Ducey who engineered the Tuesday press conference, complete with two prototypes of the car Lucid hopes eventually to build.

The Arizona Commerce Authority already has promised a $5 million grant. ACA spokeswoman Susan Marie said the company also wants $1.5 million for job training. And she said it could theoretically qualify for up to $40 million if it actually creates all 2,000 jobs.

But Marie said there is no risk to Arizona taxpayers, with all that contingent on Lucid actually building the plant and hiring the workers.

"Should it for some reason not move forward, the state will not have spent any money,'' she said.

But the situation is a bit different in Pinal County, which has agreed to buy the 493 acres Lucid wants for the plant.

Tim Kanavel, the county's program manager for economic development, said that land purchase will go ahead once Lucid signs a development agreement. At that point the plan is to lease the property to Lucid, with the company purchasing it outright at the end of five years.

"There's always risk involved,'' he said. But Kanavel said the county has done what it can to limit its financial exposure.

"If for some reason this company, between now and when they purchase the property, say 'We don't want it,' well then we own 493 acres of prime industrial real estate,'' he said.

"And we can always sell that,'' he continued. "So we feel that the risk is very minimized on that.''

He said the price of the parcels the county will buy is still being worked out but put it as "way less than $100 million.'' And the price Lucid will pay also remains subject to negotiation.

Kanavel said, though, he is "absolutely'' confident that Lucid will be able to complete the deal despite the fact it does not yet have the money. That's also the view of the ACA.

"It is no secret that Lucid is a startup company,'' said Marie. "Startup companies raise money in rounds and based on milestones as they commercialize their products.''

But it may be something of a misnomer to call Lucid a startup.

It's true the company did not exist prior to October. But that's only because that's when Lucid jettisoned the name it started with nine years ago: Atevia.

Still, state officials believe the company has a future.

Ducey press aide Daniel Scarpinato said his boss toured the plant and met multiple times with company officials.

"And I think the fact that I think 60 different locations across the country were competing for this manufacturing center speaks to the very fact that this is a company that's seen that's on the rise ... and that this is a recruitment that many states and cities across the country felt was very attractive to get,'' he said. "And Arizona got it.''

Marie said the company has raised cash in prior fundraising operations from "reputable venture investors'' like Venrock Capital and Mitsui Inc.

There also is a lot of Chinese money involved. That includes BAIC Automotive Group, the state-owned holding company of several car manufacturing firms, and Jia Yueting who is CEO of LeEco, a Chinese consumer electronics company.

Salguero acknowledged that some of these investors, like Yueting, are no longer interested in putting additional funds into Lucid. In fact, Yueting has moved on, with LeEco unveiling its own LeSee prototype last month in San Francisco.

But Salguero said there are other options.

"We will be going out for another round of funding,'' Salguero said. "There will be more.''

Marie said ACA officials are not concerned that the company does not expect to have all the money before 2022.

"The ACA is comfortable that Lucid Motors currently has sufficient funding for the initial phase of the project,'' she said. She said that $700 million is the price tag to have a full-blown manufacturing plant capable of turning out 130,000 vehicles a year.

Marie also defended the incentives being offered to Lucid. She said even if the company qualifies for the entire $46.5 million in assistance it "pales in comparison to the $1.3 billion package for Tesla (Motors) and the $335 million package for Faraday Future that Nevada did.'' Tesla already is producing vehicles; Faraday is still in the development stage.

Salguero said it's not surprising that people are generally unaware of Lucid Motors -- and not just because the name did not exist before October.

"There's not much that we've been saying about our car until very recently,'' he said.

"As a marketing manager, my approach to marketing is you don't say things unless you can really do them,'' Salguero explained. "It's why we didn't start talking about our car until we actually had a prototype running and the final design locked in.''
Despite aggressive efforts by progressive activists to register voters this fall, turnout in the 2016 general election hit a 20-year low. The statistic is helping spur legislation that would automatically register Floridians to vote when they apply for or renew their driver's license.

2016 election saw lowest voter turnout in decades

Sen. Jeff Clemens is leading automatic voter registration for Florida

New measures would tie registration to driver's licenses

The measure, filed this week by Sen. Jeff Clemens (D-Lake Worth), would expand upon the federal 'Motor Voter' law, which allows people to register to vote by submitting an application at licensing offices. Under Clemens' bill, no additional paperwork would be needed.

Automatic registration could dramatically expand Florida's voting rolls, potentially leading to increased turnout. Democrats have been particularly disheartened by this year's steep decline in turnout among young Floridians, one of the party's key voting blocs - and one that's notoriously unreliable.

"It would help out a lot of people, especially my age, who are coming to get a license and just want to automatically be registered," said Rachel Kretz, an FSU junior who spent Wednesday afternoon trading her New Jersey driver's license for one more appropriate to her new life in Florida.

Perhaps indicative of the experience of many college-aged Floridians, Kretz admitted she didn't vote in this year's election, but not because she didn't want to.

"We just didn't know where to register, what to do, and especially being from New Jersey, I just didn't vote at all," she said.

Because increased voter turnout has traditionally benefited Democrats, however, the automatic registration bill could face an uphill climb in the Republican-dominated Florida Capitol. As recently as October, Gov. Rick Scott refused to extend the state's voter registration deadline to account for inconveniences caused by Hurricane Matthew. Scott was ultimately overruled by U.S. District Court Judge Mark Walker, who wrote that "no right is more precious than having a voice in our democracy."


A man in a wheelchair was killed after being hit by a truck on Missouri Avenue in Clearwater on Thursday afternoon.

Man in wheelchair dies after being hit by truck



Man was trying to cross Missouri Ave. in Clearwater

Clearwater police officers and firefighters responded to the scene at about 2 p.m. Officials said James F. Thompson, 73, was crossing S. Missouri Avenue in a motorized wheelchair from west to east when he was struck by a northbound pickup truck.

Thompson was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, where he died, according to Clearwater Police.

Officials said the driver of the pickup truck, William J. Whitehurst, 51, will likely not be charged because he had the right of way and immediately pulled over after hitting the wheelchair.

"Our preliminary investigation shows that he was crossing against the light. So, he had a red light but went ahead and crossed the intersection and a northbound pickup truck that had the green light unfortunately did not see him in time to avoid him and struck him," Officer Rob Shaw said.


From Sujoy Ghosh's Viday Balan starrer Kahaani 2, which is highly anticipated because of its predecessor Kahaani; to Vijay Antony's Saithan, which is already expecting a grand opening thanks to advance bookings, there's a lot in store for film buffs over the 3-4 December weekend. Though there might be just four releases, each film has something different to offer:

Bollywood



Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh

What's it about: Sujoy Ghosh is back with Vidya Balan in a sort of sequel to the 2012 hit film Kahaani, where Vidya Balan played a woman out to avenge her husband's death in a terrorist attack. Kahaani 2 stars Vidya Balan as a doting mother whose daughter dies under mysterious circumstances. Arjun Rampal plays the good cop who is trying to solve the case.

Who's in it: Vidya Balan, Arjun Rampal and Jugal Hansraj.

What may work for it: The 2012 thriller starring Vidya Balan was a huge success, so this film has a lot to live up to. Needless to say, Sujoy Ghosh and Vidya Balan will weave their magic and make the film a success.

Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh is directed by Sujoy Ghosh.

Hollywood

Moana

What's it about: A Disney princess film that's not like a conventional Disney princess film. In ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by Maui reaches an impetuous chieftain's daughter's island, she answers the ocean's call to seek out the demigod to set things right.

Who's in it: (The voices of) Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson and Rachel House.

What may work for it: The film has a lot to live up to after the last Disney princess film Frozen. What might work for the film is that it deals with the very present threat of environmental degradation and stars the crowd puller Dwayne Johnson.

Moana is co-directed by Ron Clements and Don Hall.

Underworld: Blood Wars

What's it about: For the fifth time we see vampire Selene (Kate Beckinsale) who fights to end the eternal war between the Lycan clan and the Vampire faction that betrayed her.

Who's in it: Kate Beckinsale, Theo James and Lara Pulver.

What may work for it: The horror film of the week is for vampire enthusiasts. If action films and watching Kate Beckinsale in a leather outfit are your thing, this film is a must watch.

Underworld: Blood Wars is directed by Anna Foerster.

Tamil

Saithan

What's it about: The film might be based on the novel Aaah, by the late Sujatha Rangarajan. While we don't know much about the film's plot, the 9-minute opening sequence gives us the basic storyline: Vijay Antony plays a man with a psychiatric problem and is in search of a woman, 'Jayalakshmi' , to solve the mystery surrounding his past.

Who's in it: Vijay Antony, Arundathi Nair.

What may work for it: Vijay Antony films have a huge appeal among all sections of the audiences.

Saithan is directed by Pradeep Krishnamoorthy. In Telugu, the film will release as Bhetaludu.
Vijay Antony is one actor from the current generation willing to explore new frontiers in commercial cinema. He has this knack of choosing scripts which are slightly off-beat, even though they're not devoid of 'masala' elements. His latest film  Saithan, directed by debutant Pradeep Krishnamoorthy  has a spellbinding first half and moves like a psychological thriller, before turning into a mass hero film.

Straightaway, you are hooked to the story of Dinesh (Antony) an IT professional who lives a normal life with his mother (Meera Krishna). Suddenly, after his marriage through a matrimonial site to Aishwarya (Arundhati Nair), he starts hearing strange voices asking him to either commit suicide or go in search of a 'Jayalakshmi' and kill her! His sympathetic boss (YG Mahendran) takes him to a psychiatrist (Kitty), who finds out that in his previous birth, he was a school teacher in Tanjore who was murdered by his wife. Dinesh goes to Tanjore to unravel his past, which leads to some startling discoveries.

At the beginning of the film, the director acknowledges in the credits that he has been inspired by the late Sujathas novel Aah . The first half of the film moves like a bullet, leaving you no time to think. And in the second half, due to some smart packaging, the hero turns into a one-man army who takes on the baddies. The last 20 minute have Antony as the avenging hero, shades of Vikram in Shankars Aniyaan, playing to the gallery.

What works is the engaging first half and the new and improved Vijay Antony, who is terrific throughout the film, and carries it with ease. He is far more relaxed and convincing than in his earlier films as a mass hero. Arundathi Nair does a neat job as a homely wife and a deadly killer. The supporting cast of YG Mahendran, Kitty, Charuhasan are aptly cast. The BGM done by Vijay Antony creates the right eerie mood.

Writer and director Pradeep Krishnamoorthy has made a thrilling edge-of-the-seat first half before diluting it in second half with a contrived climax. Probably Antony wanted to boost his Tamil mass hero image, which works in B and C markets.

On the whole, Saithan is a racy (run time: 2 hours and 4 minutes) thriller that keeps you hooked for a large part of the proceedings.
Amitabh Bachchan once said that his first impression of Shah Rukh Khan was that he speaks very fast, because he thinks very fast.

Given Khan's witty statements in his interviews, press conferences and chat shows all these years, we dare not disagree with Bachchan on his observation.

It was a custom-made role for Khan when Gauri Shinde cast him in a slice-of-life film, Dear Zindagi, in the role of a therapist. Along with the dialogues, the mere presence of Khan on the screen was therapeutic.

To see him dish out all the gyan felt organic as he has been doing so even off-screen, including at the four universities he was invited to deliver speeches at, at various times in the past.

To add to that list, he has now been invited to give a speech at Oxford University.

The principal of the prestigious institute, Alan Rusbridger tweeted to Khan inviting him to address the students at the Lady Margaret Hall of the university:

@iamsrk can we tempt to to Oxford University to talk to our students at @lmhoxford? They love you (I'm the principal)  alan rusbridger (@arusbridger) November 28, 2016

While Khan is yet to respond to the invitation, in the event of a 'yes', it will be the fifth such occasion when the superstar has been honoured by an international university. Here are excerpts from his best speeches at institutes of higher learning:

At University of Edinburgh

"Madness (of the particularly nice/romantic kind) is an absolute prerequisite to a happy and successful life. Dont ever treat your little insanities as if they are aberrations that ought to be hidden from the rest of the world. Acknowledge them and use them to define your own way of living the only life you have. All the most beautiful people in the world, the most creative, the ones who led revolutions, who discovered and invented things, did so because they embraced their own idiosyncrasies. Theres no such thing as normal. Thats just another word for lifeless."

At Dhirubhai Ambani International School

"When I was 10, my father gave me an old chess set. The first thing it teaches you, is that every move has its consequences. Not a single moment of living is empty. Sometimes in order to move forward, you need to take a few steps back. Don't always choose what is more desirable if something tells you it's going to get you into a whole lot of trouble. Don't forget the little ones  the small pawns. Life is like that. If you are foolish enough to imagine that the little graces you are given are of no value, you end up nowhere. When you look around you, learn to look at the tiniest things that make your life special and privileged."

At Yale University

"When you are in this place of despair, where the world is staring you down into yourself  there's only one thing you can do to survive  hang on to who you are inside. The world will be unkind to you, it will not be able to see you. You must learn at such times to be able to see yourself."

Along with these three universities, Khan was also honoured with the Order of Arts and Literature by the French government for his "exceptional career". Khan charmed the audience there as well, by delivering a significant portion of his speech in French. Khan was also given an honourary doctorate in arts and culture by University of Bedfordshire, UK. On that occasion, Khan displayed his wit and humour by saying that it took him quite some time to convince his children that he will not be getting a stethoscope since he is going to become a doctor.

Oxford University is arguably the most prestigious university that has invited him for a speech. Going by his track record, we are sure that Khan will not disappoint if he accepts the invitation.
The problem is that the move of demonetisation has sort of synonymised cash transactions with black money.

Let us take few facts into consideration. Between the CSSO and NCEUS data, anything between 80 to 90 percent of businesses in India lie in the unorganised sector, which also contributes to half of our countrys GDP. This isnt black per se to the extent that it avoids taxes, but is not supported by the extensive paperwork that one would find in the organised, formal sector. Construction industry, including real estate, is about 6 percent of the GDP  so there is no reason to believe that a part of this is not covered in the informal or unorganised sector, states the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), aprofessional body for qualifications and standards in land, property, infrastructure and construction.

What does the informal or unorganised sector contain? For one  a good deal of material and labour supply, most  if not all of which is handled in cash payments itself. The cascading effect of demonetisation has affected real estate at different levels. According to RICS, with about 86 percent of currency in the market gone, and being replaced with a miniscule number of replacement notes, it is not difficult to understand why one can see people standing in labour stands in a season which traditionally sees maximum number of productivity days, and the general low activity on construction sites.

Similarly, materials sourced from unorganised sector  bricks, sand etc. also rely significantly on cash; as do transporters. Again sub-contracting, which has now become a norm in most projects, is badly hit. RICS holds the view that till the liquidity position improves, we should not expect this situation to improve, and in the interim period, we could well be seeing multiplier effects  households that were probably on the threshold of poverty now stand the risk of slipping back into deprivation as the informal sector collapses.

Hospitality is one other sector which has been stressed in the short term. In India, the good season for this sector extends from October to March, which by and large defines the success for this industry in any given year. Given the larger base of hotel rooms in the country is in the unorganised sector, the lack of available currency is forcing some hospitality customers to either postpone / cancel their travel and accommodation. Or to use hospitality products that easily allow the use of the other modes of payments.

Mandeep Lamba, Managing Director - Hotels, JLL India says, The hospitality and the tourism markets are renowned for their ability to create a large number of direct and indirect jobs in the country. In the current demonetised scenario, with the inability of customers / tourists to easily spend on frills due to lack of available currency, the unorganised industry is suffering the most in its ability to create new jobs.

The impact of demonetisation is also being felt by the suppliers of consumable goods, who often work on cash transactions with their wholesale counterparts. Also, impacted by this move is the unorganised inventory of hotels in the industry.

In addition, the leisure sector hotels and restaurants segment are seeing a higher impact on account of the discretionary nature of spending in this sector, and the substantially larger base of cash transactions that occur in it when compared to mainstream business hotels.

Hopefully, Lamba adds, As more liquidity enters the organised sector along with some further softening of land rates and gradual movement towards cleaner real estate transactions, we anticipate investments into the sector to increase from the organised players who have, in the past, shied away due to complexities associated with underlying real estate.

According to a World Bank release on Ease of obtaining Construction Permits Index, India shockingly ranks at 183rd position out of a total of 187 countries. It puts us in the same club as war-torn countries where institutions have collapsed and literally offices which accord approval have been bombed to rubble.

Therefore, for the real estate sector to emerge stronger, healthier and poised for sustained growth, what is required is, as Surendra Hiranandani, Chairman & MD, House of Hiranandani aptly states, Demonetisation accompanied by deregulation will produce great results.
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani today said the welcome offer of Reliance Jio, offering free voice, data and video services, will be available for every new customers from 4 December until 31 March 2017.

"Starting 4 December every new Jio user will get Jio's data, voice, video and full bouquet of applications free until March 31," he said.

Here are the key points from the announcements made today:

1) Reliance Jio has grown faster than Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype in the last three months, and is the fastest growing technology company.

2) Reliance Jio has crossed 50 million subscribers over the last three months; the company signed up 6 lakh customers daily on an average.

3) Reliance Jio customers using 25x more data than average broadband users.

4) Home delivery of Relaince Jio sims to be made available in 100 cities by 31 December.

5) Reliance Jio has been able to activate sims in less than 5 minutes using Aadhar-based eKYC.

6) The company has not received required support from existing telecom companies; about 900 crore calls from Reliance Jio to 3 large operators were blocked.

7) The company now fully supports mobile number portability.

8) Congratulates PM Narendra Modi for historic and bold decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Key driver for cashless living is ability to convert physical Cash into Digital Cash and vice-versa.

9) With Jio Money, every citizen will now have e-wallet linked to their bank accounts. In order to enable low-value, high-volume transactions, small merchants are important components of economy. To make this possible, Jio Money is expanding reach to millions of touch points where micro-ATMs will be deployed.

10) Reliance Jio is also working on a digital retail ecosystem, named Jio Money Merchant Solutions.

Shares of Idea Cellular, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications were down up to 4 percent on the BSE after the extension of welcome offer by the company.

(Disclosure: Firstpost is part of Network18, owned by Reliance Industries Limited.)
New Delhi: In one of the biggest seizures involving new currency, the Income Tax department confiscated over Rs four crore on Friday, in searches against at least two individuals in Bengaluru.

Officials said the searches were launched on the premises of an engineer and a contractor.

Sleuths of the IT department seized over Rs four crore in new currency, mostly in denomination of Rs 2,000, some notes of Rs 100, and also demonetised notes of Rs 500 and a few gold biscuits, they said.

"Huge stacks of Rs 2,000 notes have been recovered. The cash amounts to over Rs four crore. The counting of the seized currency is still on. This is one the highest seizures of new currency. Some entry operators and bankers are under the scanner," a senior I-T department official said.

They said the department has also found a number of identity cards belonging to various individuals from the searched premises, which could have been used to illegally change the old currency with new ones.
The Indian Meteorological Department has said that cyclone Nada is weakening as it heads towards the the south of Cuddalore over the Tamil Nadu coast.

The cyclone is very likely to move west-northwestward, weaken gradually into a deep depression during next 12 hours and cross the north Tamil Nadu coast between Vedaranniyam and Puducherry, south of Cuddalore by the early hours of 2 December, stated the bulletin issued by IMD at 8.30 pm on Wednesday.

The IMD has predicted moderate to light rainfall at most places but has issued a warning that heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 48 hours. In Kerela, moderate to light rainfall is expected on 2 and 3 December with chances of heavy rainfall at isolated places.

During the next 24 hours, stormy winds of 45 to 65 kilometres per hour will prevail along and off the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

IMD has issued a warning to the farmers to not venture into the sea along and off Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts as the sea condition is expected to be rough to very rough during the next 24 hours.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao has asked all universities in the state to shift to cashless transactions and directed vice chancellors to create awareness among students and institutes about e-transactions.

The Governor, who is chancellor of universities in the state, sought a time-bound action plan from the vice chancellors. He said the move is expected to benefit students and bring about greater transparency in the system.

Rao has asked all universities in the state to shift to electronic transfers or transactions while accepting fees from students or dealing with various stakeholders, a Raj Bhavan statement said.

In a letter addressed to vice chancellors of all 20 universities in Maharashtra, Rao directed varsities to take up a drive for creating awareness about various methods of doing electronic transactions and e-transfer of money.

He has asked them to ensure that all the monetary transactions, in the sphere of the universities, affiliated colleges and those concerning the student community shall henceforth be done through the electronic transfer.

The direction comes in the wake of government's move to invalidate higher denomination notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 to build a cashless society and to correct 'deficiencies in the system'.

Enclosing separate notes in Hindi and in English, on the various methods of doing electronic transactions and transfer of money, to his letter, the Governor has asked the VCs to "draw up a detailed time-bound strategy" based on gaps/ needs analysis for all the stakeholders and adopt suitable mechanism to achieve the objective.

The Governor has also asked the vice chancellors to keep his office posted about the steps taken by the university to comply with his guidelines. Rao expects the universities to create awareness in the public at large about cashless transactions and electronic transfer, the statement read.
Greater Noida: Upset over the lack of money at banks even after 22 days of demonetisation, villagers at Bilaspur in Greater Noida on Wednesday blocked the Noida-Sikandrabad road, affecting traffic for more than an hour.

Reportedly the banks at Mandi Shyam Nagar in Dankaur displayed a 'no cash' notice and when the villagers reached there they were left agitated.

Locals said the villagers then closed the banks' gates from outside and held protest even as some of them blocked traffic on the Noida-Sikandrabad road.

For one and half hour traffic was affected. Senior police officers reached site and pacified the villagers after which the blockade was lifted.

"For the last three days I have been visiting the bank to withdraw Rs 2,000 but am unable to get the money. Banks claim they are not getting cash. The ATMs too are without cash," said one of the villagers, Dharam Bhati.

Another villager, Raje, alleged, "Bank officials give money to their known persons out of turn while the common man after standing in queue for hours was told there was no cash and was sent back."

At Udyog Bandhu meeting held on Wednesday at DM camp office in Noida, some industrialists raised the problems emerging due to demonetisation before the district magistrate NP Singh.

"Small industries' production was affected. Though the government has allowed withdrawal of Rs 50,000 from current accounts but bank officials are refusing such withdrawals, saying there was no cash at banks," they claimed.
Now that it looks like the fidayeen attack on 16 Corps at Nagrota in Jammu was carried out by the Afzal Guru Squad (AGS) of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, it is obvious that both the Jaish and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) are almost competing to inflict cuts on India's self-esteem and pride. If the terror attack at Dinanagar in Gurdaspur district in July 2015 was the handiwork of the Lashkar, Jaish hit in Pathankot in January this year. Uri in September was a Lashkar operation and now Nagrota carries the Jaish stamp, with a note written in Urdu bearing the 'AGS' name.

There is little to distinguish between the two terror groups that are said to be at the beck and call of the Pakistan Army establishment and the ISI. The AGS, a force of about 300 well-trained hardcore terrorists, is meant to carry out spectacular high-profile attacks. The Lashkar also carries out suicide attacks but this outfit is comparatively discreet and less flashy.

The Jaish carried out the Parliament attack in 2001, in which Afzal Guru was named as a conspirator. That is why it chose the nomenclature of AGS, that was formed after the hanging of Afzal Guru in February 2013, to embarrass India.

But while the Jaish, through the AGS, always leaves behind its imprint to claim credit, the Lashkar seldom does so. The Lashkar often even removes markings on their clothes which can be traced to Pakistan. Only if they are carrying medicines on them, those may carry a 'Manufactured in Pakistan' sign. It is then left to the Indian sleuths to decipher the identity of the fidayeens through seized communication sets.

The mobile phones used by Lashkar operatives have 'Skipe', which is an in-house Lashkar communication system developed four years ago. Another voice tool used is 'Vibar'. Both are similar to the original apps  no originality is shown in designing new names  but the Lashkar has improvised it with a coded matrix sheet. Most of the code language is Urdu, with a few English words thrown in. Each matrix sheet is valid only for a couple of weeks, overlapping terror strikes and is extremely tough to decode.

Security experts point out that on a few occasions the Lashkar has even let Hizbul Mujahideen take credit for a strike, carried out by the LeT. These are non-fidayeen attacks since Hizbul is not known to undertake suicide attacks. This serves the Pakistani purpose of projecting as if it is an indigenous resistance to the Indian state. It makes the Hizbul look better and, on the face of it, gives the so-called movement for azaadi of Kashmir some moral legitimacy.

Lashkar, founded by dreaded terrorist Hafiz Saeed in 1987, is a bigger outfit than the Jaish with a far greater reach. Jaish was founded around 2000 by Masood Azhar, who was freed by India in return for the Kandahar hijack hostages. Both groups co-exist and apparently enjoy a free run inside Pakistan. This anecdote recounted by an asset of the Indian intelligence establishment, who had gotten close to the top commanders of the Lashkar, gives a peep into the free run the terror operatives enjoy inside Pakistan.

"He would be taken around in SUVs along with gun-toting Lashkar operatives. Whenever the vehicle would be stopped by the police at a security barricade, all they had to do was roll down the window and say 'Lashkar se hai' and they would be given a green channel,'' said a handler from the Indian side. The same red carpet treatment is given to Jaish operatives as well. Proof that in Pakistan, the state and the deep state co-exist in harmony, united by hate against India. Bans imposed on terror outfits are not worth the Pakistan government paper they are printed on.

The recruitment zone for Lashkar is Punjab province, given that the leadership of the outfit is dominated by people like Hafiz Saeed, who hails from the province. It targets the impoverished peasantry of Punjab, who are largely uneducated or at best, semi-literate. The Ajmal Kasab kind.

Finding young men willing to turn fidayeen is not much of a challenge, given that the Lashkar and the Jaish feed them a toxic cocktail of radicalisation, anti-India and anti-Hindu audio-visual material, with the temptation of 72 virgins in heaven thrown in. Cheaper young boys are available if picked up from the impoverished Waziristan and Sind provinces. While a Punjab recruit gets (Pakistani) Rs 5 lakh for his family after he is gone, the ones from Sind and Waziristan get only about Rs 2 lakh.

From India's point of view, what is worrying is that over 250 terrorists of both outfits who have infiltrated into the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region between June and November are, according to sources, comfortably ensconced in habitations in small towns and villages. The fact that the locals do not give them up, by reporting them to the state, is a dangerous sign. As winter sets in, their presence on Indian soil is proof that New Delhi and Srinagar's ability to effectively police many parts of the troubled state, especially south Kashmir, has been severely compromised.
In this theatre of the absurd around nationalism, lets not slight one more absurdity: Rabindranath Tagore, author of the national anthem, whose rendition the Supreme Court has now made compulsory before the screening of every film, was among the most passionate critics of doctrinaire nationalism. Tagore, were he to witness the goingson in contemporary India, would surely have rebelled against such a topdown imposition of nationalist ideology. He would perhaps have penned an impassioned essay interrogating the wisdom of such a decision that imposes nationalism through a dramatic fiat.

This Wednesday, the apex court ordered that all the cinema halls in India shall play the national anthem before the feature film starts and all present in the hall are obliged to stand up to show respect to the national anthem. This is part of the citizens sacred obligation, ruled the court, dismissing in the process, any different notion or the perception of individual rights. The screen at the movie hall, the court said, must show the image of the national flag, and doors of the hall must remain shut during the anthem.

Through the 1970s and the 1980s, cinema halls across the country did play the national anthem at the end of films. But that ritual (through which many in the audience nonchalantly walked out) did not seem to have instilled any deepened sense of nationalism among people. If anything, the territory of nationalism  the way the idea is experienced and perceived by different sections  has become far more contested and far more complex in the decades since then. The apex court on Wednesday dismissed different notions and perceptions of nationalism. But the question still remains: is it possible to homogenise nationalist sentiment and outlaw all interpretations that vary from the States? Does such an effort not smack of all those abusive words we like to hurl at political opponents  Stalinist, Orwellian, or even totalitarian'?

We have been now handed a legal cure to what seems to be an endemic illness engulfing large parts of the country and large numbers of citizens. Its as if all it takes to turn a rebellious soul into a patriot is exposure to offkey strains of the national anthem.

Moreover, this latest event is not an isolated one. Similar occurrences have gained momentum over the last couple of years. When Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was at the centre of the debate on nationalism earlier this year, the Narendra Modi government decided that flying the national flag at the top of a 207feet mast in all central universities would cure strands of critical dissent. According to a report in the Hindustan Times: The first such flag will be unfurled at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which is on the boil over the arrest of a top student leader for alleged anti-India demonstrations and sloganeering.

The decision was taken at a meeting of all central university Vice Chancellors. The flag will symbolise the unity and integrity of the nation, under which higher education would flourish, the report had then quoted a source as saying. One wonders whether the heathen turncoats have since transformed into nationalists of the highest order that the government would approve of. If the cure is so simple, why waste crores of rupees stationing troops in Kashmir or in the North East? Why not play the national anthem instead?

Interestingly, around the same time that the Supreme Court came out with this order, a similar drama around the national flag was unravelling in the US. A controversy erupted in the country when PresidentElect Donald Trump tweeted : Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag  if they do, there must be consequences  perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail. What should draw our attention, however, is the position adopted by the US Supreme Court on the issue of burning the national flag. On more than one occasion, the court has upheld the right to burn the national flag as a First Amendment right guaranteed by the Constitution.

Responding to burnings of the flag at demonstrations against the Vietnam War, the US Congress passed the first federal Flag Protection Act in 1968. Over the years, 48 of the 50 US states passed similar flag protection laws. The turning point came in 1989 when the Supreme Court overturned these statutes by 54 vote in the Texas v Johnson case. The apex court found the state statutes to be unconstitutional restrictions of public expression. Though the Congress responded by passing a federal Flag Protection Act, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its decision by the same 54 majority in United States v. Eichman in 1990. The court declared flag burning to be part of the constitutionally protected free speech.

We in India, who want to always ape the West in all matters  from demonetisation to privatisation  would perhaps do better to imbibe these more uncomfortable lessons that might actually lead us to question cherished ideals instead of blindly reinforcing them.
Queues returned to banks and ATMs on Wednesday as people rushed to withdraw cash after monthly salaries got credited in their bank accounts -- the first since the high value currency was scrapped -- signalling more pain as the crowd is likely to get bigger from today (1 December).

A PTI report said queues at most of the ATMs and banks across the city on Wednesday were shorter than expected though there were complaints that cash dispensing machines were either dry or shut and customers could not draw the maximum permissible amount -- Rs 2,500 from ATMs and Rs 24,000 from banks.

Most private companies in India credit salaries to their employees on the last day of the month even as labour laws allow wages to be disbursed on any day before the 10th of the next month.

As soon as the salaries were credited, millions of employees began queuing up outside banks and ATMs across the country to withdraw cash to meet their monthly needs and pay utilitiy helps -- domestic helps, drivers and clear monthly grocery, milk, newspaper and other bills.

Since the supply of notes from currency chests has failed to keep pace with the demand for cash after 86 percent of currency in circulation was declared illegal on 8 November, the chaos worsened on payday as more households need cash on hand than earlier with lack of currency notes or limited notes in their possession.

People were seen in bigger numbers on Thursday waiting to withdraw money. Many were annoyed by the rush and the arbitrary withdrawal limits set by banks. And the situation could get worse in the coming days as more number of people will receive salaries.

What are the customers saying?

"I have to pay my maid and grocery bills in cash. I somehow managed to convince my landlord to accept the rent in cheque but I am bound to visit the bank for other payments," said Vishakha Sharma from west Delhi.

The 27-year-old waited outside her bank branch for two hours. "It is so humiliating that we have to stand in long queues and beg for our own money."

An MNC employee, Yogesh Yadav, said he had come to withdraw Rs 24,000 from his bank account but was given only Rs 10,000. "It's the end of the month and I am supposed to pay bills. How will I manage?" Yadav asked.

A resident of Krishna Nagar in Delhi, Rahul Chauhan got his salary credited on Tuesday but could not withdraw it even after standing in a queue at 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

"By the time my chance to enter the bank came, it ran out of cash."

The case was no different in other parts of the country.

In Kolkata, in apprehension of a mad rush, people started queuing up outside banks and ATMs since morning.

"I am in the queue since 8.30 a.m.," said Sougata Mitra, an employee of a private firm outside a Bank of India branch in central Kolkata.

It was 10.45 a.m. when IANS caught up with Mitra, and already 50-60 customers had lined up.

The first salary day after demonetization proved haranguing for the maximum city Mumbai where most ATMs ran dry. Desperate men and women drove from one place to another, halting wherever they saw an ATM alive, albeit with long queues.

Though many Mumbaikars have shifted to making certain payments online or by debit/credit cards, there are many bills which need to be paid in cash. Many feared that the situation could worsen on Thursday.

"Everything has come to a standstill. Worse, many online payments systems are jammed due to the sudden heavy traffic and payments are pending," fumed a pharmaceutical consultant P. Venkataraman from Kandivali, a Mumbai suburb.

"I managed to get only Rs 4,000 this morning against the withdrawl limit of Rs 24,000 as I was told that there was hardly any cash supply to the banks in the last few days. I will have to wait and try my luck later in the day," a South Mumbai resident has been quoted in a PTI report.

What are the banks saying?

Several banks ran out of cash within hours of opening on Wednesday. Some bank officials complained that they were getting cash much below what they need.

Various media reports put the cash situation at banks at about one-fifth of the demand. A report in The Times of India cited a bank official as saying that his branch received 15-20 percent of the required amount. Due to this, bankers were rationing withdrawals so that more customers could be catered to.

RBI is currently supplying cash based on a variety of calculations including how much a bank branch got the previous day. That will continue. We will continue to ration cash, one banker has been quoted as saying in a report in The Economic Times.

However, bankers are not ready to be quoted and remain unnamed in the reports, probably fearing they would have to face the brunt of the government's wrath. Those who were named said the situation is all fine.

When asked about the cash crunch situation, Central Bank Executive Director R C Lodha told PTI, "We have made adequate arrangements to meet the higher demand for cash as salaries would be credited into customers account (as the month turns). In our bank there would be no shortage of cash."

At SBI we have enough currency supply. At some pockets there was shortage, but there also funds are being made available, State Bank of Indias deputy managing director Manju Agarwal has also been quoted as saying in another PTI report.

It must be noted that Indian Banks' Association, the body of the bank management, has not come out with any statement regarding demonetisation yet.

However, unnamed bank managers are painting a grim picture of the situation. They say the bank branches are not getting enough Rs 500 and Rs 100 notes to cater to their customers. Since these smaller denominations are in short supply, Rs 2,000 notes that are available now are being given to customers -- a denomination that is not in demand since customers find it difficult get change for the Rs 2000 note.

A PTI report said though nearly 70 percent of ATMs are now recalibrated, they do not have cash. People are struggling with the problem of getting change as the operational ones dispense mostly high denomination Rs 2,000 notes.

The rationing and short supply of smaller denomination notes are adding to the distress of the customers who are waiting in queues for a long time.

Many banks have made SOS calls to the Reserve Bank for additional cash for the first few days of December to meet the initial rush of people, already fatigued standing in unending queues.

According to reports, banks have resorted to seeking more security deployment at branches to manage the angry crowd.

Many banks are contemplating to set up additional counters for withdrawals to meet the rush.

What is the RBI and government saying?

Reports say that both the government and the RBI are taking steps to improve the situation. A report in The Times of India citing sources said the four printing presses that produce currency notes are now working in three shifts against the earlier two shifts. The aim to is increase the supply of Rs 500 and Rs 100 notes.

It further says citing sources that the RBI has increased the cash supply to banks by four times and the situation will be better today (Thursday).

However, there has not been any official update on the evolving situation from either the RBI or the finance ministry in the last two-three days.

Given the lack of information from authorities, customers are likely to hoard cash anticipating further tightening of rules. And if they do, it will just put further pressure on the cash situation. The blame squarely rests on the government and the RBI.

What lies ahead?

As of now, expect more uncertainty and chaos. Even if the government and the RBI have put pressure to produce more Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, this is unlikely to ease the crunch easily. A government official has told PTI that that there is a lag of 21 days for printed notes to reach markets.

The PTI report notes that 1 December, today, is the pay day and banks are gearing up to face a huge rush as people. The queues at branches across the country are likely to get lengthier.

What has made matters worse is the fact that a large number of ATMs are still dry even 23 days after the government scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

And with pay day just dawning, it seems to be the beginning of the pain.

With IANS and PTI
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"You have 50 days to return the old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 to your respective bank from 10 November 2016 to 30 December 2016. The banks, however, will have a cap on how much cash can be withdrawn  Rs 10,000 daily and Rs 20,000 weekly."

"And no one should blame me if I take tough decisions after the 30th. This money belongs to the countrys poor. No one has the right to loot this. This is my commitment. I am working with full force and will continue the effort," he had said.

Apparently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given a fair warning to all the black money hoarders in this interview with CNN-News18 in September this year. Replying to a question on if he intended to carry forward his tough line on curbing black money, Modi had urged those with undeclared wealth to take advantage of the disclosure scheme before the deadline of September 30 and return to into the mainstream.

A lawyer by profession, Kamboj said that he understands the legal consequences of doing any such thing. "I know I can land up in big trouble if I do something so foolish. What Kejriwal is doing is nothing more than dirty politics. He will see what will happen to him in Punjab."

Rubbishing Kejriwal's claims, Kejriwal said: I had only written that new notes would soon be introduced. But nowhere I had talked about or even mentioned banning of the old notes.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday alleged that BJP had informed its 'friends' beforehand about its decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, to help them fix their black money.

The step is being taken after it was observed that same people have been withdrawing money, again and again, misusing the facility and not giving a chance to others to exchange their money. 

"Government should allow old Rs 500 notes to remain in circulation along with the new notes. Also, Rs 100/50/10 notes must be made easily available. Rs 1,000 notes may be withdrawn when circulation improves by 30 December, or at your discretion. No need for anymore faltu, action-less announcements. Sometimes blunders lead to more more blunders," says the West Bengal Chief Minister.

In a series of tweets on Friday, Mamata Banerjee said that there are ways that the government can restore normalcy and help people.

"Such tax evasion activities can be made subject to income tax and penalty," ANI reported. The ministry added that thos who allow their accounts to be misused will be prosecuted."However, genuine people having their own household savings in cash and depositing the same will not be questioned," the ministry was quoted as saying by ANI.

Announcing that small deposits made in banks of artisans, workers, housewives will not be questioned by Income Tax Department, the finance ministry said that there are reports that a few people were "using other's accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes."

The Opposition parties are not wrong  this could have been planned better and the government is not giving us all the facts. The truth is the government did have a plan. Not for recalibration  for which it has come under severe attack  but for the preemptive calibration of ATMs. If this plan had run its course, it could have considerably smoothened the currency exchange at ATMs. But the plan ground to a halt even before it took off. But more on that later.

An entire population of 1.25 billion is living in misery, craving something they already have: A strange contradiction of shortage in abundance. The only question that everyone is asking is: Did Prime Minister Narendra Modi send a country into war against black money without planning?

"What is the difficulty? " the bench asked Rohatgi. The AG explained the situation by stating that after printing, the currency has to be moved to thousands of centres across the country and ATMs have to be re-calibrated. "There is no shortage of funds," he said.

At the outset, the bench questioned the relief measures undertaken by the Centre by saying, "Last time you said there will be relief for people in the coming days but you have squeezed the exchange limit to Rs 2,000 only."

"It's a political attempt in the court. I have seen your (Sibal's) press conference also. You are not appearing for a political party, but for an advocate. You are turning the apex court into a political platform," Rohatgi said.

The Attorney General (AG) Mukul Rohatgi in his response, said there is no dispute, but the queues are getting shorter and even suggested that the Chief Justice of India can go out during lunch and himself look at the queue. "Kindly go in the lunch time," the AG told the bench and took objection to senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for a private party, for allegedly exaggerating the situation.

"We have also come to know that corruption through new notes has already started. Such reports are surfacing in newspapers and especially on the social media," he said, claiming the goal of unearthing black money and weeding out fake currency notes will not be achieved.

On the Centre's stand that demonetisation will check corruption, Akhilesh said cases of graft involving new currency notes are already making news in some parts of the country.

Talking to reporters in Lucknow on Friday after presiding over a Cabinet meeting, Akhilesh Yadav said, "The meeting was of the opinion that farmers should get relaxation in use of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes...cooperative banks to which farmers are directly linked should get relaxation as money is not promptly reaching bank branches."

SC made the remarks as Attorney General (AG) Mukul Rohatgi submitted that any matter relating to challenge to the demonetisation issue be heard by the apex court only.

"Some measures are required. See the kind of problems people are facing. People have to go to the high court. If we shut them from going to the high court, how can we know the magnitude of the problem. People going to different courts indicates the magnitude of the problem," the bench said.

"It is a serious issue which requires consideration," a bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice A R Dave said, while asking the parties to be ready with data and other issues in writing. The apex court also refused Centre's request to put on hold petitions pending in various high courts challenging the decision to demonetise.

Coming down heavily on the Narendra Modi government for not taking the issue seriously, the Supreme Court on Friday questioned the move to reduce the exchange limit of old notes from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,000. The apex court added that the situation was serious and there are possibilities of riots breaking out.

"We are not against demonetisation. We are against the hardships being faced by poor people due to mismanagement in implementing this scheme," Ravat said, when he was detained and taken away by police.

In Vadodara, at least 100 Congress workers were detained from different parts for trying to block the roads. While two Congress workers were detained for setting fire to tyres on Ahmedabad-Vadodara highway on the city outskirts, around 100 have been detained for blocking an internal city road at Dandiya Bazar area.

Slamming the Centre over faulty implementation of the demonetisation drive, Mayawati said that the government has unleashed an Economic Emergency on the nation and the party does not care how people of the nation are suffering.

He then said that India trusts its citizens who will make the country emerge successful after "this test of fire".

"But I see your support. Despite so many attempts to dissuade you, you have understood this move for the welfare of this nation," said the Prime Minister. "The entire world is watching this move. Every economist is analysing this move. The world is watching whether 1.25 crore Indians, despite difficulties, will achieve success."

"But for 70 years, we have been tolerating the disease of corruption and black money. The cure to that disease cannot be simple," he said.

"When I had taken this decision, I had said that this is full of difficulties. And the implementation of this decision was also bound to be difficult. I knew about the kind of difficulties people would have to face," Modi said. "I knew that it will definitely take 50 days to come out of the effect [of demonetisation]," he added.

"A lot of people have asked me to talk more about the currency ban," said the Prime Minister, as he began talking about demonetisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday talked about the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on the radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' and appealed to the people of India to help him create a "less-cash society".

Sources have told CNN-News18 that the central government has stepped up the printing of the new Rs 500 notes. The news channel also reported that the shortage in Rs 500 notes will be over by the end of December.

Modi said, "The government's decision has several gains for farmers, traders, labourers, who are the economic backbone of our nation. I always said that the government's measure will bring a degree of inconvenience but this short term pain will pave way for long term gains. No longer will the progress and prosperity of rural India be curtailed by corruption and black money. Our villages must get their due. We also have a historic opportunity to embrace increased cashless payments and integrate latest technology in economic transactions."

In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the government never denied that the demonetisation drive will not be inconvenient, but "this short term pain will pave way for long term gains."

Leading members of Opposition took to social media to speak on demonetisation. 8 December marks one month since the Modi government scrapped high-denomination notes and introduced the new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced that it will hold a party meet at 9.30 am on Thursday. According to CNN-News18, the party meet will discuss demonetisation and will be broadcast live. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation as well, the news channel said.

'It's a pity that this opposition party, who fought against the Congres both inside the Congress and outside the Congress are ready to work with Congress. Trinamool Congress, CPI (M) are with Congress. Even DMK who had taken talaq from Congress are rallying behind it. They don't even know what their leader is going to talk about. The congress regime was filled with scams. They will have to explain it to the people," he added.

'It's ironic to see that government is fighting corruption, and the opposition is opposing it. Many people are shaken because vested interests are shaken. They are trying to create panic in the public. And therefore, they are trying to tarnish Prime Minster's image,' Venkaiah Naidu said.

Unlike Gandhi, who in a letter dated 24 August, 1974, to all chief ministers, sought selective action against bigger people that could be publicised to counter the perception in the public mind and in Parliament, Modi and his officers were well prepared in advance to scrutinise the shades of unaccounted stash in the country, even if that meant severe criticism of his government.

Modi is not Indira Gandhi and 2016 is not 1974 when TA Pai, the then Union Minister for heavy industry told Gandhi: "Currency has no complexion and it is neither white nor black." (Declassified black money files of prime ministers office, no 37 (465)/74 PMS).

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address on 8 November, told the nation that the existing Rs 500 and 1,000 notes can no longer be used for transactions and they are now mere pieces of papers, he very well knew that a huge number of zero-balance accounts were going to witness sudden activity from the very next morning.

This means that these notes will not be acceptable for transactions from midnight onwards. The 500 and 1,000 rupee notes hoarded by anti-national and anti-social elements will become just worthless pieces of paper.

To break the grip of corruption and black money, we have decided that the 500 rupee and 1,000 rupee currency notes presently in use will no longer be legal tender from midnight tonight, that is 8th November 2016.

As (Narendra) Modi gets ready to address the nation on 31 December in a stock-taking speech, sober watchers of the game may find no nail-biting finish or clear winner. We might need to use something resembling the Duckworth-Lewis method that cricket scorers use when rains or disruptions mar a match.

The government is also planning to come out with an Ordinance making possession of old Rs 500/1,000 notes beyond a specified limit for numismatic purposes illegal and punishable.

People, however, will still have time to exchange the currency notes at designated RBI counters till 31 March after giving valid reasons for not depositing defunct notes in their accounts by 30 December.

The 50-day deadline to deposit the old Rs 500/1,000 notes in banks comes to an end today, but the cash crunch and queues before ATMs are likely to continue for some more time as currency printing presses have failed to meet the huge demand for new bills.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the nation on Saturday after his self-imposed deadline of 50-days for the situation to return to normal ends. While some people are hoping for an extension in the deadline, the government maintained it had no plans to do so.

The deadline to deposit old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in banks ends today. From next week onward, those still holding the scrapped currency can deposit it only with the Reserve Bank of India till 31 March, 2017. After 31 March, holding demonetised notes would be illegal and could invite hefty fines and even jail, according to an ordinance passed by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday.

Post #DeMonetisation Govt. to roll out massive campaign. PM's address to the nation on Dec 31st will be beginning of this campaign: Sources

Meanwhile, the RBI's image seems to have been dented significantly during the period. Post the announcement, the action mostly happened in Delhi and the central bank was relegated to the background. Moreover, the frequent rule changes, mostly dictated by the political bosses in Delhi, unfairly affected the central bank's image.

The man who is complaining the most is the one who is affected and that is not the common man, believes Bijoor. He places Modis popularity on a ratio of 80:20 with 80 percent having welcomed the bold move of the PM.

The common man is in the mood to forgive the prime minister as he realises that demonetisation is a big task that irritants like more than 60 policy flip-flops after the announcement of the scheme can be tolerated, says Harish Bijoor, chief executive officer of brand and business strategy firm Harish Bijoor Consults Inc.

The brand Modi might have received a good boost after the demonetisation drive, however, the brand RBI, the monetary authority in charge of the Indian currency, may have taken a huge drubbing, brand experts told Firstpost's Sulekha Nair .

The cash crunch in cities seems to be easing. Just for a lark i went to 5-10 different ATMs on diff days and all yielded cash Queues shorter

Specified bank notes (SBNs) cannot form part of banks' cash balances from the close of business as on 31 December, 2016 to deposit the same in any Issue Office of Reserve Bank or a currency chest on 31 December, 2016 itself, RBI said.

For most Indians, the salary day this month is going to be unlike any other. The reason being the unabated cash crunch due to the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes announced on 8 November.

After the demonetisation, which ceased the legal tender status of the notes and also introduced new Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes, there has been severe shortage of smaller denomination notes that has resulted in long queues at banks and ATMs. Banks and the RBI have also rationed the cash supply in order to meet the demand. Customers can withdraw only Rs 24,000 a week from a bank and Rs 2,500 from an ATM. However, there are further restrictions to banks are not possessing enough cash. For instance, as there are no Rs 500 notes available yet, you can withdraw only Rs 2000 from an ATM. Also it is difficult to get change for Rs 2,000 note.

With the salary withdrawal, which is a regular occurrence at the beginning of every month, expected to start any time now, there are concerns that the situation is going to worsen. So how do you deal with a month on a tight leash unable to access your own money freely?

First things first. This is a month where you won't find it easy making payments or getting people to accept online payments. So factor that difficulty in. But this would only be a beginner's problem. A month later, things should be better. Or so is the expectation.

Anil Rego, CEO & Founder, Right Horizons; and Pankaj Mathpal, Managing Director, Optima Money Manager Pvt Ltd suggest ways to deal with cash crunch better:

Here we go:

Making cashless transactions: Use a combination of mobile wallets, debit and credit cards to make your life easier. Conserve cash as much as possible. That means prune your expenses. Go eating out much less and entertaining folks even lesser. Everyone will understand. Cash crunch is universal in the country. Use cards and mobile wallets wherever possible. If you are able to do that more, most of your expenses will come down considerably. And also your stress levels.

Pay groceries by card: If your kiranawallah does not accept card payments, too bad for him. Go to the supermarket or any other store that does. Your local grocer will realise that there if he or she doesn't go cashless it will result in huge business loss. Next month, if not now, he will be prepared for cashless transactions.

Help your household help: You could help your household help by buying provisions, etc so that she can tide over the month without cash. Most of them have bank accounts which is rarely used and you can help them by showing them how to access cash by using card for payments. Pay by cheque or electronic transfer in the account of your domestic help. If your household help does not have a bank account, assist her in opening a zero-balance account under Jan Dhan Yojana. That will be a permanent solution.

Bank transactions prove the credit worthiness of a person and it will help the domestic helps in raising loan, if they need anytime in future. If you tell this to them they will accept cheque payment easily. Most of the domestic helps use smart phone nowadays. Educate them on the benefits of e-wallet and help them to download the app on their mobile. You can easily transfer money into the e-wallets. You can also pay through Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in the account of your domestic help. There is no registration needed. You can use UPI for utility bills too.

Sign up for ECS facility: Sign up for electronic clearing system and it will deduct the bill amounts directly from your account. You could pay your telephone bills through ECS. You need to give an authorisation to automatically debit the bills. Newspaper hawkers shouldn't be a problem either as they accept payment through cheque or electronic transfer in their accounts as they further pay to the newspaper agency. Every newspaper hawker is expected to have a bank account. If they don't accept cheques, that means their intention is to evade tax on their income.

Use mobile wallets for travel expenses: Use Paytm or any mobile wallet while using autorickshaws. Most of them accept it now. Using taxi aggregators like Ola and Uber should not be an issue. They accept online transactions. You could also download their apps to make payments easier.

Do not go to bank (unless it is absolutely necessary): You could try and avoid going to the bank as much as possible to withdraw cash. If you can do digital transfers, do that sit tight. Let those who is dire need of cash go to the bank. This will reduce the crowd at the banks and ATMs and make their life easier.

You can easily tide over a month with as little as Rs 26,000 as cash in hand if you use online modes of payments as mentioned above. You will have to pay for that cup of tea or coffee if it is a small outlet that does not accept online mode of payment. More importantly, going cashless will leave a digital trail of your expenses and you can keep a tab on your monthly budget and splurge or prune accordingly your wants and needs.
Chances of an India-Pakistan dialogue, during Pakistan's National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz's India visit appears grim as Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup on Thursday talked tough on cross-border terrorism.

It was expected that Aziz's visit may thaw out the India-Pakistan relations that have hit a new low since skirmishes along the Line of Control and terror attacks on army camps have increased. However, the MEA has shown little signs that a bilateral dialogue could be in the offing.

Swarup, who was addressing a weekly press briefing on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Summit, to be held on 3 and 4 December said that India does not sense any willingness to talk on Pakistan's part, while clarifying that it has not received any request to start a dialogue.

"We have not received any requests for talks. India is always open for talks, but they obviously cannot be held with continued terrorism," Swarup told reporters in New Delhi.

It was largely being speculated that the dialogue would finally inch forward, after months of deep freeze in the relations during Aziz's visit, as earlier in the week, Pakistan had sent out mixed signals on the issue.

Pakistani newspaper, Dawn quoted a foreign ministry official as saying, "For now, we don't see any willingness on their part... the ball is in India's court, for they know we are willing but we don't know whether they are willing." However, Aziz himself had said that although India scuttled the Saarc summit, Pakistan would not do the same  leaving many guessing that the two nations may indulge in dialogue.

Swarup clarified that Pakistan has not officially raised a request for any talks while dismissing Aziz's comments that India was responsible for the failure of Saarc summit.

"It was not India that scuttled the Saarc process but all the member nations wrote to Nepal (who was hosting the summit) to state that the summit will not be conducive in the present circumstances," Swarup said.

He also added that India too shares Pakistan's sentiment to hold dialogue without any preconditions, but he stated that talks were not possible with repeated instances of cross-border terrorism.

"When Pakistan says talks should be unconditional, we also say the same thing. But all we say is that there should be no cross-border terrorism," Swarup said.

"India is always open for talks, but they obviously cannot be held with continued terrorism. India will not accept continued terrorism. It was India that has taken all initiatives to start dialogue with Pakistan. But what have we got in response to those initiatives," Swarup added.

Pakistan and India, at the last Heart of Asia ministerial meeting in Islamabad, had agreed to start "Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue" that was to cover all outstanding issues. The resumption of the dialogue could, however, not take place due to the Pathankot attack in January earlier this year.

Bilateral relations further deteriorated in July following the commencement of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir and India placed the blame for the 18 September Uri military camp attack and continuing infiltration attempts on Pakistan. Another instance that further froze ties between New Delhi and Islamabad was when the body of one army soldier was found mutilated in Machhil sector near the border, while three soldiers were killed in the attack.

Moreover, Tuesday's attack on Armys 166 Field Regiment at Nagrota, which killed seven Indian soldiers, including to two Major-rank officers, apparently further extinguished any chances of improvement in relations between the two neighbours, in the near foreseeable future.

Things turned worse with the spike in ceasefire violations at the border that have left dozens of people dead in barely two months.

Pakistan has, however, denied India's claims that it was behind these incidents.

The Pakistan government decided to attend the Heart of Asia conference despite a deep freeze in bilateral ties, even though as it alleged that India had "scuttled the Saarc summit" that Islamabad was to host in November this year.

Aziz will be leading the Pakistani delegation to the two-day meeting that will focus on cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for improving connectivity and tackling security threats in the region.

With inputs from IANS
"You realise that the disease eats away at your very being. Ive seen many girls come into Budhwarpet completely healthy, and then slowly, become sicker. Before HIV, I thought being positive was a great thing," says Ranjana Devi.

Devi is not HIV positive, but she oversees the workings of a community organisation in Budhwarpet in Pune that administers health and social welfare services for female sex workers  a group that is immensely vulnerable given the nature of their work.

I meet Devi and many others like her in October 2015 during a capacity building workshop for leaders from various community organisations. And thus, began my annus mirabilis of working with over 1,20,000 key population individuals, through 84 community organisations, vulnerable to HIV and AIDS, consisting of female sex workers, gay men and transgenders.

Sarala Tai, a board member of another community organisation, is carrying an eight-year-old "positive" girl. This girls mother was a street-based sex worker in Kolhapur, who died due to the lack of access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). In between the workshop, Sarala Tai tells me: Aisa hi hai na, Madam. Yeh auratein chali jati hain aur bachha mujhe chhor jatin hain. Kya karungi main iska? Kaam bhi nahi sikha sakti (These women die and leave their children to me. What will I do with her? I cannot even make her learn the trade)."

Months later, in Rajamundry in Andhra Pradesh, I sense no despair in Nupur, a helpdesk facilitator. HIV paas laya hum sab ko. CO (community organisation) kaise hota phir? (HIV has brought us together. How else would our CO have existed?).

Harping on a similar note, in February 2016, Malavika, the President of the Idayam Thirunangaigal Munettra Sangam (ITMS), Namakkal  a community organisation for transgenders and gay men tells me: "(...) programme ne pehchaan di hai, madam (the HIV/AIDS programme bestowed us with identity)."

Stigma and discrimination is an everyday reality for the vulnerable

What I know of HIV and AIDS is through occasional field visits, pivot tables and legal declarations. With a background in gender-based violence in conflict areas, my lens is generally myopic  I often look at violent incidents against community members isolated from the looming lentivirus itself. But this is fast changing. Every day, stories of unbearable stigma and discrimination is slowly opening my eyes.

Obula, president of a female sex worker community organisation in Kadiri, Andhra Pradesh, recounted an incident of child sexual abuse in her jurisdiction from two years ago. The child was raped by influential people and left to die, she said. No stakeholders  neither the police nor lawyers from the Legal Aid Clinic  were ready to help because her mother, a sex-worker with an HIV positive status, would never stand a chance in front of a politicians son.

An HIV positive sex worker in Sholapur, Shahnazs lifes earnings amounting to over Rs 3 lakhs were taken away by her gharwali  the brothel madam  because she was a victim of the disease. The gharwali emotionally and physically abused her in the course of the recovery of the money. The community organisations members stood by her side throughout the process of reporting the crime and battled the stigma and discrimination. And in the end, she received her money back.

"People who are affected by HIV are all living with an inferiority complex," says Surbhi, who is gender-fluid and HIV positive. They dont say it openly, but I have said it. As far as I am concerned, I dont have anything more in life. I have to be open. Basically, Im an open type of person. Everybody knows, that I talk openly. So, I will talk about everything and put up with everything. If anyone beats me, I will take it, if someone scolds me, I will accept it. But everyone will not be like that. People who live in society, live under the blanket of prestige. Im not in that blanket, so I dont take it as something big, she adds.

Community Organisations Born out of HIV Programmes

The disease has claimed lives but it has also given us each other. This condition brings friends. I plan to write poetry on this and share with you, says Vijji from Thiruvallur. Vijji is gender-fluid. She has lost a few friends to the virus, and finds solace in art and poetry.

A constant victim of ridicule and discrimination, Vijji was always different and understood the trauma of the HIV-positive population. Community organisations help overcome the trauma and look ahead towards the future. Ironically, community organisations would not exist if HIV did not. It is odd, isnt it? she says.

Ushodaya Mahila Sangam (UMS) is a community organisation for female sex workers in Telangana. A total of 13 People Living with HIV (PLHIVs) are a part of UMS, and the team at UMS wanted to ensure a sustained arrangement of nutrition for them. They reached out to the Mandal Revenue Officer who in turn helped connect them with the Ration Dealers Association. The Ration Dealer Association and the team had a meeting where UMS explained the concept of vulnerability reduction to the president of the association and discussed how he could help them do more for these 13 most vulnerable. Since then, UMS has been receiving rice and wheat for its PLHIV members from the members of the Ration Dealers Association and an unflinching support from its president on all occasions.

Then there's Sree Shakti Sangam (SSS) in Tirupati, which moved mountains for an HIV positive couple who fell in love and married in 2011. The SSS team reached out to the couple when the man's CD4 count decreased to 22 and he needed to go for the second line treatment. Due to his deteriorated health condition, he was unable to work for over two months and needed urgent medical care. The team took proactive steps to raise money to ensure insurance to meet costs and ensured that their child was tested for HIV. At this point, the SSS team also explained to the couple about the benefits of insuring in PMJJBY and PMSBY schemes. They discovered that while he has a bank account, he does not have any money deposited in it. They decided to gather money from the community and got him insured him under the schemes of PMJJBY and PMSBY. Currently, the family is living happily with proper care and treatment and is confident about giving a bright future to their daughter who is not HIV positive

Peer Networks Serve as the Backbone of Community Support

The community is at the centre of the HIV response and intervention. For this, at the grassroots, a unique camaraderie exists within community members, which is capitalised on the ground to seamlessly connect members with services. Whether it is reporting and redressal of a violent incident or opening a bank account, or using government welfare services, the first point of contact is always another community member  an individual who has seen it all, and wants to reach out to others like her.

Since 2004, with the commencement of HIV/AIDS programmes, a cadre of women leaders have emerged as well. The objective of these programmes was to reduce the risk and vulnerability from HIV/AIDS infections, but in the process, it gave rise to a collective of sex workers who began questioning discriminatory legal and political frameworks. Since 2014, 2,130 women have assumed the role of womens rights defenders within 71 community organisations in 47 districts spread across Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. These women are the basic structure of the community organisations and the primary advocates of human rights in the districts where they work. They are also usually the first responders to any instance of gender-based violence in their jurisdiction.

Sudha, a sex-worker who is HIV positive, was shunned by her in-laws. Living in Shahada Town with her son and daughter in law, she gave up sex work recently because of immense support from her peers at the community organisation. They regularly counselled her, provided her with nutrition and also supported her with financial planning. After struggling for years as a sex-worker and depending on others for financial resources, today, Sudha is no longer financially dependent. She has her own Kirana store.

Acceptance of diverse identities

In my opinion, what the HIV programme did was bring much-needed acceptance to a plethora of identities and sexual orientations and also offered space for movements and advocacy. For Malavika, a transgender, the programme gave her an identity. Her family disowned her, but the community and the community organisation embraced her with open arms, as did many stakeholders. She has advocated for the Transgender Bill, like many others in her community, and believes that this would not have been encouraged without the HIV programme in place.

Nayan who is gay, and secretly a part of a Jamat system in Theni, could come out to his parents when they were discussing HIV treatment. During the course of his life, Nayan has studied hotel management in the UK, where homosexuality is no longer looked down upon. He came back to India only when he realised that conditions for LGBTQI were becoming better. He participates in queer prides across India and hopes that one day, in his future, homosexuality and same-sex marriage in India will be legal.

Ive been a part of the HIV programme for a little more than a year, and for a year, Ive seen my life change little by little every day. In between field visits, the wait for HIV/AIDS Bill to get parliamentary approval and the faces of countless HIV-vulnerable community members, often my heart sinks: the United Nations and other international organisations, time and again, talk about eradicating the disease by 2030, but financial resources in the sector continue to dwindle. But in the middle of field visits, sometimes unnamed faces come to me and smile, and I retrieve my inspiration to work for them, with them.
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the central government of "deploying the army" along two highway toll plazas while keeping the state government "in the dark".

The Defence Ministry has denied the charge and elucidated it was an annual exercise conducted throughout the country for getting data about the load carriers to be made available to the army in contingency situations.

The TMC supremo said the chief Secretary was writing to the central government and she would approach President Pranab Mukherjee to seek clarification over the alleged deployment of the army at the Dankuni and Palsit toll plazas on National Highway 2 (connecting Delhi and Kolkata).

"Army has been deployed in the state without informing the state government. This is a very sensitive issue. This is unacceptable. We do not know anything about it. It has never happened," Banerjee told the media.

"We want details. Federal structure has been disrupted and democracy twisted. Has Emergency been declared? We had no information," she asserted.

She iterated that a civil operation cannot be launched by the army without informing the state and claimed it was the result of a "political vendetta".

"What was the magnitude of the incident that the central government didn't inform the state government? This is a political vendetta," she said.

Continuing her tirade against the Narendra Modi-led central government, she said: "Is it some kind of planning to start a war within the country? The road is ours and is administered under the state's law and order although it is categorised under the Centre's National Highway Authority of India.

She claimed public is being harassed and their vehicles are being stopped along the toll collection points.

"Even if the Army carried out a mock exercise, the state government should have been kept in the loop. The public is panicking. If this is happening in a civil area in Bengal, this could happen in Bihar, next in Uttar Pradesh, then in Tamil Nadu and other states as well. It is a very serious situation and it is dangerous than Emergency. We are facing an extremely black day," she said.

"I will urge all state governments to look into the matter. A team of Opposition... all political leaders... will meet the President (soon)," she added.

Soon after Banerjee made the allegations, a Defence Ministry spokesman said there was "nothing alarming about this" and the exercise is carried out as per government orders.

"The army conducts the annual exercise throughout the county with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency," said the spokesman.

The three-day exercise, now being conducted within the Eastern Command area, would end on Friday.

"For this purpose vehicles are spotted to get basic parameters like make load capacity etc. The vehicle is then marked so that the next checkpoint knows that the vehicle had already been checked for the parameters. There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders," he said.

According to the spokesman, the exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles that are passing a certain area that could be tapped during operations.
The official Twitter account of Indian National Congress was found to be hacked on Thursday, hours after party vice-president Rahul Gandhi's verified twitter account was hacked.

Gandhi's Twitter account was hacked at around 8.45 pm on Wednesday and some obscene remarks were put out online for around an hour. The tweets posted through the party handle were also laden with expletives and profanities.







The messages were deleted soon thereafter. And after the hacking, Congress raised questions on the digital safety of all Indians, saying it reflects the disturbing insecurities of the prevalent "fascist culture" in the country.

According to CNN-News18, probes have suggested that Gandhi's official email id was used to access his Twitter account. The probe has also revealed that the server of Congress' email ID, which was also hacked on Thursday, is in Bengaluru.

#EXCLUSIVE Probe suggests Rahul's official email id used to access his Twitter account; Server of Cong's email id's in B'luru

-@SubhajitSG  News18 (@CNNnews18) December 1, 2016

The Congress has filed a complaint with the cyber cell of Delhi Police on the hacking of its vice-president's twitter account, by the party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, demanding strict action against those behind the hacking.

According to Times Now, the Delhi Police has emailed Twitter to find out the Internet Protocol address, and all the senior officials, including the commissioner are aware of the developments.

According to CNN-News18, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has sought a report on Rahul's Twitter activity for the last week.

CNN-News18 says that the Congress has accused the BJP for the incident and has further criticised the demonetisation move by the government, questioning the safety of a cashless and digital society where such activites take place. Congress has mentioned that all the unauthorised tweets have been retweeted by BJP 'bhakts' shortly after its posting and thus it could be the work of BJP.

"Such lowly tactics will neither drown the sane voice of reason nor deter Gandhi from raising people's issues," Surjewala had said.

"Such unscrupulous, unethical and roguish conduct of venal trolls to hack Gandhi's Twitter handle reflects disturbing insecurities of prevalent fascist culture," he added.

Hacking of@OfficeofRG proves lack of Digital safety around each one of us. Every digital info can be accessed, altered, morphed & modified.  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) November 30, 2016

Pre-meditated hacking of @OfficeOfRG smacks of a sinister conspiracy to abuse & intimidate.It stregthens our resolve to fight for the Nation  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) November 30, 2016

Cyber attacks on @INCIndia & @OfficeOfRG exposes the vulnerability of cyber security & Digital platforms in India. An eye opener for Modiji!  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 1, 2016

Indian National Congress has fought such hatred & animosity with Gandhian compassion & tolerance.    ! 3/n  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 1, 2016

Congress President Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel also tweeted about the incident.

The way @OfficeOfRG a/c got hacked,as cybercrime & Twitter watched helpless raises serious Q's on digital safety, Digital India future  Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) November 30, 2016

Those forcing country to adopt online payment overnight,have they taken steps to ensure a/c of ordinary ppl will be immune from hacking?  Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) November 30, 2016

Rahul Gandhi, through his twitter account has responded too.

To every one of you haters out there. I love all of you. You're beautiful. Your hatred just doesn't let you see it yet  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 1, 2016

However, according to CNN-News18, BJP spokesperson Zafar Islam has retaliated saying that no one takes Gandhi or the Congress seriously. Subramanian Swamy too was quoted as saying: "Rahul has angered a lot of people. This could have been done from someone on the inside."

The same report goes on to say that the two accounts lacked the additional security features that Twitter provides and it is possible that the accused have access to the email addresses linked with the accounts.

With inputs from PTI
After demonetisation, it is the turn of the bank lockers that has been the wicked rumor on the social media. That India is home to a gargantuan 20000 metric tonnes of gold held as much in bank lockers as in dingy lofts of households could have possibly stoked this mischievous rumour.

Gold and gilded jewellery have been Indians' staple investment as much in rural India as in urban. Investments in the stock markets are reportedly done by a miniscule section of the Indian population---4 to 5 percent whereas gold is the favored investment irrespective of the class divide. It is a great leveler in that sense.

However it is equally true that it beckons as much the crooks as it does the honest. It is estimated that bulk of the black money is invested in gold, followed by real estate and then kept as such i.e. as currency notes. The recent demonetisation then was on the most innocuous form of black money say the critics. One therefore expected the government to gun after gold next.

The income tax department has clarified that:

1) 100 grams of gold per male in the family is kosher;

2) 250 grams of gold per unmarried female in the family is also kosher;

3) 500 grams of gold per married female in the family also passes the litmus test of honest investment; and

4) Heirlooms too pass this litmus test.

The clarification far from dispelling the haze surrounding the issue has muddied the water further and begs the following questions:

1. What is the heirloom test? How to prove that it has been inherited from previous generations? Gold alas has no formula for establishing provenance as is the case with art. Heirloom then would be the antidote for escaping probing questions.

2. Doting parents give gold and jewellery as the quintessential stri dhan to their daughters at the time of marriage. While 500 grams is admittedly not small, too much cannot be read into her breaching this limit. After all, parental affection cannot be measured in gold.

3. 100 grams per male as the norm is born of the assumption that a male never bedecks himself in the splendor of jewels. This misses the tree for woods. A male looks to gold as investment. He is likely to buy gold biscuits, bars and coins.

4. 250 grams per unmarried female vis-a-vis 500 grams per married female one again is born of a false assumption--- acquisition of gold and jewellery by a family blossoms into fullness on the eve of a marriage. The truth is in Indian milieu the piling up of gold is timeless as it were and is limited only by ones riches and savings.

5. Larger the family, larger the allowance. And larger the number of married females, larger the allowance. This is hardly a rational test of honest acquisition of gold. Surely a family of ten with eight females should not get greater indulgence vis-a-vis a family of ten with eight males even though in the Indian milieu gold is predominantly a feminine object of worship. Let me not be blasted as MCP or misogynist for saying this.

6. Gold is cherished as much by city-slickers as by village bumpkins. Will rural folks be handled with velvet gloves just because they are presumed to have piled up gold from out of agricultural income that is tax free?

7. Until recently when Jewelers came under the pincer of excise and PAN, they did not care to give bills often nor did the buyers insist on them. How then to account for gold in excess of the above arguably ridiculous norms?

8. Currency can be demonetised but gold can only be confiscated. Will the excess in excess of the ridiculous norms be confiscated or presumed to be black money liable to tax and penalty at the recently notified rate of 85 percent?

9. Relatives and reliable friends may be roped in to hoodwink the taxman---kindly do the safekeeping of gold would be the request to those relatives and friends who are well within the comfort zone as established by the tax department. The institution of benami sought to be fought by the recent legislation alas would blossom with vengeance should these mindless limits be notified and cast in stone.

10. The gold monetisation scheme of both 1999 and 2015 has been massive failures. Is the government out to wreck vengeance on investors in gold for not making the scheme a success?

This is not to suggest that the government should not gun after the black money held in the form of gold. It should but by using intelligence and not through one-size fits all formulas and laughable assumptions and limits.
If taking bold initiatives is the cornerstone of good governance then Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot be faulted on this count. A nation accustomed to the glacial pace of change in public affairs is coming to terms with a leader who does not believe in half measures. That however is just one side of the coin. History is rife with leaders who were humbled at the hustings due to the arduous nature of reforms sanctioned by them. Depending upon which side of the ideological divide one falls, each citizen is hoping for the shoe to drop one way or the other.

Economists, editors, politicians, ex-bureaucrats, bloggers and social media activists have all pitched their tents and marked trench lines. Statistics, jargon, economic theory, stories and expertise are being flung around with remarkable consistency and frequency. In this noise one can easily lose the signals emerging from the hinterland. Therefore in order to understand to the potential ways in which the great demonetisation will play out, we have to analyse the issue at multiple levels. To further refine the topic, in terms of economic theory on paper, demonetisation should play out in a text book fashion and the government will end up mopping black money up as surplus in the Reserve Bank of India account. However, that may not be case when it comes to execution on ground. Therefore assuming a mediocre execution of the policy, as is the case with most governmental initiatives in India, one needs to look at the political economy of the policy measure. That according to us will decide the battle for or against Modi.

Popular support for a policy measure is critical to its success. CVoter is conducting a nationwide weekly tracker poll to keep a track of public opinion on demonetisation. In the second week of tracking a representative sample of 1,200-plus people, an overwhelming majority was willing to bear the inconvenience of demonetisation in order to combat black money. But the fact is that within two weeks, the tracker shows rural distress on the rise. Now, when every third farmer starts showing signs of distress due to demonetisation, you better sit up and take notice of it.

We are not diluting the fact that in response to the 'Bharat Bandh' called by certain members of the Opposition, 82 percent respondents opposed the call. Modis strategy to call into question the Oppositions morals has also borne fruit with 78 percent of respondents agreeing with his statement regarding the Opposition not getting enough time to manage their respective personal stashes. While the intent part of demonetisation is beyond argument, the execution bit is indicative of a budding sense of resentment that may culminate in something serious.

In stark contrast to very high approval rates for other questions, only 58 percent of respondents deemed the execution of the scheme to be good. That's a huge drop within a two week period. Also, nearly 24 percent of the respondents termed the ban on high-value notes as a personal disaster or a huge inconvenience. Finally, between the first and second weeks of the tracker, there has been a significant rise in rural disapproval for the execution of the scheme. In light of the sowing season, this is something that should bother the government. It should actually start ringing serious alarm bells in some corner of the 7 Race Course Road or 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, whichever way you know it.

It is an open secret that cash drives the Indian electoral system and no politician can hope to be a serious player without utilising some in the elections. A move like demonetisation is bound to have a serious impact on the way India polity is structured. The way things stand there are currently two models of political parties in India. The first is the cadre-based ideologically-driven parties  this club is almost exclusively composed of the BJP, CPM and CPI. The only party added to this list recently would be AAP, even though its growth story has more to do with a decentralised volunteer network working on a bottom-up approach rather than a centralised cadre working on a top-to-bottom approach. However, the AAP leadership has been trying relentlessly to convert their structure the other way round: Good or bad; only time will tell.

These parties can marshal workers, volunteers and leaders with little else but slogans and doctrinaire preachings. Hence, by default, these parties are less dependent upon monetary patronage and cash dealings, although not fully immune to them. BJP has recently topped the dubious list of being the richest party with funds coming from "unknown" sources. Many attribute the Modi success in 2014 to cash fuelled media blitz, even though it just added to a wave which already was there to see. Therefore, it can be asserted that these parties, ideally should be least affected by demonetisation.

The story of the day lies on the other side of political divide, the enterprise model of political parties. These parties that derive their relevance from pecuniary patronage predicated on caste, personal charisma, community or regional identity are the ones hit hardest. The workers and ground support for such parties is a net result of personal aggrandisement these bestow on their followers. Therefore, the relation that these parties have with their supporters is one of give and take with little space for sentiments. In the short term, it will be tough for such political parties to sustain their patronage power and in the long term a lot will depend upon their ability to rebuild their monetary reserves. One can summarise from the above logic that politically demonetisation may lead to a one-way street ascendancy street for cadre-based parties, but there is more to it.

The BJPs cadre is more proactive and enthusiastic ever since it wrested the power back from the Delhi-based "intra-party" establishment in 2013. The Goa conclave coup that toppled LK Advani and installed Modi as the primary leader of the party restored the sovereignty of BJPs ordinary worker. An energised cadre topped by astute leadership culminated in 2014 victory for the party. The CPMs has been a story in reverse; the average CPM worker has become a handyman to an unelected leadership that refuses to learn from its political environment. Instead, the focus is on political doctrines that have long ceased to be relevant to their milieu. As a result of that, the CPM got toppled from its ruling position in West Bengal to a dismal third behind the BJP in recently concluded by-polls, all within the span of 10 years. Therefore, the correct formula to benefit from demonetisation would be to have wide cadre base that feels empowered vis-a-vis its leadership.

The party's flop show on the 'Bharat Bandh' was spectacular. For the first time, Kolkata was functioning in full gear on a day when Left called for a bandh. That tells a story of leadership being out of sync with the cadre.

Mamta Banerjee's day comprised opposing demonetisation and the 'Bharath Bandh'. That too without allowing a scratch on her vote bank, as the by-polls results proved. But Didi is a different phenomenon altogether.

Moving on to upcoming state elections, the BJP is also faltering to reconcile the aspirations of its cadre base in Punjab and Uttarakhand; although in Uttar Pradesh, the party seems to be in better organisational shape now. In Punjab, the BJPs senior alliance partner, the Shiromani Akali Dal is undoubtedly run on the corrupt-to-the-core enterprise model and is an albatross around its neck. Hence, it is highly doubtful in the light of damage to Akali Dals money power and worker disenchantment within the Punjab BJP that the ruling NDA will notch up gains due to demonetisation.

Its a lost cause, whichever way you look at it. In Uttarakhand, the BJP is on a mergers-and-acquisitions spree, whereby it is picking up leaders with the most corrupt profiles from the Congress. They were exposed to the hilt and are disconnected from the BJPs cadre culture. Such an influx of culturally-antagonistic leadership is leading to a rift between workers and party establishment that may culminate in a disaster for the BJP in Uttarakhand. The only place where the BJP stands a good enough chance is in the all-important state of Uttar Pradesh. This is where the politics of demonetisation could yield result as the BSP remains the prime headache for them in capturing Lucknow. So the more news filters out about the cash-discomfort of Mayawati, the better are the chances for the BJP. So, the political impact of demonetisation will still be state-specific, depending on who is perceived to be more corrupt. And who is more corrupt, to be precise.

In conclusion, a large part of public support for demonetisation is because the man on the street and his own political cadre believe in Modi. The fact that the prime minister's heart seems to be in the right place on demonetisation, is beyond argument for a huge number of the electorate. To cement this reputation, the prime minister and the BJP should come out with concrete confidence-building measures.

Political gimmicks, particularly like the disclosure of bank statements of MPs and MLAs to party president Amit Shah should have been avoided. Instead, elected officials should publicly release their statements as well as those of their dependents; and for a longer duration than the one demanded. In absence of that, other political parties and leaders may step in to question the prime minister. Indians today want to be taken into confidence on questions pertaining to their future and those political formulations who do so will reap benefits.

India is slowly beginning to experiment with innovative policy measures and wants to own them. Demonetisation is one such measure and therein lies the opportunity or pitfall for the prime minister. He has taken the biggest political risk that India has seen so far. All credit for any success would go to him. So would be the blame for slightest of debacle.
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"Most of the people eat food in dhabas when they eat outside. Can the government inform us about a dhaba in which a person carries card-swiping machine in his dhoti?" he said.

"Many labourers became unemployed today...there are very long lines and crores of people in those lines. But it is not just that," he said.

"Does the farmer own black money when he engages in transactions for seeds, fertilisers?" he said.

"It is a reality that the farmer is an important part of the economy. That is why India does not have to beg," said a dramatic Anand Sharma in the Rajya Sabha.

"What authority do the prime minister and finance minister have so that we have to beg you for our very own money?" thundered Anand Sharma.

"You have created a condition in which you told a person that he can exchange Rs 4000...I marvel at your generosity," Anand Sharma said sarcastically in the Rajya Sabha.

"After the Uri attack and surgical strikes, we posed various questions about the army....You said we cannot ask questions about the army," said Anand Sharma.

"If you are the government, that doesn't mean India belongs to you. You have created such an environment that we cannot ask questions," he said. "If we ask questions, you start asking questions about our nationality," he added.

"Who got the benefits of your decisions?" he said. "Your government is only for those people who are your friends. You hurt those people who question you."

"If you are trying to give this impression to the country that India started fighting money laundering now, then the prime minister is living on a different planet," said Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha.

After this statement, the Congress MPs began shouting again. Note that Anand Sharma was not interrupted even once when he was talking in the Rajya Sabha.

"But I think Anand Sharma does not know much about economics," he said. "If his claim of fight against black money is true, he would not have ignored the fact the entire country has welcomed this move by the Narendra Modi government," he added.

"In the future, inflation will be controlled when more people pay taxes," he said. "The central government will also get more resources for the welfare of farmers, labourers, youth, women in the country."

"Some people had suggested that this move should have been made public seven days before implementing it. But secrecy is most important in such issues," he said.

"The government has taken many steps against corruption. Demonetisation was a historic step against corruption. This was also a warning to the corrupt that the black money they had was useless now," he said.

"This move was aimed at only the corrupt," he said.

"Finance Minister had informed the House only about the counterfeit money in the economy, not the money which some people have got through corruption," Goyal said in the Rajya Sabha.

"Some people just seem to be unhappy that Prime Minister Modi has taken an important step against corruption and black money," he said.

"When the government had just come to power in 2014, there was an atmosphere against corruption," Piyush Goyal said in Rajya Sabha.

"We opened Jan Dhan accounts. An account was opened for every person," he said.

"This is a step after which a person will think twice before engaging in corruption," he said. "The poor labourers will benefit the most," he added.

"Please do not hold views which the corrupt can use to free themselves," Goyal added.

"You (Congress) talked about surgical strike. We did not mention it. This is good. You have given us a certificate that we conducted precise strikes against corruption," he said.

"RBI has authority over monetary policy. An RBI board gave approval for this move," he said.

"The country is ready to tolerate a few days of inconvenience," he said. "The entire country is with us," he added.

"And even the Election Commission won't be able to notice when someone is carrying the Rs 2000 note in one's pocket," he said.

"Several crore vegetables were just thrown away per day from markets," he said. "Who gave you the advice to come up with the Rs 2000 note? Go outside Delhi to the villages of India. Nobody will accept that note," he said.

"The farmer is unable to buy fertiliser and seeds," said SP's Ram Gopal Yadav in Rajya Sabha. "Farmers are not able to sell potatoes now. Were these potatoes made using black money?" he said.

Who gave you the advice to come up with the Rs 2000 note? SP asks govt in Rajya Sabha

"Our party will move adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha," she said, adding that demonetisation was a dictatorial and draconian step by the government.

"Credit card will not buy you food...the President knows the country's situation very well," Banerjee said.

"This move is like a move taken by Mohammad bin Tughlaq," she said.

"We told the President that he is the custodian of the Constitution. We told him to talk to the government," Mamata Banerjee said.

"Starvation deaths are rising," she said. "Our country does not have plastic economy," she added.

"Today, people are not getting access to vegetables in the markets. Children are not getting milk. People are dying," she said.

"Today, how did the non-performing assets increase in the last six months?" the Bengal chief minister said.

"After cancelling notes, there were a lot of notes needed in banks for the huge demand," Mamata Banerjee said after meeting the President.

"90 percent of blak money is in tax havens abroad," Yechury further said. "It's like the prime minister is killing the pond to kill the crocodiles, forgetting that the crocodiles can survive on land too."

"But where is this black money? All estimates say 6 percent of this black money is in cash," he said. "Black money is in circulation, in real estate...gold imports have surged in the last few days."

"We want black money controlled. We want it eliminated. The World Bank says that nearly 21 percent of the Indian economy is in the black economy," Yechury said.

"If you stop these Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, you think corruption will stop? Now, corruption will double with the Rs 2000 notes," Yechury said.

"After 26/11, we went on debating over a new law to combat terrorism. On many issues, we had agreed over how terror funding needed to stop," Yechury said.

"We want to stop counterfeit money. Locate where this is happening. Punish them. We will all support this. But this is not the way to stop it," he said.

"By this way, you are killing the poor," he said. "As Anand Sharma said, 0.02 percent of the cash is counterfeit. To take care of that, you needed to do this?" he added.

"The point is that black money is not going to go away with this. Black money is not stock, it is a flow," Yechury said in the Rajya Sabha.

"For the rest of India, it is Tarasta Bharat," he said. "People can't get their children treated at hospitals."

"In our rural population, 80.8 percent of the rural population is not covered by the banks," he said. "What banking does the prime minister want us to go to? There is Shining India with e-wallets for them," he said.

"Why are you agonising the Indian people?" Yechury said. "Agonising people is a way to tell people: I control your personal lives," he said, adding that this was a fascist move.

"People will say this Tughlaqshahi," he said. "This does not meet the objectives of what the prime minister set out to do."

"You have allowed banks to exchange notes. Bulk of Indians today are dealing with rural cooperative banks. You don't allow them to change notes...86 percent of the rural population is dependent on transactions from these banks," Yechury said.

"What is the meaning of this move?" he said.

"Don't give this exemption to political parties to spend whatever they want," Yechury said. "If you're serious about stopping corruption, stop the supply side of corruption," he added.

Laughing at Das, Patel said, "Are you kidding me? How can you allow your EAS to issue such statements. You are making a fool of yourself."

Slamming the Narendra Modi government's handling of the issue, Patel gave example of Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, who during a press conference on Wednesday said: "The new currency notes, just as the old ones, will lose colour if rubbed with a piece of cloth wet because that's the nature of the dye used. If your note does not lose colour, it's one of the signs that it may be fake."

"Abolishing black money is a move we all support, and BJP government's intention is great but you are asking people to be hungry for 50 days for a feast on the 51st day. Vo aadmi toh mar ayega, bhoj kya khayega (The person will die on the 51st day, what will he do with the feast)," says Patel.

Rajya Sabha erupted after the comment. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad interrupted Tiwari's speech and said that the statement, which was "atrocious", should not go in record. "No one speaks about the country's prime minister in such an atrocious way. It should not go in record,"Prasad urged the Chair.

In a dramatised speech, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari from Uttar Pradesh compared prime minister to former dictators like Gaddafi, Adolf Hitler and Mussolini. "The seat that you (Narendra Modi) occupy, has been occupied by Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru, Shastri ji, Charan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. But the way you are working, I am forced to say that it reminds me of dictators like Gaddafi, Hitler and Mussolini."

"Modi government marched to victory in 2014 because the country was tired of scams and scandals. That was our poll promise. I request Congress to come out of the dilemma - are you in favour of the people who are hoarders and scamsters or you are in favour of a bold step that eradicates black money from the country. Narendra Modi is capable of taking very strong steps. Temporary pain for long term gain - is the buzz across India. One thing I want to assure - if your money is valid, nothing will happen to it."

"You have got a chance to discuss important things on this platform so do not waste it by mud-slinging. When it comes to people and their hatred towards our PM (the way you claim), we saw their hatred in 2014 and we will see it in 2019," Naidu says to a thundering applause.

Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu addresses Rajya Sabha and says that people across the nation are watching this Session and they are not interested in a history lesson.

As expected, the Opposition targetted the Narendra Modi governmemnt over its "ill-preparedness" and "lack of empathy" for the general public. Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad at the end of day one requested the prime minister to appear in the House tomorrow and discuss the issue of demonetisation.

While the Lok Sabha was adjourned earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha argued and debated on topics till 6 pm on Wednesday. Chairman of Upper House PJ Kurien announced that the House will resume the same discussion (on demonetisation) from 2 pm on Thursday.

The first day of Winter Session went as expected, in fact it went better than expected.

While the Union ministers and BJP MPs are demanding an apology from Leader of Opposition in the House Ghulam Nabi Azad for his Uri remark, Congress MPs are demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the demonetisation scheme.

"The nation wants to know today," he added, reminding of a news anchor famous for shouting at the panellists on his show.

"The Opposition has disappointed us and the country," he said. "I want the Congress to clarify on Azad's remark," he said.

"Those who ruled over the country for 50 years and ruined the situation of the aam aadmi and those who did not let the Parliament function are now also on the same path," said Naidu. "The prime minister will respond if needed," he said.

"They are not strong...they are not on the side of the truth, the people are not with them," Naidu further said.

"The government is ready for a discussion. We don't know what has happened with the Congress. Suddenly, they took a U-turn," said Venkaiah Naidu.

"There is a need to fix the railway infrastructure. Modiji talked about the bullet train. But there is no focus. How will the aam aadmi benefit and get safety?" said Rahul on the Patna-Indore Express tragedy.

"This is one of the biggest economic decisions in India. But the prime minister had not thought about the impact," he said. "This is some other form of the prime minister," he added.

"We are ready for a discussion. These days, why does the prime minister need to come to the Parliament? He is on a different level. He does not need to interact with his ministers," said Rahul sarcastically.

"People are complaining of deals at the back of long lines to banks. So people are suffering huge losses," he said. "Only 15 or 20 friends of the prime minister will benefit from this move," he added.

"People have told me that they are suffering a lot," said Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi outside the Parliament on the issue of demonetisation.

The Opposition members raised slogans, even as deputy chairman PJ Kurien threatened to adjourn the House. And... he did. The Rajya Sabha is adjourned till 12 pm.

Rajya Sabh and Lok Sabha will resume in a while. Meanwhile, asking his countrymen to tell their views on demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted saying, "I want your first-hand view on the decision taken regarding currency notes. Take part in the survey on the NM App."

Speaker of Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan, quite hassled by the way the MPs were behaving, threatened to adjourn the House. "Kyun kar rahe ho?" asks Mahajan very politely as Opposition MPs raised slogans and asked for debate over demonetisation. The protesting MPs also demanded that Modi should come to the House and make a speech.

The Lok Sabha is heading for another adjournment as the Opposition escalated their attack on the BJP government over the same issue of demonetisation. By the look of it, the Winter Session of Parliament till now has been a total washout with no constructive debate happening on the floor.

After the ruckus got out of hand, a very calm Hamid Ansari stood up and adjourned the Upper House till 2 pm.

Members could not keep it together even as the Rajya Sabha resumed proceedings at 12.32 pm.

However, an unrelenting opposition continued to raise slogans. The Speaker again appealed to the opposition to participate in the debate saying that the disruption of proceedings would not resolve the problem. "I am really pained. If you are people's representatives, you should stand by them," she said. As pandemonium continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till noon after 20 minutes of proceedings.

Ignoring the slogan shouting opposition members, Speaker allowed the Question Hour to continue amidst noise. When some opposition members tried to bring a placard, denouncing the demonetisation move, infront of Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who was replying a question related to his Ministry, the Speaker tried to intervene and asked the MPs not to disturb the Minister. "This is not good. Everyone will be shown on TV, but don't disturb the Minister. If you want to discuss something, raise it before the government. People are in pain, tell the government. But this is not the way to highlight people's grievances," Mahajan said asking them to return to their seats.

Samjawadi Party, NCP and RJD stood in the aisles in solidarity with the other opposition members. While AIADMK members were also on the aisles raising the issue of Tamil fishermen injured allegedly in firing by Sri Lankan Navy, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi was seen busy in his seat in an intimate discussion with AAP MP from Punjab Harinder Singh Khalsa.

Opposition disrupted the proceedings of the Lok Sabha for the fourth consecutive day demanding discussion on demonetisation on a rule which entails voting forcing Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House for about 50 minutes soon after it assembled. As soon as the House met, members of Congress, TMC, Left parties and AAP rushed to the Well of the House demanding discussions on the demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 under Rule 56, that entails.

As BJP members also created a ruckus, an angry Kurien snapped at them. "Why should treasury benches do this? Mr Minister, why should treasury benches to this," he asked Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

He told Azad that he was ready to accept his notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of business. "Mr Azad, I am ready to admit your notice under 267 if only there is order in the House."

As they shouted slogans from the Well, Kurien said, "You cannot speak in the Well. Shouting in the Well is of no use. If you go back to your seats, I will give you time (to speak)."

At this point, TMC members carrying placards of "Financial Emergency" trooped into the Well, with Congress members following suit.

"He should come and listen to the pain people have faced because of his decision," Mayawati said. Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the opposition is ready for discussion on the issue but Prime Minister should come to the Rajya Sabha first. As he spoke, members of the BJP moved into the aisles raising slogans.

No sooner were the listed papers laid on the table in Rajya Sabha, Sharad Yadav of JD(U) said the government should pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to kin of the 70 persons who lost their lives due to hardships caused by withdrawal of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. Naresh Agarwal (SP) and Mayawati (BSP) said Modi should be called before starting discussion on the demonetisation.

"Today they want PM Modi to address Parliament, tomorrow they will be demand a JPC on the demonetisation issue. Trust me, the opposition is just shifting the goalpost. Why are they running away from a debate? Why do they just want prime minister to speak, is the finance minister not competent enough to reply to their questions," asks Prasad.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad attacked the Opposition on their demand of asking Prime Minister Modi to address the House of Parliament and in turn asked, "Why is the Opposition running away from debate?"

"Government wants that there should be a long and elaborate discussion so that we can explain to this country the enormous benefits of this move," Singh said. "Congress and other opposition parties are on a self-destructing course."

On the other hand, Jitendra Singh said that the Opposition was on a self-destruct course.

"Let's keep Opposition and government out of this. Let's think of the people," he further said.

"Almost 70 people have died. He must be crying for them. And I respect that," Congress leader Kapil Sibal told Times Now, clearly taking a dig at the prime minister and implying that he could not come to the Parliament because he was crying.

Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Rahul alleged that the government and the prime minister are not allowing a debate in the House. "We have filed an adjournment motion in the House and we want Modi to discuss the issue with us," says Rahul Gandhi

"Main poochna chahti hoon prime minister se ki agar unhone itna acha kaam kiya hai to vo ghabra kyu rahe hain? (I want to ask PM Modi that if he has taken a decision which is so good why is he scared?) I urge President to summon Modi and ask him to take measures to solve the problems faced by people post demonetisation move," Mayawati told the media after Lok Sabha got its first adjournment of the day.

Alleging that it sends a wrong message if prime minister keeps shying away from a debate, BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday that a debate is a must because otherwise the BJP government looks like it has done something wrong. "Puri daal kali lag rahi hai."

If PM has done this great thing, why is he scared to face Opposition: Mayawati

Proceedings was continuously disrupted as Opposition leaders raised loud slogans against the BJP government. Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu urges Speaker Sumitra Mahajan not to adjourn the Lower House. "The debate has begun, madam Speaker. Please let the debate happen. The world is watching what Congress and the Oppostion is doing inside the House," Naidu said.

The protesting MPs, for the past half an hour, have continously made noise and tried to disrupt the Lok Sabha proceedings. Speaker Mahajan still holding solid ground.

Opposition members are trying their best to disrupt the proceedings, but BJP MPs (MJ Akbar, Jitendra Singh) are holding their ground and not giving in to the awful noise that the protesting MPs are making.

 Samajwadi Party's Akshay Yadav tore paper and threw it at Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in the Lok Sabha. This is definitely a new low for Opposition parties in the Parliament.

"I am very sorry that the RBI has been exposed to this kind of criticism which is fully justified," he added.

"It is not good that every day, the banking system comes up with some modifications. That reflects very poorly on the prime minister's office," he said.

"The national income can decline by about 2 percentage points...I feel that the prime minister must come up with some constructive proposal," said the former prime minister.

"In my opinion, the way demonetisation has been implemented will hurt agriculture, small industries and the people in the informal sector," he said.

"I want to know from the prime minister the names of countries where people have deposited their money in banks but are not allowed to withdraw it," he said.

"What has been done can weaken and erode our people's confidence in the currency and banking system," said Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha.

"I say so with all responsibility that we do not know what will be the full outcome," he said. "50 days is a short period but for those who are poor, even 50 days can bring about disastrous effects. About 60-65 people have lost their lives," he said.

"Today, there are no two opinions in the country. It is important to take note of the grievances of the common people who have suffered," said Manmohan Singh.

"In the process of demonetisation, monumental mismanagement has taken place," he said.

"I do not disagree with the objectives of taking steps against terroism and black money," said former prime minister Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House.

"By the day, the damage to the economy is increasing. Today, reports have come which have said that in three sectors that are biggest in exports, 4 lakh people have lost their jobs in the last one week or so," Sitaram Yechury said.

Served notice for moving motion of contempt against PM for not showing up in RS: Yechury

Addressing the Upper House, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said how can the prime minister say something like this? "How can the prime minister allege that Opposition parties are in favour of black money? This is wrong."

Within minutes after the Rajya Sabha began today, the opposition members were up in arms protesting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that those cirticising the government are not angry with the government's preparedness but the fact that they did not get time to prepare.

Slamming the prime minister for his statements on black money hoarders and his veiled attack against the Opposition, the leaders of Congress and SP and BSP created ruckus in the Upper House and demanded that Modi should address the MPs and apologise for his remarks.

"I'm sure many of us have read analysis of noted economist Lawrence Summers, former chief economist of the World Bank and advisor to Obama government who concludes that this exercise has "resulted in chaos and loss of trust" and "without new measures, is unlikely to have lasting benefits. Don't you think it is high time and right time to form a committee of our real experts and intellectuals like Arun Shourie, Yashwant Sinha, Subramanian Swamy and other top economists and intellectuals of our party and veteran Murli Manohar Joshi to help the government in this hour?"

In a series of tweets on Friday, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha, reiterating his faith in PM Modi's intention, said, "However, I have serious concerns about the outcome, fallout and responses of the people of India and the almost united opposition in particular."

Seventh day of Winter Session and looks like this week business will take a massive hit due to ongoing protests by the Opposition

As Opposition din did not die down even after many requests by the Speaker, Mahajan adjourned the Lok Sabha till Monday (28 November) 11 am.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that a man  Rakesh Singh  tried to jump in the Lok Sabha off the audience gallery on Friday after the House was adjourned. "Security officials overpowered him and took him under custody and he has been let off with warning," Mahajan added.

Taking the nation by surprise, the Prime Minister had on November 8 announced demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes with effect from midnight.

Latching on to media reports, Yechury sought to pick holes in the November 8 decision as he noted that 29 crore out of the 30 crore Rupay card holders have never used their cards in a swipe machine. Referring to a report on surfacing of two variants of Rs 500 currency notes, the Marxist leader also took a dig at Modi, saying it was the "Prime Minister's way" of stopping circulation of fake currency.

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, dubbing him as 'Tughlaq' who had "gone missing" after issuing a farman (order). "Barely 20-25 percent of cash demand being met in Metros. Rural areas even worse. While Tughlaq goes missing after his firman," Yechury tweeted.

Will government's wait-and-watch technique, as far as Opposition's protests are concerned, work out in their favour? Most political observers say no because the government does not have the luxury of time. Meanwhile, Opposition leaders are still not relenting with their demand of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence in Parliament.

Opposition leaders met before Parliament session commences for the tenth day. However, the worry again is will the Opposition let the Parliament function? Winter Session will go on for 22 sittings - 50 percent of the sittings are already over - the Upper House and the Lok Sabha have still not been able to table crucial bills.

Zero Hour begins with ruling-opposition bickering. As Venkaiah Naidu argues against the Opposition, protesting MPs raised slogans against the prime minister.

"Start the debate! You want the debate, start the debate, Prime Minister Narnendra Modi will come," says Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien.

"Why is the BJP government so stubborn? Why is the prime minister not coming to debate?" Mayawati asks.

In Samba, security forces killed two militants early on Tuesday when a group of militants tried to sneak in from Pakistan through the International Border near a border outpost in this Jammu district. According to reports, the two militants were killed following a "heavy firing exchange" with the BSF.

Even as terrorists infiltrated the International Border and attacked two - Nagrota and Samba - districts of Jammu and Kashmir, there was no talk of that in Parliament. The attack in Nagrota reportedly started around 5.30 am with militants firing at a field regiment camp located in the garrison town of Nagrota near the headquarter's of army's 16 corps in the state.

Demonetisation has been the reason for Parliament washouts over ten days now since Winter Session began on 16 November. Interestingly, Parliament has not discussed anything else except note ban imposed by the Narendra Modi government since the Winter Session began.

Sumitra Mahajan tells two warring factions in Lok Sabha to start the debate. "I am ready, please start the debate."

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 am until 1 December as opposition storms the well of the House regarding Nagrota Attack.

TMC leader slammed the BJP government for deploying Army in West Bengal. Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu told Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien that the deployment was a routine exercise and casting aspersions on the prime minister is not acceptable.

Opposition members are protesting against the ruling government in the Lower House. Rajya Sabha has already been adjourned.

Opposition: Modiji says he wants the poor to build their own homes, but what about those homes which are being broken?

Opposition members raise slogans and stall Rajya Sabha again. Debates not allowed and Chairman of Upper House Hamid Ansari quietly and hopelessly looks around.

If one had to compare, Rajya Sabha gets adjourned way faster and sooner than the Lower House.

Unrelenting Speaker Sumitra Mahajan continues to let MPs speak on different issues while a group of MPs continue to try to disrupt Lok Sabha. But since Winter Session has begun (16 November) members who are against the demonetisation drive have tried, and sometimes successfully, to stall Parliament.

"These photos on the walls of the Rajya Sabha, from where emanates the power of democracy, often haunt me. It has been particularly difficult these last few days to get past those photos.Till 1 December (15th day since the commencement of the Winter Session) no business has been allowed to occur in the House except on the first day when a good debate took place in the Rajya Sabha over demonetisation. Regular disruptions, chaos and high-pitched slogan shouting have resulted in complete pandemonium in the House. The continuous ruckus usually leads to the suspension of the House proceedings and, sadly, it has become a regular feature. I ask myself: is this the only alternative left to us to address the genuine grievances of the public, the states and the nation?"

"He (the prime minister) must answer our questions. India's image has been damaged globally," he said.

"Today, the situation is that the withdrawals of the foreigners who come to India are being rationed," he said. "This has globally affected India's image," he added.

"Demonetisation created a situation that 86 percent of the currency was invalidated. Now, after one month, tens of millions of Indians are standing in queues...It is wrong to give an impression that the Opposition is opposing the prime minister's crusade against black money," Sharma said.

"The government has collective responsibility but the prime minister is the first among the equals," said Congress leader Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha.

"In the 2G debates, we have insisted that the prime minister participates in this discussions but there is no such practice in this House that the prime minister must be here to listen to each and every member," Jaitley said.

"What is the stage we are in? Halfway through the debate, you interrupted the debate and are now raising concerns which have never been raised in the House," he told the Opposition.

"In this case, we've repeatedly said that the prime minister is going to participate in the debate," Jaitley said.

"It's obviously an important issue. The questions have to be answered," he said. "The government and the council of ministers fucntions on a collective responsibility. There is no such principle that a specific person has to answer."

"We've gone through this exercise of having a major debate which is incomplete. We have spent seven hours on the debate under rule 167," said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Rajya Sabha.

When asked what does the Opposition want, Rahul said, "He should come and debate in Parliament and explain his decision," he said.

Targetting the Prime Minister over the issue of note ban, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP government saying that the decision to scrap high denomination currency was the biggest mistake ever. "It was a bold decision - that's what Modi ji says - but bold decisions are also foolish decisions. Demonetisation was a foolish decision. Our farmers, fishermen and the poor of the society are dying, our Prime Minister does not care for any of that. He (PM Modi) is laughing and having a nice time while the people of the country are suffering. The idea behind cashless economy is that a few people and corporates will get maximum benefits from these transactions. This has damaged the nation."

Today, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi launched a full frontal attack on the prime minister and an united Opposition on Thursday observed Black Day to mark one month since the demonetisation scheme kicked in.

8 November was when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. It's been a month since then and the Opposition protests have gone on unabated - both in and outside Parliament.

"It is a matter of shame that the government refused to pay tributes to the martyrs," Azad thundered, provoking the ruling party ministers and MPs, who began shouting as if Azad had just thrown something at them.

He also said that by protesting in front of the Gandhi statue, the Opposition was the one which paid tributes to the deceased.

"We have been saying for a long time that over 100 people have died because of demonetisation," said Ghulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha. "But the government refused to pay tribute to the deceased," he added.

It is a matter of shame that govt refuses to pay tributes to people killed due to demonetisation: Congress in RS

President Pranab Mukherjee has accused the Opposition of "gagging majority" in both Houses of Parliament. "Debate, dissension and decision are necessary," Times Now quoted the President as saying. "The Parliament must not be disrupted...this is unacceptable."

Has the Winter Session turned out to be a complete waste of time? Read the full article here .

The Winter Session of Parliament began on 16 November. On 8 December, both the Houses  Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha  met for the 14th day but within minutes of commencing, both the Houses were adjourned. The deadlock over demonetisation has led to wastage of the Winter Session so far and considering that just one more week is left for the session to wrap up, there is little hope that the Houses will be able to pass, introduce or even debate the Bills that have been listed for consideration.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Venakaiah Naidu also termed the 'dharna' by opposition leaders near the Gandhi statue in Parliament premises as a big 'tamasha' and an insult to the Father of the Nation. "Our opponents particularly the Congress I am told are observing a Black Day. I say what they are observing is a 'Black Money Support Day'," Naidu said.

Hitting out at the Congress-led Opposition for observing a 'Black Day' against demonetisation decision, government on Thursday said they are actually observing a "Black Money Support Day".

According to Times Now, the parliamentary panel has found Mann guilty of security breach after he filmed a video entering Parliament by crossing several security layers and posted it on social media.

 As if the logjam in Parliament  for which President Pranab Mukherjee admonished both Houses  was not embarrassing enough for the country, there is now a delegation of parliamentarians from Vietnam who are going to witness what happens in an Indian Parliament.

"Govt running from debate, if they allow me to speak then you will see what an earthquake will come," says Rahul Gandhi.

Keep in mind that Vietnamese Parliamentarians are in both the Houses to witness this scene.

It's hard to decide at this point who is trying to stall Parliament. During zero hour in Lok Sabha, MPs in Lok Sabha kept raising ruckus while Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tries her best to keep the House in session.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 14 December On Friday as the count of members in the Upper House remained 21 despite calls from the Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien, the house was adjourned till Monday. The benches remained empty while BJP and Congress leaders sparred with each other blaming each other for the non-functioning government.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting with key ministers before Parliament convenes on Wednesday morning to decide their strategy," the report said.

According to an NDTV report Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu said that Prime Minister Modi will be present in Parliament for the three remaining days of the Session and can participate in proceedings for either of the House depending on the need.

Congress is going to raise the issue of corruption charges against Kiren Rijiju. Rajya Sabha member and senior Congress leader, Anand Sharma has given notice under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha for discussion on corruption charges against Rijiju.

Comparison of the Right of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 and new amendments

"This is the first time that the government is scheming to make sure Parliament does not function. It usually is the job of Opposition to stand up and protest. However, this government is doing a pretty job of that and making sure that Parliament does not work and no one questions the ruling party's decision. Demonetisation has hurt a lot of people, but Modi government's arrogance is not allowing us to debate it in the House," a TMC member said.

BJP was reacting to Congress vice-president's claim that he has information of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alleged involvement in "personal corruption." Rahul was speaking a joint press briefing of the Opposition after the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day amid din created by Opposition.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar said that if Rahul Gandhi had any information, he could have revealed them twenty days ago, ""but till today he wasn't ready to make any earth-shattering revelations."

Soon after Rajya Sabha passed the amended The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill (2014) and Kurien congratulated the members over a productive day, Anand Sharma raised the issue of Rijiju and his alleged involvement in the Rs 450-crore scam. Kurien tried to maintain calm in the House by saying, "Allegation without informing the Chair cannot be allowed."

As Opposition members raised slogans and ruckus, Kurien said, "What can I do except adjourning. Both sides are indisciplined. The House is adourned till tomorrow (15 December) 11 am."

It seemed like the members in the Upper House were just waiting to pass one single Bill this Winter Session. Soon after Kurien praised the members of the Upper House for being disciplined, ruckus over alleged corruption allegations on Kiren Rijiju took the House by storm again.

Kurien: "I have given the floor to Leader of Opposition. That's the tradition. Let's follow it. Please sit down."

Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi object to leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad speaking in the Upper House. Kurien asks BJP members to sit down. Amid slogans of "Agusta Agusta" , BJP leaders demanded to know what is the topic of discussion?

"I have to adjourn.. what should I do?" asks Kurien. "This is for the first time in history of India that it's the ruling party that's not letting the House to function," says Azad.

Helpless deputy chairman PJ Kurien begs for MPs to sit down as Congress and BJP leaders spar over Ghulam Nabi Azad's speech on demonetisation.

Sources said that it was also decided in the meeting to raise the plight of farmers and common people in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and demand a loan waiver for farmers. Representatives of Congress, Trinamool Congress, BSP, SP, JD-U, CPI, CPI-M, NCP, DMK and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) were present in today's meeting.

Leaders of various parties said the entire opposition has decided to approach the President to "complain" against the ruling party for not allowing them to speak in Parliament. The leaders said they were elected representatives of the country and had every right to speak in Parliament and it was "unconstitutional" not to allow them to speak in both Houses. Sources said time is being sought from the President till Friday and all opposition parties were ready to raise the issue unitedly before him.

Taking their protest on demonetisation to President Pranab Mukherjee's doorsteps, Opposition parties sought a meeting with the president to convey the problems caused by the measure to the common man and "over not being" allowed to speak in Parliament. At a meeting of the opposition held in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, representatives of various parties decided to raise with the President the problems of the common people, including the poor and farmers arising out of demonetisation.

Advani also added that "had Atal ji been in Parliament today, he would have been upset."

Senior BJP leader LK Advani told Home Minister Rajnath Singh to intervene and stop disruptions in both Houses of Parliament. Expressing his unhappiness, Advani allegedly said that he "feels like resigning".

Opposition leaders are scheduled to meet the President and PM Modi to push for a way to break the deadlock.

The BJPs Parliamentary Party meeting to discuss the strategy to counter the Oppositions charges against the government is currently underway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the gathering.

The last day of the Winter Session of Parliament is setup for a big tussle between the government and the Opposition as both try to break the deadlock.

"Regular and continuous disruptions signify this session... The rules about displaying placards and shouting slogans were ignored by all sections of the house," Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari said in his closing statement before adjourning the house.

The Rajya Sabha on Friday concluded its winter session after an emotional speech by the Chairman as the house was adjourned sine die.

On the eve of Winter Session, two all-party meetings were convened, first by the ruling NDA and the other by Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan. At the all-party meeting Modi requested all parties for cooperation in order to make Parliament session a fruitful one.

"I hope that Winter Session will be fruitful. I expect that Winter Session will proceed in a positive way. I hope that Winter Session debate will strengthen democracy. I believe that to take the country ahead this Winter Session debate will be useful, " said Modi as Winter Session sets to begin.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said govt should should respect Opposition and create an atmosphere for healthy debate during Parliament Winter Session.

"If you will put their husbands in jail, who will provide for them, who will pay for their children," Azad asked as he reiterated that Congress leader Anad Sharma's suggestion to send it to Standing Committee should be taken into consideration.

Ghulam Nabi Azad stood up as the bill was taken up for discussion and said that none of the parties are in opposition of the bill in essence. However, he said that the government's bill will "finish Muslim women" instead of saving them.

He said that a committee should reflect the nature of the House, which the list of suggestions given by Sharma does not. Sharma's suggestion did not include names from the BJP.

Jaitley said that the previous precedents show that any amendments or motions should be introduced with prior notice. He said that the Opposition's demand to send the bill to Select Committee was invalid. He also raised objection on the suggestion on members of Select Committee made by Anand Sharma.

Kurien said that the Leader of the House is a very learned advocate himself and all points raised by him are of relevance. The rule he quotes that a prior notice should be given is also correct, he said. "However, the same rule adds that the Chairman has the power to admit such a motion and which is why I cannot overrule it. It is now admitted and hence is the property of the House, only members can amend it," Kurien said on Jaitley's objection over the Opposition motion seeking triple talaq bill be sent to Standing Committee.

Roy, responding to Jaitley's objection that the Select Committee suggested by him did not reflect the nature of the House, Roy said that he had included members from all parties who were willing to send the bill to the Standing Committee. However, BJP members were not included because the government was not willing to send the bill to the committee. Roy added that if the BJP is interested in sending the Bill for further scrutiny, he has no objection to ammend the list to include its members too.

Govt requests to take up GST bill first as Dy Chairman ruled Triple Talaq bill can't be taken for passage without first building consensus in House

"If you will put their husbands in jail, who will provide for them, who will pay for their children," Azad asked as he reiterated that Congress leader Anad Sharma's suggestion to send it to Standing Committee should be taken into consideration.

Ghulam Nabi Azad stood up as the bill was taken up for discussion and said that none of the parties are in opposition of the bill in essence. However, he said that the government's bill will "finish Muslim women" instead of saving them.

He said that a committee should reflect the nature of the House, which the list of suggestions given by Sharma does not. Sharma's suggestion did not include names from the BJP.

Jaitley said that the previous precedents show that any amendments or motions should be introduced with prior notice. He said that the Opposition's demand to send the bill to Select Committee was invalid. He also raised objection on the suggestion on members of Select Committee made by Anand Sharma.

Uproar in Rajya Sabha after opposition's motion on #TripleTalaqBill , opposition has demanded the bill be sent to select committee

Kurien said that the Leader of the House is a very learned advocate himself and all points raised by him are of relevance. The rule he quotes that a prior notice should be given is also correct, he said. "However, the same rule adds that the Chairman has the power to admit such a motion and which is why I cannot overrule it. It is now admitted and hence is the property of the House, only members can amend it," Kurien said on Jaitley's objection over the Opposition motion seeking triple talaq bill be sent to Standing Committee.

Roy, responding to Jaitley's objection that the Select Committee suggested by him did not reflect the nature of the House, Roy said that he had included members from all parties who were willing to send the bill to the Standing Committee. However, BJP members were not included because the government was not willing to send the bill to the committee. Roy added that if the BJP is interested in sending the Bill for further scrutiny, he has no objection to ammend the list to include its members too.

Govt requests to take up GST bill first as Dy Chairman ruled Triple Talaq bill can't be taken for passage without first building consensus in House

New Delhi: Parliament again failed to transact any business as the opposition parties on Wednesday created uproar demanding obituary references to the soldiers killed in terror attack in Nagrota on Tuesday as well as those who died due to harassment after demonetisation.

In the Lok Sabha, the demand was rejected by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who said the operation in Nagrota was still underway and obituary reference can be made only after it is over. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government was ready for a discussion on the terror attack along with that on demonetisation issue.

However, there was uproar in both the Houses, leading to repeated adjournments. The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day just minutes before 1 pm while the Rajya Sabha was adjourned at around 2.15 pm. Earlier, as soon as the Upper House met for the day, Opposition led by Congress and Trinamool Congress raised the demand for obituary reference over the killing of 25 armymen since the surgical strikes on September 29 and the "death of 82 people" due to post-demonetisation hardships.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said there should be an obituary reference for the seven army personnel including two officers killed in terrorist attack at Nagrota armybase near Jammu on Tuesday as well as for the 82 people who died because of the "wrong policies of government."

As other opposition members joined in, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien got listed papers to be laid on the table. Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (Trinamool) said he had given a notice under rule 267 for an obituary resolution to mourn the martyrdom of 25 army personnel since the surgical strikes across the LoC, and the death of 82 people standing in queues io get valid currency after the ban on 500 and 1000 rupee notes. Kurien, however, said the notice is not permitted.

"It is a serious issue if the House is not ready to pay homage to brave soldiers and those who died because of the wrong policies" of the government, Azad said. Charging government with being insensitive, Mayawati (BSP) said demonetisation was done without preparation and a condolence message has to be brought before the House.

Jaitley said the government was ready for discussion on both the issues mentioned by the Opposition. While the discussion on demonetisation should be resumed, the government is ready for a discussion on the situation along the border, he said.

When Sharad Yadav (JD(U) also spoke on the currency issue, Jaitley snapped at him asking him to first discuss demonetisation within his party and decide if it is against the move or for it. His remark was apparent reference to JD-U Chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar supporting demonetisation.

Yadav shot back, saying his party was not against demonetisation but against the restrictions that have been placed on withdrawals. Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) demanded that the government should pay compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the kin of all those who lost their lives due to hardship caused by demonetisation.

The Opposition members then trooped into the Well. Kurien said the government is ready for discussion on both the issues and they should decide which of the two should be discussed first.

But Opposition members continued to shout slogans. With his pleas going unheeded, Kurien adjourned the proceedings till noon. When the House met again, Chairman Hamid Ansari called for Question Hour to be taken up, but the Opposition members were again on their feet raising objections.

Soon the members of Congress, TMC, Left, SP, BSP and DMK stood in the aisles and started raising slogans. Later, when they raised slogans of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" the treasury bench members too joined them in shouting the same slogan.

"There is total agreement in the House," the Chairman commented sarcastically and wondered why the House was not being allowed to run. As the din continued, Ansari adjourned the House till 2 pm. When the House reassembled, protests continued as Opposition members kept on raising their demands.

Azad demanded a statement from the Defence Minister on the Nagrota attack. "Defence Minister should come and give the statement. When such a big incident has happened...We want to know the status," the Leader of Opposition said.

To which, Naqvi said, "The Operations are still on. We will give reply at an appropriate time." The Chair also said that the issue can be debated later. "Where the country is one, all MPs are one. ...What the Minister said is that the operation is going on. After that, information will be shared. We can have debate later," the the Deputy Chairman said.

Congress member Rajiv Shukla said, "Many of our soldiers have died. Many have died standing in queue after demonetisation. We need to offer condolences to both in this House."

Pramod Tiwari (Cong) said the House has tradition of offering condolences and it should do first. "Modi government's policies has been such that they is threat to our border security," he said but did not elaborate.

To this, Deputy Chairman said, "With regard to obituary, we will do at an appropriate time." Amid noisy scenes, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said, "Our soldiers are fighting against enemies. We must be sensitive and united in our approach. Otherwise, it will give wrong message." Amid din, TMC leader Derek O'Brien said, "We want the debate (on demonetisation which was initiated on November 16) to continue but the Prime Minister is speaking outside Parliament and painting all political parties in poor light. He should apologise."

CPI (M) member T K Rangarajan said, "....the government is spreading rumour that bandh was failure. The government should apologise."

Trying to convince the Opposition, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the armymen are fighting at borders and they are still on job. "We are ready for debate on this issue," he said. But the unrelenting Opposition MPs assembled near the Chairman's podium, raising slogans "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan."

The Chair expressed happiness over MPs shouting "at least acceptable slogans". Naqvi said, "We welcome your slogans but come for discussion." As slogan-shouting continued, the Chair warned the Opposition members that he would adjourn the House.

As the pleas for order went unheeded and Opposition members continued raising slogans demanding resignation of the Defence Minister, Kurien adjourned the House for the day.

The Lok Sabha also saw uproar over the obituary issue after Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge raised it as soon as the House met for the day. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan initially thought he was raising the issue of allowing the Opposition to bring an Adjournment Motion on demonetisation.

When Kharge clarified that he wanted an obituary reference in the memory of the soldiers killed, she said she had no problems in bringing the reference but the details were still pouring in as combing operations were still on.

She said she was aware that seven soldiers have been killed but let the complete report come. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House as it was the day when questions for the Prime Minister's Office are slated to be raised. But as Kharge was persistent, Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said issues of national security should not be brought into controversy.

Most opposition members, including those from Congress, Trinamool Congress, Left, RJD then staged a walkout. The Speaker said it was sad that the Opposition had raised the issue like this.

As the House took up the first question for the day during Question Hour, the Opposition members returned and rushed to the Well demanding Adjournment Motion on demonetisation issue.

The Speaker then adjourned the proceedings till noon.

Later, Kharge and Trinamool leader Sudip Bandopadhyay expressed regret over the development but blamed the government for its inputs to the Speaker on the matter, a contention Mahajan rejected saying the government had no role in it.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar attacked the Opposition over the matter, saying they should not do politics over martyrdom of soldiers, drawing protests from the Opposition benches.

Turning to demonetisation, the Opposition said it is ready for a debate under any rule that entails voting but the government refused to budge from its stand against division of votes. This led to frequent adjournments.

Leaders of several Opposition parties, including Kharge and Bandhopadhyay, expressed willingness to withdraw their demand that the debate be held under Rule 56, which deals with an Adjournment Motion, but said the government also should not insist on debate under Rule 193 which does not entail voting.

BJD also sided with the Opposition and rejected the government's contention with its leader Bhartruhari Mahtab saying the division of votes was not on black money but the hardships facing people and states following the decision.

Kharge asked the Speaker to decide on any rule that involves discussion and voting.

"We are ready. We are not running away from debate," he said, drawing support from Bandopadhyay.

Ananth Kumar said the people stood with the Narendra Modi government on its action against black money and a divided message should not go out of Parliament on the issue.

It should not appear that Parliament is against the measures being taken against black money, he said.

Taking a dig at the government, Mahtab wondered who is dividing Parliament. He said it is neither the Leader of Opposition, nor the Trinamool leader.

He said the Opposition was demanding a discussion on the predicament people are facing after demonetisation, with every citizen, every state going through hardships.

Jaitley said if the debate is about hardships facing people, then there is no need for division of votes and the debate should start immediately.

Mahajan suggested that a debate should begin in the Zero Hour and Parliament will try to find "something out of the zero" as both sides are divide on rules.

However, the Opposition members trooped into the Well as it became clear that the government was not agreeable to their demand. The Speaker said it was clear that the Opposition did not want a discussion and she adjourned the House till 1245 hours. Before adjourning the House, the Speaker took up Zero Hour asking members to raise issues of national importance. However, nothing was audbile in the din.

When the proceedings resumed, the Opposition again raised the demand for discussion to be held under rules which entails voting. Mahajan said she had given one chance to the Opposition and was ready to allow them to proceed with the debate. However, the dissatisfied Opposition members stormed into the Well again and amidst continued sloganeering, the House was adjourned for the day.
New Delhi: For the 12th consecutive day, Opposition stalled Parliament on Thursday even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the Rajya Sabha, a demand they have been making for resumption of debate on demonetisation.

Changing stance, the Opposition now demanded an apology from the Prime Minister for his utterances in which he had targeted those opposing demonetisation and created uproar after it was rejected.

The initial part of both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha saw concern being expressed over a problem faced by a commercial plane carrying Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while landing at Kolkata airport on Wednesday night.

Sharing the concern about Mamata's well-being, the government said a probe will be conducted into the incident. When Question Hour began and Chairman Hamid Ansari called for the first question of the day, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said while the Prime Minister has been addressing his party MPs in Parliament House and even speaking outside, the Opposition parties have been demanding his presence during the debate on demonetisation issue.

Modi sat through the Question Hour on a day which has questions listed against his name. Subsequently, he was present in the post-lunch session at 2 pm as well.

"We had been demanding for last 15 days (presence of PM). We are against black money. We want to speak on this issue but with whom? Our anguish is that the Prime Minister is holding weekly meetings with his MPs in Parliament House. He is also speaking outside. Our demand is that the Prime Minister should be here and listen to us," Azad said. Azad said the Opposition demand for the presence of the Prime Minister was "a small demand" and "neither anti-national nor anti-Constitution."

When the senior Congress leader also alleged that the PM has remarked that the Opposition parties support black money holders and said it was a "big allegation", BJP members protested the remark.

Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu insisted that the House should continue with the debate on demonetisation, which started on November 16, the first day of the Winter session.

Ansari also said that the debate has not been concluded and called the listed speaker A U Singh Deo (BJD) to start.

Sharad Yadav (JDU) said he too agreed that the debate should continue, but it "cannot be one-way traffic" and demanded that the Prime Minister should remain seated in the House all through the discussion.

"Why are you assuming that he (PM) will not participate," Ansari asked the Opposition member. As Singh Deo rose to speak on demonetisation, Congress members started raising slogans like "Pradhan Mantri Mafi Maango (PM should apologise)" from the aisles.

Naidu said the Prime Minister is here and the unfinished debate should be resumed. However, amid din, the House was adjourned for 15 minutes.

When it reassembled at 1229 hours, Congress members were again on their feet raising slogans as BJD member started to speak on the debate, which was initiated on 16 November and remained inconclusive as the House was stalled.

The debate had resumed briefly on 24 November for one hour but could not proceed further due to the continuous din.

Amid noisy scenes, Deo said, "We support any move taken by the Government of India for corruption and black money."

But as the sloganeering continued, Ansari adjourned the House till 1400 hours.

Uproar by the Opposition members continued when the House reconvened.

With the Prime Minister present in the House as demanded by the Opposition for days, Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien went ahead to resume discussion on demonetisation.

However, Congress leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi said Modi never came to the House but always spoke outside the Parliament.

Members from the ruling side objected to this and said discussion should begin.

In the din, Congress leaders and those from the BSP and others trooped into the well of the House demanding an apology from the PM and shouting slogans asking the government to return people's money back into their own hands.

Agitated over this, I&B Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the Opposition has been exposed and Congress should apologise for the 60 years of misrule.Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also objected to the demand for the apology by the Prime Minister questioning whether he should apologise for targeting black money hoarders.

He said it was the Congress which should apologise to the poor for what they done in the 60 years of rule.

Kurien kept insisting that the Opposition's demand was that Modi should be present and now since he is here, the discussion should start.

With the protests showing no signs of abating, Kurien adjourned the House till tomorrow morning.

Earlier, when the Upper House met for the day, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien said Mamata's life was endangered last night when she was flying from Patna to Kolkata on an IndiGo flight.

He said the plane was low on fuel, still, it was made to hover over the Kolkata airport for upto 30 minutes.

About 200 km from Kolkata, the ATC informed that the flight was 8th in landing sequence but the pilot relayed a message that it was low on fuel and should be allowed to give priority landing, O'Brien said.

Despite the warning, the flight was made to hover over the Kolkata airport for at least 15 minutes and by some count 30 minutes, he said, adding besides Mamata, there were 100 other passengers on the flight whose life was put to danger.

"Today it is one opposition leader... this opposition leader is at the forefront (of anti-demonetisation campaign)," he said, adding questions are being raised if it is a conspiracy to eliminate opposition leaders.

The flight landed under full emergency conditions, he said and asked why was the pilot denied permission to land. "I am not insinuating anything but there is a school of thought which believes it may be a conspiracy."

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said just when the IndiGo flight called in to report low fuel, two other planes of Air India and SpiceJet also did the same.

Mamata's flight hovered over Kolkata airport for only 13 minutes and it was ensured that the aircraft landed in a safe and orderly manner, Sinha said.

He said the IndiGo flight took off from Patna at 7.36 pm on Wednesday and landed at Kolkata at 2040 hours after hovering for 13 minutes.

"At no point was anybody's life at risk or danger. All safety procedure were fully followed," he said.

"Air safety of all passengers is of utmost importance to us... we did everything possible that every flight landed safely," he said, adding "passenger security is of utmost importance and we are doing the best and no one should have any doubt on it."

He said DGCA has specific standards for low fuel and priority landing and all procedures were fully followed.

As per norms, every plane is mandated to carry enough fuel to allow 30-40 minutes of hovering and travelling to nearest diversion airport, he said.

The Minister said DGCA will probe as to how three flights could fly with low fuel despite strict norms. Aircraft instrumentation would also be checked to find out how much fuel was there when the flights took off and whether they carried enough fuel, he said.

"Strict action will be taken for any violation," he said adding criminal investigation would be conducted. "We will do the needful. Passenger safety is number one priority and will remain so."

The Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said it was a very serious issue as any plane flying on low fuel should be given top priority in landing and sought a probe into the incident.

Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) said the incident has created doubts in minds of people and an inquiry must be ordered and its report tabled in the Parliament.

Mayawati (BSP) said the government should rise above party politics and order an inquiry, while Sharad Yadav (JD-U) also termed the incident as serious and sought a probe.

Prem Chand Gupta (RJD) said when a flight is low on fuel it should be allowed to land first and it should not be converted into "an opportunity to take out vengeance."

Rajeev Shukla (Cong) said how could aeroplanes be allowed to take-off when they are low on fuel.

KTS Tulsi (Nominated) said based on the material brought out so far, it is a fit case for registering a FIR for the attempt to murder and investigating the case.
New Delhi: Opposition uproar over the demonetisation issue continued in Rajya Sabha on Thursday leading to two adjournments in the post-noon session even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained present in the House.

As Chairman Hamid Ansari called for the first question of the day at noon, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said while the Prime Minister has been addressing his party MPs in Parliament House and even speaking outside, the Opposition parties have been demanding his presence during the debate on demonetisation issue.

"We had been demanding for last 15 days (presence of PM)....We are against blackmoney. We want to speak on this issue but with whom? Our anguish is that the Prime Minister is holding weekly meetings with his MPs in Parliament House. He is also speaking outside. Our demand is that the Prime Minister should be here and listen to us," Azad said.

When the senior Congress leader also alleged that the PM has remarked that the Opposition parties support blackmoney holders and said it was a "big allegation", BJP members protested the remark.

Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu insisted that the House should continue with the debate on demonetisation, which started on November 16, the first day of the Winter session.

Ansari also said that the debate has not been concluded and called the listed speaker A U Singh Deo (BJD) to start.

Sharad Yadav (JDU) said he too agreed that the debate should continue, but it "cannot be one-way traffic" and demanded that the Prime Minister should remain seated in the House all through the discussion.

"Why are you assuming that he (PM) will not participate," Ansari asked the Opposition member.

As Singh Deo rose to put forth his points on demonetisation, Congress members started raising slogans like "Pradhan Mantri Mafi Maango (PM should apologise)" from the aisles.

Naidu said the Prime Minister is here and the unfinished debate should be resumed. However amid din, the House was adjourned for 15 minutes.

When it reassembled at 1229 hours, Congress members were again on their feet raising slogans as BJD member started the debate.

Amid noisy scenes, Deo said, "We support any move taken by the Government of India for corruption and black money."

But as the sloganeering continued, Ansari adjourned the House till 1400 hours.
By Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay

| GENEVA

GENEVA About 30,000 people are receiving aid after fleeing the besieged eastern zone of Aleppo in the past few days, taking the total number of displaced people in the Syrian city to more than 400,000, U.N. special envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Thursday. By Wednesday, about 18,000 people had been registered entering government controlled areas and about 8,500 crossing into Sheikh Maqsoud, the Kurdish-controlled zone of Aleppo, de Mistura's humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland told reporters. He said those figures were likely to have risen on Thursday. A ground and air campaign by Syrian government forces and their Russian and Lebanese allies that began in September has cut off rebels in their most important urban stronghold, and left around 250,000 civilians with rapidly dwindling food and medical facilities. On Sunday and Monday the city's rebels suffered their biggest reverse in four years, losing around a third of the area they had controlled.Syria and Russia have declined a United Nations request for a pause in the fighting to evacuate 400 sick and wounded in need of immediate treatment, but Russia wants to discuss the idea of setting up four humanitarian corridors, Egeland said, adding:"A humanitarian corridor can work if all the armed actors respect it."The United Nations has food for 150,000 people ready in western Aleppo but it still cannot reach roughly 200,000 who remain in the enclave, where food stocks have run out and surgery is being done in basements without anaesthetic, he said.

MOST VULNERABLE ON EARTH

The United Nations is scaling up its presence in western Aleppo to help with the aid effort but also to monitor the treatment of people fleeing the besieged zone.

There are no more vulnerable people on Earth, probably, than the civilian population in Aleppo," said Egeland. "And they are extremely vulnerable for possible actions by the armed opposition groups as they try to leave and by all of the groups that will meet them as they leave."The International Committee of the Red Cross is in talks with the Syrian government to gain access to people being screened or detained after fleeing the siege, a senior ICRC official told Reuters.Although 30,000 were known to have fled to the western sector, countless others were likely to have escaped in other directions, and the number could rise by tens of thousands, the ICRC said in a statement.

Egeland said the top priority remained a pause in the fighting, as well as finding shelter for people as winter begins.De Mistura renewed his call for the members of the jihadist group formerly known as the Nusra Front to leave the besieged zone, which he said would help save lives and strengthen the argument for a ceasefire. Elsewhere in Syria, aid convoys reached the four besieged towns of Foua, Kufreya, Madaya and Zabadani this week. But overall, only 8 percent of Syria's besieged population received aid in November. The United Nations' convoy plan for December has not yet been approved by the government, Egeland said. (Reporting by Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Why is it that the struggle for equal rights for women is always a journey which takes one step forward but two steps back?

Ironically, just two days before International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a Morrocan TV channel aired a tutorial  'Camouflage traces of violence'  which taught women how to hide signs of domestic violence using make-up. After much uproar and petition by Morocco's Haute Autorite de la Communication Audiovisuelle, the video was taken down but Al Jazeera English had the video posted on their Facebook page.

The news channel, however, tendered an apology for their "editorial error of judgement in view of the sensitivity and the gravity of the subject of violence against women."

Yes, it was clearly an error in judgment. Moreover, it was an error in the thinking of the show-makers to put on display that normalising violence against women is okay. Besides, women showing how to mask the bruises so that they can go about their daily chores is not only horrifying but also makes the efforts of the feminists fighting against such violence futile and meaningless. It also trivialises the enormous trauma that women subjected to domestic violence have to undergo.

In February this year, the Human Rights Watch had, in a letter to the Moroccan government, said that they should "strengthen and adopt draft laws that would improve protection for victims of domestic violence." It also talked about the 'tepid response from the Moroccan authorities'.

Rothna Begum, the Middle East and North Africa womens rights researcher, was quoted as saying: "Many women and girls enduring domestic violence dont get the help they need from Moroccan authorities. Adopting and enforcing a strong domestic violence law would not only help victims but also help the authorities do their jobs."

Given the video was released nine months later, it simply shows that nothing has changed.

Why are we talking only about Morocco? If we look at our own country, are there not several women still 'camouflaging traces of violence'? According to this National Family Health Survey data, nearly two in five (37 percent) married women have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence by their husband. About 21.4 percent of married women experience spousal violence both in urban and rural Maharashtra alone.

Domestic violence is not something new and if you look at poor families it's unfortunately quite common. If you ask your domestic help who comes home with a swollen eye or cracked lip, you may get the idea.

Our past generations have been brought up with an unwritten assumption that mansplaining and male chauvinism are accepted in the society meekly and never questioned. In a way, it was good that such a video surfaced because videos like this clearly convey the message that the inherited submissive thinking has made us so emotionally indifferent towards our own selves that we don't care how we feel anymore. Why is it that it has become mundane to suffer and go about daily chores by masking the violence as if nothing happened?

"Let it be. I neither have the energy nor the money to fight that drunkard (husband). I am only living for my kids," said a 35-year-old Neeta, who works as a domestic help.

Why is it still difficult to muster the courage to stand up for ourselves and share the burden with the feminists around the world in their relentless fight for equal rights for women, which, ideally, should be a non-issue. Let alone violence against women, this make-up tutorial of making the bruises of women invisible serves as the metaphor for the invisibility of their very existence in the society. Why is it that women are still not seen in the social lens on par with men. If you disagree, look at the lack of pay parity between the two genders with same qualifications and capabilities. Be it distribution of responsibilities according to the gender or giving out promotions, it has always been a never-ending battle to break the glass ceiling.

Let me conclude with this riddle: A 15-year-old boy was caught stealing from a shop. When the police constables caught him, he said with a smirk, "You can't harm or arrest me. I am a police inspector's son." Still, the constables took him to the police station. Upon reaching the police station, the inspector recognised the child and put him behind bars. Furious with his parent, the boy said,"You can't arrest me. Let my father come, I will show you."

Why did the boy say this to the inspector when it's extremely clear that the police inspector is the parent of the boy?

After reading this piece, if it still takes you over five minutes to guess the right answer of this riddle, I rest my case.
ANKARA Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the need for the European Union to fulfill its promises to Ankara regarding the migrant crisis, Turkish presidential sources said.In a telephone call, the two leaders also discussed the need for a fair and permanent solution to the Cyprus issue, the sources said.

Erdogan asked Merkel to carry out a more active fight in preventing the activities and blocking the financial sources of the outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) and the supporters of the U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkey blames for a coup attempt in July.

(Reporting by Tulay Karadeniz; Writing by Ece Toksabay; Editing by David Dolan)

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By Tom Miles and Ed Cropley

| GENEVA/JOHANNESBURG

GENEVA/JOHANNESBURG Ethnic cleansing is taking place in some areas of South Sudan and the stage is set for a repeat of the Rwandan genocide, the head of the U.N. commission of human rights in the country said on Thursday at the end of a 10-day visit."There is already a steady process of ethnic cleansing under way in several areas of South Sudan using starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages; everywhere we went across this country we heard villagers saying they are ready to shed blood to get their land back," Yasmin Sooka said in a statement."The stage is being set for a repeat of what happened in Rwanda and the international community is under an obligation to prevent it," she said, referring to Rwanda's 1994 genocide in which 800,000 people died.The president of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, strongly denied the U.N. allegations."There's no such thing in South Sudan. There's no ethnic cleansing," Kiir told Reuters in the South African city of Johannesburg. Security guards prevented further questions.

The three-person commission was set up this year and will report back to the the U.N. Human Rights Council next March. Similar investigations into North Korea and Eritrea ended in calls to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court in the Hague, but neither case has reached the court. South Sudan has spent most of its short history mired in civil war. It became independent in 2011 but rivalry between the president and his deputy erupted into war in 2013. They signed a shaky peace deal last year, but fighting and attacks on civilians continue. Much of the violence is along ethnic lines.More than 1.1 million South Sudanese have fled the country and 1.8 million have been uprooted, most recently in the Equatoria regions, where houses are being torched and people being displaced based on ethnicity, the statement said.

The commission heard "numerous accounts of corpses being found along main roads, looming starvation and people fleeing to neighbouring countries on a daily basis". The international community needed to speed up deployment of a 4,000 strong regional protection force, ensuring its reach went beyond the capital Juba.South Sudan also urgently needed a court to prosecute human rights abuses, the commission said.

Large parts of the country literally have no functioning courts and even the traditional reconciliation methods are now breaking down with the result that its a free for all, said commissioner Ken Scott.Sooka described the amount of rape committed by all armed groups in the country as "mind-boggling".Aid workers describe gang rape as so prevalent that its become normal in this warped environment but what does that say about us that we accept this and thereby condemn these women to this unspeakable fate? (Editing by Toby Chopra and Alison Williams)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Ali Abdelaty

| CAIRO

CAIRO Islamic state has told its members to stop using internet-based communication apps like WhatsApp and Telegram on smartphones, suspecting they are being used by the U.S.-led coalition to track and kill its commanders.Until recently, the hardline group used such apps to chat with members and supporters outside its main areas of control in Syria, Iraq and Libya -- including, say French officials, the assailants who staged attacks across Paris a year ago, killing at least 130 people.A U.S.-led military coalition has been bombing Islamic State positions since 2014, when the group proclaimed a caliphate in Syria and Iraq. Twenty commanders of the group were killed this year, including spokesman Abu Muhammad Al-Adnani."If you get onto the programs like WhatsApp and Telegram or others from Mosul, and get in touch with a person being tracked, the crusaders will start thinking about you ... assessing your importance and identifying the locations of the (Islamic State) centres by following you," said an article in the group's weekly newspaper, Al-Naba, published online.The new instructions came as the group tries to fight off a U.S.-backed offensive on Mosul, its last major stronghold in Iraq, by far the biggest city it controls. Islamic State members already avoid communicating directly with each other on Twitter, which they used 2-3 years ago to spread their ideology and attract new followers.

The group has used Telegram, a messaging service, but its account has become a lot less active. While Telegram offers private messaging, its main use to Islamic militants has been as a distribution tool to share propaganda with backers to repost on Twitter for the wider world.Pro-IS sites on Telegram frequently remind readers that Telegram is for sharing messages only among supporters, and not a media platform for (preaching) to all Muslims and the West, in other words for recruiting sympathisers to join their cause.Dozens more alternative messaging apps exist, offering various degrees of anonymity and security, but the phones required to use them are seen as increasingly risky possessions.

Al-Naba called on the militants to shut down their mobile phones before entering any of the group's bases to avoid exposing them to air strikes by the U.S.-led coalition."Switch off your phone after you finish your communication and beware of the greatest disobedience of all - switching it on when your are in one of the offices," it said. "As long as it has power, the phone is spying on you."In Mosul, Islamic State is cracking down on communication with the outside world to prevent residents from helping the forces advancing on the city, executing people for using mobile phones. Earlier this year, it confiscated satellite dishes to prevent people from seeing the progress made by the Iraqi army.

Islamic State has executed 42 people from local tribes, caught with SIM cards, Iraqi intelligence officers said last month. This could not be independently confirmed.WhatsApp bars Islamic State supporters for a litany of violations of its terms of service. But identifying violators in private conversations is difficult since the Facebook-owned company implemented strict end-to-end encryption earlier this year.Telegram, which has a long history of anti-censorship battles with governments around the world, says its policy is to block terrorist channels open to the public, and other illegal public content. Private communications between individuals are not blocked on the service, as these conversations are also encrypted. Despite the company's ban, this week pro-Islamic State Telegram channels claimed responsibility for a knife attack at Ohio State University and detailed Islamic State fighters' plans in the Philippines to expand into southeast Asia. (Additional reporting by Eric Auchard in Frankfurt; Editing by Maher Chmaytelli and Peter Graff)

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By Claire Milhench

| LONDON

LONDON Namibia would remain a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) if the United States joined, Namibia's president Hage Geingob told Reuters in London on Thursday.Namibia said in March that it would withdraw from the ICC, which sits in The Hague and has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The court has come under criticism from African nations. "People are saying that it only targets African leaders. That seems to be true ... and that's a problem," said Geingob, who was elected as president of Namibia in November 2014. Whilst parliament still needs to debate Namibia's withdrawal, Geingob said his feeling was it would go ahead. "But if you convince the United States to come, we will stay," he said.

The United States is not currently a participant in the ICC as it has not signed or ratified the Rome Statute, a treaty which serves as the ICC's governing document."Africa needs to develop its own processes, systems, courts and institutions," Geingob added. "It would help us to be self sufficient. We must build lasting institutions ... not something imposed from foreign countries."

Turning to the economy, Geingob said he expects growth of 2 to 3 percent in Namibia in 2017, up from around 2.5 percent in 2016, and below the average longer term trend of 4-5 percent. "But we need about 7 percent growth, which we are failing to do," he said. "That's why are encouraging people to come in to invest, to manufacture in Namibia, transfer technology, and that way we can create jobs."Namibia's economy has been hit by a prolonged drought and a contraction in the mining sector, but Geingob said tourism had picked up this year with more people choosing Namibia over destinations in the Middle East due to the troubles there.

The Namibian economy is also closely linked to that of South Africa, and Geingob added they were following political developments there. An ongoing feud between President Jacob Zuma and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has unnerved investors and business leaders."What happens in South Africa has a serious impact on the region and Namibia," he said. "So we are looking at the situation carefully, and are sometimes worried, but the system is resilient and they will overcome that - they are a democratic country." (Editing by Hugh Lawson)

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Islamabad: US President-elect Donald Trump has told Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that he is willing to play any role that Pakistan wants for addressing and finding solutions to the country's outstanding problems. Trump made the remarks when Sharif called him last night to congratulate him as the two leaders discussed various issues.

"I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Trump told Sharif, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office here. Trump also told Prime Minister Sharif that he has a "very good reputation", the statement said.

"You (Sharif) are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," Trump was quoted as telling Sharif. Trump said Pakistan is an "amazing" country with "tremendous opportunities", the statement said.

"Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," the President-elect said. Sharif also invited Trump to visit Pakistan.

In his reply, Trump said, "he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people." "Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people," said Trump.

However, according to a Hindustan Times report, a Trump transition official called Pakistan's version of events as "inappropriate" , and allegedly drew attention to a much more 'bland' and 'undramatic' account of the same conversation. So, who's fibbing? We may never know.

Or we may know even before you reach the end of this piece, thanks to a few signature Trump tweets.

Who knows?

Here's the full statement put up by the Pakistan Press Information Department:

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called President-elect USA Donald Trump and felicitated him on his victory. President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office. On being invited to visit Pakistan by the Prime Minister, Mr. Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr. Donald Trump.
WASHINGTON Two senior U.S. senators said on Wednesday they want to amend a law allowing lawsuits against Saudi Arabia over the Sept. 11 attacks to narrow the scope of possible lawsuits.Lindsey Graham and John McCain, two of the Republican party's congressional foreign policy leaders, said they would introduce an amendment to the law so that a government could be sued only if it "knowingly" engages with a terrorist organization."All we're saying to any ally of the United States (is), you can't be sued in the United States for an act of terrorism unless you knowingly were involved, and the same applies to us in your country," Graham said in a Senate speech.In September, the Senate and House of Representatives overwhelmingly rejected President Barack Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, known as JASTA, making it U.S. law.

However, lawmakers said almost as soon as they did so that they wanted the scope of the legislation narrowed to ease concerns about its potential effect on Americans abroad, which was one reason Obama vetoed the measure.

The law grants an exception to the legal principle of sovereign immunity in cases of terrorism on U.S. soil, clearing the way for lawsuits seeking damages from the Saudi government. Riyadh denies longstanding suspicions that it backed the hijackers who attacked the United States in 2001.However, it was not immediately clear whether Graham and McCain's proposal would go anywhere. A group of Sept. 11 families, who lobbied intensely for the bill and have strong support in Congress, immediately objected to their suggestion because it would weaken the law.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)

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Ankara: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that Turkey's military operation in Syria was against "terror" groups, appearing to row back on his comments saying it was targeting President Bashar al-Assad.

"The operation's target is not against a country or a person but against terrorist organisations only," Erdogan told local neighbourhood chiefs in Ankara.

"No one should have any doubts or take our statements to mean something else. Even if Turkey is left alone, it will continue its fight against terrorist organisations."

Turkey launched its unprecedented operation in northern Syria in August, providing tanks and aerial support to opposition fighters as they retake territory from the Islamic State (IS) group.

Erdogan had on Tuesday said Turkey launched the offensive to "put an end to the rule of the tyrant Assad who carries out state terror, not for anything else".

The next day, Assad's close ally Moscow which is providing key military support to Damascus, demanded an explanation.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Erdogan's comments did not reflect his previous remarks nor Russia's "understanding of the situation".

The Syrian foreign ministry also denounced the comments, saying they showed "clearly that the flagrant Turkish aggression against the Syrian territory is only the result of the ambitions and the illusions of an extremist despot".

Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Syria three times on the phone this week including on Wednesday night. No mention has been made by either side over whether they discussed Erdogan's remarks.

Moscow and Ankara have become closer since ties were restored this summer after Turkey shot down a Russian plane on the Syrian border in November last year.

Experts say rebels supported by Ankara are a varied collective of different Syrian opposition brigades rather than a single organised force.

So far, they have been retaken IS territory including Jarabulus, Al Rai and the symbolically important town of Dabiq.

Although the offensive was targeting jihadists, it has the secondary purpose of stopping the advance of Syrian Kurdish groups: the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and People's Protection Forces (YPG) militia.

"We cannot allow terrorist organisations like Daesh [IS], PYD/YPG to be within distance of throwing javelins so close to us," Erdogan said.

Ankara views the YPG/PYD as sister organisations of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984.
United Nations: The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday unanimously imposed its toughest sanctions on North Korea, placing a cap on the hermit state's key coal exports after its defiant nuclear tests.

The new sanctions resolution  which was spearheaded by the United States and came after three months of tough negotiations with fellow veto-wielding council member China  passed by a 15-0 vote.

The resolution demands that North Korea "abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs" and takes aim at the state's exports of coal, its top external revenue source.

Under Resolution 2321, North Korea will be restricted from exporting more than 7.5 million tonnes of coal in 2017, a reduction of 62 percent from 2015.

Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the resolution would strip the regime of more than $700 million in hard currency, dramatically reducing the money it can spend on nuclear and ballistic weapons.

Speaking to reporters with her counterparts from US allies South Korea and Japan, she said the move marked "the strongest sanctions regime the Security Council has imposed on any country in more than a generation."

"So long as the DPRK makes the choice it has made, which is to pursue the path of violations instead of the path of dialogue, we will continue to work to increase the pressure and defend ourselves and allies from this threat," Power said, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

China joins in pressure

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged all countries to enforce the resolution.

"It sends an unequivocal message that the DPRK must cease further provocative actions and comply fully with its international obligations," said Ban, who has flirted with entering politics in his native South Korea after his term ends in a month.

Ban said he was still committed to "sincere dialogue" to resolve the nuclear issue and stood by calls to provide humanitarian assistance to ease the suffering of ordinary North Koreans.

China is North Korea's primary ally and one of the few markets for its coal.

Although Beijing has traditionally protected Pyongyang diplomatically, believing that Kim Jong-Un's regime is preferable to its collapse, it has grown frustrated by the neighboring state's defiance.

China's UN ambassador, Liu Jieyi, reiterated that Beijing "strongly opposes" the North Korean nuclear tests  but also made a veiled criticism of joint exercises between the United States and South Korea.

"Certain parties increase their military presence and scale up military exercises, thus intensifying the confrontation," he said at the Council.

"This situation must be changed as soon as possible," he said.

Expanding breadth of sanctions

The UN Security Council resolution condemns "in the strongest terms" North Korea's nuclear test on 9 September  the communist state's second this year.

Pyongyang claimed at the time that it had made major strides in its efforts to fit a miniaturised warhead on a missile that could reach the United States.

North Korea, which insists its nuclear weapons are a deterrent to US "aggression," brushed aside earlier sanctions that targeted its weapons exports, access to financial markets and imports of luxury goods.

In addition to coal, the Security Council on Wednesday banned North Korea from exporting certain metals, including copper, silver, zinc and nickel, that bring in an estimated $100 million a year.

The Security Council also added 10 companies and 11 individuals  including the former North Korean ambassadors to Egypt and Myanmar  to a blacklist under which their travel is restricted and assets frozen due to their alleged role in Pyongyang's military programs.

Although the outgoing US administration of President Barack Obama has generally favoured dialogue over conflict, it has taken a tough line on North Korea after Pyongyang rebuffed early overtures.

Power said the latest resolution is groundbreaking because it also takes North Korea to task for its human rights violations.

In another rare clause, the resolution threatens North Korea with some losses of diplomatic rights at the United Nations if it violates resolutions.

But Japan's UN envoy, Koro Bessho, voiced willingness to return to dialogue if North Korea shows a "serious commitment."

"We are introducing sanctions not for the sake of introduction sanctions," he said, "but in order to change the course of DPRK policy."
CHICAGO  The Hotel Chicago-Illinois Medical District (IMD) is now offering free transportation in licensed livery vehicles for all its guests. The partnership with Chicago-based FirstClass Travel, a new on-demand concierge service, allows riders to control their experience  like Uber Black but with professional chauffeurs and at absolutely no charge to guests. Owned by Chicago luxury car icon Joe Perillo, Hotel Chicago-IMD is the first hotel to launch the new black car platform, which is both an app and a smart dispatching system. The 116-room independent boutique hotel has already carved out a niche in the crowded marketplace after opening six months ago, with its "less to stay means more to play" mantra. Located on the edge of Chicago's booming West Loop, Hotel Chicago-IMD offers affordable rates so that guests will have more money in their wallet to enjoy the exciting neighborhood.

"As of today, the deal got even sweeter," said Hotel Chicago-IMD general manager Imran Jivani of his new in-house transportation amenity. "We are a value conscious, service driven hotel that gives experience-based stays  with black cars included  all for an average daily rate of $130. The paradigm is shifting!"

Guests of Hotel Chicago-IMD simply need to download the free FirstClass Travel app after they check-in to have access during their stay. With the push of a button, they can order complimentary rides throughout the City of Chicago and to/from the airports (for a fee). The white labeling application, which extends the Hotel Chicago-IMD brand, combines the convenience of an on-demand service with the security of a private black car chauffeur sourced from the certified livery company, Windy City Limousine. "We are setting a new hotel standard that is usually reserved for the top 1%," added Jivani.

Located at 1622 W. Jackson, the renovated historic building that houses Hotel Chicago-IMD is conveniently situated in between RUSH Hospital and West Loop's red hot Randolph Street dining corridor. Hotel Chicago-IMD provides a stylish European boutique option for hospital visitors, students, or savvy travelers looking to enjoy a night on the town. The art-centric property features a multitude of room types to fit every guest, including a single full, a bunk double twin, and a queen/king deluxe, with amenities like: luxurious pillow top mattress, personal Keurig, refrigerator, microwave, LCD TV with cable, ample closet space and cabinetry, sizable work area, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary coffee, in-room safe, on-site washing machines, and a private parking lot with proximity to a local garage. Hotel Chicago-IMD is managed and operated by Portfolio Hotels & Resorts.

Hotel Chicago-Illinois Medical District:

1622 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612

Phone: (312) 243-2900

hotelchicago1622.com

Media Contact:

Jody Grimaldi

630-470-0044

[email protected]

Jody Grimaldi

Publicist

6304700044

Kinzie Hotel
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The Macao Museum of Art (MAM) has announced the theme of this years Macao Arts Window: Solitude  Photography by Hong Vong Hoi. The inauguration ceremony for the exhibition, which is open to the public, will be held today at 6:30 p.m. on the third floor of MAM.

Born in 1977, Hong Vong Hoi is passionate about photography and literary creation. He has received numerous awards for writing and poetry, including an Excellence Award in the fiction category, and was a runner-

up in the modern poetry category in the Macau Literary Awards.

According to a statement from MAM, the author hopes to explore and reflect on the deeper meaning of solitude through his artwork.

Many people fear solitude, but solitude does not necessarily bear a negative [consequence], the statement reads, as a summation of the exhibition. Everyone will inevitably face solitude and thus, the ability to enjoy and appreciate its beauty and freedom elevates ones quality of living and style.

MAM has been organizing the Macao Arts Window since 2012, with the aim of encouraging creativity and developing the citys contemporary art scene.

This years exhibition will run from tomorrow to January 15, 2017. The admission fee is MOP5, but is free on Sundays and public holidays. The exhibition is closed on Mondays.
Opponents of a Chinese companys planned interoceanic canal across Nicaragua charged that police have set up roadblocks and are harassing demonstrators heading to todays protest in the nations capital.

The National Council in Defense of the Land, Lake and Sovereignty said that police had threatened drivers, seized vehicles and roughed up opponents.

Canal spokesman Telemaco Talavera denied that. There is no police harassment of farmers, he told local media. If they are marching, it is because they believe there will be a canal. They have the right to dissent.

Sceptics have doubted whether the canal concession, granted in 2014 to a Chinese company, will ever be built. It has barely broken ground.
A revision to Macaus Legislative Assembly (AL) Election Law that would bar AL candidates from standing for office if they are found to have violated the territorys Basic Law, or if their loyalty to the MSAR is considered questionable, is poised for introduction ahead of next years legislative election.

The revision, spearheaded by the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Sonia Chan, is being touted as a preemptive effort to avoid a similar legislative scandal to Hong Kongs recent oath-taking controversy. It relates specifically to Article 104 of Hong Kongs Basic Law, which Macau authorities say is basically the same as Article 101 of the MSARs Basic Law.

Secretary Chan was clear this week that the initiative had not come at the request of the Central Government; rather, it had been introduced by the local government as a means of optimizing the legal system for electing members of the Legislative Assembly.

According to a statement from the Government Information Bureau, the preemptive initiative will prevent any misunderstandings in the future.

However, the revision has already caused a great deal of alarm in the city, as it would grant government bodies the ability to disqualify potential lawmakers before they have even been accepted as candidates.

Moreover, potential candidates may be prevented from running for office on the basis of statements or actions made prior to announcing their intent to run, instead of just statements and actions made from the point when the revision takes effect.

The potential for the law to be applied retroactively, and the ability of non-independent government bodies to act as an arbiter over who should be permitted to run, as well as the subjective nature of the checklist criteria, has led some observers to regard the changes as a threat to local democracy.

Speaking on the sensitive subject, a legal expert said that one of the most worrying developments is that a fundamental right of Macau citizens will be transferred to what is essentially a municipal authority.

What we are dealing with is a fundamental right [controlled] by a municipal body, [but] which body can decide this? asked the expert, who insisted on anonymity.

In Macau, it is likely that this body will be the Electoral Affairs Committee [] can one part of the government decide who can run in the election? [] This [power] is typically the responsibility of the courts.

These are extremely open concepts which should not be so open. [] There are some qualities that are easy to quantify [when determining who can run for election], like nationality or age. But these [new] conditions are less quantifiable. They are potentially open to abuse  not that they necessarily will be abused, but they could be.

An email statement from the Office of the Secretary for Administration and Justice confirmed that the planned revision will grant the Electoral Affairs Commission the power to judge the sincerity of pledges, as well as whether candidates who have made questionable statements in the past have now abandoned those previous beliefs or not.

Current affairs commentator Eric Sautede told the Times that the proposed policy amendment is unlikely to have a significant effect on future elections.

Its more a show of solidarity with the Hong Kong government [] and done to satisfy Beijing, he said, adding that a hypothetical enforcement of the policy might provoke an adverse reaction from Macau residents.

Sautede also proposed that the new requirements might be intended to quell potential separatism in the city in the distant future. In this sense it might be used as an instrument to prevent the emergence of an unpalatable scenario, as in Hong Kong. However, there is a slim chance they will be required, he said, since Macau is devoid of separatist movements calling for independence.

Asked whether the requirement would contravene other existing rights enshrined by the Basic Law, the legal expert said it would be incompatible with freedom of expression, and the right to elect and to be elected.

I dont know where this is going It is not normal in any democratic or semi-democratic system.

However, Sonia Chans office refuted the allegation, which would implicate the Secretary herself of failing to uphold the Basic Law.

There is no contradiction with Article 26 of the Basic Law stating that the permanent residents of the Macau SAR shall have the right to vote and the right to stand for election, nor with Article 27 stating that the Macau residents shall have freedom of speech, the Secretarys office asserted.

Retroactive application not a problem for Chan

It is not the first time that the Secretary for Administration and Justice has indicated that a new law in Macau should be applied retroactively, despite such a requirement being highly unusual. The extradition treaty with Hong Kong  which is currently being discussed  would also apply retroactively, Chan told the press in April, allowing the surrender of fugitives who have already been convicted as long as the rulings against them are still valid. It is believed that the cases of Joseph Lau and Steven Lo, who were both sentenced to prison in 2014 for corruption and money laundering, would be targeted by the extradition agreement in this case. However, Chan has declined to address the matter, saying that she is unable to comment on individual cases.
Two separatist Hong Kong lawmakers lost their appeal yesterday against a ruling disqualifying them from office because they altered their oaths with an anti-China insult.

The Court of Appeal sided with a judgment earlier this month barring Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai-ching of the Youngspiration Party from taking their seats in the citys Legislative Council.

It agreed with the High Courts decision two weeks ago that the two effectively declined to take the oath, violating a section of the semiautonomous Chinese citys Basic Law constitution covering oaths taken by officials.

The three-judge panel said its ruling was backed up by Beijings own controversial interpretation of the Basic Law.

In an act of defiance at the swearing-in ceremony last month, Leung and Yau modified the oath, which requires pledging allegiance to Hong Kong as a part of China, by referring to the Hong Kong nation and using a derogatory term for China. They also displayed a flag that said Hong Kong is not China. Yau, 25, cursed and Leung, 30, crossed his fingers.

There can be no innocent explanation for what they uttered and did, the ruling said. What has been done was done deliberately and intentionally.

The actions infuriated Chinas central government in Beijing, which responded with a constitutional interpretation that Hong Kong courts are required to enforce. But in an unprecedented move, the interpretation was released before the lower court came to a decision, sparking fears that Beijing was eroding Hong Kongs considerable autonomy and independent judiciary.

Leung and Yau said they are considering appealing to Hong Kongs top court, the Court of Final Appeal, but had to take into account mounting legal costs and whether the move would trigger another interpretation by Beijing.

Leung and Yau were among a group of lawmakers newly elected in September amid a rising tide of anti-China sentiment driven by fears that Beijing is tightening its grip on the former British colony.

The ruling comes after the Hong Kong government indicated it plans to widen its campaign against the opposition by taking action against a third pro-democracy lawmaker, Lau Siu-lai, who read her pledge in an exaggeratedly slow manner in an apparent protest.

The Justice Department said in a brief statement Tuesday that the government plans to issue proceedings against Lau, without further details. Unlike the other two, Lau was allowed to retake her pledge later. Kelvin Chan, Hong Kong, AP
The capital of Muslim-majority Indonesia is on edge ahead of what is expected to be a second massive protest by conservative Muslims against its Christian governor and no group more so than its Chinese minority.

They have reason to be concerned. The movement against the governor, who is being prosecuted for allegedly insulting the Quran, has overflowed with racial slurs against his Chinese ancestry, an unnerving sign in a country with a history of lashing out violently against the ethnic minority that makes up 1 percent of its 250 million people.

The first major protest against Gov. Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama on Nov. 4 drew more than 100,000 people to Jakartas streets. Some held up banners calling for Ahok to be killed or decrying Chinese influence. It ended in violence, with one death and dozens injured after hard-liners attacked police. A separate mob tried to invade the apartment complex where Ahok lives in the north of the city and vandalized property in the area, which is home to many Chinese.

Hard-line organizers of the protest, who were unsatisfied by a police decision earlier this month to formally name Ahok as a suspect in the blasphemy case instead of arresting him, are promising another giant rally tomorrow. After police pressure, they have agreed to concentrate the rally around a national monument in central Jakarta and insist it will be peaceful.

The furor over Ahok, sparked by his criticism of detractors who argued the Quran prohibits Muslims from having a non-Muslim leader, has highlighted religious and racial fault lines in Indonesia, the worlds most populous nation, and the growing challenge from proponents of Shariah law to its secular system of government.

For Chinese Indonesians, the controversy has awakened painful memories of the mass protests that ousted late dictator Suharto during the 1998 Asian financial crisis. Boiling resentment against immigrant Chinese tycoons who profited from ties to Suharto and his famously corrupt family spilled over into mob attacks on Chinese property and people, killing many. Nearly two decades later, Jakartas Chinatown is still scarred by the burned out shells of buildings torched in the chaos.

Certainly as Chinese descendants, we are still traumatized by the riots in 1998, said Clement Alexander, a grocery store owner in a narrow lane of the bustling Petak Sembilan market in Chinatown. We heard that horrible event may happen again if the government fails to control the protests. Its scared us, but we cannot do anything except pray, he said.

For rich ethnic Chinese, they could flee to Singapore or to other countries, but for lower-class people like me it is rather difficult, we just survive and depend on the government for protection.

When Ahok in 2012 became the first Chinese to be elected deputy governor of Jakarta, and the first Christian in half a century, it was seen as a sign of the pluralistic tolerance fostered by the moderate form of Islam practiced in Indonesia.

But his rise to governor in 2014 to replace political ally Joko Jokowi Widodo after his election as president was unpalatable to hard-liners. With the support of moderates that hope to gain from Ahoks fall, they have elevated their agenda to the national stage, and revealed that intolerant interpretations of Islam adapted from the Middle East have made greater inroads than believed.

Ahok is running for a second term as governor in elections due in February but since the blasphemy accusations erupted in September, his sky-high popularity in opinion polls has melted away. A pro-tolerance rally in Jakarta on Nov. 19 attracted less than 10,000 people. A military-organized event in the city yesterday meant to showcase respect for all of Indonesias six officially recognized religions was mainly populated by soldiers, schoolchildren and police, who had no choice about attending.

For the Nov. 4 protest, the normally clogged streets of Jakarta were nearly emptied of cars, embassies closed, countries such as Australia issued advisories against travel to the city and many businesses shuttered for the day, particularly in Chinatown.

We are afraid the riots in 1998 would be repeated. But I dont want to talk about that horrible event, said Jhony Tan, owner of a store selling Buddhist worship paraphernalia.

I hope the government can handle this issue, so theres no negative impact to any other community, especially to ethnic Chinese here. If they fail, Indonesia will be ruined, he said. Im sure the majority of Indonesian people are willing to see that this problem has nothing to do with us.

Christianto Wibisono, an ethnic Chinese businessman and former government adviser whose home was burned in the 1998 riots, said that despite communal tensions, he is hopeful the government will maintain calm during tomorrows protest and beyond.

The governments approach needs to sap the momentum of a vocal and highly motivated minority but faces challenges: the moderate, silent majority is intimidated by the hard-liners tactics and months of campaigning for the Jakarta gubernatorial election as well as Ahoks blasphemy trial will keep divisive issues in the spotlight.

Now is really the crucial test for Indonesia to maintain the countrys secular philosophy rather than be run over by Shariah groups. That would affect the whole world, if Indonesia became like the Middle East, he said. We should not import Middle East extremism. We should export our moderate Islamic philosophy and pluralism. Stephen Wright, Jakarta, AP
Japanese lawmakers reopened debate yesterday on a bill to legalize casinos, opening the possibility the legislation will be passed as soon as next month.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe needs the support of his Buddhist-backed junior coalition partner Komeito, whose lawmakers are more cautious on casinos because of ethical issues. The party said yesterday it has yet to make a decision on whether to support the bill. The session was boycotted by opposition lawmakers opposed to the legislation.

Hiroyuki Hosoda, chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Partys general council and head of a crossparty group of pro-casino lawmakers, told parliament that the building of integrated casino resorts would help stimulate regional economies through tourism. Its fundamental that the profits from casino facilities are returned to society, he said.

While betting on horse, boat and bicycle races is allowed in Japan, casinos remain banned. International gaming companies have been mulling billions of dollars in investment as Tokyo gears to host the 2020 Olympic Games, promising to increase the number of tourists coming to the country. Japan has potential to transform into one of the biggest Asian gambling hubs with annual casino revenue of as much as USD40 billion, according to CLSA Ltd.

The crossparty group had submitted a bill to the parliament in April 2015, but other legislation was given priority and discussion was postponed. The focus now will be on whether the bill passes before the current parliament session ends on Dec. 14. Should the legislation pass, a further bill setting rules for operating resorts would have to be approved before any building could start.

The Kyodo news wire reported Tuesday that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party will look to pass the bill in a lower house plenary session on Dec. 6. It would then go to the upper chamber. The legislation stipulates the governments ethical obligations, and requires the government to set out policies such as the management of entry for Japanese people.

More than 5 million Japanese, about 5 percent of the population, are addicted to gambling, the Asahi newspaper reported in August 2014, citing a study by a health ministry panel. About 8.7 percent of adult male Japanese are habitual gamblers, along with 1.8 percent of females, according to the study.Andy Sharp, Takashi Hirokawa, Bloomberg
Deutsche Lufthansa AG sought to defuse an escalating pilots strike by offering an improved wage deal as well as a show of humility.

The German airline proposed a 4.4 percent raise plus a bonus that will exceed 20,000 euros (USD21,200) per pilot on average, dropping a demand for employee concessions on benefits. In a move away from more unbending rhetoric of the past week, it also admitted to some fault from years of negotiations.

We need a new togetherness, Bettina Volkens, the companys human resources chief, said Wednesday at a protest march organized by the Vereinigung Cockpit union at Frankfurt airport. For both parties, so much trust has been destroyed in the past years, and both sides have made mistakes. We want a deal. We want a strong Lufthansa.

Lufthansa is willing to increase pilots wages 2.4 percent for 2016 and 2 percent in 2017, in addition to the bonus retroactive to 2012, and will seek arbitration on those terms without a link to other issues, executives said. The carrier previously offered the raise only if pilots would accept changes to pensions and other perks. The union has demanded a 20 percent pay boost for the period from 2012, when the last contract expired, through 2017.

Pilots gathered at the airport, Lufthansas main hub, to mark the last day of a week-long series of walkouts that led to 4,500 flight cancellations, sparked hostility from other employees and put the carriers earnings targets at risk. The works council representing ground crews, who reached a pay and pensions accord a year ago, held a counter-demonstration nearby that met the marching pilots with chants, whistles and calls for them to agree to arbitration amid concerns the better-paid group is jeopardizing jobs.

This is not about pilot-

bashing, but our people are angry, and rightfully so, Ruediger Fell, a ground-crew works council leader in Frankfurt, said in an interview. The raise demanded by our pilots is what our workers earn in a month, and the company will try to make up for that spending elsewhere.

The strike is part of a long-

running conflict over wages, working conditions and the role of low-cost unit Eurowings as Chief Executive Officer Carsten Spohr reorganizes Lufthansa to face discount competitors in its home region and expansion by long-haul carriers based in the Persian Gulf. The latest round of walkouts began on Nov. 23 and, while it was slated to end yesterday, the company scrapped 40 flights today because planes are in the wrong locations.

This months strikes will cost as much as 100 million euros, according to Mark Simpson and Jack Diskin, analysts at Goodbody Stockbrokers. That could put Lufthansas full-year goal to match 2015s 1.82 billion-euro operating profit into question. Richard Weiss, Bloomberg
Malaysia deported 74 telecom fraud suspects  including 21 from Taiwan  to China, in the latest instance of Southeast Asian countries deferring to Chinas claim to sovereignty over the self-governing island.

The suspects arrived in the central city of Wuhan on Tuesday night on a chartered plane escorted by police, Chinas official Xinhua News Agency reported.

China regards Taiwan as a part of its territory and pressures its allies and smaller neighbors to abide by that position. Taiwan says it should be allowed to prosecute its nationals suspected of committing crimes abroad, but its lack of diplomatic relations with most countries complicates such legal arguments.

Taiwans Central News Agency said Taiwanese officials protested the deportations to Malaysia, saying they hurt the longstanding friendship between the two sides.

We are demanding that China send the Taiwanese suspects back to Taiwan, where they will face justice, the Taiwanese foreign ministry said, according to the agency.

Cambodia and Kenya are among the countries that have recently sent dozens of Taiwanese suspects to mainland China over Taiwans objections.

China contends that Taiwan gives light treatment to accused swindlers, encouraging others to try their luck at online scams that can potentially lead to massive payouts.

The 74 suspects are accused of carrying out more than 500 fraud cases over the phone and internet involving more than USD8 million, according to Xinhua. AP
Macau International Airport (MIA) celebrated a record-breaking milestone yesterday when it welcomed its six millionth traveler from mainland China.

The local airport has brought in a number of passengers equal to ten times the citys population.

The lucky visitor, Zhou Si Min, is an art professor based in Beijing who regularly visits Macau to lecture at the Macao Polytechnic Institute.

Zhou received a Monopoly MIA Limited Edition and an Air Macau round-trip ticket departing Macau.

At a meeting with journalists yesterday, Eric Fong, the director of the Marketing Department of the Macau International Airport Company Limited (CAM,) said the North extension project of the Passenger Terminal Building is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2017.

When the project is concluded, the airport will be able to accommodate between 7.5 and 7.8 million passengers annually.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Fong said they would focus on developing long-haul charter services and on offering more flights to South and North East Asia.

We already talked to our management company [and are] trying to optimize the aircraft, the landing and all [other] arrangements, he told the press.

When questioned whether tourists flying to and from Taiwan would be affected by the halting of operations of Taiwanese carrier Trans-

Asia Airways in November, Fong said that Far Eastern Air Transport is set to commence flights from MIA today.

According to information released by the airport yesterday, three new routes were launched in 2016 linking Macau with Guiyang (mainland China), Fukuoka (Japan) and the Indonesian city of Manado.

From January to October this year, overall passenger volume increased by 14 percent year-on-year. The volume of passengers from mainland China increased by 2 percent, while that of Taiwan and Southeast Asia rose 18 percent and 22 percent, respectively.

Passenger travel with conventional and low-cost airlines surged 18 percent and 7 percent, respectively.
Electric car maker Lucid Motors said it will build a manufacturing plant in Arizona that will begin production in 2018 as it looks to compete in the fast-growing market for luxury electric vehicles.

The company said it chose the Casa Grande location from dozens of other spots around the country.

Construction of the factory will begin next year in a move expected to bring an initial 400 jobs. The company projects the plant will have 2,000 workers by 2022.

Lucid, which recently changed its name from Atieva, has been around for a decade, focusing its early years on making batteries. Its staff includes former Tesla employees, including its chief technology officer.

The decision came amid rising demand for electric cars from traditional automakers and Silicon Valley startups such as Lucid.

Tesla Motors is building a sprawling battery factory near Reno, Nevada, after receiving a generous USD1.3 billion incentive package from the Nevada Legislature.

Faraday Future, another electric car maker, is building a factory near Las Vegas after getting $335 million from the state, although the project has been stalled amid questions about its funding source.

Automotive jobs took on a prominent role in the recent presidential race as Donald Trump repeatedly blasted trade agreements that shifted manufacturing from the Rust Belt to other countries

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has made job creation and a business-friendly climate top priorities of his administration. He previously made a trip to California to lure the Lucid factory.

Its a real sign that the state is attractive, that California companies and companies from around the country see Arizona as a great place to do business, Ducey said.

Lucid is receiving government assistance from the Arizona Commerce Authority that could total in the millions.

The future for startup electric vehicle makers is far from a sure thing, especially for companies that have yet to manufacture a single car, said Sam Abuelsamid, a senior analyst for the market research firm Navigant who has studied Lucid and met with company executives.

He cites a litany of challenges.

Tesla has struggled to turn a profit despite huge demand for its Model X and more affordable Model 3. Vehicle reliability is a major concern for any new car maker, especially in a marketplace where traditional automakers are manufacturing their own electric vehicles. And battery technology is highly expensive.

Well see if Lucid can do it any better than Tesla has, Abuelsamid said. The cars not going to be in production until quite a ways out. I wouldnt call it entirely paperwork at this point because they do have real, developed prototypes but its certainly not ready for prime time yet.

He also noted how startups are at the mercy of investors who can become skittish about handing over cash. He cited the Faraday plant in Nevada where construction work was suspended recently at the factory site. Abuelsamid said the Chinese entrepreneur backing that company was also an early investor in Lucid.

A news conference announcing the move Tuesday featured business and political leaders along with top company officials. The company showed off two prototypes for its planned car.

Were very excited to be bringing new jobs and our innovative technology to Casa Grande, said Brian Barron, Lucids director of global manufacturing. AP
Nepals government proposed amending its new constitution to carve out a new state to meet the demands of an ethnic group whose protests for bigger federal state last year left more than 50 people dead.

The government registered the bill in parliament that proposes a second state in southern Nepal where there is large presence of Madhesi ethnic community.

Hridesh Tripati of the Terai Madhes Democratic Party said yesterday it was welcome progress but still inadequate.

It is one step forward and a good progress but it is still not enough. This new proposal does not cover the districts we have been demanding to be included in Madhesi state, Tripati said, adding an alliance of Madhesi parties would meet to decide if it was going to accept and support the government initiative.

The Madhesi ethnic groups are unhappy with the constitution that was adopted last year in parliament. They were dissatisfied with the territory assigned to them in the new federal states in the constitution.

Protests that lasted for months last year left more than 50 people killed and paralyzed southern Nepal. Border points with India were blocked, causing severe shortages of fuel, medicine and other supplies in Nepal.

A new government that took over power in August promised the Madhesi groups they would look into their demands, and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal also got their support in a parliament vote for his position.

The Madhesi community says they have always been discriminated against, and do not get equal opportunities in government, employment, education and other rights.

Police reported small protests yesterday in southwest Nepal opposing the government plans, but there were no reports of violence.

The proposal will be debated in parliament next week. The government needs the support of two-third of parliament to approve the change. The main opposition Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) has not said yet if it will support the bill, and passing it would be difficult without their support. Binaj Gurubacharya, Kathmandu, AP
A New Hampshire town that said it wouldnt be decorated with holiday lights this season because of code issues with a utility now has a glimmer of hope.

The Portsmouth Herald reports (bit.ly/2gtW08r) that Exeter town officials have been talking to Unitil and are looking to get an electrician to install a needed meter and utility pole panel so they can set up their lighted garlands.

Unitil installed some new poles this summer that changed the overall electric layout of downtown. Scott Wade of Unitil had told officials that the garlands get close to energized electrical lines; they cant be within 40 inches.

Unitil has offered to do some line work, and the local fire and public works departments are pitching in to get holiday lights up.
Six more people were detained by Chinese authorities over the deaths of 74 workers in the collapse of a platform in a cooling tower at a power plant, one of the worst work safety disasters in China in recent years. A total of 15 people have been reported by state media to be under detention after the collapse last week in eastern Chinas Jiangxi province. The official Xinhua News Agency said the latest detentions Tuesday included two people accused of selling shoddy products, but did not detail what those products were.

The board chairman of the engineering firm building the plant was already detained, as well as top engineers on the project.

Laborers were building a circular cooling tower when the interior scaffolding collapsed, causing a large amount of steel, concrete and wooden planks to cave in.

The incident prompted calls from government officials for stepped-up inspections and a renewed emphasis on worker safety. Chinese President Xi Jinping said local governments should learn from the accident and hold accountable anyone responsible.

No formal charges have been announced against the 15 people detained.
South Korean President Park Geun-hyes conditional resignation offer appears to be causing cracks in what previously had been a strong push for her impeachment, with opponents now struggling to set a date for a vote to strip her of power.

Park offered to leave office if parliament arranges a safe transfer of power, triggering an immediate backlash from opposition parties, which called the overture a stalling tactic to help the president navigate through a huge political scandal involving her shadowy confidante.

Leaders of the countrys three main opposition parties met yesterday and agreed to stick with their plan to try to vote on an impeachment motion as early as tomorrow. But they also said theyd meet again if that plan does not work, meaning theyre bracing for the possibility that tomorrows vote might not take place.

Much of their hesitation to pick a clear date is due to the fact that there are not enough opposition lawmakers to pass an impeachment through parliament, and they would need help from dissenters in Parks ruling Saenuri Party.

The three opposition parties and anti-Park independent lawmakers have a total of 172 seats in the 300-seat National Assembly. A passage of an impeachment motion requires at least 200 votes in favor. About 40 ruling party lawmakers have expressed their willingness to vote to oust Park.

But after Parks resignation offer Tuesday, made in an address to the nation, anti-Park lawmakers gathered and agreed it would be best for Park to resign in April, after the installation of a neutral Cabinet that can help ensure a stable power transfer until a new president is elected, according to the office of Hwang Young-cheul, one of the lawmakers who attended the meeting.

They said they would still take part in a possible impeachment vote on Dec. 9 if details for an April resignation arent worked out through negotiations, Hwangs office said.

Opposition parties have previously said a vote on Parks impeachment would take place either on Friday or Dec. 9, because parliamentary plenary sessions are already scheduled on those days.

Its true that some cracks have taken place at anti-Park forces in the Saenuri Party after her speech, said an official at the main opposition Democratic Party, formerly known by its Korean-language name, Minjoo.

The official, who requested anonymity because he wasnt authorized to speak to the media, said opposition parties are using unofficial, backroom channels to see if they can still secure enough Saenuri lawmakers who would align with their impeachment drive.

If impeached, Parks presidential powers would be suspended until the Constitutional Court makes a ruling on her fate. The court would have 180 days to deliberate.

Park, in her Tuesday speech, continued to deny accusations by prosecutors that she colluded in the criminal activities of her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil, who, despite having no official role in government, allegedly had a say in policy decisions and exploited her presidential ties to bully companies into giving large sums of money to businesses and foundations that Choi controlled.

Prosecutors have indicted Choi, two ex-presidential officials and a music video director known as a Choi associate for extortion, leaking confidential documents and other charges.

The scandal has sparked mass protests every Saturday in Seoul. About 30,000 anti-

Park demonstrators gathered in the citys downtown area on yesterday, according to protest organizers.

Park, who has immunity from prosecution while in office, has refused to meet with prosecutors. She has, however, agreed to undergo questioning by a special prosecutor.

Yesterday, she picked a special prosecutor among the two candidates recommended by opposition parties. The special prosecutor has 120 days to lead an independent investigation into the scandal.

I will only focus on truth as I investigate, Park Young-soo, the special prosecutor, told reporters. I will not be distracted by the circumstances and thoroughly investigate [the case] based on law and principle.

Park Geun-hye is the daughter of late dictator Park Chung-

hee, whose 18-year rule ended after he was gunned down by his own intelligence chief in 1979.

Adding to Parks woes, one of her former aides was hospitalized with self-inflicted wounds while under investigation for alleged bribery. A Busan police official who did not want to be named, citing office rules, said Hyun Ki-

hwan, who served as senior presidential secretary for political affairs from July 2015 to June this year, cut his left wrist with a box cutter in a Busan hotel room, but was not in a life-threatening situation. Hyung-Jin Kim, Seoul, AP
Elaine Chaos record as secretary of labor suggests shed have a light hand when it comes to safety regulation as head of the Transportation Department and would seek to shift responsibility from the federal government to states where possible.

President-elect Donald Trump announced yesterday [Macau time] that Chao was his choice for the Cabinet post. Secretary Chaos extensive record of strong leadership and her expertise are invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner, Trump said in a statement released by his campaign.

Chao said Trump has outlined a clear vision to transform our countrys infrastructure, accelerate economic growth and productivity, and create good paying jobs across the country.

Chao, 63, was labor secretary under President George W. Bush and the first Asian-American woman to serve in a presidents Cabinet. She also is the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, which might be of some help if Trump is to fulfill his promise of generating USD1 trillion in infrastructure spending.

Chaos record suggests shed be skeptical of new safety regulations and may attempt to roll back existing regulations. Under Chao, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration at Labor didnt issue a single significant new safety regulation for four years, and the departments mine safety inspectors were cut and inspections reduced, said Thomas McGarity, a University of Texas law professor and author of Freedom to Harm, a book about the Labor Department that includes Chaos tenure there.

Among the pressing issues facing the next transportation secretary will be how to boost the nations aging infrastructure so that it can accommodate population growth and not become a drag on the economy, modernizing the nations air traffic control system, ensuring that new transportation technologies are adopted in a safe manner and responding to a surge in traffic fatalities.

Whether its integrating drones into the national airspace, deploying self-driving cars or some other new technology, shes not going to be especially inclined to second-guess the industry when they say that this will be safe, McGarity said.

As labor secretary, Chaos job was to protect the nations workforce, including setting safety standards and addressing issues related to wages and retirement. She updated overtime regulations for white-collar workers and rules intended to force unions to disclose more details on their financial condition to members.

Chao is a strong advocate of letting the markets function as they will, not intervening into private sector arrangements, McGarity said.

Mitch Bainwol, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, applauded Trumps selection of Chao as a superb choice.

Big issues await, he said. The traditional regulatory approach is increasingly challenged to keep pace with the rapid rate of innovation in our sector.

More recently, Chao had been on the board of directors for Bloomberg Philanthropies, run by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. She resigned last year after learning the organization planned to expand an environmental initiative to shutter coal-fired power plants. Almost 90 percent of Kentuckys electricity comes from coal, and her ties to the organization were used against McConnell in his Senate race.

Chao came to the United States from Taiwan with her family at age 8. Her family settled in New York, where her father, James Si-Cheng Chao, became a wealthy shipping magnate.

Chao received her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard. She went on to become head of the Peace Corps and deputy secretary at the Transportation Department. She was head of the United Way of America and worked at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington think tank, before becoming labor secretary. Joan Lowy & Jonathan Lemire, New York, AP
An experiment with natural lighting.

The other night I had the opportunity to photograph a bonfire event with a fireworks show. Typically when you shoot fireworks, you bring a tripod. You need long exposures to capture the full essence of the explosion. Also, when you know youll be shooting in a very low-light situation, you bring flashes. I brought neither.

For the record, it is always better to be prepared. I had multiple tripods in my car as well as a full lighting kit. The issue was in transit. I did not know the police would block off all the roads leading to the event. Furthermore, I didnt know how long a walk it was from my car to the area Id shoot at.

Call it laziness, call it a sense of adventure to challenge my photographic abilities (I prefer the sound of this one), but I decided to leave all of my gear behind and tackle this event all natural. I brought with me only my Canon 1D Mark IV with a 70-200mm lens, my 5D Mark III with a 24-70mm lens, and a notebook.

When shooting in the dark without flashes, the first thing you have to do is find your light. I spent my first 15 minutes walking back and forth across the area, mapping out the light points. I didnt bother shooting during this time. In my opinion it is always better to have a plan before you start firing off frames.

A few things were working to my advantage. The food trucks were brightly lit. I knew I could get a secondary image there without much trouble. A live band was playing inside a greenhouse. It was one of the only indoor aspects of this event, but it also had its own lighting. This would be another easy secondary image.

Unfortunately, the three main aspects of the story were all poorly lit and deeply challenging in their own ways. The event itself, Christmas in the Nighttime Sky, is a charity fundraiser for children in need. Admission is a new toy. Knowing this, I realized that a photo of the donations would be one of my main storytelling images.

I started with workers sorting through gifts next to a Santa sign. It didnt take long to realize that location wasnt going to work. The sign was the only source of light. I tried overexposing the sign to show the foreground, but then there was a giant strip of white in the center of my photo. This is really distracting to a viewer because the eye goes to the brightest spot first. I tried properly exposing the sign, but then the presents and volunteers were completely unrecognizable.

I ended up moving inside where Santa Claus was meeting with children. There was a single light above his chair. It gave me enough light to work the area, but to properly expose the image I had to shoot at 1/60th of a second with a 4000 ISO. This means that every time a child moved there was motion blur in my frame. Because this was my only option for photographing this aspect of the story, I posted up and waited. Luck came my way when a sleeping baby was placed on Santas lap and he stayed as still as possible in order to not wake the child.

The next issue was the bonfires. Bonfires are a lot of fun to shoot because there are so many things a photographer can do with them. You can underexpose to catch the waves of the flames. You can overexpose to cast an orange glow over the crowd. The problem is you have to time it right when overexposing to avoid motion blur.

To illuminate (pun intended) how much creative control a photographer has when shooting fires, Ive added a collection of images with different exposures. All of these are shot at f/2.8 with a 4000 ISO, but the shutter speeds range from 1/6th of a second to 1/1500th of a second. There is no wrong way to shoot this, it just depends on what you want the finished product to look like.

Finally, it was time for the fireworks. After speaking with my editors, I knew this was going to be the main art for the following days paper. The pressure was on. It was at this point I made another decision that greatly jeopardized the results of this shoot. I switched my camera to aperture priority.

Typically Im a die-hard advocate for shooting everything in manual mode. I like to control all of my camera settings to create the image I want. In this situation, I knew the cards were against me. I wouldn't know how bright the fireworks were until they exploded. Even after they burst, the amount of light they give off fades with the explosion. I knew there wouldnt be time to adjust my settings for fireworks that burst with differentiating amounts of light.

In aperture priority, the camera does a lot of this work for me. Because my aperture and ISO were already set, all I had to do was worry about my shutter speed. In this shooting mode, the camera evaluates the amount of light and selects the appropriate shutter speed for you. This allows me to focus on my subjects rather than trying to figure out a proper exposure in my head.

For anyone looking to shoot in this mode, dont just flip the switch and call it a day. You should still control your variables. In aperture priority, you can elect to underexpose or overexpose the image as you see fit. This means instead of dealing with shutter speeds, Im dealing with stops. I can under- or overexpose up to three stops.

You might ask why I even bother with aperture priority if Im still going to fiddle with my settings as I shoot. The answer is simple. Aperture priority gives me my starting point. It sets the shutter speed at a stop to properly expose the image. From there, all I have to do is consider how much I want to adjust. In back-to-back explosions, my shutter speed changed from 0.7 of a second to 1/32 of a second. This is how much the lighting can change in a given moment when shooting fireworks.

With my camera ready to go, all I had to do was find my foreground. For anyone who read my blog post about shooting stars, my statement stands: Having just a firework or just stars in your image is boring. You need to find a foreground to either set the scene or add a layer of detail to your photograph. I chose four young children sitting on a wall.

With my subjects elevated, two things were working in my favor. First, there would be less separation between them and the fireworks in the background. This gives me the glowing silhouette that outlines their bodies while also removing dead space in the center of the frame. Second, the wall blocked out the bonfires. This helps because the light of the fires would have created competing exposures for my camera. In that moment, I wanted the fireworks to be properly exposed. If I had a lot of ambient light they wouldnt have been.

I tend to write a lot of blog posts about lighting, specifically natural lighting. The answer for that is simple. When I arrive on assignment, the first thing I look for is light. It is essential in every image and one of the easiest variables to mess up. By taking the time to learn your camera settings you can adapt to the challenges of any situation. Furthermore, by taking the time to assess your environment and think about how the light falls, you can start to elevate your photos by forcing the light to work for you instead of against you.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to see a post about something youre having photographic troubles with, let me know in the comments section below. Id be happy to create another post addressing your questions.
TWIN FALLS  The Twin Falls Gun Club will hold its annual meeting at 6 p.m. today, Dec. 1, to fill vacancies on its board.

The gun club will host the KMVT Toys for Tots turkey shoot Dec. 4.

The clubs five-week winter league will start Jan. 5. Its an individual league, so you dont need a team  just warm clothes. It is shot at night at white targets; cost to shoot is $50, the clubs Jeff Scott said.

A 10-week SRTA league will start the last week in January, with one round of singles per week; sign-up cost is $10. All the shooters money goes back to the shooters in a Lewis-class payout, Scott said.

Information: 208-734-0639.
TWIN FALLS  The future City Hall is a little behind schedule, but with bids awarded for most subcontractors, work should begin again in a couple of weeks.

The city delayed its bid process until the end of October, in hopes of getting a more favorable bidding climate in the slower season, Deputy City Manager Mitch Humble said. In the meantime, the old Banner Furniture building at 201 Main Ave. E., which will be the future City Hall after renovations, has sat empty since demolition work stopped in August.

While the $5.7 million project is still $40,000 under budget  with one contract yet to be awarded  the city may need to extend its lease of the former Key Bank building another month because of the bid delays.

We hope here in the next two weeks well have some crews out there starting structural upgrades, said Jason Derricott, project manager with Starr Corp., the general contractor.

Not all of the demolition work is complete: contractors will still have to remove a service elevator and a portion of the ground floor for the recessed City Council chambers.

And the project engineers have identified additional upgrades that will have to be done when the rest of the work begins.

We had to expose it, Humble said. There was a bit more structural steel well have to put in there that we didnt anticipate a year-and-a-half ago.

The city is leasing the former Key Bank building, 103 Main Ave. E., for $8,000 a month. The lease, set to expire in September 2017, may need to be extended, Humble said. The city is also considering leasing the upstairs of the building, to accommodate police department staff while their building is under construction.

On the old City Hall, which will be converted along with the police station into a $3.45 million public safety campus, contractors are in the process of completing framing and will be doing roof work next week.

Its progressing right along, Derricott said.

Both projects are mostly funded from cash reserves, along with impact fees. More than half of the contracted companies are local, Derricott said.

The interior of the future City Hall will have an open concept, with fewer offices and more shared space.

Were actually pretty excited about it, Humble said. Itll increase collaboration.

Smaller conference rooms will be available for private conversations, and the city will shell away space for future growth.

One purpose behind the new City Hall is to combine staff in the City Hall and Hansen Street buildings under a single roof, eliminating the need for the latter, Humble said.
GLENNS FERRY  A 20-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday by the Idaho attorney generals office on suspicion of possessing child pornography.

Jesus A. Gastelum, of Glenns Ferry, is accused of possessing digital images and videos depicting child pornography.

Gastelum was booked into the Elmore County Jail following his arrest, according to a statement from Attorney General Lawrence Wasdens office. Online court records show a sealed case against Gastelum in Elmore County.

Investigators from Wasdens Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Unit arrested Gastelum following an investigation aided by the Elmore County Sheriffs Office, Elmore County Prosecutors Office and United States Postal Inspection Service.
MOSCOW  Two Magic Valley students at the University of Idaho will receive an award next week from the universitys office of alumni relations.

Amaia Demaray, a Gooding native studying wildlife resources, and Jane Snelling, a Twin Falls native studying food science, will be recognized.

The universitys annual Awards for Excellence dinner is 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.

In total, 55 students  undergraduate seniors, third-year law students and graduate students  will be recognized based on their academic success, leadership and career preparation.
BOISE  Two Treasure Valley lawmakers are working on a bill to overhaul laws police sometimes uses to seize property in drug cases.

The process is called civil asset forfeiture, which allow police to take cash, cars, guns and other items used in the furtherance of drug crimes. The standard for seizures is the preponderance of evidence standard that is used in civil cases, not the beyond a reasonable doubt used in criminal ones.

In some cases assets have been seized even when a person is not convicted of or charged with a crime.

It really concerns us in this area of law, the government can uniquely punish people without going through the same processes and safeguards they would in a normal criminal procedure, said Rep. Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, who is working on the bill along with Rep. Steven Harris, R-Meridian.

Rubel said one proposed change would ensure the only property that can be seized is property that is either the proceeds of a drug crime or is used to commit a drug crime. There have been cases, she said, where property is taken that is found near drugs but might not be directly tied to the crime.

That seems very overreaching to us, Rubel said. We want to scale back the types of property that can be taken.

Rubel also wants to change the law so property is seized only if someone is convicted of a crime, and she wants to let people keep their property while a case is pending. She said this is especially important in cases where someones vehicle is seized before theyre convicted.

Its a real setback in Idaho to try and live your life without a car, she said.

Both Harris and Rubel said they have talked to mostly unsupportive police and prosecutors groups about the bill.

Im sure theyre going to oppose it, Rubel said. They like getting the money.

Idaho Sheriffs Association Executive Director Vaughn Killeen and Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney Grant Loebs both told the Times-News it was tough for them to comment on a bill when they havent seen the final version, but they defended the use of forfeiture laws now, and said they already contain safeguards to prevent injustices.

The standard used in asset forfeiture is the same standard used in any civil case, Killeen said.

Killeen said there are cases where a seizure might appear unfair, but often what law enforcement knows about individuals when they seize property is much more than a general citizen knows. For example, he said in a case where police find a small amount of drugs and seized all the cash in a house, if those same people have made buys off undercover agents, then that knowledge base contributes toward seizing the money.

So again, I dont think that law enforcement by and large is somewhat haphazard about this process, he said. I think that theyre very responsible.

Loebs, too, said there are already protections for innocent property owners, and a requirement that law enforcement has to establish a nexus with either fruits of a drug crime or that they are enabling people to commit drug crimes when they seize property.

I think that many of the proposals that are being made are going to make it very difficult for law enforcement to seize the proceeds of a drug crime or (seize) the means to commit a new drug crime, and thats the big concern we have about that, he said.

Changing asset forfeiture laws, like many other criminal justice reform and police power-related issues, is one that can unite liberals with libertarian-leaning conservatives with whom they would disagree on most other controversial topics.

Both sides of the aisle, if you will, come together on this, Harris said.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho and the Idaho Freedom Foundation, for example, have teamed up to support changing the law. IFF head Wayne Hoffman said people should be able to utilize our legal system as intended, where (youre) innocent till proven guilty, and if youre not convicted of something, you dont lose your property. He gave the example of a case where a man had a small amount of marijuana and police seized the silver, gold and weapons they found in the house near the pot.

He was never charged with a crime but all his stuff was taken from him, Hoffman said.

Hoffman said lawmakers should change the law now, rather than waiting until theres a crisis, since every abuse of governmental authority is a crisis to the people involved.

To the person affected by the statute, its a very, very big deal, he said.

Whether the bill goes anywhere could largely depend on who is in what leadership positions when the Legislature meets next in January. Rubel said they approached Rep. Rich Wills, R-Glenns Ferry, who was chairman of the House Judiciary and Rules Committee, during the 2016 session about the idea. Wills, who was a retired state trooper, indicated he was not very interested in moving the bill forward if it was opposed by law enforcement, Rubel said.

However, Wills lost in the Republican primary in May. The new Judiciary and Rules chairman is expected to be named at Thursdays organizational session of the Legislature. Rubel said that the years delay has given them more time to build up support.

Were optimistic well be able to head into the session with a more developed bill (and a) broader range of supporters at our back, she said.
August 29, 1932 - November 29, 2016

God needed a good mechanic, so he called the best!

Duane C. Butch Lampe passed away on Saturday November 29, 2016 at 12:10 a.m. due to a massive brain hemorrhage. His eldest son, Forrest Shane was by his side and had Butch given the Last Rites by Father Mike of St. Edward's Catholic Church in Twin Falls.

Butch was born in Palmer, Iowa on August 29, 1932 to Joseph and Dorothy Lampe. at the family farm. Butch grew up there and attended the local Catholic school. He later graduated from Palmer High School in 1949. He later joined the U.S. Army in 1953 and served as a Peace Keeper in Korea. He returned home and was discharged from the Army in 1955.

He later married (27 years until their divorce in 1981) Mary Lou (Morgana) Voss on November 17, 1957 in Twin Falls, ID. They went back to Iowa, stayed there for a short time then moved to Phoenix, AZ where they attended College and their first son Forrest Shane was born. After a few years there, they moved to Sacramento, Calif where they got jobs and later adopted their youngest son, Carl Nolan. Butch worked for Winter Motor Company where he perfected his mechanical technics on Volvos and English Fords (Cortinas). After living there for five years Butch was offered a Service Manager's job in Kansas City, Missouri where the family lived for two years. An opportunity came up and the family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho in 1972, where they stayed. Butch later opened his own shop, Import Service Center on November 17, 1976 and operated the business until his retirement in 2014 at the age of 83.

He was living at Woodstone Assisted Living recovering from a March 2016 stroke when he passed in November of that same year.

He is survived by his sister Juanita Hauser in Gretna, Nebraska and her family, his sister-in-law in Kirksville, MO and her two daughters. His youngest son, Carl Nolan of Denver, CO and his family and his eldest son, Forrest Shane in Twin Falls, ID and his grandson, Aaron Jacob of Boise, ID.

Friends and associates may contact Park's Funeral home for memorial service times.
Lila Chidichimo

TWIN FALLS  Lila Chidichimo of Twin Falls, A rosary will be held on Wednesday November 30 at 7 pm at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave E. Twin Falls. A mass will be held on Thursday December 1, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 161 6th Ave E, Twin Falls.

Weston Rynestad

TWIN FALLS  Weston Rynestad of Twin Falls, memorial service at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 1, at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Ave. East, Twin Falls.

Anthony Beltran

TWIN FALLS  Anthony Beltran of Twin Falls, services at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 1, at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave E. Twin Falls.

Hallie West Weighall

FILER  Hallie West Weighall of Filer, celebration of life at 1 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2016, at the Filer High School Gymnasium, Filer, Idaho (Serenity Funeral Chapel Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services of Idaho, Twin Falls).

Gary Rumfelt

TWIN FALLS  Gary Rumfelt of Filer, funeral service at 11 am on Saturday, December 3, at White Mortuary  Chapel by the Park. Viewing will be Friday, December 2 from 6-8 pm and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Sharon Vedder

TWIN FALLS  Sharon Vedder of Twin Falls, celebration of life at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Immanuel Lutheran Church 2055 Filer Ave. E., Twin Falls (Parkes Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls, Idaho).

William Curry

TWIN FALLS  William "Bill" Curry of Twin Falls, celebration of life at 2 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2016, at White Mortuary, 136 4th Ave. East, Twin Falls.

Cindy J. Wiser

TWIN FALLS  Cindy J Wiser of Twin Falls, celebration of life from 6 until 8 p.m., Friday, December 2 at Rosenau Funeral Home with services at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 3 at the First Church of the Nazarene, Twin Falls.

Galan Rogers

BURLEY  Galan Melvin Rogers of Burley, funeral at 11 a.m. Friday, December 2, at the Burley LDS Stake Center, 2050 Normal Ave. A graveside service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, December 3, at the Liberty Cemetery in Liberty, Utah. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, December 1, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, at the church preceding the service.

Miriam Becker

NAMPA  Miriam Becker of Nampa, funeral services at 11 a.m. Friday, December 2 at Hansen Mortuary, 710 Sixth Street South, Rupert. A viewing will be held prior to services at the mortuary from 10 until 10:45 a.m.

Patricia Rasmussen

HAZELTON  Patricia Rasmussen of Hazelton, funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 3 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hazelton.

Robert D. Hamblen

BURLEY  Robert D. Hamblen of Burley, funeral at 11 a.m. Monday, December 5, at the Burley LDS 3rd and 7th Ward Church, 2200 Oakley Ave. Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, December 4, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday, at the church preceding the funeral.

Jimmy 'Lee' Ethridge

KIMBERLY  Jimmy Lee Ethridge of Kimberly, graveside service at 11 am on Monday, December 5, at Sunset Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements under the direction of White Mortuary  Chapel by the Park.
Campaign financing and the ethical dilemmas it poses candidates and government thundered through the 2016 presidential race, particularly the Democratic primaries. Sen. Bernie Sanders demonstrated the potency of the issue. Following the conventions, Donald Trump co-opted and adeptly wove the concern into the coarse weave of his populism.

Its hardly a new concern. George Washington noted Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder. The 1912 platform of Teddy Roosevelts Progressive Party stated: Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government, owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people. To destroy this invisible government, to dissolve the unholy alliance between corrupt business and corrupt politics is the first task of the statesmanship of the day.

Rob Walton pretty much validated these concerns, saying, Business is going to get the politicians they want because they control the money, and money controls the power. Sen. Robert Dole affirmed that assertion from the government perspective, saying, When these political action committees give money, they expect something in return other than good government.

Ronald Reagan genteelly described the ugliness of it all. Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. Ive come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first. Humorist P. J. ORourke put it more candidly. When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators.

Big money in 2016 politics got a robust airing nationally, but far less so in Idahos legislative and local elections. Idahos final campaign financial reports are due Dec. 8. Campaign financials are easily accessed on the Secretary of States website. We encourage voters to inspect Decembers final filings. But heres what we already know about the Magic Valleys two most heated legislative contests.

Under 3 percent of Sen. Lee Heiders and Rep. Steve Hartgens (both Republicans) contributions come from individuals. Thats four people for Heider and eight people for Hartgen.

Heiders Health and Welfare Committee chairmanship likely explains why over 40 percent of his contributions came from pharmaceutical, insurance and other health care-related companies, associations and PACs. He also receives significant donations from the Idaho Soft Drink PAC and Altria (parent company of Phillip Morris). The first grouping profits from illness prevention and treatment. The second represents products scrutinized for links to health concerns. Heider notably opposes closing the Medicaid gap with public (largely federal) funds. This might have sparked an interesting public discussion had the curious combination been spotlighted during the recent campaign.

Hartgen received 70 percent of his donations from corporations and business-related PACs. He chairs the Commerce and Human Resources Committee and sits on the Environment, Energy and Technology and Revenue and Taxation Committees. Not surprisingly, over 40 corporations and PACs financed his campaign. Thats five for every individual that donated. His committees are charged with shaping Idahos job environment (anti living-wage and union), overseeing who pays taxes (working folks) and who gets tax breaks (corporations and the rich), and how we steward our environment, water supply and water quality, as affected by the Idahos various industries (anti-regulation). Not surprisingly he is backed by the Farm Bureau given that agri-industry is among Idahos largest special interests and recipients of massive government subsidies and tax exemptions. Forty corporations are a lot of legislator-whisperers sitting on the old corral fence.

Democrat Deborah Silver, Heiders 2016 opponent obtained 76 percent of her campaign funds from individuals. Democrat Catherine Talkington, Hartgens opponent, received 70 percent from individuals. More than 200 separate individuals donated to their campaigns. Over 100 people donated $50 or less. Real working-class Idahoans with tight budgets donated what they could to get better representation.

Ive said this before, but it bears repeating to re-enforce a point. Magic Valley Democratic candidates knocked on 10,000 doors this year. Democrats ask voters what they are concerned about and also give them a chance to ask our candidates person to person about their positions and tell the candidates how they feel about what they hear from them. They speak at service clubs and public forums too, but its one-on-one campaigning and funding by individuals that set Democratic candidates and the Idaho Democratic Party apart from Republican politicians.

Our candidates dont have to give explanations about what they did or didnt, will or wont do for dozens and dozens of corporate donors and PACs. Our candidates and the Democratic Partys focus is on the well-being and future prospects of Idahos people. We know that businesses and industries must prosper together for that goal to be achieved. But here is the difference. Democrats look at the world and shape our strategies and policies for business and health care and infrastructure first and foremost through the eyes and needs of Idahos individual citizens. We dont see peoples interests only as a collateral secondary outcome of meeting the needs of industries, cronies and special financial interests.

As the old saying goes, money talks. Magic Valley Democratic Party money comes from people. Democrats listen to people. They actually make an effort to listen. They dont tell you how to think in attack ads in the media or last-minute mailings.

If Twin Falls Democratic candidates are owned, you have the pink slips.

Democrats will keep a close eye on the strings tied to Republican politicians in the coming legislative session. Citizens, Times-News, and all Idahos print and media journalists are encouraged to do likewise. Dont take politician statements at face value. Follow the money. Go to the Secretary of States website and see whats really going on behind the green curtain.
This appeared in Wednesdays Washington Post. Its not easy to run afoul of two constitutional amendments in 140 characters. Whether he realizes it or, more likely, not, President-elect Donald Trump did so in this Twitter outburst Tuesday: Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag  if they do, there must be consequences  perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail! The Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that the First Amendment protects burning the flag in protest. The high court ruled in 1967 that the 14th Amendment not only grants U.S. citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in this country; it also forbids the government from taking citizenship away from them.

In effect, then, Trump is proposing two constitutional changes  both of which provide further evidence of his tendency to address differences and disagreements within American society by suggesting new limits on their expression, or by excluding people from the American community altogether. We have seen this tendency at work in his call to open up libel laws  i.e., make it easier for public figures such as himself to sue when newspapers criticize them  and in his floating a religious test for entrants from abroad.

On flag-burning, his view is no doubt popular: Forty-eight states and Congress outlawed it before the Supreme Court ruled in 1989; subsequent Congresses voted repeatedly to reinstate such a rule in various ways, albeit not by the two-thirds of both houses necessary to send a constitutional amendment to the states. Nor does the political right have a monopoly on burn-banning. Justice John Paul Stevens, one of recent historys most eloquent judicial progressives, dissented, passionately, in the flag-burning case. In 2005, none other than Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., co-sponsored (unsuccessfully) a bill to bar flag-burning when intended to incite violence.

Certainly the flag is the greatest of our national symbols, an emblem of liberty, unity and democracy borne aloft not only by American soldiers in battle, but also by the prisoners of Dachau concentration camp who secretly sewed one, then waved it to welcome U.S. Army troops when they arrived in 1945  and by the marchers at Selma, Alabama, who demanded their own portion of liberation 20 years after that. Its desecration rankles, deeply.

But burning-banners arguments ultimately founder on the rock of the First Amendment, which, if it means anything, means that the people have the right to express their views through the widest possible range of nonviolent means, even  or, perhaps, especially  those views that offend most deeply. It is ironic that a man elected on a platform of opposition to hypersensitive political correctness would embrace a flag-burning ban.

Another irony: Among those who understood the democratic necessity of protecting even the most unpopular expression was Justice Antonin Scalia, whom Trump purports to admire, and whose successor he will soon nominate. Many fellow conservatives disliked it, but Scalia often cited his vote to protect flag-burning as an example of how the Constitution limited his power, and that of all other government officials, to stamp out ideas they personally despised.

It would be President Trumps prerogative to urge Congress, and the states, to rewrite the First Amendment along more repressive lines. Like Scalia, we prefer the original.
Dont miss this

Nov. 22 is gone. I saw nothing on the news that mentioned it. This is sad. It is a very important date in history. If you want to know, look it up.

I hope the next important date, Dec. 7, is not forgotten by our nation. This is the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Twenty-two ships were sunk or damaged; with 2,403 killed and 960 are still MIAs. I spent 22 years in the Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer. Whenever one of my ships passed through Pearl, I went to the USS Arizona Memorial to pay respects.

Over 1,000 of her crew are still entombed in her. Few survivors are still alive. It still is leaking oil. When a drop of oil hits the water it looks like a rainbow on the surface. There are two thoughts from the survivors. One group says these are the tears of Arizona. The other says each drop is her heartbeat. When the last crew member dies, it will stop leaking. Who would tell them no.

Recently, I met two ladies who had family killed on Arizona. One lady lost her uncle. She saw him Thanksgiving 1941. He reported to the ship. He was killed. His mother never believed he died. The phone rang, the doorbell rang. It must be him! It never was. I met another lady at a Memorial Day service. She told me of two cousins. In 1941 one wanted to be a Marine, the other wanted to join the Navy. Each enlisted in 1941. Both were assigned to the Arizona. They were killed on Dec. 7. The boys mother was never the same. Her boys will come home.

So, all reading this, take time on Dec. 7 to pay respects. Unlike November 22.

Retired Chief Petty Officer R. A. Rynbrand

Twin Falls
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New Zealand will now compensate live organ donors for all lost income:

Todays unanimous cross-party support for the Compensation for Live Organ Donors Bill represents a critical step in reducing the burgeoning waiting list for kidney donations, according to Kidney Health New Zealand chief executive Max Reid. The Bill effectively removes what is known to be one of the single greatest barriers to live organ donation in NZ, Mr Reid says. Until now the level of financial assistance (based on the sickness benefit) has been insufficient to cover even an average mortgage repayment, and the process required to access that support both cumbersome and demeaning. The two major changes that this legislation introduces  increasing compensation to 100% of lost income, and transferring responsibility for the management of that financial assistance being moved from WINZ to the Ministry of Health  will unquestionably remove two major disincentives that exist within the current regime.

Eric Crampton (former GMU student, now NZ economist who supported the bill) notes that a key move in generating political support was that New Zealand MP Chris Bishop framed the bill as compensating donors for lost wages rather than paying them. A decrease in the disincentive to donatean increase in the incentive to donate. To an economist, potato, potato. But for people whose kidneys fail in New Zealand, the right framing may have been the difference between life and death.

This is also a good time to remind readers of Held, McCormick, Ojo and Roberts, A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Government Compensation of Kidney Donors published in the American Journal of Transplantation.
Amnesty International Wednesday cited nine multinational including Colgate, Nestle and Unilever as global brands profiting from grave human and child right abuses in Indonesia.

The London-based group through its report titled The great palm oil scandal: Labour abuses behind big brand names discovered Singapore-based agri-business Wilmar growing palm oil plantations in Indonesia and supplying AFAMSA, ADM, Colgate-Palmolive, Elevance, Kelloggs, Nestle, Procter & Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser and Unilever uses child labor in its plantations.

Companies are turning a blind eye to exploitation of workers in their supply chain. Despite promising customers that there will be no exploitation in their palm oil supply chains, big brands continue to profit from appalling abuses. These findings will shock any consumer who thinks they are making ethical choices in the supermarket when they buy products that claim to use sustainable palm oil, said Meghna Abraham, Senior Investigator at Amnesty International.

Corporate giants like Colgate, Nestle and Unilever assure consumers that their products use sustainable palm oil, but our findings reveal that the palm oil is anything but. There is nothing sustainable about palm oil that is produced using child labour and forced labour. The abuses discovered within Wilmars palm oil operations are not isolated incidents but are systemic and a predictable result of the way Wilmar does business.

Children aged between eight and 14 have testified to the NGO they work in appalling conditions. The report claims that the children work without safety equipment on plantations where toxic pesticides are used, carrying heavy sacks of palm fruit that can weigh from 12 to 25kg.

Some have dropped out of school to work with their parents for all or most of the day, the report underscores.

I have helped my father every day for about two years. I studied until sixth grade in school. I left school to help my father because he couldnt do the work anymore. He was sickI regret leaving school. I would have liked to have gone to school to become smarter. I would like to become a teacher, said a 14-year old palm oil worker.

Another 10-year old boy working in Wilmars plantation also stated that he works six hours a day, except Sunday and gets up at 6: am every day.

Contacted by Amnesty for comments, Nestle indicated that they will investigate the allegations.

Colgate-Palmolive notes that it will hold its supplier accountable for addressing any issue. It also pointed that it would terminate any supplier that fails to address labour and human rights concerns, The Guardian reports.
Morocco has once again picked on the African Union chairperson whom it accuses of inventing requirements to delay Rabats membership in the continental organisation.

The new bash comes from North African foreign ministry which claims Dr Zuma has arbitrarily rejected letters of endorsement of Moroccos friends in the African Union.

The Chairperson of the African Union commission is in contradiction to her neutrality duty, regulations and the norms of the Organisation and the will of its member-states, the ministry said in a statement.

Morocco to date enjoys with documents as proof, the endorsement and support of large majority of member states, largely above required number of the AU Constitutive Act. These members have already sent to Dr Zuma formal and legally valid letters of endorsement for the decision related to Moroccos return in the Pan-African organisation by the next summit.

In October King Mohamed VI chided the South African diplomats reluctance to hand over Moroccos application to member states for decision. He then called Chadian President Idriss Deby, also doubling as AUs sitting President to intervene.

Morocco in September on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York officially submitted its membership to the Constitutive Act to Dr Zuma.

32 years after quitting mother organisation, OUA (Organisation of African Unity) over the acceptance of Western Sahara in the organisation, King Mohamed VI in July openly and solemnly stated Rabats strong desire to join the organisation.

28 countries gathering at Kigali July summit formerly threw their endorsement behind the North African country. The number since then significantly grew bigger after the Moroccan monarch embarked on a diplomatic seduction mission across the continent.
Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
Moroccos foreign ministry on Wednesday accused the African Union (AU) commission chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of frustrating its attempt at readmission.

According to the North African nations foreign ministry, Dlamini-Zuma had delayed the distribution of the Moroccan request to AU members without any apparent reason, and then invented a new procedural requirement to reject letters from AU members supporting Moroccos demand.

The kingdom of Morocco denounces vigorously the manoeuvres of African Union commission head, who is trying to thwart Moroccos decision to regain its natural and legitimate place in the pan-African institutional family, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The president of the AU commission is dropping her neutrality and failing the rules and standards of the organization and its members will, the statement added.

As a reminder, Morocco quit the AU in 1975 after disagreements over Western Sahara, which the AU recognizes as an independent state.

Rabat expressed the desire to rejoin the organisation, 32 years after it left and officially presented a request in September to retake membership of the body.

King Mohammed VI has been touring Africa in the last three months seeking support for its AU demand and autonomy proposal for Western Sahara.
Polls open in The Gambia with Jammeh in bid for fifth term. 886, 578 voters are expected at 1,422 polling stations in 53 constituencies in the seven administrative regions of The Gambia to cast their ballots to elect the next president of the country whose population is around 1.9 million.

There are three candidates running for the position including incumbent President Yahya Jammeh, businessman Adama Barrow and former National Assembly member under Jammehs party, Mamma Kandeh.

President Jammeh, 51, who took control of the West African country in 1994, said on Tuesday that his victory in the election is all but assured with divine intervention, and warned the opposition against protesting.

Observers from the European Union (EU) and the West African regional bloc Ecowas are not attending the vote.

Gambian officials expressed opposition to the presence of Western observers, but the EU says it is staying away out of concern about the fairness of the voting process.

Rights groups have already documented a worrying deterioration in the climate for human rights in the country.

Reporters and activists observing the countrys presidential elections have reported that a full-on blackout is in effect across the West African nation.

While its not clear whether there is any truth to the reports of election interference, Jammeh has sparked international controversy in the past for his actions while in office.

US officials and international NGOs had previously urged the Gambia not to shut down the web ahead of the vote, a call that seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
Rwandan prosecutor general on Wednesday said the government has launched an inquiry into the possible role of at least 20 French military and civil officials in the 1994 genocide in the East African nation.

The move follows the release of a document in October which accused French officials of having a role in the genocide.

The probe was re-opened to allow examination of evidence from a former general, now living in exile in South Africa, who has claimed that Rwandan President Paul Kagame was involved.

According to Rwandas Prosecutor General Richard Muhumuza, the enquiry so far is focused on 20 individuals and according to the information we gathered so far, our office requires some information or clarifications from these individuals on the allegations against them for their role in the genocide.

Muhumuza said the relevant French authorities had been contacted and that full cooperation was expected.

The dispute centres on Frances role prior to the genocide as a close ally of the Hutu nationalist regime of Juvenal Habyarimana. The shooting down of his plane over Kigali on April 6, 1994 was the event that triggered 100 days of meticulously planned slaughter.

About 800,000 mostly ethnic minority Tutsis and moderates from the Hutu majority population were killed.
Sudans President, Omar al-Bashir on Wednesday described President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump as a person with a clear line as compared to others who are double-faced.

The Sudanese leader who was speaking to an Emirati media outfit, the al-Khaleej newspaper, said he was convinced that it will be much easier to deal with Trump who is a business person who always considered the interests of people he deals with.

I am convinced that it will be much easier to deal with Trump than with others because he is a straightforward person and a businessman who considers the interests of those who deal with him, Mr Bashir is quoted as saying.

In his words, Mr Trump focuses on the interests of the American citizen, as opposed to those who talk about democracy, human rights and transparency.

Earlier this month, the Sudanese government has expressed readiness to resume dialogue with Donald Trumps administration over the lifting of economic sanctions imposed on the country since 1997.

Last October, President Barak Obama extended Sudans sanction for another year saying that the actions and policies of the Sudanese government continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
Munich, Germany: A strategy of alternately flooding and starving the body of testosterone is producing good results in patients who have metastatic prostate cancer that is resistant to treatment by chemical or surgical castration, according to new findings.

In a presentation at the 28th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Munich, Germany, today (Thursday), researchers reported that results from 47 men who have completed at least three cycles of bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) showed that the strategy was safe and effective. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels fell in the majority of the men, tumours shrank in some men, in several the disease did not progress and this included some whose disease continued to be stable for more than a year. One man appears to have been "cured", in that his PSA levels dropped to zero after three months and have remained so for 22 cycles of treatment, with no trace of the disease remaining. The researchers are planning to treat a group of 60 men in total.

Sam Denmeade MD, professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore, USA) told the Symposium: "We think the results are unexpected and exciting. We are still in the early stages of figuring out how this works and how to incorporate it into the treatment paradigm for prostate cancer."

Traditionally, treatments for prostate cancer have involved lowering the levels of the male hormone (or androgen) testosterone using drugs called luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, as it was thought that androgens stimulate the cancer cells to grow. However, Prof Denmeade says there is no evidence that testosterone promotes cancer.

"Indeed, earlier research in prostate cancer cell lines has shown that treatment with high doses of testosterone could inhibit growth and kill cancer cells. The exact mechanism is not known and there may be many things happening since the androgen receptor is the key signalling pathway in prostate cancer," he said. "In our lab we have observed that testosterone interferes with part of the cell division process in cancer cells called DNA licensing; it also seems to cause prostate cancer cells to make breaks in their DNA. So too much testosterone can cause cancer cells to die. It can also induce something we call senescence, which means the cancer cells become like old men who sit around and tell stories but don't make much trouble."

In an ongoing study called RESTORE, 47 men with castration resistant prostate cancer that had started to spread to other parts of the body (metastasise), who showed no symptoms but whose disease had become resistant to treatment with either abiraterone (17 patients) or enzalutamide (30 patients) receive a high dose of testosterone (400 mg), injected into the muscle every 28 days. At the same time the men continued on their LHRH agonist therapy to clamp down on testosterone produced naturally by the testicles. The men also stopped taking abiraterone or enzalutamide. These two anti-cancer therapies work by inhibiting androgen receptor signalling.

"Our goal is to shock the cancer cells by exposing them rapidly to very high followed by very low levels of testosterone in the blood," explained Prof Denmeade. These alternating extremes in testosterone levels are why the researchers call the therapy "bipolar".

Men with declining PSA levels or stable disease continued with BAT after three cycles, and if their disease started to progress they were treated again with abiraterone or enzalutamide.

The study has completed enrolment of the required 30 men in the first arm of the study who were treated with testosterone after their disease became resistant to enzalutamide and started to progress. Presenting results from this group, Prof Denmeade said: "Thus far we have observed dramatic PSA response in a subset of men; PSA levels declined in about 40% of men and in about 30% of men levels fell by more than 50%. Some men also have objective responses with a decrease in the size of measurable disease, mostly in lymph nodes. Many of the men have stable disease that has not progressed for more than 12 months. I think we may have cured one man whose PSA dropped to zero after three months and has remained so now for 22 cycles. His disease has all disappeared."

So far, 17 of the 30 men in the second arm of the study whose disease had started to progress again after treatment with abiraterone have received testosterone. Prof Denmeade said: "PSA responses were also observed in this group, but full results will not be presented until all 30 men have been enrolled over the next year."

All men in the study were tested for circulating tumour cells in their blood and six of them were found to have a protein called androgen-receptor splice variant (AR-V7), which may be associated with resistance to treatment with enzalutamide. After BAT treatment, AR-V7 disappeared from the blood of all six men, and two of the men had declines in PSA levels of 50% and over.

So far, BAT has been well-tolerated by patients with no dose-limiting toxicities. One patient had an increase in pain and one had a problem with retention of urine. "The benefits of the treatment are particularly evident in men who have had no sexual function for many years due to impotence caused by hormone deprivation. These men are quite happy with the new treatment. Other positives include increase in muscle strength, increased energy and decreased fatigue. This does not occur in every man and we are not sure exactly why."

More research still needs to be conducted on BAT. Prof Denmeade said: "We caution that this is still experimental. In particular, this therapy should only be given to men who are asymptomatic. Testosterone treatment can definitely worsen pain in men with prostate cancer who have pain from their disease."

A multi-centre randomised trial in the USA called TRANSFORMER is testing BAT versus enzalutamide in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer whose disease had progressed after being treated with abiraterone. So far it has recruited 111 men with a target of 180. "If we find testosterone is superior then we would hope to move on to larger trials. Our problem is this is not a drug that is owned by a pharmaceutical company; it is generic testosterone. So moving forward is going to be difficult due to issues with finding funds to run a bigger trial," concluded Prof Denmeade.

Chair of the scientific committee for the Symposium, Professor Jean Charles Soria from the Institut Gustave Roussy (France), commented: "The use of testosterone in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer is an intriguing concept that was previously advocated some years ago, but this is the first time we have clinical data in patients whose disease has progressed after treatment with abiraterone or enzalutamide."

Provided by ECCO-the European CanCer Organisation
Credit: George Hodan/Public Domain

The vast majority of people with depression across the world are not receiving even minimally adequate treatment for their condition, according to a new study of more than 50,000 people in 21 countries by King's College London, Harvard Medical School and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The research, published today in the British Journal of Psychiatry, reports that of 4,331 people with depression across all 21 countries, treatment rates vary widely. In high income countries only one in five people with depression receive adequate treatment. The situation in the poorest countries of the world is far worse, where one in 27 people with depression receive adequate treatment.

Globally, an estimated 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression, and the condition is the leading cause of disability worldwide. There is an increasing awareness that depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care settings using psychological therapy or medication, yet these scientifically proven and effective treatments are not being delivered on a wide scale.

The researchers analysed data from the WHO World Mental Health Surveys, a series of 23 community surveys in 21 countries. These included 10 low or middle income countries (Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, People's Republic of China (PRC), Peru and Romania) and 11 high income countries (Argentina, Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the USA).

The researchers defined minimally adequate treatment as receiving either pharmacotherapy (at least one month of medication plus four or more visits to a doctor) or psychotherapy (at least eight visits with any professional including religious or spiritual advisor, social worker or counsellor).

Professor Graham Thornicroft from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London, who led the study, said: 'We call on national and international organisations to make adequate resources available for scaling up the provision of mental health services so that no one with depression is left behind. Our results indicate that much treatment currently offered to people with depression falls far short of the criteria for evidence-based and effective treatment.

'Intriguingly, about half of all people with depression did not think they had a problem that needed treatment and this proportion fell to only a third in the poorest countries. This strongly suggests that we also need to support people with depression and their family members to recognise that they have a treatable condition and should seek treatment and care.'

Professor Thornicroft added: 'Providing treatment at the scale required to treat all people with depression is crucial, not only for decreasing disability and death by suicide, but also from a moral and human rights perspective, and to help people to be fully productive members of society.'

This study was carried out in conjunction with the World Health Organization World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative.
The membrane transport protein (red) is expressed at high density in the endothelial cells of the cornea. Credit: Mark Parker

For more than a decade, researchers have tried to figure out the role of a membrane transport protein involved with a rare, hereditary condition that results in vision loss. Numerous papers have been published, but no single strong hypothesis has emerged.

Now, a team of University at Buffalo researchers led by Mark Parker, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, has proposed a single, unifying model for the SLC4A11 protein. The research is relevant to the rare disorder Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy (CHED), in which SLC4A11 mutation results in vision loss by affecting cells in the cornea as well as hearing loss.

The UB researchers describe SLC4A11 as a highly-selective acid-conducting protein that regulates the pH level of cells.

The research was published online Sept. 28 in the American Journal of PhysiologyCell Physiology. Evan J. Myers, a doctoral candidate in the UB Department of Physiology and Biophysics, is first author.

The paper is accompanied by an editorial by Keith Nehrke of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, who cited the UB researchers' "robust data and detailed analysis," noting that the work on the protein "suggests that it utilizes a novel conductance pathway to support corneal physiology and health."

SLC4A11 is a clinically important protein found in endothelial cells in the cornea, the inner ear and the kidneys. The protein is in the SLC4 family of transport proteins that are of interest in part because they're linked to disorders ranging from blindness and epilepsy to hypertension and cancer; they also are implicated in a rare disease in which an individual's blood becomes acidified.

Varying hypotheses

Parker began working on SLC4A11 in 2001 when he was involved in the original cloning of the gene as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Bristol in England.

"The function of the protein eluded us at the time so I moved onto working with other related proteins," he said.

In the intervening decade numerous papers were published hypothesizing that SLC4A11's function was to transport various molecules, including boron, sodium, ammonium and water.

But few of those data have been repeated, and much of the data was controversial, Parker said. So having established a new laboratory at UB, Parker and Myers began to look at the protein again in 2014.

"In order to develop a therapy to restore vision and hearing in individuals with SLC4A11 mutations, we need to understand how SLC4A11 normally promotes eye and ear health," said Parker. "Perhaps the most crucial question is, 'what does this protein transport?' "

"Our research found that the Slc4A11 protein transports the equivalent of pure acid, only the second such protein identified in mammals," said Parker.

His focus on the SLC4 family of membrane proteins has been concerned with how cells attempt to maintain the proper pH level, essential for healthy functioning.

"Blood plasma needs to stay at a pH of 7.4, and most cells maintain an internal pH close to 7.2," said Parker "Those are the magic numbers." Even slight deviations can result in devastating physiological effects, he added.

Healthy corneal cells

"Corneal cells are no exception. It's very important to maintain that pH balance in the cornea," Parker explained. "That means the tissues stay properly hydrated and transparent, which allows light to pass to the lens without distortion."

The role of SLC4A11 had always been a mystery, he explained, because there seemed to be other acid- and alkali-transporter proteins in corneal cells that also are capable of balancing pH.

"We find SLC4A11 to be a very flexible protein that can either move acid into or out of a cell depending on prevailing conditions," he said.

If the actions of the acid- and alkali-transporting proteins in the cornea are not perfectly balanced, he continued, then the pH will be disturbed and these cells will not function effectively.

"We propose that SLC4A11 acts as sort of an overseeing manager, able to rapidly redress any pH imbalance, ensuring that the cells function properly," said Parker.

The research was supported by startup funds from UB, by a Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar Grant from the American Society of Nephrology, and by the National Institutes of Health.

In addition to Parker and Myers, co-authors are Aniko Marshall, a research technician with the UB Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Michael L. Jennings with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Parker also has appointments with the UB Department of Ophthalmology and the State University of New York Eye Institutes.

Earlier this year, Parker and his colleagues at UB and other institutions published a paper in the Journal of Physiology on another protein in the same family. That study, performed in collaboration with a team of physicians in Beijing, described a novel case of a rare disease called proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA). This disease is caused by mutations in SLC4A4 (a close relative of SLC4A11), a membrane transport protein that neutralizes blood acid by supplying the plasma with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Individuals with pRTA have acidic blood and numerous eye defects such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Parker's lab showed that the SLC4A4 protein in that case was not able to do its job due to being misfolded, which in turn, causes it to be withheld from the cell membrane. An image of a kidney cell expressing the displaced mutant protein was shown on the journal cover.
Open office plans are becoming increasingly common in the workplaceoffering a way to optimize available space and encourage dialogue, interaction and collaboration among employees. However, a new study suggests that productive work-related conversations might actually decrease the performance of other employees within earshotmore so than other random, meaningless noises.

The results of the study, led by Takahiro Tamesue, an associate professor at Yamaguchi University in Japan, will be described during the 172nd Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and the 5th Joint Meeting with Acoustical Society of Japan, being held Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2016 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In their work, the researchers investigated the impact of meaningless and meaningful noises on selective attention and cognitive performance in volunteers, as well as the degree of subjective "annoyingness" of those noises.

The experiments were based on the so-called "odd-ball" paradigma test used to examine selective attention and information processing ability.

"In the odd-ball paradigm, subjects detect and count rare target events embedded in a series of repetitive events. To complete the odd-ball task it is necessary to regulate attention to a stimulus," Tamesue explained. Tamesue's laboratory focuses on improving auditory environments by analyzing the physiological and psychological effects of noise.

In one trial, a visual odd-ball paradigm, subjects observed pictures flashing on a PC monitor as meaningless (for example, a pseudo voice-noise consisting of a pink noise with a spectrum closely resembling that of speech) and meaningful sounds (male and female speech) were played to both ears through headphones. The most frequent imageappearing 20 percent of the timewas 10 x 10 centimeter-square green image; the most infrequent was a red square. The subjects had to count the number of times the red image flashed on the screen over a 10-minute period. In a second trial, an auditory odd-ball paradigm, the subjects had to detect and count an infrequently played noisea 2,000-Hertz toneamid a series of 1,000-Hz tones. At the end of the trial, the subjects also rated their level of annoyance at each sound, on a seven-point scale.

During this and other experiments, the subjects' brain waves were measured through electrodes placed on their scalp. In particular, the researchers looked at two parts of the electroencephalograph (EEG) waveforms generated during the trials. The first, the so-called N100 component of event-related potentials (ERPs, brain responses caused by particular sensations, thoughts or motions), peaks about 100 milliseconds after a stimulus is presented. The second, the P300 component of ERPs, peaks around 300 milliseconds after the presentation of a stimulus.

"The N100 is thought to represent the activation of neural assemblies involved in the analysis of incoming sensory information," Tamesue said. "The P300 is thought to reflect the resolution of uncertainty or the perceptual decision that an expected signal has occurred. The peak amplitude and latency of this component is related to selective attention and working memory."

The study revealed that more meaningful noises, such as music and conversation, had a stronger effect on levels of subjective annoyance than meaningless noisesand led to a greater decline in performance on cognitive tasks involving memory or arithmetic tests. In addition, when meaningful noise such as speech was presented to the subjects, their EEG measurements showed large reductions in the P100 and P300 components, indicating that selective attention to cognitive tasks was influenced by the degree of meaningfulness of the noise. The effect was most pronounced during the auditory odd-ball paradigm test.

The experiments suggest that when designing sound environments in spaces used for cognitive taskssuch as the workplace or schoolsit is appropriate to consider not only the sound level, but also meaningfulness of the noise that is likely to be present, Tamesue said. "Surrounding conversations often disturb the business operations conducted in such open offices. Because it is difficult to soundproof an open office, a way to mask meaningful speech with some other sound would be of great benefit for achieving a comfortable sound environment," he said.

More information: Poster 4aPPa24, "Effects of meaningful or meaningless noise on psychological impression for annoyance and selective attention to stimuli during intellectual task," by Takahiro Tamesue is at 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. HAST, Dec. 1, 2016 in Room Coral 3.
Bipolar disorder is one of the most disabling medical conditions among adolescents worldwide. Similarly, being overweight or obese is common in adolescents and is known to confer risk for cardiovascular disease and other poor health outcomes in adulthood. As a result, the intersection of bipolar disorder and overweight is a matter of clinical and public health concern. Previous studies have demonstrated that overweight and obesity are more prevalent among adults with bipolar disorder as compared to the general population, and that overweight and obesity are associated with proxies of increased bipolar disorder severity, such as suicide attempts and greater symptom burden. Thus far, little is known about overweight among adolescents with bipolar disorder.

A study published in the December 2016 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP) is the first to examine this topic in a large, representative sample of the US adolescent population. The NCS-A is a face-to-face survey of mental disorders in a representative sample of adolescents 13-17 years old. Participants included 295 adolescents with bipolar disorder, 1,112 with major depressive disorder, and 8,716 with neither of these conditions. 37.9% of adolescents with bipolar disorder were also overweight, compared to 32.4% of adolescents with major depressive disorder, and 32% of adolescents with neither of these conditionsdifferences that were not statistically significant.

"We were somewhat surprised about the fact that obesity was not more prevalent among the adolescents with bipolar disorder compared to their peers. But this is good news, as it confirms that there is a window of opportunity to intervene in order to prevent the increased risk of obesity that is evident in adults and in clinical samples of adolescents with bipolar disorder," said Dr. Benjamin Goldstein, director of the Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder in Toronto's Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and lead author of the study.

The researchers also found that although overweight is not more common among adolescents with bipolar disorder than other adolescents, overweight adolescents with bipolar disorder showed signs of increased illness severity, including more suicide attempts, psychiatric hospitalizations for depression, co-occurring conduct disorder and bulimia/binge-eating, and history of physical or sexual abuse.

"It is concerning that despite the fact that this a non-clinical sample, the links between obesity and indicators of greater bipolar disorder severity are already evident. Some have wondered whether these links are secondary to greater exposure to psychiatric medications, some of which confer risk of weight gain, among adolescents with greater severity of bipolar disorder," added Dr. Goldstein. "Our findings, based on a community sample with low rates of medication use, confirm that there is more to the story than medications  there appears to be a direct relationship between obesity and greater severity of bipolar disorder."

Asked what next steps should be taken, Goldstein responded: "The main clinical question now becomes: what strategies are most effective for preventing obesity in this specific group of teens, for whom the risks of obesity in terms of both physical and mental health may be especially significant? The answer to that question will require additional research, informed in part by the findings of this study. In addition, there are scientific questions about the biological, psychological, and environmental factors that explain the increased severity of bipolar disorder among obese teens with bipolar disorder."

To that end, Goldstein and his team are studying how overweight is associated with brain structure, cognition, and blood markers of inflammation and other processes, among adolescents with bipolar disorder. Goldstein is planning to study intervention strategies to prevent and treat overweight among adolescents with bipolar disorder, and is hopeful that if successful these strategies will improve mental as well as physical health. "Wouldn't it be interesting, and efficient, if an intervention focused on optimizing weight could also yield mental health benefits?" he concluded.

More information: Benjamin I. Goldstein et al. Correlates of Overweight and Obesity Among Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder in the National Comorbidity SurveyAdolescent Supplement (NCS-A), Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2016). Journal information: Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Benjamin I. Goldstein et al. Correlates of Overweight and Obesity Among Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder in the National Comorbidity SurveyAdolescent Supplement (NCS-A),(2016). DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2016.08.010
In response to a muscle injury in old age, developmental pathways are re-activated that originally play a major role in embryonic development. Paradoxically, in old age, they heavily decrease the regenerative capacity of the skeletal muscle. Credit: FLI/adpic/Fotolia

Developmental genes and pathways strictly regulate embryogenesis. The process is strongly driven by so-called Hox-genes. Now, researchers from the Leibniz Institute on Aging (FLI) in Jena, Germany, can show that one of these genes, Hoxa9, is re-activated in old age. This limits the functionality of muscle stem cells and, hence, the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle. Ironically, these findings show that the same genes that control embryo-developmental processes also impair stem cell functionality and regeneration in the elderly. Nonetheless, it is a process which can be rescued by compounds inhibiting the epigenetic activation of Hoxa9; pointing to novel targets for regenerative therapies in aging. The study is published in the scientific journal Nature on November 30, 2016.

The development of the embryo during pregnancy is one of the most complex processes in life. Genes are strongly activated, and developmental pathways must do their job in a highly accurate and precisely timed manner. So-called Hox-genes play an important regulatory role in this process. Although remaining detectable in stem cells of adult tissues throughout life, after birth they are only rarely active. Now, however, researchers from the Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena, Germany have shown that, in old age, one of these Hox-genes (Hoxa9) is strongly re-activated in murine muscle stem cells after injury; leading to a decline in the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle. Interestingly, when this faulty gene reactivation was inhibited by chemical compounds, muscle regeneration was improved in aging mice, thus suggesting novel therapeutic approaches aimed at improving muscle regeneration in old age.

Activation of embryonic genes in aging stem cells

The biggest surprise from the current study is that the reactivation of Hoxa9 after muscle injury in old age impairs the functionality of muscle stem cells - instead of improving it. Dr. Stefan Tumpel, co-corresponding author and postdoc at the FLI, explains - ''Originally, Hoxa9-induced developmental pathways are responsible for the proper development of body axes - for example, during development of the fingers of a hand''. Dr. Julia von Maltzahn is leading the research group on muscle stem cells at the FLI. She adds that - ''A decline in stem cell functionality leads to an unavoidable decrease in the regenerative capacity of the whole skeletal muscle. With age, this may weaken the muscular strength after injury.'' The courses of stem cell and tissue aging are yet to be completely understood. It has already been recognized that signals which control the development of the embryo become activated in aging stem cells. However, the regulator-genes controlling these signals have not yet been analyzed in aging. ''From an evolutionary perspective, Hox-genes are very old. They regulate organ development across almost the entire animal kingdom - from flies up to humans. It is a huge surprise that the faulty reactivation of these genes leads to stem cell aging in muscle. This finding will fundamentally influence our understanding of the courses of aging'', expects Prof. K. Lenhard Rudolph, Scientific Director at the FLI.

Altered epigenetic stress response

The activation of developmental genes in an embryo must be timed very precisely, in order to ensure faultless tissue formation and organ development. This fragile process is regulated by alterations of the epigenome - i.e. chemical modifications of the DNA. In collaboration with Dr. Christian Feller and Prof. Dr. Ruedi Aebersold from ETH Zurich, a new methodological approach was applied to identify the epigenetic changes that occur in muscle stem cells after injury, as putative causes for the reactivation of Hox-genes in old age. Simon Schworer is a PhD Student at the FLI and first author of the paper. He describes how, ''Surprisingly, old muscle stem cells did not show a faulty activation of the epigenome in quiescence - the resting stage in non-injured muscle. Only in response to a muscle injury, do the stem cells display an abnormal epigenetic stress response, which leads to the opening of DNA and, thus, to the activation of developmental pathways.'' Working alongside scientists from Jena und Zurich were collaborators from Ulm, Heidelberg, Los Angeles and Rochester; all of whom contributed significantly to the astonishing results.

Regenerative medicine

In collaboration with the University Hospital Jena (UKJ), Prof. K. Lenhard Rudolph plans to investigate, ''whether a similar reactivation of embryonic genes is also causative for the loss of muscle maintenance in aging humans.'' The Nature study proves already that medical compounds that limit alterations in the epigenome, may improve the regenerative capacity of muscles in old mice. Thus far, this approach is too unspecific and affects the modification of genes in several cells and tissues. For this reason, a collaborative study with the ''Jena Center for Soft Matters'' (Dr. Anja Trager) is primed to investigate whether a nanoparticle-induced, target-specific inhibition of Hox-genes in muscle stem cells is feasible and, if so, would it be sufficient to improve muscle regeneration and maintenance.

More information: Simon Schworer et al. Epigenetic stress responses induce muscle stem-cell ageing by Hoxa9 developmental signals, Nature (2016). Journal information: Nature Simon Schworer et al. Epigenetic stress responses induce muscle stem-cell ageing by Hoxa9 developmental signals,(2016). DOI: 10.1038/nature20603

Provided by Leibniz Institute on Aging
More political parties will receive state funding

The number of political parties to receive state funding after last months Parliamentary Elections will increase from 11 to 20, which will cost about $4 million (9.8 million GEL) from the state budget annually.State funding is available for 'qualified political parties'  referring to parties, which separately or together with others in an electoral bloc, gained more than three percent of votes in the Parliamentary Elections and three percent votes in the local self-Government elections.The basic financing for qualified political parties is equivalent to $121,000 (300,000 GEL). However parties can gain more (or less if there are several parties in a bloc) funding based on the number of votes it received in the elections, the number of gained mandates, etc.For example if a party gained six percent of votes in the election it will receive $242,000 (600,000 GEL) instead of the $121,000 (300,000 GEL).Parties that overcome mandatory thresholds in the elections will also receive one-off financing from the state budget that amounts to no less than $403,252 (one million GEL) to cover pre-election expenses.If a party list presented by a qualified election party was gender balanced it can also receive an additional $36,292 (90,000 GEL).A qualified political party will retain financing until the next elections.Despite the fact some political parties failed to gain three percent of votes in last months Parliamentary Elections, they still managed to gain the status of 'qualified political party' based on the outcomes of the 2014 self-Government elections. The next local elections will take place next year.See Agenda.ge Election Map, all about last month's Parliamentary Elections.The number of qualified political parties increased after the recent Parliamentary Elections as some parties that gained seats in the legislative body had created blocs with other parties.Consequently, parties that were united with the dominant party and occupied seats in Parliament will also receive state funding until the 2020 Parliamentary Elections, at least.The 20 parties that will receive annual state funding until next year's self-Government or 2020 Parliamentary Elections are: Georgian Dream  Democratic Georgia party- $839,000 United National Movement- $453,000 Conservative Party- $95,000 Industrials Party-$216,000 Republican Party- $95,000 National Forum- $95,000 Georgias Christian - Conservative party- $241,000 Free Democrats- $207,000 Labour Party- $191,000 European Georgia- $361,000 Democratic Movement - United Georgia- $97,000 United Democratic Movement- $402,000 Alliance of Patriots- $300,000 Union of Georgian Traditionalists-$35,000 Free Georgia- $35,000 Freedom-Zviad Gamsakhurdias Way- $35,000 Georgias Armed Forces Veterans and Patriots Political Movement- $35,000 New Christian Democrats- $35,000 Movement State for People- $79,000 Civil Platform-New Georgia- $79,000In last months Parliamentary Elections, three parties overcame the five percent threshold to gain seats in Parliament; these were Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia, United National Movement and the Alliance of Patriots.
The News in Brief

Belarus journalists visit ministry of Internal Affairs



Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Shalva Khutsishvili hosted a delegation of journalists from Belarus. The Belarusian delegation was comprised of journalists from television and printed media.



At the meeting, Shalva Khutsishvili discussed work specifics of the various MIA departments, projects planned at the agency and priority directions. The Belarusian journalists were interested in both implemented and ongoing reforms, and especially in the newly-established Joint Operations Center.



The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs acquainted his guests with a new project entitled A Safe City, A Safe Region, A Safe Country, which was launched under the initiative of the Minister of Internal Affairs, Giorgi Mgebrishvili, and is being implemented by the Joint Operations Center.



Within the frames of the project, the installation of so-called smart cameras with video analytical programs is planned in pre-defined areas across the country. Cameras will be connected to a joint network, the monitoring of which will be implemented by video-analytical programs of the Joint Operations Center. The project aims to increase the role of technology in police activities and improve crime prevention. The project is being implemented by the Joint Operations Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which was opened on October 4 2016, and acts as a centralized technology hub of the agency, stated Shalva Khutsishvili.



At the end of the meeting, the guests had an opportunity to see patrol police vehicles and special patrol equipment.



The Belarusian journalists also visited the Operative Response Center 112, and became acquainted with work specifics and innovative projects. (police.ge)







Procedures for expression of confidence to new governmental team launched



The Georgian Parliament will express confidence in the new governmental team on Saturday November 26. Procedures for the expression of confidence in the new membership of Georgian Cabinet of Ministers will be launched in Parliament.



The candidates will be then considered at parliamentary committees. The parliamentary majority and minority members will also meet with ministerial candidates.



The membership of the new Cabinet of Ministers is already known. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the Acting Prime Minister, presented new ministers at the Governmental Administration on November 22.



The Office of the State Minister of Diaspora Affairs will merge with the Foreign Ministry. Nodar Khaduri, the Finance Minister, will be replaced by Dimitri Kumsishvili. Giorgi Gakharia will replace Kumsishvili in the post of Minister of Economics and Sustainable Development.



Zurab Alavidze will head the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development instead of Nodar Javakhishvili, while Kaha Kaladze will retain the post of Energy Minister. (1tv.ge)







Georgian Transgender Woman Dies After Attack



A 34-year-old Georgian transgender woman has died in a Tbilisi clinic after succumbing to injuries inflicted on her during an assault in October.



Zizi (formerly Zurab) Shekeladze was hit several times by a concrete bar and her throat was slashed by a blade several times in the Georgian capital on October 14. She had been hospitalized since then.



A man suspected in the attack, Giorgi Murjikneli, was arrested and charged with attempted murder on October 15.



A preliminary hearing into his case is scheduled for early December.



LGBT rights defenders in Georgia have demanded the suspect be charged with a "hate crime".



Although homosexuality and gender-change practices are legal in Georgia, society's view of the LGBT minority remains negative.



In 2013, Georgian LGBT activists were severely beaten up in Tbilisi after trying to hold a rally against homophobia. (rfrel.org)







Govt takes step to declare circumcision as criminal offense



Acting Justice Minister of Georgia Thea Tsulukiani has announced her organisation initiated an article that would make female circumcision and female genital mutilation a criminal offence.



Yesterdays statement came after the local media reports that two or three villages in eastern Kakheti region, inhabited by Muslim Kist people, still addressed female genital mutilation.



Some of the locals told the media that circumcision remained part of their tradition that played a role for a female to be married.



In the villages, Kist people still believed that a circumcised female would remai a virgin before her wedding and then faithful to her husband, as the mutilation decreases the female sex drive.



Herewith, the process, which is generally conducted by people without medical knowledge and experience, and is carried out with no anesthesia, can lead to fatalities.



Over the last four years the Government of Georgia has taken a range of steps, in terms of legislation among them, to ensure the protection of childrens rights, Tsulukiani stated.



The process must continue and conclude with the ratification of the Istanbul Convention I had honour to sign two years ago. I have high hopes that the new Parliament of Georgia will ratify the convention, the Minister added.



A couple of days ago we [the Ministry of Justice] introduced an article in the convention that envisages circumcision to become punishable, Tsulukiani said, and added that "unfortunately there was no earlier information over the existence of the tradition in the "two or three villages.



Representatives of the Muslim religion have stated their holy books "said nothing about the circumcision and highlighted it was a custom of some ethnic groups mainly in Africa.



Georgias civil sector has already addressed the facts and stated the circumcision was one of "highest-level violation of human rights.



Circumcision is generally conducted in 2-3-4 year-old children, but it can also take place in adults on the initiative of family members. (agenda.ge)




By Susan Meikle, university news and communications

Yoshi Tomoyasu, associate professor of biology, (left) and Alan Hu (Miami '16)

Without using any modern technical laboratory methods, researchers in Yoshinori Tomoyasus evolutionary developmental biology lab have produced the first quantitative evidence supporting the importance of beetle forewings (elytra).

We are very proud of this work, because this is a very simple study without any modern biology techniques, yet provides the first compelling evidence for something that has been regarded as a fact for centuries without any empirical support, Tomoyasu, associate professor of biology, said.

Their paper, Functional value of elytra under various stresses in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum was published in Scientific Reports, an online, open access journal from the publishers of Nature.

The study was conducted by David Linz (Miami 10), doctoral student in biology, and Alan Hu (Miami 16). They were supported by funds from Miamis Doctoral Undergraduate Opportunity Scholarships (DUOS) program.

Their study demonstrates that elytra are indeed critical to beetles in order to withstand four major environmental stresses: physical damage to hindwings, predation, desiccation (drying) and cold shock.

Red flour beetles: control and with elytra removed (ER) (image courtesy of Tomoyasu).

The beetle forewing structure  the elytra  has always been considered to be a shield, protecting beetles from various environmental stresses, said Tomoyasu, whose research focuses on evolutionary developmental biology.

The evolution of the elytra is often presumed to have been the major driving force for the success of beetles, which account for about 20 percent of known eukaryotic species in the world, Tomoyasu said.

So it is very surprising that few studies have ever been performed to actually demonstrate that elytra help beetles withstand diverse environmental challenges, he said.

Tomoyasu, Linz and Hu designed a study to empirically test the functional importance of the elytra in several creative ways, such as: drying beetles, icing beetles and feeding beetles to spiders.

Even widely accepted views require empirical testing

It sounds like an elementary school summer science project, but we did it very seriously, by establishing several sophisticated assay systems and implementing some complex statistical analyses, Tomoyasu said.

Using Tribolium castaneum (the red flour beetle) as a model, they tested four categories of stress on control beetles and those that had their elytra removed: physical damage to hindwings, predation, desiccation and cold shock.

They found that, in all categories, the presence of elytra conferred a significant advantage compared to those beetles with their elytra experimentally removed.

This work provides compelling quantitative evidence supporting the importance of beetle forewings in tolerating a variety of environmental stresses, and gives insight into how the evolution of elytra have facilitated the remarkable success of beetle radiation, Linz said.

This study also illustrates a recurring theme in science; that some views, even widely accepted ones, still require empirical testing, Tomoyasu said.

Undergraduate research and collaboration between labs

Doctoral student David Linz (left) and Alan Hu.

This project was a great example of an undergraduate student being a member of a research team, Tomoyasu said.

Most of the projects in his lab employ technical state-of-the-art molecular biology methods. Undergraduate students in his lab typically require about six semesters of experience learning the methods before they can start collecting experimental data.

With the elytra study, Tomoyasu had been thinking of a project that could be done quickly with simple methods.

He and Hu, then in his second year in Tomoyasus lab, started researching scientific papers to find evidence of studies demonstrating the importance of elytra. They found no studies that tested the hypothesis, so they developed their own study.

Linzs previous experience in beetle desiccation and freezing experiments helped the team implement the study. As an undergraduate at Miami (2006-2010), Linz conducted research with Richard Lee, University Distinguished Professor of Biology. Lee researches the Antarctic midge, Belagica antarctica, which can tolerate freezing  up to two years in the larval stage  and extensive dehydration, surviving the loss of 70 percent of its body water.

Linz worked with Lee during his four undergraduate years at Miami and was an Undergraduate Summer Scholar. He credits Lee and Ben Philip (Miami Ph.D. '10), Lee's doctoral student, for encouraging him to pursue a career in science.

Tomoyasu with his lab group (photo by Scott Kissell).

Study co-author Michael Sitvarin (Miami Ph.D. 14) provided expertise for the spider predation assay. Now a post-doctoral scholar in entomology at the University of Kentucky, Sitvarin did his doctoral research with Ann Rypstra, University Distinguished Professor of Biology. Rypstra is internationally known for her research in the field of behavioral ecology, including predation, using spiders as model systems.

We were surprised by the spider predation results, Tomoyasu said. Control beetles were less likely to be picked up by the spider and were dropped immediately after being picked up. Only beetles with the elytra removed (ER) were killed by the spider.

Tomoyasu currently has five undergraduate researchers in his lab, with doctoral students Linz and Courtney Clark-Hatchel and masters degree students Yi-Ting Lai and Kevin Deem.

Below, results from the spider predation assay: ER (elytra removed) beetle and wolf spider; control beetle and wolf spider.
Recently I saw a Facebook post by Cyrus Kirkpatrick, author of Understanding Life After Death, describing an evidential and intriguing session he'd had with Susanne Wilson. I asked Cyrus if he would tell his story here. What follows is his account of his experience.

Thanks for sharing, Cyrus!

---

Recently, I had my first session with a psychic medium, Susanne Wilson, whom a friend described as one of the very few authentic mental mediums shes had the opportunity to experience. Booked several months in advance, the due-date finally rolled around, and I received my phone call from Susanne.

First, lets get the skeptical part over with. I was very aware coming into the reading that I could become a victim of a hot reading. And initially this was the direction things went. Simply skimming my book (Understanding Life After Death), you can find a lot of info to construct a fake reading. So, I was a bit concerned that one of her initial comments was about a man eager to make his presence known as a partner of mine in the astral  the famous medium Leslie Flint. Of course I devote an entire chapter to Flint in my book, so it would be no great feat to use Flint as a tool to try and dupe me.



However, much to my relief, a gold standard of proof soon developed during the reading, beyond what could be considered a hot or cold reading (I took measures throughout the reading to minimize the information I was providing her as well, to reduce the chances of the latter form of hoax).

The high-caliber information began to roll in. Susanne first correctly identified my grandmother. She said a name was coming through that sounded like Jules, but that everyone always spells it wrong. My grandmother was always quick to note that people constantly spell her name Julya (with a y) incorrectly as Julia. My grandmother would always joke about this when I was a kid, and it is one of my distinct memories. Susanne identified that this character died at a very old age, close to 100, and that it was in fact my grandmother. She also identified the physical appearance of my grandfather alongside her, and that these people were all on my dads side.

She then identified a bunch of people playing the song Deep in the Heart of Texas and all my ancestors who were together on the other side, proud Texans, dressed in very dapper/upper-class clothes. Thats all my dads side of the family.

She then identified my living father by his first name. She (my grandmother) keeps saying guy, guy, guy. Who is guy? Is it maybe someones name? She really wants to provide a message for guy. My dads name is Guy.

Now for the proof-positive part: My dad had a very unusual ADC after my mom died a few months ago. My father is known for his often unusual, borderline psychedelic experiences, and I dont always take them all that seriously. He told me one night, in a very emotional phone call, that he was visited by a whole group of fluttering, faery-like creatures that came through the wall, illuminating his room, and sending telepathic messages. Its possible I mentioned this story in passing on my Facebook group (Afterlife Topics), but I have no memory, and I assume no other soul knew about this. Well, Susanna said, This is going to sound really strange. I almost dont want to say it if it sounds crazy, but theres like these faeries that are watching over your dad, helping him heal.

The next hits, however, are even more irrefutable, as they concern my personal contacts with my mom, who recently passed. Since my mom died, Ive had several astral experiences, where Ive met with her and tried to help her on a particularly rocky transition period. In my most recent encounter, my mom seemed to materialize into my bedroom while I was partially out of body. She crawled up next to me and wrapped her arm around my waist, and with her usual sense of humor said, This must be really creepy. Susanne correctly stated, Your mom tried to visit you recently, and made it a point to touch you so that you could remember the experience better. She wanted to verify that you received that experience.

During one of the times that I visited my mom, I found myself in a hospital-like environment. My mom was in a special room, where she was recovering from a kind of nervous breakdown, having been doing various self-destructive things to herself. It was there that I encountered an older lady in a nurses outfit, who explained to me that my mom was going through a really hard transition, and would require a lot of baby steps to become, essentially, a fully functional person again.

Susanne identified that there was a nurse with my mom, and that her name was Mrs. Connor, and that shed met with me before in this hospital-like area in the afterlife, which she calls the Halls of Healing. Its possible some of this information had been supplied by me ahead of time, but the next part was impossible for her to know: Susanne transcribed for me Mrs. Connors explanation of my moms condition. Connor tells me that your mom arrived with her consciousness split into two parts: one of an adult, and another of a child. This regression is, of course, very bad. However, shes gotten better since arriving. Basically, the nursing staff are trying to make her into a whole person again.

In the months leading to my moms sudden death, she began acting very strange. Half the time, she had reverted to the mind of a small child. This was a truly strange experience, and one of my brothers and I knew that it was a bad sign of mental deterioration  although, oddly, the other half of the time she was as normal as ever, so we couldnt say for sure it was even a sign of dementia. None of us could fully grasp what had happened to her, and she did not see any doctors or receive any diagnoses at this time; this information was only noted between me and a brother. Further, upon visiting my mom in the astral, I noticed she retained these issues, as she talked about her new environment with a strange, childlike vocabulary.

So, now that its established it was the real deal, Ill come back to the topic of Flint. Apparently, Leslie Flint has expressed a lot of happiness for my book and dedicated afterlife-related discussions online, and that there are really important things planned in the future that he, and scientists on the spirit side, are trying to get me and other afterlife researchers involved with. He said there is something Im working on that Flint wants to be front and center of (but Im not sure what that might be yet!).

Susanne explained that my most closely associated guides are my Texas ancestors, but also a group of consciousness researchers out of, of all places, Poland. That they were using me and my innate clairaudient abilities to further their influence on Earth.

However, I am also aware of other guides higher out on the spectrum that Im associated with, that I really wanted to know more about. So I inquired further. Susanne mentioned that a primary guide of mine is an aboriginal Australian man. She then confirmed another factthat this guide helped to heal me when I was traveling. I had a bad injury in Thailand a few years ago that required lengthy and dangerous surgery. However, in my astral experiences, Ive never encountered this entity.

Next, I clued her in on some more information about an apparent guide or astral visitor I already knew about. During that said injury, while I was in the hospital, I had a vivid lucid dream of these very beautiful Egyptian twins, who reassured me that I would be well during my injury. They told me they were spirits of the Nile crocodile, once worshiped as goddesses in ancient Egypt. Ive never been able to get those girls out of my head. So, I brought this up with Susanne. I said What can you tell me about Egypt, crocodiles, and a female guide?

Susanne then said that she saw a woman appearing. She seemed to stutter a lot on the topic, and then said something about a sisterthat the woman was bringing her sister forward. She said they were twins, and although they were two different women, they existed together as one entity.

She then explained that the twins were showing her an infinity loop tattoo on their arms. The symbol was a representation of how these spirits have existed eternally. Then, a powerful male spirit appeared, a kind of pharaoh of sorts. This spirit was somewhat dismissive of Susanne, who explained to me through her that they prefer not to work with mediums because of how unreliable they are. However, they would indulge my request just this once.

So who are they? Well, the twins called me Little Brother, related to a familial relationship to them from a past life. They are not from Earth or any realm we can even understand, but they did exist briefly in Egypt. During that time, apparently I had a life in Egypt, as well. They incarnated to help build something, and that I assisted them with building it. However, no details were given.

I was curious about why I havent had further experiences with them. Apparently, these spirits are so powerful, that if I were to come into contact with them, my physical body would instantly die. They said the only way they can be communicated with is through yes/no impressions through my own clairaudient abilities. Their advice for me was to remain calm throughout family matters and work for the next few months, and to meditate more.

Susanne concluded that they were probably from another star originally. My interpretation is that perhaps they are some of the progenitors of ancient Egyptian culture, and although highly influential on our culture, they're not even from Earth originally.

So, thats a lot to take in. A pretty extraordinary experience, not sure what else to say.

Also, my auras are pink and blue, which is funny because those aren't my favorite colors--but it makes sense concerning my personality. Apparently, pinks are empaths, and I need to be careful not to be too empathic for my own good.
BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP)  Gov. Steve Bullock's budget proposal for the next two years includes a 10 percent cut for the Montana Highway Patrol  a $7.7 million reduction that would mean the loss of 27 jobs, most of them troopers.

"The governor is aligning expenses with revenues across the entire budget," Bullock's spokesman, Tim Crowe, told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. The patrol's reduction is its proportion of the reductions in fuel taxes. The Department of Transportation also faces cuts due to decreased fuel tax revenue, he said.

Crowe did not respond when asked whether the governor believes the patrol can absorb the cuts while still fulfilling its duties.

The patrol's current two-year budget is $74.3 million. Bullock is proposing a $66.5 million budget over two years starting on July 1. The patrol has 299 employees, including 238 uniformed officers, the Department of Justice said.

Attorney General Tim Fox, head of the department, called the proposed cuts dangerous.

"The governor's proposal to slash the patrol's budget, while offering no budget solution, demonstrates a lack of leadership and a misunderstanding of the public safety challenges facing our state," Fox said.

Bullock served as attorney general from 2009 to 2013.

Fox said he's confident the Legislature will work with the governor to find a solution. Lawmakers begin the 2017 session on Jan. 2.

Trooper Dustin LeRette, president of the Association of Montana Troopers, said he hopes state leaders will realize the need to have a serious conversation about raising the 27 cent-per-gallon gasoline tax.

"The governor's budget proposes significant reductions in state highway construction and cuts to the highway patrol because the state lacks sufficient matching funds to take advantage of the monies allocated to Montana by the federal government," LeRette said in a statement to the Chronicle.
As this years growing season comes to a close, gather useful information on land management at the 2016 Healthy Acres Landowner Seminar sponsored by the Missoula County Weed/Extension Service and Five Valleys Land Trust.

The Healthy Acres Landowner Seminar will take place at Rubys Inn on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The seminar is free and includes a catered lunch. For more information or to register, call Steffany at 406-258-4211 or email steffany@missoulaeduplace.org. RSVP required.

This years seminar will include the following topics:

"Montana Climate: Past, Present, and Future"

Nick Silverman from the Montana Climate Office will provide a basic introduction to climate science and then dive into details about Montanas climate. Nick will also provide an overview of current state projects aimed at helping stakeholders make better management decisions under an uncertain climate future.

Blackfoot Watershed Drought Response Plan

Barry Dutton from the Blackfoot Challenge will discuss how severe drought and frustrations with Montanas Drought Management Plan led to the formation of the Blackfoot Drought and Water Conservation Committee and the development of the Blackfoot Drought Response Plan in 2000. Through weekly meetings, the Drought Committee provides Blackfoot water users with the information necessary to prepare for and respond to drought and oversees implementation of the Drought Response Plan during low flow periods.

Invasive Plants and Climate Change

Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations and temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, extreme weather events, and land use changes may alter geographic distribution of invasive plants locally to globally. In addition, efficacy of some invasive plant control tools like herbicides and biological control may change in response to a changing climate. In this presentation, Jane Mangold from MSU Extension will highlight our best understanding and predictions of invasive plants and climate change.

Looking to the Past to Prepare for Tomorrows Climate

Erik Kalstas Big Hole ranch has an unusually well-documented history; McCartney Mountain, and ancient volcano on his property, has hosted a weather station for 60 years. Kalstas family has kept remarkably meticulous journals that go back to the 1880s; spreadsheets with weather, river flows, calving dates and wildlife sightings. Erik will discuss how he has worked to restore and re-engineer the soil to regain the lands former productivity and water-storage capacity, and how being resilient to climate change might mean looking backwards in order to move ahead.
A course titled Gun Safety Class for Personal Protection and Concealed Weapon Permits with NRA-certified instructors Nate Martin and Scott Giesick is scheduled 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Deer Creek Shooting Range near Missoula.

This one-day course will concentrate on the safe handling, storage and use of handguns suitable for personal protection. The class will also cover selecting a personal firearm, concealed weapon permits, gun safety and shooting skills. The class will include both classroom and shooting range sessions. Ammunition requirement is 150 rounds.

Graduates will receive a certification qualifying them to apply for concealed weapon permits under Montana law. Class size is limited to the first 14 registrants. Pre-registration is required. Tuition is $100 per student. Students should be 16 years or older, although concealed weapons permits are not issued to people under age 18.

For more information or to register, call Martin at 406-207-4160 or Giesick at 406-493-2302; register at practicalshootinginstruction.com or email at shootingMT@yahoo.com.
Every end of big-game hunting season starts the same rumor mill: Will Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks allow a little more time? This year, the answer is actually yes  sort of.

Montana marks the start of a shoulder season program intended to manage elk herds that harbor on private land during this year's regular Oct. 29-Nov. 27 rifle season. After a limited pilot offering of four hunting districts in 2015, this year FWP has allowed extra time in 41 districts throughout most of the state.

However, strict rules govern the opportunity. Hunters may only take antlerless elk, and in many cases must have drawn permits to do so earlier in the year. They are limited mainly to private land, and must secure permission from the landowner before they can enter the property.

My general advice for folks is the situations in the late shoulder season do not provide opportunities for new recreational experiences for hunters who havent been to these places before, said FWP Region 2 Wildlife Manager Mike Thompson. Not to be totally discouraging, but were dealing with a pretty controlled situation without a lot of extra access.

Region 1 in northwest Montana has no shoulder season opportunities for the end of the year. It had limited opportunities for hunters whod drawn special tags between August and October.

In Region 2 surrounding Missoula, only one hunting district still has over-the-counter B licenses available for purchase: HD 290/298 in the Ovando-Helmville area. Hunters who bought over-the-counter B licenses before Oct. 22 may seek permission to hunt in districts 215 east of Deer Lodge, 217 Northwest Flint Range, and 291 East Garnet Range. Four more are open to those who drew special permits earlier in July: HD 210, HD 212, HD213 and HD 291. The shoulder season extends through Feb. 15 for all those districts.

For Montana hunting regions east of the Continental Divide:

Region 3: HD 312  Over-the-Counter B Licenses still available HDs 390 & 393  Over-the-Counter B Licenses still available, General Elk License.

Region 4: HDs 421, 422 & 423  B Licenses obtained in the June 1 drawing

HDs 411, 412, 445, 446, 449, 451 & 452  B Licenses obtained in the June 1 drawing, General Elk License

Region 5: All HDs except HD 500  B Licenses obtained in the June 1 drawing, General Elk License

Region 6: HDs 620, 621, 622, 630, 631, 632, 680 & 690 Only shoulder-season specific B Licenses acquired through the June 1 drawing.

No shoulder season opportunities are available in Region 7.

Each regional office has staff who can provide more information about specific access possibilities, wait lists and other details. The numbers to call include:

FWP R2: 406-542-5500

FWP R3: 406-994-4042

FWP R4: 406-454-5840

FWP R5: 406-247-2940

FWP R6: 406-228-3700
On Jan. 1, Sheila Stearns takes over as interim president of the University of Montana, bringing political connections and decades of experience in higher education to steady a campus in turmoil.

She'll serve at the helm until a national search to replace outgoing President Royce Engstrom is finished next year.

During an interview with the Missoulian on Thursday, Stearns, 70, said her "main motivation" for taking the interim position is her "50-plus years" of knowledge of and love for UM.

"I'm just happy to convey to those who don't already know me that I've been part of the University of Montana since I started as an undergraduate in 1964," Stearns said in the interview.

"Nobody could love this university, I don't think, more than I do, or be more eager to be of service."

Stearns said she got the phone call from Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian within the past two days.

"I'm still a little bit taken aback myself. It feels very recent," Stearns said. "I'm only maybe 24 or 36 hours ahead of everybody else.

"If I didn't know the University of Montana so well, I certainly wouldn't have been prepared to  even though this is a real shock to me  I wouldn't have been prepared to say yes so fast to a major decision."

Stearns resume illustrates why she was selected.

From 2003 to 2012, she held the university system's top post as Montana's commissioner of higher education.

Her retirement announcement at a May 2011 Montana Board of Regents meeting came with a standing ovation from the crowded room.

***

Stearns was hired as UM's director of alumni relations in 1983, served as UM vice president for university relations, and was a finalist for UM president in 1990, when former president George Dennison came on board.

Stearns served as provost and chancellor of UM Western. In 1999, she became president of Wayne State College in Nebraska, but came home to Montana in 2003 to take over as Montana's commissioner of higher education.

Stearns is a Glendive native, and she bleeds silver and maroon. She earned all of her degrees from UM: a bachelor's in English and history, a master's in history, and a doctorate in educational administration and supervision. After six years as a middle school teacher and librarian, she headed to an administrative position at UM.

Since her retirement, she served as a senior fellow and consultant for the national Association of Governing Boards  taking her experience overseeing Montana's universities and community colleges to give advice to trustees and governing boards of colleges and universities across the country.

This isn't Stearns' first time taking over a university during a period of transition. She became the interim chancellor at Montana State University Billings during the spring semester in 2014 after Rolf Groseth's retirement.

One of the things I was really impressed and happy working with Sheila was she brought so much experience, a wealth of experience from previously being commissioner, said MSU Billings director of university relations and communications Aaron Clingingsmith. Moreover, her understanding of Billings and eastern Montana just really helped our campus in the transition as we did our search for our chancellor.

Stearns was the interim chancellor there for just three months before current chancellor Mark Nook came on board in July 2014.

Boy, for me, theres nothing but glowing things to say about Sheila, Clingingsmith said.

Stearns doesn't see these two interim positions  one, an expected retirement, the other an emergency  as different.

"Campuses are always on edge with any transition, under any circumstances," she said. "A transition time on a campus is a challenge and a little disconcerting.

"I think it always takes good communication and a willingness to listen and lead, a willingness to make changes and, as need be, look carefully and listen to the good people who want the best for the university."

Clingingsmith said the interim role is a bridge.

Its a pretty pivotal position, but make no question about it, the thing I love about Sheila is shes not going to just fill a chair, he said. Shes someone whos going to be proactive if theres an issue or problem that needs to be resolved.

***

The Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education hopes to secure a permanent president by the end of this school year, taking over by July 1.

If that doesn't happen, Stearns said she "will help as needed, just as I'm helping now."

She doesn't yet know when she'll be able to address the university directly, if it will happen before Christmas or after the new year.

"With all due respect to president Engstrom, he's president until Dec. 31," she said. "He's a very gracious man and we will communicate and determine how to transition in the way that's best for him and best for the university."

Stearns is married to Hal Stearns, a retired Sentinel High teacher and UM adjunct professor.

Bill Jones, a retired Missoula attorney and long-time friend of the Stearns, said he's not surprised by her appointment to lead UM in the interim, as she was commissioner of higher education when Montana State University president Waded Cruzado was hired.

"She certainly knows the hierarchy of the two flagship schools in the state," Jones said of Stearns. She should do an absolutely excellent job because she has all the background and knows what has to be done to restore the university to its former glory.

---

Reporter Kim Briggeman contributed to this report.
A raffle is being held to raise money to help support local veterans.

Raffle tickets are being sold for $5 each to win a Powerwagon Pro (retail value $2,699.99). Tickets are available at Montana Ace in Missoula at Tremper's, Eastgate, Fancy Plants and Power Pros and in Ronan, Polson and Kalispell.

The money raised will go to the XSports4Vets program, a local nonprofit organization that provides combat veterans with much needed support to help navigate civilian life.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Visit montanaace.com.

Missoulian Staff
University of Montana staff, faculty and students held an emergency meeting Wednesday to share concerns about the potential for more budget cuts and discuss coming up with their own approach to prioritize programs.

The groups convened partly in response to a stinging warning last week from state higher education officials that UM's budget remains "personnel heavy" and the campus must evaluate programs in order to cut or support them. Otherwise, the state could force the campus to prioritize.

At the open forum late Tuesday afternoon, though, members of the campus pushed back against the top-down effort to prioritize programs and again called on the administration to be transparent with the budget.

"If we're going to get into program prioritization without having basic information about things like the budget, we're going to end up floundering," said David Beck, member of the Faculty Senate.

He said some people have been trying to get budget details from Main Hall for more than one year.

More than 100 participants attended the meeting. They also called for better student retention at UM and more cohesion or direction among all the different initiatives at the university.

One member of the group said the efforts underway are dizzying, especially on the heels of staff reductions last year. Simultaneously, UM is trying to update its strategic plan, improve customer service, and prioritize programs.

"Where are we going here?" said one participant.

Staff and faculty unions and governance groups and the Associated Students of the University of Montana called the forum. The speakers were energized to help move the institution forward, but they also appeared eager for clear direction and precise information in the quest to propel UM through its difficulties.

University Faculty Association president Paul Haber said he had never seen such a gathering, and he called on the collective to consider options besides reallocating money from one program to another.

Retention of students from their freshman to sophomore year has fallen to somewhere in the 60 percent range, Haber said. He said UM can clearly do better, and it may be able to put resources toward pushing retention closer to 75 percent.

"Let's grow ourselves out of this, and let's work better as a University of Montana community to retain students," Haber said.

Communications professor Steve Schwarze drew applause when he repeatedly urged the group to steer clear of one method for prioritizing programs: "Reject the Dickeson Model. Reject the Dickeson Model."

Robert C. Dickeson is a former college president and author of a controversial book called Prioritizing Academic Programs and Services: Reallocating Resources to Achieve Strategic Balance.

Schwarze said prioritizing programs "needs to be taken out of the hands of the administration, and Faculty Senate needs to take the lead on it.''

***

At the meeting, members of the campus community also stressed their strengths, the excellence in academics and personal relationships among students, faculty and staff. Professor Diane Lurie said some of the policies that come from the administration hurt those relationships, but they are at the heart of UM.

"That's where the power of the university lies, and I don't think we should forget that," Lurie said.

ASUM Senator Sarah Colenso said she came to UM expecting academic excellence, and faculty members have delivered it.

"I'm very proud of my professors, and I feel like everything that I thought I was going to get, I'm getting," Colenso said.

At the same time, she believes professors have an opportunity to help retain students. She encouraged faculty to reach out to students who might miss an assignment.

"Life happens. It's hard. There are circumstances that every student faces that sometimes we need reassurance and sometimes we need leniency," Colenso said.

Professor S. Neyooxet Greymorning, though, said students aren't oblivious to the climate on campus, and the ongoing challenges at UM are one reason retention is difficult.

"If a building is smoldering, they're going to get out of it. They're not blind to this," said Greymorning, in anthropology.

But finances play a major role in retention, said Anne Basinski, a professor in the School of Music. Basinski said students are hanging by a thread financially, and even a blown tire can influence their ability to stay in school.

"So many of our students do not have help from their families, are working a lot," she said. "This has increased. It's a change."

She said UM should look at ways to help them stay in school, including easing up the pressure on trying to graduate students in four years. Those who work may not be able to do so.

UM vice president of enrollment and student affairs Tom Crady was the only administrator from Main Hall that answered questions from the group. One person wanted to know if UM did exit interviews to learn the reasons students left, and Crady said UM is starting to do so, but it doesn't have information from past years.

Crady said he can't help how the campus is feeling, and he also was disheartened to read the statements from state higher education officials in the Missoulian about UM's budget and program priorities. But he said participants at the meeting could help by simply making a connection with a student  even opening a door.

"At some point, we've got to stop, and we've got to turn this around," Crady said.

UM has lost 2,500 students in the past five years, he said, and he's learning about structural changes that can help. For example, he said faculty don't have access to student records in their departments.

"So how do you advise students?"

Many of the fixes are "low hanging fruit," but UM still has to move quickly, he said.
A 25-year-old woman is in custody after leading officers on a high-speed chase that reached speeds of 110 miles per hour going the wrong way on Interstate 90 west of Missoula on Thursday morning.

The chase began just before 10 a.m. when a sheriffs deputy attempted to pull over the silver Dodge Intrepid  which was reported stolen  on North Reserve Street. Brenda Bassett, public information officer with the Missoula County Sheriffs Office, said the driver Amy Sondra Johnson sped away and drove onto I-90 heading west.

Just east of Frenchtown, a spike strip popped the front passenger-side tire of the vehicle, and Johnson crossed over the median and continued driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of traffic, running other cars off the road.

Deputies stayed in the correct lanes and pulled back, Bassett said. Officers contacted the Montana Department of Transportation and had highway snowplows block eastbound traffic near the Huson exit to prevent more drivers from heading toward the erratic vehicle.

"Those snowplows saved somebody's life today," Bassett said.

At the interstate exit, Johnson crossed back over into the westbound lanes and spun out, Bassett said. She attempted to drive away again but was rammed by a deputys vehicle.

Montana Highway Patrol assisted in the chase.

Johnson is being held on suspicion of felony theft and criminal endangerment, as well as misdemeanors for driving under the influence of drugs, fleeing officers and driving with a suspended license. She is expected to appear in court Friday.

Bassett is asking anyone who was run off the road or nearly hit by the driver to call 406-258-4810 to provide a statement to officers so they can complete an investigation and make sure all appropriate charges are filed against the driver.
When I learned that Donald Trump had been elected to the presidency of my country, I was devastated; I could scarcely make myself go through the motions of daily life. Then it occurred to me that as I am an old woman who has lived a long time; my country and I have survived seemingly unbearable circumstances and survived, even flourished.

As the Christmas of 1928 arrived I was approaching my second birthday and my family was reasonably well off. My father had a good job, we owned a car and we lived in a pleasant house on a tree-lined street in Fresno, California. My two sisters each received a big doll and roller skates, and my father gave my mother a Kodak camera, a wristwatch and a negligee. As I recall, I got a kiddy car. Life was good, and all predictions were that things would only get better.

The Great Depression began a few months later in the fall of 1929 and continued until 1938. The unemployment rate climbed to 24.9 percent of the labor force. One morning my father went to work, only to find the owner of the company hanging from the ceiling in the office. The business was bankrupt and with it, my fathers job. After a few weeks we were homeless and facing hunger. My mother said that we had only enough beans for one more potful and no salt for them. We became squatters in an abandoned auto court. Finally my mother got a job as a cook and housekeeper for a wealthy family, and my father got work as an auto mechanic.

Our family was living in San Jose, California when the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor and the subsequent declaration of war against the U.S. by Adolf Hitler started World War II. It took four years of fear, hard work and much death before WWII ended. But many people profited from that war, my family among them. My fathers business of rebuilding automobile engines thrived, and my mother got a job with the Navy. Our family income was such that we bought our own home, and I was able to go to college. Life seemed reasonably secure again.

Then came the Cold War, and for years the threat of atomic war hung over our heads. People built bomb shelters, and cities considered who would be saved and who would have to be sacrificed. There was even the question: Would you want to live after such desolation?

In 1952, a year after my husband and I were married, he was sent to the war in Korea, and I had to wonder if he would return to our daughter and me. That very unpopular war dragged on for three years and ended ingloriously, not with a victory, but a truce.

In the late 1960s and early 70s our country seemed to be disintegrating. The Vietnam War caused a huge split in our society. When our daughter was in school at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, her classes were disrupted by anti-war demonstrators, and the Math Building was bombed, killing a young graduate student. A neighbor of ours was found to be a member of the Weathermen, and protesting students at Kent State University were shot and killed by some National Guardsmen. Richard Nixon resigned from office after being tied to illegal activity. Everyone seemed to be protesting against something, and drugs and flagrant sex seemed to have taken over our country. Everything that my generation believed in was rejected. It seemed that the whole fabric of our society was being destroyed, and I felt like an alien in my own country.

And so it goes. One crisis after another. After pondering all this I decided that I could live with Donald Trump as president because weve been through crises before and survived, even triumphed. Just as our nation has held together through all the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, so too have I survived and continue to be strong. My country and I are tough and resilient. I probably wont be around much longer, but I dont doubt that the United States of America will continue to be the strongest, best country in the world for a very long time.
As two Missoulians working to address climate issuesone of us on the global level, one localwere thinking deeply about the place were in today. Some around us are claiming its game over for the planet. Yet our experience tell us that climate progress can be made despite any incoming administration and Congress. Both local communities and the larger world have experience moving around governmental obstructionism, and these two pathways for actionthe global and the localcan continue to push climate action forward in any political era, forcing lagging governments to follow.

To be sure, the planet and our efforts to protect it lost ground in this election. But local governments, states, businesses and communities across the world are helping their citizens understand climate science and embrace bold new initiatives.

Chris Filardi, an international scientist with 25 years of experience addressing environmental issues, just returned from COP22, the international climate summit in Marrakech, Morocco. For over two decades, these global meetings have been spent trying to come to a mutual agreement. But with the evidence of climate change mounting and global momentum growing, the Marrakech summit was the first to work with an international agreement in place. Instead of haggling over concessions and tradeoffs meant to bring all nations on board, the Morocco meetings were spent planning action around the world.

The Pacific Island nations Chris has spent the last two decades working with face many of the severest impacts of climate change. From rising sea levels, flooding, shifts in rainfall and declines in agricultural productivity, local communities across the Pacific region are already dealing with dramatic changes. Among Pacific islanders who learn about the connection between human activity and earth systems, the overwhelming reaction is not skepticism, but action. When the citizens of Zaira in the Solomon Islands, pressured by two international logging companies and their own government to sell the forests in the unbroken reef-to-ridgetop ecosystem of their homeland, learned what the impacts of that logging would be for their water supplies and the global climate, they simply said no. Because these rich tropical forests hold great stores of carbon, the islanders bucked the trend of selling precious resources for short-term gain that has been devastating tropical ecosystems for over a century.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the global climate meetings in Morocco was the recognition that these actions by local communities and small businesses provide the leadership we need. They are the seeds of social change that can grow into an effective international response to a changing climate.

Amy Cilimburg, director of Climate Smart Missoula, has watched efforts across Montana gain momentum in recent years. The Bullock administrations State Energy Blueprint is primed to move without the feds. From Red Lodge to Whitefish to right here in Missoula, local climate planning and actions are ramping up as citizens recognize this new political landscape demands local attention.

Climate Smart Missoula is forging ahead; shrinking our carbon footprint, preparing for more wildfires and hotter summers, and helping our most vulnerable citizens. With data weve just tabulated that shows Missoulas energy footprint, were challenging this community to shrink that use 10 percent in one year. Well work with solar installers to get more arrays on houses and help weatherize low-income homes, and well track our savings in fossil fuels not burned. Well protect our open space and wildlands and plant trees right here in Missoula. We look forward to working with our partners, engaging with all Missoulians, and connecting to other Montana communities and our state government.

People who care about the future of the planet as predicted by scientific evidence have long since learned how to move past obtuse and reactionary governments, flowing around them the way the Clark Fork moves around a midstream boulder. These two channels, the global and the local, will continue to be the way forward.
HELENA - What officials believed was a wildfire near Flesher Pass Tuesday night turned out to be flames from a logging operation's burn piles.

Authorities were not aware of the controlled burn because the organizer did not alert local dispatch of their operation. A citation may be issued for not following proper protocol, according to Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton.

The company, which was burning on private land, has a year-round permit but failed to inform local authorities of the Tuesday burn, he said.

The fires have burned down and will continue to smolder, with smoke visible.

Unaware that the fire was a controlled burn, crews from several agencies responded to the scene northwest of Helena off Lincoln Road at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The initial volunteer team responding became concerned after seeing 20-foot flames in what looked like a 60-acre area and asked for mutual aid.

Firefighters could not access the fire because of the rough terrain, and a request for air assistance was denied because of the unsafe nighttime conditions.
BUTTE  Over a thousand snow geese that landed in the Berkeley Pit's dangerously contaminated water this week have so far apparently survived  unlike the fate of 342 that perished in a similar 1995 landing.

Nikia Greene, the pits Environmental Protection Agency project manager, said Wednesday afternoon that he has seen no bird mortalities.

Mark Thompson, Montana Resources' manager of environmental affairs, agreed.

The birds apparently arrived Monday during a snowstorm, said Thompson.

That was the similar scenario 21 years ago  almost to the day  when 342 snow geese showed up, but died after ingesting highly acidic pit water.

Thompson said Wednesday, however, after 30-plus hours on the water, the most recent visitors were still able to fly away. He estimates that as many as 500 took flight at first light Wednesday.

Greene confirmed that a flock of the birds flew away Wednesday morning.

More birds left the pit Wednesday afternoon in response to MR shooting rifles from both the north and south sides. MR has been working since Monday night using various noise tactics to try to get the birds to leave.

But in the 21 years since MR and ARCO implemented a bird program to keep flocks off the pits water  in response to the 342 deaths in 1995  no one has seen birds stay on the water this long, Thompson said.

Usually birds that land are gone within 12 hours, said Thompson.

Greene said he believes that about half of the geese have left since they first landed sometime Monday night. Thompson thinks there are about 10 percent of what we first had.

Birding expert Gary Swant of Deer Lodge said heavy metals accumulate in animal tissue. That means drinking metal-contaminated water is not likely to kill the birds right away.

It would be a chemical that would affect them immediately, Swant said.

Necropsies of the 1995 birds revealed acid had burned their throats. So it was likely the sulfuric acid in the pit that killed the snow geese in 1995.

Steve Hoffman, Helena, executive director of the Montana Audubon Society, said the birds likely landed on the pit to rest. (See related story.) If the snow geese on the Berkeley Pit are thirsty, they will drink the water, Hoffman said.

Swant said the massive Warm Springs Ponds, south of Deer Lodge, a popular stopover for migrating birds, is mostly frozen. That means there is no other large body of water in the immediate area where birds could land for a rest.

Thompson said MR is working with the agencies to investigate why the birds landed on the Berkeley Pit after so many years of so few die-offs. The last count, taken in November 2013, found nine birds died in the pit in that month. Due to the instability of the pits walls, MR and ARCO have not been able to monitor bird mortalities in recent years.

Were going to figure this out because we dont want this to happen again, Thompson said.

ARCO spokesperson Brett Clanton said via email that they, too, are working closely with the agencies on the issue. When the snow geese landed in 1995, ARCO spokesperson Sandy Stash initially reported that the bird deaths were due to bad grain. The event gained national media attention.

Despite the tense situation, there is a potential ray of hope for the birds.

A snowstorm is sweeping through Butte Wednesday night and into Thursday, said Missoula-based meteorologist Trent Smith from the National Weather Service.

During migratory season birds fly either ahead of a storm system or they fly behind one, said Hoffman. Birds register a change in barometric pressure.

A sudden drop may get them to want to move on, said Hoffman.
HELENA  A woman who was criminally committed to Montana State Hospital has sued the state for $1.5 million, claiming she was raped by another patient while at the facility, which resulted in the birth of a child.

In a complaint filed last week in District Court in Helena, the woman, S.S., says she was sexually assaulted in a bathroom at the states psychiatric hospital. The lawsuit claims that hospital staff knew about the womans mental health issues, which included episodes of sexual delusions and intrusive sexual thoughts and failed to adequately supervise her. She is being represented by the Penelope Strong Law Office in Billings.

The complaint states that the hospital didnt have adequate staff to control the number of male and female patients in the hospitals D unit, where criminally committed patients live.

The woman is claiming negligence, denial of the right to a safe environment, a failure to supervise, infliction of emotional distress. She is asking for damages of $1.5 million to help care for a child that resulted from the rape.

A spokesman for the Department of Public Health and Human Services, which operates the state hospital, said it does not comment on ongoing litigation. The department has not yet been served with the lawsuit.

S.S. lived in Ravalli County and was formally committed to the state hospital in October 2010. She was found guilty but mentally ill of criminal possession of dangerous drugs in Yellowstone County. Her commitment was until June 2013.

When first at the hospital, the woman lived in the forensic unit, where men and women live in separate wings with their own bathrooms.

She was placed into general population Nov. 2, 2010, and six days later was found in a bathroom with a male patient. After the incident she was placed under stricter supervision, but it was lifted after about two weeks.

A year later, on Nov. 27, 2011, the woman was found with another male patient in a bathroom, after which she was put on one-on-one supervision and given a pregnancy test, which was positive.

According to the lawsuit, the administration and staff knew or should have known about S.S.'s mental health problems and disorders that made her vulnerable to sexual abuse by male patients. Notes in her records from as early as spring 2011 show other patients reported to staff that S.S. was having sexual contact with men in the unit, according to the complaint.

Hospital policy does not allow sexual relations between patients, according to the complaint.

Local law enforcement were notified by hospital staff of a sexual assault and resulting pregnancy on Dec. 13, 2011. A criminal investigation was done but a case was never filed.

The complaint also says staff failed to protect S.S. from additional assaults and verbal abuse from one of her assailants and other residents of the forensic unit after the police report was made.

In August 2012, S.S. gave birth to a daughter in Butte. The lawsuit states S.S. cannot effectively parent her child and her mother cares for the child now.

The woman is suing the state; the Department of Public Health and Human Services; the departments director, Richard Opper; John Glueckert, who was the hospital administrator; and unnamed employees.

In 2010 the state paid a $375,000 settlement to a woman who said she was raped at the state hospital in 2008. The settlement was a result of a negligence claim filed by Disability Rights Montana, a nonprofit that is required by federal law to investigate claims of abuse at the state hospital. DRM said the woman was locked in a bathroom with a male patient, who was a convicted rapist, for an hour and a half before staff noticed.
TxDOT LAUNCHES SAFE PHONE ZONES

TxDOT LAUNCHES SAFE PHONE ZONES, SPONSORED BY GEICO, AT REST AREAS, TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTERS ACROSS THE STATE

New effort is part of larger sponsorship program being launched to fund various driver benefits and offset maintenance costs



AUSTIN  The Texas Department of Transportation today announced the implementation of Safe Phone Zones at 55 Safety Rest Areas and Travel Information Centers (TICs) across the state. The GEICO sponsored Safe Phone Zones are part of the Departments Sponsor Acknowledgement Program, which seeks companies to fund various benefits for drivers  such as free Wi-Fi at Safety Rest Areas and TICs  in exchange for receiving public recognition through highway signage.

We are pleased to partner with our first sponsor to create these Safe Phone Zones so people will pull off the road to use their phone rather than using them as they drive, said Mark Marek, TxDOTs director of Engineering and Safety Operations. With more than 100,000 crashes in Texas each year involving distracted driving, we hope to curb this deadly habit by encouraging drivers to pull over at TxDOT Safety Rest Areas and Travel Information Centers to use apps, check email and surf the Web in a safe location.

Sponsorship funds pay for free Wi-Fi service for travelers at high-traffic Safety Rest Areas and TICs, while the highway signs encourage safer driving habits by reminding motorists to utilize their mobile devices only while stopped at the convenient facilities. Free Wi-Fi service is available at 22 Safety Rest Areas with more available in the coming months.

The number of traffic fatalities nationwide continues to move in the wrong direction, and distracted driving is no doubt a contributing factor, said Dan Beacom, regional vice president at GEICOs Richardson office. GEICO is pleased that we can partner with the Texas Department of Transportation to support dozens of Safe Phone Zones, and we're confident these locations will help make highways in Texas safer for all drivers.

About TxDOT Safety Rest Areas and Travel Information Centers

TxDOT currently has 80 Safety Rest Areas and 12 Travel Information Centers (TICs) placed strategically throughout the state. These facilities are essential safety features on the highway system as they allow drivers to rest and get travel information. The TICs are staffed by professional travel counselors who welcome visitors to Texas, help with routings and provide information on points of interest, events and road conditions.

About GEICO

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 14 million private passenger customers, insuring more than 23 million vehicles (auto & cycle).


1. The recent election of Donald Trump after Brexit, the rise of fascist votes in Europe, but also and much better, the electoral victory of SYRIZA and the rise of Podemos are all manifestations of the depth of the crisis of the system of globalized neoliberalism. This system, which I have always considered unsustainable, is imploding before our eyes at its very heart. All attempts to save the system  to avoid the worst  by minor adjustments are doomed to failure.

The implosion of the system is not synonymous with advances on the path to building a truly better alternative for people: the autumn of capitalism does not coincide automatically with the spring of the peoples. A caesura separates them, which gives our epoch a dramatic tone conveying the gravest dangers. Nonetheless, the implosion  because it is inevitable  should be grasped precisely as the historic opportunity offered to people. It paves the way for possible advances toward the construction of the alternative, which comprises two indissociable components: (i) at the national level, the abandonment of the fundamental rules of liberal economic management for the benefit of popular-sovereign projects giving rise to social progress; (ii) at the international level, the construction of a system of negotiated polycentric globalization. Parallel advances on these two levels will become possible only if the political forces of the radical left conceive the strategy for them and succeed in mobilizing the popular classes to make progress toward their attainment. That is not the case now, as demonstrated by SYRIZAs retreats, the ambiguities and confusions of the British and US votes, and the extreme timidity of the heirs of euro-communism.

2. The system in place in the countries of the historic imperialist triad (the United States, Western Europe, Japan) is based on the exercise of the absolute power of the national financial oligarchies concerned. They alone manage the whole of the national productive systems, having succeeded in reducing almost all small and medium-sized enterprises in agriculture, industry, and services to the status of subcontractors for the exclusive benefit of financial capital. These oligarchies alone manage the political systems inherited from bourgeois electoral and representative democracy, having succeeded in domesticating the right and left electoral political parties, at the price of eroding the legitimacy of the democratic practice concerned. These oligarchies alone control the propaganda apparatuses, having succeeded in reducing the directors of news organizations including public broadcasters to the status of media clergy in their exclusive service. None of these aspects of the dictatorship of the oligarchy is challenged by the social and political movements at work in the triad, especially not in the United States.

The oligarchies of the triad also try to extend their exclusive power to the entire planet by imposing a particular form of globalization: globalized liberalism. But here they face more resistance than there is in the societies of the triad, heirs and beneficiaries of the advantages of imperialist domination. For if the social ravages of liberalism are visible in the West, they are ten times worse in the peripheries of the system, to the point that few existing political regimes still seem legitimate in the eyes of their peoples. Fragile in the extreme, the comprador classes and states, which constitute the conveyor belts of domination by the triads collective imperialism, are therefore rightly regarded by the oligarchies of the centers as uncertain allies. The logic of the system then imposes militarization and the right of imperialism to intervene  including by war  in the countries of the South and the East. The oligarchies of the triad are all hawks; the NATO, the instrument of their permanent aggression, has thus become the most important institution of contemporary imperialism.

Proof of this aggressive option was given in the tone of President Barack Obamas remarks during his last European tour (November 2016): to reassure European vassals about US commitment to the NATO. Obviously the organization is not presented as an instrument of aggression  which it is  but as the means of ensuring the defense of Europe. Threatened by whom?

First of all by Russia, we are told by the media clergy in place. The reality is different: Putin is criticized for not accepting the Euro-Nazi coup made in Kiev and the gangster government established in Georgia. He is to be compelled to do so by  beyond the economic sanctions  the threats of war made by Hillary Clinton.

Then, we are told, by the terrorist threat of Islamic jihadism. Again, opinion is perfectly manipulated on the subject. Jihadism is merely the inevitable product of the triads continued support of reactionary political Islam inspired and financed by Gulf Wahhabism. The exercise of this so-called Islamic power is the best guarantee of the total destruction of the ability of societies in the region to resist the dictates of liberal globalization. At the same time, it offers the best pretext for giving the appearance of legitimacy to the NATOs interventions. In this regard the press in the United States acknowledged that Trumps accusation  that Hillary had actively supported the establishment of Daesh  was well founded.

Let us add that the accompanying speeches associating the NATO interventions and the defense of democracy fall in the category of farce, confronted with the reality.

3. The defeat of Hillary Clinton  more than the triumph of Donald Trump  is therefore good news. Maybe it wards off the threat of the clan of the most aggressive hawks led by Obama and Clinton.

I say maybe because it is not clear whether Trump will commit his country to a different path.

In the first place, neither the opinion of the majority who supported him, nor that of the minority who are demonstrating against him, obligates him to pursue such a path. The debate concerns only some of the problems of society in the United States (anti-feminism and racism in particular). It does not call into question the economic foundations of the system that are the root cause of the degradations of social conditions in important segments of society. The sacredness of private property, including that of monopolies, remains intact; the fact that Trump is himself a billionaire was an asset and not an obstacle to his election. Moreover, the debate was never about Washingtons aggressive foreign policy. We would have loved to see todays anti-Trump protesters call for protests against Hillary Clintons aggressive remarks before the election. This obviously did not happen; the citizens of the United States have never condemned military interventions abroad and the genuine crimes against humanity associated with them.

Bernie Sanders election campaign had given rise to much hope. By daring to introduce a socialist perspective into the debate, Sanders initiated the sound politicization of public opinion, which is no more impossible in the United States than elsewhere. We can only deplore, under these conditions, Sanders capitulation and his rallying to the support of Clinton.

Much more important than public opinion is the fact that the ruling class of the United States conceives no other international policy than the one practiced since the creation of the NATO 70 years ago  the guarantee of its domination of the entire planet.

In the Republican and Democratic camps dominating the House and the Senate, we are told, there are doves and hawks. The first of these characterizations is certainly forced: these are hawks who only think a little more before embarking on a new aggressive adventure. Trump and some of his entourage may be among them. Not much better. Know this: avoid creating too many illusions about him; but also seek to exploit this small crack in the American edifice to reinforce the possible advances toward the construction of another globalization, a little more respectful of the rights of peoples and the demands of peace. The European vassals of Washington fear this more than anything else.

As a matter of fact, the remarks made by Trump concerning the international policy of the United States are contradictory. On the one hand, he seems to be willing to recognize the legitimacy of Russias fears of the NATOs aggressive projects in Ukraine and Georgia and see that Moscow is supporting Syria in a fight against jihadist terrorism. But on the other hand he said he wanted to dismantle the agreement on Irans nuclear program. Moreover, we still do not know whether he is determined to pursue Obamas policy of unconditional support for Israel or intends to qualify this support.

4. We must therefore place the electoral victory of Donald Trump within the wider framework of the manifestations of the implosion of the system. All these manifestations remain ambiguous to this day, heralding the chances of a best possible course but also detestable drifts.

Some of the evolutions associated with these manifestations do not in any way challenge the power of the oligarchic ruling class in place. This is the case of Brexit, the election of Trump, and the projects of the European fascists.

Certainly the campaign in favor of the Brexit appealed to nauseating arguments. Moreover, this project does not question the fundamental capitalist/imperialist option of Great Britain. It only suggests that, in the conduct of its foreign policy, London should have a margin of maneuver allowing it to deal directly with its partners, the United States being first in line. But behind this option also looms what should have been known: that Great Britain does not accept German Europe. This latter dimension of Brexit is certainly positive.

The fascists of Europe, who have the wind in their sails, are on the extreme right; that is to say, they do not contest the power of the oligarchies in their respective countries. They wish only to be chosen by them for the exercise of power in their service. At the same time, of course, they use nauseating racist and other arguments, which prevents them from responding to the real challenges faced by their peoples.

Trumps power lies in this category of false criticism of liberal globalization. The nationalist tone aims to strengthen Washingtons control of its subordinate allies, not to grant them an independence that they do not even demand. Trump could, from this point of view, take some modest measures of protectionism, which, moreover, the US administrations have always, without saying so, imposed on their subaltern allies, who are forbidden to retaliate. Here an analogy can be drawn with what Brexit Britain may wish to do.

Trump suggested that the protectionist measures he is thinking of are primarily aimed at China. Before him, Obama and Hillary had already, by their decision to transfer the center of gravity of their armed forces from the Middle East to East Asia, designated China as a major adversary. This aggressive economic and military strategy, in flagrant contradiction with the principles of liberalism of which Washington is the champion, could backfire, motivating China to move forward in a salutary evolution toward strengthening its internal mass market and searching for other partners among the countries of the South.

Will Trump go so far as to repeal NAFTA? If he did so he would render a great service to the peoples of Mexico and Canada by freeing them from their status as impotent vassals and encouraging them to engage in new directions based on the autonomy of their popular-sovereign projects. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the vast majority of Republican and Democratic representatives in the House and the Senate, all of whom have demonstrated an unconditional support of the interests of the American oligarchies, will allow Trump to go that far.

The consequences of Trumps hostility toward the COP 21 environmental agreement are less serious than its European protagonists suggest, since it is unfortunately clear  or should be clear  that in any event the treaty will remain a dead letter as the rich countries do not intend to keep their financial promises in this area.

On the other hand, certain other manifestations of the implosion of liberal globalization are associated with social advances, some weak, others better.

In Europe, the electoral victory of SYRIZA and the rise of Podemos are part of this framework. But the projects carried out by these new forces remained contradictory: the rejection of imposed austerity on the one hand, and the illusion of the possibility of European Union reform on the other hand. History is already demonstrating the error of optimism about this reform, which is in fact impossible.

In Latin America, the advances made during the first decade of the century are now being challenged. The movements which have brought these advances have undoubtedly underestimated the reactionary character of the middle classes of the countries concerned, in particular Brazil and Venezuela, who refuse to share with the working classes the benefits of any development worthy of the name.

Emerging projects  especially those of China and Russia  remain equally ambiguous: Is their objective to catch up, by capitalist means and in the context of globalization which is also capitalist but which they are forced to accept? Or, aware that the realization of this project is impossible, will the governments in the emerging countries concerned orient themselves more in the direction of popular-sovereign projects?

These reflections on the future of the Trump system should draw the readers attention to the complementary aspects of the analysis of the implosion of contemporary capitalism that will be found in the following titles in particular:

The Implosion of Contemporary Capitalism (Monthly Review Press, 2013).

Russia and the Long Transition from Capitalism to Socialism (Monthly Review Press, 2016), chap 6 (Ukraine).

Brexit and the EU Implosion: National Sovereignty  For What Purpose? (Tlaxcala and MRZine, June and August 2016).

From Bandung (1955) to 2015: Old and New Challenges for the States, the Nations and the Peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America (International Critical Thought, No. 4, December 2015).

The Return of Fascism in Contemporary Capitalism (Monthly Review, September 2014).

Popular Movements Toward Socialism: Their Unity and Diversity (Monthly Review, June 2014).

Contemporary Imperialism (Monthly Review, July-August 2015).

China 2013 (Monthly Review, March 2013).

Chine 2013 (La pensee n 375, 2013).

Automne du capitalisme, printemps des peuples? (Blog Samir Amin, August 2016).

Que peut-on attendre du Nord? (Blog Samir Amin, March 2016).

Des projets souverains pour lAfrique (Blog Samir Amin, March 2016).

Glory to the Lucid Courage of the Greek People, Facing the European Crisis (MRZine, July 2015).

Samir Amin is director of the Third World Forum in Dakar, Senegal. His numerous publications include The Liberal Virus, The World We Wish to See, The Law of Worldwide Value, The Implosion of Contemporary Capitalism, and Three Essays on Marxs Value Theory. His latest books from Monthly Review Press are The Reawakening of the Arab World: Challenge and Change in the Aftermath of the Arab Spring (2016) and Russia and the Long Transition from Capitalism to Socialism (2016). The original article Lelection de Donald Trump was first published in Samir Amins blog on 25 November 2016. Translated by Dimitri Devyatkin and edited by John Mage and Yoshie Furuhashi (contact: yoshie.furuhashi [at] gmail.com) for MRZine.
The land, water and wildlife that make Montana the Last Best Place did not happen by mistake.

In its darkest days of exploitation, game herds dwindled and pollution threatened the states great rivers and streams. Recognizing that without action the best of the state might be lost forever, conservation giants set the groundwork of restoration and preservation.

But the work of conservationists did not end with the likes of Theodore Roosevelt or Bob Marshall. It was also not limited to the preservation of land but stretches into teaching, law, tribal rights and leaders of conservation organizations.

In the second of this two-part series on the 2016 Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees, meet Jim Posewitz, Bob Ream, Bud Lilly, Jim Goetz, Tony Schoonen and Thomas Bearhead Swaney.

Jim Posewitz

Noted author and conservation historian Jim Posewitz knows that a conservation ethic comes from both the personal and the collective.

America spurned the aristocratic privatizing of wildlife in favor management by the states in trust for all citizens. That catalyzed conservation by individuals inspired to restore wildlife and preserve important habitat.

In England you had to be a poacher but in America any citizen could hunt, Posewitz said. We need to appreciate that thats part of who we are.

Posewitz has perhaps done more to encourage conservation ethics than anyone alive.

Following a 30-year career with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, he started Orion: The Hunters Institute and was a founding board member and executive director for the Cinnabar Foundation.

Posewitz authored several books on hunter ethics and history, including the seminal work and staple of hunter education Beyond Fair Chase: The Ethic and Tradition of Hunting.

In 2015 Posewitz was honored as the National Wildlife Federations Conservationist of the Year.

And he frequently speaks in public about history and the lessons it provides for the future. By recognizing not only biology but history and philosophy as the Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame does, the human side of conservation is revealed.

Most history you study is the history of how people exploit a place, he said. And yet you talk to a Montana person at random, and chances are good that what they want to talk about is not what we exploited but what we nurtured and conserved and preserved.

As Posewitz hikes the mountains in search of game, he cannot help but recall the words of the visionaries that came before him.

More ink has been spent on the Copper Kings that gave us the Berkley Pit than has ever been written about those that gave us the Bob Marshall and the Scapegoat, he said. We need to teach it.

Bob Ream

Bob Reams impacts on conservation stretch from the world of academia to the chambers of the state Capitol to the commission overseeing fish and wildlife in Montana.

As a notable wildlife biology professor at the University of Montana, he initiated the Wolf Ecology Project in 1973 laying the groundwork for wolf recovery in the Rocky Mountains. In 1975 he founded the Wilderness and Civilization program, offering students an interdisciplinary approach studying Montanas wildlands.

Ream counts the program as a hallmark of his academic career, particularly as he reflects during his battle with pancreatic cancer.

As I look back at those students and just the input Ive gotten particularly this fall after people found out I was sick, it really changed the lives of so many of those students, he said. A lot of leaders have come out of that program and all talk about how it changed their lives.

From 1983 to 1997 Ream served in the Montana House of Representatives. There he became the chief sponsor of Montanas Stream Access Law, Montana Superfund law and restitution payments for illegally taken wildlife.

It was a neat process because it was a collaborative effort of the conservationists and the stock growers and it ended up not being hard to get passed, he said of stream access.

Ream believes more consensus once existed among lawmakers about conservation, but battles particularly over wilderness designations were still contentious. He counts climate change as the biggest issue facing the environment but feels the conservation movement overall is faring well.

As chairman of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission from 2009 to 2013, Ream presided over management of many iconic species, including state management of wolves.

His mix of academic and legislative experience played off each other, Ream said, adding that it is an honor to be considered with others inducted into the Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame.

Bud Lilly

Bud Lilly, 91, of Three Forks, has been called the trouts best friend. For a host of very good reasons.

A longtime fly-shop owner, outfitter and guide, Lilly grew up fishing Montanas waters. He's also been the director, founding or charter member of a host of organizations dedicated to conservation and the preservation of wild trout fisheries: Montana Trout Unlimited, Montana River Action, Federation of Fly Fishers, Montana Land Reliance, the International Flyfishing Center, the Montana Trout Foundation, and more.

Currently, the World War II Navy veteran is the director of the Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation, a project that brings disabled veterans to Montana and introduces them to fly-fishing.

Lilly went to school at the Montana School of Mines in Butte, excelling in math and science, and he taught those subjects in Roundup, Deer Lodge and Bozeman before getting a chance to buy a fishing shop in West Yellowstone. He scraped $4,500 together and Montana fishing was forever changed.

He got to know hundreds of fishermen and trained scores of guides  including children Mike, Greg and Annette. He became legendary for his kindness as well as his gruff humor.

He pioneered the practice of catch and release, and successfully lobbied the state to switch from put and take systems to wild native-trout fisheries wherever possible. Native fish thrived and Montanas outdoor industry boomed as a result.

Lilly, who has an honorary doctorate from Montana State University, also has had the school's collection of more than 11,000 books, photographs, papers and other trout-related works named after him. It's the world's largest collection of trout information.

"It's an honor to be a part of this group. I think it's an important thing, to recognize people who have done so much to save our Earth, Lilly said.

Jim Goetz

Jim Goetz, a Bozeman attorney born in Miles City and educated at Montana State and Yale, has been at the forefront of many constitutional battles in Montana. He brought a case in 1984 that resulted in the Montana Supreme Court clearly defining public access to Montanas waterways. The courts ruling stated that the public has the right to use Montanas rivers and streams that are capable of recreational use up to the ordinary high water mark.

The following year, that principle was codified in law by House Bill 265, the Stream Access Law.

Goetz also drafted the Montana Conservation Easement law, for a group of Blackfoot Valley ranchers, and later represented A.B. "Bud" Guthrie Jr. -- author of "The Big Sky" -- in contesting a Teton County subdivision. He represented the Libby Rod and Gun Club in a case that saw the U.S. 9th Circuit Court block the construction of a "re-regulation" dam, below the main Libby Dam, which would have flooded another seven miles of the Kootenai River.

Brent Zundel wrote a history of the stream access struggle for the Public Land/Water Access Association. In it, he wrote, "In the late 1970s, reports of angler harassment on the Dearborn and Beaverhead rivers in Western and Southwestern Montana reached a crescendo. Butte fishermen Jerry Manley and Tom Bugni stepped forward to take on the battle. In 1979, the pair met with a young Bozeman lawyer named Jim Goetz at the Steer Inn near Three Forks. Goetz suggested that they form a statewide organization dedicated to expanding stream access. Just starting his law career at the time, Goetz agreed to represent the new organization for half the going rate. Tony Schoonen joined the group shortly thereafter, and the Montana Coalition for Stream Access was born."

Goetz also represented Sister Mary Jo McDonald, Fritz Daily and Ron Davis in their successful lawsuit to get upper Silver Bow Creek recognized as a state waterway by that name. And he represented McDonald and another citizens' group in a successful suit against Butte Water Company to protect the waters of Silver Lake for Butte citizens. He is currently representing The Montana Standard and the Silver Bow Creek Coalition -- McDonald, Daily and Davis -- in an effort to open Butte Superfund negotiations to the public.

Goetz, reached as he was working on a case, said last week, "I'm deeply honored to be nominated with the likes of iconic figures such as Tony Schoonen, Pat Williams and Bud Lilly.

Growing up in Montana, especially in Ennis on the Madison River, was a great blessing, he added. I just wish I had more time now to get outdoors.

Tony Schoonen

Tony Schoonen, a Butte fisherman and public access advocate, is widely credited with successfully pushing the concept of stream access, culminating in the Supreme Court ruling and the 1985 law.

Schoonen was a resident of the Montana State Orphanage in Twin Bridges nearly from birth to about age 14. Often, local ranch folk would take in kids from the orphanage, and he says it was his good luck to live on the Seidensticker Ranch, where the family raised him as their own.

When he was done with chores, he roamed the Big Hole ranch with the single-shot shotgun and Springer spaniel given to him by the family.

Schoonen, long a leader in both Trout Unlimited and Buttes Skyline Sportsmens Club, told The Montana Standard recently, Growing up, I could hunt, fish, ride a horse, do anything almost anywhere in Montana. It's gotten so much more restrictive.

"I wanted to see my grandkids do a lot of the things I grew up doing."

Schoonen, who worked for 30 years as a teacher and principal in Cardwell, Whitehall and Butte, credits a critical moment for sparking his conservation activism.

He said that after a stint in the Army in the 1950s, he came back to the ranch and found that heavy machinery had been used to channel Big Hole River water in to irrigation canals.

He realized that the work had hurt the river and wildlife habitat in unintended ways.

In the early 1960s, he lobbied to get a law passed requiring highway construction to follow strict guidelines to protect streams -- and later, another more sweeping law that ensured stream beds would be protected from construction activities.

But his biggest fight was the battle for stream access.

He said there were "a lot of veterans" involved in the same fight. "That's why we volunteered, to fight for our freedoms. Speech. Press. Public lands.

"You hate to see any of it go," he said. "It's a constant battle to preserve a little bit of what we had.

"And the good Lord puts all of us on Earth for something. This is what I was supposed to do."

Thomas Bearhead Swaney, 1931-2009

Bearhead Swaney lived most of his life with the Mission Mountains commanding the skyline above his St. Ignatius home.

As a tribal leader and well known orator, Swaney advocated for tribal sovereignty and conservation that led to landmark environmental protections on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Swaney returned from the Korean War to become an influential tribal leader during the 1970s and 1980s. He served as a member of regional and national American Indian councils, earning respect for his work on wildlife, wilderness, water and air.

As a young man Swaney helped establish tribal conservation areas including one for grizzly bears in the Mission Mountains. The efforts earned him the American Motors Conservationist of the Year Award in the late 1970s.

On the Flathead Reservation he pushed for primitive area status for 35,000 acres of the South Fork and wilderness designation for nearly 100,000 acres in the Mission Mountains -- the nations first tribally designated wilderness area.

Swaneys personal connection to the Flathead River and work to protect it became one of his defining accomplishments.

When Bureau of Indian Affairs proposed to log old-growth ponderosa pine from the banks of the 72-mile-long lower Flathead River, he and his cousin Joe McDonald organized a float trip with world-renowned wildlife biologists Frank and John Craighead, BIA foresters and his tribal council. The BIA soon withdrew its proposal.

Bearhead similarly stopped lower Flathead River hydroelectric dams proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from being built.

Information from Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame biographies.
Over a thousand snow geese that landed in the Berkeley Pit's dangerously contaminated water this week have so far apparently survived  unlike the fate of 342 that perished in a similar 1995 landing.

Nikia Greene, the pits Environmental Protection Agency project manager, said Wednesday afternoon that he has seen no bird mortalities.

Mark Thompson, Montana Resources' manager of environmental affairs, agreed.

The birds apparently arrived Monday during a snowstorm, said Thompson.

That was the similar scenario 21 years ago  almost to the day  when 342 snow geese showed up, but died after ingesting highly acidic pit water.

Thompson said Wednesday, however, after 30-plus hours on the water, the most recent visitors were still able to fly away. He estimates that as many as 500 took flight at first light Wednesday.

Greene confirmed that a flock of the birds flew away Wednesday morning.

More birds left the pit Wednesday afternoon in response to MR shooting rifles from both the north and south sides. MR has been working since Monday night using various noise tactics to try to get the birds to leave.

But in the 21 years since MR and ARCO implemented a bird program to keep flocks off the pits water  in response to the 342 deaths in 1995  no one has seen birds stay on the water this long, Thompson said.

Usually birds that land are gone within 12 hours, said Thompson.

Greene said he believes that about half of the geese have left since they first landed sometime Monday night. Thompson thinks there are about 10 percent of what we first had.

Birding expert Gary Swant of Deer Lodge said heavy metals accumulate in animal tissue. That means drinking metal-contaminated water is not likely to kill the birds right away.

It would be a chemical that would affect them immediately, Swant said.

Necropsies of the 1995 birds revealed acid had burned their throats. So it was likely the sulfuric acid in the pit that killed the snow geese in 1995.

Steve Hoffman, Helena, executive director of the Montana Audubon Society, said the birds likely landed on the pit to rest. (See related story.) If the snow geese on the Berkeley Pit are thirsty, they will drink the water, Hoffman said.

Swant said the massive Warm Springs Ponds, south of Deer Lodge, a popular stopover for migrating birds, is mostly frozen. That means there is no other large body of water in the immediate area where birds could land for a rest.

Thompson said MR is working with the agencies to investigate why the birds landed on the Berkeley Pit after so many years of so few die-offs. The last count, taken in November 2013, found nine birds died in the pit in that month. Due to the instability of the pits walls, MR and ARCO have not been able to monitor bird mortalities in recent years.

Were going to figure this out because we dont want this to happen again, Thompson said.

ARCO spokesperson Brett Clanton said via email that they, too, are working closely with the agencies on the issue. When the snow geese landed in 1995, ARCO spokesperson Sandy Stash initially reported that the bird deaths were due to bad grain. The event gained national media attention.

Despite the tense situation, there is a potential ray of hope for the birds.

A snowstorm is sweeping through Butte Wednesday night and into Thursday, said Missoula-based meteorologist Trent Smith from the National Weather Service.

During migratory season birds fly either ahead of a storm system or they fly behind one, said Hoffman. Birds register a change in barometric pressure.

A sudden drop may get them to want to move on, said Hoffman.
Despite a deluge of campaign cash, Montanas 2016 elections were more transparent than ever  thanks to the 2015 Disclose Act, Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl and the six other hard-working public servants in the COPP office in Helena.

Disclosures were more timely, and even out-of-state spenders were held accountable.

The COPP rendered 53 decisions so far this year, including 14 since Oct. 1. Gov. Steve Bullock appointed Motl in mid-2013. The Senate in 2015 confirmed Motl to serve the remainder of the six-year term.

In 2013, Motl immediately began working to clear a backlog of campaign complaints. He wrote 28 decisions that year, 95 in 2014 and 18 in 2015.

Motl supported stronger requirements for campaign finance reporting, changes that would provide faster, more complete information to voters who wanted to cast early ballots, and voters who use the Internet to access information.

The Disclose Act, sponsored by Sen. Duane Ankney, R-Colstrip, and supported by Bullock, allowed the COPP to require electronic report filing for state offices. Motl implemented such rules in time for the 2016 election cycle, making reports accessible more quickly and also searchable.

Motl defended Montana campaign laws in court during his three years in office. The state lost a challenge to the requirement for fully citing a legislators voting record in campaign material. The court ruled that was an impermissible regulation on content of speech.

A federal district judge struck down Montanas campaign contribution limits, prompting a reversion to older laws in the middle of the 2016 primary campaigns.

The COPP settled with almost all candidates found in violation of campaign laws. The office, with assistance from Billings attorneys working pro bono, won convictions on civil campaign violations against state Rep. Art Wittch, who has appealed to the Montana Supreme Court.

It used to be that partisans lodged complaints against their opponents in the weeks before an election and gleefully report that the COPP was investigating wrongdoing  certain that no decision would be forthcoming until long after the election. When Motl took office in June 2013, some pending complaints dated to 2010.

Some people used to think of the COPP as slow, toothless, why do we have it, Motl said in a phone interview after the Nov. 8 elections. We killed that story. Were not toothless. We did enforce decisions.

The record shows Motl treating Republicans and Democrats the same, ruling for or against according to facts and the law.

For example, he ruled in favor of Americans for Prosperity, finding that a mailing targeting Bullock and former state Sen. Robyn Driscoll didnt violate Montana law because it was sent before a reporting deadline. He ruled in favor of gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte, finding that a state workers complaint about repeated campaign calls to her state office phone were a mistake, but not a violation of the law.

Motl and Jaime MacNaughton are the only attorneys in the office. They handled all the complaints while the other five staff members dealt with thousands of campaign reports.

The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices who wrangled more complaints and rendered decisions faster than any of his predecessors will be out of office on Dec. 31. According to Montana law, he cannot be re-appointed.

Montanans who want good government owe Motl our thanks. We call on Bullock to appoint a successor who will work as hard and as honestly for the citizens of this state.

Whats Motls advice for the next COPP?

Dont forget who you are serving," he said. "You have to be very respectful of candidates you are assisting. Youre serving the public.

 The Billings Gazette
Updated: The University of Montana's interim president has deep roots in Montana education.

On Jan. 1, Sheila Stearns takes over as interim president. She'll serve at the helm until a national search to replace outgoing President Royce Engstrom is finished.

During an interview with the Missoulian on Thursday, Stearns said her "main motivation" for taking the interim position is her "50-plus years" of knowledge of and love for UM.

From 2003 to 2012, Stearns held the system's top post as Montana's commissioner of higher education.

Her retirement announcement at a May 2011 Montana Board of Regents meeting came with a standing ovation from the crowded room.

Stearns is a Glendive native, and she bleeds silver and maroon. She earned all of her degrees from UM: a bachelor's degree in English and history, a master's degree in history, and a doctorate in educational administration and supervision. After six years as a middle school teacher and librarian, she headed to an administrative position at UM.

"I'm just happy to convey to those who don't already know me that I've been part of the University of Montana since I started as an undergraduate in 1964," Stearns said in the interview.

"Nobody could love this university, I don't think, more than I do, or be more eager to be of service."

Stearns said she got the phone call from Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian within the past day or two.

"I'm still a little bit taken aback myself. It feels very recent," Stearns said. "I'm only maybe 24 or 36 hours ahead of everybody else.

"If I didn't know the University of Montana so well, I certainly wouldn't have been prepared to  even though this is a real shock to me  I wouldn't have been prepared to say yes so fast to a major decision."

***

Stearns was hired as UM's director of alumni relations in 1983, served as UM vice president for university relations, and was a finalist for UM president in 1990, when former president George Dennison came on board.

Stearns served as provost and chancellor of UM Western. In 1999, she became president of Wayne State College in Nebraska, but came home to Montana in 2003 to take over as Montana's commissioner of higher education.

Since her retirement, she served as a senior fellow and consultant for the national Association of Governing Boards  taking her experience overseeing Montana's universities and community colleges to give advice to trustees and governing boards of colleges and universities across the country.

This isn't Stearns' first time taking over a university during a period of transition. She became the interim chancellor at Montana State University Billings during the spring semester in 2014 following Rolf Groseth's retirement.

But she doesn't see these two interim positions  one, an expected retirement, the other an emergency  as different.

"Campuses are always on edge with any transition, under any circumstances," she said. "A transition time on a campus is a challenge and a little disconcerting.

"I think it always takes good communication and a willingness to listen and lead, a willingness to make changes and, as need be, look carefully and listen to the good people who want the best for the university."

***

The Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education hopes to secure a permanent president by the end of this school year, taking over by July 1.

If that doesn't happen, Stearns said she "will help as needed, just as I'm helping now."

She doesn't yet know when she'll be able to address the university directly, if it will happen before Christmas or after the new year.

"With all due respect to president Engstrom, he's president until Dec. 31," she said. "He's a very gracious man and we will communicate and determine how to transition in the way that's best for him and best for the university."

Stearns is married to Hal Stearns, a retired Sentinel High teacher and UM adjunct professor.

Bill Jones, a retired Missoula attorney and long-time friend of the Stearns, said he's not surprised by her appointment to lead UM in the interim, as she was commissioner of higher education when Montana State University president Waded Cruzado was hired.

"She certainly knows the hierarchy of the two flagship schools in the state," Jones said of Stearns. She should do an absolutely excellent job because she has all the background and knows what has to be done to restore the university to its former glory.

This story will be updated.

Reporter Kim Briggeman contributed to this report.
Mayor Broderson called the City Council meeting for Thursday, November 17, 2016, to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers present were Rehwaldt, Fitzgerald, Natvig, Saucedo, Bynum, Harvey, and Spread.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Broderson stated that at this time Life Saving Awards were being presented to Police Officer Jacob Elliott and Corporal Matt Fowler for an event that took place on September 19, 2016.

Police Chief Brett Talkington then presented the medals to Officer Elliott and Corporal Fowler.

Mayor Broderson stated City Council is very fortunate to have a Ukrainian delegation in the audience tonight.

John Dabeet, president of the Muscatine Sister Cities, stated it was an honor to be here tonight. He stated that 2016 marks 30 years that Muscatine Sister Cities has been building bridges of friendship and peace between the United States and the rest of the world. He stated that four delegations have visited Muscatine this year.

Mr. Dabeet stated the visitors from Drohobych, Ukraine, include the mayor, government officials, and business people. He then introduced Alexei Bibik who would be translating for the Ukrainian visitors. Mr. Dabeet stated that Mr. Bibik had attended Muscatine High School from 1991 to 1993.

The Mayor of Drohobych spoke to City Council and then presented gifts to Mayor Broderson.

Jodi Hansen of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated she is the Community Lead for the Blue Zones Project. She thanked City Council and staff for helping to put the Blue Zones Project in Muscatine on the map. She stated that at the Second Annual National Blue Zones Project Summitt held last month in Fort Worth, Texas, the city received the Blue Zones Healthy City-Making Award for its work in leadership and partnership and the Champion-Spirit Award toward built-environment change. She then gave an overview of activities that took place during the summit.

Ms. Hansen then stated that the city was awarded the Healthy Hometown Founder Award during the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative Conference held November 1, 2016 in Des Moines. She stated the award recognizes the city for its dedication and accomplishments toward meaningful health improvements in the community.

She talked about the book she passed out earlier entitled "A Proud Blue Zones Community". She stated the book will be a great tool for visitors to Muscatine and for people new to the community.

She ended her presentation by stating the city had been featured in a National Geographic magazine which she feels is a testament to what can be done with collaboration. She passed a copy of the magazine around for City Council to look at.

Consent Agenda approved as follows:

* Regular City Council Minutes - November 3, 2016

* City Council Goal Session Minutes - November 3, 2016

* In-Depth City Council Minutes - November 10, 2016

* Second reading for a new Class "C" Liquor License and Sunday Sales for Hubble's Tap, 214 East 2nd Street - Hubbles Glenda LLC (pending inspections insurance); renewal of a Class "B" Wine Permit, Class "C" Beer Permit, Class "E" Liquor License and Sunday Sales for Kum & Go #436, 501 Cedar Street - Kum & Go LC (pending inspections); and renewal of a Class "B" Wine Permit, Class "C" Beer Permit, Class "E" Liquor License and Sunday Sales for Kum & Go #437, 709 Grandview Avenue - Kum & Go LC (pending inspections)

* Cigarette Permit for Hubble's Tap, 214 East 2nd Street - Hubble's Glenda LLC

* Application for Revitalization Property Tax Abatement for David and Kim Burdakin

* Use of City Property for the Annual Holiday Stroll on December 2, 2016 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

* Bills for Approval totaling $2,082,298.29

PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Broderson stated this public hearing concerns a proposed land lease agreement with MLC Land Company LLC as part of the new downtown hotel.

There were no oral or written petitions for or against the proposed land lease.

Public hearing closed.

Second reading of the ordinance amending Title 1 Administrative by adding Chapter 14 Adjudicative Appeals and Hearings approved.

Motion approved to amend the original motion to approve the second and final readings of the ordinance and direct for its publication as required by law.

Second and final reading of the ordinance approved amending Title 10, Chapter 4 of the City Code, Floodplain Management Regulations, and directed for publication as required by law.

Resolution adopted approving the Land Lease Agreement with MLC Land Lease Company LLC as part of the new downtown hotel.

Resolution approved finally adopting the proposed Urban Revitalization Plan for the Muscatine Grandview Avenue Urban Revitalization Area.

First reading of an ordinance approved designating an area of the City of Muscatine as the Muscatine Grandview Avenue Urban Revitalization Area.

Resolution approved finally adopting the proposed Urban Revitalization Plan for the Muscatine Park Avenue Urban Revitalization Area.

First reading of an ordinance approved designating an area of the City of Muscatine as the Muscatine Park Avenue Urban Revitalization Area.

Resolution adopted authorizing the assessment of unpaid abatement costs to private properties totaling $7,139.78.

Resolution adopted setting a public hearing for Thursday, December 1, 2016, on a proposed rezoning change for 922 Hancock Street.

There were questions from City Council that were answered by City Planner Andrew Fangman.

Resolution adopted accepting completed work for the Community Development Block Grant Storm Water Project and authorizing final payment to Triple B Construction Corporation.

Resolution adopted setting a public hearing on a proposed zoning change for the former Washington Elementary School (610 Maiden Lane) for Thursday, December 1, 2016, at 7:00 p.m.

Contract for snow removal in the Central Business District awarded to Bayfield Snow Removal.

There were questions and comments that were addressed by Public Works Director Brian Stineman.

Request approved to install a four-way stop at the intersections of Lincoln Boulevard and Harrison Street.

There were questions and comments from City Council that were addressed by Public Works Director Stineman.

Professional services contract with Bolton & Menk approved in an amount not to exceed $35,000 for the T-Hangar Design and Apron Expansion Project at the Municipal Airport.

Request approved to accept the Chestnut Street right-of-way dedication from MLC Land Company LLC as part of the new downtown hotel project.

There was clarification from staff where this right-of-way is located.

Proposed goals for Fiscal Year 2016/2017 approved.

Appointments of Monica Gonzalez to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Councilmember Natvig to the city's Audit Committee approved.

Agreement approved with A&J Associates PC for the HVAC Project at the Public Safety Building.

Contract Modification #5 for the Community Development Block Grant Downtown Facade Project approved.

There were questions from City Council that were answered by Community Development Planning Coordinator Adam Thompson.

Under comments, Councilmember Spread stated the City of Muscatine came in second place for the Smart Cities grant program and has received a check for $3,000.

City Administrator Mandsager stated the grant award was really a team effort between the banks, TIF, the Small Business Forgivable Loan program, and the loan program for funding the creation of small businesses. He stated these funds received will go back into the program.

Councilmember Rehwaldt saluted the firefighters involved in the rescue at the power plant.

Mayor Broderson also recognized the Police Department and Fire Department for their bravery and skills.

Mayor Broderson reminded everyone about Coffee with the Mayor on November 19, 2016 at Happy Joes Pizza located on Lake Park Boulevard beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Mayor Broderson then wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and asked them to remember the food pantry.

Mayor Broderson then thanked Councilmember Bynum who stepped in as Mayor Pro Tem while she was out of town.

The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

Diana Broderson, Mayor

ATTEST:

Gregg Mandsager, City Administrator

CITY OF MUSCATINE

BILLS FOR APPROVAL

17-Nov-16

General Fund

A One Geothermal Services (1) $275.00; Agape Enterprises Services (4) 5,777.83; Melanie Alexander Reimbursement (2) 36.22; Alexis Fire Equipment Services (1) 1,570.00; Alliant Energy Utilities (7) 321.15; Arnold Motor Supply Supplies (6) 199.44; B&B Drain Tech Sanitary Facility (1) 55.00; Baker & Taylor Books Books/Services/Supplies (20) 1,705.98; Vada Baker Services/Reimbursement (4) 185.00; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (123) 17,631.12; Bankers Leasing Company Lease Payment (1) 196.53; Joe Barnard Reimbursement (1) 92.26; Berlins Pro Shop Services (5) 170.90; Beyond Technology Supplies (3) 201.99; Bison Ridge Kennels Services (1) 120.00; Blains Farm & Fleet Gift Cards (2) 85.00; Boonies Gift Cards (1) 220.00; Brick Gentry Services (3) 26,856.60; Diana Broderson Reimbursement (1) 38.22; Brian Burr Reimbursement (1) 44.99; CALEA Annual Contract (1) 4,646.00; Cengage Learning Books (1) 116.85; CenturyLink Telephone Charges (13) 1,113.27; Chemsearch Supplies (1) 306.96; Pam Collins Reimbursement (1) 268.52; Continental Alarm Services (1) 635.00; Contrary Brewery Gift Cards (1) 30.00; Virginia Cooper Reimbursement (1) 125.44; Copy Systems Base Rate/Overage (2) 125.94; CR Landscaping Materials (1) 550.00; Crossroads Services (1) 20.00; Dunkin Donuts Gift Cards (1) 30.00; Electronic Engineering Services (1) 112.50; Ellys Tea and Coffee House Gift Cards (1) 20.00; Equian Services (4) 258.34; Fareway Stores Gift Cards (2) 45.00; Fastenal Company Supplies (3) 48.34; Sara Fitzer-Huston Services (1) 100.00; Gatso USA ATE Fees (1) 18,279.00; General Asphalt Construction Materials (1) 870.37; Genesis Health System-EAP Services 815.10; Jeremy Goddard Reimbursement (1) 50.00; Hometown Plumbing Services (1) 7,719.95; Hy-Vee Food Store Gift Cards (2) 430.00; Iowa Division of Labor Services (1) 160.00; Integrated Technology Services/Registration (3) 79.90; Iowa Monument Company Services (1) 100.00; Jeff Jirak Reimbursement (1) 25.00; Kellor & Kellor Landscaping Services (62) 4,354.38; Kieslers Police Supply Operating Equipment (2) 1,477.57; Kunau Implement Parts/Shipping (2) 293.65; KWPC-KMCS Radio Advertising (1) 300.00; Julie Lear Reimbursement (1) 28.50; Lupton & Toyne Printers Services (1) 84.00; Mailboxes and Parcel Depot Credit (1) (54.56); Menards Supplies (30) 1,082.90; Missipi Brew Gift Cards (1) 70.00; MTI Distributing Parts/Shipping (2) 121.36; Muscatine County Extension Services (1) 55.00; Muscatine Journal Subscription (1) 340.66; Muscatine Lumber Supplies (1) 19.06; Muscatine Power & Water Utilities (9) 2,059.10; Muscatine Veterinarian Hospital Services (2) 145.37; Neals Vacuum & Sewing Services (1) 93.00; Tim Newton Reimbursement (1) 83.79; OCLC Inc. Technical Services (1) 6,575.19; Ora Orthopedics Services (8) 2,497.70; Jason Pardie Reimbursement (1) 42.45; Phelps Uniform Specialists Services (9) 155.82; Phillips Bros. Rentals Supplies/Services (3) 162.70; Pierce Mfg. Delivery Charge (1) 872.53; Plumb Supply Company Supplies (3) 109.01; Postal Source Supplies (1) 167.95; Praxair Distribution Supplies (1) 242.86; Quad City Times/Muscatine Journal Services (13) 1,569.17; Quest Diagnostics Services (1) 33.57; Quill Corporation Supplies (8) 604.20; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (63) 3,376.95; Rexco Equipment Inc. Supplies/Shipping (2) 129.78; Melissa Rocha Refund (1) 250.00; S.J. Smith Supplies (1) 10.77; Salvatore Vitales Ristorante Gift Cards (1) 70.00; Sherwin Williams Supplies (3) 129.03; Sign Pro Supplies (1) 40.00; Sinclair Supplies (2) 27.89; Smith Sales & Service Supplies (1) 26.80; Spratt Oil Sales Fuel (1) 335.82; Staples Corporate Accounts Supplies (4) 540.11; Starbucks Gift Cards (1) 80.00; Brian Stineman Reimbursement (2) 18.66; Brett Talkington Reimbursement (1) 25.00; Tallgrass Business Resources Supplies (1) 23.42; Taser Training Academy Registration (1) 225.00; TCC Materials Supplies (1) 102.20; Temp Associates Temporary Employees (6) 4,534.50; TMI Services (1) 2,247.00; Townsquare Publications Advertising (1) 397.50; Trugreen #2744 Services (1) 57.00; USPS Postage (1) 4,000.00; Unity Healthcare - Hospital Services (3) 918.00; US Cellular Cell Phone Charges (2) 138.13; Van Meter Industrial Supplies (5) 98.42; Vantagepoint Transfer Contributions (1) 17,954.23; Verizon Telematics GPS Charges (4) 432.85; Verizon Wireless Cell Phone Charges (5) 803.80; Walmart Gift Cards (2) 480.00; Woodman Electric Contractors Services (1) 6,800.00; Xerox Corporation Rental Fee/Copies (5) 1,040.03; Zoobean Computer Software (1) 1,100.00; Uniform Den Uniforms (1) 436.51; Total $163,301.04

Trust and Agency Fund

Bancard Services Miscellaneous (7) $216.62; Brolol Games Supplies (1) $117.00; Ellys Tea and Coffee House Food (1) 65.00; Total $398.62

Capital Improvement Fund

Steve Dalbey Services (1) $126.45; Heuer Construction Services (1) 54,456.02; Muscatine County Treasurer Property Taxes (1) 828.00; Steve Dalbey Services (1) 816.08; Langman Construction Services (1) 377,695.49; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (1) 0.43; Brick Gentry Services (1) 285.00; Impact 7G Services (1) 405.00; Stanley Consultants Services (1) 3,108.00; Brick Gentry Services (1) 315.00; Steve Dalbey Services (1) 5,169.01; Hagerty Earthworks Services (1) 55,367.41; Muscatine Power & Water Utilities (5) 185.43; Brian Stineman Reimbursement (1) 9.32; Quad City Times/Muscatine Journal Services (1) 12.66; Woodruff Construction Services (2) 137,658.87; KDR Services (1) 42,250.00; A&J Associates Services (1) 3,470.00; GMCCI Marketing Contribution 32,000.00; Menards Supplies (1) 6.48; Total $714,164.65

Enterprise & Utility Fund

Alliant Energy Utilities (3) $83.06; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (1) 52.34; CenturyLink Telephone Charges (1) 58.12; IPTA Dues (1) 2,143.00; Kristy Korpi Reimbursement (1) 44.36; KWPC-KMCS Radio Advertising (1) 450.00; Phelps Uniform Specialists Services (2) 15.50; Quad City Times/Muscatine Journal Services (1) 222.00; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (4) 19.24; Ahmad Rehan Razal Refund (1) 15.00; Pom Inc. Supplies (1) 2,338.20; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (4) 25.83; William Thoma Refund (1) 5.00; 7G Distributing Beverages (2) 554.00; Adel Wholesalers Supplies (1) 70.09; Alliant Energy Utilities (2) 43.19; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (1) 7.88; Beyond Technology Supplies (1) 46.15; Bosch Pest Control Services (1) 35.00; Cent Merchandise (1) 14.95; Coca-Cola Bottling Company Beverages (1) 127.19; Culligan Rental Fee (1) 28.25; D&K Products Supplies (4) 550.15; Davis Equipment Corporation Parts/Shipping (5) 312.73; Dex Media East Advertising (1) 13.00; Fleck Sales Company Beverages (2) 184.75; Floratine Midwest Supplies (1) 100.00; Freeman Lock & Alarm Services (1) 84.00; Gemplers Inc. Supplies (2) 104.60; Menards Supplies (2) 43.31; Muscatine Power & Water Utilities (2) 125.68; Performance Food Service Food (4) 317.43; Phelps Uniform Specialists Services (1) 33.45; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (5) 73.14; Supreme International Clothing/Credit (5) 1,603.32; Van Diest Supply Company Supplies (2) 657.40; Muscatine Power & Water Utilities (4) 281.51; Treasurer State of Iowa Tank Registration (1) 20.00; Alliant Energy Utilities (1) 18.63; Fastenal Company Supplies (2) 236.97; Muscatine Power & Water Utilities/Services (2) 1,728.84; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (6) 471.86; Sycamore Printing Services (1) 100.16; Temp Associates Temporary Employees (2) 328.80; US Cellular Cell Phone Charges (1) 64.30; Verizon Telematics GPS Charges (1) 149.60; Barker Lemar Engineering Services (11) 90,622.50; Brick Gentry Services (1) 2,715.00; Lewis Industrial Service Supplies (1) 48.26; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (5) 77.74; Agape Enterprises Services (1) 833.00; Alliant Energy Utilities (1) 43.57; Arnold Motor Supply Supplies (2) 48.01; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (1) 203.83; Beyond Technology Supplies (1) 109.39; Bosch Pest Control Services (1) 45.00; CenturyLink Telephone Charges (1) 168.41; Fastenal Company Supplies (2) 85.96; Integrated Technology Services (1) 19.95; Phelps Uniform Specialists Services (2) 28.14; Raynor Door Door (1) 85.00; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (6) 119.12; Sycamore Printing Services/Shipping (2) 1,087.98; Team Staffing Solutions Temporary Employees (1) 67.35; Temp Associates Temporary Employees (2) 123.30; Verizon Telematics GPS Charges (1) 18.95; A-1 Quality Tire & Car Care Services (1) 20.90; Airgas USA Supplies (1) 198.65; Alliant Energy Utilities (3) 940.68; Arnold Motor Supply Supplies (3) 45.83; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (44) 4,186.50; Boss Office Supply Supplies (1) 101.25; Fastenal Company Supplies (3) 114.63; GFS Chemicals Supplies (2) 389.80; H.D. Cline Supplies (1) 85.75; Hach Company Supplies (1) 76.49; Idexx Distribution Supplies (1) 312.57; Mailboxes & Parcel Depot Shipping (3) 75.60; Midland Scientific Supplies (5) 619.39; Motion Industries Supplies (2) 60.63; Muscatine Adjustment Bureau Services (1) 16.42; Muscatine Power & Water Utilities (8) 922.18; Penn Valley Pump Co. Parts/Shipping (4) 2,185.30; Phelps Uniform Specialists Services (2) 153.51; Phenova Supplies/Freight (4) 367.00; Plumb Supply Company Supplies (2) 136.96; Precision Machine Supplies (1) 124.00; Quill Corporation Supplies (1) 28.36; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (15) 880.31; Schulte Supply Inc. Supplies (2) 442.04; SJE Rhombus Service Plan (1) 1,250.00; State Hygienic Laboratory Services (6) 945.00; Stutsman Inc. Supplies (1) 4,850.00; Tallgrass Business Resources Supplies (2) 54.06; USA Blue Book Services/Freight (5) 140.46; Utility Equipment Co. Parts (1) 1,881.62; Van Meter Industrial Parts (2) 304.14; Verizon Telematics GPS Charges (1) 18.95; Clint Williams Reimbursement (2) 257.30; Andy Allison Reimbursement (1) 75.00; Brick Gentry Services (1) 2,250.00; Hahn Ready Mix Materials (2) 750.75; J&R Supply Supplies (1) 159.00; Phelps Custom Image Wear Uniforms (1) 69.99; Phillips Bros. Rentals Supplies (1) 10.49; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (8) 177.62; US Cellular Cell Phone Charges (1) 69.06; Verizon Telematics GPS Charges (1) 18.95; Verizon Wireless Cell Phone Charges (1) 40.01; Quad City Times/Muscatine Journal Services (1) 12.18; Treasurer State of Iowa Tank Registration (1) 40.00; Trugreen #2744 Services (1) 98.00; Advanced Business Systems Copier Lease (1) 16.17; Arnold Motor Supply Supplies (1) 54.09; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (15) 2,167.90; Muscatine Power & Water Utilities (1) 146.62; PCC Services (1) 11,058.30; Praxair Distribution Supplies (1) 27.31; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (4) 70.32; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (5) 664.41; McDaniels Marketing Services (1) 3,450.00; Muscatine Power & Water Utilities (1) 250.00; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (2) 15.57; Townsquare Publications Advertising (1) 397.50; Verizon Wireless Cell Phone Charges (1) 94.88; Total $154,922.84

Internal Service Funds

A-1 Quality Tire & Car Care Services (8) $1,076.92; Ace Auto Doctor & Repair Services (1) 770.87; Altorfer Inc. Services/Supplies (2) 8,729.86; Arnold Motor Supply Supplies (19) 537.78; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (1) 619.95; Blazing Motorsports Oil (1) 21.98; Certified Laboratories Supplies (1) 367.00; Courtesy Ford Parts (2) 4,718.91; Kriegers Services/Supplies (7) 11,222.09; Martin Equipment of Iowa-Illinois Parts/Credit (2) 197.67; Menards Supplies (2) 25.21; Mid States Transmission Parts (2) 615.02; Midtown Towing & Repair Services (2) 120.00; NAPA of Muscatine Supplies (7) 357.42; Phelps Uniform Specialists Services (2) 37.68; Pipeco Services (1) 1,115.47; Quill Corporation Supplies (2) 11.21; Reeves Battery Sales Supplies (2) 265.00; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (6) 192.99; Sells Auto Repair Services (2) 3,213.65; Sells Used Parts & Towing Parts (1) 90.00; Sinclair Services (2) 2,469.58; Staples Advantage Supplies (1) 8.49; Thompson Truck & Trailer Parts (1) 17.43; Titan Machinery Services (1) 711.65; Trucks Unlimited Services (1) 217.50; Verizon Telematics GPS Charges (1) 17.95; Staples Advantage Supplies (1) 91.92; Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance (7) 15,667.40; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (1) 10.86; CenturyLink Telephone Charges (1) 58.12; Muscatine Power & Water Utilities (2) 125.68; Quad City Times/Muscatine Journal Services (2) 113.96; Quest Diagnostics Services (1) 33.57; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (16) 165.09; Vantagepoint Transfer Contributions (1) 2,407.83; Verizon Telematics GPS Charges (1) 55.85; Reliance Standard Life Insurance (2) 3.18; Arthur J. Gallagher Services (1) 5,176.37; Total $61,659.11

Special Revenue Funds

Reliance Standard Life Insurance (4) $24.31; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (1) 46.00; Total $70.31

Municipal Housing Programs

Alliant Energy Utilities (1) $536.98; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (3) 125.36; Beyond Technology Supplies (1) 46.15; Chemsearch Services (1) 187.79; City of Muscatine Housing Miscellaneous (15) 7,697.59; Curtis Pest Control Services (4) 3,850.00; HD Supply Facilities Maintenance Supplies (1) 61.70; Tammy James Refund (1) 250.00; Kone Inc. Services (1) 770.00; Lucas Communications Services (1) 75.00; Lupton & Toyne Printers Services (1) 14.50; Menards Supplies (2) 73.65; Phelps Cleaning Service Services (1) 75.00; Plumb Supply Company Supplies (2) 118.85; Quad City Window Cleaning Services (1) 1,800.00; River City Turf & Ornamental Supplies (1) 634.06; Sherwin Williams Supplies (1) 14.90; Tenant PI Services (1) 25.00; Mary Turner Refund (1) 500.00; Ramona Ulman Refund (2) 270.00; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (2) 1,077.00; Beyond Technology Supplies (1) 23.08; CenturyLink Telephone Charges (1) 129.24; Chemsearch Supplies (1) 70.00; City of Muscatine Housing Miscellaneous (13) 2,814.75; Curtis Pest Control Services (1) 93.33; Kone Inc. Services (1) 205.83; Lupton & Toyne Printers Services (1) 7.25; Plumb Supply Company Supplies (2) 146.86; Quad City Window Cleaning Services (1) 500.00; River City Turf & Ornamental Supplies (1) 634.09; Trugreen #2744 Services (1) 90.00; Alliant Energy Utilities (1) 5.61; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (6) 193.91; Beyond Technology Supplies (1) 23.08; City of Muscatine Housing Miscellaneous (16) 5,218.26; Curtis Pest Control Services (1) 93.33; Dick-n-Sons Lumber Supplies (1) 84.92; Kelly Heating & Cooling Services (1) 195.00; Lupton & Toyne Printers Services (1) 7.25; Amanda Mosley Refund (4) 63.85; Muscatine Power & Water Utilities (18) 1,476.81; Phillips Bros. Rentals Equipment Purchase (1) 355.95; Plumb Supply Company Supplies (7) 1,839.42; River City Turf & Ornamental Supplies (1) 317.00; Sinclair Supplies/Freight (4) 450.35; Tenant PI Services (1) 25.00; Bancard Services Miscellaneous (1) 279.97; City of Muscatine Housing Miscellaneous (20) 12,817.50; Crossroads Services (1) 20.00; Happy Software Software Update (1) 450.00; Grace King Rent Payment (2) 476.00; Lupton & Toyne Printers Services (1) 29.00; Muscatine Plaza Properties Rent Payment (1) 445.00; Sycamore Estates Rent Payment (1) 125.00; Tallgrass Business Resources Supplies (1) 7.83; Tenant PI Services (1) 70.00; John Timm Rent Payment (1) 25.00; Muscatine Power & Water Utilities (1) 123.00; Total $48,136.00

BILLS FOR APPROVAL SUMMARY

18-Nov-16

Computer Bill Lists

Regular Bill Bills 10/21/16 $1,142,652.57; Payroll Vendor Checks 11/4/16 21,857.01; Payroll Vendor ACH Payments 11/4/16 95,225.65; Subtotal $1,259,735.23

ACH Debit Memo Payments

Payroll Account Transfer $349,229.24; Treasurer, State of Iowa State Tax Withholding 21,610.90; Treasurer, State of Iowa Sales Tax 8,238.19; Wellmark Insurance Health/Dental Insurance November 55,000.00; Wellmark Insurance Health/Dental Insurance November 55,000.00; IPERS October Contributions 93,585.34; First National Bank Credit Card Machines 989.24; Internal Revenue Service Federal Withholding 105,195.15; Subtotal $688,848.06

Voucher Program

Various Landlords Estimated November Rent $138,000.00; $138,000.00

Voids

Void Check Run 11/15/16 Operating $(4,285.00); Subtotal $(4,285.00); Total Expenditures $2,082,298.29
Civil #: 16-002153

Special Execution

U.S. Bank National Association

VS.

Andrew R. Rice; Spouse Of Andrew R Rice, If Any, ET AL.

As a result of the judgment rendered in the above referenced court case, an execution was issued by the court to the Sheriff of this county. The execution ordered the sale of defendant(s) Real Estate Described Below. To satisfy the judgment. The property to be sold is

Legal Description: Lot 3 in Block 60 of Butterfiled's Addition to the City of Wilton, in Muscatine County, Iowa. Street address: 110 East 6th St., Wilton, IA 52778

Property Address: 110 East 6th St., Wilton, IA 52778

The described property will be offered for sale at public auction for cash only as follows:

Sale Date: 01/17/2017

Sale Time: 9:30 am

Place of Sale: Muscatine County Jail Lobby, 400 Walnut Street, Muscatine, IA 52761

Homestead: Defendant is advised that if the described real estate includes the homestead (which must not exceed 1/2 Acre if within a city or town plat, or, if rural, must not exceed 40 Acres), defendant must file a homestead plat with the Sheriff within ten (10) days after service of this notice, or the Sheriff will have it platted and charge the costs to this case.

This sale not subject to redemption.

Property exemption: Certain money or property may be exempt. Contact your attorney promptly to review specific provisions of the law and file appropriate notice, if applicable.

Judgment Amount: $100,979.38

Costs: $7,060.25

Accruing Costs: Plus

Interest: $14,093.89

Sheriffs Fees: Pending

Date: 11/22/2016

Attorney:

Emily Bartekoske

1401 50th St., Ste. 100

West Des Moines, IA 50266

(515)223-7325

C.J. Ryan

Muscatine County Sheriff

Melissa Hurlbut

Civil Deputy
LETTS, Iowa  Louisa-Muscatine High School Student Council will host a community blood drive from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at Louisa-Muscatine Community High School, 14354 170th Street, Letts. The blood drive will be held in Gymnasium with walk in donors welcome although appointments are appreciated. The drive is held in conjunction with the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Centers Lifesavings program, and helps earn a monetary grant for L&M High School.
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Preparations for the new year are underway at Muscatine Power and Water. The Board of Water, Electric, and Communications Trustees met Tuesday evening and approved the 2017 Annual Operating Budgets for the Electric, Water, and Communications divisions.

The board also approved the 5.5 percent overall Water Utility rate increase to go into effect April 1 as specified in the 2017 budget.

"The increase is consistent with financial projections," General Manager Sal LiBianco said. "It is necessary to maintain financial stability."

Keith Porter, the newest board member, asked what public reaction is to rate increases.

"We don't get a ton of reaction," LoBianco replied. "It usually affects the typical customer around 75 cents per month."

LoBianco added the larger consumers are not happy with increases but understand why they are necessary.

"In comparison to other cities, it's very healthful, actually," Porter commented.

Figures provided by Employee and Communications Director Erika Cox show the charge for 300 cubic feet of water will increase from $15.39 to $16.05, compared to $16.88 in Burlington and $26.65 in Davenport, Bettendorf, and Clinton.

The 2017 budgets also call for a four percent rate increase for the Electric Utility and a seven percent rate increase for the Communications Utility, both effective April 1, but no action was taken on those increases Tuesday. However, the board set Jan. 4, 2017, as the date to receive bids on the Fiber to the Home Project, for which $15.9 million is budgeted. Plans and specifications have been sent to 30 bidders, Utility Services Director Tim Reed reported.

"Fifteen have submitted interest so far," he said.

The board also scheduled a public hearing and a recommendation to award a contract for the project before the Jan. 31 regular board meeting.

In financial news, all three utilities continued to perform well above budget through October.

The Electric Utility was budgeted to post a loss of $345,171 in October but instead posted net income of $751,776. Finance and Administrative Services Director Jerry Gowey reported revenues were $940,000 above budget while expenses were $148,000 below budget. For the year through October, a loss of $1,308,160 was budgeted, but instead net income of $3,114,794 was realized.

Net income of $27,277 was budgeted for the Water Utility in October, but the actual net income was $60,177. For the year through October, the budget called for a loss of $30,253, but net income of $705,782 was posted.

For the Communications Utility, net income of $134,728 was budgeted for October, but the actual net income was $276,417. For the year through October, the budget called for net income of $1,119,848, but the actual profit was $1,859,412.

Questions about the affect of a new administration in Washington, D.C., on public utilities were raised by the trustees during the meeting.

Brandy Olson, legal and regulatory services director, is evaluating what the change in the White House will mean for public utilities like Muscatine Power and Water. She hopes for some clarification during American Public Power Association meetings in Washington, D.C. in early 2017.

"I don't know yet," Olson answered when Board Chair Susan Eversmeyer asked her how busy she will be in 2017.

"There will still be pressure from the international community about greenhouse gasses, so that won't change because of the Presidential election," Olson continued. "Our legislative days with the APPA in February will be interesting."

In other business:

 The board approved payment of October expenditures and transactions totaling $9,930,147.

 The board approved a three year agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers, Local 55.10.

 Cox announced MP&W's 2017 calendar will be available at Friday night's Holiday Stroll and at MP&W's lobby, 3205 Cedar Street.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  The Muscatine Symphony Orchestra will present their annual Christmas with the Symphony at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, in the Central Middle School auditorium located at Ninth and Cedar Streets in Muscatine.

The annual Christmas Concert performance that the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra presents has become a great tradition here in Muscatine, Brian Dollinger, music director and conductor, said. When it began during my first season with the MSO, 13 years ago, we presented a smaller concert version as part of the downtown Holiday Stroll. Our performance quickly grew and we then transitioned into offering our own Christmas and holiday concert.

The Muscatine Symphony has kept accessibility to the Christmas Concert as easy as possible for all residents and has continued to offer this concert for free.

 This has continued to bolster our growth in attendance, not only in the typical way youd see audience growth, but for me, more importantly, in attendance of families, Dollinger said. I believe that symphonic music, no matter the repertoire being performed, is of vital importance to our youngsters. This particular concert is always fun for me because there are so many families with kids of all ages in the audience, and they are full of excitement and energy that permeates throughout the concert hall. The kids really do make this an amazing experience for everyone.

The Muscatine Symphony has also partnered with the Salvation Army for this concert, asking, but not demanding, that audience members bring a donation with them to the concert. New unwrapped toys, non-perishable foods, canned goods, and even financial gifts can be donated to the Salvation Army before entering the concert hall. Dollinger admits that he is amazed and humbled every year at the overwhelming generosity of the audience in support of the orchestras partnership with the Salvation Army.

The concert itself will be a spectacular event.

My Christmas concerts always have music that every generation knows and loves, Dollinger said. Classical repertoire from Tchaikovskys Nutcracker to Victor Herberts Babes in Toyland, to fantastic music by Mannheim Steamroller and TranSiberian Orchestra are but a few selections that will warm everyone up with holiday cheer.

And there are the surprises.

There are always wonderful surprises at our holiday performance, and this year is no exception, Dollinger said. I am eager for this years concert and how exciting this concert will be for our audience.

The Christmas Concert is one of two free concerts that the Muscatine Symphony conducts each year as the organization also performs a free concert on the riverfront as part of the July 4th festivities.

Both of these concerts are integral parts of our community outreach, but are also large financial commitments the Symphony makes to the community, Dollinger said. We are always looking for funding support for these concerts as there is no income to offset expenses. So I would invite any local businesses who would like to be part of these incredible offerings to the greater-Muscatine area to contact us for more information about how to help.

The Christmas and holiday season are some of Dollingers most favorite memroies.

Seeing my childrens faces light up at the decorations, or hearing them sing-a-long to their most beloved holiday tunes are truly what I remember the most, Dollinger said. Christmas morning, the wrapped packages, the smells of cinnamon rolls in the oven - memories I hope that all children get to create every year.

While these memories are special to Dollinger, he knows that there are those who many are not so fortunate.

I know that many do not, so bringing this type of concert to them and their families is so very important and special to me, Dolllinger said. The Salvation Army helps with the tangible items and memories, but music will always touch us all very deeply and meaningfully. It is the soul of our existence, and I and the wonderful musicians of the MSO couldnt be more proud to share it with all of our friends, family, and neighbors.

For more information about the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra, visit their web site at http://www.muscatinesymphony.org.
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Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
In a news cycle still fixated on the US election result, on November 15 members of the UKs upper house of parliament gave final approval to the countrys most invasive surveillance legislation to date.

The Investigatory Powers Act gives government agencies unprecedented powers to collect user information in bulk and access data about the websites that Britons visit.

The most controversial aspect of the law is the requirement for internet service providers (ISP) to hold information about every website a user visits for 12 months.

Government agencies, such as the security services, the Inland Revenue, and even the Food Standards Agency , will be able to access the information, for what officials say will be a limited set of specified purposes subject to strict controls.

Despite the ease with which it passed through the Conservative-controlled legislative chambers, the law nicknamed the Snoopers Charter by the British press has prompted strong criticism.

Silkie Carlo, a policy officer for the National Council for Civil Liberties, dismissed the governments justification of the law on the grounds of countering terrorism as one that defies common sense.

We urged the government to prove it was strictly necessary for the state to use bulk, suspicionless surveillance powers, Carlo said, adding that the government had cynically avoided addressing the groups concerns.

A targeted system of surveillance based on suspicion of criminality made more sense than one that captures huge amounts of data, Carlo argued, and security experts agree.

Johns Hopkins University cryptologist Matthew Green told Al Jazeera that there were major limitations with the new law from a security perspective.

The amount of data being generated is going to be vast, Green said.

Thats going to drown the surveillance agencies in noise and false positives  My guess is the only real use of this data will be to keep police busy chasing leads, and to help fill in a profile after something has happened.

According to Green, those behind previous attacks, such as in France last year, had easily evaded similar measures intelligence services had in place.

We saw in Paris that even burner cellphones without encryption were sufficient to coordinate a large-scale attack.

Its much more likely that these measures will be used against amateurs and criminals, and wont stop the sort of serious terrorism thats being used to justify them.

Thats worrying, because the privacy cost of these measures is going to be enormous.

The UK is not alone in introducing expansive internet surveillance laws. France introduced similar measures in 2015, and Germany passed its own measures in October.

In the US, the National Security Agencys PRISM programme gives it direct access to user data held by companies such as Google and Facebook.

Vian Bakir, professor of political communication and journalism at

Bangor University, said Western governments had created the tools for repression and citizens would now have to trust that the state will not abuse such powers.

She described the British government as prioritising national security over human rights, and warned that the recent US election result could signal a turn for the worse.

[Trumps] populist election included calls to bring back torture and he stated his support for bringing back NSA bulk data collection, Bakir said. As such, we have very good reason to be concerned about our privacy.

Criminal leaks

Potential government overreach is just one of the risks associated with the new measures.

Organised criminals and foreign state actors have little or no incentive to protect user data and are not bound by any form of accountability to citizens of the countries they operate in.

Several technologists Al Jazeera spoke to warned that the UKs Investigatory Powers Act could lead to leaks of sensitive personal data.

The law mandates ISPs to hold internet connection records, which detail websites accessed by a user, for 12 months.

The British Home Office did not reply to a request to explain what safety measures would be in place to protect the information held by communications companies but network security analysts said breaches were definitely possible in the future.

There is no cast-iron guarantee that someone could not raid the data, said Danny Dresner, lecurer in information, cyber security and governance at Manchester University.

[There are] too many actors and a shed load of technology that opens the kimono of vulnerabilities all the time  often faster than it can be closed.

As recently as two weeks ago, a breach at UK telecommunication company Three Mobile resulted in hackers obtaining the personal details of about 130,000 customers.

Others hacked within the past two years include O2 and TalkTalk.

ARS Technicas Glyn Moody warned that the new law was a privacy disaster waiting to happen and could open up individuals to blackmail, if data is breached.

They [ISPs] dont have to store this kind of intimate, highly personal information at the moment, Moody told Al Jazeera.

They dont have any experience in making databases really secure. Thats why there have been high-profile losses of personal data by companies such as TalkTalk, Vodafone, O2, and Three.

Moody said some companies would do a better job than others in protecting data but that it was inevitable that some databases would be hacked.

Extremely personal information will be leaked with terrible consequences for some people. The only question is when.

Like others Al Jazeera spoke to, Moody said he preferred a targeted approach of collecting data instead of one that harms privacy and freedom.

Nobody would agree to the installation of CCTV cameras in every room in the house, but this is the digital equivalent, its just that most people dont appreciate that fact, Moody said.

Personal attitudes

For all the fears of government surveillance or criminal breaches of data, huge amounts of information are surrendered voluntarily on social media platforms and use of now-indispensable apps.

The drip feed of tweets, Instagram posts and status updates may not amount to much on its own, but over extended periods of time can accumulate into a trove of personal information that can expose new vulnerabilities, according to author and tech-blogger Cory Doctorow.

I think that we all struggle to adequately gauge the down-the-line pitfalls of in-the-moment disclosures, Doctorow said.

Its always hard to think about what may happen in the distant future, especially when youre enjoying the real-time benefits you get from revealing personal information: contact, connection, help.

This detachment from consequence combined with tactics used by social media companies to encourage people to share was analogous to smoking, Doctorow explained.

No one puff will give you cancer, but smoke enough and youll get cancer eventually.

No one disclosure will bring you to harm, but disclose enough over time and youll get bitten by it.

Whereas the cigarette industry drew close to the government with the economic benefits it brought, social media companies drew close to officials by offering them the tantalising prospect of plundering their gigantic databases, he said.

Doctorow warned against the nihilism of accepting the current status quo as just the way things are.

[People] can choose better tools and better practices that let them maintain their social relations and discussions without giving the platforms all the salient facts of their lives.

Ethical sharing

None of the analysts Al Jazeera spoke to recommended becoming a digital hermit to counter the risks to privacy.

Instead, a common theme was encouraging the responsible use of social media and understanding the ways in which data produced as a result of online interaction was used by governments and tech companies.

The information we emit online is not just useful to proprietary platforms, governments or even criminals. For researchers, the huge amounts of raw data available present a wealth of knowledge that can provide myriad uses in terms of social insights and developing future technologies.

Loss of privacy is not inevitable, but is also not the only, or even the best way to understand our data lives, said Mark Cote, a lecturer in digital culture and society at Kings College London.

No one should be forced to live in full transparency, or be compelled to share our data without control. Yet that is what digital intellectual property rights are leading us [to]. When we use the platforms and tools we love, like Google, what we generate becomes theirs through secondary rights.

However, a singular focus on privacy can blind people to the benefits of ethically sharing the data we generate, Cote explained.

One of the best ways we can counter the profound asymmetry between our pervasive data generation and lack of access or agency is through developing a social big data commons, Cote said, referring to anonymised non-proprietary platforms on which user data can be collected and accessed .

We need to think of privacy in conjunction with access and agency. Otherwise we risk further individualising society at a time when we desperately need to explore new lines of affinities and commonalities.

To both safeguard reasonable privacy, and to learn how we might share and use our data to our collective advantage, we need to develop new forms of data literacy.

The data age is here to stay, barring environmental catastrophe. We need to become more well-rounded and active participants in data life.

Al Jazeera

Now read: Twitter will ban Trump if he breaks hate speech rules
The Russian government has approved the Jolla Sailfish mobile OS for use in its ranks, according to a report by Engadget.

The report stated that Jolla  a Finnish company  announced it was also in discussions with South Africa and China for a similar deal.

Jolla Sailfish rose from the ashes of Nokia and Intels doomed MeeGo, and the company states its OS provides true multitasking, gesture-based control, and the ability to run Android apps.

The report stated that the Russian and Chinese governments have essentially banned purchases of Windows computers as well as iOS and Android devices, and the move to Sailfish is to lessen their dependence on Western operating systems like Android and iOS.

Now read: How to check if your iPhone 6s needs its battery replaced
Carol and Jim Beazley, owners of the Beazley House Bed & Breakfast in Napa, were honored at the California Hotel & Lodging Associations 2016 Stars of the Industry awards.

The annual Stars of the Industry awards, presented by USA TODAY, are given out to honor lodging employees and properties that symbolize the best of the industry.

The Beazleys were awarded the Peggy Mosley Industry Champion award for their commitment to the bed-and- breakfast industry and their community.
The much-debated Davies Vineyards Winery tasting room on Grayson Avenue is two steps closer to opening after the St. Helena City Council approved a pair of procedural matters involving noise and signs.

The winery is owned by the Davies family, which also owns Schramsberg Vineyards in Calistoga.

In two votes on Nov. 29, the council sided with the applicants over the objections of Citizens Voice St. Helena, the community group that has fought the project at council and in court.

The first issue involved the projects sign permit, which the Planning Commission approved in September.

Citizens Voice co-founder Susan Kenward said she didnt object to any of the signs the winery had proposed. However, she wanted the city to require additional signs informing drivers leaving the winery that they are entering a school zone, prohibiting on-street parking in front of the winery to preserve drivers sight lines, and prohibiting traffic leaving the winery from turning right onto Grayson Avenue toward the high school playfields and the primary school during school hours.

Arent we a city that puts safety first over commerce? Kenward asked, claiming that the winery is the only one in California that enters and exits into a school zone.

However, City Attorney Tom Brown said the citys sign ordinance only gives the city the authority to consider the signs proposed by the applicant, not require new signs. The council rejected the appeal 5-0, ruling that it had no basis.

The second matter involved noise. The councils approval of the project in 2014 required that the applicants submit a noise attenuation plan before receiving a certificate of occupancy to use the building.

The applicants submitted a plan outlining the limits on outdoor music on the tasting rooms rooftop deck. However, they faced more opposition from Citizens Voice, whose attorneys submitted a letter on Tuesday claiming the plan failed to mitigate the impact of the noise on neighbors.

Kenward said the city should require the applicants to hire an acoustical engineer to analyze the noise that would result and recommend ways to minimize the disturbance to neighbors.

Brien McMahon, the applicants attorney, told the council that given the threat of further litigation, the applicants were willing to accept a scaled-back plan that doesnt allow any amplified music on the deck. That would allow the building to open and give the applicants a chance to come back with another noise plan if they ever decide they want amplified music on the roof.

The council approved the modified plan, which prohibits amplified music on the deck until further acoustical analysis is conducted and brought to the City Council for approval.

In 2015 Napa Superior Court Judge Rodney Stone rejected claims by Citizens Voice that the councils approval of the project had violated the California Environmental Quality Act by failing to address significant impacts on noise, safety, parking and other factors, especially given the close proximity to St. Helena High School.

Citizens Voice is currently appealing that ruling. The applicants are paying for the citys legal defense.
The Napa jury that will decide whether 74-year-old Shozaburo Nakamura murdered his 78-year-old ex-wife Eiko in 2014 heard two radically different stories from attorneys Wednesday morning.

This case is about a man who committed coldblooded, pre-meditated murder, Assistant District Attorney Paul Gero said of Nakamura who is accused of stabbing Eiko Nakamura, a former restaurant owner, to death in their shared home on the 2900 block of Pinewood Drive in Napa.

Nakamuras defense attorney, Molly Hendry, painted a different picture of her client  one of an abused old man pushed over the line.

This is not a who done it? Hendry told the jury. Shozaburo Nakamura did kill his ex-wife, but he didnt plan it, she said.

Wearing a long-sleeved, striped dress shirt tucked into khaki dress pants with no belt and wearing headphones, Nakamura sat beside his Japanese interpreter in the top-floor courtroom at Napas Criminal Courthouse.

Gero described their 20-year marriage as a business deal, saying that Shozaburo Nakamura never loved his wife. When they divorced in 1994, he lived mostly in Hawaii until 2008 when, out of the kindness of her heart, his ex-wife allowed her former spouse to move back into their Napa home.

Shozaburo Nakamura didnt work, Gero said, and was surviving on only $500 a month in Social Security.

By May 2014, Eiko Nakamura was planning on selling the Napa house and getting a place without Shozaburo. When the two had an argument about the issue on the night of May 30, Gero said that Shozaburo Nakamura grabbed a rock from the kitchen, followed Eiko down the hallway and bashed her in the head three times.

When that didnt kill her, the former sushi chef went to the kitchen, grabbed a knife and stabbed her in the back four times, but hit bones instead of her heart, Gero said. Finally, Shozaburo Nakamura stabbed Eiko in the neck 21 times, killing her, he asserted.

Blood leaked from her body everywhere onto the floor, Gero said. Then, he said, Shozaburo Nakamura put a plastic bag over Eikos head, blankets around her body, took her to the bathroom and cleaned up the scene.

Gero said that Nakamuras plan was to kill the former restaurateur, then kill himself. After the scene was clean, Nakamura headed to Browns Valley Market and a nearby Chevron station in Eikos car to buy scotch, vodka, beer, shrimp, cigarettes, a lighter and propane.

He had a good time, Gero said. He drank, he smoked, he ate.

It makes sense that Nakamura bought alcohol and cigarettes, Gero said, because Eiko didnt allow him to drink or smoke in the house.

When Eikos suspicious friend, Robert Sutton of Yountville, called the police to the scene on June 1, Gero said that Nakamura admitted to killing her.

I violently murdered my wife, recalled Gero. He confessed again during his interview with the detective and again during his arraignment on the charges, Gero said.

Gero asked the jury to agree with Nakamura and find him guilty of first-degree murder.

In her opening statement, Hendry said Nakamuras father was abusive and his mother was cold and distant. Born in Japan in 1942, he remembers his father holding him over a well by the ankles, being locked in a dark warehouse for hours and having to stand outside in the cold snow as a form of punishment, she said. His father even killed a beloved neighborhood dog, she added.

This was his normal, Hendry said.

Shozaburo Nakamura became an artist and lived primarily off of an inheritance left by his father. The inheritance, she said, was used during his and Eikos marriage. In fact, even after the couple had divorced and Shozaburo was living in Hawaii, he would still send Eiko money periodically whenever she asked for it, Hendry said.

Other than that, they lived separate lives between 1994 and 2008 until Eiko asked Shozaburo to move back in with her, Hendry told the jury. Eiko was lonely and out of money, she said. And since Shozaburo was only getting his $500 Social Security check, the arrangement was mutually beneficial.

On the night of Eikos death, the former husband and wife were cleaning the house all night and into the next morning, Hendry said. Although he didnt think much of it, when it started to hit 1 or 2 a.m., Shozaburo asked Eiko Why are we still cleaning the home? Hendry asserted.

Eikos reply took Shozaburo by surprise, Hendry said. She told him she was half a million dollars in debt.

According to Hendry, Eiko went on to tell Shozaburo that Realtors were coming to look at the home in the morning, that she was selling it and that she was moving to a mobile home without him.

He wondered out loud how he was going to be able to live on $500 a month, Hendry said.

In response, Hendry said that Eiko laughed at him and taunted him, saying You should just go kill yourself.

Eiko then grabbed a knife from the kitchen and held it up to her exs throat, Hendry said.

If you touch me with that knife I will kill you, Shozaburo allegedly replied.

Eiko continued to mock Shozaburo and said that he was a coward and didnt have the guts, Hendry said.

Finally, Hendry said that Eiko touched her ex-husband with the knife. He felt foolish, betrayed and desperate, she said, as he reached for a rock used in Japanese cooking.

After killing his former spouse, cleaning up the scene and stopping at the store, Shozaburo  fully intending to kill himself  drank until he blacked out.

When police officers arrived at the home on June 1, 2014, Nakamura was drunk, his eyes red and watery, his speech slurred, Hendry said.

He wanted to tell the police what happened, she said, and told the story of how they were broke and how they couldnt live anymore to police.

This death was not planned, Hendry told the jury. (It was a) sudden attack committed in the heat of passion.

He is guilty of voluntary manslaughter, not murder, she said.

The trial before Napa County Superior Court Judge Mark Boessenecker is expected to run into next week.
A friend of mine recently told me about a troubling experience his daughter had at a California community college. She had to endure a political rant from one of her professors, who compared Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler and claimed Trumps election was worse than 9/11.

I wasnt a die-hard Trump supporter. For me, the election came down to the Supreme Court and the economy, and many others felt the same. But no student should be forced to endure such nonsense, and to her credit, this student courageously walked out of that classroom in protest.

Students in such situations face an unenviable challenge: theyre forced to balance their beliefs, the opinions of their peers, and the prospect of maintaining a passing grade. Within that balance, liberal educators rarely have their opinions challenged. They become blinded by their own biases, while perceiving themselves to be enlightened and open-minded.

Young and impressionable students emulate their professors intolerance, believing oppression to be an acceptable form of communication.

Those students synthesize the information theyve received, and choose media sources that affirm, rather than challenge, their predetermined opinions and world view, simply because theyve been taught dissent is for rubes.

Liberal instructors and administrators provide these students with safe spaces on campus, to be free from any remaining conservative intellectual resistance that causes them pain. This cycle repeats over and over again, and our tax dollars are paying for it.

This is a sure sign that free thought is on the decline. Our academic institutions are supposed to be beacons of enlightenment, not indoctrination.

Healthy and robust discussions regarding any issues that divide us along political lines were once welcomed at our public colleges and universities.

However, since the early 1990s, liberals have doubled down on their attempts to monopolize academia and have labeled anyone in opposition to their beliefs to be dullards.

Instead of trying to understand differing world views, many liberals have threatened to leave our country, because their candidate wasnt elected. Anyone who disagrees with them is deemed a racist xenophobe or worse.

On Facebook, some people assert that Trumps election is the worst decision America has made. Professors should remind students that America once thought slavery was okay, and that interning Japanese-Americans was the right thing to do.

These misguided declarations, at best, are premature, given Trump hasnt even assumed office. There used to be a time in our country where wed give people a chance before judging them.

Indoctrination and close-minded political propaganda on college campuses should come to an end. Some people will ask, What about the hyperbole used by politicians? Youre right, its not good either.

It is expected of politicians to use a little emphasis to get their points across; we know not to take things too literally. The classroom, however, isnt the same setting and should be above reproach.

We need a serious discussion about how to improve political discourse in our nation. This dialogue could be led by our academic leaders, if they werent so busy throwing temper tantrums like 2-year-old children.

At our academic institutions, we deserve a better return for our tax dollars. More importantly, students deserve better. Lets put an end to this modern McCarthyism while we still can.
Help wanted: No experience needed

Help wanted, no experience necessary: President of the USA. Sounds unbelievable but qualifications arent necessary for the most important job in the world.

Moral qualifications arent really important either. Fear and hate is the new calculus. How about truth? Whose truth, you say? It seems we live in a post-truth world. Truth is up to interpretation. You want examples? Doesnt matter. We can twist them in some kind of pretzel logic to fit our worldview.

A mans character use to be important. What in Trumps life story shows any moral fiber? Do you really look up to demagogues? The Bible says that what we say reveals who we really are. Trumps cavalier, vindictive attitude to those he disagrees with is disgusting. Here is what I just cant wrap my head around: 8 out of 10 white evangelicals voted for him. You know who else found him attractive? The Ku Klux Klan.

Instead of being an honest broker, you gave up your moral authority. Do you really see this man as some sort of moral compass? Oh, but you were interested in that Supreme Court justice. A judge is suppose to be impartial. You thought it was alright to take away President Obamas constitutional right to get your kind of justice. Beware of unintended consequences.

How about returning to that mythical time when America was a Christian nation? There is a lot of baggage with that. There is the problem of her original sin: slavery. Besides the slave was only counted as 3/5 of a person. Besides that there was no universal suffrage. What about the slaughter of the indigenous peoples? We seem to overlook these in some sort of Pollyanna backside thinking.

But you say you voted on Bible values? Do you have a Bible like Thomas Jefferson? (He cut out passages he disagreed with). Jesus healed the handicapped. Trump mocks them. Jesus hung out with the disenfranchised. Trump calls them losers. Trump cheats workers out of their due wages. The Bible calls that stealing.

The early church was known for its hospitality; selling what they had for the common good. Sorry, we love capitalism, especially the zero-sum kind. Will the church of today be known for exclusion for its own safety and comfort? The early believers were martyred for their faith. Todays church is concerned about saying Merry Christmas and not baking wedding cakes for gays.

Now that we are returning to trickle-down economics, is it biblical? Well, it is found in the gospel of Luke, chapter 16. Now there was a certain rich man who was habitually dressed in expensive purple and fine linen, and celebrated and lived joyously in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores. He (eagerly) longed to eat the crumbs which Fell from the rich mans table. Besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores.(healthcare?) To find out, if you dont know, how it turned out read this passage.

Its amazing how we can read the same Bible and come up with different interpretations. Let me leave you with one more passage that seems straightforward.  ... if you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourself in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness ... Isaiah 58:9,10.

John Anderson

Napa
Thank you for publishing George Takeis guest editorial They interned my familydont let them do it to the Muslims.(Nov. 19).

Takeis most legitimate concerns, which bear a re-reading, brought forth in response to certain candidate Trump political campaign statements with subsequent surrogates alluding to executive precedents in U.S. history. Nuances of internment of Muslims appear not too frivolous to be taken seriously by each and every member of the American public, citizen or not.

Will it make America great again, I ask President-elect Trump, to place a class of people based upon their race, nationality or religious suasions upon another Jacksonian Trail of Tears? Erect another Mankato stockade for incarceration of several hundred starving Dakota Sioux who had rioted when their Indian agent absconded with rations & funds? Reconsider the Goldrush-era Chinese Immigration & Exclusion Act? Send those of inappropriate alienage to modular Rosewood and let the site burn down, while its residents are (conveniently) out of the public eye? The effects of even planning such activities are bound to diminish the moral and diplomatic leadership of the American democracy, representative that it be. It will become a nation with an adulterated heart.

I was pleased to have interviewed former Japanese internees of Manzanar Relocation [Detention] Center (Inyo County) for a Sierra Life article I wrote in the 1980s. (In youth, I had worked with a contracting chef whod bragged about serving internees of Gila River sub-standard meals of tripe and macaroni, pocketing $0.85 /$1.00 per meal). As with most Japanese Americans, the Numuras tellings were more objective and philosophical than those that will be told by this writer and others who are inclined to look back in anger at the errors of history and the willingness of other to repeat them in the name of patriotism. Shi Nomura and his wife, Mary Kageyama Numura, (The Manzanar Songbird) invited me into their Orange County home, which contained a wing of historical artifacts and models that Shi used for museum displays around the country.

Like Takei, their L.A. families had both been subject to a sweep and had to endure being tenants of the horse stalls at Santa Anita while awaiting construction of their rendition site. The young adults two met at Manzanar and were separated for a while when Shi took an outside assignment of picking potatoes in Idaho, with quarters in a crusty chicken coop. Mary remained in Eastern Sierra shadows of Manzanars Soul Consoling Tower to bring forth song with Mansanars Jive Bombers (bandstock donated by the Jimmy Lunceford Orchestra).

Deep in swampy Arkansas, Takeis Rohwer Relocation Center lacked a soul- consoling tower, but like all of the ten centers (None dare call them renditions or gulags) had full munitioned guard towers above the barbed wire enclosures, fashioned to protect American from a subversion that never existed. Takei at the age of 5 was made a homeless evacuee by the gunheld sweep of, Executive Order 9066 upon his Japanese American family. Without due process of law, they were renditioned by train from their Santa Anita stalls with blinds drawn for their own protection -- to their relocation center.

Relocation Center? What sugarcoated, Orwellian doublespeak! Their properties were relocated to others, businesses were confiscated, employment and sense of honor forfeited.

Not to be confused with any of Presidentelect Trumps surrogates, General John L. Dewitt, who was in charge of executing the West Coast provisions( California, Oregon, Washington) of 9066 stood before Congress to set his sights upon relocation, announcing that the war between the United States and Japan was not just a war between the United States of America armed forces and the forces of the Emperor of Japan, but a war against the whole of the Japanese people, each and every one of them.

Some 127,000 Americans endured temporary, tar paper-covered barracks, guard towers, barbed-wire fences, sub-standard food, lack of privacy for the crime of being of a certain ancestry. Once released, they had to rebuild their lives, starting with nothing but their innate skills.

Ironically, Japanese-Americans in Hawaii were not incarcerated in the same way, the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Niihau notwithstanding. In Hawaii, where the Japanese population was approximately 40 percent of the territory, individuals were questioned on a reasonable suspicion basis and only a few thousand folks were detained. And so it was east of the Rockies.

No Japanese American citizen or Japanese national residing in the United States was ever found guilty of sabotage or espionage.

Bob Austin

Napa
This course Read more [...]
Chilean Navy pilots will experience greater situational awareness and communications capabilities with the highly advanced avionics on board these aircraft, said Alan Prowse, vice president and managing director, Americas and Global Services Business Development for Rockwell Collins. This selection further solidifies our position as a key provider of P-3 cockpit modernization for military organizations around the world.



The Flight2 integrated avionics suite of communications, navigation and surveillance equipment seamlessly integrates new-generation avionics with legacy sensors, radios, autopilot and aircraft systems. Flight2 features advanced displays and an integrated military/civil flight management system, and is one of the most cost-effective, lowest-risk solutions available today. The system is currently flying on more than 900 fixed-wing aircraft.
As Shakespeare's First Folio nears the end of its visit to Emory, two events on Monday, Dec. 5, will celebrate the Bard's legacy in print and poetry.

Published in 1623, just seven years after Shakespeare's death, the First Folio is the first collected edition of the acclaimed authors plays and is among the most famous books in the world.

Emory is the only Georgia site chosen to display the literary treasure as part of "First Folio! The Book that Gave Us Shakespeare," a national traveling exhibit from the Folger Shakespeare Library, which is coordinating displays in all 50 states to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death.

The Emory exhibit, which opened Nov. 5, continues through Dec. 11 in the Michael C. Carlos Museum.

Closing festivities for the First Folio are set for Dec. 5, with two opportunities to explore Shakespeare's impact.

Michael Witmore, director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, presents "The Wonder of Will" at 4 p.m. in the Carlos Museum's Ackerman Hall. Witmore will discuss the legacy of Shakespeare and the Folgers extensive collection of the Bard in print. The First Folio exhibition gallery will also be open from 3-7 p.m.

That evening, the last of Shakespeare at Emory's events while the First Folio is on campus, "The Bard and Poetry," will feature former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey and award-winning poets Kevin Young and Jericho Brown. The event begins at 7 p.m., also in Ackerman Hall.

Natasha Trethewey, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of English and Creative Writing and director of Emory's creative writing program, was appointed United States Poet Laureate in 2012 and again in 2014. She won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for her 2006 collection "Native Guard," and served as poet laureate of Mississippi from 2012 to 2016.

Kevin Young, who has served as Emory's Charles Howard Candler Professor of Creative Writing and English and curator of literary collections and the Raymond Danowski Poetry Library, will become director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture starting in December. His most recent book, "Blue Laws: Selected & Uncollected Poems 1995-2015," was longlisted for the National Book Award.

Jericho Brown, associate professor of creative writing, is the recipient of a Whiting Writers Award and fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University and the National Endowment for the Arts. His first book, "Please," won the American Book Award and his second book, "The New Testament," won the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award.

Shakespeare at Emory events began last spring and will continue through this academic year, with a variety of activities, presentations and exhibits hosted by the Carlos Museum, Emory Libraries and Theater Emory.
The Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library has acquired the papers of the late Eugene Patterson, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, editor of the Atlanta Constitution and the Washington Post, and a significant voice for civil rights in the 1960s.

Pattersons papers include correspondence, photographs, subject files and six large scrapbooks filled with his daily columns. As editor of The Atlanta Constitution, Patterson received widespread national attention for his column A Flower for the Graves, about the Birmingham church bombing that killed four young girls on Sept. 15, 1963. The column, published the next day, was so moving that Patterson was invited to read it aloud that night on the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the year Patterson was writing the columns that won him the 1967 Pulitzer Prize for editorial columns.

This collection covers so many rich moments in history, says Hank Klibanoff, professor of practice in Emorys English and creative writing program, who teaches a course on Georgia civil rights cold cases.

Klibanoff, co-author of The Race Beat: The Press, the Civil Rights Struggle, and the Awakening of a Nation, interviewed Patterson for his book and was instrumental in bringing the papers to Emory from the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, where Patterson served as board chairman for ten years. I knew that this had great historical value because he had written about so many dynamic things that I teach, Klibanoff says.

It is such an honor to announce the Patterson papers as part of the Rose Library, says Rosemary M. Magee, director of the Rose Library. Mr. Pattersons life, his work and his legacy connect to so many of our collections in the search for deeper understanding of a historical moment, providing insight into our own time. Students and scholars alike will find his journey one of truth and inspiration.

A few items from Pattersons papers, including a copy of A Flower for the Graves and correspondence he received in response to the piece, will be exhibited in the Rose Library from Nov. 29, 2016 through Jan. 6, 2017.

About Patterson

Gene Patterson (1923-2013) was born and raised in southeast Georgia during the Great Depression. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1943 with a degree in journalism but joined the Army soon after, serving in the 10th Armored Division under Gen. George Patton in Germany during World War II. He began his journalism career in 1947 in Texas, but returned to Georgia to work for the Macon Telegraph and the United Press, the latter of which moved him around the Southeast, and then to New York City and London.

Patterson came back to Georgia in 1956 as executive editor and columnist for the morning Atlanta Constitution and afternoon Atlanta Journal papers. He became known for his columns in support of the civil rights movement and opposed to the violence against it, winning the Pulitzer Prize for editorial columns in 1967. His 1966 columns that won the Pulitzer focused on a range of subjects, including the ouster of Julian Bond from the Georgia House of Representatives (which Patterson opposed), and the explosive racial conflicts in the Summerhill section of Atlanta. He served as vice-chairman of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission from 1964-1968.

He worked under Constitution editor and well-known Southern journalist Ralph McGill, from whom Patterson took over the editor position in 1960 when McGill became publisher, and the two were close friends.

Klibanoff says both men were of great minds, progressive hearts and courageous souls, adding that they lived near each other, worked on the same floor at the newspaper offices, and spent many hours and millions of words in spirited conversation with each other.

Patterson left the Atlanta Constitution in 1968 to become managing editor of the Washington Post during the time of the Vietnam War; he was instrumental in the Posts decision to publish the Pentagon Papers. In 1972, he became editor of the St. Petersburg Times (now the Tampa Bay Times), run by Nelson Poynter. He followed Poynter as CEO and chairman of the board of the Times Publishing Co. before retiring in 1988. He died in 2013 at age 89.

More about the collection

Among the materials in the Patterson papers are letters from readers. For scholars, this is a fascinating window on a particular time in history, says Randy Gue, Rose Library curator of modern political and historical collections. Researchers often have a hard time finding that person-on-the-street perspective. These are reactions from people who were living in that time, who read Pattersons columns and wrote to him with their opinions.

The Patterson collection intersects with many other Southern journalists papers held by the Rose Library in addition to McGills, including the papers of Jack Nelson, Celestine Sibley, Reese Cleghorn, Claude Sitton, John Herbers, Bill Emerson, Joe Cumming and Marshall Frady, as well as the Newsweek Atlanta Bureau records.

The Rose Library has a remarkable collection of Southern journalists who were working in the 1960s and 70s, writing about volatile issues like race relations, the economy and political power, Gue says. Each collection is valuable individually, but together there is a value to students and researchers that you cant find anywhere else.

The correspondence among Patterson and the other journalists is a glimpse into the effects that covering such stories had on these writers, Gue adds.

Theyre all incredible writers, and the letters are hilarious, beautifully written and engaging, Gue says. You get a real sense of camaraderie from reading them.

Although the Patterson papers are unprocessed, the collection is available on request. More information is available on the Using Rose Library page.
The Robson Foundation, named for former dean John E. Robson, has pledged $2.1 million to establish the John Robson Endowment for the Study of Business, Public Policy and Government at Goizueta Business School. The gift, announced Nov. 29, will lead to the establishment of a program focused on the growing complexities of business and civics.

The Robson family remain vital members of our community, said Erika James, John H. Harland Dean of Goizueta Business School. Im so happy Dean Robsons memory will live on through a program that mirrors his vision and is of vital importance for future business leaders.

The endowment will drive the efforts of the John Robson Program for the Study of Business, Public Policy and Government, directed by Jeff Rosensweig, an international business and finance professor.

Robson served as dean at the then-Emory Business School from 1986 to 1989, leading the charge to raise the school to national and international prominence.

Among his contributions, Robson installed high-profile members of the corporate community on the Deans Advisory Board. Many faculty members were recruited during this time, including the late George Benston, Bob Drazin, Rob Kazanjian, Benn Konsynski, Jeff Rosensweig and Jag Sheth.

He recruited key contributors now on the schools senior staff, including Andrea Hershatter, senior associate dean and BBA program director, and Julie Barefoot, associate dean of MBA admissions. Robson also started the Global Perspectives Program with original funding by the schools namesake, Roberto C. Goizueta.

Away from Goizueta, Robson was a recognized public servant, working with four U.S. presidents. Notably, he served as deputy treasury secretary under George H. W. Bush. At the time of his death in 2002, Robson was president and chairman of the Export-Import Bank, which informed the George W. Bush administrations trade and foreign policy.

John Robson had a passion for linking business and public policy in positive ways, Rosensweig said. John personified the rare leader who succeeds in business, government and civic service and academia. We will ensure students interact with exemplary leaders from all these spheres.

The Robson family remains connected to the school, in part, by supporting an MBA scholarship.

My fathers years at Emory were some of the most rewarding of his career, Douglas Robson said. Both my parents would be proud and excited to know the groundwork he laid is being carried forward with this new initiative.

The Robson Program will act as an umbrella for business school activities in the areas of business and government and will ensure the school remains present at the intersections of policy and industry.

John experienced first-hand that needed societal solutions could stem from business, civic and government leaders achieving a common understanding, Rosensweig said. The John Robson Program will help prepare principled leaders for global enterprises in the private and public sectors.

Among other duties, Rosensweig will facilitate various lectures and an annual forum for students, executives and faculty. The program will also include coursework in conjunction with Washington Campus.
Undergraduate Kyle Gunther, a biological science major, presented his winning research on fennel, a nonnative plant from the Mediterranean that poses a threat to Californias native plant communities.

Three Cal State Fullerton students received awards for their outstanding research presentations at the recent Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)  The National Diversity in STEM Conference.

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics undergraduates Kyle Gunther and Nhu Vu, and graduate student Nathan Johnson, competed with students from universities across the country, including those from Harvard, MIT, Yale, Brown, CSU and UC campuses.

Gunther, a biological science major, received the undergraduate student poster presentation award in life science-botany for his work on fennel. The research is co-authored with fellow undergraduate researcher Tilly Duong and faculty mentor Joel K. Abraham, associate professor of biological science.

The study found that the herb, which is not native to California, yet widespread in the state, may be allelopathic  meaning it releases chemicals into the environment that inhibit the growth of other plants, said Gunther, a scholar in the National Science Foundation-funded Southern California Ecosystems Research Program. The students tested the hypothesis that fennel is allelopathic by growing three California native plants in different soil treatments, with or without previous fennel growth or fertilizer added.

Vu, a biochemistry major, was recognized with the undergraduate student poster presentation award in chemistry-analytical chemistry for her research on how aerosol particles, such as sea salt or desert dust, interact with light. Similar to greenhouse gases, aerosol particles in the atmosphere can absorb and re-emit radiation coming from the Earths surface; the extra radiation emitted back has an impact on climate. Vus study, with faculty mentor Paula Hudson, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, is working toward a method to improve scientists ability to predict climate changes due to aerosol particles.

Johnson received the graduate student oral presentation award in mathematics and statistics-applied mathematics. Johnson, who is pursuing a masters degree in mathematics-applied mathematics, is focusing his research on a math model to describe and predict domestic political conflict, using Colombia and Venezuela as examples. Such models, by signaling expected increases in political conflict, would help inform and prepare policymakers to react accordingly to conflict proliferation both domestically and internationally, said faculty mentor Laura Smith, assistant professor of mathematics.

The national conference was held this fall in Long Beach.
17:01

Excerpts of the press briefing with White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest on US President-Elect Donald Trump's conversation with Pak PM Nawaz Sharif.





Q Second, on Pakistan, would this White House agree with Donald Trump's description that Pakistan is "amazing" and that its citizens are "one of the most intelligent people"? That's the description the Foreign Ministry provided of the conversation that Donald Trump had with their Prime Minister yesterday.



MR. EARNEST: Darlene, I saw the readout of the telephone call that you're referring to. I can't speak to the accuracy or to the tone of that phone call. I'd refer you to the President-elect's team for more of a description of what the President-elect may have communicated to the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Obviously, President Obama's conversations with his counterpart in Pakistan have been an important priority. The U.S. relationship with Pakistan is one that's quite complicated, particularly when you consider our overlapping national security interests. The relations between our two countries, particularly over the last eight years, have not been smooth -- consistently smooth, particularly in the aftermath of the raid on Pakistani soil that President Obama ordered to take Osama bin Laden off the battlefield. But this obviously is an important relationship. There have been areas where the United States and Pakistan have been able to effectively coordinate our efforts. But one of the things that I'm reminded of is that every President, regardless of which party they're in, benefits enormously from the expertise and service of thousands of patriotic Americans at the State Department. These are men and women -- some of them are career Foreign Service Officers. Some of them are just career civil servants. But these are individuals who are committed and passionate about serving our country and representing our country overseas, regardless of who the President is. And President Obama benefitted enormously from the advice and expertise that's been shared by those who serve at the State Department. And I'm confident that as President-elect Trump takes office, those same State Department employees will stand ready to offer him advice as he conducts the business of the United States overseas. Hopefully he'll take it.





Q According to their readout, Donald Trump also said that he'd like to visit Pakistan. And I know President Obama has never been there.

MR. EARNEST: Not as President.





Q Not as President. Is there anything you can say about why he never visited as President?



MR. EARNEST: Yeah, at one point in his presidency, I do recall President Obama expressing a desire to travel to Pakistan. For a variety of reasons, some of them relating to the complicated relationship between our two countries at certain times over the last eight years, President Obama was not able to realize that ambition. But one thing we do know is that it sends a powerful message to the people of a country when the President of the United States goes to visit. And that's true whether it's some of our closest allies, or that's also true if it's a country like Pakistan, with whom our relationship is somewhat more complicated. But ultimately, when President Trump begins planning his overseas travel, he'll have a range of places to consider, and Pakistan would certainly be one of them.





Q Fifteen more questions. (Laughter.) Okay, so Pakistan read out this phone call with Donald Trump, and they included direct quotes, saying in part, "You have a very good reputation. You're a terrific guy. You're doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.' So does this -- given the meetings that we've seen and the ways that they were conducted, as well as the phone calls and the contacts that have been made with foreign leaders, do you think that this signals a different kind of engagement around the world? And does the administration have concerns so far?



MR. EARNEST: Well, listen, I mean, what you have read from is a readout that was put out by the Pakistani government reflecting a conversation and reflecting the words chosen by the President-elect. So I just don't have a lot of insight into either of those things. So what I can say is that President Obama benefitted from the professionalism and expertise of career diplomats at the State Department who were able to offer him good advice about engaging with world leaders. And every President has benefitted from that advice, and I think that President Trump would certainly benefit from it in the same way that President Obama did when he took office.





Q Thanks, Josh. A couple times you've been asked about the calls between the President-elect and the leader of Pakistan. You've mentioned that there are career diplomats at the State Department who are able and willing to help the President get ready for those types of discussions. Is that to be read as some kind of a tacit criticism of Trump for not taking advantage and talking to the State Department before making several calls to world leaders?



MR. EARNEST: No, I can't speak to any conversations that the President-elect may have had with the State Department. It's possible that he was briefed by the State Department before that call. I just -- I don't know, you'd have to ask them. I think I'm just making the observation that there are dedicated experts, public servants at the State Department that have years of experience that they have amassed and that they're prepared to use to advise the incoming President. And President Obama benefitted from that expertise, and I'm sure that President Trump will, as well.





The excerpt was sent by MK Bhadrakumar.


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NEW DELHI: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch 83 satellites, 80 of them being foreign, in one go in January next year, the Lok Sabha was told on Wednesday.

Eighty satellites weighing 500 kg belonged to five foreign countries -- Israel, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Switzerland and the US.

"These international customer satellites are being launched as part of the commercial arrangement between them and Antrix Corporation Ltd, the commercial arm and PSU under the ISRO," Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the PMO said in a written reply. The Department of Space comes under the PMO.

It will be the first of its kind mission in ISRO's space history.

Three Indian satellites are namely Cartosat-2 seriesweighing 730 kg as primary payload, INS-IA and INS-1B, total weighing 30 kg.

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The action was "designed to target illicit cash proceeds from corruption and tax dodging," Toner said at the Department's daily briefing on Wednesday in answer to a reporter's question.

The discontinuation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes was, "we believe, an important and necessary step to crack down on this - illegal actions or illicit actions," he said.

Toner did acknowledge that "it was an inconvenience" for Indians and Americans in India requiring "a little bit of adjustment".

He viewed the demonetisation as part of a series of actions taken by the Modi government over the last two years to "reduce black market money".

"I think it also included a four-month amnesty for tax evaders in India, which resulted in, I think, the disclosure or declaration of billions of dollars in hidden assets," he said.

He was referring to the Modi government's Income Declaration Scheme earlier this year. It brought out Rs 65,250 crore (or about $9.6 billion) held by 64,275 people, according to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

--IANS al/in

( 216 Words)

2016-12-01-09:44:13 (IANS)
Tokyo is a modern city, but there are numerous stores dating Edo era which sells vegetables, dairy and other traditional sweets. One of the long-established stores called ABUMATA Miso has been keeping the tradition and provides traditional Japanese fermented miso which is also often used as a seasoning. The shot is serving for over five generations. Mataumon Iida, President, Abumata Miso Co. Ltd, said, "For this Miso, some say that the sweet version was originally made with red Miso when Tokugawa Leyasu came to Edo. For our Edo Ama-miso, the ratio of rice being used (which also is called the Koji condition) is two times more than the average miso. Therefore, it becomes less salty and more sweet. That's how its name became Edo Ama-miso. In addition to enjoy it by putting on top of rice, another way to appreciate it is to spread it on toast. The crispy toast is delicious. Applying the miso after covering the toast with butter makes it feel like a canape. We would like to recommend it to foreign guests." Edo Ama-miso, which was discontinued by war, has been recovered by the people of Tokyo who love its taste. Chefs are producing it meticulously by hand. Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) disclosed during its "Tastes of JAPAN" event that from January 2017, the specialty foods of Tokyo will be available through ANA inflight service and Haneda Airport's lounge. Edo Ama-miso is being used in "Edo Traditional Vegetables and Tokyo Shamo Chicken Simmered in Edo Ama-miso. By introducing traditional Japanese culinary culture, the charm of Japan will become even more popular in foreign countries. Takashi Shishido, Deputy General Manager, Tokyo Sales Headquater, ANA, "We felt the same way this time in Tokyo. We received so many comments that it came as a surprise about getting to know certain items or ingredients from various regions through the introduction of this event, or the tastes were outstanding. Including a tourism promotion pourpose, we are extremely pleased to be able to create this opportunity to appeal to a wide range of guests about the special items that come from different places." In Tokyo, various assistance on utilizing the information have been provided for people with disabilities, their families and supporters. At the Tokyo Information Technology Regional Support Center for Persons with Disabilities, various IT machines designed for people with disabilities are being displayed with user directions provided. For instance, this is a communication supporting tool designed for people who cannot produce sounds from their mouths. The user expresses their own opinions by touching this red part on the right with their hand or elbow and chooses letters on the monitor screen to write. This is a communication tool for paralyzed people. When they breathe into the sensor, the monitor begins to work, and messages can be conveyed. Mariko Horigome, an official with the Tokyo IT Regional Support Center for persons with disabilities, said, "Our technology has become quite advanced. However, it cannot reach out to each individual yet. Regarding the usability, it's not about whether the technology is nearby or not. It is about how the surrounding people can get together and supply as much instructions as possible." As smartphones and tablets become more and more popular, new equipment that are compatible with those devices have been developed and introduced to this center. Horigome further said, "It was after the Great East Japan Earthquake which took place on March 11, 2011 when the largest number of people came. Emails can be received and information on the earthquake can be obtained although the smartphone is unable to make or receive calls. A lot of people with hearing disabilities came after the earthquake. Everyone felt the urgency of thinking that they must protect themselves and gain information by themselves." Tokyo will host big events in 2020. Preparation is under way for barrier-free support. Horigome added, "With the scheduled Olympics and Paralympics, this is a period of good opportunities for Tokyo. For example, when riding a bus, is there any way to tell the driver that a passenger with a wheelchair is waiting at the next station, or that a passenger with a vision disorder is waiting at the next station? By achieving these much anticipated goals by the time of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the progress is tangible and it feels like Tokyo will achieve these targets within years that have been thought about for a few decades." Metropolitan Tokyo continues making efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities. (ANI)
Soon after the house met, TMC leader Sudip Bandopadhyay raised the issue of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's aircraft not being allowed to land at Kolkata airport despite technical glitches on Wednesaday night.

He said the aircraft had circled overhead for about 30 minutes and alleged that the Air Traffic Control delayed giving the green signal to land despite the pilot pointing out that the plane was running out of fuel.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju, however, refuted the claim, saying the flight hovered only 13 minutes before landing at Kolkata airport.

Raju also said that the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiry into the matter.

Soon after, the opposition, led by Congress and TMC, trooped near the Speaker's podium demanding discussion over demonetisation as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to conduct the Question Hour despite the din.

The opposition members continued with their tirade against the government forcing Mahajan to adjourn the House till noon.

When the House reassembled, Mahajan disallowed all notices of adjournment motion on different issues.

Congress party leader Mallikarjun Kharge, supported by Bandopadhyay, demanded discussion under any rule which entails voting.

To this, Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.N. Ananth Kumar said the government was ready to discuss the matter and Mahajan also urged the members to begin the discussion keeping aside the rules.

However, the opposition members did not relent and, amid the din, Mahajan adjourned the House for the day.

--IANS bns/in/dg

( 280 Words)

2016-12-01-13:26:12 (IANS)
Aligning itself with the primary objective of celebrating 'World Disability Day', Jugnoo does its bit by syncing its Android app with Google's 'Talkback' feature. The major driver behind this move was a hopeful desire to improve lives of people with some disability. This addition is aimed at aiding visually impaired customers to not only book autos from anywhere anytime, but also order meals, grocery, fruits and vegetables with ease. The international day of disabled person's is observed on December 3rd world over. "We have been bringing in a lot of innovation in various verticals that makes life easy for people. However, I realized that while we continue to exploit technology to improve our lives, we hardly innovate anything keeping disabled people at the center," said Samar Singla. "We received few emails from various people asking us to integrate capabilities to enable app to be used with assistive devices. For iOS, we have already integrated the app with Siri. Thus, ushering in the good hope of 'World Disability Day' we decided to further our technology and sync it with Google's Talkback to our Android app that could help improve lives of disabled persons across the country," added Singla. Furthering the drive, Jugnoo also has differently abled drivers enrolled with the brand. These drivers have already hit the floor in the Indian cities of Chandigarh, Udaipur, Faridabad, Lucknow, Indore and Jodhpur. Google's TalkBack service is a great way for the vision-impaired to use all of Android's features. TalkBack is an Accessibility Service that helps vision-impaired users interact with, and enjoy, their devices. It uses spoken word, vibration and other audible feedback to let you know what's on your screen, what you're touching, and what you can do with it. (ANI)
Bank officials in Agartala said a large number of employees withdrew some money in advance from their accounts fearing a huge rush on the first of December.

"We have received and made available in ATMs a reasonable quantity of currencies of different denominations to ease the difficulties of salaried employees," UCO bank official Sekhar Paul told IANS.

Government employees stood in queues at banks and ATMs since early in the morning to withdraw money. Some employees rushed to banks and ATMs after marking their attendance in offices.

The cash crunch continues to be serious in semi-urban, remote and rural areas of northeast India where most banks do not have adequate currency or where ATMs lack notes of various denomination.

Buyer and traders, especially small businessmen, are continuing to facing difficulties due to cash shortage in banks and markets.

A senior official of the Tripura government's Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Amit Roy Chowdhury, said: "We are suffering a lot since the demonetisation."

United Bank of India Chief Regional Manager and Deputy General Manager Mahendra Dohare told IANS: "Bank employees have devoted everything to help customers.

"The situation in the entire northeastern region is gradually improving," Dohare said in Agartala.

In Mizoram, the first consignment of new Rs 500 currency notes along with Rs 100 notes arrived two days back, easing the cash crunch somewhat.

The State Bank of India's Assistant General Manager Pradeep Kumar Sen said in Aizawl: "The new 500 rupee notes are available in banks and ATMs since Wednesday."

--IANS sc/mr

( 290 Words)

2016-12-01-13:58:14 (IANS)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the central government of discrimination in cash disbursement among different states and demanded the RBI reveal detailed figures of different denomination of currency notes that are being distributed. "There is total discrimination in disbursement of cash between States," Banerjee said on Twitter. "Let RBI release all figures as to which state is getting which currency," she demanded. Calling Rs 500 and Rs 100 denomination currency notes "a rare commodity", she said that due to inadequate supply of these notes in many states including West Bengal, people are facing issues with small change. Earlier in the Day, Banerjee lamented the adverse situation in the nation due to the lack of cash. She also alleged the Reserve Bank of India was not sending the "critically necessary funds" to many states which it had previously promised. "Reports are coming in from different parts of the country, including Bengal, that currency notes are not available. Even RBI has not given many State Govt's critically necessary funds despite announcements & promises," the Trinamool supremo said earlier in the social media website. Banerjee, who has been at the forefront of anti-demonetisation movement, also said she can't imagine the adversity in the unorganised sector when salaried employees in the organised sector are failing to withdraw the necessary amount to run their family. "The salaried class people are not getting their own money from banks for their livelihood.If those in organised sector are facing these serious problems, you can imagine how grim the situation is in the unorganised sector. "The salaried class people are not getting their own money from banks for their livelihood," she said. "If those in organised sector are facing these serious problems, you can imagine how grim the situation is in the unorganised sector," she added. --IANS mgr/ssp/vd ( 312 Words) 2016-12-01-21:12:12 (IANS)
The Vatican said the pope had received the 74-year-old director, his wife and two daughters for a "very cordial" 15-minute meeting in which they spoke about the experience of Jesuit missionaries in Japan, reports the Guardian.

The American director, who is said to have considered joining the priesthood when he was a young man, met the pope nearly three decades after his film 'The Last Temptation of Christ' was deemed "morally offensive" by officials in the Roman Catholic church.

Reportedly, Scorsese gave Pope Francis framed images depicting "hidden Christians" in Japan, including a reproduction of an ancient image of the 'Virgin of Nagasaki' and a portrait of the "martyrs of Japan" while the pope gave the guests some rosaries.

Among Scorsese's most famous films are 'Raging Bull', 'Taxi Driver', 'Goodfellas' and 'The Last Temptation of Christ', for which he was nominated for an Oscar for 'Best Director'.

'Silence' follows the journey two Portuguese Jesuit priests into 17th-century Japan, where they face violence and persecution as they travel to locate their mentor and propagate Christianity.

Starring Andrew Garfield, Liam Neeson, Adam Driver, Tadanobu Asano and Nana Komatsu, the movie is slated for an initial release in Australia on December 22, 2016. (ANI)
The brands included D'Cold Total, Corex cough syrup, and Vicks Action 500, among others.

Justice R.S. Endlaw, allowing the 454 pleas filed by the pharma companies, quashed the Centre's notification issued on March 10.

Companies like Pfizer, Glenmark, Procter and Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser, Cipla and others had moved the court against the government decision. The court had granted stay on the notification.

The government had told the court that FDC medicines sold by pharma majors "endanger patient safety".

It had banned the drugs on the ground that they involve risk to humans and hence needed to be withdrawn immediately and contended that safer alternatives were available.

The pharma companies had argued that the ban order was passed without considering clinical data and had termed the government's claim as absurd.

--IANS gt/in/dg

( 161 Words)

2016-12-01-11:52:12 (IANS)
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to remove corruption and curb the flow of black money from the country, as the two are the biggest hindrances coming in way of development of the nation," said Sharma.

Taking a dig at the opposition, Sharma said, "In the last 70 years, we couldn't develop the villages. Villages are still reeling from water crisis, electricity failure and lagging behind in education. There is no proper medical facilities and sound infrastructure there."

He further said that villagers have to face these problems because the funds which were allotted for village development were used in corruption.

"PM Modi wants to eliminate this corruption, but it is unfortunate that the opposition is demanding his removal," Shrikant told ANI.

Launching a scathing attack at opposition, he said, "Public can clearly see that the people, who have looted them in name of development, accumulated black money and encouraged corruption, are trying to hinder the fight against corruption and black money."(ANI)
The Trinamool Congress today raised the issue of perceived "security threat" to the life of their leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Lok Sabha even as the government maintained that an inquiry has been ordered to the "delayed" landing of her Indigo flight in Kolkata airport last evening. "The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a probe into the issue of delayed landing of her flight in Kolkata last night," Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju told the House after the issue was raised by Trinamool Congress floor leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay. Mr Raju said it will be "incorrect" to say that the Air Traffic Control in Kolkata made the Indigo Patna-Kolkata flight, that was carrying Ms Banerjee among others, to hover in the Kolkata air space for about 40 minutes before landing. The incident happened last night at 2040 hrs when the Trinamool supremo was returning from Patna to Kolkata after participating in a protest meeting (in Patna) against the demonetisation scheme of the government launched from November 8 mid-night. "The pilot of the Indigo flight though informed ATC about low fuel, he did not seek priority landing," Mr Raju said, adding, however, two other flights one each from Air India and Spice Jet also had reported "low fuel". "But none of them requested for priority landing as required," Mr Raju said amid strong protest from Trinamool Congress members and also several others in the Congress. Mr Bandyopadhyay raised the issue immediately after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan made obituary references to those martyred jawans and Army officials in the Nagrota terror strike. Two officers and five soldiers of Indian Army were martyred in the Nagrota terror strike on Tuesday. The House also observed silence for a while to pay tributes to the martyrs. Mr Bandyopadhyay said in the wake of last night's incident, the security of Ms Banerjee was of serious concern to the party and members. "I spoke on this to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar in the morning and he has conveyed his anxiety over the incident," he said. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister also said to the government that the issue of safety and security of all passengers, including Ms Banerjee, was "important" and hence the Civil Aviation Ministry will be doing the needful. "An inquiry has already been ordered," he said. Several Opposition members, including Jaiprakash Yadav of RJD and Mohammed Salim of CPI-M wanted to speak on the issue but the Speaker rejected their plea saying the sentiment of entire House on this issue is understood well. Congress leader in the House Mallikarjun Kharge said the incident deserved to be handled with utmost sincerity as Ms Banerjee has been traveling last few days to various places like Lucknow, Patna and Delhi to protest over the demonetisation move of the government.UNI DEVN AE 1208 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0445-1046483.Xml
In continuing drive against smuggling of liquor into 'dry' Bihar, huge consignment of foreign and country liquor being smuggled from Uttar Pradesh on a boat was seized and two liquor peddlers were arrested near Semrahi Ghat under Jadopur police station area in the district today. Police Superintendent Ravi Ranjan Kumar said here that police seized a large number of country liquor pouches and foreign liquor bottles neatly stacked in nearly 50 gunny bags when the consignment was being ferried on the boat in Gandak river. He said that two bootleggers were arrested from the spot. The nabbed smugglers are natives of different villages under Jadopur police station area in the district. They were ferrying the consignment from Uttar Pradesh for sale in East Champaran and West Champaran districts of the state when they were intercepted by the police. Interrogation of the liquor peddlers is on to nab other members of their gang, police added.UNI XC DH AD1342 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-1046690.Xml
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, in presence of his father and Samajwadi party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, flagged off the trial run of the Lucknow Metro rail here today. However, it was all a family affair of the first Samajwadi Party family when party's UP president Shivpal Singh Yadav and Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav were also present in the function attended by several UP ministers including Mohammad Azam Khan. Akhilesh Yadav first inaugurated the depot of the Lucknow Metro at the Transportnagar and then flagged off the trial run of the train from Awadh crossing near Sringarnagar station. The trials would be done between Transportnagar station to Maviya, around 6 kms. Dimple, wife of the CM , handed over the keys to the two female drivers-- Prachi and Pratibha, both from Allahabad, to run the first official trial run of the Lucknow metro. After going through rigorous trial for next over three months, the first phase of the Lucknow Metro between Amausi airport to Charbagh station would be opened for passengers from march 26,2017. The entire 26 kms route of the Lucknow Metro from Amausi to Munshi pullia is likely to be completed by January 2019. If one has to go by the Metro timeline, which is a records of sorts, the proposal for making a DPR for the Lucknow Metro Project was submitted to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in September 2008. Immediately there after Lucknow Development Authority and the DMRC had signed an agreement way back in February 2009. In April 2011, the DMRC submitted a draft DPR which proposed two corridors and a Gomtinagar link. The Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav, in February 2013 formally announced the project as essential for public transport and it started picking up momentum. March 29, 2013, saw the formation of a high-level committee for the project and a Metro Cell was created under the Secretary, Housing and Urban Planning Department, on May 3, 2013. On June 28, 2013 the Metro Cell was established at Hazratganj. A quick assessment was carried out by the Urban Development Department of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan in the city. On July 25, 2013, the DMRC submitted the amended DPR of the first phase. On August 8, 2013, the DMRC was directed to carry out the techno-feasibility study of the alternative routes. The Lucknow Metro Cell was formally inaugurated on September 8, 2013. It was a major move when the LMRC was registered at the Registrar of Companies on November 25, 2013. The first LMRC Board meeting was held on December 5, 2013. An in principle agreement by the Government of India as regards the condition of the North-South Corridor was made on December 27, 2013. The logo of the LMRC was approved on February 24, 2014. The big moment came when the Chief Minister laid the foundation of Lucknow Metro on March 3, 2014. On June 6, 2014, in the fifth meeting of the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation was authorised to invite tenders for the priority section of the civil works. On June 20, 2014, the DMRC submitted a Rs 540- crore tender for the civil construction work in the priority section. UNI MB SB 1332 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-1046606.Xml
Opposition in the Rajya Sabha today again raised the demand for setting up of a Committee of Parliament to determine the criteria of listing of IT (amendment) Bill as a Money Bill. Raising the issue of the IT (amendment) Bill, passed in the Lok Sabha earlier this week, having been brought by the government as a Money Bill, Naresh Agrawal of the Samajwadi Party during Zero Hour said the government was undermining the Upper House. He said the Government brought the Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016 as a Money Bill. According to Article 110, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha can decide which was a Money Bill, but it does not say that the government cannot discuss it. To this, Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said a Bill even if it was a Money Bill once passed in the Lok Sabha could be discussed in the Rajya Sabha. This was not government's new creation but it was a parliamentary practice. Mr Agrawal found support from Samajwadi Party member Ram Gopal Yadav who too demanded formation of a committee. Congress member Jairam Ramesh said the government was using the Money Bill only to bypass the Rajya Sabha. The first was the Adhaar Bill and it now intends to bring the GST Bill as Money Bill. The matter was also raised P by Chidambaram of the Congress. UNI RBE AE 1409 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0427-1046722.Xml
Bank Customers, who were enragedover seeing 'No Cash' board in front of ATMs and Bank officialsdenying payment due to shortage of cash, today resorted to stonepelting and Rasta Roko after standing in queues for hours since morning. Banks both in Kalaburagi and Raichur remained short of cash forthe second day. Police resorted to lathicharge to disperse agitating irate mob. In Kalaburagi, tension prevailed at the Mecca Colony branch ofthe State Bank of Hyderabad after the bank stoppedtransactions on second day. The staff turned away customers who hadcome to withdraw money saying that it had run out of Rs 100 and Rs 2000 notes. Even those standing in the queue at the ATM werefrustrated as the ATMs across the city had run short of currency.Irate customers and the public from the surrounding area includingMehboob nagar and Tippu sultan chowk blocked the busy Ring road formore than two hours. In Raichur, the irate RTPS workers block the road and peltedstones on Syndicate Bank branch when the transaction was stoppedbecause of shortage of cash in Shaktinagar area. Today being the salary day, the Raichur Thermal Power Stationemployees and workers demanding their salary approached the banks,but the Banks were giving amounts ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000to the customers coming for cash withdrawals. The amount being givenby banks was very low keeping in view the demands of people then theirate mob turned to stone pelting and demanded to give them theirsalary full in cash immediately . Police immediately intervened and the bank agreed to give Rs 5000 out of their salary and next day they will permitted towithdraw Rs 5000.UNI SD MSP CS 1512 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0287-1046816.Xml
The University Grants Commission (UGC)recognition to the courses offered by Karnataka State OpenUniversity (KSOU) will hinge on the latter complying with all thenorms of the Open Distance Learning (ODL) parameters, according toUGC Chairman Ved Prakash. Speaking to newsmen here, he said that the process of accordingrecognition was underway but there were still a few inconsistencieswhich have to be sorted out. Prof Ved Prakash, who was in the city in connection withprogrammes of the University of Mysore, said KSOU had alreadysubmitted the necessary documents and if they are found to be inorder, the approval will be given soon. When pointed out that the KSOU has been repeatedly claiming thatit had submitted all the documents, he said the UGC had sent twocommittees. They found a few inconsistencies following which theKSOU submitted the documents again. ''It is these documents that arebeing examined at present'', he added. Asked for a specific time frame by when the imbroglio could besolved, Prof Ved Prakash was non-committal. The KSOU courses were derecognised by the UGC in June 2015 citingviolation of territorial jurisdiction besides signing MoUs withinstitutions outside the State and the move has affected the careerprospects of lakhs of students pursuing education through thedistance or open-learning mode.UNI BSP MSP CS 1521 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0287-1046839.Xml
Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday alleged that the Congress, which is hell bent upon portraying the government in negative light, stands exposed with its attitude in Parliament and said it is extremely unfortunate that they are finding ways to disrupt the proceedings and shying away from debate. "The opposition particularly Congress stands totally exposed. They were saying that the Prime Minister is not coming to the House and he is not participating in the debate and accused him of giving lectures outside Parliament. This is the third day the Prime Minister came to Parliament. He wanted to participate in the debate as and when required," he told the media outside Parliament here. Naidu said the government has made its intention clear that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present in Parliament and intervene as and when required. "At the end, the Finance Minister will debate. Today morning, the Prime Minister came to the Rajya Sabha. The Congress did not cooperate to have the debate. They came to the well of the House. They created chaos and then did not allow the debate to go on. Subsequently, when the House reassembled they again created chaos. They criticised the leader of the House.they attacked even the deputy chairman, made sarcastic and defamatory comments against the chair," he added. Naidu further said that the Congress, which has no issues to discuss, is running away from debate in Parliament. "P. Chidambaram, one of the senior members, came to the defence of Jairam Ramesh defending the remark. The Congress Party was saying the Prime Minister has come only for the Question Hour and not for the debate. Further they have no answer and they are creating chaos. They are trying to change the goalpost from time to time. They are finding ways to disrupt the proceedings of the House," said Naidu. "I hope that they realize their folly and at least allow the House to function. They want to show the government in a poor light but they are being exposed," he added. The opposition's uproar over demonetisation continued to disrupt proceedings in Parliament despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence. The opposition has so far been adamant that the Prime Minister should be present during debate to listen to their views. However, they did not allow Rajya Sabha to resume the debate though the Prime Minister was present in the pre-lunch and post lunch sessions. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were later adjourned for the day on the issue. (ANI)
The state was again put on alert almost a year after floods caused severe disruption of normal life and damaged property.

As per the latest information, the cyclone is presently about 210 kilometres east southeast of Puducherry.

It is likely to cross between Vedharanyam and Cuddalore by December 2 morning.

The cyclone will be accompanied by light to moderate rainfall at many places and heavy and very heavy rainfall in coastal areas as speculated by the Tamil Nadu government.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed six teams in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu.

However, keeping in view the weakening of the cyclone, chances of flooding are receding. (ANI)
Puducherry government is taking steps to run two shifts in the primary health centers from January next year, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said today. Speaking at the 'World Aids Day' function here, Mr.Narayanasmay said that once AIDS was a life threatening disease in the world and it was prevalent in the North-East in India. Due to proper awareness the disease was brought down to 0.13 percent from 0.23 percent, he said doctors should strive to eradicate the disease from Puducherry. The country eradicated polio and presently heart disease and cancer are posing threat. These diseases would also be curbed shortly, he added. The Chief Minister said that the Centre had provided Rs 50 crore for rural health development and steps would be taken to get this enhanced. He said files for the appointment of 27 doctors and equal number of pharmacists in rural areas was forwarded to the centre and expressed hope that this would be sanctioned. Mr Narayanasamy said the 50 beded ""Ayush" hospital would come up either in Bahour or Villianur here.UNI PAB CS 1656 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1047085.Xml
The Karnataka Assembly today witnessed a warof words on the Mahadayi river water sharing row with Goa with theopposition parties demanding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take theinitiative to resolve the issue, while the ruling party membersdemanding the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The four day discussion on the issue concluded today with MrSiddaramaiah stating that the time was ripe to resolve the issue amicably. The debate saw dharna staged by JD(S) and BJP members whileinsisting on Mr Siddaramaiah to take the initiative to convince the ChiefMinisters Maharashtra and Goa to come before the negotiating table. The ruling Congress members as well as Water Resources Minister M BPatil and Rural Development minister H K Patil sought theintervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to find an earlysolution. Mr Patil recalled how former prime minister A B Vajapayeehad taken personal initiative in early resolution of Cauvery waterrow between Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala. Mr Siddaramaiah said that the legal recourse to settle the rowwas time consuming and wanted the riparian states to come forwardand resolve it. He said the tribunal had asked the three states tosettle the issue by holding meetings of the Chief Ministers of theriparian states. He said Karnataka was ready to hold meeting withthe Goa and Maharashtra Chief Ministers at their choice of place andregretted that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis'invitation to Goa and Karnataka Chief ministers to discuss the issuedid not materialise. After the tribunal advise, Mr Fadnavis had invited his twocompatriots for a meeting in Mumbai in October this year but GoaChief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar expressed inability to attend themeeting due to some reason. He said the issue had been politicised while people suffered forwant of drinking water. Goa would not loose anything as 90 per centof the 200 TMC ft of water generated in Mahadayi river and itstributaries goes waste into the sea. When JD(S) members led by Kona Reddy trooped into the well ofthe house demanding early resolution to the water row as people ofNorth Karnataka were eagerly awaiting early completion of thedrinking water project. They also demanded the intervention of thecentre, after Mr Patil and Mr Siddaramaiah completed the governmentreply on the debate, Speaker K B Koliwad adjourned the house forhalf an hour. The four-day debate witnessed 21 ministers andlegislators speak on the issue for over 11 hours. The Kalasa-Banduri Nala is a project undertaken by theGovernment of Karnataka to improve drinking water supply to theDistricts of Belagavi, Dharwad and Gadag. It involves buildingacross Kalasa and Banduri, two tributaries of the Mahadayi river todivert 7.56 TMC of water to the Malaprabha river, which supplies thedrinking water needs to the three districts, The project ran into trouble when then Mahohar Parikkargovernment in Goa approached Supreme Court objecting to the projectclaiming that it would harm Goa's flora and fauna.MORE UNI RS CNR CS 1741 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-1047212.Xml
KUWJ State President P A Abdul Gafoor and Secretary C Narayanan in a statement here said the channel headed by Madhyamam Broadcasting Corporation had issued sacking notice to the employees violating an agreement reached between the Management and the Union at a meeting convened by the District Labour Officer.

The Union would be constrained to take protest measures if the management failed to reinstate the affected employees, the statement said.UNI PCH CS 1841

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0300-1047413.Xml
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today lambasted the Central Government for deploying the army at the Dankuni and Palsit toll plazas on National Highway 2 . Speaking to the media persons at Nabanna -- the state secretariat, Ms Banerjee said, ''Army has been deployed at two toll plazas without informing the State. '' The chief minister said, " We are living in terrible times. This is a black day. " " Army is normally deployed during disasters. This is a black day. Why have they been deployed. Has Emergency been imposed in the country without declaration? '' she questioned. The chief minister said, " In a federal structure, the functions of Centre and State are clearly divided. We know our jurisdictions. " " Even if the Army conducted mock trial, the permission of the State should have been sought, " she opined. Ms Banerjee said, " Chief Secretary is writing to the Centre. I will approach the President regarding deployment of Army without our knowledge. "UNI BM SJC -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-1047528.Xml
Delhi Police today registered an FIR in connection with the hacking of official Twitter accounts of the Congress party and its vice-president Rahul Gandhi, sources said. The police also briefed Lt-Governor Najeeb Jung on the hacking incident while Twitter has been asked by the Ministry of Information Technology to submit activity details of Mr Gandhi's account in the past six days, the sources added. The Twitter handle of the Congress was hacked this morning while that of Mr Gandhi was breached last night. Earlier, the party had lodged a complaint with the police's cyber cell in connection with Mr Gandhi's profile on the micro-blogging site being breached. The hackers, who described themselves as "innocent hackers", claimed that they had no political agenda. But they threatened to make a "full dump" of Congress' e-mails. The hacking activity was noticed yesterday when a number of tweets were posted using Mr Gandhi's account and talking of the Congress leader's sexuality-related issues. Some of the tweets made fun of the political legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi family.UNI SM SW SNU 1922 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0271-1047360.Xml
A delegation of fishermen leaders of five coastal districts would meet Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister D.Jayakumar and BJP State President Tamilisai Soundararajan on December 5 at Chennai to discuss various issues being faced by the fisher folk. Disclosing this to newsmen, N.J.Bose, President of Rameswaram Port Mechanized Boat Fishermen Association said a resolution to this effect was adopted at the meeting of leaders of various fishermen associations held at Thangatchimadam coastal hamlet here today. The livelihood of lakhs of fishermen and others depending upon fishing industry was severely affected due to scrapping of high value currency notes by the Centre. The fishermen were unable to sell the marine cache due to demonetisation. Hence, the Central and state governments should take necessary steps to address this issue, a resolution said. In another resolution, the fishermen leaders urged the Centre to take efforts for the release of 117 fishing boats and 20 Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by Sri Lanka on the alleged charges of cross border fishing, besides to provide compensation for 18 impounded boats which were damaged due to vagaries of nature in Lanka. The meeting also urged the Centre to make necessary arrangements for the Indian fishermen to participate in the inaugural ceremony of a new church at Katchatheevu Island on December 7. The Jaffna diocese which built the church has not invited the Indian fishermen for the inauguration. The meeting decided to stage a massive rail roko agitation in Rameswaram, if their demands were not fulfilled by the governments. UNI GSM CS 1924 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1047444.Xml
He said Chief Education Officer (CEO) Srinagar today paid a surprise visit to Government Secondary School Kathi Maidan and Government Boys High School Rainawari. He said during the visit, he suspended 10 officials for remaining unauthorizedly absent from their duties.

The CEO suspended four teachers of Government Secondary School Kathi Maidan and five teachers and a Class IV employee of Government Boys High School Rainawari.

The CEO also inspected Government High School Raiteng, where all the staff including Headmaster were found discharging their duties efficiently.UNI ABS SW 1952

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-1047554.Xml
After the Twitter accounts of its Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and the party official Twitter account, now the various e-mail accounts of the Congress have been hacked, AICC media In-charge Randeep Surjewala said today. "The Indian National Congress' internal e-mail server is under a sustained hacking attack because of which some of our Twitter accounts were compromised. Twitter has restored access for some of them and is working with us in keeping the accounts safe. We are taking necessary measures to stop this hack in the earnest,'' Mr Surjewala said in a statement. The Twitter account of Mr Rahul Gandhi was hacked last evening and several offensive tweets posted on it. It was restored late last night. The Congress official Twitter account was hacked this morning, but was restored later. The Congress have filed a complaint in this regard with the Delhi police cyber cell.UNI AR AKC SNU 2123 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1047711.Xml
Twenty workers were killed in a major explosion triggered by an inferno at a private explosive factory at Murungapatti village near Thuraiyur, here today. Police said the explosion occurred at Vetrivel Explosives, an ISO certified Industrial explosives manufacturer at 0730 hours. The workers were engaged in producing Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) which have high shattering capability and used in making explosives meant for digging wells and mining activities. The explosion occurred in PETN Unit two. The concrete unit was razed down due to the impact of the explosion. The bodies of some deceased were mutilated and scattered inside the complex. Rescue teams retrieved parts of six bodies from the site, so far. The explosion was huge as it was felt in five kilometres radius. The identity of 18 deceased workers was established. The dead were T Ravindran (40), R Pradeep (23), R Rajaprakasam (30), A Seenivasan (48), Nakulan (40), P Sampath (38), R K Subramani (45), A Satheesh (23), T Karthik (31), P Anand (31), P Selva Kumar (34), M Karthik (19), V Ravichandran (34), K Murugan (30), S Ashokan (32), P Selvakumar (36), J Lawrance (43) and P Bhoopathi (25). Identity of two persons has not been confirmed. People residing in adjoining areas vacated their houses fearing further explosions might occur in the factory. The exact reason for the explosion could be ascertained only after technical teams from Chennai and Sivakasi inspect the spot. Police have registered a case under various sections against the owners of the factory. UNI GSM AKC SNU 2141 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1047727.Xml
The BJP tonight outrightly rejected Congress party's charge that the ruling dispensation or the saffron party was responsible for hacking of Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account and instead demanded that the Congress party should tender an apology for making such wild allegations. "It is comical and laughable that on one side Congress claims about supporting the digitilisation programmes in the country, on the other they are raising fingers on it. Rahul Gandhi himself seems to be confused," party secretary Shrikant Sharma said in a statement. He also said Congress would do well to understand that if a Twitter account is hacked, it is the responsibility of the micro blogging website company itself and not BJP. "This is a case of lapse of Twitter's security features," Sharma said. He said the Congress Vice-President is so confused that he seems to be unaware of things and how to speak on which issue. "The episode only reflects Congress bankruptcy of issues and ideas and they should tender an apology to the BJP," he said. Earlier, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar dismissed the charge from Congress and other opposition parties that the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill was passed in Lok Sabha without giving adequate time to the opposition members. "We completely reject charges of Rahul Gandhi and opposition parties. Minority in Parliament cannot hold democratic process hostage," Javadekar said. A delegation of opposition parties today met President Pranab Mukherjee and protested against the manner Income Tax amendment bill was passed.UNI DEVN AKC SNU 2325 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1047804.Xml
The mortal remains of the martyred Indian Army soldier Sambhaji Yeshwant Kadam was brought to his native village Janapuri in Loha tehsil of the district today. A special plane brought his body from Delhi to Pune and from there, it was airlifted by a helicopter to the city late this evening. It was then taken in a procession to Janapuri, where the funeral will be held late tonight. At aerodrome, collector Suresh Kakani paid homage to the martyr. As reported earlier Kadam was one of the three Armymen who got martyrdom when five terrorists attacked in Jammu in two separate incidents on Tuesday. The body of the martyr was expected to arrive yesterday, but due to bad weather the plane carrying the body could not take off, hence, it arrived today. Meanwhile, the Nanded-Waghala Municipal Corporation today declared Rs 11 lakh as ex-gratia to the next of kin of the martyr Jawan Sambhaji Kadam. All the office-bearers, members, officers and employees of the Corporation will contribute a day's salary towards the amount.UNI XR SS NP AKC SNU 2312 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0171-1047601.Xml
General Manager of the Southern Railway, Vashishta Johri, took additional charge as General Manager of the South Central Railway (SCR) today. Mr Johri belongs to the Special Class Railway Apprentice of 1975 batch and joined the Indian Railways Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) in the year 1979. He has worked in various capacities including as Joint Director-Research Designs and Standards Organisation, Lucknow; Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division; and Senior Deputy General Manager, South Central Railway; and Chief MechanicalEngineer, South Western Railway, Hubli, an official release here said. He has also served as an adviser, Production Units Railway Board, New Delhi. He has attended various training programmes including foreign training and underwent training on Appreciation of Ergonomics in working and design at Central Labour Institute, Mumbai, Industrial Engineering Training at IIT-Kharagpur, inStrategic Management at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA. General Manager Ravindra Gupta has been elevated as a Member of the Rolling Stock, Railway Board, New Delhi. Subsequent to the issuing of orders, he has relinquished charge to take over the new assignment at New Delhi today. He has rendered distinguished service on SCR during his tenure of over one year and has been instrumental in charting a new course for the Zone in the face of various challenges, the release added.UNI XR SS NP AKC SNU 2310 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0171-1047663.Xml
Abdul Razak Ali Artan, a Somali immigrant, was shot and killed by a police officer on Monday after he had injured 11 people by mowing them down by a car and then slashing bystanders with a butcher knife.

This comes after an analysis of Artan's social media accounts, his electronic devices as well as interviews with his family, friends and co-workers.

Artan described how he was at boiling point' and just couldn't take it anymore' in a Facebook rant, minutes before launching his brutal attack which is now being investigated as terrorism, the Daily Mail reported.

"I am sick and tired of seeing my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters being killed and tortured EVERYWHERE," he had written. "By Allah, I am willing to kill a billion infidels in retribution for a single disabled Muslim."

In the post, Artan also praised American-born Al Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki, who was killed in a CIA drone strike in 2011 and has been cited as the inspiration for many terror attacks on American soil.

On Tuesday, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, calling Artan one of their 'soldiers'. But there has been no evidence thus far that Artan praised the group.

Born in Somalia, Artan moved to a refugee camp in Pakistan in 2007 with his mother and siblings before getting entry to the US as refugees in 2014.

--IANS vgu/

( 264 Words)

2016-12-01-05:42:12 (IANS)
From the uprising of Ferguson, Missouri, citizens after the police killing of an unarmed black man to Hulk Hogan's legal war on media outlet Gawker, documentaries at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival are diving deep into this year's headlines.The 16 films unveiled in the independent film festival's documentary competition on Wednesday will debut during the annual 10-day gathering in Park City, Utah, in January.Four of the documentaries delve into the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement that rose out of high-profile killings of black men by police in various US cities in the past two years, renewing a national debate about racial discrimination in the American criminal justice system."Whose Streets," premiering on the first day of the festival, goes directly to the heart of the issue in the aftermath of the August 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown, 18, in Ferguson.The documentary focuses on the people in Ferguson who are "frustrated by lack of attention on the real story of what's happening there," and includes their own video footage, Sundance festival director John Cooper told Reuters."The Force" goes inside the Oakland, California, police department as it deals with the black community's uprising following the events in Ferguson.Two other documentaries, "Quest" and "STEP," show the indirect impact of civil unrest and class and race struggles for African-American families."You really see a lot of different African-American lives on screen that you don't often see in cinema," said Trevor Groth, Sundance's director of programming.Documentaries have had a resurgence in mainstream popularity in recent years as on-demand streaming services have brought documentary films and series to a wider audience."It's the golden age for documentaries in terms of access to reach their audiences. Netflix, HBO, Amazon are huge players in that role," Cooper said."We're the only major festival that puts documentaries in equal standing with fiction films.""NOBODY SPEAK: Hulk Hogan, Gawker and Trials of a Free Press," directed by Brian Knappenberger, will be the first film on the landmark $140 million lawsuit this year that shuttered online news website Gawker Media LLC earlier this year."It's a very comprehensive look at the case. It's the players behind it and ... interference of outside forces," Cooper said.The Sundance Film Festival will be announcing its full line-up of premieres and events during the coming week. REUTERS JW0402 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1046296.Xml
It goes without saying that Donald Trump will make the fight against religious extremism his top priority in the next four years. But if he wants to stay ahead of groups like Islamic State, he needs to move quickly on taking his security policies beyond the Middle East.Specifically, Trump needs to come up with something new in Washington's approach to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Just look at the map: This core region between Russia, China and Iran is at the crossroads of security challenges, including terrorism and radicalism.Kazakhstan, in particular, is at the intersection of political and economic interests not only for Washington but also Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran. As Trump articulates a new vision for the United States, the issue is simple: Kazakhstan's crucial geo-strategic position requires American attention.The Obama administration created a vacuum in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Libya, piling up security challenges for the region and for the United States. The sum total of these conflicts across a wide arc from North Africa to the Levant to Central Asia has created a security nightmare that will demand thoughtfulness and foresight. The Trump administration needs to begin addressing the Islamist challenge by engaging Kazakhstan directly.This is because Afghanistan remains a bleeding wound, as the Taliban and especially Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (IS) are likely to affect mostly secular/moderate, Islamic-majority autocracies of Central Asia negatively by launching recruitment operations and ultimately extremist attacks in these countries. Reports from Kazakhstan suggest this process is already starting.In addition, the outflow of Central Asian fighters who went to wage jihad in Syria are backwashing to Central Asia, potentially capable of undermining not just Kazakhstan and Central Asia at large, but also Russia and Europe.The Trump administration will be well advised to focus on new bilateral security programs with Kazakhstan. A former Soviet republic, the Muslim-majority country has long recognized the importance of managing its Islamic revivalism while simultaneously developing its energy infrastructure and vast mineral resources.First, the United States should restructure the C5+1 format. The C5+1, only a year old, is a platform that brings together the five states of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and the United States. The C5+1 has met twice.The C5+1 needs to be given more priority and necessary leadership. C5+1's ambitious program needs a retrofit. But there is a larger point: President Barack Obama failed to visit Central Asia during his eight years in office. President-elect Trump should rectify this strategic neglect: any trip to China or Russia should also include a stop in Central Asia.Second, Kazakhstan should become one of the key U.S. security partners in the region by revisiting CENTRASBAT, or the Central Asian Battalion.In 1996, the United States helped to established CENTRASBAT, which was supposed to strengthen the military-to-military relationships and regional security through joint peacekeeping.Unfortunately, CENTRASBAT suffered from neglect as a flagging of American engagement moved Afghanistan to the back burner. A new plan that gives CENTRASBAT a sharp, cutting-edge counter-terrorism mission is necessary. The requirements for combating terrorist activity and ideology will require thinking out of the box, including countering radical ideology and propaganda. A new bilateral security relationship is needed between Washington and Astana.The United States should also expand diplomatic cooperation with Kazakhstan, which plays an important founding role in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). However, most valuable to Washington is Astana's ability to work with all great powers and international organizations, including the U.N., where Kazakhstan is to become a non-permanent Security Council member as of January 2017.On the international stage, Kazakhstan, under President Nursultan Nazarbayev's tutelage, has also chaired the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in 2010 as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2011.Let's not forget that Nazarbayev promoted his own vision of security with the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which is a possible mechanism for bringing together countries.On the economic front, international attention will be focused on the China-led historic One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative. It is the reinvention of the historic Silk Road, the future massive infrastructure projects, where new ports, pipelines and highways are creating new supply chain routes across Central Asia, tying China and Europe.Overall, the United States is going to improve its own and its allies' security through partnership and cooperation, not by withdrawing behind the two oceans. And it is through positive engagement in the fight against terrorism that Washington can and should engage Moscow in a positive way.The Trump administration needs to recognize Kazakhstan as the nexus of Eurasia, the crossroads where both strategic and transactional relationships can be built in America's interests.REUTERS JW -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1046300.Xml
As mortar bombs landed ever closer, Sunni tribal fighters preparing to attack Islamic State seemed more preoccupied by the failures of Iraq's political class than the militants trying to kill them.The men - and one woman - from the Lions of the Tigris unit gathered on Wednesday in Shayyalah al-Imam, a village near Mosul, with some of their leaders expressing deep distrust of the politicians and saying Iraq's governance must change once Islamic State is defeated."Iraq needs serious reforms," said Sheikh Mohammed al-Jibouri, the top commander of the tribesmen. "Only serious reforms will lead to the unity of Iraq."The unit is part of the Popular Mobilisation Committee, or Hashid Shaabi, which was formed to take on Islamic State after the hardline Sunni group swept through northern Iraq in 2014, facing little resistance from the army.Hashid Shaabi is mostly comprised of Shi'ites but there are also Sunnis, such as the 655-strong Lions of the Tigris unit.Their efforts along with government soldiers to capture several villages are part of an offensive to oust Islamic State from its stronghold of Mosul, Iraq's second largest city.On the surface, their participation lends credibility to the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad, accused by Sunnis of marginalising their minority community. It denies the accusation.Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has been struggling to persuade Sunni tribesmen who helped U.S. forces defeat Al Qaeda during the 2003-11 occupation to join the battle against Islamic State. He has declared a war on corruption in government and army but faces resistance.The show of force in Shayyalah al-Imam points to progress, with soldiers and tribesmen standing side-by-side.But some of the men doubted the politicians have the resolve or desire to unify Iraq, gripped by sectarian bloodshed since the U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein.Another tribal commander, Abdel Rahman Ali, even saw Islamic State as part of an elaborate plot to weaken Sunnis, underlining the pervasive mistrust in Iraq."Everyone knows Islamic State will be defeated. The conspiracy was designed to hurt Iraq, especially Sunnis, after we liberate Mosul," he told Reuters. "Our own politicians are behind it."UNITY OR PARTITIONOfficials have said the Mosul offensive, the biggest ground operation since 2003, could make or break Iraq. If it inflames sectarian tensions in the predominantly Sunni city, the fighting could lead to Iraq's partition, they warn.But if the campaign goes smoothly and a new administration in Mosul is seen as non-sectarian, that could help the country to unite.Ali said federalism modelled on the autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq is the best option, even though that has created friction with Baghdad over oil resources.Like many Sunnis, the minority who dominated under Saddam and then watched the majority Shi'ites rise to power, he is disillusioned with a governing system that allocates posts according to sects. Sunnis themselves are divided and lack a strong leadership, adding to Iraq's fragmentation.As the men spoke, Islamic State militants fired more mortar bombs towards their unit. One day earlier, suicide bombers attacked the area, a collection of bland cement houses choked by dust, overlooking the desert.A few hundred metres away, soldiers stood on a rooftop, focused on two suspected car bombs in the distance.Nashwan Sahn, a Sunni tribesmen who has been fighting Islamist militants in Iraq for 11 years, taking on al Qaeda and then Islamic State, kept warm at a small campfire where freshly-slaughtered chickens had been barbecued. A few raw livers lay scattered on a tray. Beside him was a Shi'ite soldier.Both said they support Iraqi unity but neither had any faith in the politicians to manage the sectarian tensions which provoked a civil war in 2006-2007."Federalism would be good but only if we have good leaders," said Sahn, who criticised all politicians including fellow Sunnis. "We liberate these villages where Sunnis live. Yet Sunni politicians who have constituents here have never visited us at the frontline."Miaad Madaad, the only female member of the Lions of the Tigris, clutched an AK-47 assault rifle and vowed to defeat Islamic State. "The last time they came to my house and threatened me I threw rocks at them and called them dogs," she said proudly.Islamic State militants beheaded her father-in-law and brother-in-law. But her story illustrates the sectarian and ethnic complexities and mistrust facing Iraq.When she and her husband fled to the relatively stable Kurdish region earlier this year, he was arrested by Kurdish fighters who suspected him of being an Islamic State fighter.REUTERS CJ RAI1151 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1046460.Xml
- The man behind one of the most recognisable fast-food sandwiches, McDonald's Big Mac, died this week at age 98.Michael James Delligatti invented the Big Mac - two beef patties on a hamburger bun - which debuted at a McDonald's restaurant in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1967.McDonald's tweeted a message on Wednesday celebrating Delligatti's contribution to the fast-food company where he was a franchisee."Today, we celebrate the 98 inspirational years of Big Mac inventor, Michael "Jim" Delligatti. Jim, we thank and will forever remember you", the company said.U.S. media reported that Delligatti died at his Pennsylvania home on Monday.In a 2007 interview with Reuters, Delligatti said it took two years to convince McDonald's that the Big Mac was a good idea."I felt that we needed a big sandwich," he said. "But you couldn't do anything unless they gave you permission."The contents of the sandwich, immortalised by the popular jingle "two-all-beef-patties-special-sauce-lettuce-cheese-pickles-onion s-on-a-sesame-seed-bun" are generally the same worldwide, although prices and nutrition value varies.The U.S. version of the Big Mac contains about 540 calories, 28 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein, according to the McDonald's website.Over the years the Big Mac's ubiquity has come to mirror that of the Golden Arches itself. It is used to track the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar in a "Big Mac Index" published by The Economist magazine.REUTERS CJ RAI1149 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1046472.Xml
Warships from Russia's Black Sea Fleet have taken up position off Crimea's western coastline to help strengthen the peninsula's air defences in response to the start of Ukrainian missile tests nearby, the RIA news agency reported on Thursday.Kiev began two days of missile tests on Thursday, angering Russia, which has put its air defence forces on high alert saying it hopes the war games won't disrupt international flights."Warships of the Black Sea Fleet ... have taken up positions near Crimea's western coast for the duration of Ukraine's planned missile tests from Dec. 1-2," a military source in Crimea told RIA."The ship's air defence units have been put on a higher state of alert. Their equipment is designed in the first instance to shoot down heavy anti-ship missiles and cruise missiles. Together with land-based air defence units on the peninsula, the ships have thrown up a practically impenetrable shield against the enemy's rockets."Vladimir Krizhanovsky, a Ukrainian military official, earlier on Thursday told the 112 TV channel that the exercises had begun and that everything was going smoothly."The tests are being carried out in accordance with international law," said Krizhanovsky. He said they were taking place at least 30 kilometres (18.64 miles) from Crimean air space. "Therefore it would be wrong to reproach Ukraine," he said.REUTERS CJ RAI1258 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1046579.Xml
Russia's Norilsk Nickel said on Thursday it has filed a lawsuit against Botswana-based BCL Group to recover $271.3 million plus damages it says it is owed from the sale of a 50 percent stake in the Nkomati mine in South Africa.BCL Mine pulled out of a 3 billion pula ($278 million) deal to buy a 50 percent stake in Nkomati Nickel Mine from Norilsk due to a lack of funds."BCL has failed to honour its obligations under the sale agreement concluded in October 2014," said Norilsk Nickel Africa's Chief Executive Michael Marriott. "The failure of BCL to abide by its obligations under the sale agreement is unacceptable in any business transaction."REUTERS CJ PM1318 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1046625.Xml
Ukraine began two days of missile tests near Crimea on Thursday - a move that has angered Russia, which has put its air defence forces on high alert and deployed warships in the Black Sea.The disagreement marks a fresh escalation in tensions between the one-time allies, whose relations collapsed in 2014 after Russia seized Crimea and backed pro-Russian separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.Volodymyr Kryzhanovsky, a Ukrainian military official, said the exercises, which are taking place in Ukraine's southern Kherson region bordering Crimea, had begun and that everything was going smoothly."The tests are being carried out in accordance with international law," Kryzhanovsky told the 112 TV channel.The exercises, which will run from Dec. 1-2, were taking place at least 30 kilometres (18.64 miles) from Crimean air space, he said."Therefore it would be wrong to reproach Ukraine," he said.Moscow has responded by putting its land-based and ship-borne air defence forces in Crimea on higher alert and a Russian military source has accused Ukraine of trying to create a "nervous situation."Warships from Russia's Black Sea Fleet took up position off Crimea's western coastline on Thursday to help strengthen the peninsula's air defences, a Crimean military source told the RIA news agency."The ships' air defence units have been put on a higher state of alert," said the source. "Together with land-based air defence units on the peninsula, the ships have thrown up a practically impenetrable shield against the enemy's rockets."Ukraine says the aim of the tests is to bolster its defence capabilities.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that he did not know whether President Vladimir Putin had ordered the defence ministry to prepare a potential military response to the Ukrainian tests.He was responding to a question about Ukrainian media reports which said that the Russian Defence Ministry had told Ukraine's military envoy that Moscow would shoot down any missiles and destroy their launchers if Kiev test-fired missiles in the air space near Crimea."In the Kremlin we wouldn't want to see any actions by the Ukrainian side that breached international law and that might create dangerous conditions for international flights over the territory of Russia and adjacent regions," said Peskov.Kryzhanovsky said the Ukrainian military was ready for "any developments".Russia held large-scale war games across its southern military district in September, including Crimea.REUTERS CJ PM1341 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1046682.Xml
More than 100,000 Indonesians are expected to rally on Friday to call for the arrest of the Christian governor of the capital, Jakarta, for alleged blasphemy, as police staged drills and prepared water cannon after violence at a protest last month.Authorities are hoping to avoid a repeat of Nov. 4 when one person killed and more than 100 wounded in clashes with police during a similar rally led by hardline Islamists.Muslim groups accuse Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama of insulting the Koran, though they have pledged that Friday's demonstration will be peaceful..Police brought in water cannon and barbed wire to the site of the rally, a central Jakarta park, on Thursday."We are expecting over 100,000 participants," said Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono."There is enough security so the public need not worry. We hope everything will proceed according to the agreement with the protesters."Indonesia has the world's biggest Muslim population but recognises six religions and is home to dozens of ethnic groups, some of which follow traditional beliefs.Purnama, an ethnic Chinese Christian, is being investigated over comments he made about his opponents' use of the Koran in political campaigning. He has denied wrongdoing but apologised for the remarks.Police today handed over their investigation dossier to prosecutors, who are expected to take the case to court in coming weeks.Simmering religious and ethnic tension have prompted President Joko Widodo to rally top military, political, and religious figures in a sign of unity amid fears of attempts to undermine the stability of his government.Police helicopters last week dropped leaflets over the capital warning residents of harsh penalties if the upcoming rally turned violent.Tens of thousands participated in military-led rallies in several cities this week calling for unity and celebrating Indonesia's diversity.The Jakarta government has also put up billboards on major roads calling for national unity and displaying pictures of independence heroes who fought against colonial rule.The Australian foreign ministry and the US embassy in Jakarta issued security notices urging nationals to avoid the demonstration.Purnama, popularly known as Ahok, is running for re-election in February against two Muslim candidates. The governor who is popular with many for pushing through tough reforms to clean up the teeming city, has slipped into second place in the race, opinion polls showed this week.Reuters SDR AS1545 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1046903.Xml
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korea on Wednesday welcomed a new resolution of UN Security Council on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), adopted in response to Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test three months earlier.

Seoul's foreign ministry said in a statement that the fresh resolution was aimed at taking punitive action on the DPRK, issuing strong warnings against newly possible provocations and re-declaring a strong will to never accept the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs.

The statement was announced right after the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution to tighten sanctions on the DPRK over its fifth atomic device detonation on Sept. 9.

The fifth test was carried out just eight months after Pyongyang's fourth nuclear detonation in January, which was followed by the launch in February of a long-range rocket.

The South Korean ministry described the new resolution adoption as a "milestone" action, saying it was the toughest-ever and the most comprehensive non-military sanctions in the UN history.

Unless the DPRK makes a strategic decision to come to the path of denuclearization, the statement said, the country will face the deepening of economic difficulties and diplomatic isolation.

South Korea vows to closely cooperate with UN members to thoroughly and completely implement the resolutions toward the DPRK.
by Xinhua writer Zou Le

ANKARA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Once on the ancient silk road from China to Turkey, camels and horses were the only solutions to exchanges of goods and books.

Now, railways with stronger abilities, especially high speed trains, have been boosting the connection of the East and the West.

From the Ankara-Istanbul high speed line to the East-West high speed line, Chinese workers are making efforts to connect silk road with railways in Turkey.

Ankara, a central Anatolia city surrounded by mountains and hills, has become the home of Zhang Ying, the project interpreter of the Turkish branch of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC).

The local CRCC worked over day and night for the construction of Ankara-Istanbul high speed line in Turkey, which connects Ankara, the city of Eskisehir and the metropolis of Istanbul, providing a fast and convenient way for passengers and helping boost the economy of the connected cities.

"Building railways in a foreign country is not easy at all," Zhang told Xinhua. "As a interpreter, my job is to help the negotiation between Chinese staffs and Turkish cooperative partners during the Ankara- Istanbul project."

The tough work condition and long time abroad left nearly no chance for the 32-year-old lady to find a boyfriend, not to mention a marriage.

For most of the five years in Turkey, she stays at the sites where steels are laying on the subgrade and winds always swirl up dirt and sands.

"We have to take care of both Chinese and Turkish workers, and meet their basic needs and medical services. We care more about the healthy of workers rather than the speed of the project," Zhang stressed.

The Ankara-Istanbul High speed trains are now operating at a speed of 250 km per hour, but "its potential is more than that," said Xu Tiesheng, the project manager of Ankara-Istanbul railway project, a 33-year-old man always sorry for seldomly hugging his four-and-a-half years old son in China.

"Our designed speed is 250 km per hour, but the trains can run faster than this because we pay more attention to the safety," he explained, saying the train could run at 280 km per hour during the test time.

Turkish citizens and foreign visitors now can enjoy a more comfortable and efficient railway trip from central Anatolia to the Marmara Seaside. However the Chinese railway workers want to achieve more.

"We hope to win over the project of East-West Turkey high speed line, which connects Kars province in far northeastern Anatolia boarding Armenia, with Edirne province in northwestern part of Turkey boarding Bulgaria," said Liu lin, the deputy general manager of CRCC Turkish branch.

The bilateral framework agreement on the construction of East-West Turkey high speed line was signed by the Turkish and Chinese leaders in 2010.

"Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi both mentioned the speed line during their visits to Turkey this year, which gave us more confidence on this project and help build a railway silk road under the Belt and Road Initiative," Liu said.

He also said that CRCC fully knows Turkey, which has a huge plan about road constructions including a 10,000-km railway project, has great potential in railways, but CRCC also needs to figure out the challenges and risks in the cooperation.

"In Turkey, we are facing some turbulence in some eastern parts of Anatolia and the Turkish lira is quite weak because of the political and economical risks in this country," he said.

Some powerful competitors also pose challenges, which push CRCC's legal and labor parts to be improved, Liu added, highlighting "however, we will still do our best to connect the silk road with iron and steel."
KIGALI, Nov, 30 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's ministry of disaster management and refugee affairs and UNICEF on Wednesday launched permanent water treatment for tens of thousands of Burundian refugees living in the country's largest refugee camp.

Mahama camp in Eastern province hosts about 60,000 Burundian refugees, many of whom had fled from violence related to presidential elections in Burundi last year.

The high-tech water treatment plant is using electricity to pump and treat 900,000 liters of fresh water from the Akagera River on the Tanzanian border to supply 60,000 Burundian refugees and host communities on a daily basis.

The water treatment scheme comes at a time when the refugees and the surrounding communities desperately needed access to clean water.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, minister of disaster management and refugees affairs Seraphine Mukantabana said the treatment plant will provide an important source of clean and safe water to refugees and also benefits local communities.

"Providing clean water and sanitation facilities helps to keep refugee camps disease-free. We are now relieved of water scarcity problems in this refugee camp," she explained.

The water treatment project was funded by the government of Rwanda in partnership with UNHCR, UNICEF and was implemented by Oxfam Rwanda. Enditem
RAMALLAH, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed on Wednesday the Fatah Party congress, expecting to "make peace true."

Abbas said in a speech aired on the official "Palestine TV" that he believes in a just and comprehensive peace, adding "we are looking forward to make it true."

The speech was delivered at the underway Fatah Party congress held in the West Bank city of Ramallah for five days.

"We will not retreat from the basic Palestinian constants and we will maintain it with all our might until these constants come true," said Abbas, adding "we are still watching our steps."

On Tuesday, the 1,400-member congress re-elected Abbas as the chairman of the party.

Re-electing Abbas as a chairman was overwhelming, and it was made right, said Salim Zanoun, the Central Committee member, while addressing the opening of the congress on Tuesday.

He said "we meet to write a new chapter through out the procession of our pioneer movement. We are meeting today with all those who were involved in the battle of defending the Palestinian revolution."

Zanoun went on saying that the Palestinians made Oslo agreement "and we are determined to carry on until we establish our independent state and end the occupation."
RIYADH, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- A Saudi court on Wednesday sentenced to death three Saudi people from the restive Qatif region in eastern the kingdom over terrorism charges, Al Arabiya News reported.

A fourth man was sentenced to 12 years in jail. The four were convicted with joining an extremist group in Qatif, using arms, attacking police and a prison headquarters.

Qatif is one of few cities in Saudi Arabia that are populated with the minority Shiite community.

Groups of Shiite youths are engaged in riot and vandalism, as well as attacks against police personnel demanding more rights in the conservative Sunni state.

Last month, three policemen escaped unhurt a heavy shooting against their police patrol in Qatif.

A similar attack against a security checkpoint occurred in September in the same region, in which a Saudi in his 40s was shot in his leg while he was driving.

Besides Shiite citizens, supporters of the Islamic State (IS) militant group in many parts of the kingdom are carrying out similar attacks against police personnel.
ANKARA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the "humanitarian tragedy" in Syria's Aleppo with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a phone call, presidential sources stated late Wednesday.

The sources also said both presidents agreed that aid efforts for the embattled city should be sped up. They also agreed upon the need to put an end to clashes in Aleppo, Turkish Daily Sabah reported.

Erdogan and Putin have discussed Syrian issue twice on the phone in the past week.

The calls covered bilateral ties as well as a "resolution to the Syrian conflict," notably the possibility of "coordinated efforts in the fight against terrorism."

Meanwhile, Erdogan's recent assertion that the Turkish military operation in Syria was aimed at "ending the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad" has raised eyebrows in Russia, with the Kremlin and the Russian Foreign Ministry awaiting an explanation.

The Kremlin said Wednesday that Erdogan's remarks had come as a surprise to Moscow, Turkish Hurriyet News reported.
RAMALLAH, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday that if Israel does not recognize Palestinian statehood, he would withdraw Palestinian recognition of Israel.

The Palestinians are seeking reciprocity and mutual respect, and therefore the recognition of Israel "will not last forever" if Israel continues to refuse to recognize Palestine as a state, Abbas said in his address to Fatah's 7th conference, where he was reelected as the chairman of the party.

He added that he "will never accept to recognize Israel as a Jewish state" and the Palestinians will never accept interim deals, sending a message to the Israeli society that "Palestinians want peace but it is your government that does not want it."

He added that Palestinians will pursue to seek full membership at the United Nations and joining all possible international organizations.

Abbas mentioned that, after becoming a UN observer state, it has been allowed membership in 522 international organizations, but have so far joined 44, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and International Criminal Court.

Despite the actions of the occupation, including settlements, killings and house demolitions, Palestinians will remain on their lands, said Abbas, adding that East Jerusalem will be the capital of the state of Palestine.

He called on the Islamic Hamas movement to work towards national reconciliation through the gate of democracy, calling for general elections to bring back unity to Palestinian ranks.

Some 1,400 delegates participated in the conference of the Fatah party in the West Bank city of Ramallah, which kicked off Tuesday, where a new leadership, a central committee and a revolutionary council will be elected.
MOSCOW, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak on Wednesday welcomed the OPEC's newly-clinched oil output freeze agreement, saying that Russia was ready to join the deal to stabilize global oil market.

Russia was ready to gradually reduce its oil output by up to 300,000 barrels per day starting from January 2017, the minister said, adding that Moscow hoped other non-OPEC countries would also join the reduction efforts.

He confirmed that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC producers were expected to meet in early December in the Qatar capital of Doha to negotiate a memorandum on oil production freeze.

Earlier on Wednesday at a meeting in Vienna, the OPEC reached a deal to cut the cartel's oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1, 2017, with a ceiling of oil production at 32.5 million barrels per day.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump participates in the third and final presidential debate at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States, Oct. 19, 2016.(Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

BRUSSELS, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- In a part-session debate in Brussels on Wednesday evening, Members of European Parliament (MEPs) argued over the need for the speedy implementation of the EU-U.S. Data Protection agreement before the end of U.S. President Barack Obama's term of office ends in January.

The umbrella agreement aims to ensure high, binding data protection standards for data exchanged between law enforcement authorities for cross border prevention, tracking and prosecution of criminal offences, including terrorist acts.

Rapporteur Jan Philipp Albrecht called the agreement "a historical breakthrough," continuing that "For the first time in history, the United States of America are entering a binding international agreement on data protection standards."

"This is unprecedented, not only in the transatlantic context, but also on the international level," declared Vera Jourova, the European Commissioner for Justice.

"Today, Americans already enjoy these protections when their data is transferred to the EU, while this is not the case for Europeans when their data is transferred to the United States," she pointed out.

During the debate, however, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump was evoked several times, as MEPs worried over the effect his administration would have on the future of the umbrella agreement if it was not already implemented.

"The uncertainty of the incoming Trump administration is just one more reason to conclude the agreement while President Obama is still in office," urged Albrecht to his fellow MEPs.

"If we conclude this agreement, the United States will be bound by international law which gives unconditional data protection rights," said Albrecht.

Marju Lauristin (Estonia), speaking on behalf of the Socialists and Democrats group, echoed the rapporteur: "In the real world, with the incoming Trump administration, I think that delaying the decision, it means that we are really naive, to hope that we will have a better situation with this new administration compared with what we have."

She went on, however, to admit that the European Union (EU) needed cooperation with the United States.

Critics of the umbrella agreement, however, warned that despite the inclusion of critical safeguards for personal data protection, the deal raised legal concerns.

"On the surface it looks really good, it contains really good safeguards, but it's a bit like with Swiss cheese, the cheese is fantastic, but it's the holes that are the problem in this case," joked Sophia In't Veld, speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE).

In't Veld too, however, worried about the change of the political climate that would accompany the arrival of the Trump administration, warning against relying on the president-elect's word for the safeguarding of European citizens' rights.

Two motions for resolutions have been tabled by the ALDE group and the European United Left/Nordic Green Left group (GUE/NGL), seeking a European Court of Justice (COJ) opinion on the compatibility of the EU-U.S. deal on the protection of personal data exchanged for law enforcement purposes.

"I believe the resolutions that have been tabled are the expression of a kind of political helplessness, what they would do would be to let time go by unnecessarily," lamented Axel Voss (Germany) on behalf of the People's Party of Europe group (PPE).

He was echoed by Helga Stevens (Belgium), speaking for the European Conservatives and Reformers group, who argued, "The critics are saying that umbrella agreement should be torpedoed by means of sending it to the Court of Justice, it sounds lofty, it sounds noble, but it's just procrastination, it's just delay."

Sophia In't Veld defended her group's motion, however, saying, "An ECJ decision is not a stalling technique, but it will address very legitimate legal concerns."

"The Commission itself has, in writing, ... conceded that the umbrella agreement can only be considered implemented if the exemptions to the U.S. Privacy Act are repealed," she insisted.

A vote on both motions for resolutions is scheduled for Thursday, immediately before a vote on the European Parliament's consent for the EU-U.S. Data Protection Agreement.

The umbrella agreement has already been signed by the European Commission and the United States in June, but requires parliamentary consent in order to enter into force.
ALGIERS, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Algerian energy minister said on Wednesday the Organization of Petroleum Producing Countries' (OPEC) decision to cut its oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day is likely to push oil prices to around 60 U.S. dollars a barrel by the end of this year.

"The decision taken today in Vienna is historic and great triumph for OPEC," Noureddine Bouterfa was quoted as saying in Vienna by the Algerian state-owned television.

He said a committee composed of Algeria, Kuwait and Venezuela has been established to control the implementation of the freezing decision.

Bouterfa further predicted that the oil prices would bring stability to the global oil market by the end of the year.

The meeting of OPEC held Wednesday in the Austrian capital reached a consensus decision between the cartel's members to cut oil outputs by 1.2 million barrels per day, setting the ceiling of oil production at 32.5 million barrels per day.

The reduction is effective from Jan. 1, 2017, and is the cartel's first oil reduction since 2008.
Two people walk past a poster in support of the "No" vote, reading "There are some No concerning the future", in an upcoming constitutional referendum in Rome, Italy, Dec. 1, 2016. On Dec. 4, voters will be called to have their say on a constitutional reform package, which the parliament had already approved with six consecutive readings in over two and a half years long debate. (Xinhua/Jin Yu)

by Alessandra Cardone

ROME, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- A few days are left for Italians to mull over their options in an upcoming constitutional referendum that might prove a crucial turning point for the country.

On Dec. 4, voters will be called to have their say on a constitutional reform package, which the parliament had already approved with six consecutive readings in over two and a half years long debate.

Having not been passed by lawmakers with a two-thirds majority, the reform had to be submitted to a referendum, as the constitution requires.

Two will be the options: to confirm it, or repel it, as a whole. The citizens' response will be definitive.

Latest opinion polls have showed the "no" to the constitutional reform would be in the lead, but also that there is still a 15 to 25 percent share of floating voters, who will make up their minds only at the last minute.

On the streets of the Italian capital, however, some have already made their decision.

"I am going to vote yes, because I would like to see some change in the country while I am still alive," 73-year-old Matteo said, smiling.

"The part of the reform I like most is the one giving back the central government some powers previously transferred to the regions, which have often gone too far with their spending, especially in the public health sector," the man told Xinhua.

A crucial change in the constitutional reform would be the demotion of the senate into a regional affairs assembly. Currently, Italy's two houses have equal powers, and bills have to shift between them, and be approved in an identical text, in order to become laws.

If the reform is confirmed, the senate's seats would be cut from 315 to 100, and senators would lose the power to bring down the government, and vote on major issues.

According to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's cabinet, this would streamline the law-making process, as such cutting Italy's notorious heavy red tape, and make governments more stable. Those who oppose the reform say it would just make the parliament weaker, giving too much power to the cabinet.

Of this key point, Matteo did not look much happy: "I would have prefer an even more radical reform of the senate," he explained.

Anna, 70, stood by the opposite side. She walked the streets of San Giovanni neighborhood with leaflets in her hands, advocating the "No" to the referendum.

"Mistakes can be made, yes, but when they are done ... are done," she told Xinhua.

The woman acknowledged there were some good parts in the proposed reform, such as the abolition of the CNEL (an economic advisory body) and the demotion of the senate. Yet, there were chapters she did not like at all.

"They should not have force us citizens to vote on this melting pot, they should have not mixed up so many different issues," she complained.

More specifically, she much disliked that the reform would change the rules for initiative bills: the minimum number of citizens' signatures to have them debated by the parliament would in fact increase from 50,000 to 150,000.

The younger generation of voters appears just as split.

"On the whole, the referendum will be an important step for Italy, no matter which side wins," 24-year-old student Domitilla told Xinhua.

"Personally, I am going to repel the reform, because I am against Renzi's government and all what it is doing."

The student was aware of the keen attention to the referendum's outcome being paid at international level, and of the possible political instability that could follow in case the reform is repelled.

Indeed, Renzi has put his political future at stake in the referendum, and a rejection of the constitutional reform may bring the current cabinet to resign.

"If the No wins, there will certainly be some political instability in the country, but only for a while ... After that, there will be a change, and that is exactly what I wish for," Domitilla said.

Lorenzo, a coetaneous medical student, was inclined to vote in favor.

"As far as I could understand, the demotion of the senate will speed up our legislative proceedings, and I believe this is a good think," he told Xinhua.

The young man believed Italy was burden with too much bureaucracy, and the reform would help scrap at least part of it.

Asked whether his college peers would share his opinion, however, he smiled and said: "Not at all. Among young people I know, the vast majority will vote No."
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, Eugene Owusu, said on Wednesday that he was deeply concerned about "bureaucratic impediments and access constraints" that have negatively impacted aid in the country, a UN spokesman said here.

Some 91 humanitarian access incidents were recorded on Nov. 1-28 in the country, Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, said at a daily news briefing here.

Of these, 70 percent involved violence against humanitarian personnel or assets, Haq said.

"Aid workers were also denied access to areas outside of Yei town in Central Equatoria and Wau town in Western Bahr El Ghazal, where tens of thousands of people are in need of assistance and protection."

"Mr. Owusu stressed that it is vital that the commitments made in high-level fora to tackle these impediments fully translate into real, tangible and immediate improvements in the operating environment for aid workers on the frontlines of humanitarian action," Haq added.

Humanitarian needs in South Sudan continue to rise as a result of conflict and economic decline.

Nearly 3 million people have now been displaced since fighting first broke out in December 2013, including 1.9 million who are internally displaced and more than 1.1 million who have fled to neighbouring countries as refugees.

To date in 2016, humanitarian organizations in South Sudan have reached more than 4.1 million people with assistance and protection across the country, including in some of the most remote areas.

"I am tremendously proud of the aid workers across this country who are working tirelessly day-in and day-out to help people in need," said Owusu.

"I call on all parties to allow free, safe and unhindered humanitarian access so that our colleagues can reach and assist people whose lives have been torn apart by this crisis."

"Regardless of where they are in the country, civilians in need have a right to receive help," Owusu added.
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Staffan de Mistura, the special UN envoy for Syria, on Wednesday stressed the need for a political solution to the Syrian crisis, saying that "there is no stable, permanent military solution" conflict, which has been going on for more than five years in the war-torn Middle East country.

In his briefing to the UN Security Council by videoconference from Geneva on the situation in Aleppo, a city in northern Syria, de Mistura said that over the past few days, thousands of civilians have fled from neighbourhoods in eastern Aleppo, with numbers growing by the hour.

He said that there is evidence that a military logic is prevailing on both sides. But he said that "there is no stable, permanent military solution and he stressed the need for a political solution to the crisis."

Painting a dire picture of the situation on the ground, de Mistura told the Security Council that the "humanitarian tragedy" in Aleppo is only deepening as both ground and air assaults against the eastern half of the iconic city have intensified over the last two weeks, forcing an estimated 25,000 from their homes since Saturday.

"It is likely that thousands more will flee should fighting continue to spread and further intensify over the coming days," he said, adding that he had strongly suggested that Ali Al-Za'tari, the UN humanitarian coordinator and resident coordinator in Syria, together with international members from the UN Country Team, should head to Aleppo as soon as possible to rejoin national aid workers to assist the civilian population on both the city's east and west sides.

And while the Wednesday council meeting was focused on Aleppo, he underscored that the war continues elsewhere -- Idlib, Hama, al-Waer, Homs, north of Latakia, Western Ghouta, northwest of Damascus, and Eastern Ghouta.

"Each deserves its own description, but the underlying theme remains the same: the continued dominance of military over political strategies, and the brutal price being paid by civilians in the process," he said.

Also briefing the 15-nation council, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Stephen O'Brien, said that the parties to the conflict in Syria have shown time and again that they are willing to take any action or do any deed to secure military advantage even if it means killing, maiming or besieging civilians into submission in the process.

"There are no limits or red lines left to cross," said O'Brien, who is also the UN emergency relief coordinator.

Over the last four days, numerous civilians have reportedly been killed, he said, adding that he received a report saying that scores of people were killed in a single airstrike on Wednesday morning.

O'Brien said that some 20,000 people have been displaced in recent days and it is likely that thousands more people will flee should fighting further spread and intensify over the coming days.
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy Wednesday called on the international community to make efforts along four tracks -- ceasefire, political negotiation, humanitarian assistance and joint fight against terrorism -- to ease tensions in Syria's northern city of Aleppo.

Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the appeal at a Security Council meeting on Syria.

Wu noted that recently there is a steady escalation of situation in some parts of Syria including Aleppo with the humanitarian situation there steadily worsening.

"China feels for the people who are suffering in Syria and condemns any attack targeting civilians and civilian facilities," said Wu.

Wu said the international community should urge all parties in Syria to end hostilities without delay and work persistently to reach an agreement on relevant issues through peace talks.

The international community should continue to step up humanitarian relief to Aleppo, he added.

Wu said a thoroughgoing solution to de-escalate the situation in Aleppo lies in an effort to remain seized of the big picture in Syria and to hold fast to the prospect of political settlement as the overarching direction.

He said the international community should continue to maintain the role of the UN as the primary player exercising good offices and to continue to support the work of the UN Syria special envoy towards the early resumption of the Geneva talks.

Wu also mentioned that any action taken by the Security Council on the question of Syria must be truly conducive to de-escalation and conducive to the political process owned and led by the Syrians under the good offices of the UN to arrive at a solution that is acceptable to all parties.

"These parties should demonstrate their good will, meet one another halfway, accumulate mutual trust and jointly strive towards a comprehensive, fair and proper solution to the question of Syria," he added.

The recent upsurge in fighting around Aleppo has caused more than 20,000 people forced to leave their homes over the past 72 hours, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

UN relief chief Stephen O'Brien told the council on Wednesday that it is estimated that up to 25,000 people have been displaced from their homes in eastern Aleppo since Saturday due to an upsurge in fighting.

Speaking to the council via video, O'Brien called on parties and those with influence to do everything in their power to protect civilians and enable access to the besieged part of eastern Aleppo before it becomes one giant graveyard.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses during an event to mark the World Aids Day which falls on Dec.1. (XINHUA / Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called for tolerance, awareness and helping the vulnerable people in the global efforts to fight the AIDS epidemic.

The secretary-general, in his speech at an event here to mark World AIDS Day, said, "Tolerance and awareness help stop AIDS. Speaking out protects life."

"We are motivated to fight AIDS because we know that every child deserves care, every person deserves treatment, and all vulnerable groups deserve protection from stigma and abuse," Ban said.

"We know that hatred and bigotry spread disease and ... silence equals death," he said.

Half as many children are infected mother-to-child transmission, he said, calling for the joint world efforts to double the number of people who can enjoy access to medicines.

"I am calling for action to get on the fast track to our target of 30 million people on treatment by 2030," he said.

Seven-year-old Sibongile, who lives with AIDS, sleeps on a couch at the Lambano hospice facility, ahead of World AIDS Day, in Germiston, East of Johannesburg, South Africa Nov. 30, 2016. (REUTERS / Siphiwe Sibeko)

"This requires that we reach the most vulnerable communities -- the young women in Sub-Saharan Africa, people who injects drugs ... and the poor who need services and care."

"We have been making this our commitment that by 2030, there will be no new cases of HIV/AIDS, no deaths caused by HIV/AIDS and also no discrimination against people living with HIV," the virus that causes the AIDS disease, he said.

World AIDS Day, observed on Dec. 1 every year since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.

The World Day is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day and World Hepatitis Day. Enditem
HELSINKI, Nov. 30 (Xinhua)-- Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila denied on Wednesday accusations that he tried to clamp down on the national broadcaster Yle over its coverage of a story involving him.

In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Sipila repudiated that he had tried to influence Yle on its reports.

Last Friday, Yle reported that state-owned nickel company Terrafame had placed an order to Katera Steel, a company owned by Sipila's relatives, just a few days after the prime minister approved a new funding of 100 million euros (106 million U.S. dollars) for Terrafame.

On Wednesday morning, Finnish news magazine Suomen Kuvalehti reported that Sipila sent dozens of critical emails to an Yle journalist responsible for the story.

"I wanted to intervene regarding the issue that I was not given a fair chance to comment on the story. There was not the slightest intention at any stage to limit the freedom of the press or to influence what Yle says or does not say," Sipila was quoted by Yle as telling the press conference.

While Yle did not publish more follow-up stories, Yle's head of news and current affairs Atte Jaaskelainen issued a statement arguing that the prime minister's emails had not influenced Yle's coverage.

Yle did not publish stories questioning whether Sipila should have recused himself from decisions on the order given to his relatives' company, as it decided to wait until investigations being carried, explained Jaaskelainen.

The office of the Chancellor of Justice, Finland's government watchdog, confirmed earlier that it received more than 10 complaints about the Terrafame deal.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman's office also received two complaints. The parliament watchdog said on Monday that it would review a possible conflict of interest on the part of Sipila.
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday welcomed the adoption of a new resolution in response to the Sept. 9 nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and asked all UN member states to "make every effort" to ensure the full implementation of the new resolution.

"I welcome the unanimous adoption of this new resolution," Ban said at the 15-nation UN body after its adoption of the new resolution. "Maintaining such unity is crucial in tackling security challenges on the Korean Peninsula and beyond."

Since January, the DPRK has conducted two nuclear tests and at least 25 launches using ballistic missile technology, including launches of satellite, submarine-based ballistic missiles, and medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, the secretary-general noted.

This year, the Security Council has met on nine occasions in emergency consultations in response to the DPRK's nuclear tests and ballistic missile activities, he noted. "This is an unprecedentedly high number."

The resolution unanimously adopted by the council early Wednesday took nearly three months to materialize, following the nuclear test in September, he noted. "The time taken to reach agreement on this resolution vividly illustrates the complex nature of the challenge."

"We must assume that, with each test or launch, DPRK continues to make technological advances in its pursuit of a military nuclear capability," he said. "The increase in and nature of these activities pose an ever growing threat to regional security and the global non-proliferation regime."

Meanwhile, the secretary-general also urged all member states to make every effort to ensure that these sanctions are fully implemented.

In the new resolution, the Security Council decided to tighten sanctions on the DPRK in response to the country's fifth nuclear test since 2006.

The resolution sets an upper limit on the DPRK's coal exporting, saying the total exports of coal from the DPRK should not exceed 400.9 million U.S. dollars or 7.5 million metric tons per year, whichever is lower.

The resolution also contains additional measures aimed to further restrict the DPRK's hard currency revenues, and activities of the country's diplomats and other officials.
HELSINKI, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Finnish assistant state prosecutor Raija Toiviainen decided to raise murder charges against two Iraqi nationals, the state prosecutor's office announced on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old twins were detained by Finnish police in December last year. They allegedly participated in the mass killings around Camp Speicher in Iraq in June 2014.

Over 1,000 Iraqi soldiers were said to have been killed by the Islamic State in the incidents.

The charges defined the deeds as war crimes and actions with terrorist intent. The state prosecutor's office said on Wednesday that raising the charges in Finland is based on international agreements.

The trial will begin in the Pirkanmaa district court in the Tampere area. The date is yet to be announced. The two Iraqis have both denied the charges.
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- A team of researchers in the United States has developed a process to make hydrogels with natural materials and make them useful in a host of new applications, including food and beverage manufacturing.

The new process incorporate two abundant and inexpensive basic ingredients: one is a cellulose polymer derived from natural sources such as wood chips and agricultural waste; and the other is colloidal silica, a liquid suspension of nanoscale particles derived from sand.

"When we mix the cellulose and silica together, we get a stable gel," said Eric Appel, an assistant professor of materials science at Stanford University. "By altering the formulations, we can tune across an enormous range of mechanical properties ... get a whole continuum of gel states that can be useful for different applications."

Appel led the research team and, together with doctoral candidate Anthony Yu at Stanford, described their project in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Hydrogels are gelatinous amalgams of cross-linked polymers that can absorb and hold large quantities of water. However, the synthetic polymers now used for their production are often expensive or difficult to make on an industrial scale, and frequently present environmental and safety concerns.

The new process, claimed to be simple by the Stanford-led team, is expected to enable the production of hydrogels at industrial volumes, promising to break the current cost barrier.

In their paper, the authors describe testing their invention in two different applications: cleaning pipes in commercial wineries to save water as well as grape juice; and dispersing wildfire retardants, so as to coat the fuels for far longer than the standard retardant and protect the retardants from being washed away with a subsequent water treatment.

"This paper solves real-world problems," Craig Hawker, the co-director of the Materials Research Lab at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and one of the peer reviewers of the PNAS paper, was quoted as writing by a news release from Stanford.
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- A technology startup released for free on Wednesday the source code of its software for advanced driver assistance.

George Hotz, founder of the company, Comma.ai, posted a three-paragraph message on its website, saying "today, we are releasing some stuff for you. Open stuff. Because we like openness. It's better than closedness."

"From this, you should be able to replicate our initial Bloomberg experiments," Hotz wrote.

The startup in San Francisco, of northern California on the U.S. west coast, explained on the website that its system, known as comma one, will not turn a car into an autonomous vehicle. Rather, it is an advanced driver assistance system. "To put it in traditional auto manufacturer terms, it is 'lane keep assist' and 'adaptive cruise control'."

The system works on the Honda Civic 2016/17 model with certain features. Noting that it is an aftermarket upgrade and it provides no new functionality, the company said its system "is just much better."

In his message, Hotz challenged other companies working in the field, including Tesla and Google, to follow suit.
WELLINGTON, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government on Thursday welcomed a United Nations Security Council resolution to strengthen sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The move followed the DPRK's fifth nuclear test, conducted in September, which New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully strongly condemned as "a provocative and dangerous challenge to regional security."

"North Korea's actions have directly defied the UN Security Council, which has demanded that the country cease nuclear and missile tests," McCully said in a statement.

"The resolution adopted tightens the sanctions regime, in effect since 2006, and specifically targets North Korea's mineral exports, diplomatic activity, and transport links. The new sanctions will cap North Korea's coal exports at 40 percent of current levels, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in lost export earnings," said McCully.

"These are some of the strongest UN sanctions ever imposed and this reflects the international community's deep concern about North Korea's behaviour."
CANBERRA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Protesters who shut down Australia's Parliament during Question Time on Wednesday afternoon returned to the Parliament House Thursday morning, unfurling a banner condemning the Australian government's stance on off-shore detention across the front of the building.

A pair of protesters abseiled down the front of the Parliament House and unveiled a large banner which urges the government to "close the 'bloody' camps now". It was accompanied by the hashtag: #Justice4TheRefugees.

The activists also dyed the shallow pool in front of the Parliament building red to symbolize blood, while protesters peacefully held signs describing the coalition government as "world leaders in cruelty" and the Labor opposition as providing "no opposition to cruelty".

The protest comes a day after the same group of activists entered the public viewing area in the House of Representatives, superglued themselves to the seats and yelled at MPs, while it also coincides on the same day that the Senate is expected to vote on laws to tighten security at Parliament, a plan which came under fire from MPs and the public when it was brought up earlier this week.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turbull told the Seven Network on Thursday morning that while he wasn't concerned for his safety during Wednesday's protest, they had interrupted democracy and could face charges.

"I wasn't concerned for my personal safety but I was concerned that the parliament could be in trouble like that," Turnbull told the Seven Network.

"The demonstrators, who rioted in the gallery, were interrupting the people's house. They were interrupting democracy."

"It's not for me to press charges, that is a matter for the police. They let them off scot-free. The security needs to be looked at."

Turnbull said the protests come at an interesting time in Canberra, with the Senate to debate tightening security at the Parliament House on Thursday afternoon, before Senators and MPs head home for Christmas break.

Under the proposed changes, members of the public would be disallowed from walking on the lawns directly over the top of Parliament House, something currently allowed and encouraged, while a 2.6 meter fence could also be erected around the building.

"It is part of the nature of the Parliament to be open," Turnbull said. "I think we need to examine how these people came in. We need to work out whether there can be better screening of people who come into the public galleries."

"They came in with super glue and a big banner, but I would regard putting glass screens up (in the public gallery) as a last resort."

Labor MP Jim Chalmers said while the disruption on Wednesday was a slight cause for concern, the Senate shouldn't consider a "knee-jerk reaction" when determining whether or not to mess with the security laws.

"The security guards did a terrific job as they always do," Chalmers told Sky News on Thursday.

"I don't think we should overreact in either direction when we have these sorts of protests. We have processes in place."

"It's good that they get reviewed so we get a balance between letting people have their say and the safety of the people in the building.

The Parliament House security bill is expected to debated on Thursday, but crossbench Senators are hesitant to support the measures, with Derryn Hinch saying he would vote against the laws as it would be like "wrapping the Sydney Opera House in barbed wire... wrong", while Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm said training more security staff would be more cost-effective.

"I think a better idea would be just for the Parliament security staff to be alert to the fact that stunts sometimes will occur," Leyonhjelm said after Wednesday afternoon's protests.

Thursday is Parliament's final sitting day of the year.
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korean exports, which account for about half of the economy, managed to rebound last month on higher prices of export items, a government report showed on Thursday.

Exports reached 45.5 billion U.S. dollars in November, up 2.7 percent from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).

The November exports mark the first rebound in three months, after rising for the first time in 20 months in August.

The country's overseas shipments remained sluggish on falling global trade, caused by protectionist moves and the world's economic slowdown.

Higher prices of export items, including semiconductors, led the November turnaround. Exports to China, South Korea's largest trading partner, rebounded in 17 months at 11.7 billion dollars last month that was this year's largest.

Imports advanced 10.1 percent over the year to 37.5 billion dollars in November, sending the monthly trade surplus to 8 billion dollars. The country's trade balance has stayed in the black for 58 months since February 2012.
CANBERRA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Australian researchers believe the venom from one of the nation's most iconic mammals, the platypus, could one day help scientists create a super effective treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Scientists from the University of Adelaide noted that the insulin regulation glands in the platypus had undergone "remarkable" evolutionary changes, in a discovery they believe could pave the way for future clinical trials.

Professor Frank Grutzner said on Thursday the platypus produces a hormone in its venom which acts as a super effective blood glucose regulator.

The hormone, called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), is also produced by humans but degrades within minutes, meaning those with type 2 diabetes require a treatment to ensure a constant stream of insulin.

Grutzner said the GLP-1 produced by the platypus had "evolved" over time to be longer lasting, something which could revolutionize treatment for human sufferers.

"Our research team has discovered that our iconic platypus has evolved changes in the hormone that make it resistant to the rapid degradation normally seen in humans," Grutzner said in comments published in Thursday's newspapers.

"We've found that GLP-1 is degraded by a completely different mechanism. Further analysis revealed that there was a kind of molecular warfare going on between the function of GLP-1, which is produced in the gut but surprisingly also in their venom."

Co-lead author Associate Professor Briony Forbes, from Flinders University's School of Medicine, said "This tug of war between the different functions has resulted in dramatic changes in the GLP-1 system."

"The function in venom has most likely triggered the evolution of a stable form of GLP-1 in monotremes. Excitingly, stable GLP-1 molecules are highly desirable as potential type 2 diabetes treatments."

Grutzner said the findings could one day pave the way for scientists to create an extremely effective type 2 diabetes treatment.

"These findings have the potential to inform diabetes treatment, one of our greatest health challenges, although exactly how we can convert this finding into a treatment will need to be the subject of future research," he said.
By Yoo Seungki

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye has let lawmakers decide on her fate, but it kindled public confusion about what the embattled president intended to do with her national address over a scandal involving herself.

President Park addressed the nation on Tuesday, a third since the corruption scandal surrounding the president and her decades-long friend, Choi Soon-sil, came into focus in October. Park had retreated from public view following the second apology on Nov. 4.

The scandal-plagued leader made overtures to lawmakers, saying she will "step down from the presidency if the ruling and opposition parties find a way to ensure a stable transfer of power while minimizing confusion and vacuum in state affairs."

Park demanded detailed schedules and legal procedures on her resignation, throwing the ball in parliamentary court. She vowed to defer her retreat, including the "shortening" of presidency, to the parliament.

IMPEACHMENT OR CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION

Under the country's constitution, there are only two options lawmakers can choose to cut short Park's single, five-year term: impeachment and constitutional amendment. She has refused a voluntary resignation citing the breach of the constitution that guarantees a full tenure except treason and insurrection.

Calls have lasted long for the revision of the constitution, which has been unchanged for around three decades, in a bid to reform South Korea's political system, where some claim too much power is being centered on an "imperial" president.

Most of legislators agreed to the need, but opposition lawmakers currently want it postponed as the amendment can take at least a year and may cause divisiveness in the political arena, which is already divided over when and how to remove the scandal-hit president from office.

Chiefs of three main opposition parties, which depicted the presidential speech as a "horrible snare" set by Park and as a "ploy" meant to fend off an impeachment vote, met on Wednesday to unite their minds.

They urged President Park to rapidly and unconditionally stand down, agreeing that there would never be any negotiation with the governing party on the shortening of presidency, which requires the constitutional revision.

The opposition heads confirmed a continued push for impeachment, the only option left to shorten Park's five-year tenure that ends in February 2018.

STOP IMPEACHMENT EFFORTS

The ruling Saenuri Party leadership, widely seen as the pro-Park faction for its loyalty to the president, welcomed Park's speech and called on opposition lawmakers and anti-Park Saenuri members to stop impeachment efforts.

The party leadership proposed negotiations on a road map for the so-called "orderly" and "honorable" retreat, indicating the need for constitutional amendment, which they believe could encourage Park to resign in April next year and hold an early presidential election two months later.

Park's Tuesday address came just three days before the widely expected vote on a bill to impeach the embattled president in the National Assembly. The opposition bloc had been poised to vote on the impeachment bill as early as Friday or no later than next Friday when the regular session ends.

Before the speech, 30 to 40 members of the ruling party's anti-Park faction had been set to vote for it, according to local media reports based on anonymous interviews.

As there are 172 opposition and independent lawmakers, at least 30 Saenuri legislators are required to pass the impeachment motion through the 300-seat assembly. The bill can be put forward with a half support from the unicameral assembly, while the passage requires two-thirds ayes.

The anti-Park faction showed a subtle change in its position, saying its members will join the impeachment vote unless rival parties agreed to the road map for Park's resignation until next Friday. This Friday's vote to impeach Park seems hard to be pushed through.

POLITICAL TRICK

A majority of South Koreans looked enraged further by Park's speech. According to a survey by ResearchView, local pollster, released Wednesday, 74.2 percent said that the third address was a "political trick" to avoid impeachment. Over seven out of 10 respondents demanded the impeachment vote as scheduled.

"(The third speech) is a sly trick to delay resignation. Everybody knows that. Park Geun-hye looks to have contacted Choi Soon-sil secretly through someone else or phone call considering the trick," Choi Myo-ran told Xinhua.

The 80-year-old woman, who has recently watched cable news channels all the time, said it is high time to replace government power. She stressed that there will be no difficulty in electing new president within two months after impeaching Park.

If the impeachment motion is passed through the assembly, Park would immediately be stripped of all powers. If two-thirds of the nine-judge constitutional court upholds the bill, the country must hold a presidential election in two months.

Conservatives have recently worried about a power vacuum as Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn becomes acting president while the constitutional court is ruling on the impeachment motion.

The survey showed 18.4 percent of respondents preferring a scheduled resignation agreed upon by rival parties.

One man in his late 60s, who declined to be identified, said he cannot understand why the younger generation demands the impeachment that destabilizes the country. He stressed the importance of normalizing state affairs.

Recently, calls for an orderly resignation arisen from conservative-leaning figures. Dozens of former parliamentary speakers and former prime ministers met on Sunday to demand Park step down by next April to have time in preparing for next presidential election.

On Monday, even pro-Park faction members of the governing party advised President Park to accept the resignation schedule proposed by the elder statesmen.

Bin Woon-cheol, an office worker in his late 30s, said there must have been a "prior collusion" between President Park, the pro-Park faction and the elder statesmen to distract public attention from impeachment toward constitutional amendment.

It was a ploy, he said, intended to buy time and delay the impeachment by encouraging rival parties to bicker over when and how to let President Park stand down though she has no inclination to do.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Shooting in Baltimore on Wednesday leaves two dead and 4 injured, according to U.S. TV networks.
Chinese permanent representative to UN Liu Jieyi speeks after UN Security Council adopts a resolution to tighten sanction against DPRK.(XINHUA/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday voiced its firm opposition to the Sept. 9 nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and called for an early resumption of the Six-Party Talks in order to solve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue through political and peaceful means.

Liu Jieyi, the Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks as he was taking the floor at the UN Security Council after the 15-nation UN body unanimously adopted a resolution to tighten its sanction against the DPRK in response to its nuclear test in September, the country's fifth one since 2006.

"On Sept. 9 this year, the DPRK conducted yet another nuclear test in defiance of the new universal objection of the international community," Liu said. "The Chinese government firmly opposes such an act."

In the new resolution, the Security Council decides that the DPRK shall not supply, sell or transfer coal, iron and iron ore from its territory or by its nationals. However, the resolution said that the provision shall not apply with respect to transactions in iron and iron ore that are determined to be exclusively for livelihood purposes and unrelated to generating revenue for the DPRK's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

"The resolution adopted by the Security Council today demonstrates the uniform stand of the international community against the development by the DPRK of its nuclear programs and for the maintenance of the international non-proliferation regime," he said. "The resolution reaffirms the need to safeguard the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia, commits to seeking a solution to this issue by peaceful, diplomatic and political means, supports the resumption of the Six-Party Talks."

The Six-Party Talks, involving China, the DPRK, the United States, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Japan, were a multilateral mechanism aimed at solving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. The talks began in 2003 and stalled in December 2008. The DPRK quit the talks in April 2009.

The new resolution also emphasized the importance of easing the tension on the Korean Peninsula by all the parties concerned, Liu said. "As the resolution notes, the relevant measures are not intended to produce negative consequences on the DPRK's humanitarian situation and the livelihood of its people, nor to affect normal economic and trade activities."

"China urges the parties concerned to effectively implement the relevant provisions of the council resolution in its entirety," he said.

Since the beginning of 2016, the DPRK has conducted two nuclear tests and multiple ballistic missile tests, Liu noted, adding that on the other hand, certain parties have kept strengthening military deployment, increasing military presence and scaling up military exercises.

"As a result, the confrontation on the peninsula has intensified, plunging into a vicious circle," he said. "This situation must be changed as soon as possible."

As a close neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China has all along insisted on the denuclearization resolution of the peninsula and the maintenance of peace and stability in the region, he said. "We have always called for the settlement of this issue through dialogue and consultations, and fought against turmoil and conflicts on the peninsula."

Meanwhile, Liu said, "China is opposed to the deployment of THAAD anti-missile system on the Korean Peninsula as it seriously undermines the strategic security interest of China and other countries of the region, and upsets the regional strategic balance."

"As such, it is neither conducive to the realization of the goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, nor helpful to the maintenance of peace and stability on the peninsula," he said. "China urges the parties concerned to immediately stop the relevant deployment process."

China has repeatedly voiced its strong opposition to the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in South Korea.

"The current situation on the Korean Peninsula is sensitive, complex and dire," he said. "All parties must look at the big picture, meet each other half-way, and avoid any statement or action that might exacerbate the tension."

"The top priority at hand is for the parties concerned to resume dialogue and negotiations at an early date and re-launch the Six-Party Talks as soon as possible so as to work together in a genuine effort to safeguard the denuclearization process and realise peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," he said.

"China urges the parties concerned to push forward in parallel the negotiations on the denuclearization on the one hand, and on the replacement of the Armistice Agreement with a peace treaty on the other," he said. "China will persist in advancing dialogue and consultations with a view to solving the relevant issue within the framework of the Six-Party Talks."

Signed in 1953 to end the Korean War, the armistice agreement is designed to "insure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force in Korea until a final peaceful settlement is achieved."

China is ready to continue to play an active and constructive role in order to bring lasting peace and stability to the Korean Peninsula, he added.
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Africans gathered in Johannesburg on Wednesday to mourn and celebrate the life of Cuba's former leader Fidel Castro.

Castro passed away on Nov. 25 at the age of 90. The memorial service was organized by South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC).

African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma addressed the memorial service.

"Comrade Fidel Castro is a dear friend for the South African revolution. It is important for us as the young and women to learn from Castro's contribution to the people of the world," said Dlamini-Zuma.

She said Castro improved the lives of the Cubans and ensured that women occupy high positions in the society. Castro worked for the social and economic well-being of the Cuban people and the world.

Dlamin-Zuma said the best honor to the late Cuban leader would be to preserve his legacy but champion the cause he pursued in creating a better life for the people.

Castro always wanted to ensure a better life for the youth, she added.

"We will not forget you. We will keep the spirit of the revolution until our struggle is won," she said.

President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) Sdumo Dlamini said the South African workers are thankful to Castro for the working conditions they now have.

"The struggle for South African workers will be meaningless without understanding the Cuban revolution. The workers are the direct beneficiaries of the Cuban Revolution under Fidel Castro," he said.

Dlamini said Castro managed to resist the American imperialism in his country. He said many countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa will forever be grateful to Castro for supporting them in their liberation and expecting nothing in return.

ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe also described the late Cuban president as a disciplined, committed and exemplary leader.

"We are a proud and free people, we owe it to the Cuban people. The duty of revolutionaries is not to wait for change; they must make every revolution to happen," said Mantashe.

He said Castro's name has inspired and will continue to inspire people in the country and the world.

Cuba has provided support for the African countries which included South Africa, Namibia, Angola and Zimbabwe among others during their wars of liberation.

The Cuban government continues to train many African doctors and send theirs to serve in the continent. Currently, 3,000 overseas doctors are studying in Cuba.
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China has established an integrated system of legislature, strategy development, planning, and judicial remedy to ensure its people' s right to development, and makes continued efforts to improve it, said a white paper issued Thursday.

A legal system with Chinese characteristics has provided a legal basis for the people's right to development, said the white paper, titled "The Right to Development: China's Philosophy, Practice and Contribution."

China has promulgated and implemented a series of laws and regulations to protect the right to development of all citizens, especially that of the ethnic minorities, women, children, senior citizens, and the disabled, it said.

To ensure people's right to development, China has issued the National Human Rights Action Plan (2009-2010), (2012-2015), and (2016-2020), striving to address the most immediate problems that are of the most concern to the public, it added.

The Chinese government has also formulated special action plans in the fields of economy, culture, society, and environment, and built a judicial remedy mechanism to prevent and punish infringements of people's right to development, it added.

In 2014 and 2015, the central government and local governments allocated a total of 2.47 billion yuan and 2.95 billion yuan for judicial relief funds, benefiting over 80,000 parties concerned in 2014, it said.

The government has also made efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of legal aid and ensure the right of impoverished people to judicial relief, it said.

Over the past five years, the number of legal aid cases has been growing by 11.4 percent annually, and women, children, the elderly, the disabled, and rural migrant workers have received timely and higher quality legal aid services, it added.
HANOI, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's credit growth rate is forecast to hit 17-18 percent in 2016 as lending usually rises sharply during the final months of the year, according to Dao Minh Tu, deputy governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) on Thursday.

As of Nov. 22, lending of the banking sector had expanded by around 14 percent against December last year, with Vietnamese dong loans rising 15.3 percent and foreign currency loans increasing 2.8 percent, local Vietnam News online newspaper quoted Tu as saying.

The central bank will direct lending capital to flow mainly into the five prioritized sectors of agriculture, exports, supporting industries, small and medium-sized enterprises, and hi-tech firms besides startups, said Tu.

Earlier this year, the SBV targeted an annual credit growth of between 18 and 20 percent, up from 17.26 percent in 2015. However, it affirmed that the credit growth rate might be adjusted based on the actual situation, as it happened last year.

In 2015, the country's central bank first targeted a credit growth rate of 13 percent, then adjusted it to between 15 and 18 percent to meet rising capital demand.
Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi delivers a speech at Singapore's Istana, Nov. 30, 2016. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

SINGAPORE, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- National reconciliation and peace is unavoidably important for Myanmar, it is not a matter of choice, said Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi Wednesday during her three-day visit in Singapore.

This is Suu Kyi's first official visit to the city state since her appointment in March 2016. She made the above remarks at International Enterprise Singapore Global Conversations, an engagement session with business leaders organized by IE Singapore, a governmental trade promoting agency.

In her 10-minute speech, Suu Kyi noted that peace and prosperity cannot be separated, especially at this stage for Myanmar.

"We do not want our country to be unstable, but we have had a long history of disunity within our nation. National reconciliation and peace is unavoidably important for us. It's not a matter of choice," she said.

"we have to achieve peace and national reconciliation so that our country can be able to progress."

The state counselor expounded the government's new investment law and economic policies, exchanged ideas with senior representatives from Singapore companies with expertise in urban development, hospitality, manufacturing, professional services, energy and utilities as well as transport and logistics.

Suu Kyi stressed that the newly-passed investment law is intended to be business-friendly, and will provide the security that investors wish to see. Myanmar is open to feedback on the country's rules and regulations, she said.

She recounted that Singapore's former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew had said that in twenty years' time, Singapore will have caught up with Myanmar.

"I think we have to change that a bit -- in 20 years' time, Myanmar will have overtaken Singapore," she said, adding she hopes Singapore will help Myanmar do that.

Later in the day, Suu Kyi called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who said the two countries will discuss a bilateral investment treaty and update an agreement on avoidance of double taxation.

Myanmar and Singapore established diplomatic ties in 1966. Singapore is Myanmar's second largest investor after China with an accumulative investment of 15.596 billion U.S. dollars as of October 2016.
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China has provided approximately 400 billion yuan (about 58 billion U.S. dollars) in development aid to 166 countries and international organizations over the past 60 years, said a white paper issued Thursday.

According to the white paper titled "The Right to Development: China's Philosophy, Practice and Contribution," the world's current second largest economy has trained more than 12 million personnel from developing countries, and dispatched over 600,000 people to aid development in other countries.

Among them, 700 have given their lives in the course of these programs.

The white paper noted that China has absorbed about 23 percent of exports from the world's least developing countries since 2008, adding that it will set up a South-South Cooperation Fund to improve economic growth and standards of living in the developing countries.

It will also increase its investment in the least developing countries, write off certain countries' debts, establish an International Development Knowledge Center, and further the Belt and Road Initiative, an infrastructure and trade network proposed by China in 2013, the white paper said.

In the next five years, the document read, China will implement six "One Hundred Programs" targeting developing countries -- namely 100 poverty reduction programs, 100 agricultural cooperation programs, 100 trade aid programs, 100 eco-protection and climate change programs, 100 hospitals and clinics, and 100 schools and vocational training centers.

One hundred and twenty thousand training opportunities in China and 150,000 scholarships will be made available to developing countries, and 500,000 vocational technical personnel will be trained for developing countries, the white paper said.
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China is a staunch contributor to international peacekeeping, a white paper issued Thursday here said.

According to the white paper titled "The Right to Development: China's Philosophy, Practice and Contribution," China has to date sent 33,000 military, police and civilian personnel to join UN peacekeeping missions.

Currently there are 2,600-plus Chinese peacekeeping personnel involved in 10 UN peacekeeping operations, making China the most active permanent member of the UN Security Council in terms of supplying peacekeeping personnel, the white paper said.

It said in order to support and improve peacekeeping operations, China will join the new UN peacekeeping standby mechanism, take the lead in establishing regular peacekeeping police force units, and organize peacekeeping standby forces.

In the coming five years China will train 2,000 peacekeeping personnel for other countries, launch 10 mine sweeping aid programs, provide 100 million U.S. dollars of non-reimbursable military aid to the African Union, and allocate part of the China-UN Peace and Development Fund to support UN peacekeeping operations, the white paper said.

"China joins other countries in safeguarding international peace, opposes all forms of terrorism, and supports international and regional cooperation in fighting terrorism, in order to create an environment of peace and harmony that promotes development and thereby consolidates peace," the document read.

It went on to note that China in recent years has offered solutions to regional flash points -- by involving itself in the Iran nuclear talks, mediating for national reconciliation in South Sudan, and proposing a four-step framework for political settlement of the Syrian issue.

It also facilitated the peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, and promoted consensus on resuming the six-party talks on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, the white paper said.
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council Information Office on Thursday issued a white paper on the right to development, detailing the country's philosophy, practice and contribution in this regard.

Following is the full text of the document.

The Right to Development: China's Philosophy, Practice and Contribution

The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China

December 2016

First Edition 2016

Contents

Preamble 1

I. The Philosophy of the Right to Development Abreast with the Times 3

II. The System Ensuring the People's Right to Development 9

III. Effectively Realizing Economic Development 18

IV. Enhancing Political Development 23

V. Promoting Cultural Progress 29

VI. Promoting Social Development 33

VII. Accelerating Environment-Friendly Development 39

VIII. Promoting Common Development 43

Conclusion 48

Preamble

Development is a universal human theme, providing for people's basic needs and giving them hope of better life. The right to development is an inalienable human right, symbolizing dignity and honor. Only through development can we address global challenges; only through development can we protect basic civil rights of the people; only through development can we promote the progress of human society.

China, with a population of over 1.3 billion, is the largest developing country in the world. Development is the top priority of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in governance and national revitalization, and the key to resolving all other problems. Based on its prevailing conditions, China adheres to the Chinese socialist path and to the philosophy that development is of paramount importance. China integrates the principle of universal application of human rights with the country's reality. While striving to enhance the people's wellbeing through development and materialize their right to development, China endeavors to achieve higher-level development by protecting their right to development. In this regard, China has made notable progress and blazed a path in protecting human rights during the development of human civilization.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as its core has highlighted the idea of people-centered development. In the course of realizing the Two Centenary Goals [Note: The two goals are to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by the centenary of the CPC (founded in 1921) and to build China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious by the centenary of the People's Republic of China (founded in 1949).] and the Chinese Dream of revitalizing the Chinese nation, it has focused on safeguarding and improving people's wellbeing, advancing all social programs, and protecting people's rights to equal participation and development. The aim is to share development benefits and achieve common prosperity among all people of the country.

On the 30th anniversary of the publication of the "Declaration on the Right to Development by the United Nations," China, dedicated to advocating, practicing and promoting the right to development, is willing to join the international community to share its philosophy and experience in this regard and to boost sound development of global human rights.

I.The Philosophy of the Right to Development Abreast with the Times

Equal access to development opportunities and development benefits are the ideals of human society wherein each and every citizen can achieve well-rounded development and enjoy full right to development.

The Chinese people are diligent, wise, innovative and progressive. In

traditional Chinese culture, concepts such as "moderate prosperity" (xiao-kang), "great harmony" (datong), "having ample food and clothing" (fengyi zushi) and "living and working in peace and contentment" (anju leye) fully reflect the Chinese people's aspiration for and pursuit of a better, happier life. In the long course of history, the Chinese people have always striven for better and shared development opportunities, conditions and benefits. In ancient times, China was for long the world leader in agriculture, and contributed to human progress with extraordinary development achievements. Studies reveal that until the mid-19th century, China's GDP and per capita GDP were the world's highest. Before the 16th century, China contributed 173 of the world's top 300 innovations and discoveries.

After the Industrial Revolution started in the 18th century, China began losing its leadership. Foreign aggression and expansion by Western colonialists completely destroyed conditions for development in China. Repeated invasions by foreign powers, particularly from the West, from 1840 to 1949, and China's corrupt ruling class and backward social system reduced China to a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. There was constant warfare, an unstable society, economic depression, no security of livelihood, and extreme poverty. The Cambridge History of China: Republican China 1912-1949 describes China's situation in the first half of 20th century as follows: "...the great majority of Chinese merely sustained and reproduced themselves at the subsistence level ... the standard of life for many fell short even of that customary level." [Note: The Cambridge History of China (Volume 12): Republican China 1912-1949 Part I, Cambridge University Press, 1983, p. 28.] "As a system, China's economy which was 'pre-modern' even in the mid-twentieth century ceased to be viable only after 1949..." [Note: Ibid. p. 29.] In these 110 years, the Chinese people struggled arduously for their right to development and equal access to development opportunity. The Chinese people are fully aware of the value of development and of their right to development.

The founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949 ushered in a new era for China's development. The PRC has provided full development opportunities and conditions to the people, and vast scope to realize that right. Through more than 60 years of effort, China's overall national strength has greatly increased; standards of living have achieved a historical leap from poverty to moderate prosperity; the people's right to development in economy, politics, culture, society and environment has been effectively protected. (more)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Wednesday warned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump against dismantling the Iran nuclear deal.

In his bluntest public warning to Trump, who during the presidential campaign signaled willingness to undo the Iran nuclear deal, John Brennan told BBC that sabotaging the deal would be "disastrous."

"It could lead to a weapons program inside Iran that could lead other states in the region to embark on their own programs," said Brennan, adding that it would be "height of folly" to tear up that agreement.

The rare public warning from a CIA director to an incoming U.S. administration came after Trump chose to nominate Lt.General Michael Flynn as national security advisor and Congressman Mike Pompeo as chief of the Central Intelligence Agency, two hard-liners on the Iran nuclear deal.

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly criticized the Iran nuclear deal, calling it "the worst deal ever negotiated." He also suggested that he would force Iran to return to the negotiation table or risk the accord being dismantled.

Iran and six world major countries -- the United States, Britain, China, Russia, France and Germany -- reached an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue in July, 2015 that puts Iran on the path of sanctions relief but more strict limits on its nuclear program.

The deal sets limits on Iran's nuclear activities as it will take Tehran at least one year to produce enough fissile materials for producing a nuclear weapon, and allows regular inspections of the facilities inside Iran.

In return, the United States and the European Union will suspend nuclear-related sanctions against Tehran, with the lifting of all past UN Security Council sanction resolutions.
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's new Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said war against terrorism will continue with focused approach and will be taken to its logical conclusion till the total elimination of terrorism from Pakistan, local media said early Thursday.

Bajwa made the remark on Wednesday, just a day after taking over command of the Pakistan Army, replacing Raheel Sharif.

" We will continue to move ahead of the gains already made so far," the army chief said during his first visit to field formations.

Bajwa visited North Waziristan tribal region where the security forces have conducted a major offensive against the Pakistani Taliban and foreign militants.

A local formation commander briefed Bajwa on the security situation in the region and resettlement phase of the displaced persons as a result of the militancy. Later, Bajwa inspected reconstruction work on ground.

The tribal region was under the influence of the armed groups but the security forces cleared the area with the operation launched in June 2014.

Paying tribute to brave tribes, officers, men of army, the border forces and the police, the general vowed that no terrorists of any hue will ever be allowed to come back.

He emphasized that defense and security of Pakistan against external and internal threat would remain his ultimate objective as the chief of army staff.

The army chief stressed the need for expediting the pace of new raising of the paramilitary force "Frontier Corps" wings to enhance an effective Pak-Afghan border management.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have nearly 2,600 km of border, mostly porous, and militants could take advantage of the loose border control to cross.

The army chief also visited the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar where he was given briefing about prevailing security situation in the terrorism-hit Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Province, tribal regions, ongoing stabilization and combing operations, progress of return of displaced persons and continuing development works.
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The total number of phone users in China hit about 1.54 billion by the end of 2015, and about 1.3 billion of them were mobile phone users, a white paper said Thursday.

The white paper, titled "The Right to Development: China's Philosophy, Practice and Contribution," said the number of Internet users stood at 688 million.

The document, released by the State Council Information Office, said people's living standards have significantly improved in the country.

From 1978 to 2015, per capita GDP grew from more than 200 U.S. dollars to above 8,000 U.S. dollars, according to the white paper.

In 1978, per capita disposable income of urban residents was only 343.4 yuan, and per capita net income of rural residents was only 133.6 yuan.

In 2015, per capita disposable income of all residents reached 21,966 yuan and the figures were 31,195 yuan for urban residents and 11,422 yuan for rural residents.

Chinese residents made 127.86 million outbound trips in the same year, including 121.72 million private trips, according to the white paper.
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The benchmark overnight Shanghai Interbank Offered Rate (Shibor), a measure of the cost at which Chinese banks lend to one another and a key barometer of liquidity, rose for the 16th straight day on Thursday.

On Thursday's interbank market, Shibor edged up 0.9 basis points to 2.325 percent. The Shibor for seven-day loans increased 0.6 basis points to 2.502 percent, a new 15-month high. The Shibor for three-month loans rose 1.98 basis points to 3.0556 percent, up for the 31st straight day.

The current cash-strapped condition in China's interbank market is mostly the result of drops in new yuan funds outstanding for foreign exchange since October, said Liu Dongliang, analyst at China Merchants Bank.

New yuan funds outstanding for foreign exchange refers to the amount of yuan Chinese banks put into the domestic market when they acquire foreign currencies from individuals or companies. It is an important indicator of foreign capital flow in and out of China as well as domestic yuan liquidity.

New yuan funds outstanding for foreign exchange fell 267.9 billion yuan (39.2 billion U.S. dollars) in October to 22.6 trillion yuan, marking the 12th consecutive month of declines, according to the central bank.

Meanwhile, moves by the central bank to defend a weaker yuan have sucked funds from the banking system, pushing up domestic borrowing costs, said Liu.

On Tuesday, China's central bank drained 10 billion yuan from the market, marking the fourth consecutive day that the central bank has drained liquidity from the market.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the central bank pumped 90 billion yuan and 5 billion yuan, respectively, to ease the liquidity strain.

Nevertheless, Liu said liquidity is expected to remain tight in the near term, as China will continue to keep a prudent monetary policy.
PHNOM PENH, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodian court on Thursday sentenced Cambodia's ex-ambassador to South Korea Suth Dina to five years in prison for corruption-related offenses.

Dina, 45, who had served as the ambassador to South Korea for 25 months, was taken into custody by the country's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) in April, following a raft of complaints against him.

The ACU announced that an investigation had found that Dina had 7.2 million U.S. dollars in cash, up from 4.2 million U.S. dollars when his ambassadorial appointment began in Feb. 2014. Also, Dina owned 12.7 kg of gold worth about 500,000 dollars and several houses and pieces of land.

The ACU said Dina had embezzled 116,995 dollars from selling visa stickers and withdrew more than 180,000 dollars from the embassy's administrative budget for informal salary expenses.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court in April charged Dina with embezzlement and abuse of power.

"The court decides to sentence Suth Dina to five years in prison and to fine him 10 million riel (2,500 U.S. dollars)," said the verdict.

Dina appeared in the courtroom to hear his verdict.
SYDNEY, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The rising Chinese phenomenon of online entrepreneurial villages also offers much potential for Australian market, according to e-commerce giant Alibaba's research team.

"There are certainly opportunities for growth here and we have been receiving inquiries about possible areas for development. For example, Australian products continue to be in demand in Chinese cities that Australian rural businesses can fill," Sheng Zhenzhong, deputy director of the Aliresearch Institute, told Xinhua on Thursday.

"We've seen how Australian products such as milk powder and health supplements are very popular in China."

Sheng, who oversees Alibaba's research centre for "rural dynamics", was speaking on the sidelines of a presentation on Chinese rural e-commerce, on the first day of the Digital Enablement Conference, organized by the University of New South Wales Business School.

The conference, which aims to provide a venue for sharing cutting-edge research and networking opportunities among academia and business, saw keynote speeches, panel discussions and paper presentations by leading practitioners from across the world over two days.

Seven years ago, groups of rural entrepreneurs who opened shops on Alibaba's Taobao online shopping platform began appearing in China.

The first of these "Taobao villages" to take up e-commerce on a large scale was a farming community in east China's Jiangsu province. More than 1,000 households involved in furniture production subsequently joined the digital marketplace, according to Aliresearch.

The institute defines a Taobao village as "a cluster of rural e-tailers within an administrative village", where residents get "started on e-commerce spontaneously primarily with the use of Taobao marketplace. The total annual e-commerce transaction volume is at least 10 million Chinese yuan (1.45 million U.S. dollars) and at least 10 percent of village households "actively engage in e-commerce or at least 100 active online shops have been opened by villagers".

By the end of August, there were 1,311 Taobao villages across China, according to latest figures from the institute.

In the past year alone, more than 47 million people bought T-shirts, more than 16 million bought toys and more than 3.5 million bought sunglasses via the villages, among other items.

"There are also many villages that will be able to offer distinct products and some of these might meet the needs of Australian consumers," Sheng said.

"One of my overseas Chinese friends here said products such as outdoor wear and vehicle accessories are very popular here. All these offer many opportunities.

"From the institute's perspective, we also hope to use events like this conference to tap developments and exchanges in the field overseas toward these growth areas, on top of our own work at home," said the director.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. police are still searching for a lone gunman who on Wednesday killed two people and injured four others in northwest Baltimore, about 40 minutes' drive from Washington D.C.

The armed shooter is still at large as he fled on foot from the scene after shooting several men and women standing in front of a convenience store, Baltimore Police spokesman T.J. Smith told a press conference.

Two adult men were shot at multiple times, with one dying at the scene. The second man was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries, said a CBS report.

Among the injured, one was in critical condition and three others were suffering from non-life-threatening injuries, said the police.

"We believe that this probably an act of retaliatory violence," said Smith.

"This is an area where there were some other crimes recently and we do believe that at this point in time, that this incident is connected, possibly to an earlier incident."
PHNOM PENH, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The largest-ever Cambodia-China business and financial development forum was held here on Thursday to explore ways to further boost economic, trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen opened the one-day forum, which some 600 business leaders and high-profile officials to

The forum, the first of its kind in Cambodia, was organized by China's private investment firm, China Minsheng Investment Group (CMIG), and Cambodia's Ly Yong Phat Group (LYP Group). It was held under the theme "Cambodia: The Kingdom of Opportunities Along The 'One Belt One Road'".

"The forum is indeed meaningful as it is in time with the implementation of the Belt and Road initiative, a massive mega-project that attracts attentions and supports from both public and private sectors both in China and the region alike," Hun Sen said.

He added that the forum was a good opportunity for business executives of both countries to meet and explore cooperation possibility.

"I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate that Cambodia will continue to welcome and support all investment projects in Cambodia and will continue to do its level best to strengthen and expand economic cooperation, to maintain openness and to develop industrial sector," said the prime minister.

Meanwhile, he highly valued good relations and cooperation between the two countries in all fields, especially trade, investment, banking and finance, and tourism.

Trade volume between the two countries was valued at 4.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, up 18 percent year-on-year.

On the investment side, China is the largest investor in the Southeast Asian country with cumulative investment of over 14 billion U.S. dollars from 1994 to Oct. 2016, according to the Council for Development of Cambodia.

Hun Sen said in the banking and finance sector, Cambodia has 36 commercial banks and 11 specialized banks, of which two are the Chinese commercial banks and one is Chinese specialized bank with the combined capital of about 223 million U.S. dollars.

The prime minister added in tourism sector, China is the second largest source of tourists to Cambodia with some 700,000 Chinese tourists coming to Cambodia in 2015.

He predicted Chinese tourists will reach 800,000 in 2016, up 14 percent year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Hun Sen also highly treasures the traditional fraternal relations and comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between Cambodia and China, saying the two countries are true friends and always help each other based on the principle of trust, mutual respect, non-interference, and respect for each other's national and people's interests.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo said the forum would contribute to increasing cooperation in economics, trade and investment between Cambodia and China.

He said the cooperation between Chinese and Cambodian enterprises was very important to support the governments of the two countries in their efforts to carry out the Belt and Road initiative.

"I am confident that through this forum, more Chinese enterprises will come to invest in Cambodia," he said.

At the end of the forum, Cambodian conglomerate LYP Group and CMIG is expected to sign a 1.5-billion-U.S.-dollar deal to build a Cambodia-China Friendship City in Phnom Penh's northern suburb.
The caravan carrying the urn that holds the ashes of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro is greeted by people at Malecon Habanero Avenue in Havana, capital of Cuba, on Nov. 30, 2016. On Wednesday, Fidel Castro's ashes began a three-day procession east across 13 Cuban provinces, and will be placed Sunday in Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba's second-largest city. (Xinhua/Joaquin Hernandez)

HAVANA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The funeral procession bearing the ashes of Cuban revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro, began its journey Wednesday from Havana to the resting place in Santiago de Cuba, where he first launched his revolutionary movement and claimed victory in 1959.

Castro passed away on Friday at the age of 90. The Cuban government declared a nine-day national mourning starting from Monday, with a ceremony drawing thousands at Havana's Revolution Square.

President Raul Castro, the late leader's younger brother, led the farewell ceremony along with other relatives and dignitaries.

The urn carrying Castro's remains was covered with a Cuban flag and white roses, and placed in a military vehicle that drove through the avenues of Havana.

A huge number of people gathered along the route to say goodbye to the man who marked the 20th century, while chanting "Long live Fidel" and "I am Fidel."

A two-day homage on Monday and Tuesday gathered Cubans from all generations in the island's main squares to pay tribute to the founding leader of the revolution.

The procession will last four days, travelling over 1,000 km and across 13 of Cuba's 15 provinces to Santiago, where Castro will be laid to rest on Dec. 4 in the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery.

The procession is in honor of Castro's Caravan of Freedom, which began after dictator Fulgencio Batista fled the country on Dec. 31, 1958.

In the famous journey, the former president was accompanied by around 1,000 members of his rebel army that left Santiago de Cuba on Jan. 2, 1959 and arrived in Havana six days later.

"This is a decisive moment of our history. Tyranny has been defeated. (Our) happiness is huge. However, much remains to be done. We cannot let ourselves be deceived in believing all be easy from now on. It may be that the most difficult is yet to come," the former leader said in a speech to the Cuban people.

Then went the moment that lives in the memory of Cubans who have witnessed when three white doves were released, with one landing on Castro's shoulder.

Since then, revolutionary youth in Cuba have re-enacted the march of the guerrilla forces every year.
Local residents watch South Korean President Park Geun-hye delivering a speech on TV at a railway station in Seoul, capital of South Korea, Nov. 29, 2016. Park said Tuesday that she will follow parliamentary decision including her shortened presidency. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Rift deepened among South Korean politicians over how to let President Park Geun-hye resign after the embattled leader's third address to the nation in which she threw the ball of decision on her fate in parliamentary court.

Choo Mi-ae, chairwoman of the biggest opposition Minjoo Party, and former ruling Saenuri Party chairman Kim Moo-sung who is leading the anti-Park faction in his party, met on Thursday to discuss the way of removing the scandal-hit president from office, according to local media reports.

The meeting was held at the chairwoman's suggestion, but the political big shots failed to reach any agreement on detailed schedules and legal procedures for the president's resignation which Park demanded in her speech on Tuesday.

Addressing the nation for the third time since the scandal involving herself emerged in October, Park said she will defer her retreat, including the shortening of presidency, to the unicameral parliament.

Under the country's constitution, impeachment and constitutional amendment are the only options to cut short Park's single, five-year term as the scandal-plagued leader refused a voluntary resignation citing the breach of the constitution that guarantees a full tenure except treason and insurrection.

The former Saenuri chief reportedly said his anti-Park faction would vote on a bill to impeach Park unless the president accepts the faction's call to voluntarily resign by next April.

He indicated no need for impeachment vote if Park accepts it.

Choo stressed the importance of the impeachment motion to be passed through the National Assembly as late as next Friday when the regular session ends. The main opposition party head demanded Park step down by the end of next January.

Divisiveness deepened between rival parties. The ruling party held a general meeting of the assembly members, adopting its party line unanimously that Saenuri lawmakers will demand President Park stand down by next April and a presidential election be held two months later.

The so-called "orderly" retreat was proposed by the elder statesmen, including former parliamentary speakers and ex-prime ministers who met on Sunday to come up with a road map for the scandal-hit president's resignation.

Chung Jin-seok, the ruling party's whip, explained the party line to reporters, saying the minimum preparation period is required to ensure a stable transfer of power, urging the opposition bloc to agree to the timeline his party suggested.

If the opposition bloc agrees to the schedule and President Park follows it, she would become the first South Korean leader to resign since 1960 when Rhee Syngman, the country's founding president, stepped down on popular uprisings against a disputed election.

However, Park has refused any voluntary retreat. Public distrust of the president is deep-rooted as she repeatedly dismissed prosecutors' request for face-to-face interrogation after the prosecution office's branding of the president as a criminal accomplice to her decades-long friend, Choi Soon-sil.

Push to amend the country's constitution, which has been unchanged for about three decades, would take at least one year, discouraging opposition legislators to pursue it. Park's five-year tenure is originally set to end in February 2018.

Move to impeach Park would be challenging to opposition lawmakers. As there are 172 opposition and independent lawmakers, three main opposition parties must gain support from at least 30 Saenuri Party legislators in the anti-Park faction.

The main opposition Minjoo Party offered to put forward the impeachment bill on Thursday and vote on it on Friday, but the casting vote-wielding People's Party opposed it on expectations that the anti-Park faction would not vote for the impeachment.

Without the support from the People's Party, the Minjoo Party is unable to put forward the impeachment motion as it requires a half support from the 300-seat parliament. The passage for the bill must have two-thirds ayes. The Minjoo Party has 121 parliamentary seats.

Chiefs of the three main opposition parties, including the minor Justice Party, had a trilateral meeting, but they failed to reach an agreement. The widely expected vote on the impeachment motion this Friday gets impossible to happen.

Related:

S.Korean president's address over scandal kindles public confusion

By Yoo Seungki

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye has let lawmakers decide on her fate, but it kindled public confusion about what the embattled president intended to do with her national address over a scandal involving herself.

President Park addressed the nation on Tuesday, a third since the corruption scandal surrounding the president and her decades-long friend, Choi Soon-sil, came into focus in October. Park had retreated from public view following the second apology on Nov. 4. Full story

S.Korean opposition parties urge President Park to step down

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Three main opposition parties of South Korea on Wednesday urged embattled President Park Geun-hye to unconditionally and immediately step down, vowing to push Park's impeachment unwaveringly after Park made her third address to the nation.

Chiefs of the biggest opposition Minjoo Party, minor oppositions People's Party and the Justice Party held a trilateral meeting, agreeing that they will never negotiate the shortening of presidency, which requires the amendment of the constitution. Full story

S.Korean president to follow parliamentary decision including shortened presidency

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye said Tuesday that she will follow parliamentary decision including her shortened presidency.
A Ukrainian serviceman fires a 2S7 Pion self-propelled gun during military exercises near the village of Divychky in Kiev region, Ukraine, October 21, 2016. (Reuters Photo)

KIEV, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine will carry out missile tests over the Black Sea next month despite the protest from Russia, a Ukrainian military spokesman said on Wednesday.

"The drills will be held exclusively in the Ukrainian airspace over the open sea," Roman Yurchylo, a spokesman for Ukraine's Air Forces, told local media.

He said that medium-range anti-aircraft missiles will be tested during the drills, which will be held in Ukraine's southern Kherson region on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

Separately, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Olexandr Dublyan said that Ukraine will hold the exercises in line with the international law.

"We do not violate any international norms, including those on holding such drills," Dublyan told a media briefing.

He didn't rule out that the exercises will trigger a military response from Russia.

Last week, the Command of Ukraine's Air Forces said it had issued a notice to the air carriers from Ukraine and abroad over the danger of using the airspace in certain areas of Black Sea around southern Ukraine due to the planned tests.
MOSCOW, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Actions of the United States and NATO on the so-called "eastern front" have produced impression that they are deliberately fanning tensions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday.

In an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Lavrov said: "We are witnesses to a build-up of the military potential, growing military presence and NATO infrastructures on the so-called 'eastern front' of the alliance -- unprecedented ever since the end of the Cold War -- aimed at putting military and political pressures on our country."

"On the pretext of a mythical 'threat from the East,' U.S. troops and heavy armaments are deployed in Central and East European countries and new elements of the alliance's command and staff infrastructures emerge," said Lavrov.

Such actions are part of the "years-long destructive policy" aimed at containing Russia and achieving domination in European and world affairs.

Lavrov stressed that Russia is prepared for a dialogue and cooperation with NATO, but exclusively on the conditions of equality.

"In the current conditions, Russia, faced with the need for adapting itself to the situation in the continent, which has been changing as a result of destructive actions by NATO, is forced to take a corresponding package of measures in order to strengthen its defense capabilities and national security," Lavrov said.

The tension between Russia and NATO is continuously rising as the United States and the European Union had imposed sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis.

NATO also continuously strengthen its military presence near the Russian borders.

Russia considered these actions as a threat to its national security, and has vowed to take military and economic counter-measures.
SYDNEY, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The theory of parallel universes with multiple timelines, once proved correct, could make time travel come true, according to Howard Wiseman from Griffith University's Center for Quantum Dynamics and his colleagues.

The controversial hypothesis proposed by the research team challenges general cognition of space and time.

The theory, which was presented in a paper published in the Physical Review X journal in November, is based on the Many Worlds interpretation theory in quantum mechanics presented since 1957.

Wiseman said that the best way to describe parallel universes is to consider them as ghost universes. They exist in the same space as the universe that we know of, according to the researchers.

In each of the universes, similar particles use a force to interact with each other, which seems invisible but makes the time travel a possibility, said Wiseman.
Qatar's energy minister Mohammed Al-Sada (2nd L), president of OPEC, speaks during a press conference after an OPEC ministerial meeting in Vienna, Austria, Nov. 30, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Xiang)

MOSCOW, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak on Wednesday welcomed the OPEC's newly-clinched oil output freeze agreement, saying that Russia was ready to join the deal to stabilize global oil market.

Russia was ready to gradually reduce its oil output by up to 300,000 barrels per day starting from January 2017, the minister said, adding that Moscow hoped other non-OPEC countries would also join the reduction efforts.

He confirmed that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC producers were expected to meet in early December in the Qatar capital of Doha to negotiate a memorandum on oil production freeze.
Rescuers work at the accident site in Qitaihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 1, 2016. Rescuers have reached an area where 22 miners are believed to be trapped following a coal mine blast in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, rescue headquarters said Thursday. The explosion occurred at a private coal mine in Qitaihe City at 9 p.m. Tuesday, trapping 22 workers underground. (Xinhua)

HARBIN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers have reached an area where 22 miners are believed to be trapped following a coal mine blast in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, rescue headquarters said Thursday.

The explosion occurred at a private coal mine in Qitaihe City at 9 p.m. Tuesday, trapping 22 workers underground.

The flames in the shaft have been put out, and the ventilation system in some areas has resumed. Rescuers have arrived at the main shaft, where experts said the miners are likely trapped.

The rescue efforts have been frustrated by debris that has piled up in some tunnels due to the blast.

An initial inquiry showed that the blast was an accident and that the mine is unlicensed. At least two people are being questioned by police over the accident.
Equal access to education has improved. The gap between urban and rural education has been further narrowed. The Chinese government further promotes the balanced development of compulsory education, carries forward unified reform and development of compulsory education in urban and rural areas of counties, implements such projects as renovation of unsatisfactory compulsory education schools in poor areas, and works to improve conditions for compulsory education schools and teaching venues in rural areas.

The Chinese government strictly follows laws and regulations about compulsory education whereby school-age children should be enrolled in nearby schools without the need to sit exams. It also promotes the school district system and the nine-year compulsory system, under which an elementary school pupil will automatically move on to study in the junior high school in the same school district irrespective of his grades in the elementary school. In 2015, the State Council promulgated the "Notice on Further Improving the Mechanism Guaranteeing Funds for Compulsory Education in Urban and Rural Areas." With this notice, China established a mechanism for the first time that applies common funding standards to both urban and rural areas, with the focus on the latter. The mechanism benefits 140 million students, including more than 13 million children of rural migrant workers, more than 30 million boarding students, about 12 million private school students, and about 5 million small-scale school students and students receiving special education. From the fall semester of 2011, the government started to carry out a nutrition improvement program for rural students receiving compulsory education. The program benefits over 30 million students every year. Efforts have been made to increase the number of rural student enrollments in key universities. Since 2012, the government has implemented special national programs on targeted enrollment in rural and poor areas. In 2015, 75,000 students were enrolled, an increase of 10.5 percent over 2014.

Regional gap in education has further narrowed. The government has increased the college and university enrollment rate of the students from central and western provinces and expanded the scope of the Collaboration Program on Supporting Enrollment in Central and Western Regions. In 2015, the province with the lowest enrollment rate saw the gap with the national average narrowed from 15.3 percentage points in 2010 to less than 5 percentage points. The government has also established the Program on Rejuvenating Higher Education in Central and Western Regions. The central government has provided more funds to strengthen the basic facilities and performance of colleges and universities in these regions.

Educational gap between different groups has further narrowed. Female education has made remarkable progress. In 2013, the number of illiterate females aged 15 and above was 6.7 percent, 17.4 percentage points lower than that in 1995, and the illiterate female population had decreased by more than 70 million compared with 1995. The growth in the number of educated women and the decline in female illiteracy are both greater than those of males.

The government is striving to ensure equal access to compulsory education for children of rural migrant workers. In 2015, compulsory education schools in urban areas of China admitted a total of 13.67 million children of rural migrant workers, with around 80 percent studying at public schools and nearly 6 percent at private schools through a government-funded scheme. In 2016, the State Council promulgated the "Opinions on Strengthening Care and Protection of Left-behind Children in Rural Areas" and "Opinions on Strengthening Protection of Children in Difficult Situation" to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of minors. The Chinese government also works hard to offer greater education opportunities to persons with disabilities. There is one independent special education school in every county with a population of more than 300,000 people and a high population of disabled children. The government also supports the establishment of special education resource centers, encourages regular schools to enroll children with special needs, provides convenience for disabled students to take part in college entrance examinations, and promotes integrated education. Almost 90 percent of blind, deaf-mute, and mentally handicapped children have access to compulsory education. It works to improve the system for subsidizing students with financial difficulties, which offers full coverage from pre-school education to graduate education. In 2015, the government subsidized more than 84.33 million students throughout China, an increase of 29.36 percent compared with 2009, and spent more than RMB156.03 billion, 2.25 times the level of 2009.

The quality of education for ethnic minorities has been continuously improved. China has already created an ethnic education system including ethnic minority primary schools, middle schools, vocational colleges and higher education institutions. Before the PRC was founded in 1949, the illiteracy rate of ethnic minorities in China was above 95 percent, and there was only one higher education institution for ethnic minorities. In the early days of the PRC, there were only 1,300 ethnic minority students in institutions of higher learning across the country, accounting for only 1.4 percent of all students. By 2015 the education level of ethnic minority groups and ethnic minority areas had grown comprehensively. There were 25,955,700 ethnic minority students at that time. There were 32 different types of ethnic minority colleges and universities, and 2,142,900 junior college and college students from ethnic minority groups, accounting for 8.16 percent of the national total. Ethnic minority peoples have expanding access to a broader scope of higher education. Full coverage from undergraduate education to graduate education has been realized for all ethnic minority groups. All of China's 55 ethnic minority groups have graduate students. From 2012 to 2015, under the Program for Training High Caliber Core Personnel for Ethnic Minority Groups, China enrolled and trained 16,000 master's degree candidates and 4,000 doctoral candidates. (more)
RABAT, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Morocco has accused African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of blocking its bid to rejoin the organization, local media reported on Thursday.

Last September, Morocco officially submitted a request to rejoin the African Union (AU) it left 32 years ago.

Citing a statement from the Moroccan Foreign Ministry, the daily Le Matin said that Morocco has strongly denounced the "continuing actions" of the chairperson of the African Union Commission to "thwart Morocco's decision to regain its natural and legitimate position within its pan-African institutional family."

"After unjustifiably delaying the distribution of Morocco's request to the AU members, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma continues her obstruction, by improvising a new and unprecedented procedural requirement in the texts and practices of the organization, and by which it would arbitrarily reject letters of support for Morocco from the ministries of foreign affairs of the AU member states," the statement said.

"The chairperson of the African Union Commission is at odds with her duty of neutrality, the rules and regulations of the organization and the will of its member states," it added.

The statement said Morocco has so far documented the support of a large majority of AU member states, "far greater than what is required by the Constitutive Act of the AU."

These members have already communicated to Zuma formal and legally valid letters of support for Morocco's decision to return to the pan-African organization at its next summit, the statement added. Enditem
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Rift deepened among South Korean politicians over the ways to remove President Park Geun-hye after the embattled leader threw the ball of decision on her fate to parliament.

Choo Mi-ae, chairwoman of the biggest opposition Minjoo Party, and former ruling Saenuri Party Chairman Kim Moo-sung, who is leading the anti-Park faction in his party, met on Thursday to discuss the way of removing the scandal-hit president from office, according to local media reports.

The meeting was held at the chairwoman's suggestion, but the political big shots failed to reach any agreement on detailed schedules and legal procedures for the president's departure.

On Wednesday, three main opposition parties of South Korea urged Park to unconditionally and immediately step down, vowing to push Park's impeachment unwaveringly after Park made her third address to the nation.

Chiefs of the biggest opposition Minjoo Party, minor opposition People's Party and the Justice Party held a trilateral meeting, agreeing that they will never negotiate the shortening of presidency, which requires the amendment of the constitution.

Their emergency meeting came a day after President Park addressed the nation for the third time since a scandal involving her and her decades-long friend, Choi Soon-sil, emerged last month.

Apologizing to the nation, Park said she had believed things would contribute to the public's interests, stressing that she had never pursued her personal gains "for a flash."

Prosecutors said Park had been complicit in forcing large business conglomerates to donate tens of thousands of U.S. dollars to two nonprofit foundations Choi actually controlled.

According to the prosecution office, Park pressured a conglomerate into giving business favors to a public relations agency owned by Choi, while conniving at the leakage of confidential presidential documents to her longtime confidante.

Park's Tuesday address came just three days before the widely expected vote on a bill to impeach the embattled president in the National Assembly.

The scandal-hit president threw the ball of decision on her fate to parliament, saying she would follow the parliamentary decision.

A majority of South Koreans looked further enraged by Park's speech. According to a survey by ResearchView, three quarters of South Koreans said that the third address was a "political trick" to avoid impeachment. Over seven out of 10 respondents demanded the impeachment vote as scheduled.

Under the country's constitution, impeachment and constitutional amendment are the only options to cut short Park's single, five-year term as the scandal-plagued leader refused to resign voluntarily.

Kim, the former Saenuri chief, reportedly said his anti-Park faction would vote on a bill to impeach Park unless the president accepts the faction's call to voluntarily resign by next April, but he indicated no need for impeachment vote if Park accepts it.

Choo of the Minjoo Party stressed the importance of the impeachment motion to be passed through the National Assembly by next Friday when the regular session ends. The main opposition party head demanded Park step down by the end of next January.

The first South Korean female leader's single presidency is scheduled to end in February 2018.
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- One South Korean man set fire Thursday to the birth house of late President Park Chung-hee, father of incumbent President Park Geun-hye, as the scandal-hit president refrained from stepping down.

"(I) set it alight as President Park Geun-hye didn't resign," the 48-year-old arson suspect, identified only by his surname Baek, was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency.

The fire broke out at about 3:15 p.m. local time at the birthplace of Park's father in Gumi, North Gyeongsang province, some 260 km southeast of the capital Seoul. It was put out in 10 minutes.

The arsonist, who came from Suwon, just south of Seoul, earlier in the day, was apprehended by police near the site.

The fire destroyed the memorial hall of the birth house, which displayed portraits of Park's late parents.

The late military strongman took power in the 1961 military coup, but he was assassinated 18 years later by one of his closest aides.

Park Geun-hye has been struggling with the biggest political crisis she ever faced since her inauguration in February 2013.

Prosecutors branded Park as a criminal accomplice to her decades-long friend, Choi Soon-sil who was indicted on multiple counts including abuse of power and extortion.

South Koreans protested in huge numbers for five straight Saturdays to demand Park's resignation, but Park has refused a voluntary retreat, demanding the parliament propose legal procedures to let herself stand down.
KATHMANDU, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday approved 186.80 million U.S. dollar in loan to Nepal for upgrading 160 km of Nepal's strategic road network and to improve the country's domestic and regional transport connectivity, the lender said.

The loan will be used to upgrade a 115 km section of the over 1000 km strategic East-West highway - the main arterial road cutting across the entire width of the country in the southern Terai area - and a 45 km key feeder road.

Lee Ming Tai, senior transport specialist at ADB's South Asia Regional Department, said "these road improvements will help 673,000 people in the Terai area have better access to schools, hospitals, jobs, as well as local and international markets."

Roads carry about 90 percent of overall passenger and goods in the country. But the land-locked nation also has the lowest road density among South Asian countries with only 14 km of road per 100 square km and 0.90 km per 1,000 people, according to ADB.

This poor connectivity increases transport costs, limits people's access to jobs and social services, impedes trade with neighboring countries, and undermines the development of competitive industries in Nepal, including high-value agriculture, agro-processing and manufacturing, the bank said in a press statement.

Under the road improvement initiative, measures will also be taken to incorporate flood control and drainage designs in anticipation of more frequent and intense rainfalls in the area as a result of climate change.

The bank said the roads to be improved with ADB loan are located in Nepal's tropical climate zone which experiences heavy rainfall from June to September.
MANILA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Philippine police have arrested two men who allegedly planted an improvised explosive device (IED) outside the United States Embassy in Manila on Monday, the country's police chief said on Thursday.

Philippine National Police chief Ronald Dela Rosa presented to the media the two suspects who allegedly admitted to have placed the IED inside a trash bin just outside the embassy compound on Monday morning.

He said the suspects were arrested Tuesday morning. One of the suspects drove the cab while the other suspect was the one who got off the car to place the explosive in the bin, he added.

Dela Rosa said the suspects hailed from Marawi City on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. They reportedly brought the explosive to Manila along with three other suspects who are still at large.

Dela Rosa said the two suspects first placed the explosive in Rizal Park but did not go off so they decided to put it in the bin near the embassy.

The suspects, who were in handcuff when presented to the media, were not allowed to speak.

The hunt continues to arrest the remaining suspects, Dela Rosa said, adding that the explosive found at the embassy was similar to the ones used in the Sept. 2 bombing in Davao City that killed 15 and wounded 70 others.

Police attributed the bombing to the Maute Group, the terror group which is the target of a military offensive in Butig, Lanao del Sur. He said the arrested suspects are also members of the Maute Group.

The Philippines has stepped up security to "terror alert level 3" in the capital in the wake of Monday's foiled bombing.
BANGKOK, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will meet with the head of the parliament on Thursday night, when he is expected to formally accept the parliament's invitation to ascend the throne.

President of the National Legislative Assembly Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Supreme Court President Veerapol Tungsuwan and Regent Prem Tingsulanondaare are set to have an audience with Vajiralongkorn later in the day, during which Pornpetch will invite the crown prince to formally ascend the throne.

Their audience will be broadcast live on TV at 6:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT).

Vajiralongkorn, 64, will succeed his father Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died at the age of 88 on Oct. 13.

Once proclaimed to be the new king, the crown prince will become King Rama X, or the 10th king of the Chakri dynasty founded in 1782, though his formal coronation will not happen before his father's royal cremation later next year.
By Matt Burgess

SYDNEY, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The world has taken great steps to combat the scourge of HIV/AIDS, however developing countries are still struggling, a stark reminder on World AIDS Day.

Since the beginning of the epidemic the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates more than 70 million people have been infected with virus that destroys a patient's immune system, making them more susceptible to other illnesses like Tuburculosis or other common and opportunistic infections.

In 2015 alone, it was estimated 1.1 million people died as a result of HIV/AIDS, while 36.7 million people were living with the virus.

While the WHO estimates HIV/AIDS prevalence in the Western Pacific is 0.1 percent in people aged 15-49 years, Papua New Guinea (PNG) continues to be in its grip with 0.8 percent of the population - or 42,000 people - infected with the virus.

"Across the world, we know many people who have got the virus can now survive, they can get anti-retrovirals, they just need to take pills every single day," the United Nations (UN) resident director to PNG Roy Trivedy told Xinhua via telephone on Thursday.

But, there is lack of consistent supply of the life saving drugs, either from shortfalls or ongoing funding issues in developing countries, Trivedy said.

"That is causing problems across many parts of the world, including of course in many places in Africa - that's still where the largest numbers of people infected (are) - but also places like PNG, lower middle income countries where there isn't that kind of consistent supply of anti-retrovirals."

It is a stark contrast to Australia, where the New South Wales state government on Thursday lauded that it is on track to achieve the virtual elimination of HIV transmission by 2020.

A state government report released in conjunction with World Aids Day showed only 70 people were diagnosed with HIV in the three months to September 30 - the lowest level of new cases in four years - despite a 27 percent increase in testing.

"It's encouraging to see the four measures of success in the fight against HIV - prevention, testing, new diagnoses and treatment - are all heading in the right direction," NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner said in a statement.

That message of using protection such as condoms, making the right choices and not having multiple partners is beginning to fall on deaf ears in PNG, Trivedy said, never mind the fiscal issues the Pacific nation's health department is facing.

Local media reports suggest PNG is facing a shortage of condoms, while the fiscal issues of a nation going through one of its worst recessions in history has caused widespread cutbacks to health services in remote areas and anti-retroviral availabilty. It is estimated 50 percent of HIV/AIDS patients have access to the drugs.

The Indian High Commission in Port Moresby has agreed to supply anti-retrovials to the PNG government over the coming year, but that still does not fix the ongoing supply issues. There is also the worry of some funding reductions by some donors which could put any gains to combating the virus in jeopardy, Trivedy said.

But, there is significant Non-Government Organization (NGO) work being carried out, funded through the Global Fund. Australia - the world's largest aid donor in the Pacific - has pledged 220 million Australian dollars (162.76 million U.S. dollars) to the fund's 2017-2019 replenishment, as HIV/AIDS related deaths have fallen 45 percent over the past 10 years in areas it has been active.

"Australia's overseas development assistance contributes to prosperity and stability in our region and is targeted at health and security challenges - including AIDS," Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells told Australia's World AIDS Day Parliamentary Breakfast.

"Helping countries address health challenges is in our national interest."

"Australia benefits if citizens in our region are healthy, well-educated and making an economic contribution."

Responding to the epidemic is one of PNG's highest priorities, PNG Health Minister Michael Malabag said in his World AIDS Day message on Thursday, vowing to address the many infrastructure, staffing and supply problems in the health system.

"We have made significant inroads in terms of our response but many challenges persist and gains are still fragile," Malabag said.

The real part of the challenge however is that "there is almost complacency that sets in when people start to say yeah well all those messages have been going around for quite some time and everybody knows that'," Trivedy said.

"(But) a lot of people don't get those messages, and you need to keep repeating it, you need to keep finding new ways of getting those messages to people throughout."

The UN's Sustainable Development Goals have a zero target for HIV/AIDS transmission by 2030 in which progress had been made, however over the last few years, those gains had been slightly eroded.

"We need to take action now to correct that," Trivedy said.
BRUSSELS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is mulling further restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to tighten sanctions on the country in response to its fifth nuclear test.

"As has been the case with past resolutions, UNSC Resolution 2321 will now be transposed without delay into European Union law," a spokesperson of the European External Action Service said in a statement late Wednesday.

"The European Union will also consider whether further additional autonomous restrictive measures are called for," the spokesperson added.

Slamming the DPRK's two nuclear tests this year as action that serves no purpose other than to increase tensions in the region and to threaten international peace and security, the spokesperson said: "The unanimous adoption of the resolution is a clear reflection that such actions will not be tolerated."

In the new resolution, the 15-nation council decided that the DPRK shall not supply, sell or transfer coal, iron and iron ore from its territory, but excluded transactions for livelihood purposes.

The council sets an upper limit on the DPRK's coal exporting of 400.9 million U.S. dollars or 7.5 million metric tons per year, whichever is lower, starting on Jan. 1, 2017.

In addition, the Security Council bans the sale of copper, nickel, silver, zinc and statues from the DPRK, according to the resolution.

On Sept. 9, the DPRK conducted a nuclear warhead explosion test. It was Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test.

China on Tuesday voiced its firm opposition to the Sept. 9 nuclear test by the DPRK, and called for an early resumption of the six-party talks in order to solve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue through political and peaceful means.

Liu Jieyi, the Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks as he was taking the floor at the UN Security Council after the UN body unanimously adopted the resolution.

"The top priority at hand is for the parties concerned to resume dialogue and negotiations at an early date and re-launch the Six-Party Talks as soon as possible so as to work together in a genuine effort to safeguard the denuclearization process and realize peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," he said.
CHANGCHUN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Lyu Xiwen, former deputy Party chief of Beijing, stood trial Thursday for taking bribes.

Lyu was accused of taking advantage of her official positions from 2001 to 2015 to help others obtain government funds and land for construction.

Lyu accepted bribes worth 18.79 million yuan (around 2.73 million U.S. dollars) either herself or through her relatives, according the People's Procuratorate of Jilin City in northeast China's Jilin Province.

The procuratorate filed the charges with the Intermediate People's Court of Jilin City.

Lyu pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in the court.

More than 50 people including journalists and members of the public attended Thursday's hearing.

The ruling will be announced at a later date.
HONG KONG, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The 6th Business of Intellectual Property (IP) Asia Forum opened in Hong Kong Thursday, with experts and professionals from different places to discuss the latest development of IP and its future trend.

Themed as "IP in the Innovation Era," the forum was jointly organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and the Hong Kong Design Center.

The two-day forum comprises three plenary sessions, which will analyze the opportunities and effects arising from China's blueprint for development over the next five years.

Speaking at the opening of the forum, Deputy Director of World Intellectual Property Organization Wang Binying mentioned that in 2015, about 2.9 million patent applications were lodged by innovators around the world, up 7.8 percent from 2014.

China's patent office received over a million applications for the first time within a single year in 2015, which include filings from residents in China and from overseas innovators seeking patent protection inside China, she said.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said the enormous global and regional demand for IP, and its continuing shift to the Chinese mainland offer huge opportunities for Hong Kong, which, Leung said, can be a launching pad to tap into the IP market in the Chinese mainland and throughout Asia.

Leung emphasized that Hong Kong, with the combined advantages of the principle of "one country, two systems," acts as a "super-connector," bringing business from other countries and from the rest of China together, which is much the same with IP.

Executive Director of HKTDC Margaret Fong said IP has become more and more important for companies worldwide in the innovation and technology-driven world.

The forum gathers leading players from all sides of the IP equation, including policymakers, innovators, and brand leaders, to shed more lights on the key trends of IP.
NANJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A domestically developed, long-acting injectable HIV drug has been put forward for approval by the China Food and Drug Administration, and will become the first of its kind to be generally available if approved.

Research into the drug now known as Albuvirtide started in 2003. It entered the third and last phase of clinical trials in February 2014.

A 48-week experiment on 208 HIV patients for whom first-line antiretroviral therapy had failed, showed the new drug performing better than others.

"All clinical trials have proven the safety and effectiveness of Albuvirtide, now we're awaiting the approval from authorities," said Wu Hao, head of the infection center at Beijing You'an Hospital.

"The prevailing cocktail therapy could effectively control the virus, but the patients have to take a handful of pills, which may damage their kidney and liver," according to Li Taisheng, an AIDS treatment specialist at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

"The latest treatment in Europe and America requires the patient to take only one pill a day, greatly reducing the side-effect," Li added.

Albuvirtide is injected once a week, according to Wu Hao.

Several companies are developing long-acting AIDS drugs, but none has been approved to enter market.

About 15.8 million AIDS patients are receiving anti-viral treatment worldwide, according to the Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). In China, 654,000 people now live with HIV/AIDS.
Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev answers questions at his annual year-end press conference held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Dec. 1, 2016. Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev hosted his annual year-end press conference in Bishkek on Dec. 1. In the three-hour-long press conference, Atambayev reviewed his work in 2016 and answered more than 70 questions. (Xinhua/Roman)

BISHKEK, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev said Thursday that China is contributing to the prosperity of Kyrgyzstan and throughout Central Asia.

He made the comment in response to a question from a Xinhua reporter at his annual year-end press conference in Bishkek.

Atambayev highlighted main achievements of Kyrgyzstan-China cooperation in the past few years, particularly those under the Belt and Road Initiative, a China-proposed program to improve connectivity and boost development along ancient trade routes.

The two sides have upgraded their ties and their ever-closer cooperation is set to yield more fruits, he said.

The Kyrgyz president also noted China's role in financing some big projects in Kyrgyzstan that would improve the infrastructure of his country.

"No one but China has given us such preferential and favorable loans. It is not only credit resources, very often we receive grant support," he said.

The Kyrgyz leader said that he is grateful to China for the support.

In a sign of his appreciation for China, he concluded his answer to the Xinhua question by "xiexie," Chinese for "Thank you."

In the three-hour-long press conference, Atambayev reviewed his work in 2016 and answered more than 70 questions.
File photo shows Nigeria's National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and stakeholders take part in the WorldAids Day celebration in Abuja, capital of Nigeria. (Xinhua/Dare Sholarin)

LAGOS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria is seeking to enhance transparency and accountability to win confidence of foreign donors of its HIV/AIDS programs in the country, a top official said Wednesday.

Speaking in Abuja, Nigeria's capital city, ahead of the World AIDS Day, Sani Aliyu, Director-General of National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) said the key priority of the agency was transparency and accountability in all its activities.

He said the agency will strengthen its system at the moment to deepen access to HIV/AIDS services at the government level.

He added that the partners still have confidence in the agency and expressed optimism that the agency will achieve its target.

The doctor told reporters that the agency would adopt "Option B+'', which refers to testing and treating pregnant women who are HIV positive after her delivery and post partum period.

He added that there is scientific evidence showing that women who are kept on treatment have better health outcomes.

Aliyu said there would be financial pressure on the program, but it does not mean that it is not the right thing to do.

According to him, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the disease will not be possible without having other agencies on board like National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
MAPUTO, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government through its embassy in Maputo has donated 10,000 tons of rice worth 10 million U.S. dollars expected to help 700,000 people in the southern region of Mozambique.

The beneficiaries are from the provinces of Gaza and Inhambane who are among the most affected by the phenomenon El Nino that in the last two years reduced food production and led the government to declare a red alert in April this year.

"The Chinese government has been following closely the evolution of the droughts and floods including its impact in Mozambique and the support aims to help the country overcome these challenges," said Chinese Ambassador in Mozambique Su Jian on Wednesday.

"We would like to highlight this contribution in the efforts to mitigate droughts, a move that will increase resilience of the community in the most critical areas," said the director of the Disaster Institute of Mozambique, Joao Machatine.

China's support will go beyond provision of food products as it will include water, nutrition and agriculture and so far the Chinese government has committed to fund the drilling of 200 boreholes for water provision in areas affected by droughts.
JAKARTA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's trade ministry has held a zero-percent export tariff for crude palm oil (CPO) for December shipment and trimmed the tax to 5 percent for cocoa from an average of 10 percent in the previous months, senior official disclosed here on Thursday.

Director General for Foreign Trade of Trade Ministry Dody Edward said that the CPO reference prices in December was 749.47 U.S. dollars per metric ton, which remains below the threshold level of 750 U.S. dollars per metric ton for applying an export tax.

For cocoa, its reference price in December was down 7.41 percent to 2,574.60 U.S. dollars per a metric from that of at the previous month, he said.

Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil and the among the world's top three cocoa producers along with Ivory Coast and Ghana.
by Tamara Treichel

BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Back in his native Britain, Jack Jones was an aimless drifter, a "Jack of all trades" who had stints working on a fishing trawler, in a sugar beet factory, as a potato digger and a speedway rider. This all changed when he registered as a wartime conscientious objector, colloquially known as a "conshie," in the Friends Ambulance Unit (FAU) set up by the Quakers, and after months of rigorous training, landed in China in 1945.

Suddenly, Jack found himself with a mission and a passion as he hit the ground running, providing desperately needed medical relief mainly from the FAU transport depot in Chongqing, during a critical and turbulent time in China's history.

Andrew Hicks chronicles the story of Jack's experiences and those of other FAU volunteers from 1945 to 1951 in his recent book "Jack Jones: A True Friend to China," an edited collection of Jack's weekly "China Convoy" newsletter contributions that were distributed throughout the country. As Hicks pointed out, being a "conshie" was not an easy way out of military service, as the foreign volunteers who worked in China's FAU were subjected to an "experience high on culture shock," austere living conditions, ever-present danger, deadly diseases and sword-wielding bandits.

"The FAU distributed about 80 percent of all medical supplies in China during the war years and saved many lives over a ten-year period, a massive humanitarian achievement," Hicks, both a lawyer and writer who comes from Britain, told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview.

He said the wartime contributions of the Flying Tigers, whom FAU members would have encountered occasionally in and around the southeastern Chinese city of Kunming whose air base was the entry point for arriving FAU members and medical supplies, are still remembered and celebrated in China. Yet the same can't be said about the FAU. "Sadly the FAU, a fine Anglo-American project, is as good as forgotten both in China and the West," Hicks said, who sought to change this with his book.

FOREIGN WOMEN VOLUNTEERS

Another interesting aspect to the book is its mention of foreign women volunteers in the FAU. During wartime, the FAU initially only posted men to China, Hicks said, but that changed when there was a great demand for nurses.

"In June 1944, three British nurses were sent out and worked in appalling conditions at a field hospital at Paoshan (Baoshan) trying to save the shattered Chinese soldiers, battling on the Salween front to eject the Japanese invaders from Yunnan. From then on women, both foreign and Chinese, became key players in the project," he said.

Hicks mentioned the example of Margaret Stanley, an American nurse who worked in an FAU surgical project in the caves at Mao's headquarters in Yan'an in northwest China and was on the run with other members of the FAU's medical team when the Nationalist soldiers arrived. "They were unaccounted for during many months, moving their operating theater from place to place and continuing to operate in extraordinary conditions," Hicks said, adding that one foreign FAU team member even gave birth while they were fleeing and carried her newborn with her.

Just as remarkable is the story of Fleda Jones, a young African-American laboratory technician who joined Jack's medical work in Chongqing in northwest China in November 1949 just days before the communists took over.

"As a petite young woman, unable to speak the language, of a racial minority that made her a constant curiosity, it really took guts to fly alone into an imminent war zone. Fleda performed fine service in Jack's clinic, carrying a massive work load in appalling conditions and her full story, with a near tragic twist, is dramatically told in my book," Hicks said.

WHO WAS JACK JONES?

As the time and place Hicks' book deals with are remote to many today, Hicks believed a film might bring his work closer to contemporary audiences.

"Nothing would make it more accessible than a movie, which Jack's story certainly deserves. China of the forties is a world away and the context of Jack's stories does take some effort for readers to grasp," Hicks said. "I really do believe though that for an assiduous reader, Jack's collected writings do make a great adventure story at many levels, despite the difficulty of grasping the context."

So how did Hicks first stumble upon Jack's story? The author told Xinhua that when he was teaching at the University of Hong Kong in the 1970s, he worked as a fundraising volunteer in his spare time for Oxfam, the British NGO that supplies global development aid. There, Hicks befriended two Oxfam directors who used to work in the FAU.

Three decades later found Hicks in Thailand, having published a popular backpacker novel called "Thai Girl." When Hicks' novel was frequently compared to Jack Reynolds' 1956 worldwide bestseller "A Woman of Bangkok," he felt there was something he needed to pursue.

"Nobody in Bangkok knew who this author was so I started digging. It turned out that Jack Jones (his real surname) had been in China with the FAU and by coincidence was a close personal friend of my Hong Kong Oxfam friends and had later settled in Thailand in 1951, working as a transport officer for UNICEF. I then traced his family in Bangkok and met several of his friends, so when I returned to live in the UK, I wanted to learn more about him," Hicks said.

Hicks' quest for Jack Jones ("Reynolds" was a pen name Jack had used for his books) and the FAU led him on a research odyssey to the Friends (Quaker) archives on both sides of the Atlantic and included tracking down several surviving FAU members.

"I started this process about six years ago, since when I have met about eleven survivors who were actually there and exchanged emails with another four. In total I have shared information with perhaps fifty families," Hicks said about his arduous research. For example, he said it took him years to track down the daughters of John Peter, the longest-serving of all FAU members who had escaped the Japanese invasion of Rangoon and finally left China in 1951.

Sharing his findings about their father with Peter's daughters has been one of the most rewarding of his discoveries, Hicks said. Another great discovery was finding eight of Jack's illustrations in Seattle, which Hicks plans to include in a reprint of his book. "There have been many Holy Grail moments like these but they have been hard won," he said.

LABOR OF LOVE

Yet for Hicks it was a labor of love, and he felt compelled to share Jack's story with the world. "Jack's long articles told of the day-to-day work of the transport unit in Chongqing and I just fell in love with his writings. Somehow this sparkling writer, bashing the keys in the heat and humidity of Chongqing, one of China's 'four furnaces,' crafted anecdotes that were more evocative and immediate than any formal history written much later could ever be. I just had to collect, transcribe and edit this mass of material into a story of China at a terrible time in history telling of the dedication and commitment of Jack and the many principled young foreigners of the FAU who really did want to make a difference," the author said.

Hicks' curiosity drove him to seek out the transport depot in Chongqing where Jack wrote his blog-like newsletter articles. Today, on the former site of the depot, which Hicks described as "a messy collection of low buildings with trucks packed into a small yard," stands a school.

"The Chongqing 110 Middle School is now a bright and friendly place and when we showed the children some photos from the forties of the depot and the surrounding countryside, they could not believe their eyes. I'd love them all to be able to learn more of the epic struggle of the FAU to distribute medicines in such terrible times that took place right there under their feet in so different a world that is just still within living memory," Hicks said.

In some respects, Hicks and Jack are kindred spirits that transcend time and space. "Jack wrote a single novel about a young Englishman falling in love in Thailand and so did I. We both love the English language and writing it, we both relish the special stimulus of living in a foreign culture that makes each moment of every day special, we share a love of Southeast Asia and of China, and, like him, I have the urge to do something worthwhile with my life," Hicks said.

MULTIPLE LEGACIES

When asked about Jack's greatest legacy, Hicks suggested that his legacies are manifold. If one takes popular appeal as a yardstick, he cited Jack's novel, "A Woman of Bangkok," which is still in print 60 years later and praised for its accurate portrayal of a "Thai lady of the night."

Yet Hicks pointed out that in a published interview, Jack said that among his works, his personal favorite was "Daughters of an Ancient Race" (1974), a story collection about the plights of Chinese women who sought out the medical services of the FAU in Chongqing and whom Jack knew personally.

"Jack would hardly have recognized the term, feminist, but that is the book's approach to the predicament of Chinese women, an oppressed group over long millennia of China's history," Hicks said.

To Hicks, Jack's legacy transcends one man and his written works. "For me though his most important legacy is a collective one, shared with the four hundred or so foreign FAU volunteers who served together in China throughout the forties, and that is their monumental dedication to the people of China," he said.

"Jack of course was a key chronicler of the FAU, he wrote ephemeral pieces that have proved to be enduring, and I hope I have now done my bit in rescuing from oblivion and securing that legacy," Hicks said.
ZHENGZHOU, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- For decades, China's rural residents have rushed to big cities to improve their earnings, but today more are skipping the trouble of travel and homesickness to make money at home.

The central government on Tuesday released a set of guidelines to encourage rural residents to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation.

According to a State Council document, the government will roll out policies to encourage migrant workers to start businesses in the countryside to help rural economic development.

Inside a four-story building in impoverished Xinxian County in central China's Henan Province, at least 100 women were working to assemble electronic products.

The factory, set up by 46-year-old Tu Guangyong, employs over 300 "left behind" women whose migrant worker husbands have left them to care for the children and elderly at home.

In 1991, Tu started working as a janitor at a factory in the southern province of Guangdong, known as the "world's factory." He was a quick learner and soon was promoted to a manager position.

He resigned and went back home in 2010, taking along with him the management and marketing skills he had learned in Guangdong.

"It was getting more difficult and expensive to hire workers in Guangdong. Women in my hometown could provide precious labor resources," said Tu. "It was time for me to go back home and start a factory."

Tu opened three factories near schools. Workers can choose to work between four and eight hours per day, making sure they have enough time for their children who are studying next door.

Thanks to low costs and good quality, Tu's products have been well received at home and abroad.

Tu is just one of the two million migrant workers who have returned home to become self-employed in new businesses including large-scale farming, farm produce processing, rural tourism, and producer and consumer services.

Returned migrant workers are expected to inject new energy into the rural economy by introducing modern technology, systems and management skills to the countryside.

Still, many challenges need to be overcome in order for migrant workers to return home, stay and thrive.

"Costs and risks may soar considering the underdeveloped infrastructure, lack of supporting policies and capable employees in rural areas," said Cui Chuanyi, a researcher with the Development Research Center of the State Council.

Cui said the newly released guidelines have emphasized equality and support by rolling out measures such as easing market access, improving rural financial services, increasing fiscal support, providing training in entrepreneurship and innovation and perfecting the social safety net.

In Guangshan County, located next to Xinxian, Xiang Manyu started a company to produce and sell down- and feather-filled products, with annual sales exceeding 10 million yuan (1.45 million U.S. dollars) in recent years.

"The local government granted me favorable land, taxes and free office space -- policies that had only been available to foreign investment," Xiang said.

"In just two decades, rural residents migrated from villages to cities, and now some of them have moved from cities back to villages. Promising policies will allow more and more workers to lead a better life at home," said Xia Zhuzhi, a professor of rural governance at Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's approach to fighting AIDS and HIV have proved successful, health officials and experts said Thursday on World AIDS Day.

According to official data, China had about 850,000 people with AIDS or HIV, about 0.06 percent of the Chinese population, at the end of 2015.

Wang Guoqiang, deputy chief of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, said China's AIDS and HIV prevention work has achieved significant results; it has stopped cases of the disease spreading through blood, effectively blocked transmission of the disease through drug injections, and stopped mother-to-child transmission.

From 2010 to 2015, persons tested for HIV and AIDS in China had increased from 60 million to 140 million.

Compared to 2010, the mortality rate in 2015 dropped by 57 percent while the discovery rate increased by over 68 percent.

Wu Zunyou, head of the AIDS and HIV prevention and control center of China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), said China's practice of expanding the scope of testing had discovered more HIV and AIDS infected persons.

"China's data and achievements proved its practices are successful, offering a reference for the United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS," Wu said.

In addition, China has taken effective measures to control HIV and AIDS spreading among drug users, and the UN Program on HIV and AIDS has popularized China's practices in other areas of the world, Wu said.

"China can continue to introduce its practices in anti-HIV and AIDS efforts to the rest of the world, especially in African states," said Lyu Fan, an official with China CDC.
SHIJIAZHUANG, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Huanghua Port in northern Hebei Province has become China's largest port for coal transportation, according to a press conference Thursday.

The throughput of the port reached 204 million tonnes in the first 10 months of the year, a year-on-year growth of 49 percent, Zhao Zhenqing, chairman of the Cangzhou Port Group told the press conference.

With total investment of more than 60 billion yuan (8.7 billion U.S. dollars), a sea channel capable of taking 200,000-tonne ships, with 33 berths for ships weighing more than 10,000-tons, has been built at the port.

The port launched its first freight train bound for Duisburg, Germany, in June. It also opened its first international direct flight to Southeast Asia in September. So far over 20 ship companies have opened 13 container shipping lines starting from the port.

The rapid development of the port will support the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regional integration and the Belt and Road Initiative, said Zhang Guodong, director of the administration for Bohai New Area in Cangzhou City.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (C) delivers a speech during a parliament session at the Iranian parliament in Tehran, on November 1, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

TEHRAN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday called the recent decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cut oil output a "success" for the Islamic republic, the oil cartel and the global market, semi-official ISNA news agency reported.

Rouhani said that the OPEC decision on Wednesday in reducing the production was a "positive" move.

According to the agreement by the OPEC member states, Iran will keep its production at 3.8 million barrels per day (bpd), about the same as the the country's pre-sanction level in 2008.

The OPEC on Wednesday decided to cut its oil output by 1.2 million bpd, setting the ceiling of oil production at 32.5 million bpd.

The cut, effective from Jan. 1, 2017, is the oil cartel's first oil reduction since 2008.

The reduction is being coordinated with non-OPEC country Russia, which promised to cut its production by 300,000 barrels per day.

OPEC will establish a ministerial committee to monitor the implementation of output cut agreement.
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday welcomed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's offer of playing a role in resolution of longstanding issues.

Trump, who spoke with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the phone Wednesday, said he is "ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems," the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said.

This was the first telephone conversation between the two leaders after Trump's victory in elections last month.

"We welcome Trump's desire to play a role in resolution of longstanding issues," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said.

The spokesman said at his weekly briefing that Trump had previously expressed his desire of playing a role in resolution of Kashmir dispute with India.

The Foreign Ministry said Sharif had also invited the U.S. president-elect to visit Pakistan.

Zakaria said Sharif's call to Trump was a routine matter to felicitate him on his victory in elections, adding Trump's visit to Pakistan will be welcomed with great enthusiasm.
ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN special envoy for Yemen arrived in Aden on Thursday to discuss the country's roadmap with President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, a government official said.

The official, who requested anonymity, told Xinhua that the UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed arrived at Aden's airport and would hold a meeting at the Republican Palace with President Hadi and other ministers to discuss the roadmap and the latest developments in Yemen.

A government source close to Hadi told Xinhua "the government will submit a clear response letter to the UN envoy containing all the details and the unacceptable points in his roadmap."

Last month, Yemen's legitimate and internationally-backed government reaffirmed its strong refusal to the peace plan of the UN envoy who suggested the formation of a government with Shiite Houthi rebels.

Yemen's presidency office described "Ould Cheikh's roadmap as far from solving the crisis and its contents bare seeds of war in the country."

Hadi's government rejected any discussions with the Shiite Houthis and their allies about the future of the country's presidency.

The UN roadmap called for naming a new vice president after the withdrawal of the Shiite Houthi rebels from the capital Sanaa and other northern provinces, and handing over all heavy weapons to a third party.

The UN plan also suggested forming a new government that will be formed from the two-warring sides and would not be led by President Hadi who would transfer his power to the new vice president.

On Monday, the Houthis and allied forces of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who occupied Sanaa and seized power militarily in late 2014, announced the formation of a 35-minister "national salvation government" in northern provinces.

The Houthi-Saleh alliance described the creation of the government in Sanaa as a very necessary step because of Yemen's "internal situation and confronting the Saudi aggression forces."

The UN envoy Ould Cheikh said in a statement on his official Twitter account that the announcement by Houthi-Saleh alliance the formation of a new government in Sanaa represents a concerning obstacle to the peace process.

The envoy condemned the move, saying that "such unilateral actions contradict the recent commitments provided to the UN and to United States Secretary of State John Kerry in Muscat."

Yemeni presidency in the south, as well as the Arab League and Gulf states rejected this illegal government which is considered as a violation of the United Nations Security Council's (UNCS) resolutions and would likely escalate the situation and exacerbate the people's suffering in the war-torn Arab country.

Yemeni political observers said that the recent unilateral government formation of the Shiite Houthi group diminishes chances for peace and derails settlement efforts in war-torn Yemen.

The situation in Yemen has deteriorated economically and politically since March 2015, when war broke out between the Shiite Houthi group, supported by former President Ali Abdullash Saleh, and the government backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition.

Houthis and Saleh's forces hold most of Yemen's northern regions while government forces backed by Saudi-led military coalition share control of the rest of the country including seven southern provinces.

The civil war, ground battles and airstrikes have already killed more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians, injured more than 35,000 others and displaced over two millions, according to humanitarian agencies.
GENEVA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- As winter sets in, urgent shelter and equipment is needed for some 400,000 internally displaced people (IDP) in west Aleppo, with many more fleeing rebel-held eastern districts of the Syrian city every day, the UN special envoy for Syria said Thursday.

"If you had to ask what the most urgent need now from the UN is, it is shelter and assistance, because winter is there," Staffan de Mistura told reporters here after a weekly humanitarian taskforce meeting.

"There are 400,000 people including those who were already there in a rather uncomfortable situation, plus the 27,000 who have just moved and more are likely to move," he added.

Aleppo, Syria's former economic hub, has been bitterly contested by the Syrian army and opposition groups due to its strategic location.

Though unable to reach those who have not left east Aleppo, the UN said that it is managing to provide the 27,000 civilians who have done so with much needed food and medical aid.

"In west Aleppo, we have food for 150,000 people that we could bring to east Aleppo very easily, and we have all of the medical equipment and medicines that they need in east Aleppo," the special envoy's senior adviser, Jan Egeland, explained.

"It is prepositioned, we have people there. We basically need the access and we are sitting down now to discuss with Russia and with the government of Syria," he added.

Now in its fifth year, the Syrian conflict has resulted in heavy casualties. Staffan de Mistura said in April this year that the Syrian war had caused about 400,000 deaths and forced millions of others to flee their homes.
XINING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Initial investigations may have identified a skeleton recently discovered in a desert in northwest China's Qinghai Province.

Addresses and names in three letters found near the remains helped police in Sichuan Province establish that the skeleton could be that of Li Zhonghua, a man of Bazhong city of Sichuan, who reportedly went missing in Ruoqiang County in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the 1960s.

Police in Mangya, Qinghai, said Thursday that their colleagues in Bazhong found the clue in less than 24 hours after their request for assistance.

Li's wife, 88, his two daughters and his brother still live in Bazhong, the police said.

Li's brother told police that Li worked on the railway in Guizhou Province in the 1950s, and then in a brickyard. He found a farming job in Ruoqiang County where he lost contact with his family, more than 50 years ago.

"We wrote letters to the farm in Ruoqiang asking his whereabouts, but the farm had gone bankrupt, and they could not reach him either," said Li's brother.

Tang Tuohua, deputy head of Mangya police, said they have to perform more test to fully determine the identity of the remains.

"MYSTERIOUS SKELETON"

Mangya police found the body in the Dalangtan Desert last week, after three tourists spotted a "mysterious skeleton" while picking stones there on Nov. 15. Forensic experts initially guessed that "it could be the body of a geologist" who disappeared in the 1960s.

Mangya is in the northwestern part of Qinghai's arid Qaidam Basin, with thin air, bitter cold and very little vegetation.

"We found the remains near a route to the famous Lop Nur in Xinjiang, surrounded by swathes of desert," said Tang.

According to the police, the skeleton belongs to a male about 30 years old, and about 1.75 meters tall. The man was wearing a navy blue shirt and trousers, and a pair of yellow leather shoes. He also had a light yellow canvas bag, in which police found three letters, a flashlight, a pair of goggles and a piece of newspaper.

"The clothes on the front had been damaged, but the back was in tact," Tang said. "Judging from the post marks on the letters, the date of the newspaper and the features of his clothes, we concluded that the time of the man's death could be somewhere 1960 or 1961.

"At that time, few people entered this area, and those who did often died from the bitter cold and starvation," according to Tang. "The victim could have been lost."

The discovery of the skeleton immediately awakened many people's memories of Peng Jiamu, a famed Chinese scientist who disappeared in Lop Nur Desert without a trace on June 17, 1980.

Peng went missing during a scientific expedition to the Lop Nur, a former nuclear testing site. He told his colleagues he was leaving camp to look for water but he was never seen again.

Li Zhonghua's daughter Li Juran, 67, told Chengdu Economic Daily that she could not believe that the body of her father had been found.

"We never thought he had died," Li said. "We just thought that maybe he did not want to return home."

"It has been so many years, and we finally heard word about him," said Li's other daughter as she wiped tears from her cheek. "We have a big family now, but it is not home sweet home without him."
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Just shy of 3 billion trips are expected to be made by Chinese people during the Spring Festival travel rush in 2017, the Ministry of Transport said Thursday.

The number, which includes trips by road, rail, aviation and waterways, is 2.2 percent higher than the previous year, the ministry said.

The 40-day travel frenzy known as "Chunyun" is the hectic period surrounding the Chinese lunar New Year, or Spring Festival.

This year's Spring Festival falls on Jan. 28, 2017. "Chunyun" will begin on Jan. 13 and last until Feb. 21.

Spring Festival is the country's most important family holiday, with hundreds of millions of people heading to their hometowns to meet relatives and old friends, which puts huge stress on the transport system.

Chinese people have never been more affluent and keen to travel, nor have there ever been more migrant workers in cities far from home. Every year, stress on the transport system becomes greater and greater, despite great improvements in infrastructure over the last few years.

Transport networks -- road, rail, aviation and waterways -- have set new highs for "Chunyun" numbers almost every year for the past decade.

To reduce crowds during the rush and to boost transport efficiency, China has been stepping up construction of high-speed railways, which exceeded 20,000 km in total length this year, the world's longest high-speed railway system.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (front L) holds a welcome ceremony for Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 1, 2016.(Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China will help Sierra Leone improve its industrialization and public health system, President Xi Jinping said Thursday.

Xi and Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma witnessed the signing of cooperation documents after their talks in Beijing, which covered areas including diplomacy, economy, infrastructure development and health.

The two heads of state decided to upgrade bilateral relationship into a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.

"China encourages domestic enterprises and financial institutions to actively engage in infrastructure building and mining in Sierra Leone for mutually beneficial cooperation," Xi said.

China will contribute to Sierra Leone's industrialization and sustainable self-development, as well as support the country to develop agriculture and improve food security, Xi said.

China will jointly study diseases with the West African country, once ravaged by Ebola virus, as well as disease prevention and control, and support the building of its public health system, Xi added.

Xi said China will look to work with Sierra Leone to safeguard the legitimate interests of developing nations in UN affairs, climate change, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and African peace and security.

He also stressed that he was delighted to see a stronger, united Africa that was accelerating integration, adding that China will align its own development with sustainable self-development in Africa.

China is a true and trustworthy friend of Sierra Leone, Koroma told Xi, thanking China for taking the lead in the international community to aid Sierra Leone during the outbreak of the Ebola epidemic in 2014.

Sierra Leone upholds the one-China policy, admires China's outstanding development and hopes to strengthen cooperation with China, Koroma said.

Both sides have decided to implement the outcome of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Johannesburg in 2015, to boost bilateral relations and China-Africa ties.

At the summit, China announced 10 major plans for China-Africa cooperation over three years, backed by 60 billion U.S. dollars package.

China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang also met with Koroma Thursday.
Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev answers questions at his annual year-end press conference held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Dec. 1, 2016. Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev hosted his annual year-end press conference in Bishkek on Dec. 1. In the three-hour-long press conference, Atambayev reviewed his work in 2016 and answered more than 70 questions. (Xinhua/Roman)

BISHKEK, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev said here Thursday that the Russian military will leave Kyrgyzstan after the related agreement expires.

Atambayev made the remark during his annual year-end press conference in Bishkek in response to reporters' questions on why the U.S. military base had been withdrawn and the Russian base remains.

"I think that we did absolutely the right thing with regard to the U.S. Ganci Air Base at the international airport in Bishkek. Five years have passed and time has shown that this was the right decision," he said, adding that it concerns the Russian air base as well.

"Kyrgyzstan must rely only on its own power in the future and needs to build its own army," the Kyrgyz president said.

After his election in 2011, Atambayev reportedly assured Moscow the U.S. air base would be closed.

He said that after the expiry of the agreement on the Russian base, it will also be withdrawn, adding the Russian leadership responded with understanding in this regard.

In July 2014, the United States withdrew its Ganci Air Base which it set up at Manas International Airport in the suburbs of Bishkek in 2001 for its war against Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Russian air base at Kant town near Bishkek has been operating since October 2003.

Russia and Kyrgyzstan reportedly signed an agreement leasing the base to Russia for 15 years from January 2017 until 2032 in exchange for Moscow's writing off nearly half a billion U.S. dollars in debt owed by the Central Asian country. The agreement can be automatically extended for five years after its expiry.

"We will always be Russia's strategic partners, but Kyrgyzstan in the future must rely only on its own armed forces, not on the base of Russia, America or other countries. We must build our own army," Atambayev said.

During the three-hour-long press conference, Atambayev reviewed his work in 2016 and answered more than 70 questions.
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday called for the full and balanced implementation of the United Nations Security Council new resolution on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The new resolution, unanimously adopted on Wednesday, tightens sanctions on the DPRK in response to the country's fifth nuclear test on Sept. 9.

The resolution points out that the measures are not intended to produce negative humanitarian consequences in the DPRK, nor affect normal economic and trade activity, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily press briefing.

"We hold that the resolution should be fully implemented in a balanced way," Geng said.

The 15-nation council decided that the DPRK shall not supply, sell or transfer coal, iron and iron ore from its territory, but excluded transactions affecting people's daily livelihoods.

The council sets an upper limit on DPRK's coal exports, saying the total exports from the DPRK should not exceed 400.9 million U.S. dollars or 7.5 million metric tons per year, whichever is lower, starting Jan. 1, 2017.

In addition, the Security Council bans the sale of copper, nickel, silver, zinc and statues from the DPRK.

Geng said China has always insisted on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the maintenance of peace and stability in the region, and always called for a settlement on the issue through dialogue and consultation.

Currently, the top priority is to resume dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible, and restart the six-party talks at an early date, to promote the denuclearization of the peninsula, Geng said.

The current situation on the peninsula is sensitive and complex, he said, calling on all parties concerned to avoid any statement or action that might exacerbate tensions.

"China is opposed to the deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system on the Korean Peninsula," the spokesperson said, urging its immediate cessation.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L front) visits the National School of Development at Peking University in Beijing, capital of China, April 15, 2016.(Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

LONDON, Dec. 1 (Xinuha) -- Times Higher Education (THE) on Wednesday reveals its BRICS & Emerging Economies University Rankings 2017. China's institutions dominate, taking seven of the top 10 places, led by Peking University (1st) and Tsinghua University (2nd), and 77 in the ranking overall.

Accounting for one in six of universities in the ranking, the Chinese mainland is home to the highest density of leading institutions in the developing world with 52 universities in the list.

Meanwhile, Taiwan has 25 universities in this year's expanded ranking of 300 institutions, which have struggled to make progress this year with all but two of the universities ranked last year dropping places this year.

An impressive 38 of China' s universities make the top 100, while seven make the elite top 10, including Fudan University, which rose 11 places to reach sixth place this year.

Meanwhile Tongji University makes the top 25 at joint 24th place for the first time after jumping 28 places.

Universities in the five BRICS nations face stronger competition than ever from those in other emerging economies.

India performs well in this year' s ranking, increasing its share of the top universities in the ranking with 27 in the top 300. Brazil has 25 universities in the ranking, up from 14 last year.

It is a mixed picture for Russia with 24 ranked institutions beating last year's 15.

Lomonosov Moscow State University holds onto its third place overall, ahead of Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, which climbs rapidly to 12th position. However, 10 of Russia's universities represented drop places this year.

South Africa has also struggled to compete this year, with a slight drop in the overall representation in the rankings and three of its top four performers dropping year on year.

Phil Baty, editor of the THE's World University Rankings, said that it is fantastic news that 52 Chinese mainland's universities make this prestigious list, representing more than one in six places across the newly-expanded top-300 table -- more than any other country.

"China's strong performance in this list of the top universities in BRICS and emerging economies follows its ascent in the flagship THE World University Rankings in September, which was largely driven by an enhanced academic reputation and research influence and increased success at attracting international talent," he said.

China has introduced powerful policy drives, backed with serious funding, to produce world-class universities.

According to THE, its BRICS and Emerging Economies Rankings 2017 draw upon 300 universities ranked with 41 countries included. It is a unique global ranking which examines the leading universities in 50 emerging and frontier economies.
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A father who raised money by posting online journals depicting his daughter suffering from leukemia sparked controversy among Chinese web users before local authorities started an investigation Thursday.

The father Luo Er wrote an article last Friday about his five-year-old daughter Luo Yixiao, who was diagnosed with low blood platelets in September.

Yixiao was soon hospitalized in southern China's Guangdong Province. To raise money "in a decent way" for the girl's treatment, Luo began writing about his daughter and her illness on WeChat.

His journals were not widely read until Xiaotongren, a financial company in Shenzhen, Guangdong, said it would donate one yuan (0.145 U.S. dollars) for each reposting of the article.

His latest heart-wrenching article "Luo Yixiao, Stop," quickly went viral on Chinese social media.

In the article, Luo said he was applying for the Red Cross Angel Plan. "I do not want to take advantage of the government, either in the past or right now," he wrote. "I want to tell my daughter that I am doing all I can, and she must wait for me."

He "chided" his daughter in the article: "Luo Yixiao, stop and don't run away! If you are not a good girl and go home with me, even if you are an angel, even if you run to heaven, one day when we meet there I will not talk to you."

By Wednesday, the article had been read and liked by more than 100,000 people on WeChat, raising more than 2 million yuan including donations from readers.

Though many people forwarding Luo's journal, it was later disclosed that he had three apartments and a car, suggesting he had the financial means to save his daughter.

This caused debate among web users, with many denouncing Luo as a cheat, taking advantage of people's kindness.

"Shame on him," said a web user nicknamed MoliJasmine. "Some of those who helped are even poorer than him."

One web user wrote: "Social resources are limited and so is people's kindness. When someone feels cheated, they may hesitate next time someone needs help. In this sense, Luo harmed the interests of those really in dire need."

Others showed understanding. "Whatever the truth, respect for life is the bottom line. The girl does need help, after all," said web user Yao Ruifang.

The Shenzhen Children's Hospital said Yixiao is in serious condition.

Information from the social insurance management bureau of Shenzhen showed that Yixiao's medical treatment cost 204,200 yuan; Luo had paid for about 18 percent, or 36,200 yuan, with social insurance service covering the rest.

In an interview, Luo explained his behavior: "At first I thought I could afford her medical treatment, but the moment my daughter was taken into ICU I began to panic."

He admitted to having three apartments. "I bought an apartment in Shenzhen in 2002 and later two in Dongguan. The apartments in Dongguan cannot be sold [at this time]. My car was bought in 2007, the value of which is less than 10,000 yuan."

The management of online donations on social media was also questioned.

WeChat provides a service for users to make donations by forwarding an article, but caps the daily limit at 50,000 yuan. After Luo uploaded his article, the number soon went beyond the limit.

WeChat made a late-night apology Thursday claiming that due to a "systems bug" it failed to stop counting when the number of reposts exceeded the limit.

Luo said he is planning to set up a foundation for children living with leukemia, with the money raised.

The Shenzhen Civil Affairs Bureau is investigating Luo's fundraising, and has promised to publicize the results in a timely manner.

The Internet has become an important channel for fundraising. According to 2015 figures from the China Association of Fundraising Professionals, funds worth 437 million yuan involving 1.1 billion donations were raised online in 2014.

Jin Jinping, a professor with the Beijing University Law School and director of the Nonprofit Organizations Law Center, put the reaction to Luo's behavior in to context.

"Chinese people normally believe that asking for help from strangers is the last way to solve a problem," she said. "They tend to use up their own money and borrow from their relatives and friends before turning to strangers. Many people have found this was not true in Luo's case. Some of the donors are less wealthier than him."

Jin went on to point out that aside from the morality of Luo's actions, he may even have been in violation of civil laws.

"A man who deliberately spreads false information or conceals facts to ask for help would be considered a fraud and such conduct violates civil law," Jin said. "So one should be responsible for his information. On the other hand, the website or social media he was using to raise money also has a responsibility to double-check."
CHENGDU, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A catastrophic earthquake leveled Wolong Primary School in southwest China's Sichuan Province in 2008, but a rebuilt campus that brought comfort and modernity to students living deep in the mountains served as a small silver lining.

The reconstruction of the school is among nearly 200 projects undertaken by the Hong Kong government at a combined cost of more than 10 billion Hong Kong dollars (1.29 billion U.S. dollars) following the magnitude 8 Wenchuan earthquake that took nearly 70,000 lives, according to a report issued by the Hong Kong government late November.

Housing more than 120 students of Han, Tibetan and Qiang ethnic groups, the new school was designed to resist quakes as powerful as the one eight years ago. Its classrooms are equipped with advanced facilities, such as underfloor heating and electric white boards. There are also special rooms for computer, art and music lessons, as well as psychological counselling.

Students moved into the new school in 2011 after studying in tents, makeshift houses, and a school elsewhere.

"We used to rely on electric stoves to keep warm in the winter. Many kids got chilblains on their hands and feet," said teacher Huang Jianrong. "Today the conditions are much better."

The reconstruction projects undertaken by Hong Kong were scattered in 12 cities and prefectures in Sichuan. Twenty-three of them, including the Wolong school, are located in the Wolong National Nature Reserve, famous for giant pandas.

The Hong Kong builders set up a nearly 20,000-square-meter breeding and research zone at the Wolong base of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP).

The zone, along with a Hong Kong-funded rescue and disease control center in CCRCGP's Dujiangyan base, will be forever free to Hong Kong visitors, in a gesture of gratitude, said Xia Xuhui, deputy director of the management committee of the Wolong National Nature Reserve.

The Hong Kong government also spent nearly 72 million yuan (10.5 million U.S. dollars) in a digital monitoring system at the Wolong base, allowing staff to watch real-time images in the pandas' dormitories and around monitoring spots in the wild.

"Hong Kong's help has contributed to the achievements we have made in breeding and releasing captive pandas into the wild following the 2008 earthquake," Xia said.

One of the most challenging projects is the expressway linking Wolong and Yingxiu Township in Sichuan. After the section was opened in October, the road trip between Wolong and Chengdu, Sichuan's capital city, is reduced to two hours from 11 hours.

All the projects in Wolong were supervised by provincial-level governmental organs, as well as by a work team from Hong Kong, according to Guo Jianong with Sichuan's foreign and overseas Chinese affairs office.

In addition, the fund's use and project progress were regularly assessed by a third-party agency assigned by the Hong Kong side, Guo said.

"When a magnitude 7 earthquake hit Lushan of Sichuan in 2013, the projects that had been completed all withstood the test," he said. "We're reassured about and proud of the projects."
SHIJIAZHUANG, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Ten Chinese coal producers Thursday signed medium and long-term contracts with buyers in a move directed by the government to further stabilize the market.

China's coal prices have been rising over the past months due to a number of factors, including a campaign to cut overcapacity. The price hike was stemmed only a month ago after government intervention, when at least three of the country's top coal producers signed long-term contracts with buyers at fixed prices.

Ten companies followed suit at the national coal trade fair held in Hebei Province on Thursday. The buyers were mainly thermal power stations and steel makers.

Lian Weiliang, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said the long-term contracts will stabilize market expectations and match supply with demand.

He said coal producers are given freedom to change prices within a set range. Other incentives, including priority in rail transport, are provided to companies honoring the contracts.

Lian predicted that coal prices would decline further, especially when the winter heating season ends, but not to levels below 370 yuan per tonne (53.6 U.S. dollars).

As of Nov. 30, the Bohai-Rim Steam-Coal Price Index, a gauge of coal prices in northern China's major ports, retreated to 599 yuan per tonne, while prices of thermal coal futures traded on Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange fell to 580 yuan per tonne.

Wang Xianzheng, head of the China National Coal Association, said with more long-term contracts signed, coal prices should be managed at a range between 550 yuan to 600 yuan per tonne.

China is the world's largest consumer of coal. The industry has long been plagued by overcapacity and has felt the pinch over the past two years as the economy cooled and demand fell.

Coal producing capacity was reduced by about 250 million tones in 2016.
Wang Jiarui (L), vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, Egypt, on Dec. 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

CAIRO, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to boost cooperation and step up comprehensive strategic partnership with Egypt, a senior Chinese official said here on Thursday.

Wang Jiarui, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks during his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi.

"China supports Egypt's efforts to achieve stability and development and is willing to implement consensus reached by both countries' leaders," Wang said.

Moreover, Wang called on both sides to conjoin developing strategies, deepen bilateral cooperation in various areas and push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Wang also introduced to Sisi recent economic and social developments in China and the spirit of the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee.

For his part, Sisi said Egypt attaches "great importance" to the bilateral ties with China and gives "full support" to China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

Sisi welcomed Chinese enterprises to increase investment in Egypt and actively participate in the country's economic development.

Sisi also introduced to Wang the current political and economic situation in Egypt and the country's perspectives on Middle East and global issues.

During his visit, Wang also met parliament speaker Ali Abdel Aal and leaders of major Egyptian political parties. He also attended a Chinese-Egyptian business forum on the Belt and Road initiative with former Egyptian prime minister Essam Sharaf.
TIRANA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Swiss government has given Albania 500,000 U.S. dollars aimed at assisting the authorities here to further consolidate territorial and administrative reform, the Swiss embassy in Tirana said.

The agreement was signed Thursday by Swiss Ambassador to Albania Christoph Graf and UN resident representative Brian Williams, the embassy's press release said.

This new fund comes as part of the multi-donor project support for the Territorial and Administrative Reform STAR 2 while it will assist the new municipalities that emerged from the amalgamation of former local government units.

The Swiss embassy here further said that jointly with the other donors, Switzerland continues to support the territorial and administrative reform due to its potential to improve the functioning of local government here.

The project will last for three years and a half and has a budget of about 8.2 million U.S. dollars while the

Albanian government will provide 250.000 dollars for this initiative, the same sources said.

Its focus is to strengthen management and administrative capacities at municipal level for delivering more efficient, inclusive and equitable services.

The Swiss contribution is a continuation of a previous financial contribution of 700,000 dollars during the first phase of the STAR project, the embassy added in its press release. Enditem
NAIROBI, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two Iranians were charged in a Kenyan court on Thursday with collection of information for commission of terrorist act.

State prosecutors said Sayed Nasrollah Ebrahim and Abdolhosein Gholi Safae with their Kenyan driver Moses Keyah Mmboga were arrested in Nairobi on Tuesday while taking photos of the Israeli embassy in Kenya.

The prosecutors said the two suspects used their mobile phone to collect the information for commission of terror act.

Mmboga was separately charged with aiding a terrorism offense. They were using an official car of the Iranian embassy for their mission.

The two are also said to have filmed the National Social Security Building which is adjacent to the Israeli Embassy. Police said they also visited a prison station, located about 20 km east of Nairobi, posing as lawyers for Iranians held there.

They were held in police cells until Tuesday when police hope they will be through with their investigations.

Kenya's security forces have beefed up security across the country including all entry points over fresh threats from terrorists.

Police chief Joseph Boinnet said on Tuesday that the increased security in the East African nation follows credible leads that Al-Qaida allied militant group, Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State are planning fresh attacks in the country. Enditem
by Olatunji Saliu

ABUJA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Curtains fell on Nigeria's first-ever national HIV prevention conference on Thursday, with a call for the West African country to fast track response toward ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.

The Nigerian government said it would continue to give necessary support to people living with HIV/AIDS and take its political will a step further through the enactment of an anti-discrimination act to address the barrier of stigma and discrimination.

More than 3.5 million people are currently living with HIV in Nigeria, among them 250,000 new infections, with only 24 percent of the total figure of people with the disease having access to public health treatment.

Nigeria is yet to implement the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a new HIV prevention approach in which HIV-negative individuals use anti-HIV medications to reduce their risk of becoming infected.

At the Abuja conference themed "Hands on for HIV Prevention" to mark the World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, Minister of State for Health Osagie Ehanire said as the nation strives to achieve a sustainable government policy by 2030, all hands needed to be on deck to ensure that those who are negative remain negative, while those who are positive continue to get adequate care and support.

According to him, paucity of funds on the part of government had hampered the funding of HIV eradication programs and other health programs in the country.

Despite the financial challenge, he said the Zambian government had made substantial improvement in the 2017 budgetary allocation for HIV/AIDS.

"We are all aware of the insufficient funding for health, including for HIV and other contagious diseases. This is not because government rates healthcare low, it is because of very high competing needs coupled with the challenges the country faces at the moment," Ehanire said, adding "we are committed to the implementation of the national health act which provides 1 percent of the consolidated revenue funds for the health sector."

Since 2014, the Nigerian government has solely been funding the treatment of only 50,000 persons living with HIV and the prevention of mother-child transmission in some states, with the support of some development partners.

To reduce mother-to-child transmission, the country has adopted "Option B+'', which refers to testing and treating pregnant women who are HIV positive after delivery and postpartum period.

The National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) said it is willing to enhance transparency and accountability to win confidence of foreign donors of its HIV/AIDS programs.

Also speaking at the national HIV prevention conference, Sani Aliyu, director-general of NACA, said the key priority of the agency was transparency and accountability in all its activities.

According to Aliyu, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV will not be possible without having other agencies on board like the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

He said NACA will strengthen its system at the moment to deepen access to HIV/AIDS services at the government level, expressing optimism that the agency will achieve its target.

Noting there was huge financial pressure on the program, he said Nigeria's goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS before or in 2030 was still achievable, and the right thing to do now.

He added there is scientific evidence showing that women who are kept on treatment have better health outcomes. Enditem
BAGHDAD, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Terrorist acts, violence and armed conflicts in Iraq killed 2,885 Iraqis and wounded 1,380 others in November, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said on Thursday.

The figures include 926 civilians killed and 930 wounded, with 1,959 security members killed and 450 wounded, said the UNAMI.

The casualties in Iraq's western province of Anbar were excluded, as the casualty figures there for the month were unavailable due to the volatility of the situation on the ground and the disruption of services, the statement said.

"The casualty figures are staggering, with civilians accounting for a significant number of the victims," the statement quoted the UN envoy to Iraq and the UNAMI chief Jan Kubis as saying.

Kubis added that Islamic State (IS) group used civilian homes as firing positions, and abducted and forcibly moved civilians, effectively using them as human shields.

The Iraqi security forces are exerting every efforts during their military operations in Mosul to avoid causing casualties among civilians despite IS continuous tactics to the contrary, Kubis noted.

He said the security forces are often taking additional casualties as a result of protecting civilians, according to the statement.

"All actions necessary must be undertaken to ensure the protection of the civilian inhabitants from the effects of armed conflict and violence," Kubis said.

UNAMI statement came as the Iraqi security forces backed by anti-IS international coalition are carrying out a major offensive to drive out the IS militants from its last major stronghold in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq.

Iraq has witnessed intensifying violence since the IS extremist group took control of parts of its northern and western regions in June, 2014.

Many blame the current chronic instability, cycle of violence, and the emergence of extremist groups, such as the IS, on the U.S. that invaded and occupied Iraq in March 2003, under the pretext of seeking to destroy weapons of mass destruction in the country.

The war led to the ouster and eventual execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, but no such weapons have been found.
PYONGYANG, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday strongly condemned and rejected a resolution adopted by UN Security Council that included fresh sanctions to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The DPRK rejects it "as another excess of authority and violation of the DPRK's sovereignty by the UNSC acting under instructions of the U.S.," said an unnamed spokesman for the DPRK foreign ministry in a statement carried by the state media KCNA.

The UN Security Council on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution to tighten sanctions on the DPRK in response to the country's fifth and largest nuclear test on Sept. 9.

The council sets an upper limit on the DPRK's coal exporting, saying the total exports from the DPRK do not exceed 400.9 million U.S. dollars or 7.5 million metric tons per year, whichever is lower, starting on Jan. 1, 2017.

In addition, the Security Council bans the sale of copper, nickel, silver, zinc and statues from the DPRK.

The spokesman asserted that Pyongyang's nuclear test was "one of practical steps taken to tackle the nuclear threat and sanctions by the U.S. and other hostile forces desperately taking issue with the exercise of the DPRK's right to self-defense."

Also, the spokesman warned of "tougher countermeasures for self-defense" in response to the newly adopted resolution, which he said denied the DPRK's sovereignty and its rights to existence and development.

He threatened in the statement that the sanctions will inevitably escalate tensions and the United States will be held wholly accountable should the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region be pushed to an uncontrollable phase.

On Thursday, China called for the full and balanced implementation of the United Nations Security Council new resolution, stressing that the measures are not intended to produce negative humanitarian consequences in the DPRK, nor affect normal economic and trade activities.

China has always insisted on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the maintenance of peace and stability in the region, and always called for a settlement on the issue through dialogue and consultation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily press briefing.
People search for victims inside a funeral hall after it was targeted by airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, on Oct. 8, 2016. (Xinhua Photo)

ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN special envoy for Yemen arrived in Aden on Thursday to discuss the country's roadmap with President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, a government official said.

The official, who requested anonymity, told Xinhua that the UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed arrived at Aden's airport and would hold a meeting at the Republican Palace with President Hadi and other ministers to discuss the roadmap and the latest developments in Yemen.

A government source close to Hadi told Xinhua "the government will submit a clear response letter to the UN envoy containing all the details and the unacceptable points in his roadmap."

Last month, Yemen's legitimate and internationally-backed government reaffirmed its strong refusal to the peace plan of the UN envoy who suggested the formation of a government with Shiite Houthi rebels.

Yemen's presidency office described "Ould Cheikh's roadmap as far from solving the crisis and its contents bare seeds of war in the country."

Hadi's government rejected any discussions with the Shiite Houthis and their allies about the future of the country's presidency.

The UN roadmap called for naming a new vice president after the withdrawal of the Shiite Houthi rebels from the capital Sanaa and other northern provinces, and handing over all heavy weapons to a third party.

The UN plan also suggested forming a new government that will be formed from the two-warring sides and would not be led by President Hadi who would transfer his power to the new vice president.

On Monday, the Houthis and allied forces of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who occupied Sanaa and seized power militarily in late 2014, announced the formation of a 35-minister "national salvation government" in northern provinces.

The Houthi-Saleh alliance described the creation of the government in Sanaa as a very necessary step because of Yemen's "internal situation and confronting the Saudi aggression forces."

The UN envoy Ould Cheikh said in a statement on his official Twitter account that the announcement by Houthi-Saleh alliance the formation of a new government in Sanaa represents a concerning obstacle to the peace process.

The envoy condemned the move, saying that "such unilateral actions contradict the recent commitments provided to the UN and to United States Secretary of State John Kerry in Muscat."

Yemeni presidency in the south, as well as the Arab League and Gulf states rejected this illegal government which is considered as a violation of the United Nations Security Council's (UNCS) resolutions and would likely escalate the situation and exacerbate the people's suffering in the war-torn Arab country.

Yemeni political observers said that the recent unilateral government formation of the Shiite Houthi group diminishes chances for peace and derails settlement efforts in war-torn Yemen.

The situation in Yemen has deteriorated economically and politically since March 2015, when war broke out between the Shiite Houthi group, supported by former President Ali Abdullash Saleh, and the government backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition.

Houthis and Saleh's forces hold most of Yemen's northern regions while government forces backed by Saudi-led military coalition share control of the rest of the country including seven southern provinces.

The civil war, ground battles and airstrikes have already killed more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians, injured more than 35,000 others and displaced over two millions, according to humanitarian agencies.
MOSCOW, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian Space Corporation Roscosmos confirmed Thursday that a cargo spaceship blasted off earlier in the day had been lost over the territory of southern Siberia's Tuva region.

Earlier on Thursday, the Roscosmos said it had lost telemetry contact with a Progress MS-04 spacecraft, 383 seconds after its launch onboard the Soyuz-U carrier rocket at the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

"According to preliminary information, the contingency took place at an altitude of about 190 km over the remote and unpopulated mountainous area of the Republic of Tuva. Most of the fragments had burned in the dense atmosphere," the Roscosmos said in a statement.

The spaceship, with 2.6 tons of goods and suppliers onboard, were planned to dock with the International Space Station (ISS). The Roscosmos said the loss of the freighter will not affect the normal operations of the ISS and the life of the station crew.

The Sputnik news website quoted an unnamed source saying that the search work is underway.
TEHRAN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday called the recent agreement by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cut oil output "a success" for the Islamic republic, the oil cartel and the global market, semi-official ISNA news agency reported.

Rouhani said that the OPEC decision on Wednesday in reducing the production was a "positive interaction" among the member states over the oil prices.

The OPEC on Wednesday decided to cut its oil output by 1.2 million bpd, setting the ceiling of oil production at 32.5 million bpd.

The cut, effective from Jan. 1, 2017, is the oil cartel's first oil reduction since 2008.

In the meantime, Iran's Petroleum Minister, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, said Thursday that "the decision by OPEC members once again proved that despite the competitions and grave political differences among OPEC members, they still have cooperation and interactions," official IRNA news agency reported.

Besides, by the cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC states, it is expected that the prices of the crude oil will stay above 50 U.S. dollars bpd in near future, Zanganeh was quoted as saying.

The reduction is being coordinated with non-OPEC country Russia which has promised to cut its production by 300,000 barrels per day.

"Due to the passive role of OPEC in the past two years, some were thinking that OPEC is dead," Zanganeh said, adding that "however, the meeting in Algeria (on Sept. 28) proved that OPEC is still alive."

In September, OPEC members agreed during an impromptu meeting in Algeria to slash oil output by 750,000 barrels per day to raise crude prices.

The Iranian petroleum minister also praised what he called the "resistance" of the Iranian delegation in the OPEC meeting for the production quota of 3.8 million bpd for the Islamic republic.

"Although many criticized Iran saying that the persistence of Iran on the quota keeps the prices of the oil low, the resistance of the Iranians for their national interest finally bore fruit," he said.

According to the agreement by the OPEC member states, Iran will keep its production at 3.8 million bpd, about the same as the country's pre-sanction level in 2005.

Besides, the political deputy of the Iran's presidential bureau said Thursday that the interaction between Iran and Russia was a "major step" for the agreement in OPEC meeting, according to IRNA.

Hamid Abutalebi said that "the long telephone talk between Rouhani and (Russian President) Vladimir Putin on the eve of the OPEC meeting showed that if the major players agree (on some issues), we will witness important developments."

In a telephone conversation on Monday, Putin and his Iranian counterpart acknowledged the importance of finalizing an OPEC output cut deal in order to stabilize the global oil market.

Oil prices surged on Wednesday after the OPEC clinched a deal to cut production in an effort to stabilize market.

The West Texas Intermediate for January Delivery increased 4.21 U.S. dollars to 49.44 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The crude futures rose about ten percent in intraday trading, the largest one-day move since February.

The Brent crude for January delivery added 4.09 dollars to close at 50.47 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

OPEC will establish a ministerial committee to monitor the implementation of output cut agreement.
CHICAGO, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed on Thursday as a pickup truck crashed into a Walmart store in Midwest U.S. state of Iowa, local media Fox News reported.

The Iowa State Patrol said the truck drove through the front door of Walmart, killing three while two others were injured.

Iowa State Patrol spokesman Sgt. Nathan Ludwig said the driver, an elderly man, was taken to a hospital with injuries but did not die.

The driver was the only one in the car, and the crash "does not appear to be an intentional act," said Ludwig.

Fire trucks and ambulances rushed to the scene around 10 a.m. Crews evacuated the store after the crash, and people are being asked to avoid the area.

Wal-Mart management said in a statement: "We're heartbroken by what appears to be a tragic accident."
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A total of 2,885 Iraqis were killed and another 1,380 injured in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict in Iraq in November, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Thursday.

The spokesman made the remarks by citing casualty figures recorded by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

The number of civilians killed in November was 926, Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here, adding that Baghdad was the worst affected governorate with 733 civilian casualties (152 killed, 581 injured).

Meanwhile, the United Nations said that close to 2,000 members of the Iraqi security forces were killed in November across the country. The figure increased threefold from October, when tens of thousands of forces launched a huge assault to retake the Islamic State's last major Iraqi bastion of Mosul.

The toll includes members of the army, police who are engaged in combat, the Kurdish peshmerga, interior ministry forces and pro-government paramilitaries.

The number of members of the Iraqi forces killed released by the United Nations for October was 672.

The highest number of civilian deaths recorded in November was in Nineveh province, of which Mosul is the capital, with 332, the UN figures showed.
DAMASCUS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 30,000 people have fled rebel-held areas in the northern city of Aleppo over the past few days, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Thursday.

The people fled rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo to the government-controlled parts west of the city, while countless others are expected to have escaped in other directions, said the ICRC in a statement.

The statement said the civilians must be guaranteed protection and safe passage.

"We appeal to all sides to ensure this. We at the ICRC are ready to help, but it is up to those who are involved in the fighting to protect civilians," it added.

This comes as the Syrian government forces continued to advance Thursday on rebel-held areas in Aleppo city in northern Syria.

The Syrian army completely recaptured the Sakan Shababi, or youth housing units, in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, a military source told Xinhua.

This came a day after the army captured the neighborhood of Sheikh Saed, which was the gate for rebel-held areas in the southern part of eastern Aleppo.

Since the launch of a wide-scale offensive earlier this week, the Syrian army has taken control of over 15 neighborhoods, or almost half of the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo, said al-Watan newspaper.

The newspaper said Sheikh Saed constitutes the first defense line for rebels in the southern part of eastern Aleppo.

It added that the capture of the neighborhood opened the way for the Syrian army to advance to other key areas, such as the Sukari neighborhood, one of the largest rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo.

The Syrian army says it will press on with the operation until all rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo are recaptured. The rebels captured eastern Aleppo in 2012, and the government forces recently imposed a siege on that area before unleashing a broad offensive for its recapture.

Humanitarian organizations sounded the alarm about the situation of 250,000 people living in eastern Aleppo, with the government promising to fix the situation of those relocated in government-controlled areas.
BRATISLAVA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The proceedings regarding the lawsuit filed by Slovakia against the mandatory migrant resettlement quotas among EU-member countries will be lengthened, European Court of Justice (ECJ) President Koen Lenaerts announced here on Thursday.

"This has evolved into a kind of pan-European debate, seeing as the directive and the case applies truly to all member states," said the president, adding the process would last six months longer than the usual 12 to 14 months.

"I expect that the verdict could be reached some time in the summer of next year," Lenaerts said.

The Slovak lawsuit was registered at the Luxembourg-based court on Dec. 3, 2015. Slovakia's side in the dispute was later joined by Poland, with Hungary filing a similar lawsuit.

"The Council of the EU, which opposes the lawsuit, has seen support from almost a dozen countries," said Lenaerts.

Slovakia is demanding that the European Court of Justice declare invalid the Council decision to introduce temporary measures regarding migrant resettlement in favor of Italy and Greece. The quotas were opposed by a vote by EU member states in September 2015, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania with Finland abstaining.

Lenaerts was in Bratislava on Thursday for an international conference on the limits of a transparent judiciary. Enditem
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The World Food Programme (WFP) on Thursday said that more than 45,000 people received life-saving food or nutrition support in northeastern Nigeria in the last week through a new tactic to reach those in the most remote, hard-to-access places hit by Boko Haram violence, a UN spokesman told reporters here.

With support from the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), WFP designed a Rapid Response Mechanism to supply food, nutrition and health support to people most in need in Borno and Yobe states by flying teams of specialists to remote areas where they stay up to six days, Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here.

"The assistance is then brought in by road," Dujarric said. "The tactic targets areas where no humanitarian assistance has so far been provided or where access is severely limited or irregular."

"These missions help avert famine and aim to reach tens of thousands of hungry people stranded in remote areas or in areas difficult to access due to insecurity," said Sory Ouane, WFP Nigeria country director. "They have gone without assistance -- food or nutrition support -- for months."

In November, around half a million people received WFP food or cash in the northeast and nutritious supplements were given to nearly 100,000 children to fight malnutrition.

With 12 missions per month, WFP plans to provide food and nutrition support to nearly 300,000 people through the Rapid Response Mechanism, including children under five and pregnant and nursing women. Other organizations can join to complement assistance to the most remote communities.

UNICEF aims to treat children suffering from severe acute malnutrition; immunize children against common killer diseases; and work to improve water, sanitation, health and education.

Some 4.6 million people are going hungry in northeastern Nigeria, of whom nearly two million need urgent humanitarian assistance. In some areas, more than 50 percent of children under the age of five suffer from moderate acute malnutrition or severe acute malnutrition.

"Hunger and malnutrition rates have improved considerably in areas that became accessible in the past months so that together with the Government and other partners, we were able to intervene," said Ouane. "Our teams will carry out emergency missions as long as needed."

Since August, the number of people in an emergency phase -- needing urgent food assistance -- has nearly doubled, from about 1 million to 1.8 million people in Borno and Yobe states, according to the latest food insecurity assessment.

The rapid response missions are part of WFP's larger response plan -- to gradually scale up to reach 1.2 million people with urgent food/cash and nutrition assistance throughout 2017. WFP requires 108 million U.S. dollars over the next six months to continue to scale up its response.

Nigeria's northeast region has been a stronghold of the extremist group Boko Haram. Over past months, the Nigerian government has launched several military operations to eliminate the terrorist threat.
The evolution of media

Over the past three weeks, several media workers were sent home, with companies citing difficult economic times, declining profits and redundancy.

They join they more than 2,000 people retrenched this year, in part the ongoing consequence of a contracting economy. But is there something more at work within the media industry? Social media has exploded the idea of the mass underlying traditional media for the last century and a half. TV, radio and print no longer offer exclusive access to audiences and advertisers are taking their dollars elsewhere. Globally, the development has seen a reorganisation and consolidation of media concerns to cut costs, innovate and remain relevant over the last decade and a half. In a world where most people now get their news on their mobile phones, print has been the medium hardest hit with hundreds of closures of regional and national newspapers in the US alone.

For a long time, print has enjoyed a privileged position in the Caribbean, with circulation numbers growing even as newspapers were closing their doors elsewhere.

Are the retrenchments a sign that this worldwide trend has finally arrived at our shores? The journalist too has enjoyed a special status as the person who broke the news, but as one of our interviewees pointed out, at least two to three times in a given week, currently, front page and top of newscast stories have been coming from social media.

What becomes of the professional journalist in this environment? Mainstream media is dead, said Dane, a mid-40s, 20-year veteran of TV, radio and print. He now focuses his attention on the production and design aspects of print.

Dane illustrates with figures like Donald Trump, who built massive online followings, arguably, without traditional media, largely buoyed by the use of mobile phones, whose number he places in the range of 750,000 in a country of 1.3 million.

Ron, who wasnt so quick to pronounce on the death of the traditional media, nonetheless acknowledged that mobile was the delivery method of 2016. Ron is a veteran journalist who has moved his content online.

More people have cellphones in their hand during the day, he said.

Brent, though, doesnt see the movement to social media as a complete break with the past but more akin to what happened with the introduction of radio and television.

When radio became a big thing, print didnt die. When TV became a big thing, radio didnt die. It changed. Now the Internet is a big thing and people are saying traditional media will die. Brent, who is in his late 20s and spends most of his days out on the field reporting said the Internet will not kill mainstream, but has made it more unstable.

Employees will have to become more accustomed to rapid, sometimes unpredictable change, becoming part of their work environment.

Media workers, particularly journalists will now have to become multi-skilled creating engaging content on multiple platforms.

You cant be a one trick pony anymore. You cant just be a reporter. Whats that? said Dane.

Ron believes that while basics like the 5Ws will remain, the journalist will no longer at the vanguard of the news.

If something happens before a journalist gets there, somebody is likely to have already posted it. Our job now then becomes fact checking, verifying than it is breaking the story. he said, It may mean that they will have to become better writers. There news is already out there.

We are going to have to package it in a way that people will care about what you have to say. In this new environment, said Melissa, a field reporter and television producer, stories have to get online, even before the journalist begins writing their story for print, radio or television.

People will need to understand how to write for web, how to upload video to web, how to shoot for web, getting the right apps on your phone to shoot and to edit for web, she explained.

And this reorientation should not just be for journalist, but for managers as well. She thought media managers were slow to accept the pace at which the industry was changing globally.

The people who are running media houses are catching up to the idea that we cant keep doing it the archaic way, even if society may galvanise around the old, conventional forms of media. I think they are a little slow to realise that they need to revolutionise a lot faster than they are. Brent said there also does not seem to be the desire to invest in training or new technologies. But this will have consequences, he warned, if TT remained desperately behind international standards.

We are playing catch up. Facebookers, Tweeters, mobile site users, young people using social media are already five, ten steps ahead of media houses, which are becoming more and more irrelevant. It used to be that it took 24 hours to generate a story, said Dane, The news cycle has shrunk to an hour. If you are an hour late, you are no longer and influencer. Worse than irrelevance perhaps, is the movement of dollars to online platforms, a problem which no one in traditional media seems yet able to solve. These are valuable dollars, that will salvage jobs and keep doors open.
The country that stood up

To be fair, Castro transformed Cuban society, lifting the basic quality of life for the countrys citizens, especially healthcare and life expectancy at birth, and educational attainment and literacy. Official data reveals that Cuba is now spending about 11 per cent on healthcare and 13 per cent of its GDP on education. Healthcare reform was adopted very early in Castros reign.

When he came to power, Cuba was reported to have one rural hospital with recorded infant mortality in the countryside about 100 per 1,000 live births. He went on to build a national health system that significantly improved the quality of preventive and primary care, its workforce, its ability to tackle diseases, and more recently, its biomedical research infrastructure and pharmaceutical exports that have won the country plaudits from international agencies.

Out of 185 countries Cuba is ranked about 36th with a life expectancy of about 79.4 years, which is not significantly lower than Hong Kong that is at the top of table with 84 years.

In a 2014 the World Bank reported on teaching and education in Latin America and the Caribbean, Cuba was a standout. Cubas literacy rate is close to 100 per cent, putting it right at the top of the world league with the developed economies. Primary education enrollment and attendance rates are at 100 per cent.

What about wealth and resource creation? Cuba is basically a less developed country with developed market problems that affect its trade, structure and demographics. It remains relatively poor with income per head at about $6,000.

Fidel proved a small country could stand up to its big neighbour and make a difference in spreading an ideology that offered hope to the poor. But we can also admit that his imagination was matched by his infamous ruthlessness. Just as one may argue that he improved life for the poor and illiterate, others can say that he ruined the lives of many other Cubans. Fidels major challenge appears to be his failure to develop a national economy, with a level of prosperity to income for financing his plans. Instead he learned to use other countries money to fund his revolution: first the Soviet Union, and much later Venezuela.

He misunderstood, or ignored for political reasons the sequence of events that capitalism was needed as a forerunner to generate the wealth to allow communism to distribute, using egalitarian principles.

We must put the US embargo against Cuba as syllogistic to the strategy used against Haiti and Toussaint LOuverture. It is ironic that Castro, when he came to power, first approached the US assuming they would have loved to see the back of Batista. It is when in his view the US government appeared unwilling to engage him at all that he turned to the Soviet Union. History reflects the tremendous financial support they provided to the Cuban Government which proved a major support.

The lesson we can gain from the legacy of Fidel is that if our leaders truly must win our trust and confidence in advocating a way forward, people once sold on an idea will, with patriotic fervor, secure the future of the country. Perhaps looking for opportunity and seizing initiative must also be learnt.
Corporations will sort out business

They were unable to say exactly when the results would be released.

However, Newsday understands the commission will meet soon to assess the status of the exercise.

The EBC declined to comment on the argument between the ruling Peoples National Movement (PNM) and the Opposition United National Congress (UNC) about which of them controls the Sangre Grande corporation. Officials explained, The EBCs job is completed when we allocate the numbers for the aldermen, what happens after is up to the corporation. They said all political parties submitted their lists of aldermen for all local government corporations to the EBC on November 7 (Nomination Day).

The officials explained that once the final election results are released, there is a four-day period in which the commission makes an allocation of aldermen to each corporation.

The corporations have four days within which to submit their respective lists of aldermen to the EBC. There are a total of 24 aldermen candidates for the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation.

Within this number, the PNM and UNC have eight candidates each.

The EBC officials said the appointment of a mayor/chairman and deputy mayor/deputy chairman of a local government corporation is guided by the provisions of Section 14 of the amended Municipal Corporations Act. Section 14 (3) of this Act states that the election of the mayor and deputy mayor will be by motion duly seconded and presided over by a councillor or an alderman who is not a candidate for the office of mayor or deputy mayor.

Contacted yesterday, PNM general secretary Ashton Ford said the recount for the Barataria district in the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation ended with the district remaining with the PNM.

UNC chairman David Lee said the party was keenly watching the recounts of the Sangre Grande North-West district and a district in the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation. Lee was uncertain when these recounts would be completed but reiterated that the Sangre Grande recount was particularly important given the outcome on election day.

PNM chairman Franklin Khan cited the proportional representation rule brought by the former Peoples Partnership (PP) government to claim an outright victory in Sangre Grande and declare that the PNM would control this corporation again. However, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar rejected Khans declaration as false and misleading. She said the law was clear on how a chairman of a corporation was to be elected.
Jenice was abused

Six weeks ago police investigated reports of child abuse, Fabien yesterday revealed to Newsday during an interview at his home at Morocoy Extension, Corosal Road in Whiteland. They had taken her (Jenice) away as part of their investigations but I guess there wasnt sufficient evidence, so she was returned to the house. Jenice was one of three children living in the house with her father Robert Figaro, 37, and a woman.

She was however, the only child for Robert and Shana Charles, 30, who are separated with the latter living elsewhere.

Fabien told Newsday that the youngster last saw her mother ten months ago.

On Friday last, when Newsday visited, Charles was too distraught to speak. Such a sweet little girl who has been through so much in her little life, cried Fabien yesterday as he said that days before her death, a cast was removed from the girls arm.

When he enquired as to how Jenice broke her arm, Fabien said he was told she was climbing and fell.

He also spoke of him taking her to Princes Town District Health Facility two Saturdays ago for treatment to her swollen eyes. It is too much to speak of.

I really loved that child, Fabien cried. Fabien said he and his son left home last week Thursday to go to the bank when they received a call to return home immediately.

When they returned Jenice was in an unresponsive state lying on a mattress.

She was rushed in an ambulance to San Fernando General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. She was a student of the Whiteland Early Childhood Learning Centre.

Jenice will be laid to rest today at the Whiteland Public Cemetery following a funeral service. Police are yet to detain anyone in connection with the childs death.
Major disaster

Sinanan said while it is difficult at this time to get a clear picture of what has happened in Matelot and environs, there is no doubt that this is, a major disaster and things are getting worse. He said the rain was still falling and until it stops, it would not be possible to make a proper assessment of what has transpired. Sinanan said he had only just returned from Tobago yesterday where his ministry had been doing some work. Sinanan also said he would be giving Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley a report on what has happened in northeast Trinidad but was certain that Rowley was already aware of the situation.

He added that the ministry was also taking two bailey bridges to the area. Sinanan said this exercise would not just involve cleaning but also some rebuilding as well.The Cabinet holds its weekly meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair today and decisions could be made about further assistance to Matelot and environs.Rural Development and Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein said he was going up yesterday to get a first hand look at the damage.

Hosein said the preliminary information he has received suggests that this is a crisis. The minister said he spoke with Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Terry Rondon, who has appealed to him for help. Saying he wanted to take a hands on approach and this was why he was going to north-east Trinidad yesterday, Hosein said he was aware that two backhoes which Rondon requested have been sent to Sangre Grande.

Hosein also said his ministry will be coordinating relief efforts with the Works and Transport Ministry, TT Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Managament (ODPM) and other agencies currently on the ground in north-east Trinidad. He said resources from the neighbouring Arima Borough Corporation and the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation to bolster those from the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation.

We will do whatever we can to help, Hosein said.
Another microcephaly birth

We are investigating one more as we speak, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh told reporters yesterday at the Hilton Trinidad following the opening of a workshop on Maternal Mortality and Near-Miss Audit Training.

Asked to give further information, he said, I have no details. I will not divulge the area. Families have been asking for their privacy to be respected. Meanwhile, he said, the first baby born with microcephaly due to the Zika virus was doing as well as can be expected. An audiological testing was conducted on the baby and the parents got the results, he said. Asked what the results were, the minister said, I cannot divulge anybodys medical history. All the systems were in place to treat with the growth and development of the baby, he said. He added that the Ministry of Health has made arrangements with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services to get financial aid for the family and this has begun.

On confirmed Zika cases, he said, There were quite a few. The four counties with the highest numbers were St George East, St George West, St George Central and Victoria.

The major issue with combating the Zika virus, he said, was still the publics reluctance to clean their surroundings. Deyalsingh said that public health inspectors hade served over 3,000 notices and the majority have cleaned up their surroundings. If they do not clean up within a week, they are fined.

So a certain percentage have been fined, he said.
Blackboard falls on 5-year-olds

According to relatives, around 1 pm the girls, both five-yearolds, were playing near a mounted blackboard when it overbalanced and fell on them. The girls were rushed to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope for treatment.

One of the injured girls, Sofeil Clinton, was said to be recovering well, despite minor headaches.

Her mother, Soleil Clinton, said she had just returned home from running errands when she was contacted by school officials who informed her that her daughter was injured in an accident.

I was very scared when the school called and told me what happened.

But fortunately the injuries werent extensive and the principal has contacted me to ask about her condition. All of the staff at the school were very concerned about the incident and were very helpful to me. However, Nyta Clinton, Sofeils grandmother, said the incident has left her upset.

She could not understand how teachers left the children unsupervised.

This is all very upsetting. I dont understand how the teachers at this school allowed the children to play around a blackboard that they knew was a potential hazard to children. Its very distressing to me, because these are the people we trust our children with, she said.
Tears at murdered teens funeral

We never thought this would have happened, said Lewis tearful aunt Cheryl Joachim. Delivering the eulogy at a funeral service at Gran Couva RC Church, Joachim said family members are having a difficult time coping with the teens death.

I stand here in grief and anger to say goodbye to such a loving, blessed and unique child. I ask God, why, but God is good and I know he (Lewis) is in a better place, she told mourners. Joachim in recalling fond memories of Lewis said that he filled the hearts of many with joy.

According to reports at about 6.30 pm Saturday last, Lewis was shot dead at Cemetery Extension off Carli Bay Road in Perseverance Village. Lewis originally from Freeport, was in the Couva district to attend a prayer service at the home of one of his friends.

Lewis was laid to rest at the Gran Couva Cemetery. Up to late yesterday, a 17-year-old suspect was assisting police in their investigations.
Maternal mortality reduced

Addressing the opening of a three-day regional workshop on Maternal Mortality and Near- Miss Audit Training at the Hilton Trinidad, St Anns, Deyalsingh said, We have saved three lives (this year) due to simple intervention in the management of PPH.

Based on data available, he said PPH was the number one reason for maternal mortality. As such the ministry invited the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization representative, Dr Bernadette Theodore- Gandi, to provide assistance in training local obstetricians and gynaecologists in the management of PPH. According to Theodore-Gandi, 40 local healthcare providers from the Regional Health Authorities were trained in PPH, and over 200 healthcare workers were trained in perinatal information system to assist in better clinical management of pregnancies.

Noting that an ectopic-pregnant mother who recently presented herself in a poor state at the San Fernando General Hospital had died subsequently, Deyalsingh said he has asked PAHO/WHO to once more assist in the management of ectopic pregnancies as well. Saying also that gestational diabetes was a big problem of maternal deaths locally, he said the ministry has obtained an agreement with Prof Surujpal Teelucksingh, researcher in non-communicable diseases and the Helen Bhagwansingh Diabetes Education, Research and Prevention Institute to start a national screening programme in public hospitals on gestational diabetes.

Tackling gestational diabetes, he said, will not only result in a healthier pregnant woman but in a healthier baby that will not grow up to be a diabetic child. Infant diabetes, he said, was also a big problem.

Just over a year ago, when he took office, Deyalsingh said he had to deal with two maternal deaths within a space of three days and address a similar meeting at the same venue a few days after.

I am proud to say that, one year later, I can stand before this audience, as opposed to 12 months ago, a little more relaxed, because I no longer have this recurring decimal every month of a maternal death, he said.
1 THA person doing 3 jobs

Speaking at a media briefing at the front of the Victor E Bruce Complex in Scarborough which houses the Division, Phillips pointed to Moodys downgrade of the THA to B++3 in April this year and the 2017 draft estimate of the budget as presented by Jack. In June 2016, my dear Secretary of Finance and Enterprise Development published on the THAs website a draft of the 2017 budget, the draft of that budget was in the sum of $5.3 billion.

The THA has never received anything close to $3 billion from the central government in any budget, so, when one looks at the increase from the normal $3billion to $5.3 billion, one has to question the competency of the Secretary. Clearly, he doesnt understand the implications of that Moody downgrade. Had he understood the implications, his draft budget would have been somewhere in the vicinity of $2.5 - $2.2 billion, Phillips said.

He also questioned the holding of three different portfolios by a person employed in the THA.

There is someone in there doing three jobs, Phillips alleged. He claimed that person was an advisor, who is also chairman of an enterprise company under the THA. This advisor and chairman is also an independent auditor.

This auditor, who is chairman and advisor, is performing audits in the public space, auditing the enterprise companies under the THA. That is a clear breach of his independence, said Phillips.

Phillips called for all companies in the THA that has been audited by this specific auditor to be revisited. I am calling on the Minister of Finance, as Corporation Sole in the country, to investigate and bring some closure to this situation because clearly, he (the person doing three jobs in the THA) is not independent and he should not be auditing these companies, he said.

Contacted for a comment on Phillips claims, Finance Secretary Joel Jack said he would respond via a press release.

Up to press time, no release had been sent by the Secretary. Phillips also told reporters that the problem in Tobago was not a lack of money. In Tobago, we have a lack of digression from financial responsibilities, the paradigms need to be changes.

We have to change the way we do budgets. We can no longer depend on an annual budget if Tobago is to go forward.

The Central Government must have an insight into the programmes that we want to institute over a long run, preferably three years, he explained.

Phillips said he returned to Tobago from the United States in 2013 and since then, has been monitoring Tobagos finances and prior to that, he monitored the islands finances from the United States.

I spoke to the Chief Secretary (Orville London) about ten years ago with regards the issues surrounding the auditor generals inability to complete the audit of the THA and to date nothing has been done, we need to fix that, he said.
Too many too long on remand

He echoed the views expressed earlier at the function by teacher/ journalist, Debbie Jacob, who lamented that some of the men who was now teaching at the facility she had first met as youngsters at the Youth Training Facility (YTC) when first detained, and now are still awaiting trial.

Debbie met some of you at YTC and she migrated to here with you as you aged, said Aboud. The system must be bad if someone is waiting all that time for a trial. Earlier Prisons Commissioner, Sterling Stewart, hailed Jacob as a true labourer, servant and mother and the kind of person more of which the prison system needs help from.

In prison we cant do it alone, he said by way of appeal for outside assistance.

Stewart disclosed that the prison system is serviced by help from 120 volunteer individuals representing 17 faith-based organisations (such as churches).

Saying he has seen transformation, rehabilitation and reformation of inmates, he nonetheless advised the inmates present that it all starts with them taking ownership of their situation and accepting responsibility, quoting 1 Cor 11.

Advising them to focus on obedience, discipline, responsibility, respect and relationship, Stewart urge all my sons to seek out harmony, to obey the Golden Rule (Do unto others).

He shared his favourite scripture Gal 6:9 to advise the men to never tire of doing good. Stewart urged the men to not think of themselves as being victims, adding, Its all in your head.

Earlier two teams of inmates debated the topic, Should a person be judged by their religion?.

Arguing for the motion were inmates Netfa Felix, Kevon Clarke, De Jean Brooker, Brian Rambo Rambaran, Khalid Malick and Chike Portillo. Againstthe motion were Daryl Wade, Andrew Supersad, Akili Charles, Donnell Innis, Mikado Toussaint and Michael Marshall.
Ex Corporation chairman: Government must deliver

Work has started just over six months and it stopped, he said, adding that there is no water supply to these areas. In light of the re-count of votes in the Cocal/Mafeking area, Hazarie said he is happy that they have decided to do this and he is hoping that the UNC is victorious in this area. The PNMs Brinsley Andy Maharaj won this seat after the Local Government elections. Hazarie said unlike the others areas where there were low voter turn-out, 1,639 people voted in his area of Rio Claro North.

The PNMs Nisha Laurel Nedd received 728 votes.

He went on to say that is 2015 Rio Claro received $11.7 million which was a vast reduction from 2014 when they received $17.9 million. In the last budget the Minister of finance allocated $13.5 million and I am hoping that this money will be released to the corporation as promised, he said. Ramdeen also called on the Minister of Works and Transport, Fitzgerald Hinds to follow up on repairs to the Naparima Mayaro Road. He said that work has slowed down on this main road from Princes Town to Rio Claro and traffic is directed to side street such as Jafoor Road which is underdeveloped.

He said the mission of the corporation remains to forge proactive partnerships with all stakeholders for the sustainable development of the Mayaro/ Rio Claro region by efficiently delivering services in a just manner.

The corporation is in charge of Rio Claro, Mayaro, Biche, Ecclesville, Charuma, Mafeking, Cocal and Guayaguayare.
More election talk likely in House

According to the Order Paper for Fridays sitting, the main item of business on the agenda is debate on a motion to approve the draft Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) (Local Government and THA) (Tobago) Order 2016.

Should this motion be debated, it will be the first one piloted by new Rural Development and Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein, since his appointment to this post on October 31 when Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley reshuffled the Cabinet.

Also on the agenda for discussion is a motion to approve President Anthony Carmonas nomination for attorney Martin George to be appointed a member of the Police Service Commission. According to the motion, which will be piloted by Leader of Government Business Camille Robinson- Regis, the nomination for Georges appointment was made on November 24. On the Order Paper too is the Tax Information Exchange Bill 2016.

During a news conference at the Eric Williams Financial Complex on November 16, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said, As soon as this local (government) election is over, we will be back in the Parliament and the first order of business will be FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). With Parliament expected to take its Christmas recess around mid-December, Imbert was optimistic the Bill will be passed in the House before that and brought to the Senate in January.

Reminding reporters that the US Treasury asked Government to submit a detailed action plan for implementation of FATCA requirements, Imbert said this involved passing the legislation and putting the necessary systems in place to allow the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) to report to the Treasury on US citizens and corporations doing business in TT.
Syria lashes out at Turkish president, calls him 'tyrant'

Syrian Arab Republic,Politics,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Damascus, Dec 1 (IANS) Syria's Foreign Ministry lashed out at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the remarks he recently made against the Syrian government, branding the Turkish leader as "tyrant."

"Syria will not allow this tyrant to intervene in its internal affairs and will cut off the hands that try to harm it," Xinhua news agency quoted a statement by the ministry on Wednesday.

The statement came after Erdogan said on Tuesday that the aim of his intervention in Syria is to end the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.

"The remarks of Erdogan reflect the real intentions behind the Turkish aggression on Syria and that's a result of his greed and illusions that feed the the thoughts of this extremist tyrant," the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the ministry urged the international community to put an end to the "Erdogan's meddling in the affairs of the regional countries" as it poses a threat to international peace.

The Turkish army has recently intervened in northern Syria to back rebel groups under a campaign called 'Euphrates Shield', declaring to fight Islamic State (IS) group and prevent Kurdish militias from taking over key areas in the region.

Following Turkish intervention, the Syrian government made it clear that it will deal with the Turkish forces as a force of occupation.

A couple of weeks ago, three Turkish soldiers were killed near the Syrian northern city of al-Bab, which is controlled by the IS.

IANS

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Salman Khan welcomes Ahan Shetty in film industry

Maharashtra,Cinema/Showbiz,Bollywood, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Mumbai, Dec 1 (IANS) Superstar Salman Khan has welcomed actor Suniel Shetty's son Ahan in the Indian film industry.

Salman on Wednesday evening tweeted that he is happy for Ahan signing a film with filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala.

"Ahan Looking good! I'm so happy. Just heard you signed a film with Grandson NGE Movies Welcome to the Indian film Industry," Salman tweeted.

Ahan is reportedly in London undergoing special training for his debut film.

Filmmaker Karan Johar had previously said that Ahan is a "star in the waiting".

--IANS

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World is moving towards abolition of death penalty: Gopalkrishna Gandhi (IANS Interview)

Delhi,National,Immigration/Law/Rights,Art/Culture/Books, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) One hundred and forty of 195 countries have abolished the death penalty but it still looms large over the world as the nations that have retained it -- including India -- account for the bulk of the global population, former diplomat and Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi says, urging that the punishment be removed from the statute.

"The world is moving towards the abolition of death penalty... but the countries that have retained this penalty are those which have the largest populations. So, the majority of the world is still under the death penalty," Mahatma Gandhi's grandson, a former Bengal Governor, told IANS in an interview ahead of the formal release of his book, "Abolishing the Death Penalty: Why India Should Say No to Capital Punishment" (Aleph).

"It is curious that the countries that have retained death penalty are those which have a certain punishment mentality like USA, China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, North Korea and Pakistan. So we are in the company of China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, North Korea and Pakistan. What are our compulsions? Why are we retaining it?"

"Some argue that terrorism is the reason. Death penalty does not deter murder. Does death penalty deter terror? We cannot say. But terror has continued. The bizarre thing about terrorism is that the terrorists are prepared to die in the act of terror itself. They are in a fitoor (craze), in which maut (death) is regarded as a shahadat (martyrdom). So will it deter them?" asked Gandhi, who has served as Secretary to President K.R. Narayanan and as High Commissioner to South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Gandhi's book asks fundamental questions about the ultimate legal punishment awarded to those accused of major crimes and is set to release on December 7.

"My emphasis is not just on the death penalty but on the entire mentality of punishment, which includes the criminal investigation system where violence is a known fact. Many of those under trial may or may not be innocent, but most of them are subjected to violence. So my book is about the Indian attitude to punishment.

"Human evolution is towards the abolition of death penalty. But the states which have given up on death penalty are also the states which are somewhat reforming their criminal investigation system. In India there has been a lot of reforms -- our jails today are not what they were 50 years ago, certainly not what they were in medieval times, when anybody who was taken in prison was bound to be beaten to pulp if not to death -- we are not in medieval times, we live in a modern and civilised world," he added.

In December 2007, India voted against a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for a moratorium on the death penalty. It reitereated its stance in 2012 and 2014, and again as recently as November 21, 2016.

"Our jails are now called correctional homes and there have been a lot of improvement in our criminal investigation system. But we are still keeping the death penalty because the state does not want to lose its power over life. The state thinks of itself as a kind of demigod, which it is not," he said.

"Now death penalty in India is awarded in the rarest of rare case and it is almost exclusively for terror activities. The last Law Commission, headed by Justice A.P. Shah, said that death penalty should be awarded only for acts against the state. The death penalty is the ultimate form of torture.

"Even if the society is in favour of severe punishment and is shutting its eyes to torture, does it mean that the state should also do that? Or, should the state be one step ahead of the society? Should the state only reflect what the society wants or should it lead? I think the state should lead. Our constitution is not a mirror; it is a benchmark that inspires all kinds of development, particularly moral development," Gandhi contended.

Through in-depth analysis, persuasive argument and the marshalling of the considered opinion of jurists, human rights activists, scholars and criminologists, among others, his book argues that the death penalty should be abolished with immediate effect in India.

"Today a majority of Indians, in my opinion, are not against death penalty. It does not mean that we are a blood-thirsty society, no we are not. We are a very peace-loving society.

"There has not been much of a discourse on death penalty at the public level, which is why I think people should talk about and deliberate on the issue. This is not going to happen very fast but we are moving towards abolition," Gandhi hoped.

(Saket Suman can be contacted at saket.s@ians.in <mailto:saket.s@ians.in>)

--IANS

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Rajya Sabha adjourned again till 2 p.m.

Delhi,National,Politics, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha was on Thursday adjourned again as soon as the house met following a 15-minute-long adjournment after opposition leaders demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The House was adjourned till 2 p.m.

As soon as the Prime Minister entered the house, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad sought an apology from him for having projected the opposition as "supporters of black money".

Azad was supported by Derek O'Brien of Trinamool Congress (TMC).

--IANS

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Canadian police forces drunk drivers to listen to Nickelback

Canada,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Ottawa, Dec 1 (IANS) Ahead of Christmas, police in Kensington, Prince Edward Island, Canada, have announced that people caught in drink and driving cases will not only face the usual charges but will also be forced to listen to Canadian rock band Nickleback on their way to jail.

The Kensington Police Service posted the ominous warning on its Facebook page, reports variety.com.

"Now, with that being said, know that the Kensington Police Service will be out for the remainder of year looking for those dumb enough to feel they can drink and drive," the post read.

The post further read: "And when we catch you, and we will catch you, on top of a hefty fine, a criminal charge and a year's driving suspension, we will also provide you with a bonus gift of playing the office copy of Nickelback in the cruiser on the way to jail.

"Now, now, no need to thank us, we figure if you are foolish enough to get behind the wheel after drinking then a little Chad Kroeger and the boys is the perfect gift for you."

The warning was accompanied with a photograph of a cassette of Nickelback's 2001 album "Silver Side Up".

Other police departments have similar punishment for DUIs. The Wyoming, Minnesota police will play songs of British band One Direction instead of Nickelback.

--IANS

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Indian-origin astronomer spots tiniest asteroid

United States,Science/Tech,Diaspora, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New York, Dec 1 (IANS) Using data from four different telescopes, a team of astronomers led by an Indian-origin researcher has reported that an asteroid discovered last year is the tiniest known asteroid.

At two meters (six feet) in diameter, the asteroid, named 2015 TC25, is also one of the brightest near-Earth asteroids ever discovered, the researchers said.

"If we can discover and characterise asteroids and meteoroids this small, then we can understand the population of objects from which they originate: large asteroids, which have a much smaller likelihood of impacting Earth," said Vishnu Reddy, Assistant Professor at University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in the US .

"In the case of 2015 TC25, the likelihood of impacting Earth is fairly small," Reddy, an alumnus of Madurai Kamraj University in Tamil Nadu, said.

Small near-Earth asteroids such as 2015 TC25 are in the same size range as meteorites that fall on Earth. Astronomers discover them frequently, but not very much is known about them as they are difficult to characterise.

By studying such objects in more detail, astronomers hope to better understand the parent bodies from which these meteorites originate.

Discovered by the University of Arizona's Catalina Sky Survey last October, 2015 TC25 was studied extensively by Earth-based telescopes during a close flyby that saw the micro world sailing past Earth at 128,000 kilometres, a mere third of the distance to the moon.

In a paper published in The Astronomical Journal, Reddy noted that new observations from the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility and Arecibo Planetary Radar showed that the surface of the asteroid is similar to a rare type of highly reflective meteorite called an aubrite.

Aubrites consist of very bright minerals, mostly silicates, that formed in an oxygen-free, basaltic environment at very high temperatures. Only one out of every 1,000 meteorites that fall on Earth belong to this class.

"This is the first time we have optical, infrared and radar data on such a small asteroid, which is essentially a meteoroid," Reddy said.

"You can think of it as a meteorite floating in space that hasn't hit the atmosphere and made it to the ground - yet," Reddy noted.

--IANS

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Police, tourism sector in Goa to go cashless soon

Goa,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Panaji, Dec 1 (IANS) A few days after Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar announced making Goa the first cashless state, Goa Tourism and Goa Police introduced several initiatives to make their functioning cashless.

The Goa Police said that systems were being put in place to pay traffic fines by debit or credit card.

Goa Tourism said payments for hotel reservation and other tourism-related services would soon be totally done via plastic money or e-wallets.

Both departments said that its officials were being trained to get accustomed to the transition.

"All Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) residencies are provided with point-of-sale (POS) machines to facilitate cashless payments and most tourists prefer to use this facility.

"It is encouraging to see tourists opting for cashless transactions," GTDC's General Manager (Hotels) Gavin Dias said.

He said that other services like packaged holiday tours and cruise rides would also be brought on the online platform.

Currently, apart from its own hotels and guest houses, GTDC has direct reservation tie-ups with 160 hotels across the state.

Last week, Parrikar chaired a meeting of bureaucrats and bankers in the state, to work out ways to maximise cashless transactions here by December 30.

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police V.A. Gupta said that the first cashless initiative of the department would be to allow payment of traffic fines by debit and credit cards.

"The traffic department has a lot of cash transaction points. Soon people will be able to pay traffic fines by swiping debit and credit cards," Gupta said.

The other police department fees would also be enabled on the online platform by January 2017.

--IANS

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Maruti Suzuki's November sales up 12%

Delhi,Business/Economy, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) Automobile major Maruti Suzuki India on Thursday reported a 12.2 per cent increase in sales for November.

According to the company, its sales during the month under review stood at 135,550 units from 120,824 units sold in the like period of last year.

For last month, the company's domestic sales surged by 14.2 per cent to 126,325 units from 110,599 units sold during the corresponding period of 2015.

However, exports declined by 9.8 per cent with 9,225 units shipped out -- from 10,225 units sold abroad in November last year.

Segment-wise, sales of passenger cars rose by 8.1 per cent to 96,767 units - from 89,479 units sold in the corresponding period of 2015.

The company's passenger car segment comprises of brands like Alto, WagonR, Swift, Ritz, Celerio, Baleno, Dzire, Dzire Tour, and Ciaz.

Besides, sales of utility vehicles which comprises of brands like Gypsy, Ertiga, S-Cross and Vitara Brezza exponentially increased by 98.1 per cent to 17,215 units.

On the other hand, off-take in the van segment, which includes brands like Omni and Eeco, decreased by 1.6 per cent to 12,238 units.

--IANS

rv/dg
Trump to retain high-profile Indian American prosecutor appointed by Obama

United States,Immigration/Law/Rights,Politics,Diaspora, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New York, Dec 1 (IANS) US President-elect Donald Trump is going to keep Indian American Preet Bharara in his job as a high-profile federal prosecutor with charge of Wall Street and important security matters in New York.

Bharara, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, told reporters after meeting with the president-elect on Wednesday that Trump asked him to continue as the US District Attorney for Southern New York and "I agreed to stay on."

Bharara has the reputation of being a crusader against financial institutions that have been blamed for the recent great recession and have been attacked by Trump for causing economic hardship around the nation.

He has taken action against major banks like Citibank and JP Morgan Chase, forcing them to pay billions of dollars to the government to settle the cases.

He has prosecuted over 100 of Wall Street executives for criminal activities like stock trading irregularities using insider information.

They include several Indians like Rajat Gupta, the former head of the consulting company McKinsey and Goldman Sachs director, who served two years in jail for colluding with the Sri Lankan American hedge fund operator Raj Rajaratnam in a stock market scam.

The meeting with Trump and the offer to have Bharara is unusual both because he is a Democrat and an Obama appointee - the only one so far that the Republican has said he will keep on - and because despite its visibility, the job is not of the high-level that Trump is currently trying to fill.

Therefore, it shows the importance Trump attaches to the areas of potential prosecution that Bharara oversees.

Like Bharara, Trump is highly critical of Wall Street manipulations and irregularities, saying: "Wall Street has caused tremendous problems for us."

"I'm not going to let Wall Street get away with murder," Trump has declared, and Bharara would be his minion to ensure that.

Bharara has prosecuted several New York politicians for corruption. The senior-most among them is state assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Democrat, who was given a 12-year sentence for corruption.

Bharara, whose full name is Preetinder Preet Singh Bharara, was born in Ferozepore in 1968 and immigrated to the US as a child.

He sparked a diplomatic stand-off between India and the United States in 2013 when he had a Dalit Indian diplomat, Devyani Khobragade, arrested and strip-searched over allegations that she had made a false statement in the visa application for her maid.

Other diplomats accused of similar offenses were not similarly treated by Bharara and the humiliating action against Khobragade, the Deputy Consul General in New York, brought retaliatory action against by India against US diplomats in India.

Secretary of State John Kerry expressed regret for the incident and the matter was diplomatically resolved with her being allowed to leave the US without prosecution.

Citibank paid a $158 million fine to settle a case Bharara brought against it for misleading the government about loans and in another case made a $7 billion payment to the government after Bharara began investigating its Mexican unit.

JP Morgan Chase was made to forfeit $7 billion for failing to inform authorities about a massive investment fraud by a client.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)

--IANS

abl/vm
Black money: Deposits belie expectations of large windfall (Lead, superseding earlier story 'What

Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) The main reason given by the government for demonetising high denomination notes was to curb black money. Various estimates have been made of the quantum of such money -- which is not expected to be deposited in banks -- ranging from Rs 3 lakh crore to Rs 5 lakh crore.

But if one goes by the deposit trends so far and the projections, the black money expected to be purged may be much less than expected.

On Tuesday, in a reply in Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Finance, Arjun Ram Meghwal, said that there were 17,165 million pieces of Rs 500 notes and 6,858 million pieces of Rs 1,000 notes in circulation on November 8, 2016, the day Modi made the announcement of demonetising the two high denomination notes.

The total amount of high denomination currency circulating in the system on that day was, thus, Rs 15.44 lakh crore or $225 billion (Rs 8.58 lakh crore in Rs 500 notes and Rs 6.86 lakh crore in Rs 1,000).

Although, all commercial banks in India have to maintain a portion of their deposits with the RBI known as cash reserve ratio (CRR), this amount -- Rs. 4.06 lakh crore -- does not form part of money in circulation. (An earlier IANS story had incorrectly counted this as part of the total money in circulation with the public.)

On November 28, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that Rs 8.45 lakh crore or $124 billion (Rs 8,44,962 crore) in the banned high denomination notes had been deposited in the banks between November 10 and November 27. Banks were closed on November 9.

If one adds the money with banks of around Rs 65,000 crore in high denomination notes (of total money with them of approximately Rs 76,000 crore) to amount deposited by November 27, it means that almost 60 per cent of the old high denomination currencies are accounted for in 18 days.

According to experts, the amount of money exected to be deposited in the remain 33 days may well exceed the expectations if one were to go by the trends so far and may surprise the banks and the government, thus throwing to the winds the calculations about black money in circulation.

Either there's not much black money left in high denomination notes or those who have such money have already put it back into the banking system.

In any case, the calculation of Rs 3 lakh crore to Rs 5 lakh crore as black money may not stand.

--IANS

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M777 deal a major step forward, says US envoy

Delhi,National,Defence/Security,Business/Economy, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) United States Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Thursday called the M777 artillery deal as a major step forward in the US-India defence relationship.

"As major defence partners, the United States and India remain committed to enhancing military modernisation efforts and building a security partnership based on trust, transparency and shared interests," Ambassador Verma said in a statement on the M777 agreement.

"Indian industry will partner with the US defence subsidiary of BAE Systems to locally assemble, integrate and test the howitzers, supporting Prime Minister Modi's Make-in-India campaign," he said.

Out of 145 guns, BAE will deliver 25 guns and the rest 120 will be assembled in India by Mahindra.

India on Wednesday signed Letter of Agreement and Acceptance (LOA) with the US to purchase 145 M777 ultra-light artillery guns through the foreign military sale (FMS) route.

The 155mm/39 calibre gun, with maximum range of 30 km, is manufactured by the BAE Systems and can be transported through helicopter or aircraft.

The ultra light howitzer is being purchased primarily to deploy on mountains in eastern China border. This will provide the much-needed fire power to the Indian Army in the mountains.

"This deal marks a major step forward in the US-India defence relationship and supports jobs in both our countries," Verma was quoted as saying in the statement.

--IANS

rs/nir
Next Gen Nokia smartphones coming in early 2017

Finland,Technology,Business/Economy, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Helsinki, Dec 1 (IANS) Finnish company HMD Global on Thursday announced that it would bring a new generation of mobile phones to consumers, with the first smartphone product set to be launched in the first half of 2017 along side the existing Nokia branded feature phone business.

The launch comes just six months after the company signed a strategic licensing agreement with Nokia, giving HMD exclusive rights to use Nokia brand on mobile phones and tablets worldwide for the next 10 years.

"We see this as a brilliant opportunity to solve real life consumer problems and to deliver on the quality and designs that the Nokia brand has been always known for. Our team is uniquely placed in this setup to deliver promise of reliable Nokia phones for consumers," HMD Global CEO Arto Nummela said in a statement.

HMD has developed a strategic partnership model that will see it working with some of the world's leading technology companies including Nokia, FIH Mobile Limited (FIH) and Google.

"We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown around the world for the return of the Nokia brand to smartphones. I am sure our millions of Nokia fans will be excited to see their new products," Brad Rodrigues, Interim President of Nokia Technologies, said.

Future Nokia smartphones will utilise Google's Android operating system, currently deployed on 86 per cent of the world's smartphones.

--IANS

sku/na/bg
Rajya Sabha adjourned for day as opposition demands Modi's apology (Third Lead)

Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday amid opposition's uproar over its demand for an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly projecting outside Parliament that the entire opposition was supporting black money.

In the morning, the house was adjourned for 15 minutes but later adjourned to 2 p.m. when the opposition continued to demand an apology from Modi.

When the house met again at 2 p.m., Deputy Speaker P.J. Kurien tried to persuade the protesting members to continue the discussion on the November 8 demonetisation but opposition members, led by those from the Congress, trooped near the Chairman's podium to demand an apology from Modi, who was present in the house at the time.

Kurien said: "This is unfair. Your demand was that the Prime Minister should come to the house. Now he is here. You continue the discussion."

But the Opposition didn't relent and shouted slogans like 'Pradhan Mantri maafi maango (Prime Minister, apologise).

Amid the din, Kurien adjourned the house for the day.

Earlier, Modi entered the house at noon, when a heated exchange was on between the opposition and the treasury benches over allegations that the government had bypassed the Rajya Sabha by taking the "money bill route" while going for amendment to income tax law.

The opposition MPs, including those from the Congress and Samajwadi Party, were referring to the Income Tax Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016, which was declared a money bill and passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

"The question is if the bill is a money bill or not. The question is the route the money bill took to bypass this house," Congress member Jairam Ramesh said, adding that he was not questioning Article 110 of the Constitution (that defines a money bill) or the Lok Sabha Speaker's decision to declare it a money bill.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Constitution is clear on which bill is a money bill.

As soon as Modi entered the upper house, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad sought his apology for allegedly portraying the entire opposition as supporters of black money.

"The entire opposition is with the Prime Minister in the fight against black money. But he said the opposition parties support black money. He should aplogise," Azad said.

The treasury benches protested noisily at this demand. Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu accused the opposition of running away from discussion.

Mayawati and Sharad Yadav reiterated their demand that Modi should sit through the entire debate as Trinamool member Derek O'Brien also demanded an apology.

Amid sloganeering and pandemonium, Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House for 15 minutes. But when it reconvened, the opposition members again started raising slogans 'Pradhan Mantri maafi maango' and came near the Chairman's podium. Ansari adjourned the House till 2.00 p.m.

In the morning, when the house met, the Trinamool Congress raised the issue of delay in landing permission to a plane carrying West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Kolkata airport on Wednesday evening.

"The pilot sought landing, saying he was short of fuel. But the flight was put on hold. It was made to hover (over the airport) for a considerable time. There was not only the Chief Minister, but also hundreds of passengers onboard," O'Brien said.

Opposition members, irrespective of party affiliation, supported O'Brien on the issue.

Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati, Janata Dal-United's Sharad Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal's Prem Chand Gupta, Communist Party of India-Marxist's T.K. Rangarajan, Trichuri Shiva of AIADMK and Rajiv Shukla of the Congress demanded a thorough inquiry in the matter and tabling of the report in the house.

--IANS

mak/tsb/dg
Soldiers deployed at two toll plazas without telling us: Mamata

West Bengal,National,Politics, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Kolkata, Dec 1 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the Union government of "deploying the army" along two highway toll plazas while keeping the state governmnt "in the dark".

Banerjee, also supremo of the ruling Trinamool Congress, said the state Chief Secretary was writing to the central government and she will approach President Pranab Mukherjee to seek clarification over the alleged deployment of the army at the Dankuni and Palsit toll plazas on National Highway 2 (connecting Delhi and Kolkata).

"Army has been deployed in the state without informing the state government. This is unacceptable. We do not know anything about it. It has never happened," she told the media here.

"We want details. Federal structure has been disrupted and democracy twisted. Has Emergency been declared? We had no information," she added.

--IANS

sgh/ssp/vd/dg
End crisis or resign, Kisan Sabha tells Modi

Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi must either quit or take urgent steps to end the misery caused by the note ban, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) said on Thursday.

The government must take immediate steps to put an end to the miseries of the common people by allowing old notes till alternative arrangements for their replacement was made, the AIKS said in a statement.

The government must also end all the restrictions imposed on withdrawal of money from banks and ATMs or Modi should resign at once, it added.

The statement called the November 8 demonetisation "a pre-calculated move to save the corporate houses who are in acute crisis by ensuring cash flow through public sector banks by looting the savings of the common people.

"The demonetisation is not aimed at curbing black money or to transform India into a cashless society as claimed by Modi," it added.

The AIKS said 240 corporate institutions, or 48 per cent of the top 500 corporate companies with an overall debt of Rs 12.4 lakh crore, were facing the risk of being excluded from the Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A).

The public sector banks were also facing a severe crisis of growing non performing assets (NPA).

It said the RBI was losing control over the public credit system due to the pro-corporate policy of the Modi government "which writes off whopping debts of corporate forces every year.

"In the last 21 days, Rs 9.35 lakh crore has been remitted in the public sector banks by the common people. Bank employees (feel) around 90-95 per cent of the cancelled currency will be deposited in the banks."

But it said the government was not ready to give back the money of the common people and at the same time writing off loans given to corporate houses.

"The people are facing severe economic and financial crisis and nobody can predict an immediate end to it," it said.

"It seems the government and RBI have lost control over fiscal management of the country."

--IANS

mr/sar
Cash-strapped on pay day, people gherao bank official in Kolkata

West Bengal,National,Business/Economy, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Kolkata, Dec 1 (IANS) Irate customers on Thursday gheraoed a bank manager in southwest Kolkata and a section of government staff protested at the RBI office here as banks and ATMs failed to dispense adequate cash on pay day, leading to chaos at various places.

Operations at the Punjab National Bank branch in Khidirpur area was affected for some time after customers gheraoed its manager after the former were refused withdrawal of Rs 24,000, the maximum weekly limit as per RBI guidelines after demonetisation.

"In order to serve the maximum number of customers with the available cash, the bank put a further cap on the withdrawal limit but customers opposed the decision and demanded they be allowed to withdraw the full amount," said Bank Employees Federation of India's General Secretary Pradip Kumar Biswas.

"They gheraoed the branch manager, hampering banking operations for some time," Biswas said. Police intervened to restore normalcy.

Familiar scenes of long queues of customers before bank branches and automated teller machine outlets seen since November 8 were back to haunt the people since Thursday morning -- the first pay day after the demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes.

From young working professionals to pensioners, a large number of people queued up long before banks opened.

"Our bank accounts have been refilled but our pockets are mostly empty. Let's see if we have some luck," a young information technology firm's employee said outside an ATM in Salt Lake, Kolkata's IT hub.

A number of ATMs in the city and its suburbs displayed 'no cash' notices while those still functioning mostly dispensed Rs 2,000 notes.

A man said he went to a bank to withdraw his salary but was told he could get only Rs 1,500 due to cash shortage. "I refused and returned home," he said.

Queues at city banks were relatively longer as many people wished to withdraw the maximum amount allowed in order to avoid a cash crunch in running households for the next few days.

"Withdrawal at ATMs is limited. I need bigger amount to run my house. That's why I am planning to withdraw Rs 24,000 from the bank," said a middle-aged man stading in queue at a nationalised bank since 7.30 a.m.

Even West Bengal government employees faced the cash crunch heat. The ATMs on state Secretariat Nabanna premises saw a mad rush.

"We had to skip office to withdraw money. Important office work in several departments is hampered due to the adverse situation," a government employee complained.

United State Government Employees' Federation organised a rally and agitated in front of the Reserve Bank of India branch to protest against what they said was acute cash crisis on the first day of December.

The protesters accused the RBI of not abiding by withdrawal regulations that they themselves implemented.

"The RBI is unable to provide people with the money it promised. It is getting tough for state government employees to run their households or even pay for their children's education," a federation member griped.

--IANS

mgr/ssp/tsb/vm
Soldiers deployed at two toll plazas without telling us: Mamata

West Bengal,National,Politics, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Kolkata, Dec 1 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the central government of "deploying the army" along two highway toll plazas while keeping the state government "in the dark".

However, the Defence Ministry denied the allegation, saying it was an annual exercise conducted throughout the country for getting data about the load carriers to be made available to the army in contingency situations.

Banerjee, also supremo of the ruling Trinamool Congress, said the state Chief Secretary was writing to the central government and she would approach President Pranab Mukherjee to seek clarification over the alleged deployment of the army at the Dankuni and Palsit toll plazas on National Highway 2 (connecting Delhi and Kolkata).

"Army has been deployed in the state without informing the state government. This is a very sensitive issue. This is unacceptable. We do not know anything about it. It has never happened," Banerjee told the media here.

"We want details. Federal structure has been disrupted and democracy twisted. Has Emergency been declared? We had no information," she asserted.

She iterated that a civil operation cannot be launched by the Army without informing the state and claimed it was the result of a "political vendetta".

"What was the magnitude of the incident that the central government didn't inform the state government? This is a political vendetta," she said.

Continuing her tirade against the Narendra Modi-led government, she posed: "Is it some kind of planning to start a war within the country? The road is ours and is administered under the state's law and order although it is categorised under the Centre's National Highway Authority of India."

She claimed the public is being harassed and their vehicles are being stopped along the toll collection points.

"The public is panicking. If this is happening in a civil area in Bengal, this could happen in Bihar, next in Uttar Pradesh, then in Tamil Nadu and other states as well. It is a very serious situation and it is more dangerous than Emergency. We are facing an extremely black day," she added.

Soon after Banerjee made the sensational allegation, a Defence Ministry spokesman said there was "nothing alarming about this" and the exercise is carried out as per government orders.

"The army conducts annual exercise throughout the county with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency," said the spokesman.

The three-day exercise, now being conducted within the Eastern Command area, would end on Friday.

"For this purpose vehicles are spotted to get basic parameters like load capacity. The vehicle is then marked so that the next checkpoint knows that the vehicle had already been checked for the parameters. There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders," he said.

According to the spokesman, the exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles that are passing through certain area that could be tapped during operations.

--IANS

sgh/ssp/pgh/bg
Aditya Birla Group to set up apparel manufacturing unit in Odisha

Orissa,National,Business/Economy, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Bhubaneswar, Dec 1 (IANS) Aditya Birla Retail and Fashion Ltd (ABFRL) will set up an apparel manufacturing unit in Odisha with a capacity of 2.5 million pieces per annum, said a statement on Thursday.

Laying the foundation stone for the unit on Thursday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Thursday lauded the Aditya Birla Group for this initiative.

"We are proud to bring the manufacturing of apparels for our premium brands like Louis Phillips, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England, to Odisha as a part of the Make in Odisha initiative," said Ashish Dikshit, the Business Head of ABFRL.

"This is our first manufacturing unit outside Bangalore region. Our unit will have the capacity of 2.5 million pieces per annum and generate employment for about 1,600 people, most of whom will be women," he added.

--IANS

cd/vd
Opposition submits memorandum to President against IT Amendment Bill

Delhi,National,Politics, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) Terming passage of the Income Tax Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha without any discussion akin to trampling of democracy, 16 opposition parties, including the Congress, on Thursday met President Pranab Mukherjee seeking his intervention in the matter.

Amid loud protests by the opposition, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016, to facilitate levy of 60 percent tax on undisclosed income.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Communist Party of India-Marxist politburo member Mohammad Salim were among a host of leaders from the opposition parties, who met Mukherjee and submitted a memorandum seeking his intervention in the matter.

"There is a sense in the country that voice of the people is being suppressed. This is being done across the country and now being done inside parliament," Gandhi told media persons after the meeting.

"This is not the way to run parliamentary business and that is why we came to the President here to complain. We complained to him how the voice of parliament, voice of the Lok Sabha is being crushed," he said.

"Sixteen opposition parties came to speak to the President about the way the Taxation Amendment Bill was passed. Naturally we are aggrieved as parliamentary system is being diluted. So we approached the President urging him to ensure that bills are passed according to rules and regulations. We hope to get positive results," said Bandyopadhyay.

"The Constitution lays down in detail the procedure of passing a bill. In our memorandum to the President, we said that it was a black day in the history of parliament when this bill was passed in contravention of the constitution," said Salim.

The memorandum said: "Members of Lok Sabha had given 11 notices of amendments to the Bill of which seven required Presidential assent. We were not allowed to move these seven amendments.

"The mandatory provision of the Constituion and the Rules of Procedure are being totally violated in passing this Bill. The government, for reasons beyond our comprehension, passed this Bill without affording opportunity and depriving our democratic rights and privileges, a travesty of justice."

According to the Bill, the declarant will have to pay a tax of 60 per cent and an additional surcharge of 25 per cent of the tax (i.e. 15 per cent of income), resulting in a total tax component of 75 per cent.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, while moving the bill for consideration and passing, called it one of the steps by the central government to curb black money.

--IANS

and/vd
One arrested for duping students of lakhs

Delhi,National,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) A 40-year-old man was arrested by Delhi Police's Crime Branch for cheating eight students in the name of getting them admissions in medical colleges abroad, police said on Thursday.

The accused has been identified as Gopalan Anish Acharya, a native of Kerala. He was arrested from his home in an apartment complex in Dwarka area of west Delhi.

"Acharya used to dupe students by assuring them of admission in various medical courses in the colleges of Central Asian countries, including Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

"He took Rs 18 lakh from each student and duped eight students from Durg in Chhattisgarh," Joint Commissioner of Police (JCB) Crime Branch Ravindra Yadav told IANS.

A case was registered in this connection in Chhattisgarh on the complaint of Dr Premlal Baghel after Acharya duped his son of Rs 18 lakh assuring him admission in a Kyrgyz medical college.

The Chhattisgarh Police subsequently sought help from Delhi Police, the JCP said.

Acharya's two associates Vaishno and Arvind Ghosh were earlier arrested by police in Durg, police said.

They had floated an educational society by the name of Luxmi Narain Education Consultancy, located at Pushtak Road in Durg, Yadav said.

--IANS

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Bengaluru bids tearful adieu to Major killed in Nagrota

Karnataka,National,Terrorism,Defence/Security, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

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Bengaluru, Dec 1 (IANS) Hundreds of people, including army officers, friends and relatives, bid an emotional adieu here on Thursday to Major Akshay Girish Kumar, who died in the gun battle when militants attacked an army base near Jammu.

The armed forces gave a 21-gun salute to the mortal remains of the 31-year-old soldier before the last rites with military honours in the city's northern suburb.

Kumar was one of the seven army men, including five soldiers killed in the fierce gunfight inside the Nagrota Cantonment, which also houses the 16 Corps headquarters. Three militants were also killed in the attack.

Earlier in the day, Kumar's mortal remains were flown in from Jammu via New Delhi in a military aircraft to the Yelahanka Air Force station on the city's outskirts.

His parents -- retired Wing Commander Girish Kumar and mother Meghana -- and his widow Sangeetha and their two-and-half-year-old daughter Naina accompanied the cortege carrying the body.

Besides Karnataka Law & Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra, many senior army and IAF officers and dignitaries paid their last respects and laid a wreath at the coffin draped in the tri-colour.

A special ceremony was held with an army band paying glowing tributes to the slain officer at the air base before the body was taken to his house in Yelahanka for public viewing by hundreds of mourners from across the city.

Jayachandra also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh to Kumar's family on the occasion on behalf of the state government.

Bengaluru-born Kumar was with the 51 Engineer Regiment of the Bengal Sappers. He entered the Indian Army after graduating from the National Defence Academy.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others have condoled Kumar's tragic death.

--IANS

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BJP hits out at Congress over hacking allegations

Delhi,National,Politics, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) The BJP on Thursday hit out at Congress for raising fingers at it for the hacking of Twitter accounts of the party and Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

"The allegations on BJP for hacking of Twitter accounts of Congress and Rahul Gandhi are baseless, misleading and laughable. Accusing BJP for this shows the mental bankruptcy of the Congress," BJP National Secretary Srikant Sharma said in a statement.

"The BJP refutes the allegations leveled in frustration. The Congress should refrain doing politics of such low level," he added.

Raising the issue of digital and cyber security after the Twitter handles of the party and Gandhi were hacked, the Congress said, "Every right-thinking Indian is shocked by such despotic and vulgar attempts, which reflect the extremities of a growing intolerant culture around us, which resorts to abuse and insult every time it has not answers to questions raised by those who disagree with a certain point of view."

Sharma, the BJP's media cell in charge said that it is Twitter, which is responsible for the accounts hacking and not the BJP.

"Police is investigating the matter. Government's IT department is also cooperating the Police. The BJP does not believe in such work culture and condemns the act," he said.

--IANS

bns/vd
Army major, jawan killed in Nagrota attack cremated

Maharashtra,National,Terrorism,Defence/Security, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Solapur/Nanded (Maharashtra), Dec 1 (IANS) Major Kunal M. Gosavi and Lance Naik Sambhaji Y. Kadam, who were killed in Tuesday's terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir, were cremated with full military honours at their native villages on Thursday.

Gosavi, 32, of Wakhri village of Pandharpur in Solapur and Kadam, 35, of Janapur village in Nanded, were among seven Indian soldiers killed in the terror strike that morning.

The officer is survived by his wife, parents and four-year-old daughter Umang, who lit his funeral pyre this afternoon.

Similarly, Kadam's three-year old daughter Tejasvini lit her father's funeral pyre helped by her grieving relatives, late this evening.

Over 50,000 people turned up for the last rites in both the districts, along with several army officers and jawans, representatives of the state government, legislators, district police officers and local social groups.

Cries hailing their martyrdom as 'Major Kunal Gosavi Amar Rahe', 'Jawan Sambhaji Kadam Amar Rahe' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' rent the air as their funeral corteges were brought to open public grounds in their village this afternoon.

Gosavi had come home for a month's vacation and left to join duty last Saturday. He was seen off at Pune by his mother Vrunda Gosavi who later stayed back with her elder son.

Early on Tuesday morning Major Gosavi was sleeping at his home in Jammu when the terrorists struck.

Born in Wakhri village near the the world famous temple town of Pandharpur in March 1983, Gosavi was educated here. He graduated from the Brihan Maharashtra Commerce College (BMCC).

Hailing from a very poor family of Nanded, Kadam was born in Janapur village and joined the Indian Army as a soldier in 2001.

He is survived by his parents - a security guard father and a domestic labourer mother, wife Sakhubai and three year old daughter Tejasvini, all living in Pune.

Posted in the Fifth Maratha Light Infantry, Kadam had sought a posting in Jammu and Kashmir for joining the fight against cross-border terror. He was due to retire around 2018.

--IANS

qn/vd
Italian refinery in flames after explosion

Italy,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Pavia, Dec 1 (IANS/AKI) A massive blaze broke out after an explosion on Thursday at a refinery near the northern Italian city of Pavia belonging to oil and gas giant Eni.

There were no immediate reports of casualties at the refinery, which is one of the largest in Italy.

Fire and emergency services were scrambled to the refinery in the town of Nazaro de Burgondi, where the fire broke out at 4 p.m. (local time)

Plumes of black smoke could be seen billowing above the surrounding area, which eyewitnesses filmed and posted to social media.

"The fire is currently being extinguished," Eni said in a press statement.

"No damage to people has been registered. The causes of the fire are being determined," the statement added.

Workers were ordered into bunkers at the plant.

In a message on its Facebook page, the local council advised residents to stay in their homes or to seek shelter in the nearest closed location.

Roads around the refinery were closed to traffic and police and staff from Italy's civil protection agency were deployed to the area.

--IANS/AKI

vd
Mamata stays put despite army withdrawal from toll plaza (Fifth Lead)

West Bengal,National,Politics,Defence/Security, Fri, 02 Dec 2016 IANS

Kolkata, Dec 2 (IANS) In a dramatic turn of events, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vowed to stay put at the secretariat despite the withdrawal of soldiers from a toll gate close to it early Friday.

Accusing the central government of "deploying the army" along a highway toll plaza, which is at the second Hooghly Bridge and about 500 m from the secretariat, Banerjee had previously said that the state government was kept "in the dark".

"I won't leave unless the army is withdrawn from near the secretariat. I'll keep vigil to protect democracy, to protect my democratically elected government," Banerjee told a hurriedly convened late night media meet on Thursday at the secretariat Nabanna in neighbouring Howrah district.

A little after midnight, the Eastern Command said the army has been asked to withdraw from the toll plaza near Nabanna as it had already collected the data it required.

Past 2 a.m., Banerjee -- holding her third round of media conference since the evening -- reiterated she would spend the night at Nabanna, fearing the Army may be back.

"The army has withdrawn from the second Hooghly Bridge after 2 am. They will definitely come back. After Nabanna, they have entered various districts. The army has been deployed in 80 per cent of the areas," she said.

"I'll remain awake all night to keep vigil. I will spend the night at Nabanna," she said.

The riveting drama unfolded on Thursday evening, when Banerjee alleged the army has been deployed at the Dankuni and Palsit toll plazas on National Highway 2 (connecting Delhi and Kolkata) without informing the state government.

She said the Chief Secretary was writing to the central government and she would approach President Pranab Mukherjee seeking clarification on the issue.

"This is unacceptable. Federal structure has been disrupted and democracy twisted. Has Emergency been declared?" she asserted.

The Defence Ministry said the army was conducting routine exercise with full knowledge of and co-ordination with West Bengal police.

"The army conducts the annual exercise throughout the country with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency," said a Defence ministry spokesman.

Around 10 p.m., Banerjee held the second round of media conference, rubbishing the spokesman's clarification and declaring she would camp at the secretariat.

"The National Highway Authority of India has all this data. They have records of the number of cars plying in each state, and through each highway."

She also tweeted: "Absolutely wrong and misleading facts byA@easterncomdAWe have great respect for you, but please please don't mislead the people."

Banerjee, also supremo of the ruling Trinamool Congress, said she has collected information from Maharashtra, Kerala, Odisha and Chhattisgarh and nowhere such a thing was been done.

"Why is it been done in Bengal? Is it because I am speaking for the people?" she asked, claiming the army has been positioned in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, North 24Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, Murshidabad and Burdwan districts.

Banerjee said: "The secretariat "Nabanna" is a sensitive zone. The toll plaza on the second Hooghly Bridge is within the sensitive zone. It is under our secretariat."

Demanding to know whether a military coup has taken place, she said "the motive is political, vindictive, unconstitutional, unethical and undemocratic".

Besides the Chief Minister, a number of ministers and the Home Secretary, State Director General of Police, the Kolkata Police Commissioner were all camping at the secretariat.

Banerjee said despite the city police commissioner informing the army about the state government's objection to their presence, the army men had refused to budge.

Banerjee alleged that the army was taking money from the people at the toll plazas, and called it "loot".

"Even if the Army carried out a mock exercise, the state government should have been kept in the loop. If this is happening in a civil area in Bengal, this could happen in Bihar, next in Uttar Pradesh, then in Tamil Nadu and other states as well. It is a very serious situation and it is dangerous than Emergency. We are facing an extremely black day," she said.

"I'll urge all state governments to look into the matter. A team of Opposition... all political leaders... will meet the president (soon)," she added.

Soon after Banerjee's allegations, the spokesman said the routine exercise was being carried out in all states of the eastern region.

"Permission for carrying out this exercise in West Bengal was initially sought for November 28. On specific request of the police the date had been shifted to December 1. No permission has been withdrawn so far," the spokesman added.

"Routine exercise in all NE states. In Assam @ 18 places, Arunanchal@13, WB@19, Manipur@6, Nagaland@5, Meghalaya@5, Tripura & Mizoram," the Eastern Command tweeted.

But the Kolkata police said they had given their objection in writing.

"Army exercise at Toll Plaza was objected to in writing by Kolkata Police, citing security reasons & traffic inconvenience," the Kolkata police claimed on its twitter handle.

--IANS

ssp/vgu/
To stop corruption, demonetisation is necessary: US spokesperson

New Delhi, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 NI Wire

The action to demonetise the high value currency taken by the Prime Minister Narendra Modis government was appreciated by United States too. The US spokesperson said that it was very necessary and important step taken by the Government of India.

The US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner has said, an important and necessary step" to crack down on "corruption and tax dodging.

At the Departments daily briefing on Wednesday, Toner said that, The action was designed to target illicit cash proceeds from corruption and tax dodging.

He further said, on the discontinuation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes was we believe, an important and necessary step to crack down on this illegal actions or illicit actions.

Acknowledging about the situation Toner said, it was inconvenience for Indians and Americans in India requiring a little bit of adjustment.

All the actions which were taken by the Indian Prime Minister in the last two years to reduce black money the US spokesperson said, I think it also included a four-month amnesty for tax evaders in India, which resulted in, I think, the disclosure or declaration of billions of dollars in hidden assets.

Toner referred to the Modi governments Income Declaration Scheme earlier this year which brought out Rs 65,250 crore (or about $9.6 billion) held by 64,275 people, according to the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

The announcement of demonetisation of old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 was done by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8. After this the government decision was criticized by the opposition members due to the improper preparation for the implementation of the cash in whole country.

--with agency inputs
Country is facing Economical emergency: Mamata Banerjee

Bihar, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 NI Wire

The Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee staged protest against the action of demonetisation taken by the Prime Minister Modis government on Wednesday in Bihar. The Chief of Trinamool Congress blamed Modi that he imposed his decision forcefully on people and have no idea about the sufferings of the people.

Mamata Banerjee said, by declaring Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes as illegal tender, the country is facing Super Emergency implemented by the Prime Minister.

While addressing the rally in Gardnibagh of Patna, the Chief of Trinamool congress Banerjee said, Modi has taken away the freedom of people to live and made people to suffer for their essential needs.

During the protest, leaders of Trinamool Congress and some leaders of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) were present with Banerjee against the demonetisation decision.

She further added, Modi effected the old savings of women. Women do these types of savings for future use for the family. Modi insulted the power of women by this decision.

The ruling party Janata Dal (United) supports the action taken by the government whereas the ruling alliances allies RJD protested against the announcement made by the Prime Minister on November 8. The senior leader of RJDs vice-president Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and the party president Ramchandra participated in earlier rally. Both these ministers shared stage with Mamata Banerjee.

Earlier, the Chief Minister of West Bengal visited Chief of RJD Lalu Prasad Yadav and met with his wife and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. She also met with the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and Lalu Prasad Yadavs son Tejasvi Yadav.

RJDs senior leader Bhola Yadav said, Mamata requested Lalu Prasad, and then he said he will participate in the protest against demonetisation. Party leader also said that he was not there to attend the rally due to his illness but supported it.

Trinamool Congress Chief reached Bihar on Tuesday evening. Mamata neither called nor invited Bihars Chief Minister Nitish Kumar because he supports the Narendra Modis decision of demonetisation.

--with agency inputs
Congress twitter account hacked, party blames Modi

New Delhi, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 NI Wire

After Vice-President Rahul Gandhis twitter account got hacked, now the official twitter account of Congress was aslo got hacked on Thursday morning.

The abusive tweets were posted on the official twitter account of Congress.

Congress blamed Prime Minister and said that Its an eye-opener for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It also said that this incident exposed the vulnerability of digital platforms and cyber security.

One of the tweets said that a full dump of congress emails will be posted. Many tweets were tweeted on the account.

One of the tweets said, ...Stay tuned for Christmas special. We have enough info to drop your party down to shreds.

For every retard out there who thinks we have a political agenda - No, we don't, one of the tweets read.

Corrupt political party trying to (expletives) around with innocent hackers, you think you're cool bro?

Remember, we are legion, do not (expletives) with us! it added.

After the Rahul Gandhis twitter account was hacked the Congress party filed a complaint with the cyber cell of Delhi Police on Wednesday.

In the reaction given by the Congress Communication Department in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said, First @OfficeOfRG and now @INCIndia hacked by lumpen fascists. Free speech and right to disagree in India is under attack by licensed trolls

By adding his tweet, he tweeted, Such despotic and vulgar attempts reflect the extremities of an intolerant culture that resorts to abuse when cornered and left answer less.

Also he said, that Congress has fought such hatred and animosity with Gandhian compassion and tolerance. Sabko Sanmati dey bhagwan (in hindi).

He also blamed Narendra Modi and said that this type of Cyber bullying should be An eye opener for Modiji!

The Congress said it smacked of sinister conspiracyand reflected disturbing insecurities of prevalent fascist culture.

The hackers also removed Rahuls profile picture and changed the account title from @OfficeOfRG to Retarded gandhiji.

--with agency inputs
Lok Sabha adjourned for the day, opposition uproar continued

New Delhi, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 NI Wire

Uproar by the opposition on the demonetisation issue, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day after noon on Thursday.

Opposition wants to discuss with government on the demonetisation action taken by the government on November 8.

The Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandopadhyay the raised the issue of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees aircraft not being allowed to land at Kolkata airport despite technical glitches on Wednesday night.

He also said, the aircraft had circled overhead for about 30 minutes and alleged that the Air Traffic Control delayed giving the green signal to land despite the pilot pointing out that the plane was running out of fuel.

The Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju, refused the claim, and said that the flight hovered only 13 minutes before landing at Kolkata airport.

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiry into the matter, said Raju.

After the issue raised by TMC leader, the opposition members went near to the podium of the Speaker and the discussion over demonetisation was demanded by the opposition led by Congress and TMC, when Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to conduct the Question Hour despite the din.

Against the government, the opposition forced Mahajan to adjourn the House till noon. Mahajan disallowed all notices of adjournment motion on different issues, when the house reassembled.

Discussion over demonetisation was demanded by the Congress party leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Bandopadhyay under any rules which involves voting.

Answering this, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.N. Ananth Kumar said the government was ready to discuss the matter and Mahajan also urged the members to begin the discussion keeping aside the rules.

After that, the Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for the day because the opposition amid the din and did not relent.

The opposition doing all this only after the announcement of demonetisation of old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. Opposition also organized a Bharat Bandh on November 28. They protested against this announcement.

Opposition raised the issue of incomplete preparations of government made on the implementation of new currency notes and because of this people suffered a lot. These were the main objectives of their protest on that day.

--with agency inputs
Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali is Aditis dream

Mumbai, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 NI Wire

In the Bollywood industry like every one Aditi Rao Hydari also wants to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and said working with him is a dream for any actor.

In Bollywood, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a most talented director who has given some amazing films to the industry. The films like Bajirao Mastani, Goliyon ki Raas-leela Ram-Leela, Guzaarish, etc were tremendous movies and only by his amazing qualities of direction every actor and actress wants to work with him.

She said, I would like to say that it is any actor's dream to work with a director like Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He is an amazing director and it's also my dream to work with him.

During the Brand Vision Summit 2016 event she said, His work is infectious and passionate. That is what we all live for. To have passion in your work and to be inspired, to be able to respect somebody. I really have that utmost respect for him

Actress Aditi Rao had done acting in movie Wazir and has reportedly been approached for Padmavati which is a Sanjay Leela Bhansalis historical drama as a Ranveer Singhs wife.

Aditi smiled and said when asked about that , I am not going to answer that question.

She also said, However, it would be amazing to work with Ranveer. We started seven years ago with Shaad Ali. We were both jobless then.

The Sanjay Leela Bhansalis film Padmavati is a historical drama which casts Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as her husband Raja Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji.

--with agency inputs
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As technologies go, the Internet has changed the course of human civilization like no other. Its impact is felt in virtually everything that we do today, and it continues to grow as the world we live in becomes more connected and interdependent. The current state of the Internet has been achieved through contribution from countless individuals that each added to make it what it is today. And one of those people is Jari Arkko, who was just presented with the 2016 Recognition Award from the Nokia (News - Alert) Foundation.





The Nokia Foundation was established in 1995 to recognize, support and promote education and scientific development of information and telecommunications technologies as a not-for-profit independent organization. It has awarded 1,500 scholarships since its inception, and in 2016 it will provide around $382,446 towards that endeavor.

In recognizing Arkko, Nokia has highlighted the work of a man who has devoted the last 20 years of his life to the advancement of a better Internet, and the many different technologies that are part of the ecosystem, so everything can work together with greater efficiency.

The Internet is one of the greatest achievements of our time. It is a great pleasure to see Jari Arkko, a Finnish pioneer of Information and Communications Technologies, lead such a remarkable global collaboration project as the IETF. We are delighted to recognize and reward Jari Arkko's groundbreaking work with the Nokia Foundation Award, said Timo Ali-Vehmas, Chairman of the Board of the Nokia Foundation.

Arkko is currently the chairman of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), a position he has held since 2013. With more than 20 years at the IETF, Arkko has contributed to Internet security, mobile Internet, Internet Protocol version 6, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Jari Arkko is an expert on Internet architecture with Ericsson (News - Alert) research and he has 36 published Request for Comments (RFCs), including specifications for Mobile IPv6, EAP-AKA, Diameter, SEND, and several IPv6 related papers. He has also served in the technical advisory board for the IP Smart Objects Alliance (IPSO), the Internet Area Directors in the Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG) and as a member of the IAB.

Innovations in next generation communications, Internet security and IoT are essential as more things become part of the Internet. According to Cisco (News - Alert), there will be tens of billions of connected devices across many different industries in the coming decade. This includes healthcare, manufacturing, critical infrastructure and more. Ensuring the data they transmit is safe over global networks will require robust security protocols and continued advances from the likes of Arkko and his peers.

Edited by Alicia Young
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It wasn't so long ago that Nokia (News - Alert) phones ruled the mobile device market. Most anyone who had a cell phone had a Nokia; even I have an old Nokia feature phone gathering dust in a drawer somewhere. With the rise of smartphones and next generation communications, Nokia's prominence as a mobile phone provider fell away, at least somewhat. After a series of deals, it's now making a new push on mobile devices with a new agreement with HMD Global Oy (HMD) that came into force recently.





The agreement itself has been active since May 31, though it didn't actually kick in until just recently. A series of transactions between HMD and both FIH Mobile Limited (a Hon Hai Precision subsidiary, commonly trading as the more familiarly-named Foxconn Technology Group (News - Alert)) and Microsoft allows HMD to be the new home of Nokia devices for the next 10 years, as the company will operate under ...an exclusive global license.

Despite the massive onrush of smartphones into the market, Nokia feature phones are actually still attractive properties, particularly in emerging markets where smartphones are seldom available or priced out of reach of many users. HMD won't stop at making Nokia devices, though, as it's also poised to offer a new range of smartphones itself, along with a line of tablets, making it a complete operation covering just about every waterfront there is to cover.

Nokia Technologies' interim president Brad Rodriguez commented ,We've been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown around the world for the return of the Nokia brand to smartphones. The HMD Global team has the ambition, talent and resources to bring a new generation of Nokia branded phones to market, and we wish them every success. I'm sure our millions of Nokia fans will be excited to see their new products!

It would be easy here to wonder how next generation communications were supposed to advance if companies are still making feature phones an option, but we have to remember that not everyone can engage in next generation communications just yet anyway. Thus, the next generation must always be ready to accommodate the last generation, and help it along into the next. That's what Nokia is doing here, at least somewhat, by giving that necessary bridge to those who haven't made it into the next generation just yet.

With developing markets still getting in on the smartphone action, there will be at least some demand for feature phones for a while. Nokia might well corner that market, and give itself a great new funding source with its HMD license, even if it's just temporary.

Edited by Alicia Young
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Tunisian authorities are on cloud nine as expectations for Tunisia 2020 international forum seem to be met with 34 billion dinars investment including 15 billion dinars pledged through conventions.

The two-day event was not like empty promises made in 2014. Youssef Chahed, countrys Prime Minister oversaw signings indicated Wednesday that Tunisia is back on the international front.

Tunisians made sacrifices that are going to bear fruits now, Chahed said end of the forum.

Around 70 countries and 4,000 delegates took part in the event said to set new economic path for the Arab country, cradle of 2011 Arab Spring.

Success story for its successful democratic transition, the North African country has been unable to keep its economy floating. High hopes which sparked the revolution have not been met. Unemployment rate soared to 15 per cent coupled with increasing public spending.

France, Saudi Arabia, the EU, Canada and Qatar were biggest donors at the event.

Paris pledged to invest 3 billion dinars over four years in addition to 420 million dinars under preferential conditions. 25 million dinars will be added as donation. France also pledged to convert the Tunisian debt into development projects.

Saudi Arabia vowed an investment package of $1.8 billion supplemented by some other investment to be paid back over a period of 5 to 7 years under preferential rates estimated at 2 per cent.

Canada has entrenched its strategic position in Tunisia with a $24 million-budget dedicated to projects oriented towards women, youth, and education.

Qatar represented by its Emir also bolstered its regional position with an investment agreement put at $1.25 billion. Part of package will help endorse the declining dinar.

Germany through its Development Bank, KfW will pump 260 million dinar into the Tunisian economy. The EU re-iterated its traditional support for the North African country with 500 million dinar apart from doubling its annual financial assistance.

Global financial institutions have also signed on the dotted lines. The European Investment Bank (EIB) pledge 6.8 billion dinars for a period of four years in addition to 600 million dinars used as funds.

3.3 billion dinars that is the investment convention signed between the Tunisian and Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development.

The African Development Bank agreed to release 309 million dinars for the Tunisian state in form of investment under preferential condition. The Abidjan-based continental bank will also grant 1.5 billion dinars to Tunisia over the coming four years.

Several countries including Kuwait, Turkey, and Switzerland along with the World Bank also made investment promises for a tally of 19 billion dinars.
Organisers of the Algiers Cinema international festival have decided to dedicate the seventh edition of the festival to the late Cuban national hero Fidel Castro passed away Friday at the age of 90.

This edition is taking place in the backdrop of a sad context for us which is the death of Fidel Castro. We were told to postpone the festival. For thousands and one reasons, we couldnt. To pay tribute to Castro, it was imperative to maintain this cultural event. This edition is dedicated to Fidel Castro, said Zahia Yahi, commissioner of the festival.

The former Cuban leader died November 25 in Havana. The revolutionary leader took power in 1959 and established a communist regime. He handed over power to his younger brother Raoul Castro in 2008.

The event to take place from December 1 to 8 will screen seventeen films including nine documentaries among which Finding Fela (US-Nigeria), Sonita (Iran-Switzerland), Llevate mis amores from Mexico and Attentamente (Columbia).

Algerian movie director Abdelkrim Bahloul will lead the jury for movies, Fatmzohra Zammoum also an Algerian movie and documentary director will top the jury for documentaries, reports say.

M. Yahi at a press conference noted that the 2016 edition has suffered financial shortage. The Algerian ministry of culture has declined to sponsor the event and asked organisers to use revenues made during last year edition, Yahi further noted.

Foreign missions in Algiers have pledged support. The British embassy pledged to send a prominent movie critic to debate the movie I, Daniel Blake directed by Ken Loach, Yahi told media.
It seems that plotting against Moroccos interest and its territorial integrity is the only task the Chairperson of the African Union Commission has excelled at during her tenure in which she accumulated a series of failures on Africas key issues.

After indirectly complaining against Zumas anti-Moroccan stands and her bias in supporting the Polisario separatists in connivance with Algeria, Moroccos foreign ministry issued a statement condemning in the strongest terms the desperate attempts at imposing unprecedented administrative procedures to deny the Kingdom its legitimate right to join Africas institutional family.

After delaying, in an unjustified manner, the circulation of Moroccos request to join the AU to other members, Mrs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma continues her attempts at blocking Moroccos accession by imposing an unprecedented procedural requirement that has no foundation neither in the founding texts or practices of the organization, said Moroccos Foreign Ministry in a strong-worded statement.

Last month, King Mohammed VI held a phone conversation with Chads President Idriss Deby Itno. During the conversation the Monarch called on Deby Itno, in his quality as Chairman of the upcoming AU summit, to intercede with Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to distribute to all the member states of the pan-African organization Moroccos AU membership request, which was submitted on September 22.

With this blatant anti-Moroccan attitude, Dlamini-Zuma, an ardent defender of separatism, shows disregard for the AU constitutive act and the organizations common practices.

Her tenure at the AU was an utter fiasco. French paper, Le Monde, recently published a whole report entitled, how Dlamini Zuma Messed up with the AU, asserting that she willfully led the AU to the abyss due to a lack of vision.

When she took office, Africa was struggling with multiple security, environmental and health challenges. Her input to resolving the political crises that erupted during her term, whether in South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Libya or recently in Burundi, was so insignificant and reflective of a lack of knowledge about Africa, the paper said.

The same thing can be said about her poor handling of the Ebola crisis and the migration crisis. It took her eight months and the tragic death of 2800 persons to organize the first emergency meeting of the AU.

Several African media outlets decry Dlaminis poor achievement and point that her tenure as the AU Commission Chairperson was used as a means to gain political support in her home country to addressing Africas pressing issues.

Morocco withdrew from the predecessor of the AU, the Organization of African Unity in 1984, on grounds of the biased decision of the organization, which violated neutrality in the Sahara conflict by admitting the Algeria-based separatist entity, SADR, as a full-fledged member. Since then Morocco has been conditioning its return to the pan-African body on the withdrawal of the Polisario membership and the respect of the UN-brokered political process to settle the Sahara issue.

Last September, Morocco has officially submitted a request to accede to the African Union (AU) Constitutive Act, and therefore, become a Member of the Union.

Moroccos return to the African institutional family hinges on a simple majority vote by the member countries, a majority which the Kingdom already seems to have as 28 countries have signed a motion during the last AU summit in Kigali in support of Morocco.
Chuck Schumer has sounded the alarm over GOP plans to privatize Medicare. But Medicaid is more at risk, and more immediately. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Congressional Democrats are gearing up for a big campaign to head off or exploit Republican plans to significantly change the Medicare program. The nomination of Representative Tom Price, the House Budget Committee chair, to serve as HHS Secretary has served as a convenient news hook for these Democratic plans, always kept close at hand ever since Paul Ryan made radical changes in Medicare a key feature of his various budget proposals. Price has long supported Ryans schemes to turn Medicare benefits into vouchers used to buy private health insurance, and more to the point, has urged Republicans to tackle Medicare reform in 2017.

We still dont know whether the Trump administration and congressional Republicans will actually risk other elements of their common agenda to go after Medicare. But Democrats arent taking any chances. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is already accusing the newly ascendant GOP of incipient granny-starving: Between this nomination of an avowed Medicare opponent and Republicans here in Washington threatening to privatize Medicare, its clear that Washington Republicans are plotting a war on seniors next year. Every senior, every American should hear this loudly and clearly Democrats will not let them win that fight.

Schumer and others are comparing this moment to a similar juncture in 2004 when a newly reelected George W. Bush announced he would expend some political capital in seeking a partial privatization of Social Security. It was a big mistake, and aside from failing almost immediately in Congress as a significant number of Republicans headed for the hills, it marked the beginning of a long decline in Bushs political fortunes punctuated by a Democratic midterm landslide in 2006.

Democrats are hoping for a similar cycle of Republican overreach and voter backlash today  or at least a tactical victory in public opinion forcing Trump (who once promised to protect Medicare benefits), Price, and Ryan to leave Medicare alone.

But there is some risk that by concentrating all their fire on Medicare, Democrats are potentially shirking other health-care safety-net programs, notably Medicaid, the low-income health-care entitlement that has been the object of conservative contempt for decades. Medicaid, after all, is inextricably connected to the Affordable Care Act (and in fact has accounted for a majority of the coverage gains attributable to ACA, despite the Supreme Court decision making Medicaid expansion optional), and if we know one thing for sure about Republican plans, it is that Obamacare repeal (if not replacement) will happen as quickly as possible using budget reconciliation rules that prevent filibusters.

GOP plans for Medicaid are as unclear as those for Medicare. Every Ryan budget has included the conversion of the program into a block grant (or a very similar fixed per capita allotment) whereby the federal contribution would be capped (if not reduced) in exchange for states having more (and perhaps total) flexibility over how to use the money  i.e., they would not have to continue the same benefits for the same population. Trump endorsed the Medicaid block-grant idea during his campaign as well. While there is no question that moving Medicaid over to block grants is intended to massively reduce federal support for low-income health care over time, there are some big questions about how it might play out. The largest is probably what to do about the 31 states that did indeed expand Medicaid under Obamacare. The budget reconciliation bill enacted by Congress last year (and vetoed by Obama) simply canceled the expansion, which would put states in the position of either abandoning new enrollees or footing the bill for their benefits. The House Republicans more recent Better Way agenda doesnt cancel the expansion, but does eliminate the elevated federal match rate designed to encourage states to accept it. So it looks like some combination of state budgets and new Medicaid enrollees would take a big hit.

While congressional Democrats arent talking much about this threat to Medicaid, its a big deal to governors and state legislators  and the 12 Republican governors in states that did accept the Medicaid expansion are probably the biggest obstacles to a slashing federal support. One of them happens to be Mike Pence.

Another interesting wrinkle is that the woman who designed Indianas expanded Medicaid program, a consultant named Seema Verma, has been named by the new administration to become director of the sub-agency at HHS that supervises both Medicare and Medicaid. Her recent specialty has been helping states negotiate conservative policy concessions (e.g., making beneficiaries responsible for co-pays or small premiums) from an Obama administration eager to give broad waivers from the usual Medicaid rules as part of an agreement to take the federally financed expansion. In other words, shes good at finding ways to help states drive down utilization of Medicaid while maximizing the federal dollars they receive. When installed in Washington, will she represent the GOPs anti-Medicaid hard-liners or the Republican governors and legislators who dont want to dump millions of people off Medicaid or pay the bill to keep them enrolled? Nobody knows.

Perhaps Democrats think they can count on Republican governors or their congressional allies to save Medicaid from evisceration, leaving them to concentrate on Medicare. But more likely, Schumer and others are simply obsessed with the political benefits of identifying themselves as defenders of Medicare. And theres a lot of cynical logic supporting that approach. The seniors who are most concerned about Medicare  and the middle-aged people most affected by a voucher scheme that grandfathers current and near-future beneficiaries  vote at much higher rates than young folks and poor folks. They are also a great electoral prize for Democrats, who have been bleeding support among older voters lately. Its no accident that the last time Democrats had a good midterm election, in 2006, they actually won the senior vote.

There is another factor that makes the self-conscious progressives you would expect to care most about Medicaid beneficiaries instead focus on Medicare. For supporters of a single-payer health-care system, Medicare is the great model of what they want all Americans to enjoy as an entitlement. Meanwhile, Medicaid is the classic poor peoples program they would just as soon abandon in favor of universal single payer. In the meantime, many left-bent pols supposedly transfixed by income inequality and its victims may not expend much effort on protecting Medicaid.

But precisely because they are less politically powerful, Medicaid beneficiaries are far more vulnerable to the new Republican regime than the older and wealthier (and for that matter, whiter) population of those on or anticipating Medicare. They are also more likely to feel the hammer come down earlier, either through administrative decisions by the Trump administration or an early budget reconciliation bill that includes an Obamacare repeal. It would be nice to hear more about them, particularly from their ostensible champions in the Democratic Party.
Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

For two days, Donald Trump has enjoyed mostly good press  even from the New York Times  for saving nearly 1,000 jobs in Indiana by convincing Carrier, which makes air-conditioning and heating equipment, not to relocate an Indianapolis plant to Mexico. The terms of the deal were not announced ahead of the president-elects celebratory appearance at the Carrier plant on Thursday. The details that have emerged so far seem to confirm that the agreement  while wonderful for the several hundred Carrier workers keeping their jobs  is a troubling preview of how the Trump administration may conduct business.

Carrier, which is owned by United Technologies, announced in February that it planned to shut down an Indianapolis plant that employs 1,400 people. Shifting production to Mexico will save the company $65 million a year in labor costs. The move became a flashpoint in the campaign after video of the announcement went viral, and at rallies Trump promised to get tough on Carrier executives by threatening them with high tariffs.

The company said in a statement on Wednesday that it decided to stay because the incoming Trump-Pence administration has emphasized to us its commitment to support the business community and create an improved, more competitive U.S. business climate, adding, The incentives offered by the state were an important consideration.

Fortune reports that those state tax incentives amount to $700,000 a year, for several years, and will be offered via the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, a state agency. John Mutz, a member of the corporations board and a former Indiana lieutenant governor, said he was briefed on the agreement but could not confirm the final terms. However, he told the Indianapolis Business Journal that he doesnt think the incentive package really is the major reason for the decision.

Months before he became Trumps running mate, Indiana governor Mike Pence was trying to find a way to keep the Carrier plant open. Mutz says the IEDC offered similar deals earlier this year, but they were rejected by United Technologies.

So what changed? The election, obviously  but contrary to what Trump would have people believe, Mutz thinks the shift had little to do with the president-elects deal-making skills.

United Technologies is a gigantic international company with many different divisions and subsidiaries, many of which do substantial amounts of business with the U.S. government, Mutz said. The dynamics are considerably different than they were even before the election. Youre talking here about a company that is trying to be competitive and also wants to keep their business with the government.

For United Technologies, maintaining government contracts is a far bigger concern than keeping down labor costs, as CNNMoney explains:

United Technologies collects about $5.6 billion in annual revenue from U.S. government contracts, according to company filings, which is equal to about 10% of its overall revenue. United Technologies also relies on the U.S. government for a large chunk of the $1.5 billion in research and development grants that it receives from its customers.



Even a slight reduction in either of those sources of government funds would wipe out any savings United Technologies might see from closing the Indiana plants.

The Washington Post reports that United Technologies is a key supplier for the Pentagon, so its contracts probably would have been secure either way. However, the president-elects impact on business is particularly hard to predict this year, so it makes sense to stay on his good side.

Plus, Carrier can still shift hundreds of jobs to Mexico. It reportedly agreed to keep 1,100 jobs in Indianapolis  800 manufacturing jobs and 300 engineering and headquarters jobs. The plant in Huntington, Indiana, will close as scheduled, and roughly 1,300 U.S. jobs will go to Santa Catarina, Mexico, where Carrier has already constructed a new plant.

As previously noted, the president-elect striking deals with individual companies sets a dangerous precedent, and is not a sustainable strategy for keeping jobs from going overseas. Even Carrier said in its statement that it still believes the forces of globalization will continue to require solutions for the long-term competitiveness of the U.S. and of American workers moving forward.

Well this should bring back millions of jobs. Trump just has to pick a new governor as VP every week and have them dole out corp tax breaks. https://t.co/OoEiEMDjds  Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) December 1, 2016

If Trump did a Carrier-style deal every week for the next 4 years, he could bring back 4% of the manufacturing jobs lost since 2000.  Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) November 30, 2016

Another metric: Trump would have to do one Carrier-sized deal a week for 30 years to save as many jobs as Obama's auto bailout  Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) November 30, 2016

If Mutz is correct in his belief that United Technologies fear of losing government contracts played a large role in its decision, that adds another foreboding layer. As the Posts Jim Tankersley explains, theres evidence that handing out state subsidies to companies that plan to take jobs overseas isnt smart even when governors do it, as corporate subsidies tend to under-deliver on jobs promises, and they often advantage big corporations over small businesses and start-ups.

But a governor cant threaten to revoke federal contracts or impose tariffs targeted at individual companies. If thats the sort of deal-making Trump engages in as president, then hed be heavily involved in picking economic winners and losers.

Tankersley notes thats the kind of thing that used to enrage Republicans in the early years of the Obama administration, when the president was pushing his economic stimulus bill and bailing out the U.S. auto industry. In fact, then-congressman Mike Pence attacked the stimulus, saying, This back-room deal is simply a long wish list of big government spending that wont work to put Americans back to work. It wont create jobs.

But that was seven years ago, and now the president-elect is a Republican, so who cares if these practices wont put Americans back to work in the long run? Tomorrow Trump and Pence will be able to stand on a stage in Indianapolis and tell Carrier workers that they can keep making air conditioners.

Look forward to going to Indiana tomorrow in order to be with the great workers of Carrier. They will sell many air conditioners!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 1, 2016

Well, most of them. And the plant actually makes furnaces.
Thats right, I inexplicably did no prep for this sensitive phone call. Photo: Brian Blanco/Getty Images

Until now, Donald Trumps decision to forgo the customary State Department briefings before speaking to world leaders had sparked confusion and mild breaches of protocol. But his apparent lack of preparation before a call on Wednesday may have shifted the United States relationship with two key countries  and both have nuclear weapons.

If a readout released by Pakistans Press Information Bureau is to be believed, the president-elect gushed about Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on the call, and offered to visit the nation. Heres the full text:

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called President-elect USA Donald Trump and felicitated him on his victory. President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office.



On being invited to visit Pakistan by the Prime Minister, Mr. Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr. Donald Trump.

Trumps office put out a statement saying they had a productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future. However, it would not confirm whether Pakistans account of the conversation was correct.

Calling Pakistan fantastic would be quite the turnaround for Trump, since he tweeted this in 2012:

Get it straight: Pakistan is not our friend. Weve given them billions and billions of dollars, and what (cont) http://t.co/O5S4cQV3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2012

During the campaign, Trump also courted Hindu-Americans by promising that India and the U.S. would be best friends under the Trump administration. There wont be any relationship more important to us, he said.

But Trump contradicting himself once again is the least concerning thing about the call. As Charles Tiefer, a professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law, wrote for Forbes, the readout suggests that Trump really should have chatted with the State Department before calling Sharif.

 he shows no awareness that the American military is enraged with Pakistan for how it props up forces in Afghanistan  the Haqqani network  that kill American soldiers. He probably doesnt know.



Nor does he show awareness that President Obama and Prime Minister Modi of India had reached agreement on the important point of joint condemnation of Islamist terrorists based in Pakistan. He probably doesnt know.



Nor does he show awareness that there has been delicate but real tension between Obama and Pakistan over its expanding armory of nuclear weapons. He does not show awareness that Pakistan, this year, has moved toward distributing tactical nuclear weapons to its army, a step that puts in jeopardy the very fabric of nuclear peace in the subcontinent. He probably doesnt know.

Trump also appeared to make another casual offer to mediate the dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, which did not go over well in India the first time he mentioned it.

Forget keeping the president-elect off Twitter  can someone confiscate his phone?
Jill Stein poses with everyone who thinks the recount could change the results of the election. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

A recount of 2.98 million presidential ballots began today in Wisconsin, the first of three states expected to audit vote totals after challenges by Green Party candidate Jill Stein. The recount, which cost Stein $3.5 million, must be completed by December 13 to satisfy Wisconsin law. That will force poll workers to count through nights and weekends to get to all the ballots, which gave the state to Donald Trump by 22,000 votes. The process would have been ever more difficult had Stein prevailed in her efforts to force the recount be done entirely by hand. But on Tuesday, a judge denied the request.

Election officials say their ability to use machines in the recount will speed up the process, but its still going to be a challenge. Thats why one county clerk went out of her way to make the process a little more comfortable with coffee, chocolate, and Christmas CDs to make the atmosphere more festive.

Meanwhile, the recount in Michigan, where Trump won by 10,704 votes, is set to begin on Friday, barring a legal challenge from Trump. The job will be bigger than it is in Wisconsin. Michigan saw 4.8 million ballots cast and the recount in the state will be done entirely by hand.

According to one report, the task will get even harder after Trump files an objection to the recount, which is expected on Thursday. By law, that would delay the start of the recount by two business days as the Board of Canvassers hears Trumps argument. It the Board decides the recount should go ahead, it would begin next Tuesday.

In Pennsylvania, the other state in which Stein is hoping for a recount, a court hearing has been set for Monday to determine whether the recount should go ahead. A recount is automatically triggered in the state if a candidate wins by less than half a percentage point, but Trumps 71,000 vote margin gave him a victory of 1.11 percent. Absent the statewide recount, Pennsylvania does allow voters to ask for precinct-level recounts, which are undertaken when three voters in a given precinct petition for a recount.

Already, that has led to small recounts in the state, including in six Lehigh County districts where voting records from November 8 were reexamined on Wednesday. The recount turned up no discrepancies from the originally reported totals. Clinton did end up gaining three votes, but only because election officials found a few absentee ballots that werent counted the first time.
Lego is an idea as much as it is a toy; if you try hard enough, you can fit the entire story of the last century of childs play and the hopes and desires of every parent into one of its 9.6-millimeter-tall rectangular plastic bricks. Molded in a thermoplastic polymer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, Legos are known for their durability, which is why you can pull out the 30-year-old Legos stashed in your parents basement and, dated color schemes aside, theyll be the same as they ever were. Not only will they look the same, but they will fit together with every other one Lego has ever made, even those going back to 1949, when a Danish toy-maker named Ole Kirk Kristiansen made his first plastic brick. Lego calls it the System of Play, and it is both a manufacturing principle, allowing the company to reuse the same molds to make infinite new sets, and a play proposition: The more bricks you own, the more you can build.

Like all 6,500 Lego elements  cubes, rectangles, octagons, wheel beds, arches, even the tiny semi-circular hands of yellow mini-figures  the standard brick has a variation of just 0.004 millimeters, which means Legos are more precisely crafted than your coffeemaker, your television, even your iPhone. Its this precision that makes it possible to use Legos to build a 16-inch replica of the Taj Mahal (5,922 pieces) or a full-scale version of the X-Wing Starfighter (5,335,200 bricks).

Psychically, the Lego brick is also distinctly calibrated; it operates in a space shared by childhood imagination and parental ambition. For children, Legos allow them to build whole universes to their idiosyncratic specifications. For parents, Legos seem like the vegetable your kid actually requests and then eats in heaping mounds  a toy thats also a building block for future creativity, a mechanics lesson that doesnt feel like schoolwork, a wholesome embodiment of Scandinavian craftsmanship, something tactile in a world that is increasingly pixelated. It is the plastic plaything that even the parent most committed to natural, wooden toys will gladly buy. It is also more popular today than it has ever been, which is a surprise even to some at the company, since roughly a decade ago it was nearly bankrupt.

When Legos sales began to drop off in the 1990s, the company sought counsel from outside advisers, who warned of a dire future. Childhood was getting shorter, kids were abandoning toys sooner, and what little playtime was left was increasingly being consumed by video games. This was at the dawn of the internet, well before parents were worrying over screen time as they propped up iPads on the dinner table; the problem would only get worse for the brick, the advisers agreed.

Lego responded by diversifying its offerings. It expanded its Legoland theme parks and started making action figures and baby toys and things that were scarcely recognizable as Legos. If kids were uninterested in the bricks Lego was offering, they were even less interested in these new, random products. The effect was catastrophic. By 2003, the company was on the brink of financial collapse, just three years after Fortune had named it Toy of the Century.

In Lego lore, the crisis provoked a companywide soul search. And where the soul was located was in the brick. Henceforth, the brick would be the center of everything it did, toy trends be damned. Lego handed the operation of Legoland to an outside company and stopped experimenting with non-brick lines. (It also, not insignificantly, reportedly laid off 1,200 employees, moved its U.S. factory to Mexico, and modernized its manufacturing operations.) The turnaround was as dramatic as the collapse: Since 2005, Lego has had double-digit growth every single year.

But the comeback wasnt as simple as Lego makes it out to be. Even as Lego was telling the story of getting back to the brick, it was in crucial (and profitable) ways moving beyond it, partnering with movie studios and video companies to extend and delineate Legos brand, while cannily siphoning buzz from ubiquitous franchises. In effect, Lego had found a way to compete against the encroachment of screen time by being screen time. Instead of following toy trends, it was once again helping create them, becoming what academics call transmedial. The post-crisis company now sits at the center of a cross-platform, cross-branded intellectual-property octopus. SpongeBob SquarePants, Indiana Jones, Mickey Mouse, Batman, The Simpsons, Toy Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Disney princesses, and Lord of the Rings have all gotten the Lego treatment, while Legos own original licensed properties, like Ninjango and Legends of Chima, have found their way into movies and video games and onto clothing.

For parents, Legos seem like the vegetable your kid actually requests and then eats in heaping mounds.

All of these themed sets are both bricks and not bricks. Since 2005, there have been some 40 Lego video games and dozens and dozens of Lego television shows and TV movies, not to mention the big movie  The Lego Movie  which was basically the CGI manifestation of Legos cross-branding strategy, in which many of Legos franchised properties appeared together in what Lego sometimes calls a multiverse. In February, Lego will have its second big movie launch, The Lego Batman Movie. If playing with Lego is an exercise in world-building, then it is increasingly the company doing the building, constructing a world in which everything is Lego.

Even as its move into the transmedial has made it wildly successful  it is now the second-largest toy company in the world  Lego still tries to project the image of itself primarily as a pile of bricks used to make stuff and justifies its forays into licensed properties as a way to get kids to build who would otherwise pick up an iPad. For good reason: The conviction that building toys in general, and building with Lego in particular, is actually good for you is central to Legos incredible success.

And yet theres evidence that in moving across platforms, Lego and other toy-makers have changed the nature of how kids play. A few years ago, Seth Giddings, a media researcher and a parent, began studying how his kids played with Lego Racers 2  the video game  and whether it affected the way they interacted with their Lego vehicles. What he noticed was that they now play with physical Legos as if they were the video game, reenacting their races with the plastic pieces. This isnt to say that Legos arent still good toys, or that theres anything necessarily wrong with imaginary play mimicking the experience of a video game, but its certainly different from what most parents imagine theyre buying in a box of Legos. The question is whether that difference matters.

Billund, Denmark, was cow pasture when Kristiansen molded his first Lego. And 67 years later, despite being the world headquarters of a multibillion-dollar multinational company, it is now essentially cow pasture with just over 6,000 residents, a corporate campus, and a sizable manufacturing plant plunked in the middle of it. There is an awful lot of sky.

On Legos campus, the international Danish architecture firm BIG is building a brand house, constructed from offset white cubes proportioned in the ratios of a two-by-four Lego brick. Around the corner is Legos original low-slung brick factory, which now houses a company museum.

There, in an upstairs conference room, I got a private viewing of the DC Super Hero Girls, a new line launching this month in the U.S., which perfectly embodies the complicated, bifurcated, continually evolving nature of Legos current identity. Bastiaan Gijsbrecht Brederode, a lanky Lego designer with shaggy hair and thick stubble, wheeled them over from the design studio shrouded under a silky blue magicians cloth, for secrecy. Lego has a rabid following of grown-up enthusiasts, who refer to themselves as AFOLs, adult fans of Lego, and who fill message boards and fan sites with obsessive documentation of all the companys doings, so the precaution isnt totally unwarranted. Plus, though Lego is unrivaled in our imaginations, the original brick itself hasnt been patent-protected since 1975. Its main competitive advantages, then, are the quality of its bricks, hence the obsessive precision; the designs of its models; and its exclusive licensed properties.

The IPs work in two directions: Lego has an internal department dedicated to finding interesting IPs to Lego-ize, but brands also seek out Lego. A few years ago, Warner Bros. came to Lego with the idea for a new scripted cartoon in which it had recast the female superheroines from across the DC franchise  Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Supergirl, Harley Quinn, Lashina, and Bumblebee  as classmates at Super Hero High.

What Warner Bros. got out of the deal is pretty clear: A Lego toy would fuel interest in the cartoon. For Lego, the DCSHG line, which would be geared toward 7-to-12-year-olds, represented a new play proposition. Lego had had superhero boys lines for a few years and action-adventure lines geared toward boys for three decades, but it had never explicitly created a play experience for girls with what it calls conflict play at its core: that is, play where the story line centers on good guys versus bad guys.

Lego, like many toy companies, has had a rough time with marketing to girls, and by extension the parents of girls. In the 1960s and 70s, Lego was explicitly sold as unisex. Its most iconic ad was of a pigtailed redhead holding up a blocky abstract creation. But after the company introduced themed sets, like space and castles, in the late 70s, the sets, along with the rest of the toy world, began to feel more gendered, and the marketing followed.

By the mid-aughts, girls represented only 10 percent of Legos market. Then, in 2008, the company undertook a four-year ethnographic study analyzing how girls play. It found that girls did want to build but were bored by mini-figures, which were too blocky and plain. They wanted more lifelike figures, blocks with brighter color schemes, and more interior details in the sets.

The study resulted in the launch, in 2012, of the Friends line, which was marketed specifically to girls, using brighter colors, including, yes, pinks, and later introducing mini-dolls, which are taller and more recognizably human, with hair made of a slightly softer, more buoyant plastic.

Any beloved company in the internet era has to contend with very public consumer ire for perceived missteps, and Lego is no exception. Feminist parents wanting to break down the walls of the pink aisle demanded to know why girls needed a special category of toys and scrutinized the tacit messages about girls opportunities embedded in such sets as Butterfly Beauty Shop. Its not that any of these sets were all that different from anything else offered to little girls, but that they were coming from Lego, the virtuous toy. Some of these parents started online petitions demanding Lego commit to gender neutrality. Other parents defended the toys as a back door to getting girls whod rather play with Bratz dolls than build a bulldozer into construction toys. Whats inarguable is that kids loved the Friends line. Sales exploded.

Brederode had thought hed seen some Lego fans wandering the halls, so he waited until the door was closed to reveal the new sets. The new mini-dolls were, as promised, exceptionally detailed for tiny bits of plastic  Batgirl even has back pockets on her tiny black pants. And there was a motorcycle-repair shop for Wonder Womans invisible motorcycle. The centerpiece was Super Hero High School, which has little shooters on the roof for when the school goes into defense mode and a cafeteria only reachable by flying that makes it clear its a super-school.

Brederode walked me through the play triggers he was especially proud of  a lever that when pushed exploded a front window and another that launched a motorcycle down a hidden ramp. There were little Gremlin-like critters called Kryptomites that looked like anthropomorphic crystals. We put them in each set to provide conflict in every box, Brederode explained.

Lego is nothing if not self-serious. It has a Lego Foundation that has spent 30 years studying childrens play, and it has long explanations on its website of why correctly deployed conflict play, the kind that doesnt use violence for violences sake, can be healthy for child development, for instance, by allowing children to play out fantasies of overcoming negative forces, or to work cooperatively against a common adversary. Plus, the Kryptomites had proved extremely popular with DCSHGs target audience in testing. The Lego designers had found that monsters that were too scary tended to turn off girls, but adorably pesky ones were a hit.

Nothing in the design and launch of a new Lego line is left to chance. When the girls couldnt read Harley Quinn, who in the cartoon is cast as a heroine and not a villain, as she is in the comics, they adjusted the play scenario to make it clearer that she was a good guy. Kids are so essential to their process that the designers often talk about the design process as co-creation. Warner Bros., too, co-creates the sets with Lego. After seeing Legos Kryptomites, Warner added them to the cartoon, and the design of Batgirls Bat Jet was passed back and forth between the cartoon artists and Legos designers until their visions converged.

Legos new DC Super Hero Girls: Harley Quinn, Batgirl, Poison Ivy and Lashina. Photo: Courtesy of Lego

Convergence is how the toy industry describes the cross-platform programming that many contemporary toy companies are mining. And for kids, convergence seems to come naturally; they slide between one world and the other. Its not video-game Lego and real-life Lego. Its Lego, one holistic, multimedia universe.

For us grown-ups, with our less adaptive minds, it can be hard to comprehend. Tell an adult between the ages of 20 and 45 that youre writing a story about Lego, and prepare to hear how different the company was in their day, when Lego was just a big tub of blocks, no themed sets, no instructions, a pure imaginative experience  no matter that Lego started including instructions in 1964 and introduced themed sets in 1978. In The New York Times Magazine, Clive Thompson suggested that even the computer game Minecraft was a better building experience, quoting a veteran game designer who argued that physical Legos no longer encourage the kind of open-ended play thats the hallmark of a good toy: Its Buy the box, open the box, turn to the instruction sheet, make the model, stick it on the shelf, buy the next box. 

Lego argues that the instructions serve as a way to teach children how the toys work. If we gave you a piano, thered be very few people who could immediately play something that is, like, fantastic and creative, said Lego press officer Rude Roar Trangbaek. You need to learn the notes to play the piano.

Lego has a lot riding on the notion that its still a source of creative play; the idea has been baked into its company philosophy for at least 60 years. Our idea has been to create a toy that prepares the child for life, wrote Godtfred Christiansen, Oles son, in 1955, appealing to its imagination and developing the creative urge and joy of creation that are the driving forces in every human being. During the Vietnam War, Lego took it a step further, connecting the childs excitement of making something with your hands to parents own desires for their children: Peace: There is, in this nervous world, one toy that does not shoot or go boom or bang or rat-tat-tat-tat. Its name is Lego, went an ad that ran in The New Yorker. Let somebody elses child build a bomb shelter in the hollow of an old tree. Remember when the hollow of an old tree was just fun? Heck, war isnt very adventurous anymore. We think theres more adventure in a medical lab, or at the U.N.

Whats amazing about this ad copy isnt just its implication that buying Legos will keep your kid from getting killed in Vietnam; it also sums up what is still Legos prevailing appeal to parents, even if todays parents anxiety for their childrens futures has more to do with their being conscripted into a life of economic uncertainty rather than the military. And instead of toys that go rat-tat-tat-tat, today the toys that provoke parental consternation tend to be the ones that ping.

Lego has managed to maintain its status at the toy for future doctors and ambassadors, even as what constitutes a good toy has evolved. In the late 90s, toy-makers responded to parents increasing desire for enriching toys by producing more overtly educational ones: interactive toys meant to teach spelling, math, and shape recognition. For a few years, those toys were the fastest-growing ones in the industry, until they werent. Child-development experts began to argue that they made children too passive and might actually hamper learning. Plus, as one toy-maker put it to me, kids can smell an educational toy a mile away.

Instead, play researchers argued that toys should foster more open-ended creativity and exploration  toys that forced the child to do the work, like Lego. Promoting creativity appealed to parents too; here was a skill that robots will never take over. Legos own research has shown that the newest generation of parents  the millennials who are just now having kids  are increasingly sensitive to what their toys can do for their children and value creativity in particular.

Whether Lego actually does foster creativity is almost impossible to say. Its proved awfully tough to figure out how play, not least toys, actually contribute to smarts. There is research showing that kids who play regularly with blocks and Legos have higher standardized-test scores and higher math achievement. But theres ammunition for the other side, too: A competing study suggested that Legos, by being prescriptive, can impede creativity. The authors went so far as to contend that even standard blocks might give kids too much information  arches, after all, suggest their use. (They argue for building with uniform planks.) Marvin Minsky, the MIT scientist who helped pioneer artificial intelligence, has even said that the decline of American inventiveness can be traced to the rise of Lego, arguing that by becoming the most common construction toy, its pushed out construction toys like Tinker Toys and Erector sets that can get kids building simple machines.

But what became clear on my visit to Billund is that for all the building talk, Lego isnt just a construction toy; it is also a form of pretend play and storytelling  which, in the age of its transmedial expansion, is more true than ever before. The educational psychologist Doris Bergen has found that story lines that move across media can cut both ways, prompting imagination but also crowding out kids own generative abilities: If they are not totally immersed in that culture, their play tends to start with one of those themes and then diverge into their own experiences, like making the superhero go home for supper. The problem arises when these themes become so ubiquitous that theyre inescapable.

But when play itself is considered something of an endangered species, its also easy to argue that type of play is less important than the fact that theyre playing at all. Plays positive pleasure typically transfers to our feelings about the rest of our everyday existence and makes it possible to live more fully in the world, wrote the play scholar Brian Sutton-Smith, no matter how boring or painful or even dangerous ordinary reality might seem. Play is succor for living, which can be especially necessary when the world seems darkest.

The infinitely customizable mini-figure. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

In mid-November, weighted with all six of the DC Super Hero Girls sets, I paid a visit to my neighbors, Naomi, 9, Eli, 7, and Shaina, 5, and their dad, Matt, a New York City schoolteacher, for an afternoon of Lego-building. Their 4-year-old cousin Nils and his dad, Chad, came by, too. Soon everyone was building. Nils and Chad worked through Bumblebees helicopter, Naomi and Eli took on the Super Hero High School, and Shaina and Matt set up on the coffee table to tackle Wonder Womans dorm room.

At Lego I had heard about the way the company had consciously designed sets to capture every age group from the 18-month-old playing with Duplo sets (larger, softer versions of the classic bricks) to the grown-ups spending a long weekend constructing a 4,016-piece Star Wars Death Star, and here seemed to be living proof that their strategy worked. Later, as Matt explained to Shaina how Wonder Womans lasso of truth functioned, I remembered how one Lego marketing executive had told me an unexpected value to the transmedial strategy: Lego had found that the Super Hero Girls line seemed to encourage dads to play more with their daughters, since the characters were ones they remembered from their own childhoods. And when Naomi asked if she could work on a different set, because Eli wouldnt share, I thought about the value of conflict play.

I thought, too, about early ads for Lego  not the Vietnam-era one, but others in which Legos were marketed as the quiet toy, because for the next two hours, as the kids constructed their models, first sorting them by color, then following the directions, they said hardly a word. Occasionally someone would miss a step and ask for help, and Shaina was fond of the triumphant Ta-da! whenever she completed a big component. But mostly, the children were silent, heads down, fingers in constant motion.

I asked if they always started with the directions. They do. The pieces are too specific, Matt said. Most kids wouldnt know what to do with them without instructions. Theyre not like they were when we were kids. Chad joked that they were Ikea assembly kits for kids, down to the wordless illustrated instruction books. And what about when they were done? Usually, there would be a few days of playing with them, until the models started to shed pieces, then theyd end up on the Lego shelf in the toy closet. Shaina led us upstairs to the pile of models delicately laid out, surrounded by an assortment of tiny bricks that had fallen off. Still, Matt felt that there was value to the building experience, the sense of accomplishment, the spatial reading. And even if the models didnt get much use, the mini-figures had a longer life. Eli especially liked to carry them around, engaging in epic battles.

In America, we are into our third true generation of Lego enthusiasts. Now when we give our kids a Lego set, we arent just giving them a toy, were giving them a piece of our childhood, and because Legos high-grade plastic holds up remarkably well, that might even be literally true.

One of my favorite bits of Lego scholarship is by Robert Buerkle, of California State University, Fullerton, who argued that its not just that Lego is a form of nostalgia, its that Lego allows us to see the world as we did when we were children. It saws off its edges and reduces everything to understandable parts. Its a worldview, which might be the real reason for the bottomless desire to turn everything into Legos. Lego acts as a signifier for childhood, he wrote. It allows even the most jaded adult to remember what it was like to be a kid.

Eventually, when it was clear Shaina didnt need much help, Matt suggested we work on the Bat Jet together. Naomi finished Harley Quinns plane and came over to show us how it shot out nets. Shaina finished Wonder Womans dorm and was now putting her to bed. Hours passed, and the universe was still under construction.

*This article appears in the November 28, 2016, issue of New York Magazine.
Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

If you believe that, in a country as big and messy as the United States, the government has a significant role to play in keeping people healthy and regulating medicine, there are plenty of reasons to be worried about Tom Price, President-elect Donald Trumps choice for secretary of Health and Human Services.

On the one hand, since Trump explicitly ran on a promise to repeal and replace Obamacare, its not surprising that his pick for HHS would reflect this preference. Price, an orthopedic surgeon and U.S. congressman from Georgia, is indeed a hardened Obamacare foe. But this is just the tip of what is a hardline drown-government-in-a-bathtub philosophy: as the New York Times editorial board pointed out yesterday, Price, a supporter of plans to severely curtail Medicaid and Medicare and an ardent opponent of reproductive rights, seems intent on systematically weakening, if not demolishing, the nations health care safety net.

And the bright-red warning flags go beyond Prices policy stances. The congressman also belongs to a truly radical medical organization known as the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. And when you look into the specifics of what that group espouses its hard not to shudder a little bit extra hard.

Science Blogs managing editor David Gorski, himself a surgeon, summed up what he knows about the AAPS in a helpful blog post. The short version is that the organization stands at direct odds, in myriad ways, with some of very foundational beliefs of evidence-based modern public-health research. As Gorski explains, the organization takes what is basically an Ayn Randian view of the medical world in which doctors are brilliant superheroes constantly undermined by government meddling in the forms of demands for evidence and accountability and things like that. Gorski describes the organizations m.o. thusly: The fetishization above all else of the individual doctors judgment and hostility to any restriction on physician autonomy, or, as I like to characterize it, anything that smacks of telling doctors what to do.

The AAPS seems to filter the entire world through this reactionary prism, and that has taken it some, well, unhealthy places. Gorski excerpts a 2009 Mother Jones piece by Stephanie Mencimer laying out the organizations positions:

[D]espite the lab coats and the official-sounding name, the docs of the AAPS are hardly part of mainstream medical society. Think Glenn Beck with an MD. The group (which did not return calls for comment for this story) has been around since 1943. Some of its former leaders were John Birchers, and its political philosophy comes straight out of Ayn Rand. Its general counsel is Andrew Schlafly, son of the legendary conservative activist Phyllis. The AAPS statement of principles declares that it is evil and immoral for physicians to participate in Medicare and Medicaid, and its journal is a repository for quackery. Its website features claims that tobacco taxes harm public health and electronic medical records are a form of data control like that employed by the East German secret police. An article on the AAPS website speculated that Barack Obama may have won the presidency by hypnotizing voters, especially cohorts known to be susceptible to neurolinguistic programmingthat is, according to the writer, young people, educated people, and possibly Jews.

Setting aside the even more tinfoil-hatted stuff, the idea that it is immoral for doctors to participate in programs which pay for poor and/or elderly peoples health care is shockingly outside the bounds of mainstream public-health discourse; its the result of a hardened anti-government ideology. (Of course, if the organization were criticizing Medicaid on this or that grounds, that would be a different story.)

And it gets even worse, writes Gorski:

Perhaps [Price] was so attracted to the AAPS vision of doctors as special and outside of the herd to the point that he ignored its simultaneous promotion of dangerous medical quackery, such as antivaccine pseudoscience blaming vaccines for autism, including a view that is extreme even among antivaccine activists, namely that the shaken baby syndrome is a misdiagnosis for vaccine injury; its HIV/AIDS denialism; its blaming immigrants for crime and disease; its promotion of the pseudoscience claiming that abortion causes breast cancer using some of the most execrable science ever; its rejection of evidence-based guidelines as an unacceptable affront on the godlike autonomy of physicians; or the way the AAPS rejects even the concept of a scientific consensus about anything. Lets just put it this way. The AAPS has featured publications by antivaccine mercury militia scientists Mark and David Geier. Even so, the very fact that Price was attracted enough to this organization and liked it enough to actually join it should raise a number of red flags. It certainly did with me, because I know the AAPS all too well.

How much of this stuff does Price himself belief? Itll be a worthy topic of inquiry during his confirmation hearing. But either way, the AAPS isnt the sort of group you join if you have any faith in government or belief that it can meaningfully help people; rather, its the sort of organization you join if you want to drag the world back to a time when individual patients were on their own, batted to and fro by indifferent markets, with effectively no recourse to fight against quackery, fraud, and other forms of medical malfeasance. If and when Price is handed the keys to HHS, things could get scary, fast.
Are you a red-blooded Christian American looking for a way to communicate your desire to #MAGA while celebrating the birth of gun-loving capitalist hero Jesus Christ? If so, has Amazon got a deal for you: the Trump Make America Great Again Red Cap Collectible Ornament, for just $200 and up, available from several retailers. Like any half-decent Christmas ornament, it is Made of brass and finished in 14 karat gold.

And yet some of the reviewers on this fine trinket seem less than impressed. For example, Tacitus Lector, in giving the ornament but a single star, writes:

My office puts up a tree every year and we pool resources to get a really nice ornament, usually on the pricey side. For example, 8 years ago we got a really nice, hand crafted ornament from Hawaii. We liked it so much, we decided to get another one just like it 4 years later. Well, this year we all got together and chose a sedate, classy ornament from a shop in New York. My New York friends swore by their work and so we voted and chose it.



But then this red and gold POS showed up in the mail and we cant figure out why! We went through the vote hat again and we definitely voted for the New York piece with overwhelming numbers. Im a bit worried that our manager, who thinks hes special and soooo sELECTIVE, might have gone over our heads and ordered this one instead.



It turns out we cant get a refund and now were stuck with the ugly thing. We put it on the side of the tree facing the wall, but it must be bewitched or something because it keeps reappearing at the top of the tree every morning! We found our angel topper in the corner crying. We dont know what happened and she says shes afraid to tell us =/

Simon Webb went through a similar experience, also leaving one star:

Despite ordering a more reasonable ornament, this one arrived. It. Is. Yuge. Its absolutely yuge. Its the biggest ornament. Yuge. I hung it on my tree, but it is so yuge that it has totally unbalanced my whole tree. No matter where I hang it, the tree leans waaaaaay over to the far right.

Shaenon K. Garrity was more generous, offering a four-star rating, but encountered some surprises of her own:

Came with an entire crate of white hood ornaments. Great bargain! Downside: My tree is now on fire.

One more one-star review, from Grrrowler:

Every autumn my family chooses a new ornament to go onto our holiday tree. This year it was between this ornament and another one that is less flashy, less gaudy, and just overall nicer. During our family meeting we overwhelmingly chose the other ornament but somehow we still ended up with this one. Were not sure what happened.

It almost feels as though these consumers are trying to make some sort of political point, though its of course very hard to parse exactly what that point may be. Either way, the ornament seems like a quality product befitting our president-elect and his shiny gold elevator, so order today.
Let me put it this way: those were the late days of beatniks and the early days of hootenanny, says the gallerist Howard Greenberg. It was a time when the seeds of change were being sown, and things were fermenting in the coffee shops and the folk-music clubs downtown. Hes speaking of New York in the late 1950s, when photographer Dave Heath wandered down to Washington Square Park  the citys incubator of youthful defiance  and captured raw, moody images of what would become a historic scene.

The photographs, which turned out to be some of Heaths most enduring and respected work, are collected in the book Washington Square, published this month by Stanley/Barker in collaboration with Howard Greenberg Gallery and Stephen Bulger Gallery. The images are all black and white, and though strictly speaking they fall into the category of street photography, theyre close-cropped and intimate: Looking at them, you can feel the quiet energy of each encounter. Heaths subjects, the nonconformists of the time, are mostly solemn  in one photograph, two young women in turtlenecks hunch back to back, seemingly weighed down by worry. Another girl, sitting next to the beat poet Allen Ginsberg, clutches a paper cup of coffee and a cigarette. (Ginsbergs famous poem Howl forms the introduction to Heaths book.)

Heath identified with the sense of detachment that this generation felt, says Greenberg. Daves parents gave him up at a very young age and he grew up as a foster child in a home, which was not a very happy upbringing for him, and I think it left him somewhat scarred, he explains. His work shows a tremendous desire to both connect with and to understand the angst of alienation, and at the same time, the need that people have to come together. Its deeply emotionally felt, and Dave was a deeply emotional human being.

Visually, the photographs have a beautiful texture  the inkiest black tones are contrasted with rich, velvety grays. His printing style was extremely distinctive and powerful, explains Greenberg; somehow, this seems to amplify the emotional volume of Heaths work. He shot with a telephoto lens, which allowed him to stand 10 or 15 feet away from his subjects and capture images that feel very close. The work is empathetic, but he was really an outsider. Dave was always very pleasant, very polite, and very quiet; it was hard to bring words out of him.

Heath, who died on his 85th birthday, earlier this year, lived in Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York but ultimately settled in Toronto, where he taught at Ryerson Universitys School of Image Arts. He is best known for the 1965 book A Dialogue With Solitude, which includes several of his Washington Square pictures. Click ahead to see the artists unique vision of alienated youth.
Chelsea Handler.

Chelsea Handler has been  like millions of voters nationwide  having some difficulty processing the fact that Donald Trump won the presidency. The outspoken host known for her sharp tongue admitted to People magazine that shes bummed about Trump winning and that twenty times a day [shes] like, How is this a reality? How did this happen?

Working on the Wednesday after the election (when her show on Netflix usually airs) was also particularly difficult for the talk-show host, she shared in a video interview with People. In fact, she was tempted not to go on air at all and considered flying off, perhaps never working again. She says, I just thought, I do have a house in Spain. I can go wherever the hell I want! I dont ever have to work again. But her co-workers reminded Handler of the distinct voice she has in the public. So she stayed and did the show. And looking back, she says thinking like that was selfish, considering the disadvantages other people face. As for her audience, she wants them to know that shes on their side. The good message is, were going to fight even harder, she said. And thats all Ive got for you, because its rough.
The OECD Observer online archive takes you on a journey through half a century of public policy and world progress.

Since November 1962, the OECDs experts and leading guests offer insights on the questions facing our member countries with concise and authoritative analysis, and provide our audiences with an excellent opportunity to understand policy debates and consider solutions.

Each edition of the OECD Observer reports on a core theme of the OECDs on-going work, from economics and society through governance, finance, and the environment, and articles are bolstered by tables and graphs.




Iris (2014)

: IRIS pairs the 87-year-old Maysles with Iris Apfel, the quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed 93-year-old style maven who has had an outsized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades. More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how, even at Iris' advanced age, a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. IRIS portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life's sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment. Despite the abundance of glamour in her current life, she continues to embrace the values and work ethic established during a middle-class Queens upbringing during the Great Depression. I feel lucky to be working. If you're lucky enough to do something you love, everything else follows.





The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls

: If you see only one documentary about lesbian, country-singing, comedian twins from New Zealand, make this the one! Jools and Linda Topp have become phenomenally successful among the Kiwis for the sprightly combination of comical characters and catchy ditties, and this exuberant film captures the joy they bring both to their performance and to their daily lives. If you aren't already a Topp Twins fans, you'll be one by the end of this delightful doc.





Second Chance Dogs (2016)

: Second Chance Dogs, which aired on Animal Planet on April 16 and is now on Netflix (US), tells the story of one facility dedicated to giving these abused and neglected animals another chance. Through innovative techniques, patience, and complete commitment, the staff at the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center is moving these animals  once considered hopeless cases  from rescue to rehabilitation, and ultimately into safe and loving homes.





Happy (2011)

: HAPPY takes us on a journey from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums of Kolkata in search of what really makes people happy. Combining real life stories of people from around the world and powerful interviews with the leading scientists in happiness research, HAPPY explores the secrets behind our most valued emotion.





He Named Me Malala (2015)

: A look at the events leading up to the Taliban's attack on Pakistani schoolgirl, Malala Yousafzai, for speaking out on girls' education followed by the aftermath, including her speech to the United Nations. Documentary post??
Going into the Algiers OPEC meeting in late September, the prevailing sentiment among the analyst community was that there is no way any deal will get done: after all there was no secret that the recent animosity between Iran and Saudi Arabia had recent reached unprecedented levels, with both side directly involved across from each other in the Syrian proxy war.

However, the deal did happened, surprising virtually everyone, and based on a new Reuters report, it was thanks to one man.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was the mediator who played a crucial role in helping OPEC rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia set aside differences to forge the cartel's first deal with non-OPEC Russia in 15 years.

The interventions ahead of Wednesday's OPEC meeting came at key moments from Putin, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani, OPEC and non-OPEC sources said. According to Reuters, Putins role as intermediary between Riyadh and Tehran was pivotal, and is a "testament to the rising influence of Russia in the Middle East since its military intervention in the Syrian civil war just over a year ago."

It started when Putin met Saudi Prince Mohammed in September on the sidelines of a G20 gathering in China. The two leaders, who realized they stand to benefit more from cooperating in order to push prices higher, agreed to work together to help world oil markets clear a glut that had more than halved oil prices since 2014, pummeling Russian and Saudi government revenues.

The financial pain made a deal possible despite the huge political differences between Russia and Saudi over the civil war in Syria.

"Putin wants the deal. Full stop. Russian companies will have to cut production," said a Russian energy source briefed on the discussions. Of course, Russia's energy minister Novak has already said that it will take a long time before Russia's fulfills its production cut quota of cutting 0.3tb/d from its current production level of 11.2tb/d due to "technical complications" suggesting that Russia is perfectly happy to sit back and watch how the world reacts to the OPEC cut first before engaging following through on its promises. After all, there is potential Saudi market share to be gained.

But first, prices had to go up.

The back story is familiar to all who have followed the endless OPEC melodrama of 2016: in September, OPEC agreed in principle at a meeting in Algiers to reduce output for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis. But the individual country commitments required to finalize a deal at Wednesday's Vienna meeting still required much diplomacy.

Recent OPEC meetings have failed because of arguments between de facto leader Saudi Arabia and third-largest producer Iran. Tehran has long argued OPEC should not prevent it restoring output lost during years of Western sanctions. Then there is raging animosity between the two nations: proxy wars in Syria and Yemen have exacerbated decades of tensions between the Saudi Sunni kingdom and the Iranian Shi'ite Islamic republic. Related: Why Trump Will Be Unable To Save The American Coal Industry

Threatening a repeat of the April OPEC meeting which achieved nothing, heading into the Vienna summit, the signs were not good. Oil markets went into reverse. Saudi Prince Mohammed had repeatedly demanded Iran participate in supply cuts. Saudi and Iranian OPEC negotiators had argued in circles in the run-up to the meeting.

And, then, just a few days beforehand, Riyadh appeared back away from a deal, threatening to boost production if Iran failed to contribute cuts.

That's when the Russian leader stepped in.

Putin established that the Saudis would shoulder the lion's share of cuts, as long as Riyadh wasn't seen to be making too large a concession to Iran. A deal was possible if Iran didn't celebrate victory over the Saudis. A phone call between Putin and Iranian President Rouhani smoothed the way, Reuters reports. After the call, Rouhani and oil minister Bijan Zanganeh went to their supreme leader for approval, a source close to the Ayatollah said.

"During the meeting, the leader Khamenei underlined the importance of sticking to Iran's red line, which was not yielding to political pressures and not to accept any cut in Vienna," the source said.

"Zanganeh thoroughly explained his strategy ... and got the leader's approval. Also it was agreed that political lobbying was important, especially with Mr. Putin, and again the Leader approved it," said the source.

On Wednesday, the Saudis agreed to cut production heavily, taking "a big hit" in the words of energy minister Khalid al-Falih - while Iran was allowed to slightly boost output.

Iran's Zanganeh kept a low profile during the meeting, OPEC delegates said. Zanganeh had already agreed the deal the night before,with Algeria helping mediate, and he was careful not to make a fuss about it.

As we showed yesterday, the resolution culminated in an oil production table with a deliberate "error" in it" - while Iran's reference level was picked based on directly communicated data, at just under 4mmb/d, the adjustment was applied to the "secondary" reported data, some 400kb/d lower, allowing Iran to present the deal as a victory to the people as it was the only nation that had a "positive" adjustment, while Saudi Arabia would demonstrate that Iran's effective production level was 200kbpd lower than its reference point.

After the meeting, Reuters notes, the usually combative Zanganeh avoided any comment that might be read as claiming victory over Riyadh. "We were firm," he told state television. "The call between Rouhani and Putin played a major role ... After the call, Russia backed the cut." Related: Oilfield Services See A Silver Lining In The Oil Price Bust

There was one problem: a last-minute quarrel threatened to derail the deal when Iraq became a problem (just as we warned would happen in September).

As ministerial talks got underway, OPEC's second-largest producer insisted it could not afford to cut output, given the cost of its war against Islamic State.

But, facing pressure from the rest of OPEC to contribute a cut, Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi picked up the phone in front of his peers to call his prime minister, Haider al-Abadi. "Abadi said: 'Get the deal done'. And that was it," one OPEC source said.

Will the deal last? It is unclear - many say that due to the inherently unstable game theory involved in the deal, there is very little chance that some or all deal participants won't cheat, dooming the agreement to failure. However, one thing is certain: with oil up over 4% today, following yesterday's 9% gain, the head of the world's largest oil exporter - having masterminded the Vienna deal at a time when both OPEC and Russia are pumping record amounts of oil - is smiling.

By Zerohedge

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Shale oil producers have turned the U.S. from a net importer into a net exporter of natural gas in November, according to S&P Global Platts. Even in September, the U.S. emerged as a net exporter for a few days. However, annually, the U.S. natural gas exports havent yet overtaken imports in the past 60 years.

The U.S. surpassed Russia as the largest producer of natural gas in 2011, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. At 80 billion cubic feet of production per day, the U.S. produces 25% of the worlds total, and the EIA forecasts U.S. gas production to increase to 84 Bcf/day by 2020 and to skyrocket to 104 Bcf/day by 2030. The U.S. is also the largest consumer of natural gas in the world, followed by the European Union and Russia.

(Click to enlarge)



Though natural gas is used internationally and is a preferred fuel over coal, it is not traded at uniform prices globally. Every region has its own price depending on its demand and supply metrics, as can be seen from the chart below, sourced from British Petroleum.

(Click to enlarge)



However, in the last few years, the consumption pattern has changed. Demand from the global leaders in import such as Korea and Japan is falling, whereas demand is likely to increase from the likes of China, India and the ASEAN countries. Europe, however, will continue to invite competition among suppliers to gain market share.

We see massive quantities of LNG exports coming on line while, despite lower gas prices, demand continues to soften in traditional markets, said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. These contradictory trends will both impact trade and keep spot gas prices under pressure, as quoted in the IEA website.

Between 2015 and 2021, the liquefaction capacity will increase by 45%, according to the IEA, and most of this will be from the U.S. and Australia, according to the Medium-Term Gas Market Report released by the IEA back in June of this year.

While Australia will rival Qatar for the top spot as the worlds largest LNG producer for export, the U.S. is likely to follow close behind in the third position. Citigroup estimates that the U.S. will export gas equal to 20% of its annual consumption by 2020. Related: Australia Says Big Oil Failed To Pay Billions In Taxes

Some signs of a pickup in exports can be seen as Bloomberg reports that nine LNG tankers are scheduled to leave Sabine Pass, the most for any month since exports were allowed.

Its indicative of things to come, said Sid Perkins, managing partner at the brokerage Ion Energy Group. Natural gas is going to be taking on the characteristics of a global-macro market, like crude, where global factors will influence what happens to gas, reports The Wall Street Journal.

While the shale oil producers have already taken the fight to the OPEC nations for crude oil production, natural gas producers are also out to assert their supremacy. Gas is just one of the first signs of the growing strength of U.S. production power, said Anthony Yuen, global energy strategist at Citigroup, quoted in the WSJ.

By Rakesh Upadhyay for Oilprice.com

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Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari has hinted that engineers may be competent enough to be involved in pipeline vandalism at sea and asked the Nigerian Academy of Engineering to talk to their members working with foreign oil majors or government to safeguard local oil pipelines, Nigerian media reported on Tuesday.

Nigerian engineers are very quick in their performance on the field. If I will go in the negative side, how can an ordinary Nigerian go into the sea, 70Km or more, go down two meters and blow up oil installations?, The Punch website quoted Buhari as saying.

The president went on to say at an event of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering on Tuesday, as quoted by The Punch:

That cannot be an ordinary Nigerian. So, I hope you will appeal to your colleagues to make sure that what we have built, they should safeguard them whether they are working with multinationals or the government.

The Nigerian media reports of the presidents words come just two days after a fresh explosion at a pipeline operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company had confused locals and security forces, with no one certainevent it was a militant attack. Security forces sources were not sure if this had been a deliberate attack, while a local community member told media that the security forces were pursuing the perpetrators of the deed.

Earlier this month, a wave of renewed attacks on the Forcados pipeline  which has the capacity to transport 150,000-200,000 bpd to an export terminal  shut the pipeline again, and dragged Nigerias oil output and exports down, just as they had started to increase.

OPECs secondary sources put Nigerias crude oil production in October at 1.628 million bpd, up by 170,200 bpd from September. However, the Forcados shut-in in November was expected to reduce the countrys output this month and next.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Warnings of a potential surge coming in global copper prices this week. Emerging from a place few observers in the space are focused on.

The southern Africa producing nation of Zambia.

Industry sources in Zambia told Reuters this past week that some big changes are quietly afoot in the copper market here. Triggered by a change in government policy for local smelters.

Thats a new tax reportedly being introduced by the Zambian government on imports of copper concentrates. With officials apparently planning to tax incoming shipments of concentrate at up to 7.5 percent.

Heres why that matters for global copper prices.

Industry sources said the proposed tax would likely make concentrate imports uneconomic for most Zambian smelters. With these buyers unable to make a profit if the additional levy is added on top of already-thin margins.

That would likely bring a halt to concentrate imports into Zambia. Which currently run at least 500,000 tonnes yearly, coming from mines in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Industry sources said the sudden surplus of Congolese concentrate would upset the supply chain for the first six months of 2017. With 500,000 tonnes of concentrate supply here now seeking buyers elsewhere in the world  possibly in China or India, shipped through South African ports.

Related: Russian Energy Minister Novak: Russian Oil Companies Will Cut

Given the long distance involved, it could take up to two months for these concentrates to start reaching smelters. With sources estimating that up to 150,000 tonnes of copper metal production could be delayed by the transit.

That could result in a short-term supply squeeze. Potentially spiking copper prices higher, at least for a few months in early 2017.

Zambias smelters have reportedly been pressuring the government to drop the new tax. Watch for a final decision on this critical legislation, and for resulting effects in copper supply and prices if the measure does go ahead.

Heres to butterfly wings flapping,

Dave Forest

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) December 1, 2016: in his book Head and Heart: American Christianities (Penguin Press, 2007), historian Garry Wills, a practicing Catholic who is not opposed to legalized abortion in the first trimester, characterizes the alliance of certain Protestant anti-abortion zealots with Catholic anti-abortion zealots as an unholy alliance. You see, throughout most of our American cultural history, American Protestants were anti-Catholic, among other things, and historically, Roman Catholics formally considered all Protestants to be heretics. Nevertheless, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade in 1973 legalizing abortion in the first trimester laid the groundwork for this unholy alliance to emerge.

Wills enumerates the list of certain other Supreme Court rulings that had also rankled those Protestant anti-abortion zealots -- a list that has undoubtedly grown since Wills' book was published in 2007. But Wills does not need to explain that most of those other rulings did not much concern Catholic anti-abortion zealots, because most of those other rulings had little or no impact on the parallel but not necessarily equal American Catholic subculture. (Disclosure: Like Wills, I also grew up in the American Catholic subculture, which is one reason why I was interested in the widely reported report that 52% of Catholics voted for Trump.)

For all practical purposes, the unholy alliance that Wills discusses contributed to President-elect Donald J. Trump's decisive electoral victory over the Democratic abortion advocate Hillary Rodham Clinton. No doubt Trump's selection of Governor Mike Pence as his Republican running mate helped him seal the deal with certain Protestant anti-abortion zealots. No doubt Trump's big-sounding campaign statements against legalized abortion contributed to the support he received from both Protestant and Catholic anti-abortion zealots. No doubt Hillary's unequivocal support of legalized abortion in the first trimester turned off many anti-abortion zealots.

In the book Render unto Darwin: Philosophical Aspects of the Christian Right's Crusade against Science (Open Court, 2007), James H. Fetzer draws on deontological moral theory (derived from Kant) to set forth a reasonable position about legalized abortion in the first trimester that I find cogent and compelling (pages 95-120).

I admire Wills for going to the trouble to enumerate the various Supreme Court rulings that trouble certain Christians, and I admire Fetzer for engaging certain claims advanced by the Christian right.

Because I support legalized abortion in the first trimester, I voted for Hillary. In addition, I published one OEN critique of Trump after another before the election. However, I have never seen Hillary as the lesser of two evils, because I have never seen her as "evil," even though I am not uncritical of her. For example, I do not understand why she voted in favor of authorizing the Iraq War, when she was the U.S. Senator from New York. Nor do I understand why she decided to use a private email server, when she was the Secretary of State. James Comey was an idiot for intervening shortly before the election -- twice -- about the FBI's investigation of Hillary's emails.

As I will explain momentarily, I do not fully understand why she decided to run for president again in 2016, after she lost the Democratic presidential primary in 2008. Nevertheless, despite my reservations about her, my reservations about Trump were and are far more serious. Which is why I am now writing the present op-ed commentary.

In any event, the time has come for the mainstream pundits who supported Hillary to comment on her decisive electoral loss to Trump. For example, the liberal columnist Paul Krugman, a past winner of the Nobel Prize in economics, in his column "The Populism Perplex" in the New York Times (dated November 25, 2016), does not refer at all to the abortion debate. Instead, he frames his discussion of the election in economic terms. When his economic framework yields almost no insight about the outcome of the election, he then says, "To be honest, I don't fully understand this resentment [of the Trump voters]."

We should dwell on his admission for a moment, because we do not often find a mainstream pundit admitting that he does not fully understand something. Perhaps his admitted lack of understanding will motivate him to undertake a study of the Trump voters' resentment(s).

But the most straightforward way to explain Krugman's admission would be to say that his economic framework may be a wee bit defective when it comes to understanding resentment that may include both economic resentment(s) and non-economic resentment(s). I know, I know, Krugman himself likes to promote economic resentment(s) -- which certain ancient Hebrew prophets such as Amos promoted, and so did Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary. So if Krugman can understand and indeed cultivate economic resentment(s), why is he apparently unable to understand non-economic resentment(s)?

Under the upcoming Trump administration, I am sure that the rich will get richer. But I'm not so sure about how other Americans will fare economically under the Trump administration. Perhaps Trump administration hopes that trickle-down economics will work, eh?

However, I am also not so sure what kinds of non-economic payoffs the Trump voters hope to receive from his presidency. In part, he campaigned on non-economic resentments involving legalized abortion and the Supreme Court.

In any event, assuming that President Trump does not engage in a nuclear war that ends the world, which after all would not help the rich get richer, I am sure that liberal and progressive mainstream pundits and editorial boards will have no shortage of things in the trump administration to comment on.

But make no mistake here, Hillary also campaigned on cultivating non-economic resentment(s) -- perhaps most notably when she invited Alicia Machado, the former Miss Universe (in 1996) to campaign alongside her and describe her feud with Trump. I guess that Hillary figured that she needed Machado to help her fire up her feminist base in the Democratic Party. Ironically, feminists of Hillary's generation at one time denounced beauty pageants. For his part, Trump played along and continued his feud with Machado.

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Many years from now, I hope that students of history will not look back at the 2016 presidential race in complete confusion. If they do, it will mean that we have solved none of the massive political and social problems that we face. In most cases, history shows that electing a populist candidate means that a country has lost its moral and economic compass and is doomed to pay a much higher price than it expects. Andrew Jackson, an amoral sociopath with no conscience, screaming "manifest destiny" as an excuse for uncountable atrocities, set American civilization back several centuries and eventually incited enough disrespect for non-whites to make civil war a certainty. Luckily, even with all of his character flaws, I don't think that Mr. Trump is a sociopath and he has been known to walk back some of his most ignorant "misstatements." Unfortunately, he has shown little or no knowledge of history, world affairs or domestic issues. Meanwhile, a few decades from now, hopefully there will be a definition for the political term "progressive." Perhaps someone, in a magic moment of clarity, will be able to explain just what the psychiatric or medical term really means. Progressives apparently do not like to be called liberals; they do not generally seem to favor being practical and they seem to have a definite aversion to long term planning to achieve necessary goals. I have been told that I am not a "progressive" despite having almost all of the same long term goals that they have, but that I am too patient because I favor long term planning.

Long term planning involves studying history, something apparently forbidden by "progressives." They also seem to forbid the use of things like patience, logic, and respect for common people and their social values. They apparently "want what they want" and they want it "when they want it." I voted for Bernie Sanders in the primaries, knowing full well that he was in too much of a hurry to achieve the same goals that I wish to achieve. I knew that without control of the House and Senate, however, Bernie would have to compromise some of his economically impractical ideas. I also knew that he would not have abandoned his bully pulpit, nor would he have pandered to powerful lobbies. I loved the fact that he included whites and blacks and all groups in his attempts to lift working men and women out of socio- economic hardship. He alone made people think of themselves in ways other than the color of their skin. His opponent accused him of not fighting for specific minorities, because he did not pander to them. He called the Affordable Care Act what it is, an historic attempt to bridge the gap to a single payer system, not a solution to the problems of health coverage. He was a totally wonderful, if clearly imperfect candidate, a rarity indeed, an honest man.

Bernie's opponent was much more qualified than he- on paper, her record of achievement admirable and she had the backing of the establishment in her party. In fact, she had the Democratic National Committee and all of its lobbies in her back pocket. According to them, she could make as many mistakes as possible and still they would back her. Allies like Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden, much more electable than she would be, were asked to step aside. She would raise more money than God and buy enough support to easily win the presidency. Insults to coal miners, unemployed white workers and some who were black or Hispanic could be made up by campaign infrastructure and volunteers on the ground. Women were supposed to vote for her because she was a woman. They were supposed to vote for her because she told them they could have late term abortions, even partial birth abortions ( already deemed illegal by the Supreme Court) because of a bad hair day. They were supposed to vote for her despite the fact that their husbands were unemployed, that she had lied about her emails. They were supposed to vote for her despite conflicts of interest involving her foundation, taking money that she didn't need from banking and Wall Street instead of donating it to charity and most disappointing of all, despite her inability to control her husband's interference in her campaign.

I still don't know what a progressive is supposed to be, but I do believe that if the Democratic Party wants to be relevant, it will have to find new leadership. It does not mean that it needs to jump off of the left side of a building, but it needs people who are more fiscally responsible yet socially liberal. It needs to legitimately respect certain conservative values even if we vehemently disagree with them. It means finding young representative candidates for House and Senate seats, candidates who are capable of being elected without support from huge lobbies. Most importantly, it means admitting culpability for Democratic failures in reining in its share of two hundred billion dollars annually in Medicare overpayments and formulating a reasonable plan to simplify the tax code, making it more fair for both individuals and businesses. So far these tasks have been left mostly (not entirely) to ignoramuses and lechers in the Republican Party. For once, a little advanced, long term planning might come in handy. Remember, just as they say that nothing good happens after midnight, no good legislation comes out of "reconciliation" bills.

Al Finkelstein (Ofinky) 11/27/16
From Consortium News

If Donald Trump is serious about trying to deport many if not all of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, he may face much more resistance than he expects, as I witnessed during a post-election protest by some 50 young Latino students who took their anti-Trump chants to San Francisco's bustling Mission District.

I spoke with them aboard a city bus on the way to a march and spontaneous all-city student protest at City Hall. I got a sense of their fear and their commitment. They were focused and clear about what was on their minds.

Some were undocumented, or had parents and friends and relatives who were undocumented. Some people whom they knew had already gone into hiding. But the students voiced a fierce determination to say no to Trump who they said had repeatedly degraded their families, the entire Mexican race and every Muslim in America.

I spoke first to Gabriella, a high school senior at City Arts and Technology. She was carrying a sign that said, "We will not go along with fascism." She angrily asserted, "We're doing this in protest of the election of Donald Trump. Our schools are all gathering to protest about this. We've been talking about it since ["] the election. We are very upset and we will not continue to be oppressed by the system, and by a man that targets immigrants, people of color, and poor people. I'm afraid that it will affect everybody I know. ...

"Not only the minorities, but everybody. He doesn't have the requirements to be a president. He's a corrupt man that should not be president. Personally I have a lot of family members that do not have papers, but they are good people and they work hard to be citizens. It's not fair for a man to try to deport them."

I asked Gabriella what she would be doing if this was just a regular day in her life. "I would be studying, working hard," she said. "I want to be a nurse. I want to be somebody to make my family proud and provide for my family. We all just want to be good people and work hard."

Then I spoke with Hyro Kirk, a senior at the June Jordan School for Equity, named after the late poet and award-winning African-American essayist, June Jordan. "I'm on this bus going to City Hall to make people feel safe in the city, because I don't think people should be scared," Kirk said.

I asked the high school senior if he too has friends and family who are now frightened. He answered: "Yes, people are expressing their fears all the time. And it scares me because, my family, some of them don't have papers. And I don't want to see them going back to a country that's like a third world country. I just feel like this shouldn't be happening to Latinos who helped build this country."

I asked Maylee Rubio, another June Jordan senior, what she felt about the election of Trump and why it had happened. She said, "I feel really disgusted and offended that he has the nerve to call us illegal immigrants, rapists, drug dealers. It's just disgusting how he sees America like that. I worry about my family ... and a lot of my friends, because a lot of my family is undocumented. And they came from one of the most dangerous places in Mexico. And if they go back I'm afraid for their lives."



U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arresting suspects during a raid in 2010.

(Image by (Photo Courtesy of ICE)) Details DMCA



Ben Rosen, a 12th-grade teacher at City Arts and Tech who accompanied the students, said he joined them on their walkout because "I can't sit back while this is going on. ... I was horrified by the results of the election. I work with these kids day in and day out and it's what gives me hope. They are the most beautiful, righteous, intelligent people I know. And I refuse to get used to whatever this new norm is supposed to be. And this is what gives me hope, these youth."

I asked Rosen how the Trump victory affected the dialogue in the classroom and his ability to teach. "Well," he said, "my students are scared. People are really scared and not sure where to go from here. And I think it's our job as educators not to be neutral, to take a stand. This is not a time to stand back and be on the sidelines. This is a time to help our students understand the danger that's real, and empower them to stand up for themselves. It's the only thing that's going to actually make a difference, now."

One student, who preferred we not use her name, added "The whole controversial issue that the immigrants take jobs from Americans ... is not true," she said. "We actually help and create more jobs for a variety of different people. And, for me, what really gets me really, really angry is that they're telling us we have a choice [about whether to leave our countries or not]. We don't choose to be here. We leave, our parents leave our homelands, to create a better future. Because in our homelands there's lots of violence and things that we have to run away from," she said. "If it wasn't for our parents moving here, who knows, we might not even be alive at this point in time."

She concluded, "I just want to say a couple last words to the Trump supporters, to everyone who voted for Trump. I wanted them to know that this is not their country. Before America came along, this was Mexico's land. Before the Europeans came on this land, it was Native Americans' land. This is not your country, so stop thinking you can just run us over like that."

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Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"Wonderful work! An insightful, integrative adventure into what makes humans flourish. Rob Kall shows us that we know how to do this, that most of human history was about connection and that there are ways to make it happen again. He offers real solutions and practical suggestions for taking back the world for community, connection and well-beingaway from hierarchy, exclusion, and destruction. A new handbook for the necessary revolution!"



Darcia Narvaez, Professor of psychology, Notre Dame, University, author of Neurobiology and the Development of Human Morality: Evolution, Culture and Wisdom
Reprinted from us4.campaign-archive2.com

Greg Palast investigated vote suppression in the 2016 election for Rolling Stone. The film of his investigation, The Best Democracy Money Can Buy , was released by Cinema Libre Studios in September.

There's been so much complete nonsense since I first broke the news that the Green Party would file for a recount of the presidential vote, I am compelled to write a short guide to flush out the BS and get to just the facts, ma'am.



Clip from The Best Democracy Money Can Buy by Greg Palast





Nope, they're not hunting for Russian hackers

To begin with, the main work of the recount hasn't a damn thing to do with finding out if the software programs for the voting machines have been hacked, whether by Putin's agents or some guy in a cave flipping your vote from Hillary to The Donald.





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The Puppeteer Sunny

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When historians work out the details of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential victory, the most important date is likely not to be October 28th -- when FBI Director Comey announced he had reopened the Hillary Clinton email kerfuffle -- but August 19th when Paul Manafort resigned as Trump campaign director. While Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon replaced Manafort, the real change happened behind the scene when reclusive billionaire Robert Mercer and his daughter, Rebekah Mercer, took control of the Trump campaign.

Who are Robert and Rebekah Mercer? What does their ascendancy mean for the Trump Administration?

70-year-old Robert Mercer is a computer scientist famed for his research in machine-translation algorithms. In 1993 Robert joined Long-Island-based Renaissance Technologies, which became the most successful quantitative hedge fund; Mercer is now its co-CEO. Recently Robert was identified as the largest Republican donor in the 2016 presidential contest. His political giving is directed by his 42-year-old daughter, Rebekah.

Before the Mercers took over the Trump campaign, they funded the unsuccessful presidential bid of Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Cruz suspended his campaign on May 3rd, after losing the Indiana primary, and lost the favor of the Mercers with his July 20th "vote your conscience speech" at the Republican convention. The Mercers renamed their superPAC "Make America Number 1" and shifted its focus to Trump. By election day they had invested more than $15.5 million in the superPAC.

The Mercer's enormous investments in Cruz and Trump reflect the ultra-conservative philosophy of Robert and Rebekah, and give us a good idea of what to expect from the Trump administration.

1. Contempt for Washington. The Mercers believe Washington is corrupt and look down on most Washington politicians (and the "coastal elites"). It's no accident that both Cruz and Trump campaigned as outsiders who would "drain the swamp."

2. Radical tax reform: Cruz urged scrapping the current tax system and replacing it with a national flat tax augmented by a sales tax. Trump has called for radical simplification of the tax system and reducing corporate taxes to 15 percent. (The Mercers favored eliminating certain tax laws that pertain to hedge funds.) Under the Trump Administration look for a return to "trickle-down economics" with massive tax cuts that primarily benefit the rich and powerful.

3. Entitlement reform: Cruz called for replacing the current Social Security scheme with a private system similar to that proposed by President George W. Bush. Both Cruz and Trump have called for scrapping Obamacare and making fundamental changes to Medicare. With massive tax cuts there will be massive deficits unless there are reductions in federal spending.

4. Reduction of discretionary spending: Cruz called for the elimination of the Departments of Education, Commerce, Energy, Housing and Urban Development, plus the Internal Revenue Service. Trump seems open to such changes and has called for the elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency.

5. Immigration Reform: Trump and Cruz took a very hard line on immigration. Trump continues to call for construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border and deportation of undocumented immigrants. (The sweep of Trump's deportation initiative is TBD.)

6. Islamophobia: Trump famously advocated blocking all Muslims from entering the country. Rebekah Mercer is known to be a supporter of Lt. General Mike Flynn, who was recently appointed Trump's National Security Adviser. Flynn has argued, "Islam is a political ideology." There's a strong strain of Islamophobia among Mercer advocates and it's likely Trump will push for a national Muslim registry.

7. Interventionist Foreign Policy: In addition to supporting Lt. General Mike Flynn, Rebekah Mercer is known to be a strong advocate of (former Bush Administration Ambassador to the United Nations) John Bolton. Like Trump and Flynn, Bolton sees Islam as an existential threat. Bolton is an advocate of an interventionist foreign policy. Recently, he wrote (click here): "The prospect that terrorists could receive weapons of mass destruction risks the perfect storm of more 9/11s but with far more tragic consequences. Moving vigorously to eliminate the rising proliferation tidal wave will either be the hallmark of Trump's presidency -- or possibly its epitaph." Following Flynn and Bolton's advice, Trump will likely attempt to cancel the Iran nuclear agreement and be more confrontational with China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

8. Climate Change: Trump has called global climate change "a hoax." Politico reports that the Mercers "have given at least $1.4 million to organizations that cast doubt on climate change science." (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/rebekah-mercer-donald-trump-231693). Look for Trump to back away from Global Climate Change agreements and to suspend climate-change-related research and regulations.

9. The Press: Robert and Rebekah Mercer have waged war on the mainstream media. The Daily Beast (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/09/13/inside-the-mercers-diy-media-empire.html) reported that "From 2008 to 2014, the [Mercer] foundation gave millions to groups looking to change American media." Among these donations was $7.5 million to the Media Research Council -- which generated the "Clinton Cash" book and movie -- and $10 million to Breitbart News (http://www.newsweek.com/2016/12/02/robert-mercer-trump-donor-bannon-pac-523366.html). Look for Trump to insulate his Administration from the mainstream media and to favor ultra-conservative outlets such as Breitbart.

10. White Supremacy: According to the New Yorker magazine, (http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/17/kellyanne-conways-political-machinations) since 2011, top-Trump-insider Steve Bannon "has served a political adviser to the Mercers." The New Yorker article describes Bannon as "the poser child for [the] white, nationalistic, alt-right world view." Look for the Trump Administration to continue to curry favor with white supremacists.

Expect the worst from Trump/Mercer.


Flag_of_Ukraine

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What Has Happened to Ukraine in the Last 3 Years?

https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/chance-make-ukraine-europes-next-success-story

This article entitled "A Chance to Make Ukraine Europe's Next Success Story" by George Soros was written December 14, 2015. Billionaire George Soros, one of the biggest supporters of Hillary Clinton (who represents the Establishment that Donald Trump supporters voted against), started Open Society Foundations. In this article from the Foundations' website, Soros writes in the last paragraph "Euromaiden instilled a renewed spirit of cooperation and solidarity in Ukraine."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_Euromaidan According to Wikipedia: "The Euromaiden was a wave of demonstrations and civil unrest in Ukraine, which began on the night of 21 November 2013 with very large public protests demanding closer European integration."

However, a different perspective is presented in the book Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks World War III, edited by Stephen Lendman. I have selected sentences from a chapter of the book by Mahdi Nazemroaya p. 90-91:

"The takeover of power in Kiev by the mainstream opposition is a coup that has been executed by force, which overlooks the opinions of at least half of the Ukrainian population."

"Both the US and the EU have rubbed elbows with the ultra-nationalists. Oleh Tyahnybok, the leader of Svoboda (formerly the Social Nationalist Party of Ukraine), was even part of the opposition triumvirate that all the US and EU officials visiting Kiev met with while performing their political pilgrimages to Ukraine to encourage the protesters to continue with their demonstrations and riots demanding Euro-Atlantic integration. Svoboda has popularly been described as a neo-Nazi grouping. The World Jewish Congress has demanded that Svoboda be banned. The ultra-nationalist party was even condemned by the EU's own European Parliament."

"Several members of Svoboda have been given key cabinet and government posts...Andry Parubiy, one of the founders of Svoboda, is now the post-coup secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (RNBO). He was the man controlling the so-called "Euromaiden security forces" that fought Ukrainian government forces in Kiev...Parubiy is a leader in the Orange Revolution."

"The ultra-nationalists are such an integral part of the mainstream opposition that the US-supported president of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko posthumously awarded the infamous Nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera the title and decoration of the 'Hero of Ukraine' in 2010. Foreign audiences, however, would not know that if they relied on the likes of the US state-run Radio Free Europe, which tried to protect Yushchenko because he wanted to reorient Ukraine toward the US and the EU."

http://theduran.com/ron-paul-says-cia-involved-in-government-overthrow-in-ukraine-war-clouds-gathering-over-crimea-video/ This August 2016 article is entitled "CIA involved in government overthrow in Ukraine, war brewing over Crimea (video)":

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Salem, Ore.  House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) issued the following statement yesterday regarding the passing of former Oregon House Speaker and Attorney General Hardy Myers:

As Speaker of the House and as Oregons Attorney General, Hardy Myers served our state with great dignity and class. He will be remembered as one of the most distinguished and well respected Attorney Generals of our time. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Myers family today.
Wikimedia Commons

Getting packages from home matters a lot to soldiers overseas. To ensure that food, clothes or other items reach them in Afghanistan, you have to send packages properly, per strict regulations. There's an old saying that there's a right way to do things, a wrong way and then the military way. You have to know the military way. This changes as the rules change: At time of writing, there's no military mail service for troops in Iraq.

Send What's Allowed

There's no point to sending something the soldier will never see. In Afghanistan, that includes the following:

Pork and pork byproducts

Alcohol or alcohol-making equipment

Porn or nude photographs

Anti-Islamic materials in bulk quantities

Firearms

Cash

Toxic substances

Food that can spoil

Liquids in glass containers



The military scans packages before sending them on. If you send something that is unacceptable, it will be flagged and confiscated and never make it to its destination. As the packages go through regular U.S. mail at first, you also can't send anything that the U.S. Postal Service doesn't normally allow in the mail.

If you're ordering off Amazon, there are many items, such as food and electronics, that you'll have to send to your own home, then ship to Afghanistan via the USPS. Amazon will tell you at checkout if that's an issue.

Packages to Afghanistan

If you're mailing for a special event, send well ahead of time. It takes an average 11 days for a package to reach Afghanistan. It takes even longer to reach bases on the front lines: Delivery schedules are up to the commanding officers, and weather or combat operations can delay packages. Keep that and the heat in mind if you're sending anything perishable.

Address mail to a specific soldier; sending a package to "any soldier" is generous, but security concerns will get it returned. If you want to send a batch of care packages to support the troops, there are multiple organizations that you can work through to find specific individual soldiers to help.

The address on your package needs the soldier's name, rank, unit and APO address with a 9-digit ZIP code. You can look up the ZIP code with the USPS ZIP code finder. Include a return address. Don't write "Afghanistan" or "Kabul" on the envelope; that confuses the system.

The USPS offers free flat-rate shipping boxes, which saves substantially on postal costs. There are limits to what you can send: no more than 70 pounds in weight and a combined length and girth of 108 inches. Girth is measured around the thickest part of the package. You must fill out a customs form saying what you're mailing and how much it's worth. If you're sending something valuable, writing an underestimate of its worth on the form discourages thieves. Check that it's a "gift" on the form, which saves on fees.
PTI attacked Nawaz Sharif for alleged misstatements before the nation

ISLAMABAD: The counsel for the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his alleged misstatements before the nation, in which he claimed he had generated the money to buy the London flats by selling the Gulf Steel Mills in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).



Senior counsel Naeem Bokhari, representing PTI chief Imran Khan before a crowded Courtroom No 1, tried to establish before the five-judge Supreme Court bench that the Sharif family was left with no money after paying off their outstanding liabilities of 36 million dirhams through the sale of 75pc of the mills shares in 1978 and subsequent disposal of the remaining 25pc shares in 1980.



A Share Sale Contract between Abdullah Khalid Ahli, the buyer, M. Tariq Shafi, the seller and the PMs cousin, and the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI), the creditor, was presented by the counsel to establish that the Sharif family did not have a single penny after selling Gulf Steel.



There is not a single document showing any transaction or paper trail for the investment of 12 million dirhams in Saudi Arabia, Qatar or London. There is also no explanation for how the Azizia Steel Mills was established in Jeddah, and if a loan was secured, then how and from which bank, Mr Bokhari asked.



At the outset, the counsel argued that the PM was guilty of evading taxes since he did not pay wealth tax, as established from the tax returns he submitted. In addition, Mr Bokhari claimed, the remittances he received from his son, Hassan Nawaz  who does not have a tax number  did not fall under the definition of a gift, as defined under the Income Tax Ordinance.



Similarly, the PMs daughter Maryam Nawaz had always been his dependant and that her beneficial interest with the four flats had been established, Mr Bokhari argued.



Referring to the letter from former Qatari PM Hamad bin Jassim bin Javer Al Thani, Mr Bokhari argued that the letter had destroyed the PMs credibility since its contents contradicted the stand he had taken in his three speeches. He added that the Qatari letter was also contrary to a 1999 interview of Hassan Nawaz by BBCs Tim Sebastian.



The unstamped and unregistered trust deed that had surfaced also does not establish that Maryam was a trustee of the four flats, he claimed, assailing National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry for failing to perform his duties and protecting the PM instead of following the money trail behind the purchase of the London properties.



Mr Bokhari said the NAB chairman deserved to be tried for alleged gross misconduct and dereliction of duty under Article 209 of the Constitution.



He argued that the Qatari letter was hearsay and entirely vague as it did not mention who had informed the prince about the transactions or business dealings of Mian Mohammad Sharif  the PMs father  or what was the nature of their real estate business in Qatar. This is vagueness at its finest, the counsel said.



PTI chief Imran Khan, who was present in the courtroom, often came up to the rostrum to advise his counsel.



Earlier, when the counsel argued that in the past, courts had considered press clippings in their judgements, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed asked whether the court should also consider what is published in foreign newspapers about his client [Imran Khan] to be true.



Mr Bokhari then cited a 2011 interview of Maryam Nawaz by Sana Bucha, where the PMs daughter denied owning any flats. He then highlighted a communication from Mossack Fonseca Reporting Officer J. Nizbeth Maduro to Errol George, director of the financial investigation agency of British Virgin Islands, on June 22, 2012, which states that Maryam was the beneficial owner of M/s Nielson Enterprises Ltd and Nescoll Ltd and that Minerva Services was the registered shareholder of these two companies.



But Justice Saeed countered, saying that no document had been produced by the defendants to explain the nature of Minerva Services Ltd or its holdings; or proved who owned this company and whether it was in the name of Hassan, Hussain or Mian Sharif.





During the proceedings, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa asked the counsel to demonstrate how the PM and his family had connections to these properties prior to 2006.



But Mr Bokhari maintained that the Sharif family was the beneficial owner of the flats from day one. He is expected to continue on this point when the case resumes next Tuesday.
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Meteorologist Paul Douglas writes about Minnesota weather daily, trying to go beyond the "highs" and "lows" of the weather story to discuss current trends and some of the how's and why's of meteorology. Rarely is our weather dull - every day is a new forecast challenge. Why is the weather doing what it's doing? Is climate change a real concern, and if so, how will my family be affected? Climate is flavoring all weather now, and I'll include links to timely stories that resonate with me.
Canadian photojournalist Ed Ou was detained by U.S. border security on October 1 while trying to board a flight from Vancouver, Canada, to Bismarck, North Dakota. He was traveling to Standing Rock Indian Reservation on assignment for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, to cover the protests there. As someone who has lived and worked extensively in the Middle East, Ou has frequently been questioned when crossing borders, but as he told the Columbia Journalism Review, this particular encounter with U.S. border agents was different. He was detained for several hours and was made to explain all of his travel for the previous five years. Then they asked my why I was going to Standing Rock and why I was so interested in that. They wanted to know the people I was going to meet, what I was going to cover, Ou told CJR. Hours later, Ou had his personal journals photocopied and his phones tampered with against his will. Ou was finally denied entry to the U.S., and was advised that he was on a person of interest list and should not try to enter the country again. When he sought further information about his status, he was told it was classified.

Columbia Journalism Review has a full account of Ous experiences, here. It includes a useful security tip about what he does with his mobile phones when crossing borders.
Two thousand security personnel will be deployed from Accra on Monday, for electoral duties across the country.



The personnel comprising the Military, Police, Immigration, Fire, Prisons and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority are to augment the regional and district security task forces on elections day.



They would converge in the early hours of Monday at the Independence Square briefing for debriefing on the operational orders before their departure.



The Director-General of Police Operations, Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, disclosed these police intercessory church service in Accra yesterdays to seek Gods intervention and protection for successful elections.



In each region, COP Yohuno said, a top police officer, member of the Police Management Board (POMAB) would be sent to supervise the operational activities of the security task force.



He said there would be a reserved force made up of personnel of the Rapid Deployment Force to be on standby for any eventuality.



He said the national operational centre at the Police headquarters would respond to cases.



The Director-General Operations said the military would be the last resort in circumstances where the police could not contain or handle the situation.



Mr. John Kudalor, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) the National Election Security Task Force had met with the National Peace Council, the Electoral Commission, the political parties, religious bodies, the media among others to discuss how to ensure peaceful election.



The IGP said though the EC had been mandated to conduct elections, it behooves all to contribute towards successful elections.



He noted that the indispensability of the police and the other security agencies in a democratic dispensation could not over emphasized.



IGP reminded the personnel of their core mandate to protect lives and property and to ensure the safety of the electorate, official of the EC as well as the electoral materials.



Sheikh Armiyaw Shaibu, Head of the Islamic Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service, said elections were contest of ideas and not war and urged the public not to do anything that would mar the elections.



He cited a number of countries particularly In Africa that had been devastated by war as a result of election.



Shiekh Shiabu urged leaders of the political parties to advice their supporters to conduct themselves well before, during and after the elections.



In a sermon, on the theme Jesus said to them, peace be with you (John 20:21) the Director of the Police Religious Directorate, Very Rev. Fr. George Arthur, said peace was a prerequisite for national development and it was important that it was safeguarded.



Very Rev. Arthur, who is also an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) said the identification of flash points and the recent happenings should serve as a wakeup call for the police and other security agencies.





Source: The Ghanaian Times









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A mass burial of bodies, known to be victims of the Black Death, has been discovered at the site of a 14th-century monastery hospital at Thornton Abbey, Lincolnshire. Credit: University of Sheffield

A mass burial of bodies, known to be victims of the Black Death, has been discovered at the site of a 14th-century monastery hospital at Thornton Abbey, Lincolnshire.

Archaeologists from the University of Sheffield revealed 48 skeletons, many of which were children, at the extremely rare Black Death burial site.

The Black Death was one of the worst pandemics in human history. It devastated European populations from 1346-1353 and resulted in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people.

The presence of such a large burial site, containing both male and female adults, as well as 27 children, suggests the local community was overwhelmed by the Black Death and was left unable to cope with the number of people who died.

Dr Hugh Willmott from the University of Sheffield's Department of Archaeology, who has been working on the excavation site since 2011, directed the excavations and explained why the find is of national importance.

"Despite the fact it is now estimated that up to half the population of England perished during the Black Death, multiple graves associated with the event are extremely rare in this country, and it seems local communities continued to dispose of their loved ones in as ordinary a way as possible," he said.

"The only two previously identified 14th-century sites where Yersinia pestis (the bacterium responsible for the plague) has been identified are historically documented cemeteries in London, where the civic authorities were forced to open new emergency burial grounds to cope with the very large numbers of the urban dead.

"The finding of a previously unknown and completely unexpected mass burial dating to this period in a quiet corner of rural Lincolnshire is thus far unique, and sheds light into the real difficulties faced by a small community ill prepared to face such a devastating threat."

Dr Willmott added: "While skeletons are interesting, they just represent the end of somebody's life and actually what we are interested in as archaeologists is the life they led before they died.

"One of the ways we can connect with that is through the everyday objects they left behind.

"One artefact that we found at Thornton Abbey was a little pendant. It is a Tau Cross and was found in the excavated hospital building. This pendant was used by some people as a supposed cure against a condition called St Antony's fire, which in modern day science is probably a variety of skin conditions.

"Before we began the dig the site was just an ordinary green field grazed by sheep for hundreds of years, but like many fields across England, as soon as you take away the turf, layers of history can be revealed by archaeology."

Teeth samples from the skeletons found at the Thornton Abbey site were sent to McMaster University in Canada where ancient DNA was successfully extracted from the tooth pulp. Tests on the DNA revealed the presence of Yersinia pestis, which is documented to have reached Lincolnshire in the spring of 1349.

Dr Diana Mahoney Swales, from the University of Sheffield's Department for Lifelong Learning, who is leading the study of the bodies, said: "Once the skeletons return to the lab we start properly learning who these people really are.

"We do this by identifying whether they are male or female, children or adults. And then we start to investigate the diseases that they may have lived through, such as metabolic diseases like rickets and scurvy which are degenerative diseases for the skeleton. However for diseases such as plague, which are lethal, we have to use ancient DNA analysis to investigate that further."
The innovative cooling element reduces perceived temperature in just three minutes. Besides ambient climate control and lighting, the modular system also improves acoustics. Credit: Alexander Buff / Fraunhofer IBP

Poorly maintained air conditioning systems cause mold or other bacteria to spread; they often also generate drafts and are costly to operate. An alternative technology that uses ceiling panels covered in special heat-conducting film operates well below the dew point. Designed by Fraunhofer researchers, the system offers hygienic cooling even in tropical climates, and uses up to 70 percent less energy. The multifunctional system will be launched at the BAU trade fair from January 16-21, 2017 as part of the Fraunhofer Building Innovation Alliance's special show, "Fraunhofer CityLaboratory  creating living spaces".

There is not a breath of wind outside, while inside the air conditioning is running at full blast. Cooling and heating account for some 32 percent of global energy consumption, and some 30 percent of CO2 emissions. Climate change is driving an increase in cooling requirements  and a related health risk: if air conditioning systems are not properly maintained, mold develops inside the equipment and in air ducts. This affects people's immune systems just as drafts can. Europe is seeing the spread of a healthier, more efficient form of air conditioning: active systems that are built into ceilings, walls, and floors. Like the radiators in a central heating system, they have (cold) water flowing through them. Such climate control components quickly reach their operating limits, however: if cooled surfaces reach the dew point, condensation forms on them  just like it does on a glass of cold lemonade.

Comfortable temperatures with minimal energy consumption

Researchers at Fraunhofer IBP have developed innovative technology that prevents condensation: a special heat-conducting polymer film. When applied to multifunctional ceiling panels, it has the same effect as insulating glass and allows the panels to function well below the dew point without condensation forming. "Our system is unique in the world," says Alexander Buff, a scientist at Fraunhofer IBP in Rosenheim. The concept was funded by the Fraunhofer Venture Group (see link below), and a patent is pending. Now a team of six, the scientists have been awarded level I EXIST start-up research funding from the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy. The team's Clear Sky Cooling project is currently being spun off from Fraunhofer under the name Interpanel GmbH, with Alexander Buff as its CEO, and the multifunctional cooling and heating system will be available from mid-2017.

Multifunctional, upgradable modules

Ceiling-wide activation ensures healthy ambient climate control regardless of the dew point. Credit: Alexander Buff / Fraunhofer IBP

What makes the technology special is that it avoids the problem of the dew point, and it is multifunctional. Around two square meters in size, the modules can be combined flexibly. As efficient LED lighting panels, they save energy. With its acoustic activation, the system simplifies interface planning. High-density modularity reduces the system's overall size and saves on installation time. Sheets of film are individually printable and easy to replace. The long-lasting modules can be taken down and re-installed elsewhere.

Ceilings fitted with the system achieve much the same refreshing effect as a starry sky on a warm summer night: once the sun goes down, the air feels pleasantly cool because the clear, cold night sky draws away the heat, causing an instant drop in perceived temperature. The ceiling panels work according to the same physical principle: their cooled surfaces absorb the heat given off by people in a process that is direct, noiseless, and free of drafts. Ceiling panels can be cooled at the push of a button or by means of a motion sensor, and in around three minutes they generate a pleasant ambient climate in the room beneath them  as beneath a cool night sky. Because it circumvents the problem of the dew point, the system can also be used in open spaces such as industrial workplaces or open-plan offices. Instead of causing cold air to swirl around in a space, the panels absorb the naturally radiated heat only where comfort is needed. Such zonal usability makes Clear Sky Cooling particularly energy-efficient. It is especially suited for use in health-related environments such as hospitals, physiotherapy centers, and fitness studios, as well as in open-plan offices, conference centers, and manufacturing facilities. The system works independently of surrounding drafts and humidity, and so its operation is nearly safe and maintenance-free.
Steel slag stockpiled alongside a steel factory. Credit: Eindhoven University of Technology

Steel production generates some hundred million tons of steel slag worldwide each year. This giant mountain of leftovers is largely dumped. TU/e professor of building materials, Jos Brouwers, will be working with industrial partners to investigate whether he can make cement out of it. If he succeeds, more CO2 emissions can be cut than is produced yearly by all the traffic in the Netherlands.

Steel slag is produced by the conversion of raw iron into steel  around 125 million tons of it per year. Much of that is dumped and only a small portion used, in embankments. That's a shame, professor Jos Brouwers says, because the mineralogical composition very closely resembles that of cement. It contains the same components, but in different ratios. And it is public knowledge that the cement industry emits a very high amount of CO2: five percent of the global total. A cement substitute with no extra CO2 emissions would, therefore, be most welcome.

But before this can happen, Brouwers' team has to overcome a number of scientific and technical hurdles. First, the researchers will use the very latest methods to gain a good picture of the physical and chemical properties of the steel slag as well as take a detailed look at what different additives can bring in terms of cement-like qualities. They will then use this knowledge and computational models to design new types of cement and concrete, and test them out. "It is important that it is possible to change the composition of the steel slag by adjusting the steel production processes," Brouwers explains. "You can keep the quality of the steel consistent and still ensure that the properties of the steel slag are more favorable."

Brouwers is hopeful that he will be able to succeed in making cement from steel slag that can replace 'normal cement'. While it may well require twice as much for the same result, this new cement will still be suitable for many common applications. It will make a difference of tens of millions of tons of CO2 emissions each year. For comparison, all the traffic and transport in the Netherlands produces emissions of around thirty million tons a year. Moreover, the new cement is also a money maker. "Steel companies now have to pay for their slag to be removed; it has a negative value. If we succeed, or only in part, it could mean tens of millions of euros in the Netherlands alone," says Brouwers.
The Rolodexes of the business elite help account for the surprising resilience of managerial control of publicly held corporations, leading to an entrenched management structure that comes at the expense of shareholder value, says research from U. of I. labor professor Richard Benton. Credit: L. Brian Stauffer

It turns out the old saying that "It's not what you know, but who you know" still holds a measure of truth in corporate America.

New research from a University of Illinois expert in social network analysis indicates that, through 2006, the Rolodexes of the business elite help account for the surprising resilience of managerial control of publicly held corporations.

According to a forthcoming paper from Richard Benton, a professor of labor and employment relations at Illinois, the "interlock" of corporate board members and managers are ties that bind, leading to an entrenched management structure that comes at the expense of shareholder value.

"The 'old boys club' still exists, but it's less about gender and more about two different interest groups - entrenched management and activist shareholders - vying for control over publicly held corporations," Benton said.

On the one hand, shareholders and institutional investors are interested in seeing corporations managed and directed to reflect their interests. On the other, managers, executives and board members want to preserve their power and autonomy.

"One way to think about this network is it's about who has the power: shareholders or managers," Benton said. "But managers are able to tilt the playing field and surround themselves with a board of directors that thinks like they do."

The paper points to the incestuous nature of corporate boards and C-suite executives, Benton said.

"What this shows is that networks of people who work together and have common interests - unsurprisingly - do things to support each other," he said. "Basically, directors affiliated with manager-oriented firms self-select into dense groups, which leads to firms appointing directors from similarly governed firms to their board. They end up supporting the interests of top executives, and not necessarily the shareholders. The end result is that these interlocks help spread a passive governance orientation, and shareholders' interests are neglected."

And a board of directors that reflexively defers to the CEO isn't necessarily the best shareholder advocate, Benton said.

"If they all know each other through their social connections, and they all take care of each other and run in the same social circles, are they really going to be critical or a vigilant watchdog of a chief executive - especially if that same chief executive also happens to be a buddy who sits on the board of their company?" he said.

"It's all very incestuous. There's a facade of independence, but they're really well-connected with one another."

The paper's findings suggest that a select group of corporate insiders have remained cohesive and continue to play a central role in maintaining managerial entrenchment in the modern era, even as the broader network has continued to fracture in the face of increased pressure from shareholders.

"A key source of shareholder power in a corporation is concentrated institutional investor ownership," Benton said. "When you have large concentrated institutional investors who own large blocs of shares, they have outsize power and influence because they can vote their shares and thereby put a lot of pressure on the board through activism."

But at corporations with high levels of institutional investor ownership, that impact is blunted by the deeply embedded old boys network, which is less susceptible to shareholder pressures, Benton said.

The practice isn't illegal, "it's just normatively questionable," Benton said.

"These are contested practices, something that most investors don't see as being in their interests and would like to see changed, but managers and board members still find ways around them," he said.

The good news for investors: The network has become more fractured and less cohesive in the wake of corporate scandals.

"This paper tracks companies through 2006, and we can already start to see the coalition start to splinter," Benton said. "One of the key reasons why it's become more fractured is that there's been more scrutiny on heavily networked firms and corporate directors."

The paper will be published in the American Journal of Sociology.
General counsels for corporations are well-versed in the law and should be able to detect and stop fraud, not profit from stock sales utilizing their fraud-related insider information.

Researchers from the University of Michigan zeroed in on the potential reasons that corporate counsels are failing to report and prevent corporate crime.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was an answer to rampant corporate fraud involving companies such as Enron, Worldcom and Tyco. The act required corporate attorneys to report any suspicion of violation to top executives and board of directors.

"More than any other executives in the corporation, corporate attorneys are expected to understand potential violations of law," said Nejat Seyhun, finance professor at U-M's Ross School of Business. "They are expected to use their legal expertise to advise, intervene and stop wrongdoing."

Seyhun and S. Burcu Avci, a research scholar, analyzed insider trading activities of top executives, general counsels and other officials listed in Securities Class Action database. Looking at cases filed in federal court from 1996-2014, they compared those with insider trading data and found that general counsels were more aggressive sellers of company stock than other executives.

General counsels increased their sales of stock during the class action period by 63 percent, which indicates that they were aware of the overvaluation of their common stock due to the fraud and were acting proactively to reduce their potential losses by reducing their holdings.

The fraudulent activity costs shareholders billions. The average class action settles for $170 million, they found. Given this, the estimated range of damages caused by the alleged fraud is between $6 billion and $30 billion.

"Our evidence shows that general counsels are part of the fraudulent group," Seyhun said. "They are heavy sellers of their own firm's stocks and profit abnormally by avoiding the stock price declines upon revelation of the fraud at the end of the class action period."

More information: Sureyya Burcu Avci et al. Why Donnt General Counsels Stop Corporate Crime?, SSRN Electronic Journal (2016). DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.2804352
Trump, Stephens says, has focused primarily on fossil fuels with plans to reduce regulations for shale gas extraction and advancing clean coal, but he has also mentioned renewable energies and technologies of the future.. Credit: Northeastern University

Donald Trump has vowed to "rip up" the Paris climate agreement, repeal the Clean Power Plan, and scrap NASA's Earth science research while reviving the coal industry, approving the Keystone XL pipeline, and expanding offshore oil drilling.

We asked Jennie Stephens, Dean's Professor of Sustainability Science and Policy at Northeastern's School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, to weigh in on what the nation's environmental agenda might look like under Trump's leadership.

First and foremost, what is Trump's energy plan? Second, what are some of the biggest political hurdles facing the president-elect as he works to dismantle many of the policies put in place by the Obama administration to fight the effects of climate change?

On the campaign trail, Trump outlined his "America First Energy Plan" promising energy independence by getting "bureaucracy out of the way of innovation so we can pursue all forms of energy." He has made claims that accelerating extraction of fossil fuels will create millions of new high-paying jobs. He has focused primarily on fossil fuels with plans to reduce regulations for shale gas extraction and advancing clean coal, but he has also mentioned "renewable energies and technologies of the future."

If the president-elect really wants to prioritize energy independence and creating energy-related jobs, then advancing renewable energy is essential. Renewable energy offers so much potential because harnessing the perpetual and abundant energy from the wind, sun, and water offers benefits that can be distributed around the country. But it is not yet clear whether those connections are yet being made within the incoming administration.

Some of Obama's actions have been executive orders, so those can be easily changed with new executive orders. But other Obama administration policies and initiatives are more complicated and would involve complicated action to change.

The reality is that the world is gradually transitioning away from fossil fuels toward more renewable-based energy systems. If the new administration does not support that transition in the United Sates, our country will fall farther and farther behind and lose global competitiveness, but the rest of the world will continue. And cities and states throughout the country are not going to halt the rapidly accelerating deployment of renewable energy that brings so many benefits to communities throughout the country. The practical challenges of being a laggard rather than a leader on climate change at the international level will result in a whole host of political hurdles that could temporarily set us back in other areas too.

Trump will soon be the only world leader to deny the science of climate change, prompting many climate change experts to fear for the future safety of the environment. In your view, what might Trump's election mean for the future health of the environment?

Even before the election, it was often hard to maintain optimism about the future health of the environment. And now it is even more difficult because many environmental protectionsthat so many people and organizations have worked so hard to develop and implement over the past 50 yearsappear to be at risk of being reversed or weakened. In my courses I encourage students to consider their own level of optimism versus pessimism with regard to environmental degradation and the future. A critical point that I always emphasize is that it is often under duress, hardship, and negative situations that human resilience is demonstrated and our collective ingenuity is sparked. So despite a bleak outlook, it is an exciting time for creative and potentially radical social change.

Trump recently appointed noted climate change doubter Myron Ebell to lead his transition team for the Environmental Protection Agency, an indication that environmentalists could be, as one Time article put it, "forced to fight tooth and nail to protect existing checks on greenhouse emissions." Under a Trump administration, what steps might environmental groups take to further their mission to slow the effects of climate change?

For concerned citizens who want to get involved, here are six specific principles that we can advocate with the new administration and within our own communities: (1) make America a clean energy leader; (2) reduce carbon pollution and America's reliance on fossil fuels; (3) enhance climate preparedness and resilience; (4) publicly acknowledge that climate change is a real, human-caused and urgent threat,; (5) protect scientific integrity in policy-making; and (6) uphold America's commitment to the Paris climate agreement.

With the negative national-level landscape, grassroots local, city, state, and regional action is more important than ever. Actions of resistance to fossil fuel expansion, including the Standing Rock protests of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the fossil fuel divestment movement, are growing in numbers and significance. We are also seeing new coalitions emerge that are bringing together environmental activists, human rights activists, social justice activists, Black Lives Matter activists, and others. New synergies and critical connections are being made that will empower change. Environmental issues in general and climate change in particular have historically often been too isolated from other issues, so I feel some optimism about how the new political landscape is resulting in new alliances and a broader recognition of interconnections among the many challenges currently facing humanity.
VAXIMM Presents Preclinical Data on Three Novel Oral T-Cell Cancer Immunotherapies at EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium

Details Category: Vaccines Published on Thursday, 01 December 2016 13:05 Hits: 2492

BASEL, Switzerland and MANNHEIM, Germany I December 1, 2016 I VAXIMM AG, a Swiss/German biotech company focused on developing oral T-cell immunotherapies, today announced that preclinical data for three of its programs were presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics Symposium being held in Munich, Germany. VAXIMM has a versatile technology platform that is being used to discover novel oral T-cell immunotherapies to treat a variety of cancers. The murine analogs of product candidates discussed in the poster - VXM01, VXM04 and VXM06 - encode, respectively, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), mesothelin (MSLN) and Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) protein antigen.

The poster, entitled, "Non-clinical safety and antitumor efficacy of live attenuated Salmonella typhimurium-based oral T-cell vaccines VXM01m, VXM04m and VXM06m," discussed the safety and efficacy results from preclinical studies with VXM01, VXM04 and VXM06 as single agents. The poster is available in the Publications section of the VAXIMM website at www.vaximm.com.

Sebastien Wieckowski, PhD, Senior Scientist, VAXIMM AG, who presented the results, said: "The data presented today support the flexibility of our oral T-cell immunotherapy platform in stimulating anti-tumor immunity against a variety of antigens. The results support our clinical findings with VXM01, with which we have seen promising results in pancreatic cancer. This product candidate is currently in clinical testing for the treatment of glioblastoma and colorectal cancer. Additionally, we have now seen promising preclinical results with our earlier stage programs, VXM04 and VXM06, supporting their continued development."

In a pancreatic cancer model (Panc02 syngeneic model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma expressing MSLN), treatment with VXM01 and VXM04 as single agents resulted in a significant reduction in tumor growth compared to control (empty vector). For the active treatment groups, tumor size at the end of the experiment was significantly smaller compared to control.

In a leukemia model (FBL-3 disseminated model of erythroleukemia expressing WT1), VXM06 demonstrated a rapid and sustained anti-tumor effect, with 100% (10 out of 10) of the mice surviving 175 days after tumor challenge. In contrast, the control group did not show any anti-cancer effect, with a median survival of 45 days and 0% (0 out of 10) tumor protection.

The results from a six-month repeat-dose toxicity study of VXM01 and from three-month toxicity studies of VXM01 in combination with VXM04 as well as of VXM06 as single agent, showed that all the single compounds, as well as the combination of VXM01 and VXM04, were generally well tolerated, with no deaths and no clear treatment-related clinical signs.

About VXM01:

VXM01 is an oral T-cell immunotherapy that targets the tumor-specific vasculature and certain immune-suppressive cells. It is based on a live attenuated, safe, orally available, bacterial vaccine strain, which is modified to carry vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) as the target gene. VXM01 stimulates the patient's immune system to activate VEGFR2-specific, cytotoxic T-cells (so-called killer cells). These immune killer cells then actively destroy cells in the tumor vasculature, leading to an increased infiltration of various immune cells into the tumor. In preclinical studies, a murine analog VXM01 vaccine showed broad anti-tumor activity in different tumor types. This activity was linked to a VEGFR2-specific T-cell response and was accompanied by the destruction of the tumor vasculature and increased immune cell infiltration. In a Phase I double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 71 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, VXM01 appeared to be safe and well tolerated and led to the activation of VEGFR2-specific cytotoxic T-cells, which was associated with significantly improved patient survival. Clinical studies in colorectal cancer and glioblastoma are ongoing.

About VXM04:

VXM04 carries human mesothelin as the target antigen. Mesothelin is a protein that is overexpressed in several solid tumors, including mesothelioma, ovarian cancer and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. VXM04 is currently in preclinical testing with plans to advance the immunotherapy into the clinic to treat solid tumors. In preclinical studies, VXM04 has shown potent T-cell activation against mesothelin and stand-alone therapeutic activity in models of pancreatic cancer. The VXM04 safety profile has been demonstrated in combination with VXM01 in a three-month toxicity study in animals.

About VXM06:

VXM06 carries a modified Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) protein as target antigen. WT1 is overexpressed in several hematological malignancies and solid tumors, including acute leukemias, glioblastoma, colon cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and ovarian cancer. In preclinical studies, VXM06 has shown potent T-cell activation against WT1 and stand-alone therapeutic activity in models of leukemia. The VXM06 safety profile has been demonstrated in a three-month toxicity study in animals.

About VAXIMM:

VAXIMM is a privately held, Swiss/German biotech company that is developing oral T-cell immunotherapies for patients suffering from cancer. VAXIMM's product platform is based on a live attenuated, safe, orally available bacterial vaccine strain, which is modified to stimulate patients' cytotoxic T-cells to target specific structures of the tumor. VAXIMM's lead product candidate, oral VXM01, activates killer cells targeting tumor-specific vasculature and certain immune-suppressive cells, thereby increasing immune cell infiltration in solid tumors. VXM01 is currently in clinical development for several tumor types, including pancreatic, colorectal and brain cancer. In addition to VXM01, VAXIMM has a pipeline of complementary development candidates targeting different tumor structures. VAXIMM's investors include BB Biotech Ventures, Merck Ventures, Sunstone Capital and BioMed Partners. VAXIMM AG is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Its wholly owned subsidiary, VAXIMM GmbH, located in Mannheim, Germany, is responsible for the Company's clinical operations. For more information, please see www.vaximm.com.

SOURCE: VAXIMM
I have been thinking about gift giving in Shakespeare. There doesn't seem to be too much of it if I remember rightly. What there is tends to be more insult...

I have been thinking about gift giving in Shakespeare. There doesn't seem to be too much of it if I remember rightly. What there is tends to be more insult...

Man plans, God laughs. Or so the saying goes. My intention was to send out this post so last evening, but "the internets" in my home has been unavailable,...

Man plans, God laughs. Or so the saying goes. My intention was to send out this post so last evening, but "the internets" in my home has been unavailable,...

I've been wanting to write something up about how at Mass we worship God just as Homer described his guys doing 3000 years ago, and how this is essentially...

I've been wanting to write something up about how at Mass we worship God just as Homer described his guys doing 3000 years ago, and how this is essentially...

By the end of 2016, this part of the internets will be no more. The blog posts are being moved to the new home of *A Good Beer Blog* but this place, this...

By the end of 2016, this part of the internets will be no more. The blog posts are being moved to the new home of *A Good Beer Blog* but this place, this...

There are tons of specials everyday as most of you know, and you'll always see the various types linked on the Reference column at the right of this bl...

There are tons of specials everyday as most of you know, and you'll always see the various types linked on the Reference column at the right of this bl...

Well, for this site anyway. This page is going dark. I simply dont post enough to warrant paying for it any longer. Any future posts will appear at my old...

Well, for this site anyway. This page is going dark. I simply dont post enough to warrant paying for it any longer. Any future posts will appear at my old...

My latest post on Catholicmom.com is up here! An excerpt: So while I can no longer shield my adult children, or forbid or prevent them from doing whatever ...

My latest post on Catholicmom.com is up here! An excerpt: So while I can no longer shield my adult children, or forbid or prevent them from doing whatever ...

Kate Spade I never once set foot in one of the stores, passing by never saw a thing Id buy for myself or anyone I know. But when I walk by now a sense...

Kate Spade I never once set foot in one of the stores, passing by never saw a thing Id buy for myself or anyone I know. But when I walk by now a sense...

FROM *THE BOOK OF MIRACLES* Hi people, for current subscribers, or for those who may wish to become new subscribers, please go to the Subscribe to Blog via...

FROM *THE BOOK OF MIRACLES* Hi people, for current subscribers, or for those who may wish to become new subscribers, please go to the Subscribe to Blog via...

In one of her letters, St. Catherine of Siena said -- well, she said basically the same thing in more than one letter, but I'm quoting Letter T5/G225 to...

In one of her letters, St. Catherine of Siena said -- well, she said basically the same thing in more than one letter, but I'm quoting Letter T5/G225 to...

We went to the SC State Fair on Sunday. I headed to the livestock shows - just to look. But I came away with a new Boar from Kewanee Farms out of Georgia...

We went to the SC State Fair on Sunday. I headed to the livestock shows - just to look. But I came away with a new Boar from Kewanee Farms out of Georgia...

Quick Quotes

"Christianity brought reverence for what is below us." - Goethe

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"Your salvation is in the hands of God...There is no purely human knowledge of one's eternal destiny that can contain the infinitely greater certainty contained in your faith and hope through Christ our Lord." - EWTN Q&A

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"It is a truism in the interpretation of Scripture that its spiritual message is disclosed only to those who bring to their reading a consciousness of their need for God and his mercy. Only they get it and appreciate the urgency of the message. The others are all bewildered. - Msgr. Herron


QUEENSBURY  A central New York man who was one of two suspects in the July killing of a Glens Falls man pleaded guilty late Wednesday to second-degree murder.

Kevin S. Chapman agreed to cooperate against co-defendant Robert M. Henry, who authorities believe planned the July 6 robbery of Kevin Jenks that led to his death. Jenks was choked to death in his Dix Avenue home.

Chapman, 49, of Herkimer, agreed to a plea deal that will include a state prison sentence of between 15-years-to-life and 18-years-to-life when sentenced by Warren County Judge John Hall. He pleaded guilty to a count of murder that is brought for a death that occurs during the commission of a felony, and admitted that he was present when Jenks was killed and that he went to the home with his co-defendant, Robert M. Divine Henry, to steal from Jenks.

Warren County District Attorney Kate Hogan said Chapman agreed to testify against Henry, and waive his right to appeal. Jenks daughter, Monique Reyes of Queensbury, was in court for the plea, she said.

Chapmans lawyer, Greg Teresi, said Chapman wanted to do, as best he could, right by Kevin (Jenks) family and has a tremendous amount of remorse.

He never anticipated and didnt realize the plan of his co-defendant was to in fact kill Kevin, Teresi said.

Henry, 45, also of Herkimer, was in court on Wednesday as well, rejecting a plea offer that would require him to plead guilty to second-degree murder and net him a sentence of between 22-years-to-life and 25-years-to-life.

Hall warned Henry about the risks and possible consecutive sentences he faces for theft-related charges that happened before and after Jenks was killed.

Henrys lawyer, Tucker Stanclift, said a plea that would bring a sentence of close to the maximum didnt give his client much of an incentive to avoid a trial.

Hes not motivated by the plea offer, Stanclift said.

Stanclift said Chapman has made so many different statements, its difficult to determine the truth.

Trial for Henry was set for Jan. 30. Chapman is to be sentenced Feb. 22.

Police said the two men stole a car, at least one cellphone, credit cards and numerous other valuables from Jenks, and those items were tracked to central New York in the hours after Jenks was found dead in his home.

Chapman and Henry blamed each other for Jenks death when police located and questioned them, police said.

But Henry had known Jenks for years, and police believe he set up the trip to visit Jenks to steal from him. Chapman told police that he became angry when Jenks sexually propositioned him and he tackled the 58-year-old Jenks, but that Henry choked him to death.

Chapmans plea came weeks after he took a polygraph test administered by the State Police to try to determine whether he was telling the truth. Teresi said his client wanted to take the polygraph test to help prove to the family that it (the death) wasnt at my hands and the test came back in his favor.

Polygraph tests are not admissible as evidence in New York criminal courts, but are often used for investigatory purposes by police and prosecutors.

Chapman had not been scheduled for a court appearance until Dec. 7, but the case was moved up for reasons that were not disclosed. It also was not listed on the courts daily calendar for the day.

Both men have lengthy criminal records that include multiple felony convictions and are being held in Warren County Jail, pending further court action. Henry could face up to life in prison if convicted of a single felony, as he is eligible for sentencing as a persistent felon.

In addition to the murder counts, each suspect also faces eight charges that include robbery, burglary, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Chapmans plea deal includes a dismissal of those counts.
GLENS FALLS  For 10-year-old Katie Jabaut, animals and motion-sensored chirping birds are a must when planning how she will decorate her annual holiday tree. And for the past four years, the William H. Barton Intermediate School fifth-grader has been creating and decorating a tree for the annual North Country Festival of Trees.

She loves animals and hopes to be a veterinarian someday, so animals are always in her trees, her mother, Jenny Jabaut said.

The holiday event, packed with more than 800 community-crafted creations, kicked off on Thursday with a lunch at the Queensbury Hotel. The festival runs through Sunday with a host of family-centered events, including A Childrens Wonderland and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Jabaut created a tree and a large holiday wreath for this years benefit. Her Shimmer and Shine wreath won Most Traditional in the festival judging on Wednesday night at the hotel. This isnt her first win, she said.

It is really fun and it is actually helping somebody, Katie said on Thursday afternoon. It makes me happy that people will get to see it. It feels really good.

For the past 25 years, the community has come together in support of the festival that benefits Prospect Center in Queensbury.

It is our silver anniversary and that is a true credit to the community, said Anne Schneider Costigan, the deputy executive director of the Center for Disability Services. The community support is tremendous. The community has embraced this event and it has become a tradition.

Prospect Center, a division of the Center for Disability Services, has been treating, supporting and educating at-risk and developmentally disabled individuals  people with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy and Rhett Syndrome to name a few  and their families for 60 years.

Schneider Costigan said the Aviation Road center serves 1,200 individuals from Warren, Washington, Essex, Saratoga and Hamilton counties each year.

All the proceeds from this four-day holiday event go to Prospect Center.

Last year we raised $75,000 and we are hoping to meet or exceed that this year, Schneider Costigan said.

The way the festival works, anyone can apply to create a tree, wreath, centerpiece or holiday craft that will be sold at the festival. Trees are bought by event organizers and then decorators pick one to decorate and bring back for the festival.

Once the festival opens, tree browsers, who pay an admission fee, can select a decorated tree  with prices ranging from $50 to more than $200  to take home on Sunday.

For some, the decorating takes on huge proportions. There are trees with feathers, sparkles, garlands, lights, birds, cranberries, candy canes and inventive creations like bottle cork toppers and glass bottles made to look like tree branches. Some decorators spend months putting it all together.

This year, Melony Longhitano, who has been participating in the festival for 25 years, actually made two trees  a Santa tree and another with a cardinal theme  because she couldnt decide which one she wanted for the festival.

Longhitano, who owns, A Lasting Impression, a florist shop in Queensbury, designs the festival tree through her business. When she asked her staff for help picking which tree to do, half wanted the cardinal-themed tree and half wanted Santa.

Part of the problem was that Longhitanos mother, Margaret Evans-Norman, who always named her festival creation, had died.

When I would finish my tree, I would call her and she would name it, she said. She loved naming the tree.

So she decided to do the cardinal tree because it felt like a connection to her mother.

We made an ornament with her face on it and we will put it on the tree on Saturday, she said. We still have to get her involved.

Longhitano starts shopping and searching for her tree pieces in the summer.

A lot of cardinal ornaments were striking this year  really special ornaments, she said.

Casey Baldwin, who has four Most Traditional Tree wins to her credit, starts planning in July, and by October, shes deeply into creating each special ornament. Generally spending five to eight hours a week from October until the festival, Baldwin admits she loves working on her creations.

Im hunting for fabrics, props for the bottom of the tree, antiques, she said.

This year, with the help of her boyfriend, Baldwin took small disks and stamped them with antlered deer for her A Farmhouse Christmas, tree that won Most Traditional this year. The tree, which will sell for $275, costs her that much and then some, she said.

The trees get better and better every year, said Baldwin. I come early on Sunday (last Sunday, to set up) and I have had the same spot every year. It is my lucky spot. I meet all these great people and it is a great way to start the holidays.
GLENS FALLS  The Post-Star and WNYT-TV won a court case against the city Thursday, when a judge ruled that the city wrongly withheld a document from the public.

Glens Falls officials didnt want to let the public read a report that recommended firing Assessor Lauren Stack. The City Council accepted the recommendations in the report, without offering any details. The mayor later said the decision meant Stack was fired.

But the recommendation was actually five paragraphs long and cited several other pages of the report, Warren County state Supreme Court Judge Robert J. Muller wrote in his decision.

The city gave him a copy of the report, which he read. He said it did not include any personal and intimate details of (Stacks) personal life, which the city could legally withhold.

The city had no reasonable basis for withholding the report, Muller wrote.

In fact, the respondents reasons for denying the request repeatedly changed and, ultimately, rested on an argument that lacked merit, Muller said.

Glens Falls officials did not return a call seeking comment. They hired outside attorneys to argue the case, at greater expense than using the city attorney. Muller also awarded attorneys fees to the Post-Star, which increases the citys costs.

Attorney fees for the Post-Star and WNYT, which jointly filed the case against Glens Falls, total about $6,000. Muller will review the billing to determine whether that is a reasonable bill before ordering the exact amount that Glens Falls must pay.

The city could appeal, but Muller ordered Glens Falls to release the report within 10 days. That means city officials must file a notice of appeal soon if they want to avoid releasing the report.

Post-Star attorney Jennifer Gomez said it was rare to get attorneys fees awarded.

It just shows how egregious the respondents behavior was here, she said. The fact that they kept changing their reason  personal information, then it was because there was pending litigation, then because they discussed it in a closed session  they just wouldnt give you a straight answer.

She said the judges review of the report may have been what convinced him to rule in favor of the Post-Star.

We actually think the in camera review of the report totally backfired on them, she said.

That review proved that the report wasnt as personal as some had assumed. But Post-Star Editor Ken Tingley emphasized that the fight wasnt about exposing Stack to more embarrassment and public scrutiny after she lost her job.

This was never about Lauren Stack and what happened to her, he said. This was about the city violating the law. If newspapers dont fight for those rights, theyll get trampled on.

Stack was fired on Oct. 3. Prior to her termination, city officials learned in 2012 that she served four years in prison in Florida in the 1990s for four felony drug-related burglary convictions. She did not reveal that information to Glens Falls officials when she applied to be assessor here in 2009, but officials also said they never asked her about any criminal history.

She also didnt tell officials when she was charged with DWI in Lake George in 2014. It was only after she was charged with DWI again in 2015 that The Post-Star learned of the first DWI case, and the charges made headlines. She remained on the job with no disciplinary action taken. After she was convicted of driving while impaired, she was suspended from her job without pay, and then fired.
Fresh off a convincing re-election win, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is looking forward to tackling many issues in the new term and working with the new president and a majority Republican Congress.

I think we will be able to get a lot done, Stefanik, R-Willsboro, said in a telephone interview with The Press-Republican.

Tax reform, regulatory reform, replacing the Affordable Care Act, those are the issues that are high on the agenda, particularly in the first year, but I am also excited about issues in my committees.

Replace Obamacare

Investing appropriately in national defense and eliminating sequestration of military funding for the long term are goals of hers as she sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

And getting the higher education bill re-authorized this year will be a priority as Stefanik serves on the Education Committee.

Revamping the nations 85,000-page tax code is also a top issue for her, she said.

Im hopeful, and as always, I will be an independent voice when I disagree, she said.

Stefanik said there are parts of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, that she would like to keep, such as allowing children to stay on their parents insurance until the age of 26.

She has been part of the reforms that have already taken place, but other aspects still need to change, she said.

I believe that we need to continue fixing it until there is a replacement, she said. I wouldnt have voted for the Affordable Care Act, and I support a replacement.

Will Speak Out

Stefanik, 32, won re-election in the 21st District by collecting 63 percent of the vote against Democrat Mike Derrick of Peru, who drew 28 percent, and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello of Glens Falls, who got 5 percent.

The congresswoman won all 12 counties in the district.

During the campaign, she was often pressed by the media to explain her support for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Trumps win sparked protests across the nation among people who fear his policies.

Stefanik, who often touts her ability to work in a bipartisan manner, continues to maintain her support for Trump.

I will continue to work with the administration, and I will speak out when I disagree, she said.

Cabinet vetting

Several of Trumps selections for his Cabinet have raised eyebrows, namely Steve Bannon as chief strategist. He has been accused of being racist and antisemitic.

Stefanik said she does not know Bannon personally but is willing to let the vetting and appointment process play out.

I believe that President-elect Trump can put together his team, and for those who are Senate-appointed, they will go through the process, she said.

That, she noted, includes stiff questioning from both parties on potential policy issues, and the answers will reveal much, Stefanik said.

Another controversial appointment is that of Betsy DeVos as education secretary; she is seen by many as anti-public schools.

Stefanik said DeVos will go through the vetting process as well, and the congresswoman hopes to work with her, as a member of the Education Committee, to improve the affordability of higher education.

Its important to allow these appointees to go through the Senate confirmation process ... to hear the appointees viewpoints on these issues, Stefanik said.

Executive orders

She said she was not surprised at Trumps win, especially in the district.

He clearly appealed to voters who are frustrated with the status quo, and he clearly appealed across party lines, if you look at his outcome in our district, she said.

In this region, Hillary Clinton won Clinton County and the city of Plattsburgh, but Trump prevailed in Essex and Franklin counties.

I think his message on economic growth and on national security clearly resonated, Stefanik said.

She said one of the frustrating aspects of President Barack Obamas tenure has been how he has circumvented Congress in issuing executive orders.

She hopes Trump does not do that.

I am hopeful that President Trump will work with Congress because Congress is the closest to the people and should be in the position of writing law.

Trump tweets

The president-elect has drawn attention since Election Day with some of his bombastic posts on Twitter, but Stefanik wouldnt comment on specific Trump tweets, saying she is focusing on keeping her own Twitter account relative and informative.

It certainly is going to be different in the way they use Twitter, she said.

I do think when the transition goes into place ... I am not sure how the POTUS (President of the United States) feed is going to work, but I guess well see.

Seeking unity

Stefanik said that while working with the administration certainly is an important part of her duty, her main role in Congress is to focus more on what is most important to her constituents.

With a nation divided, she said, she will do her part to bring people together.

If you look at the outcome of the election, I believe that I have brought people together ... and I think Ive done that on pretty divisive issues, she said.

I think Ive led by example of bringing people together, and that is what I am focusing on bringing that type of mentality to Congress, reaching out to newly elected members and building those relationships so we can have a productive session.
Inventory needs to be managed and managed well, or you are going to get in recurring trouble, and lose your credibility and hard-earned conversions, whether 

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Israeli jets struck a Syrian military target and a Hezbollah weapons convoy early Wednesday, Arabic-language media reported Wednesday morning.









Israeli warplanes struck the military target in the Syrian capital of Damascus, while the raid on the weapons convoy occurred on the Damascus-Beirut highway, according to the reports.





As with past claims of Israeli strikes, Israel did not immediately confirm or deny news of the purported attacks. Since the start of the Syrian civil war in March 2011, a number of airstrikes in Syria or close to the border with Lebanon have been attributed to Israel.





News agencies affiliated with the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad said the air raid on the military compound occurred at 1:15 a.m. local time and that four large explosions were heard in the capital. They further reported that the strikes were carried out by Israeli Air Force planes operating in Lebanese air space.





According to the Kuwaiti news network al-Rai, the warplanes also struck a number of vehicles traveling on the main highway believed to have been part of a weapons convoy led by Hezbollah. Hezbollah has thousands of fighters in Syria, providing military aid to Assad regime and Iranian forces.





In April, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had carried out dozens of strikes against Hezbollah to prevent the group from obtaining advanced weapons  a rare Israeli admission. Israel has vowed to prevent Hezbollah from obtaining game-changing arms  in particular advanced anti-aircraft systems and chemical weapons. Earlier this week, the Israeli Air Force struck a military target belonging to the Islamic State terror group on the Syrian side of the southern Golan Heights.





























The official Syrian news agency on Wednesday confirmed there was an airstrike near Damascus overnight, and blamed Israel, saying the attack was an attempt to bolster the morale of rebel fighters as they suffer the successes of regime forces.









Arabic-language media had reported earlier that Israeli aircraft struck a Syrian military target as well as a Hezbollah weapons convoy.









The second reported raid, on the Hezbollah weapons convoy, was said to have taken place on the Damascus-Beirut highway. The Syrian official made no reference to it.









According to the Kuwaiti news network al-Rai, the warplanes also struck a number of vehicles traveling on the main highway believed to have been part of a weapons convoy led by Hezbollah. Hezbollah has thousands of fighters in Syria, providing military aid to Assad regime and Iranian forces.





The raid early Monday was the second Israeli airstrike to respond to an attack a day earlier by IS fighters against IDF soldiers. According to an army spokesperson, soldiers from the Golani Brigades reconnaissance unit came under attack from small arms fire after crossing the security fence on the border but remaining inside Israeli territory. They returned fire, but soon came under attack from mortar shells. No Israeli soldiers were injured in the exchange, the army said.









The IDF responded with an airstrike that morning that killed four members of an Islamic State-affiliated terror group that it said had launched the attack. The military said the second airstrike Monday was also in response to the initial attack.









The IDF will not hesitate to act against terror groups that operate against the State of Israel, a military statement read.

































For the first time in three months, Israeli jets reportedly struck targets in Syria early Wednesday morning, hitting a Bashar Assad regime military base and a Hezbollah convoy en route to Lebanon, according to foreign media.

Once regular occurrences, these types of alleged Israeli attacks have slowed in recent months, with many pointing to Russias deployment of the advanced S-400 missile defense system as being the cause. A senior air force officer, speaking to reporters earlier this week , noted the Russian militarys deployment in Syrian to support the Assad regime presented challenges for Israel and made for interesting times.





The S-400 anti-aircraft battery and its powerful radar, which are situated in the eastern Syrian city of Latakia, have hindered Israels once unchallenged air superiority in the region, according to most experts, though the IDF and Defense Ministry loath to publicly complain about the situation. But Russias involvement in the Syrian civil war has had serious implications not only on the immediate, technical issue of Israels air superiority, but on a strategic level as well.





And so, despite the S-400, Israeli aircraft allegedly took to the skies just after midnight Wednesday, and launched two attacks at two different locations inside Syria.

According to local media, the first strike hit a weapons cache on an army base in Damascus belonging to the 38th Brigade of the regimes 4th Armored Division, one of the Syrian militarys more elite units, which is commanded by Syrian President Bashar Assads brother Maher. The second hit a number of vehicles traveling on the Damascus-Beirut highway, which are believed to have been part of the Hezbollah weapons convoy, according to the Kuwaiti news network al-Rai.

Israeli intelligence, it seems, found a transfer of advanced weapons to Hezbollah, and Israel decided that this wasnt going to happen, Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror, the former National Security Adviser, told Army Radio Wednesday night.
























Parental pressure may come from good intentions, but it can hamper a childs self-esteem. Share on Pinterest Yellow Dog Productions/Getty Images Most parents want their children to be happy and successful. But our own definitions of happiness and success may not ring true for our children. It can be hard to remember that your child is their own person  not an extension or a reflection of you. Certain parenting experiences might prompt you to pressure your kids to make different choices, such as when: your child struggles with something that came easily to you

your child makes different life decisions than you did

your child chooses friends who you think are poor influences You may feel that your own choices could make their lives easier, more successful, or earn you the admiration of other parents in your circle. Whatever your motives, the pressure you put on your child can be devastating to them and hurt your relationship, as well. Exercising parental authority without being authoritarian is often the best way to release the pressure from your relationship.

Parental pressure, defined Parental pressure is emotional stress parents impose upon their children and is often related to: academic performance

sports or other extracurricular activities

cultural or social standards

appearance

friendships

romantic relationships One 2020 study indicated that pressure imposed by family members can be the most impactful form of stress on teenagers mental health.

Types of parental pressure There are two main forms of parental pressure: direct pressure and indirect pressure. Direct pressure often involves yelling, force, or complaining. Indirect pressure may involve guilt-tripping your child or reminding them of rigid expectations.

The mental health effects of parental pressure Excessive or inappropriate parental pressure carries many mental health consequences for kids as they grow up. Data from a 2015 study suggested that children who grow up with parents who yelled, shouted, or verbally humiliated them may have a greater likelihood of experiencing challenges into adulthood, including: depression

anger management problems

physical aggression

delinquency

trouble maintaining relationships Depression and negative self-talk Verbal criticism by parents may also be linked to depression in children. When parents use insults or critical language to interact with children, they may turn that criticism on themselves and engage in negative self-talk. Im stupid, they might say to themselves, or Im fat, or, Ill never do anything right. Children raised in this dynamic often withdraw attention and affection. And when this happens, you may withhold affection and attention, too  whether you realize it or not. Eating disorders and body image Kids of all genders, and especially adolescents, who are teased or pressured about their weight by family members may be at a higher risk for developing eating disorders, according to 2022 research . According to a 2021 study of non-Hispanic Black children in the United States, kids whose food or weight was monitored by parents may have a higher body mass index (BMI). Poor academic performance Consistently negative parenting  particularly when parents guilt-tripped children  led to poor performance in school, one 2022 study suggested. Children who perceived their parents as authoritarian worked less hard in school and demonstrated less resilience when they failed a test or class, another 2022 study found.

What causes parents to pressure children? Parents might feel the need to pressure their children for many reasons. According to a 2021 study , 86% of parents who participated said that they pressured their kids because they grew up with distant or negligent parents and wanted to pay more attention to their own children. Guilt  often stemming from big life disruptions like moves or divorces  was another reason cited. Participants reported that they feared being neglectful during those upheavals, and they overcompensated with parental pressure.

How to encourage kids without pressuring them Parental pressure often starts with good intentions. Of course, you want your child to be successful, have friends, and do well in school. But sometimes, you might not realize that youre pressuring your kids excessively. Here are some tips to consider for encouraging your child without engaging in unhealthy parental pressure. Use praise more than criticism Criticism drawing attention to your childs mistakes or behaviors that bother you can cause your childs defenses to go up, perpetuating what originally sparked the criticism. Instead, try praising your child for what they do well. One 2017 study suggests working your way up to offering four times more praise than criticism. Parenting with praise may boost your childs confidence and improve your childs academic performance, reinforcing their belief that they can do the work and be successful at it. Focus on health, not appearance Avoid teasing or criticizing your child about their weight or appearance. These types of behaviors are strongly tied the development of eating disorders in young adults. Monitoring or restricting food can backfire, leading your child to adopt unhealthy habits and hide them from you. Instead, swap discussing weight or body image in favor of encouraging healthy habits, like eating enough nutritious foods and exercising. Don t do your childs work for them You might be tempted to intervene in your childs life out of a sense of duty or control, such as: asking your childs teachers for extra credit

scolding a classmate who hurt your childs feelings

hiding or restricting access to food But 2022 research suggests that if you help make your child feel capable, theyll be more motivated to solve problems in the future. Consider talking with your child about solutions to their problems without attempting to solve them yourself. Set rules, not ultimatums Authoritative parenting  rather than authoritarian parenting  is tied to high self-esteem in children. When parents are overly controlling, children can lose faith in themselves and their ability to do things or listen to their own feelings. Instead of telling your child that its your way or the highway, try setting house rules with their input and enforce them consistently. Validate your childs feelings Its easy to assume that your child is a smaller extension of you who feels the same way you do about the same things. But when you give credence to your childs feelings instead of seeking to control them  even when theyre not the same as yours  you acknowledge that theyre their own person. Validating your childs feelings and keeping communication about emotions open and honest can help your child learn to trust their gut in life.
South Korea says North Korea has fired a missile into the sea in the latest in string of weapons tests, reports AP.
This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Home Loans Dominic Adu to the B&FT.

This follows the successful issuance of the ten-year domestic treasury bond. Adu said most industry players are expecting that government would lead the way.

READ ALSO: Dollar to sell at 4 cedis by December 2016

If the government has a 50-year bond, we can provide a 50-year mortgage, which means you could be paying about 30percent of what you will be paying under a 10-year mortgage, and that immediately increases affordability.

He explained that long-term bonds allow you plan and undertake long term projects.

I think the 10-year bond is fantastic and it is long in coming. I would like to see 30 year bonds in my life; that is common elsewhere.

Adu opined that you cannot take long term projects, especially social projects, on 91-day rolling bills or bonds. It is almost like living on an overdraft and nobody wants to live on overdraft. Like every business, after sometime you convert your overdraft into a long-term loan.

READ ALSO: Mine workers worried over prolonged salary negotiations

The market is already responding positively to the ten-year GH438 million bond. This has reduced the rates on short term debt, including Treasury Bills and bonds.

The CEO of Ghana Home Loans said the government must be more daring because you cant continue to borrow on 91-day or two-year periods; you are repeating the same exercise all the time, it is not worth it.
The General Secretary of the Union Prince William Ankrah was speaking at the opening session of the Unions National Executive Council meeting in Accra.

He said the increasing number of protracted negotiations is likely to ruin the sectors output if employers continue to marginalise workers.

We remain committed to the course of our members and will always ensure they benefit equitably in the outcomes of our collective efforts and therefore any company or group of companies who are committed to needlessly drag this years negotiations into 2017 must revise their notes immediately.

Let me state emphatically that we do not have the appetite and the patience, and therefore shall not countenance any such attempt(s).

READ ALSO: Ghana will be fastest growing African economy in 2017

He said most of these companies are only profit-oriented. He hinted that this situation may lead to a number of agitations among labour in 2017 if they are not addressed.
So it is another election year and you may have probably read about all the celebrities who have endorsed John Mahama of the NDC and Nana Akufo Addo of the NPP.

You name them, MzBel who many argue needed the NDC to pick up her already toppling music career, John Dumelo a popular actor (by the way is really a good actor?) who has hopes of becoming president of Ghana one day. Actor/Comedian Kofi Adu known to many people as Agya Koo who is also not doing so well in his acting career has endorsed Nana Akufo Addo. There is also Afia Schwarzenegger who is a very controversial character but people are still wondering what really is her talent. The list can go on and on.

Today we are going to talk about those celebrities whose careers or business are yet to wake up after their political endorsement put them into deep slumber.

1. Lenny Akpabli

Do you remember the guy up there? If you have forgotten, he sang the popular " All other God's they are the works of men" tune which still plays in most churches today. His name is Lenny Akpadie.

He confessed that his career has never been the same after he composed a political version on his song for former President John Evans Atta Mills. He came back to demand his 4x4 vehicle which was promised him by Koku Anyidoho. Haven't heard any music from him since.

2. Lucky Mensah

Lucky Mensah was making good high life music. My personal favorite is "Adun sumo akwadu". Well he can be described as your typical "political prostitute".

He admitted that since he made a song for the NDC his music career fell into a comatose state. Now he is rolling with the NPP and has even composed a song for the party for the 2016 elections. This is what he said when he spoke to Kwame Adinkra on Abusua FM "It is very dangerous to work for the NDC, they destroy careers. A lot of my colleagues who have done artistic works for the NDC are today regretting. Their careers have either died or dying slowly...so they should be careful," he said.

3. Akorfa Edjeani

Akorfa Edjeani Asiedu is a pretty and talented actress. Not too sure if she still acts. The last movie related story I read on her was a beef with Leila Djansi on the movie I Sing Of A Well.

You know she owns an eatery right? Fali's Hot Pot locate some where in Kanda. Well here is the jist, she recently told Joy Fm that people no longer patronise her restaurant because of politics. This is what she said I run a restaurant at Kanda, already people have tagged me with a political party, so I am already suffering. Members of the other party dont come and eat at my place because they think I belong to this party. So, I think I am already suffering for that.

She did not indicate the party she has been tagged with but clearly it is either NDC or NPP.

4. Mr. Beautiful

Clement Bonney or Mr. Beautiful in my opinion is not a good actor nor a good comedian. But in an industry where talent is so short he was forced on us as a comedian. Anyway he said producers of movies abandoned him after he endorsed John Mahama in 2012.

While he blamed it on his affiliation to the NDC, the movie producers said he was no longer marketable for reason they could not explain. But hey Beautiful's government is in power and he has been very active in the NDC 's campaign for power in December, so in your face producers!

5. Maame Dokono

Maame Dokono also confessed that her acting career was badly affected when she joined active politics in 2008. She was one of the good ones. From "By the Fire Side" to all the other good movies she starred in.
Bala, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty and was convicted on a two-count charge of criminal trespass and theft.

The Upper Area Court judge, Mr Umar Kagarko did not give the convict any option of fine.

He said instead, this should serve as a deterrent to habitual criminals.

The prosecutor, Mr Donatus Agba had told the court that one Isah Isyaku reported the matter at Garki police station on Nov.25.

Agba said that the complainant had parked his Honda Civic car, with reg.no MB 212 outside the premises of Diamond bank, Area 3, Garki.

When he came out of the bank where he went for a transaction, he discovered that the convict had stolen the vehicle from where it was parked.

He was arrested while driving the car away, and he admitted to the crime, Agba said.

He also said that the convict said he had stolen other five vehicles within Area 3, Garki a month earlier, and sold them to one Kabiru Ibrahim now at large.

The vehicles are yet to be recovered, Agba said.

He further disclosed that the keys of Toyota and Honda car were recovered from the convict.
New Telegraph reports that Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye who delivered the verdict, noted that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt the death of a human being and the act of death caused by the intention of the convict.

Onyeka, an aluminum fabricator who had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge, was convicted on a one-count charge of murder slammed against him by the state government.

It was gathered that the convict who is a native of Achalla village in Anambra State, murdered the young boy on January 12, 2013, at plot 14, 3rd Avenue, Mulmaco Estate.

According to the charge sheet presented in court, Onyeka did murder the boy by strangulating him to death and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The convict who lived in the same neighbourhood with the deceased had allegedly lured the boy on a Saturday morning behind his backyard in a bid to kidnap him and ask for ransom from his parents.

While the kidnap appeared to be turning successful, the convict immediately realized that the boy would identify him and probably tell the police the person who abducted him when finally released.

In order not to be caught, Onyeka thereafter decided to strangle the boy to bury the secret and avoid any suspicion or aftermath information that would point to him.

After killing the boy, Onyeka was said to have carried the body in a sack and buried it in an empty septic tank inside an uncompleted building within the estate and thereafter proceeded to ask for a N5 million ransom from the boys father.
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According to him, some foreign companies engage in practices that put local ones at a disadvantage.

His comment follows agitations by local cement manufacturers that unfair competition in the industry is putting them out of business.

The Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana (CMAG), have demanded that government respond to Nigerias non-tariff barrier which makes it impossible for any Ghanaian company to export to Nigeria.

They, however, accused Nigeria of unfair trade practices especially pertaining to the operations of Dangote Cement in Ghana.

The association explained that under the ECOWAS trade liberalisation scheme which comes with attendants on fair trade, Dangote Cement could export cement to Ghana with no harm and foul, but "when a country subsidizes imports into another country, it is unfair trade."

Read also:

However, Dangote Cement has described as "inaccurate" and "untrue" the accusations of tax evasion, dumping and other unfair trade practices levelled against it by local cement manufacturers.

But President Mahama commissioning CIMAF cement factory located in the Free Zones enclave in Tema, a Moroccan cement firm, said his administration will do everything possible to protect local companies.

The 60-million euro cement plant in Tema will produce one million tonnes of cement a year.

President Mahama expressed the hope that, the project would help stabilise the price of the product on the market.
The Court granted a request for the postponement of the anticipated oral examination by Martin Amidu.

The oral examination was expected to take place on Thursday, November 24.

Justice Enin Yeboah ruled that Martin Amidu orally examines the man at the centre of the controversial GHC 51 million judgement debt saga.

However, one of the applications is praying the Supreme Court to review the ruling of the court given a week ago.

On Thursday, December 1, Justice Anin Yeboah said he was obliged to stay the oral examination of Mr Woyome by Amidu therefore it was important for the proceedings to be put on hold since the review case may have a substantial impact on the pending oral examination.

The Supreme Court, however, adjourned the case to December 15, 2016 for hearing on the review case.

Background

Alfred Agbesi Woyome filed two suits at the Supreme Court that could put the oral examination by a former Attorney General, Martin Amidus on hold.

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The second application, is requesting for a stay of proceedings until the appeal is reviewed.
According to him, this directive would compel officials of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to monitor their use of energy and pay for it.

He, however, said the decision would not affect emergency government facilities such as hospitals.

"The electricity component is contained in their ministries, - goods and services -sub-budget and often they use the money for something else."

"Government as at August 2016 owed Ghana's power distributor an amount of GH950 as a result of subsidies and non-payment of electricity bills."

The difficulty in the payment of the energy consumed by the MDAs, schools, and hospitals has crippled the operational capacity of ECG."

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The outstanding debt owed the company has been blamed for the under-investment in energy distribution facilities in the country."

Speaking at the presidential debate at the Banquet Hall of the State House organised by the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) in partnership with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), in Accra, Wednesday, he said, "the investment in the sector has been estimated to be around 25 per cent which has aggravated the challenges facing power generation.

Unable to bear with the inefficiency of ECG, government through the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) wants to privatise the company, an issue that has generated debate in the country."

"The Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) has accused government of not prioritising the welfare of Ghanaians in its privatisation deal with the United States government. It has argued the money owed ECG by government represents between 60 percent to 70 percent of all the company's debts. ECG has said it needs $200 million every year to sustain its investment and meet the annual power demand of the country. It said it would meet the demands of consumers if government pays its debts."

"If we struck a balance with the utilities it must be that government does not owe them because government guarantee loans," he said, adding utility companies received GH36 million every quarter from government."
After the glitz and pomp that came with the commissioning, water is leaking from the wall constructed around the Nkrumah square.

The Nkrumah square is where the statue of Kwame Nkrumah and that of the eagle is located.

READ ALSO: Nigerian actor Osuofia spotted at new Kwame Nkrumah interchange

Ghanaians have often been accused of cultivating a bad maintenance habit. But some have said this defect cannot be blamed on the maintenance culture of Ghanaians since the edifice was only commissioned few weeks back.

READ ALSO: President Mahama commissions Kwame Nkrumah interchange

Attempts by pulse.com.gh to reach the contractors for comments have been fruitless.
The Northern regional chairman of the NPP on Wednesday confirmed claims by his party that President Mahama and his brother tried bribing him with some cash and V8 vehicles.

It is true. I think theyve shown you the car, I believe they didnt just call the press conference, so, theres no doubt about that, but you can call later. Thank you, Bugri Naabu said.

Sheik Mustapha Hamid, the spokesperson of the Nana Addo alleged at a press conference on Tuesday that Ibrahim Mahama offered Bugri an amount of 500,000 Ghana cedis and a V8 vehicle to ensure that Nana Addo is tagged as anti-Northern.

The presidents brother led the discussion. He said Bugri was supposed to resign from the NPP, and damage Akufo-Addo beyond electability. According to the president, Bugri should paint Akufo-Addo as an anti-Northern person who could never be trusted to advance the course of the people of the North. He was supposed to tell the world that it was Nana Akufo-Addo who got him to turn against Afoko and that he was now wiser...Bugri was supposed to say Akufo-Addo was running a one-man show in the NPP. He was supposed to label Akufo-Addo as a dictator, Mustapha added.

READ ALSO: NDC demands immediate arrest of Bugri Naabu

But Dr Ayariga, in a statement copied to Pulse.com.ghsaid the claims by Bugri Naabu are unfortunate.

He argued that the NPP should take a cue from his decision to sack his executives who misconducted themselves, and do same.

Indeed the unfortunate and unfounded allegation leveled against his Excellency John Dramani Mahama and his brother by the opposition part NPP Bugri Nabu is not only absurd and unworthy but tantamount to undermining the integrity and honesty of the state .

I Dr Hassan Ayariga as a noble and patriotic citizen of the state and also the founder of the APC party wish to put on record that people who misconducted themselves by conniving condoning with the NPP especially my general Secretary and others were shown the exit under my watch.

I believe the he who alleges must prove beyond every reasonable doubt before a competent court of jurisdiction hence the NPP leadership by Nana Akufu Ado should emulate same by sacking Mr Bugri Nabu to demonstrate to all Ghanaians that they equally stand for social justice devoid of unfounded grapevine propaganda, the statement added.

Below is the full statement

Dr Hassan Ayariga the founder and leader of the APC party shall continue to be a strong advocate of social ,political and economic justice who principles is anchored on the core values of credible multi party democracy in accordance with globally accepted best practices.

Indeed the unfortunate and unfounded allegation leveled against his Excellency John Dramani Mahama and his brother by the opposition part NPP Bugri Nabu is not only absurd and unworthy but tantamount to undermining the integrity and honesty of the state .

I Dr Hassan Ayariga as a noble and patriotic citizen of the state and also the founder of the APC party wish to put on record that people who misconducted themselves by conniving condoning with the NPP especially my general Secretary and others were shown the exit under my watch.

I believe the he who alleges must prove beyond every reasonable doubt before a competent court of jurisdiction hence the NPP leadership by Nana Akufu Ado should emulate same by sacking Mr Bugri Nabu to demonstrate to all Ghanaians that they equally stand for social justice devoid of unfounded grapevine propaganda.

We the political parties are required to frown on unwarranted misconduct of our followers in other to give Ghanaians the needed peace for our collective development for the benefit of all. I look forward to the leadership of the NPP to emulate my example of uncompromising and incorruptible qualitative leadership .

Dr Hassan Ayariga once again without fear or favor challenges the NPP to sack Bugri Naba with immediate effect one of their own members of their corrupt administration who's name was mentioned in their alleged corrupt allegations. Until the NPP sacks Bugri Naba they still remain a corrupt administration under Nana Akofu Addo.

......Signed.....

Dr. Hassan Ayariga
He was speaking at the ceremony to sign the peace pact which was held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

I would wish that the seven of us should be killed and the nation have peace rather than the nation destroyed.

This speech drew a thunderous applause from the crowd present at the event.

Meanwhile Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and Ivor Greenstreet, flagbearers for NDP and CPP respectively were overheard at the background saying we are not ready to die.

JOY blamed all the violent occurrences on the deep-seated ethnocentrism in the country.

"Our ethnicity which sometimes the political parties capitalise on, it is a latent polarisation and when you bring the partisanship and ethnicity it is just like petrol and fire."

"That is why the independent presidential system is actually the solution to this apprehension," he campaigned.

He asked that all Ghanaians work for the peace of the country and avoid complacency using Kenya and Ivory Coast as examples.
We believe it is time for a change. For 24 years, we have been subjected to the rule of our nation by the NDC and the NPP. It is time to register your protest and to bring their term of office to an end. And that requires courage. Courage is the first of all human qualities and the reason why courage is first of all human qualities is because courage is the first quality that guarantees all other qualities.

So we must restore our dignity as a nation. A nation without dignity is susceptible to abuse and corruption, he said.

The CPP flagbearer also outlined various measures his government will provide to solve the challenges in the educational sector, health, energy and other sectors of the economy.

Commenting on ways to ensure a smooth implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Ivor Greenstreet said: The scheme must be depoliticised and run by experts and health professionals. There has to be multi-sectoral, sports, health, sanitation ministeries all sitting to find a more comprehensive ways of solving the problem.

Candidates who participated in the Presidential Debate were; John Dramani Mahama of the NDC, Ivor Greenstreet of the CPP, Dr. Edward Mahama of the PNC, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom of the PPP, and Independent presidential candidate, Jacob Osei Yeboah.

The flagbearer of the largest opposition party Nana Akufo-Addo NPP and National Democratic Party (NDP)'s Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings were, however, missing in action.
The 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) did not attend the debate organised by the civic institution to share how they intend to develop Ghana if he becomes president.

READ ALSO: NDC demands immediate arrest of Bugri Naabu

READ ALSO: NDC former Northern regional minister campaigning for NPP

But some social media users argue that if Nana Addo was absent at the IEA debate then there is no need being at the NCCE debate as well.
Stephen Sumani Nayina was addressing party supporters in Mampruli in the Walewale Constituency in the Northern Region.

The former NDC regional minister said he was campaigning for the NPP because he wants development is Mamprugu and its environs. He mentioned that the people voted for President Mahama in 2012 hoping he will bring a lot of developmental projects to Northern Ghana but this has not happened hence his request.

Whether John Mahama likes it or not he will cease to be our President. Mahama Bole will not be our President after December 7. If it is about to rain, it starts with a storm. The signs are clear from across the country. You all know me; I was a staunch NDC member. We were those in the trenches clearing the path for the late Atta Mills which ensured he won the 2008 elections and has since been succeeded by John Mahama. It will surprise many of you I am here speaking about the NPP today. I dont want money but I am not rich. I am looking for the progress for Mamprugu so all those seeking the welfare of the area whether from NPP, NDC, NDP, PNC, PPP must join forces.

He believes the NDC has nothing to offer the people of the North especially those from of Mamprugu and its environs.

Nayina who served as a regional minister in 2009 under the late Prof Mills said he knows the details of the NDC than most people supporting the party.

"The forthcoming elections will set the stage for the development of Mamprugu to also experience the presidency. It would have been prudent we vote and NDC will not get a single vote. It is incumbent on us to vote for NPP for Nana Addo to be President, Dr Bawumia as Vice President and Dr Sagri to become an MP and a Minister.

He added that NDC is already dead. I am an experienced driver and if I am driving a vehicle and it is not moving towards the right direction I know.

Analysis

Most people who have crossed carpet to other political parties are mainly aggrieved about happenings in their former party. Mainly they have been ignored during the sharing of the parties cake. Could that be the reason Stephen Sumani Nayina is campaigning for the NPP?
However the presidential candidate for the Progressive People's Party Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom is absent. He is being represented by his running mate Brigitte Dzorgbenuku.

READ ALSO: Ayariga begins massive campaign for Mahama

The meeting which is being held at the Moevenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra is under the auspices of the National Peace Council.

A number of statesmen including former president Rawlings are present to witness the signing of the peace pact by the candidates.

Members of the diplomatic corp are also present to witness the ceremony.
The leader of the Commonwealth mission to monitor the election said he hopes the candidates adhere to the peace pact they have signed.

He said that with the mission will perform its duties to also ensure there are peace and transparency.

"We are aware of the significance of these elections to the people of Ghana. Our presence here affirms the support of the Commonwealth to the country and its democratic processes."

We are here to observe the electoral process and will act impartially and independently as we scrutinise its organisation and conduct.

READ ALSO: Nduom missing at the signing of peace pact

The South African diplomat, indicated that the group will be in Ghana for two weeks.

"The Group will leave Ghana on 13 December 2016," Mbeki added.
The meeting was also aimed at giving the candidates the opportunity to directly seek clarification from the Chair of the EC, Mrs Charlotte Osei.

The Commonwealth Observer Mission, former South African President Thabo Mbeki ia also present.

He looks "forward to the presidential candidates reaffirming their commitment to peaceful elections."

Ghanaians will on December 7, 2016 elect a new President and 275 Members of Parliament.

Six other candidates are contesting incumbent President John Mahama who is seeking a second four-year term in office.

Those in the race are Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) who is making his third attempt at the presidency.
According to him, his administration would oversee the mining of the vast and untapped bauxite deposits in Kyebi, Atiwa plains and Nyinahin, and through the building of an integrated aluminium industry, add value to the countrys bauxite deposits.

This, he explained, will facilitate the export of manufactured aluminium products, a vision which has been envisaged for several decades, stressing that the time has come for us to move our industrial development forward.

Addressing NPP sympathizers at Nkawkaw, in the Eastern Region, he said the establishment of the Integrated Aluminium Industry, Nana Akufo-Addo explained, will provide thousands of jobs for the teeming masses of unemployed Ghanaian youth resident in the Eastern Region, and across the country.

There must be jobs in our country. The lack of jobs, which is the case under this government, poses a threat to the future stability of our country. We have put in place programmes to make sure we create jobs and prosperity for our youth so they can also stand on their own feet, thereby securing the peace and stability of our country. That is the task we have put before ourselves. We want to construct a bright future for the Ghanaian people, he added.

In addition to this, Nana Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment of helping to establish at least one factory in each of the 216 districts across the country.

We have completed the surveys, and already at least 300 projects have been identified across the 216 districts of Ghana. Marketing plans, and markets for the products are being worked out. What is needed is that on the 7th December, you give me the opportunity to implement this programme (1-District-1-Factory), he said.

The industrialization of the Ghanaian economy, Nana Akufo-Addo has already indicated, is going to help us in many ways, by generating wealth and development across the country. We will stop this Accra-Kumasi centered development. It is dangerous for the future of our country. In doing so, we will revive the lives of our districts and regions, and stop this potentially dramatic exodus of young people towards the city centres.

To this end, and in giving a boost to the establishment of these industries, the NPP flagbearer has committed his government to the abolishing of import duties on raw materials and manufacturing equipment, and the reduction of corporate income tax from the current 25% to 20%, to make sure that Ghanaian enterprises are competitive.

In the midst of all these policy initiatives, the NPP flagbearer has indicated that the countrys fiscal balance would also have to be firmly put in place through the enactment of a Fiscal Responsibility Act, which will set out specific relationships between government expenditure and national reserves, to make sure that the economy is always within the fiscal balance.

The 1-District-1-Factory policy, which is an integral part of the NPPs agenda to industrialise the country, according to Nana Akufo-Addo, will compliment a number of strategic, arch industries to be established, in partnership with the private sector.
Anna took to Instagram stories on November 30, 2016, sharing shots of herself in a cleavage-baring outfit. Apparently, she was getting ready for a photo shoot but we rarely see her in outfits like this.

It's almost not surprising as recently, Flavours baby mama has been all about loving your body and motherhood.

The model took to Instagram on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, to share an inspiring post on pregnancy and stretch marks.

According to her, women should love their body after birthing their child. "Most people see stretch marks as scary, irritating, disgusting and dirty! But guess what? All I see is Beauty! My beautiful baby grew, played, slept and ate in there. I miss rubbing my tummy just to feel her or make her move. These marks are beautiful reminders of pregnancy and motherhood.

Learn to love it if you have any!" she wrote.

ALSO READ: Anna Banner Ex beauty queen shares cryptic message on Instagram
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the accused who had an altercation with the owner of the vehicle valued at N3.5 million, is facing a one-count charge of willful damage.

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Idowu Ogunleye, had told the court that the accused whose address is unknown, committed the offense on November 23, 2016, at about 8pm at the Arankange Iberekodo area of Abeokuta.

Sergeant Ogunleye said the accused set fire to the Honda Jeep with the number plate, EKY 106 CH, an offense that contravenes Section 443(A) of the Criminal Code of Ogun State, 2006.

When the charge was read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty and the magistrate, Mrs. Fatimat Ojelade, granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
If you feel like scrubbing your presence off the Internet, well there is a website that has come to answer your prayers.

A Swedish website deseat.me will allow you erase yourself (almost) completely from the Internet. With the click of your mouse, your digital footprint will be wiped away.

If interested, sign in with your Google account. The website searches the Internet and finds all the accounts you signed up to using your Google account. These accounts also include the all-powerful social networking site Facebook.

Deseat.me was created by Wille Dahlbo and Linus Unneback, Swedish programers. According to them, their creation allows you clean up your existence by bringing together all your online accounts and deleting them.

The website isn't perfect, unfortunately. If you signed up to an online account without using your Google account details, deseat won't be able to delete your online footprint from it.

ALSO READ: Delhi High Court directs WhatsApp to delete user information from server

If you are worried about giving your Google details to a website, Deseat uses Google OAuth protocol which ensures that no site has access to your Google account.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Benue State Appaf, a rubber tapper, had contracted the victim identified as Anietie Okon, to take him from Ovia to Benin, the state capital on November 3, 2016.

But along the way, the suspect told the unsuspecting victim to make a stopover on the way where he brought out up a cutlass and dealt him severe blows in the neck, before fleeing on the motorcycle.

But luck ran out on him when he wanted to sell the motorcycle as one of the potential buyers was said to have suspected his claim of ownership of the property and reported his suspicion to the chairman of the Okada Union in the town, leading to the arrest of the Appaf by some security operatives attached to an agro-allied firm and handed over to the police in the area.

Speaking on the incident, the suspect who was paraded by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Haliru Gwandu, denied any intention to kill the man and blamed his action on poverty.

He (victim) took me on his motorcycle and on our way from Benin, I saw a cutlass at a rubber plantation. Then I told him to stop, take the cutlass and cut him in the neck.

I did not plan to kill him; it was because of poverty. I took the motorcycle to another community to sell. But I could not sell it because it was identified as a stolen motorcycle.

The residents of the community said the motorcycle was stolen and that they would follow me to where I reside to verify the ownership of the motorcycle.

As we were going, some security men stopped us and the residents explained to the security men that they suspected the motorcycle I was riding did not belong to me.

So, I was taken to a police station. I regret what I have done.
This was contained in a statement read on Thursday, December 1, 2016, by Don N. Awunah, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state.

Acting on credible intelligence and public support, on the 29th of November, 2016, the IRT intercepted a four-man gang of heavily armed kidnappers, notorious for terrorizing the waterways and kidnapping in Rivers and Bayelsa states, along Azikiwe Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on their way for an operation.

A gun duel ensued, after which three of the kidnappers were fatally wounded while one James Peter m aged 30 years from Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State was arrested.

The arrested member of the gang has since been cooperating with the police in their investigation by providing very valuable information on the membership of the gang and their modus of operation.

Weapons recovered from the kidnappers include one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one AK47 rifle, chains of GPMG ammunition and two fully loaded AK47 magazines. Efforts are in top gear to arrest fleeing members of the gang and recover their cache of arms.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni has once again enjoined Nigerians never to hesitate to provide the police with valuable information and assures them of renewed commitment on the part of the force in the fight against crime and antisocial behaviour."
The suspects, Suleiman Shehu, 28, and Bashir Abubakar, 20 are to stand trial on a three-count charge of joint act, criminal trespass and theft, report says.

According to the Daily Post News, the suspects admitted to stealing only one dog.

Joshua Ayanna, the case prosecutor told the court that the matter was reported on November 26, 2016, by three complainants, Solomon Olajide, Zacharia Ibrahim and Ibrahim Aminu.

ALSO READ: Govt to issue licence to dogs keepers

They alleged that the suspects had on various instances invaded their residences and made away with the dogs.

One of the dogs belonging to one of the complainants, one Mr Solomon, is valued at N20, 000, the rest belonging to the other two are valued at N75,000 and N55,000.

The prosecutor also said that during police investigation, the defendants confessed to have committed the crime," Ayanna said.

Umar Kagarko, the judge who presided over the matter has granted the suspects bail in the sum of N50,000 and a surety who is expected to pay an equal sum.
This happened on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, in Kawon Maigari, Hotoro of the state.

Mohammed Kandi, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) confirmed the incident via a press statement today, Thursday, December 1, 2016.

At the time the police evacuated the corpse, one of the HV bushings of the transformer had been loosened from the base.

This is an indication that the intention of the deceased was to vandalise the transformer by removing the bushings, and possibly the armoured cable.

ALSO READ: 3 suspected cable vandals get jungle justice in Abia

According to Punch News, the deceased was seen around Hotoro before the day of the tragedy.
The rigidity of the older generation and societal expectations have frustrated many young Nigerians from chasing their dreams.

Fortunately, Nigerian artist Laolu Senbanjo did not buckle to the pressure of being a lawyer, a banker or an engineer- the golden professions according to Nigeria's older generation.

In 2013, the now internationally famous artist moved to New York to fulfil his dreams. He did this because Nigeria and his family were stifling his creativity.

"My education was very strict. It was all about getting straight As and being the top in my class, and going to the best University. Anything but being an artist. That was completely unacceptable and discouraged at all costs" Laolu Senbanjo told Naij in 2016.

ALSO READ: Laolu Senbanjo's work heads to Grammy museum

Laolu's story was the same old story, his parents didn't understand the 'art thing' and wanted him to focus on Law which he studied. They thought art wasn't a serious thing to do.

"My parents said that art wasnt practical. They kept having relatives call me and tell me I should go and study nursing or take the Bar here in NY. They just didnt understand why and how making art could make me successful, but its only about success through their eyes which is about having a house, a top position at some company, cars, etc. That isnt my dream" he said to Naij.

Laolu Senbanjo was bold enough to strike out and relocate to New York, a clime that was more supportive of his talents. Three years after his move to the Big Apple, Nike tapped him to design a line of its sneakers with his patented Art of the Ori drawings which he calls Afromysterics.

Successful in chasing his dreams, many young Nigerians are held back by the society and their family. The Nigerian dream leaves no space for creativity, ingenuity and passion. This is the progression of the Nigerian dream, get a degree, get an okay job that gives you an official car, get married, have kids, work till you retire and die.

This might have been perfect for the colonials and post-colonial folks but kids from the 80s, 90s and 00s will not settle for this uninspiring life.
It was gathered that the young victim who lives in the Mushin area of the state with her parents, had returned from school around on October 21, 2016, but did not meet her parents at home.

The victim was said to have approached Babalola who was working on a building under construction on the premises, to help her call her parents on his mobile phone to know that she was back.

The cunny suspect, according to the police, reportedly told the girl that he would only help her if she sat on his laps but when the girl refused, he dragged her into the uncompleted building and raped her.
The accident which occurred on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 was as a result of a collision between a hummer bus and a truck reported to be heavily loaded.

An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity thinks the accident was caused due to the reckless driving of the bus driver who reportedly ran into a stationary truck.

All the passengers numbering thirteen were killed instantly.

State police commissioner, Olusola Amore however feels the wrongful parking of the truck caused the accident.

ALSO READ: 7 crushed to death in fatal accident

The truck has been towed as the police go in search of the owner of the heavily loaded vehicle.

A bus load of passengers coming from Kaduna ran into a stationary vehicle and all the passengers died.

In fact, for now, the trailer has been impounded and we are working to tow the trailer. The trailer is even loaded with goods.

So that we can get the driver and the owner of the trailer to come and answer for the way the trailer was parked before it caused the accident.

The indiscretion of heavy duty truck drivers have led to many deaths on Nigeria highways.
A drastic 22-per cent decline of HIV positive was recorded in Nepal over a period of 10 years, said the report unveiled by NCASC on the World AIDS Day.

The first HIV case was reported in Nepal in 1988.

HIV is highly prevalent in the 15-49 age group as the number stands for 30,074, whereas it is least found among 0-14 age group with 1,589 infections.

Sex workers, drug users, third genders, prison inmates, male labour migrant workers and their wives are most likely infected.

Some 40 per cent of the HIV infected in July were sex workers and their clients, while drug users accounted for 10 per cent.

Minister for Health Gagan Thapa said at the ceremony that the estimated new HIV infection in 2015 is 1,331 in Nepal, while the average number of new infections per day stands at four.

The Nepali government has prioritised the prevention of HIV/AIDS and is committed to the implementation based on a National Health Policy.

We have at least transformed from the status of unknown number of deaths by HIV to the commitment level in public.

Nepal is committed to the ambitious global target of 90-90-90 to end AIDS by 2030, Thapa said.

The global target is to have 90 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 90 per cent of people identified infected get enrolled in antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 90 percent of ART-enrolled achieve viral suppression.

It is believed that the massive expansion of antiretroviral therapy has reduced the number of deaths in Nepal.

Some 2,263 people with HIV/AIDS, on average, lose their lives per year in the country.

Currently, there are 263 HIV testing and council centres and 65 ART centres across the country.
In a statement on Thursday, Dorcas Osazee Ogiamien, president of the group, expressed displeasure over the non-enforcement of the HIV/AIDs anti-discrimination Act, 2014 which recommends a fine of N250,000 or one year jail term for those stigmatising employees who are HIV positive.

Ogiamien said the Violation Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act which is only functional in the FCT, provides that people who are HIV positive have equals rights as anyone else.

"Most institutions haven't enforced it in their work policies. Stigmatisation must be dealt with in our society because it's more of the killer and not the virus. A whole lot of youths who died of the virus, died of the stigma," the statement read.

"Our laws recommend jail term and option of N250,000 fine for offenders caught stigmatising people but unfortunately it has not been enforced. We call on government to enforce these laws. Violation Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act says people who are HIV positive have equals rights under the constitution but this is only functional in the FCT.

"We want a society where adolescents who are infected can go to school and take their medical examination without fear of discrimination.

"A society where young people can work anywhere without the consideration of their status as a basis for employment. A society where the family or community won't ostracize their kids just because they are positive," the statement said.

She further called on governors in the country to domesticate and enforce the VAPP Act in their states to fight against the stigmatisation of HIV/AIDS victims in the states.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that Hajiya Aisha Alhassan, Minister of Women Affairs, disclosed this during a one-day advocacy and sensitisation visit on Thursday in Minna.

She said that the empowerment would provide micro-credit loans, especially for women in rural areas to develop their skills and become self-reliant.

The scheme will be piloted in eight states for a start and will target about 10,000 women beneficiaries per state.

Three states from North East and one state selected from each of the remaining five geo-political zones of the country. And already, the empowerment and training programmes have commenced in Niger State, she said.

Alhassan said that N200 million would be disbursed to the states through registered cooperatives, local trade associations and other community based groups.

He added that the beneficiaries would be given N100,000 loan repayable within six months.

She said that the loan would be disbursed directly to beneficiaries bank account through local banks and money agents to reach remote areas with no banking facilities.

She added that the loan would also be interest free without collateral and that only five per cent would be charged to cover bank expenses and administering the funds.

The minister, however, urged women to key into the initiative, to free themselves from poverty and rebuild the countrys economy.

Similarly, Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger commended the Federal Governments effort at empowering women and girls, adding that such step would make them financially free and contribute to the nations economy.

ALSO READ: Aisha Alhassan reportedly collapses in IDPs camp

Bello, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, noted that government had made provision in the 2017 budget to give priority to women and youth empowerment.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Nigers Diffa region is hosting around 220,000 displaced people split almost evenly between uprooted Nigeriens and Nigerian refugees.

The region has been targeted around 15 times since September in attacks blamed on Boko Haram, causing thousands more to flee and restricting access to those in need of aid.

Boko Haram militants have killed about 15,000 people and displaced some 2.6 million in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria during a seven-year campaign to carve out an Islamist caliphate.

The Islamist group still launches deadly attacks in spite of having been driven out of much of the territory it held in 2014.

Geoffrey Denye, a spokesman for aid group World Vision, said on phone from Chad that the humanitarian situation is really dire and deteriorating.

The displaced are getting harder to reach and humanitarians are required to take more risks to provide aid due to the insecurity, Denye lamented.

Several aid agencies said the military had restricted humanitarian access to areas around the town of Bosso, where 32 soldiers were killed in June by Boko Haram in the militant group deadliest attack in Niger since April 2015.

Along with Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria and Benin, Niger has contributed troops to 9,000-strong regional task force dedicated to fighting the group.

Among the recent attacks in Diffa, supplies and essential medicines have been looted from health facilities.

According to medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Niger programme manager for MSF, Mari Carmen Vinoles, this could scare local health workers and deter from working in the region.

On the whole, the aid response is not as effective as it should be.

There is a problem around coordination, while different responsibilities of various humanitarian actors are not clear, Vinoles added.

It is a challenge for humanitarian organisations, he added.
President Buhari made the commenton Tuesday, November 29, after being named the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE).

If I will go in the negative side, how can an ordinary Nigerian go into the sea, 70Km or more, go down two metres and blow up oil installations? Buhari asked.

That cannot be an ordinary Nigerian. So, I hope you will appeal to your colleagues to make sure that what we have built, they should safeguard them whether they are working with multinationals or the government, he added.

NSE President, Otis Anyaeji reacted to the presidents comments during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, November 30.

It is not engineers that dive into the waters. It is not possible. Our registered engineers are not even involved in all these incidents, such as building collapses and the likes, not to talk of engineers going to take dynamites to blow up pipelines. That cannot happen, he said according to Punch.

Buhari earlier begged Niger Delta militants to stop bombing pipelines in the restive region.

I appeal to the people of the Niger Delta region to embrace peace and focus on agriculture for sustainable economic development and wealth creation, the president said.

I urge you to take advantage of the huge potential in agriculture and stop the destruction of oil and gas pipelines, which only serve to destroy our ecosystem and economy,he added.
The President said this at a meeting with the Council of South-East Traditional Rulers at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

In a statement issued by Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, the President warned that the question of having another country out of Nigeria was misplaced.

The question of having another country out of Nigeria is going to be very difficult.

From 1914, we have more than 200 cultures living with one another. God had endowed this country with natural resources and talented people.

We should concentrate on these and be very productive, he said.

Addressing specific issues raised by the traditional rulers, the President assured that the South-East would also benefit from the new railway architecture being put in place by his administration.

On their request for more representation for the South-East in his government, Buhari said that he was very conscious of the sensitivities of the South East, on account of which, he gave the regions four out of five states senior ranking ministers in the federal cabinet.

He appreciated the good work of the ministers from the region in the federal government, saying that they are doing very well for the country.

He appealed to the traditional rulers from the South East to persuade their people to give his government a chance and to continue to serve as beacons of culture and traditions of their people.

The president assured the delegation that kidnapping and cattle rustling, which he described as unfortunate would be the governments next target now that we have managed to calm down the North-East.

Buhari also frowned at the endless nature of some ongoing trials, citing some of the cases as going far back to the tenure of former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

We are asking the judiciary to clean itself. Nigerians are tired of waiting. They want some actions, he said.

The president said he hoped that the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation would come to some form of agreement by which specially designated courts will give accelerated hearing to some corruption cases that are pending.

We want Nigerians to know we are serious.
The president stated this when he received the Letter of Credence of the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr William Stuart Symington, at the State House, Abuja.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina on Thursday, Buhari said the security situation in the North East had improved significantly.

According to him, this followed support in training of the military and supply of hardware after the G-7 meeting in Germany in 2015.

When I was invited to the G-7 meeting after my inauguration on May 29, 2015, I thought I was going to be an observer at the meeting, but without prompting, I was asked to brief the leaders on the security situation in Nigeria, and I did.

"Since then, we have received support in training and military hardware, and I hope we have not disappointed, he said.

The President said the target of reversing the culture of corruption in the country had received support from Nigerians, with many realising the depth of damage done by some previous administrations from the ongoing investigations and prosecutions.

The corruption we met at personal and institutional levels was unbelievable. Corruption was turning into a culture. After we came in, people started realising the truth," he said.

President Buhari told the U. S ambassador that his administration was still determined to continue investigations and prosecution of corrupt persons in the country as Nigeria will either kill corruption or corruption will kill Nigeria in the long run.

He noted that the years of mishandling of the economy at a period of financial prosperity affected the economy, making it more challenging to create employment for the youths and improve the livelihood of many Nigerians.

It has not been easy for another party to come in and get things done properly, especially with the new economic reality of 37 dollars per barrel of oil against the 100 dollars for the period, and there was no savings, no infrastructure on ground, he said.

President Buhari said that the timely intervention of the United States, with a visit of the Secretary of State John Kerry to Nigeria before the 2015 elections helped in ensuring peace and stability in the country.

In his remarks, the U.S ambassador said that the interest in the well-being of Nigeria was of mutual benefit.

We do it not only for Nigeria, but for ourselves. We did it because it was right for us and right for our people, he said.

Symington said he would work hard to further strengthen the relationship between his country and Nigeria.

He assured that the President-elect Donald Trump would also be interested in the wellbeing of Nigeria.

ALSO READ:President Buhari begs Nigerians to be patient

President Buhari also received Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. Moha Ouali Tagma, assuring him of Nigerias willingness to improve bilateral relations between the countries.
Buratai, who made the appeal at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, said the initiative was to boost the morale of the troops.

Under the scheme conceived by the army, bottled water with the inscription: Thank For Your Service is being produced by the private sector for free distribution to troops, especially those in the North-East.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Buratai had launched the bottled water on Tuesday in Abuja where he unveiled packs of the water for the troops.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Peter Bojie, the Chief of Military/Civil Affairs, the Army Chief said: This water is not for sale as it is meant for every Nigerian soldier, especially those in the frontline.

There is a need to say thank you to the officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their selfless service, he said.

According to him, without the buy-in of the Nigerian people, this initiative cannot succeed.

He, therefore, appealed to well meaning individuals, corporate organizations, groups and state governments and self-funded parastatals to join hands with the Army to make the initiative a success.

On the sustainability of the initiative after the insurgency in the North-East, the chief of army staff said that it all depended on the goodwill of Nigerians.

He said the bottled water was expected to be distributed free to all troops deployed in frontline across the nation to address internal conflict.
He had earlier said that he was not going to run as Governor in 2018, under the umbrella of the PDP.

According to Punch, Fayose said I will never dump PDP for APC. I remain strong and unshaken for the PDP. I cant jump the boat, even if I want to jump, I wont jump into the red sea.

Why should I leave the PDP and join a party of hunger like APC? Ekiti is different from Ondo. By the grace of God, there will be a repeat of history here in 2018, I shall repeat the 16-0 that I gave them in 2014.

I operate like the biblical Elisha because those with us are greater than theirs. The God of Israel that conquered Philistines shall be on our side.

The Ekiti Governor also promised to do projects that will remain in the minds of the people of Ekiti state.

Adding that Chief Obafemi Awolowo died 29 years ago, but his works live on. I want people in 10, 20, 50, to think of one Ayo Fayose that governed Ekiti and opened up Ado Ekiti, built a new Oja Oba Market, the flyover, dualisation of many towns among other landmark projects.

I have raised the bar of development in Ado Ekiti, I have raised the respect for Ewi and no governor can come to Ekiti and undermine this town and the throne.

I shall do more to promote this palace to the extent that our opponents will have no space within this palace to construct any structure."

ALSO READ:Fayose says FG wants to tax Nigerians to death
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fayose gave this advice on Thursday at the commemoration of the World AIDS Day in Ado-Ekiti.

Fayose, who lamented the increasing rate of the pandemic in Nigeria, said that millions of children were living with the virus.

She stressed the need for the appropriate authority to continue enlightenment campaign to raise public awareness in order to curb the transmission of the virus.

Fayose called on the youth to desist from pre-marital sex, so as to avoid unwanted pregnancy as well as avoid contacting the HIV virus.

The governors wife said that all hands must be on deck to ensure the protection of basic human rights and stop the discrimination of the people living with HIV.

She promised her continued support for the State Government towards the prevention of the HIV transmission.

The Ekiti Chairman, State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), Dr Ola Doherty, also called on all tiers of government and stakeholders to improve on the funding of the agency to curb the pandemic.
Onwuamaegbu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, ahead of the World Day of Persons with Disability scheduled for Dec 3.

According to him, the proposed ministry would be able to address the plight of disabled persons in urban and rural areas in the country.

Sometimes they say they have a department in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development but it is just rehabilitation.

We need a ministry, a department, agencies so as to articulate programmes for the Person with Disabilities (PWDs), Onwuamaegbu said.

He also said the proposed ministry would address some of the pressing challenges of PWDs in terms of housing, transportation and education.

Onwuamaegbu said in spite of the provisions of the Nigerian constitution and international conventions, the PWDs in the country are not considered with respect to construction of roads, highways and public buildings as well as other key public infrastructure.

However, he called for corporate sponsorship of PWDs in terms of empowerment, education and employment.

Onwuamaegbu said with recent economic recession, many PWDs were suffering in silence.

He said Over the years people go to seek sponsorship for those people among us who are less privileged, we give scholarships and empower them but with recession, we are yet to be funded.

He advised PWDs not to give up on themselves but rather look for meaningful ventures to better their lives.

NAN reports that the International Day of People with Disability is a day that is being promoted by the UN since 1992.

Together with helping to make people more aware of the rights, dignity and welfare of disabled people, the UN said.
Saraki gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja, when a delegation of Civil Society Groups led by Bintou Camara, Director, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CFTFK), paid him a visit.

He also pledged that the Senate would adhere to all anti-tobacco laws in the country; stressing that global and World Health Organisation (WHO) standards must be maintained.

Saraki, however, warned that Nigeria would not be a dumping ground for goods that had negative implications on the health of its citizens.

He said: We must reassure you that we will not pass laws that anybody will evade. We will definitely ensure that those laws are strictly adhered to and complied with.

I can assure you that once the necessary Bills come to us from the Ministry of Health, we will fast track them and ensure they are passed into law.

We are on the same page and I want to assure you that here in the Senate, we will work very closely with you.

We will ensure that there are strict compliance with global standards and regulations of World Health Organisation (WHO).

He said that the Senate would liaise with the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure that draft Bills form the ministry were given prompt attention.

Earlier, Bintou Camara, the leader of the delegation, said that they were at the National Assembly as part of their advocacy to ensure free tobacco environment in Nigeria.
Furo made the disclosure on Thursday at Malkohi Camp in Yola while receiving the Federal Commissioner of National Commission For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI), Hajiya Sadiya Umar, who had visited the camp.

He said officials of the camps were made up of responsible personnel who were committed to their duties.

All children of school age in the camp, he said, had been enrolled in nursery and primary schools sited in the camp.

He also said the Malkohi camp has a total 1, 499 persons which included 835 women.

According to him, among the IDPs in the camp are 11 physically challenged persons, 101 widows, 20 unaccompanied children, 23 pregnant women and 132 lactating mothers.

Assuring of the state governments commitment to supporting the IDPs, he said some had been enrolled in skills acquisition programmes in the camps.

In her remarks, Umar, who was in the camp to present relief materials donated by the commission, lauded the role of ADSEMA and other agencies providing support to IDPs.

We are going to look into areas that you have some challenges so that we can assist you, Umar said.
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje signed the contract in a brief ceremony on Wednesday in Kano.

Ganduje said the first phase of the construction was billed to take two years, while the second phase of the four-line rail was expected to take another two years.

He added that the project will improve the transport system within the state, as well as drive economic activities in the state.

The governor explained that the project is part of grand design to upgrade Kano to the status of a truly great city, as it will significantly ease movement of goods and services.

Upon completion, the light rail is expected to cover Janguza-Bata, Jogana-Bata, Dawanau-Bata and Kwanar Dawaki-Bata routes in Kano city.

He added that a Chinese Bank would provide 85 per cent of the total sum, while the Kano State Government would pay the remaining 15 per cent.

He said that the first phase of the project from Dawanau to Bata would cost 555 million Dollars.
After seven hours of deliberation, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has agreed to reduce oil production by around 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1, 2017.

However, Nigeria and Libya were exempted from the cut, while Indonesia suspended its membership after refusing to agree to the deal.

Qatars Minister of Energy and Industry, Dr Mohammed Al-Sada, said this at a news conference at the end of the 171 meeting of the Conference of the OPEC on Wednesday in Vienna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting started at about 9:30 a.m and lasted till about 5:30 p.m.

NAN reports that this is the first time since 2008 that an agreement of this nature was reached to reduce supply in spite of several attempts.

This agreement was reached following extensive consultations and understanding reached with key non-OPEC countries, including the Russian Federation that they contribute by a reduction of 600,000 barrel per day.

The duration of this agreement is six months, extended for another six months to take account of prevailing market conditions and prospects.

We also agreed to establish a Ministerial Monitoring Committee composed of Algeria, Kuwait, Venezuela and two participating non-OPEC countries, chaired by Kuwait and assisted by the OPEC secretariat.

They are expected to closely monitor the implementation of and compliance with this agreement and report to the conference, Al-Sada said.

He said the next Ordinary Meeting would convene in Vienna, Austria on May 25, 2017 to review the implementation of the agreement.

A breakdown of the agreed oil production adjustment made available to the media by the OPEC Secretariat after the conference shows that Saudi Arabia is expected to make the largest contribution by cutting production by 486,000 b/d.

Also, Algeria is expected to reduce its output per day by 50,000; Angola, 87,000; Ecuador, 26,000; Gabon, 9,000; Iran, 90,000; Iraq, 210,000; Kuwait, 131,000; Qatar, 30,000; UAE, 139,000 and Venezuela by 95,000.

Meanwhile Nigerias Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Emmanuel Kachikwu said vandalism of crude oil pipelines and militancy activities in the Niger-Delta was the reason Nigeria was exempted.

We are grateful that the OPEC was understanding of the case we made about why Nigeria needs to be exempted from this cut.

This gives us time to get our house in order by resolving the Niger-Delta crises. Already production in Nigeria is up to 1.9 million barrels and we expect to get it up to 2.2 million but not flood the market.

We all have the responsibility to contribute to the tightness of this market, he said.
Tule, who made this known in Abuja during the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, roundtable meeting, said the Federal Government has refused to allow professionals do their jobs.

They have not allowed the professionals to do their jobs. They have not allowed the professional to provide the direction, Tule said.

He further said: Some came in as doctors into the macro-economic management and are giving the tools of medical doctors to advise on how to solve the problem of recession. Some came in as carpenters and they are using carpentry tools to advise on the problems of economic recession; some came in as engineers and they are using their tools to advise on how to address economic recession."

Tule also disclosed that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had in 2015 warned that the nation will slip into recession but that the warnings were not heeded.

The Director further said getting out of the economic recession is not possible without acknowledging and understanding how the nation plunged into recession.

Explaining how the economy got into recession, Tule said: Oil prices are down. Not only are oil prices down, the Niger Delta Avengers have blown up oil producing facilities and export facilities, severally.

When they blew the Forcados , it took government six months to fix Forcados. That was a loading bay. And after fixing it, they went back and blew it again. So we have oil prices and production going down. The implication is that foreign exchange earnings are going down, but unfortunately, our import expenditure is not going down. It is still in the region of N976 billion, monthly.

Giving tips on possible ways to end the recession, he urged Nigerians to desist from the penchant for imported goods.

If we want to regain our place, how did we get here? We must address that question. The moment we began to prefer imported goods to our domestically produced goods, we laid the foundation and built the superstructure to where we are now. This is a conscious choice. Every country makes the choice where it wants to be. This is what we chose for ourselves as a country, Tule said.
The decision was reached on Thursday, December 1, by presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako.

Justice Nyako also refused to grant bail to three of Kanus co-defendants; Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

The judge made the ruling after prosecution lawyer, Shuaibu Labaran told the court that the defendants would constitute a threat to national security if freed from prison.

Labaran also argued that Kanu would most likely flee the country due to his dual citizenship of both Nigeria and Britain.

In giving the judgment, Justice Nyako, ruled that the charges against the defendants are very serious in nature.

The offences are serious in nature and carries very severe punishment if proven. I hereby therefore refuse bail of the applicants, she ruled.

But in the alternative, I hereby order accelerated trial of this matter to almost commence immediately, but not later than two months, she added.

ALSO READ: Soludo advises Buhari to release Kanu
Kanu made the argument through one of his lawyers, Maxwell Okpara at a trial hearing on Thursday, December 1.

My lord, we have uncovered their plan to bring Ghanaians and people from Cameroon to appear in this court to testify against the defendants, he said.

We as Nigerians will resist that plot. It cannot work. That is why they are insisting that they should testify behind screen. That plot has failed, it will not work, he added.

Meanwhile, presiding judge of the Abuja Federal High Court, Justice Binta Nyako, on Thursday, refused to grant bail to Kanu due to the seriousness of the offence hes accused of.

Kanu, whos facing charges of treason, has been in custody since his arrest in October 2015.

ALSO READ: Soludo advises Buhari to release Kanu
The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), said this in Benin on Wednesday when he paid homage to the monarch.

He said NNPC had two major companies in Benin, the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Integrated Data Service (IDSL).

Baru said the support was needed to end pipeline vandalism, adding that NNPC was using a huge sum of money to repair the pipelines destroyed.

The NNPC chief executive also appealed to Oba Ewuare II to help educate the people of oil and gas producing communities to create enabling environment that world, in the short term, provide economic benefits to the people.

He assured the Oba that NNPC would continue to provide scholarships to the youth in the host communities, especially those studying related courses and the orphans.

Oba Ewuare urged Baru and the NNPC to do more in the provision of contracts and employments to the people in the host communities.
Nyako and seven others are currently facing trial in the Federal High Court Abuja over money laundering charges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nyako, the former governor of Adamawaand seven others, including companies, are standing trial before Justice Okon Abang on a 37-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The charges against the defendants include criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, opening of multiple bank accounts and stealing to the tune of N29 billion.

The defendants, who were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allegedly opened over 30 different accounts with Zenith Bank Plc. with the money between 2011 and 2013.

At the resumed sitting, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), sought to tender the documents used in opening the account through the banks officer, Olabode Farinoola, who identified himself as a compliant officer.

Some of the names used by the defendants in opening these accounts are Tropical Agro Farms Clinic Ltd, Redcapet Protocol Ltd, Tower Asset Management Ltd and Government Service Department account.

Others are office of the secretary to the state government, , Bincola Engineering Service Ltd, Blue Ribbon Service and Travel Tour Ltd and Blue Opal Nigeria Ltd, Jacobs said.

Names on the accounts also include Pagoda Petroleum Marketing Ltd, Pagoda Fortunes Nigeria Ltd, Sebore Farms Extension Service Ltd and Blue Opal Nigeria Ltd (Project account).

Also contained in the names of the accounts are Kikary Investment Ltd, Blue Ribbon Multilink Ltd, Russelley Farms Nigeria Ltd, Agric International Tech Trade (Agrited Ltd) and Amdak Investment Ltd, among others.

However, Counsel to Nyako, Kanu Agabi (SAN), raised an objection to the request to tender the documents on the grounds that the defendants needed to go through the documents before they could be tendered in evidence.

Agabi prayed the court to adjourn the matter to enable the defence to go through the documents to ascertain their authenticity as claimed by the prosecution.

He said I plead for adjournment to enable the defence to go through the documents the prosecution seeks to tender through the witness.

Other defence counsel agreed with Agabis prayer for adjournment to enable them to go through the documents before being tendered in evidence.
The protesters are demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

El-Zakzaky has been in custody since December 2015 when members of the group clashed with soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The soldiers accused the Shiites of attempting to assassinate Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

El-Zakzaky was said to have been severely injured during the clash leading the government to fly him out of the country for treatment.

He is said to have been returned to Abuja, but his whereabouts have since been shrouded in mystery.

ALSO READ:Kaduna Governor declares Shiite sect illegal

Meanwhile, the activities of IMN have been banned in Kaduna and the group has been declared illegal.
Hemade the disclosure on Thursday, December 1, on the sidelines of an education conference at the University of Johannesburg, AFP reports.

I have already done it, I have disengaged (from the United States). I have done what I said I would do, Soyinka said

I had a horror of what is to come with Trump I threw away the (green) card, and I have relocated, and Im back to where I have always been.

Its useful in many ways. I wouldnt for one single moment discourage any Nigerians or anybody from acquiring a green card but I have had enough of it, he added.

Soyinka had, in November, promised to rip up the green card if Donald Trump emerged victorious in the US presidential elections.

If in the unlikely event he does win, the first thing hell do is to say [that] all green-card holders must reapply to come back into the US. Well, Im not waiting for that. The moment they announce his victory, I will cut my green card myself and start packing up," he said.

Trump eventually became the president-elect of the US after defeating former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

The billionaire's victory led many Nigerians to remind Soyinka of his promise to destroy the green card leading the playwright to describe his critics as "noisome creatures."

"Let me end with a Red Card to those noisome creatures, the nattering nit-wits of Internet: maybe Trumpland is not as despicable as the Naijaland you impose on our reality from your secure cesspits of anonymity. Go back to school. Your problem is ignorance, ignorance of whatever subject you so readily comment upon. Learn to study your subjects before opening up on issues beyond your grasp," he said.

Sometimes you make one feel like swapping one green for another out of embarrassment for occupying the same national space as you. If it even becomes convenient to bring it forward, I intend to do so, but please dont come at me with plaints of time imprecision.

I never discussed it with you, nor invited you to a private decision whose execution was already in the making. Do not try to browbeat me. Its a waste of time  all you have to do is immerse yourselves in my antecedents. It will not attempt to deal with the notion of an exit time-table as conceived by others," he added.

ALSO READ:Nigerians remind Wole Soyinka to tear US green card
"The Wedding Party" is a typical Nigerian wedding party; the crowd, the colourful asoebi, the music, the humour, the fun and the stress.

It tells the story of Dunni Coker, a 24-year-old art gallery owner and only daughter of her parents about to marry the love of her life, IT entrepreneur Dozie. The couple took a vow of chastity and is looking forward to a ground-breaking first night together as a married couple.

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"The Wedding Party" is a star-studded comedy movie. It stars at least one of your favourite Nollywood actor. It stars talented Nigerian actors. It stars over 300 cast. It stars veterans - It is just simply star-studded.

Despite its cast and the fact that everything happens in a day, Adetiba makes an outstanding debut, directing a movie that can be called 'the best comedy movie of the year 2016.'

"You see the movie, there were loads of people in there and everything happens in one day. So I had to deal with everyone every day - with the cast, crew, extras. I think we were pushing towards 300 and more," the filmmaker said during a press screening.

"And then we had just two weeks. We had 14 days and no retakes, everything was done right there. Was it easy? Absolutely not. But I will never ever give up the experience for anything," adds Adetiba.

ALSO READ: undefined

The romantic comedy stars Adesua Etomi as Dunni Coker, Banky Was Dozie, Alibaba and Sola Sobowale as Dunnis parents, and Ireti Doyle and Richard Mofe-Damijo as Dozies parents.

"The Wedding Party" also stars Zainab Balogun, Enyinna Nwigwe, Frank Donga, Saka, AY, Ikechukwu, Beverly Naya, Emma OhMaGod, Lepacious Bose amongst others.

In 2012, Desmond Elliot made a star-studded movie, in 2016, Greg Odutayo kicked off 2016 with a star-studded movie. The above-mentioned movies feature so many veterans and talented actors, yet, in a bid to make everyone important, these movies dragged longer than they should, with the former losing its direction and beauty.

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The most beautiful thing about Adebita's feature film debut is the fact that it is entertaining, fast-paced, and every character is important. None of the actors seemed like they were making cameo appearances. Nobody seemed like a last minute choice. Nobody seemed like they were struggling to fit in. Everyone was perfect and comfortable.

It's a fresh story and a well-executed plot, and for a Nigerian comedy movie, "The Wedding Party" is devoid of slapstick, exaggerated humour. The characters and their actions are believable - you have met one of them at one point of your wedding outings.

On working with such cast, Adetiba said, "They made it so easy for me. I know it sounds cliche, but they made it super easy for me. I'm hoping it's because they trusted me and I made myself trustable. They knew it was my first feature film. I mean, shooting anything in Nigeria is not the easiest thing. One of the things I wanted to do with this movie was include everyone. Everyone had their script, but I would ask, "is this believable for this character? "Is this something this character would say?" "Should we change this?"

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Another great thing about "The Wedding Party" is its music. The movie features a compilation of amazing Nigerian songs. On their choice of music, Adetiba says, "The music was intentional. We wanted it to be like one of those old American comedy movies where you know, the movie would come out, and then the soundtrack would even do better than the movie itself.

"We are Nigerians, we have an amazing crazy catalogue of good music. We wanted to showcase African music. We were trying to export our type of music and lifestyle," she added.

Adetiba is a popular music director who has directed works including Waje's "Onye," Olamide's "Sitting on the Throne," Niyola's "Toh Bad," Omawunmi's "Today na Today," among others.

Speaking at the press screening of "The Wedding Party," the filmmaker revealed that it wasn't difficult transitioning from music videos to a feature film.

"Anyone that's familiar with my work would know that I try to tell a lot of stories in my music videos. Even if they are like 3 minutes, 4 minutes. So, there wasn't really much of a transitioning. What I had to work on was stamina," Adetiba said.

A mix of relatble storytelling, embedded humour, familiar characters, familiar events, Kemi Adetiba has made a distinct comedy movie.

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"It wasn't the easiest movie to shoot. I always say that it feels like they dropped me in the middle of the ocean and it's the same distance to the shore as it is to the next destination, and I just wanted to go home so many times," Adetiba starts with a smile. "But, if it's the same distance from the shore to the next destination, I might as well just keep going," she adds.
This was confirmed by Special Assistant to Senate President, Bukola Saraki on New Media, Bamikole Omishore via Twitter.

A well-deserved congratulations to Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi as the new publicity secretary to APC, Omishore wrote.

Earlier reports had it that Abdullahis appointment would be ratified by the APCs leadership during a mini convention at Chelsea Hotel in Abuja on Thursday, December 1.

Abdullahi replaces former occupant Lai Mohammed who is now the Minister of Information and Culture.

ALSO READ: APC suspends Timi Frank, expulsion to follow

The new APC spokesman was chosen instead of deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank who laid claim to the positionand attacked Chairman, John Oyegun.
According to a report by TheCable, the ruling party is set to announce Abdullahi as its national publicity secretary.

It was also reported that to ratify Abdullahis appointment, the leadership of the ruling party will organise a mini convention at Chelsea Hotel in Abuja by 11am on Thursday, December 1, 2016.

While no official statement has been released by the party on the reported development, it should be noted that the position has been vacant since Lai Mohammed was appointed minister.

Timi Frank, deputy national publicity secretary, had launched an attack against the Party chairman, John Oyegun over his perceived prevention from taking over from Mohammed.

ALSO READ: APC suspends Timi Frank, expulsion to follow
A NAN correspondent, who was at INEC Office in Ifako/Ijaiye Local Government, observed that the materials got to the commission office a few minutes after 5 p.m.

The materials, brought from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), were offloaded in the presence of the representatives of participating political parties.

Speaking to NAN, Mr Clement Oha, the Administrative Secretary of the commission in the state said that all the sensitive materials had been received.

I can confirm to you that we have got all the sensitive materials needed for this election from the CBN, escorted by security men.

These materials are already customised along different Registration Areas. They are being separated by INEC officers in the presence of party agents, he said.

Some party agents who spoke with NAN described the process as being transparent.

Mr Shakiru Bababunmi, Party Agent for the Action Alliance (AA) said, We have witnessed a very transparent delivery of sensitive materials, All party agents are on ground to attest to this.

Bababunmi urged INEC to give a level playing ground to all parties.

Also speaking, Mrs Bola Obiesan, Party Agent for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that the cartons that contained the sensitive materials were in order and sealed, saying No one has tampered with it.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Party Agent, Mr Kayode Oseni said that the materials were delivered intact.

Oseni said, We witnessed the movement of the sensitive materials for the election. The materials are intact. As a representative of my party, I am satisfied. We are only looking for a fair and transparent election.

NAN reports that the six political parties to contest in the poll, are: Action Alliance (AA), Alliance for Democracy (AD), African Democratic Party (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
According to a report by Premium Times, the six LG chairmen of the All Progressives Congress in Kaduna State backed the suspension of the controversial senator because he was tagged a disrespectful confusionist.

In a statement issued by the local governments' party chairmen blamed Sani for his continuous refusal to show remorse for his actions and seek forgiveness from any level of the party in the state.

According to the report, the APC LG chairmen who endorsed the suspension are Magaji Bala, Chukun LG; Abdullahi Jariri, Birnin Gwari LG; Musa Shehu, Kaduna North LG; Ibrahim Musa, Giwa LG; Halidu Bature, Igabi LG; Bala Wahab, Kajuru LG; and Ibrahim Soso, Acting Chairman of the APC in Kaduna South.

We have received information from Ward 6 in Kaduna South LGA of our great party the APC, on the indefinite suspension of the erring Senator Shehu Sani from the party at those levels.

Subsequently we wish to hereby endorse this suspension by the ward chapter because of his various attempts at causing divisions within the party in the state, by sponsoring frivolous petitions and troublemaking.

"Also for his continuous refusal to show remorse for his actions and seek forgiveness from any level of the party in the state.

"His actions constitute serious offenses against the party as captured by article 21 section (A), sub sections i, ii, iii, v, vi and vii of the constitution.

We recommend that the state party executive committee make haste in also endorsing this appropriate indefinite suspension, they said.

The suspension endorsement is coming after Senator Sani released a scathing statement attacking Governor El-Rufai on Wednesday, November 30, 2016.

Reacting to the council chairmens endorsement, Sanis aide, Abdulsamad Amadi, said the signatories were coerced to sign the document.

In his words: The document was already prepared in the government house. They were being practically forced to sign that document. When they see that people are trooping to the government house, they became apprehensive and later took them to the Seventeen hotel to sign the document.

The suspension letter was never written on a letter headed paper which could mean that anybody could have written that. I am assuring you that by tomorrow or next, some of the chairmen who were claimed to have signed the document will speak with you people.
The Kaduna APC also said that Sani is a man without a sense of shame.

The party made the comments in reaction to Sanis attack on GovernorNasir El-Rufai after his indefinite suspension.

As if determined to prove that he is beyond redemption, Shehu Sani penned a pathetic response to his continued suspension from our party that testifies that he is a denizen of the gutter, Kaduna APC spokesman, Salisu Wusono said.

Anyone that harboured any doubt about the morass in his mind and the decadence of his conduct would now have those uncertainties wiped away. Crassness of language is a twin to crass of conduct.

His outburst is a confirmation, that he has no sense of shame. He is a man full of tantrums, a busker who simultaneously entertains and distresses people with his shameless antics.

He has since lost focus and why he was elected to the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the good people of Kaduna central under the banner of the APC.

He represents fraud, deceit in the name of Nigerias masses. We suspended him indefinitely following his various anti-party activities and utterances aimed at tearing the party to pieces.

The masses of Kaduna central have since unravelled his deceit. His heart and mind are in the PDP whose agent he has been in our party. We wonder when he would gather the courage to publicly move to the party he hobnobs with in private," he added.
The federal prosecutor's office said they were detained following raids on eight homes in the Charleroi area south of the capital Brussels, with police seizing several bladed weapons, some of them similar to the one used in the attack.

A judge will decide whether to release or detain the suspects further as part of a terror investigation, a statement said.

During the August 6 incident, a machete-wielding man assaulted the two women outside the main police station in Charleroi before being shot dead by a third officer.

He was identified as an Algerian living illegally in Belgium.

The IS-linked Amaq news agency said one of the group's "soldiers" carried out the attack "in response to calls to target citizens" of countries involved in the US-led coalition bombing jihadists in Syria and Iraq.

Belgian prosecutors have said the man, identified only as K.B., "had a criminal record but was not known for terrorism."

Belgium has been on high alert since suicide bombers struck Brussels airport and a metro station near the European Union headquarters on March 22, killing 32 people.
On Tuesday, sporadic violence broke out in some of Port-au-Prince's poorest neighborhoods -- carried by Maryse Narcisse's Fanmi Lavalas Party -- against winner Jovenel Moise, the man former president Michel Martelly chose to represent his party.

Early data show that Moise won the election outright, garnering 55.7 percent of the November 20 vote, barring the need for a second round. But he lacks popularity, with only 21 percent of eligible voters having cast their ballots.

Demonstrators marching Wednesday ran up against officers with heavy weapons and riot shields, who blocked them in Petionville, a well-off suburb of the capital.

Marchers lobbed stones at police, who first responded with tear gas grenades and then water cannons.

Jude Celestin is so far second with 19.52 percent of the vote. Moise Jean-Charles (11.04 percent), and Maryse Narcisse (8.99 percent) are readying to take their disputes to the electoral authorities.

The electoral council issued a statement on Wednesday reminding Haitians that the results are only preliminary and urging "parties, political groups and candidates to refrain from declaring themselves elected."

Haiti is one of the world's most inequitable countries, according to the World Bank, with the electoral crisis a further demonstration of the persistent divisions between the poor majority and the wealthy elite.

The election, which took place without major incident, is seen as an essential step to allow the country to return to the constitutional order after the cancellation of the first round of the presidential election held in October 2015.
Sanogo, who faces the death penalty, toppled president Amadou Toumani Toure as the country grappled with a rebellion by Tuareg people that eventually led the way to a jihadist takeover in its vast arid north.

"I'm in fine spirits. I was waiting for this day," Sanogo told AFP at the opening of the trial, which was held in a packed concert hall in Sikasso, 370 kilometres (230 miles) southeast of the capital, Bamako. The trial was adjourned until Friday.

After the March 2012 coup he proclaimed himself leader, saying the former head of state had failed to restore order. But within days, the military lost control of the cities of Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu, where jihadists razed ancient shrines.

The trial began hours after a failed suicide attack against Gao airport later claimed by a group led by one-eyed Algerian jihadist Mokhtar Belmokhtar, who last week was reported by a US official to have been slain in a French air strike.

Sanogo and 16 others, all of them formerly in the military, are accused of the abduction and killing of 21 elite "Red Berets," who were detained and forcibly disappeared between April 30 and May 1, 2012.

The "Red Berets" were accused of involvement in an April 30 counter-coup against Sanogo and his loyalists.

The bodies were found in December 2013 in a mass grave near Sanogo's headquarters.
Dlamini-Zuma had "delayed, in an unjustified manner, the circulation of Morocco's demand to other members" in September, it said in a statement.

She was "keeping up her obstruction by improvising a new procedural demand, previously unheard of and unfounded... to arbitrarily reject the letters of support from AU member states", it said, without giving details.

The ministry accused Dlamini-Zuma of acting "contrary to her obligation of neutrality, of AU rules and norms, and of the will of its member states".

Rabat officially requested to rejoin the AU in September, 32 years after quitting the bloc in protest at its decision to accept Western Sahara as a member.

Morocco has occupied the sparsely populated Western Sahara area since 1975 in a move that was not recognised by the international community.

It maintains that Western Sahara is an integral part of the kingdom even though local Sahrawi people have long campaigned for the right to self-determination.

In 1991, the United Nations brokered a ceasefire between Moroccan troops and Sahrawi rebels of the Algerian-backed Polisario Front but a promised referendum to settle the status of the desert territory is yet to materialise.
While high casualty tolls were expected for what has been Iraq's toughest battle against the Islamic State group to date, few figures had been released.

The United Nations' mission in Iraq released monthly casualty figures for November that showed 1,959 members of the Iraqi forces were killed just last month and 450 others wounded.

The UN toll includes members of the army, police engaged in combat, the Kurdish peshmerga, interior ministry forces and pro-government paramilitaries.

The UN statement also said at least 926 civilians were killed, bringing to 2,885 the number of Iraqis killed in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict last month.

"The casualty figures are staggering, with civilians accounting for a significant number of the victims," the top UN envoy in Iraq, Jan Kubis, said.

The spike in casualties comes as a major offensive to retake the IS stronghold of Mosul, Iraq's largest military operation in years, enters its seventh week.

Kubis said the growing death toll was largely a result of the jihadists' ferocious defence of Mosul, the city where they proclaimed their now crumbling "caliphate" in 2014.

"Daesh (IS) has been employing the most vicious tactics, using civilian homes as firing positions as well as abducting and forcibly moving civilians, effectively using them as human shields," he said.

The US-led coalition assisting anti-IS forces in Iraq and Syria admitted Thursday to "inadvertently" killing 54 civilians in both countries between March and October.

"Although the coalition makes extraordinary efforts to strike military targets in a manner that minimizes the risk of civilian casualties, in some cases casualties are unavoidable," the coalition said in a statement.

A July 18 strike that killed 100 IS fighters also killed as many as 24 civilians, the statement added.

The UN did not provide a regional breakdown of the overall toll but its casualty figures have been going up steadily since the launch of the Mosul offensive on October 17.

Increase in casualties

The number of members of the Iraqi forces killed released by the UN for October was 672.

The highest number of civilian deaths recorded in November was in Nineveh province, of which Mosul is the capital, with 332, the UN figures showed.

The UN explained it had few reliable figures for the western province of Anbar, which has seen continued IS-related violence in recent weeks, and suggested that real casualty figures were likely higher.

The government in Baghdad rarely divulges casualty figures during a military operation.

Officials from the Kurdistan region's peshmerga ministry said more than 1,600 peshmerga fighters were killed since IS took over large parts of Iraq in June 2014.

"Since the beginning of the war against Daesh, which means June 2014, until November 30 (2016), the total number of martyrs is 1,614 and the wounded are 9,515," peshmerga ministry secretary-general Jabar Yawar told AFP.

Burials at the main Shiite cemetery of Najaf, as well as partial figures provided by local officials across the country and the number of obituaries posted on Facebook also pointed to significant losses among the security forces.

After the launch of the offensive in mid-October, tens of thousands of Iraqi forces started closing in on Mosul, retaking towns and villages in Nineveh province.

Iraqi federal forces entered the city from the eastern side and admitted they were met by stiffer than expected resistance.

Military officials and experts had warned before the start of the offensive that the toughest fighting would be on the western side of the city.
During a press briefing, Dela Rosa said the terror alert level meant that police would create strong checkpoints and conduct raids on lairs of suspected terror groups.

Two suspects have been arrested in the case, one in Manila and the other in the nearby province of Bulacan.

They are thought to be part of the Maute terrorist group, based in the south of the country.

The foiled bomb attack was an attempt to convince the Islamic State extremist group that Maute group should become its local affiliate, Dela Rosa said.

The Maute group, once described by the military as a small-time extortion gang, has emerged as an armed Islamist group that has some former Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerillas as members.

The suspects told police that the initial target of the bombing Whad bin Rizal Park was to have a higher number of casualties.
The suspected right-hand man of the ringleader was detained in the southern city of Seville, two suspects were held in Barcelona, two more in the northern city of Barakaldo, one in the Mediterranean port of Alicante and the rest in Madrid.
But Sipila denied any intention of doing so.

"I admit that it's a soft spot when my position affects my family and my family gets involved... I admit to having reacted emotionally," he told reporters.

The case centres on an order received by Katera Steel -- an engineering company owned by Sipila's family -- from a nickel mine that had received a cash bailout from the state.

On November 11, the government announced it would invest 100 million euros ($107 million) in Terrafame, the company operating the unprofitable mine that would have shut down without the intervention.

Sipila allegedly contacted the editor of Yle, Atte Jaaskelainen and sent nearly 20 messages in one evening to a journalist investigating the matter.

The premier had reached out following the publication of Yle's first piece on the issue in a bid to discourage further coverage, according to the weekly news magazine Suomen Kuvalehti.

Though Sipila was given a chance to comment on the story hours before publication, he complained on Wednesday that was not sufficient.

"I have not shut anyone's mouth... The piece of news contained a serious allegation about favouring relatives, which was not the case. A possibility to comment should have been given," he said.

Denies wrongdoing

But Suomen Kuvalehti reported that the pressure allegedly led Yle to scale down its coverage of the story.

It also revealed that Yle's management had threatened to fire one of its most renowned journalists who planned to discuss the topic in his weekly talk show.

Jaaskelainen denied bowing to pressure from the prime minister.

"My reasoning is that there was no reason to proceed with the matter... We took this decision ourselves on journalistic grounds," he wrote on Yle's website.

Sipila has denied any wrongdoing in the transaction.

Katera Steel's deal with the mine "had been confirmed before the (state funding) decision," Sipila said.

Antti Rinne, chairman of the biggest opposition party the Social Democrats, said the claims about Sipila interfering with the public broadcaster's work were "very serious".

"Finland is a leading country in press freedom. If the claims about Sipila hold true, we will be facing a serious crisis," Rinne wrote on Twitter.

Production at the Talvivaara mine about 500 kilometres (310 miles) north of Helsinki began in 2008 and was one of the largest nickel mines in Finland. It was nationalised in 2014 to avoid closure.
UN Security Council resolution 2321, passed on Wednesday, caps the North's annual coal exports at little more than four months of current sales to China, Chinese government data shows.

Spearheaded by the United States, the response to the hermit state's latest nuclear test in September was approved 15-0 after extended negotiations.

The cap represents a fraction of the North's current annual exports to China, the isolated country's sole ally and its main provider of trade and aid.

China imported 1.8 million tonnes of coal worth $101 million from North Korea in October alone, according to the most recent figures available on the Chinese Customs website. The volume was up nearly 40 percent year-on-year.

Beijing will "serious" implement the resolution, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a regular briefing.

China, a veto-wielding permanent Security Council member, had a "responsible attitude", he added, and had always implemented UNSC resolutions and fulfilled "its international obligations according to the UN charter".

Trade with the world's second largest economy is crucial for the isolated and impoverished North, which has suffered regular food shortages and an outright famine in the mid-1990s.

The North's coal exports to the Asian giant have continued unabated despite previous UN sanctions, which included exemptions allowing trade to continue for "livelihood" purposes but did not set criteria for the determination.

"The point here is not the figures", but the legality of the imports, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said last week.

The limit in the latest sanctions resolution applies even if the sales are for livelihood purposes.

Although Beijing has traditionally protected Pyongyang diplomatically, believing that Kim Jong-Un's regime is preferable to its collapse, it has grown frustrated by its neighbour's defiance.
Eitan Naeh arrived in the morning, the official, who did not wish to be named, told AFP. Naeh is due to present his letter of credence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the next few days.

Naeh, who had been serving as deputy head of mission at the Israeli embassy in London, was chosen as ambassador earlier this month by a government committee.

A career diplomat, he previously worked at the embassy in Ankara from 1993 to 1997.

After the raid which killed 10 Turkish activists, relations between the two countries plunged to an all-time low with both pulling their envoys out from the respective capitals.

At one point, Erdogan even accused the Israeli leadership of "keeping Hitler's spirit alive".

But the bitter rift came to an end in June after long-running secret talks in third countries with Israel offering $20 million in compensation, an apology over the raid and permission for Turkish aid to reach Gaza.

Last week firefighting planes from Turkey were sent to Israel after bushfires raged.

Thanking Ankara for its support and the warm welcome, Naeh told reporters at the airport: "We have a history of helping each other in times of need."

In a video shared by the embassy's official Facebook account, Naeh said: "I am very happy to be back in Turkey as ambassador. We have a lot of work to do... I am looking forward to starting the work here, officially."

The process to normalise relations was strongly supported by the United States, which had long wanted to see NATO ally Turkey resume its once-close relationship with Israel.
Having initially issued its opinion in favour of Assange in February, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said it was not changing course as the British request "did not meet the threshold of a review... and (was) thus not admissible".

Assange, 45, has been at the Ecuadoran embassy in London since 2012, having taken refuge to avoid being sent to Sweden where he faces rape allegations that he denies.

He fears Sweden would extradite him to the United States to answer for the leaking of diplomatic cables and other classified documents by his whistleblowing website. The disclosures caused huge embarrassment in Washington.

Assange said in a statement: "Now that all appeals are exhausted I expect that the UK and Sweden will comply with their international obligations and set me free. It is an obvious and grotesque injustice to detain someone for six years who hasn't even been charged with an offence."

The fate of the former computer hacker, who turned WikiLeaks into a vehicle for releasing classified documents on the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, remains unclear.

He was grilled over the longstanding rape allegation by an Ecuadoran prosecutor at the embassy for two days earlier this month. The questions were provided by Swedish officials but the answers were confidential.

Swedish prosecutors dropped a sexual assault probe into Assange last year after the five-year statute of limitations expired. But they still want to question him about the 2010 rape allegation, which carries a 10-year statute of limitations.
"The committee has spent the past two days working towards an agreement to finalize these post-crisis reforms," chairman Stefan Ingves told the gathering in Santiago.

"We have made very good progress and the contours of an agreement are now clear."

The committee plans to oblige banks to strengthen their capital base to cushion them against financial shocks.

Ingves said he hoped the members of the forum would approve the new regulations, known as the "Basel III" reforms, in January.

"There will no doubt be increases and decreases in operational risk capital requirements for certain banks," Ingves said.

The reforms also aim to impose special obligations to regulate the debt ratio or "leverage" of "global systemically important banks," he said.

Disagreements have threatened to complicate the reforms.

The United States has been pushing for strict capital requirements.

European governments, regulators and finance groups fear stringent capital requirements will hobble their banks and economies.

Meanwhile US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate the landmark Dodd-Frank financial reform law adopted in the post-crisis era.

German central bank board member Andreas Dombret said this month he hoped Trump would not derail the Basel reforms.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney said he expected "a handful of institutions" would be obliged to increase their capital base.
JAY WHITE DISCUSSES ROH'S FINAL BATTLE PPV, LIVING IN THE NEW JAPAN DOJOS, GROWING UP IN NEW ZEALAND, THE SIX MAN TAG TOURNAMENT AND MORE

By Paul Crockett on 2016-12-01 09:57:00

New Japan & Ring of Honor star Jay White discusses Final Battle 2016, life in the New Japan Dojo, training in England, growing up in New Zealand, and much more!

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After riding a roller coaster of emotions for months over the uncertain future of Exelon's Quad-Cities Nuclear Station, a group of employees returned Wednesday from Springfield more upbeat that lawmakers will spare their plant from an early closure.

"They're definitely working on it," Ed Pannell, training director, said after witnessing debate of the proposed energy legislation. While still worried about whether the bill will pass, he said, "It was a positive day for us if they can just keep pushing through what they have been working on."

Pannell, of Fulton, Illinois, was among 65 workers from Cordova who made the last-minute bus trip to Springfield. They were joined by 200 Exelon employees from the Clinton, Illinois, plant.

"Our real goal was to ensure the legislature saw this bill affects real people  1,500 between Quad-Cities and Clinton," said the plant's spokesman, Bill Stoermer. "They knew we were there."

The day marked at least the third time that a large Exelon contingent has traveled to Springfield in a show of force. Since Exelon announced in June that without state energy reform the two plants would close, workers have waged an all-out campaign. They have written letters to lawmakers, made telephone calls and turned to Facebook and Twitter to be heard.

Melissa Baenziger, who has worked more than 35 years at the plant, said "there is a people aspect tied to the plant." The proposed bill is not only about jobs and dollars, but about families and communities too, the Blue Grass woman said.

Exelon has said it will take steps toward shutting down the Clinton plant on June 1 if a bill isn't approved in this fall veto session. The Quad-City plant, near Cordova, would close in 2018.

"We made a scene, in a good way, in front of the governor's office," said Stacy Krones, of Bettendorf, a training specialist. "We were respectful, but we were definitely present."

When the group departed before sunrise for Springfield ''that was the lowest point I had felt in this veto session," said Randy Earley, the plant's outage manager. But after watching the bill in motion and receiving Gov. Bruce Rauner's backing, the Davenport man said, "We feel good about the amount of progress."

Still, that uncertainty colors everything from the workers' mood to the planning. "It's always there," Baenziger said. "Every decision we make we have to think 'but if we shut down, we won't need to do that.'"

In fact, she is one of 26 employees at the Cordova station reassigned to a decommissioning team and tasked with planning for the possible closure. "I hope everything I do goes in a box until 2032 (the year the plant's operating license ends.)"

Meanwhile, nearly 65 workers have already left the plant for other jobs or retired.

"There's a lot of younger guys, that if it happens where are they going to go?" said Bill Burns, a mechanic with 15 years at the plant. "They say we'll have a job in the company, but where will that be at?"

Pannell, a 34-year veteran of Exelon, said the plant's closing also would impact thousands of other workers including contractors brought in for refueling outages, suppliers and others. "My dad built this place," he lamented.

Exelon is the largest single taxpayer in Rock Island County and provides the Erie (Illinois) School District with nearly one-third of its revenue.

"The schools have problems that need to be fixed, but we're constantly hearing them say 'We're waiting on Exelon,'" said Burns, who lives in Erie. It also is big discussion at home since he and his wife have a total of 10 family members working at Exelon.

Krones, whose father helped build the plant's Training Center, said one of the most telling moments came when she explained what could happen to her 8-year-old son. "He said 'It's OK, mom. As long as we're together, it doesn't matter where we live.' I thought, 'How mature.'"
Oct. 21

1. Shaina Marie Pulford, 36, 1503 Mississippi Ave., Davenport was arrested on the 3300 block of 18th Street on suspicion of first offense compulsory education violation.

2. Jason Michael Otero, no age or address given, was arrested on the 2300 block of Maplecrest Road on suspicion of second-degree theft.

Oct. 24

3. Mary Danielle Long, 28, 2734 Magnolia Drive, was arrested on the 2700 block of Magnolia Drive on suspicion of assault causing bodily injury.

Oct. 26

4. A 2006 Chrysler Sebring and a 2002 Toyota Camry collided on the 3500 block of Middle Road, resulting in $3,700 in damage.

Oct. 27

5. Elizabeth Sydney Boots, 23, 814 E. High St., Davenport, was arrested on the 1100 block of 23rd Street on suspicion of trespassing.

Oct. 28

6. A 2012 Toyota Prius and a 2014 GMC Acadia collided at the intersection of 18th Street and Learning Campus Drive, resulting in $8,500 in damage.

7. Troy Carroll Casto, 1517 17th St., Moline, Illinois, was arrested on the 4500 block of Valley Brook Drive on suspicion of third-degree theft.

Oct. 29

8. Criminal mischief, totaling $200, was reported on the 3300 block of Jonathan Avenue.

Oct. 30

9. Michael Vincent Novitske, 54, 206 E. Salem St., Blue Grass, Iowa, was arrested on the 2100 block of State Street on suspicion of driving while license denied or revoked and violation of financial liability coverage.

10. Fraud, totaling $20, was reported at Hardees, 1930 State St.

Oct. 31

11. A 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, no value listed, was reported stolen at Isle of Capri, 1777 Isle Parkway.

12. Cards and a wallet, valued at $11, were reported stolen at Isle of Capri, 1777 Isle Parkway.

13. An air conditioner, valued at $40, was reported stolen on the 1400 block of Mississippi Boulevard.

14. Criminal mischief, totaling $10, was reported on the 1400 block of Mississippi Boulevard.

15. Daniel Demar Webb, 41, 2421 N. Division St., Davenport, was arrested on the 1100 block of Grant Street on suspicion of first-degree burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, willful injury causing bodily harm, and interference with official acts.

16. Daniel Demar Webb, 41, 2421 N. Division St., Davenport, was arrested on the 1700 block of Isle Parkway on suspicion of third-degree attempted burglary.

17. Cash, medical cards, credit cards, and a purse, valued at $20, were all reported stolen on the 2700 block of Avalon Drive.

Nov. 1

18. A 2011 Lexus RX and a 2004 Ford F150 collided on the 900 block of Middle Road, resulting in $2,750 in damage.

19. John Isaiah Cooper, 23, 4631 Ripley St., Davenport, was arrested at West Interstate 74 at mile marker 3.1 on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, failure to maintain control, violation of financial liability and driving while license suspended, denied or revoked.

20. Cigarettes, valued at $70, were reported stolen at QC Mart, 2545 18th St.

21. Credit cards, cash, a wallet and a purse, valued at $240, were reported stolen on the 2000 block of Parkway Drive.

22. Miscellaneous merchandise, valued at $250, was reported stolen at Burlington Coat Factory, 1431 Kimberly Road.

Nov. 2

23. A 2001 Ford F150 and a 2000 Toyota Camry collided at the intersection of Parkway Drive and Middle Road, resulting in $8,000 in damage.

Nov. 3

24. A hit and run crash, with damages totaling $2,000, was reported at 3414 Somerset Drive.

25. A 2000 Audi AA6 and a 2002 Mazda 626 collided at the intersection of Devils Glen and Middle roads, resulting in $350 in damage.

Nov. 5

26. Steven Lee Everman, 49, 324 8th St., No. 2, was arrested on the 1100 block of Kimberly Road on suspicion of public intoxication.

Nov. 6

27. A 2005 Ford Escape and a 2013 Ford Avalon collided at the intersection of Tanglefoot Lane and 18th Street, resulting in $2,550 in damage.

28. A 2005 Dodge Durango and a 2011 Kia Sorento collided at the intersection of Mississippi Boulevard and 14th Street, resulting in $6,000 in damage.

29. Isaiah Arthur Hayslett, 19, 5802 Marquette St., Davenport, was arrested at Tobacco Outlet, 2312 State St. on suspicion of fifth-degree theft.

Nov. 7

30. A 2015 Ford Edge, a 2013 Ford Flex, and a 2015 Ford F150, ollided at the intersection of Interstate 74 and Middle Road, resulting in $1,100 in damage.

Nov. 8

31. A 2005 Pontiac Grand Am and a 2014 Ford Edge collided on Spruce Hills Drive approximately 400 feet west of Middle Road, resulting in $7,500 in damage.
A Viola, Illinois, man was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in federal prison for robbing a U.S. Post Office in Taylor Ridge last year.

Walker L. Hampton, 41, pleaded guilty in June in U.S. District Court, Rock Island, to robbery of U.S. government property, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, felon in possession of firearms and possession of stolen firearms.

At 8:35 a.m. Jan. 24, 2015, a man later identified as Hampton walked into the Post Office at 6928 134th Ave. W. and displayed a Jimenez Arms 9mm handgun, according to police and court documents.

Hampton demanded money from two employees and then left on foot with an undetermined amount of money, according to the documents.

Prosecutors have said Hampton went on to commit several burglaries in Viola and Rock Island County after the post office robbery.

He was arrested a month later by the Mercer County Sheriff's deputies. A federal grand jury indicted Hampton in May 2015.

In a short statement before sentencing, Hampton apologized to the victims and his family and said he had been "desperate," destitute and in a deeply depressed state at the time of the robbery.

"I wasn't right in my head," he said. "I wasn't right emotionally, and I really regret it. All of it."

U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow sentenced Hampton to a mandatory seven-year sentence on the brandishing a firearm charge and three four-year concurrent sentences on the remaining charges. The brandishing a firearm charge will run consecutive, or back-to-back, with the three other sentences for a total of 11 years.

Once he completes his prison sentence, he will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Darrow also ordered Hampton to pay $102.80 in restitution to the post office and $21 to the two employees.
SPRINGFIELD  After months of negotiations and a series of amendments in recent weeks, a proposed energy policy overhaul from Exelon Corp. that would keep open the companys financially struggling nuclear power plants in Cordova and Clinton, Illinois, appears poised for a vote Thursday in the Illinois House.

The final pieces of the agreement fell into place Wednesday, with Gov. Bruce Rauners office signing off on a series of new provisions that would cap rate increases for residential, commercial and industrial energy customers.

However, subsidies to keep open the two downstate nuclear power plants remain at the heart of the package, along with other policy and rate changes designed to increase investment in renewable power and energy efficiency.

Exelon has said it will take steps toward shutting down the Clinton plant on June 1 if lawmakers didn't approve the bill during their fall veto session, which is scheduled to end Thursday. The Quad-Cities Station is Cordova was set to close in 2018.

The Cordova plant employs about 800 people; Clinton has about 700. Together, the facilities generate millions of dollars in local property tax revenue.

Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, D-Aurora, chairwoman of the House Energy Committee, praised the bills sponsor, Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, for bringing together energy companies, environmental groups, business interests and consumer advocates in an attempt to reach a compromise.

Ive said all through these proceedings that no ones going to get 100 percent of what they want, LaVia said.

Indeed, in deference to consumer advocates, including the Illinois attorney generals office, a controversial proposal to change the way customers are charged for the power was removed. To maintain the support of environmental groups, who backed the packages increased investment in renewable power and energy efficiency, a provision that would have subsidized Dynegy-owned coal plants in southern Illinois was jettisoned.

The last major change, which the House committee approved Wednesday evening, added caps on rate increases for energy users, from heavy industry to individual households.

Susan Satter, public utilities counsel for the attorney generals office, said her agency needed more time to review those provisions to ensure they would adequately protect consumers.

The Illinois Public Interest Research Group, a consumer advocacy organization, also said the rate caps deserve more scrutiny.

There is no reason that such massive and complicated policy change should be rushed through the legislative process, Abraham Scarr, the groups director, said in a prepared statement. In energy policy, the devil is in the details and small details have profound impacts for millions of people for years to come.

Meanwhile, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois and other large energy users also remain opposed. However, other business groups, including the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, support the proposal.

In exchange for subsidies  which Exelon says are justified because, like subsidized wind and solar energy, nuclear power produces no climate-damaging carbon pollution  the bill guarantees that the Quad-City and Clinton plants would remain open for another 10 years.

Officials with Exelon subsidiary Commonwealth Edison estimate that the entire package will result in an average monthly bill increase of less than 25 cents for residential customers in northern Illinois over a 13-year period. The new amendment would cap the increase at that level.

Ameren Illinois, meanwhile, estimates that its residential customers would see a 12-cent increase on average. The average increase over the 13-year period would be capped at 35 cents for Ameren customers.

If the bill is approved in the House, it would move to the Senate for a final vote.
A roundup of Iowa state government and Capitol news items of interest:

IOWA DEMOCRATS TO ELECT NEW LEADER: The Iowa Democratic Party will elect new leaders, including the partys state chair, at a special meeting of the central committee on Saturday, Jan. 21, at a location to be determined, according to a party news release. Iowa Democrats are coming off a disappointing 2016 election in which the party failed to deliver the state for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, did not pick up any seats in the Congressional delegation, and lost control of the Iowa Senate. Prior to that election, the state partys central committee will host a meeting Saturday, Dec. 17, during which a forum will be held for any Democrats seeking to run for state party chair. At least a half-dozen Iowa Democrats have declared an intention to seek the chair. Party activists and members of the public are invited to attend the meeting, which will be held at United Steelworkers Local 310 Hall in Des Moines.

LEADERSHIP CHANGE AT PUBLIC INFORMATION BOARD: Charlie Smithson has resigned as executive director of the Iowa Public Information Board, which examines and attempts to resolve disputes over the states open records and open meetings laws. Smithsons resignation was effective Thursday. He will be replaced on an interim basis by Margaret Johnson, who has served as the boards deputy director since 2013. The board will be asked to affirm the interim appointment at its next meeting, scheduled for Dec. 15, and then will begin the process of filling the executive director position on a permanent basis. Smithson was the boards second executive director; he replaced Keith Luchtel, who is now a board member. Smithson has resigned to become secretary of the Iowa Senate when the Iowa Legislature convenes in January, according to The Des Moines Register.

NATURAL GAS PRICES RISE: Natural gas prices rose 29 cents this week to $3.03 per million BTUs, according to the Iowa agriculture department. Propane prices, on the other hand, held steady. The average price of unleaded gasoline is up 2 cents from the previous week and 3 cents from the same time a year ago. The average price of unleaded gasoline in Iowa was $2.07 per gallon as of Tuesday.

Des Moines Bureau staff
Here are the most popular stories in 2016. Scroll down here or click through them in gallery format once you're inside. Just look for the arrows.
WAPELLO, Iowa - A church service will be held in the Louisa Center church located at the Louisa County Historical Society on Highway 61 in Wapello on Sunday, Dec 4, 2016. The service starts at 2:00 p.m. with cookies and wassail served in the museum following the service.

Once a year we do a Christmas church service, Nancy McGill, vice-president of the Louisa County Historical Society, said. The museum will also be open for people to come and visit while enjoying some cookies and wassail.

The service will be themed around the holidays with the museum will be decorated with several Christmas trees.
Ugly sweaters, Santa Claus and Christmas cookies are coming to LeClaire this weekend.

Catch a slew of holiday-themed events at Christmas in LeClaire," which is slated to run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Events during the weekend include an ugly sweater run, live music, free trolley rides, crafts and bakes sales in the LeClaire Civic Center as well as specials at various downtown businesses and, of course, visits from Santa Claus.

It all makes for one of the communitys biggest events of the year, says organizer Diane Glipsie.

"It's a very busy weekend for our downtown," she said. "People come from all over."

That's evident at shops such as Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium, said owner Donna Walley.

"It's huge for us and for LeClaire," she said. "And it seems to keep getting bigger."

Christmas in LeClaire began 33 years ago as a grassroots affair with a handful of crafts shows often held in peoples homes, Glipsie said.

"It's changed a lot since the start," she said. "Some of the original parts still go on, but it's grown and expanded."

Over the last decade, as tourism in LeClaire has grown, she has noticed people visiting from beyond the Quad-Cities  places such as Iowa City, Muscatine, the Chicago area  for a taste of small-town spirit.

"We hear that people wait to do their Christmas shopping so they can get locally made things here," she said. "It's a different shopping experience than just walking in the mall."

At the craft show, you'll find all-things handmade, including jewelry, winter gear, greeting cards and furniture.

"It's getting away from commercialized part of Christmas," Glipsie said. "Maybe you remember when grandma would make you handmade gift  that's a lost art nowadays."
Amy Rowell still had boxes and bags cluttering her new World Relief office 1852 16th St., Moline, on Wednesday.

But recalling what little room she has had to work with in the past, she was happy to unpack and make the most of her new space.

It beats having a bathroom for an office. When Rowell started at World Relief-Moline, she was operating out of such a cramped space on Avenue of the Cities that for important calls, she said, she had to go into the bathroom and shut the door.

Four and a half years ago, World Relief moved downtown on 4th Avenue. The newer digs came with an attached warehouse for donations, but the meeting space could accommodate only 10 people.

These small spaces were not enough for a staff that resettles more than 200 international refugees a year in the Quad-Cities, Rowell said.

Enter its newest location on 16th Street. The storefront sits prominently on a busy intersection with 19th Avenue and right on MetroLINK's routes 20 and 30 buses.

Rowell said the new office is more centrally located, larger than the old headquarters by 2,000 square feet and contains space for one-on-one consultation as well as pre-employment/English-as-a-second-language classes for 25 people at a time.

This is a much more workable space for us, Rowell said. The need has grown for services for the refugees, and we want to be able to provide those services for them.

'A beautiful space'

World Relief needed to relocate after another nonprofit organization, The Project of the Quad-Cities, formerly the AIDS Project, bought the 4th Avenue office to expand its operations. So in seeking a new office, the staff at World Relief approached a familiar face in the field of property management  Armando Calderon.

Calderon, who has worked with World Relief by renting out his properties to refugees, owns 1852 16th St. and offered it up for lease. The pale yellow building used to house the Casa Guanajuato agencys offices.

Its a beautiful space, Rowell said.

World Relief moved in on Oct. 29 and is hosting an open house Friday.

On Wednesday, staff members juggled phone calls with unpacking files. Rowell, who was hanging pictures and cleaning, joked that she was custodian for the day.

Services for refugees include finding employment, medical case management, ESL training and other immigration needs. The 25-person classroom area is near volunteer coordinator Beth Johnsons office, and she was eager to utilize the space.

I hope to start ESL for people on a waiting list, Johnson said. Its also a great place for orientations instead of limiting those to 10 people like we had before.

Johnson also helps receive donations and said the new headquarters can accommodate small items such as gently used bedding and kitchen supplies but does not have a warehouse for big furniture items like the previous office had.

She said World Relief has put a temporary hold on big-item donations until it can rent more space.

Offers of help

The local office has resettled 200 to 220 refugees a year for the past five years, Rowell said, with the greatest number coming from Myanmar, formerly Burma, which has long suffered under oppressive military regimes. A democratic election a year ago in that Southeast Asian country provides some hope, she said.

Refugees also have come from Bhutan and Iraq in Asia and Ethiopia, Sudan and Congo in Africa. Rowell expects at some point to see refugees from Syria, which has been ravaged in recent years by civil war.

She said that since last year, her office has seen an outpouring of local support, especially from Quad-City area churches volunteering after news of the Syrian refugee crisis.

We have seen a spike in that since last fall, because there was a lot of attention paid to the Syrian crisis, Rowell said. People were very loving and caring for those people. Even though were not resettling the Syrian population in this community as of yet, people still contacted us and wanted to help and wanted to become friends with refugees.

This year, World Relief partnered with churches and other groups to create 10 good neighbor teams. Each has adopted a refugee family. The teams assist refugees in a variety of areas, including tutoring English, developing job skills, learning bus routes, shopping for groceries and getting settled in with life in America.

We truly believe if they have American friends, they are going to be more successful, Rowell said.

How the United States will receive refugees under a new presidential administration is unclear, Rowell said.

We dont know what the future brings, she said. Im hopeful refugee resettlement will continue in this country, because this country is made up of immigrants, and we want to do what we as Christians are called to do  love the stranger.
DES MOINES  Business leaders in Iowas largest cities calling for tax simplification and a uniform minimum wage statewide got a sympathetic ear from two members of the new incoming GOP legislative majority.

Both Rep. Zack Nunn, R-Bondurant, and Sen. Dan Zumbach, R-Ryan, told Iowa Chamber Alliance members that reforming Iowas tax code and preempting local entities from setting minimum wage levels higher than the state level are issues they expect the Legislature to tackle when it convenes Jan. 9.

The two Republicans joined two minority Democrats at an alliance luncheon in assuring members of the non-partisan coalition representing Iowas 16 largest chambers of commerce and economic development organizations they expected lawmakers would honor terms of a 2013 agreement that cut property taxes that the state would continue to backfill revenue impacted by the tax relief.

Zumbach said leaders of the new 29-member Senate GOP majority have finalized committee assignments and plan to meet as a group next week to chart 2017 priorities and he expected tax reform to be at the top of the list.

That was good news to alliance members who indicated simplifying the states complicated tax system and establishing a statewide minimum wage to halt the patch-work of local rates higher than the current state standard were critical changes they hoped to see addressed next session.

If we can simplify and reduce, thats the best case scenario, alliance executive director John Stineman said of 2017 opportunities for tax-policy changes. If were able to substantially simplify our tax code, that alone would be a substantial step forward, he added.

Its all about economic growth, said Jason Hutcheson, a Greater Burlington Partnership executive who is chairman of the Iowa Chamber Alliance  a non-partisan coalition representing the 16 largest chambers of commerce and economic development organizations throughout the state which outlined the boot-print of alliance goals for the upcoming 2017 Iowa legislative session.

At the forefront of that effort were policy recommendations for strategic initiatives key to fostering economic growth that included taxes, business climate, government regulations and economic development.

Alliance members they would like to see Republicans who hold a 59-41 majority in the Iowa House and a 29-19-1 edge in the Iowa Senate pending an election in Davenport on Dec. 27 to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Joe Seng take steps to grow Iowas economy with changes to ensure competitive and fair taxes, strong fiscal management of the state budget, investments in infrastructure, forward-looking programs to encourage entrepreneurship and attract investment, smart and comprehensive investment in developing and retaining a world-class workforce, and establish a predictable and responsive regulatory environment.
In the wake of the discovery of two severely malnourished children on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation last month, Pine Ridge business owners Bat and Patty Pourier are hosting a meeting to address the issue at noon Sunday at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn in Rapid City.

Seven people are facing federal charges related to the assault and neglect of the two girls, ages 2 and 3, who weighed 13 pounds each when discovered by authorities on Nov. 11 in a reservation home on the South Dakota-Nebraska border.

This meeting is to address what we can do as a community to see these little children do not fall through the cracks and to prevent this from ever happening again, Patty Pourier said.
HOT SPRINGS | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald kept his promise to visit the Hot Springs VA facility before he makes a decision on its future.

McDonald toured Battle Mountain and the rest of the VA campus Wednesday with the VAs Black Hills Health Care System team, along with members of Save the VA committee, the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans members.

After sharing lunch with Legion and DAV personnel, McDonald also conducted an informal 45-minute town hall-style meeting and listened to the concerns of veterans who use the facility and of the community, which would suffer economically if the Hot Springs facility were closed.

A Vietnam-era veteran who identified himself only as Ed told McDonald hed been coming to Hot Springs for his post-traumatic stress disorder "doctoring" since 1989. When he signed up to be treated, he was told that Hot Springs would "always be there" for him.

"This is important to me as a veteran," he said. "Its personal. It may get shut down, and I dont know where Im going to go."

Red Schwarzenbach, a Navy veteran and a Hot Springs VA administrator who retired in 2014, told McDonald that the Hot Springs facility has been dying since the mid-1990s from a "death of 1,000 cuts"  those instigated by VA officials who say the facility doesnt work right.

He said they cut programs, overloaded doctors and other staff with work, spread innuendo about jobs so the positions would not be filled, and decimated the pharmacy, lab and floor staff to justify downsizing. One psychologist was doing the work of three, he added, and doctors allowed rumors to steer them away from jobs they otherwise would have taken.

Gary Soane, Sheridan County, Neb., veteran service officer, said western Nebraska veterans prefer the Hot Springs facility even when there are other medical facilities nearby. He said veterans make the 90-mile trip three to four days a week because it is "one-stop shopping."

He maintained reducing Hot Springs to just an outpatient clinic, as one proposal says, wouldnt serve the veterans, and Veterans Choice programs wouldn't work, either.

Soane said Hot Springs should be an example of a VA facility that does work. Dont shutter it, he urged.

Jenny Burford, of the National Historic Trust for Preservation, said the VAs preferred alternative doesnt work for her organization, and she urged McDonald to consider the Save the VA proposal and, if necessary, to give the decision on Hot Springs future more time.

McDonald tried to reassure the crowd, saying the decision on the future of the facility has not been made. He added that he would make his decision with one thing in mind: whats best for veterans. He said anyone unable to speak at the short meeting should communicate their concerns and ideas to the VA/Black Hills Health Care System team and he would review them.

The VA issued its final, 500-plus-page Environmental Impact Statement last month regarding how it intends to reconfigure the Black Hills Health Care System, which includes the Hot Springs and Fort Meade facilities, to improve veteran care.

The statement outlines a number of alternatives, but its main focus is on an option that would:

 Build a multi-specialty outpatient clinic and a 100-bed residential rehabilitation treatment program in Rapid City on leased land. This, the VA argues, would put care closer to a larger veteran population.

 "Renovate" Building 12 (the existing VA Hot Springs hospital) for a community-based outpatient clinic.

 "Discontinue other services at the Hot Springs Campus," including the National Historic Landmark Battle Mountain Sanitarium domiciliary, and "identify and approve appropriate reuse" for those buildings.

Doing this would result in the loss of about 200 of the 300 jobs that rely on the Hot Springs facility and create a loss of about $50 million to the region's economy, according to state-run studies from late 2015.

The facility sits on a nearly 72-acre Hot Springs campus, including Battle Mountain, provides primary and urgent care, pharmacy services, outpatient procedures, inpatient medical care (10 beds), dialysis, X-ray and mobile imaging, specialty care, laboratory services, mental health care and a seven-bed long-term nursing-home-type program. It also offers 100 resident rehabilitation treatment program beds to serve homeless veterans and provide mental health services for post-traumatic stress disorder substance abuse, alcohol abuse and other conditions.

Also, the VA recently approved a Veterans Health Administrations Member Services National Call Center in Battle Mountain buildings Nos. 3 and 4, a move that would bring about 120 jobs back to Hot Springs. The call center is due to open before years end.

The Save the VA committees counterproposal advocates returning the facility to its pre-mid-1990s capabilities by expanding inpatient and outpatient services, including a 200-bed rehabilitation treatment program (compared with 160 now in the domiciliary). It also includes the Rapid City outpatient clinic.
In a clear sign sign that voters were right to approve Initiated Measure 22, South Dakotas Anti-Corruption Act, lobbyists and politicians are already pitching a fit over the new rules. The Act is among the most comprehensive, transformative political reforms in American history, one that will serve as a model for other states. The cozy status quo has officially been disrupted in the Rushmore State.

South Dakotans are showing what it really means to drain the swamp.

The steady news of lobbyist resignations and lobbying groups canceling their events with politicians is further proof that those who prize business as usual dont like sunlight. Before South Dakotans voted yes on reform, ours was the only state that allowed secret, unlimited gifts from lobbyists to legislators. Now, the people have mandated that gifts may not exceed $100 per year, similar to whats allowed in many other states.

By all means legislators should be able to visit with their constituents, but they don't need two martinis in order to sit and listen. There isnt any great tragedy in a lobbying group serving box lunches instead of a catered affair with steaks, wine and cheese. You can still talk with your legislator or invite them to an event, and he or she will listen, as duty requires.

Some in the Pierre establishment suggest they plan to gut the law to re-establish business as usual. Ignoring the will of the people is unacceptable. Voters have insisted that they want change, and South Dakotans for Integrity will fight fiercely to defend the peoples will. Those who seek to trifle with the peoples will do so at their political peril.

The people are the boss, not the politicians or lobbyists complaining about the inconveniences new and commonsense ethics rules will impose upon them. Moreover, the threats by some lawmakers to cut teacher salaries are hollow; the legislature has multiple obligations, and every year the legislature has been up to the task of prioritizing and meeting those multiple obligations. In fact, the Anti-Corruption Act will certainly benefit South Dakota taxpayers over time, by eliminating certain cozy and inefficient mechanisms of state government.

As mandated by voters, the new South Dakota Ethics Commission will determine how to best fulfill some details of the Anti-Corruption Act. Thats why its paramount that Governor Dennis Daugaard make his appointments as soon as possible.

The intent of South Dakotas Anti-Corruption Act is to reform a political system where big donors and lobbyists hold all the power, and to give ordinary people a stronger voice. The law is breaking big moneys grip on political power in our state. South Dakotans for Integrity will continue to fight for a South Dakota government that is clean, transparent and responsive.
Jailed opposition activist Dadin to spend 6 months in solitary confinement

Context European Parliament calls on Russia to release jailed opposition activist

MOSCOW, December 1 (RAPSI) - Russian activist Ildar Dadin sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for numerous violations of protest laws has been put in solitary confinement for 6 months, his wife Anastasia Zotova wrote on her Facebook account on Thursday.

Reportedly, he was punished for a fight with his cellmate.

Dadin was convicted on December 7, 2015. Initially he received a 3-year prison term. The Moscow City Court later reduced the sentence to 2.5 years.

Zotova wrote on Facebook in early November that her husband had been beaten and received murder threats when transferred to a penal colony in Karelia. The Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) launched a probe into the allegations. Later, the FSIN announced that independent medical commission from a local hospital had not found injuries on Dadins body.

On November 24, members of the European Parliament (MEPs) during a plenary session expressed concern over the welfare of Dadin and called on Russia to immediately release him. MEPs insisted on a thorough and transparent independent investigation into the situation with Dadin who had complained on a number of occasions of prison conditions and torture.




Alfalfa weevils were a problem for many alfalfa producers this year, especially with the weather conditions this year, according to Emily Glunk, Montana State University forage specialist.Overall, we had an average alfalfa crop this year, with early spring green-up, Glunk said. Some areas, such as eastern Montana, had slight to significant drought issues, and combined with the alfalfa weevil problem, producers had a poor alfalfa hay crop.MSU held an Extension pesticide education and integrated pest management tour across northeastern Montana last month. Both private and commercial pesticide applicator certification credits were given for attendance.Several Extension specialists gave presentations on research and management in calibration techniques, livestock insect pests, cropland insect pests, plant disease management cheatgrass, herbicide resistance, forage pest management and other cropland weeds.Glunk told producers gathered about what they could do to control the alfalfa weevil.It is not just a matter of using one method. We were encouraging everyone to use multiple methods to control pests, such as the alfalfa weevil, Glunk said. Use every tool in your tool box for the best control.The alfalfa weevil has had high populations in Montana over the past two years.With the early spring growth of alfalfa in Montana, alfalfa weevil populations were able to get ahead of the spraying, Glunk said.While many producers sprayed for the weevil, they ended up killing off some predatory insects that normally feed on alfalfa larvae.We are recommending producers go out into their alfalfa fields and check for the economic threshold before considering spraying, or how dense the alfalfa weevil population is, she said.Economic threshold can differ, but in general when there are 1.5-2 larvae per stem or 20 larvae in a sweep, the economic threshold is met.Other tools hay producers can use before considering spraying is grazing, although timing is important. Producers can not graze alfalfa when it is breaking dormancy and green-up, or bloating could be a problem.An MSU study conducted this year after spring green-up increased alfalfa weevil larvae showed sheep grazing in alfalfa fields did decrease alfalfa larvae population.Another control is to take off the first cutting earlier by swath grazing earlier than usual. Alfalfa weevil larvae like shade and cutting early will expose them to sun, which kills many of them.However, hay needs to be picked up within seven days.If producers wait too long, the larvae that are left will move underneath the swath for shade. There, they will start feeding on the regrowth, and the alfalfa weevil will be a problem in the next cutting.Also during the pest management tour, Cecil Tharp, pesticide education specialist, talked about herbicide drift and the importance of the correct nozzles.Fabian Menalled, cropland weed specialist, and Jane Mangold, rangeland weed specialist, talked about a few weeds prevalent in fields.Mary Burrows, plant pathologist, talked about weeds she saw this year in wheat and barley fields.We had a great turnout this year for the tour, Glunk added.
Montana Basket Bistro, LLC, places fresh Montana treats in the hands of clients, guests, friends and relatives.

The small business began 10 years ago but owner DeDe Adams said her business got an early start from her childhood. She grew up in North Dakota. When her family traveled each summer, they passed through Montana where she became well acquainted with Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, picnicking along the way.

We didnt eat out. We just had picnics and my parents always had picnic baskets, she said. I often carry my moms big large picnic basket whenever I go to a trade show.

Adams said she is a teacher by trade and realized she needed a larger income to enable her to stay connected to her family as they grew up and moved away.

She considered a business of baskets with fresh food because of its wide appeal.

Im a stickler on things being fresh and decided to order from Montana, Adams said. The journey to being a business owner came at the same time. I decided I needed to be the owner to create my own business and control freshness.

She contacted Montana businesses around the state and they started sending samples.

I sampled food from across the state and in the Bitterroot, she said.

Adams said she took quite a journey to become a solid business owner, launching in 2006.

She created a menu, designed a website and became active with the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, joining the leads group and the ambassadors and started networking. She joined and then led the Missoula Businesswomens Network and the Bitterroot branch. She also chaired the Womens Symposium in Missoula. She joined Toastmasters to learn to speak and then Soroptimist International.

Last year I joined Destination Bitterroot to learn about what the tourism industry needs, she said. What tourists need when they come to Montana and what they would like.

Montana Basket Bistro has premade baskets with favorites including coffee and chocolate.

Chocoholic is a fish creel basket filled with decadent chocolate. It is lined and filled with over a pound of chocolate made in Montanas Bitterroot Valley at Burnt Fork Bend and the Montana Chocolate company.

Just Plain Nutty is a creel basket filled with Adams freshly roasted and salted nut collection including cashews, almonds and mixed nuts. It also has kitchen towels and snack napkins.

The Rugged & Wild is a lined sea grass trunk filled with huckleberry jam and syrup, Bistro Blend coffee, chocolate grizzly paws, a dancing bear towel and napkins.

Building your own basket is also an option.

Online, visit the Design Your Own section of the Montana Basket Bistro website; select a basket, liner and fun tools like a cheese knife, Bistro Moose salad server or mugs. Choose to add fresh items like Montana cheddar, Celtic sea salt caramels, nuts, fresh baked cookies, Big Creek Coffee, buffalo jerky and Bitterroot honey or huckleberry jam.

Adams said all her products have a limited shelf life and cannot be stored in a pantry for five years.

Some are highly perishable and some have a little longer shelf life, she said. Quite a few of my products I keep frozen in my freezer here so if someone wants that I can grab it out of the freezer and send it to them.

Adams uses her business to promote the Montana businesses whose products she includes in her baskets.

That is important for me, she said. Being active in the Chamber I see the value of supporting the people that support me. They help me out and I promote them on the website. Sometimes people buy directly from that company and that is great. My bottom line is I want to promote the Bitterroot.

Adams said Wendy Patton, owner of Friendship Muffins and More, has helped her with her business by allowing her to use her commercial kitchen.

Then I can put up my own nuts and stuff so Just Plain Nutty is a fun one, Adams said.

The vibrantly colorful artwork with a distinct Montana flair on Adams marketing material is from a contract she has with Big Fork artist Nancy Cawdrey.

Montana Basket Bistro is a year-round business that is busiest in November and December. Adams often works with local businesses that want Montana products but do not have time to do the legwork. Many of her orders are businesses who buy for their clients.

Adams said she has shipped her baskets overseas, but because she is uncertain if the baskets will be opened as they pass through customs, she tries to keep shipping to the United States and Canada.

Adams said she has sold thousands of baskets.

Ive been doing it for a long time and I really enjoy doing it, Adams said. I think the best part is the delivery. When I can make a personal delivery to someone locally and to see how they feel when they get someone from something they really care about. Making someone else feel good is the best part about it.

To order from Montana Basket Bistro, LLC, visit the website www.montanabasketbistro.com or call DeDe Adams at 406-381-3489.
Clay Christian, head of the Montana Board of Regents, issued this statement minutes ago:

After careful discussion and consideration, University of Montana President Royce Engstrom and I have decided that he will step down as UMs president effective December 31. I asked President Engstrom to consider this transition at this time based on my belief that a change in leadership direction is the right step for UM going forward. I greatly appreciate the graciousness and care with which President Engstrom engaged in our discussion.

On behalf of the Board of Regents and myself, I want to thank President Engstrom for his hard work and steadfast dedication to the University of Montana. His leadership efforts have strengthened this great university in many respects. He and his administrative team, working together with UMs tremendous faculty, staff and students, have accomplished a lot for which all are to be commended:

The productivity of UMs competitive research enterprise this year is at an all-time high, with world-class faculty making amazing scientific and technological discoveries and advancements.

UMs development and nurturing of private gift support is at an all-time high, which is vital to continued excellence and innovation in the universitys teaching-and-learning opportunities.

UMs athletic programs today are recognized not only for their success on the court or field of play, or their rising academic excellence by student athletes, but also for their strong compliance with NCAA regulations and guidelines.

The new Missoula College is no longer just a dream or a long overdue project, but it is now a reality and is ready to serve generations of students and employers long into the future.

Finally, after major policy and procedure reforms launched by President Engstrom very early in his presidency, UM is now a model campus for thousands of colleges and universities across the nation for preventing sexual violence and providing a safe, healthy, enriching environment in which to teach, learn, and live.

I speak for the Montana University System in extending deep gratitude to President and Mary Engstrom for their unwavering devotion these past six years to serving UM students, staff, faculty, all campus personnel, alumni and supporters, the greater UM community, and the state of Montana.
When the committee tasked to develop recommendations for managing recreation on the upper Bitterroot River begins its deliberations, the Ravalli County Commission wants a seat at the table.

Earlier this week, the commission sent a letter to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks expressing its disappointment that it hadnt been included in the process from its inception.

The letter said the commission learned about the formation of the committee through a recent Ravalli Republic article.

On Wednesday, Ravalli County Commissioner Jeff Burrows said he and another commissioner will meet with FWP Regional Supervisor Randy Arnold on Friday to discuss the issue.

It was one of those things that kind of flew under our radar, Burrows said. We saw in the paper that they were getting ready to close the application process. We didnt have a lot of details.

Burrows did learn later that there had been other articles in the newspaper on the upcoming process.

The commission would like to develop a closer relationship with FWP, he said.

A letter like the one we sent is how we started out with the Bitterroot Forest, Burrows said. We now have a good working relationship with them. They (FWP) seem to be very willing to come down and talk to us about the process.

Burrows was told that the committee has been selected, but there would be room for the commission to take part in the process.

The committee will be asked to explore the issue of crowding on the West Fork of the Bitterroot and upper reaches of the main stem of the river. It will develop a range of alternatives that could change the way the river is managed.

The committee will likely consider river recreation plans already on rivers like the Beaverhead and Big Hole that provide some preference for local anglers.

Creel studies in 2013 and 2014 on the West Fork showed that between 75 and 85 percent of fishermen were from outside of Montana and often on a guided trip.

We know that this could become a pretty big deal, Burrows said. It could create some big changes and put regulations on when guides can use the river. It could get pretty controversial really quick.
Stevensville residents arent going to have to choose between the annual parade of lights and a debate over the future of a town park this Friday night after all.

On Wednesday, the Stevensville mayor and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials agreed to reschedule a walking tour and a meeting about a proposed land trade that would create a permanent fishing access site just west of town.

There is not going to be a tour this Friday, said Rory Zarling, FWPs fishing access site manager. It was a tentative date that we arrived at yesterday. It worked for some people and didnt work for others.

Friday night is busy night in Stevensville. Its First Friday celebration kicks off the holiday season for the community.

The proposed tour was a last-minute decision between Zarling and Stevensville Mayor Jim Crews. The hope was that they could give people a chance to get out on the ground of the proposed land exchange before the snow starts to fly.

The town is considering a proposal to trade away 8.5 acres of its park lands along the Bitterroot River to the Capp Family for 3.6 acres of land adjacent to the bridge that crosses the Bitterroot River west of Stevensville. The Capps would also give up a little more than an acre inside the town.

The land along the river owned by the Capps has been used as a boat launch and parking area for years.

If the land exchange occurs, FWP has agreed to construct a new parking area and pit toilet at the site. The cost of the improvements is expected to be about $250,000.

At a meeting earlier this month, local residents didnt appear to like the idea of giving up their parklands and expressed concerns about creating a parking lot at the entrance of the town.

Zarling believes it would help if people could actually get out on the site and see what was being proposed.

I think thats what was missing from the last meeting, Zarling said. That really good understanding of what it is thats out there in the fieldwe were trying to get something to happen to get people out there on the ground without snow covering the landscape.

Zarling said the mayor will take a poll to see if theres another date that will work in the near future.

Before the decision was made to cancel the tour Wednesday afternoon, Crews said he thought it was important to get people out there in park to let them see what we actually have, what we would lose and what we would gain.

After the recent meeting and the subsequent resignation of the park board chairman, Crews expects that the process will slow down a little.

The park board chair resigned after getting word that Crews was planning on appointing a special committee to help with the process to consider the trade.

Crews said hes put the idea of a special committee on hold at this point.

I wasnt planning on taking any authority away from the park board by appointing the committee, he said. They were supposed to be there just to help themI probably could have opened the lines of communication a little bit better. That part is my fault.

Crews said he has asked the towns attorney to evaluate the land swap proposal to ensure it falls within the law.

Ive asked for a recommendation, he said. Hes had it in his hands for two weeks.

Crews said he knows that the park means a lot to a lot of different people.

It is a big deal, he said. We know we get a lot of people coming into the park from both inside and outside the town. We dont want to rush through the process. We will be taking our time to make a decision.
General big game season ends, shoulder seasons remain in many hunting districts

Despite mild weather throughout November, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will not extend the 2016 big game general season, still 41 hunting districts have shoulder season that allow antlerless elk hunting, largely on private land, through December, and in several instances, into the new year.

Not all shoulder seasons are open to general license holders, and hunters need to know what licenses are valid and when and where they can hunt. Be sure to read the regulations.

A shoulder season is a firearms season that occurs outside the general firearms and archery seasons. Shoulder seasons focus on antlerless elk harvest mostly on private land and are not intended to replace or reduce harvest during the existing archery or general firearms seasons.

Shoulder seasons have specific objectives and as such, the commission and department will monitor the success of shoulder seasons in each hunting district to ensure they are meeting the fundamental objectives outlined in the plan.

Game damage and management hunts may also be going on around the state. Hunters must have signed up for game damage rosters by July 15 to participate.

Remaining active shoulder seasons and valid licenses

Region 2: HDs 210, 212, 213 & 291  B Licenses obtained in the July drawing

HD 215  Over-the-Counter B License bought before Oct. 22; HDs 290 & 298  Over-the-Counter B Licenses still available; HD 217  Over-the-Counter B License bought before Oct 22, B License obtained in the July drawing, General Elk License for youth and PTHFV only.

Region 3: HD 312  Over-the-Counter B Licenses still available HDs 390 & 393  Over-the-Counter B Licenses still available, General Elk License.

Region 4: HDs 421, 422 & 423  B Licenses obtained in the July drawing

HDs 411, 412, 445, 446, 449, 451 & 452  B Licenses obtained in the July drawing, General Elk License

Region 5: All HDs except HD 500  B Licenses obtained in the July drawing, General Elk License

Region 6: HDs 620, 621, 622, 630, 631, 632, 680 & 690 Only shoulder-season specific B Licenses acquired through the June 1 drawing.

Its important for hunters to know the specific shoulder season regulations for the hunting district they plan to hunt in. This includes not only the dates the shoulder seasons extend to, but the necessary licenses as well as the type of land that is allowable to hunt. Both season timing and license type varies from district to district.

Each region with active shoulder seasons has resources for hunters looking for information where to hunt. However, its incumbent on hunters to make sure to ask first before they hunt on private land.

Additionally, shoulder seasons offer hunting opportunities, which are often challenging despite the late season.

Region 2 contacts:

 Zac Norris  North Flint Range HD 217, (406) 210-2260

 Cannon Colegrove  John Long Range & East Garnet Range HDs 210 & 291, (406) 210-2328

 Gail Duncan  Deer Lodge East & West, HDs 212, 213 & 215, (406) 210-5497

 Aletheia Bouknight  Deer Lodge East & East Garnet Range, HDs 215 & 291 (406) 210-5502

 General questions can also be directed to the FWP R2 office at (406) 542-5500.

Region 3 contacts

 You may direct any questions on Region 3 elk shoulder seasons to FWP at (406) 994-4042.

Region 4 contacts

 Dalton Schaller  Great Falls Office, (406) 548-1019

 Kim Billadeau  Lewistown Office, (406) 538-4658

 Abby Vaughan  Lewistown Office, (406) 366-9191

 White Sulphur Springs Hunting Information Coordinator, (406) 403-2361

 General questions can also be directed to the FWP R4 office at (406) 454-5840.

Region 5 contacts

 Christine Decausin  Billings Office, (406) 598-0090

 Sean Flynn  Billings Office, (406) 598-0090

 General questions can also be directed to the FWP R5 office at (406) 247-2940.

Region 6 contacts

 Marc Kloker  Region 6 Information Officer, (406) 228-3704

 Scott Thompson  Region 6 Wildlife Manager, (406) 228-3710

 General questions can also be directed to the FWP R6 office at (406) 228-3700.
The former Hole-in-the-Wall Ranch up Fish Creek will be a conservation education camp run by Iowa State University in 2017.

The late Rod French and his wife, Connie French, owned the property, and the longtime supporters of Iowa State donated the ranch to the university late last year in a $4.1 million gift, according to a news release from the campus.

"The new name is the Rod and Connie French Conservation Education Camp," said Sue Blodgett of Iowa State in a recent telephone interview.

Blodgett said the property is roughly 50 acres, and the university plans to bring in classes of 60 students at a time to learn about natural resources in an environment that's different from the Midwest ecosystem.

The acreage is surrounded by the Lolo National Forest. Blodgett said the university is working on a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service that will be similar to an agreement the University of Montana has that permits access for studies and surveys.

Lolo National Forest spokesman Boyd Hartwig said the official working on the agreement was not available to provide details early this week. However, he said UM likely has several agreements in place, and allowable use varies depending on the contract.

At least some nearby residents fear the camps could compromise the health of the forest and animals in the Fish Creek area.

Justin Starkel, whose family has hunted in the area for 50 years, said he's talked with many hunters who use the public land near the ranch, and they're concerned that bringing more people will hurt the environment just as it starts to recover from a fire that burned in 2015.

"They're really upset about it and don't want to see the area destroyed," Starkel said.

Ultimately, Blodgett said, the school wants to bring groups of 60 natural resource conservation students to the camp on possibly a two- to four-week cycle, but planners are working out the timing. She said she believes the camp will ramp up slowly.

"I'm sure that our first couple years we will not nearly have that many," Blodgett said.

She also said she doesn't anticipate a lot of traffic. The students who attend the camps will be getting training on the conservation through different courses, and they are focused on protecting habitat.

"We're bringing the students out by van from Iowa, so we're not anticipating a lot of road traffic due to the camp," she said.

She also said the new UM School of Forestry and Conservation dean is an Iowa State alum, and faculty from the campuses are already in conversation about working together. Montana State University is involved in the discussions as well, she said.

"I expect quite a bit of collaboration," Blodgett said.

The news release from Iowa State said work still needs to be done on the property.

"The camp doesn't yet have access to the power grid, and students need reliable internet access to conduct their research," the release said.

Blodgett said for the time being, the camp will proceed without that infrastructure.

"Obviously, having internet and power would be helpful for providing an educational program, but you know we're going ahead with our educational program regardless," she said.
HELENA - Gov. Steve Bullock declared a natural resource emergency Wednesday following the detection of aquatic invasive mussels in Montana.

The executive order triggers the development of an interagency rapid response team. The team is made up of Montana Invasive Species Advisory Council, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Aquatic invasive species are a serious threat to Montanas critical infrastructure and economy. The deployment of the multi-agency rapid response team will work quickly to identify and contain existing mussel populations, and prevent future introduction to other water ways, Bullock said in a statement. The potential economic, ecological and recreational impacts for Montana and our region must be addressed quickly and every effort must be taken to prevent the additional spread of this threat.

Last month, aquatic invasive mussel larva was discovered in samples at Tiber Reservoir. Further testing at Tiber confirmed the presence of mussel larvae.

Ongoing sampling and testing turned up suspected positive samples from Canyon Ferry Reservoir, the Milk River downstream of Nelson Reservoir and the Missouri River upstream of Townsend.

Additional samples from suspect water bodies are still being analyzed to provide further confirmation. Those tests results are expected within the next two weeks.

The emergency declaration allows the response team to tap special state funding, explained FWP spokesman Greg Lemon. FWP and DNRC have invasive species management budgets, but emergency funding frees up the agency budgets while the rapid response team provides more structured and efficient coordination.

State officials confirmed the positive Tiber sample and suspected Canyon Ferry sample Nov. 9. Bullocks declaration comes a month after the those samples and as additional waterbodies returned suspected tests.

It became evident with more and more hits and growing concern in both agencies and other stakeholder groups that -- with the extent of the problem -- it became apparent that we needed a response like this, Lemon said. A month ago we didnt know what we know today.

Investigations have not located any adult mussels, which have plagued waterbodies in the Midwest and Great Lakes region. Once established, the mussels may infest hydroelectric and irrigation infrastructure and negatively impact aquatic life.

Weve been working statewide and regionally for decades to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive mussels into Montana, said incident commander Matthew Wolcott, who is leading the rapid response team. With these detections, were quickly transitioning from prevention efforts to a control and containment strategy to protect Montana waterbodies and others within region.

If adult mussels are detected, potential controls include aeration or dissolving potash in an attempt to eradicate them.

Officials are unsure where the exotic mussels came from but believe they were likely transported by a recreational boat.
Its not every day that you come face to face with the commander of the most powerful, ruthless  and undoubtedly most feared  security agency in all of Syria . The very words Syrian Air Force Intelligence are enough to stop any conversation in its tracks. The moderate Free Syrian Army famously reported the assassination of this most loyal and ferocious of presidential protectors four years ago and even Wikipedia still refers to him in the past tense. But I can assure you that 63-year old General Jamil Hassan is very much alive.His handshake is vice-like, and his eyes  which stare at you like an angry interrogator when he speaks  fixed their gaze upon me like a lighthouse beam when I asked him if he was a cruel man. His voice combines a lions roar with the slow deliberation of an intelligence boss who is fast running out of patience.This is not a man to be crossed. In the Western media, I am a war criminal, he growls at me. So Im not sure your article about me will be allowed in The Independent. I am ready  even if they take me to the War Crimes Tribunal  to continue with my work. Because Syria deserves the sacrifice.General Hassan is slightly exaggerating his notoriety. No war crimes court has sought his arrest. But the EU has condemned him for his involvement in the repression against the civilian uprising in Syria in 2011, imposing both a travel ban and a freezing of his financial assets.The US Treasury, after threats by President Barack Obama against the Syrian regime , has imposed its own sanctions upon the general for engaging in the commission of human rights abuses. The Americans stated that Syrian Air Force Intelligence  whose name derives from President Bashar al-Assads father Hafez, who was a Syrian air force officer  killed at least 43 demonstrators in April 2011. Of which, more later.Throughout our astonishing three-hour interview, General Jamil Hassan ducked no questions, even about his own prisons, and while repeatedly declaring his loyalty to President Bashar al-Assad, made it perfectly clear that a more ruthless reaction to the first hints of revolution in Syria in 2011 might have crushed all armed opposition to the regime at once.He even referred to the crushing of the Muslim Brotherhood revolt in Hama in 1982, when thousands of civilians and fighters were slaughtered after the Brotherhood went on a murderous rampage against Baath Party members in the city.General Hassan was a junior security officer at the time, serving Hafez el-Assads government. I was a very young man, he said. There were exaggerated media reports [of the casualties]. [But] if we did what we did in Hama at the beginning of this crisis, we would have saved a lot of Syrian blood. I was also briefly in Hama during the 1982 revolt: I recorded at the time that fatalities might have reached 20,000.It was a strange, unexpected  and unsought  meeting with one of Syrias most powerful figures. Outside the generals office hung one Syrian and three Russian flags . He knew his history books, and he lit a Churchill cigar as he spoke of Hitler, Rommel, Montgomery and Churchill. But there was no doubt in his mind as to just who was to blame for Syrias tragedy.Boy asks if he will die after alleged chlorine attack in AleppoThe West conspires against Syria, he almost shouts at me. First Israel, the head of the snake and all who support its policies, along with the Arab regimes, led by Saudi Arabia  Im not talking about the Saudis as a people, but the King and the royal family  this selfish and narcissistic family which has a very dirty attitude towards the Arab people, especially a country like Syria, which has a disciplined [sic] rule and a young leaderwho is very intelligent and knows the interests of his people and even the interests of the whole Arab world.The Israelis and the dirty rulers of Arab peoples are not interested in these attitudes. They need agents to execute their own agendasneed to execute their agendas  because they know that the strength of Syria is in its unity. So they do all this to divide Syria. They encourage extremist ideology. The big role in this was that of the Wahabis and al-Qaeda and their black doctrines. From this, they launched their plans to divide Syria.I restrained myself from telling General Hassan that the last time I heard such condemnation of the Saudi autocracy, it came from the mouth of Osama bin Laden, talking to me in Afghanistan of his wish to destroy the Saudi regime.
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Michael Benge

President Obama's pipe dream policy of using Vietnam to contain China, which was conjured up years ago by two Senate Johns  Kerry and McCain  is falling apart. This should not surprise anyone who has compared the populations and economies of these two nations.

While U.S. Southeast Asia policy has myopically focused on China's growing occupation of and base construction on the South China Sea Islands, China has made a Hail Mary pass by building a new deep-water port in Cambodia. Many strategists see this as part of China's gun-boat subversion scheme to claim a vast economic exclusion zone, controlling shipping, fishing, energy production, and even air travel within one of the world's busiest transportation corridors.

A Chinese company, working with the diplomatic support of the People's Liberation Army, is close to completing construction of this deep-water port on a 90-kilometer stretch of Cambodia's coastline, according to the company's executives and documents. The port, which is deep enough to handle cruise ships, bulk carriers, or naval vessels of up to 10,000 tons in displacement is located on the Gulf of Thailand just a few hundred kilometers from disputed territories in the South China Sea. China now controls more than 20% of Cambodia's total coastline.

As reported by Financial Times:

China has drawn Cambodia into a closer military and diplomatic relationship in recent years as part of its effort to quell regional opposition to its sea territorial claims in Asia. China is presently the largest investor in Cambodia. As China has sought to assert its authority in the South China Sea, some Southeast Asian nations have bolstered their ties with the US, including Vietnam and the Philippines, while Cambodia is China's staunchest counterweight. With an effective veto in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the region's top diplomatic grouping, Cambodia has a weapon to wield on China's behalf.

Cambodia used this effective veto to protect China in July when ASEAN was poised to issue an official statement mentioning an international tribunal's ruling that there was no basis under UN law for China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. However, after Cambodia objected, a watered-down final communique was issued with no mention of the ruling. China, which had pledged $600 million in aid for Phnom Penh just days before the ASEAN meeting, reacted with gratitude.  A few days after the meeting, Beijing said it would also build a $16 million National Assembly hall in Phnom Penh.

"In terms of money, China is the number one," says Phay Siphan, a secretary of state within Cambodia's council of ministers. "The power of China is getting much bigger... we choose China because [its investment] does not come with conditions." China invested $9.6 billion in the decade to 2013; and about a further $13 billion is yet to come, according to the think tank Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace. "A number of western investments come with attachments," he adds. "[They say] we have to be good in democracy. We have to be good in human rights."

Among its many projects, HydroLancang, a state-owned Chinese company, is also constructing the $800 million Lower Sesan II Dam in Cambodia, with funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank's private lending arm. Although the 400MW dam has been hit by protests from thousands of villagers it remains on schedule for completion in 2019. Some 45,000 people will lose their homes, land and livelihoods without adequate compensation or employment possibilities.

China is also gaining ground in Cambodia under the guise of Economic Land Concessions (ELCs) whereby the Hun Sen regime grants tracts of land under 99-year lease agreements that cost just a few dollars per hectare. An area larger than the Netherlands  4.6 million hectares  went to Chinese interests between 1994 and 2012 according to estimates by the Cambodia Centre for Human Rights. It is expected that Chinese laborers will be brought in to develop these concessions and produce the products for export to China with little to no benefit to the Cambodian people. Families of the laborers can be expected to follow and settle on the concession areas.

Hun Sen has given away over half of Cambodia's arable land through ELC lease agreements, some 2.14 million hectares. This land was expropriated from Cambodian farmers who depended on it for their livelihood with no compensation, and will now be used to grow crops and products for export with little or no benefit to the Cambodian population.

The kleptocratic Hun Sen regime prefers Chinese companies over others, as they deliver critical infrastructure projects quickly and without delays caused by human rights and environmental objections, since they bring in their own construction workers. The downside is that after projects are completed, Chinese workers remain. With the plethora of projects planned for implementation by Chinese companies, a large influx of Chinese migrants into Cambodia is imminent. An additional reason for Hun Sen's tilt toward China is because its bribes are much sweeter than what Vietnam might offer.

As in the Bible, Cambodia is suffering from a series of devastating plagues. The first the Khmer Rouge genocide; the second Vietnam's 1978 invasion of Cambodia; the third UNTAC's (United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia) sellout of its supervision of so called free and fair elections in 1993. UNTAC gave the Vietnamese-controlled Khmer Rouge equal power in the government even though the pro-democracy opposition received the majority of votes, setting the stage for a bloody communist coup; the fourth the amoeba-like neo-colonization of Cambodia by Vietnam, for it is now estimated by researchers that the number of Vietnamese who have been given Cambodian nationality and Khmer-ized their names exceeds six million; 40% of the population census of the country. (Notes from Cambodia's Border Committee in France and Worldwide Concerning the violations of the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements on Cambodia. Paris. 07/30/2016)

The human rights situation in Cambodia continues to deteriorate under decades of dictatorial rule by Hanoi's puppet regime in Phnom Penh and it may get worse. The Peoples' Army of Vietnam-owned multi-industries conglomerate - Viettel - now controls Cambodia's Post and Telecommunications, cellular phone network, internet and social media. Hun Sen and his cohorts are now armed with a powerful tool for Vietnamese technical "advisors" to crack down on and control dissidents and democracy advocates in Cambodia, as is already happening in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese-installed "Prime Minister" Hun Sen is one of the longest serving dictators in the world. In August of this year, he ordered the media to henceforth address him in all communications as "Lord Prime Minister and Supreme Military Commander." Cambodians say that although Prime Minister Hun Sen may have some Cambodian blood in his veins, his heart and brain are Vietnamese.

Instead of opposing Vietnam's violations, President Obama chose to reward Vietnam for its aggressive actions against its neighbors by lifting the lethal arms sales ban.

Yet another plague? China, with its much larger economy, is "yuaning" to give the Vietnamese competition for the domination of Cambodia. Whoever may win, the outnumbered and undefended Cambodian people will be the real losers.

And the band plays on!

Michael Benge spent 11 years in Vietnam as a Foreign Service officer and is a student of South East Asian politics. He is very active in advocating for human rights, religious freedom, and democracy for the peoples of the region and has written extensively on these subjects.
Keith Lamont Scott: Once Again, the System Justifies Murder by Police

November 30, 2016 | Revolution Newspaper | revcom.us

The role of the police is not to serve and protect the people. It is to serve and protect the system that rules over the people. To enforce the relations of exploitation and oppression, the conditions of poverty, misery and degradation into which the system has cast people and is determined to keep people in. The law and order the police are about, with all of their brutality and murder, is the law and the order that enforces all this oppression and madness. Bob Avakian, BAsics 1:24 POLICE MURDER  ON VIDEO  OVER AND OVER July 2014, police murder Eric Garner, an unarmed Black man, for allegedly selling loose cigarettes on Staten Island, NYC. The murder is caught on video. The videographer was sent to jail. The murdering police were never charged with anything.

August 2014, St. Louis police gun down Kajieme Powell, who was holding a knife but posing no threat to police, within 30 seconds of arriving on the scene. Video tore holes in the police lies about what happened. No cop was charged.

October 2014, a Chicago cop jumps out of his car and pumps 16 bullets into Laquan McDonald, 15 of them as Laquan lay dying in the street. Five other cops claimed Laquan was charging at them with a knife, but video showed he was more than 10 feet away and walking away from them. Two years later, the cop who killed him is charged with murder but yet to go to trial.

November 2014, 12-year-old Tamir Rice, playing in a park in Cleveland, is shot by police within seconds of rolling up on him. Captured on video, but no charges against the police.

February 2015, three cops in Pasco, Washington chase down and fire 17 bullets at Antonio Zambrano-Montes, a Mexican man, killing him because they said he was throwing rocks. No cops were charged.

March 2015, Dallas cops gun down Jason Harrison in front of his mother after she explains to them that he is mentally ill. The cops say Harrison lunged at them with a small screwdriver he was holding; video showed that he was holding it idly in his hands, threatening no one. Thetwo murderers were not indicted.

April 2015, North Charleston, South Carolina, a cop shoots unarmed Walter Scott in the back five times as Scott runs away after a traffic stop. Only after video is revealed exposing police lies about self-defense is the cop charged with murder; his trial is now underway.

July 2015, a University of Cincinnati cop shoots unarmed Sam Dubose point blank in the head during a traffic stop. The cop claimed Dubose tried to run him over; video proved this was a lie, yet the cops trial for manslaughter recently ended in a mistrial.

December 2015, five San Francisco cops fire a barrage of 20 bullets into Mario Woods as he attempted to walk away from them while holding a kitchen knife. Video showed he posed no threat to police. No charges were filed.

July 2016, Alton Sterling is executed point-blank, with a shot to the head as he was helplessly pinned on the ground in Baton Rouge. The murder is captured on video. The police were cleared by their department for use of excessive force.

The next day the wife of Philando Castile films her husband being murdered by police in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. She streams it live on Facebook. After sustained protest, one cop is charged with manslaughter.

September 2016, despite the pleas and attempt to intervene by his wife who films the execution, police murder Keith Lamont Scott in Charlotte. When you see this happen, over and over and over again... When you see police get away with this over and over again. Even when they are caught on video... That tells you that when the PIGS murder innocent Black and Brown people for nothing at all, on video, and get away with it over and over, THEY ARE DOING THEIR JOB.

On Tuesday, September 20, Keith Lamont Scotta Black mansat in his parked truck in a small parking lot, waiting to pick up his son as he got off the school bus. Keith Lamont Scott was known to neighbors in the mostly white neighborhood as the man who read while he waited for his son every day.

But on this day, police rolled up on the scene. Video taken by Keith Lamont Scott's wife, Rakeyia Scott, shows police banging on the windows of Keith's pick-up truck, screaming drop the gun. It shows her screaming: He doesn't have a gun! Don't shoot him... He has a TBI [traumatic brain injury]. He's not going to do anything to you guys. He just took his medicine. Shots rang out  bam! Bam! Bam! Bam...

Rakeyia Scott shouts at the police:

Did you shoot him!? Did you shoot him!? He better not be fucking dead!

But the police did shoot Keith Lamont Scott. And then left him to die on the ground. Police dashboard camera video shows pigs handcuffing a helpless Keith Lamont Scott, and chatting with each other without any regard for his life, while he bleeds to death on the ground.

Protests, including defiant blockades of downtown streets and freeways, broke out in Charlotte, demanding justice. Only after days of protest did police release their dashcam video showing their utter disdain for the life of Keith Lamont Scott after they shot him.

Today, the North Carolina State District Attorney declared that no charges of any kind would be brought against any of the murderers. The District Attorney released a report that purported to be an objective investigation. It is a bald cover up.

The prosecutor's report ignores the reality revealed by the video courageously taken by Keith Lamont Scott's wife, Rakeyia Scott. Police have no interest in Rakeyia's attempts to intervene, to defuse the situation, to explain her husband's serious medical condition that impairs his ability to react to the kind of terror the police are instigating. Rakeyia Scott's video and the pigs own dash-cam show trigger-happy police, itching to shoot a Black man, coming up on Scott's truck and blasting away.

The fact that police shouted drop the gunwith their dashboard camera recording thatdoesn't in any way prove Keith Lamont Scott had a gun, was pointing a gun at them, or posed a threat to anyone. It does prove police were invoking standard police procedure of yelling stop resisting, as they beat on someone. Or put your hands where we can see them, when they shoot someone. Or, drop the gun.... to justify murdering people of color.

And the pigs utter disdain for the life of Keith Lamont Scott is further documented in their own video which shows them kneeling on him, chatting about what they're going to do next, while he lies dying. Without doing anything to make a pretense of trying to save his life.

The prosecutor's report dismisses substantial evidence from non-police witnesses. For example, statements by at least two witnessesdamning indictments of the policeare dismissed in part because these witnesses say Keith Lamont Scott was reading a book when the pigs started banging on his window. The prosecutor's report claims their statements are inconsistent with the believable evidence because a book was never recovered. But the prosecutor's own report says: a purple composition notebook was found on the front seat of the car, next to where Keith Lamont Scott was sitting, wedged between the center console and the front passenger seat. This kind of contempt and ridicule of credible statements by courageous witnesses runs through the prosecutor's report.

And the report justifies the police killing of Keith Lamont Scott because police claim he was smoking marijuana, had an unconcealed weapon in a state where that is legal, and looked at a pig with a blank stare. And that this murder by police was self-defense.

The report says Scott was in possession of an unconcealed gun. That is contested by witnesses. But in any event, it is not illegal in North Carolina. It says he was in possession of a partially smoked blunt as if that is a justifying factor in police killing someone. And it says a cop feared for his life because Scott looked at him with a blank stare.

All to justify the police murder of a Black man who was doing nothing but sitting in his truck, minding his own business, waiting to pick up his son from school.

As we go to press, people are in the streets protesting. There are reports that at least four people have been arrested in protests outside the Charlotte Police Headquarters.



Protesters gather outside Charlotte Police Headquarters on hearing the news that the police who murdered Keith Lamont Scott will not be indicted. Photo: @JustineIMiller/Twitter

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Guwahati : A major terror strike was averted in Assam's Guwahati city following police apprehended two hardcore NDFB(S) militants and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition on Tuesday night, police said on Wednesday.

A top police official said that, two hardcore militants nabbed from Lankeswar area, outskirts of Guwahati and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition.

One of them was identified as Nayan Bodo and his wife is yet to be identified.

The top police official said that the militants were took shelter at the area and planning to make a major terror strike in Guwahati city.

The militants were apprehended by police following revelations made by Suden Mushahary and Geeta Mushahary, both militants of the outfit group who were arrested by the Jakhalabandha police in middle Assam's Nagaon district recently.

On the other hand, police had apprehended another militant of the outfit group from Dhanpur area in Kokrajhar district on Wednesday.

The militant was identified as Thanda Basumutary and police recovered a hand made rifle and ammunition in possession from him.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
SANTA CLARA, Dec 1: One of history's best known double acts was temporarily reunited on Wednesday, when Fidel Castro's ashes arrived at a mausoleum housing the bones of his fellow revolutionary, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, part of a three-day cortege for the Cuban leader.

Castro was cremated after he died on Friday aged 90. His ashes are being driven in a military caravan that reverses the route from Santiago de Cuba to Havana taken by his band of guerrillas in a fight to topple a U.S.-backed president in 1959.

A few thousand mourners gathered to greet the caravan at the mausoleum outside Santa Clara, the central town where Argentine doctor-turned-revolutionary Guevara derailed an armored train in a battle against the army of President Fulgencio Batista that helped tip the war to the rebels.

A large billboard bearing Fidel's image stood at the base of a nearly 7 meter (23 feet) tall statue of Guevara, beret on his head and marching into battle. Words on the billboard said "Until Victory, Always," a phrase Guevara wrote in a farewell to Fidel.

On stage, folk musicians and a theater troupe gave a memorial performance.

"This is a sacred place for us, because Che rests here. Now Fidel is going to spend the night alongside his battle companion," said Pedro Pineda, 70, a worker in a meat processing plant.

Earlier, crowds lined streets chanting "Fidel!" and waving small Cuban flags for a man who ruled Cuba for 49 years with a mix of charisma and iron will, creating a Communist state at the U.S. doorstep and becoming a central figure in the Cold War.

His remains were slowly driven in a trailer behind a military jeep that set off from Havana and wound its way through several towns on Wednesday

The casket containing his ashes will pause at the monument containing Guevara's bones overnight, before continuing towards Santiago de Cuba, the southeastern city in which Castro launched his rebellion against Batista in 1953.

There, Castro will be buried on Sunday in a cemetery that is also the final resting place of 19th century national hero Jose Marti and musical phenomenon Compay Segundo.

Castro died a decade after stepping down due to poor health and ceding power to his brother, current President Raul Castro, 85.

Guevara and Fidel Castro met in Mexico, where they trained and bought guns in preparation for the Cuban revolution before setting sail for the island on Nov. 25, 1956, 60 years to the day before Castro's death.

Guevara rose to become one of the most important men in the rebel force and later in the revolutionary government, heading the central bank and industry ministry, meeting world leaders and finally taking up arms again to try to spark revolution elsewhere in Latin America.

When Batista fled from Cuba and Castro's rebels swept into Havana, Guevara set up his office in the La Cabana fortress overlooking the city, where he oversaw the trials of Batista henchmen and executions by firing squad in the moats.

The fame and charisma of the handsome fighter was matched only by Castro's and continued to grow after he was captured and executed by CIA-backed Bolivian soldiers in 1967 aged 39.

Guevara's remains were exhumed from a mass grave and buried in Santa Clara in 1997, as the Cuban Communism he helped build struggled to survive after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

At the burial, Castro called Guevara a "prophet" and in a message directed at his late friend, said Cuba was still flying the flags of socialism.

While both men were hated by their enemies who say they ruined the economy with socialism and ruthlessly jailed or silenced opponents with a Soviet-style dictatorship, they were anti-imperialist heroes to many, especially in Latin America and Africa.

"They are two giants in our history, they fought for our fatherland and for our sovereignty," said student Eduardo Jose Manresa, 17.
Kathmandu, Nepal: The meeting of the Legislature-Parliament called for Thursday has been postponed until Friday 3 pm.

Speaker Onsari Gharti announces the postponement of the meeting after CPN UML, the main opposition party in the parliament, continued its disruption to protest the constitution amendment proposal.

Speaking at the Parliament meeting, CPN UML Vice Chairman Bamdev Gautam said his party would not allow for the parliamentary proceedings unless the government postponed the constitution amendment bill registered in the parliament.

During his speech he also alleged the government for inviting not only the political confrontation in the country but also the constitutional crisis in the country by bringing the constitution amendment bill to split the hill from the Tarai.

Our party will not support this bill as it has been brought to alienate the Tarai from the hill, CPN UML vice chairman Gautam, who s also the former Deputy Prime Minister, said.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal seems desperate after the agitating Madhes based parties did not remain happy with the constitution amendment bill registered in the parliament.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal called a meeting with the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) leader on Thursday at his official residence to urge to support the constitution amendment bill.

During the meeting Nepali, Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi also present. Likewise, from the UDMF side, Mahantha Thakur , Upendra Yadav and other leaders were present in the meeting.

Prime Minister urged the agitating Madhes based parties to support the constitution amendment bill in the mean time when the main opposition party CPN UML and the people in general have firmly stand against the bill.

A meeting of the UDMF had decided not to support the constitution amendment bill alleging that the bill tabled in the parliament did not meet their demands.
A couple of years ago, I paid obeisance at the shrine of Maulvi Mohi-ud-Din in Nihalpora, Pattan. Maulvi Mohi-ud-Din was my maternal grandmothers spiritual and religious mentor. Visitation at shrines and tombs was an integral part of my grandmothers religious experience, and I was keen on keeping the tradition, which my grandmother had cherished, alive.

Legend has it that despondency afflicted Akbar Jehanas parents, Rani jee and Michael Henry [Harry] aka Sheikh Ahmed Hussain, because, for several years after they were married, their house remained bereft of the patter of tiny feet and the heavenly mirth of children. So, they looked for scientific as well as spiritual remedies. After having been told about the religious life and spiritual prowess of Maulvi Mohi-ud-Din, they undertook a journey to Pattan in quest of peace and happiness. Originally from Amritsar, Maulvi Mohi-ud-Din had chosen to pursue a life of austerity in Nihalpur village, Pattan, which is in North Kashmir. Pattan abounds in orchards and, till date, boasts several monuments of historical significance.

A very erudite person, Maulvi Mohi-ud-Din had a masters in Arabic, English, and Philosophy from Punjab University, Lahore. While he was a student in Lahore, he was drawn to the tenets of the Naqshbandi Sufi order and, in following the precepts of that order, swore allegiance to Maulvi Shah Saheb of Lahore. He had given precedence to a life of asceticism over a worldly one.

In their despondency, Rani jeeas and Sheikh Ahmed Hussainas meeting with the Maulvi was nothing short of a miracle. Looking upon them with benevolence, the Maulvi beseeched them not to despair and to invoke Godas mercy through prayers and gratitude. He assured them that they would be blessed with bonny boys and a cherubic girl who would embody high ideals and piety. He told them to name the girl aAkbar Jehan.a That girl, Maulvi Mohi-ud-Din prophesied, would be his spiritual child (Conversation with Parvez Ahmed Khan, Nephew of Maulvi Mohi-ud-Din, dated 3 March 2013).

It is clear that the bonhomie in the marriage of Michael Henry [Harry] Nedou aka Sheikh Ahmed Hussain and Rani jeeas marriage was greatly enhanced by her status as the mother of four strapping sons, Omar Nedou, George Nedou aka Mohammad Akram, Harry Nedou aka Ghulam Qadir, and Benji Nedou aka Shamsuddin. Her only daughter, Akbar Jehan, born on 24 March 1917, was not particularly tall, but she had a regal demeanor, resembling a statue in dignity, grace, and proportion. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah writes of Rani jee in his autobiography that she was a virtuous, religious, and agood natured lady.a He credits her, in his autobiography and elsewhere, with having infused the value of religious teachings and traditions in Akbar Jehan (The Blazing Chinar 138).

In fulfillment of Maulvi Mohi-ud-Dinas prediction, the only daughter of Rani jee and Michael Henry [Harry] aka Sheikh Ahmed Hussain, Akbar Jehan, could not just recite the Quran with devotion and piety, but could also expound on the exegetical thoughts that the Hadith (Prophetas Mohammadas sayings and religious practices), Sharia (moral code and religious law of Islam), and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) generated.

I would venture to say that subscribing to religious traditions and maintaining an unshakable faith in providence provided her with an anchor in such times of extreme distress, pain, and loneliness. Skeptics might be critical of her unwavering faith in Sufi saints and mystics, and those who adhere to a puritanical version of Islam might question the juxtaposition of her veneration of saints with the iconoclasm that Islam advocates.

But I posit that her reverential adoration of Sufi saints did not espouse a traditionalism that made unconditional of what was, at best, a secondary good. On the contrary, her intimate knowledge of Islamic epistemology and her well-honed and nuanced comprehension of the intricacies of Quranic discourse buttressed her faith in Sufis of the Chisti, Kubrawi, Naqshbandi, Qadiri, ad Soharwardi orders. I would be lying to myself if I didnat admit that there were times when I thought her unshakable faith in ritualism and traditionalism was flawed, and that her susceptibility to believe in the putative sincerity of pirs, (I have committed a translation of pir here, opting for acaretaker of a shrine or a mosque, who may be an erudite scholar and practitioner, or the descendant of onea ) was rather naAve.

But she believed, with a winsome credulity and clarity that praying at the portals of a hallowed site, or covering the grave of a saint with an embroidered cloth, would cure her of all afflictions and would restore the body politic of Kashmir before the scourge of undemocratic practices impaired it beyond recognition. Visitation at shrines and tombs was an integral part of her religious experience. She believed that one of the most efficient methods of deflecting malignant forces was the amulet, which is aa passage from scripture used as a prophylactic shield against harm or the container that holds the holy wordsa (Doumato 149). Akbar Jehan, paradoxically, a well-educated and well-traveled woman, of a scientific temperament had an unshakable faith in specialized religious knowledge that enabled practitioners to aprepare writings for amulets, utter healing words correctly, and prescribe what were called Prophetic medicinesa (Doumata 131).

I witnessed her ineradicable faith in the miracle attributed to Khawjah Moinuddin Chisti, thirteenth century Sufi saint of the Chisti order. I accompanied her to the shrine of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti in Ajmer several times, which, according to her, was one of the most sacred sites for votive rituals. Votive rituals at shrines have been a part of the religious life of the Kashmiri Muslim community in which women as well as men participate. I remember being overwhelmed by the incontrovertible reverence with which she prostrated herself at the shrine. The grandiose structure, the pennants around the edifice, the beautifully carved frieze around the imposing dome, and the reverence with which devotees flocked to the shrine provided a magnificent backdrop to Akbar Jehanas spirituality.

Faith is a legacy of oneas upbringing, and I owe my ingrained reverence of Sufi dargahs to Mother and Father. The wise say that, afaith can move mountains,a and I believe that Akbar Jehanas faith gave her the pugnacity and resoluteness to face the many whirlwinds that caused chaos in her immediate as well as distant world. I note that she had tremendous respect for what she called areala learning as opposed to the regurgitation of tradition and rote memorization, which is common, at the risk of generalization, to many people. She was quite willing to openly discuss political movements to meanings of customary practices and their implication for what was taught in the Quran.
The city of Santa Maria will recognize Ralph Martin for his years of service as the police chief, his service to the community and his dedicat
A bittersweet memoir of a independent music venue that proved to be much more than a place for bands to play their music as loudly as possible, Goodnight Brookyn - The Story of Death By Audio is also a screed against Vice Media, the corporate entity that swallowed it up.

Directed by Matthew Conboy, who co-founded the venue known as Death By Audio, the film doesn't pretend to be objective, though it begins with poignant notes about loss and loyalty. It's November 2014, and the Brooklyn, New York music venue Death By Audio is hosting its final show. Hundreds of devoted fans stand in line outside in the cold, refusing to leave even after a venue employee informs them that they won't be able to get inside. It's as though no one can believe what's happening, and by remaining, the fans can avoid confronting the harsh reality that favored venue is closing forever.

What inspired such devotion? The film rewinds to the discovery and creation of the "weird, punk warehouse" in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, circa 2005. Cofounders Oliver Ackermann, George Wilson, and Greg Wilson explain their similar motives to have a place to make music, noise, art, and friends. They threw large parties and charged admission to raise funds for construction and transformation of a former government office. Ackermann started a business, began making music pedals in the warehouse space.

Two years later Conboy and his friend Jason Amos moved from Denton, Texas, and found their places there too. Trying to pay rent, they turned a spare room into a "ramshackle" music venue, which quickly grew an audience and drew press attention. After Amos moved on, Edan Wilber came on board to book the shows and keep things humming.

Fast forward to September 2014. Conboy and Wilber announced that the venue would be shutting down at the end of November. Their landlords informed them that Vice Media would be taking over the entire building for new offices. The remaining hour of the documentary becomes a detailed accounting of those final two months, as friction with construction crews increases, as well as anger that a billion-dollar corporate entity, targeting hip millenials, was pushing out an enterprise driven by a feisty, do-it-yourself independent spirit, less concerned with profit than by a desire to open up opportunities to like-minded creative souls.

The irony is not easily lost. As the closing nears, and frustration rises ever higher, Conboy is determined to document everything he views as an injustice, and understandably so, in view of what he and his friends and associates built over a period of years. Sadly, it's a common story, especially in New York City. Enterprising artists must continually seek out new, cheaper, less inviting places to renovate and make livable, then their creativity draws new artists and visitor, along with businesses eager to tap into new markets, leading to seemingly inevitable corporate takeovers and a flattening of the individuality and creativity that drew visitors in the first place.

More historical context might have helped make the film even better. Was Death By Audio the first or only artistic endeavor in the area? How did longtime residents and authorities react? How did the neighborhood change and why exactly were new residents and businesses attracted to the neighborhood? A couple of these questions are touched on in the film, but more pointed discussion might have strengthened Conboy's arguments.

What comes across very strongly in Goodnight Brooklyn is the living, breathing, fiery passion of all those involved with Death By Audio. As it is, it's a valuable document of a vibrant spirit that extended far beyond its four walls.

Review originally published during SXSW in March 2016. The film will open at Alamo Drafthouse Brooklyn on Friday, December 2 and then expand to other theaters throughout the U.S. in the following weeks.
A woman is locked in a cage by a man who wants to change her. That's both a metaphor for too many modern relationships and the premise of a new film by director Carles Torrens (Apartment 143).

Seth (Dominic Monaghan), an animal shelter worker in Los Angeles, sees former schoolmate Holly (Ksenia Solo) on a bus one day and tries to rekindle their acquaintance. Holly politely declines but soon finds herself an object of unwanted attention from Seth. He tracks her down through social media and shows up at a restaurant where she works as a waitress. Holly, still dealing with the ramifications of ending a relationship that wasn't working out, is none too happy about Seth's increasingly pushy and demanding attitude, and tries her best to shut him out.

Nonetheless, Seth manages to kidnap Holly and ... drum roll, please ... locks her in a cage, conveniently located in the basement of the animal shelter. Seth informs the cowering Holly that he intends to "save" her, though he has no inkling toward religious redemption. Instead, he has something else in mind, something that is possibly more sinister and definitely more dangerous.

Pet is filled with twist, turns, and confined spaces. Add to that the idea of a young woman, clad only in her underclothing, being held captive in a dog cage under the control of a domineering and likely dangerous man, and all the ingredients for an outrageous, offensive thriller appear to be in place.

As I mentioned in our SXSW Preview, director Torrens' short film Sequence was quite impressive. It followed a man who wakes up to discover that everyone else in the world dreamed about him the night before. Torrens did not write his new film -- Jeremy Slater has that credit -- but the similarly outrageous premise stokes the narrative fires throughout the opening scenes of Pet.

Torrens makes the most of those confined spaces, so the film is never boring from a visual standpoint, and Solo makes Holly a captivating character, someone who must work hard to keep her emotions in check while dealing with a whole lot of trouble. She handles a tricky role with steadfast aplomb, keeping her character's personality traits within reach of reality.

For his part, Monaghan seems to enjoy playing against type, though his character, Seth, presents few surprises. Nearly every emotion remains on the surface. Reasons are sometimes given for his behavior, but he remains resolutely opaque.

Yet the script's stubborn reliance on twists ends up weakening its overall impact, especially as the story progresses. Without spoiling anything more, the twists push past the merely unlikely into a strange minefield of 'what in the world?' Pet raises a lot of questions about its lead characters without establishing a solid basis for the queries in the first place, and then declines to provide satisfying resolutions. Meanwhile, the tone and atmosphere remains in the mode of a straightforward thriller, which results in a disconnect between the material and how it's playing out on screen.

And after revolving around the offensive idea of a man caging a woman as though she were an animal, Pet also declines to fully consider or even comment upon the unsavory ramifications of that idea. To be clear, it's not just a cage, it's an instrument of terror; Holly can't even stand up. That's the aspect that probably bothered me the most, so I'm sure my personal reaction flavored my overall view of the proceedings.

Granted, the ambition is admirable, and Solo's performance, combined with Torres' lively direction, keeps things humming and always watchable. Pet stirs up strong emotions that are not easily caged, even if it doesn't play out as might be desired.

Review originally published during SXSW in March 2016. The film will open in select U.S. theaters -- in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco and Tampa -- on Friday, December 2, and will also be available to watch via various VOD platforms, via Samuel Goldwyn Films.


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      1  2022    2  290,9  ,   18%     2021    36,6%       .
 Lame (duck) Obama Administration announces series of "sweeping" reforms at the Federal Bureau of Prisons | Main | US Sentencing Commission getting an early start on possible guideline amendment 

December 1, 2016

Fourth Circuit panel rejects North Carolina's efforts to defend constitutionally hinky provisions of state sex offender rules

The Fourth Circuit handed down a notable opinion yesterday in Doe #1 v. Cooper, No. 16-6026 (4th Cir. Nov. 30, 2016) (available here). In this ruling, the panel rejects arguments made on appeal by the state of North Carolina to try to overturn a district court's ruling about the unconstitutionality of key provisions of the state's sex offender laws. Here is how the unanimous opinion gets started:

The State of North Carolina requires persons convicted of certain reportable sex offenses to register as sex offenders. See N.C. Gen. Stat.  14-208.6(4); id.  14-208.7(a). For persons convicted of a subset of those reportable sex offenses, North Carolina restricts their movement relative to certain locations where minors may be present. See id.  14-208.18(a) (2015). John Does #1 through #5 (collectively, the Does) challenged these statutory restrictions as either overbroad, under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, or unconstitutionally vague, under the Fourteenth Amendment. The district court agreed with the Does as to two subsections of the statute and permanently enjoined enforcement of section 14- 208.18(a)(2) and section 14-208.18(a)(3). For the reasons set out below, we affirm the judgment of the district court.

Among many notable passages in this opinion, I found especially telling some of the discussion of the state's failure to provide any serious data or other evidence to support the broad restrictions on sex offender movements enacted into NC laws:

The State tries to overcome its lack of data, social science or scientific research, legislative findings, or other empirical evidence with a renewed appeal to anecdotal case law, as well as to logic and common sense. Appellants Suppl. Opening Br. 11. But neither anecdote, common sense, nor logic, in a vacuum, is sufficient to carry the States burden of proof.... In fact, the States own evidence belies its appeal to common sense as an appropriate substitute for evidence. In its brief, the State cites three North Carolina cases... [but] the State fails to explain how three cases, representing three individuals -- out of more than 20,000 registered North Carolina sex offenders -- provide a sufficient basis to justify subsection (a)(2)s sweeping restrictions.

December 1, 2016 at 09:42 AM | Permalink

Comments

The office where I work is now researching an interesting sex offender registration issue. Defendant was convicted in Maryland of statutory rape and served 18 months in jail, before being released on probation for 8.5 more years. Pursuant to defendant's plea agreement and sentence, he was required to register as a sex offender for 10 years following his release from jail. When defendant subsequently moved to Kentucky, he had to register as a sex offender under Kentucky law, which provides for registration for either 20 years or life. The Dept.of Adult Probation and Parole says defendant must remain registered in Ky. for LIFE! Defendant has now been out of jail for 12 years, so his original 10 year term of registration required by his plea agreement and sentence has expired. Defendant believes that Ky. should give FULL FAITH AND CREDIT to his Maryland plea agreement and judgment, and end his Ky. sex offender registration too. We have filed an administrative appeal on this basis, and are awaiting a hearing. Defendant owns a substantial business, and says that if Ky. doesn't respect his 10 year registration deal from Maryland, he will sell his home here and move back to Maryland, and cease paying any Ky. income taxes on his substantial income.

Posted by: Jim Gormley | Dec 1, 2016 3:57:27 PM

The "piece-meal system" of vague and non-basis registry requirements that vary from state to state need to be completely over-hauled.

As is North Carolina, when the requirements are so vague that the entities that put them in place to begin with don't understand what they mean, it's time for change!

Posted by: kat | Dec 2, 2016 9:54:46 AM

"The 'piece-meal system' of vague and non-basis registry requirements that vary from state to state need to be completely over-hauled."

For uniformity, Congress should have required states mirror federal law when setting up their SOR's. They should have tied law enforcement grant money to the requirement, and any state that wanted, or needed the money, would have mirrored the federal law.

Posted by: Huh? | Dec 6, 2016 6:56:36 PM

"...lack of data, social science or scientific research, legislative findings, or other empirical evidence..." and "... the States own evidence belies its appeal to common sense as an appropriate substitute for evidence." These words should be strongly emphasized in every case up to and including the USSC, and should form the basic foundation for repeal of every sex offender law in every state.

Posted by: oswaldo | Dec 11, 2016 9:29:55 AM

Jim Gormley | Dec 1, 2016 3:57:27 PM:

Why is Registration ever mentioned in any plea agreement or sentencing? If it were truly a "civil regulation" then it would never be mentioned. If it were truly "regulation", states could change the duration, etc. all they liked at any time and they do, of course.

Posted by: FRegistryTerrorists | Dec 14, 2016 11:34:37 AM

All Americans know that the Registries are not really for "public safety", "protecting children", or any of those other lies. There are no legitimate governments that have them. No government that has them should be supported. Their law enforcement employees should not be supported. None of their employees should be supported. People who support them should not be supported.

Families that are listed on Registries: Take back America. It belongs to you and not to people who clearly are not Americans. Those people are attacking your families and attempting to reduce the quality of your lives. They think it is okay to affect your life. They are harassing terrorists. So the reverse should be done to them. Take the life that you want and do not worry about how they are affected. When you are dealing with illegitimate terrorists, war is the answer.

Posted by: FRegistryTerrorists | Dec 14, 2016 11:35:51 AM

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 NC Republican Senator reiterates his commitment to federal statutory sentencing reform | Main | Fourth Circuit panel rejects North Carolina's efforts to defend constitutionally hinky provisions of state sex offender rules 

December 1, 2016

Lame (duck) Obama Administration announces series of "sweeping" reforms at the Federal Bureau of Prisons

I suppose the cliche phrase "better late than never" should keep me calm when I see notable news these days from the Obama Administration concerning criminal justice reform. But this DOJ press release from yesterday, which carries the heading "Justice Department Announces Reforms at Bureau of Prisons to Reduce Recidivism and Promote Inmate Rehabilitation," prompts frustration rather than calm because it announces reforms that seem so sound and yet so late. Here are the substantive highlights:

Today, the Department of Justice announced a series of reforms at the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) designed to reduce recidivism and increase the likelihood of inmates safe and successful return to the community. These efforts include building a semi-autonomous school district within the federal prison system, reforming federal halfway houses, covering the cost of obtaining state-issued photo IDs for federal inmates prior to their release from custody and providing additional services for female inmates. Helping incarcerated individuals prepare for life after prison is not just sound public policy; it is a moral imperative, said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. These critical reforms will help give federal inmates the tools and assistance they need to successfully return home as productive, law-abiding members of society. By putting returning citizens in a position to make the most of their second chance, we can create stronger communities, safer neighborhoods and brighter futures for all. The sweeping changes that we are announcing today chart a new course for the Bureau of Prisons that will help make our prisons more effective, our communities safer and our families stronger," said Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates. One of the best ways to prevent crime is by reducing recidivism, and one of the best ways to reduce recidivism is by equipping inmates with the tools they need to successfully reenter society." Last year, with the departments support, BOP retained outside consultants to review the agencys operations and recommend changes designed to reduce the likelihood of inmates re-offending after their release from prison. As part of todays announcement, the department is launching a new website, www.justice.gov/prison-reform, that compiles current and ongoing reforms at BOP, and includes the final reports from the outside consultants. The department announced additional details regarding these efforts: Building a school district within the federal prison system.... Reforming federal halfway houses.... Covering the cost of state-issued IDs prior to inmates release.... Enhancing programs for female inmates.... These initiatives are part of the departments deep commitment to a fair, effective criminal justice system that promotes public safety and prepare inmates for their return to the community, thereby reducing the likelihood that a cycle of crime will continue.

I think it neither naive nor unfair to assert that seeking to reduce recidivism and promote inmate rehabilitation should be a very top criminal justice priority for any and every Administration as they take over the reins of the Department of Justice and its (very expensive) Federal Bureau of Prisons. And I see nothing in these "sweeping" BOP reforms that could not have been effectively pioneered eight years ago in the first few months of the Obama Administration rather than only now in the last few (lame duck) months of the Obama Administration. in other words, though I am pleased to see these late-in-the-day federal prison reform efforts, I cannot help but respond to these new developments with the frustrating feeling that DOJ and BOP during the most of the Obama years were mostly "asleep at the wheel" when it came to critical public safety prison reform priorities.

Sigh and Grrr.

December 1, 2016 at 09:20 AM | Permalink

Comments

Oh, you're so brave.

Posted by: anonningly | Dec 1, 2016 12:39:53 PM

What does my bravery have to do with anything, anonningly?

Posted by: Doug B. | Dec 1, 2016 12:53:27 PM

We get it Doug you hate Obama.

Posted by: Don't Ask | Dec 1, 2016 4:44:40 PM

I do not hate anyone, except those who think I hate folks 

Posted by: Doug B. | Dec 1, 2016 6:30:15 PM

He really dislikes Bill Clinton though, in one comment suggesting Trump came out better.

Anyway, it takes time to get going, with new people etc., examining everything etc., so it is hard to do things in the first few months. It would be appreciated if people were able to do that, including staffed with people top down insider enough etc. to be able to do that more than others. But, unfortunately, people in certain states voted for Trump more than Clinton.

Posted by: Joe | Dec 2, 2016 11:03:09 AM

Joe: I do tend to dislike lawyers who (1) as Prez, lie blatantly and directly to the American people to cover up sexual misconduct, and (2) lie under oath as part of a foolish effort to cover up rather than fess up to sexual misconduct.

These factors account for some of the reasons I dislike Bill Clinton, but there are many, many, many, many more. His meeting with Loretta Lynch, which may well have cost his wife the election, is another big strike against Slick Willy in my eyes.

Posted by: Doug B. | Dec 2, 2016 5:53:36 PM

Doug:

Yes, it is quite a bit frustrating. There are not months left, but just over a month. Yep, you wonder what else was going on for 8 years.

Here is a great group. I know the founder, who has done an incredible job building an organization that has helped a huge number of convicts transition to productive lives.

His sister, Marilyn, was murdered.

http://bridgestolife.org/

From a 2012 article

The program Sage launched in 1998 now operates in prisons throughout Texas, in 10 other states and in Australia, South Africa and Mexico.

The ministry has more than 900 volunteers. More than 20,000 prisoners have participated in the Bridges to Life course, and about 15,000 have graduated.

Sage plans to serve 2,700 to 2,800 prisoners this year.

Posted by: Dudley Sharp | Dec 2, 2016 8:26:08 PM

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 "The Coming Federalism Battle in the War Over the Death Penalty" | Main | Lame (duck) Obama Administration announces series of "sweeping" reforms at the Federal Bureau of Prisons 

This notable new local story from North Carolina, headlined "Tillis says he may not return if bills like sentencing changes arent passed," provides further reinforcement for my generally positive perspective on the prospects for federal statutory sentencing reform in 2017. Here are excerpts:

Sen. Thom Tillis said Wednesday that he may not seek re-election in 2020 unless a sweeping overhaul of the nations prison sentencing system is passed. Tillis, R-N.C., has sought to make revamping the nations criminal justice system one of his signature issues since arriving in Washington in 2015, leaning on his experience in pushing through North Carolinas Justice Reinvestment Act when he was state House speaker in 2011.

Tillis said North Carolina showed that such measures could get done, even over doubts that anything less than a tough-on-crime stance would be politically damaging. He told a forum on juvenile justice in Washington that I dont run again until 2020, and if were not able to get things like this done, I dont have any intention of coming back....

He expressed frustration that the Senate hasnt been able to move the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015, a bipartisan measure that would reduce prison sentences for some nonviolent drug offenses, give judges more discretion with lower-level drug crimes and provide inmates early release opportunities by participating in rehabilitation programs....

Republicans and conservatives  from Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, to Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Koch brothers  found themselves largely in agreement with Obama, the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union on the need for sweeping changes to reduce prison sentences.

But the Senate bill has been in legislative limbo. Some conservative lawmakers, such as Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, suggested that reducing sentences would lead to dangerous criminals being released. Even a much-heralded compromise in April to ease critics concerns failed to get the bill to the Senate floor.

Tillis, who appeared at Wednesdays forum hosted by The Washington Post with Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said he had a solution for breaking the deadlock. We need to tell the far-right and the far-left to go away and have people in the center solve the problem, Tillis told the audience. It is time to tell the far-left and the far-right to get productive or get out of the way because we need to solve this problem.
"We are committed to providing a safe space for learning for each and every one of our students including recent immigrants regardless of immigration status," sounded a voicemail message intended to reassure parents of students in the San Francisco Unified School District who may have concerns for the safety of their children in the wake of Donald Trump's election. As SFUSD spokesperson Gentle Blythe told the Chronicle, the missive was a response to the deluge of questions voiced by parents and teachers in the weeks since Trump's surprise victory, concerns generate by his campaign vows to deport undocumented immigrants.

"We have had many staff members report that students and families from a variety of backgrounds, whether they are Muslim or Mexican or possibly undocumented, are expressing fears about what the President-elect might do and how it will affect them," Blythe told the paper. "SFUSD is working with the City to ensure that we are informing families about their rights and the resources available to them should they have concerns."

Blythe also explained that "In the past decade, there have been a few incidents where immigration enforcement officials were rumored to have gone to schools looking for undocumented immigrants and these rumors had an adverse impact on students," but in fact, "schools across the city reported students not coming to school as they were worried about being questioned and detained by ICE."

Not all parents were reassured by the voicemail message, such as notably vocal parents like local journalists Heather Knight of the Chronicle and Jon Steinberg of San Francisco magazine.

@jonsteinberg31 I know! My heart skipped a beat when I got that call. Should not have been billed as emergency alert.  Heather Knight (@hknightsf) November 30, 2016 @hknightsf AGREED. And my heart did the same thing. The world's too scary already for this stuff. Tone it down, @SFUSD_Supe.  Jon Steinberg (@jonsteinberg31) November 30, 2016

Of course, previous emergency messages like a robo dial from the school district that addressed "creepy clown" rumors in October hardly seem more justified  but they do sound quaint in retrospect!

Perhaps of most pressing concern: If Trump keeps his promise to revoke federal funding from sanctuary cities, that could spell a $28 million loss to the SFUSD according to the Examiner.

Related: SF Teachers Circulate Lesson Plan Discussing Trump And His Supporters As Racist And Sexist
Three pedestrians are recovering Thursday, after they were struck by motorists on San Francisco streets yesterday.

In the first such case from Wednesday, two pedestrians were rushed to San Francisco General Hospital at 11:02 a.m. after a driver hit them. According to the San Francisco Police Department, the victims (a 59-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman) were struck at the intersection of Hyde Street and Golden Gate Avenue when the 36-year-old male driver of a white sedan who was headed down Hyde "suddenly placed [the] vehicle into reverse."

The vehicle "sped backwards," police say, striking the pedestrians "who were waiting at a crosswalk."

Police say that both pedestrians, as well as the driver, were transported to the hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. Citing the ongoing investigation, police said that it was still "unclear" if the driver would face charges in the collision.

Later Wednesday, at 6:19 p.m., a second crash happened at Ocean and Delano Avenues, near the City College of San Francisco.

Details on this collision are scarce, with police saying that the 72-year-old male victim "was crossing the street when he was struck." A look on Google Maps, as you can see above, shows that the intersection has clearly marked crosswalks on all sides.

The male driver was not arrested for the collision, which police say left the victim with life-threatening injuries. According to the SFPD, the pedestrian was transported to SF General, where he remains as of Thursday morning.

Related: Pedestrian Death Investigation Turns 'Suspicious' With Discovery Of Gunshot Wound
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SIOUX CITY | A local nonprofit agency has filed a lawsuit against the owner of the former Argosy Sioux City riverboat casino seeking nearly $2 million in revenue-sharing payments that were withheld from a local gaming group for distribution to charities.

Community Action Agency of Siouxland sued the gambling boat's former owners, seeking the money on behalf of itself and as many as 54 other nonprofit agencies that in the past have received grants from Missouri River Historical Development, the state-licensed nonprofit gaming group that distributed a portion of the casino's gambling profits to dozens of area organizations.

"I believe that the money was to be set aside to be given to agencies like ours," Community Action Agency executive director Jean Logan said. "It would be our intent that the money be distributed to benefit the community."

The Belle of Sioux City, which operated the Argosy, was an Iowa-based subsidiary of Penn National Gaming Inc., the nation's largest gaming operator. Penn stopped making payments -- 3 percent of the Sioux City boat's adjusted gross revenues -- to MRHD in April 2013, seven months after the company sued MRHD for breach of contract.

The monthly payments ceased two months after the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission awarded Woodbury County's first land-based gaming license to MRHD and SCE Partners, the operator of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The Hard Rock opened in downtown Sioux City on Aug. 1, 2014, two days after state regulators ordered the Argosy to close because its state gaming license had expired.

In June 2013, Penn had sought appointment of a third-party receiver to collect and distribute the funds until its civil suit against MRHD was settled, but that request was denied by a Polk County judge. State regulators also denied Penn's request to redirect the funds to a new local nonprofit for distribution. Iowa law requires casino operators to partner with licensed gaming nonprofit organizations such as MRHD, which collect and distribute a portion of gambling profits to charitable and civic organizations.

Filed Wednesday in Woodbury County District Court, the Community Action Agency lawsuit provides two alternatives for collection of the $1.93 million it believes the former Argosy owners withheld from MRHD during the 16-month period.

Under one scenario, a judge could set up a trust in which the Belle would deposit the money owed. A judge would then determine how and to which agencies the money would be distributed.

A judge could also follow a second scenario under which the case would proceed as a class-action lawsuit in which Community Action Agency would seek a monetary judgment against the Argosy owners.

In the lawsuit, attorney Terry Giebelstein, of Davenport, Iowa, said Belle attorneys have said in previous hearings in court and before the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission that the Belle knows it must make the payments.

" ... Belle admitted that it had an obligation to pay 3 percent of its adjusted gross revenues for the use and benefit of charities, but objected to such payment being made through MRHD under the operating agreement in dispute (in a previous lawsuit)," Giebelstein said in the lawsuit.

Giebelstein declined to comment on the Community Action Agency lawsuit Wednesday.

Logan said the lawsuit would allow the Belle to settle its debt by not dealing with MRHD.

"This would provide an alternative way for them to get this money to the community where it's sorely needed," said Logan, whose agency has received past MRHD grants for such uses as capital improvements projects and providing emergency funding to help people pay their utility bills.

The MRHD board had considered several alternatives to seek the money. MRHD board president Mark Monson said Wednesday the board did not think it would have been productive, given its history of litigation with Penn National Gaming, to file another lawsuit to seek the money itself.

"Filing another lawsuit by MRHD wouldn't accomplish very much," Monson said. "This (lawsuit) makes a lot of sense to me and the MRHD board that the nonprofits are basically saying, 'Wait a minute. That's our money and you need to pay it and we'll distribute it.'"

Earlier in November, the MRHD board, after learning of Community Action Agency's impending lawsuit, passed a resolution providing the agency with the names of 54 other nonprofit organizations that have received gambling revenues in the past. The list did not include government and civic organizations.

MRHD and Penn have yet to resolve the breach of contract lawsuit Penn filed in September 2012 in which it claimed that MRHD schemed to replace the Argosy with another operator before their contract expired in July 2012. The two had been unable to agree on a long-term contract extension, and the IRGC took the unprecedented step of putting Woodbury County's license up for grabs and began accepting proposals for a land-based casino.

MRHD countersued, claiming that Penn interfered with MRHD's prospective relationships by sending letters threatening legal action against potential operators with whom MRHD might pursue an agreement. MRHD also claimed that Penn's actions prevented or delayed it from negotiating a more lucrative land-based casino agreement.

There are no hearings scheduled in that case, filed in Polk County District Court.

In May, the Iowa Supreme Court denied the Belle's request to review an Iowa Court of Appeals ruling that upheld previous rulings that led to the casino's closure. Belle had challenged the IRGC's actions denying the company a license renewal and instead awarding it to the MRHD partnership that led to the construction and opening of the Hard Rock in downtown Sioux City.

After its closure, the riverboat casino was sold to an Illinois shipyard that removed the boat and accompanying structures on shore.
SIOUX CITY | Justin Ferguson's sentence was already predetermined, the result of a plea agreement entered into in April.

Nothing he could say likely would change the fact that he'd be sentenced to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of seven years before he's eligible for parole.

Yet minutes before being sentenced Thursday for his role in two crimes as an accomplice to Isaiah Mothershed, he issued an apology to his victims, his family, his co-defendants and then told District Judge Duane Hoffmeyer that he would use his prison time as a learning experience.

"I will use it to better myself in every way possible," Ferguson said. "I want to show people I'm not a criminal and a stereotypical thug."

Ferguson, 20, of Sioux City, who had pleaded guilty to one count each of second-degree robbery and second-degree burglary, was one of three of Mothershed's accomplices sentenced for their roles in a crime spree that included armed robberies and burglaries and culminated with Mothershed shooting a Sioux City police officer.

Also sentenced were Macayla Knight, 18, and Austin Bulizak, 17, both of Sioux City.

Bulizak had pleaded guilty in June to two counts each of second-degree robbery and second-degree burglary for his participation in a Jan. 29 break-in at a home in the 3300 block of Pierce Street in which the homeowner arrived during the burglary and was pistol-whipped before a shotgun and his wallet were stolen, a Feb. 2 armed robbery of residents at C College Court, a Feb. 5 break-in at a home in the 4500 block of Polk Street and a Feb. 6 armed robbery of an individual in an apartment building at 2940 Park Ave.

"There was no excuse for what I did, and I know what I did was wrong," Bulizak, who was 16 at the time of the crimes, told Hoffmeyer.

Because of Bulizak's young age and lack of criminal history, his attorney, Doug Roehrich, sought a suspended prison sentence and probation. Woodbury County Attorney Patrick Jennings requested a 20-year prison sentence with a 10-year mandatory minimum.

Hoffmeyer settled on a 20-year prison sentence with an eight-year mandatory minimum before Bulizak is eligible for parole.

"You participated in more of these cases than anybody, and everybody involved is young," Hoffmeyer said. "These are nasty crimes."

Knight pleaded guilty in March to first-degree theft for setting up the Feb. 6 robbery victim, who owed her money. She had asked him to meet her, and once he arrived, Mothershed, Bulizak, Robert Seaberry and another man who had been lying in wait confronted him at gunpoint and made him lie on the ground before stealing his wallet, phone and keys.

Knight's plea agreement had called for a 10-year suspended prison sentence, three years probation and 80 hours of community service.

"Our goal here today, Ms. Knight, is we don't see you here again in the future," Hoffmeyer said.

Ferguson was sentenced for his involvement in the Feb. 2 and Feb. 5 incidents. A charge of pimping in an unrelated case was dismissed Thursday.

Ferguson and Bulizak also must pay restitution of $1,687 to one of the burglary victims and $1,408 to the Iowa Crime Victim Compensation Program.

Mothershed, 19, of Sioux City, was sentenced last month to 50 years in prison after a jury in October found him guilty of two counts of attempted murder and four counts of first-degree robbery. He was found guilty of pulling a gun out of a couch while handcuffed and shooting Sioux City police Officer Ryan Moritz in the leg on Feb. 7 while waiting to be transported to jail after his arrest at an apartment at 2947 Park Ave. He also fired a shot at a homeowner who interrupted a break-in.

Two others involved in Mothershed's crime spree had previously been sentenced.

Seaberry, 20, was sentenced in October to 20 years prison for two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of second-degree burglary. He must serve 14 years before he's eligible for parole.

Ferguson's brother, Jamaal Ferguson, 17, in July admitted to two counts of first-degree robbery in Woodbury County Juvenile Court and is being treated in the juvenile court system.

One case remains unresolved. Jory Barthelemy, 21, of Sioux City, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree robbery and is scheduled to stand trial on Jan. 31.
SIOUX CITY | Margaret Theresa Newman Murphy, 55, of Sioux City, passed away on Nov. 26, 2016, at her home.

Memorial services will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Sioux City, with the Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Larkin Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.

Maggie was born on Nov. 30, 1960, in Sioux City, the daughter of Raymond W. Murphy and Marilyn O. (Delaney) Murphy. She lived in Sioux City most of her life and attended Bishop Heelan Catholic High School, Briar Cliff College, and the University of South Dakota, where she received her master's degree in American history after writing her thesis on notable women of Sioux City.

She continued in education as a teacher of theology at Dowling Catholic School in Des Moines and then Bishop Heelan Catholic High School. At Heelan, Maggie taught an honors class about the Holocaust which was inspired by a fellowship she received from the Jewish Federation. She traveled to Poland and the concentration camps and then to Israel. Maggie said this was one of the most powerful experiences of her life. She activated her learning by facilitating the Prejudice Elimination Workshop also sponsored by the Jewish Federation. In 2000, she became a special education teacher with the Sioux City Community Schools and later at West High, and through her love of kids, her wit and her stick-to-itness, she helped countless students with special needs to graduate and become productive members of society.

Irish wit was central to Maggie's personality. A practical joke was not above her. Students and teachers were buoyed by her sense of humor and quick mind. She might order two dozen donuts and put another teacher's name on it and send it collect to the school. One time she removed all the pictures and memorabilia of the Green Bay Packers from a colleague's room. However, the joke was on her because the cameras at the school caught her in the act. Maggie thought that was hilarious. She never shied away from a joke on herself, either.

Maggie was also devoted to her family and one of the things she did that she was most proud of was care for her mother in their own home following Marilyn's severe stroke until her mother's death. Maggie stayed with her mother night and day when she was not teaching. She did this with joy and she loved giving back to her mother a little of what Marilyn had given her. She always humbly said, "Mom made me look good" when she referred to this time.

Maggie's wit, wisdom, kindness and generosity will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew her.

Maggie is survived by her brother, Tim Murphy of Rosalie, Neb.; her sister, Molly (Joe) Twohig of Dakota Dunes, S.D.; her aunts, Sally (Bob) Earley and Paula Murphy; and her uncle, Brian Delaney. Her survivors also include a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins; and her dear friend, Beverly Weseman.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials may be made in Maggie's name to Women Aware, Counsel for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, or The Center.
LE MARS, Iowa | Some residents in a Le Mars apartment building have been trapped inside their unit since the elevator broke in August. But officials said Wednesday there is a "light at the end of the tunnel" as crews expect the elevator to be fixed within a week.

Floyd Valley Apartments is a 59-unit complex at 110 Sixth Ave. in Le Mars and many of the residents are elderly and unable to go up and down the stairs on their own in the five-story building.

"It's been a long drawn-out deal, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, finally," Fire Chief David Schipper said, adding he expects the elevator to be in operation Friday or by the start of next week. OTIS, the company fixing the elevator, received the final mechanical piece for it Tuesday.

Schipper said special parts have had to be made and shipped from Pennsylvania. A piston was dropped down the shaft and broke a couple weeks ago, which slowed the process even more while they waited for a replacement part to arrive. An elevator inspector is still needed to come and have the elevator certified once repairs are complete.

Larry Schmitz, a fifth-floor resident, said he has been only able to leave the building four times since the elevator broke in August.

If it wasnt for television, my phone and the internet-- I would be bonkers," Schmitz, 74, said.

He said two of the times he left were to go to the hospital for medical problems he has in his back and legs. Paramedics had to assist him up and down the stairs those times, he said.

"If I'm careful, I can get down the stairs, but it takes about a half hour, 45 minutes to get back up," he said. "They got chairs at each landing I rest on. The worst thing about climbing is that my leg muscles are just so in pain."

Alma Osborne, who turned 107 years old last week, lives on the fourth floor of the building. She has had to cancel multiple doctor's appointments since the elevator went out, but it doesn't phase her too much.

"Everyone is very good to me. I cant complain. Everyone has brought me everything and treated me very good, she said. Im not going to complain. Im just going to wait it out. I know they are working hard."

Schmitz also said he has been getting his groceries from "three God-bless-their-souls friends," and aides with the nearby Floyd Valley Healthcare come once every two weeks to do his laundry.

"And (the building manager) has worked her butt off," Schmitz said. "I dont know how many times she climbs these stairs a day but when I need my mail, garbage taken out, she is up here to get it. I know she has caught hell from some of the residents because everyone has a short fuse over this."

"I know it is a huge inconvenience, but you live where you live, and you pick where you live," Schipper added. "You got to have a contingency plan if the power is out or a storm comes through, or if the elevator isnt working."

Schmitz said once the elevator is up and running, he is going to treat himself.

"Well, I am probably going to go down to Baacker's Bar and have a vodka drink that I havent had in four months, but I might go out to one of the restaurants and get a hot beef sandwich. I have been really hungry for one of those, Schmitz laughed. ...or I might just ride up and down the elevator three or four times.

The building was put on the National Register of Historic places in 2009. It was constructed in 1923 and was formerly used as Sacred Heart Hospital.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a mentally handicapped woman has been placed on probation.

Anthony McPherson, 30, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Woodbury County District Court to assault with the intent to commit sexual abuse. As part of his plea agreement, a two-year prison sentence was suspended and he was placed on probation for two years. Once he completes his probation, he will be placed on special parole for 10 years. If he were to violate terms of his parole, he could be sent to prison.

McPherson also must complete sex offender treatment and register with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry for life.

McPherson was charged with offering a ride to the woman, whom he saw walking on Sept. 2 in the 700 block of Hamilton Boulevard. After the woman accepted the ride, court documents say, McPherson took her to his home, where he touched her inappropriately and had sex with her in the back of his vehicle before driving her to a bus stop.
SOUTH SIOUX CITY | South Sioux City Police officers participated in No Shave November all last month to raise funds for the June E. Nylen Cancer Center.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, the department said they "threw the policy manual out, but all for good reason and in the name of good health," and let officers grow out their beards for No Shave November.

Each officer who got hairy donated $20. Then the South Sioux City Police Officers Association and Fraternal Order of Police Local Lodge 75 each matched the officers' contributions. A total of $660 was raised for the cancer center at 230 Nebraska St. in Sioux City.

The post said this is the third consecutive year the department has done No Shave November.

Ten of the 27 police officers on the force, along with one law enforcement center maintenance worker, grew their beards out for the cause.
We want to know what you think about the movies. You can Tweet us your reviews @scweekender or share them on Facebook, facebook.com/siouxcityweekender. We'll pick the best comments on Monday before the next Weekender. Here are this week's movies:

Moana

Starring: Aulii Cravalho,Dwayne Johnson

Story: A woman uses her navigational skills to find a fabled island along with her demi-god hero Maui.

Rated: PG for peril, some scary images and brief thematic elements

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Bad Santa 2

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates

Story: Willie is still greedy, still hateful and still drunk. He teams up with his sidekick again to rip off a charity.

Rated: R for crude sexual content and language throughout, and some graphic nudity

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Starring: Eddie Redmayne and some fantastic beasts

Story: A writer embarks on an adventure to rescue magical creatures and thwart the plans of evil wizards.

Rated: PG-13 for some fantasy action violence

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

The Edge of Seventeen

Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson

Story: A high schooler's life reaches a boiling point when her best friend starts dating her older brother. And then other stuff happens.

Rated: R for sexual content, language and some drinking -- all involving teens

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Bleed for This

Starring: Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart

Story: A world champion boxer suffers a near fatal car crash, and he's left not knowing if he'll ever walk or fight again.

Rated: R for language, sexuality/nudity and some accident images

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

Starring: Joe Alwyn, Kristen Stewart

Story: An American soldier returns from Iraq to a roaring stadium but the memories of the war still cut deep.

Rated: R for language throughout, some war violence, sexual content and brief drug use

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Arrival

Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner

Story: A linguist is tasked to translate communications from a possible alien race that landed on Earth.

Rated: PG-13 for brief strong language

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Doctor Strange

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton

Story: A former neurosurgeon embarks on a journey to learn a new healing method and discovers a world of mystic arts.

Rated: PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action throughout, and an intense crash sequence

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Trolls

Starring: A bunch of freaky-haired trolls

Story: Trolls are under threat of being eaten, so it's up to a troll princess and her unhappy companion to save them.

Rated: PG for some mild rude humor

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Hacksaw Ridge

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer

Story: A WWII army medic becomes the first Conscientious Objector in American history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Rated: R for intense prolonged realistically graphic sequences of war violence including grisly bloody images

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender
Home is where the heat is

SIOUX CITY | I'm pretty sure this violates a renter's agreement.

A 29-year old woman was arrested after she allegedly set fire to an apartment building that was occupied by two children and a couple with their 1-month-old child.

According to a press release, Sioux City Fire Rescue and police personnel were called at 1:48 p.m. Friday to a structure fire at 417 Main St. The release said fire was shooting out of the basement window of the triplex once crews arrived.

All of the occupants were able to escape without injury before crews arrived to extinguish the fire.

After an investigation, it was determined that one of the occupants, Adasa Tafolla, started the fire while two children were inside the basement apartment with her. The apartment above had a couple and their 1-month-old child. The third apartment was vacant.

There was also a warrant out for Tafolla for an assault-on-an-officer charge.

Tafolla has been booked into the Woodbury County Jail on first-degree arson and criminal mischief with bond set at $51,000.

The investigation is ongoing.

The saucy six

STORM LAKE, Iowa | If three's a crowd, what on earth is this?

Six men have been arrested in an ongoing prostitution investigation, Storm Lake Police say.

Demarius Daniels, 23, of Storm Lake; Mark Halverson, 59, of Linn Grove, Iowa; William Foster, 34, of Fairmont, Texas; Dennis Ball, 38, of Spencer, Iowa; Kevin Folchert, 49, of Sioux City; and Lay Htoo, 35, of Storm Lake, were all arrested late Saturday and early Sunday and charged with prostitution, a misdemeanor.

A release from the Storm Lake Police Department said officers posed as prostitutes on the internet as the men arranged for meetings with the purpose of paying for sex at a local motel.

The sting was part of the police departments Operation Fall Fling investigation into underground sex trafficking.
Gender-based violence (G.B.V) was top of the agenda at the Nofoalii E.F.K.S Hall on Sunday.

The International Labour Organization (I.L.O) Office for Pacific Island Countries and U.N. Women drove the discussion during a Community Gender Based Violence Seminar as part of the 16 days activism to stop violence against Women and children in Samoa.

The idea was to create better awareness of gender-based violence in communities and to learn about the issue in an open minded and understanding manner at an early stage.

Ministry of Police, Ministry of Women Community and Social Development, and Samoa Red Cross Society were able to share pieces of legislation, policy and surveys that were conducted in Samoa in regards to the G.B.V.

Guest speakers and survivors of violence were also invited to speak on the issue where they share their stories with the communities.

The forums dialogue was well attended by all church youth organizations from around Aana Number 2 District, women and young ones and also church ministers

Lizbeth Cullity acknowledged the support of the community and also reflected on how important all communities of Samoa should understand the issue.

Member of Parliament, Ili Setefano Taateo, thanked the I.L.O and ONE U.N. for selecting Aana District for the G.B.V Seminar.

Tomasi Peni, I.L.O National Coordinator said the seminar was all about finding a solution to a growing problem.

It is good to take the seminar to the community where the problem is, and to find solutions to target the youth to learn these problems of G.B.V at early an stage so that they know that violence is not ok.
The reigning Miss Pacific Islands, Miss Abigail Havora, is ready to hand over her crown tonight to whoever is going to be the new Miss Pacific Islands.

But before she bows out, the 25-year-old from the village of Gabagaba in the Central Province of Papua New Guinea wants to thank everyone who supported her during her reign.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Havora said being an Ambassador for the Pacific region has been an eye-opener for her.

This journey has taught me so much about our region and culture, she told the Samoa Observer. I have learnt that as an Ambassador of the Pacific, its always vital to carry yourself well and be a great role model to our people, especially the younger generations.

Its all about the representation of yourself. And during my reign I was given a lot of opportunities to be involved with a lot of projects.

As the first Miss Papua New Guinea to be crowned Miss Pacific Islands, Ms. Havora said most of her role was based in her country.

I was given a lot of opportunities to give speeches to various audiences from young children up to government officials at the highest level.

I was also fortunate enough to have our Prime Ministers wife as the patron for our local Pageant Committee. So she has taken me to a lot of events and given me so much exposure which provided me with a lot of opportunities to meet a lot of people.

I met a lot of different people and learned from them. As Miss Pacific Islands as well, I was able to see and observe how matters and issues in our countries and Pacific are dealt with.

Ms. Havora said the highlight has to be her trips to various islands of the Pacific as a special guest for their local pageants.

It was an amazing opportunity for me to see and witness how their pageants are done and in the process I learnt a lot about their culture because after all I am a Cultural Ambassador, she said.

Ive taken the experience and knowledge back with me to Papua New Guinea and the values Ive learnt about their culture, I have applied it to my life, so that even though I am Papua New Guinean, as Miss Pacific Islands, that has really helped me to represent all the different cultural groups we have in the Pacific.

Tonight, Ms. Havora will crown whoever will win the title to be the new ambassador for the Pacific Region. And her message to all the contestants, and the new Miss Pacific Islands as well as the young ladies from all around the Pacific is simple.

Know your purpose, she said. As I have always said, my message will always have to be, stay true to your purpose, because purpose comes from God. Like I said earlier this week, if I gave you a spoon or a fork 1,000 years ago, would you know what it was for? Obviously no! You would use it as a weapon, but the original purpose is to eat with it. And that comes back to us. When we dont know our purpose in life, we would be lost and confused.

But when we know our purpose, we live meaningful lives. And when we live meaningful lives, we impact others as well. And that has been my main message all throughout my reign. Find out your purpose in life and why God put you here on earth, because just by living out your purpose, you impact others as well.

We all have different purposes from God. And if you have a hard time finding your purpose, figure out something that you are passionate about. That passion will lead you to your purpose.

And you will be the change you wish to see because thats how I live my life and it is working out well for me. That has also helped me with my reign.
Papua New Guinea scored a first in the region last year when Abigail Havora was crowned Miss Pacific Islands. Tonight, Kellyanne Limbiye, 23-year-old from Papua New Guinea, will set out to seek a repeat of the feat at Tuanaimato during the grand finale of the Pageant.

Ms. Limbiye said she has been preparing for the Pageant for some time now and she is ready. She says she is honored and happy to be in Samoa and admits that Samoa is far more than what she expected.

Samoa has exceeded my expectations, she said. This place is beautiful and the pageant here is going up to another level. I think it is the right place to host our 30th Anniversary of the pageant. Its a big celebration and it was nothing I expected.

The Miss Papua New Guinea believes this years theme is very fitting to describe what this pageant has done over the years.

It does say a lot about what this pageant has done over the years. The Pacific Pageant brings all the Pacific island country together and share and showcase our different cultures and uniqueness

It also showcases the strong relationship we have built over the years. So whatever history we have and our strong ties we have so far is more the reason for us to celebrate through this pageant.

It is a celebration of our culture and to think back to our journey from where we started to where we are now is something amazing and I am very honored to be part of it.

As an ambassador of my country, this is an opportunity for me to showcase my culture and celebrate it with the rest of my Pacific Island sisters. Its just something special and I am happy to be here.

Ms. Havora has been a great source of inspiration for Ms. Limbiye.

Abigail has always been an inspiration not only for me but also for the girls in Papua New Guinea and also the girls in the Pacific, she said.

She has set higher standards and level as Miss Pacific Islands and that has motivated me a lot preparing for this pageant. She is the first Miss Papua New Guinea to win the title and thats a big achievement for us.

So there is no pressure on me whatsoever. Shes been telling that I have no shoes to fill but my own. So Ill just have to be myself and do my very best to represent my country and culture.

Why should we vote for her as our new Pacific Islands?

P.N.G is a diverse nation. When you talk about diversity I am from a country with a lot of diversity. We have eight hundred different languages and one thousand different tribes. So if you choose me, I will make sure that the diversity culture we have in the Pacific will be showcased to the world.

Kellyanne Limbiye is a final year student at the University of Papua New Guinea. Her main goal in life is to become a diplomat for her country.
Environment  December 1, 2016

We the undersigned organizations, networks, and movements gathered in Marrakech at COP22 issue the following collective statement in support of communities and movements around the world in response to Donald Trump becoming President-Elect of the United States of America and its potentially devastating implications for the cause of climate justice.

Record breaking global temperatures are already threatening staple crops in many regions, bleaching the worlds coral reefs, decimating ecosystems, and driving killer droughts and floods that have devastated the lives and livelihoods of millions of people around the world, fanning the flames of every existing inequality.

All around the world, people are taking action to stop this climate crisis from worsening. We are protecting and defending the places we love  waterways, forests, mountain ranges, our homes and our communities  and building the world we want: a clean, safe and more equal world.The fossil fuel special interest groups looking to take advantage of this election cannot stop this irresistible transformation.



Donald Trump is the face of the broken economic system that has caused climate change  the concentration of wealth, lobbyists and corporate interests. Big business will have a seat at the White House for the next four critical years, threatening the lives of people in the U.S. and around the world.

We all have a responsibility to show President-elect Trump and right-wing populists everywhere that we as climate justice groups and movements stand in solidarity with all people threatened and impacted by his Presidency. Islamophobia, homophobia, racism, sexism, elitism, and climate denialism are an insult and threat to us all.

We are determined not to allow our governments to normalize or accept such a destructive agenda. They must act in the global publics interests and protect all of our futures by opposing the planet and people-wrecking policies espoused by Donald Trump.

Governments must begin by committing to their fair share of ambitious action needed to realise the Paris Agreements goal of preventing a breach of the 1.5C target, which would result in catastrophic climate change. We also know that the Paris Agreement alone will not get us off this destructive course. To confront this global crisis we must:

End all coal, oil, and gas extraction;

Commit to 100% renewable energy, encouraging decentralized energy, owned and built in our own communities;

Create a just and equitable transition to a low carbon and more equal economy that protects those already marginalized and impacted by the failed globalized economy as well as those whose livelihoods depend on extractive industries;

Act as a global community and welcome migrants, refugees and climate displaced people seeking the right to a safe and dignified life;

Win back power for people over big business and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.

We urge U.S. state, city, and local governments to act to confront the climate crisis and confront Donald Trump head-on. The views of one man neither change how the rest of the world sees the climate crisis, nor can they change the reality of what needs to happen to keep temperature rise to a minimum, below 1.5C. The rest of the world will go on with climate action, thanks to our incredible pressure as global movements and communities at the frontline who are building power.

We call on world leaders to fulfil their fair share of climate action, including delivering climate finance and transferring technology, and prove that they take the crisis seriously. Action is needed now, in the next 4 years  rich countries must ramp up their short-term 2020 targets in line with science and fairness, and support poorer countries to prosper cleanly.

In the international negotiations countries should put an end to the toxic influence of the U.S. which pushes for weak and toothless emission reduction targets. The global community, including governments, must forcefully apply political, legal and economic pressure with real consequences on the U.S. to do its fair share of action.

As global citizens we commit to build a climate movement, whose beating heart is justice, that can break out of its silo and create a broad based progressive movement alongside Black Lives Matter, Indigenous movements, womens movements, student movements, LGBTQI communities, migrants movements, labour movements, and local movements against corporate power and the fossil fuel industry that work together to address the inequalities and injustices that blight our world.

We stand in solidarity with Indigenous land and water protectors in Standing Rock, and climate justice and environmental justice movements that have been rooted in communities across the U.S. as they resist President-Elect Trumps attempt to back more fossil fuel expansion which will poison our environment, our air and our water. In our communities around the world we will mobilize against Trump everywhere he goes and hold our own governments to account for their fair share of climate action including blocking their plans for fossil fuel expansion.

Now is a moment of great fear and uncertainty, but we cannot give in to despair. People power has resisted great threats and transformed the world before  we must stand together once again for a just and liveable world for all. 

Initial list of signatories:
The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
27. This Charter shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the preservation and enhancement of the multicultural heritage of Canadians.



All citizens are equal and have the freedom to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage.

Multiculturalism promotes the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in all aspects of Canadian society.

Tolerance is never sufficient. Humanity must learn to love our differences.

Today we bear witness to humanitys capacity for deliberate cruelty and evil. May we ever remember this painful truth about ourselves, and may it strengthen our commitment to never allow such darkness to prevail.



This week, upon the death of longtime Cuban dictator, Fidel Castro, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was mourning a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century. It seems to me that a dictator who jails dissidents and gays according to his own whim rather than abiding by a liberal democratic rule of law based on justice, human rights and fairness that apply to everyone, leaves something to be desired when he served his people.While a controversial figure, continued Trudeau, both Mr. Castros supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for el Comandante. It seems to me that a brutal dictator who disallowed individual rights for his people is more than controversial; I would call him evil.Digging himself deeper into his hole of moral relativism, Trudeau continued, I know my father was very proud to call him a friend and I had the opportunity to meet Fidel when my father passed away. It was also a real honour to meet his three sons and his brother President Raul Castro during my recent visit to Cuba.The prime minister ended his statement by calling Castro a remarkable leader. I think Justin Trudeau is also a remarkable leader, but remarkable for his debased set of values, which this essay shall try to elucidate. A leader ought to be studied for his values as well as how well he implements the policy promises that got him or her elected. In Canada, at least up until Justins father, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, embraced the value of multiculturalism we long defined ourselves by the notion of Peace, Order and Good Government based on traditional Judeo-Christian values of justice, human rights, individual rights and responsibilities.In November of last year, Canadas new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a speech in London England, setting out his view of Canadas values. It was not well covered by our media, but to me it was a very radical statement:Compassion, acceptance, and trust; diversity and inclusionthese are the things that have made Canada strong and free, he noted, and continued: We have a responsibilityto ourselves and to the worldto show that inclusive diversity is a strength, and a force that can vanquish intolerance, radicalism and hate.Trudeau, then, emphasizes something he calls inclusive diversity. His father was responsible for the concept of multiculturalism finding its way into Section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982, which determines how rights in other sections of the Charter should be interpreted and applied by the courts. It is believed that section 27 "officially recognized" a Canadian value, namely multiculturalism The section reads,Then in 1988, the Mulroney Government completed the institution of multicultural values by enacting The Canadian Multiculturalism Act, with two fundamental principles:What happens when cultural heritage conflicts with the other Canadian values of peace and order?Ezra Levant, writing in the Toronto Sun, pointed out that Justin Trudeau criticized the new citizenship guide for new immigrants, called Discover Canada. One passage in that guide book said, Canadas openness and generosity do not extend to barbaric cultural practices that tolerate spousal abuse, honour killings, female genital mutilation, forced marriage or other gender-based violence.Note carefully Trudeaus response to what should be morally obvious: There needs to be a little bit of an attempt at responsible neutrality by the Canadian government. Honour killings shouldnt be called barbaric, he said. Amazing.His brother Alexandre is a filmmaker who made a film called The New Great Game, about Irans courageous decision to defy America and Israel. Sacha made it in co-operation with Press TV, the state-run propaganda agency of Iran.Racism is one thing; exterminationist racism is another thing. In the world today, proponents of exterminationist racism still exist and still aim to destroy another 6 million Jews, now living in the homeland of the indigenous Jews, Israel. Iran is the leader of the movement to destroy Israel and exterminate its Jews. Iranian-sponsored terrorist and political groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and even the Palestinian Authority, share the wish to destroy the Jews of Israel. That they cannot do so is the work of Israel in building a strong military and high-tech weapons, and not any great support of Israel by the very European nations that handed over their Jews willingly to the Nazis. Also, university students who seem to look under every stone to try to find evidence of racism against blacks or Muslims do not seem to bother about exterminationist racism.Previous Prime Minister Stephen Harper took a moral stand on Canadian foreign policy, which resulted in his strong support for Israel. Back in 2003, Mr. Harper said Canadas conservatives needed to rediscover the traditional conservatism of political philosopher Edmund Burke, which valued social order, custom and religious traditions.Trudeau recently visited the site of the infamous Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz, where he signed the memorial book in this way: Tolerance is never sufficient. Humanity must learn to love our differences.However, Trudeaus stated goal of inclusive diversity does not know how to deal with humanitys capacity for deliberate cruelty and evil. Trudeaus compassion, trust and inclusive diversity are no equal to deliberate cruelty and evil, nor is it a force that can vanquish intolerance, radicalism and hate. I do not love our differences, especially those differences which are immoral, such as propensity for violence against minorities, rape, and illiberal legal systems based on religious intolerance.I cannot accept that diversity, respect for all communities, whether good or evil, is a moral policy. It is a component of moral and cultural relativism  the belief that there is no good and evil and that all truth and morality is relative, and no cultures are better than any other cultures, so we should include them all, and respect them equally and import them into our country and interpret our laws to accord respect for any and all evil communities that wish to join our country.Justin Trudeaus celebrated father did not see fit to help stop Hitler and the Nazi atrocities  he opposed conscription and did not serve with the army during the Second World War. In his Memoirs (1993), the elder Trudeau wrote: "So there was a war? Tough ... if you were a French Canadian in Montreal in the early 1940s, you did not automatically believe that this was a just war ... we tended to think of this war as a settling of scores among the superpowers."This moral confusion of the father was surely passed down to the son, who advocates for loving differences without any moral judgment on those differences. For if a cultural heritage is anti-Semitic, anti-woman, anti-gay, anti-child, how do we celebrate cultural diversity in the aftermath of Auschwitz? Evil exists. The lesson of Auschwitz is that we must eradicate evil and recognize that some nations become evil and we should not want their people in our communities enhancing and sharing their cultural heritage and asserting group rights over the individual rights that should be the bedrock of our civilization.Trudeau was instrumental in bringing into Canada some 30,000 Syrian immigrants without adopting criteria for entry based on whether these immigrants were oppressors of non-Muslims or otherwise undesirable. But our Prime Minister cant seem to understand the contradiction in his policy of enhancing all cultures when not all cultures are good or liberal. Moreover, he is keen to admit into the country some cultures despite their cultural celebration of the murder of Jews, gays, Yazidis, Christians together with a culture of rape towards women who do not follow their dictates.Once you make unconditional diversity your goal, you can easily descend further down the ethical hole you are digging. In a recent press conference, Trudeau told the media that Canada, having been tolerant enough to admit many Muslim immigrants, including some 25,000 Syrians between November 2015 and February 2016 and another 10,00 in the rest of 2016, should now go beyond tolerance. Beyond tolerance sounds like submission and that really scares me; or perhaps he means active steps to test our tolerance by importing only the intolerant. I dont like that either.Trudeau, who never finished university, seems rather uneducated in the matter of ideology. Should we welcome evil ideologies as part of our inclusive diversity? Do we still believe that some things are good and some are evil? Do we think that a nice Canadian welcome, together with conduct and words not just tolerant, but beyond tolerant, will turn intolerant jihadists into tolerant Canadians? What about their children who may not feel at home in either culture?The problems we are facing are legion. Recently, a report was issued on the extremist literature found in Canadian mosques. In The Lovers of Death? Islamist Extremism in our Mosques, Schools and Libraries, a former RCMP security analyst and an Egyptian-born expert on Muslim extremism concluded: It is not the presence of extremist literature in the mosque libraries that is worrisome, the new report contends. The problem is that there was nothing but extremist literature in the mosque libraries.If our Prime Minister thinks the solution to jihadist pro-Sharia law extremism and terrorism is to be more and more inclusive and beyond tolerant, we may have a problem.For the definitive liberal critique of multiculturalism, see Salim Mansurs Delectable Lie: a liberal repudiation of multiculturalism. For the definitive study of reclaiming Western values from relativists like Trudeau see Diane Weber Bedermans Back to the Ethic: Reclaiming Western Values.After Auschwitz -- where my father was slave labor and his parents and then 8-year-old sister were murdered in the gas chambers -- multiculturalism and moral relativism are obscene. Moral values in domestic and international matters must reflect our traditional Judeo-Christian ethics of the Bible. Inclusive diversity and beyond tolerant are weak substitutes. Marco Rubio in hearing what Trudeau said about Castros passing, stated that it was shameful and embarrassing. According to my values, I agree with Marco. But how long will I, a pro-Israel Jew whose values come from our Bible, continue to be able to live in Justin Trudeaus multicultural, inclusive of diversity and beyond tolerant Canada?
Meleny Heather Wallace, 49, of Piney Point, MD died Saturday, November 26, 2016. She was born December 13, 1966 in Eureka, CA to the late George Joseph O'Rourke and Deanna Dawn Riley of Billings, MT.



On April 11, 1990 Heather married her beloved husband, Troy Robert Wallace in Kalispell, MT. They spent the first 12 years of marriage travelling from one duty station to the next as a United States Marine Corps family. Heather's patriotism made her the perfect military spouse. Consequently, her loyalty and support to her husband's assignments were key in allowing him to successfully complete his career as a Marine.



On February 7, 1996, Heather gave birth to their beautiful daughter, Faith Riley, who is a junior at St. Mary's College. Heather and Faith enjoyed spending time together doing almost anything that involved conversation and shopping. They grew to be best friends. She celebrated 25 wonderful years of marriage with Troy during the summer of 2015.



They took their dream vacation to Alaska on a Christian cruise with InTouch Ministries and enjoyed the solitude of Alaska as they toured the country side. Heather and Troy were best friends, and their dedication to one another was evident anytime they were together. They enjoyed camping, coffee dates in the early morning hours, talking, shopping, and all things being together.



Heather's faith in God and her commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ was an everyday part of her life. Her faith was boundless, and she knew that one day she would be in a wonderful place sharing life with her heavenly Father. And so life for Heather continues in a place with no worries or sickness, and her family embraces and holds this truth close to their hearts.



Though she was taken quickly, she suffered little, which is a blessing from God. Her family will go on as Heather would have so encouraged them to do, but we will never be the same because sharing in her life was the very essence of our existence. She will never be forgotten. Her life is a testament of love, loyalty, happiness and making the most of every day.



In addition to her mother and loving husband, Troy, Heather is also survived by her daughter, Faith Riley Wallace of Piney Point, MD; brother, Derek Rookhuizen of Paris, France; in-laws, Oren and Jackie Wallace, Pembroke Pines, FL; and many extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father.



A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at Faith Bible Church, 26325 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Heather's wish was to have memorial contributions to Angel Tree Foundation, a program of prison fellowship. Donations may be made at www.angeltree.org/donate. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
These are the remarks from Howard L. Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida to the PFLAG Annual Luncheon in Naples, Florida on Nov. 13.

PFLAG is formerly known as Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

This is not the speech I expected to give; this is not the speech I wanted to give.

No doubt like many of you, I went from shock to grief to fear -- for our country and for the civil rights and civil liberties values that we cherish.

It was difficult to meet with our staff the day after the election to plan how we would use our resources to respond to the difficult times that are surely coming. We were all stunned. So much of what happened in this election felt like a repudiation of everything we have worked for and achieved over many years.

But we cannot afford to be immobilized. The stakes are too high and too many people are counting on us.

My analysis of what happened and why has no more validity than yours, but I do want to offer a few comments and especially a few notes of caution - mostly I want to warn that there is no single explanation.

Yes, it is true that the inept and unprincipled meddling of the FBI had some effect on the outcome. Yes it is true that black voters came out and voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton but  shockingly? -- in smaller numbers than for President Obama. And yes, 30 years of continuous assault on Hillary Clinton including often irrational personal hostility also had its effect.

But it has to be said that much of the campaign run by now President-elect Trump involved disgusting racial, ethnic and religious scapegoating --

This was so reminiscent of the movie The American President in which President Andrew Shepherd/Michael Douglas accuses his opponent of running a campaign based entirely on telling people what to fear and who to blame.

to those who fear the rapid pace of cultural change and see this as an assault on their cultural and religious values (involving issues as abortion and LGBT equality), Trump promised to change Supreme Court and reverse or at least halt that change.

he told people that their security was threatened by the Muslims who are our neighbors. That Muslims are terrorists and we should be afraid. He went to Minneapolis to tell people that they should be concerned about that security because of the Somali refugees in their community. And he told the nation that we are threatened by the presence of the Syrian refugees who have been admitted to this country -- fleeing the violence and chaos of their own country.

he, and especially his surrogate Rudy Giuliani, told people that the safety of the cities was threatened by the Black Lives Matter movement because it has decreased respect for the police -- leaving police afraid to do their jobs and vulnerable to assault.

and he told the nation, and especially those in the Rust Belt towns and small cities of the Upper Midwest, that they have faced hard economic times and underemployment not because of a changing global economy, not by increasing mechanization and robotics in the work place and robotics, but because illegal immigrants are taking away their jobs.

It would be a mistake to come away from this election believing that everyone who voted for Trump was expressing racial resentment. He may have misled those who have been suffering the effects of rapid economic change and the insecurity that it produces, but he was addressing their needs.

These are the people who as Robert Reich notes, did not share in the growth of our economy since the Great Recession they received few of its benefits while suffering most of its burdens in the form of lost jobs and lower wages.

They voted for Trump in spite of his racism and misogyny, not because of it.

Nevertheless, Presidential elections have consequences -- and President-elect Trump made five explicit campaign promises which if he tries to implement will throw the country into a severe constitutional crisis. He said he would:

amass a force to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants

ban the entry of Muslims into the country and institute an aggressive surveillance program targeting them

restrict womens right to abortion services

reauthorize waterboarding and other forms of torture

change our nations libel laws to go after critics in the media and, more generally, restrict freedom of expression

Make no mistake about it we are in for some very tough times.

Certainly one chief target, maybe the chief target, undoubtedly will be the LGBT community. I say this in large part because of the prominence and influence that now Vice president-elect Mike Pence will have in the Administration and the debt owed by the new Trump Administration to the religious right which voted for Trump in greater percentage than both of the last two Republican nominees.

We will need to fight the impact of reversal of executive orders and Administrative agency guidelines that have protected the LGBT community from discrimination:

 Guidance from the Departments of Justice and Education addressing transgender children in the public schools, and

 Bans on anti-lgbt discrimination by federal contractors,

In addition, Congress and the military could reinstate don't-ask-don't-tell

Beyond actions by the Executive, we are likely to see a halt to the progress we and our allies have made in other areas of life to secure full equality for the LGBT community:

Efforts to provide civil rights protection by barring discrimination in employment undoubtedly will be very difficult, and probably just come to a halt

And we may even see funding in the federal budget for a particular passion of the Vice-President-Elect, conversion therapy.

It is not clear that even with more appointments to the Supreme Court marriage equality can be undone -- but it might be undone in practical terms by the coming battle to dress up anti-gay bigotry as religious liberty... the right to discriminate in the name of religion, in the form of a Religious Freedom Restoration Act, such as the one that Gov. Pence signed for the state of Indiana.

Even if the Trump administration and a hostile Congress cannot reverse the gains we have achieved for LGBT equality, they will seek to make LGBT marriage a second class thing by these so-called religious freedom laws that will provide a legal basis for discrimination against gays and lesbians and LGBT relationships as long as the business owner invokes a religious motivation.

This is what now reelected Senator Rubio has been talking about and it will probably be the first major battle that we all have to face.

We can win this battle as we did in Indiana and Arkansas when they attempted to do this in the last two years if we can win the public relations and organizing battle within the business community and convince people that:

There has not been sufficient an appreciation of the unintended consequences.

Laws cant provide an exemption only for those with religious objections to gays and lesbians:

There will be an exemption from laws based on any expression of religious conscience generally

Then we will face the chaotic problem of a society in which people pick and choose which laws they will obey

Laws that grant broad exemption from legal obligations based on sincerely held religious and moral beliefs also have dangerous consequences for public safety and health  as well as license to discriminate generally.

In some respects this is a rerun of the battle in 1964 public accommodations provisions of the Civil Rights Act; there are broader social responsibilities of those who open a business to serve the public;

But at bottom, we need to convince the public that religion cannot be used to discriminate and that these laws are mainly an effort to write religious bigotry against gays and lesbians into our laws.

As I said earlier we cannot afford to be immobilized -- the stakes are too high.

We must get up, dust ourselves off, get ourselves organized, figure out how to talk to people and organize people who are not always in agreement with us, gather up the needed increased resources essential for the bigger fight coming.

There is a gubernatorial election in two years and either the outgoing Governor or the next Governor will make two appointments to the Florida Supreme Court which has been the principal protector of freedom in Florida.

Beyond that, we have a Florida idiosyncratic Constitutional Revision Commission that will be appointed in the next few months and will be charged with placing amendments to the state constitution directly on the November ballot.

The CRC is an opportunity for significant mischief that could change the fundamental principles in our state constitution that have served to protect the freedom of Floridians for decades.

For example, the Commission could ask the people of Florida to change our constitutional principles that have  in some cases for a century and a half  protected the right to privacy, (which protects womens access to reproductive health care), separation of church and state and voting rights.

The coming threats that are likely from the incoming Trump Administration and the need to protect the Florida Constitution mean that we will need to work together more closely than ever before.

We will need your help, and honestly we will need your dollars to do this work.

But I know that as hard as the road ahead looks now, I also know that if we work together we can prevail.

This nation has faced difficult times for civil liberties and human rights in the past 

from the decades of Jim Crow that were brutally enforced by state officials and state and local police,

to Palmer Raids in the 1920s and the attack, round-up and deportation of immigrants during that period,

to the internment of 120,000 mostly American citizens of Japanese origin during the 1940s,

to the McCarthy hysteria of the late forties and 1950s,

to the FBIs assault on the Civil Rights Movement and the freedom to dissent during the 1960s,

to the Nixon assault on civil liberties

to the tragedy of 9-11and the inept anti-terrorism policies of the Bush Administration, including the USA Patriot Act.

Our country faced these crises; the outlook was bleak  but we marshalled our resources, built coalitions, filed lawsuits, organized and organized some more  and we emerged stronger than before, and constitutional values ultimately prevailed.

We should draw inspiration from those who came before us in this continuous fight for human rights and the powers that were aligned against them  sometimes in the face of public hostility and bigotry, but sometimes in the face of a violent reaction to their courage.

Fred Korematsu

Rosa Parks

The college students who went to the deep South of Mississippi in the Summer of 1963 to break the resistance to voter registration by Black citizens

Linda Brown

Mildred and Richard Loving

Norma McCorvey

Edie Windsor

And also some of our Florida heroes: Martin Gill and Arlene Goldberg

We cannot be immobilized; we need to dust ourselves off and get back to the fight.

Speaking for the ACLU, we have a 100-year track record of effective non-partisan human rights advocacy and we have a rich capacity and nationwide infrastructure.

We will take on the serious challenges that are ahead  as we have in the past and as we will with regard to challenges to human rights presented by future Presidents.

We've prevailed in crisis before and we will together again.
Chris Knapp knew his days were numbered and he made the most of them.

He put up a big fight, said Jery Solano, who worked with Knapp at the Village Pub in Wilton Manors. He wasnt going to give up, but unfortunately the cancer took over.

Knapp, a popular bartender in Wilton Manors, died Saturday, Nov. 27 from complications of throat cancer, said family members. He was 49.

Knapp was remembered by colleagues up and down Wilton Drive as a guy who played the hand he was dealt and never complained.

He lived life on his own terms, said Michael Driscoll, a bartender at Tropics and a close friend of Knapps. He was a tough motherfucker. He got a lot out of a little time.

As Driscoll served spirits to his regulars during happy hour Wednesday at Tropics, he recalled good times spent with Knapp. The two were roommates for four years.

We would go out to the Hard Rock and gamble once a week, Driscoll said. He liked to party, but he knew when to cash out. He was the one who had to make me leave.

At Village Pub, Knapp was always quick to lend a helping hand, said co-owner Mark Byard.

He was always willing to do something for others, Byard said. Whether it was bringing food for our Thanksgiving buffet or baking a cake for AIDS Walk, Chris always gave back to the community.

In October, Knapp told his co-workers he would no longer be able to tend bar as the cancer in his throat began to metastasize. He spent much of his remaining months with Kenneth White, a close friend.

He didnt die alone, White said.

We lived together for 10 and half years  not as lovers but as very close friends, White added. When I first met Chris I was very attracted to him, but he just wanted to be friends. He had a great personality and was very popular.

Although 30 years his junior, Knapp, White said was very much a loyal companion.

He was very good to me, White said. He bought me a recliner and took me to Ruths Chris Steakhouse for my birthday.

Knapp was born in Vietnam and adopted at the age of seven by Connie and Dan Knapp of Sidney, New York. He is survived by his stepmother Patti, three brothers, two sisters and nieces and nephews. White said the family intends to charter a boat and spread his ashes at sea.

A Celebration of Life party is scheduled for Dec. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Village Pub.
I think that everything that a writer writes has some basis in a form of autobiography. Were all trying to tell our own stories at some level, said playwright and actor James Lecesne.

But, in the case of The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, the story was inspired by the thousands of young people Lecesne has met since co-founding the Trevor Project, the 24-hour nationwide suicide prevention and crisis intervention lifeline for LGBTQ youth.

Over those years, I had the opportunity to meet so many young people who are trying to figure out who they are, he said.

His hit Off Broadway one-man show is coming to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. In the show, based on a 2006 novel, Lecesne plays the townspeople in a Jersey Shore hamlet who react to the disappearance of a flamboyant teen, Leonard Pelkey.

People in that town warn him to tone it down, but when he disappears, they realize what a gift he was to the town and the lives of the people he knew, explained Lecesne.

In addition to a critically-acclaimed run in New York City, Lecesne recently performed before a high school group of more than 400 students and, as usual, someone always asks if this is based on a true story. For me as a storyteller, that is the greatest compliment you can get.

While the play was written after nationwide attention was already focused on anti-LGBTQ bullying, Lecesne was reminded of his own feelings as a young gay boy growing up in New Jersey.

The book was a little ahead of its time and geared towards young adults, but (with the play) I wanted to tell the story from a different point of view to adults and encourage them to reflect on our part of the story, what we do and how to support these young people. This isnt really just about LGBT kids, but every kid who is trying to figure out who they are, he added.

Lecesne has a long theater resume including roles in regional, Off Broadway and Broadway productions, so adapting the novel wasnt the most difficult part.

Writing the book was a step outside of my comfort zone, as opposed to performing, he said of the novel, which won the William Morris Award by the American Library Association and was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award.

Tony-winning composer Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening) contributed original music. Veteran producers Darren Bagert and Daryl Roth and director Tony Speciale also signed onto the project.

The tour performances are timely, Lecesne noted, especially after the election of president-elect Donald Trump and the ascendance of conservative Republicans in all three branches of federal government.

Many of these young people grew up in a world where they were given permission to be themselves in the mix and marriage equality showed their love is of equal value, he said. Since the election, the Trevor Project has never been busier. Calls have skyrocketed. These young people are calling with real concerns.

While the youth are not so much concerned with the politics of their situation, they are fearful that tolerance of others may wane in the new political climate.

I know firsthand how alarming this is for them. One of the things we can do is show the value of having diversity in the community and allow everybody the freedom to be more expressive and involved. Of course, Im concerned for these young people who have their whole futures ahead, Lecesne said.

And then he added, Did I mention that the play is funny?

James Lecesne performs The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2  4 and at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Tickets start at $32 at Kravis.org.
2015 TC25 NASA

Astronomers have obtained observations of the smallest asteroid ever characterized in detail.

At 2 meters (6 feet) in diameter, the tiny space rock is small enough to be straddled by a person in a hypothetical space-themed sequel to the iconic bomb-riding scene in the movie Dr. Strangelove.

Interestingly, the asteroid, named 2015 TC25, is also one of the brightest near-Earth asteroids ever discovered. Using data from four different telescopes, a team of astronomers led by Vishnu Reddy, an assistant professor at the University of Arizonas Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, reports that 2015 TC25 reflects about 60 percent of the sunlight that falls on it.

Discovered by the UAs Catalina Sky Survey last October, 2015 TC25 was studied extensively by Earth-based telescopes during a close flyby that saw the micro world sailing past Earth at 128,000 kilometers, a mere third of the distance to the moon.

In a paper published in The Astronomical Journal, Reddy argues that new observations from the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility and Arecibo Planetary Radar show that the surface of 2015 TC25 is similar to a rare type of highly reflective meteorite called an aubrite. Aubrites consist of very bright minerals, mostly silicates, that formed in an oxygen-free, basaltic environment at very high temperatures. Only one out of every 1,000 meteorites that fall on Earth belong to this class.

This is the first time we have optical, infrared and radar data on such a small asteroid, which is essentially a meteoroid, Reddy said. You can think of it as a meteorite floating in space that hasnt hit the atmosphere and made it to the ground  yet.

Small near-Earth asteroids such as 2015 TC25 are in the same size range as meteorites that fall on Earth. Astronomers discover them frequently, but not very much is known about them as they are difficult to characterize. By studying such objects in more detail, astronomers hope to better understand the parent bodies from which these meteorites originate.

Asteroids are remaining fragments from the formation of the solar system that mostly orbit the sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter today. Near-Earth asteroids are a subset that cross Earths path. So far, more than 15,000 near-Earth asteroids have been discovered.

Scientists are interested in meteoroids because they are the precursors to meteorites impacting Earth, Reddy said.

If we can discover and characterize asteroids and meteoroids this small, then we can understand the population of objects from which they originate: large asteroids, which have a much smaller likelihood of impacting Earth, he said. In the case of 2015 TC25, the likelihood of impacting Earth is fairly small.

The discovery also is the first evidence for an asteroid lacking the typical dust blanket  called regolith  of most larger asteroids. Instead, 2015 TC25 consists essentially of bare rock. The team also discovered that it is one of the fastest-spinning near-Earth asteroids ever observed, completing a rotation every two minutes.

Probably, 2015 TC25 is what planetary scientists call monolithic, meaning it is more similar to a solid rock type of object than a rubble pile type of object like many large asteroids, which often consist of many types of rocks held together by gravity and friction. Bennu, the object of the UA-led OSIRIS-REx sample return mission, is believed to be the latter type.

As far as the little asteroids origin is concerned, Reddy believes it probably was chipped off by another impacting rock from its parent, 44 Nysa, a main-belt asteroid large enough to cover most of Los Angeles.

Being able to observe small asteroids like this one is like looking at samples in space before they hit the atmosphere and make it to the ground, Reddy say. It also gives us a first look at their surfaces in pristine condition before they fall through the atmosphere.

The telescope consortium used in this project includes University of Hawaii/NASA IRTF, USRA/Arecibo Planetary Radar, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology/Magdalena Ridge Observatory, Northern Arizona University and Lowell Observatory/Discovery Channel Telescope. Reddys research on 2015 TC25 is funded by NASAs Near-Earth Object Observations program.

Research paper:

Physical Characterization of ~2-Meter Diameter Near-Earth Asteroid 2015 TC25: A Possible Boulder from E-type Asteroid (44) Nysa by Vishnu Reddy et al, 2016, The Astronomical Journal http://aj.aas.org. The paper is online at http://tinyurl.com/hhgrlm3
Wed, 26.10.22 - 12:09

Another blast of heat at the end of the month is likely to break the record in Spain With only a few days left in...
Assembly Coffee is a small batch, specialty coffee roaster and a sister brand to Volcano Coffee Works, based in London. The company started roasting 18 months ago after officially launching the business at the London Coffee Festival 2015. Earlier this November, they established a new home in Brixton, south London, and celebrated with a big party for the London coffee industry.

A few days before the opening I went to Brixton for a tour of the site and a chat with Michael Cleland, responsible for marketing and development, and Nick Mabey, head of quality and certified Q grader. Sitting around a rotating cupping table in Assemblys sensory lab we discussed how Assembly was born and what goals they set up to achieve.

The main goal for any roaster is to consistently offer great coffee that is aligned with the needs and tastes of the industry. There are no compromises on coffee at Assembly: this is the core of our work at the roastery, says Mabey. Our coffee has to be as good as anybody elses.

Director of coffee Joe McElhinney and roaster Katelyn Thompson roast over 500 kilograms of coffee weekly on Giesen machines (including a brand new Giesen WPG1). Assembly currently ships coffee to 75 cafes across the UK, Europe, and rest of the world. Outside London, a few of the cafes they work with include in the Ten Belles in Paris, Lowdown Coffee in Edinburgh, and Bloom Specialty Coffee in Bucharest. Their coffee has been served as far away as Taiwans All Day Roasting Company, and upcoming plans call for collaborations with the likes of Flight Coffee (Wellington), Proud Mary (Melbourne), and Grace & Taylor (Sydney).

The new roastery is huge, housed in a former 19th century fire station. At the front there are two small rooms dedicated to public events, coffee research, product development, and quality control. Future plans include hosting open cupping selections once a month, barista trainings, events, and exhibitions. The middle room is where the roasting takes place, while the back area is used for packaging, dispatching, and administrative work.

One of the reasons behind Assemblys move to Brixton was to create a welcoming and accessible space in a central location, easy to reach and open to all their wholesale customers. Assembly is driven by progression and community, explains Cleland. Our philosophy is to change our customers perception on coffee. We want to move coffee forward, says Cleland.

The new roastery is an open door to the coffee industry; a space where roasters and buyers can develop a relationship that goes beyond the sale transaction.

A roastery and a cafe have the same objectives and the ultimate goal is to have more customers go into independent cafes. They also have the same obstacles, Cleland explains. Part of his job is to analyze how independent cafes work, understand their needs, identify problems straight away, and help cafe owners find the solutions. He also runs reports and collects insider information that is shared with the wholesale customers directly or via the Assembly blog.

Being able to offer advice and support to independent cafes is at the core of Assemblys work and what they hope, with time, will set them apart from the competitionand this being London, theres no shortage of it.

Giulia Mule (@mulia) is a Sprudge.com contributor based in London. Read more Giulia Mule on Sprudge.
A horse enthusiast and inventor has seen 20 years of his experience and research in the equine industry culminate with the first clippable running shoes for horses.

According to a release from the company, Megasus Horserunners have been developed by Austrian inventors Louisa and Charly Forstner. The runners offer non-permanent, flexible hoof protection, and the items can be taken on and off similar to running shoes.

A prototype of the runners was tested successfully, which led to the company to seek to raise some money for production. Megasus kicked off a crowdfunding campaign in October with the goal being 100,000. A total of 169,136 was raised, thus the first of the runners are expected to be shipped next summer.

Instead of using nails, the runners clip onto the hooves via Velcro tape. The tape remains on the hoof for approximately three weeks and is protected with special foil when the runners are taken off.

The company states that the runners are easy to put on, weigh less than half a pound, can be adjusted individually, and offer protection without permanence. The company has also stated that the runners will stay put in all kinds of terrain, including mud and water, plus it allows the hoof to be flexible.

The runners have also been designed to protect the sole from bruising, cracking and other injuries by offering shock absorption.

(With files from Megasus Horserunners)
Post Time with Mike and Mike presented by BetAmerica has announced the guests on Thursday's show, which begins at 7 p.m.

The shows's co-hosts will talk to Doug McNair, who won the Hap Hanson Progress Pace this week at Dover Downs. In his young career, McNair has really made an impact on the sport, specifically in Canada.

Mike Bozich sat down with the nominees of the 2016 Ted Barcus Race Fan of the Year award. The show will highlight those interviews discussing how the nominees got into the sport and some of their background.

Jessica Otten will join the show's co-hosts to discuss the 2016 Inter Dominion going on in Australia. The trio will recap the first six heats of the event and talk about the draw of heats seven through nine coming up this week.

Post Time with Mike and Mike's on-going series with Pompano Park will continue this week as track announcer Gabe Prewitt will join the show to talk about the happenings in South Florida.

For more information or to listen to the show, visit posttimewithmikeandmike.com or visit the archive at betamerica.com/barn.

(With files from Post Time with Mike and Mike)
Contact: Liberty Counsel, 800-671-1776, Media@LC.org, Press Kit



HARRISBURG, Penn., Dec. 1, 2016 /Standard Newswire/ -- Liberty Counsel filed the opening brief in the lawsuit against the city of Harrisburg because its ordinance created unconstitutional buffer zones on public sidewalks and public property 20 feet away from abortion clinic entrances, exits, and driveways. In practice, this ordinance pushes sidewalk counselors sometimes 50 to more than 70 feet away and completely prohibits freedom of speech. The U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned similar buffer zones in McCullen v. Coakley, the unanimous decision which establishes a strong precedent in favor of this lawsuit.

Liberty Counsel represents Becky Biter and Colleen Reilly, who have regularly engaged in peaceful sidewalk counseling on the public sidewalks outside the Planned Parenthood clinic and the Hillcrest abortion facility. Since the passage of the ordinance, they have been harassed and intimated by clinic staff and the local police.

The Harrisburg City Council did not list any specific incidents that led to the passage of the ordinance. While pretending to be neutral, this ordinance discriminates based on the speaker's viewpoint. It allows pro-abortion clinic employees and agents to speak within the buffer zones but bans all pro-life speech. In addition, the city did not first seek any solutions that would cause less than complete censorship of the free speech of pro-life sidewalk counselors.

Liberty Counsel's brief states that "the ordinance has completely abolished free speech in traditional public fora used for the expression of ideas, debate, and protestspecifically, public sidewalks and streets adjacent to health care facilities, including abortion clinics, throughout the City of Harrisburg."

"This city's blatant discrimination against these sidewalk counselors is unconstitutional," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "The city cannot prohibit them since sidewalks and parks have always been viewed as a place where we respect the marketplace of ideas. It is a dangerous position for a city to prohibit this pro-life viewpoint."

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.
Wisdom of the Crowd: 55 % of respondents said that the Trust Bak set up by Fairprice will not be profitable as there are already too many d...
It's Election season and our editor's mailbox is overflowing. Who do your neighbors support? Read about it here.
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.

A draft federal study on the proposed Longview coal dock is so inadequate in the eyes of another federal agency that its recommending the study be thoroughly revised and resubmitted for public comment.

If followed, the recommendation could further set back the project, which already has been under permitting scrutiny for more than four years.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency submitted a letter Tuesday criticizing the 3,000-page federal draft environmental impact statement on the coal project. The EPA found the study, conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, had too narrow of a scope that failed to address several project impacts, such as those on air quality, vehicle transportation, noise, rail traffic, climate change, water quality, aquatic resources and tribal resources.

More than 3,300 comments on the study were submitted during a comment period that ended Tuesday, according to the Corps. Originally, the Corps had planned to release a final environmental study on the project sometime in mid-2017. (A separate environmental impact statement is being conducted by the state Department of Ecology and Cowlitz County.)

However, the EPA suggested that given the magnitude of the additional information necessary, the Corps should issue a new draft study and have an additional public comment period before issuing a final version.

Because the Corps analysis of effects is much too limited, the Corps DEIS does not adequately assess the potentially significant environmental impacts of the proposal, the EPA wrote in its letter.

Although the Corps may not be required to follow the EPAs recommendations, the EPAs analysis could hold important sway in courts if opponents challenge any potential permitting decisions on the project based on the Corps study.

In its letter, the EPA noted that courts tend to see the agency as experts in the National Environmental Policy Act. It also wrote that courts are more likely to find the Corps acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner if it does not fully consider the effects of a project.

Millennium Bulk Terminals wants to build a coal dock on 190 acres of the former Reynolds Metals Co. aluminum plant site. It would export 44 million metric tons of Rocky Mountain region coal annually, shipping it to Asia aboard about 840 vessels annually. Millennium estimates the terminal would support about 1,300 construction jobs; employ about 135 workers with an annual payroll of $16 million; and would generate about $150 million in taxes over 30 years.

The project has been controversial from the start, and the permitting process now has stretched out more than four years. Nevertheless, Millennium officials Wednesday downplayed EPAs comments as just another step in the process.

Its typical for the EPA to comment on projects of our scope. This is one federal agency commenting on the work of a sister federal agency, said Bill Chapman, Millennium Bulk Terminals CEO. We expect The Army Corps of Engineers will weigh that comment and the many supporting our project and complete the final environmental impact statement in a timely manner.

The EPA was less critical of the states environmental impact statement on the coal dock and even recommended the Corps adopt or incorporate some of the states analysis into its study.

The EPA suggested the Corps. analysis was flawed because it:

Only evaluated air pollution impacts at the project site itself and not outside the terminal area

Only looked at severe noise impacts near the terminal, but not along the entire train route from Wyoming and Montana to Longview

Did not incorporate the states analysis on rail safety and congestion

Did not evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions from the project (the state EIS did)

Had too narrow of scope when evaluating the impacts to tribal fishing.

Opponents of the coal project, who widely criticized the federal document, said the Corps shouldnt take the letter lightly.

The Army Corps flat-out ignored recommendations from Tribes, cities, environmental groups  with what would be the largest coal export terminal in North America, Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, said in a written statement. This should serve as a wake-up call to the Corps.

But Millennium noted that the Corps received thousands of positive comments, too.

Our project  which will deliver family wage jobs to the Longview community, contribute millions in taxes and meet our states strict environmental standards  received thousands of letters of support. Those letters of support came from our local neighbors, union members, state lawmakers and a majority of the Longview City Council, Chapman said.
Quest Academy, a program that provides an alternative learning and therapeutic learning environment for special education students, opens today.

The center has a capacity for about 40 K-12 students and will have about 20 staff members, according to Sara Paul, the academys director. Most of the staff have therapeutic backgrounds that include social work, juvenile justice and experience working in group homes as well as from education.

Located at 1946 Eighth Avenue in Longview, the Academy is located on land that used to support a roller rink and later a gym. Its opening is a response to calls for more localized academic opportunity for Cowlitz County special education students.

Prior to Quest Academys opening, students that needed access to special services were bused as far as Portland and Vancouver. Quest is made possible through a partnership and with all the other public school districts in the county, which are joining Educational Service District 112 in financing the new school.

Quest Academys environment emphasizes the development of academic and social skills, behavioral controls and improving self-esteem through Individual Education Plans for each student.

The academy will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and will follow the Longview Public Schools academic calendar for simplicity, Paul said.

The goal is always for the student to fully reintegrate to their school, Paul said. Quest Academy is not a traditional comprehensive school, instead providing therapeutic support that will last 15 months on average.

Thats about the time frame that we see students emerge with new skills (and) new self confidence, Paul said.
A 3-year-old Oregon girl who was struck by a falling tree limb at a Beacon Hill area home Nov. 22 has died, according to Oregon medical officials.

Emily Scarbrough died in a Portland hospital the following day from blunt force trauma to her head, according to the Multnomah County Medical Examiners office.

Emily was visiting her grandparents home along Talkeetna Heights Road and was struck by a limb that was being pruned there. The accident occurred at about 10:40 a.m., according to the Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office.

Emilys parents attempted to take her in a private vehicle to St. John Medical Center, but on the way she had difficulty breathing. Dispatchers arranged for an ambulance to meet her and her parents in West Kelso. From there she was taken to St. John. She was later taken by Life Flight to a Portland hospital, according to the sheriffs office.

Emilys family declined to comment.

A family friend has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for medical and funeral costs. The page can be found at: bit.ly/2gmjEGa.
Longview utility crews will flush city water mains in much of the lowland part of the city on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Flushing cleans silt and rust out of water mains, but it can cause brief periods of cloudy water in residences. Residents are encouraged not to use water during the flushing periods. Afterward, they should run water through the bathtub or outside hose spigot until the water runs clear.

Here is the schedule:

Area 1, Highlands and St. Helens neighborhoods bordered by Industrial Way, Oregon Way, Nichols Boulevard and Washington Way. From 7 to 11 p.m. Monday.

Area 2, Olympic Addition Neighborhood bordered by 33rd Avenue, Ocean Beach Highway, Nichols Boulevard and Washington Way. From 7 to 11 p.m. Monday.

Area 4, the Northlake and Old West Side and New West Side neighborhoods bordered by 15th Avenue, Ocean Beach Highway and Lake Sacajawea. From 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Area 3, Broadway Neighborhood, downtown, Triangle Mall and Tennant Way areas bordered by 15th Avenue, Ocean Beach Highway, the Cowlitz River and Baltimore Street and California Way. From 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesday.
In a bizarre event people of four families have been forced to live on trees due to the fear of elephants that have gone wild near Ranchi, Jharkhand.

As per the reports, several elephants in a herd have gone wild and have created chaos among villagers near Ranchi along people travelling along the Ranchi- Jamshedpur National Highway. Movement on the highway has been widely affected due to this.

Villagers are living in fear since then and have been forced to live on trees in order to protect themselves from the rampant elephants. As per the reports, some families living in Loharatola village in Bundu, around 45 km from Ranchi, have shifted on trees after elephants destroyed their houses.

Members of these families are terrified and they sleep on trees itself. During the daytime, we are involved in farming activities. The children collect small pieces of bricks for pelting at the elephants, said Janki Munda, head of a family which lives on trees.

Families in this village make their living from agriculture and have no other means to make living. The village also lacks the basic facilities. In morning, these villagers cultivate their land and they sleep on trees in the night due to the fear of rampant elephants.

If reports are to be believed then over elephants have killed over 1000 people in Jharkhand since 2000. According to Census, Jharkhand had 624 elephants in 2007 and the count increased to 688 in 2012.

We will immediately send a team of senior officials and all possible help will be extended to the families living on trees, Sukhdeo Singh, Jharkhand Forest and Environment Secretary, told IANS.

We are working on short- and long-term plans to minimise the conflict between humans and elephants, he added.
Since launching the chat bot for its Messenger, the social media giant Facebook is offering more than 34,000 of them built-in to automatically respond to users. Now the company is working on the development of bots on its free analytics platform that already serves ads and apps, it revealed earlier last week. Last year, the social media platform has also launched its automated assistance program for startups, FbStart to bot developers.

After getting requests from developers, Facebook has now expanded the analytics and FbStart. With the help of these tools, bot developers can monitor activities of the bots to improve the build, they will also get from Facebook as well.

While, the FbStart helps the users to grow their startups by leveraging valuable tools and services, worldwide events and opportunities to engage with the Facebook team.

Recently an end-to-end fashion re-commerce platform and Indian startup, CoutLoot is reportedly chosen by Facebook for its FbStart programme and received access to $40,000 worth of credits and services from the company. It was also revealed on Wednesday that Menlo Park-headquartered tech giants engineering teams will also provide mentoring to CoutLoot, under the programme.

FbStart programme will be an immense boost to us at this phase of our evolution. Receiving mentorship from the pioneer of social networking will bring a huge opportunity for us to lead the fashion re-commerce revolution in India within the next couple of years, said Jasmeet Thind, Co-founder, CoutLoot.

FbStart provides year-round support from Facebook product experts, an exclusive community of global startups, and up to $80,000 in free tools and services from premier partners.

CoutLoot will also get a chance to access to the exclusive community of Facebooks developers and worldwide events, which will offer an access to more than 25 services which includes open source tools like React Native, FB Login and Account Kit and App Analytics.

Apart from US, India is the largest market for FbStart as Facebook revealed that around 75 percent of top-grossing apps across the country has integrated with the programme.
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The recent theft of money from accounts at retailer Tesco's online banking arm caused the British authorities to enact contingency plans to allow lenders to share information after the attack, the Bank of England said on Wednesday.

The bank also said in its twice-yearly Financial Stability Report that the so-called CBEST framework for testing vulnerabilities to cyber attacks at financial firms will in future include regular spot checks by supervisors. Critical firms will also be subject to regular "cyber resilience testing" based on a common "threat" set by the financial regulators and the new National Cyber Security Centre.
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Indian National Congress's official Twitter account was hacked on Thursday morning, a day after the account of its Vice President Rahul Gandhi was hacked. Expletives and abusive tweets were posted on the handle. One of the tweets posted on the account said that a "full dump" of Congress emails will be posted.

"...Stay tuned for Christmas special. We have enough info to drop your party down to shreds," it said. "For every retard out there who thinks we have a political agenda - No, we don't," one of the tweets read.

"Corrupt political party trying to (expletives) around with innocent hackers, you think you're cool bro?" "Remember, we are legion, do not (expletives) with us!" it added.

On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi's official Twitter account was hacked and expletives and abuses posted on the handle. The abusive tweets were later deleted. The hackers also removed Rahul's profile picture and changed the account title from @OfficeOfRG to Retarded gandhi. The Congress said it smacked of "sinister conspiracy and reflected disturbing insecurities of prevalent fascist culture".

IANS
tech2 News Staff

Nandan Nilekani is in an expert panel constituted by Niti Aayog and the government to take the demonetisation exercise further, and give a push for electronic transactions across India. Nilekani has been supportive of the demonetisation move by the Modi government.

Nilekani is an electrical engineer who studied at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and went on to become one of the six co-founders of Indian Software giant Infosys. Nilekani gave up his position as Chairman at Infosys to become chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), after the then prime minister Manmohan Singh invited him to do so. Nilekani was a part the face of the UPA government's "Adhaar" program.

The panel has thirteen members, and will come up with an action plan to further increase the adoption of e-payments across the country, according to a report in Mumbai Mirror. The panel will create a road map for increased adoption of e-payment platforms, including mobile wallets, credit cards, debit cards, internet banking and United Payments Interface (UPI). The panel will also adapt global best practices for cashless economies for the Indian context, according to a report in Financial Express.

The panel has chief ministers from five states, political leaders, as well as experts from the industry, and lead by Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu.

The government picking Nilekani for the panel comes as a surprise. Nilekani had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections with a Congress ticket. The panel will work towards increasing awareness of e-transactions in the general public, and coming up with ways to publicise the advantages of going cashless.
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A last-ditch effort in the Senate to block or delay rule changes that would expand the U.S. government's hacking powers failed Wednesday, despite concerns the changes would jeopardize the privacy rights of innocent Americans and risk possible abuse by the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Democratic Senator Ron Wyden attempted three times to delay the changes, which will take effect on Thursday and allow U.S. judges will be able to issue search warrants that give the FBI the authority to remotely access computers in any jurisdiction, potentially even overseas. His efforts were blocked by Senator John Cornyn of Texas, the Senate's second-ranking Republican.

The changes will allow judges to issue warrants in cases when a suspect uses anonymizing technology to conceal the location of his or her computer or for an investigation into a network of hacked or infected computers, such as a botnet. Magistrate judges can currently only order searches within the jurisdiction of their court, which is typically limited to a few counties. In a speech from the Senate floor, Wyden said that the changes to Rule 41 of the federal rules of criminal procedure amounted to "one of the biggest mistakes in surveillance policy in years."

The government will have "unprecedented authority to hack into Americans' personal phones, computers and other devices," Wyden said. He added that such authority, which was approved by the Supreme Court in a private vote earlier this year, but was not subject to congressional approval, was especially troubling in the hands of an administration of President-elect Trump, a Republican who has "openly said he wants the power to hack his political opponents the same way Russia does."

Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware and Republican Senator Steve Daines of Montana also delivered speeches voicing opposition to the rule changes. The U.S. Justice Department has pushed for the changes to the federal rules of criminal procedure for years, arguing they are procedural in nature and the criminal code needed to be modernized for the digital age.

In an effort to address concerns, U.S. Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell wrote a blog post this week arguing that the benefits given to authorities from the rule changes outweighed any potential for "unintended harm." "The possibility of such harm must be balanced against the very real and ongoing harms perpetrated by criminals - such as hackers, who continue to harm the security and invade the privacy of Americans through an ongoing botnet, or pedophiles who openly and brazenly discuss their plans to sexually assault children," Caldwell wrote.

A handful of judges in recent months had dismissed evidence brought as part of a sweeping FBI child pornography sting, saying the search warrants used to hack suspects' computers exceeded their jurisdiction. The new rules are expected to make such searches generally valid. Blocking the changes would have required legislation to pass both houses of Congress, then be signed into law by the president.

Reuters
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Leading German politicians have called for IT and telecoms equipment makers to be held liable for cyber attacks, after a failed attempt to hijack consumer router devices caused widespread disruption for Deutsche Telekom customers.

Almost a million of Telekom's 20 million fixed-line users suffered internet outages on Sunday and Monday due to a botched attempt by unidentified hackers to commandeer customers' routers to disrupt internet traffic. Chancellor Angela Merkel warned cyber attacks were a growing part of every day life as more devices get connected to the internet.

The Telekom outage has heightened concern about insufficient safeguards. In an interview with newspaper Bild published on Wednesday, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere called for firms that manufacture IT equipment to be held to greater account. "Responsibility for digital security is borne by users, company managers, authorities, manufacturers, providers and service providers alike," he said.

"This involves a fair distribution of loads. This appears to me not always to be a given in the area of end products for the user. Customers, at any rate, need to be able to rely on the security of IT products on the market," he added. Thomas Oppermann, a senior lawmaker for the Social Democrats (SPD), Merkel's junior coalition partner, said Germany needed to introduce liability for IT products and increase the accountability of industry.

Susanne Dehmel, head of security and data protection at IT lobby group Bitkom, said making equipment makers liable would not stop criminal hackers. "The window manufacturer is not liable if an apartment is broken into or the bicycle lock maker for the theft of bicycles," she said, adding manufacturers had improved their products in recent years. "If they had to take responsibility for criminal cyber attacks, serious providers could no longer offer their products in the German market," she said.

Made in Germany

The German Office for Information Security (BSI) said the Telekom attack involved Mirai - malicious software designed to turn network devices, in this case internet routers, into remotely controlled "bots" that can be used to mount large-scale network attacks. It suspects a link to organised crime. Telekom resells routers from more than a dozen mostly Asian suppliers under the brand Speedport. It offered firmware updates on Monday to three models.

Thomas Jarzombek, spokesman for Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) on digital policy, called for Telekom to get rid of "cheap Chinese technology" and instead use routers made in Germany. "At the moment we are experiencing a loss of control, which must be stopped," he said.

Jarzombek also suggested imposing a guaranteed right to return products for 10 years, which would require manufacturers to update equipment with new software. Lars Klingbeil from the SPD said industry should be put under pressure to close security holes. Germany, home to world leading manufacturers, offers rich pickings for hackers, and attacks on industrial production sites are rising, according to the government's IT Security Report.

Merkel and Germany's intelligence chiefs have also warned of the risk of potential Russian interference in the run-up to next year's election via misleading media stories and cyber attacks.

Reuters
tech2 News Staff

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani made a few major announcements concerning Jio, today afternoon. The first announcement had to do with the Jio New Year Offer, which is basically Jio Welcome Offer extended to existing Jio users, as well as for users who activate their Jio SIMs after 4 December. The Jio New Year Offer is extended to 31 March 2017. The other major announcement was the launch of Jio Money Merchant Solutions.

Jio Money Merchant Solutions application will be available for download on 5 December. Customers can use their Jio Money wallets to make payments. These payments will happen through their bank accounts. Merchants can use the Jio Money Merchant Solutions to accept payments which will go directly to their bank accounts. The app also lets merchants make supplier payments, transfer money between their bank accounts and use digital petty cash. Over 10 million small merchant and retailers are expected to be signing up for the Merchant Solutions app across 17,000 towns and 4 lakh villages that Jio operates in.

Praising PM Modi's demonetisation of older currency, Ambani said, "Digitally enabling transactions will help to create a fair, just, transparent and a strong India and Indian economy, It will bring an unprecedented accountability at every level. Every Indian will have a digital ATM in their hands."

According to Ambani, enabling digital payments has laid the groundwork for low value and high volume credit. This should help farmers, small shopkeepers, traders and daily wage earners said Ambani.

Jio Money provides users a digital wallet that can be connected to their bank accounts. Thus enabling you to convert physical cash into digital cash and vice versa. Jio Money will be expanding its reach to millions of touch points where Aadhar cards based microATMs will be deployed.

Speaking about the importance of small merchants with regards to economy Ambani said, "To fuel their transactions, Jio is working to empower Indian merchants by building a digital retail ecosystem which we are calling Jio Money Merchant Solutions."

This solution will enable digital transactions of all types irrespective of locations. Ambani mentioned this solution working in vegetable markets, small shops, restaurants, railway ticket counters, bus and mass transit and even person to person money transfer.

Disclaimer: Reliance Jio is owned by Reliance Industries, who also owns Network18, the publisher of Firstpost and tech2.
tech2 News Staff

Nokia got the tech community excited after it was was known that the company CEO, Rajeev Suri would be giving a keynote at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC), which takes place early next year. While it isn't clear as to what the CEO will be presenting on stage, many have their hopes high that it would Nokia's comeback to the smartphones space with some new smartphones.

Soon enough we had rumours about a smartphone tagged as the D1C and now there's another leak, stating that Nokia is working on not one, but two smartphones.

Nokia Power User points out that Nokia is working on two models of the D1C. Both smartphones will differ when it comes to RAM size, display size and the camera.

The cheaper D1C smartphone will pack in a 5-inch Full HD display with 2GB RAM and a 13MP camera on the back. It will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 chipset and an Adreno 505 GPU and will run Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. The front facing camera is expected to be an 8MP unit.

The higher-priced D1C variant will pack in 3GB RAM and 5.5-inch Full HD display along with a 16MP camera at the back and an 8MP unit or selfies. Expect a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 chipset coupled with an Adreno 505 GPU. The handset will boot to Android 7.0 Nougat.

According to the source the news comes from reliable individuals who also claim that prototypes of both smartphones are undergoing testing.
French President Francois Hollande announced Thursday he will not be running for reelection, capping an overwhelming political collapse since being elected five years ago.



Hollande, a member of the Socialist Party, is the most unpopular president France has had since World War II. Even in 2013, just a year after taking power, his approval ratings dropped to below 30 percent. By 2016, public disapproval with his performance approached a staggering 90 percent. Hollande was weighed down by a stagnant economy and repeated Islamic terror attacks. Hollandes tenure was also marked by a 75 percent income tax on incomes over one million euros, which he was forced to repeal after just two years.



Foreseeing likely annihilation in next Aprils presidential election, Hollande announced in a televised address Thursday night he will be stepping down after a single term. In the address, Hollande said he was aware of the risks that his candidacy would not be able to rally much of the public behind it, and had consequently decided to drop out.

The presidential incumbent in France is so loathed by the public, he's decided to retire Another serious error his government made was demanding that Israeli products from Judea/Samaria be labeled , in complete contradiction of the rulings that anti-Israel boycotts constituted incitement. I can only figure he and his ilk are so full of despicable positions on Israel, they're willing to go out with a severe whimper on that topic as much as any other. It's like he/they want to be hated, and cause their country only so much embarrassment.Hollande won't be missed, and should be ostracized by the public in France for all the misery he contributed on his part.

Labels: dhimmitude, France, islam, jihad, Moonbattery, political corruption, racism, terrorism
No rally, processions on CoU entry exam days

Abdullah-Al-Musayeb, CoU :

The authorities of Comilla University (CoU) have banned all kinds of processions and rallies in the university campus and in front of the exam centres without prior permission from the administration during the admission tests on December 2, 3, said Md Ainul Haque, Proctor of the University.

Action will be taken against those who will breach the embargo, he added.

A 3-layers tight security measure in association with the Police and district administration, will be taken to avoid the breakout of any unexpected situation during the exams.

The decisions came out from an emergency security meeting.

All kinds of electronic devices including Mobile, Head-phone, watch, calculator, sunglass etc have been banned already to ensure transparency in the entry test.

If anyone tries to seek forgery, he will be handed over to the law enforcing agencies.

Moreover, candidates are asked to be present in the exam center at least half hour before starting the exams while no candidates will be allowed to enter the exam centre in a minute delay.
UK journalist Judah speaks at ULAB

Noted UK journalist Ben Judah speaks at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) on the topic of \"New World Disorder: A Talk on Geopolitics\" at ULAB\'s Campus B Seminar Room in the city recently.

Campus Report :

UK journalist Ben Judah spoke at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) on the topic of "New World Disorder: A Talk on Geopolitics" recently at ULAB's Campus B Seminar Room.

Judah is a British journalist and the author of This Is London and Fragile Empire. He was in Bangladesh as part of the Dhaka Lit Fest 2016, and has been traveling around the country getting to know its people and culture.

Judah spoke about the disintegration of liberalism in Western countries after of the great economic collapse in 2003, and the rise of right-wing politics in those societies. He discussed the anxieties of voters today, such as betrayal by banking scandals, the rise of the uber-rich, the stagnation of lower incomes, the growth of non-white immigration, and trends in automation and bank lending that point to the decline of the middle class. And now the rise of populist demagogues promising easy solutions to immensely complex problems.

Judah urged students to consider where in the region a person like US President-Elect Donald Trump has the most holdings (according to Judah, in India). He moreover projected that "soft strongmen" in various regions may now feel less pressure to obey the rules and may become "stronger."

Judah began his career in Russia as a reporter for Reuters in Moscow, travelling widely in Russia and the former Soviet Union. In 2010 he joined the European Council on Foreign Relations. His first book, Fragile Empire, was chosen as one of the Financial Times summer books of the year in 2013.

His second book, This Is London, published this year, has been praised widely and is considered an "epic account of contemporary London."

Judah is a regular columnist in The New York Times, the Financial Times and The Sunday Times, a regular guest on CNN, BBC NEWS and Channel 4 News, and is a contributing writer for Politico Europe. In 2016 he was shortlisted for Feature Writer Of The Year at the British Press Awards.
$31m deal inked with UNDP for CHT development

BSS, Dhaka :

The government on Thursday signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for a new development project, focusing on sustainable and inclusive development of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

The project was inked on the eve of the 19th anniversary of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, signed in 1997.

"Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to fully implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord", the UNDP said in a release.

The new project - Strengthening Inclusive Development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts - will be implemented in the next five years. This is a continuation of a very successful project "Promotion of Development and Confidence Building in the CHT" that has been implemented with significant results since 2003 in the three hill districts Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban.

"This new phase of development in the CHT addresses new and also the remaining development challenges in CHT. Its main focus will be inclusiveness of all communities in the area, and it will have a stronger impact on ecosystems, social development, and development of institutions," said Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Bangladesh Country Director.

As in the past, the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (MoCHTA) will be the executing agency of the project when it will also take the overall ownership and responsibility of it.

The project will be implemented within the framework of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Facility (CHTDF) programme. The CHTDF has been present in the CHT since 2003 as the first large scale development intervention in this remote and hard-to-reach area of the CHT.

"With this project we will address development and confidence building goals from the Peace Accord which is still to be fully achieved," said Md. Abdul Matin, Deputy Chief, MoCHTA.

The planned amount for the new project is $31.60 million of which about $14.6 million is being funded combindly by Denmark, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC Development Fund, USAID and UNDP. The government will arrange $5 million for its own source when the remaining $12 million will be sourced from some other development partners.
Robi's compliance workshop held

Economic Reporter :

Robi has recently organized an awareness building workshop on telecom regulation regarding biometric SIM registration and other telecom compliance related issues for the distributors, retailers of Satkhira. Robi employees from the region also took part in the session. The session was held at Satkhira Circuit House, said a press release.

Abul Kasem Mohammad Mohiuddin, Deputy Commissioner of Satkhira attended the session as a guest speaker. He highlighted the importance of compliance in living a balanced and fulfilling life. He particularly appreciated Robi's initiative on compliance awareness session and stressed on the need for arranging such sessions to ensure proper biometric SIM registration in order to address the criminal activities in our society.

The session was designed to shed light on the practical issues concerned in ensuring compliant business practices by the company's sales force on the ground. It is expected that through such capacity building workshops, Robi's compliant business practices will be further strengthened.

Rahim ur Rahman, Nahid Amin, Kaniz Fatama, Muhammad Manjurur Rahman and Mohammed Musha from Robi's Compliance Governance department were present on the occasion.
Bengal Classical Music Fest 2016

Sheikh Arif Bulbon :

For the fifth time in a row, the

much-aniticipated event for

enthusiasts of Indian classical music, the Bengal Classical Music was held from November 24 to 28 running

everyday from 7:00pm to 5:00am at the Army Stadium in Dhaka.

The five day festival was dedicated

to the recently-deceased ambidextrous litterateur Syed Shamsul Haq who has been closely associated with Bengal Foundation since it's inception. The

festival featured performances of major disciplines from Indian classical music and dance carried out by local

and Indian artiste.

Performers of this years festival were Aashish Khan, a sarod artiste from India who is the grandson of Ustad Allauddin Khan (born in Shibpur, Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh), son of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and nephew of Annapurna Devi. A Grammy nominee, Khan has performed extensively in both India and abroad alongside numerous distinguished artists which include John Barham, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton. Girija Devi is an iconic Indian classical vocalist of the Seniya and Banaras Gharana. Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia is an internationally renowned exponent of the bansuri. Pandit Shivkumar Sharma whose name, to many aficionados of classical music, is synonymous with the santoor. He is credited for bringing the instrument from the realm of Kashmiri folk music into that of the Indian classical platform, while facing resistance from the most conservative quarters.

Ajoy Chakrabarty, a vocalist from India, is considered a doyen of the Patiala-Kasur style because of his

extensive training who can also

portray the key features of other major classical gharanas. U Rajesh, a mandolin artist, is a Grammy nominee with John McLaughlin for his album Floating Point. Abhijit Banerjee, a tabla player from India, who founded Tarang and

a member of the raga jazz group, Arohi Ensemble. n
Three prerequisites for city father

Mahbubur Rahman :

It was a beaming Fall 2010 morning in Calgary - a city in western Canada which has consistently been among the top five most liveable cities in the world and the cleanest city in the world- a city that I had just adopted as my home. It was beaming not because of early sun as the city had one of the longest daylights in North America; it was beaming just out of a fresh mayoral election and having elected the first Muslim Mayor of a major western city who will later become the most popular as well. Though I was not a voter, yet, nevertheless I was elated because Mayor Nahid was in the same occupation as mine- a teacher at the local University.

I was waiting for a friend in the lobby of the office of SNC Lavalin, the company that had become infamous for the Padma Bridge graft, and stuck what they will call a conversation with the elderly porter. It was in fact him who initiated it by saying at last we have an educated father. I was lost; did he have more than one father, or his father just received a degree lately which wouldn't be unusual! But use of the word we perplexed me.

Clearly baffled, I politely asked what do you mean? And what I heard was more surprising. He said we had meat cutters and carpenters as Mayors before. Now we have a Professor!

It was surprising not because here was a Caucasian low-paid working class man full of praise for an Asian Immigrant (Mayor Nahid is an Ismailia who emigrated from Tanzania) who are otherwise expected to feel that these immigrants are taking away all their jobs! I was surprised with the use of the word father.

Later this thought of the Mayor being the city father came back to me when Mamnoon Chowdhury wrote a piece in DS arguing the case for an architect to be the Mayor of Dhaka. So what a father, a mayor and an architect have in common? What my father had, and what would in deed be common for all fathers? And what all these great mayors who were architects had? My father was a humble man; but he had this vision. Despite it put heavy toll on his pocket, he sent me to the best school, college and university Bangladesh had, to give me the best of education. And in fact all fathers have this vision - doing what is best for their children.

Now Mayor Annisul, what vision do you have for this city which has consistently been among the worst in the world in recent times? Well Mayor Nahid had few, and he has lived up to all his commitments. Perhaps you had some; though I was not in Dhaka during the election, you are a smart man, and I guess you displayed your vision to the citizen as election pledges. Few months ago you were in a publication ceremony of a book of mine (Dhaka Urban Reader), comparing the hugeness of everything in Dhaka with those in Calgary- population, scarcity of resources and even lack of power. And I found from newspaper reports that you often mentions lack of power, that you are only empowered to clean the garbage and sweep the streets of Dhaka! True, but that shouldnt deter you from having a vision for the city under your charge.

So what does the city need?

First of all, of course, a vision. How you want to see the city in 5 years, 20 years or 50 years time. This vision should be based on its potential, for example human and natural resources, resilience of the citizens, social cohesion, livelihood, culture, whatever; but you have to articulate that. For example it could be a sustainable city, a pedestrian city, a green city, a city based on water urbanism, or why not a smart city!

In 2007, I attended the first public presentation of DAP (Detail Area Plan) by the consultants at the RAJUK Bhaban. They started by saying they will convert Dhanmondi Road no 3 into commercial uses. I went there not only representing the architects of Bangladesh, but as a common citizen too, expecting to hear what the planners are planning for the future of the city, for us. Not something as mundane as allowing few more shops! And in fact aren't all our developments (?) commercially driven? The city planners had no vision, but only commercial motive!

Next would be a plan. It has become a cliche for every table talker to comment that we dont have a plan. Believe me we have PLANS. We had a plan in 1917 done by somebody who is recognised as the father of city planning! Though most of those plans are basically landuse zoning and transport network, how much of that have we implemented? Not even a quarter. Removing the large establishments like cantonment from within the city has been a popular talk, which however could not bring a flinch in the eyes of those who could do it. Will it surprise you if I say it is not a popular wish but a legal claim as every plan starting from the 100 years old one has kept that provision, last of which was approved by the parliament in 1997? The whole 1981 Development Plan was discarded except the Uttara Extension Project, and you know why- this is a real estate driven city.

So the last would be governance - sticking to the rule of law, accountability and participation. In the meet mentioned above, the Rajuk Planner claimed to have consulted all stakeholders before proposing the DAP. When asked about the stakeholders she consulted, the answer was WASA, PDB, etc. Are they the stakeholders or the service agencies that should serve the stakeholders- the citizens? While DAP was kept in Rajuk lobby for months for peoples hearing, nobody turned up. Once it was about to be adopted by the parliament, the MPs of Dhaka, many of which were land developers (read grabbers), started to cry that they were not consulted (meaning their interest was at stake)! Several MPs instigated their constituents with false plea that the CITY is planning to take away their land! This is happening again with old Jail area redevelopment (see my article in DS on August 30). The question then is, are they the true stakeholders- speaking for us?

Mr Mayor (s), you have the mandate, you are the father.

I am using an excerpt from an article by Tahmina Amir published in Prothom Alo on October 1.

Development doesnt mean huge buildings and wide roads. It is rather the mentality of urbanites that should measure development and progress. You cannot have development with down sliding morality. While the country is deep into foreign debt, creating employment for select few with FDI cannot be development. It is rather uniform distribution of wealth in a corruption-less society that is the primary step to climb the development stair. Dhaka is a dream city- I too hear its calls. We may be poor, but only the big dreams can liberate our mind. Let our morality improves along with our beloved city.

Do I need to tell more? n



(Mahbubur Rahman, Dean of Engineering & Design,

Kingdom University, Bahrain)
Who is desperate to work with Priyanka

American television actor Blaire Underwood has praised her Quantico co-star and actress Priyanka Chopra and says it is fascinating to work with her.

I have had a number of conversations with Priyanka Chopra about being number one on the call sheet being the star of the show. She downplays that, but she is the main protagonist, we watch the show through her eyes and her perspective, so she is very much the star of the show and she carries it with a plum, Underwood said in a statement.

She is very gracious, she is very humble, she is always prepared, she is professional she is about her business, Underwood added.

The actor says he told Priyanka that she is emotionally full.

Its always fascinating to work with her, because she trusts her emotions and if you look in her eyes there is always an emotion in her eyes without trying to do too much, he said.

Underwood, who is seen playing the role of CIA officer in the show, which airs on Star World, says what makes this show really work is that you really get into the characters.

And she sets the tone in terms of the standard of the work we are doing, the depth of the work were doing, he added.
Regular walking routine helps prevent heart disease

Weekend Plus Desk :

A recent study has found that keeping a regular walking regime can help combat fatal heart diseases.

The study, titled Walking for Heart Health: A Study of Adult Women in Rural New York was published in Creative Nursing journal.

The researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York suggested that moderately intensive walking improves cardiovascular risk factors in the short term.

We know walking is an excellent form of exercise, but research has been mixed on how successful a walking program can be in changing biological markers such as cholesterol, weight, blood pressure, said Pamela Stewart Fahs, associate dean, professor, and Dr G Clifford and Florence B Decker.

Fahs guided Elisabeth Marigliano, PhD student, as they conducted a study on a group of 70 women.

The subjects were tested as part of their volunteer participation in a community walking program.

Participants were given a programmable pedometer to wear for waking hours over a 10-week period and asked to walk briskly for at least 150 minutes per week.

Two days later, they returned to record pre-test data. Next, a web-based risk assessment tool was used to determine the participants risk of a heart attack within the next 10 years.

After five weeks, participants were invited to attend a talk about heart health and to have their pedometer data downloaded.

The researchers reviewed the activity data with the participants and discussed increasing their aerobic steps. The participants were also offered a challenge in an effort to increase aerobic activity as well as to improve retention to study completion.

This challenge included an increase their total daily average of aerobic steps by at least 10 per cent for the remainder of the study.

Finally, on completion of the program, participants' weight, BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol were measured.

They were also asked to complete a survey about their physical activity, food choices, personal characteristics and behaviors from the 10-week period.

The results of their post-test confirmed the teams initial hypothesis that walking would improve cardiovascular risk factors in the short term.

I believe there is a need to test for effects of a built-in challenge within a program to see if that helps motivate participants to participate longer and/or produces more successful outcomes, said Fahs.

In addition, work needs to be done to see how best to keep rural women engaged in meaningful exercise for longer periods of time, he added.

In addition to Fahs, the research team included Elisabeth Marigliano, an adjunct clinical faculty member in the School of Nursing at SUNY at Delhi, and doctor of philosophy student at Decker School of Nursing, Binghamton; and Cristina Ludden, an advisement coordinator in the School of Nursing at SUNY at Delhi. n
BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia appeared before the special court at Alia Madrasha in the city\'s Bakshi Bazar on Thursday on Zia Charitable Trust Case.
Dhaka renews support to Palestine



Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and independence.

Advocate Md. Suhrab Uddin, a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the commitment while taking part in a general debate on "Question of Palestine" at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday.

"Bangladesh joins the international community in reaffirming its supports for the cause of an independent, viable and united Palestinian state on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital," he said.

Suhrab Uddin quoted from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's message on International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People "to take a pragmatic approach and work together for attainment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people".

The lawmaker reiterated that Bangladesh will continue to support the work of the relevant UN entities and committees in promoting and protecting the rights of the Palestinian people.

Suhrab Uddin urged the international community to impress upon Israel, the occupying force, to halt its systematic violation of international humanitarian laws and human rights principles.




Poor tourists to get 50pc umbrella seats at Cox's Bazar sea beach

A Correspondent :

The High Court on Wednesday ordered the authorities concerned to take steps so that insolvent tourists can use 50 percent of the umbrella seats at Cox's Bazar sea beach at free of cost.

Issuing a suomoto rule, the court asked the respondents to mark 50 percent of the umbrella seats, known as Kitkot chair, with red colour and thereby ensure that poor tourists can use those at free of cost. The court asked the respondents to explain why collecting unreasonable rents from tourists for using the Kitkot chairs should not be declared illegal.

Civil aviation and tourism secretary, chairman of Bangladesh Pajatan Corporation, deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of Cox's Bazar, and mayor of Cox's Bazar municipality have been made respondents to the rule.

The bench of Justice Quamrul Islam Siddique and Justice Sheikh Hassan Arif came up with the order and rule after hearing an argument from Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal.

RMSTU students call off agitation : The agitating students of Rangamati Science and Technology University (RMSTU) suspended their demonstration on Wednesday after getting assurance of setting up of a permanent campus of the varsity.

The students, who had been observing sit-in demonstration since November 28 on the demand for permanent campus, suspended the agitation as Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader assured them of taking necessary measures to this end after holding talks with the prime minister.
AIDS must be held under check

DESPITE a decline of AIDS infections all over the world the number of AIDS affected patients and the rate of death caused by the disease are increasing in Bangladesh every year, reports a government think-tank recently. News report said in 2016 over 600 people were detected newly infected with HIV/AIDS diseases when the total number was over 10,000. In the previous 2015 newly infected patients were 469.



What the official report said is that poorly run HIV/AIDS programs are main cause of the rise of the dreaded diseases; which is declining globally. In fact more sex workers, drug addicts and other people used to live in unhygienic condition and exposed to unsafe sex are falling to infections because of failure of concerned agencies to get the awareness counsel and medicare services to the highly vulnerable section in the society.



Experts are highly concerned about this rising rate of HIV infection although there are many government programs at work in namesake but not reaching the target groups. We must say utter mismanagement of such programmes and lack of proper monitoring at field levels are mainly responsible for failure of the AIDS/HIV prevention activities. The government has allocations but vested interest groups in the government and outside are exploiting the fund by all corrupt means and grabbing most of the money. In our view the Health Ministry should strengthen its monitoring programs to make sure that health agents are reaching the services to affected people and making vulnerable ones aware of the risk by running growing public awareness programmes.



Report said this year death rate from AIDS exceeds all records of previous years as its number stands more than 100 so far. Both the infection and death rate caused by AIDS is very frightening. The experts fear AIDS situation may become epidemic if the trend continues. Ironically, the government is downplaying the actual AIDS cases disclosing only some AIDS infected patients cases to the international community and taking credit from it. But in reality, the actual figure would be far higher than the reported one.



As we know most people don't want to be identified with AIDS/HIV cases for social stigma and discrimination. Young people try to avoid AIDS/HIV test. So, it is impossible to get the exact HIV status in Bangladesh. But the report we have got is already alarming. In this situation, government should increase AIDS/HIV programs and strengthen existing ones to alert people against the deadly disease. Media campaign, in this context, may be significant weapon while government and non-government organizations may also use religious teaching and social values to refrain people from engaging in illegal and unsafe sexual contacts. Because affected people spread the infection.
Iran threat to regional peace: KSA envoy

Staff Reporter :

Abdullah H.M. Al-Mutairi, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh on Thursday said event linked to the seriousness of the work carried out by Iran to develop military capabilities and missile for militia terrorist to use high destructive capabilities threatening regional and global peace and security.

"The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Bangladesh would like to notify for information of all concerned the following paints by the Houthi-Militias in Yemen," he said in statement yesterday.

He said to draw attention of Islamic and international public opinion to the fact that rebels by firing

missiles towards the Kingdom in general and Makkah Al-Mukkarramah in particular are targeting Islamic sacred places.

"To bring out unwillingness of rebels to reach a solution in Yemen and their attempts to export their problems to the legitimate government abroad through their attack on the kingdom and its holy places," Al-Mutairi in his statement said.

He said to prevent media message targeting parliaments and pressure groups in western countries in a manner, which will help them adopt positive stance about the events or at least make them neutral.

"To send media message to the Iranian people inside and outside of Iran revealing the Iranian regime's support to the rebels with weapons and missiles targeting Makkah Al-Mukkarramah," the Saudi Ambassador said.
Louis Kahn`s main design brought home

Staff Reporter :

Architect Louis I Kahn's main design of National Parliament complex and its adjoining area has been brought home from USA on Thursday.

"The main design formulated by Louis I Kahn reached at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday from Architectural Archive of Pennsylvania University, USA," AYM Golam Kibria, additional secretary, law, justice and parliamentary affairs told journalists yesterday.

He added as they have obtained the main design, it will be handed over to Speaker of the National Parliament.

Architect Louis I Kahn designed the Bangladesh Parliament complex, one of the largest legislative complexes in the world, comprising of 215 acres of land.

According to media reports, the Housing and Public Works Ministry has recently proposed removal of eight graves of renowned personalities, including late President Ziaur Rahman's one, from the parliament area as those were not in the original design of American architect Louis I Kahn who designed Bangladesh's National Parliament complex.

Besides, recently, Housing and Public Works Minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain said necessary steps would be taken for smooth maintenance and coordination of all establishments located on the parliament complex and its adjoining areas in the light of the main design of Louis I Kahn.

He also said graves were raised on the parliament building premises at different times at the directives of the governments. There have been nine national elections in Bangladesh. The first and second Parliaments used the Old Shangshad Bhaban, which currently serves as the Prime Minister's Office.

The construction of the present Parliament complex began in 1961 by President Ayub Khan, the then President of Pakistan as a permanent building for the federal legislature of both West Pakistan and East Pakistan. Its inauguration took place on 28 January, 1982. Kahn's key design philosophy optimizes the use of space while representing Bangladeshi heritage and culture. External lines are deeply recessed by porticoes with huge openings of regular geometric shapes on their exterior, shaping the building's overall visual impact.


Human factor behind the incident: Menon

Sagar Biswas :

Investigators have taken three factors under active consideration -- whether it was technical or environmental or human involvement, for which the VVIP plane carrying Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made an emergency landing in Turkmenistan.

Primarily, the investigators have found "human factor" behind the incident, sources said.

Especially, the investigators are giving high importance whether it was a "set up" as the VVIP plane was inspected for several times before the take off. It is believed that a group of professionals-may be five or more-might be responsible for the "human factor".

"The plane carrying PM is usually cordoned by the members of SSF [special security force], police, other law enforcement and intelligence agencies before 24 hours of fly. Those who go to the plane for maintenance, repairing or other works have to take clearance from the proper authority. Even, the pilots have to take clearance from the police. Each and every check is done in presence of concerned agency," a senior Biman official said preferring to remain anonymous.

"So, it is highly suspicious why such incident has happened. And so, the investigators are paying attention in the security process whether there was any loophole," he said.

Aviation experts have opined that, there was a possibility of catching fire in the plane as the oil pipe went dry due to the leakage. So, it's a vital question for the investigators-whether it was deliberately done, or it was negligence of anyone.

According to officials, the plane carrying PM had to face problem when a nut of a bolt in the oil passing pipe in engine no-01 was slacked almost half. For that reason, the lubricant of the engine dropped at zero level. The fault was marked after crossing Karachi. And the plane was compelled to change its route.

Referring the issue, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon has categorically blamed incompetency of national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines for which the VVIP plane caused emergency landing.

"As an aviation minister, its moral responsibility is mine. Although the operational activities of the plane are not under my jurisdictions, I've already expressed my sorrow for the incident I'm taking the responsibility. I'll tell the same in the parliament," Menon said on Thursday.

Earlier on Wednesday, five engineers and one technician were suspended based on first round investigation report of an inquiry committee constituted by Bangladesh Biman.

Against this backdrop, the Minister said: "Biman has submitted primary investigation report. Besides, the aviation ministry and CAAB [Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh] are also conducting probe. Stern action will be taken against the responsible persons after completion of investigation."

The VVIP flight of Bangladesh Bimam [Boeing-777] named 'Ranga Pravat" carrying Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made emergency landing in Ashgabat, the capital of central Asian country Turkmenistan, on Sunday. Later, the plane after repairing again started for Budapest making a delay for over four hours.

Meanwhile, the parliamentary Standing Committee on Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry in a meeting on Monday also expressed severe annoyance over the performance of the Biman and asked the minister to take stern action against the responsible persons.

"The JS body has expressed annoyance over the incident. Another plane carrying PM had also faced problem in the runway a few months ago. We wanted to know what action had been taken against the responsible. We think that, the level of punishment should be higher in that case," Chairman of the committee Colonel [retd] Faruk Khan said.

Earlier on June 8, an aircraft carrying the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and her entourage on their return from the Kindgom of Saudi Arabia, made a half hour delay in the landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Officials said the landing of the plane was delayed as metal objects were left abandoned on the runway. Later, three committees were formed by Bangladesh Biman, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities to investigate the incident.
People deprived of benefits

Hefty profits from selling fuel oil: BPC clears dues worth Tk 71 b

Anisul Islam Noor :

Bangladesh has been making huge profits from selling fuel oil among its domestic consumers as its price now ranges around $50 a barrel from its peak of $120 in 2014.



The price had hit its bottom below $30 a barrel last year, according to Energy Division sources.



The government is enjoying the benefits as it is no longer providing 'subsidy' to state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) to import petroleum products from the international market.



On the contrary, it has started getting outstanding dues from the state-run oil corporation, which got it in the part as subsidy. Besides, the lower oil price has been helping the government to reduce the current account deficit.

Though the oil import volume of the government has been increasing, the mass people are not getting benefit from the record fall of fuel oil price in the global markets. The government is yet to pass on the benefits to them by reducing prices of fuels in the domestic market.



The government spending on import of fuel oil has been reduced more than halved in the fiscal year FY'16 from what it had to spend two years back.



The import cost stood at $1.92 billion (Tk 150 billion) in the last fiscal year as compared to $3.46 billion in FY'15 and $4.69 billion in FY'14.



The prices might decline further in the coming days as the BPC has started procuring half of the total imports through competitive open tendering from June 2016 and the remaining under the previous term deal.



The premium rate, a component of oil-pricing mechanism under cost and freight (CFR) basis that includes the costs of fuel freight, insurance and evaporation as well as loading and unloading losses above the international oil price benchmark, declined by almost 50 per cent both under open tendering and term deal after June 2016.



Premium rates for the import of diesel and jet fuel slumped to around $2.60 a barrel and $3.50 a barrel respectively after June 2016 from the previous premium rates of around $4.40 a barrel and $5.50 a barrel respectively. Premium for furnace oil slumped to around $16 a tonne compared to around $24 before. Import quantity of oil by the BPC increased to 5.35 million tonne during fiscal year FY'14 when the oil price started dwindling. This quantity was the highest compared to import volumes by the BPC in the previous years.



The volume of oil import by the BPC increased further to 5.39 million tonne in FY'15. In FY'16, the BPC's imports slightly declined to around 4.76 million tonne as the government allowed import of furnace oil by the private sector to generate electricity. Private sector is currently importing around 1.20 million tonne of furnace oil, which would total the country's overall oil imports to around 6.0 million tonne in FY'16.



Bangladesh's overall oil import is expected to go up further in the coming years as the government has decided to allow the private sector to install new oil-fired power plants with capacity of around 1,500 megawatts.



Bangladesh usually imports around 1.40 million tonne of crude oil for refining in its wholly-owned subsidiary - Eastern Refinery Ltd (ERL) - and the remaining quantity of diesel, jet fuel and furnace oil combined to meet the domestic demand.



The lower oil import cost is also helping the BPC borrow annually almost half to around $500 million from the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the lending arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), to foot the oil import bills.



The BPC has already stopped importing oil from suppliers under interest-bearing deferred payment scheme after start of the fall in oil price. The BPC, on the other hand, has been making hefty profit since October 2014 as it imports oil at lower prices and sells at higher administered prices.



The BPC, which never had earned profit over the past 14 years since FY 02, started counting profits from late October 2014 taking advantage of the price-fall on the international market. Earlier this year, the BPC cleared all outstanding dues worth Tk 71 billion with the profit it fetched from oil trading.



It cleared dues with banks, paid outstanding value added tax (VAT) and import duties to the national exchequer and freight charges to the shippers.



Privately-owned, oil-fired independent power producers (IPPs) and rental power plant sponsors are also attaining huge profit with the slump in oil price on international market as they are being able to import oil at lower price.



They are fetching 9.0 per cent commission as service charge from the government on the less import costs apart from enjoying waiver on import tax for importing fuel from the international market. There is a mad-rush from private entrepreneurs to build oil-fired power plants seeing 'huge' return.



Despite attaining profit, the government did not slash oil prices in domestic market as the ordinary consumers expected.



The government in the latest cut the domestic prices of major petroleum products by upto 10.41 per cent in April, 2016 around two years after the start of declining trend of oil prices on the international market.



It slashed the price of octane and petrol by Tk 10 a litre (12.5 US cents) to Tk 89 a litre and Tk 86 a litre respectively, while the price of diesel and kerosene by Tk 3.0 a litre each to Tk 65 a litre through a gazette notification.



The price of furnace oil is now Tk 42 a litre.



The government has no immediate plan to cut domestic prices of petroleum products despite the substantial fall in oil prices on the international market.



But had the domestic oil prices slashed down, the electricity tariff as well as the transport fare would have been less. Commodity prices could also see a slump in prices with the lower oil prices.



Businessmen have long been demanding price cut in fuel oil prices to reduce the cost of their manufacturing products.
Like people of South Korea our people should be ready to fight corruption

Facing growing criticism of abuse of power South Korea's President Park Geun-hye has asked Parliament to help her find a way to stand down. Ms Park is being investigated now whether or not she allowed a long-time friend to influence political decisions for personal gain. The people's movement in the streets against their President came at a time when high level corruption in our country is an open secret but there is no way out to press investigation against them, least to force them to leave office in the interest of a clean administration.



Ms Park Geun-hye said she would "leave to parliament everything about my future including shortening of my term." But she is equally concerned about a power vacuum from immediate resignation.



On the other hand, Parliament is due to discuss on Friday (today) whether she should face impeachment. Some ruling party men said the President should stand down "honourably" before it reached that point. Opposition parties accuse her of now trying to escape impeachment.



The scandal stems from the President's relationship with her close friend, Choi Soon-sil. Ms Choi is accused of trying to extort huge sums of money from South Korean companies. She is also suspected of using her friendship with Ms Park to solicit business donations for a non-profit fund she controlled. It is also alleged that Ms Park passed large numbers of confidential government documents to Ms Choi, via an aide. Ms Choi is in police detention, facing a string of charges.



If parliament passes a motion for Ms Park's impeachment on Friday, she would face immediate suspension from presidential duties. The prime minister would take over as temporary government head. The Constitutional Court would then have to decide whether to approve the impeachment, a process which could take up to six months. But given Ms Park's recent announcement, her party is now asking for the impeachment efforts to be delayed.



Earlier in the year, Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff was removed from office following an impeachment vote in the Senate. The impeachment trial against Ms Rousseff was based on allegations that she manipulated the government's accounts in 2014 when she was seeking re-election. Her opponents said what she did was illegal and warranted her impeachment. She argued it was a common practice which previous presidents also engaged in. Ms Rousseff said her opponents were trying to mount a coup against her and were using the impeachment trial to oust her and her Workers' Party from office.



If we compare the situations of the two countries with our nation we find striking contrasts. We find corruption being institutionalized, prevalent everywhere from government offices to schools and colleges, albeit in different forms. Indeed people openly tell other people to give a little 'speed' money to get anything done, whether it be getting birth certificates or passports.



The powerful influence of the bureaucracy has essentially created a virtual moat in which corruption is ensconced. Because they have power, members of the administration feel they can get away with corruption. Meanwhile our Anti-Corruption Commission remains a toothless tiger as it can't charge any public official with corruption without the consent of the government. The ACC itself remains plagued with corruption. Those asked to watch over others need watching themselves.



It is very difficult to root out something, which has essentially become part of our political system. Our politics is about corruption. Most importantly, in South Korea democracy is functioning and the government has accountability to the people.



Here, in Bangladesh, even the opposition is a partner in corruption. The major opposition parties are also waiting for their turn, if at all, to be benefitted from corruption. Our people are leaderless and unless they themselves are ready to fight corruption we see no hope. Corruption is enemy to good and just governance. There may be lies or even unsubstantiated stories but it is absurd to believe that development and state corruption can go together. Corruption in government has to end if our people had to have any future to be proud of.
If you are looking for the new Immoral Minority posts, you should know that they can be found here at our new home Please stop by to get caught up on politics, join the conversations, or simply check out the new digs.
Photos by Robin May

A week after spending seven days under house arrest for contempt of court, City Marshal Brian Pope was hit with two more felony charges by a Lafayette grand jury Wednesday, bringing to seven the number the elected officer faces since his initial indictment in August.

Bond on each new count was set at $5,000, according to District Attorney Keith Stutes. The indictment triggers a warrant, and Pope is required to bond in and out of the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

Pope was originally indicted in August on five counts  two perjury charges and three for misuse of public funds. The misuse charges were reworded to malfeasance in Wednesdays superseding indictment. Stutes says its unclear at this point why charges 3 through 5 in the August indictment were reworded. Two additional malfeasance charges were added today.

Pope's house arrest was imposed by 15th Judicial District Court Judge Jules Edwards in connection with Popes ongoing civil public records dispute with The Independent. Revelations from a series of hearings involving Pope and this newspaper led D.A. Stutes to confirm in April the launch of a criminal probe into Popes role in trying to help an ally, Scott Police Chief Chad Leger, get elected Lafayette Parish sheriff last year  a scheme that was unsuccessful.

DA Keith Stutes

Stutes declines to say whether the grand jury would hear more evidence against Pope, or whether others named in the sheriffs election scheme are in the grand jurys gaze.

I cant say that  either confirm or deny that, he says, with a caveat. Things continue to occur and continue to be discovered, so if at any point we consider the investigation complete, well present it to the grand jury, but if additional information arises then that in effect reopens the investigation.

Criminal defense attorney Kevin Stockstill, who represented Pope on the case earlier this year, says he is surprised by the additional charges filed Wednesday but is no longer representing the marshal.
Embattled City Marshal Brian Pope turned himself in for the FOURTH time last night on new malfeasance charges, just three hours after his former attorney was booked.

Lafayette attorney Chuck Middleton, left, is now facing a perjury charge related to his representation of City Marshal Brian Pope. At right is criminal defense attorney Kevin Stockstill, who confirmed Wednesday that he is no longer representing Pope. The two attorneys were photographed outside of the Lafayette Parish courthouse earlier this year in connection with their representation of Pope in a public records lawsuit filed by The Independent.

Photo by Robin May

Lafayette City Marshal Brian Pope may not be the only person going down over his efforts to hide public records proving he colluded with Chad Legers campaign for sheriff last year, as the attorney Pope first hired to help him in the coverup was indicted by a Lafayette Parish grand jury Wednesday for perjury. The same grand jury, which slapped five felony counts on Pope in August, also tacked on two additional malfeasance in office charges against the city marshal in a superseding indictment Wednesday.

Attorney Chuck Middleton Image courtesy LPCC

District Attorney Keith Stutes office released the additional charges against Pope, 51, yesterday afternoon but did not include the indictment of Lafayette attorney Charles Chuck Middleton in its release. Stutes tells The IND his office routinely seals indictments until after an arrest is made. The indictment was unsealed and sent to local media late Thursday morning.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office arrested Middleton, 54, at his home Wednesday night at about 8:30; records show he was transported to the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center and released on a $10,000 bond. Approximately four hours later, Pope showed up for booking and was released on a $35,000 bond. Pope is facing five malfeasance charges and two perjury charges, all stemming from what started as this news organization's efforts to confirm that he abused his office to advance Leger's campaign.

15th Judicial District Judge Laurie Hulin ordered Pope not to leave the jurisdiction of the court  in other words, no more vacays to Cabo.

Yesterdays appearance at LPCC marked the fourth (yes, fourth!) time Pope has turned himself in for booking in this case, which began as a civil matter when The IND sued him last year for access to public records he refused to turn over. Pope initially lied about the existence of the records and was also untruthful when questioned on the stand about the role Legers campaign manager, Joe Castille, played in organizing and promoting a press conference at the marshals office to smear Legers opponent in the race for Lafayette Parish sheriff. After Pope defied 15th Judicial District Judge Jules Edwards order to turn the records over, the judge held him in criminal contempt of court.

Wednesday's superseding indictment charges Marshal Pope with five counts of malfeasance in office and two counts of perjury.

Last month Pope served seven days of house arrest as part of that contempt ruling.

The single perjury charge against Middleton, who withdrew his representation of Pope earlier this year, is related to the duos involvement in the drafting of a November 2015 motion to have Sheriff Mark Garbers divorce record unsealed at the Lafayette Parish Courthouse (see below). Middleton then invoiced the marshals office for the Mr. Redmond motion, and Pope paid the bill. Pope and Middleton, The IND has since learned from the court record, believed the sealed divorce file contained an incriminating and embarrassing video of Garber, who defeated Popes favored candidate for Lafayette Parish sheriff last year. The file contained no such video.

Pope has refused to produce the motion for The IND and initially claimed to have no knowledge of it. He has since changed his tune, saying production of the so-called Redmond motion could jeopardize the criminal case against him.

City Marshal Brian Pope Image courtesy LPCC

For more than a year now, the city marshal has been draining his office coffers to pay his civil costs, which have swelled to approximately $150,000 (he still owes The IND about $200,000 for legal fees, costs and penalties awarded by the court), but by law cannot pay for his criminal defense with those public funds. Its unclear who will represent him on the criminal side, as Lafayette criminal defense attorney Kevin Stockstill confirmed to The IND late yesterday afternoon that he is no longer representing Pope. While Stockstill had represented Pope on the civil side and was advising him on criminal matters, his legal bills reveal, Stockstill never officially enrolled as Popes criminal defense attorney.

Pope's lead attorney on the civil side is Joy Rabalais.

A pre-trial hearing for Pope is set for Jan. 19. In mid-October, the court gave him 30 days to file motions and pleadings and informed him that he had a month to retain counsel or apply for legal representation from the indigent defenders office.

The IND will have more on this developing story later this week.
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The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now.

Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market.

In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender.

India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex.

Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted.

But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted?

Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner.

If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems.

I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now.

I want more variation in masturbation

I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own.

If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end.

What is sex toys for Indian?

Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation.

It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms.

They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable.

Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner.

The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner.

It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past.

In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping.

Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order.

In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing.

Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome.

Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own.

But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance.

More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around.

Sextoy situation in India

Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years.

In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India.

Mumbai

Kolkata

Bangalore

Delhi

Chennai

Hyderabad

These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India.

In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well.

If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too.

If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it.

What are Sextoys for beginner?

Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms.

Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy.

I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion.

I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy.

If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma.

Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it.

Advantages of using sextoy for Indians

There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians

You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways.

Can have stimulating sex

Can develop new sexual zones

If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern.

However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways.

You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation.

Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever.

There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure.

This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it.

When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems.

It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms).

For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles

[Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou...

Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India.

Sextoy for beginner men in India

So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners.

For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men!

The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men

Masturbator

Cock rings

Love Doll

Sex Lubricants

Toys for the prostate

Lets check each one in detail.

Masturbator

The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products.

It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands.

Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands.

They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.)

Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much.

Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! !

Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa   SEXToys India PR  (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018

Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood.

If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here

Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ...

[For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien...

Cock Ring

A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis.

It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow.

It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber.

In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection.

Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction.

It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it.

Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time.

Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function.

Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy.

You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect.

[Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat...

Love Doll

Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex.

There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women.

Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price.

The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true.

You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste.

There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice.

You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls.

If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here

Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to...

Sex lubricants

Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules.

It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution.

Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse.

There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent.

Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent.

If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here.

What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many...

Toys for the Prostate

Another sextoy for men is prostate toys.

The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line.

Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men.

Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm.

You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus.

By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms.

Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.)

The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation.

Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure.

sextoy for beinner women in India

The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy.

The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy.

Vibrator.

Dildo

Electric Masserger

Lets check out what each one is in detail.

If you want to check out womens toys, click here.

[BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm...

Vibrators

A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator.

Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy.

It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy.

Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women.

For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators.

Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex.

Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself.

This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual.

Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men.

When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons.

Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most...

Dildo

A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis.

It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass.

A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it.

They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well.

It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device.

A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo.

Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands.

For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis.

This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one.

To learn more about dildo, please click here.

What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th...

Electric Masserger

A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores.

It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low.

Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels.

Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation.

It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure.

For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm.

It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out.

If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager?

To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here.

What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th...

How to choose a sextoy for Indian

Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one.

Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points:  Does the size fit you (the partner)?

Does the size fit you (your partner)?

Is the environment able to produce sound without problems?

Price range

First of all, the choice of size is quite important.

Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women.

For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage.

Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems.

Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise.

If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level.

Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it.

Finally, there is the price range.

The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest.

Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy.

Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy?

I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance.

For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics.

If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out.

How to buy sextoys in India

The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping.

For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below.

Sextoy is one of them.

Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping.

SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India.

They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry.

Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card.

To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy.

ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal.

Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on.

Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture.

Cautions for Indians using sextoy

When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind

Keep sex toys clean

Watch out for electrical leakage

Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy

As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone.

Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there.

It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case.

In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness.

Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful.

If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it.

You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly.

Summary

What did you think?

In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India.

The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future.

As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values.

However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health.

If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try?

Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women.

I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it.
CARBONDALE  Twenty years ago, Southern Illinois University Professor Daniel Overturf asked a handful of undergraduate and graduate students to memorialize declining small towns in Southern Illinois using pictures.

Overturfs biennial Small Town Documentary course, now in its 10th iteration, has become an enduring favorite in the Department of Cinema and Photography. Students spend four months immersing themselves in rural communities, cultivating relationships with locals and capturing daily life with a collection of documentary-style photographs.

This years photographs will be on display through Dec. 5 in the north wing of the universitys Communications Building, 1100 Lincoln Drive, in Carbondale.

The course is useful for budding photographers because it forces them to step outside their comfort zones and connect with new people, Overturf said.

They had to interact with people they didnt know  thats a big step, a little unnerving for some of them, Overturf said. So thats been half the fun, is to watch people go through this process of becoming a little more outgoing and not have their work be only rooted in self-initiated concepts and things of that nature.

Ellen Esling chose to document her hometown of Boskydell, an unincorporated railroad community of 100 people, wedged between Makanda and Carbondale.

Ive seen this way of life sort of falling away, I guess  fading. I felt like I wanted to capture the dying pulse of this community, Esling said.

Her favorite image is of her grandmother, Rose Lipe. In the photograph, Lipe sits before a vase of roses in a wood paneled living room, the light from the window muted by lacy curtains. The photo was taken on what would have been Lipes anniversary with her husband  he died in 2003  and the roses were given to her by her daughters, who peer out at her from a framed photograph on top of the piano.

Theres something really soft and intimate about it, and I was really happy to be able to capture that moment, Esling said.

For Esling, the project was about recreating images that depicted a way of life shed already seen growing up. Other students went in with a completely fresh perspective.

Morgan Timms grew up in Brisbane, Austrialia. She chose to photograph Olmstead, a picturesque little river town on the Illinois-Kentucky border.

It was a bit of a culture shock  I come from a city of two million, and to go then to a city of 300 is definitely a difference. But I think the main difference was just friendliness, because people in a city dont really have time for each other, but everyone made the time to talk to me and was really kind, and it was such a positive experience, Timms said.

In Timms favorite photograph in the collection, an old couple gazes up at blue and yellow fireworks at Olmsteads annual Catfish Days festival. She spent a lot of time with the couple, Robyn and Rich Hamilton, who have seven children and live on a farm.

I think my accent and my nationality definitely opened a lot of doors for me. I think just being a female and Australian, people were more than willing to talk to me and share their culture  maybe even more so than an American, because I come from such a different faraway place, she said.

At the conclusion of the course, the students will donate their portfolios to the towns they chose to document.

You spend four months looking at something, youre bound to find some things that really did not match up with your assumptions and presumptions, Overturf said. It makes them better photographers, because they become more open-minded people, I like to think.
MURPHYSBORO  Juwan Jackson, who is accused of fatally shooting a man in October, pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm Thursday in a Jackson County courtroom.

A Jackson County grand jury indicted Jackson almost a month ago on those charges. Prosecutors allege that Jackson, 26, of Murphysboro, was a gunman in an October shooting in Murphysboro, which left one man dead and another man injured.

Investigators allege that on Oct. 24 Jackson shot 38-year-old Detrick Rogers in the head. Rogers died the next day.

Jackson, represented by Cheryl Whitley, was the only defendant in the courtroom for his arraignment, which was attended by about a dozen family members and supporters.

His appearance came a few minutes before that of Jacie C. Marble, a 19-year-old De Soto woman who is facing an obstruction of justice charge related to the same shooting incident. She, too, appeared as the only defendant in the courtroom, before a small gathering that included some of her supporters and those waiting for Jackson's appearance.

Dressed in the jail's black-and-white striped uniform, Marble pleaded not guilty to the charge, a Class 4 felony that carries a sentence of one to three years in prison.

Marble's attorney also asked the judge, Ralph R. Bloodworth III, for a reduction in her $100,000 bond. Her attorney said that Marble was not a flight risk and had family in town and in the courtroom that morning.

The assistant state's attorney, Casey Bloodworth, argued against the bond reduction, saying that Marble was involved in a case in which a citizen of the community had lost his life. Jackson County State's Attorney Michael C. Carr said last month when he announced the charges against Marble that she is suspected of concealing physical evidence related to the shooting, that evidence being shell casings ejected into her car during the shooting.

Judge Bloodworth denied Marble's motion for a bond reduction, leading a few people in the courtroom to react in shock, with at least two women crying.

Murphysboro Police Chief Chad Roberts has said that the last homicide in the city was in 2010.

Jackson's jury trial has been set to start Feb. 21, and Marble's on Feb. 6.

The judge and the assistant state's attorney are not related, Judge Bloodworth told the court.
PINCKNEYVILLE  A little more than a week after military groups led volunteers in putting out flags to honor a local man killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, they are assembling again to honor another hero, this one a casualty from the Korean War.

These flags are being put out to honor U.S. Army Cpl. Vernon Douglas "Doug" Presswood of Pinckneyville. At 19 years old, Presswood was reported missing in action in the Korean War on Dec. 2, 1950, and declared deceased by the United States Army as of Dec. 31, 1953.

Presswood's remains were recovered and identified recently by DNA testing and were returned to his family this week.

His funeral is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, at Beaucoup Baptist Church. Presswood is to be buried with full military honors, according to Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus, spokeswoman for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

On Monday, Nov. 21, volunteers put out 2,000 American flags to honor the life of U.S. Army Pfc. Tyler R. Iubelt, who was killed in a suicide bomb attack Nov. 12 in Afghanistan.

Chip Shaffer, a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief who is Epsilon Sigma Alpha's Midwest Area Regional Conference Coordinator for Hope for Heroes, will be leading the charge at 2 p.m. Friday. The 3-foot-by-5-foot American flags will be placed alongside the nearly two-mile stretch of Pinckneyville road from Beaucoup Baptist Church, 5036 Illinois 13, to the Mueller Hill Cemetery.

Help will also be needed to pick up the flags after Presswood's burial.

For further information about the flag placement, contact Shaffer at 618-567-5315 or by e-mail at grumman3@icss.net.
SPRINGFIELD  Illinois' major public-employee union has filed a lawsuit to stop Gov. Bruce Rauner from imposing contract terms because negotiations have been declared hopelessly deadlocked.

The action is likely only temporary, however.

The state council of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees went to labor-friendly St. Clair County Wednesday. It's asking a judge to bar Republican Rauner from taking action to implement the contract.

A state labor board ruled this month that talks are officially at "impasse." That means the governor can impose whatever contract conditions he chooses. The union can accept or strike.

But the complaint argues impasse isn't official until issued in writing, which hasn't happened.

Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly says AFSCME should cooperate with Rauner on his proposals. AFSCME objects to them.

 The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD  Illinois Democrats failed Thursday to override the Republican governor's veto of $215 million to help the financially struggling Chicago Public Schools with pension payments as negotiations on an overdue state budget broke down again.

Using its Democratic supermajority, the Senate quickly voted to overturn Gov. Bruce Rauner's move, but the House adjourned for the year Thursday evening without bringing the override question for a vote. Although the House has 15 days to try again, it's unclear if there is enough support in the chamber.

Losing the money would be a huge blow to the finances at CPS, which crafted the current year's budget expecting the funds. Without state support, officials at the nation's third-largest school district have warned of budget cuts and in the past they've said that could include layoffs.

The veto was the latest budgetary battle between Democratic legislative leaders and the former venture capitalist, who has tried since taking office to change Illinois' political system by weakening unions and making the state friendlier to businesses.

Rauner wants Democrats to help him enact part of his agenda, but neither side has budged and that has left Illinois without a budget for 18 months  the longest any state has gone since at least World War II. The gridlock has crippled social service programs and left higher education institutions facing financial uncertainty due to less state support than they've received in the past.

The parties had agreed to the Chicago Public Schools funding in June as part of a six-month spending plan to get the state through the end of the year. But the money promised came with the condition that lawmakers would work on a separate plan to overhaul a statewide pension system that's more than $100 billion.

Democratic Senate President John Cullerton denied Thursday there had been such a deal. Immediately afterward, Rauner vetoed the funding.

"Breaking our agreement undermines our effort to end the budget impasse and enact reforms with bipartisan support," Rauner said in his veto message to lawmakers.

Chicago Public Schools has a "junk" status from credit agencies and narrowly averted a teachers strike in October. Leaders of the 400,000-student district built the $5.4 billion budget expecting the $215 million to pay the employer's contribution to teachers' pensions. The payment is due in June.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel accused Rauner of "lashing out," calling the veto "reckless and irresponsible."

For months, Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool, whom Emanuel appointed, said the aid was necessary to avoid cuts. He said Thursday that school officials and allies would fight the veto and floated the possibility of a civil rights lawsuit over unfair funding practices. Most students in the largely black and Hispanic school district are low-income.

"They should not be pawns in Gov. Rauner's cynical political game," Claypool said.

CPS is the only Illinois school district where local taxpayers, rather than the state, pay the employer's contribution and Democrats have argued that's unfair.

Rauner has been meeting with Republican and Democrat leaders in his office this week to negotiate a budget, but they have made no progress.

Rauner said he's willing to consider another short-term budget agreement, but only if Democrats consider term limits and put a permanent freeze on property taxes. Democrats have said Rauner should drop his demands and focus on a budget without pre-conditions.

The governor has said CPS money must be accompanied by a commitment to fix the state's overall pension debt to improve Illinois' fiscal health.

"The taxpayers of Illinois do not want just another bailout," he said in the veto message. "Let's get back to work to end the budget impasse and put Illinois on the right track once and for all."
SPRINGFIELD  After months of negotiations and a series of amendments in recent weeks, a proposed energy policy overhaul from Exelon Corp. that would keep open the companys financially struggling Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear power plants appears poised for a vote Thursday in the Illinois House.

The final pieces of the agreement fell into place Wednesday, with Gov. Bruce Rauners office signing off on a series of new provisions that would cap rate increases for residential, commercial and industrial energy customers.

However, subsidies to keep open the two downstate nuclear power plants remain at the heart of the package, along with other policy and rate changes designed to increase investment in renewable power and energy efficiency.

Exelon has said it will take steps toward shutting down the Clinton plant on June 1 if lawmakers dont approve the bill during their fall veto session, which is scheduled to end Thursday. The two plants together employ about 1,500 full-time workers and generate millions of dollars in local property tax revenue.

State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, D-Aurora, chairwoman of the House Energy Committee, praised the bills sponsor, Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, for bringing together energy companies, environmental groups, business interests and consumer advocates in an attempt to reach a compromise.

Ive said all through these proceedings that no ones going to get 100 percent of what they want, Chapa LaVia said.

Indeed, in deference to consumer advocates, including the Illinois attorney generals office, a controversial proposal to change the way customers are charged for the power was removed. To maintain the support of environmental groups, who backed the packages increased investment in renewable power and energy efficiency, a provision that would have subsidized Dynegy-owned coal plants in southern Illinois was jettisoned.

The last major change, which the House committee approved Wednesday evening, added caps on rate increases for energy users, from heavy industry to individual households.

Susan Satter, public utilities counsel for the attorney generals office, said her agency needed more time to review those provisions to ensure they would adequately protect consumers.

The Illinois Public Interest Research Group, a consumer advocacy organization, also said the rate caps deserve more scrutiny.

There is no reason that such massive and complicated policy change should be rushed through the legislative process, Abraham Scarr, the groups director, said in a prepared statement. In energy policy, the devil is in the details and small details have profound impacts for millions of people for years to come.

Meanwhile, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois and other large energy users also remain opposed. However, other business groups, including the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, support the proposal.

In exchange for subsidies  which Exelon says are justified because, like subsidized wind and solar energy, nuclear power produces no climate-damaging carbon pollution  the bill guarantees that the Clinton and Quad Cities plants would remain open for another 10 years.

Officials with Exelon subsidiary Commonwealth Edison estimate that the entire package will result in an average monthly bill increase of less than 25 cents for residential customers in northern Illinois over a 13-year period. The new amendment would cap the increase at that level.

Ameren Illinois, meanwhile, estimates that its residential customers would see a 12-cent increase on average. The average increase over the 13-year period would be capped at 35 cents for Ameren customers.

If the bill is approved in the House, it would move to the Senate for a final vote.
MARION  Locked away in the Williamson County Courthouse is a hospitable canine who adds a new meaning to man's best friend.

Popular to all who work in the county courthouse, Zoey, a 3-year-old therapy dog, is the first courtroom facility dog for Williamson County.

Despite growing up with the familiarity of the courthouse setting, Zoey appeared for the first time in the courtroom at an Oct. 25 bench trial in which a Freeman Spur man was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old child from the West Frankfort area.

Under SB 1389, an act concerning criminal law, courthouses are permitted to use facility dogs when a child or an intellectually disabled person testifies in a sexual abuse case. The act took effect in January 2016.

Kim Murray, traffic legal secretary in the Williamson County State's Attorney Office and Zoey's owner, said the dog's active presence in the courtroom eased the victim.

"The victim was scared to go in the courtroom so we wanted to make sure that Zoey would go in first," she said. "Once Zoey went in and went up to the judge, everything was good."

The law also requires courts to consider the age of witnesses and the rights of the parties involved.

Williamson County State's Attorney Brandon Zanotti said it is procedural for the victim or witness to meet with the facility dog well in advance, before a courtroom appearance.

"The victim gets to meet Zoey ahead of time," he said. "So it's not like the witness is coming in that day and meeting her for the first time, there's structure there and that's very important."

A petition is also presented to the court before the use of a facility dog.

"There is a statute in Illinois that deals with allowing the use of a service dog so with that if we want to use Zoey with one of our victims or witnesses we have to petition the court and get the judge to sign off on it," Zanotti said.

Under statute, any dog being used as a facility dog must be a graduate of an assistance dog organization that is a member of Assistance Dog International.

Zoey began her training at 4 months old and is certified by Willing Partners Canine Education, a not-for-profit organization based in Logan dedicated to training service dogs. Proceeds from her training go toward veterans in the region.

Murray said the canine completes 120 hours of public training, which consists of making special visitations to nursing homes and Veteran Affairs offices within the area.

"It's continuous work," Murray said. "We had to have a lot of public training in order to get her to the state where she is at, and I work with her at home and have to teach her to completely ignore people and other dogs and it's a little challenging since she has been at the courthouse since she was a baby and thinks that everyone here is her friend."

Zanotti said he is looking forward to more use of the facility dog and is supportive of the security that she brings to witnesses and victims.

"We used her for a bench trial and we certainly would like to use her for a jury trial," he said. "One concern is that she might be a distraction to the jury but most of the studies that I've read shows that it has been a calming effect for them too."

Zoey is cleared for a second courtroom appearance for a pending bench trial court within the upcoming year.
Any one of us could be hurt on the job. It doesnt matter if we work in an office, a factory or on a farm, accidents happen to people in every occupation. When someone is seriously injured, the question becomes whose responsibility is it to pay for their care and rehabilitation so they can get back to work?

For Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, his insurance industry allies and many businesses, the unfortunate answer is that the person who was hurt and the taxpayers should pay. Under the guise of reform they are seeking further changes to our workers compensation laws that shift the risk of needing to care for the injured away from insurers and that allow employers to more easily evade the responsibility for ensuring safe work sites and working conditions.

Gov. Rauner and Republican legislators want to cut the number of injured workers eligible to receive benefits and many employees, especially older workers more likely to be hurt, would receive no compensation for serious work-related injuries.

That would leave taxpayers, through Medicaid and other publicly funded programs, to cover the resulting medical bills and income support payments that are rightfully the responsibility of the employer. The governor and his insurance industry friends claim that workers comp is too generous. In fact, its all thats standing between the families of injured men and women and a life of poverty.

Since lawmakers rewrote the states workers comp law in 2011, the insurance industrys cost of issuing policies has plummeted as a result of the reduced amount they have to pay in claims. That legislation curtailed longstanding workers rights in an effort to reduce the cost of premiums paid by employers. The National Council on Compensation Insurance, an insurance industry trade group, has since recommended workers comp rate cuts totaling nearly 30 percent. That guidance has been ignored.

In 2017 alone, the NCCI suggests that Illinois insurers lower workers comp insurance premiums by 12.9 percent. This would represent the third largest drop in the nation and total more than Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin combined. But, employers wont see a reduction in their premiums when the insurance industry refuses to pass the savings along.

A recent report by the Illinois Department of Insurance revealed that workers comp insurers here saw profit jump nearly 22 points between 2010 and 2014  from negative 11 percent to positive 11 percent  and, by the end of that period, nearly match the national average.

There are 332 insurance companies competing for and writing workers compensation insurance in Illinois, more than any other state in the nation. Were an attractive place to do business for them because of insufficient oversight and laws that put their interests ahead of regular Illinoisans. And yet they still want more  always more.

Insurance companies are taking advantage of both workers and employers. Any further changes to Illinois workers comp laws should focus on insurance reforms, not punishing injured workers to further pad insurers profits.
To the Editor:

The Baby Boomers Generation has been changing the world for the last 50 years! In the 1960s if you were a Baby Boomer, you were a "Hippie" or "Redneck" the Baby Boomers largest generation known to mankind.

The last eight years of President Obama putting Muslims, gays, Black Lives Matter and illegal aliens ahead of the white Christian Baby Boomers made them very angry!

The white Christian Baby Boomers under President Obama in the U.S. were a minority.

Remember this the white Christian Baby Boomers always voted since the 1960s!

In 2016, the God of Israel used the white Christian retired, working and not working Baby Boomers to put the U.S. back on the right track for God and Jesus!

The Trump of God was put in by the white Christian Baby Boomers to be sure the U.S. Supreme Court wouldn't go liberal under Hillary Clinton!

Trump of God is victory in Jesus for the white Christian Baby Boomers felt the heavy burden of bondage under President Obama lifted off the U.S of America! The bondage of Obama's nation of desolation has been set free in Jesus holy name!

The white Christian Baby Boomers are entering into the promise land in 2017 after eight years of President Obama's persecution of the white Christians in the U.S. of America. Goodbye to President Obama's hell and give Jesus a yell for the United States freedom in 2017!

George Culley

Pinckneyville
News of Fidel Castros death has generated praise for him from numerous politicians on the left. While Castro has a murderous history, wielded dictatorial powers and committed many human rights abuses, a record that even those who praise him abhor, its the very policies that some leftists praise that are the source of Cubas poverty.

For example, in response to news of Castros death, Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein tweeted, Fidel Castro was a symbol of the struggle for justice in the shadow of empire. Presente!

And U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., who met with Castro eight times over the years, said that when she learned Castro had died, I was very sad for the Cuban people. He led a revolution in Cuba that led social improvements for his people.

There is no doubt that Castro has the blood of innocent people on his hands. The Cuba Archive Project, which requires stringent documentation, has verified the deaths of 5,600 people before firing squads and an additional 1,200 extrajudicial assassinations. Historian R.J. Rummel estimates a much larger 35,000 to 141,000 Cubans have died at the hands of Castros government.

Leftists have often apologized for the brutality of socialist governments by claiming that the ends justify the means. A Stalin apologist reportedly told George Orwell that you cant make an omelet without breaking eggs. To which Orwell answered, Wheres the omelet?

Castro had more than 50 years to cook the omelet and all he delivered was broken eggs. The problem is that the recipe, socialism, cant create a meal of economic prosperity.

Socialism requires that the government own the major inputs to production (land, capital, and, at least implicitly, its own citizens labor) and to formulate an economy-wide production and distribution plan. But socialist planners cannot know what goods consumers most urgently want and the most economical way to produce them, because they lack the freely formed prices that underlie profit-and-loss calculations in market economies.

Moreover, planning necessarily entails centralizing a great deal of power. People in positions of power often lack any incentive to plan efficiently even if they knew how to do it. Meaningful political freedom is illusory when those in power control the economic livelihood of their citizens, so rulers often plan for their own benefit rather than the benefit of their people. The horrific abuses of power that have occurred under socialism are a feature of the system, not a bug.

Most former socialist countries converted to some form of mixed economy (interventionist capitalism) by the end of the 20th century. Only three socialist countries remain: Cuba, Venezuela and North Korea, and they are all disasters because all socialist countries suffer from these severe incentive and information problems.

The failure of Cuban socialism should be apparent to anyone willing to recognize it. Poverty is widespread; transport is abysmal; basic consumer goods are lacking in both quantity and variety; infrastructure is crumbling; and even Cubas much praised socialized health care has failed. The health-care system for Cuban elites (the Communist Party, military, official writers, etc.) is what outsiders praise. The one for most Cubans is so bad they have to bring their own bed sheets, soap, towels, food, and toilet paper to the hospitals.

Castro dogmatically stuck to failed socialist policies, while most of the world outside Cuba pragmatically moved toward markets. Even China, where the Communist Party maintains its political control, made major reforms away from socialist planning and toward markets. Chinas reforms have allowed nearly a billion people to escape extreme poverty, while Cuba has remained stagnant.

Castros slogan was Socialism or Death. His socialism delivered a dead economy. The future of the Cuban people will be much brighter if Castros socialist policies go to the grave with him.
During the early years of the epidemic in the 1980s, AIDS was a death sentence. Across the globe, the disease has claimed an estimated 36 million people in the years since. But so many today, particularly in developed countries such as the United States, are surviving with the help of medications born of decades of research for way to cure and prevent AIDS.

Thursday marks World AIDS Day, an international public health campaign promoting awareness of HIV and AIDS prevention and research. It has been nationally recognized each year on Dec. 1 since 1993, when former President Bill Clinton addressed the global crisis while introducing his administrations task force designed to coordinate AIDS research.

In 2016, there is cause for celebrating significant breakthroughs in AIDS research and prevention that have come in the past year. Not the least of those is the very real prospect for a long-awaited vaccine.

The Associated Press reported that the latest attempt at a vaccine against HIV began in South Africa on Wednesday, as scientists test a beefed-up version of the only shot ever to show a glimmer of protection.

It's the first study of its kind begun in seven years, and even moderate success could prove important not only in hard-hit South Africa, where more than 1,000 people a day are infected with HIV, but beyond.

As reported by The AP, Glenda Gray, president of the South African Medical Research Council, said Wednesday at one of the test clinics in Soshanguve township outside Pretoria: "If an HIV vaccine were found to work in South Africa, it could dramatically alter the course of the pandemic.

Developing a vaccine against the virus that causes AIDS is one of science's greatest challenges, and the field is littered with failures. Better medications have greatly improved survival for many people, turning the virus into a chronic disease rather than a quick killer. But there is no cure.

According to APs report, the new study is based on the only vaccine attempt ever to show even marginal effectiveness, in Thailand in 2009  a two-vaccine combination that cut the risk of HIV infection by 31 percent over 3-1/2 years. That wasn't nearly effective enough to use outside of research, but scientists immediately started trying to modify and improve that combination.

The new study will enroll 5,400 sexually active men and women between 18 and 35 at sites across South Africa. Volunteers for the study will be randomly assigned to receive either five vaccine injections over a year or five placebo shots.

Results are expected in 2020. Participants who become infected with HIV will be referred to local medical providers for care and treatment and will be counseled on how to reduce their risk of transmitting the virus.

Not to be ignored is the important role the United States is playing in battling AIDS. The new study is funded in part by the U.S. government's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. And President Barack Obamas administration has spent nearly $34 billion on global and domestic HIV and AIDS efforts in 2016 alone, the most a president has ever allocated to the issue in a single fiscal year.

While the news is promising, there remains the reality of a million AIDS-related deaths a year around the world.

For Americans, testing to know your status regarding HIV/AID remains a priority in treating and preventing the spread of the disease.

For more information about HIV/AIDS in South Carolina, call the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Controls AIDS/STD Hotline at 1-800-322-AIDS (1-800-322-2437), or visit DHECs website at: scdhec.gov/stdhiv
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With this development, many thousands of people who were converted by RCA rabbis and are fully halachic Jews are now having their status as Jews thrown into doubt. This is a great travesty. Converts with whom we have had contact feel betrayed.

It must also be added that not only is the RCA casting doubt on conversions done prior to GPS, it is also sending a message that conversions done today by modern Orthodox rabbis outside of GPS are questionable. This is precisely what happened in the recent case of the (highly respected)? Rabbi Haskel Lookstein of New York, when a conversion he performed outside of GPS was turned down by the Israeli Rabbinate, resulting in grave anguish not only to one of the great modern Orthodox rabbis of our time, but to the convert herself.
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By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijans State Customs Committee (SCC) and American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The memorandum was signed during the Azerbaijan-U.S. business forum, held in Baku on December 1.

The document envisages the use of green corridor and other access systems during the transportation of goods and vehicles for AmCham member-companies.

The MoU was signed by AmCham President Ilgar Veliyev and Chairman of Azerbaijans State Customs Committee Aydin Aliyev.

The document was signed for a period of one year. Under the MoU, the State Customs Committee is obliged to inform the companies about the terms and conditions of use of the green corridor, as well as the technical opportunities to determine the forms and order of treatment to use the green corridor and submit them in electronic form.

AmCham member-companies, for their part, are obliged to hold trainings and seminars in order to expand the use of the green corridor system.

The two sides are also obliged to create a working group, which will include their authorized representatives, to discuss joint cooperation.

The MoU enters into force from the date of its signing.

The event was organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan with the support of the US embassy in Baku and the Azerbaijani embassy in Washington.

AmCham has been working in Azerbaijan since 1996 and currently consists of 270 companies representing more than 80% of foreign investments in the country. The Chamber serves as a bridge between the Government and private sector and has continuous constructive and results oriented dialogue with relevant government bodies. AmCham promotes the business interests of the member companies, contributes to the improvement of the business climate in Azerbaijan.
By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan and Djibouti have reached important agreements in civil aviation, as Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) President Jahangir Askerov was on a working visit to the Republic of Djibouti on November 29-30.

During the visit, Askerov held a series of meetings with senior officials of Djibouti. The AZAL president was received by President of the Republic of Djibouti, Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh on November 30, AZAL reported.

Expressing deep gratitude for the warm and sincere welcome, Askerov gave detailed information about AZAL. He underlined powerful potential for cooperation between the two countries and noted that the relationship between Azerbaijan and Djibouti will continue to develop.

In his turn, President Guelleh welcomed Jahangir Askerov and stressed that he attaches great importance to the development of relations with Azerbaijan.

The president noted that he supports fraternal Azerbaijan in any field.

Jahangir Askerov also met with Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority.

During these meetings, presentation of the project of new Djibouti International Airport was held, where the possibility of participation of Azerbaijani companies in the construction work was discussed.

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Azerbaijan Airlines and Djibouti Airlines to expand cooperation. After the signing ceremony, heads of companies made a statement to the press.

Moreover, an agreement was reached to open Baku-Djibouti cargo transportation flight, as well as to establish Azerbaijan-Djibouti joint cargo transportation company.
By Azernews





By Amina Nazarli

The United States, which is considering a stronger partnership with Azerbaijan, invested $10 billion in the countrys economy.

Azerbaijan's Deputy Economy Minister Sahil Babayev made the remarks on December 1, while addressing the first Azerbaijan-U.S. business forum Trade and investment opportunities in post-oil era held in Baku.

Azerbaijans oil sector alone received investments worth $9 billion, Babayev said. The volume of investments is constantly increasing, and this shows a favorable investment climate in our country."

He went on to say that the Azerbaijani investments in the U.S. economy hit $3 billion, adding that these investments are mainly invested through the line of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ).

Babayev emphasized that Azerbaijan and the U.S. enjoy long-term economic relations and these relations can be called strategic.

Azerbaijan hopes to attract U.S. investment in the non-oil sector as well, and to diversify their directions. It is regrettable that only 10 percent of the U.S. investments are directed to Azerbaijans non-oil sector, he said.

Babayev voiced hope that it will be possible to attract the U.S. investments in other sectors of the Azerbaijani economy as well.

While the two countries are hemispherically distant, the trade has never been stronger or easier, and the desire among the business communities in both countries to forge new business opportunities has never been greater.

The flow of goods and services between the two countries, while substantial, already remains susceptible to improvement in many different areas. Beyond energy, Azerbaijan's telecommunications and IT, nine different climate zones and rich soil with astonishing agricultural potential and diversity, and the legendary hospitality of its population can be tapped into by numerous economic sectors.

Azerbaijans Ambassador to U.S. Elin Suleymanov, addressing the event, said the U.S. will host the second international transport forum on the development of the Silk Road revival project in May 2017.

He said that the first such forum was held quite successfully in 2015, adding that alongside Azerbaijan, representatives from Turkmenistan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Georgia and even Afghanistan.

Speaking at the event, U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta said that over the past 25 years of Azerbaijans independence, the U.S. imported Azerbaijani goods worth $1.3 billion.

The diplomat praised the role of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) in the development of relations with local business.

Since Azerbaijan gained independence, the U.S. helped Azerbaijan to build a stable, prosperous, democratic country, which it has become, added the diplomat.

Cekuta went on to say that the trade turnover between the two countries was quite modest in 2015, while the capacity is noticeably higher.

He added that Azerbaijan and the U.S. will continue to expand economic ties.

The trade turnover between the US and Azerbaijan amounted to almost $312.3 million in January-July 2016, $280.6 million of which accounted for the import of the US products.

AmCham has been working in Azerbaijan since 1996 and currently consists of 270 companies representing more than 80 percent of foreign investments in the country and currently serving as a bridge between the government and private sector and having continuous constructive and results oriented dialogue with relevant government bodies, Chamber promotes the business interests of the member companies, contributes to the improvement of the business climate in Azerbaijan.
By Azernews





By Laman Ismayilova

Baku Fashion Week 2016 ended with a gorgeous collection by Uzbek brand Sharq Liboslari alongside featuring new trends from the fashion house "The Black Dress".

For the first time, the Fashion Week showcased an eye-catching hijab collection from the brand Jannat.

In its collection, Jannat was able to create a beautiful harmony of fashion and modesty. The spectators was captivated by every single look.

Baku Fashion Week was included in the calendar schedule of world Fashion Week, making Azerbaijan more recognizable among international designers and fashion lovers. Local designers and models will gradually reach world podiums and attract the interest overseas.

Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az and Azernews.az
















By Azertac





British Embassy Baku hosted an event marking the 25th anniversary of recognition of Azerbaijan`s state independence by UK`s Government.





UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Carole Crofts spoke about the visit of the British Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy for Azerbaijan Baroness Emma Nicholson.





Carole Crofts said that the bilateral relations between the two countries cover all areas of cooperation. She noted that the relations between Azerbaijan and the UK have solid basis, adding that the two countries share experience and carry out mutual dialogue.





The diplomat said this created the basis for development of mutual cooperation.





Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev said that the Azerbaijani government and people praise the decision adopted by the British government 25 years ago to recognize Azerbaijans independence. The Deputy FM said this created basis for the development and expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.





Mammad-Guliyev also noted that over the past years, Azerbaijan has been developing its oil sector and hundreds of companies entered the country`s market.





The Deputy FM also stressed the importance of carrying out the regular meetings for discussing the expansion of relations.





Baroness Nicholson said that the UK is the fifth country, which recognized Azerbaijans independence.





Emma Nicholson added that she is happy of being the UKs trade envoy for Azerbaijan. There are many spheres, in which Azerbaijan and the UK cooperates, she added. Baroness Nicholson went on to say that it is great honour for her to take part in building more stable relations between the UK and Azerbaijan.












By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov stated that Yerevan avoids negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution.

"Yerevan has not yet responded to the Frances proposal to hold the 3+2 format meeting [three co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group and Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers] in Hamburg, he said addressing a briefing on December 1.

It means that Armenia avoids the negotiations, rendering no support for the peace process, the minister added.

Mammadyarov previously said that Baku backs Frances proposal to hold meeting on Nagorno-Karabakh in Hamburg in the 3+2 format.

While commenting on the statements of the Armenian side that Nagorno-Karabakh must be either independent or annexed to Armenia, Mammadyarov said that such statements play a negative role in the negotiation process, if Azerbaijan and Armenia talk about peace negotiations.



It is not a secret that the negotiations are held on the basis of the document which, first of all, points out that the Armenian armed forces must be gradually withdrawn from the occupied Azerbaijani territories, he said.

As for the status of Nagorno-Karabakh region, Mammadyarov said that the Azerbaijani community must return to its native lands to determine the status.

"The status should not be discussed without the participation of the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh," he said.

Armenia's territorial claims in the late 1980s accompanied with bitter military aggression resulted in the occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh, and seven surrounding regions. More than a million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs in the aftermath of the war between the two South Caucasus republics.

In 1994, the OSCE Budapest Summit established the so-called Minsk Group to mediate between the two countries. However, the negotiations have been largely fruitless so far despite the efforts of the co-chair countries for over 20 years.

Peace talks, mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. through the OSCE Minsk Group, are underway on the basis of a peace outline proposed by the Minsk Group co-chairs, dubbed the Madrid Principles.
This post is prompted by a number of things that have left me pondering how as Christians we are to bring about change in our churches. When we strongly b...

7 years ago
Bin Faqeeh, a Bahrain-based privately-owned real estate investor, has signed an escrow agreement with Khaleeji Commercial Bank (KHCB) for its Hidd Heights project, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.



To read further, please visit GDNonline.






The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (Aurak) has been awarded the Best Green Campus 2016 as part of a sustainable campus initiative launched by Emirates Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and UAE petrochemical firm Borouge.



The prestigious accolade was given to the institution at an exclusive ceremony in Abu Dhabi after it beat 14 other major universities, all based in the UAE, in the competition, said a statement from Aurak.



The sustainable campus initiative was launched in 2014 with the goal of encouraging university students in the UAE take responsibility for the ecological footprint their respective campuses leave on their wider communities.



Speaking of his teams success, Professor Mousa Mohsen, dean of the school of engineering at Aurak, said the award comes as a result of its continuous hard work over the last year.



"This is not the end however. We will set targets on an annual basis in order to continue promoting sustainable development and reduce the impact we have on the environment," he remarked.



Aktham Al Chaar, a student member of the team, said: "The project wanted to approach the issue of climate change from a different angle, namely to look at the adaptation to global warming rather than just focusing solely on renewable energies."



"We found that the countrys mangroves, which are able to absorb carbon dioxide and withstand the effects of climate change, are a potential solution to this problem," he explained.



Aurak president Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim expressed his delight upon receiving news that the university had won the award.

"This is yet another example of the fantastic work that is going on at Aurak. It is deeply satisfying to see that our students are being given the opportunity to actively participate with their professors in research. Everyone prospers from this arrangement, as they are producing knowledge and solutions which benefit society as a whole," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Grohe, one of the worlds leading manufacturers of premium sanitary fittings, showcased its latest collections at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) which was held recently in Berlin, Germany.



The German company was the headline sponsor at the largest gathering of the international architecture community and the largest architectural competition in the world.



Grohe has been supporting this festival for the ninth consecutive year where it presented the main prize Building of the year. The company also unveiled its latest expanded faucet range that takes individual bathroom design to a new level.



"The bathroom is becoming a highly considered space in a home. People, architects and designers need the means to express their individual or customers style, thus the reveal of Grohe expanded Essence collection that not only inspires the latest global trends but also offers a tremendous variety with 10 possible combinations of deluxe colours and state-of-the-art finishes that work within high contrast, medium contrast and tone-on-tone environments," remarked Michael Seum, the VP of Design at Grohe.



Moreover, their names are as beautiful as they look: Cool Sunrise, Warm Sunset, Hard Graphite and Nickel, he stated.



According to him, this new freedom of choice comes with an incredible consistency in design, with every spout and lever almost identical across all product types.



The luxurious free standing shower, the floor mounted bath mixer or premium basin mixer in sizes from S to XL. Matching accessories such as high-end towel rails or soap dishes: They all speak the same design language of subtle and delicate transitions and simple, understated geometry, he stated.



The geometric structure of the design is based on concentric cylinders. For the expanded line it has been slightly softened and humanized. The redesigned lever is the perfect illustration for this credo. "We have included a very slight taper on the handle, giving the user a sensual experience of precision and control they will never have felt before," explained Seum.



The introduction of controlled organic transitions will bring harmony to any interior concept, joining the products seamlessly across all zones of the bathroom. This contributes greatly to the overall high flexibility of the expanded Essence range, translating into practically any bathroom style, be it classic luxury, high-end vintage or natural atmosphere of well-being, he added.



All these features go along with numerous highly advanced technological features such as Grohe AquaGuide and Grohe SilkMove displaying the well-known, long-lasting Grohe quality.



At the festival, Grohe also provided a first-hand opportunity to get an impression of Sensia presenting the luxury shower series as well as a range of water filtering solutions called Grohe Blue Home and Grohe Red turning tap water into fresh or boiling water.-TradeArabia News Service
Employees of UAE-based Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a leading aluminium producer in the Middle East, celebrated the 45th UAE National Day at a company-wide event today.



Special heritage-themed events, celebrating the spirit of the nation, were held simultaneously at the companys two UAE sites in Jebel Ali, Dubai and Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi respectively.



A total of more than 1,000 employees participated at the events



EGA is one of the oldest major companies in the UAE, having begun production in 1979. It also has facilitated the UAE to be ranked as the fourth largest aluminium producing country in the world.



EGA is also the heart of a growing broader UAE aluminium industry that is contributing to further economic diversification.



Khalid Buhumaid, senior vice president, government relations, EGA, said: Our company is always extremely proud to celebrate the annual UAE National Day.



With 2016 marking the 45th anniversary of the union that formed the UAE, this years celebrations were very special. The high number of employees attending confirms the loyalty of both UAE Nationals and expats to our nation, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
Sunil John, the founder and chief executive officer of ASDAA Burson-Marsteller, has been presented with the Chairmans Award at the Middle East PR Awards 2016.

John was recognised with the award during a glittering ceremony organised by the Middle East Public Relations Association (Mepra) held at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai on Wednesday.

The Chairmans Award, one of the top prizes at the industrys biggest event, is given to an individual for his overall contribution to the PR profession in the Middle East and was handed over by Brian Lott, chairman of Mepra.

In a speech during the ceremony, John dedicated the award to the roster of senior PR professionals who helped build the sector in the region.

The PR industry today provides a huge opportunity for young people, particularly young Arabs  and its fantastic to see how it is attracting some of the top talents in the market place, John said. Just by looking around this evening, I am convinced that the future of our profession is in exceptionally capable hands.

John has been at the heart of the regions public relations industry for more than two decades, and founded ASDAA in 2000. In 2001, along with four peers in the industry, he also helped found Mepra, the regions first and foremost representative body for public relations and communications professionals and students.

John was also the first PR professional from the Middle East to receive the Outstanding Individual Achievement SABRE Award (EMEA), from the Holmes Report in 2014.

Now in its eighth year, the Middle East PR Awards recognises agencies, corporates, teams and individuals who have shown exceptional return on investment, creativity and strategic impact.  TradeArabia News Service


Careem, the regions leading app-based car booking service, recently launched operations in Istanbul, Turkey with plans to increase presence in 15 new cities in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan.



Within the GCC itself, Careem is answering the high demand for its services by extending its presence to six more cities in Saudi Arabia, its largest market. Careem cars can be booked in 23 cities across the Kingdom, offering millions of Saudi residents a safe and reliable transportation option.



Careem cars can be booked in 23 cities across the Kingdom, offering millions of Saudi residents a safe and reliable transportation option.



In Egypt, the app will expand to three more cities while commuters in Pakistan too can look forward to increased access to Careem services, since the company acquired Pakistan start-up Savaree earlier in 2016.



Our mission is to make peoples lives simpler by providing a variety of convenient transportation solutions that respond to local needs, said Mudassir Sheikha, co-founder and managing director at Careem.



As a homegrown company, we have in-depth knowledge of the region and we tailor our services to ensure we offer convenient transportation options that have a meaningful impact on the local population. Launching Careem in Turkey is a key milestone in our journey to reinforce our position as the leading car booking service in the region and we look forward to further expansion across this dynamic market.



Initially, Careem will operate as an airport service in Turkey, available to customers going to and from the airport, in Mercedes VITO and Volkswagen car models.



Careems focus on broadening and deepening its presence across the wider region comes on the back of the apps resounding growth in a period of only four years since its launch, resulting in operations available in 47 cities today.  TradeArabia News Service
Oil prices soared today following a decision by Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia to cut output in a bid to boost oil price.



US crude oil gained 9 percent to reach $50 a barrel for the first time since late October, while Brent crude touched a six-week peak of $52.35 a barrel.



The Opec agreed its first supply cut in eight years yesterday, after more than two years of depressed oil prices.



Members of the oil group will start a cut of 1.2 million barrels a day from January, Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Opec's president, said.



Oil prices have more than halved since 2014 due to a supply glut.



Non-Opec countries, including Russia, will also reduce production by 600,000 barrels a day, according to Al-Sada.

Russia has agreed to cut 300,000 barrels from its output of more than 10 million barrels a day, Reuters quoted Al-Sada as saying.



Brent is off the 12-year low of $27 per barrel marked in January but still less than half of where they were in 2014.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has inaugurated the Sadara Chemical Company (Sadara) and the Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Co (Satorp).

The two projects are among the largest facilities in the refining and petrochemicals industries that support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Vision aims to create new industries that will help provide new job opportunities for Saudis, as well as attract foreign investment to the kingdom. Sadara and Satorp are aligned with these objectives and are the result of successful partnerships between Saudi Aramco and two global companiesThe Dow Chemical Company and Totalwhich are leaders in their respective areas of business.

Khalid Al Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources and chairman of Saudi Aramco said: Sadara and Satorp represents a bold undertaking for Saudi Aramco and its respective partners, Dow Chemical and Total. It is a major driver in achieving our goals of greater integration and value addition. Sadara and Satorp represents the concrete realization of our distinct yet complementary corporate visions - it is one way in which Saudi Aramco is helping to deliver on its abiding commitment to the kingdom.

SADARA PROJECT

The Sadara project is the largest integrated chemicals complex in the world to be built in one phase. It is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and The Dow Chemical Company in Jubail Industrial City in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The first phase commenced operations in 2015, and the remaining operating units are scheduled for completion by the end of 2016. The production capacity is more than three million tons of various plastics and chemicals product annually.

Amin Nasser, president & CEO of Saudi Aramco, said: Sadara is a huge testament to the power of partnership. We have faced many challenges over the years  complex technological challenges, economic uncertainty - but both parent companies stood firm to make Sadara a reality. The Sadara project contributes to the development of the manufacturing and the technology industries in the kingdom, and will have a great impact on the economy, directly and indirectly.

The foreign direct investment used to establish Sadara is the largest in the Saudi petrochemicals industry. The company is the cornerstone of Saudi Aramcos strategy to achieve integration in processing and refining to produce high value chemicals and benefit all stakeholders.

The partnership with Dow Chemical allows Saudi Aramco to unleash its full potential in chemicals and to benefit from innovative technologies in producing high value chemicals never before produced in the kingdom.

The refining, processing and marketing projects will help Saudi Aramco achieve the maximum value possible from hydrocarbons in the kingdom and establish new industries to create more jobs for Saudis. Through 14 newly introduced technologies, the project ushers the kingdom into a new age of economic diversification, new products and job opportunities.

Sadara is the first chemicals complex in the GCC region that uses naphtha as feedstock. The complex has a unit to crack naphtha that can process 85 million standard square feet of ethane and 53,000 barrels per day of naphtha as a feedstock to produce three million tons of high value and high performance plastics annually.

Once fully operational at maximum capacity, the project will employ more than 4,000 people. In addition, the PlasChem Park, a world-class industrial park for chemical and conversion industries created by a collaboration between Sadara and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, will create 15,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Saudis in Jubail alone.

SATORP PROJECT

The Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Co (Satorp), a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Total in Jubail, will support Saudi Aramcos efforts to expand the value chain and achieve maximum value from the kingdoms resources.

It can process 400,000 barrels of heavy Arabian crude daily into low-sulfur gasoline, diesel and jets fuel that comply with the standards in the United States, Europe and Japan. It also produces more than one million tonnes of paraxylene, benzene, sulphur and pure petroleum coke that fuels cement plants and electric power stations.

Nasser, stressed the importance of projects such as Satorp to further stimulate the kingdoms economy. The kingdom will benefit from the commercial activities of Satorp. It will have a kingdom-wide effect, and Satorp will provide the additional boost for Saudi Aramco to become a fully integrated energy and chemicals leader which augurs well for its larger portfolio diversification agenda.

This joint venture will create approximately 5,700 new direct and indirect jobs and will serve Saudi Aramcos vision to become among the worlds top three refiners. The venture showcases the positive impact of foreign direct investments on the Saudi economy. The construction of the project involved 45,000 workers with 80 per cent of the work performed by local subcontractors with a Saudisation rate of 65 per cent. -- Tradearabia News service
Dubai Airports was voted as the Travel and Tourism Company of the year at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards in Dubai recently.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, received the award on behalf of the company at the event



The awards seek to recognise and reward outstanding corporate leadership across a range of sectors, with nominations being drawn from across the Gulf and wider Middle East region.



Anita Mehra, senior vice president, Communication and Reputation at Dubai Airports described the win as greatly satisfying. Dubai International is known around the world for its meteoric rise to the top of the list of the worlds busiest international hubs but our goal is to be recognised equally for the way we delight the millions of customers that pass through our airport each year. This award is a recognition of our ongoing efforts to raise the bar with innovative ideas and quality services to keep our customers happy, she said.



The Arabian Business Achievement Awards saw fierce competition in 12 award categories this year with winners decided by a rigorous judging process that involved a shortlisting of nominees in each category created by the executive editorial team of ITP, the event organisers, based on business activity over the past 12 months. The shortlist was then assessed by a panel of judges comprised of some of the regions most prominent and successful business leaders, before winners were announced at the gala dinner. - TradeArabia News Service


Gulf Air, in partnership with the National Labour Union of Gulf Air (NLUGF) today celebrated Bahraini Womens Day with a special event at the airlines Muharraq headquarters.



The event occurred alongside a dedicated week-long tribute to key Bahraini female members of the airlines workforce across its official social media platforms and a special honour that was delivered to the airlines longest serving Bahraini female employee Badriya Abdulla Ali Janahi.



The Bahraini women that were recognized in the social media campaign represented a cross section of the airlines female workforce and included: Amal Saleh Jawad, Gulf Air clinic nurse; Nadia Saad AlAtteyah, Incentive & ORC administrator; Aysha Aldoseri, executive secretary; Mardheya AMajeed Mosawi, Repair specialist; Shaikha Mahamed, manager scheduling, and Yasmin Shanaa, IT Project manager.



Addressing the airlines female workforce, Gulf Air chief financial officer, Sahar Ataei said: There exist challenges unique to being a woman in the workplace and these are evident to varying degrees across the globe. Part of Gulf Airs mission to be a healthy organization includes empowering our female workforce, dedicating ourselves to their advancement and giving them the tools for success. I am honoured to work amongst female colleagues of the caliber we have at Gulf Air and take this opportunity to congratulate all Bahraini women for their significant achievements and contributions to the Kingdom as we celebrate Bahraini Womens Day today. The entire Gulf Air family unites today to celebrate our female workforce and thank them for their key role in our national carriers positive development.



Gulf Air has been a pioneer in encouraging and offering targeted training and career development opportunities to its workforce  thereby ensuring it facilitates and supports a range of career opportunities within the aviation industry. With 37 per cent female personnel, the airlines female workforce represent all Gulf Air divisions, ranks and levels of expertise. - TradeArabia News Service
Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
Wyomings state lands board on Thursday denied a controversial land trade in the Laramie Range.

The State Board of Land Commissioners  composed of Wyomings top five elected officials  voted unanimously against the trade that would have swapped more than 1,000 acres of land in the Laramie Range for about 300 acres in the Black Hills. The proposal was met with steep opposition from sportsmen and Albany County commissioners worried the trade would block federal land from public access.

I think the process worked, said Buzz Hettick, chairman for the Wyoming chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. We all live in Wyoming for the outdoor opportunities it provides, and public lands are very important to the local economies.

A Casper businessman and landowner, Richard Bonander, proposed the swap as a way to consolidate land on his Laramie Range ranch. The public parcels were difficult to navigate and over rough terrain, limiting access, he told the Star-Tribune in September.

Im real disappointed, I am out two years of work to fit in the criteria with the states plan, Bonander said Thursday. My only thing is it would have been easier to manage the property if I owned it rather than lease it. I already have the leases to run my cows there. It makes it more difficult to manage.

The Office of State Lands and Investments supported the trade, saying the land in the Black Hills could be worth more financially to the state than the southeast Wyoming parcels.

An easement proposed later that would connect two sections of the land did not appease the opposition, who said the land would still be effectively inaccessible.

With regards to this transaction, [the vote] functionally kills it, said Jason Crowder, assistant director for the office of state lands. We presented the board I think a transaction that covered the trust land management objectives, and we were very open about its faults and merits and the board has to weigh those.

Hettick said he and others would be interested in helping the state acquire the land in the Black Hills.

We dont want to just be an opposition group all the time, he said. We want to help the state acquire the properties and work with everyone in the state if we can.
Wyomings top five elected officials will decide Thursday the fate of a controversial land swap in southeast Wyoming.

The deal would trade more than 1,000 acres of rocky hillside in the Laramie Range for almost 300 acres of wooded mountain in the Black Hills. It drew recent ire from sportsmen and local county commissioners because losing the Albany County land would block access to thousands of acres of federal public lands.

Thousands of sportsmen signed a petition protesting the potential swap, and dozens showed up to a public hearing in late September to voice their dissent. Since then, the Office of State Lands and Investments has added as a compromise a small easement connecting two portions of public land.

 such an easement appears to address the majority of the concerns related to public access, according to state lands director Bridget Hill.

But sportsmen and county commissioners say its not enough and that the deal is still not best for the area.

Its a terrible compromise, said Buzz Hettick, chairman for the Wyoming chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. For one thing, youre still losing 1,000 acres of state ground that we already have access to.

Casper businessman and Albany County landowner Rick Bonander originally proposed a swap as a way to consolidate lands in and around his Laramie Range ranch, he told the Star-Tribune in September. He bought the ranch in part for its hunting and fishing opportunities. But he realized after he purchased it three years ago that building fences, roads or irrigation ditches, for example, were more difficult because of the patchwork ownership.

The state lands office countered his original offer with another: Bonander could buy a similarly valued 295-acre section in the Black Hills and trade that piece of land for the Laramie state-owned parcels.

State officials want the Black Hills land  in a place called Moksee  to be part of their forestry plans. It could also provide additional money for the state from possible timber sales or outfitting, they have said.

The state lands office manages land for the financial benefit of public schools, said Jason Crowder, assistant director for the trust land management division with state lands. Recreation is a consideration, but it is less important than potential for generating revenue.

But from an economic standpoint, the trade does not benefit Albany County, said Tim Sullivan, chairman of the Albany County Commission.

A huge amount of money comes in front hunting and fishing and hiking and tourism, Sullivan said. And this is a critical area for elk and deer.

A loss of 1,000 acres, even if they are in rugged, mountainous terrain, is a loss for the county, he said.

A recent study by the University of Wyoming, commissioned by the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, found that hunters and anglers spend about $25.3 million in Albany County each year.

While the proposed easement does open one piece of isolated land, the trade still blocks the southern portion of the largest section of national forest, Hettick said.

The State Board of Land Commissioners will decide on the trade during its meeting Thursday in Cheyenne.

Gov. Meads office will have the biggest problem, Hettick said. Hes made it clear he wants to encourage outdoor recreation... The number one reason people give up or dont start hunting is because they dont have a place to go. I dont know how you can push hunting and fishing and at the same time deny access to public land.
The Natrona County Sheriffs Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation are investigating the death of a Casper teen who died Saturday after being jailed following his arrest on drug charges, a sheriffs office spokesman said Thursday.

Logan Martz, 19, died Saturday after being taken from the Natrona County Detention Center to the Wyoming Medical Center after he began acting erratically and experiencing seizures. Police arrested Martz four days earlier on suspicion of using a hallucinogenic drug.

Natrona County Coroner Connie Jacobson said in news release that an autopsy was performed on Martzs body on Wednesday. The cause of death will be determined when the autopsy and toxicology results are returned, which will take several weeks.

Casper police responded to a report of a disturbance about 7:15 p.m. Nov. 22 on South Lincoln Street and found Martz in 2nd Street Discount Liquor, according to court documents. Martz was experiencing hallucinations and did not make sense when he spoke. Officers believed he was under the influence of a drug and drove him to the Wyoming Medical Center.

At the hospital, Martz eventually became more sober and told investigators he had taken acid with other people at a house in the 500 block of South Lincoln Street, documents state. Martz said he did not remember everything that happened before he was arrested and that he wasnt sure where the drugs came from, though he did name one person who couldve been the source of the substance.

During the interview, Martzs condition began to deteriorate again and he stopped making sense when he spoke, the documents state.

Martz was later released from the hospital and booked into the Natrona County Detention Center on suspicion of use of a controlled substance.

Martz appeared Nov. 23 before a judge in the Natrona County Circuit Court and his bond was set at $500, according to court documents.

Late in the night of Nov. 23, Martz began to exhibit strange behavior and later began to experience a seizure at the detention center, according to the documents. About 2 a.m. Nov. 24, Martz was taken to the Wyoming Medical Center, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.

A circuit court judge released Martz from the jails custody some time after the teen arrived at the hospital, Sgt. Aaron Shatto said Thursday. Shatto said he did not know why the judge released Martz.

Later that morning an investigator with the sheriffs office arrived at the hospital for a report that Martz had overdosed on an unknown type of drug, possibly PCP or acid, according to the documents.

The teens condition deteriorated rapidly and a test showed there was no activity in Martzs brain. He was placed on life support. Two days later, Martz was removed from life support and he died about 2 p.m. Saturday.

Police later informed the sheriffs office that investigators found four people under the influence of a substance at the house on South Lincoln Street and that they had also been admitted to the hospital for drug overdoses or negative interactions with drugs, according to the documents. The people told police they had taken LSD.

Martz graduated from Natrona County High School earlier this year, according to an obituary. He was involved in debate, drama and orchestra at school and also enjoyed DC Comics movies.
A 19-year-old Casper man pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of sex abuse of a minor for having sex with two girls who were no older than 14 at the time.

Austin Andrew Barelle pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor, though he was originally charged with six counts of second-degree sex abuse and four counts of third-degree sex abuse. Five of those charges were dismissed during court proceedings and three more were dismissed as part of the plea deal.

Barelle was arrested in March after a campus supervisor at Natrona County High School reported that a student had been using a school iPad to send sexually explicit messages and nude pictures of herself to older men via iMessage, Skype and Facetime, according to court documents.

The campus supervisor gave the iPad to police, who discovered contact information for Barelle and photos that matched a previous book-in photo, the documents state.

Investigators interviewed female students at the school about sexual contact with Barelle. Two girls, both either 13 or 14, told police they had sex with Barelle multiple times, according to the documents. One of the girls told a detective that Barelle didnt seem to care how old she was.

Police then contacted Barelle, who said he knew why the detective was calling, according to the documents. He declined to be interviewed without an attorney.

During the plea hearing Wednesday, Barelle said he had sex with the two girls in Washington Park and in an alleyway near a different park.

Both the state and the prosecutor recommended that District Court Judge W. Thomas Sullins sentence Barelle to a maximum of 10 years for each charge and that the sentences run concurrently. The maximum sentence for second-degree sex abuse of a minor is 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Sullins will formally sentence Barelle at a later date. Barelle remained in the Natrona County Detention Center on Wednesday on a $25,000 bond.
The woman whose body was discovered in a central Casper house two weeks ago died by suicide, the Natrona County coroner said Wednesday.

The 26-year-old woman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Nov. 14 in a home on the 1200 block of West Collins Drive, coroner Connie Jacobson said.

Jacobson said she is still waiting for the final reports of the autopsy, which could take four to eight weeks.

Casper police responded to the home early that day after a family member found the woman dead. Sgt. Mike Ogden said last week that the police were no longer investigating the death.

About 120 people in Wyoming killed themselves in 2014, the most recent year that data is available for the state according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The state has the fourth-highest rate of death by suicide in the country, according to the organization.

Suicide is the second most common cause of death for Wyomingites between the ages of 15 and 44.

Warning signs of suicide include talking about wanting to die, expressing feelings of hopelessness or unbearable pain, increased use of alcohol or drugs, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawal and displaying extreme mood swings.

People considering suicide or concerned about a loved one can call the national hotline toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 or text WYO to 741-741.
CLARK  There are no injuries after a compressor station near the community of Clark in northwest Wyoming exploded.

Clark firefighter Dave Hoffert said the facility owned by Windsor Energy exploded Tuesday night.

Hoffert said the building, which housed the natural-gas-fired boiler to heat crude oil, exploded.

He said the only explanation for the explosion is a natural gas leak ignited due to some sort of electrical malfunction.

Although most of the steel siding was blown off and the shed's roof crumpled, the boiler and equipment in the shed remained intact.

Hoffert said damage was relatively minor.
The big announcement by the governors office this week that a California firm will invest $700 million to build an auto manufacturing plant in Casa Grande left out one important fact: The company doesnt have anywhere near that much.

In fact, a spokesman for Lucid Motors put the companys bank account in the range of a few hundred million even after several rounds of fundraising. Much of that cash has come from Chinese investors and even a Chinese state-owned company.

But David Salguero said the company is sure it can raise the rest of the money by 2022 to turn out at least 130,000 all-electric vehicles a year with price tags north of $100,000 from a plant Lucid says will hire 2,000.

He said Lucid is courting new investors. And Salguero said the company is counting on profits from the first vehicles, which are scheduled to roll off the assembly line in late 2018  years before the company will have the cash to finish the plant.

That lack of cash has not dimmed the views of the projects by Gov. Doug Ducey who engineered the Tuesday press conference, complete with two prototypes of the car Lucid hopes eventually to build.

The Arizona Commerce Authority already has promised a $5 million grant. ACA spokeswoman Susan Marie said the company also wants $1.5 million for job training. And she said it could theoretically qualify for up to $40 million if it actually creates all 2,000 jobs.

But Marie said there is no risk to Arizona taxpayers, with all that contingent on Lucid actually building the plant and hiring the workers.

Should it for some reason not move forward, the state will not have spent any money, she said.

But the situation is a bit different in Pinal County, which has agreed to buy the 493 acres Lucid wants for the plant.

Tim Kanavel, the countys program manager for economic development, said that land purchase will go ahead once Lucid signs a development agreement. At that point the plan is to lease the property to Lucid, with the company purchasing it outright at the end of five years.

Theres always risk involved, he said. But Kanavel said the county has done what it can to limit its financial exposure.

If for some reason this company, between now and when they purchase the property, say, We dont want it, well then we own 493 acres of prime industrial real estate, he said.

And we can always sell that, he continued. So we feel that the risk is very minimized on that.

He said the price of the parcels the county will buy is still being worked out but put it as way less than $100 million. And the price Lucid will pay also remains subject to negotiation.

Kanavel said, though, he is absolutely confident that Lucid will be able to complete the deal despite the fact it does not yet have the money. Thats also the view of the Arizona Commerce Authority.

It is no secret that Lucid is a startup company, said Marie. Startup companies raise money in rounds and based on milestones as they commercialize their products.

But it may be something of a misnomer to call Lucid a startup.

Its true the company did not exist before October. But thats only because thats when Lucid jettisoned the name it started with nine years ago: Atieva.

Still, state officials believe the company has a future.

Ducey press aide Daniel Scarpinato said his boss toured the plant and met multiple times with company officials.

And I think the fact that I think 60 different locations across the country were competing for this manufacturing center speaks to the very fact that this is a company thats seen as on the rise  and that this is a recruitment that many states and cities across the country felt was very attractive to get, he said. And Arizona got it.

Marie said the company has raised cash in prior fundraising operations from reputable venture investors like Venrock Capital and Mitsui Inc.

There also is a lot of Chinese money involved. That includes BAIC Automotive Group, the state-owned holding company of several car manufacturing firms, and Jia Yueting, who is CEO of LeEco, a Chinese consumer electronics company.

Salguero acknowledged that some of these investors, like Yueting, are no longer interested in putting additional funds into Lucid. In fact, Yueting has moved on, with LeEco unveiling its own LeSee prototype last month in San Francisco.

But Salguero said there are other options.

We will be going out for another round of funding, Salguero said. There will be more.

Marie said ACA officials are not concerned that the company does not expect to have all the money before 2022.

The ACA is comfortable that Lucid Motors currently has sufficient funding for the initial phase of the project, she said. She said that $700 million is the price tag to have a full-blown manufacturing plant capable of turning out 130,000 vehicles a year.

Marie also defended the incentives being offered to Lucid. She said even if the company qualifies for the entire $46.5 million in assistance, it pales in comparison to the $1.3 billion package for Tesla (Motors) and the $335 million package for Faraday Future that Nevada did. Tesla already is producing vehicles; Faraday is still in the development stage.

Salguero said its not surprising that people are generally unaware of Lucid Motors  and not just because the name did not exist before October.

Theres not much that weve been saying about our car until very recently, he said.
Jersey Mikes Subs is opening in Oro Valley on Wednesday, Dec. 7  the fourth location for brother and sister team Bob and Rosey Gregory.

And the pair isnt finished yet. They have three shops coming in 2017, Bob Gregory said, including one in Sierra Vista.

The Jersey Mikes at 10592 N. Oracle Road at North First Avenue in Oro Valley is distributing 10,000 coupons to local business for free sandwiches to raise funds for Canyon del Oro High School. Coupon holders are asked to donate $2 per sandwich, Gregory said, and some of the money could benefit the schools orchestra.

The store also is mailing coupons for free sandwiches to Oro Valley residents over the next several weeks, Bob Gregory said.

The Gregorys opened their first Jersey Mikes franchise in Tucson in 2014, about a year after Gregory sold his 11 Dominos franchises in the Four Corners region. Gregory, who was based out of Colorado, had been with Dominos for 32 years, and his sister had been his operations manager. The plan, he said, was to sell the pizza business and retire to warmer climes in Tucson. Then along came Jersey Mikes.

Instead of retiring, the Gregorys are fully vested in Jersey Mikes, with plans to open this summer in the Houghton Town Center at 9260 S. Houghton Road in Rita Ranch, and in Sierra Vista. Late next year, Gregory said he expects to open in the Bourn Cos. outdoor shopping center set to go up on Irvington Road, west of Interstate 19. The 58-acre center, near the Tucson Spectrum shopping center, has yet to break ground, although developers said they expect the first phase of what will be 600,000 square feet of retail space to open next fall.

The complete buildout will take 3 years, according to earlier reports.

The Oro Valley restaurant will open at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Regular hours will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Jersey Mikes, launched in its namesake New Jersey in 1956, has 1,500 locations nationwide.
Tucson is getting a double-dose of Nashville this weekend, starting with Gary Allan on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Rising newcomer Lauren Alaina (Road Less Traveled) follows up Monday, Dec. 5, headlining the KIIM 99.5-FM Penny Pinch Concert at The Wreck to benefit the Arizona Childrens Foundation. It will be the first time Alaina, a 22-year-old former American Idol finalist, has played Tucson.

Allan, who celebrates his 49th birthday two days after his Tucson show, is a regular to Tucson stages, and always hes always here about this time of year. He tries to end his year on the West Coast, near his native California and Vegas, where the National Finals Rodeo is held every December.

We caught up with him in Nashville on the Monday before Thanksgiving to talk about his show and his highly anticipated 10th career album. He has finished recording it, but the project has been stalled in record label drama  he switched labels midstream from MCA Nashville to EMI  and missed opportunities for more than a year.

I have no idea when its going to come out. Theyll want something in the top 10 so I have no idea what theyre going to do, Allan lamented.

The albums troubles include the release in spring 2015 of what was billed as the first single, the bluesy pop song Hangover Tonight. The song never broke into the Top 40.

Its just way different. And I love getting outside of the box, and I do it on every record, Allan said.

Six months ago, he switched labels and in May released a second single from the album, Do You Wish it Was Me? The song was picked up by radio in phases with a handful playing the song in heavy rotation. By the time the rest of country radio caught on, the song was on its chart decline.

Which brings Allan, who is celebrating his 20th year in country music, to a bit of a standstill.

He said hes frustrated big time, because Im still trying to get the same album out, and I feel like I cant move on.

Were trying to figure it out, how were going to do this together, he added.

Until they figure it out, Allan will do what he loves most:

I love playing. I love watching people cry during my shows because you know that youre right in the middle of a moment with them, said the father of three adult children. If youve been through a lot of heartache, you like my stuff. Theres lots of things I could have done thats more fluffy, and I could have had a lot more success, but I dont think I would have had near the integrity or be as happy with what Ive done.

About Lauren Alaina: The Georgia native was still in her teens when she finished second in the 2011 American Idol contest. Within months she released her first album Wildflowers, which debuted at No. 5 on Billboards Top 200 and sold 69,000 copies the first week. The first single Georgia Peach went as high as 28 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

Her latest single is the empowering Road Less Traveled, which hit No. 19 on the charts last summer.
Road crews blasting rock from a limestone cliff above Arizona 77 between Winkelman and Globe found themselves with a pretty big problem.

The Arizona Department of Transportation said one of the rocks dislodged early Wednesday was larger than expected  and 18-foot-tall block that dropped onto the highway from 150 feet above the road. That forced work crews to keep the road closed longer than scheduled.

The blasting work is a project to remove parts of the limestone cliff to prevent it from falling on Arizona 77.

Crews on the overnight project worked until 6 a.m. to break up the rock and push it off the highway. As a result, a detour using Arizona 77 and U.S. Highway 60 remained the only way around the work area for morning commuters.

The project requires working nights under a full closure of Arizona 77 between mileposts 154 and 161, in the Dripping Springs area. Crews are using explosives to remove potentially hazardous rocks from a cliff over the highway.

Sometimes rocks break at naturally occurring joints beneath the surface that cannot be seen or anticipated, said J.J. Liu, manager of ADOTs Geotechnical Services division. When the charge is ignited, it opens the crack at that joint and the rock detaches itself, he said.

The mountain is composed of the Mescal Limestone Formation with large blocks of limestone up to 155 feet above the highway, periodically falling with great energy and destructive potential, said Brent Conner, a senior geotechnical engineer with ADOT.

The nature of the geology in the Dripping Springs area could mean more unanticipated delays before the project is complete, he added.

The large block that fell required drilling and blasting at the roadway level to remove it from the travel lanes, Conner said. Last nights work was one of the most difficult for the contractor on this project, but a couple more difficult sections remain.
Shombay, Reid Park Zoo's 7-year-old male lion, went into kidney failure almost two years ago and was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. Thanks to a program training him to accept being poked with a sharp object, he is being treated successfully.

Dr. Alexis Moreno, Reid Park Zoo's veterinarian, says Shombay is on many of the medications a house cat would receive, but on a 450-pound lion scale. He is now trained to receive subcutaneous fluids twice a week  a form of dialysis  to treat his kidney disease.

Zookeeper Alec Young worked with Shombay, first to get him to lay next to the fence. A barrier is always between the lion and the zookeeper. Food was used as positive reinforcement.

Once Shombay would lay down voluntarily, Young got him used to being touched. He would say "touch" and then poke Shombay. If he accepted it well, he would be rewarded. This was done for several weeks.

Then the touch was done with an object that might replicate a needle and the same process was followed. When Shombay reacted negatively, Young would back off and wait a bit and then try again.

Once Shombay accepted the poke with a sharper object, the team followed the same process with the needle and now can give Shombay his fluids by needle.
A combination of sky surveillance, high-tech telescopes, serendipity and Twitter allowed astronomers to closely observe and characterize a tiny near-Earth asteroid and possibly determine its parentage.

This is the smallest asteroid ever to be looked at in this detail, said University of Arizona astronomer Vishnu Reddy, whose own scheduled telescope time on the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility in Hawaii coincided with detection of a 6-foot-diameter space rock called 2015 TC25 by the Catalina Sky Survey on Oct. 12, 2015.

A lot of this is luck, said Reddy, an assistant professor with the UA Lunar and Planetary Laboratory. Telescopes that do characterization are scheduled months in advance.

But on Oct. 12, Reddy was presented with an object on a path to fly within 69,000 miles of Earth.

Reddy said he knew he could obtain spectra of the object and possibly determine its composition, but more eyes on the object would be helpful. He decided to tweet for backup.

I contacted other colleagues on Twitter. This is a paper that started on Twitter, he said.

The results are published in the December issue of the Astronomical Journal.

Reddy was joined that first night by colleagues at two other optical telescopes  the Lowell Observatorys 4.3-meter Discovery Channel Telescope near Flagstaff and the 3-meter telescope at Magdalena Ridge Observatory near Socorro, New Mexico.

A few days later, the hunt was joined by the giant radio telescope at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. The object was too close for radio-wave observation before then, said Reddy.

Reddy was observing from Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii as part of a regularly scheduled NASA Near-Earth Objects Observations Program.

The paper says the asteroid is bright, reflecting about 60 percent of sunlight. It is also spinning quickly and appears to be a single, solid object that is not dragging along a cloud of dust.

It appears to be a rare asteroid type known as an aubrite, a type that accounts for only 0.14 percent of known meteorites.

The paper suggests that it is a piece of a larger object in the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars.

The best candidate source body is a 70-kilometer E-type asteroid called Nysa, the paper says.
Help India!

By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net

A murder in Amroha has created political storm in the district, and divided the Muslim community on caste lines, which is likely to have an adverse effect on the upcoming assembly polls.

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The incident relates to the murder of Shaukat Pasha at Dingarpur in Moradabad district on Saturday, November 25. Pasha is reported to be have criminal antecedents and the murder took place at a petrol pump owned by relatives of minister Mehboob Ali.

Pasha hailed from Turk community while Mehboob Ali is Malik (teli).

The incident resulted in large scale protest against Mehboob Ali by members of the Turk community. The matter has reached such a level that several panchayats have been held by Turk community and have taken the decisionNo vote for Mehboob.

Turks have also decided that they will not even vote for Samajwadi Party unless an FIR is lodged against Mehboob.

The family members of Pasha have given application to police mentioning Mehboobs name for conspiracy to murder. For two daysSaturday and Sundaythere was anarchy in Amroha with Turk community blocking highway and resorting to arson. Things settled after the burial of Pasha.

However, on Wednesday thousands of Turk community members gathered at Pashas village for the teeja of the deceased.

Most vocal was former MP Shafeequr Rehman Barq who openly named Mehboob and demanded that he should be sacked from the ministry. Barq himself hails from Turk community and met DIG with a delegation for including Mehboobs name in the FIR. Political leaders from all parties visited Pashas residence. Now the protest and panchayat of Turk community is spreading to other districts. A panchayat was held in Rampur where the Turk threatened to oppose SP.

Lately Samajwadi Party has been benevolent with the Malik community and has included Mehboob Ali in the ministry. His son Pervez Ahmed is MLC while another person from Malik community, Ashu Malik too has been nominated as MLC.

Turk community have sizeable number and are number about 35,000-40,000 in Amroha, the assembly seat from where Mehboob Ali is elected.

The murder is likely to have impact on poll prospects of SP after the murder of Pasha who is reported to have nearly 50 cases pending against him.
San Antonio, Texas USA (UroToday.com) Jonathan Coleman, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discussed recent trials in prostate partial gland ablation (PGA). While not approved by the FDA they are being done in the USA, however, they should be performed in the context of a clinical trial.PGA offers opportunity for cancer control with minimal side effects and preserving quality of life (QOL). Current trial designs lack standardized measures for efficacy including study endpoints. Patients included may range from active surveillance candidates to those with metastatic disease for palliative reasons. At MSKCC, PGA candidates under MRI with re-biopsy confirming low volume with lower risk disease to undergo PGA with re-biopsy in 6 months. The FDA has regulations for prostate ablation. Devices must be safe with energies ranging from thermal, mechanical, chemical and biologics. In one of the first trials published regarding HIFU in 2012, 95% of patients at re-biopsy had absence of clinically significant disease with excellent QOL. Focal laser ablation results have shown similar results with 11% positive re-biopsy in the treated zone with lack of major toxicities. Irreversible electroporation involves disruption of cell membranes with preliminary phase I/II trial findings demonstrating safety. WST-11 (TOOKAD) is light activated chlorophil which releases free radicals in tissues with subsequent necrosis. Trial results have also demonstrated safety. Phase III trial comparing active surveillance to those treated with TOOKAD with significantly decreased progression among those treated with TOOKAD.Presented by: Jonathan Coleman, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterWritten By: Stephen B. Williams, MD and Ashish M. Kamat 17th Annual Meeting of the Society of Urologic Oncology - November 30 -December 2, 2016  San Antonio, Texas USA
San Antonio, Texas USA (UroToday.com) Lois Travis, Indiana University, discussed The Platinum Study as well as translational research and implications in testicular cancer. Cisplatin has had profound success in testicular cancer, however, there are numerous side effects associated with platinum based therapy.Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy and ototoxicity and single nucleotide polymorphisms associated have been evaluated with significant associations noted according to certain variants. Increasing cisplatin dose increased hearing loss. The GWAS results noted rs 62283056 (First intron of WFS1) was most significantly associated with hearing loss. Furthermore, decreased expression of WFS1 was associated with increased cisplatin sensitivity. These results were confirmed in the Vanderbilt cohort. While final results are underway, the goal of these data may influence which treatment regimen these patients may receive.Presented by: Lois Travis, Indiana UniversityWritten By: Stephen B. Williams, MD and Ashish M. Kamat 17th Annual Meeting of the Society of Urologic Oncology - November 30 -December 2, 2016  San Antonio, Texas USA
As a Donald Trump presidency divides communities across the US, the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco has affirmed its role as a safe space, and better yet, it finds a silver lining of meaning to be the bridge to understanding.

"I am deeply troubled by the messages of exclusion and prejudice surfacing across the country over recent months," Jay Xu, director of the Asian Art Museum (AAM) said in a message to the museum staff before the election. "The echo of those deeply hurtful messages will remain."

But the maelstrom of the presidential election made him realize that the museum's purpose and role in the community has become more relevant and essential than ever.

"We are on the front lines of engaging people from all backgrounds to understand Asian art and culture, so our museum becomes even more important, not only in the San Francisco Bay Area, but also across the US," he said.

As a museum of Asian art, representing art and cultures of 60 percent of the world's population, AAM could play a bigger role by fostering cultural empathy, he added. "Exposure and knowledge are empowering tools in countering fear of the unfamiliar or different," he said.

To invite more people to explore the differences and the similarities between people and cultures, the AAM launched a social media campaign offering a 50 percent discount on memberships from Nov 10-13.

During the four days, 62,000 people were reached, 605 positive reactions were received on Facebook, and 128 memberships were sold.

"Our membership offer was an opportunity to grow our community and bring people together while reducing financial barriers," said Kate Johnson Lafferty, director of membership and guest experience at the AAM. "A lot of people appreciate the campaign."

Chris Chuang, a San Francisco resident of Chinese descent, is one of the supporters. "It's more important than ever for us to celebrate diversity as one of the cornerstones of what has made America always great," he said.

"As Chinese Americans, we are aware that our ancestral background is different from other Americans and immigrants here, but we also know that being American doesn't mean having just one narrative. In fact there are many flavors of this, and that is okay," said Chuang.

After the election, a number of museums have shared the same ideal and issued statements to stand by the museum's role as a safe space and embrace inclusion.

The Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma, said they were launching a program to offer free memberships to Oklahoma teachers. The Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, in a statement, urged Trump to remember the internment of Japanese Americas during WW II and "aggressively act to prevent that kind of history from repeating itself".

Immigration has been an important part of California's success, economically speaking, said Xu.

"Take Chinese immigrants for example, they made a tremendous contribution to the country by helping build the first transcontinental railroad over 150 years ago," he said. "Even today, the Asian cuisine has become a vibrant part of American life. In Silicon Valley, the high-tech success has so much to do with Asian talent."

Through the lens of Asian art and culture, Xu said he believed the museum could engender better human interactions, foster empathy and reduce hate.

While ensuring the door s are open to visitors from all walks of life, age groups and ethnic backgrounds, the museum has been making improvement to reinforce the message of being a museum for all, such as mobile seats that can be carried throughout the galleries and multi-language materials.

"Soon we will launch a digital way-finding map in English, Chinese and Spanish to accommodate visitors with limited English proficiency, and a new policy will allow strollers to access all galleries," said Lafferty.

liazhu@chinadailyusa.com
Zhang Yaqin, president of Baidu Inc, delivers a keynote speech on Nov 30, 2016 at the ABC Summit held in Beijing. [Photo by Liu Zheng/chinadaily.com.cn]

Chinese internet giant Baidu Inc launched an artificial intelligence (AI) platform for commercial users at an industry summit held in Beijing on Wednesday.

Called "Tianzhi", the platform is powered by Baidu's cloud computing technologies and contains three sub-layers, including perception, machine learning and deep learning.

The "ABC Summit", focusing on embracing AI, Big Data and cloud computing technologies, is the first of its kind held by the company.

"Cloud computing was recognized as an infrastructure investment for corporate users several years ago, but the market demand for cloud-driven AI platform has seen rapidly growth since this year," said Zhang Yaqin, president of Baidu.

According to Zhang, the company reserves the ability to present its AI technology to the market through the cloud computing platform.

Baidu unveiled an AI system called the Baidu Brain earlier this year, featuring state-of-the-art technology for recognizing and processing speech, images and words, as well as building user profiles based on big data analysis.

The company has implemented the technologies in order to develop intelligent mapping, translation, advertising services and self-driving operating systems.

Zhang said the Baidu Brain is the core engine of Baidu's cloud and the latter provides "neurons" and "training data" to the "brain".

Currently the company has established cooperation with more than 30,000 enterprises to deploy its cloud services in the sectors of logistics, medical care, education, marketing and finance.

Liu Yang, joint general manager of Baidu's cloud business arm, said the company has unveiled more than 80 products specialized in providing cloud services to its users.

The cloud division has also collaborated with transport regulators and business partners to jointly launch a smart transportation ecological alliance, aiming to implement technology innovation in the industry.

By deploying Baidu's cloud services, transport statistics collected from ground, underground, waterways and air routes in different administrative regions will be classified, abstracted and utilized to build an intelligent transportation system.

Another industry that benefits from the cloud technology is autonomous cars.

A truck equipped with Baidu's autonomous technologies is on display at the ABC Summit held on Nov 30 in Beijing. [Photo by Liu Zheng/chinadaily.com.cn]

The company rolled out two core technologies to fuel not only global leading autonomous pioneers, such as BMW and Audi, but also support domestic latecomers during the development process.

Gu Weihao, general manager of Baidu Intelligent Vehicle, known as the L3 Division of the internet company, said that the first technology is a focus on a branch of AI called deep learning, which is able to give vehicles optimal image sensing and recognition. The other is Baidu's high-precision maps.

Baidu is not the only company in China expanding efforts on cloud technology.

Aliyun, the cloud service arm of the e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, recently said it would launch four new data centers across the world, which has been read as a move to compete against Amazon and Microsoft.

The data centers will be located in Dubai, Tokyo, Sydney and Germany, and it brings the number of Aliyun data centers outside China up to eight.

American technology and market research company Forrester predicts that the global public cloud market will be $146 billion in 2017, up from $87 billion in 2015.

"Seventy-seven percent of Chinese enterprise infrastructure decision-makers said that using a public cloud platform is a high or critical priority over the next 12 months, versus 58 percent of their global peers," the company said.

Forrester believes that the public cloud market in China will increase from $1.8 billion in 2015 to $3.8 billion by 2020.
The US looks forward to cooperating with China technologically and commercially on China's One Belt, One Road Initiative, building infrastructure to make more world trade possible.

"We want to joyfully participate with China in international trade operations and economic growth. I think we have no reason why China and the US cannot be close and friendly nations," James Woolsey, senior adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, said on Wednesday at the Belt & Road Forum in Washington.

China and the US have the capability, the history and the consciousness to be friendly and economically viable states. The One Belt, One Road Initiative (OBOR) can potentially be a useful and profitable joint effort by the two countries, he said.

The Belt & Road Forum, co-hosted by the China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC), Institute for the Analysis of Global Security (IAGS), Development Research Center of the State Council of China (DRC) and Asia Society, introduced the content and timeline of OBOR and presented perspectives on the initiative from both Chinese and US scholars.

OBOR is a strategic concept proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013 to boost the connectivity among countries and people by borrowing the concept of the historical Silk Road, according to the CEFC's Belt and Road Monograph.

Globalization is a broken system focusing exclusively on profits and economic efficiency that is no longer able to carry the world effectively and sustainably, said Patrick Ho, secretary general of the China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC).

"Our world is now desperately looking for new models of growth that can replace globalization - one that is inclusive and farsighted," he said. "China's One Belt, One Road Initiative is an answer to this need."

The ambitious trans-Eurasia and transoceanic economic strategy include two major parts: the Silk Road Economic Belt" and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

One Belt begins in Xi'an in Northwest China's Shaanxi province, and stretches west through Urumqi in the Xinjian Uygur autonomous region to Central Asia. It goes to northern Iran then Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Germany and the Netherlands before heading to Venice, Italy.

The other part of the plan, One Road, begins in Quanzhou in East China's Fujian province crossing Malacca Strait, Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, Nairobi of Kenya, the Horn of Africa and moves through the Red Sea into Mediterranean before meeting the land-based One Belt in Venice.

Despite the geopolitical concerns surrounding the initiative, Ziad Haider, special representative of the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs with the US Department of State, sees the opportunity for China-US relations to move from climate-centered policies to focus more on trade.

"2016 is considered the slowest economic-growing year since the international financial crisis in 2008," said Zhao Jinping, director general of DRC's Research Department of Foreign Economic Relations. "There is clearly a great demand in infrastructure construction funds."

China has long been expected to take more responsibilities in global trades and international relations, he said.

"Belt & Road reflects the growing sense of responsibility in China's international strategy," Zhao said.

Yuan Yuan in Washington contributed to this story.
Diagram of a full-scale replica of the RMS Titanic CHINA DAILY

A solemn ceremony was held in the tiny, hilly county of Daying in Southwest China's Sichuan province on Wednesday, which was attended by British former deputy prime minister Peter Mandelson and several US designers, who witnessed the laying of the keel of a full-scale replica of the RMS Titanic.

The doomed luxury cruise ship sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg during its maiden voyage. More than two-thirds of the 2,224 passengers perished, mainly due to a shortage of lifeboats.

To boost development of the local tourism sector, Daying is building a life-size replica of the cruise ship by the Qijiang River with an investment of 1 billion yuan ($145 million).

Upon completion of the replica, it will be permanently docked in a reservoir in the river, according to Hu Mingchao, head of Daying county.

Planning for the construction of the replica started more than two years ago when GC High-Tech, a United States-based company, was invited to design it.

The designing process has been slow because the firm has had to consult the builder of the replica, Wuchang Shipyard, which is based in Wuhan, Hubei province.

"The shipyard is a builder of nuclear submarines and is technically strong. But building the Titanic replica is so complicated that the US firm has had to consult the shipyard constantly to figure out if it can meet the challenges of turning the design into a full-scale replica," said James Wu, China regional chief representative of America Hollywood Television and Film Media Inc.

Wu, a US citizen, said GC High-Tech is part of America Hollywood Television and Film Media.

Wuchang Shipyard only started building components for the replica in April and is expected to finish all components by August next year, according to Wang Zhigang, general manager of the Wuhan Branch of China Classification Society, which sets technical criteria for, and oversees, shipyards.

The interior and exterior of the replica will be built according to the Titanic's original design.

Su Shaojun, chairman of Qixing Energy Investment in Zhejiang province, which is the investor of the replica, said the replica's interior would include the cruise ship's large banquet hall and first-class guesthouse.

"After the RMS Titanic sank, nobody saw its complete set of blueprints. Many blueprint fragments found their way into the hands of collectors or remained missing. We spent many years collecting the blueprints from many parts of the world and managed to obtain most of them," Su said.

It is unknown when the replica will open to visitors, but preorders for overnight stays were first accepted in Hong Kong in June 2005, with tickets for a one-night, economy-class stay starting at about 3,000 yuan ($435), and the price for a luxury fare amounting to hundreds of thousands of yuan.
Cambodia will issue three-year multi-entry visas for Chinese investors, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced in Phnom Penh on Thursday to a delegation of leading Chinese privately-owned enterprises, as the ASEAN country works to attract more foreign funds to propel its quickly growing economy.

"Chinese investors may come back and forth as many times as they wish," Hun Sen announced at the Cambodia-China Business Forum and Financial Development Forum, which was hosted by China Minsheng Investment Group (CMIG), China's leading international private investment group founded in 2014 with registered capital of 50 billion yuan.

Investors from South Korea, according to Hun Sen, will also enjoy this new visa rule.

But he did not specify when this will take effect.

The audience included dozens of China's private-sector business leaders, many of whom are shareholders of CMIG.

Dong Wenbiao, CMIG's board chairman who initiated this business delegation, said they are interested in investment opportunities in Cambodia's sectors of new energy such as solar power as well as real estate, infrastructure and financial services.

Under Cambodia's current visa scheme, business travelers, including potential investors, would normally apply for a 30-day single-entry visa to enter Cambodia. They can extend it from inside the country for up to 12 months, with multi-entry.

The new visa scheme hopes to offer convenience for China's investors who are seeking promising deals across the world, including the dynamic and fast rising ASEAN region.

China is already Cambodia's largest source of foreign investment in the past five years, with a total capital of investment reaching $4.9 billion between 2011 and 2015, Hun Sen said.

China's total volume of investment going into Cambodia reached $12 billion, President Xi Jinping said during his state-visit in October.

Chinese investment may play a key role in propelling Cambodia's growth, which stands at an average annual rate of more than 7 percent in recent years, as more Chinese companies have increasingly invested in road, bridge and hydro power construction to address Phnom Penh's pressing need to improve infrastructure and power supply.
SEOUL - Top nuclear envoys of the United States, South Korea and Japan have agreed to meet in the South Korean capital of Seoul in mid-December, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Foreign ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuk told a press briefing that Kim Hong-kyun, who represents South Korea in the long-stalled six-party talks to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, would meet in Seoul with his US and Japanese counterparts around the middle of this month.

The spokesman said the meeting schedule came in consideration of the adoption of a new UN Security Council resolution on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and its follow-up sanctions against the DPRK expected to come out soon from the three allies.

Seoul said it plans to announce its unilateral sanctions on Pyongyang Friday, after the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution over the DPRK's fifth nuclear test on Sept 9.

The fifth test came just eight months after Pyongyang's fourth atomic bomb detonation in January and the subsequent launch in February of a long-range rocket.

The agreed-upon nuclear talks between the three allies would be the first since South Korea, the United States and Japan held such a meeting in Tokyo on June 1.

The six-party dialogue, which involves South Korea, the DPRK, China, the United States, Russia and Japan, has been suspended since late 2008.
China and Laos should make joint efforts to establish a community of common destiny and benefit the people of both sides, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with visiting Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The two countries should jointly push forward the Belt and Road Initiative and enhance cooperation in areas including production capacity, energy, economic cooperation zone and infrastructure, Xi said.

Calling Laos a good neighbor, friend, brother, and partner, Xi said the relationship has surpassed the common bilateral ties.

Mentioning that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Xi expressed gratitude for the support from Laos in terms of China's core interests issues.

The China-Laos cooperation has not only brought benefits for the people of the two countries, but also contributed to regional peace and stability, he said.

Thongloun said that it was his first visit to China after becoming the prime minister. The warm welcome of China is a great encouragement for him to fulfill his duty, he said.

Laos deems China as an important force to safeguard regional peace and stability, and would like to enhance coordination with China in international affairs, he added.

On Monday, the two countries signed two cooperative documents covering border trade and joint development of an economic cooperation zone.

Song Yinghui, a researcher in Southeast Asian studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said Laos wants to learn China's rich experience in reform and opening-up and governing.

October is the end of Laos' fiscal year, and choosing to visit China at the end of November shows that "Laos has high expectations of bilateral cooperation in the coming fiscal year," she said.
China and Sierra Leone signed six cooperative documents on Thursday to enhance cooperation in areas including health, finance and diplomacy.

President Xi Jinping and his Sierra Leonean counterpart Ernest BaiKoroma witnessed the signing of the agreements in Beijing.

Xi said that when the deadly Ebola epidemic was rampant in West Africa in 2014, China provided medical assistance, one of the largest-ever by China to an African country, to Sierra Leone in 2014.

The Ebola epidemic occurred in 2014 in Sierra Leone, along with the neighboring countries of Guinea and Liberia. In March this year, the World Health Organization announced the end of the latest flare-up of Ebola virus disease in Sierra Leone. The latest flare-up of Ebola brought to 3,590 the number of lives lost in Sierra Leone, according to the WHO.

Wu Peng, China's ambassador to Sierra Leone, said that China is helping Sierra Leone build a West African tropical disease research center, which will help the country to improve capabilities on health and medical services.

"When the Sierra Leonean were in difficulties (of Ebola), China did not let them down. We not only transported drugs and equipments timely, but also dispatched medical teams and established biological laboratory." he said.

China provided everything required in terms of personnel, drugs and medical supplies during the outbreak of the Ebola, Koroma said.

Earlier on Thursday, Koroma visited the Chinese Center For Disease Control And Prevention in Beijing's suburb Changping district, where he expressed gratitude for China's help in his countrys fight against the virus.

Koroma is paying a six-day visit to China starting from Wednesday. He will travel to East China's Shandong province on Saturday and visit a steel company there.
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Client transactions at ABBanks Thai Binh branch on the opening day __Photo: Tran Viet/VNA

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Coming into force on July 1, Government Decree No. 69/2016/ND-CP prescribing conditions for provision of debt sale and purchase services (the Decree), is expected to clear up hurdles that have been existed long in the debt trading business.Vietnam now has two state-run debt trading companies - the Debt and Asset Trading Corporation (DATC) and the Vietnam Asset Management Company (VAMC) - and dozens of debt and asset trading companies affiliated to commercial banks. However, according to many analysists, the countrys debt market has not yet achieved its true sense as almost all debt purchase and sale deals have been made under appointments or for the purpose of property restructuring.The Decree does not apply to organizations and individuals that sell and purchase debts for non-commercial purposes, for example, those selling or purchasing debts in an irregular manner not for profit-making purposes, those selling their own debts, excluding debts purchased from others, and those purchasing debts not for resale to others, including cases of purchasing debts for conversion into capital contributions or shares, rescheduling of debt repayment terms, or handling of collaterals.Under the Decree, provision of debt purchase and sale services means the continuous performance of one or several activities of debt purchase and sale for profit-making purposes. These activities include debt purchase, debt sale, debt purchase and sale brokerage, debt purchase and sale consultancy and debt trading floor service.A non-enterprise organization or an individual that wishes to trade in one or several of these services must establish an enterprise registering the business line of provision of debt sale and purchase services. Moreover, in order to be licensed to operate in the debt market, the enterprise must possess a charter capital or an investment capital of at least VND 5 billion, if it intends to provide debt purchase and sale brokerage or consultancy service, VND 100 billion, if it wishes to conduct debt sale and purchase transactions on its own, or VND 500 billion, if it wants to provide the debt trading floor service.In case an enterprise wishes to engage in some or all of the above-said activities, its charter capital or investment capital must at least reach the highest among the minimum capital caps required for these activities.The Decree goes on to stipulate that managers of debt sale and purchase service enterprises must have full civil act capacity and are not banned from managing enterprises; possess a university or higher degree in economics, business administration, law, or another relevant discipline, or have at least five years working experience in finance, banking, accounting, auditing, law, asset valuation or debt trading; and during the last three years, have not held managerial posts in debt sale and purchase service enterprises whose enterprise registration certificates are revoked.Particularly for an enterprise providing the debt trading floor service, in addition to the requirement on charter capital or investment capital, it must meet five other conditions. First, the enterprise must have provided the debt purchase and sale service for at least one year and earned a turnover of at least VND 500 billion from such service in the year preceding the year of registering for provision of the trading floor service. Second, it must have at least two staff members possessing certified accountant certificates or price appraiser cards. Third, it must work out an operation regulation for the debt purchase and sale floor. Fourth, the enterprise must have appropriate physical and technical facilities and information technology systems for receiving, updating and providing information about debt purchase and sale for debt trading floor participants. And last, it must have its annual operations independently audited under law.Under the Decree,enterprises providing debt sale and purchase services may neither get credit from a credit institution or foreign bank branch to purchase debts of borrowers of such credit institution or foreign bank branch, nor receive guarantee of a credit institution or foreign bank branch to get credit from another credit institution or foreign bank branch for purchasing debts from borrowers of the securing credit institution or foreign bank branch. In case the debt purchase and sale give rise to a foreign lending/borrowing relation and require foreign currencies in debt transactions, the debt purchaser, debt seller, debtor and other related parties all will be required to comply with current regulations on foreign exchange management.Although the Decree has come into force for more than three months, whether debt sale and purchase services should be listed as a conditional business line remain a debatable issue.Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has time and again proposed excluding debt sale and purchase services from the list of those subject to conditional business, citing the Investment Laws provision that business conditions may be imposed on some certain sectors and trades just for the reason of national defense and security, social order and safety, social ethics or community well-being, According to VCCI, debt sale and purchase deals and services do not concern anyone but involved parties and debt is essentially a type of goods the trading of which has no impact on public interests.However, debt sale and purchase services still appear in the latest version of the draft law revising Appendix 4 to the Investment Law, which was tabled to National Assembly deputies on November 7. They are numbered 34 among 226 sectors and trades subject to conditional business.As explained by the drafting board, the Ministry of National Defense insists on not abolishing the conditions on debt sale and purchase services so that these services cannot be taken advantage of to affect social order and safety.By now the Decree cannot be implemented yet as the Ministry of Finance is still in the process of collecting opinions on a draft circular guiding its implementation. The draft circular puts forward more specific requirements such as enterprises providing debt sale and purchase services must maintain the set conditions throughout their operation and make public their eligibility for provision of debt sale and purchase services.-
Viet Nam earned US$5.76 billion from wood and wooden products exports in the first 10 months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 0.8 per cent, with the US, Japan, and EU being the largest importers.  Photo vfpress.vn

HCM CITY  Once the Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (VPA/FLEGT) comes into force, there will be opportunities for Viet Nam to export more wooden products to Europe and other new markets as well as get higher prices, according to the EU Delegation to Viet Nam.

Speaking at a workshop in HCM City yesterday, Nguyen To Uyen of the delegation said the forest pact would increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese timber products compared to those from countries that did not have much control over the forestry sector.

A VPA is a voluntary trade agreement between the EU and countries making wooden products to promote trade in legal timber and help ensure only legally harvested timber is imported into the EU from these countries.

The EU and Viet Nam finished negotiating a VPA on November 18 and an agreement is expected to be signed in early 2017.

Nguyen Manh Dung of the Ministry of Industry and Trade said under the agreement Viet Nam would create a timber legality assurance system (TLAS) in line with the countrys situation and the EUs requirements for identifying the origin of timber.

Full operation of the TLAS would significantly contribute to identifying the origin of Vietnamese timber products exported to the EU and other markets, he said.

Once a VPA is fully implemented, the country will issue FLEGT licences for exports of wood products to document that they meet all relevant local laws. If a licence is in place, EU companies do not have to conduct any due diligence.

To help Vietnamese firms understand about the forestry pact, the Nature Economy and People Connected (NepCon), an international non-profit organisation, and the Research Institute for Sustainable Forest Management and Forest Certification, have implemented a project called Increasing capacity of civil society organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises to implement FLEGT requirements.

Co-funded by the EU and NepCon, the project was launched in March 2014.

Reviewing the performance of the project in the past years, Ann Weddle, auditor and project manager of NepCon, said, We have developed a toolkit to help Vietnamese companies comply with relevant requirements and communicated this to European buyers.

The toolkit contains 18 tools, including guidance documents, checklists and templates.

Besides, training courses have been held to show Vietnamese companies and organisations how to use the toolkit.

National Forestry Risk Profiles have been created for Viet Nam and the five main countries it imports timber from.

This would help Vietnamese timber companies assess the risks when importing timber from these countries, Weddle said.

Huynh Van Cuong, director of Ngan ai Son, an SME specialising in childrens furniture in ong Nai Province, said, The toolkit provided by the project is very useful and helps enterprises evaluate and manage timber sources.

Le Vo Thanh Binh of the Viet Nam Rubber Group said the companys subsidiaries were aware of the need to obtain certificates for producing and exporting timber products.

Viet Nam earned US$5.76 billion from wood and wooden products exports in the first 10 months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 0.8 per cent, with the US, Japan, and EU being the largest importers.  VNS
As many as 18 banks and credit organisations agreed to implement a cashback policy to customers joining in Online Friday 2016 on December 2.  Photo congly.vn

HA NOI  As many as 18 banks and credit organisations agreed to implement a cashback policy to customers joining in Online Friday 2016 on December 2.

Le uc Anh from the Viet Nam E-commerce and Information Technology Agency (VECITA) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade said under the cashback policy, banks would give people a discount into their bank accounts after buying products or services online.

Last year, the rate of card payment on Online Friday was only 4 per cent while the remaining was cash on delivery (COD). COD has caused difficulties for both delivery firms and retailers as only 1 out of 10 orders were successfully implemented. Businesses have suffered costs for goods which were not delivered to customers.

This prompted the move to call for banks participation in the cashback policy. The payment would bring benefits to businesses, delivery firms and customers.

Customers could get VN500,000 (US$22) for a VN1 million order if they pay by bank cards on Online Friday 2016, Anh said.

VECITA said the Maritime Bank and ACB have the highest rate of cashback of up to 50 per cent while Agribank, Kien Long Bank and SCB give a 30 per cent discount.

Eximbank, NCB, VRB, BaoVietBank, HDB and MB would give 20 per cent discounts to people paying by cards. An Binh Bank and VP Bank have the discount of 10 per cent in the day. Sacombank also joined in the programme with a discount rate of 5 per cent.

SeABank gives VN500,000 cashback for bills of more than VN1 million.

Vietcombank would add VN200,000 cashback for its local debit card for online purchases of more than VN500,000 on 27 big online websites in Viet Nam such as Adayroi, Tiki, Shoptretho, Lazada and Fptshop.

The cashback will apply only on December 2.

The years largest e-commerce event will take place from December 1 to 4 with two main events of Online Friday at website store.onlinefriday.vn/ and Big Off in the pedestrian streets around Guom (Sword) Lake in the centre of Ha Noi.

VECITA said the organising board this year has taken solutions to prevent fraudulent promotions.

It has co-operated with price comparison websites such as Top Mot, Websosanh and Chongiadung to help consumers compare prices of goods and services.

People could also use the iCheck app to check product information.

As of Monday, the organising board removed more than 60,000 products registering in the day as they have higher prices than the average level in the market. -- VNS
HA NOI  Businesses should actively engage in global supply chains, maintaining growth in both revenue and profit, and securing their firm foothold at home and abroad, together with producing high-quality and competitive products.

President Tran ai Quang made the suggestion while receiving a delegation of businesses that won the National Brand Awards 2016 in Ha Noi yesterday. He spoke highly of the national brand winners efforts to improve their products prestige and trademarks, saying that they have confirmed their pioneering role in production and business, contributing to the countrys development.

According to the State leader, the extensive and intensive international integration and engagement in new-generation free trade agreements have opened up a new development horizon for Viet Nams economy. However, it also poses a lot of difficulties and challenges for the country.

He called on businesses to push ahead with manufacturing activities and pursue values that the National Brand programme is targeting, including quality, innovation, creativity and pioneering, while ensuring the quality of products via advanced production systems and healthy finances.

The President suggested promoting innovation, applying state-of-the-art science and technology to increase productivity and competitive edge as well as embracing connectivity and forming domestic and regional production value chains. He asked the National Brand Council, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and relevant ministries and sectors to proactively remove difficulties for businesses, reform administrative procedures, and create a favourable business environment.

The National Brand Award has been granted to enterprises once every two years since 2008 to encourage them to pursue values set by the National Brand programme.

This year, 88 businesses in various fields were awarded the National Brand Awards, of which 23 firms have won the title for five consecutive years, including big names like Viet Tien Garment Joint Stock Company (JSC), An Phuoc Group, Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage JSC, Vina Coffee, Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam JSC, Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group and Saigon Jewellery JSC.

Seventy of the awarded firms have annual revenue of at least VN1 trillion (US$44 million) while 26 firms enjoy annual revenue of at least VN5 trillion ($220 million).

In 2015, their combined exports were worth more than $2 billion. They also contributed over VN59 trillion ($2.6 billion) to the State budget, and created nearly 500,000 jobs.  VNS
PARIS  Minister of Information and Communication Truong Minh Tuan has expressed hope that French businesses, with their advantages in capital and information and experience in international business, will continue investing in Viet Nam.

At a meeting with French Minister of State for Economy, Industry and Digital Technology Bertrand Pailhes during his visit to France from November 26 to 29, Minister Tuan said that since the two countries set up their strategic partnership in 2013, bilateral co-operation had thrived in all fields, including information and communication technology (ICT).

France is the largest European provider of official development assistance to Viet Nam for developing telecommunications infrastructure, contributing to the growth of the ICT sector and economic development.

The two sides expressed delight at how state management agencies of both sides had strengthened the exchange of information on new service development, information safety, security management of radio and television, telecommunication business restructuring and ensured a healthy competitive environment.

France has assisted Viet Nam in organising conferences to share experiences and seek investment opportunities in the field, they noted.

The French side has also transferred technology and supported human resource development in Viet Nam and the French government has granted a number of scholarships to Vietnamese students in satellite studies.

Minister Tuan also attended a meeting of Vietnamese and French ICT firms, which featured more than 20 French enterprises.

Frederic Rossi, deputy general director for export of Business France, lauded Viet Nams dynamism in ICT. He noted that the sector has enjoyed annual growth of 20 per cent since 2000, accounting for 7.5 per cent of the countrys GDP in 2015.

He highlighted the high potential of the Vietnamese ICT market, expressing delight that French Tech, which groups some 120 French and Vietnamese ICT firms, was established in Viet Nam in October this year.

Vietnamese businesses, including Viettel and FPT, have also entered the French market, he said.

Minister Tuan said Viet Nams ICT sector is growing strongly with deep international integration, creating opportunities for foreign investors in the field. He said he believed that through the meeting, ICT firms of both sides would set up partnerships.

The same day, the minister held talks with French Minister of State for State Reform and Simplification Jean-Vincent Place, during which he said the Vietnamese government considers ICT a spearhead sector and important for the countrys growth.

Viet Nam has implemented several programmes and plans for the sectors development, focusing on spreading ICT to develop e-government and e-business, as well as on the building of smart cities and smart transportation, he said.

Jean-Vincent Place pledged to support French firms who wish to invest in Viet Nams ICT and digital technology.

Following the talks, Tuan and Jean-Vincent Place signed a letter of intent on Viet Nam-France co-operation in e-administration, which serves as the legal foundation for French ICT firms to enter the Vietnamese market.

During their stay, the Ministry of Information and Communications delegation also met with heads of France Medias Monde, the owner of several radio and television channels, including the France 24 TV channel.

France 24 channel director Marc Saikali thanked the ministry for licensing the English version of France 24 to be aired in Viet Nam, expressing hope that the French version will be allowed in the country soon.  VNS
HA NOI  All frozen-seafood testing expenses will be covered by part of the US$500-million compensation paid by Taiwanese Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Corporation.

This was the latest order from Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh, who subsequently tasked the Ministry of Finance to make the payment in compliance with current regulations.

After the environmental disaster occurred in the four central coastal localities in early April, more than 5,360 tonnes of frozen seafood have been in stock. And the Ministry of Health had took tests to ensure their quality.

Test results from the health ministry at a meeting on November 8 revealed that 4,402 tonnes of frozen seafood in stock were safe and some 967 tonnes were substandard.

Thus Binh asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to destroy the substandard frozen seafood soon.

He also told the four localities -- Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue -- to strictly adhere to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucs directions on dealing with in-stock frozen seafood.

In a related move, Binh directed the Ministry of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs to co-operate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to perfect the project undertaken to stabilise the life and production of residents suffering from the environmental incident in the four provinces.

The project should be well designed to fit with each localitys conditions, he said.

In April, tonnes of fish reportedly died en mass in the four localities. In June, the Taiwanese Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Corporation claimed responsibility for the massive fish deaths and promised to pay $500 million in compensation. By August 30, the company had paid the entire compensation amount to the government.  VNS
THANH HOA  The provincial Peoples Committee recently granted permission for Nghi Son Petrochemical Refinery Co. Ltd. to discharge wastewater into the seawater of Hai Yen Commune, Tinh Gia District.

The permitted duration for waste discharge is six months, with average discharge volume of 2,250cu.m. per day.

The wastewater, measuring 241.428cu.m., is from the cleaning of pipes (chemical-free), hydraulic test-runs and the construction of the demineralisation plant.

Thanh Hoa Province Peoples Committee demanded that the Nghi Son Refinery must carry out regular sampling and analysis of the wastewater quality.

The company will only be allowed to discharge this wastewater once these measurement results are deemed acceptable by the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE).

In case the wastewater parameters exceed the standard level, the discharge must be immediately suspended until corrective measures are implemented.

Assuming the oversight role, Thanh Hoa Province DNRE must work in close collaboration with the management boards of Nghi Son Industrial Zone and other parks, Tinh Gia District Peoples Committee and other relevant agencies, to inspect and monitor wastewater quality and water quality in the discharged area and to administer appropriate sanctions when violations occur.  VNS
HCM CITY  Eight large paintings by five Vietnamese artists are part of an international exhibition being held in Chinas Guangdong Province.

They are among 60 artworks at the exhibition Asian Silk Road, which opened at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts.

The artists are from the host country, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Viet Nam and the Philippines.

The event is intended to bring together artists in the region to share cultural values through painting.

I sent my paintings to the event because I wanted to share and to learn new things about contemporary art from my foreign colleagues, said Pham Huy Thong, a 31-year-old artist from Ha Noi.

Thong began his career in 2004 after graduating from the Ha Noi University of Industrial Fine Arts. In 2008, several of his paintings were displayed at the Singapore Art Museum.

He has been invited to participate in exhibitions and creative camps in Ha Noi, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and the US. Most of his works are about social issues.

The event Asian Silk road will close on December 12.  VNS
HCM CITY  An electronic music programme called Saigon Flower Power will be held at Piu Piu on December 10.

The show will highlight funk, house and deep house music, and music from the 70s presented by resident DJs and musicians including Konka, Jonathan, Max, Boris and Eran.

Professional artists from the Ink shop will offer body paintings for participants. Flower accessories and food will also be provided.

Participants are recommended to wear white clothing and accessories in a hippie style.

The event will begin at 9 pm at 97 Hai Ba Trung Street in District 1. Entrance is VN50,000.  VNS
MOSUL, Iraq  Up to 500,000 civilians in Mosul are facing a "catastrophic" drinking water shortage, the UN warned, as Iraqi forces advance against the Islamic State group in the city.

Already suffering from a severe lack of food and electricity, civilians in Iraqs second city are now also running out of drinkable water, said Lise Grande, UN humanitarian co-ordinator in Iraq.

"Nearly half a million civilians, already struggling to feed themselves day to day, are now without access to clean drinking water. The impact on children, women and families will be catastrophic," Grande said on Wednesday.

Tens of thousands of Iraqi troops and allied forces launched an offensive last month to retake Mosul, which was seized by IS more than two years ago.

Weeks of fighting have seen the Iraqi forces surround the city and break into its eastern neighbourhoods, where there have been heavy street-to-street battles with the jihadists.

Inside the city on Wednesday, AFP journalists heard loud explosions and heavy fighting as Iraqs Counter-Terrorism Service special forces tried to mop up IS pockets and set their sights on the area of Al-Ikhae.

But CTS commanders said heavy clouds covering the city could hamper aerial surveillance and slow down operations in the coming two days.

A yellow suicide truck bomb, of the type frequently used by IS as a defensive tactic, stood smouldering near homes where CTS forces were deployed.

The battle for Mosul has destroyed a major water pipeline, the UN childrens agency UNICEF said, adding that the break was located in an inaccessible part of the city controlled by IS.

"Unless running water is restored in the next days, civilians will be forced to resort to unsafe water sources, exposing children to the risk of waterborne diseases such as severe diarrhoea and the threat of malnutrition," it said.

Residents in east Mosul say they have resorted to pumping water from wells.

"We dont have water or electricity. We are drinking well water but thats not enough," said Mosul resident Mohamed Khalil, 25.

"Water is the most important thing. We arent washing. We are going to catch lice and our homes are filthy," said Iman Baker, a 34-year-old mother of three who lives in an eastern neighbourhood recently retaken from IS.

Since the launch of the assault on October 17, more than 70,000 people have fled the fighting, but more than a million people are estimated to remain in the city, including around 600,000 in the eastern neighbourhoods.  AFP
National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (L) meets President of Cuban National Assembly of Peoples Power Esteban Lazo in Havana on Tuesday.  VNA/VNS Photo Trong uc

HAVANA  National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan reiterated the support of Vietnamese leaders and people for Cubas revolutionary cause during her meeting with President of Cuban National Assembly of Peoples Power Esteban Lazo in Havana on Tuesday.

The top Vietnamese legislator is leading a delegation of the Vietnamese Party and State to attend the funeral of Cuban leader Fidel Castro set for December 4.

Ngan asked Lazo to convey the deepest sympathies of leaders and former leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State, and people to President Raul Castro, Party and State leaders and people of Cuba, as well as Fidels family.

Generations of Vietnamese remember the solidarity and valuable support of Fidel Castro for Viet Nam over the past half a century, she said.

The chief legislator said she believed that under the leadership of Raul Castro, the Cuban Party, State and people would realise Fidel Castros aims in national construction and defence.

The Vietnamese Party and State will hold a ceremony in tribute to the Cuban revolutionary leader, who was also a close comrade of Vietnamese leaders and people.

For his part, Lazo said the Vietnamese delegation was the first foreign delegation to arrive in Cuba and pay tribute to Fidel Castro on Monday, which demonstrates the solidarity between the two countries leaders and people.

He noted that Vietnamese President Tran ai Quang was the final foreign head of State to visit Fidel Castro on November 15, just 10 days before he passed away.

Lazo expressed his admiration for the achievements Viet Nam has recorded over the past three decades, saying Cuba treasures Viet Nams experience in national construction and defence, and is resolved to promote the traditional fraternity between the two Parties, States and peoples.

Host and guest said that the visit to Cuba by President Tran ai Quang from November 15-17 was a success, consolidating the bilateral relationship, especially in politics, national defence, security and external affairs, while creating new momentum for bilateral economic, trade and investment ties.

They also agreed on measures to improve legislative co-operation between the two countries.

A ceremony was held on Tuesday night (Havana time) at the Revolution Square in Havana in memory of Fidel Castro, with the participation of Cuban Party and State leaders, about 60 delegations of foreign leaders and representatives from international and regional organisations, and more than one million Cubans.

Being one of several foreign leaders invited to speak at the event, NA Chairwoman Ngan said the Cuban Party, State and people have lost a legendary leader. International revolutionary and communist movements have lost a courageous, unyielding and experienced leader. The Vietnamese Party, State and people have lost a faithful comrade.

Generations of Vietnamese will always bear in their heart Fidel Castros saying that For Viet Nam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood, she said, reiterating the solidarity of Vietnamese leaders and people with Cuba.

She noted her belief that Fidel will live forever in Cubas revolutionary cause as well as in the heart of fraternal nations worldwide.

Fidel will be interred in a cemetery in Santiago city on December 4.

All-round ties with Russia

Viet Nam is determined to continue strengthening co-operation with Russia, especially in politics, economy-trade, investment, security-defence, education-training, science-technology and culture-tourism, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan affirmed.

The Vietnamese legislator made the statement during a meeting with Speaker of Russias State Duma Vyateslav Volodin on November 30 in Havana.

The two sides highlighted the effective co-operation between the two legislative bodies, saying that the two sides have maintained dialogue mechanisms and co-ordination at international parliament forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting.

Ngan suggested the Russian side accelerate the signing of an agreement on food safety control, making it easier for Viet Nam to expand exports of farm and aquatic products to the Russian market.

She also called for more support from Russias State Duma for the Vietnamese community in the country.

For his part, Volodin assured that his country considers Viet Nam its leading partner in Southeast Asia and hopes to step up ties between the two nations.

The legislators agreed to back measures bolstering bilateral relations, and the implementation of the Viet Nam Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement, which took effect in October, 2016 towards lifting two-way trade to US$10 billion by 2020.

They also underlined the need to perfect the regulatory framework for bilateral co-operation, and enhance connectivity among the two countries localities.

Volodin took the occasion to invite NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan to attend the IPU General Assembly in October 2017 in his country.

On the same day, Ngan and the Vietnamese delegation laid a wreath in the Ho Chi Minh monument in Havana. VNS
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) meets Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop yesterday.  Photo Khanh Linh

SYDNEY  Australia continues to see Viet Nam as one of its key partners in the Asia-Pacific region, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh yesterday.

Minh, who is on a three-day (November 29 - December 1) official visit to Australia, responded that Viet Nam seeks intensive and effective co-operation with Australia in all fields.

The ministers expressed pleasure at the flourishing of bilateral relations in general and between the two foreign ministries in particular, especially after Viet Nam and Australia established a comprehensive partnership in 2009 and formally agreed to strengthen it in 2015.

Regular high-level visits and meetings between the two countries have brought into full play bilateral co-operation mechanisms such as high-level consultations on development assistance, the joint committee on scientific and technological co-operation, the foreign affairs-defence strategic dialogue, and the agricultural forum, they said.

Australia is currently the eighth largest trade partner of Viet Nam and also hosts the largest number of Vietnamese students. Viet Nam has received a large number of Australian students and apprentices under the New Colombo Plan.

Australias development assistance for Viet Nam has been used effectively, making practical contributions to socio-economic development, the two FMs noted.

On measures to bolster bilateral relations, Australia pledged to facilitate the entry of Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products to its market. As an important economic partner, Australia will continue prioritising ODA provision for Viet Nam in areas listed in the 2016-2019 Viet Nam-Australia Plan of Action.

The two sides will optimise opportunities and interests generated by the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and the ASEAN Economic Community, the FMs agreed.

They will also promote the ratification and implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and the finalisation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, they said.

The foreign ministers also discussed regional and international issues of common concern and agreed on closer co-ordination and mutual support at regional and international forums.

Julie Bishop said Australia fully supports Viet Nams hosting of the APEC Summit in 2017, and backs ASEANs solidarity, unity and central role in the region.

She also reiterated her countrys consistent stance on the East Sea issue, highlighting the need to ensure peace, stability, safety, security and freedom of navigation on the sea and the air for unimpeded trade.

Australia advocates the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, with respect for diplomatic and legal processes, adherence to international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and avoidance of force or threat to use force, she said.

After their talks, Minh and Bishop signed the 2016-2019 Viet Nam-Australia Plan of Action, which details the targets and measures in spheres of bilateral and multilateral co-operation.

Meeting the PM

Also yesterday, Minh met with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who applauded the signing of the plan of action, saying it will create a comprehensive and detailed framework for effective and substantive development of bilateral ties.

Turnbull said Australia always considers Viet Nam an important and trustworthy Asian-Pacific partner in both political and economical realms, and supports ASEANs higher role and stature in the region.

Minh said he was happy to note the vigorous and comprehensive expansion of Viet Nam-Australia relations, particularly in trade, investment, ODA provision, education, tourism and people-to-people links.

The two countries hold numerous advantages and potential to intensify relations, said Minh, requesting Australia to facilitate imports of Vietnamese produce, especially tropical fruits. Viet Nam is also ready to purchase high-quality agricultural products, coal and liquefied gas from Australia, Minh said.

The Australian PM reiterated that his country prioritises close co-operation with Viet Nam to successfully organise the APEC 2017 meet and accelerate the ratification and enforcement of TPP. It will keep working closely with Viet Nam at regional and international forums, as well as in security and strategic matters in the region such as the East Sea issue.

Minh also met with the Stephen Parry, President of Australias Senate. Parry asked Minh to convey his invitation to National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan to visit Australia. The two officials agreed to facilitate increased exchanges between the two parliaments.  VNS
The Ha Noi Peoples Court yesterday upheld a 20-month jail term for Can Thi Theu from Ha ong District on appeal.  VNA/VNS Photo Doan Tan

HA NOI  The Ha Noi Peoples Court yesterday upheld a 20-month jail term for Can Thi Theu from Ha ong District on appeal.

On September 20, Theu was sentenced to 20 months in jail by ong a District Peoples Court, charged with causing public disorder.

According to the indictment, on April 8, Theu and some other people gathered in front of the Citizen Reception Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street with banners and placards.

At 11am the same day, she and her accomplices hung up the banners and placards, shouted and lay on the street, obstructing traffic. The traffic disturbance also hindered the operation of some MONRE offices and caused public disorder in the neighbourhood.

At court yesterday, Theus lawyers argued that Theu was not guilty and asked the court to immediately free her.

However, according to the Ha Noi Peoples Court, the lower court ruling was appropriate as it correctly evaluated her crime while taking into account extenuating circumstances.

The court also said her laywers appeal against the lower courts ruling was baseless.

The court added that Theu was a repeat offender as she already had a previous conviction for opposing officials on duty and four previous offences of causing public disorder. That is why it was necessary to incarcerate her to isolate her from society for the sake of rehabilitation and deterrence, it said.  VNS
A press conference was held in Ha Noi yesterday to announce President Tran ai Quangs 2016 amnesty decisions for offenders serving prison sentences and those having their sentences postponed or suspended.  Photo Doan Tan

HA NOI  A press conference was held in Ha Noi yesterday to announce President Tran ai Quangs 2016 amnesty decisions for offenders serving prison sentences and those having their sentences postponed or suspended.

The event was organised by the Presidential Office, the Ministry of Public Security, the Supreme Peoples Court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Governmental Office and relevant agencies.

Vice Chairman of the Presidential Office Giang Son announced the decisions, which will grant amnesty to 4,180 prisoners. One hundred and eighty six criminals will have their sentences postponed and 18 others will have their sentences suspended.

The decisions will come into force from December 1, 2016.

Son told the press that the Vietnamese Party and State have given amnesty to many offenders who rehabilitated themselves.

The 2016 amnesty decisions reiterate the Party and States clemency policy and the national humanitarian tradition, he said.

He added that this years regulations are stricter; hence, the number of released offenders is fewer than in previous years.

The amnesty decision was conducted earnestly, publicly and democratically to ensure equality for all criminals without discrimination if they are Vietnamese or foreigners, he stressed.

Under the Presidential decisions, 14 foreign offenders will be granted amnesty, including nine Chinese, three Lao, one Korean, and one Australian.  VNS
CPV Central Committees Organisation Commission Pham Minh Chinh (L) meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo yesterday.  Photo vov.vn

TOKYO  Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said yesterday that he wants stronger cooperation between his countrys Liberal Democratic Party and the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV).

Meeting with the head of the CPV Central Committees Organisation Commission, Pham Minh Chinh, in Tokyo, Abe expressed his delight at the growth of the two countries relations, stressing that their increasing political trust is a solid foundation for effective co-operation and will bring about practical interests for the two peoples.

Japan would keep its high attention and priority on the comprehensive strategic partnership with Viet Nam, he said, noting that he will direct Japans authorised agencies to actively assist Viet Nam in training officials. He added that his country is ready to co-operate with and help the Southeast Asian nation to build high-quality infrastructure.

He voiced his hope for the best possible conditions for a visit to Viet Nam by the Japanese Emperor and Queen next spring. For his part, Chinh, who is a Politburo member, also rejoiced at the thriving extensive strategic partnership between the countries. He highly valued their collaboration in all spheres, particularly investment, trade and manpower training. He thanked the Japanese Government for effectively assisting the CPV in personnel training and asked it to continue assistance in human resources training, administrative reform, and building a lean and effective State apparatus. He congratulated Japans attainments in 2016 and wished it a more important role in Asia-Pacific and around the world.

Chinh also had a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida yesterday.  VNS
A NANG  Swim Viet Nam, a charity based in central Viet Nam, will provide free swimming training courses for students and teachers, and swimming facilities in the central city from 2017.

Swim Viet Nam representative Joanne Stewart said at a meeting with the citys leadership last week that her organisation would boost co-operation with a Nang in building a big swimming pool, and providing swimming education and training for teachers and drowning prevention skills.

According to Swim Viet Nam, over 17,500 children have been taught to swim since its activity started in central Viet Nam in 2008, and over 160 adults have been trained as swimming teachers.

Over 30,000 primary school children have attended Swim Viet Nams classroom-based water safety education presentations. Swim Viet Nam also operates eight swim schools.

a Nang is the first local authority to provide swimming training for students at all primary schools.

Some 14,000 have benefited from this project, which includes 50 mobile swimming pools.

Swim Viet Nam also provided free swim training courses for students in Quang Nam Province between 2012 and 2014.

According to Ministry of Health statistics, drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children over the age of one in Viet Nam, with nearly 10 drowning every day.  VNS
CAN THO  The second phase of the Mangroves and Markets Project (MAM) 2016 - 2020 has kicked off in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho after receiving more donations from the German Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

The goal of the project is to help local shrimp farms become more profitable by protecting mangrove forests. This effort has enhanced profitability and sustainability while also increasing coastal resilience to climate change.

For 30 years, shrimp farming has been one of Viet Nams leading export-related activities, but it has also been the leading cause of mangrove loss. Given the countrys long, densely populated coastline, it has rendered the population vulnerable to tropical storms and rising sea levels.

The stage was set for the Mangroves and Markets project after the sustainability of the shrimp business and the conservation of mangroves were identified as national priorities.

After three years of implementation, the skills of State staff have significantly improved; a supply chain in shrimp production has been set up; and policies have been applied for mangrove forest protection and shrimp production development. Earnings are also higher and farm production is now more effective, Le Van Su, deputy chairman of the Ca Mau Peoples Committee, said during his speech at the kick-off ceremony for the project on Tuesday.

After the first phase of the project, around 800 households received NaturLand certification. The Ca Mau-based Minh Phu Company, the worlds second-largest shrimp exporter in terms of value, started to buy all the certified organic shrimp from farmers at a 5 - 10 per cent premium.

The company paid around VN300 million (US$13,500) for forest environmental services conducted by 200 households and VN600 million ($27, 000) to 500 households who had received NaturLand certificates in 2015.

Around 2,000 households were trained so they could receive certification in three areas: raising shrimp without chemicals or industrial feed; managing household waste; and forest protection.

The project also helped plant 80 ha of mangrove trees on farms that do not meet the 50 per cent criterion, and has organised farmers into groups that work towards achieving the goal jointly rather than individually.

Another 95 hectares of mangrove have been planted by local residents since the project began, while 12,600 hectares of land have been protected.

Shrimp farmers have also become more aware of organic production techniques and the need to preserve mangrove forests in their areas.

"Local farmers in the southernmost province of Ca Mau have been able to significantly increase their income. They receive higher prices for their organic shrimp, and are paid for their environmental services," Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, project manager, said.

In the second phase, three more seafood processing or export companies and more than 5,000 households will be invited to take part in the programme.

The project hopes the government will issue a decision on payments for environmental services related to aquaculture, she added. This would help ensure that shrimp farming can be a sustainable activity amid climate-change challenges.

Dr Andrew Wyatt, Mekong Delta programme manager, said: The project will closely connect with others in the three Mekong Delta provinces of Ca Mau, Ben Tre and Tra Vinh, which contains 70 per cent of mangrove area in Viet Nam. It will also work with the $310 million World Bank-funded project, the Mekong Delta Integrated Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods Project.

In the past, organic certification for shrimp farms in Viet Nam faced issues such as low prices, late payments and a lack of transparency that caused farmers to question the economic value of certification. But with the new model, these issues have all been resolved.

Ca Mau Province accounts for 28 per cent of national aquaculture and 50 per cent (80,000 ha) of national mangrove forests. Both officials and farmers believe the project has the potential to be a model for shrimp feeding and forest protection that others can emulate.

In the near future, Ca Mau will take advantage of its areas of mangrove forest and shrimp production thanks to its recent decision, which has created a legal framework for shrimp production with international certification, Dr Nguyen Chi Thanh, project advisor, said.

He said that only Ca Mau Province, of the total of 29 coastal provinces, had issued a co-operation policy among farmers, forest owners and enterprises as well as flexible financial systems to invest in the model.

By 2020, the province aims to have 40,000 hectares internationally certified for organic shrimp breeding. It expects that 60 per cent of its mangrove forest would be restored by that time.

The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, was carried out by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Netherlands Development Organisation. -- VNS




Health workers provide consultation to pregnant woman in HCM City.  Photo baotintuc.vn

HCM CITY  Doctors at obstetrics hospitals and wards in HCM City have been asked to provide counselling on the Zika virus to all pregnant patients. Many of the women who show no viral symptoms are demanding tests for Zika.

Thi Thi Tuyet Nhung, head of the Cultural and Social Affairs Board of the citys Peoples Council, spoke about the issue at a meeting with Tu Du Obstetrics Hospital on Tuesday.

Dr Le Quang Thanh, the hospitals head, said the proportion of Zika virus transmissions from mother to unborn babies was 1-10 per cent. The virus is not as dangerous as dengue fever and rubella, he added.

He said that some mothers infected with the Zika virus would not pass it on to the child, and that not all newborns infected with the virus would suffer serious consequences like an abnormally small head or nerve damage.

Some pregnant women who receive counselling from doctors at the hospital still demand the test, even though they have no symptoms, while those infected with the virus ask for an abortion.

Dr Tang Chi Thuong, deputy head of the citys Department of Health, said a fund for disease prevention and tests was available, but that the Ministry of Health requires that the woman must be showing symptoms such as fever, joint pain and red eyes, and has a doctors prescription.

Dr Pham Anh Hai, head of the Tu Du Obstetrics Hospitals general planning division, said that six pregnant women who had suspected symptoms were tested for the virus in October. One of them tested positive for the virus.

The hospital doctors are also monitoring nine other pregnant women with the Zika virus, he added.

According to the city Preventive Health Centre, 85 people have tested positive to the virus as of November 29, including 11 pregnant women.

Dr Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, head of the citys Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said that a review of 7,000 blood tests that were positive for dengue fever between 2010 and 2015 showed that two of the samples had tested positive for the Zika virus.

Of 22 patients with the Zika virus at the hospital, all of them had a fever for one to three days, and later recovered, he added.

Dr Truong Huu Khanh, head of the city Paediatrics Hospital No.1s infection and neurology ward, said that it was important to kill mosquitoes in hospitals and throughout the community.

People should discard water from flower vases and other containers as only a few drops of water can be a favourable environment for mosquito larvae to develop, according to Khanh. VNS
HA NOI  Only expired automobile driving licences made from paper are required to change into those made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material.

The move came after the Ministry of Justice warned the Ministry of Transport about the condition under Circular No 58, issued in 2015, which ordered all automobile driving licences made from paper to change into those made of PET material before December 31, 2016 and anyone found disobeying the order six months after the deadline will have to take a test to get the licence reissued. The Ministry of Justice said the condition was unsuitable and affected citizens rights.

Nguyen Van Huyen, general director of the Directorate for Roads of Viet Nam, said the ministry accepted the warning from the justice ministry, it would issue the revised circular that will not require people to take a test to get their licence re-issued before the end of December.

Huyen said by August 31, some five million automobile driving licences made of paper had been changed into PET material.

It was estimated that some 300,000 automobile driving licences made of paper had still not been changed into PET material across the country.

Nguyen inh Nghia, head of the Road Vehicle Management Office under the Ha Noi Transport Department, said three stations of the department where people can change their paper automobile driving licence into PET ones have reportedly been packed with people in recent days.

About 1,500 people have been coming to change their automobile driving licences daily, nearly doubling compared with the first few months of this year, he said.

A lot of people have even been queuing up since 5am daily, he said.

Nguyen Hong Truong, Deputy Minister of Transport, said the ministry has yet to consider the responsibility of people participating in compiling the circular.  VNS
NGHE AN  The central Nghe An Province has decided to remove tower cranes that dont have licences or operate outside of specified construction sites as an effort of improving safety levels.

Developers found violating norms will have their projects suspended, the provincial Peoples Committee said.

The decision was made after a tower crane collapsed on a high school in Vinh city, killing one student in the playground last month.

Tran Van Hai, a 10th grader at Le Viet Thuat High School, died on the spot after the crane fell on him. The crane, operated by local construction company Truong Thanh, also destroyed a part of the schools roof.

The committee has asked related agencies and the police to monitor and keep tight control over the operation of tower cranes. Construction sites using tower cranes will be inspected, it said. Sites close to residential areas and public spaces will not be allowed to use cranes.  VNS
VINH PHUC  Vinh Phuc Province Peoples Court yesterday sentenced to prison eight former local officials at the first instance hearing.

The accused, former officials of Vinh Yen City, were sentenced for abusing their position and power while doing public duty.

The eight accused officials include Lai Huu Lan, former Chairman of Vinh Yen Citys Peoples Committee, Secretary of Vinh Yen Citys Party Committee; Nguyen Ngoc Quyen, former chief of the provincial Peoples Committee, Chairman of Vinh Yen Citys Peoples Committee and Secretary of Vinh Yen Citys Party Committee; Nguyen Xuan Truong, former Chairman of ong Tam Wards Peoples Committee, Secretary of ong Tam Wards Party Committee; Nguyen Xuan Lien, former official of provincial Peoples Committee office, Deputy Chairman of Tam ao Districts Peoples Committee.

The other three officials -- Nguyen Thi Kim Lien, Nguyen Thi Ngoc and Vu Van Chuc -- are all officials of Vinh Yen Citys departments.

Duong inh Tam is a resident running a business in Vinh Yen City.

According to the court verdict, since 2006, the eight officials abused power to order the compilation of illegal documents, confiscated 25ha of land from the residents and handed it over to Nguyen Anh Quan and Duong inh Tam. The land then was put under the name Farming project of ong Tam Ward invested by ong Tam Wards Peoples Committee.

The court concluded that the offenders hold power and have knowledge about the Land Law, land use and planning regulations.

The illegal action of offenders causes destruction to the State, triggers public anger and harms the reputation of local state agencies.

Lai Huu Lan and Nguyen Ngoc Quyen were sentenced to five years and nine months in prison. Nguyen Xuan Truong was given three years and nine month imprisonment, while Nguyen Thi Kim Lien was subjected to a suspended sentence of three years with challenging time of up to five years.

The other offenders were given two years and three months to three years in jail.

Nguyen Anh Quan who prompted the offence has escaped. The provincial investigative police have issued an arrest warrant against him.  VNS
NEW YORK   Donald Trump yesterday sought to head off criticism that his vast business empire poses an unprecedented conflict of interest for an incoming US president, even as he comes under attack for packing his cabinet with fellow billionaires.

In one of his trademark pre-dawn tweetstorms, the Manhattan real estate mogul promised that he will reveal a plan next month to put aside his "great business in total in order to fully focus on running the country."

The 70-year-old tycoon did not say who would take over his multi-billion-dollar global property and luxury branding interests, but said his children would be present at a December 15 news conference.

He has previously said his daughter Ivanka and sons Eric and Donald Jr. could take day-to-day charge, but it remained unclear what he would do with his personal stake.

"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," he tweeted, seeking to get ahead of the burgeoning ethics controversy.

US law does not require Trump to give up his business portfolio, although the Constitution states no federal official can receive a gift or "emolument" from a foreign government.

Some previous presidents have placed their investments in a blind trust, but they were not required to do so and Trump has said since winning election in early November that his lawyers believe it unnecessary.  AFP
HAVANA  A military jeep carrying the ashes of late leader Fidel Castro left Havana on a four-day journey across Cuba on Wednesday (Havana time), with hundreds of thousands of flag-waving islanders bidding farewell along the route.

After two days of tributes to Castro in Cubas capital, the "caravan of freedom" departed on a 950-kilometer trek retracing the route of his revolutions victory tour of 1959.

The flag-covered urn rested on a small olive-green trailer behind the jeep, flanked by white flowers and protected by a glass case, as Havana bid farewell to the man who ruled the island with an iron fist for almost half a century.

The huge crowds chanted "I am Fidel!" and "Viva Fidel!" as the convoy headed on a long trip through the countryside that will end with a burial in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba on Sunday.

"I come from a poor family. I am black. In another era, I wouldnt have had the opportunity to be who I am today," said Maria Gonzalez, a 31-year-old computer engineer.

Elsewhere along the route, a tearful Esperanza Pares, 86, said it was "moving to say goodbye to a person who meant so much but who lived long enough to accomplish what he wanted."

Senior officials of the government and Communist Party, as well as Castros longtime partner Dalia Soto del Valle, attended the farewell ceremony at the armed forces ministry before the caravan headed out.

Cubans were observing the fifth of nine days of mourning for Castro following his death on Friday at age 90. Castro ruled from 1959 until an illness forced him to hand power to his brother Raul in 2006.

The urn will be laid to rest at a cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, next to the mausoleum of 19th century independence hero Jose Marti.  AFP
Two major pests attack pearl millet, the most important food crop in Niger in West Africa, and some scientists and policymakers believed that only one of them could be controlled.

But Virginia Tech entomologist Muni Muniappan had a hunch.

He was determined to find out whether researchers in Niger could successfully battle both insects.

Virginia Tech's Muniappan directs the Feed the Future Integrated Pest Management Innovation Lab, underwritten by USAID and bringing together the scientific firepower of multiple institutions. Muniappan applied for a grant from the Sorghum and Millet Innovation Lab at Kansas State University, seeking to tackle both pests using nonchemical means.

However, the reviewers were skeptical.

They were willing to underwrite his campaign against the pearl millet headminer, but not the pearl millet stem borer.

Probably if I had been on the review team, I would have been skeptical too, Muniappan said.

Muniappan sought to use an egg parasitoid, a small wasp that attacks an insects eggs, to combat both the stem borer and the headminer. But the wasp, Trichogramma, had two strikes against it. It had not been found on the stem borer in the field, and it also had not been proven to attack the headminer eggs.

So reviewers authorized Muniappan's work to combat the documented natural enemy while demanding proof that the second half of his proposed campaign had a chance of succeeding.

Muniappan set to work on the headminer using a tiny wasp called Habrobracon hebetor, a larval parasitoid that lives on juvenile headminers and eventually kills them.

Muniappan and his international collaborators from ICRISAT-Niger and INRAN-Maradi, a national agronomic research institute in Nigers third-largest city, began their work by breeding more of these wasps in the lab.

The wasps are parasitic, meaning they live and reproduce on other organisms, so the team bred them on the Indian meal moth insect. They then released the wasps into the field to control the pearl millet headminer.
Mason City hotel plan dies

MASON CITY (AP)  Plans for a Marriott hotel in downtown Mason City are dead after a developer failed to meet the latest deadline to start construction.

San Diego developer Philip Chodur failed to break ground Wednesday  the last of three deadlines he missed as he tried to secure financing for the project.

The hotel was part of a planned $36.2 million downtown development that includes the hotel, an ice arena, parking ramp and music pavilion.

State financing for the project could fall through now that the hotel plan has failed.

County wants hog lot review

FORT DODGE (AP)  Webster County officials are seeking changes to Iowas process for reviewing hog confinement operations, arguing the current process has few restrictions and almost no local control.

The request comes after a large number of new hog confinement applications in the county prompted county supervisors and residents an update to the animal confinement rules.

Recommendations for changes include an increased distance from confinements to residential properties and waterways, as well as a three-mile distance from cities or subdivisions.

The Webster County Board plans to present a list of recommendations to Republican state Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink at this weeks Iowa State Association of Counties legislative meeting.

Ex-jailer jailed for child porn

COUNCIL BLUFFS (AP)  A former Nebraska jail employee convicted in western Iowa of child sex and pornography counts has been sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Shawn Beu was sentenced Wednesday in a Council Bluffs courtroom.

The 37-year-old Beu was convicted in October of 10 counts of sexual abuse and video recording of young girls.

Beu, who lives in Council Bluffs, was a corrections sergeant at the Douglas County Jail in Omaha when he was arrested in March.

Beu has said he plans to appeal his convictions.

Doctor settles federal allegations

DES MOINES (AP)  A Des Moines doctor has agreed to pay more than $176,000 to settle federal allegations that his clinic submitted bills for unapproved or counterfeit cancer drugs.

Dr. Magdy Elsawy was accused of purchasing the drugs in 2012 from a company that distributed faulty or fake medications. He denies wrongdoing, and he has not been charged with any crimes.

Federal officials say in settlement documents released Tuesday that Elsawys Hematology and Oncology Center of Iowa improperly submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for cancer treatments when (the clinic) knew or recklessly disregarded the fact that the drugs used in those treatments were unapproved, misbranded or counterfeits.

The clinics lawyer, Dulce Foster, said her clients payment is in no way a reflection of any wrongdoing.
Man gets prison for child porn

CEDAR RAPIDS (AP)  A 46-year-old Marion man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after his conviction in a child pornography case.

Bryan King was sentenced Wednesday. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

King was convicted in August of one count of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of receipt of child pornography.

The U.S. Attorneys office in Cedar Rapids said King persuaded a 15-year-old child to produce an image depicting sexually explicit conduct and King distributed that image and an image of another child to another person.

Mason City police apologize

MASON CITY (AP)  The Mason City police chief has apologized for the arrest of a Mason City businessman who later was cleared.

A letter dated Nov. 22 and the $137,500 settlement paid ended a civil rights lawsuit Kristopher Kit Alcorn filed in August 2015.

Alcorns lawsuit said an officer conducted a false arrest and malicious prosecution against him after an incident at a store. An employee said Alcorn assaulted him. Alcorn denied that, and the assault charge against him was later dismissed.

The lawsuit also said another officer retaliated against Alcorn after the charge was dismissed.

Three sentenced for bank robbery

CEDAR RAPIDS (AP)  Three people were sentenced to federal prison for robbing a bank in the Linn County community of Palo.

Federal prosecutors say 33-year-old Lance Monden, from Cedar Rapids; 36-year-old Stanley Mosley, from Coralville; and 39-year-old Katherine Pihl, from Tiffin, were sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.

Monden was given 10 years, Mosley was given 11 years and Pihl was given two years. All three had pleaded guilty.

The three were arrested seven minutes after robbing the Palo Savings Bank on May 20. Witnesses provided information about the robbers getaway car to law enforcement, and a sheriffs deputy stopped the car. Prosecutors say Monden and Mosley were hiding in the car trunk.
DES MOINES  Business leaders in Iowas largest cities expressed hope Thursday the new Legislature will simplify the states complicated tax system and establish a statewide minimum wage to halt the patch-work of local rates higher than the current state standard that is creating headaches for business owners.

Its all about economic growth, said Jason Hutcheson, a Greater Burlington Partnership executive who is chairman of the Iowa Chamber Alliance -- a non-partisan coalition representing the 16 largest chambers of commerce and economic development organizations throughout the state.

The group outlined the boot-print of alliance goals for the upcoming 2017 Iowa legislative session.

At the forefront of that effort were policy recommendations for strategic initiatives key to fostering economic growth that included taxes, business climate, government regulations and economic development.

The 2017 legislative session provides a unique opportunity for the Iowa Chamber Alliance to promote and advance economic growth policies, Hutcheson said. This legislative session will allow us to be thoughtfully engaged in several important conversations including those dealing with tax simplification and reform, minimum wage uniformity and economic development incentives.

Alliance members they would like to see Republicans -- who hold a 59-41 majority in the Iowa House and a 29-19-1 edge in the Iowa Senate pending an election in Davenport this month -- take steps to grow Iowas economy with changes.

Those include competitive and fair taxes, strong fiscal management of the state budget, investments in infrastructure, forward-looking programs to encourage entrepreneurship and attract investment, smart and comprehensive investment in developing and retaining a world-class workforce, and establish a predictable and responsive regulatory environment.

Chris McGowan, president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce in Sioux City, said chamber members support pre-emption of local minimum wage ordinances so they are compliant with Iowa law.

Any adjustments to the minimum wage should be done at the state level, not by local government entities, he said.

Hutcheson said the Tax Foundation ranked Iowa business tax climate 40th nationally in its latest index because of the states tax system complexities and the fact Iowas one of a handful of states that allows taxpayers to deduct their state tax liabilities on their federal taxes.

Our states complex system makes Iowa less competitive and requires a cumbersome explanation to prospective businesses, he said. While limited resources and competing priorities make tax reform a difficult goal to achieve in any legislative session, the Chamber Alliance reiterates and elevates its position and strong recommendation."
CEDAR FALLS  The Iowa Economic Development Authority has awarded the Cedar Falls Downtown District with a Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant of $75,000 for a new downtown project.

The announcement was made during a ceremony this week by IEDA Director Debi Durham, Iowa Downtown Resource Center Director Jim Engle and Main Street Iowa State Coordinator Michael Wagler.

The Community Main Street board of directors submitted an application for Dave Farris and Mimi Rices Wilbo Project at 118 Main St. The project involves an exterior facade renovation to restore the original character of the facades through storefront reconstruction, window replacement and repair and painting and repair of the existing original wall finishes.

The interior renovation will update the first floor to current code standards and turn the space from a bar to a restaurant. Exterior work at adjacent 116 Main St. is included in the project.

Rice and Farris own and operate the Cypress downtown, and now will be opening Wilbo Burgers, Brats & Beers with their son, Alex Kreimeyer.

The funding will be distributed in the form of matching grants to the selected Main Street programs.
WATERLOO  An Independence man has been arrested following a lengthy chase with authorities this morning.

Black Hawk County sheriffs deputies attempted to stop a vehicle after it failed to stop at a flashing red light at the intersection of Raymond and Dunkerton roads at about 2:45 a.m. Thursday.

What followed was a chase that surpassed speeds of 100 mph on paved roads and 75 mph on gravel roads, according to the sheriffs office. After traveling through Black Hawk and Buchanan counties with Waterloo and Evansdale police officer joining in, the driver veered into a field in an attempt to avoid Stop Stick spikes that officers had placed in the roadway, deputies said.

When authorities caught up with him, he exited his vehicle holding a wooden club, but he was taken into custody without incident deputies said.

The driver, 34-year-old Troy Postel-Vargason, was arrested for felony eluding, carrying wepaons and driving while suspended. A 34-year-old female passenger was not charged.
IOWA FALLS -- A canine officer with the Hardin County Sheriff's Office found the body of a missing woman in a wooded area Wednesday.

We dont suspect any foul play, Sheriff Dave McDaniel said Thursday.

Authorities identified the deceased as Elizabeth D. Bell, 45, of Anoka, Minn.

Hardin County deputies on Wednesday were investigating a suspicious vehicle parked on County Highway D-41. McDaniel said the property was an abandoned farmstead with a house and outbuildings.

The deputy became curious after noticing the parked vehicle had out-of-state plates, and upon further investigation it was determined that the registered owner was missing out of Minnesota. Bell had been reported missing to a Minnesota agency about one or two hours before her vehicle was found in Hardin County.

K9 Ogon was able to track from the vehicle approximately 200 yards north in to a wooded area where the body was located. McDaniel said he didnt know of any ties Bell had to Iowa.

An autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death. The Hardin County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol and Hardin County Emergency Squad.
PELLA (AP)  A pickup truck smashed through the doors of an Iowa Wal-Mart store Thursday, killing three people and scattering merchandise on the floor before it came to a stop at the fresh produce section in what authorities believe was a tragic accident.

Witnesses said the truck entered through the front doors on the grocery portion of the store and came to a rest after hitting a merchandise display near the produce section.

At this time, we dont have any reason to believe it was intentional, said Patrol Sgt. Nathan Ludwig, who was at the scene of the crash. Ludwig said officials are investigating all possible scenarios.

The crash in Pella just before 10 a.m. killed three people  all outside the vehicle  and injured the driver and another person, Ludwig said. None of those killed or injured were children.

Authorities had not released the identities of those involved as officials worked to inform family members of the casualties. Ludwig said he did not have the medical conditions of those hurt.

Witnesses told Knoxville radio station KNIA/KRLS the truck was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash.

The store was closed Thursday as law enforcement investigated.

An employee at the store, Judy Playle, of Leighton, said the crash came as a big shock that left store employees terrified.

Its a family here, Playle said. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone that works here, the man who drove through and his family.

Wal-Mart management said in a statement: Were heartbroken by what appears to be a tragic accident.

Pella  a city of 10,000 known for its Dutch roots and fully functional 1850s-style windmill  is 38 miles southeast of Des Moines.
CEDAR FALLS  Throughout his time on campus Thursday, University of Northern Iowa presidential finalist Mark Nook asked: What makes the university special?

Nook told a public forum he received a universal answer.

Its community. And everyone knows how to talk about it, Nook said.

Nook, chancellor at Montana State University-Billings, said he was loath to talk about the best way to sell UNI until he learned more from the people on campus. But he said the concepts of community and student success have been clear messages.

Another thing we need to articulate ... is we educate Iowans for Iowa, and nobody else does it like we do, Nook said.

He continued, Thats a place we can put a stake in the ground and nobody else can claim, and we need to put that stake in the ground and it needs to be a big, tall stake, with a purple and gold flag at the top of it.

Nook, 58, is one of three finalists vying to be UNIs 11th president. Former President Bill Ruud left in the spring for Marietta College in Ohio.

Nook was the final candidate to visit campus. The Board of Regents will interview the finalists and is expected to announce the universitys next president Tuesday.

Nooks presentation centered on the role of small public universities like UNI. He said UNI serves as both a public research institution and a liberal arts college. He talked about the ways that helps develop a whole person for the public good.

We take Iowa students and we make Iowa leaders and Iowa professionals, Nook said. ... UNI will do that as well as and better than almost anywhere else.

Nook, who was raised in Iowa, said Iowans sometimes suffer from heroic humility or militant modesty, failing to adequately celebrate their successes. He said UNIs president should publicly celebrate the universitys successes.

He also discussed challenges and opportunities facing UNI. He listed more than a dozen different challenges. He focused on three: questions about the value of higher education, the value of the liberal arts and the value of tenure. He went on to defend the importance of each.

He praised the universitys recently completed strategic plan for valuing student success and diversity and inclusion on campus. But Nook noted UNI still has a ways to go. Particularly, he noted UNIs retention rates for underrepresented students was below its general retention rates and below its peers.

I believe the future is bright of regional comprehensive universities, public comprehensive universities but especially here, because I have seen a commitment from the students, from the faculty and the staff to making this a place focused on student success, Nook said.

The public forum is available online at www.iowaregents.edu/.
CEDAR FALLS  During his job interview Wednesday, University of Northern Iowa presidential finalist Jim Wohlpart discussed how the university struggles to articulate its identity.

He said its a central challenge facing UNI: The university does remarkable things, but struggles to convey its accomplishments.

Wohlpart, 52, said its an issue facing not only UNI but higher education as a whole.

We are now being defined from the outside. And that definition of higher education is focusing, more and more and almost exclusively, on getting jobs, Wohlpart told a forum of more than 200 in Maucker Union. The vocationalization of higher education has forgotten the public good that is at the heart of what we do in public higher education.

Wohlpart, UNIs interim

president and former provost and vice president of academic affairs, is one of three finalists vying to be UNIs 11th president. Former UNI President Bill Ruud left earlier this year to head up Marietta College in Ohio.

Wohlpart said the irony of the focus on jobs is employers tell universities they want employees who have a liberal education that empowers students to deal with complexity, diversity and change.

Wohlpart said he wants to convey a singular narrative of the university.

He offered two examples of how the university can better share its successes.

UNI has won national and international awards, but few hands raised when he asked who knew about them. He noted another university recently earned news coverage for service projects in its community. He said UNI has done similar projects for decades.

We just kind of do that work, win the awards and then go on to the next project. We need to stop and celebrate that work and make certain that were elevating that work in these kinds of ways, Wohlpart said.

He said the Iowa Board of Regents and others are going to be sick and tired of hearing him tout the ways faculty and staff engage with students to help them become prepared professionally and active and engaged citizens.

When challenged by some faculty about his lack of discussion about their role, Wohlpart made clear student success is not possible without dedicated faculty and staff.

He also stressed the importance of helping students to find their purpose and passion and tying that to a vocation. He talked about the challenges facing universities with regard to accessibility, affordability and accountability.

Wohlpart said the university has work to do on diversity and inclusion, and touted successes at his previous institution, Florida Gulf Coast University.

If I am so honored to be selected as the 11th president of the University of Northern Iowa, we will work together  faculty, staff, students, regents, alumni, donors, legislators, community members  to respond to the challenges of our time. And in our collective response, we will elevate this remarkable institution to national prominence, Wohlpart said.
CEDAR RAPIDS -- Iowas public employee retirement program earned an investment return of 6.65 percent last year.

As a result of the lower than anticipated earnings, IPERS -- Iowa Public Employees Retirement System -- has a larger than anticipated unfunded actuarial liability. IPERS covers about 350,000 employees of state and local governments, including schools, with 52 percent either retired or inactive.

The investment return on the market value of assets for fiscal 2016 was 2.15 percent, according to the report by Cavanaugh Macdonald Consulting LLC, which prepared the report for the IPERS board. Due to asset smoothing and the deferred investment gains from prior years, the investment return on the actuarial value of assets was 6.65 percent -- lower than the assumed 7.50 return. That resulted in a larger than anticipated unfunded actuarial liability.

However, the firm did not recommend raising contribution rates, which now are about 15 percent of an employees wages. Employees contribute 5.95 percent and public employers contribute 8.93 percent.

The report comes on the heels of Gov. Terry Branstads statement Monday that while he is open to looking at changes in the public employment program, he doesnt see that happening in the near future.

Responding to a reporters questions, Branstad said many private sector companies and some states have moved from defined benefits retirement systems, such as IPERS, to defined contribution systems. Many pension experts believe defined benefits program are not sustainable.

However, he continued, Iowa does have one of the best defined benefits system under out IPERS program of any of the state. Certainly ours is better run than most states.

Any change in IPERS would take substantial study and you need to know what the financial impact will be, Branstad said. First of all, you want to protect the people under the present system so their benefits are protected.

Some states have moved to defined contribution systems, the governor continued.

Its an issue that is something that needs significant study and research in order to know what the implications are of making a change of that magnitude, Branstad said.

In its valuation, Cavanaugh Macdonald said it was presenting a snapshot view of IPERS financial condition. It described the increase in the unfunded actuarial liability as an unfavorable experience. The liability for the three membership groups covered by IPERS is $5.586 billion -- $108 million more than the expected $5.479 billion.

Overall, IPERS, which has $28.3 billion in assets with $17.7 billion in liabilities and is 83.9 percent funded. To achieve 100 percent funding, outside experts say the state would have to budget an additional $400 million a year for 25 years.

In the year ending June 30, IPERS paid $1.8 billion in benefits last year with an average annual payout of $16,149.

The projected payroll for the IPERS members for the coming year is $7.8 billion -- a $46,399 average and a 2.5 percent increase from the previous year.

IPERS long-term financial health of IPERS is heavily dependent on future investment returns and systematic contributions at the full actuarially determined rate. Assuming all actuarial assumptions are met in the future, the systems funded ratio is expected to improve over the long term, Cavanaugh Macdonald said.
CEDAR FALLS  Dave Prescott isnt toying around when it comes to helping needy kids in the area where he was raised.

Prescott is CEO of a New York fiber optics company. He joined a cadre of kids from his alma mater, St. Patricks School in Cedar Falls, on Wednesday for a benefit shopping spree at the Cedar Falls Wal-Mart.

The Navy veteran donated $10,000 to the Toys for Tots program coordinated by the Cedar Falls Exchange Club.

Prescott flew into Livingston Aviation at the Waterloo Regional Airport and was met by a bus full of St. Pats students. Together, they headed out to shop for toys for needy local children.

Yeah, load up on those, Prescott told students clustered around a bin of Hot Wheels toy cars.

Amaya Lytle was looking for iPod minis and Disney princess toys.

Thats what we lived by when we were younger, said Lytle, an eighth-grader.

Said seventh-grader Zander White: Were going to just fill the cart with the most beneficial toys I find.

Prescott said he remembers his roots fondly and wanted to give back.

I grew up on a pig farm in New Hartford, and my mom drove me every day to school at St. Patrick. His father worked at John Deere.

Sir, were going to clear you out of a whole bunch of bikes if thats all right, he told a store associate.

In 1984, when Prescott was 13, his family moved to Burnsville, Minn. He later enlisted in the Navy and served 10 years as a nuclear engineer.

In 2007, he founded Integra Optics in the Albany area, where his wife was raised. The firm does business with cable television providers and telecommunications companies, including Mediacom. He owns his own airplane and frequently stops in Waterloo when he has a chance.

Prescott has also been active in Toys for Tots in the Albany area, donating $40,000 to that effort.

He donated to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls program in memory of a friend of his parents, Gerald Jerry Nicely of Waterloo, who died in June.

He was a Marine and I was in the Navy, so it goes together nicely,  Prescott said. The Waterloo Marine Corps Reserve post sponsored the local Toys for Tots program  as do Marine installations around the country  until it was disbanded in 2005 shortly after a deployment to Iraq. The Cedar Falls ExchangeClub took over the toy drive.

Prescott noted Wal-Mart is a silent partner in the Toys for Tots effort, discounting toys to stretch the programs dollars.

It isnt Prescotts first donation locally. In past years he helped St. Pats buy new desks for students  replacing the ones he sat in more than 30 years ago.

This is overwhelming, said Lisa Vry-Lageschulte, Toys for Tots program coordinator. Its heartwarming to have someone from outside our community come here just out of the blue. This is a generous community, but this big a donation is so exciting.

Prescott said he hopes it encourages others to do the same.

Courier staff writer John Molseed contributed to this report.
I stirred up some controversy last week when I told a conference of several dozen House Republicans the GOP is now officially a Trump-working-class party. For better or worse, I said at the gathering inside the Capitol dome, the baton has now officially been passed from the Reagan era to the Trump era. The members didnt quite faint over my apostasy, but the shock was palpable.

I emphasized Republicans must prioritize delivering jobs and economic development to the industrial and Midwestern regions of the country  states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri. These are places that, for the most part, never felt the meager Obama administration recovery, and so these blue-collar Reagan Democrats took a leap of faith and came back to the Republican Party for the first time since 1984.

The GOP will be judged in 2018 and 2020 as to whether they deliver results for this part of the country and for the forgotten middle-class men and women (aka the deplorables) who Democrats abandoned economically and culturally. This all is simply a political truism.

What caught the ire of some of my conservative friends was this statement: Just as Reagan converted the GOP into a conservative party, with his victory this year, Trump has converted the GOP into a populist, America-first party.

One friend lamented I must have been drunk when I said this.

No. I meant exactly what I said. But I will clarify.

First, let me lay to rest the idea this was a backhanded slam against Ronald Reagans legacy. Hardly. I worked for the Gipper. He rebuilt the American economy and caused a quarter-century-long boom with wealth creation and prosperity nearly unrivaled in American history. He won the Cold War and vanquished the evil empire of the Soviet Union. He belongs on Mount Rushmore.

But this is 2016, not 1986. The world is a different place. The voters spoke with a thunderclap, opting for Trumps new breed of economic populism. He squashed his 16 GOP rivals. Never-Trumpers, who insisted with absolute certainty Trump could never win the general election or even the primary, can pretend a political sonic boom didnt happen.

But guess what? It did  while all the highfalutin intellectuals and political consultants were napping.

So yes, we have awoken to a new party that will be a lot tougher on illegal immigration and will build a wall, that will be a lot more skeptical of lopsided trade deals, more wary of foreign entanglements and more prone to spend money on infrastructure.

I dont approve of all of these shifts, but they are what the voters voted for.

Trade and immigration are unambiguously good for the country  but it will have to be done in ways supported by the American people, not shoved down our throats by the elites.

In this way, I am more of a populist. The elites in both parties have never understood Trumpism and often are contemptuous of the intellect and lifestyles of the Trump loyalists.

Conservatives should go back and read Jude Wanniskis classic The Way the World Works. Jude repeatedly reminds us there is great collective wisdom in the decisions made by the American voters. Its wise for elites on the right to listen to what they are saying.

A lot of good things come with the Trump package: probably three conservative justices on the Supreme Court, tax cuts and assaults against regulatory overreach, the repeal of Obamacare and so on.

But its a package deal, folks. If you want purity, vote for Ron Paul for president again and see where that gets you.

I have always tried not to oversell Donald Trump to voters because Ive been so bitterly disappointed by politicians time and again. You never know how it will turn out, and its folly to render a verdict on a President-elect Trump who hasnt yet notched a single policy victory.

But it is a new Republican Party, and a new political and policy era has begun. On election night, Trump toppled two family dynasties  the Clintons and the Bushes  and Barack Obamas legacy all at once. They were the troika of big losers in 2016. Trump didnt topple the Reagan legacy of growth, optimism and peace through strength. If the age of Trump is to be a success, he will build on and modernize that legacy.
The legacy of Bess Streeter Aldrich, the talented and prolific author, will get some renewed interest in the town of her birth.

Earlier this week, the Cedar Falls Board of Education voted unanimously to name its new elementary school after Aldrich, who was born in Cedar Falls in 1881.

Her name will grace the new school to be constructed on land near Erik Road west of Hudson Road in southwestern Cedar Falls.

Aldrich grew up in Cedar Falls and graduated from what is now the University of Northern Iowa. She became a published writer after moving with her husband, Charles Aldrich, and their family to Elmwood, Neb., where they purchased a bank.

She published more than 160 short stories and articles in multiple magazines, nine novels, a novella and two books of short stories over three decades beginning in 1911.

Aldrich was one of four names recommended by an eight-member committee. The others were Westview Elementary School, Arbor Elementary School and William Sturgis Elementary School.

While close, Westview was the top recommendation from the committee. It was derived from the schools location in the western portion of the district and the direction it will face. That would have seemed to fit in well with the majority of Cedar Falls elementary schools which bear names that coincide with their place in town  such as North Cedar, Southdale, Orchard Hill and Cedar Heights.

Lincoln Elementary School, of course, is named after our 16th president. The first of three buildings at the site was originally Central School in 1863, and the name was changed to Lincoln in 1893 after new additions to the school. The only other current elementary school named for a person is Hanson Elementary School. It was named after Helen A. Hanson, a longtime Cedar Falls schoolteacher and principal.

Some board members felt an opportunity would be lost if the school was not named for the Cedar Falls-born author. We agree her historically valuable work is worth delving into. Bess Streeter Aldrich indeed left a remarkable legacy, although her professional work was largely completed in Nebraska. (There is a Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary School in Omaha.)

A consortium of Nebraska colleges and universities, known as NETCHE, has a mission of improving teaching and learning. That organization published an article titled Three Nebraska Women. The section on Aldrich says, in part:

The women in Aldrichs works are noteworthy. They portray the strength of pioneer women and the role they played in settling the west. Although she respected men, the primary characters in her books are strong women. She wrote from the womans point of view. For example, The Lieutenants Lady is the story of a woman who traveled a very long distance up the Missouri River to the Yellowstone Territory. One learns about the women in the army bases along the way. A Lantern in Her Hand, Aldrichs most famous novel, is a tribute to her mother and other pioneer women.

Thats the type of published writing that was a rarity in that era. She was known as a thorough researcher, and her work is filled with historical fact. Her books have been used in social studies and history classes because of their accurate content. Its history from a rare perspective.

Thats valuable, and we are proud she is a Cedar Falls native.

We look forward to seeing her name up on the new school in Cedar Falls.
Q: I read in the paper they are having a Paws for Gunner event at Cattle Congress to help him get a service dog. Is there someplace we can mail a check to help him get the service dog?

A: Donations can be sent to Definitely Dogs, 2121 North Towne Lane N.E., Suite A, Cedar Rapids 52402. Please put Dog for Gunner Lincoln on the memo line.

Q: What has happened to Lara Spencer with Good Morning America?

A: She was off the air for a time this fall after having hip replacement surgery.

Q: What years were the Donna Reed Show, Father Knows Best and The Flying Nun on?

A: Donna Reed was on from 1958-66, and Father Knows Best ran from 1954-60. The Flying Nun aired from 1967-70.

Q: If they privatize Social Security and I happen to lose it in the stock market, will the government have any recourse to still help me out?

A: It depends on the privatization plan adopted, but probably not  its one of the reasons plenty of people are opposed to the idea.

Q: Are there any restrictions on foreign ownership of land in Iowa?

A: It looks as if depends on the zoning of the land. According to the Iowa Code: A nonresident alien, foreign business or foreign government may acquire, by grant, purchase, devise or descent, real property, except agricultural land or any interest in agricultural land in this state, and may own, hold, devise or alienate the real property, and shall incur the same duties and liabilities in relation thereto as a citizen and resident of the United States. ... A nonresident alien, foreign business or foreign government, or an agent, trustee or fiduciary thereof, shall not purchase or otherwise acquire agricultural land in this state. A nonresident alien, foreign business or foreign government, or an agent, trustee or fiduciary thereof, which owns or holds agricultural land in this state on Jan. 1, 1980, may continue to own or hold the land, but shall not purchase or otherwise acquire additional agricultural land in this state.

Q: Can a boss legally cut your pay as a form of retaliation? How can I check into this?

A: We asked Iowa Workforce Development, and they recommended you call them at (866) 239-0843.

Q: Can you give me information on how I can donate to Spikes K9 Fund?

A: You can donate through the website at spikesk9fund.org, or send to 5760 Northampton Blvd. No. 118, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

Q: When moving into Iowa from another state, how long do you have before you have to get Iowa license plates?

A: According to the Iowa Department of Transportation: Iowa law requires you to register your motor vehicle with the county treasurers office in your county within 30 days from the date you establish residency. Iowa registration is required even though your license plates may still be valid in another state.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man has been arrested after police officers found a stolen rifle during a traffic stop.

Waterloo police pulled over a Hyundai Sonata for a traffic violation in the area of U.S. Highway 20 and Ansborough Avenue around 4 p.m. Nov. 18.

The front-seat passenger, Nicholas Lee Redding, allegedly gave officers a fake name, and police found a Rock River Arms AR-15 rifle in the vehicles trunk. Witnesses said before the stop, Redding had placed a large case in the vehicles trunk, according to court records.

Police determined the rifle had been reported stolen in Dysart by the father of one of Reddings friends.

On Saturday, Waterloo police arrested Redding, 22, for trafficking stolen weapons and felon in possession of a firearm. He was taken to the Black Hawk County Jail, and bond was set at $29,000.

Court records state Redding is prohibited from handling firearms because of a 2009 conviction for second-degree robbery in a botched shoplifting incident.

Arrests made

for fake money

OELWEIN  The Oelwein Police Department has made arrests in an investigation that involved the illegal manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit money.

On Saturday, Oelwein Police executed a search warrant in the 10 block of Sixth Street Northwest. Officers seized items used to manipulate currency, printers, items used to manufacture currency, counterfeit currency and illegal drugs from the residence.

Officers also went to a residence in the 10 block of Second Avenue Northwest where they located and seized nearly $4,000 in counterfeit currency.

Those arrested were: Forrest S. Spitzer, 41, of Oelwein, on charges of fraudulent practices and possession of a controlled substance; and Michael M. Miller, 21, of Oelwein, for fraudulent practices and the theft of lottery tickets, both Class D felonies.

The investigation continues with further arrests and charges pending.

Train-car crash injures man

CHARLES CITY  Railroad warning lights and stop arms did not activate before a van hit a train car in Charles City on Tuesday, police say.

A northbound Dodge van hit the side of a Kershaw brush cutter train car about 7:30 a.m. at the E Street crossing near 13th Avenue, according to a Charles City Police Department statement.

The Canadian Pacific train car derailed as a result of the crash.

One person was hurt, but further details were not immediately available on who it was.

Damage was estimated at $7,000. No citations were issued.
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Jacob Siegel at Tablet Magazine:

The night America elected Donald J. Trump president, 38-year-old Richard B. Spencer, who fancies himself the Karl Marx of the alt-right and envisions a white homeland, crowed, were the establishment now. If so, then the architect of the new establishment is Spencers former mentor, Paul Gottfried, a retired Jewish academic who lives, not quite contently, in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, on the east bank of the Susquehanna River. Its the kind of town that reporters visit in an election season to divine the political faith of real Americans. A division of candy company Mars Inc. makes its home there, along with a Masonic retirement community, and the college where Gottfried taught before a school official encouraged his early exit.

Gottfried settled in Elizabethtown after his first wife died, when he decided to put family concerns ahead of professional ambitions and then set out to wage a low-level civil war against the Republican establishment. The so-called alt-rightidentified variously with anti-globalist and anti-immigrant stances, cartoon frogs, white nationalists, pick-up artists, anti-Semites, and a rising tide of right-wing populismis partly Gottfrieds creation; he invented the term in 2008, with his protege Spencer.

more here.
Alexandra Suich in The Economist:

This is going to become the best club in the city, Ken Fulk says confidently. We are 49 storeys high, looking down at the Bay Bridge from a new high-rise, the Harrison, packed with multi-million-dollar condominiums that are all for sale. Fulk was hired to glam up the skyscrapers interior, and thought the top floor should be a swanky members lounge and wine bar, where residents could mingle for drinks and host private events while gazing at the glistening bay. The space is both modern and retro. A fire roars in the centre of the room, light fixtures in the shape of pagodas hang from the ceiling and there is a bar covered in crocodile skin. Luxurious amenities are part of the Harrisons allure, but so is Fulk himself. San Francisco is having its Manhattan moment. Buildings are stretching skyward, and people are moving here in swarms to seek their fortunes. Fulk is helping reimagine the citys interiors. He came to prominence in 2013 with the opening of The Battery, a private club, which quickly became an after-hours destination for techies, who linger in banquettes beneath the main lounges exposed-brick walls.

But most of Fulks business is designing private houses for the citys wealthy technorati. His clients include Mark Pincus of the gaming company Zynga; Kevin Systrom of the photo-sharing app Instagram; Jeremy Stoppelman of Yelp, the online review site; and Michael and Xochi Birch, who sold their social network, Bebo, for $850m in 2008 and now own The Battery. While minimalist interiors are in vogue, Fulks signature style is bold, eclectic and gleefully maximalist. With contemporary design, you feel like you walked into a hotel room, says Systrom.

More here.
Simon David-Cohen at Harper's Magazine:

The story of the takeover of the elected school board starts in September 2014, when, as one local newspaper reported, John Kasich started to talk with business leaders and develop recommendations for improving the [failing] district. Later that month, Kasich told freshman legislators in a closed-door orientation meeting in a back room at the state capitol that the Youngstown school system is in such a mess, I want to just shut it down and put one great big charter school in there, according to Youngstown state representative Michele Lepore-Hagan. Everyone, Lepore-Hagan told me over the phone, kind of just stopped and looked at him, in disbelief. (When asked for a comment, a governor spokesperson pointed me to an article that denied the statement: When [Kasich] talked to Lepore-Hagan, it read, he wasnt suggesting that a transformation was imminent.) The plan was set in motion the following month, when the regional chamber of commerce convened a secretive Youngstown City Schools Business Cabinet. Eight months later, on June 23, 2015, the governors office began reaching out to legislators and lobbyists. We have kept this low key, Kasichs Director of Legislative Affairs wrote that day in an email subpoenaed by a state court to a lobbyist, but it will be introd [as an amendment] to [House Bill] 70. . . . Creates charter accelerator. Twenty-four hours later, the takeover mechanism was passed into law. In May of 2016, the state-controlled Youngstown City Schools Academic Distress Commission appointed the CEO, who, thanks to HB 70, enjoys unilateral authority to cancel teacher and employee union contracts, hire and fire at will, close schools, convert them into charters, and shape curriculum.

more here.
Shikha Dalmia & George J. Borjas in Reason:

Even as the mighty Statue of Liberty beckons the world's poor and huddled masses to America's shores, Americans themselves have been ambivalent, to put it mildly, about how many newcomers ought to be welcomed and from where. To the extent that a pro-immigration consensus has existed, it was always an uneasy one. But Donald Trump's meteoric political rise after embracing an extreme restrictionist agenda has shattered that fragile status quo, dividing pundits and public, academics and analysts throughout the 2016 election season. There's an absence of good polling data to shine a light on how immigrants themselves feel about this issue, but it's clear that even they don't all agree.

George J. Borjas is a celebrated Harvard University economist who emigrated from Cuba to the United States with his mother at the age of 12, three years after Fidel Castro's regime took over the country and confiscated his father's garment factory. He has made vital contributions to many fields of economics, especially immigration, and has a new book, We Wanted Workers: Unraveling the Immigration Narrative, out this month. In it, he challenges the notion that immigration is universally beneficial.

Shikha Dalmia is a Reason Foundation analyst and a native of New Delhi, India, who came to America 31 years ago as an idealistic student looking to escape the corruption of a socialistic mixed economy. She writes extensively about immigration and firmly believes America shuts the door on outsiders at its economic and spiritual peril.

What follows is a spirited exchange between the two on the empirical claims and proposed policy prescriptions in We Wanted Workers.

More here. [Thanks to Terrance Tomkow and Tunku Varadarajan.]
He sees you when you're drinking.





Local Brewing Unveils Winter Sweater Imperial Porter at Ugly Sweater Party

Snuggle into your most heinous holiday sweater on Thursday and head over to Local Brewing for the second annual release of their Winter Sweater Imperial Porter. This year's batch includes 50 pounds of graham crackers, chocolate malt, Madagascar vanilla beans, and lots of love. Ugly Sweater Party guests can also taste a special barrel-aged version of last year's Winter Sweater seasonal brew, which has been aging for more than year in a Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrel from neighboring Bluxome Street Winery. RSVP online for the party, which starts 6:30pm. // 69 Bluxome St. (SoMa), localbrewingco.com



Retire to The Den at Wesburger N' More



If you like drinking in cozy quarters, we recommend a visit to Wesburger N' More's new punch room, appropriately dubbed The Den. The wee watering hole opens this Friday and accommodates only 15 people, standing. Delightfully garish, the lo-fi booze bar is decked out in faux-jungle treasures and quirky western art. Punch options include the Bad Apple (dry vermouth, apple cider, Topo Chico) and the Ginger Spice (amaro, pineapple, ginger beer and allspice). They're low-alcohol, so you can have both. // 2240A Mission St (Mission), wesburgernmore.com



Le Colonial Launches Lunchtime Cocktails for the Holidays



San Francisco's vintage Vietnamese eatery is opening for lunch for four consecutive Fridays in December, featuring four special lunchtime cocktails. On December 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd, diners can pair a Colonial Bellini, Green Tea Spritzer, No-Hangover Mule, or No-Work After Lunch with a prix fixe meal consisting of pho ga, a choice of wild salmon wrapped in crepes or lemongrass chicken, and orange and lime crepes cake with citrus cream. Face it, no work is getting done in December anyway. You might as well day drink. // 20 Cosmo Place (Tenderloin), lecolonialsf.com





Celebrate the Repeal of Prohibition, Again

Dust off the zoot suit and party like it's 1933 this weekend with 21st Amendment Brewery, as they celebrate the 84th anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition. Saturday's soiree at the new San Leandro brewery starts at 1pm and features BBQ, live jazz, a cigar lounge, gambling for charity, and some special barrel aged beers available that day only. The San Francisco brewpub will celebrate on Sunday starting at 11:30am with a Cigar City Tap Takeover and Cigar Lounge, era-appropriate decorations and costumes, a seven piece Dixieland jazz band, casino games for charity, and a family-friendly kid zone. Admission is free for both events, and both costumes and kids are encouraged. // 2010 Williams St. (San Leandro) and 563 2nd St. (SoMa), 21st-amendment.com



See Santa in Tomales Bay


In a SoMa alleyway, the first juice from five tons of sauvignon blanc begins to drip from the press at Bluxome Street Winery, a full 60 miles from the grapes' Russian River Valley origin.

If it sounds odd, consider this: In the early 20th century, more than 100 wineries operated within San Francisco city limits before earthquakes, pests, and prohibition brought down California's wine industry. These days, you can catch the aroma of fermenting grapes mingling with asphalt as a handful of entrepreneurs bring back urban winemaking to warehouses in the industrial pockets of the city. And yes, you can stop in for a taste.





Eristavi Winery

In an industrial building on Potrero Street, Eristavi Winery creates delicious and unique single varietal wines using knowledge that has been passed down through the Georgian family line for more than 400 years. Proprietor Nikolas Eristavi, along with his father (the winemaker) and mother (the labelmaker), has been crafting wine in San Francisco for more than a decadeand has racked up more than 40 awards in the process. We love the 2014sauvignon blanc, an elegant, aromatic wine with hints of melon, ripe pineapple, and passion fruitperfect for a sunny day in the Mission. // 1300 Potrero Ave (Mission), eristaviwinery.com



Bluxome Street Winery



Before being devastated by the 1906 quake, SoMa was the hub of San Francisco winemaking. Bluxome Street Winery pays homage to the neighborhood's history, producing cool-climate wines such as pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier, mostly sourced from the Russian River Valley. The most polished of the city's urban wineries, Bluxome is a prime happy hour gathering spot, open Tuesday through Sunday, barring events (check their website calendar). Or, you can stop by their heritage-brick tasting room in Ghiradelli Square. // Bluxome Street Winery, Tues.-Sun., 1-8 p.m., 53 Bluxome St. (SoMa) and Daily, 1-8 p.m., 900 North Point St. (Marina), bluxomewinery.com





(Courtesy of Dogpatch Wineworks)



Dogpatch Wineworks





This winery is housed in an old textile mill, built in the early 1900s. Dogpatch Wineworks operates mostly as an event space, but they do open their doors to the public at noon on Sundays for tastings. You can order by the glass and bottle, or for $22, try six selections of their 14 wines, including classic Bordeaux varietals and a few that are lesser known, like vermentino. They don't mind if you bring your own foodwe suggest grabbing some barbecue from Smokestack just a block awayand if you get there first thing, we're told you might even luck into a private tour of their winemaking facility. // Dogpatch Wineworks, Sun., 12-6 p.m., 2455 3rd St. (Dogpatch), dogpatchwineworks.com





Harrington Wines

The fact that Bryan Harrington makes his wine in the back of a metal shop somehow adds to this winery's charm. Harrington purposely sources his grapes from everywhere but Napa and Sonoma, and brings back unique varietals from Europe every year, like nebbiolo and fiano from Italy. One of his bestsellers is mission, California's oldest, and mostly-forgotten, grape. With 20 years in the industry under his belt, Harrington does things old school, storing all of his files in a binder, not computer, and even crushing some of his grapes Lucy Ricardo-style. Fittingly, a visit to Harrington is nothing like tasting in Napa or Sonoma, but you'll be hard pressed to find a more authentic experience. // Harrington Wines, by appointment only, 1559 Custer Ave. (Hunters Point), harringtonwine.com





(Courtesy of A.P. Vin)



A.P. Vin



Schedule a tasting at this Mission warehouse before your next visit to their neighbor, Southern Pacific Brewing. Vintner Andrew P. Vingiello left a career in finance a decade ago to pursue making high-quality, single-vineyard pinot noirs. A one-on-one tasting with Vingiello takes place among the barrels and winemaking equipment at a custom-crafted, 200-pound, rollout wood slab bar. // A.P. Vin, by appointment only, 622 Treat Ave. (Mission), apvin.com





August West Wines

Nestled in the produce district, a tasting here is a 3-for-1 deal. August West, named for that Grateful Dead lyric, is the result of a partnership between longtime San Francisco resident and winemaker Ed Kurtzman and two growers, Howard Graham and John Peterson. You'll get to sample August West chardonnay, pinot noir, and syrah, in addition to wine from Kurtzman's personal label Sandler, and Peterson's label Mansfield Dunne, which are all made in the same facility. // August West Wines, by appointment only, 540 Barneveld Ave. (Hunters Point), augustwestwine.com





Betwixt Wines

Also sharing the warehouse space with August West is Betwixt, wine made from Englishman Tim Telli. He studied under fellow San Francisco vintners Kurtzman (August West) and Vingiello (A.P. Vin) before finally starting his own label, under which he currently produces grenache, syrah, and pinot noir. Telli uses minimalist and organic winemaking practices, interfering with the grapes as little as possible. The resulting wines are unrefined and unfiltered. // Betwixt Wines, by appointment only, 540 Barneveld Ave. (Hunters Point), betwixtwine.com





Sutton Cellars

Carl Sutton has been crushing in San Francisco since 2010, following 15 years working in wine country. He's best known for his dry vermouth infused with 17 dried herbs, which you can enjoy in cocktail form, and his wine by the jug, a match made in late-night-pizza heaven. He favors somewhat unconventional winemaking practices, such as not filtering his wine, not using yeast, barrel-aging rose, and aging some of his wine in large glass demijohns that greet you as you walk in. Set yourself up at a wine-barrel table, on the threadbare orange couch, or at the old-school desk for your $10 tasting, served on tap from kegs, not bottles. // Sutton Cellars, Thurs.-Fri., 5-8 p.m. and Sat.-Sun., 12-5 p.m., 601 22nd St. (Dogpatch), suttoncellars.com


En espanol Here's a spirited look at the story (or stories) behind four classic summer cocktails, along with recommendations on a few great places to drink them.

Mojito

How it happened: This Cuban concoction became popular in the 1930s, but its history goes back to the 1800s. English pirate Richard Drake supposedly favored a similar drink named El Draque while he was pillaging the Caribbean and South America.

Classic recipe: white rum, lime juice, sparkling water, mint, and simple syrup (a mix of water and dissolved sugar).

Where to drink it: With Cuba off-limits for most of us, try the Latin scene of Miami's South Beach. Locals enjoy the cool comfort of Ola and the aptly named Mojitos Cuban Cuisine. For a Louisiana twist, go to Covington, north of New Orleans, where the signature mojito from Del Porto Ristorante features both ruby-red-grapefruit vodka and juice, fresh basil, and honey.

Mai Tai

How it happened: This tropical favorite was first blended in California by saloon owner Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron in 1944. A South Seas traveler, Bergeron eventually introduced his mai taiTahitian for "the very best"to the Hawaiian Islands.

Classic recipe: rum, orange curacao liqueur, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.

Where to drink it: Try the original at Trader Vic's at least once, advises Atlanta master mixologist Darrell Autrey. The chain has 22 locations worldwide, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and even Dubai. If you prefer a Polynesian paradise, visit The Westin Moana Surfrider's Beach Bar in Waikiki. You can drink your expertly blended mai tai under one of the largest banyan trees in Hawaii, steps from the Pacific surf.

Margarita

How it happened: So many cities want credit for this cocktail. It was likely invented in Mexico in the 1930s; our favorite story is that a Tijuana restaurateur created it for an aspiring actress who was allergic to hard liquorsexcept tequila.

Classic recipe: tequila, fresh lime juice, and Cointreau or triple sec. Slush came later; originals were shaken with ice and strained into a glass.

Where to drink it: Visit Hotel Finisterra's Whale Watcher Bar in Cabo San Lucas, where you'll see humpback whales glide by. In Key West, locals love Morada Bay Beach Cafe, where you can sink your toes into the sand while sipping 'ritas in 32-ounce Mason jars rimmed with salt.

Martini

How it happened: The city of Martinez, California, claims to be the martini's boozy birthplace, saying the drink was mixed for a thirsty gold miner in 1874. Others say the martini was named for Martini & Rossi vermouth.

Classic recipe: dry gin and dry vermouth, garnished with an olive.

Where to drink it: Modern speakeasy PDT in New York City's East Village is the ultimate sipping spot, says LaTanya White, a Tallahassee, Floridabased cocktail consultant. Outside New York, soak in the British-officers-club atmosphere of Boston's Oak Bar at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel.
Mini-sand blasting machines market share was over 18% in 2014, and with segment growth expectations of 4.1% from 2015 to 2022. This is primarily due to increasing deployment in household activities such as rust removal, repairing and paint removal. Additi

Sand Blasting Machines Market Size By Product (Industrial Sand Blasting Machine, Mini Sand Blasting Machine) Industry Outlook Report, Regional Analysis, Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2015  2022.

Sand blasting machines market size is forecast to hit USD 485 million, growing at 3.5% by 2022. Robotic sandblasting technology is projected to open new avenues for the market growth. The market has enjoyed substantial surge due to increased usage in industrial and domestic applications. Increased expenditure in this new technology by the key market participants is likely to influence market growth positively in the near future.

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Robotic blasting technology has seen wide acceptance where the standard automation solutions does not suffice the needs of part complexity, complex process requirements, and quality control needs. This new technique has been implemented to broaden the scope of sand blasting. Manual sand blasting operation leads to potential health hazards. Various industries like aerospace, consumer electronics, automotive, medical, etc. have adopted robotic blast systems for numerous applications such as material removal, coating removal, surface preparation, shot peening, mold cleaning, and stress relief. Growing demand from these sectors is anticipated to boost market growth during the forecast time frame. Application areas like 3D printing offering a carved or handmade look have started adopting the new technology at a fast pace.

Silica is a traditionally used abrasive material. Inhalation of this material may lead to health issues including silicosis and other lung diseases. Other abrasive materials including water, crushed glass, walnut shells, etc. have gained prominence owing to Government regulations in many nations to prohibit the use of blast cleaning abrasives comprising over 0.1% free silica. Considering the risk of lung diseases, shot blasting machines are gaining popularity as they use metallic shots and grits as abrasives. This is likely to restrain market growth a bit.

Mini sand blasting machines market share is projected to surpass USD 90 million, at a growing CAGR of more than 4% and to lead the application segment in coming few years owing to their inherently portable feature and use in household tasks. Industrial sand blasting machines market is projected to be worth USD 390 million during the estimated time frame. Growing trend of replacing manual labor for accomplishing domestic tasks is likely to further the growth by 2022.

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The demand in Asia Pacific market is anticipated to top due to extensive contribution in volume and revenue generation globally by Chinese market together with increasing use in infrastructure, construction, and automotive sectors. Europe is expected to hit USD 95 million by 2022, with gains estimated of 2.5% during the forecast period.

The report features comprehensive analysis of the extremely fragmented market with key players profiled in the report including Airblast B.V, Kramer Industries, Sintokogio Group, Clemco Industries Corp, Norton Sandblasting Equipment, Midwest Finishing Systems Inc., Torbo Engineering Keizers GmbH and SANdBOT (JetSystem Group).

Browse key industry insights spread across market data tables, figures & charts from the report, Sand Blasting Machines Market Size By Product (Industrial Sand Blasting Machine, Mini Sand Blasting Machine) Industry Outlook Report, Regional Analysis, Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2015  2022. in detail along with the table of contents:

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/sand-blasting-machines-market-size

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Earthmoving Equipment Market Size By Application (Construction, Underground Mining, Surface Mining), By Product (Loaders, Excavators), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, China, Japan, India, Mexico, Brazil), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2023

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Window And Door Market Size By Material (uPVC, Wood, Metal), By Application (Residential [New Residential, Improvement & Repair], Commercial [New Commercial, Improvement & Repair]), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, Italy, France, Russia, Belgium, Poland, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, South Africa), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024

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About Global Market Insights

Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.

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Europe, led by Germany, France, Italy and UK, may observe below average industry gains at 4.3%. Germany paving & roofing applications may be worth at over USD 245 million by 2023. Styrenic block copolymer market share is moderately consolidated with Dynas

Styrenic Block Copolymer (SBC) Market Size By Product (Styrene-butadiene-styrene, Styrene-isoprene-styrene, Hydrogenated SBC), By Application (Paving & Roofing, Footwear, Advanced Materials, Adhesives, Sealants, Coatings), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany, UK, France, Italy, China, India, Japan, Brazil), Application Potential, Price Trend, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2023.

Styrenic Block Copolymer (SBC) Market size was more than $1.96 million tons for 2015 and is predicted to register CAGR of more than 4.52% by end of forecast timeframe. Baby diapers industry size is predicted to cross $64.2 billion by end of 2023 from $39 billion for 2014, with projected profit at 6% by end of forecast timeframe. Rising baby healthcare issues along with rise in purchasing capacity are key aspects driving industry growth.

These are primarily utilized to produce tabs, waistbands, leg elastics ,side panels and landing zone in diapers. Enhanced comfort and best fit size of diaper due to elastomeric substances led producers to accept compounds like SEPS, SBS, SEBS, SEEPS and SIS which promoted demand for the product. Styrenic block copolymer (SBC)compounds contribute about 40% to 80% by mass of total baby diapers.

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Latin America and APAC Styrenic block copolymer (SBC) market share can grow substantially in terms of baby diaper use. Rise in population along with increase in disposable incomes is predicted to influence the regional industry growth.

Approvals from U.S. Pharmacopoeia and FDA(Food & Drug Administration of U.S.) to make use of the compound in medical sector due to less dependence on PVC(Polyvinyl chloride) is predicted to fuel Styrenic block copolymer demand.

High resistance, transparency, design versatility, exceptional thermal stability, easy sterilization by gamma irradiation and mutagenic potential are main features promoting industry growth. Key raw substances, natural gas and crude oil are involved in production of SBC(Styrenic block copolymer). Varying raw material costs due to political instability can adversely impact industry trend.

SBS product segment dominated the industry in terms of size and produced greater than $4.51 billion revenue for 2015. Rapid baby diaper segment growth and fast expansion of footwear section due to rising customer affordability are predicted to influence the demand of product.

Hydrogenated product segment is predicted to acquire greater than 5.6% of growth in terms of size by end of 2023. Growing trend to obtain sustainable sealants & adhesives in construction sector is predicted to nurture the growth of the segment.

The industry is segmented into various applications like footwear application and roofing & paving application.

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Footwear application segment is predicted to register greater than 4% of CAGR by end of 2023. High resilience strength and material sustainability are few of the properties promoting the demand for this segment. Shift in purchasing trend and tendency to adapt footwear for different reasons is another key aspect driving the product demand.

Roofing & paving application segment was evaluated at more than $1.96 billion for 2015. Construction sector growth along with increasing customer choice for personalized home interiors are key driving aspects favorably influencing the segment.

APAC dominated Styrenic block copolymer market and was evaluated at more than $2.66 billion for 2015. China contributed maximum regional industry share during the year.

Fast industrialization along with growth of production sector due to easy availability of skilled labor are main factors driving demand for compound. China is one of the key footwear producing nations succeeded by India. Growing SBC use in footwear is predicted to favorably affect industry growth in the region.

Browse key industry insights spread across market data tables, figures & charts from the report, Styrenic Block Copolymer (SBC) Market Size By Product (Styrene-butadiene-styrene, Styrene-isoprene-styrene, Hydrogenated SBC), By Application (Paving & Roofing, Footwear, Advanced Materials, Adhesives, Sealants, Coatings), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany, UK, France, Italy, China, India, Japan, Brazil), Application Potential, Price Trend, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2023. in detail along with the table of contents:

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/styrenic-block-copolymer-sbc-market

U.S. led the North American industry in terms of size. It is predicted to register more than 4.23% CAGR during forecast timeline. Approval given by FDA to use SBC in production of medical devices is key driving aspect stimulating product demand.

Large scale investment in building & construction segment in UAE and Saudi Arabia is predicted to boost the MEA(Middle East & Africa)Styrenic block copolymer market expansion. MEA is predicted to register greater than 4.81% CAGR during forecast timeframe

Key industry players profiled in the report include Kraton Performance Polymers, En Chuan, Zeon Corporation, Asahi Kasei, Styrolution, Dynasol Elastomers, LCY Chemical Corporation,, LG Chemicals, Chi Mei Corporation, BASF, Versalis, TSRC, Momentive Specialty Chemicals, Chevron Phillips, JSR Corporation, Sinopec and Kumho Petrochemicals.

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Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Market Size By Application (Construction, Electrical & Electronics, Plastics, Automotive, Lubricant Additives), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, GCC), Bio-Based Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer-EPDM-market

About Global Market Insights

Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.

Media Contact

Company Name: Global Market Insights Inc.

Contact Person: Arun Hegde

Email: sales@gminsights.com

Phone: 1-302-846-7766

Address:29L Atlantic Avenu, Suite L 105

City: Ocean View

State: Delaware

Country: United States

Website: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/styrenic-block-copolymer-sbc-market


Collerina - Mineralisation Defined to 350m Depth

Perth, Dec 1, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Helix Resources ( ASX:HLX ) wishes to advise that exploration drilling at the Collerina Copper-Zinc Prospect has continued to intersect copper sulphide mineralisation on the down-plunge extension to the main mineralised zone. Remaining results have been received from the large step-out drilling that has tested a further 300m east of previous drilling and tested the system to a vertical depth of 350m.



Six of eight holes targeting the main mineralised zone position have intersected copper mineralisation over various widths.



Collerina: Mineralisation Defined to 350m Depth - Large EM Survey to Commence.



- Results from drilling on the main mineralised zone have returned >1% Copper in 6 of the 8 holes drilled, extending the system to a vertical depth of 350m (refer Figure 1 in the link below).



- The main mineralised zone is remarkably persistent and its position predictable along a shallow dip and plunge over at least 1,000 metres, and remains open.



- Intercept widths continue to vary within the mineralised zone. This is consistent with Tritton-style deposits (internal variation of 2m-30m thick).



- Downhole geophysics will be used to vector toward the thicker sulphide accumulations within the main mineralised zone for testing with further drilling, as well as defining further zones in the shallower extensions of the Collerina Copper-Zinc system.



- A comprehensive 600 line kilometre VTEM-Max helicopter-borne geophysics survey will be flown over the entire 25 kilometre Collerina trend in early December targeting additional VMS systems on the prospective trend.



The Company is very encouraged by the presence of copper mineralisation at predictable depths within the targeted corridor (Refer Figure 1 in the link below). The geological controls on the main mineralised zone are now well understood with a foot-wall marker horizon consistently being intersected 10-20m below mineralisation, providing a good geological control within the Prospect.



Tritton-style copper deposits have significant variability in mineralisation thickness from 2m to 30m thick. At Collerina there is similar variability of sulphide accumulation in the drilling to date and therefore there is confidence that with further infill and extensional drilling, zones of greater thickness and grade tenor will continue to be identified within the system.



Downhole EM Surveys



The recent drilling at Collerina provides a suitable platform for further downhole EM surveys (DHEM). Additional DHEM will be undertaken to vector toward zones of thicker sulphide accumulation within the known portions of the main mineralised zone. DHEM will also assist in identifying stronger EM conductors down plunge, east of the drilling to date. This will assist in planning future step-out drilling at depth.



Closer to surface, the Eastern and Western extensions of the surface gossan and associated soil anomaly remain poorly tested by drilling. DHEM targeting primary zones down dip of the oxide copper results in the limited shallow holes in these areas is also being assessed. DHEM will be targeting repeats or parallel "shoots" similar to the main mineralised zone targeted to date for further drill testing (Refer Figure 2 in the link below).



Large Regional Geophysics Survey to Commence



Helix has signed a services agreement with a contractor for a comprehensive VTEM-Max helicopter-borne geophysical survey to cover the entire 25km Collerina Project VMS prospective trend. The survey is expected to commence in early December and take 4-5 days to complete.



Copper-rich deposits in this region are known to form in clusters. Previous detailed aeromagnetics and mapping by Helix has identified a series of priority regional targets along the trend, however the high rainfall over the winter period in 2016 delayed proposed regional soil programs aimed at assessing those targets.



The VTEM-Max survey will fast-track the regional program identifying late-time EM conductors which will be followed-up with detailed close-spaced surface geochemistry sampling. Where coincident EM and geochemical anomalies are identified, first-pass drilling will test for associated copper mineralisation.



The cost for this survey has been kept to a minimum by joining with several other Companies in the region to give the overall survey an economy of scale that has reduced both the mobilisation cost and line kilometre rate for each Company.



If the VTEM-Max system proves successful in defining prospects with potentially economic copper mineralization within this survey, the Company will consider expanding the coverage. Future surveys may include some or all of the remaining 60km of prospective VMS trend within Helix's tenement portfolio in this region.



To view tables and figures, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/ZKK6X1ZW





About Helix Resources Ltd





Helix Resources Limited (ASX:HLX) is a successful minerals exploration company focused on the identification, acquisition and development of projects in prospective jurisdictions with established infrastructure.

The Company's main focus is the exciting Collerina Copper-Zinc & Cobar Gold Projects both located in Central NSW. The Company's key objective for 2017 is to advance these discoveries.

Helix's Board and Management team are focused on creating opportunities to increase shareholder value from the quality assets in the Company's project portfolio.


To Acquire Second Artarmon Centre

Brisbane, Dec 1, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - National Storage REIT ( ASX:NSR ) (NSR) is pleased to announce it has entered into arrangements to acquire a second freehold storage centre in Artarmon, Sydney.



The asset is a multi-level storage centre comprising 550 units over 3,300 sqm of net lettable area. The centre is well located with close proximity to big box retail, and is on the opposite side of the Lane Cove Tunnel to the existing National Storage Artarmon centre.



Managing Director Andrew Catsoulis said "This acquisition expands our inner Sydney presence and provides good coverage across Artarmon, an area which continues to see positive growth in our existing portfolio. The centre presents an opportunity to improve both occupancy and rate per square metre, in addition to the synergies generated by joining the National Storage operating platform".



The centre is set to be acquired for $10.75 million from Ebley Street Holdings Pty Ltd and Metro Storage Pty Ltd, and settlement is expected in December 2016. Initial investigations undertaken on the vendor's identity and capacity confirm its ability to transact.



National Storage continues to actively pursue acquisition opportunities in line with its acquisition and asset management strategy.



To view the pictures, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/49W2L81B





About National Storage REIT





National Storage (ASX:NSR) is one of the largest self-storage providers in Australia and New Zealand, with 123 centres providing tailored storage solutions to over 40,000 residential and commercial customers. NSR is the first independent, internally managed and fully integrated owner and operator of self-storage centres to be listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
Whether its banking on the go, catching up on news or flicking through friends holidays photos, mobile is the device that has peoples time and attention. It has transformed the way people around the world connect, share experiences and discover new things. Many of the first time users of internet in India are coming via mobile phones.



This presents a huge opportunity for brands as Facebook has over 166 million monthly active users, of which over 95% users login via mobile. Facebook is at the heart of a mobile first shopping journey and can play a significant role to help brands and advertisers reach out to consumers who form a huge and core target audience for them.



Today Facebook hosted Mobile Moves Business- an industry event in Delhi designed to bring together businesses, industry experts and marketers to help engage with today's mobile first consumers in India. Attendees at the event gained insights into tapping the power of mobile to move business as well as industry best practices in addition to workshops led by Facebook and Instagram.



As the shift to mobile accelerates in India, businesses have to be faster in adopting mobile strategies that reach people at every step of the fragmented commerce journey. We are committed to helping businesses grow .Whether it's brand building, generating demand, driving leads or sales, we are focused on helping business unlock growth opportunities and help them move their business through solutions that drive results. said Umang Bedi, Managing Director, Facebook India



" I am pleased to be part of the Facebook Mobile Moves Business initiative. RB has continued to grow investments in Mobile significantly ahead of other media channels. And we have driven this adoption basis deep learning in the organization and systemically creating media plans and creatives that leverage the reach and effectiveness of Mobile, and Facebook said Rohit Jindal, Director, Marketing  India, Reckitt Benckiser

Limeroad is the only story of its kind in the wider online commerce industry today  a technology platform that drives fashion discovery and harnesses the power of communities. As such we love data! Facebook has been a tremendous partner to us through our journey as a style discovery platform and , Limeroad has engagement metrics that are off the charts. We built the lightest and most stylish mobile app, and Facebook helped us take it to millions of customers across the nation. Mobile is a key part of LimeRoads path to success, and we are delighted to have a partner like Facebook said Ms. Suchi Mukherjee, Founder and CEO LimeRoad
Yen Extends Fall As Asian Markets Advance On OPEC Deal, China PMI Data

(RTTNews) - The Japanese yen continued to be weak against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Friday, as investor sentiment boosted by news that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries or OPEC reached a deal overnight to cut oil production for the first time in eight years.

Investors also cheered data that showed China's manufacturing sector continued to expand at faster rate in November. The National Bureau of Statistics said that China's manufacturing PMI score was 51.7 in November. That beat forecasts for 51.0 and was up from 51.2 in October.

Meanwhile, the crude oil prices surged following news of OPEC's agreement to cut production. The crude oil prices for January delivery is currently up by 0.33 percent or $49.72 per barrel.

In economic news, the latest survey from Nikkei revealed that the manufacturing sector in Japan continued to expand in November, though at a slightly slower pace, with a PMI score of 51.3. That's down marginally from 51.4 in October.

The Ministry of Finance said that capital spending in Japan was down 1.3 percent on quarter in the third quarter of 2016. That missed expectations for a fall of 0.4 percent following the 3.1 percent gain in the three months prior.

Wednesday, the yen fell 1.11 percent against the euro, 1.33 percent against the pound, 1.05 percent against the U.S. Dollar, and 0.94 percent against the franc.

In the Asian trading, the yen fell to near 6-month lows of 121.55 against the euro and 143.70 against the pound, from yesterday's closing quotes of 121.15 and 143.08, respectively. The yen may test support near 124.00 against the euro, and 160.00 against the pound.

Against the U.S., the New Zealand, and the Canadian dollars, the yen dropped to nearly a 10-month low of 114.82, nearly a 1-year low of 81.26 and a 6-month low of 85.48 from yesterday's closing quotes of 114.42, 81.03 and 85.15, respectively. If the yen extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 118.00 against the greenback, 83.00 against the kiwi and 88.00 against the loonie.

Against the Swiss franc and the Australian dollar, the yen slipped to near 8-month lows of 112.85 and 84.82 from yesterday's closing quotes of 112.42 and 84.49, respectively. The yen is likely to find support around 115.00 against the franc and 87.00 against the aussie.

Looking ahead, U.K. Nationwide house price index for November is due to be released in the pre-European session at 2:00 am ET.

The manufacturing PMI reports from major European economies for November and Swiss retail sales data for October are slated for release later in the day.

In the New York session, U.S. jobless claims for the week ended November 26, Markit's U.S. manufacturing PMI for November and U.S. construction spending for October and Canada RBC manufacturing PMI for November are set to be published.

At 8:30 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Loretta Mester and Treasury Department Office of Financial Research Director Richard Berner will give welcome remarks before the "Innovation, Market Structure, and Financial Stability" conference hosted by the Treasury Department Office of Financial Research and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, in Washington.

At 9:00 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Robert Kaplan will participates in a moderated Q&A before the St. Mary's University forum on entrepreneurship breakfast series, in San Antonio.

Later in the day. Bank of Japan board member Makoto Sakurai is expected to speak at Shiga prefecture, in Tokyo.

Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Fitch Ratings has affirmed the 'A+' rating on the following bonds issued by the New Hampshire Health and Educational Facilities Authority on behalf of Concord Hospital (Concord):

--$45.5 million revenue bonds, series 2013A;

--$33.7 million revenue bonds, series 2011A.

The Rating Outlook is Stable.

SECURITY

The bonds are secured by the gross revenue of Concord's obligated group.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

HEALTHY LIQUIDITY METRICS: As of Sept. 30, 2016, Concord held $288.7 million of unrestricted cash and investments, equaling a strong 258 days cash on hand (DCOH), 23.9x cushion ratio, and 304% of debt, all exceeding Fitch's 'A' category medians. Concord also has $48 million of restricted funds to support operations and capital spending.

LOW DEBT POSITION: Maximum annual debt service (MADS) of $12 million represents a manageable 2.7% of total revenues in fiscal 2016 (unaudited Sept. 30 year-end). Additionally, debt to EBITDA of 1.4x remains favorably below Fitch's 'A' category median of 2.9x. Concord's low direct debt burden is somewhat offset by its growing defined benefit pension liability which totaled $85.1 million as of Sept. 30, 2016 for a 69% funded status.

CONSISTENT FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: Concord's financial performance is steady, with the operating EBITDA margin at 9.6% in fiscal 2015 and 9.7% for unaudited fiscal year 2016. Profitability remained healthy in fiscal 2016 despite $2.6 million of increased losses under New Hampshire's Medicaid Enhancement Tax program and the termination of a professional service agreement with a large physician group. Medical staff additions, strong volume gains and lower average length of stay supported fiscal 2016's results.

LEADING MARKET PROFILE: Concord enjoys a leading inpatient market position in a favorable service area in the state of New Hampshire's capital city. The most recent data indicated about 70% inpatient market share with the closet competitors located about 18 miles south in Manchester with a modest penetration of Concord's primary service area.

RATING SENSITIVITIES

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND POSITION: Fitch expects Concord Hospital to maintain earnings and debt service coverage at or around historical levels. Plans for heightened capital spending are expected to moderate liquidity growth, but Concord Hospital maintains the balance sheet flexibility to absorb the investments. The potential for a $50 million borrowing in fiscal 2018 will be evaluated when plans are finalized, but Fitch notes that Concord Hospital has some debt capacity at the current rating level.

CREDIT PROFILE

Concord Hospital is a 295-bed acute care hospital located on a 111-acre campus in Concord, NH, approximately 65 miles north of Boston, MA. Total revenues in fiscal 2016 were approximately $447.7 million.

Located in the capital of New Hampshire, Concord benefits from a stable population and employment base that includes federal, state, and local government employees. Concord defines its primary service area (PSA) as 25 surrounding cities and towns, where it garners significant market share. In 2010 (most recent data available), the hospital had a leading inpatient market share of over 70% in its PSA. The next closest competitors are Elliot Hospital, located about 18 miles south in Manchester, and Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital (part of Dartmouth-Hitchcock, rated 'A'/Stable Outlook), located in Lebanon, NH, which both had about 8% inpatient market share in the PSA.

As a result of employed medical staff additions and reduced average length of stay, inpatient business has grown over the past few years. Admissions (14.1%) and observation cases (7.7%) increased from fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2016. Additionally, outpatient volumes have experienced solid growth. This is despite the termination of a professional services agreement with an affiliated physician clinic of Dartmouth-Hitchcock. The clinic remains physically located adjacent to Concord's main hospital and continues to admit patients to the hospital. Management reports some reduction in ancillary services volume, but relations remain positive.

Concord's financial profile is characterized by a consistent operating performance and a robust balance sheet. Profitability is solid and steady, with the operating EBITDA margins averaging a healthy 10% from fiscal 2013-2016, which compares well to Fitch's 10.3% 'A' category median. Bottom-line earnings are boosted by steady investment returns with EBITDA margins averaging 12.6% over the last four years and equaling Fitch's 'A' category median. Good cash flow and a manageable debt burden results in very good MADS coverage of 4.7x in fiscal 2015 and 5.7x for the unaudited fiscal year 2016.

Despite approximately $29 million of unrealized losses during the past few fiscal years, stable earnings and manageable capital expenses resulted in growing cash balances. As of Sept. 30, 2016, Concord held $288.7 million of unrestricted cash and investments, up from $221.9 million at the end of fiscal 2012. Capital plans are expected to accelerate over the next few years for information systems ($22 million), parking garage ($10.5 million) and a new specialty care medical office building ($50 million). As a result, liquidity is expected to moderate and Concord anticipates a debt issuance to fund the medical office building in fiscal 2018. Fitch notes that Concord does have some debt capacity at the current rating level, but will evaluate the project and proposed debt plans once plans are finalized.

Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'.

Applicable Criteria

Revenue-Supported Rating Criteria (pub. 16 Jun 2014)

https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/750012

U.S. Nonprofit Hospitals and Health Systems Rating Criteria (pub. 09 Jun 2015)

https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/866807

Additional Disclosures

Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form

https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1015656

Solicitation Status

https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1015656

Endorsement Policy

https://www.fitchratings.com/regulatory

ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTPS://WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEB SITE AT WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA, AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE, AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE CODE OF CONDUCT SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE.

Copyright  2016 by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries. 33 Whitehall Street, NY, NY 10004. Telephone: 1-800-753-4824, (212) 908-0500. Fax: (212) 480-4435. Reproduction or retransmission in whole or in part is prohibited except by permission. All rights reserved. In issuing and maintaining its ratings and in making other reports (including forecast information), Fitch relies on factual information it receives from issuers and underwriters and from other sources Fitch believes to be credible. Fitch conducts a reasonable investigation of the factual information relied upon by it in accordance with its ratings methodology, and obtains reasonable verification of that information from independent sources, to the extent such sources are available for a given security or in a given jurisdiction. The manner of Fitch's factual investigation and the scope of the third-party verification it obtains will vary depending on the nature of the rated security and its issuer, the requirements and practices in the jurisdiction in which the rated security is offered and sold and/or the issuer is located, the availability and nature of relevant public information, access to the management of the issuer and its advisers, the availability of pre-existing third-party verifications such as audit reports, agreed-upon procedures letters, appraisals, actuarial reports, engineering reports, legal opinions and other reports provided by third parties, the availability of independent and competent third- party verification sources with respect to the particular security or in the particular jurisdiction of the issuer, and a variety of other factors. Users of Fitch's ratings and reports should understand that neither an enhanced factual investigation nor any third-party verification can ensure that all of the information Fitch relies on in connection with a rating or a report will be accurate and complete. Ultimately, the issuer and its advisers are responsible for the accuracy of the information they provide to Fitch and to the market in offering documents and other reports. In issuing its ratings and its reports, Fitch must rely on the work of experts, including independent auditors with respect to financial statements and attorneys with respect to legal and tax matters. Further, ratings and forecasts of financial and other information are inherently forward-looking and embody assumptions and predictions about future events that by their nature cannot be verified as facts. As a result, despite any verification of current facts, ratings and forecasts can be affected by future events or conditions that were not anticipated at the time a rating or forecast was issued or affirmed.

The information in this report is provided "as is" without any representation or warranty of any kind, and Fitch does not represent or warrant that the report or any of its contents will meet any of the requirements of a recipient of the report. A Fitch rating is an opinion as to the creditworthiness of a security. This opinion and reports made by Fitch are based on established criteria and methodologies that Fitch is continuously evaluating and updating. Therefore, ratings and reports are the collective work product of Fitch and no individual, or group of individuals, is solely responsible for a rating or a report. The rating does not address the risk of loss due to risks other than credit risk, unless such risk is specifically mentioned. Fitch is not engaged in the offer or sale of any security. All Fitch reports have shared authorship. Individuals identified in a Fitch report were involved in, but are not solely responsible for, the opinions stated therein. The individuals are named for contact purposes only. A report providing a Fitch rating is neither a prospectus nor a substitute for the information assembled, verified and presented to investors by the issuer and its agents in connection with the sale of the securities. Ratings may be changed or withdrawn at any time for any reason in the sole discretion of Fitch. Fitch does not provide investment advice of any sort. Ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of payments made in respect to any security. Fitch receives fees from issuers, insurers, guarantors, other obligors, and underwriters for rating securities. Such fees generally vary from US$1,000 to US$750,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent) per issue. In certain cases, Fitch will rate all or a number of issues issued by a particular issuer, or insured or guaranteed by a particular insurer or guarantor, for a single annual fee. Such fees are expected to vary from US$10,000 to US$1,500,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent). The assignment, publication, or dissemination of a rating by Fitch shall not constitute a consent by Fitch to use its name as an expert in connection with any registration statement filed under the United States securities laws, the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 of the United Kingdom, or the securities laws of any particular jurisdiction. Due to the relative efficiency of electronic publishing and distribution, Fitch research may be available to electronic subscribers up to three days earlier than to print subscribers.

For Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Korea only: Fitch Australia Pty Ltd holds an Australian financial services license (AFS license no. 337123) which authorizes it to provide credit ratings to wholesale clients only. Credit ratings information published by Fitch is not intended to be used by persons who are retail clients within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005975/en/

Fitch Ratings

Primary Analyst

Paul Rizzo, +1-212-612-7875

Director

Fitch Ratings, Inc.

33 Whitehall Street

New York, NY 10004

or

Secondary Analyst

Dmitry Feofilaktov, +1-212-908-0345

Associate Director

or

Committee Chairperson

Jim LeBuhn, +1-312-368-2059

Senior Director

or

Media Relations

Elizabeth Fogerty, New York, +1-212-908-0526

elizabeth.fogerty@fitchratings.com
Geneba Properties N.V. (Geneba) announces today that it has engaged Credit Suisse as its exclusive financial advisor to assist Geneba in exploring strategic alternatives. These strategic alternatives could include, amongst others, an initial public offering, capital increase, merger, sale or other possible transactions. Geneba is considering strategic alternatives in collaboration with its largest shareholder, The Catalyst Capital Group Inc.

Dr. Wulf Meinel, CEO of Geneba:

After its recapitalization transaction in 2014, Geneba has been investing in corporate logistics and light industrial real estate. Our unique and growing portfolio of assets is composed of properties that are mission critical to our solid group of corporate tenants. The engagement of Credit Suisse is an important step in exploring options for the continued evolution of Geneba.

Gabriel de Alba, Chairman of the supervisory board of Geneba:

Following the sale of Genebas stake in MoTo Objekt Campeon GmbH & Co. KG to Infineon Technologies AG, the company now has a focused and high quality portfolio of assets that represent significant value and a platform for disciplined growth. The strategic alternatives process will allow the company to explore a variety of options that can maximize value for all shareholders.

About Geneba

Geneba is a European commercial real estate company that commenced business in 2014 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The company owns and manages a property portfolio of over  785 million as of 30 June 2016 consisting mainly of long-term leased corporate real estate assets in Germany and the Netherlands. Geneba's investment strategy focuses on corporate real estate assets which serve its tenants as operational basis, providing a home to their businesses. The main investments targets are logistics and light industrial buildings in Germany and the Netherlands. Genebas shares trade at NPEX. Geneba is subject to the supervision of the Dutch financial regulator, AFM. For more information: www.geneba.com.

About Catalyst

The Catalyst Capital Group Inc., a private equity investment firm with more than $6 billion in assets under management founded in 2002, is a leader in operationally focused turnaround investing. The firm's mandate is to manufacture risk adjusted returns, in keeping with its philosophy of "we buy what we can build." Catalyst's Guiding Principles of investment excellence through operational involvement, superior analytics, attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, team and reputation are key to the firm's success. The Catalyst team collectively possesses more than 110 years of extensive experience in restructuring, credit markets and merchant and investment banking in Canada, the United States, Latin America and Europe.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005716/en/

Gagnier Communications

Dan Gagnier, +1-646-569-5897

dg@gagnierfc.com
Effective transfer to Oncodesign of the building and research team

Appointments of Experimentation Activity Director and Discovery Activity Director

Oncodesign (FR0011766229 - ALONC), a biotechnology company serving the pharmaceutical industry in the discovery of new therapeutic molecules to fight cancer and other serious illnesses with no known effective treatment, today announced the effective transfer to Oncodesign of Francois Hyafil Research Centre (FHRC) from GSK and the appointment of two new activity directors.

In order to accelerate its in-house programmes of therapeutic molecules and expand its service offering, Oncodesign signed in September 2016 an agreement for the acquisition of Francois Hyafil Research Centre from GSK in Les Ulis (see Press Release of September 28th 2016). This agreement came into force unconditionally today.

Effective transfer to Oncodesign of the building and the research team

The transfer to Oncodesign of the 11,000m building, largely rebuilt as new in 2010, scientific equipment and the team of 57 employees, including 47 highly qualified scientists specialising in drug discovery, has been completed. It should be remembered that this transfer was accompanied by financing from GSK of 35 million to be paid to Oncodesign over 4 years, subject to the continued employment of the transferred employees during this period. This financing will enable a significant acceleration in Oncodesigns in-house therapeutic and diagnostic research and will allow the company to offer a broader range of services, particularly in the Drug Discovery Full Services market, which is currently worth an estimated $14 billion1.

Appointments of Experimentation Director and Discovery Director

Dr Fabrice Viviani, 51, former Director of Biology at FHRC has been appointed Head of FHRC and Oncodesigns Experimentation Director, with immediate effect. After 25 years experience in Drug Discovery, as R&D Director in therapeutic research centres at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Aventis and Sanofi, he joined GlaxoSmithKline as Director of Biology at FHRC in 2012. Fabrice Viviani has considerable expertise in oncology and inflammatory, metabolic, cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases. Fabrice holds a PhD in organic chemistry and a Masters in biochemistry from Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris (France).

Dr Alexis Denis, 55, former Director of Medical Chemistry at FHRC has been appointed as Oncodesigns Discovery Director, with immediate effect. After 27 years experience as Director of Medical Chemistry at HMR, Aventis, Pfizer and Mutabilis, he joined GlaxoSmithKline in 2008. Alexis Denis is an expert in inflammatory and metabolic diseases and in infection treatments. Alexis holds a PhD in organic chemistry from Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris (France).

Fabrice Viviani and Alexis Denis will join Oncodesigns Executive Committee, chaired by Philippe Genne. They will work under the direction of Oncodesigns Chief Scientific Officer, Jan Hoflack.

The completion of this acquisition will enable us to extend our technologies and skills over a large range of therapeutic segments, whilst increasing our capacity in both Discovery and Experimentation. This acquisition is a perfect fit with Oncodesigns approach and gives us new resources to reach the ambitious targets we recently set out in our 2017-2020 Strategic Plan, said Philippe Genne, CEO and founder of Oncodesign. We are delighted to welcome all those working at the Francois Hyafil Research Centre, and particularly pleased that Fabrice and Alexis will be joining our management team at this exciting time. Their proven experience and scientific expertise will undeniably be key strengths in our continued development.

On behalf of all of us at the Francois Hyafil Research Centre, I would like to say how happy we are to be joining Oncodesign, with whom we share many values, a solid results-based culture and a clear focus on serving clients, said Fabrice Viviani, Oncodesigns new Experimentation Director. Our expertise and our capacity in developing Drug Discovery projects will help expand Oncodesigns discovery activities, internally and through collaborations, as well as its service offering. The acquisition of FHRC is above all a real human adventure, and we are impatient to work together on the many promising projects at Oncodesign.

Alexis Denis, Oncodesigns new Discovery Director, added: Oncodesign has unique advantages in the successful discovery of new treatments, thanks in particular to its proprietary Nanocyclix technology, its rich research pipeline in both oncology and other areas, consisting of a new generation of kinase inhibitors. We are thrilled to be working alongside these very innovative teams and to help support Oncodesigns long-term growth plans.

Next financial publication: Full-year 2016 revenue, Tuesday January 31, 2017 (after the market close)

About dONCODESIGN : www.oncodesign.com

Founded over 20 years ago by Dr Philippe Genne, the Companys CEO and Chairman, Oncodesign is a biotechnology company that maximises the pharmaceutical industrys chances of success in discovering new therapeutic molecules to fight cancer and other serious illnesses with no known effective treatment. With its unique experience acquired by working with more than 600 clients, including the worlds largest pharmaceutical companies, along with its comprehensive technological platform combining state-of-the-art medicinal chemistry, advanced animal modelling and medical imaging, Oncodesign is able to predict and identify, at a very early stage, each molecule's therapeutic usefulness and potential to become an effective drug. Applied to kinase inhibitors, which represent a market estimated at over $46 billion in 2016 and accounting for almost 25% of the pharmaceutical industrys R&D expenditure, Oncodesigns technology has already enabled the targeting of several promising molecules with substantial therapeutic potential, in oncology and elsewhere, along with partnerships with pharmaceutical groups such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ipsen and UCB. Oncodesign is based in Dijon, France, in the heart of the towns university and hospital hub, and within the Paris-Saclay cluster, Oncodesign has 165 employees and subsidiaries in Canada and the USA.

1 Source: VisionGain 2015

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161130006459/en/

Oncodesign

Philippe Genne, +33 (0)3 80 78 82 60

Chairman and CEO

investisseurs@oncodesign.com

or

NewCap

Investor & Press Relations

Julien Perez / Nicolas Merigeau

+33 (0)1 44 71 98 52

oncodesign@newcap.eu
Air Force officials are seeking nominees for the 2017 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award.Established in 1996 by the secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the award is named in honor of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, who contributed extensively to the support and welfare of U.S. military members and their families.The award is presented annually to an individual or organization outside the Defense Department that has demonstrated exceptional patriotism and humanitarian concerns for members of the military or their families.Organizations and base-level personnel must contact their major command, field operating agency, or direct reporting unit for applicable suspense dates and additional information regarding nomination procedures.Complete application procedures and deadlines are available on myPers . Select Any from the dropdown menu and search Distinguished Civilian. Each MAJCOM, FOA or DRU may submit one nomination; completed nomination packages are due to the Air Force Personnel Center by March 17, 2017.For more information about Air Force personnel programs, visit myPers . Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following these instructions
Spouses make emotional banking deposits

Two audience volunteers swatted at balloons representing the responsibilities faced by modern Air Force Reserve families, working together to keep any from hitting the floor of the hotel ballroom as a staff member added more inflatables to the mix.



The tandem juggling routine resonated with Lt. Col. Shelby Basler and her husband, Lt. Col. Matthew Basler, KC-135 Stratotanker pilots from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, who saw this demonstration in late November while attending Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program training.



"Being a parent and pilot brings unique challenges to the table, Shelby Basler said. "It seems as though when one of us is at home, the other is away for training or mission requirements."



The balloon demonstration is featured near the start of each Yellow Ribbon weekend by representatives of the Reserves Psychological Health Advocacy Program. Yellow Ribbon promotes the well-being of reservists and their families by connecting them with resources before and after deployments.



The Baslers qualified to attend the Florida event with their two sons as Shelby had recently returned home from a deployment. The family is facing another extended separation as Matt has accepted an active-duty Air Force job in Texas that will keep the family apart until June.



The couple met during undergraduate pilot training. Following graduation in September 1999, Matt Basler went on to fly A-10 Thunderbolts fulltime for the Air Force Reserve as Shelby began a career flying refuelers as an active-duty Airman. Being trained on different airplanes made it unlikely they would be stationed at the same base.



They spent the first first four years of their marriage in separate states. Matt said it was difficult at times and it came to a point where they had decided that something needed to change for the sake of their marriage. Matt quit flying the A-10 and moved to Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, where Shelby was stationed. He worked as a full-time civilian employee there while serving part-time in the Air Force Reserve and completing a masters degree with a new goal in mind: teaching.



Shelby made the next sacrifice, seeking an assignment at the Air Force Academy, where Matt had been hired as assistant professor in the Department of History after going on active duty.



She gave up a lot of awesome career opportunities, he said. She did that for me. I wouldnt have been able to get to the academy to teach unless it was through her.



Matts career flourished during seven years at the school as Shelby became an Individual Mobilization Augmentee, serving as a reservist at an active-duty unit with the Special Operations Command, Pacific, was a stay-at-home mother and pursued a masters degree.



Its no easy task to juggle so many titles and responsibilities but we always find a way to make it work, she said.



During this time she became medically disqualified to fly. Medical requirements for pilots are stringent and it was very difficult for her to get back to being fully qualified, she said. After a four-year struggle to return to flight status, she prevailed and interviewed for work at various KC-135 bases. She was hired at several different units and chose the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom, where Matt also found the opportunity to fly refuelers.



At that point, the pair had already put in 18 years of service. Moving to Grissom took them away from the active-duty Air Force support structure for the first time.



We had to figure out how to juggle all of the responsibilities that come with parenthood, Matt said. Along with finding balance with our very much active roles as military pilots. All on our own.



The transition to a Reserve lifestyle was more difficult than they anticipated. Relying on base personnel for guidance and following advice from their leadership, they found themselves attending training through Yellow Ribbon, which began in 2008 following a congressional mandate for the Department of Defense to assist reservists and National Guard members in maintaining resiliency as they transition between their military and civilian roles.



We looked at each other and said Wow, this is exactly what we needed!, Matt said. Grissom has always pushed the Yellow Ribbon events but I thought to myself I cant afford to take off work to attend this.



MSgt. James Hoagland, the wing Yellow Ribbon representative, encouraged them to make the time to attend.



The timing of this weekend fit perfectly into our schedules, Shelby said. Over the last 36 months, our boys have been apart from one of their parents for over 14 months due to either training or a deployment. We felt this opportunity would be the best way to bring our very tight-knit family together as a whole.



The Baslers make their busy lives almost look easy said Emily Mastren, Shelbys youngest sister, who stayed with the family before her sister deployed.



Since Shelby and Matt are in the same career field, I think theyre better able to understand what it takes to make their lifestyle and careers work, she said. I can see that its really difficult on the boys, Mastren said. They try so hard on making such a strong family unit and theyre good at it. The kids are happy, healthy and active in sports.



While at the Yellow Ribbon event, the colonels approached staff members to talk to their children.



To ask those tough questions such as 'how do you feel about mom and dad deploying?' 'How are you dealing with all of this?' Shelby said. The people here are trained to gauge their responses in order to effectively offer advice and support that we might not have otherwise found back home in our civilian communities."



The pair said the information provided by Yellow Ribbon was extremely useful and that communication techniques taught in class really work.



"This program is absolutely worth it, Shelby said. My advice to other reservists is to give your employers plenty of advance notice, talk with your kids teachers, request their school work for the days they'll miss and get yourself and your family signed up. Youll come back a better Airman, employee and stronger family."



The Baslers added a few days to the trip at their own expense for a vacation prior to Matt leaving for his new job at the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence in San Antonio. Shelby and their sons may not see him until they move to Texas after the school year ends.



After almost 20 years together, two elements keep our marriage strong: mutual respect for one another and great communication, Matt said. Were making huge deposits into our emotional bank accounts, which is something we learned about this weekend. Were going to need that account to be strong in the coming months.


In a major development and big relief to pharma majors, the Delhi High Court on Thursday set aside the Union governments decision to ban 344 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs, including well known names like Corex, a cough syrup, Vicks Action 500 and DCold.

The court was hearing a plea filed by pharmaceutical companies challenging the March 10, 2016 order which banned 344 FDC drugs. The ban included several common cough syrups, analgesics (pain killers) and anti-diabetes combinations.

The pharmaceutical companies argued that the governments action had been ad hoc in nature and not in keeping with the procedures mentioned under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. They went on to argue that the decision was taken without considering clinical data and based on an absurd claim that there are safer alternatives available in the market now.

Drug makers immediately challenged the ban at high courts across the country, with Delhi receiving over 450 petitions asking for a stay on the decision. Pfizer was the first to get interim relief from the Delhi court for its cough syrup Corex.

Sanjay Jain, a lawyer representing the central government, told that the government was evaluating the decision and planned to appeal at a higher court. The exact reasons for the stay are not yet known, as the order has not been made public yet, but is expected to be uploaded on the court website.

Thursdays decision provides interim relief to several local and multinational drugmakers operating in Indias $15 billion drugs industry whose business had been hit by the ban. Many, however, had obtained stay orders days after the ban was announced in March.

The move covered fixed-dose combination drugs, which are cocktails of medicines that are used worldwide to improve patients compliance in complicated courses of treatment, especially for conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

As per the March 10 notification, On the basis of recommendations of an expert committee, the central government is satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in public interest to regulate by way of prohibition of manufacture for sale, sale and distribution for human use of said drugs in the country.
The Modi governments sudden decision to scrap notes of higher denomination had shocked everyone. All of us faced some hardships initially by standing in queues to deposit or withdraw our hard earned money but now situation is gradually returning to normalcy. However, note ban has affected the day to day lives of the common man and has increased the work load of bank employees. Banks performed a good job of exchanging old currency, depositing money and helping senior citizens. The PM should not have grudge against the opposition and skip parliamentary proceedings while maintaining a ridiculing stance in his utterances outside the country and delivering public speeches in India.

Money is not black. It is crisp, clean and properly coloured. We make it black and ugly. Politicians must take a pledge that they will not accept cash while distributing tickets. Digital payment is good but it cannot be achieved in 50 or 100 days. India is a vast country. Many commodities have to be purchased from small vendors where payment by cash becomes necessary. Most of our agricultural labours continue to remain unbanked.

Demonetisation also has affected the nations economic progress as there has been a fall in production and supply of goods. I used to drink coconut water daily but now I have to skip it for saving my hard earned 100 rupee note. Thus unwanted spending has been curbed after demonetisation. Modi should come and address the parliament to clarify about the government stand on demonetisation instead of ridiculing the opposition outside. Sincerity in man management should be displayed. Before taking major decisions he must consult experts and review them.

Our country has become a victim of terrorism. The government must take preventive action and simultaneously do not abandon negotiations. I have been advocating some sort of limited national service or even conscription. There is lot of indiscipline and irresponsibility amidst the masses. Vocational training must be imparted to youth so that they become employable. Experts must be hired from overseas to train youth.

However the government has failed to take any initiative in this regard. They must conduct another military strike across the borders to weaken the destructive elements. Nowadays people are more interested in discussing about politics instead of working. I will not hesitate to call it the Modi effect. What about population control, is the government taking steps to curtail it?

It is the governments duty to restore citizens confidence by taking corrective steps to address the shortage of currency notes. They must ensure that industrial production does not suffer and agricultural activities are carried on unhindered. On the other hand, citizens must remain optimistic, continue with their work and be patient as normalcy will be restored soon.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
Justin Bieber has opened up about his love/hate relationship with Instagram, saying that he is 90 per cent sure that the service is for the devil and that it is hell.

The 22-year-old Canadian megastar left Instagram suddenly back in August this year during a gap in his current Purpose world tour, reported Billboard.

Giving his fans the hope that he might return to the site, he asked during a show in London: Who thinks I should get my Instagram back?

Nah, I dont want to get my Instagram back. Im sure. I think hell is Instagram. Im 90 per cent sure. We get sent to hell, we get like locked in the Instagram server. Like Im stuck in the DMs.

Bieber quit Instagram over three months ago when he deleted his account after having posted a series of photos urging his fans to stop the hate.

At first, he had threatened to make his account private after his fans had bombarded him with negative comments about his then-girlfriend Sofia Richie.

Meanwhile, his Twitter account is still very much active.
The Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) stayed a vociferous protest in Parliament on Thursday over IndiGo flight carrying West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee being made to circle over Kolkata airport for 30 minutes while being short on fuel.

Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said, It could have been at its extreme level. Today, when Union Minister Ananth Kumar telephoned me in the morning at about 7:30 a.m., then, I told him that Mamata Banerjees aircraft was close to crashing yesterday. I told Ananth Kumar in detail that all other issues will be discussed later, but this issue I will take it up in the parliament today and a proper investigation is of utmost necessity. Today, I am going to attend the opposition parties meeting, where we will also raise this issue, and in the evening, when we will meet the honorable president, there we will report on this incident. We want to have proper security arrangements. All parties should ask for a proper investigation in the matter,

Bandyopadhyay further said that when Mamata Banerjees aircraft reached Kolkata from Patna on the Indigo airlines, it was not granted space for landing, as some other aircrafts where there. After 20 minutes, the pilot sent signal to the traffic control informing about fuel shortage and requested for emergency landing, but was not allowed.

Ultimately, when the aircraft was allowed to land, then it was visible in and around, that fire brigade, ambulancesall were there, which normally takes place when any apprehension of an accident exists, Bandyopadhyay added.

Aviation regulator DGCA has ordered an inquiry into as many as three flights, including one carrying West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, reporting low fuel at the same time.

The government vehmently denied any design saying just when West Bengal Chief Ministers Patna-Kolkata Indigo flight reported low on fuel, two other flights of Air India and SpiceJet also called in with the same problem.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiry to find out how three flights at the same time could fly low on fuel into Kolkata when the norms mandate them to carry enough fuel to enable hovering for 30-40 minutes as well as to carry it to the nearest diversion airport, which in this case was Bhubaneshwar, they said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said in Lok Sabha the DGCA report will be tabled in the House.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said: It is incorrect to say that the flight was hovering over Kolkata for 30-40 minutes. The flight was hovering for only 13 minutes. The DGCA has ordered an inquiry how all the three flights were flying low fuel.

He also said that none of these three flights sought priority landing, despite being asked by the ATC.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2016 - Across the country, ag organizations are going through their respective policy development processes, aiming to come up with their wish lists for the next farm bill by early 2017.

Agri-Pulse recently caught up with a number of players in the farm bill conversation, and while many were coy about what they expect their farm bill push to include, they all were certain that the effort will be worth it.

Were in the middle of our policy process right now in our counties and states, and that will roll up to the national level here in December and January at our national convention, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall told Agri-Pulse, expressing a theme voiced by other stakeholders.

Representatives from a number of influential groups didnt want to go into specifics, but told Agri-Pulse that farm safety net programs will need to be addressed. Discrepancies in the Agriculture Risk Coverage-County program have been a source of consternation at morning coffee gatherings across the country, and echoes of those conversations have certainly made their way to Washington. Now, farm groups will be working to fix some issues with safety net programs while protecting farm programs from other attacks.

Crop insurance is the number one priority in any farm bill, Gordon Stoner, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, said in an interview with Agri-Pulse. The long knives are out. EWG (Environmental Working Group) and the Heritage Foundation would tear the entire program down. Not only crop insurance, they are coming after conservation.

Coincidentally, Scott Faber with EWG and Daren Bakst with the Heritage Foundation were scheduled to speak at a Farm Foundation forum today in Washington. Both groups are vocal opponents of a number of programs strongly supported by ag groups.

Bakst, an ag policy research fellow with Heritage, says the next farm bill should consider what he calls excessive federal intervention in agricultural policy and should move towards a properly focused safety net that protects farmers from major crop losses only.

Faber says hell make the case that we need to make our farm policy as modern as our food policy. Among other things, he says that means advocating for a farm safety net that helps farmers, rewards innovation, reduces dependency on subsidies, and that isnt rigged in favor of the largest, most successful farm businesses.

National Council of Farmer Cooperatives CEO Chuck Conner was also scheduled to speak at the forum.

Aside from the big-picture items, a number of groups will be pushing for reforms that more directly affect their membership. Cotton and dairy producers can be expected to look for a safety net fix specific to their respective issues, other organizations are looking at potential reforms in conservation programs, and livestock groups are expected to use the farm bill as a legislative vehicle to fund a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank.

No matter the talking points of their opponents, ag stakeholders will have to learn from the events of the process in passing the 2014 farm bill, when legislation was initially defeated on the House floor. Now, several agricultural leaders say theyre more unified and willing to compromise on divisive issues.

National Corn Growers Association President Wesley Spurlock used his own Texas farm as an example of why that should be the case. His operation grows corn, cotton, sorghum, and other crops, so if those commodities can exist on the same farm, the grower groups should work together to produce the critical legislation.

As national organizations we will continue to work together, and we need to do a better job, Spurlock said. If we work together, then it makes it easier for the Senate ag committee and the House ag committee to get these done, and then the administration also sees that we are unified and that makes it easier to go into the future with the next programs.

Fellow Texan and American Soybean Association Chairman Wade Cowan harkened back to remarks he gave at the 2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix. He said those comments, and the unity that has come about in the last few years, will serve the industry well.

(I said) never again do we eat each other on the way to get a farm bill, and I think that took hold with everybody, Cowan said. We had been foolish in not working together. We can have our disagreements and well have disagreements as we go into this farm bill, but lets get in a room, talk about it, lets get on the same page.

#30

For more news, go to: www.Agri-Pulse.com
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2016 - The cost of solar-generated electricity can be decreased by 50 percent between 2020 and 2030, the Department of Energy says.

Recent modeling from DOE suggests that achieving the 2030 targets could more than double the projected amount of nationwide electricity demand that could be met by solar in 2030 and beyond.

In 2011, DOE launched the SunShot Initiative  with the goal of making solar electricity cost-competitive with traditional energy sources without subsidies by 2020.

DOE says that through the initiatives leadership, the solar industry has already reached more than 90 percent of its established 2020 goal.

Both SunShot and the solar industry have made major strides to reduce costs for innovative technologies which resulted in dramatic market growth and the creation of hundreds of thousands of American jobs," says Acting Assistant Energy Secretary David Friedman. "These new goals and funding will further push down costs, save American consumers and businesses money, and create even more jobs.

Utility-scale solar electricity costs now average 7 cents per kilowatt-hour, just short of SunShots established 2020 goal of reducing the cost of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity to 6 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The new SunShot 2030 targets are 3 cents per kilowatt-hour for utility-scale PV, 4 cents per kilowatt-hour for commercial PV, and 5 cents per kilowatt-hour for residential PV.

Like what you see on the Agri-Pulse website? See even more ag, rural policy and energy news when you sign up for a four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription.

These targets are for areas with average U.S. climate and without subsidies. In the sunnier regions of the country, achieving the SunShot 2030 targets would mean costs of 2 cents per kilowatt-hour for utility-scale solar.

Some $65 million was recently announced for funding opportunities that will further drive down the cost of solar energy and accelerate widespread deployment, DOE says. For information on the new funding opportunities, click here.

#30

For more news, go to: www.Agri-Pulse.com
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Clear to partly cloudy. A few sprinkles possible. Low 54F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. A few sprinkles possible. Low 54F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Assyrian Family's Search for Girl Taken By Islamic State

Aida Nuh carries a picture for her lost daughter Christina Ezzo Abada during an interview with Reuters at a camp for refugee people in Erbil, Iraq, November 29, 2016. ( Reuters/Azad Lashkari) (Reuters) -- In a camp near Mosul a picture of a three-year-old girl, snatched from her mother's breast by Islamic State militants when they overran her Christian town two years ago, is taped to a wall along with a desperate plea from her parents. "Lost Girl", reads the poster in the displaced people's camp, urging anyone with information about Christina Ezzo Abada to call the number provided.

Almost nothing is known about what happened to Christina since her abduction, but her family assumes she was taken to Mosul and is praying she will be found among the tens of thousands of people now fleeing the city. In the cramped cabin where they live, her parents keep vigil around the television, tuned to a channel tracking the progress of Iraqi security forces as they fight to recapture the city from Islamic State. A picture of Christina hangs on the wall next to an image of Jesus. "We hope she's alive," said her mother, Aida Nuh, the dark circles around her eyes giving her a haunted expression. "Maybe someone will bring her and look for us and make contact. God knows". Christina's case is unusual. Although Islamic State is known for its brutality and has kidnapped thousands of men, women and children from Iraq's Yazidi minority, Christians faced a different ultimatum under the militants' rule -- pay a special tax for protection, convert to Islam, or die by the sword. Most fled, but around 30 remained in the Christian town of Qaraqosh, about 15 km (10 miles) southeast of Mosul, including Nuh and her husband, along with Christina, their youngest daughter. It is a decision they have lived to regret, but at the time it was unclear how the militants would treat them, and Nuh said she expected Iraqi security forces to regain control in a matter of days. Nevertheless, they sent their four elder children to safety in the nearby Kurdish region as a precaution. SNATCHED Twenty days went by in Qaraqosh with Christina and her parents holed up at home, fearful of the black-clad militants, who came to them demanding they convert to Islam, but also provided food and water when asked. On Aug. 22, 2014, the militants instructed all remaining Christians to gather at a local hospital for medical tests, and Nuh and her husband obeyed. But there were no tests, and after a short interval the militants ordered them onto a minibus waiting outside, which had been smeared with mud to prevent passengers looking out or anyone seeing in. The militants, whom Nuh identified as local Arabs, searched the group of around 30 Christians for valuables, which they took, and separated four members of the group before corralling the rest onto the bus. Nuh sat with Christina on her lap and was breast-feeding her when one of the militants came up and wrenched the girl away. "Who will look after her? She needs me," pleaded Nuh, trailing the man as he got off the bus with her daughter. He said he was following orders from his emir, or commander, before disappearing into the hospital, barring her way. She continued to beg, and eventually the emir emerged from the hospital carrying Christina, who was crying. "I told him to give her back to me," recalled Nuh. "He didn't speak. With his eyes he motioned at me to get back on the bus." When she resisted, the militants first threatened and then forced her onto the bus, which drove to a wasteland on the edge of Islamic State territory and dumped the entire group there. That was the last time Nuh saw her daughter. In the days after she was taken, Christina's parents called local Arabs with links to Islamic State who told them she had been placed with a family and was in safe hands. But then contact was lost. Further efforts to track the girl down have yielded nothing, although some speculate she ended up in an Islamic State orphanage. It is not clear why the militants kidnapped Christina, who would now be five-years-old. Earlier this week, the family returned to Qaraqosh for the first time since leaving more than two years ago. On the way there, the car stopped and Christina's father, who is blind, got out and heard the voice of a young girl. "I heard 'papa! papa!'," he said. "I called 'Christina! Christina!', but she didn't reply".

Editing by Dominic Evans and Angus MacSwan.
Assyrian Delegation Meets Australian MPs

From Left: Suzy David, Hermiz Shahen, Richard Marles, Chris Bowen, Carmen Lazar, Karen Bos, David David. On Wednesday, 30 November 2016, a delegation led by Mr. Hermiz Shahen, Deputy Secretary General of the Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA), Mr David M. David, President of the Assyrian Australian National Federation, Mrs. Suzy David , AUA senior adviser and former Deputy Secretary General, together with Mrs. Karen Bos , Vice President of Christian Faith & Freedom and Mrs Carmen Lazar manager at the Assyrian Resource Centre of the Assyrian Australian Association, held a number of meetings in the parliament house in Canberra. The delegates were welcomed by the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Shadow Treasurer, who organised special meetings with a number of Australian Government Officials including: Senator the Hon Penny Wong; Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Richard Marles MP, Shadow Minister for Defence, and The Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, with the presence of Mr Chris Hayes MP, Shadow Whip. The delegation expressed the concerns of Australian Assyrians, about the ethnic and cultural genocide perpetrated against our people in Iraq and Syria, and the future of the indigenous Assyrians of these two countries. They presented the Shadow Foreign minister with a letter and briefed the Australian officials about the battle that already started to liberate Mosul and Nineveh Plains from ISIS, the total destruction of all liberated towns and villages and the vacuum that will be created once the military operation is completed that could easily fall into civil war over who controls the region. As a matter of the uttermost importance, the Assyrian Universal Alliance urged the Australian government to lay out a comprehensive strategy assisting the Assyrian nation's needs in the establishment of a self-administered safe haven in Northern Iraq within federal Iraq. As well as providing training and funding to the existing Assyrian Christian militia who can protect their lands themselves. The delegation also met separately with the Mr Tom Fleming, Senior Adviser of the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection and Mr Michael Sukkar MP, Federal Member for Deakin. Mr Shahen thanked all the government officials for the attention given to the Assyrian plea, unrelenting commitment to the Assyrian cause and their outstanding efforts over the years in raising the Assyrian case with the Australian government.
Japan is stepping up its security posture, prompted by recent provocative moves by North Korea and China. The heightened threat is pushing the US and Japan even closer together militarily and spurring Japan to try to smooth over long-simmering tensions with South Korea.

On Sept. 9, North Korea conducted its second nuclear test of 2016its fifth overallclaiming to have successfully detonated a warhead small enough to be mounted on an ICBM. The test came just days after Pyongyang launched three Nodong medium-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan. Just a few weeks before, as Japan announced its new cabinet, North Korea launched two more ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan. The first one exploded almost immediately after launch, but the second landed in the exclusive economic zone, about 200 miles from Japanese soil.

Significant steps

The launches were part of what President Barack Obama called an unprecedented campaign of ballistic missile launches in 2016. After the fifth nuclear test, Obama vowed to work with regional allies and partners to vigorously implement existing UN Security Council resolutions and to take additional significant steps, including new sanctions, to demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences to its unlawful and dangerous actions.

Obama also spoke with South Korean President Park Geun-Hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to reiterate the unshakable US commitment to  defend our allies in the region.

Brig. Gen. Michael P. Winkler, vice commander of 5th Air Force at Yokota AB, Japan, told Air Force Magazine he doesnt think there has been a stronger point in the alliance between the US and Japan. We work very, very closely with them. The nature of the threats in the region are driving us closer together.

Thousands of North Korean missiles are pointed at Japan, and Pyongyangs ambitious missile program is a source of a lot of heartburn, noted one US Forces Japan official. The fact that many of those missiles are capable of reaching Japanese islands is very much on the minds of the Japanese, said Winkler.

Fifteen years ago, we used to think of Japan as a sanctuary, but the reality of today is that we live under an anti-access, area-denial umbrella that has fundamentally changed the way we think about conflict in the Pacific, said Winkler. Though North Korea is the closest and most immediate threat, many countries in the theater have ballistic and cruise missiles capable of attacking US bases in Japan and in the surrounding region.

The US and South Korea agreed to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile system on the Korean Peninsula in July, and Winkler said he is very excited to have it in theater. Though its projected placement in South Korea wont do a lot to defend the nation of Japan, the information gathered from its sensors can be shared with all the US forces in theater, and some of that data may be able to be shared with allies.

In July 2014, the Japanese government sent shock waves through the region and stirred a domestic controversy by lifting a constitutional ban on its troops fighting abroada provision that had been in place since 1945. The change broadened the countrys military options in times of crisis, allowed Japan to more easily participate in military exercises with other countries, and enabled its forces to participate in UN peacekeeping operations. Abe called the change a defensive measure, but he also emphasized that Japan was unlikely to use force to defend foreign forces.

Soon after, in April 2015, the first major revision to US/Japanese defense cooperation guidelines since 1997 was unveiled. Secretary of State John F. Kerry said the new guidelines would help deter threats and contribute to regional peace and stability, but applying those guidelines is still in the early stages.

Col. Kenneth E. Moss, commander of the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota, said the US is seeing the start of a really good relationship with Japan. Moss has been stationed in Japan four times since 1993 and has watched the relationship evolve. He said 20 years ago, US and Japanese forces rarely exercised and trained together, but now are doing so constantly.

The Japanese have always accepted us in and were always willing to partner. The recent changes in the threat and stability of the region have opened up the Japanese eyes and minds to additional training and opportunities that exist because they partner with us, said Moss.

The new guidelines have enabled the Japanese to participate in more joint planning sessions with US forces, said Brig. Gen. Barry R. Cornish, commander of the 18th Wing at Kadena AB, Japan.

Weve opened the door a little more in understanding each other and our ability to integrate and operate together, said Cornish.

One key change has been in command and control. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force continues to invest in its network capabilities allowing the US and Japanese forces to share data links. Cornish said this has been a great enhancer [to] situational awareness that will become central to how we are able to interoperate in the future.

The Japanese also are keenly aware of the increase in natural disasters in the Pacific region in recent years. Roughly 80 percent of the worlds natural disasters take place in US Pacific Commands area of responsibility, covering roughly 52 percent of the globe, and Japan is looking to the US to help it respond to these crises.

Radical Change

After the devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit Japan in 2011, the government realized it needed to be better prepared to work with the US military assigned in their country.

Moss said Operation Tomodachi, the earthquake relief effort, radically changed the way the Japanese view US forces. Were seen as a true partner and as someone thats here to help, he said.

The JASDF has made significant strides in its own humanitarian assistance/disaster relief capabilities since then, having studied US Guard and Reserve natural disaster response efforts. In 2015 when flooding struck a prefecture north of Yokota, the Japanese civil government reached out to its own military for support.

We said, Were here to help, and the Japanese military said, I think we have this one, said Moss. They demonstrated a disaster relief capability for the first time for the Japanese people and it really gave them a sense that, We can do this. Its great the US military is there, but its also great that our military can provide a response.?

Still, humanitarian assistance-disaster relief operations and partnership building remain major parts of the US mission in Japan as well as the rest of the Pacific.

The bulk of the Air Forces presence in Japan is on Okinawa, where the US military has long had a complicated relationship with Japanese civilians and local political leaders. These sometimes-tense relationships make disaster relief capabilities and partnership building all the more important. To me, thats why were here, said Col. William C. Freeman, commander of Kadenas 353rd Special Operations Group, US Special Operations Commands only air component in the Pacific.

USAF has that enduring presence out here. That helps with building up those critical relationships, he added. If we had a rotational force they couldnt establish that bond that we have and wouldnt really know the people throughout the Pacific region and what they need.

When Typhoon Halola struck Wake Island in July 2015, Pacific Air Forces called on the 353rd SOG to rapidly assess the damage. More than 100 people had evacuated and PACAF wasnt sure if it was safe to land C-130s or C-17s on the runway.

The SOG sent two MC-130H aircraft and a special tactics team to conduct a boots on the ground technical assessment. The team planned the mission in the back of the aircraft on the five-hour flight to Andersen AFB, Guam, where they integrated with the 36th Contingency Response Group. A B-52 operating out of Guam flew over with an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance pod and took pictures.

The next morning, the MC-130Hs took off on the three-hour flight to Wake Island. They were refueled in the air by a KC-135 operating out of Guam, and airdropped a five-person special tactics team along with a couple of dirt bikes to assess the field, clear the debris, and give the green light. Less than an hour later, a C-17 landed on the runway.

Its a great vignette on  how we can integrate with our sister services and the rest of the Air Force, said Freeman. We cant do this alone.  From notification to opening the field was 36 hours, and that includes nine hours of flying time.

Kadena is known as the keystone of the Pacific because it is just an hours flying time from both South Korea and Taiwan; three hours to the Philippines and the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea; and five hours to Singapore and Indonesia. Kadena, Yokota, and Misawa AB, Japan, often serve as staging locations for humanitarian assistance-disaster relief operations.

In 2015, the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at KadenaUSAFs only Active Duty tanker squadron in the Pacificflew a total of 7,500 hours, including 469 combat hours for operations Inherent Resolve and Enduring Freedom, setting a 25-year high, said Lt. Col. Jonathan Burdick, unit commander. In that year, the squadron offloaded 3.2 million pounds of fuel, supported 47 strikes, refueled 247 coalition receivers, and conducted 86 aeromedical evacuation support missions, saving 64 patients.

We have 15 tankers and were typically always maxed out, said Burdick, who noted that the overall demand for tankers in theater far exceeds capacity.

In addition to its refueling and aeromedical evacuation roles, Kadenas KC-135s are being used as transport aircraft. After North Korea conducted a nuclear test in January 2016, for example, the 909th was called in to transport materials back to the US very, very rapidly so senior leaders could make the decisions they needed to make, Burdick said. He wouldnt elaborate on the nature of the materials sent, but said that within 12 hours his airmen launched two missions from Kadena to JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

Initially it was a very, very tactical-level capability that was put in place where we could have grand strategic effect. Thats a key reason why we have tankers at Kadena and I think well always have tankers paired with all the other combat assets here. The tankers shrink the world and put many places within reach, he said.

Hoist capability

The 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota has 14 C-130Hs, and several C-12Js and UH-1Ns, all of which Moss said have been great enablers at partnering with the JASDF and some of our other regional nations. The wings Hueys allow airmen to get in and out of tight spaces, an important capability in the congested Tokyo metropolitan area. Pilots also fly with night vision goggles, which the JASDF does not do, allowing recovery efforts to continue after sunset, Moss said.

The Air Force recently added a hoist capability to the helicopters, allowing them to take on some aeromedical evacuation roles as well, easing demand for the bases C-130s and Kadena-based tankers. In addition, the service added a medevac function to the C-12, normally used for VIP transport.

The new capability not only has opened some doors with JASDF partners, said Moss, but has saved the Air Force a lot of money.

It costs about $9,230 per hour to fly the C-130H and just over $11,000 per hour to fly the KC-135. The much smaller C-12J, by comparison, costs $2,289 per flight hour to operate.

Based on the number of flight hours we have devoted to aeromedical evacuation missions, we have saved the Air Force an estimated $1 million compared to the C-130H and KC-135 since the start of the calendar year, said Capt. Anthony J. Pergola, a C-12 pilot with the 459th Airlift Squadron at Yokota.

The 374th AW is PACAFs only forward deployed airlift wing and its reach is extensive. During a typical week, one or two of the wings C-130s are in depot maintenance, three are reserved for training, and the rest are participating in tactical airlift missions throughout the theater.

Many other countries in the Pacific fly C-130s, including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The 374th serves as the regional subject matter experts for the employment of that airplane, said Moss.

We have a lot of outreach with many of the countries, he said. Right now,  were in the initial stages of building a relationship with them, understanding what their capabilities are, and letting them build trust with us and assist them, he added. Weve done deployments to Indonesia and Malaysia, and were looking  to expand our presence elsewhere.

The wing is upgrading its own capabilities and is about to transition to the C-130J Super Hercules. The first model was slated to arrive in November 2016. Eventually, the 374th AW will fly a mixed fleet, including eight new J models and six older aircraft with the final J model slated for delivery in February 2018.

Pilots say the new aircraft is in some ways more like a C-17 than the legacy C-130s. Its newer and therefore much more reliable. The C-130J is about 10 percent to 15 percent faster than the H models and is more fuel efficient. It can carry 128 troops instead of 92 and eight pallets instead of six. Another benefit is that the wings H models are on a five-year programmed depot maintenance cycle, but the new J models will be on a 10-year cycle, making more aircraft available for operations and training.

The J can take off a little heavier. It has more volume and weight, said Maj. Brian Miller, director of Yokotas C-130J transition program. Before, it would take us four C-130s to move cargo to Korea. Now we can do it in three and its not like they reduced our footprint. Its still a one-to-one swap. Were just getting a more capable plane.

The challenge will be in maintaining the high operational tempo during the transition. The wing is no longer bringing in new H model pilots and J model pilots have to go back to the United States for training. Also, the wing is not getting aircraft as quickly as before, making it harder to train maintainers on the aircraft. Unlike the pilots, who will train at Little Rock AFB, Ark., the vast majority of C-130J maintainer training will be conducted at Yokota, so the early aircraft will have to be split between operational use and training.

We are intentionally delaying the H leaving to allow for some capacity to remain at Yokota for the H flying mission while the J stands up, said Miller.

The 353rd SOG, which began transitioning to the MC-130J in December 2014, already has six of its planned 10 J models. However, the group will keep four of the MC-130H models around until Air Force Special Operations Command completes development and testing of the airplanes all-weather terrain avoidance radar, said Freeman.

Former AFSOC commander Lt. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold said the command had scrapped plans to use the original AN/APN-241 radar and is moving forward instead with the Silent Knight Terrain Following/Terrain Avoidance radar currently deployed on MH-60 and MH-47 special operations helicopters. The new radar is expected to be installed on AFSOC CV-22 Ospreys, too.

The SOG was expected to begin sending its four remaining Talon IIs back to the US for modifications in October 2016, including upgrades to its radios, avionics, and defensive system. Freeman said it will take a couple years for all four H models to be upgraded, and noted that its going to be a while before were full-up on J models. The exact timeline hasnt been determined, he said.

The group also is in the process of standing up its CV-22 detachment at Yokota. The first three of 10 CV-22s is slated to arrive in the second half of 2017 and the rest will be delivered by 2021. The beddown will provide increased capability for US special operations forces to respond quickly to crises and contingencies in Japan and across the Asia-Pacific region, including humanitarian crises and natural disasters, according to the 2015 Pentagon release announcing the beddown. It will increase interoperability, enhance operational cooperation, and promote stronger defense relations with the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

The CV-22s and Yokotas C-130Js will be able to share a composite repair facility now under construction, saving some money in the military construction budget.

As part of the Defense Departments push to put its most capable assets in the Pacific region, 10 Marine Corps F-35Bs will be deployed to that services air station at Iwakuni, Japan, in 2017. The base now hosts F/A-18 fighters, which will eventually be replaced by F-35Bs. The deployment is to familiarize pilots and ground crew members with the fifth generation fighter.

Japan also is procuring the F-35A strike fighter and is buying V-22s for its own forces.

Lockheed Martin rolled out the first Japanese F-35A during a September ceremony at the companys Fort Worth, Texas, facility. Company CEO Marillyn A. Hewson said three more Japanese F-35As would be made in Texas followed by 38 more to be made at the Mitsubishi final assembly and checkout facility in Nagoya, Japan.

During a joint press conference with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in April 2015, Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said the close bonds of friendship in the US-Japan alliance are being strengthened by our investments in technological breakthroughs, deploying our finest capabilities to the Asia-Pacific, and realigning our posture in the region.

The relationship with Japan, he said, remains the bedrock of our key role in the security of the Asia-Pacific.
Today is a great day for the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, Luke AFB, the 944th Fighter Wing, and the Japanese Air Self-Defense forces, said Col. Kurt J. Gallegos, 944 FW commander. We have a great team of Airmen who have worked hard to set up an outstanding training program and are ready to train our FMS counterparts.





The aircraft was welcomed by a joint delegation from the 944 FW, 56th Fighter Wing, Lockheed Martin, and Japanese staff.

Today I am thrilled for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Team Luke, said Lt. Col. Sean Holahan, 944th Operations Group Detachment 2 commander. The arrival of Japans first F-35A marks another important milestone in the steadfast relationship between our two nations, and the beginning of training for an elite cadre of JASDF fighter pilots and maintainers. We put an incredible amount of thought and effort into building the worlds first F-35 Foreign Military Sales training program from the ground up. To see Japans first jet on our flightline, surrounded by the men and women who have made this mission possible, is humbling.

The arrival of the first FMS aircraft is the culmination of years of planning and hard work.

The jet arrival marks the beginning of a new and exciting mission at Luke AFB to train our allies to fly the F-35A, explained Lt. Col. Joe Bemis, 944 OG Det. 2 executive officer and resource advisor. We have been preparing for this program for years. We have remodeled buildings, built a huge team of professional pilots, maintainers, and administration staff, and created specialized syllabus. We are hopeful that this mission will strengthen relationships between the US and nations that participate in the training.

Over the next several years, Luke AFB will be training FMS pilots from Japan, Israel and South Korea along with partner nations including Australia, Italy, Norway, Turkey, Netherlands, Denmark, and Canada.

This is such an important time in our wings history as we pick up the mission to train all FMS F-35 pilots, said Gallegos. Its been almost 10 years since our wing has seen aircraft on our flightline. It is an amazing feeling to look outside and see the F-35s out there and know that we are playing such an important and critical role as we build relationships that will enhance our future partnership.

In addition to the Foreign Military Sales mission led by the 944 OG/Det 2 Ninjas, Luke is scheduled to have six fighter squadrons and 144 F-35s.



(Source: 944th Fighter Wing)
November 30, 2016

WASHINGTON  The prospective fall of rebel-held eastern Aleppo to the Syrian regime and its allies could bolster President-elect Donald Trumps administration. Trump has already expressed openness to work with Russia to fight the Islamic State (IS) and disinclination to support Syrian rebel groups seeking the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But the incoming US administration may soon find that it needs vetted Syrian rebels for a task Trump has consistently prioritized in his campaign: combating IS and seizing and holding IS-held territory in eastern Syria, and preventing it from returning.

With the Syrian regime and its allies making rapid gains in their push to retake rebel-held eastern Aleppo in recent days, Russian officials say they hope that the situation in the ancient city, once Syrias commercial hub, will be resolved by the time Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20.

"The Russians want to complete the operation before Trump takes power," a senior official in the pro-Assad military alliance told Reuters on Nov. 29.

"We are hoping for this, of course," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told Russian media Nov. 30 when asked if Aleppo would be resolved by the end of the year. "We need to force these terrorists out in the same way as they need to be forced out in Mosul and in Raqqa. It's a general task."

Russia is looking to the Trump administration to validate its role in Syria as a major global power, said Russian analyst Dmitri Trenin.

Russia has been basically pursuing a line in Syria that envisaged the United States and Russia playing the dominant role in a Syria diplomatic process, and the US and Russia collaborating against [IS], Trenin, the director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, said in a press call Nov. 30.

Russias interested in engaging the US  in both the [Israeli-Palestinian] peace process and engaging it in some sort of joint military campaign against [IS], Trenin said.

He continued, Both strategies and objectives would contribute to Russias overarching goal to be treated as a major power globally. If it can be of decisive importance in the Middle East  then you are by definition a global power. You can only achieve that if the US plays along.

But the potential fall of eastern Aleppo to the Assad regime may not significantly change the dilemmas faced by the incoming US administration on its Syria policy or make a sustainable political resolution to the Syrian conflict more achievable.

I think that there is this risk of Aleppo falling, particularly during the presidential transition period, said Melissa Dalton, a former Defense Department official now with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

There is a real risk of Assad and Iran presenting a fait accompli to the US and its coalition partners and the rebels on the ground, Dalton said. If Aleppo falls, the choices narrow for the United States in terms of next steps.

One choice is, do you try to significantly overturn the events, buttress support to the rebels, to try to reverse the gains? Dalton continued. That would require a higher degree of military commitment, political backing and resourcing to reverse that tide.

If counterterrorism is to be the priority  and reading what has been said during the transition, it seems that counterterrorism is going to be a very high priority for the incoming administration   you essentially have two choices there, Dalton said. You can double down on the current approach, support the rebels on the ground, [conduct] airstrikes from above in working with folks in the region. Or you could increase the number of US forces involved. But that is not politically palatable, even for the incoming administration.  That dilemma is still going to present itself. Where do you go from there?

The incoming Trump administration will soon face the same challenges that President Barack Obama and his administration grappled with on Syria, including determining whether the United States needs to work with indigenous forces to take and hold territory now held by Sunni extremist groups, said defense analyst Nicholas Heras.

The wild card is to what extent the Trump administration believes that the leverage that the network the United States has built with vetted Syrian opposition groups on the ground is worthwhile as an indigenous counterterrorism force, Heras, a Syria defense analyst at the Center for New American Security, told Al-Monitor. The case can be made  that the US should not just walk away from the Syrian [opposition].

The reality is that the Trump administration will inherit a neo-medieval Syrian map, where you have multiple actors controlling different areas of territory, Heras said.

He added, The Trump administration will face the same challenges that the Obama administration has  to conduct a preventative counterterrorism mission that empowers political and social structures in opposition-controlled areas that is resilient against Sunni extremist ideological actors. That is not going away. They are going to have to wrestle with this.

Russian officials have held meetings with representatives of the Syrian armed opposition group from Aleppo in Turkey in recent days. They discussed a proposal under which al-Qaeda-linked militants would leave Aleppo in exchange for aid being delivered and a cease-fire, Syria analyst Chares Lister said.

The proposal is similar to one that UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura has proposed and which is still on the table. The UN envoy is expected to present new Syria political proposals to the UN Security Council on Dec. 8 after meetings in Washington next week.

Even if the next US administration ultimately determined it needed to work with elements of the Syrian rebels to combat extremist groups, the fall of eastern Aleppo to the Assad regime would be a significant blow to the Syrian revolution, said Bassam Barabandi, a former Syrian diplomat now with the Syrian opposition.

Today, Aleppo is the only city in Syria [held by the opposition] where an extremist group is not in control, Barabandi said. If Aleppo falls, Idlib is under the control of [Jabhat al-] Nusra, Raqqa is under the control of [IS].  It would be important for the regime to say the major cities are under my control.

Barabandi is drafting a proposed road map for the incoming US administration that would urge a return to the March 2016 cessation of hostilities and return to political negotiations. The political negotiations should be kept separate from the fight against IS and Jabhat al-Nusra, Barabandi said.

Russia has not been militarily active in aiding the recent Syrian regime advances in Aleppo, and Russia is indeed concerned about what comes after Syrian forces retake Aleppo, said Michael Kofman, a Russia expert with the Wilson Center Kennan Institute. There is rapidly increasing tension between the Turkish intervention in northern Syria and the Syrian army.

Until now, the Syrian army has been separated from where the Turks are deployed in northern Syria. However, once they take Aleppo, the problem is  friction materializes very rapidly when two hostile forces are in proximity to each other, Kofman said.

After they take Aleppo, the Syrians and Iranians have to say whats next, Kofman added. I dont think they have a brilliant strategy.

Option 1 is to go back to Russia and say, Lets pursue this plan for settling the Syrian war, he said. But they may say, We are not done here  we were successful in Aleppo, lets see what else we have to do.
November 29, 2016

US President-elect Donald Trump's plan for a wall along the US-Mexico border isn't the only one raising controversy these days.

Construction began  and halted  last month on a wall at Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese army said the 6-foot-tall cement wall, which is intended to help keep terrorists and criminals from passing into and out of the camp, supposedly had the approval of senior Palestinian faction officials. But construction stopped when condemnation arose from numerous quarters.

Residents of the camp and some Palestinian factions staged a demonstration last week, rejecting the idea of encircling and isolating the camp from its surroundings, turning it into one big prison. They also deny longstanding claims that the camp threatens Lebanons security, and allegations that about 200 extremists from Jabhat Fatah al-Sham and the Islamic State (IS) reside inside the camps neighborhoods. But the camp has a history of widespread, deadly infighting among various factions.

Informed security sources told Al-Monitor that the security situation has been deteriorating in the camp since 2013. There have been dozens of clashes between some radical groups and Palestinian factions, and dozens of killings. In 2014, Minister of Interior and Municipalities Nouhad al-Machnouk said, It is no longer acceptable that the camp remains a hotbed where fugitives flee from justice.

Maj. Gen. Munir al-Maqdah, the commander of the joint Palestinian security force in the camp, told Al-Monitor by phone that a meeting was held Nov. 24 between delegates of the camp's Palestinian security committee and Brig. Gen. Khoder Hammoud, the head of the Lebanese army intelligence branch in the south. The parties agreed to halt work on the wall until the concerned factions come up with an alternative  within two weeks.

Maqdah added that the Palestinian factions had held another meeting and issued a statement squarely rejecting said wall, which would harm historical relations and the common struggle of the brotherly peoples of Lebanon and Palestine.

Raafat Morra, a Hamas media officer in Lebanon, told Al-Monitor the Hamas movement is against any action aimed at isolating the Palestinian presence in Lebanon or viewing them as a security threat. He said the various factions have made concerted efforts for five years to minimize conflicts in the camps. We managed to pull this off, as camps have seen relative calm and have cooperated with the Lebanese authorities to maintain security, he said.

The Lebanese army issued a statement Nov. 25 saying that the security wall is merely a protective fence in some sectors that doesn't overlook residential areas of the camp and that aims to prevent the infiltration of terrorists from and into it. The statement added that the wall will help close off tunnels that fugitives in the camp use to access nearby agricultural fields.

The Lebanese army was surprised by Palestinian objections to the wall, since intelligence officials and senior Palestinian faction officials said they had "previously agreed on the matter," according to the army statement.

Critics of the wall say that rather than providing security, the barrier would promote division and provoke refugees, while harming them psychologically.

Marwan Abdul Al, an official in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in Lebanon, told Al-Monitor, The [proposed] wall will not serve its goal of maintaining security. We fear that it would harm the image of the camp and turn into a metal scarecrow in the mind of the public, promoting the culture of estrangement and hatred instead of communication and dialogue.

He also said comprehensive security can be achieved by promoting the sovereignty of the Lebanese state and justice for Palestinians, according to the equation of rights and duties.

A Palestinian journalist residing in the camp, who asked not to be named, told Al-Monitor, The wall would turn the camp into a cage, and people inside would be like animals in a zoo.

Hassan Hoballah, who handles Palestinian issues for Hezbollah, told Al-Monitor the party "rejects any act involving injustice or persecution, or a racist act against the Palestinian people in Lebanon, as they are our brothers and our guests.

Hoballah called for finding security alternatives to the wall based on cooperation between the Lebanese army and the Palestinian factions to prevent the infiltration of terrorist groups.

Other Lebanese officials, political parties and groups also issued statements condemning the wall.

Islamic legal scholar Sheikh Selim Sussan, the mufti of Sidon and its districts, on Nov. 24 bluntly rejected the wall, which he said would "turn the camp into one big prison for our Palestinian brothers and further stir feelings of hatred and discrimination against them.

He added, I do not know who was behind the idea of building this wall that separates the people of Sidon and Palestinians who share several bonds together at the national, religious and family levels.

There's no doubt a new approach is needed to address Lebanese-Palestinian relations, an approach that would lead to more social and economic rights for Palestinian refugees in terms of work and residence, as well as better living conditions in the camps scattered in most of the Lebanese provinces. This new approach could also take into account Lebanese concerns of the resettlement of Palestinian refugees on one hand, and the perils of any infiltration by terrorist organizations inside camps and the resulting security threat on the other.

Ain al-Hilweh camp is the largest camp for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon in terms of both population and area. Estimates of its area range from only about 1 square kilometer (0.4 square mile) to 2 square kilometers. Population estimates range from 60,000 to 80,000.
November 30, 2016

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Despite efforts by women's rights organizations in the Gaza Strip to fight for their rights, empower them and change societal views of women as dependent beings, the director of the Women's Affairs Center in the Gaza Strip, Amal Siyam, said, The process of developing the rights of women in Palestinian society is quite slow, as the community continues to hold onto customs and traditions that give men control and guardianship over women in most aspects of their lives. She added that women's rights organizations have begun to directly target and confront men, instead of focusing only on helping women regain societal rights.

The Women's Affairs Center, established in 1991 in the Gaza Strip, plays a leading role in empowering women and promoting gender equality. The centers main objective is threefold: develop womens capacities, promote fact-based decision-making processes, enhance the local communitys view of women's rights and achieve gender equality.

The centers programs and projects serve women in marginalized positions, housewives, university students and women who have been victims of violence or whose rights have been violated. It focuses its efforts on deep-rooted problems in Palestinian society such as child marriage, denial of women's inheritance, domestic violence and divorce issues like child custody. It also aims to train women to achieve economic independence.

The center receives financial support for its projects from international development institutions such as Catholic Relief Services, the Swedish organization Kvinna till Kvinna and ActionAid, which is headquartered in South Africa.

Siyam, who has headed the Women's Affairs Center since 1997, finished a master's degree in business administration from Al-Azhar University in 2010. In an interview with Al-Monitor in her office in Gaza City, Siyam spoke about the main problems and obstacles that women's rights face in the Gaza Strip.

The text of the interview follows:

Al-Monitor: What are the most important projects that you think women in Gaza need for a better future? Is it possible to say that efforts to empower women should be in partnership with men? What does the center do in this regard?

Siyam: The center's main projects address the basic needs of Gazas women, their problems and their concerns, which are mainly related to social, political and economic problems, as the unemployment rate in Gaza has reached 41%. This [situation] has created many problems for women, including finding a job and competing with men for positions. In other words, women cannot get a sense of independence, which is why they feel the need to remain dependent on men.

Economic problems often lead to social problems. When the man of the house is unemployed, he pushes his daughters to marry young or forces them to drop out of school at a young age to start working in substandard jobs in order to help support the family. In addition, women face other problems like being denied their inheritance and their rights to divorce, while men continue to control their future, especially with regard to education and marriage.

In order to achieve progress in this area and help women restore their rights, we have found that the only way to succeed was to involve men in the centers projects and programs alongside women, by giving them training and educating them on womens rights and the impact of violating these rights on familial and social life. Thus, 50% of our projects now target men.

In this context, the center's role lies in educating women about their rights through training sessions and by providing free legal advice to inform them of their various rights, as we have noticed that many women are not even aware of their rights to begin with.

Al-Monitor: How widespread is violence against women in Gaza? Do the government's executive and legal institutions protect women from such violence?

Siyam: One of the prime forms of violence that Palestinian women face is domestic violence. According to a recent study issued by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) in 2012, 37% of women in the Palestinian territories have been subjected to domestic violence by their husbands, 51% of whom live in the Gaza Strip.

Despite these alarming statistics, the states executive and legal institutions do not provide enough protection for women from such violence for several reasons, most notably because the Palestinian laws are biased in favor of men. In this regard, the Higher Sharia Court Council in the Gaza Strip issued a decision on Feb. 7 granting husbands the right to file for divorce while denying it to wives.

In addition, women are ashamed to turn to institutions such as the police to seek protection from their husbands. This is why I believe protecting women from violence requires changing the way executive and legal institutions deal with women, and we need to encourage them to turn to state institutions for protection and in order to restore their rights.

Al-Monitor: The Women's Affairs Center is concerned with strengthening the legal empowerment of women in Gaza, but what does legal empowerment mean? What obstacles do women in Gaza face when trying to escape the social injustice inflicted on them by the states legal institutions?

Siyam: Legal empowerment means educating women about their legal rights. The Women's Affairs Center has a legal department dedicated to this purpose, and in some cases the center appoints lawyers to represent women in courts pro bono to restore their rights.

Women face many issues in courts, most notably the long legal proceedings that may last for years before a final ruling is issued. In addition, bringing such cases to court costs these women huge amounts of money, which is why they sometimes give up for lack of financial resources.

Al-Monitor: How does the government and legislative institutions deal with women's rights? Do they support them? How does this affect the situation of Palestinian women?

Siyam: The efforts the official institutions employ do not rise to the level needed by Palestinian women, and civil institutions are bearing the brunt of the burden. The governments intervention is often intangible, especially when it comes to social issues. There are little to no government projects to provide a source of livelihood for women, for example, or to protect them from violence.

Palestinian legislation is archaic and needs updating to adapt to modern society, like the 1954 Personal Status Law about marriage, which sets the minimum age of marriage at 17 for girls and 18 for boys. The problem with the law is that it grants the judge the power to allow the marriage of an underage girl, if she has reached puberty and her father approves, unless she is under nine years of age. This law is outdated and needs updating. Girls under 18 should not be allowed to marry, as this is the age of complete maturity and it is when a girl knows her family rights and duties.

Al-Monitor: How did the Palestinian division and its subsequent lack of unified legislation under the dysfunctional Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) affect Palestinian womens situation?

Siyam: The Palestinian rift in 2007 added insult to injury, and we ended up with two separate governments and judiciaries in Gaza and the West Bank. As a result, the PLC became dysfunctional, and laws and decisions were issued inconsistently between Gaza and the West Bank. This made the laws illegitimate. For instance, in April 2013, the Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform Bloc at the PLC issued a law banning the mixing of students and establishing all-girls schools. The decision  applicable only in Gaza, not the West Bank  does not help in building Palestinian society.

The Palestinian rift made room for laws that are not in line with the development of Palestinian womens situation. It impeded any attempts for reform and any amendments to the inconvenient and archaic Palestinian laws.

Al-Monitor: As a result of the repeated Israeli wars on Gaza, many women have had to bear the brunt of providing for their families after losing their husbands. What is the percentage of these women? What are the main obstacles facing them?

Siyam: According to the latest statistics issued in July 2014, 10.1% of women are [solely] responsible for families in Palestine. In the wake of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip in 2014, around 800 women became widows, thus the only providers for their families and children. They face a life paved with hardship. Their families and childrens stability is compromised, and they are pushed to marry one of their deceased husbands relatives for the sake of the children.

Some women get married at a young age before receiving a university degree. As a result, after the husband dies, they have to search for a job and for means to support their families. This is one of the worst scenarios.

Al-Monitor: Women living in poverty and suffering from unemployment in the Gaza Strip turn to small profitable projects. How important are these projects for women? What are these projects mainly, and who funds them? What are the main obstacles to their success?

Siyam: Unemployment among women in the Gaza Strip has reached 63.3%, according to a local survey issued in February 2016. This rate is quite high, and therefore, small projects are important for women.

Women usually pick projects depending on their special skills, like embroidery, sewing, producing food, hairdressing, producing detergents and growing mushrooms. International relief organizations like the Swedish Kvinna till Kvinna, the UNDP and UN Women normally fund these projects.

At the Womens Affairs Center, we train, support and encourage women to have their own projects. This helps them achieve economic independence that enables them to provide for themselves and their families without needing anyone. Women receive education about how to start a project, establish it and develop it and market for their products. The center gives them zero-interest loans to launch their projects.

The center supports small projects for women, but only 10% of those are successful every year. Those that fail face obstacles like marketing their products and selling them amid a local market recession in Gaza. The Israeli blockade that has been ongoing since 2007 impedes women from exporting their embroideries to foreign markets. The price of raw material has also increased, not to mention the power cuts halting production.

Al-Monitor: According to statistics published by the PCBS in March 2016, women constitute 49.2% of citizens, but few women occupy high ranks in state institutions. According to a local study prepared in December 2015, women constitute only 14.6% of the members of the PLC. Why? How can this issue be fixed?

Siyam: Womens limited participation in political life is related to culture, norms and traditions. Society does not consider women equal to men, both religiously and intellectually, and believes they are not competent to lead parties, people or organizations. Society views women as academically inept to assume leadership or pioneering roles. This is inaccurate because for each 145 Palestinian women who graduate from Palestinian universities yearly, there are only 100 men. These [numbers] reflect the improvement in womens education in Palestine.

The real problem is the negative social perception to women in politics. Their presence is not wanted in this sector, but we are trying to change this by altering societys stereotypical image of women. To address this issue, centers that support women must increase their political awareness and empower them to compete with men in high positions by developing their abilities and highlighting pioneering womens experiences around the world.

Al-Monitor: Mens guardianship role over women is deep-seated in Islam. Consequently, it is entrenched in Palestinian traditions. What are the forms of mens guardianship over women? How does mens absolute guardianship over women affect their choices in marriage, education and other matters like their freedom and independence in Palestinian society? What is the Womens Affairs Center trying to change in this regard?

Siyam: Society ingrains the notions of womens submissiveness to men. If women want to buy anything, they must get a mans approval. This submissiveness is part of the social traditions and culture. But we assert that this is not mens right. Women must feel independent and have the freedom to choose their paths in education, work, marriage and other aspects.

The center is trying to change this perspective by targeting men and women alike. We try to show the man that women have the right to choose and decide their fate. We raise womens awareness of their ability to pick what is best for their interests and future. This empowers them to face life better and stop relying on men.
November 30, 2016

RAMALLAH, West Bank  The historic village of Kur, southeast of the city of Tulkarm, is known for its architectural heritage, including its domed buildings and castles, the oldest of which dates to the Mamluk era (1260-1516), while others were built by the Ottomans (1516-1916). According to residents, Kur's cultural landmarks suffer from general neglect, but what really concerns them is the threat to the buildings, and to their sanity, caused by a nearby stone-crushing operation.

The citizens of Kur (pop. 350) have held numerous protests and demonstrations since the quarrying began, in 2006, between Beit Lid, Sfarin and their village. The protests were halted in 2008, when a court temporarily suspended the operation  which extracts large rocks and then crushes them into small chunks for use in construction materials  but resumed after the court's final decision allowed it to continue in 2012 due to a lack of evidence of harm. Residents staged their most recent protest Nov. 1 at the Council of Ministers in Ramallah.

Kur local Farid Jayyousi told Al-Monitor, The towns inhabitants are constantly feeling the ground shaking, akin to an earthquake, because of the use of dynamite to break up the rocks. We fear this shaking affecting our houses and the old buildings in the village, as they are likely to be cracked as a result of the explosions at the stone-crushing site. We have been demanding the closure of this crushing site for 10 years now. There are already cracks in some historical buildings because of the explosions affecting the integrity and strength of the buildings.

Jayyousi explained that over the years, Kur citizens and local councils have submitted petitions about the stone crushing to several government authorities, including the Local Government Ministry, the Environmental Quality Authority and the High Planning Council. The competent authorities do not care about this issue, he said.

Saleh Tawafsha, the general director for safeguards at the Tourism and Antiquities Ministry, told Al-Monitor, The ministry received complaints from citizens in the village and the local council about the stone crushing and its impact on the historic buildings. We made several field visits to the historical landmarks and examined the buildings as a preliminary step. We did not find any negative effects from the explosions. However, we need a reliable scientific report from an engineering office on the impact of the explosions on the buildings to be advised on the necessary steps to be taken to this effect.

Salim al-Takrouri, the general manager of Al-Mawared for Stone and Marble Company, the company doing the stone crushing, told Al-Monitor, We use scientific instruments to detect shaking during explosions, which revealed that these vibrations fall within the permitted legal scope. He also noted, however, that his company is in the process of signing a contract with An-Najah National Universitys Earth Sciences and Seismic Engineering Center to conduct a study of the shaking produced by the explosives, stressing that the company has a license to conduct the crushing and blasting operations in Kur from the appropriate authorities.

Jalal Dabbeek, the general coordinator of An-Najah National University's scientific centers and director of the Earth Sciences and Seismic Engineering Center, told Al-Monitor, To gauge the impact of explosions and shaking in any area, a scientific study must be carried out to determine the speed of movement of soil particles as a result of such explosions. Should the soil particles near the building move at a speed less than the permissible limit, they pose no threat, but if the speed goes beyond this limit, it becomes a threat to buildings.

Criticism of the crushing operation has not been limited to its impact on historic landmarks in Kur. Aahed Znabit, the Tulkarm branch director of the Ramallah-based Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee (PARC), told Al-Monitor, The crusher has a number of negative effects on agriculture, the environment and the health of the population, as the dust it emits destroys the nearby olive trees and reduces their production and kills [other] plant and animal wildlife in the region.

Znabit said the olive trees' production has fallen by 75% due to the damage they have sustained, a claim denied by Takrouri, who emphasized that the crusher meets all the necessary conditions and environmental requirements.

Takrouri further explained, The crusher was bought from its previous owner, Al-Sharqiah Company, which is a company owned by businessmen from Nablus, back in 2008. We have worked on developing it and completing the procedures relating to its license from the Ministries of Economy, Agriculture and Environment.

PARC organized an open dialogue forum held Nov. 22 in Tulkarm to study the impact of the stone-crushing activity. The speakers and participants included directors and representatives of ministries and public institutions  including the Environmental Quality Authority, the Ministry of National Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Local Government and the Union of Agricultural Engineers  as well as a number of nongovernmental institutions. Znabit said that several recommendations emerged from the dialogue, in particular prohibiting additional crushers in the vicinity and the need to remedy the damage caused by the existing one.

For now, however, it seems that the citizens of Kur will continue their protests against the activity they say threatens the environmental, agricultural and cultural heritage of the region.
November 30, 2016

BAGHDAD  After the Iraqi parliament passed a law Nov. 26 establishing a new security force independent of the Iraqi army  consisting of the predominately Shiite militias of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) under the leadership of the General Commander of the armed forces  the Sunni bloc walked out of the legislature as a show of its opposition. The predominantly Shiite National Alliance supported the law.

According to the parliaments Security and Defense Committee, the law turning the PMU into an official security institution would be structured similarly to the anti-terrorism apparatus. The PMU law stipulates limiting fighters to 50,000, of which 15,000 are to be Sunni. Current figures indicate that there are 150,000 fighters in the PMU's ranks. The 2017 budget, however, includes funding for 110,000 fighters, pointing to the possibility of only 40,000 fighters being demobilized.

The aim is to turn the PMU into a national institution that includes all components and sects, rather than being confined to one component of the Iraqi people, Deputy Security and Defense Committee Chairman Iskandar Watout told Al-Monitor. The law provides for the preservation of the moral and material rights of PMU members, much like the members of the Iraqi army, as well as for the rights of the families of the martyrs.

Watout emphasized, This is the least [the government] can do for the PMU factions that have sacrificed a lot to liberate Iraq from terrorism.

The Shiites in the PMU consist primarily of three groups: professional factions, most of which formed during the US military presence in Iraq, notably Saraya al-Salam (Peace Brigades), Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Badr Organization; unaffiliated volunteers who joined after the fatwa issued by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani on June 13, 2014; and the Abbasi and Husseini Shiite factions, which are indirectly supported by Sistani and include the Abbas Battle Group, Liwa Ali al-Akbar and the Imam Ali Troop, to name a few. The Sunni PMU militias can be divided into two factions: the tribes of Anbar and Salahuddin as well as the National Mobilization, established by former Gov. of Ninevah province Atheel al-Nujaifi and consisting of fighters from Ninevah.

The important question is how will all these sections, with their different ideologies, be integrated under a single institution and leadership, especially in light of the Sunnis unsatisfied demand to pass a law to turn organized fighters in Sunni provinces into National Guard forces to protect those provinces. In addition, the majority of Sunni parties opposed the PMU law in part because they feel the government is being selective in not including Sunni tribal factions under the new PMU institution, while accepting most Shiite groups.

PMU spokesman Ahmed al-Asadi told Al-Monitor, All PMU factions will be completely separated from their current political and religious affiliations as well as group names in order to become a new security institution with an official leadership and single authority under the General Command of the armed forces.

He added, The mobilization institution will not be confined to a single component. This is why the word popular was not mentioned in the law, in order not to have any future discrimination between the fighters of the popular mobilization, the tribal mobilization and others.

Asadi claimed that there is no conflict between the PMU and the National Guard, noting that in regard to the latter, it can have a law of its own to protect [Sunni] provinces, but the PMU will turn into a centralized, federal institution. Sunni politicians, however, are afraid a sectarian army will emerge from the transformed PMU, given that Shiite fighters greatly outnumber Sunni fighters in the organization.

In this regard, Ninevah representative Ahmed Madloul told Al-Monitor about the Sunni-Shiite parliamentary divided over the PMU law, saying, Some blocs want a law that preserves the rights of the PMU and appreciates the sacrifices it made in the fight against the Islamic State, while others believe it would be wrong to have a third institution in addition to the army and police, especially since they think it will be hard to integrate all PMU factions under one institution.

Madloul added, The [Sunni] tribal mobilization has a small number of fighters and does not have enough equipment and weapons like the [Shiite] PMU, which is split into several factions that cannot be easily unified. He concluded, The best possible solution is to integrate PMU members into the army and police forces.

The PMU law will remain a controversial subject as long as the Sunni blocs oppose it. The post-IS period will be the true test of the Shiite and Sunni factions ability to integrate and transition into official and institutional operations.
November 30, 2016

TEHRAN, Iran  French energy giant Total SA is back in Iran, six years after it was forced to halt its operations due to nuclear-related sanctions on Tehran. Leading a consortium with China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) and Petropars, the company signed a heads of agreement with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) worth $4.8 billion to develop phase 11 of the giant South Pars natural gas field. The project is expected to produce 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. The preliminary agreement, due to be finalized by early 2017, gives Total a 50.1% stake. Other consortium members CNPC and NIOC subsidiary Petropars will take 30% and 19.9%, respectively.

The gas field, which is divided into 29 development phases on the Iranian side, is the worlds largest. The combined Iranian and Qatari sections of the field contain an estimated 19% of global recoverable gas reserves. Qatars section is referred to as the North Dome.

In 1997, the French energy major signed a deal to develop phases two and three of South Pars together with Malaysias Petronas and Russias Gazprom. In 2004, Total and Petronas also agreed to develop phase 11. That project, however, was handed over to CNPC in 2009 after complaints by Iran about delays on the part of Total and Petronas. The Chinese company also failed to make any progress and eventually pulled out in 2012. The project remained stalled for years afterward, as none of the proposals by a number of Iranian companies were finalized.

Officials from Iran and Total have hailed the new deal. Total CEO Patrick Pouyanne said the agreement is in the interests of the country and the partners. Meanwhile, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh thanked Total for coming back to Iran at a difficult time again.

The contract is the first international investment in Irans energy sector since nuclear-related sanctions on the Islamic Republic were lifted in January under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), making Total the first Western company to return to Irans energy industry in the post-sanctions era.

To avoid US sanctions, Total says it will use euros to finance the development of phase 11 of South Pars. Of note, when the French oil major signed a contract with Iran in 1997 to develop another part of South Pars  despite US restrictions  the move prompted other international energy giants such as Royal Dutch Shell, Italys Eni and Norways Statoil to enter Iran.

Now, Iranian officials hope that the new contract with Total will be an icebreaker and encourage other foreign companies  including Western firms  to return.

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Michael Cohen, head of Energy Commodities Research at Barclays, said that Totals return could pave the way for other companies to do so too  though under certain conditions. Depending on the company and its ties to the US financial system and the US energy industry, Totals re-entry could indeed pave the way for other countries. Irans energy sector holds much promise; this is without dispute. Yet, the election of Donald Trump introduces a new layer of uncertainty for foreign investors because it is abundantly unclear in what form the JCPOA will exist at the end of his term, nor is it clear what other sanctions the US government might introduce with a hawkish executive branch and a hawkish Congress.

To lure foreign investment, the Iranian Cabinet has given the green light to a new template for oil and gas contracts known as the Iran Petroleum Contract. The IPC, which requires international investors to team up with Iranian companies to form joint ventures, offers better incentives to foreign actors compared with the countrys previous buyback deals.

The contract with the Total-led consortium is the first foreign agreement signed within the IPC framework. According to NIOC officials, nearly 70% of activities to develop phase 11 will be carried out inside Iran, with the countrys workforce conducting 95% of activities.

These features, according to international energy consultant Mahmood Khaghani, are among the significant expedient factors that are positives for Iranian small- and medium-scale businesses. It is promising for these industries that they can enter contracts with European and Asian companies to assist in providing goods and services for projects such as phase 11, and they can have a hand in importing modern-day technology, Khaghani told Al-Monitor, adding, Such a policy is in line with the resistance economy [goal] to make the economy less vulnerable in the face of possible shocks.

Relatively oil-dependent Iran needs $200 billion of investment over the next five years to develop its energy sector. Experts like Cohen believe that Iran has to take a number of factors into consideration to succeed in attracting foreign investment. He told Al-Monitor, Like attracting investment in any foreign country, Iran needs to highlight the attractive resource base by deciding on unified terms and details for the IPC, and affirm contract sanctity and rule of law when it comes to foreign investment. It is more than just a sanctions issue for investors; it is also the banking sector: As long as these investors and their financiers continue to face reputational concerns and see evidence of illicit finance and corruption, it will be very difficult to invest.

While some experts believe that continued low oil prices will be another hurdle for Iran to attract new investment, Iran is continuing its drive to lure foreign companies. Schlumberger Ltd., the worlds largest oil driller by market value, announced on Nov. 27 that it has signed a preliminary deal to study an Iranian oil field, making it one of the most important contracts signed after the election of Donald Trump. Prior to that, it was announced that Norways DNO had signed a deal to study an oil field in western Iran.

Although most energy giants remain cautious about re-engaging with Iran  partly because of the remaining US sanctions  companies such as BP are exploring new measures to overcome such obstacles, like creating a new executive committee outside the United States to assess business in Iran, all in an effort to avoid possible violation of American restrictions. Given expectations of more of these kinds of measures by international oil majors, Iran could well be positioned to announce more energy projects in partnership with global oil giants sooner rather than later.
November 30, 2016

People nowadays seriously wonder if Turkey is about to split from the West. Is Turkeys opening up to the East, which became more noticeable after the July 15 coup attempt, a passing reaction to the lack of interest shown by the United States and Europe, or is it Ankaras more independent and nonaligned policy choice? Will the honeymoon between Ankara and Moscow in recent weeks become a long-term alliance?

The answers to these questions can be found among Turkeys military-security indicators, rather than political and economic indicators. The countrys perception of threats and allies has more bearings on its long-term strategic choices. After President Recep Tayyip Erdogans recent comment that if Turkey takes its place in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), this will allow it to act more freely, there has been a sharp rise in speculation that Turkey may leave the Western security bloc.

According to Gen. Leonid Ivashov, the director of Russias Geopolitical Studies Academy, Turkeys turn toward the SCO is the right move. He told the Russian government-run Sputnik news agency that as Ankara starts its accession process to the SCO, it should also initiate the process to quit NATO. Ivashov, who noted that US President-elect Donald Trump has labeled NATO an obsolete institution, said Turkey has to make its calculations and decide accordingly.

Countering Ivashovs hard-line comments is NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who was in Istanbul for the NATO Parliamentarians Assembly on Nov. 19 and had a long meeting with Erdogan. Referring to Erdogans remark that Turkey could join the SCO, Stoltenberg said, I am sure Turkey will do nothing that could impair the concept of joint defense  and NATO unity.

The NATO assembly in Istanbul focused on issues such as US-NATO relations in the Trump era, the future of the alliance, Turkeys preference for Russias S400 high-altitude air and missile defense systems, the status of Turkish officers working for NATO who dont want to return to Turkey and are seeking asylum, whether Turkey will appoint new officers for NATO posts, and the formation of the NATO training force in the Black Sea.

Professor Mustafa Kibaroglu, a leading researcher on NATO affairs at MEF University in Istanbul, told Al-Monitor, No matter who says what, I dont think Turkey will leave NATO in the foreseeable future. Anyway, SCO doesnt have the structure that can be an alternative to NATO. Moreover, I am not so sure that SCO wants Turkeys membership.

Defense industry commentator Arda Mevlutoglu thinks Ankaras rhetoric and political maneuvers in recent times amount to moves in a diplomatic chess game being played with the West following the July 15 coup attempt. That is why I dont think Turkish-Russian military relations will reach the level of an alliance. We know that Turkeys military relations with Russia, especially in defense procurements, have been very limited."

Further complicating defense cooperation between the two are "Turkeys NATO membership; the Ukraine crisis and the Crimea annexation, which brought Russian-Western relations to the point of rupture; and mutual recriminations between NATO and Russia," Mevlutoglu told Al-Monitor.

For Mevlutoglu, one of the most interesting outcomes of the improvement in Turkish-Russian relations has been Turkeys interest in the Russian air defense system S-400 (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Grumble).

Defense industry researcher Turan Oguz thinks the most important issue is the deepening crisis of confidence between Turkey and the West, which is very perceptible in defense-security spheres. Turkey has been extremely agitated to the extent of issuing threats to the United States and the West on issues such as armed drones, long-range air and missile defense systems, advanced cameras and engine technology. If there is a defense-security split, "the first cause of that will be the refusal of our Western allies to understand Turkey and its concerns, Oguz told Al-Monitor.

Can the current Russian-Turkish honeymoon become an actual alliance? According to political science doctoral student Kerim Has of Moscow State University, the answer is no. Has believes Russia wants to use its relations with Turkey as an instrument.

Russia believes that state structures and borders in the Middle East are bound to change, that non-state actors will have more prominent roles and, as such, a turbulent period during which security alliances will be redesigned is in the offing. From this point of view, Russias intention to open new spheres of influence in the region is understandable, he told Al-Monitor.

He thinks that Russia hopes Trump's incoming administration will initiate a Brexit-like process for NATO. Such an unplanned course for the European Union and NATO would no doubt please Russia. For such an unpredictable process for the EU and NATO, Russia needs Turkey, he said.

For Russia to count on Ankara as a military and security partner in the long run, Turkey has to leave NATO, he said.

"At present, Russia does not have a strategic military ally. Countries like Belarus, Kazakhstan and Armenia are not countries to defend Russia, but which need Russias protection, Has added.

Russia's real interest is not in a honeymoon with Turkey, but in a honeymoons rattling of the Western security system.

In a nutshell, it doesn't appear that Turkey will split from the West. Unless Russia can come up with a sustainable, collective security concept similar to NATO's, it's not realistic to expect a dalliance to become a full-fledged alliance.

But then, as emotions reign in Ankara and everything is secondary to domestic politics, perhaps no one wants an analytical decision.
December 1, 2016

Former Egyptian interim Vice President Mohamed ElBaradei stunned everyone, supporters and opponents alike, with the statements he made on the events that took place behind the scenes surrounding the ouster of former President Mohammed Morsi on July 3, 2013, and the forceful breakup of the Rabia al-Adawiya protest on Aug. 14, 2013.

In a first statement published Nov. 1, ElBaradei revealed controversial details on a meeting that had taken place on July 3, 2013, between the armed forces and then-Defense Minister Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on the one hand, and political forces, the pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Tawadros II, and Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb on the other. During the meeting, Sisi detailed the road map and Morsis ouster.

ElBaradeis statement included several points, most notably that at the start of the meeting, he was surprised that Morsi had been detained already that morning by the armed forces without any prior knowledge of the national forces. This was the reason Mohamed Saad el-Katatni, the head of the Freedom and Justice Party, the Muslim Brotherhoods political arm, had decided not to attend the meeting.

ElBaradei said, The available options became quite limited. And of course, there was no longer the option of holding a referendum on early elections. He also said that he had refused categorically during the 2013 meeting, which he had attended, the break-up of the protests in Rabia al-Adawiya and al-Nahda squares.

In the same statement, ElBaradei talked about political solutions the state and the Muslim Brotherhood were about to agree on back then  solutions that could have saved the country from drifting into a vicious circle of violence and division.

ElBaradeis statement stirred a debate among most Egyptian parties, whether elements of the Muslim Brotherhood or supporters of the ruling regime. Journalist Sakina Fouad had participated in the July 3 meeting, where the participants were informed of Morsis detention.

Fouad said in a press statement Nov. 1, What I understood [during the meeting] was that there were some reservations because the situation was inflamed and the risks were many. The people were very agitated. There was so much concern that one question was being repeatedly asked: Is there fear that the army might support the will of the people? The situation was very dangerous. But what I do know is that the meetings statement was not issued until after the Muslim Brotherhood had rejected categorically resorting to the will of the people.

In his second statement issued Nov. 14, ElBaradei revealed that he had received threats from some figures, which he did not name, that if he proceeded with his efforts to end the protest peacefully or via the national reconciliation formula, he would be destroyed.

The third statement issued Nov. 15 came in response to the accusations made by the media and some supporters of the ruling regime against ElBaradei saying his last two statements serve the Muslim Brotherhood and their battle against the current regime.

During his term as interim vice president, ElBaradei tried to prevent the dispersal of the Rabia al-Adawiya and al-Nahda protests by proposing solutions to bring the state and the Muslim Brotherhood closer. Before the ouster of Morsi, ElBaradei headed the National Salvation Front, which opposed the Brotherhoods rule and called for protests against Morsi. He then assumed the position of vice president of the republic on July 9, 2013. But following disputes with the ruling regime about the dispersal of the Rabia al-Adawiya protests, ElBaradei resigned on Aug. 14, 2013.

The spokesman for the Democratic Alliance, Khalid Dawood, defended ElBaradeis recent statements, saying in a blog post Nov. 2, ElBaradei was head of the National Salvation Front that overthrew Morsi, and this is the biggest proof that his statement is not in the Muslim Brotherhoods interest.

The head of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood overseas office, Ahmed Abdel-Rahman, called Nov. 3 on the law firm representing the group and the party in London to communicate with ElBaradei and to ask for his testimony in order to include it in the lawsuits submitted in European and international courts.

ElBaradei has great influence and a good reputation in international circles. His statements raised questions on how much they would impact the ruling regime in Egypt internationally. Will they weaken its legitimacy? How will they impact the balance of power between the parties to the conflict: the Muslim Brotherhood and the ruling regime?

In exclusive statements to Al-Monitor, Hassan Nafaa, a political science professor at Cairo University, said that ElBaradeis statements will not have a great impact abroad because Western countries know that his popularity in Egypt is not great and that he no longer affects the events in Egypt as he did in the past.

Nafaa noted that he used to be very close to ElBaradei before the January 25 Revolution. When the National Assembly for Change received ElBaradei at the time, he had a chance to lead the change process. But he did not take advantage of the opportunity. And when he became vice president of the republic he had the opportunity to lead the young people, but he wasted it. ElBaradeis first statement  in which he revealed what happened in the July 3 meeting  was aimed at clearing his name in front of the Western and political powers about his role in the so-called July 3 coup, and so that he does not get implicated in the detention of a legitimate president. But there is evidence that his statement lacks some truth. Over his [almost] two-month tenure as vice president, he did not object to the detention of former President Morsi.

Regarding the impact of ElBaradeis statements in the battle between the Muslim Brotherhood and the regime, Nafaa said, The Brotherhood will exploit ElBaradeis statements abroad and will emphasize to the West that what happened in Egypt was a coup, not a revolution. Perhaps the Brotherhood is trying to unify the political forces around ElBaradeis statement, but this move is unlikely to succeed due to the division and mistrust among all parties. Even ElBaradei no longer enjoys the trust of the Muslim Brotherhood or the political elite  something that is well understood by the West.
December 1, 2016

Conflicting statements from Turkeys president about the countrys ill-fated Syria policy have apparently disrupted secret talks between Syrian opposition rebels and Russia that are being brokered by his own government. The Financial Times reported today that negotiations over an Aleppo cease-fire were derailed after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkeys sole purpose in sending its troops to Syria were to overthrow the countrys President Bashar al-Assad.

The talks apparently resumed only after Erdogan and Putin spoke on the phone on Nov. 30. On the same day, Erdogan publicly declared that the target of the Turkish-led Operation Euphrates Shield in northern Syria was "not a particular country or individual" but "solely terrorist organizations."

The controversy unfolded just as Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov traveled to the resort city of Alanya on Nov. 30 to talk about Syria and other bilateral matters with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu. At a news conference following their talks today, Cavusoglu said that he and Lavrov had agreed on a cease-fire in Aleppo but that Turkeys stance on Assad remained unchanged.

In an interesting aside, US president-elect Donald Trump's oldest son, Donald Jr., was in the neighboring resort of Antalya around the same time as Lavrov. His secret visit, first reported by the independent Turkish online news portal Diken, was purportedly to hunt wild goats in the area at the invitation of an unidentified Turkish businessman.

The businessman was most likely Turkish media tycoon Aydin Dogan, who is the US president-elects business partner in an Istanbul skyscraper called Trump Towers.

Turkish officials speaking to Al-Monitor on strict condition of anonymity said they did not know whether Lavrov and Trump might have crossed paths in southern Turkey. Trump Jr.s trip was not handled by our government but by private individuals, one of the officials said.

Alongside his passion for hunting, Trump Jr. is known to have an interest in Syria. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that he had held private talks with diplomats, businessmen and politicians in Paris in October that focused in part on finding a way to cooperate with Russia to end the war in Syria. The event was hosted by a French think tank run by Fabien Baussart and his Syrian wife Randa Kassis, who according to the Journal have worked closely with Russia to try to end the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) claimed they had killed at least 37 fighters from Operation Euphrates Shield in the northern Aleppo countryside after the Turkish-backed group sought to seize control of the SDF-held town of Oulasha.

Turkey has been seeking to roll back the Kurdish-dominated groups advances near al-Bab and Manbij. The SDF-backed Manbij Military Council announced yesterday that an American and a German fighting for the SDF had been killed Nov. 26 as a result of Turkish airstrikes on western Manbij. They were identified as Michael Israel and Anton Leschek, respectively.

The pair was believed to have volunteered for the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, whom Turkey labels as terrorists. Turkey says regardless of their nationalities, anyone fighting for the group would be viewed as legitimate targets.
December 1, 2016

After seven months of negotiations, OPEC agreed to cut production in order to boost the price of oil, while exempting Iran, Nigeria and Libya from output cuts. Iranian media hailed the Nov. 30 deal in Vienna as a victory over Saudi Arabia.

It is OPEC's first supply cut in eight years, and will come into effect in January, along with a promised combined cut of 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) by Russia and other non-OPEC producers. Oil prices surged more than 9% immediately after the deal was announced.

At the Nov. 30 meeting, Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil producer, agreed to reduce output by about 500,000 bpd. Iran, however, continued to insist on being exempt from production cuts because of its lost share of the market during the years of international sanctions. Under the deal, Iran will be allowed to slightly increase output by 90,000 bpd to 3.797 million bpd. Meanwhile, the so-called reference production level, referring to Iran's determined pre-sanctions output, has been set at 3.975 million bpd.

A day before OPEC's meeting, on Nov. 29, Iran's Petroleum Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh said, "Those countries that raised their crude oil production the most while Iran was under the sanctions and Libya and Nigeria were engulfed in civil struggles must shoulder the burden of the OPEC production cuts more than others."

Since the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions in January, Iran has eagerly sought to return to the global oil market and to bring foreign investors back into its oil and gas sector. On Nov. 8, Frances Total became the first Western energy giant to agree to return to Iran. The preliminary $4.8 billion agreement, which is expected to be finalized early next year, was signed between the National Iranian Oil Company and a consortium led by Total to develop Phase 11 of Iran's giant South Pars natural gas field.

Meanwhile, in a move to boost oil production  just two weeks before OPEC's meeting  President Hassan Rouhani officially inaugurated three new oil fields in the oil-rich southwestern Khuzestan province Nov. 13.

The Iranian state broadcaster's newspaper Jam-e Jam covered the OPEC deal Dec. 1 with the headline, "The Defeat of Riyadh's Oil Diplomacy." The Jam-e Jam story read, "Finding a mechanism to implement the deal and control the oil production of OPEC member countries is more important than just reaching an agreement."

The Reformist Arman daily compared OPEC's agreement to the July 14, 2015, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which curbed Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from nuclear-related sanctions. Arman covered the oil output deal with the headline, "Iran's Oil JCPOA in Vienna."

Hamshahri daily on Dec. 1 printed the headline, "Oil Deal in Favor of Iran," and published the details of the agreement on its front page. It further highlighted Iranian-Russian relations and the Nov. 28 phone conversation between Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. According to Hamshahri, the phone call had a major impact on OPEC's agreement and pressured Saudi Arabia to accept Iran's conditions for a deal.

The government-run daily newspaper Iran also endorsed the agreement and led its coverage of the accord with "Irans Oil  Victory at OPEC." The daily wrote, "Iran's energy-related diplomacy saved OPEC from dissolution, and Saudi Arabia and its allies accepted the logic of Iran and other OPEC member countries."
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"Raven Telling His Story in the Fog," photograph, 2013, Zoe Marieh Urness

Emily Hanna, senior curator of the arts of Africa and the Americas at Birmingham Museum of Art

By Emily G. Hanna, Ph.D., Birmingham Museum of Art's senior curator and curator of the arts of Africa and the Americas

The artist Zoe Marieh Urness is a member of the Tlingit people, a Native American group in Alaska. She lives and works in Seattle, and photographs contemporary Native Americans in traditional regalia. She states, "When I graduated from college at Brooks Institute of Photography, I asked myself, 'What comes from me, and who am I?' The answer was quick and easy--it was my roots to my culture that gave me the sense of knowing who I am and where I come from. These portraits say, 'We are here, and we are thriving through our traditions.'"

This photograph, "Raven Telling His Story in the Fog," was taken in Washington State on Oct. 31, 2013. It depicts a Tlingit elder wearing a Raven headdress and regalia. The Tlingit people are organized into clans, and Raven is one of the most important clans, along with the Eagle. When Urness was a girl, she performed traditional dances and songs, and she recalls that one of the most popular was a love song between Raven and Eagle.

Urness states, "I waited four years to make this shoot possible." Once she had seen the incredible location with its massive tree stumps, she had to wait for elder Gene Tabagan to be free to travel from Alaska, and for the perfect weather and light conditions. "When you look at the image you can see that there are a lot of tones and texture on the tree stump's surface. It had rained before I got to the location, and the stump was in the process of drying. Not to mention the luck of having the fog. I would just say it was worth the wait."

Contemporary artists who are Native American bring multiple perspectives to their work. Urness is still deeply engaged in her Native culture, and just as deeply immersed in urban American popular culture and the contemporary art world.
In a new factory off Main Street in Fyffe, a business this week began marketing a product it says could revolutionize agriculture for the small farmer all over the world.

CleBer LLC hosted the opening of its plant which will manufacture the Oggun Iron Horse, a tractor designed for small-scale domestic and international farmers.

The tractor, which can sport a 19 horsepower Honda gas or Kohler diesel engine, weighs 1,500 pounds and uses hydraulic steering and brakes. It is built to sell at $10,000 in the gas model, and $13,000 in diesel.

The Oggun was designed so that all of its components are non-proprietary, so it can be fixed and maintained without having to order expensive, model specific parts - usually patent protected - that might be hard to acquire in the developing world.

The Oggun factory, which adjoins Liberty Steel Manufacturing, could produce up to 10,000 tractors a year. But first will come marketing, said Horace Clemmons, one of the founders of CleBer.

"This is where the real work begins," Clemmons said.

Clemons and his business partner, Saul Berenthal, have a background in personal computers and software. But Berenthal, a native of Cuba, believed a tractor like the Oggun could be a boon to the small farmers of his homeland.

Cuba annually imports about $2 billion in food, but still lags behind in agriculture despite publicized reforms in recent years. Part of the problem is that small farmers, relying on manual labor, find it hard to increase their production with basic farm implements.

As Clemmons explained, the price of heavy farm equipment can be prohibitive for small farmers the world over, and maintenance demands are even more frustrating.

The solution was to produce a tractor similar to the Allis Chalmers G, which was produced in Gadsden more than 60 years ago for the small farmer. At the same time, the company sought to design a tractor that would be easy to afford and fix. The Oggun's sales brochure proclaims that it can be maintained "in the field with nothing more than a wrench."

Originally, CleBer thought of selling the tractors in kits, which got Liberty Steel involved as a partner, said Kelly Pittman, Liberty's president. It took about a year to get the design nailed down.

However, CleBer is still working with the Cuban government at getting the product available there. For the moment, the Oggun is being marketed domestically and in the developing world.

Today, at the grand opening, observers from Senegal and Peru were among those getting a look at the tractor. Javier Matos, a Miami-based businessman, said he would like to make the Oggun available in Peru. He knows others who would be interested in Chile and other countries in South America.

"It's beautiful," he said, looking over one model. "I wish I had 10,000 right now. I think it has a lot of potential."

Kirk Iversen, an agronomist with Auburn University, said the most exciting aspect of the product will be the different uses owners will find for the tractor. He recalled his experiences in the Peace Corps.

"In Africa, they would use tractors to grind maize and several other things," he said. "You can't even imagine some of the things they'd be able to do with something like this."
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(Mike Cason/mcason@al.com)

Gov. Robert Bentley's advisory council on gambling will hear from leaders of lotteries in two states on Thursday.

Rose Hudson, president and CEO of the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, and Charlie McIntyre, executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery, will speak to the council, which is meeting for the third time.

Bentley formed the advisory council to study gambling issues and laws. He did that after his plan for a state lottery to support the state budget failed during a special session.

The council is to report its findings to the governor and Legislature in January.

Poarch Band of Creek Indians Vice Chairman Robert McGhee spoke to the council at its last meeting, along with gambling opponents Joe Godfrey of the Alabama Citizens Action Program and Les Bernal, national director of Stop Predatory Gambling.

Thursday's meeting is at 1 p.m. in room 617 of the Alabama State House.
Pratt City Park storm shelter.JPG

Pratt City Park community safe room to be complete by the end of December 2016. (Erin Edgemon/eedgemon@al.com)

Pratt City Park community safe room to be complete by the end of December 2016. (Erin Edgemon/eedgemon@al.com)

Birmingham officials say three of five planned community storm shelters will be open before the spring tornado season.

That's nearly six years after the April 27, 2011 tornadoes that devastated parts of Alabama, including the community of Pratt City. One tornado hit the northwest Birmingham community, killing one person and destroying the library, a fire station, numerous homes, apartment buildings, at least one church and vehicles.

All of Birmingham's shelters, dubbed safe rooms, will be located in Pratt City, which historically is in the path of tornadoes. Under Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines, all of the shelters have to be located within a five-minute walk of the residents of the Pratt City community, said Birmingham Planning and Engineering Director Andre Bittas.

Each shelter is designed to hold hundreds or thousands of people.

According to the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, there are 12 community storm shelters currently in the county. Another 11 shelters are under construction.

Alabama was awarded at least $33 million from FEMA following the outbreak of tornadoes to build community safe rooms. Under the program, FEMA would reimburse 75 percent of the costs for projects that were deemed to have the potential to save lives and reduce property damage in future disasters.

Bittas said the city received about $6 million for shelters. The city didn't receive the funds until late 2012, he said.

"We felt that we needed to provide some community shelters for people, if they choose to go to, during tornado season or during any other natural disaster," he said. "We will open these shelters as needed."

Bittas said he feels the timing of the construction of the shelters is appropriate. The city first had to concentrate on the cleanup after the 2011 storms.

He said the city then had to go through a bid process to hire engineers and designers to come up with the design criteria, and then bid the first shelters for construction.

Some of the bids were too high and had to be rebid, Bittas said.

Denise Bell, floodplain administrator for the city, who oversees the shelter project, said the community safe rooms are monolith, above-ground buildings made out of concrete and steel. They are built on site, she said.

Bittas said the walls of the structures are 18 inches of concrete. Each one takes about nine months to construct, he said.

The shelters are basically open spaces designed to hold residents for a limited period of time. Each shelter is self-sustained with underground utilities and a generator. Each are equipped with restrooms and storage rooms.

Shelters at the Pratt City Park at 1331 3rd Street and Jimmie Hudson Park at 305 Pratt Highway will be open by the end of December, Bittas said.

A third shelter at Smithfield-Estates Park at 1707 Huntington Drive will be completed in February.

Bittas said he expects to the construction contract for the fourth shelter at South Hampton Elementary School to be awarded in February. The fifth shelter at Howze-Sanford Park is in the design process.

In the aftermath of the 2011 tornadoes, many individual residents decided to build reinforced rooms to serve as storm shelters in their homes, Bell added.

Bittas noted that the new Pratt City branch of the Birmingham Public Library and the new fire station were built to withstand tornado-force winds. New senior housing also included reinforced rooms to serve as storm shelters.

Jefferson County Storm Shelters by Erin Edgemon on Scribd
Alabama Death Row inmate Ronald Bert Smith, who was convicted in the 1994 slaying of a Huntsville convenience store clerk, has asked Gov. Robert Bentley to commute his death sentence to life without the possibility of parole.

Smith is set to be executed Dec. 8 at Homan Correctional Facility in Atmore.

The petition includes a statement from one of the jurors at Smith's trial that says the majority of the jurors thought Smith should get a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

"Ronald's trial was the first time I had ever been a juror in a murder trial. It was very painful to make such a difficult decision, only to have the judge disregard it," the juror, Vera Allen, stated.

Smith's lawyers say Ms. Allen joined two retired correctional officers, a Methodist minister, Smith's parents, Smith's 22-year-old son, and other friends in petitioning Bentley to commute the sentence.

Ronald Smith, far right, and his son, mother, and father.

Yasamie August, communications director for the governor, declined comment on the Nov. 18 clemency request.

Meanwhile, Smith's attorneys are preparing to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court the Alabama Supreme Court's rejection of one appeal over claims that the state's death penalty sentencing law is unconstitutional. And the lawyers also have appealed to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals over claims that Alabama's lethal injection method for executions also is unconstitutional.

In both the appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court and letter for clemency to Bentley, lawyers for Smith say that Alabama's death penalty sentencing law in unconstitutional because it allows judges to override juries' sentencing recommendations.

Alabama is now the only state that allows judicial override after the U.S. Supreme Court in January knocked down a similar law in Florida and the Delaware Supreme Court in August ruled the practice there unconstitutional.

"Crucially, life imprisonment was the punishment chosen by the jury at Mr. Smith's trial," the letter to Bentley states. "The trial judge's decision to override the jury's verdict and instead impose a sentence of death is a procedure which has aroused the misgivings of many, including the United States Supreme Court. As Governor, you are empowered to correct what would otherwise be a historic injustice."

Last month, Smith's attorneys asked the Alabama Supreme Court to vacate his execution date and consider whether his death sentence is constitutional in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Hurst v. Florida. The Alabama Supreme Court denied the request on Nov. 22 with Justice Glenn Murdock dissenting in the opinion.

Smith's attorneys with the Federal Public Defender's Office in Montgomery, in a press release issued Thursday, say they will now be asking the United States Supreme Court to review his case.

"The petition to the United State Supreme Court will argue that Mr. Smith's death sentence is unconstitutional because the judge sentenced Mr. Smith to death even though the jury voted that Mr. Smith's sentence should be life without parole," according to the statement from Christine Freeman, Executive Director of the Federal Defenders Office.

"Thirty-one states and the federal government allow the death penalty, but today, Alabama is the only one that empowers judges to override jury verdicts for life," according to the statement from Freeman. "If Mr. Smith's execution goes forward, he will be the first prisoner whose death sentence was obtained via override to be executed since the ruling in Hurst."

Christopher Brooks, who was executed in Alabama less than two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Florida, was not sentenced as the result of a jury override.

"For more than 20 years, Ronald Smith Jr. has served the sentence chosen by his jury, life in prison," according to the clemency request. "He has done so with a remorseful and repentant heart, endeavoring to make a positive difference in the lives of those closest to him, including his family, correctional officers, and fellow inmates."

"Armed with a renewed faith in Christ, Mr. Smith has shown that the abuse in his past, whether child abuse or alcohol abuse, does not define him. Instead, he has striven to be the leader and public servant so many recognized he had the potential to be, even from prison," the clemency request states.

Lethal injection

Smith is among several death row prisoners pursuing a constitutional challenge to Alabama's lethal injection procedure, which they contend violates their Eighth Amendment right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, according to the statement from Freeman.

Due to fears that Alabama's current three-drug lethal injection protocol would leave him insufficiently anesthetized and therefore conscious of the agonizing sensation of being burned alive from the inside by the potassium chloride that is used to stop the heart, Mr. Smith in November volunteered to be the first individual in the United States to be executed using only Midazolam, a sedative that can be lethal in extremely high doses, Freeman stated. U.S. District Court Judge Keith Watkins recently dismissed Smith's complaint. Smith's attorneys are appealing that decision to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Alabama death row inmate Tommy Arthur's scheduled execution on Nov. 3 was delayed by the U.S. Supreme Court due to his appeal on the state's method of lethal injection.
Camping World Gatlinburg relief copy.jpg

Layne Schumann, an RV sales associate at Camping World in Calera knows RV camping and RV campers. He also knows the places RVers in Alabama love to visit.

"If you're not going to the beach, you're going to the mountains, places like Gatlinburg, Tennessee," he said.

Gatlinburg and the surrounding area including Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been devastated by wild fires over the last week, the extent of which is now yet fully known.

Schumann wanted to make a contribution to the relief effort and has started collecting items to send to the victims. As part of Camping World's Good Sam Club Project Good Samaritan Schumann and the Calera store are collecting items that will help those in need.

Toiletries, tooth brushes, baby wipes, dog and other pet foods, pet kennels, cases of water and Gatorade, lip balm and socks are all things needed by the vicitms of the wildfires. No food or clothing is needed at this time although socks are an exception.

" The RV community is a close knit family," Schumann said. "There are RVers from the Birmingham area collecting items from across central Alabama and will deliver them here over the weekend."

Donations can be delivered to the Camping World Calera store located at 730 George Roy Pkwy. off I-65 at the Shelby County Airport exit 234. The store hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. The truck will leave Birmingham for Gatlinburg early Monday morning.
The former president of the Communications Workers of America, Local 3901, in Oxford, Ala., was indicted Wednesday for a scheme to embezzle more than $69,000 from the group, federal authorities announced.

Michael Lackey, 43, of Bremen, Ga., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Birmingham on charges of bank fraud, embezzlement of labor union funds and failure to maintain labor union records, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Investigator Hollis Lindley Jr.

Lackey was elected president of Local 3901 in October 2008 and remained in that position until October 2014, according to the statement. As president, Lackey held sole responsibility and control over the local's finances, including its accounts at Wells Fargo and Regions banks, according to the statement.

Lackey executed a scheme to defraud the banks between February 2010 and October 2014 by using his position as Local 3901 president to conduct unauthorized transactions to take money from the local's bank accounts and use it for his personal benefit, according to the indictment.

Those transactions included writing checks to himself from Local 3901 accounts for unauthorized or nonexistent travel expenses, using debit cards he obtained on accounts for the local at both Regions and Wells Fargo for personal expenses, and making cash withdrawals from Local 3901 accounts at both banks for his personal use, according to the indictment. He then tried to conceal the theft by failing to maintain records of his unauthorized transactions and by failing to seek approval for expenditures, as required by federal law and the Local 3901 constitution and bylaws, according to the indictment.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Xavier O. Carter Sr. is prosecuting.
A bold new plan to transform Harper Lee's hometown of Monroeville into a major tourist destination for fans of the late author and her writings is slated to roll out beginning as early as March.

A tight-knit coalition, including Lee's attorney Tonja Carter and wealthy paper mill magnate George Landegger, plans to create the "Harper Lee Trail," a multifaceted collection of new Lee-related attractions aimed at drawing hundreds of thousands of additional tourists to the small Monroe County town each year.

With plans to refurbish a 1909 building to serve as a museum dedicated to Harper Lee, build replicas of three homes that served as settings in her seminal novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," and provide other new offerings, the proposed trail would be a costly endeavor that would take years to complete.

Pete Black, a member of the board of Mockingbird Company - a nonprofit founded in May 2015 by Lee, Carter and Montgomery accountant Paul Fields - spoke to AL.com Wednesday about the little-known plan.

Carter did not respond to requests for comment via email and phone and instead instructed Black to answer questions about the project. Black said the Wednesday phone interview marked the first time the plan's details have been discussed with a media outlet.

"There's a bigger vision that we're working on in Monroeville," he said. "With Ms. Lee's passing in February we've been working with leaders in Monroeville on how do we honor Ms. Lee, and our vision is, with some time, how do we create a Harper Lee Trail?"

Alabama's Stratford-upon-Avon

Inspired in part by visits in July by Carter, Black and Monroe County Probate Judge Greg Norris to William Shakespeare's birthplace at Stratford-upon-Avon in England to learn about how it has been turned into a popular destination for fans of the playwright, the Harper Lee Trail would fundamentally change Monroeville's tourism industry.

Landegger, chairman of the Parsons & Whittemore pulp and paper company, funded Black and Norris' transatlantic trips, according to Black, who also serves as Parsons & Whittemore's Alabama business director.

"We had a great trip," Norris told the Monroe Journal newspaper after he returned from England in July. "While there, we had the opportunity to meet with Juliet Short, the Stratford mayor, and she provided us with lots of ideas on how to grow tourism in our county."

The only major cultural attraction in Monroeville currently dedicated largely to Lee's legacy is the old Monroe County Courthouse. Lee based the courtroom that serves as the setting for the trial in "To Kill a Mockingbird" on the one in the county courthouse, which also houses a museum of artifacts that includes many related to the novelist, who died Feb. 19 at the age of 89.

But Carter's coalition hopes that the Harper Lee Trail would greatly expand the offerings that Lee pilgrims could patronize when visiting her hometown, which was the inspiration for the fictional town of Maycomb immortalized in "Mockingbird."

Landegger responded to an email seeking comment with a short statement.

"It's somewhat too early to go public with our planning which [is] still embryonic," he wrote Tuesday. "I will be happy to speak with you end January (sic) with good news."

'Longer-term vision'

In September, Landegger purchased the Old Monroe County Bank Building on the town's historic Courthouse Square, a historic structure that once housed the offices of Lee's father's law practice.

Black said the trail coalition hopes to register a foundation later this month that would raise funds to renovate the bank building and turn it into a Harper Lee museum. He described the foundation as "the first step" toward realizing the dream of a Harper Lee Trail.

The entity, which Black described as "a public charity to raise funds" for the trail's development and construction, will likely be called the Harper Lee Literary Foundation. The mission of the foundation "would be to honor the literary legacy of Ms. Lee and at the same time get more people to visit Ms. Lee's Maycomb," Black explained.

The coalition plans to develop a number of properties to be featured as part of the trail, and to fund the efforts largely via the foundation, assuming it can generate enough funds via donations, grants and other sources to do so.

"Our longer-term vision would be doing that in Monroeville: making sure the courthouse is maintained and refurbished as necessary; restoring that bank building to the 1909 vintage and making it into a museum; refurbishing the house where the Lee sisters lived during their senior years; and a plan to replicate the three houses from the To Kill a Mockingbird neighborhood. We've got big plans, working on a big vision."

The house he referred to is the last private residence where Harper and Alice Lee lived together before they fell into poor health. And the three houses he referenced are ones from Lee's youth in Monroeville that have long been torn down but that served as the inspiration for the homes of Boo Radley, Scout and other "Mockingbird" characters.

'250,000 visitors'

The details of the proposal have yet to be formally announced, but sources in Monroeville said that it has been discussed in general terms with a number of local leaders in recent months.

In February, Landegger told attendees of the Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner that "[i]t is good that over 30,000 people visit the old courthouse each year, but let's set our goal to attract 100,000 or 200,000 or 250,000 visitors annually," according to The Monroe Journal.

Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Department of Tourism and Travel, has also been told about the plans for the trail, according to Black. Sentell was traveling this week and was not available to provide comment about the proposal.

"Lee Sentell was here the week before last and we met with him and he's very, very excited," Black said. "He sees the impact it will have."

In March, Birmingham attorney Scott Adams registered a Montgomery company called Harper Lee LLC with the state. Little is known about the private company, but Fields confirmed Wednesday that he is its chief financial officer, and that Carter is the point person for any inquiries about the property.

"I'm not authorized to give you any information other than to let you know that what you just asked me is correct," he said when asked if he was in fact the CFO of Harper Lee, LLC, as he indicates in his resume on the LinkedIn social network.

"[Carter] would be one person you could contact," he said, when asked where one could obtain more information about the company.
A Tuscaloosa man is under federal indictment amid claims he trafficked cocaine, and used FedEx to help him do so.

A four-count indictment charges 39-year-old Thomas Blanks II with conspiracy to distribute cocaine from March through May of this year in Tuscaloosa County. According to the indictment, which was issued on Wednesday, Blanks distributed 500 grams or more of cocaine on May 17 using FedEx, a corporation involved in interstate commerce, to promote illegal distribution of drugs.

Additionally, authorities say, Blanks was a twice-convicted felon who, during the drug transactions, was in possession of a .390-caliber pistol and 9mm ammunition.

The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and ATF Special Agent in Charge Steven Gerido. ATF and the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force investigated the case, which the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama is prosecuting.

According to a press release, this week's indictment supersedes an August indictment that charged Blanks with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

The minimum penalty for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and for distributing 500 grams or more of cocaine is five years in prison. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and for distributing 500 grams or more of cocaine is 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. The maximum penalty for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and the maximum penalty for using a facility in interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Jackson County tornado that killed three people just after midnight Wednesday churned across the ground for only two minutes.

The weather service classified the tornado as an EF-2 with peak estimated winds of 127 mph, which would make the twister a high-end tornado based on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

The victims were in a mobile home park on County Road 71 in Rosalie, the weather service said. Their identities have not been released. Several mobile homes were destroyed, the storm survey said.

Gov. Robert Bentley is scheduled to visit the area on Thursday.

According to the weather service, the tornado touched down at 12:02 a.m. Wednesday and lifted two minutes later at 12:04 a.m. In those two minutes, it covered a path 1.7 miles long and 204 yards wide.

A strip mall destroyed by the high winds was among the damage in the community, the survey said.

The tornado lifted briefly before crossing into DeKalb County near Ider and touching down again six minutes after lifting in Rosalie.

The storm also strengthened with the weather service assessing the tornado as an EF-3 with peak estimated winds of 145 mph. It tracked along the ground for 7.5 miles, carving a path 156 yards wide. Seven people were reported injured by the storm in Ider.

A day care was among the structures destroyed by the Ider tornado.

Storm surveyors from the Huntsville weather office also identified a pair of EF-2 tornadoes - one in Madison County in east Huntsville and the other in Franklin and Colbert counties in northwest Alabama. Three people were injured in the Franklin/Colbert tornado while no injuries were reported in the Huntsville tornado.
As the 70-year-old woman trudged through the wreckage left behind by a tornado that killed three in Alabama, Carol Womack found what she was looking for.

She reached down through the pouring rain into a pile of what remained of her grandparents' home in Rosalie, and she emerged with a hammer in hand.

As she walked toward the house, Womack also collected a sheet of plastic. That would have to do for now. The rain was flooding the Jackson County home that had been severely damaged in Tuesday night's storm, and Womack wanted to save everything she could. She used the hammer to hang the plastic sheet over the broken window as rain drenched her blue coat and wind caused the sheet to flap back and forth.

"It's just devastating," said Womack, who has lived in Rosalie all her life. "I've been here and seen the damage over and over when a tornado hit. But, it's never hurt me or destroyed any of my property until now."

The house where Womack lives wasn't damaged in the storms, but she wasn't hopeful this morning that she could salvage much from the home she inherited from her grandparents and a next-door trailer that belonged to her mother on Alabama 71.

Just down the road, three people, whose identities haven't been released, were killed in a home that was destroyed. What was left of the home was blown to the opposite side of the highway.

Fallen power lines were lying mangled across county roads as crews worked to put them back up. Tree branches blocked the path of people returning to survey the damage at their homes.

Time and time again, Rosalie has been what seems like a target when severe weather, specifically tornadoes, strike north Alabama.

"It's like a bull's-eye," said Jackson County Chief Deputy Rocky Harnen. "It just hits here so bad and leaves behind a path of destruction."

The unincorporated community is located near Pisgah, which has a population of just over 700 people. Rosalie was hit by tornadoes in 2011, 2008, 2003 and 1996. Each time, death, damage or both proceeded.

Karen Carter remembers when her friend, 60-year-old Linda Tinker was killed by a February, 2008 tornado that stretched as wide as a half-mile during its nearly 11-mile bowl through Pisgah and Rosalie.

"I had just left from checking on my mom when I saw a group of men standing around in a circle," said Carter, a 51-year-old lifelong Rosalie resident. "At first I wondered why they were standing around with all the work needing done after the tornado. But then, I realized they were praying over a body, and it turned out to be Linda."

On Wednesday, Carter was reminded of the aftermath of previous tornadoes, but her main concern was checking on the welfare of friends who were in the path of Tuesday night's storm.

Carter was checking on her co-worker, Al Fellger, whose apartment home was damaged.

Carter and Fellger were working at The Children's Place, a clothes distribution center in Fort Payne, when he heard his home might have been damaged. Fellger has lived in Rosalie for three years but only moved into the home in October. A brick wall on the shed behind the apartment was blown away.

"It's just unbelievable how the storm tore through here," Fellger said. "I can't believe it's strong enough to tear away the brick like that. "I'm just thankful to be OK and to still have a place to live."

An old store next to Fellger's home didn't survive the storm.

"I can remember going there with my daddy when I was a kid and playing checkers while we ate peanuts and beef jerky," Carter said of Graben Motors store. "So many of these places that are destroyed seem like they've been here forever.

"You'd think if they made it through all the other tornadoes, they'd make it this time, too," Carter continued.

Similarly, Rosalie Baptist Church had survived several other storms. But, a crew of volunteers arrived Tuesday morning to help clean up the wreckage left this time.

"We're just trusting in God and his plan," said Ange Little, wife of Rosalie Baptist pastor Roger Little. "We might not like his plan, but it's his, and we're going to keep our faith in him."

A group of volunteers from the Southern Baptist Association was on site helping salvage any items that could be protected from water damage.

"We're just thankful all of our church members are OK," Ange Little said. "This church is just a building, but for some people it's going to be tough seeing it gone.

"Some people have memories of weddings, birthdays, dedications and funerals of family members," she continued. "For them, it's really going to be even more sad."

Pastor Little said he's not sure where the congregation will meet this Sunday, but that he knows the church will survive this tragedy.

About 6 miles east in Ider, a community in DeKalb county, Carter Hughes stood outside his home off Alabama 117 looking at the destruction left behind by a tornado that injured at least four children.

"We were inside when the tornado came," Hughes said. "Me and my wife, Celeste, were OK. It was quick, and it just came right over us so loud."

Hughes said he doesn't believe any of their belongings will be salvaged because of rain that drenched the damaged home for hours after the storm.

Next door, children were injured when a daycare was completely destroyed. They had left their mobile home to seek shelter in the building.

In DeKalb, more than 50 homes were reported to have damage.

"I guess everybody will just have to rebuild," said Karen Carter. "All we can do is hope it doesn't happen again."
A north Alabama man who served 15 years in prison for his role in the 1996 "cellphone murders" has been arrested for fatally stabbing his girlfriend in Huntsville.

Corey Johnson

Corey Syleb Johnson, 43, is charged with domestic-violence murder in the death of Candice Wilson, 42, who was stabbed multiple times in the couple's Del Norte Drive home Wednesday evening. Wilson died at Huntsville Hospital, Lt. Stacy Bates said.

Johnson was released from prison in 2011 after serving a sentence for murder in connection with the execution-style killings of four people and injuries of two others.

Bryan Carter, 21; Michael Beaudette, 19; Johnny Couch, 18; and Lamar Hemphill, 21, were fatally shot. Michelle Hayden, then 17, was shot in her face, elbow and abdomen. Ashley Rutherford, then 22, was shot in the back of the head and survived by pretending he was dead.

Johnson did not fire a weapon and received a lighter sentence than his accomplices. Joey Wilson, who was 19 at the time of the murders, and Nicholas Acklin, then-25, were convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. Neither has been executed yet.

Nick Acklin

The murders occurred at a home on U.S. 72 when Wilson, Acklin and Johnson went to the house to confront Hemphill about a police report he filed. Hemphill had listed Johnson as a suspect in stealing his cellphone.

Johnson also had reportedly stolen marijuana from the house, according to court testimony.

On Wednesday night, police responded to Johnson's home around 5 p.m. after receiving a call about a cutting, Bates said.

Johnson was taken into custody after being treated for minor self-inflicted injuries.

The suspect is being held in the Madison County Jail without bail set.

If convicted, Johnson faces up to life in prison.
Robertson_edited.jpg

Decatur police Lt. Proncey Robertson

The spokesman for an Alabama police department who also chairs the Lawrence County Republican party is being investigated because of comments he made on social media.

Decatur police Public Information Officer Lt. Proncey Robertson is the subject of an internal affairs investigation because of comments he made referencing the Ku Klux Klan, Muslims, President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump on his personal Facebook page, Chief Nate Allen said. Decatur is a city in Morgan County with about 55,000 residents.

Decatur police Chief Nate Allen

Robertson made the comments on a post he shared that included a link to a story about a hacking group publishing the identities of police officers and politicians who are affiliated with the KKK. The hacking group is known as "Anonymous."

The Facebook conversation involved a person who accused President-elect Donald Trump's chief strategist Steve Bannon of being "alt-right white male supremacist! The KKK is in the White House-they are very relevant," the commenter said.

Robertson responded with, " 'Well,, If we survived a Musli(m) President born in Kenya,, surely we can survive one little klansman. #GoodGrief.'"

"The Klan and every other white Supremacist groups out there are completely 'irrelevant' unless the media and groups like this advertise and put them on the front page," Robertson also wrote on Facebook. "They have NO influence on anyone or any group that matters. The klan and this ideology has been dead and gone for decades."

Robertson since has said the comment he made was "sarcastic."

"I want to make it clear to all of you who did not see the post or may see it again in the future that this single 'Sarcastic comment' was made as a jest in response to what I thought was a radical, statement about 'White Supremacist/KKK' being in the new Trump White House," Robertson wrote in a later Facebook post. "For the record, I do NOT believe that White Supremacist have infiltrated the Trump White House. Like wise I do NOT believe President Obama is a Muslin born in Kenya. I believe both statements are radical opinions that are meant to create division."

Allen, who took over as Decatur's police chief in May has focused his efforts on strengthening community relations.

"I'm not going to say this incident harmed those relations, but it did put some question marks up," Allen said. "I believe Lt. Robertson just made a personal mistake with his sarcasm remarks and that's something we have to work to correct."

Allen said Robertson is still handling the department's communications with the public, including talking to members of the press.

"Lt. Robertson has learned not to use sarcasm," Allen said. "There's no place for it at all."

Allen said the department's social media policy doesn't allow officers to use their uniform or position as a police officer in personal posts.

Robertson said he wasn't speaking for the department or Allen in the comments on his personal page.

"Like it or not I understand that sometimes people do not see me as an individual because of my professional position (s)," Robertson said. "When people disagree with me personal they may attempt to connect my personal statement with public position."
The scene at Ider Christian Academy Daycare in DeKalb County told the story far better than words ever could.

The building, simply, didn't exist anymore - scattered for hundreds of yards across a field, nothing more than debris strewn across the Alabama countryside.

Except the men's bathroom on the southeast corner of the building. Less than two days after being slammed by an EF-3 tornado packing winds of 145 mph, the four walls of that bathroom still stood.

And that's where seven members of the Price family survived the tornado that struck just after midnight on Wednesday.

Their cars were thrown into each other and none of the structure was recognizable. But that bathroom stood firm.

"The more I look at it, the more thankful I am that everybody survived," said John Price, whose family owned the daycare. "This is just stuff. This can be rebuilt."

Price wasn't there himself but his parents, an uncle and cousins crammed into the bathroom - figuring it was a safer shelter than their mobile homes. Of course, their mobile homes weren't damaged, Price said.

Gov. Robert Bentley, during a visit to the area on Thursday, could hardly take his eyes off that bathroom - seemingly astonished that it remained standing.

"It's amazing when I got to places like homes and places like this, and the only thing left standing is that room, that tells me that God was looking after them," Bentley said. "I've seen it all over this state. And the only places that will be standing is where the people were.

"We're blessed that we didn't lose any lives here."

Three people were killed a few miles away where the tornado originated in Rosalie - where Bentley also visited Thursday before a scheduled visit to Arley in Winston County to review more tornado damage.

Those victims were in a mobile home that was destroyed by the storm, according to the National Weather Service forecast office in Huntsville. They were identified Thursday as April Wright, 22, her brother Justin Wright, 26, and Justin's girlfriend, Jessica Fleming, 21.

In Rosalie, Bentley visited the destroyed plaza that housed a small grocery store and a T-shirt shop. He comforted business owners and urged them to seek government assistance in rebuilding their businesses.

Even though the Rosalie tornado was rated an EF-2 - slightly less severe than the EF-3 in Ider - the destruction was disheartening. The plaza was gone and trees and power lines were toppled throughout the small town on Alabama Highway 71.

That highway remained closed on Thursday as law enforcement officials kept sightseers away from the damage.

"It pretty well wiped Rosalie out," said Donnie Hedrick, a longtime resident whose home was located directly behind the plaza.

At Rosalie Elementary School, the building itself did not appear to be damaged by towering pine trees in the playground were snapped and fell atop the slides and monkey bars.

That school also has two storm shelters on the campus that Bentley said was crammed with about 200 people during the midnight storm. The shelters apparently only had a capacity for 140 people.

While Bentley offered his thoughts and prayers for the storm victims, he also used his visit to tout the value of storm shelters built throughout the state following the historic 2011 tornado outbreak that killed more than 240 people in Alabama.

The governor also visited a family in Ider whose home was blown off its foundation. That family had received one of 4,000 individual storm shelters built in homes and paid for with part of the $63 million the state received in federal mitigation money after the 2011 storms, Bentley said.

"We put up 275 (community) safe rooms around the state and 50,000 people in Alabama are protected by safe rooms," Bentley said.

But for the Price family, a well-built men's bathroom became its own safe room.

John Price said his mother and uncle remain at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga in critical but stable condition. One cousin is recovering in the hospital while his father and his uncle's three grandchildren have been released.

"He actually came today to find his walking stick," John said of his father. "He can't walk without it."

John Price said he was asleep in his home in nearby Flat Rock with the tornado hit. He didn't know that his family has taken sanctuary in the daycare, nor did he know that the area was hit by a tornado.

He was awakened during the night by a friend who works at the Trenton police department just across the line in northwest Georgia.

"All he told me was something due to the weather, my family was at the emergency room and they don't know where all of them are," Price said. "That was my wake-up call."

With the family all accounted for, it's too soon to think about the future, Price said. The daycare has been closed for several months after sustaining damage from a fire. Now, the building doesn't even exist anymore.

Beyond the worries for his family's recovering, Price also couldn't help but think about the daycare itself.

"That's what we were so grateful about - there were no kids here," he said. "On any given day, we would have 12 to 15 kids here."

Price also met with Bentley when the governor first arrived in Ider.

"He's a nice guy," Price said of the governor. "He seemed very sincere. He really wants to know what happened. He's really concerned about what happened. He wants to know what he can do to make things better. That's the impression I got."

In Rosalie, Hedrick and his wife were just trying to get to their storm shelter in the front yard. As soon as he opened the front door, though, Hedrick said he knew he couldn't make it to the shelter about 30 yards away.

"It was real still and quiet," Hedrick said. "I didn't really see anything at the time, then I heard a little noise and I knew one was coming. I knew we couldn't go anywhere. So we walked back in the house. And we weren't halfway back in the house and it hit."

A yard full of trees buried the house until it couldn't be seen, Hedrick said.

"I did have a lot of shade," Hedrick said of the trees. "Don't have any more."
iderdamage

Seven people survived an EF-3 tornado in this daycare in Ider just after midnight on Wednesday. Additional storm surveys are planned for the area on Thursday. (Paul Gattis/pgattis@al.com)

Storm damage in Marshall and Morgan counties is being evaluated Thursday by the National Weather Service forecast office in Huntsville for possible tornado paths.

The weather service said it will be conducting storm surveys in Union Grove near Arab and in the areas of Danville and Neel in west Morgan County.

Storm surveys are continuing for a second day in the Ider community in DeKalb County and storm damage in neighboring Jackson County will also be part of the surveys Thursday.

The weather service on Wednesday confirmed four tornadoes touched down in north Alabama: An EF-3 tornado in Ider and three EF-2 tornadoes in Rosalie in Jackson County, the eastern part of Huntsville and Madison County and in Franklin County that crossed into Colbert County in northwest Alabama.
Even as officials in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevier County assess the damage caused by a massive wildfire, the question of how the blaze started continues.

Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller said firefighters were already battling a 3-acre blaze on Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park when wind speeds picked up and shifted directions. Around 6 p.m. Monday, the wind speed doubled, blowing embers from the wildfire into Gatlinburg and then surrounding areas. Miller told Nashville Public Radio some of the wind speeds topped 87 miles per hour, blowing embers up to a mile away.

The area was already under a no-burn order due to an ongoing drought conditions.

The dry, windy conditions made for the perfect storm - setting off a blaze that burned more than 15,000 acres, killing seven people and damaging or destroying hundreds of homes and businesses.

Park officials said the Chimney Tops fire was not a natural occurrence.

"We are experiencing extremely dry conditions throughout the park and we are asking for the public's help to prevent uncontrolled wildfires," Chief Ranger Steve Kloster said at the time. "The cause of the fire near Chimney Tops appears to be human caused."

The national park is now closed indefinitely due to the fire. As many as 14,000 residents and visitors were evacuated from Gatlinburg and city officials said they do not know when they will be allowed back in. Pigeon Forge residents were allowed to return today.

As many as 14 fires are still burning in the national park. The blazes are contained and are being managed by firefighters on the ground, according to the Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce.

Police have not said if they have a suspect related to the Chimney Tops fire. In recent weeks, fire investigators have arrested seven suspects in connection to wildfires set in the state and Homeland Security officials have pledged to use the full force of the law against anyone found guilty of setting a fire.

"If one of our first responders is injured badly or is God forbid killed fighting these wildfires, I can promise you the full weight of state government will come down upon you," David Purkey, Tennessee Commissioner of Safety and Homeland Security, said at the time.
Eleven hostages held in a Jacksonville, Florida bank Thursday morning were released unharmed, according to local law enforcement.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Department said a suspect is in custody after the incident at Community First Credit Union. Sheriff's officials said they received a call about 9 a.m. to report an armed gunman at the bank.

SWAT and hostage negotiators responded. Early reports indicated one of the hostages had been shot but sheriff's officials said that was untrue and there were no injuries.

The identity of the suspect has not been released.

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The Alabama Department of Labor has identified more than a dozen people, most from the Mobile and Talladega areas, who have been prosecuted for unemployment compensation fraud in recent months.

"Unemployment compensation benefits can serve as a lifeline to those who truly need them," said state Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington. "However, we want to send a message to those who would knowingly defraud the system in order to obtain benefits they aren't entitled to: This is a crime and you will be prosecuted."

Speaking recently about a separate case in Huntsville, Tara Hutchison, communications director for the Department of Labor, said fraud represents a small percentage of unemployment claims. From January to August, the department paid out more than $130 million in unemployment benefits, but Hutchison said that so far in 2016, there have been 203 court cases involving a little under $700,000 owed back to the department.

According to information released Thursday by the Department of Labor, the subjects faced varying charges. The following information comes from a summary provided by the department.

First degree theft of property:

Christopher Bryant of Daphne was tried in Baldwin County District Court on Sept. 22. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Bryant received a total of $3,456 in benefits to which he was not entitled. Bryant pled guilty and was sentenced to five years in jail, which was suspended. He was also ordered to pay a $100 fine, court costs, and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Arthur Boone of Mobile was tried in Mobile County Circuit Court on Aug. 17. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Boone received a total of $6,140 in benefits to which he was not entitled. Boone pled guilty and was sentenced to one year in jail, which was suspended. He was also ordered to pay a $25 fine, court costs, and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Mary A. Clemons of Mobile was tried in Mobile County Circuit Court on June 30. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Clemons received a total of $7,310 in benefits to which she was not entitled. Clemons pled guilty and was sentenced to two years in jail, which was suspended. She was also ordered to pay a $25 fine, court costs, and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Stacey Ann McCall of Eight Mile was tried in Montgomery County District Court on July 19. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that McCall received a total of $4,447 in benefits to which she was not entitled. McCall pled guilty and was sentenced to two years of probation, which was suspended. She was also ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Humphrey McCastle of Mobile was tried in Mobile County District Court on September 29. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that McCastle received a total of $2,981 in benefits to which he was not entitled. McCastle pled guilty and was sentenced to two years in jail, which was suspended. He was also ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Kenyatta Fomby of Talladega was tried in Talladega County Circuit Court on September 13, 2016. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Fomby received a total of $8,895 in benefits to which she was not entitled. Fomby pled guilty and was sentenced to three years of jail, which was suspended. She was also fined $500 and ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Second degree theft of property:

Patrick Brown of Mobile was tried in Mobile County Circuit Court on July 13. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Brown received a total of $1,156 in benefits to which he was not entitled. Brown pled guilty and was sentenced to three years of supervised probation. He was also ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Saravy Mao of Mobile was tried in Mobile County Circuit Court on June 27. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Mao received a total of $1,499 in benefits to which she was not entitled. Mao pled guilty and was sentenced to one year of jail, which was suspended. She was also fined $25 and ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Charles Whitfield of Theodore was tried in Mobile County Circuit Court on June 27. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Whitfield received a total of $2,385 in benefits to which he was not entitled. Whitfield pled guilty and was sentenced to seven years of jail, which was suspended. He was also fined $25 and ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Jimmy Bowman of Montgomery was tried in Montgomery County District Court on July 11. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Bowman received a total of $1,603 in benefits to which he was not entitled. Bowman pled guilty and was sentenced to two years of jail, which was suspended. He was also fined $500 and ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Monica Funderburg, of Talladega, was tried in Talladega County District Court on July 12. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Funderburg received a total of $1,109 in benefits to which she was not entitled. Funderburg pled guilty and was sentenced to one year of jail, which was split; she will serve 60 days and will be on probation for two years. She was also ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Third degree theft of property:

Michael Cannon of Randolph was tried in Randolph County District Court on Aug. 25. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Cannon received a total of $1,684 in benefits to which he was not entitled. Cannon pled guilty and was sentenced to 30 days of jail, which was suspended, and placed on one year of unsupervised probation. He was also fined $25 and ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Melinda Gurley Humphries of Talladega was tried in Talladega County District Court on Aug. 11. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Humphries received a total of $1,265 in benefits to which she was not entitled. Humphries pled guilty and was sentenced to six months of probation, which was suspended. She was also ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Jasmine Embery of Talladega was tried in Talladega County Circuit Court on Oct. 11. An investigation by Labor's Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Embery received a total of $1,105 in benefits to which she was not entitled. Embery pled guilty and was sentenced to two years of jail, which was suspended. She was also fined $250 and ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Suspected unemployment compensation fraud may be reported to the Alabama Department of Labor by calling 1-800-392-8019. Employers may find more information regarding reporting new hires at www.labor.alabama.gov/nh.
Apparently, Massachusetts is the place to be.

24/7 Wall Street looked at statewide social and economic measures such as poverty rate, educational attainment and life expectancy at birth to determine the states with the best quality of life. You can see the complete methodology here.

Massachusetts landed at the top of the list, followed by Connecticut, New Hampshire, Minnesota and New Jersey.

You have to go way down the list to find Alabama.

Alabama ranked number 46 on the list, ahead of only Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia and (you guessed it) Mississippi. Alabama's dismal showing was due mainly to its low life expectancy (75.2 years, second lowest) and unemployment rate (5.7 in October, the seventh highest in the country). Alabama's poverty rate - 18.5 percent - was the fifth highest in the country.

Other issues: "pervasive unhealthy habits" (one in five Alabama adults smokes and more than a third are obese); Alabamians are more likely to face financial hardships that most Americans (typical household in Alabama earns only $44,765 a year, roughly $11,000 less than the national median income); and high poverty level (18.5 percent of state residents live in poverty, far greater than the national poverty rate of 14.7 percent.).

Bad numbers for sure but keep in mind - statistics alone don't dictate qualify of life. You can see some news on the better side of Alabama here.

Welcome to Thursday's Wake Up Call. Let's see what's going on:

Levi's CEO asks customers to leave guns at home

The CEO of Levi Strauss and Co. is asking customers to leave their firearms at home.

In an open letter published on LinkedIn, Chip Bergh said he respects people's rights to own guns but did not consider a clothing store an appropriate place for a firearm.

Bergh said a firearm carried into a Levi's store recently went off inadvertently and injured the gun carrier. He stopped short of banning firearms but asked that "responsible gun owners" to leave their weapons at home.

There's big bucks in Clinton presidential magazine

Copies of Newsweek featuring a photo of Hillary Clinton under the headline "Madam President" are a hot item online.

The magazine's Clinton cover - produced at the same time as one with president-elect Donald Trump on the front - is available online for $10,000. Newsweek had already produced copies of the Clinton issue before the election. After Clinton's upset, the copies were supposed to have been destroyed.

Only 17 of the 125,000 copies that were printed made it to the store though hundreds are currently available for sale online.

Please don't make me listen to Nickelback

Police in one Canadian town are cracking down on drunk drivers with a particularly harsh punishment: Nickelback.

Law enforcement in Kensington, a town in Prince Edward Island, said if someone was caught driving under the influence they will face a hefty fine, criminal charges and have their driving privileges suspended for a year. Suspects would also be treated "with a bonus gift of playing the offices copy of Nickelback in the cruiser on the way to jail."

The police later said the post was meant in good fun and they don't actually own a Nickelback album.

Saudi prince says women should be allowed to drive

A Saudi prince said he thinks his country should reverse its ban on women drivers.

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal does not hold a government position but is an influential business leader in the kingdom. He said the ban hurts the economy by preventing women from entering the workforce.

Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that prohibits women from driving. Women are also forbidden from wearing clothes or makeup to promote their beauty, must limit time spent with men who aren't family members and are not allowed to use public swimming pools.

Until tomorrow.
Alabama made up for lost time with the coastal land purchases and projects announced last week.

Governor Robert Bentley and the team that pushed for these purchases, including Patti Powell, State Lands Division head, and Gunter Guy, Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, deserve applause.

These new lands include some of the best and rarest habitat on the coast, perfect examples of what the state's share of BP-related funds should be used for. They are also within the priority zones for coastal land acquisition AL.com has been promoting for two years.

But make no mistake, this is just a first step. There is no shortage of critical coastal habitat we should protect with the $200-plus million remaining from the state's share of the BP fine money administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. So let's take a look at what the state has protected so far, discuss why these pieces are important, and examine the next targets.

Big Ticket Beaches

Chief among the new acquisitions was the biggest ticket item on the state's wish list, a pristine chunk of Gulf of Mexico beachfront property, which includes a half mile of undeveloped shoreline.

The so-called Gulf Highlands property was slated for a condominium development at one point that would have netted the owners $105 million.

The Wilmott family, which has owned the land since 1997, agreed to sell the land for the appraised value of $36 million instead, ensuring it could be conserved. This is an important point for coastal land owners who would like to sell property to the state going forward -- the state and NFWF are constrained by a rule that the sales price should be determined by a formal Yellow Book appraisal, not market price.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am happy to say that I wrote the nomination letter for the purchase of this property when I was the executive director of the Weeks Bay Foundation. The Foundation partnered with the Mobile Bay Audubon Society and the Alabama Coastal Heritage Trust to lobby for the purchase. It is the last major chunk of privately-owned and undeveloped Gulf shoreline left on the Fort Morgan side of the bay.

The property has been at the center of the controversy to save the endangered Alabama beach mouse. In fact, the owners already had the required permits allowing the destruction of the beach mouse habitat as part of the development plan.

Saved from the bulldozers are both the mice and the massive sand dunes on the property, some 20 feet tall, with trees and shrubs growing from them. Scattered along the sloping sides are the small, telltale entrances to the beach mouse burrows, along with tiny sets of foot prints marking the path of the rodents as they dash for acorns and other treats. Snake tracks are also visible in the sand, a testament to a more natural danger the beach mice face.

What's important about this piece of land it that it is a living relic of what coastal Alabama looked like 100 years ago.

The immense dunes and the low and windswept oaks growing on them are a piece of our heritage that is almost gone, swallowed up by a wall of concrete condos and beach houses. Those structures sit where the dunes used to rise.

Just behind the dunes begins a dense but short forest. The trees on this land are seldom much higher than your head, with a thick understory, but this habitat is of unrivaled importance to migrating birds. It represents the first chance to stop and refuel after the long spring migration across the Gulf of Mexico, or the last meal for before the trip south. Our entire coastline used to boast such forests, but now, they are almost non-existent.

"We weren't holding our breath when we proposed it," said Hank Caddell -- secretary, treasurer, and founding board member of the Alabama Coastal Heritage Trust. "Everybody had sticker shock about this proposal. But prime, pristine beach and dune habitat is extremely pricey and rare, particularly in an aggregate of 113 acres, undisturbed."

While the price tag was high, adding a half mile of beachfront to the public's holdings is no small accomplishment, especially when you realize this was the last undeveloped parcel of this size in private hands, and the last with its native dune field and scrub forest intact.

"It is good to see funds finally being allocated for this type of priority acquisition," said Yael Girard, executive director of the Weeks Bay Foundation. "With habitat for turtles, coastal birds, and beach mice, it is an important piece of the Gulf protection puzzle."

The fact that it is now preserved points to the other privately owned chunk of Gulf front beach that should be purchased with some of this BP money: the uninhabited portion of Dauphin Island.

That piece of land, about 11 miles long, is as good as it gets in the realm of coastal habitat. Barrier islands are rare, and to find one that is uninhabited yet easily accessible is rarer still. Especially when you are talking about a beach that is 11 miles long and owned by a family, not the government.

While this piece of land has obvious and legion benefits for wild things, from birds to crabs and fish, if it were opened to the public, it would instantly become one of the best beach walks in the nation.

In Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, similar barrier islands are owned by either the state or federal government. All of them are open to the public, such as Horn Island in Mississippi, the Chandeleurs, or the Johnson Beach area just over the Florida line. Only in Alabama do we have a giant slice of beach like this owned by a private family and off limits to the public. I've spoken to the owner and I know the family is willing to sell. All that remains is to get busy adding this incredible piece of our coast to the state's holdings.

I will confess, I have spent a lot of time on this portion of Dauphin Island, accessing it by boat. There are small ponds all over it, surrounded by small marshes, all crawling with crabs and minnows.

Wading birds of all description prowl the shallows. Plovers and other rare birds nest in the surrounding low dunes. The sands are covered in creeping vines of morning glories, swales of saltwort and groundsel. The waters of the Mississippi Sound side are covered in shallow water grass beds. The fishing is incredible.

This is one of the state's most remote spots, and wild tracts here could stand as crown jewels of Forever Wild's holdings. While allowing the public onto this land will require some rules about when and where people can tread without doing harm, it is simply a crime that this giant stretch of beach is off limits to the people of Alabama.

Maritime forests and marshes

A marsh exists only at the delicate spot where tides rise and fall each day. A marsh that stays underwater all day will quickly disappear. In an era of rising sea levels, it will be increasingly important for marshes to have high ground to retreat to. This must be a priority when planning for land acquisition along the coast.

One of the realities when protecting coastal land is that the sea is rising. Protecting the marshes where they sit today won't be good enough to ensure their long-term survival. That's why the AL.com priority zones are focused on marshes with adjacent maritime forests. Think of the forest as the high ground the marsh will need to retreat to as seas rise. And unless we protect those forests now, they will end up being developed as subdivisions, and the marshes will simply disappear. Look no further than the dramatic growth around Fowl River and Dog River in Mobile County, or all along the Fort Morgan Peninsula and the area between Foley and Gulf Shores for proof.

Remember that our marshes are the engine that produce every shrimp and crab we eat. They are the places the big offshore gamefish like cobia and mangrove snapper grow. To save the productivity of Mobile Bay, we must save our marshes.

Witness the panic in Louisiana, where the marshes are washing away, and don't have any high ground to retreat to. In Alabama, by contrast, almost every marsh is flanked by a forest that seems purpose-made for such a transition. Indeed, in time, our coastal maritime forests that are full of cypress and slash pines today will yield to the sea and become marshland in the coming years. We focused the priority zones precisely on locations where that can happen.

The purple and blue areas represent the new purchase in the Oyster Bay priority zone.

That's why we identified the forests and marshes surrounding Oyster Bay and the Bon Secour River as priority zones for buying up land, and the state's purchase of 935 acres there was perfectly targeted. In fact, it includes almost all of the priority zone identified by AL.com. The new lands mean that nearly the entire shoreline of Oyster Bay has been permanently protected from development. And these holdings are a perfect complement to the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge land on the western shore of Oyster Bay. The purchase also includes most of the reach of Bear Creek, beginning with a broad expanse of juncus saltmarsh at its mouth. As you journey upstream, past schools of mullet and redfish tailing in the shallows, the creek narrows.

The marsh transitions to a more brackish system, finally switching over to sawgrass, the defining plant of the Florida Everglades. Here, the forest comes right up to the edge of the water, populated with live oaks and slash pine, yaupon and sparkleberry. The forest stretches out for 370 wet and rich acres, the marsh of the future. Meanwhile, today, this is the sort of place you find some of our rarest creatures, including the indigo snake, a seven-foot long, jet black beauty almost disappeared from Alabama.

Across Oyster Bay, beginning in the marshes that fringe the northern shore, the second half of the purchase picks up with 503 acres that stretch from the bay to the Bon Secour River, with maritime forest in between.

Taken together, these two parcels represent a perfect and permanent flyway for migrating birds as they come ashore over Little Lagoon. The purchased properties sit on the edge of the city limits of Gulf Shores, and are ringed by development. This was one of those last chance opportunities to protect some of the last bits of forest along the southern edge of Mobile Bay. Look just to the north, to the northern shore of Oyster Bay and the heavily developed Plash Island to see the future of this area without these protections.

Another purchase on the other side of Mobile Bay, along the Mississippi Sound around Bayou La Batre, represents another bulls eye by the state. This one, the Lightning Point acquisition, was nominated by the Nature Conservancy's Alabama chapter. Like the Oyster Bay purchase, this one permanently protects a huge amount of shoreline from development, more than two miles, in fact. In this case, the purchase includes essentially all of the marsh surrounding the mouth of Bayou La Batre, which is itself heavily industrialized with shipyards and seafood houses.

Some of this land has long been targeted for development. About half of the purchase sits on a strip of high ground at the edge of the Mississippi Sound, and another chunk runs up the west side of the bayou itself. The $5 million grant includes both the purchase price and money to restore 28 acres of degraded marsh. There's also money to create a living shoreline in front of the project, slowing erosion and creating more habitat for oysters and other marine creatures.

While these purchases were right on the money, they highlight some other parcels that, if anything, have even higher conservation value and should be the next targets. Chief among them is what AL.com has labeled the Fowl River Corridor. Here's what we said about it when we created the priority zones in the "How the secrets were spilled" series:

"This might be the preeminent prize in all our waters, a coastal river with two mouths, miles apart, each supporting vibrant marshes. Entering Fowl River at its mouth on Mobile Bay and traveling south to its other mouth on the Mississippi Sound, you pass through marshes unrivaled in Alabama for sheer acreage and species abundance. Home to osprey, bald eagles, yellow-crowned night herons and precious few homesteads, the marshes here are a biological dynamo. Where Fowl River meets the Mississippi Sound, you find an expanse of marsh that stretches as far as your eyes can see in all directions. Behind this marshland sits a giant forest of slash pines, much of which hasn't been logged in so long that the trees are dying of old age. Only a tiny portion of this land has been protected. A small number of private owners hold the rest. If there were one chunk of marsh to save in Alabama, it would probably be this one. It is the engine that feeds the exceptionally productive waters of Portersville Bay, Heron Bay and much of Mobile Bay."

The state's first purchase of coastal land back in December of 2015 included a few hundred acres in the Fowl River Corridor. That was valuable land and a good acquisition. The problem is, the Fowl River Corridor includes thousands of acres of marsh, among the best marsh in all of Alabama. Likewise, the maritime forests are mature and have been untouched for decades. This area needs to be one of the highest priorities for the next round of purchases. Scientists at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the Nature Conservancy all put a high priority on this land, particularly the vast and marshy delta at the western mouth of Fowl River on the Mississippi Sound.

This is the priority zone for buying land around the mouth of West Fowl River. The state has purchased a small amount of land near the mouth of East Fowl River, and is funding research by the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program in this zone, but so far, none of this incredibly rich marsh has been protected with BP money. The small island in the photo is the best rookery in the Mississippi Sound.

That's where you'll find Raccoon Island, one of the best bird rookeries left in the northern Gulf of Mexico, home to nesting ibis, reddish egrets, tricolor herons, American oystercatchers, white pelicans, and cormorants. But Raccoon Island is washing away. Because it is privately owned, the state is prohibited from using BP money to restore the eroding land. Owned by the same property owners that control more than a thousand acres of marsh at the head of Portersville Bay, a purchase here would simultaneously protect the nesting birds and one of the most expansive vistas of undeveloped shoreline left in Alabama.

Over on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay lie several marshy prizes that AL.com has highlighted for several years in the overlapping Weeks Bay and Bon Secour priority zones.

The first piece sits between Weeks Bay and the mouth of the Bon Secour River, an area almost totally pristine. While a good bit of the shoreline in this area is already protected, about a mile of marshy shores remain unprotected and vulnerable to development. The landscape here is notably interesting due to the close proximity of marsh and sandy beaches along Mobile Bay and a freshwater swamp that begins just a few feet inland. A forest fire in 2014 laid bare this thin divide, with a small berm of sand, perhaps 18 inches high and 10 feet wide providing the only separation between the salt-loving species and the fresh. Here, wild iris flower within 30 feet of scurrying fiddler crabs. With a quickly eroding shoreline, this berm is likely to disappear, hastening the demise of the freshwater swamp and its transformation to marshland. A living shoreline extension here could help preserve this disappearing strip, while a purchase could permanently protect this last bit of old growth forest.

The other priorities here lie just inside Weeks Bay, and at the mouths of the two coastal rivers that drain into the bay. Several families own sizeable chunks here, and have indicated they would be willing sellers. The folks at the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Weeks Bay Foundation are well acquainted with these properties and put them at the top of their wish lists for purchase. Here's what AL.com had to say about this area in "How the secrets were spilled":

"These include huge parcels of marsh under a canopy of slash pine. Weeks Bay forms a bowl, with two rivers flowing in. The gently sloping forest floor seems purpose-made for retreating marsh to colonize. If sea levels rise about 2 feet, Weeks Bay will become one with Mobile Bay. These marshes together represent one of the largest chunks of marsh anywhere in the coastal system, and one of the most threatened by development. They are pressured by the rapid expansion of subdivisions between Fairhope and Foley. A tour of the marshes today reveals an exceptional habitat. In an area about 30 feet long, you can find multiple species of cordgrass, black needlerush, switch cane, three-square bulrush, sawgrass (like in the Everglades), millet, wild rice and swamp mallow hibiscus."

Other priorities

Other priorities remain for the BP-related funding. Alabama's oyster reefs need attention. More public access boat ramps and fishing piers should be built. The state's wildly successful artificial reef program has become a model for other states and should be expanded, both inshore and in the shallowest waters of the Gulf. Too many of our artificial reefs are out of reach of families with small boats. The popularity of the Vern Minton reef field just three miles off the beach testifies to the value of close in structure.

Meanwhile, the BP money can be spent on anything within 50 miles of the coast. That means new purchases can be focused on the delicate property along the edges of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta north of Interstate 10. Those purchases can help the state take control and full advantage of the entire Mobile River system, which is literally the most diverse river system in North America.

BP money can be used to help with erosion control projects in the watershed. It can be used to encourage farmers to better manage fertilizers and pesticides. It can be dedicated restoration projects that shore up parts of our coast that have borne our rough treatment for the better part of a century.

All of those things are worthy. But we must remember that the first and most important priority has to be ensuring that the parts of our coastline that are as yet undeveloped stay that way. Right now, Mobile Bay and the Mississippi Sound have just enough marshland left to power our incredibly productive system. Our challenge is to make sure we don't lose any more of this vitally important and irreplaceable habitat.

Talking about our coastal zones, Casi Callaway, head of Mobile Baykeeper, once said, "Protecting something is easy. And it is pretty cheap. But trying to restore something, or replace something you've lost, that's expensive, and sometimes impossible."

She is exactly right. And that is the moment where we find ourselves. We have a chance to protect what we have and the money to do it. We must embrace this opportunity rather than fritter the chance away and find ourselves stuck trying to recapture all we've lost.
As the 61 Mobile County school buses pulled into the parking lot of Semmes Middle School on Wednesday morning, Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Martha Peek stood front and center underneath the breezeway.

In a black and grey pinstripe suit, she greeted 13-year-old Drew Breton, eyes wide, with a big smile as she had promised his mother. Drew smiled back as he walked off the school bus and reached into his backpack. He pulled out a green mechanical pencil that he uses in his art academy classes.

Peek smiled as he explained to her how it was his favorite pencil to use in class.

"I promised his mom that I was going to be the first person he saw when he got off the bus," said Peek. "It was all so positive he went right into class and the day went on."

Drew's mother said that Peek informed her on Monday that her son would have a "guardian angel" with him when he returned to school. Breton was bullied at school back on Nov. 4.

Since then a viral video of the incident has been viewed millions of times. On social media, celebrities such as IBF middleweight world champion boxer Carlos Molina and WBA heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr. have posted video messages to Drew voicing their support.

The viral video also prompted the MCPSS and the Mobile District Attorney's office to launch an investigation into the incident.

As Breton went into his homeroom class he told Peek, "I just want to be a regular guy today."

Peek stepped away, but promised to return later in the day.

Breton was monitored throughout the day by other "guardian angels" as the day progressed. The team consisted of Breton's counselor and an assistant principal.

"The message I wanted to send to him is, if you have an issue let somebody know right, then so it can be handled immediately," said Peek.

Peek said that on Monday, when school resumed after the Thanksgiving holiday, she came to Semmes Middle School with a team of 18 MCPSS staff members. Semmes Middle School has 1,484 students, making it the largest middle school in the district.

MCPSS Spokeswoman Rene Philips confirmed that the school's principal Brenda Shenesey, has been placed on administrative leave while the MCPSS conducts its investigation. The school has appointed Nate Smith and John Powell as acting principals in the interim.

While Peek could not go into the details of the investigation, she said her initial observations of the schools' faculty were positive.

"You have those isolated incidents that happen and unfortunately in a large school you might have more than one," said Peek. "But the important thing is that we deal with them."

She said since her team has been in the school, the day-to-day operations inside of the classrooms and in the hallways have been on par with current MCPSS guidelines.

As you walk throughout the hallways of Semmes Middle School there are multiple signs painted in royal blue saying "No Bullying" and a list of ways students can be courteous to one another.

Peek said while she has been pleased with what she has seen, the investigation will continue.

"What we're doing with the whole investigation is making sure we didn't have any holes in this," said Peek. "If we did, we want to make sure we correct them because we don't want things like this to happen."

As the MCPSS works to rectify the incident with Breton, she said, it also can prompt self-examination.

"When you look at a incident like this it gives us a chance to evaluate and see what else can we do we're not leaving any stone unturned," said Peek.

Peek said she has also spoken with the parents of the students in the video who bullied Breton.

"They had their children talk about what happened and those that needed corrective action, they have done that," said Peek.

Peek says eventually they want to get Breton together with the students who bullied him and have them all reconcile with help from counselors.

"But first we want to make sure that everybody is comfortable and this has all been handled," said Peek.

As the dismissal bell sounded at 2:25 p.m. and kids rushed to their buses to get home, Breton and Peek slowly walked through the crowd talking to one another. Several students gave Breton and Peek high fives as they walked toward the bus.

"Parents entrust us with their most valuable thing in their lives," said Peek. "They need that security that somebody's watching and everything is okay."

Peek said she plans on being at the school the entire week. The following week she plans to send staff to the school to monitor their progress as they continue the investigation.
A mother from Mobile was sentenced Thursday morning for burying her child in the backyard of her home after giving birth in October 2015.

Mobile District Court Judge John R. Lockett sentenced Ashley Wilkins, 31, to a 10 year prison sentence but will be allowed to attend an 18 month front-end diversion program. If she successfully completes that program, she will be on probation for the next three years after that.

If she fails to complete the program or probation, the judge can reinstate her 10 year prison sentence.

In September, a jury found Wilkins guilty of abusing the corpse of her child but found her not guilty of chemical endangerment of the child.

Testimony during the trial revealed that Wilkins had drugs in her system at the time she gave birth.

During her sentencing, several relatives testified on her behalf stating that she been seeking medical help and spiritual guidance.

A cousin of Wilkins, Edward Morris said he had been in constant contact with her since the jury issued their verdict in September.

"I have a positive feeling about it," said Morris. "This would be more constructive than prison. She's giving herself a chance to connect with her faith and identity."

Wilkins also testified on her own behalf. She told Judge Lockett she had a lot of remorse for committing the crime.

"Everyday I look in the mirror I see shame and guilt," said Wilkins

Judge Lockett told Wilkins that many people make significant changes in their life prior to sentencing. He said he still wanted to know if she was being sincere in her efforts to change.

Wilkins responded to the judge saying, "I feel awful. The baby didn't deserve that."

Wilkins also told the judge that she has been attending therapy sessions twice a month and has been prescribed anxiety and depression medication.

Following the sentencing Wilkins' attorney Jeff Deen spoke about the sentencing.

"The judge put down some very strict guidelines for her, but this does allow her to remain out of prison," said Deen. "She can try to go on with her spiritual life and her commitment to the community."

In October of 2015, the remains of a newborn baby girl were found buried in the backyard of Wilkins' residence in the 3700 block of Swansea Drive.

The Mobile Police Department issued a warrant for the arrest of Wilkins. After fleeing from the home, Wilkins turned herself in a day later in connection with the incident.

Authorities were not sure if the baby was alive at birth.

Before this incident, Wilkins was previously charged with third-degree domestic violence harassment in May 2014.
An I-10 traffic stop turned up about 100 pounds of marijuana and 28 grams of liquid LSD on Wednesday, the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office has reported, with some of the contraband in a box labeled "Merry Christmas, Dad."

According to information released Thursday morning by the sheriff's office, deputies stopped a rented Jeep Liberty driven by Daniel Joseph Oehl, 45, of Fort Pierce, Fla. Ohel told deputies that he was heading home from visiting his girlfriend in New Orleans, but deputies found the vehicle had been rented in Phoenix, Az., two days earlier and was due back in Phoenix on Saturday.

"He was not cooperative," said Maj. Anthony Lowery of the BCSO. According to the sheriff's office, Ohel's inconsistent statements prompted a K-9 search, and the dog indicated narcotics were present near the vehicle's rear doors and trunk areas.

The resulting search revealed about 100 pounds of marijuana in 72 triple-layered vacuum-sealed packages inside luggage, and approximately 28 grams of liquid LSD in the passenger compartment. Oehl was charged with two counts of drug trafficking.

Lowery said it hadn't been established how many doses of LSD that represented, but said investigators considered it "a trafficking weight." He said that while it's relatively rare to find the drug, it's more common when music festivals or similar events are being held in the region.

Some of the drugs were in a duffel bag, Lowery said, and some were in a cardboard Home Depot box labeled "Merry Christmas, Dad."

Lowery said the intended destination of the drugs wasn't clear, but investigators believe they most likely were being transported through the area and weren't going to be distributed locally.

According to the BCSO, deputies were assisted by Baldwin County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Baldwin County booking records indicated Oehl's bond had been set at $300,000.
ShelbySessions.jpg

Richard Shelby (left), Jeff Sessions (right)

A campaign advertisement in 1986 suggested that then-U.S. Attorney Jeff Sessions called the Ku Klux Klan a bunch of "good ole boys."

But the advertisement didn't come from the predictable cast of 1980s Democrats such as Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy who, at the time, objected to Sessions' nomination to the federal bench.

Instead, it was pushed out by then-U.S. Rep. Richard Shelby, who would go on to become Sessions' longtime colleague and friend in the Senate.

"Yes, the relationship between Shelby and Sessions has definitely changed," said William Stewart, professor emeritus of political sciences at the University of Alabama.

'Enthusiastic supporter'

Shelby will likely not be among the chorus of critics when Sessions returns before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a confirmation hearing into his nomination as U.S. Attorney General. It was the same committee that 30 years ago torpedoed Sessions' nomination as a federal judge.

"Jeff has been a dear friend of mine for more than 20 years and I know that he is a man of great integrity," said Shelby in a statement. "I was an enthusiastic supporter of Jeff in his bid to join me in the U.S. Senate and we have been rock-solid partners in Congress ever since.

"I look forward to continuing to give him my unwavering support as his biggest champion during the Senate confirmation hearings, and I have no doubt that he will be our next Attorney General."

Some Democrats are reportedly calling for a "fair and thorough" hearing on Sessions, but haven't decided whether they will focus on the racially charged 1986 Judiciary Committee hearings.

'Political accusations'



The linkage of Sessions to the Klan by Shelby occurred days before the Nov. 3, 1986, election. Shelby, then a Democrat, won his first Senate term that year by defeating Republican Sen. Jeremiah Denton by a razor-thin margin of 50.3 percent to 49.7 percent.

Denton, at the time, had backed Sessions' nomination to the federal judiciary. The Judiciary Committee hearings proved to be a disaster at the time that battered Sessions' reputation after his nomination was rejected amid allegations that he once called a black staffer "a boy," that he considered the NAACP as "un-American" and used criminal prosecutions to thwart voting rights for blacks.

In addition, a colleague testified that Sessions once joked that he felt the Ku Klux Klan was okay until he learned they smoked marijuana.

Shelby, then a Tuscaloosa Democrat, used the comments against Denton in his campaign. A Nov. 3, 1986, Mobile Register story showed that the campaign ad irked Sessions, who called it "slanderous" and "absolutely false."

"I expect the false ad to be withdrawn at once," Sessions said. He demanded an apology from Shelby, who had the endorsement from several black organizations at the time.

Thirty years later, Shelby said: "Jeff Sessions' record of standing up for all Americans and his high moral character indisputably prove that the 30-year-old claims of the past are nothing more than baseless political accusations."

"Political Chameleon"

Jess Brown, a retired political science professor at Athens State University, said the 1986 Shelby critique of Sessions illustrates what he said are two eras of Shelby's politics in Alabama.

"Shelby was basically a (George) Wallace Democrat in the Legislature and he ran and got the congressional seat in Tuscaloosa for several terms," said Brown. "To the surprise of quite a few people, Shelby ran against (Denton) and was elected in 1986. And during that first term in the Senate, Shelby was quite astute of the shifting sands of partisanship back home."

Shelby, who was among the most conservative Democrats during the 1980s, switched to the Republican Party in 1994, when President Bill Clinton took office.

"In the early to mid-1980s, if you wanted to be a Democrat in this state, you had to do a bit of a balancing act," said Brown. "You needed to be an economic conservative but at the same time, you had to appeal to one-fourth of the electorate that was African American."

Said Stewart: "Shelby had black support in his race against (Denton)."

Brown called Shelby a "pragmatic political chameleon" who will continue to "do what is necessary to maintain strong ties with interest groups and other members of the Senate."

Stewart said that Shelby, who won his sixth, six-year term in the U.S. Senate in November, was once regarded as "Alabama's most popular politician." But with Sessions rise in popularity among conservatives through his hardline support on illegal immigration issues, "it seems that Sessions is (the most popular)," Stewart added.

"Shelby is still known as the 'king of pork,'" said Stewart. "This actually resonates with local officials more than it does the average citizen."

Brown said that Shelby and Sessions have noticeable differences in style. Chief among those is that Shelby has created more of a reputation, more than Sessions, of developing bipartisan relationships among his congressional colleagues.

Also, Brown said that Shelby kept a low profile during the presidential campaign unlike Sessions who became the first to endorse President-elect Donald Trump's candidacy.

"He's not a presidential administration team player," said Brown. "That's not his forte. Look at the recent presidential election, he didn't run out there with any candidate. He kept his powder dry and gave a perfunctory endorsement of the nominee. He basically stayed in the shadows."

As far as Shelby's relationship with the incoming Trump administration: "He'll work with the administration when it serves that interest and he'll oppose the administration when it isn't."

Added Brown: "He's a survivor. He'll ultimately be a defender of Jeff Sessions. If need, he'll help with the confirmation."
A former Elmore County commissioner has been convicted of a felony ethics law violation, Attorney General Luther Strange announced today.

Joe Faulk pleaded guilty in Elmore County Circuit Court on Thursday to intentionally using his office for personal gain. His charge comes from a 2011 contract he entered into with Coast2Coast, a company which distributes pharmacy discount cards. Faulk's job was to help get contracts with county commissions across the state. Each time a customer used the card, Faulk received a commission.

According to the AG's office, Faulk did not disclose his personal financial interest while promoting the card to other county commissions, including his own. A month after he entered into the contract, he voted to enter an Elmore County contract without telling his fellow commissioners about his financial interest. The contract has since been terminated.

Faulk reaped $63,651 in commission from his Coast2Coast contract between October 2011 and July 2016, Strange said.

Faulk was arrested after a complaint was filed on Oct. 25. He agreed to the terms of the plea agreement he made with the attorney general, which include resigning from his position, pleading guilty to ethics violation and cooperating with the state in its ongoing criminal investigation into related matters. Information about the ongoing investigation was not released.

Faulk resigned from his position last month. His sentencing date has not been scheduled, but the punishment for the Class B felony is two to 20 years in prison.

"The facts are clear that this defendant abused his public trust by using his position as an Elmore County Commissioner for his own financial gain," Strange said. "As a public servant, he betrayed his obligation to honor the best interests of citizens and not to use his office for personal enrichment."
Scholars and activists regularly criticise the vast amount of funds  $3.1bn that the US funnels to Israel each year. Recently, United States President Barack Obama provided Israel with $38bn in military aid over 10 years, making it the single largest pledge of military assistance in US history.

With the President-elect, Donald Trump, certain to continue or even increase this amount, the criticism is likely to escalate.

However, US military aid to Israel is not the only way in which the US subsidises the Israeli occupation of Palestine. US aid to Palestinians, averaging $400m a year since 2008, split between budget support to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and civilian project-based assistance, also ultimately sustains the Israeli occupation.

In the past two decades, the US has been second only to the European Union in its donations to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, having committed more than $5bn out of a total of $30bn in aid.

These funds have mostly been allocated to the PAs security sector. Half of Palestinian public sector civil servants are employed in security. Annually, the sector receives $1bn from the PAs budget and around 30 percent of total international aid.

WATCH: Clinton v Trump: Where do they stand on Palestine?

Since 2005, the US, through its office of the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) for Israel and the Palestinian territories, has worked to professionalise and enhance the effectiveness of the PA security forces as part of its state-building (under occupation) project for Palestine. Yet the central tenet of this project has been the entrenchment of security collaboration between the PA and Israel.

That the PA and Israel work together on security means that a substantial amount of aid to the PA security sector is as much for Israel as it is for Palestine. Research shows that at least 78 percent of international aid to Palestinians ends up in Israels economy.

US aid makes it easier and cheaper for Israel to provide security for its settlements  illegal under international law and in the eyes of the world and the US. The presence of Israeli settlers on occupied Palestinian territory is also a violation of international law. The aid thus compromises the security of Palestinians by funding the interests of their occupier. Collaboration under occupation in reality means dominance of the oppressor.

Security by Resident

to the PA security forces.]

It is worth recalling the words of the former head of the USSC, General Keith Dayton, who praised the new Palestinian men he had created by training the PA security forces. Dayton hailed these new Palestinians ability to restrain mass uprisings, noting that they now turn their guns not against Israel but on real enemies  that is, those Palestinians who resist Israels occupation.

Security-focused aid to Palestine therefore transforms the PA into a sub-contractor to the Israeli occupation. Simply ask any Palestinian youth in the West Bank who sought to protest against Israels killing of hundreds of Palestinian civilians in Gaza in 2014 and was stopped by PA security forces.

The vast majority of Palestinians reject PA President Mahmoud Abbas position that security coordination with Israel is sacred.

A resident of the West Banks Jenin refugee camp told me: I dont have a problem with the security collaboration if it is reciprocal. However, there is domination only. When the PA can ask Israel to arrest a settler to protect the Palestinian peoples security, that will be a different story.

A resident of Nablus Balata refugee camp added: Security collaboration undermined our security and outsourced [the role of the occupation] to the PA security forces.

Both the Balata and Jenin camps are regularly targeted by the US-trained PA force to induce law and order through security operations. The last round took place just last week with estimates of 2,000 security personnel entering Balata camp, resulting in fierce clashes.

READ MORE: US aid deal significant reward for Israeli right

Moreover, as my research shows, this securitised aid has made the PA more authoritarian, and, as some leading analysts have noted, has even set Palestine on a path toward a police state.

Both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented the PA security forces excessive use of force as well as assaults by police in the West Bank. The PA also limits freedom of speech as well as political participation and mobilisation.

Indeed, on July 25, two human rights organisations based in Europe filed an Article 15 submission with the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) to initiate an investigation concerning the crime of widespread and systematic torture of Palestinian detainees committed by PA security forces in the West Bank. The submission invites the ICCs prosecutor to consider the issue for a possible investigation.

However, this use of force by the PA pales against that of Israel, the actor that has the real monopoly on aggression and violence in the Palestinian territories given that it is the military occupier and ultimate authority.





In effect, most US aid to Palestine has not only prevented Palestinian efforts to secure their freedom from Israels occupation, but has also promoted PA authoritarianism.

Aid to secure borders or foster internal security would be beneficial if Palestine were a sovereign state or if peace-building were actually taking place. But in the current conditions of conflict and oppression, policymakers must first find a way to a just resolution.

The US support of the PA through securitised aid also puts a heavy economic burden on Palestinians, as budgets and scarce resources are drained in favour of the security sector.

Money could be spent on infrastructure, education, and social services instead of, for example, keeping teachers pay at such low levels that they took to the streets in one of the largest mass protests in Palestine in recent years.

We also need to take a serious look at how this aid is allocated. A recent unpublished report by The Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) that I was able to obtain, provides little-known statistics that quantify the aid-reliant PA security sector.

The DCAF report shows that there are 83,276 security sector personnel in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. By all international standards this is a very high number, with the ratio of security personnel to the population as high as 1 to 48. By comparison, in Afghanistan, another conflict country, the ratio is 406 policemen per

100,000 people, according to the data from Interpol, and 5.8 active soldiers per 1,000 people based on military balance statistics from the International Institute for Strategic Studies think-tank.

Using the same data sources, in the US, the ratio is 260 policemen per 100,000 people and 4.6 active soldiers per 1,000 people. Yet in Palestine a high ratio of security personnel to the population is

meaningless in terms of providing better security for Palestinians. The main source of Palestinian insecurity is the Israeli occupation, which is supported by the Palestinian security sector.

The main source of Palestinian insecurity is the Israeli occupation, which is supported by the Palestinian security sector.

Moreover, out of the 83,276 security sector personnel, 65,463 receive a salary from the PA and 17,813 are paid by the Hamas de facto government in Gaza, the report shows. The PA, mainly drawing on international aid, pays the salaries of 31,913 security employees in the West Bank and 33,550 personnel in the Gaza Strip.

Not only did the PA spend almost a third of its total 2014 budget on security ($1bn), but 78 percent of it went on salaries, wages, and benefits. Similarly, in the Gaza Strip, 78 percent of the $261m allocated to the security sector in 2014 went on salaries and wages.

As an additional twist to this story, it should be noted that the security personnel paid by the PA are actually banned from working for the Hamas government given the enmity between the PA-ruled West Bank and Hamas-ruled Gaza (although Israel remains the actual occupying power in both parts).

The PA is therefore paying more than $40m each month to keep its security employees in Gaza on a leave of absence. Absentees in the security sector have added some $4.8bn to the PAs wage bill over the past 10 years. Neither PA officials nor Hamas leaders have addressed this issue; instead, they continue to maintain the political divide that has been so harmful to the Palestinian quest for freedom and equality for the past decade.

READ MORE: US funding Israeli state terrorism in military deal

According to the DCAF report, the PA has 232 brigadier-generals and Hamas has 80. In comparison, the US Army has 410 brigadier-generals in total (133 in the Army, 110 in the Navy, 36 in the Marine Corps, and 131 in the Air Force). Surely, even in the best-case scenario of a security sector actually advancing Palestinian security, this skewed proportion of high-ranking and highly compensated officers makes no sense.

The reports figures are valuable not only because they are rare, but also because they provide evidence for policymakers to assess critically the effectiveness of this flow of aid. The DCAF statistics should be considered in a rethink of policy regarding aid to Palestine if the US is serious about seeing peace in the region.

Such a rethink should not direct less aid to Palestine or abandon the PA security sector. This would increase the already high levels of unemployment in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The task should be to reconfigure the duties of the PA security forces so that they challenge the policy that favours the security of Israelis over that of Palestinians and are more accountable to the Palestinian people they are intended to serve.

Some may argue that redirecting aid in this way will lead to even greater violence between Palestinians and Israelis as well as among Palestinians themselves. It would not if it were underpinned by a real effort to secure a just peace, including an immediate end to the military occupation.

The truth is, military occupation and authoritarian rule can never bring security. A better allocation of aid alongside an investment in a just peace is the path to real and sustainable security.

Dr. Alaa Tartir is the programme director of Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network, a post-doctoral fellow at The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), and a visiting research fellow at the Centre on Conflict, Development, and Peacebuilding (CCDP),Geneva, Switzerland.

Follow Alaa Tartir on Twitter: @alaatartir.
Experts warn expansive new surveillance laws and lax attitudes threaten civil liberties and expose new vulnerabilities.

United Kingdom  In a news cycle still fixated on the US election result, on November 15 members of the UKs upper house of parliament gave final approval to the countrys most invasive surveillance legislation to date.

The Investigatory Powers Act gives government agencies unprecedented powers to collect user information in bulk and access data about the websites that Britons visit.

The most controversial aspect of the law is the requirement for internet service providers (ISP) to hold information about every website a user visits for 12 months.

Government agencies, such as the security services, the Inland Revenue, and even the Food Standards Agency, will be able to access the information, for what officials say will be a limited set of specified purposes subject to strict controls.

Despite the ease with which it passed through the Conservative-controlled legislative chambers, the law nicknamed the Snoopers Charter by the British press has prompted strong criticism.

READ MORE: UK court to investigate rights group surveillance

Silkie Carlo, a policy officer for the National Council for Civil Liberties, dismissed the governments justification of the law on the grounds of countering terrorism as one that defies common sense.

We urged the government to prove it was strictly necessary for the state to use bulk, suspicionless surveillance powers, Carlo said, adding that the government had cynically avoided addressing the groups concerns.

The privacy cost of these measures is going to be enormous by Matthew Green, Cryptologist, Johns Hopkins University

A targeted system of surveillance based on suspicion of criminality made more sense than one that captures huge amounts of data, Carlo argued, and security experts agree.

Johns Hopkins University cryptologist Matthew Green told Al Jazeera that there were major limitations with the new law from a security perspective.

The amount of data being generated is going to be vast, Green said.

Thats going to drown the surveillance agencies in noise and false positives  My guess is the only real use of this data will be to keep police busy chasing leads, and to help fill in a profile after something has happened.

According to Green, those behind previous attacks, such as in France last year, had easily evaded similar measures intelligence services had in place.

We saw in Paris that even burner cellphones without encryption were sufficient to coordinate a large-scale attack.

Its much more likely that these measures will be used against amateurs and criminals, and wont stop the sort of serious terrorism thats being used to justify them.

Thats worrying, because the privacy cost of these measures is going to be enormous.

The UK is not alone in introducing expansive internet surveillance laws. France introduced similar measures in 2015, and Germany passed its own measures in October.

In the US, the National Security Agencys PRISM programme gives it direct access to user data held by companies such as Google and Facebook.

Vian Bakir, professor of political communication and journalism at Bangor University, said Western governments had created the tools for repression and citizens would now have to trust that the state will not abuse such powers.

She described the British government as prioritising national security over human rights, and warned that the recent US election result could signal a turn for the worse.

[Trumps] populist election included calls to bring back torture and he stated his support for bringing back NSA bulk data collection, Bakir said. As such, we have very good reason to be concerned about our privacy.

Criminal leaks

Potential government overreach is just one of the risks associated with the new measures.

Organised criminals and foreign state actors have little or no incentive to protect user data and are not bound by any form of accountability to citizens of the countries they operate in.



Will UKs surveillance bill protect or harm public?

Several technologists Al Jazeera spoke to warned that the UKs Investigatory Powers Act could lead to leaks of sensitive personal data.

The law mandates ISPs to hold internet connection records, which detail websites accessed by a user, for 12 months.

The British Home Office did not reply to a request to explain what safety measures would be in place to protect the information held by communications companies but network security analysts said breaches were definitely possible in the future.

There is no cast-iron guarantee that someone could not raid the data, said Danny Dresner, lecurer in information, cyber security and governance at Manchester University.

[There are] too many actors and a shed load of technology that opens the kimono of vulnerabilities all the time  often faster than it can be closed.

As recently as two weeks ago, a breach at UK telecommunication company Three Mobile resulted in hackers obtaining the personal details of about 130,000 customers.

Others hacked within the past two years include O2 and TalkTalk.

INSIDE STORY: How safe is your personal information on the internet?

ARS Technicas Glyn Moody warned that the new law was a privacy disaster waiting to happen and could open up individuals to blackmail, if data is breached.

They [ISPs] dont have to store this kind of intimate, highly personal information at the moment, Moody told Al Jazeera.

They dont have any experience in making databases really secure. Thats why there have been high-profile losses of personal data by companies such as TalkTalk, Vodafone, O2, and Three.

Moody said some companies would do a better job than others in protecting data but that it was inevitable that some databases would be hacked.

Extremely personal information will be leaked with terrible consequences for some people. The only question is when.

Like others Al Jazeera spoke to, Moody said he preferred a targeted approach of collecting data instead of one that harms privacy and freedom.

Nobody would agree to the installation of CCTV cameras in every room in the house, but this is the digital equivalent, its just that most people dont appreciate that fact, Moody said.

Personal attitudes

For all the fears of government surveillance or criminal breaches of data, huge amounts of information are surrendered voluntarily on social media platforms and use of now-indispensable apps.

The drip feed of tweets, Instagram posts and status updates may not amount to much on its own, but over extended periods of time can accumulate into a trove of personal information that can expose new vulnerabilities, according to author and tech-blogger Cory Doctorow.

I think that we all struggle to adequately gauge the down-the-line pitfalls of in-the-moment disclosures, Doctorow said.

Its always hard to think about what may happen in the distant future, especially when youre enjoying the real-time benefits you get from revealing personal information: contact, connection, help.

This detachment from consequence combined with tactics used by social media companies to encourage people to share was analogous to smoking, Doctorow explained.

No one puff will give you cancer, but smoke enough and youll get cancer eventually.

No one disclosure will bring you to harm, but disclose enough over time and youll get bitten by it.

Whereas the cigarette industry drew close to the government with the economic benefits it brought, social media companies drew close to officials by offering them the tantalising prospect of plundering their gigantic databases, he said.

Doctorow warned against the nihilism of accepting the current status quo as just the way things are.

[People] can choose better tools and better practices that let them maintain their social relations and discussions without giving the platforms all the salient facts of their lives.

Ethical sharing

None of the analysts Al Jazeera spoke to recommended becoming a digital hermit to counter the risks to privacy.

Instead, a common theme was encouraging the responsible use of social media and understanding the ways in which data produced as a result of online interaction was used by governments and tech companies.

The information we emit online is not just useful to proprietary platforms, governments or even criminals. For researchers, the huge amounts of raw data available present a wealth of knowledge that can provide myriad uses in terms of social insights and developing future technologies.

Loss of privacy is not inevitable, but is also not the only, or even the best way to understand our data lives, said Mark Cote, a lecturer in digital culture and society at Kings College London.

No one should be forced to live in full transparency, or be compelled to share our data without control. Yet that is what digital intellectual property rights are leading us [to]. When we use the platforms and tools we love, like Google, what we generate becomes theirs through secondary rights.

However, a singular focus on privacy can blind people to the benefits of ethically sharing the data we generate, Cote explained.

WATCH: Digital Dissidents

One of the best ways we can counter the profound asymmetry between our pervasive data generation and lack of access or agency is through developing a social big data commons, Cote said, referring to anonymised non-proprietary platforms on which user data can be collected and accessed.

We need to think of privacy in conjunction with access and agency. Otherwise we risk further individualising society at a time when we desperately need to explore new lines of affinities and commonalities.

To both safeguard reasonable privacy, and to learn how we might share and use our data to our collective advantage, we need to develop new forms of data literacy.

The data age is here to stay, barring environmental catastrophe. We need to become more well-rounded and active participants in data life.
Wilson Bukenya was born with HIV. He lost his parents to Aids when he was two. Now he refuses to be afraid of the virus.

After losing his parents to Aids in 1992 Wilson Bukenya was adopted by his maternal aunt, who lived in Denmark. Today the 24-year-old is fit, healthy and studying political science. On International Aids Day, he tells us about his life with HIV.

I was born with HIV in Uganda. Both my mother and father died of Aids because they couldnt access treatment. Immediately after, my mothers sisters took me to Denmark so that I could access medication and maybe live. I was two years old.

I was very sick when I arrived in Denmark.

After I got better, I led a normal life growing up. I didnt know that I had HIV until I was 12.





Id gone to the hospital for a regular consultation and there was a new doctor on duty. He made a mistake by showing me a card that revealed my status. Thats how I found out that I was HIV-positive.

I remember being very sad when I found out. I was shocked.

I couldnt hear anything. I was very sad. I was at the hospital with my aunt and after some time, I left her to go and see some friends. On the bus, I was listening to music; I remember it was that song by Eminem featuring Elton John, Stan. As I listened to the song on the bus, I started crying. I thought I was going to die.

When I met my friends later that day, I told them that I was HIV-positive and that I was probably going to die.

Soon, people at school started talking, and the word just spread. It was hard for me. Many people started to keep some distance from me; they didnt want to talk to me or sit with me, they were scared of getting infected.

It was a very, very hard time for me.

I would say the stigma is something I have battled with the most. People thought they could get infected by just being around me. Even in a place like Denmark, people seemed to know so little about how the virus spreads.

At one point, I actually had to show people booklets to make them understand that you cannot get it by sitting next to me.

When I was 14, there were a nurse and some student leaders who tried to get me to join a group made up of young people with HIV. It was like a support group. I refused. It took them two years to change my mind. So when I was 16, I joined the group (called Ungegruppen/Positive Youth) and it has been great. I realised it was about educating others about stigma, about prevention and care. It was about making a positive contribution to society. It has also helped me to keep motivated. Being part of the support group, I have been able to talk more freely about the difficulties of being a young person with HIV.

It is also why I am studying political science. I want to make the world a better place. Politicians are not concentrating on the real problems. I want to get into the system and try to make a change. My goal is to have politicians show more interest in fighting diseases. Because it is very hard to be sick. I know how hard it is.

I have a lot of friends who also try to spread the word.

People see me as a normal person now that they know what HIV is.

It is also clear that I cant infect anyone because of the medicine I take. Basically, if you take the medicine properly you cant infect anyone in any way.

But I have had some problems with the medication  the side-effects have been very harsh on me. The new meds are better, but every time I used to take the old ones  sometimes up to eight or 10 tablets at at time  I always felt nauseous and as though I wanted to throw up. But It doesnt affect everyone in the same way.

I am responsible and do not have sex without a condom. But once, two years ago, I made a mistake. It is something that is very hard for me to talk about. I was drunk and then I had a sex with a girl, I dont know why but I was very drunk. And when I woke up I couldnt find a condom. At the time, I hadnt been very good with the medicine. So I started crying. My worst nightmare is to infect another person with HIV because I know its difficulties. It was very hard. I was thinking about killing myself because I didnt know what to do.

But then I managed to take action. I called the girl and told her that I was HIV-positive and that I hadnt been very good with my medicine at the time. We called some nurses to take control of the situation. She didnt end up with HIV but still I cant forget it. I cant forgive myself.

While I am healthy now, I have been close to contracting Aids at least twice.

The first time was when I just came to Denmark. I was close to dying. The doctor didnt think I would make it. I actually had Aids at that point but somehow I guess I kept fighting. I was at the hospital for eight months or something but I kept fighting. I am here today.

The second time was about two years ago when I got sick from the side-effects from the medication. I had been taking the medication for so many years, but I was never able to get used to the side-effects. I didnt want to take the medicine any more and I stopped. You know, you take medicine to get better but you actually get sick of the medicine. I didnt take it. And my viral load went up, it got very high and my immune system went very low  far below the danger zone  where you start developing Aids. That was kind of a wake-up call for me. I needed to start the treatment again. And now I take my pill every day.

My message to young people is simple: Take your pills every day and dont be afraid. Just open up. Dont be afraid of people knowing that you are HIV-positive because then you find out who you can trust and who you cant. Then you can be with reliable people, not with the fake ones. Just be yourself. Dont let the sickness control your thoughts. You have to listen to yourself, be driven by your heart and dont let HIV control your life. You have to control HIV. The virus has changed. If you have access to medication you can lead a normal life. There is nothing to fear.

As told to Azad Essa in Durban, South Africa.
Integrating Shia militias into the Iraqi state is a good way to limit their powers and control them.

On November 26, Iraqs parliament passed a law that formally integrated the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) into the security forces. The umbrella militia organisation comprises a number of disparate militia groups and will now formally function in parallel to the Iraqi military.

These militias rose to prominence because of their battlefield successes against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) after the collapse of the Iraqi army in 2014. More than 100,000 Shia fighters (and some Arab Sunnis) mobilised to fill the security vacuum and were helped by a religious edict from Grand Ayatollah Sistani, the leading Shia cleric in Iraq.





The move has been criticised because it is seen as undermining the sectarian reconciliation process and because the PMF has been accused of sectarian atrocities.

Yet, its institutionalisation was a long time coming. The PMF has had long-standing interactions and overlap with the Iraqi state and has worked with federal security forces during the course of the anti-ISIL campaign, including the current operation unfolding in Mosul.

The emergence of Shia militias

Although some of their key components only nominally report to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, the PMF was already a government-sanctioned force and around half of its militias are closely aligned with the federal government.

Some of the most powerful (and autonomous) of the militias, such as the Badr Organisation, was established in and by Iran in the 1980s but have been heavily integrated into state security forces over the past decade. Badr head Hadi al-Amiri has held ministerial posts, as have other senior members of the Badr leadership.

OPINION: The PMF in Iraq  fight, then demobilise

These actors thrive when the Iraqi state is dependent on working with sub-state armed groups or where it is unable to constrain the space for violent armed groups to function.

However, the problem is that these militia groups cannot be militarily defeated, not when this will bring greater costs than benefits to a war-ravaged society and weak Iraqi state. Furthermore, they are not going anywhere, any time soon, given their entrenchment in the Iraqi society.

Broadly speaking, two categories of militias dominate the Iraqi political and security climate: militias that were formed in opposition to the former Baath regime in the 1980s and 1990s and who have dominated the Iraqi state since 2003 (such as Badr) and those militias that emerged from the chaos and vacuum that followed the 2003 war (such as the Sadrist movements Mahdi Army and its splinter groups such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq).

READ MORE: Fears of sectarian tension as PMUs close in on Tal Afar

While the latter category of militias have been dismissed as criminals and Iranian proxies by the media, commentators and by their rivals in Iraq (including the Shia political class), the fighters and members of these militias come from the generation of destitute Shias whose political consciousness was shaped by the 1990s era of Baathist brutality, anti-Shia policies and extreme poverty.

They were mobilised and given an outlet for their grievances by the Sadrist movement, established by the charismatic Ayatollah Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr, whose son Muqtada now leads the movement.

The making of these militias is the disorder of the post-2003 political order. The collapse of the state after 2003 paved the way for localised security structures. Communities needed protection, services and leadership. When the state failed after 2003, the Sadrist movement stepped in by establishing local Sadrist offices and local patrols as well as social and religious services.

Numerous Shia militia groups in Iraq are splinters of the Sadrist movement, which imploded after 2003 as a result of disagreements among the Sadrist leadership as well as organisational and administrative challenges.

Despite the splintering of the movement, the Shia militias that have emerged from the movement assert the same moral authority: It was them and their communities that resisted the Baath regime while the Shia opposition and political class enjoyed a life of luxury abroad and returned to Iraq off the back of American and British tanks.

In other words, these militias see themselves as the rightful heirs to the new Iraq.

Needed PMF integration

The institutionalisation of the PMF could help bring some order to Iraqs atomised security structures by helping to establish limits to their powers. Moreover, a formal integration of Shia militias into the Iraqi state will help to establish a social dialogue and contract that could breed trust and goodwill.





In its absence, there is little to constrain armed groups who have and will continue to acquire fighters and supporters, as well as weapons and money  with or without integration into the state.

Moreover, they will continue to have a patron in Iran that has historically looked to use fragmentation and division as a means of control and influence in Iraq.

Integrating the PMF into the state does not mean the end of Iraq, even if it signals the death knell for the Iraqi military, which has historically suffered from misuse, a credibility deficit and rampant corruption.

The Iraqi state still has plenty going for it. Its counterterrorism forces (known as the Golden Division) have won widespread acclaim across Iraqs ethnic and religious spectrum. Its 10,000 fighters derived from Kurdish, Arab Sunni and Shia communities have emerged as symbols of national unity and have spearheaded every major battle since ISIL came to the scene two years ago.

Further, guns and money can only do so much for Shia militias, who are looking to national elections in the coming years as a way of acquiring legitimacy and support.

The emergence of ISIL and the PMUs has dramatically altered the political and security configurations in Iraq but has also produced a series of frontline interactions between different forces that are both state and non-state-aligned and between Iraqs various communities. These can go a long way towards fostering stability, national unity and a national identity. All is not yet lost for Iraq.

Ranj Alaaldin is a Visiting Fellow at Brookings Doha Center. He specialises in Iraq and the modern history of the Middle East and holds a PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Equating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism covers up the bigotry of the likes of Stephen Bannon.

Is it possible to be anti-Semitic and pro-Israel at the same time? Your answer depends on how you define the terms. As Toni Morrison wrote, definitions belong to the definers, not the defined. If you define anti-Semitism solely as criticism of Israel, the answer is dangerously simple, and it can excuse the racism of a white nationalist on the grounds that he supports Israel.

The controversial appointment of Stephen Bannon as Donald Trumps chief strategist shows how difficult it is to disentangle definitions of anti-Semitism from attitudes towards Israel, and makes it all the more urgent to do so.

Very few Jewish organisations  among them is The Anti-Defamation League (ADL)  have condemned the appointment of a man who presided over the premier website of the alt-right  a loose-knit group of white nationalists and unabashed anti-Semites and racists.

Along with smaller liberal Jewish groups, the ADL defines anti-Semitism as a form of prejudice, hatred and exclusion that intersects with other kinds of racism and bigotry.

In contrast, Bannons defenders hold an exclusive monopoly on the meaning of anti-Semitism. The Zionist Organization of America lauds him as the opposite of an anti-Semite, because every article [on Breitbart News, the website Bannon ran] about Israel and the Palestinian Arabs he has published are all supportive of Israel. The evidence that Breitbart News is not anti-Semitic, is simply that it hurls that label at those who oppose the Israeli occupation and support Palestinian rights.

Shifting definitions

Hardline defence of Israel immunises Bannon from any accusation of anti-Semitism. Praising him as a passionate Zionist, his advocates reprise a long-derided defence against racism: Why, some of my best friends are  They discount Bannons negative statements about Jews as the exaggerated rant of an ex-wife, or perhaps the off-the-cuff equivalent of Trumps locker room talk.

The ADL bears some historical responsibility for the powerful conflation of anti-Semitism with criticism of Israel.

In 1974, the ADL published The New Anti-Semitism, a book that radically redirected the concept away from prejudice against Jews and towards animus against the State of Israel, and simultaneously, away from the political right towards the left.

Classic anti-Semitism was on the wane, the book claimed. The old stereotypes espoused by groups such as the John Birch Society and the Ku Klux Klan seemed an anachronistic throwback in an America where Jews had made it.

The new dangers of anti-Semitism instead came from the radical left and black power movements, which refused to understand Jews alone as victims of persecution. In the context of the Vietnam War and the 1967 Six-Day War, some leftists condemned Israeli imperialism and championed Palestinian resistance. The ADL read this as sign of a virulent new strain of anti-Semitism on the rise.

From the 1970s to our own time, the ADL has wielded this definition to monitor groups supporting Palestinian rights, especially Arab-American and Muslim organisations. Ironically, the new anti-Semitism seems to be discovered again and again, decade after decade.

It has come to a hysterical crescendo in the 21st century. To name just a few titles, theres The Real Anti-Semitism in America (1982), The New Anti-Semitism (2003); The Return of Anti-Semitism (2004); Resurgent Anti-Semitism (2013).

The 'new anti-Semitism' is immutable, according to its definers. They no longer understand it as a prejudice that can be educated away, a stereotype that can be challenged, or discrimination that can be remedied by law. by

The argument is always the same: Israel is the victim of international persecution as the Jew among nations. The circle of persecutors has been expanded beyond 1960s radicals to include the United Nations and Third World nations, which condemned Zionism as racism in the 1970s, and to the mainstream media in the 1980s, for broadcasts of Israeli brutality in Lebanon and during the First Intifada. New accusations of new anti-Semitism started targeting human rights groups and the Nobel Peace Prize in the 1990s.

The term became capacious enough to include Jewish critics of Israel, who had once been considered merely self-hating. Since 2001, definers of the new anti-Semitism have circulated anti-Muslim stereotypes of Islamofascists who purportedly fuse anti-Semitism with Anti-Americanism.

Excusing bigotry

This new anti-Semitism is immutable, according to its definers. They no longer understand it as a prejudice that can be educated away, a stereotype that can be challenged, or discrimination that can be remedied by law  the ADL approach to anti-Semitism in the 1940s and 1950s.

OPINION: How Europes far-right feasts on Trumps victory

Consequently, they have no hope that criticisms of Israel might abate if its policies change, and they believe that murderous hatred of Jews is the only obstacle to peace in the Middle East.

To be sure, some critics of Israel do also express hostility towards Jews. But Bannons legitimation of a white nationalism that hates Jews but admires Israel has forced a reckoning with the single-minded meaning of the new anti-Semitism as criticism of Israel.

It is time to dismantle this exclusive definition and undo the damage it has done to the defined.

Even now, the right is pushing back on criticism of Bannon by tarring as anti-Semitic progressive leaders and movements so essential to the current struggle against Trump.

We cannot allow the charge of anti-Semitism to muzzle critics of Israel, nor blind allegiance to Israel to excuse bigotry. Americans must stop the new administration from justifying racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia on the grounds that it supports Israel.

Amy Kaplan is professor of English at the University of Pennsylvania, and author of The Anarchy of Empire in the Making of US Culture. She is currently working on a book on the history of the changing ways that Americans have viewed Israel.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Michael Knights is the Lafer Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He specialises in the politics and security of Iraq. He has worked in every Iraqi province and most of the country's hundred districts, including periods embedded with Iraq's security forces.

On November 26, the Iraqi parliament passed a bill recognising the Shia fighters, the Popular Mobilisation Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi, PMF).

The bill is not quite the breakthrough moment that many observers suggest: It mirrors language already enacted in an order issued by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in February 2016, which was leaked to the media. Also the bill was not endorsed by the Iraqi cabinet before being passed, so it is technically open to challenge in the Supreme Court and may still be modified by the cabinet.

Even so, the passage of the bill with 208 votes for (out of 327, with none against) is an important reminder that Iraqis feel strongly about the PMF phenomenon and the pro-PMF politicians are an ambitious and powerful lobby in the parliament.

I have long argued that the PMF has to be recognised as a legitimate part of Iraqs military history and a proud chapter for many Iraqis. When the Iraqi military failed in June 2014 it was the Shia paramilitaries that stepped up and created the confidence to prevent the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) from taking Samarra and western Baghdad.

I was born in Britain, and we have our military legends too: The thousands of little boats that ordinary British people piloted across the English Channel to rescue our army from the Nazis at Dunkirk. This is why I can easily understand how the PMF are Iraqs Dunkirk moment.

What I have also long said, however, it that there are two potential problems if the PMF are not demobilised after Mosul is recaptured.

First, the PMF may have done some great things in the war against ISIL, but they contain some of the most vicious and criminal militia groups in Iraq (PDF). Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq are not just terrorist groups who killed hundreds of US and British soldiers. They also murdered thousands of Iraqi Sunni and Shia civilians, particularly in Baghdad, where Asaib Ahl al-Haq committed mass sectarian cleansing of Sunnis.

OPINION: Legalising PMF in Iraq  why its not all bad news

Second, even if the past records of these groups were deleted, many PMF components have frightening plans for Iraq in the future. Badr Organisation, Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq have something very simple in common: they support the extension of the velayat-e faqih system of clerical rule from Iran into Iraq.

The right way to honour the PMF while still reducing the risk they pose is to demobilise them into the existing security forces under the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior. by

This means not only do they have a commitment to overthrow parliamentary democracy and the constitution in Iraq, they dont even want an Iraqi cleric on top. They take their orders from Iran.

There is a dichotomy here: Iraqi Shia are right to be proud of their role in stopping ISIL in 2014, but should also be fearful of what the PMF might become in the near future.

The right way to honour the PMF while still reducing the risk they pose is to demobilise them into the existing security forces under the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior.

The February executive order and the recent law are a good start. These documents assert the prime ministers ultimate leadership of the PMF, call for its restructuring in keeping with national interests, and bring the movement and its leaders under the military code of justice and discipline.

It is right and fair that the PMF fighters (including thousands of Sunnis as well) get medical and logistical support plus salaries and pensions equivalent to other Iraqi soldiers. But Iraqis need to watch closely how these aims are achieved.

If the PMF gets these services through the security ministries, for instance through Ministry of Defence hospital arrangements, then this poses no risk. But it would be dangerous (and unnecessarily costly) if the PMF starts to build up a set of expensive parallel institutions more akin to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or Basij Forces, or Lebanons Hezbollah.

In Iran and Lebanon these forces have become more than security guardians. They are powerful political, voting and intimidation machines, and they have the ability to threaten even elected presidents (as the Revolutionary Guard did in Iran against President Mohammad Khatami in 1999).

OPINION: Iraqs popular demobilisation

This is why Iraqis need to closely watch Iraqs budgets to make sure the PMF do not get direct control of the resources that can turn them into a permanent anti-democratic, Iranian-controlled power base. This is why it is safest and best to demobilise the PMF into the existing ministry armed units.

If the PMF are allowed to grow out of control, it will be a sad corruption of their heroic stand in 2014 and could become yet another bitter memory for Iraqis. But if demobilisation occurs, the PMF will be proudly remembered as Iraqs Dunkirk moment.

Michael Knights is the Lafer Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He specialises in the politics and security of Iraq. He has worked in every Iraqi province and most of the countrys hundred districts, including periods embedded with Iraqs security forces.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Nimrud is one of many archaeological treasures in Iraq which has suffered under ISIL control.

Nimrud, Iraq  The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) blew up Nimrud on a spring day last year. A truck mounted with speakers drove through the dusty roads surrounding the ruins of the ancient Assyrian city beforehand, instructing local residents to open their windows so that the glass wasnt shattered by the shockwave of a massive blast.

Black-clad ISIL fighters then placed barrel loads of explosives among structures, friezes and sculptures constructed more than 3,000 years ago, then detonated them in an eruption of earth and masonry that levelled most of the site and sent debris for hundreds of metres.

Ahmed, 26, who lives in a nearby village describes it as being like an earthquake. It was very strong, he recalls. The land itself was shaking.

Nimrud was founded in the 13th century BCE and is widely seen one as one of the worlds great archaeological treasures, home to the palace of Assyrian King Ashurnasirpal II, with its giant stone depictions of winged guardians known as lamassu, as well as temples to deities Ninurta and Enlil.

But the area was captured by ISIL when the group swept across a swathe of northern Iraq in mid-2014.

The group views anything predating the Islamic era as idolatrous and has systematically destroyed and looted such ancient sites, as well as those belonging to religious minorities such as Christians and Yazidis, or of Islamic sects that dont correspondent with its beliefs.

ISIL revelled in this destruction. A propaganda video released at the time recorded the explosion from multiple angles, while other footage shot outside Ashurnasirpal IIs palace showed ISIL fighters using cutting tools and sledgehammers to destroy friezes, drills and earth movers to tear apart statues.

I'm really worried about these places in the countryside, not just the famous cities and towns  they're hidden and we don't know what's going on there ... This is not Iraq's heritage, but the whole world's. by Abdulameer al-Hamdani, Iraqi archaeologist

But the true extent of the damage only became clear in mid-November, when Iraqi forces drove ISIL from the area as part of the six-week-long offensive to retake the second city of Mosul.

Almost 1,800 of Iraqs 12,000 registered sites were in territory held by the group, and the devastation of Nimrud has raised further fears among archaeologists about the future of other sites within Iraq, already ravaged by years of insecurity and war.

Deputy Minister for Culture and Tourism Qais Rasheed estimated that 70 percent of Nimruds historical sites have been destroyed. Looking at whats left, even that seems optimistic.

The remains of sculptures and bas-reliefs remain are piled where ISIL left them in front of the palace. Elsewhere, the destruction seems absolute  much of the area is nothing but a huge field of rubble dotted by chunks of stone with cuneiform writing and the odd mud brick wall.

A steady stream of tourists once provided local residents with income and employment. In the nearest village, a scattering of houses with an army post at the entrance, few envisage those days returning.

We feel sad, as a lot of people in the villages worked at Nimrud, said Amar, 23. People would come from all over Iraq to visit this place and now its gone.

Layla Salih, an archaeologist, who was among the first to inspect the site after ISIL were expelled, describes her assessment as one of awful destruction. Because it has not been further disturbed since the explosion, she adds that there may be at least some small reasons for optimism. The good thing is that the rubble is still in the site. We thought we lost everything, but we may be able to rescue something after all.

But there are currently no safeguards to ensure that the remains of these priceless relics remain where they are. As of last week, Nimrud was completely unsecured, vulnerable to looting of the kind that ravaged Iraqs archaeological sites both under ISIL and during the chaos that gripped the country in the aftermath of the US-led invasion of 2003. Fighting, meanwhile, is still ongoing nearby and the boom of explosions regularly echo around the ancient city.

Salih is all too aware of the risks. Im worried about its protection, she says. The battle is still going on in the area and things could be stolen or damaged by those who dont care for Iraqs heritage. Thats a big concern for me.

Abdulameer al-Hamdani, an archaeologist with the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, describes a programme of first-aid conservation designed to halt further damage. The immediate priority, he says, is reinstating guards previously employed by the board to look after the site.

Other plans include fencing off the area, transferring parts of broken sculptures to a secure location and constructing shelters to protect damaged structures before the rainy season.

Even if these moves are undertaken, however, the damage done to Nimrud remains part of a catastrophic and ongoing destruction of Iraqs cultural heritage. Much of this destruction took place immediately post-2003, when archaeological sites in the south were heavily looted, along with the national museum in Baghdad.

READ MORE: ISIL fighters bulldoze ancient Assyrian palace in Iraq

Then, the damage was the result of a precarious security situation coupled with economic collapse and widespread unemployment, says Allison Cuneo, project manager with the American Schools of Oriental Research Cultural Heritage Initiatives (ASOR CHI), which works with the US state department to document, protect, and preserve the cultural heritage of northern Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

ISIL was different. The group systematically attacked a number of historic relics, including those in Mosul museum, for propaganda purposes, while at the same time looting others and selling the spoils to smugglers.

ASOR CHIs research suggests that around 300 sites have been damaged in the 12 months after ISIL invaded northern Iraq in June 2014, nearly all deliberately.

Now, the worry is that further damage will be revealed as ISIL retreat. Sites under the groups control include the spectacular ruins of Hatra and Assyrian city of Ninevah. Of particular concern to Hamdani though, are many lesser-known smaller sites which may have been completely wiped out. Im really worried about these places in the countryside, not just the famous cities and towns  theyre hidden and we dont know whats going on there.

Protecting both the big and small of Iraqs ancient sites and relics may be beyond the countrys own state institutions, but for Hamdani, this is not just a local problem. We have responsibility as archaeologists in Iraq, but so do my colleagues everywhere else, he says. This is not Iraqs heritage, but the whole worlds.
Colombias Congress has approved a revised peace deal with the FARC rebel group, paving the way to end a conflict that has lasted more than 50 years.

The lower house voted 130-0 on Wednesday to approve the text adopted a day earlier by the Senate.

President Juan Manuel Santos said the vote provided landmark backing for a deal he personally pushed for. Santos, this years Nobel Peace Prize winner, shepherded the revised deal through Congress after voters shocked the world by rejecting an earlier version in a referendum last month.

READ MORE: Why did Colombians reject the FARC peace deal?

The governments chief peace negotiator with the FARC, Humberto de la Calle, had urged politicians to ratify this deal, warning that the armys ceasefire with the leftist guerrillas was fragile.

The first agreement was rejected in a referendum in October, with majority of voters saying they felt it was too lenient toward the rebels, who have battled the government for 52 years.

Al Jazeeras Alessandro Rampietti, reporting from Medellin, said the approval was a significant step towards peace in the country, but added that the deal still faced hurdles.

A few more obstacles remain, he said, adding the constitutional court still needed to rule on a mechanism allowing Congress to pass implementing regulations, including an amnesty law.

Resistance remains

The new agreement introduces some 50 changes intended to assuage critics led by the still-powerful former president Alvaro Uribe.

They range from a prohibition on foreign magistrates judging crimes by the FARC or government, to a commitment from the rebels to forfeit assets, some of them amassed through drug trafficking, to help compensating their victims.

But the FARC would not go along with the oppositions strongest demands: jail sentences for rebel leaders who committed atrocities and stricter limits on their future participation in politics.





Public opinion has been divided on the signing of the deal, as some overwhelmingly loathe the FARC, or the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, for crimes such as kidnappings and drug-trafficking, while others want peace to prevail.

However, a recent wave of alleged assassinations in conflict areas has raised pressure on the government to seal a peace deal fast.

The revised deal aims to end 52 years of conflict that has killed more than 220,000 people, left 60,000 missing and displaced millions.

However, a period of discord and uncertainty looks certain, as opponents threatened to resist the revised deal.

Uribe, the former president, had complained that it still did not satisfy his key demands, notably punishing FARC leaders for their crimes.

The peace deal follows three failed efforts to end the conflict, under presidents Belisario Betancur (1982-1986), Cesar Gaviria (1990-1994) and Andres Pastrana (1998-2002).
The 64-year-old succeeds his much-revered father who died 50 days ago following a 70-year reign.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has become Thailands new king after accepting an invitation from parliament to succeed his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October.

The new monarch, 64, who received the title His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, assumed his new position on Thursday, according to an announcement broadcast on all TV channels.

He ascends the throne 50 days after the death of his father, who reigned for 70 years.





I agree to accept the wishes of the late king  for the benefit of the entire Thai people, he said. This royal succession highlights a desire for stability and continuity in Thailand.

Vajiralongkorn addressed his audience, which included Royal Regent Prem Tinsulanonda and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, before holding a private meeting with the regent and key government figures.

The prince has not spoken publicly since his fathers death and news about his plans has come through the government.

Vajiralongkorn, the only son of King Bhumibol, who is also known as King Rama IX, did not immediately ascend the throne following his fathers death as traditionally practised, instead requesting more time to mourn.

Al Jazeeras Wayne Hay, reporting from Bangkok, said the announcement was delayed by a couple of hours and the footage broadcast on television was pre-recorded.

It is a historic day  a new king, he said.

But Thailand is still in mourning for the passing of the late king 50 days ago so there will be mixed emotions for many Thais. But there will also be celebration of the announcement.

READ MORE: Remembering Thailands beloved King Bhumibol

Earlier on Thursday, Channel News Asia reported that the crown prince had arrived for the ceremony from Germany, where he has a home.

Thursdays religious ceremony will continue into Friday, with Vajiralongkorn presiding over the rites on both days. The Grand Palace is closed for both mourners and tourists on both days.

News about the royal succession, and criticism about the crown prince, have been muted.
Merera Gudina was arrested after he appeared at the EU parliament to testify on current political crisis in Ethiopia.

A prominent Ethiopian opposition leader from the countrys restive Oromo region has been arrested after he came back from a meeting with members of the European Parliament in Brussels.

Merera Gudina, who is the chairman of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, was arrested in his house in the capital Addis Ababa, according to media reports.

Merera arrived in Addis Ababa on Wednesday morning from a trip to Brussels, where he met members of the European Parliament, Gebru Gebremariam, deputy chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress, told the Reuters news agency.

READ MORE: Ethiopia  Oromo protests continue amid harsh crackdown

Police arrested him in his house the same day in the evening. We havent been given reasons behind his arrest, Gebru added.





Ethiopias state-aligned FBC radio said the Oromo leader was arrested for trespassing the state of emergency rulings of the country.

A six-month state of emergency was declared in October after almost a year of violent protests, giving the authorities the power to restrict opposition activities and impose curfews. Last month, the government said more than 11,000 people had been arrested since the decree was passed.

Merera was arrested for violating the directive stated under article 2, which prohibits any communication with banned terrorist organisations and anti-peace groups, FBC said.

Before his arrest, Merera had appeared at the EU parliament to testify on the political crisis and human rights violations in Ethiopia.

He was joined by two other prominent opposition figures: Berhanu Nega, leader of the banned Patriotic Ginbot 7 group and athlete Feyisa Lilesa, an Olympic silver medalist who carried the Oromo protests that gripped Ethiopia in to international headlines when he crossed his arms in an X sign at the finishing line in Rio.

Merera is being held at the Maekelawi prison, according to the Addis Standard.

READ MORE: Ethiopia  Dozens killed in Oromia festival stampede

Sporadic protests have erupted in Ethiopias Oromia region over the past two years, initially sparked by a land row and increasingly turning more broadly against the government.

Merera Gurdina had been vocal about alleged human rights abuses against Oromo people committed by the government





According to New York-based Human Rights Watch, at least 500 people have been killed by security forces since the demonstrations began in November 2015.

Though protests started among the Oromo, Ethiopias biggest ethnic group, they later spread to the Amhara, the countrys second largest ethnic group.

Both groups say the ruling coalition is dominated by the Tigray ethnic group, which makes up only about six percent of the population.

The government has blamed rebel groups and dissidents abroad for stirring up the protests and provoking violence.

Authorities have denied that violence from the security forces is systemic, though a spokesman previously told Al Jazeera that police officers sometimes take the law into their own hands, pledging an independent investigation.

The Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front, the ruling party, in October rejected a United Nation request to send in observers, saying it alone was responsible for the security of its citizens.
Fighting between government and rebels has seen deliberate starvation, gang rape, and the burning of villages.

An earlier version of this story said that the UN's Godfrey Musila visited the Upper Nile region. This was incorrect. He visited Equatorias.

A UN commission on human rights in South Sudan has said a steady process of ethnic cleansing is underway in the country, involving massacres, starvation, gang rape and the destruction of villages.





On Wednesday, three commission members who had travelled around South Sudan for 10 days said they observed deepening divisions in a country with 64 ethnic groups.

There is already a steady process of ethnic cleansing underway in several areas of South Sudan using starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages, commission chairwoman Yasmin Sooka told a news conference.

The stage is being set for a repeat of what happened in Rwanda and the international community is under an obligation to prevent it.

The alleged ethnic cleansing comes after almost three years of fighting between government forces, rebel troops and allied militias. A political split between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar escalated into a military conflict in December 2013.

The conflict  which has killed tens of thousands, caused widespread hunger and forced three million people from their homes  has pitted Kiirs Dinka ethnic group against Machars Nuer ethnic group and other groups suspected of supporting the rebels.

You have so many different groups of armed actors, including the military who are talking about dealing with a rebellion and putting it down, Sooka told Al Jazeera in a separate interview.

You have ethnic tensions because people have been displaced from their land based on ethnicity. Everybody believes that a military conflict is almost inevitable in different parts of the country.

READ MORE: South Sudans displaced face hunger

Adama Dieng, UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide, has called on the Security Council to impose an arms embargo to prevent the ethnic violence from escalating into full-on genocide.

In the Equatorias region, the commission heard numerous accounts of corpses being found along the main roads, the UNs Godfrey Musila said.

The ethnic attacks have spread even to the southern Equatoria region, which had not experienced much violence until now, he said.

The commissioner said that armed conflict could be averted if targeted sanctions, arms embargo and a hybrid court is set up to hold those accountable for crimes committed, Al Jazeeras Hiba Morgan said, reporting from Juba.

The UN Security Council is expected to vote on targeted sanctions and an arms embargo this week, but the hybrid court  seems far from becoming a reality.

Separately, the UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan said he was deeply concerned about bureaucratic impediments and access constraints to humanitarian agencies trying to help people in need.

The statement said 91 such incidents had been recorded in November alone.

Humanitarian organisations in South Sudan are striving every day to save lives and alleviate suffering across this country, humanitarian coordinator Eugene Owusu said. Yet, they continue to face obstacles and challenges which hamper their efforts.

Potential for genocide

The United States on Wednesday also warned of escalating violence.

We have credible information that the South Sudanese government is currently targeting civilians in Central Equatoria and preparing for large-scale attacks in the coming days or weeks, Keith Harper, the US representative at the UN Human Rights Council, said in Geneva.

OPINION: Save South Sudan from destroying itself

In the last two weeks, the government has mobilised at least 4,000 militia from other areas of South Sudan and is staging these fighters in Equatoria to begin conducting attacks, Harper said.

Earlier this month the UNs Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, told the Security Council there was a risk of outright ethnic war and the potential for genocide.

The UN rights experts are expected to publish a report on their findings in March.
Avalanche launched malware infections in more than 180 countries with damages in the hundreds of millions of euros.

In one of the biggest takedowns to date, police across the globe have smashed a massive criminal network providing online services including malware attacks that infected half a million computers worldwide, Europol said on Thursday.

Known as Avalanche, the criminal network was used as a delivery platform to launch and manage mass global malware attacks and money mule recruiting campaigns, Europes policing agency said in a statement.

The network would be contacted by other criminal groups to send emails to specific victims containing malware to steal bank details and passwords, as well as to conduct so-called distributed denial of service (DDos) spam attacks.

Victims of the malware infections were identified in more than 180 countries, it said from its fortress-like headquarters in The Hague.





The damage caused ran into hundreds of millions of euros and in Germany alone  where the gangs activities were first detected  some six million euros ($6.3m) in losses were reported as a result of concentrated cyber-attacks on online banking systems.

Police from as far afield as Australia, Belize, India and Singapore, together with 25 other countries pounced on Wednesday after a four-year operation, arresting five top network bosses, seizing 37 servers and searching 39 premises.

Europol would not say in which countries the five were held.

Avalanche functioned like a company  and we have arrested its chief executive and board members, said Fernando Ruiz, operations chief at Europols EC3 Cybercrime Centre.

They had different branches that catered for different crimes  and even had a customer service section to help their clients, Ruiz told AFP news agency.

Law officials also shut down 221 other servers and seized or blocked some 800,000 internet domains in the unprecedented operation.

READ MORE: Hackers cripple US internet in wide-scale cyber attack

The operation was supported by Europol, the continents judicial cooperation agency Eurojust, Interpol, the US Attorneys Office, the FBI and private companies.

The suspects face charges in different countries all related to being involved in organised crime.

Eurojust president Michele Coninsx said the operation marked a significant moment in the fight against organised cyber-crime.

Avalanche, one of the worlds largest and most malicious botnet infrastructures, has been decisively neutralised in one of the biggest takedowns to date.
The FBI is not investigating letters sent to mosques in six more states promising to cleanse America of Muslims.

Several more mosques in the United States have reported receiving hate-filled letters from California that warned Muslims to leave the country or face genocide.

The identical letters postmarked from the Los Angeles area have now shown up at mosques throughout California and in Ohio, Michigan, Rhode Island, Indiana, Colorado and Georgia.

Los Angeles police have been investigating the letters addressed to the children of Satan as a hate incident, but not a crime because it does not contain a specific threat.



Rising Islamophobia concerns US Muslims

The letters appeared to be photocopies of a handwritten note referring to Muslims as vile and filthy people and saying that President-elect Donald Trump would do to Muslims what Hitler did to Jews.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations has asked the FBI to investigate.

The FBI said the threats, while inflammatory and awful, did not constitute a hate crime, nor did they pose a threat specific enough to investigate at this point. They added they were monitoring the situation and urged anyone to report such incidents.

Police in Providence, Rhode Island, said they would increase patrols after one of the letters was received at Masjid Al-Kareem.

Faissal Elansari of the Islamic Center of Rhode Island said he felt a wave of hate at his doorstep, WPRI-TV reported.

Envelopes have had a return address in the city the letter was sent from  often 331 Oak St  but are postmarked in Los Angeles or Santa Clarita, a suburb about 30 miles north.

The name above the return address is Reza Khan, said Shehadeh Abdelkarim, president of the Islamic Center of Cleveland, which received one of the letters. He noted that is a Muslim name.

The person obviously knows a little about Muslim culture, Abdelkarim said.

The name is bogus, said Sgt Mike Abdeen of the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, which is helping Los Angeles police.

Letters have been received at six mosques in California, including Los Angeles, Fresno and San Jose, according to police and Islamic groups. Elsewhere, they have also turned up at mosques in Denver; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Savannah, Georgia; and a school affiliated with an Indianapolis mosque.

Trumps spokespeople have not responded to a request for comment.
North Korea warned of tougher countermeasures for self-defence after the UN Security Council unanimously imposed its strongest-ever sanctions on Pyongyang.

The countrys foreign ministry issued a statement on Thursday calling the UNSCs move another excess of authority and violation of the DPRKs sovereignty, referring to its official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.





Many countries  including all the permanent member states of the UNSC  have so far conducted thousands of nuclear tests and rocket launches, but the UNSC has never prevented them from doing so, said the ministrys statement carried on state-run Korean Central News Agency.

The new sanctions resolution on Wednesday, which was spearheaded by the US and came after three months of tough negotiations with fellow veto-wielding council member China, passed by a 15-0 vote.

[US President Barack] Obama and his lackeys are sadly mistaken if they calculate that they can force the DPRK to abandon its line of nuclear weaponisation and undermine its status as a nuclear power through base sanctions to pressurise it, it said.

North Korea insists its nuclear weapons are a deterrent to US aggression and has brushed aside earlier sanctions, which have notably targeted its weapons exports and access to financial markets.

The resolution demands that North Korea abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes and takes aim at the states exports of coal  its top external revenue source.

READ MORE: UN slaps North Korea with toughest-ever sanctions

Under the resolution, North Korea will be restricted from exporting beyond 7.5 million tonnes of coal in 2017, a reduction of 62 percent from 2015.

Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the UN, said the resolution would strip the regime of more than $700m in hard currency, dramatically reducing the money it can spend on nuclear and ballistic weapons.

Power, speaking to reporters with her counterparts from US allies South Korea and Japan, called the resolution the strongest sanctions regime the Security Council has imposed on any country in more than a generation.

So long as the DPRK makes the choice it has made, which is to pursue the path of violations instead of the path of dialogue, we will continue to work to increase the pressure and defend ourselves and allies from this threat, said Power.

OPINION: Will there be a Korean war under Trumps presidency?

China is North Koreas primary ally and one of the few markets for its coal.

China has traditionally protected North Korea diplomatically, believing that Kim Jong-uns regime is preferable to its collapse, but has grown increasingly frustrated by the neighbouring states defiance.

Chinas UN ambassador, Liu Jieyi, reiterated that Beijing strongly opposes the North Korean nuclear tests  but also made a veiled criticism of joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
Israeli buses remove Arabic-language announcements in southern city of Beersheba after pressure from Jewish residents.

Palestinian citizens of Israel have criticised an Israeli bus companys decision to remove Arabic-language announcements in Beersheba, a 200,000-person city in the countrys southern Negev region.





Israels Ministry of Transportation instructed the Dan Bus Company to remove Arabic announcements after several local Jewish-Israeli residents lodged complaints to the company and the Beershebas city hall.

The company previously had announcements in Hebrew and Arabic, both of which are official languages.

Knesset member Yousef Jabareen, who is a member of the predominantly Arab Joint List electoral coalition, denounced the move as an effort to depict Arabic as the language of the enemy.

It is the duty of transportation companies to respect [the Arabic language] and use it in all their work and projects, including on buses and trains, Jabareen told Al Jazeera.

READ MORE: Bulldozers to raze Palestinian village in Israel

Jabareen said the removal of Arabic reflects the racist climate of the country and the atmosphere of incitement.

The Ministry of Transportation has defended the move. In a statement provided to Israels Channel Two, the ministry announced it would not obligate the company to include Arabic announcements until there is a uniform criteria for doing so.

Also speaking to Channel Two, Beersheba Mayor Ruvik Danilovich said Arabic would be included on Beershebas buses once it is implemented in all of Israel.

Erasing Arabic language and culture

Amjad Iraqi, international advocacy coordinator at the Adalah Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, said the bus company caved in to racism.

By agreeing to remove the Arabic announcements, the company gave credit to the belief that the use of Arabic  an official language of the state  is a public offence, not a basic human right or practice, Iraqi told Al Jazeera.

READ MORE: Israels war on the Arabic language

This is just one example of recent attempts to further erase Arabic language and culture from the Israeli public sphere, he added, alluding to the Muezzin Bill, proposed legislation that seeks to effectively ban mosques from using loudspeakers during the Muslim call to prayer.

[These laws] are also being spearheaded and legitimised by the ongoing racism and incitement of Israeli leaders against Arab citizens.

An estimated 1.7 million Palestinians  comprising Christians, Muslims and Druze  carry Israeli citizenship and live in cities, towns and villages across the country.

More than 160,000 Palestinian Bedouins carry Israeli citizenship and live in the Negev region, of which Beersheba is the largest city and administrative seat.

Although Israels minority of Palestinians make up around 20 percent of the population, far-right Israeli politicians have unsuccessfully attempted to target Arabic in recent years.

Two years ago, far-right politicians from the Likud, Jewish Home and Yisrael Beitenu parties pushed a bill in the Knesset that would classify Hebrew as Israels sole official language.

In 2011, Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz proposed removing Arabic from street signs.

According to Adalahs online database, more than 50 laws discriminate against Palestinian citizens of Israel by stifling their political expression and limiting their access to state resources, such as land.
Doha News says it has been blocked by the Gulf countrys two internet service providers  with no reason why.

Doha, Qatar  An English-language news website in Qatar has raised the issue of censorship after it was blocked by the countrys two internet service providers simultaneously for reasons unknown.

Doha News, which has operated for eight years in the capital, said in a statement on Thursday that the sites URL had been inaccessible by internet users inside the country since Wednesday  with the exception of those with access to a VPN (virtual private network) or unfiltered corporate internet.

The website was available to those outside Qatar, however.

Omar Chatriwala, a co-founder of Doha News, told Al Jazeera: Were reaching out to authorities to understand why this has happened. Although theres been no public or official comment on the matter, our initial discussions with them have indicated this wont be immediately resolved.

The two internet service providers, Vodafone Qatar and state-controlled Ooredoo, declined to comment.

Earlier, when the sites administrators tried to divert followers to another domain name, the new URL was also blocked soon after, the Doha News statement said.

We are incredibly disappointed with this decision, which appears to be an act of censorship, it said.

There was no immediate response from the Qatari government.

Some Qataris took to social media saying they were upset at the news site being blocked, while others said they supported the move because of overly critical reporting by Doha News.
Protesters demanding closure of offshore prison camps abseil down parliament, stopping its proceedings for a second day.

Protesters, angered by Australias refugee policy, have disrupted parliament for a second day by abseiling down the building and erecting a banner that read close the bloody camps now.

In the early hours of Thursday the group also poured red dye  representing blood  into a fountain in front of the building, the national broadcaster ABC reported.

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK: Australias complex refugee debate

The incident came after a protest on Wednesday during which the group stopped parliamentary proceedings for half an hour, shouting slogans and gluing their hands to railings in the public gallery.

The group was protesting specifically against Australias offshore prisons which hold 1,300 asylum seekers who were picked up trying to reach Australia by boat.

Canberra sends asylum-seekers trying to reach Australia by sea to isolated outposts on Nauru and Papua New Guineas Manus Island, with the prison conditions widely criticised by refugee advocates and medical professionals.

Australia's asylum seeker policy is killing innocent people. All of parliament is complicit. #Justice4Refugees pic.twitter.com/lvXGecYWBs  WACA (@akaWACA) November 30, 2016

Speaker Tony Smith suspended question time in what cabinet minister Christopher Pyne said was the most serious intrusion into parliament in 20 years.

The group of around 30 protestors began chanting loudly soon after the session began, shouting close the camps and where is your moral compass?.

Security tried to remove them as they glued their hands to the railings, with guards using hand sanitiser to help peel them free, television footage showed.

"We are here today to tell every single one of you that you are all complicit"#closethecamps #justice4refugees #auspol pic.twitter.com/l9g8x0UWUq  SMRW (@smr_win) November 30, 2016

They were eventually removed from the chamber, some forcibly.

The protesters, from the Whistleblowers Activists and Citizens Alliance (WACA) group, said on Wednesday that the countrys policy of offshore detention represented a state of emergency.

Parliament shutdown by @akaWACA #closethecamps #bringthemhere, the grassroots alliance said on Twitter.

The group continued their protests on Thursday, inviting everyone in the capital Canberra to join them in front of the parliament.

While the Greens party congratulated the protesters, government Senator James McGrath said on his Facebook page that they were a bunch of bong-sniffing, dole-bludging, moss-munching, glue guzzling K-Mart Castros.

The group was protesting specifically against Australias offshore detention centres which hold 1,300 asylum seekers who were picked up trying to reach Australia by boat.

READ MORE: Australia and US agree refugee resettlement deal

UN special rapporteur Francois Crepeau this month said Australias punitive approach to boatpeople had tarnished its human rights record after an 18-day mission that took him across the country and to Nauru.

The government has defended its position as necessary to stem waves of migration by people from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Middle East, with many dying at sea during the treacherous journey.

I wondered whether we could press on  we could not, said Smith in explaining why he took the rare step of suspending parliament, which resumed some 40 minutes later when the protestors were taken away.
Fortify Rights says systematic violations have been overlooked by Western powers.

A rights group monitoring the welfare of the Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar have called on the international community to take action in order to prevent a genocide from taking place in the country.

The Rohingya, which number about one million among Myanmars predominantly Buddhist 52 million population, have lived in Myanmar for generations.

However, most people view them as foreign intruders from neighbouring Bangladesh which, while hosting many Rohingya refugees, refuses to recognise them as citizens.





Dozens of Rohingya Muslims have been killed since early October, when the army launched a crackdown after an attack killed nine police officers.

According to UN estimates, 30,000 people have fled in the recent violence, and some refugees have accused the Myanmar military of committing rights abuses, including torture, rape and murder.

I think it is reasonable right now to be talking about genocide prevention in Myanmar, Matthew Smith, executive director of Fortify Rights, told Al Jazeera on Thursday.

We do know that widespread and systematic human rights violations have been perpetrated for a very long time, and theres been a very grave uptick of those since October.

Weve seen genocidal rhetoric coming out of state media in recent weeks. It should spur some action.

Smith also criticised the Western governments inaction, saying many are fairly intoxicated with this narrative of political reform to the extent that the Rohingya situation is overlooked.

His comments came after Al Jazeera learned Bangladesh authorities had been turning back Rohingya men at the border, while allowing in women and children based on their need.

More than 10,000 people have already crossed into Bangladesh in the past two months, a UN report had said.

Al Jazeeras Maher Sattar, reporting from Coxs Bazar near the Myanmar border on Thursday, said that due to humanitarian concerns, some people are being allowed in.

There is no real criteria, it is more an ad-hoc decision-making process, where border guards see someone, and they feel that this person is really suffering, its usually women and children, and they let them through, he said citing border guards.

But most of the men get turned back.

But on the whole the Bangladesh government remain antagonistic towards Rohingya refugees, pushing them back to Myanmar, he added.

Those who have managed to cross the border into Bangladesh have sought shelter at an unofficial Coxs Bazar refugee camp, where there are 200,000 Rohingya refugees already.

The situation is being described as dire, as the previous batch of refugees are unable to extend help to those who have just arrived to seek shelter.

Theres not much to give. They are refugees themselves, he said.

Across the border, Al Jazeeras Florence Looi, reporting from Sittwe in Myanmars western Rakhine state, said some local Rakhine organisations have refused to meet a commission led by Kofi Annan, the former UN secretar-general.

Almost all Rohingya in Myanmar live in Rakhine.

Annan is chairman of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, an initiative launched by Aung San Suu Kyis government in August 2016 to identify conflict-prevention measures, facilitate long-term communal reconciliation and address development issues.

Inter-communal riots in Rakhine killed 200 people and displaced another 100,000 in 2012.

Annans team was due in Sittwe on Friday and some local organisations said they were unable to meet the commission because they used the term Rohingya, which is not an officially recognised minority in the country.





On Tuesday, the UN OHCHR said Myanmars treatment of the Rohingya could be tantamount to crimes against humanity, reiterating the findings of a June report.

Habibullah, a Rohingya resident in Sittwe, told Al Jazeera that his family, which was living in another part of Rakhine, were forced to flee after their homes were allegedly burned by soldiers.

He said that he later received reports that his grandfather managed to escape to Bangladesh, while his uncle and cousin are feared to have died.

Authorities have denied the allegations of abuse, but have so far refused access into the area affected by the violence.

Many international aid workers have also had to leave because their travel permits have not been renewed.

Nyi Pu, chief minister of Rakhine, said officials are trying to resolve the situation.

Our government is handling all of the problems in Rakhine, fiercely and precisely. Precisely means we deal with terrorism, in accordance with the rule of law, he told Al Jazeera.
Foreign minister vows to clear Syrian city of terrorists while working with Turkey for increased humanitarian access.

Moscow will continue military operations in the besieged and battered eastern part of Aleppo until the city is cleared of terrorists, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday.

Speaking at a news conference on a visit to Turkey after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in the Mediterranean town of Alanya, Lavrov said Russia would continue efforts to allow humanitarian aid into Aleppo and acknowledged the need for a truce.





Ankara and Moscow have long been at odds over the war in Syria, where Russia backs the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey supports rebel factions fighting to topple him.

The announcement came as mounting casualties pushed the United Nations to call once again for an end to the fighting.

Russia and Turkey have agreed to try and de-escalate the situation, Al Jazeeras Stefanie Dekker said, reporting from Gaziantep along the Turkey-Syria border.

Lavrov has confirmed that the Russians are actively talking to the Syrian opposition in Aleppo to try to establish some form of truce and also some form of humanitarian access  humanitarian corridors. But from what we understand, there are no safe corridors.

The Russian military intervened in Syrias war on behalf of Assad last October, and has since helped to turn the tide of the war against the opposition.

Nowhere to go

Aleppo, which was Syrias biggest city before the start of the war, is largely divided between the government-held west and rebel-held east.

A Russian-backed government offensive has been particularly brutal in the east of that city, where UN officials say at least 250,000 people are under siege. Tens of thousands of civilians, mostly women and children, have been forced from their homes there since Saturday.

On Wednesday, government shelling killed at least 51 civilians  including seven children  as they tried to flee the area of Jibb al-Qubba.

Footage and images of the aftermath captured by a volunteer rescue group known as the White Helmets showed people lying in the street in pools of blood, including a woman dressed in black who had been carrying a large backpack and a small girl wearing pink boots.

READ MORE: How much longer can east Aleppo hold out?

These people have nowhere to go. It is besieged, it is freezing  and there is active fighting on the ground, said Al Jazeeras Dekker.

Speaking at an emergency session of the UN Security Council, humanitarian chief Stephen OBrien said he was extremely concerned about the fate of the remaining civilians in the besieged areas of eastern Aleppo city.

These people have been besieged for nearly 150 days now and most simply dont have the means to survive for much longer. Intensified fighting and aerial bombardment continues to occur, resulting in civilian casualties and injuries.

According to an unofficial estimate by UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura, about 400,000 Syrians have been killed in the conflict that dates back to a 2011 uprising against Assads regime.

Close to five million have fled into neighbouring countries over the years, while six million remain internally displaced.

The UN has described the situation as the biggest refugee and displacement crisis of our time.
President Kiir says no such thing after UN reports massacres, starvation, gang rape, and destruction of villages.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir denied allegations by the United Nations that ethnic cleansing in the countrys conflict is so bad that the stage is set for genocide.

A UN commission on human rights in South Sudan said a steady process of ethnic cleansing was underway in the country, involving massacres, starvation, gang rape and the destruction of villages.

On Wednesday, three commission members who had travelled around South Sudan for 10 days said they observed deepening divisions in a country with 64 ethnic groups.

However, President Kiir strongly denied the allegations on Thursday.





Theres no such thing in South Sudan. Theres no ethnic cleansing, he told Reuters news agency in the South African city of Johannesburg.

Security guards prevented further questions.

More than one million people have fled South Sudan since the conflict erupted in December 2013 after Kiir fired Riek Machar as vice president.

It is the largest mass exodus of any conflict in central Africa since the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The fighting has mostly pitted Kiirs Dinkas, the dominant ethnic group estimated to be roughly a third of the population, against Machars Nuer tribe.

But as fighting has spread to southern border states, known as Greater Equatoria, it has sucked in dozens of other ethnic groups that are also historically in conflict with the Dinka.

More than 4,000 people have been crossing daily into Uganda, where the Bidibidi refugee settlement, open since August, now hosts some 188,000 people.

READ MORE: Ethnic cleansing under way in South Sudan, says UN

Another 36,600 refugees have reached Ethiopia since early September, and more than 57,000 fled to Congo this year.

We dont have sufficient means to help them, said Medard Mokobke Mabe, coordinator for the Red Cross in the Democratic Republic of Congo village of Karukwat, estimating that more than 100 refugees arrive each day.

There isnt food to eat.

Casie Copeland, a researcher with the International Crisis Group, said the world had turned a blind eye to the fighting in its newest country, whose independence from Sudan in 2011 was strongly backed by the United States and other Western nations.

From the wars outset, the UN never tried to maintain a death toll, she said.

Guesses vary from 50,000 up to 300,000. It demonstrates a shocking lack of humanity that no one has tried to establish the scale of violence.

OPINION: Save South Sudan from destroying itself

UN spokesman Farhan Haq said its mission in South Sudan had faced numerous challenges accessing affected areas, but was doing all it could to establish death tolls and other human rights violations.

The chairman of the commission that travelled to South Sudan, Yasmin Sooka, told a news conference there was already a steady process of ethnic cleansing under way in several areas of South Sudan using starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages.

The stage is being set for a repeat of what happened in Rwanda and the international community is under an obligation to prevent it.

Sooka then told Al Jazeera there were so many different groups of armed actors, including the military who are talking about dealing with a rebellion and putting it down.

You have ethnic tensions because people have been displaced from their land based on ethnicity. Everybody believes that a military conflict is almost inevitable in different parts of the country, she said.

Sooka described the amount of rape committed by all armed groups in the country as mind-boggling.

Aid workers describe gang rape as so prevalent that its become normal in this warped environment. But what does that say about us that we accept this and thereby condemn these women to this unspeakable fate?
Deaths of civilians, security forces, and Peshmerga fighters are all on the rise amid ferocious battles for Mosul.

Nearly 2,000 members of the Iraqi security forces were killed in November across the country, along with hundreds of civilians, the United Nations said on Thursday.

According to the UN mission in Iraqs monthly tally, 1,959 Iraqi forces were killed last month and at least 450 others wounded.

The toll includes members of the army, police engaged in combat, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, interior ministry forces, and pro-government paramilitaries, it said.

Halgord Hekmat, a spokesman for the autonomous Kurdish regions Peshmerga ministry in Iraq, said on Thursday a total of 1,600 Peshmerga soldiers had been killed since the start of the offensive to retake the ISIL-held Iraqi city of Mosul on October 17.

Almost 10,000 Peshmerga fighters were also wounded, he said.

READ MORE: Battle for Mosul  who controls what

The UN statement said at least 926 civilians were also killed, bringing to 2,885 the number of Iraqis who have died in acts of terrorism, violence, and armed conflict last month.

The casualty figures are staggering, with civilians accounting for a significant number of the victims, said Jan Kubis, the top UN envoy in Iraq.

The US military said in a statement on Thursday that at least 54 civilians were killed by US-led coalition air strikes against ISIL targets in Iraq and Syria between March 31 and October 22.

This brings the total number of civilians killed by the coalition to 173 since strikes started in 2014.

Ferocious defence

The rise in casualties comes as the major offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant  Iraqs largest military operation in years  entered its seventh week.

Kubis said the growing death toll was largely a result of ISILs ferocious defence of Mosul, the city where it proclaimed its now crumbling caliphate in 2014.

Daesh has been employing the most vicious tactics, using civilian homes as firing positions, as well as abducting and forcibly moving civilians, effectively using them as human shields, he said, using an Arabic acronym for ISIL.
Maha Vajiralongkorn returns from Germany for rite but coronation will take place next year after his fathers cremation.

Thailands Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has returned to Thailand ahead of his proclaimation as King Rama X in a live television broadcast from the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Vajiralongkorn will formally accept late on Thursday the parliaments invitation in front of portraits of his late father and his mother, who is unwell.

Before that, the 64-year-old prince will preside over a religious ceremony marking the 50th day of his fathers funeral rites, which began at the palace the day after King Bhumibols death.

READ MORE: Remembering Thailands beloved King Bhumibol

Vajiralongkorn has been the heir apparent to the throne since 1972 and is set to become the tenth king in the 234-year-old Chakri dynasty, which began with King Rama I.

Thailands parliament formally invited Vajiralongkorn to become the countrys next king on Tuesday.

Earlier on Thursday, Channel News Asia reported that the crown prince had arrived for the ceremony from Germany, where he has a home.

In Thursdays broadcast, which begins at 1130 GMT, Vajiralongkorn is expected to address his audience, which will include Royal Regent Prem Tinsulanonda and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, before holding a private meeting with the regent and key government figures.

The prince has not spoken publicly since his fathers death and news about his plans has come through the government.

Vajiralongkorn, the only son of King Bhumibol, also known as King Rama IX, did not immediately ascend the throne following his fathers death as traditionally practised, instead requesting more time to mourn.





Thursdays religious ceremony will continue on Friday, with Vajiralongkorn presiding over the rites on both days.

The Grand Palace is closed for both mourners and tourists on both days.

News about the royal succession, and criticism about the crown prince, have been muted.

A Thai lese-majeste, or royal insult, law criminalizes anything that is deemed to be an insult to the monarchy.
Despite global criticism and UN warning Aleppo risks becoming a giant graveyard, Syrian government forces press on.

Elite Syrian troops have moved into east Aleppo ahead of a push into the most densely populated areas, as ally Russia called for corridors to bring in aid and evacuate the wounded.

Despite global criticism including the UN warning Aleppo risked becoming a giant graveyard, government forces have pressed an assault to retake control of the divided city.

The offensive  backed by heavy artillery  has spurred an exodus of tens of thousands of residents from the rebel-held east.





It has left Aleppos streets strewn with the bodies of men, women and children, many lying next to the suitcases they had packed to escape.

Artillery fire continued on Thursday but subsided as heavy rainfall hit the city.

The assault has seen President Bashar al-Assads forces make significant gains in the last week.

After overrunning the citys northeast, they were in control of 40 percent of the territory once held by opposition forces in Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the UK-based war monitor.

The regime is tightening the noose on the remaining section of east Aleppo under rebel control, Syrian Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told the AFP news agency.

READ MORE: Russia vows to save Aleppo from terrorists

He said hundreds of fighters from the elite Republican Guard and Fourth Division arrived in Aleppo on Thursday in preparation for street battles in the densely populated southeast.

They are moving in on the ground, but they are afraid of ambushes because of the density of residents and fighters, he said.

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Syria appealed to all sides fighting in Aleppo to protect the civilian population.

The people whore fleeing take a lot of risks. There is shelling, explosions, and sniper fire. People have left behind virtually everything, ICRCs Marianne Gasser, in Aleppo, said.

Widespread outrage

I am sick now, I have no medicine, no home, no clean water. This will make me die even before a bomb kill me.  Bana #Aleppo  Bana Alabed (@AlabedBana) December 1, 2016

The violence in Aleppo has sparked widespread outrage at the Syrian government, but also at its steadfast supporter, Moscow.

On Thursday, Russia proposed setting up four humanitarian corridors into east Aleppo to bring in aid and evacuate severely wounded people.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pledged military operations would continue until the city is cleared of terrorists.

Russia announced they want to sit down in Aleppo with our people there to discuss how we can use the four [humanitarian] corridors to evacuate people out, Jan Egeland, head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, told reporters in Geneva.

He said Russia has pledged to respect the corridors, and that we [the UN] now feel confident that the armed opposition groups will do the same.

Moscow has announced several humanitarian pauses in Aleppo to allow civilians to flee, but until the recent military escalation, only a handful did so.





Since Saturday, more than 50,000 people have poured out of east Aleppo into territory controlled by government forces or local Kurdish authorities, according to the Syrian Observatory.

Thousands more have sought refuge in the remaining rebel-held neighbourhoods in southeastern Aleppo, arriving with overpacked suitcases or sometimes just the clothes on their backs.

The loss of east Aleppo  a rebel stronghold since 2012  would be the biggest blow to Syrias opposition in more than five years.

Syrian aircraft have been pounding east Aleppo with air strikes for months  often using crude munitions such as barrel bombs  but as the ground advance has gathered pace the army has instead turned to more precise artillery.

On Thursday, four children from a single family were killed in artillery fire by regime forces on the rebel-held Maadi neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory.

The government offensive has left 42 children dead, among a total of more than 830 people killed since November 15.

READ MORE: UN envoy  Aleppo residents at risk of extermination

Retaliatory rocket fire by the rebels on government-held areas has killed 48 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory, which has a wide network of sources on the ground.

Meanwhile, rebels in Aleppo agreed to form a new military alliance to better organise the defence of parts of the city they control from the assault by the government and its allies, officials in two of the rebel groups said on Thursday.

Rivalry among rebel groups has been seen as one of their major flaws throughout the nearly six-year-old war.

The two officials, speaking from Turkey, said the new alliance would be called the Aleppo Army and led by the commander of the Jabha Shamiya rebel faction, one of the major groups fighting in northern Syria under the Free Syrian Army banner.

An official with a second rebel group confirmed that the Jabha Shamiyas Abu Abdelrahman Nour had been selected as the leader. In an interview with Reuters news agency last week, Nour urged greater support from foreign states that back the opposition.

The Jabha Shamiya group, known in English as the Levant Front, has received support from Turkey and other states that want Assad removed from power.
President says Moscow is ready to work in partnership with the United States, adding Russia doesnt want confrontation.

President Vladimir Putin says Russia wants to normalise ties with the United States and join efforts in the fight against international terrorism.

Speaking in a live state-of-the-nation address, Putin said on Thursday that Russia was ready to take part in tackling global challenges  if its interests are respected.

We dont want confrontation with anyone, he said in a speech before officials and lawmakers in the Kremlin.

Unlike our foreign colleagues who are seeing Russia as an enemy, we have never been looking for enemies  we need friends, Putin said.

But we wont allow any infringement on our interests and neglect of them.

READ MORE: Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump discuss mending ties

Russias relations with the West have plummeted to a post-Cold War low over the Ukrainian crisis and the war in Syria.

During the US election campaign, President Barack Obamas administration accused Russia of hacking American political sites and email accounts in an effort to interfere with the vote.





The Kremlin rejected the accusations.

In the last few years we have faced attempts of foreign pressure with all tools involved  from the myths about Russian aggression, of meddling in elections, to the hounding of our athletes, Putin said, referring to doping scandals.

Putin said Russia is looking forward to mending ties with the US after president-elect Donald Trump takes office in January.

We are ready for cooperation with the new American administration, he said.

Its important to normalise and develop our bilateral ties on an equal and mutually beneficial basis. We share responsibility for ensuring global security and stability and strengthening the non-proliferation regime.

Enduring relationship

Trump has spoken favourably of Putin, but has outlined few specifics as to how he would go about recalibrating ties with the country.

Earlier in November, Trumps office said Putin and Trump spoke over the phone to discuss efforts to improve the relationship between Washington and Moscow.

President-elect Trump noted to President Putin that he is very much looking forward to having a strong and enduring relationship with Russia and the people of Russia, Trumps office said in a statement.

During the call, the two leaders discussed a range of issues, including the threats and challenges facing the United States and Russia, strategic economic issues, and the historical US-Russia relationship that dates back over 200 years.

OPINION: Will Putin expend Snowden for Trump?

Putin said on Thursday that Moscow hopes to pool efforts with Washington in confronting international terrorism.

Our servicemen in Syria are fulfilling that task, he said.

Russia has conducted an air campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, helping his forces to make significant gains, most recently in Aleppo, Syrias largest city before the war.

Putin said Russia is open to a friendly and equal dialogue about global security.

He pointed to the European refugee crisis as an example of even seemingly prosperous countries and stable regions facing new divisions.
Recount requested by Green Party candidate Stein in state where Trump beat Clinton by less than one percentage point.

The first candidate-driven statewide recount of a presidential election in 16 years began in Wisconsin, a state that Donald Trump won by less than a percentage point over Hillary Clinton after polls long predicted a Clinton victory.

The recount, requested by Green Party candidate Jill Stein, carries none of the drama of the Florida presidential recount of 2000, when the outcome of the election between Al Gore and George W Bush hung in the balance.

Stein, who made a $3.5m payment in recount costs this week, won about 1 percent of the vote in Wisconsin. She claims voting machines used in some parts of Wisconsin and other states are vulnerable to hacking and could have been manipulated.





Verifying the vote through this recount is the only way to confirm that every vote has been counted securely and accurately and is not compromised by machine or human error, or by tampering or hacking, Stein said in a statement Thursday.

The recount does not benefit one candidate over another. It benefits all voters across the political spectrum. This is an essential first step to restore confidence in our elections and trust in our democracy.

Almost no one expects Steins push for recounts in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania to result in a Clinton victory over Trump.

This is certainly not Bush v Gore, said Wisconsins chief elections administrator Mike Haas.

Even so, the campaigns for Trump, Clinton and Stein all had observers spread throughout the state to watch the recount.

Clintons decision to join an effort to force recounts of votes from the November 8 election in up to three crucial states has been labelled sad by Trump, who added, nothing will change.

In a Twitter post last week, Trump said Clinton, his Democrat rival, had already conceded the election when she called him before his victory speech in the early morning of November 9.

So much time and money will be spent  same result! Sad, Trump tweeted, posting part of Clintons speech telling her supporters to accept that Donald Trump is going to be our president.

The Green Party scam to fill up their coffers by asking for impossible recounts is now being joined by the badly defeated & demoralized Dems  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2016

County election officials hired temporary workers, expanded hours and dusted off recount manuals to prepare for the work of retabulating nearly three million ballots.

Most counties will manually recount the ballots, although Stein lost a court challenge this week to force hand recounts everywhere.

The states largest county, Milwaukee, was planning to recount the ballots by feeding them through the same machines that counted them on election night.

In Dane County, where Clinton won 71 percent of the vote, the ballots will be counted by hand.

Wisconsin election officials have less than two weeks to complete the recount.

December 13 is the federal deadline to certify the vote to avoid having the fate of Wisconsins 10 electoral votes decided by Congress.

Even if that were to happen, the votes would almost certainly go to Trump, since Republicans control both chambers of Congress.
Millions of Chinas children are growing up without their parents. We look at the struggles of a generation left behind.

A generation of rural Chinese children is growing up without their parents. Theyve been left behind, and are suffering deeply.

Parents are leaving villages and towns for big city factory jobs, in the hope of a better future. Their kids are left in the care of grandparents or boarding schools, or left to fend for themselves.

A few local governments and NGOs are trying to fill the parental void, but some fear that, without major changes, the children could be lost  destined to a life of struggle with no familial support.

101 East meets the children China is leaving behind.

Join the conversation @AJ101East
I came home for Thanksgiving very eager to shut myself inside the house and relax; my sister came home very eager to get out of the house and see all the friends she had left behind. Its not that I dont have friends in my hometown. Its just that one of them doesnt come home for that short break, and the others I see in Gainesville anyway. I didnt really keep in contact with all the people I was friendly with in high school. Maybe in the beginning I did, but in the end, only the really strong relationships lasted.

A few years ago, I accepted the inevitability that I would never have a large social group. Instead, I have little spheres of friends that sometimes overlap but most of the time represent very distinct areas of my life. If I am part of a large social group, Im usually on the fringe  the friend of someone more solidified within it. Im sure there are many people out there who feel the same way. We dont have that Hollywood, social-media-famous circle of friends.

I believe that there are two broad categories for how people make friends  spread out and deep in. One form is not more valid than the other; its more of a person-by-person situation.

Spread-out people make friends easily and quickly and are more likely to have that large circle of friends. My sister, for instance, spent the last few weekends of high school at the lifeguard tower on the beach with the same sets of people. My mother has monthly potlucks with her group.

Friends are never lacking for these people; if someone is busy, they simply turn to the next person in their circle. There is a catch, however. From watching both my mom and my sister, Ive noticed that there are very few, if any, people they stay close with for more than a certain time period. My mom has more close, intimate friendships, which is the result of being older. But I notice new names pop up in their conversations as old ones fade away. I went to one of my moms potlucks over break and recognized maybe three people from her original group. The rest were new.

Thats not to say that they dont still have those long-lasting friendships; they just go through fringe friends. They understand how to adapt. When people grow and change, its only natural they lose some friends along the way. Spread-out people are familiar with this, and they know how to accept it. They do have friends who will grow with them, but they know theres so many people out there to meet that they dont have to cling onto relationships that dont work.

Deep-in people dont have many friends. Its just a fact. As someone who is definitely a deep-in person, I know it can be lonely at times. If you only have a few friends, theres no one to turn to when they are all busy. Some deep-in people dont mind this at all, but some of us do feel it set in. We dont always have weekend plans, and someone in our little sphere is not always planning a hangout. We meet up when we can. But, there is a hidden upside.

As my mom went out to her potluck dinner with her circle of friends, my dad was at home barbecuing for our family friends who had visited us  one of his close friends from high school and his family. Thats right. High school, which was more than three decades ago for my father. Ive known one of my closest friends since we were in sixth grade. My best friend, whom I have known since freshman year of high school, doesnt even go to school in Florida, yet I know she will always answer my calls. See, we deep-in people may not have a lot of friends, but the ones we have are rooted and firm  though we may change, we know that our friends will grow with us.

The way people make and maintain friends is not a universal experience. Not everyone will make friends the same way, but there is some reassurance in the fact that other people have approaches similar to your own. Theres pressure on both ends of the spectrum. Ive already talked about feeling left out for not having a huge circle of friends, but with a lot of emphasis in television and media on finding your person and lasting-friendship coming-of-age stories, some spread-out people may feel lacking. But, the thing is that no way is right and no way is wrong  whats important is figuring out what matters to you and understanding whatever that is, it is valid.

Petrana Radulovic is a UF English and computer science senior. Her columns appear on Thursdays.

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Perhaps one of the most famous (and offensive) myths perpetuated by financial conservatives is that all of those who receive government assistance in the form of welfare checks or food stamps are either lazy, addicted to drugs and alcohol or both. Today, we are going to evaluate how absurd and ignorant this view is.

While we wish we lived in a world where poverty was simply an impossible situation to end up in, this is sadly not the case. Moreover, we find that once someone unfortunately finds himself or herself in this sad state of financial ruin, it is incredibly difficult to get out. Economists call this phenomenon the cycle of poverty. The cycle is simple: poverty, unless intervened on from the outside, is more than likely going to continue.

It makes sense formally in theory and intuitively in practice. Think about it: imagine youre already living day to day on your paycheck, struggling financially in every sense of the word. One day, youre doing laundry, and your washing machine breaks. Unable to afford a new one, youre going to have to go to a laundromat to clean your clothes. But it takes a dollar to wash your clothes, and another dollar to dry them. When youre living a life of every dollar counts, and you have to sacrifice some of those dollars to clean the clothes you wear to your minimum-wage job, youre only digging yourself deeper in the poverty hole.

Well then, why dont they just stop digging and jump out? Why not change the circumstances? If youre in poverty, its not likely youre going to have time (busy working several jobs) and money (especially now that youre down two dollars every week just to do laundry) to educate yourself, allowing you to segway into better job opportunities. Now imagine being born into such a situation: Financial ability and social ascension are nearly impossible. People who are victims of these circumstances will probably live their entire lives as victims.

Now that weve established the nature of poverty, lets assess the other half of the question: the agents of poverty. Its not uncommon every now and then to hear legislators drafting up potential laws that drug test welfare and food stamp recipients because of the belief they are taking advantage of a handout. It ought to be known that very recently, a year-long study of welfare recipients in Michigan found that drug testing clients does not yield positive drug results.

This study was started when, in 2014, a law was passed in the state requiring recipients suspected of drug abuse to be tested. In the three counties where the study was done, 443 received or applied to receive government assistance. Of that 443, only 27 were suspected of drug abuse. Of those 27, only 14 actually got screened. Ten were receiving treatment through Community Mental Health, and three had their cases closed after the suspicion was ruled to be unwarranted. Of those 14 people who were actually forced to test, only one welfare recipient yielded a positive result.

The reality is that painting broad strokes of lazy and addicted on those who receive government assistance is nothing more than a testament to your own lack of understanding of this issue. It seems all the evidence cited in casual conversation is nothing more than a narrative of Well, I know someone, anyway.

So with a new administration taking office in a little more than a month, think about how much of your hard-earned tax dollars they can waste by implementing such a misguided and ridiculous plan. Instead of trying to reinforce the cycle of poverty by spending money senselessly in drug tests, lets break the cycle and invest in our future via something worthwhile like public education.

Source: MLive

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Music has the power to lift us up and carry us out of situations, whether those situations are just crossing the street or crossing the border.

The Hamilton Mixtape, a musical companion to Hamilton: An American Musical, will drop Friday with a selection of 23 songs from the Tony Award-winning musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, according to a press release from Atlantic Records.

The mixtape will feature songs from the musical, as well as three unreleased Hamilton demos. One of the seven songs pre-released was Immigrants (We Get The Job Done) featuring Knaan, Snow Tha Product, Riz MC and Residente.

The unique syncretism of hip hop and rap mixed with the complexities of musical theater gave Hamilton a fan base bigger than those of the usual Broadway buffs. The Hamilton fandom matured over the internet, with Miranda and others emerging as gods. Fans of the musical, and eventually the mixtape, express their support online wherever they can.

One of these fans is Nayi, a Santa Fe College psychology freshman.

Nayi, who requested we use a nickname to conceal her identity, is an international student from Spain.

She connected with the song Immigrants. The part that stuck with Nayi was when Residente raps, Por tierra o por agua/Identidad falsa/Brincamos muros o flotamos en balsas, which translates to By land or by water/False identity/We jump over walls or float on rafts.

This particular set of couplets stuck out to Nayi because just two years ago she crossed the Mexican border with her mother, seeking asylum.

It was one of the scariest and hardest things Ive ever done in my life, she said.

Crossing the border from Mexico into the United States, Nayi had to memorize the names and addresses of her relatives in South Florida and remember to fully cross into the United States and ask for political asylum, all while trying to remain calm and collected.

We had like 20 bucks in our pocket, no phone or anything, she said. Just the papers and the 20 bucks, thats it.

Once in the Laredo Sector of the United States Border Patrol, Nayi and her mother were kept for more than 24 hours in a place eating raw chimichangas and drinking from small bottles of water.

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For the past two years, transitioning to life in the United States as an immigrant has not been easy for Nayi.

When I first got here, I had three jobs while going to school; I was living in a house with seven people and a dog, she said. I was sharing a bed with two girls.

However, when she heard the song Immigrants, Nayi suddenly didnt feel alone. The beginning verses from Knaan made her feel represented and hopeful.

We come to America because we want to succeed, she said. The majority want to succeed. Its like, immigrants, we get the job done.

Nayi found a community in musical theater during her junior and senior years of high school, specifically while performing the other musicals by Miranda. During her junior year, for In the Heights, she played Yolanda, and for Bring it On, she played one of the cheerleaders.

I like to do different stuff so I dont get bored, she said.

Miranda released Immigrants the day after the general election and said over Twitter that it could not be more timely.

With the aftermath of the election and people around the country and world feeling insecure about their futures, Nayi feared for her own in a country that she was beginning to feel at home in.

Nayi is waiting to receive permanent residency in the United States, and more than that, because she is in the process of obtaining residency, her status in the country is currently expired.

Its pretty scary, she said. I have nothing to hold me here.

Even though Nayis residency situation is unstable right now, she can take comfort in the fact that shes not alone. She said that The Hamilton Mixtape takes the issues that the country is facing and tries to bring people together to fix them.

Nayi isnt giving up on her dream of making it as an immigrant. Once she gets her residency papers, she wants to study at UF and get the job done.

I feel like this is my country now, she said.
Five decades of coordinated bank regulatory efforts to improve the safety and soundness of internationally active banks is under assault.

Anti-globalism sentiment in various parts of Europe and the U.S. has spilled over to international standard setting bodies such as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. While it is understandable that people around the world are questioning the benefits of global trade, reverting to a "my country first" mentality will end up hurting local economies, which will adversely affect banks.

The Basel Committee grew out of concerns about the bankruptcies of two banks, Herstatt Bank in Germany and Franklin National in the U.S. The failures of both institutions in 1974 forced regulators to see how interconnected international banks had become.

Before the committee finalized the Basel Accord  now known as Basel I  in 1988, national bank regulators around the world designed their own risk management, capital, liquidity, and leverage standards for the banks in their jurisdictions, with little, if any coordination. This enabled internationally active banks to create legal entities in countries where regulation and supervision was lighter.

Regulatory arbitrage can be very profitable for banks, since they can increase net income in countries with weaker capital requirements. Yet that also means a bank sustaining unexpected losses can be undercapitalized  leading to potential failure and disastrous consequences for both the bank's host and home countries. Basel was meant to combat such a result.

Nearly 30 years later, Basel III has become more complex as the Basel Committee membership has grown and internationally active banks have been allowed to become much larger and more complex. Earlier this year, the Basel Committee proposed guidelines to strengthen how banks measure credit risk, since it has become very clear that banks have significant flexibility  perhaps too much  in determining the risk of their loan and trading portfolios.

The reaction both from large U.S. banks, but especially from their European peers, has been fierce. As requirements become increasingly stringent, industry stakeholders often use the term Basel IV to describe the evolution. In mid-November, for example, the Danish Bankers Association and three Dutch banks stated that they are concerned "about the serious threat Basel IV represents to European banks and to these banks' ability to support European growth."

But tightening up how banks measure credit risk is very much part of the Basel III accord. There is no Basel IV. Basel was always meant to be an international accord of uniform capital standards, which is meant to evolve as markets and banks change. I would be terrified if we were still using the original Basel accord from the 1980s.

Bankers associations complaining about Basel's updated capital, liquidity and leverage standards rarely ever cite the incredible damage that weak or failed banks inflict on ordinary individuals.

It defies logic that precisely when European banks need more capital to sustain weaknesses in their loan and derivatives portfolios, European legislators are being very short-sighted in asking for lighter bank rules for banks. Because politicians' major goal is getting re-elected, they are not thinking of how important it is to teach banks to stand on their own feet. Legislators are not doing their constituents any favors by allowing banks to avoid measuring the full extent of their exposure to credit risks.

In addition to legislators, others like to claim that regulatory enforcement leads to less lending. A recent Wall Street Journal story, entitled "Bank Legal Costs Cited as Drag on Economic Growth," quoted remarks from Minouche Shafik, who said, "The roughly $275 billion in legal costs for global banks since 2008 translates into more than $5 trillion of reduced lending capacity to the real economy." Yet Shafik was clear about what led to those costs, attributing them to "the wave of misconduct which has emerged in the aftermath of the financial crisis." Of course, a portion of banks' costs are also likely due to the fact that they failed to invest in compliance personnel and technological systems for many years, and have had to ramp up quickly to compensate for those neglected expenditures to adhere to new regulations.

In a recent speech before the European Banking Authority, Claudio Borio, head of the Bank for International Settlements' monetary and economics department, argued that banks have been increasing their capital via "retained earnings and without much sign of an adverse short-term impact on bank lending." He added, "The ratio of bank lending to the private sector to GDP has been stable or has risen in many jurisdictions." In other words, banks can be well-capitalized and still lend.

If those opposed to Basel guidelines prevail, we risk returning to an uncoordinated bank supervision era rife with regulatory arbitrage. Having different regulations among host countries will increase work for on- and off-site bank supervisors. In the U.S., our bank regulators will need to be more vigilant of foreign bank organizations, because when rules are different, supervisors have to spend more time analyzing and deciphering exactly what types of rules banks are following. The Federal Reserve would have to allocate more resources to supervise and examine banks such as Deutsche and HSBC. In London, regulators would have to expend more resources to supervise and examine Citigroup and Mitsubishi.

In no country are legislators trying to provide more funding to regulators so that they have more human and technological resources to fulfill their responsibilities. Yet, if differing and possibly conflicting bank rules lead to supervisors missing any risks, which lead a bank to fail, Basel critics will trip over themselves to excoriate regulators, without ever raising a mirror to their own faces.

Mayra Rodriguez Valladares is managing principal of MRV Associates.
Anthony Labozzetta isn't afraid of change.

As president and chief executive of Sussex Bancorp in Franklin, N.J., he is just as willing to try a new strategy as to reinvent past ones.

That propensity isn't lost on the directors of the $809 million-asset company he helped salvage after the financial crisis.

On many occasions, Labozzetta has worked hard to sway the thinking of a board that was accustomed to moving forward at a much slower pace before his arrival in early 2010, said Edward Leppert, the company's chairman.

"That's a part of the job Tony relishes," Leppert said.

Labozzetta's powers of persuasion were tested after the financial crisis, when he convinced directors that his team should be allowed to keep investing in growth initiatives even as a handful of employees worked to build a firewall around bad assets.

His lobbying skills came in handy again in 2013, when Sussex decided it could no longer rely on its 40-year history of running branches in largely rural markets. To gain traction in the more populous and prosperous areas of New Jersey and New York, Labozzetta proposed resurrecting a hub-and-spoke model that other banks had used before the financial crisis.

However, he wanted to incorporate a twist. Rather than relying on traditional branch managers, he wanted business development professionals to oversee the expansion.

It was a lot for Sussex's conservative board to process.

"We were a little bit cautious because it was a radical change," Leppert said.

Still, Labozzetta prevailed in convincing the board, and so far the strategy has worked out well. Newly added branches, which are operating much more efficiently than traditional sites, also have shown the potential for accelerating deposit growth.

"The thing that has impressed me the most about Tony is that he's always thinking about the business and how he can make it better, change it and keep it nimble and flexible as the environment changes," said Collyn Gilbert, an analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods. "He's very pragmatic in his approach."

Labozzetta's persistence and creativity, willingness to adopt and adapt past concepts, and credibility with investors and directors, have played a big role in Sussex's rebound while creating a blueprint for revitalizing the branch model. For those reasons, American Banker has selected Labozzetta as one of its three Community Bankers of the Year.

Road to Sussex

Before joining Sussex, Labozzetta had never gotten the chance to run a bank. He was close at Interchange Financial Services in Saddle Brook, N.J., where, as chief operating officer, he was arguably being groomed for the top job. Instead, the $1.6 billion-asset company sold itself to TD Bank in 2007 for more than four times book value.

Labozzetta, who eventually became TD's executive vice president of retail distribution for the mid-Atlantic division, enjoyed a three-year stint that would prove instrumental to his career development. Notably, it gave him an opportunity to try retail strategies that he never had a chance to implement at Interchange.

Those experiments would eventually influence how he would run Sussex.

TD, for instance, sought out entrepreneurial employees with the "right personalities" to sell products to customers. The model, which Labozzetta would eventually use at Sussex, favored identifying employees who were geared more toward business development on a regional scale rather than branch management.

It would take years for Labozzetta to implement that model at Sussex, where his first order of business involved cleaning up the balance sheet in the wake of the financial crisis.

Noncurrent loans had begun to increase, peaking at 8.6% of total assets by September 2011, according to data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Many turnaround artists followed a tried-and-true approach to address credit issues after the crisis. They completed bulk loan sales, wrote off huge losses and raised millions in capital to plug the holes. Those "fresh slate" efforts, however, were highly dilutive and damaging to existing shareholders, said Joseph Fenech, an analyst at Hovde Group.

Labozzetta and his team decided to chart a more difficult course to recovery, pursuing parallel paths where one small team would focus on internally working out problem loans while everyone else focused on building for the future. The company would eventually raise a small amount of capital, bringing in about $7 million in 2013.

At one of his first board meetings, Labozzetta told Sussex's directors that his team would be reinvesting in the bank rather than simply grappling with bad assets and slashing costs. The pitch met with some resistance, but directors eventually gave Labozzetta their vote of confidence.

The approach made total sense to the company's new CEO.

"You're giving away shareholder capital if you do a bulk loan sale," Labozzetta said. "The key was to reignite the organization, solve legacy issues, bring in new talent and open regional offices."

Labozzetta held weekly Monday morning meetings with Chief Financial Officer Steven Fusco  a recruit from the Interchange days  and a credit workout team to discuss progress on loans, which were segmented into categories and subcategories. Everyone else was insulated from those problems so they could focus on generating income.

"It was overwhelming to look at when you saw the dollar amount and number of problem assets," Fusco said. "But failure was not an option and we both looked at it as an opportunity to fix something."

By shielding most employees from credit woes, Labozzetta kept morale high. He installed regional lenders, brought in new technology and reversed a decision by previous managers by investing in the company's insurance business. The insurance business, which had been losing money, generated nearly $2.8 million in commissions and fees in the first half of this year.

Labozzetta's approach is "much harder and that's why it is so impressive," Fenech said, adding that it positioned Sussex to "jump off the launching pad" once its credit issues were addressed.

Old Is New Again

In some ways the prolonged recovery was a blessing in disguise to Sussex, Labozzetta said. The company wanted to expand geographically, but doing so would require branches to drum up name recognition and new business.

The turnaround caused management to really think about what these new locations would look like, particularly at a time when banks of all sizes were beginning to rethink  and reduce  their dependency on branches.

That philosophical shift was top of mind as Labozzetta and his team began a more than yearlong process developing Sussex's new branch model. They determined that wholesale changes would be needed  not only to branch appearances, but also to job descriptions and employee requirements.

"The bank paradigm has shifted," Labozzetta said. "We see bank transactions no longer happening in the branches, but more on the digital side of the world."

Labozzetta's vision was built around his experience at TD. He wanted employees who would be far happier venturing out to meet with customers and prospects as opposed to staying inside the branch. Those managers would also need to oversee more than one location.

"The secret sauce is the business-development manager, who manages three locations and not just one," Fusco said. "They are sales motivated and they're out there getting new business."

Each manager is responsible for a hub location and several "spokes." Hubs aren't much larger than 1,000 square feet and are packed with technology such as tablet stations to help meet customers' needs. ATMs and full-service lending teams are also available. (Spokes are still in the works, but will be smaller.)

Labozzetta and his team have tapped into "the wave of the future," said Bob Kafafian, president and CEO of Kafafian Group. Branches generally are getting smaller in size and fewer in number and are being built around giving customers advice rather than completing transactions. Sussex's model hits on all of those notes.

"You still need some physical presence for your people to give advice and resolve issues and develop business and relationships," said Kafafian, who has known Labozzetta for years and has worked with him as a client. "He's one of the more forward-thinking CEOs that I know, and he is not afraid to make changes."

The preliminary results have been positive. Sussex has opened two hub locations  in Astoria, N.Y., and Oradell, N.J.  with spoke locations to come. Labozzetta believes Sussex will only need six to nine branches to provide the same level of service that Interchange provided when it had 28 branches in Bergen County.

The branches also improve efficiency, with Fenech noting that the salary paid to a business development sales manager is lower than what it would cost to compensate multiple branch managers.

Expense management is a welcomed plus, but Labozzetta is insistent that the model was largely geared toward growing the company over the long term. "If you go cost first, you will end up looking at a lot of data and you'll reduce staff  but you won't add the pieces that get you the business," he said.

Banks should instead look to "rethink costs so they're going to the right jobs," Labozzetta added. "And then along the way we got the cost saves."

Eye on the Future

Labozzetta's star continues to rise in an industry where he has been active for decades. He is currently serving a three-year term on the New Jersey Bankers Association, where he was also selected to join the group's executive committee.

John McWeeney Jr., the association's president and CEO who has known Labozzetta for about a decade, praised the veteran executive for being "a dynamic banker" who has earned the respect of his peers. "His experience working at a smaller bank  and a larger one like TD  gives him insights into our needs as an industry, which is helpful for our members," he said.

Labozzetta's reputation was cemented when he was at Interchange, Fenech said, pointing out that TD kept him for years after buying his bank. He also noted that Interchange's loan book held up "better than most" during the crisis. TD "respected his work," Fenech said. "I doubt they would have kept him on otherwise."

Labozzetta's reputation at Interchange also made an impact on Lawrence Seidman, a bank investor from New Jersey with a storied history in shareholder activism. Seidman began buying Sussex stock in late 2014 at about $10 each; those shares have appreciated by more than 60%.

"He's an excellent banker and he's doing a great job," said Seidman, who is not looking for the company to find an exit strategy to maximize value for investors. "His management has been beneficial to shareholders."

The key to Labozzetta's management style, evidenced by his post-crisis efforts, is his ability to make adjustments when necessary to survive and thrive in a climate of change.

The "formula isn't a static one," said Mark Hontz, Sussex's vice chairman. "If a strategy isn't building the right relationship with the customer, the shareholder or employees then it will surely be adapted or changed as time goes on."

A willingness to change could help Sussex as regulators scrutinize the banking industry's reliance on commercial real estate lending. CRE loans amount to more than 400% of Sussex's capital, which is well over the level that typically catches the eye of examiners.

The company is looking to diversify by adding more Small Business Administration and commercial-and-industrial loans. However, Labozzetta is confident in the strength of Sussex's CRE book, noting that management has kept loan-to-value ratios low and the borrowers are familiar customers.

A commitment to change also should help Sussex stay ahead of shifts in customer behavior. While the hub-and-spoke model seems to be working now, Labozzetta readily admits that Sussex might have to find new ways to reach customers in three to five years. So the bank is always looking for ways to improve.

For instance, Sussex taps an employee to serve as the customer advocate during strategic planning sessions. That individual is "basically the attorney for the client," charged with voicing how customers might react to changes such as new fees, Labozzetta said.

Advocacy had led to meaningful change at Sussex, including a decision to adopt a private bank feel where clients sit at a desk to discuss their needs or complete transactions rather than standing at a counter.

In another instance, Labozzetta stepped in to the advocacy role during an annual credit summit, pushing for quicker turnarounds for loan applications. He successfully pressed his team to shorten some of the response times to 24 hours.

"You can't be someone who doesn't like change. We have to adapt," Labozzetta said. "The worst thing you can do is nothing."
Abbott was given the job of Shadow Home Secretary by the radical Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn. Abbott had a relationship with Corbyn in the late 1970s.

For those Americans who've never heard of Diane Abbott: she's a high-ranking and well-known British politician. In October, the British Labour Party appointed her as Shadow Home Secretary. (She first became a Member of Parliament in 1987.)

Rather predictably, Dianne Abbott is a strong supporter of Black Lives Matter. She recently addressed a meeting on the subject organised by the Socialist Workers' Party offshoot, Stand Up To Racism. It also seems that Abbott's a keen fan of the race-baiter Al Sharpton, whom she met in October. (Abbott has been called Britain's Al Sharpton.)

One can see Abbott's racial obsessions when looking over her career. For example, she chairs the All-Party Parliamentary British-Caribbean Group and the All-Party Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Group. The latter are two diseases that disproportionately affect black people. Abbott is also founder of the London Schools and the Black Child initiative.

Closer to the present day, the University of London held a a celebration of black identity (in 2012) to honour Dianne Abbott's quarter-of-a-century in Parliament. This included a concert which included Linton Kwesi Johnson and Kadija Sesay. I assume that most -- or all -- of the other performers were black too.

Dianne Abbott's Racism

Dianne Abbott began her racist career in 1988, when, at a black studies conference in Philadelphia, she claimed that "the British invented racism.

Despite that, we'll begin Abbott's story of racism in 1996.

In that year, she referred to the nurses at a local hospital as "blonde, blue-eyed Finnish girls". No doubt they weren't all blue-eyed or all blonde; yet alone all blue-eyed and blonde. However, racists such as Abbott like to generalise. So why did Abbott make this comment? She did so because she believed that these Finnish nurses had "never met a black person before". Did she really know that they'd never met a black person before? Of course not. Would her words have been acceptable even if they hadn't seen a black person before? No, it would have been racist.

Dianne Abbott came in for a lot of stick for this comment; even from Marc Wadsworth, who was executive member of the Anti-Racist Alliance at the time.

Nonetheless, another race-baiter, the black Labour MP Bernie Grant, came to Abbott's defence. He said:

"Bringing someone here from Finland who has never seen a black person before and expecting them to have to have some empathy with black people is nonsense. Scandinavian people don't know black people -- they probably don't know how to take their temperature".

Bernie Grant too was generalising; at least according to the aforementioned Marc Wadsworth. Wadsworth (who's half-Finnish) pointed out that the then Miss Finland, Lola Odusoga, was black and of both Finnish and Nigerian descent. And, like Abbott herself, Bernie Grant wouldn't have known that these Finnish nurses had never met a black person before. (As for the bit about taking temperatures?) This didn't matter. Bernie Grant and Dianne Abbott were really demanding black nurses for black patients.

Let's move to January the 4th, 2012. Abbott tweeted the following:

"White people love playing 'divide and rule' We should not play their game."

This is profoundly racist; except, of course, it can't be because Dianne Abbott is black. Abbott believes that all [w]hite people love playing 'divide and rule' and all whites play the same game. Is that also true of anti-racist whites like the socialist members of her own Labour Party (such as her ex-lover, Jeremy Corbyn)? Or are they honourable (white) exceptions?

Of course, political divide and rule has existed as long as long as civilisation has existed. So to single out whites is, well, racist. Indeed, by saying that whites play 'divide and rule', Abbott herself was playing divide and rule -- even if for her own team.

Needless to say, this racist outburst of Abbott's led to large-scale accusations of racism.

Abbott was told by her own party (the Labour Party) that the comment was unacceptable. Thus she did indeed end up apologising for "any offence caused". She claimed that she hadn't intended to "make generalisations about white people". Of course she did! But she was caught out and therefore she knew she simply had to apologise in order to save her career. And, like a typical politician, she apologised in a sincere act of hypocrisy.

Even the deputy prime minister at the time, Nick Clegg, called Abbott's comments "a stupid and crass generalisation". However, Nadhim Zahawi, a Conservative MP, summed it up perfectly when he said:

"This is racism. If this was a white member of Parliament saying that all black people want to do bad things to us he would have resigned within the hour or been sacked."

No, Mr. Zahawi -- blacks can't be racist! Haven't you read any Marxist theory?

Despite the many complaints to the Metropolitan Police about Abbott's racism, the police said that she did not commit a criminal offence. You see, the bosses of the Met know their Marxist theory too. (All that diversity training and community cohesion stuff.) The Metropolitan Police is yet another organisation which the Left has taken over. This, of course, doesn't mean that every cop in the rank and file is a Leftist. It simply doesn't need to be the case that all cops are Leftists. If the leadership is Leftist, then that's all that counts. (Think here of the Trotskyists/Marxists who lead and run the National Union of Teachers and the National Union of Journalists.)

Abbott is also a hypocrite in other respects.

Abbott, as a socialist, fiercely criticised her political colleagues for sending their children to private and/or selective schools. (E.g., Abbott was an unappeasable critic of fellow snobby Labourite Harriet Harman who, in 1997, had decided to send her own children to a grammar school.) In 2003, Abbott sent her own son to the private City of London School. That must mean that what she did was "indefensible" and "intellectually incoherent" because that's precisely what she said about the other people who'd sent their kids to private and grammar schools.

The plot of this story is even thicker than that.

It involves the added bonus of Abbott's well-known and well-documented racism.

When Abbott was a guest on the BBC Two show, The Week, she defended her stance by saying: West Indian mums will go to the wall for their children. The host of this show, Andrew Neil, reacted by asking Abbott if she thought that black mums love their kids more than white mums.

Is it even true that West Indian mothers go to the wall for their children? What? All of them? I don't think so.

The Marxist Theory of Racism

Dianne Abbott has a long history of making racist comments. Except that she won't see any of them as being racist. Why is that? Well, according to Marxist theory, blacks simply can't be racists. Only whites can be racist. That's because whites have political and economic power; whereas blacks do not. Thus, as I said, none of Abbott's statements were racist -- according to both Abbott herself and Marxist theory.

And since only people with political and economic power can be racist, I wonder how this applies to Abbott herself. After all, Abbott went to Cambridge University, where she studied with the luvvie Simon Schama. After that, from 1986 to 1987, she worked as a Race Relations Officer and became Head of Press and Public Relations at Lambeth Council. She them became an MP. She's also served on various Parliamentary committees. And so on and so on.

Now that's a lot of political power. Nonetheless, I'd expect Abbott to claim that when it's said that blacks have no power, that's meant in the sense that blacks as a whole have no power. How convenient. Perhaps blacks can't be snobs (like Abbott herself), paedophiles, killers, etc. either. In other words, this prejudice-not-racism theory effectively infantalizes blacks.If you think I'm being conspiratorial about this, simply type in the words black people can only be prejudiced, never racist (don't use inverted commas) into Google. And then read the pages and pages of Marxist/Leftist theory which tells us, in all seriousness, that no black person can ever be racist.
Election 2016: The Day the Music Died for American Jews

For most American Jewish liberals, November 8 was not only a watershed election, but a day in which the music died. They have been left speechless and silent, unwilling to fathom the implications. These liberal Jews have become disoriented and unsure about what to do and what to say; they seem to be suffering from a bad case of PTSD (Post Trump Stress Disorder). For many of these liberal Jews, they are slowly waking up to a new reality of losing their political clout, being left out of the multiple loops of power and access to the White House. They have been demoted to the rank of irrelevancy. Betting on the wrong horse is always a wrenching experience. Over the past eight years, liberal Jews supported and abetted a president and a Democratic Party that was overtly anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian. During this period, Islamic terror attacks have spread throughout America, and anti-Semitism has blossomed in Americas universities and campuses, poisoning the minds of Americas future political and business leaders. This is real anti-Semitism, not the made up anti-Semitism associated with the emerging Trump administration. In recent years, Jews have been attacked and vilified at levels never seen before in recent history. All this didnt matter; the Democratic Party was a sure bet as far as they were concerned.

Jewish liberals became drunk with Jewish power. In a wide variety of domestic spheres  immigration and refugee policy, civil rights and affirmative action, abortion rights, church-state separation issues  Jewish liberals became major players, helping to make the rules and call the shots on matters from health care to zoning. It was during these eight years that Jewish liberals felt free to preach and moralize to us Israelis publicly about how Israel conducts itself nationally and internationally. Many Jewish liberals freely accused Israel of being non-democratic verging on Apartheid, they demanded of Israel to agree to political concessions that clearly endangered Israels national security; they funded and lead many of the organizations that spread the poisonous message of Jew-hatred by the BDS movement. It is easy to see why a Jewish liberal never saw it coming, actually believing that the invented narrative of BlackLivesMatter and transgenderism and Obamacare and unrestricted immigration is actually good for America. Donald Trumps election might well signal the beginning of an era in which Jewish liberals refrain from preaching and moralizing to us as if they have a monopoly on social justice and truth. This interesting parallel of how Jewish liberals have distanced themselves from mainstream America and Israel equally is also the key to undoing the trauma of the election. For starters, despite years of dismissive rhetoric and holding Israel to a double standard, never demanding a similar standard from Israels enemies, has also spilled over to Jewish liberals attitude and support for movements and policies that have been rejected by the majority of the American public. Now that the liberal ideology in America has lost its grip on the White House, with right-wing governments being voted in throughout the Western world, with the continuing re-election of a right-wing government being repeatedly led to electoral victory by Benjamin Netanyahu, now is time for Jewish liberals to take one step back and question many of their givens. For many years, Jewish liberals have blamed Israel for the daylight between themselves and the State of Israel. It never occurs to them to question their own values and behaviors such as their decision not to engage with organized Jewish communal life, or belong to a synagogue, or never visit Israel, let alone marry out of the Jewish religion. Maybe these might explain less attachment or the lack of any special feelings toward Israel and the Jewish nation. A similar blind spot surfaces when Jewish liberals deny the election results and embrace leftist progressive movements in the United States. The delegitimization of the results of Democratic elections, the arrogant use of arguments about "saving" America from itself, and about organizing "sane liberal forces" to fight the "darkness" that is creeping into Americas "soul," are all essentially two sides of the same liberal coin. Jews rise or fall together. For Jewish liberals, the quickest path to overcoming their collective PTSD as a result of the election of Donald Trump might well be defined by their attitude toward and affiliation with the State of Israel. With the Democratic Party moving left and expected to be led by a known anti-Semite and supporter of the Hamas terror group, maybe this is the needed signal to question if the Democratic liberal path is still the path needed to be taken by Jewish liberals in America. So, rather than engaging in rhetoric that gave American Jews an excuse to distance themselves from Israel, now is time to embrace Israel and reaffirm their affiliation and sense of belonging to the Jewish nation. Likewise, embracing America, the Democratic process, and American exceptionalism is just one step away. The writer, a 25-year veteran of the IDF, served as a field mental health officer. Prior to retiring in 2005, he served as the commander of the Central Psychiatric Military Clinic for Reserve Soldiers at Tel-Hashomer. Since retiring from active duty, he provides consultancy services to NGOs implementing psycho-trauma and psycho-education programs to communities in the North and South of Israel. Today, Ron is a strategic adviser at the Office of the Chief Foreign Envoy of Judea and Samaria To contact: medconf@netvision.net.il.
It appears former president Jimmy Carter, now 92 years old, has yet to meet a tyrant he doesnt admire.

His continuing embrace of terrorist regimes makes some wonder when we will see the cessation of his continual self-exhumations from political burial in order to once again resume his prophetic declamations on behalf of odious regimes, past and present. Carters latest declamation on the demise of the pitiless tyrant Fidel Castro reveals once again his lifelong empathy for totalitarian regimes:

Rosalynn and I share our sympathies with the Castro family and the Cuban people on the death of Fidel Castro. We remember fondly our visits with him in Cuba and his love of his country. We wish the Cuban citizens peace and prosperity in the years ahead.

Just as bad, if not worse, Carter wants Obama to recognize a Palestinian state before Barack Obama leaves office. His love for brutal despotism does not end with his affection for Castro, but extends to leaders who wish to exterminate Israel and the Jews.

Newsweeks Eddie Mullholland reports:

Carter has now stepped into the debate with an op-ed for the New York Times on Monday. It has been President Obamas aim to support a negotiated end to the conflict based on two states, living side by side in peace. That prospect is now in grave doubt, he [Carter] wrote. I am convinced that the United States can still shape the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before a change in presidents, but time is very short. The simple but vital step this administration must take before its term expires on January 20 is to grant American diplomatic recognition to the state of Palestine as 137 nations have done, and help it achieve full United Nations membership.

The fact of the matter is this: there has never been a Palestinian leader, including Mahmoud Abbas, who has not denied Israels right to exist; and who has not wanted to eliminate Israel the nation from the map. Education follows policy. It is well known that Harper Collins publishes textbooks with illustrations of the Middle East completely erase Israel from the map.

As Frontpage magazines Ari Lieberman reported in February of 2016:

Palestinian Authority incitement and outright anti-Semitism are all but ignored by the Obama administration as is the fact that 6% of the PAs budget is earmarked toward paying the salaries of convicted terrorists or their families. Since a substantial portion of that budget is subsidized by the U.S. taxpayer, it places the administration of being in the odd position of being an accessary to terror. The incidents and examples of Palestinian Authority incitement are too voluminous to note in this piece but there are a few recurring themes. Jews (and sometimes Christians) are routinely referred to as apes, pigs or monkeys. Ancient blood libels accusing Jews of kidnapping Arab children for the purpose of using their blood in preparing Passover Matzah are regurgitated with regularity and lastly, those who engage in terrorism and murder are extolled as heroes or Shahids. They or their families are often rewarded with cash payments or lucrative job opportunities. Some have even had public places named after them.

But the prospect of openly endorsing those with genocidal impulses toward the Jews has never deterred Carter from consistently embracing the worlds most vicious terrorists, including the odious Yasser Arafat, who had more blood on his hands than in his veins.

One only has to recall the New York Times article written in 1990, which reported Carters meeting with Arafat in Paris. Carter, who laid a wreath at Arafats tomb in 2008, praised him as a peacemaker even though Arafat the peacemaker as head of the Palestinian Liberation Front, was responsible for countless gruesome acts of terrorism. After all, it was Arafat who once said, Peace for us means the destruction of Israel. We are preparing for an all-out war, a war which will last for generations.

Arafat meant his words, as do Palestinian leaders today, regardless of what some more moderate Palestinians may believe.

Carter has even endorsed Hamas, a terrorist organization, as a legitimate political actor, causing Alan Dershowitz to ask if the former president was guilty of a criminal offense.

Ari Leberman writes of Hamas implacable hatred of Israel:

The Palestinian Authority is only half the problem. In the south, Israel must contend with the spawn of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas. In the summer of 2014, Israel fought a 50-day war with the terror group and during the course of that conflict, uncovered a vast network of tunnels constructed for the ghoulish purpose of carrying out mass terror attacks and kidnapping. Some of these tunnels actually targeted kindergartens as well as schools. Incidentally, much of the building material used to construct these tunnels were donated by the EU, the United States or NGOs financed by the West. Since Hamas controls the Gaza Strip and internal controls are virtually non-existent, it was relatively easy for the terror group to divert funds earmarked for civilian use.

In view of the constant antipathy toward Israel by the Palestinians and Hamas; and given his supposedly peace-loving nature, how did Carter arrive at his anti-Semitism?

For one thing, Carter is a believer in replacement theology; that is, that the Christian church replaces Israel and that Israel no longer holds a special place in covenant theology. Israel is just another nation and people. This false doctrine has been the basis of deleterious and sometimes fatal foreign policy involving Jews and Israel. Carters realpolitik favors current demographics and the global order embraced by the U.N., which partly explains his appeal to President Obama to recognize Palestine. Carters globalist vision and belief in supra-national entities as the way for the future replace the Christian vision of the kingdom of God.

Those who insist politics and religion never mix need to re-examine their thinking. Replacement theology has dangerous, even fatal implications for Israel and the Jews. Certainly, replacement theology has contributed to anti-Semitism, including Carters implacable hatred of Israel.

On the other hand, there is hope. Certainly, not every Christian leader believes as Carter believes.

Many Christians, particularly American evangelicals and members of the Reformed denominations in the U.S., reject replacement theology entirely, believing in the inseparable link between Judaism and Christianity; and believing in the unity of the Old and New Testaments. Evangelicals and those of the Reformed faith hold with St. Paul, who as a Jew believing in Christ as the long-promised Messiah, taught that the Jews still had a covenantal bond with God; and that Christianity, far from being an entirely new sect, owed its genesis to Judaism. Christians, Paul, and other apostles wrote, regard Christ as the fulfillment of all that went before and as the promise of the future. They were and are merely grafted into the older vine that was Judaism.

The above is why so many evangelicals and those of the Reformed faith support Israel and her right to exist and flourish as a nation. They will not sever their spiritual roots. Nor will they embrace a secular globalist vision at the expense of Israel and the Jews.

Let us hope and pray the incoming Trump administration strengthens America's alliance with Israel, repudiating Carters and the Lefts onus toward her; and may it also cherish and reinforce the priceless heritage Western civilization has in both Judaism and Christianity.

Fay Voshell holds a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, which awarded her its prize for excellence in systematic theology. Her thoughts have appeared in many online venues, including American Thinker, RealClearPolitics, CNS, Fox News, National Review and Russian Insider. She may be reached at fvoshell@yahoo.com
Rafael Cruz Remembers Life in Cuba

To shed some light on the death of Fidel Castro, I did an interview with Senator Ted Cruz's father Rafael, who lived under the oppressive regime of the Cuban dictator. Have you ever had experiences in which you felt as though your government was taking unfair advantage of you, and it seemed as though you had no power to do anything about it? Have you written your congressman, senator, or county commissioner several times and only received form-letter responses? I suppose that everyone has felt that way from time to time. On the other hand, after you've finished complaining, did you ever feel that your life was threatened? If not, you've never lived under a dictatorship.

As Americans, we take freedom for granted because we've always had it. That's why it's important for us to hear from those who have lived in places where freedom doesn't exist. "I was 17 years old when I spoke out publicly against the corrupt regime of Fulgencio Batista," said Rafael Cruz, who was born in Cuba. As a result of his opposition to the brutal tactics being used against his people, he became a recipient of that brutality. Rafael was arrested, thrown in a cell, and repeatedly beaten by prison guards. "Every four hours, they'd come back in my cell to beat me again," he said. "The pain became so unbearable that I lost feeling in my arms and legs," he added reflectively. About a year later, with the help of his parents, he was able to flee the autocratic island and he found his way to Austin, Texas. Fearing that he might be robbed before he got away, his mother had sewn $100 into his underwear to give him a start in his new country. Although he didn't speak English, he had a voracious appetite for education and a strong work ethic. "I used to go to the movies to listen to the actors speaking English and watch carefully how they formed the words," Rafael said. "In those days, you could stay in the theater to see the movies over and over, so I would spend as many hours as possible, absorbing the words and speech patterns until I was able to grasp the language." He also carried an English dictionary with him all the time and constantly studied it. He got a job washing dishes and worked seven days a week to pay for a college education at the University of Texas, where he met his future wife. They both had a natural aptitude for mathematics, so they immersed themselves in technical fields of study. Soon after graduating, they started their own business, doing seismic data processing for oil companies. From this very inauspicious beginning, they raised a son who became the state solicitor general, representing Texas in cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. Among General Ted Cruz's victories was the defense of the Ten Commandments monument that stands on the state capitol grounds. Cruz won a 5-4 decision of the high court. He also defended the Pledge of Allegiance and won a unanimous decision after a federal court of appeals ruled against the words "one nation under God." Their son went on to defeat Texas lieutenant governor David Dewhurst in the GOP primary in 2012, and was elected to the U.S. Senate in the general election. To recap, the son of a Cuban immigrant, who fled a dictatorship to find freedom in America, raised a son who became a member of the most powerful legislative body in the world and who became a frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president in 2016. During a lunch meeting at my home, the senior Cruz also talked about the Fidel Castro regime, which came to power in 1959 after a revolution that drove Batista into exile. Sadly, they replaced one dictator with another. "Castro rations food, clothing, and all the other things we take for granted here," Rafael said. "The people are allowed to buy a pound of meat per month. If you violate the rules, you get thrown in prison for years." He related a story about a friend from Cuba who visited Texas a few years ago and went to dinner at a restaurant. "When he saw the size of the steak on his plate, he began to cry," Rafael said. "'This amount of meat would feed my family for a month.'" When Rafael Cruz speaks at Republican gatherings in Denton County, Texas and across the United States, his passion for this country is palpable. "Except for the Bible, the two greatest documents ever written are the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence," he says, with fingers jabbing at the air. Perhaps we shouldn't be blamed for not cherishing our freedom because we've always had it, much like people who have always been rich; hence, they can't relate to being poor. Those who often forget how great this country is should spend an hour with Rafael Cruz to get an idea of how lucky they are.
As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump begins to formulate his Middle East foreign policy, he will be wise to assess what areas of the world have become strategically important to Americas ally, Israel. One of those areas is the Balkans region.

Israel has strong diplomatic and security cooperation with Balkan states, sharing mutual threats such as the rise of radical Islam. The Balkans route is a path for arms, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. It has also been traveled by tens of thousands of Middle East migrants hoping for a better life in Europe. Some migrants have been radicalized fighting in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and in other regional conflicts. They are considered security threats as they infiltrate Western societies.

In the Balkans, there is growing appreciation for Israel, along with special understanding of Israels security concerns in a turbulent Middle East, surrounded by certain state and non-state actors that do not want the Jewish nation to exist.

Israel values countries that share its political concerns especially those who are members of the EU and NATO. Israeli officials view these two organizations as strategically important for Middle East stability. Israel supports the participation of close allies in the Balkans that have joined the EU, and are joining NATO as member states.

Albania is a NATO member. Montenegro hopes to join in 2017, recently entering into another phase in accession talks with NATO. Montenegro hosted a large-scale military drill to test NATOs abilities to act effectively in future natural disasters. Israel sent rescue and recovery teams to the country, along with military and diplomatic attaches, and was able to participate in the defense exercises. Israels recent reconciliation agreement with Turkey signaled a willingness for Israeli participation, after six years of being blocked by Turkish officials.

Israel is involved in strategic partnerships in the Balkans despite the fact that some Balkan states are aligned with countries like Iran, which Israeli officials clearly oppose. Israels Foreign Ministry is aware of both Saudi Arabia and Turkeys influence in the region. Therefore, Israel collaborates with Balkan countries at the highest levels of security and intelligence.

One country that is becoming a more serious player in the Middle East and wants a closer relationship with the Balkans is Russia. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who has had cold relations with the outgoing Obama Administration, did not like U.S. attempts to strengthen NATOs defense capabilities in Europe. Putin sees NATO as a threat to Russias military aspirations in the former Soviet Union, in the Middle East, and in parts of Europe. NATO forces could act to constrain Russian aggression in the future. Reportedly, Russia may have tried to interfere this month in Montenegros parliamentary elections, hoping to stop the nations increased involvement in NATO.

The Balkans are becoming a growing focus for both the West and Russia for strengthening political, diplomatic, and security objectives. As Russia has filled the Obama leadership vacuum in the Middle East, Putin in his reach for further hegemonic interests, views the Balkans as a region strategically important to him. Historically, Balkan states were once closer to the former Soviet Union.

As one diplomat described to this writer, the moment you have big players such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran playing in this field, there is good reason for the Russians to be interested, as well. From Russias viewpoint, just like the Turks, it is in their scope of potential regional dominance.

The biggest country of the Balkans today is Serbia, which in the past had close relations with Russia. Until now, some of the high officials in Serbia are more aligned with Russias strategic interests in the region than the EU. Historically, it was NATO that bombed Serbia, not Russia. The Serbs remember it very well. In Serbia, the prime minister is pro-Western, and the president is pro-Russian. This contributes to political uncertainty in the region.

Still a divergent issue in the Balkans is Kosovos strive for independence. There is strong U.S. support for it. Russia is strongly against it. And, certain UN countries are stopping Kosovo from achieving independence.

Israels position on Kosovo is based on how it views its own conflict with the Palestinians. Israel does not recognize Kosovo as being an independent nation. The Israeli government believes Kosovo should come to peaceful terms with Serbia, in direct negotiations, similar to what Israel expects with the Palestinians. Until then, Israels view is that there should be no unilateral steps taken by Kosovo. Israel does encourage trade, culture, and academic relations with Kosovo all but recognition.

Energy needs are vital strategic issue for Russia, the U.S., and Israel in the Balkans. The region is a path for energy pipelines. Israel places great importance on negotiations with its Balkan allies concerning the future global energy map. Since Israel found gas and oil in the Mediterranean, there have been ongoing discussions about partnerships. This may lead to enhanced energy cooperation between Israeli and Balkan leaders.

Israel recently entered into closer consultations with Macedonia, and a growing partnership is developing there. Negotiations touched on all open issues in bilateral fields, starting from agreements of academic cooperation; economics; issues connected to Holocaust and remembrance; and threats from radical Islam. Also discussed were the multilateral aspects of UN voting. Significantly, in mid-November, the pro-Israel agenda at the UN dealing with the development issue was both sponsored and supported by Macedonia.

This is an essential part of what Israel strives to achieve in its emerging diplomatic cooperation with Balkan states. If these kind of supportive countries in the region continue to vote in a positive way for Israel at the UN, it signals that soft diplomacy is a successful foreign policy effort in meeting Israels political goals.

This is in line with the Israeli government position of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One of his main goals has been to get the UN to curtail its bias against Israel. Today, UN voting by Balkan countries is generally more positive than other countries. Israel hopes this will remain, and improve, especially with the influence of Donald Trump.

Outgoing U.S. President Obama has been perceived in the Balkans as a weak president who did not stick to his red lines declarations in American foreign policy. One example of this was not taking action against Syrias use of chemical weapons against its own people. Balkan leaders have shared with Israeli diplomats that they did not like Obamas interference in their regions domestic issues.

Many Israelis also feel that Obama did not stick to his foreign policy declarations, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of Syrian lives. Moreover, throughout his term in office, Obama has maintained a judgmental attitude towards Israel on internal issues, such as those regarding Israels settlement policy.

In general, the Balkan countries today are satisfied with the results of the recent U.S. election. Voices from the region are making it clear that the new American government should implement an effective foreign policy that establishes clear boundaries and deals with real threats to global security. In addition, Trump should be less focused on telling Balkans countries what to do, softer in his approach, exerting less dictated pressure on Balkan leaders, and encouraged to enter into a new political dialogue with them.

An effective new U.S. policy in the Middle East and in the Balkans region will lead to enhanced cooperation, if the incoming Trump administration devotes some time developing these new relationships and listening to key leaders in this part of the world.
President Obamas pipe dream policy of using Vietnam to contain China, which was conjured up years ago by two Senate Johns  Kerry and McCain  is falling apart. This should not surprise anyone who has compared the populations and economies of these two nations.

While U.S. Southeast Asia policy has myopically focused on Chinas growing occupation of and base construction on the South China Sea Islands, China has made a Hail Mary pass by building a new deep-water port in Cambodia. Many strategists see this as part of Chinas gun-boat subversion scheme to claim a vast economic exclusion zone, controlling shipping, fishing, energy production, and even air travel within one of the worlds busiest transportation corridors.

A Chinese company, working with the diplomatic support of the Peoples Liberation Army, is close to completing construction of this deep-water port on a 90-kilometer stretch of Cambodias coastline, according to the companys executives and documents. The port, which is deep enough to handle cruise ships, bulk carriers, or naval vessels of up to 10,000 tons in displacement is located on the Gulf of Thailand just a few hundred kilometers from disputed territories in the South China Sea. China now controls more than 20% of Cambodias total coastline.

As reported by Financial Times:

China has drawn Cambodia into a closer military and diplomatic relationship in recent years as part of its effort to quell regional opposition to its sea territorial claims in Asia. China is presently the largest investor in Cambodia. As China has sought to assert its authority in the South China Sea, some Southeast Asian nations have bolstered their ties with the US, including Vietnam and the Philippines, while Cambodia is Chinas staunchest counterweight. With an effective veto in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the regions top diplomatic grouping, Cambodia has a weapon to wield on Chinas behalf. Cambodia used this effective veto to protect China in July when ASEAN was poised to issue an official statement mentioning an international tribunals ruling that there was no basis under UN law for Chinas territorial claims in the South China Sea. However, after Cambodia objected, a watered-down final communique was issued with no mention of the ruling. China, which had pledged $600 million in aid for Phnom Penh just days before the ASEAN meeting, reacted with gratitude.  A few days after the meeting, Beijing said it would also build a $16 million National Assembly hall in Phnom Penh.

In terms of money, China is the number one, says Phay Siphan, a secretary of state within Cambodias council of ministers. The power of China is getting much bigger... we choose China because [its investment] does not come with conditions. China invested $9.6 billion in the decade to 2013; and about a further $13 billion is yet to come, according to the think tank Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace. A number of western investments come with attachments, he adds. [They say] we have to be good in democracy. We have to be good in human rights.

Among its many projects, HydroLancang, a state-owned Chinese company, is also constructing the $800 million Lower Sesan II Dam in Cambodia, with funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Banks private lending arm. Although the 400MW dam has been hit by protests from thousands of villagers it remains on schedule for completion in 2019. Some 45,000 people will lose their homes, land and livelihoods without adequate compensation or employment possibilities.

China is also gaining ground in Cambodia under the guise of Economic Land Concessions (ELCs) whereby the Hun Sen regime grants tracts of land under 99-year lease agreements that cost just a few dollars per hectare. An area larger than the Netherlands  4.6 million hectares  went to Chinese interests between 1994 and 2012 according to estimates by the Cambodia Centre for Human Rights. It is expected that Chinese laborers will be brought in to develop these concessions and produce the products for export to China with little to no benefit to the Cambodian people. Families of the laborers can be expected to follow and settle on the concession areas.

Hun Sen has given away over half of Cambodias arable land through ELC lease agreements, some 2.14 million hectares. This land was expropriated from Cambodian farmers who depended on it for their livelihood with no compensation, and will now be used to grow crops and products for export with little or no benefit to the Cambodian population.

The kleptocratic Hun Sen regime prefers Chinese companies over others, as they deliver critical infrastructure projects quickly and without delays caused by human rights and environmental objections, since they bring in their own construction workers. The downside is that after projects are completed, Chinese workers remain. With the plethora of projects planned for implementation by Chinese companies, a large influx of Chinese migrants into Cambodia is imminent. An additional reason for Hun Sens tilt toward China is because its bribes are much sweeter than what Vietnam might offer.

As in the Bible, Cambodia is suffering from a series of devastating plagues. The first the Khmer Rouge genocide; the second Vietnams 1978 invasion of Cambodia; the third UNTACs (United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia) sellout of its supervision of so called free and fair elections in 1993. UNTAC gave the Vietnamese-controlled Khmer Rouge equal power in the government even though the pro-democracy opposition received the majority of votes, setting the stage for a bloody communist coup; the fourth the amoeba-like neo-colonization of Cambodia by Vietnam, for it is now estimated by researchers that the number of Vietnamese who have been given Cambodian nationality and Khmer-ized their names exceeds six million; 40% of the population census of the country. (Notes from Cambodias Border Committee in France and Worldwide Concerning the violations of the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements on Cambodia. Paris. 07/30/2016)

The human rights situation in Cambodia continues to deteriorate under decades of dictatorial rule by Hanois puppet regime in Phnom Penh and it may get worse. The Peoples Army of Vietnam-owned multi-industries conglomerate - Viettel - now controls Cambodias Post and Telecommunications, cellular phone network, internet and social media. Hun Sen and his cohorts are now armed with a powerful tool for Vietnamese technical advisors to crack down on and control dissidents and democracy advocates in Cambodia, as is already happening in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese-installed Prime Minister Hun Sen is one of the longest serving dictators in the world. In August of this year, he ordered the media to henceforth address him in all communications as Lord Prime Minister and Supreme Military Commander. Cambodians say that although Prime Minister Hun Sen may have some Cambodian blood in his veins, his heart and brain are Vietnamese.

Instead of opposing Vietnams violations, President Obama chose to reward Vietnam for its aggressive actions against its neighbors by lifting the lethal arms sales ban.

Yet another plague? China, with its much larger economy, is yuaning to give the Vietnamese competition for the domination of Cambodia. Whoever may win, the outnumbered and undefended Cambodian people will be the real losers.

And the band plays on!

Michael Benge spent 11 years in Vietnam as a Foreign Service officer and is a student of South East Asian politics. He is very active in advocating for human rights, religious freedom, and democracy for the peoples of the region and has written extensively on these subjects.
To shed some light on the death of Fidel Castro, I did an interview with Senator Ted Cruz's father Rafael, who lived under the oppressive regime of the Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista.

Have you ever had experiences in which you felt as though your government was taking unfair advantage of you, and it seemed as though you had no power to do anything about it? Have you written your congressman, senator, or county commissioner several times and only received form-letter responses? I suppose that everyone has felt that way from time to time. On the other hand, after you've finished complaining, did you ever feel that your life was threatened? If not, you've never lived under a dictatorship.

As Americans, we take freedom for granted because we've always had it. That's why it's important for us to hear from those who have lived in places where freedom doesn't exist.

"I was 17 years old when I spoke out publicly against the corrupt regime of Fulgencio Batista," said Rafael Cruz, who was born in Cuba. As a result of his opposition to the brutal tactics being used against his people, he became a recipient of that brutality. Rafael was arrested, thrown in a cell, and repeatedly beaten by prison guards. "Every four hours, they'd come back in my cell to beat me again," he said. "The pain became so unbearable that I lost feeling in my arms and legs," he added reflectively. About a year later, with the help of his parents, he was able to flee the autocratic island and he found his way to Austin, Texas. Fearing that he might be robbed before he got away, his mother had sewn $100 into his underwear to give him a start in his new country. Although he didn't speak English, he had a voracious appetite for education and a strong work ethic.

"I used to go to the movies to listen to the actors speaking English and watch carefully how they formed the words," Rafael said. "In those days, you could stay in the theater to see the movies over and over, so I would spend as many hours as possible, absorbing the words and speech patterns until I was able to grasp the language." He also carried an English dictionary with him all the time and constantly studied it. He got a job washing dishes and worked seven days a week to pay for a college education at the University of Texas, where he met his future wife. They both had a natural aptitude for mathematics, so they immersed themselves in technical fields of study. Soon after graduating, they started their own business, doing seismic data processing for oil companies. From this very inauspicious beginning, they raised a son who became the state solicitor general, representing Texas in cases before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Among General Ted Cruz's victories was the defense of the Ten Commandments monument that stands on the state capitol grounds. Cruz won a 5-4 decision of the high court. He also defended the Pledge of Allegiance and won a unanimous decision after a federal court of appeals ruled against the words "one nation under God." Their son went on to defeat Texas lieutenant governor David Dewhurst in the GOP primary in 2012, and was elected to the U.S. Senate in the general election.

To recap, the son of a Cuban immigrant, who fled a dictatorship to find freedom in America, raised a son who became a member of the most powerful legislative body in the world and who became a frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president in 2016.

During a lunch meeting at my home, the senior Cruz also talked about the Fidel Castro regime, which came to power in 1959 after a revolution that drove Batista into exile. Sadly, they replaced one dictator with another. "Castro rations food, clothing, and all the other things we take for granted here," Rafael said. "The people are allowed to buy a pound of meat per month. If you violate the rules, you get thrown in prison for years." He related a story about a friend from Cuba who visited Texas a few years ago and went to dinner at a restaurant. "When he saw the size of the steak on his plate, he began to cry," Rafael said. "'This amount of meat would feed my family for a month.'"

When Rafael Cruz speaks at Republican gatherings in Denton County, Texas and across the United States, his passion for this country is palpable. "Except for the Bible, the two greatest documents ever written are the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence," he says, with fingers jabbing at the air.

Perhaps we shouldn't be blamed for not cherishing our freedom because we've always had it, much like people who have always been rich; hence, they can't relate to being poor. Those who often forget how great this country is should spend an hour with Rafael Cruz to get an idea of how lucky they are.
Donald Trump has raised the issue of whether burning the flag should be protected as free speech under the First Amendment. He raises a good question, because it should not be. It has been protected speech only since 1989.

If we wish to protest or oppose or support some governmental policy, we can peacefully picket, we can write or comment on various websites such as American Thinker, we can support candidates who share our views or run for office, we can debate, and we can engage in other forms of political activity. But what view are we advocating by burning our flag? It seems that the only view is to incite or provoke those of us who view our flag as something special. It is the symbol of our country. Burning the flag is speech in the sense that it conveys a message, but it should not be protected under the First Amendment.

Burning our flag as protected speech is a recent notion. In Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989), the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, invalidated the state laws in 48 states dealing with desecration of our flag by ruling that burning the flag is protected speech under the First Amendment. Johnson, a member of the Communist Youth Brigade, burned our flag during the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas and was prosecuted under the Texas law. He was represented by William Kunstler, who represented, among others, the Black Panther Party, the Weather Underground, and Joanne Chesimard, aka Assata Shakur. Chesimard killed a N.J. state trooper, Werner Foerster, and escaped to Cuba, where she lives today under the protection of the Castro regime.

After the Johnson decision, Congress passed the Flag Protection Act, 18 USC 700, et seq., which made it a federal crime to desecrate our flag. In US v. Eichman, 496 US 310 (1990), the Supreme Court, in another 5-4 decision with the same lineup, invalidated this statute as violating the First Amendment. Again Johnson with his pal Eichman burned our flag in D.C. to test the law. Eichman was also a member of the Revolutionary Communist Youth Brigade.

Following these decisions, the House has several times passed a constitutional amendment titled "The Flag Desecration Amendment" but it was defeated in the Senate in 2006 by one vote. It reads:

The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

The only message conveyed by burning the flag is hate and contempt for our country. As stated by Justice Rehnquist in his dissent in Johnson:

The American flag, then, throughout more than 200 years of our history, has come to be the visible symbol embodying our Nation. It does not represent the views of any particular political party, and it does not represent any particular political philosophy. The flag is not simply another "idea" or "point of view" competing for recognition in the marketplace of ideas. Millions and millions of Americans regard it with an almost mystical reverence regardless of what sort of social, political, or philosophical beliefs they may have. I cannot agree that the First Amendment invalidates the Act of Congress and the laws of 48 of the 50 States, which make criminal the public burning of the flag.

Even Justice Stevens, a noted liberal on the Court, dissented by stating:

[T]he flag is more than a proud symbol of the courage, the determination, and the gifts of nature that transformed 13 fledgling Colonies into a world power. It is a symbol of freedom, of equal opportunity, of religious tolerance, and of good will for other peoples who share our aspirations. ... The value of the flag as a symbol cannot be measured. ... The case has nothing to do with 'disagreeable ideas.' It involves disagreeable conduct that, in my opinion, diminishes the value of an important national asset, and that Johnson was punished only for the means by which he expressed his opinion, not the opinion itself.

Banning desecration of our flag does not diminish our ability and right to question and oppose any governmental polices. Before the Johnson and Eichman cases, we were able to disagree with our government and express our opinions without burning the flag. Before 1989 we had robust political dissent and free speech. It seems that the only ones who needed to burn our flag to express their political opinions were Johnson and Eichman, two commies.

The First Amendment is not absolute. You can be sued for defamation of public figures if you are reckless with the truth.

We should be able to protect the flag as the one symbol of our country as described by Justices Rehnquist and Stevens. The First Amendment worked fine until 1989 to protect free speech without having to add burning our flag as another form of protected speech.
In light of several cities passing $15-an-hour minimum wage laws, McDonald's will install self-serve kiosks at many locations around the country. Wendy's has already gone the automated ordering route, and the fast food outlets are seriously considering it.

Supporters of the $15 hourly wage claim that few jobs will be lost as result of automation. They say the self-serve kiosks will make workers more efficient in dealing with the ordering process. That may be true (as explained here). But the near doubling of the minimum wage in most cities will be done incrementally, ostensibly to soften the blow to businesses. But that kind of thinking ignores the flash point where labor costs cannot be compensated for by raising prices. Eventually, something is going to have to give.

Forbes:

Its not just McDonalds that has embraced job-replacing technology. Numerous restaurant chains (both quick service and full service) have looked to computer tablets as a solution for rising labor costs that wont adversely impact the customers experience. Eatsa, a fully-automated restaurant concept, now has five locationsall in cities or states that have embraced a $15 minimum wage. And in a scene stolen from The Jetsons, the Starship delivery robot is now navigating the streets of San Francisco with groceries and other consumer goods. The companys founder pointed to a rising minimum wage as a key factor driving the growth of his automated delivery business. Of course, not all businesses have the capital necessary to shift from full-service to self-service. And that brings me to my next correct predictionthat a $15 minimum wage would force many small businesses to lay off staff, seek less-costly locations, or close altogether. Tragically, these storiesin California in particularare too numerous to cite in detail here. They include a bookstore in Roseville, a pub in Fresno, restaurants and bakeries in San Francisco, a coffee shop in Berkeley, grocery stores in Oakland, a grill in Santa Clara, and apparel manufacturers through the state. In September of this year, nearly one-quarter of restaurant closures in the Bay Area cited labor costs as one of the reasons for shutting down operations. And just this past week, a California-based communications firm announced it was moving 75 call center jobs from San Diego to El Paso, Texas, citing Californias rising minimum as the deciding factor. (Dozens of additional stories can be found at the website FacesOf15.com.) Other states are also learning the same basic economic lesson: Customers have a limit to what they will pay for service. Voters in Washington, Colorado, Maine and Arizona voted to raise minimum wages on Election Day, convinced of the policys merits after millions of dollars were spent by union advocates. In the immediate aftermath, family-owned restaurants, coffee shops and even childcare providers have struggled to absorb the coming cost increasewith parents paying the cost through steeper childcare bills, and employees paying the cost through reduced shift hours or none at all.

Automating the order process is only the beginning. Any repetitive task will eventually be done by robots. Most orders at future fast food restaurants will be filled by machines that place the burgers on the grill, flip them, place them on a condiment-laden bun, automatically fill the drink order, and send the finished product to a worker who will either bag it for carryout or put it on a tray for in-strore consumption. This is the future. And while it will take a sizable capital investment to buy the machines, they will pay for themselves in a couple of years.

People who support the "Fight for Fifteen" wage believe in magic. At the very least, they are ignorant of basic economics. Will they turn on organized labor when it becomes clear that unions had lied to them? No doubt they will blame "greedy franchise owners" for their predicament instead.
Muslims working in the State Department, Defense Department, and intelligence agencies like the CIA wonder if, with the election of Donald Trump, they should quit their jobs.

The employees are on edge about everything from retaining their security clearances to the possibility of discriminatory treatment under Trump, whose top aides include known peddlers of conspiracy theories about Islamists infiltrating the U.S. government. "I feel apprehensive," a Muslim intelligence official told POLITICO. "I fear that  whatever white power movement or equivalent all of a sudden feels empowered by the president-elect, whatever tidbits of that community make their way into government  at the most basic level people who are brown, Middle Eastern, Muslim or Sikh or whatever will either be looked at with a lens of suspicion or concern, or something more overt may take place." ... [O]thers fear Trump aides may make moves that are hard to prove as being based on overt ethnic or religious discrimination, such as simply appointing fewer Muslims or other minorities to prominent posts at State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Pentagon or elsewhere. "My initial reaction was, 'Oh my God, should we quit and leave?'" said a State Department official of Muslim heritage who  like most sources contacted for this story  was unwilling to speak on the record for fear of angering the new administration. "People are still struggling to understand what it means right now. Does it make sense to stay on board? Do you wait to see what the policies are going to be?"

I would be very disappointed if Muslims working at the most sensitive levels of the government quit their jobs. I sleep better at night knowing that wonderful Muslims are working tirelessly to protect us at the most senior levels of the CIA, Department of Defense, and the State Department...unless they aren't committed to fighting the war on radical Islamic terror.

If they won't name radical Islam at the enemy we are fighting, they should resign.

If they view Donald Trump as more of an enemy than ISIS, they should resign.

If they have a problem with focusing on certain mosques and Muslim groups like CAIR to locate terrorists, they should resign.

If they have an objection to limiting immigration from countries where Muslim terrorists come from, they should resign.

If they blame America for terrorism rather than terrorists themselves, they should resign.

But I hope they don't have any problems with these policies. I sure would be sad to see them go.

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
Germany has arrested an Islamist spy who is also a homosexual Muslim porn star.

Two weeks ago, German intelligence agents noticed an unusual user in a chat room known as a digital hideout for Islamic militants. The man claimed to be one of them  and said he was a German spy. He was offering to help Islamists infiltrate his agency's defenses to stage a strike. Agents lured him into a private chat, and he gave away so many details about the spy agency  and his own directives within it to thwart Islamists  that they quickly identified him, arresting the 51-year-old the next day Officials ran a check on the online alias he assumed in radical chat rooms. The married father of four had used it before  as recently as 2011  as his stage name for acting in gay pornographic films. In custody, the man, officials say, admitted under interrogation that he was a secret convert to Islam and that he had the aim all along to infiltrate the domestic spy agency so he could warn "his religious brothers" about the agency's investigations.

Questions for discussion:

1) As many of you know, being homosexual is forbidden by sharia law. Do you think the traitor justified his behavior by considering himself an "undercover" agent?

2) Could more radical Muslim terrorists be apprehended by looking for guys named Mohammed in gay chat rooms?

3) How do we meet the vital need to have more Islamists in our spy agencies without recruiting traitors? Do you think recruits should have their photos compared to gay porn actors?

4) Should Muslim gay porn films be studied to see if they are secretly broadcasting messages to radical Islamists?

5) Do you think ILGBTQ activists ever get together to behead themselves?

6) Do gay, fundamentalist Islamists believe they are entitled to four husbands?

7) If this man wanted to attempt to marry another man and tried to get a cake celebrating the ceremony at a bakery in Mosul or Raqqah, what do you think would happen?

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
Stop that spoon filled with Corn Flakes right there! If you are a conservative, the Kellogg corporate hotshots in Battle Creek, Michigan have a thing or two to say before you chow down on your morning bowl of cereal. According to Breitbart:

Kellogg Co. announced on Tuesday its decision to pull ads from conservative media giant Breitbart.com because its 45,000,000 monthly conservative readers are not aligned with our values as a company.

But if Tony the Tiger has lost his roar, the folks at Breitbart certainly have not. In response to the Kellogg edict, the powers that be at the beleaguered website have issued a call to ban bigotry from the breakfast table by boycotting Kelloggs products. News editor-in-chief Alexander Marlow fought back with the following:

We are fearless advocates for traditional American values, perhaps most important among them is freedom of speech, or our motto more voices, not less.

Like it or not, Breitbart is hardly a bastion of anti-Americanism  unless, of course, you have a different point of view. If you buy into the name-calling, race-baiting taunts of the left, then you might be frightened off the site. Guess this tells us where the folks at Kellogg's stand.

And the issue is this: Why does everything in America have to be politicized? Why arent conservatives welcome to a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats, or Eggo Waffles, or Pringles? Are we to conclude that only the left is welcome to cereal or a fake potato chip?

Lets take the logic of Kelloggs down the road a step or two. If they are concerned about their values as a company, should they cease selling their products to anyone who has a traditional worldview or might read Breitbart? Walmart, for instance, is widely considered to be a fairly conservative business. Should Kelloggs stop stocking the shelves at Walmart? Gee, I havent noticed employees at Walmart conducting a stop and frisk for political leanings before you get to their checkout counter.

Somehow this is beginning to feel like the ghettoization of America run amok. People on the left, you get Pop Tarts  the rest of you, porridge. And you had better sit down, shut up, and clean your plate.

Of course, Kelloggs is perfectly within its rights to advertise with whomever it so desires. Likewise, the consumer has freedom, too. That means you can throw that box of Frosted Flakes in the garbage and buy Honey Bunches of Oats, or a host of others from companies like Post Cereal. My guess is the marketing minds at Post HQ in St. Louis, Missouri are working overtime, licking their chops at the rank hypocrisy and business lunacy of Kelloggs.

But if you are bound and determined to have Tony the Tiger at your breakfast table, you had better hope that those advertising geniuses at Kelloggs pull their heads out of their...bowl of cereal.
The Republican Party, as the party of Lincolns industrial North, the Gilded Age of the Roaring 20s, and Reagans supply-side economics, has been stereotypically associated with the interests of Big Business  and big businessmen.

The Democrats, on the other hand, have been the party of the Progressive Movement, the New Deal, the Great Society, of labor unions and urban folk.

In 2012, Republican super-PACs outraised Democrats by $211 million (although Obama ultimately did outraise Romney in the presidential election, big money was consistently on the side of Romney). In 2016, Hillary Clinton outraised Donald Trump by over $413M ($866.6M to $453.1M). She and her husband made $153.6M in 15 years of speaking tours  many to Wall St. executives  and said of them in October, I love having the support of real billionaires.

That doesnt look like the leader of the working class.

Of course, whod have thought that FDR would have been a voice for the working class? As an American aristocrat from birth, he even had the accent of a bygone age, of a class so wealthy that his fireside chats by radio had a sound of exoticism to the average American. And yet that was the man responsible for the New Deal.

Donald Trump, believe it or not, could be the next FDR, only of the political spectrums other end.

Donald Trump campaigned to end NAFTA and policies that ultimately harm American workers. His impressive sweep of non-college-educated whites and a sizeable demographic of minorities, as well as coal country, the Rust Belt, and adjacent states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin contributes to the electorates belief in Donald Trump to be their champion.

While he may plan to go about it in the exact opposite method from FDR  by reducing the federal government rather than expanding it, in order to unfetter American potential  his promise to bring back industry jobs and create policy thats good for blue-collar labor is a promise to workers nonetheless.

After Donald J. Trump became PEOTUS, Elizabeth Warren gave a speech, saying:

So let me be 100% clear about this. When President-Elect Trump wants to take on these issues, when his goal is to increase the economic security of middle class families, then count me in. I will put aside our differences and I will work with him to accomplish that goal. I offer to work as hard as I can and to pull as many people as I can into this effort. If Trump is ready to go on rebuilding economic security for millions of Americans, so am I and so are a lot of other people-Democrats and Republicans.

Bernie Sanders followed suit. Sanders even went so far as to do the work that Trump cant. He introduced The Outsourcing Prevention Act in the Senate that would impose a tax on all companies that outsource jobs  that is, effectively a price-equalizing tariff on American companies selling products in the U.S. after using cheaper Mexican labor. Pinch yourself: a Democrat is helping a Republican realize his economic vision for the country.

Sanderss proposed legislation would, of course, be effectively the harbinger of death for NAFTA. It would also signify policy-based action designed to help the industry workers of the United States, which is a welcome shift away from the type of policies weve seen crossing the presidents desk in the past several years.

With the defeat of Hillary Clinton and the DNC leadership at large, the stock of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren  as well as their populist-inspired, democratic-socialist platform  is on the rise for leftists. And priority number one for them appears to be a desire to put America back to work  a promise our current president-elect earned his new office space on.

For the first time in arguably ever, American workers may be the focus of bipartisan support. While the party of FDR and the party of Reagan may duel over exactly the best way to best help workers, the statement holds true: the winner of the 2016 election is the working class.
We may have found the perfect example of the madness gripping progressives and even some conservatives in the wake of Donald Trumps election as president. If I were a screenwriter, I could not come up with a more emblematic scene than a blue blazer-clad man identified as a city attorney, clutching a glass of wine (Chardonnay, I hope), participating in vandalizing of an upscale grocery store, spray painting F--- Trump on a wall. Julia Terruso of Philly.com reports:

It looks like the end to a night out in an upscale part of the city, until the second man is seen spray-painting a wall of a newly constructed grocery store. His message: "F- Trump." The wine drinker captures the act on his cellphone. While the tagger remains unidentified, the man in the blazer turned out to be Assistant City Solicitor Duncan Lloyd. No charges have been filed, and as of Wednesday evening, the city was awaiting more information before taking any administrative action. Lloyd did not return calls for comment. First Deputy City Solicitor Craig Straw confirmed that Lloyd, who has worked for the Law Department since 2011, is one of two men in the video.

Of course there are brass buttons on the blue blazer! And the right hand in the pocket is the perfect touch of WASPy class-signaling. If you wanted an image to convey the message "I'm waaay smarter and classier than Trump voters," you could not come up with a better visual.

Here is surveillance video.

We must allow for the possibility that the man in the video is not Duncan Lloyd, but if he is (as a colleague of his maintains), his career as a government lawyer should be over. Someone who commits an act such as this cannot be entrusted with the publics business, for he holds himself above the law. He is also probably too stupid to function if he doesnt realize that surveillance cameras are widely deployed in upscale areas like Chestnut Hill. Recording the criminal act on his cell phone closes the case.

I am not an attorney, but it strikes me that disbarment might be indicated, as this act by a person responsible for enforcing the laws demonstrates actual contempt.

If the Democrat-dominated city government of Philadelphia lets this behavior slide, it will be an outrage. It is important that the national spotlight focus on the incident. Dont count on the mainstream media to focus on this. So pass around this story with the video.

Evidently the United States is in the midst of an epidemic of mass psychosis. Normally sane people, some of them quite intelligent, are performing self-destructive acts, apparently no longer in possession of the mental and emotional equilibrium necessary to function in society.

Perhaps the only way for the man implicated to save himself would be to claim a mental breakdown. In that case, it makes sense for Trump Derangemnet Syndrome to be recognized as a common mental illness, indicating that treatment is necessary.
It seems bizarre that the person with the most votes doesn't win the presidency  that is until you open up a book, read what the Founding Fathers were doing, and grasp the significance and importance of federalism in the lasting success of our American Republic.

Sadly, since many choose not to do that and instead appear driven solely by their political passions, we're enduring another spate of "abandon the undemocratic Electoral College" fits.

Contrary to the conventional wisdom of those who paid no attention in government class, ours is not a democracy, and we would never want it to be. The Founders feared a mass democracy, where a large faction could vote themselves favor from the pockets of smaller factions. The interests of big states, they reasoned, should not override the needs of the small states; coastal towns should not exercise supreme authority over the vastly different concerns of a landlocked western frontier; industrial northern states should not wield unlimited power over the heads of the agrarian southern states just because they're more populated.

That's why the House of Representatives was intentionally designed as the only part of our national government that would be directly elected by the people. Since the House was to represent people's local interests, it made sense to have representatives chosen directly by a majority of voters in those small residential districts. But other parts of the national government were to be representative not of "the people," but of the interests of the states.

It's why the Senate was originally designed as a body whose members were chosen by the states' legislatures, not citizens. And it's why when it came to choosing a national executive, the Founders rejected James Wilson's suggestion that the president be elected by popular vote and turned to James Madison to craft an Electoral College  a non-permanent body of electors chosen every four years among the states to convene for the sole purpose of selecting the national candidate most suited for the office of president.

Why is the Electoral College so critical to keep around? For the very same reason it was critical in 1787. Our factions today may not be north-south, coastal-frontier, or even industrial-agrarian. But there are still varying interests and factions of the country that must be tempered. There are the interests and expectations of the heavily populated urban centers, and there are the interests and needs of the less populated (but far more expansive) rural regions. Those who would discard the Electoral College would upend the Founders' intent to guard against the tyranny of the majority. A simple look at a county-by-county breakdown of the 2016 election shows why.

Geographically speaking, though she won more votes, Hillary Clinton won only 17% of the country. Without the Electoral College, then, the regional interests of 83% of the nation would have been unrepresented by their chief executive. That would be a destabilizing reality with dangerous implications for the future of American politics. Donald Trump said himself that he could have won the popular vote if he had focused his campaign only on major cities and the issues that appealed to them.

Imagine the kind of candidates and campaign we would engender if both nominees needed only to appeal to urban voters. Consider the disconnect between a leader chosen every four years by two metropolitan strips (Boston-New York-Washington, and San Francisco-Los Angeles-San Diego) and the remainder of the country.

The national executive was designed to represent the national interest, and the Electoral College sees to that brilliantly. It prevents the office from being occupied by someone who encapsulates the interests of a powerful majority faction (in this case, urban interests) that is not representative of the national body politic.

I can sincerely understand the frustration of those whose candidate won overwhelming majorities of urban voter districts but lost because she could not persuade a significant number of voters in virtually every other region of the country.

But rather than attack the Electoral College as being unjust  a system enshrined in our federal Constitution that acts to preserve the essence of federalism more than maybe any other vestige remaining from 1787  perhaps their energies would be better spent finding candidates whose message appeals to more than one faction (numerous as they may be) of the electorate. That is, after all, precisely what the Founders intended.

Peter Heck is a speaker, author, and teacher. Follow him at @peterheck, email peter@peterheck.com, or visit www.peterheck.com.
Do you remember the last time you made a purchase, and the retail clerk would ask cash or credit? Me neither. Has it been that long ago that we started to we swiped our own cards or started using mobile payments  or is it simply that technology is moving at such a fast rate that we cant keep up. An article we did earlier this year indicated that it would be 2019 before mobile payments flourished in Canada, but they are already dealing with Android Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay and today American Express Canada has announced AMEX Pay is starting to do business in Canada.

Not only will AMEX Pay allow you to make purchases on your smartphone using your American Express card  provided it was obtained in Canada  but you already have the option to redeemed Membership Rewards points for purchases on Amazon.ca, although 1,000 points are the minimum you can redeem at one time. Laura Scheck, Director, Consumer Cards & Loyalty, American Express Canada said, This new benefit is not only simple to use but provides Cardmembers with the choice and flexibility to use their points for what they want.

When you shop, the most difficult decision may be deciding how to pay for your purchase. AMEX Pay works much like the others, including Android Pay. It uses an NFC payment system built into the AMEX Pay application, meaning, of course, that your device must be NFC compatible. It will work with any AMEX card member, be it a consumer card or a business card, although pre-paid cards (like the American Express Gift Card) are not eligible. You can carry up to six cards on any one device; however, only one card can be activated at one time between devices.

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To help with security, each time you activate a new AMEX card to your app, it creates a Device Card Number unique for that card number and your device. This means when you purchase a new smartphone, and the AMEX cards must be removed, or deactivated, from your old phone before you can reactive them on your new phone  it has to go through pairing a new Device Card Number between your new phone and the card. Another nice feature is if your cards would be stolen or lost (not the nice feature) you can still use your AMEX Pay while you are waiting for your new card(s) to arrive.

If you live in Canada and ever thought about getting an AMEX Card, now may be the time. The AMEX CA app allows you to review transactions, have access to six months worth of PDF statements, have critical updates pushed to your device, make a payment, receive special offers, manage multiple cards, and view your Membership Rewards.
Still looking for a smartphone to pick up this holiday season? Look no further than Verizon. They have a number of great deals going on right now. But one of the more popular ones is on the Galaxy S7 Edge. This smartphone is typically $33/month, so you are getting $18/month in the form of a bill credit for 24 months. This puts the full price of the Galaxy S7 Edge (after 24 months) down to $360, thats a big drop from the regular price of $792. Verizon offers the Galaxy S7 Edge in Blue Coral, Silver Titanium, Black Onyx, and Gold Platinum colors, with 32GB of storage.

The Galaxy S7 Edge is the latest and greatest out of Samsung right now. Sporting a 5.5-inch curved Quad HD Super AMOLED display, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM. As mentioned already, it does sport 32GB of storage and has a micro SD card slot to expand that storage. Samsung has put a 12-megapixel camera on the backside of the device, which provides some pretty incredible photos, according to users and reviewers. Powering the device is a 3600mAh battery, that is non-removable.

Verizon is offering this discount on the Galaxy S7 Edge now through December 10th.
Nokia is a brand name that many people are still fond of. This company was once the largest cellphone manufacturer in the world, and was an industry leader when it comes to build quality. Unfortunately for Nokia, they made some really poor decisions in the past which hurt them quite a bit, and the companys Devices and Services business was sold to Microsoft. Having that in mind, HMD Global, a company which functions under Foxconns arm, actually managed to acquire the right to manufacture Nokia-branded smartphones from Microsoft a while back, and itll have that right for the next 10 years.

That being said, Nokia-branded smartphones will make a comeback next year, as the company plans to manufacture Android-powered devices after all. Veteran Nokia executives have joined the initiative, and it seems like they aim to manufacture affordable smartphones at first. HMD Global actually took over the Nokia phone business from Microsoft today, even though it was agreed a while back. The barriers to entry for the Android phone space are low. What HMD has is the Nokia brand and management experience. The key to its success will be driving scale, mobile phone analyst Ben Wood of CCS Insight said. Needless to say, Foxconn will manufacture all Nokia-branded devices for HMD Global, and the first ones will arrive in the first half of next year.

We want to be one of the key competitive players in the smartphone business, said Arto Nummela, Chief Executive over at HMD Global. Now, it seems like HMD Global is working closely with Google, rather that creating its own ecosystem, at least according to the source. Mr. Nummela is hoping that the Nokia name and experience dealing with carriers could help them take the market by storm, especially the entry-level market, even though the smartphone market (in general) is quite saturated at the moment. We are not going to skip any markets, in the long term, added Florian Seiche, HMD Globals President and a mobile industry veteran, he actually worked over at Siemens, Orange, HTC and Nokia. It seems like HMD Global is taking things seriously, and really believes that Nokia smartphones could be a success in the entry-level market.
Earlier today, the Chinese tech giant Lenovo posted its Q2 2016 financials. The good news is that the Beijing-based companys restructuring strategies have seemingly started paying off, as Lenovo apparently saved approximately $1 billion in mobile expenses in the last 18 months. Furthermore, the Chinese firm managed to increase its quarterly profits by 12% in comparison to the same period from last year. On the downside, its revenue has declined by 8% in that time frame.

Not surprisingly, Lenovo is still optimistic about its short-term prospects, as the companys latest interim results state that Lenovos mobile division will likely turn things around by mid-2017. Over the course of the second quarter of 2016, the company recorded $11.2 billion in revenue. While this is a significant decrease in comparison to Q2 2015, Lenovo is now more profitable. While the company posted a $714 million loss during the second quarter of last year, it has now managed to record $157 million in profits. While that still leaves a lot of room for growth, the firms situation seems much better than it did 12 months ago, in spite of declining revenue.

Regarding Lenovos smartphone business specifically, phone shipments have mostly stagnated during this last financial period. More specifically, Lenovo shipped 361 million units during Q2 2016, only 0.4% more than it did in Q2 2015. However, stagnating sales arent the worst sign when you combine them with the said savings Lenovo made in this segment. Namely, when you manage to cut your expenses by $1 billion in a year and a half and still achieve similar shipment numbers, its obvious youre doing something right as far as efficiency is concerned.

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In overall, these arent terrible results by any margin, especially seeing how Lenovos mobile division was unable to turn a profit ever since the Chinese tech giant acquired Motorola from Google back in 2014. Earlier this year, the Beijing-based company admitted that its purchase of Motorola didnt meet expectations, but in the long term, it may still pay off. In the short term, Lenovo is pleased with how the Moto Z took off and it expects to sell three million units of the said device in the first 12 months, which is why the company is currently producing 60,000 units on a monthly basis.
Rovio, the Finnish company which created the popular Angry Birds franchise, has recently been investing in all kinds of ventures. Apart from launching several lineups of Angry Birds-themed merchandise and The Angry Birds Movie, the Espoo-based company also introduced Rovio Stars, a program for publishing mobile games developed by independent studios all around the world. In that regard, the company started putting an increased focus on funding third-party games in an effort to diversify its revenue stream.

As a continuation of that strategy, Rovio just announced Hatch, a spinoff company offering a somewhat unique service  an Android solution for playing streamed games. In other words, a solution for playing games on Android devices without actually downloading them. Interestingly enough, Hatch announced that this service will be completely free and feature no in-app purchases. Instead, Hatch will monetize its product through advertising, which was promised to be unobtrusive. In addition to that, the said streaming service will also generate revenue through brand storytelling, something Rovio has already experimented with within the Angry Birds franchise. Last but not least, users will also be able to pay for a premium subscription to Hatch which will grant them access to some new features. However, the Rovio-owned company remained tight-lipped about this option, adding that it will reveal more at a later date.

Apart from being a game streaming service, Hatch will also offer some social features to its users. Naturally, this includes options to record and share gameplay with other online gamers, as well as participate in competitive online game modes. Other than that, the company said its currently designing a system that should allow players to assist each other while playing both single player and multiplayer games. The streaming service itself was developed in collaboration with Huawei and will use their cloud technology. Hatch revealed that a closed, invite-only beta is scheduled to start by mid-2017. The service still doesnt have a firm release date, but more information on that front is expected to follow soon. On the bright side, the Rovio-owned company revealed that the initial version of its streaming service will boast more than 100 games, including some notable titles such as Republique, Monument Valley, and Badland. Other than that, Hatch is planning to publish some exclusives like IslaBomba: Ready To Boom.
Jordan gets EUR 132-mln loan from France for infrastructure Water needs rising due to 1.4 mln Syrian refugees

(ANSAmed) - AMMAN, DECEMBER 1 - France has agreed to loan Jordan 132 million euros as part of two loan agreements to support development projects in municipalities, officials said on Thursday.



The loan will be forwarded to Jordan coffers in two parts, with 50 million euros transferred by end of December and the other part next year, the ministry of planning said in an official statement. The finances will also help improve water infrastructure in northern city of Irbid as part of efforts to ease the pressure on water resources resulting from 1.4 million Syrian refugees in the country. The government said only 38 per cent of the funds required for the Jordan Response Plan to the Syrian refugee crisis have been secured, and that the kingdom struggles to cope with financial aspect of hosting refugees. (ANSAmed)
Gentiloni says energy can bring order back to Mediterranean At Union for the Mediterreanean Ministerial Conference on Energy

(ANSAmed) - ROME, DECEMBER 1 - Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni opened the Union for the Mediterreanean (UfM) Ministerial Conference on Energy Thursday, and said that energy can help the region develop and find order.



"The awareness of the crises of the Mediterranean is evident, but there's also the chance to seize the opportunities for development, and energy is one of the greatest tools for weaving a story that brings an ordering principle back to our region," Gentiloni said.



He mentioned some of the current crises facing the Mediterranean area: "the particularly dramatic crisis in Syria, the terrorist threat, the migrant influxes that still aren't under control even if some in Europe perceive the opposite, following the March agreement with Turkey".



At the same time, he said, there must be a view "to the possibilities of economic cooperation, in a region that spans from the Middle East to the Balkans to North Africa, with growth rates of four to five percent per year, that for we Europeans are extraordinarily relevant points of contact".



He said in that sense, energy is "crucial connection tool".



"Italy is a model of connection," he said, recalling the various projects already underway - from the Transmed Pipeline with Algeria, to the Green Stream with Libya and the power lines with Greece, Malta and Montenegro - but "there's much more to do in terms of regional cooperation between countries in the area".



"There are new cards to play, thanks for example to the discovery of natural gas deposits in the eastern Mediterranean that allow for imagining economies of scale and common infrastructures," he said.



Gentiloni also spoke of the Transadriatic Pipeline connecting the Balkans as well as the challenge of renewables in Africa.



He said all of these projects have "an economic, but also political, significance, because they will constitute one of the greatest tools for weaving a story that brings an ordering principle back to our region in the coming years".(ANSAmed).




Amman to host EuroMed Hackathon on eco-efficiency in agro 30 to compete for best innovations in water, food, energy

(ANSAmed) - ROME, DECEMBER 1 - Amman will host the first Euro-Mediterranean Hackathon on eco-efficiency in the agro-food chain, scheduled for December 14 and 15 in the Jordanian capital city.



The event will see 30 young innovators presenting their project ideas aimed at making a strategic impact in the field of agro-food chain sustainability to an expert jury panel that will determine three winners.



The Euro-Med Hackathon is aimed at Euro-Med cooperation in research and innovation, especially in the three "social challenges": water, nutrition, and energy.



The 30 young competitors come from 10 Mediterranean countries - Algeria, Egypt, France, Jordan, Greece, Iraq, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia and Turkey - and their projects range from social farming for refugee camps in Palestine to optimising water use.



The event was coordinated by the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, which is the Italian headquarters of the Paris-based International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM).



The event's winners will have the opportunity to take part in the 3rd Seeds&Chips global food innovation summit to be held in Milan on May 8-11 of next year, where they can meet with investors, companies, universities and research centres from around the world.



"We're proud to be able to make our contribution to the development of innovative project ideas by young people from the Mediterranean countries," said Seeds&Chips founder and president Marco Gualtieri.



"Seeds&Chips was born from the idea of facilitating the creation of a global ecosystem matching food innovators with the research and business world," Gualtieri said. (ANSAmed).




FIUMICINO - A group of 40 mostly Syrian migrants arrived at Fiumicino airport near Rome on Thursday morning on a commercial flight from Beirut as part of the "Human Corridors" project sponsored by the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy (FCEI), the Tavola Valdese (Waldensian Round Table) and the Community of Sant'Egidio.



On Friday 60 more refugees are expected to arrive at Fiumicino on a flight from Lebanon.



After the migrants arrived early Thursday, they were escorted by Italian border police to a special area for identification and fingerprinting.



They will be transferred to reception centres and families that have already been chosen throughout Italy to begin their resettlement and integration process.



The project, based on a memorandum of understanding with the Italian Interior and Foreign Ministries, has been operative for less than one year and expects to reach its stated goal of bringing 500 migrants to Italy by the end of 2016.
Arab League chief calls for end to occupation of Palestine 'First step to deal with terrorism, young Arabs angry'

(ANSAmed) - ROME, DECEMBER 1 - Prior to dealing with Mediterranean crises, from civil wars to terrorism, ''we must first end the occupation of the Palestinian Territories'', Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said during a speech Thursday at the Med Dialogues conference underway in the Italian capital.



''Whether or not you believe it, this is fundamental,'' he said. ''For over 20 years I have been saying to be careful about Arab youths - they are angry and make use of violence due to the rage that they feel. And seeing as their governments are unable to provide answers about the issue of Palestine, they take refuge in religion in an extremist manner,'' the former Egyptian foreign minister said. (ANSAmed).




ROME - Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit on Thursday urged Western nations to ''please stay out of our region''. He was speaking at the Med Dialogues 2016 conference in Rome.



''There has been an insistence on intervening'' in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, but ''these interventions have only produced disasters'', he said, referring to Western nations in general but especially the UK and the US. Before achieving a new regional order, Aboul-Gheit said, ''before arriving at a new Helsinki, a few fundamental issues need to be resolved: ensuring the inviolability of borders; understanding how to keep the idea of nation states in Libya, Syria and Iraq; and how to prevent intervention by neighboring countries.'' He added that what was needed was ''some rules, and only afterwards can we begin to speak about a new order and an agreement involving the entire region.''

Aboul-Gheit calls for end to occupation of Palestine. 'First step to deal with terrorism, young Arabs angry

Prior to dealing with Mediterranean crises, from civil wars to terrorism, ''we must first end the occupation of the Palestinian Territories'', Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said during his speech Thursday at the Med Dialogues conference.

''Whether or not you believe it, this is fundamental,'' he said. ''For over 20 years I have been saying to be careful about Arab youths - they are angry and make use of violence due to the rage that they feel. And seeing as their governments are unable to provide answers about the issue of Palestine, they take refuge in religion in an extremist manner,'' the former Egyptian foreign minister said.
(by Laurence Figa-Talamanca) ROME - The fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) is producing results and 2017 could be the year the group is defeated in Sirte, Mosul and Raqqa, Italian foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni said Thursday in his opening remarks at the Med Dialogues 2016 conference underway in the Italian capital.



However, it is also important to begin now thinking about future challenges including ones that will arise ''post-liberation'', such as reconstruction and security, in order to ''begin to create a new order'' through a strategy that has cultural and economic elements as well as military ones, he said. Med Dialogues 2016 will over three days bring together in the Italian capital the main players involved in the region around the sea that for Italy is ''its top, largest and more obvious foreign policy priority''. The crises in Syria, Libya and Iraq - and one resulting from them, migration - were in the spotlight on the first day. From these dialogues, the head of Italian diplomacy said that he expected ''proposals, suggestions and reflections'' on the Helsinki model, in reference to a 1975 conference that aimed to alleviate tensions between the East and the West during the Cold War through dialogue.



The Italian government has pledged to bring the suggestions before all international forums in which it will take the lead, from the G7 to its non-permanent 2017-18 seat on the UN Security Council. Iraqi defense minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari spoke about the need for a strategic vision for the future. His country is currently making headlines during to the ongoing battle to liberate Mosul from ISIS. ''Iraq is fighting terrorism in the name of the entire world, especially because,'' he said, ''ISIS fighters come from almost 100 different countries'' and there is the risk that they might return to their home countries. In thanking Italy for its support, especially for military training, Jaafar reiterated the need for the commitment to continue even after Mosul is entirely liberated and received assurances from Italian defense minister Roberta Pinotti that it would. ''Almost 60% of the territory in ISIS hands has returned to the control of the legitimate Iraqi government,'' Pinotti said.



''But we must keep the broad international coalition with Arab countries strong.'' The head of the UK Foreign Office, Boris Johnson, also said that - despite Brexit - Great Britain would remain by the side of its European partners since the Mediterranean is the shared border. The British minister went on to praise ''Italian leadership'' in dealing with the crisis in Libya and Iraq, in a region that has a lack of ''leaders who are strong enough'' to overcome divisions and create cohesive nations. Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit's speech was more critical, warning that prior to dealing with the civil wars and terrorism in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, there is the need to put an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian Territories. On the issue of Palestine, he warned that Arab youths are angry. He also called for the West to ''please stay out of our region''. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and his US counterpart John Kerry will be in the spotlight on Friday. The two will meet with Gentiloni separately on the sidelines of the forum but might also engage in a bilateral, possibly on the Syrian conflict. Gentiloni said that he hoped for ''more productive dialogue'' between the US and Russia and said that Italy is ready to work with president-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration. Med Dialogues are being held by the foreign ministry and the Italian think tank ISPI.



ANSAmed is the media partner of the event alongside public broadcaster RAI and the newspaper La Stampa.
ROME - Europe must urgently implement the 'migration compact', Italian foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni said Thursday at the Med Dialogues 2016 conference underway in Rome.



He added that this must be done by ''reaching agreements with African countries - not to end migration, but to target irregular migration and human trafficking and to bring halt the thousands of deaths at sea'' of migrants seeking to reach the EU.

''If anyone thinks that the migration crisis began in August 2015 and ended in March 2016, they are badly mistaken,'' the minister stressed. ''The crisis has been ongoing for years and it has not been solved. We must be demanding towards ourselves and European states, especially to keep the agreement with Turkey in place. This is not an easy objective but we must set it realistically and help countries under more pressure, such as Jordan and Lebanon.'' .
ROME - Italy is prepared to work together with US president-elect Donald Trump but should be realistic in its expectations, Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Thursday in opening the Med Dialogues 2016 conference underway in the Italian capital. ''Italy is ready to collaborate with the Trump administration to seek to contribute to stability in our region, but we should not expect order in the Mediterranean to be ensured over the coming years by an external guardian,'' he said. ''The Trump administration will be different from the previous one and it will probably be different also as concerns interventionism,'' he added, stressing that ''we are eager to collaborate. We will also see the evolution of relations between the US and Russian administrations. If there is more productive dialogue, Italians will not be complaining because we have long called for this sort of dialogue.'' (ANSAmed).


ROME - The spotlight will be on US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during the second day of the Med Dialogues 2016 conference in the Italian capital.

The two will be meeting as part of an exchange views on the Mediterranean with representatives from 55 countries that will end on Saturday with a speech by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. ANSAmed is the media partner of the event, alongside public broadcaster RAI and the newspaper La Stampa.

Numerous issues are on the day's agenda of the forum, organized by the Italian foreign ministry and the ISPI think tank, including: long-term strategies for the migration crisis, Syrian refugees, energy as a 'bridge', women and youth for societal growth, shared prosperity and the outlook for he Middle East.

High-level guests scheduled to attend include the US and Russian foreign policy chiefs at a critical moment for some crises in the area, including Syria. Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni will be meeting with the two separately on the sidelines of the forum. A bilateral meeting may also be held between the two that would likely focus on the Syrian conflict, where regime bombing of opposition-held, besieged areas of eastern Aleppo is backed by Russia.

Gentiloni on Thursday reiterated the need to stop the violence and set a political transition in motion that moves beyond President Bashar Al-Assad.

Inevitably, there is some question of what the future of relations between the US and Russia will be after president-elect Donald Trump is sworn in early next year. Trump and Putin praised each other during the president-elect's campaign. T

aking part on Friday will be political leaders from the area as well as the heads of large businesses - such as ENI CEO Claudio Descalzi and Leonardo-Finmeccanica CEO Mauro Moretti - and civil society representatives. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi will speak at a session on migrants..
ROME - The 'Med Dialogues 2016' conference opened on Thursday in Rome, organised by the Italian Foreign Ministry and the Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) and dedicated to the great international topics interwoven in the Mediterranean area.



The plenary session will be opened with remarks from ISPI President Carlo Secchi, ENI CEO Claudio Descalzi, and Leonardo Finmeccanica CEO Mauro Moretti; while the day's keynote address, revolving around the crucial theme of security, will be delivered by Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni.



The first session, "Med Shared Security", has the theme "Mediterranean's Path to a New Order: The Helsinki Experience" and will involve, among others, UK Secretary of State Boris Johnson; Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit; and First Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans.



The second session, "Fighting Terrorism: International Engagement and Regional Ownership", will feature incoming ISPI President-elect Giampiero Massolo; Portuguese Defence Minister Jose Alberto Azeredo Lopes; Tunisian Defence Minister Farhat Horchani; and Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti.



The conference will continue Friday with talks by US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and will conclude on Saturday with a closing plenary speech from former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and a keynote speech from Italian Premier Matteo Renzi.



ANSAmed is an event media partner together with RAI and La Stampa. News, videos and interviews from Med Dialogues will be available at www.ansamed.info
ROME - The 'Med Dialogues' conference, which begins Thursday in Rome and runs through Saturday, December 3, will tackle some of the biggest crises in the Mediterranean - migration, Syria, the fight against ISIS - as well as some of the greatest opportunities for economic growth in the area.



A key moment for the conference will be a meeting between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, especially given the increasingly critical situation in Syria in recent days.



The conference, organised by the Italian Foreign Ministry and the Institute for International Public Studies (ISPI), will host representatives from 55 countries including heads of state, ministers, and leaders in the worlds of finance, international relations and civil society.



Conference participants' discussions on the crises and the opportunities in the Mediterranean area will be held under the umbrella theme of "Beyond Turmoil, a Positive Agenda", which seeks to find constructive solutions in a time of confusion and disarray, focusing on the overarching topics of the international agenda.



Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni will represent the Italian government at the conference on Thursday, and Italian Premier Matteo Renzi will give an opening and closing talk on Saturday.



Gentiloni will also meet separately with both Kerry and Lavrov, who are expected to hold a face-to-face meeting during the conference.



Syria is in the spotlight, where Russia-US dialogue thus far hasn't produced an end to the conflict that has been ongoing for more than five years now.



Meanwhile, in less than two months the White House will have a new occupant in President-elect Donald Trump, who, at least on paper, appears more open to Russian President Vladimir Putin.



Italy is also counting on an improved US-Russia relationship, based on the principal of keeping open dialogue with Moscow while also maintaining a firm approach.



Italy has a solid economic partnership with Russia, and Russia has said that Lavrov's participation in the conference (where he is also scheduled to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella) will be an occasion to "discuss measures to overcome the negative trends in bilateral trade", weakened by European sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.



The Russians said this economic relaunch is favored by "Italian political, regional, business, and civil circles".



On Wednesday the "Med Dialogues" were preceded by a series of preparatory meetings, including round table discussions between businesspeople from the two shores of the Mediterranean, the meeting of the Aspen European Security Group, Med-Reg (Mediterranean Energy Regulators) meetings, and meetings of experts from the NATO Defense College.



The conference formally opens Thursday, based on four pillars: shared prosperity; shared security; migration; and media, culture and society.



ANSAmed is an event media partner together with RAI and La Stampa.
ROME - An important part of the world's future depends on the Mediterranean, Italian foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni said in opening the Med Dialogues 2016 conference in the Italian capital.

''Part of our future is dependent on what happens in the Mediterranean,'' he said, ''and this holds true not only for the countries on its shores: it's also true to all of Europe, Africa and other parts of the world.''

The minister stressed that ''Italy's largest and top foreign policy priority is, obviously, the Mediterranean.''

Italy will ''make use of the proposals and reflections that surface in these days'' during the Med Dialogues 2016 conference, Gentiloni said in his opening remarks on Thursday.

He added that Italy will ''continue to work in all international and multilateral contexts to put the issue of the Mediterranean region and the Middle East at the center'' of discussion.

The minister noted that Italy will host the G7 in 2017 and will hold the seat of the non-permanent 2017-18 term of the UN Security Council. It will also be hosting celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in the coming year.
Serbian FM leaves Warsaw meeting after clash over Kosovo Hoxhaj 'insulted' Dacic after speech

(ANSAmed) - BELGRADE, DECEMBER 1 - Serbian foreign minister Ivica Dacic on Wednesday walked out of a meeting between members of the Visegrad Group and of the so-called Western Balkans Six after a strongly-worded exchange with his Kosovar counterpart Enver Hoxhaj. Dacic said that Hoxhaj had insulted him and Serbia. The minister, quoted in the media on Thursday, said that he had reacted to Hoxhaj's accusing Serbs of being guilty for ''all wars in the former Yugoslavia, genocide and ethnic cleansing'', and that Belgrade should recognize Kosovo's independence. ''I told him that it is inadmissible that someone from Kosovo who will go before the Special Tribunal for Crimes against Serbs and for organ trafficking is giving lessons to Serbia,'' Dacic said.



He also criticized Hoxhaj's representing of Kosovo ''as if it were a state like any other''. (ANSAmed).




NEW YORK - The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O'Brian has sent a statement to the UN Security Council imploring it to do something to stop the assault on the Syrian city of Aleppo, warning that the city's residents risk extermination.



"For the sake of humanity, we call on, we plead, with the parties, and those with influence, to do everything in their power to protect civilians and enable access to the besieged part of eastern Aleppo before it becomes one giant graveyard," the statement reads.



O'Brian said that about 25,000 civilians have fled eastern Aleppo since Saturday.



Meanwhile Egypt, Spain and New Zealand have prepared a draft resolution for the UN Security Council calling for a 10-day ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to enter the city; however, it has not yet been determined if or when it will face a vote.
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


This reflected growth in perishables traffic from Africa, US inbound and outbound traffic, and volumes from Europe to Asia Pacific.

Just a few days after achieving this record, Etihad Cargo enrolled its 4,000th member into its CargoConnect loyalty programme.

David Kerr, senior vice president of Etihad Cargo, said: Customer loyalty plays a big part in the success of Etihad Cargo operations worldwide. Were delighted to have the ongoing support and commitment of our partners who have contributed to the record levels of uplift during October.

CargoConnect members earn one mile for every US$2 net revenue on General Cargo and four miles for every US$2 net revenue on Premium Cargo. Miles can be redeemed for a range of things from office equipment to flights to smart phones, and more.

The programme has achieved a redemption rate of 30 per cent so far in 2016, one of the highest amongst similar loyalty reward schemes in the industry.

To mark the achievement, Etihad Cargo hosted a ceremony during las weekends 2016 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with the 4,000th customer, Kerry Logistics. Sammy Mak, Senior Vice President Logistics and Carrier Procurement at Kerry Logistics, accepted 150,000 CargoConnect miles as a token of recognition on behalf of his company.




Bangkok offers holidaymakers a variety of experiences from adventure, sport, and health and wellness retreats. In addition, flights to Bangkok will provide passengers with alternative travel options into neighbouring South East Asian cities.

Commenting on the launch of the new route, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Flydubai CEO, said: The inaugural flight to Bangkok is a significant milestone for our airline and represents the increasing maturity of Flydubais network. We look forward to offering business and leisure travellers from both Dubai and Bangkok increased choice and flexibility across our network.

Speaking at a press conference held with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Sudhir Sreedharan, senior vice president, commercial (GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) for Flydubai, said: Bangkok is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, offering a wide range of attractions and activities. With the addition of this important city to flydubais growing network we will not only offer passengers from Dubai alternative travel options through Thailand, but additionally connect Thailand to Russia and Europe via Dubai, strengthening the UAEs position as an international travel hub.

Tanes Petsuwan, the TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas) said The start of these flights brings fresh promise to our business and trade ties, our respective roles as regional trade fair capitals, and to our cultural and tourism development.

Pictured left to right: Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial (GCC, Subcontinent and Africa), Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai and Tanes Petsuwan, the TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas).
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Since the beginning of 2015, sanitary-hygienic and anti-epidemic measures have regularly been taken in all correctional facilities of Armenia, deputy minister of Justice Suren Krmoyan told ARMENPRESS.

In addition, for the first time disinfection works (anti-insect) were implemented in the cafeterias, kitchens and medical units of all correctional facilities, works which were never before carried out, Krmoyan said.

Krmoyan also said the energy efficiency program  launched back in 2015 by the cooperation of the Justice Ministry and the Armenian Renewable energy and energy efficiency fund  has been completed, which resulted in solving the issue of lighting, heating, roof waterproofing and ensuring sanitary conditions for inmates.
ABC News(CHICAGO)  Goran Cobanovski is the embodiment of the American dream.



Arriving in the U.S. from Macedonia in 2001 with no savings, he settled in Chicago, and within five years, he opened his own beauty salon, Goran Coban Salon. Today his flagship salon location in downtown Chicago employs a staff of 18 people.



"I don't see it as a business. Maybe that's the most important. I consider myself an artist, he said. All my colleagues are very artistic people. And it's more of a fun environment for everyone, and for me.



But with a salon that serves up to 50 clients a day, that perspective can create some management and organizational problems.



Good Morning America brought in Carol Roth, a small business expert and host of Microsoft's Office Small Business Academy, to give Cobanovski a lesson in the basics of business management. Microsoft is a sponsor of Good Morning America.



First lesson: how to keep an artistic staff both inspired and happy.



What you need to do is sit down with each of your employees individually. Because when it comes to motivation, not all of us are motivated by the same things, Roth said. Some of them might want to make more money, some might want more recognition  you need to know what motivates each of your employees individually.



Second, don't be afraid to delegate responsibility, Roth advises, but not "abdicate."



"Either you need to put in systems and processes into place in your business so that you can have everybody follow those and make everything flow as smooth as some of the beautiful blowouts that you do here. If you don't want to do that yourself, you can also outsource that. You could actually bring on a manager to put in those processes and systems," she said. "However, I will tell you that if you're going to delegate responsibility, you cannot abdicate your responsibility. Because at the end of the day, your name is on the door."



Third, and the biggest concern for Cobanovski, is managing the front desk and the scheduling of appointments.



We need to make that to be a little bit smoother process where we don't get two clients coming at the same time for this one appointment, he explained. It's pretty simple, but it's not that simple.



Roth suggests bringing in a new app from Microsoft called Bookings, part of their Business Premium Office 365 Suite, to help ease scheduling woes.



What you're going to be able to do is have your receptionist have a page so she can see all the timeslots available and be able to hold those timeslots very easily, Roth said. But I love most about it is that it's so easy from a customer's perspective. It is just a three-step process. So they pick their service, they pick the date that they want and the time. And then after that, they get all of those details that you need, including the phone number, and they press 'book.' And it will actually hold that time, put a reminder on their calendar, and then your receptionist can just follow up and make sure that it works.



Microsoft gave Cobanovski the service at no charge to help support his small business.



For more tips to boost your small business from our sponsor Microsoft, click here.



Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The design was the popular choice in an exhibition of the six shortlisted scheme, which closed in May. Winning support from the citizens of Helsinkiand its politiciansis crucial, if the design is to be built. Backed by Helsinkis mayor Jussi Pajunen, the project still needs to receive a green light from the city authorities.
Will the Guggenheim Helsinki, proposed in 2011 and stalled ever since, finally get off the drawing board?

On Monday, the Helsinki City Board voted 8-7 to revive this persistent project, which will be up for approval by the full 85-member City Council on Nov. 30. In May 2012, the City Board had voted 8-7 to stop it.

The project was recently dealt another serious blow when the Finnish Government, in its fall budget negotiations, declined to provide any funds for the proposed museum. This prompted a rushed revision of the financial plan, to compensate for the loss of hoped-for federal funding: Estimates of private funding for the museum have been raised and the 20-year licensing fee for the Guggenheims brand has been reducedfrom $30 million to $20 million. The projected construction cost remains unchanged at 130 million euros. The annual operating budget has been reduced from 14.5 million euros in the original plan to 13.1 million euros in the revised 2013 plan to 11.6 million euros in the new financial plan.

As announced by the City of Helsinki and by the Guggenheim Helsinki Supporting Foundation (GHSF), the new proposal calls for the city to shell out up to 80 million euros towards the construction costs. The remaining 50 million euros for construction would be paid with $15 million euros in private funds raised by the GHSF, and with a 35-million-euro loan, for which payments, fees and interest would be covered by the GHSF. Established in 2014 to support the proposed museum, the GHSF (members here) would also be responsible for paying the Guggenheims $20-million licensing fee.

According to the City of Helsinkis announcement, the city would cover the cost of building maintenance [about 6.5 million euros per year] but would not finance the museums operation in any other way.

If all goes according to the proposed project schedule, construction will occur in 2019-2020 (or if objections, in 2020-2021).

While we await the full Councils decision, heres a quick update on the Guggenheims other ill-fated international initiativeits struggle to create a Frank Gehry-designed Abu Dhabi outpost, first proposed in 2006, which I recently described as a protracted, no-win war.

The museums website says that project is currently under development. But currently undeveloped seems a more accurate description. In response to my queries about its status this month, the museums spokesperson told me:

Construction has not yet begun and no contract has been awarded. We remain committed to the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi project and to its transformative potential.

The spokesperson also confirmed to me this Art Newspaper report about the departure earlier this year of two members of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabis New York-based teamassociate curator for Middle Eastern art Reem Fadda and assistant curator Fawz Kabra.

Both of the Guggenheims pending foreign forays have dragged on way too long, with too little to show for them. Maybe the Helsinki project will ultimately come to fruition, although it remains to be seen whether the significantly revised financials will work for all parties. As for Abu Dhabi, a decade has passed with little to show for it, other than a nascent collection, owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, that was acquired for what is still a nonexistent facility. Some of those works will be exhibited next March at the Manarat Al Saadiyat on Abu Dhabis Saadiyat Island, where the proposed Guggenheim, if built, would be located.

The fatal flaw in these projects is their attempt to create and organize under American auspices cultural institutions that are best conceived and managed by the countries where they reside. As I wrote in my Apollo magazine piece on this subject:

Launching and managing a satellite museum in a foreign country that is capable of conceiving and managing its own cultural institutions is not collaboration; its colonization.

Museums should be homegrown.
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RBI warns banks/public against misinformation on social media.

Banks and members of the public are, therefore, cautioned to be guided by only those instructions which are either uploaded on the Reserve Bank's official website

Mumbai: RBI on December 1 cautioned banks as well as the public not be misguided by questionable and unverified documents being circulated on social media channels regarding demonetisation of old Rs 500/1000 currency notes.

In a public notice, the Reserve Bank said that people should rely on information provided by it on its website. In the wake of withdrawal of legal tender character from the Specified Bank Notes (old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000), RBI has, from time to time, been issuing instructions to the banks which are sent directly to banks through an official mail.

In the notice, RBI said that it has been reported that certain guidelines/instructions "purported" to be issued by the RBI are being circulated in the social media by "some unscrupulous elements creating confusion in the minds of the public/bank personnel".

"Banks and members of the public are, therefore, cautioned to be guided by only those instructions which are either uploaded on the Reserve Bank's official website," the central bank said.

Following demonetisation of the old high value currency from November 9, people have been depositing the invalid notes in banks and also exchanging them at RBI counters. RBI has placed a weekly withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000, including from ATMs, a week.
From December 3 payment will be would be allowed only in lower denomination or the new currency.

Old note will continue to be accepted for the other utility bill payments as well as at railway ticketing counters and counters of government or public sector undertaking buses for purchase of bus tickets till December 15

New Delhi: Government has cut short the deadline of using old Rs 500 notes at petrol pumps and for buying airline tickets at airports till December 2 instead of December 15 announced earlier.

With effect from December 3, 2016, old Rs 500 notes cannot be used for purchase of petrol, diesel and gas at the stations operating under authorisation of public sector oil marketing companies and for buying airline tickets at airport counters, a government notification said.

While junking old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes on November 8, the government had allowed their use for utility bill payments for 72 hours. This deadline was extended twice and when the last one was to expire on November 24, it amended it to state that only the old 500 rupee notes could be used for payment of utility bills like electricity and water, school fees, pre-paid mobile top-up, fuel purchase and airline ticket booking.

While the old note will continue to be accepted for the other utility bill payments as well as at railway ticketing counters and counters of government or public sector undertaking buses for purchase of bus tickets till December 15, it will be discontinued for purchase of fuel and airline tickets at airport counters.

Also, the government has dropped earlier announced plan to allow the use of 500 rupee notes for payment of toll at national highways from December 3. Toll payment in both old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes was accepted till December 2 and from December 3 it was to be limited in 500 rupee notes. But now this facility too has been withdrawn.

So from December 3, fuel purchase, airline ticket booking at airport counters and highway toll payment would be allowed only in lower denomination currency or the new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes. Sources said the move to curtail use of old notes at petrol pumps and highway toll plazas follows reports of the facility being misused to launder black money.
BMC approached Salman for the campaign and Being Human Foundation confirmed his participation for the cause.

Salman Khan will next be seen in 'Tubelight'.

Mumbai: Narendra Modi's popular initiative Swachh Bharat Abhiyan brought to light the importance of cleanliness in the country with several celebrities signing up for it.

The mission is all set to receive a massive boost, though only in the city of Mumbai. Salman Khan is all set to become a face of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations drive against open defecation and litter.

The superstar will join in the initiative through his Being Human Foundation. According to reports, the civic body approached Salman for the campaign some time ago, and on Tuesday, Being Human Foundation confirmed his participation for the cause.

It is also being reported that the Salman had expressed concern about open defecation in front of his home near Bandstand in Bandra and now, his foundation is set to donate mobile toilets for the particular area.

The BMC is concerned about the problem of open defecation in the city and are keen to remove the open defection spots at the earliest.

Salman and BMC Commisioner Ajoy Mehta are likely to hold discussions related to the idea and the actor might feature in drives, videos or radio jingles for the campaign.
Himani has done character roles in a number of Bollywood hits and TV soaps.

Welcoming her into the party, Naresh Bansal said her induction will strengthen BJP in the state.

Mumbai: Actress Himani Shivpuri, who hails from Uttarakhand, has joined BJP ahead of next year's assembly elections in the state.

Himani, who joined the party at its state office here in the presence of state BJP vice president Jyoti Prasad Gairola and organisational secretary Naresh Bansal last evening, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and leadership had drawn her to the party."I completely believe in the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and it is because of this that I have joined the BJP," she told reporters.

Asked whether she will contest the coming elections in the state, she said she will take up any role assigned to her by the party leadership.

Welcoming her into the party, Bansal said her induction will strengthen BJP in the state.

Himani has done character roles in a number of Bollywood hits and TV soaps. She was born and brought up in Dehradun.
The terror outfit has released a video where it claims to have senstive information.

Srinagar: A video, purportedly of Hizbul Mujahideen, has surfaced here in which a man claims that the militant outfit has gained access to 'database' of "informers" of security forces, a claim disputed by the police.

"I do not think that such claims are true but we will check it," Special Director General of Police, Law and Order and Coordination, S P Vaid said.

"We will take action if there is such a thing," he added.

The over-two-minute video has a man who is not visible but has a voice-over, claiming to be Hizbul Mujahideen commander Zakir Rashid alias Moosa.

The man is seen with a laptop and claiming that he has details of the "informers" of police in it.

"They (informers) should pack their bags and flee Kashmir or they should apologise in mosques and then mend their ways as they still have a chance," he said.

It is not clear as to when the video has been shot.

Another video is also doing the rounds on social media, showing Zakir holding a rifle and donning army fatigue.

In that video, he is seen issuing threats to policemen while speaking in Urdu.

Zakir had taken over the militant outfit in the Valley after his predecessor Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces in July this year.
Govt has consistently highlighted to China regarding the threat of cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, Akbar said.

New Delhi: Government has urged China to reverse its technical hold on India's request, which is co-sponsored by several prominent countries, to get Masood Azhar designated as terrorist by the UN, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said on Thursday.

In a written reply in a question in the Rajya Sabha, Akbar said China has often repeated its concern on spread of terrorism and their desire to cooperate with India on this issue.

On several occasions, China has reiterated with India their resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with "zero tolerance", and has agreed that there is no justification for terrorism.

"Government has consistently highlighted to China regarding the threat of cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and affecting the region, including India.

"Specifically, we have emphasised forcefully that while the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed has been proscribed by the UNSC Sanctions Committee for its well known terror activities and links to the Al Qaeda, the designation of JeMs main leader, financier and motivator Azhar has been repeatedly put on a technical hold.

"Accordingly, we have urged China to reverse its technical hold on India's request to list Azhar under 1267 provisions. India's request is co-sponsored by several prominent countries," the Minister added.
Some banks are disbursing only Rs 5,000 per person while those having better cash availability are offering Rs 10,000 per withdrawal.

Banks across the country have resorted to rationing of cash in order to handle the huge payday rush at branches. (Photo: PTI/File)

New Delhi: Reeling under shortage of currency stock, banks across the country have resorted to rationing of cash in order to handle the huge payday rush at branches.

Although claims were made by various banks that adequate arrangement would be in place to tide over cash crisis on payday, branches are seen rationing cash depending on their currency stock position.

Branches are compelled to resort to rationing because of cash shortage and it is difficult to meet the withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000 per person set by the Reserve Bank, said a senior public sector bank official.

Some banks are disbursing only Rs 5,000 per person while those having better cash availability are offering Rs 10,000 or Rs 12,000 per withdrawal.

Making matters worse, a large number of ATMs are still dry even 24 days after the government scrapped 500 and 1,000 rupee notes earlier this month to crack down on black money.

Despite recalibration of nearly 80 per cent of ATMs do not have cash, while people are struggling with the problem of change as the operational ones dispense mostly high denomination Rs 2,000 notes.

On Wednesday, a top government official claimed that special efforts are being made to pump in additional cash into banks to meet the heavy demand for currency notes on account of salary withdrawal but situation on the ground is still a far cry.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel had earlier said the central bank is monitoring the situation on a daily basis and taking all necessary actions to "ease the genuine pain of citizens" with a clear intent to normalise the things as early as possible.
The Delhi police has initiated a probe into the hacking and has written to the management of Twitter seeking necessary details.

New Delhi: Twitter said on Thursday that the official handle of Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi was not hacked, but compromised on Wednesday through an email breach.

According to a report in NDTV, the Congress has said that Rahuls email account, partys website and server were also hacked.

ANI also quoted its sources in Twitter as saying that tracing IP address of the hacker would be "next to impossible" if he used proxies to hack Congress IT cell.

The official Twitter handle of the Congress was also hacked, on Thursday, with profanities directed at Rahul.

The Congress on Thursday raised the issue of digital security after expletives-laden tweets were posted on its Twitter handle in the morning, a day after Rahuls account was hacked. The party said it reflects disturbing insecurities of the prevalent "fascist culture" in the country.

The Ministry of Information Technology has asked Twitter to submit details of activities on Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account from the last six days, while Delhi police have also launched a probe into the hacking of the accounts.

"We have written to Twitter to provide us log details such as the IP address of the hackers. We have started investigating the matter," a senior police official said. Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing of the Police around 1 am, an official said.

MEITY's cyber security arm Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) will investigate the matter. CERT-In has authority to collect information stored or communication carried out by any computer in the country for the purpose of cyber security.

Gandhi's account was hacked around 8.45 pm and some messages with profanities were put out, but these were deleted soon thereafter.

"Such lowly tactics will neither drown the sane voice of reason nor deter Rahul Gandhi from raising people's issues," Surjewala had said.

"Such unscrupulous, unethical and roguish conduct of venal trolls to hack Rahul Gandhi's Twitter handle reflects disturbing insecurities of prevalent fascist culture," he said.

Surjewala also tweeted, "Pre-meditated hacking of @OfficeOfRG smacks of a sinister conspiracy to abuse and intimidate. It strengthens our resolve to fight for the Nation."

"Hacking of@OfficeofRG proves lack of Digital safety around each one of us. Every digital info can be accessed, altered, morphed & modified," the Congress leader said in another tweet.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel also tweeted, "The way @OfficeOfRG a/c got hacked, as cybercrime and Twitter watched helpless raises serious Q's on digital safety, Digital India future."

"Those forcing country to adopt online payment overnight, have they taken steps to ensure a/c of ordinary ppl will be immune from hacking?," he also said.
Operations conducted nationwide to check illegal conversion of old notes.

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches in several cities across the country on those under the suspicion of converting or laundering huge amount of withdrawn currency notes illegally and seized around Rs 1.2 crore cash.

Besides, the CBI registered a case against a cashier working at a State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur branch in Rajasthan for allegedly exchanging Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes for new ones worth more than Rs 1 crore post the demonetisation.

As far as the EDs searches are concerned, sources said, The agency conducted raids at 40 locations. Money-launderers, including hawala dealers, and those involved in illegal currency exchange were targeted. The searches were conducted by multiple teams in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Gandhinagar and Bengaluru among others.

The agency filed a money laundering case against the officials of a private bank branch in Kashmere Gate area in the national capital, which was recently investigated by the Income Tax department on the charges of alleged irregularities in converting the scrapped currencies.

The agency, sources said, launched the nation-wide action as it is getting reports of instances of illegal exchange of the old currency and stashing of new currency notes to perpetrate hawala and money laundering like activities.

In the eastern region, the ED sleuths conducted searches at 16 locations, including six in Kolkata, two each in Bhubaneswar and Paradip (both in Odisha), Guwahati among others, sources said. The sleuths from the Kolkata zone of the ED also seized Rs 10 lakh cash in new currency from the premises of a doctor in the city during the operation, even as an assortment of foreign currency worth Rs 4 lakh has also been seized from the same area, they added. The sleuths seized about Rs 20 lakh cash in old currency, about Rs 1 crore in new notes and transaction papers of about Rs 50 lakh foreign exchange at the end of operations.

Sources said the agency is looking at instances of illegal exchange of old currency and stashing of new currency notes to perpetrate hawala and

money laundering like activities.

They said all the cash, documents and entry registers have been seized from the premises of hawala dealers and those currency exchanges, which were indulging in illegal exchange of the old notes. Meanwhile, the CBI has also registered a case against a cashier working at a State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur branch in Rajasthan.

An FIR was registered against the official based on a complaint filed by the manager of the banks Collectorate Branch in Dausa, Rajasthan.

It was alleged that Yogendra Singh Merna, posted as Head Cashier, violated guidelines to allow exchange and deposit of scrapped notes. The CBI has registered a case of criminal conspiracy, cheating and under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the Head Cashier and others.
'When there is no fuel, its the duty of ATC to have allowed landing of Mamata Banerjee's flight, her life is in danger,

New Delhi: The Opposition parties on Thursday caused uproar in both Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over the delay in landing of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees flight on Wednesday night and once again raked up the issue of demonetisation.

The Opposition in Rajya Sabha demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present in the House, speak on the note ban. While Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following uproar, the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm as Opposition demanded an apology from Modi for allegedly accusing them of supporting black money.

The TMC and the Congress had earlier raised the issue of Banerjee's safety over the incident on Wednesday. TMC had alleged the IndiGo flight with the chief minister on board hovered in the sky for over 30 minutes before landing at the NSCBI Airport in Kolkata though it was short on fuel. The party claimed it was a conspiracy to kill her.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju refuted the allegations and said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation had ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Wrong to say the IndiGo flight was made to hover for 30-40 minutes. DGCA has ordered an inquiry to check how three flights to Kolkata reported low fuel, Raju said in Lok Sabha.

The Congress too raised the issue of the West Bengal Chief Minister's safety.

When there is no fuel, its the duty of the ATC to have allowed the landing. Her life was in danger, Congress Mallikarjun Kharge said in the Lok Sabha.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raised this issue in Rajya Sabha, saying, "The aircraft should have been given priority, this is a serious issue, should carry out investigations."

Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha, in the Rajya Sabha, said the DGCA will investigate the allegation of shortage of fuel in three flights to Kolkata, including the one in which Banerjee was flying.

Meanwhile, IndiGo said the flight from Patna to Kolkata, with Banerjee on board, had landed normally at Kolkata airport. The flight was kept on hold due to air traffic, the airline said.
Government says a proper governing body has been constituted.

New Delhi: Less than a week after former foreign affairs minister of Singapore George Yeo the second Chancellor of Nalanda University after Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen-resigned from the post saying the varsitys autonomy was being affected, the government on Thursday justified its decision of forming a new governing board.

It said, This the first time since the Act was passed that a governing board has been properly constituted as per its provisions. Pointing out that the Indian Government has great respect for Mr George Yeo, and for his contributions to Nalanda University, New Delhi said, these decisions were taken so that for the first time, the University would be in full compliance with the legal regime under which it was created.

On Thursday, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said, A proposal for revival of the Nalanda University was initiated by the government in 2007 and the Nalanda Mentor Group (NMG) was formed for taking forward the proposal. Subsequently, the Nalanda University Act 2010 was passed by the Parliament, which came into force in November that year. Initially, the NMG, formed in 2007, was meant to discharge the functions of the governing board, pending formation of a proper governing board according to the provisions of the Act. As the Mentor Group had been functioning for 9 years and the Act provided for three year tenure for members, it was decided to constitute the Board in accordance with the Nalanda Act. The last time the Mentor Groups tenure was extended was on Nov 25, 2013 making it three years since then. On November 21, the President of India, in his capacity as the Visitor of the Nalanda University approved the constitution of the governing board of the University in accordance with section 7 of the Nalanda University Act, 2010. Let me emphasise that this the first time since the Act was passed that a governing board has been properly constituted as per its provisions. The details of the members of the board are already available to you.

It added, Finally, the President has also approved that upon completion of the extended term of the current vice chancellor, which expires on November 24, 2016, and in the absence of a new vice chancellor, the senior-most Dean may be appointed to discharge the duties of the vice chancellor until the new vice chancellor is appointed.
Finance Ministry clarifies on jewellery tax, announces new norms.

People queue up at an ATM to withdraw cash in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Union finance ministry Arun Jaitley admitted on Thursday that hardships being faced by people due to a massive cash crunch would remain for one or two quarters, but sought to assure that the governments demonetisation drive would boost Indias economy in the long run.

The governments shock move on November 8 to spike Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes  fiercely criticised by the Opposition parties  immediately left millions cashless. But as salaries got credited, banks and ATMs battled bigger crowds on Thursday with little or no cash to manage them.

Anger rose among millions as a person can for now withdraw only Rs 24,000 per week through all withdrawals, but banks were forced to reduce the limit in some cases. These are the first salaries credited since the two largest bills  86 per cent of the total cash in circulation  were withdrawn. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had claimed the crisis would not last more than 50 days.

People struggled to pay their domestic helps, drivers and grocers, as many of them would not be able to accept card payments, but several banks and ATMs were found shut. Many branches are yet to get the new Rs 500 notes, while the Rs 100 notes are in short supply. People are also reluctant to accept the new Rs 2,000 notes.

Speaking at an event in Bhubaneswar, Mr Jaitley said once the demonetisation process was complete, Indias gross domestic product (GDP) and tax base will expand significantly. The money coming to the banks will be used more fruitfully for the benefit of the economy, he said on the sidelines of the Make in Odisha conclave.

The Centre also explained to the Supreme Court on Thursday about steps taken to ease the cash crunch. The court would hear the matter on Friday.

Mr Jaitleys comments came on a day when the finance ministry announced that under proposed laws, there would not be any tax on jewellery legally inherited, acquired from disclosed sources, reasonable household savings or exempted income.

The ministry also said that there would not be any seizure of gold jewellery to the extent of 500 grams per married woman, 250 grams per unmarried woman and 100 grams per male member of the family.

The government move that has had knock-on effects for a mostly cash-based economy has also been followed by a spree of changing regulations for deposit, withdrawal and usage of currency, causing more chaos and confusion.

The ministry said on Thursday that the old Rs 500 notes would be accepted at petrol pumps and for airline tickets only till December. 2, it said. The earlier deadline was December 15. As announced earlier, Rs 1,000 notes cannot be used anywhere.

Opposition parties led by the Congress have stalled Parliament amid criticism over the slow pace of introducing the new notes, with banks running out of cash and ATMs having to be recalibrated to cope with the new bills.

Parliaments Public Accounts Committee will call RBI Governor Urjit Patel and top finance ministry officials next month to review the economic situation.
It was found that fake currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 to the tune of over Rs 400 crores were largely in circulation.

New Delhi: Justifying the demonetisation move, the Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that substantial amount of banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes has been deposited in banks and the situation post demonetisation will ease out in next two-three weeks.

In a fresh affidavit filed on Thurday, the Centre also explained the series of steps taken by the Reserve Bank of India and the government to mitigate the hardships of the people, including farmers, by increasing the withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000 per week in savings account and Rs 50,000 per week in current accounts, allowing use of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in petrol stations, airports, railway stations, etc. The affidavit said, It is denied that there was lack of preparedness while introducing this policy or was in ignorance of the RBI recommendation.

Ahead of Fridays crucial hearing, the Centre said there are three specific mischiefs, which had serious adverse impact on the Indian economy over the past years, viz fake currency notes, storage of unaccounted wealth in the form of high denomination notes, use of fake currency to finance subversive activities like terrorism, etc. It was found that fake currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 to the tune of over Rs 400 crores were largely in circulation and it was found difficult to identify by public in general genuine bank notes from the fake ones and that the use of fake currency notes was causing adverse effect to the economy of the country.
Govt charges Cong, others of changing goal posts on note ban debate as Opposition seeks Modis apology.

New Delhi: The government on Thursday charged the Opposition parties, mainly the Congress, of changing the goal posts on demonetisation discussion after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sat through in Rajya Sabha amid uproar as the Opposition parties demanded an apology from him for certain remarks made targeting the critics of demonetisation.

Mr Modi reached the Upper House a minute before the scheduled time of Question Hour at 12 noon, kept sitting when the House was adjourned briefly and came again when the House re-assembled at 2 PM after lunch break. Questions relating to Prime Ministers Office are listed on Thursdays. Sources disclosed government managers had requested the PM that he should come to the Upper House at 2 pm as the Opposition had been accusing that the PM comes to the House only for the Question Hour and not for the demonetisation debate, which is yet to be resumed after November 16, first day of the winter session. Sources said the government wanted to turn the tables on the opposition, which was also surprised to find Mr Modi in the House at 2 pm.

First they (Opposition) were demanding that the PM should come to the House, then they demanded that he should intervene, which the government said that he will and that Finance minister will also reply, then they said he was coming only for the Question Hour (in both Houses) and now when he (PM) was there at 2 pm (in Rajya Sabha) they want an apology (from the PM), said Parliamentary affair minister Ananth Kumar outside Parliament. He said while the demonetisation decision was getting as unprecedented support from the people, opposition has not discussed as yet the issue if they are really concerned. He said the Opposition was changing the goal posts on the issue everytime.

In Rajya Sabha, when the House adjourned briefly around 12.15 pm amid ruckus, many members, including from Opposition parties, were seen going to the PMs seat to exchange pleasantries or for a chit-chat. Actor-turned-politician and SP member Jaya Bachchan, CPI(M)s T.K. Rangarajan, SPs Neeraj Shekhar among others were seen exchanging pleasantries with the PM. Boxer and member Mary Kom was also seen discussing certain things with Mr Modi. As members kept meeting him, there were some lighter moments too, as the Prime Minister was seen smiling at times.

Uproar continued when the House reconvened at 2 pm with the Opposition demanding apology from the Prime Minister for certain remarks he had made targeting the critics of demonetisation.

Agitated over the Opposition din, I&B minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said the Opposition has been exposed and Congress should apologise for the 60 years of misrule.

Minister of state for parliamentary affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also objected to the demand for apology by the Prime Minister questioning whether he should apologise for targeting black money hoarders.
The 12-minute video shows Mr Mann entering the Parliament gate, tracks him down inside the building to offices where he shows how paper work.

New Delhi: Members belonging to Opposition parties in a panel probing AAP MP Bhagwant Manns controversial video of the Parliament House complex have threatened to submit a dissent note in case stringent punishment was meted out to the Punjab legislator.

Sources said that while a broad consensus has been arrived at to limit the punishment to a one-day suspension, the BJP members have been pushing for a stronger message.

The nine-member committee, headed by BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, met recently to finalise a draft report after Mr Mann tendered an unconditional apology. Sources said Mr Mann, who has appeared before the committee thrice, has already tendered an apology but the panel was waiting for the Sangrur MPs written submission before taking a decision.

Mr Mann has also withdrawn his remarks that Prime Minister Narendra Modi be also summoned for inviting ISI officials to Pathankot airbase after a terror attack there.

The 12-minute video shows Mr Mann entering the Parliament gate and tracks him down inside the building to offices where he shows how paper work and reports are processed. The video sparked an uproar with several legislators saying that it had compromised the security of Parliament.
"Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community only should not be accused for rise in AIDS due to unsafe sex." says activist

Indore: With homosexuality on a rise, there is a need to spread safety awareness among men practicing it so as to contain spread of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), said a city based physiologist here today.

"It is scientifically proven that homosexuals, who dont take any precautionary measures are more vulnerable to contract the deadly disease. The rise in homosexuality poses grave HIV threat to the society," Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Physiology department, assistant professor, Manohar Bhandari, said.

Meanwhile, contradicting the views expressed by Bhandari, transgender rights activist, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, said, "Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community only should not be accused for rise in AIDS due to unsafe sex." Tripathi added, "LGBT community faces discrimination in the country. HIV doesnt discriminate between people of on sex. However, practicing unsafe love-making was prone to AIDS, be it a man, gay, woman, lesbian and transgender."

Around 21.17 lakh people including 59 per cent are suffering from AIDS in the country, according to India HIV Estimations Report of 2015. National AIDS Control Organisations (NACO) Strategic Information Management System figures for the year 2015-16, reveal 87 per cent people suffering from HIV were heterosexuals, which include two per cent homosexuals.
The police is looking for the parents of the infant and trying to ascertain whether they had any role in abandoning her.

The newborn was immediately rushed to R.M.L. Hospital where initially her condition was critical, but by the evening it improved, the police said. (Representational image)

New Delhi: Barely a two-day-old baby was found abandoned on the steps of a temple in southwest Delhis Todapur area in the early hours on Thursday.

The baby, who had been left at the steps of Shani temple, was wrapped in a bedsheet and when she started crying, some labourers and the temple priest on hearing her, made a PCR call around 2.30 am, said a police officer.

The newborn was immediately rushed to R.M.L. Hospital where initially her condition was critical, but by the evening it improved, the police said.

A case under Section 317 (exposure and abandonment of child under 12 years, by parent or person having care of it) of the IPC has been registered at the Inderpuri police station. The baby is healthy and responding well. She is currently at R.M.L. Hospital nursery, said DCP (southwest) Surender Kumar.

Hospital authorities said that the baby is stable now and they are conducting tests.

We are now conducting a series of tests to see if the baby is fit for adoption, said Dr Aarti Maria, HoD, Neonatology, RML. Somebody must have left her when she was sleeping and when the cold wind hit her, she woke up and started crying, the police said.

The area where the infant was found abandoned didnt have CCTV cameras and it is not known as to how long was the infant lying in cold, the police said.

The police is looking for the parents of the infant and trying to ascertain whether they had any role in abandoning her.

The staff of Inderpuri police station is taking care of the newborn with the SHO of the police station present at the hospital, the police said. Around four people have come forward to help the baby.
'I don't know what has actually happened. Even if there is mock-trial, state government is informed,' she said.

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged the Army was deployed at two toll plazas at Palsit and Dankuni on NH 2 in West Bengal without informing the state government and described it as "unprecedented and a serious matter."



"Army has been deployed at two toll plazas without informing the state government. This is a very serious situation worse than Emergency," she told reporters at the state secretariat.



"It is an attack on the federal structure. We want to know the details. The Chief Secretary is writing to the Centre. Given an opportunity I will talk to the President on the issue. Has Emergency been imposed in the country without declaration?" she wanted to know.



The Chief Minister said, "Army is our asset. We are proud of them. We requisition Army in times of major disaster or communal flare up.



"I don't know what has actually happened. Even if there is mock-trial, state government is informed", she said.



Banerjee claimed that the people got panicky due to the deployment of Army at toll plazas.



When contacted, A Defence spokesperson said that the army conducts bi-annual exercise throughout the country with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency.



"There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders", Wing Commander S S Birdi said.



The exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing through a certain area that could be tapped during operations, he said.
They were posted at the Indian Armys 33rd Corps headquartered in Sukna under the Eastern Command.

Kolkata: Three Army officers were killed while a jawan suffered critical injuries when an Army chopper, Cheetah, crashed while landing at the Sukna military camp in Darjeeling on Wednesday morning. Army officials identified the deceased as pilot Major Sanjeev Lathar, his co-pilot Major Arvind Bazala - both of the Army Aviation Corps - and Lieutenant Colonel Rajneesh Kumar of the Corps of Engineers.

They were posted at the Indian Armys 33rd Corps headquartered in Sukna under the Eastern Command.

The condition of the injured Sapper, Dhamne Yogesh Bhaskar, who was admitted to Bengdubi Military Hospital, is critical.

Eastern Command spokesperson Wing Commander S.S. Birdi said, A court of inquiry has been ordered by the Army authorities to ascertain the cause of the incident.

According to sources, the Cheetah, carrying the four Army personnel, took off from the military base at around 9.15 am for a routine aerial recce in the forward area.

While returning from the routine sortie, the helicopter crashed while landing at the military station at around 11.30 am, Mr Birdi added.

Lt Col Rajneesh, Maj Sanjeev and Maj Arvind suffered fatal injuries. They were declared brought dead at the hospital. Accompanied by other Army officers, Colonel Deb Kumar Sen visited the crash site. Sources said a malfunctioning in the choppers tail rotor could have led to the crash about 20 feet off the ground.

While Lt Col Rajneesh was a native of Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh, Maj Sanjeev hailed from Bhiwani in Haryana and Maj Bazala, who got married recently, from RS Pura in Jammu & Kashmir.

In July 2010, a MIG-27 fighter aircraft had crashed in Jalpaiguri, killing four people, nearly five months after two separate incidents of MIG fighter jets crashing in the district without resulting in any casualty.
Mamata calls deployment unprecedented, Army says its routine.

Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that Army personnel were deployed at two toll plazas on National Highway II without informing the state government and accused the Narendra Modi government of imposing a civil war-like situation in the state.

In a late development, the CM declared that she would spend the night at the state secretariat, Nabanna, and wont leave her office until the Army personnel deployed at the toll plazas are not called back by the Central government.

This is undemocratic, unconstitutional and unethical. This has been done with a political vendetta, she said at a press conference called late Thursday evening to announce her plans.

She added that her government is an elected government and she is a custodian of democracy. I will stay here until the deployment of Army personnel has been withdrawn.

Earlier in the day, the CM called a press conference to allege that her government learnt about the deployment of Army personnel at Dankuni and Palsit toll plazas, and that her government had the information verified.

This kind of unprecedented interference in a state governments affairs shows that this Central government has scant respect for the Constitution and federal structure of the country, Ms Banerjee said.

She described the matter as very serious and said she has asked the chief secretary to write to the Centre in this regard. I shall also apprise the President, the CM said.

At her second press conference, she also claimed about receiving reports from other districts as well, stating that Army had deployed some of its personnel in those places in the last few days while keeping the state administration in complete darkness.

She claimed to have not had any prior information about the deployment. There are times when Army is deployed in civil areas during disasters. But that is done with prior information. Even if it is a drill, the permission of the state should have been sought, she said.

The CM sought to question if Emergency has been imposed in the country. It is only during Emergency that the Centre can take over states powers. If this is happening in Bengal today, it can happen in Punjab tomorrow, she said.

When contacted, Eastern Command CPRO Wing Commander S.S. Birdi said that the Army conducts bi-annual exercise throughout the country to obtain statistical data on load carriers that could be put to use in case of a contingency. There is nothing alarming about it and is done out as per government orders. This (exercise) gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing a certain area that could be tapped during operations, he said, adding the exercise would continue till Friday.
People were seen waiting anxiously outside ATMs since wee hours to get hold of required amounts.

Mumbai: Mumbai and its suburbs on Thursday witnessed cash-strapped people queueing up outside banks and ATMs to draw money to meet their start-of-the month expenses on the first post-demonetisation pay day, even as people complained that they could not draw sufficient amounts.



People were seen waiting anxiously outside ATMs since wee hours to get hold of required amounts, fearing that bank coffers may dry up any moment.



Pradeep Pawar, an executive in a private firm, one of the early birds to turn up before an ATM at Powai area, said, "I could only get a Rs 2,000 note, but I got it in pretty fast in five minutes. Now tomorrow, I will be back in the queue again to withdraw enough so as to meet my monthly payments."



Another working professional Giridhar Rathi did not hide his frustration over banks not keeping pace with the customers' demands.



"After standing in the line for over two hours at a bank branch in Worli this morning, when my turn came, the officials told me that they would give only Rs 4,000. I was hoping to get at least Rs 10,000 against the permissible limit of Rs 24,000. This is unprofessional," he said.



However, bankers claimed that all was well and there was no need to rush.



"As such, none of our branches are short of cash. We have ensured that enough cash is available at our branches in anticipation of higher demand after disbursement of salaries and pension in accordance with the customers demand," Canara Bank MD and CEO Rakesh Sharma told PTI.



He said the bank had 102 currency chests and all its branches were linked to these chests.



"We are also allowing customers to withdraw cash upto the permissible limits of Rs 24,000 per day," Sharma added.



Sangeeta Haralkar, a homemaker from Bhayander in neighbouring Thane district, said she was finding it difficult to meet her family's daily needs at the turn of the month with paying machines only vending out Rs 2,000 notes.



"After being in line for over an hour, I could get only one note of Rs 2,000. How am I supposed to cope with this? How would I distribute this amount to pay my maid, milk vendor and news paper vendor? The government must understand that everything cannot go cashless all of a sudden," she said.
Kamlakar B. Phand, director of the Maharashtra State Aids Control Society, said stringent action will be taken against those guilty.

The patient  whose name is being withheld as per a 1998 Supreme Court order that bars disclosure of HIV+ patients identities to protect their fundamental right of privacy and uphold doctor-patient relationships  is diabetic.

Mumbai: A 40-year-old commercial sex worker has allegedly been denied follow-up treatment at the civic-run Nair Hospital at Bombay Central, after she admitted that she was afflicted with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and also stated her vocation as sex worker while filling up the hospitals forms.

The incident has taken place at a time when the government is trying to create awareness on HIV/AIDS and the Supreme Court has issued notice against those who discriminate against people living with HIV/AIDS.

The patient  whose name is being withheld as per a 1998 Supreme Court order that bars disclosure of HIV+ patients identities to protect their fundamental right of privacy and uphold doctor-patient relationships  is diabetic. She requires regular post-surgery dressing for her left foot, where a rodent bit her. The women was allegedly denied treatment and dressing at the hospitals Dr TSS Unit on November 23. She said, I had immense pain in my foot and went to Nair Hospitals Dr TSS Unit on November 23 for a regular check-up as I am HIV+ and also for dressing up the wound in my foot caused by a rat bite. I waited a long time for my turn. But the on-duty doctor from the Dr TSS Unit humiliated me, saying that I should not go there as I am HIV+ and a commercial sex worker. She alleged that the doctor spoke to her rudely and asked her not to come again and bother them. She stays with five others at a brothel located in Kamathipura.

When contacted, Nair Hospitals dean, Dr Ramesh Bharmal said that he would look into the incident. I will call medicos attached to the Dr TSS Unit to verify the womans complaint, Dr Bharmal said. On his part, IAS officer Kamlakar B. Phand, director of the Maharashtra State Aids Control Society, said, I will probe the matter and stringent action will be taken against those guilty of such unfair treatment.

Vinay Vasta, founder of Social Activities Integration, an NGO that works with CSWs and their children, said, This isnt an isolated case. Its normal for HIV+ patients to be discriminated against at government hospitals. We have to send them to a hospital associated with us every time a surgery is required, Mr Vasta said.
Three New York-bound passengers of Kuwait Airways had to wait for more than 11 hours before they were accommodated in another flight.

Mumbai: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday reached the city to seal the grounded aircrafts of both Indigo and Kuwait Airways that grazed each other on Wednesday morning. Three New York-bound passengers of Kuwait Airways had to wait for more than 11 hours before they were accommodated in another flight. Meanwhile, the AAIB has collected the Air Traffic Control records.

The AAIB commenced its investigation by inspecting the two-grounded aircrafts of both the airlines. An official on the condition of anonymity explained, The aircrafts were initially in a linear position to each other and Kuwait was asked to make way for Indigo which was behind it. However, Indigo did not wait for the needed time and as a result its sharklet portion at the tip of the aircraft and the wing tip of the Kuwait aircraft were damaged. He further added, The Indigo aircraft, an Airbus A- 320 seems to have suffered more damage than Kuwaits Airbus A-330. All passengers were safely accommodated in another aircraft, said an Indigo spokesperson.

While three passengers who were transiting from Kuwait to New York City were delayed for 11 hours, the remaining 177 passengers flying to Kuwait had to be accommodated in a hotel.

Bhaumik Mistry a Mumbai resident studying in New York City explained, Our flight was to take off at 6.30 am but we werent updated about the incident till 11 am. Airline officials then told us we would have to cancel our immigration and according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) have to check in again.

Three of the 180 passengers who had a connecting flight to New York City were accommodated in British Airways economy class. These three passengers who were to fly to London by British Airways BA 198 that was scheduled to depart to its destination did not receive their luggage till 12.30pm. Kuwait Airways spokesperson was not available for comment.
An API, along with three others, had allegedly conned businessman Sanjay Naik of Rs 3 crore after conducting a flase raid.

Mumbai: A magistrates court in Bandra on Wednesday directed the police to return a seized amount of Rs 2,39,50,000 to builder Sanjay Naik, who had filed a complaint alleging that assistant police inspector (API) Sanjay Mali, along with three others, had conned him of Rs 3 crore in the name of giving him new notes in exchange for demonetised Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes.

Mr Naiks lawyer, D.V. Saroj, had filed an application stating that the accused in this case conspired and made away with cash to the tune of Rs 3 crore in a fake raid. The application said that Mr Naik had been cheated because the accused thought he was unlikely to complain to the police about unaccounted money. However, the amount rightfully belonged to him, it added.

Advocate Saroj requested magistrate Vishwas Mane to direct the investigating officer to return the seized Rs 2,39,50,000 to Mr Naik so that he could deposit the same in his bank account for business purposes. After magistrate Mane sought a reply from the investigating officer and the accused on the application, both gave no objection to returning the seized amount to Naik and, hence, the judge allowed his application. The court however directed Naik to furnish an indemnity bond of Rs 2,50,000 and a solvent surety or bank guarantee of the same amount to get the seized amount.

Mr Naik wanted to exchange his old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes, which were demonetised beginning November 9, and so he got in touch with one of his friends, Ranjan, who called him and his brother near Santa Cruz railway station to get the old notes exchanged for new ones. Mr Naik was told that some known bank sources would deposit his old notes in a non-performing bank account, which would then be transferred to another account through RTGS and finally returned to Mr Naik by way of cash or credit into his bank account.

According to Mr Naiks complaint on November 15, after the handover, when the people carrying the old currency notes approached the bank, API Mali allegedly conducted a fake raid on them and ran away with a cash amount of Rs 3 crore.

Mr Naik later registered a complaint with the Santa Cruz police station, following which API Mali, attached to Santa Cruz police station, was suspended and a departmental enquiry initiated against him. The police also arrested three other accused, Raju Sawant, Maruti Gohil and Mahesh Shetty.
Free from the constraints of public life, she has now come up with her own collection of 40 pieces which will go on sale early next year.

London: Nearly five months after leaving Downing Street, Britains former first lady Samantha Cameron has launched a fashion label - revealed, naturally, in British Vogue magazine.

The 45-year-old wife of former Conservative prime minister David Cameron won many fans for her smart but modern style during his six years in office, drawing comparisons with US first lady Michelle Obama.

Art school educated, Cameron was formerly the creative director of luxury leather goods and stationery firm Smythson, where she remains a creative consultant, and has also been studying pattern-cutting.

Free from the constraints of public life, she has now come up with her own collection of 40 pieces which will go on sale early next year.

I felt that there was a lot of American and French brands out there that fit that bracket of designer contemporary with the right price point and the right styling, but there arent that many British brands which fill that space, she told Vogue. She added: Ive spent a lot of time trying stuff on my friends.

The brand name, Cefinn, is reportedly derived from her childrens names  Elwen, Florence, Ivan and Nancy.

Alexandra Shulman, editor-in-chief of British Vogue, was quoted in The Times as saying that the collection had a broad appeal, predicting that it would be popular as workwear.

Like all designers Samantha has reflected her own taste in the clothes  they are quite simple well-cut shapes, hard-wearing with a lot of concentration on the fabrics so that they wont look rubbish by the end of a busy day and there are a lot of separates, she said. She added: The collection is above your average high street price but not anywhere near international designer prices. This slot in the shopping market is actually doing very well at the moment so its a good time for her to be launching.

David Cameron resigned after the vote to leave the European Union, which he had opposed, and was succeeded by Theresa May on July 13.
NRHM repacked many existing Central programmes such as reproductive and child health, immunisation, contraception, training, etc.

Primary healthcare in most Indian states is in shambles. This is despite a national flagship programme, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), having run for more than a decade and having pumped public investments of over Rs 1.3 lakh crores from 2005-06 to 2014-15. NRHM, which was aimed at strengthening government health delivery system in rural areas with a focus on the primary care, was launched in 2005 with much fanfare and hope. Then, the commitment of central political leadership to the health sector was high; and so were ambitions. Those ambitions were backed by greater availability of public funding which was made possible by faster economy growth.

NRHM repacked many existing Central programmes such as reproductive and child health, immunisation, contraception, training, etc. as well as supported many new activities such as training of new cadre of health workers (ASHAs), upgradation of public health facilities, constitution of patient welfare committees (RKS), etc.  all in a flexible, decentralised manner.

Despite all this, a special health survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation in 2014 reports that only 28 per cent of total non-hospitalised cases in rural areas are actually treated by public health facilities. This implies that a vast majority of rural folks needing non-hospitalised care actually end up going to private providers, paying out of their pockets at the point of care. It is no surprise that 60 per cent of total healthcare expenditure in India is private expenditure and most of it is out-of-pocket, with pernicious effects on the finances of poorer households.

The party in power at the Centre has now changed; and so have the policymakers who were initially involved in the design and roll out of NRHM. The officials in health ministry may still find some solace in whatever NRHM could achieve, particularly in increasing institutional deliveries. But the fact remains that the programme performed much below its promised goals. As is typically the case, the health ministry may blame the states for the tardy implementation of NRHM. The states too may have their points of view: the poorer states may cite low implementation capacity vis-a-vis the complexity of the sector while the richer states may find fault with the programme design. This blame game has no winners but only losers  the common people.

One big lesson that emerged from the experience of NRHM is that the states have to be in drivers seat in prioritising, designing, financing and implementing the primary care agenda. The Central government can at best provide some financial incentives and technical guidance to states that prioritise the primary care. But a call to strengthen the primary care is that of states.

The legacy of a weak primary healthcare system in the country could be considered as an opportunity to move to an innovative, low-cost care delivery model, which is made possible due to technological innovations. For example, tele-consultation, tele-medicine and tele-radiology have the potential to overcome access barriers, economise on the scarcer factors such as doctors by reducing patients need to have face-to-face encounter with doctors, improve patient satisfaction and so forth. To give another example, a trained nurse, guided by computer algorithms, can be made capable to evaluate and prescribe drugs for certain conditions. Similarly, technology can be deployed in many other ways to strengthen accountability, bring transparency, make field workers more effective and so forth. A transformative, low-cost delivery model has to integrate various innovative pieces into developing a robust primary care system that also addresses the emerging non-communicable disease burden among population. A primary care system ought to be the first point of contact for all medical needs (preventive, promotive and curative care) of the population, and also need to serve as the referral point for guiding the patient to higher level health facilities.

What is needed is a few states taking a big leap in this direction. The states that move first will need to pilot a few low-cost care delivery models in order to discover an appropriate model that can be taken to scale. Those states need to increase their health spending, which is woefully low at present, is a well-known fact. But bypassing this necessary pilot phase before states step up their health spending will be a big mistake, leading to a waste of government funding, capacity and time.

It is in the Central governments own interest to see the states prioritise primary healthcare as that will help the country meet its health-related commitment under sustainable development goals. Further, when the Central government is strengthening the tertiary care in the country by setting up new AIIMS hospitals as well as new cancer institutes, a robust primary care is also needed from the health system efficiency perspective  to mitigate the flow of patients to hospitals by catching them early. So even in the primary healthcare, the Central government does have a role: to ensure that at least a few states prioritise primary healthcare.

Once a few states have taken the lead in redesigning their primary care delivery system, the pulls and pressures that usually accompany any development process, will necessitate the lagging states to follow suit and also benefit from cross-learnings.
Nagrota attack was in progress even as Paks outgoing Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif was handing over the baton to his successor Javed Bajwa.

The attack by Pakistani terrorists at the base of the Indian Armys 16 Corps at Nagrota, near Jammu, in which two officers and five soldiers were killed on Tuesday, is evidence, if this were needed, that Indias September 28-29 surgical strikes across the Line of Control at terrorist launchpads were ineffectual and pointless. The attack was in progress even as Pakistans outgoing Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif was handing over the baton to his successor Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa. Until there is sufficient information, it will be debated whether it was the retiring generals last hurrah, his final anti-India act, or the incoming chiefs inaugural fusillade to show that there will be no deviation from the Pakistan Armys core formula of using terrorist proxies against India.

This is a meaningless debate. As it was noted here earlier on Tuesday, no matter who leads the Pakistan Army, even a good guy, the use of the low-cost and deniable use of proxies is unlikely to be given up in a hurry as a strategic paradigm. Among the key elements that will go into how we defend ourselves  short of war  is to make high-value locations secure in a foolproof manner. The Narendra Modi government, for all its extolling of nation and nationhood and excoriating opponents as anti-national, has shown itself spectacularly inept in ensuring this.

From the beginning of this year, there were three dramatic attacks on high-profile military targets, besides several more less high-profile ones, though these remain critical to our security framework. The Pathankot Air Force Station, one of the most important forward airbases of the country, was hit by terrorists just days after Prime Minister Modi paid Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif an impromptu visit at his Lahore home. Then came the brigade headquarters at Uri in the Kashmir Valley in September, and now the HQ of 16 Corps, one of the two corps formations in J&K directly facing Pakistan.

It is evident that the terrorists are trying to cause mayhem at Army installations, yet reports on how security at these encampments were breached and was of a poor order and had to be bolstered, have been permitted to gather dust.

What we get instead is chest-thumping public rhetoric on the success of our surgical strikes by a defence minister adept in the use of medieval imagery and false battlefield bravado. Mr Parrikar may enjoy the complete confidence of his Prime Minister, who recently described him as among the shiniest jewels of the present government. But the figures dont lie. In 2015, around 40 military men died at the hands of terrorists, and this year the figure is nearly double. We need to tighten up and have clear-headed military and diplomatic contingencies worked out.
Ohio attacker, Abdul Razak Ali Artan, plowed into pedestrians with a car and sprung from the vehicle to stab other victims on Monday.

Ohio: A Somali immigrant who injured 11 people in a car and knife attack at Ohio State University may have been inspired by Islamic State and the late al Qaeda-linked cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, an FBI official said on Wednesday.

The Islamic State militant group on Tuesday claimed responsibility for the attack at the Columbus campus. The US-born al-Awlaki was killed by a U.S. drone strike in 2011.

The Ohio State attacker, Abdul Razak Ali Artan, a 20-year-old Muslim student at the school and a lawful permanent resident of the United States, plowed into pedestrians with a car and sprung from the vehicle to stab other victims on Monday. A police officer quickly ended the attack by fatally shooting Artan, officials said.

"At this time we are not aware of anyone else being involved in the planning of this attack, but the investigation continues," Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Angela Byers told reporters.

"It appears that Artan may have at least been inspired by Anwar Awlaki and the Islamic State in the Levant and we will continue to pursue this as part of the investigation, she said.

At the time of his death, al-Awlaki was identified by U.S. intelligence as "chief of external operations" for al Qaeda's Yemen branch and a web-savvy propagandist for Islamists.

Artan called al-Awlaki a "hero" in a Facebook message U.S. investigators believe he posted under a slightly different name. The post went up the morning of the attack, Byers said.

None of the victims, who were wounded after being struck by the car or stabbed, have life-threatening injuries and most were released from local hospitals within one day, officials said.

One person was struck in the foot by a bullet shot by the Ohio State police officer who killed Artan, Columbus deputy police chief Richard Bash said.

The officer repeatedly told Artan to drop the knife before opening fire, Bash said.

Artan bought a knife at a Wal-Mart store the morning of the rampage, but it was unclear if that was the butcher knife used in the attack, police said.

The FBI was not aware of Artan as a potential threat before the rampage and had no contact with him, Byers said.

Byers said it was "too soon to draw any type of conclusions (about) whether or not this was terrorism" and that Islamic State's claim of responsibility is not proof the militant group played any role in the attack.

Investigators were examining electronic devices from Artan's Columbus home, Byers said. Artan, a Somali refugee, came to the United States via Pakistan, she said.

President-elect Donald Trump, who has called for "extreme vetting" of some Muslim immigrants, criticised Artan's entry into the country on Twitter on Wednesday.

"ISIS is taking credit for the terrible stabbing attack at Ohio State University by a Somali refugee who should not have been in our country," Trump said on Twitter.

Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said Trump was seeking to exploit the "tragic situation in Ohio."
Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistans economy was in shambles in 2013 when the present government came into power.

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has changed the negative security narrative into an exceedingly positive economic narrative for Pakistan.

He said the successful implementation of the projects under the umbrella of CPEC was a manifestation of the strong and time-tested friendship between China and Pakistan.

Chairing a meeting to review progress on CPEC here, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistans economy was in shambles in 2013 when the present government came into power and it is China that supported and helped us in the economic revival at such crucial juncture, for which the government and people of Pakistan are indebted to the Chinese leadership and people of China.

The meeting reviewed at length the benchmarks set for numerous energy, transport infrastructure and industrial projects in terms of deliverables with particular focus on development of Gwadar Port along with socio-economic uplift projects in Gwadar.

The visionary Chinese leadership supported us in translating the idea of CPEC into reality, the Prime Minister said.
The fall was because too many students were arriving with too little money to support themselves and too little English to study in NZ.

New Zealand has issued half as many new study visas to Indian students in the past five months as in the same period last year. (Photo: PTI/Representational)

Melbourne: Tightening its visa rules, New Zealand has issued half as many new study visas to Indian students in the past five months as in the same period last year, turning down too many potential students from India.

Between the start of July and the end of October, the country approved 3,102 visas, just 48 per cent of the 6,462 approved in the same period last year.

The fall was due to tighter rules for, and monitoring of, study visa applications from India because too many students were arriving with too little money to support themselves and too little English to study here, New Zealand's public broadcaster 'Radio New Zealand' reported.

Auckland International Education Group, which represents 16 private tertiary institutions, said the government had gone too far. The group's spokesman Paul Chalmers said Immigration New Zealand's Mumbai office was turning down too many potential students.

"It's a matter of loosening up in Mumbai and saying 'this is now a catastrophic collapse'," he said.

"Rather than just trying to cut the shonky providers out of the market and the poor students who are filling in application forms incorrectly, they need to see if we can improve visa approval rates," Chalmers said.

He said the government was right to tighten English language requirements, but in some cases it was not clear why students were being refused visas.

"It's a wider-sweeping broom that is starting to block students for, from what we can see, no reason whatsoever.

Students that would have previously been given visas are being declined," he said.

Richard Goodall, international education spokesperson of Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand (ITENZ), said good institutions would cope with the fall in enrolments from India, but others might go out of business. ITENZ represents several hundred private tertiary institutions.

Goodall said the number of visa approvals was lower, but the calibre of students was higher.

Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce said the lower number of new visa approvals was likely to continue for a while. He said Immigration New Zealand was not being too tough.

"Don't forget what we're doing here is we're focusing on the things that are important for students to succeed here in terms of their English-language capability and their ability to support themselves financially when they're in New Zealand.

"So I make no apology for making sure that those things are followed up on and the declarations students make are correct," Goodall said, adding that a correction to the Indian market was needed.
Trump apparently made these remarks as Pak PM Nawaz Sharif called him to congratulate on his recent victory.

Islamabad: US President-elect Donald Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that he was willing to play any role that Islamabad wants to find solutions to its outstanding problems, according to a statement released by Sharif's office.

Trump apparently made these remarks as PM Sharif called him to congratulate on his recent victory.

"I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time, even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Trump was quoted in the statement.

During the telephone conversation, Trump also praised Sharif and expressed his desire to meet the prime minister soon, Radio Pakistan reported.

PM Sharif also invited Trump to visit Pakistan.

In his reply, Trump said he would love to visit the country and meet its people.

Earlier, Trump had said that if elected, he'd like to mediate between India and Pakistan. But like the Obama administration, the US President-elect also said that he would only mediate if both countries asked him to do so.
by Mathias Hariyadi

Thousands of people took to the streets in 33 provinces to defend Indonesias founding principle of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, unity in diversity. Wearing red and white ribbons (the colours of the national flag) lay people, religious and members of the military sent a message to the radical movements that want to divide the country.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  Thousands of people from all walks of life  lay people, religious, military  took to the streets yesterday in a peaceful demonstration in 33 Indonesian provinces to defend Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, unity in diversity.

Wearing red and white ribbons (the colours of the Indonesian flag), people celebrated the values that underpin the country's unity to counter extremist Islamist currents that try to divide the nation.

The march was held two days before a big demonstration by Islamic fundamentalists is set to take place against Jakartas Christian governor, Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama who has been accused of blasphemy.

Tensions rose in Jakarta and across the country after radical movements (especially the Islamic Defenders Front) vowed to occupy Jakartas central streets despite the warnings from the police and army. On 28 November, march organisers and the authorities agreed on its route.

On 4 November, a big march by Islamists turned violent after political agitators infiltrated it in order to discredit President Joko Widodo, an ally of Governor Ahok.

Yesterday's demonstration, participants say, is a direct message to Islamist parties, saying that those who want to defend Indonesia's identity, based on respect and tolerance of diversity, are far larger than some might think.

In Jakarta various Catholic leaders (priests, sisters and lay people) took part in the rally in front of the National Monument (Monas), side by side with leading military and civilian figures. This is the second event of its kind since that of 19 November.

After its independence on 17 August 1945, Indonesia recognised six religions: Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. The "ancestral beliefs" professed by some ethnic groups are also tolerated.

The nation was founded on the five principles of Pancasila, which Indonesias first president Sukarno included as a preamble to the countrys secular Constitution. These principles are belief in one God, justice and human civilisation, national unity, democracy guided by wisdom, and social justice.
by Santosh Digal

The Archbishop of Seoul speaks at the Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. This year's theme is the family and its challenges. Open the doors of the Church, the sacraments and affection; reflect on children, youth and seniors; the consequences of the weakening of family relationships.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - To preach the "Gospel with respect, dedication, perseverance and humility this is the call made by card. Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop of Seoul (South Korea), to the Asian bishops, meeting in Negombo for the Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC). He asked the 140 delegates from across Asia, representatives of the Catholic Church on the continent, to "proclaim the Gospel to others with generous openness."

Sri Lanka is hosting the 11th FABC Conference. This year's theme is "The Asian Catholic family: The local Church of the poor in the mission of mercy". Among the most significant moments is the today's meeting between Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu leaders to discuss the current challenges for the family and relationships within marriage.

Card. Yeom echoed Pope Francis call to maintain " the real door of mercy open, which is the Heart of Christ", launched during the closing ceremony of the Jubilee. We need to open church doors, the doors of the sacraments, and the doors of affection should always be open to anyone at any time, especially the openness to the most vulnerable members of the society: the infants, the young people, the elderly who are increasingly isolated and abandoned, the poor, the homeless, the addicted, and the indigenous," the cardinal said.

The archbishop of Seoul explained that in order to fulfill the missionary work of openness, it is necessary that church in Asia pay attention to Jesus' order: "Give them some food yourselves" which is quoted by Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium. Also, "we can change the phrase "some food" to "the things they need" and make this our mission slogan: "Give them the things they need yourselves," he added.

"In addition, I would like to stress on the openness to the infants, the young people, and the elderly; reflecting on the theme of our assembly, "Domestic Church of the Poor on a Mission of Mercy", we need to open a pastoral space for them to provide them with the things they need. Like it is said in Evangelii Gaudium, family is the fundamental cell of society and Church; the family is experiencing profound cultural crisis such as the weakening of bonds, male chauvinism, domestic violence, low participation of the Holy Mass, and superstitions, the cardinal stressed.

The consequence of the crisis is that, even in Catholic families, babies lose their lives due to abortion; young people lose their hope for the future because they do not receive proper religious education; the elderly are isolated and abandoned.
The agreement was reached in Vienna. The Petroleum Exporting Countries will cut daily oil production of 1.2 million barrels. Even Russia, not in OPEC, will remove 300 thousand barrels from the market. Thefinal agreement possible thanks to the agreement between the Iranians and Saudis.

Vienna (AsiaNews / Agencies)  The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has decided to cut crude oil production to stimulate a rise in prices, which have been in free fall since 2014.

For the first time in eight years, the historic agreement was reached in Vienna, where yesterday representatives of the 14 Member States met (including Indonesia which has decided to leave the group).

Qatar Minister of Energy and Industry and OPEC president, Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, said that the organization will undertake to reduce the number of barrels produced, for a total of 1.2 million per day .

The agreement comes after two years systematically declining prices. In January of this year the prices had dropped below 30 dollars a barrel, the alarm threshold for investors. The low price of crude oil has caused deep an economic crisis in Russia, Venezuela, Nigeria and even in Saudi Arabia.

After the announcement, the price of Brent (the title used as an indicator for crude oil in the international markets) rose 10% to $ 51.94 per barrel, while the US crude rose 9%, from $ 49.53 per barrel.

The agreement between the OPEC countries was possible thanks to the agreement of the Russians, Saudis and Iranians, who for months have been seeking viable ways to reduce price fluctuations. Saudi Arabia, unwilling to bear the brunt of the reduction, has decided to remove 500 thousand barrels per day from the market, or 4.5% of total production.

Al-Sada said that even the non-OPEC countries have decided to work together, for a total of 600 thousand barrels less a day. Although the list of these countries is not known, the OPEC president said that Russia is preparing for a cut of 300 thousand barrels a day (a total of more than 10 million).
by Fady Noun

The cardinal noted the special bond between the former SJ superior general and Lebanon. Since 1958, he had become an expert on Lebanon, for him a land of study and mission. He was a point of reference for priests and seminarians, young students and seniors.

Beirut (AsiaNews)  Lebanon and the Society of Jesus bid a solemn and personal farewell to Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach SJ on Sunday in the Church of Our Lady of Jamhour. The former Superior General of the Society of Jesus (1983-2008) died last Saturday in Lebanon just a few days short of his 88th birthday on 30 November.

The ceremony was held in the presence of the Maronite Patriarch Card Beshara al-Rahi, the new SJ Superior General Fr Arturo Sosa Abascal, the SJ Provincial of the Near East and the Maghreb, the Apostolic Nuncio Mgr Gabriele Caccia, the Patriarchal Vicar Mgr Hanna Alwan, the Archbishop of Beirut Boulos Matar, the Jesuit Fathers of Lebanon and Province, and members of Father Kolvenbach's family.

Fr Kolvenbach, who led the Society of Jesus for 25 years, died in Beirut "forever his land," according to Fr Salim Daccache, rector of Saint Joseph University, who announced His death in a tactful biographical note. The former JS superior general had chosen Lebanon as his place of mission in 1958. However, he was summoned to Rome in 1981 to serve as rector of the Pontifical Oriental Institute and then elected two years later, as a man of concord and peace, at the helm of the Society of Jesus.

First Love

After he resigned in 2008, he settled permanently in Beirut and become the curator of the Armenian Fund at the Oriental Library (Bibliotheque orientale) and researcher for the Christian Arab Documentation and Research Centre (Centre de documentation et de recherches arabes chretiennes) at Saint Joseph University (Universite de St-Joseph).

In doing so, Fr Kolvenbach came back to his first love, since it was at the Institute of Oriental Letters (Institut de lettres orientales) that he had begun to learn the Armenian language and literature, which became his speciality. It was in Beirut that, after his theological studies, he was ordained priest on 29 June 1961, in accordance with the Armenian rite. In parallel, he studied philology and linguistics in Beirut and Paris.

The war marked his academic career forever. One day in the 1970s, during his doctoral studies on "the place of particles in the Armenian Bible", a bomb fell on the buildings of the community St. Gregory of the Jesuits (Saint-Gregoire des Jesuites) where he lived, destroying the locker that contained the search papers he had collected over the years.

"Fr Kolvenbach was well known for his simplicity, frankness, humour and ascetic tendencies. He lived, indeed, on the last floor of the residence in a room with only one mattress on the floor," said Fr Daccache.

A great friend of Lebanon, he had a sense of hospitality and could offer observations sought after by those who had the chance to be counted among his friends. Many of them sought his company and turned to him for advice. He was known in the right places for his knowledge about Lebanon and he knew the countrys daily life more than the Lebanese themselves.

A word from Patriarch al-Rahi

Patriarch al-Rahi yesterday added his tribute to Father Kolvenbach "in the spirit of fidelity to an exceptional person who had, in his heart, a great love for Lebanon, the Lebanese and the Eastern Churches."

"Father Kolvenbach," said the head of the Maronite Church, "gave a great deal to our priests and seminarians, to our young students and seniors, great and small, during the 24 years he spent in Lebanon, as a theological student first and then as a professor at Saint Joseph University. On his return to Lebanon, he supported our country with his prayers and shone with his example of humility, serenity, joy, peace, and tireless intellectual work."

Paying tribute to Fr. Kolvenbach "for what he is and for what he did", the patriarch emphasised in particular "his attachment to Lebanon (which) was evident in his way of closely following the events that caused bloodshed in the country.

"Who among us," he noted, "when in Rome, was not invited to his amiable table, and noticed his concern and hopes for Lebanon? What courage and tranquillity we drew from these fraternal encounters!"

Father Kolvenbach "summarised in himself the fidelity to the Church and the Lebanon of the Jesuit Fathers (. . .) since their first arrival in Lebanon almost four centuries ago," Patriarch al-Rahi said without hesitation.

In concluding his address, the prelate said that the whole Maronite Church is praying "for the Society of Jesus and for the success of the mandate of the new superior general".

Condolences were expressed at the end of the Mass.
"Those who have the gift of being able to study also have a responsibility to serve for the good of humanity. Knowledge is an easy path to the integral development of society". "In the modern concept of the intellectual, working for the realization of self and in search of personal recognition, often without care for their neighbor, it is necessary to counter with a model built on solidarity, which works for the common good and for peace". Through "viable employment opportunities" in society, you can avoid the so-called 'brain drain'.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Building a "healthier" society, facing the "moral challenge" posed by globalization, seeking to achieve a more united world through the cultural enrichment that allows easier insertion into the world of work and avoiding the "brain drain": These are the objectives that Pope Francis has proposed to the 150 participants in the Fourth World Congress of the Pastoral Care of International Students organized by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People with the theme: "Pope Francis Evangelii Gaudium and moral challenges in the intellectual world of International students toward a healthier society ".

"Building a healthier society" is, the Pope said, "the goal to always keep in mind". "It is important that the younger generation go in this direction, they feel responsible for the reality they live in and the architects of the future ". "In our time, the moral challenges are many and it is not always easy to struggle for the affirmation of the truth and values, especially when you are young. But with God's help, and with the sincere will to do good, all obstacles can be overcome. "

" In the modern concept of the intellectual, working for the realization of self and in search of personal recognition, often without care for their neighbor, it is necessary to counter with a model built on solidarity, which works for the common good and for peace". Only in the intellectual world it becomes capable of building a healthier society. Those who have the gift of being able to study also have a responsibility to serve for the good of humanity. Knowledge is an easy path to the integral development of society; and being students in a country other than your own, in another cultural horizon, allows you to learn new languages, new customs and traditions. It allows us to look at the world from another perspective and to open up without fear to others and differences. This leads students, and those who welcome them, to become more tolerant and hospitable. Increasing social skills, increasing confidence in themselves and in others, these horizons are expanding, their future vision widens and also wants to build the common good together. Schools and universities are the ideal location for the consolidation of consciences sensitive towards a more cohesive development and to advance "a commitment to evangelization in an interdisciplinary and integrated manner" (cf. ibid., N. Evangelii gaudium, 134). For this, I urge you teachers and pastoral workers to instill in young people a love of the gospel, the desire to live it concretely and to announce it to others. It is important that the period spent abroad become an opportunity for personal and intellectual growth for students and a starting point for them to return to their country of origin to make their contribution and, marked by the inner urge to carry with them the joy of the Good News. You need an education that teaches critical thinking and which offers a maturation process in values (cf. ibid., 64). In this way, forming young people who thirst for truth and not for power, ready to defend the values and to live mercy and charity, the main pillars for a healthier society.

"That of the international students is not a new phenomenon, however, it has intensified because of the so-called globalization, which has brought down the space and time boundaries, encouraging encounter and exchange between cultures. But here too we see negative aspects, such as the emergence of certain closures, defense mechanisms before diversity, internal walls which do not allow a person to look their brother or sister in the eye and realize their real needs. Even among young people - and this is very sad  there is a creeping "globalization of indifference," which makes us "unable to feel compassion to others cry of pain" (ibid., 54). Thus, it follows that these negative effects are reflected on people and communities. Instead, dear friends, we bet that the way you live globalization can produce positive outcomes and enable great potential. For you students, spending time away from your country, in families and different contexts, you can develop a remarkable ability to adapt, learning to be guardians of others as brothers and creation as our common home, and this is crucial to making the world more human. Formation courses can accompany and guide you young students in this direction, and can do so with the current events freshness and audacity of the Gospel, to form new evangelizers ready to infect the world with the joy of Christ to the ends of the earth . Dear young people, John Paul II liked to call you "morning watchmen." I encourage you to be so every day, with an eye to Christ and history. So you are able to announce the salvation of Jesus and to carry his light in a world too often obscured by the darkness of indifference, selfishness and war. "
Today marks the hundredth anniversary of the assassination of Blessed Charles de Foucauld, which took place in Algeria on December 1, 1916. He was "a man who overcame so much resistance and gave a witness that has done so much good for the Church. We ask you to bless us from heaven and help us to walk in your footsteps of poverty, contemplation and service to the poor ".

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - We are all "resistant" to grace, because "wherever there is the Lord  great or small  there is the Cross. It is resistance to the Cross, resistance to the Lord who brings us to the redemption". But, when there is some resistance we must not be afraid, but to ask the Lord for help recognizing ourselves as sinners.

This was the focus of Pope Francis homily at Mass this morning in Santa Marta, in which he warned against "spiritual gattopardismo" [in English the appearance of change] of those who say that everything will change and then change nothing. Francis then distinguished several types of obstacles or resistance.

The ones he called open obstacles that are born of good faith  like in Sauls case when he resisted grace but was convinced he was doing Gods will' before he was converted by Jesus. Open obstacles are healthy - the Pope said  in the sense that they are open to the grace of conversion. The most dangerous obstacles according to Francis are the hidden ones because they do not show themselves.

Each of us, he said, have our own way of resisting grace but we must recognize it and allow the Lord to purify us. Its the type of obstacle that Stephen accused the Doctors of Law of concealing whilst they wanted to appear as though they were in search of the glory of God. An accusation  the Pope said  that cost Stephen his life: "We all have hidden obstacles; we must ask ourselves what is their nature. They always surface to stop a process of conversion. Always! But, the Pope said, in these cases we must passively and silently allow the process of change to take place. Think of when there is a process of change in an institution or in a family. I hear you say: 'But, there are obstacles () Those kinds of obstacles are put there by the devil, to stop the Lord from going ahead.

Francis then spoke of three types of hidden obstacles: The obstacle of empty words which he illustrated with the example provided by the Gospel reading of the day which reads Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of heaven; and by the Parable of the two sons sent by their father to work in the vineyard: the first says no and then goes ahead and does the work, while the other says yes and then doesnt go: Saying yes, yes, diplomatically; but then it is 'no, no, no'. So many words he said.

Saying yes  the Pope continued  so as not change anything is the resistance of empty words. And then, he said, there is the obstacle of words that justify": thats when a person constantly justifies himself  he always finds a reason to oppose. Too many excuses the Pope said do not exude the good aroma of God, but the bad stink of the devil.

He said a Christian has no need to justify himself: He is justified by the Word of God". This kind of resistance he explained is a resistance of words which I use to attempt to justify my position when I do not follow what the Lord is indicating. And then, he said, there's the obstacle of "accusatory words": when we accuse others so as not to look to ourselves. In this case too we are resisting conversion and grace as illustrated by the Parable of the Pharisee and the publican.

So, Pope Francis concluded, there are not only the great historical actions of resistance as for example the Maginot Line or other such events, but those that "are inside our hearts every day. He said the resistance to grace is a good sign "because it shows that the Lord is working in us" and he invited us to make the obstacles fall in order to allow grace in. Wherever the Lord is there is a cross, the Pope said, be it a small one or a large one, and it is resistance to the Cross, to the Lord, that ultimately brings redemption. So, when there are obstacles we must not be afraid but ask for the Lords help and acknowledge that we are all sinners.

During the celebration, the Pope recalled that today marks the hundredth anniversary of the assassination of Blessed Charles de Foucauld, which took place in Algeria on December 1, 1916.He was "a man who overcame so much resistance and gave a witness that has done so much good for the Church. We ask you to bless us from heaven and help us to walk in your footsteps of poverty, contemplation and service to the poor ".
What Does True Love Feel Like?

Mystery Solved: This Is What True Love Feels Like

There are as many answers to the question "What is love?" as there are people on earth. Babies know what love is, toddlers know what love is; teens, adults and old people know what love is. Hell, even animals know what love is, and scientists will probably find a way to prove that plants can love too in the not-too-distant future.

But knowing that you're feeling something and being able to put it into words are two different things entirely. So we turned to our esteemed writers and faithful readers to ask them what true love feels like to them, and boy did they deliver. Read through their experiences, thoughts and emotions  and see if you recognize your own situation.

1. True Love Is Cleaning Up A Trash Bag Of Watery Puke

I first knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with my fiancee when we spent a day holed up in a cheap Bangkok hotel as she vomited prolifically.

It was day three of a month long backpacking trip through Southeast Asia and she had ignored advice to avoid raw vegetables. As I looked at her peacefully napping after another bout of retching, I realized there was nowhere else I'd rather be.

True love is cleaning up a trash bag of watery puke not just because you know that person would do the same for you without question, but because it doesn't occur to you to do anything else. It's wanting each other when times are good but needing each other when things go south.

- by AskMen writer Adam Kovac

2. True Love Is Peace Of Mind

Peace of mind, warmth, calmness. No need to rush somewhere.

- by AskMen guyQ user KenAdams

3. True Love Is A Weight Being Lifted Off You

I remember when I realized that I was in love... My heart beat rapidly but my breathing was slow... It seemed like everything around me went from black and white to bursting with color... When he hugged me it felt like I just wanted to freeze time. To stay in the warmth of his hug and never let go.

I was no longer stressed and instead felt like a large weight had been lifted off my chest. It felt like we were the only two people in the world. It's a feeling that you'll never forget...

- by an anonymous AskMen guyQ user

4. True Love Feels Like Being Home

Feeling deeply in love gives me strength  it makes me feel like I can accomplish things that scare me (true self-love has the same effect). I realized I was truly in love when I started picturing having children with my boyfriend and I felt super certain and happy about it (two of my exes spoke about having a family one day but I knew deep down that I didn't truly "see it").

True love goes beyond the initial passion, it feels like being home  you are a team and go through life's ups and downs as partners. Also, being truly in love is freedom  it never feels restrictive. You could be anywhere else but you choose to be in that partnership over and over (I believe it's normal to experience doubts in the long run but staying in love is a choice: It's way too easy to fall for someone but it's more challenging to nurture love long-term, and that's true love to me).

- by AskMen guyQ user Anouare

5. True Love Feels Like Security

True love is going to bed with him next to you and knowing that no matter what, no matter how hard life beats you down or how hopeless you feel, that he will still be there in the morning.

- by AskMen writer Shawn Binder

6. True Love Is A Glowing Sensation

A warm, glowing sensation, spreading through the body.

Even doing totally mundane things together like the supermarket shop, becomes meaningful. Every decision you make has new significance because it impacts someone very dear to you.

Life becomes interesting in new ways. You feel very present, and yet you plan for the future. You feel more responsible, because you're looking out for someone, and yet more childlike, because love is very playful.

Something tangible is there, and a lot of more trivial things that once held your attention, fade away into insignificance.

It puts things into perspective.

- by AskMen guyQ user Sedgewick

7. True Love Takes Time

True love is nothing like what you see on TV and in movies  but, I don't believe in love at first sight, so I'm biased. Real love doesn't explode like a bomb, it illuminates a room like a candle; It's steady, warm, inviting, and real. True love takes time to put together and put into motion, sort of like building an airplane  there are so many moving parts and so many different things that need to work in unison to make it safe and long-lasting.

It always needs attention, but can always be relied upon. I don't think you really know what it's like until you feel it and realize everything you've felt before is barely a sliver of what you feel when you're in love. It's trust, it's harmony, it's humor, it's a real human connection that makes you feel like you've known someone your entire life.

- by AskMen writer Jeremy Glass

8. True Love Is Empathetic, Consistent, Kind, Diligent

I've been in love a few times, and I think my definition of love has changed so much over time and will likely continue to change. From 2006 to 2013, it was with my high school boyfriend.

Obsessive and unhealthy and unconditional (which isn't a positive trait, in my opinion), our days were defined by whether we loved or hated one another more that day. The following year, it was a whirlwind long-distance love for 12 months with someone wherein the circumstances were doomed from the start, but we treated each other well and he showed me that tumultuous ups and downs are not intrinsically tied to being in love.

That's why, when I fell in love the following year with someone who became abusive after a few months, I didn't romanticize the shittiness of it. I just left. I knew love didn't have to be chronically exhausting or boundlessly passionate, nor did my inability to maintain that specific relationship translate to an inability to maintain any relationship.

Now, to me, even though I am not in love with anybody at the moment, it could mean things as simple as knowing to hold my hand when a loud noise happens because I get anxious, or eating breakfast in the kitchen while we read each other's work, or me not planning them a surprise birthday party (even though I love parties!) because I know they'd rather just see a movie. Empathetic, consistent, kind, diligent  it's probably cliche, but those are what I want the next time I fall in love.

- by AskMen writer Sam Escobar

9. True Love Feels Like A Bruise On Your Heart

I do recall the first time I realized I love my now husband. I was just sitting waiting for him to come have pub lunch with me, and watching him wend his way through all the people, I I was overcome by a physical reaction. It felt like a spreading bruise at my heart warm and just a little tender to the touch.

- by AskMen guyQ user Wilde

10. True Love Feels Like A Pregnancy Scare

A few years ago I dated an artist who was supremely talented and a wonderful soul, but we were totally incompatible as people, so I broke things off. Unfortunately, we were extremely sexually compatible, which mean that we went almost a year after after the breakup meeting up a few times a month to hook up.

It was an emotional nightmare, and at one point we had a pregnancy scare. Neither of us was old enough to be a parent, but in that moment, I realized I was actually excited by the possibility we'd always be in each other's lives in some way if we had a child together. That might have been the closest thing I've ever felt to the kind of love they show in movies.

- by AskMen guyQ user unphazed

11. True Love Feels Like Nothing... (Yet)

I really wish I knew. I have loved, but I've never been in love.

- by AskMen guyQ user DEMASIADO1980

Did we miss anything? Add your true-love take here to continue the discussion.
Levi's, Kellogg's Become The Target Of Right-Wing Boycotts

Trending News: Why PO'd Consumers Are Now Boycotting Levi's And Kellogg's

Long Story Short

Two popular household brands are the targets of organized boycotts by conservative groups this week: Levis Jeans, because they are asking customers not to bring guns into their stores, and Kelloggs cereals, because it is pulling their ads from the right-wing news site Breitbart.com.

Long Story

The practice of boycotting products made or sold by companies or countries engaging in objectionable practices or policies is a long and illustrious one: a British boycott of West Indian sugar manufactured by slaves aided in the practices decline and eventual abolition.

The arrest of Rosa Parks sparked the Alabama bus boycott; the US led over 60 countries to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympics as a protest against the USSRs invasion of Afghanistan; boycotts against British goods by American colonists in the 1760s helped spark the American Revolution.

The point is, boycotts can be effective and legitimate tools of protest. Which brings us to todays boycotts of jeans and cereal.

Lets start with the jeans. On Wednesday, Levis CEO Chris Bergh published an open letter on his LinkedIn page addressing customers. Pointing out that the safety of customers and employees is paramount, Bergh, a former military officer, politely requested customers not bring firearms into his companys stores, offices and facilities, even in states that allow them to do so by law. There was no call for a ban. Just a call for a weapons-free zone. This follows the accidental self-inflicted shooting of a customer at a Levis store some weeks ago, according to Bergh.

It boils down to this: you shouldnt have to be concerned about your safety while shopping for clothes or trying on a pair of jeans, he wrote. Simply put, firearms don't belong in either of those settings.

And thus

((( @LEVIS ))) doesn't want customers bringing guns into their stores. Another reason to avoid these Jew jeans at all costs. #Denim  T-1000? (@Metal_Mash1) November 30, 2016

@LEVIS I found that the feminine cut of your mens jeans dont support the bearing of a gun anyway. So no loss for me.  Scott Erskine (@scott090278) November 30, 2016

Boycott #levis @LEVIS for not supporting #2A rights. Asking permit holders to not carry in your stores is pathetic and un- American.  FuqBLM (@FuqBLM) December 1, 2016

Any @NRA or other defenders of CCW 2nd A; boycott @LEVIS for same thing CEO of @Starbucks did. No entry with legal CCW or legal open carry.  SantaMonica50 (@thednaofmath) December 1, 2016

On to the cereal. Right-wing news outlet Breitbart.com says it is now at war with, of all things, Kelloggs the cereal maker. Earlier this week, Kelloggs announced it would no longer advertise on the provocative site, once run by top Trump advisor Steve Bannon.

We regularly work with our media-buying partners to ensure our ads do not appear on sites that arent aligned with our values as a company, said a Kelloggs spokesperson. We recently reviewed the list of sites where our ads can be placed and decided to discontinue advertising on Breitbart.com. We are working to remove our ads from that site.

So the hashtag #DumpKelloggs became a thing.

Kellogg's thinks they can perpetuate mindless PC narratives? It's not about Breitbart. It's about siding with SJWs. #DumpKelloggs  Hector Morenco (@hectormorenco) December 1, 2016

I like Chex better anyway. Rice Krispies get soggy. #DumpKelloggs https://t.co/ER4rCpjTh9  Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) December 1, 2016

Kellogg's is a complete MESS! Stick to making poison GMO cereal, not politics! #DumpKelloggs pic.twitter.com/aUa9vGwGrP  Baked Alaska (@bakedalaska) December 1, 2016

And yet because the product in questionbreakfast cerealis just a little bit silly, there was a fair round of counter-mockery by those who found the whole outrage thing just a bit much.

Conservatives: "Those liberals are so sensitive."

Kelloggs: "We don't support Breitbart."

Conservatives: "I HATE YOU! BOYCOTT" #DumpKelloggs  Rudy Brewliani (@TheInfamousVal) December 1, 2016

And the #BreitbartCereal war continues.

All you have to do to trigger an #altright Breitbart cuck tomorrow is take a picture eating Rice Krispies. #DumpKelloggs #BreitbartCereal  Anonymous (@YourAnonNews) December 1, 2016

#Breitbartcereal L'Eggo my pussy or I will kick you in the Grape Nuts  JustBS (@JustMsBS) December 1, 2016

#BreitbartCereal Kix people out of the country.  Bring back FDR's CCC (@rarey4) December 1, 2016

Keep being you, 2016.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Is this self-perpetuating cycle of outrage going to run out of steam one day?

Drop This Fact

Trump-supporters of the alt-right are also boycotting Target, Starbucks, yogurt-maker Chobani, Pepsi, Oreos and Netflix, among other products.
Let's welcome the AA (Automatic Aura) Family!

Automatic Aura Cream with SPF45 PA+++ (Php750.00)

Automatic Aura Matte Cushion Oil Control SPF50 PA+++ (Php1,100.00)





The crazy group photo with guests that I had to post because everyone just had fun swatching, playing with the cushion pillow and just bond with each other again before the rush of Holiday Season!





Shades: Light Beige and Natural Beige

This creamy foundation is incredibly lightweight and is very easy-to-blend.

It delivers instant aura complexion all day long with its Auto Aura, Anti-Acne, and Anti-Aging effects.

It provides perfect coverage and naturally smooth appearance to the skin.

Moreover, it contains the properties of Tea Tree Oil that helps to control oil and reduce the occurrence of acne.

It provides 45x sunscreen protection compared with other products.

It is well-suited for every skin type including sensitive skin.

Then comes the Cathy Doll Automatic Aura Matte Cushion Oil Control SPF50 PA+++ (Php1,100.00). As much as I would like to compare this to most cushions available in the market, this product is unique as its' name.

Shades: Light Beige, Natural Beige and Sand Beige





T his oil-control formula comes with the latest innovative airy foundation technology to provide cooling sensation while providing Auto Aura, Anti-Acne, and Anti-Aging benefits to the skin.

Like the AA Cream, it also contains Tea Tree Oil Extract that helps reduce the occurrence of acne, and helps fade off marks and dark spots.

It instantly brightens skin tone for a naturally smooth finish.

It controls oil all day long and protects skin from dullness.

Suited for every skin type including sensitive skin.

Available in Light Beige, Natural Beige and Sand Beige





Just to show how effective both products are, a model was brave enough to show a half-faced demo on how to effectively use both products. (Hint: It is best to use Cathy Doll Milky White Cream prior to AA products application to enhance the "glow" we want)





As a host who stands closely to the model, I was really impressed on how using both products doesn't create white cast! Consider the high SPF on both products! I can't wait to try both products and will post a review soon!

That's me all ready for the event!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

You've probably seen me posted all over my social media platforms last week something quite pink with a double digit... AA.AA, what? As what Mr. AMW said. Automatic Aura is the meaning of AA and that itself explains what we Filipinas want! Uma-aura everyday!I am lucky enough to be invited by Cathy Doll Philippines to be their host that day for an intimate Media and Blogger get-together! The star of the day of course isn't MEbut I have to give it up to the AA Series!Now let's focus on the benefits of usingAnd the "normal-faced" group photo of the attendees, some left early but they know in their hearts how much I appreciate their time and support.The lovely team from Lifestrong Essentials together with Mr. Lance Lee and Marge Lee. Congratulations Cathy Doll Philippines!Cathy Doll AA series are exclusively available at Zalora until TODAY! Starting tomorrow, you may purchase your favorite Cathy Doll booths and stores near you!
A 63-year-old Canberra lawyer is on trial after allegedly receiving thousands from Legal Aid while also being paid more by his clients family.Stephen Raymond Stubbs faces 15 charges of dishonestly obtaining property by deception after applying for and receiving $4,000 from Legal Aid ACT while also being paid more than $30,000 by his clients mother, a report from The Canberra Times bares.In 2008, Canberra man Alexander Duffy, then 19, was arrested and charged with assault and an act endangering life. The charges were then upgrade and replaced with conspiracy to commit murder. Out on bail in early 2009, Duffy was also charged with further assaults.Anne Duffy, the mother of Stubbs client, told the court this week that the lawyer contacted her early on and explained there would be legal costs but that he was doing the best by me  and would do me a favour by only billing me what Legal Aid wouldve paid him.By the womans understanding, Legal Aid, a service to help people who cannot afford legal representation, had not given a grant for his sons trial.The woman said that she had borrowed money, sold antiques and saved up to make up a $5,000 fee the lawyer had asked early on in the case, according to The Canberra Times. The two also allegedly discussed drawing on the womans mortgage to make payments.Later on, the woman and the lawyer are said to have agreed to electronic funds transfers because they couldnt meet since the woman was always busy at work.I just put all my trust in Mr Stubbs to do everything for my son, the woman said in court.
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Eversheds and Sutherland Asbill & Brennan have confirmed that they are in late-stage merger talks and cited enhanced capacity to offer high-quality, consistent and coordinated service around the world as the rationale.The firms say they have put forth a proposal to their Partners and will run their internal processes concurrently with a formal vote by both partnerships likely to take place before year-end.A new entity called Eversheds Sutherland , overseen by a global Board and with equal representation from each firm, would be created by the merger, the firms confirmed. Eversheds Sutherland would have more than 2,300 lawyers and a global footprint spanning 61 offices in 29 countries.Currently, Eversheds has 55 offices in 28 jurisdictions across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia where about 3,500 employees work. The firm has more than 500 partners and almost 2,000 lawyers.In FY15-16, the firm reported revenues of 406 million (about $686.85 million) producing net distributable profit of 87.6 million (about $148.2 million) and profit per equity partner of 742k (about $1.26 million).Eversheds has four main practice areas, namely Corporate/Commercial, Human Resources, Litigation and Dispute Management and Real Estate. Its key sectors include Consumer, Diversified Industrials, Energy, Financial Services, TMT and Transport.Eversheds has an exceptionally strong reputation for international client service and our strategic ambition is to provide a high-quality offering and a single legal solution to clients wherever they are required globally, said Eversheds chief executive Bryan Hughes.Joining forces with Sutherland will give each firms clients a global platform and we will be discussing the proposal with our Partners positively in the coming weeks, he added.Meanwhile, Sutherland has more than 600 staff, including 170 partners and more than 200 additional lawyers. It has offices in the key US cities of Atlanta, Austin, Houston, New York, Sacramento, California and Washington DC. It also has offices in London and Geneva.In FY15-16, Sutherland reported revenues of US$300 million (about $406 million) for a net profit of US$121 million (about $163.76 million), providing profit per equity partner of more than US$1 million (about $1.35 million).Sutherlands primary practice areas are Corporate, Energy and Environmental, Financial Services, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Real Estate and Tax.As our clients continue to pursue many of the most important and complex business opportunities around the world, our attorneys continue to seek ways to enhance the firms long standing tradition of providing clients with the highest quality service and innovative solutions, said Sutherland managing partner Mark Wasserman.We look forward to discussions over the next few weeks about the opportunities this transaction will bring to our clients, Wasserman added.
Injury & Accident Lawyers sees a growing demand for Chinese-speaking lawyers, prompting the expanding legal firm to exhibit at the recent Queensland Chinese Career Fair (QCCF) in Brisbane.The QCCF was successful in advising Chinese students about possible employment opportunities in a wide range of professions including the law, says Injury & Accident Lawyers Practice Group Manager Paul Catchlove.Injury & Accident Lawyers is a major supporter of QCCF and one of the reasons we exhibited is to try and recruit some of the best future Chinese-speaking lawyers in response to a growing need, particularly in South East Queensland, Catchlove says.One of the largest careers and employment information exhibitions of its type, there were almost 2,000 participants at the third QCCF event this week at the Brisbane Hilton.There are more than 15,000 Chinese students in Queensland and a growing number are choosing to stay in Australia. Many are temporary residents seeking opportunities to add skills and experience for permanent residency or to improve their prospects when returning to China, Catchlove notes.However, the career fair was not just an avenue to attract talent but was also a way for the firm to get feedback on how it can provide systems and processes to support the training and formation of future lawyers.The QCCF was an opportunity to talk about our business and more importantly hear about the needs of Chinese students seeking employment in Australia, Catchlove explains.The veteran administrator notes that Injury & Accident Lawyers is proud of the fact its legal team are all multi-lingual and sees it as very beneficial to offering tailored services to clients in a multi-cultural country like Australia.
A Melbourne law firm will launch a robot lawyer meant to help unrepresented persons go through the court system, the first time the technology will be used for criminal cases in Australia.However, Doogue O'Brien George says that the technology is not in any way meant to replace getting advice from real human lawyers, a report from ABC reveals.Partner Bill Doogue tells the publication that the service is being launched because he has seen up to 30% of people, too many in his opinion, go through the court system unrepresented. The service in essence helps people tell their story.You see people constantly come out of court and they're quite distressed, because they haven't told their story, they just haven't been able to, he says.[Some] are visibly distressed and uncomfortable talking and give monosyllabic answers to the magistrate, when they have a story they should be telling, he adds.As with other robot lawyers, the service will ask people who have logged into the system to provide personal information and the details of their legal matter."The robot has a number of hurdles that it places in front of people, but they have to be pleading guilty, it has to be a minor offence, and they can't have priors," Doogue tells ABC. Then they just use the online service to prepare their data to hand up to the magistrate.Nonetheless, the partner said that the technology is meant to give people the ability to do their statement in a reflective way, answering questions any criminal lawyer is going to ask anyway, and is not mean to pinch lawyers work.
Seven Asia-Pacific promotions at international firm

International firm White & Case has promoted 26 lawyers to counsel and 15 to local partner in its latest round, effective 1st January 2017.



Seven of those promoted are from the firms Asia-Pacific offices with Jiong Deng (M&A) making partner in Shanghai with six lawyers promoted to counsel: Tess Fang (M&A) and Stephen Howard (Banking) in Hong Kong; William Moran (International Trade) and Seiji Niwa (Antitrust) in Tokyo; and Tabitha Saw (M&A) and Gee Hou Tng (Banking) in Singapore.



Five local partners and counsel have joined the firms Asia-Pacific offices during 2016 including Cameron Watson who joined as a local partner in the Global Project Finance practice in Melbourne.



Ince boosts Singapore shipping team

Nicholas Lum has joined the shipping and international trade practice at Ince & Co in Singapore.



He joins from the dispute resolution group at Oon & Bazul and will head up Inces China practice in Singapore, dividing his time between the city state and Shaghai.



Online searches for lawyers surge in India

The number of online searches for lawyers in India has increased by 75 per cent during a 12-month period to June 2016.



Local search platform Sulekha reveals that the most often requested information is for court marriage and matrimonial lawyers which surged 765 per cent; legal consultants, up 388 per cent; and family court, divorce and domestic lawyers, up 280 per cent.



"The study shows the increasing trust that Indians have started to show towards the law and judiciary system, commented Sulekha CEO Satya Prabhakar. Professionals like advocates and lawyers make for a significant portion in the $200 billion Local Services market in India, and we have seen a healthy growth in this category this past year."



Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad and Pune saw the largest increases in searches for lawyers.


Researchers and businesses around the world should be able to connect better and collaborate with counterparts in Australia.A series of grants have been announced to encourage smaller and medium sized companies and local researchers to partner with international businesses as part of Australia's National Innovation and Science Agenda programme. The latest announcement includes $660,000 in commercialisation grants for 14 projects in sectors related to the Government's Industry Growth Centres of advanced manufacturing, food and agribusiness, medical technology and pharmaceuticals, mining equipment, technology and services and oil, gas and energy resources.'This funding will support Australian businesses to be globally competitive, helping them to commercialise their products by collaborating with researchers overseas,' said industry, innovation and science minister Greg Hunt.'It will also support Australian researchers to work with international businesses to solve problems in industry and the community, with benefits flowing through to Australia,' he added.Australian researchers will partner with companies from China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain and the United States, while Australian companies will work with researchers from the Czech Republic, France, Italy, the UK and the US.Grants totalling $662,608 have been awarded, with individual grants ranging from $35,000 to $50,000.Examples of collaboration include and Australia/India partnership to develop an eco-friendly control for powdery mildew and downy mildew control, two diseases that devastate grapes in both countries involved in the project.An Australian/ US partnership is creating a prototype hardware and software system to assess the progress of victims of spinal cord injury and other neuromuscular conditions, as they undergo rehabilitation. Another between these two countries is developing smart sensor networks that communicate data about the structural health of civil engineering projects, with applications in construction, transportation, mining, water treatment and security.A partnership with France is creating technologies for the development of superfast, low cost and selective gas sensors with the capability of sensing/detecting explosives, drugs, air and food quality while one with Italy is investigating a new method for healing micro cracks in roads using waste products from the mining industry.'This funding will allow these successful projects to grow in scope and scale, and to test commercialisation and proof of concept. Supporting collaboration between Australian and international researchers and businesses is a key element of the Government's $1.1 billion National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA),' Hunt explained.
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Heard a rumour there is a new type visa in the pipeline that is for parents. Click to expand...

There used to be this visa which provided 3-5 year options for parents who were waiting on 103 visas:"Due to the length of the permanent Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 103) queue, and the desirability of family reunion, we might grant a more generous Visitor visa. You will automatically be considered for this if you are a parent or step-parent of:-an Australian citizen or permanent resident.-an eligible New Zealand citizen.We will consider these applications on a case-by-case basis. We can grant visas that last up to:-five years for parents outside Australia who are in the Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 103) queue-three years for parents outside Australia who have had a previous Australian visa and complied with the visa conditions, and either:have not applied for a Parent visahave applied for a Parent visa (subclass 103) but are not yet in the Parent visa queue-18 months for parents who have not previously travelled to Australia and either:have not applied for a Parent visa, orhave applied for a Parent visa (subclass 103) but are not yet in the Parent visa queue."I can find references to this on multiple websites from around 2013-2014, but nothing shows up on the DIBP website itself currently.Is 12 month now really the maximum on offer?That would be great. Do you have any idea what sort of timeline we're looking at for its introduction?
SUV

The new models name might not be Dino, but everyone refers to it as such because that was the designation of the last Ferrari that was supposed to be cheaper than everything else in the range. The new car is meant to have the same role, which would mean a price that should be lower than the California s.According to company insiders, the 2019 Ferrari Dino will share its underpinnings with the Maserati Alfieri, including a V6 engine . Evidently, the power plant will be reengineered by Ferraris finest, along with a complete overhaul of the chassis and drive train.The idea behind this massive change in configuration would be to differentiate the Dino from the Alfieri, along with justifying the price tag, which is expected to double in when compared to the Tridents 2+2 Coupe.Ferraris more affordable model would come as a response to the new plans that have been laid out by Sergio Marchionne for the brand. The CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has repeatedly talked about introducing more models in the Ferrari range, but reaffirmed his commitment against a FerrariJust like the California, Ferrari will not restrict the production of its affordable model by deciding to build one less than it estimates it could sell. However, do not expect to get a lease on a cheap Ferrari just yet, because the Italian brand will still limit its output in some way, along with placing a hefty price tag on its most affordable car.Rumors in the automotive industry put the Ferrari Dinos starting price at about 150 large ones, but that is not a sum you should take as definitive. Until Mr. Marchionne makes a final decision about this model, you can still save up to buy the Maserati Alfieri , which should reach showrooms by 2020 and start at about half the price of the reborn Dino.
EV

Toyotas most recent move in the field of electric cars involves naming its CEO, Akio Toyoda, as the head of thedivision. This may seem like something that is purely administrative, but appointing the companys CEO to lead a new department is a big move in this industry, especially when considering that the person who was named is leading one of the largest automakers in the world.The most recent appointment in Toyotas chain of command shows that the Japanese corporation is serious about this field, and the future EV will be more than a small scale experiment. All the rumors regarding a future electric model from Toyota point to development based on the Prius Because the popular hybrid model from Toyota has received an all-new generation recently, it is expected of Toyota to build upon that model when the electric vehicle is concerned.Evidently, Toyota is not going to try to sell an electrified 2016 Prius in 2020, but the platform of the Prius might become the base for the first production EV from Toyota.It is interesting to see Toyota enter this field today. It already markets the worlds first production hydrogen FCV , which is available in multiple markets. Toyota has acknowledged that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles might not take off too soon, so EVs will be made as a safety net, along with the segments that the brand sees fitting for this category of vehicle.Toyotas officials have previously explained that they do not see hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as suitable for crowded cities, where EVs are a better proposition. At the same time, Toyota wants to build an electric car with a generous range, which would enable the user to drive several days with a single charge, while also offering an adequate range for longer distances.Toyotas first electric car is expected to come with the companys state-of-the-art battery technology. We are referring to the Lithium-Ion units that are in continuous development, and that should offer more capacity when compared to existing units of the same size.The year 2020 should bring a Toyota electric car in showrooms at an estimated price of $40.000 before any incentives, and with a range of over 372 miles (600 km).
We are not going to question why some people do this, and we will refrain from stating our opinion on this conversion. From what we understand, people that fit U.S.-style turn indicators on a car that is in Europe or somewhere else than the USA go through the hassle because they like the look of the result.Just like their European counterparts, American car owners that fit their vehicles (usually European models) with Euro-spec indicators also do it for the styling. As we wrote in the first paragraph of this article, we think it happens because people want what they cannot have. Also, this modification does change the way a vehicle looks , especially for some models.We decided to make a small guide to walk you through the steps needed to perform such a conversion on most cars. We are referring to modern and classic models, but remember that the guide only applies to vehicles that were sold in the same design on both U.S. and European markets.Otherwise, the conversion process is just a delete of the U.S. parking lights, or an implementation of that system into a car that was never sold in North America.Before you start shopping for parts, you should look into local laws regarding lights and turn signals. Some states, counties, and countries have extremely strict regulations when it comes to illumination systems, so it may be illegal to do this in some places.It would be ill-advised to perform a mod on a vehicle that will lead to getting a penalty every time the police sees your ride, especially when it does not bring an improvement in how that vehicle operates.In some cases, the European headlamps offer superior performance, but it has nothing to do with the city lights placed in the lamps instead of the turn signals. Instead, it is linked to the lenses used by the headlights, along with their bulb configuration (i.e., H4/H7, etc.).Most of you are probably wondering why two standards of headlights simultaneously exist. The root of this predicament commenced in the 1940s, when American authorities standardized sealed beam headlights to solve unsealed or unstandardized headlights of those times. Unfortunately for Americans, the legislation did not evolve at the same rate as cars, so the standard became obsolete by the 1970s.Eventually, regulators began to feel the pressure of the automotive industry that involved fitting smaller and more aerodynamic headlights, and they modified the standard. However, while Americans did get better headlamps out of this, their systems were not as good as those sold to Europeans. The differences between them remain even in todays world, in spite of modern technology and globalization.American standards require DOT or SAE headlights, while European vehicle requires units that have "ECE approval," which is also known as E-code. The latter is adopted and allowed in every other country around the world, except for Mexico and Canada, where the U.S.-style headlights are allowed.While it is easy to spot the American version of a car, the differences go further than the amber reflectors that are mandatory on vehicles sold in the USA. The most important difference between these two standards is the amount of glare that can reach other drivers on the low beam settings, which is higher for American DOT standard.You can also spot a set of side markers, also known as corner markers on U.S.-style headlights, as well as yellow parking lights. European cars also have to have rear fog lights as mandatory fitment, which also increases the complexity of the swap if a vehicle is moved from one continent to another.Other differences include the angle that the headlights are aimed, as well as self-leveling for European cars. Both systems could offer disappointing performance in some cases, so it depends on the automaker if the resulting car is good enough not just to meet the standard at hand.If you own a classic car that was available in both the USA and Europe in the same format, you are in luck. All you have to do is find a set of headlamps of the type you desire, and then proceed to install them. Fortunately, the electrical system works on the same voltage for both systems on the same kind of car, so severe modifications will not be required.However, fitting amber side indicators could become a serious hurdle, as some of them are integrated into the bumpers. Because of that, the bumpers will require cutting, or even replace. The entire procedure will become rather expensive because of this.Remember to check the fuses for the supplementary bulbs fitted to the amber indicators, which will require attention. A few relays and fuses might be needed to complete the job, depending on model and maker.Be sure that the wiring is sound, and that the entire electrical system operates correctly before and after the modification. You must also be aware of the need to fit a different standard of bulbs to the headlamps, as they might not be the same for the U.S. and European lights. Once the installation is complete, go to a professional workshop to adjust the headlights to their correct settings for your car and market.In the case of modern cars that were sold in the same format in Europe and the USA, their headlights are probably already prepared for such a conversion, but that does not apply to all makes and models. They will require coding, which means that the person that does the modification needs to have a computer with dedicated software to change particular settings through the OBD II port.Do not try to do this yourself if you do not have any experience in this field, as the electrical system might get damaged if the wrong settings are applied. Once everything is sorted, remember to check if the lights are aimed correctly, and this is another job for a professional workshop.In a way, it is easier to do this on a modern car than on an older vehicle, especially if parts for the latter are scarce. Avoid fitting knock-off lights to your vehicle at all costs. They might not comply with either standard, and you risk generating too much glare towards other drivers, which could lead to an accident.Always make sure you buy the correct bulbs for your vehicle, and be confident that they have been correctly installed. Messing with the electrical system of your automobile could lead to a potential short-circuit, which can lead to a more serious fault or even a fire. Never improvise when installing things on your car, because the result might be inferior in quality to what your manufacturer has provided.Below, you will discover a few videos that show what coding a different standard of headlights means to a modern vehicle. These are just an example to show what kind of work goes into these modifications.
Photo courtesy of Honda.

Honda has begun production of its fifth-generation 2017 CR-V compact SUV at its the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio, the automaker has announced.

The CR-V, which was first introduced in 1997, has been built at the plant since 2007. The move makes East Liberty the lead plant for global production of the CR-V, which will add several updates for 2017 including a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine. The engine will be built exclusively at Honda's engine plant in Anna, Ohio.

East Liberty will coordinate CR-V production at 10 plants around the world. In the U.S., the CR-V is also built at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana in Greensburg.

The 2017 CR-V will arrive at dealer lots this winter.
During the Sao Paulo International Automobile Trade Show, Chery showcased its new models, such as the Arrizo 5, Tiggo 2, and QQ, which received the Conpet trophy for its fuel economy.

This isnt the first time the QQ was honored in Brazil. It was previously named one of the Most Economical Cars in Brazil; in April, it was scored AA (the highest) in the Conpet catalogue by Inmetro, meaning that the model has the lowest emission in the sub-compact category and been rated as one of the most efficient and economical cars in overall ranking of fuel consumption, according to Chery.

With broad market space, Brazil has been a major strategic market for Chery. In 2010, Chery invested U.S. $400 million to establish Chery Brazil Industrial Park, which was completed in August 2014. With an area of 4.19 million square meters, an annual output of 50,000 units in Phase 1 and a planned annual output of 150,000 units in Phase 2, the park was designed and constructed in accordance with advanced and latest international standards. In the future, the park will rely on Chery vehicles and bring in relevant auto parts industries to boost Cherys localization and enhance the comprehensive competitiveness of Cherys products in Brazil. The Chery Brazil Plant is Cherys largest solely-funded overseas plant, according to the automaker.

Photo: Chery

At the same time Chery was showcasing its products in Sao Paulo, it was also exhibiting at the 15th Bogota (Colombia) International Motor Show. Chery displayed a lineup of nine models.

The Tiggo 3, the first SUV taxicab in Colombia, was among the models featured at the Chery booth. In 2016, Chery delivered 2,200 yellow Tiggo taxicabs to Colombia, and was listed in Colombias taxicab catalogue as a business changer in the taxicab field. The Tiggo 3 taxicab has earned high recognition from the Colombian market with average monthly sales of over 150 units to date, according to the automaker.

Chery entered the Colombian market in 2007, and currently has a car parc of 30,000 units in Colombia and has been Chinas largest passenger vehicle exporter for six consecutive years. Despite the economic slowdown of Latin America in recent years, with Chinese brands facing a severe test in Latin American countries, Chery, relying on strong product power and penetrating localization strategy, still remains the first place in Colombian auto market share, according to the automaker.
Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin is in a New Zealand hospital after he fell ill on a trip to Antarctica. Aldrin, 86, was evacuated from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station early Thursday on an LC-130 cargo aircraft, the National Science Foundation announced. Aldrin was with a group visiting the South Pole under arrangements by tour operator White Desert, which said in a statement that Aldrin had fluid in his lungs but is responding well to antibiotics and being kept overnight for observation.His condition is stable and his manager, who is currently with him, described him being in good spirits. He was flown first to the southern region of Antarctica to the McMurdo Station to await a flight to Christchurch, New Zealand, according to the Washington Post.

Aldrin, a crewmember for the 1969 Apollo 11 mission and the second person to walk on the moon, had publicized his excitement over his trip to the South Pole via Twitter and other media, arriving there on Tuesday for what was to be a trip lasting about two weeks. Thursdays emergency flight from Antarctica occurred during the summer season there that starts in November, when tourists are permitted to visit through February. The last evacuation from Antarctica for medical reasons occurred during hazardous winter conditions in June, when a Canadian company was hired to fly a DeHavilland Twin Otter to rescue two Amundsen-Scott station workers.
Stratos Aircrafts new light jet flew for the first time this month as the Oregon company launched its flight test series for the prototype. The Stratos 714 flew for about ten minutes from Redmond, reaching 128 knots and an altitude of 3,700 feet AGL. As marketed, the four-seat, single-engine jet will cater to owner-operators for business and personal travel, capable of cruise speeds exceeding 400 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles. Its powered with a Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 engine and Stratos has indicated its developing the 714 to will be competitive in operating costs and capabilities compared to small business jets and single-engine turboprops.

After years of development, the first flight was a very exciting event for the whole team, Stratos said in a statement Wednesday. We invested the time and effort in the initial design and construction phases to assure that this proof of concept aircraft would ease the path to certification.In response to inquiries abouta certification timeline and required capital to bring the jet to production, the company did not provide specifics, but said it could shave off a considerable amount of certification time and start producing finished aircraft with additional investment.Stratos, which first announced its very light jet project in 2008, said Wednesday it plans to introduce the prototype at EAAs AirVenture show in July 2017.
I think Im about to be voted off the island. Or maybe Ill just slip out on my own at the next high tide. The reason is that Im going to go a little rogue here.

Im really starting to detest airport noise, if not necessarily airplane noise. I reached this conclusion awhile ago, but it rose to a crescendo yesterday, if I may borrow the appropriate acoustic adjective.

When I go to the airport, its frequently to shoot video. Video has audio. So things like voices need to be recorded with sufficient clarity to at least be intelligible, if not broadcast quality. I was trying to set up a shot and kept hearing an annoying screech in my earphones. It was a bizjet either idling or running the APU. It was -mile away. It went on, and on, and on, all of which time I spent sitting on my butt waiting it for it to move.

When it finally did and I reset the camera, a Bonanza taxied up right in front of the hangar on what used to be the old city ramp. The pilot, a distinguished, silver-haired man, entertained us all with a high-power runup that went on, and on, and on. There are several things wrong with this. First of all, the airport has a policy that requests that runups be done on a closed runway (now a taxiway) in the center of the airport. This so reduces ambient noise that you hardly notice any noise at all. Its a good policy.

Second, that old ramp borders on the airport fence which itself is fronted by several apartment complexes. So anyone running an APU or doing a high power runup will just blast the hell of out them. Not that long ago, I had no patience with airport neighbors who complain about noise. I suspect most of us in aviation dont. Hey, they moved there and knew full well that the airport was there.

That said, I think we sometimes do a lousy job of understanding the concerns of people who live around airports. If you want to sense life on the other side of the airport fence, read this Air&Space Magazine piece about besieged Santa Monica Airport.

While were all rightfully outraged at the citys heavy-handed pressure on tenants to get out of Santa Monica, theres another story to be told, too.

In Europe, local governments are so hard over on noise that some airports actually close on the weekends. Ive always felt that a little extreme, but Im beginning to understand it. In the U.S., we tend to sniff at electric airplanes, but in Europe, theyre looking more and more attractive because of their low noise signature. Interestingly, the only electric airplane Ive flown, the Pipistrel Alpha Electro, is just as loud as a piston from inside the cockpit. From outside, its the definition of stealth.

Recall a few weeks ago in this blog, a couple of commenters complained about the noisy airshow at AirVenture, where you more or less pay to have your ears assaulted. Its not so much the noise itself as it is the incessant, hammering nature of just getting no relief from it. I think thats why I dont mind landings and takeoffs much; theyre transients. Maybe one exception; the idiots who flatten the prop on downwind at high power. Ya know, you can save that for short final.

That guys Bonanza runup was just unnecessary and inconsiderate, since he had the option of taxiing to the designated pad. Many jet operators just let the APU screech away because they want the cabin nice and cool so the boss wont break a sweat. I get it. But is it too much for us to think of minimizing such on-the-ground noise in consideration of people who live nearby? I wonder if its not a good idea to explain this to a charter buyer or aircraft owner. I wonder if they would be sympathetic.

I used to chafe at airport noise-monitoring instruments as just another example of government overreach. But at our airport, there are no consequences for someone who ignores the friendly request to runup where it will make less noise. The AWOS says fly friendly and I take that to mean be as quiet as practical and safe. I wouldnt mind if the airport took it upon itself to make a polite phone call to pilots to remind them to be courteous.

As badly as my day started, it didnt get much better. A hangar neighbor pulled his airplane out, started it and stayed there. And stayed there. And stayed there. I shouldnt bitch, I suppose. On airports, airplanes have the right of way over videographers; says so right in the FARs.

All the same, the next YouTuber that asks me to fix my audio problems stops one.
Dozens of employees of Armenias largest chemical plant rallied in Yerevan on Thursday to condemn a court ruling that declared it bankrupt.

Demonstrating outside the Prime Ministers Office, they also renewed their demands for the Armenian government to help reactivate the Nairit plant that has largely stood idle for the past five years.

The Yerevan-based facility manufacturing synthetic rubber employed several thousand people in Soviet times. It has struggled to remain afloat since the early 1990s, repeatedly changing foreign owners and operators in murky deals overseen by successive Armenian governments.

Nairit has had only 260 or so employees since the government, which now controls the debt-ridden plant, laid off 1,700 of its workers in January. The remaining workers have not been paid for months, regularly protesting outside the main government building in Yerevan.

A district court in the Armenian capital added to their anger on Monday when it ruled in favor of the Electricity Networks of Armenia (ENA) national power utility, which had sued Nairit in January. ENA asked the court to declare the chemical giant bankrupt because of the latters failure to pay electricity bills totaling 1.24 billion drams ($2.6 million).

The protesters claimed that the government engineered both the ENA lawsuit and the resulting court verdict to avoid trying to re-activate Nairit. They dont want it to operate, said one middle-aged woman.

There are other companies to which Nairit owes much more, but theyve not taken legal action, argued another protester.

In early October, an Armenian-born businessman from Slovakia, Ashot Grigorian, said that he and other Slovak entrepreneurs will revive the Soviet-built plant with $100 million investments if the government transfers its ownership to them for free.

Prime Minister Karen Karapetian voiced skepticism about the proposal after holding talks with Grigorian. Its hard to operate a plant like Nairit in Armenia, Karapetian told Armenian television on October 22. There have been three of four such attempts, and I think that none of those operators made 10-year forecasts about the [price of] energy resources.

In my view, if a potential investor does not raise this issue [of energy prices], we should not continue to talk to them, he said.

Nairit heavily relies on natural gas in its production operations. Karapetian managed Armenias national gas company from 2001-2010.

The World Bank argued against attempts to relaunch Nairits operations in an audit conducted earlier this year.
1 December 2016 10:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Commissioning of the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway (TASIM) will increase the welfare of its member countries, Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications of Turkey Ahmet Arslan said in an exclusive interview with Trend on November 29.

He said that the fiber optic infrastructure connects the participating countries of TASIM via information highways.

"Turkey is cooperating with Azerbaijan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Georgia and other countries in this area, and TASIM consortium has been set up to create continuous fiber optic highway from China to Europe with a length of over 15,000 kilometers," the minister said.

"Turkey has sufficient experience in this field and it is ready to make its contribution," Arslan said.

"The construction of the information super highway will contribute to the development of economy and trade of the countries participating in the project," the minister said.

The construction of the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway (TASIM) envisages the creation of a major transit link from Frankfurt to Hong Kong, which will bring together the largest information exchange centers of Europe and Asia.

TASIM project has been supported by the UN and as a whole it is of particular importance for the development of the region.

Russia (Rostelecom), Kazakhstan (KazTransCom), Turkey (TurkTelecom) and China (China Telecom) are also involved in TASIM project.

Azerbaijan is represented in the project by AzInTelecom Ltd of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Communications and High Technologies.

TASIM project is intended to bring together a total of 20 countries. Its implementation will eliminate the "information gap" among the countries of Western Europe and the Pacific Basin.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
1 December 2016 16:24 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijani and Belarusian enterprises are committed to continue cooperation in machine building industry.

Thus, Belarussian companies Belavtomaz (MAZ) and MTZ Holding signed official documents with the Ganja automobile plant for delivery of car and tractor sets in 2016-2017. This was stated by the Belarussian Ministry of Industry on November 30.

The agreements were signed during the official visit of the Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko in Baku on November 28-29.

The agreement with JSC MAZ provides for the delivery of up to 350 units of machinery and equipment in the next year. As for the contract with JSC MTZ, it is planned to deliver 1,500 tractors in the current and next years.

During the 10th session of the Intergovernmental Belarusian-Azerbaijani Commission on trade and economic cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Vladimir Semashko and Minister of Industry Vitaly Vovk, together with Azerbaijani colleagues, discussed the issues of industrial cooperation, increase of the range of assembly production in Ganja (passenger, agricultural, construction and municipal equipment), as well as supply of products from Belarussian JSC Mogilevliftmash.

More than 7,000 Belarus tractors and over 2,500 of MAZ automobiles were assembled in Azerbaijan during the joint cooperation. The plans of the Minsk tractor plant and Ganja automobile plant envisage bringing the total annual assembly of equipment up to 2,000 by the 2020 year.

There is a mutual interest in the assembly of the Minsk automobile plants passenger vehicles at the Ganja automobile plant.

In the first nine months of 2016, the turnover between enterprises of the Belarussian Ministry of Industry and Azerbaijani companies amounted to $25 million. Among them, exports made up $24.3 million, while import totalled $700,000.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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1 December 2016 13:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Information Technology Center (ITC) of the Azerbaijan Communications and High Technologies Ministry has signed several documents within the framework of Bakutel 2016, the 22nd Azerbaijan International Telecommunications and Information Technologies Exhibition and Conference held in Baku this week.

The Center inked a memorandum of understanding with the Belarusian OJSC "AGAT - Control System" - Managing Company of Geoinformation Control Systems Holding on November 30.

The document was inked by Director of ITC Elnar Asadov and Deputy Director of "AGAT - Control System" Dmitry Gorachko.

"AGAT  Control Systems" is the Belarusian leader in development of automated control systems, reference and analysis information systems, hardware-software complexes and tools for power engineering, transport industry and communications.

The document provides for the establishment of the necessary infrastructure to improve human resource capacity, development of promising innovative projects, the development of automated control systems, etc.

As part of the exhibition the ITC also signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkish companies TUBITAK BILGEM Havelsan, which provides for cooperation in the field of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

Signing of memorandums on cooperation became a landmark event that will allow the parties to exchange high in the field of IT technology, protection of information, development of information systems for critical industries, energy and transport.

Cooperation will also allow in a short period move to concrete action for next Bakutel exhibition to present the following specific joint solutions, which will be implemented for the benefit of the country.

Director of the ITC also discussed prospects of cooperation with the Vitalie Colak, Deputy Minister of Information Technology of Moldova.

Another document was signed with Microsoft Azerbaijan on creation of PKI for the application of electronic signature in the new generation of identity cards.

Currently, within the framework of this project a new certification center has been created in Azerbaijan, which will deal with the integration of electronic signatures into chips of IDs of the new generation.

The new Certification Center will handle requests from the personalization centers operating under the Internal Ministry of Azerbaijan. On the basis of requests the Center will prepare the certificates and send them back.

The list of personal data to be entered in the chips of IDs has already been approved. The chip will include information about the owner and the data about two certificates: the first - the authentication certificate and the second - for e-signatures.

For protection of chips, the Center uses security certificate EAL6 +. Tests have been completed and currently underway to build a badging system. Work in this direction is planned to be completed by the end of the year, and the issuance of new identity cards are expected from January, 2017.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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1 December 2016 13:11 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijans State Customs Committee (SCC) and American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The memorandum was signed during the Azerbaijan-U.S. business forum, held in Baku on December 1.

The document envisages the use of green corridor and other access systems during the transportation of goods and vehicles for AmCham member-companies.

The MoU was signed by AmCham President Ilgar Veliyev and Chairman of Azerbaijans State Customs Committee Aydin Aliyev.

The document was signed for a period of one year. Under the MoU, the State Customs Committee is obliged to inform the companies about the terms and conditions of use of the green corridor, as well as the technical opportunities to determine the forms and order of treatment to use the green corridor and submit them in electronic form.

AmCham member-companies, for their part, are obliged to hold trainings and seminars in order to expand the use of the green corridor system.

The two sides are also obliged to create a working group, which will include their authorized representatives, to discuss joint cooperation.

The MoU enters into force from the date of its signing.

The event was organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan with the support of the US embassy in Baku and the Azerbaijani embassy in Washington.

AmCham has been working in Azerbaijan since 1996 and currently consists of 270 companies representing more than 80% of foreign investments in the country. The Chamber serves as a bridge between the Government and private sector and has continuous constructive and results oriented dialogue with relevant government bodies. AmCham promotes the business interests of the member companies, contributes to the improvement of the business climate in Azerbaijan.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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1 December 2016 11:43 (UTC+04:00)

YARAT Contemporary Art Space is pleased to invite everyone to the group show of local and international YARAT residents HOW DOES IT FEEL? at the ARTIM Project Space on December 2.

YARAT Contemporary Art Space in frame of Artim Project features the group show How does it feel? of the local YARAT residents Vusala Agaraziyeva and Erkin Alekberli and the international residents Gokcen Dilek Acay, Timo Herbst and Merzedes Sturm-Lie.

How does it feel? describes the perspective of an observer, someone who is interested in his surrounding and tries to feel his way into the different subjects. It is an observer, who is eventually overwhelmed of the different stimuli that are enclosing him and failures to find simple explanation. What happens if the foreign suddenly turns out to be the familiar or the familiar suddenly appears strange, if clear ideas evolve to be empty or the other way if the unknown takes clear shape? The exhibition combining works of three international and two local YARAT residents is a journey through the artists eyes constructed and at the same time each other penetrating perspectives.

Gokcen Dilek Acays video Anatomical Positions and the installation Shaping DNA tames parts of the human body in geometrical forms, which seems disconcerting at first. The installation shows a hair installation and kaleidoscopic records of the interior of the artists body commenting on the change of the body awareness in the 21st century, the fear of foreignness of the own body as well as exposure to exterior control through genetic modification. Using circles and holes as the connection point between the two works the artist plays with the tension between the body as the axis of perception and as object of voyeurism.

The focus of the installation Absurd by Vusala Agarazyieva is an air balloon that symbolizes pseudo-values and empty ideas and goals. The artist questions the peoples absurd behavior, the attitude to each other and to life while trying to reach the imaginary goals and what they call their truth. I think we, the people, have turned blind and do not see that the only thing a man has is his path - the path from the beginning to the end of life, which bears no lie, envy, hypocrisy, as the nature does. Only the path built on love brings love, respect and recognition.

With the work Lost Generation Erkin Alekberli aims to name the countless children lives lost in terrors of war, forgotten and stayed in the dark. The installation stands for the vanished hopes and unfinished dreams affected by the injustice of war. However, it not only accuses the unlearned lessons from bloody conflicts worldwide in which children as defenseless victims suffer the most but also tries to create a symbolic protective fence with the barbered wire forming the central part of the installation.

Timo Herbsts drawings and video works that he started during the residency attempt to capture the choreography of Baku everyday life. In the film Baku/Baki  Ana Dili the artist steps into the shoes of a silent observer tracing the different living realities he was faced with allowing contradictory and complex moments to evolve. Thus, he creates a differentiated and sensitive image of the society that is more complicated than just a conflict between tradition and modernization, economical prosperity and crisis. The strategy of overlapping multiple realities he also applies in his drawings Same procedure that depict the bodily conflicts of political disputes around the world as well as the text works from the series How does it feel that play with the different alphabets used in the last two centuries in Azerbaijan.

Merzedes Sturm-Lie researched during her residency the first Azeri movie In the Kingdom of Oil and Millions of the year 1916 directed by Boris Svetlov, which vanished during the Bolshevik occupation in 1920. The exhibition features a documentation of her four-day workshop with young art and film students related to the movie and a video with the movie sites and an interview of the film historian Aydn Kazmzad. The works explore the artists interest in the stories and the personal relationships of people related to oil and millions as well as the broader geopolitical impact that these concepts have on everyday life in Azerbaijan. The project is an extension concerns on the topic of oil that she started in Belgium with the work Black Gold. It consists of an oil barrel with oil at the bottom and the upper edge covered with gold leaf. Looking into the barrel it creates the feeling of looking into the dark well. The work is inspired by Friedrich Nietzsches quote: And if thou gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee.

Born in Istanbul, in 1983, Gokcen Dilek Acay, studied music major violin at the Yldz Technical University Istanbul (2009) and attended master program in fine arts, at the Bauhaus University Weimar (2012). She worked with the dancers, musicians, visual artists and participated several group exhibitions and has had solo and group exhibitions in Turkey, Europe, Asia and US. She is selected artist who represents Turkey for 17th International Biennial of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean in Milan 2015. She was represented at 'Art Fair Brussels' and 'Contemporary Istanbul' by NEV Gallery Istanbul.

Vusala Agaraziyeva was born in 1990 in Baku. She has obtained her bachelors and masters degrees in Fine Arts from The Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts. She has participated in Sirga olsun (MOMA, Baku), Sirga olsun (MIM gallery), Duyme (Kichik Qala gallery, Baku), Khojaly Genocid (Galerie Berlin-Baku, Berlin), Germany seen by Azerbaijani artists (Art Academy, Baku), Half Truths (ARTIM, Baku), History (Etnographical Museum, Tibilisi). She is a Young Member of the Azerbaijan Union of Artists from 2013.

Erkin Alekberli was born in 1992 in Baku. He obtained his Masters degree in fine arts from the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts. Alekberli has participated in the exhibitions Contract of century, R.Mustafayev National Museum of Arts, Baku, Art Festival Semeni HeydarAliyev Cultural Center, Baku, Xojaly, Berlin Gallery, Berlin, Memory/Retrospective project in frame of Aluminium Biennale of Contemporary Art, Absheron Gallery, Baku. He is the Second place winner of International Art Competition ARTWEEK, Moscow. Alekberli is a Young Member of the Azerbaijan Union of Artists.

Merzedes Sturm-Lie, born 1991, is a SWEDISH/BELGIAN/NORWEGIAN multimedia artist and curator who lives and works in Stockholm and Brussels. She holds a Master of Fine Art from the Royal Institute of Art, Stockholm (SE). Her work has been shown in Sweden, Belgium, Poland, Japan, Russia, Brazil and the US.

Timo Herbst received his diploma at the University of Arts in Bremen and Academy of Visual Arts in Leipzig (Germany) 2013. His work was shown at Kunsthalle am Hamburger Platz Berlin, Museum for Visual Arts Leipzig, Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, Haus der Kunst Munich and Centre d`Art Passerelle Brest (France). He was fellow of Artist Quarter Budapest (Hungary), Goethe Institut Villa Kamogawa Kyoto (Japan) and is currently comissioned of the interdisciplinary project and research group Arts and Science in Motion of Volkswagen Foundation connected to FU Berlin and HBK Braunschweik.

About ARTIM

ARTIM is directed at young Azerbaijani artists with an intention to support and encourage emergent talent to grow. The programme has a designated exhibition space in Icheri Sheher that was conceived as a platform for experimenting and professionally showcasing art. Artworks resulting from the programme are exhibited at the ARTIM Project Space, Baku.

Exhibition dates: 2 December  16 December 2016

Working hours: Thursday  Sunday, 2pm  8pm

For more information: www.yarat.az; 0125051414

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ABC News(NEW YORK) -- President-elect Donald Trump touted his deal to keep at least 1,000 jobs at a manufacturing plant in Indianapolis, but he was largely silent on the details.



"Companies are not going to leave the United States anymore without consequences," he said to workers at the Carrier plant. "These companies aren't going to be leaving anymore. They aren't going to be taking people's hearts out."



Before the event, Trump toured the facility alongside Vice Presidentelect Mike Pence.



Carrier said the agreement is due in part to the incoming administration's lobbying as well as state tax incentives. Trump's transition team has refused to publicly disclose the full details of the deal, but company officials said in a statement today that the state of Indiana, where Pence is governor, offered the company a $7 million package over multiple years, contingent on factors including employment, job retention and capital investment.



The state tax incentives appear to be a stark contrast from what Trump said on the campaign trail where he threatened to levy a 35 percent tax against Carrier imports if the company moved production to Mexico.



During the rally, Trump recounted his conversations with United Technologies chairman Greg Hayes and said he personally lobbied him to not open their planned manufacturing plant in Mexico.



"I called Greg Hayes, I heard of him but I never met him and he picked up the phone "Mr. President-elect, sir, how are you?"" Trump said. "It's wonderful to win. Think if I lost he would have returned my call? I don't know."



Trump then put other companies potentially considering a move out of the United States on notice.



"We won't need so much flexibility for other companies because we are going to have a situation where they're going to know, number one we'll treat them well, and number two there will be consequences," Trump said. "Meaning, they'll be taxed very heavily at the border if they want leave, to fire their people, leave, make product in different countries and then think they'll sell that product over the border."



After Indianapolis, Trump heads to Cincinnati, where he will kick off his thank-you tour at 7 p.m. ET.



The rally will be his first since his victory party on Nov. 9. It is being held at U.S. Bank Arena, the site of one of his largest rallies during the campaign.



Trump's often boisterous behavior during rallies defined a large part of his campaign, though it's unclear whether he will use the same approach with his tour. In recent interviews, he has signaled some awareness of real divisions in the country after his upset victory, though his Twitter feed has revealed his frustration with the recount effort in three states pushed by Green Party candidate Jill Stein and with Hillary Clinton's wide lead in the popular vote.



As he continues working with aides on the massive transition effort, he plans to visit states that he won and some where he didn't prevail, according to a Trump official.

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
1 December 2016 11:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The controversy surrounding Lavash, a thin, soft flatbread in round shape, have been resolved as UNESCO decided to include this most ancient and famous of all flour foods of Turkic peoples to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

The 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage that was taken place in Ethiopia on November 28-December 2 passed a final decision over a document Flatbread making and sharing culture: Lavash, Katyrma, Jupka, Yufka developed and submitted to the organization by Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

The organization pointed out that this culture is a widely widespread tradition in these five countries.

Lavash has been a controversial dish long ago between regional countries and Armenia, which groundlessly claimed that this unique flatbread is an expression of Armenian culture.

A crisis brewed in 2014 when Armenia appealed to the UNESCO in an effort to present Lavash as a typical example of its cuisine, which was subsequently adopted by the organization.

However, the decision drew protests from these five countries and Azerbaijan categorically rejected the idea to include Lavash in the UNESCO list as Armenian.

Lavash stayed Armenian cultural heritage in the UNESCO lists less than a day and was removed from the list after the protest of Azerbaijan, submitting a resolution to acknowledge it as a common heritage of several regional countries.

The word lavash comes from the ancient Turkish word "ash". Moreover, it is baked in tandir  a traditional bakery oven in the Turkic world.

Mahmoud Kashgaris world-wide-known Turkish-Arabic Divani-Lugatit-Turk dictionary of 1072-1074 years contains information about Lavash. The book of Kashgari, the first Turkish philologist, is the oldest book containing Turkish words.

The Azerbaijani literature provides essential information about Lavash by the greatest poets and writers, including Nizami Ganjavi, Mehseti Ganjavi, Xagani Shirvani.

Baking Lavash is a ceremony involving at least two or three women. It is very hard for single women to handle its baking. The technology of its baking has not been changed since the ancient times. This tradition has been typically passed down from one generation to another for centuries.

Dough for lavash is made of flour, water, old dough (yeast) and a pinch of salt. You knead the dough with your hands, then divide and shape it into small balls and then roll the balls out with a thin rolling pin for dough. You need to roll the balls out to be 2 mm thick or even thinner. Then you put the lavash on a hot saj, a shield-shaped cast-iron multipurpose pan with a concavity, or tandir, a firewood oven.

Lavash bread is usually served as an appetizer in restaurants throughout Azerbaijan. Lavash is also popular in other Turkish-speaking states and the culinary cultures feature different lavash varieties.

Some kinds of lavash may be stored for a long time. Nakhchivans lavash, for example, is dried in the sun, and then kept in special cupboard for months in a dry form. In ancient times this type of bread was very convenient during military campaigns, traveling and for shepherds.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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1 December 2016 16:04 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

The three-day International Dance and Art Festival  Baku Autumn 2016  featured a festival-contest among disabled people.

The event was organized by the Azerbaijan Youth Union with the support of U.S. Embassy.

Over 150 people with disabilities were involved in this event. There were children with Downs syndrome, autism, physical and locomotive problems among the participants.

The event was the first stage of a long-term project that is planned for the first half-year of the 2017.

On the ground of this admission of children the dance and art studying groups are formed, that will help disabled people to join the society and cultural life of our country. It is no secret that art, especially dance, is a very significant psychological factor for rehabilitation of patients, as well as for involving them in the life of society.

Thereby, since January the Academy of Arts for people with physical, mental and locomotive disabilities under Azerbaijan Youth Union will start its existence.

AYU Vice-Chairman Aziz Azizov said this project is expected in the first half of the year 2017 and will last from January to June. Further we want to implement cultural camps for joint recreation of pupils of Academy and graduates of other studios of dance and art. This will be a huge step on the way of rehabilitation of these people and their involvement in everyday life of society. If we can afford it the project will be recovered in September, 2017 and will become regular, he said.

Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az

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1 December 2016 16:13 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

The 34th meeting of the TURKSOY Permanent Council kicked off in Shaki, the ancient and beautiful region of Azerbaijan.

The event participants laid flowers to the monument of national leader Heydar Aliyev in the center of the city.

The conference was chaired by TURKSOY Secretary General Dusen Kaseinov.

Azerbaijani Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev, addressing the event, said that a number of events were held in Sheki throughout the year with the support of the TURKSOY. The Minister highlighted the events held within the Cultural capital of the Turkic world.

TURKSOY`s Secretary General Dusen Kaseinov said Sheki is treasure that unites ancient historical monuments and art samples.

Head of Sheki City Executive Authority Elkhan Usubov said Azerbaijan attached great importance to preservation of cultural heritage as well as popularization of the country`s rich cultural heritage across the world.

On series of events held within the Capital year the Governor said such conferences played an important role in popularization of Azerbaijan`s rich culture.

The Permanent Council, then reviewed its activity over the last year, current and new projects, and discussed ways of expanding cultural relations between the member states.

An exhibition of a number of fine art masters was arranged within the event.

Known for its beauty and charm, Shaki is a unique place that has preserved the culture of urban planning inherent to medieval towns.

Sheki located at the foot of timbered mountains, is split by Dayirmanarkhi and Gurjana rivers into north and south parts. Alexander Dumas, Thor Heyerdahl and other famous persons narrated about the beauty of Shaki in their masterpieces.

It was one of the biggest cities of the Albanian states in the 1st century. The main temple of the ancient Albanians was located there. For centuries this beautiful city, which is located along the route of the ancient Silk Road, was an important center of art and commerce.

Rare historical and architectural monuments of the city - caravanserais, mosques, minarets, walls, bridges, etc. indicate ancient architectural style of Sheki.

Sheki, being one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan, is rightly called the architectural reserve of the country. Circle shrine, Gelersen-Gorersen fortress (picture), Shaki Juma, Omar Efendi mosques, Narin Gala and other buildings....The palace of Shaki Khans is one of the most precious pearls of this unique place. The maples in the palace`s yard are even older than buildings there.

Ashagi and Yukari caravanserais built in the 18th century is an exotic place for tourists. It is easy to escape summer heat and city noise.

Shaki is home to a number of ancient arts. Tinners, potters, hatters and musical instruments makers are working there. Shebeke ornament is one of the ancient arts in Shaki. It made Shaki famous around the world.

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1 December 2016 17:12 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Baku Fashion Week 2016 ended with a gorgeous collection by Uzbek brand Sharq Liboslari alongside featuring new trends from the fashion house "The Black Dress".

For the first time, the Fashion Week showcased an eye-catching hijab collection from the brand Jannat.

In its collection, Jannat was able to create a beautiful harmony of fashion and modesty. The spectators was captivated by every single look.

Baku Fashion Week was included in the calendar schedule of world Fashion Week, making Azerbaijan more recognizable among international designers and fashion lovers. Local designers and models will gradually reach world podiums and attract the interest overseas.

Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az and Azernews.az

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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1 December 2016 14:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The positions of Azerbaijan and Russia in the fight against terrorism are the same, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia said.

He was addressing the participants of the international conference Traditions of religious tolerance in the Caucasus and Azerbaijans model of multiculturalism, which opened in Baku on December 1.

The Patriarch stressed successful development of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, and noted that he supports the work being done on the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Patriarch Kirill highly assessed the activities of the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade on the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Your work as a religious leader for a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is indispensable. You for a long time work towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict, the Patriarch noted.

He added that religious leaders should work together to prevent terrorist events occurring in the modern world.

The Traditions of religious tolerance in the Caucasus and Azerbaijans model of multiculturalism conference brought together members of the Supreme religious council of Caucasus nations, state and religious figures, representatives of the Russian and Georgian Orthodox Churches, and ambassadors of different countries.
1 December 2016 15:39 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov stated that Yerevan avoids negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution.

"Yerevan has not yet responded to the Frances proposal to hold the 3+2 format meeting [three co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group and Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers] in Hamburg, he said addressing a briefing on December 1.

It means that Armenia avoids the negotiations, rendering no support for the peace process, the minister added.

Mammadyarov previously said that Baku backs Frances proposal to hold meeting on Nagorno-Karabakh in Hamburg in the 3+2 format.

While commenting on the statements of the Armenian side that Nagorno-Karabakh must be either independent or annexed to Armenia, Mammadyarov said that such statements play a negative role in the negotiation process, if Azerbaijan and Armenia talk about peace negotiations.



It is not a secret that the negotiations are held on the basis of the document which, first of all, points out that the Armenian armed forces must be gradually withdrawn from the occupied Azerbaijani territories, he said.

As for the status of Nagorno-Karabakh region, Mammadyarov said that the Azerbaijani community must return to its native lands to determine the status.

"The status should not be discussed without the participation of the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh," he said.

Armenia's territorial claims in the late 1980s accompanied with bitter military aggression resulted in the occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh, and seven surrounding regions. More than a million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs in the aftermath of the war between the two South Caucasus republics.

In 1994, the OSCE Budapest Summit established the so-called Minsk Group to mediate between the two countries. However, the negotiations have been largely fruitless so far despite the efforts of the co-chair countries for over 20 years.

Peace talks, mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. through the OSCE Minsk Group, are underway on the basis of a peace outline proposed by the Minsk Group co-chairs, dubbed the Madrid Principles.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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1 December 2016 17:18 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

An Austrian journalist, who had illegally visited the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia, appealed to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry requesting not to include him into the list of persona non-grata.

Thomas Seifert, a journalist of Austrian newspaper Wiener Zeitung, in his letter expressed respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty of Azerbaijan and inviolability of internationally recognized borders. He also noted that he had made a visit to the occupied territories not being informed about the illegality of his trip.

The Ministry decided not to include the journalists name to the list of undesirable persons, given his appeal and the fact that he is a representative of the media.

Unauthorized visits to Nagorno-Karabakh and other regions of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenia are considered illegal, and any individuals paying such visits are included in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's "black list".

Baku has repeatedly warned foreign officials and diplomats of unauthorized visits to its territories that are occupied by Armenia, calling them contradictory to international law.

Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry and diplomatic missions pay special attention to the illegal activity in the occupied areas of Azerbaijan. The work is constantly carried out to prevent such illegal actions.

Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal, but they have not been enforced to this day.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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1 December 2016 10:15 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences to Michel Temer, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil on November 30.

The message reads:

Dear Mr President,

I have been deeply saddened by the news that your fellow countrymen were killed in a passenger plane crash in Colombia.

On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my deep condolences to you, families and the loved ones of those who died, and the whole people of Brazil, and wish the injured swiftest recovery.

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1 December 2016 10:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

An event marking the 25th anniversary of recognition of Azerbaijan`s state independence by UK`s Government was marked at the British Embassy Baku.

UK Ambassador Carole Crofts, addressing the event, said that the bilateral relations between the two countries cover all areas of cooperation.

She noted that the relations between Azerbaijan and the UK have solid basis, adding that the two countries share experience and carry out mutual dialogue.

The diplomat said this created the basis for development of mutual cooperation. Crofts also spoke about the visit of the British Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy for Azerbaijan Baroness Emma Nicholson.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev, for his part, said that the Azerbaijani government and people praise the decision adopted by the British government 25 years ago to recognize Azerbaijans independence.

The Deputy FM said this created basis for the development and expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Mammad-Guliyev also noted that over the past years, Azerbaijan has been developing its oil sector and hundreds of companies entered the country`s market.

The Deputy FM also stressed the importance of carrying out the regular meetings for discussing the expansion of relations.

Baroness Nicholson said that the UK is the fifth country, which recognized Azerbaijans independence.

Nicholson added that she is happy of being the UKs trade envoy for Azerbaijan, emphasizing that it is great honor for her to take part in building more stable relations between the UK and Azerbaijan.

There are many spheres, in which Azerbaijan and the UK cooperates, she said.

The trade envoy added that she has spent three very positive and fruitful days in Baku and had many meetings.

The UK and Azerbaijan enjoy cooperation in different spheres such as education, trade, tourism, ICT, as well as other infrastructure and transit projects.

The cooperation in the energy sector is currently the key factor of the bilateral economic relations between the two countries. Azerbaijan cooperates with the United Kingdom in the field of exploration and transportation of oil and natural gas from the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. BP as a leading oil company, which has launched its operations in Azerbaijan in 1992, participates in the main production sharing agreements such as the Contract of Century (Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli) and the Shah Deniz project.

The Azerbaijani State Customs Committee reported that the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the UK amounted to 418.06 million manats in January-August 2016, which is 1.5 times more than in the same period of 2015.
1 December 2016 14:44 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Morocco is ready to assist Azerbaijan in settling politically and economically in Africa, reads a statement of the Moroccan Embassy in Baku.

By offering a favorable framework of action, and given the excellent relations between the two countries, Morocco is the ideal partner for Azerbaijan, which is becoming more and more interested in Africa, the statement reads.

Morocco and Azerbaijan enjoy good political ties, while the two countries are working to raise the level of economic relations. Both countries support each other within the international organizations to make joint efforts for expansion of cooperation.

During his recent regional tour in East Africa, including Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Madagascar, the King of Morocco gave an interview to the Malagasy press, in which he stated that Morocco and Africa are one ".

His Majesty reiterated Morocco's commitment to the development of Africa in order to ensure its stability, security, prosperity and therefore, better living conditions for brotherly African people.

In this regard, the King stressed that Morocco, which has numerous projects in several African countries, adopts a sincere and a solidarity-based South-South cooperation between the African countries in the framework of a partnership of equal footing, conducive to the emergence of a dynamic and strong continental synergy.

Indeed, Morocco is the largest investor in West Africa, with a strong presence in the Finance (banking and insurance), telecoms, construction and public works, air transportation, tourism, ICT (new information and communication technologies) and more recently fertilizers and renewable energies.

In addition, Morocco is gaining a strong foothold in East Africa, a market of nearly 200 million inhabitants, which is witnessing strong and sustained growth. Thus Morocco is emerging as a leader in the African re-emergence, a continent whose immense potential makes it the continent of the future.

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1 December 2016 17:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina are keen to expand cooperation in various spheres with a particular focus on alluring fields of economy for investing.

Visiting delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina led by Foreign Minister Igor Crnadak first had a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.

President Aliyev recalled his pleasure with numerous meetings conducted with the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent years in a spirit of sincerity, friendship and constructive approach.

The president expressed his hope that during the talks to be held in Baku will center on political relations, and strengthening cooperation in international organizations, including the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Council of Europe.

President Aliyev stressed the necessity of constant mutual support in all initiatives related to the expansion of cooperation in this direction.

Speaking about the issues of economic and investment partnership between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, President Aliyev recalled fruitful discussions with the then chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bakir Izetbegovic about the Azerbaijani investments in that country.

Referring to the energy projects of a global nature, which are important not only for Azerbaijan but also for the whole region, the president voiced his hope that Bosnia and Herzegovina will actively participate in the projects implemented by Azerbaijan.

The same day Crnadak met with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov to discuss prospects for developing cooperation between the two countries in a variety of fields.

The two countries discussed the further development of bilateral cooperation, said Mammadyarov while making statements at a briefing after the talks.

He noted that the cooperation in the energy sphere, implementation of the transportation project on the Great Silk Road route are the priorities in cooperation between the two countries.

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway to be commissioned by the end of this year or early next year will open up opportunities to Bosnia and Herzegovina as well, he noted.

We decided in a short time after the visit to prepare several agreements to strengthen the legal framework, the minster said.

There are good opportunities for cooperation in the education sphere, noted Mammadyarov, adding that the two countries intend to expand and strengthen the judicial base of interaction.

Mammadyarov also informed his counterpart Crnadak about the process of solution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

In turn, Igor Crnadak stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, and the parliament of the Balkan country has recently reiterated this position.

Crnadak said that Bosnia and Herzegovina intends to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan. "Our country is open to Azerbaijani investments and intends to organize a business forum with participation of the businessmen of the two countries in the near future."

During his Baku visit, the minister also met with Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, who voiced the necessity of further expanding the cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international organizations.

He noted that Azerbaijan is closely involved in ensuring Europe's energy security, which will also contribute to the economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina amounted to $227,600 in ten months of 2016 that is by 43.9 percent less than in the same period of 2015.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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1 December 2016 17:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

The Republic of Peru intends to open its embassy in Azerbaijan, reads a note sent to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry by Perus Foreign Ministry.

With opening its embassy, Peru seeks to develop and strengthen the bilateral relations in political, diplomatic, economic-trade, investments, cultural and other spheres, the ministry said.

Baku welcomed the decision of the Peruvian government, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported.

Azerbaijan hopes that this decision will contribute to the development of comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, the ministry stated.

The diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Peru were established on June 25, 1996. Both countries are interested in mutual relations.

The Embassy of Azerbaijan to the United Mexican States is concurrently accredited to the Republic of Peru. In June 2015, diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan was opened in Peru.

Earlier in 2014, the Azerbaijani Parliament approved the agreement canceling visa requirements for people in the diplomatic service or owners of special passports between Azerbaijan and Peru.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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1 December 2016 13:32 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR has confirmed the information about the termination of the deal on the companys acquiring a 66-percent stake in the Greek national gas transmission system operator DESFA.

Anar Mammadov, SOCAR executive director, confirmed the new while talking to Trend .

The Greek government announced about the termination of the Greek-SOCAR talks on DESFA on December 1.

SOCAR agreed to buy a 66 percent stake in the crisis-hit gas supply grid operator for 400 million in 2013. But the acquisition stalled after the energy giant of Azerbaijan faced EU concerns about a potential breach of its competition law. SOCAR was ordered to sell 17 percent of DESFA to a third party so that its stake drops to 49 percent and satisfy EU competition authorities.

Italian gas grid operator Snam was interested in buying the 17 percent DESFA stake that SOCAR has to sell to satisfy EU conditions.

The deal was further marred by more uncertainty when Greece passed a law, which raised DESFA's gas tariffs by a much lower amount than expected.

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1 December 2016 15:54 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Camal

BP Azerbaijan plans to suspend gas output at the Shah Deniz platform in 2017 due to technical-preventive, repair and adjustment work at the Sangachal terminal.

Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, Communications, External Affairs, Strategy & Region Vice President at BP Azerbaijan announced about this on December 1, while talking to reporters.

In 2017, it is planned to carry out repair and adjustment work on a section of the Sangachal terminal, which receives products from the Shah Deniz, the existing installations and connection of new installations as part of the second stage of the fields development, said Aslanbayli.

The period of the suspension will be determined later. We try to conduct preventive measures at all our facilities once in two years, he added.

The work will affect the terminals part that is connected to the South Caucasus pipeline, due to which the gas export to Georgia and Turkey will be suspended, said the vice president.

The VP further said that it will be included in the plan of actions and budget for 2017, which is to be approved.

The suspension wont affect the annual volume of output at the Shah Deniz, noted Aslanbayli.

The tendency of output increase is being observed at the field, he said adding that in 2016, gas output will be slightly higher than in 2015.

BP Azerbaijan is sure that there definitely wont be any decline in 2017, he noted.

Aslanbayli went on to say that preventive measures havent been planned yet for 2017 at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block of oil and gas fields in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea.

BP is the operator of development projects of the Shah Deniz and ACG.

The contract for development of the Shah Deniz offshore field was signed on June 4, 1996. The shareholders in the contract are BP (operator with a stake of 28.8 percent), AzSD (10 percent), SGC Upstream (6.7 percent), Petronas (15.5 percent), Lukoil (10 percent), NIOC (10 percent) and TPAO (19 percent).

The Shah Deniz field, discovered in 1999 is estimated to possess reserves standing at 1.2 tcm. The field is located in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea, approximately 100km south of Baku and 90 km east-south east of Sangachal in water depths ranging from 50m to 500m.

Shah Deniz Stage 2 will allow to increase the European energy security by bringing Caspian gas resources to markets in Europe for the very first time through the Southern Gas Corridor.

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1 December 2016 16:37 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Camal

British BP and Azerbaijans energy giant SOCAR are discussing the plans on oil production at the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) block of oil and gas fields for 2017.

Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, Communications, External Affairs, Strategy & Region Vice President at BP Azerbaijan announced about this on December 1, while talking to reporters.

The annual production plan has not yet been approved and it is difficult to talk about specific figures, he said, further elaborating that BP and SOCAR are now discussing the budget and a work plan for the next year.

Tendency to reduce production at the ACG block is due to aging and water invasion of the wells, and the output from the wells that are to be drilled will not be too large, the company official clarified.

This is why it will be difficult to maintain oil production at the 2015 and 2016 levels, Aslanbayli said.

He further noted that additional investments are required to stabilize production at the ACG. "New investments will be attracted here to maintain production at a certain level in accordance with resolving the issues on extension of the contract for ACG development, he said.

BP Azerbaijan is the operator in development of the ACG block. A contract for development of the ACG block of fields was signed in 1994. The proven oil reserve of the block nears one billion tons.

Shareholders of the project are BP (35.78 percent), Chevron (11.27 percent), Inpex (10.96 percent), AzACG (11.65 percent), Statoil (8.55 percent), Exxon (8 percent), TPAO (6.75 percent), Itochu (4.3 percent) and ONGC (2.72 percent).

In January-October 2016, SOCAR produced 6.32 million tons of oil at Azerbaijans offshore and onshore fields, as compared to 6.91 million tons in the same period of 2015.

SOCAR produced 8.16 million tons of oil at those fields in 2015, as compared to 8.32 million tons in 2014. Along with SOCAR, foreign companies also extract oil in Azerbaijan. In total, 41.59 million tons of oil were produced in Azerbaijan in 2015, as compared to 42.02 million tons in 2014, according to SOCAR.

SOCAR is involved in exploring oil and gas fields, producing, processing, and transporting oil, gas, and gas condensate, as well as oil and chemical products in domestic and international markets, and supplying natural gas to the industry and the public in Azerbaijan.

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1 December 2016 16:53 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

Russian President Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the Turkish-Russian relations, including the upcoming in the nearest future bilateral contacts at various levels, said a message of the Kremlin.

"They discussed the top issues in Russian-Turkish relations, the message noted.

Putin and Erdogan mulled the Syrian problem in the telephone conversation as well, including the situation in Aleppo.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin agreed to step up efforts to stop clashes in the Syrian city of Aleppo and delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilians in the conflict-hit city.

The two leaders discussed bilateral ties in the context of normalization of relations between the two countries.

Wednesday's phone call is the third since Friday.

Located in 40 kilometers (25 miles) of the Turkish border, Aleppo is Syrias second-largest city that is used to be home to around three million people, mainly Arabs, including 400,000 Turkmens and 200,000 Kurds.

A year after the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011, opposition forces took control of the citys eastern districts.

In 2013, the Assad regime began a campaign of indiscriminate bombardment on the city that has triggered a humanitarian crisis in the war-battered city.

The situation in Aleppo has extremely deteriorated lately as heavy battles are going on in the city and its outskirts. The Syrian government launched an operation in Aleppo in September with Russian air support and Iranian-backed militias.

Previously, it was reported that a meeting between the Russian and Turkish Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is being prepared but will take place not earlier than 2017.

Meanwhile,Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov held negotiations in the Turkish city of Alanya.

Following the meeting, Sergei Lavrov said that special attention was paid to the situation in Syria during the talks with Mevlut Cavusoglu.

"We held extremely helpful talks on a wide range of issues, special attention was paid to acute international issues, particularly the situation in Syria. We were united regarding the understanding of what is needed immediately to stop the terrorist threats in the country, stop the bloodshed, transfer the settlement process to a political track and provide a solution to humanitarian problems, delivery of aid," Lavrov said.

Relations between Turkey and Russia broke down for about seven months after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane in November 2015. However, relations have improved since the August meeting of the two presidents.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
1 December 2016 13:44 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

Turkmenistan considers Germany as one of its leading partners, said Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in his message to the participants of Turkmen-German business forum to be held in Ashgabat on December 1.

The forum will bring together representatives of government, organizations, and companies of the two countries.

"German companies are among the first to come to the promising Turkmen market and they effectively work in different areas for many years, which indicate about the favorable investment climate created in our country, said the Turkmen President.

More than 60 business entities with German capital have opened their branches and representative offices in Turkmenistan.

Today, 167 investment projects and contracts with the participation of the German capital in the total amount of $540 million and about 555 million Euros have been registered in Turkmenistan.

The volume of trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Germany was $ 306 million in 2015.

The German companies contribute significantly to the long-term projects in Turkmenistan. They include companies such as Siemens, Daimler, Claas, Rohde & Schwarz, and Dresser-Rand.

In turn, Turkmenistan is also interested in attracting Germanys huge capital and advanced technology.

The sides regularly hold joint business forums, which bring together representatives of the companies specializing in trade, energy, chemical industry, banking, transport, communication, construction, industry, and agriculture.

The diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Germany were established in 1992. Turkmenistan and Germany successfully cooperate both bilaterally and as part of the authoritative international organizations, primarily the UN and the OSCE.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
1 December 2016 18:37 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

Following todays meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that he discussed the issue of further lifting of economic restrictions with his Turkish counterpart, RIA Novosti reported.

We stressed the importance to continue our efforts to overcome the negative trends in the trade and economic sphere, where our trade turnover is still decreasing, Lavrov said.

We put emphasis on the energy sphere, just like Russian and Turkish presidents had agreed earlier. We believe that the interaction regarding all these issues will be extending within the joint intergovernmental commission for trade and economic cooperation, he added.

Following the incident Su-24 bomber incident, Russia's President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on taking measures for ensuring the country's national security and special economic measures against Turkey.

Russia banned imports of bell pepper, pomegranates, aubergines, lettuce, Iceberg lettuce, marrows and pumpkins from Turkey due to phytosanitary considerations in spring 2016 after the worsening of Ankara-Moscow ties in late 2015.

Prior to that, Russia restricted imports of oranges, tangerines, grapes, apples, pears, apricots, peaches and nectarines, plums, wild strawberries, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower, broccoli, yellow onions, as well as frozen turkey and chicken from Turkey.

In October after the talks between the two countries presidents, the Russian government decided to allow on its market a number of Turkish agricultural products, including citrus. The embargo was lifted in respect of fresh and dried oranges and tangerines, fresh apricots, peaches and nectarines, plums and thorns.

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Meshkov said that Russia is ready to introduce visa-free regime with Turkey based on service passports.

Two sides believe that if visa-free travel is resumed, it will have a positive impact on bilateral relations since the official contacts between our countries have been stepped up, and trade, tourism, and investment cooperation has been growing.

Relations between Turkey and Russia broke down for about seven months after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane in November 2015. However, relations have improved since the August meeting of the two presidents.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
1 December 2016 17:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

Uzbekistan Airways has performed the charter flight to Dushanbe for the first time since 1992, the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan reported.

The Tashkent  Dushanbe  Tashkent charter flight was carried out by the national airline on November 30.

The Uzbek Foreign Ministry reported that earlier the Uzbek and Tajik delegations held negotiations in Dushanbe on legal-organizational and economic aspects of further cooperation in the civil aviation sector.

The sides signed a protocol on cooperation between the civil aviation authorities of of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the air transport sector.

Under the signed Protocol, the Dushanbe Tashkent  Dushanbe flight will be operated twice a week by Somon Air, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan Airways.

Flights between the two countries were terminated in the autumn of 1992, and in 2000, Uzbekistan introduced a visa regime for travel to Tajikistan.

The Tajik Transport Ministry reported that the first flight Dushanbe  Tashkent will be performed in January 2017.

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan were established on October 22, 1992.

The legal base of bilateral Tajik-Uzbek relations includes 111 contracts and agreements signed at the interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels in the period from 1992 to the present.

The approved documents between two countries cover all the key areas of cooperation between two countries and provide a solid legal basis for the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the political, economic, trade and other areas.

The trade turnover between the two countries reached the amount of $167, 1 million in 2015.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
1 December 2016 12:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

It is planned to resume the direct flight between Baku and Barcelona in the summer of 2017.

In 2015 it was the first time a direct flight between Baku and Barcelona was launched. It operated from May to October. In 2016 it was a little shorter due to crisis  from June to September, Jose Luis Diez Juarez, Charge d'Affaires of Spain to Azerbaijan told Trend in an interview.

He noted that for the moment the demand for this destination is not enough to justify a flight all year long, but if the demand increases Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), which serves this route, could consider to extend the period of direct flights.

Diez noted that earlier Spanish air company Vueling also wanted to launch a direct flight between Barcelona and Baku and its representatives were negotiating on this issue with Azerbaijan. He said the decision eventually was not reached, and currently no negotiations are held on the issue.

He also said that currently there are no plans to launch direct flight from Baku to any other Spanish city.

The main destination for Azerbaijani tourists is Barcelona, so it is more profitable and reasonable to have a flight to Barcelona, charge d'affaires said.

According to Diez, a tourist flow from Azerbaijan to Spain has been increasing constantly in recent years to about 7,000- 10,000 tourists per year.

It is difficult to calculate because some tourists do not go directly to Spain, they maybe go to France and then to Spain. Some of them stay long  not just have a visit of two-three days to Barcelona, they stay for a week two weeks at our beaches, he said.

Diez did say that there was a decrease in tourist flow from Azerbaijan due to crisis this year. He also said that more and more tourists from Spain come to visit Azerbaijan.

Some travel agencies tell me that they engage interpreters of Spanish for the tourists they are receiving. I dont know the numbers, but apparently it has increased already, Diez said.

Spanish diplomat also reminded that Spanish Tourism Agency had a stand at the tourism exhibition in Baku last year, adding that Spain plans to participate in the tourism exhibition in Baku next year as well.

Azerbaijan also participates in the tourism exhibition in Madrid, he said.

Answering the question on possibility of opening of Spanish Consulate in Baku, charge d'affaires noted that this issue was blocked due to acting government which Spain had for about a year. The new government was formed just a couple of weeks ago and the new team could consider this issue, he said. Meanwhile he noted that visas for visits to Spain could be obtained from French consulate in Baku within the existing intergovernmental agreement between Spain and France.

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Danny Morrison is a radio host, nonprofit executive director and motivational speaker. His columns appear here Tuesdays and Thursdays; the views expressed are his own. Email him at californianmorrison@yahoo .com.
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Showers this evening becoming a steady light rain overnight. Low 47F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers this evening becoming a steady light rain overnight. Low 47F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Dr Fred Matiang CS Education with other members in the education sector which includes; KNEC, TSC and KICD briefing President Kenyatta at State house over 2016 KCPE results. PHOTO | PSCU

The Education Cabinet secretary Dr Fred Matiang today briefed the president on the progress the Ministry has undertaken in sealing Exam theft and Malpractice. Dr Matiang was accompanied by Kenya National Examinations Council chairman (KNEC) George Magoha, Teachers Service Commission CEO Nancy Macharia, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang and KNEC acting CEO Mercy Karogo.For the first time in the entire history of Dr Mutula Kilonzo, Hon Kalonzo Musyoka and Jacob Kaimenyi as Ministry of Education, there has been no exam cheating. The government through the Ministry had tightened the security and had enough measures on the pre and post Exam dates.Dr Matiang announced the TOP KCPE candidate score. The TOP pupil got 436 from Last year's 449. The drastic drop showed that pupils were using their brains which were not under influence of anything.KNEC officials were under pressure from the Cabinet secretary, they did the unthinkable by providing resources for the teachers in Marking the exams without any influence and released the results early. The main purpose of releasing the results early and immediately after marking was not to create a room results manipulation.Based on the results released by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi, only 5,190 obtained 400 marks and above compared to 7,560 in 2015 while more than 100,000 pupils got more than average Marks of 250.Former cabinet secretary Jacob Kaimenyi abolished the ranking system last year hence today's outcome was not official ranked. According to the random scores given by KICD, Nairobi county is in lead followed by Vihiga county. Much of the data to be released later this month.The actions that Dr Matiang implemented increased confidence in him and citizens went to social media requesting him to vie for the presidency in 2022. "The spirit that the cabinet secretary have will even seal corruption deals in Kenya if he will be the next president." Says media personalities.
A Land O Lakes student is being recognized after winning a national contest for coding.

Nikhil Dutt, 17, started coding two months ago

Dutt designed an app to help students stay organized



The design won a national contest for his school district

Seventeen-year-old Nikhil Dutt is a senior at Land O Lakes High School. He says he started coding just two months ago.

When he learned about the Congressional App Challenge, a national contest, he decided to give it a try. And he won the contest for Floridas District 12.

Dutt created a desktop app called 'Student Toolbox' that helps students navigate their classes, organizes homework, and has a data base of teacher contact information for students to connect with their instructors.

I want to change the world and the easiest way to do that, or I see the most simple way to do that -- to reach a mass audience -- is through technology," said Dutt. "And especially coding apps."

Dutt received a plaque and met Congressman Gus Bilirakis. His app will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol.



Dutt has already started working on his next project, a medical app that will assist surgeons.



The congressional app challenge was created last year by the U.S. House of Representatives to engage high school students in coding and computer science.
Experts Warn: Do Not Pick Up Stranded Turtles on Oregon Coast

Published 11/30/2016 at 6:03 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Seaside, Oregon)  Like baby seals or seals that are molting, sea turtles are also to be left alone if they are found on Oregon coast beaches. Seaside Aquarium's Tiffany Boothe said it is that time of year again when hypothermic and stunned sea turtles may start showing up on these beaches  and it is imperative you report it and not pick up the creature. (All sea turtle photographs courtesy Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium).

You could face charges if you do.

If you find a sea turtle on the beach, you should contact the Oregon State Police, or on the north coast you can contact the Seaside Aquarium at 503-738-6211.

We had our first turtle come in on November 26, Boothe said. However by the time we got to the animal someone had already picked it up. Not only is this illegal but sea turtles that are cold-stunned may appear to be dead, but often times are not. A sea turtle's heartbeat can slow to one beat per minute when hypodermic.

Boothe said it is very important that officials can pick up the sea turtle as soon as possible and get it off the beach to be cared for. Last year, the aquarium responded to five stranded sea turtles.

The reason this happens is that strong, south and southwesterly winds drive warm currents further north. Sea turtles often follow these warm water currents, and then those currents dissipate, leaving the turtle in waters colder than they can survive.

They get hypothermic and end up on the beach, Boothe said. The quicker these turtles are found and taken off the beach the better their chances are. In the next few weeks people walking the beaches of the Oregon and Washington coast should keep a look out for these guys.

About half the turtles rescued off Oregon coast beaches manage to live through this. If the Seaside Aquarium is dispatched to pick up one on the north coast, they immediately do a number of things to begin the rehabilitation process  but usually it's a form of resuscitation at first.

This includes pumping warm fluids into the turtle and trying to bring up its core temperature. If that is successful, the turtle can be transported down to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport for further, more intensive rehabilitation. After that, the goal is to get them back into the wild. Surviving turtles are sent down to California, where the ocean temperatures are more like their natural habitat. Numerous turtles have made their way to Sea World in San Diego to be rehabilitated and then released.

Seaside Aquarium manager Keith Chandler said turtles found on these beaches usually have hypothermia and they are not very active. Once they're stranded, the usually-cold conditions of Oregon's coastal winds can bring their temperatures down further.

Olive Ridelys are somewhat rare finds on the Northwest coast and almost always show up deceased when they land on these beaches. Chandler said they show up maybe every few years, but when they do, often more than one is discovered.

At times, it is loggerhead turtles that wind up stranding on this shoreline. Two were found in the north Oregon coast in 2012. In 2009, the Aquarium answered the call to an even rarer turtle: a green sea turtle as well as an Olive Ridley turtle. The last Loggerhead the aquarium dealt before that was in 2007. Oregon Coast Hotels in these areas - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours















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A planned liquefied natural gas export terminal in Port Arthur could ensure a continuing supply of local industrial construction jobs into the next decade if the company receives regulatory approval and proceeds with funding the project.

Sempra Energy applied Wednesday for approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to build a natural gas liquefaction terminal along the Sabine-Neches Ship Channel in Port Arthur.

By the time Sempra qualifies for all of its permits and its board authorizes the investment, current projects like Cheniere Energy and Golden Pass LNG would be done or close to completion.

Other major projects like Natgasoline and ExxonMobil's polyethylene expansion also could be completed, meaning skilled workers in the standard crafts could migrate to the area along Texas 87 south of the Valero Energy refinery in Port Arthur.

A shovel isn't likely to turn any dirt on the Sempra project until possibly 2019, said Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick.

If the permits come in from federal and state agencies, the project could employ about 2,000 industrial construction workers and later employ "several hundred" full-time workers in white-collar and operator jobs, Branick said.

Sempra would invest "multi-billions" of dollars in the site, Branick said, though the San Diego-based company hasn't announced a specific amount.

Cheniere and Golden Pass invested tens of billions to build what started as import terminals, but Cheniere is now exporting LNG, and Golden Pass also wants to retrofit for the export market driven by domestic gas production shale fields.

John Durkay, general counsel for the Industrial Safety Training Council, said he thinks area construction workers would be able to step into the Sempra project.

"The prospect (of a Sempra LNG terminal) has been with us for a while," he said. "It's nicely sequenced."

Two large projects are under way in Baytown - ExxonMobil Baytown and Chevron-Phillips, he said.

They will be finished by the time Sempra secures its permits, he said.

"We exchange workers who go there," he said. "It goes both ways."

The same can be said for local workers who travel to Lake Charles for the Sasol North America petrochemical expansion, also under construction.

"We've not had a project collision here, so it makes the issue simpler," Durkay said.

While an LNG project sounds exotic, it doesn't require more than what locally skilled workers can provide in various crafts such as welding, pipe fitting, boiler making, carpentry and electrical, Durkay said.

Sempra filed a separate application to build pipelines to bring natural gas to the site, south of the Intracoastal Waterway bridge on its west bank.

A few miles of Texas 87 will have to be relocated to accommodate the creation of a dock for LNG carriers.

Branick said Entergy relocated its transmission lines a quarter-mile inland after Hurricane Ike in anticipation of Sempra's development and the need for a re-routed Texas 87.

LNG carriers also need deeper water than what the current ship channel provides, Branick said.

The Sabine-Neches channel is authorized for a depth of 48 feet from its existing 40 feet, but though it is included in a renewed water resources act signed by President Obama, Congress still needs to fund it.

LNG carriers need at least 45 feet of draft to safely navigate, he said.

In its prepared statement, Sempra said, " Ongoing development of the project is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and remains contingent upon completing required commercial agreements, acquiring all necessary permits and approvals, securing financing commitments, potential incentives and satisfying other conditions before making a final investment decision to proceed."

Sempra and Woodside Energy signed a project development agreement in February to share development costs, technical design, permitting and marketing of the proposed liquefaction project.

The FERC application for the proposed project includes:

- Two natural gas liquefaction trains capable of producing about 13.5 million metric tons per year, or about 698 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year.

- Three LNG storage tanks, natural gas liquids and refrigerant storage with feed gas pre-treatment facilities.

- Two berths and associated marine and loading facilities.

DWallach@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/dwallach
The Angels are in Paris! All 53 of them.

The Victoria Secret Models have arrived in the City of Light for the annual taping of the anxiously awaited Victoria Secret Fashion Show that will air on Dec. 5, 2016 on CBS.
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The internet is salivating over a 3-foot long burrito packed with savory meats, cheese and unfortunately made thousands of miles away from Texans in California.

Fresno's Taqueria Yarelis sells the Anaconda burrito, which could feed five adults or 10 kids, for $23, according to the Fresno Bee.

RELATED: Only 5 people have ever finished this nearly 4-pound South Texas taco

The restaurant did not immediately return mySA.com's requests for comment, which may be due to their overnight social media stardom. Thanks to a video posted on the Taqueria Yarelis Facebook page, shared more than 200,000 times and viewed about 20 million, the restaurant is having a hard time keeping their kitchen stocked with meat.

"We ran out of meat two days in a row," owner Edwin Espinoza told the Fresno Bee. "200 pounds of asada, we had to call our supplier."

RELATED: Arkansas thinks queso, or 'cheese dip,' is their 'biggest culinary treasure'

Espinoza runs the small, walk-up restaurant with his father and is the creative culinary genius behind the Tex-Mex wonder. He told the site the Anaconda idea struck while working on a catering order.

The result is five tortillas blanketing beans, cheese, meat, cabbage, onions, sour cream, guacamole and two salsas, the owner said in the interview. Taqueria Yarelis also offers "wet" Anaconda burritos, covered in sauce, then baked.

RELATED: Dallas taqueria brawl, sparked by chips and salsa dispute, caught on viral Facebook video

Facebook users have been submitting their requests for deliveries and Taqueria Yarelis food trucks in their states since the video went viral.

"We're going to be busy this weekend," Espinoza added. "People from San Diego, Los Angeles -- all across California are coming for one."

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
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The Lumberton Band Booster Club treasurer who was arrested Thursday morning on an embezzlement charge gambled away more than $70,000 of the club's money at four casinos in five months, Police Chief Danny Sullins said.

Helen Cox, 46, did not respond to questions as she was taken from the Police Department to Justice of the Peace Melissa Minton's office, where her bond was set at $250,000 on a charge of misapplication of fiduciary property, a third-degree felony.

Cox was taken to the Hardin County Jail and had not posted bond as of late Thursday afternoon. If convicted, she could face 2 to 10 years in a state prison and a fine. She also could be required to pay restitution.

Sullins said Cox began stealing from the club on June 6 and used the money primarily at the Golden Nugget Casino in Lake Charles and other casinos in Mississippi and Alabama. The thefts began one week after Cox was elected treasurer and given access to the club's accounts and debit card.

"Still looking at her to this day, I can't believe it," said president Randy Eason, who discovered the money was missing on Oct. 18. "She went on a vacation across the South with the money."

According to a probable cause affidavit provided by Lt. Joseph Breaux Jr., Cox confessed in October "that she began gambling in June of 2016 to relieve stress from work and divorce, and used incredibly poor judgment when her losses were greater than her personal finances could support."

She also made purchases at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club and paid for at least one dental appointment using the money, according to the document.

"She felt the need to try and fix the situation by gambling more hoping to earn back when she had lost," the affidavit said.

She spent almost $85,000 at the Golden Nugget, according to casino records referenced in the affidavit.

She got the money through ATM withdrawals, cash advances, "a few checks" and debit card purchases, Sullins said.

Eason said Cox's financial reports at monthly booster club meetings did not indicate a problem, and when asked a question, "she always had a good story." They trusted her because she worked for Jason's Deli as a forensic accountant in charge of loss prevention and because her daughter is a leader in the band, he said.

Breaux said that they believe the thefts "had nothing to do with her employer." A customer service representative for Jason's Deli said Cox is no longer employed there.

"We thought we knew her, but I guess we didn't," said club secretary Trish Volker, who recalled Cox sitting with the board at games and acting normally. She said Cox was able to take the money easily without being noticed because the band and club have almost no activity over the summer. "She cleaned out our accounts before school started, and then took everything that came in after," she said.

In the last month, the club has elected a new treasurer and assistant treasurer and implemented new security procedures, including notifications of withdrawals and additional board access to the accounts, Eason said.

With community fundraisers and assistance from area bands, the boosters have raised enough to cover about $38,000 in unpaid bills but are still down about $25,000, he said.

"Our lives have been fundraising for the last six weeks," Volker said.

The club typically pays for uniform cleaning, music and fundraising supplies and T-shirts, and supports a band trip to play at Disney World in alternate years. Money set aside for the trip, which is scheduled for March 2018, was taken.

The club is struggling to meet some ongoing expenses, Eason said.

"We really should have had their uniforms cleaned" before UIL competitions in the next few weeks, a $1,400 expense, "but we just can't justify it right now," he said.

The band is performing at local venues and restaurants to raise money, and will be holding its annual fireworks sale in December.

Lori Sell, who served as the club's treasurer for two years before Cox, said she took the theft personally.

"I looked her in the eye, I handed the checkbook to her, I told her you need to be a person of integrity, intelligence and utmost trust to do this job," she said. "I've been in accounting for 25 years. I would never have dreamed of seeing something like this."

Eason said band director Tim Pallone addressed the students about supporting Cox's daughter, who has participated in one of the band's fundraisers.

"The band students have come together behind her daughter. ... The band kids are like a family," he said.

LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/LizTeitz
NASA/Bill Ingalls(NEW YORK) -- Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon, has arrived in New Zealand after he was medically evacuated from the South Pole.



Video from TVNZ shows Aldrin being transferred from a Safair cargo plane to an ambulance upon arriving in Christchurch at just before 6 a.m. local time Thursday. He was then transferred to a medical facility, according to the National Science Foundation.



Aldrin, 86, was visiting the South Pole as part of a tourist group run when his condition deteriorated and it was decided that he should be evacuated as a precaution, according to White Desert, a private tourist firm.



Aldrins condition was described as stable when he was handed over to the U.S. Antarctic Program medical team and evacuated. He was accompanied by a member of his team and was under the care of a doctor with the U.S. Antarctic Program, White Desert said.



The National Science Foundation said it provided the humanitarian medical evacuation flight for the ailing former astronaut. The U.S. government agency flew out Aldrin from its Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to McMurdo Station on the Antarctic coast. From there, Aldrin embarked on the flight to New Zealand.



In 1969, Aldrin became one of the first men to ever set foot on the moon as part of the famed Apollo 11 mission, accompanying Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins. The New Jersey native posted pictures on his official Twitter account earlier this week showing him preparing for his trip to Antarctica.



"We're ready to go to Antarctica! May be our last opportunity to tweet for a few days! We're go for departure to the launchpad!" Aldrin tweeted on Tuesday.

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Update, 5 p.m.: Two drivers collided in the 1600 block of FM 365 in Port Arthur on Thursday morning, hospitalizing seven and closing a portion of the road for almost three hours.

Six of the injured were taken by ambulance to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.

Another person was taken by helicopter to John Sealy Hospital in Galveston.

Police at the scene characterized the majority of the injuries as being serious.

Port Arthur Police Department investigators believe the 11:30 a.m. accident was caused by a senior driver who struck a car in the turn lane near the Park Central Apartments.

Update 2 p.m.: Lt. Michael Fratus, with the Port Arthur Police Department said one of the two cars involved in the accident was attempting to turn right from the center lane on Highway 365, near Park Central Blvd., when a black car traveling in the opposite direction struck the vehicle.

Fratus said there are no current updates about how many victims were involved, or the status of their injuries.

Update, 12:40 p.m.: Authorities have cancelled the request for two more helicopters at the scene of a wreck on Highway 365 in Port Arthur Thursday afternoon.

The remaining victims will be taken to hospitals by ambulance, authorities told the Enterprise.

Police have not yet confirmed the number of vehicles or victims involved in the crash, which happened about half a mile away from the intersection of Profession Drive.

Update, 12:30 p.m.: Two medical helicopters are en route to the scene of a crash on Highway 365 near the intersection of Profession Drive in Port Arthur.

The crash took place before noon Thursday about half a mile away from the intersection. Officials shut down Hwy 365 in both directions to make room.

One helicopter arrived and left with with victims on board. Two more helicopters are expected to arrive at the scene shortly.

Original story: The Port Arthur Police Department has confirmed that Highway 365 has been shut down shortly before noon Thursday to allow for two medical helicopters to land following a major car accident.

The closure is near the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, according to Enterprise news partner 12News.

Check back later as more information becomes available.
The following five major companies have made a name for themselves in the ASC business, providing management expertise to centers spanning the nation.

Here are 35 things to know about the five largest ASC chains:

Tenet Healthcare/United Surgical Partners International (Dallas)

1. In 2015, Tenet Healthcare penned a deal with Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe to purchase 50.1 percent of United Surgical Partners International with the intent of eventually acquiring the entire company. The combined company jointly owns ASCs as well as imaging centers.

2. Tenet/USPI has 470 surgery centers spanning the United States. The company also owns and operates 79 hospitals, 20 short-stay surgical hospitals and employs nearly 130,000 individuals.

3. Trevor Fetter became Tenet's president in November 2002 and CEO in September 2003. He was appointed the company's chairman in May 2015. Mr. Fetter earned a master of business administration from Boston-based Harvard Business School.

4. Since 2004, Mr. Wilcox has served at USPI's helm as CEO. He serves on the company's board and is a board member of European Surgical Partners, which owns and operates Aspen Healthcare in the United Kingdom. Mr. Wilcox holds a master's degree in health systems management from Tulane University in New Orleans. Brett Brodnax is the president and chief development officer of USPI.

5. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, Tenet had:

 Adjusted EBITDA hitting $570 million

 Ambulatory care adjusted EBITDA totaling $157 million

 Cash flow hitting $237 million in the first nine months of FY 2016

6. In October 2016, Tenet agreed to pay the federal government, Georgia and South Carolina $514 million to settle kickback allegations, which claimed Tenet hospitals paid kickbacks for obstetric referrals in Georgia and South Carolina.

7. In 2015, Tenet looked at eight quality measures on their Balance Scorecard and improved upon seven of those measures. Compared to 2014, Tenet's readmission rate dropped 13.6 percent.

AmSurg (Nashville, Tenn.)

1. AmSurg and Colorado-based Envision Healthcare Holdings signed a definitive merger agreement in June 2016, with the combined company having a pro forma market cap of nearly $10 billion. Per the merger agreement, Envision shareholders will hold a nearly 53 percent stake in the company, with AmSurg shareholders having a 47 percent stake.

In September 2016, the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 expired for the Envision Healthcare/AmSurg merger. Waiting for the expiration period to end satisfies one of the conditions of the merger's closing. The merger is subject to other closing conditions, including shareholder approval from both Envision and AmSurg.

2. AmSurg operated 260 ASCs and one surgical hospital at the end of Q3 FY 2016, slightly more than 253 ASCs during Q3 FY 2015. The company acquired three ASCs during Q3 FY 2016 and disposed of one ASC. At the end of the quarter, AmSurg had two ASCs under letter of intent and one under development.

3. During Q3 FY 2016, AmSurg had:

 Net revenue reaching $822.2 million

 Ambulatory net revenues totaling $314.6 million

 Adjusted EBITDA for ambulatory surgery jumping to $61.1 million

4. Sheridan, AmSurg's physician services divisions, acquired a series of practices this year. In April 2016, Sheridan acquired North Florida Anesthesia Consultants, which is comprised of more than 70 physicians, certified registered nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologist assistants spanning 18 facilities in Florida. Sheridan also acquired Jandee Anesthesiology Partners and Karadan Anesthesiology and Pain Management, both based in Ramsey, N.J., in May 2016.

5. Sheridan acquired AllegiantMD in July 2016. AllegiantMD provides radiology services to Tampa residents. Within July 2016, Sheridan also purchased Boca Raton, Fla.-based Resolute Anesthesia and Pain Solutions as well as Clermont, Fla.-based South Lake Anesthesia Services. During the latter half of this year, Sheridan expanded its anesthesiology business in Southern California through acquiring Ambulatory Anesthesia Associates and Genesis Anesthesia Services in September. Sheridan also acquired California-based Fidere Anesthesia Consultants in October 2016.

6. Christopher A. Holden is AmSurg's president, CEO and director. Seasoned with more than two decades of healthcare experience, Mr. Holden joined the company in 2007. Phillip A. Clendenin is the company's president of ambulatory services. Claire Gulmi is AmSurg's executive vice president, CFO, secretary and director, and Kevin Eastridge served as AmSurg senior vice president of finance and chief accounting officer. Robert Coward joined AmSurg in 1994, and currently serves as the president of Sheridan Healthcare.

7. In March 2016, AmSurg launched a program focused on improving patient safety during scope reprocessing. The program requires staff that reprocesses endoscopes between gastroenterology procedures to complete rigorous training and demonstrate a detailed understanding of the highly technical steps associated with the process. Since its launch, more than 1,000 healthcare professionals have enrolled in the program.

Surgical Care Affiliates (Deerfield, Ill.)

1. SCA had a total of 205 ASCs as of Nov. 1, 2016. SCA acquired six new facilities in Q3, four of which are consolidated and two of which are nonconsolidated. SCA also closed one consolidated facility and sold one equity method facility. Of SCA's existing facilities, seven converted from nonconsolidated to consolidated. The conversions did not impact SCA's total facility count for the third quarter.

2. During Q3 FY 2016, SCA had:

 Net operating revenue hitting $322.8 million

 Net income hitting $13.3 million

 Adjusted EBITDA less non-controlling interest increased to $47.9 million this quarter, up 13.4 percent from the same period during FY 2015

3. Compared to the first nine months of FY 2015, SCA's total joint replacements have more than doubled. Thirty-seven of SCA's facilities are currently performing total joint replacements.

4. Joel Gordon, Andrew Miller and Jack Massey founded SCA in 1982. Andrew Hayek is the current chairman and CEO of SCA, beginning his tenure with the company in 2008.

5. SCA has partnered with a handful of practices in the last couple months. In November 2016, Deerfield, Ill.-based Surgical Care Affiliates partnered with Norwich, Conn.-based River Valley Ambulatory Surgery Center and Surgical Center of Connecticut in Bridgeport. SCA's partnership with Surgical Center of Connecticut and River Valley Ambulatory Surgery Center expands its presence in the state to six locations. SCA also partnered with Executive Surgery Center in Tomball, Texas, in September 2016.

New Jersey-based health system Virtua Health and Surgical Care Affiliates partnered with Bergen-Passaic Cataract Laser and Surgery Center in Fair Lawn, N.J. Through the partnership, the surgery center is jointly owned by SCA, Virtua and the center's physician partners.

6. In June 2016, SCA established its inaugural Physician Advisory Board, composed of six board members. The board members will offer guidance and industry expertise to enhance patient care and serve SCA's physicians. The members include Bart Asner, MD; Robert S. Bray, MD; Norman H. Chenven, MD; Thomas M. Deas, Jr., MD; Stefan W. Kreuzer, MD; and Daniel Murrey, MD.

7. SCA is affiliated with SCA Medical Missions, which offers medical care to those in need. SCA Medical Mission initially opened a surgery center in Honduras in 2014, Holy Family Surgery Center, as its initial site for medical mission trips. In 2016, SCA Medical Missions completed 11 medical bridges in Honduras, with 462 participants volunteering more than 23,100 hours.

Hospital Corporation of America (Nashville, Tenn.)

1. As of Sept. 30, 2016, HCA operated 117 ASCs spanning the United States and the United Kingdom. Comparatively, the company operated 114 ASCs at the end of Q3 FY 2015.

2. In addition to its 117 ASCs, HCA also operates 169 hospitals. HCA is one of the largest healthcare companies in the United States, with R. Milton Johnson leading the company as HCA's chairman and CEO.

3. HCA named Gregary W. Beasley president of the company's ambulatory surgery division in 2004, a position he continues to hold. He previously was COO of ASD Management, which has offices in Nevada, California, Texas and Florida.

4. During the Q3 of FY 2016, HCA had:

 Revenue rallying 4.2 percent, hitting $10.27 billion

 Net income attributable to HCA totaling $618 million

 Adjusted EBITDA reaching nearly $1.96 billion

5. In 1968, Thomas Frist Sr., MD, Thomas Frist Jr., MD, and Jack Massey founded HCA, forming one of the first hospital companies in the nation.

6. In March 2016, HCA announced that the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, named HCA to its list of 2016 World's Most Ethical Companies. The award marked the seven consecutive year that the Ethisphere Institute has provided HCA with this award.

7. HCA donated $21 million in cash to charitable organizations last year, with the company making community outreach and service a priority. Last year, HCA staff members pledged nearly $8.3 million to community agencies and volunteered more than 36,000 hours.

Surgery Partners (Nashville, Tenn.)

1. Founded in 2004, Surgery Partners has expanded to owning and operating 96 ASCs throughout the United States.

2. Surgery Partners reported the following results for Q3 FY 2016:

 The company had 18 percent year-over-year revenue growth to $282.7 million

 Same-facility revenue was up 10.3 percent to $281.2 million. Same facility cases increased 4.3 percent

 Adjusted EBITDA increased 12.3 percent to $44.7 million

3. During Q3 FY 2016, Surgery Partners closed transactions on a Louisiana surgery center, two physician practices and an anesthesia practice. The company also entered into a relationship with a Florida health system to improve their outpatient strategy.

4. Michael Doyle is the CEO of Surgery Partners. He has more than 20 years of experience in outpatient leadership roles. Before joining Surgery Partners' team in 2004, Mr. Doyle was the senior vice president for Birmingham, Ala.-based HealthSouth, one of the nation's leading owners and operators of inpatient rehabilitative hospitals.

5. In October 2016, Surgery Partners named Teresa DeLuca, MD, to its board of directors. Dr. DeLuca was a senior director of global product development services at PRA International and a senior medical scientist at GlaxoSmithKline.

6. Over the past few years, Surgery Partners has significantly expanded through major acquisitions. In June 2014, Surgery Partners acquired the Green Hills, Tenn.-based ASC company Symbion in a $792 million transaction.

7. The company also merged with Novamed, an ASC operating company, in 2011. Through the deal, Novamed is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Surgery Partners.
Here are seven updates for ASC leaders to note:

21st Century Cures Act may weaken reporting requirements for industry payments to physicians

Congress is projected to consider the 21st Century Cures Act this week, which aims to promote biomedical research, but may also impose less stringent reporting requirements concerning industry payments to physicians. The 966-page bill features provisions that would lessen various requirements imposed under the 2010 Physician Payments Sunshine Act.

President-elect Donald Trump picks Seema Verma to serve as CMS administrator & Dr. Tom Price to lead HHS

President-elect Donald Trump selected Seema Verma to head CMS as administrator and Rep. Tom Price, MD, (R-Ga.), to lead the HHS. Pending Senate confirmation, Dr. Price will be the second physician to lead HHS, following Louis Sullivan, MD, during the George H. W. Bush administration. An Indiana resident, Ms. Verma played an active role in vice president-elect Mike Pence's ACA Medicaid expansion model, Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0.

Unsealed testimony uncovers more discord between Anthem, Cigna over merger

A recent unsealed testimony revealed Anthem and Cigna are not on the same page over their proposed merger. The transcripts between the two companies showed the two are disagreeing over how the company should operate if the merger came to fruition. The documents show some Anthem executives have started making plans without Cigna's input as Cigna stopped working with them on different issues related to the merger.

Global HAI control market to hit $82.9B by 2020

The global hospital-acquired infection control market is expected to reach $82.89 billion, increasing at an 8.5 percent compound annual growth rate. North America dominates the market, with this region having a total value of $31.32 billion in 2014.

80% of Americans support changing or replacing the ACA

A recent Gallup poll found 43 percent of those polled want the government to keep the law in place, but make major changes and 37 percent support a complete repeal of the ACA. More than half (53 percent) of Americans disapprove of the health law. Forty-two percent of Americans support the ACA.

Manhattan Endoscopy Center receives state approval for permanent licensure

The New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council gave New York City-based Manhattan Endoscopy Center approval for its permanent licensure. Since it opened its doors in 2011, Manhattan Endoscopy Center has participated in a community outreach program, in which it has established referral relationships with various charitable healthcare organizations and federally qualified health centers.

Healthcare predictive analytics market to surge to $19.5B by 2025

A Grand View Research report found the global healthcare predictive analytics market is expected to each $19.5 billion, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 29.3 percent by 2025. In 2015, North America held a 60 percent share in the market. It dominates the market due to its streamlined healthcare systems, updated regulatory policies and skilled workforce. The Asia-Pacific region is also anticipated to expand throughout the forecasted period.
CMS releasing its final 2017 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System rule and changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule captured the attention of Becker's Hospital Review finance readers in November.

The following are the 10 most popular finance stories from Becker's in the past month.

1. CMS releases final OPPS rule for 2017: 11 things to know

CMS released its final 2017 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System rule, which implements site-neutral payment provisions of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.

2. Fitch: ACA repeal would be credit negative for hospitals

President-elect Donald Trump intends to dismantle the ACA, a move that would be credit negative for healthcare providers, according to a Fitch Ratings report.

3. 8 changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule in 2017

CMS issued its update to the 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The changes include a number of new policies that reflect a broader agencywide strategy to enhance quality, spend smarter and improve Americans' health.

4. How CHS, Tenet, UHS, LifePoint and HCA fared in Q3

Major for-profit hospital operators produced mixed financial results in the third quarter of 2016.

5. Texas hospital closes

After significantly scaling back services in recent months, Gulf Coast Medical Center in Wharton, Texas, closed in late November.

6. Ascension records $423M net gain on higher patient volume: 5 things to know

St. Louis-based Ascension reported $5.6 billion in revenue in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, up 3.4 percent from revenue of $5.2 billion in the same period of the year prior, according to unaudited financial documents.

7. Quorum Health adds 6 more hospitals to sale pipeline

Brentwood, Tenn.-based Quorum Health Corp. is in negotiations to divest its underperforming facilities, said President and CEO Thomas D. Miller during a third-quarter earnings call.

8. CHI records $483M operating loss as labor costs grow, patient volume declines

Catholic Health Initiatives, a nonprofit 103-hospital system based in Englewood, Colo., recorded an operating loss of $483.3 million in fiscal year 2016, compared to an operating surplus of $23.9 million in the year prior.

9. 1,600 hospitals see payment bump under value-based purchasing: 8 things to know

The Medicare Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program, established under the ACA, is intended to encourage hospitals to provide high-quality care more efficiently by adjusting payments to hospitals based on the quality of care they provide. In fiscal year 2017, more than 1,600 hospitals will receive a positive payment adjustment under the program, while about 1,300 will receive a payment reduction.

10. Patients hit with surprise bills for 22% of in-network ER visits

Many patients receive surprise out-of-network bills for a visit to an in-network hospital's emergency room, according to research published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

More articles on healthcare finance:

Theranos' troubles put $900M of capital at risk

Partners CEO: Healthcare costs are 'relatively affordable' in Massachusetts\

Aurora Health Care to raise rates in 2017
Bend, Ore.-based St. Charles Health System administrators announced Monday that the system is closing the Center for Women's Health in Bend, according to The Bulletin.

Hospital administrators attributed the closure to staffing issues.

"For any of our clinical practices, to have sufficient staff to provide the level of care that we think our patients expect, we have to have it staffed appropriately," John Weinsheim, president of St. Charles Medical Group, told The Bulletin.

When pressed for more details about why the clinic is closing, Mr. Weinsheim told The Bulletin he couldn't provide additional information. However, he said the clinic closure is not due to financial constraints, according to the report.

The clinic will remain open for about four more months, according to the report.

More articles on healthcare finance:

CHI records $483M operating loss as labor costs grow, patient volume declines

Henry Ford director says payments aren't truly bundled under BPCI initiative

Mayo Clinic raises prices at Wisconsin hospitals to offset uncompensated care costs
One of the largest challenges for hospitals and health systems is caring for the uninsured and underinsured population, who are often the most clinically and economically vulnerable. The ACA attempted to increase access to care for this population  many of whom are unable to afford healthcare  through the Medicaid expansion, although 19 states chose not to participate. President-Elect Donald Trump's healthcare platform would change Medicaid in its current form into block grants for the states.

A report from The Commonwealth Fund estimates Mr. Trump's Medicaid block grant program will leave 25 million Americans uninsured, yet hospitals still have an obligation to provide care for these patients. An executive roundtable at the Becker's Hospital Review 5th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable sponsored by Alltran brought hospital executives from around the country together to discuss their solutions for serving the uninsured and underinsured population.

Develop a support system

The first thing hospitals must do, said Jack Highsmith Jr., vice president of operations at Alltran, is identify the cost difference between the uninsured and underinsured. CFOs can then discuss the bad debt with their CEOs and develop solutions to ensure frontline workers optimize each patient arriving at the hospital's emergency department. The ED's workflow should accommodate uninsured and underinsured patients with a triage team to provide counseling, screening for insurance eligibility and social services to support all aspects of patient care.

Certain states offer subsidies for hospitals to employ social service workers in the ED as well as workers stationed throughout the community to serve the uninsured. The social services workers are trained to proactively meet with uninsured patients and discuss treatment options, counsel them on insurance and work with registration teams to navigate the healthcare system.

Some health systems find other arrangements for these services aside from direct employment. For instance, the CFO of a safety-net hospital in Atlanta brought in third-party partners to assist with insurance eligibility verification. Included in the hospital's program is an application that pings the state Medicaid services daily to look for insurance that may have become available for uninsured patients or secures Medicaid coverage for those who qualify. The hospital saw its uninsured rate drop significantly after working with this partner and reported a return-on-investment for their efforts.

"We are looking for frequent utilizers," said the CFO. "If someone comes into your ED every few weeks, it does pay to get them qualified [for health insurance coverage]."

The next challenge is maintaining consistent follow-up with these patients to track their progress and outcomes.

Partner for post-acute and follow-up care

Hospital executives mentioned a variety of strategies for transitions of care among uninsured and underinsured, and specific solutions for post-discharge care for homeless patients.

The vice president of network care from a Southern California-based health system with 16 acute care hospitals reported her hospitals entered into a collaborative relationship for post-acute care among the homeless population. Medi-Cal allows for two weeks in post-acute care for homeless patients to recover in a healthy and safe facility with the goal of avoiding readmissions and lowering the length of stay at the hospital.

The Atlanta hospital CFO said his hospital partnered with an acute care rehab facility and skilled nursing facility as preferred providers for uninsured and underinsured patients to stay up to three weeks. The hospital also employs a psychiatrist, nurse and social worker to travel as a team into the community and find patients in shelters or on the streets to provide preventive and follow-up care. The team ensures homeless patients posess the proper medications and take them appropriately.

"We sold that concept to other counties in Georgia, but it takes an investment," said the CFO.

The Southern California health system also partnered with a nonprofit organization for clinicians to provide similar services by bike, making rounds to visit the homeless staying on the riverbed. The hospital's team includes a medical assistant, nurse practitioner and veterinarian to serve homeless people's pets and address health risks associated with those pets.

Collaborate to cover rural patients without access to PCPs

Hospitals serving large rural populations often see patients who don't have primary care physicians and are unwilling to travel long distances for follow-up care. The associate CFO from a health system in Missouri reported the hospitals in his system couldn't refer patients from rural communities back to their home setting because primary care physicians or pharmacies that could provide the prescribed drugs were unavailable.

"You have a population that is uninsured for whatever reason and they don't have follow-up care," he said. "The front-end team is dedicated to providing access for these people, but they don't have eligibility [in a non-expansion state]."

Mr. Highsmith recommended hospitals in these situations invest in one or two additional full-time administrative employees to manage uninsured or under-insured patients. A few states will subsidize these workers' salaries to help the uninsured achieve coverage. Hospitals can also collaborate with a business partner to outsource the administrative positions to help the uninsured or underinsured patients receive coverage when possible. "Really look at evaluating your present state versus where you want to be in the future," said Mr. Highsmith. "Look at your goals for increasing your outcomes and move toward that."

If a hospital does bring on certified application counselors, it's important to track their progress for cost-efficiency and make changes if necessary.

"Walk through the process to define what is needed and your current results," said Mr. Highsmith. "Find the targeted results, process control and then benchmarking standards. One of the challenges in the market today is that someone is just looking at the bottom line profit. The ultimate goal is to deliver quality clinical care to patients."

Stacy Baumgart, regional manager of Medicaid eligibility at Alltran, recommended hospitals examine whether they could take better advantage of presumptive eligibility  a policy option for providers, including federally qualified health centers, to connect patients to Medicaid based on their gross income, household size and other demographic information. The program can temporarily enroll eligible children or adults in CHIP or Medicaid without requiring a wait for their application to be fully processed. Effective in 2014, the ACA allowed states to extend presumptive eligibility beyond just pregnant women and children to parents and adults. This means healthcare providers can receive payment for services provided to the patient during the interim period pending a final adjudication of Medicaid eligibility by the state.
The following healthcare layoffs were reported by Becker's Hospital Review in November. They are listed below, beginning with the most recent.

1. Montefiore to cut 74 jobs: 3 things to know

Montefiore Care Management, an affiliate of Bronx, N.Y.-based Montefiore Health System's hospital network, will lay off 74 employees at its offices in Yonkers, N.Y., reports The Journal News. Montefiore attributed the layoffs to rising costs as well as reimbursement challenges.

2. Detroit Medical Center to cut jobs, save $17M: 5 things to know

Detroit Medical Center plans to cut $17 million in expenses via a workforce reduction of approximately 1 percent, according to a Crain's Detroit Business report. A total of 60 employees and managers will be affected by DMC's layoffs. Additionally, DMC plans to cut another 40 unfilled positions, a hospital official told Crain's Detroit Business. The report notes that another 30 employees were reassigned to other positions.

3. Seton to lay off 129 employees: 3 things to know

Austin, Texas-based Seton Healthcare Family will cut 129 jobs as it divests certain hospital revenue cycle department functions, according to an Austin American-Statesman report. Sixty-eight of the layoffs will occur at the Seton administrative offices in Austin, 33 at Seton's Chevy Chase office in Austin, 22 at the Seton Medical Park Tower in Austin and six at Seton Smithville (Texas) Regional Hospital, according to Seton, part of St. Louis-based Ascension.

4. BCBS of Montana prepares for health IT, server layoffs

Helena-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana will cut health IT and server positions by February or March next year, Independent Record reports. The layoffs stem from the insurer's parent company's  Chicago-based Health Care Service Corporation  September decision to let go 70 percent of its IT infrastructure staff and outsource system maintenance to a foreign country. Eleven or 12 positions at BCBS of Montana will be eliminated from the company's 580 employees.

5. Declining reimbursements and fewer patients fuel layoffs at Beacon Health System

Beacon Health System in South Bend, Ind., laid off 70 employees, according to a South Bend Tribune report. The layoffs represent about 1 percent of Beacon's workforce. Most of the job cuts, about 50 of the positions, both clinical and non-clinical, were in home care. The remaining job cuts were in areas such as laundry services, information technology and marketing, Beacon spokeswoman Maggie Scroope said in the report.

6. Layoffs loom at ValleyCare Health System in Ohio

ValleyCare Health System in Youngstown, Ohio, plans to furlough and reduce hours for some employees at its hospitals, according to a WYTV report. The health system did not offer a specific timeline for the cuts, nor detail how many workers will be affected or what positions will be eliminated, according to the report.

7. Indiana LTAC hospital to close in January

Mechanicsburg, Pa.-based Select Medical will close its long-term acute care hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind., by Jan. 20, according to The Journal Gazette. Select Specialty Hospital-Fort Wayne's closure will affect 103 employees.

8. Sharon Regional cuts employees: 3 things to know

A number of employees at Sharon (Pa.) Regional Health System were laid off or saw their hours reduced on Tuesday, according to The Herald. The hospital did not provide The Herald with exact figures, though employees told the publication approximately 70 workers were affected.

9. Hallmark Health to lay off 57 employees

Medford, Mass.-based Hallmark Health is laying off 57 employees, or about 2 percent of the company's workforce, according to Wicked Local Reading. Hallmark Health CEO Alan Macdonald wrote in an email to his employees that the layoffs were necessary to achieve the company's goal of reducing operating costs by $16 million in fiscal year 2017, according to the article.

10. McKesson lays off 60 workers in North Carolina

San Francisco-based McKesson laid off 60 employees last week at its office in Charlotte, N.C., The Charlotte Observer reports. The layoffs are in McKesson's sales, customer service and IT departments in its Enterprise Information Solutions business, which helps provide EHRs for hospitals.

11. Wilkes-Barre General Hospital lays off, reduces hours for employees

Some employees at Wilkes-Barre (Pa.) General Hospital were laid off and others saw their hours reduced as part of a move to align staffing with patient volumes, according to The Citizen's Voice. Renita Fennick, a hospital spokesperson, did not specify how many or what types of employees are being laid off. However, the layoffs and reductions in hours will not affect registered nurses, according to Bill Cruice, executive director of Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, the union that represents the registered nurses at the hospital, according to the report.

12. CVS Health to eliminate 600 jobs

Woonsocket, R.I.-based CVS Health plans to eliminate nearly 600 jobs in the company's corporate offices in Rhode Island, Illinois and Arizona over the next two months, according to the Wall Street Journal. As of early November, the company had not disclosed which divisions will be affected by the layoffs. Employees affected by the job cuts will be able to apply for different positions within the company. Employees who aren't placed in new positions will receive a severance package.

13. Massachusetts hospital to lay off 64 with closure of transitional care unit

Brockton (Mass.) Hospital, part of Brockton-based Signature Healthcare, will lay off 64 employees when it closes its 29-bed transitional care unit, according to The Enterprise. Leaders told the hospital's transitional care unit employees on Nov. 1 the unit will close within three months. A department manager, three shifts of nurses and a part-time activities coordinator are among those who will lose their jobs when the unit closes, according to the report.
Jeanette Ives Erikson, DNP, RN, first took at job at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1988 based on word of mouth from graduate school colleagues  and she hasn't left since.

She worked her way from a clinical care nurse to eventually become the hospital's CNO and senior vice president for patient care services.

"I feel blessed," she tells Becker's. "I've had what I would view as the best job in healthcare."

In November, she announced she would step down from her post to pursue other opportunities within MGH  including helping open two clinics and a hospital in Shanghai, China, and continuing research and nurse leadership development, among several other opportunities she is still "weighing," she says.

Here, Dr. Erikson looks back at her more than two decades in nursing to share her biggest accomplishment and what's changed in nursing, and looks forward to what's next for her.

Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Question: What drew you into nursing originally?

Jeanette Ives Erickson: I originally wanted to be a psychiatrist, but when I was trying to make a decision on college, I had a wonderful neighbor who I highly respected who was a nurse. The neighbor provided wonderful guidance on what it was like to be a nurse and really changed my thinking. It's wonderful, when you're young and trying to make a lifetime decision at such an early age, to have great to have mentorship and guidance from people who care about you.

Q: What did she say to change your mind?

JIE: The difference is what nurses are able to do with patients; it's very different from other health professional groups. As we know, it's the ability of the nurse to be one with the patient, no matter where the patient is  in the hospital, in an ambulatory setting or at home. Nurses have high-quality time with patients at a time when they are most vulnerable or at a time of great joy in their life.

Q: What about Mass General attracted you there?

JIE: I went to graduate school at Boston University. In my graduate class there were many nurse leaders that worked at the MGH. They spoke highly about the environment, the support for the profession of nursing. They talked a lot about the world-class healthcare being delivered here. It was their words and accolades toward this organization that drew me to apply for a job here.

Q: What was it that made you stay?

JIE: Again, everything that was said about this organization, the mission  the most precious part being the advancement of clinical care  and the healing environment. This is an environment built upon inter-professional teamwork. I'm blessed to work in an environment where all the disciplines come together around the patient to deliver really safe, high-quality healthcare.

The career opportunities here have also been wonderful. Evenafter my successor is found, I'm going to stay here working at the MGH. I was offered the opportunity to work on several key initiatives. This is wonderful because I get to work with many of the same people I've always worked with but on a different initiative.

I personally felt that after being in this position for 20 years, I needed to start thinking about what I want to do next and what other contributions I could make.

We have partnered with a group of people in Shanghai, China, and we're helping to open up a world-class hospital there. I've been a consultant on that project for the last five years. As we get closer to the hospital opening, my presence on that project will increase. One clinic has already opened, another will open in May or June, and six months after that the hospital will open. I truly have enjoyed this work and the team of people being hired in Shanghai. It's an incredible opportunity for me to really help build a nursing service with the wonderful nurses in Shanghai who are working on this effort.

I'm also going to do some fundraising activity and continue nursing research on understanding the environment of care, importance of creating a safe environment of care. And I've just been asked to do some nursing leadership development.

Q: If you had to pick one, what would you say your biggest career accomplishment was?

JIE: We really changed the way in which care is delivered in this organization by aligning all of the disciplines around the patient, so there's really more of an inter-professional teamwork. We're more patient-driven and have patient-focused initiatives.

And then to really understand if we achieved all of that, of building a real patient-focused environment of care, I think the greatest evaluation of our work is with our first Magnet designation.

Q: Throughout your nursing career, what's the biggest change you've seen the industry/nursing go through?

JIE: When I first graduated I was a critical care nurse. As I spend time clinically I have come to appreciate the rapid increase in patient acuity. Those patients I cared for in my intensive care unit are now on a general care unit. And that's due to discovery of new evidence-based practice initiatives, research and technology development. We are saving many more lives today.

I would also say there's [more of] an important appreciation of really knowing the patient than there was early in career. And I think healthcare is really looking at addressing disparities and building plans of care with culture, sexual preference, sexual identity, ethnicity in mind. And I'm very proud of that work that we have done over the course of my career.

Q: What are some words of advice you'd give to nurses who aspire to move to the C-suite?

JIE: Well first I would say being a leader and having the opportunity to work with nurses and to represent and to lead the clinical discipline of nursing, and to represent nursing throughout an organization or in external environments is a gift.

Setting your sights on being a chief nurse is an important decision both professionally and personally. But it's a role that I to this day feel blessed to have held.

Correction: An earlier version of this article said Dr. Erikson worked more than 20 decades in nursing. In reality, she has worked more than two decades in the industry. We apologize for the error.
Akram Boutros, MD, has served as president and CEO of The MetroHealth System in Cleveland since June 2013. Dr. Boutros, who has more than two decades of leadership experience in large community hospitals, specialty hospitals and academic medical centers, most recently was president of New York-based consultancy BusinessFirst Healthcare Solutions.

His previous roles also include executive vice president and chief administrative officer of St. Francis Hospital  The Heart Center in Roslyn, N.Y., and executive vice president, CMO and COO of South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside, N.Y.

Dr. Boutros, an internist, earned his medical degree at from the State University of New York Health Sciences Center at Brooklyn and also graduated from Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program.

Dr. Boutros recently spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about the biggest challenge he's facing as CEO, his goals for MetroHealth and more.

Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Question: What's the biggest challenge you're facing as CEO?

Dr. Akram Boutros: The military has a term they developed called VUCA, and it's an acronym for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Nothing could describe the healthcare industry today better than that term. So the biggest challenge today is operating within the new environment, and the level of comfort that people have to develop with ambiguity, making decisions with incomplete and sometimes less than optimal information and data. It's also trying to reduce the complexity that keeps getting piled on to the healthcare delivery system. So that's really the biggest challenge, and the way we try to cut through that is we focus on our mission and values, both of which offer clarity about decision-making and offer the support for us to be courageous.



Q: How do you approach the CEO role?

AB: I believe the CEO role has evolved, at least for me, to be one of support. Help identify excellent talent, help develop a great team structure so it's a very high-functioning team, give people the support to make decisions and even help them understand failure is OK if we fail effectively. If we fail small, if we fail fast and if we fail forward. It is also important to give them the leeway, the breadth, the decision-making ability to do what they do best. It is no longer acceptable in our knowledge environment to have commanding control structures.



Q: What was the last memorable thing you read?



AB: The Story of Ferdinand. I just have it here in my office, and I was trying to explain to someone the difference between kindness and weakness. As an executive, some folks believe they can't show kindness because it will be misinterpreted as weakness. I believe you should always be kind.

Q: What is one of your daily routines?

AB: You make a lot of decisions in an organization that affect a lot of people. I look for an opportunity each day to touch someone's life. Yesterday, it was about giving one of our senior executives a hug because it was a really rough day for them and they needed that hug. Today, this morning, it was about holding an employee's hand as they told me about their mom's illness and how it's impacting their family. And when I don't find an opportunity to do that at work, I will drive by an area where there is a gentleman who is hungry, and I will always purchase dinner for him before I go home. It's about knowing that you made a difference to someone today in a small way.

Q: What are your goals for MetroHealth?



AB: It's actually pretty simple. It's leading the way to a healthier you and a healthier community. We're accepting responsibility for the entire community's health, and we want to improve everyone's access to healthcare, everyone's healthcare outcomes. And we want to be able to take the disenfranchised, the folks who do not have opportunities, and provide them a pathway to do that.

Q: What is one phrase you think we should use less in healthcare?

AB: "It's the patient's fault." We have been blaming the patient for generations. We either preach at them, we call them noncompliant, we do a lot of things that are judgmental. To improve healthcare, we have to accept people for who they are. You must accept them with all their blemishes and look to help them in their current situation. We have patients here, even though they have insurance, who are so busy figuring out where their children are going to sleep tonight or whether they're going to have food on the table, that their diabetes medication is not in the top 10 of their priorities on a daily basis.

Q: What are some areas where the healthcare industry can improve?

AB: Today, even with the ACA, we don't have enough collaborative effort between the consumers, providers and payers. And those unaligned incentives are a significant obstacle to investments for long-term healthcare. We also have this unorganized and uninformed care system, so we're doing a lot of acute things that are not creating long-term outcomes. Hospitals have frequently become expensive buffer stops for lack of social progress. But MetroHealth, for example, put together a program in 2013 that began dealing with these things. We had a Medicaid 1115 waiver we developed called MetroHealth Care Plus, [which offers free medical care for people with low incomes who do not qualify for Medicaid and are uninsured]. The program can help you get the services and medications you need to stay healthy.

We provided care for more than 28,000 new patients and by focusing on all of those things, we were able to reduce the total cost of care for these patients by nearly 29 percent compared to what CMS allotted to us. That was approximately $1,500 per patient per year. We also improved blood pressure outcomes by 8 percent in a one-year period. For me, these are the kinds of programs that need to be replicated. I think MetroHealth has figured out a formula for taking care of the highest risk socioeconomic patients, and I think we have the opportunity to create models that engage the consumers, the providers and the payers.

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A majority of voters are confident President-elect Donald Trump will keep his campaign promises to repeal and replace the ACA, but a minority supports those ideas, according to a poll conducted by Harvard University's Center for American Politics and featured by The Hill.

A poll conducted by the National Research Group of 2,200 American adults from Nov. 18-21 found 54 percent felt Mr. Trump would follow through on his promises to repeal and replace the healthcare reform law, but only 46 percent of those surveyed said they supported the President-elect's healthcare proposals, The Hill reported. This approval is slightly higher than the portion of adult Americans who approve of Mr. Trump's proposal to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico (43 percent).

However, more respondents approved of Mr. Trump's healthcare proposals than disapproved  less than a third (31 percent) voiced disapproval for his proposals, and another 14 percent were undecided.

Mr. Trump had a 43 percent approval rating among those surveyed and a 49 percent disapproval rating.

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Irving, Texas-based NorthStar Anesthesia, an anesthesia management company, has signed an agreement with the Private Diagnostic Clinic, the physician practice of Durham, N.C.-based Duke Health.

Under the agreement, NorthStar Anesthesia, which manages the academic medical center program at Detroit Medical Center, will leverage their relationship with Duke to offer best in class solutions to other academic medical centers, according to a news release.

Phil Eichenholz, MD, president and founder of NorthStar Anesthesia, recently spoke with Beckers Hospital Review in detail about the agreement.

Note: Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Question: What led to the agreement?

Phil Eichenholz: Northstar Anesthesia historically has been focused on community hospitals, large urban hospitals and more recently larger hospital systems in the private sector. But along the way, we've had conversations with different people and we certainly hear from those on the academic side who have similar struggles as those in the private sector.

At the Detroit Medical Center, which is owned by Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare, we went through a long and complicated request for proposal process and were fortunate to get chosen to partner with Tenet and the Detroit Medical Center. Through that whole process, we heard what we had heard all along, which was academic medical centers were looking for operational efficiency, struggling on the leadership front to a great degree and concurrently having to maintain the academic mission. They are always struggling to make sure they have good academic teachers and good clinicians. At the same time, they have to run large urban and suburban hospitals. These hospitals provide different challenges and it requires a lot from an academic department. We saw a lot of the academic chairmanships in anesthesia were open to new solutions because it's a tough leadership role. You have to know how to provide the operational excellence to run large clinical programs and at the same time succeed on the academic mission part.

We went into the Detroit Medical Center about a year and a half ago and it is going very well. Given all that, it is still a big jump for an academic medical center to agree to outsource an academic department. Enter Duke. They have the scholarly research. They're interested in doing large multicenter academic research trials that are very difficult for a number of the academic departments in anesthesia to do. Many of our academic folks in anesthesia are great clinicians, but that does not mean they have the research expertise to compete against basic scientists for extramural funding from the National Institutes of Health. We think Duke can help with the academic leadership because they have a number of great clinicians there who are also great leaders.

Q: What are the terms of the agreement?

PE: With Duke, we've entered into an agreement that we will together collaboratively manage and propose on programs at other academic medical centers that are receptive to the idea. I think a lot of academic medical center departments are run really well, and Duke is one of them, so we are not going in to manage the anesthesia department at Duke. But a lot of academic medical centers are struggling with leadership, how to run a large clinical program in an efficient manner and still succeed in the academic mission. So for those programs, NorthStar Anesthesia and Duke have an agreement to co-manage together an academic department.

Q: What is the goal with the partnership?

PE: The goal of the partnership is to open up the ability to participate in organizations like NorthStar Anesthesia to a whole sector of medicine similarly focused on excellence in anesthesia. More and more, with hospitals and health systems in the public and private sectors, we're having a dual approach where we combine strong clinical leaders with strong business leaders. And this is a way for an academic medical center to get best in business practices combined with best in clinical practices and best in academic teaching. Really that is what it comes down to.

For more information about the partnership, click here.
Vitas Health Corp. Midwest, a subsidiary of Miami-based hospice provider Vitas Healthcare, has agreed to pay $200,000 to resolve allegations it paid kickbacks to Farid Fata, MD, in exchange for referrals, according to The Detroit News.

Dr. Fata, a Detroit-area hematologist-oncologist, was convicted in 2015 of purposely misdiagnosing patients with cancer and administering medically unnecessary chemotherapy to them. Dr. Fata, nicknamed "Dr. Death" by his victims, pleaded guilty in 2014 to 13 counts of healthcare fraud, one count of conspiracy to pay or receive kickbacks and two counts of money laundering.

In July 2015, Dr. Fata was sentenced to 45 years in prison. However, he recently told Kaiser Health News he plans to file a habeas corpus petition, which will require a judge to determine if his imprisonment is lawful. Dr. Fata claims he is innocent and that he pleaded guilty in 2014 while under duress.

U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services began investigating Vitas after one of the company's employees filed a complaint alleging Vitas paid Dr. Fata for patient referrals. According to the complaint, Vitas gave nearly $16,000 to a charity Dr. Fata created in exchange for 23 patient referrals.

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As Philip Morris continues to invest in nontraditional tobacco products to compensate for declining cigarette use in key markets, CEO Andre Calantzopoulos says he hopes the company someday moves away from cigarette production entirely.

Mr. Calantzopoulos made such remarks during an interview with British Broadcasting Corp.'s Radio 4, according to The Wall Street Journal. The comments come as the tobacco giant launches its heat-not-burn tobacco product in the United Kingdom. The product, IQOS, is about the size of a fountain pen and differs from traditional e-cigarettes, which vaporize nicotine contained in liquid, by heating the tobacco long enough to produce a vapor without burning it, purportedly making the product less harmful.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Mr. Calantzopoulos told BBC4 he believes "there will come a moment in time where I would say we have sufficient adoption of these alternative products ... and sufficient awareness to start envisaging together with government a phase-out period for cigarettes, and I hope this time will come soon."

However, the company is likely to remain in the cigarette business for the foreseeable future. During the interview with BBC4, Mr. Calantzopoulos himself cited World Health Organization projections suggesting there will still be more than 1 billion smokers around the globe by 2025. Still, the CEO said the company is transitioning away from traditional cigarettes.

"I think we're transforming our company to achieve this," Mr. Calantzopoulos told BBC4, according to the Wall Street Journal. "We're moving very massively our resources and the focus of the organization from our existing traditional business to the new one so, as far as we are concerned, we will do everything we can to accelerate the reaching of consumers to this product [IQOS]."

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Most primary care physicians would not fully disclose information about a harmful medical error to patients, according to a recent survey conducted by Georgia State University and published in the journal BMJ Quality and Safety.

The survey, completed by more than 300 primary care physicians from integrated healthcare delivery systems in Washington, Massachusetts and Georgia, offered two hypothetical scenarios in an oncology setting. The first involved a delayed breast cancer diagnosis. The second involved a delayed response to patient symptoms due to a failure in care coordination. Multiple physicians were responsible for both errors.

Seventy-seven percent of respondents in the first scenario and 58 percent of respondents in the second scenario said they would not offer information or they would vaguely reference miscommunication as the source of the error, according to the report. The majority of respondents in both cases said they would not volunteer an apology.

Researchers also explored the factors that influence a physician's decision to disclose a medical error to a patient, take responsibility and offer an apology. They found physicians were more likely to disclose a medical error if they had a sense of personal responsibility for the event, if they felt it was serious or if they put a premium on patient communication.

"The intent to disclose was not as frequent as we thought it might be," said Douglas Roblin, PhD, professor in the division of health management and policy in the School of Public Health at Georgia State University and researcher at the Center for Clinical and Outcomes Research at Kaiser Permanente Georgia, according to GSU. "The two vignettes gave pretty consistent findings. The majority would not fully disclose, and we were hoping for full disclosure because that is the ethical expectation."

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On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration gave the green light to a small nonprofit research group in Santa Cruz, Calif., to conduct large-scale, Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA to treat post traumatic stress disorder, reports The New York Times.

Successful results in the late-stage trials could bring MDMA, or ecstasy, one step closer to potentially being approved as a prescription drug.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies previously sponsored six Phase 2 studies of the drug involving 130 PTSD patients. In one of the studies, researchers found patients who received three doses of MDMA  administered under a psychiatrist's guidance  recorded a 56 percent decrease in the severity of their symptoms on average, according to the report.By the end of the study, two-thirds of the participants no longer met the criteria for having PTSD.

MAPS will also fund Phase 3 research, which will include at least 230 patients, the New York Times reports. Researchers applied for breakthrough therapy status through the FDA, which could speed up the regulatory process and make the drug available by 2021, if approved.

Im cautious but hopeful, said Charles R. Marmar, MD, head of psychiatry at New York Universitys Langone School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study, according to the report. If they can keep getting good results, it will be of great use. PTSD can be very hard to treat. Our best therapies right now dont help 30 to 40 percent of people. So we need more options.

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In 2014, medical device manufacturer Sorin and the FDA came under fire after news broke that a heater-cooler device for heart surgery was linked to infections. The FDA waited 14 months before issuing a public alert concerning the risks, leading many experts to question the FDA's oversight of medical devices, according to Kaiser Health News.

Here are eight key thoughts:

1. In 2002, Sorin's 3T heater-cooler device came under question when a German hospital physician found the device was rather difficult to disinfect. The physician published a study regarding the device and presenting the findings at a New Orleans conference. The provider said the device manufacturers "do not provide any technology to reduce bacterial or other contamination," KHN reports.

2. In 2011, the FDA toured Sorin's Munchen, Germany plant to assess the situation and safety concerns related to the device. However, a Sorin spokesperson said the company was not aware of the airborne mycobacteria threat associated with its device until a 2014 report from Swiss authorities. The news prompted Sorin to begin an investigation that year, with the company notifying hospitals in July 2014 that some of its heater-coolers may be contaminated and there is a risk of mycobacteria infecting cardiac patients.

3. The FDA began investigating Sorin halfway through 2014 after the FDA became aware of the alert Sorin sent to hospitals. The agency said it became aware of the mycobacteria risk in 2015 and "it came as a surprise to the healthcare community at large," said Suzanne Schwartz, an associate director at the FDA's center for regulating medical device, according to KHN.

4. The agency issued detailed recommendations in October 2016, nearly two years later, to hospital and patients about the devices. Some critics argue if the agency had issued a public alert and detailed recommendations sooner, many patients would not have been exposed to potentially fatal bacteria.

5. Many are questioning the FDA's timelines with the public alert. The FDA has said the heater-coolers are essential for patient care until an alterative hits the market. With pending lawsuits and watchdog groups voicing concern over patient safety, many hospitals are operating at a loss of how to proceed. Some have placed enclosures around machines while others are using sterile of filtered water.

6. London-based LivaNova purchased Sorin last year. A LivaNova spokesperson said the company is currently working with regulators on next steps that address their concerns while also providing physicians access to the device.

7. Ms. Schwartz referred to the Sorin case as an "evolving story" in which new information is coming to light due to ongoing studies and research efforts. She said, "It might seem to have taken a fair amount of time, but one of the challenges has been raising awareness in the healthcare community that this is a problem that needs to be addressed."

8. Michael Bell, MD, a CDC deputy director, told KHN, "I don't think we have a one-size-fits-all solution for this. The reality is this is a wakeup call for the design of many medical devices, especially those in critical places like the operating room."
Englewood, N.J.-based The Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders surgeons performed a Mazor Robotic Renaissance System kyphoplasty on a patient experiencing pain from a T12 fracture.

Here are four observations:

1. The outpatient procedure, performed in an office-based setting with sedation, was the first of its kind in the United States, sending the patient home the same day, according to the press release.

2. Vagmin Vora, MD, Seth Grossman, MD, and Jonathan Lewin, MD, performed the kyphoplasty.

3. The Mazor robot displayed 0.38 millimeters of accuracy for the bone entry site.

4. The patient left the facility two and a half hours post-surgery, and is recovering well.
On Nov. 30, 2016, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the 21st Century Cures Act, according to Fortune.

Here are six points:

1. The House passed the act with a 392 to 26 vote, and the bill will now make its way to the Senate for consideration next week.

2. The 21st Century Cures Act aims to overhaul the drug approval process while also supporting biomedical research. Following much criticism about the lengthily drug approval process, the act aims to speed it up through a series of changes to the FDA.

3. The act would also give more than $4 billion to the National Institutes of Health and $1 billion to combat the nation's opioid epidemic.

4. The 966-page bill features provisions that would lessen various requirements imposed under the 2010 Physician Payments Sunshine Act. The Cures Act would not require pharmaceutical or device companies to disclose the value of textbooks and medical journal reprints that they provided to physicians. Additionally, they would not have to report payments for continuing medical education courses.

5. Opponents of the act, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), say the act could have "dangerous consequences" by weakening the requirements for the drug approval process.

6. Before coming to pass, the Senate has to give the bill the green light as well as obtain a signature from President Barack Obama. Thus far, President-elect Donald Trump has not made a public comment concerning the act.
Astronauts may suffer from visual impairment intracranial pressure following long-duration space missions, according to Jagran Josh. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine researchers presented their findings at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting on Nov. 28, 2016, in Chicago.

Here are six things to know:

1. Two-thirds of astronauts experienced the VIIP syndrome following missions on the International Space Station.

2. The researchers discovered some astronauts suffered structural changes that were irreversible when they returned to Earth.

3. The affected astronauts experienced flattening on the back of their eyeballs as well as inflammation of their optic nerves.

4. Astronauts on long-duration missions possessed more cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

5. The researchers concluded the eye problems were due to the changes in spinal fluid, brought on by the lack of posture-related pressure changes in space.

6. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is researching how to avoid these visual impairments brought on by space travel.
Jim Doty, MD, a Stanford (Calif.) Medicine neurosurgeon, urges people to demonstrate kindness and compassion in their lives, according to Stanford Medicine.

Here are five insights:

1. Outside of his medical career, Dr. Doty is a writer. He authored Into the Magic Shop, which teaches people how to establish a "positive narrative in [their] minds," according to Stanford Medicine.

2. An excerpt from his book reads: "When you can change that narrative to understand this reality and change it to one in which you're overflowing with gratitude, goodness, kindness  where you want to embrace everybody  remarkable things happen."

3. He called on his medical background to emphasize research has proven people are happier and healthier when they display generosity and gratitude.

4. Dr. Doty founded and currently serves as the director of Stanford Medicine's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education.

5. Dr. Doty completed his residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
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The team of Thala 57 is currently camped at Bulgaria, where they are in the final schedule of the film. As reported earlier, this schedule will witness the participation of most of the cast members.

Sources close to the team suggest that the film will showcase 12 countries in Europe. This will be a special highlight of the film, claim sources. Since hero Ajith is reportedly playing an undercover cop, perhaps, he may be on a mission in these countries.

Thala 57 being directed by Siva has Kajal Agarwal and Akshara Haasan as the leads supported by Karunakaran, Thambi Ramaiah, Appukutty, Rajendran and others. Anirudh scores the music while Kabilan Vairamuthu is involved with the scripting department. The film is produced by Thiagarajan for Sathyajyothi Films.
The economic transformation of Irish border communities brought by the peace process has been put at risk by Brexit, MPs have been told.

The head of a business support organisation working in counties Armagh and Down issued the stark warning yesterday as he gave evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee inquiry into the future of the Irish border when the UK leaves the EU.

Conor Patterson, chief executive of the Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency, was appearing alongside other leading business representatives from the area.

All of them raised concern about the impact of Brexit, highlighting issues around potential trading tariffs and restrictions on the movement of workers.

Mr Patterson) told committee members that an unemployment rate of 30% in the border city of Newry at the height of the Troubles had dropped to below 3% this summer.

"Over the last 25 years this community has taken advantage of the dissolution of the border as a barrier to the movement of goods and people - growing world-beating, locally-owned, innovative companies now employing thousands and making an enormous contribution to the Northern Ireland economy," he said.

"Our concern is that transformation will be put at risk.

"We accept the result of the referendum but we wish the concerns of border communities to be taken into account by those negotiating both on behalf of the UK Government and the Government of the Irish Republic."

Mr Patterson said many local companies operated on a cross-border basis.

"Any disruption to trading modalities and especially freedom of movement of goods and people will badly affect these vital companies," he said.

He acknowledged the drop in sterling in the wake of the referendum had delivered a "windfall" for Newry retailers, but he said that would only continue if shoppers from the Republic could travel north without restriction.

Michael Blaney, managing director at Newry-based insurance company Autoline, said his ability to attract talent from the Republic of Ireland could be undermined. He also said the company's plans to expand its business across the border could be negatively affected.

Mr Blaney said the company suffered its first "Brexit casualty" shortly after the vote when one of its data scientists left.

"As soon as the Leave vote came through, he made plans to work in Dublin as he felt he had to remain within the EU," he said.

"One of our major concerns is certainly how the flow of talent will be affected from markets across the border.

"Another of our concerns is that a significant part of our growth strategy was the natural step into the Republic given that two of our offices - Newry and Enniskillen - are so close to the border.

"We feel this would certainly become more difficult from a regulatory perspective if there was a hard Brexit with the passporting rights we currently have to trade in other EU jurisdictions being withdrawn perhaps," he added.
Daniel and Majella ODonnell in their B&B Road Trip. The reality TV show was a major hit for UTV Ireland though the second series was snapped up by RTE

Redundancies will be "unavoidable" among 61 staff at UTV Ireland after its merger with TV3 was completed, the company said.

UTV Ireland was part of the TV assets sold by UTV in Belfast to ITV earlier this year in a 100m deal.

But ITV has sold the channel on to Virgin Media, part of US giant Liberty Global, for 10m.

Virgin Media already owns commercial TV channel TV3 in the Republic - and the deal to buy UTV Ireland now gives it access to top-rating ITV programmes.

TV3 on Thursday announced a restructuring programme to consolidate the two businesses into one.

UTV Ireland currently employs 61 permanent staff.

TV3 announced it has 40 open vacancies, many of which it is hoped will be filled by current UTV Ireland staff.

It said: "The proposed changes may result in unavoidable redundancies in UTV Ireland but where possible, staff will be offered redeployment opportunities within TV3."

The company will enter into a 30 day consultation period with effect from December 5 and it is expected that the various steps associated with this plan will be substantially completed by January 2017.

As part of this consolidation, the UTV Ireland operation currently based in Macken House will move to TV3s headquarters in Ballymount.

The UTV Ireland channel will rebrand over the coming weeks and will join TV3s existing group of channels, TV3 and 3e.

Pat Kiely, Managing Director of TV3, said: Todays announcement strengthens independent television broadcasting in Ireland by bringing together great channels and great content under the one roof. The combined TV3 Group business is now better equipped to compete against significant local and international broadcasters.

"We can now also play an increasingly bigger role in the development of Irish originated production and broadcasting. I am confident that our new three channel structure will drive the future potential and long term growth of the business.
Ulster Bank parent Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) will have to raise around 2bn to boost its financial strength after failing the Bank of England's (BoE) annual health check of the sector.

The lender, which is 73% owned by the taxpayer, emerged as the worst performer in the stress test and has drawn up a plan overnight to bolster its resilience in case of a financial crisis.

Barclays and Asian-focused player Standard Chartered also struggled in the test, but the BoE said their existing plans mean that they do not have to take further action.

The BoE's most severe annual stress test so far gauged the resilience of seven UK lending giants - RBS, Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, Barclays, Santander, Standard Chartered and Nationwide Building Society - against a global economic crisis and crashing house prices.

The BoE's financial policy committee said that in light of the findings and action taken by RBS, "the banking system is in aggregate capitalised to support the real economy in a severe, broad and synchronised stress scenario".

RBS said it planned to boost its balance sheet by taking actions including further asset sales and cost-cutting, although it is not set to tap markets for extra finance.

Ewen Stevenson, chief financial officer of RBS, added: "We are committed to creating a stronger, simpler, safer bank for our customers and shareholders.

"We have taken further important steps in 2016 to enhance our capital strength, but we recognise that we have more to do to restore the bank's stress resilience including resolving outstanding legacy issues."

RBS came close to failing last year, while a stress test by the European Banking Authority during the summer revealed that the lender would be the third worst hit in a new economic crisis.

Results of the BoE's annual test came as it published its Financial Stability Report, which warned that the outlook "remains challenging" for the UK.

RBS shares fell 2% after the test results, while Standard Chartered also slipped into the red.

But Barclays shares held firm despite balance sheet weaknesses being revealed, with HSBC and Lloyds also edging higher in the FTSE 100 Index as they were given a clean bill of health.

BoE governor Mark Carney said that after plans were put in place by RBS, Barclays and Standard Chartered to address weaknesses, banks would be able to "withstand a severe shock".

Earlier this year Ulster Bank announced the sale of an impaired loan portfolio across Ireland with a face value of 2.5bn (2bn) to vulture fund Cerberus.

Just 12% - or around 300m (255m) - of the loans related to borrowings in Northern Ireland, though none related to residential mortgages on this side of the border. Around 1% of the all-island loans involved farmers and other agri-business.

It was the latest of a number of loan sale by the bank in recent years. It announced the sale of other Northern Ireland loans worth 1.4bn to Cerberus for 205m last year while loans were sold under Project Achill in 2014.
From left, Stephen Stewart, managing director at Mervyn Stewart, Karen Bickerstaff, general manager of Mervyn Stewart, and Ellen Matthews, from Danske Bank

Local car dealer Mervyn Stewart is creating 20 new jobs with a new Skoda franchise.

The company, which is the largest Skoda dealership in Northern Ireland, will open the business between Bangor and Newtownards as part of a 2m investment. The new dealership will be based on a two acre site close to Conlig.

The company currently has its main dealership at Boucher Crescent in Belfast.

Stephen Stewart, managing director at Mervyn Stewart, said: "We have represented Skoda in Belfast for 15 years and we were delighted when we were given the opportunity to represent the brand in north Down.

"The success of the award-winning Skoda range has increased the market share, and it makes north Down an important territory for the brand and a great opportunity for further growth for Mervyn Stewart."

The business received funding for the expansion from Danske Bank. Ellen Matthews, business banking manager at Danske Bank, said: "Mervyn Stewart is one of the best-known family run businesses in Northern Ireland.

"It is a trusted dealership with a wealth of experience in the car market."
And so it came. After weeks of revelations, high drama, tension and frustration, The Missing surprisingly answered the questions it posed and gave the explanation and the ending - to a degree - craved by us all.

The twists and turns of James Nesbitt's 2014 The Missing kept us glued to our seats - and at times hiding behind them.

Where it left off appeared conclusive, so when a second series was announced, it came as a surprise to most.

Series two began with a long lost child emerging from the woods - albeit to the relief of a different family and in a different setting.

Alice Webster, after years in her captor's basement, came home and with her a ray of hope to her torn family.

In place of Nesbitt's character - the tortured and haunted Tony Hughes left searching far off desolate places, seeing missing Oliver in any child - we have Julien Baptiste.

The French detective from series one is now ravaged by cancer and determined to go out with 'case solved' stamped on one of his most notorious files.

Like Hughes, implored by all to let it go for the sake of his health and the sake of his family, he can't, always believing to be "so close" to the truth.

Alice's reappearance brings the renowned missing child investigator onto the trail of abducted Sophie, her disappearance having echoes of the Webster case.

And soon questions surround Alice and if she is indeed who she says she is - something her 'mother' Gemma has strong suspicions about.

But Alice doesn't hang around long enough for an interrogation.

Her death in a fire in the shed leads to DNA proof it was definitely her.

In contrast to series one, mother Gemma refuses to accept her daughter's death, while father Sam willingly believes all in front of him as the family slowly tears itself apart and as the episodes progressed, so the plot thickened.

Such was the craftsmanship of the writing by Harry and Jack Williams and the acting by Nesbitt, the original season propelled itself into one of 2014's 'must watch' dramas.

Series two was not without its faults, plot holes were aplenty - Baptiste's detective skills were superhuman - and it did stray off the beaten track in more ways than one.

But the quality of the writing was there. With breadcrumbs of clues scattered throughout, the viewer was allowed in to play a part in piecing together the case.

Crossing three time lines allowed the audience to fill in the gaps but added confusion.

There was a preposterous trip to Iraq and the front line of opposing fighting forces.

But the slow plodding nature helped build the suspense while the bombshells were earth-shattering.

The butcher's wife's possible involvement and the shocking drill moment that unmasked the killer helped build to the penultimate cliffhanger, posing questions every thriller should - the what and the why.

And soon all the faults were forgotten.

Last night we were given a glimpse into how it all began to unravel for our culprit before the show reached its gripping climax in

the woods in Switzerland. Maybe it hadn't the same drama we had come to expect, but there was emotion and the closure not afforded us in the original.

The writers, however, would appear to have a grim tendency for not allowing a completely happy ending.

Given the standalone element of series one, it was hard to see where or how they could emulate its achievements in series two.

But it gripped and it has redefined crime thrillers by making you, the viewer, a silent partner to Baptiste's lone crusade to get to the truth. At times unsettling, it drilled into your head - in more ways than one.

While delivering the ending we so very much wanted for series one, it did not live up to the consistently high standard laid out by Nesbitt, the original cast and script.

But no matter, the breadcrumbs have been laid for another series and whatever the journey it takes one thing will be for sure, there'll be no missing it.
Prime Minister Theresa May has said she hopes the issue can be examined 'at an early stage' of negotiations

Supermarket bosses and farmers unions have warned the Government a so-called hard Brexit would put food supplies in the UK at risk.

Migrant workers and tariff-free access to the single market are vital for the industry, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Marks and Spencer, the NFU and others warned.

In a letter to The Times, the group also called for assurances that European Union citizens already working permanently in the country are allowed to remain.

Access to seasonal and permanent employees from overseas is "essential" to the food supply chain in the UK, they said.

The intervention from the country's largest manufacturing sector heaps more pressure on the Government over the direction its Brexit negotiations will take.

European leaders have made clear their opposition to giving Britain concessions on freedom of movement if it wants to remain part of the trading bloc.

European Council president Donald Tusk earlier this week also insisted there would be no deal on expats until after the Article 50 process for quitting is formally triggered.

The letter has been signed by the NFU in England, Scotland and Wales as well as the Ulster Farmers Union and 71 food businesses with a collective turnover of over 92 billion, including Dairy Crest, Arla Foods, Weetabix, Wyke Farms and Muller Milk & Ingredients.

It states: "For our sector maintaining tariff-free access to the EU single market is a vital priority. It is where 75% of our food exports go, so all our farming and food businesses wish to achieve this outcome.

"The sector needs access to EU and non-EU seasonal and permanent labour, alongside assurances that EU workers already working permanently in the UK are allowed to remain.

"This access to labour is essential as it underpins the UK food chain's timely delivery of high quality affordable food to consumers. We would urge that the UK Government seeks both these goals as the whole of society and the economy will benefit."

Farmers fear they will not be able to find the staff they need to pick, grade and pack crops if Britain no longer has unrestricted access to EU workers.

But Prime Minister Theresa May indicated curbing immigration was more important than remaining part of the single market when she gave an update on plans for Britain's departure in a speech to Conservatives in October.

The letter states: " We are clear that the outcome of this negotiation will have far reaching effects for our sector.

"But we are equally clear that a settlement that recognises the critical role of the UK food chain will demonstrate how Brexit can be beneficial not just for our sector but also the wider economy too."
The Duke of Cambridge is presented with a cake by aerospace engineer and Bake Off runner-up Andrew Smyth,

The Duke of Cambridge joked he would have a word with The Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry after being impressed by a cake made by a beaten finalist from Northern Ireland during his visit to Rolls-Royce's aero engine factory.

Prince William was presented with a cake modelled on one of the aerospace giant's Trent XWB engines by Co Down Bake Off star Andrew Smyth at the firm's plant in Derby.

The former pupil of Sullivan Upper in Holywood, who now lives in Derby, is the son of former CBI Northern Ireland director Nigel Smyth.

William spent a couple of minutes chatting to Andrew, who works for Rolls-Royce, before heaping praise on the "incredible" cake. The Prince told the 25-year-old engineer: "I'm going to have words with Mary (Berry) - you should have won."

The Duke also informed Mr Smyth he had seen "one or two" Bake Off episodes.

He added: "I was wondering if this was actually a cake and it actually is.

"The problem is when you make something as good as this you don't want to eat it.

"I don't want to break that apart."

Mr Smyth, who is a performance technologist with Rolls-Royce, spent around eight hours preparing the chocolate Madeira cake - filled with buttercream and morello cherry jam - at his home.

After meeting the Duke, Andrew admitted feeling more nervous than he was during this year's Bake Off final.

"I think I was a little bit starstruck when he came through the door," he said.

"I missed where he said 'I'll have a word with Mary'.

"He's a bit late now, but I appreciate the thought."

Asked what time-frame he had been given to design a cake fit for a future king, Andrew added: "I was asked to bake the cake a couple of weeks ago.

"I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to do, whether I wanted to do a really elaborately- decorated cake.

"But then I thought I've got to come back to my roots - engineering and baking. That's what I did on the show."
Belfast City Council is clamping down on the use of scramblers in parks after an increase in the number of complaints about antisocial behaviour despite the death of a woman in an motorbike accident this year.

A number of parks across the north and west of the city have been singled out for attention after locals and politicians voiced concerns to the council.

The issue was brought into sharp focus following the death of 35-year-old mother Valerie Armstrong (below), who was killed in a scrambler collision in Colin Glen Forest Park in July.

Following Mrs Armstrong's death, the PSNI issued a warning reminding the public of the dangers of improper use of scramblers and other vehicles.

However, it would appear the appeal fell on deaf ears, with an undisclosed number of people since complaining about scramblers being ridden illegally in Girdwood, Cavehill Country Park, Dunville Park, and the Waterworks.

Antisocial behaviour in parks across Belfast was discussed at the City Council's People and Communities Committee meeting earlier this month.

The issue was raised after an increase in the number of complaints about crime and bad behaviour in open spaces.

Concerns were also raised about a group of 150 young people who roam across open spaces in the city.

"This group can be under the influence of alcohol and drugs and is often determined to remain detached from existing structured youth provision in their own communities," the People and Communities Committee was told.

A total of seven parks or open spaces have been at the forefront of the problem in recent months.

n At Girdwood, in the north of the city, criminal damage, abuse of residents, rowdy behaviour and inappropriate use of scramblers has been reported. The behaviour was described as "unpredictable" and could happen on any night of the week. In the other parks the activity was reported mostly at the weekend at during school holidays.

n At Marrowbone Park, also in the north of the city, criminal damage, vandalism, trespass, drinking, night fires, drug use and bad behaviour was reported.

n At Falls Park and the City Cemetery, both in the west of the city, criminal damage, vandalism, the lighting of fires, burnt out vehicles, inappropriate vehicle use, drinking, drug use and rowdy and nuisance behaviour were reported.

n At Lagan Towpath, in south Belfast, there have been multiple reports of under-age drinking.

n At Cave Hill Country Park, in the north of the city, criminal damage, graffiti, drinking, inappropriate use of scramblers and rowdy and nuisance behaviour were reported.

n At Dunville Park, in west Belfast, there has been drinking, nuisance behaviour and inappropriate use of scramblers.

n At Whiterock, which is also in west Belfast, possible damage to a new playground facility has been reported.

The committee heard that work to crack down on the problem was ongoing. This includes fortnightly operational planning meetings to monitor concerns and develop responses and visible patrols of council officers and when required the PSNI.

It also includes visits to off-licences around parks and open spaces to give advice and guidance on the consequences of selling alcohol to minors.
Parliament Buildings at Stormont. More than 1 billion of public money will be paid by 2036 to Northern Ireland-based businesses which signed up to the renewable energy scheme

A senior civil servant charged with overseeing a controversial renewable energy scheme is unable to explain why it was never reviewed.

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) aimed to cut the cost of green energy to encourage people off fossil fuels but ended up landing ministers with an overspend of hundreds of millions of pounds.

David Sterling, permanent secretary and accounting officer for the Department of Finance, said the botched initiative had not been high on his radar but accepted mistakes were on his watch.

He said: "With hindsight, I may have got my priorities wrong."

The RHI encouraged the installation of costly eco-friendly heating systems by paying a tariff per kilowatt of heat burned over a 20-year period.

However, unlike in the rest of the UK, in Northern Ireland no cap or payment tier system was placed on the money that could be claimed in proportion to the size of boiler and the hours it was operated.

That effectively enabled a business to burn unnecessary heat 24/7 just to make money.

Thousands signed up to the scheme - a deluge that ultimately forced its closure, but not before Stormont had been left exposed to a huge overspend.

Overall, more than 1 billion of public money will be paid by 2036 to Northern Ireland-based businesses which signed up to the scheme.

Last week economists claimed the failure to regularly review tariffs was the main reason for the scheme's budget-busting demise.

Mr Sterling, who left the department in July 2014, said: "I accept that a review did not take place in my time. I accept that in the business case it was said a review would take place in early 2014.

"I can't satisfactorily explain why the review didn't take place.

"Questions around that are being addressed in the fact-finding review."

During a grilling from MLAs on the Public Accounts Committee at Stormont, Mr Sterling said, at the time, he felt he had fulfilled an obligation to put in place sound internal control and governance mechanisms but with hindsight conceded he should have been more alert to the need for a review.

"It is now clear that the control system may have looked good but the application for the control system was deficient, otherwise how would you explain what has happened," he said.

"The initial tariff design would have mitigated some of the problems we faced had it had tiering introduce at the start but significantly that the review didn't take place and the other significant factor is that warning signs which were flagged up by (government regulator) Ofgem and by the whistleblower were not taken account of.

"You bring those things together and I think that, in large part, contributes to what we are facing today."

Meanwhile, Mr Sterling also rejected allegations of trying to deflect MLAs questions and shift the blame on to others.

He said: "I really would want to stress, I am not seeking to try and pass the buck to others. I will accept full responsibility for any failings which occurred during my time.

"I am absolutely clear about that."

DUP MLA Trevor Clarke was critical of some of the evidence presented and of Mr Sterling's leadership.

He said: "To me this is flagging up an issue within the department under your leadership at that time that there was an issue with this scheme; there was an opportunity to review it; you failed to review it and then it runs out of control."

Sinn Fein MLA Declan Kearney said he too was disappointed by the lengthy session.

He said "It sounded to me, in your opening remarks and then in response to questions that we were beginning to get a pattern that it was nothing to do with yourself.

"That's not just one member's perception, interpretation or conclusion. It is at least the opinion of another."

Meanwhile, Michelle Gildernew, also of Sinn Fein said the PAC's was to seeking to establish whether the scheme was a "cock-up or conspiracy".
A barrister has asked for proceedings in a case of alleged rape to be speeded up following a deterioration in his client's health "due to the prison environment".

The request was made at Dungannon Magistrates Court whilst judicial review proceedings were simultaneously under way in Belfast against a health trust who are unable to accommodate the accused, despite significant mental health issues.

James Wright (23), of Derrylee Road, Dungannon, is accused of an ambush-style attack on a female in nearby Peatlands Park.

The woman was allegedly targeted while walking her dog on the afternoon of April 27 this year.

Wright has been remanded in custody since his first appearance in court when bail was refused.

However, subsequent High Court applications were successful, in that bail was granted subject to placement in appropriate accommodation.

High Court Judge Mr Justice O'Hara had expressed concern that Wright remained in Maghaberry Prison given his learning difficulties and attempts to self-harm.

A defence barrister told Dungannon Magistrates Court: "It is imperative this matter is expedited. My client's condition has deteriorated due to the prison environment. He is at risk of being sectioned."

The defence added: "A Judicial Review is being heard at High Court as we speak."

This relates to action taken on Wright's behalf against the Southern Health & Social Care Trust who will not provide appropriate accommodation to which he can be released on bail.

The Judicial Review proceedings had previously been subject to reporting restrictions but these were lifted yesterday.

In respect of the criminal matter, District Judge John Meehan ordered a preliminary enquiry to be arranged as soon as possible with a view to having Wright's case committed to Crown Court early in the new year.
The number of DLA recipients as of February this year was 210,260. This has risen by 6,470 since February 2015.

More than 200,000 people in Northern Ireland are claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - an increase of more than 7,000 since last year.

The new figures from the Department for Communities revealed that in August 2016 there were 214,260 people claiming DLA, up from 206,980 the previous year.

Since 2011 the number has risen steadily from 184,860.

In June this year DLA began to be replaced with the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system.

The DUP's Gregory Campbell has claimed the high DLA figures suggested an increase in benefit fraud, but hoped stricter tests to qualify for a PIP will address the issue.

However, charity Disability Action rubbished any suggestion fraud was to blame for the increased figure.

Instead, it pointed to health inequalities, higher levels of deprivation compared to the rest of the UK and increased awareness of the benefits available.

"It will be interesting to see what the figures are once the Personal Independence Payment figures begin to play out," said Mr Campbell.

"Right now, the overall issue is one of continuing concern.

"With the transition from DLA to PIP, there's a need to ensure those who are genuinely in need get the benefit they are entitled to. That must be absolutely paramount.

"Running alongside that is the need to ensure any number of individuals who are claiming this benefit they're not strictly entitled to has to be rigorously examined.

"We will wait to see what the transition to PIP means. It is something the wider community, not just politicians, need to keep an eye on."

Karen Hall from Disability Action said: "Quite simply, it can't just be down to fraud.

"Anyone who has applied for DLA will know how rigorous the application process can be, and to say that there are people who are 'not as genuine' is an anomaly - you either are entitled to the benefit or you are not."

She added that, historically, disability benefit fraud figures here were low - around 0.5%. The Department for Communities own statistics don't support this," she said. "What we see is effect; what our politicians and wider society should be concerned with is the cause."

Ms Hall said reassessment of those on DLA for PIP was causing "considerable stress and worry" for disabled people.

"The money received through this benefit is to help with the extra costs of disability, many are worried that they will lose the independence that they get from having extra money for things like transport, fuel and help with shopping and cleaning.

"It's only in the next year that we will be able to see the impact on disabled people here. We'll be monitoring this closely, as I'm sure will others."

The figures released by the Department for Communities this week also show a decrease in those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance - 34,620, which is 6,550 fewer than in August 2015.

Other increases in benefit uptake include the Carer's Allowance at 72,150 - 2,280 more than in 2015, as well Employment and Support Allowance recipients at 117,850, an increase of 4,600.
Grahams father Mark Campbell, who died six months ago of an overdose

The son of leading loyalist Mark 'Gutsy' Campbell has been found dead from a suspected drugs overdose - just months after his father died in similar circumstances.

Graham 'Speedy' Larsen from north Belfast became a father for the first time in August.

The 19-year-old's death comes just six months after his dad, who was implicated by a 'supergrass' in the sectarian murders of two Catholic workmen, was found dead from an overdose.

Friends and family of the teenager, who is father to five-month-old Joshua, posted tributes following his sudden death on Tuesday.

Many described the Belfast man as "one of a kind" and a "gentleman" who had a heart of gold.

A JustGiving website has been set up to help with the funeral costs and raised more than 1,000 in less than 24 hours.

The online organiser said they wanted to help Graham's family including his mother, Julie Larsen.

It said: "We would like people to come together at this sad time to help Julie, a single parent, who's had a lot of tragedies lately, losing her youngest son, Speedy.

"We want to raise money for his funeral costs. Many thanks to everyone that will help her during this devastating time for her and the family."

The teenager's dad, who was originally from Canning Place in north Belfast, had been living in Islandmagee in Co Antrim when he was found dead in April, after a fall-out with other loyalists in the Tigers Bay area.

Police at the time said no crime was suspected in the 46-year-old's death.

Campbell was one of two men charged with murdering Gary Convie and Eamon Fox in north Belfast in May 1994.

Mr Convie (24) and his 44-year-old workmate were gunned down as they sat eating lunch in a car at a building site in North Queen Street.

Mr Fox, from Maghery, Co Armagh, was married with six children.

Mr Convie, from Milltown, was a father-of-one. Campbell was charged along with James Smyth (50) on the basis of evidence provided by supergrass Gary Haggarty.

Haggarty has admitted to having the Sten sub-machine gun used in the attack.

Campbell was alleged to have driven the getaway van used to take the gunman from the scene.

Earlier this year the charges against Campbell and Smyth were withdrawn by the Public Prosecution Service.

The court was told the murder case could be delayed by up to two years due to the reliance on evidence from Haggarty.

A death notice in today's Belfast Telegraph states that Graham Larsen's funeral will take place tomorrow.

His funeral service will be at the Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle while burial will take place at the Carnmoney Cemetery.

His mother Julie said in the death notice: "To my little Baby Bear. May God hold you in the palms of his hand and love you as much as you loved us. Love Mummy Bear."

Sympathy notices were also placed on behalf of his brother Dale and baby son Joshua.

DUP councillor Guy Spence called for Stormont to provide drugs "intervention" services in the lower north Belfast area.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Graham Cameron Larsen. Always knew him as Speedy. Lost for words," he posted on social media. "Our government seriously needs to prioritise and provide intervention in lower north Belfast. If you still won't listen to my words, please listen to those from grieving families and friends."

Earlier this year, the deceased's mother was accused of attempting to murder another son, who was left with severe head and facial injuries after being beaten with an iron bar as he slept.

Larsen (42) allegedly stood by and watched as her son Matthew Larsen (24), known as Matty, was beaten with an iron bar by a man on December 28. Larsen also allegedly cleaned up after the attack.

Police claimed in court in January that she had spoken of her son deserving the beating.

She was charged with attempted murder as part of a joint enterprise, perverting the course of justice, and causing grievous bodily harm to a woman who was also injured in the same attack. A police officer said that based on witness accounts, Larsen allegedly watched as her son was struck on the side of the head with a metal bar, causing his ear to explode.
More than 2,000 people have been fined for driving in Belfast bus lanes during the night when buses aren't even running

More than 26,000 parking and bus lane fines have been scrapped in the last two years after they were appealed, it has emerged.

Over half of challenges were successful, resulting in 36 being written off every day.

Based on the minimum 45 fine, it equates to around 1.2m worth of penalties being wrongly issued.

The figures were released by the Department for Infrastructure.

DUP MLA Christopher Stalford (below) said it was firm evidence of an over-zealous approach from wardens. He cited the Lisburn Road in his South Belfast constituency, which each year is the most ticketed street in Northern Ireland.

"There is no question that they are over-zealous," he said.

"There are particular parts of my constituency, I think especially of the Lisburn Road for example, and the figures would bear this out.

"I genuinely believe there are certain areas that are being exploited as a cash cow by those who issue tickets.

"The effect of their actions has been to actively deter people from going to the Lisburn Road and spending money there." Figures released by Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard show that in 2014/15 and 2015/16 a total of 48,409 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were challenged.

Some 26,525 of these - 55% - were successful.

Of the 21,884 rejected cases, 619 were appealed further - and 204 were scrapped.

In total, 26,729 PCNs were written off in the two-year period.

Mr Stalford added: "The fact that so many appeals are upheld underscores the need for the public to be more prepared to challenge the issuing of tickets.

"In the majority of occasions challenges are successful, and this indicates that the way in which the system is being applied is imperfect."

One motorist contacted the Belfast Telegraph to described how he successfully challenged a fine.

He was ticketed after 8pm on a Thursday - even though restrictions ended at 6pm.

He said: "I was parked in Murray Street near the Europa Hotel and was given a ticket at 8.01pm - despite the fact that the sign clearly said the restrictions end at 6pm. I tried to put money in the machine to be certain, even though I knew I didn't need to pay it.

"But the machine doesn't take the money after 6pm.

"I have no idea why the traffic wardens were operating at 8pm at night.

"The warden had just gone down the street - they must have ticketed 12 or 13 cars.

"I rang up and managed to get the issue resolved."

The Department for Infrastructure said: "Of the total PCNs issued, only 9% are successfully challenged.

"A penalty charge notice is issued to drivers who contravene regulations, in line with legislation.

"Often these contraventions impact other commuters and have a knock-on impact on traffic flow.

"The department would prefer that drivers adhere to the law."

In April this year the Belfast Telegraph reported how the Lisburn Road in the south of the city was the most ticketed street in Northern Ireland.

It topped a list of places in Belfast where commuters were most likely to be slapped with a parking fine.

Almost 35,000 penalties were dished out in a 12-month period across the city.

The amount of penalties which have been wrongly issued based on the minimum 45 cost of a fine

The number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) which were written off in a two-year period
Stormont's Justice Minister is "devastated" by the deaths of three prisoners at Maghaberry jail last month, MLAs have heard.

Claire Sugden pledged to do more to support vulnerable inmates and tackle the scourge of drugs during a lengthy evidence session before her department's scrutiny committee.

She said: "I am devastated by those deaths and it is something I can assure the committee that we are taking very seriously to address and see how we can hopefully stop this happening.

"I am not sure it will stop happening again, the nature of suicide in prisons, but indeed I want to feel we are doing everything we can."

On Wednesday, a 34-year-old man was the third prisoner to die in Maghaberry during November, bringing to six the total number of deaths at the Co Antrim prison in the past 12 months - four of whom were suicides.

Miss Sugden added: "I am not going to comment on the circumstances of the most recent death.

"It is still being investigated. However, I suppose we can say that there was no indication of self harm but we still await the results of the post-mortem which we expect in the coming days."

While outlining her departmental priorities to Assembly members on the Justice Committee, the Minister acknowledged that damning reports from prisoner watchdogs had shone a light on the challenges facing the prison system.

"The Prison Service is tasked to deliver safe, decent and secure prisons with rehabilitation at their core. Recent events have highlighted the challenges that prison officers face as they deal with people in custody," she said.

"Death in custody reports from the Prisoner Ombudsman and Criminal Justice Inspectorate have brought into sharp focus the issue of mental health in prisons and how we support vulnerable prisoners."

Also among the priorities was providing additional support for prison officers in recognition of their challenging role, the committee was told.

"I firmly believe that better support for officers will lead to better support for prisoners," said Miss Sugden, who last month announced a review of how vulnerable prisoners would be monitored.

Meanwhile, Prison Service Acting Director Phil Wragg told the committee they were not "silent" to the issue of drugs in prison.

He said officials were working with the police, ambulance service and health trusts to establish a strategy for the way forward and hoped to emulate how the issue is tackled on the streets.

Maghaberry, Northern Ireland's only high-security prison, accommodates sentenced and remand prisoners and has segregated areas for paramilitary prisoners.

It was ranked among the most dangerous jails in the UK after a damning inspection last year.

Prison authorities were also heavily criticised in a recent Ombudsman report after an inmate inflicted extreme self-harm on himself in June 2014.

Alliance Party MLA Trevor Lunn raised concerns about the availability of both illegal and prescription drugs in jail.

He said: "There is something very wrong that these items are so readily available."

Mr Wragg was also questioned about the nutrition value of prison meals.

Sinn Fein MLA Declan Kearney said he had received complaints during a recent visit that inmates were being fed spam sandwiches and a small bag of crisps for lunch.

He said: "It is spam, not ham without butter."

Mr Wragg said provision of a hot meal at lunchtime had been taken away to facilitate more activities but agreed to investigate the matter further.
An image captured in the Mourne Mountains has won Trail Magazine's UK Mountain Photo of the Year 2016.

Ryan Simpson's shot of Pierce's Castle beat hundreds of entrants in Trail magazine's annual competition to win over 2,000 of Nikon camera equipment.

Ryan said: "My Pierces Castle photo was taken in August just as the purple heather began to fully blossom across the Mournes. There had been a thin haze across the hills for most of the day and I knew the potential existed for something atmospheric shortly after sunset.

"With barely a breeze in the air it would become undoubtedly one of my more memorable moments in the Mournes. Whilst I enjoy shooting for myself, I take pleasure also in being inspired by the work of other mountain photographers from around the UK and thats why winning Trail UK Mountain Photo of the Year for me is a particularly great honour."

Kicking off in May 2016, the initial competition entries were whittled down to a final shortlist of 25 by a panel of expert judges, including record-breaking mountaineer Alan Hinkes OBE, mountain filmmaker Terry Abraham and editor of Practical Photography magazine Ben Hawkins. The shortlist was put to a public vote via the website www.livefortheoutdoors.com.

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Trail editor Simon Ingram said: "For all its fine execution and beauty, I think this image also captured peoples imaginations because its such an evocative, unfamiliar location. For walkers who might focus a lot on the mountains of Wales, Scotland and England this picture will hopefully inspire more to explore the mountains over the Irish Sea."

The top ten images (viewable above) include four captured in the Lake District, three from South Wales' Brecon Beacons and two from the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

Top ten

1. Pierces Castle, Mourne Mountains, by Ryan Simpson

2. The Inaccessible Pinnacle, Isle of Skye, by Adrian Trendall

3. The Cairngorms in winter, by Maximilien Czech

4. Wasdale, Lake District, by Rob Graham

5. Cribyn, Brecon Beacons, by Grant Hyatt

6. Striding Edge, Lake District, by Nicolas Cleminshaw

7. Llyn y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons, by Anthony Pease

8. Brecon Beacons by Jolanta Anisiejko

9. Helvellyn, Lake District, by Mark Gamblin

10. Blencathra, Lake District, by Pauline Henderson
The Agriculture Minister has pledged more than 4million to help support livestock farmers in Northern Ireland.

The Agriculture Minister has pledged more than 4million to help support livestock farmers in Northern Ireland.

The financial support package - provided by the EU Exceptional Adjustment Aid - was announced by DUP Minister Michelle McIlveen.

The Assembly member said she was "acutely aware" of the extreme difficulties many livestock farmers have faced in the last two years.

The support package is designed to enable livestock farmers, including milk producers, to apply for assistance for the humane destruction of calves persistently infected with Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD).

It also aims to help farmers improve pig meat quality, manage soils and nutrients more effectively and receive training in business planning and risk management.

The Minister said: "I am encouraged that dairy farmers have already had the opportunity to bid for EU aid to reduce their milk production, where that suited their particular business circumstances.

"Those farmers should receive a much-needed cash injection in the new year.

"However, I want to be able to do more for all livestock farmers affected by the recent market turbulence and to help build a stronger, more sustainable and competitive industry for the future."

The assistance to livestock farmers for the humane destruction of dairy and beef calves with BVD, will include a contribution towards the cost of replacing the animals and not simply the cost of removal to slaughter.

The funding will also support a programme to enhance the competitiveness of the Northern Ireland pig industry through training in parasite control and financial support for appropriate medication.

It will also see a free soil sampling and analysis service, plus information and advice on how to best use the results of analyses to support efficient farm nutrient management.

This is expected to promote sustainable production.

And there is also support for training in business planning and risk management through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise.

Ms McIlveen continued: "In considering the measures to be implemented, I wanted to maximise the impact of the available money and ensure that it makes a meaningful difference to our industry going forward.

"My officials and I have consulted a range of key stakeholders in the sector to seek views on where the support could best be targeted."
The PSNI has welcomed the life sentence handed to claw hammer murderer Louis Maguire, with a senior officer saying that a "dangerous" man has been taken off the streets.

Reacting to yesterday's hearing in which the killer was sentenced to a minimum of 17 years behind bars, Chief Superintendent Kevin Geddes also paid tribute to Mr Ferguson's family.

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"As a result of the proceedings in court, a very dangerous individual is going to start a very long sentence in prison," Superintendent Geddes said.

"For that we are very grateful, and communities will be much safer. I would also like to firstly pay tribute to the Ferguson family for the dignity, grace and courage they have shown since the murder of Eamonn. Without their support, we would not be here today.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the people and the community in Ardoyne who supported us, who allowed us into their houses, who made statements, who assisted the police and who showed trust and confidence in us. I think this is an example that when communities, families and police work together, we can achieve a criminal justice outcome."

Mr Geddes also paid tribute to his major investigation teams and uniformed officers who provided support, as well as the Public Prosecution Service and senior counsel.
Maureen O'Hara's legacy as one of the most iconic stars of Hollywood's golden era has been further cemented after an auction of the late Irish actress's personal belongings sold for almost 360,000.

Wealthy bidders from all over the world, including Ireland, gathered at the Bonhams New York auction on Tuesday for the 'Estate of Maureen O'Hara' sale - a vast collection of 240 items, including letters, scripts, clothing, jewellery and treasured religious artefacts.

A cache of secret love letters which were sent to the Quiet Man star by the movie's director John Ford proved the top attraction, selling for over 60,000.

Almost all of the intimate, never-before-seen letters -which infatuated Ford wrote in the months before filming of the award-winning picture began in Cong, Co Mayo in 1951 - were still in their original envelopes.

Dublin-born O'Hara, who had first met Ford on the set of the 1941 movie How Green Was My Valley, had planned to destroy the love letters upon her death, but in later years changed her mind.

Unsurprisingly, personal items associated with The Quiet Man, O'Hara's most celebrated picture in which she starred alongside John Wayne, attracted the most bids.

O'Hara's personal and heavily-annotated script from the 1952 movie sold for 40,000, while a tweed jacket worn by her character Mary Kate Danaher sold for just over 13,000.

Another highlight was her pair of Meissen porcelain, floral-encrusted covered vases which made 25,000 - 10 times the estimate.

Just a handful of the 240 items that went under the hammer failed to sell, including the jaunting car used to carry the Quiet Man's cast and crew members from their lodgings in Cong to the film set - which had been tipped to fetch a seven-figure sum.

Speaking after the auction, Bonhams spokesperson Catherine Williamson said: "The Irish style icon's personal effects were volleyed between phone, internet and a healthy crowd of in-room bidders from Ireland, Europe, South America and Asia.

"It's clear that O'Hara's appeal is evergreen - she speaks just as much to young movie-goers as to those who saw her when her films first premiered.

"She had a fantastic sense of style and her clothing and accessories proved particularly popular - often selling for as many as 10 times their low estimates."

O'Hara, who starred in 64 movies from 1939 onwards and who was awarded an honorary Oscar in 2014, was 95 when she died.

She passed away peacefully in her sleep in Idaho in October last year.
Unlike other parts of the UK, the 1967 Abortion Act does not extend to Northern Ireland [Picture posed]

A much anticipated report examining Northern Ireland's ban on abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality (FFA) may not be made public.

Justice Minister Claire Sugden appeared to cast doubt over the move when she told MLAs the decision would require full Executive approval.

She said: "The report was never intended to be for publication to the general public. It was to inform both myself and the Health Minister and then we would have discussions with the wider Executive.

"That's not to say we won't publish the report."

The document was produced by a panel of experts set up after a High Court judge ruled that the current ban on abortion in cases of sexual crime and fatal foetal abnormality breached human rights legislation.

It includes testimony from families affected by FFA as well as from key professionals and was received by the departments of health and justice in October.

Both ministers intend to bring the findings before the Executive in the New Year.

Miss Sugden, an independent MLA, also rejected suggestions she was duty bound to "toe the Executive line".

"There is a phrase called collective responsibility within Government and in terms of delivery and actually getting the job done I am quite happy to adhere to that," she said.

"I am also mindful that before becoming a minister I did have particular issues in this area and I along with the Health Minister am keen to progress this particular area but I have to also be realistic that this is a Northern Ireland Executive.

"It's something that we as a full government will have to decide on together to move forward."

Abortion is outlawed in Northern Ireland except in a very limited number of cases where the mother's health is at risk.

Last year, a senior judge in Belfast found the ban on terminations in instances of sexual crime or fatal foetal abnormalities was incompatible with international human rights laws.

The ruling was appealed by Attorney General John Larkin QC and Stormont's Department of Justice and judges are considering arguments made during that hearing.

Among the most critical of the minister's comments was Alliance Party MLA Trevor Lunn.

He said: "If any minister wanted to obtain a report which they didn't want to be published why would you announce it, why would you proclaim the fact that you are trying to find a way forward and are commissioning a report?

"You (Miss Sugden) had quite a bit of time here before you become a minister and I am sure you would have been equally frustrated as I am in the situation, and other members are as well.

"And you, now as a member of the Executive, have to toe the Executive line. I think this is absolutely disgraceful. I am disappointed."

Concerns were also expressed by the Green Party's Claire Bailey and Ulster Unionist Doug Beattie.

Mr Beattie said: "During the Justice Ministers oral evidence to the Justice Committee today the question was asked when the report into Fatal Foetal Abnormality would be released.

"In her answer the Justice Minister said that the report, which has been seen by the First Ministers as well as the Justice and Health Ministers was never designed and commissioned for public release and that there was no guarantee that it would be released.

"Although the Minister didnt state that it would not be released, she did raise the spectre of concerns that this report might be buried if it does not come to a conclusion that is agreeable to the Sinn Fein/DUP Executive.

"I call on the First Ministers to guarantee that the report on FFA will be released for wider scrutiny regardless of what the Executive approach to the report is going to be. Failure to release the report would be detrimental to public confidence in the Executive and transparency in our accountable government."
Samantha Lewthwaite is currently wanted in connection with a Kenyan bomb plot

A Northern Ireland-born Islamic terrorist described as the world's most wanted woman has been shot dead, according to unconfirmed reports.

Banbridge-born Samantha Lewthwaite was allegedly gunned down by a Russian sniper in Ukraine two weeks ago.

Dubbed the 'White Widow', the 30-year-old was reported last month to be fighting for Islamic State terrorists in Syria.

The extraordinary claim, made by the Moscow-based Regnum news agency, could not be verified last night. Its report said: "One of the world's most wanted terrorists, Samantha Lewthwaite, who fought as part of a Ukrainian battalion has been killed by a volunteer sniper.

"According to our information, the White Widow fought on the side of Ukrainian volunteer battalion Aidar as a sniper.

"She was killed by a volunteer sniper who came to fight at the Lugansk front from Russia."

The report continued: "The Russian sniper who killed the British terrorist now has a price of nearly one million dollars on his head from Ukrainian special services."

Born in Northern Ireland and schooled in Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, Lewthwaite was not previously linked to Ukraine.

She was allegedly responsible for training a special team of female suicide bombers in Syria.

Lewthwaite was married to 7/7 suicide bomber Germaine Lindsay and allegedly left Britain in 2009 before being linked to atrocities in Africa. She is suspected of being the mastermind behind the Kenyan Westgate Mall massacre in September 2013, which left 68 people dead.

Lewthwaite is wanted on charges dating back to 2011 which include being in possession of explosives and conspiracy to commit a felony. She has been on the run since. Her trail had gone cold in recent months amid reports she had undergone plastic surgery to evade capture.

Further reading
Martin McGuinness has lambasted the Government for not responding to a request by Northern Ireland's most senior judge for funding for long-delayed inquests.

The Deputy First Minister said he was "incredulous" after the appeal from Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan earlier this year was ignored.

Writing in today's Belfast Telegraph, he argues: "The British Government has, at every turn, blocked and frustrated all efforts to reach a resolution.

"In doing so, they have compounded the suffering of victims and survivors and added insult to injury."

His comments came almost two years after the Stormont House Agreement, which featured proposals for a number of bodies. These include a Historical Investigation Unit, an Independent Commission for Information Retrieval, the Implementation and Reconciliation Group and an Oral History Archive.

Secretary of State James Brokenshire hit back last night, saying: "Success or failure does not rest on the UK Government alone. It will not hinge on a national security 'veto'. That simplistic characterisation fails to recognise that the UK Government has agreed to disclose all relevant material it holds to the Historical Investigation Unit."

Sinn Fein and the Government have been at loggerheads over the details of mechanisms for information recovery. But in February Mr Brokenshire's predecessor Theresa Villiers said the Government would "look very seriously" at releasing money to finance the inquests.

Mr Brokenshire added: "The UK Government will continue to engage with victims' groups, political parties and the Executive to build the necessary political consensus to get the Stormont House legacy institutions up and running.

"The Executive and Northern Ireland's political parties must play their part, too. I am confident they will. Detailed work continues to establish new bodies that command support and confidence, as we seek to build a Northern Ireland that works for everyone."

In May the Lord Chief Justice said he was disappointed at the failure of his bid for funding and appealed to the new Executive, following the Assembly election, to urgently resolve the impasse.

Sinn Fein and the DUP also remain deadlocked over a wider package of measures to deal with the legacy of the Troubles, which led to the issue being dropped from the year-old Fresh Start Agreement.

Since last November the two Executive parties have worked behind the scenes, but have still been unable to agree on the definition of a victim.

Funding proposals need the agreement of Mr McGuinness and First Minister Arlene Foster to get on to the agenda for an Executive meeting. But it has been continually blocked by the DUP, which has refused to put the issue on the agenda until Sinn Fein accepts Troubles victims cannot include perpetrators.

Mrs Foster returned to the issue in the Assembly this week when she said: "I await the readiness of others to look at the definition of a victim. Members of my party have tried in the past to have that discussion, but, unfortunately, we have not been able to change the definition.

"However, we live in hope that it can be changed so that people can get what is duly theirs."

SDLP MLA Alex Attwood said: "The continued failure to have resources released so that the legacy inquests unit of the High Court can be fully set up and become fully operational is an indictment on anyone in any government who does not support and secure the release of monies without delay."
Almost twice as much is spent on antidepressants here compared to England.

The cost of treating depression in Northern Ireland topped a staggering 70million in the last five years.

Almost twice as much is spent on anti-depressants here compared to England. In the last year alone, 13.59m was shelled out on anti-depressants.

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That works out at roughly 7 per head of population in Northern Ireland - compared to a spend in England of just 4 per person.

The figures were released after an Assembly question by SDLP MLA Richie McPhillips.

Earlier this year the Belfast Telegraph revealed that one in every six people in Northern Ireland is battling depression.

Almost 300,000 were prescribed anti-depressants last year - including more than 500 children under the age of 16.

The number of children and teenagers given the drugs has increased year-on-year since 2012.

And the total number, of any age, reliant on the medication has jumped by nearly 10% in just two years.

Ulster Unionist health spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson said the figures were hugely concerning.

"Year on year, the extent of prescribing anti-depressants, especially amongst young children, should be ringing alarm bells at the Department of Health," she said.

"We know that last year almost 300,000 were prescribed anti-depressants - including more than 500 children under the age of 16.

"These most recent figures do nothing to give confidence that local mental health services are stepping forward to meet the needs of people suffering from anxiety, depression and poor mental health."

The amount spent on anti-depressants each year varies slightly. In the 2014/15 financial year 13.79m was spent, down from the 2013/14 figure of 15.24m.

In 2012/13, 13.10m was spent and in 2011/12 the bill reached 16.71m.

Most was spent in the Northern Trust area each year, the figures show. By comparison, in the 12 months to April this year, 54m was spent in England on anti-depressants, 40m in Scotland and 21m in Wales.

These totals can only be accurately compared when divided by population totals for each region.

Per head of the population, Northern Ireland and Scotland both spent 7 per head, Wales spent 6 per head and England spent 4 per head.

Ms Dobson, an Upper Bann MLA, claimed there is a "total absence of strategic thinking when it comes to defeating depression".

She added: "Exploration and expansion of alternative therapies to prescription drugs, including specialist counselling services, should be a priority to help those who are often left to fight depression alone.

"These figures once again show the increasing need for greater public awareness and intervention services.

"We must see these put in place, especially specialist services for children and young people, before the mental health of our people deteriorates even further."

Previous Freedom of Information requests revealed that Diazepam had been dispensed in Northern Ireland more than 100,000 times in five months.

Some of the other most frequently prescribed prescription drugs included Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Amitriptyline, and Temazepam.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said mental health is one of the Health Minister Michelle O'Neill's key priorities.

"This is an ongoing effort in the context of many budgetary pressures that face health and social care," the department said.

"Improving access to psychological therapies does not necessarily mean that the need for medication will reduce. However, for some people it does provide an alternative to the need for reliance on medication."
The York Street, A5 and A6 road projects must be a priority for the Executive to quickly help the Northern Ireland economy, it has been warned.

The call came after Belfast was listed among the most congested cities in Europe, with projections that 800 million could be lost to the economy in traffic jams by 2025.

Traffic analysis company Inrix surveyed roads use in 123 cities across Europe over the past year using data from satellite navigations systems, mobile phones and road sensors.

It then ranked the cities in terms of 'traffic hotspots' - when congestion forces the driver to cut their speed by 65% for at least two minutes.

The UK was found to be the worst in Europe with 20,000-plus hotspots in cities with a population of 250,000 or more.

And Belfast was the 10th worst in the UK.

Report authors found there were 446 traffic hotspots in the city, with the worst being the junction of the Westlink and York Street.

The busy Belfast intersection carries 100,000 vehicles each day and the Department for Infrastructure is in the process of progressing with the long-awaited York Street Interchange project, that will in effect do away with junctions which snarl up traffic at the point the A12, M2 and M3 converge.

A formal public notice of the department's intention to proceed with the project was made yesterday. However, doubt remains over funding.

Infrasturcture Minister Chris Hazzard has described the project as an "important step" in addressing continuing delays and congestion.

And while it is a priority for the Sinn Fein minister, a 130m shortfall in funding remains a "major challenge" given the competing projects in his department.

The Inrix report also found that congestion in Belfast was estimated to cost the Northern Ireland economy 800m by 2025.

Graham Cookson, chief economist at Inrix, said: "Only by identifying traffic hotspots and analysing their root causes can we effectively combat congestion.

"Some of the most effective traffic improvement measures have benefited from this approach."

Chancellor Philip Hammond recently made more than 250m available to the Executive for infrastructure projects.

Ulster Unionist MLA Steve Aiken said given that injection of cash, it was imperative work on the York Street Interchange project was started "and completed quickly".

He said: "This is an opportunity to prioritise the work, to get it built, and in parallel with the A5 and A6 work.

"It is not an issue about improving Belfast, it is about improving transport links for Northern Ireland and for the north of Ireland and beyond.

"One of the key economic indicators for growth is good transport links.

"That means having the logistics in place to transport goods around the place and not having workers snarled up in traffic jams.

"Low productivity rates are one of the weaknesses of our economy and we need to raise them, and these road projects are a way to do that and quickly.

"And if we can do that it will be a 'win, win' for all people of Northern Ireland and the economy."
Dealing with the legacy of the past remains one of the key outstanding challenges of our peace process.

Unless it is dealt with in a comprehensive and acceptable manner then the essential process of healing and reconciliation cannot gain momentum.

The main obstacle to effectively dealing with the past has been, and remains, the abject failure of the British Government to honour its international obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights through NOT facilitating effective, independent and prompt investigations into killings by State agencies and their failure to adequately resource legacy investigations and inquests.

Over eight months ago the Lord Chief Justice outlined a five-year plan to deal with the backlog in legacy inquests.

The British Government to date has not responded positively. This has triggered great frustration and anger among families, many of whom have been waiting more than 44 years for an Article 2 compliant investigation into the death of their loved ones.

It is incredulous that this request from the foremost legal officer has been ignored. This is an untenable and unsustainable position that is undermining the confidence of bereaved families in the rule of law and the administration of justice.

Instead of working constructively to address the hurt and pain caused by the legacy of our recent conflict, the British Government has, at every turn, blocked and frustrated all efforts to reach a resolution.

In doing so they have compounded the suffering of victims and survivors and added insult to injury. We have had a number of frustrating and unsuccessful negotiations on legacy followed by a series of critical reports and comments by internationally renowned human rights bodies and individuals.

The latest report from the UN Special Rapporteur Pablo de Greiff is a strong indictment of Britain's handling of the past.

In his report, Pablo de Greiff highlights the punitive nature of Britain's policy in Ireland, while highlighting the use of 'national security' in a 'blanket' manner, with the clear aim of stalling and eventually blocking relevant onward disclosure to families of victims.

Neither the British Government, nor indeed any of the parties to the conflict, can claim the position of 'neutral arbiters' of the conflict. This places a requirement on the British Government to guarantee through the legislative process, both the reality and the perception of genuine independence and impartiality for all legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House, in a human rights-compliant manner.

It also places a requirement on republicans to play their part in addressing the challenges that lie ahead. For our part, Sinn Fein have shown a willingness to recognise our responsibilities around legacy and will continue to do so in the context of the emergence of independent, human rights-compliant mechanisms.

A number of families have now been waiting for more than 40 years to find out what happened to their loved ones. Already too many relatives have gone to their graves without answers and the campaigns have passed to another generation. This is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue.

The conflict has left deep scars in our society, impacting on all traditions and political persuasions.

The hurt and pain must not be transmitted to another generation. The British Government and its armed agencies played an active role in the conflict here, and were not passive peacekeepers as they attempt to portray internationally. It has a duty and a responsibility to play a major role in any resolution.

Delay and prevarication must give way to positive action by the British Government through the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement legacy mechanisms in a human rights-compliant manner.

International obligations must be honoured through the provision of adequate resources, relevant disclosure and the granting, through legislation, of a genuine independent status for all key legacy mechanisms.
The ability of port officers to defend Britain against terrorists is being hindered by shortcomings in information they receive about passengers, a watchdog has warned.

David Anderson QC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said there is "widespread dissatisfaction" with the quality of manifests on the part of police at both Channel and Irish Sea ports.

Meanwhile, it was also revealed that the activities of preacher Anjem Choudary were referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for review on 10 occasions over 13 years - without a prosecution being brought.

Mr Anderson highlighted his findings from visits to sea ports in his annual report, which was published on Thursday.

He wrote: "The common and strongly-expressed refrain from ports officers on the ground was that they could do their jobs more effectively if they had better advance information about passengers arriving (and departing) by sea."

At the port of Dover he was told that inbound ferry manifests may be provided only shortly before ferries dock and their quality varies between carriers.

Mr Anderson said the absence of detailed passenger information, supplied hours in advance, contrasts with the "generally good" advance information available at airports.

Legislation is in place for the collection of passenger data, the study said.

It added: " It is however evident from my conversations with officers at affected ports that their ability to defend the country from terrorists (and to identify possible outbound terrorists) is impaired by a lack of the timely and comprehensive passenger manifests that would assist them in determining which passengers should be stopped and questioned."

Mr Anderson said steps should be taken to ensure that the quality of manifest data is improved.

His conclusion follows a warning by a review of counter-terrorism arrangements in October that Britain's borders are not as secure as they should be.

The official threat level for international terrorism in the UK currently stands at severe - meaning an attack is "highly likely".

A Home Office spokesman said: "Border Force is already world-leading in its analysis of passenger data to stop known or suspected terrorists from travelling to the UK.

"All ferry passengers seeking to enter the UK are subject to a range of checks, including against a range of security and immigration watch lists, either at the juxtaposed controls in France or upon arrival in the UK."

Elsewhere the report referred to the case of Choudary, who was jailed for five and a half years in September for drumming up support for Islamic State (IS).

Mr Anderson wrote: " It is entirely fair to ask why the law did not catch up with Anjem Choudary sooner.

"I raised the issue with the CPS and have been made aware in response of no fewer than 10 occasions between July 2002 and August 2015 on which his activities were referred to the CPS for review, but without prosecution ensuing."

He said Choudary's case is unusual, adding: " But even assuming that the issue is a general one, it would be wrong to assume that there is an obvious legislative solution."

A CPS spokesman said: "In all cases we apply the full code test as set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

"If there is not enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of a conviction then we cannot prosecute.

"Once we were satisfied that a case passed to us by the police had met the evidential test, and was in the public interest to pursue, we undertook a successful prosecution that led to Choudary's conviction in August."

Choudary, 49, has applied for permission to appeal against his conviction.
Schoolgirl Arlene Arkinson who has been missing since 1994

The family of missing teenager Arlene Arkinson is deeply frustrated by delays in concluding a long-running inquest, a coroner's court has heard.

Criticism was aimed at authorities in Dublin which have failed to hand over documentation about Garda investigations into the schoolgirl's disappearance over 20 years ago.

Barrister Ivor McAteer said: "The family is deeply frustrated and they are becoming more and more upset as time goes on at the thought this might falter at the final hurdle."

However, the lawyer tempered his remarks because senior counsel had now been appointed to oversee the disclosure process in Dublin.

"I will reserve any further comment," he added.

Arlene, 15, from Castlederg in Co Tyrone, vanished after a night out across the Irish border in Co Donegal in August 1994.

She was last seen being driven down a country road by convicted paedophile and child killer Robert Howard.

He was acquitted of her murder in 2005 by a jury not told of his lengthy criminal past which included the murder of South London teenager Hannah Williams several years earlier.

A preliminary hearing at Belfast's Laganside Court was told that despite ongoing and active correspondence information has not yet been shared by authorities in the Republic of Ireland.

In September, representatives for Coroner Judge Brian Sherrard met with officials from the Chief State Solicitor's Office and An Garda Siochana in Dublin to discuss the case.

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Emails and letters have also been sent and telephone calls made, the court was told.

While sharing frustration at the length of time taken to disclose material, Judge Sherrard said he was assured the matter was being progressed.

He said: "We are in a process and I think am encouraged by what I have heard and reassured that the State Solicitor's Office is taking this matter forward with consciousness.

"Nevertheless, I think it is important that we all try to keep an overview on this and do not allow this matter to slip."

A further preliminary hearing has been scheduled for December 21.
The owner of a cocker spaniel and her five puppies who were stolen has thanked the "Great British Public" after they were returned to him.

Thieves unscrewed a door of the kennels beside Craig Vaughan's farm near Yarm, Teesside, on Tuesday and stole Dora, two, and her first litter.

Devastated owner Mr Vaughan appealed for help on social media and his story was shared hundreds of times all around the country.

The outcry meant whoever stole them could not sell them on due to all the publicity, he believed.

And on Wednesday evening Mr Vaughan was delighted to share the good news that Dora and the puppies were back safe and sound.

He said a third party had seen the story and managed to get the dogs back on his behalf.

Mr Vaughan, who was milking cows when they were stolen, said: "Someone has done me a massive favour and he wouldn't take any money from me for them.

"The dogs are fine, they don't look any worse for what has happened. They have been fed and they are fine.

"I cannot believe I have got them back, it just goes to show you cannot beat the Great British Public.

"Whoever took them must have seen all the publicity and thought 'we'll never get rid of them'.

"They are back safe and they are in the house, they are not in the kennels, and they are staying here."
Christians must be free to speak about their faith and Christmas without fear, the Prime Minister has said.

Christians must be free to speak about their faith and Christmas without fear, the Prime Minister has said.

Her comments come as a report from the think tank ResPublica warned religious freedoms were being eroded and people had been sacked for living according to their beliefs.

At Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative MP Fiona Bruce warned that Christians have become "fearful" about mentioning their faith in public in case they encounter a backlash.

Theresa May, the daughter of a vicar, said religious tolerance is a fiercely guarded principle in Britain that must be respected.

She added that "our Christian heritage is something we can all be proud of". Mrs May said: "I'm sure that we would all want to ensure that people at work do feel able to speak about their faith, and also be able to speak quite freely about Christmas."
A woman looks at a luxury car displayed at Bentley Motors showroom in Beijing (AP)

Chinese buyers of expensive luxury cars like Ferrari and Rolls-Royce will have to pay extra under Beijing's latest effort to rein in ostentatious spending.

The communist government has added a 10% import tax on "super-luxury vehicles" priced above 1.3 million yuan (150,000).

The Finance Ministry said it is aimed at encouraging "rational consumption" and curbing energy use and emissions.

Chinese leaders are trying to nurture domestic consumption to reduce reliance on trade and investment, but worry extravagant spending by the elite is politically dangerous at a time of slowing economic growth.

The government of President Xi Jinping has imposed a steadily widening series of austerity measures since 2013 to discourage corruption and what Beijing deems excessive spending.

They have chilled revenues for high-end restaurants and sales of brandy, designer handbags and watches and other luxury imports.

It was not clear whether the latest tax - which explicitly targets imports - might go against Beijing's World Trade Organisation commitments to treat foreign and domestic goods equally.

China has been the fastest-growing market for luxury car makers, with some reporting annual sales gains of 50 to 100 per cent in recent years.

The latest tax comes at a time when overall auto sales growth is slowing.

Beijing helped to pull the market out of a slump last year by suspending a sales tax, but that cut is due to end on January 1.

Buyers of luxury cars also pay taxes including one based on engine size that can add up to 40% to the purchase price.

AP
Voters in The Gambia used marbles to cast votes in an election widely expected to keep the country's ruler of more than two decades in power, despite a unified effort by the opposition.

President Yahya Jammeh has vowed not to allow protests of any kind, and the country's phone and internet services were cut hours ahead of polling stations opening in an effort to thwart unrest.

"This will be the biggest landslide in the history of the country," Mr Jammeh said after voting with his wife in the capital.

He was met with cheers as he walked toward his car and refused to comment when asked whether he would concede in the event of defeat.

His challenger Adama Borrow said he believed Gambians were ready for change after more than 20 years of the Jammeh regime.

"He is not going to be re-elected - his era is finished," Mr Barrow said.

Most voters refused to comment on which candidate they were backing. Inside polling stations, each person places a marble in either a green, silver or purple drum depending upon their choice.

The African Union sent a handful of observers to this country of 1.9 million, but there are no observers from the European Union or the West African regional bloc Ecowas because the Gambian government did not grant them accreditation.

Mr Jammeh came to power in a coup in 1994, and then swept elections in 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011, after a 2002 constitutional amendment removed presidential term limits.

Critics, though, say those elections were not free and fair, and they accuse his regime of corruption and human rights abuses.

The long-time leader has said that his victory is all but assured with divine intervention.

Demonstrations will not be allowed "because those are the loopholes that are used to destabilise African governments," he said.

Mr Jammeh's supporters praise his efforts to boost economic development in the small country that is dependent on tourism and agriculture.

"He has built the airport, schools, medical facilities and buildings," said 50-year-old Pinta Manneh, smiling with excitement for the man she was certain would be re-elected for a fifth term.

She could not imagine an opposition victory. "He will be angry if he loses," she said.

Mr Barrow, a former businessman and United Democratic Party leader, emerged as the candidate for an alliance of eight opposition parties.

Former ruling party deputy Mama Kandeh is running for the Gambia Democratic Congress, the only opposition party not in the coalition.

Security forces arrested dozens in April and May after protests calling for electoral and political reforms.

Two main opposition party members died in detention after the protests, and 15 opposition supporters are now serving three-year prison sentences.

Omar Amadou Jallow, an emblematic opposition leader for the People's Progressive Party, which joined the coalition, says despite that clampdown that this is the year for change.

"For 22 years we have realized that Gambia has been turned into a prison; the arrests, the tensions, the torture and many of our people have gone into exile. That shows the tyranny of the regime," he said.

"We are going to give people their freedoms, their liberties. That is more important than anything else."

AP
Italian police have arrested the fugitive boss of a powerful 'Ndrangheta clan who ran illegal operations from the southern Calabria region north to Lombardy

Italian Police escort Marcello Pesce, third right, to a vehicle in Rosarno (AP)

Italian police have arrested the fugitive boss of a powerful 'Ndrangheta clan who ran illegal operations from the southern Calabria region north to Lombardy.

Police video show an unarmed Marcello Pesce being taken into custody before dawn on Thursday in the bedroom of a home where he had been in hiding in the clan's stronghold of Rosarno.

Police also arrested a father and son staying in the same home.

Pesce escaped capture by police in April 2010, and was later convicted in absentia of Mafia association charges and sentenced to 16 years and eight months.

He is considered one of the most powerful bosses of the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta organised crime syndicate.

Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said the arrest "confirms our daily commitment in the fight against organised crime".

AP
Detainees in orange jumpsuits in a holding area at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (US Department of Defence/PA)

Saudi Arabia's terrorist rehabilitation centre is actually a "hidden radicalisation programme," Guantanamo Bay detainee has claimed.

Saudi prisoner Ghassan Abdullah al-Sharbi told a Gitmo parole board: You guys want to send me back to Saudi Arabia because you believe there is a de-radicalisation programme on the surface, true.

"You are 100 per cent right, there is a strong de-radicalisation programme, but make no mistake, underneath there is a hidden radicalisation programme."

Al-Sharbi made the comments to the Periodic Review Board, which assesses whether Guantanamo prisoners can be released, in June, according to recently declassified documents.

The Prince Mohammed Bin Naif Counselling and Care Centre in Riyadh aims to de-radicalise jihadists through a 12-step programme, which is said to help them reintegrate with society.

Activities include art therapy and sports, and detainees have access to psychologists and religious scholars who teach religion with a focus on rejecting violence, the Wall Street Journal reports.

However, al-Sharbi has claimed the centre is actually a front to train jihadists to "fight under their cloak - under the royal Saudi cloak, under the religious establishment cloak".

He added: "They want it all like whenever they choose the time, they choose the location, and as a Muslim I see that no, this is not in the cuase of Allah.

"This is in a cause of a king. This is not a true jihad."

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Later, he claims: "They [Saudi Arabia] are poking their nose here and here and there and they're recruiting more jihadists.

"They'll tell you 'okay, go fight in Yemen. Go fight in Syria,' and I will have no choice."

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Al-Sharbi is one of 61 terror suspects still being held in Guantanamo Bay.

During the conversation, al-Sharbi appears to be struggling with illness. He tells the board he had just come from the detainee hospital, is "really exhausted, and nauseous and lethargic," and uses what is described as a "manual breathing device".

He also claimed an unnamed member of the Saudi royal family was part of an effort to recruit him for extremist acts before the September 11 attacks.

He said a religious figure in Saudi Arabia used the term "your highness" during a telephone conversation with a man, just before urging al-Sharbi to return to the US and take part in a plot against the US that would involve learning to fly a plane.

The September 11 commission found there was no evidence to indicate the Saudi government as an institution or Saudi senior officials individually had supported the attacks, and the kingdom's government has consistently denied it had any role in the plot.

In July, the review board declined to approve al-Sharbi's release from Guantanamo.

The Saudi embassy in London has been contacted for comment.
Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob (Write Back, November 29) claims that, "It is laughable that Donald Trump's son-in-law could broker a lasting peaceful resolution in the Middle East" - presumably because, as a Jew, he may not accept the Palestinian rewriting of history.

A typical example of the latter lies in his reference to, "Israel's ... flagrant disregard for the sanctity of Islamic and Christian sites".

Though this is what one might expect from the son of the late Yasser Arafat's military advisor, it is untrue.

Religious sites of all religions are protected by Israel and those who attempt to desecrate them are prosecuted.

On the other hand, when the disputed Palestinian territories were under Jordanian occupation, the latter destroyed the ancient Jerusalem synagogues and "recycled" gravestones from the millennia-old Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives for use, inter alia, as flooring for latrines. It also prevented Jews from visiting the Western Wall - despite agreeing under the 1949 Armistice to do so.

Perhaps Israel's failure to continue this policy is what Dr Al Qutob means by "flagrant disregard for the sanctity of Islamic and Christian sites". Talk of the pot calling the kettle black.

MARTIN D STERN

Salford, Greater Manchester
Sinn Fein was generous in its praise for the late Fidel Castro, a friend of Irish republicanism

Fidel Castro was loved by Marxists around the world and by trendy Leftist students, who adorned their accommodation with large glossy posters of Castro and his fellow revolutionary, Che Guevara. Most other people viewed Castro as simply a brutal dictator who ruled Cuba with a rod of iron for 49 paranoid years.

Castro, Guevara and the revolutionary army took control of Cuba in January 1959 and ushered in decades of Marxist dictatorship. This was the era of the Cold War and tensions between Western democracies and Marxist dictatorships.

There was the infamous Bay of Pigs incident in April 1961 and the Cuban missile crisis in October 1962. It seemed that the world was teetering on the brink of nuclear war.

Fidel Castro died on November 25 at the age of 90, and his death has received a vast amount of coverage in the media. There has also been much analysis of the man and of his contradictions.

He was a Marxist and claimed that his main asset was a "fisherman's cottage", but the reality was very different. He was the son of a prosperous plantation owner who had a 25,000-acre estate and he was educated at a boarding school run by the Jesuits. The dictator lived in luxury. A decade ago, Forbes magazine estimated his personal net worth at $900m.

Reactions to his death have been varied, and across the British Isles the Left has been notable for its adulatory endorsements.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a long-time supporter of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, praised Castro's "revolutionary heroism" and described him as a "huge figure of modern history, national independence and 20th-century socialism".

Here in Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein, the Communist Party and a disparate array of Marxists and other Leftists have taken to the internet with eulogies and expressions of grief. Sinn Fein was generous in its praise, but that is hardly surprising, because Castro was a friend to, and advocate for, Irish republicanism.

The main Sinn Fein tribute came from Gerry Adams TD, who met Castro in December 1981, when he visited Havana to unveil a memorial to the IRA hunger strikers.

Earlier in the year, Castro had condemned the UK Government and compared its treatment of IRA hunger strikers to "the atrocities committed by the Inquisition during the apogee of the Middle Ages".

Cuba was also a place of sanctuary for some IRA members when they were obliged to go "on the run".

Niall Connolly, one of the notorious Colombia Three, lived for a time in Cuba, and the Cuban authorities claimed he was the Latin America representative for Sinn Fein.

After an initial denial by Sinn Fein, the party finally admitted that he had been working in Cuba as a part-time representative.

Michael D Higgins, president of the Irish Republic, said: "Fidel Castro will be remembered as a giant among global leaders, whose view was not only one of freedom for his people, but for all of the oppressed and excluded peoples on the planet."

Not surprisingly, these words were welcomed by the pro-Castro Cuba Support Group, who described him as "our guide to a better world".

The Communist Party of Ireland also eulogised Castro and praised the man who was responsible for so much brutality.

Of course, Communist Party support for Marxist dictatorships is nothing new. When the first civil rights march in Northern Ireland took place in August 1968, from Coalisland to Dungannon, it was chaired by Betty Sinclair, a veteran communist and a leader in the Civil Rights Association.

When she climbed onto the platform, some of the marchers turned on her and shouted "Czechoslovakia". The reason was that, on August 20, Russian troops had marched into Czechoslovakia to crack down on reformers. In the face of that assault on democracy, Betty Sinclair and other senior communists remained loyal to Moscow.

It said a lot about Sinclair's concern for civil rights in Czechoslovakia and it said a lot about the Communist Party. It also said something about the Civil Rights Association.
Mountains and Rivers Without End: The Zen Poet of Kitkitdizze

"Gary Snyder, the Zen poet, lives on a hundred backcountry acres in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, meditates mornings, and thanks his food before he eats it, clapping his hands together and saying Itadakimasu, which is Japanese for Thank you very much.

He likes a boilermaker at dinnertime (a shot of bourbon and a tall glass of beer) and, on occasion, the bullfrogs from his pond. I follow the Joy of Cooking,  he says. Youve got to skin them and brine them overnight. She recommends rolling them in bread crumbs and frying them. He finds that vulture feathers make the best pens for calligraphy, and collects them when he hikes. Some nights, he takes a blanket and a thermos of sake and a star map, walks along a gravel riverbed not far from his house to a spot among the mounded diggings left by the gold-mining ventures of the past two centuries, and, by the light of a red torch, works on the constellations....."

Throughout human history and prehistory, the trail was only to get you somewhere, he said. What was important was what was off the trail. Food, roots, berries, dye plants, glue plants, poisonous plants, recreational-drug plants, squirrel nests, bird nests, everything you might think youd need. Whats way off the trail are the places you go to be alone and have a vision and your own spiritual trip, maybe with some of those recreational plantsknowing snickers from the kidsand then you come back. -- Zen Master - The New Yorker

Excerpts from Myths & Texts - Gary Snyder





Gary Snyder's bio, poems, and articles at the Poetry Foundation

Paris Review Interview - Gary Snyder, The Art of Poetry No. 74
Bangladeshi Muslims in Dhaka protest against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, Nov. 25, 2016.

More than 10,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar have crossed the border into Bangladesh to flee violence that has escalated over the past two months, a United Nations official and a Rohingya community leader said Wednesday.

Bangladeshi authorities said they were now allowing some vulnerable refugees into the country on a humanitarian basis. Earlier, officials had stated that they were sealing the southeastern border with Myanmar and pushing back hundreds of people trying to cross over, despite reports of killings and the burning of Rohingya homes during a Burmese government crackdown in neighboring Rakhine state.

The exodus into Bangladesh from Rakhine is the largest since 2012, when thousands from Myanmars Rohingya minority escaped violence in the state between Muslims and members of the countrys Buddhist majority.

Based on reports by various humanitarian agencies, we estimate that there could be 10,000 new arrivals in recent weeks, Vivian Tan, a spokeswoman in for the U.N. refugee agencys office in Bangkok, said Wednesday.

The situation is fast changing and the actual number could be much higher.

Hafez Ahmed, a leader of unregistered Rohingya in Kutupalang Camp in Coxs Bazar, a district in southeastern Bangladesh, told BenarNews the number of refugees could be double the figure given by the U.N.

About 10,000 of the new influx of Rohingya were at his camp while others were spread out elsewhere in the southeast.

Another Rohingya leader told Voice of America (VOA), a sister entity of BenarNews, that many wanted to return to their old way of life.

The Rohingya have been seeking temporary shelter in Bangladesh only to save their lives from a genocide-like situation in Myanmar. For most of us, life as refugees is very hard in Bangladesh. Arakan (Rakhine), where our Rohingya community has lived for centuries, is our ancestral homeland. We want to go back to Arakan, said Mohammad Shaker, a Rohingya leader in Coxs Bazar.

Current crisis

Since a Myanmar military crackdown began in Rakhine state in early October, Rohingyas were entering the country through remote, inaccessible border points, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali told reporters last week.

And in some instances we have some very vulnerable cases that we could not ignore from the humanitarian point of view. We allowed them to enter and provided them food and treatment, he said.

Commenting on the estimate from the U.N., Shahriar Alam, a state minister in Bangladeshs Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said officials could not confirm how many new Rohingya refugees had arrived from Rakhine in recent weeks.

But, he told BenarNews, we cannot say that the U.N.s estimated number is not correct.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said Bangladesh wanted the Rohingyas to return to their homes in Rakhine.

We shall try to host these people as long as possible. Then we shall start a dialogue with Myanmar so that they can return to their home. We hope Myanmar will take them back, eventually, Kamal said.

Last week, Bangladeshi officials complained to the Myanmar ambassador about the violence in Rakhine, which in turn has led to street protests by Muslims in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand against Myanmars alleged persecution of Rohingya.

Long-standing problem

The targets of large-scale ethnic violence since 1978, Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh and other countries. As many as 300,000 to 500,000 Rohingyas are in Bangladesh, according to government estimates.

After the Rakhine Buddhists burned my house, with my two children and wife I fled to Bangladesh four years ago. I do odd day-wage jobs to support my family. Often I go without a job. I live in a ramshackle shack and I think I can never escape this life of poverty here, Mohammad Ismail, a 38-year-old Rohingya, told VOA.

I had my own farmland, I also owned a shop and I was quite well-off. If the situation there changes I want to return to Arakan.

Investigations and pressure

In Myanmar, the countrys former ruling party and 12 other political parties have called for a meeting of the countrys National Defense and Security Council over the governments handling of the Rohingya crisis in northern Rakhine, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA), another sister entity of BenarNews.

The government has denied accusations that soldiers committed extrajudicial killings, rape, and arson in Rohingya communities since the lockdown began. Security forces have arrested more than 400 people and killed nearly 70 others since the crackdown began, state media reported, according to RFA.

Shahriar Sharif in Dhaka contributed to this report.
Indonesian police block protesters during the November rally in Jakarta against Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, Nov. 4, 2016.

Foreign governments are warning travelers to avoid Jakarta on Friday due to a mass rally by hardline Muslim groups demanding the arrest of Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) for alleged blasphemy.

Organizers expect this rally to be bigger than a similar protest in Jakarta on Nov. 4 that drew about 100,000 people and turned violent after nightfall when protesters attacked police barricades, set fires and looted stores.

Foreign ministries of the United States, Australia and Japan issued warnings for their citizens to use caution in Jakarta from about 8 a.m. until the rallys end, expected around 1 p.m., the Associated Press reported.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence; and there exists the possibility that some extremist groups could take advantage of the Dec. 2 events to incite or carry out violence, the U.S. Embassy said on its website on Thursday.

You should avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

As many as 22,000 security personnel will be on duty Friday, according to police, who revealed late last month that nine suspected terrorists had participated in the Nov. 4 rally. The men were arrested days later.

Police have committed to detect the whereabouts of terrorist networks that may try to take advantage of the event, National Police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar told a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Dueling rallies

The rally will include mass prayer on the grounds of the iconic National Monument (Monas) in central Jakarta, after organizers gave in to authorities request not to worship on two major avenues as previously planned.

Dubbed the Third Act to Defend Islam, Fridays event is being organized by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) and the National Movement to Protect the MUI Fatwa (GNPF MUI)  the same groups that orchestrated the Nov. 4 rally and a non-violent protest on Oct. 14.

The protests grew from demands that Ahok, the ethnic Chinese governor of Jakarta and former right-hand man to President Joko Jokowi Widodo, be charged over his alleged defamation of Islam. Shortly after the Nov. 4 rally, Ahok was named a suspect in the case.

Ahok, who is running for re-election, is accused of blasphemy for telling attendees at an event in September that people might fool them into not voting for him using the Qurans Surah Al-Maida Verse 51, which some interpret as prohibiting Muslims from having non-Muslim leaders.

On Wednesday, the Office of the State Prosecutor announced that the police dossier against Ahok met legal requirements for him to face trial.

Also on Wednesday, thousands of Indonesians joined rallies organized across the country by the military as a show of national unity and support for the notion of pluralism, which is one of Indonesias founding principles.

Treason?

Indonesias huge mainstream Muslim organizations  Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah  are not participating in the Dec. 2 event.

Muhammadiyah chairman Busyro Muqoddas asked members not to participate in Fridays rally, saying it had no clear motive.

It is not in harmony with the Nov. 4 demonstration, Busyro told BenarNews.

The nations top Muslim clerical group, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), which is not associated with GNPF MUI, also will not join the rally.

On Nov. 21, National Police Chief Tito Karnavian questioned the motives of holding another rally because, he said, police had proceeded appropriately in the Ahok case. Tito referred to the proposed rally as potential treason.

There have been hidden attempts by some groups who want to get into the House of Representatives and attempt to control the Parliament. For us, the police and military, this is a clear violation of law, CNN Indonesia quoted him as saying earlier this week.

FPI spokesman Munarman said police were overreacting.

Fridays event is nothing more than a peaceful mass prayer, he told BenarNews.

Theres no act of treason, he said.

Earlier, the director of Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) expressed concern that militants could infiltrate such events.

The governments mistake is letting the radical groups control the political agenda. Why was there no effort to get them all together and cool down the situation? Sidney Jones said prior to the Nov. 4 rally.

A number of parties could take advantage of the rally, including organizations committed to wage war like (the Islamic State) and other groups in Syria, she said.
A marching band performs at the Nusantara Bersatu rally in Klaten Square in Central Java, Nov. 30, 2016.

Thousands of Indonesians from different faiths on Wednesday joined rallies organized across the country by the military as a show of national unity amid tensions over allegations of anti-Muslim blasphemy by the governor of Jakarta.

Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, the chief of Indonesias armed forces (TNI) who led efforts to organize the nationwide interfaith rallies dubbed Nusantara Bersatu (United Archipelago), attended the main one held at the National Monument in Jakarta.

This proves that with only a two-day notice, everyone can stand united. Its wonderful to see this in Indonesia, Gatot said.

The principal of unity in diversity (bhineka tungga ika)  a theme of Wednesdays rallies that unfolded from Aceh province in Indonesias far west to Papua province in its far east  is one of the five founding principles of the archipelago that are known as Pancasila.

The National Monument is the same landmark in the Indonesian capital where tens of thousands of protestors from conservative Muslim groups are expected to demonstrate on Friday against Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, Jakartas first ethnic Chinese governor and a Christian who is running for election in February.

Police have named Ahok a suspect in an alleged case of blasphemy, and Muslim protestors have called for his arrest. On Wednesday, the Office of the State Prosecutor announced that the police dossier against Ahok met legal requirements for him to face trial.

Ahok is accused of blasphemous speech  a violation of Indonesian law  for telling attendees at a campaign event that people might fool them into not voting for him by using the Qurans Surah Al-Maida Verse 51  which some interpret as prohibiting Muslims from having non-Muslim leaders.

The rally planned for Friday, known as the Third Act to Defend Islam, follows a protest on Nov. 4 that drew about 100,000 Muslims to Central Jakarta. It started peacefully but turned violent after nightfall when protesters attacked police barricades, set fires and looted stores.

National Police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar said about 22,000 security personnel would be on duty across the capital to ensure safety during the upcoming rally, Tempo.co reported.

Leaders attend unity event

Joining Gatot in Jakarta on Wednesday were National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa and Wahid Institute founder Yeni Wahid.

Love of nation and patriotism are parts of faith, Yeni told the crowd of interfaith leaders, students, artists and rights activists among others.

Acting Jakarta Gov. Soni Sumarsono stressed the importance of people maintaining political stability ahead of the gubernatorial election.

Ahok served as deputy governor to Joko Jokowi Widodo prior to Widodos election as president in 2014.

Accusations against Ahok reflect efforts by political opponents of the Jokowi administration to take steps that include implementing Sharia law in the worlds most populous Muslim country, analysts said.

Members of the Dayak Pahau tribe perform a traditional dance in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Nov. 30, 2016. [Gunawan/BenarNews]

Country-wide rallies

Cities across the nation held their own versions of Nusantara Bersatu on Wednesday.

In the East Kalimantan provinces, thousands packed Merdeka Pertamina Square in Balikpapan to declare loyalty to the nation.

Balikpapan people consist of various ethnic groups and will always maintain the integrity of Indonesia, Mayor Rizal Effendy said.

A community leader, Leo Sukoco, said Balikpapan was home to 30 tribes.

Each tribe can live together in harmony. Moreover, there is no ethnic majority in Balikpapan, he said.

In Solo, Central Java, thousands marched in a Unity in Diversity Parade, according to the local mayor.

In the city of Klaten, people wearing red-and-white headbands  the colors of Indonesian flag  joined the event that featured a marching band.

In Malang, East Java, religious leaders led an interfaith mass at the military base square.

Joint prayers show that we live harmoniously united in diversity, said Mochammad Nur Salim, vice chairman of the Communication Forum for Religions in Malang.

We do not want Indonesia divided because of the issue of ethnicity, religion, race and class, he said.

Kusumasari Ayuningtyas in Klaten, Heny Rahayu in Malang, Gunawan in Balikpapan, and Keisyah Aprilia in Palu contributed to this report.
Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, right, receives the invitation to become king of Thailand, at Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Dec. 1, 2016.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn formally became Thailands king Thursday after accepting an invitation from the nations parliament to take the throne left vacant by his fathers death in mid-October.

Royal regent Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda led a delegation consisting of National Legislative Assembly speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and chief Supreme Court Judge Weerapol Tangsuwan to an audience with the 64-year-old crown prince at the Amporn Sathan Hall in Dusit Palace at around 7:15 p.m. The event was broadcast nationwide three hours later.

As the chairman of the national legislation assembly, in capacity of the parliament spokesman, and on behalf of all Thai people, has extended an invitation to me to be the king, at the wish of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej and in accordance with the royal succession and the constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, I accept it to fulfill his majestys wish and for the benefit of all Thai people, King Vajiralongkorn told the delegation during a brief official audience.

The 10th King of the Chakri Dynasty is named King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, or King Rama X.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Kreau-ngam said the commencement of the new kings reign was retroactive to the day former King Bhumibol Adulyadej died of health complications at the age of 88, after a 70-year reign.

The kingdom is retroactively in effect Oct. 13, because the throne cannot be vacant for too long, which is in line with the international royal succession rule, he told reporters as he informed them to prepare for the development.

At the time, the crown prince  the kings only son  declined to ascend the throne immediately, saying he wanted to grieve with the Thai people for his father, officials said.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn took over a kingdom divided by bitter rivalries among Thailands influential parties and governed by a junta. The military has twice since 2006 overthrown democratically elected governments led by members of the Shinawatra family.

Wissanu said in October that the coronation ceremony of King Rama X would not take place until the after the cremation of King Bhumilbol. Thailand will mourn the late king for at least one year before the cremation is held on the grounds of the Grand Palace.

Life of a prince

Born in Bangkok on July 28, 1952, Vajiralongkorn is the second of four children and only male born to King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. On Tuesday, his 84-year-old mother was released from a local hospital where she was being treated for a lung infection and fever, the Associated Press reported.

The prince was educated in Thailand, England and Australia, where he attended the prestigious Kings School, near Sydney.

In 1972, at age 20, Vajiralongkorn was elevated to Crown Prince, officially putting him in line to inherit the throne. Three years later, he graduated from the Royal Military College near Melbourne.

He returned to Thailand when neighboring nations in Southeast Asia were falling to communist insurgencies and the kingdom was facing its own communist scare.

The prince joined in the anti-communist fight. In 1976, he took part in military operations in northern and northeastern Thailand, where the threat was most entrenched.

In the late 1970s, the prince started a new career, learning how to fly helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, and logged more than 2,000 hours in the cockpit. In 2012, he became a certified flight instructor for pilots training to fly Boeing 737s.

Besides being an avid pilot, the prince oversaw the command of the Royal Guards, a unit whose roots date back to his great, great-grandfather, King Rama IV.

The king has been married three times and has eight children from four women.
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Ed and Lorraine Warren Biography: Cases, Kids, and Family Life Have you ever woken up with fear you could not explain, or felt a strange presence that made the hair at your nape rise or even experienced strange occurrences around you? Well, these were some of the promptings that made the well-known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren delve into trying to explain the ideas ...

Truth About Tony Romos Wife, Kids and Life Since His NFL Retirement Tony Romo grew from the field as a quarterback to the screens as an American Football Analyst. He was a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the richest football league in the world (NFL) before retiring. As a junior, he was honored as an All-Ohio Conference Member, an Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and ...

Who is Brittany Venti, The Controversial Game Streamer and YouTuber? In recent times, many people live stream themselves playing video games. This has become a popular pastime on the internet and many highly skilled gamers have become internet celebrities through this means. However, some of them rather than becoming renowned for their gaming skills and great commentary, have become controversial and infamous. A good example ...

Rob Dyrdeks Family: His Kids And Relationship With Wife Bryiana Noelle Flores A multi-talented star and an elite pro skateboarder, Rob Dyrdeks success story began at a remarkably young age. Yet another proof that schooling doesnt always correlate with success, Rob has established himself not just as a phenomenal sportsman but also as a successful entrepreneur. Besides perfecting his skill as a natural talent on the board, ...

xChocobars  Biography and Everything You Should Know About Her Having distinguished herself and recorded massive successes in an industry notably dominated by men, it is very safe to say that Xchocobars deserves all the attention and cash she makes from her career. A household name on Twitch (a smart live streaming video platform), the online-gamer is popularly known for streaming classic games such as Stardew ...

Everything To Know About Mary Padian, Her Boyfriend and Net Worth Mary Padian is a famous American television reality personality best known for her involvements on the Reality show Storage Wars. She also has her own shop called Mary finds where she displays her antique collections. Since her childhood, Padian has been a creative learner. At the time, she used to create new items out of reusable ones and ...

Betsy Woodruffs Family Life: Is She Married or Related To Bob Woodruff? An old name in the world of journalism, Betsy Woodruff has warmed her way into the hearts of many with her impressive talents. Through hard work, Woodruff has carved a niche for herself in a very competitive field. Betsy has strong family and work values and is also an advocate for equal opportunities for everyone ...

Matpat (Matthew Patrick)  Wife, Height & Net Worth As far as internet business is concerned, Matpat remains one of the most dynamic and seasoned figures. He boasts a wealth of experience that has helped him in growing his business from one level of greatness to another. Like most successful people, MatPat started out small but today, he makes millions of dollars from his ...

Facts About Ricegum  His Girlfriend, Real Name & Net Worth Ricegum is an online gamer and YouTube sensation who ditched college; took advantage of the digital era, and made a name for himself on the internet. Though he began as a gaming YouTuber, Ricegum soon gained recognition as a controversial internet star following his many diss tracks. Here is everything you need to know about the youngster ...

Joy Taylor Once Married MLBs Richard Giannotti  Inside Look At Her Love Life and Family The erosion of the sexist idea that women have no business in sports broadcasting created a host of women celebrities who attained fame outside of modeling and acting. One of them, Joy Taylor, a radio personality and TV host for Fox Sports 1, has been in the industry since 2009, becoming one of the most ...

What To Know About Conan OBriens Wife, Kids & Family Today The name Conan OBrien is one that jumps right at you almost immediately you start talking about the most popular television hosts in the USA and this is no surprise because the man behind that name has risen to become one of the most admired men in the business. Known for hosting the late-night talk ...

David Letterman  Net Worth, Wife & Son In all of American, one man whose face has been seen frequently by late night TV talk show lovers is none but David Letterman. The comedian and TV show veteran has been hosting late night talk shows for more than three decades. His Late Night with David Letterman show began on February 1st, 1982 aired ...

Demystifying Sssniperwolfs Family Background And The Boyfriends Shes Had Since she launched her eponymously named channel in 2013, Sssniperwolf has been on the rise when it comes to video game influencers. She is one of the biggest names in the online gaming subgenre of YouTube videos. Real name Lia Shelesh, she started with Call of Duty: Black Ops II but has diversified with other ...

Lester Holt  Wife, Family & Net Worth Lester Holt is a multiple award-winning journalist, newscaster, reporter, and actor who has worked for notable media houses like WCBS TV, CBS, MSNBC and among others. His remarkable feat in journalism has endeared him to the hearts of many and earned him some awards and recognitions. Read on to get acquainted with his biography, ethnicity, ...

What Is Louis C.K. Doing Now, Where Are His Family And How Much Is His Net Worth? It is not easy to make it in comedy. It takes more than a funny bone and the ability to elicit a few giggles from a listening audience. For all the complexities that go into making a successful career in comedy, Louis C.K, the Washington D.C-born comedian, did it. For years, he was at the ...

The Progression of Hoda Kotbs Career, Her Ancestry and Family Life Hoda Kotb gained fame as a television host and news anchor for NBC. She anchors the shows signature show Today, and it has been an excellent vehicle for her skills in front of a camera. Kotb has won several awards, including Daytime Emmys and Peabody Awards. Simply put, she is one of the most successful ...

Jerry Seinfelds Family: All About The Amazing Comedians Wife and Kids Apparently one of the highly important entertainers in America, Jerry Seinfeld is a man of many talents. A very funny man, he is considered to be one of the most successful comedians in the USA who has been in the business as a professional rib-cracker for more than 40 years. As an actor, he has ...

The Rigors Of Sarah Silvermans Rise To Prominence And Rundown Of The Men She Has Dated A comedian, writer, and actress, Sarah Silvermans art and craft is as unique as you would ever find. Her poignant use of comedy to discuss social issues such as race, sexism, politics, and religion has gained her an impressive following. As unorthodox as her style is, so is her life experiences. She previously suffered from epiglottitis ...

Who Is Hannibal Buress, Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend & Why Was He Arrested? Making people laugh when they are tense or not in the mood is a tough order and to ply the trade, it must indeed take some guts and expertise, this is what the humor maker, Hannibal Buress has been able to achieve and sustain after his inital teething process. The African-American is a screen writer, stand-up ...

The Success of John Mulaneys Career Efforts Since His Work On Saturday Night Live and Facts About His Wife John Mulaney had been working as a professional comedian for years before Saturday Night Live changed his status for life and like many who are now his fans, you probably did not know of him then. However, that changed when he joined the sketch comedy show in 2008. Since then, he has been one of ...

Jeff Dunham  Wife, Children and Net Worth Ventriloquism is a very subtle method of making an inanimate object (like a puppet, doll or dummy) appear to be saying words which are actually coming from the person (holding the inanimate object). In effect, the individual throws his/her voice to the puppet and can even appear to be having a conversation with it. Not ...

Ellen DeGeneres  Net Worth, Wife  Portia de Rossi & Parents Ellen DeGeneres is an American female standup comedian who has proven that whatever a man can do, a woman can also do. Since her journey as a standup comedian started in 1981, she has held swirl as one of the finest comedians America and the world at large has seen. She is often referred to ...

Revisiting Joan Rivers Death  The Daughter, Husband & Net Worth She Left Behind Joan Rivers was a renowned American comedian, TV host, writer, and actress. Her brand of comedy consisted of scathing one-liners and no individual or topic is spared. She hosted her own talk shows in the 80s and 90s and was a pioneer for women in stand up comedy. She was the first woman to host a late night ...

The Struggles of Margaret Chos Childhood, How It Influenced Her Career Growth and Love Life Margaret Cho is best described as a comic star who knows how to maneuver everything related to life into a rib-cracking joke. She is also known to criticize every social and political problem, especially those involving race and sexuality. Apart from her talents as a comic actress, she does amazingly well as a singer and ...

Where Is Eric Bolling Today? Who Is His Son & What Is His Net Worth? Eric Bolling who was once a notable figure on Fox News, is an American TV personality, an author, and versatile Journalist. As a political and financial analyst/commentator, he anchored discussions bothering on finance for Fox Business Channel. Here is everything there is to know about his career, family, and allegations that led to his exit ...

Who Is Chelsea Handler and Does She Have A Husband or Boyfriend? Chelsea Handler is one of Americas top female comedians. She is also an actress, writer, television host, producer, and activist. She is known to be very outspoken even with things that are very personal. In separate interviews with The New York Times, Handler revealed that she had an abortion twice when she was 16. She has authored five books ...

How Did Laura Lee Achieve Fame, How Much is She Worth and Who is Her Husband? Laura Lee is a popular American YouTuber, make-up artist and beauty blogger. From posting videos of her makeup routines on Instagram, Lee has transformed into a beauty influencer and a YouTube sensation. Today, her YouTube Channel has over 630 million views and 4.5 million subscribers. Asides having millions of followers across all social media platforms, ...

Madison Gesiotto Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Measurements Madison Gesiotto is no ordinary woman; although she excelled in quite a number of pageants and competitions while she was in school, it is her views on politics and issues in America that has made her name known to most people. She possesses beauty and intelligence in a seemingly equal measure and has been able ...

Who Is Lil Tay? Parents, Brother, Sister, Age, Net Worth, Ethnicity Child stardom is nothing new in the entertainment world. With the advent of social media, we have seen more stars made from the internet than ever before, and Lil Tay is one of them. Her uploaded rap videos trademark is cursing, swearing, cash-throwing, and use of obscene languages. Her fame went wild after she dropped ...

What To Know About Tig Notaros Wife, Kids and Family Today Tig Notaro is an American stand-up comic star, writer, actress, and radio analyst. Since she started her career in 2001, she has become one of Americas best comedians, particularly when it comes to observational comedy. One prominent aspect of her routine involves her family, which includes a wife and two children. Interestingly, Tig Notaro is part ...

Who Is Chantel Jeffries? What To Know About Her Age, Ethnicity & Net Worth Chantel Jeffries is a lady of many talents. Beyond being celebrated as a DJ, she has fared well as a model, an actress, musician, and as an artist. She first rose to fame on Instagram where she has a large following. However, in recent times, she has hit the spotlight for her rumored relationships with some ...

Is Ellen DeGeneres Married, Who Is The Brother  Vance DeGeneres and Family Members? Ellen DeGeneres is one of a kind celebrity in todays world as she has used her wealth for the greater good for many people. She has served a host of famous awards shows like the Grammy, Primetime Emmy and Academy Awards. Moreso, she is probably one of the most decorated entertainment personalities around the world and ...

Carli Bybel Bio  Height, Boyfriend & Net Worth Video blogging is now on the rise and YouTube is the place where most of it happens. If you are a lady who cares about her looks or a guy who likes to help his woman out with her looks, then one person whose name rings a bell when it comes to giving beauty tips ...

Who Is Lexy Panterra? What To Know About Her Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth Lexy Panterra is one of the YouTube personalities whose breakout came through the Twerk dance videos she posted on her social media handles and YouTube which has so far generated over 13 million views for her. From there on, she created her LexTwerkOut workout program in 2014. She is sure very talented as she as moved ...

Who Is AnneMunition? What Is Her Ethnicity & Does She Have A Girlfriend or Boyfriend? AnneMunition is a professional gamer and content creator of American origin. She is one of the most sought-after streamers on Twitch  a popular online platform for watching and streaming videos, especially video games. AnneMunition has almost half a million followers on Twitch and her channel has accumulated at least 13 million views. Her favorite games ...

Norm MacDonald  Former Wife, Son & Net Worth Recently, 59-year-old former Saturday Night Live stand-up comic Norm MacDonald caused a not-so-funny stir when he expressed his personal opinion about the #MeToo movement speaking in defense of Louis CK and Roseanne Barr. Following the backlash of his actions, he is diligently doing damage control for his questionable opinion by posting a public apology on ...

Inside Iliza Shlesingers Life With Husband and How Much She is Worth Now Witty, spontaneous, and truly humorous, Iliza Shlesinger is an American comedian who is clearly proving that the stereotypical claim that women are not really funny is not only incredibly wrong but completely outrageous. Having been in the game for more than 10 years, Shlesinger has grown bigger with each step, stunning fans with her incredible ...

Who Is Nessa Diab? Details of her Parents, Ethnicity & Relationship With Colin Kaepernick Nessa Diab has gained more fame as the girlfriend of different footballers than in her career. She is currently with the popular National Football League (NFL) player, Colin Kaepernick, and has stood by his side during his most trying times. Also known for her mononym, Nessa, she recently engaged in a tweet battle with the ...

Samantha Bee  Inside the Life of Full Frontal Comedian and Presenter We have over the decades seen various brands of humor and personalities who have walked the ropes. One of the formidable forces in the world of comedy is no other than the iconic Samantha Bee of the Daily Show who now runs her own television show on TBS channel. She is a Canadian-American political commentator, ...

What Happened To Jessica Williamss Boyfriend And Which Are Her Best Works? Jessica Williams is a woman who has a lot of feathers in her cap  and keeps acquiring more. The former senior political correspondent of the comic Daily Show, who is also a comedian and actress whose recent movie appearance include starring as a playwright just recovering from a recent split with her boyfriend, Damon, and ...

Who is Nicole Byer? Here are 5 Facts You Need To Know About The Comedian Nicole Byer, an American comedian, actress, and writer, made a name for herself after she played supporting roles on MTVs prank show Ladylike and the reality show Girl Code. The latter was a series that featured comedians who analyzed in minute details, all the issues that young women deal with daily, from period to dating, to weird friendship dynamics and questions about sex. Currently, ...

A Closer Look At Bart Kwans Ethnicity, Height & Personal Life Bart Kwan is one of few Asians who is known for being successful in the comic industry at an international level. His fame broke out after the YouTube channel which he created with his close pal Joe Jo garnered up massive followings. The talented duo has been running the channel since 2007 and their success ...

Heres How VanossGaming Achieved Fame Online, His Worth and Other Facts About The Gamer For many years, the decision to drop out of college to pursue an online career was considered to be foolish and self-destructive by conventional wisdom. It was no different when Evan Fong, popularly known as VanossGaming, dropped out of college to pursue a YouTube career. However, that radical move paid off, and he stands shoulder to ...

Desi Perkins  Ethnicity, Net Worth & Husband YouTube is littered with videos of makeup tutorials by different people but if you are interested in learning how to do your makeup like a pro, there is just one person on that platform who you must follow. She is none other than Desi Perkins! She is a popular make-up artist, Instagram star, and vlogger. Desi, ...

The Phases of Casey Neistats Pursuits and His Love Story With Candice Pool YouTuber, vlogger, filmmaker, and creator extraordinaire; these are just a few hats that Casey Neistat wears and the story of how he got here is incredible. A native of Connecticut, Neistat started out by making refreshingly-authentic short films and videos that featured content that was based on everyday life and called attention to serious issues. He ...

Connor Franta  Inside The Life of American YouTuber YouTube has produced a lot of young celebrities in modern times and Connor Franta happens to be one of them. Apart from being a YouTuber, the young American is also an entrepreneur, entertainer, and writer. His journey to fame began almost a decade ago when he started a self-named YouTube channel where he uploads content ranging ...

Rhett and Link  Bio, Who are Their Wives, Net Worth and Family Facts Rhett and Link refer to an American comedy duo who are very popular on YouTube. They are known for their comic songs, viral commercials, skits and the daily show, Good Mythical Morning. Good Mythical Morning is the most watched daily show online, averaging 100 million views in a month. The show has featured guests such ...

A Walk Through The Maze of Ryan Higas Career Pursuits And Relationship With Arden Cho Ryan Higa is not only celebrated as a YouTube star, but he is also famed for appearing on television screens as an actor and comedian. Nigahiga, his Youtube channel, has gathered over 20 million subscribers and billions of views with his different comic acts, short films, and music videos uploads. With the rise in his career, ...

What to Know About The Shows That Made Craig Ferguson a Star and His Family Ties Rising to the top of your profession can sometimes be a hard and difficult process. It requires days and nights of working consistently hard to be better than what you were yesterday. It requires not giving up when all of your experiences seem to be pushing you to quit. It is because of these challenges ...

David Dobrik Married Liza Koshy for One Month  Inside His Family and Relationships David Dobrik is a YouTube sensation who has garnered fame not just for his vlogs but his love life too. Given his career as a YouTuber, his channel is one place where he shares his romantic escapades. With a cute boyish look like his, this Slovakian young man is definitely a good catch, and not ...

Merrell Twins Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Boyfriend One of the beautiful things about modern life is social media. As rudimentary as it might seem, it could turn out to be the greatest thing that would be invented in the next 50 years because of its impact on human life. Very few tools have revolutionized human behavior and culture as much as social ...

Who Is Bunny Meyer, Is She Married & What Is Her Net Worth? Bunny Meyer is a YouTube celebrity who has amassed over 8.8 million subscribers with 1.5 million viewers on her channel. She is popularly known as Grav3yardgirl and is one of the highest-paid YouTubers in the world. She initially started out as a fashion designer and later chose the path of a YouTuber. Grav3yardgirl has used her knowledge on fashion, makeup, ...

Ninja  Inside The Life of The American YouTuber and Internet Personality Ninja is a talented video game player known for his mastery of Fortnite and other seemingly difficult games he plays with ease. The video gamer made a career out of what is ordinarily the hobby of many people and has since then amassed a huge online following. Find out about him here, including the controversies that ...

What Is Eva Gutowskis True Sexuality and How Did She Rise So Fast As an Influencer? Ever since Eva Gutowski joined YouTube in 2011, it has been an interesting journey for her, moving from one milestone to the other. Backed by an army of young women and teenage girl fans known as Evanators, she has risen to become one of the most-talked-about personalities in the digital stratosphere. She has also leveraged ...

Emma Chamberlain Biography  Age, Height & Net Worth Before now, people in the entertainment industry could only achieve popularity after many years of dedication and hard work but since social media came into the scene, massive success and overnight popularity became possible. That is the story of Emma Chamberlain who encountered fame as a fifteen-year-old. Emma is one of the many young people who became ...

Anna Akana  Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth There is a new crop of YouTubers known by their different contents with a very strong uniqueness that stands every one of them out, some upload video games, some fashion while some others have comedy video contents to showcase on their channels. Anna Akana has used her platform to showcase her comedy contents to the ...

Revealing Truths About Lilly Singhs Ethnic Background, Family and Her Relationship With Yousef Erakat Lilly Singh is an Indian-Canadian YouTube personality, actress, and comedian also known as Superwoman. She kicked off her YouTube career in 2010 with the launch of her channel IISuperwomanII and followed it up with a vlog channel in 2011. This paved the way for her fame and success which led to a world tour. The ...

Who Is Andrea Constand, Is She Married and What Is Her Connection With Bill Cosby? Many people got sexually molested but could not voice out due to the stigma victims suffer and what will become of them thereafter. Very few of the victims danm every consequence to seek justice and bring the perpetrator to the book, like Andrea Constand. She never got any media buzz, not until her friend cum molester; ...

Who Is Lazarbeam (Lannan Eacott)? Here Are Facts You Need To Know Lannan Eacott became a person of interest after his YouTube channel, LazarBeam pulled him to the limelight. Initially, he started with uploads of Madden Challenge videos before deciding to build his own channel in January 2015. Within the space of three years, his YouTube channel had gathered over 7 million loyal subscribers. Today, he has not ...

Puzzling Facts About Wengies YouTube Success and More About Her Fiance Among the many YouTubers who have succeeded in winning the hearts of millions of people is Wengie. She is a Chinese-Australian YouTube personality, vlogger, singer, and voice actress. Wengie is famous for a lot of things, from her simple life hacks, DIYs, craft ideas to fun experiments, tricks and pranks. Her content portfolio also includes hair tutorials, diet & fitness tips, lookbooks, ...

Is Jeffree Star A Billionaire and How Much Does He Make On YouTube? If looks can be deceptive then theres no other person who proves this maxim better than Jeffree Star. A quick look at Stars pictures would likely leave you wondering whether or not to tag him a male or female. But who says being controversial has to be a curse? For Star, his looks have caught ...

The Place of Rosanna Pansinos Career Hats In Her Rise To Fame and Facts About Her Personal Life There are a few phrases that could summarize Rosanna Pansinos rise to fame. None of them can do it better than the famous axiom, no knowledge is lost. Her popularity YouTube comes out of her foray into other professions, specifically acting. Although acting now occupies one of the major professional hats in Rosannas resume, it was ...

Muselk (Elliott Watkins) Biography  Age, Girlfriend and Net Worth The new and best in-thing in terms of career is video gaming and we have over time seen young men and women make massive income from an activity that was purportedly designed to serve as a hobby or a relaxation activity. One of such individuals is the Australian-born YouTube Celebrity and Twitch streamer, Muselk, whose ...

PopularMMOs Biography: 5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know We have over the years seen social media millionaires, especially on the YouTube social platform. These celebrities cum millionaires have made names for themselves after carving out niches on the internet, and a typical example of one of such exciting media personality on the YouTube is American Minecraft gamer and YouTube star, PopularMMOs whose channel ...

Jason Nash Once Married Marney Hochman  What To Know About His Ex-Wife and Kids The now-defunct video-sharing app Vine was the path that led Jason Nash to fame. With it, he built an audience of over two million followers, which he parlayed into a significant YouTube career. That move has seen him become one of the most popular personalities on the internet, with the cash income to go with ...

Where Does Dantdm Live? What Do We Know About His Net Worth, Wife and Brother? Most parents buy video games for their kids to occupy their time leisure, while other parents frown at their kids when they play video games. Despite the disparity, every parent would be proud of their child if he/she eventually turns a celebrity or millionaire through playing video games like Dantdm. Biography of Dantdm Dantdm was born Daniel ...

LaurDIY  Biography: 5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTuber LaurDIY is the YouTube channel of Lauren Riihimaki which she created on December 1, 2011, when she was still a college undergrad with the sole aim of giving Do It Yourself (DIY) as well as practical fashion and beauty tips to her followers. She has used the channel to establish herself as a YouTube personality ...

Lachlan Ross Power  Bio And Family Life Of Australian The YouTube Star It is amazing the varied sources of income that the internet has made possible in this day and age. Internet fame can get its holder a whole lot of monetary and social benefits, but it must be noted that it does not come easy or cheap. For those who desire fame, content is the sacrifice ...

Alfie Deyes  Bio and Net Worth: Everything You Need To Know Alfie Deyes is one internet personality you definitely would like to know about. He boasts of over 10 million subscribers on three of his YouTube channels and has three bestseller books to his name. He is probably the most renowned young personality on YouTube today and his vlogging empire continues to grow by the day. ...

Colleen Ballingers Love Story With Husband Erik Stocklin and How Much She Is Worth Now Colleen Ballinger is an American comedian and YouTuber who is a very funny, adventurous, and highly talented woman. She is also an actress, singer, and writer. Collen is widely known for her work on YouTube where she posts content on her channel, Miranda Sings. The comedian has gained many subscribers over the years and has ...

Who Are The Dude Perfect Members and How Much Are They Worth? Entertainment in the 21st century can be digested in many forms and with platforms like YouTube, the creators and purveyors of entertainment have been democratized. Today, one of the most popular platforms to exhibit ones creative talents is YouTube, even though there are other platforms like Twitter, Facebook, who suffer in comparison to YouTube because ...

Who Is Rudy Mancuso, What Is His Earning Power and What Do We Know About His Girlfriend? Rudy Mancuso started his internet journey on Vine. He would later transition to YouTube where he solidified his place among the internets most beloved comedic creators. He is now regarded as one of the renowned internet personalities in the world, with a presence in mainstream TV and film projects like Comedy Centrals Drunk History and ...

Vsauce (Michael Stevens) Biography and Net Worth: All You Need To Know The advent of YouTube and the internet as a whole revolutionized how human beings consume information. With each passing year, the percentage of learning that is done in a traditional classroom decrease as a seismic shift to internet-based learning happens in our education industry. From open courses online to YouTube classes and videos, there are ...

How did Jake Paul Make His YouTube Big Break and Who is His Wife? One of the most interesting Social Media personalities of the 21st century is the young and popular Jake Paul whose elder brother is the famed Vine star, Logan Paul. Jake has utilized the power of the internet to bring himself to the limelight with a channel named JakePaulProductions that has amassed up to six billion ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About Reaction Time (Tal Fishman)  The American YouTuber Before 2015, the leading meaning of reaction time was the amount of time it takes to respond to a stimulus, until Tal Fishman started his channel, Reaction Time on YouTube and the dominant meaning changed. Today, a google search of Reaction Time would deliver Tal Fishmans videos and YouTube channel link with a few physics ...

Grace Helbig  Net Worth, Boyfriend and Family Life of The YouTuber Grace Helbig is an American internet personality, comedian, actress, and writer. She became popular due to her daily vlog series, DailyGrace, which ran on My Damn Channel from 2008 to 2013. Helbig is also popular for her own indie series on YouTube, ItsGrace, which she launched in 2014. Her vlogs which feature random stuff such as ...

Mark Wiens Bio  Ethnicity, Wife and Parents Food is a great way to connect with people. We all love to eat, if not for the pleasure of food, the satisfaction of quenching hunger, and the very process of providing and sharing that food is part of the strongest bonds that bind humanity together. Maybe it is our historical connection to food, where ...

Is Filthy Frank Dead, What Happened To Him and How Much Is He Worth? As George Kusunoki Miller, he was a nobody. However, as Filthy Frank, George was one of the most famous internet personalities on the planet. The Filthy Frank Show, a sketch series on his YouTube channel, TVFilthyFrank, was one of the platforms most influential creations. He is the reason a crazy dance song, Harlem Shake, made it ...

CaptainSparklez Bio  Net Worth, House and Cars of The Famous YouTuber Sometimes, what society wants from its citizens is quite different from what the citizens want for themselves. This is evident in the life and career of video blogger and American YouTube personality, Jordan Maron famous for his YouTube channel CaptainSparklez. He dropped out of school after discovering his talent in playing an online game called Minecraft. ...

Who is Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg)? Here are Facts You Must Know Canadian Youtube personality, Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg) originally started out polishing and designing nails even before it became a trendy culture in the social media. Simply Nailogica started out her showbiz career in her early days as a child actress, acting in commercials for game and toy companies. Aside from acting, she is blogger, vlogger, specializing ...

5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know About Huda Beauty In the world of entrepreneurship, it is interesting when an individual has a mentor who he/she looks up to, this yield more productivity on the part of the individual. The iconic and rich American beautician and makeup artist Huda Kattan nicknamed Heida is the founder of the Huda Beauty blog which is number one Instagram beauty blog ...

Is Dino MasterChef Gay? Details About His Ethnicity, Girlfriend, Where He Is Now Food, for the better part of the early years of human life, was nothing more than what we needed for survival. There was no artistry or curation to the method of cooking. The scarcity of food left no room for artistic expression until we figured out agriculture and we could make as much as we ...

Who Is Gabbie Hanna And How Did She Become Famous? As the world shifts to digital media and depends more and more on streaming services for its news and entertainment content, YouTubers have become one of the leading creators in the new media world. Their understanding of the online audience: how to create, maintain, and increase followers, are all handy skills that have primed them ...

Jacksepticeye  Height, Girlfriend & Net Worth Jacksepticeye is a YouTuber and actor who gained popularity with a series of gaming videos he uploads on his channel to the delight of millions of his subscribers. He is Known primarily for his comic video game series titled Lets Play and his vlogs. His channel was formerly ranked 46th in the list of most subscribed ...

Chris Heria Personal Details: About His Wife, Height & Ethnicity Background In this generation, keeping fit has become one of the major criteria for being hale and hearty. In fact, most occupations these days are majorly concerned with ones body mass, weight and looks. Unlike the past where most people have to register in a gym to keep fit, social media has made it quite easy ...

Everything You Need To Know About Game Grumps Gaming is becoming incredibly popular on YouTube these days with game vloggers make millions of dollars out of them yearly. One of the most popular up-coming gaming YouTube channels is Game Grumps. The Lets Play series was created in 2012 and celebrated its fifth anniversary on July 18th, 2017. In six years of its existence, the ...

Daithi De Nogla Biography, Girlfriend and Net Worth YouTube has created an avenue for many to make wealth and become famous from the comfort of their homes while having fun. Many have built a career out of the platform, uploading numerous videos that have earned them the admiration of viewers across the globe. For Daithi De Nogla, he is loved for his humorous commentary on ...

Does Phoebe Robinson Have A Boyfriend or Husband and What Do We Know About Her Family? Phoebe Robinson is a New York-based comedian, writer, and actress. She is best known as the co-creator and co-host of the WNYC Studios podcast 2 Dope Queens. Just like some other female comedians, she never had any original plans of becoming a stand-up comedian even though, according to her, she took a class on a whim at Carolines on Broadway. After ...

Who Are Lex and Alana from Listed Sisters? What Is Their Ethnicity & Is the Show Cancelled? America is a country built on diversity. Everywhere you look all over the country, a countless number of immigrants or children of immigrants have become an integral part of the fabric of the country. From entertainment to business, immigrants are creating a niche for themselves and climbing to the summit of their respective professions. One ...

Riveting Facts About Danielle Lombard And What She Is Best Known For The American entertainment industry is one that provides many avenues for aspiring hopefuls to express their talents and become famous. From films to television shows and game shows, there is no shortage of ways for men and women who desire fame to pursue and earn it in the United States of America. Another tested medium ...

Unearthing New Details About The YouTube Success And Personal Life of Alex Burriss of Wassabi Productions Wildly hilarious and truly audacious, Alex Wassabi is an American YouTuber who has become a very popular face on the video-sharing platform after having garnered millions of subscribers over the years by keeping people glued to his channel with his witty parody video releases. If you have always loved parody videos, there is every chance ...

Everything You Need To Know About H2O Delirious H2O Delirious whose full birth name is reported to be Jonathan Gormon Dennis has successfully kept himself mystified by hiding his face behind the masks leaving his loyal fans speculating who he really is for many years. The American YouTube star is easily identified by the Jason Mask Style with make-up which he wears on his ...

Who Is HolaSoyGerman and What Happened To Him? German Garmendia has certainly seen it all when it comes to internet success. His channels, HolaSoyGerman and JuegaGerman are in the top twenty most subscribed channel on YouTube. The Chilean YouTuber found a way to tap into one of the worlds greatest inventions and make a living from it. He has been able to build ...

Who Are Glenn Becks Family, What Is His Net Worth And What Happened To Him? The American political commentary space is filled with different personalities. A few of them, through their rhetoric, charisma, and resources have been able to build a large following of men and women who listen to them for insight and direction for various political and social issues in the United States. For Conservatives, the story is ...

Following Charissa Thompsons Rise Through The Ranks Of Sports Casting and All About Her Boyfriend Superstar TV host and sportscaster, Charissa Thompson, has been hailed as one of the highest-profile women journalists in America, and the reason is there for all to see. She has worked for popular establishments such as Versus, Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, GSN, and Big Ten Network. She currently hosts the popular pre-game show, Fox NFL Kickoff, ...

Is Chris Kattan Gay or Does He Have A Wife? What Is His Net Worth? Chris Kattan is a popular American comedian and actor. He has appeared in several comic movies and TV series such as The Middle, A Night at the Roxbury and Bunnicula. Kattan is, however, most popular for his six-year stint as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. During his time on the legendary show, he ...

Everything You Should Know About the Rise of Insta Star Claire Abbott and Why She Gave It All Up A lot of young Americans have shot into the limelight for uploading different kinds of videos on YouTube. Some of these young stars include Connor Franta, Desi Perkins, Emma Chamberlain, the Dolan Twins (Ethan and Grayson), and Claire Abbott. The latter became a social media celebrity for uploading sexy bikini pictures of herself on social media. Apart from ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTube Channel  h3h3Productions H3h3Productions is a YouTube channel that specializes on Comic responses or reactions of other contents or trendy stories. The celebrity couple that created the channel has over time racked up sizable views for their commentaries and contents. Even though they had their own fair share of copyright cases, thankfully they scored an unprecedented victory in all ...

Lilypichu Bio  Height, Brother and Love Story With Albert SleightlyMusical Chang Like most popular internet celebrities, Lilypichu is one of those Twitch streamers who spend their lives on camera. From daydreaming about the possibility of becoming a full-time professional streamer, she grew to live out her dreams on the popular live streaming platform where people play games, make crafts, and showcase their day-to-day activities. Given the rise of ...

KSI  What To Know About His Girlfriend, Brother  Deji Olatunji & Net Worth Assuredly, when Internet inventors Vint Cerf and Bob Khan created the technological masterpiece, they probably did not know how massive the creation will be harnessed by many for different purposes including as a platform for earning money through content creation. One of such person who smiles to the bank regularly today for spending time creating ...

The Interesting Progression and Highlights of Carrie Keagans Career as a Host and Actress Carrie Keagan has garnered huge fame through her various stints on television. She is not just your regular TV host but one with a difference. Keagan has hosted several high profile events and TV shows, including VH1s Big Morning Buzz Live and Fox News Channels Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld. However, not many know she ...

The Gist On Elise Jordans Marriages And Her Rise To Prominence Political commentaries tend to be boring when it is handled by someone who does not have a knack for it. However, when you see the likes of Elise Jordan run the same commentary, you will have a lot of reasons to look forward to watching her again as the journalist is well-versed in the field ...

What Is Timmy Thick Best Known For and How Successful Is The Star? Thanks to the internet, many people whose talents would have ordinarily gone unnoticed have become famous. A very good example of this modern-day internet celebrity is Timmy Thick, an American social media star. He became popular on Instagram due to his penchant for posting raunchy pictures of himself. He also often posted videos of himself ...

What Does Heather Storm Do For a Living and Who Is She Dating? Reality Television is a great way to make a name for oneself as well as amass a fortune. Heather Storm can attest to this as she is one of those who have made a name and earned a lot from reality TV. She made her name appearing on shows like Car Fanatics, Awesome Autos, and, ...

Matt Carriker Biography  Net Worth, Wife & Height Unlike your regular veterinary doctor next door, Matt Carriker chose to spice up his noble profession with the unusual. Though he is known to many as a medical practitioner, Carriker is better renowned as a YouTube star and an animal lover. Having recorded huge successes on his various YouTube channels, the vet doctors name and ...

Jillian Mele of Fox News Career Achievements, Husband & Measurements There are quite a good number of presenters on radio and television who listeners and viewers may never wish to miss any of their shows because of their sensational golden voice, beauty or the special way or artistry they anchor their shows. Jillian Mele is one of such. She has been at the top of ...

Who is Gillian Turner of Fox News? Her Fiance or Husband and Net Worth Gillian Turner is well-known as a news correspondent for Fox News Channel but before she became a TV personality, she built an intimidating resume working for different institutions, including the American government. She served in different capacities at the White House National Security Council during the administration of former US Presidents  George W. Bush and Barack Obama. ...

Gloria Govan Bio  Age, Ethnicity & Height Even as Gloria Govan is famous as an American actress, author, a TV host, and reality television star, shes more popular as the wife of the former NBA player, Matt Barnes. She became known after appearing on the Florida version of the reality television series, Basketball Wives and later, Basketball Wives: LA  after Matt was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Sadly, ...

Michael Fishmans Interesting Start as an Actor and Why He Divorced His Wife of Many Years When one door closes, another one opens. As silly as that axiom may seem, it is the story of the resurgence of Michael Fishman, who plays D.J Conner on the popular show, Roseanne. Having played the character for several years as a child actor into his teenage years; when the show originally ended, Michael did ...

Who Is October Gonzalez  Tony Gonzalezs Wife? All You Need To Know October Gonzalez is a popular American TV host and media personality. Additionally, she is also a model. Gonzalez has hosted several TV shows such as Beat Shazam, Entertainment Tonight, and Rachel Ray. She has also featured in several reality TV shows. Gonzalezs fame is not just due to her profession but also because of her ...

Who Is Tony Berlin  Harris Faulkners Husband: His Children and Family Facts Tony Berlin is a popular American media guru. He has variously worked as a reporter, anchor, and producer for some of the biggest TV networks in America. They include CNN, CBS, NBC, and ABC (where he hosted the popular Good Morning America). Berlin has now diversified into public relations and owns his own PR firm. ...

The Progression of Gianna Tobonis Journalism Career and Details About Her Marriage to Kyle Buckley Gianna Toboni may not be your ideal newscaster but her unusual reporting is what made her a household name. The American journalist is renowned for her hard-hitting and authentic reportage. A motivator and activist for total press freedom, Gianna loves to explore pervasive cultural issues. Not only does this unique and ambitious journalist call for all ...

Dog The Bounty Hunters Family Including Details of His Late Wife and Kids Popularly known as Dog, a name which he got from the television series, Dog The Bounty Hunter, Duane Chapman, an American bounty hunter, and one-time bail bondsman, went from being convicted for a felony to being a reality TV star. He was brought to the limelight following the capture of the convicted criminal, Andrew Luster in 2003 and this eventually made ...

Vicky Karayiannis, Chris Cornells Wifes Bio, Children and Family The world of showbiz is made up of different people who serve different roles, and function in a variety of capacities, and one of the most important people are those in the background. Publicists are undoubtedly one of these background people yet they are vital to the life and fame of most of our favorite ...

Joe Rogan Has A Step-Daughter and 2 Other Kids With Wife Jessica Ditzel  Meet His Family Joe Rogan is a popular American stand-up comedian and TV host. His journey to stardom began in the late 80s and has seen him host several shows, the most popular is the game show titled Fear Factor. The exciting show dares contestants to face some of their greatest fears and embark on challenging stunts. The ...

Josh Gates and Wife Hallie Gnatovich Have 2 Kids But Who Has the Higher Net Worth? Best known for his explorations and adventures, Josh Gates, is a television presenter with a voracious appetite for seeing the world and the beauties in it. Some of that beauty, however, is in his home, in the form of two children he shares with his wife, Hallie Gnatovich. Not excluded is their marriage which has lasted ...

Holly Sonders Wiki, Plastic Surgery & Why She Divorced Her Husband  Erik Kuselias After trying everything within her capacity to have a low key wedding, Holly Sonders was drawn to the public because of her husbands controversy at his workplace. Well, the two are rumored to be divorced but the article below will give more light on how true these rumors are. Meanwhile, Holly Sonders is yet to ...

Nadeska Alexis Bio  Age, Boyfriend & Net Worth Journalism is one diverse profession that allows the practitioners to choose their area of specialty, build a career on it by reporting the truth and facts which in the long run will distinguish them as deserving commendation and recognition among their peers. Some choose to specialize in political journalism, while to others it is sports ...

Media Platforms Charlamagne Tha God Has Explored and All The Controversies He Has Courted Charlamagne Tha God is an American on-air personality, radio presenter, and more recently, author. He is popularly known as a co-host on New York radios nationally syndicated show, The Breakfast Club, a program he has been hosting alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee since 2010. However, his early years had no connection to his current career ...

A Look At Jimmy Fallons Net Worth and Family Including His Wife & Kids Sometimes, a childs passion for something is a pointer to what he/she would become in the future. As a child, Jimmy Fallon was literally obsessed with watching the late-night comedy program, Saturday Night Live (SNL). Then, his parents would tape the clean parts for him to watch and later, he and his sister would re-enact sketches from the ...

Kay Adams Biography  Does The Sportscaster Have A Husband or Boyfriend? When you hear the phrase sports enthusiast, women are hardly the first group that comes to mind. Well, thats changing pretty fast. Especially with the rise of female sports analysts and broadcasters like Kay Adams who is famed for knowing more about sports than most men do. And why not, shes paid handsomely for it ...

Ben Shapiros Family  Meet His Wife, Kids and Sister Who is Popular for the Wrong Reasons A multi-talented man, Ben Shapiro is a man of controversial nature, an attribute that has made him an unusual public figure. An intellectual whose career path was clearly defined even before he became a man, the Jewish conservative commentator has always had his way with words. He became popular by sharing his critical and often ...

QVC Shawn Killinger Bio  Husband, Net Worth & Facts To Know Shawn Killinger is a prominent TV personality who has worked her way to the top. Though not initially a journalist by training, she defied the odds and today has established herself as a household name, as well as, worked alongside some industry legends. More than just being a reporter, newscaster, and anchor, heres all you ...

Liv Lo  Dissecting the Ethnicity, Parents and Personal Life of Henry Goldings Wife While many are aware that Liv Lo is the better half to Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding, only a few understand why his beautiful wife appears increasingly endearing to fans. A former model turned TV personality, and fitness star, Liv has an impressive resume which when combined with that of her statuesque spouse is considered a perfect ...

Stpeach Age, Husband and Other Facts About The Twitch Streamer Lisa Vannatta, famously known by her online alias, STPeach is a Canadian video game streamer cum vlogger who has garnered fame through her appearances on different video-sharing/social networking platforms such as Youtube, Instagram, Twitch, Reddit, and Twitter. The beautiful lady got her career to a start in August 2015 when she joined the live streaming video platform, Twitch. She rose to ...

Insights into Seth Meyers Wife, Family and What His Net Worth Is Celebrities are mostly remembered and known for the work they do. For Seth Meyers, his career as a comedian, writer, actor, TV host, and producer is his biggest identifier. He was on Saturday Night Live SNL show as a head writer and cast member for more than ten years during which he built a reputation ...

Who Is Jessica Gadsden  Age, Net Worth & All About Charlamagne tha Gods Wife Jessica Gadsden is an American fitness coach as well as a personal trainer. She is better known as the spouse of popular American media personality, Charlamagne Tha God. Charlamange Tha God is a well-known TV and radio personality in the U.S. He has featured in several shows (both on the radio and TV) and is ...

Who Is Collins Tuohy  Michael Ohers sister ? Her Wedding, Husband & Net Worth Collins Tuohy is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, blogger, and social media personality. She is also better known as the adoptive sister of NFL player, Michael Oher, whose life story inspired the Hollywood blockbuster The Blind Side. The Blind Side tells the true life story of Oher who grew up in an impoverished background consisting of a ...

Eye-Popping Facts About The Personal Life And Career Success Of Sportscaster Heidi Watney Heidi Watney is a media personality who has created a niche for herself as a sportscaster. Starting out as a radio presenter, the brilliant young lady has gone on to work for several prominent sports networks, and currently, she is with the MLB. The sportscaster is also known to have been an avid sports lady right ...

Marty Lagina Bio  Siblings (Martina and Rick Lagina), Net Worth and Wife Marty Lagina is an American engineer and businessman who has risen to fame as a reality TV star. This is thanks to his involvement in the adventure TV series, The Curse of Oak Island. The Curse of Oak Island is a long-running TV series which airs on the history channel. The show aims to solve ...

Is Jordan Schlansky Just A Character or a Real Life Person and What Does He Do? The world of late-night television is an interesting one. Shows during that time are geared towards giving viewers comedic relief from a long day at work through interviews and comedy sketches. The often charismatic host of this show requires the balancing talent of a producer whose primary job is to deliver great episodes. It is ...

Heres How Wealthy Jimmy Kimmel Is From All The Phases of His Career, Marriages and Sons Health Jimmy Kimmel is a renowned late-night talk show host known for his charm, wit, and the A-list guests he features on his show. As the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! On ABC, Jimmy has been serving comedy to television viewers for years which played a pivotal role in launching him into mainstream fame and enabled ...

Natasha Bertrand Biography  Is She Married? Who Is the Husband & What Is Her Age? Natasha Bertrand is not just a young prominent journalist but a first-rate investigative reporter. With her natural beauty and smile, Natashas sharp, insightful political commentary also makes her a thorough reporter. Her sound political perspective and coverage in the country have made her a force to be reckoned with in the profession. Renowned for her ...

What Happened to Shane Kilcher? His Injury Update, Net Worth and More Shane Kilcher is well-known thanks to the Discovery Channel series Alaska: The Last Frontier. It is a show that documents the daily lives of the extended Kilcher family, people who live without plumbing or modern heating. The episodes follow their routines as they rely on hunting and farming for their nutritional needs as well as ...

Is Stephanie Gosk Gay or Lesbian, Who is the Wife or Partner  Jenna Wolfe? In August 2013, NBCs Today viewers were greeted with two shocking news. Today weekend anchor, Jenna Wolfe, announced that she was as a lesbian, introducing her partner as NBC News correspondent Stephanie Gosk, and said the two are expecting their first child. A long time has passed since then and certainly, a lot of things ...

Nikki Mudarris  Bio and Net Worth: 5 Interesting Facts You Need to Know Nikki Mudarris, also known as Miss Nikki Baby, is a reality television star, model and fashionista. Shes best known for VH1s reality TV series Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood. Her entrepreneurial skills enable her to create and run a successful lingerie line Nude by Nikki. Not only that, but Nikki has also successfully run the Las ...

5 Interesting Things You Need To Know About Kelly Nash Ever heard of the lady who gained national prominence for taking a selfie with a dangerous ball just a few inches away from hitting her? Its no other person than Kelly Nash, an American sports broadcaster currently working as host of The Rundown show which airs on MLB Network every weekday at 2 pm ET. ...

Understanding The Height of Fame John Oliver Achieved With The Daily Show and How He Met His Wife Without knowledge of who he is and his exemplary career, John Oliver cuts an unassuming figure of a regular man but he is one of the most influential personalities in America, especially on television. Since he began his career in 1998, he has been a loud and unapologetic agent of change, using his wit and ...

Why Did Big Chief Leave Street Outlaws, Where Is He Now And Why Did He Divorce His Wife? Justin Shearer, otherwise known by his professional name Big Chief is a famous street racer and television personality. He is famously known for being one of the main characters on the racing reality television series, Street Outlaws. Justin, who had been a significant part of the show since its premiere in 2013, appeared in a ...

Who is Josina Anderson of ESPN? Her Husband and Family Facts There has been a gradual paradigm shift in the world of sports which has today produced the likes of Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and other female athletes that are pulling great feats in different sporting fields. Their achievements have also been followed by the emergence of female sports journalists such as Jillian Mele, Eboni Williams, ...

Is Brittany Wagner Married, Who Is The Husband, How Old Is She? Brittany Wagner has been an inspiration to a lot of sports youngster. She has won the hearts of many athletic students with her role as a life coach and an academic counselor. She is well groomed in her career and has worked over a decade for The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and The National ...

Tati Westbrook Bio  Age, Husband & Net Worth With five videos dished out every week, alongside running her own brand, beauty guru, and YouTube superstar Tati Westbrook has proved to the world that theres utterly no impossibility or limit to whatever one is passionate about. Tati is best known for being the owner and manager of the worlds most-viewed beauty and lifestyle YouTube channel, ...

Cathy Areus Long Road to Becoming a Freelance Journalist and What to Know About Her Kids An American freelance journalist, news analyst, and author, Cathy Areu has built a lasting reputation for herself on cable television. Popular for her skillful and sassy presentation of professional views on varying topics including cultural and feminist issues, Cathy is an inspiration to many women across the globe. In addition to being a journalist, she ...

Tucker Carlsons Love Story With Wife Susan Andrews, their Children and Net Worth Today On the TV screens, Tucker Carlson is that fiery fellow who passionately dishes out his conservative and often controversial views on issues of national importance. Such brazenness has fetched him many enemies, especially on the left-wing, but it has also helped him cement a reputation as one of the foremost broadcast journalists in America. His ...

Paige Wyatts Net Worth, Boyfriend and Where She Is Now Paige Wyatt became popular after the Wyatt family began running the reality television show, American Guns. The Wyatt family comprises Rich Wyatt (father), Renee Wyatt (mother), Paige and Kurt Wyatt (children). Rich Wyatt originally ran a gun shop, the Gunsmoke Guns in Wheat Ridge, Colorado which is outside of Denver. The business which he ran together ...

The Progression of Howard Sterns Career As A Media Personality And Why He Divorced His First Wife Howard Stern is a legendary American radio host, who has also done some notable work as an actor, producer, author, as well as photographer. The radio personality achieved worldwide fame as a result of his self-titled radio program, The Howard Stern Show. As a professional radio personality, he has worked in different radio stations. Since 2006, ...

Lisa Joyners Biography  Ethnicity, Net Worth and Other Key Facts Lisa Joyner is an American Journalist, TV talk show host, and actress. Some of her well-known works are her correspondences for the Los Angeles based TV KCBS, inFANity show, Find My Family Show including her film and television appearances in Brimstone, American Sweetheart, The Bold and The Beautiful among others. Lisas passion for reconnecting people with their biological families ...

Amanda Balionis Rise Through the Ranks of Sportscasting and the Identity of Her Boyfriend Amanda Balionis is an American sportscaster currently working as a golf broadcaster for CBS Sports. Among so many of her works in the field of sports reporting, Amandas PGA Tour coverage seems to be the most popular so far. She covered the Super Bowl working with CBS Sports social media team in Atlanta, where she ...

Dissecting Charles Paynes Sexual Allegations, Its After Effects and More About His Wife Charles Payne had a respectable career as an analyst on Wall Street before he made the transition to television and became a contributor and later a host on Fox. In that time, his expertise has come under scrutiny, and he has been at the center of at least one major controversy. The major controversy in question ...

Erik Asla And Tryra Banks Split: Everything You Need To Know Tyra Banks and Erik Asla have called it quits! The couple, who began dating in 2013 and have a son named York Banks Asla, has decided to end what everybody taught was the perfect relationship. Neither person has come out to give a reason for the breakup, but what is obvious right now is that ...

What to Note About Dr Terry Dubrows Qualifications, TV Works and Marriage to Heather Kent In the realm of people that we expect to see regularly on our screens, medical doctors are closer to the bottom of the list. Aside from the fact that their work has little correlation with TV, they are presumably too busy to pursue life as TV personalities. Yet, a few of them have usurped this ...

Jessica Goch  Bio: 5 Things You Didnt Know About Ninjas Wife Jessica Goch is the Schofield-born American Social Media Influencer who has worked as a model but is now better known as a host and interviewer of prominent Electronic sports celebrities at popular gaming events/tournaments. The screen queen also serves as the manager of her famous husband Ninja aka Tyler Blevins whose exploits on Twitch and Fortnite has ...

CNNs Chris Cuomo Biography  Wife, Family & Net worth Chris Cuomo needs no elaborate introduction as he has starred graced many prominent Television cable networks and his voice has been heard through acknowledged radio shows. He is a television journalist and Lawyer who has previously worked for ABC News as Chief law and justice correspondent as well as a co-anchor on 20/20. If you still ...

Neil deGrasse Tyson  Family, Religion & Net Worth Neil deGrasse Tyson is a distinguished American astrophysicist and author who has been able to achieve so much after falling in love with astronomy at the age of 9. He has since attended and become an alumnus of prestigious universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia, and also recorded numerous achievements in his field of ...

Is Simon Cowell Gay? Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend and Why is He Famous? Simon Cowell is a well-known talent show judge, TV producer, entrepreneur and one of the most popular TV personalities that Britain has ever produced. In conjunction with his company, Syco, Cowell is the brain behind hugely successful talent hunt shows such as The X-Factor UK, The X-Factor US, Britains Got Talent, Americas Got Talent and ...

Everything To Know About Joanna Gaines Life With Chip Gaines, Their Business Pursuits and Kids Joanna Gaines and her husband Chip Gaines became celebrities after their television show Fixer Upper began airing back in 2013. The show which was about home renovation and decoration ran for about 6 seasons with a total of 79 episodes before the couple bade farewell to it in April 2018. Apart from their appearances on ...

Who Is Larry The Cable Guy? What To Know About His Wife And Net Worth Larry the Cable Guy is a self-professed country kid renowned for his trademark Southern accent and sensational catchphrase Git-R-Done! The famous comedian who talks about anything under the sun has gone on to become one of the most memorable characters in comedy history. Join us in unearthing lesser-known facts about the former on-air-personality, standup comedy superstar, movie ...

Who Is Patrick Starr, What Is His Net Worth and Gender? The make-up industry over the years has grown to become a billion dollar industry not just because there are probably more women wearing make-up but because a whole lot of men, especially the young ones, have become bold enough to wear it unlike before. A few of these men, like Patrick Starr, have even gone ...

How Did Chris Jansing Become a Senior Correspondent at MSNBC and Who Is Her Husband? An award-winning American television news reporter and journalist, Chris Jansing has succeeded in carving a spectacular niche for herself in the field of TV journalism. Outstanding for not just her excellence in journalism, Chris is also cherished for her incredibly gorgeous looks post 60! For close to four decades, Jansing has continued to soar in her ...

Jaclyn Glenn Biography  Age, Height & Ex-Boyfriend American Youtuber, Jaclyn Glenn, rose to prominence through her self-titled YouTube channel Jaclyn Glenn. She has remained an acclaimed atheist and continues to air her views on hot issues from politics, religion, animal rights, to atheism. During the heated 2016 US Presidential elections, Glenn featured in Hump Trump: Official Donald Trump Song. Her parallel acting career ...

Is Pat Sajak Married to a Wife or is He Gay With a Partner? Pat Sajak is one of the most popular TV game show hosts in America. He commenced his career as a radio disk jockey as well as a TV weatherman before being tapped to host Wheel of Fortune, the longest-running syndicated game show in the United States. Sajak has hosted the popular game show from 1983 ...

Nayyera Haqs Bio  What To Know About Her Husband, Parents And Family Nayyera Haq can take anyone on political debates as well as discussions on social issues affecting many. Her ability to masterfully deliver her stance on every issue or political debate has made her a regular face in morning and evening news media platforms. This is not a common feat especially for someone from her kind ...

Inside Guy Fieris Family With Wife, Kids and Sister Who Died of Cancer Over the years we have seen men dominate the kitchen and churn out amazing delicacies from it. Some do it way better than their female counterparts and one of such men is Guy Ramsay Fieri  an American TV host, celebrity chef, restaurant owner, bestselling author of four culinary books, and game show host. His ...

Meet Phil Mudd of CNN  The Former CIA and FBI Exec, Is He Married, Who Is The Wife? When it comes to discussing issues surrounding terrorism, American Counterterrorism and National Security Expert, Phil Mudd, occupies a globally significant position. He has voiced his interest in the fight against terrorism and insecurity on many popular media platforms, both print and broadcast, such as CNN, BBC, CBS, MSNBC, al-Jazeera, ABC, NBC, Fox, The New York Times, ...

Jim Hoffer: Biography, Wife  Mika Brzezinski, Children and Net Worth Jim Hoffer is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who works as an investigative reporter for Eyewitness News, New York City. In his over two decades of investigative journalism, Hoffer has been at the front lines of several crucial stories from the 9/11 attack to the crash of American Flight 587 to the 2003 Blackout. On top of ...

The Ups and Downs of Erin Mcpikes Journalism Career and Other Facts About Her Personal Life Erin McPike is a journalist working for the Independent Journal Review (IJR) as a White House Correspondent but she gained widespread recognition for her coverage of general news. Whether its breaking news or some mainstream story, McPike has a reputation of baring the facts. As a journalist, her work as a White House Correspondent for Independent ...

Bert Kreischer Is Married To LeeAnn Kreischer With 2 Kids  Meet His Family Those familiar with Bert Kreischer mainly have the image of a large-bellied party man whose college life inspired the National Lampoon film, Van Wilder. It is an image that one would not naturally associate with a wholesome family. The standup comedian still maintains his wild party animal image on stage. But, back at home, he is ...

How Brendan Greene Became a Game Designer to Look Out For and Facts About His Failed Marriage The name Brendan Greene may not easily ring a bell in the larger society but for gaming enthusiasts, he is considered a god and this is because of his invention of the video game, Player Unknowns Battlegrounds, also called PUBG. Based on the popular last-man-standing/battle royale concept, Greenes creation has taken the gaming world by ...

WFAAs Sonia Azad Bio  Does The Reporter Have A Husband Or Boyfriend? Emmy Award-winning journalist and Health & Wellness reporter Sonia Azad is on the news segment News 8 Daybreak for the television station WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas, a channel which she joined in October of 2015. Besides her time on the news, Azad is also a marathon runner and a certified yoga instructor. She has covered major news ...

This Is Everything You Should Know About Caroline Heldman, Her Career Portfolio and Other Facts Love it or hate it, there is no escaping the fact that feminism has come to stay in our world. The movement has continued to garner momentum over the years and this is due to the sustained push by several women, and even men, including the likes of Caroline Heldman. A Professor of Politics at ...

Understanding The Enigma That Is Gavin McInnes, The Controversies He Has Stirred and All About His Wife Gavin McInnes is a polemical English-born writer and TV personality, who is best known for his racist and fascist ideologies, as well as his co-ownership of Vice Media and Vice Magazine. He is also an actor a
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By Bob Cunningham



Whether looking for a job or applying to graduate school, its hard to stand out from the pack these days  even with a great GPA.



Thats why its so important to have experiential learning on your resume. There are multiple ways to learn outside the classroom, including internships, co-ops and studying abroad.



More than 20 students from BGSUs Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURS) recently gave presentations about their experiences abroad. The top performers were honored with CURS Global Engagement Awards on Nov. 18 at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.



Thanks to the faculty and mentors, these outstanding students have now had their lives transformed because theyve been a part of this great project here at the University, said President Mary Ellen Mazey. When you travel abroad, you learn so much not only about that country but also about yourself.



Each student received an engraved glass sculpture designed by former art student Austin Littenberg.



Experiential learning is something we want to encourage, said CURS director Dr. Cordula Mora. Its important that you dont just sit in the classroom and you get out and experience new things and different cultures. I keep telling students that a good GPA isnt enough anymore because youre competing with other people who also have wonderful GPAs.



Allison Marino, from Stow, Ohio, and Maria Nielsen, from Sandusky, Ohio, both currently first-year graduate students in curriculum and teaching who studied abroad as juniors majoring in adolescent-to-young-adult education in integrated mathematics, presented on their experience teaching math education and cultural experiences in Thailand. Each came away with a new appreciation for different cultures.



This was my first experience of managing a classroom and leading the engagement of students learning, Marino said. Through all of these experiences, I was able to become a more well-rounded individual and educator. Not only did I learn so much about the culture and education system, but also I was able to form new relationships with the Thai people. All of these experiences and relationships formed in Thailand were priceless and unforgettable.



For me, the idea that I can teach math to students who may speak a different language, but they still learn because math is universal was amazing, Nielsen said. Even if were not speaking the same language, we can still have a conversation about mathematics.



Alexis Czajka, a senior from Riverview, Mich., majoring in French with a minor in international studies, investigated the importance of strikes and protests in France, a tradition that she said dates to the French Revolution.



My presentation was really about breaking the stereotype of the French always being on strike and never going to work, Czajka said. It was really an eye-opener being immersed in the country and seeing these stereotypes arent really true as you learn about their culture from their perspective.



Nicholas Frank, a senior from Perrysburg majoring in world language education specializing in Spanish, is interested in the globalized classroom. His project explored how the integration of technology affects students communicative and cultural proficiency in a second language when connecting two world language classrooms in the United States and Spain.



I guess what I was really hoping to show students through this project is that its a lot easier to interact with different people than we make it seem, Frank said. Just giving students that opportunity to talk to somebody from another country is a really good perspective on interacting with a different culture.



Matthew Thome, a senior from Medina. Ohio, majoring in adolescent-to-young-adult integrated language arts education, traveled to Japan to learn more about atomic bomb survivors, peace education and the problems with only teaching a U.S.-centric historical narrative in regard to the end of World War II.



I went to Hiroshima and it really was a life-changing experience, Thome said. I got to see the prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, speak. Its really powerful to stand in front of the cenotaph (at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum) and theres all the names of every person killed by the atomic bomb and to know that President Obama had visited recently and left his mark. It was amazing to see the turnout of the people from all around the world to come and pay their respects.






First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


For Immediate Release, December 1, 2016 Contact: Noah Greenwald, (503) 484-7495, ngreenwald@biologicaldiversity.org Number of Species on Waiting List for Endangered Species Act Protection Drops to

Lowest Level in History Number of Species Needing Help Remains High WASHINGTON As a result of a pair of settlement agreements with the Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians, the number of species on the waiting list for Endangered Species Act protection has dropped to the lowest level since the candidate list was begun in 1975. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that only 30 species are now on the candidate waiting list for protection, including the Pacific walrus, Oregons red tree vole and the eastern gopher tortoise. Although the Service has made great progress reducing the backlog of candidate species, the agency faces a backlog of more than 500 species that have been petitioned for protection. The Service has developed a workplan to make decisions for 320 of these petitioned species over the next seven years, but whether it will be able to implement this workplan under a Trump administration is in serious question. The Endangered Species Act has been tremendously successful, saving more than 99 percent of the species under its care from extinction, but it only works for species once theyre protected as threatened or endangered, said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director at the Center. For this reason its critical that the Fish and Wildlife Service be given the funding and freedom to do its job and make decisions about protection for the hundreds of species waiting for consideration, consistent with its workplan. In 2011 the Service and the Center reached a landmark agreement that required the agency to make protection decisions for the 251 species on the candidate list as of 2010, as well as initial decisions on 506 additional species petitioned for protection. By the end of fiscal year 2016, the Service had completed most of its commitments under the agreement, resulting in protection of 176 species and proposed protection for another 19. Most of the 506 petitioned species received positive initial findings, suggesting they may warrant protection, but continue to await protection decisions. Under the Endangered Species Act, the Service is supposed to make protection decisions within one year of receiving a petition, but most of these hundreds of species have already been waiting more than five years. We call on the incoming Trump administration to follow the law and make protection decisions for the hundreds of species desperately awaiting consideration, said Greenwald. If the Fish and Wildlife Service is not allowed to do its job under the Trump administration, we will have no choice but to turn to the courts. A recent study found that on average imperiled species have waited more than 12 years to receive endangered species protection. This has real consequences, with at least 44 species having gone extinct while they waited. The study also found that lawsuits by groups like the Center identified species stuck in the process and sped that protection. In August the Center filed a notice of intent to sue over many of the petitioned species awaiting decisions. Following this notice the Service issued its workplan. Given this encouraging sign, the Center does not plan to file a lawsuit in accordance with its notice, but rather to let the Service complete its workplan. Our sincere hope is that the Trump administration will not prevent the Service from carrying out its legal duty to protect Americas most imperiled species from extinction, said Greenwald. And the need is great  scientists agree that the planet is undergoing its sixth major extinction crisis. The Endangered Species Act is one of the strongest laws any nation has to safeguard biological diversity in the face of ever-increasing threats. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.


For Immediate Release, December 1, 2016 Contact: Collette Adkins, Center for Biological Diversity, (651) 955-3821, cadkins@biologicaldiversity.org

Dr. Justin Congdon, Professor Emeritus, University of Georgia, (520) 824-3121, congdon@vtc.net

Dr. Anders G.J. Rhodin, Chelonian Research Foundation, (978) 807-2902, rhodincrf@aol.com

Bruce Morrison, Great Rivers Environmental Law Center, (314) 231-4181, bamorrison@greatriverslaw.org More Than 100 Scientists Urge Missouri to Ban Unlimited Commercial Trapping of Wild Turtles Thousands From State Rivers Have Been Caught, Sold, Exported Overseas JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. The Missouri Department of Conservation today received a letter signed by more than 100 scientists, including the nations top turtle-conservation experts, asking for a complete ban on for-profit trapping of the states wild turtles. The letter follows an October announcement that the state will consider restricting commercial turtle collection, in response to a petition filed last summer by the Center for Biological Diversity and Great Rivers Environmental Law Center. Common snapping turtle photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons/Dakota L. This photo is available for media use. The nations top experts on turtle conservation agree that Missouri needs to ban all commercial turtle trapping, said Collette Adkins, a biologist and senior attorney at the Center. A small number of for-profit turtle collectors should not be allowed to jeopardize the states turtles, which already suffer from threats like habitat loss and water pollution. Were hopeful that the Missouri Department of Conservation will do the right thing and put an end to the states harmful turtle trade. Under current law turtle traders can legally collect unlimited numbers of common snapping and softshell turtles to sell domestically or export for Asian food and medicinal markets. According to the Department, 1,100 miles of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers are open year-round for commercial turtle collection. Thousands of Missouris turtles have been caught and sold over the past 10 years. Todays letter is endorsed by more than 100 scientific experts in population dynamics, wildlife management and other areas relevant to turtle conservation. Research from these scientists and others has repeatedly documented that freshwater turtles cannot sustain any significant level of wild collection without suffering population declines. For example, a landmark 1994 study by Dr. Justin Congdon, professor emeritus at the University of Georgia, found that life history characteristics of turtles, such as delayed sexual maturity, dependence on high adult survival and high natural levels of nest mortality, predispose turtles to rapid declines from exploitation. Commercial harvest in states such as Missouri continues to threaten turtles, which are among the most endangered of all large vertebrate groups worldwide, said Dr. Anders G.J. Rhodin, founder and director of the Chelonian Research Foundation and Chairman Emeritus of the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. Its time to stop selling this irreplaceable natural heritage abroad and start working towards restoring turtles to ecologically robust levels. Turtle protections benefit not only our natural environment but also Missourians and the tourists who visit and enjoy seeing these charismatic animals in the wild. Background

In its October response to the conservation organizations petition asking for a commercial turtle trapping ban, the Departments interim director, Tom Draper, stated that the Department agrees that unlimited commercial collection of common snapping turtles and softshell turtles should be addressed through the rulemaking process. The Department points to recently developed scientific information about increasing harvest pressures. The rulemaking process first requires development of a proposed rule, which would ultimately be submitted to the Missouri Conservation Commission for approval. As part of a campaign to protect turtles in the United States, the Center for Biological Diversity has been petitioning states that allow unrestricted commercial turtle collection to improve harvest regulations. In 2009 Florida responded by banning almost all commercial collection of freshwater turtles from public and private waters. In 2012 Georgia approved state rules regulating the commercial collection of turtles, and Alabama completely banned commercial collection. And in July Iowa published proposed rules that, if finalized, would impose seasons, daily bag limits and possession limits for common snapping turtles, painted turtles, spiny softshells and smooth softshells. Also in response to a 2011 Center petition, and with the support of the Missouri Department of Conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in May added four turtles  including common snapping turtles, smooth softshell turtles and spiny softshell turtles that are found in Missouri  to a list called CITES Appendix III. Trade in Appendix III species requires an export permit and documentation that the animal was caught or acquired in compliance with the law, allowing the United States to monitor trade closely. The animals must also be shipped using methods designed to prevent cruel treatment. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. www.biologicaldiversity.org Great Rivers Environmental Law Center is a nonprofit public interest environmental law firm in St. Louis that provides free and reduced-fee legal services to those working to protect the environment and public health. www.greatriverslaw.org
This year's Gold Pack Awards not only awarded Tashalie Vorster with a Student Gold Pack award in the category for improving / redesigning packaging of an existing brand, but also named her as the second overall winner in the awards.

Commencing in 1973, the Gold Pack Awards are issued by the Institute of Packaging South Africa (IPSA) and are the showcase for the South African packaging industry.

Vorster, a second year IIE BA Graphic Design student at The Design School Southern Africa, selected the Whole Earth Farms brand from the US to improve and redesign. Its grain-free product line includes six dry dog foods. Voster noticed a design flaw in the brands name and logo, which did not reflect that it catered for dogs. She endeavoured to design a logo which would better reflect what the company was about and who they catered for.

I redesigned it with a photo of a dog wearing a farm cap, linking the two themes of pets and farms. I added in some additional features such as the dog carrying a pole with his paws and a little door on the packaging that the food comes out of, says Vorster.

An additional theme in the redesign was to make the packaging both reusable and recyclable. The packaging came with a sticker explaining the new features. The design is clean, indicating no fuss, no mess and no dog food smell.

She entered her design with the encouragement of Whole Earth Farm director Bill Marshall. He believed my design had a chance of winning and now wants to send it on to the World Packaging Organisations World Star Student Awards.

Pretoria campus graphic design lecturer, Jeanne Muller, was one of Vorsters biggest supporters. My lecturer was an enormous motivation to me throughout the entire project and especially with my design work. Thats the thing when you study at The Design School SA, they have a hands-on approach and they want their students to succeed, concludes Vorster.

For more information, go to www.designschoolsa.co.za.
Since the dark days of denialism, South Africa has taken giant strides forward in implementing a successful and progressive HIV/Aids strategy. And the future looks even brighter with more affordable, better antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), long-acting preventive antiretroviral therapy (ART) and new ATM-type dispensing units for ARVs

Anele Yawa, general secretary of the Treatment Action Campaign; Francois Venter, deputy executive director of the Wits reproductive health and HIV institute; Qedani Mahlangu, Gauteng MEC for health; Beverley Kramer, assistant dean: research & postgraduate support; Ian Sanne, director of Wit's clinical HIV research unit and Martin Veller, dean of the faculty of Health sciences at Wits.

Professors Ian Sanne and Francois Venter presented a lecture ART: Do or Die - about the imperative to drive HIV/Aids research, treatment and accessibility. This is the do part, because without this, patients would die  at the University of the Witwatersrands faculty of health sciences 14th Prestigious Research Lecture.

No cure, but treatment works

While a cure for HIV/ids is not yet in sight, we know that treatment works. For the past 20 years we have been working on improving drugs, optimising adherence and making treatment accessible to all people living with HIV, including the 6m people in South Africa, explains Sanne, who is the director of Wits clinical HIV research unit.

New drugs such as dolutegravir and tenofovir alafenamide promise to make first line regimens safer and cheaper, if successful in clinical trials, says Venter, deputy executive director of the Wits reproductive health and HIV institute.

Developing the first line

With pressure on HIV budgets limiting the transition to second and subsequent lines of therapy which are more toxic, harder to take, and more expensive, the advancement of first line drugs is a priority.

Since 2003, the countrys department of health (DoH) has developed the largest HIV treatment programme in the world. Wits University has significantly contributed to this in a number of ways: from clinical research in the drug development of all ARV therapies registered worldwide, to implementation, outcomes and health economics evaluation. This works to ensure that Treasury and the department utilise the best possible treatment regimen to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Life expectancy normalising

Life expectancy in patients successfully treated with ARV therapy is normalising and recent advances in HIV treatment have demonstrated that successful ARV treatment is associated with a reduction in population viral loads and HIV transmission, explains Sanne.

Treating everyone with HIV, as a mechanism to stop the spread of HIV, has been extensively mathematically modelled, with some observational evidence from KwaZulu-Natal that it works, adds Venter.

Addressing prevention

However, various African countries have not seen a decrease in incidence predicted by these models, and this is probably because of treatment being initiated too late and also due to inadequate patient care. New, creative ways to address the failure of HIV prevention efforts are being researched. These include HIV self-testing kits, to get people to test earlier and start treatment early, long-acting, injectable preventive therapy, and interventions that promote greater medication adherence.

ATM-dispensing units

We will soon be launching patient dispensing units (PDUs) at two pharmacies in Soweto, one in Diepsloot and one in Alexandra, together with the minister of health and the premier of Gauteng, says Sanne. How it works is that you present yourself with your ID, which the PDU reads, links to your records and dispenses your medicine in much the same way as you get cash from an ATM.

In addition to ARVs, the PDUs will dispense a range of other prescription medicines for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma. This way, people with HIV/Aids do not feel targeted when they withdraw their medication.

The pharmacies will be open from 6am to 10pm every day to make it easier for working people to access their medication outside of clinic hours, which will contribute to greater medication adherence. Sanne says they hope to have 200,000 patients using the launch units within a short period of time. The roll out of PDUs countrywide will follow.
From 21-23 May 2017, the International News Media Association (INMA) will host its 87th Annual World Congress of News Media in New York, bringing together 400+ executives from the top news media companies in 40+ countries.

Billed as the best executive-level overview of news media strategy in a fast-changing market, the Congress is expected to focus on how media companies can innovate and adapt:

 How to disrupt media agencies  The fast-evolving use of distributed platforms

 Digital subscription opportunities

 Diversifying revenue streams away from the core

 The role of truth and trust for news brands

 Virtual reality opportunities  Overcoming advertiser misconceptions

How can branded news media stand out in the context of information overload, algorithm-driven information bubbles and fake news? How can we leverage the advantages of digital and technology to generate new revenue and lower costs? How can media companies disrupt the disruptive forces bearing down on them? These are the critical questions INMA will tackle with the New York World Congress, said Earl J. Wilkinson, executive director and CEO of INMA.

A full week of activities will include:

 General sessions on the burning issues facing the leading news media companies  Breakout seminars on print innovation, media groups and best practices

 Presentation of the Global Media Awards at the Harvard Club

 Welcome reception at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), with exclusive access to the top galleries

 Pre-Congress study tour of New York media innovators  Networking Lounge with solution providers aimed at audience and revenue growth

For more information, go to www.inma.org/worldcongress.
The dearth of senior women academics is forcing universities to poach from each other, leading to some of them becoming inadequately resourced.

Smaller institutions are losing out as they struggle to pay competitive salaries to keep their staff "gender-balanced".

At hearings on transformation at institutions of higher learning held in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, this week, the Gender Commission heard that only 26% of professors were women.

The two-day hearings are intended to establish the progress made in transformation at universities across the country. Sexual violence on campuses is also expected to be debated.

Rhodes University vice-chancellor Sizwe Mabizela told the commission that there was a serious shortage of senior black women academics.

"All 26 universities are fishing in the same pond, which is highly depleted ... People are simply moving from one institution to another and my hope is that higher education institutions will enter into some kind of agreement that will contribute to developing women academics and not rely on poaching from one another.

"We invest so much in developing these young people and then the other university simply comes to poach, to offer them better salaries, a higher rank. We can't do that because we (Rhodes) are not financially indulged ... and so it does not serve the sector," said Mabizela.

He said universities were competing with the state and private sector, which paid well and attracted the few black females in the pool. One of the barriers to female academics obtaining professorships was the years they took out of their careers to start a family, said University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Max Price.

Price and Mabizela lauded the Next Generation of Academics programme, which funds the training of new academics, many of whom are young black women.

The grant for each lecturer on the programme is about R2m over six years.

Source: The Times
13 years ago, May de Lencquesaing started a new journey on South African soil which saw Glenelly Estate reborn. Today, alongside her two grandsons Nicolas Bureau and Arthur de Lencquesaing, the 8th generation of vintners and wine producers, they are reshaping the estate. Glenelly is moving forward with May's unique experience and vision, supported by winemaker Luke O'Cuinneagain and viticulturist Heinrich Louw.

May de Lencquesaing

After closing to the public for extensive renovations over the past year, the Stellenbosch estate has re-opened as a world-class Winelands destination including a hospitable bistro, a tasting room with spectacular views,a new presentation of Madames unique glass collection as well as a series of new vintages across the estate's range of wines.

A refreshed brand

The team has taken the opportunity to refresh the brand and create a clearer, more distinctive identity. The main elements of the old Glenelly logo remain, but in the form of a classic 19th-century illustration of an elegant French lady riding side-saddle a powerful South African rhino. The floating and fragile glass in her hand creates a surprising contrast, symbol of a unique balance.

An embossed stamp now appears on all wine labels, carrying with it nearly 250 years of the familys involvement in the wine industry. Their ancestor, Elie Miailhe, was granted the title of royal wine broker in 1783. May de Lencquesaing (nee Miailhe), continues this tradition together with her grandchildren. Three specific pantone colours of red, orange and brown are the new corporate colours symbolising three key elements: the sun, the soil, and the wine. All the labels now have a more distinctive and high-end look and feel, incorporating embossing, high bold and gold foiling on premium quality paper.

The Glass Collection range

Glenelly's three tiers of wine include the Glass Collection range - single varietal wines, with a great expression of the terroir and vintage. The Estate Reserve range which is the new, more recognisable and more pronounceable name for the previous Grand Vin range. Lady May, named in honour of Glenellys Grande Dame, comes predominantly from a single vineyard.

A tasting room with a view

The new tasting room, on the top floor of the modern winery, overlooks the gentle lower slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain. Fuelled by natural light, the contemporary bar made using granite from the estate invites the guests to sit and taste. A series of tasting experiences and food pairings enable both neophytes and connoisseurs to enjoy and discover the award-winning wines.

Glenelly's new upstairs Tasting Room

Visitors will be able to taste current and back vintages of the Glass Collection, Estate Reserve, and Lady May wines. In the same room, the winemakers private tasting area is only separated by a large cabinet de curiosite featuring intriguing elements related to wine, the family, and the estate. The elegant design, exquisite use of light, and uninterrupted views provide the ideal setting to appreciate the fine wines of Glenelly.

The Vine Bistro at Glenelly

According to May, wines are made to pair with food, so introducing a culinary experience at Glenelly was the logical next step on our journey. My grandchildren initiated this project a few months ago with Christophe Dehosse, the ideal chef to look after this exciting new venture: French, but very established in South Africa, mastering haute cuisine but cooking simple dishes, getting his inspiration from traditional bistros of his homeland while experimenting with African and Mediterranean ingredients.

He sources local organic farm products and serves very seasonal food. Inside, the decor is warm and elegant and includes a harmonious mix of 19th-century chairs, classic Parisian tables, a contemporary cellar, a fireplace for the winter, leather banquettes and a traditional bar with brass. Outside, on the terrace or under the pergola, expect long wooden tables, a water feature, plants and a petanque court for long lazy afternoons enjoying the picturesque views of the estate.

The private glass collection

The presentation of the extensive private collection of glass acquired by May de Lencquesaing has been totally redesigned. Situated in the underground of the winery, youll be taken on a journey through 2000 years of glassmaking, with the 160 pieces of the collection each telling a story. The room has intentionally been painted in a charcoal grey for the beautifully illuminated glasses to take centre stage. You will see Roman pieces, XVIIth and XVIIIth century glasses, but also Daum, Salvador Dali as well as American and South African contemporary artists.
KAMPALA, UGANDA: Uganda will receive $195 million (Shs703b) from the African Development Bank (ADB) to support two agricultural projects in the country, in relation to the bank's Regional Alignment with Feed Africa Strategy. As per Uganda project, the ADB says the Agricultural Value Chains Development Project is $110 million (Shs396) and it is at appraisal stage and Agricultural Infrastructure Development Programme - CA11P-4 $85 million (Shs306) which is at identification stage.

Neil Palmer (CIAT) via Wikimedia Commons

In a presentation made at Sheraton Kampala Hotel recently during the launch conference on Feed Africa Strategy, the director of Agriculture and Agro-Industry Department ADB, Dr Chiji Ojukwu said under its Feed Africa Strategy, the bank intends to increase agricultural lending to $2.4b annually.

Chiji said, as per the programme, a focused approach on integrated commodity value chains is to be done adding that achieving Feed Africa Goals requires substantial investment and results in massive revenues. "The bank will pursue an agenda to transform key agricultural commodities and agro-ecological zones," he said.

He added: "In particular, Feed Africa will take a commodity-focused integrated approach - simultaneously addressing multiple bottlenecks across entire prioritised agricultural commodity value chains and within related agro-ecological zones.

The resident representative of ADB in Uganda country office, Jeremiah Mutonga, said they have consulted closely with bilateral agencies such as Usaid, DFID, among others and other international institutions including FAO, World Food Program IFAD and World Bank to make this work.

"Never before has the political will and drive for decisive action to transform African agriculture been stronger; African ministers of Finance, Agriculture, as well as Central Bank Governors agree that now is the time to transform agriculture into a wealth-creating sector," he said.
Zero-rated VAT for a commercial property transaction can be confusing and must be properly understood in order to avoid delays.

Previously, it was common industry practice that a brief clause or addendum was utilised with the agreement of sale for a commercial property transaction in order to apply for the zero-rating of VAT, says Jason Gregoriades, a member of the Rawson Property Groups Commercial Business Development team in Cape Town. These previously used methods are, however, no longer acceptable due to a more stringent set of requirements by SARS.

Misconceptions

Some misconceptions must first be dispelled, with regard to zero-rated VAT transactions, before looking at this subject in any depth.

The structuring of the sale of a commercial property with the VAT rated at 0%, Gregoriades explains, is a benefit offered by SARS to the seller and buyer of a specific property, should certain criteria be met to their satisfaction.

First, it is often presumed that if VAT is applicable to a commercial property transaction, it will be simple to structure the Agreement of Sale in order to qualify for the VAT to be rated at zero percent. Sadly, this is not the case.

Second, there is the misconception that if one correctly structures the agreement of sale that the transaction qualifies for a zero-rating of VAT, that there are no additional costs relating to the transfer of the property. This is also most definitely not the case.

Facts

To begin with, a tax clearance certificate is required for the transfer of a property, thus problems and delays may arise in the event where either of the legal entities tax affairs are not up to date. Thereafter, SARS has a number of specific criteria which must be met in order for a commercial property transaction to be considered for a VAT rating of 0%. The agreement of sale must be properly structured, states Gregoriades, containing all the necessary information and specifics.

Regarding the other costs applicable to the transfer of the property, such as the Deeds Office fee and the additional respective clearance certificates, these costs will still be applicable and payable should SARS permit the transaction to benefit from a zero-rating for VAT.

SARS requirement

SARS current requirements for the transaction of a commercial property sale to be considered for a zero VAT rating are quite specific and important to know, says Gregoriades.

These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

All necessary information to be provided as part of the original agreement of sale and not as an addendum or annexure.

Both parties must be VAT vendors, thus, it is recommended that both parties include in the agreement their VAT registration numbers, a declaration that they are still registered for VAT and that their tax affairs are up to date.

The nature of the contract must take the form of a sale of business which includes the property, as opposed to the traditional sale of property only. Both parties must state their agreement that the enterprise will be sold as a going concern and that a zero rating of VAT will be applied. In this case, the business practice is the letting of space within the property and the business itself is often described as a rental enterprise.

The entire business, including any part of it which is capable of separate operation, must be disposed of as part of the transaction. In other words, the sale of the enterprise must include the property and all existing contracts must remain in place, such as the cleaning and security services.

The business must be an income generating enterprise at the time of sale, with a strong likelihood that this income generation will continue up to the date of transfer and beyond.

The risk

Should the application for a zero VAT rating be deemed unsuccessful by SARS, they have the authority to effect that the full VAT amount be applicable to the sale. A clause to this end must be included in the agreement, stating that the purchase price will increase to cover the potential addition of VAT to the sale price. Buyers and sellers must be aware of the implications of this possibility, says Gregoriades, should their submission be rejected by SARS for whatever reason.

One needs a well-constructed agreement of sale, making sure all the boxes are ticked, suggests Gregoriades, to take advantage of the zero-rated VAT benefit offered by SARS. In order to ensure all the criteria are met, it is recommended that you enlist the aid of an experienced commercial agent.
Being a commercial airline pilot is considered a top job. Airline pilots earn premium salaries in recognition that they assume levels of responsibility for the lives of their passengers and fellow crew that is well above the corporate norm. At South African Airways (SAA), for example, first-year salaries are R900,000 a year and rises over time to match those of C-suite corporate executives.

Julianza via pixabay

It is, therefore, surprising that there is a worldwide shortage of pilots. Leading aviation consultants AirInsight projects that there is a global requirement for about 31,000 new pilots annually. The average age of pilots is also increasing, suggesting younger people are not attracted to the profession.

Jimmy Conroy, chairman of the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) says this apparent contradiction is explained by the fact that being a pilot comes at a high cost to ones personal life and follows a demanding and expensive process to qualify for.

It all starts with a dream and a goal

It all starts with a dream and a goal  to become an airline pilot. The first step is to pass matric with mathematics and/ or science at advanced grade, with a C symbol or higher. Thereafter, you must pass a Class 1 medical from an aviation medical examiner, enroll at a training school and commence with a Student Pilots Licence.

This involves studies that make a university honours degree pale in comparison. The Student Pilots Licence requires Air Law and Aircraft Technical. The Private Pilots Licence (PPL) requires Radio licence exams and seven exams comprising of: Aviation Meteorology; Flight Performance and Planning; General Navigation; Aircraft General; Principles of Flight (Aerodynamics); Human Performance and Limitations; Air Law; and to complete, a practical flight test. Finally, completing a Private Pilots Licence requires approximately 45  50 hours flying training.

A Commercial Pilots Licence training involves the following advanced exams: Theoretical and oral radio licence exams; Aviation Meteorology; Flight Performance and Planning; Radio Aids and Communication; General Navigation; Instruments and Electronics; Aircraft Technical and General; Human Performance and Limitations; and Air Law.

The pass mark for examinations is 75%, following which one has to complete a practical flight test and undertake 200 - 220 flying hours.

Gaining experience no easy task

By this stage, it is theoretically possible to fly passengers for remuneration, but few organisations will employ a new commercial pilot with just 220 flying hours, says Conroy. Most charter companies require a minimum of 500 hours flying time, commuter airlines require 900 hours and airlines 1,500 flying hours.

In addition, most organisations require experience encompassing twin and turbine engines which are difficult to obtain. Many gain the requisite experience by obtaining instructors ratings or securing positions as co-pilots on small twin engine aircraft. Others build their hours ferrying or delivering aircraft, doing parachute dropping or glider towing.

Once a young commercial pilot finds employment at a charter company, he or she may first expect to work for a year as an ops officer in an office before flying, to pay back the cost of their training. Its a tough time in a young pilots life. One still has to complete Instrument Rating, which requires a further six exams and a difficult practical flight test.

Once one obtains a Commercial Pilots Licence with an Instrument Rating and 900 hours flying time, one becomes marketable to commuter airlines. Getting to this point will typically have taken you five years and cost up to R1 million. Once employed by a commuter airline, one will accumulate a further 800 flying hours a year, though salaries will still not be good.

Generally pilots will have little chance of getting into major international airlines such as SAA with less than 5,000 hours flying time, says Conroy.

The top qualification

The top qualification is an Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL). To acquire this, one is required to pass various subjects with a high level of applied mathematics and physics: Aviation Meteorology; Flight Performance and Planning; Radio Aids and Communications; General Navigation; Instruments and Electronics; and Aircraft Technical and General; followed by an advanced flight test.

Once fully qualified with an ATPL and employed in an airline, one is still required to undertake continuous professional training. This consists of passing a Class 1 flying medical every year, completing each year at least two simulator checks of eight hours in time, completing a minimum of six exams and one route check per year.

So yes, once you have done all that, being a commercial airline pilot can certainly be one of the worlds top jobs  but youll have earned your position, concludes Conroy.
Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande says a lot of ground work has been done to ensure a seamless registration period for the 2017 academic year.

He said this when Ministers in the Social Cluster fielded questions from Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly on Wednesday, 30 November 2016.

With respect to universities, I convened meetings with all stakeholders, including university management and SRCs, to discuss and agree on proposed solutions and a roadmap to ensure that universities return to normality, conclude the 2016 academic programme and prepare for the 2017 academic year, he said.

The Minister said challenges facing the 2017 registration of students at universities will mostly be related to funding and student accommodation.

He said no challenges are anticipated at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

Minister Nzimande said between December this year and January next year, he will further engage with management, SRCs and other student formations to appraise them of the new developments and ensure agreements are reached with a view to minimise disruptions at the start of the 2017 academic year.

On the 8th of December, the department will meet all the university registrars, finance executives, the South African Union of Students and NSFAS and the meetings will be on, amongst other things, plans for the registration period as well as issues linked to fees and mechanisms for the missing middle, how we implement them, as well as addressing issues of financial exclusion and student accommodation.

Missing middle to pay no fee increase

During the question and answer session, the Minister was asked if any provision was made for the missing middle students with debt to ensure that they are not academically excluded.

We have said that all those who come from families earning up to R600,000 wont be paying any increase. That is the biggest intervention we made Universities must be able to work out a system such that students who owe, including those from the missing middle, are not excluded...

However, mechanisms must be put in place [to deal with] how their debt is paid and how their debt is managed so that we minimise exclusion even for missing middle students, he said.

University exams continuing without disruptions

The Minister said the department has been monitoring the exams at all institutions and is in constant communication with them to ensure that exams run smoothly.

He said the department recognises the enormous repercussions that the failure to complete examinations will have on institutions and students, particularly final year and prospective students.

There are some institutions that have concluded their main examinations  thats the University of Venda, University of Limpopo, North West University and Mangosuthu University of Technology.

At other institutions, examinations are continuing without disruptions... Some institutions have allowed students to choose to write their exams in January and we will monitor this as well, he said.

The Minister said departmental officials have been visiting some institutions where there were disruptions in an attempt to address issues raised by the students.

Continuous meetings are held with the Security Cluster as part of an interdepartmental plan to ensure safety and security at all institutions of higher learning. The department has also met with managers responsible for security risk management at universities.

Representatives from the National Joint Operations Centre and representatives from the private security industry regulatory authority ... [met] to deliberate on safety and security on campuses and to find better ways to deal with violent protests and disruptions...
Loss or exposure of sensitive data is the worst outcome of a cybersecurity incident, according to the findings of Kaspersky Lab's report, 'Business Perception of IT Security: In the Face of an Inevitable Compromise', based on the 2016 Corporate IT Security Risks survey. However, only 53.9% of South African businesses agree that they have to be better prepared for an inevitable security compromise.

Despite the evident threat of cyberattacks, the survey revealed mixed views on the state of protection and strategic mitigation approaches, exposing key weaknesses and vulnerabilities to existing and emerging threats. All companies today are faced with cyberattacks in some form or another, and in the last 12 months, 53.9% of local businesses experienced data loss as a result of a breach. For large businesses globally, one in five (20%) reported four or more data breaches during the period.

Perception vs reality

Kaspersky Labs 2016 worldwide survey focused on comparing the perception of security threats with the reality of cybersecurity incidents experienced, to highlight potential points of vulnerability beyond the usual suspects of malware and spam. Key emerging threats were well represented among businesses globally: 32% of companies had experienced a targeted attack and 20% had experienced an incident involving ransomware. Another serious threat which was exposed by the survey is the carelessness of employees: this vector contributed to a security incident in almost half (43%) of the companies.

Most prevalent security incidents versus most vulnerable areas of security incidents, as reported by businesses.

However, when asked about where they feel particularly vulnerable, a different set of challenges emerged. The top three most difficult threats globally to manage include: inappropriate sharing of data via mobile devices (54%); physical loss of hardware exposing sensitive information (53%); and inappropriate use of IT resources by employees (50%). This is followed by more emerging challenges such as the security of third-party cloud services, IoT threats, and security issues associated with outsourcing of IT infrastructure. The difference between perception and reality hints at the need for security strategies which go beyond just prevention and, in a broader context, technology.

Veniamin Levtsov, vice president, Enterprise Business at Kaspersky Lab, comments: The survey results indicate the need for a different approach to tackling the growing complexity of cyberthreats. The difficulties come not necessarily from the sophistication of attacks, but the growing attack surface that requires a more diverse set of protection methods. This makes matters even more complicated for IT Security departments who have more points of vulnerability to lock down; and employee carelessness adds up to the grim reality of the modern threat landscape.

"A truly efficient strategy therefore requires a combination of security technology, the analysis of external and internal cyber threat intelligence, constant monitoring, and the application of best practice for incident response.
Tickets are now available for the South African International Tattoo Convention which will be hosted at Cape Town's CTICC from 24-26 March 2017. The event is presented by Cape Electric Tattoo and ShowHorse Productions.

The South African tattoo industry has grown in rapid strides over the past five years due to a widespread acceptance of the art form. The South African International Tattoo Convention provides a platform for local tattoo artists to showcase their skill alongside some of the most renowned international artists from around the globe. It also provides the public the opportunity to learn more about these virtuosos and their styles, and get tattooed on site.

How to book your tattoo

The event draws more than 78 of the worlds most renowned tattoo artists from six continents, specialising in a variety of tattoo styles. Attending artists include Holly Ellis from Idle Hand in San Francisco, Wan from Wild Rose in South Korea, James McKenna from Australia, and Big Steve from Fun City in New York City, to name but a few.

Festivalgoers can get tattooed at the convention by either pre-booking directly with the artists or simply walking up to see if there is a time slot available on the day. The details of all attending artists are available on our website. Attendees are encouraged to book early.

Ticket prices and special rates

Tickets for the South African International Tattoo Convention 2017 are now available on our website. The current prices are as follows:

Friday only: R150

Saturday only: R220

Sunday only: R180

Full Weekend Pass: R380

VIP Pass (includes SAITC T-shirt and collectors pin): R500

Please note that these prices will increase by 20% from 1 January 2017. Book your tickets online before 31 December 2016 to take advantage of these Early Bird rates and stand a chance to win a two night stay for two at The Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel in Long Street, Cape Town. As always, terms and conditions apply. The names of all ticket buyers will go into a random draw, which will be done live on video and announced via the event's social media channels before 15 January 2017.

Facebook | Instagram | Website

General enquiries: moc.noitnevnocoottatnacirfahtuos@ajnos
SEOUL: South Korea is to ban sales of some cars made by Porsche, BMW and Nissan, and fine the companies over $5 million as a probe into emissions documentation widens.

Seoul began investigating environmental certification on imported cars after Volkswagen last year admitted to installing emissions cheating software in some 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide. The so-called defeat devices could detect when a vehicle was undergoing tests and lowered tailpipe fumes accordingly to make the cars seem less polluting than they were.

The South Korean government said Tuesday it had found certification errors in 10 models sold across the country  two from Nissan, one BMW and seven Porsche  and would slap a combined 6.5 billion won (US$5.6 million) fine on the firms.

"We will allow Nissan and BMW to clarify their positions through a hearing and file a legal complaint if irregularities are confirmed," Hong Dong-Kon, an environment ministry official in charge of auto environmental standards said.

Porsche already admitted its errors with the certification documents and has stopped selling four of the seven affected models, Hong said.

In August, the environment ministry banned the sale of 80 Volkswagen models and fined the company $16 million for forged documentation on engine noise levels, fuel efficiency and emissions. The scandal has taken its toll on the company's reputation in the country, with its sales in South Korea plunging 33 percent in the first half of this year from a year earlier.

Foreign carmakers, especially German brands like Volkswagen, have steadily expanded their presence in the South's auto market long dominated by local giant Hyundai and its affiliate Kia.

Foreign cars accounted for about 15 percent of total auto sales last year, up from 10 percent in 2012.

Source: AFP
Freshlyground go into studio in December to begin work on their sixth studio album with Swedish producer Tore Johansson, which they plan to release early next year.

Freshly Ground

Freshlyground go into studio in December to begin work on their sixth studio album with Swedish producer Tore Johansson, which they plan to release early next year.

Johansson produced six albums and a string of hits for Swedish group The Cardigans before going on to produce the eponymous debut album for Franz Ferdinand, which included the singles Take Me Out, The Dark Of The Matinee, Darts of Pleasure and Michael. The album sold more than four million copies worldwide and garnered much critical acclaim. Johansson won two separate Producer of the Year awards for his work on the album.

Johansson has also produced hits for OK GO (including the tracks which accompany their two most famous videos) and tracks for Wild Beasts, St Etienne, Martha Wainwright and Nicole Atkins. More recently, he has worked with The Wombats and Dutch superstar Anouk, producing her double platinum album For Bitter Or Worse.

Kyla-rose Smith to be replaced by Chris Bakalanga

Kyla-rose Smith, who has served as violinist and backing vocalist for Freshly Ground for 14 years, will be leaving the band to pursue other artistic opportunities in South Africa and abroad.

Freshlyground, which has become a household name across the country with mega hits such as Id Like, Doo Be Doo, Fire is Low, and Waka Waka, celebrates Smiths many contributions to the band. Smith said, Being part of this incredible band for the past fourteen years has been the most rewarding and memorable experience of my professional life. It has been a gift to collaborate with my wonderful bandmates, whom I consider my family, to make our mark on the South African musical landscape with a bold message of love and our ability to transcend difference and cross the cultural divide.

Smith is replaced by Congolese guitarist Chris Bakalanga. Bakalanga played in a number of groups in the Congo before moving to South Africa in 2005, where he has performed with leading artists like Simphiwe Dana, the Moreira Project and Hot Water. Bakalanga honed his magic 'Soukous' guitar sound performing in Kinshasa, regarded as one of the great centres of musical innovation in Africa.
Norilsk agreed in October 2014 to sell their operations in Africa to BCL for total consideration of $337m. The acquisition, announced by BCL as a strategic priority as part of its high-profile "Polaris II" diversification and investment strategy, was designed to guarantee the long-term future of BCLs operations by securing the supply of concentrate to its smelter in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana.

Source: ARM

Provisional liquidation

In late 2015, in view of the situation on global metals markets and following BCLs request for renegotiation, Norilsk agreed to make a number of price concessions. Since that date, Norilsk have consistently signalled their intent to constructively discuss any further proposals reasonably required to complete the transaction.

The transaction obtained final regulatory approvals, and therefore became unconditional, on 6 September 2016 and the parties were obliged to complete the deal on 13 September 2016. In breach of BCLs agreement with Norilsk, however, former has made no attempts to close the transaction.

In early October 2016, Norilsk learned through the media that BCL had been placed into provisional liquidation.

Norilsk Nickel Africa CEO, Michael Marriott, said: The failure of BCL to abide by its obligations under the sale agreement is unacceptable in any business transaction. The closure of BCL will have a devastating effect on the livelihoods of thousands of people, and a negative impact on the regional economies which rely on the BCL smelter to beneficiate nickel, copper and PGM concentrates.

Norilsk's assets comprise a 50% share in the Nkomati nickel and chrome mine in the Mpumalanga, South Africa. Since the transaction, it has been the primary supplier of concentrate to BCLs smelter in Selebi Phikwe.
Pilots participating in the Vintage Air Rally are making their way to South Africa as they prepare to fly over Tanzania's national parks this week.

And they will be dropping bombs as they do ... seed bombs that is.

The air rally flies across Africa, from Crete to Cape Town, over 36 days for a charitable cause.

The mode of transport required to join the journey is any aircraft built before 31 December 1939.

Experienced pilots from across the world including South Africa, the US, Germany, the UK, Canada, Botswana and Belgium will take on this mechanical challenge.

This week the aviators are expected to depart from Wilson Airport in Kenya and journey past Mount Kilimanjaro to Arusha in Tanzania.

One of the initiatives the rally supports is seed bombing, in which the aeroplanes scatter seeds over hard-to-reach terrain.

"The seeds are encapsulated in a mix of fertiliser, insecticide/animal repellent and perhaps a few acacia seeds - creating a seed bomb. They are moistened a few days before the drop, to start germination, and then scattered across areas inaccessible to hand-planting projects - fighting the deforestation that is becoming a very serious problem in Africa," the rally's website says.

This week organisers posted photographs of the seed bombs the pilots will drop for the aerial reforestation of parts of southern Kenya.

The rally's crews are also fundraising for Birdlife International and the UN Children's Emergency Fund.

Last week the more than 40 rally participants were detained in Gambella, Ethiopia, for allegedly entering the country's airspace illegally.

"Eventually, after almost three days of investigation, the Ethiopian authorities realised that it was a genuine mistake and the Vintage Air Rally was permitted to continue to Kenya," the organisers said.

The crews are expected to arrive in Johannesburg around December 12 and end their journey in Cape Town on December 17.

Source: The Times
WASHINGTON: Netflix said Wednesday it would allow offline viewing of streamed videos, a feature long sought by users who want to watch on a plane or to avoid data-connection charges.

A Netflix statement said that "many of your favorite streaming series and movies" would be available for download and offline viewing on mobile devices.

"While many members enjoy watching Netflix at home, we've often heard they also want to continue their 'Stranger Things' binge while on airplanes and other places where internet is expensive or limited," said a blog post from product innovation chief Eddy Wu.

"Just click the download button on the details page for a film or TV series and you can watch it later without an internet connection." Netflix did not offer details on how much content would be available offline, noting that it was in discussion with copyright owners.

"Netflix is working with lots of partners globally to get downloading rights for the bulk of the content on our service," a statement emailed to AFP said.

"This is an ongoing effort as we know consumers want this capability and we are working to provide it."

Netflix, which is in a global push and has more than 86 million members, is facing increasing competition from rivals including Amazon, which also is in the midst of an international expansion of its streaming service.

Amazon already allows downloads of videos -- noting that some content is restricted by copyright holders in terms of offline viewing.

Netflix users had been unable to download and view videos offline through its mobile application, but workarounds had been offered by third-party apps.

Source: AFP
Business, as well as individuals, can learn a lesson from this summer's celebrity social media account hacks. If Mark Zuckerberg's Twitter and Pinterest accounts were such an easy prey, what's left for other entrepreneurs, company profiles, and individual accounts that are fairly unprotected from the attacks of skilled internet offenders?

Social media privacy is not a term that resonates only with personal internet profiles and should be taken seriously by companies that decide to take their marketing into the online world. No matter if your business has one hundred or one million Facebook likes, the sole fact that youve put your brand out there is a reason enough to protect your company profiles from unwanted breaches.

Theres no doubt that social media hackers are a threat to the security of your business data. If you havent taken the time to randomise your password for the various accounts youre using, chances are your entire company data is at stake. Social media accounts are just the beginning. Once the hacker gets into one account, its fairly easy to hack a company email and go even further by targeting valuable business systems or extracting critical data. That is, of course, if the companys accounts are not well protected.

There are a few simple steps every business can take in providing an adequate data security for its social media accounts.

The 2012 LinkedIn hack, when more than 117 million e-mails and passwords leaked in the deep web, was a shocking event that exposed millions of businesses and individuals to potential threats. Although password strength is one of the prime factors that determine the quality of your accounts security, it wont help against attacks directly towards the website servers. Choosing a randomly generated password for each account is the key to ensuring your companys safety across a range of social platforms. In such cases, password managing software can help you better organise your account security data.

Yet, there are other ways your company data can get endangered by potential hacks. The risk of a WAP attack is frequently neglected, especially by small businesses which have no established network and data security practices. The use of a virtual private network is essential in this case. It provides an encrypted data transfer that keeps hackers at bay when connecting to valuable company systems, social media accounts, and cloud storage spaces through an unsecured open network. By choosing a reliable tool, companies can ensure their data is accessible only through a secure connection, no matter if employees connect from a public space where WAP attacks are a common occurrence.

Taking advantage of a two-factor authentication will add another layer of security to you social media accounts. This verification process uses your password as the first layer of security and urges you to verify your profile through the phone or with the use of another physical object, such as a mobile device, a token, a USB stick, or an ID card.

When it comes to expensive enterprise data security solutions, the two-factor authentication can also use a biological authentication factor, such as voice or face recognition, retina scan, fingerprint, or even DNA. This will make hacking your business accounts almost impossible. But even if you opt for a simpler solution the time and location factors will also keep your accounts protected. This means that whenever a potential hacker tries to log in from an unverified location or during another active session he will have to verify his identity by confirming a security code that the account holder will receive on his device.

Installing an antivirus software will also help you avoid breaches. If your computer gets targeted by a hacker he can not only delete or extract valuable data but also take over your entire systems, including your business social media profiles. Creating a data backup and setting up an antivirus protection will decrease the risks of a possible attack.




Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos should refuse to sign a new media law until parliament revises provisions restricting the right to freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch said. The law grants the government and ruling party expansive power to interfere with the work of journalists, and potentially to prevent reporting on corruption or human rights abuses.

A number of the Press Laws articles violate Angolas international obligations to respect media freedom. Parliament passed the Press Law on November 18, 2016, with minimal debate, together with a new Television Law, Broadcast Law, Journalists Code of Conduct, and statutes of the recently established Angolan Regulatory Body for Social Communication (ERCA, Entidade Reguladora da Comunicacao Social Angolana).

The five laws constitute what the government called the Social Communication Legislative Package (Pacote legislativo da comunicacao social).



Angolas new media law is the latest threat to free expression and access to information in the country, said Daniel Bekele, senior Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. President Dos Santos should uphold his commitment to human rights and refuse to sign these media restrictions into law.

A number of the Press Laws articles violate Angolas international obligations to respect media freedom, Human Rights Watch said. These include:

Article 29 gives the Ministry of Social Communication the authority to oversee how media organisations carry out editorial guidelines and to punish violators with suspension of activities or fines.

Article 35 imposes excessive fees to establish a media group of 35 million kwanzas for a news agency (US$211,000) and 75 million kwanzas (US$452,000) for a radio station.

Article 82 criminalises publication of a text or image that is offensive to individuals. Under the penal code, defamation and slander are punishable with fines and imprisonment for up to six months.

The laws overly broad definition of defamation opens the door for the government to arbitrarily prosecute journalists who report about illegal or improper activity by officials and others, Human Rights Watch said. Criminal defamation laws should be abolished entirely, as they are open to easy abuse and can result in harsh consequences, including imprisonment.

ECRAs final draft statutes and the other media laws were unexpectedly put forward for discussion just days before their November 18 approval, catching many media professionals unaware. Journalists and media freedom activists have criticised the process as lacking consultation and transparency.

We were never officially informed about dates of the discussion or approval of this law  not even during the discussion of details, Teixeira Candido, the head of the Angolan Journalism Union, told Human Rights Watch.

Social media

Parliament approved the establishment of the regulatory body, together with the first drafts of the other four bills of the Social Communication Legislative Package, in August at the initiation of the ruling party, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which controls roughly 80% of the assemblys seats. The first draft gave the body the authority to enforce compliance with professional journalistic ethics and to issue licenses to journalists, which are required for them to work. After criticism from the Journalism Union, however, the government agreed to limit this authority to a new body controlled by media professionals.

Under the revised statute, six of the ERCA members are to be appointed jointly by the government and the party with the most seats in parliament. The journalism union nominates two members and the other political parties in parliament appoint the remaining three.

The new media laws follow government officials complaints about what they consider an irresponsible media, including social media. In December 2015, President Dos Santos said, Social networks should not be used to violate other people's rights, humiliate, slander or convey degrading or morally offensive content.

After parliament passed the recent package of laws, Social Communication Minister Jose Luis de Matos told the media that the new media law would ensure that journalists take more responsibility for their work because they cannot assume that they have the right to do what they want.

Angolan political figures, including members of the government, have used the defamation provision of the old 2006 media law to crack down on critics. In 2008, Graca Campos, a journalist and editor of the weekly paper Angolense, was sentenced to a six-month suspended jail term for publishing articles accusing three former ministers of involvement in corruption.

In March 2011, Armando Chicoca, a correspondent for Voice of America, was sentenced to a year in jail for articles critical of a judge in Namibe province. In February 2014, Queiros Chiluvia, another journalist, was sentenced to a six-month suspended jail term for investigating screams and cries for help emanating from a police station. In May 2015, Rafael Marques, a prominent journalist, was given a six-month suspended jail term for revealing killings and torture in the countrys diamond fields.

Defamation laws

The African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights has long called for the abolition of criminal defamation laws on the continent, saying that they open the way to abuse and can result in very harsh consequences for journalists who expose abuses of power, corruption, and human rights violations, all of which are rife in Angola.

In 2013, in a landmark judgment Lohe Issa Konate v. Burkina Faso, involving a criminal libel conviction of a Burkinabe journalist, the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights ruled that imprisonment for defamation violated the right to freedom of expression and that such laws should only be used in restricted circumstances. The court also ordered Burkina Faso to amend its criminal defamation laws.

After 40 years of independence, the Angolan media remains largely controlled by the MPLA. The government owns the only radio and television stations that broadcast across the entire country, as well as the official news agency.

Reporters Without Borders ranks Angola, 123rd out of 180, in its 2016 World Press Freedom Index. In August 2013, Human Rights Watch urged the government to repeal the countrys criminal defamation laws and stop using them to harass journalists.

The predominance of the Angolan government and the most powerful political party undermine the independence of the journalism regulatory body and risks making it a mechanism for censorship and control rather than media freedom, Bekele said. Unless this new media law is revised, the precarious situation of the media in Angola will only get worse.
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Social media is a platform on which many businesses now rely for brand awareness, consumer engagement and even customer service. More than half (52%) of all businesses use Facebook and 15% have used Instagram during 2016. Nearly all of the businesses surveyed by Digimax had at least once social media account.

However, just 8% of businesses posted updates on their social media accounts on a daily basis which a third did so every other day. Eighteen percent reported updating social media one a weekly basis, 14% fortnightly and 7% on a monthly basis.

Yet, very few  just a paltry 14%  are measuring the results of their social media efforts.

Using Social media may be a quick way to increase your brand awareness, but learning how to really master social media marketing can be anything but an easy fix, says Shaz Memon, Creative Director at Digimax. In order for brands to create a strong media presence by interacting with their customers online, they need to be creating regular campaigns, engaging regularly and measuring the results of those campaigns. Learning what resonates with your audience opens up the opportunity to start conversations, grow business partnerships and expand the online community to win new followers and potential customers.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh told Armenpress overnight November 29-30 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime more than 45 times by firing over 360 shots from various caliber small arms at the Armenian positions in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Azerbaijani forces fired also 60mm mortar (10 shells) and automatic grenade launcher (6 grenades) at the eastern direction (Kuropatkino) of the line of contact.

The Defense Army forces are in full control of the situation in the frontline and take countermeasures in case of necessity.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. 1504 people diagnosed with HIV are under medical supervision in Armenia. In terms of new cases of the disease, stability is observed.

While in 2014, 324 people were diagnosed with the disease, in 2015 only 294 cases were documented, Vardan Arzakanyan  epidemiologist of the Republican Center for AIDS prevention told ARMENPRESS.

According to Arzakanyan, since 1988 (the year when AIDS was first documented in Armenia) until October 31, 2016, 2 thousand 482 AIDS cases were diagnosed. Those are the diagnosed numbers, but estimates suggest the numbers could differ. Arzakanyan says according to calculation data, up to 3 thousand 600 people with AIDS are living in Armenia, on an average estimate.

Arzakanyan says a decrease of new cases is seen globally.

Migration has great impact on spread of the disease. Migrants who leave for countries where the number of HIV/AIDS cases are high, may engage in non-safe sexual relations with strangers, which leads to transmitting the disease. In our country the migration factor has a big role on the pandemic. 57 % of those who were diagnosed with the disease in the last 5 years contracted it aboard, he said.

Speaking about other factors of contracting the disease, Arzakanyan said people who use narcotics by intravenous means are considered to be a target group.

In the last 10 years the HIV transmission through the abovementioned had decreased. Here, preventive programs have great role, he said.

According to Arzakanyan, public awareness on the issue has significantly grown, the attitude of people has changed towards the disease and patients. He said numerous events are organized to raise awareness, such as  within the framework of European analysis week, laboratory tests are carried out in Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Yerevan.

Official programs are also underway for prevention and countering the disease. Arzakanyan says preventive events are held in villages, people receive consultations by a mobile clinic, rapid test method is used for analysis.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. The 4th conference of the Armenian-French decentralized cooperation was launched in Yerevan, which will last from December 1-2.

Edward Nalbandian, minister of foreign affairs of Armenia, delivered opening remarks highlighting the cooperation between Armenia and France on the level of local administrative bodies.

The Armenian-French cooperation has developed and strengthened in various directions during the last years, marked by deepening of inter-parliamentary ties, expansion of economic cooperation, continuous strengthening of cultural and scientific-educational relations. Simultaneously, the decentralized cooperation, which was established between our countries 50 years ago and has gained momentum since Armenias independence, has also developed. Today, within the framework of over seven dozens of cooperation agreements between cities and regions of Armenia and France, we implement numerous joint projects every year in the fields of tourism, agriculture, education, culture, healthcare and others, which in terms of proportionate development for our provinces and communities is a unique assistance, Nalbandian said.

Edward Nalbandian also mentioned the conference is importance within the framework of La Francophonie, the next summit of which will be held in Armenia in 2018.

I am sure this 4th conference will open new prospects, and reveal new substantial horizons for decentralized cooperation, Nalbandian said,

The first conference of the Armenian-French decentralized cooperation was held in 2006 in Paris.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. In the period of January-September 2016, tomato is the second largest export product by volume from Armenia to EEU countries  after strong alcoholic beverages.

19 million 783 thousand 954 USD worth of tomatoes were exported from Armenia to several EEU countries in the abovementioned period.

According to the Eurasian Economic Commission, overall it totaled 30 thousand 369 tons, from which about 30 thousand 169 tons were exported to Russia  comprising 19 million 726 thousand 714 USD.

In the same period, 200 tons of tomatoes were exported to Belarus, comprising 57 thousand 240 USD.
The Northern Alliance, comprised of the Arakanese Army (AA), Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Myanmar National Alliance Army (MNAA), and Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), stormed Tatmadaw posts near Muse Town, northern Shan State, killing 9 people and wounding 29 others, including locals, police officials and Tatmadaw personnel.

In the areas of Kachin and Palaung (Taang), the Tatmadaw has been bombarding for a long time. Especially, after 21st Century Panglong Conference, the fighting has intensified. The local people have faced more hardships as the number of armed engagements increased. The ethnic armed groups in those areas could not deal with defense tactics anymore, and instead they formed an alliance, launching an offensive against the Tatmadaw, said Nai Hongsar.

Beginning on the morning of November 20, the Alliance intruded and attacked Tatmadaw troops and spread out through 11 locations, including Muse, Muse 105 border Trading Zone, Kukkaine, Nangkham and Panseng.

Many civilians caught in the crossfire took shelter on the hilltop area controlled by the Tatmadaw, making it difficult for the Northern Alliance to secure it.

This fighting can be a barrier to peace talks. However, on the other hand, this can be a push to finding a peaceful result as fast as possible. We, the UNFC, do not want to stop the talks, said Nai Hongsar.

The UNFC, including 7 ethnic armed groups, held an extended meeting in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. At the meeting, the Delegation for Political Negotiation (DPN) presented a report on the governments peace talks.

It is mainly concerning our ethnic areas and how the Tatmadaws attacks are very intense. They aim at civilian areas with heavy weaponry. The government and the Tatmadaw do not seem like they want a ceasefire. Therefore, we ethnic armed groups, the TNLA and KIA, have decided to launch attacks back. The attacks from the Tatmadaw keep becoming more intense, so to solve that problem, we are cooperating and started this reactive offensive, said Col. Tar Bone Kyaw, General Secretary of TNLA.

Local media reported that the fighting between the governments Tatmadaw and Northern Alliance has taken place every day, and the Tatmadaw has also used major weapons as well as airstrikes dropping bombs against the Northern Alliance.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. At the invitation of Lt. General Vahram Shahinyan, head of the Special Investigation Service of Armenia, on November 29 Saulius Urbanavicius, Director of Lithuanias Special Investigation Service arrived in Armenia. Urbanaviciuss delegation includes first deputy director of the SIS Zydrunas Bartkus and other officials.

Within the frameworks of the working visit, the Lithuanian delegation was hosted in the Special Investigation Service of Armenia.

The top executives of the two law enforcement agencies discussed directions of cooperation. Particularly, a wide range of issues regarding exchange of experience in the fight against corruption, effectiveness of cooperation in similar crimes were discussed, and an agreement was reached to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the two structures.

A working consultation was held afterwards, involving the directors of the Armenian and Lithuanian Special Investigations Services, the latters delegation, other top officials and representatives of the Justice Ministry, namely deputy minister Suren Krmoyan.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. The Central Electoral Commission of Armenia (CEC) cooperates also with opposition parties in initiating the legal regulations of the new Electoral Code, CEC Chairman Tigran Mukuchyan told reporters in the Yerevan State University.

Recently we initiated a meeting with representatives of parties, we met. We, ourselves, have similar desire to create a format, where it will be possible to invite representatives of all parliamentary, why not also extra parliamentary political forces, hold regular discussions and listen to their proposals, Mukuchyan said.

According to him, it will be a very important format of work for fully initiating the Electoral Code provisions.

Tigran Mukuchyan also added the opposition political forces have positively responded to the CEC proposal.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has again addressed accusations to the European Union, announcing that they are not going to chase Europe, Armenpress reports, citing Hurriyet, Erdogan told at the 30th conference of community heads.

If the European Union ceases using double standards, we are ready to become EU member even tomorrow. But the period of unilateral steps is already behind. You will get back whatever you give, since we have no more patience to chase Europe, the Turkish President announced, mentioning that the European states will not be strong enough to push Turkey back from Europe. We are not guests in Europe, we are hosts here, he said.

Erdogan also tried to correct his announcement made a day before saying that Turkeys actions in Syria aim toppling Bashar al-Assads regime. The operation Euphrates shield does not target any state or individual, it only targets terrorist organizations. No one should misinterpret our announcements.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Turkish political activist Barbaros Leylani who made xenophobic announcements during an anti-Armenian march in the Swedish capital of Stockholm in April stands trial. He made such chants as death to Armenian dogs, or we will shed blood if necessary, Armenpress reports ANF agency informs.

Leylani, who presented his arguments through video call, told at the trial that he was tired on the day of the march and had taken some drugs because of psychological problems and delivered a speech without preparing in advance. He justified saying that he did not pronounce the word dogs for peaceful Armenians. Answering the prosecutors question why he had announced that blood may be shed, Leylani said, I said that blood may be shed in case of necessity to protect our state. The judge asked if he has something to add, and the Turkish political activist said, I apologize.

The prosecutor informed that Leylani faces up to two years of suspended sentence and monetary reimbursement on the charges of demonstrating discrimination against a segment of a nation. The trial will deliver the verdict on Leylanis case on December 14.

Turkish Worker's Union in Sweden in collaboration with Azerbaijanis living in Sweden held an anti-Armenian demonstration with slogans Turk, wake up in relation with the military aggression of Azerbaijan against Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The rally took place on April 9.

In the Swedish capital of Stockholm, Sergels square, vice president of the union Barbaros Leylani announced that Time for the unification of Turkish republics has arrived, it is already matured.

Leylani expressed conviction that their successors will unite the Turkic world. Turks awaken, Armenian scums must be finished, die Armenian scums, die, die, he said.

Leylani, who introduces himself as Turkman descendent, thanking all the present, said, By this we show all the Scandinavian countries and Europe that we do not want bloodshed, but we are ready for it.

The Swedish media widely covered this incident. Numerous Armenian organizations and individuals in Sweden filed a complaint against Leylani at the Police.

Due to the stir, Leylani left his position in the organization and apologized for his expressions.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. The European Union Delegation in Armenia has issued a statement over electoral reforms in Armenia.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the EU Delegation in Armenia, the statement runs as follows,

The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Members States Heads of Mission in Armenia

Following the important first steps in the implementation of the agreement on electoral reform between the coalition and the opposition parties, drawing on consultations with civil society representatives, we count on the government to spare no efforts in realising this reform. We appreciate the commitment of the authorities to allow a fair and open competition. We expect the Central Election Commission, the law enforcement bodies and the judiciary to do their best to fulfil this promise. We perceive the presence of political will as a key prerequisite for a fair electoral process.

In partnership with the UNDP and the United States, the European Union has responded positively to the governments request for assistance in funding implementation of this electoral reform package. EU financial support of up to 7 million will close the identified financial gap and will thus allow for the smooth implementation of the electoral reform agreement. This includes support to election observation. Together with the contributions of Germany and the United Kingdom, European support amounts to 90 percent of the overall financial assistance to the electoral process.

The European Union attaches great importance to the transparency, integrity, inclusiveness and effectiveness of electoral processes. Therefore, we will continue to support the efforts of all stakeholders to ensure full alignment with international standards, including those related to the prohibition of the use of administrative resources and electoral corruption and to ensuring unhindered work by observers and media.

Ensuring free and fair future elections will be crucial for Armenian democracy and for the country's relations with the European Union. We stand ready to continue to support Armenia on its democratic path based on the future EU-Armenia Agreement and within the larger framework of the Eastern Partnership.




DHAKA (PTI): Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday assured India that it has "zero tolerance" policy against terrorism and sought expanded military ties as Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar called on him.



Parrikar, the first Indian defence minister to visit Bangladesh in the last 45 years, met the President after holding talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's security adviser Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed to strengthen bilateral military and security cooperation.



The President told Parrikar that Bangladesh maintained "zero tolerance" policy in combating terrorism in "all its forms", a presidential palace spokesman told PTI.



The President urged the Indian minister to send more Indian military officials to Bangladesh for training to boost ties between the armed forces of the two countries, the spokesman said.



"The President expressed condolence to the victims of the dastardly terror attacks in Uri and Pathankot," the spokesman said.



Hamid recalled with gratitude India's contribution to Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War, saying "many valiant soldiers of Indian defence forces embraced martyrdom in the war," the spokesman said.



Parrikar said terrorism is a global threat and India is working to establish peace in the region. He also sought joint efforts to enhance bilateral defence relations.



Parrikar, who arrived here on Wednesday on a two-day visit leading an 11-member high-powered delegation, will meet the top civil and military leadership to strengthen defence ties between the two countries.



Parrikar, who is accompanied by the Vice Chiefs of the Army and Air Force, Deputy Chief of Navy besides Coast Guard chief, will on Thursday meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who holds the defence portfolio in the cabinet.



The vice chiefs of India's army, navy and air force, held talks with Bangladesh's three services' chiefs at their office in Dhaka cantonment, a defence ministry official said.



"During the meetings, they discussed issues related to the existing good relations and cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries," an official statement said.



Top Defence Ministry officials in New Delhi had said the focus of Parrikar's trip was to deepen security ties and firm up a defence cooperation agreement that is likely to be signed when Hasina visits India next month.



Parrikar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) near the southeastern port city of Chittagong on Thursday.



Alongside India, Bangladesh has strong defence cooperation with China especially in military hardware.



Bangladesh Navy this month acquired its first submarines from China, as Dhaka sought to boost its naval power in the resource-rich Bay of Bengal.



Bangladesh Navy chief Admiral Muhammad Farid Habib during his recent visit to India had said Dhaka wants to work with the Indian Navy as there are many "non-traditional threats" in sea, a reference to piracy, floating armouries among others.




Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha attends Annual Commanders Conference at South Western Air Command (SWAC) Head Quarter in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. A PTI Photo.

AHMEDABAD (PTI): Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Wednesday urged commanders to keep themselves abreast with latest technologies as the Indian Air Force (IAF) is marching ahead towards major upgradation of capabilities and infrastructure.



Addressing the annual Commanders' Conference of South Western Air Command (SWAC) at Gandhinagar on Wednesday, the Chief of Air Staff also urged every air warrior to exhibit immaculate discipline and unwavering integrity, a release by the Defence PRO said.



"He emphasised on the need to keep abreast with latest technologies and to focus on the associated challenges while the IAF marches ahead towards major upgradation of capabilities and infrastructure. The Chief urged every air warrior to exhibit immaculate discipline and unwavering integrity," a release quoting Raha said.



During his visit, Raha inaugurated the new SWAC Headquarter building at Vayushakti Nagar, Gandhinagar.



All the Air Force Commanders of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra region and other dignitaries were present on the occasion, said the release.



Addressing the Commanders, Raha acknowledged the high degree of professionalism and hard work displayed by the air warriors in achieving the assigned goals and highlighted the need for operational preparedness with optimal utilisation of available resources.



The annual conference is a forum for Station Commanders to exchange views on operations, maintenance and administrative matters requiring deliberation with senior officers at Command Headquarters.



During the conference, the Air Chief recognised the efforts of various units for their noteworthy performance in different spheres by awarding various trophies, the release said.




An internet imagery.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Breaking the Bofors jinx, India and the US on Wednesday inked a nearly Rs 5,000 crore deal for 145 M777 ultra-light howitzers, which will be mostly deployed near the borders with China.



This is the first deal for artillery guns since the Bofors scandal in 1980s.



"India has today signed the Letter of Acceptance which formalises the contract between India and US for these guns," sources said.



The deal for 145 American ultra-light howitzers, costing about Rs 5,000 crore was recently cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).



The deal was inked as a two-day meeting of the 15th India-US Military Cooperation Group (MCG) began here.



India-US MCG is a forum established to progress Defence Cooperation between HQ Integrated Defence Staff and US Pacific Command at the strategic and operational levels.



The meeting commenced with the US Co-Chair Lt Gen David H Berger, Commander US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific calling on Lt Gen Satish Dua, CISC, HQ IDS.



The MCG meeting is co-chaired by Air Marshal AS Bhonsle DCIDS (Operations), HQ IDS.



A 260-member delegation from the US Defence Forces and several officers from the three Services HQ and HQ IDS representing the Indian side are attending the bilateral event.



On the issue of M777, the sources said India had sent a Letter of Request to the US government showing interest in buying the guns which will be deployed in high-altitude areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh, bordering China.



The US had responded with a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and the Defence Ministry had in June looked into the terms and conditions and approved it.



The offsets, under which BAE Systems, manufacturer of the gun, will invest about USD 200 million, will be pursued independently.



While 25 guns will come to India in a fly-away condition, the rest will be assembled at the proposed Assembly Integration and Test facility for the weapon system in India in partnership with Mahindra.



The first two howitzers will be delivered within six months of the contract being inked, while rest will be delivered at the rate of two per month.



The howitzers that can be heli-lifted were first proposed to be bought from BAE about 10 years back.



BAE Systems in a statement said it welcomes the news that both the governments have agreed on the Foreign Military Sale of 145 M777.



India will join the US, Canadian and Australian forces in gaining the M777's unmatched strategic and tactical mobility.



"We look forward to providing the Indian Army with the combat-proven M777," said Joe Senftle, vice president and general manager for Weapon Systems at BAE Systems.



"Our plan to establish a domestic Assembly, Integration and Test facility further demonstrates our commitment to 'Make in India' and remains a firm part of our strategy to work with the Indian defence sector across Air, Land, Sea and Security," it said.



The company anticipates signing a contract in the coming weeks with the US Department of Defence to supply these howitzers to the Indian Army, providing them with superior artillery capability, the statement said.



At half the weight of other 155mm towed howitzers, the M777 provides a rapid reaction capability and a proven pedigree that delivers decisive firepower when needed most in sustained combat conditions.



With more than 1,090 M777s in service, it is the only battle-proven 155mm ultra-light weight howitzer in the world.






WASHINGTON (PTI): A powerful US Congressional conference committee has asked the Defence Secretary and the Secretary of State to take steps necessary to recognise India as America's major defence partner in a bid to strengthen bilateral security cooperation.



The provision mentioned in the voluminous Congressional conference report, running into more than 3,000 pages, on USD 618 billion National Defence Authorisation Bill (NDAA), in another significant development asks the Defence Secretary and the Secretary of State to conduct an assessment of the extent to which India possesses capabilities to support and carry out military operations of mutual interest of the two countries.



This, including an assessment of the defence export control regulations and policies, need appropriate modification in recognition of India's capabilities and its status as a major defence partner, said the conference report which was unveiled by the House and Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.



It now needs to be formally passed by the two chambers of the Congress -- the House of Representatives and Senate -- before US President Barack Obama can sign it into law.



Majority of the decisions of the Section 1292 of NDAA called "Enhancing defence and security cooperation with India" would, however, have to be taken by the incoming Donald Trump Administration which would take charge on January 20.



The language arrived in the conference report and NDAA has been agreed upon by both the Republican and the Democratic Party.



NDAA 2017 authorises funding for the Department of Defence and the national security programmes of the Department of Energy.



Senator John McCain said, it "enhances security cooperation between the United States and India".



McCain is Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.



However, NDAA 2017 is still a step below what friends of India have been working for in the Congress for the past few years -- brining the defence relationship at par with top NATO allies and Israel.



"The President shall ensure that the assessment" is used, consistent with US conventional arms transfer policy, to inform the review by the US of requests to export defence articles, defence services, or related technology to India under the Arms Export Control Act and to inform any regulatory and policy adjustments that may be appropriate, it said.



NDAA 2017 also urged the Administration to designate an individual within the executive branch who has experience in defence acquisition and technology -- to reinforce and ensure, through inter-agency policy coordination, the success of the Framework for the US-India Defence Relationship and to help resolve remaining issues impeding Indo-US defence trade, security cooperation and co-production and co-development opportunities.



It seeks approval and facilitation of transfer of advanced technology, consistent with US conventional arms transfer policy, to support combined military planning with India's military for missions such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter piracy, freedom of navigation, maritime domain awareness missions and to promote weapons systems interoperability.



Calling to strengthen the effectiveness of the US-India Defense Trade and Technology Initiative and the durability of the Department of Defence's 'India Rapid Reaction Cell', NDAA 2017 also seeks collaboration with India to develop mutually agreeable mechanisms to verify the security of defence articles, defence services and related technology such as appropriate cyber security and end use monitoring arrangements consistent with US' export control laws and policy.



After the passage of the bill, within 180 days, the Secretary of Defence and Secretary of State have been asked to jointly submit to the congressional defence committees and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on how the US is supporting its defence relationship with India.



Among other things it seeks to enhance cooperative military operations, including maritime security, counter-piracy, counter-terror cooperation, and domain awareness, in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.



This comes as a compromise between the House and Senate versions of the bill which had different languages with regard to India.



The Senate bill contained a provision (section 1247) that would enhance military cooperation between the US and India by recommending the Secretary of Defence take certain steps regarding exchanges between senior military officers and senior civilian defence officials of the two countries.



The House amendment contained a similar provision (section 1262) that would require certain actions by the Secretary of Defence and the Secretary of State to enhance defence and security cooperation between India and the United States.


Amanda Zehner, MA'11, is weaving business with social responsibility

Zehner is the founder of Living Threads Co., which seeks to stabilize business for back strap loom weavers in Central America

Photo/courtesy Amanda Zehner with two weavers who work on orders from her company, Living Threads Co.

After completing the Sustainable and International Development Program at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis, Amanda Zehner, MA'11, worked in international development throughout Central America. She became familiar with the dynamics of production and organizational structures for artisanal textile weavers in the region. She also saw how unstable and uncertain work for them could be.

"This is a livelihood for many people in Latin America, and their traditional art is dying as their markets are flooded with cheap clothing," Zehner said. "The local community is not their market anymore."

Weaving on back strap looms  stabilized on one end by a strap that wraps around the back of the weaver  has been part of the culture in the region for thousands of years, but as mass produced clothes have made their way to Latin America, locally woven goods have been phased out. As a result, the people that make them have become dependent on tourism for business, but the tourism industry is seasonal and not consistent.

Since 2014, Zehner has sought to help stabilize business for weavers in Nicaragua and Guatemala. She established Living Threads Co., a social enterprise that connects goods woven in these countries with US market.

Based in Reston, Virginia, Zehner travels to Nicaragua several times per year, where she works with weaving groups to design products inspired by their culture, and then place orders with the weavers to produce goods like table linens, scarves and pillows. These products are sold in Living Threads Co. pop-up shop locations, currently in Reston, Virginia and online.

"Throughout the year, we are able to do small orders from all our groups to ensure all weavers are employed throughout the year, providing year round income and helping to preserve this traditional art.  Zehner said.

Along with placing orders with weavers, Living Threads also offers its partners micro credit loans and training, which help them build their small business as well as better understand the global marketplace they are now a part of. Through partnerships with local non-profits and on the ground training, Living Threads Co. also connects artisans to local markets, such as eco-resorts. In addition to partnerships in Guatemala and Nicaragua, the company has expanded to include weavers in India and Nepal.

Zehner will be part of a Brandeis alumni career panel in Washington, DC, to be held on Jan. 12. More information about the event can be found here.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 01/12/2016 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jennifer Jones still remembers walking into Westman Place for her first Scott Tournament of Hearts appearance in 2002.

It was really surreal walking in and I remember  thinking it was the biggest arena I had ever seen and I couldnt believe we got to play in it, so to come back its pretty cool to be back in Brandon where it all began and in front of the hometown crowd, she said.

Jones lost in the 3-vs.-4 Page playoff game to Ontarios Sherry Middaugh that year but returned Wednesday for the opening day of action at the Home Hardware Canada Cup of Curling, the first time the event has been played in Manitoba in its 13-year history.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Skip Jennifer Jones delivers a rock during her teams afternoon draw against Tracy Fleury at the Home Hardware Canada Cup of Curling at Westman Place in Brandon on Wednesday.

And she started as well as to be expected.

After scoring four deuces, including a second-end steal of two in her opening contest against Kelsey Rocque and emerging with a 9-4 win, Jones, third Kaitlyn Lawes, second Jill Officer and lead Dawn McEwen returned to the ice in the afternoon to face Tracy Fleury of Sudbury, Ont.

Another second-end steal of two gave Jones and company a 3-0 advantage and they never looked back, running Fleury out of stones in the 10th end for a 6-4 victory to move to 2-0  a complete reversal from the 0-2 start the two-time Canada Cup winner (2007 and 2011) had last year.

Were really happy, Jones said. To come out with two wins is pretty big. Its a short round robin against really tough teams.

We came out and made the big shots when we had to and werent as consistent a wed like in our last game so well have to pick up our socks (today), she added.

However, the 42-year-old wasnt the only womens team to collect a pair of wins on Day 1. Fellow Winnipgger Kerri Einarson emerged with a an 8-5 win over Ottawas Rachel Homan in a Draw 3 battle of unbeatens.

Like she did in the morning on her way to an 8-5 win over Val Sweeting, the reigning Manitoba Scotties winner used key steals  two in the second end, one in the third and two more in seven  to power her to a 2-0 record with wins over the last two Canada Cup champions.

Squeezing her last two shots between a pair of Homan guards on either side of the centre line to score two in the 10th end iced her second win.

We just came out strong, Einarson said. We had a few hiccups along our way but we bounced back from them and came back and held our lead and kept control of our games and we capitalized whenever the opposition missed.

I dont always look to steal points but when it comes Ill take it. We definitely put our rocks in great positions.

On the mens side, Saskatoons Steve Laycock put a bevy of rocks in play against Calgarian Kevin Koe in seemingly every end of their Draw 3 showdown, and walked off the ice with a 9-5 win to get to 2-0.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun The afternoon draw of the Home Hardware Canada Cup of Curling takes place at Westman Place in Brandon on Wednesday.

Joining Laycock atop the standings at the end of the day is the Mark Nichols-led Team Gushue from St. Johns, who dispatched of Brad Jacobs 8-3 in Draw 2 and eked out a 7-6 win over Reid Carruthers on a single in the 10th end of the evening draw.

Nonetheless, the shot of the day belonged to Jacobs and it came at the expense of hometown product Mike McEwen.

Trailing 4-3 in the 10th end, the Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., skip played a long and difficult double takeout across half the sheet to score a deuce and pick up a 5-4 victory in Draw 1.

Unfortunately for Jacobs, he was unable to keep that momentum into his second game against Team Gushue.

We just came out flat as a team and any time you give up four in the first end its pretty demoralizing and we just werent able to get anything going from there and theyre a great team, Jacobs said after his 8-7 loss. So its tough to come back against guys like that when they get a four.

McEwen and Torontonian John Epping are the lone winless teams on the mens side, while Rocque and Val Sweeting will also be looking to dip into the win column for the first time today.

 nliewicki@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @liewicks
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 01/12/2016 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba government has come under fire in response to this weeks revelation that a pilot program related to improving Metis health outcomes has not been renewed.

Manitoba Metis Federation president David Chartrand initiated the public conversation on Tuesday by lambasting the government for cutting the programs funding, effective March 31 of this year.

Kris Desjarlais, MMFs Brandon-based wellness manager, provided further clarity regarding the cuts on Wednesday.

The four-year, $650,000 program was a pilot effort, Desjarlais said.

Whats unfortunate with pilots is they come up with solutions, they come up with great things  and then we cut their legs off, and to me, thats throwing away money.

While the program was provincial in scope, Brandon is a particularly active region for the MMF, Desjarlais said. As such, its an area where a healthy portion of the efforts work has taken place.

This work has centred on building relationships with regional health authorities and filling gaps in existing services to improve health outcomes for Metis people, he said. Introducing wellness workshops, efforts to improve transportation, add mobile clinics and provide the Metis community with a greater involvement in strategic planning opportunities joined other efforts in tying into these overarching goals.

Despite another media report to the contrary, the program employed five individuals, of whom one was based in Brandon and four were in Winnipeg.

But, taking Chartrands lead, describing these defunded positions in the past tense might not be appropriate just yet.

While funding stopped flowing several months ago, Chartrand intends to keep the program running until at least the end of the year.

The Sun reached Chartrand by phone as he was boarding an Ottawa-bound plane on Wednesday.

If the province doesnt care, maybe Canada will, he said, explaining that hell be advocating hard for federal funding in the coming days.

Chartrand said that Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen blindsided him with the news that the program would not be renewed.

Either the minister got the worst briefing possible  or the worst advice  or he made one of the worst judgments on his side, Chartrand said. This is one of the only resources the Metis have with the province of Manitoba.

On Wednesday, Goertzen clarified that the pilot project concluded under the previous government, which decided to not renew it. The provincial election came several days after the pilot programs conclusion.

Goertzen said that he offered to put the program through the filter of consulting firm KPMG to determine its value for money, but that Chartrand rejected this offer.

As such, Goertzen remains unconvinced the project merits renewal.

The five people employed under the pilot program provided education to the regional health authorities about the Metis experience within the system, so it didnt provide any real front-line service, he said.

On top of that, Goertzen said that its difficult to determine what the province stands to lose in the programs discontinuation because there has never been any clear evaluation to determine what outcomes the program provided.

I would have been happy, and would still be happy to do an evaluation of that, but that was not accepted, he said.

Desjarlais stands behind the programs relevance, noting that the health outcomes for Manitobas Metis population continues to lag behind that of the general population.

Manitobas Metis population is 21 per cent more likely to die before the age of 75 than the general public, 34 per cent more likely to develop diabetes, 40 per cent more likely to develop heart disease and 49 per cent more likely to have a limb amputated, according to a MMF report from 2010.

While the provincial government might see the Metis health-care program as low-hanging fruit ripe for the picking, it has strived to improve these health outcomes, and if allowed to continue would find some success, Desjarlais affirmed.

But, given the present governments push to validate such efforts through a value-for-money evaluation, such assertions dont factor too highly into their decision-making process.

As Goertzen clarified, I would still be happy to do an analysis of that but that was not accepted.

 tclarke@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @TylerClarkePA
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 01/12/2016 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jill Officer lived in Brandon for the better part of four years in the early 2000s but she never had the chance to curl on the ice at Westman Place.

Well, except for the 2002 Scott Tournament of Hearts when she was the fifth on Jennifer Jones Manitoba team.

I threw practice rocks, Officer said before chuckling aloud.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Second Jill Officer with Jennifer Jones rink yells after throwing a rock on Wednesday afternoon at the Home Hardware Canada Cup of Curling at Westman Place in Brandon.

Now 41 years old, living in Winnipeg and throwing second stones for Jones, the former CKX-TV reporter is back in the Wheat City this week to compete in her ninth Home Hardware Canada Cup of Curling. Officer has been on Jones two previous triumphant foursomes, in 2007 and 2011, but has been looking forward to returning to Brandon.

From the moment that it was announced last year that the Canada Cup would be here I was super excited to come and play in my old town, my old stomping grounds, Officer said. I keep running into people everywhere I go and had a good chat with Mayor (Rick) Chrest and Karen, his wife, (Tuesday) night at the banquet and its just really nice to come back and see a lot of familiar faces and play here.

Its kind of like playing in a hometown for me.

And while she had never thrown a competitive stone at the Keystone Centre until her team opened the Canada Cup with a convincing 9-4 win over Edmontonian Kelsey Rocque on Wednesday morning, she vividly recalled an encounter she had in the building with two-time Olympic champion speed skater Catriona LeMay Doan during her reporting days.

I remember begging my boss to let me come in and interview Catriona LeMay Doan because she was speaking at something at the Keystone Centre and being a big fan of the Olympics and Canadian athletes that was right in her peak time and I was pretty excited to have that opportunity to interview her, Officer said.

Now an Olympic gold medallist herself  reaching the top of the podium at the 2014 Sochi Olympics alongside Jones, Kaitlyn Lawes and Dawn McEwen  Officer has had several opportunities to meet LeMay Doan since that first encounter.

After the greatest curling accomplishment of her career, Officer believes shes still the same person but nearly three years after that triumph she remains enthralled by the support she and her team still receive.

The Olympics is a whole different ball game, she said. Theres so many more people that watch the Olympics and they dont normally watch curling so I feel like we get recognized a lot more especially at home and its great because we have a lot of community support. We had a lot of fans that were really proud that we were from Winnipeg and that we came home with the gold medal.

And there will always be a part of her that holds on to her time in Brandon, even if she doesnt get a chance to swing by her old apartment or check out some of the newer strip malls on 18th Street.

EXTRA ENDS: Senior mens provincial qualifiers in Boissevain and Dauphin are taking place from Dec. 15 to 18, with womens regional qualifiers in Brandon and Dauphin happening on those days. The registration deadline is today. For more information, contact CurlManitoba at mca@curlmanitoba.org or 204-925-5723.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Spokesperson of the Defense Ministry of Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan refutes the information spread in social networks according to which the Armenian side has suffered injuries because of Azerbaijans adventurism in Nagorno Karabakh, Martuni direction. Hovhannisyan told Armenpress that there were some skirmishes on the front line but the Armenian side has suffered no casualties.

According to the information of the Defense Army (NKR army-edit.), by now there is nothing like that. Though there were some border skirmishes, we have suffered no casualties, he said.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. In a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Armenia Tian Erlun and Commercial Counsellor Wang Hongleng the Minister of Healthcare of Armenia Levon Altunyan highly assessed the cooperation between the two states in the sphere of healthcare. The allocation of 88 ambulance vehicles by China to Armenia in 2011, the training of Armenian doctors, pharmacist and healthcare managers was specially highlighted.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Healthcare Ministry of Armenia, Levon Altunyan expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for their readiness to allocate Armenia with another batch of 200 ambulance vehicles. Thank to it we will be able to solve all the existing problems in ambulance service, the Minister said, adding that like in the past, most of the vehicles to be receives in the near future will operate in the provinces.

At the request of the Chinese Ambassador Minister Altunyan presented the reforms within the ministry and its long-term goals.

Ambassador Tian Erlun noted that Chine is also ready to support Armenia in distant-healthcare sphere, providing professional consultations.

The sides mutually highlighted the development and expansion of cooperation in the sphere of healthcare.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 01/12/2016 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On Tuesday, the Manitoba government unveiled an official plaque to commemorate the 100th anniversary of some Manitoba women receiving the right to vote. Its part of the hard work done by the Nellie McClung Foundation with a mandate, in part, to educate the public about Nellie McClungs passion and achievements in the pursuit of womens and human rights.

Given that this province is aware of the need to recognize the hard work McClung did in pushing for womens and human rights, it was interesting to see the short list from the Bank of Canada of women that will at some point appear on a Canadian banknote.

The list was certainly short on regional representation. There is no question the women who are on the list of five have made important contributions and should be recognized for their achievements. My concern is the final list of five does not represent all of the regions of the country  and most certainly not the Prairie provinces or the North.

In particular, McClung is missing  a serious omission.

When the decision was announced to have a woman on the currency, we were told the nominations were open to any Canadian woman (by birth or naturalization) who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, achievement or distinction in any field, benefiting the people of Canada, or in the service of Canada. We were also informed the designs must adhere to the banks principles for how bills are designed. They couldnt be fictional characters (no Anne of Green Gables) and had to have died before April 15, 1991 (no Anne Murray, either). They also have to represent the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

As soon as Canadians found out about the contest, thousands of names were submitted and the list was finally winnowed down to 461. The next step was a consideration list of 12 names, including McClungs. Some people have suggested McClung was taken off the final list because the Famous Five (including McClung) and Therese Casgrain had been featured on the back of the $50 bill from 2004 to 2011. If this was the reasoning, then McClungs name should not have appeared on the consideration list of 12 names issued in April.

This list of 12 had only two Prairie women on it  McClung and Gabrielle Roy, both Manitobans. With neither of them on the final list of five, the three Prairie provinces are not represented at all. This is surprising since even a cursory examination of the 461 original names shows many women from these provinces.

For Manitoba alone, the names range from early women such as Thanadelthur, Marie Anne Gaboury and Annie Bannatyne; pioneer doctors Charlotte Ross and Amelia Yeomans; distinguished nurses Mary Ellen Birtles and Persis Johnson Darrach; and Judge Mary Ann Wawrykow. Writers such as Roy and Margaret Laurence are there, too  as are political activists Margret Benedictsson and Margaret McWilliams.

Saskatchewans list includes such varied women as Violet McNaughton, Charlotte Small and Dorise Nielsen. Alberta names include Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Roberta MacAdams  and those are just the most famous political activists.

Why should McClung be the Canadian woman on the banknote?

Remember, this is a decision to choose one woman who is the best representative of Canadian womanhood. So lets look at McClungs credentials: She has name recognition  according to a number of surveys, people know who she is and what she has done; and she is well-known as both author and suffragist across the country and in other English-speaking countries.

McClung also showed talent and leadership in more than one field. She was a teacher, a famous writer who is still quoted today, a talented orator, a political activist and an early working wife and mother.

She has direct connections with five Canadian provinces. She was born in Ontario; educated and began her career as writer and a suffragist in Manitoba; worked for womens suffrage in Saskatchewan and Alberta; was elected to the legislature and was part of The Persons Case in Alberta; represented Canada at the League of Nations Peace Conference of 1938; served on the first CBC board of governors; and, when retired in British Columbia, wrote about her career.

The suffrage campaigns McClung participated in were non-violent, reasoned, tenacious, polite and had a sense of humour. These are all descriptions of a proper Canadian project to me.

The move to have a woman on a Canadian banknote has been a long time in coming. Thanks to Merna Forster, who started a petition for this project in 2013, weve made a start. By 2013, the women on the back of the $50 bill had been replaced by an icebreaker. Now, theres some interesting symbolism.

Many other countries feature non-royal women on their currency. Japan, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, Mexico, Serbia, New Zealand, Philippines, Argentina, Israel, Uruguay and South Korea are examples. The Royal Bank of Scotland will feature scientist Mary Somerville and poet Nan Shepherd on the faces of two new banknotes. Swedens new currency will feature portraits of equal numbers of men and women on their banknotes. Four Australian banknotes feature notable men and women, a woman on one side and a man on the other.

The Bank of England has issued notes honouring such women as Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Fry. When a plan to have a banknote featuring Winston Churchill met opposition, bank governor Mark Carney (a Canadian) decided to have Jane Austen instead. The United States will be issuing a banknote featuring Harriet Tubman.

Canada has some catching up to do.

 Linda McDowell is a retired history teacher and a big fan of Nellie McClung. Her column was also recently published by the Winnipeg Free Press.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 01/12/2016 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ashley Synyshyn gave birth to a baby girl she says never belonged to her.

The Brandon woman went through nine months of labour to give a child to a deserving family who didnt have the same chance.

It wasnt my baby, it never was my baby, Synyshyn said. The part I was so excited about was to give these people their baby  I didnt give her away, I gave her back.

Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Ashley Synyshyn (left) looks at baby Riley as she's held by Courtenay Hamilton during a recent visit in Brandon. Synyshyn was the babys surrogate mother.

They werent strangers by the time they were in the delivery room together at Brandon Regional Health Centre on Nov. 16, when Synyshyn, 31, the surrogate mother, gave birth to a baby girl for Moncton, N.B., parents, Courtenay, 28, and Joel, 32.

The midwife immediately handed the child, named Riley Ann, to her mother Courtenay Hamilton.

It was all of the emotions, I really cant describe it at all, said the new mom last week in Brandon. Its what weve been waiting for, forever.

Nearly seven years ago, Courtenay first started dating Joel, and talk of having kids one day flowed naturally.

They tied the knot in Feb. 2014. Two months later, Courtenay was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Early into her treatment, Courtenay was told rounds of chemotherapy and radiation would prevent her from giving birth. She needed the vigorous treatment to live so she went ahead.

She was in remission by September that year.

They looked into adoption but were dismayed it would take years to add to their family.

Then, they stumbled upon some surrogacy websites, and by August last year published a profile on the site. They posted a picture and told the story of what made them pursue surrogacy.

A month later they began talking with Synyshyn, a mother of three from Brandon.

Cynthia Korman Photography & Design A tearful Courtenay Hamilton receives her newborn daughter on Nov. 16 from midwife Kari Hammersley, as her proud husband Joel looks on. The Moncton couple was in Brandon for the baby's birth, where Ashley Synyshyn served as the surrogate mother.

When Courtenay and Joel first started dating almost seven years ago was around the time Synyshyn was pregnant with her first child.

Synyshyn recalls speaking with a good friend who desperately wanted to have her own child.

Soon after, she became pregnant earlier than intended. She felt guilt.

I would have done anything to trade places with her, Synyshyn said, so that feeling stuck with me for years and in those years I met plenty of other people who dealt with infertility. It was that feeling that stuck with me, that made me decide that that was the cause I would put myself into.

Five years later, with Synyshyns family complete with three kids, she seriously looked into surrogacy.

She wavered, but last August the former Souris resident and her husband Andrew decided to go ahead.

They put a profile on a surrogacy website the same month as the Hamiltons.

I figured it was a small piece of time in my life that I could give and make a really big impact on someone elses, said Synyshyn, who recently worked in the health care industry.

In the grand scheme of things, its a small piece of time. And its not completely altruistic either, its made me feel pretty good, too. I thought what better way to teach our kids that its good to give back and be nice to people.

After connecting on the surrogacy website, Synyshyn and Courtenay emailed regularly. They spoke about life, Synyshyns kids and Courtenays pets.

Submitted Joel and Courtenay Hamilton, from left, and Ashley and Andrew Synyshyn had fun shirts made, which played up their unique surrogacy arrangement.

Last November, Synyshyn agreed to be the couples surrogate.

I was thrilled, obviously, Courtenay said of finding out. Im sure I had the goofiest smile on my face.

From then on, they sent text messages all the time. The women flew separately to Toronto for tests and screenings and this March, after meeting for the first time in-person, the transfer occurred.

A Toronto woman supplied the egg, Hamiltons husband Joel donated the sperm and Synyshyn provided the womb.

While they met a few times during pregnancy, it was difficult to be thousands of kilometres away from Synyshyn, admits Courtenays husband Joel.

We wanted to be there to watch (our daughter) grow, be there for appointments. But with technology nowadays, we were able to see the ultrasounds. It made it easier than we thought.

They were there for their childs birth. They found out that day they were having a girl.

It was so much joy and happiness coming out, all at once, he said.

And so much gratitude, his wife added.

No statistics are kept in Canada on how many babies are born through surrogacy arrangements, but a recent study suggested an increasing percentage of heterosexual couples, now up to 16 per cent, have difficulty conceiving.

Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Joel and Courtenay Hamilton hold their daughter Riley, born from a surrogate mother in Brandon, during their first few days of seeing her.

In Canada, the surrogate cannot be paid like in the United States, but any costs, ranging from the in virto fertilization itself to medication, travel and lawyers, are usually covered by the intended parents. It cost the Hamiltons tens of thousands.

Late last week, Courtenay and Joel flew back to Moncton to welcome their newborn to her home.

They made lifelong friends in they Synyshyn family, who gave them their greatest gift.

Its something special that relationship we have, that I cant have with anyone else, Courtenay said.

Ashley and Courtenay documented their surrogacy journeys on separate blogs. You can read Ashleys perspective on yourtemporaryhome.wordpress.com and hear from Courtenay at shedoesntlookpregnant.wordpress.com.

 ifroese@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ianfroese
Ireland is to get more than 370m from the EU for research and innovation.

Higher Education Institutes will receive 198m, companies 104m, and SMEs will get 74m.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenia exported 922 thousand and 511 liter wine to EAEU member states during January-September of the current year amounting 2 million 965 thousand and 601 USD of customs value. Armenpress reports, citing the database of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), the export volume of wine increased by 26.1% against the same period of the previous year, while the increase amounted to 52.6% in terms of value.

The wine was mainly exported to Russia and Belarus.
Irish consumers are remaining cautious about the uncertain economic outlook and their own personal finances.

Latest figures show the KBC Bank Ireland/ESRI Consumer Sentiment Index changed only slightly in November.
TV3 says it has completed the acquisition of UTV Ireland.

The commercial broadcaster, which is owned by Virgin Media, says the takeover could lead to unavoidable redundancies at the station.

In its restructuring programme to consolidate the two businesses into one, the broadcaster said it hopes that staff currently employed by UTV Ireland can fill 40 open vacancies in TV3.

"The proposed changes may result in unavoidable redundancies in UTV Ireland but where possible, staff will be offered redeployment opportunities within TV3", Virgin Media says.

The company will enter into a 30-day consultation period, and it is says it expects "various steps associated with this plan" will be completed by January 2017.

As part of the deal, UTV Ireland will move from Macken House to TV3's headquarters in Ballymount.

The UTV Ireland channel will also rebrand over the coming weeks.

Pat Kiely, managing director of TV3, said: "Today's announcement strengthens independent television broadcasting in Ireland by bringing together great channels and great content under the one roof.

"The combined TV3 Group business is now better equipped to compete against significant local and international broadcasters.

"We can now also play an increasingly bigger role in the development of Irish originated production and broadcasting. I am confident that our new three channel structure will drive the future potential and long term growth of the business."
Colombia's Congress has unanimously approved a peace deal with FARC guerrillas aimed at ending more than a half-century of civil war.

President Juan Manuel Santos said the vote provided "landmark backing" for peace.
Some asthma patients in the UK are set to benefit from a new monthly injection to help combat severe symptoms.

New draft guidance from the health watchdog in England recommends that patients should be able to get mepolizumab, also known as Nucala, through the NHS.

The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) said that mepolizumab targets specific white blood cells called eosinophils, which are responsible for symptoms in thousands of asthma patients.

The drug, manufactured by British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), was initially turned down by Nice officials.

But after GSK provided further analysis on its use alongside an additional price reduction, Nice gave it the green light for NHS use in England.

The medication, which is administered by injection every four weeks, is recommended for adults with severe eosinophilic asthma if they have had four or more attacks during the last year.

Professor Carole Longson, director of Nice's centre for health technology evaluation, said: "Around 100,000 people in England and Wales have severe asthma that cannot be controlled with their regular medicines.

"Symptoms such as constant breathlessness can make it hard to carry out simple day-to-day activities.

"Asthma attacks can come without any warning so people often live in fear, afraid to go out.

"If they do suffer from an attack, it may lead to hospitalisation and in the worst cases death.

"People with severe asthma have had limited treatment options.

"Many end up taking oral corticosteroids for prolonged periods which can cause further complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure and mood swings.

"Many of these people will soon have access to an extra treatment option to help them take control of their asthma."

Kay Boycott, chief executive of the charity Asthma UK, said: "We are delighted that mepolizumab has finally been recommended for use on the NHS.

"It has the potential to transform the lives of many people with one of the most debilitating forms of asthma.

"Not only should it improve some people's symptoms and reduce the risk of life-threatening asthma attacks, but we also hope it will reduce their reliance on high doses of corticosteroids, which can have unpleasant and harmful side effects in the long term.

"We now need to see mepolizumab made available to those who need it as soon as possible."
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. The situation on Karabakh-Azerbaijan contact line is calm at the moment. The information spread in the social networks according to which two Armenian servicemen had been wounded in Martunis positions (NKR) referred to the incident that occurred the previous day, spokesperson of MoD Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan told Armenpress.

The injured are contractual servicemen. They are residents of Artsakhs (NKR) Ashan village - Gagik Poghosyan, 32, and Kajik Zakharyan, 32. Gagik Poghosyan has been hospitalized in Stepanakerts military hospital, while Kajik Zakharyan has been taken to Central Military Hospital of the Defense Ministry of the Republic of Armenia.

Artsrun Hovhannisyan also urged to refrain from spreading disinformation or unconfirmed information. "NKR Defense Army press service provides accurate information on front line situation, number of ceasefire violations and weapons used. At the moment the operational situation is stable and the Defense Army units keep control of the situation. We urge to refrain from spreading disinformation or unconfirmed information", he said.
The people of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) perfectly remember the Azerbaijani authorities attempt to solve the problem through physical extermination of the people of Artsakh, said Davit Babayan, Spokesperson of the President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR).

December 1, 2016, 15:34 Karabakh perfectly remembers Azerbaijan attempt to solve problem: David Babayan

STEPANAKERT, DECEMBER 1, ARTSAKHPRESS: Babayan noted the aforesaid while commenting, at the request of Armenian NEWS.am, on Azerbaijani FM Elmar Mammadyarovs recent statement that the status issue of Karabakh cannot be considered at the initial phase of negotiations.

[Azerbaijani] government figures change, but the wishes [of theirs] remain the same, the NKR presidential spokesperson said, in particular.

He added that this latest statement by Mammadyarov shows that Azerbaijan does not even consider ending its aggressive and fascist rhetoric.

When we say that there is no return to the past, including in terms of borders, we dont say this despite the statements by Baku, stressed Davit Babayan. There has been a precedent when Azerbaijan attempted to physically exterminate Nagorno-Karabakh. And this was not 100 to 200 years ago, but 25starting from 1988. But Nagorno-Karabakh was an autonomous region at that time, too.

Now, they [i.e. the Azerbaijani authorities] are attempting to force the aggressive, savage plans [of theirs] upon us.

I believe the Azerbaijan authorities need to be freed from the bad [wedding] souvenirs, so that the [Karabakh peace] process starts."
VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis will become the first pontiff in history to visit Bahrain, in a trip this week that is...
Elep Returns tells the story of how a tree  Elep - grew in Kandrian on the south coast of West New Britain and was cut down and exported to Japan as a round log.

So I felt it would be a good idea to give an overview of how I conceived and wrote Elep Returns and provide some insights about the book.

Writers Phil Fitzpatrick and Iriani Wanma recently revealed that Elep Returns was the first book they had read where the main character was a tree. Several other readers have made the same comment.

There have been many other questions and statements about the book.

AFTER reading my book, Elep Returns: The Story of a Tree and its Conversion into Paper, many people asked me if I been to Japan. I said no. They asked me about the Tatachi Paper Mill. I said no.

Elep Returns: The Story of a Tree and its Conversion into Paper by Arnold Mundua. Published (reprint) by Medtec, ISBN: 9789384007096, 160 pages. Available from the author here

In Japan, Elep is converted into paper that eventually returns to Papua New Guinea via Brisbane and is made into a Grade 10 certificate.

This is presented to a child who used to enjoy the nuts when Elep was growing as a tree in the forest.

I wrote this book to give the school children of PNG an overview of forests, forestry and the work of foresters. I also especially wanted to focus on how the log export industry works in PNG.

Between 1995 and 2003 I had been seconded from the National Forest Service as a log export inspector to the Swiss Surveillance company, SGS PNG Ltd.

In this job I was responsible for checking and inspecting all the exports of round logs from PNG.

Often during my inspections a sad feeling would engulf as I watched the logs go, especially when they were towed out on pontoons by tug boats to the waiting log ships anchored in the open sea.

The scene was much like seeing countrymen taken as slaves to a far away destination never to be seen again - with the poor guys not knowing what was in store for them.

One night in Kandrian, as I was settling down to work on a final report on a shipment of logs bound for Japan, the thought ran through my mind that I should write something on these poor fellows who had just left on the monster foreign ship.

The thought remained in my head and, immediately after completion of A Brides Price (my first book), I began to work on the plot for the new book.

I decided to present my story in novel form - fiction based on facts - unlike other literature on forestry. I wanted to reach a wider reading audience, particularly school children.

I had seen animals used as main characters in childrens story books (like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck), so decided to use a tree as the protagonist for my story.

I remembered some plant science from high school and also knew forestry as a process where there are a lot of missing links when the subject is discussed in the classroom: like what happened to the logs that were taken away, how seeds of the wild are transported and planted in the forest and similar information.

I believed that the best way to link these gaps in the minds of children and adults would be to let a tree to tell its own story to allow the reader to follow the entire forestry process.

So I decided to take a single trees journey from pollination through to its adult stage and subsequently its final product. It was a clear, straight forward story line.

I knew Kandrian and chose it for the setting of my story. And to better link the story with children, I chose as my main character a popular tree that had cultural significance as well as commercial value. Thats why I settled on Canarium indicum, a tree that bears the popular Galip nuts and which has great commercial value as a supplier of round logs to the international market.

I named the tree Elep after interviewing my friend, Paul Hoffman, a local from Amumsong village just outside Kandrian. Elep is the local Arup tokples name for Canarium indicum. I also amassed information and folktales about Kandrian from Paul to set the background scenes for the story.

Satisfied with my research, I started work on the manuscript. During writing I tried as best as I could in the opening chapters to link the plant science subjects (forest ecology, tree physiology, plant biology and the rest) from Eleps point of view.

I presented this material in a way that the children would connect it to what their teachers taught them in the classroom.

I relied on my past experience as a forest surveyor, logging foreman and logs export inspector to write about Eleps conversion into a log. Then, after Chapter 13, I got stuck. I had not been to Japan or any other country and had no idea how I could write about Eleps journey to foreign lands.

But luck came my way.

After an inspection at Open Bay in East New Britain, I boarded the log ship MV Yayasan Lapan as the ship was departing for Rabaul to get customs clearance after completion of loading.

The round logs were bound for Japan and I would be getting off in Rabaul but during the 10 hour cruise around the Gazelle Peninsula I had a long talk with the Filipino captain in the wheel house.

And so I gathered what I needed to know about the ships journey after it departed Rabaul and what would happen to the cargo when she reached Japan. This vital information from the ships captain would later form the background story in Eleps journey from Kimbe to Japan.

Another lucky incident occurred at Sauren logging camp in West New Britain. I knew for sure that Japanese ports would be completely different from PNG ports due to the massive international trade links but I had no idea what they looked like.

At Sauren in West Arowe where I spent close to a month, I found in my room a shelf littered with Asian pamphlets and magazines.

As I went through these papers, I came across a brochure of the international port of Nagoya. It listed plans, layout, new constructions and, in minute detail, almost everything there was to know about the port of Nagoya.

After thoroughly reading that priceless document, the Port of Nagoya was where I took Elep ashore.

In Nagoya, a paper factory was needed to convert Elep into paper.

At Akinum logging camp, west of Kandrian, I asked my friend Michael Mota, another log export inspector to identify any paper factory in Japan that he was familiar with.

No idea, he replied. Then just come up with a Japanese name. I said. Tatachi! he shouted back.

And so, somewhere in Nagoya, Michael created the Tatachi Paper Mill where Elep became paper.

With the Japanese leg of Eleps journey covered, my focus turned to Australia, Eleps next port of call. But I didnt feel like another lot of headaches researching Australia so decided the best thing to do was lock Elep in a container until the ship reached Port Moresby.

It took me just over 12 months to complete the manuscript of Elep Returns.

Soon after completion of the manuscript, I decided to include illustrations to enhance the story and leave an indelible impression in the minds of readers. I had always admired Jada Wilsons illustrations and, when I contacted him by phone at Word Publishing in Port Moresby, he agreed to illustrate in colour for K35 per drawing.

I placed an order for 21 illustrations, one for each of the 21 chapters, describing to him what I required in each case.

I also decided to include a map of Eleps journey to give the kids a picture of where exactly Elep travelled on his voyages. I was thinking about where I might find a suitable map when I met a book loving missionary family from the United States.

Bryan Girard and family were missionaries at the Anchor Baptist Church in Kandrian. Typical of missionaries, Bryan was a kind and open man.

One evening when I was invited for dinner with the family, I was surprised to find they had a collection of books that occupied a huge section of the living room. I explained I was working on a book and asked Bryan if hed like to look at it. He was interested and asked me bring it along.

Bryan went through the manuscript and assisted with the editing  in fact, it was he who proposed Elep Returns as the title.

When I told Bryan about the proposed map, I discovered that his wife Tina was a brilliant artist. She agreed to work on the maps, producing maps of Kandrian, New Britain, Papua New Guinea, Japan and South East Asia, including the northern part of Australia.

I took the maps to Kimbe and another talented graphics artist friend, Blasius from Manus, scanned and neatly arranged the maps in their respective locations, producing a single map of South East Asia. Eleps route was later drawn in for the children to follow his journey to the foreign lands.

When the manuscript was ready for publication, I informed CBS Publishers in India who had earlier published A Brides Price. Bryan again assisted by allowing me to use his familys email to forward the manuscript. Bryans daughter Jael worked tirelessly to see that every page was sent and that all incoming emails from the publisher were delivered to me.

When the book was ready for publication I was confronted by the biggest problem. I needed funds to finance the printing. I made several enquiries but no one showed interest.

Then I remembered a fellowship program offered by the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO), established to promote conservation and sustainable development of tropical forests. Elep Returns was 100% related tropical forestry. It was educational and a good reading book for school children that would enhance their knowledge of tropical forests.

PNG being a member of ITTO, I decided to find out if it would fund the publication of Elep Returns. I sent a proposal together with a copy of the manuscript to ITTOs headquarters in Tokyo and the organisation agreed to fund the publication of Elep Returns. It was a great relief.

ITTO allowed its logo to be placed on the cover and requested two copies of the book when it was published. So, at a cost of over $3,000, 1,000 copies of Elep Returns were printed and shipped to PNG.

I later provided a report giving an overview of Elep Returns that was published in the ITTOs quarterly newsletter, Tropical Forest Update, entitled Do trees have feelings?

In September 2007 Elep Returns was launched by Patrick Pruaitch, then Minister for Forests, at the Airway Hotel in Port Moresby before of a crowd of Papua New Guineans, media workers and international delegates from over 110 ITTO member who were in Port Moresby for the 42nd International Tropical Timber Council.

Of the two books Ive written so far, I consider Elep Returns as my best work. In September 2009, Dr Jane Awi and her students at the University of Goroka dramatised Elep Returns in a stage play entitled, Elepesimi. It was a brilliant performance even though I was slightly unhappy for their not seeking permission from me before adapting it into a play.

I had high hopes for Elep Returns when I worked on the book, knowing that it would be very educational and perfect reading material for schools throughout PNG. Regretfully, that was not to be the case. We writers can sometimes be strangers in our own land.

But I still have hope for the book and I believe that Elep Returns has the potential to be converted into an animated movie one day. Perhaps when that happens, I the Education Department in Papua New Guinea will want to have a much closer look at Elep Returns.
Microfossil University of Cincinnati

Somewhere between Earths creation and where we are today, scientists have demonstrated that some early life forms existed just fine without any oxygen.

While researchers proclaim the first half of our 4.5 billion-year-old planets life as an important time for the development and evolution of early bacteria, evidence for these life forms remains sparse including how they survived at a time when oxygen levels in the atmosphere were less than one-thousandth of one percent of what they are today.

Recent geology research from the University of Cincinnati presents new evidence for bacteria found fossilized in two separate locations in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.

These are the oldest reported fossil sulfur bacteria to date, says Andrew Czaja, UC assistant professor of geology. And this discovery is helping us reveal a diversity of life and ecosystems that existed just prior to the Great Oxidation Event, a time of major atmospheric evolution.

The 2.52 billion-year-old sulfur-oxidizing bacteria are described by Czaja as exceptionally large, spherical-shaped, smooth-walled microscopic structures much larger than most modern bacteria, but similar to some modern single-celled organisms that live in deepwater sulfur-rich ocean settings today, where even now there are almost no traces of oxygen.

In his research published in the December issue of the journal Geology of the Geological Society of America, Czaja and his colleagues Nicolas Beukes from the University of Johannesburg and Jeffrey Osterhout, a recently graduated masters student from UCs department of geology, reveal samples of bacteria that were abundant in deep water areas of the ocean in a geologic time known as the Neoarchean Eon (2.8 to 2.5 billion years ago).

These fossils represent the oldest known organisms that lived in a very dark, deep-water environment, says Czaja. These bacteria existed two billion years before plants and trees, which evolved about 450 million years ago. We discovered these microfossils preserved in a layer of hard silica-rich rock called chert located within the Kaapvaal craton of South Africa.

With an atmosphere of much less than one percent oxygen, scientists have presumed that there were things living in deep water in the mud that didnt need sunlight or oxygen, but Czaja says experts didnt have any direct evidence for them until now.

Czaja argues that finding rocks this old is rare, so researchers understanding of the Neoarchean Eon are based on samples from only a handful of geographic areas, such as this region of South Africa and another in Western Australia.

According to Czaja, scientists through the years have theorized that South Africa and Western Australia were once part of an ancient supercontinent called Vaalbara, before a shifting and upending of tectonic plates split them during a major change in the Earths surface.

Based on radiometric dating and geochemical isotope analysis, Czaja characterizes his fossils as having formed in this early Vaalbara supercontinent in an ancient deep seabed containing sulfate from continental rock. According to this dating, Czajas fossil bacteria were also thriving just before the era when other shallow-water bacteria began creating more and more oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.

UC Professor Andrew Czaja indicates the layer of rock from which fossil bacteria were collected on a 2014 field excursion near the town of Kuruman in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.

We refer to this period as the Great Oxidation Event that took place 2.4 to 2.2 billion years ago, says Czaja.

Early recycling

Czajas fossils show the Neoarchean bacteria in plentiful numbers while living deep in the sediment. He contends that these early bacteria were busy ingesting volcanic hydrogen sulfide  the molecule known to give off a rotten egg smell  then emitting sulfate, a gas that has no smell. He says this is the same process that goes on today as modern bacteria recycle decaying organic matter into minerals and gases.

The waste product from one [bacteria] was food for the other, adds Czaja.

While I cant claim that these early bacteria are the same ones we have today, we surmise that they may have been doing the same thing as some of our current bacteria, says Czaja. These early bacteria likely consumed the molecules dissolved from sulfur-rich minerals that came from land rocks that had eroded and washed out to sea, or from the volcanic remains on the oceans floor.

There is an ongoing debate about when sulfur-oxidizing bacteria arose and how that fits into the earths evolution of life, Czaja adds. But these fossils tell us that sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were there 2.52 billion years ago, and they were doing something remarkable.

This work was supported by the National Geographic Society-Waitt Grant Program and the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

Czajas paper, Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria prior to the Great Oxidation Event from the 2.52 Ga Gamohaan Formation of South Africa, was published in Geology, a journal of the Geological Society of America.
New show Circus 1903 is bringing elephants back to the circus, almost 25 years after animals were banned from doing just that in the ACT.

Baby elephant Karanga and his Mum, 3.2 metre tall Queenie both star in the performance, but don't call the animal welfare groups - they're both works of puppetry genius created specially for the new show.

The elephants in Circus 1903 - The Golden Age of Circus. Credit:David James McCarthy

Circus 1903 is from producers Simon Painter and Tim Lawson, whose shows The Illusionists and Le Noir have previously run at Canberra Theatre.

The show looks back 120 years, to the 'golden age' of circus, and strips everything back, just focussing on the acts themselves.
Recent warm weather has given Canberrans a taste of summer and the main course is tipped to be hotter and drier than average.

As the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a sizzling week for the capital, a new seasonal outlook warns of increased fire danger for the region.

Bureau forecaster Katarina Kovacevic said Canberra's summer has "strong odds" of being warmer than usual.

"The average December temperature for maximums in Canberra is about 26 so having a few days in a row this week of 31 to 32 is significantly warmer than average," she said.
One of the lead advisers to real estate group McGrath's float, Bell Potter, has taken the knife to its earnings forecasts and price target for the stock for the third time since its disappointing December 2015 listing.

Bell Potter and JPMorgan were joint lead managers on the initial public offering, which had an offer price of $2.10. However, the stock never reached those heights, peaking at $1.89 in the days after it listed. Following an earnings downgrade by the company in April due to falling home sale listings, the share price plunged 30 per cent in one day to 90 and is currently trading around 88.

Founder John McGrath and chief executive Cameron Judson are battling low listing volumes. Credit:Daniel Munoz

Bell Potter on Thursday cut its 12-month price target on the stock to $1.25, from $1.30, although it retained its "buy" recommendation. The broker also revised its price and earnings targets after the company's profit downgrade in April, and again in October, when it said it was becoming apparent that volumes in spring were going to remain subdued relative to last year.

But on Thursday it said following recent commentary by the company and evidence of continued weakness in listing volumes in November, "we do not believe we downgraded by enough and so are taking one more cut now ahead of the first half of the 2017 financial year result in February".
In a wake-up call for the nations educators, Australia has plummeted on the international maths rankings tables for students, falling to 28th spot  a 10 per cent decline on last years 18th.

Education Minister Simon Birmingham said the results were disappointing, but not cause for alarm. I can literally count on one hand the number of places weve fallen. So its not disastrous.

Photo: Cathryn Tremain

Australias science rankings also fell in the global study  from 12th to 17th  although an education spokesperson said she was unable to find any evidence of that ranking.

Mr Birmingham said he would seek to address the dropping standards, but pointed out that Australias primary and secondary school literacy results were exallant.


The Jiankou section of the Great Wall is under renovation in Beijing in late October. The section, which is located in the city's Huairou district, was built during the Tang (618-907) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties.Guo Qian / For China Daily

China's cultural relic watchdog will accelerate drafting of a plan to protect the Great Wall, and implement more rigid supervision of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

"A nation-level supervision platform to oversee and manage protection of the Great Wall is being constructed," Liu Yuzhu, director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, said on Wednesday.

"A detailed plan to coordinate efforts in different provinces nationwide will be released by the end of next year," Liu said, adding that drones will be used to enhance daily supervision of the Great Wall.

Liu made the remarks during an event at the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall in Chengde, Hebei province, to mark the 10th anniversary of a national rule to protect the Great Wall.

The administration also released the country's first white paper on protection of the Great Wall on Wednesday.

According to the paper, there are 21,196 kilometers of the Great Wall remaining in 15 provincial-level administrative regions across North China, among which 8,851 km were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), while 2,211 military passes, gates and castles remain intact.

By November, about 87 percent of Great Wall sections had been listed as protected national or provincial key cultural relics.

The paper also states that "many sites have collapsed over time, and their visible parts above the ground have disappeared".

"There are two basic principles for restoration of the Great Wall," he said. "One is to not change the original design of the site, and the other is to minimize the impact on cultural relics," Liu said.

In September, netizens criticized restoration of a section of the Great Wall in Liaoning province after pictures were posted online showing historical relics had been cemented over.

"The case showed there is inadequate management of restoration projects on the Great Wall, and a lack of communication between professionals and the public," Liu said.

"Social networks will be used more to promote education on the protection of the Great Wall and make relevant information available to the public," he added.

The nation's database, including photos, videotapes and measurement recordings, has been built through large-scale field research on the sites. A website on the database was launched on Wednesday to make the information available to the public.

wangkaihao@chinadaily.com.cn
Believe it or not, federal parliamentarians have little choice but to enact new security arrangements.

Few relish additional restrictions on public access to the parliament.

But how should leaders respond when security agencies warn that the national parliament (a) is a high value target for terrorists, and (b) remains dangerously vulnerable to attack?

With over 3000 permanent occupants and countless public visitors (around 100,000 school children visit the building annually), on top of the 226 politicians during sitting weeks, this is not simply a question of personal choice for MPs, but one of public safety.
Populist politicians, men's rights activists, and s--t-stirring columnists are falling over themselves to find a group, any group, to blame for the loss of the days when white men's identities were fixed and they were guaranteed secure and well-paid jobs for life.

Trump blames the Mexicans. Hanson, having tired of putting the boot into Asians, is pointing her finger at Muslims. Meanwhile, UK conservative MP David Willets infamously blamed feminism for encouraging housewives to take men's jobs.

"White men are so keen on eroding the collective power of working class men in Australia that we just had a bizarre double dissolution over union legislation." Credit:Stocksy

But it wasn't Mexicans who shut down factories in America's rust belts and shipped the jobs offshore. And it wasn't Asian Australians or Muslims or women who sat around in boardrooms deciding to shut down our car industry or automate the check-out at the supermarkets.

These decisions were made predominantly by men. Mainly, white men.
A car police believe is connected to the attack. Credit:NT Police A French couple were at the remote Connor Well rest stop on the Stuart Highway, about 100 kilometres north of Alice Springs, at 5.30pm on Wednesday, when they were approached by an unknown man, police said. The spot is 150 kilometres from where British traveller Peter Falconio was last seen alive 15 years ago. Police investigate at the scene of a stabbing death in the Northern Territory. Credit:Seven News The man stabbed 33-year-old Phillippe Jegouzo in the neck in what Superintendent Wurst described as an "unprovoked attack".

The man then fled in a grey Hyundai i20 hatchback, leaving the tourist bleeding profusely. Pande Veleski. Credit:Facebook A nurse from Ti Tree Health Clinic, about 100 kilometres north of Connor Well, happened to be driving past with her husband moments later and was flagged down by the victim's 30-year-old wife. The nurse stayed at the scene, and reportedly performed CPR on the injured tourist, while her husband drove 30 kilometres to the nearest telephone at the Aileron Roadhouse to raise the alarm. The car police believe is connected to the attack. Credit:NT Police

However, the French tourist died at the scene. The alleged attacker was later stopped by a police road block near the small community of Ti Tree, but he dumped the car and ran into bushland. He spent the night in the bush, before being spotted by a helicopter. He was arrested naked about 8.30am on Thursday and taken to hospital where he was treated for dehydration. Mr Veleski remained under police guard at Alice Springs hospital on Friday, awaiting a mental health assessment. Tony Veleski said his brother, a keen fisherman, had no connection to the Northern Territory.

He was surprised his brother had driven so far, when he often complained that he became dizzy while driving the 100 kilometres to Dromana from Mill Park. "He didn't even like to drive," Tony said. "It's a big shock to all of us." Tony said he and his wife trusted Mr Veleski to look after their children. Mr Veleski was "fine and playing with the kids" as recently as last week, his brother said. "He's a good guy," Tony said.

Superintendent Wurst said the victim's wife was particularly traumatised by the event and had been treated for shock at the Alice Springs hospital. She was released from hospital on Thursday night but had not been interviewed by Friday afternoon because police did not want to traumatise her further, he said. "This is an absolutely devastating occurrence for her and for her family and that of the deceased as well," he said. "We'll continue to work with her over the coming hours and days - as long as it takes to provide what information she can provide about the incident." The nurse who stopped to help the victim and his wife has given a statement to police and is seeking counselling and support through her employer.

Superintendent Wurst said a crime scene would remain in place at the rest stop from Thursday. "Police will continue to speak to a number of witnesses to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death," he said. However, he said the crime was an "absolute random and obscure" event and there was no need for tourists to be alarmed. "Please do not be concerned about travelling in that area," he said. "But if you do come across anything concerning, please report it to police immediately."

The French consulate-general has been in contact with the victim's family and is providing ongoing support. "Our immediate thoughts go to the family of the victim to whom we send our most sincere condolences," it said in a statement. It comes as another Frenchman remains in a critical condition after he was allegedly punched in Darwin earlier this week. British backpacker Kirsty Fuller, who's been doing farm work in Alice Springs and Katherine for the past three months, called the news "unnerving". "It definitely puts you on edge," she said.

"My last farm, I was three hours from anything. I don't think I'll be going that far into the outback again. I like having people around." Mr Falconio's girlfriend Joanne Lees reportedly returned to the Northern Territory recently to document the erection of a memorial to her murdered boyfriend. Ms Lees travelled to Ti Tree in August and Channel Nine will air a program about the memorial, the NT News has reported. A spokesman for the Nine Network has since confirmed 60 Minutes is filming with Joanne Lees for the story to air in 2017. Loading
Former Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid has a "limited life expectancy" and should not be sent to jail for misconduct over his business dealings at Circular Quay, his lawyers have told the Supreme Court.

But the prosecution told Obeid's sentencing hearing on Thursday the 73-year-old former minister was "far from being at death's door" and "ill health cannot be allowed to become a licence to commit crime".

A Supreme Court jury found Obeid guilty on June 28 of misconduct in public office over his family's secret business dealings at Circular Quay. The Crown is pushing for a jail sentence.

The court heard Obeid lobbied Steve Dunn, a friend and senior bureaucrat in the NSW Maritime Authority, to secure favourable conditions for tenants at Circular Quay without revealing his family had an interest in two cafe leases on the bustling wharves.
A refugee suffering from post traumatic stress disorder who murdered his girlfriend before attempting to take his own life has been sentenced to 21 years in jail.

Shahram Hejabian, 40, choked and used a hammer-like instrument to bash Nouha Salame before he scrawled a suicide note on his bedroom wall and took an overdose of prescription drugs inside his western Sydney home in April 2014.

Hejabian pleaded not guilty to murder, with the question for the jury being whether he was substantially impaired at the time of the killing to warrant a reduction in the charge to manslaughter.

The trial heard that Hejabian was born in Iran and had suffered discrimination, abuse and violence because of his Baha'i faith. He fled to Turkey, before he arrived in Australia in 2001 after being accepted as a refugee.

He had been diagnosed with long-standing post traumatic stress and depression, which had its origin in his experience of persecution in Iran and had been enhanced by having to care for his wife who was hospitalised for mental illness.
A nervous tradie who forgot to pay for a $3 battery at Bunnings because he wanted to ask out the check-out chick has been fined for shoplifting.

But he's still smiling after she said yes ... and they're now preparing for a second date.

Tradie Tim Alexander Copeman was nervous about asking out a Bunnings check-out chick. Credit:Patrick Scala

Tim Alexander Copeman, 32, told the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday he went to the hardware store regularly to buy items for his boss and had put the battery in his pocket to free up his hands.

A housing contractor, Copeman said it was never his intention to steal the battery as he had forgotten it was there due to his nerves in asking out the check-out girl.
A royal commission investigating historical child sex abuse has been asked to make damning findings against Queensland's most prestigious school and a former governor-general.

In submissions published on Thursday, counsel assisting said a large number of students likely would not have been abused had former Brisbane Grammar School headmaster Maxwell Howell investigated sexual abuse claims from students.

Over two weeks in November 2015, the commission heard shocking details of abuse committed by notorious paedophiles Keith Lynch and Gregory Robert Knight at Brisbane Grammar School and St Paul's School in the 1980s and '90s.

Tasked with investigating the institutional response to the crimes, it heard from witnesses including survivors of horrific sexual abuse, current and former school leaders and former governor-general Peter Hollingworth.
In a Brisbane bayside suburb where there is "less than six degrees of separation", the discovery of a man's body in the bottom of an underground pit has hit hard.

As police removed the last of the skeletal remains from a water pit at the back of the Autism Queensland educational facility at Brighton on Thursday, many were left questioning what had happened in what police were treating as a homicide investigation.

Police have uncovered more than 90 per cent of the man's skeletal remains. Credit:7 News Queensland/Twitter

The remains, along with a single running shoe, were found on Tuesday during plumbing inspections at a detached house, used as an administration centre, at the rear of the property.

Police believe the remains are about 30 years old and while they are confident in identifying the man, the forensic examination will likely take weeks.
Prime real estate in the old low-rise public housing tenements in some of Melbourne's most affluent suburbs will be opened up to the private market as part of a massive redevelopment of social housing.

Public housing properties in highly sought-after spots including Prahran, Clifton Hill, Brighton, Brunswick, Northcote and Hawthorn will be upgraded as part of the Andrews government's $185 million plan.

The government has promised to increase social housing by at least 10 per cent on 1100 properties across nine sites, which are mostly four-storey developments that have become dilapidated.

But private units will be included in the rebuild, the government has confirmed.

Demand for social housing has boomed in recent years as Melbourne's rents skyrocket.
A Baldivis councillor has called for the suburb to become the 'marijuana capital' of WA.

City of Rockingham councillor Matt Whitfield said the local community should look beyond the stigma associated with marijuana cultivation and begin to seriously consider it as a way to stimulate economic growth in the Baldivis area.

"Baldivis is traditionally a farming area - there are a lot of experienced farmers with knowledge to share, the soils are good, we have a lot of land to use, the transport links are great with direct access to the freeway and there is a lot of land away from residential areas that could be protected," he said.

Marijuana farming and supply for medicinal purposes became legal in WA as of November 1, and Cnr Whitfield is keen for Baldivis to get on board with the new opportunity.
The "Restorative Community Summit" strategic planning session led by executive producers Michael Muyot and Sean McLeod is a "relaunch" action-based event held at the Omega Institute and led by thought leaders from a wide swath of sectors in the quality of life and food value chain.

Executives and thought leaders have come together to create a summit that will empower the relaunching of vibrant agriculture-based economies, main street communities and the revitalizing of underserved diverse neighborhoods through ownership and skill-based growth from within. By using the pillars of farm-to-table based agriculture products, whole systems approach and local socio-economic impact analysis, the Restorative Community Summit, which will be held in 2017, will help re-traditionalize small business owners and maximize the positive impact within the local communities, beginning with the Hudson Valley and poised for other "local-based" communities around the state and nation.
A Perth man believed he was putting two homeless men "out of their misery" when he murdered one and attempted to kill another as they slept, a court has been told.

In the Supreme Court of Western Australia on Thursday the court heard Daniel James Cohen, 31, struck homeless man Ian John Wilson four times on the head with a hammer as he slept on the steps of the Metrochurch in Perth on July 9.

Murder victim Ian John Wilson. Credit:WA Police

Mr Wilson was found by churchgoers the next morning and pronounced dead by paramedics shortly afterwards.

A day later Cohen struck another 46-year-old sleeping homeless man in Subiaco with a hatchet and walked away, believing he was dead.
London: Russia has put air defence units on alert and deployed warships along the west coast of Crimea after the Ukrainian military fired surface-to-air missiles over the Black Sea in a show of military strength that has riled the Kremlin.

The Ukrainian military fired 16 of the missiles in drills in its Kherson region, which borders Crimea, as it kicked off a two-day drill on Thursday. The Russian government, which annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, has called the drills a "dangerous precedent" and threatened at first to shoot down the missiles.

"Air defence crews imitated combat launches of surface-to-air missiles at aerial targets - unmanned aerial vehicles that mimic the flight of cruise missiles," the Ukrainian defence ministry said in a statement.

The country issued a warning earlier this week defining an area of the Black Sea that aircraft were told to avoid.
New York: New York police are searching for a green-clad man who swiped a 39 kg pail of gold flakes off an armoured truck two months ago and disappeared with the estimated $US1.6 million ($2.16 million) in treasure.

The city's police department late on Tuesday released photos and video of the suspect, who was lingering near the truck on the afternoon of September 29 and took advantage of a moment of distraction by its security guards to snatch the 19-litre bucket.

The video shows him walking away with some difficulty, likely due to the weight of the bucket.

The theft happened on a busy stretch of 48th Street in the borough of Manhattan, near the Rockefeller Centre office and shopping complex, police said.
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The family of a Bristol man who died after a motorcycle crash has paid tribute to him.

Robert William Freeman died after the single-vehicle crash on Tuesday on the A4810 near Magor.

The accident took place around 1.45am on the A4810, close to the Tesco Distribution Centre near Magor.

Robert, a 35-year-old man who lived in Filton, was taken to Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, but died on arrival at the hospital.

His family said they were heartbroken with the loss of a popular young man.

In a statement released this afternoon, they said: "Our dearly beloved son and brother Robert has gone, leaving a huge gap in all of our lives.



"It is apparent how loved he was by his friends and what a happy soul he was, who enjoyed life to its fullest."

Anyone with information relating to the collision is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log number 14 29/11/2016.


Latest News MKM Capital becomes MA Money Rebrand designed to align with non-bank's parent company

How to find a good private lender 10 questions brokers should ask to select the right one

The FBAA s annual conference, held last week on the Gold Coast, attracted record numbers, with nearly 1,000 brokers and finance professionals attending the event, themed: Bigger, Better, Stronger.Held at Sea World Resort, the 2016 conference also included the inaugural FBAA industry member awards which were held in conjunction with the Christmas in New York gala dinner extravaganza at Movie World.FBAA executive director Peter White said the turn-out greatly exceeded expectations. It is hard to believe that when we held our first conference in 2012 there was limited support but in just four short years, to now have around 1,000 industry representatives attending is astonishing.The feedback, from our guest speakers to our extensive Exhibition Expo, has been exceptional and has set the standard in finance broking conferencing, he said.The conference was MCd by TV journalism veteran, Catriona Rowntree, and the one-day event kicked off with a talk on branding by Yellow Brick Roads Mark Bouris Attendees of the conference heard from a senior spokesperson from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Chris Green, who provided an update on the ongoing review into broking remunerations.To have Chris Green as a keynote speaker was extremely beneficial. He offered insights into the challenges currently facing the industry as ASIC continues its broker commissions probe.It was also heartening to hear ASIC acknowledge its solid relationship with the FBAA as we continue working together to provide the best outcome for brokers, White said.The conference also revealed a new strategic alliance between the FBAA and the Small Business Association of Australia (SBAA) which White explained will bring numerous benefits to both industry associations.It was an ideal platform to make this exciting announcement about the partnership which will give the 250,000 plus SBAA members a deeper understanding of how brokers can assist in maximising their business potential.George Samios from Brisbane-based MADD Loans took home the coveted FBAA National Finance Broker of the Year award at the associaton's inaugural awards dinner, as well as the trophy for Queenslands Finance Broker of the Year.
Auburn's Prison City Pub & Brewery will have an early Christmas present for the region's craft beer fans.

The 28 State St. brewpub announced Thursday that it will release its next batch of Mass Riot India pale ale  the beer that topped Paste Magazine's blind taste test of the style this summer  Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 15 through 18.

Each day, Prison City will sell 60 Crowlers (32-ounce cans) of the coveted IPA for customers to take home. It will also tap two kegs of the beer for draught servings each day.

This month's will be the third Mass Riot release for Prison City since the hazy, New England-style IPA beat out 246 other beers for the top spot in Paste's rankings. The first release, which took place Sept. 11, saw about 500 people descend on downtown Auburn for 120 Crowlers of Mass Riot. The second, two weeks later, saw a draught-only release due to the demand.

Prison City also announced three other beer releases in December. Dec. 7, it'll release brewer Ben Maeso's new Cascade-orade, a 4-percent sour ale dry-hopped with cascade and chinook hops from Ledyard Farms. The next week, on Dec. 13, it'll release Maeso's Straight Outta LoCash porter, as well as a Christmas version, Straight Outta No-Po, that adds coffee and candied ginger.

The releases coincide with Prison City's expansion, which started Thursday. Having bought the basement space below it, the brewpub is setting up fermenters, a dedicated barrel-aging area and more in the 1,000-square-foot addition. Prison City co-owner Marc Schulz told The Citizen in November that the expansion should triple its production, from 300-400 to 900-1,200 barrels annually.

December will also see Prison City celebrate its second anniversary. It'll host a party Dec. 15 with more than 10 house beers on tap, including Mass Riot, its Great American Beer Festival silver medal-winning Bleek Worden Belgian pale ale, limited release barrel-aged and cask beers, sours and more.
Rebrand designed to align with non-bank's parent company

10 questions brokers should ask to select the right one
Latest News MKM Capital becomes MA Money Rebrand designed to align with non-bank's parent company

How to find a good private lender 10 questions brokers should ask to select the right one

Following on from Australian Brokers initial report and the completion of the two-day public hearing into the major banks treatment of small business customers , news has emerged that Ombudsman Kate Carnell has criticised Commonwealth Bank executives for paying lip service to the banks small business proposals.According to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), these proposals, designed to provide small businesses with transparency around loan defaults and enforcement timelines, were deemed as unacceptable by Small Business Ombudsman Carnell, who stated that the conditions the bank placed on its commitment to give 30 days notice before taking enforcement action over a loan allowed the bank to go back on its word anytime it chose."The proposal is no good because there is a caveat to say, except when it suits you," Carnell said. "That's not all right. It's not acceptable. If you are going to give people 30 days, you have to give them 30 days."It also came to light that although CBA agreed in principle with sharing the reports of investigative accountants with the loan owner, the major bank was unable to categorically guarantee that this was, in fact, taking place.Group chief risk officer David Cohen and group executive business and private banking Adam Bennett represented Commonwealth Bank, with the latter delivering the banks opening address that included a commitment to remove financial covenants from loans of less than $1 million.Carnell stated that the clauses, which in some cases had been used to trigger defaults even when repayments were being made, should not exist at all in business loans of any size, saying that they gave the banks carte blanche over the livelihood of the borrower."The contract should say that we are lending you money today but we may call the loan at any time, for any reason. If you do not repay the million we will take your security and your personal property, including your home and bankrupt you. Sign here. Because that's fundamentally what the contract says," Carnell said.While Cohen didnt agree with Carnells statement, he conceded that the covenants did not offer a fair balance of power between the bank and the small business borrower.The criticism of CBA comes following a softer start to the public hearing. On day one Carnell questioned the suitability of the $1 million turnover cap that ANZ has in place as a definition of small businesses The bank also agreed it would support proposals to send small businesses reminder notices six months out from the expiry of a commercial loan and at least three months notice when the bank decides not to roll over a loan.Carnell stressed the importance of CBA taking a leadership stance on the issues raised and the banking code of conduct in the hearing, in light of the bank being the largest in Australia and therefore obligated to lead by example.The ombudsman also expressed during the hearing that she was disappointed in the second largest major bank, Westpac s lengthy and complex loan contracts, stating she hoped for a little bit more from the bank.Like CBA, Westpac chief executive of business banking David Linberg also supported the removal of non-monetary covenants for new property-secured exposures of less than $1 million, and suggested reporting bank enforcement activity to the ombudsman every six months.As 2016  a year filled with countless banking controversies - comes to a close, the momentum for banking reform now appears to be fully underway. Carnells probing in this public hearing seems to suggest that significant changes may occur in industry practice as a result of this enquiry.
Award-winning Investigative Journalist Robert Parry (1949-2018)

Award-winning investigative journalist and founder/editor of ConsortiumNews.com, Robert Parry has passed away. His ground-breaking work uncovering Reagan-era dirty wars in Central America and many other illegal and immoral policies conducted by successive administrations and U.S. intelligence agencies, stands as an inspiration to all in journalists working in the public interest.

Robert had been a regular guest on our Between The Lines and Counterpoint radio shows -- and many other progressive outlets across the U.S. over four decades.

His penetrating analysis of U.S. foreign policy and international conflicts will be sorely missed, and not easily replaced. His son Nat Parry writes a tribute to his father: Robert Parrys Legacy and the Future of Consortiumnews.

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Between The Lines' coverage and resource compilation of the Resistance Movement

Selected speeches from the Women's March in Hartford, Connecticut 2018, recorded and produced by Scott Harris



SPECIAL REPORT: "No Fracking Waste in CT!" Jan. 14, 2018

Jen Siskind Jennifer Siskind, local coordinator for Food and Water Watch, describes the campaign to stop fracking waste in Connecticut, which so far has led to fracking waste bans in 34 towns around the state. Interviewed by Richard Hill on Mic Check, WPKN Radio, Bridgeport, CT



SPECIAL REPORT: "Resistance Round Table: The Unraveling Continues..." Jan. 13, 2018

Lindsay Kanaly The panel discusses Trump's long history of racism and the Republican voter suppression juggernaut confronting Democrats leading up to the 2018 elections. Special guest: Lindsay Kanaly, a lead organizer of the Women's Marches planned for Jan. 20, 2018. Panel: Scott Harris, Ruthanne Baumgartner and Richard Hill on Resistance Roundtable, WPKN Radio, Bridgeport, CT.



SPECIAL REPORT: "Capitalism to the ash heap?" Richard Wolff, Jan. 2, 2018

Richard Wolff, Economics professor Richard Wolff declares U.S. capitalism to be beyond repair and suggests the need for a radical alternative. Interviewed by Richard Hill



SPECIAL REPORT: Maryn McKenna, author of "Big Chicken", Dec. 7, 2017

Maryn McKenna, investigative journalist and author of Big Chicken, talks about the widespread use and dangers of antibiotics in commercial poultry, beef and fruit production. Interview by Bill Duesing, Richard Hill and Guy Beardsly on WPKN's Organic Farm Stand.



SPECIAL REPORT: Nina Turner's address, Working Families Party Awards Banquet, Dec. 14, 2017

Nina Turner, president of Our Revolution, talks about the fight ahead for progressives as she receives the Working Families Organization Award for Exceptional Leadership Towards Advancing Progress. The event was held in Meriden, CT. Produced by Richard Hill.



SPECIAL REPORT: Mic Check, Dec. 12, 2017

Working Families Party of CT talks strategy and issues for 2018.

Lindsay Farrell, executive director of the Working Families Party of Connecticut, discusses the state's electoral landscape and lays out the issues and strategies that could lead to progressive victories in 2018. Interviewed by Richard Hill.

SPECIAL REPORT: Resistance Roundtable, Dec. 9, 2017

Disturbing developments in the Trump/Republican Agenda

Focus on the tax bill, destruction of our public lands, North Korea and Trump's private CIA. Panel: Scott Harris, Ruthanne Baumgartner and Richard Hill. Special guest: Jo Macallero of Rise and Resist.

SPECIAL REPORT: On Tyranny - one year later, Nov. 28, 2017

Professor Timothy Snyder, author of the highly acclaimed resistance manual On Tyranny, discusses his book and offers a fresh assessment of the state of our beleaguered republic. Timothy Snyder, history professor at Yale, is introduced by Stanley Heller, administrator of Promoting Enduring Peace, a Connecticut-based organization that sponsored this event at the United Church Parish House in New Haven on Nov. 28. A brief interview with Snyder conducted by WPKN radio producer, Richard Hill, follows his talk.

SPECIAL REPORT: Mic Check, Nov. 12, 2017

Lynne Ide, director of program and policy with the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, talks about the current state of health care coverage in Connecticut. Interviewed by Richard Hill, WPKN radio producer

SPECIAL REPORT: Resistance Roundtable, Nov. 11, 2017

Focus on the Republican tax plan, the just-released autopsy on the Democratic Party, and Internet censorship by Google, Facebook and Youtube. Including an interview with Hilary Grant, a lead organizer with Action Together Connecticut, who discusses the local results of the recent election, with hosts Richard Hill, Scott Harris and Ruth Baumgartner WPKN producers

SPECIAL REPORT: Rainy Day Radio, Nov. 7, 2017

SPECIAL REPORT: Rainy Day Radio, Nov. 7, 2017

Bruce Gagnon, coordinator for the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, describes the extent of -- and motives underlying -- the vast US network of military bases around the globe. Interviewed by Richard Hill, WPKN radio producer

SPECIAL REPORT: Resisting U.S. JeJu Island military base in South Korea, Oct. 24, 2017

Joyakol, South Korean peace activist and singer, discusses the crisis on the Korean peninsula and focuses on the resistance to the U.S. huge military base being constructed on Jeju Island. The event was sponsored by the Greater New Haven Peace Council and this audio was recorded by Richard Hill, WPKN producer.

Joyakol discusses Americans' biggest misconceptions about the conflict between North and South Korea and the U.S., Interview by Richard Hill, WPKN producer.

SPECIAL REPORT: John Allen, Out in New Haven

John Allen, founding director of the New Haven Pride Center, Connecticut, talks about his new LGBTQ television show, Out in New Haven, which presents a range of political and cultural issues to the community. Interviewed by Richard Hill on WPKN's Rainy Day Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018.

Promoting Enduring Peace presented its Gandhi Peace Award jointly to renowned consumer advocate Ralph Nader and BDS founder Omar Barghouti on April 23, 2017.

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who helped make our 25th anniversary with Jeremy Scahill a success!

For those who missed the event, or were there and really wanted to fully absorb its import, here it is in video

Jeremy Scahill keynote speech, part 1 from PROUDEYEMEDIA on Vimeo.

Jeremy Scahill keynote speech, part 2 from PROUDEYEMEDIA on Vimeo.

Between The Lines on Stitcher

Between The Lines Presentation at the Left Forum 2016



"How Do We Build A Mass Movement to Reverse Runaway Inequality?" with Les Leopold, author of "Runaway Inequality: An Activist's Guide to Economic Justice,"May 22, 2016, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York, 860 11th Ave. (Between 58th and 59th), New York City. Between The Lines' Scott Harris and Richard Hill moderated this workshop. Listen to the audio/slideshows and more from this workshop.

Listen to audio of the plenary sessions from the weekend.

JEREMY SCAHILL: Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker "Dirty Wars"

Listen to the full interview (30:33) with Jeremy Scahill, an award-winning investigative journalist with the Nation Magazine, correspondent for Democracy Now! and author of the bestselling book, "Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army," about America's outsourcing of its military. In an exclusive interview with Counterpoint's Scott Harris on Sept. 16, 2013, Scahill talks about his latest book, "Dirty Wars, The World is a Battlefield," also made into a documentary film under the same title, and was nominated Dec. 5, 2013 for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary Feature category.

Listen to Scott Harris Live on WPKN Radio

Between The Lines' Executive Producer Scott Harris hosts a live, weekly talk show, Counterpoint, from which some of Between The Lines' interviews are excerpted. Listen every Monday evening from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT at www.WPKN.org (Follows the 5-7 minute White Rose Calendar.)



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A compilation of activist and news sites with a progressive point of view
A Syracuse-based brewery will be tapping into a new market through a partnership with the state's I LOVE NY program.

Empire Brewing Company, which operates a brewery in Syracuse and the state's largest farm brewery in Cazenovia, Madison County, will sell its "Two Dragons" beer with the I LOVE NY logo in China.

Two Dragons is an ale brewed with New York hops and Chinese black tea. The inspiration for the beer came after David Katleski, the owner of Empire Brewing Company, visited China as part of a trade mission organized by state officials. It's being brewed at the brewery's "Brewstead" in Cazenovia.

While the beer was designed with the Chinese market in mind, it will be distributed in Delaware, New Jersey and New York  Empire's main distribution area.

"New York's thriving, world-renowned craft beverage industry is creating new jobs and driving economic growth across the state, and this unique partnership will introduce one of our finest New York products to a global audience," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

"The iconic I LOVE NY logo will promote the high quality of New York's food and beverage products and attract more visitors to craft beverage breweries, growing the industry and increasing tourism revenue across the state."

The Two Dragons beer will be sold in China beginning in February. The agreement to sell the beer in China was negotiated by Brand Sense Partners, which is the licensing agent for I LOVE NY.

"Our corporate philosophy is 'Grow Local, Craft Global and our Mission Is In The Bottle,'" said Katleski, who also serves as president of the New York State Brewers Association. "It seemed only right that we would take this opportunity of partnering with I LOVE NY to further promote the state through our beer in China."

Empire's 42,000 square foot farm brewery was supported by Empire State Development, the state's economic development arm. The farm brewery opened in June and is expected to create nearly 80 new jobs.

With the farm brewery, Empire will be able to expand production from 4,500 barrels annually to 17,000 barrels in its first year and 20,000 barrels by the third year.

By expanding production, Empire is now capable of bottling and selling beer in grocery stores. Some of the brewery's beer is available for purchase in Wegmans.

The craft beverage industry has exploded in New York over the past six years. There are now more than 900 breweries, cideries, distilleries and wineries in the state.

The number of microbreweries increased from just 40 in 2010 to 154 today  an increase of 285 percent. The farm brewery license, which was created in 2013, helped new breweries open for business.

According to the governor's office, there are now 132 farm breweries operating in New York.
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...
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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...
Breedon announced it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire the Sherburn Minerals Group for a total consideration of up to 15.7m.

Sherburn is an independent heavyside building materials business headquartered in County Durham, employing approximately 110 people. It operates four quarries and five ready-mixed concrete plants in County Durham, Northumberland, North Yorkshire and Cumbria. It also distributes cementitious products from two import terminals at Blyth near Newcastle and Dundee in eastern Scotland.

The purchase price will be satisfied by the payment of 9.5m in cash, funded from Breedons existing resources, together with the assumption of 6m of debt. A further conditional payment of 0.2m is payable one year after completion. Following completion of the acquisition Paul Allison, Sherburns current managing director and a minority shareholder, will remain with the business as a consultant.

Pat Ward, chief executive of Breedon, said: Following our acquisition of Hope earlier this year, which significantly expanded our geographical footprint in the north of England, Sherburn is a perfect infill acquisition for us. It gives us additional mineral reserves and access to new markets for our aggregates and concrete, as well as a first-rate workforce.

It also complements our existing cement plant at Hope and will enable us to expand our cementitious business through the importation of cement and ground granulated blast-furnace slag through Sherburns two strategically located terminals in north-east England and eastern Scotland.

Breedon delivered a strong performance in the 10 months to 31 October 2016. Both volumes and revenues in the former Breedon Aggregates business were ahead of the prior year, supplemented by a three-month contribution from the former Hope Construction Materials business.

Including Hope, Group sales volumes of aggregates increased by 25%, asphalt by 1% and concrete by 96%. Total Group revenue for the 10-month period increased by 31% to approximately 361m. The integration of Hope is progressing well, with synergies coming through earlier than had previously been expected, according to the update.
Graham Plumbers Merchant has continued to extend its network by investing in a number of relocations and new branches.

This year has seen an expansion of branches in the West and East of England with new locations in Gateshead, Maidstone, Norwich, Blackpool, Barnstaple, St Austell and Redruth

The new additions in Barnstaple, St Austell and Redruth, as well as the Newmarket Road branch in Cringleford, Norwich are all on sites shared by Jewson, while the Blackpool branch is located with Chadwicks.

The collaboration means that customers will have quick access to Grahams plumbing and heating products, alongside a range of building materials.

Understanding the value of this for customers, Graham has also relocated several of its branches. The Northampton branch has joined Jewson & CTD on Orbital Trade Park, while the Maidstone branch has joined CTD in its new Trade Centre in Tovil.

We are focused on making our customers work as simple as possible by making products easy to access and always available, said Ian Kenny, marketing director at Graham. Opening more branches across the country, including an increasing number on the same site as Jewson, means customers can get everything they need, from specialist supplies to general building materials, in one trip and exactly when they need it.
It's the nature of news columnists and editorial boards to criticize. We're generally looking to call out what we view a bad policy, poor fiscal management, ineffective leadership or an injustice.

A year ago, that's precisely what The Citizen editorial board did in blasting Gov. Andrew Cuomo over vetoes of what we viewed as needed legislation to improve transparency at all levels of government in New York state.

We were hardly on an island in taking such a stance. Newspapers and government watchdog groups around the state called upon the governor to do better.

About a year later, I'm happy to report that he has done that when it comes to one important reform to the state's Freedom of Information Law. Cuomo has signed into law a bill that will shorten the appeals process for government agencies that lose a FOIL challenge in court.

Under the new law, agencies will have 60 days to perfect an appeal of a decision that orders them to turn over records to a member a public. The current law allows up to nine months.

Add that three quarters of a year to the weeks or often months it can take just to get to the point of a judge ordering compliance, and you're talking major potential for agencies to pervert FOIL's timelines as a way to stonewall.

FOIL still can be improved. Making it easier for information requesters to recover attorney fees from denying agencies would go a long way to cut down on the blatant violations of the law that we still see far too frequently. In many cases, agencies deny information that they know should be released because they're betting the requester won't have the money or time to go to court.

But the appeal reform is a small improvement worth celebrating. Here's a recap of why this freshly signed law makes sense, direct from the sponsoring memo's justification section:

"This bill creates an expedited process for determining agency appeals of FOIL decisions. Under present law, a denial of request for records may be overturned by a court, but the appealing party may file a notice of appeal and have up to 9 months to perfect the appeal. This lengthy time-frame may create an unfairness or restriction of rights for the non-agency party involved. In addition, delay in determination of disclosure, through a dilatory process of appeal, may make moot a FOIL request and functionally deny the timely access to documents needed. Furthermore, agencies have significant expertise and resources, which renders such a shortened timeframe to appeal reasonable, and the possibility for the parties or court to provide more time for an agency to perfect its appeal is an appropriate mechanism to provide an agency additional time if justified. Finally, a speedier resolution to these cases reduces court costs borne by all parties."

This is a nice victory for the public's right to know, and it's important to understand that FOIL is there not just for journalists. Anyone has a right to ask for government records, and state and federal laws exist to make sure that right is protected.
Sprue Safety Products continues to go from strength to strength with the appointment of five new specification managers, all tasked with enhancing the presence of the trade-only brand Sona.

Each new team member will be responsible for liaising with specifiers and consultants to advise best practices and system design to maximise efficiencies, as well as driving sales within their respective regions.

Tim Martins, who will be covering East Anglia, has more than 25 years experience in the HVAC industry, with expertise specifically within the social housing sector gained from his time at Aico, Mitsubishi renewables, Impey and Moores Kitchens.

Accompanying him is Andrew Greenhorn, who will be responsible for the Ireland and Scotland territories. He joins Sprue from Rixonway where he dealt with contractors and installers in the social housing and public sectors.

Covering the North London and Northern Home Counties regions will be Naveed Khan. Having previously worked at Impey and AKW, Mr Khan joins Sprue with more than five years experience providing technical advice to specifiers and building surveyors within housing associations.

Covering the South West and South Wales regions will be David Lyne. Having previously worked at Nuaire Ventilation and Jeremias UK Flue Systems, Mr Lyne joins Sprue with experience providing technical advice to specifiers and consultants during new system installations.

Completing the quintet of new sales team members is Guy Merrick who will cover the South East and South London regions. He has previously worked for Aico and Vectaire Ventilation, spending most of his career operating in the specification sector.

James King, trade sales director at Sprue Safety Products, said: The addition of five new members to our trade team is exciting for us as it typifies the growth of the SONA brand, combining extensive knowledge of the industry with technical expertise.
On 30 November, Saint-Gobain Building Distribution exchanged contracts and completed the acquisition of Benchmark Building Supplies.

Founded in 1996, the independent builders merchant employs 59 people and trades from six locations around the M60 in Greater Manchester.

Mark Rayfield, chief executive officer of the Saint-Gobain Building Distribution businesses in the UK and Ireland, said: We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of Benchmark Building Supplies and welcome our new colleagues on board. This is our second acquisition in 2016, which demonstrates that despite uncertainty in the market following the recent referendum result, we are proactively seeking opportunities to continue to expand our network, providing customers with greater choice and availability. Im proud to say that this has been possible due to our confidence in our business model and our people.

Phill Brown, chairman of Benchmark Building Supplies, added: This has been a process that I have personally been involved with and is great news for customers and our employees. Saint-Gobain has a proud and successful heritage in the industry and I have been very impressed with their commitment to retain all that has made Benchmark a thriving builders merchant in the North West.

Benchmark Building Supplies is now a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain Building Distribution, and is part of its Local Merchant Group Division. This is home to a number of timber and builders merchants across the UK and Ireland, including Gibbs & Dandy and JP Corry.

Neil Lawrence, managing director of the Local Merchant Group, concluded: The business is very much embedded in the local community, making it a great fit for the Local Merchant Group. Its great news for customers and employees as Benchmark will continue to provide the excellent service for which it is renowned, while accessing a wider range of services and opportunities available through Saint-Gobain.

Picture caption: Mark Rayfield, chief executive officer of the Saint-Gobain Building Distribution businesses in the UK and Ireland.
Bordentown exhibit showcases items belonging to Napoleon's brother

The Bordentown Historical society is gaining international attention for its Joseph Bonaparte exhibit, former King of Spain and brother of Napoleon.
DEAR BRUCE: My husband and I are ready to downsize and retire. We would like to sell our home for a townhouse or condo. We currently owe $317,760, and the house has been appraised for over $475,000.

Our problem is, due to our co-signing for college loans and some medical expenses, our credit score will never allow us to get a loan to purchase a house, even though we have been current on our house payments and most of our other bills.

I am currently making $82,000 a year and my husband earns over $2,000 a month in retirement and Social Security. In speaking with our accountant and reviewing our expenses and projected income after I retire, he feels that we could have a reasonably comfortable retirement. The key would be selling the house for a much smaller monthly mortgage payment than the $1,980 a month that we currently pay.

What advice can you give to prepare us for the application and approval process to purchase our retirement home?  N.C.

DEAR N.C.: I don't think you have such a big problem. You mentioned that you should be able to walk out of your house with $150,000 or more, which is not exactly chopped liver!

As to the fact that you have medical expenses on your credit report, that doesn't necessarily mean you can't get a mortgage. True, you may have to pay a little bit more for it, but reducing that $2,000-a-month mortgage payment would be well worth it. Further, you may want to consider one of the companies that seek out people with weak credit scores. Again, I don't see a problem in securing the new mortgage. Make the effort.

DEAR BRUCE: My brother bought my daughter a savings bond 48 years ago when she was born. He doesn't remember where he bought it, and I have tried many ways to find it for her. Is this a lost cause, or can I retrieve this for her?  Reader

DEAR READER: You're going to have to make a few phone calls, but there is a way to trace a lost bond. Make the effort to research it online and gather as much information as you can. This will make the search for the lost savings bond easier.

DEAR BRUCE: A U.S. Post Office clerk recently told me postal employees can no longer take addressed letters without a return address. People can deposit addressed letters without a return address into standing unattended mailboxes, but postal employees are now forbidden from accepting them at postal counters.

It seems like the days of sending anonymous letters are about over. Do you think this infringes on freedom of the press and freedom of speech? -- R.G.

DEAR R.G.: It seems to me that maybe there's some narrow protection in not allowing you to send a letter without a return address. But since you've pointed out that you can walk outside and drop it in a letterbox and it will get mailed, it seems like an exercise in futility. If, for whatever reason, you don't want to put a return address on your mail, just send it off in a letterbox and go.

DEAR BRUCE: My wife and I are 57 years old and want to retire by 62. I will likely continue working as a consultant or teaching long past that, but not full time.

Our combined income is $170,000. Total debt is $175,000 (mortgage) and a $30,000 car loan. We have $700,000 in my 401(k) and $200,000 in the market with an adviser. We are saving 12 percent toward the 401(k) and adding $2,000 per month to the market. I will have $1,400 a month in retirement income as well.

When we retire, we will be moving south and will build a home. We already own the lot. Given the low mortgage rates, should we stop our market investing and build what would be a second home there now? Homes there are $350,000 to $450,000, so $2,000 a month is a likely mortgage.

The community is rapidly expanding, and four- to six-month rentals for people building their own homes have some demand, so we might explore that, though I wouldn't count on even 50 percent occupancy. I have owned rentals, so am well aware of and have no concern with the challenges. Tax and insurance will add another $500 a month.  S.U.

DEAR S.U.: It would certainly appear that you've done well with your savings and have an ample amount of money to retire on when the time comes. The main question is, should you move ahead even though you don't need the property just yet?

I suggest that you make a strong effort to get the mortgage in place and then rent the property out. It's highly unlikely that you're going to see mortgage rates remain as low as they are. If I were you, I would be out looking in the mortgage market and get one nailed down, because when they start going up, I doubt seriously you'll see them return to these lows.
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Karachi-based incubator The Nest I/O, which is funded by Google, Samsung, and the US State Department, had its fourth demo day on Monday. The incubator is now almost two years old and has seen a total of 79 startups graduate from its four-month-long program.


The and Manufacturing Company Ltd (BDMCL), market leader in home textiles business, plans to treble its turnover from retail segment in four years by strengthening its entire value chain and entering into e-commerce by March 2017.
The demerged undertaking, together with the existing EPC team of RIL, will create a focused EPC undertaking to cater to the needs of the group
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday laid foundation of Patanjali's food and herbal park in Noida to be constructed in 455 acres with investment of Rs 1,666.80 crore.

Praising Baba Ramdev in his addressing Akhilesh said that the project will not only help youths and farmers of the region but will also create direct employment opportunities for over 8,000 persons and indirect opportunities of 80,000 people.

Terming UP as a big market, Akhilesh said if anyone wanted to invest in vegetables and milk production, they would get big market in the state itself which they would not get in the entire country.

Assuring all the help possible from the state government for the establishment of the park, Akhilesh said it would also encourage other entrepreneurs to invest in the state.

Baba Ramdev on the occasion praised CM Akhilesh for the development works initiated by him and said that "state government is doing whatever is possible for making state modern and developed".

He said that the work on the park would be completed by end of next year and it would be biggest food park of the country where products worth Rs 25,000 crore would be produced per year.
School socialization marches on, and Pulse  a social network designed for students aged 14 to 22  aims to be that social safe space (no parents, no teachers) of sorts for the up-and-coming generation. Its landed $500,000 in pre-series A funding from Saif Partners to hook students up with events and circles at their respective schools, as well as hyperlocal content in neighborhood hot spots in their city.


group has lined up Rs 30,000 crore investments to ramp up the capacity of Cairn India, one of the largest independent oil and gas exploration and production in the country under its stable.

Cairn India is in the process of being merged with Vedanta, for which the shareholders of both the entities have already given their nod.

With this investment, the production capacity of Cairn India would go up to 3,50,000 barrel of oil equivalent per day.

The average production of Cairn India, which has its producing assets located in Rajasthan, Cambay and Ravva, was 211,671 boepd in FY 2015.

"My aim is to cater to 50 per cent of country's crude oil needs", said group chairman Anil Agarwal.

He said, the recent decision of OPEC to reduce production by 1.2 million barrels a day would help the company as it is expected to push up prices.

Similarly, the rebound in commodity prices has given an impetus to the company to ramp up production from its iron ore mines in Goa. "Currently we are exporting low-grade iron ore to countries like China and Korea. We may ramp up production in a conducive market environment", Agarwal said.

Vedanta, which has recently bagged a composite license (for prospecting as well as mining) for a gold deposit in Chhatishgarh through the auction process under the new MMDR Act, is looking at more opportunities to acquire mineral assets by participating in auctions for other minerals like iron ore and bauxite.

"We would like to participate in the auction for iron ore mines", Agarwal said. On the possible foray into steel making business, he said, "we would consider such a proposal if the government insists on setting up of steel plants".

Agarwal said, his mineral assets in countries like Zambia, Namibia and South Africa are doing well at present.
In the first placement season after the 31 start-ups blacklisted by the All IIT Placement Committee in August for revoking earlier job offers, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) here is expected to see 74 of these entities participate in the first phase of campus recruitment during the first two weeks of December.
This week, Fidel Castro finally got something he had always wanted.

His admiration for Spain's rightist Catholic dictator, Generalissimo Francisco Franco, bewildered people who "knew" Fidel personally, but it should not have. The two were both essentially Spanish caudillos, but more, Fidel admired Franco, as he told me, "because he died in bed."

And so it was that Fidel, who lived by the tank, the machine gun and his cunning intuition, and who seriously wanted the Russians to send nuclear missiles into American cities in 1962, died in bed, too. He was 90.

As he was laid to rest in Cuba  to some true mourning on the part of the Cuban people he had led on the path to penury, to an enormous amount of perfunctory theatrical ambivalence, and to degrees of outright hatred even thermometers could not measure  there were few questions about him anymore.

He was a Latin strongman in the line of Juan Peron in Argentina. He used the Cuban Communist Party to keep power, but to commit his life to a foreign ideology that was not centered around himself? Impossible! To his many adoring admirers and followers, he would always be the revolutionary of the 20th century, come down from the mountains of the Sierra Maestra like Moses from Ur in Iraq.

But by far the most important thing about Fidel was that he was totally, unrelievedly, irrevocably, boringly, obsessively anti-American. And this is what endeared him to so many in Latin America, India, Africa, the Middle East.

Without his abiding hatred, he would have been a nobody, a sloppy wannabe on a small island; with it, he strode the world like a titan, sending troops to Angola, to Congo, to Vietnam and Cambodia, to Syria, to Somalia, to Nicaragua, to Grenada, to Guatemala, to El Salvador and beyond. He became post-colonialism's poster child and generalissimo.

So the first question at his death should be why he hated us so much, and how he manipulated that hatred so brilliantly that it could entrance so many others.

Theodore Roosevelt surely did not think about that when he galloped up Cuba's San Juan Hill during the war against the Spanish in 1898. But the fact that he deliberately left the Cuban fighters for independence outside the city of Santiago de Cuba while the U.S. claimed defeat of the Spaniards rankled in Cuban hearts.

These events were followed by the Platt Amendment in 1901, which effectively gave Washington the right to monitor (read, "control") everything in Cuba for time to come. For the next 58 years, until Fidel marched down on Havana and the Americanos were out, the U.S. retained the highly questionable right to go in and out of Cuba, doing what it would. Usually, supporting military dictators.

Fidel Castro's Cuba and his generation, enraged by American behavior, became the exemplar of the poor, the humiliated and the repressed in the post-colonial world. No matter that he killed his opponents ruthlessly and couldn't bring the most basic necessities to his people; no matter that he actually would have brought nuclear war upon American cities.

So now Castro is laid to rest (if he will ever be at rest), and President Obama is attempting to open up Cuba. Little brother Raul is in charge. But don't expect any great epiphanies or meetings of national forgiveness on either side.

Presidente Raul still represents Ike's military-industrial complex, only in Cuba. He is a man of the military. His son, also military, will likely take over in 2018. Meanwhile, keep in mind that the Cuban military owns no less than 90 percent of all the commercial institutions in Cuba; Americans who want to "do business with Cuba" will have to deal with them, not with imagined budding little capitalists.
IT giants Oracle and Microsoft have made the highest international offers of $136,000 (Rs 93 lakh roughly) and $135,000 (Rs 92 lakh) on the first day of final placements at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.
This is clearly the winter of Karan Johars discontent. Barely had the controversy over the illegal fine imposed on him by the Mahrashtra Navnirman Sena died down when the ghost of a controversy about his earlier film, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (K3K), has resurfaced in the form of the mind-boggling order from the Supreme Court making it mandatory for the anthem to played in cinema halls before the screening of a film:
The narrow lanes of Coimbatores Edayarpalayam, Luna Nagar and Ganapathy are not as lively as they once were. Up until the beginning of November, these lanes were busy with small units producing nuts and bolts, and other engineering products. But ever since the government's ban on old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, these lanes now wear a deserted look and these small units face the threat of cessation of operations, as they are unable to pay their workers.


When Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on November 8 and announced his governments big move to tackle black money, currency counterfeiting and terror funding by banning old currency notes of Rs 500 & Rs 1,000, there were murmurs of protest.
While the government has been saying that things are under control in metros when it comes to availability of cash, rural areas still need to be served. What does the regional press say when it comes to the ground situation in the states? Here is a snapshot:



In Punjab, Dainik Bhaskar has a report about the first big fake new currency case. In the case from Mohali, two cousins charged a 30 per cent commission to convert black money to white and distributed fake Rs 2,000 notes to their clients. They bought a second-hand Audi using the same fake currency and put a red light on top of it to use it as their delivery vehicle.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament has decided to summon RBI governor Urjit Patel, finance secretary Ashok Lavasa and economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das in the first week of January next year to assess the impact of .


India on Wednesday signed the Letter of Agreement and Acceptance (LOA) with the US to purchase 145 M777 ultra-light artillery guns, through the foreign military sale (FMS) route.
The gross domestic product (GDP) growth accelerated slightly in the July-September quarter, compared to the growth recorded in the previous quarter, but economists and policy planners said growth will suffer a setback in the second half of the year because of the impact of demonetisation.

This also puts pressure on the governments monetary policy committee (MPC) to cut the policy rate at the review meeting next week, amid the post-demonetisation weakening of demand and investment activity.

rose 7.3% in the quarter ended September, higher than the 7.1% in the previous one, as consumption improved but investment slumped, data from the Central Statistics Office showed on Wednesday. With core economic activity almost at a halt after the demonetisation of high denomination currency since November 8, the first halfs slowing is expected to increase in the rest of the financial year, putting at risk the governments earlier forecast of 7-7.75% for 2016-17.

Both and GVA (gross value added) growth decelerated in Q2 (September quarter), relative to Q2 of FY16. The initial data for Q2 imparts a further downside to our and GVA growth forecasts of 7.5% and 7.3% for FY17, which we had revised downward after demonetisation, said Aditi Nayar, principal economist at rating agency Icra.

Growth in the third quarter (October-December) is expected to be the weakest in years, with spending hit due to unavailability of enough replacement currency. Demonetisation could also affect advance estimates for 2016-17, on which Budget assumptions would be made.

Chief statistician T C A Anant said the advance estimates will only take data available till December 2016.



The MPC, chaired by Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel, is expected to meet on December 6-7. Amidst the ongoing demonetisation and its anticipated impact on growth, (theres) a strong case for frontloading of a rate cut of 25 basis points (bps), followed by another 25 bps cut in February, said Shubhada Rao, chief economist, YES Bank.

Growth essentially came from government spending and higher agriculture expansion of 3.3%, the highest in any quarter during the Narendra Modi government tenure so far, on account of a normal monsoon. Public administration, defence and other services - largely government spending - rose 12.5% in the quarter, a pace that will have to be sustained over the rest of the financial year to ensure steady economic growth.

Besides, discrepancies accounted for one-fifth of the GDP growth in the second quarter. These were high in the first quarter as well, but contributed to 13% of GDP growth then.

Growth in GVA - aggregate of agriculture, industry and services - declined to 7.1% in Q2, against 7.3% in Q1. This shows that GDP growth in Q2 was also contributed to by a sharp contraction in subsidies provided by the government, compared to those given in the first quarter.

Manufacturing, a focus area of the government, slowed in Q2 to 7.1%, as against 9.1% in the previous quarter. Industrial activity is expected to be subdued in the next quarter, due to the cash crunch. Industry as a whole (including mining, manufacturing and electricity) grew by 5.1%, from 6% in the same period last year.

As for investment activity, gross fixed capital formation fell by 5.6%, from a decline of 3.1% in the previous quarter. Lending rates are expected to be cut over the next few weeks, as banks are flush with deposits after the old currency ban. Theyve seen deposits of Rs 8 lakh crore since November 8.

Consumption was the bright spot in the data. Private final consumption expenditure grew 7.5%, as against 6.7% in the previous quarter. The higher salaries on account of the Pay Commission implementation from September and an early festival season might have boosted demand during the quarter-end.

The demonetisation move will act as a temporary setback to growth in the coming quarter but we expect a rebound in investment, as the government is taking decisive measures to bring transparency in the system and is committed to improve the investment cycle, which would ultimately take the economy to (annual) double-digit growth trajectory in the long run, said Chandrajit Banerjee, director general, Confederation of Indian Industry.

Construction grew 3.5%, better than the 1.5% in the June quarter.
Kanpur has taken a lead over Millennium City Gurgaon in the race to get the first smart grid in the country.


The state Legislature should override Gov. Andrew Cuomo's veto of a bill that would allow family farms to take a small tax credit for donating food to places that serve hungry New Yorkers.

The farm-to-food bank bill would give farmers a tax credit of up to 25 percent of the value of fruits and vegetables donated to food banks. Cuomo said he is concerned the the $5,000 tax credits would hurt the state's finances and wants the Legislature to come up with a new bill as part of next year's state budget.

But the farm-to-food bank bill was passed unanimously by the Assembly and the Senate, so that tells us that there isn't anything in it that would be a great detriment to the state.

This is the second time the Legislature has passed this measure and the second time it's been vetoed by Cuomo, much to the dismay of advocates that include the New York Farm Bureau and the Hunger Action Network of New York State.

The Farm Bureau said that farmers donated about 13 million of pounds of food last year, but with an estimated 2.7 million New Yorkers relying on food programs to feed their families, the state should be doing everything it can to encourage even more donations.

The Legislature could, of course, pass a similar bill during the 2017 session, but it could also take a stand and override the governor's veto before the end of the year. All it would take is a two-thirds majority in both houses.

If there was ever a compelling enough reason to bring the Legislature back to Albany, we believe that getting food to hungry people is it.
On the inaugural day of the Make in Odisha conclave, its biggest showpiece event, the state government said it got investment intentions in excess of Rs 60,000 crore.
Forecasts about the adverse impact of on the economy have weakened the resolve of the Narendra Modi government to push the goods and services tax (GST) related Bills in the ongoing winter session of Parliament.
With Thursday being the pay day, banks are gearing up to face a huge rush as people will queue up at branches across the country to withdraw salaries amid the ongoing cash crunch following .

Making matters worse, a large number of ATMs are still dry even 23 days after the government scrapped 500 and 1000 rupee notes earlier this month to crack down on black money.

Top government officials say special efforts are being made to pump in additional cash into banks to meet the heavy demand for currency notes on account of salary withdrawal.

The Reserve Bank has been asked to ensure adequate supply of new Rs 500 notes at banks and currency printing presses are working overtime to print them, the official said, adding that there is a lag of 21 days for printed notes to reach markets.

Bankers fear heavy rush at the branches for a week as many ATMs are still not functional.

Banks may have to lower the withdrawal limit as there is limited cash coming from RBI, said an official from UCO Bank.

People are likely to throng at bank branches on December 1 as central and state governments credit salaries and pensions to millions of accounts. At the central level alone, there are around 50 lakh employees and 58 lakh pensioners.

Bankers said the government's move last week to provide Rs 10,000 in advance to non-gazetted staff may provide only a slight relief.

Many banks have made 'SOS calls' to the Reserve Bank for additional cash for the first few days of December to meet the initial rush of people, already fatigued standing in unending queues to exchange/deposit old notes and make limited withdrawals over the past three weeks after the was announced on November 8.

Banks have to make additional arrangement including security deployment, said a senior banker of Canara Bank.

Many banks are contemplating to set up additional counters for withdrawal to meet the rush.

"At SBI we have enough currency supply. At some pockets there was shortage, but there also funds are being made available," State Bank of India's deputy managing director Manju Agarwal said.

Despite recalibration of nearly 70 per cent of ATMs do not have cash, while people are struggling with the problem of change as the operational ones dispense mostly high denomination Rs 2,000 notes.

Nearly 23 days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi



announced the cancellation of legal tender of old Rs 500/1000 currency notes, small traders, truckers and construction workers are facing hardships in going about their business.

Due to the sowing of rabi crop, government's focus has now shifted to rural areas, which means urban centres are feeling the cash squeeze, said some bankers.

Funds are being made available in rural and semi-urban pockets so that farmers get adequate cash for sowing rabi crop, they said.

There are also reports that banks in major metros are getting less than their cash requirement leading to chaos at the branches.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel had earlier said that the central bank is monitoring the situation on a daily basis and taking all necessary actions to "ease the genuine pain of citizens" with a clear intent to normalise the things as early as possible.

"We have made adequate arrangements to meet the higher demand for cash as salaries would be credited into customer accounts (as the month turns). In our bank there would be no shortage of cash," Central Bank of India Executive Director R C Lodha said.

Dismissing rumours of rationing of cash, SBI's Agarwal said there would not be any such thing and customers would be allowed to withdraw as per the limit available.

A customer is allowed to withdraw up to Rs 24,000 per week from their account. However, there were instances of banks not allowing such high withdrawals due to the paucity of cash supply.

Agarwal said she expects queues to be shorter now as banks are not exchanging scrapped old currency notes and also as people who wanted to have deposit demonetised notes would have done by now.
While Opposition parties have been unanimous in their protest against NDA government's demonetisation move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked his core team to extensively spread the message of his scheme's merits. He wants the public to know that 'demonetisation is aimed at improving the ordinary citizens life' and that its long-term target is to drain out black money and terror financing.

In his effort to drive cashless economy, Modi has decided to move all government purchases, from paper clips to power plant turbines, to an Amazon-like online marketplace that could eventually be worth a fifth of the countrys $2 trillion economy.

Currently the government uses a tender system to buy everything which then restricts buyers to local suppliers and may even result in price manipulation. The new system would allow vendors across India to bid for any government purchase.

The portal would be similar to Amazon and Snapdeal in look and design by allowing users to choose from products listed alongside photos and detailed specifications. It even allows users to compare prices offered on the marketplace with those on rival websites, said Bloomberg.

According to the report, everyone using the portal is required to register their personal mobile phone numbers and Aadhaar biometric cards. The markets user base is expected to rise to about 200,000 buyers. Currently there are 1,259 vendors selling 2,534 products to more than 9,108 users across 469 registered government departments, Radha Chauhan, chief executive officer at Indias national e-governance division told Bloomberg

What else does Prime Minister Narendra Modi want?

According to a report in Economic Times, Prime Minister has urged senior bureaucrats to reach out to small, informal groups and address them on the social and cultural benefits of demonetisation.

He asked them to enlighten the public on how cashless economy can disincentivise criminal activities like narco trade, bribery, capitation fee, human trafficking, thieving, et al. Moreover, less cash in circulation can prevent cases of dowry harassment and other social evils.

According to the ET report, while addressing the bureaucrats, Modi said, "Let's make the country a better place for our children, better than what we inherited."

Officers at joint secretary level have been asked to patiently answer questions on digital payment.

Learn and educate move by BJP leaders:

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and ministers too have decided to take on the task of educating public on how to make digital payments.

Many of the volunteers are themselves not adept at this, however, Niti Aayog officials will be training them on how to make cashless transactions by using software applications.

Policy think-tank NITI Aayog on Wednesday constituted a Committee of Chief Ministers and experts to script an action plan and draw up a roadmap to implement the digital payment systems across the country.

"The Committee will examine and implement measures for promoting the use of digital payment systems across the country and usher in transparency, financial inclusion and a healthy ecosystem," said an official statement here.

According to a report in Economics Times, BJP MPs will be visiting their respective constituencies and hold sessions with the public, demonstrating the use of digital payment modes.

Leaders like Maneka Gandhi and Ravi Shankar prasad have already prepared their roster and plan to visit their constituencies this week. Emphasis will be given on the need for Unified Payment Interface (UPI), e-wallets and SMS banking.

While India continues to be driven by the use of cash, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for cashless economy has been severely criticised by some economists, including Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen who has called Narendra Modi Government's demonetisation move "despotic action that has struck at the root of economy based on trust".
BCAS Conduct Regular Audits and Inspections of Security Arrangements at Airports

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is deployed at 59 airports and at remaining airports the concerned State Police are deployed for security arrangements.

The requirement of security at airports is reviewed by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the regulatory authority for civil aviation security in the country, in consultation with other security agencies, and based on this security cover is provided. The BCAS has conducted 91 security audits and 53 security inspections of operational airports within the country.

The expenditure on deployment of CISF and State Police personnel deployed at airports for security arrangements is met out of Passenger Service Fees(Security Component) [PSF(SC)], which includes the recommendation to Ministry of Finance regarding deposition of PSF(SC) collections into the Consolidated Fund of India on a monthly basis.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Shri Jayant Sinha in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
DGCAs Various Proactive Initiatives to Offset Higher Aviation Related Emissions

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, with the approval of Union Cabinet, expressed its reservations on capping of aviation emissions at 2020 level during the 39th session of International Civil Aviation Organizations Assembly. India's reservation primarily emanated from the Paris agreement, which recognized that the developing countries will take longer to reach its peak emission.

In the recent 39th ICAO General Assembly meeting, India opposed the global market based mechanism as it will adversely affect the growth of aviation sector in developing nations.

The estimated emission from Indian scheduled airline operators for the year 2015 is around 14.6 million tonnes. Directorate General of Civil Aviation has taken various proactive initiatives to offset the higher aviation related emissions and CAR (Civil Aviation Requirement) in this regard is issued time to time.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Shri Jayant Sinha in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates the Swachhta Pakhwada being organised by DoPT Swachhta aims at cleanliness of Tan, Mann and Dhan: Dr Jitendra Singh

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the fortnight long Swachhta Pakhwada activities being organised by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, here today. The activities are being organised from December 01 to December 15, 2016. On the inaugural day of the Swachhta Pakhwada today, a special cleanliness drive was undertaken by the Department in collaboration with the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) in and around Ber Sarai market here.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh said that this drive is an extension of the Swachta Abhiyaan launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi two years ago. He said that the Swachhta Abhiyaan has seen success in the past years. Lakhs of toilets have been built in the schools and there has been a campaign for the Open Defecation Free (ODF) society in India.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that this Swachhta Campaign covers cleanliness of Tan, Mann and Dhan i.e. physical, moral and economic cleanliness.

He also referred to the decision taken by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on November 08, 2016 regarding demonetisation. He said that due to this decision, in three weeks only, the money which was hitherto hidden, has come into circulation. This money will be used in social welfare schemes that will serve the people of this country, he added.

During his visit to Ber Sarai market, the Minister also interacted with the shopkeepers and guided them for the use of e-transactions and explained them the utility and convenience of these transactions.

During the Swachhta Pakhwada, various activities have been planned as a massive cleanliness drive to be undertaken by this DoPT. A Poster(s)/Slogan Competition will be organised on the theme of Swachha Bharat during 1st to 15th December, 2016 to celebrate Swachha Bharat Pakhwada. Various activities have been planned such as general cleaning of flooring, removal of cobwebs, cleaning of fans, furniture and other electronic items, removal of broken furniture, waste papers, old and unused papers etc. from the rooms/common areas in North Block, Lok Nayak Bhawan and Old JNU Campus.
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), AYUSH Shri Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the 7th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo, here today. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Naik said, this event and seminars which brings together worldwide experts, patrons, practitioners and enthusiasts of Ayurveda and traditional medicines provides an appropriate stage for discussing the strengths and weaknesses and also promoting ayurveda at national and international levels. AYUSH is set to meet healthcare needs throughout the world", said the Minister. He further stated, Government of India is committed to the promotion of ayurveda and other forms of traditional medicines and have formed policies for that purpose". The Government wants to provide accessible, affordable and safe healthcare facilities to the people, said Shri Naik. AYUSH treatment facilities have, therefore, been provided at all levels of healthcare, right from primary health centre to super-specialty hospitals like AIIMS, the Minister further added. .

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Earlier, two important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were signed by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Chennai, under the Union Ministry of AYUSH with universities in Argentina and Israel in the presence of Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH on Wednesday November 30, 2016. These MoUs will pave the way for introducing study of Ayurveda in those countries. .

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The Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH Shri Ajit M Sharan, Joint Secretary Shri Anil Kumar Ganeriwala, National President of Vijnana Bharati Dr Vijay P. Bhatkar, CEO of National Medicinal Plants Board Smt Shomita Biswas, Provincial Minister of Sri Lanka Shri Bandula Yalegama and Senator from Italy Dr. Maurizio Romani were also present among the dignitaries today. .

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This mega event is being organized by the World Ayurveda Foundation with support of Ministry of AYUSH, and the State Government of West Bengal. To facilitate development and growth of AYUSH system of medicine, the Ministry of AYUSH is also organizing AROGYA Expo from 1st-4th December, 2016 at Science City, Kolkata to coincide with the 7th World Ayurveda Congress. .

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This years World Ayurveda Congress is the largest ever as compared to the earlier World Ayurveda Congress at Kochi 2002, Pune 2006, Jaipur 2008, Bengaluru 2010, Bhopal 2012 and Delhi 2014. Over 3500 delegates, including over 350 international delegates from 24 countries representing the Global Ayurveda fraternity are expected to participate. Other participants would be Students, Ayurvedic practitioners, traditional healers, academics, research scientists, policy makers, industry, cultivators and collectors of medicinal plants, agricultural and forestry experts, buyers from overseas, regulators from developed nations and members of society in and around Kolkata interested in Ayurveda. .

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More than 1893 scientific papers of international caliber are being considered for presentation in over 30 multi-track scientific sessions. Pre Congress workshops have already been conducted on Scientific Writing, Panchakarma, Ksharkarma, Afforestation of Medicinal Plants, Mental Health and other matters concerning Ayurveda. For the Ayurvedic industry the B2B meet, Conclave on Ethno Seminar and Scientific Lectures would be the added attractions. .

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Nepalese Needs Assessment Team visits NDMA

A nine-member Nepalese Needs Assessment Team visited the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) yesterday.

Shri R. K. Jain, Member, NDMA, welcomed the delegation and explained India's institutional framework for Disaster Management. The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP), launched by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, earlier this year and its holistic approach towards Disaster Management spelling out the roles and responsibilities of all levels of Government was also discussed.

NDMA also made a presentation highlighting Indias experience in post-disaster reconstruction in the backdrop of major disasters since 1993.

The presentation emphasised upon owner-driven reconstruction, minimum relocation of the affected population, use of local raw material and availability of trained masons and structural engineers to 'Build Back Better'.

NDMA also explained the modalities of rolling out large-scale mitigation projects such as the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) and National School Safety Programme (NSSP) in a federal structure.

Sharing their experiences during the last year's earthquakes, the Nepalese team appreciated India's role in rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts. As disasters don't respect any boundaries, the importance of coordinated efforts among nations towards mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) was highlighted.

"Interactions like these are an opportunity to share experiences related to disaster situations that may be useful to each other," said Shri Jain.

The Nepalese delegation was led by Maj. Gen. Binod Kumar Shrestha, Director General of Military Operations, Nepal. Their visit to NDMA is significant as Nepal is on its way to reconstruct itself after the massive earthquake that shook the country last year.

Senior officials of NDMA and Ministry of External Affairs as well as representatives of the Indian Army were present on the occasion.
On World AIDS Day, Health Minister appeals to all to partner with the Government in its endeavours We can end the HIV/AIDS challenge by 2030: J P Nadda We are now treating more than 10 lakh patients with free ARV therapy: J P Nadda

Our concerted efforts and strategies have been able to see a success story of India. We can now safely say that we can end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030." This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare at a function on the occasion of World AIDS Day, 2016 organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, here today. During the function the Health Minister also released the NACO My Stamp, HIV Counselling and Testing Services Guidelines and a Booklet on Assessment of Blood Banks in India. Shri J P Nadda also launched the NACO Mobile Application having a risk calculator on HIV/AIDS, service directory, addressing myths and misconceptions regarding HIV/AIDS, and a link for a National Toll Free AIDS Helpline and Social Protection scheme.

Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Honble MoS (Health & Family Welfare), Smt. Anupriya Patel, Honble MoS (Health & Family Welfare), Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, Shri C. K. Mishra, Secretary (Health & Family Welfare), Dr. Jagdish Prasad, DGHS, Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India and Mr. Oussama Tawil UNAIDS Country Director in India also graced the occasion.

Speaking on this occasion, Shri Nadda informed that the Government of India has taken major policy decisions towards strengthening the fight against the epidemic. It has been decided that the National AIDS Control Programme will continue as a Central Sector Scheme," Shri Nadda said. He also mentioned that as was announced last year, that the Ministry will start ART and the cut-off level for initiation of Anti Retrieval Therapy (ART) will be raised to a CD4 count of 500. This has been now implemented and we are working on raising the bar further to TREAT ALL and have started discussions on those lines," Shri Nadda informed.

I am happy to announce that we are now treating more than 10 lakh patients with free ARV therapy. I am proud to announce the attainment of milestone of initiation of treatment of the millionth person with free ARV drugs. As promised last year, third line ART is now available free under the ART programme," Shri Nadda further added.

Shri J P Nadda stated that India was predicted to be the AIDS Capital of world around two decades ago but have now successfully arrested the epidemic of HIV. There is a consistent decline in HIV prevalence over the years, 57% reduction in the incidences of new infections, and 29% decline also in the number of AIDS-related deaths," Shri Nadda added.

Shri J P Nadda also cautioned that the emergence of new pockets of infection among IDU, rising trends in some low prevalence states like Orissa, Punjab, Jharkhand etc while states like Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, AP, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa continue to have prevalence higher than national averages.

We not only need to re-strategize as newer vulnerabilities continue to emerge, and there is also the need to expand the scope of our services." Shri Nadda said.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, MoS (Health & Family Welfare) said that we need to work hard and with full zeal to eliminate the infection by 2030. The task is clearly laid out and we have guidance from all our technical partners here on how to do it. We need to put our resources and energies in states where we see new infections or more deaths of inadequate responses so that gains made in better performing states do not get diluted in the overall national picture. We have to increase pace of our march towards our commitment during ending AIDS by 2030" Shri Kulaste said.

Smt Anupriya Patel, MoS (Health & Family Welfare) stated that this day reminds us that we have come a long way from the time when HIV was considered to be something dreadful to days when the disease has been accepted in the society like any other chronic disease for which one has to take lifelong treatment and one can live fairly well with treatment. This has been possible by joint efforts of dedicated and professional human resource at different levels," Smt Anupriya Patel added.

Smt Anupriya Patel informed that India has second largest number of PLHIV on ART with nearly 1 million on ART out of 2.1 million estimated with HIV. Nearly 1.4 million have been detected out of 2.1 million estimated with HIV. We have to ensure that we not only provide drugs, we ensure that the stigma goes away, people can live in dignity, they can get social benefits of Govt of India and do not lose out on economic front and are not discriminated at work place," Smt Anupriya Patel stated.

Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, stated that the need of the hour is innovation and strike where great impact can be seen. Dr. Khetrapal emphasised on the need for proactive action and sustainable financing to the HIV/AIDS programmes.

Shri. C. K. Mishra, Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) stressed on the need to create new strategies for the new challenges emerging in this sector. Shri Mishra said that we have achieved remarkable success in stopping HIV/ AIDS and the model we adopted in this country is being emulated globally. This shows how a unified leadership came together. Common thread in the programme is partnership as this task was not possible for a single entity," Shri Mishra added. He further suggested that now we need to align our approaches with the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), adolescent health programme of the Ministry so that all the adolescents in the country are safe and covered.

Also present on this occasion were students, representatives of NGOs and development partners and other senior officers of the Health Ministry.
Its not easy writing a weekly column, so I salute Andrew Roblee who makes us think every Tuesday. Naturally, he could not have foreseen the timing of his Nov. 29 piece about his Muslim professional friends who suddenly fear they will be stabbed in the street. On the very next page, we read about a Somali Muslim student at Ohio State ramming his car into innocent pedestrians and then emerging to stab them with a butcher knife. The attacker turns out to be the very student who last August expressed concern in the campus paper that he would be singled out as a Muslim because of unfair media coverage.

Many forces swirl through the heads and lives of Muslim professionals like the Ohio stabber. Maybe, somehow, anti-Islam sentiment is one factor. But Mr. Roblee is not being fair. Instead of addressing the genuine fears many have about Islamic radicalism, he places himself with the angels  19th century abolitionists and Selma marchers  and he calls those concerned about next-door jihadists the fading hegemony of the far right lashing out.

Take a look at France, Philippines, Britain, Holland, Hungary, Germany, Sweden. These concerns are not fading. The so-called Muslim registry is simply the return of an enhanced visa program used in the Bush administration. Maybe this is a bad idea. Fine, tell us why, but dont tell us were evil and lashing out for considering it. It is reasonable and legitimate for Americans to take measures to stop more Orlandos, more San Bernadinos, more Fort Hoods, more St. Clouds, or more Cascade Shopping Malls.

Mr. Roblees piece is strongly tinged with Civil Rights envy: Oh, for the glory days of perfect moral clarity and the knowledge that I and my friends are absolutely pure and that those we oppose are utterly evil, collapsing under the weight of history! It strikes the wrong note for the problems infecting Islam.

Douglas Taylor-Weiss

Auburn
Putting GSAT-19E into Orbit

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working towards putting into orbit an indigenous communication satellite GSAT-19, weighing 3.3 tonne and carrying Ka/ Ku band payloads.

The satellite assembly is in advanced stages. The launch campaign for the first developmental flight of GSLV Mk-III has commenced on September 29, 2016 at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.

ISRO is working towards increasing the payload capacity of GSLV Mk-III beyond four tonnes in the coming years.

The strategies identified to achieve the increased payload capacity include performance improvement of propulsion systems, inert mass optimisation and miniaturisation of avionics system. The Chandrayaan-2, comprising of Orbiter, Lander and Rover, with a total payload mass of 3250 kg is planned to be launched onboard GSLV Mk-II during the first quarter of 2018.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Sharing of Teesta River Water

As envisaged in National Perspective Plan for Water Resources development through Inter Basin Water Transfer prepared by MoWR,RD&GR, NWDA has identified Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga (MSTG) link under the Himalayan Component of NPP for diversion of the surplus waters of Manas and Sankosh rivers with supplementation from the intermediate major streams, namely, Aie, Raidak, Torsa and Jaldhaka for the benefit of augmenting the flows of Ganga at Farakka and further transfer to water short areas of Krishna, Pennar and Cauvery basins and providing irrigation facilities to the enroute command areas, including the Teesta basin for meeting the requirements of North Bengal. Pre-Feasibility Report of this link is prepared.

Government of India has been in discussion with the Government of Bangladesh to have an Agreement on sharing of common rivers including Teesta river on equitable and fair basis. During the visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to Dhaka, Bangladesh in June 2015, as part of the Joint Declaration between the two countries, the Indian side had conveyed that deliberations are underway involving all stakeholders with regard to conclusion of the Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of Teesta River. The endeavour of the Union Government is to arrive at an agreement on Teesta on a fair and equitable basis which is acceptable to all the parties concerned and which protects the interest of all stake holders. This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today. Samir/jk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US President-elect today told Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that he is willing to play any role that Pakistan wants to find solutions to its outstanding problems.

Trump made these remarks as Sharif called him to congratulate on his recent victory.

"I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time, even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Trump was quoted as saying in a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office.

During the telephone conversation, Trump also reportedly praised Sharif and expressed his desire to meet the prime minister soon, Radio Pakistan reported.



According to the The Pakistan Press Information Departments press release, Trump told Sharif he is doing amazing work which is visible in every way, that the Prime Minister should feel free to call him anytime even before he is sworn in on January 20 next year.





This is the readout:

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called President-elect USA and felicitated him on his victory. President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office.

On being invited to visit Pakistan by the Prime Minister, Mr. Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr. .

Sharif invited Trump to visit Pakistan.

In his reply, Trump said he would love to visit the country and meet its people.

Earlier, Trump had said that if elected, he'd like to mediate between India and Pakistan. But like the Obama administration, Trump also said that he would only mediate if both countries asked him to do so.
Erich Bloch, who helped develop the IBM mainframe computer that, more than any other machine, propelled the world into the digital age, and who then shepherded the internet into broader use as director of the National Science Foundation, died on Friday in Washington. He was 91.
The Office of Government Ethics has informed lawyers for President-elect Donald J Trump that only a divestiture of his financial stake in his sprawling real estate business will resolve ethical concerns about conflicts of interest as he assumes the office of the presidency.
India-born Preet Bharara, the powerful US attorney who has facilitated many high-profile insider trading convictions, has agreed to remain in the position after meeting President-elect Donald Trump.

Appointed as the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York by outgoing US President Barack Obama in 2009, Bharara has earned the reputation of a "crusader" prosecutor.

"The President-elect asked, presumably because he's a New Yorker and is aware of the great work that our office has done over the past seven years, asked to meet with me to discuss whether or not I'd be prepared to stay on as the United States attorney to do the work as we have done it, independently, without fear or favour for the last seven years," Bharara said.

"We had a good meeting," he said in a brief interaction with reporters after his meeting with Trump yesterday.

"I said I would absolutely consider staying on. I agreed to stay on," said Bharara, who is in his late 40s.

"I have already spoken to Senator (Jeff) Sessions, who is as you know is the nominee to be the attorney general. He also asked that I stay on, and so I expect that I will be continuing to work at the southern district," said the top Indian-American attorney.

Born in a Sikh family in Ferozepur, Punjab, in 1968, Bharara grew up in New Jersey after his parents moved to the US.

After being appointed as the US attorney for the powerful South District of New York, Bharara has made a national and international mark for himself with many high-profile cases and investigations including foreign countries, insider trading and those involving US politicians.

It was under Bharara's prosecution, that India-born former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta was convicted for insider trading in 2012.

"Leaving Preet in office sends a powerful message to Wall Street that this is not open season for Wall Street folks to run around and do whatever they want," Greg Morvillo, a partner at Morvillo LLP, told The Wall Street Journal.

Morvillo LLP had represented hedge-fund manager Anthony Chiasson whose insider-trading conviction was obtained by Bharara's office.

New York Senator Charles Schumer welcomed the move and said Trump had called him last week and asked for his thought on Bharara staying in this position.

"I told him I thought Preet was great, and I would be all for keeping him on the job and fully support it," Schumer said.

"Preet has shown as a prosecutor that he is willing to take on the political establishment," Arlo Devlin-Brown, a former chief of Bharara's corruption unit who is now a partner at the law firm Covington and Burling told The New York Times.

"He's also shown he can win. There is no question that these are qualities that the president-elect admires," he said.

(Reopens FGN 14)

"Bharara has shown a record of independence as a prosecutor, as well as a willingness to take on powerful figures in state government, Democrats included," The New York Times reported.

"President elect Trump after meeting with the fearless United States attorney Preet Bharara, in a move more poignant then any before, declared that America, a nation of laws, will enjoy law enforcement without regard to political party labels: Republican or Democrat," Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra said.

"After all, as has been said before, there is no Democratic or Republican way to lock up a criminal," said Batra.

"Given Preet Bharara's exceptional service to the people of the United States, meeting, and I believe well exceeding, the power that emanates from the chair of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York -- I hope that then-president Trump will appoint Preet to become a justice of the United States Supreme Court when the next vacancy occurs -- beyond the one created by the untimely demise of the great Nino Scalia," Batra said.
Many reasons are still being advanced to explain Donald Trumps win over his experienced, accomplished, much-fancied-in-the-polls rival Hillary Clinton in the 2016 US presidential election. White working-class anger has received a lot of attention, but Trumps success exploiting angers inner manifestation  shame  should be getting a lot more focus.
This week, Congress is taking back up a sweeping bill introduced last year that would expand medical research funding while also loosening the regulations for approving new drugs and medical devices. While the legislation has undergone revisions, it still includes many of the deregulatory provisions that have drawn criticism from some consumer safety advocates. Back in October 2015, we detailed the bill's origins and the massive lobbying push by the drug and device industry supporting it.
ELBRIDGE  The wife of a man critically injured in a house fire in Elbridge was asking for prayers on his behalf Thursday night.

Scott Dombroski was found by firefighters in his home at 980 Schapp Road and taken to the hospital. His wife, Diana Sleiertin, posted a message on Facebook Thursday saying that Dombroski was in critical condition with severe smoke inhalation and burns to 20 percent of his body.

"My husband Scott needs your prayers," she wrote.

Fire rescue crews found Dombroski, 43, on the second floor of the house, and he was transported via ambulance to University Hospital in Syracuse, where he was in critical condition, according to state police. Dombroski was the only person home at the time of the fire.

Officials said there were several animals in the house. The property is the location of MaxMan Reptile Rescue, which cares for exotic animals such as snakes and lizards and does education presentations throughout the region.

Diana Sleiertin wrote Thursday that all of the reptiles had been killed and also the couple's dog Diesel and cat Salem.

The losses, Sleiertin wrote, "are crushing."

"My husband, my hero, tried to put out the fire and save our animals," Sleiertin wrote.

The home is owned by Robert Sleiertin of Rhode Island. Diana Sleiertin operates the reptile rescue.

The loss of the animals, Sleiertin wrote, "can not compare to my concern for Scott. So please pray for his speedy recovery."

The couple met in 2011 when Sleiertin visited a haunted house in Clay run by Dombroski and his family. They were married at a Fulton haunted house on Halloween in 2015.

A New York State Police news release Thursday night said that Onondaga County Fire Investigator Ron Ryan was working to determine the cause for the fire and that the investigation is ongoing.

Jordan Ambulance and state police were dispatched to the scene around 11:35 a.m. Firefighters from the Jordan Volunteer Fire Department and other crews from Onondaga and Cayuga counties eventually extinguished the blaze at the Elbridge home, east of the village of Jordan and south of the New York State Thruway.
Shares of pharmaceutical companies were in focus, gaining by up to 3% in an otherwise range-bound market after the Delhi High Court set aside the Centres decision to ban 344 fixed dose combination (FDC) medicines.
Sleepwell brand mattresses manufacturer Ltd (SFL) received weak response from investors with its initial public offering (IPO) subscribed merely 5.89% on the second day on Wednesday. On the first day its IPO was subscribed by less than 1% on Tuesday.
A special court for Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) related cases on Thursday issued fresh open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) against British Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper scam.

The court also issued summons against a company and two other accused in connection with the helicopter deal.

This came weeks after the CBI sent a request to the designated central authorities of UAE, seeking to extradite James.

According to sources, the investigation revealed that James is one of the key middlemen in the VVIP helicopters purchase from .

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also filed a chargesheet against James and two other middlemen.

James has been accused by the CBI and the ED of working at the behest of and its parent Italian major Finmeccanica.

He has also been accused of routing funds to India meant to bribe officials.
Debutant Carles Alena struck a superb second-half goal as Barcelona escaped an embarrassing defeat to settle with a 1-1 draw against Hercules in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-32 tie here on Thursday.

After a goalless first half, it was Hercules who made the breakthrough first when David Mainz bundled the ball past Jasper Cillessen in the 52nd minute,goal.com reported.

However, Barcelona made amends only six minutes later, with Alena collecting a pass from captain Rafinha and rifling a magnificent left-footed strike to spare his side's blushes.

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique had earlier made 11 changes in the squad, including resting star trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez ahead of the La Liga clash against Real Madrid to be held on Saturday.

The Spanish giants will now play the second leg against Hercules at Camp Nou on December 22.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Taking serious note of the hacking of its vice president Rahul Gandhi's official Twitter account, @OfficeOfRG, the Congress party while targeting the government for the lack of digital safety, on Wednesday said if the latter could not protect a private platform for conversation with crores of people of India, how could it ever protect them from being hacked in terms of their "financial money".

Asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seriously ponder over 'Digital India', 'Cashless India' and online payments, Congress media in charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "If you cannot protect a private platform for conversation of crores of the people of India, how can you ever protect them from being hacked in terms of their "financial money" is also a question that the people of India need to think and ponder over."

"The Congress party has taken the issue very seriously. We will be lodging a formal complaint with the cyber police and we sincerely hope that the government will show sincerity of purpose in investigating those who are perpetuating this crime and will punish them within a time-bound frame," Surjewala told ANI.

Asserting that unscrupulous, unethical and roguish conduct of venal trolls reflects the disturbing insecurity of the prevalent fascist culture and also the lack of digital safety in India, Surjewala said, "It is extremely sad that office of RG twitter account has been hacked. Such lowly tactics will not drown the voice of reason nor will it deter Rahulji from continuing to raise people's voice."

Raising his concern on the lack of digital safety in India, the Congress leader said, "It is also a matter of concern for a government, which talks about online transactions and financial platforms. If Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account could be hacked, then, every digital information can be assessed, can be mapped, and can be modified."

The Twitter account of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, ?@OfficeOfRG (Office of RG), was hacked on Wednesday evening.

Confirming the development, Congress media in charge Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, "@OfficeOfRG hacked. Such lowly tactics will never drown the sane voice of reason nor deter Sh. Rahul Gandhi from raising."

The hacker posted obscenities on the timeline.

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Telangana I-T Minster K.T. Rama Rao facilitated Dr. Faqir Chand Kolhi, who is considered as father of I-T industry, on the concluding day of the year-long Silver Jubilee celebrations of Hyderabad Software Enterprises association (HYSEA) at Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) yesterday.

"We have planned a grand and befitting silver jubilee celebration," announced Ranga Pothula, HYSEA president.

"HYSEA played a pivotal role in earning Hyderabad a distinction of being I-T capital of India. It is my good fortune of be a president of such a great organisation during its silver jubilee year," he added.

Rao also deliver a silver jubilee talk on 'Government's role in catalysing value growth', said Pothula.

Speaking on the occasion, Kolhi said, "How can you consider yourself on the top when your hardware is only 15 billion, while China is 150 billion. The reason is that the government in the 70's did not see the need for computers."

"After demonetisation, it is extremely important for us to start innovating and put our focus on vernacular languages to reach out to 800 million Indians, who do not speak English language," Rao said.

"We will launch rural technology as well," he added.

Ninety-year-old IT patriarch, Kohli, was the founder and the first Chief Executive Officer of Tata Consultancy Services, which has emerged as one of the biggest software firms in the world.

Pothula said the association played a significant role in growing the industry. "From a few million rupees 25 years ago, the industry grew to a stage where its members export IT services and products worth Rs 75,000 crore.

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The Karnataka Government on Thursday announced an ex gratia of Rs. 25 lakh to the relatives of Major Akshay Girish Kumar, who was killed in the Nagrota terror attack.

"His father and grandfather also served in the Army. At only 31, he was a Major. The government decides to sanction Rs. 25 lakhs for his family," Karnataka Law Minister T.B. Jayachandra told the media.

Earlier in the day, the last rites of Major Kumar was performed at his hometown here with full military honours.

Major Kumar, a soldier with the 51 Engineer Regiment of the Bengal Sappers, died during the operation on Tuesday to neutralise the terrorists.

He is survived by his daughter and wife.

A group of heavily-armed terrorists in police uniform stormed an army unit in Nagrota, about three kilometers from the Corps headquarters on the outskirts of Jammu city on Tuesday morning.

Seven army personnel, including two officers, were killed in this attack before three terrorists were killed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Katrina Kaif has been keeping her fans up-to-date about her latest work trip to Maldives by sharing sizzling pictures from time-to-time.

And now after wrapping up her work, she even shared a grand finale pic!

The 33-year-old actress, who has shot for a magazine there, took to her Facebook account to share a 'Bye Bye Maldives' moment.

Looking lovely in white, Kat's heart-warming smile is sure to make your day!

On a related note, she will next be seen in 'Jagga Jasoos' opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As "Cyclone Nada" is building up over South West Bay of Bengal and is poised to strike the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command has assumed a high degree of readiness to render necessary humanitarian assistance.

An Indian Navy release said two ships -- INS Shakti and INS Satpura are standing by to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake humanitarian aid distress relief (HADR), evacuation, logistic support including providing medical aid.

These ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and relief material that include food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets etc, in quantities sufficient to sustain over 5000 personnel, the release . Additionally INS Ranjit, presently deployed in the Bay of Bengal, has been positioned off Tamil Nadu coast and would be the first responder for HADR operation, if required.

The Eastern Naval Command is monitoring the developments closely and Flag Officer Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area is in constant communication with the state administration to augment rescue and relief operations.

Naval aircraft are also standing by at naval air stations Rajali and Dega to undertake reconnaissance, rescue, casualty evacuation and air drop of relief material to the stranded.

Additionally, diving teams with Gemini boats and four platoons with additional relief material are ready to be pressed into action at short notice.

A cyclone alert has been sounded in Tamil Nadu in view of deep depression forming over the Bay of Bengal.

Chennai, the coastal regions of the state and Puducherry are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days.

Area Cyclone Warning Centre director S,. Balachandran said the cyclone was expected to move in west-northwest direction and would cross between Vedaranyam and Puducherry in the early hours of December 2.

"The well-marked low pressure area, which was lying over the southeast bay yesterday intensified further and intensifies the cyclone storm. And today morning (Wednesday), at 8:30, lying at about 735 kilometer southeast of Puducherry or Southwest of Bay of Bengal," said Balachandran in Chennai.

He further added that this cyclone has been named as Nada. In the wake of the approaching system, light to moderate rain are likely to commence over the coastal regions.

India is one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world and many of its 1.2 billion people live in areas vulnerable to hazards such as floods, cyclones and droughts.

Freak weather patterns not only affect agricultural output and food security, but also lead to water shortages and trigger outbreaks of water and mosquito-borne diseases such as diarrhea and malaria in many developing nations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After hackers broke into Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's official Twitter account (?@OfficeOfRG) last evening, the India Congress' official account (@INCIndia) was hacked Thursday morning.

Even as Congress media in charge Randeep Singh Surjewala warned "unscrupulous, unethical and roguish" trolls of legal action, and the Congress party lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police's Cyber Cell, unfazed hackers seemed to have their own way by posting obscenities on the timeline.

Surjewala told ANI yesterday, "The Congress party has taken the issue very seriously. We will be lodging a formal complaint with the Cyber Police and we sincerely hope that the government will show sincerity of purpose in investigating those who are perpetuating this crime and will punish them within a time-bound frame."

He said, "It is extremely sad that office of RG twitter account has been hacked. Such lowly tactics will not drown the voice of reason nor will it deter Rahulji from continuing to raise people's voice."

Raising his concern on the lack of digital safety in India, the Congress leader said, "It is also a matter of concern for a government, which talks about online transactions and financial platforms. If Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account could be hacked, then every digital info can be assessed, can be mopped, and can be modified.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Central Bank of Africa to launch M-Shwari loan service in Ivory Coast next year

The Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) plans to launch its mobile banking service M-Shwari in Ivory Coast in quarter three of next year, becoming the first Kenyan lender to venture into West Africa.

The lender says its expansion into Ivory Coast will be in partnership with MTN, the South African telecom with whom it already collaborates with in Uganda and is planning to launch the service with in Rwanda by April.



CBAs expansion into the West African nation will make it the fifth country where the mobile credit and savings platform, which has registered huge success in Kenya, will be available.



Our feasibility studies conducted on Cote DIvoire show that it is a very promising market, Chris Pasha, the CBAs head of marketing, said in an interview. The banks strategic plan is that M-Shwari should be available in 10 counties by 2020. In August this year, CBA and MTN launched MoKash in Uganda. The partners have since registered 1.23 million customers and processed 257,000 loans.



In Tanzania, the service  which is called M-Pawa  has 5.31 million customers and has processed 5.3 million loans since its launch in 2014.



Launched in 2012 on the Safaricom mobile money application, M-Shwari has become a key growth driver for CBA. In Kenya, the service processes about 80,000 loans per day and a customer base of 16 million.



The success of M-Shwari has boosted CBAs earnings over the years. The company posted the fastest growth rate in the sector with its net profit jumping 52.7 per cent to Sh3.9 billion in the nine months to September, bolstered by fees charged on the mobile platform.



There are three companies providing mobile money services in Ivory Coast; MTN, Orange and Moov.



The country is the largest digital finance market in the West African Economic Monetary Union, accounting for more than a half of mobile money transactions in the eight-member bloc.



According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) there were nine million mobile money subscriptions in Ivory Coast by the end of 2014, more than bank accounts in the country.



Secondary school fees throughout the country must be paid via mobile money. However, CBA and MTN will have to work extra hard to nudge Ivorians to borrow as the IFC noted that nearly half of registered digital finance clients are inactive.



Although there are a host of West African businesses operating in Kenya, local companies have hardly penetrated the West African market.



Recently, the Safaricom-backed taxi hailing company, Little Ride, said it plans on expanding its services to Nigeria and Uganda.

www.mobilemoneyafrica.com




Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will on Thursday hold talks with senior defence officials at Bangladesh Military Academy in Chittagong.

Later in the day, Parrikar is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also holds the defence portfolio.

Parrikar, who is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, is meeting top leadership to firm up an upgraded defence co-operation agreement, which is likely to be signed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit to Delhi later this month.

The accompanying Vice Chiefs of Army and Air force and deputy Chief of Navy paid courtesy calls on the respective Service Chiefs of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.

Parrikar, who is leading an 11-member high-power delegation, is the first Indian Defence Minister to visit Bangladesh since 1971.

Issues like bilateral naval and air force exercises, training and capability of Bangladesh defence personnel, supply of military hardware, technology transfer, co-ordinated patrolling of the international maritime boundary, joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic zones and co-operation in maritime resources offer scope for expanded bilateral defence co-operation between the two countries.

As close neighbours sharing strong cultural and historic bonds, India and Bangladesh have a comprehensive and deep bilateral relationship, including defence co-operation. However, contemporary problems like terrorism and complex geopolitics of the region demand both countries to deepen security ties and expand defence co-operation.

Issues like upgraded military exercises, training and capability building of Bangladesh Armed forces personnel, counter terrorism and counter-piracy offer scope for expanded defence co-operation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With the state government feeling the burnt of demonetisation, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac on Thursday said the government employees and pensioners will be able to withdraw only Rs 24,000 cash a week.

Talking to the media, Isaac said as there are no sufficient notes for disbursement of complete salaries, the government staff and pensioners will have to move bank or treasury in person.

"The banks have no cash and it is very clear. And, there is no way that they are going to get sufficient cash to pay the full salary. Therefore, the understanding is that the salary and pension will be limited to 24,000 rupees for one time withdrawal. So, over five lakh people are drawing pension from treasury and from banks. They will have to go to their prospective banks and treasury, especially to withdraw money," he said.

"The total number of employees and pensioners in the state is around 10 lakh. About 5.5 lakh draw their salary through banks, 4.5 lakh through treasury accounts and the rest about 50,000 in cash," he added.

He said the government had sought Rs 2,400 crore from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to disburse salary to 10 lakh people through banks and the treasury.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, on Thursday cornered the government over the demonetisation of high-value currency notes and said that the ruling dispensation came out with this move without any planning.

He, however, made it clear that the opposition stands with the government as far as the issue of getting rid of the black money is concerned.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 2 p.m. as a united opposition escalated its attack on the ruling dispensation and raised slogans denouncing the demonetisation proposal.

Earlier the Upper House was adjourned till 12: 30 p.m. on the issue. Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi must put forth his position with regard to demonetisation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Bharatiya Janta Party Secretary Shrikant Sharma has backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs.1000 currency notes and rebuked the opposition for its objection to it.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to remove corruption and curb the flow of black money from the country, as the two are the biggest hindrances coming in way of development of the nation," said Sharma.

Taking a dig at the opposition, Sharma said, "In the last 70 years, we couldn't develop the villages. Villages are still reeling from water crisis, electricity failure and lagging behind in education. There is no proper medical facilities and sound infrastructure there."

He further said that villagers have to face these problems because the funds which were allotted for village development were used in corruption.

"PM Modi wants to eliminate this corruption, but it is unfortunate that the opposition is demanding his removal," Shrikant told ANI.

Launching a scathing attack at opposition, he said, "Public can clearly see that the people, who have looted them in name of development, accumulated black money and encouraged corruption, are trying to hinder the fight against corruption and black money.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Critically acclaimed director Martin Scorsese recently met Pope Francis at the Vatican City a day after his new film 'Silence' was shown to an audience of 300 Jesuit priests at a pontifical college.

The Vatican said the pope had received the 74-year-old director, his wife and two daughters for a "very cordial" 15-minute meeting in which they spoke about the experience of Jesuit missionaries in Japan, reports the Guardian.

The American director, who is said to have considered joining the priesthood when he was a young man, met the pope nearly three decades after his film 'The Last Temptation of Christ' was deemed "morally offensive" by officials in the Roman Catholic church.

Reportedly, Scorsese gave Pope Francis framed images depicting "hidden Christians" in Japan, including a reproduction of an ancient image of the 'Virgin of Nagasaki' and a portrait of the "martyrs of Japan" while the pope gave the guests some rosaries.

Among Scorsese's most famous films are 'Raging Bull', 'Taxi Driver', 'Goodfellas' and 'The Last Temptation of Christ', for which he was nominated for an Oscar for 'Best Director'.

'Silence' follows the journey two Portuguese Jesuit priests into 17th-century Japan, where they face violence and persecution as they travel to locate their mentor and propagate Christianity.

Starring Andrew Garfield, Liam Neeson, Adam Driver, Tadanobu Asano and Nana Komatsu, the movie is slated for an initial release in Australia on December 22, 2016.

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In a stern warning to Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) today said that India will never accept continued cross-border terrorism as the new normal.

"Stop cross-border terrorism and then we can talk," said MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup, said , adding India is in favour of talks but not in this atmosphere of terror.

Swarup further said that India has not received any request from Pakistan for a bilateral meeting.

Commenting on Tuesday's Nagrota terror attack, Swarup said India is awaiting specific details before taking the next step. He added that the government has taken this attack very seriously and will do what it feels is required for security.

A group of heavily-armed terrorists in police uniform stormed an army unit in Nagrota, about three kilometers from the Corps headquarters on the outskirts of Jammu city on Tuesday morning.

Seven army personnel, including two officers, were killed in this attack before three terrorists were killed.

Meanwhile, responding to a poser about the investigation in the Uri attacks earlier in September, Swarup said, "When we are giving you fingerprints, DNA, of the terrorists that we believe have come from Pakistan, why can't Pakistan match it against its own database. That would be the simplest thing to do."

"If Pakistan is serious, let it first bring to books responsible for the Mumbai terror attack," he added.

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In an effort to quell the strikes called by the contractual employees of Discom companies in Telangana, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Thursday directed the officials to examine the possibilities of regularizing all outsourcing employees working in the T.S. Transco, T.S. Genco and Discoms in a phased manner.

The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by the Chief Minster at Pragathi Bhavan.

Minister for Power Jagadeeshwar Reddy, T.S. Genco CMD D Prabhakar Rao, T.S. SPDCL CMD Raghuma Reddy, TSNPDCL CMD Gopal Rao and Special Chief Secretary to Government (Energy) Ajay Mishra, CMO Principal Secretaries S Narsing Rao and Shanti Kumari participated in the review meeting.

The Chief Minister has asked the Electricity Employees Unions to call off their proposed strike and come for a discussion.

Rao opined that the outsourcing employees who have been working for several years on nominal salaries should be regularized on humanitarian grounds. He asked the officials to prepare guidelines towards this.

He also asked the Electricity Employees unions to call off their proposed stir and have a meeting with Power Minister K Jagadeeshwar Reddy on Friday and sort out the problems.

The Chief Minister recalled that salaries of the employees working in electricity department were increased substantially in the past and salaries of the out sourcing employees were also hiked. The state government is also ready to settle all the issues of the electricity employees amicably through discussions, he said.

"TSGENCO CMD Prabhakar Rao and other officials have brought to the notice of the Chief Minister the demands of Electricity employees and outsourcing employees," the official release from the Chief Minister's office stated.

"They informed the CM that the outsourcing employees were rendering their valuable services in the management of Sub Stations, Power lines, Power Plants as well as handling the administrative work. There was demand for the regularisation of the out sourcing employees. To this, Rao has responded positively," it added.

However, the Chief Minister reiterated that employees working in the power sector could solve their issues and problems through discussions with the state government and hence there is no need for them to go on a strike.

In this context, he asked the electricity employees union not to become party to the strike given on political considerations and to prevent any inconvenience to the general public by calling off the strike notice.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Highlighting several shortcomings in laws governing Indian citizens, whose attitudes and aspirations have and are shaped by the Constitution, a three member body has called of the people of India A three member body has come out with a blueprint for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and a Universal Bill of Rights for the Indian Citizen (UBRIC).

Tufail Ahmad, a British journalist, political commentator of Indian origin, who is the Director of the South Asia Studies Project at the Middle East Media Research Institute in Washington, D.C., and two others, namely Satya Prakash and Siddharth Singh have issued a statement in this regard, in their personal capacity.

Maintaining that Article 44 of the Constitution of India clearly states that it shall be "The State's endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.", the three-member body said that ever since the Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, no attempt has been made by the Indian government to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for fear that political parties could lose Muslim votes.

Emphasizing that contemporary India is a totally new society in which 55 percent of its 1.3 billion people are below 25 years of age that is willing to shed ideas about caste and religion inherited from parents and religious leaders and clamouring for a UCC to ensure that equal rights are available to all citizens, irrespective of religious and other identities, they further went on to say that it is time to let go of the past wherein civil society organisations and human rights activists have shied away from advocating a UCC for Indian citizens.

They cautioned that not having a UCC has resulted in the prevailing erroneous belief that the UCC is meant to curb personal laws, especially only of Muslims.

Stating that the UCC was desired by the framers of the Constitution to ensure that basic fundamental rights of citizens, irrespective of their religious and other identities, are protected within a larger human rights framework, the three signatories to the blueprint said that now there is a realisation greater than before that a UCC will protect the constitutional rights of Indian citizens.

They said that since at present no draft UCC exists that could enlighten the people of India regarding the specifics that will constitute such a code; they have come out with a UCC draft within a broader context of a Universal Bill of Rights for the Indian Citizen (UBRIC). This draft UCC, they said is the first-ever attempt to bring specific issues before the public for a wider discussion.

The blueprint has called for the inclusion of twelve clauses:

We the people, whose attitudes and aspirations are shaped by the Constitution, recognising that there are shortcomings in laws, adopt this Universal Bill of Rights for the Indian Citizen, as under:

Clause 1

The fundamental right to education shall be compulsorily available to the citizen till the age of 18. Education shall not mean religious education imparted through institutions of theological nature. A child's fundamental right to education shall override all other fundamental rights, except right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Clause 2

The fundamental right to religion and beliefs shall be available only to the individual, not to communities and organisations. In disputes involving an individual's rights, the state or courts shall generally not accept interventions from organisations and groups of religious nature.

Clause 3

Individuals, irrespective of gender, may marry under religious practices but after marriage, disputes involving divorce, joint property, child custody and alimony shall be decided under one law which shall override personal laws. No one can remarry before divorce obtained through a court. Parallel courts run by religious groups shall be deemed a criminal offence.

Clause 4

Parliament, state legislatures and courts shall not make laws or issue orders based on religious scriptures of any community, in keeping with the secular nature of the republic. The Constitution itself shall be the source for such orders and for further legislative improvements.

Clause 5

Citizens - irrespective of gender, religious persuasion or sexual orientation - shall a) inherit equal share in the ancestral/parental property, b) shall have equal right to adoption and will not bring up the adopted child as per their religious beliefs, and c) shall have equal right to succession. No tax benefits shall accrue to the individuals or groups for the reasons of religious and other identities.

Clause 6

The citizen shall have unhindered freedom of thought and speech, which cannot be curtailed by the state for any reason, except when there is imminent danger to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. The state shall not impose restrictions on books, magazines, movies, newspapers and the like with retrospective effect from January 26, 1950.

Clause 7

Rule of law shall apply equally to every citizen. Government officials using the laws selectively under political or other consideration against some individuals, and not against others, within their jurisdiction shall cease to hold their position from the time such an omission or commission occurs.

Clause 8

No citizen can be held in custody for more than 24 hours, and rarely to a maximum 90 days in serious cases such as terrorism and sedition, without being chargesheeted before a court of law.

Clause 9

The state, through the Election Commission, shall ensure organisational and financial transparency of political parties. Political parties can accept donations only through verifiable, recorded and cashless means of financial transaction. Elections of political parties shall be organised by the Election Commission. Violations shall make them liable to be de-recognized.

Clause 10

A citizen shall be permitted to buy, sell or transfer land throughout the territory of India. Any existing laws that contravene this provision shall be deemed null and void.

Clause 11

All children born throughout the territory of India including Gilgit Baltistan, which being the part of Jammu & Kashmir, shall have an automatic right to be the citizen of India.

Clause 12

Use of words that describe individuals or groups of people in a discriminatory and hateful manner (examples thereof being bhangi, chamar, kafir, munafiq and the like) shall be a criminal offence. Such words could be of religious, caste, regional, gender or other demeaning connotation. It shall be dealt with by one law.

They appealed to the Members of Parliament to enact this Bill as Law in fulfilment of the objectives set out in the Preamble of the Constitution and in particular Article 44.

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In response to a sharp increase in the number of requests for assistance from U.S. franchise brands in recent years, the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) is organizing its third U.S. Franchise Trade Mission for seven U.S. franchisors to identify potential master franchisees/licensees and area developers.

The delegation will visit New Delhi on December 5, Mumbai on December 7 and Colombo on December 9.

These seven franchisors represent a wide spectrum of successful and sought-after U.S American businesses from a variety of food chains, services and real estate: Denny's, Edible Arrangements International, Bonchon Franchise, LLC, Golden Franchising Corporation, CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., Coldwell Banker and Seniors Helping Seniors. The Franchise Times Magazine will also travel from the United States with the delegation to report on the activities.

Franchising represents a unique concept, as franchisees are able to adopt and implement a successful model for a brand that has strong name recognition. While a large capital investment may be required to buy the rights to a franchise, franchising offers a quality partnership and most notably a proven model.

This collaboration offers its Indian partner the opportunity to develop and promote new businesses in conjunction to its parent company, which provides guidance and best practices to help maintain world class quality, global recognition and maximum profitability.

According to a recent KPMG and Franchise Association of India (FAI) report, the Indian franchise industry has the potential to grow to $51 billion in 2017 from the present $13.4 billion. The franchise industry is expected to contribute almost 4% of India's GDP. Over 700 franchise systems are already operating in the country, and approximately 15% of these systems are run by international companies.

However, these systems still represent a very small percentage of the overall retail sector. For the organized retail sector, franchising is the most popular business format to attract consumers.

USCS is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration. USCS has trade professionals in over 100 U.S. cities and in more than 75 countries that help U.S. companies and institutions of higher education expand into new global markets.

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Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announced today that local group company Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. (YMPH) has produced its one-millionth motorcycle today since the company's establishment.

To mark this event, the Batangas Province-based YMPH held a memorial ceremony attended by Katsuhito Yamaji, Senior Executive Officer and General Manager Manufacturing Center, Yoshihiro Hidaka, Executive Officer and Manager of Motorcycle Operations 1st Unit, 800 YMPH employees, and other guests.

Yamaha Motor established YMPH as a local Group company for the production and sales of motorcycles in May 2007. In September of the same year, a temporary motorcycle manufacturing factory was established in Laguna Province where production of motorcycles in the 105-125cc range commenced.

Following this, a new motorcycle manufacturing facility was established in the Lima industrial estate in Batangas Province, where full-scale production started in September 2008 in place of the Laguna Province factory.

On the back of solid economic growth, the motorcycle market in the Philippines has been expanding in recent years. The total demand in 2016 is forecast to be 1,030,000 units, an increase of 21% compared to the previous year, with Yamaha Motor sales expected to be 260,000 units, up 37% compared to the previous year and growing faster than total demand.

In line with this market expansion, Yamaha Motor is working toward securing greater market share and higher income by promoting new model launches incorporating the platform strategies outlined in the current Medium-Term Management Plan.

Yamaha Motor (TOKYO: 7272) is a world-leading producer of motorcycles, marine products, power products, industrial machinery and robots. The company's diverse and wide variety of products are built around its proprietary technologies focused on small engines, fiberglass-reinforced plastics and electronic control.

Yamaha Motor conducts global development, production and marketing operations through 140 subsidiaries and equity-method affiliates in 30 countries. About 90 percent of consolidated net sales are generated in more than 200 countries outside of Japan. The company is steadily restructuring its global engineering, manufacturing and marketing capabilities for sustainable long-term growth.

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Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup on Thursday said that yoga has been inscribed in the UNESCO's representative list as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity which would enable it to "potentially foment a dialogue of ideas of peace and tolerance with other countries."

Briefing the media here in the capital, Swarup said that it would help India to play a leading role in the global dialogue of inter-cultural relations.

"The inscription and the classification of human treasure gains immense recognition to Yoga clearing as it has regress criteria in the UNESCO, the only UN body mandated to capture the intangible aspects of culture," he said.

Swarup said that this declaration of yoga as a human treasure has enjoyed the unanimous support of the 24 member inter-governmental committee which overturned decision of an evaluation body technical experts seeking to defer the case to the next session of the committee till 2017.

The committee meets annually to evaluate nominations proposed by States Parties to the 2003 Convention and decide whether or not to inscribe those cultural practices and expressions of intangible heritage on the Convention's Lists.

Swarup further said the decision emphasises on yoga's role as a social practice and an oral tradition and a system of ancient and scientific knowledge facilitating an enhanced harmony and peace across caste, creed, gender, age and nationality.

"The inscription enables a bottom up empowerment and takes the spotlight towards the numerous institutions and communities in India disseminating this ancient tradition," he added.

The UN's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help demonstrate the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance.

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Apollo Hospitals Enterprise rose 0.89% to Rs 1,209 at 14:34 IST on BSE after the company's subsidiary announced receiving investments of Rs 450 crore from IFC and IFC Asset Management Company.

The announcement was made during market hours today, 1 December 2016.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 41.70 points or 0.16% at 26,611.11.

On the BSE, 33,000 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 13,020 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 1,220.95 and a low of Rs 1,188 so far during the day. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 1,544 on 2 March 2016. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 1,147 on 21 November 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 30 November 2016, sliding 10.63% compared with the Sensex's 4.57% fall. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, declining 10.92% as against the Sensex's 5.96% fall.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 69.56 crore. Face value per share is Rs 5.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise's wholly owned subsidiary Apollo Health and Lifestyle (AHLL) announced receiving investments of Rs 450 crore from International Finance Corporation (IFC) and IFC Asset Management Company. This investment will fuel AHLL's expansion plans and fulfill its vision of bringing healthcare of international standards within the reach of 20 million patients each year by 2020.

Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise said, through this investment, the management endeavours to continue Apollo Group's legacy of setting industry benchmarks & contributing to elevate the standard of healthcare to the next level. Given the immense potential and the need for quality healthcare delivery at affordable prices, AHLL will continue to expand through both organic and in-organic means and is committed to enhancing the patient experience and medical care offered by the current network, Reddy said.

Commenting on the investment by IFC, Neeraj Garg, CEO - Apollo Health and Lifestyle said, AHLL operates across 7 verticals and it has multiplied its network and revenues over the past 3 years. In the next five years, the company is looking at growing its revenues significantly and expanding its network, particularly of Apollo Clinics, Apollo Diagnostics and Apollo Cradle. This investment is probably the largest ever private equity growth capital investment in the primary healthcare segment in India, Garg added.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise's net profit rose 2.7% to Rs 91.99 crore on 15.9% growth in net sales to Rs 1634.10 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015.

Apollo Hospitals is one of Asia's largest healthcare groups.

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The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved Central Assistance of Rs. 2000 crore for 36,384 displaced families from Pakistan occupied areas of Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) and Chhamb following an announcement of Prime Minister's Development Package for Jammu & Kashmir-2015 in November, 2015

As per the package, Rs. 5.5 lakh cash benefit per family will be disbursed to the displaced families to enable them to earn an income and subsist their livelihood. The amount will be released to the State Government of J&K to be disbursed to eligible families through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

In the aftermath of partition of the country in 1947, thousands of families from Pakistan occupied areas of Jammu & Kashmir migrated to the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

Subsequently, during Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971, a large number of families were displaced from Chhamb Niabat area of Jammu & Kashmir. Series of relief and rehabilitation packages have been extended by the Government of India/State Government of J&K from time to time to mitigate the hardship of displaced persons from PoJK and Chhamb and to rehabilitate them.

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The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the negotiating position adopted by the Government of India at the recent Meeting of Parties (MoP) to the Montreal Protocol of the Vienna Convention for Protection of Ozone Layer that took place during 6-14 October, 2016, in Kigali, Rwanda.

The negotiations at Kigali were aimed at including Hydrofluoro Carbons (HFCs) in the list of chemicals under the Montreal Protocol with a view to regulate their production and consumption and phase them down over a period of time with financial assistance from the Multilateral Fund created under the Montreal Protocol. HFCs are not ozone depleting but global warming substance and if controlled, can contribute substantially to limiting the global temperature and advance actions for addressing climate change.

The Cabinet also approved the proposal of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to argue for adoption of an appropriate baseline years from out of 3 options within a range of 2024 to 2030 with freeze in a subsequent year. The Cabinet approved the flexibility of using any of the options within this range with a combination of the features of the proposed options in consultation with the Government. During negotiations held at Kigali India successfully negotiated the baseline years and freeze years which will allow sufficient room for the growth of the concerned sectors using refrigerants being manufactured domestically thus ensuring unhindered growth with least additional cost and maximum climate benefits.

It was agreed at Kigali that there would be two set of baselines or peak years for developing countries and India will have baseline years of 2024, 2025, 2026.

This decision gives additional HCFC allowance of 65% that will be added to the Indian baseline consumption and production. The freeze year for India will be 2028, with a condition that there will be a technology review in 2024/2025 and, if the growth in the sectors using refrigerants is above certain agreed threshold, India can defer its freeze up to 2030. On the other hand, developed countries will reduce production and consumption of HFCs by 70% in 2029. As per the decisions taken in Kigali, India will complete its phase down in 4 steps from 2032 onwards with cumulative reduction of 10% in 2032, 20% in 2037, 30% in 2042 and 85% in 2047.

The Kigali amendments to the Montreal Protocol will also, for the first time, incentivise improvement in energy efficiency in case of use of new refrigerant and technology. Funding for R&D and servicing sector in developing countries has also been included in the agreed solutions on finance.

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In the third quarter of 2016, worldwide server revenue declined 5.8 percent year over year, and shipments declined 2.6 percent from the third quarter of 2015, according to Gartner, Inc. Among the top five vendors, only Cisco increased revenue in the third quarter, while Huawei and Inspur Electronics saw growth in shipments. HPE, Dell and Lenovo all experienced declines in both server revenue and shipments.

"The server market was impacted during the third quarter of 2016 by generally conservative spending plans globally. This was compounded by the ability of end users to leverage additional virtual machines on existing x86 servers (without new hardware) to meet their server application needs," said Jeffrey Hewitt, research vice president at Gartner. "Server providers will need to reinvigorate and improve their value propositions to help end users justify server hardware replacements and growth, if they hope to drive the market back into a positive state."

All regions showed a decline in shipments except Eastern Europe, which posted growth of 0.9 percent. In terms of revenue, all regions except for Japan experienced a decline. Japan grew by 1.3 percent.

x86 servers declined 2.3 percent in shipments and 1.6 percent in revenue in the third quarter of 2016. All vendors in the top five except for Cisco experienced a decline in revenue.

In x86 server shipments, only Huawei and Inspur Electronics experienced growth.

Despite a decline of 11.8 percent, HPE continued to lead in the worldwide server market, based on revenue, with 25.5 percent market share. Dell declined 7.9 percent, but maintained the second spot in the market with 17.5 percent market share. Lenovo secured the third spot with 7.8 percent of the market. IBM dropped to the fifth position and experienced the largest decline among the top five vendors.

Table 1Worldwide: Server Vendor Revenue Estimates, 3Q16 (U. S. Dollars)

HPE 3,247,087,045 25.5 3,682,417,477 27.3 -11.8Dell 2,227,185,685 17.5 2,419,231,403 17.9 -7.9Lenovo 994,447,261 7.8 1,065,664,119 7.9 -6.7Cisco 929,440,000 7.3 885,600,000 6.6 5.0IBM 889,723,595 7.0 1,327,761,197 9.8 -33.0Others 4,426,866,909 34.8 4,120,053,348 30.5 7.4

Note: Beginning in the second quarter of 2016, HPE's server sales in China are reflected in H3C.

Source: Gartner (November 2016)

HPE secured the No 1 position in server shipments in the third quarter of 2016, with 18.3 percent of the market. Despite a decline of 9.8 percent, Dell secured the second spot with 16.8 percent market share. Huawei and Inspur were the only vendors in the top five to increase server shipments in the third quarter of 2016.

Table 2Worldwide: Server Vendor Shipment Estimates, 3Q16 (Units)

HPE 493,268 18.3 613,101 22.2 -19.5Dell 452,383 16.8 501,262 18.1 -9.8Lenovo 228,097 8.5 242,005 8.8 -5.7Huawei 163,355 6.1 134,163 4.9 21.8Inspur Electronics 119,943 4.5 99,417 3.6 20.6Others 1,234,567 45.9 1,172,725 42.4 5.3

Note: Beginning in the second quarter of 2016, HPE's server sales in China are reflected in H3C.

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Lupin to market and sell Lilly's rapid action insulin analog Lispro Eglucent

Lupin and Eli Lilly and Company (India) announced an expansion of their partnership in India with the launch of Eglucent, a new brand of Lilly's rapid action insulin analog Lispro.

According to the agreement, Lupin will market and sell Eglucent through its own specialty field force while Lilly will be responsible for manufacturing and import.

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Lupin rose 1.28% to Rs 1,522.50 at 12:43 IST on BSE after the company and Eli Lilly and Company (India) announced an expansion of their partnership in India with the launch of Eglucent.

The announcement was made during market hours today, 1 December 2016.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 22.51 points or 0.08% at 26,675.32.

On the BSE, 51,000 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 99,940 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 1,537 and a low of Rs 1,500 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 1,911.55 on 9 February 2016. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 1,294.05 on 29 March 2016. The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 30 November 2016, sliding 0.97% compared with the Sensex's 4.57% fall. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one quarter, declining 0.42% as against the Sensex's 5.96% fall.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 90.27 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2.

Eglucent is a new brand of Eli Lilly and Company (India)'s (Lilly) rapid-acting insulin analog Lispro. It is indicated for the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus. According to the agreement, Lupin will market and sell Eglucent through its own specialty field force while Lilly will be responsible for manufacuring and import. Lilly will continue to sell Lispro under the brand name Humalog through its existing channels.

Lupin had earlier collaborated with Lilly (July 2011) to promote and distribute Lilly's Huminsulin range of products in India and Nepal.

Lupin's consolidated net profit jumped 57.8% to Rs 662.19 crore on 31.9% rise in net sales to Rs 4211.18 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015.

Lupin is an innovation led transnational pharmaceutical company developing and delivering a wide range of branded & generic formulations, biotechnology products and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) globally. The company is a significant player in the cardiovascular, diabetology, asthma, pediatric, central nervous system (CNS), GI, Anti-Infective and NSAID space and holds global leadership position in the Anti-TB segment.

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Held on 01 December 2016

AAR Commercial Company announced that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 01 December 2016 transacted the following -

Appointment of Arvind Kumar Modi as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of the Company with effect from 01 December 2016.

Approved shifting of registered office to 1, British India Street (Old Complex), Mezzanine Floor, Room No. 20, Kolkata - 700 069 with effect from 01 December 2016.

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Stocks of public sector oil marketing companies (PSU OMCs) will be in focus after announcing a revision in petrol and diesel prices with effect from midnight of 30 November/1 December 2016. Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) yesterday, 30 November 2016, announced an increase in the price of petrol by Rs 0.13 per litre (excluding state levies) and a decrease in the price of diesel by Rs 0.12 a litre (excluding state levies). The movement of prices in the international oil market and rupee-dollar exchange rate shall continue to be monitored closely and developing trends of the market will be reflected in future price changes, IOCL said.

Shares of auto companies will be in focus as companies start unveiling monthly sales volume data for November 2016 from today, 1 December 2016.

Wipro announced that it has signed an agreement for divestment of its EcoEnergy division viz. Wipro EcoEnergy on slump sale basis, for a consideration of $70 million. The buyer is Chubb Alba Control Systems (Chubb Alba), an indirect subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (UTC). The sale is expected to be closed in early 2017, subject to requisite approvals. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 November 2016.

RBL Bank announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), vide its letter dated 30 November 2016, has granted in-principle approval for opening of 'international financial services centre banking unit' at Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT), Gujarat. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 November 2016.

Reliance Communications (RCom) announced that Moody's Investors Service, Inc (Moody) has affirmed B2 corporate family rating and senior secured bond rating given to the company's subsidiary Global Cloud Xchange (GCX). Moody has affirmed the rating to GCX on the heels of announcing the deployment of its Cumulous Network, a major step forward in provisioning next generation connectivity services to support digital transformation and economic growth across India and the emerging markets. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 November 2016.

Sagar Cements announced that a meeting of the securities allotment committee of the board will be held on 5 December 2016, to consider the allotment of 6.11 lakh shares on a preferential basis to the persons forming part of promoter as well as non-promoter group, as earlier approved by the company's shareholders. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 November 2016.

Ratnamani Metals & Tubes' net profit fell 13.8% to Rs 28.53 crore on 23.83% decline in net total income from operations to Rs 336.03 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 November 2016.

Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services announced that BNP Paribas S A, notified the company that they acquired control of Sharekhan on 23 November 2016. Consequent to the acquisition, Franciska Decuypere and Jean Philippe Huguet nominees of BNP Paribas S A, resigned from the board of directors of the company effective close of business hours of 25 November 2016 and 23 November 2016 respectively. The resignation is in accordance to the terms of restated shareholders agreement entered between the company, BNP Paribas S A, its affiliate and the initial promoters of the company dated 22 January 2016. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 November 2016.

Hinduja Ventures announced that the committee of directors approved disinvestment of 1.75 crore equity held by the company in Hinduja Energy (India) as per independent valuation of Rs 31.58 per share to third party. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 November 2016.

The board of directors had approved disinvestment of 1 lakh equity shares held in Induslnd Media and Communications (IMCL) (0.13% of the paid up equity capital of IMCL), unlisted material subsidiary of the company for total consideration amounting to Rs 4.66 crore at a price of Rs 466 per share to a third party, based on IMCL equity valuation of Rs 3444.06 crore as per independent valuation by third party. The holding of the company in IMCL after disinvestment will reduce to 4.46 crore equity shares or 60.43% of the paid up equity share capital of IMCL.

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Major Kunal M. Gosavi, who was killed in Tuesday's brutal terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir, was cremated with full military honours at his native village Wakhri here on Thursday.

Major Gosavi, 32, of Pandharpur in Solapur and Lance-Naik Sambhaji Y. Kadam, 35, of Jana village in Nanded, were among seven Indian soldiers killed in the terror strike that morning.

Major Gosavi is survived by his wife, parents and four-year-old daughter Umang, who lit his funeral pyre.

Over 50,000 people from Pandharpur and neighbouring towns turned up for the funeral along with army officers and jawans, representatives of the state government, legislators, district police officers and local social groups.

Cries hailing the martyrdom as 'Major Kunal Gosavi Amar Rahe' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' rent the air as the funeral cortege was brought to an open public ground in the village on Thursday afternoon.

Maj Gosavi had come home for a month's vacation and left to join duty last Saturday. He was seen off at Pune by his mother Vrunda Gosavi who later stayed back with her elder son.

Early on Tuesday morning Major Gosavi was sleeping at his home in Jammu when the terrorists struck.

Born in Wakhri village near the the world famous temple town of Pandharpur in March 1983, Gosavi was educated here. He graduated from the Brihan Maharashtra Commerce College (BMCC).

--IANS

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The Chinese army has increased patrols along its southern border with Myanmar, where the conflict between the government and ethnic minorities has worsened causing an influx of refugees, the Chinese Defence Ministry said.

Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun said on Wednesday that the People's Liberation Army has made preparations at the border to deal with possible emergencies and safeguard the country's sovereignty and safety of Chinese people, Efe news agency reported.

According to reports, the Chinese army is also cooperating with the local government to properly resettle more than 3,000 persons who have fled the conflict in Myanmar and crossed into China.

Since November 20, the conflict between the Burmese army and the militia of three ethnic minorities in northern Myanmar has escalated, causing at least one missile to fall on Chinese soil.

In a separate incident, a stray bullet in Chinese territory injured a citizen.

Yang said on Wednesday that such incidents are cause for concern in China and he strongly urged the relevant parties to take effective measures to control military operations in the border region.

In March 2015, shelling from Myanmar during clashes between the army and the Kokkang minority caused the deaths of five peasants in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan, provoking Beijing to declare an emergency in the region and conduct military drills.

--IANS

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The Colombian Congress has endorsed last month's peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) by an absolute majority.

The deal that was signed on November 24 was endorsed by the House of Representatives of Colombia on Wednesday evening. It was earlier approved by the Senate, Efe news reported.

With 130 votes in favour, the house plenary endorsed the second peace accord reached by the parties to end 52 years of armed conflict, removing the last hurdle to proceed with its implementation.

"Gratitude to Congress for historic support of the hope for peace of the Colombians," Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos tweeted.

--IANS

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After Nalanda University Chancellor George Yeo resigned last week citing unhappiness over a new governing board being formed without his knowledge, the government on Thursday clarified that the new board has been formed in accordance with the provisions of the Nalanda University Act.

"As you know, a proposal for revival of the Nalanda University was initiated by the government in 2007 and the Nalanda Mentor Group (NMG) was formed for taking forward the proposal," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekly media briefing here.

"Subsequently, the Nalanda University Act 2010 was passed by the Parliament and came into force in November of that year," he said.

"Initially, the NMG, formed in 2007 was meant to discharge the functions of the governing board, pending formation of a proper governing board according to the provisions of the Act. As the Mentor Group had been functioning for nine years and the Act provided for three-year tenure for members, it was decided to constitute the board in accordance with the Nalanda Act. The last time the Mentor Group's tenure was extended was on November 25, 2013, making it three years since then."

Swarup said that on November 21 this year, President Pranab Mukherjee, in his capacity as the Visitor of the Nalanda University, approved the constitution of the governing board of the university in accordance with Section 7 of the Nalanda University Act, 2010.

"Let me emphasise that this the first time since the Act was passed that a governing board has been properly constituted as per its provisions," he stated.

Yeo had said in a statement following his resignation that the order dissolving the governing board and creating a new one came as a complete surprise to him and to most others.

He said he was neither involved nor consulted before the decision was taken.

A former Foreign Minister of Singapore, Yeo replaced Nobel laureate Amartya Sen as the Chancellor of the University last year.

"When I was appointed Chancellor in July 2015, I was told that a new governing board would be formed under an amended Act, core aspects of which the Ministry of External Affairs sought my views on," he said.

"The amended Act would have removed a major flaw in the current Act which in essence offers governing board seats to East Asian Summit countries making the highest financial contributions in the last three years.

"This provision, which was never recommended by the NMG, would not have been a good way to constitute the governing board and was the reason the (Indian) government requested the NMG to continue functioning as the governing board for a number of years until the Act could be amended."

Yeo said it was a sudden decision that was disturbing and harmful to the Nalanda University's development.

"When I was invited to take over the responsibility from Amartya Sen last year, I was repeatedly assured that the university would have autonomy. This appears not to be the case now.

"Accordingly, and with deep sadness, I have submitted my letter of resignation as Chancellor to the Visitor," President Pranab Mukherjee, he said.

Swarup said on Thursday that President Mukherjee has also approved that upon completion of the extended term of the current Vice Chancellor, which expires on November 24, 2016, and in the absence of a new Vice Chancellor being appointed on or before November 25, 2016, the senior-most Dean may be temporarily appointed to discharge the duties of the Vice Chancellor until a new Vice Chancellor is appointed.

"We have a great respect for George Yeo, and for his contributions to Nalanda University," the spokesperson said.

"However, these decisions were taken so that for the first time, the university would be in full compliance with the legal regime under which it was created."

Asked about Yeo's complaint that the university has not been given the autonomy as it was promised, Swarup said: "What the President has done is to bring the functioning of the Nalanda University in compliance with the Nalanda University Act of 2010. This is the very first time that a governing board has been constituted as provided for in the Act."

Located in the Buddhist pilgrim town of Rajgir in Nalanda district, the university began its first academic session in September 2014 on a makeshift campus.

--IANS

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In order to encourage digital payment systems across the country post demonetisation, the central government on Thursday said it will adopt best available practices in this regard.

"As of now, the government is encouraging Unified Payments Interface (UPI), e-wallet, use of debit and prepaid cards and Adhaar enabled payment system among others to promote digital payment systems," Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog, said at a press conference here.

A nationwide campaign has already been launched to spread awareness in this regard, he said.

"Efforts are on to educate and encourage general people to use digital payment systems without any problems," he added.

"A committee of Chief Ministers has also been formed to implement digital payment systems and to promote transparency, financial inclusion and ensure a healthy financial ecosystem," he said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is heading it and the committee will have its first meeting later today (Thursday), he said.

The NITI Aayog, which has been entrusted with the task to create awareness about these systems all across the nation, has already discussed everything related to the scheme with all district collectors, officials in various ministries and others.

"Every segment of the population has been covered, and the campaign to educate masses will go on till everybody knows how to use these digital payment systems," he said.

Kant said the government is also switching over to the modern means of money transactions and payment systems to make the system more transparent.

--IANS

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Actor Roger Moore says that the late actor Herve Villechaize, who essayed the role of Nick Nack in "James Bond", was a sex maniac in real-life.

Villechaize, who played the henchman in 1974 film "The Man with the Golden Gun", had a passion for women more voracious then 007 himself according to Moore says femalefirst.co.uk.

Speaking at London's South Bank Centre, Moore, who played Bond in seven films between 1973 and 1985, recalled: "He was a very small man and he used to touch me and I used to say, 'Don't touch me you are diseased.' I wasn't being cruel about his size, it was just that he was a sex maniac. He has a lust for ladies, unnatural!"

Moore explained that while they were filming in the Far East, Villechaize admitted he had slept with at least 35 women during that location shoot.

"When we were in Hong Kong he would find girls in girly clubs and go with a flashlight, 'You, you, not you.' He told me 35. I told him that did not count as he paid for them, but he said, 'Sometimes when I pay they refuse'," Moore added.

--IANS

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An India-financed $398 million railway project will push trade in eastern and northern Ghana and also open up landlocked countries in West Africa.

Another $24.54 million project will enable the production of 102,000 tonnes of sugarcane to feed the Kommenda Sugar Factory in the central region, which is also Indian-financed.

An Indian company, Afcons Infrastructure Limited, is to construct an 84.8 kilometre standard gauge railway line from Tema Port near Accra -- financed by the Exim Bank of India -- to link up with the Volta Lake at Akosombo in the eastern region, its assistant general manager, Amit Shah, told IANS.

There will be four stations along the route, apart from terminals at Tema and Akosombo, complete with operational facilities and loading equipment.

Shah said the project is to begin in January 2017.

The agreement for the financing of the project was signed in Accra between Eximbank's Pushpesh Tyagi and Ghanaian Deputy Finister Minister Mona Quartey.

When completed, the rail service is expected to push trade in the country's eastern corridor and help transport containers and cargo from Tema port to northern Ghana as well as landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in the West African region.

The other project will help in the cultivation of sugarcane over 1,700 acres of land.

Quartey said the two agreements marked another milestone in the process that would lead to a significant improvement in the transport sector, especially the link from Tema port to the Lake Transport Network, as well as provide enough raw material for the sugar factory at Komenda.

Quartey said the rail project would link the Tema port to the Volta Lake Transport Network, especially the north-south movement over some 400 kilometres and open up the lake to the transportation of not only fuel and cement but also containerised cargo and agricultural produce from the Savanah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) enclave in the northern belt and Afram Plains in the eastern region to Tema and other destinations.

"The railway link will provide a cheaper, reliable and alternative means for passengers who are not served by the road transport system in the corridor. The construction, operation and maintenance of the railway infrastructure will provide direct and indirect employment to a number of Ghanaians," Quartey added.

(Francis Kokutse can be contacted at fkokutse@gmail.com <mailto:fkokutse@gmail.com>)

--IANS

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Using data from four different telescopes, a team of astronomers led by an Indian-origin researcher has reported that an asteroid discovered last year is the tiniest known asteroid.

At two meters (six feet) in diameter, the asteroid, named 2015 TC25, is also one of the brightest near-Earth asteroids ever discovered, the researchers said.

"If we can discover and characterise asteroids and meteoroids this small, then we can understand the population of objects from which they originate: large asteroids, which have a much smaller likelihood of impacting Earth," said Vishnu Reddy, Assistant Professor at University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in the US .

"In the case of 2015 TC25, the likelihood of impacting Earth is fairly small," Reddy, an alumnus of Madurai Kamraj University in Tamil Nadu, said.

Small near-Earth asteroids such as 2015 TC25 are in the same size range as meteorites that fall on Earth. Astronomers discover them frequently, but not very much is known about them as they are difficult to characterise.

By studying such objects in more detail, astronomers hope to better understand the parent bodies from which these meteorites originate.

Discovered by the University of Arizona's Catalina Sky Survey last October, 2015 TC25 was studied extensively by Earth-based telescopes during a close flyby that saw the micro world sailing past Earth at 128,000 kilometres, a mere third of the distance to the moon.

In a paper published in The Astronomical Journal, Reddy noted that new observations from the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility and Arecibo Planetary Radar showed that the surface of the asteroid is similar to a rare type of highly reflective meteorite called an aubrite.

Aubrites consist of very bright minerals, mostly silicates, that formed in an oxygen-free, basaltic environment at very high temperatures. Only one out of every 1,000 meteorites that fall on Earth belong to this class.

"This is the first time we have optical, infrared and radar data on such a small asteroid, which is essentially a meteoroid," Reddy said.

"You can think of it as a meteorite floating in space that hasn't hit the atmosphere and made it to the ground - yet," Reddy noted.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Chief Minister on Thursday urged the people of Uttar Pradesh to vote for the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections to avenge the demonetisation misery.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader also told a public rally here that the spiking of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes is the "biggest scandal in independent India" and was actually meant to help the super rich.

Towards the end of his 35-minute speech, Kejriwal said Narendra Modi would have never become the Prime Minister but for the massive support, he got in the Lok Sabha polls of 2014 from Uttar Pradesh.

The BJP won 71 of the state's 80 Lok Sabha seats while an ally took another two.

"It is now your responsibility" to ensure the Bharatiya Janata Party's defeat in the assembly elections due early next year, Kejriwal said.

"People must avenge every minute they have spent standing in serpentine queues at banks and ATMs" following the November 8 demonetisation and the cash crunch they are battling, he said.

The AAP leader alleged that papers seized by the Income Tax department following raids on two corporate houses in 2013 and 2014 showed that huge bribes were paid to Modi when he was the Gujarat Chief Minister.

He urged Modi to have the allegations investigated to clear his name.

Kejriwal said the reason the demonetisation took place was to force people to deposit in banks all the 500 and 1,000 rupee notes so that the government could waive off Rs 8 lakh crore worth of loans of corporates.

"We have been cheated, people have been cheated," he said.
In a dramatic turn of events, West Bengal Chief Minister vowed to stay put at the secretariat despite the withdrawal of soldiers from a toll gate close to it early Friday.

Accusing the central government of "deploying the army" along a highway toll plaza, which is at the second Hooghly Bridge and about 500 m from the secretariat, Banerjee had previously said that the state government was kept "in the dark".

"I won't leave unless the army is withdrawn from near the secretariat. I'll keep vigil to protect democracy, to protect my democratically elected government," Banerjee told a hurriedly convened late night media meet on Thursday at the secretariat Nabanna in neighbouring Howrah district.

A little after midnight, the Eastern Command said the army has been asked to withdraw from the toll plaza near Nabanna as it had already collected the data it required.

Past 2 a.m., Banerjee -- holding her third round of media conference since the evening -- reiterated she would spend the night at Nabanna, fearing the Army may be back.

"The army has withdrawn from the second Hooghly Bridge after 2 am. They will definitely come back. After Nabanna, they have entered various districts. The army has been deployed in 80 per cent of the areas," she said.

"I'll remain awake all night to keep vigil. I will spend the night at Nabanna," she said.

The riveting drama unfolded on Thursday evening, when Banerjee alleged the army has been deployed at the Dankuni and Palsit toll plazas on Highway 2 (connecting Delhi and Kolkata) without informing the state government.

She said the Chief Secretary was writing to the central government and she would approach President Pranab Mukherjee seeking clarification on the issue.

"This is unacceptable. Federal structure has been disrupted and democracy twisted. Has Emergency been declared?" she asserted.

The Defence Ministry said the army was conducting routine exercise with full knowledge of and co-ordination with West Bengal police.

"The army conducts the annual exercise throughout the country with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency," said a Defence ministry spokesman.

Around 10 p.m., Banerjee held the second round of media conference, rubbishing the spokesman's clarification and declaring she would camp at the secretariat.

"The Highway Authority of India has all this data. They have records of the number of cars plying in each state, and through each highway."

She also tweeted: "Absolutely wrong and misleading facts byA@easterncomdAWe have great respect for you, but please please don't mislead the people."

Banerjee, also supremo of the ruling Trinamool Congress, said she has collected information from Maharashtra, Kerala, Odisha and Chhattisgarh and nowhere such a thing was been done.

"Why is it been done in Bengal? Is it because I am speaking for the people?" she asked, claiming the army has been positioned in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, North 24Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, Murshidabad and Burdwan districts.

Banerjee said: "The secretariat "Nabanna" is a sensitive zone. The toll plaza on the second Hooghly Bridge is within the sensitive zone. It is under our secretariat."

Demanding to know whether a military coup has taken place, she said "the motive is political, vindictive, unconstitutional, unethical and undemocratic".

Besides the Chief Minister, a number of ministers and the Home Secretary, State Director General of Police, the Kolkata Police Commissioner were all camping at the secretariat.

Banerjee said despite the city police commissioner informing the army about the state government's objection to their presence, the army men had refused to budge.

Banerjee alleged that the army was taking money from the people at the toll plazas, and called it "loot".

"Even if the Army carried out a mock exercise, the state government should have been kept in the loop. If this is happening in a civil area in Bengal, this could happen in Bihar, next in Uttar Pradesh, then in Tamil Nadu and other states as well. It is a very serious situation and it is dangerous than Emergency. We are facing an extremely black day," she said.

"I'll urge all state governments to look into the matter. A team of Opposition... all political leaders... will meet the president (soon)," she added.

Soon after Banerjee's allegations, the spokesman said the routine exercise was being carried out in all states of the eastern region.

"Permission for carrying out this exercise in West Bengal was initially sought for November 28. On specific request of the police the date had been shifted to December 1. No permission has been withdrawn so far," the spokesman added.

"Routine exercise in all NE states. In Assam @ 18 places, Arunanchal@13, WB@19, Manipur@6, Nagaland@5, Meghalaya@5, Tripura & Mizoram," the Eastern Command tweeted.

But the Kolkata police said they had given their objection in writing.

"Army exercise at Toll Plaza was objected to in writing by Kolkata Police, citing security reasons & traffic inconvenience," the Kolkata police claimed on its twitter handle.
In a sensational turn of events, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the Central government of "deploying the army" along highway toll plazas while keeping the state government "in the dark" and vowed to stay put at the secretariat till the soldiers are withdrawn from a toll gate close to it.

"I won't leave unless the army is withdrawn from near the secretariat. I'll be there as a guard to protect democracy, to protect my democratically elected government," Banerjee told a hurriedly convened late night media meet at the secretariat Nabanna in Howrah district.

The said toll plaza at the foot of the Vidyasagar Setu, also called the second Hooghly Bridge, is about 500 m from the secretariat.

In high drama that unfolded late Thursday , the Defence Ministry denied the charge and said the army was conducting a routine exercise with full co-ordination with the West Bengal police.

"The army conducts the annual exercise throughout the county with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency," said a Defence ministry spokesman.

Rubbishing the spokesman's clarification, Banerjee said it was a lie. "The National Highway Authority of India has all this data. They have records of the number of cars plying in each state, and through each highway."

She also tweeted: "Absolutely wrong and misleading facts by @easterncomd. We have great respect for you, but please please don't mislead the people."

A little after midnight, the Eastern Command said the army has been asked to withdraw from the toll plaza near Nabanna.

"As far as the toll plaza at Nabanna is concerned, it may be understood that the requisite data had been gathered and therefore the army has been asked to withdraw from that specific point. They would be deployed elsewhere tomorrow," the Command said.

Banerjee, also supremo of the ruling Trinamool Congress, said she has collected information from Maharashta, Kerala, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

"This is not being done anywhere. Why is it been done in Bengal? Is it because I am speaking for the people," she asked.

"They can ask the army to shoot me, I may live or die. But I will fight to give protection to my democratic government," she said, claiming the army has been positioned in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, North 24Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, Murshidabad and Burdwan districts.

Banerjee said: "The secretariat "Nabanna" is a sensitive zone. The toll plaza on the second Hooghly Bridge is within the sensitive zone. It is under our secretariat."

Demanding to know whether a military coup has taken place, she said "the motive is political, vindictive, unconstitutional, unethical and undemocratic".

"I don't know what they may do at night. So for the people's sake I will stay put here at night," she said.

Besides the chief minister, a number of ministers and the Home Secretary, State Director General of Police, the Kolkata Police Commissioner were all present at the secretariat past midnight.

Banerjee said despite the city police commissioner informing the army about the state government's objection to their presence, the army men refused to budge.

Banerjee alleged that the army was taking money from the people at the toll plazas, and called it "loot".

Earlier, in the evening Banerjee said the Chief Secretary was writing to the central government and she would approach President Pranab Mukherjee to seek clarification over the alleged deployment of the army at the Dankuni and Palsit toll plazas on National Highway 2 (connecting Delhi and Kolkata).

"Army has been deployed in the state without informing the state government. This is unacceptable. Federal structure has been disrupted and democracy twisted. Has Emergency been declared?" she asserted.

"Even if the Army carried out a mock exercise, the state government should have been kept in the loop. If this is happening in a civil area in Bengal, this could happen in Bihar, next in Uttar Pradesh, then in Tamil Nadu and other states as well. It is a very serious situation and it is dangerous than Emergency. We are facing an extremely black day," she said.

"I'll urge all state governments to look into the matter. A team of Opposition... all political leaders... will meet the president (soon)," she added.

Soon after Banerjee's allegations, the spokesman said there was "nothing alarming about this" and the exercise is carried out as per government orders.

"The army is carrying out it's routine exercise in all states of the eastern region including West Bengal. Permission for carrying out this exercise in West Bengal was initially sought for November 28 on specific request of the police the date had been shifted to December 1. No permission has been withdrawn so far," the spokesman added.

"Routine exercise in all NE states. In Assam @ 18 places, Arunanchal@13, WB@19, Manipur@6, Nagaland@5, Meghalaya@5, Tripura & Mizoram," the Eastern Command tweeted.

But the Kolkata police said they had given their objection in writing.

"Army exercise at Toll Plaza was objected to in writing by Kolkata Police, citing security reasons & traffic inconvenience," the Kolkata police claimed on its twitter handle.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Over 500 Muslim women from across India on Thursday passed a resolution to demand comprehensive reforms in the Muslim Personal Law through codification, including triple talaq, an NGO's leaders said.

"We renewed the call for the abolition of oral 'triple talaq' (divorce given by saying talaq word three times) and 'nikah halala' (governing remarriage of divorced couple). There is no mention of triple talaq in the Holy Quran, but it is prevalent in our society. We demand an immediate end to this practice," said Noorjehan S. Niaz and Zakia Soman, co-founders of Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA).

The women had converged for a three-day conference here as part of BMMA's 10th anniversary celebrations.

Besides, they said, women from the community want Parliament to enact a Muslim Family Act wherein the minimum marriage age is fixed at 18 for women and 21 for men, and triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy are illegalised.

The Muslim women also said custody and guardianship of children must be given to both parents, the minimum 'mehr' should be equivalent to the groom's annual income and woman's share in property stipulated under the law.

The resolution adopted on the occasion also demanded that all marriages in the community be compulsorily registered and 'qazis' (clerics) be brought under the ambit of the law, Niaz and Soman added.

"We demand our Quranic and Constitutional rights and our petition against triple talaq and 'nikaah halala' is pending in the Supreme Court. We want our elected representatives to live up to their obligations and support Muslim women's quest for gender justice and equality," said Niaz.

At a public hearing held on the occasion, eight women from different states detailed the pain and sufferings they underwent owing to 'triple talaq' and demanded its abolition, said Soman.

"Muslim women are denied their rights despite Quranic provisions; but now we will not tolerate injustice. We will not accept the diktats of patriarchal bodies which stand thoroughly exposed," Soman said.

--IANS

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June 19, 2019, Wednesday

All private universities in Uttar Pradesh will now have to give an undertaking to the government, saying that their campuses will ...
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed on Wednesday to reduce their production of crude oil to 32.5 million barrels per day, which lead to a surge in oil pricing, media reports said.

The reduction is effective from January 1, 2017, and is the cartel's first oil reduction since 2008. The reduction is being coordinated with the non-OPEC country Russia, who promised to cut its production by 300,000 barrels per day, Xinhua news agency reported.

Saudi Arabian energy minister Khalid al-Fali announced the deal at the end of a ministerial conference in Vienna.

He said he was very happy as this was the sort of deal they were looking for, which would bring stability to the market.

According to him, all OPEC countries would participate except three: Indonesia, Liberia and Nigeria.

Qatar's energy minister Mohammed Al-Sada, president of OPEC, said the agreement was reached unanimously except for Indonesia, who has now suspended its membership of the cartel.

According to data offered by OPEC, the largest oil producer, Saudi Arabia took the biggest part of the reduction, 486,000 barrels per day.

OPEC crude output rose to a record 33.83 million bpd in October, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), output from the group's 14 members has climbed for five months running.

The market was boosted by the release of OPEC deal details.

The West Texas Intermediate for January Delivery increased $4.21 to settle at $49.44 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for January delivery added $4.09 to close at $50.47 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wished people of Nagaland on their Statehood Day.

"Statehood Day wishes to people of Nagaland, a state known for scenic beauty and talented citizens who will take it to new heights of progress," said an official release citing Modi.

Nagaland attained statehood with the enactment of the state of Nagaland Act in 1962 by Parliament. The interim body was dissolved on November 30, 1963 and the state of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on December 1, 1963. Kohima was declared as the state capital.

--IANS

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Two persons died and several others were injured in a blast in an explosives factory near Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli, said police.

The blast occurred at Vetrivel Explosives factory near Tiruchirappalli, around 350 km from here.

"The ground and first floor had collapsed and the debris have to be removed," G. Sathhyanarayanan, Deputy Director (In-Charge) of Fire and Rescue Services (Central Region), Tamil Nadu told IANS.

He said the total number of casualties is not yet known as it will be difficult to ascertain in a blast like this.

According to a factory official, around 15 persons were working inside at the time of the accident.

He said precautions are being taken to prevent secondary blast happening at other units within the complex.

--IANS

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Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh on Thursday welcomed the countries outside the South China Sea (SCS) littoral to contribute to the peace and stability of the region.

He was speaking in a discussion organised by India International Centre and Working Group on 'Alternative Strategies on South China Sea: Strategic Discourse, International Law and the Economic Subtext'

Highlighting non-compliance of China on the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling, Thanh said: "The ruling is the clear and final about the illegality of the Chinese Nine Dash line which is based on their historic argument but cover over 90 per cent of South China Sea and infringes on the EEZ (exclusive economic zone) of almost all of the coastal countries in the South China Sea."

Accusing China of changing the status quo and militarisation of the region, he said: "Chinese activities remains a threat to peace and security in the region."

"The position of Vietnam on this is clear and consistent. We have sufficient legal position and historical evidence that confirms that sovereignty of our country over these two groups of islands," he said over the Spratly and Paracel groups.

China is locked in disputes over the groups of islands with other countries of the region.

While the other claimants over the Spratly islands are Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, the Paracel islands are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.

The most heavily contested are the Spratlys, a strategically-located group of 14 islands, islets and cays and more than 100 reefs.

The South China Sea is a resource-rich strategic waterway through which more than $5 trillion worth of world trade is shipped each year.

Vietnam's position is that parties involved should settle the dispute in SCS through peaceful means in line with international law including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), Thanh added.

Giving Japanese perspective on the issue, Minister (Political Affairs) in Japanese Embassy Hideki Asari said this is not just an issue of littoral state and Japan has a very strategic view on this issue.

Calling the SCS region the lifeline of Indo-Pacific region, he said that the economic security of India and Japan is heavily dependent on it.

Noted China expertf Srikanth Kondapalli, in his intervention in the discussion, highlighted the Chinese policy of creating a quadrilateral in the region for creating an anti-access naval structure.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
West Bengal Chief Minister on Thursday accused the Centre of creating a situation worse than Emergency by deploying army personnel at two toll plazas on a highway without informing her government.
Expressing concern over killing of soldiers along the border, Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo on Thursday said they should be given freehand.

On Tuesday, Jammu was rocked by two terror attacks in which seven army personnel, including two Major-rank officers, were killed and eight other security-men, including a DIG of the Border Security Force, were injured, before six heavily-armed terrorists were eliminated in separate fierce encounters.

"The soldiers are being killed in sleep. When will they get a free hand? They (referring to Pakistan) are giving threat of atomic bomb. If they use it, two-three cities will get destroyed. India also has many atomic bombs and when we use, their entire country will be finished," he said.

"We don't want war," the former Defence Minister said at a function to flag off the inaugural run of Lucknow Metro.

"In war, both sides are defeated and no one wins. We will take up this issue of the country in the House (Lok Sabha). SP is a humanitarian party and does not advocate war," he said at a function.

For security of borders, Uttar Pradesh plays a major role as maximum soldiers are from the state, he said.

He also mentioned Bofors guns, which played a key role in Kargil operation in 1999, and said they were good.

Mulayam said the SP government will "never tolerate" riots as it did not believe in discrimination on basis of caste, religion and language.
Nearly 90% of the 2 lakh ATMs deployed across the country have been re-calibrated to dispense the new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes, says a key maker of the machines even as millions of people continue to face acute cash shortages in the aftermath of last month.

According to the plan, all the ATMs should have been ready by Wednesday.

These machines needed to be re-calibrated after the government on November 8 announced the scrapping of old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a bid to crack down on black money, and introduced of new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes of different size and high-security features.

"A working group, formed under a RBI headed task force, was given a deadline to recalibrate all the ATMs by November 30. About 90 per cent, which is around 1.80 lakh ATMs, have been re-calibrated so far to dispense new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes," ATM manufacturer NCR Corporation's managing director, (India & South Asia) Navroze Dastur told PTI.

Following the announcement to scrap old high currency notes, a task force was set up on November 14 under the chairmanship of Reserve Bank deputy governor S S Mundra to oversee the recalibration process of all the ATMs.

Under the task force, a working group was formed which includes representatives of ATMs manufacturers like NCR, Diebold Nixdor, cash in transit companies and managed service providers, among others.

Dastur said the working group consisted of around 40-60 people and they have been recalibrating on an average 12,000 ATMs per day.

He said the rest of the ATMs would be re-calibrated over the next 10 days to dispense new notes.
Two citizens of Thailand were held today with Rs 1.2 crore notes of demonetised Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denominations at Patna Airport late this evening.

During security check by the CISF, the two Thai nationals were held carrying Rs 1.20 crore in scrapped currencies, Senior Superintendent of Police Manu Maharaj said here.

The foreigners had come to the Airport for a flight to Lucknow when during frisking of their bags, the notes were recovered.

The Airport police station has been intimated about the seizure of the currencies.

The SSP said Income Tax officials have come to Airport and were taking necessary action.

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A steep decline in yarn prices has sounded the death knell to about 2,000 of the about 10,000 power looms in Erode and surrounding areas in the last three days, with the danger of many more following suit, according to a senior official of Erode Powerloom Owners Association.

The city is noted nationwide for its power loom production and about 10,000 and odd powerlooms function in Veerappanchatram, Surampatty and some other places.

Association President Subramaniam said more than 2000 powerlooms was closed within three days as yarn price was decreasing every day. Most powerloom owners had got a good number of orders from textile merchants when yarn price was Rs 215 a kg of 40 number count. But for the past one week the price had decreased and was selling at Rs 180 a kg, he said.

He said many powerloom owners had procured huge quantity of cloth, but those who gave orders were now demanding that the price be reduced by Rs three a meter, which was impossible as production cost was high.

"Under such circumstances it has forced us to close down shutters of 2,000 powerlooms and within a week's time the remaining 8,000 looms will also be closed if the price continues to go down," he said.

N Sivanesan, Chairman, Federation of All Traders and Industries Association said cotton price was Rs 52,000 a bale (172 kg) some months back and started declining slowly. Today it is available at Rs 46,000 to Rs 48,000 a bale. New cotton crop would arrive for sale in December when it is expected to be available at Rs 40,000 a bale.

"Such a drastic fall in price will certainly affect the yarn and cloth producers", he said



He also wanted the Textile Ministry to take steps to maintain stability of cotton and yarn prices, for which they should instruct to fix a price for one month. If there was poor or high demand the price could be changed after 30 days. If this was done, textile producers would be benefited.

Powerloom producers said they have more than Rs 10 crore power loom cloth with them. They also said powerloom owners could not provide full wages to their weavers and others in the industry due to demonetisation.

Sivanesan wanted the Government to allow powerloom owners to draw sufficient funds from their bank accounts to purchase yarn and also provide wages to their workers.

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The year 2017 will be a landmark one for the India-UK bilateral relationship as a series of events are being lined up to mark the Year of Culture, according to Britain's senior-most Indian-origin minister.

Priti Patel, UK secretary of state for international development, said the UK-India Year of Culture next year will be the perfect platform to showcase the "people-to-people" ties between the two countries.

"We are living in turbulent times and it is more important now than ever that we appreciate each other's cultures. Our two countries set the perfect example for that," said Patel, addressing the annual banquet held by Bhavan Centre, the UK branch of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, in London yesterday.

"It is no surprise that the Bhavan Centre set up its largest branch outside India in the UK, 44 years ago. It does some great work in showcasing our people-to-people ties and next year will be a landmark one as we celebrate UK-India Year of Culture," she said.

A series of events are being lined up for the 2017 UK-India Year of Culture, including a major digitisation programme of Indian archival documents held at the British Library in London as well as a tour of the 'Magna Carta' and works of Shakespeare to India.

The Bhavan Centre, which describes itself as the largest institute of Indian arts and culture outside the Indian Sub-continent hosting wide range of exhibitions, performances and classes, will be among the participating institutions.

"The aim of the centre is to spread the message of art and culture, which reflects Gandhian values of peace and non-violence," said NRI hotelier Joginder Sanger, chairman of the Bhavan Centre.

This year's annual banquet also paid homage to Bhavan Centre's former patron, Judge Mota Singh, Britain's first Sikh judge who passed away last month.

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: A huge stockpile of about 265 red sanders logs has been seized from a godown in SIDCO industrial area in Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu and three persons arrested in that state, a top police official said here today.

The raid was conducted by Andhra Pradesh police after the arrest of four red sander wood cutters/smugglers at Venkatapuram close to nearby Seshachalam forests yesterday morning, Tirupati Urban Superintendent of Police R Jayalakshmi told reporters here.

"Based on their confession, a special police team was dispatched to Chennai, where three persons attached to the red sanders smuggling were arrested," the SP said.

Following the information given by the trio, the police team also raided a godown at SIDCO Industrial Area at Chambarapakkam village in Tiruvalluvar district and seized about 265 logs and a weighing machine, she said.

A hunt is on to nab some more persons, the SP added.

In August 2015, 32 men from Tamil Nadu, suspected to be red sander woodcutters were arrested in a joint operation by police and task force personnel at Venkatapuram.

Twenty woodcutters from Tamil Nadu were killed in an alleged encounter in the Seshachalam forest on the western side of Tirumala hills in April Last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Four persons were today killed and two others injured as a bus collided with two cars in Hanumangarh district here due to dense fog.

The cars were heading to Hanumangarh from Sriganganagar before they collided with a private bus near Jhandawali village, police said.

Shrawan Kaur (45), Nakshatra Singh (45), his wife Rano Kaur (40) and his mother Jeeto (65) died on the spot while the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital.

The bodies of the deceased have been shifted to the hospital for postmortem, police said.

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In separate incidents, four pickpockets were today arrested here for allegedly stealing thousands of rupees from people standing outside banks to withdraw money, police said.

In the first case, a pickpocket stole Rs 17,000 from a revenue collection clerk Sunil Kumar when he was standing in a queue outside a PNB branch in Kethoda village, they said.

In another incident, a pickpocket stole Rs 52,000 from Balender Singh who was waiting to withdraw money from an SBI branch in Budhana town, a police official said.

In other incidents, miscreants stripped Begraj and Shokin off Rs 2,500 and Rs 2,000 respectively in Budhana village in similar fashion.

Police have arrested all the four pickpockets.

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Five fishermen from Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, who went missing from November 28, were found off Sri Lankan coast and taken to Kangesantghurai by the island nation navy today.

The fishermen hailing from Vellakoil had been handed over to the Sri Lankan fisheries officials, according to the information received by Joint Director of Fisheries Department Amal Xavier.

The fishermen told the Lankan officials that they had strayed into Sri Lankan territorial waters. It was for the fisheries department to decide whether to arrest them or not, Xavier said.

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An eminent American expert on marine biodiversity has urged the Indian scientists to foster genetic studies for classifying marine species, saying most of such species were still unexplored in the Indian region. "The biodiversity in the Indian region is yet to be studied and classified, compared to the Atlantic and Pacific regions where Census of Marine Life being conducted by scientists," Dr Gustav Paulay, Curator of Florida Museum of National History, University of Florida, said.

Delivering a lecture on 'Reef Biodiversity: the Inside Story' at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here yesterday, he advised Indian scientists to lay emphasis on understanding the characteristics of undescribed marine species in the Indian Ocean by intensifying research on taxonomy by using molecular tools like DNA or meta barcoding. "Around 80 per cent of the biodiversity is not yet classified. Most of the marine species are still unexplored", he was was quoted as saying in a CMFRI release.

He appreciated CMFRI's contribution in documenting marine biodiversity of the nation by describing more than 270 species and generating DNA barcode of more than 200 marine species. However, Paulay, cautioned against the recent trend of ignoring the taxonomy of species occurring in marine ecosystem.

The scientists should give prime importance to study the classification of various marine species in the same way giving emphasis on other research activities, he said.

The expert also urged the scientists and curators to standardise and upgrade the museum facilities in the country by incorporating latest technologies.

Paulay, who has specialised in reef biodiversity research, said conservation of coral reefs could be made more effective with combined efforts of public and the scientists. He suggested the concept 'Bioblitz', an innovative method in which scientists, amateur enthusiasts and volunteers collect or record any and every organisms noticed by them, for the conservation of the biodiversity.

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A two-day 'AN-32 Operators Conference 2016' will be held at the Sulur Air Force Station on the city outskirts from tomorrow to discuss various aspects related to the transport aircraft.

The conference would provide a platform for interaction among pilots, aeronautical engineers and specialists associated with the fleet like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for brainstorming and finding innovative solutions for the sustenance of this Russian origin transport aircraft, an official release here said today.

It will also provide an opportunity for knowledge sharing by means of presentations and discussions by eminent delegates, involved in operations and maintenance of the AN 32 aircraft.

Air Marshal S Neelakantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command, will inaugurate the conference and Air Vice Marshal S Choudhary, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, Southern Air Command, will deliver key note address, it said.

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The iconic Nokia phones will make a global comeback in the first half of 2017 with HMD Global launching Android-based devices in the fiercely competitive smartphone market currently dominated by Samsung and Apple.

Earlier this year, HMD had entered into an exclusive 10-year brand licensing agreement with the Finnish telecom giant for mobile phones and tablets globally.

"HMD will bring a new generation of mobile phones to consumers, with the first smartphone products set to be launched in the first half of 2017, alongside the existing Nokia branded feature phone business," it said in a statement.

The partnership will focus on markets across the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle-East, Africa, India and China from day one.

According to research firm IDC, global smartphone shipments are expected to reach 1.45 billion units this year with a year-on growth rate of 0.6 per cent, driven by strong adoption of 4G devices in markets like India.

In 2014, US-based Microsoft had acquired Nokia's handset business for USD 7.2 billion. It later sold the branding rights to HMD Global and contract manufacturer Foxconn for USD 350 million.

Nokia's non-compete clause with Microsoft (after the latter took over the company) expires in 2017. The company will ditch Microsoft's Windows OS in favour of Google's Android OS that has the lion's share among smartphones.

Foxconn will manufacture the Nokia branded mobile phones and tablets.

"HMD is developing an exciting new consumer-centric product range which will focus on innovation, quality and experience, alongside the iconic Nokia mobile phone attributes of design, robustness, and reliability," HMD said.

The HMD Global team is headed by CEO Arto Nummela and President Florian Seiche.

"Nokia has been one of the most iconic and recognisable phone brands globally for decades. The excitement of re-introducing this much-loved, well-known and trusted brand to smartphone consumers is a responsibility and an ambition that everyone at HMD shares," Nummela said.

Brad Rodrigues, Interim President of Nokia Technologies, said the company has been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown around the world for the return of the Nokia brand to smartphones.

Under the agreement, Nokia will receive royalty payments from HMD for sale of every Nokia branded mobile phone and tablet, covering both brand and intellectual property rights. Nokia is not an investor or shareholder in HMD.

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Another MLA of ruling Congress, Janghemlung Panmei, today resigned from the party's primary membership and the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

The reason for his resignation was not known. Panmei could not be contacted as his phone was switched off.

Panmei is the fourth Congress MLA to quit the party and House since September. The Assembly polls in the state to be held in early 2017.

Manipur state Congress president T N Haokip told PTI that he had received Panmei's resignation letter.

"The reason for his resignation was best known to him only," Haokip said.

Assembly secretariat officials said the MLA from Tamenglong district submitted his resignation to Speaker Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh.

Panmei was elected in 2012 to the Assembly as a candidate of the Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP), a state party, but in April 2014, all the five MLAs of MSCP joined the Congress.

His resignation has not affected Congress' strength in the House as the party now has 48 members in the 60-member Assembly. However, the effective strength of the House is 52.

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Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today alleged the Army was deployed at two toll plazas at Palsit and Dankuni on NH 2 in West Bengal without informing the state government and described it as "unprecedented and a serious matter."



"Army has been deployed at two toll plazas without informing the state government. This is a very serious situation worse than Emergency," she told reporters at the state secretariat.

"It is an attack on the federal structure. We want to know the details. The Chief Secretary is writing to the Centre. Given an opportunity I will talk to the President on the issue. Has Emergency been imposed in the country without declaration?" she wanted to know.

The Chief Minister said, "Army is our asset. We are proud of them. We requisition Army in times of major disaster or communal flare up.

"I don't know what has actually happened. Even if there is mock-trial, state government is informed", she said.

Banerjee claimed that the people got panicky due to the deployment of Army at toll plazas.

When contacted, A Defence spokesperson said that the army conducts bi-annual exercise throughout the country with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency.

"There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders", Wing Commander S S Birdi said.

The exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing through a certain area that could be tapped during operations, he said.

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Army tonight said they are conducting routine exercise with full knowledge and coordination with West Bengal police.

"Army conducting routine exercise with full knowledge & coord with WB Police. Speculation of army taking over toll plaza incorrect," a statement by the Eastern command said on Twitter.

"Routine exercise in all NE states. In Assam@18 places, Arunanchal @13, WB@19, Manipur@6, Nagaland@5, Meghalaya@5, Tripura & Mizoram@1", it said.

Kolkata Police, however, said they have raised objection to this Army exercise due to security reasons and traffic problem.

"Army exercise at Toll Plaza was objected to in writing by Kolkata Police, citing security reasons & traffic inconvenience," the city police said in a twitter message tonight.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the Army was deployed at toll plazas in different places in the state without informing the state government and termed it as "unprecedented and a very serious matter".

She further said "Whatever reason they are giving is not correct. They are lying. They are changing their reasons time to time. The MHA has the complete data of the vehicles moving in different states in the country".

Earlier, a defence spokesperson said that the Army conducts bi-ennial exercise throughout the country with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency.

"There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders", Wing Commander S S Birdi said.

The exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing through a certain area that could be tapped during operations, he said.

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Army personnel at the toll plaza near West Bengal state secretariat 'Nabanna' have moved away late tonight as demanded by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Journalists went to the toll plaza of the second Hooghly bridge and found that the Armymen were no longer there.

A temporary shed set up for them was also removed.

There was no official version from the Army about the removal.

The Chief Minister, who refused to leave office till Army personnel were removed from that toll plaza, however, still put up at 'Nabanna'.

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Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit today greeted the people of Assam on the eve of Asom Divas, an official release said.

Asom Divas or Sukapha Divas is observed to commemorate the advent of the first king Chaolung Sukapha of the Ahom kingdom in Assam after his journey over the Patkai Hills.

"Chaolung Sukapha was a great leader and a brave warrior under whose guidance a solid process of unification and assimilation of various ethnic groups in Assam was set in motion," Purohit said in his message today.

The Governor hoped the young generation would uphold Sukapha's ideals to take the state along the path of progress and prosperity in the days ahead.

He also urged upon the people of Assam to emulate the great hero and keep working for peace and progress of the state.

Chaolung Sukapha, the founder of the Ahom kingdom reigned from 1228 to 1268 AD, had set up the 600-year-old Ahom kingdom in Upper Assam.

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Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today affirmed that Assamese and Naga people have been sharing a close relationship and still continue to share the common goal for people centric development on both sides of the border.

"We need to work together in mission mode and give a boost to Saabka Saath, Saabka Vikas," Sonowal said during his address at the inaugural function of the 10-day long Hornbill Festival of Nagaland at Kisama.

On the border crisis between the two states, Sonowal suggested constituting committees, comprising of MPs and MLAs and local people to undertake visits to the bordering districts of Assam and Nagaland to facilitate confidence building measures and strengthen mutual trust and a sense of togetherness.

Security forces on both sides of the border areas need to be extra cautious, he said.

Recalling his meeting with Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang on October 17 at Kaziranga, he termed it as a fruitful dialogue, wherein they agreed to work for a lasting solution in the areas of illegal migration, life and security to the people of both states and cultural and sporting exchanges between the two states.

"I am confident that we will work jointly to protect the North East region as a hub of potentialities, possibilities and prosperities and position it pan-India showcasing its unmatched beauty in tourism, culture, forest and environment," Sonowal said.

The Assam CM sought cooperation from Nagaland to work in areas of mutual interest like Rhino poaching, intelligence sharing on extremist activities and crime control in both states.

Addressing the gathering Nagaland Governor P B Acharya said "All tribes of Nagaland have their unique and indigenous festivals. Hornbill Festival has gone a long way in giving boost to tourism in our state and this is a miniature representation of the rich art and culture, spotless beauty of Nagaland and it showcases the cultural diversity of the state."



"The Hornbill Festival is an ideal way to revive, conserve and sustain the richness of the Naga heritage and culture. This festival is the symbol of our unity amongst our tribes," the Governor added.

Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang in his address said, "We try to show you a glimpse of our culture in its true colour and vibrancy through the festival. Whilst the Nagas are moving fast towards modernity and civilisation, we are equally determined to preserve our tradition and culture, which are the hallmarks of the Naga identity."



"We hope to leverage this as an important driver of the state's economic development," he added.

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The Odisha Assembly is adjourned for a day tomorrow in order to facilitate the MLAs to attend the ongoing Make In Odisha Conclave, the biggest ever business meet in the state being held here now.

A resolution in this regard was moved by government chief whip Ananta Das was passed in the House though Congress MLAs opposed it dubbing the meet as "BJD's political event".

The winter session of the assembly which began on a stormy note earlier in the day also witnessed Finance Minister Pradip Kumar Amat presenting the supplementary budget of Rs 6014 crore.

The total budget for the 2016-17 fiscal crossed Rs 1 lakh crore with presentation of the supplementary budget, Amat said.

The House was earlier adjourned several times as the opposition Congress members demanded a discussion on the death of over 100 children due to Japanese Encephalitis in Malkangiri district.

Though Congress members demanded cancellation of the question hour for holding discussion on children's death, Speaker Niranjan Pujari rejected it leading to pandemonium in the House.

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AstraZeneca Pharma India has got an extension from its parent firm AstraZeneca UK to sell anti-bacterial drug Meronem in India for the next six months.

"AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd has received on December 01, 2016 a notice to extend the date of distribution arrangements for Meronem up to July 31, 2017, during which time the parties shall continue to act in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement,"the company said in a BSE filing.

It further added: "The extension is due to the delay in the divestment of AstraZeneca's global rights to Meronem."



Meronem is anti-bacterial used for the treatment of serious infections in hospitalised patients.

In August this year, AstraZeneca Pharma India had said that it will stop selling anti-bacterial drug Meronem in India following a global deal by its parent AstraZeneca UK to sell its small molecule antibiotics business to Pfizer Inc.

The company had received a notice of termination from AstraZeneca UK conveying its decision for termination of distribution arrangements for Meronem in India.

The product is currently one of the company's principal products which generated 18 per cent total turnover of the firm in fiscal ended March 31, 2016.

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Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs is set to visit India on Sunday to attend the Heart of Asia (HoA) meet in Amritsar, according to a media report.

The two-day conference is being held in Amritsar this weekend (December 3-4) and Aziz will visit Amritsar on Sunday, Dawn News reported.

Aziz is leading the Pakistani delegation to the meeting of the process that focuses on regional co-operation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for improving connectivity and tackling security threats.

But, no meeting with Indian officials is scheduled on the sidelines, the report said.

"For now we don't see any willingness on their part...The ball is in India's court, for they know we are willing but we don't know whether they are willing," an official was quoted as saying.

Pakistan and India had held a meeting in Islamabad at the last HoA ministerial meeting and agreed to start 'Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue' that was to cover all outstanding issues.

The resumption of the dialogue could, however, not take place due to the Pathankot terror attack in January this year.

An official was also quoted as saying that Pakistan had not formally reached out to India for a bilateral meeting in Amritsar.

Pakistan's High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit, while participating in BBC Urdu's 'Facebook Live' interaction on Wednesday, said Pakistan was ready for unconditional resumption of dialogue if India is ready.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is not attending the HoA ministerial meeting.

"Since Sushma Swaraj is not attending, it's difficult to have a meeting with anyone else," the daily quoted a Pakistani diplomat as saying.

"The Pakistani side believes that the way out of the current stalemate in ties is India giving up its intransigence," the daily said.

"India has to make up its mind. They are not willing to discuss Kashmir," the official said.

India has been non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Aziz but has made it clear that "talks and terror cannot go hand in hand".
Vowing "zero tolerance" against terrorism, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today assured India that Bangladesh will not allow its soil to be used for terror acts against any country as Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar called on her to discuss bolstering security ties.

"We won't tolerate any sorts of terrorism and militancy and won't allow our land to be used for carrying out terrorist acts against any country," Hasina told Parrikar, who called on her at her official Ganobhaban residence here.

According to Hasina's press secretary Ihsanul Karim, she recalled with gratitude the contribution of Indian armed forces to Bangladesh's Liberation War and told Parrikar that during her upcoming visit to India she would honour those Indian soldiers who died during the 1971 freedom war.

On his part, Parrikar said "it was our moral responsibility to extend help to Bangladesh in the War of Liberation as a friendly country and we provided that assistance."



After the meeting, he handed over Hasina a replica of a helicopter that India used during Bangladesh's liberation war and photographs of paratroopers who took part in that war.

Parrikar, who was accompanied by a high-level defence delegation, offered Indian expertise to train Bangladesh Coast Guards for enhanced capacity to guard the country's southern coastlines along the Bay of Bengal.

Hasina thanked the Indian Coast Guards for rescuing Bangladeshi fishermen recently.

Parrikar appreciated Bangladesh's tremendous socio- economic development, particularly the women empowerment under Hasina's leadership, saying "Bangladesh made impressive development in various sectors, especially women empowerment, which India could not do yet".

His meeting with Hasina came at the end of a two-day visit, the first by an Indian defence minister, during which he called on President Abdul Hamid and also met premier's security adviser Major Gen (retd.) Tariq Ahmed Siddiqui.

Earlier in the day, Parrikar visited Bangladesh Military Academy near the southeastern port city of Chittagong and paid tributes to "Shikha Anirban" or "flame eternal", a military monument built in memory 1971 war martyrs at Dhaka Cantonment.

Prime Minister's International Affairs Advisor Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Mahfuzur Rahman, PM's Military Secretary Maj Gen Mia Mohammad Joynul Abedin and Indian High Commissioner Harsha Vardhan Shringla were present at the meeting, among others.

The vice chiefs of India's three wings of armed forces, who comprised Parrikar's delegation along with the Indian Coast Guard chief, held talks with Bangladesh army, navy and air force chiefs at their offices in Dhaka cantonment.

"During the meetings, they discussed issues related to the existing good relations and cooperation between the two armed forces," a defence ministry statement said.

Security analysts said Parrikar's visit was expected to firm up defence cooperation initiatives ahead of Bangladesh premier's expected India visit later this month which could yield a defence cooperation agreement.

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State-owned Bank of Maharashtra today said it proposes to raise Rs 1,000 crore through bonds to fund business expansion.

The bank is proposing to raise funds by issue of Basel III compliant AT1 bonds of Rs 250 crore with green shoe option of Rs 750 crore aggregating to Rs 1,000 crore on private placement basis, Bank of Maharashtra said in a statement.

Under the Basel-III norms, AT-1 bonds come with loss absorbency features, meaning that in case of stress, banks can write off such investments or convert them into common equity if approved by the RBI.

AT-1 bonds, which qualify as core or equity capital, are one of the means of raising capital by public sector banks.

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A Belgian man accused of giving money to a key suspect in the Brussels and Paris terror attacks took the stand in his British trial today to protest his innocence and condemn Islamic State militants as "worse than animals".

Zakaria Boufassil, who lives in Birmingham in central England, is accused of handing 3,000 pounds (USD 3,770) in cash to Mohamed Abrini when the latter visited the city in July 2015, with the knowledge that it would be used for terrorism.

Testifying at Kingston Crown Court near London, the 26-year-old admitted to meeting Abrini and to holding a bag of money for his alleged conspirator, Mohamed Ali Ahmed, but said he had "no idea" of its intended use.

Ahmed, also from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to the same charge last month, but Boufassil said he had "never communicated his plans to me" and took "advantage of my naivety".

Speaking in French through a translator, Boufassil said he gave the money to Ahmed in a park in Birmingham, and stayed there smoking while he and Abrini went elsewhere.

"He never told me that the person who was coming to get the money was a bad person. Had I known it I would never have kept the money," Boufassil said.

He told the jury that after about 15 or 20 minutes, Abrini returned on his own, asked Boufassil if he spoke French and introduced himself, as they had never met before.

Boufassil said he agreed to help Abrini find a cheap local hotel, and was then asked him to call him the following day to take him clothes shopping, but Abrini never answered his phone.

Boufassil, who admitted to being a regular cannabis user, struggled to remember dates and times in cross-examination.

Prosecuting lawyer Max Hill accusing him of lying, alleging that he helped plan the meeting with Abrini and acted as a French translator.

As a follower of Sufism, a mystic Islamic order that is viewed as heretical by hardline militant groups, Boufassil condemned the Islamic State group.

"For me, those people are worse than animals," he said.

Abrini, dubbed the "man in the hat" for his image caught on security cameras before the Brussels airport bombing in March, is in custody in Belgium over his suspected involvement in that attack and those in Paris last November.

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Mumbai and its suburbs today witnessed cash-strapped people queueing up outside banks and ATMs to draw money to meet their start-of-the month expenses on the first post-demonetisation pay day, even as people complained that they could not draw sufficient amounts.

People were seen waiting anxiously outside ATMs since wee hours to get hold of required amounts, fearing that bank coffers may dry up any moment.

Pradeep Pawar, an executive in a private firm, one of the early birds to turn up before an ATM at Powai area, said, "I could only get a Rs 2,000 note, but I got it in pretty fast in five minutes. Now tomorrow, I will be back in the queue again to withdraw enough so as to meet my monthly payments."



Another working professional Giridhar Rathi did not hide his frustration over banks not keeping pace with the customers' demands.

"After standing in the line for over two hours at a bank branch in Worli this morning, when my turn came, the officials told me that they would give only Rs 4,000. I was hoping to get at least Rs 10,000 against the permissible limit of Rs 24,000. This is unprofessional," he said.

However, bankers claimed that all was well and there was no need to rush.

"As such, none of our branches are short of cash. We have ensured that enough cash is available at our branches in anticipation of higher demand after disbursement of salaries and pension in accordance with the customers demand," Canara Bank MD and CEO Rakesh Sharma told PTI.

He said the bank had 102 currency chests and all its branches were linked to these chests.

"We are also allowing customers to withdraw cash upto the permissible limits of Rs 24,000 per day," Sharma added.

Sangeeta Haralkar, a homemaker from Bhayander in neighbouring Thane district, said she was finding it difficult to meet her family's daily needs at the turn of the month with paying machines only vending out Rs 2,000 notes.

"After being in line for over an hour, I could get only one note of Rs 2,000. How am I supposed to cope with this? How would I distribute this amount to pay my maid, milk vendor and paper vendor? The government must understand that everything cannot go cashless all of a sudden," she said.

Dinesh Gangurde, whose season ticket for the local train



got over today, wondered as to why the Railways have not introduced digital payment facility at its counter, if it wanted to match its words with action.

"I was upset when I could not pay for my season ticket through Paytm. When the government is boasting so much, why doesn't it install facilities that accept fares through e-wallets," asked another traveller Bhaskar Trivedi.

The cash crunch got compounded today with most of the ATMs across the city either being either shut or non-functional for want of re-calibration to suit new notes.

"Working class cannot go to the bank everyday for withdrawls. If at all we go, tokens are given to the first 100-200 customers and the rest are turned away. This leaves us with the option of going to ATMs. But they too are closed or out of function," said Vivek, a resident from Dombivli.

But there were some others who were ready to face these hardships to make way for the digital regime.

Gopal Chandak, a businessman from Sewri said, "Those who are suffering need to think otherwise. They should change their mindset that only keeping money in hard cash will solve problems. It will take some time for people to get into the mode of e-money which is equally important for the economy.
Some of the blacklisted firms are likely to approach the Defence Ministry soon seeking reprieve as the government prepares a new list of banned companies following the new policy which proposes a mixture of heavy fines and graded banning.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had last month said the Director General (Acquisition) would draw up a list as required under the new policy and hence old cases would also be looked into.

"That does not mean they will be taken out. Don't interpret... They will be examined. What is the status, how many years they have been blacklisted for and why were they blacklisted?" Parrikar had said.

Since 2005, the Defence Ministry has blacklisted six overseas companies, including Singapore Technologies Kinetics, IMI (formerly Israel Military Industries), Rheinmetall Air Defence of Singapore and Corporation Defence of Russia, from doing business here over allegations of corruption.

In 2014, AgustaWestland's contract for purchase of VVIP helicopters was canceled following allegations of corruption.

Leonardo-Finmeccanica of Italy and its group companies are now kept out of future defence projects.

Industry sources said some of the companies are likely to approach the ministry soon seeking more clarity on the process as the government does away with blanket blacklisting.

The earlier policy of blanket blacklisting was something which the forces were unhappy about as it proved detrimental to their modernisation plans.

Some of the firms like Singapore Technologies have approached court seeking removal of blacklisting.

Singapore Technologies' argument is that it has been wrongly blacklisted since no contract was ever awarded to it and neither is it mentioned in the charge sheet filed by the CBI in connection with a bribery case involving the then Ordinance Factory Board chief.

Under its new liberalised blacklisting policy for arms companies, India will now be open to doing business even with a banned firm if there is no alternative available to its weapon system or equipment in the market.

Another key element of the new policy is that unlike the blanket ban of 10 years, the government has said that ban on serious defaulters will be for minimum five years. The policy does not mention the maximum time period.

It also calls for banning of agents or employees of a company who are convicted of any act of impropriety.

The new policy also says that orders of banning business dealings with an entity may be extended to its allied firms by specific order of the competent authority.

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"American Sniper" actor Bradley Cooper is set to star in World War II drama "Atlantic Wall".

The 41-year-old actor is expected to play a lone American paratrooper stranded behind enemy line, reported Ace Showbiz.

The movie is based on the 2015 Black List script written by Zach Dean. Scheduled to kick off production in 2018, it's directed by Gavin O'Connor who is currently gearing up for the release of his gangster film "The Accountant" starring Ben Affleck.

"We're thrilled Imperative is bringing Atlantic Wall to life on screen with a talented filmmaker like Gavin," producer Dan Friedkin said.

"Bradley's phenomenal track record speaks for itself. He's perfect to portray our complicated, often reluctant hero. We can't imagine better creative partners."



Cooper is currently working on a remake of "A Star Is Born" led by Lady Gaga. He also reprises his role as the voice of Rocket Raccoon in James Gunn's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2".

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Government today said the BRICS logo during India's Chairmanship of the five-nation grouping is the country's national flower, lotus, with a middle portion depicting the 'Namaste', and was selected through an open contest.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said the BRICS Logo was selected through an open contest launched by the Ministry of External Affairs on Portal www.Mygov.In, which is Government of India's Citizen Engagement Platform.

Singh added that the entry of Sudeep Subhash Gandhi was finally selected which described the Logo as - "As India is the host of 8th BRICS summit, we have incorporated the Indian salutation 'Namaste; in the centre. Namaste is the gesture of welcoming and respecting someone on arrival. The overall logo depicts the national flower of India 'Lotus'.

"The perception of the countrymen and the world towards India has changed in the last 1.5 years. As Lotus is the symbol of prosperity and India is heading in the same direction, we have designed Lotus with the colours signifying BRICS members and their unity."



Ahead of the BRICS Summit in Goa in October, the Congress and the AAP had expressed objection to the logo of the event, saying it looks like the party symbol of BJP and was "improper".

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Playing down the detection of tunnel in Chamliyal-Ramgarh sector in Samba district after the gunning down of three heavily armed terrorist, on Thursday said it was mere a "rat hole tunnel" used only one time by the terrorists.

"Militants had come out to this side via a tunnel on the night on the intervening night of 28 and 29 November in Chamliyal area. The operation was conducted there. Details have been shared with you (media)", Inspector General of BSF, Jammu Frontier D K Upadhayaya told reporters.

Ahead of the press conference, played a video to showcase a tunnel to the media apart from the route of the terrorist, who came from Pakistan while crawling through the tunnel and place of hiding, where the three militants were killed by during the gun-battle.

"We have given you the full details of the tunnel. There were various reports coming in the media about the tunnel and old profile pictures of some tunnels were shown which was totally different in shape and size," he said.

Upadhayaya further said "as per the pictures shown to you it is a rat hole tunnel and it is generally used one time, which opens up in a plain area. The area was ploughed two to three days ago. BSF and farmers were keeping a watch over the area.

"The mouth of tunnel was opened a few days ago and militants came through it. There were no tell-tale signs of the tunnel before this. To make you understand, so that no wrong news get published or aired, this is what I want to bring it to your notice", he said.

The tunnel is roughly 65- to 70-feet long, he said, adding that on this side of the fencing it is 35-feet long and other side of the fence towards Pakistan it is over 30-feet.

"The aim of the militants was to negotiate the fencing. Otherwise, they would have been facing the hurdle of the fencing which was not possible to negotiate. That is why they digged tunnel under the fence to avoid it", he said.

Replying to a question whether the group of militants that attacked army artillery unit in Nagrota on the same day, killing seven army personnel including two Majors came from this side, the IG said "I cannot reply to any query based on speculation. As I said such tunnels are used tactically one time. Once it used it gets identified immediately".

He said digging a tunnel without help of Pak rangers was not possible.

"We were prepared which is reflected from the conduct of our operation. We always remain alert as entire IB is sensitive for us".
Government today said it has opposed capping of aviation emissions at 2020 level as such a mechanism would adversely affect the growth of the sector in developing countries.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly in Montreal had on October 7 this year passed a resolution, resolving to implement the world's first global regime for combating carbon emissions from aircraft.

The global market based mechanism (GMBM) are aimed at making essential contributions towards aviation sector's goal of carbon neutral growth from 2020 onward.

While the airline industry agreed on this framework for reducing its carbon footprint to tackle climate change, India along with China and Russia expressed reservation over the resolution.

India's reservation primarily emanated from the Paris agreement, which recognized that the developing countries would take longer to reach peak emission, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

"The Ministry of Civil Aviation, with the approval of Union Cabinet, expressed its reservations on capping of aviation emissions at 2020 level during the 39th session of ICAO's Assembly. India's reservation primarily emanated from the Paris agreement, which recognised that the developing countries will take longer to reach peak emission," Sinha said.

He said India "opposed the global market based mechanism as it will adversely affect the growth of aviation sector in developing nations".

In reply to another question, the Minister said the estimated emission from Indian scheduled airline operators for the year 2015 were around 14.6 million tonnes.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation has taken various proactive initiatives to offset the higher aviation related emissions and CAR (Civil Aviation Requirement) in this regard is issued (from) time to time.

In September 2013, ICAO took a decision to develop a GMBM scheme to limit CO2 emissions in the aviation sector by way of participants offsetting their carbon emission above an agreed level by emission trading.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A case of house trespass has been resgitered against unidentified persons for allegedly trailing an acquaintance of Latika Dikshit, daughter of former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, police said today.

According to police, complainant Shashi Kant Sharma had told police that on November 18, when he had stepped out with Manish Chaudhary from Latika's house at Hailey Road, his vehicle was trailed by two bike-borne men till Khan Market.

Sharma alleged that since they were suspicious of the two men and sensed a danger to Latika's life, they returned to her residence located on Hailey Road, police said.

In his complaint, Sharma said he had also seen some people standing outside Latika's residence in a car when he had left her home.

Expressed suspicion, he alleged that the men could be the henchmen of Syed Mohammad Imran, Latika's husband who was arrested by Delhi Police on charges of theft, adultery and misappropriating his wife's property on November 11.

Sharma said he is one of the witnesses in the case and there is a threat to him and another person.

Also, he alleged that Latika had also called him saying that a few men had come outside her house and were asking for her, police said.

"A case was registered under sections 451 (House-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment) and 120B (Punishment of criminal conspiracy) IPC has been registered at Barakhamba Road police station. After a complaint was given, inquiry was conducted and an FIR was registered," said a senior police officer.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The government today justified the constitution of the governing board of Nalanda University by replacing a mentor group comprising Amartya Sen and others, saying the changes in its management were carried out to bring legality to the set-up and also end the ad hoc arrangement.

George Yeo, former Singapore Foreign Minister and Chancellor of Nalanda University had resigned last week, protesting the manner in which the governing board was constituted without taking him into confidence.

"On November 21, the President of India, in his capacity as the Visitor of the Nalanda University approved the constitution of the Governing Board of the University in accordance with section 7 of the Nalanda University Act, 2010.

"Let me emphasise that this is the first time since the Act was passed that a Governing Board has been properly constituted as per its provisions," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters.

The MEA coordinates functioning of the university as a number of countries are involved in the Nalanda project.

With appointment of the board, Sen's nearly decade-long association with the university came to an end as he was not included in the top decision making body along with Trinamool Congress MP Harvard professor Sugata Bose and UK-based columnist Lord Meghnad Desai.

Swarup said the Nalanda Mentor Group had been functioning for nine years and as the Nalanda Act provided for three year tenure for members, it was decided to constitute the Board in accordance with the Act.

On government's promise of giving George autonomy in running the institution, he said the President took the decision to bring legality to functioning of Nalanda.

"This is for the first time governing body has been constituted as provided for in the act. Before this, it was an ad hoc arrangement. So if we bring legality to a set-up and that legality is in accordance with the law as passed by Parliament, I do not think how anybody can have any issues with it," he said.

Swarup said the last time the NMG's tenure was extended



was on November 25, 2013 making it three years since then, adding the group formed in 2007 was meant to discharge functions of Governing Board, pending its formation as per legal provisions.

Asked whether the government could have handled the issue in a better way taking the Chancellor into confidence, he said, "The visitor's approval and instruction to constitute the new board were received on Monday and communicated as quickly as possible on the same day."



In February last year, Sen, in a letter to the Governing Board had said he will not seek a second term as Chancellor as the BJP government did not want him to continue.

The idea to revive Nalanda University was first mooted in 2005 by the then President APJ Abdul Kalam. The university is being built near the ruins of the historic academic place by the same name in Bihar and Sen was involved with the project since 2007. A number of countries are involved in the project.

Indian government had enacted the Nalanda University Act, 2010 to implement the decisions arrived at the Second East Asia Summit held in January, 2007 in the Philippines and subsequently at the Fourth East Asia Summit in Thailand for establishment of the Nalanda University.

In 2007, the Nalanda Mentor Group (NMG) was formed to implement the project. The NMG was discharging the functions of the Governing Board.

After resigning from the Chancellor's post, George had said in a statement to the NMG members, "The circumstances under which the leadership change in Nalanda University has been suddenly and summarily effected is disturbing and possibly harmful to the University's development.
Beijing will "seriously" implement new UN sanctions imposed on over its nuclear and missile programmes, it said on Thursday, with the measures set to hit Pyongyang's lucrative Chinese coal exports hard.

UN Security Council resolution 2321, passed on Wednesday, caps the North's annual coal exports at little more than four months of current sales to China, Chinese government data shows.

Spearheaded by the United States, the response to the hermit state's latest nuclear test in September was approved 15-0 after extended negotiations.

It limits North Korea's coal exports next year to 7.5 million tonnes or just over $400 million, down 62% on 2015.

The cap represents a fraction of the North's current annual exports to China, the isolated country's sole ally and its main provider of trade and aid.

China imported 1.8 million tonnes of coal worth $101 million from in October alone, according to the most recent figures available on the Chinese Customs website. The volume was up nearly 40% year-on-year.

Beijing will "serious" implement the resolution, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a regular briefing.

China, a veto-wielding permanent Security Council member, had a "responsible attitude", he added, and had always implemented UNSC resolutions and fulfilled "its obligations according to the UN charter".

Trade with the world's second largest economy is crucial for the isolated and impoverished North, which has suffered regular food shortages and an outright famine in the mid- 1990s.

The North's coal exports to the Asian giant have continued unabated despite previous UN sanctions, which included exemptions allowing trade to continue for "livelihood" purposes but did not set criteria for the determination.

"The point here is not the figures", but the legality of the imports, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said last week.

The limit in the latest sanctions resolution applies even if the sales are for livelihood purposes.

Although Beijing has traditionally protected Pyongyang diplomatically, believing that Kim Jong-Un's regime is preferable to its collapse, it has grown frustrated by its neighbour's defiance.

Beijing regularly says it "firmly opposes" the North's nuclear tests, but analysts believe it has resisted targeting the country's fragile economy for fear of provoking the regime's collapse.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked for Aadhar linkage of all accounts for availing different scholarships and other benefits by students.

He also directed officials to prepare a plan to bring the University of Mumbai, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Nagpur University among the top in global rankings.

"The CM has set the target and asked to prepare a plan to bring Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur universities among top in global ranking. Aadhar linkage of all the accounts for availing different scholarships and other benefits by students is also necessary," an official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said today.

Fadnavis has reviewed the progress of Key Result Areas (KRAs) for departments of Primary and Secondary Education, Higher and Technical Education and Social Justice in three different meetings with ministers Vinod Tawde, Ravindra Waikar, Dilip Kamble.

Secretaries of various departments were present in these meetings, the official said.

The CM also asked to make biometric attendance compulsory for all local body and aided schools and to bring all transactions on the digital mode, the official informed.

He also asked to complete the target of making 33,000 schools digital and of bringing 100 per cent learning outcome this year.

Fadnavis also reviewed progress made for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Entrepreneurship Scheme, providing moisture security to SC farmers. "He asked officials to prepare policy for the physically challenged and senior citizens by March 17, 2017, and for giving them various facilities," according to the official.

He said restricting school drop out rates of girl students to less than 5 per cent, developing and implementing a child tracking system, biometric attendance and digitisation for government and aided schools are some of the key result areas (KRA) set by the state education department.
BJP today accused Congress of being "devoid of logic and facts" amid the Opposition protest in Parliament against the demonetisation move, even as Congress stuck to its demand of an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

"(Even after the presence of Prime Minister in the House today), the Congress party came to the Well and did not allow the discussion on the important issue. The Congress has neither fact nor logic. The party is badly stuck in its own web of cleverness," Union Minister Mukhtaar Abbas Naqvi said outside the Parliament.

Both the parties got into a verbal duel with BJP saying that Congress used to get "hit wicket" every day when it was in government, and now in Opposition were delivering "no ball", prompting Congress to allege that the Prime Minister wanted to play in a field with "no umpire or players".

"Jab yeh sarkar main thay toh har din yeh hit wicket hote thay, aur jab vipaksh main hain toh har ball no ball kar rahe hain (when they were in government, they used to get 'hit wicket' every day and when in Opposition, they are serving every ball as 'no ball'," Naqvi said.

Reacting to the comments, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said until Modi apologised for his alleged comment that 'Opposition stands with black money holders', the Oppostion would not allow the discussion in the Parliament.

"The language the Prime Minister has used outside the Parliament saying Opposition stands with black money holders, ..We had already said that until he apologise inside the House, then only the House can function further.

"The House does not need a certificate of honesty from the Prime Minister. Modi wants to play game, when there is no umpire in the field nor any players," he said.

Meanwhile, Naqvi reiterated that the government was ready for discussion on demonetisation for "any number of days the Opposition wants".

He alleged that the Opposition was "continuously" trying to create ruckus and interrupt the House because they have "neither any fact nor logic".

"The Congress is struggling with brankruptcy of logic and creating an image of the party that it was pained due to demonetisation...In fact it is pained due to a hit on black money holders...The party has been finding new excuses every day," he said.

On the Opposition demand of Modi's apology in the House, the Union Minister said, "We want to know why should the Prime Minister apologise? Because the 'Kubers' of black money have become poor? Those who were corrupt and enjoyed a free run during Congress regime have been destroyed (post demonetisation). Or is it because the poor are going to be happy due to the move?"



"We think the Congress is somewhere confused or is deliberately trying to confuse the country," he said.

Naqvi added it was Congress which needed to apologise for "committing the sin of depriving the poor the light of development".

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Meanwhile, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia wondered why the government was shying away from holding a debate under Rule 56, which entailed voting, when it had majority in the Lok Sabha.
BJP today hit out at Congress for pointing fingers at it and its supporters over hacking of Congress' and Rahul Gandhi's Twitter accounts, saying this shows the Opposition party's mental bankruptcy as it blames the saffron outfit for everything going against it.

"We absolutely reject the charge. It only shows Congress' bankruptcy that it blames BJP for everything. When court asked their leaders to appear in National Herald case, it blamed BJP when summons were issued later it still blamed BJP and now it is blaming BJP for something completely unrelated to the party," BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

He demanded that Congress tender an apology for making such a "baseless" allegation.

Noting that Congress often credits late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for ushering in digitisation in India, he said its vice president Rahul Gandhi questions the concept of digital India, a flagship programme of the Modi government.

Congress should answer who of the two leaders is right, he said.

Blaming "fascist" forces for the hacking, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said it reflects the extremities of an intolerant culture that resorts to abuse when cornered. Senior party leader Digvijay Singh pointed fingers at "followers of the government" for this.

Sharma said the government's IT department has taken the matter seriously and police have also launched a probe.

(Reopens DEL64)



Sharma said Congress should understand that if the twitter accounts of Rahul Gandhi or the party has been hacked, then the fault lies with Twitter's security feature and not with the BJP.

"Congress should shy from such petty politics or after losing people's support it will now fall in their eyes as well," he later said in a statement.
Nepal witnessed massive anti- government protests today for the second consecutive day against the Constitution amendment bill aimed at carving out a new province to meet the demands of agitating Madhesis and other ethnic groups.

An indefinite district-wide general strike has been called in Arghakhanchi district in protest against the changes to the province borders introduced in the constitution amendment bill in parliament, according to the RSS, National Agency of Nepal.

People of these districts have termed the bill "impractical" as it has proposed to disintegrate the hilly region within the earlier proposed Province No 5 with the Tarai.

Pyuthan-Rolpa Struggle Committee coordinator Mukti Prasad Sharma said protests would continue until the government withdrew the bill.

As per the provision in the constitution amendment bill, Arghakhanchu, Palpa, Gulmi, Rolpa and Pyuthan would be split from Province 5 and placed under Province 4.

Protests have erupted in Butwal and Pyuthan where transportation was completely put on halt and all the shops while educational institutions remained shut.

Meanwhile, an indefinite strike has been called in Gulmi district for the same reason while protests in Palpa continue.

The district was shut following a joint statement issued by sister wings of various political parties, calling for protests against the changes in the boundaries of the province in the Constitution amendment proposal.

The shutdown has adversely affected the people in the districts as most educational institutions, factories, market, and transport are closed since yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who reached his home district Rolpa for personal work, was intercepted while returning to Kathmandu by locals of Rolpa and Pyuthan who have come to the streets against the Constitution amendment proposal registered in Parliament.

Although Mahara was asked to address the demonstrations to be launched by the protesters, he declined the request and returned to Kathmandu, Himalayan Times reported.

Locals of both Rolpa and Pyuthan accused Mahara of keeping mum about the Constitution amendment proposal.

The government had on Tuesday taken the step a day after the 15-day ultimatum served by the Federal Alliance for implementing the three-point deal expired.

The amendment bill aims to accommodate the demands of the agitating Madhesi and ethnic groups that include citizenship and boundary demarcation issues among others.

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Federal Alliance is a grouping of Madhesi parties and ethnic groups that have been launching agitation demanding more rights and representation for the marginalised people.

Re-demarcation of the provincial boundary and citizenship issue are the two major demands put forth by the agitating Madhesi parties.

Madhesis, mostly Indian-origin, launched a six-month-long agitation from September last year to February this year in which more than 50 people were killed. The agitation had also crippled the landlocked country's economy as supplies from India were blocked.

The government has proposed to include parts of Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Banke, Dang and Bardiya in another Tarai province that will be known as Province five.
Russia's space agency said it had lost contact today with an unmanned cargo ship shortly after it blasted off to the International Space Station from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

"Communication was lost today 383 seconds after the launch of the Soyuz-U carrier rocket with the cargo ship Progress MS-04," space agency Roscosmos said in a statement, adding that its specialists were looking into the problem.

The ship, which was scheduled to arrive at the ISS on Saturday, was carrying 2.4 tonnes of fuel, food and equipment, Roscosmos said.

A Progress cargo ship launch failed in April 2015. The failure, which Russia blamed on a problem in a Soyuz rocket, saw the ship disintegrate as it plummeted to Earth.

The incident forced Russia to put all space travel on hold for nearly three months.

Last month Frenchman Thomas Pesquet, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky and American astronaut Peggy Whitson launched to the ISS for a six-month mission.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was set to be proclaimed the new Thai King today, heralding a new chapter in the country's monarchy after the passing away of his revered father who was the world's longest reigning monarch.

Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, head of the junta-appointed legislature, will meet the 64-year-old Crown Prince at Dusit Palace and ceremoniously invite him to take the throne, two days after he was proclaimed King Rama X.

He will succeed his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also called King Rama the IX who died in October aged 88 and was the world's longest-reigning monarch.

Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, the regent, will lead the heads of the country's three executive bodies during an audience with the Crown Prince in the evening.

The other executives are Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Chairman of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Wichitcholachai and president of the Supreme Court Veerapol Tungsuwan.

Pornpetch is expected to formally invite the Crown Prince to ascend the throne as the 10th King of the Chakri Dynasty.

Vajiralongkorn will ascend the throne 50 days after King Bhumibol Adulyadej's death.

Many school representatives from the provinces also headed to Bangkok yesterday to buy portraits of the Crown Prince as well as flags with the Crown Prince's emblem. They are preparing decorations to celebrate the new King's succession.

It is a tradition in Thai households, private offices and government agencies to display portraits of the monarch.

Besides photographs and flags, clothes with logos and messages to welcome the new King are also being stocked to meet the expected high demand.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut led members of the Cabinet and government officials in front of Government House to mark the 50th day of mourning for King Bhumibol.

The ceremony began with the abbot of



Ratchabopitsathitmahasimaram temple, leading 89 monks in chanting prayers.

Gen Prayut then led cabinet members and government officials to give alms to the monks.

A similar ceremony was held in front of the the office of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, where governer Aswin Kwanmuang led city officials and members of the city and district councils by giving alms to monks.

A one-year mourning period was announced in Thailand following the monarch's death. The late King's funeral is expected to be late next year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bank customers faced harassment and inconvenience at various places in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh while withdrawing cash on payday even as banks claimed that they put adequate measures in place to deal with the heavy rush.

From youngsters to elders stood in serpentine queues outside bank branches and ATMs for hours in order to withdraw cash with banks facing tough time to deal with angry customers who were denied money.

Several bank branches saw "shortage" of cash at their disposal and some branches went dry within an hour or so of receiving fresh lot of money for disbursement from RBI, officials said.

"Banks are facing massive shortage of cash and people are fighting with bank staff when they do not get money," said an official of State Bank of Patiala.

"What could we do when we do not have sufficient cash," asked official while justifying the position of banks on being unable to meet all cash requirements of people.

Besides blaming insufficient cash, banks pointed out people are reluctant with parting with fresh cash which further complicated the matter.

"People are hoarding cash and there is not enough circulation of money in the market which has made the matter worse," bank official said adding that which is why banks had imposed limit on cash disbursements in order to accommodate maximum people.

Fed up with standing in queue for withdrawing their own money, bank customers put blame on the "ill-preparedness" of the government in dealing with problems arose after demonetisation of old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.

"It has become difficult to get even our own cash," fumed bank customers Sukhdarshan Singh.

Punjab Bank employees federation secretary Naresh Gaur said, "We appeal to RBI to make available sufficient cash as soon as possible to banks otherwise the situation will turn worse."



He said that a security guard of State Bank of Patiala in Bathinda was allegedly beaten up by few angry men yesterday after the guard asked them to stand in a queue.

"We have also asked for police protection in order to prevent any untoward incident," he said.

Meanwhile, an official of Central Bank of India in Chandigarh claimed that they had sufficient cash and they did not face any problem in disbursement.

Meanwhile, a noted economist Sardara Singh Johal today



praised the government for demonetisation and asked people to cooperate with it.

"We should cooperate with the efforts of the government on demonetisation. It is in the ultimate and long term interest of the people. All other things including justification or otherwise of it can be discussed later," Johal said while addressing a function in Ludhiana today.

Johal said , "We are in trouble no doubt but we must tide over the present crises by cooperating with the government on the issue otherwise it could lead to turmoil.
MPCC today said that the Maharashtra government's decision to deposit cash into the bank accounts of beneficiaries of various government schemes, instead of giving benefits in kind to them, was ill-timed in view of demonetisation.

"Due to demonetisation, there is a tremendous pressure on the banking system. Instead, the government should have assessed how many beneficiaries have bank accounts," Sachin Sawant, spokesperson of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), told reporters.

"The decision also shows that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis does not trust his ministers. There are 22 ministers facing various charges of irregularities, including tendering process. The decision shows that the government is not aware of the ground realities," he alleged.

In a cabinet decision taken this week, the government decided to deposit cash component of benefits of government schemes into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries instead of giving them benefits in the form of goods.

The Opposition party also sought state government's clarification whether it had accepted the Niti Aayog's pre-condition of automatic fare revision to get the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP)-III project approved.

Sawant said if accepted, the decision is expected to burden the railway suburban commuters in Mumbai. "The state government should clarify if it has accepted this decision," he said.

Union Cabinet yesterday cleared MUTP-III project worth over Rs 10,000 crore as part of the ambitious urban transport project in Mumbai. In February, the Niti Aayog had given its "in-principle approval" to the project, with a rider that the railways will have to go in for "fare reforms", implying "automatic and regular revision of fares in tandem with the price index".

Sawant said the MUTP III project has excluded the CAB signalling system, which was to be introduced on the harbour railway line as a pilot project.

"The state government, the Centre and the World Bank were to share the expenditure of Rs 4,000 crore (for this system). But the government has put the introduction of the system on the back-burner. The system would have lowered the risk of accidents and increased frequency of trains," he said.

Fadnavis government needs to explain why the commuters were deprived of this facility, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Police has begun a probe into the hacking of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account and has sought log details of his account from the microblogging site.

"A case has been registered by the Cyber Cell of Economic Offences Wing (EOW) under Section 66 of the IT Act. Twitter has been asked to provide details of log of the account for investigation purpose," said Deependra Pathak, Delhi Police spokesman and Joint Commissioner (SW range).

Also, Lt Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung has been briefed by the police regarding action being taken in this matter, said a senior officer.

Police said they were trying to locate the suspect by tracking the IP address used to break into the official account of the Congress leader.

Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing of the Police around 1 AM , the officer said.

The official Twitter account of the Congress has also been hacked this morning and a string of unsavoury messages posted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Operators of international in Bengaluru and the national capital raked in profits totalling Rs 580 crore in the first six months of the current financial year, according to government data.

The national capital's aerodrome is operated by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) while that of Bengaluru is run by Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL).

While DIAL has recorded a profit of Rs 297.48 crore till September of the current financial year, BIAL has registered a profit of Rs 282.66 crore, according to details provided by Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.

The in the national capital and Mumbai are among those run through public-private partnerships.

DIAL is a three-way venture between GMR group, Authority of India (AAI) and Fraport. The stakeholders in BIAL are Fairfax, GVK group, AAI, Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corp, and Siemens Project Ventures GmbH.

About airports in general, the Minister said some of them have incurred losses due to low revenue generation which was not adequate to meet the total expenditure pertaining to the respective airports.

"AAI has drawn up a master plan for development and increase in non-aeronautical revenues at airports across India . Based on recommendations of consultants as against earlier system of individual contracts/licenses, Master Concessionaire approach is being adopted in 14 select airports in the first phase," Raju said.

Further, he said consultants have been appointed for assisting in re-designing the layout of existing general retail and food & beverage outlets for optimum utilisation of the airport space.
Did US President-elect actually shower those glowing comments on Pakistan and its Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during their telephone conversation?



While Sharif's office has released a read-out of his conversation with Trump, the US president-elect's team has issued bare minimum information, triggering much bemusement both in mainstream and social media.

"We know that Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and US President-elect spoke on the phone Wednesday. What was said during that call is what's at issue," CNN commented.

"After the conversation, the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office put out a statement directly quoting Trump -- a violation of diplomatic protocol -- in which he glowingly praised Sharif," the network said.

Readouts of phone calls between world leaders are usually written safely way in order to protect leaders from incidental backlash -- like the one the Trump team put out, it said.

"They're dry and diplomatic statements summing up conversations using carefully chosen buzzwords," it said, adding that such calls themselves are usually quite formal.

"A president wouldn't gush over a foreign leader the way that did. He wouldn't volunteer to do all these things," says CNN political analyst David Gergen, who has served as an adviser to four presidents.

"Our relationship with Pakistan is one of the most sensitive and difficult relationships in the world. It's an extremely important relationship."



When making that call, a president would likely have a press aide and national security advisers at his side, according to Gergen.

"You'd carefully think through any call like that, you'd make your two or three points, [then] over and out," he said. "Especially don't leave them in a position where they could put out something so gushing that it hurts your relationship with India."



The Washington Post, in its report on the Sharif-Trump conversation, said, the Pakistani readout is "unusual in that it focuses almost entirely on Trump's contributions to the conversation, and reproduces them in a voice that is unmistakably his."



"Lavishing praise on the Pakistanis would be a major turnaround for the president-elect. In 2012, Trump took to his favorite social media platform, Twitter, to denounce Pakistan," the leading American newspaper said.

According to Pakistani account, Trump lavished extravagant praise upon Sharif and Pakistani people.

"You have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy," it goes. In addition, Pakistan is "a fantastic country, fantastic place" with the most "intelligent" people and "your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities".

Not satisfied with that, the account, commonly known as read-outs, culminates with this flourish: "Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr Donald Trump."



"It is unclear to what extent these are direct quotes, but there was much bemusement both in mainstream and social media," the BBC commented.

Cricketer-turned politician and opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan tweeted "Good news is Trump spoke to Nawaz Sharif. Bad news for NS is this won't save him from Panama scandal - not even if a Trump letter arrived!"



"Am spellbound by this profound piece of literature. How terrific is the level of incompetence at the Nawaz PMO," says a tweet in the name of former foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar.

Salman Ahmad @sufisal, who on twitter describes himself as poet, professor and peace activist, says "The height of desperation for #PanamaSharif : is now seeking a helping hand from #Trump? #TrumpSharif dynamic duo".
A 64-year-old die-hard fan of former Pakistan army chief Raheel Sharif has committed suicide by consuming poison, protesting the government's decision not to give an extension to the just-retired General.

Lutf Amim Shibli, who once served as chairman of the Progressive Workers Union at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), had begun his protest on November 1 outside Karachi Press Club (KPC), threatening that he would commit suicide if Raheel was not given an extension in service.

"Raheel Sharif is a messiah. I am his fan. Only he can save the country from terrorism and social ills," read the posters and banners set up around his camp.

According to doctors, the man took his life by consuming poison a few days ago.

"He attempted suicide on November 27 after the ISPR [Inter-Services Public Relations] announced the retirement plan of Gen Raheel. We took him to Jinnah hospital from where he was referred to Aga Khan University Hospital. He was initially on ventilator, but later died," said Shibli's sister-in-law Nooren.

"Before consuming poison, he wrote a letter to his wife, saying that his funeral prayers must be held in front of the KPC," she was quoted as saying by the 'Express Tribune'.

Police surgeon Eijaz Ahmed said that Shibli's post-mortem had not yet been conducted but it looked he died of poisoning.

Shibli's family originally belonged to Jalandhar, India, but they had migrated to Pakistan after independence and he joined the KPT.

He had married thrice and his first wife, Gulzari Begum, also a trade union leader of the Pakistan Steel Mills Progressive Workers Union, was killed a few years ago.

He is survived by five children from his first spouse and two children from another wife, who lives in Gizri.

One of his close friends, while requesting anonymity, said the deceased was not mentally fit and would become aggressive on different issues confronted by Pakistan.

"He was frustrated and used to talk about committing suicide. Finally, he did it," he said.

Nasir Mansoor, deputy general secretary of the National Trade Union Federation, said Shibli was a leftist leader and his decision to support the army bewildered many of his colleagues.

"We have never supported any general. I don't know how Shibi, who had once played a great role for the rights of labourers, became a fan of Raheel Sharif, which was unusual for left-oriented comrades," he said.

60-year-old Raheel retired on November 29 after a three-year tenure. General Bajwa, 57, took over the command of the army on Tuesday at a ceremony in Rawalpindi from him.

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"We do not want politics to shift to the courts," the observed today while hearing arguments on whether a political party can file and pursue a public interest litigation (PIL).

"The apprehension is that this will shift politics to the courts. We do not want this. We do not want politics to shift to the courts," a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and N V Ramana said.

The apex court's observation came after advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for NGO 'Swaraj Abhiyan' which has filed a PIL on the plight of farmers in 12 drought-hit states, said if a political party files a petition in public interest, the courts can hear it.

The issue cropped up after Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi had told the bench that the NGO has made its intention clear to continue as a wing of a political party, if not a political party itself, and it should not be associated with this PIL.

During the arguments on Thursday, Rohatgi said the application filed by 'Swaraj India' before the Election Commission (EC) for registration as a political party was pending.

"They (petitioner) have already formed a political party. I will show what this political party does outside the court," he said, adding "just because they (Swaraj India) are not yet registered, does not mean they are not a political party".

"If anyone is using court proceedings for political gain, then there is a political motive," Rohatgi said.

Bhushan, however, said 'Swaraj Abhiyan' and 'Swaraj India' were separate entities and the former is not a political party.

"The point is whether the issue raised by a political party raises an issue of public interest. Swaraj Abhiyan has no political interest," he said, adding "if a political party files a petition which raises an issue of public interest and does not intend to gain any political mileage out of it, the courts should hear it".

The bench then asked Bhushan "how can the court separate it in parts, that this is for public interest and this is for interest of the political party?"

Responding to this, Bhushan said every act of a political party, if it is for public interest, should be appreciated and if it is not for public interest, courts can dismiss the plea.
Doctors are now going digital as a majority of them prefer getting drug information on their fingertips as against a face-to-face interaction with medical representatives (MRs), says a survey.

According to a poll conducted by Curofy, 75 per cent of the surveyed doctors preferred digital interaction with pharma companies instead of a face-to-face to interaction with MRs. The result is in conformance with the fact that more doctors are adopting digital way to cater their professional needs.

Of the total 1,440 doctors who participated in the poll, an astounding 75 per cent (1,080) said they would prefer having drug information available at a convenient time on their fingertips over meeting MRs during OPD hours.

The poll results come at a time when the digital media is revolutionising the way in which medical professionals cater their professional needs.

Earlier, the only way to spread drug launch information or new medical research information was through personal meetings and interactions. A medical representative has to visit a doctor a number of times to make him/her know about the new drug and ongoing research.

Often it happens that the doctor is not able to provide the representative with enough time, leading to wastage of time and money on both the ends. With the information available digitally, it becomes easier for doctors to comprehend the information with ease and at their own comfort level, the survey said.

Rajesh Puri, Director of Institute of Digestive & Hepatobiliary Sciences at Medanta - The Medicity said, "Digital promotion and knowledge sharing is more scientific and educational. The reason being, we get to read the pertinent information easily, at our own comfort level."



MRs have been an integral part of the pharma industry since the very beginning. They help their company in reaching out a product to as many doctors as possible, Puri added.

Their work does not limit to inform doctors about the products, they also inform doctors about the ongoing researches in medicine. Even though it is an enlightening job, many doctors find it unpleasant to have MRs waiting in their lobby in the want of a chance to pounce on them for a meeting, he said.

Rinkesh Shah, who handles Digital Marketing at GSK, said, "Research suggests HCPs (healthcare professionals) today prefer digital not only for medical information services but also patient engagement. This is a tipping point of disruption to turn digital as mainstream for customer service in pharma.

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Dr.Reddy's Laboratories Ltd announced today that it has partnered with cycle company Cykul to launch cycle sharing programme here.

Dr.Reddy's Redibike, as the programme would be known, opens with a fleet of 400 "robust and easy to ride" cycles that are available at 10 stations, the company said in a statement.

The programme is currently being rolled-out in the Financial District and Gachibowli area with a 15 km stretch, from IDBI junction to Cyient, it said.

"Dr.Reddy's Redibike offers healthy and eco-friendly transportation for people moving between campuses, or covering the last mile service between transit stops and employment hubs", the company said.

Satish Reddy, Chairman, Dr.Reddy's Laboratories, said "For Dr. Reddy's, Redibike is yet another way in which we go beyond medicines to spread the message that Good Health Can't Wait."



With cycles located across the designated network at secure and easy to access points, Dr.Reddy's Redibike offers a convenient and comfortable ride. Using the most up-to-date cycle sharing technology available, users would be able to purchase monthly passes online at RediBike.In or via a Mobile app, it was stated.

The user would be issued a Dr. Reddy's Redibike smart card only after a thorough verification. The system would also use efficient redistribution to ensure smooth operations and adoption amongst the Cyberabad commuters. The charges for using the cycle facility is Rs 375 per month and it will remain in operation from 6 AM till 10 PM on week days, the company said.

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The superheavy element 117 has been officially named "tennessine" - about six years after its discovery was first reported.

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) - which validates the existence of newly discovered elements and approves their official names - gave its final approval to the name "tennessine" following a year-long process.

The IUPAC and the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics announced verification of the existence of the superheavy element 117 last year, more than five years after scientists first reported its discovery in April 2010.

Superheavy elements, which do not occur naturally, are synthesised by exposing a radioisotope target to a beam of another specific isotope.

In theory, the nuclei will in rare cases combine into a "superheavy" and heretofore unknown element.

In tennessine's case, the atomic recipe for element 117 required the berkelium-249 target.

Over a year-long campaign, US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory produced and then shipped the 22 milligrammes of berkeleium-249 to Russia, where the experiment that would yield element 117 was carried out with a heavy-ion cyclotron at Russia's Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR).

After six months of relentless bombardment with a calcium-48 beam, researchers had detected six atoms in which the nuclei of the calcium and berkelium had fused to create element 117. Subsequent experiments confirmed the results.

"The discovery of tennessine is an example of the potential that can be realised when nations come together to lend their unique capabilities toward a scientific vision," said ORNL's Jim Roberto, who helped put together the element 117 US-Russia collaboration with JINR's Yuri Oganessian.

The name tennessine was chosen in recognition of the contributions of the US state of Tennessee to the discovery, including the efforts of collaborators at Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee.

The specific spelling of tennessine was chosen because the new element is classified as a halogen, a type of element that by convention ends in the suffix "-ine."



Halogens include elements such as chlorine and fluorine. Tennessine's symbol on the Periodic Table will be Ts.

The discovery of superheavy elements, which typically exist for only fractions of seconds, is driven by a quest for the long-predicted "island of stability," in which new elements beyond the existing Periodic Table may survive for exceptionally long periods of time, opening up new and useful vistas of physics and chemistry.

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Competition Commission has cleared the USD 13 billion all-cash deal involving Essar Oil and Russian major Rosneft as well as its partners.

The transaction, announced in October, would see Rosneft and its partners taking over India's second biggest private oil firm Essar Oil in an all-cash deal valued at about USD 13 billion.

In a tweet today, Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it has approved "acquisition of shares in Essar Oil Limited by Rosneft, Trafigura Group Pte and United Capital Partners".

Under the deal, Rosneft would purchase 49 per cent stake in Essar Oil's refinery port and petrol pumps. Netherlands- based Trafigura Group Pte -- one of the world's biggest commodity trading companies -- and Russian investment fund United Capital Partners split another 49 per cent equity equally.

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

The deal has an enterprise value of close to USD 13 billion, including Essar Oil's debt of USD 4.5 billion and around USD 2 billion debt with the port company and power plant.

About USD 3 billion dues to Iran for past oil purchases will continue to be on Essar Oil books.

Mergers and acquisitions beyond a certain threshold are required to get the approval from CCI, which keeps a tab on anti-competitive practices across sectors.

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European Council President Donald Tusk says he thinks the European Union will extend sanctions against Russia, but that it will be harder to preserve the West's unity on Moscow when Donald Trump is US president.

Tusk spoke to Polish private television station TVN24 today to mark his two years in the EU office.

He says France, Germany and the United States have supported him in maintaining a cohesive response to Russia's military assertiveness and that he expects another extension of economic and political sanctions on Moscow to be approved in January.

However, Tusk says it may be harder to preserve the unity after Trump takes office January 20.

He says Trump expressed more concern about Britain's exit from the EU than about when they spoke recently.
Northern Arizona University President Rita Cheng added her name Wednesday to a growing list of university and college presidents pledging their support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and for undocumented students.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 434 college and university presidents had signed the petition in support of the so-called Dreamers, which originated at Pomona College in Claremont, Calif. Cheng, Arizona State University President Michael Crow and Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Maria Harper-Marinick were the only signers from Arizona Wednesday afternoon.

The petition asks political leaders to continue and to expand DACA, which was put in place in 2012 by President Barack Obama. President-elect Donald Trump has said he would like to do away with the program, prompting the petition and others like it to show support for DACA.

DACA beneficiaries on our campuses have been exemplary student scholars and student leaders, working across campus and in the community, the petition reads in part. With DACA, our students and alumni have been able to pursue opportunities in business, education, high tech, and the non-profit sector; they have gone to medical school, law school, and graduate schools in numerous disciplines. They are actively contributing to their local communities and economies.

Despite Chengs signature of support on the petition, NAU officials point out no policies have changed and students receiving DACA benefits will continue to do so.

Nothing at NAU has changed and rather than speculating about policies that might or might not change in the future we will continue to maintain our commitment to accessible and affordable higher education, NAU spokeswoman Kim Ott said in an email. The Arizona Board of Regents has not changed its position that DACA students are eligible for in-state tuition at NAU, ASU and the U of A. The Federal DACA program still exists as does the Arizona Superior Court decision regarding DACA residency.

Ott said four students on the Flagstaff campus are DACA recipients, in addition to 14 students attending NAU on extended campuses.

In addition to the petition for university presidents, a similar petition has been circulating around NAU faculty, staff and students calling for Cheng to declare NAU a sanctuary campus.

A sanctuary for higher education is a university, college, or community college that provides undocumented and DACAmented students the opportunity to study and learn in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and fear of deportation, the petition introduction reads in part.

The petition had garnered 365 signatures by Wednesday afternoon, including faculty members, students and alumni.

Robert Neustadt, a Spanish professor and the Director of Latin American Studies, said the term sanctuary campus is loosely defined, but said in general a sanctuary campus would provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all of its students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, religion or immigration status.

Neustadt said a sanctuary campus would refuse to share any documents regarding citizenship status to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and would not allow immigration authorities to enter the campus unless there are serious criminal infractions involved with the case.

Neustadt said serious criminal infractions do not include infractions that are common with undocumented people like identity theft or driving without a license, or small infractions like broken taillights.

In the petition, signers ask for NAU to open an immigrant resource center on campus to provide information and counseling for students and asks for NAU to seek and disburse private funds for students with DACA until we can ensure that they qualify for state-sponsored financial aid and scholarships.

The petition also asks the faculty senate to approve a resolution on Diversity and Sanctuary, and asks that Cheng discuss the issue of DACA and sanctuary campuses with the Arizona Board of Regents as well as the other university presidents to make the declarations consistent throughout the state universities.

We are at a crucial and urgent crossroads in our history, the petitions authors wrote. We realize that in the current climate it takes courage to stand on the side of justice. We the undersigned encourage NAU to stand on the right side of history and to support the students, faculty and staff that we are charged with protecting, serving and educating.
Fidel Castro's ashes were taken today to a symbolic reunion with his fallen comrade-in-arms Ernesto "Che" Guevara in Santa Clara, the first stop in the late Cold War titan's last trip across Cuba.

After two days of tributes in Havana, hundreds of thousands of flag-waving Cubans lined the streets to bid farewell as a military jeep began a four-day journey on Wednesday morning with the cedar urn in tow.

Crowds chanted "I am Fidel!" as the convoy started retracing the victory tour that Castro's guerrilla took in 1959 to celebrate their defeat of US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista.

The flag-covered urn, which rested under a glass case on a small olive-green trailer, arrived in Santa Clara after midnight and entered a complex with a mausoleum and museum dedicated to Guevara.

"It's a historic meeting, two comandantes who change the history of Cuba and humanity," said Agnier Sanchez, a 33-year-old medical imaging technician.

A somber guitar, song and dance show played across a giant statue of Guevara as the "caravan of freedom" paused a third of the way into its 950-kilometer (590-mile) trek across the island.

The convoy will resume today, heading to other cities before a final ceremony on Sunday in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba, where Castro's ashes will be laid to rest next to 19th century independence hero Jose Marti.

Cubans were observing the fifth of nine days of mourning for Castro following his death on Friday at age 90. Castro ruled from 1959 until an illness forced him to hand power to his brother Raul in 2006.

Dissidents call Castro a dictator who jailed opponents but others in Cuba praise his legacy of providing free education and health care to Cubans while defying the US "empire."



"I come from a poor family. I am black. In another era, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to be who I am today," said Maria Gonzalez, a 31-year-old computer engineer.

Castro met Guevara in 1955 while in exile in Mexico, and the young doctor joined Fidel and Raul on the boat that took them to Cuba a year later.

Guevara won a crucial battle in Santa Clara in 1958, derailing an armored train and taking the city.

Guevara was given high-ranking positions in the government but he left in 1966 to lead a guerrilla expedition in Bolivia, where he was captured and executed a year later.

His remains were recovered three decades later and taken to Santa Clara, now home to a huge statute of Che and a museum dedicated to the revolutionary icon.

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Five seaports - Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Goa and Mangalore - will receive tourists coming with e-Visa in addition of 16 airports where the facility is available.

As part of a new liberalised visa policy, government has also decided that business visitors and those coming for medical emergency will be issued visa within 48-hours of application.

Separate immigration counters will be set up in all 16 major airports and the five seaports to facilitate medical tourists coming to India on e-Visa, a Home Ministry official said.

Government will issue employment visa to foreigners who earn a minimum of Rs 16.25 lakh per annum as salary. In academic field, the minimum annual salary qualification is fixed at Rs 9.10 lakh for employment visa.

Tourists, businessmen or people coming for treatment or to attend conferences or even for film shoots will be covered under the new category of visa, which was first mooted by the Commerce Ministry following a suggestion by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to boost services trade.

India will also allow tourists coming under the e-Visa to stay up to 60 days instead of 30 days now. Tourists also can apply for the e-Visa four months in advance instead of the 30 days now.

The new policy will facilitate entry of foreigners for tourism, business and medical purposes. This is expected to stimulate economic growth, increase earnings from export of services like tourism, medical value travel and travel on account of business and to make 'Skill India', 'Digital India', 'Make in India' and other such flagship initiatives of the government successful.

TVoA (tourist visa on arrival), enabled by Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), popularly known as e-Visa scheme, was launched on November 27, 2014.

Under the e-Visa scheme, an applicant receives an email authorising him or her to travel to India after it has been approved. The tourist can travel with a print-out of this authorisation.

On arrival, the visitor has to present the authorisation to the immigration authorities who would then stamp the entry into the country.

With inclusion of eight more countries, the e-Visa scheme has now been extended to 150 countries. On an average, 3500 e-Visa are being granted every day.

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At least three persons were killed and over half a dozen injured in two separate road accidents which occurred on the Yamuna Expressway tonight due to fog, police said.

In the first incident that occurred under Surir police station area, six vehicles had collided with each other amid dense on the expressway, they said.

"Half a dozen persons had got down from different vehicles to see the incident when a truck hit them in the dense at about midnight with the result that one person was killed and others got internal injuries," state a police report filed at Surir police station.

The deceased, who was proceeding to Etawah from Delhi to attend a wedding, has been identified as Sumit Narain, 51.

In the second accident, a car proceeding to Noida rammed a canter going ahead of it under Baldeo police station area on Yamuna Expressway, resulting in the death of two and injury of three.

"While the car driver, identified as Durvesh Kumar, 36, working in Noida Development Authority, succumbed to the injuries on the spot, his friend Gajab Singh, 38, died at S N Medical College in Agra," police said.

They added that the condition others who were injured in the accident and are hospitalised in Agra is serious.

All the injured and the deceased were returning to Noida from a wedding, the police said.
Four persons, including the main suspect Rana Muzamil, have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of Pakistani theatre actress Kismat Baig.

According to a senior Lahore police official, the suspects were traced following a clue from Biag's cell phone.

"We have arrested the main suspect Rana Muzamil and his three accomplices. Muzamil had tasked his accomplices to kill Kismat after she severed relations with him," the official said, adding Muzamil claimed to have invested a lot of money to launch the actress' career in showbiz.

"After getting the job done the hired assassins informed Muzamil on his cell phone," he said.

Pakistan's Punjab province Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said the suspects belong to the theatre industry.

He said the police arrested the suspects from Faisalabad and Gujranwala.

Baig, also a dancer, was shot dead on November 25 by some car and motorcycle-bound assailants who intercepting her car and opened fire while she was returning home after performing in a stage play on Ferozpur Road.

The actress and her driver suffered injuries and were taken to the Services Hospital where Baig died because of profuse bleeding, whereas the driver survived.

The attackers were waiting outside the theatre and when she left for home they chased her. After spraying bullets on her legs, one of the gunmen was quoted by Baig's driver as saying, "Kismat, now you will not be able to dance".

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Experts from various countries have gathered in the national capital for the Fourth India-Central Asia Dialogue to deliberate on impact of changing global dynamics in the region and discuss ways to boost multilateral cooperation.

The two-day dialogue hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) began today at the Sapru House.

"12 experts from Central Asian countries are participating in the dialogue. Overall, over 20 speakers, including those from India, will address different sessions over the two days," a senior official said.

The subject of the first session this morning was 'India-Central Asia amid Changing Global Dynamics' which was chaired by former foreign minister of Kyrgyz Republic.

Zilola Karimova, Head of Middle East Division, Information-analytical Centre for International Relations in Tashkent, said "the relationship in the region should be based on cooperation and not competition."



"We have been cooperating in areas of transport. And, Uzbekistan is ready to develop relationship with other countries based on mutual trust," she said.

When asked about Iran-Saudi Arabia relationship, Karimova said, "Our main policy is not interference but to resolve all issues with peaceful means. The relationship between the two countries is part of geopolitics and must be solved on a bilateral level."



Iskander Akylbayev, a foreign policy expert from Kazakhstan said, "Central Asia is being seen through a prism of the the Great Game. In terms of geopolitics, we are still not quite in the centre. Some say we are on the periphery. We are not all so united but there is an activation in that process."



Central Asia, in the modern context, generally includes five countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

"The region of Central Asia is poised to play greater regional and international role as the nearby economies of India and China are once again becoming the engines of global economic growth," the ICWA said.

The first India-Central Asia Dialogue was held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyz Republic in 2012, second in Alamaty, Kazakhstan in 2013 and third in Dushanbe, capital city of Tajikistan.

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Tamil Nadu government today urged the Centre to allow the state's fishermen to take part in the December 7 consecration of a church in Katchatheevu, an islet ceded to Sri Lanka, and make necessary arrangements, including protection, for them.

"Government of India may immediately accord necessary 'No Objection' for the fishermen from Tamil Nadu to participate in the consecration ceremony of the new building of the St. Antony's Church at Katchatheevu," state Chief Secretary P Rama Mohana Rao said in a letter to Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.

He pointed out that parish priest of St. Joseph's Church in Ramanathapuram district Sahayaraj has represented to the District Collector that around 100 devotees from there were keen to attend the function.

The priest has requested that necessary arrangements may be made for their participation in the event.

Rao urged the Centre "to provide necessary protection and assistance to the pilgrims from Tamil Nadu," to participate in the consecration adding "I request your urgent action in the matter."



He said the consecration of church's new building held "considerable religious and cultural significance" for the fishermen of Tamil Nadu and their participation in the event is their "inalienable right."



He recalled that the state fishermen had months ago represented that the church's reconstruction by demolishing it be taken up jointly by India and Sri Lanka in view of the joint heritage of fishermen from both sides.

In May last, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the unilateral decision of Srilanka to demolish and reconstruct the St. Antony's Church without consulting the Tamil Nadu fishermen, he said.

She had pointed out that the St Antony's Church at Katchatheevu was part of the cultural and religious heritage of the fisherfolk of Tamil Nadu, he said.

The fishermen from Rameswram visit the church during the annual festival in Katchatheevu.

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In one of the biggest takedowns to date, police across the globe have smashed a massive criminal network providing online services including malware attacks that infected half a million computers worldwide, Europol said today.

Known as "Avalanche", the criminal network "was used as a delivery platform to launch and manage mass global malware attacks and money mule recruiting campaigns," Europe's policing agency said in a statement.

The network would be contacted by other criminal groups to send emails to specific victims containing malware to steal bank details and passwords as well as to conduct so-called distributed denial of service (DDos) spam attacks.

"Victims of the malware infections were identified in more than 180 countries," it said from its fortress-like headquarters in The Hague.

The damage caused ran into "hundreds of millions of euros" and in Germany alone -- where the gang's activities were first detected -- some six million euros (USD 6.3 million) in losses were reported as a result of "concentrated cyberattacks on online banking systems."



Police from as far afield as Australia, Belize, India and Singapore, together with 25 other countries pounced yesterday after a four-year operation, arresting five top network bosses, seizing 37 servers and searching 39 premises. Europol would not say in which countries the five were held.

"Avalanche functioned like a company -- and we have arrested its 'chief executive' and 'board members'," said Fernando Ruiz, operations chief at Europol's EC3 Cybercrime Centre.

"They had different branches that catered for different crimes -- and even had a customer service section to help their clients," Ruiz told AFP.

Law officials also shut down 221 other servers and seized or blocked some 800,000 internet domains in the "unprecedented" operation.

The operation was supported by Europol, the continent's judicial cooperation agency Eurojust, Interpol, the US Attorney's Office, the FBI and private companies.

The suspects face charges in different countries all related to being involved in organised crime.

Eurojust president Michele Coninsx said the operation "marked a significant moment in the fight against organised cybercrime."



"Avalanche, one of the world's largest and most malicious botnet infrastructures has been decisively neutralised in one of the biggest takedowns to date," she said.

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The government wants to provide "accessible and affordable" health care facilities to the people and is committed to promote ayurveda and other forms of traditional medicines, Minister of State for Ayush Shripad Naik today said.

"AYUSH is set to meet health care needs throughout the world. Government is committed to the promotion of ayurveda and other forms of traditional medicines and have formed policies for that purpose.

"The Government wants to provide accessible, affordable and safe health care facilities to the people. AYUSH treatment facilities have been provided at all levels of health care, right from primary health centre to super-speciality hospitals like AIIMS," he said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 7th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo. He said that the event, which brings together world-wide experts and practitioners of Ayurveda and traditional medicines, provides an appropriate stage for discussing the strengths and weaknesses and also promoting ayurveda at national and international levels.

Earlier, two important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were also signed by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in Chennai under the AYUSH Ministry with universities in Argentina and Israel.

The mega event is being organized by the World Ayurveda Foundation with support of AYUSH Ministry and West Bengal government.

To facilitate development and growth of AYUSH system of medicine, the Ministry is also organising Arogya Expo from from December 1-4.

This year's World Ayurveda Congress is the largest ever as compared to the earlier World Ayurveda Congress at Kochi 2002, Pune 2006, Jaipur 2008, Bengaluru 2010, Bhopal 2012 and Delhi 2014.

Over 3500 delegates, including over 350 international delegates from 24 countries representing the global ayurveda fraternity are expected to participate.

More than 1,893 scientific papers of international calibre are being considered for presentation in over 30 multi-track scientific sessions.

AYUSH Secretary, Ajit M Sharan, Joint Secretary Anil Kumar Ganeriwala, Provincial Minister of Sri Lanka Bandula Yalegama and senator from Italy Maurizio Romani were among the dignitaries present.

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Amid salary day blues, Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged her state West Bengal and some others were being discriminated against in supply of new currency notes and demanded that RBI furnish details of bills distributed to each state.

"Rs 500, Rs 100 and smaller currency notes not seen in Bengal and many parts of the country. They have become a rare commodity. Let RBI release all figures as to which state is getting which currency," Banerjee said in a statement in Kolkata.

"There is total discrimination in disbursement of cash between states. These figures need to be released. Totally biased, no planning," she said.

Banerjee alleged the salaries people were not being able to withdraw money from their accounts.

"The salaried class is not getting its own money from banks...If those in the organised sector are facing serious problems, you can imagine how grim the situation is in the unorganised sector. Even RBI has not given many state governments critically necessary funds despite making announcements and promises," she alleged.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, however, sought to assuage the concern of common people over as also GST, the two big ticket economic reforms initiated by the government, insisting these would be "game changers".

"As far as currency changes are concerned, once the process is completed and the economy gets back to full steam, the size of the GDP will significantly expand, tax base will expand.

"More money will come to the banks which will be used fruitfully for the betterment of the economy," he told the 'Make in India' conclave in Bhubaneshwar.

Jaitley said though the Centre's initiative might appear challenging, its long-term impact on the economy will be beneficial for the country.

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, who had implemented a Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (VDS) to unearth black money during his tenure, said the Modi government had carried out in a "haphazard" manner causing "unimaginable sufferings" to the people.

"We are not against efforts to curb black money. But in my opinion, the Prime Minister announced demonetisation without any preparation. It was done in a haphazard manner," Deve Gowda, a Lok Sabha member, told PTI.

He said 22 days have already passed since the announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a nationally-televised address but people, particularly the farmers and the labourers, continue to go through "unimaginable sufferings".

The government also came in for criticism from Uttar



Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who claimed demonetisation exercise has slowed down growth and it would take six months to a year for the situation to normalise.

"December 1 has arrived. Salaries are to come in bank accounts but how much money one will get (withdraw) is not certain. There is no word on when these queues (outside banks) will end. The decision has slowed down the entire economy and it will take over six months to a year to normalise the situation," he said.

"Economy gets a boost when one spends. Stopping one from spending will affect development. This (demonetisation) is to create complications. We have sought details as to how much money banks are getting but we have not got the information," he said in Lucknow.

In the wake of reports that government employees are struggling to withdraw salaries post demonetisation, BSP chief Mayawati that demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi participate in the debate on the issue in Parliament to discuss the "bad" situation triggered by the move.

"Even the government employees are now not getting salaries. They have been queuing up (outside banks/ATMs to withdraw money) since yesterday. The situation is really bad.

"Therefore, party demands that the Prime Minister take part in the debate inside Rajya Sabha. The views he is expressing outside House on the issue, he should express inside," Mayawati told reporters outside Parliament.
Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday suspected role of "followers of the government" behind hacking of Twitter accounts of the party and its vice president Rahul Gandhi and demanded a probe in it.

Latching on to the development, Singh also raised questions over demonetisation and wondered if bank accounts will be safe when people move to plastic money as the Centre has been asking them to do in order to combat black money.

"We suspect some of the government's followers only have hacked the official account of Congress. Congress' account is being hacked, why not of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's)? Rahul Gandhi's account is being hacked, why not that of Narendra Modi or Amit Shah? This should be probed," Singh told reporters on Parliament premise.

Hitting back, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Congress will blame BJP even if its leaders experience stomachache. Naqvi, though said the government will take "relevant" steps when Congress files complaints.

"As far as Congress party is concerned, it will blame BJP even if its leaders have stomachache. We can't comment on that, we don't have solution for it," the minister said.

When asked about Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad stating that prompt action has been taken in the matter, Singh appeared unimpressed and contended the government is still not aware of who are the people behind the hacking episode.

"...Then what digital world the Prime Minister is talking about? That all should use plastic currency. Can the Prime Minister assure the 120 crore people of the country that if one's account is hacked and money is stolen from any place, China, Europe, America...Will Modiji compensate for that?" he asked.

Noting some countries have professional hackers who target establishment of other countries, another senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal demanded the government must assure people it will be ahead of "such hackers" and that accounts of public will not be hacked.

The official Twitter accounts of Indian Congress and party vice president Rahul Gandhi were hacked and some messages laden with expletives and profanities posted on it, the party said.

The Congress has, meanwhile, filed a complaint with the Cyber cell of Delhi Police on the hacking of Gandhi's Twitter account.
Namibia bets on new aviation authority to improve standards

THE launch of the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) early this month has brought renewed hope that aviation standards will improve for the better.

The new Civil Aviation Act and the establishment of the NCAA are expected to result in Namibia exceeding the International Civil Aviation Organisation (Icao) implementation benchmark of 70%.

The NCAA is reported to have $221 million which was transferred to it from funds accumulated over the years from the aviation industry. Julius Ngweda, chief public relations officer at the transport ministry, did not respond to questions seeking further details on how the NCAA will work.

Anthony Philbin, chief of communications in the office of the secretary general of Icao said that an effective regulatory authority is essential for the realisation of a safe, secure, efficient, economically viable and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector.

ICAO is providing assistance to Namibia in the areas of Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AGA), Air Navigation Services (ANS), aircraft operations, the airworthiness of aircraft, aviation security, civil aviation organisations, personnel licensing and training, and primary aviation legislation and civil aviation regulations, said Philbin.

Icao support has been provided in the transition process, from the directorate of civil aviation to the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority, through an update of the primary civil aviation law, advice on the structure of the NCAA, recruitment of staff, and advice during the initial start-up activities of the authority.

Philbin said Air Namibia is on the Iata Operational Safety Audit (Iosa) register. This means it has successfully passed the biennial Iosa safety audit. Iosa is an internationally benchmarked safety audit all Iata member airlines have to undergo as a condition of membership.

Two years ago, Icao downgraded the Hosea Kutako International Airport from category eight to five because of poor firefighting and emergency rescue services.

The downgrading meant no A330 aircraft could land or take off from Hosea Kutako until the Namibia Airports Company had met all the requirements regarding firefighting and emergency rescue services.

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) said the last international related aviation accident in Namibia was in 2013.

Iata isn't aware if any recent airline accidents in Namibia. The last one was the November 2013 LAM- Mozambique Airlines plane that crashed in northern Namibia while en route from Maputo to Luanda, killing all on board. The Namibian authorities responsible for the investigation attributed the crash to the deliberate actions of the captain, who locked his co-pilot out of the cockpit, said Linden Birns, managing director of Plane Talking, which represents the interests of Iata in Southern Africa.

Air Namibia's spokesperson Paulus Nakawa told The Namibian on 1 October that the national airline carried 530 000 passengers in 2015, of whom only 6 per cent was on domestic routes, while the rest were cross-border. This accounted for about 51 per cent of all passengers by air between Namibia and the world. The remaining 49 per cent was shared by South African Airways, Condor, British Airways, Taag of Angola and others.

www.dca.com.na
It cost Coconino Community College around $14.40 for each yes vote it got for a proposed tax hike on the November ballot. That measure failed.

In comparison, the city of Flagstaff and the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority spent about $6.55 per yes vote for a bond issue for a new municipal courthouse and $4.62 per yes vote for a sales tax to support the city bus system, respectively. Both of those ballot items passed.

This was a labor of love, said CCC President Colleen A. Smith. Many of our employees worked their utmost to share the mission of the college and the wonderful services it offers to our communities. We presented the information as best we could, and the voters made their decision.

According to CCC, the college spent an estimated $386,000 on election materials, advertising, supplies, postage and travel to educate voters about bond issue. An estimated $160,000 of the $386,000 went to listing Proposition 410 on the ballot and another $33,000 went to the design and mailing of the publicity pamphlet that describes the ballot issue. The pamphlet is required by state law and is mailed to all households that have at least one registered voter.

The other costs included in the $386,000 estimate were salaries and benefits for employees, professional services, advertising, office and promotional supplies, postage and travel. According to CCC, the money for the voter education program came from savings from unfilled positions at the college and the reallocation of other funds, including existing outreach funds.

CCC spokesperson Larry Hendricks stated in an email that it was not possible to determine how many staff hours were put toward the voter education program because those hours were considered part of the normal work week for some employees. There were also a large number of employees who volunteered after hours to help with the voter education program. Costs for the 2013 bond issue for CCC, which also failed, were not immediately available.

In contrast, the city and NAIPTA spent an estimated $89,000 to educate voters on their two ballot issues. The two government entities shared some of the expenses. The city spent around $50,000 for printing and mailing the publicity pamphlet and around $12,000 on printing, supplies, advertising and design. NAIPTA spent around $27,000 for voter education, design and printing. The cost for staff hours for both items was not available for the same reasons that CCCs staff costs were not available.

According to the Coconino County Elections Office, 56,268 of the 81,461 registered voters in the county voted on the bond issue. Of those, 26,809 voted for it and 29,459 voted against it. This rounds out to about $14.40 per yes vote.

The bond for the city courthouse had 26,474 of the 38,493 registered voters in the city limits vote on it: 13,584 and 12,890 against. It cost the city and NAIPTA around $6.55 per yes vote.

The sales tax for NAIPTA collected 29,401 of the more than 38,000 registered city voters. Of those more than 29,000 voters, 19,249 voted for it and 7,809 voted against it. It cost NAIPTA and the city around $4.62 for each yes vote.

If approved, the 2016 CCC measure would have generated $3 million per year for the college. The money would have funded programs to help veterans wanting to apply the skills learned in the military as they transition to civilian employment. The college had also hoped to reinstate programs such as Early Childhood and Continuing Education, and to hire more full-time instructors. Additional courses with an expanded faculty/staff at the Page Instructional Site were also planned.

CCC District Governing Board Chair Patricia Garcia said in a press release that the Board will now be tasked with taking a hard look at available resources and determining what to do to ensure that CCC remains viable while maintaining the level of education that Coconino County residents have come to expect from the college.
The Madras High Court directed the Chairman of Tamil Nadu Medical Council to appear before it tomorrow to explain how a doctor, whose registration was suspended, continued his practise in his village, violating the council's orders.

Justice N Kirubakaran gave the direction when a petition by suspended doctor Dr K Ramachandran, who runs a nursing home with a scan centre at Periakurichi in Cuddalore District came up before him, seeking to quash the May 24, 2016 order of the Council, suspending his registration.

The Council had suspended him for violating the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique(Prohibition of Sex Selection Act), 1994.

On February 7, 2014, based on complaints against the nursing home, officials made a surprise visit. Two days later senior government medical personnel also went there, interacted with staff and a pregnant woman.

Acting on the team's report, the Sub-District Appropriate Authority seized machinery and other accessories in the Nursing Home, sealed it and suspended it's registration.

It also lodged a private complaint under PCPNDT Act and Section 3 and 4 of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. A criminal case was registered against the doctor.

The petitioner, meanwhile, preferred an appeal before the District Appropriate Authority. As it did not dispose it, he moved the High Court which directed the appellate authority to dispose it in eight weeks, which too was not done.

On February 17, the council's order said the charges against the doctor were proved and recommended that his name be erased from Tamil Nadu Medical Register for five years.

The doctor then moved the Madras High Court which set-aside the orderwith a direction to the Council to pass fresh orders as per Section 23(2) of the PCPNDT Act.

The Council in its May 24 order said his registration was suspended till disposal of case, which he challenged.

The petitioner submitted that in view of repealing of Amendment Act 14 of 2003 which came into force from May 9, the Council's power to place a medical practitioner under suspension pending criminal charges have been removed.

The Judge asked the Assistant Solicitor General Su Srinivasan, appearing for the Union Government why these stringent provisions were diluted by the Centre and under what circumstances these were diluted.

Tamil Nadu Medical Council submitted that despite the order, the doctor is practising and produced a prescription issued by the doctor during the suspension period.

The Judge after recording all the submissions, directed the Chairman to be present in the court tomorrow.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Gujarat High Court today disposed of a set of petitions filed by e-commerce players Flipkart, Amazon, and Instakart challenging the entry tax imposed by the state government on the goods purchased through e-commerce portals.

A division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice V M Pancholi disposed of the petitions in view of a recent Supreme Court judgement, which upheld the validity of entry tax imposed by the states.

The high court, however, allowed the petitioners to approach the relevant adjudicating authorities for raising procedural matters arising from the imposition of entry tax.

The Supreme Court had last month upheld the constitutional validity of the state legislations with regard to the levy of entry tax on goods coming from other states, ruling that tax legislation by the state does not require the consent of the President under Article 304 of the Constitution.

Flipkart Internet Pvt Ltd, Amazon Seller Services Pvt Ltd, and Instakart Services Pvt Ltd had in April and May moved the high court with petitions challenging the imposition of entry tax by Gujarat government on goods purchased on e-commerce platforms.

The petitioners claimed that the state government's amendment to the law to levy entry tax on goods purchased through e-commerce portals was discriminatory as no such tax is imposed on goods brought into Gujarat through other modes of sale.

They argued that they only provide online platform to manufacturers, traders and buyers and are themselves not involved in selling any product and hence the tax is unjustified.

However, the government had argued that it was done to provide a level-playing field to traders and retailers in the state.

The Gujarat Tax on Entry of Specified Goods into Local Areas (Amendment) Bill, was passed on March 31 this year. From April 1, any goods being purchased online is being subject to 5 to 15 per cent entry tax. While normal goods are being levied five per cent tax, specified goods are subject to up to 15 per cent tax.

The bill amended the Act of 2001 to bring e-commerce transactions in its ambit, as it felt this was adversely-affecting local traders.

The new law amends the word "importer" to cover those who "bring or facilitate to bring any specified goods for consumption, use or sale in Gujarat from any part of the country using online platforms.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Bombay High Court today quashed an FIR registered against a shoe manufacturer in nearby Thane city for allegedly hurting religious sentiments of a minority community observing that no case was made out against him.

The order was passed by a division bench headed by Justice V M Kanade, who said in such cases police should make preliminary inquiries, probe the matter thoroughly and then register an FIR against the concerned person or parties.

The court had in September stayed the criminal proceeding against the shoe manufacturer, Dejul Shah, who was arrested by Naupada police of Thane city under IPC for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of a community. Today, it quashed the FIR registered against Shah by Thane police.

According to the petition, in 2014, a person named Ibrahim Sheikh had registered an FIR with Naupada police station in Thane alleging that Shah had deliberately embossed an alphabet 'M' on the shoe in a manner resembling the word 'Allah' in Urdu language. He was booked under section 295 A IPC (hurting religious sentiments of a community).

The police had summoned him immediately and started investigating the matter. After a few days, Shah was given bail by the local court. After that, the police neither investigated the matter nor filed a charge sheet in the local court. Therefore, Shah had decided to approach the high court requesting quashing of the FIR.

"In this case, no offence is made out and therefore we are quashing the FIR," said the bench.

Shah argued that he had no intention to hurt the religious sentiments of any community. The artisans, who had made the shoes were Muslims and even the purchasers of his shoes belonged to the same community. Therefore, it cannot be said that he had done this intentionally to hurt members of this community, Shah's lawyer pleaded.

Shah's lawyer Ashok Pande argued that Shah was a small-time businessman, who made shoes and sandals locally. He ordered soles for his products from a Delhi-based manufacturer named A to Z footwear and had no idea about if the printed 'M' looks like the word 'Allah' written in Urdu. The Delhi sole manufacturer belonged to Muslim community and was also not aware of this. Police had arrested the sole manufacturer, but had let him off, he said.

After hearing the arguments, the court observed that prima facie, it did not look like a deliberate act and therefore, the court quashed the FIR.

The court opined that police should not conduct a probe only to appease the members of a community and that it should investigate only if an offence is prima facie made out.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Four persons were arrested in western Meghalaya for parking huge amount of demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes allegedly belonging to militant leaders, the police today said.

The arrests were made following a crackdown by the state police on local militant groups thwarting their attempts to deposit huge cash in bank accounts, they said.

"We have arrested four persons after they were trying to park huge cash amounting to Rs 28 lakh and 35 lakh on two occasions belonging to desperate militant leaders," police spokesperson IG G H P Raju said.

In the first instance, the police in East Garo Hills district traced and seized Rs 35 lakh from Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) cadres Batsrang and Saljepa last month, he said.

Today, the police in South Garo Hills district have arrested Sengchang Momin and Solly Sangma after they deposited Rs 28 lakh in Tura, which belonged to a self-styled area commander of the same militant outfit, he said.

The arrested persons have confessed to have deposited the cash belonging to one Baichung, an area commander of the GNLA, he said.

The demonetisation move has resulted in militant leaders, who have amassed huge money in cash from extortions and kidnappings, getting panicky and trying to deposit through others' accounts, Raju said.

The state government had already issued a general alert that outlawed militant groups might park their ill-gotten money in bank accounts of civilians.

The Police have requested all banks in the state to be watchful of any suspicious deposits and to inform it.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Saqib Saleem made a promising start in Bollywood and audience was expecting to see more of him on big screen but the actor says he decided to stick to good content rather than opting for back-to-back films.

The 28-year-old "Mere Dad Ki Maruti" actor says he will not do a project just for the sake of being noticed.

"I can't do too many films. I take time with my films and I want to work on every script properly before I move on to something else.

"Sometimes, people don't make the kind of films you want to do. So, I took a call that I will not do films. It is better to do a right a film rather than a bad project," Saqib told PTI.

The actor, who also made a striking appearance in "Bombay Talkies," says he was also absent from the silver screen because some of his projects got shelved.

"I was doing a couple of films which got shelved before a week the shooting was supposed to start. I guess that also put me at the backfoot. I was driving things in life on fourth gear, but now I am on third gear.

"I need to accelerate things. But I will still not sign everything that comes to me. I will stick to doing right films and not lie to myself or the audience."



Saqib's next project is a happy and fun love story which also stars "Pink" actress Taapsee Pannu. The cast and crew are in Delhi for the shooting.

"I am very excited as I have never shot in Delhi before. This is my home, I have grown up here and there is nothing more special than shooting in your hometown. And more than me, my friends and family are exited. They want to visit the sets. I am looking forward to the schedule."



Saqib, who is the younger brother of actress Huma Qureshi, moved to Mumbai to pursue his acting dreams. The actor says even though he misses his hometown a lot, he cherishes the feeling of being independent that Mumbai has given him.

"I came to Mumbai with the idea of being independent. Before coming here, I had never been independent. I was looking forward to shifting to Mumbai. I will be able to live alone. I didn't have any problem in adjusting as I was very enthusiastic.

"Not everybody can match up to the pace of Mumbai. If you get that pace, you love it and if you don't you are always trying to match up."



However, he still gets into the Delhi-Mumbai debate.

"Delhi- Mumbai debate will always be there. Though I am Dilliwala by heart, I know I can't live anywhere else other than Mumbai. The vibe of the city is amazing. My heart is in Delhi and my life is in Mumbai."



The actor, meanwhile, is planning to indulge in some delicious home-cooked food.

"I have not eaten a good unhealthy meal for a long time as I have to keep fit for my role in the film. I am missing a lot of Mughlai dishes. And I wish to hog on to some delicious food my mom cooks.

"I miss Delhi food a lot. My dad doesn't understand why I am eating low calorie high protein food.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the biggest seizure of cash in new currency post demonetisation, the Income Tax department today confiscated over Rs 4 crore during searches in a dozen premises in Bengaluru and other locations.

Officials said the searches were launched on the premises of two engineers, working with the state government, and some "connected persons".

A team of over 50 I-T sleuths and police personnel launched operations early morning and searched premises in Bengaluru, Chennai and Erode (Tamil Nadu).

"During the course of searches Rs 4.7 crore cash in new denominations of Rs 2000 and 0.3 crore in old/smaller denominations totalling Rs 5 crore and 7 kg bullion worth approximately Rs 2 crore were found in a flat owned by a civil contractor.

"The new notes and bullion are learnt to have been obtained by exchange of demonetised notes by payment of commission of an engineer and a contractor," the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the policy-making body of the tax department, said in a statement here.

The sleuths also seized some notes of Rs 100, demonetised notes of Rs 500 and a few gold biscuits during the operation, it said, adding the department had to call in note counting machines and additional staff to ascertain the value of the cash.

What has surprised the tax authorities is the sheer amount of new currency stashed by these individuals at a time when new notes are not available to the common public which is queueing up to withdraw even small amounts from their accounts.

"This is the highest seizure of the new currency in the country post the currency ban on November 8. Some entry operators and bankers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are under the scanner. Such volume of new currency cannot be obtained without connivance of bank officials," a senior I-T department official said.

The department has also found a number of identity cards of various individuals from the searched premises which could have been used to illegally change the old currency with new ones.

Taxman has also seized documents of property purchase from the premises, even as they found a battery of luxury cars parked in these locations.

"The investigation is still in progress and the search action is still continuing in ten premises," the CBDT statement added.

Only yesterday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had seized Rs 10 lakh cash in new notes of Rs 2000 from the premises of a Kolkata-based doctor.

The agency conducted nationwide search operations yesterday at 40 locations and seized about Rs 1 crore in new notes.

Both the I-T department and the ED, along with other enforcement agencies and police, are undertaking these operations after reports of instances of illegal exchange of old currency and stashing of new currency notes to perpetrate hawala and money laundering like activities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India has completed a 130-km stretch of road connecting the country with Kalewa in Myanmar, part of the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) trilateral highway, Parliament was informed today.

The trilateral pact between India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) will provide a seamless vehicular movement between SAARC and ASEAN nations and will enhance trade, business, health, education and tourism between India and the two countries.

"Construction of 130 km length stretch of road connecting Moreh (India)/Tamu (Myanmar) to Kalewa in Myanmar has already been completed by Border Roads Organisation of India," Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways P Radhakrishnan said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

India is funding construction of 69 bridges on the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa Road (149.70 kms) section and construction of 120.74 km road between Kalewa and Yargi section of the IMT Trilateral Highway, in Myanmar to improve connectivity with South East Asia by road, he added.

The Trilateral Highway starts from Moreh (Manipur) in India up to Mae Sot in Thailand through Myanmar, he said.

To construct 69 bridges including approach roads in the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa road section and construction/upgradation of Kalewa-Yargi road section of the highway in Myanmar, appointment of consultants to finalise tender documents and award of contracts has already been completed, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India has issued a travel advisory to Chinese travelling to India to carry sufficiently funded international credit and debit cards in view of demonetisation of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes.

"Travellers to India may please note that Indian currency notes of denominations of Rs.500/- and Rs. 1000/- issued prior to November 8, 2016 are no longer valid as legal tender," an advisory posted on the Indian Embassy website said.

"For their convenience, therefore, all travellers to India are advised to carry with them sufficiently funded international credit/debit cards for use while in India," it said.

The advisory followed concerns among the Chinese travellers over how to go about using currency in India post demonetisation as cards like as Chinese mostly uses Union Pay credit cards unlike Visa or Mastercard accepted in India.

Also travel by Chinese businessmen to India is on the increase of late to explore investment opportunities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Minister on Thursday said around two decades ago was predicted to be the capital of world but has now "successfully arrested" the epidemic of and claimed that the country can end it by 2030.

"Our concerted efforts and strategies have been able to see a success story of . We can now safely say that we can end the HIV/ epidemic by 2030," Nadda said during an event to mark World Day.

"There is a consistent decline in prevalence over the years, 57% reduction in the incidences of new infections, and 29% decline also in the number of AIDS-related deaths," Nadda added.

Stating that the Centre has taken major policy decisions towards strengthening the fight against the epidemic, Nadda said that his Ministry has already implemented cut-off level for initiation of Anti Retrieval Therapy (ART) to CD4 count of 500 and is working to raise the bar further to treat every patient.

" has taken major policy decisions towards strengthening the fight against the epidemic. It has been decided that the National AIDS Control Programme will continue as a Central Sector Scheme.

"The Ministry will start ART and the cut-off level for initiation of Anti Retrieval Therapy (ART) will be raised to a CD4 count of 500. This has been now implemented and we are working on raising the bar further to treat all and have started discussions on those lines," he said.

The Union Minister said the is presently treating more than 10 lakh patients with free ARV therapy. He said that the third line ART is now available free under the ART programme.

He released the 'NACO My Stamp', counselling and testing services guidelines and a booklet on assessment of blood banks in .

Nadda also launched the NACO Mobile Application having a risk calculator on HIV/AIDS, service directory addressing myths and misconceptions regarding the disease and a link for a National Toll Free AIDS Helpline and Social Protection scheme.

He also cautioned about the emergence of new pockets of infection, rising trends in some low prevalence states like Orissa, Punjab, Jharkhand while states like Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, AP, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa continue to have prevalence higher than national averages.
India was ranked second in a list of 300 top universities in emerging economies, "making great strides" in the compilation topped by China.

China ranked first with 52 universities while India was on the second spot with 27 universities in the ranking -- 'BRICS and Emerging Economies University Rankings 2017' -- compiled annually by 'Times Higher Education' which released its report today.

"India is making great strides. Its flagship university, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), breaks into the top 15 for the first time this year in 14th place, thanks to improved scores for its teaching environment and research influence.

"The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) climbs three places to 26th, its highest ever rank, due to improved scores across all of the five pillars underlying the methodology," said Phil Baty, editor of the rankings.

"In fact, India could soon overtake Taiwan as the second most-represented country in the top 200 of the table, behind China. Overall, India has 19 universities in the top 200, up from 16 last year, while Taiwan has 21, down from 24," Baty said.

Peking and Tsinghua universities in China held on to the two top spots for the fourth year running and China has a further four universities in the top 10.

Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia, University of Cape Town and University of Science and Technology of China complete the top five rankings.

The other Indian universities to make the cut this year include IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur at joint 32; IIT Madras at 35; IIT Roorkee at 62; IIT Kharagpur at 71; Jadavpur University at 99; IIT Guwahati at 106; Tata Institute of Fundamental Research at 107; University of Delhi at 109; Panjab University at 135; Tezpur University at 140; Savitribai Phule Pune University at 143; Aligarh Muslim University at 157; University of Calcutta at 179; Sri Venkateswara University at 186; National Institute of Technology Rourkela at 195; and Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, at 196.

The un-ranked 200-300 category include Acharya Nagarjuna University, Amrita University, Andhra University, Osmania University, Amity University, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Maharaji Sayaji Rao University of Baroda and Manipal University.

While India and China were described as this year's "winners", the performance of the other BRICS - an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - was described as "waning".

"With almost double the number of institutions in this ranking than the second most-represented country, India, China looks set to continue to dominate the list in the years to come, while other nations will have to run faster just to stand still," Baty said.

There were gains made overall by Turkey (16 institutions ranked, up from nine last year), Egypt (eight versus three last year) and Pakistan (seven versus two last year) in terms of representation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tongues were already clucking about Vandana Shivas appearance in Des Moines, Iowa, well before the author, speaker, scientist and organic farming proponent arrived at Drake University a couple of weeks ago to give a talk titled, Who Really Feeds the World? Shiva is an outspoken critic of the Green Revolution, biotech seed companies and the World Food Prize, which is headquartered in Des Moines. It was founded by Iowan Norman Borlaug, who is referred to as the father of the Green Revolution for his work on high-yield crop varieties. But Shiva rejects the idea on which the World Food Prize is based, that the Green Revolution and its high-yield, genetically modified seeds feed the world or hold the key to ending starvation. She claims the opposite is true: that hunger is built into the design of industrial farming.

Apparently those are fighting words. Henry Miller of Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution tweeted that Shiva is venal, pernicious and mendacious and a charlatan. Aman Mann, described as the daughter of a cotton farmer in India who uses genetically modified seeds, accused Shiva, who is also Indian, of spreading lies. An organization called March Against Myths about Modification put out a Facebook action alert calling Shiva a GMO mythmonger who perpetrates junk science injustice. And from Australia, Brian Duggan weighed in that it was disgraceful that a university would give a fear-mongering clown like Shiva any credibility. Shivas talk was sponsored by Drake University, its Environmental Action Fund, the Slay Fund for Social Justice and a slew of other organizations.

Her words are hard-hitting. But enough to warrant such anger? Ive seen disgraced former heads of state, religious zealots, atheists, race baiters and people who advocate killing abortion doctors get less pushback. Shiva must be one dangerous woman.

Perhaps she is to those who have financial ties to the chemical companies now profiting from industrial agriculture and, by her description, attempting to sell leftover war chemicals. But Shiva got repeat standing ovations from students and community members energized by her message, which was pretty simple: Trust the indigenous knowledge of native farmers who for generations produced healthy food in rich soil without chemical manipulations. Now, she says, adding chemical inputs have made some companies very wealthy while causing hunger, disease and suicide in parts of the world like India.

Shiva links pesticide use to a cancer epidemic in her home state of Punjab, once Indias bread basket, which had fertile soil and 250 crop varieties. When the chemical companies declared war on pests, she said, They forgot that its insects who pollinate our crops and other insects that regulate the pests. Now, she says Punjabs soil is dying and water supplies have been tapped out because the Green Revolution required 10 times more water to produce the same amount of food. And the debts incurred by farmers from using GMO seeds and associated inputs has led to widespread suicide and drug abuse and reduced crop production.

Norman Borlaug was given the Nobel Peace Prize, reflected Shiva, but there wasnt much peace in Punjab.

I should mention that my mother produced a film a few years ago in which Shiva appeared, called Harvest of Grief, about farmer suicides in Punjab. Originally trained as a quantum theory physicist, Shiva later studied science, technology and environmental policy. She contends industrial agriculture is responsible for half of the greenhouse gases driving climate change. While agribusinesses get incentives to export food, she said countries wind up importing food they already grew, like corn in Mexico. Polluted water and air around the world also result from the use of synthetic fertilizers, she said, noting Iowas growing problem with nitrate pollution caused by nutrient runoff from farms. The state had 130 nutrient-impaired waterways in 2014.

Shiva and her organization have fought efforts to patent indigenous plants and their uses, such as Indias neem tree, a natural pest controller. Instead of creating vitamin-enhanced rice or bananas, she urges we turn to diversity for vitamins. She even joked that a recent World Food Prize honoree was credited with inventing the orange sweet potato, which has long been a staple in Japan, Papua New Guinea and other countries.

Then there are the potentially harmful impacts on the human body of the foods we eat under industrial agriculture, where junk food and high fructose corn syrup are staples. Food is the basis of the web of life and what we are, and it needs to be of a certain quality, she told the crowd, adding, Part of whats gone wrong is people dont even know when theyre not feeling right in response to the foods theyve eaten.

Not being a farmer or scientist, I cant speak to pesticide use or the practicality of using only organic farming methods on a large scale. But Shivas overall analysis of the risks of messing with nature brought many Aha moments. Not with everyone, though. Iowan Michelle Miller, who posts on Facebook as Farm Babe, challenged Shiva in person, saying her fields are sprayed safely with Roundup, and because of GMOs, theyve cut back from eight pesticides to one.

By the next day, Farm Babes post on her encounter with Shiva had 1,600 likes. One commenter wrote, How can anyone talk negatively about Norman Borlaug? He fed millions with his work. Another weighed in: In her country, at that! Talk about ungrateful. A third declared, Not being a racist, but she isnt even from this country. How does she think she has the right?

The responses reflect a certain orthodoxy in Iowa on the subject of GMOs, Borlaug and the World Food Prize. But as Shivas audience and growing activism indicate, there is also a growing willingness to challenge that. Since Borlaugs invention affected the whole world, instead of being defensive, we should get informed about how it has been used, for good or bad. Remember, were talking about our collective health. Honoring the Earth and its species should not be considered subversive talk. If it is, theres something sinister going on.
Government has urged China to reverse its technical hold on India's request, which is co-sponsored by several prominent countries, to get designated as terrorist by the UN, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said on Thursday.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Akbar said China has often repeated its concern on spread of terrorism and their desire to cooperate with India on this issue.

On several occasions, China has reiterated with India their resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with "zero tolerance", and has agreed that there is no justification for terrorism.

"Government has consistently highlighted to China regarding the threat of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and affecting the region, including India.

"Specifically, we have emphasised forcefully that while the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed has been proscribed by the UNSC Sanctions Committee. For its well-known terror activities and links to the Al Qaeda, the designation of JeM's main leader, financier and motivator Azhar has been repeatedly put on a technical hold.

"Accordingly, we have urged China to reverse its technical hold on India's request to list Azhar under 1267 provisions. India's request is co-sponsored by several prominent countries," the Minister added.
India will play a critical role in Nokia's "next phase of journey" as the iconic brand re-enters the fiercely competitive global smartphone market that is currently dominated by Samsung and Apple.

HMD Global, which has struck a 10-year brand licensing agreement with Nokia for mobile phones and tablets, will launch a slew of devices globally in the first half of 2017.

Speaking to PTI, HMD Global CEO Arto Nummela said: "India is key market for Nokia's next phase of this journey. It is absolutely important. We want to be successful (in India) and we will also tailor our offerings not only for feature phones, but for smartphones for Indian consumers."



HMD has roped in former Microsoft India country manager (Mobile Devices Sales group) Ajey Mehta as the vice-president of its India operations.

India is one of the fastest growing smartphone markets globally. Also, even though the feature phone market has been gradually shrinking in the country, the segment still accounts for a major chunk of the shipment numbers.

According to research firm IDC, smartphone shipments in India grew 11 per cent to 32.3 million smartphones in July-September quarter compared with the year-ago period.

The overall mobile phone market (smartphone and feature phones) shipment closed at 72.3 million units in the third quarter with an 18.1 per cent sequential growth.

Samsung holds the numero uno position in the Indian smartphone market, followed by Lenovo and Micromax.

HMD will launch smartphone products in the first half of 2017 while Nokia-branded feature phones are expected to come in within this month, Nummela said.

In 2014, Microsoft had acquired Nokia's handset business for USD 7.2 billion. Nokia had retained the rights to the brand name and also inked a non-compete clause with the US-based company. The non-compete clause expires in the coming week.

Earlier this year, Microsoft sold the feature phone business to HMD Global and contract manufacturer Foxconn for USD 350 million.

HMD is ditching Microsoft's Windows OS in favour of Google's Android OS that has the lion's share among smartphones. Foxconn will manufacture the Nokia-branded mobile phones and tablets.

"We are developing an exciting new consumer-centric product range which will focus on innovation, quality and experience, alongside the iconic Nokia mobile phone attributes of design, robustness, and reliability," he said.

Nokia has been one of the most iconic and recognisable phone brands globally for decades and HMD is excited to re-introduce this much-loved, well-known and trusted brand, he added.

Under the agreement, Nokia will receive royalty payments from HMD for sale of every Nokia branded mobile phone and tablet, covering both brand and intellectual property rights. Nokia is not an investor or shareholder in HMD.

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Two top Indian-American executives were today arrested in the US for allegedly misrepresenting their company's finances to inflate its stock price.

Nandu Thondavadi, 62, CEO of Schaumburg-based Quadrant 4 System, and Dhru Desai, 55, its chief financial officer and chairman, were charged with wire fraud and certifying false financial reports related to two acquisitions and the settlement of a lawsuit against the company in 2013.

Thondavadi faces an additional charge of making false statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission in May during an investigation into the company's financial practices.

Both appeared in Chicago federal court to hear the charges, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years each for wire fraud and certifying false financial reports.

The company also has its office in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad and Madurai.

Quadrant 4, which launched in 2010, provides software and consulting services to health care and education customers. The firm reported USD 52 million in revenues and a net loss of USD 516,000 for 2015, according to financial filings.

As a publicly traded company, Quadrant 4 is required to provide to the SEC on a quarterly and annual basis a detailed report of its financial condition.

Federal authorities launched an investigation of the company earlier this year based on indications that the firm's recent annual reports to the SEC contained false information, the complaint states, the Department of Justice said in a statement.

The investigation revealed that Thondavadi and Desai certified the reports even though they knew the documents did not fairly present the true financial condition of the company, according to the complaint.

Thondavadi then lied under oath when questioned by the SEC in May about some of the falsehoods, the complaint states.

Some Indians here say they are ready to move back to



India, where they can create a successful life and will be close to family as well.

Anita Kumar, the wife of an Indian database manager, is not able to work in the US since she is on an H-4 dependent visa.

Kumar says in the eventuality that her husband has to return to India, she will be able to join the workforce and focus on her career as well.

"Given the uncertain environment in the US, we cannot afford to be rigid and not think of alternatives. India now offers tremendous opportunities and we will not have to live with the perpetual uncertainty and anxiety of one day being asked to leave the country," Kumar said.

Social media like Facebook and Twitter arefull of posts from Indians living here venting their anxiety overchanges in immigration laws.

Some say their parents are expressing apprehensions overvisiting them in the summer as they fear they could face hassles at the airport at the hands of immigration officials over their faith and background.

According to the most recentreport from US Citizenship and Immigration Services, 65 per cent of H-1B visas granted in fiscal year-2014 went to workers in computer-related jobs.

Over half of those workers had advanced degrees and 72 per cent were between the ages of 25 and 34.

In recent years, the US government has received well over 300,000 H-1B applications annually; as mandated by Congress, it issues85,000a year, often by lottery.

A bulk of the H1-B visas go to Indian IT workers.
Justin Bieber has opened up about his love/hate relationship with Instagram, saying that he is "90 per cent sure" that the service is "for the devil" and that it is "hell".

The 22-year-old Canadian megastar left Instagram suddenly back in August this year during a gap in his current Purpose world tour, reported Billboard.

Giving his fans the hope that he might return to the site, he asked during a show in London: "Who thinks I should get my Instagram back?"



"Nah, I don't want to get my Instagram back. I'm sure. I think hell is Instagram. I'm 90 per cent sure. We get sent to hell, we get like locked in the Instagram server. Like I'm stuck in the DMs."



Bieber quit Instagram over three months ago when he deleted his account after having posted a series of photos urging his fans to "stop the hate".

At first, he had threatened to make his account private after his fans had bombarded him with negative comments about his then-girlfriend Sofia Richie.

Meanwhile, his Twitter account is still very much active.

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One of the most wanted fugitive bosses of the notorious Calabrian mafia was arrested today in what the government hailed as a "beautiful" victory for Italy's fight against organised crime.

Marcello Pesce, the leader of one of the most powerful clans in the 'Ndrangheta syndicate that controls much of Europe's cocaine trade, was arrested in a flat in his home town of Rosarno in Calabria in Italy's deep south.

Nicknamed "The Dancer", Pesce, 52, was described by prosectuor Gaetano Paci as an intelligent, educated man. Books found in his residence included works by French writers Marcel Proust and Jean-Paul Sartre.

"Today is a beautiful day for Italy: Marcello Pesce, one of the most dangerous mafia figures still at large was brought to justice," Interior Minister Angelino Alfano posted on Twitter.

Authorities accuse Pesce of being the ruthless head of a family-based clan that controls drug trafficking through the port of Gioia Tauro and also being behind the exploitation of migrant workers employed illegally in the local orange groves.

Former allies have testified to him ordering several killings, including one of an associate who had refused to kill a man blamed for a car accident in which Pesce's wife died.

Police have been hunting him since 2010, when he was convicted, in his absence, of mafia association and sentenced to 15 years in prison, later raised to 16 years on appeal.

Authorities had feared he had fled overseas.

Notoriously ruthless, the 'Ndrangheta has surpassed Sicily's Cosa Nostra and the Naples-based Camorra to become Italy's most powerful criminal organisation thanks to its pivotal role in smuggling cocaine from South America into Europe via north Africa and southern Italy.

The clan-based syndicate has links with Colombian producer cartels, Mexican crime gangs and mafia families in New York and other parts of North America, according to police.

It remains anchored in the rural, mountainous and under-developed "toe" of Italy's boot but has also bought up legitimate businesses across the country to launder its illicit profits.

The name 'Ndrangheta comes from the Greek for courage or loyalty and the organisation's secretive culture and brutal enforcement of codes of silence have made it very difficult to penetrate, although authorities claim significant progress in the last two years.

In one notorious 2013 incident an internal feud was settled by a hitman being fed alive to pigs that had been deliberately starved.

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Japan has mobilised its military to help with a second mass cull of 230,000 chickens amid a spreading outbreak of a highly contagious strain of avian flu, officials said.

The highly virulent H5 strain was found in chickens at a farm in Joetsu city in Niigata prefecture, the local government said in a statement yesterday.

It said that 2,100 people, including 1,020 members of the military, were being mobilised in the effort to kill the chickens and contain the virus.

The chicken slaughter began late Wednesday and was expected to continue until Sunday, the statement said.

Authorities have also banned the transport of poultry and poultry products in areas close to the affected farm, while sterilising main roads leading to them.

The case comes after a cull of nearly 320,000 chickens began at another farm in Niigata and some 16,500 ducks were also to be culled at a farm in the northern prefecture of Aomori.

Farm minister Yuji Yamamoto urged Niigata prefecture to "enhance measures" to prevent the virus from spreading, according to Jiji Press.

Before the current outbreak, Japan's last confirmed case of avian flu at a farm was in January 2015.

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Kerala government is mulling to impose stringent punishment for those who pollute rivers and other water bodies, in view of widespread complaints about pollution of water resources in the state.

State Minister for Water Resources Mathew T Thomas said here today that the existing rules would be amended to ensure stringent punishment for those who pollute rivers.

"I have asked Law Department to submit recommendation for an amendment to stringent punishment in this regard. I have given such an assurance in the state Assembly also," he told reporters during a 'meet the press' programme, organised by Kerala Union of Working Journalists.

The government would also consider whether to set up a common authority or separate boards for the conservation of backwaters in the state, he said.

Though Kerala is faced with the threat of the most severe drought after two monsoons have drawn a near blank, the government is well-prepared to face the challenges in this regard, the minister said.

"There was a sharp decrease of rainfall to the tune of 34 per cent during the south-west monsoon. There is 65 per cent dip in rainfall during the north-west monsoon so far. But the government has taken enough measures to ensure the availability of enough drinking water," he said.

A meeting of Groundwater Department officials would be convened on December seven to discuss the steps to revive unused public tube wells across the state, as part of plans to ensure the availability of water, he said.

"At present, only 30 per cent of people in the state are getting purified drinking water. The objective of our government is to extend this to 100 per cent and ensure the availability of purified drinking water in all houses," he said.

To a question whether the banning of bottled water in Sabarimala has hit the ongoing pilgrimage at the hill shrine, the minister said 33,000 litres of purified water is being distributed per hour at the hillock shrine and its premises through special kiosks.

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Moscow and Damascus were not behind an air strike in northern Syria that killed four Turkish soldiers, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today.

"Neither Russia nor Syria, its air force, had anything to do with this," Lavrov told a conference in the southern Turkish resort of Alanya, alongside his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Turkey earlier blamed the Syrian regime for the November 24 strike, which came on the first anniversary of the shooting down of a Russian military warplane by the Turkish air force.

The 2015 incident sparked an unprecedented crisis in relations between Turkey and Russia, who remain on opposite sides of the Syrian conflict.

Ankara backs rebels fighting for the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad while Moscow is an Assad ally providing military support to the regime in Damascus.

Turkey has embarked on an ambitious military operation inside Syria since August, supporting opposition fighters who have so far retaken Jarabulus, Al Rai and the symbolically important town of Dabiq from Islamic State (IS) jihadists.

The Turkish army blamed the Syrian regime for last week's deadly strike, while Turkish media reported the Turkish troops were killed by IS group.

"To concentrate on fighting terrorists we must continue to improve coordination," Lavrov said.

"We coordinate with the US-led coalition, of which Turkey is a part, with the goal of avoiding unplanned incidents. So, through these channels, it would make sense to check who was flying and who was not flying.

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Civil society organisations and trade unions under the banner of National Platform for Domestic Workers today demanded a comprehensive legislation to regulate their working condition and provisions for social security benefits.

The platform has also drafted a model Domestic Workers Regulation of Work and Social Security Bill and discussion on it was held with various stakeholders here.

The model bill proposes an autonomous statutory body, mandatory registration of domestic workers, employers and other placement agencies, and penalties for non-compliance.

The draft legislation also seeks to regulate the working conditions of domestic workers by clear enumeration of duties of employers and service providers, their working hours, weekly holidays, over-time wages and intervals for rest.

"The draft bill mandates provisions of basic amenities at the workplace, payment of wages through bank accounts in the name of the worker, social security benefits, implementation of minimum wages etc," Father Chetan, Regional Coordinator of the National Domestic Workers Movement said.

"However, considering the nature of the domestic work sector where every other household is an employer, the legislation is bound to have a rough sail through Parliament. At the same time, given the nature of their work and social conditions of the workers, coming as they are from the lowest rungs of the social ladder, such an Act can have a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of women and their households across the country," Nalini Nayak, Coordinator for Domestic Workers Sector in SEWA.

Onkar Sharma, Regional Labour Commissioner, the Ministry of Labour, said that the government would examine the draft bill and take a call accordingly.

"We will examine the draft bill submitted to us by the National Platform for Domestic Workers. We also have to see whether we should go for a special law for domestic workers.

"The national policy for domestic workers is under consideration of the government. We are already planning to extend the existing laws to bring domestic workers under the cover. The government has enacted the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act, 2008 for providing social security benefits to unorganised workers including domestic workers," said Sharma.

As per the Employment-Unemployment Survey (EUS) of National Sample Survey Organisation, the estimated number of domestic workers in the country was 41.3 lakhs during 2011-12 of which majority -- 27.9 lakhs -- were women.

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Rapper Lil Wayne is facing a lawsuit over a shooting on his tour bus last year.

Jimmy Carlton Winfrey was arrested in June last year after one of the "Lollipop" hitmaker Wayne's vehicles was sprayed with bullets following an appearance at Compound nightclub in Atlanta, Georgia in April.

No injuries were reported, but Winfrey was charged with a total of 27 counts, including aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts, criminal damage, possession of a firearm by a felon, criminal gang activity, reckless conduct and discharging a weapon near the street. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Lil Wayne was not charged with any crimes relating to the shooting, but bus driver Alvin Lewis has now hit the rapper with a civil lawsuit.

Lewis has alluded to an alleged assault he suffered at the hands of the defendants named in the case, which include Bryan 'birdman' Williams and Young Thug, reported Rolling Stone magazine.

"Defendants placed plaintiff in immediate fear of death and severe bodily harm by attacking and attempting to kill him without any just provocation or cause," Lewis' lawsuit read.

Bosses at Young Money and Cash Money record labels, Williams, Young Thug and Winfrey are also named in the lawsuit.

Last year, it was reported that Williams and Young Thug conspired with Winfrey to kill Lil Wayne because of his longstanding feud with Williams over a USD 51 million suit against the record label boss, accusing him of failing to pay royalties allegedly owed for the 34-year-old's long-delayed album, Tha Carter V.

However, Williams later denied the reports.

Lewis is seeking unspecified damages for "substantial and continuing pain, anguish, suffering, discomfort, medical expenses, lost personal and professional property, and lost wages.

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Badaliyya is a movement based on the concept of BADAL (an Arabic word for "Substitution" or "Ransom". The inspiration comes from the "understanding" that interreligious relation, is primarily a movement of LOVE - a PASSIONATE LOVE that moves one to offer his/her life that others may have life and life to the full. It is a movement of self-expenditure... The model is Jesus Christ in the cross who paid the price by being a RANSOM for us! Bapa Eliseo "Jun" Mercado, OMI
Trinamool Congress today asked the government to look into the hacking of the official Twitter accounts of Indian National Congress and its Vice president Rahul Gandhi.

The hacking issues should be "taken up on priority," TMC leader in Lok Sabha Sudip Bandopadhyay said amid the continued Opposition protest against the government on the demonetisation issue.

"Government should rise to the occasion and take care of the situation," he said.

The official Twitter accounts of Congress and Gandhi were hacked today and some messages laden with expletives and profanities posted on it.

Gandhi's account was hacked last night too and some obscene remarks were posted online for about an hour after which it was rectified.

The Congress has, meanwhile, filed a complaint with the Cyber cell of Delhi Police on the hacking of its Vice President's twitter account.

After the hacking, Congress raised questions on the digital safety of all Indians and said it reflected "disturbing insecurities" of the prevalent "fascist culture" in the country.

Gandhi's account was hacked around 8.45 PM last night and some messages with profanities were put out, but these were deleted soon thereafter.

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Lieutenant General Depinder Singh Ahuja has taken over as the General Officer Commanding 101 Area last week, defence officials said here.

Commissioned into the Bengal Sappers in December 1981, the officer has had an illustrious and a chequered career spanning 35 years, they said.

Lt Gen D S Ahuja replaces Lt Gen S P Nawathe and had earlier served as Chief Engineer Eastern Command, involved in the planning and execution of major infrastructure projects for the Army, Navy and Air Force, Defense Spokesperson Amit Mahajan said.

He has also served as a military observer at Angola as part of the United Nations Mission and is known to have performed exceedingly well in various courses of instruction, Mahajan said.

Lt Gen Ahuja attended the Staff College, Wellington, Higher Defence Management Course at Hyderabad and National Defence College at New Delhi.

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Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has planned a fellowship programme to harness the talent and passion of young professionals in transforming rural Maharashtra.

The beneficiaries of Chief Minister's Rural Development Fellowship Programme 2016 will have an opportunity to use their knowledge and skills to reform and empower villages towards self-sustainable development, a statement from Chief Minister's office said here today.

Any graduate aged between 20-30 years as on January 1, 2017 from a recognised university/institute is eligible for this fellowship programme. The fellowship is for a 12-month period with a monthly stipend of Rs 30,000.

The fellowship is under the umbrella of the recently launched 'Village Social Transformation Mission', the state's flagship rural development project.

The Mission is a collaborative effort between the government and the top business corporates in India. Its aim is sustainable development of 1,000 villages in the state by providing infrastructure as well as ensuring quality last mile service delivery, the statement added.

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A state-run residential school for tribals in Maharashtra has been found to have 50 "bogus" students on its roll amid the government's move to tighten norms for providing grant to such institutes and also their overall administration.

The alleged rape of a minor girl at a government-aided tribal school (called 'ashram shalas') in Buldhana district early last month led the government to order an inquiry into the living conditions of students in all the 1,075 such institutes in the state.

Minister for Agriculture Pandurang Phundkar, who is also Buldhana district guardian minister, said the government has ordered an inquiry into all the ashram schools.

The probe, which is still underway, revealed rampant corruption and misappropriation of government grants in administration of these schools, an official said.

Taking note of the mismanagement, the government has now decided to make quoting Aadhaar card number of adivasi school children mandatory for their registration.

"Henceforth, the ashram schools will not get 75 per cent of the government grant unless they have 100 per cent Aadhaar card-based enrolment of students," said the official from Tribal Affairs Department.

The state cabinet earlier this week approved a proposal to directly deposit government grants to bank accounts of beneficiaries instead of giving them items of use.

An ashram school in Khamgaon, Buldhana district, was found to have 50 "bogus" students. "Of these, there is no trace of 30, while the remaining 20 were actually studying in other ashram schools," the official said.

"Fictitious enrolment was done with an eye to pocket the Rs 900 per month grant given to each of the tribal children studying in these schools. Moreover, there is a restriction of 30 students per class. If there is even one more student than the prescribed limit the government grant is denied," he said.

The official said the state each year allocates Rs 761 crore for government-aided ashram schools and Rs 526 crore for such private unaided institutes.

After the rape case at the Buldhana school came to light, 11 people, including members of the management, were arrested and the institute was shutdown. The 400-odd students of the school are being accommodated in nearby ashram schools, the official said.

At present there are 546 aided and 529 government-run ashram schools under the jurisdiction of Tribal Development Department. There are 2.53 lakh students in aided and another 1.93 lakh pupils in government-run ashram schools.

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Maharashtra government will come up with a scheme to extend health check-up facility to all police personnel above 45 years of age in the state, irrespective of their ranks.

"Until now, all police officers from all India as well as state cadres have to undergo a through health check-up once they cross 45 years. Now, this facility will be extended to all police personnel irrespective of their posts," city police commissioner Venkateshan said today.

He said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the scheme here on December 4.

"This scheme is part of creating awareness among the police personnel and to keep them fit and fine for duty, which requires tremendous stamina and wellness," the top cop told reporters informally.

When contacted by PTI in Mumbai, Minister of State (Home) Deepak Kesarkar said, "In one of the departmental meetings held in the presence of the CM, it was suggested that all policemen should get health benefits from government. "Therefore, the government has decided that irrespective of ranks all police personnel who attend 45 years will undergo medical check-up. This is also being done to ensure that the police force that its expected to remain vigilant at all times, remains fit."



Venkateshan further said that Nagpur Police will launch a scheme "Bharosa" for women.

"Under the scheme, a counselling centre, facilities like medical check up and legal assistance, and a police unit will be (provided to women) under one umbrella," he said.

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Amid the Centre's push for digital transaction, Dhasai village in Thane district has become the first "cashless village" in Maharashtra, state Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said today.

From today, all payments in the village are being done through plastic money. Traders, vegetable and fruit vendors and others providing goods and services in Dhasai are using swipe machines for cashless transactions.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a revolutionary step to check corruption and terror funding by banning old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. He has shown us a dream and has taken steps in that direction.

"In this journey, Dhasai has emerged as the first cashless village in the state. Maharashtra, too, will soon become a cashless state," he said.

Dhasai, in Murbad taluka, around 70 km from Mumbai, has a population of around 10,000. Around 60 nearby small villages depend on Dhasai for trade and their daily needs.

The initiative to make this village cashless was taken by Bank of Baroda in collaboration with NGO Veer Savarkar Pratishthan. The NGO trained the villagers in using digital methods of transactions, the minister said.

Mungantiwar, who attended a programme in Dhasai with General Manager of Bank of Baroda Navtej Singh, Randheer Savarkar of Veer Savarkar Pratishthan, MLA Kisan Kathore and others used his debit card to purchase rice, marking beginning of cashless transactions in the village.

(Reopens BES30)



"The whole idea was to make the village adopt alternative channels, which are cashless, for making transactions. A week back we started educating shopkeepers in Dhasai about cashless transactions and they agreed to adopt it.

"We provided them PoS machines so that they can encourage their customers to go for cashless transactions," said Bank of Baroda General Manager and Zonal Manager (Mumbai) Navtej Singh.

There are nearly 100 shopkeepers in Dhasai, which also has a weekly market where people from nearby villages come to buy necessary items.

A majority of the villagers have RuPay debit cards linked to their Jan Dhan accounts. The villagers have started using their debit cards for small transactions, he said.

The installation of PoS machines started yesterday and the bank has helped in deploying nearly 50 such devices in the village, Singh said, adding, "We have waived security deposit of Rs 10,000 (each) for PoS machines and also the installation fee.
An eight member Chinese delegation today met Chief Secretary A P Padhi as part of the Make in Odisha Conclave here.

The delegation assured the state government that it would soon return to Odisha with investment proposals, an official statement said.

Members of the group highly appreciated the initiatives taken by the state government for industrial development and the Make in Odisha Conclave, it said adding, the Chinese delegation also appreciated the new IPR policy and opined that the policy had motivated them to come to Odisha and look into investment opportunities here.

Chief Secretary Padhi appraised them about specific facilitating policies in textile, apparel, manufacturing, electronics, electrical, health, bio-tech, plastic park, food processing, tourism, chemicals and petrochemicals and assured them all enabling support from the administration, it said.

Assuring timely clearance of proposals, provision of office space, land, 24x7 quality power supply etc, Padhi said he would personally ensure that the Chinese businessmen do not face any difficulties while investing in the state.

"Give me a call or send a WhatsApp message when any genuine investor faces any difficulty or inordinate delay in the transactions of official matters," Padhi told the delegation.

Dr Sarat Sahoo, former member of Odisha Planning Board, accompanied the delegation.

The major industries and groups who joined the delegation included the representatives from Comdaq Industries, JK Import and Export, Sindoz, Total Freight Solutions, China-India Trade and Investment Platform and M-Day group.

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A Muslim medical graduate in Malaysia charged with damaging statues of Hindu deities at a temple has been acquitted after he was found to be mentally unsound at the time of committing the offence.

A Sessions Court Judge said it was clearly proven that accused Fathi Munzir Nadzri, 29, committed the offence, but a psychiatrist confirmed that he was suffering from Bipolar Affective Disorder with Psychotic Features Manic Phase.

"Yes, he did it but on the balance of probabilities, he was found to have done it while he was in an unstable state of mind and did not know that he was committing an offence," the judge said.

The court also acquitted and discharged Nadzri on the charge of possessing a machete on the same date and place.

Nadzri was charged with causing damage to the statues at the Sree Muneeswaran Aman temple in Ipoh last year and being in possession of a machete.

Malaysia is a Muslim majority country but has a minority population comprising ethnic Hindus and Chinese.

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Malaysia's embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak today said the elections were imminent and only his party could look after the interests of majority Muslims as well as minorities, including ethnic Indians.

63-year-old Najib's ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional Party's mandate ends in June 2018.

Najib has been at the helm despite allegations of financial scandal involving him and the state fund 1 MDB.

He has denied any wrong doing in the scandal.

Although Najib did not specify the date of the elections, the prime minister said the polls would be the determiner whether the UMNO-party led government would remain in power or people would choose a new government led by opposition DAP.

The BN government would remain fair and uphold moderation in looking after the interests of all Malaysians, irrespective of race and religion, Najib told the AGM of the United Malay National Party (UMNO) which is the majority party in the Barisan coalition. The others are Malaysian Chinese Association and the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC).

Emphasising further on his statement, Najib noted that the UMNO General Assembly 2016 was for all delegates to receive messages and advices as preparation for next polls.

"If only the Malays and the Bumiputra know the nightmare that will befall them, I am confident that they will hold firmly to UMNO as the only party that can defend their ancestry's rights and fight for their future," he said in his fiery speech to over 2,000 delegates.

The majority Malays, who are all Muslims, enjoy Bumiputra or sons of the soil privileges.

Najib, keeping a firmer grip of the party he has led since 2009, was in much better spirit after a tumultuous session last year following which he sacked his deputy and a party vice-president resigned.

"God willing, we will fight until the death and until the last drop of blood," Najib told delegates.

He attacked former premier and staunch critic Dr Mahathir Mohamad, calling the latter's alliance with the opposition DAP, PKR, Parti Amanah Negara, Bersih as "ultimate betrayal".

"This is one form of ultimate betrayal to UMNO, the race and the nation," he said.

Najib promised non-Muslims that his government would conduct a thorough study on the proposals to empower the Shariah Courts to prevent any "dual punishment" system.

"I ask you, please everyone do not politicise this issue because it is a private member's motion, which will eventually be taken over by the Federal Government.

"To the non-Muslims, worry not, because you will not be subjected to these laws, and the Government is studying the fine prints of the proposed amendments to ensure that there are no elements of dual punishment," he said.

Najib, who is Barisan chairman, said there is no other Government like Barisan which has managed the economy well.

He said the recent billion-dollar investments from Germany and China were a reflection of a well-managed economy by the UMNO-led Government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid allegations that its aircraft carrying Mamata Banerjee was made to hover over Kolkata airport putting at risk passengers' safety, IndiGo today said the plane was delayed due to congestion before making a normal landing yesterday and had adequate fuel.

In a detailed statement, IndiGo said the flight 6E 342 with 174 passengers onboard made a "normal landing" at Kolkata airport and that its captain did not declare a fuel priority or an emergency, though there was some misunderstanding between the Air Traffic Controller and the pilot.

A political row has erupted over Banerjee's IndiGo flight from Patna to Kolkata being made to wait despite the plane reportedly low on fuel with TMC members raising the issue in Parliament today. The party has demanded a probe to find out if there was any conspiracy against the West Bengal Chief Minister.

IndiGo, in the statement, said the fuel on arrival was more than the minimum diversion fuel and there has been no violation of regulatory requirements.

"The flight was kept on hold for landing due to air traffic congestion at Kolkata. The pilot operating 6E 342 had advised the ATC that he has eight minutes of extra holding fuel over Kolkata (destination) before commencing diversion to the planned alternate.

"However, this information was misunderstood by the Air Traffic Controller who assumed that the aircraft had only eight minutes of total fuel left," it said.

According to IndiGo, the misinterpretation of information by ATC controller, led the ATC to instruct fire engines and ambulances to be stationed at the airport.

"We would like to clarify -- IndiGo captain at no stage declared a fuel priority or an emergency. Subsequently, the airplane made a normal landing at Kolkata airport at 840 PM (delayed by an hour due to congestion).

"The fuel on arrival was more than the minimum diversion fuel. There has been no violation or breech of any regulatory requirement in the above mentioned scenario," it said.

The government today informed Parliament that aviation regulator DGCA has ordered an inquiry into as many as three flights, including the one carrying Banerjee, reporting low fuel at the same time, after TMC and other opposition parties alleged conspiracy and threat to her life.

TMC raised the issue in both Houses of Parliament



alleging that Banerjee's flight was made to hover over Kolkata airport last evening for about half an hour despite the pilot reporting that the plane was low on fuel.

The government vehemently denied any design saying just when West Bengal Chief Minister's Patna-Kolkata IndiGo flight reported low on fuel, two other flights of Air India and SpiceJet also called in with the same problem.

Banerjee's flight hovered over Kolkata airport for only 13 minutes and it was ensured that the aircraft landed in a safe and orderly manner, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were informed by Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and MoS Jayant Sinha respectively.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiry to find out how three flights at the same time could fly low on fuel into Kolkata when the norms mandate them to carry enough fuel to enable hovering for 30-40 minutes as well as to carry it to the nearest diversion airport, which in this case was Bhubaneshwar, they said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said in Lok Sabha the DGCA report will be tabled in the House.

IndiGo, in its statement, said it has responded to the queries made by the regulator.
The Worshipful Company of Bakers has elected Patrick Wilkins as its new Master.

At the Companys annual election banquet in Londons Mansion House on Monday (28 November), Wilkins took over from Colin Reese.

The ceremony took place in front of more than 260 members of the Company, bakers, suppliers and guests, including representatives of the City of London Corporation and the heads of bakery organisations.

Wilkins has been a member of the Bakers Company for more than 20 years, and has been secretary to the Wandsmen (ushers) of St Pauls Cathedral for 21 years.

He grew up in Londons East End and has worked as a police detective, investigating matters ranging from violent crime to major fraud, and working with law enforcement agencies in the US and Europe.

Unlike other professions, mine was one where, most times, the customer was always wrong! he quipped.

Speaking exclusively to British Baker, Wilkins said he had fond childhood memories of the local baker coming to his street and selling bread from an enclosed cart. The delicious smell from the wooden enclosure when the doors were opened has stayed with me my whole life. When I was invited to become a Liveryman of the Bakers Company it was an absolute given that I would accept.

Wilkins added he was well aware of the honour accorded to him and the responsibilities with regard to the Worshipful Company in the year ahead.

I have been amazed at the diversity of skills in the trade, and the tremendous range of products. I hold all bakers in the utmost respect and look forward to playing a full role in supporting and promoting the industry whenever I can.
After a high drama over "deployment of army" at certain toll plazas in West Bengal, Chief Minister decided to stay put at the state secretariat 'Nabanna' on Thursday night, even after the force was removed from a toll plaza near it as per her demand.

"I am the custodian of common people. So I can't leave them insecured. I will stay put here for the whole night and observe the situation," Banerjee told reporters at around 1.30 AM.

About her demand that she would leave the office only when Armymen were removed from the second Hooghly bridge toll plaza near Nabanna, she said, "these people may have gone. But they are there in 18 other districts."

Sometime before her press meet, journalists went to the toll plaza near Nabanna and found that the Armymen were no longer there.

A temporary shed set up for them was also removed.

There was no official version of the Army about the removal.

Accusing the Centre of deploying the Army at toll plazas in West Bengal without informing the state government, Banerjee had refused to leave the office till the Armymen were withdrawn from the toll plaza at second Hooghly bridge.

The Army said they were conducting routine exercise with full knowledge and coordination with West Bengal police.

"Army conducting routine exercise with full knowledge & coord with WB Police. Speculation of army taking over toll plaza incorrect," the Eastern command said on Twitter.

"Routine exercise in all NE states. In Assam@18 places, Arunanchal@13, WB@19, Manipur@6, Nagaland@5, Meghalaya@5, Tripura & Mizoram@1", it said.

The Kolkata police, however, said they have raised objection to this Army exercise due to security reasons and traffic problem.

"Army exercise at toll plaza was objected to in writing by Kolkata Police, citing security reasons & traffic inconvenience," the city police said on Twitter.

The drama unfolded in the evening when Banerjee alleged that Army deployment was done in toll plazas without informing the state government and described it as "unprecedented" and "a very serious situation worse than Emergency".

She claimed that people got panicky due to deployment of Army at toll plazas.
Filmmaker Martin Scorsese met Pop Francis in Rome following the Vatican screening of his latest film "Silence", which recounts the persecution of a group of Jesuit missionaries in 17th century Japan.

Scorsese, 74, was accompanied by his wife, his two daughters, the producer of the movie for the meeting yesterday, according to a Vatican statement that said the meeting was "very cordial" and lasted 15 minutes.

Pope Francis told those present that he had read Japanese author Shusaku Endo's novel on which the film was based.

Scorsese gave the Pope two paintings on the theme of "hidden Christians," one of them a much-venerated image of the Madonna painted by a 17th century Japanese artist. Pope Francis gave his guests rosaries.

The audience in the Vatican came after a special screening of "Silence" in Rome on Tuesday night for more than 300 Jesuit priests.

The movie is due to premiere in the United States this December.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Steven Mnuchin, US President- elect Donald Trump's pick for Treasury Secretary, played a key role in organising the 'Aab Ki baar Trump Sarkar' ad campaign close to the election, a Republican Hindu organisation said.

Indian-American Shalabh Kumar, founder and president of the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC), met with Trump in July at the residence of Mnuchin in Southampton, New York where he discussed his vision for the campaign.

"Trump agreed to participate," RHC said in a statement.

Kumar, who played a leading role in mobilising Hindus for Trump has been appointed to the Transition Finance and Inauguration teams, the media release said.

"I am honoured to accept these positions with the transition team and the inauguration committee," Kumar said in a statement in which he congratulated Mnuchin, on his nomination as Treasury Secretary.

"Without Mnuchin key support and assistance, the'Ab ki bar Trump Sarkar'campaign would not have gotten off the ground. Thanks to what we did together, Trump received a net gain of 1.7 million Hindu votes," Kumar said.

"I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and working together with Mnuchin and the other members of the Trump administration to Make America Great Again," he said.

RHC said Mnuchin and Kumar collaborated on Humanity United Against Terror event in New Jersey on October 15, and on other events during the campaign, including a meet and greet between Donald Trump and Hindu leaders in Orlando just days before the election, as well as a visit by Eric Trump to a Hindu Temple.

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A fifteen-member delegation led by R K Srivastava, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Energy, and comprising officials and business leaders from Jharkhand kick started its two-day visit to Shanghai.

On the first day today, the delegation visited SanDisk to showcase the investment opportunities in Jharkhand, an official release said here.

SanDisk is one of the largest companies in wafer fabrication, semi-conductor, memory cards and pen drive manufacturing, it said.

During the meeting Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Secretary, Department of Industries, Mines and Geology, made a presentation on Jharkhand as an investment destination and SanDisk explained in detail its operations and typical requirements that they have for setting up a new unit, the release said.

SanDisk also talked about future expansion plans in India and lauded that Jharkhand could be a major choice for investment given its excellent infrastructure and airport connectivity, the release said.

Tomorrow the delegation would hold a road show organised by the Government of Jharkhand partnering with the Consulate General of India-Shanghai, wherein identified industries and investors have been invited.

The delegation was also holding business interactions in Shanghai with key industries as well as trade bodies, the release added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The scope of the toll the six-week-old battle for has taken on Iraqi forces emerged today, with UN figures showing that around 2,000 had been killed in fighting last month alone.

While high casualty tolls were expected for what has been Iraq's toughest battle against the Islamic State group to date, few figures had been released.

The United Nations' mission in Iraq released monthly casualty figures for November that showed 1,959 members of the Iraqi forces were killed just last month and 450 wounded.

The UN toll includes members of the army, police engaged in combat, the Kurdish peshmerga, interior ministry forces and pro-government paramilitaries.

The UN statement also said at least 926 civilians were killed, bringing to 2,885 the number of Iraqis killed in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict last month.

"The casualty figures are staggering, with civilians accounting for a significant number of the victims," the top UN envoy in Iraq, Jan Kubis, said.

The spike in casualties comes as a major offensive to retake the IS stronghold of Mosul, Iraq's largest military operation in years, enters its seventh week.

Kubis said the growing death toll was largely a result of the jihadists' ferocious defence of Mosul, the city where they proclaimed their now crumbling "caliphate" in 2014.

"Daesh (IS) has been employing the most vicious tactics, using civilian homes as firing positions as well as abducting and forcibly moving civilians, effectively using them as human shields," he said.

The US-led coalition assisting anti-IS forces in Iraq and Syria admitted Thursday to "inadvertently" killing 54 civilians in both countries between March and October.

"Although the coalition makes extraordinary efforts to strike military targets in a manner that minimises the risk of civilian casualties, in some cases casualties are unavoidable," the coalition said in a statement.

A July 18 strike that killed 100 IS fighters also killed as many as 24 civilians, the statement added.

The UN did not provide a regional breakdown of the overall toll but its casualty figures have been going up steadily since the launch of the offensive on October 17.
Multiplicity of authorities, lack of assistance from state governments and dearth of monitoring has led to the failure of cleaning Ganga, a consortium of seven IITs told the National Green Tribunal today.

The consortium's submission came in response to a query raised by a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar which had asked the expert body about the reasons for failure of Ganga Action Plan-I and II.

The consortium of IITs in Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Roorkee, was entrusted with the task of finalising a holistic Ganga River Basin Management (GRBM) programme.

"Namami Gange programme should be run by knowledge and not perception. There are a number of authorities at state and national levels, causing multiplicity. There is lack of administrative intent and coordination among various wings of government," Professor Vinod Tare of IIT Kanpur, the coordinator of consortium, told a bench which also had Justice U D Salvi.

When NGT asked whether the consortium had "collected or prepared" any data on pollution in Ganga independently, Tare said most information was taken from various state bodies and 80-90 per cent data was "distilled" by the experts' body.

To this, the bench asked "did you verify any data which was taken from different sources, whether it is correct or not? Because our experience has been that the data changes with the authority. Did you verify the data even on a single stretch of Ganga?"



When the professor replied in negative, the green panel observed "Government data is often ill-founded and there is hardly any nexus with the reality on the ground, so you should always cross-check."



He further told the bench that there is always "pressure" on officials and bureaucrats associated with Ganga rejuvenation to perform and implement the projects, as their tenures are limited.

Elaborating on the reasons for the failure of Ganga Action Plans I and II, Professor A K Gosain of IIT-Delhi held the state governments responsible for lack of assistance and alleged that every time they sought information, the expert members were asked to go through the files.

"There is always one-way interaction. We give suggestions and recommendations to the ministries but there is no feedback. We never get to know what happened to our views which we had submitted," Gosain told the bench.

The consortium of seven IITs had submitted its report on



Ganga River Basin Management Plan 2015 to the government in March last year.

It was given the responsibility of preparing Ganga River Basin Environment Management Plan by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between 7 IITs and MoEF on July 6, 2010.

The thrust of this Plan was to relate diverse environmental degradations occurring in the basin with their causal factors, and frame a roadmap for redeeming National River Ganga Basin's Environment.

The tribunal had earlier slammed the Uttar Pradesh government over the issue of shifting of tanneries located on the banks of Ganga in Kanpur to some other place to stop discharge of effluents, saying, "it can't behave like a king".

On November 15, the tribunal had stopped the government from spending "a single penny" for Ganga rejuvenation work between Haridwar and Unnao, saying a whopping Rs 20,000 crore was being spent on the entire national project by officials who did not even know about the river.

The green panel has divided the work of cleaning the river in different segments -- Gomukh to Haridwar (Phase-I), Haridwar to Unnao (termed as segment B of Phase-I), Unnao to border of Uttar Pradesh, border of Uttar Pradesh to border of Jharkhand and border of Jharkhand to Bay of Bengal.
The body of Naik Chittranjan Debbarma (34), who was among those killed in Tuesday's terrorist attack in Nagrota near Jammu, was today brought here by a special Army flight today.

A coffin containing the mortal remains covered with the Tri-colour reached here this afternoon.

Army and civil officials paid homage to the martyr at Agartala airport in the presence of a large number of people.

Brigadier Maninder Singh, who laid the wreath on behalf of the Eastern Command of the Army, said "The soldier who belonged to Tripura was very brave and intelligent. He laid down his life for the nation. Indian Army is proud of him."



Additional District Magistrate of West Tripura Sanjay Chakraborty and Sub-divisional Magistrate Sumit Roy Chowdhury were also present at the Airport and paid homage to the Naik.

The body would be sent to Debbarma's ancestral house at Paglabari in Khowai district, about 80 km from here, tomorrow.

Debbarma is survived by his wife Namita and two young children aged 13 and 9.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The mortal remains of armyman Raghvendra Singh Parmar, who was martyred in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Nagrota, were today consigned to flames with full military honours at his ancestral village in Dholpur district of Rajasthan.

Grenadier Parmar, 28, was martyred on November 29 in the militant attack at an Army base in Nagrota in which seven armymen including him lost their lives.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje visited Parmar's village Gadhi Jafar and offered floral tributes.

She consoled his family members and promised a government job to his widow and naming a government school or hospital after martyred soldier.

The funeral was performed with full military honours in the presence of the officers from his unit, district administration and police.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An outfit representing PET container manufacturers has told the National Green Tribunal that the National Test House (NTH) has not tested samples of five different soft drinks manufactured by two major multinational companies in India.

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fiber for engineering resins.

The Health Ministry had recently told Parliament that five different cold drinks were selected by the stratified sampling method and the samples were submitted to NTH in Kolkata for testing where lead was found in the samples.

Apart from lead, other heavy metals like cadmium and chromium were also found in the samples (due to leaching of toxins from the bottles in which they were packaged), it had said.

Referring to a RTI reply, PET Container Manufacturers Association (PCMA) told a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar that NTH-Kolkata was never accredited by NABL and it has not carried out tests for detecting heavy metals -- antimony, chromium, cadmium etc.

"National Test House did not carry out testing of five different cold drinks--Sprite, Mountain Dew, 7UP, Pepsi and Coca Cola for detecting heavy metals like Cadmium and Chromium," PCMA said.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) is a society which provides accreditation recognition for a specific task.

PCMA's submission came while hearing a plea by NGO Him Jagriti Uttaranchal Welfare Society seeking directions to restrict the use of plastic bottle and multi-layered plastic packaging including pet bottles by imposing a ban on packaging of pharmaceuticals and other products.

The NGO had sought the ban saying such packaging leached harmful chemicals and heavy metals into the contents.

However, PCMA had alleged that the NGO's plea was motivated by the interests of the glass industry and not environmental concerns in filing a petition seeking ban on use of PET packaging.

An expert committee constituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had earlier told the Tribunal that there was no conclusive proof that PET bottles used for packaging medicines have ill-effects on human health.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With homosexuality on a rise, there is a need to spread safety awareness among men practicing it so as to contain spread of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), said a city based physiologist here today.

"It is scientifically proven that homosexuals, who don't take any precautionary measures are more vulnerable to contract the deadly disease. The rise in homosexuality poses grave HIV threat to the society," Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Physiology department, assistant professor, Manohar Bhandari, said.

Meanwhile, contradicting the views expressed by Bhandari, transgender rights activist, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, said, "Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community only should not be accused for rise in AIDS due to unsafe sex."



Tripathi added, "LGBT community faces discrimination in the country. HIV doesn't discriminate between people of on sex. However, practicing unsafe love-making was prone to AIDS, be it a man, gay, woman, lesbian and transgender."



Around 21.17 lakh people including 59 per cent are suffering from AIDS in the country, according to India HIV Estimation's Report of 2015.

National AIDS Control Organisation's (NACO) Strategic Information Management System figures for the year 2015-16, reveal 87 per cent people suffering from HIV were heterosexuals, which include two per cent homosexuals.

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A doctor at a reputed private hospital in south Delhi has been directed by state consumer commission to pay Rs 15 lakh compensation to the son of a woman, who died at the age of 22 due to negligence during her caesarean operation in 1993.

The state commission bench, presided by its member N P Kaushik, directed doctor Sadhna Kala to pay the amount to the deceased woman's son Deepanshu Mishra and other family members including her father Uday Kant Jha and husband Uma Shanker Mishra.

"Facts speak for themselves. I am, therefore, left with no option but to hold that it was the negligence on the part of Sadhna Kala that led to the death of a 22-year-old, hale and hearty young girl," the bench said.

According to the complaint filed by Jha, his daughter Anjana Mishra was admitted to Moolchand Khairati Ram Hospital here, on April 12, 1993, for delivery.

The complaint alleged that the doctor performed C-section operation due to certain complexity and it resulted in profuse bleeding.

It further alleged that the condition of the young mother got worse during the following days and she was kept on artificial breathing. She was diagnosed with jaundice after the bleeding due to which her liver stopped functioning.

It said the doctor consulted other experts about the woman's health but on April 22, 1993, she passed away.

The doctor had denied negligence on her part and said a healthy baby was born on April 12, 1993.

She had also submitted that jaundice was in a pre-clinical stage and there were no apparent outward symptoms which could have been noticed by the doctor.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Terming as "anti-national" the Constitution amendment bill, Nepal's main opposition party CPN-UML today obstructed the parliament, saying it has no authority to amend state boundaries to meet the demands of agitating Madhesis and other ethnic groups.

UML Vice Chairman Bamdev Gautam, while addressing the parliament shortly after the parliament meeting began, said they will not let the House proceedings move ahead as the amendment bill was "anti-national".

"The parliament turned Constituent Assembly has no rights to amend state boundaries. Hence, this proposal is unconstitutional. Federalism is about moving ahead together in unity with the mountain, hill and tarai regions, it is not about creating multi-states through division," Gautam was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post.

He termed the government's move as anti-national.

UML lawmakers rose from their seats after which Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar postponed the meeting for 3 PM tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Nepal witnessed massive anti-government protests for the second consecutive day today against the Constitution amendment bill.

An indefinite district-wide general strike has also been called in Arghakhanchi district in protest against the changes to the province borders introduced in the constitution amendment bill in parliament.

As per the provision in the constitution amendment bill, Arghakhanchu, Palpa, Gulmi, Rolpa and Pyuthan would be split from Province 5 and placed under Province 4.

Protests have erupted in Butwal and Pyuthan where transportation was completely put on halt and all the shops while educational institutions remained shut.

The shutdown has adversely affected the people in the districts as most educational institutions, factories, market, and transport are closed since yesterday.

The government had on Tuesday taken the step a day after the 15-day ultimatum served by the Federal Alliance for implementing the three-point deal expired.

The amendment bill aims to accommodate the demands of the agitating Madhesi and ethnic groups that include citizenship and boundary demarcation issues among others.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Assam Public Service Commission Member Brig (retd) Ranjit Borthakur has been named by the Government as Acting Chairman of the APSC following its Chairman Rakesh Kumar Paul was arrested on November 4 last in connection with the cash-for-job scam in the Commission.

Official sources here today said Borthakur's name was selected from among three aspirants for the top post of the Commission that conducts exams for civil, police, allied services, government doctors, engineers and other Gazetted posts in the state government.

Talking to reporters, Borthakur said his new job was a challenging for him but would to take strong steps to cleanse the Commission during the six months of his tenure as people beyond 62 years are not appointed as APSC Chairman or Member.

He also said that action would be taken against those found indulging in illegal practices in the organisation.

Stating the APSC will immediately conduct those exams and interviews for jobs that it could do so on its own, he said, the government's and legal advice would be sought on those conducted illegally.

On differences between Rakesh Paul and himself, the new APSC Chief said, "I had written letters to Paul several times on him making public the marks given by me and not maintaining confidentiality".

"I had also submitted suggestions to Paul on the principles of exams.

I had also opposed Paul entering the examination control room which none of us including Chairman and Members are allowed to enter without written permission from concerned authorities", Borthakur added.

Rakesh Kumar Paul was arrested on November 4 last from his office on charges of accepting money in exchange of jobs to those taking examinations conducted by the Commission.

As the APSC chairman's post is a constitutional one and is appointed by the President and the state government can not dismiss the incumbent, the Assam government had initiated the process by writing to the Governor for taking up the matter with the President.

Assam government on November 26 had suspended arrested APSC Chairman Rakesh Paul for his alleged involvement in a multi-crore cash-for-job scam.

Raj Bhavan here on November 25 had sought a direction from President Pranab Mukherjee to remove Paul.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan will have no bilateral meeting with India on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar where the Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz is set to participate on Sunday, according to a media report.

Aziz is leading the Pakistani delegation to the two-day conference of the process that focuses on regional cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for improving connectivity and tackling security threats.

"Pakistan and India would not hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia ministerial conference being held in Amritsar," Dawn reported, citing officials.

"For now we don't see any willingness on their part...The ball is in India's court, for they know we are willing but we don't know whether they are willing," it quoted an official as saying.

Pakistan and India had held a meeting here at the last HoA ministerial conference and agreed to start 'Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue' that was to cover all outstanding issues.

The resumption of the dialogue could, however, not take place due to the Pathankot terror attack in January this year.

An official was also quoted as saying that Pakistan had not formally reached out to India for a bilateral meeting in Amritsar.

Pakistan's High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit, while participating in BBC Urdu's 'Facebook Live' interaction yesterday, said Pakistan was ready for unconditional resumption of dialogue if India is ready.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is not attending the Heart of Asia ministerial meeting.

"Since Sushma Swaraj is not attending, it's difficult to have a meeting with anyone else," the daily quoted a Pakistani diplomat as saying.

"The Pakistani side believes that the way out of the current stalemate in ties is India giving up its intransigence," the daily said.

"India has to make up its mind. They are not willing to discuss Kashmir," the official said.

India has been non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Aziz but has made it clear that "talks and terror cannot go hand in hand".

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The board of power giant NTPC has approved an investment of Rs 323.35 crore in the PSU's first wind power project of 50 MW at Rojmal in Gujarat.

"Board of Directors of NTPC in its meeting held on November 30, 2016 has accorded investment approval for Rojmal Wind Energy Project (50 MW) in Gujarat at an appraised estimated cost of Rs 323.35 crore subject to signing of Power Project Agreement," NTPC said in a BSE filing today.

This will be the first wind energy project of NTPC, a company statement said.

NTPC has drafted its business plan of capacity addition of about 1,000 MW through renewable resources by 2017. In this endeavour, NTPC has already commissioned 310 MW Solar PV Projects.

50 MW Solar PV at Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh, 260 MW Solar PV at Bhadla in Rajasthan and 250 MW Solar PV at Mandsar in Madhya Pradesh and 8 MW small hydro projects are under implementation.

In small hydro segment (upto 25 MW), eight MW hydro energy based project at NTPC-Singrauli in Uttar Pradesh are under execution.

For exploring possibility of geothermal energy, the company has already inked an MoU Chhattisgarh. Feasibility studies in association with the Geological Survey of India are in progress.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bob Dylan was conspicuously absent from the Oval Office, but President Barack Obama hosted four of America's other 2016 Nobel Laureates, all of whom were migrants.

Characteristically, Dylan left Obama -- like the Nobel Committee -- "Blowin' in the wind."



"Unfortunately, Bob Dylan will not be at the White House today," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest yesterday.

Dylan has also indicated he will skip the Nobel award ceremony in December.

But the self-confessed science nerd president was not deterred.

With just a couple of months left in office and his successor Donald Trump promising hard-line immigration policies, Obama noted America's magnetic ability to draw top talent from around the world.

Obama was hosting Physics laureates Duncan Haldane and Michael Kosterlitz as well as fellow prize winners Oliver Hart, (Economic Sciences) and Fraser Stoddart (Chemistry).

All four were born in Britain, but live and work in the United States.

"We are incredibly proud of them and it's just a reminder that one of the things that makes America unique is our ability to attract talent from all around the world to study at some of our greatest universities," Obama said.

"I spent a lot of time promoting science and trying to encourage young people to get involved in those disciplines that have driven American innovation and American progress as well as driven human progress and one of the best ways for us to be able to do that is to recognize the achievements of Americans who have received extraordinary honors."



This will be the last occasion for Obama to welcome the US laureates, because "The Times They Are A-Changin'" in the White House.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Odisha today received investment commitments worth Rs 5,000 crore from the private sector during an ongoing business summit here, a top government official said today.

The three-day event 'Make in Odisha Conclave' was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik yesterday.

"To attract investors, we are providing a number of incentives, including 20 per cent capital investment subsidy for an investment of Rs 50 crore or above, 5 per cent additional subsidy for women, SC/ST and physically challenged entrepreneurs.

"Today we attracted Rs 5,000-crore investment from the private sector," Odisha Tourism Principal Secretary G K Dhal told reporters here.

He maintained private players will be important contributors to the tourism sector of the state.

The state has attracted investment from the hospitality sector, including Haldiram Group, Natraj Group and Marigold Hotels Platinum International, among others, for 7-8 projects.

Further, Dhal said there is an investment interest worth Rs 3,000 crore for investing in a film city in the state by ADA Group from Mumbai.

Odisha, which currently has 1,200 five-star luxury rooms, is planning to add another 1,000 in the category, during the current fiscal.

"We have 1,200 luxury rooms, each room costing about Rs 1 crore, in the five-star category. We are planning to add another 1,000 by the end of this financial year," Dhal said.

Further, Dhal said the Tourism Dpartment has signed an agreement with OYO Rooms, a hotel aggregator, to sell Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) rooms.

Noting that the state has several investment opportunities, Dhal said he is confident about attracting much more investments from the private sector going forward.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Rajya Sabha today saw the Opposition protesting against treating of the Income Tax Amendment Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, as a Money Bill, saying it amounted to "undermining" the House of Elders which will have to pass it in any case.

While raising this point, Congress members Jairam Ramesh and P Chidambaram engaged in an argument with Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, who insisted that there should be no allegations.

The issue of Taxation Laws (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2016 being treated as Money Bill was raised by Naresh Agrawal of Samajwadi Party who said the government was "undermining" the Rajya Sabha as it does not have majority in this House.

Kurien said it had not been done by the government but the decision was taken by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha under Article 110 of the Constitution.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu then said the Upper House can discuss the bill and members can also move amendments. He said such a thing had not been done for the first time but had been practised since the days of G V Mavlankar, Speaker of the first Lok Sabha.

Ramesh joined the issue, saying "As members of this House, we are not questioning Article 110 (which defines a Money Bill). We are not questioning the decision of the Speaker. The Speaker's decision is final. That is what the Constitution says. But on the 18th of November, a new twist was given to Article 110."



He said if this were to set a precedent, then "anything and everything will be a Money Bill."



As he made certain remarks, Kurien asked Ramesh not to make any allegation. "Whatever is the allegation and aspersion, that is expunged," the Deputy Chairman ruled.

Ramesh insisted that it is not a Money Bill and sought to question why it was being treated so.

"You cannot make this allegation. Sit down... You cannot criticize a ruling," Kurien told the Congress leader.

Naidu then said Ramesh was insulting the Chair. "This is something unheard of in the history of Parliament. ... He cannot make an aspersion on the Chair," he said, adding "This is unacceptable."



Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad joined in to say that Ramesh's comments are "very unfair."



Kurien said "anything criticizing the ruling of the Chair is also expunged."



Tapan Kumar Sen of CPI(M) said the issue has been discussed time and again in the House. "The other day four other Bills were amended in the name of them being Money Bills. This has been going on."



Kurien then said, "I allowed the discussion. That discussion should not be used as an excuse for criticizing the ruling of the Chair. Nor should that be used to make an allegation against the Leader of the House. I do not accept either..."



Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Ramesh should apologise for saying something like that.

Chidambaram, former Finance Minister, then came to the



support of Ramesh, saying all that his party colleague had "pointed out was that you have given a ruling...."



He said "anyone can err", including the constitutional authorities like the Speaker, the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman or even judges.

"All that Mr. Jairam Ramesh points out -- and I want to support him on that -- is that there is a vast difference between a financial Bill and a Money Bill. All Money Bills are financial Bills, but not all financial Bills are Money Bills. Therefore, if the Speaker has not certified - I am taking what he said -- a Bill as a Money Bill, and if the Secretary General describes it as a financial Bill, the question is: is it a financial Bill or a Money Bill," he said.

"Now, Sir, if you have given a ruling that it is a Money Bill notwithstanding a certification, .... We earnestly urge you to reconsider the ruling. That is all," Chidambaram told the Deputy Chairman.

Kurien responded by saying, "...Mr. Chidambaram, you are a leading advocate. You should also know that even a financial Bill, the first category, cannot be introduced here. You should know that too. It can be introduced only there. That is the ruling I gave. You may see the Constitution."



Naidu then said, "I respect Mr. Chidambaram's wisdom. He is surely knowledgeable.....The comment that was made was, ... it is sarcastic, and an accusation against the Chair. How can Mr. Chidambaram support Mr. Jairam Ramesh, instead of advising him to express regret? ....It is a matter of the dignity of the House..."



Kurien said he would go through the records and expunge it but Naidu insisted that Ramesh should express regret.

Naidu maintained that "nothing has been violated" and the Congress members could not "preach" considering that what they have done.

"The Chair has given a ruling and that is the end of the matter. .... He should immediately regret....If at all he is a true parliamentarian, a seasoned parliamentarian," he said.

The Deputy Chairman then asserted that a ruling cannot be discussed or criticized.

Prasad said the "behaviour and the language used against the Deputy Chairman" is "regrettable" as it amounted to questioning the authority of the Chair.

"We also condemn the statement that the Leader of the House has ..... Repeatedly, it has been said. It is completely wrong, unconstitutional, and, I am sorry to say, they must apologize for the kind of language used against the Leader of the House....," the Law Minister said.

Kurien emphasised that "it is the tradition of the House, and the Rules also stipulate it very well, that nobody can question the ruling of the Chair. It is final."



He said Article 110 is very clear that the final authority to decide a Bill as a Money Bill is the Speaker of Lok Sabha and if the Speaker has decided it, it is final.

Ramesh then contended that the Speaker has said that it is not a Money Bill.
Over 4000 posts of different categories would be filled in government elementary schools soon to meet the shortage of teachers and other staff, a senior official said today.

The recruitment would be made through batch-wise appointments and direct appointment and the staff crunch faced by the department would be eased, Director Elementary Education Manmohan Sharma said here.

He said that there was vast network of about 16,000 government schools in the state but in spite of this, the students were shifting from government to private schools, even in rural areas.

Stressing the need for quality education, Sharma said all out efforts were being made by the government to improve the quality of education.

"Teachers are being exposed to new techniques and innovation and continuous evaluation system has been introduced to gauge the learning levels," he said.

In order to bring the weak students on par with meritorious students, initiatives like 'Prerna and Prayas' have been taken and instructions have been issued to the teachers to conduct separate classes for weak students and pay more attention to them to improve the learning levels, the Director added.

The teachers have also been instructed to prepare specific strategies for weak students to make teaching interesting to motivate the students towards studies.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's missions in Washington and New York were targeted by fake twitter accounts which alleged that the two consulates were raided by US law enforcement agencies in connection with the Ohio terror attack by a Somalian refugee who had reportedly lived in Pakistan.

The two twitter accounts, in particularly Pakistan Embassy UN (@PakEmbassyUN) appeared that it was being handled personally by Maleeha Lodhi, the Pakistani Ambassador to the UN.

In the fake tweet, Lodhi alleged that the Ohio Police, a day earlier raided the Pakistani Embassy in Washington in connection with the terrorist attack carried by Abdul Razak Ali Artan.

Artan, a Somalian refugee who reportedly lived in Pakistan for a few years before coming to the US, injured as many as 11 people early this week before he was shot and killed by the Ohio Police.

In this fake account Lodhi alleged that the federal police is now raiding the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN in New York.

"Shame that after Ohio Police raid yesterday on Pakistan Embassy, Washington DC their Twitter account is also suspended by FBI. #OhioStateAttack," the fake twitter account said.

"Federal police have confiscated some documents of our Embassy in New York regarding #OhioStateAttack," said the second tweet from the same account.

"We have bent our flag at Embassy as a protest to the raid regarding #OhioStateAttack. Embassy in New York will remain closed today," said another tweet, which had a picture of Lodhi.

Later in the day, both the Pak Embassy in Washington and its Permanent Mission to the UN in New York issued statements, saying that these are fake accounts and have taken up the matter with Twitter.

(REOPENS FGN4)



"Baseless and false information is being spread on the social media through fake Twitter accounts impersonating the Permanent Mission of Pakistan and Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi. The Permanent Mission has only one twitter account ie @PakistanUN_NY," the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN said.

"The Mission has taken up this issue with the Twitter administration in order to block all unauthorised and fake accounts," it said.

The Pak Embassy in Washington also issued similar statement on twitter.

"It's reiterated that some fake twitter accounts are spreading baseless and unauthentic Info & Pics which are not linked with the Pak Embassy," the embassy said in a tweet.

Lodhi who has 138,000 followers also tweeted the statement.

By late night tweets from @PakinUS appeared to have been deleted, while those of @PakEmbassyUN still appeared to be there.

One of these tweets also reflected a fake twitter account of Sartaj Aziz, who is the foreign policy advisor to the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Several credible media outlets in South Asia even reported about these raids without realising that such an act was unprecedented and would have created a major international crisis, as it would have been in violation of several UN and Vienna conventions.

The diplomatic missions are considered as sovereign territory and the law enforcement agencies of that country have no permission to enter its premises.

This comes at a time when the American media is abuzz with fake stories on the social media and how it was used to influence the recently concluded elections.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIyH98GN9DA

In his speech, Obama didn't mention who started the war, and what the Japanese has done. He opened his speech by saying that the nuclear bombs fell on to the Japanese city, as if they were the innocent victims who got hit out of nowhere. Shame on him! This has nothing to do with nuclear arms control. He reversed who is the victim!

I happen to see an article on George Bush almost being eaten by Japaness. All 11 pilots except him were captured, tortured then eaten by the Japanese. The records were concealed until 2003 because the US military did not want to make the families distressed.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/1445167/George-Bushs-comrades-eaten-by-their-Japanese-PoW-guards.html

Looking back at the brutality of the war, I believe in every word that World War II veterans have said, that the two nuclear bombs have saved more lives than destoried.

It makes me sick that Obama went to Hiroshima and made such speech (He was the first US president who has done so), while Japan has never apologized to China and other Asian countries, and many civilians and soldiers have died in the most painful way.
on Thursday welcomed US President-elect Donald Trump's "willingness to play any role" in resolving its "outstanding issues", which it claimed was a reference to Kashmir issue.

" welcomes Trump's willingness to play a role in resolving the outstanding issues between and India, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir," Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said, a day after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made a congratulatory call to Trump.

He said the telephonic call between Sharif and Trump was a "courtesy call" by the Prime Minister.

He said Pakistan leadership had earlier sent messages of felicitations to the US President-elect on his election victory.

"We attach high importance to our relationship with the US and would like to see it strengthen further. We look forward to closely working with the new administration. The President-elect's intention to visit Pakistan would be warmly welcomed," he said.

A statement issued by the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office claimed that Trump lavished praise on Sharif and offered to play "any role" in helping Pakistan address its problems, even as the US President-elect's transition team just described their discussion as "productive".

Zakaria said Pakistan has been "forcefully" urging the community to take note of the "genocide and crimes against humanity" committed by Indian forces in Kashmir.

Commenting on Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz's visit to India to attend Heart of Asia conference on Sunday, he said it "affords opportunities for meetings on the sidelines."

"We have said time and again that Pakistan believes in peaceful neighbourhood and have always stressed the need for meaningful dialogue as the only viable solution to lasting peace. Unfortunately, India has been heightening tension at the LoC and Working Boundary," he said.

"...We have always maintained that all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, should be resolved through dialogue," he said.

He said Pakistan was participating in Heart of Asia Conference as it is committed to contributing towards all efforts and initiatives that are aimed at bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan.

"Peaceful resolution of all the disputes can make our region prosperous," he said, alleging that India has been "instrumental" in scuttling the SAARC summit and in bringing the bilateral issues in the multilateral arena.

"Pakistan, on the contrary, despite all the negativity of India is ready to attend the Heart of Asia Conference," he said.

On Indus Waters Treaty, Zakaria said the treaty is binding on both India and Pakistan, especially under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, 1969.

"The IWT has an effective dispute resolution mechanism which both India and Pakistan have been utilising in the past. India has to abide by its obligations, if it wants to be taken seriously by the community," he said.

On Pakistan's men's junior team not participating in this year's Junior Hockey World Cup in Uttar Pradesh over visa issues, Zakaria claimed that Pakistan hockey team had applied well in advance for visa to visit India.

"Our hockey team applied for the Indian visa on October 24. They waited for visas until November 28 which was the deadline for the confirmation of team's participation," he said.

On Pakistan's missions in Washington and New York targeted by fake twitter accounts, he said "We have issued a statement in this regard last evening. Besides this, we have also identified a number of other such fake accounts, which are spreading incorrect or false information with malicious intent regarding Pakistan and its high offices."

The fake twitter accounts alleged that the two consulates were raided by US law enforcement agencies in connection with the Ohio terror attack by a Somalian refugee who had reportedly lived in Pakistan.

Zakaria also said the investment in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had increased to 54.5 billion dollars which would deal with energy, infrastructure and industrial development projects.
Rejecting Rahul Gandhi's charge, BJP today said the Lok Sabha Speaker observed all parliamentary norms when the bill to amend the IT Act was passed in the House and asserted that business transactions in Parliament cannot be held hostage to a minority.

"We completely reject charges of Rahul Gandhi and opposition parties because all the parliamentary norms were observed by Madam Speaker. The charges show their bankruptcy because though they are in minority in the Lok Sabha, they do not want any business transactions to be done.

"Minority in Parliament cannot hold democratic process hostage. Everything was done as per to rules, laws, traditions and practises," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar told PTI.

A 16-party opposition delegation today met President Pranab Mukherjee to protest against the manner in which the bill was passed yesterday and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi later attacked the government for suppressing their voice and breaking parliamentary norms.

Taking a dig at the opposition over its continuing protests in the Rajya Sabha today despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence, Javadekar said he would not be surprised if they demand that Modi attends both the House simultaneously if Parliament is to function.

"Even in the Rajya Sabha they got badly exposed because the PM was there. This was their demand till yesterday. Still they did not start the debate (on demonetisation) because they have nothing to offer to public. Now they say the PM should apologise. I would not be surprised if tomorrow they say he (PM) should be simultaneously present in both the Houses," he said.

Congress quoting parliamentary practise is like pot calling the kettle black, he said, adding that it "destroyed" democracy during the Emergency.

"I still hope they will resume the debate and let Parliament function," he asserted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed measures to strengthen military and security ties between the two countries.

Parrikar, the first Indian defence minister to visit Bangladesh in the last 45 years, met Hasina, who holds the defence portfolio in the cabinet, for about 30 minutes.

Parrikar, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit leading an 11-member high-powered delegation, yesterday met President Abdul Hamid who assured India that it has "zero tolerance" policy against terrorism and sought expanded military ties.

The President urged the Indian minister to send more military officials to Bangladesh for training to boost ties between the armed forces of the two countries.

The Defence Minister yesterday also met Hasina's security adviser Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed and discussed bilateral military and security cooperation.

Top Defence Ministry officials in New Delhi had said the focus of Parrikar's trip was to deepen security ties and firm up a defence cooperation agreement that is likely to be signed when Hasina visits India next month.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A meeting held here today between the Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) and a group of Gujarat ministers to resolve the vexed issue of reservation remained inconclusive.

However, PAAS and the government have agreed to meet again to find out a solution to the sensitive issue.

"We have had no results from the meeting," said Varun Patel, one of the 11 representatives of PAAS, told mediapersons after the six-hour long meet.

In its bid to reach out to the politically and numerically strong community ahead of next year's Assembly polls, the government had last week extended an invitation for talks to PAAS.

"In today's meeting, they just listened to our four demands in detail and then told us that they are not empowered to say yes or no on the spot. They will take forward our demand to chief minister (Vijay Rupani) and the party high-command in Delhi and then call us again to discuss with concrete proposal," Patel said.

However, government has maintained that taking a call on the demand raised by Patels is not a small issue which can be resolved in a single meeting.

"This is not a small issue which can be resolved in one meeting. We sat with the PAAS representatives for over six hours and discussed in details various issues raised by them," Deputy-Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who led the group of three ministers for talks, told reporters.

"We also explained to them (PAAS representatives) that any decision on the issue of reservation can be taken only in context of Constitution and the Supreme Court judgement capping all reservations at 49 per cent.

"We have told them that such agitations for reservations are going on in Rajasthan, Harayana and other states and everywhere there is a problem," the minister said.

He said the ministerial group will take up the demands of Patidars with state cabinet as well as Central government.

"After listening to their demands, we have told them that as our committee is appointed for negotiations, we will take their demands to our Central leadership and our Gujarat cabinet. We will discuss all the issues and get back to them for the second meeting, for which they have agreed," he said.

However, PAAS members said they will intensify their stir if they feel that government is delaying the decision only to buy time.

"We want to warn government that if this happens to be



some kind of tactic to buy time, we will wait till Monday for some concrete proposals from the government and if they are not satisfactory then we will intensify this agitation under the leadership of Hardik Patel," Patel said.

He alleged that the ministers had attended the meeting sans any homework and that the government representatives had no decision-making power.

In a message sent from Udaipur, where he is living in exile as part of the conditional bail granted to him by the Gujarat High Court earlier, Hardik said the Gujarat government cannot make any decision on reservation independently but have to rely on Centre.

"It seems all decisions are being taken from Delhi. When our representatives went to meet the government, they told us that they will inform us on Monday after discussing with the party high command and chief minister. We will wait till Monday and after that we will intensify our agitation," he said.

Meanwhile, the deputy CM added that government has advised PAAS to make a proper representation before the OBC commission if they want Patidar community's inclusion in OBC category.

Last year, the violent agitations by Patidars seeking reservation in government jobs and education had rattled the government, then led by Anandiben Patel.

Following the violence, Hardik was booked in two separate cases for sedition.

The government had later introduced quota for economically weaker sections among the non-reserved category to pacify the Patel community. However, Gujarat HC quashed the government's move, terming it unconstitutional.

The four main demands of the Patel community are: constitutionally valid reservation, creation of Patidar Development Board for the development of the community, justice and proper compensation to family members of those who died during the quota agitation and punishment to government officials responsible for committing 'atrocities' on the community when the agitation turned violent.
Reeling under shortage of currency stock, banks across the country have resorted to rationing of cash in order to handle the huge pay day rush at branches.

Although claims were made by various banks that adequate arrangement would be in place to tide over cash crisis on pay day, branches are seen rationing cash depending on their currency stock position.

Branches are compelled to resort to rationing because of cash shortage and it is difficult to meet the withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000 per person set by the Reserve Bank, said a senior public sector bank official.

Some banks are disbursing only Rs 5,000 per person while those having better cash availability are offering Rs 10,000 or Rs 12,000 per withdrawal.

Making matters worse, a large number of ATMs are still dry even 24 days after the government scrapped 500 and 1,000 rupee notes earlier this month to crack down on black money.

Despite recalibration of nearly 80 per cent of ATMs do not have cash, while people are struggling with the problem of change as the operational ones dispense mostly high denomination Rs 2,000 notes.

Yesterday, a top government official claimed that special efforts are being made to pump in additional cash into banks to meet the heavy demand for currency notes on account of salary withdrawal but situation on the ground is still a far cry.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel had earlier said the central bank is monitoring the situation on a daily basis and taking all necessary actions to "ease the genuine pain of citizens" with a clear intent to normalise the things as early as possible.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Three persons were today arrested as police in Mahabubnagar district claimed to have thwarted an attempt by outlawed CPI (Maoist) to convert old currency to the tune of Rs 12 lakh with new notes by unlawful means.

Rs 12,01,400 in old denominations and three mobile phones were recovered from the trio, police said.

The SHO of Makhtal police station in the district received a tip off that some persons suspected to be having links with anti-social elements were trying to convert old currency into new currency with the help of a post office employee in Manthangode village in Makhtal mandal, Mahabubnagar police stated in a release.

The SHO immediately rushed to the village along with a team and found two persons in the house of Satyanarayana Chary, Branch Post Master with cash bundles of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.

"On questioning, the other two persons revealed their names as Trinadha Rao and Sidharth, but refused to divulge details of the source of the money," it said.

Rao and Sidharth, who work for a Hyderabad-based engineering company at Charla forest area in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district, were allegedly threatened by Maoists.

According to police, they were also made to meet some men in olive green uniform in the forest who demanded money.

"After one month, again one unknown person came and handed over a letter allegedly from the CPI (Maoist) district committee secretary of Khammam. In that letter he (Trinadha Rao) was asked to come alone to Maoist Martyrs Stupa in Bheemavaram village in Chhattisgarh on October 28. It also gave a warning not to reveal the matter to police," as per the release.

Rao was made to pay money, it said.

"So, Rao carried the currency in both old and new and went there on (November) 12. Three masked men came with weapons and took the money. (They) also gave him two bags and told to convert money into new currency in denomination of Rs 2000.

"When Rao refused, they convinced him to support the movement and to cooperate with a promise to give a sizable share from that amount. He agreed and came back. The bags had Rs 12 lakh in old denominations," the release said.

Sidharth sought the help of Satyanarayana Chary of Manthangode village for converting the currency, but the attempt was thwarted by police, it said.

A case was registered under relevant sections of Telangana State Public Securities Act against the trio.

After preliminary investigation, they were arrested by Makhtal police today and being remanded in judicial custody.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Concerned over poor response from NRI Kannadigas to the forthcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the Karnataka government has decided to step up efforts to reach out to them for participation in the event next month.

Karnataka is hosting the 15th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bengaluru for three days from January 7.

"It is for the first time the event is being organised in Karnataka and we are trying to get higher participation from NRI Kannadigas. So far, we have more than 320 NRIs registered, out of which NRI Kannadigas are only 10-15," Non-resident Indians (NRI) Forum, Karnataka, Deputy Chairman Arathi Krishna told reporters here.

There is not much awareness about the event among NRI Kannadigas because the event was mostly held in north India. Not only that, they don't even know that there is a separate NRI cell in the state to address their grievances, she said.

The event is important for NRI Kannadigas, Krishna said, because the state government is unveiling a 'new NRI policy' under which norms are eased to attract investment and support system would be provided to address labour, property, marriage and visa related issues.

Krishna was here in the national capital to discuss with the External Affairs Ministry officials and other associations about preparations for the event.

"The strategy to attract more NRIs was discussed in the meeting. The Centre has extended support to the state to attract more NRI Kannadigas to the event," she said.

There are about four lakh NRI Kannadigas and most of them are located in the US and Gulf nations.

The NRI Forum Karnataka is a government agency formed in 2008 with the responsibility of helping promote the interests of NRIs who invest in Karnataka.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid the judiciary-government tussle, Chief Justice of India T S Thakur today asserted the process of appointment of judges cannot be "hijacked" and judiciary needs to be independent as it plays a role in the eventuality of a "tyrannical regime".

He also made it clear that judiciary cannot depend on executive in choosing judges.

He said judiciary must be independent regarding internal matters of judicial administration, including assignment of cases to the judges within the court, as unless there is an independent judiciary, the rights which are conferred by the Constitution would be "meaningless".

The remarks, made by the CJI while delivering the 37th Bhimsen Sachar memorial lecture here on 'Independent Judiciary - Bastion of Democracy', assume importance in the wake of mounting tension between the judiciary and executive over the appointment of judges for higher judiciary as both the organs of the State have been blaming each other for the increasing vacancies of judges and to remain within a 'lakshmanrekha'.

Justice Thakur, who will be demitting office of CJI on January 3 next year, said the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act 2014, which was struck down last year by the Supreme Court, was an attempt which would have affected the independence of judiciary.

He added the "powerful and assertive Parliament" tries to assert for a greater say in the matter of judicial appointments.

Asserting that independence of judiciary was paramount for a democracy, he said judiciary cannot depend on the executive for discharging its duties and since the government was the "biggest litigant", one cannot say that executive can choose the judges to hear a case.

Referring to the NJAC verdict by a five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice J S Khehar who will succeed him as the CJI, Justice Thakur said, "The recent decision by the constitution bench striking down constitutional amendment by which NJAC was supposed to be set up also goes into all these aspects."



"It discusses how the court cannot have a situation where independence of judiciary gets affected by reason of appointment process being hijacked. If you have the Law minister and two nominees of the government in the panel that is going to appoint judges, the court saw this as an attempt to affect the independence of judiciary," he said.

"The powerful and assertive Parliament tries to assert for a greater say in the matter of judicial appointments. An attempt to take away from judiciary the power to appoint judges was seen by the judiciary as an attempt to affect the independence of judiciary.

"Constitutional amendment seeking to set up NJAC was one such attempt. It was seen as an attempt that would affect the independence of judiciary," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a conciliatory state-of-the-nation address, Russian President Vladimir Putin today voiced hope for mending a rift with the US and pooling efforts in fighting terrorism.

The speech reflected Moscow's hope that President-elect Donald Trump could help repair ties with Washington that have sunk to a post-Cold War low over the crisis in Ukraine, the Syria war and other disputes.

Putin emphasised that friendly relations between the two superpowers are essential for global stability.

"Russia-U.S. Cooperation in solving global and regional problems answers the interests of the entire world," he said. "We share responsibility for ensuring global security and stability and strengthening the non-proliferation regime."



Putin's live address contrasted with some of his recent speeches, in which he launched scathing attacks on the US and its allies.

Tensions escalated during the US election campaign, when President Barack Obama's administration accused Moscow of hacking American political sites and email accounts in an effort to interfere with the vote. The Kremlin has rejected the accusations.

Putin noted in his speech that Russia has faced "attempts of foreign pressure with all tools involved from the myths about Russian aggression, (allegations) of meddling in elections to the hounding of our athletes," a reference to doping scandals.

But he also emphasised that Russia bears no grudge against the West and is open for a "friendly and equal" dialogue on global issues.

"We don't want confrontation with anyone," he told an audience of senior officials and lawmakers in an ornate, white-marble Kremlin hall.

"Unlike our foreign colleagues who are seeing Russia as an enemy, we have never been looking for enemies. We need friends," Putin said. "But we won't allow any infringement on our interests and neglect of them."



He said that Russia is "ready for cooperation with the new American administration," and hopes to pool efforts with the US in combating international terrorism.

"Our servicemen in Syria are fulfilling that task," Putin added.

Russia has conducted an air campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad, helping his forces make significant gains, most recently in Aleppo, Syria's largest city before the war.

In a phone call on November 16, Trump told Putin that he looks forward to "a strong and enduring relationship with Russia and the people of Russia," according to his transition team.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Australia's Queensland government today said that it has listed Indian mining giant Adani's 21.7 billiondollar coal mine project as critical infrastructure tofacilitate it even as it underlined that the state's taxpayermoney would not gotowards funding the controversy- hit project to build one of the world's largest coal mines.

"The states taxpayermoney would not gotowards funding of the project and in order tofacilitate the project, the state governmenthad worked through the approval processes and recently listed it as critical infrastructure," said Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Palaszczuk said she will meet Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, along with senior representatives of company next weekregarding the project.

Speaking at the stateparliament, the Premier said state government was working constructively with Adani Group on its mine, rail link and port project and that theproject was projected to generate thousands of direct construction and operations jobs and many thousand more indirectly.

"Adani has already made a significant commitment to these projects - 3.3 billion dollar in fact. This investment to date is part of theircommitment to a long term future with Queensland, and not only with coal," she said.

She also also welcomed the Indian energy giant's announcement for building 200 million dollars solar energy plant in Moranbah.

"I welcome the recent announcement for a 200 million dollars solar energy project for Moranbah, and revealed its broader plans to generate 1500 megawatts of solar power in Australia within five years," she said and added theproject was to pass throughover200 condition applied to it.

She said that the focus of her meeting with Gautam Adani will be to secure a commitment to regional Queensland jobs.

The company has faced a protracted battle to establish Australia's largest thermal coal mine.

Adani's plan to build one of the world's largest coal mines in Australia, recently received a boost by a last-minute amendment to Queensland's new water laws that would exempt the project from any public objection process.

The Queensland government has granted Adani's Carmichael mine project in the Galilee Basin an 11th-hour exemption to new water laws that could have seen the project subjected to further legal challenges.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With today being pay day for majority of salaried employees and pensioners, a large number of people queued up outside banks and ATMs since early morning at many places in Gujarat to withdraw cash.

The banks, meanwhile, regulated supply of cash to their customers to tide over the currency crisis.

Several banks restricted cash withdrawal due to paucity of funds, while a number of ATMs remained inoperative.

Long queues were seen outside most banks and a limited number of ATMs which were dispensing cash, as people lined up in large numbers to withdraw money from their salary accounts for day-to-day expenditure.

Many customers were disappointed as banks regulated cash availability and many of them could not withdraw more than Rs 10,000, despite the Centre increasing the withdrawal limit to Rs 24,000 per week.

Several banks informed their customers that they cannot withdraw more than Rs 10,000, in order to meet the demands of maximum people due to limited cash availability.

Some banks also turned away people, saying they had exhausted the cash and were yet to receive more of it.

Some pensioners complained about long queues and lamented that banks had made no arrangements for senior citizens to withdraw money easily.

"I have come here since 6 AM to withdraw cash from my salary account as I need money for daily needs," said Pradip Jain, standing in queue at a nationalised bank branch here.

"While government has fixed Rs 24,000 limit for withdrawal, the bank manager told us we cannot withdraw more than Rs 10,000 due to limited cash availability," he said.

Rajesh Bhavsar, who stood in a queue outside a leading private bank branch in the city, faced similar predicament, after the bank limited withdrawal to Rs 10,000 per person due to limited cash availability.

"I received Rs 18,000 salary today, but I cannot withdraw it because the bank has set withdrawal limit of Rs 10,000. I need more money for daily expenditure, and request the government to ensure cash availability," Bhavsar said.

Hiraben Dani, a pensioner, said she could not withdraw



money due to huge rush at banks. Her husband, Pradip Dani, said he has curtailed family expenditure so as to limit cash withdrawal.

"I am exhausted. I went to the bank to withdraw money but had to return (empty-handed) as I started feeling dizzy standing in the queue. I don't even have money for day-to-day expenditure. It is a tough situation," Hiraben said.

"We have curtailed expenditure so that we can save cash. We try to stay indoors to save money. There is no separate queue for senior citizens which makes withdrawal difficult," Hiraben's husband said.

Meanwhile, a branch of another leading nationalised bank downed its shutters even as people queued up, saying it exhausted all the cash yesterday afternoon and has not received fresh supply.

"I have been standing here since morning but the bank says it does not have any idea when it will receive cash. I need money for daily use, so I will have to take leave from office to withdraw money," said Vipul Patel, who stood in the queue outside the bank branch in Vadodara.
After hacking Rahul Gandhi's Twitter and email accounts twice in as many days, hackers broke into Congress' account today and posted profanities, prompting the party to blame it on "fascist" forces, a term it uses for BJP, which hit right back saying it showed the main opposition party's "mental bankruptcy".

Gandhi's Twitter account was hacked last night and some obscene remarks were put out online for around an hour. Today, his email was also hacked, the party claimed.

Blaming "fascist" forces for the hacking, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "it reflects the extremities of an intolerant culture that resorts to abuse when cornered and claimed the party has fought such "hatred and animosity" with Gandhian compassion and tolerance.

BJP hit back at Congress for pointing fingers at it and its supporters, saying it showed the opposition party's "mental bankruptcy" as it blamed the main ruling party for everything that went against it.

"We absolutely reject the charge. It only shows Congress' bankruptcy that it blames BJP for everything. When court asked their leaders to appear in National Herald case it blamed BJP, when summons were issued later it still blamed BJP, and now it is blaming BJP for something completely unrelated to the party," BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

He demanded that Congress tender an apology for making such a "baseless" allegation.

The hacking of the Congress Vice President's Twitter account led to launch of twin probes by the Delhi Police and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY) following a complaint by the party.

IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the matter is being taken very "seriously" and prompt action has been taken. "We are seeking the details of all those who logged in that twitter account in the last one week to probe it further."



The Congress filed a complaint with the Cyber cell of Delhi Police on the hacking of the two twitter accounts, the party website and the email accounts of Congress and Rahul Gandhi. The complaint was filed by Surjewala, demanding registration of a criminal case and strict action against those behind the hacking.

The Delhi police, on its part, initiated a probe into the incident and has written to the management of the social media site seeking necessary details. A case has been registered in the Economic Offences wing under Section 66 of IT Act.

Sources at Twitter, however, said there was no security breach at their end, but the accounts may have been compromised through breach of e-mail.

Surjewala confirmed that first @OfficeOfRG and then @INCIndia twitter accounts were hacked by "lumpen fascists".

Surjewala said he has filed a complaint on behalf of Congress to Delhi police and said the onus is on Modi government to ensure digital security and punish the guilty.

"Free speech and right to disagree in India is under



attack by licensed trolls. Such despotic and vulgar attempts reflect the extremities of an intolerant culture that resorts to abuse when cornered and left answer less," Surjewala said.

"Indian National Congress has fought such hatred and animosity with Gandhian compassion and tolerance. 'Sabko sanmati de bhagwaan' (May God give better sense to all)," he said on Twitter.

"As far twitter account of Rahul Gandhi is concerned, when it came to my notice, I took it very seriously. Twitter representative of India was contacted and all offending tweets were removed," Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

While raising the issue, Congress sought to caution the Modi government over its pitch for shifting to online banking transactions following concern over digital safety.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel tweeted, "The way @OfficeOfRG a/c got hacked, as cybercrime and Twitter watched helpless raises serious Q's on digital safety, Digital India future."



"Those forcing country to adopt online payment overnight, have they taken steps to ensure a/c of ordinary ppl will be immune from hacking?," he said.

Later, in a statement, Surjewala said,"Time has come for Modi government, which speaks of cashless economy, to ponder over these important imponderables that have exposed the susceptibility of the entire digital financial platforms. We sincerely hope that Modi government will provide the relevant answers to people of India."



The statement dubbed as a "predetermined conspiracy" and systematic attack on free speech and right to disagree the hacking of its Twitter account and of Rahul Gandhi and raised questions on the safety of the entire digital payment network as also of privacy.

"Every right thinking Indian is shocked by such despotic and vulgar attempts, which reflect the extremities of a growing intolerant culture around us that resorts to abuse and insult every time it lacks answers to the questioned raised by those who disagree with their point of view," Surjewala said in the statement.

BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma too issued a statement, saying Congress should understand that if the twitter account of Rahul Gandhi or the party has been hacked, the fault lies with Twitter's security feature and not with BJP.

"Congress should desist from such petty politics or after losing people's support it will now fall in their eyes," he said. Well," he later said in a statement.

(Reopens DEL109)



Surjewala also said the Indian National Congress' internal email server is under a sustained hacking attack because of which some of our Twitter accounts were compromised.

"Twitter has restored access for some of them and is working with us in keeping the accounts safe. We are taking necessary measures to stop this hack in the earnest," he said in a statement.
RBI on Thursday has cautioned as well as the public not be misguided by questionable and unverified documents being circulated on social media channels regarding of old Rs 500/1000 currency notes.

In a public notice, the Reserve Bank said that people should rely on information provided by it on its website.

In the wake of withdrawal of legal tender character from the Specified Bank Notes (old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000), RBI has, from time to time, been issuing instructions to the which are sent directly to through an official mail.

In the notice, RBI said that it has been reported that certain guidelines/instructions "purported" to be issued by the RBI are being circulated in the social media by "some unscrupulous elements creating confusion in the minds of the public/bank personnel".

"Banks and members of the public are, therefore, cautioned to be guided by only those instructions which are either uploaded on the Reserve Bank's official website," the central bank said.

Following of the old high value currency from November 9, people have been depositing the invalid notes in banks and also exchanging them at RBI counters.

RBI has placed a weekly withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000, including from ATMs, a week.
Battle-hardened youths returning to their home countries to launch terror attacks after being trained and indoctrinated by IS was a major security concern and central Asian countries must act unitedly to combat the menace, a top External Affairs Ministry said today.

Secretary (West) of Ministry of External Affairs Sujata Mehta said the challenge for Central Asian countries was act to ensure that moderate views of assimilation and accommodation prevail amid an "onslaught of extremism".

"Reports suggest that those from Central Asia who have gone to fight for Da'esh (IS) are likely to return to their roots to pursue their sinister agenda back home; there are already signs of Da'esh fighters joining, coordinating and launching terrorist attacks having returned battle-hardened and indoctrinated.

"The challenge for our Central Asian partners is to act to ensure that moderate views of assimilation and accommodation prevail amidst an onslaught of extremism," she said.

She was speaking at the Fourth India-Central Asia Dialogue organised by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Mehta also said the rise of terror outfit IS has added another dimension to militancy in Central Asia, adding India's vision for the future cooperation with the countries of the region is "ambitious and at the same time realistic".

"Today, Central Asia faces some persisting, and some new challenges. Regional security is a continuing concern. The situation in neighbouring Afghanistan, which shares a border with three Central Asian countries, is yet to stabilise.

"Drug trafficking and associated criminal activities have been a bane for the people of this region. The rise of Da'esh (IS) has added another dimension to extremism and militancy in the region," she said.

The senior MEA official said the current scenario, regionally and internationally, presents immense challenges but also offers potential for India and Central Asia to qualitatively enhance their engagement.

"Both India and Central Asia are factors of peace, stability, growth and development in the region and the world. Stronger relations between us will contribute to increased security and prosperity of these countries and the world.

"The significance of this region in the foreign policy matrix of India cannot be overemphasised and we believe that the security, stability and prosperity of Central Asia is imperative for peace and economic development in India.

"We are each other's extended neighbourhood and the region has been a priority area of interest for Indian policymakers, practitioners and thinkers," Mehta added.

She said there was much that both sides can achieve in partnership and that this was a good moment to reflect on the major issues as Central Asian countries mark 25 years of their independence.

"12 experts from Central Asian countries are participating in the dialogue. Overall, over 20 speakers, including those from India, will address different sessions over the two days," a senior official said.

As highlighted by the Prime Minister at the World Sufi



Forum here, Islamic civilisation stands on the bedrock of a great religion which espouses peace, diversity and the equality of faith.

"The highest ideals of Islam have always rejected the forces of terrorism and extremism, and together with Central Asia, India would like to work towards the revival of this glorious heritage," Mehta said.

During the two-day event, experts from various countries will deliberate on impact of changing global dynamics in the region and discuss ways to boost multilateral cooperation.

Zilola Karimova, Head of Middle East Division, Information-analytical Centre for International Relations in Tashkent, said "the relationship in the region should be based on cooperation and not competition."



Central Asia, in the modern context, generally includes five countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The first India-Central Asia Dialogue was held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyz Republic in 2012, second in Alamaty, Kazakhstan in 2013 and third in Dushanbe, capital city of Tajikistan in 2014.

Mehta said India had elaborated the elements of 'Connect Central Asia' in Bishkek in 2012 and in that context, the annual India-Central Asia Dialogue provides a platform for scholarly discussions, which is a valuable supplement to governmental level bilateral and multilateral engagements.

"This fourth dialogue in Delhi is an occasion to review progress and perhaps update the agenda and explore and add new ideas for the future," she added.

"I would like to offer condolences to Uzbek colleagues at the passing away of the late President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan in September this year. He was widely respected and admired in India, and had contributed greatly to strengthening our relations," she said.

Furthermore, the dialogue and discussion is being taken beyond the four walls to webinar platform, Mehta said.

In pursuing such initiatives we would like to draw on a "most valuable asset". That relations between India and Central Asia are civilisational is something that we know intuitively - it is so intrinsic to our reality, she said.

"There is great potential to create regional economic corridors and networks of roads, railways, energy grids and of market integration all of which requires cooperative endeavour," she said.

"I should like to note that in the first such Dialogue we had noted that the political warmth and proximity between us was not equally manifest in the scale of economic exchanges between us and that we need to work for a convergence between these two aspects," she added.

"At this juncture India would hope to participate in these national celebrations through a range of events also marking 25 years of our diplomatic relations... I would like to close by expressing the hope that we may arrange exchanges of visits by young people who were born in the year we established diplomatic relations," she said.
The UAE real estate sector might have felt the after-shocks of the country's demonetisation move with some cancellations being reported in bookings, but the real estate experts are bullish for a mid-to-long term positive effect.

Rather, they feel that it was right time for Indian investors to buy property in Dubai.

"The key triggers which attract Indians to Dubai are burgeoning Indian diaspora, attractive rental returns, high capital returns, ease of buying property and the regulations of real estate authorities in Dubai vs India, property-based visas, and growth of Dubai as a hub, given upcoming Expo 2020," Mansi Saxena, marketing director at SPF said.

The second edition of Dubai Property Show (DPS) which will be held in Mumbai from December 9 to 11.

In addition to that, with the real estate sector suffering in India at the moment, Dubai remains a very attractive investment destination, she said.

"Indians have historically been the highest foreign investors in the UAE, particularly in Dubai," said Kalpesh Sampat, COO of SPF.

"In first half of 2016, Indian nationals contributed the lion's share of investments-AED 7 billion (USD 1.9 billion) from 3,656 transactions, according to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) statistics, making them the biggest investors in Dubai real estate over the period," he added.

DPS Mumbai will showcase Dubai's premium properties catering to a wide range of budgets.

Pointing out that Indian investment grew in double digit on year-on-year basis, CEO of SPF Realty, Ranjeet Chavan, said the UAE remains a very attractive destination for Indian nationals due to the proximity to the sub-continent.

"Dubai is among the top 3 preferred destination to buy property abroad for Indian investors," he said.

As to whether the sector is facing stress like many other sectors, Chavan said that "not really. It is not going up exponentially, but it is stable and increasing gradually. This is just a sign of a maturing industry, which in the long run is a good thing."



Chavan said it was the right time to buy property in Dubai.

"Consumers are still renting and buying, and the way the supply is going, the property prices are definitely going to increase. This is the right time to buy," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Immigration into the UK from within the European Union (EU) has officially overtaken the rest of the world, with Romania replacing India at the top of the table in official figures released today.

Romanians accounted for 10 per cent of all immigration in 2015 with 54,000 people coming to live in Britain - more than any other nationality, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

China contributed 44,000 immigrants, followed by Poland with 38,000 tally, and India was third with 36,000.

"Immigration levels are now among the highest estimates recorded - the inflow of EU citizens is also at historically high levels and similar to the inflow of non-EU citizens," said Nicola White, ONS head of international migration statistics.

"These long-term immigration figures run up to the end of June, so it is too early to say what effect, if any, the EU referendum has had on long-term international migration," she said.

Immigration was one of the key issues that is believed to have swung the vote in favour of an exit from the EU in the June 23rd referendum.

Annual net migration to Britain in the 12 months to June 2016, or before the Brexit referendum, continued at a record level of 335,000.

This remains far from the UK government's target to reduce net migration levels to the "tens of thousands".

However, Downing Street insisted Prime Minister Theresa May remains committed to that target.

"She remains absolutely committed to bringing net immigration down to sustainable levels, which means tens of thousands, but we have made clear it will take time," a spokesperson said.

UK Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill hinted at further tightening of immigration measures for non-EU nationals, which will include India, as their hands remain tied on internal European migration until the EU's freedom of movement rules can be addressed once official Brexit negotiations kick off.

"We continue to reform non-EU immigration routes to ensure we attract the best and brightest, who benefit and contribute to this country. But there is more to do as we build an immigration system that delivers the control we need," Goodwill said.

This year's migration was largely fuelled by the highest- ever influx of EU nationals in the 12 months before June's referendum.

Europeans came to Britain for work, from countries like Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Spain and Sweden.

The overall 650,000 level of immigration for the year until June 2016 was made up of 284,000 EU citizens coming to live and work in Britain, 289,000 coming from outside Europe and 77,000 Britons returning to live in the UK.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Police today seized cash worth Rs 20 lakh in scrapped Rs 1,000 notes from a vehicle at Vartej crossroads near Bhavnagar district of Gujarat.

Babusinh Parmar, a construction contractor from Palitana, was carrying the currency notes on his four-wheeler allegedly after collecting them from a relative living in Bhavnagar, and was on his way to his home town in Palitana in the same district, police said.

Police stopped his car and found out that he was in an inebriated state. When his vehicle was checked, Rs 20 lakh in Rs 1,000-currency notes was recovered from his vehicle and he was detained.

"When asked about the source of the money and where he was carrying it, Parmar said that he had collected the money from his relative living in Bhavnagar," Vartej police official said.

"Parmar was booked under relevant sections of the motor vehicle act for drunk driving. He was detained and cash was seized and handed over to the Income Tax department," the official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Opposition uproar over the demonetisation issue continued in Rajya Sabha today leading to two adjournments in the post-noon session even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained present in the House.

As Chairman Hamid Ansari called for the first question of the day at noon, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said while the Prime Minister has been addressing his party MPs in Parliament House and even speaking outside, the Opposition parties have been demanding his presence during the debate on demonetisation issue.

"We had been demanding for last 15 days (presence of PM). ...We are against blackmoney. We want to speak on this issue but with whom? Our anguish is that the Prime Minister is holding weekly meetings with his MPs in Parliament House. He is also speaking outside. Our demand is that the Prime Minister should be here and listen to us," Azad said.

When the senior Congress leader also alleged that the PM has remarked that the Opposition parties support blackmoney holders and said it was a "big allegation", BJP members protested the remark.

Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu insisted that the House should continue with the debate on demonetisation, which started on November 16, the first day of the Winter session.

Ansari also said that the debate has not been concluded and called the listed speaker A U Singh Deo (BJD) to start.

Sharad Yadav (JDU) said he too agreed that the debate should continue, but it "cannot be one-way traffic" and demanded that the Prime Minister should remain seated in the House all through the discussion.

"Why are you assuming that he (PM) will not participate," Ansari asked the Opposition member.

As Singh Deo rose to put forth his points on demonetisation, Congress members started raising slogans like "Pradhan Mantri Mafi Maango (PM should apologise)" from the aisles.

Naidu said the Prime Minister is here and the unfinished debate should be resumed. However amid din, the House was adjourned for 15 minutes.

When it reassembled at 1229 hours, Congress members were again on their feet raising slogans as BJD member started the debate.

Amid noisy scenes, Deo said, "We support any move taken by the Government of India for corruption and black money."



But as the sloganeering continued, Ansari adjourned the House till 1400 hours.

(Reopen PAR10)



Uproar by the Opposition members continued when the House reconvened at 2 pm with the opposition demanding apology from the Prime Minister for certain remarks he had made targeting the critics of demonetisation.

With the Prime Minister present in the House as demanded by the Opposition for days, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien went ahead to resume discussion on demonitisation.

However, Congress leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi stood up and said that Modi never came to the House but always spoke outside the Parliament.

Members from the ruling side objected to his utterances and said discussion should begin.

In the din, Congress leaders and those from the BSP and others trooped into the well of the House demanding apology from the PM and shouting slogans asking the government to return people's money back into their own hands.

Agitated over this, I&B Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the Opposition has been exposed and Congress should apologise for the 60 years of misrule.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also objected to the demand for apology by the Prime Minister questioning whether he should apologise for targeting black money hoarders.

He said it was the Congress which should apologise to the poor for what they done in the 60 years of rule.

Kurien kept insisting that the Opposition's demand was that Modi should be present and now since he is here, the discussion should start.

With the protests showing no signs of abating, Kurien adjourned the House till tomorrow morning.
South Korea's ruling party today urged scandal-hit President Park Geun-Hye to step down in April next year, giving her a week to accept their ultimatum or risk impeachment.

Park this week said she would be willing to step down early after coming under huge pressure to quit over an influence peddling scandal that has drawn more than a million people onto the streets in protest.

The ruling Saenuri Party's 128 lawmakers unanimously agreed to demand Park resign in late April and called for a presidential election to be held in June, six months earlier than scheduled.

"All the lawmakers of the party unanimously approved this timetable", parliamentary floor leader Chung Jin-Suk was quoted as saying by the Yonhap agency after a crucial party meeting.

The party considered the timetable the most appropriate to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, maintain stability and give political parties time to prepare for the presidential election, Chung said.

Park said Tuesday she would let parliament decide her fate following accusations that she colluded with Choi Soon-Sil -- a secretive confidante dubbed "Korea's Rasputin" -- to coerce firms to "donate" tens of millions of dollars to foundations which were used for Choi's personal gain.

Park has been named as a suspect in the investigation, making her the first sitting president to be subject to a criminal probe while in office.

And although Park's announcement reduced the momentum of calls for her impeachment, the main opposition Democratic Party insisted that Park should be stripped of office by the end of January.

"All South Koreans want Park to leave as soon as possible... They don't want her to stick around so long," its leader Choo Mi-Ae said.

Lawmakers from Park's own party had backed the opposition-led move to impeach her as early as this Friday.

But one of them, former Saenuri Party head Kim Moo-Sung, said they were now willing to give Park four months to leave office.

"If the president agrees to step down on April 30, there is no need to push through with impeachment", Kim said.

The party would give Park until Thursday next week to accept their demand.

"Otherwise, we would have no other option but to take part in the vote for an impeachment motion Friday next week", said Kim, who is leading the anti-Park group within the ruling party.

While she retains the presidency, Park cannot be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason, but she could be charged once she steps down.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has roped in Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as its face for the drive aimed at keeping the city clean, in tune with the Centre's 'Swachh Bharat' campaign.

"Being a popular actor having a huge fan following, Salman would extend his support in terms of offering five mobile toilets across city. He will also appeal to citizens not to defecate in open," Assistant Municipal Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Kiran Dighavkar, who is associated with the cleanliness drive, said today.

According to an estimate of the civic body, there were over 117 major open defecation spots in city, mainly located across the plots owned by government departments and agencies, which have been reduced to 77 in last two years following the BMC's extensive drive against the menace.

"The civic corporation has a plan in place to eradicate this social evil of open defecation by building toilets," the officer said.

Dighavkar has been entrusted with the responsibility to supervise the anti-open defecation campaign in the megapolis.

On taking Salman on board, he said, "Seeing his vast fan following, we had approached him last week to be associated with our drive and his response has been extremely encouraging for us as he accepted our offer within a week."



He said the superstar would associate himself with the drive through his NGO "Being Human" which has informed the civic body by writing a letter.

"We are pleased to inform you that Salman Khan will be happy to accept your invitation and through Being Human -- the Salman Khan Foundation-- will help the BMC in creating awareness about cleanliness drive," stated a letter addressed to Dighavkar, written by a trustee of Being Human Foundation.

Earlier, BMC had declared 12 out of Mumbai's 24 wards open defecation-free and chalked out an action plan for other wards, which it aims to make free of the menace by this year end.

Among the wards that are now open defecation-free comprise Dongri, Pydhonie, Chira Bazar, Bhendi Bazar and parts of Marine Drive.

Expressing hope that Salman's support will help the BMC, Dighavkar said, "Salman's initiative in our efforts would definitely make our campaign's reach wider. He has himself said that he lives in Mumbai and several times he himself has seen people defecating in open spaces, which doesn't go with the pulse of the city."



Dighavkar further informed that Viacom media has come forward to donate 100 mobile toilets through its CSR initiative and has so far handed over two mobile toilets.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seeking to boost monitoring facilities in its schools, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation has installed surveillance cameras in another 40 schools, the civic body said today.

"The corporation is committed to provide foolproof security to the students. The monitoring mechanism will also keep an eye on security of all children and issues related to qualitative delivery of education," South Delhi Mayor Shyam Sharma said.

Earlier this year, the SDMC had initiated a plan to install CCTV cameras in all municipal schools run by it with a budgetary provision of Rs five crore in a phased manner.

"The cameras installed in the schools will be monitored. Such monitoring will commence in another 40 schools where the cameras are installed," he said.

The Mayor said to ensure proper monitoring every zone will form a team in their respective areas.

"The SDMC's control room will also enable officers sitting in the Civic Centre to monitor the security of students in schools," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The death of six people including three children from the same Austrian family is being treated as a domestic shooting, prosecutors said after police found the bodies.

The corpses were discovered in the family's home in Boeheimkirchen, a town 55 kilometres (34 miles) west of Vienna.

"The alert was raised by the employer of one of the victims, because the person had not gone to work for some time," said Michaela Schnell yesterday, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office.

When they died is not known but investigators' initial findings suggest the mother shot all five members of her family before turning the gun on herself.

The dead were a 35-year-old woman, her three children -- two 10-year-old twins and a seven-year-old -- and her 40-year-old brother and 60-year-old mother.

Local media reported that the family moved into the house in 2015 and largely lived in isolation and said the children had not been in school for three days.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The mortal remains of martyr Major Akshay Girish Kumar, killed during the terror strike on Nagrota Army camp in Jammu, were cremated with full military honours here today.

The body of 31-year old Kumar was brought from New Delhi in an IAF aircraft and kept at the Yelahanka Air Force station where the Army and IAF officials and dignitaries paid their last respects to the martyr.

Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra and Bengaluru Mayor Padmvathi laid wreaths on the body of Kumar, who was part of the Quick Reponse Team that swung into action soon after the terror strike on Tuesday.

Jayachandra announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh to the family of Kumar, who was among the seven armymen, including two officers, killed in the terror attack.

In a sombre atmosphere, Kumar's friends, relatives and mourners from the nearby areas paid homage as his body was kept for public viewing at his residence here.

Kumar's father Girish Kumar retired as a Wing Commander and is now serving as a pilot with a private airline.

Kumar is survived by wife Sangeetha and two and a half year old daughter Naina.

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Spanish police have arrested 45 suspected members of a Georgian burglary ring that broke into more than 100 homes, a force spokeswoman has said after a coordinated nationwide sweep.

In 26 searches carried out Tuesday, officers seized 75 watches, fake passports, "countless" items of jewellery, 14,000 euros (USD 15,000) in cash and 200 receipts for international money transfers, the spokeswoman said yesterday.

The suspected right-hand man of the ringleader was detained in the southern city of Seville, two suspects were held in Barcelona, two more in the northern city of Barakaldo, one in the Mediterranean port of Alicante and the rest in Madrid.

The majority of those arrested are Georgian nationals. The suspects face being charged with burglary, membership of a criminal organisation, money laundering and falsifying documents.

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Private Steel major Tata Steel has won three awards for Excellence in Value Engineering at INVEST 32nd National & 5th Asian Value Engineering Conference held in New Delhi recently.

"Tata Steel has been conferred with Vasant Rao Trophy by Indian Value Engineering Society (INVEST) for excellence in Systematic Application of Value Engineering at Engineering & Projects," a company statement said here today.

The awards were given at a function held on 28th and 29th November.

The company had 5 to 8 per cent impact in the rural



market owing to demonetisation in November, but the situation was much better in December, Narendran further said.

The demonetisation had impacted the company's performance in rural market, which was a cash-based, he said assuring that Tata Steel had taken initiative to address the problem.

"Our 1000 dealers have been asked to install PoS/credit/debit card swipe machines to promote electronic payment in rural pockets," he said.

He assured that Tata Steel, which had invested and engaged with communities in good and bad times, would continue to invest to create jobs.

The focus of the company in 2017 was on improving productivity, he added.

Referring Kalinganagar (Odisha) project as a major greenfield project after its Jamshedpur plant, Narendran expressed satisfaction that the commissioning of the plant was going on better than planned.

Expressing satisfaction over the performance of the Odisha project, he said the production in the Kalinganagar project was expected to cross the 2 million tonnes in the current fiscal.
TeamIndus has inked a commercial launch contract with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its mission to land a spacecraft on the moon as it attempts to win the USD 25 million Google Lunar XPRIZE.

TeamIndus is the only Indian team competing for the Google Lunar XPRIZE that requires privately funded teams to land their spacecraft on the surface of the moon, travel 500 metres and broadcast high definition video, images and data back to earth.

The team, which has received support from industry veterans including Ratan Tata (Tata Group), Nandan Nilekani (Infosys), Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal (Flipkart) and Venu Srinivasan (TVS Group) among others, also aims to raise about USD 45 million by October next year to fund the project.

"The total expense of the project is about USD 60 million and we have raised USD 15 million so far. We will have to raise the remaining amount by September-October next year," TeamIndus co-founder and Director Julius Amrit told PTI.

He added that the company will look at options like equity sale, payload sale and sponsorships for raising the amount.

TeamIndus will launch its spacecraft bound for the moon aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in late 2017, as part of its contract with ISRO.

"The mission will help India join an exclusive club of nations with proven technology to soft-land on the moon... Programmes like these are a testimony to government's Make in India initiative in the increasingly competitive world of new space companies," he said.

TeamIndus had won a USD 1 million milestone prize from Google placing it in the top three teams globally in the competition.

About 100 people, including 20 former ISRO scientists, are helping TeamIndus' entry in terms of design and development from its headquarters in Bengaluru.

In a launch window starting on December 28, 2017, the PSLV will inject the spacecraft into an orbit 880 km x 70,000 km around the earth.

The spacecraft will then undertake a 21-day journey to soft land in Mare Imbrium, a region in the north-western hemisphere of the moon.

After landing in Mare Imbrium, the spacecraft will deploy all its payload including the TeamIndus Rover that will traverse 500 metres on the moon's surface in order to accomplish its Google Lunar XPRIZE objectives.

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A Thai national has been apprehended at the airport here for allegedly carrying Rs 1.2 crore in old currency notes.

Officials said an input was shared by CISF sleuths deployed at Lucknow airport that some suspected cash is being transported by a person in his registered baggage, travelling to Patna.

Subsequently, the flier, identified as Thailand national S Parithan, was intercepted by CISF personnel at the airport here when he landed at about 6:30 PM, they said.

"The case has been transferred to Income Tax department. Total cash with Parithan was found to be Rs 1.2 crore in old currency notes. IT department authorities are checking the source of the cash," they said.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), mandated to guard country's vital civil airports, has been keeping a special vigil to check on the movement of large cash in the wake of demonetisation.

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Thai police have arrested three suspected Muslim insurgents who had allegedly planned to launch bomb attacks in Bangkok.

The three suspects were earlier also detained by soldiers who invoked the emergency law but the Narathiwat Court freed them on Tuesday, Deputy Police Commissioner Sriwarah Rangsipramkul said.

They were rearrested by police after a Criminal Court warrant was issued against them on last Friday, Sriwarah said, adding that they were charged with possessing illegal explosives and unlawful association, local media reported.

The insurgents were identified as Talmeshi Totalyong, 31, Abdullashi Luakraji, 19, and Mubahri Kana, 22. They are all residents of Muslim majority southern province Narathiwat.

Police said in October they had learned of a plot to launch car-bomb attacks in Bangkok by insurgents from the deep South.

Sriwarah added that at least one of the three had confessed to a plan to launch attacks in Bangkok.

Sriwarah said police had obtained evidence that the three suspects had met and planned the attack here.

Rights activists have criticised police for stepping up crackdowns on student activists in areas near Ramkhamhaeng University here after the alleged bomb plot was announced.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor today reported a 10.03 per cent increase in domestic sales at 11,309 units in November.

The company had sold 10,278 units in the domestic market in November last year, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) said in a statement.

"November has been a very exciting month for us as we launched one of the most anticipated products of the year -- the all new Fortuner. We are overwhelmed by the response it has received with over 6,200 bookings already," TKM Director and Senior VP, Sales and Marketing, N Raja said.

The Innova Crysta and the Platinum Etios have also done really well this month with the Crysta clocking more than 50,000 units in just six months of its launch in India, he added.

"However, demonetisation has had its impact on our sales as it has effected customer walk-ins at dealerships, order bookings and timely deliveries. This will pose as a major challenge in the upcoming days as the customers are still dealing with the effects of demonetisation," Raja said.

To help customers during this phase, the company has introduced various cashless schemes like 100 per cent on-road funding and payments through e-wallets to ensure smooth and hassle-free buying experiences, he said.

The company also exported 1,284 units of the Etios series in November, compared to 1,110 units in the same month last year.

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Elite Syrian troops moved into east Aleppo today ahead of a push into the most densely populated areas, as regime ally Russia called for corridors to bring in aid and evacuate wounded.

Despite global criticism including the UN warning Aleppo risked becoming a "giant graveyard", government forces have pressed an assault to retake control of the divided city.

The artillery-backed offensive has spurred an exodus of tens of thousands of residents from the rebel-held east.

It has left Aleppo's streets strewn with the bodies of men, women and children, many lying next to the suitcases they had packed to escape.

Artillery fire continued on Thursday but subsided as heavy rainfall hit the city.

The assault has seen President Bashar al-Assad's forces make significant gains in the past week.

After overrunning the city's northeast, they were in control of 40 per cent of the territory once held by opposition forces in Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"The regime is tightening the noose on the remaining section of east Aleppo under rebel control," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

He said hundreds of fighters from Syria's elite Republican Guard and Fourth Division arrived in Aleppo on Thursday "in preparation for street battles" in the densely populated southeast.

"They are moving in on the ground, but they are afraid of ambushes because of the density of both residents and fighters," he said.

The violence in Aleppo has sparked widespread outrage at the regime, but also at its steadfast supporter Moscow.

On Thursday, Russia proposed setting up four humanitarian corridors into east Aleppo to bring in aid and evacuate severely wounded people.

Russia announced "they want to sit down in Aleppo with our people there to discuss how we can use the four (humanitarian) corridors to evacuate people out," Jan Egeland, head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, told reporters in Geneva.

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Electric customers in Beatrice can expect their bills to hold steady going into the new year.

The Beatrice Board of Public Works discussed its electric rates during Wednesdays regular meeting, and has no immediate plans to raise rates for customers.

City Administrator and BPW Manager Tobias Tempelmeyer said the city reexamines its rate at the end of the calendar year because thats when its provider, Nebraska Public Power District, sets its rates.

Tempelmeyer said NPPD, which the city is leaving in the coming years as it changes power providers, is raising its rates by .6 percent, but the BPW decided not to pursue a rate increase in Beatrice.

Rather, the electric department will absorb the rate increase.

When we initially talked last year about our exit from NPPD, we were going to look to absorb some of those rate increases as we left, Tempelmeyer said. Looking at the last year the electric department had, looking at their cash reserves... Our recommendation is that we have no rate increase this year. We leave our electric rates as they are.

Last year, Beatrice reached an agreement with AEP Energy Partners Inc., based out of Columbus, Ohio.

Beatrice will gradually reduce the amount of energy purchased from NPPD as it purchases more from AEP, completing the transition when its NPPD contract expires in 2021.

Board member Bob Moran asked if the decision to leave NPPD contributed to the rate increase, though Tempelmeyer said that was not the case.

It was stated at the meeting that for Beatrice, a .6 percent increase from NPPD translates to around $70,000 for the year.

While rates are holding steady for now, Tempelmeyer added that NPPD can decide to further raise its rates as 2017 progresses.

They always have that ability to come in the middle of the year and do it, Tempelmeyer said. If they were to take any of those action, we would come back to you and say, 'NPPD decided due to an ice storm, drought or whatever the reason, theyre raising their rates 5 percent, we need to reevaluate this.
Donald Trump lavished praise on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and offered to play "any role" in helping Pakistan address its problems, a Pakistani statement said, even as the US President-elect's transition team just described their discussion as "productive".

Sharif called Trump last night to congratulate him as the two leaders discussed various issues.

"I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Trump told Sharif, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office.

Trump also told Prime Minister Sharif that he has a "very good reputation", the statement said.

"You (Sharif) are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," Trump was quoted as telling Sharif.

Trump said Pakistan is an "amazing" country with "tremendous opportunities", the statement said.

"Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," the President-elect said.

Sharif also invited Trump to visit Pakistan.

In his reply, Trump said, "he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people."



"Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people," said Trump.

However, Trump's lavish praise for Sharif and his offer to play a role in addressing Pakistan's problems found no mention in the readout of the conversation between the two leaders issued by Trump's transition team.

"President-elect Trump and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif spoke today and had a productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future," the transition team said.

"President-elect Trump alsonoted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif," the transition team said.

The presidential transition team did not immediately



respond to questions on the Pakistani readout.

After being elected on November 8, Trump has so far spoken with more than 40 foreign leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first few foreign leaders to have spoken to Trump.

Meanwhile, the American media was abuzz with reports about the readout of the telephonic conversation issued by Sharif in Islamabad after his telephonic call with Trump, in which the President-elect was quoted as lavishly praising Pakistan.

"Lavishing praise on the Pakistanis would be a major turnaround for the President-elect. In 2012, Trump took to his favourite social media platform, Twitter, to denounce Pakistan," The Washington Post said.

"I very rarely say you need to read a story to believe it, but check this Pakistani government readout of a call with Trump," tweeted Yochi Dreazen, deputy managing editor and foreign editor of Vox.
Two brave hearts from Maharashtra- Major Kunal Manndadir Gosavi and Lance Naik Sambhaji Yeshvantrao Kadam, who attained martyrdom in Nagrota terror attack, were today cremated at their native places with full state honours.

The mortal remains of Major Gosavi were consigned to flames in Pandharpur town in Solapur district, while Lance Naik Kadam was cremated at Janapuri village in Nanded district.

The body of Gosavi, who is survived by his wife Uma and father, was brought to Pandharpur in the morning. The funeral pyre was lit by his father in the presence of a large number of people this evening.

District Guardian Minister Vijaykumar Deshmukh and District Collector Ranjit Kumar also offered their respects to the departed Armyman.

The body of Kadam, who is survived by wife Sheetal, three-year-old daughter Tejaswini and two sisters and his parents Yashwant and mother Lata, was brought this evening to Janapuri village, where his family owns a small farm.

Dense fog in Jammu had delayed the movement of bodies of jawans and officers, who were martyred in the attack.

Kadam's body was first taken to Nagpur. Thereafter, it was taken to Nanded in a special helicopter and was finally to his native Janapuri village.

Jammu was rocked by two terror attacks on November 29 in which seven army personnel, including two Major-rank officers, were killed and eight other security men, including a BSF DIG, were injured, before six heavily-armed terrorists were eliminated in the separate fierce encounters.

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Ukraine today unleashed a barrage of missile tests near Russian-annexed Crimea in a show of strength and defiance bound to irritate Moscow.

The two-day military drills near the Black Sea peninsula are a first for the former Soviet republic and it was not immediately clear what sparked them.

They come after Moscow last week arrested an alleged spy for the Ukrainian military in Crimea and accused Kiev of abducting two Russian servicemen from the region.

Kiev says Russia illegally annexed Crimea in March 2014, a month after Ukraine's Russian-backed president was ousted.

It also accuses Moscow of backing a 31-month pro-Russian insurgency in Ukraine's industrial east in a conflict that has claimed nearly 10,000 lives.

A Ukrainian military spokesman told the 112.Ua Ukraine site that Kiev was not violating international laws.

"The launches have started. Everything is going according to plan. There has been no response from Russia but the Ukrainian military is ready for anything," Volodymyr Kryzhanovskiy was quoted as saying.

He said the war games included air defence units as well military drones and S-300 ground-to-air missile systems.

Kryzhanovskiy added that none of the missiles would land closer than 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Crimea.

Ukrainian media was full of speculation yesterday that Russia intended to shoot down the Ukrainian missiles once the tests began.

Ukrainian foreign ministry spokeswoman Mariana Betsa told the Ukrainska Pravda website that Kiev had received several "notes and letters from the Russian foreign and defence ministries" protesting the drills.

The messages stressed that the "tests supposedly violate the sovereignty of Russia and international law," Betsa was quoted as saying.

Moscow has not confirmed sending warning messages.

Ukraine's national security council chief warned yesterday that intimidation would not work.

"Threats to use weapons against Ukraine are an effort to turn the hybrid war that Russia has been waging against us for the past three years into an active war," Oleksandr Turchynov said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's official spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the tests could "create dangerous conditions for international flights crossing the territory of Russia and neighbouring regions".

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An unmanned cargo ship travelling to the Space Station burned up in the atmosphere shortly after launching today, the Russian space agency said, raising concerns over space travel safety.

"According to preliminary information, as a result of an abnormal situation, the cargo ship's loss occurred some 190 kilometres above the remote, unpopulated mountainous territory of (Russia's) Tuva region, and most fragments burned up in dense layers of the atmosphere," Roscosmos said in a statement.

Roscosmos said earlier today that it had lost contact with the Progress MS-04 ship 383 seconds after it launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and that its specialists were looking into the problem.

The space agency said the loss of the cargo ship will "not affect the normal operations of the ISS systems and the subsistence of the station's crew".

NASA meanwhile said on its website that supplies at the space laboratory are "at good levels".

The cargo ship, which had been scheduled to arrive at the ISS on Saturday, was carrying 2.4 tonnes of fuel, food and equipment when it took off from Baikonur, Roscosmos said.

The Russian agency said a state commission would probe the incident but did not say whether it would affect future launches.

This latest incident represents the second failed launch of a Progress cargo ship in less than two years.

In April 2015 a Progress ship disintegrated as it plummeted to Earth, a failure Russia blamed on a problem with a Soyuz rocket.

The incident saw Russia put all space travel on hold for nearly three months and forced a group of astronauts to spend an extra month on the ISS.

Russia said at the time that because the same type of rocket is used for manned ships, all issues with Progress resupply missions needed to be thoroughly investigated before any manned vessels could be launched.

Russia sends three or four such spacecraft per year to supply the ISS. After making their delivery, they plummet back to Earth, burning up in the atmosphere above the Pacific Ocean.

Last month Frenchman Thomas Pesquet, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky and American astronaut Peggy Whitson launched to the ISS for a six-month mission.

The launch followed that of Russians Andrei Borisenko and Sergei Ryzhikov and American Shane Kimbrough in October, which was pushed back by nearly a month due to technical issues.

Technical mishaps have complicated plans to extend the periods during which the ISS is fully staffed with six astronauts.

Russia's Soyuz capsules offer the only way for global astronauts to reach the space station since the American space shuttle programme was retired in 2011.

The space laboratory, where a range of research is carried out, has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour since 1998.
The US Congressional conference committee has sought to condition a significant portion of American funding to Pakistan on a Pentagon certification that the country is taking demonstrable steps against the dreaded Haqqani Network in its territory.

In another significant move, the committee has asked the Pentagon to ensure that Pakistan does not use its military aid in persecution of minority groups like Baloch, Sindhis and Hazaras.

The National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2017 passed yesterday by a Congressional Conference Committee authorises up to USD 900 million in coalition support funds for Pakistan.

Of this amount, USD 400 million has been made contingent upon a certification from Defence Secretary that Pakistan is taking demonstrable steps against the Haqqani Network in Pakistani territory.

US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter refused to give a similar certification to Pakistan this year as a result of which it was not given a USD 300 million under coalition support fund.

NDAA-2017 "refocuses security assistance to Pakistan on activities that directly support US national security interests and conditions a significant portion of funding on a certification from the Secretary of Defence that Pakistan is taking demonstrable steps against the Haqqani Network in Pakistani territory," said Senator John McCain.

The voluminous conference report (running into more than 3000 pages) on USD 618 billion National Defence Authorisation Bill remains concerned about the persecution of groups seeking political or religious freedom in Pakistan, including the Balochi, Sindhi and Hazara ethnic groups, as well as religious groups, including Christian, Hindu and Ahmadiyya Muslims.

The conferees - comprising of members of the House of Representative and the Senate - believe that Secretary of Defence should continue to closely monitor the provision of US security assistance to Pakistan and ensure that it is not using its military or any assistance provided by the US to persecute minority groups, the report said.

The NDAA allows for reimbursement of Pakistan for security activities along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, including providing training and equipment for the Pakistan Frontier Corps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

However, members of the Conference Committee expressed concern that Pakistan continues to delay or deny visas for US personnel that could assist with the provision of such training.

Given this situation, the report recommend the Pentagon to condition reimbursements for training and equipment with appropriate access by US personnel.

It now needs to be formally passed by the two chambers of the Congress - the House of Representatives and Senate - before US President Barack Obama can sign it into law.

In conditioning USD 400 million of its coalition support



fund assistance to Pakistan, the conference committee entered into a comprise between the House and Senate versions of the bill.

The Senate bill contained a provision that would provide the Secretary of Defence the authority to reimburse Pakistan up to USD 800 million in fiscal year 2017 for certain activities that enhance the security situation in the northwest regions of Pakistan and along the Afghanistan- Pakistan border.

The provision would also make USD 300 million of this amount contingent upon a certification from the Secretary of Defence that Pakistan is taking demonstrable steps against the Haqqani Network in Pakistan.

The figure in the House version was USD 900 million and USD 450 million respectively.

The final version of NDAA, however, did not carry the House provision that sought to establish findings and a sense of Congress regarding the continued detention of Shakil Afridi by the Pakistani government.

The conferees noted that contributions of Afridi to efforts to locate Osama bin Laden remain and are expressed concern about Afridi's continuing incarceration. They urged Pakistan to release him immediately.

The US State Department designated the Haqqani network as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation in September 2012.

The outfit has planned and carried out a number of significant kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan, as well as Afghan government and civilian targets.

The group is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people.

In June last year, Afghanistan's intelligence agency arrested a group of Haqqani network militants who plotted terror attack from Pakistan on a popular guest house in Kabul that killed 14 people, including four Indians.

The terrorists had attacked the guest house thinking Indian Ambassador Amar Sinha was present in the compound.
The United States is exploring ways to build better linkage with India, especially the North East Region of the country, US Ambassador to India, said on Thursday.

"We are here to explore, how we can build greater linkages between US and this important state through trade, education, infrastructure or innovation," he said.

Verma, who is in the state on his maiden visit on the occasion of Hornbill Festival, said this while interacting with media-persons during the Kohima Night Carnival.

Having attended the inaugural session of the Hornbill Festival this morning, the US Ambassdor described the festival as "amazing culture and a wonderful sandwich of music and arts".

He was also appreciative about the rich tribal cultural history and young population of the State.

Tomorrow, the US Ambassador will be calling on Chief Minister TR Zeliang and also visit the World War-II cemetery to pay tribute.

Verma is accompanied by US Consulate General Kolkata and other officials.
Uttarakhand needs to promote a separate hill farming policy as the state has a meagre 14 per cent net sown area, more so as three-fifth of the state's total working population is engaged in agriculture, a study has recommended.

"The performance of Uttarakhand in agriculture and allied activities has not been up to the mark as its share in the gross state domestic product (GSDP) had declined sharply from over 22 per cent in 2004-05 to just over nine per cent in 2014-15," the study conducted by ASSOCHAM jointly with research firm RNCOS said.

Releasing the study at a press conference here, Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said low level of land holdings is a key challenge in the farm sector as over 70 per cent of the state's farmers hold less than one hectare of land.

Noting that absence of moisture in the sandy soils of Uttarakhand due to its topography had casued the state to record poor crop productivity, he said the agriculture sector in the state clocked just about three per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate between 2004-05 and 2014-15, he said.

A separate hill farming policy with emphasis on further developing irrigation infrastructure in Uttarakhand including the canal network and also lift canals, tube-wells, pump sets and others is the need of the hour, he said. Besides, the policy should also prioritise promotion of local and traditional hill crops, he said.

Farmers must also be given adequate cover in terms of welfare schemes, besides adequate technical and financial support for water conservation should also be extended by the state administration, he said.

Apart from this, steps should be taken to encourage improved agronomic practices for higher farm productivity, improved soil treatment, increased water holding capacity, judicious use of chemicals and enhanced soil carbon storage, Rawat said.

The study has advised the state to focus on strengthening rural economy by focusing more on the dairy sector by imparting technical assistance for dairy development, more so as milk production in the state grew by just about one per cent between 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Strengthening of dairy farms, genetic upgradation of cattle through induction of genetic variability in female germ plasma and establishment of goat units are some of the key initiatives that can help boost dairy production in the state, it suggested.

The state should promote poultry, fisheries, food processing, horticulture, agro-based, medicinal and aromatic herbs as thrust industries by offering a wide range of incentives and subsidies, it said.

Besides, the state government in tandem with private sector should set up strong infrastructure backed by efficient supply chains in food and agro processing sector to increase farmers' income and promote employment opportunities in rural areas.

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Voters in the posh London suburb of Richmond headed to the polls today in a parliamentary by-election that has turned into a mini-referendum on Brexit in a pro-EU heartland.

Liberal Democrat challenger Sarah Olney, whose centrist party wants a second referendum on Brexit, is hoping the result will send shockwaves through Downing Street as the government presses on towards the EU exit door.

Olney is running against Zac Goldsmith, who held the seat for Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party but quit in protest after the government backed expanding the nearby Heathrow Airport.

He is now standing as an independent candidate.

"While some people feel very strongly about Heathrow expansion, lots more people feel much more strongly about Brexit," Olney told AFP during the campaign.

"That's really alarmed and upset people and they want to use this opportunity to send a message."



The Lib Dems say a shock result would force the government to think again about pursuing a so-called "hard Brexit" divorce from the European Union.

The political blog Labour List called it the "Brexit by-election".

In the June referendum on Britain's EU membership, 52 per cent nationwide voted to leave, but in Richmond, a well-heeled borough in southwest London, 69 per cent voted to remain in the bloc.

Its 82-per cent turnout, one of the highest in the UK, showed it was an issue locals felt passionate about.

The unambiguously pro-EU Lib Dems, reduced to a rump presence in parliament in the 2015 general election, are eyeing a comeback by filling the void for disgruntled "Remain" voters.

Irish rocker-turned-activist Bob Geldof, a prominent Remain campaigner, weighed into the by-election to drum up support for Olney on yesterday -- despite being an old friend of Goldsmith.

"We lost the battle but really the war hasn't begun," he said, calling Richmond Park the start of a "fightback" following the Brexit vote.

But he was heckled by some locals.

Olney, 39, faces a tough task in beating Goldsmith, who won Richmond from the Lib Dems in 2010 and retained it in the May 2015 general election with 58 per cent of the vote.

Both the Conservatives and Brexit-cheerleaders UKIP have opted out to give him a clear run, and bookmakers William Hill said Goldsmith had a three in four chance of retaining the seat.

However, The Guardian newspaper reported yesterday that it had seen Lib Dem internal data predicting Olney will win 47 per cent of the vote and Goldsmith 46 per cent.

Six other candidates are standing.

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A special court has issued a fresh open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) against British national and alleged middleman Christian Michel James in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal case, while summoning as accused his two Indian associates and an Indian company.

Besides issuing arrest warrant against James, Special Judge Arvind Kumar summoned as accused M/s Media Exim Private Limited and its directors, R K Nanda and J B Subramaniyam.

It posted the matter for further hearing on January 7. The firm was created by James, along with the two individuals.

"There is prima facie evidence against the accused," the court said.

It passed the order after Public Prosecutor Navin Kumar Matta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), submitted that the alleged middleman was out of India and pressed for an open-ended NBW against him to bring him here to face the trial.

An open-ended NBW does not carry a time limit for its execution.

In June this year, ED had filed 1,300-page prosecution complaint (equivalent for charge sheet) in connection with its money laundering probe in the case.

It had said the agency's investigation into the case had found that James allegedly received Euro 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from M/s AgustaWestland which was nothing but "kickbacks" paid by the firm to execute the deal for sale of 12 helicopters to India in favour of the firm in "guise" of genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country.

James is one of the three alleged middlemen being probed



in the case, apart from Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by ED and CBI. Both the agencies have also notified an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) or the global arrest warrant against him after a court had earlier also issued an open-ended NBW against him.

The present complaint delved into the detailed role of James in the deal, his multiple visits to India and his transactions. The first complaint in the case was filed in November 2014.

According to sources, ED has already sought Michel's extradition from the UK.

In the present complaint, the agency also claimed that the three middlemen "managed" to make inroads into the Indian Air Force in order to influence and subvert the stand of the force regarding reducing the service ceiling -- the altitude at which a helicopter can fly -- of the helicopters from 6,000 metres to 4,500 metres in 2005 after which AgustaWestland became eligible to supply the dozen helicopters for VVIP flying duties.

It said that remittances made by James through his Dubai- based firm Ms Global Services, FZE to a media firm he floated in Delhi, along with two Indians, were made from the funds which he got from Ms AgustaWestland SpA through "criminal activity" and corruption being done in the chopper deal that led to the subsequent generation of proceeds of crime.
On Thursday, arguments on behalf of Tata Sons were heard by the high court here, against the enforcement of a $1.17 billion London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) award in favour of Japanese telecom giant NTT DoCoMo. The HC decided to issue a notice to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to clarify its stance in the ongoing dispute. The next date for the hearing is December 21.

The arbitral award is the result of a two-year tussle between the two corporate behemoths on Tata Teleservices, their failed joint venture (JV), in which DoCoMo holds 26 per cent stake. By their initial agreement, DoCoMo was given a choice of exiting the venture after three years at a pre-determined share price. Its stake was to be bought by Tata or an external buyer, which the Indian company was to arrange.

In 2014, after the collaboration failed to generate the desired returns, DoCoMo decided to exercise the exit option. By then, the share price of Tata Tele had plummeted far below the earlier decided exit amount (Rs 58 or fair market value, whichever was higher).

Unable to find a buyer, Tata applied to RBI to purchase the shares themselves as previously agreed. The regulator refused, saying such a transfer could not be made on a subsequent date at pre-determined share prices, going by the foreign exchange regulations. This denial created an impasse that led to the international arbitral proceedings, resulting in the June 22 award by LCIA against Tata. After the award, Tata had again approached RBI for permission to comply but this second application was also rejected by the regulator.

Senior advocate Darius Khambata, appearing on behalf of Tata, began Thursdays arguments by clarifying the ambit of the challenge put forth by the Indian conglomerate. Khambata contended Tata was and had always been ready to pay the sum as adjudicated but also had an obligation to abide by the laws of India in this regard.

The Tata counsel provided the court a brief timeline of affairs leading to the present matter and highlighted RBIs consistent denial for approval, both before and after the LCIA award. Citing relevant case law, Khambata attempted to convince the court that such a stance by the regulator had created a situation frustrating the earlier agreement between the parties, as well as the arbitral adjudication that followed, both of which had to be in conformity with Indian law.

As such, he argued, enforcement of the award was rendered impossible, in line with Section 48(2)(b) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act of 1996 and in violation of the fundamental policy of India. If this award is enforced, it allows in all such situations to bypass Indian law, said Khambata in court.

The Tata counsel mentioned how the transfer of shares at pre-determined prices required special regulatory permission, after a 2013 RBI circular prohibiting assured returns for foreign entities. And, that the LCIA award had erroneously excluded the applicability of Indian regulations while arriving at its conclusion, holding Tata unconditionally liable to pay. Khambata also argued the award had masked the performance of the prohibited transfer by terming it damages. Equity investments, he contended, were always subject to risks, both regulatory and in the market.

To this, the RBI counsel interjected to inform the court that such a transfer could not take place even with a special permission, as provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act and underlying RBI circulars rendered such a transaction mandatorily prohibitive.

This has become a test case for all such matters in the future, judge Muralidhar remarked after hearing the arguments. The bench also asked the Tata counsel whether any alternative solution (in line with the good faith clauses in the agreement) could be advanced. The court then issued a formal notice to RBI

As a show of good faith, Tata Sons had on July 29 deposited the entire amount of the award with the HC registrar, subject to the final verdict. DoCoMo has filed similar enforcement applications in courts in the UK and the US to realise the June 22 arbitral adjudication.
Wallace Gene White, 79, of Gladstone, Mo., passed away peacefully on Nov. 30, 2016, surrounded by family.

Wally was born May 30, 1937, in Beatrice, the eldest of two sons of Elmer and Estella (Hill) White. Wally was a tool and die maker and machinist all his working life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a member of the K.C. Area Trap Shooters Association. Wally was a longtime member of Fairview Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Deanna (Morton) White; daughter, Wendy D. White (Jude W. Whray); son, Douglas M. White (Timothy D. Emery); brother, Kenneth N. White (Sandy); numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a service celebrating Wally's life at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Fairview Christian Church, 1800 NE 65th Street, Gladstone, MO 64118. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Fairview Christian Church Food Boxes.

You may share a message with the family or sign an online guest book via www.parklawnfunerals.com. Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (816) 781-8228.
Senior officials of India and Sri Lanka will meet this month in the island nation to discuss broadening of the existing trade deal by including services and investments.

The officials are expected to meet by the middle of this month in Sri Lanka, an official said.

India and Sri Lanka have a free trade agreement (FTA) only in goods. It was implemented in March 2000.

In October, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had said that the FTA will be broadened further beyond goods to cover services, investments and technology cooperation.

India already has a healthy trade surplus in goods with Sri Lanka due to the existing agreement. India exported goods worth USD 5.30 billion in 2015-16 and its imports from that country were worth only USD 0.75 billion.

Sri Lanka is India's major trading partner in South Asia.

In 2003, both sides set up a joint study group to widen the ambit of the FTA. Based on its recommendations, they started negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in February 2005.

The negotiations however have not progressed much as Sri Lanka's services sector has voiced apprehensions over the perceived advantages of the pact for India.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
: A 30-year-old divorcee managed to stop the second marriage of her husband, to be solemnised here tomorrow, by seeking help of police.

Roselin had lodged a complaint with Rural Superintendent of Police Ramya Bharathi that she marred Lenin some years ago and was living in the city.

A few days later, he left her at her parents' house and went abroad for job, after which there no communication between them, police said.

The woman told police that she came to know that Lenin had returned to India and planned to get married to a woman in Kinathukadavu on the outskirts of the city tomorrow, following which she filed a complaint, seeking to stop it.

Police personnel then met the bride's family and also the priest of a place of worship and explained the matter, following which the marriage was stopped, the said.

Roselin later left for her native village of Arani, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With tensions escalating on the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, the ministry of (MoD) has bought two regiments of the indigenous multi-barrelled rocket launcher (MBRL) for Rs 3,230 crore.
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Government on Thursday clarified that rumours doing rounds that gold jewellery including ancestral jewellery shall be taxed at 75 per cent plus cess with a further penalty liability of 10 per cent is unfounded & baseless.

Gold purchased out of disclosed income or exempted income or reasonable household savings is not chargeable to tax, the government said in a press release.

"There will be no seizure of gold jewellery and ornaments to the extent of 500 grams per married lady, 250 grams per unmarried lady and 100 grams per male member of the family during search operations," the government said.

Legitimate holding of jewellery upto any extent is fully protected.

The clarification comes in the wake of Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016 which has been passed by the Lok Sabha and is under consideration with Rajya Sabha.
Deepak Mittal, MD and CEO, Edelweiss Tokio Life, talks with Priyadarshini Maji in an e-mail interview about challenges and opportunities in the insurance space, online and offline plans and how digitalisation is changing the industry.

1. What are the key challenges and opportunities in the insurance space currently?

Given the low penetration rates, there is quite a large opportunity that exists in the insurance space in India. The increase in FDI limit to 49% has also provided access to capital which can aid further growth in this space. There have been some concerns in the past around mis-selling and companies are now adopting a need based selling approach to cater to the customer requirements. Post the change in product regulations, we are now seeing more customer-centric products. Insurance, however, still has a small share of the customer's wallet in terms of allocation but recent trends indicate that pure risk products (term, health) are gaining ground and that should yield positive results in the long run.

2. At present, all insurance companies are revamping their online processes. How do you plan to grow digitally?

Online space has created exciting opportunities and although current share of the online sales is quite small, this space is growing at a fast pace. Since there are no intermediaries involved, this has forced the companies to revamp processes and make them more customer friendly, intuitive and simple and of course are cheaper.

Our focus in this area has been to create online specific products (we started with MyLife+ and have recently launched TotalSecure+, a comprehensive term plan offering protection against death as well as critical illnesses) and a platform to provide a superior experience to the customer.

In addition to online, we are also focussed on creating digital tools for our distribution partners to assist them respond to customer needs and service them effectively. Similarly, our approach is to create similar advisory tools for our customers as well and the launch of our website and the customer portal we believe is a step in that direction.

3. Within online plans, do you have both Ulips and endowment plans?

We do offer ULIPs and endowment plans online. In ULIP, we offer Edelweiss Tokio Life - Wealth Accumulation Accelerated Cover. Our funds have been consistently rated 5 stars by Morningstar. Coupled with low charges, this is can be viewed as one of the most competitive investment plans for people aspiring for higher returns.

In endowment, we offer Edelweiss Tokio Life - Wealth Builder. It provides best in class guaranteed returns with the option of limited premium paying term.

4. With regards the new policy by Edelweiss Tokio Life, TotalSecure+ - is the policy available both online and offline?

Edelweiss Tokio Life TotalSecure+ is available only online. It is one of the most comprehensive protection plan in the market and one of the most competitive as well. Most important feature is the accelerated critical illness benefit. We realised that critical illness is a bigger risk in today's world and results in substantial loss of income. It also has various other features and flexibilities which can cater to needs of all client segments. Continuous policy term, various benefit payout options and multiple premium payment options we believe will soon catch attention of people and become a mass appeal.

5. Is the claim ratio a lot higher for online plans?

We have not yet observed enough claims, and hence it is difficult to conclude a trend. However, with the limited experience we have observed, we find the online claim experience is better than offline.

6. How is digitalization/technology changing the industry?

In today's connected world, the customer has the option and ability to make an informed choice pertaining to his products through online research. With the background of this high awareness, companies have to focus on creating a transparent environment and offer solutions to the customers suiting their needs and requirements. Technology has also started changing how the customer is being serviced or expects to be serviced. This needs companies to have the ability to serve the customer at his time and convenience and through his chosen medium thereby requiring Omni-channel servicing capabilities round-the-clock.

Over time, we expect that this will drive the industry to be even more customer focused and will lead to many self-service options available to customers, simpler products and processes that help customer choose solutions based on their needs and requirements (self-driven)

7. What are your growth expectancy numbers in the next 5 years?

We have been one of the fastest growing players in the industry with a growth rate of 40-50% over the last 3 years. We have been able to achieve this growth through our focus on providing superior need based products to our customers on the back of strong investment performance (all our ULIP funds are 5-star rated by Morningstar and we have one of the most competitive guaranteed returns products in the market), with distribution across geographies and channels and with a focus on providing superior customer experience through the life cycle. We continue to focus on growth and long term and hope to maintain this growth rate in the medium term.

8. Why is the persistency so low for the life insurance space?

Do you see the situation improving in the near future? Persistency has been a particular challenge for the industry. The causes range from lack of operational processes to lack of customer engagement. Since insurance is a low involvement product over the product life cycle, insurance companies have struggled to engage with the customers on an ongoing basis. Past legacy of poor customer experience, not understanding customer needs etc. have added to the issues.

The focus on persistency has improved across the organizations and there has been an overall improvement at the industry level.

9. Why should one buy pension plans from the insurance industry?

Insurance pension plans instil a sense of discipline that is required in retirement planning. Insurance pension plans come with annuity options which make sure that retirement money is utilised periodically, the way it is supposed to be.

Also, insurance pension plans come with a lot of choices. Customer can choose between traditional and ULIP plans based on their risk-return preference. Within ULIP also, customers have the choice of various asset classes. They can also systematically transfer their funds between these asset classes depending upon their risk profile.

Moreover, all insurance pension plans come with capital guarantee which is essential for any pension solution.

10. According to you, what are the concerns for the Indian market, which you would want the regulator to address?

The regulator has been taking a lot of steps to structurally address the issues. We have already seen a lot of changes around the products leading to better solutions for the customers. Enabling distribution channels has been another focus area which has been addressed although it will take some time to bear fruits. The regulator is also focussing on driving expense management and control across the organizations to protect the interests of policyholders. There is also been a digital push in line with the government's focus on Digital India.

We expect the regulator to continue focussing on growth by enabling the environment appropriately while keeping at heart customer interest.
After creating havoc in the telecom sector with the launch of Relaince Jio, Mukesh Ambani now seems to have his eyes set on the e-wallet industry as the country moves towards a digital economy at a rapid pace.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani today announced that Jio Money will be starting a merchant application called Merchant Solutions on December 5.

Jio Money will enable digital transactions of all types, whether they be at small shops or restaurants, railway ticket counters, for bus and mass transit and even for person-to-person money transfers, Ambani said.

Jio Money will aim at reaching a mark of 10 million downloads in the coming months, Ambani said.

The Merchant Solutions will enable both low-value high-volume transactions.

Ambani also used the stage to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.

"I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's bold and historic decision to demonetize old currency," he said.

Digitally-enabling transactions will boost economic growth, while bringing unprecedented transparency and accountability, he added.

Ambani's announcement could result in tough competition for existing digital wallet companies such as Paytm, Freecharge and Airtel's pilot Payment banks in Rajasthan.

Paytm has registered 50 million downloads on the Play Store and has used the demonetisation to its benefit after the government's decision to deemonetise Rs 500, Rs 1000 bank notes.

Given the nuanced situation of e-wallets as an industry, more and more players are aiming to fill the vacuum left behind by the demonetised cash.


Ireland France on Thursday vented their frustration at the British government's slowness in outlining its plan to leave the European Union saying that they wanted some clarity in the next few weeks.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to trigger Article 50 which would enable the formal divorce talks with the European Union by the end of March, but has so far been tight-lipped about what Britain is seeking to achieve in the two-years of talks which will then follow.

EU officials have also said they would not begin negotiations with Britain until the formal notification is served.

However, contradictory statements from British government ministers on what Brexit could mean have angered EU members.

"The European Union is ready to negotiate. We're in the starting blocks, but we need to start off on a clear basis. If the basis is clear then negotiations will go well," French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told a news conference alongside Irish counterpart Charles Flanagan.

Britain is among the biggest trade partners of both countries, and they potentially have much to lose from Brexit.

"What's important is clarity. You can't pick and choose what you want ... there hasn't been sufficient clarity," Ayrault said, adding that the EU remained fully united in not negotiating on anything before Article 50 was triggered.

"It's now over five months since that (Brexit) decision was taken by the British people and I believe it's important that we move towards clarity and know precisely what the British plan is and it's important that over the next few weeks we see clarity," Flanagan said. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
The number of employers issued with Irish work permits for overseas workers is set to surpass 2015 figures by over a third. This is according to a report from Visa & Migration experts, VisaFirst.com.



The visa experts say that the latest Government figures have revealed that year-to-date, Irish work permit applications granted totalled 8007 i.e. an increase of 31% on the 2015 figures.

VisaFirst.com believe the reasons behind this jump could be varied but are most likely down to poor or insufficient applications on the part of the employers.





Top 13 companies for first 6 months of 2016 are

1. Health Services Executive (1027)

2. Google Ireland Limited (268)

3. Accenture (158)

4. Intel and intel research (153)

5. Infosys (127)

6. Amazon (118)

7. HCL (116)

8. Ernst & Young (115)

9. HCL Technologies Ltd (60)

10. Beaumont Hospital (87) (46 last year)

11. Adelaide & Meath Hospital Incorporating The National Children's Hospital (86)

12. Facebook (77)

13. IBM (72)



Nationalities

Top 5 nationalities issued permits (new and renewed) for the period to Jun 2016 are:

1. India (1465) 30%

2. Pakistan (676) 14%

3. United States of America (425) 9%

4. Brazil (242) 5%

5. Sudan (205) 4%



Commenting on the research, Managing Director at www.visafirst.com, Edwina Shanahan said, "The growth in these figures signals a growing economy. Irelands business sector is emerging from a slump, and to deal with this growth its common for employers to bring in employees from overseas to fill positions which cannot be filled by workers from the domestic workforce."

She added, "This is a common sign in many strong economies and the fact that Irelands workforce is deficient in certain areas is not really something that should be seen as a negative. Its practically impossible for any economy to have a strong workforce in absolutely every area of industry & business."



Source: www.businessworld.ie

About us
Pressure on the NHS has reached an all-time high this year with the biggest financial squeeze in history. Overall performance is getting lower, fundings are insufficient and budget cuts are challenging all the medical sector across the country. In a report released earlier in November 2016, the State of the NHS Providers Sectors reveals morale is also very low indeed: with 74% concerned with the mismatch between money and need and poorer quality care and an ever higher 79% worried that their local area isnt adapting and transforming fast enough to face the crisis.

1.Rising pressure on staff

With the doctors appraisal system first put into place in 2003, the prime actors of the NHS system, GPs, have been under a growing amount of pressure to perform well. Now with fundings cuts and increasing demand, being a GP has never been so difficult. Stresses and strains are discouraging younger medics from the profession and timing is bad as a third of all GPs are planning on retiring in the next few years. Higher demand and lesser GPs: how is the NHS going to cope? The British Medical Association leader, Dr Chaand Nagpaul reckons about 10,000 extra GPs are currently needed in England alone to fill the gap, but the government only timidly promised a 5% yearly increase to the GPs funding so far.

And its not just GPs who are feeling the pressure. Even more recently, the NHS made the headlines with the shocking news that of its lower banded members of staff had to quit their jobs in the medical sector to go and stack shelves at Sainsburys.

While the image might seem grossly caricatural, its not too far off the truth as many NHS workers are struggling to make ends meet when their wages havent been able to keep up with the rise in the private sector.

2. Deterioration in quality

Whats more, the British Medical Association released an online survey earlier this year that pointed out the facts that more than 1 in two of all practices thought the quality of their services had deteriorated. 92% reported a much heavier workload and 68% thought it unmanageable.

Most actually believe the situation isnt going to get any better in the next few months, despite the Five Year Forward View measures panned out in 2014 by Simon Stevens that optimistically predicted the NHS would be able to deliver efficiency and productivity gains by 2020. Improvements are being made according to the November 2016 State of the NHS Providers report but at a much too insufficient scale and too slowly.

3. Financial cuts: no long-term plan but there is hope

Despite all the gloom and doom, NHS bodies and local councils have recently teamed up to work together across England on long-term proposals aiming to change and improve the medical sector in their local areas, on a collaborative basis. Heres to hoping this will be enough to save the NHS.
The Taoiseach yesterday traveled to the United States for a three-day programme of engagement with key business leaders in Silicon Valley and New York.

The primary focus of the visit is to emphasise and promote Ireland's attractiveness as a location for investment and trade and to communicate Ireland's priorities in the context of Brexit and other recent significant international developments.



The centre-piece of the Taoiseach's programme in Silicon Valley is an address to the San Francisco Bay Area Economic Council, an influential group of leading Bay Area companies which will take place in Facebook headquarters.

During his short time on the West Coast, the Taoiseach will also attend an Enterprise Ireland event aimed at supporting the growth of Irish companies on the West Coast as well as meeting with some key investors in Ireland.



The Taoiseach will then travel to New York where he will meet with and address a number of influential business groups including the Partnership for New York City and a meeting of key business leaders hosted by Peter Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg. He will meet a number of existing and potential investors in Ireland and attend the signing of a partnership between Enterprise Ireland and Northwell Healthcare Group, a leading US healthcare company.

The Taoiseach will also engage with Irish-American political, business and community leaders at receptions in both Palo Alto and New York.



Speaking yesterday, the Taoiseach said, "My visit to the United States is a timely opportunity to engage with key business leaders to promote Ireland and highlight our strengths as a gateway for US firms into Europe and other global markets. In all engagements I will highlight our highly skilled workforce, our competitive tax offering and our focus on innovation as well as our strong commitment to EU membership."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

About us
The Irish Times has today reported that Twitters Irish Managing Director, Mark Little, is stepping down. This comes less than six months after he took up the role.



The social network is currently in the process of shedding hundreds of jobs as part of a restructuring process that will see some of its main roles move out of Europe.

The loss-making social network announced in October that it planned to cut 9% of its workforce, amounting to about 350 roles. It employs around 200 people in Ireland.

In a statement, Mr Little said he was presented with a number of options, including a move to the US, but chose to part ways with the company.



Former RTE journalist Mr Little took over from predecessor Stephen McIntyre when he left the company in June, taking on a dual role as vice president of media in Europe.



Mark Little today commented, "For several months, Twitter has been considering changes to its media partnerships team, which I led in Europe. In October, the decision was made to restructure the team and locate its leadership roles in the United States. I was asked to consider a possible return to the US, where I was living when I joined Twitter, or building on my role as Twitters managing director in Dublin. I decided that neither would be the right fit for me  or Twitter Dublin  and opted for a mutually agreed exit from the company.



Source: www.businessworld.ie
USU's annual Beards for Cancer "Beards Showcase" will take place December 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center Ballroom. Proceeds will benefit two Cache Valley cancer patients.

After no-shave November comes Beards Showcase December! A Utah State University tradition since 2011, the 2016 Beard Showcase will take place on Monday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. in the TSC Ballroom on the Taggart Student Centers second floor. Admission is $5, with tickets available at the door.

Sponsored by the USU Beards for Cancer Club, proceeds of the Beards Showcase benefit local cancer patients. This year, two Cache Valley residents, Erik Gray and Rocio Guadarrama, have been selected to receive donations. Gray is a 22-year-old former USU student who was actively involved with the Universitys A-Team, a program which mentors incoming students. He was first diagnosed with salivary gland cancer at age 15 and has temporarily withdrawn from his senior year of college to battle the cancers recurrence. Guadarrama, who is originally from Mexico, currently resides in Logan and is a leader in the local Hispanic community. She is a single mother with stage IV breast cancer who has recently undergone extensive surgery.

These recipients were selected largely because of how much they have contributed to the community, said Daria Griffith, the Beards for Cancer Club president and PR manager. Because theyve given so much, this is our opportunity to give back.

The Beards for Cancer Club raises funds for its beneficiaries every November. Since its inception, the organization has traditionally operated informally, but the club received an official university charter in 2016 under the non-profit license of the USU Service Center. Griffith, a communication studies and psychology major, became involved in the project this fall when she learned that Beards for Cancer was without a leader.

I was involved last year and just felt passionately that the Beards Showcase should continue as an Aggie tradition, she said. Beards for Cancer is an incredible opportunity that allows a small group of people to do something bigger than ourselves.

The club has raised nearly $2,000 so far this year with donut sales, taco sales, and hot chocolate sales. All proceeds, including those raised during the Beards Showcase, will be donated to Gray and Guadarrama.

Contestants in the Beards Showcase will compete for themed awards. The event will also feature door prizes and a raffle. Potential Beards Showcase contestants are invited to register via email at usubeards@gmail.com and may also register at the door.

Beards for Cancer (on Facebook at <a href=https://www.facebook.com/USUBeardsforCancer/ target=_blank>@usubeardsforcancer</a>) is grateful to numerous area businesses for their donations of prizes and food. GoFundMe accounts have been created for <a href=https://www.gofundme.com/erik-greys-cancer-fundraiser target=_blank>Gray</a> and <a href=http://%20https//www.gofundme.com/rocio-guadarramas-cancer-funds target=_blank>Guadarrama</a> to supplement the clubs donations.

<hr />

jennifer@cvradio.com
A Utah Highway Patrol trooper who was killed in the line of duty, was remembered Wednesday as a hero, dedicated husband and father, and devoted law enforcement officer.

The funeral services for Eric Ellsworth were held in the Dee Event Center, on the campus of Weber State University. The 32-year-old Brigham City man died a week ago, five-days after being struck by a car while responding to a call about a down power line in Box Elder County.

Utah Governor Gary Herbert spoke during the service that was attended by family, friends and law enforcement officers from around the country. He said Ellsworth paid the ultimate sacrifice, while protecting his friends.

Eric truly does represent the very best that society has to offer, praised Herbert. Hes a hero, a hometown hero, one that we all ought to try and emulate in our own walk of life, and see if we can in fact do the same kinds of things that he did in giving service to his fellowman.

Governor Herbert had previously ordered all U.S. and state flags be lowered to half-mast throughout Utah in honor of Ellsworth.

UHP Sgt. Shane Nebeker, who supervises Box Elder County, emotionally described how he and other coworkers remember Ellsworths love for his family.

He loved to talk about his boys and trouble they might have gotten into, said Nebeker. Hed smile, when he would talk about wrestling and rolling around with them. Eric didnt ask for time off for himself or his hobbies, he always asked for time off to be with his family.

On November 18, Ellsworth was responding to a downed power line along SR-13 near Garland City. While out of his patrol car directing traffic, he was struck by a car, driven by a 16-year-old girl. He sustained severe injuries and was transported by helicopter to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, where he later passed away.

During the funeral, Ellsworths wife of 10-years and mother of their three sons, Janica said she never doubted the love her husband had for her, and knew she was the most important part of his life.

Its hard to believe you were taken away from us, said Janica Ellsworth, about her husband. I know your biggest fear about being a police officer, was the possibility of leaving me and the boys behind. Your boys, they adore you and I know you loved them with every fiber of your being.

Following the service, a procession of troopers and others transported Ellsworths casket to the Brigham City Cemetery.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
Tucker Carlson brings out the racist in Black Lives Matter advocate Tariq Nasheed: Below.

There is a weird Group Think among Liberals that is turning into a pattern, one that makes patriots question these Liberals' innate loyalty to the Republic, real Americans, or the mere question of their intellect.After the, yet another, Islamist Terrorist attack on U.S. soil, many of these questionable Americans, even the goofy-almost-vice-president Tim Kaine, joined in, and openly questioned the problem of "Gun Violence" in America, specifically on the Ohio State Campus, where, on 112916, there was one instance of "gun violence": A White police officer shot dead a Black Somali Muslim, who was randomly stabbing and hacking OSU students in the name of Allah.Somehow, muddleheaded Liberals, like goofy-almost-vice-president Tim Kaine, blamed the "gun violence" that saved the lives of countless young students as the seminal problem.One Black racist, Black Lives Matter advocate Tariq Nasheed , intimated that this shooting of the Somali Muslim could have been a racist act: White cop, Black suspect; you know the drill.Somali Terrorist Abdul Razak Ali Artan in Columbus, Ohio: Above.Remember, Black Lives Matter is the racist group that goofy-almost-vice-president Tim Kaine and L. Hillary Clinton wantonly courted as a voting block in the last election.Talk about "Deplorables"; what a skewed perspective; the same perspective espoused by Barack Obama after every Islamist Terrorist attack.Every Islamist Terrorist attack against Americans, on American soil, under Barrack Hussein Obama has been blamed on either "Gun Violence" or a "despicable video".Sadly, this is the core Group Think of today's Liberal, which is the activist, most revered segment of the Democrat party.
| BY Ricki Green |

TBWA, Auckland has launched a new film in support of Asahi Super Dry, the number one beer in Japan.

Says Andy Havill, category manager  NZ beer and cider, Independent Liquor: Asahi Super Dry is a beer with perfection at its heart and this is a playful take on the serious science that goes into our product.

Originally developed as a result of a 5000 person survey in the Japan, Asahi pioneered a new direction for beer in Japan and the world, inspiring many imitations in its wake.

Says Christy Peacock, ECD, TBWA, Auckland: Asahi is dedicated to perfection. In fact, they believe so strongly that their beer is as close to perfection as a beer can be, they are now focusing on other ways that the drinking experience can be improved on. Like calibrating bar robots to pour their beer at the precise angle. Its a quintessentially Japanese respect for precision and devotion to the art of beer drinking.

The spot features beer drinkers who are similarly devoted in this belief. Its a love letter to beer, captured on film.

Client: Independent Liquor

Group Category Manager  Beer & Cider: Anna Lawrence

Category Manager  NZ Beer & Cider: Andy Havill

Agency: TBWA, Auckland

ECD: Christy Peacock

Senior Creative Team: David Sylvester and Watchara Tansrikeat

Producer: Jodie Hari

Account Director: Aimee Knox

Business Director: Angelina Farry

Head of planning: Steve Clark

Film Production: Curious

Director: Daniel Maxy Max

DOP: Chris Mauger

Agency Edit Suite and Graphics: Jim Hudson
| BY Ricki Green |

IPG Mediabrands newly remodeled data, tech, insights and activation business Cadreon has appointed Clement Tsang in the newly created role of head of consulting. Tsang is the second executive appointment announced by new Cadreon CEO Darren Stein, following news that Pat Darcy has joined as national managing director.

Tsangs role at Cadreon is a first for the agency and the industry.

Says Stein: Clement will lead a team of advisors who will focus on mid term, strategic consultancy to clients. The team will offer a broad service spanning all aspects of the new Cadreon and across each of the key areas where todays CMOs and CTOs require actionable and effective support. These areas are predominantly in prioritizing, activating and measuring marketing investments as well as developing the technology to get them there.

After starting his career in Australia, Tsang has spent much of his time working in China. He is an advertising and ad tech executive who has most recently been managing director, global brand management and performance marketing at Ogilvy Shanghai and Beijing. Prior to that he was managing director of Brandscreen, a leading Asia demand side platform. He has an MBA and degrees in law, government organisational structures and political science.

Says Tsang: I was attracted to Cadreon by the agencys mission to offer marketers a suite of services and solutions that create real business transformation, enabling measurable marketing-created revenue and business value.

Tsang will work closely with managing director Darcy who joined Cadreon this week. Darcy is formerly commercial director of data-driven marketing company RadiumOne.
| BY Ricki Green |

After a global search, J. Walter Thompson New Zealand has hired Justin Barnes as executive creative director. Barnes, who was most recently creative director at SapientNitro in London, will take the creative reins in January.

Says Simon Lendrum, managing director, J. Walter Thompson, New Zealand: When we set out to find our new ECD, we wanted to find a creative leader who had demonstrated the ability to build big brands, but was also fluent in new technologies. Justin is such a leader.

Says Matt Eastwood, worldwide CCO, J. Walter Thompson: Today more than ever we see that creating truly pioneering solutions requires an intersection of skills. Its fantastic to welcome Justin to J. Walter Thompson, as he comes equipped with a diversity of experience that can empower us to craft even more integrated creative solutions for our clients brands.

Barnes has been responsible for a multitude of highly-awarded campaigns across 15 years at ad agencies Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy and David & Goliath.
| BY Ricki Green |

Sunsuper has today announced the appointment of MediaCom Brisbane as its new media agency. After a competitive pitch, The Content & Connections Agency has been awarded the media account to elevate the Sunsupers position as a significant and innovative force in Australian superannuation.

Recognised as one of Australias largest superannuation and retirement businesses, Sunsuper is one of Australias most highly-rated super funds and is also one of the fastest growing retail fund in the market.

Proof of its excellence, Sunsupers contact centre was recently recognised for its industry-leading customer service for the third year running after winning The Service Excellence in a Medium Contact Centre Award (under100 employees).

Says Katherine Williams, managing director, MediaCom Brisbane: Im excited to welcome Sunsuper into the MediaCom family. From our first meeting, it was obvious we had great cultural synergies between our two teams.

Sunsuper is a great fit for us as we are both people first businesses with a high drive for creating and sustaining meaningful connections with members and consumers nationally. Im looking forward to a successful partnership with Sunsuper.

Says Catherine Hughes, head of brand marketing and communications, Sunsuper: From the outset, MediaComs understanding, enthusiasm and passion for Sunsuper was clear to see. Their vision for the brand made them an exciting and obvious choice for us, were looking forward to a successful partnership with MediaCom.
| BY Ricki Green |

In our polarised world, where everything from politics to fashion conspires to keep us apart, there is one place where old and young, East and West, fat cats and underdogs all sit shoulder to shoulder: sharing an ice-cold Tiger beer at the street food table.

To celebrate the power of Tiger Beer and street food to bring us closer, Tiger Beer is launching Tiger STREATS via Marcel, Sydney. An intriguing dining concept, where two chefs who live worlds apart, but share the honour of culinary fame, will join forces for the first time. A global event, Tiger STREATS launches first in Sydney followed by Auckland, New York City and Kuala Lumpur.

In New Zealand, Tiger STREATS resident Hawker Chan, of the first Michelin-starred hawker stand Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle in Singapore, will pair up with Nick Honeyman, chef of highly acclaimed restaurant Paris Butter, who has worked under Pascal Barbot at Michelin-starred restaurant, Astrance . While one chefs menu might cost $2.50 and the other much more, they will combine their raw skills and passion to craft a unique collaboration dish.

The dish resulting from this culinary mash-up will be served from the Tiger STREATS bar at the Auckland Night Noodle Markets (November 30  December 4) and can be enjoyed at the markets Tiger STREATS seating area  a place where people from all walks of life can make connections over street food and a chilled Tiger beer.

As the Tiger STREATS events move across the globe, other top chefs to join Hawker Chan will include Guillaume Galliot, chef of two Michelin star restaurant The Tasting Room in Macau and Christopher Kostow, chef of three Michelin star restaurant The Restaurant At Meadowood.

Says Julia Imlah, senior marketing manager international premium, DB Breweries: Asian food is made for sharing and Tiger beer is the beer to share with it. Its a full bodied beer with bite that embraces all the different flavours of our food just as Tiger Beer has always embraced the diverse passions of Asias creativity. Street food is enjoyed in the heat of the street, where people sit shoulder to shoulder with friends old and new, so Tiger is really excited to be bringing people together in NZ through this campaign

Brewed in the melting pot of Singapore and raised on the streets, Tiger was born to bring together diverse people, palates and passions. In food, friendships and creative culture, Tiger embraces the courage to connect with someone new.

Tiger STREATS events are planned in Sydney (24  26 November) Auckland (30 November  4 December at the Auckland Night Noodle Markets), New York (7  9 December) and Kuala Lumpur (17 & 18 December).

Creative agency: Marcel

Creative Chairman: David Nobay

Executive Creative Director: Scott Huebscher

Client: Tiger

East Markets: Tanya Lubis

West Markets: Amy Tay

New Zealand: Julia Imlah, Simon Smith and Monique Gibson

Global PR agency: Ogilvy

Director: Charles Akielan

Senior Consultant: Dani Hanlon

Local PR agency: Spark PR & Activate
| BY Lynchy |

A short film created by Dentsu Taiwan for global Single Malt brand, The Glenlivet,has won several major awards recently. Single Belief picked up a Grand Prix and four Golds in the Integrated Marketing, Feature Film, Short Film, and Best Director categories, at the recently-concluded prestigious China 4A Golden Seal Awards in Beijing. In addition, it also took home a Grand Prix and Gold award at the Taiwan 4A Creative Awards. Dentsu Taiwan not only bagged one of the industrys most coveted honours but also achieved the rare feat of being a Cross-Strait, double champion.

Keeping in line with The Glenlivets positioning as the single malt that started it all, the film promotes the brands unchanging spirit in producing consistently high quality tasting whiskies since 1824. The 15-minute short film, saw the collaboration of internationally renowned Golden Lion winners, Tsai Ming-Liang and Lee Kang-Sheng. Returning to the location of the pairs first film, Ximending (Taipei), Lee stands amidst the crowded streets with a calm and steady gaze despite the curiosity of passersby. Symbolic of his steadfast creative vision throughout his film career, this stance parallels that of The Glenlivets Single Belief.

The award-winning film was screened exclusively in The Glenlivet Whisky-Tasting Theaters, with 28 screenings held across Taiwan. In this sensory experience, whisky lovers enjoyed a drink of their preferred spirit while watching the film, reinforcing The Glenlivets brand power with every sip.

The short film won a Grand Prix and four Golds in the Integrated Marketing, Feature Film, Short Film, and Best Director categories, at the recently-concluded prestigious China 4A Golden Seal Awards in Beijing. In addition, it also took home a Grand Prix and Gold award at the Taiwan 4A Creative Awards. Dentsu Taiwan not only bagged one of the industrys most coveted honours but also achieved the rare feat of being a Cross-Strait, double champion.

Daren Ong, Marketing Director, The Glenlivet said, From the stage of a short film ideation to the execution of The Glenlivets unique sensory tasting experiences, Dentsu Taiwans capabilities are impressive and we are extremely supportive and delighted that their efforts are being recognized, with the awards. Understanding the true essence of our brand, Dentsu Taiwan not only answered the brief, they further contributed to the success of the campaign with their professionalism and dedication towards the assigned brands strategy, remaining focused on the task at hand and delivering at the highest possible quality.
State Senate will push for repeal and Trump administration could bundle CON reform as part of health-care package



Gov. Pat McCrory chats with State Rep. Marilyn Avila, R-Wake, in April. Avila, a champion of certificate-of-need reforms, trails in her bid for re-election. (CJ photo by Dan Way)

The push to reform North Carolina's certificate-of-need laws that limit entry into the state's health care market will continue in the upcoming session, state senators say. An academic researcher also says it's possible that President-elect Trump's administration might seek to dissolve the state regulations.Because the incoming administration wants to reform health care, andsaid Chris Koopman, a research fellow at George Mason University's Mercatus Center who has studied and written about CON programs.Certificate-of-need statutes restrict the opening of standalone clinics, expansion of existing facilities, the purchase of big-ticket health care equipment, and the types of services that can be provided unless state permission is granted through a lengthy and expensive process.The Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Justicein the past two administrations, Koopman said. Their position is that CON "is a problem, not a solution" to achieve a vigorous and efficient health care market.he said.The Trump administration could unravel those state-level programs by leveraging the same type of funding mechanism mandate the federal government originally used to create them.Koopman said.he said.who believe the federal government should not withhold federal funds as a pressure point to implement a federal mandate, Koopman said. "Sen. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell, co-chairman of the Senate Health Care and the Appropriations on Health and Human Services committees, plans to forge ahead with a state-based solution in the upcoming legislative session.Hise said.Hise intends to continue working with Senate members and others on legislation he introduced in the last session to abolish the state's certificate-of-need laws. His bill died at the end of the session.North Carolina has CON restrictions on 25 devices, services, and facilities, the fourth-highest number in the nation.Hise will renew his legislative thrust to abolish the CON program at a date several years in the future. That would allow sufficient time for providers to avoid being stuck with outlays they had made to navigate current CON regulations that would become obsolete, among other so-called stranded costs.said Sen. Louis Pate, R-Wayne, a fellow co-chairman of the Senate Health Care and the Appropriations on Health and Human Services committees.He said the Senate would study the issue carefully in coming months.Pate said.at the outset of the upcoming session.Shepherding a bill through the General Assembly might be more difficult because the House is likely to lose its biggest advocate for CON reform.State Rep. Marilyn Avila, R-Wake, chairwoman of the House Appropriations, Health and Human Services Committee, and vice chairwoman of the House Health Committee, lost her re-election bid to Democratic challenger Joe John by 390 votes.as permitted by election law, Avila said. She has notified the Wake County Board of Elections of her intent. The county is scheduled to conduct its canvass of vote totals on Nov. 30.Avila said.Avila said if she does not prevail on the recount, and does not return to the House,role she has provided as the point person in the chamber on CON reform.She also sees the potential for a national helping hand, noting that magazine publisher and former Republican presidential candidate Steve Forbes has discussed higher health care costs driven by CON laws.Hise said.a role that Avila would normally provide, and then find 61 representatives willing to vote for it, Hise said.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 8:49PM

Hatch, a new company that spun off from Angry Birdss creator Rovio, is hoping to become the Spotify for mobile gaming. The new company is looking to let Android users stream and play games without downloading games onto their phones and have added unique social features. Itll give anyone with an Android device free access to games without any updates or in-app purchases. The service and developers will supposedly get revenue from integrated, unobtrusive advertising and brand storytelling. Hatch is also planning to offer a paid subscription option to give gamers additional features. These features havent been specified at the moment.

Hatch partnered with Huawei Technologies to use its cloud-based servers. The service will let players compete or even help while playing online games as well as broadcast gameplay footage. Hatch says that even single-player games can be changed to have you receive online assistance from other gamers. Some of the 100 games expected at the time of launch include Badland, Monument Valley, Pac-Man CE DX, and many more. There will also be Hatch-exclusive games like IslaBomba: Ready To Boom. The company plans to launch the service via an invite-only beta sometime in the first half of 2017.

Source: Android Authority
Place to take visitors? I've been really lucky that I've had many visitors from all over the world come to Canberra - my international coffee friends, producers and coffee experts. I like taking them to see Canberra's nature. That's something that I love about this city. We live in a beautiful city that's surrounded by a lot of greenery, beautiful parks, really nice bicycle tracks and picnic areas. So when I bring visitors, I actually don't necessarily want to take them to tourist attractions. I like them to experience Canberra surroundings such as Cotter River. We jump on our bikes and do a lap around Lake Burley Griffin. One of the lookouts I always like is Mount Ainslie and being able to show them what Canberra is all about.
"The Churchill Trust is unique in what it asks of potential fellows: instead of rigid criteria for study, we ask them to identify what the area of need is for their community," he said.
Executive Director Woodhouse, elections committee chairman Rucho said recount would enhance confidence in voting system



NCGOP Executive Director Dallas Woodhouse, at lectern, and state Sen. Bob Rucho said a recount of 94,000 ballots from Durham County that were recorded late on election night was needed to restore confidence in the integrity of state elections. (CJ photo by Dan Way)

State Sen. Bob Rucho, chairman of the Joint Legislative Elections Oversight Committee, on Wednesday afternoon called Gov. Pat McCrory's challenge to the election results, which now show him trailing by more than 10,000 votes, a principled stand to ensure North Carolina voters that elections are fair, honest, and transparent.Rucho said.Attorney General Roy Cooper was leading McCrory by 10,329 votes, based on State Board of Elections results reported just before 3 p.m. (Seven counties had not completed their official canvasses.) He and Democratic Party officials from the state to national levels have demanded McCrory concede the election to Cooper. If the vote margin remains above 10,000, McCrory would lose his automatic right to call for a recount under state election law.Rucho, a Mecklenburg County Republican, was joined by Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of the North Carolina Republican Party, outside the State Board of Elections headquarters in Raleigh.The SBE scheduled at 4 p.m. hearing to review an appeal by Durham attorney Thomas Stark, who also is the attorney for the state GOP, to order a hand count of 94,000 Durham County absentee ballots. The Durham County Board of Elections rejected Stark's petition two weeks ago.about the gubernatorial election, Rucho said.The last-minute appearance of 94,000 ballotsRucho said.Rucho said.Rucho said his concerns about Durham include 6,000 absentee ballot applications for which the Durham County Board of Elections deniedHe said the Durham boardThat is troubling, he said, in view of a State Bureau of Investigation probe involving the primary election in Durham County, "where some irregularities, and potential voter fraud, and lost ballots occurred," and an Elections Board employee was fired as a result.Rucho said he hopes that the errors made in the primary election have been corrected, and the media should be asking the SBE if the corrections were in place for the General Election.Asked why he would push for the recount when the Durham Board of Elections said it found no hint of voting irregularities, Rucho referred to the SBI investigation uncovering wrongdoing after the primary was held,Woodhouse also characterized the recount appeal as a safeguard to electoral integrity.Woodhouse said.He said if Durham does conduct a recount,Woodhouse said the 94,000 ballots, and six voting machine computer chip irregularities in DurhamHe said McCrory put forth "a very reasonable proposal" to forgo a statewide recount if a Durham recount were held, and it resulted in no major change in the vote outcome.
"Singapore Airlines wants to defend its Changi hub against major Middle East hubs including Doha so there's that struggle going on and that's why Qatar Airways is opening flights to all these places that you wouldn't think they had any interest in going. There's a geopolitical contest going on and Canberra is only one corner of that struggle."
Mustafa Abdul Wahid, acting executive president of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), told Daily News Egypt that operators face having their licences revoked in some circumstances.

Etisalat, Orange and Vodafone are the three operators that can now provide 4G services in Egypt  after a hard-fought negotiation with the NTRA  in competition with Telecom Egypt, which has had a licence for some time.

The 4G service licence obliges companies to provide good 3G service in the areas where 4G signals may be weak to ensure that all clients have access to decent communication services, Abdul Wahid told the newspaper.

He said the list of sanctions contained in the 4G licence agreement includes terms about the quality of service that companies are obliged to provide. They include deterrent penalties for companies if they go below a stipulated quality.

He said sanctions also include a fine of up to 25% of the insurance value paid by the company, amounting to 100 million Egyptian pounds ($5.6 million) each time. This fine will be payable if companies delay payment for the service or break any of the contract terms, reported the newspaper.

In theory the new licences are for unified services, allowing the three companies to provide fixed services in competition with Telecom Egypt. However, Abdul Wahid told the newspaper that the companies had not yet submitted requests to begin fixed services.

Etisalat and Orange each have 10MHz of spectrum for 4G services and Vodafone  which has a complex relationship with Telecom Egypt  has 5MHz. Not all of the spectrum is immediately available, as NTRA has to evict current users.
Kathy Manos Penn

What's on your Christmas list this year? I must say it has become more and more difficult through the years for me to give my husband any clue as to what I might want for Christmas. And similarly, it has grown increasingly difficult to figure out what to get any of the adults on my list.In truth, if I want something, I'll buy it myself unless I think it is just too expensive, and in that case, I don't want anyone else to spend that kind of money either. And, my husband is pretty much that way too.Add to that the fact that we simply don't need much of anything. Our home is furnished just the way we want it; we have no more wall space for artwork or surfaces for pottery or other knickknacks, and we have every small appliance and serving dish we could ever want. As for clothing or jewelry, I'm very particular and hard to please.Naturally, when I read a CNBC article that said,I could understand why. Last year, my husband surprised me with several gift cards under the tree, and I had a ball with them. I find there's just something special about using a gift card, and the experience can last way beyond the holiday. I think I used the last little bit on my Chico's card 'round about June.You can purchase gift cards for the usual chain stores: Talbots, Chico's, Barnes and Noble, Macy's, Nordstrom's, DSW Shoes or TJ Maxx. For the craftsmen on your list, you might try Home Depot, Lowes or Ace Hardware. And, I find it pays to check your local small businesses too, as many of them offer gift cards.It was a nice surprise one year when my sister gave us a Starbucks gift card. We don't often go to coffee shops, so it was a treat for us to make special visits to use it. This year, I'm hoping my aunt will feel the same way about a gift card I've gotten her for one of her favorite restaurants. Like many retirees, she has to pinch her pennies, so this gift will enable her and her husband to have an enjoyable evening out.I think I've already finished my shopping for my husband. One of his Vietnam veteran buddies told me about a book to get him, and while I was searching for that on Amazon, I stumbled across an ancient book that's a memoir written about France during WWII. I'm not sure he'll get much more. I probably won't ever be able to top the biplane ride I gave him one year.If there were such a thing, the number one item on my Christmas wish list would be a gift certificate for a service that comes by to take down the tree and all the decorations I've put up and pack them away for next year. I can dream, can't I?***Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident now happily retired from a corporate career in communications. Find her book, "The Ink Penn: Celebrating the Magic in the Everyday," on her website at www.theinkpenn.com. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com.
Contact: McCrory Communications

McCrory Communications govpress@nc.gov

Greenville, N.C. Governor Pat McCrory's Hurricane Matthew Recovery Committee held its fourth regional meeting today in Pitt County, where it discussed topics such as relief efforts, community outreach assistance and plans for long-term recovery for the communities affected by the storm.During the meeting the governor announced that six more counties, Bladen, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Pitt and Sampson, now qualify for temporary housing assistance through the federal government. Columbus, Edgecombe, Robeson and Wayne counties previously qualified for temporary housing assistance on November 3. That means that manufactured housing units will be available for owners and renters whose primary residences were severely damaged or uninhabitable and who meet program eligibility requirements.said Governor McCrory.The governor addressed those in attendance and members heard updates on the status of the ongoing recovery efforts in the area from N.C. Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry and representatives from FEMA. The committee, which is chaired by the governor's Chief of Staff Thomas Stith, also took comments from the public to gain an understanding of the continuing needs in Pitt County and the surrounding region.To date, $79.9 million has been distributed to over 75,000 qualified individuals affected by Hurricane Matthew throughout the state, including $1.8 million for individuals in Pitt County.The committee has one additional regional meeting, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, December 2 at the Waller Building on the campus of Lenoir Community College in Kinston.Governor McCrory announced today that after the last regional meeting, he will submit proposals to the North Carolina General Assembly to address in a special session likely to be held during the second week of December. The governor stated that his major goal in the short term is to help people affected by the storm, especially during winter months.Governor McCrory announced the formation of the Committee in late October, and convened the first meeting in Raleigh on November 1. Initial assessments estimate Hurricane Matthew caused $2 billion in economic damage. Earlier this month, the governor submitted a formal request for more than $1 billion in federal assistance and laid out a timeline for a request of additional recovery funding from the state.The governor is encouraging individuals and groups to help in the relief efforts by making a financial or other contribution. Monetary contributions to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Matthew can be made by texting NCRECOVERS to 30306 or by visiting NCDisasterRelief.org . This is one of the best ways to help fund long-term recovery efforts.
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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.
Students in over 75000 schools in Karnataka will have a change in their syllabus from the next academic year. The move aims at making the state syllabus on par with the CBSE standards.

The upgraded textbooks will be presented by the textbook revision committee, headed by professor and writer Baraguru Ramachandrappa, next week.

The government had set up a committee to suggest measures to bring the state syllabus up to speed with the CBSE witnessing a gap in learning abilities among students of Karnataka state board schools. According to the government, the exercise has been carried out without diluting the flavour of local culture in state textbooks.

The committee had researched CBSE and state books for Classes 6 to 10 in each subject and found that state books were good in many areas and were upgraded to CBSE where the latter's curriculum was more relevant.

Government Extends Deadline for CBSE Schools to Disclose Their Database

Meanwhile, the Union government has extended the dates for the mandatory disclosure of schools database for CBSE.

There are 18,179 CBSE schools of which 13,634 have submitted the required information. "We will analyse them and, in case we find something missing, we will contact the schools individually," said Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi, chairman, CBSE.

"We are fine with giving more time to schools that have not met the deadline. These details are necessary for the mobile application to be functional. Therefore, instead of giving additional time to individual schools, we have extended the period for all the remaining 4,500 schools," he added.

Basic information such as contact details, affiliation status, etc., of the school, management details, photographs and videos of the school, faculty information, student information, academic information, infrastructure information (including physical infrastructure details, facilities available in school, transport facility details), location information and other information such as pass percentage of last three years, vacation period of school and academic calendar are the information required to be furnished.

Objectionable Content in CBSE Textbook Raises PIL
Downtime is set to play a Dec. 22 show benefiting Chad Bjerken starting at 9 p.m. at the Pub Station. The show is for 21-and -older, and a $5 donation at the door is suggested.

Bjerken was injured in a dirt bike accident in April and sustained a badly broken leg. He does not qualify for disability/unemployment and has not worked since. After making progress, he contracted a staph infection in his leg, setting him back several more months.

The concert includes a 50/50 raffle and auction.

Downtime was originally formed in December 2009 as a three-piece acoustic cover band. Marco Castro, Gerrick Phillips and Josh Moore formed the original lineup that soon gained a positive reputation playing in local bars, corporate and block parties. In 2011, the band grew to a full electric outfit adding Dennis Mailloux on bass and Luke Kestner on the drums.
Holiday ArtWalk and Christmas Stroll combine for a festive night in downtown on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 9 p.m.

The ArtWalk features 29 season galleries and eight one-time participants. First-time appearances on the ArtWalk are being made by: the FieldHouse Annex, Coffeehouse and Bakery; Magpie Jewelry; and Vintage Apothecary.

The far east end of downtown will be particularly lively, with shows at A Home Vet (celebrating its grand opening and an animal-themed art exhibit), Qs Art Shop and Framing (hosting Growth through Art's fundraiser), both at 1511 Sixth Ave. N., plus multiple artists at Beyond the Box, 724 First Ave. N., and SCRaP, in its new location at 7 N. 18th St.

All ArtWalk events are free. Many sites offer music and refreshments. Printed maps are available at all participating sites on ArtWalk nights.

Here are descriptions for some venue attractions:

Artists Anonymous moves to Thirsty Street Brewery, 3008 First Ave. N., and hosts Carlin Bear Don't Walk, whose paintings have a mythical quality about them; they depict traditional and contemporary American Indian themes.

Billings Food Bank, 2112 Fourth Ave. N., hosts invited artists to exhibit their work in its spacious meeting area  the parking area is spacious and easy, as well. New exhibits are up for each ArtWalk.

Clark Marten Photography, 2606 Montana Ave., showcases the work of master photographer, Clark Marten. Twelve people who donate $99 to Family Services receive a bottle of wine and a Fine Portrait Certificate valued between $600 and $1,000 (only one is worth $1,000).

CTA Architects, 13 N. 23rd St., exhibits work by Billings artist, Juliet Parks. Juliet obtained a BFA at the University of Montana. Her work is created with acrylic washes, textures and drying that often mimics an abstract expressionist's style. Refreshments.

Downtown Billings Alliance (DBA), 2815 Second Ave. N., hosts Billings landscape photographer, Alexis Bonogofsky. She photographs the disregarded beauty of eastern Montana. Her work includes small, metal prints, one-of-a-kind antler frames and larger, matted landscapes. Music by Ed and John Kemmick. Refreshments.

First Congregational Church UCC, 310 N. 27th St., hosts Red Lodge's Sarie Mackay (oils), Harlowton's Brittany Lind (mixed mediums), and Billings' Alena Larsen (fabrics). Refreshments served. Music by Quintessential.

For the Funk of It, 14 S. 27th St., is a cacophany of fun, colorful, up-cycled and recycled merchandise, original art and locally made personal products.

Gallery Interiors, 2814 Second Ave. N., presents its annual Ho!Ho! Ho! show featuring charcoal Santa sketches by Joseph Booth and Small Treasures," featuring miniatures and plein air paintings by invited and regular gallery artists. Music by James Poulson and refreshments.

Gallery Nine @ connie dillon fine art, 2501 Montana Ave. No. 9, hosts its Annual Small Works Sale. All shadow boxes and paintings (16x20 and smaller) are on sale. Also showing are Dillon's Nocturnal Series paintings, handmade journals and notebooks.

Global Village, 2720 Third Ave. N., offers metal work hand-crafted by Haitian artists still struggling to recover from Hurricane Matthew and other lovely, useful fair trade items. Refreshments served.

Good Earth Market, 3024 Second Ave. N., celebrates the art of Melissa Burns working as "Girlwood." Her wood-burned designs are aromatic, bold and precise. Burns is likable, lovely and honest, all attributes revealed in her work.

Harry Koyama Fine Art, 2509 Montana Ave., displays vivid, colorful impressionist paintings in a space that doubles as Koyama's working studio. Koyama's paintings are highly sought by local, regional and international collectors.

Jason Jam Gallery, 2501 Montana Ave., No. 7, is the working studio and gallery of the prolific, satirical and comedic artist Jason Jam. Of special note are his child-friendly storybook pictures and handmade dolls created by Wendy Jam.

Kennedy's Stained Glass, 2923 Second Ave. N., reveals Experience Montana, a new group of custom Christmas ornaments created by Susan Kennedy Sommerfeld and her studio artists.

Limber Tree Yoga Studio, 212 N. 29th St., transforms its yoga studio into gallery space and welcomes a variety of artists throughout the ArtWalk season.

Montana Gallery and Studio, 2710 Second Ave. N., exhibits work by its mezzanine studio artist-owner Tyler Murphy and invited regional artists, some established and others early in their careers, who work in a variety of mediums.

McCormick Cafe, 2419 Montana Ave., features the work of Columbian-born artist Maria Isabel Bonilla on its historic brick walls. Bonilla's work is characterized by traditional images, explosive color and seductive shimmer, often inspired by her tropical homeland and salsa music.

Mann Mortgage, 2511 Montana Ave., welcomes photographer Eric Jones for a return show. Raffle tickets for an Elliot Eaton painting will be sold to benefit Family Services and further its mission to prevent homelessness and alleviate poverty in Yellowstone County.

Prodigal Gallery, 2517 Montana Ave., is in the reception area of the Offices of Penelope Strong, Attorney at Law, features work by invited artists.

Pug Mahon's, 3011 First Ave. N., is the unoffical host of Art Alley. Proprietor Bill Mac MacIntyre was instrumental in creating the popular graffiti venue. Artwork in the adjacent alleyscape changes frequently.

Sandstone Gallery, 2913 Second Ave. N., presents Margaret Smith's bold, acrylic paintings that depict images of human and animal interaction, alongside Sharon Karlson's oils that capture wildlife in their natural habitat. Both are co-op gallery artists.

SCRaP, 7 N. 18th St. Come see their new digs at the east end of Montana Avenue in the former Conoco Bulk Plant building. Music and food trucks. Artist work spaces for rent and more!

Stephen Haraden Studio, 2911 Second Ave. N., No. 235, is where you can decide if you like your nudes full-size or post-card size. Haraden will be on-hand in his working studio to discuss how he cuts images from past works to create new paintings of the classic female form.

Terakedis Fine Art, 112 N. Broadway, Suite B, welcomes John Lintott and Rob Akey. Both men have enjoyed exceptional careers in oil painting and will be available to discuss their newest works. Details at: www.terakedisfineart.com.

Toucan Gallery, 2505 Montana Ave., birthplace of ArtWalk Downtown Billings, hosts its Little Art Show through December 31st. This popular biennial show includes over one hundred unframed, postcard-sized pieces of original art by local and regional artists.

Tompkins Fine Art, 2501 Montana Ave., No. 4, exhibits works by award-winning artist Robert Tompkins, known for his impressionist floral depictions and landscapes. Also showing are works by local artists in a variety of mediums.

Underground Culture Krew, 19 N. 29th St., welcomes Kerry Epley. Kerry's art focuses on the abstract and often involves many layers and textures. "Everyone sees something different within my paintings," she said, "and that is the best part."

Western Art Forum, 2702 Second Ave. N., has created new energy and excitement in its contemporary western art gallery. Cowboys, sheep, rodeos and other iconic images explore western life in a whole new way.

Yellowstone Art Museum, 401 N. 27th St., offers free admission and parking, Winterfair, food at Raven Cafe, music, and new works in the Collector's Corner. Exhibits include Unleashed: Critters from the Permanent Collection, Ephermerality: Works by Louise Habeck and Jill Brody's photographs from a Montana Hutterite Colony, Hidden Plain Sight.

One-time participants

Art Rally at the Valley, in the Valley Building Atrium, presents Nikki Shiva (fractals), Breanna Lee Paulson (metals), Deaken Paulson (woodwork) Tina Anderson (oils), Tony Anderson (photography) and Tom D'Astaire, plus Jason Bisso on guitar and B'Town Grill food samples.

A Home Vet, 1511 Sixth Ave. N., celebrates its grand opening with a fun show of animal-themed art in several mediums. Sure to be a animal lover's favorite! Artists include Ryan Brown, Lee Walker, Eva Rickard, Amy Stalmaster, Toby Palmer and Jim Rennie.

Barjons, 223 N. 29th St., showcases unique, unusual jewelry created by Lori Blaylock. Blaylock's jewelry is infused with meaning and symbolism, using copper, stone, leather, bone and horns, all intended to incorporate the sacred and the wild.

Beyond the Box, 724 First Ave. N., hosts an array of artists in their unique converted warehouse space near Northern Broadcasting Co. and MetraPark. Live music, food trucks and a cash bar make for a festive evening.

Fieldhouse Annex, Coffeehouse and Bakery, 2501 Minnesota Ave., No. 4, hosts Karin Calabrese. Her exhibit, "In A Different Light" explores the Billings landscape in a narrative captured in daylight hours and after dark to reveal change and renewal.

Magpie Jewelry, 2702 Second Ave. N., makes its downtown debut, bringing hand-made jewelry and accessories in metal and precious gems and original art. Magpie is nestled between Western Art Forum and Montana Studio and Gallery.

Qs Art and Framing, 1511 Sixth Ave. N., hosts a Growth through Art (GTA) benefit. Artist Karen L. Johnson and others, including GTA clients, show and sell their work. Quick Draw Portraits available for $50 plus raffle tickets with a drawing during the event.

Vintage Apothecary, 2823 Third Ave. N., offers aromatic products and vintage items and showcases Rebecca Douglas Photography. Douglas, based in Billings, is a fitness instructor who has a keen eye for her subjects found in the natural world.
The U.K. would consider making contributions to the European Union to secure the best possible access for trade in the blocs single market, Brexit Secretary David Davis said.

Davis said Thursday his priority is to ensure that businesses keep the ability to trade and provide services in the European market after the U.K. leaves the EU. Though he didnt directly mention making payments, Daviss comment may be a signal that the U.K. could continue to pay into the EU budget after leaving in order to keep market access.

The major criterion here is that we get the best possible access for goods and services to the European market, Davis told lawmakers in response to a question about the U.K.s willingness to make contributions to the EU to retain such access.

The pound strengthened after his comments, which will be welcomed by banks and other businesses keen to maintain as much access as possible to the single market.

Tariff-free access to the EU is essential to food producers and retailers, chief executive officers including those from Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, Dairy Crest Group Plc and J Sainsbury Plc wrote in a letter to The Times published on Thursday. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said this week that losing duty-free ties with the EU could lift the price of imported cars by as much as 1,500 pounds ($1,900).

Watch More: Davis Speaks on Single-Market Access

Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who heads the group of euro-area finance ministers, also opened the door to the British retaining ties with the single market, though he warned it would come at a cost.

Of course we can design new agreements to allow them to enter the internal market and to allow trade to continue, he said in an interview with the Times of Malta. We have to do that. But it will not be as easy or as cheap as it is now.

Derek Halpenny, European head of global markets research at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd., said Dijsselbloems comments marked the first time we can recall a senior EU official acknowledge the possibility of the U.K. having access to the internal market after Brexit.

The insights into how governments are viewing post-Brexit trade came in a week in which both sides of the looming divorce negotiations began fleshing out their plans. European and U.K. officials now seem to accept they will have just 15 months to seal a deal once Prime Minister Theresa May triggers the talks, given the need for the European Parliament to ultimately have a say. Where they still differ is in whether they should discuss issues such as the break and future relationship at the same time as the U.K. would like, or sequentially, which is the EUs preference.

Any Contribution?

During the exchanges in Parliament, Wayne David from the opposition Labour Party asked Davis: Will the government consider making any contribution in any shape or form for access to the single market? The minister responded that the major criterion here is that we get the best possible access for goods and services to the European market, and if that is included in what he is talking about then of course we would consider it.

Asked about Daviss comments, Mays spokeswoman, Helen Bower, said it was a matter for the negotiations. It will be for the U.K. government to make decisions on how taxpayers money will be spent, Bower told reporters.

Speaking during a trip to Scotland, Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said Davis was absolutely right not to rule out the possibility that we might want to contribute in some way to some form of mechanism.

Economic Value

The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated in August that retaining single-market membership could be worth around 4 percent of gross domestic product by 2030, the equivalent of 75 billion pounds.

The U.K. paid 13 billion pounds into the EU budget last year and received around 4.5 billion pounds in EU spending, leaving a net contribution of 8.5 billion pounds. Those who campaigned most ardently for Brexit may prefer keeping all of that cash to paying some of it for entry to the single market.

As Parliament met, the Office for National Statistics reported that net migration to the U.K. rose to a near-record in the year prior to Junes referendum, a trend that will keep pressure on May to win more control of Britains borders.

Those arriving to live or study for a minimum of one year outnumbered those leaving by 335,000 in the 12 months through June, the ONS said. That compared with 326,000 in the year through March and was just off the all-time-high 336,000 seen a year ago. Net migration from elsewhere in the EU hit a record 189,000.

While the U.K. wants to minimize immigration and maximize trade, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault repeated on Thursday that access to the single market depends on allowing free movement of labor and other requirements. Norway, for example, pays the EU the equivalent of 740 million pounds a year and signs up to immigration from the EU in return for avoiding tariffs.

Any access to the common market comes with rules and obligations and one of those is freedom of movement for people, Ayrault told a news conference. It is not a la carte.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnsons office late Wednesday denied a Sky News report that he had told ambassadors in London that he backed freedom of movement.

Johnson told reporters in Rome Thursday that his message had been that immigration had been a good thing for the U.K. in many respects, but it had got out of control and that we needed to take back control.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
Known to draw art collectors, critics, gallery owners, designers and curators, the worldwide design forum in Miami also sees the display of Audis latest autonomous driving technology.



The German have chosen to highlight their RS7 Piloted Driving Concept by placing it inside a giant clock, which sees the addition of the 25th hour, said to represent the focal point of this brand presentation.

The special extra hour installation has been created by Audi in partnership with the Lego Group.

We hope to inspire the imagination and creativity of the visitors with this installation and encourage them to allow themselves this break from their everyday routine. The 25th hour is the perfect time for that, said Lego Creative Play Lab Senior Innovation Director, William Thorogood. Audi and the LEGO Group share a passion for innovation and inventiveness. This passion is also especially valuable in the development of new products and business models that relate to autonomous driving, added Audi AGs Head of Digital Business Strategy & Customer Experience, Nils Wollny.

As an exclusive automotive partner to the exhibition since 2006, Audi will showcase its special display from November 30 to December 4, alongside the art-related presentations.

PHOTO GALLERY
Despite finishing first in Denmarks election, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has decided to step down along with her Social Democratic government. Frederiksens announcement on Wednesday came after a dramatic vote count in which the center-left bloc that has backed her since 2019 retained its majority in Parliament by a single seat. In theory, the Social Democratic leader could have stayed in power as head of a minority government. But she said she would stick to campaign promises to try to form a broader coalition with parties on the center-right. Frederiksen handed her resignation to Queen Margrethe, who was expected to ask her to lead talks to form a new government.
At the end of the 1990s, Ford decided to build a new car factory in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. However, the automaker changed its mind shortly after and went for the state of Bahia instead.



Selecting the new location for the facility set the basis of a lawsuit, filed by the local authorities of Rio Grande do Sul against the automaker.

After 17 years, the two parties have, according to Reuters, reached a settlement, which sees the company paying 217 million reais ($61,9 million) in compensation. The money will be used by the countrys southernmost state to help pay state employees.

The Camacari plant in Bahia, on the other hand, celebrated its production kickoff back in 2001, and currently counts 8,753 employees, who are putting together the Fiesta RoCam and EcoSport.

PHOTO GALLERY
Honda and Hyundai are remaining committed to developing hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles alongside EVs, in the hope that one of these alternate powertrains will prove to be the way of the future.



Although many automakers are convinced that all-electric is the way forward, Honda and Hyundai arent totally convinced and are working on both hydrogen and electric models. By 2020, for example, Hyundai will launch five hybrids, four plug-in hybrids, four all-electric models and one fuel cell vehicle.

Speaking with Automotive News, chief executive of Hyundai Motor America Dave Zuchowski said: Our position is we dont know what the prevailing technology of tomorrow is going to be. We have to hedge our bets.

Steven Center, the vice president of Hondas environmental business development office echoed this sentiment: Weve got our money on red, black, odd and even. Long term, the market will tell us what they want. But for now, were not ready to call anything.

Honda and Hyundai are among just a handful of carmakers to have brought hydrogen models to the market, namely the Tucson Hybrid and Clarity.

PHOTO GALLERY
After eight years on the market, Ford has finally revealed an all-new Fiesta. The next question on our mind  and the minds of most hot-hatch enthusiasts  then is when the manufacturer will bring out a new Fiesta ST. And the answer, it seems, is late next year.



Speaking with Dutch publication AutoRAI, Fords hot-hatch development boss Tyrone Johnson disclosed that the next Fiesta ST will be unveiled by the end of 2017, with production to commence the following January.

While details are still scarce, Johnson indicated that we shouldnt expect much more power. The current model packs a 1.6-liter turbo four producing as much as 200 horsepower in the Fiesta ST200  or even 215 on overboost  but that wont be the new benchmark.

Instead the focus (so to speak) will be on the fun factor, which the Blue Oval automaker aims to boost. It will also be more visually aggressive than the ST-Line version pictured here. Expect front-wheel drive and hopefully a manual transmission to hold their ground instead of all-wheel drive and a DCT. And therell likely be both three- and five-door versions once again.

The prospect of a Fiesta RS, meanwhile, is anything but confirmed. But Fords European R&D chief Joe Bakaj told AutoRAI never say never.

Photo Gallery
Next week, Debevec will be a keynote speaker at SIGGRAPH Asia 2016 in Macau, a conference that Cartoon Brew is also attending. In this Q&A, we caught up with Debevec for a look back at why his research has been such a major influence in computer graphics, animation, vfx, and vr. He even has a few tips for how to deliver a compelling academic presentation.

Cartoon Brew: Your research into virtual cinematography with your model Chevette and then The Campanile Movie ended up having a direct connection with Hollywood visual effects. Can you talk about what you thought virtual cinematography could be back at that time?

Paul Debevec: I originally thought of virtual cinematography as creating a dynamic camera shot moving through a realistic scene first by digitizing the real scene through photogrammetry [a process that involves using multiple photographs taken of a single scene to reconstruct a CG model] and then using image-based rendering to animate any camera motion desired. My first idea to do this came while writing stereo reconstruction algorithms in Prof. Ramesh Jains computer vision class at the University of Michigan, and I finally saw it through in 1991 by making a photogrammetric model of my Chevette and animating it to fly across the screen like the DeLorean in Back to the Future.

For The Campanile Movie, we used the Facade system I presented at SIGGRAPH 96 to create a textured model of the Berkeley campus and also to matchmove our rendered footage to the live-action campus and the cardboard model I was walking around with. When the vfx supervisor for The Matrix movies John Gaeta saw our film at the SIGGRAPH 1997 Electronic Theater, he realized this technique could solve how to render matchmoved virtual backgrounds in the bullet-time shots, and hired a few of the students from our Berkeley team to make it happen. It was completely amazing to see the effect woven into such a great visual effects movie.

How did image-based lighting become one of your passions? What were some of the first things you were able to demonstrate with your research in this area?

Paul Debevec: I was amazed how visual effects companies like ILM were able to make digital characters like the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park look like they were really there with the actors in the live-action photography, since this is a key element of movie magic. From my computer vision classes it was conceivable how you could match the virtual camera motion to the real cameras, but getting the lighting to match was a mystery. When I asked some industry contacts how it was done, they said sometimes theyd try to write down where the lights were in the scene and replicate them in cg, and then iterate the lighting manually through artistic skill until things looked like they matched. I didnt like this answer, since it couldnt produce the correct answer and the process didnt seem like something that I would be able to make happen in my own animated films.

As I worked on the SIGGRAPH 97 paper on high dynamic range (HDR) photography, I realized that the pixel values of an HDR image are actually proper measurements of the amount of red, green, and blue coming from every direction in the scene in the photograph.

And from learning about global illumination (GI) techniques for my qualifying exam at UC Berkeley, I understood that light comes from all directions and thus should be photographed panoramically, and Id been experimenting with 360 photography for a few years at that point. So I captured omnidirectional HDR light probe images in my kitchen at Berkeley, in the breezeway outside Soda Hall, and in the Eucalyptus Grove nearby, and eventually in Grace Cathedral across the Bay and the Galleria della Uffizi in Florence.

I considered writing my own IBL renderer, but Greg Ward showed me how to import the light probe images I was taking into his Radiance GI renderer. I made the first renderings lit by HDR images for my SIGGRAPH 98 IBL paper using the kitchen, eucalyptus, and grace light probes, often using the nice candlestick model Radiance had from Gregs SIGRAPH 93 cover image. The scene in the paper with a circle of candlesticks on a pedestal transformed into the spheres on the stands for the animation Rendering with Natural Light, and the Uffizi Gallery light probe would eventually illuminate the middle scene of SIGGRAPH 99s Fiat Lux.

When you and your co-researchers produced the first light stage, what were you setting out to do? How did this progress and change with different light stage iterations?

Paul Debevec: The original goal for a light stage was to illuminate a real human face with image-based lighting, making them appear as if they were in some other location, so that you could realistically composite them into a background plate or a virtual set. My first thought was to put the person into a modestly-sized inward-pointing spherical screen and project a spherical image of the environmental lighting onto the screen all around them. But I couldnt find a way to affordably cover a full sphere with imagery and still get enough contrast ratio and brightness for the effect to be worthwhile.

So the Light Stage from our SIGGRAPH 2000 paper used an image-based relighting process instead: we built a gantry to rotate a single spotlight all around the subject, recording how they appear lit from every lighting direction, and then multiplied the color channels of each image by the intensity of that color of the light coming from the corresponding direction in the environment, and added all of these scaled image channels together. In effect, that relights the actors face with the light of any light probe image you can imagine.

Light Stage 2, which was used to create digital actors for Spider-Man 2 and Superman Returns, did the same thing faster with a 3 meter arc of strobe lights. But in 2001, as soon as Color Kinetics iColor MR lights became available, we built Light Stage 3 as a sphere of 156 inward-pointing RGB-controllable light sources, and this finally realized the vision of physically performing image-based lighting on an actor in the stage.

In 2004, when LED display panels became available a few years later, I designed an inward-pointing stage out of them to perform a test for Digital Domain for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and this technique is essentially what illuminated Sandra Bullock and George Clooney for the movie Gravity, where we worked closely with Framestore and Lightstage, LLC for the R&D phase of the project.

By far, the most commonly used light stage process we have developed is called polarized gradient illumination facial scanning, which we developed in 2005 as a way of deriving sub-millimeter 3D facial scans with high-resolution texture and displacement maps. When bright white LEDs became available, we added a second set of lights and new control circuitry to Light Stage 3, calling the new device Light Stage 5 (since we had proposed building large version of Light Stage 3 called Light Stage 4).

For our SIGGRAPH 2005 paper, we programmed the lights to rapidly illuminate the actor from different directions as they were recorded at thousands of frames per second by a high-speed camera, allowing us to change the lighting on them as a post-production process. But I wondered if this programmable lighting system could be able to generate lighting patterns which would help us derive high-resolution 3D geometry of the face. I had two good ideas for this: one was to light the face with a succession of gradient lighting conditions based on the first four spherical harmonics, which allowed us to derive per-pixel surface normal maps of the face from any camera positioned around the sphere.

The second idea was to polarize the entire sphere of incident light in a special pattern that allowed us to tune the specular reflections in and out based on flipping a polarizer in front of the camera. Cross-polarized allowed us to capture a flat-lit, shadow-free, and shine-free texture map for the face. Subtracting this from the parallel-polarized condition allowed us to isolate the specular map for the face, which even more importantly gave us a way to calculate surface normals based on only specular reflections, yielding the sharp, sub-millimeter detail I wanted free from the effects of subsurface scattering. We first applied this technology for the movie Avatar, starting in 2006, scanning the principal cast for Weta Digital to help them craft the Navi versions of the characters as well as human digi-doubles, and to well over a hundred actors since.

Can you talk about some of the most memorable characters that have come to life with light stage captures, from your point of view? Any surprises in terms of where or how the light stage has been used?

Paul Debevec: Two of my favorite projects are Digital Emily, from 2008, which used high-resolution light stage scans to achieve one of the first photoreal digitally rendered animated faces, and Digital Ira from 2013, which did the same for a face that was rendered interactively in real time. In both cases, the most rewarding part of the work was collaborating with world experts working on complementary groundbreaking technologies: Image Metrics (now Faceware) provided the facial animation technology for Digital Emily, and Activision provided amazing real-time rendering techniques for Digital Ira.

And, in both cases, we did our absolute best with the scanning technology, but the final renderings came from our collaborators, and at some point the level of realism achieved completely surprised us and changed what we thought was possible. Activision has now purchased its own Light Stage X system from USC ICT and is using it to scan actors for many of its video games.

For movies, it was very exciting to work with Sony Imageworks adapting the Light Stage 2 system into movie production for Spider-Man 2, which ended up being a really good movie too, and working hard to bring our high-res scanning techniques into production use for Avatar (and we got film credits on both!). The Curious Case of Benjamin Button working with Digital Domain used a variety of light stage captures and both image-based lighting and relighting in achieving the first photoreal digital main character in a film, which was amazing to be a part of. [Vfx supervisor] John Dykstra surprised us by asking to use a particularly ambitious version of image-based relighting capture for Hancock, having us record Will Smith and Charlize Theron in Light Stage 5 from 100 viewpoints in 156 lighting conditions in an extensive set of expressions with an array of high-speed cameras.

And probably the most emotional project we helped with was Furious 7, where we helped Weta Digital create a completely believable digital version of Paul Walker to allow the movie to be completed after his tragic accident. For this, we scanned Caleb and Cody Walker at the highest resolution possible, even recording their subtle facial movements as they read through lines originally said by their brother Paul. Because of the family resemblance, this data helped Weta Digital create Pauls digital double, which appears in about half of his characters scenes, most of which no one even guessed were rendered.

How has the digital human and light stage research moved forward with developments in rendering, and in real-time rendering in gaming and vr? What do you see digital faces and humans actually being used for in vr?

Paul Debevec: Thats a very interesting question. Our first light stage paper came out a year before Stanfords landmark paper on practical sub-surface scattering [a way of representing the way light scatters as it hits skin or a similar object], and one of the advantages it offered was that it could render a realistic human face without having to perform any light transport computation, subsurface or otherwise. Instead, the light transport of light falling on the face from every direction was captured through photography and simulated from the image data, allowing Spider-Man 2 and Superman Returns before it was possible to have human-quality implementations of subsurface scattering algorithms.

This image-based relighting process from one-light-at-a-time data is still used in visual effects for lighting visualization and shader validation, but now that global illumination light transport can be done so efficiently with Arnold, Octane, V-Ray, and the like, its the high-resolution light stage scan geometry which gets used for building and rendering the characters. Our Digital Ira collaboration with Activision was an amazing to chance to work with some of the worlds best real-time shader writers, including the masters screen-space subsurface scattering and environmental lighting techniques. This showed that you can render a full-screen entire realistic head at 60 fps on what is now a 5-year-old gaming laptop. Based on that, I have no doubt that the vr hardware well see in 2017 and 2018even mobile systemswill be capable of rendering photoreal digital human characters.

Youve also been researching light fields [light field cameras, for example, rely on both the intensity of light in a scene and also the direction that light rays are traveling in space to make imagery]. Where does that fit in with your digital humans and vr research?

Paul Debevec: I stumbled into light fields back in the Facade photogrammetry work, where I often had shot many images of the front of a building and needed to decide which one to use as the texture to map onto the 3D model. The simple answer was to choose the photo that was shot the most from straight on, but I realized that if the viewer is going to be seeing the building from off to the side a bit, then the best photo to use would be one taken from around the same angle. This way, unmodeled geometric detail like window sills sticking out would still look approximately right, and the different shines and glints the building makes would be reproduced somewhat as well. So the SIGGRAPH 96 Facade paper proposed view dependent texture mapping as a way of blending between different images based on viewing angle, effectively rendering each model polygon as a surface light field.

Above: Debevec recently consulted with cloud graphics company OTOY on the capturing of light fields, seen demonstrated in this video.

Our first light stage paper proposed the reflectance field as a representation of how each incident light field is transformed by a face or object into a radiant light field. Since a light field is four dimensionala collection of 2D images shot from two dimensions of different anglesa reflectance field is actually eight dimensional, which is a massive amount of data when high-resolution imagery is involved. So in practice, the first light stage recorded 4D slices of the reflectance field from each camera: sequences of 2D images lit from a 2D set of lighting angles. Its been awesome to see other researchers build systems to record and simulate 6D and 8D reflectance fields since then.

We first combined light stage capture with light fields in earnest in 2006 for our first project using our full-body 8-meter Light Stage 6 system. We couldnt afford (or deal with the data from) a hundred high-speed cameras, so we used a vertical array of just three high speed cameras looking into the light stage and recorded the subject on a rotating treadmill as they made 36 walk or run cycles. As a result, we effectively could get 108-view 360-degrees around light fields for these repetitive motions, and by interleaving 33 lighting conditions at 990 frames per second, we could relight the person to any lighting environment as well as rendering them seen from any angle.

In 2012, our lab at USC ICT began working with USCs Shoah Foundation to use the light stage to record testimony of survivors of the World War II Holocaust. For this, we used Light Stage 6 to create flat symmetrical lighting from above and placed over 100 video cameras around the stage to record each survivors stories from all the way around and some latitude of up and down as well. When shown on the 216 video projectors of our labs 3D projector array display, the survivor appears life-sized, as a hologram-like, automultiscopic, glasses-free 3D image. By far the most interesting dimension recorded was their responses to over 1,000 questions asked to each survivor, allowing query recognition techniques from the ICTs Natural Language Group to play back appropriate responses to questions asked from anyone wishes to learn more about the survivors and their experiences. The lab is currently working on bringing this experience into virtual reality.

Finally, one of the skills youve mastered over the years is communicating complex concepts. Can you talk about what it takes to make a compelling SIGGRAPH presentation, and to deliver this research in papers and talks in digestible and interesting ways?

Paul Debevec: Thanks so much for that. I think giving a good talk or making a successful video is mostly a matter of storytelling. Everything you say and show needs to be done in consideration of how it will be perceived by the audience. How do you make them realize they care about the problem? Can you make them frustrated that it cant be solved in a straightforward way? Can you give them the vicarious enjoyment of figuring out a new way? Can you put results on the screen that make it clear that the technique really works, without even having to tell them that it really works? Can you mentally model what youre sure they already know, and only build from that? Can you say each sentence in as simple a way as possible, with as simple words as possible? Can you successively set up expectations and pay them off?

I think the most important part of a talk is how you transition between your slides. I always make sure I know what my next slide will be, either through a written list of slide titles or using presenter view, so that I can say a sentence or two to trigger some expectations and then switch to it so that the audience is in a good frame of mind to process all of that new visual information youre throwing at them. Its so much better than switching to a slide, giving the audience an initial bout of confusion as to what everything means, and then helping them recover from it. I also always go through my slides the night before a talk, or earlier in the day, to pre-load all the stories Ill need to tell.

I almost never have equations on my slides, and once I had written an entire SIGGRAPH paper without an equation and ended up scrambling to find a way to include one just so the reviewers wouldnt get worried. I think the best presentation is pictures with captions and the occasional video clip, and not even a complete sentence written down. But the most important part of speaking is to get a good nights sleep! Ive never given a great talk without a fully rested brain.

Paul Debevecs SIGGRAPH Asia keynote is entitled Achieving Photoreal Virtual Humans In Movies, Games, And Virtual Reality and will take place on December 6th at The Venetian Macao.
The owner of a downtown Kelowna business near Interior Health's proposed safe injection site has a suggestion for Interior Health.

He says the brand new IH building downtown could easily accommodate a supervised facility.

It's in a good location and already has staff and resources set up for treating substance use  one of the eight services amalgamated into the new facility, including mental health.

However, IH says that's not going to happen.

"At this time, Interior Health is not considering the new Community Health and Services Centre as a possible location for a supervised consumption service," says Dr. Trevor Corneil, chief medical health officer.

Corneil adds its preferred location at 477 Leon Ave. would better serve "the target population" because the area already has a number of harm reduction, health care and social services within close proximity.

He cites feedback from people who use drugs who say they "prefer" that location.

Another group that wants its feedback taken into account is the Downtown Kelowna Association  and members have made it clear they are opposed to a site on Leon.

The DKA says it could compromise public safety and interfere with plans to revitalize that area of downtown.

IH says it's in the public consultation stage now, and is accepting feedback on its proposed site, as well as the possibility of a mobile unit.
Photo: Contributed

A series of Castanet stories on Kelownas rental crunch and homelessness have drawn hundreds of comments this week.

People have shared anecdotes about the struggle to find housing and, in some cases, the rapid fall toward sleeping on the streets.

Karen McKersie wrote that she shares a two-bedroom apartment with her two adult sons, with everyone in the house living paycheque to paycheque.

My landlord even told me once if I don't have rent on the first, I can get out, there's a zero vacancy rate in town and he will have no problem renting my place!

Carrie Watson has struggled to find an affordable rental after being forced out of her home. She has been staying in a motel that will no longer be available once summer arrives.

I'm gearing up for homelessness, and I'm starting with my bitter attitude. Your pretentious campgrounds will not allow me to put an older trailer on their property I'm going to stay around town  I have a child, for God's sake  but I will be the one without the home, she wrote.

Karen Guy wrote that she was homeless for about 4 years, "I had a full time job at the Skogies on Underhill Rd. I slept in a tent on the railway tracks by Walmart. I always showed up on time and I worked hard for my 8 bucks an hour at the time."

"Sometimes you have more in common than you think with someone that you would usually dismiss. No matter who we are we are someone's child, we all have a story and we all can benefit from kindness and love," she continued.

Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran says the city is working hard to encourage developers to invest in rental properties. While the total supply grew by just 10 units last year, he expects that to change.

Rental housing grants and property tax exemptions have led to a small building boom of purpose-built rental housing, with 1,600 units either under construction or soon to be, according to Basran.

So, while it may not be able to help the person looking today, we know that help is on the way and it's going to alleviate the pressure we are seeing continue to build.

Basran said the city will continue to work with BC Housing on social housing and has supplied the land for two recently announced projects.

He is also looking forward to hearing more news on the federal government's national housing plan, due out next year.

This is not a problem unique to Kelowna, so Im really looking forward to hearing what the federal government strategy is going to be, because we alone as a municipality aren't going to be able to solve the problem. We need everybody working together.
Canadians are split over Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

While federal approval for the project was announced this week by Prime Minister Trudeau, it's not thumbs up everywhere else in the country.

Angus Reid has produced several polls and surveys over the past several years, gauging public opinion on the Kinder Morgan project and the Northern Gateway pipeline, which was rejected by the feds.

When each project was approved by the National Energy Board, Angus Reid polled Canadians as to whether the NEB made the right decision.

In the case of the Trans Mountain pipeline, positive approval depended on your postal code.

Albertans overwhelmingly supported the Trans Mountain pipeline. Sixty-three per cent said yes when asked if the NEB got it right. Only nine per cent said no.

It was a different story in B.C., where 41 per cent approved compared with 34 per cent who said no.

Canadians in general support the Kinder Morgan project 41 to 34 per cent.

Politicians are also mixed in their reaction to the news. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson expressed disappointment in what he called "a step backward for Canada's economy, environment and for climate change."

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley was naturally thrilled with the prime minister's extraordinary leadership, while interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose expressed doubt the pipeline project would ever go ahead.

B.C. has yet to endorse the pipeline expansion.
Photo: Thinkstock.com

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet had expected to receive findings from a task force studying the legalization of marijuana, but the document is stuck in translation limbo.

The team behind the report says it will be given to ministers and the public when it is in available in both English and French, which is expected to take two weeks.

The work of the task force is meant to inform the Liberal government as it looks to bring forward legislation to legalize pot by spring of next year.

The government faces key questions as it moves toward a legalized regime, including the best minimum age for legal purchase, advertising and marketing restrictions and taxation and pricing.

Task force chair Anne McLellan, a former Liberal public safety minister, and vice-chair Dr. Mark Ware say the group spoke with a number of ordinary Canadians who shared their views on how to approach the issue.

They also gained insight from visits to Colorado and Washington states, two jurisdictions where cannabis is legal.

The panel also spoke with representatives of the Uruguayan government  the only nation that has a regulatory system for legal access to cannabis.
Photo: Contributed

The Regional District of Central Okanagan is giving some of its residents ample warning of a water service disruption.

BC Hydro will be cutting power to about 1,350 customers along Westside Road next Wednesday.

The outage will last from 6 a.m. until about 6 p.m.

The loss of power means water service to about 600 water customers in the area will also be impacted.

Those affected by the water disruption are serviced by the Killiney Beach, Westshore Estates and Upper Fintry-Shalal Road-Valley of the Sun water systems.

With the planned, extended outage, we encourage our more than 600 customers on these systems, to conserve water: only using water when needed," says RDCO communications officer Bruce Smith.

"If possible, they should avoid doing laundry and running dishwashers during the outage, as these appliances use large amounts of water. Given the advance notice, customers should stockpile some additional water for household use during the outage by filling their bathtub or adding additional water for drinking.

Another reason for residents to conserve water during this period is that should any of the three systems run out of water, the Regional District will have to put out a precautionary water quality advisory until staff can flush the system and conduct bacterial and chlorine residual testing, which could take several days.

We hope to avoid this by encouraging our customers to use water sparingly. Well be monitoring our systems throughout the day and will let residents know if any advisory is required.
Photo: August Motorcars

For kids looking to meet Santa and check out some hot cars, August Luxury Motorcars is offering just that, while collecting donations for kids in need.

This Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the supercar showroom will host the man from the north for photos with kids.

In addition to Santa, there will be several activities for young ones, along with hot chocolate and other Christmas treats.

Parents are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to the pediatric ward at Kelowna General Hospital as well.

The address is 884 McCurdy Place in Kelowna.
None of the dozens of health care officials, insurance experts or legislators from across the state at Tuesday's Montana HealthCare Forum Conference in Billings could say much about exactly what will happen with health care laws and legislation beginning in 2017.

But most agreed that there will be plenty of change at both the state and federal levels.

"The message going into it is, 'Buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride,'" said Rep. Ron Ehli, R-Hamilton, who has served as chairman of the state Children, Family, Health and Human Services Committee.

The annual conference began in Billings on Tuesday at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel and continued through Wednesday.

Keynote speaker Kim Gillan, director of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region VIII, which includes Montana, spoke about the future of insurance under the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare.

She started by holding up a Magic 8-Ball and joking that was how she'd provide answers about changes to the ACA, before switching gears and noting that with open enrollment underway, people will still receive the same coverage at least for 2017.

"Really, right now it is all systems go," she said. "The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land for 2017."

Much of her talk was framed around expectations of major overhauls of federal health care, including the possible dismantling of Obamacare, under President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress.

There is bipartisan concern over interrupting coverage for the millions of Americans receiving care through the ACA and making sure those with pre-existing conditions still receive the help they need, Gillan said.

A straight, immediate repeal of the law would likely inflict "considerable pain on consumers and providers" and likely wouldn't impact the contracts in place for 2017, Gillan said. Other options would be a repeal and replace or repealing the ACA with a delayed effective date.

"These are all from what I have picked up," she said. "I am not reading from any standard talking points."

Potential changes could include providing incentives for people to get insurance instead of the current mandate, shifting from using income to determine subsidies and rates to using age, reducing or eliminating some benefits, allowing plans to be sold across state lines, creating high-risk pools for people with more serious conditions and encouraging people to use more health savings accounts.

Gillan likened whatever changes are coming to turning around a large freighter, in that it's not likely to happen quickly, instead believing it will come in increments.

"Is it going to be smooth sailing or is it choppy waters?" she said. "Obviously, it's going to be choppy waters."

Later, three Montana lawmakers spoke about what they expect, or are working on, in the 2017 Legislature, set to begin Jan. 2.

Sen. Cary Smith, R-Billings, said he's a longtime ACA opponent, noting that premiums and costs continue to increase.

Smith said he'd like to see coverage programs outside of insurance, such as sharing ministries, and encourage the use of HSAs, as well as looking at programs like Insure Montana, a state-run program that provided insurance premium subsidies or tax credits for small Montana businesses that offer employees private health coverage. The program ended when Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed an extension in 2015.

Rep. Jessica Karjala, D-Billings, said her upbringing around family members with disabilities has shaped much of her approach in seeking care and resources.

"It could be about money, it could be about budgets, but it's also about people," she said.

She said she's been working with an interim committee on a bipartisan bill that would provide guardianship resources and services for disabled or elderly Montanans who can't get them on their own.

"It doesn't end up being uncompensated care that gets passed on to the hospital and then gets passed on to us," she said.

Ehli said that not all of the issues in Health and Human Services are about Obamacare or Medicaid expansion.

The 2017 budget is expected to be tight, but taking care of the state's most vulnerable residents  including the elderly, those with disabilities and people with mental illnesses  is a key focus.

"Nobody can tell me that there's not money for the vulnerable populations in Montana," Ehli said.

That could include passing bills to increase home and community services waivers to take care of as many as 200 people currently on waiting lists, increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for some parts of the state's aging population, helping pharmacy programs in rural areas and providing protections for populations vulnerable to financial exploitation.

Ehli also stressed finding ways to be more efficient with the money appropriated for the Department of Public Health and Human Services, which takes up a large portion of the state's budget.

"The drive is not a drive to the bottom with cost," he said. "The drive is finding the most efficient and effective way to deliver care to those people."
Photo: The Canadian Press

A Canadian Judicial Council committee says a judge's apology for asking a sexual assault complainant why she couldn't keep her knees together doesn't offset the damage done and Robin Camp should lose his job.

"We conclude that Justice Camp's conduct is so manifestly and profoundly destructive of the concept of the impartiality, integrity and independence of the judicial role that public confidence is sufficiently undermined to render the judge incapable of executing the judicial office," the five-member panel wrote in a unanimous decision released Wednesday.

Court transcripts show Camp called the complainant, an indigenous woman who was 19 years old and homeless at the time of the alleged assault, "the accused" throughout the trial  a phrase he repeated during a September judicial council disciplinary hearing before quickly correcting himself.

He also told the young woman "pain and sex sometimes go together."

Camp acquitted Alexander Wagar in the 2014 trial, but the verdict was overturned on appeal and a new trial was ordered. Testimony in the retrial wrapped up earlier this month.

Camp was a provincial court judge in Calgary during the initial Wagar trial, but he was promoted to the Federal Court the following year.

The committee said Camp "relied on discredited myths and stereotypes about women and victim-blaming during the trial and in his reasons for judgment."

Camp has 30 days to make a written submission to the Canadian Judicial Council, said executive director Norman Sabourin. After that, the council will make a recommendation to Federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.

Sabourin said he's optimistic a recommendation will be on Wilson-Raybould's desk in January. A judge may only be removed from office by joint resolution of Parliament.

Kim Stanton, with the Women's Legal Education and Action Fund, said the committee's conclusion was heartening.

"The decision ... really does send a strong message to other judges that they must adhere to the principle of equality in their courtrooms," she said. "It is simply unacceptable to show antipathy toward laws that are designed to protect vulnerable witnesses."

Camp declined to comment on Wednesday, but his lawyer, Frank Addario, said Camp "is grateful to the inquiry committee for its thorough consideration of the evidence and his submissions."
Photo: Kinder Morgan

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the approval this week of two major oil pipeline expansions, insisting all the while that the new fossil fuel infrastructure fits within his Liberal government's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental advocates immediately called the approvals a betrayal, but a series of government climate policy moves this year suggest Canada's emissions should come down  although whether it will be enough to meet the country's 2030 climate commitment is another matter.

Trudeau sits down next week with provincial and territorial premiers to complete a pan-Canadian climate strategy that's supposed to put the country on a downward emissions trajectory to its 2030 Paris emissions target. The government has promised the United Nations that Canada will cut emissions 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

Canada's greenhouse gases have been slowly trending upward for half a decade after a recession-induced dip, and every new fossil fuel project approved adds fuel for critics who say the country is once again going to blow past its international climate promises.

"Today's announcement is part of our plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Trudeau said at one point during Tuesday's news conference  prompting a guffaw from someone in the assembled press throng  before he completed the sentence by alluding to Alberta's 100-million-tonne cap on oilsands emissions.

As Environment Minister Catherine McKenna explained it, Alberta's 100 megatonnes of emissions are "built into our climate plan."

The Liberals have been busy for months announcing federal climate polices, many with significant GHG reduction numbers attached.

A Canada-U.S. commitment to reduce emissions of methane  a powerful greenhouse gas  are estimated to cut carbon dioxide equivalents by 18-20 million tonnes by 2030.

The phase-out of coal-fired electricity could net 15 million tonnes of reductions, a proposed low-carbon fuel standard has been pencilled in for an ambitious 30 million tonnes, and newly posted regulations for hydrofluorocarbons  another powerful GHG  should cut eight million tonnes of CO2 equivalent yearly by 2030.

Environment Canada was unable to provide an estimate Wednesday of carbon reductions from the national floor price announced by Trudeau in October, but the federal-provincial Working Group on Carbon Pricing Mechanisms  whose report was quietly posted last Friday  suggests they could be significant.

The working group examined three scenarios that cut emissions between 38 million tonnes and 95 million tonnes a year by 2030. None of their scenarios line up directly with the plan announced by the prime minister, but the Liberal plan appears to fall closer to the high end in terms of emissions cuts.

Taken together, a handful of federal measures could conservatively account for well in excess of 100 million fewer tonnes of GHGs a year by 2030.

Set against that are the Liberal government's approvals of the Pacific Northwest liquefied natural gas project, with a cap of 4.2 million tonnes of emissions per year, and this week's two pipeline approvals.

The environmental assessments for Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in B.C. and for Enbridge's Line 3 expansion suggest emissions of between 23 and 28 million tonnes.

But those numbers are inflated because all the oil in the expanded pipelines won't be incremental, new production. Much of it may be existing oil-by-rail shifting to a cheaper transportation route.

"You can't just say oilsands production is going to increase by the capacity of the pipeline, because it's going to shift around," Nic Rivers, the Canada research chair in climate and energy policy at the University of Ottawa, said in an interview.

He calculates additional GHGs from Kinder Morgan at about 10 million tonnes a year, with Line 3 significantly less.

The government, said Rivers, is "getting over 100 million tonnes a year from the kinds of policies they're promising. That's an order of magnitude bigger than the expected greenhouse gas increase from the pipelines' approval."

That hasn't stopped environmental groups from asserting the pipelines will steamroll Canada's climate ambitions.

The advocacy group 350.org issued a release Tuesday stating that Trudeau "may as well have said that Canada is pulling out of the Paris climate agreement."
Photo: Pixabay

A former student with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is suing the company and a former instructor, alleging she was sexually assaulted and exploited in the 1990s.

She says she suffered mental distress, body image issues, eating disorders and nightmares.

The woman, now 35, was a student and ballerina at the school from 1991-1998.

A statement of claim was filed in Waterloo, Ont., on Nov. 22.

In the statement, the woman alleges that during her early years at the school, teacher Bruce Monk took photos of her, some of which were featured in a promotional pamphlet for the school.

Between 1996 and 1999, the woman claims Monk asked her to take part in private photo shoots.

She says the photos started as relatively benign head shots and dance poses, but the poses became "increasingly sexualized" at Monks request.

She alleges Monk asked her when she was 16 to do two nude photo shoots and while she felt uncomfortable, she did them because she felt compelled to please Monk, who was a well-respected figure and a man of influence at the ballet company.

The woman says the last nude photo shoot left her feeling violated and dirty, damaging her self-esteem.

The lawsuit alleges the negative impact of the incidents led to the woman to quit her budding dance career.

The claim alleges Monk used his position of trust and authority as a teacher to capitalize on the womans vulnerabilities.

The woman alleges the school did nothing to inquire about the appropriateness of these shoots, and was wilfully blind to them.

None of the allegations has been proven in court.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet fired Monk in April 2015 when it found he was the target of a police investigation  an investigation that has subsequently been closed.

The organization says it can't comment on the details of the suit, but when initial allegations against this individual came to light approximately two years ago, the RWB removed him from his role and subsequently terminated him.

A statement of defence has not been filed.
Photo: Getty Images

A legal bid by a former asylum seeker to clear his name after spending more than two years in a British Columbia church to avoid deportation is not only too late, it's also irrelevant now that he's a permanent resident, a court has heard.

Lawyers representing the Canadian government urged a Federal Court judge in Vancouver on Wednesday to reject an application by Jose Figueroa to rescind an eight-year-old report linking him to a political group in El Salvador with alleged terrorist ties.

"There is no valid reason for this moot application to proceed to judgment," government lawyers argued in a court document.

The respondents in the case are the federal attorney general, the ministers of both public safety and immigration, as well as the Canadian Border Services Agency.

Any debate around Figueroa's inadmissibility "has lost practical significance" after Immigration Minister John McCallum brushed aside roadblocks to permanent resident status last December, on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, they said.

The report highlights Figueroa's past membership in Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front in El Salvador, the same group that brought in a new era of democracy when it was elected in 2009.

Figueroa fled the country with his wife in 1997 after he began receiving death threats and came to Canada as a refugee. Thirteen years after his arrival, the Canadian government issued a deportation order against him.

He sought sanctuary in Walnut Grove Lutheran Church in Langley, where he remained for two years until the immigration minister's intervention allowed him to walk free without fear of expulsion.

Figueroa became a permanent resident of Canada last May and is now studying law at the University of Victoria.

Government lawyers said Figueroa's application should be tossed out because it's five years too late.

The statute of limitation has long since expired and Figueroa has given no special reasons in his "extraordinarily late application" for that deadline to be extended, they said.

The lawyers also took issue with Figueroa's allegation that the border services officer who prepared the 2009 report was unfair when he concluded the Salvadoran refugee was inadmissible to Canada.
Photo: CTV

The devastation continues for a family who lost their home and a friend in a house fire nearly two weeks ago.

A fire sparked in the basement suite of a house Michele Iwaczewski was renting, leaving her and her four children homeless and killing the man living downstairs, who was a friend to the family.

That, despite Iwaczewski's son Reshad's attempt to save the man, named Al. Reshad, joined by a friend, crawled on the floor to reach the man, and pulled him toward the entrance, where others joined in the effort.

"We pulled out Al, we dragged him as far as we could toward the door. Everyone else, once we were close enough, they grabbed him and pulled him right to the edge of the door where he could get some fresh air," Reshad told CTV Vancouver.

Al, unfortunately, did not make it.

The family had been staying with a friend while they looked for a new place to live, and weren't allowed back into their old home until recently.

When they did return, they found that it had been been broken into and ransacked by thieves, who found their way in through the only window that hadn't been boarded up.

"I just can't believe that somebody could actually do this," Michele said. "My kids were starting to heal."

The house was a chaotic scene upon inspection, with boot marks and clothes all over, with drawers pulled from dressers, lying on the floor.

Missing from the house was the car, some electronics and gold from Iran, but the family hasn't yet sorted everything out and figure out all that's missing from the house.

The family was hoping to be able to return to the house and collect their items to take to their new home when they found one, but instead found more problems.

"We were looking for familiarity," said Reshad. "Something that we could just take with us to another home that would make it that extra bit comfortable. Something that we could hold onto."

The incident has been reported to the police, and the family is asking anyone who has seen a silver, two-door, 2005 Chevy Cobalt to report it to the RCMP.

The family has seen an outpouring of support, however, including a GoFundMe campaign to help them back on their feet.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Contributed

A doctor who fled war-torn Iraq a decade ago has been charged with voyeurism after staff at a Nova Scotia medical clinic were surreptitiously filmed while using the washroom.

Dr. Rafid al-Nassar, 41, was arrested after New Glasgow Regional Police received a complaint from staff at the Westside Medical Centre.

"The incident happened in the staff washroom, and the complaint came from staff members," Const. Ken MacDonald said Wednesday.

The force's major crime unit investigated the allegations for nine months before Tuesday's arrest, he said.

"They seized electronic devices and ... as of this time, police identified all the persons in the recordings," MacDonald said.

Al-Nassar was released with strict conditions to appear in Pictou provincial court on Dec. 5.

He graduated from the University of Al-Mustansiriyah College of Medicine in Baghdad in 1998, according to the Nova Scotia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

A 2008 story in the Toronto Star said al-Nassar and his family left Iraq after his wife was almost kidnapped in Baghdad in 2005.

A neighbour frightened the kidnappers off, but not before kicking the couple in the head, according to the Star. The family made its way to Jordan as UN refugees, and then came to Canada as immigrants, arriving in Toronto in late winter 2008, the paper reported.

Dr. Gus Grant, registrar and CEO of the physicians' College, said al-Nassar worked in Ontario for a time and has practised in Nova Scotia since Nov. 10, 2011.

Al-Nassar came to Nova Scotia through a now-defunct program used to lure international medical graduates, working under a "defined licence" requiring him to complete a family physician certification exam by the end of 2016, Grant said.

Grant said he was informed Tuesday afternoon that al-Nassar had been arrested, and he quickly convened an investigations committee that issued an interim suspension of al-Nassar's medical licence.
Dustin Godfrey

This week's Mayor's Minute focuses on two meetings coming up for Penticton city council.

First, a look at what's to come for Thursday evening's special council meeting on the deal with Trio Marine Group.

Following a four-hour public hearing last week, which saw about 700 attendees, council is faced with four options: agree to the revised deal, reject the deal altogether, go back to the negotiating table or wait and see what happens with the waterpark agreement.

Next week's regular council meeting will include a public hearing on seven applications for temporary use permits for marijuana dispensaries  four of which already set up shop, while three are still tentative.

In the meeting, council will decide how many dispensaries will be allowed to operate in Penticton, and where they can operate.

Send your questions for Mayor Andrew Jakubeit to [email protected].
Photo: The Canadian Press Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos

The federal minister in charge of the employment insurance system says the program needs a serious redesign in the next few years to meet changing economic and social conditions.

Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said he believes the EI system should be simplified, include better work incentives and improve the quality and the availability of services that people expect.

An economist who specialized in social policy as an academic, Duclos said the EI system is overly complex, with even the best officials in his department typically having difficulty understanding the ins and out of the program.

He said EI needs to support current living standards and improve the ability and willingness of people to invest in housing, training and education that could improve their future.

"Our labour market circumstances are changing very rapidly leading to both challenges for the middle class when it comes to having good jobs, sufficiently well paid (jobs) for them to invest in their future and the future of their families, as well as their sense of income and work security," Duclos said.

"It's not only the current living standards that are of great concern to many of our families  it's also their vision of the future that generates stress and anxiety that have an impact on their ability, again, to project themselves into the future."

Duclos said the focus needs to be on making the program equitable

"We want equity in the quality of services, we want equity in a way which combines both the short-term and the long-term benefits that workers receive from EI," Duclos said.

The Liberals first budget made a number of changes to the system, all designed to expand eligibility, lengthen the duration of benefits for hard-hit regions, decrease the time applicants wait before they receive benefits and revamp training programs.

The budget said the spending measures this year and next would cost almost $2.5 billion, not including $175 million this year for skills training programs delivered with the provinces targeting workers whether they qualify for EI or not.

Some of the measures are already in place: Extended benefits for 15 regions hard-hit by the drop in commodity prices kicked in July 1. The government has expanded work-sharing agreements to 76 weeks from 38 weeks, cut the number of work hours that recent entrants or re-entrants to the labour force need to qualify for EI, and extended a program to let EI recipients work without a deep clawback in their payments.

There is one measure still yet to take effect: The government's promise to reduce the waiting period for a first benefit payment to one week from two. That is due Jan. 1.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The 2014 discovery of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine's body  wrapped in a garbage bag and discarded in the Red River  shook Winnipeg to its core.

To this day, it prompts residents of the city's North End neighbourhood, a low-income area with a high crime rate, to try to prevent others from meeting a similar fate.

With virtually no public funding, they comb the river, the shoreline and the streets, determined to make a difference.

Bad weather doesn't deter them. Neither does the very real risk of danger.

"Tina Fontaine's untimely demise  the disrespect that was shown to her personhood  was the last straw for myself, my family and my community at large," says James Favel, who relaunched a dormant street patrol called the Bear Clan in 2015.

Armed with flashlights, reflective vests and two-way radios, Bear Clan members break up into groups of eight or nine and methodically walk the neighbourhood block-by-block. They pick up drug paraphernalia and weapons lying on the ground. They hand out packages of food and safety items to the most vulnerable.

They ask everyone they come across how they are doing. At all times, they engage.

"How are you doing? You OK?" Favel asks a teenage girl as he leads his group down one residential street.

The girl is not eager to talk. A man in his 30s is nearby. The girl refers to the man as her boyfriend, but the Bear Clan has seen her before and is concerned the man may be exploiting her.

They ask her if there is anything she needs. She and the man leave and go into a building. They know there are eyes on the street.

"It's just to give people hope. Really, that's what it's all about  just knowing somebody is out there doing something, trying."
Photo: File photo

Brace yourself, winter is coming.

The City of Kelowna says it's ready to clear the way.

With Environment Canada predicting snow in the valley Friday, the city says its snow removal and sanding trucks are ready.

Snow removal starts early and city crews are out clearing the streets before most people are awake, said Stephen Bryans, the city's roadways operations supervisor.

Thats why we ask that vehicles be moved off the streets. If roads, particularly cul-de-sacs are free of vehicles, our crews are able to do a better job clearing roads safely, efficiently and quickly.

The city says it clears roads based on their priority status.

It warns that some areas are tougher to clear than others, citing Wilden, Dilworth Mountain, Ponds and Magic Estates as particularly challenging.

The city reminds people that residents and businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks.
DEER LODGE  Frank Slaughtner and his son, JR, are avid hunters and over the years had a number of their memorable animals turned into European trophy mounts  a technique that preserves a portion of the skull along with the antlers.

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 that 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.
Photo: The Canadian Press

As the Conservative leadership slate continues to expand, two of the most prominent contenders are jockeying for attention and support.

Ontario MP Kellie Leitch, who has already urged screening immigrants for what she calls "anti-Canadian values," is now proposing changes to the law that would allow people to carry pepper spray for self-defence.

Quebec rival Maxime Bernier, meanwhile, is adding a high-powered endorsement to his list of supporters: former cabinet minister Tony Clement, who will also serve as a special adviser.

Clement says Bernier shares his values and is the right choice to lead the party and the country.

Leitch, whose edgy campaign has been trawling the party's right wing, says the law isn't clear on pepper spray: it's illegal to possess, but its use in self-defence doesn't necessarily lead to charges.

She says legalizing it for self-defence would strengthen the rights of women to protect themselves.

The field of candidates for the Conservative leadership vote, scheduled for May of next year, has swelled to 14.
Photo: Contributed

Naramata Fire Rescue will be blessing their shiny new fire truck this weekend.

The 2016 Rosenbauer Engine will be officially ready for service after a ceremony on Saturday involving a truck wet down and push.

"We are very proud of the hard work that went into the design of this engine, and look forward to many years of Engine 161 serving and protecting our community," said Fire Chief Tony Trovao.

Trovao said they got the new truck because they needed to get their gallon per minute flow up to standard.

They have retired their mini pumper and now have two engines including the new one.

"With two engines pumping 1,250 gallons a minute each, that should meet the need in the growing community. It's just awesome because we now have 42 members, and need to be able to move them all."

The fire chief added they continue to move forward with plans to construct a second fire hall in the area.

The event takes place at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 at the fire station, 1095 Lower Debeck Road.

A free pancake breakfast will also start at 8:30 a.m. with coffee, tea, and juice.
Photo: Facebook

UPDATED: 12:15 p.m.

We now know which bands will Rock the Lake next summer.

April Wine, Kim Mitchell, Honeymoon Suite, Platinum Blonde, Rik Emmett, Chilliwack, Toronto, Sass Jordan, Helix, Carole Pope and Doug & the Slugs will all perform at the second annual event.

The Rock the Lake festival takes place at Prospera Place in Kelowna Aug. 11-13, 2017.

The format is the same as last year's inaugural event, says Prospera Place events and marketing manager Sean Bianchini.

Performances begin Friday evening with shows Saturday and Sunday starting at 2:30 p.m. Shows go until 10 p.m. each night.

"We had a lot of positive feedback. For the most part, we're not going to reinvent the wheel," he said.

"We're happy with the success, and people enjoyed that type of set up."

Once again, tickets will be capped at 3,500 people each day.

Last year's event sold out, and Bianchini believes that will happen again this year.

"At last year's festival we did a pre-emptive sale during the final day, and we had a good response to that from people who didn't even know who was coming"

The rest of the tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m.

The full schedule for the weekend will be released at a future time.
Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

An Osoyoos woman was sentenced in Penticton court Thursday to an eight month conditional sentence for having a gun in her possession.

Racheal Harder, 33, pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of an unregistered, restricted weapon.

On Sept. 15, 2015, RCMP was dispatched to a call of a male being assaulted on a South Okanagan property.

Once there, they searched the known drug house and found a .22 pistol in a safe in Harder's room. She was living in the home with a well known drug dealer.

Defence lawyer Bob Maxwell said drugs were at the root of his client's problems

She is a drug and alcohol counsellor, but for the last 15 years has been an addict herself.

He argued that she had the gun for self defence, to deal with sketchy people coming and going from the home. Maxwell also told the courtroom that his client has recently gotten clean and has no prior record.

Judge Gale Sinclair agreed the gun was there for her protection, and handed down the eight month conditional sentence, warning if she breached her conditions she would be taken to jail immediately.

Conditions include being in an approved residence at all times for the first four months, a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., not using drugs or alcohol and a 10 year firearm ban.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A special all-party committee is recommending that the Trudeau government design a new proportional voting system and hold a national referendum to gauge how much Canadians would support it.

The long-awaited report of the electoral reform committee also recommends that the government not proceed at this time with mandatory voting or online voting.

In a dissenting report, however, the committee's Liberal members  the party does not support a referendum  is essentially recommending that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau abandon his promise to change the system before the next election.

The 392-page majority report is the product of a hard-won consensus among members of the committee, on which the four opposition parties held a majority.

Whether the government will accept the recommendations, however, remains far from certain.

Trudeau, who promised that the 2015 federal election would be the last conducted under the so-called first-past-the post system, has already suggested that public enthusiasm for electoral reform has waned since his Liberals won power last fall.

Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam Monsef has repeatedly said she's detected no consensus around any particular alternative and has warned that the government won't proceed without the broad support of Canadians.

Monsef has conducted her own hearings and is about to launch a postcard campaign inviting all Canadians to take part in an online survey.

Monsef has also said she doesn't like the idea of a referendum, citing the expense and its potential divisiveness. Still, she's said she'll take the idea seriously if it's recommended by the committee.

The supplementary Liberal report says Canadians have not been sufficiently engaged in the issue, and recommends "a period of comprehensive and effective citizen engagement" before recommending a specific voting system.

"We believe that this engagement process cannot be effectively completed before 2019."

Unlike Monsef's conclusion that there is no consensus, the majority report acknowledges that the "overwhelming majority" of testimony the committee heard from almost 200 electoral experts and thousands of interested Canadians was in favour of proportional representation.

And it says most of those PR advocates favoured a mixed-member proportional system, in which MPs would be elected in each riding just as they are currently, supplemented by additional regional MPs chosen from party lists and apportioned according to each party's share of the vote.

In the end, though, the report does not recommend a specific proportional voting model. It does say that whatever model the government designs should score no more than 5 on the so-called Gallagher Index  a formula for measuring the degree of disproportion between the share of votes received by parties and their share of seats in the legislature.

The lower the score, the more proportional an electoral system is deemed to be. Canada's existing system  criticized for routinely handing the majority of seats in the House of Commons to a party that won less than 40 per cent of the popular vote, for under-representing small national parties and over-representing regionally concentrated parties  scores a 17 on the index.

The report also says that whatever proportional model the government designs, it should not involve MPs being chosen from closed lists supplied by the parties, which the committee says would sever the connection between voters and their MP.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Former Laval mayor Gilles Vaillancourt pleaded guilty Thursday to three fraud-related charges and was incarcerated after defence and Crown lawyers agreed to a six-year prison term.

Under a joint Crown-defence agreement, Vaillancourt, 75, must reimburse about $7 million, mostly from Swiss bank accounts, as well as hand over his condominium to the city he headed for 23 years.

Crown prosecutor Richard Rougeau estimates the fraud totalled several dozen million dollars between 1996 and 2010.

About $1.7 million has already been given to Quebec authorities, while another $5.23 million is currently being transferred from Swiss bank accounts.

The City of Laval will take possession of his $1-million condominium as well as a sum of $300,000. Vaillancourt, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy, fraud and breach of trust, will also be deprived of $300,000 in pension payments.

The judge is expected to rule Dec. 15 on the Crown-defence recommendation.

Vaillancourt was mayor of Quebec's third-largest city between 1989 and 2012 and earned the nickname "The Monarch."

He was among 37 people originally arrested in May 2013 by Quebec's anti-corruption unit.

He faced a dozen charges including conspiracy, fraud and corruption-related counts as well being one of three accused up on the more serious charge of gangsterism.

The arrest came just months after the cloud of suspicion forced Vaillancourt to quit politics in November 2012.

In the weeks leading up to the mass arrests, police had raided numerous engineering firms and businesses in addition to Vaillancourts own home, condo, offices and his bank safety-deposit boxes.

Thursday's proceedings began with Quebec Superior Court Justice James Brunton asking Vaillancourt whether he had intended to commit the crimes to which he pleaded guilty.

Vaillancourt answered he did not have that intention, prompting Brunton to temporarily suspend proceedings. When they resumed, Vaillancourt said he had planned to commit the crimes.
Photo: Larry Dickinson/My New Brunswick

Another round of messy weather has prompted some businesses and schools in New Brunswick to close as thousands remain in the dark.

Much of New Brunswick is under a snowfall warning, with up to 25 centimetres of snow expected by Thursday evening.

Some public schools and post-secondary school campuses were closed, and Fredericton Transit pulled its buses off the road until 2 p.m.

Savanah Gould, an employee of the Tim Hortons on Smythe Street in Fredericton, says the store lost power around 11 a.m. and was turning customers away as they waited for lights to come back on and coffee machines to resume brewing.

She says the cafe also lost power on Wednesday for about nine hours, when another storm rolled through the region.

NB Power said roughly 12,600 of its customers were without power as of about 2 p.m. Thursday.

Northumberland ferries has cancelled sailings between Saint John, N.B., and Digby, N.S., while crossings between Wood Islands, P.E.I., and Nova Scotia were cancelled due to high winds.

Meanwhile, Newfoundland is also bracing for a blast of messy weather, with up to 25 centimetres expected beginning Thursday evening and continuing into Saturday in southern parts of the province and a mix of snow and rain expected in the east.
Photo: Peter Reid

A house cat in Summerland is missing a leg after getting caught in a trap.

Peter Reids property backs onto the Adams Bird Sanctuary and he says he feared the worst when his cat Tasha had gone missing for four days.

Then she showed up on my back deck and I went, Oh, good, you are home. I opened the patio door and I let her in and she was dragging this leg-holding snare with a chain on it.

He says the leg-hold trap was about four inches in diameter, presumably to target a small animal, and required tools to open.

Reid notes there are a couple farms in the area with chickens, but he has not talked to anyone and doesnt want to accuse anyone of anything. He speculates the trap could be targeting raccoons or coyotes.

Critter Aid in Summerland is helping cover part of the cost of the amputation, which is taking place at the Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital this afternoon.

When Reid took Tasha to the West Kelowna veterinarian, he found out that even with Critter Aids support, the surgery would cost several thousand dollars, a bill that he could come nowhere close to covering.

When faced with the alternative of putting the cat down, Dr. Moshe Oz decided to cover the rest of the surgery himself.

If I can help, Ill do everything I can, especially in these kinds of devastating cases where its not the fault of the owner sometimes people have no money and its Christmas time my gift for Christmas I suppose.

Oz says cases like this are not completely unheard of, we do see it once and awhile, especially this time of year because of the hunting, I think.

He says its a hard thing for pet owners to prevent, but hopes anyone who places traps gives a second thought to what they are doing if they are near homes.

Tasha is expected to recover, albeit with three legs.

Castanet News has contacted the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resources to determine the legality of the placement of the snare.
Photo: Darren Handschuh

City taxes are going up in 2017 by 3.65 per cent.

After two days of budget deliberations, councillors gave the okay to a 1.75 per cent hike in operating costs and the annual 1.9 per cent increase for infrastructure improvements.

The biggest expense is the RCMP with a $7.84 million budget for 2017.

Vernon Fire Rescue will cost $5.3 million.

A $13 million capital budget is going forward.

The city expects to collect close to $79 million in revenue next year and will spend just about as much in a balanced budget, said Finance Manager Kevin Bertles.
Photo: Ray Hammond

Vernon city council has directed staff to set aside $90,000 to cope with homelessness problems next year, including $60,000 for abandoned camp cleanups. The cash is coming from unspent money from previous years and has not been added to the tax base.

As well, an invitation will be issued Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster to speak to council on the issue at a meeting in January.

During budget deliberations on Thursday, Coun. Catherine Lord said a lot of focus had been on the fentanyl crisis in B.C. but homelessness is really becoming a crisis as well and I can't see that changing in the next few years unless we get some monies from the feds and the province.

Council was shocked to learn earlier this week that $30,000 had been spent to clean up three major homeless camps this year. Garbage by the truckloads had to be shipped out as well as hazardous materials, including needles, according to staff.

A total of $30,000 of the funding will be issued to the bylaw department to allow hired security personnel to patrol areas such as Polson Park for longer hours in the summer and to extend that coverage into the autumn months.

We had to wrap up (the additional security) at the end of summer but we could have quite easily gone into October, said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer.

Coun. Juliette Cunningham, a member of the COOL team that visits homeless encampments to check on the welfare of the inhabitants and give information about services, said she has seen the frustration of social services and bylaw.

They would like to do more. They know the situation, they know the population.

Cunningham asked council to invite the MLA to discuss homelessness.

It's something that is long overdue, she said. This isn't just a partisan issue.

Foster yesterday accused Cunningham of grandstanding after the councillor asked what the MLA was doing to advocate for the community on the issue.

Foster said the province has spent millions of dollars over the past year in Vernon alone to help the homeless and those on low income.
A Billings man arrested Tuesday as law enforcement closed a block of Howard Avenue to search his home told federal agents he knew he was banned from having guns and tried to have law enforcement shoot and kill him to avoid going to prison.

The defendant, John Edward Terry, 38, of 1123 Howard Ave., told agents after his arrest that if they would have found him at his house, he would have armed himself with a rifle and ballistic vest and forced law enforcement to shoot and kill him, court records said.

Terry appeared in U.S. District Court on Wednesday on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with possession of an unregistered firearm.

Terry waived a preliminary hearing. The case will be presented to a grand jury for indictment. He remains in custody.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Ostby, noting the circumstances of Terrys arrest, commended law enforcement for handling the situation in a way that ensured the safety of everyone.

Law enforcement officers arrested Terry after an investigation in which witnesses said he was illegally possessing guns, participated in tactical training and shooting sessions and espoused conspiracy theories about the government.

During the search of Terrys house, agents found six firearms, three silencers and thousands of rounds of ammunitions of various makes and calibers, the complaint said.

An agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested Terry after he left his home and walked to a nearby convenience store. The agent attempted to contact Terry when he left the store, but Terry ran and led the agent on a chase through a residential neighborhood.

When the agent confronted Terry at the intersection of St. Johns Avenue and 11th Street West, Terry began reaching into the waistband of his pants and indicated he was reaching for a gun, the complaint said.

Terry repeatedly asked the agent to shoot him because he didnt want to go to prison. Additional law enforcement officers arrived a short time later and took Terry into custody.

Officers did not find a gun on Terry, but, while being detained near the intersection, Terry said, the one time I leave my house without my gun, the complaint continued.

Terry, having been convicted of a felony drug charge in 1999 in Michigan, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, according to the complaint.

The investigation started in early November after law enforcement received a report that Terry shoots at a firearms business, attended firearms training and may be prohibited from having firearms.

Other witnesses told investigators that Terry reportedly spent $20,000 to $30,000 on tactical gear, had a firearms safe in his home, typically carried a Glock semi-automatic pistol containing a 33-round magazine on his person and had a go-bag packed with firearms, ammunition, food and clothing near his front door in case he was forced to leave quickly.

In addition, Terry discussed with a witness theories that Israel and those associated with the Jewish culture were to blame for the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the complaint said. Terry also discussed initiating a revolution in the United States and blames the United States Congress for many of the problems he has identified in the U.S., court records continued.

The witness also had not heard Terry make any physical threats but that Terry said on multiple occasions that he would die in a blaze of glory and was willing to die in combat, the complaint said.

The investigation determined that Terry had not been granted a concealed weapons permit and was not registered with the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Records as having firearms.

Terry also told agents that he would not buy firearms from a federal firearms licensee because he knew he was prohibited from having guns and that the guns found at his home he had purchased at area gun shows or online.

The guns seized from Terrys house included a .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle, a 12 gauge pump-action shotgun and four 9mm semi-automatic pistols.
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A former Billings woman convicted as part of a large meth conspiracy that brought the drug from California for distribution locally and on the Fort Peck Reservation will spend five years in federal prison.

U.S. District Judge Susan Watters on Wednesday sentenced Tessie Kay Hamilton, 37, of Grand Forks, Minn., following her guilty plea to possessing meth with intent to distribute.

Hamilton was held responsible for more than two pounds of meth.

Billings Police Det. Jamie Schillinger, who works with an FBI drug task force, testified that Hamilton was among an estimated 20 to 30 people involved in a meth trafficking ring that ran from about 2009 to 2012. Investigators got information in 2011 that ultimately led to charges against several people, he said.

One of the leaders was Carlos Danilo Menjivar-Rojas, who was sentenced in 2013 to 14 years in prison. Prosecutors said Menjivar-Rojas provided Hamilton with a total of two pounds of meth for redistribution.

Hamilton also was a distributor for convicted co-defendant Misty Dawn Debuf, who was sentenced in 2014 to five years in prison on a drug conviction for distributing meth in Billings and on the Fort Peck Reservation, Schillinger said.

Defense attorney Lisa Bazant argued for a probationary sentence, saying Hamilton acknowledged her role and has since separated herself from drugs and abusive relationships.

Hamilton said she was truly sorry for her actions, that she had a job and family support, and attended church.

Prosecutor Lori Suek said probation was inappropriate because of Hamiltons role and criminal history but recommended a five-year sentence.

Hamilton has a federal perjury conviction from 2008 and is awaiting sentencing for a forgery conviction in Minnesota.

Watters followed the prosecutions recommendation and said Hamilton was responsible for a significant amount of meth.
A former oil company executive with Billings roots has been ordered to repay $6.5 million in ill-gotten gains, plus a fine and accrued interest, in the wake of a business deal in which he and associates reaped an estimated $32 million.

An Oct. 31 order from the federal Securities and Exchange Commission puts Michael L. Reger on the hook for nearly $8 million for his involvement with Dakota Plains Holdings, a Minnesota company that owns an oil terminal in North Dakota.

Reger must pay the government a $6.5 million "disgorgement," a term for funds that were received through illegal or unethical business transactions. He was also ordered to pay $669,365 in interest, plus a $750,000 fine.

In a separate action, the SEC charged Regers former business partner and co-founder of Dakota Plains Holdings, Ryan Gilbertson, in a stock manipulation scheme, for allegedly orchestrating an elaborate scheme to siphon millions of dollars from Dakota Plains Holdings Inc. Two others have also been charged in the stock manipulation case.

For Reger, 40, the SECs action represents a staggering blow to a once promising career. His family has been involved in the oil and gas business since the 1930s. In 2012 and 2013, Forbes named Reger one of Americas Most Powerful CEOs 40 and Under. He received widespread recognition for the companys success as Bakken oil production soared.

Last August Reger was terminated as chief executive from Northern Oil and Gas Inc., a Wayzata, Minn., company which he co-founded in 2006. His firing came soon after Reger told company officials that he had received notice from the SEC that he was the target of an investigation for securities violations.

Reger filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Northern Oil and Gas soon after his firing.

The SEC said its proceedings arise from Regers undisclosed ownership and control of Dakota Plains Holdings Inc., a publicly traded company that operates an oil loading facility in North Dakota. The company was founded in 2008 by Reger and Gilbertson.

To avoid disclosing the full extent of their control of Dakota Plains, Reger and Gilbertson first named their fathers as figurehead directors and officers and later installed one of their friends as CEO. But despite not having any official roles in Dakota Plains, Reger and Gilbertson controlled the company behind the scenes, and they used their influence to obtain significant financial benefits for themselves, the SEC said.

As part of its investigation, the SEC found that Reger owned 21.4 percent of the stock in Dakota Plains at the time it first went public. But he divided his holdings among 10 accounts in different names to avoid public disclosure requirements under federal securities law.

When Dakota Plains was founded, Reger and Gilbertson received millions of founder shares in the company. Additional shares were issued to friends and family members.

Reger made only a nominal capital investment in Dakota Plains, but he lent the company $120,000 in 2008 and 2009 as partial funding for the acquisition of land in North Dakota for a rail facility. To avoid disclosing the full extent of their involvement in Dakota Plains, Reger and Gilbertson named their fathers as CEO and president, respectively. The fathers, however, were mere figureheads, and Reger and Gilbertson made all material decisions, the SEC said.

The commission said it has agreed to an offer of settlement from Reger, who cooperated with investigators. The agreement includes a provision in which Reger neither admits nor denies the findings of the investigation, except to acknowledge the commissions jurisdiction in this case.

I am relieved to put this matter behind me. This settlement allows me to continue my career in any direction as I am fully able to serve as an officer or board member of a publicly traded company, Reger said in a statement released by his attorney, Jon Austin.

This agreement also shows that Northern Oil, the company I founded and built, was wrong to characterize my termination as being with cause. Im confident I will prevail in my lawsuit against Northern and I look forward to having the unfounded attacks on my reputation put to an end once and for all, he said.

The SECs order details a series of loans, payments, consulting fees and stock placements that benefited Reger, Gilbertson and others. From March of 2009 until December of 2011, the company issued four private placements of its stock, raising more than $7 million. Among other things, the proceeds were used to repay the initial loans that Reger made to Dakota Plains, plus 12 percent interest.

None of the offering materials for any of the private placements disclosed any involvement of Reger in the management or control of Dakota Plains or identified him as having loaned any money to the company, the SEC said.

Dakota Plains became a publicly traded company in March 2012.

According to the SEC, Gilbertson enlisted friends and associates, including Douglas Hoskins and Thomas Howells, to choreograph extensive sales and purchase of Dakota Plains stock. The stock price skyrocketed from 30 cents per share to more than $11 per share during a 20-day period. The inflated stock price obligated Dakota Plains to make bonus payments totaling $32 million to Gilbertson, Reger and others.

But the stock price for Dakota Plains Holdings has been on a steady decline since then. On Wednesday, the company's stock was selling for pennies per share.

On Nov. 7, Northern Oil and Gas Inc. reported third-quarter net earnings of $2.4 million, or 4 cents per share.

SEC investigators concluded that Reger acted negligently in failing to disclose his ownership and control of Dakota Plains. Federal securities law prohibits a person to offer securities while attempting to mislead or commit fraud on the purchaser.

Meanwhile, investors of Northern Oil and Gas Inc. have filed a class-action lawsuit, naming the company, Reger and interim CEO Thomas Stoelk as defendants. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in New York, accuses Reger and other company officials of unethical and illegal activities while managing the energy company. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, in addition to costs and attorneys fees.
Kazakhstan: Steppe Cement refinances US$15m loans

ICR Newsroom By 01 December 2016

Steppe Cement has announced that it has refinanced two loans worth a combined US$15.3m, StockMarketWire reports.

A loan of US$5.5m due this month has split into three tranches, the last of which now falls due in November 2018. A US$9.8m loan contracted in 2014 will now be repaid in equal monthly instalments until November 2021.

"The refinancing exercise allows Steppe Cement to spread the repayment of principals over the coming years and paves the way to pay dividends consistently once the cement market demand recovers.

"The Company is thankful to VTB for the support given over the last few years and welcomes Halyk Bank to finance its long-term financing requirements", said Steppe in a statement.

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Montanans have extremely limited options for building up their cities and counties.

State laws, enacted by the Legislature and governor every two years, control how local government is allowed to raise revenue. Yet its the city council members and county commissioners who are responsible for seeing that local needs for public works are met 365 days a year.

Doesnt it make sense that local voters should decide, not just whether to build a new library or road, but how to pay for it? Under present Montana law, cities and counties have only one tax source they can tap: real estate taxes. Property taxes fund most local government operations, including public schools, sewer, water and fire districts.

Every time Billings voters are asked to pass judgement on a property tax levy, some folks will complain that property owners bear too much of the tax burden. For years, we have heard demands that the costs be spread to others who use local public services and facilities.

Authorize Community Transformation (actmt.org) has formed to promote another option for local voters. On Monday night, at least 17 citizens waited through hours of the Billings City Council meeting to tell their representatives to endorse the ACT ideas for local option funding that would:

Empower local voters to decide if and how a local sales tax would be enacted.

Limit any such tax to 3 percent.

Require that the ballot specify the project the tax money would fund.

Prohibit taxation of groceries and medicine.

Prohibit putting local option funds in the general fund.

Specify how much of the revenue would be used to reduce property taxes.

Limit duration of the tax to 10 years or less.

The ACT initiative has been endorsed by dozens of Billings business people and professionals, including leaders of the Billings Chamber of Commerce. Supporters have visited with leaders in large and small communities across the state and found support both east and west of Billings.

The Dawson County Economic Development Council supports legislation allowing the residents of Dawson County to individually vote on choosing to implement a local option authority tax. In a letter, the councils executive director, Cathy Kirkpatrick notes that a few of our greatest needs are extension of city water to West Glendive and Makoshika State Park in addition to a community center.

Local leaders need to act now to support the principle of empowering local people to choose to tax themselves or not and how to tax. Now is the time to encourage legislators to draft and sponsor legislation.

The Billings City Council is scheduled to finalize its legislative priorities at a meeting on Dec. 12. Last Monday night, the council voted to reconsider an earlier decision to exclude local option funding from that list. The citizens who spoke up at that meeting convinced the council to reconsider.

We join them in urging the council to support the idea of local voters deciding whether a limited sales tax is a better way to pay for a local project.

Local option legislation principles will be on the Bozeman City Commission agenda on Dec. 12. Bozeman and Billings leaders should embrace the empowerment of their own voters. Support locally voted tax options.
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A herd of quarter horses that is part of our mental health program to bring healing and restoration to Native American youth at Fort Peck Reservation in Montana are in peril. Charlie Four Bear, horse whisperer, and entrusted friend and keeper of these beautiful creatures needs our help.

I am a mental health therapist working in the schools of the Fort Peck Reservation since 2006 on contract with the Fort Peck Tribes. In 2013, I started incorporating horses in my program. That was when I was introduced to Charlie Four Bear and his family. The Four Bear family includes Charlie's wife Anna, sons Charles Jr. and Deyo, and daughter Jaycee, along with her husband Tristen. These beautiful people are the keepers of the herd of quarter horses that have become part of my mental health program for the children of Fort Peck Reservation.

The horses have been a comfort to many Native American children suffering from emotional, psychological, and physical trauma that they, unfortunately, experience every day. They have helped children cope with suicidal ideation. The have even helped me in my personal recovery from cancer.

The horses have ridden the Dakota 38, representing the Sioux nation and Fort Peck Reservation, and were admired by many for their demeanor and loyalty to serve. Last summer, the horses were part of a ride for Peace and Forgiveness in Montana and rode from Fort Belknap to Poplar. Lately, the horses rode in support of many Native American tribes to "save the water" in North Dakota. These horses have truly brought the spirit of the nation back to the children in the reservation.

Charlie Four Bear, our horse whisperer and head keeper of the horses, has been instrumental in the success of our program incorporating his horses with our work with children. He can quietly walk up to any horse which seems to melt in his arms as he embraces them and listens to them. He is the man who is called for stray horses no one can catch because they come to his calling.

Recently, Charlie has had to undergo serious medical treatment. He has not been able to provide the resources needed to feed and house these horses. It would be devastating to us all if the horses were to be sold and be removed from our program. I am asking that if anyone is touched by this message to contact the Four Bear family and offer what you can to assist with the feeding and care of the horses. For more information, please contact me at 406-650-5999 or 406-768-6651, or contact Jaycee Four Bear at 406-230-2654, P.O. Box 53,Poplar MT 59255.
Tasha Adams: I still sometimes feel like I released him out into the world. I think of him like a grenade where I was always putting the pin back in."
BUTTE  Over a thousand snow geese that landed in the Berkeley Pit's dangerously contaminated water this week have so far apparently survived  unlike the fate of 342 who perished in a similar 1995 landing.

Nikia Greene, the pits Environmental Protection Agency project manager, said Wednesday afternoon that he had seen no bird mortalities.

Mark Thompson, Montana Resources' manager of environmental affairs, agreed.

The birds apparently arrived Monday during a snow storm, Thompson said.

That was the similar scenario 21 years ago  almost to the day  when 342 snow geese showed up, but died after ingesting highly acidic pit water.

Thompson said Wednesday, however, after 30 plus hours on the water, the most recent visitors were still able to fly away. He estimated that as many as 500 took flight at first light Wednesday.

Greene confirmed that a flock of the birds flew away Wednesday morning.

More birds left the pit Wednesday afternoon in response to MR shooting rifles from both the north and southern sides. MR has been working since Monday night using various noise tactics to try to get the birds to leave.

But in the 21 years since MR and ARCO implemented a bird program to keep flocks off the pits water  in response to the 342 deaths in 1995  no one has seen birds stay on the water this long, Thompson said.

Usually birds that land are gone within 12 hours, said Thompson.

Greene said he believes that about half of the geese have left since they first landed sometime Monday night. Thompson thinks there are about 10 percent of what we first had.

Gary Swant, of Deer Lodge, a birding expert, said heavy metals accumulate in animal tissue. That means drinking metal-contaminated water is not likely to kill the birds right away.

It would be a chemical that would affect them immediately, Swant said.

Necropsies of the 1995 bird deaths revealed acid had burned their throats. So it was likely the sulfuric acid in the pit that killed the snow geese in 1995.

Steve Hoffman, of Helena, executive director of the Montana Audubon Society, said the birds likely landed on the pit to rest. If the snow geese on the Berkeley Pit are thirsty, they will drink the water, Hoffman said.

Swant said the massive Warm Springs Ponds, south of Deer Lodge, a popular stopover for migrating birds, is mostly frozen. That means there is no other large body of water in the immediate area where birds could land for a rest.

Thompson said MR is working with the agencies to investigate why the birds landed on the Berkeley Pit after so many years of so few die-offs. The last count, taken in November 2013, found nine birds died in the pit in that month. Due to the instability of the pits walls, MR and ARCO have not been able to monitor bird mortalities in recent years.

Were going to figure this out because we dont want this to happen again, Thompson said.

ARCO spokesperson Brett Clanton said via email that they, too, are working closely with the agencies on the issue. When the snow geese landed in 1995, ARCO spokesperson Sandy Stash initially reported that the bird deaths were due to bad grain. The event gained national media attention.

Despite the tense situation, there is a potential ray of hope for the birds.

A snow storm is sweeping through Butte Wednesday night and into Thursday, said Missoula-based meteorologist Trent Smith, of the National Weather Service.

During migratory season birds fly either ahead of a storm system or they fly behind one, Hoffman said. Birds register a change in barometric pressure.

A sudden drop may get them to want to move on, said Hoffman.
MISSOULA  University of Montana President Royce Engstrom will step down Dec. 31 after six years of declining enrollment  including a 6.7 percent drop in full time students this year, the steepest since 2010 when he took the helm.

Former Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns will serve as interim president. Stearns, 70, has a long history in higher education in Montana, where she was chancellor of UM Western and UM's alumni association director and vice president for university relations.

Engstrom, 62, announced his departure to UM's cabinet, deans and other top leaders Thursday morning in an emotional meeting. Just last week, Engstrom said he wanted to continue to lead UM.

However, Thursday, Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian said he asked the president to depart on Dec. 31 because UM needs new leadership.

"I asked President Engstrom to consider this transition at this time based on my belief that a change in leadership direction is the right step for UM going forward," said Christian said in a prepared statement.

Engstrom's office did not talk about his decision publicly Thursday.

Engstrom was tapped for the president's role in the fall of 2010 after being hired as UM's provost in 2007. He dealt with a rape crisis on campus that brought two federal agencies to UM to investigate its failure to investigate reports of rape.

Heads rolled under Engstrom. He fired the athletic director and football coach, and many community members credit him with restoring integrity to UM at a time the campus needed it.

Academic quality at the UM has remained high by national and international benchmarks.

However, UM has seen its full-time student enrollment plummet nearly 24 percent since 2010 and suffered related budget problems under Engstrom, whose contract for the 2016 fiscal year was $303,145.

The salary for Stearns had not yet been determined, according to the Commissioner's Office.

Late last month, Christian and one of his deputies said UM remains "personnel heavy" and must do more to properly direct resources to programs that need to grow.

It is unusual for the state's top education officials to make public statements critical of a campus, and their comments came on the heels of another atypical presentation to the Montana Board of Regents.

At their meeting last month in Missoula, the regents quizzed UM's top leaders about enrollment and finances, but President Engstrom took a back seat during the exchange. The regents repeatedly asked about timelines for changes at UM.

Wednesday, staff, faculty, student senators and union leaders held an emergency meeting in response to statements from the state's education officials.

At the meeting, a UM union leader said student retention also has fallen, dropping into the 60 percent range for freshmen going into their sophomore years. Engstrom did not appear at the meeting.

However, UM vice president for enrollment and student affairs Tom Crady addressed the group. Crady has been candid about UM's need to move quickly to turn around enrollment and has acted quickly to implement change.

Here is the statement issued by the Commissioner's office early Thursday morning:

1. New Leadership.

A national search for the next UM president will begin immediately. (The Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education) will assist UM in assembling a search committee with a diversity of campus and community representation before the start of spring semester. We will enlist the help of a national search consultant to ensure the search committee is prepared and supported in its task of vetting candidates and bringing finalists to campus for public interviews in the spring. We anticipate the next president will be selected by the end of the current academic year and ready to start in the job by July 1.

2. Interim Leadership

Dr. Stearns will serve as interim president starting January 1 (and) continuing until the national search is completed. Stearns is an accomplished and effective educational leader with strong ties to UM and Montana. She has served in past capacities as UMs Alumni Association Director and Vice President for University Relations. Stearns has also served as Chancellor of UM Western, President of Wayne State College in Nebraska, and as Montanas Commissioner of Higher Education. Stearns is an active senior consultant for the national Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

3. Listening Efforts and Outreach

As soon as possible, perhaps even before the search committee is assembled, a number of on-campus listening sessions will be scheduled for members of the university community and the public to participate in this process. It will be important to the search committee, to me, and to the process to have members of the UM community and public tell us the kinds of qualities or characteristics people would like to see in the next university president. These listening sessions will help inform the search process for the selection of finalists to bring to campus for public interviews in the spring. We assure students, faculty, and the campus community that this process will be inclusive and comprehensive.

4. Short-term System Support of UM in Transition

My office will assist UM with transition support and planning in every way possible. Assistance may include fiscal help with presidential search costs, staff support with institutional financial assessments, planning and estimating budget, enrollment, and tuition scenarios. I will relieve the interim president of the administrative duty of supervising the chancellors of Montana Tech, UM Western, and the Dean of Helena College. In the interim, I will supervise those administrative officers so the interim president and UM can focus on best situating UM-Missoula for a successful transition and continued excellence.

5. Mid- to long-term System Support of UM

The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and the Board of Regents are committed to continual improvement of the educational and governance framework across the Montana University System. This shall include analysis of institutional mission differentiation that supports and enhances UMs strengths and growth opportunities. My office, on behalf of the Board, will work with UM to develop a cohesive financing plan with stronger alignment of state appropriations, tuition, and student aid. This will provide long-term structural balance and stability for institutional finances.
CHEYENNE, Wyo.  Gov. Matt Mead is recommending Wyoming lawmakers generally hold the line on state spending when they start their general session in January.

However, Mead also is warning Wyoming urgently needs to figure out how it will fund its K-12 school system in response to recent declines in energy revenues and the associated decline in property tax revenues. He said the state must consider all possible options, including possible tax increases.

Wyoming operates on a two-year budget cycle. Lawmakers last spring adopted a $3.1 billion general fund budget to fund operations for the biennium that began this July. Falling energy revenues already prompted Mead to cut that budget by over $250 million this summer.

Mead's now recommending that lawmakers approve new supplemental spending of just over $8 million. He's also proposing that they approve contingency spending of over $140 million from the state's $1.5-billion rainy day fund in case it's necessary for critical state programs.

Mead emphasized that the state has saved money during recent good years for such tough times. "Wyoming is in a good place," he said in his budget message.

Mead recommends lawmakers approve issuing bonds to fund the expected $80-million cost of repairs at the crumbling state prison in Rawlins. He recommended earmarking another $19 million from the rainy day fund to cover the possible cost of housing inmates out of state in case the prison becomes uninhabitable.

Mead also recommended lawmakers approve $21 million if necessary from rainy day funds to the state health department to help cover costs of hospitalizing people for treatment of mental health issues.

For the first time in a few years, Mead is not recommending that state lawmakers accept federal funds to expand the federal Medicaid program to offer health insurance to some 20,000 uninsured, working adults.

State lawmakers in recent years have rejected Mead's repeated suggestion of expanding Medicaid. Mead has said the expansion would save the state money by reducing demand on other programs. Many lawmakers, however, have said they don't trust federal promises to continue funding the program  a key element of the federal Affordable Care Act.

Mead on Wednesday noted that President-Elect Donald Trump has called for rolling back the Affordable Care Act, so the governor says he isn't calling on lawmakers to expand Medicaid in the coming session when the future of the federal program is unclear.

On the issue of education funding, Mead said, "I can't stress enough that we have a real crisis on our hands." He said he would favor creation of a task force including lawmakers and educators to address the issue.

Incoming House Speaker Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper, is an educator and has served for years on the Legislature's Appropriations Committee.

In a telephone interview on Wednesday, Harshman said Wyoming faces a shortfall of roughly $400 million a year for education funding as a result of falling property taxes brought about by declining energy markets.

Wyoming is on track to spend through more than $600 million in education reserve funds by the end of the 2017-2018 school year, Harshman said. After that money is gone, he said the state has no plan for addressing school funding.

Harshman said he's drafting legislation calling for creating a committee of the state's most experienced legislators to address the issue. He and Mead both said the state needs to consider all options, including possible tax increases.

"Everything's got to be on the table when you have a problem this big  $400 million a year," Harshman said. "This is twice the size of the general fund budget issues we've been dealing with. I've been telling people this is too big to cut, and it's too big to tax."
West Virginia regulators on Tuesday walked back accusations of fraud against the top executives of Wyomings Contura Energy after agreeing to a $15 million settlement.

The coal company and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection were at odds over $100 million in liabilities that were not disclosed during the bankruptcy proceedings of Alpha Natural Resources.

Contura was created as a spinoff of Alpha after that company filed for bankruptcy. The new company, led by former Alpha executives, bought out Alphas best coal assets in Wyoming: the Belle Ayr and Eagle Butte mines in Campbell County. It emerged relatively unscathed from the Alpha bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Alpha retained the liability-laden Appalachian mines.

A Virginia court approved Alpha's bankruptcy plan in July. But in November, Alpha revealed the $100 million in unaccounted-for expenses. Alpha, Contura and their lenders agreed to split the liabilities three ways.

However, the West Virginia regulators worried that the burden placed the company at further risk of financial failure, jeopardized its ability to pay for reclamation of old mines and undermined the legitimacy of the complicated restructuring agreement approved in July.

The bankruptcy exit plan had released former Alpha executives, now leaders of Contura, from liabilities. The regulators asked the court to withdraw those protections, potentially setting up Conturas top leaders for fraud charges in the future and jeopardizing Wyoming operations.

Contura was also on the hook for some of the cleanup costs in West Virginia as part of the bankruptcy agreement. Along with Alpha, the two companies shared about $165 million in reclamation obligations in the Appalachian state.

Contura and Alpha claimed the fraud allegations had no basis. The additional liabilities were acknowledged in some documents provided to the bankruptcy court but had not been included in cash flow statements.

In the settlement announced Tuesday, Alpha agreed to post its Boone County headquarters, appraised at $6.3 million, as collateral.

In addition, Contura Energy Inc. will post a $4 million letter of credit and issue a secured $4.5 million guaranty of Alpha's obligations, each through the end of 2018.

Once again [the Department of Environmental Protections] bankruptcy strategy has helped to ensure that our states interests are protected, said Randy Huffman, cabinet secretary for the West Virginia DEP.

Contura, which had spoken strongly in defense of its executives, also praised the deal.

We have always been of the view that Contura officers had acted in good faith in all respects, including in connection with the Alpha plan process, said Neale Trangucci, an independent Contura director. We welcome this positive resolution.

The settlement agreement must be approved by the bankruptcy court.
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"112 Marshall ... What's your status? ... Head for the shop. Top off. I'll meet you there," Dwight Weisz called out over the radio Wednesday morning.

"The nuns are slipping and falling down," Weisz said from the front seat of his pickup, or his "mobile office," as he calls it. "Why would I not help them?"

Weisz had radioed his sand truck operator to ask him to lay grit down on the parking lot at the Church of St. Anne's in Bismarck. He's not sure who gave the church his number, but so it goes when an 18-inch blizzard finally relents.

"They got my name from a guy from a guy from a guy," he said.

Cruising down the icy roads, the phone kept ringing.

"Busier than a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest," he told one caller. "You just need a little heavy lifting, huh? ... We'll give you a hand."

He didn't know that guy, either.

"Need any help with snow cleanup? I just need to make some extra Christmas money for my kids," one seasonal employee texted him, knowing Weisz was likely jammed with regular and unexpected jobs.

"Always play the kid card with me," Weisz jokes before reading the text he sent back, "Got it. I want to help you out."

The first snowfall may signal the end of the construction season, but it's hardly a cold stop for the dozens of building and landscaping firms working around the clock to clear parking lots and driveways for local businesses.

As the general superintendent and partner in Weisz and Sons construction, the 53-year-old has been clearing snow since he was 16 years old. His dad started the company in 1976. They mostly dig foundations and roads, and Weisz would rather be doing that. He's got "dirt" tattooed on his right hand.

But it's good business, and he's got the equipment, the help and an empty lot to dump snow that won't melt until spring.

Weisz had 10 guys and about 20 jobs running on Wednesday. Using dirt movers, his employees scraped snow from parking and loading lots, piled it into mountains and sprinkled sand and salt on any residual ice.

Around noon, Weisz met up at his shop in northeast Bismarck with Marshall Myers, his main sand truck operator, and directed him toward St. Anne's. Don't take 16th street, he advised -- it's too steep for the truck.

"We're not in a big hurry to get there," Myers said as he navigated the still-icy roads, where residents were shoveling their vehicles out of snowdrifts and forcing snowblowers down the sidewalks.

At the church, Myers circled the parking lot, sprinkling the mixture in a spiral until the lot was covered in a brown film.

"When people start driving on it, then it really blends and it works better," he said before eyeballing the hopper to see how much he had used. Two and a half to three tons, he estimated.

It can be hard to predict when he'll get the call to come clear snow  sometimes it's a weekend, sometimes it's the middle of the night, he said.

"They just let me know where I've gotta go, and I do 'em," said Myers, who once took his 11-year-old daughter along when he didn't have a sitter. "She thought that was the coolest thing, riding with me."

After the trip to St. Anne's, he returned to the depot to grab more sand.

"I just reload to my next mission," Myers said.

Next up, Weisz went to "check on the troops" hauling snow around his biggest job of the day: the airport parking lots.

"We've been to the airport three times in three days, because that business can't wait. They've gotta be able to get in and out," he said. "Whereas there's certain distribution warehouses that only have freight on certain days. They can wait until the snow stops."

The "No Shoes" XM radio station played softly, and he sang along a few words between calls, radio transmissions and watching the road. Schools were closed Tuesday and Wednesday, which he said was surprising, because "they never closed school when I was a kid, and it used to snow a lot more."

He thinks it's a sign of how the country has grown too touchy-feely, "a nation of ... crybabies," he said. "Who says it, Gandhi? Be the change you want to see in the world."

At the airport, Christian Schmaltz drove a dirt grader he called a "blade" to clear snow away from parked cars. He's had some close calls, but he's never hit a car, said the 27-year-old with shoulder-length hair and a beanie.

He pulled the snow into neat strips, and another guy with a loader came by to scoop it up and dump it onto an ever-growing mountain of dirt-streaked snow just outside the lot.

Schmaltz has been circling the same parking lot for the past three days. His own driveway, meanwhile, is still snowed in. Weisz gave him a ride to the jobsite Wednesday morning.

But he's grateful for the work, which precedes a likely slow winter, when he collects unemployment and sometimes scoops snow until the construction business picks up again.

"Can't move dirt once the ground freezes," he said.
A Friday meeting in New York City between Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., and President-elect Donald Trump is fueling speculation that she may be in the running for a cabinet post, which she sought to downplay Thursday as she was unsure of the reason for the invite.

I think its way too presumptuous at this point to presume any of that, Heitkamp said. This is an opportunity to meet with the President-elect.

Heitkamp has been a moderate Democrat in her first term and has been able to work with Republicans on energy and agricultural legislation. She serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Earlier Thursday, Heitkamps office released a statement thanking Trump for the invite.

Every single day, my work is motivated first and foremost by how I can be most helpful to the people of North Dakota. They are my driving force and have been throughout my career in public service, Heitkamp said. Whatever job I do, I hope to work with the president-elect and all of my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to best support my state.

She said her priorities shed like to put before Trump are work on a new Farm Bill, energy policy, the importance of rural America and the Dakota Access Pipeline project.

Heitkamp is up for re-election in 2018, a year in which shes among a handful of Democrats defending seats in conservative states.

She was re-elected in a hotly contested race in 2012, winning by a margin of fewer than 3,000 votes.

Shes the lone statewide office holder for the Democrats in North Dakota, where 63 percent of voters supported Trump.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said Thursdays news was a surprise and its too early to know if any cabinet post could be in the cards. She said to have his attention shows that Heitkamp's been doing a good job in the Senate.

Whatever the reason is, were glad she has the ear of Donald Trump, Oversen said.

In fall 2015, Heitkamp opted against running for governor after Jack Dalrymple chose not to run for another term.

During the 2015 legislative session, the Republican majority passed legislation changing the method of filling Senate vacancies from gubernatorial appointment to a special election.

With a thin state legislative bench now at its lowest numbers in decades, the odds of holding the seat in the event of Heitkamp leaving it are extremely long.

We know the senators that are in red-leaning states are going to be of interest in the next two years anyway. Certainly, it would be a great loss if we didnt have her at the top of the ballot, Oversen said.

Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., threw his endorsement behind Trump during the North Dakota Republican Party convention in April. He later was tapped as an energy adviser to Trump.

After Trumps election, Cramer was touted as a potential candidate for U.S. Secretary of Energy, which hes said in previous media reports as being unlikely.

Cramer was reelected to a third term with 69 percent of the vote. This week, he was named to the House Republican Steering Committee, which oversees committee appointments and chairmanships.

Don Canton, a spokesman for Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said in a statement Hoeven has spoken with Trump prior to the election but not since.

We have met on a number of occasion with his transition team to discuss issues like ag, energy, the Dakota Access Pipeline and appointments for people whove asked us to forward their names to the new administration, Canton said.

Hoeven was elected to a second six-year term last month, earning 78.5 percent of the vote.
Two local men have very different reactions to the 2,000 veterans coming this weekend to stand with Standing Rock in the tribes anti-Dakota Access Pipeline movement.

Ray Morrell, who served stateside in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1986-1992, said he questions why veterans, who all served under the same flag, would take a stand against North Dakota citizens in a situation thats evolved into a disagreement with law enforcement.

That, to me, is not what we veterans have taken an oath to support, Morrell said.

Rick Maixner, of Bismarck, and a Vietnam U.S. Navy pilot who flew 150 combat missions, feels quite the opposite.

I think the veterans have earned their right to be there to protest, if thats what they want to do. If it werent for veterans, we wouldnt have any rights in this country, Maixner said. They have the right to speak up.

Morrell, of Mandan, was tapped by the Morton County Sheriffs Department to make a statement in a video that was uploaded Thursday morning to various media and others.

The Veterans for Standing Rock movement is being led by Michael Wood, a former police officer, and Wesley Clark, a veteran, who have raised nearly $700,000 to help pay for the veterans costs through crowdfunding. Their Facebook page says a registration of 2,000 veterans has been achieved, a number limited by the required logistical support. The veterans will be lodged at the Oceti Sakowin protest camp near the Standing Rock reservation Sunday through Wednesday. The idea is to give protesters a break in the standoff and call attention to militarized police tactics. Its also timed to coincide with Monday, a deadline the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers set for when the camp must be vacated, though the corps says it does not plan to enforce any eviction.

Facebook posts encourage veterans to bring body armor, gas masks, earplugs and shooting mufflers in the event of sound cannons, but no drugs, alcohol or weapons.

Were doing this to support our county, so lets do it with honor, working together. We can stop this savage injustice being committed right here at home. If not us, who? If not now, when? the post says.

Morrell said that, while the veterans stand in support of First Amendment protection of free speech is honorable, he has issues with the anti-law enforcement mentality.

He said department spokesman and longtime friend, Rob Keller, called and asked if he would make a statement about the veterans event.

He didnt ask for my position first. I said I would, said Morrell, adding hes only speaking for himself, though hed gotten a lot of support throughout the day from veterans across North Dakota.
ZEISS will support innovative research projects at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne, abbr. EPFL). The company will make one million euros available for new research projects in key technology fields such as biomedical research, medical diagnostics and visualization as well as optical metrology and inspection. This is part of a partnership with the renowned EPFL which will take the existing connections between the company and the university to a whole new level. Starting in 2017 ZEISS will also present student awards at the university to honor innovative master's and doctoral theses in the areas of photonics, optoelectronics, computational imaging and data analysis.



Today Prof. Patrick Aebischer, President of the EPFL, and Dr. Ulrich Simon, Head of Corporate Research and Technology at ZEISS, will sign the framework agreement for this long-term collaboration.

"This contract spans several years and will enable more agile and dynamic collaboration than with the traditional collaborative projects between academia and industry," says Dr. Ulrich Simon. "We have defined key research areas and are giving the university free reign in its research. By working together we will achieve new insights and want to more strongly support innovations."



Prof. Patrick Aebischer adds: EPFL has state-of-the-art laboratories capable of providing innovative solutions in areas such as biomedical research, medical diagnostics, visualization and optical metrology which are of particular interest to ZEISS.

Important goals of the collaboration

Thanks to the support from ZEISS, new research projects can be initiated and developed. Both parties want to launch and foster innovative projects together. The focus of the collaboration is on key technologies such as multidimensional imaging and data processing, multidimensional visualization, human-machine interaction and intelligent automation. A joint scientific committee will steer and oversee the projects.



This committee will also organize and present the ZEISS student awards for outstanding student research in photonics, optoelectronics, computational imaging and data analysis. Each winner will receive 3,000 Swiss francs (approx. 2,800 euros) for a dissertation and 1,500 Swiss francs (approx. 1,400 euros) for a master's thesis. Moreover, the three finalists in each category will also be invited to visit the ZEISS site in Oberkochen for a day.



Within the scope of the partnership, the relationships between researchers, students and employees will be taken to new heights through workshops and other forms of direct contact. This collaboration furthers the goal of the EPFL to closely link teaching and research with international companies such as Nestle, IBM and Logitech. It also continues the ZEISS tradition of advancing leading innovations through close collaboration, especially with academic institutions.
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) approved the name and symbols for four elements: nihonium (Nh), moscovium (Mc), tennessine (Ts), and oganesson (Og), respectively for element 113, 115, 117, and 118.

Following a 5-month period of public review, the names earlier proposed by the discoverers have been approved by the IUPAC Bureau. The following names and symbols are officially assigned:

Nihonium and symbol Nh, for the element 113

Moscovium and symbol Mc, for the element 115

Tennessine and symbol Ts, for the element 117

Oganesson and symbol Og, for the element 118.

In concordance with and following the earlier reports that the claims for discovery of these elements have been fulfilled, the discoverers have been invited to propose names. Keeping with tradition, the newly discovered elements have been named after a place or geographical region, or a scientist. The ending of the names also reflects and maintains historical and chemical consistency: -ium for elements 113 and 115 and as for all new elements of groups 1 to 16, -ine for element 117 and belonging to group 17 and -on for element 118 element belonging to group 18.

The name nihonium with the symbol Nh for element 113 was proposed by the discoverers at RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science (Japan); the name came from Nihon which is one of the two ways to say Japan in Japanese, and literally mean the Land of Rising Sun.

Moscovium with the symbol Mc for element 115 and tennessine with the symbol Ts for element 117 were proposed by the discoverers at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna (Russia), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (USA), Vanderbilt University (USA) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (USA). Both are in line with tradition honoring a place or geographical region. Moscovium is in recognition of the Moscow region and honors the ancient Russian land that is the home of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, where the discovery experiments were conducted using the Dubna Gas-Filled Recoil Separator in combination with the heavy ion accelerator capabilities of the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions. Tennessine is in recognition of the contribution of the Tennessee region of the United States, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, to superheavy element research.

Lastly, and in line with the tradition of honoring a scientist, the name oganesson and symbol Og for element 118 was proposed by the collaborating teams of discoverers at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna (Russia) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (USA) and recognizes Professor Yuri Oganessian (born 1933) for his pioneering contributions to transactinoid elements research. His many achievements include the discovery of superheavy elements and significant advances in the nuclear physics of superheavy nuclei including experimental evidence for the island of stability.

Comments from the general public, during the 5 month period were many. Apart from many full agreements, comments were received suggesting other names, in some cases accompanied by petitions from large groups of people. However, these suggestions could not be accepted, given the fact that under the current guidelines only the discoverers have the right to propose names and symbols. Questions were also received about pronunciation of the names and the translations into other languages. Members of the chemistry community also raised the concern that Ts is one of the two commonly used abbreviations for the tosyl group. Recognizing however that many two-letter abbreviations have multiple meanings even in chemistry, and for example Ac and Pr the conclusion was made that the context in which the symbols are used, makes the meaning unambiguous.

Overall, it was a real pleasure to realize that so many people are interested in the naming of the new elements, including high-school students, making essays about possible names and telling how proud they were to have been able to participate in the discussions, said Professor Jan Reedijk, President of the Inorganic Chemistry Division. He added It is a long process from initial discovery to the final naming, and IUPAC is thankful for the cooperation of everyone involved. For now, we can all cherish our periodic table completed down to the seventh row.

The names of the new elements reflect the realities of our present time said IUPAC President Prof Natalia Tarasova, universality of science, honoring places from three continents, where the elements have been discoveredJapan, Russia, the United Statesand the pivotal role of human capital in the development of science, honoring an outstanding scientistProfessor Yuri Oganessian.

The exploration of new elements continues, and scientists are searching for elements beyond the seventh row of the periodic table. IUPAC and the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) are establishing a new joint working group which task will be to examine the criteria used to verify claims for the discovery of new elements.
Could Snapchat's new Spectacles be headed to Chicago anytime soon? Right now, the company isn't allowed to sell them here, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue. But that could change quickly.

The $129.99 sunglasses with a built-in video camera have taken the wearable tech market by storm. Snap, the company behind Snapchat, announced the limited release of Spectacles in September.

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The glasses are sold through Snapbots, yellow vending machines that Snap has released with little warning in locations throughout California, New York, Arizona and Oklahoma. Snap announces new Snapbot locations 24 hours before they appear and posts it to the Spectacles website.

The latest Snapbot landed in Los Angeles Thursday. Apart from one Snapbot in New York, each vending machine has been in its placed location until its supply of Spectacles is sold out.

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But what's the likelihood a Snapbot will land in Chicago anytime soon? While Snap isn't talking, public records suggest the company hasn't laid the groundwork in Illinois that it laid months in advance in other states  but that could change within one business day.

Snap has filed paperwork to run vending machines in Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Washington, according to the Los Angeles Times. Those seller's permits and sales tax permits were filed in August or September, months before the Spectacles release.

Currently, Snap has no such permits for the machine in Illinois under Snap LLC or Snapchat Inc., according to Illinois Department of Revenue spokesman Terry Horstman. Those are the corporate names the company has used in other states.

I really want one of those @Snapchat Spectacles bots to drop in Chicago... I want a pair cause why not.  Georgia () (@GeorgiaModi) November 18, 2016

Vending machines in Illinois are required to be registered with the Department of Revenue and obtain a decal that must be affixed to the machine. It appears Snap has not registered any vending machines in Illinois, but the company could do so in one business day if it wanted to, Horstman said.

Snap also hasn't registered to collect sales tax for Illinois, Horstman said, meaning it would be illegal for the company to physically sell Spectacles itself in the state. But that paperwork also only takes one business day to file, Horstman said.

haha for sure. Now if they'd just put a bot in Chicago @evanspiegel  Tony Sheffler (@tony_sheffler) November 13, 2016

Snapchat has filed some paperwork in Illinois in the past  to collect income tax, under the name Snapchat, Inc.

At the moment, Snap would only be able to sell the sunglasses through an in-state reseller  and the Los Angeles Times has reported that retail sales are possible in the future.

There are some signs that Snapchat has an interest in Chicago. A billboard for Spectacles overlooks Milwaukee Avenue near its intersection with Grand Avenue and Halsted Street in Chicago's River West neighborhood. Security bins at O'Hare Airport also bear ads for Spectacles.

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In the meantime, Snapchat fans hopefuls will just have to keep waiting, hoping and checking the Spectacles website.

epanken@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @EliPanken
A New York-based real estate investor is increasing its stake in the Fulton Market district, betting that more retailers and other employers will follow McDonald's to the city's former meatpacking stronghold.

Thor Equities paid $36.1 million for two properties, one on the 200 block of North Peoria Street and the other on the 800 block of West Fulton Market, the company said Thursday. It plans to repurpose the empty buildings for office and retail use.

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The seller was longtime beef distributor John R. Morreale Meat Co., which becomes the latest food industry company to leave an area where delivery trucks are being replaced by construction crews turning old buildings into stylish restaurants and high-tech offices. There are hotels in development, an influx of residential options, and retailers are starting to find their way to the neighborhood.

Morreale moved to Bedford Park in mid-October, said Scott Maesel, managing director at SVN Chicago Commercial, which represented the seller in the deal.

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Dozens of other firms have left the area since Google announced in 2013 that it would move its Chicago workforce from River North to Fulton Market, a move that was completed in late 2015. Other companies have followed.

In June, McDonald's announced it will build a global headquarters on the former site of Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios. The fast-food giant's move is expected to bring about 2,000 employees from Oak Brook, flooding the streets with daytime traffic that would make retailers salivate.

Some merchants are already there. Men's and women's luxury clothing company Billy Reid was one of the first, opening a store on West Randolph Street before Google opened its new office. National retailers such as Free People and Anthropologie also have committed to opening stores in the area.

"It'll be interesting," said Mike Rourke, vice president of commercial asset management at real estate brokerage @properties. "You're going to have a big work population in the area that will really make that neighborhood very vibrant."

Thor has been in talks with a variety of retailers, but spokesman Joshua Greenwald said it's too early to discuss any specifics. Timelines for the buildings' renovations will vary.

Thor, which owns the Palmer House Hilton in the Loop, already owns other properties in the Fulton Market area, including a building it's renovating into retail and office space across from Google's offices.

amarotti@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @AllyMarotti
Paul Marshall, a farmer in LaSalle County, is trying to block Rock Island Clean Line from building an electric transmission line across his property. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune) (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Rock Island Clean Line envisions building an electric project that would transmit wind energy to Grundy County in Illinois from planned turbines in Iowa.

Backers say $600 million would be spent on the 120-mile stretch in Illinois, in the process creating construction jobs, stimulating the manufacturing sector, generating tax and other revenues for state and local governments, and providing low-cost, clean renewable energy to 1.4 million Midwest homes.

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There's just one problem: The 300-member Illinois Landowners Alliance, the 80,000-member Illinois Farm Bureau and Commonwealth Edison have fought the project. In August, an appellate court handed the opponents a victory, reversing a 2014 Illinois Commerce Commission decision that allowed the construction of the transmission line to proceed.

But it's not yet lights out for Rock Island Clean Line. Last week the Illinois Supreme Court agreed to review the appellate court's decision.

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In the works for more than five years, backers say the project is unusual because it would be paid for by private investors, not ratepayers. Economic studies and other evidence presented by Rock Island in the case state that the project would reduce electricity costs by hundreds of millions of dollars. In fighting the project, opponents, however, are worried that land may be taken for the project through eminent domain. They also argue that Rock Island doesn't qualify as a utility, and say the project might never even come to fruition.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Paul Marshall walks on his farm near Serena in LaSalle County on the site of proposed power line on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Marshall is a farmer and board member of the Illinois Landowners Alliance trying to block Rock Island Clean Line LLC from building an electric transmission line across his property. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

Paul Marshall, who owns a fourth-generation 200-acre corn and soybean farm near Serena, said Rock Island would cover about 20 acres of his property. Eminent domain is only one concern.

Marshall, secretary of the landowners alliance, has made accommodations for other utilities, including a natural gas pipeline, but part of the legal fight over Rock Island is whether it even qualifies as a public utility eligible to receive a "certificate of public convenience and necessity" from the ICC. The appellate court ruled that Rock Island wasn't a public utility, partly because it doesn't own or operate Illinois assets.

"What's different about this is that it's not a utility but a private entity," Marshall said. "The windmills they say will generate the energy don't exist yet."

Nor does Marshall buy Rock Island's claims of cheaper Midwest energy, given that the project has no track record. And even if the transmission line does create the 1,450 construction jobs that backers estimate, those will be offset by good-paying jobs lost at energy competitors, he said.

Marshall said he doesn't like the idea of Rock Island paying him once for an easement giving the transmission line "the right to use the property forever." A rental arrangement or revenue- or profit-sharing would be "eminently more fair," he said.

The line also would force him to change his farming practices.

He currently applies fungicides to his corn and soybeans using aerial spraying, but a transmission line more than 100 feet high could obstruct low-flying aircraft and force him to change his application methods. He also worries his underground drainage system could be damaged during construction.

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When I try to envision this scar across the ground, it will screw up my view, and I'd rather not live next to it.  Paul Marshall, Serena farmer

Hans Detweiler, vice president of Clean Line Energy Partners, Rock Island's Houston-based owner, said he's "encouraged" that Illinois' high court will review the case and hopes it "will recognize that privately funded infrastructure projects" like Rock Island "serve a public purpose." Other project backers include the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

In a court filing, Rock Island said the appellate court "blatantly ignored the need" to defer to the ICC's interpretation of the Public Utilities Act. The transmission line would promote competition in the electric market and increase the use of renewable energy, and killing the transmission line also would discourage others from pursuing such projects, it said.

But Mary Mauch, executive director for the landowners group, said she's "confident that the law will prevail again at the Illinois Supreme Court." Initial briefs are due at the end of December, Mauch said.

"We've believed from the very beginning that private, startup companies operating outside of the established electric grid don't have the same rights of eminent domain as real electric utility companies," she said.

Grundy County stands to benefit from about half of the $600 million spent on the project in Illinois, Rock Island says.

Nancy Norton Ammer, CEO of the Grundy Economic Development Council on Nov. 29, 2016, visits the proposed site for a power converter station in Channahon, Ill. She says the Rock Island Clean Line project, intended to carry electricity from Iowa windmills to Illinois, would pay taxes that would benefit schools and municipalities. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

In addition to creating construction jobs, the project would benefit Illinois manufacturers like Chicago-based S&C Electric, which designs and makes products that help integrate wind energy plants into the grid, Detweiler said.

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Also, besides state and local taxes, Rock Island would pay each county in which the transmission line passes $7,000 a year for each mile for 20 years. That would amount to total payments of $16.8 million. Nancy Norton Ammer, chief executive of the Grundy Economic Development Council, said taxes paid by Rock Island would benefit schools and other municipal bodies.

Rock Island said it holds easements on a "small" percentage of properties on the proposed project route, and has options to buy some parcels, including a Channahon property on which a facility would be installed.

The company didn't seek to acquire land through eminent domain; to do so, it would need to file another petition with the ICC.

But in an October filing with the state Supreme Court, the farm bureau and Illinois landowners expressed worries about the "threat of eminent domain" that they believe will be inevitable if the commission's order is allowed to stand. "The many member-landowners of these two organizations oppose having to face the prospect of Rock Island forcing its way onto their farms and other lands through the legal process to build its transmission line," they said.

Rock Island doesn't know if the Iowa wind farms that would generate the electricity to carry over the transmission line will ever be built, the farm bureau and landowners argued, calling the project "highly tenuous and, at this point, speculative."

Financing for the project isn't entirely lined up, Rock Island's Detweiler said. Contracts with customers typically are signed after regulatory approvals. Besides the Illinois uncertainty, Rock Island Clean Line also is going through the regulatory process in Iowa, he said.

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Clean Line Energy Partners is partly owned by Grid America Holdings, which is owned by National Grid USA. National Grid owns more than 8,600 miles of U.S. transmission lines.

That's of little consolation to Marshall, the Serena farmer.

"When I look south out of my upstairs bedroom I get a nice view," Marshall said. "When I try to envision this scar across the ground, it will screw up my view, and I'd rather not live next to it."

byerak@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @beckyyerak
Napoleon is said to have remarked that if only a cannonball had hit him when he was riding into Moscow in 1812, he would have gone down in history as the greatest man who ever lived. In similar fashion, Fidel Castro outlived the moment of his greatness, if not the romance of his appeal.

Fidel. A single word suffices to evoke the man who descended from the Sierra Maestra with his ragtag army to overthrow the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista in 1959, purge Cuba of American domination, proclaim the empowerment of the poor, and embody Latin Americas thirst for an end to government by the pampered coteries of imperialism.

His message in its moment was electric. Fidel was the bearded hero of the voiceless pueblo. An unequal, corrupted continent was ripe for revolution; Ernesto Che Guevara set out from Havana in the mid-1960s to foment it.

Scarcely a nation in Latin America escaped the storm, from the Chile of Salvador Allende to the Nicaragua of the Sandinista revolution in 1979, from Argentinas vicious military crackdown on leftists with its tens of thousands of disappeared to Brazils harsh government of the generals. The ideological potency of Fidels victory was singular.

In his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Sympathizer, Viet Thanh Nguyen describes how, as Communist forces loyal to Ho Chi Minh advanced towards victory in Vietnam in 1975, his protagonist longed to tell someone that I was one of them, a sympathizer with the Left, a revolutionary fighting for peace, equality, democracy, freedom, and independence, all the noble things my people had died for and I had hid for.

In the great postwar anticolonial, anti-imperialist struggle of the emerging world for independence in Asia, Africa and Latin America, Fidel was a towering figure. But as with Ho in Vietnam, the noble ideals proved largely illusory. Fidel came to the United States in April, 1959, and, appearing on NBCs Meet the Press declared that democracy was his goal, along with free ideas, freedom religious belief and free election within four years. I am not agreed with Communism, he declared.

As with Ayatollah Khomeinis promises of freedom two decades later in revolutionary anti-American Iran, it was a load of bunk. Fidel was done with America. He was disposed to embrace Moscow and vast Soviet subsidies (as well as the missiles that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war in 1962). His defiance of the vast country looming over his proximate island would define him, along with a growing megalomania.

Within three months of his takeover more than 400 opponents had been executed by firing squads; that number would grow over the years to some 5,600. Over the decades countless dissidents were thrown in jail. Hundreds of thousands of Cubans fled Fidels security apparatus for Florida. As I wrote in December 2008 after visiting Cuba to write a magazine piece on the 50th anniversary of Fidels revolution: The press is muzzled and state television is a turgid propaganda machine.

During that trip, I noted that the Cubans perched on the seafront wall in Havana rarely looked outward, despite the splendor of the sea view. I asked Yoani Sanchez, a dissident blogger, about this and she said: We live turned away from the sea because it does not connect us, it encloses us. There is no movement on it. People are not allowed to buy boats because if they had boats, they would go to Florida.

Fidel, the romantic liberator, had made of his island a prison, full of inert people mired in the poverty engendered by a nightmarish system. His considerable achievements in education, health care and basic welfare could not mask this fundamental failure.

I admire President Obamas restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba that took him to Havana earlier this year to meet with Fidels brother, President Raul Castro, who took over in 2006. Frozen U.S.-Cuban relations had become an anachronism. I deplore, however, Obamas feeble statement on Fidels death. It is not enough for an American president to say, History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure. There has been plenty of history in Castros Cuba since 1959, much of it deplorable.

Obamas reluctance to stand firmly for the idea of liberty and lead the free world against autocracy, as well as his tendency to assume a regretful or skeptical tone about the exercise of American power, has angered many Americans. It explains some of Donald Trumps support; it has made the world more dangerous. Declining to allude to Fidels predations is of a piece with this Obama doctrine.

Fidel was a flawed giant. By the end the only idea of his still standing was the anti-American nationalism taken on by the late Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. However, this is certainly not the moment to say his stand for the disinherited of the earth was unimportant. Nor, at a time when the United States has elected a charlatan as president, is it the moment to overlook the fact that Fidel was a serious and uncorrupt politician. Nor to leave unsaid the suffering he inflicted.
An under-construction Jewel-Osco store is seen Dec. 1, 2016, on the corner of North Clark and East Division streets, in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood. The store, set to open in early summer, will be connected to a 390-unit luxury apartment building. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

Coming soon to the northwest corner of Clark and Division streets in Chicago: The swankiest, most contemporary Jewel-Osco to date, the type of store where one might ruminate on the grocery list with a glass of wine and a fancy cheese platter.

For those who may not associate their neighborhood Jewel with words like "swanky" and "contemporary," well, that's what Jewel-Osco is hoping to change.

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"We really wanted to make a statement for the Jewel-Osco brand. You can't take a store in this kind of property and just put in what you would do in any other neighborhood or out in the suburbs. We really want to put forth a new image," said Dave Hene, senior real estate manager for Jewel-Osco.

The store's expected to open in early summer. The 45,000-square-foot Jewel will have a 15,000-square-foot mezzanine level with a full-service bar and fresh food offerings to eat in-store. It replaces an older, smaller Jewel built in 1974, closed in June of last year and subsequently razed.

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As President Mike Withers points out, it makes sense for the area. The store's technically in the Old Town neighborhood but near the Gold Coast and Near North Side  a growing area with healthy incomes and limited grocery options. The new Jewel will be topped with three levels of parking and connected to a new 390-unit, 35-story luxury apartment building called The Sinclair, all of which is currently under construction.

"We had the opportunity to build something unique and right for the area," Withers said.

After Dominick's went out of business in December 2013, Chicago's grocery industry experienced major upheaval, with a proliferation of stores like Mariano's and Whole Foods Market  both upscale grocers known for fresh food offerings on the perimeter of the store. Jewel-Osco, a more traditional grocery store model, has been busy, too, executives say, opening new stores and remodeling others.

"I wouldn't say a lot of projects come along where we're willing to close a store, though, for a number of years and build on site," Withers said. "This is pretty unique."

Getting to this point has taken four years, three aldermen and countless meetings with neighboring property owners, said Steve Fifield, the project's developer.

"This was the most arduous effort I've experienced in my 40 years of developing in Chicago. And, it was worth every effort. This building will be the jewel of the Gold Coast," Fifield said.

Because of the unique zoning of the planned development, Fifield and Jewel-Osco executives had to obtain the approval of property owners on adjacent lots. "What ultimately got this deal approved is the neighborhood finally came around and saw it really needed a world-class, flagship store and Jewel is giving it to them," Fifield said.

Some four years ago, the property sat within the 42nd Ward and was first considered by Ald. Brendan Reilly. Once the ward lines were redrawn, the site became the jurisdiction of then-Ald. Bob Fioretti, 2nd, and eventually Ald. Brian Hopkins, who was elected after Fioretti ran for mayor.

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"That block, on both sides in its entirety, has been underperforming for a number of years," Reilly said Thursday.

For years, the Mark Twain Hotel, a single-room occupancy hotel on the south side of the street, has been rife with drug crime that would sometimes spill out onto the street, Reilly said. In March, The NHP Foundation, a New York-based nonprofit, bought the 152-unit SRO for $21 million, with plans to renovate the historic building and keep it affordable.

In another neighborhood upgrade, the CTA recently renovated the Clark/Division Red Line station. Together, these developments could bring positive change, Reilly said. "I do think the new investment will help transform the south side of the street," he said.

For Jewel-Osco, the store represents a commitment to changing with the times and expanding its footprint in the fiercely competitive Chicago grocery industry.

"We're committed to opening new stores and growing in the market," Withers said.

gtrotter@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @GregTrotterTrib
President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the government would punish companies seeking to move operations overseas with "consequences," setting the stage for an unusual level of intervention by the White House into private enterprise.

Trump's remarks came as he triumphantly celebrated a decision by the heating and air-conditioning company Carrier to reverse its plans to close a furnace plant here and move to Mexico, helping keep 1,100 jobs in Indianapolis. About 800 of those were manufacturing positions that had been scheduled to move south of the border, said a person familiar with the negotiations.

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An additional 300 to 600 Carrier positions at that plant, as well as roughly 700 jobs at another facility in the area, will still be cut.

Under the terms of the agreement, which have not been finalized, Carrier would receive a $7 million tax incentive package from the state of Indiana in exchange for making a $16 million investment in the facility  although Trump said Thursday that amount would probably be higher.

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President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence arrive on December 1, 2016 at the airport before they go on to visit the Carrier air conditioning and heating company in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images)

In remarks delivered inside the Carrier facility, the president-elect said more companies will decide to stay in the United States because his administration will lower corporate taxes and reduce regulations. He also warned that businesses that decide to go abroad will pay a price through a border tax on imported goods.

"Companies are not going to leave the United States anymore without consequences," Trump declared Thursday. "Not gonna happen. It's not gonna happen."

Trump said he decided to intervene after watching a television news report that reminded him that he had vowed during the campaign, "We're not going to let Carrier leave."

Trump's determination to use a mixture of incentives and tariffs to keep jobs from going overseas represents a sharp break with the free-market wing of the Republican Party, including senior congressional leaders. On Thursday, top Republicans offered careful responses to the Carrier deal.

"I think it's pretty darn good that people are keeping their jobs in Indiana instead of going to Mexico," said House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., emphasizing that the party is hoping to pass comprehensive tax changes that would be a boon to all businesses. Ryan has repeatedly criticized President Barack Obama for allegedly trying to pick "winners and losers" in his stimulus package and other economic policies.

The Carrier deal was sharply criticized by some conservatives, who viewed it as government distortion of free markets, as well as liberals, who derided it as corporate welfare.

"I think it sets a pretty bad precedent," said Dan Ikenson, director of the Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. "I don't think we should be addressing issues like this on an ad hoc basis. It certainly incentivizes companies to make a stink and say: 'We're going to leave, too. What are you going to do for me?' "

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, accused Trump of reversing course on a pledge to punish companies that outsource manufacturing jobs. In the case of Carrier, Trump had said he would force the company to "pay a damn tax" if it closed the plant.

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"Instead of a damn tax, the company will be rewarded with a damn tax cut," Sanders wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post. "Wow! How's that for standing up to corporate greed?"

Privately, some business leaders were also unnerved.

"It is uncharted territory for a president-elect to get involved personally in social engineering with a single company," said an adviser to major corporations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order not to anger the incoming administration.

Now that Carrier "is no longer the political pinata," the adviser added, chief executives "are asking, 'Who's next?' "

Timothy Bartik, an economist at the nonpartisan W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research in Kalamazoo, Mich., said that vague threats from the president-elect could stymie corporate investment as firms seek to avoid decisions that could draw the ire of the White House.

"What are these consequences? Who's in charge of them?" Bartik asked.

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"One of the worst things for corporate investment is uncertainty," he added. "You would hope that the government would not add to the uncertainty."

In Indianapolis, where Carrier has been a staple of the business community since the 1950s, the deal was celebrated.

"Our union at every level, including our local union leadership, fought to keep that plant open," said Leo Gerard, international president of the United Steelworkers, which represents the factory's workers.

Gerard said that although it did not endorse Trump, the union supports crucial aspects of the president-elect's agenda, including preservation of manufacturing jobs, scrapping free-trade deals and spending on infrastructure.

"If this step is any indication of what's to come, we look forward to working with him," Gerard said.

Jennifer Volheim, a bartender at Sully's Bar and Grill, down the street from the factory, said she was "heartbroken" when it was on track to shut down. But, she said, she voted for Trump and knew he would make a difference.

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"We knew Trump was on it," she said. "He's not even in office yet and he's saving ... jobs."

In fact, by Trump's own telling on Thursday, he had no plans to intervene in the Carrier case until he watched an evening news segment featuring a worker who expressed confidence that the president-elect would save the Indianapolis plant. He said his campaign vow to save the plant was "a euphemism" for other companies.

Regardless, Trump  known for his tendency to react to TV news reports  said he immediately picked up the phone and called Gregory Hayes, the chief executive of Carrier's parent company, United Technologies.

"I said, 'Greg, you gotta help us out here. You gotta do something,' " Trump recalled Thursday.

Standing in front of a wall blanketed with Carrier's blue-and-white logo, Trump lavished praise on the company for its decision, promising that the sales of its air-conditioning units would soar "because of the goodwill you have engendered."

Experts said no modern president has intervened on behalf of an individual company. Although Obama stepped in to rescue car manufacturers after the 2008 financial crisis and President John F. Kennedy intervened to prevent steel producers from increasing prices, these actions affected entire industries  not decisions at a specific plant, Bartik said.

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Jeff Windau, an analyst at the investment firm Edward Jones in St. Louis, said that Trump might not have the "bandwidth" to keep up this kind of dealmaking once in the Oval Office.

"Having a current president-elect focus on a specific company and a specific location  it's a pretty micro view of the world," he said.

But Trump said Thursday that he planned to personally call other companies that are contemplating moving operations out of the country, even, as he said, if critics felt such outreach was not "presidential."

"I think it's very presidential. And if it's not presidential, that's OK because I actually like doing it," Trump said. "But we're going to have a lot of phone calls made to companies when they say they're leaving this country, because they're not going to leave this country."

Trump's aggressive stance toward outsourcing comes despite the fact that his family companies profit from low-wage laborers around the globe who produce Trump-branded merchandise. His daughter Ivanka has her own separate brand of jewelry, shoes and clothing, much of which is produced in China.

Abigail Klem, president of Ivanka Trump's company, said in a statement that the brand has "consistently expressed that we share industry (leaders') interest in bringing more manufacturing opportunities to the US and are looking forward to being a part of the conversation." A representative for the Trump Organization did not respond to requests for comment.

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On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly attacked specific companies for outsourcing, drawing huge cheers from his crowds. He blasted Ford Motor Co. for opening factories in Mexico, criticized a U.S. drug company that moved its headquarters offshore and said he would no longer eat Oreo cookies because its maker, Nabisco, moved part of its production to Mexico.

He also mocked politicians who offered low-interest loans and tax abatements to keep factories in the United States.

"These companies don't even need the money, most of them," he said at a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., in October. "They take the money. There were a couple instances where geniuses with great lawyers gave them money, and then they moved anyway."

Trump repeatedly pointed to Carrier's planned move to Mexico as a prime example of the perils of globalization: The company told Indiana officials it would save $65 million a year by shifting production to a 645,000-square-foot factory under construction outside Monterrey, where wages are far lower.

Carrier rejected a tax incentive package the state offered earlier in the year to keep the Indianapolis plant open. But that was before Trump won the election and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence became the vice president-elect.

On Thursday, Hayes said that discussions with Trump and his team gave the company "a renewed confidence in the future of manufacturing" in the country.

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Some state officials also noted that the federal government is a major customer of United Technologies.

United Technologies' sales to the government have dropped in recent years, from $6.3 billion in 2013 to $5.6 billion last year, making up about 10 percent of its total revenue.

Defense analysts said that Trump could not legally steer contracts to United Technologies or punish the company through the Pentagon's highly regulated acquisition system. The Federal Acquisition Regulations are thousands of pages long and run through an often stifling bureaucracy that determines requirements, puts out requests for proposals from industry, then embarks on a lengthy selection process that can take months, if not years.

Mackenzie Eaglen, a defense analyst at the American Enterprise Institute, said that the acquisition system can't be used as a bargaining chip: "The short answer is no, and it would be highly illegal. Period."

The Washington Post's Christian Davenport, Mike DeBonis, Tom Hamburger and Sarah Parnass contributed.
Every once in a while, local media proclaim that the local market is "on fire." But is it really?

If the report is based solely on the fact that there have been more sales in the current period than in the previous one, then it could be terribly misleading. There's more to a hot market than simply a pickup in transactions.

"Just like a medical diagnosis can be wrong if you are looking at just one vital sign, so can a proclamation that the market is hot  or cold, for that matter," says Thomas Hoff of Pro Teck Valuation Services in Waltham, Mass.

I asked Hoff about the key factors Pro Teck looks at to produce its monthly Home Value Forecast. He says the company watches nine different data points, detailed below, along with tracking trends and using consistent methodology.

The relative "hotness" of a local market is key information for its buyers and sellers. Luckily, most of the data that Pro Teck evaluates is readily available from the local multiple listing service, so your agent should be able to look at the same info and come up with a reasonable list price for your house (or how much to offer, if you are buying).

But if he or she simply uses comparables  previous sales of similar homes in your area  you might want to go elsewhere, or even try to do it yourself.

Here's a quick rundown of Pro Teck's nine key statistics:

Sales. The number of sales in a given month is important, but you want to compare it to the same month a year ago. Actually, Hoff uses a three-month rolling average, and compares it to the previous same three months. So, if you are trying to determine whether sales are up in December, you'd look at the average number of sales in September, October and November, and compare it to the average in the period a year ago.

Active listings. Here, you want to know how many houses are on the market compared to a year ago and the percentage change. "This is simple supply and demand," says Hoff. "The fewer number of listings make it a hotter market; the more listings, the slower the market."

Months of remaining inventory. This is the average rate of absorption, or houses actually sold. It is determined by dividing the number of houses on the market at any time during the previous month by the past year's monthly sales rate. According to Hoff, an answer of five to six months suggests a balanced market. If it's less, buyers should probably expect to pay more than list price; if it's more, you can probably bargain. Vice versa for sellers.

Selling price. Determine the average selling price, again using the three-month rolling average as compared to the same period a year ago. Use a rolling average so your number is not impacted by a house that sold for an unusually high or low price. "You want to get rid of spikes so outliers don't impact your figures," Hoff says.

Days on market. Again, using the rolling average, compare how long it takes to sell houses now vs. a year ago. If it takes longer, the market is slower.

Active price. If the average is rising, supply and demand fundamentals "are at work," Hoff reports. But if it's going down, there's more supply than demand.

Active days on the market. Similarly, if the average is going down, it's indicative of a hot market.

Sales price versus list price. Here, you'll want to know the ratio between what houses were listed for and what they sold for. Of course, the hotter the market, the higher the ratio. Anything above 98 is considered pretty good. But if it is trending lower, it's not so hot.

Foreclosures. Finally, but still very important, you want to determine the number of foreclosure sales as a percentage of all sales. Five percent is healthy. But once this number rises above 10 percent, it starts to negatively impact the market.

Miami is a good example. Based on the number of sales alone, it looks like a hot market. But 12 percent of its sales are foreclosures, so prices are still depressed. "It's like an anchor dragging down prices," says Hoff.

lsichelman@aol.com

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The first of four units in Oprah Winfrey's onetime 9,625-square-foot, four-unit nest in Water Tower Place has been resold after rehabbers gave it a significant makeover. (VHT.com)

The first of four units in Oprah Winfrey's onetime 9,625-square-foot, four-unit nest in Water Tower Place has been resold after rehabbers gave it a significant makeover.

The three-bedroom unit on the 56th floor of Water Tower Place sold early in November for $3.564 million, listing agent and rehabber Debra Dobbs told Elite Street. That stands in marked contrast to the $1.12 million that Dobbs and her rehabbing colleagues, Michael Miller and Centaur Interiors, paid Winfrey's Restoration LLC company late last year for it through their 180 EP C LLC venture. In total, Dobbs, Miller and Centaur paid Winfrey $4.625 million for the four units, which was far less than the $7.75 million that the talk-show queen once had asked for them.

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Now, the first fully rehabbed unit has sold in an off-market deal. Public records do not yet identify the buyers.

"The design style for (the unit) is a combination of some very beautiful traditional elements you might find in a 1930s building, say one designed by Howard van Doren Shaw, but blended with some modern details," Dobbs told Elite Street. "I think it works beautifully in marrying the old and the new. And this building is undergoing an incredible renaissance, with upgrades that pay homage to the underlying architecture."

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One of the other units that had been part of Winfrey's spread sold in August for $1.1 million to David Moes, an executive with Navigant, and Jani Lesko, according to public records. That amount was far less than the $1.58 million that Dobbs' group paid Winfrey for that unit. However, while not specifically commenting on that sale, Dobbs indicated that in some cases, buyers who sign contracts with her group for fully rehabbed units may actually close on the raw space first for reasons related to tax or other issues. In every case, however, such buyers would continue to work with Dobbs, Miller and Centaur on the renovations, she said.

Crain's Chicago Business first reported on the sale.

Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.







Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 (VHT Studios)

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Billionaire Ken Griffin, Illinois richest man, paid $58.75 million in November for the top four floors in the Near North condominium building at 9 W. Walton St., known as No. 9 Walton. This photo shows a rendering of the lobby. (JDL Development / E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune (inset))
You know about red, white and pink wine. You (probably) know about green wine, and orange wine too. Now let's expand the color palette to include the black wine of Cahors.

Relax: There's no squid ink or cuttlefish in play. "Black wine" is actually red wine  a very dark malbec.

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Cahors (pronounced "kah-OR") is a small town on France's Lot River, but it also lends its name to the red-wine region in southwestern France that is the ancestral home of the malbec grape. Cahors equals malbec, and malbec equals Cahors. But there, winemakers refer to malbec as auxerrois (confusingly, auxerrois is also a white wine grape grown in France's Alsace region, Germany and more) or cot, and they use it to produce the dense, full-bodied, dry wine known as  you guessed it  Cahors.

Just up the road from Cahors, in Bordeaux, malbec is a blending grape. But in Cahors, it is the primary player  the grape variety that winemakers put all of their chips on. The wine was beloved in Europe as far back as the Middle Ages, and it remained so for hundreds of years before suffering some major setbacks due to pests and weather disasters, some of which occured as recently as the 1950s. Since then, a slow and steady rise to its original glory has been afoot, via an influx of talent and investment money.

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Both the wine's color and personality  broad-backed, usually in need of some aging or at least some time to catch its breath in a decanter  earned it the "black wine" nickname centuries ago, and those highly tannic wines are still being turned out. But contemporary Cahors producers also make malbecs that are more accessible sooner, and generally easier to get along with.

In fact, getting along with some modern Cahors bottlings is close to effortless. Are these friendlier bottles a response to the popularity of Argentine malbecs  those fruity, lush and juicy crowd-pleasers made from the grape that crossed the ocean in the mid-19th century? Maybe. No matter the reason, it's clear that Cahors is going through an overhaul of its image.

The place now refers to itself as the "Capitale du Malbec," and more bottles use the word malbec in place of less-recognizable auxerrois or cot. By using the grape's better-known name, Cahors is sort of  reaching out. Putting in the effort. Trying to make contact with the larger world. And that is nothing but a good thing.

The law calls for Cahors to be composed of at least 70 percent malbec, with merlot and tannat allowed as blending partners. These are big red wines that can stand up to rich and hearty fare such as foie gras, black truffles, beef, game meats, duck confit and cassoulet. Traditionally, Cahors has offered variations on plum, dark berries, smoke, leather, tobacco and hints of so-called animale, but more modern styles can lean to the lighter side, relatively speaking, both in color and body, with supple red fruit qualities and floral notes.

Below are tasting notes for a handful of Cahors that are ready to drink now. They are listed in ascending order, according to price.

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2014 Georges Vigouroux Pigmentum Made of 100 percent malbec, this pleasant and affordable wine offered aromas of strawberry, cocoa, smoke and a touch of animale, all leading to a palate full of ripe cranberry, tobacco, cedar and spice on the finish. $13

2011 Domaine du Theron Prestige Here is another 100 percent varietal, rich and velvety, with anise, pine needles, bright red berries, herbs, spice and incense arriving in layers  a drinkable wine that would do well paired with a juicy cut of beef. $18

2011 Georges Vigouroux Chateau de Haute-Serre At 15 percent alcohol, this powerful wine opened with raspberry, cherry and minerality that led to a whiff of eucalyptus and licorice followed by a lush wave of soft red fruit and a slow, spice-tinged finish. $23

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2012 Chateau du Cedre Expect blackberry, forest floor, ripe dark fruit, cedar, bright acidity and an herbal quality in this wine, which is composed of 90 percent malbec and equal parts of merlot and tannat, and made from vines that are more than 30 years old. $30

2009 Chateau Lagrezette Plum, black cherry, blueberry, vanilla and smoke characterize this complex, elegant wine, which aged for 24 months in new French oak barrels, and was so densely colored I could not see even a dark outline of my finger through it. $45

Check back in the coming weeks for a story on malbec from Argentina.

food@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @pour_man






Reporting from Washington  House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi has done it again, fending off a rival to win another term as minority leader and confirming her staying power as the party prepares to confront President-elect Donald Trump.

The San Francisco Democrat has beaten back ouster attempts before. But this year's challenge by an Ohio Democrat focused attention on Trump's success in attracting white, working-class voters in Rust Belt states, and whether that was a sign that Democrats needed changes at the top.

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Rep. Tim Ryan, whose Youngstown-area district represents the kind of blue-collar voters that fueled Trump's victory, made a strong showing. Though he lost 134-63, it was a closer margin than previous rivals who have aspired to replace Pelosi.

The competition appears to have only emboldened Pelosi, a tough-as-ever survivor who shows no signs of relinquishing her position as one of the most powerful Democrats in the country.

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[ Scope of Donald Trump's falsehoods unprecedented for presidential candidate  ]

"We're at a time where it's well beyond politics," Pelosi said after the vote. "It's about the character of America and how we go forward ... to differentiate between us and the administration that will come into Washington in January."

Republicans could not have been more pleased. One Republican walking to his office near the Democrats' closed-door meeting said he hoped Pelosi would win because he features her prominently in his TV campaign ads back home.

With President Obama leaving the White House, Republicans are eager to continue focusing on Pelosi as a caricature of liberal Democrats out of touch with the rest of the country. The House Republican campaign team unfurled a poster spoofing its support for her from their headquarters across from the Capitol. "Congrats Nancy!" it read Wednesday.

However, even Pelosi's foes warn against underestimating the first woman to become House speaker, a position she has her sights set on reclaiming.

Responding to the challenge, Pelosi proposed an expansion of her Democratic leadership team with more seats at the table for younger members and those from states Trump won.

The move reflected a similar tack taken after the November election in the Senate by incoming Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York, who added moderates from the Rust Belt as well as progressives to his team.

[ This is Bernie Sanders' plan to lead Democrats out of the wilderness  ]

Ryan, 43, who picked up support from fellow Rust Belt lawmakers as well as those from the intermountain Western states of Arizona and Colorado, said he had succeeded in opening up the leadership ranks.

"We're a family, and sometimes families have to have tough conversations," Ryan said after the vote, flanked by supporters. "We come out of here stronger than we went in. We're all going to participate in leading the party."

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While the changes appeared to soothe some rank-and-file lawmakers, others said Pelosi will need to do more to loosen her grip on power and allow more voices into the decision-making process.

Many lawmakers remain fearful of speaking out against Pelosi, who draws allies close but also keeps tabs on dissenters. The leadership changes will be considered by the caucus in the days ahead.

"For her to have two-thirds support shows there's overwhelming trust in her as a leader, but folks want to see new energy behind her and I think she's open-minded to that," said California Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin), who is among those younger members taking on new leadership duties.

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) said she was "deeply disappointed" by the vote. "This should be a time of critical reflection and clear-eyed change, not a time to rubber-stamp the failed strategy of the past."

First elected to House leadership 15 years ago, Pelosi has faced calls for her ouster since Democrats lost the majority under her watch in 2010, during Obama's first term in office.

The mother of five  and grandmother  also has endured questions about how much longer she will stay at the helm. The 76-year-old typically swats back such inquiries by pointedly noting the comparable ages of male colleagues in leadership roles elsewhere in the Capitol.

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Pelosi remains a fundraising powerhouse, and despite interest by a deep bench of Democrats eager to take a turn at leadership, few have been able to make the case to their peers that they could match her drive.

But this year, following Democrat Hillary Clinton's loss in the presidential election, Pelosi appeared to take her challenger 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 made under her watch, despite Clinton's defeat  the House picked up six seats in November. She warned that losses could have been worse.

Pelosi foreshadowed a tough campaign season in 2018, the midterm elections when the party in the White House typically loses seats in Congress.

"We know how to win elections," she said Wednesday. "We've done it in the past. We will do it again by making that differentiation."

For some, hers was a message that resonated.

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"The problem wasn't Nancy Pelosi," said Rep. Rick Nolan of Minnesota, who supported Clinton's rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, during the Democratic primary. "The problem was the top of the ticket."

Pelosi had postponed the election to allow time for challenges and changes but always predicted she would prevail with two-thirds of the vote. The rest of the leadership team also was reelected.

Two Californians were vying for a down-ballot leadership spot, and Rep. Linda Sanchez of Whittier narrowly defeated Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland, 98-96.

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."

lisa.mascaro@latimes.com

Twitter: @LisaMascaro

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Warning: graphic content. Leslie Thurow, of Mount Prospect, struck Illinois State Trooper Michael Cokins on Sept. 6, 2014. Cokins, who was conducting a traffic stop along I-294 near Elmhurst when he was hit, suffered 15 broken bones and had eight surgeries. (Illinois State Police) (Chicago Tribune)
Roy McCampbell, middle, walks with attorneys Craig Tobin, left, and Sean Sullivan through the lobby of the Hon. George N. Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

A former suburban comptroller official has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft in a deal that will significantly reduce his pension but avoids the chance he'd go to prison.

Roy McCampbell had been accused of inflating his pay to nearly $500,000 a year before he retired as the comptroller of the working-class near-west suburb of Bellwood. That pay helped push his pension to about $250,000 a year, among the highest of any public worker in Illinois.

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Under the terms of the deal, McCampbell, 62, would see his annual pension reduced by $100,000 a year. McCampbell was sentenced to two years of probation on a formal conviction of stealing less than $300, according to his attorney, Craig Tobin. The plea deal was entered in court Wednesday.

McCampbell had maintained that village officials approved of his pay, and he earned every dime. Tobin said McCampbell still didn't believe he'd done anything illegal but wanted to conclude the 4-year-old case and avoid the risk a jury would convict him of felonies that carry mandatory prison sentences.

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"The risk of somebody confronting those level of charges, Class X (felony), and in this climate, a political figure, it makes it hard to go on trial," Tobin said. "So you are looking for a compromise."

The Tribune exposed his pay six years ago. Two years after that, Cook County prosecutors charged McCampbell with a dozen felony charges, from theft to official misconduct. Prosecutors alleged in court documents that McCampbell had "set out on a mission to deceive and steal as much money as he could to embellish his pension."

The Cook County state's attorney's office did not immediately respond to questions about the deal Thursday.

Under the deal, while McCampbell's pension will be reduced starting this month, he keeps all of the pension money collected since he retired in 2010.
When people visit Black Leg Ranch near McKenzie for agri-tourism events or hunting through the ranchs outfitting business, they often tell owner Jerry Doan they wish more people knew of the conservation work farmers and ranchers do.

Most of us in agriculture are really working to offer a good, healthy, nutritious product for the benefit of the consumer, and were doing that in a way that is replenishing our natural resources and replenishing our wildlife, Doan said. Weve got to spread the word.

Doan and his wife, Renae, own the fifth-generation Black Leg Ranch. The Doans, whose children also labor there, have long worked to incorporate conservation efforts into the 17,000-acre farm and ranch, including using no-till technologies for 15 years. Their work has garnered them the inaugural North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award.

Its a huge honor. Were humbled, and were very excited, said Doan, noting that bringing the award, already given in several other states, puts needed attention on conservation in North Dakota.

Josh Dukart, executive director of the North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, said the Doans are a good representation of North Dakota agriculture. Theyve found ways, through the diversity of their operation and creative means of expansion, to make the ranch viable for multiple generations, and their holistic view of the land makes all parts of the enterprise work together, he said.

Doan attended Bismarck State College and North Dakota State University and afterward went through the Allan Savory Holistic Management program. He started making simple changes to improve the condition of the land.

Over time, I saw the benefits of doing those things and how we could improve our natural resources, he said.

The efforts have resulted in what he calls tremendous improvement in range land, organic matter in the soil and wildlife conditions. The changes also have helped the bottom line of the business.

Doan explains one change  planting a 20-species mix of cover crops on 700 acres of land  was done with three goals in mind. He wanted to reduce winter feed costs, build organic matter and propagate wildlife.

Winter feed costs in the Northern Plains really kill us in the cattle business, he said. That was our No. 1 goal.

The past few years, the Doans havent had to feed hay through the winter  a savings of about $200 per head.

The cover crops have built up organic matter in the soil that had been depleted by conventional tillage, resulting in the highest amount of organic matter ever tested in Burleigh County, Doan said. Likewise, the mix has provided feed and habitat that has allowed wildlife to flourish on the land.

Doan and his family constantly are finding new ways to try to improve the land, and he never feels like hes as far along as hed like to be. All of his children have expressed interest in working on the operation in one way or another, and hes excited to see what the future holds for agriculture.

The Leopold Conservation Award is named for Aldo Leopold, a conservationist who worked in the U.S. Forest Service and the University of Wisconsin. In his work, he stressed the importance of having an ethical relationship with land. The award recognizes farmers, ranchers and private landowners who exemplify voluntary, responsible stewardship and management of natural resources.

Dukart said the partner organizations that brought the award to North Dakota  the North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Stockmens Association and the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts  worked hard to bring the award to the state.

The Doans now will be spokespeople who can tell the public and other producers about their work. Dukart said that part of the award will be a good fit for the Doans, who incorporate education into many parts of their operation and are open to share their successes as well as tell people what hasnt worked as well for them.

Doan said letting people know about how agriculture works is more important than ever, given that even in an agricultural state like North Dakota, many people are now removed from farm or ranch life. Winning the Leopold Award and telling people about the work done on the land is important for the future, he said.

I dont know everything about Aldo Leopold, but hes kind of the grandfather of a lot of the conservation efforts, Doan said. Its a great pat on the back to win the award.

Dukart said the Leopold Award will be given annually, so people should consider nominating worthy landowners in 2017.

There are many in North Dakota who are very deserving of this type of award, he said.
Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife Sandi Jackson arrive for their sentencing hearing on Aug. 14, 2013 at E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Jesse Jackson Jr. is calling on President Barack Obama to issue a mass pardon of former prison inmates who have completed their sentences  a group that would include both Jackson and his wife, former Ald. Sandi Jackson.

In an emotional and rambling Facebook post he made at 4 a.m. Thursday, Jackson wrote that "the great 2016 pardoning of the masses will create a resounding echo in history and will mark you as the greatest Christian president ever to serve."

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He added, "Mr. President, for those Americans who have traipsed through the criminal justice system and transcended transgression by duly serving time, the outcome should be clear. An official declaration of TIME SERVED, for each and every eligible member of the American family, from the highest office of the land is the only response congruent with the redemption story of Christ.

"Truly, Mr. President, with a presidential pardon equally monumental to, and greater in scope than, the Emancipation Proclamation the legacy of Barack Hussein Obama II will be one of faith, hope and love."

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Jackson, who has been treated for bipolar disorder, was convicted in 2013 of violating federal campaign law by using campaign funds to make personal purchases, including a fedora that once belonged to Michael Jackson and cashmere capes. He served more than a year behind bars before he was released into a halfway house in 2015, while his wife completed her sentence in the same case in October. Though Jackson doesn't make a direct appeal for his own pardon, any blanket pardon of former inmates would, by definition, include him and his wife.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

But Jackson warned Obama in his post that "Of the U.S. Presidents that I have met, each of them has taken, in his departure from the office, some form of resentment and regret. Resentments and regrets are part of the Shame, Blame and Guilt cycle that haunts people the rest of their lives. Without recourse, ex-Presidents live with the reverberation of 'If I could have, I would have' or 'I should have, but didn't.' "

Jackson wrote that the continuing stain on the records of inmates who have served their time makes it harder for them to reintegrate into society and urged Obama to "Pardon the many and uplift the masses!"

He continued, "As a felon on the Southside of Chicago, I can attest that nothing has changed since you left. That is, if we don't count the increased gun violence."

It wasn't Jackson's first such request for a pardon. In a lengthy Facebook post on Nov. 23, he wrote "My argument is for men and women who have done their time and owe, nothing else to the American people, and deserve a new life, a life very different than the one they are living as felons and this is not possible without a full pardon.

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"There are tens of millions of people who have paid their debt to society and have never been forgiven."

In that note, he added that, "While in federal prison I got thrown in the hole for filling out pardon applications for men, who could not read or write. I did not fill out one for myself."

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Jackson's campaign didn't stop him from making some lighter-hearted Facebook posts between Nov. 23 and Thursday.

Last week he posted photos of Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand and Beyonce, and asked his Facebook friends, "Which Diva gave you the chills?"

On Sunday he also asked his followers who the best male dancer was, and noted that "I am having an argument with my father and my brothers about the best Cowboy movie. Can you all weigh in and settle this for us? Buck and the Preacher, Mag 7, or the Good the Bad and the Ugly or Unforgiven?"

kjanssen@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @kimjnews
The final step in shuttering a controversial unit of a state prison that has long been criticized for safety and security issues came Wednesday when officials transferred out the last 36 inmates.

Illinois Department of Corrections officials on Thursday announced the closure of Stateville Correctional Center's F House, known as the "roundhouse." Gov. Bruce Rauner, who signed off on its closing this year, touted the move as part of his ongoing effort to repair Illinois' prison system.

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Watchdog groups and legal advocates for years have called for shutting down the roundhouse, which was built in 1922 and is set apart by its central watchtower encircled by multiple floors of prison cells. Critics said the flawed design created a cagelike atmosphere that fueled a chaotic environment. Sounds were amplified, causing a "sensory nightmare," said Jennifer Vollen-Katz, executive director at the John Howard Association, a Chicago-based prison watchdog group.

"It's really important that it never be opened for human habitation again," she said.

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Deteriorating conditions, plumbing issues and bug infestations compounded the problems at the Crest Hill prison, said Vollen-Katz, who added that Stateville's roundhouse was the last of its kind in operation in the country.

Stateville Correctional Center in Joliet on June 5, 2009. (Alex Garcia / Chicago Tribune)

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Illinois Department of Corrections transferred nearly 350 inmates out of the roundhouse in the last five weeks. More than 120 inmates stayed at Stateville but moved to other sections of the prison, while the majority were transferred to different prisons throughout the state, IDOC spokeswoman Nicole Wilson said. Family members were not notified of pending transfers "for security reasons" but offenders' locations are available through the IDOC website, Wilson said.

John Baldwin, IDOC's acting director, said in a statement that the closure was "a step in the right direction."

Shutting down the roundhouse should also lead to financial benefits. IDOC officials said the move will save the department millions of dollars in deferred maintenance costs, a portion of which is slated to go to programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates. The department also hopes to reduce overtime costs by reassigning employees to nearly 60 open positions throughout the prison. No staff will be laid off, Wilson said.

IDOC officials said they plan to retain the structure for its historical significance.

Rauner has made criminal justice reform a priority since taking office. The Republican governor pledged to work toward reducing the state's prison population by 25 percent by 2025.

deldeib@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @deldeib
Warning: graphic content. Leslie Thurow, of Mount Prospect, struck Illinois State Trooper Michael Cokins on Sept. 6, 2014. Cokins, who was conducting a traffic stop along I-294 near Elmhurst when he was hit, suffered 15 broken bones and had eight surgeries. (Illinois State Police) (Chicago Tribune)

Sixteen broken bones, eight surgeries and two years after a chronic drunken driver struck and nearly killed Illinois State Trooper Michael Cokins, he sat in a Cook County courtroom trying to distill the experience.

"As I get older, I will have to live with what you did to me for the rest of my life," Cokins told Leslie Thurow, 61, of Mount Prospect, at her sentencing. Minutes later, a judge imposed a prison term of 13 years.

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"One thing I do not want to live with is knowing you got off easy, again," said Cokins, 30. "So I will bear the burden to make sure you never hurt another person again."

Two days before Thurow hit Cokins on Sept. 6, 2014, while he spoke with a motorist on the shoulder of Interstate 294 near Northlake, Judge Geary Kull had released her on probation and ordered her to stay off the road. At the time, Thurow had spent three months in jail and received treatment for her third drunken driving crash in nine months.

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On Thursday, Kull presided over her sentencing. For nearly 10 minutes, he explained why he had released Thurow two years earlier.

"A small percentage" of people who receive treatment for their addictions return to court, Kull said, adding that professionals managing Thurow's treatment said "she was wonderful" and was helping others undergoing treatment.

A judge encounters thousands of decisions similar to the one Thurow presented in September 2014, Kull said, and he or she tries to balance consequences with prospects for rehabilitation.

"You have no way of really knowing who that person is," Kull added. "So, you take that risk. I regret it now."

Thurow, who pleaded guilty weeks ago to aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, wept through much of the hourlong hearing Thursday in Cook County's Maywood branch court. The prosecutor played dashcam video of Thurow striking Cokins while a courtroom overflowing with about 70 uniformed state troopers watched.

Guidelines requiring defendants to serve a specific percentage of their sentences likely will result in Thurow spending nine years in prison.

"I just want to say that I'm truly sorry," a crying Thurow said Thursday. "I know that doesn't justify what I've done."

Illinois State Trooper Michael Cokins stands outside the Maywood Courthouse after Leslie Thurow, whose car struck Cokins as he was conducting a traffic stop on the northbound shoulder of I-294 near Elmhurst in 2014, was sentenced to nine years in prison Dec. 1, 2016, in Maywood. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

She added that she suffers from addiction and received treatment, but "didn't do everything I should have done to help myself. I pray for you every day."

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Cokins had been with the Illinois State Police for four months  and on solo patrol less than one month  when Thurow struck him at 2:45 p.m. on that Saturday in September.

After her Honda SUV hit the trooper, Thurow continued north on I-294, hitting a retaining wall. Two miles along the interstate, she struck an SUV with seven occupants, including a 3-year-old boy. The SUV flipped, but none of the injuries to those inside was critical.

Then Thurow's vehicle struck a median, spun 180 degrees and came to rest facing south. An exam later revealed she had a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal definition of intoxication. Cokins was in critical condition, and it was unclear whether he'd survive.

Raised in west suburban Riverside, Cokins said he had been attracted to law enforcement work, and its service to others, from childhood. He graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago, where he played club hockey and worked as a paralegal, among other jobs.

He took exams to enter the Chicago Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department and the Illinois State Police, where he entered the academy in November 2013.

"I was literally in love with what I was doing, and my chosen profession," Cokins said in court. "I was finally able to reap the reward from all the hard work I had put into myself for the previous 10 years ... and in one split second it was stolen from me."

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Thurow "always had an addiction issue," her daughter, Tess Thomison, said Wednesday, the day before the hearing. Raised in Park Ridge and married four times, Thurow worked as an oral surgical assistant, manager of a Czech cultural center in Brookfield and police dispatcher in Stickney, Thomison said.

Her addiction to alcohol and drugs prevented her from holding jobs, Thomison said of her mother.

"I'm not going to sit here and say I feel sorry for her or that she's misunderstood," she added, "because that's not the truth. She did what she did, and now she's got to pay for it."

Thomison said the two years since Thurow's been in jail "is really the only time I've had a relationship with my mom, because jail is keeping her sober." They talk on the phone about once a week, Thomison said. She's convinced Thurow would resume abusing alcohol if she were released now.

But Thomison added that she hopes her mother "can be the person she says she can be" when she is released from prison.

"I feel sorry for that officer," Thomison said. "I really do. I'm embarrassed to show up in court."

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Cokins was the fourth Illinois state trooper severely injured or killed in traffic crashes on interstates within two years. In November 2012, a semi struck and killed trooper Kyle Deatherage during a traffic stop along I-55 near Litchfield. That was followed in March 2013 by the death of Trooper James Sauter when a semitrailer rammed the back of Sauter's cruiser on the shoulder of I-294 near Northbrook.

In January 2014, Trooper Douglas Balder was burned extensively and suffered other serious injuries when a trucker struck his cruiser and a tollway emergency vehicle on I-88 near Aurora. Killed in the crash was tollway worker Vincent Petrella, 39, of Wheeling.

Eleven officers across the U.S. were struck and killed outside their vehicles last year, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reported. That number was one above the total in 2014, the organization reported.

In the 14 months after being struck, Cokins underwent surgeries and excruciating physical therapy. He used a wheelchair for three months, then crutches for five more months.

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The estimated 55 screws and nine metal plates throughout his body to help mend his bones remain there. After several setbacks, Cokins returned to work in December 2015, assigned to the less-strenuous investigations division.

He resumed patrolling June 1 and said his first stop was milepost 32.5 on I-294, the spot where he was nearly killed.

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"I had a little conversation, thanked whoever it is who got me here," Cokins said. "I made peace with it and went about my business."

He passes that spot every day as part of the job. Each time, Cokins said, he has a conversation with his parents  both of whom are deceased. He thanks them and asks them to watch over him.

Cokins cannot play hockey or softball yet but said he has learned to live with the body he has been given. He said he is eternally grateful to the strangers who immediately stopped to aid him after he was struck, and feels fortunate to be able to return to work he loves.

He stays focused on the job, he said, to honor those in his profession who were not so fortunate.

tgregory@chicagotribune.com
Roosevelt University brought miniature therapy horses to its Chicago campus to help students reduce their stress levels as they get ready to finish the semester. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Sephanie Delgado can feel the stress of her to-do list as she works to finish the semester at Roosevelt University: three essays, a presentation and exams.

To escape the pressure, the 20-year-old college junior, who also works as a restaurant cashier to help pay for school, sculpted a chunk of blue Play-Doh into Popplio, a Pokemon character. She was at a table next to other students who colored and decorated cookies before two miniature therapy horses wearing sneakers trotted into the room Wednesday for the university's De-Stress Fest.

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"I know I still have to do all that work, but coming here I'm able to take some time off to hang out with friends, have fun and empty my mind for a little bit," said Delgado, who lives on the Southwest Side. "It's like a refresh. My mind is nice and clear so when I go to start my homework, I'm well focused."

As the semester nears its end  and students pull all-nighters to cram for exams, type papers and finish projects that weigh heavily on final grades  colleges in the Chicago area are taking steps to help students manage stress. It's part of a broader approach to focus on students' mental health and expand proactive outreach efforts instead of waiting for students to seek help. Local schools this week are offering activities ranging from animal visits at Roosevelt to a bubble-wrapped room at the University of Illinois at Chicago to the long-standing tradition of a stress-busting primal scream at Northwestern University.

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"The ultimate goal, I think, is to decrease stress in order to enhance academic success and overall performance," said Ann Diamond, outreach coordinator at Roosevelt University's counseling center. "Also, it's to remind students about the community of support available to all of them here at the university."

Without these types of resources, students would have to deal with stress on their own, and some might not find a way to cope at all, she said.

Nearly 32 percent of students reported stress and 23 percent said anxiety affected their academic performance, according to a spring 2016 survey by the American College Health Association of more than 95,000 students at institutions nationwide. Those figures are up from five years earlier, when 27.5 percent of respondents felt stress and 19 percent said anxiety affected their performance.

The 2016 survey also showed 85 percent of students said they felt overwhelmed by all they had to do within the past 12 months. In the past year, 17 percent of students were diagnosed with or treated for anxiety, nearly 14 percent for depression and 8 percent for panic attacks. In the 2011 survey, 12 percent were diagnosed with or treated for anxiety, nearly 11 percent for depression and 5 percent for panic attacks.

At Northwestern, "because of the hectic academic pace that exists here, it is stressful and very pressure-packed," university spokesman Alan Cubbage said.

Students can blow off steam with a visit from miniature horses Friday and release their frustration through a campuswide scream, in which students let out a collective yell at 9 p.m. Sunday before finals week. Next week, a number of activities such as Lego building, board games, midnight coffee breaks and late-night breakfast are planned for exam relief.

"It's just a way of making sure our students have the opportunity to take a break from what is honestly a pretty intense week," Cubbage said.

But one critic questioned whether such stress-busting activities are effective in helping students.

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Clay Routledge, psychology professor at North Dakota State University, believes universities should be promoting psychological strength and resilience, not coddling students.

"I'm not ignorant to the fact there are vulnerable students that need services," he said. "I'm not against that at all. My criticism is: Are we promoting more broadly a culture of sensitivity and victimhood than we need to do?"

Many colleges and universities are becoming more than educational institutions and overreaching by not letting students figure things out on their own, he said.

"We need to promote toughness and strength, and we know from decades of research that humans are extremely resilient," Routledge said. "You have to have real stressors in life. You have to fail. You have to be embarrassed and you have to face situations where you're wrong and you're challenged  and you'll be strong as a result."

Roosevelt University history student Sophie Brosnan visits with a therapy horse named Lunar on Nov. 30, 2016 at an event on the Chicago campus meant to help students, faculty and staff reduce their stress levels around exam time. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

But teaching college students healthful stress-management skills is important so they can take care of themselves later in life, said S. Craig Rooney, director of behavioral health services at the University of Missouri Student Health Center and chairman of the mental health section of the American College Health Association.

"If we didn't offer students opportunities to learn self-care, we would be missing a critical part of their education: namely, how to negotiate the stresses of adult contemporary life in ways that are not self-destructive," Rooney said in an email.

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Loyola University Chicago offers ongoing counseling groups to help students better manage anxiety and depression, relieve stress and focus on self-care. Similarly, UIC has workshops throughout the year to teach students coping strategies.

"The goal is to support students, to promote a sense of well-being," said David deBoer, associate director of Loyola's Wellness Center. "Our hope would be as a secondary benefit it's going to help them do better academically because they're in a better physical and emotional place of higher well-being."

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The series of events UIC hosts during finals week helps junior Liz Huss manage stress in a healthful way.

Students got a visit from comfort dogs Wednesday and are invited next week to pop bubble wrap at the student center, get chair massages, do candlelight yoga and leave notes of encouragement for fellow students.

"I like to take 10, 15, 20 minutes to rejuvenate, reflect and relax, and these events really help with that," said Huss, an accounting major.

For Andersonville resident Rob Chesler, a junior at Roosevelt, stress can motivate him to get his work done. But he also welcomed the distraction of the De-Stress Fest, during which he took a selfie with Lunar, the oldest miniature horse from the Barrington-based nonprofit Mane in Heaven.

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"If you're living in this world of hard work every second of every hour of your life, then you're not going to be happy and you're just going to be all about work," he said. "If you have little horses every now and then, you have moments where you can just breathe and enjoy life."

lvivanco@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lvivanco
Chicago twins Pedro Flores, left, and Margarito Flores, in undated photos. The brothers have testified on behalf of the prosecution, saying they operated a massive smuggling way station in Chicago, distributing cocaine and drugs around the United States by rail and truck, often smuggled in vegetable loads. (U.S. Marshals Service)

A high-ranking Mexican drug trafficker with links to Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has been sentenced in Chicago to 27 years in prison for conspiring to smuggle tons of narcotics into the United States.

The sentence handed down Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Ronald Guzman is the longest prison term so far in the sweeping indictments against more than 20 cartel members  including El Chapo himself  brought by the U.S. attorneys office in Chicago.

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According to prosecutors, Manuel Fernandez-Navarro, 48, who pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, was a key player in international drug smuggling operations run by the Sinaloa cartel as well as the rival Beltran-Leyva faction. He helped the cartels move drugs from South America to Mexico by private aircraft, submarines, container ships, "go-fast" boats and fishing vessels before transporting them to the U.S. to be stashed in safe houses in California, according to the charges.

Fernandez-Navarro also conspired with twin brothers Pedro and Margarito Flores to move large quantities of cocaine and heroin to the Chicago area for distribution, according to the charges.

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Unknown to Fernandez-Navarro, the brothers had begun cooperating with federal authorities amid a bloody war between the two cartels. In the summer of 2008, the Flores brothers recorded conversations with Fernandez-Navarro as they discussed cartel business, according to court records.

In one conversation, Pedro Flores told Fernandez-Navarro about a recent meeting his brother had with El Chapo and some of his top officials at a mountaintop compound in Sinaloa, records show.

During the meeting, Guzman allegedly discussed a plot to attack a U.S. or Mexican government or media building in retaliation for the recent arrest of an associate. According to court records, El Chapo wanted it done in a way that would be blamed on the Beltran-Leyva faction.

Later, the twins recorded Fernandez-Navarro as they set up a deal to ship more than 1,000 kilos of Beltran-Leyva's cocaine to Los Angeles, court records show. In one conversation with Margarito Flores, Fernandez-Navarro seemed irritated that the twins hadn't committed to the amount.

"Hey! I need you to tell me for sure," Fernandez-Navarro said, according to a transcript of the call in court records. "You haven't told me anything for sure yet. I haven't called the guy... because your brother just keeps saying that it's 600 and then that it's 800. I need something definite so that I can be able to move the trucks."

Flores responded that the deal was "for sure" and that all the percentages could be worked out. "When my brother gets in and calls you, you and him can figure it out, no?" Margarito Flores said.

In November 2008, federal authorities raided three warehouses run by Fernandez-Navarro and seized more than a ton of cocaine and about 93 kilograms of methamphetamine, according to court records.

Fernandez-Navarro was indicted in Chicago and arrested in 2010 in Mexico. Also charged was Arturo Beltran-Leyva, the alleged day-to-day operator of the Beltran-Leyva faction. Known as "El Barbas," or "the bearded one," Arturo never made it to Chicago, however. He was killed by Mexican military personnel during a shootout in December 2009, records show.

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His younger brother, Alfredo Beltran-Leyva, is awaiting sentencing on federal drug conspiracy charges brought in Washington. One of the Flores twins had been scheduled to testify in that trial, but Beltran-Leyva  known as "Mochomo" or "desert ant"  pleaded guilty earlier this year on the eve of trial.

Guzman, who had been a fugitive for 13 years after breaking out of one prison, was arrested in 2014 in Mexico but made a spectacular escape from a maximum-security prison in July 2015 through a mile-long tunnel that was equipped with a motorcycle outfitted to run on rails.

He was captured in January in a firefight between his bodyguards and Mexican marine special forces in the Sinaloa city of Los Mochis on the Pacific coast. Authorities have said they are working to extradite Guzman to the U.S., where he is facing indictments in seven jurisdictions, including Chicago.

Many legal experts believe Chicago has the strongest case against the feared cartel boss. It includes the extraordinary cooperation of the Flores twins  who captured Guzman talking about drug shipments on an undercover recording  and the testimony of Jesus Vicente Zambada-Niebla, the son of one of Guzman's top lieutenants who pleaded guilty in 2013 and is awaiting sentencing.

The Flores twins, meanwhile, pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2015.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

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A member of the Chicago Police Department works the scene of a shooting on the 5700 block of South Calumet Avenue on Nov. 5, 2016, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

In a year of relentless violence, Chicago has hit another grim milestone, exceeding 700 homicides for the first time in nearly two decades, according to official Police Department records.

The 700 mark was reached about 6:20 a.m. Wednesday when a 25-year-old man was shot in the abdomen and back as he drove, crashing into a bus shelter in the 9300 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue on the South Side, said Frank Giancamilli, a police spokesman.

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Then at about 8 p.m., a 22-year-old man was found shot and killed as he walked in a gangway near 68th Street and Cornell Avenue in the South Shore neighborhood, he said.

The year got off to a violent start with 50 homicides in January and rarely let up even after the end of the summer  the peak season for shootings.

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The 701 homicides through Wednesday marked a nearly 56 percent jump from the 450 killings a year earlier. With one month still to go, that represents the most homicides since 704 in 1998. There were 761 homicides in 1997.

Through Wednesday, nearly 4,050 people have been shot, a 50 percent jump from 2,699 victims a year earlier, according to the department statistics. Shooting incidents rose by comparable figures, to 3,315, up 49 percent from 2,224 a year earlier.

The Police Department statistics do not include about an additional 20 killings on area expressways, as well as police-involved shootings, justifiable homicides or death investigations that could later be reclassified as homicides.

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The surge in violence has come at a time of upheaval for the Police Department amid an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Justice Department in the past year's fallout over the video showing the fatal shooting of black teenager Laquan McDonald by an officer.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, who was a surprise appointment in March after his predecessor, Garry McCarthy, was fired in the blowup over the McDonald shooting, said his department is doing all it can to combat violence rooted in poverty and hopelessness.

On Tuesday, following a speech to the Union League Club, Johnson called this year's homicide totals "unacceptable," blaming what he called "a small subsection of citizens" for the violence. The department has compiled a "strategic subject list"  a computerized algorithm designed to zero in on about 1,400 mostly gang members considered most likely to shoot someone or become a victim of violence.

"The police are doing their job," Johnson told reporters. "What we need help in is holding these repeat gun offenders accountable for this gun violence, and until we do that, we're going to continue to see the cycle of violence."

Homicides peaked in Chicago at more than 900 a year in the early to mid-1990s. This year has seen homicides soar month after month to levels not seen in about two decades. The 92 homicides in August alone marked the most the city had seen for a single month since July 1993. By early September, Chicago surpassed the homicide toll for all of 2015. The Halloween weekend ended with 59 people shot, 17 fatally, the deadliest weekend of 2016. And in the just-completed November, homicides totaled 77, the worst for that month since 78 in 1994.

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The city's violence continues to far outpace both New York and Los Angeles combined even though their populations far exceed Chicago's. According to official statistics through about Nov. 20, the most recent that are publicly available, New York and Los Angeles had a combined 565 homicides, less than Chicago's total. In addition, there were a combined 2,117 shooting victims in the two cities, close to half of Chicago's total.

Crime experts caution about making year-to-year comparisons of homicides, arguing that long-term trends give a better understanding of how the level of violence in a city has changed over time.

Police officials have blamed much of Chicago's violence on the flow of illegal firearms through dangerous neighborhoods and an intractable gang problem. The gangs, once highly structured and hierarchal, have fractured into small factions. Petty disagreements and personal disputes can quickly turn violent with social media, crime experts have said.

Another factor contributing to the violence could be a drop in morale among Chicago police officers because of heightened scrutiny in the fallout over the McDonald shooting as well as a new law requiring detailed reports be filled out for every street stop because of concerns over racial profiling. In interviews, officers recently told the Chicago Tribune that they had taken a more cautious approach to their work, concerned they could end up in a viral internet video, sued or fired.

So far this year, the bulk of the violence has been concentrated in neighborhoods on the South and West sides that have been plagued by decades of poverty, entrenched segregation, gangs, rampant narcotics sales and other social ills.

Two of the city's historically most violent police districts  Harrison and Englewood  account for almost one-fourth of Chicago's homicides and shooting incidents.

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Harrison, a West Side district that includes communities such as West Garfield Park and North Lawndale, has recorded the worst violence in the city. Through Nov. 27, homicides totaled 88, an 87 percent increase over the 47 people slain a year earlier, official department statistics show. Shooting incidents rose to 440, up 75 percent from 251 a year earlier.

Five Chicago mothers who lost a child to violence turn their grief into action. (Chris J. Walker / Chicago Tribune) (Chris J. Walker / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Through the same time period, homicides in the South Side's Englewood District skyrocketed to 82, a 148 percent rise from 33 a year earlier, the department said. Shooting incidents totaled 342, a 36 percent rise from 251 a year earlier.

And in the Austin District on the city's far West Side, homicides doubled to 54 from 27 a year earlier, the statistics show. Shooting incidents went up by even more, to 293, a 117 percent jump from 135 a year earlier.

The violence has also spiked in the Chicago Lawn, Deering, Gresham and Grand Crossing police districts on the South Side.

The Rev. Marshall Hatch, pastor of the New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in West Garfield Park, said he talks to young people in the community about staying in school and earning a legitimate living. But he knows it's not easy for them.

"It's really a culture of death," he said. "There's a lot of fear and a lot of assumption that they're not going to live long."

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On Thursday afternoon at Ms. B's European Hair Weaving, a barbershop across the street from where Chicago's 700th homicide took place a day earlier, employees and customers were disturbed to learn from a reporter of the killing's significance.

"If this was my place, I'd have bulletproof windows, a buzzer on the door," said Rowan Weaver, 43, who has worked at the shop in the South Side's Burnside neighborhood for eight years.

"We got sort of immune to this stuff because it happens so much," said another barber, who identified himself as Marcus Johnes, 33.

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Johnes, a comb in one hand and clippers in the other, speculated on the causes of the seemingly runaway violence.

"Definitely social media has a big influence on the killings," he said. "(Kids) ain't got nothing to do. Drugs."

"I'm trying my best to raise my kids," his customer, 35, said in an irritable tone, with a smock covering his body and shaving cream on his face. "Once we leave the house, what do we do? It could be me or one of my daughters."

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"Seven hundred murders?" he asked incredulously. "That's heartbreaking."

An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect total for the number of people shot during the holiday weekend. The number was 59, 17 of whom died.

jgorner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @JeremyGorner
El Rukn operated out of this heavily fortified former movie theater called the fort in the 3900 block of South Drexel Boulevard in the Oakland neighborhood in the 1980s. (Chicago Tribune)

Two decades ago, federal prosecutors assured a judge that El Rukn hit man Derrick Kees would effectively spend the rest of his life behind bars.

But Kees, who admitted to participating in at least 20 slayings, has been cutting deals with the government ever since. In exchange for breaks on his state and federal sentences, Kees testified in the landmark El Rukn trials of the 1990s that decimated the gang's hierarchy as well as the sensational trial of a Cook County judge who took a bribe to fix the murder case of two of Kees' associates.

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On Wednesday, Kees, now 59, told a federal grand jury that his latest agreement with federal prosecutors could mean he'll taste freedom next year  as much as 17 years early.

"Believe me, I wanted time served," Kees told jurors.

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The revelation came during Kees' testimony in the civil lawsuit filed by another former El Rukn member, Nathson Fields, who claims he was framed in an infamous 1984 double murder that sent him to death row.

Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer approved an unusual motion by the U.S. attorney's office asking her to cut Kees' 25-year federal racketeering conspiracy sentence to 12 years in prison in exchange for testifying that Fields was, in fact, guilty of the murders.

That agreement meant Kees would've been released in 2021. But on Wednesday, he testified that because his sentence falls under the old federal rules of parole, with good-time credit he believed his "out" date could come as early as 2017.

It's the second time in less than two years that prosecutors have gone to bat for an imprisoned El Rukn hit man in exchange for testimony in Fields' civil proceedings. While commonplace in criminal cases, it's highly unusual for federal prosecutors to cut deals with prisoners in exchange for testimony in a civil trial.

In December 2014, the Tribune first reported that Earl Hawkins, a former El Rukn general once described by prosecutors as a "trained killer," was quietly released from prison at least 10 years early after he testified against Fields at a hearing over his petition for innocence as well as at the first trial over Fields' lawsuit.

The jury in the first trial, which awarded Fields $80,000 in damages, had not been told of the release, a key reason why U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly overturned that verdict and granted Fields the new trial now underway.

Hawkins, now in witness protection, testified this week that he and Fields and two other El Rukn soldiers, acting on the orders of imprisoned gang leader Jeff Fort, had executed gang rivals Jerome "Fuddy" Smith and Talman Hickman as they walked though the breezeway of a South Side public housing high-rise.

On Wednesday, Kees reiterated what he'd said numerous times before  that he had helped plan the Smith and Hickman murders and that after they were carried out, Fields reported to him that it was "a good exercise."

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In intense questioning, Fields' lawyer, Jon Loevy, repeatedly asked Kees about his deals with prosecutors over the years. Kees acknowledged "there were discussions" with the government about what benefit he might receive for his latest testimony, but he denied he was willing to lie to win his freedom.

"I'm not gonna lie under any circumstances," Kees said. "I don't have to."

Kees told jurors he'd killed people but said he didn't know how many. At one point, Loevy turned to Kees on the stand and asked bluntly, "You're a serial killer, are you not?"

"No," Kees replied.

"Are you a sociopath?" Loevy said.

"No," Kees again replied.

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Kees was first convicted in 1988 in state court in the machine-gun slaying of El Rukn rival Willie "Dollar Bill" Bibbs outside a bar and sentenced to 55 years in prison.

Facing even more time in a federal racketeering case, Kees began cooperating with authorities in 1989 and wound up testifying for the government at six of eight El Rukn trials, as well as the trial of drug dealer Alexander "Ghost" Cooper, who was convicted of killing a federal informant.

But it was his testimony at the trial of Circuit Judge Thomas Maloney that garnered Kees the most attention. Maloney had pocketed $10,000 from the gang to acquit Hawkins and Fields of the 1984 double murder, only to return the money and convict them when he suspected the FBI was onto the bribe.

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Maloney was later convicted himself and sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison.

Fields, meanwhile, had his case overturned because of the scandal and was found not guilty in a 2009 retrial. His lawsuit alleges two Chicago police detectives framed him for the Smith and Hickman murders, burying evidence that could have been used at his trial in a secret "street file" that was found decades later in an old filing cabinet.

While historic, the El Rukn cases were also fraught with allegations of misconduct by the U.S. attorney's office. Several convictions were reversed after it was alleged that former gang leaders cooperating with the government received clothing, money and other gifts, obtained drugs and even had conjugal visits with their wives in federal offices.

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In 1995, Kees tried to get out of a plea deal calling for a 99-year federal sentence after he said Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hogan, the lead prosecutor in the case, had cut a side deal promising him he'd serve less time. Hogan contended Kees wasn't given any promises outside the written plea agreement that called for, in effect, a life sentence.

U.S. District Judge Marvin Aspen ultimately ruled that while he didn't believe Hogan's courtroom denials about the deal, he said there wasn't enough evidence to corroborate the assertions by Kees.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @jmetr22b
Two people tried to lure a girl into a car near a Southwest Side elementary school Monday, police said.

The girl, whose exact age was not specified, was in the 4500 block of West 81st Street about 5 p.m. when a black 1989 Chevrolet Caprice pulled up alongside her.

There were two males in the car, one of whom told the girl come over here and get in the car, according to a news release from Chicago police.

The incident occurred near Stevenson Elementary School, which is located at 8010 S. Kostner Ave.

The car is described as having tinted windows and a chrome stripe. One of the people in the car was described as a black man, 20 to 25 years old, with a short afro.
Chicago police are warning grocery and drug stores about a man who has robbed at least three late-night grocery or drug stores in the Lakeview and Edgewater areas in the last week.

The man has gone into the grocery or drug stores, gone up to a cashier and demanded cash at gunpoint, according to a police alert.

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The robberies took place:

Sunday at 1:50 a.m. in the 3400 block of North Western Avenue, where there is a Jewel-Osco store;

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Sunday at 1:28 a.m. in the 3200 block of North Broadway, where there is a Walgreens;

Saturday at 7:40 p.m. and 4:19 a.m. in the 6100 block of North Broadway, a block where there is both a Walgreens and CVS/Pharmacy.

The robber is described as a Hispanic man between 25 and 45 years old, with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-11 and weighs between about 180 and 230 pounds.

The man was wearing tan Carhartt or similar jacket, a black hooded sweatshirt and cargo pants.

Anyone with information on the robber is asked to call Area North detectives at 312-744-8263.
Police search for a suspect who fired shots at them near the 6800 block of South Kenneth Street in Chicago on Nov. 28, 2016. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

An undercover sting on Chicago's Southwest Side ended in a hail of bullets after two reputed gang members opened fire after handing over three handguns in exchange for $1,500 from an undercover informant, Cook County prosecutors said Wednesday.

The joint operation by the FBI and Chicago police targeted illegal gun sales, prosecutors said, but it went sour quickly Monday morning.

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Prosecutors said Jose Guzman, 21, a reputed Latin King gang member, had just completed the guns-for-cash trade in the 6100 block of South Kolmar Avenue when a cohort, Jose Gurumendi, 22, strode out of a gangway and fired three shots at the informant's vehicle, prosecutors said.

Officers and agents conducting surveillance saw Gurumendi, a reputed Maniac Latin Disciple, open fire and then flee with Guzman into the back of a waiting car containing two others, said Assistant State's Attorney Lorraine Scaduto.

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Chicago police search for a suspect in the West Lawn neighborhood who authorities say fired several shots at officers. Nov. 28, 2016. (WGN-TV) (Chicago Tribune)

Authorities attempted to box in the car at 61st Street, with one officer getting out of his vehicle with his gun drawn, but the vehicle eluded them and headed south, she said.

Guzman then fired two shots at a Chicago police sergeant who was driving one of the covert vehicles and continued to hold his gun out the window until the sergeant backed his vehicle away, she said.

"Use caution! Block them in! They're going to be trapped in there. They're going to have to go on foot soon," an officer called out over his radio, according to a recording of scanner traffic.

After the gunmen ditched their car near 69th Street and Kenneth Avenue, officers began searching backyards and garages in the West Lawn neighborhood, police said.

Officers circled the area to limit the chances of their escape.

Eventually, a helicopter was called to assist. Authorities used heat-sensing technology to identify locations where the men could be hiding.

Scaduto said officers found Guzman hiding near a pool. Gurumendi was arrested nearby after he offered a witness $10 not to call the police, she said.

Jose Gurumendi is handcuffed and taken into custody by Chicago police officers Nov. 28, 2016, near 69th Street and Kenneth Avenue after suspects fired at police, He was charged later with attempted first-degree murder. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

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Both are charged with two counts each of attempted first-degree murder. Judge Laura Sullivan ordered them each held on $400,000 bail.

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Two others who bailed from the car were arrested but have not been charged.

Prosecutors said Guzman, who is on parole for aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated fleeing and eluding police, agreed to sell a .380-caliber handgun, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a revolver to the confidential informant for $1,500.

Guzman had sent a photo of the .380 handgun to the buyer before they agreed to meet on South Kolmar Avenue to complete the sale.

Guzman took the cash and walked away, prosecutors said. Then the shooting began.

sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com

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Chicago police are searching for Jennifer McNair, who was last seen Nov. 30, 2016, in the 5600 block of South King Drive. (Chicago Police Department)

Chicago police are searching for a 39-year-old woman last seen Wednesday in the Washington Park neighborhood on the South Side.

Jennifer McNair was last seen Wednesday in the 5600 block of South King Drive, police said. She was wearing a tan furry hat, a maroon coat, gold cargo pants and black Fila shoes, according to a community alert from the Chicago Police Department.

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She is described as black, 5-foot-8 and about 220 pounds. She has a heart tattoo on her left arm, according to the alert.

Anyone with information about McNair's whereabouts is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Alonzo Redditt shot his sister's boyfriend to death a year ago because he believed the boyfriend had beaten her up, prosecutors said Thursday as murder charges were filed.



Redditt, 21, is accused of fatally shooting 23-year-old Lamont Alexander in the 4100 block of West 21st Street in Lawndale on the afternoon of Dec. 4, 2015, according to prosecutors.



Redditt had taken a phone call earlier that day and learned that Alexander had beaten up his sister, Assistant State's Attorney Holly Grosshans said. He found him on the street and they started to fight, she said.



Another person grabbed Alexander from behind and pulled him away, but Redditt took out a handgun and hit Alexander in the face three times before fatally shooting him in the head, Grosshans said.



After the gun fired, the magazine fell out and Redditt picked it up, ran off and was picked up in a car about a block away, Grosshans said. The person who tried to pull Alexander away stayed on the scene and talked to responding police officers about what happened, Grosshans said.



Alexander was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy found he died of a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.



Redditt was charged this week with murder was ordered held on $350,000 bail. Officials did not explain why it took a year to file charges.
SPRINGFIELD  Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of a bill that would have eased Chicago Public Schools' massive pension burden threatened to blow a $215 million hole into a budget that has been criticized by bankers and civic groups for its reliance on uncertain state assistance.

Rauner said he vetoed the bill because it was not tied to broader pension reforms that he has demanded, and Democratic Senate President John Cullerton denied assurances on pension reform were part of the CPS deal.

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CPS has assumed in this year's budget it would get the money and offered no immediate plan to cover the gap left by the governor's veto. The district's top education official said the action could put the city's schools in a "horrible position."

Cullerton warned the move could lead to layoffs for thousands of teachers and employees, while Mayor Rahm Emanuel called the veto "reckless and irresponsible."

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The Democratic-controlled Senate voted to override Rauner's veto amid a flurry of finger-pointing between Rauner's Republicans and the Democrats. The override's prospects in the House, which adjourned for the holidays without taking up the issue, were far from certain.

House lawmakers have 15 days to take up the override, but the body is not scheduled to return to Springfield until Jan. 9  two days before new lawmakers are sworn into office. Lawmakers could return before then, though it's often difficult to round up people during the holiday season. Even then, it likely would take all 71 House Democrats to overturn Rauner unless a few Republicans buck the governor.

Rauner's veto announcement came less than an hour after a closed-door meeting between the governor and legislative leaders. After the meeting, Cullerton urged Rauner to sign the CPS bill, saying there was general consensus on how to move forward on a broader pension overhaul, even as he denied the CPS pension bill approval was tied to a larger pension fix.

Lawmakers approved the CPS bill at the end of June, but Cullerton did not send the measure to Rauner until last month. The delay was intended to provide time to reach a deal on a larger pension measure, but that was never achieved.

"If he wants to tie it to something else like pension reform, that's something I am supportive of. We haven't talked about putting the two things together at this point in time," Cullerton said.

Rauner said Democrats went back on a deal that tied the measure to broader changes to the state's highly indebted employee retirement system.

In his veto message to lawmakers Thursday, Rauner said the agreement reached last summer was clear and Republicans supported the bailout for CPS only "on condition that Democrats re-engage in serious, good-faith negotiations." Rauner also made reference to the Senate president's remarks.

"Then today, President Cullerton suddenly denied that the leaders had agreed that this bill would depend upon first enacting comprehensive pension reform. Breaking our agreement undermines our effort to end the budget impasse and enact reforms with bipartisan support," Rauner said.

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"The taxpayers of Illinois do not want just another bailout."

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, a frequent critic of the governor, said she wasn't surprised by the veto.

"He was never going to give us any money," Lewis said. "He just lied about it. He's a liar, he always has been.  He's trying to starve CPS, that's his goal."

CPS CEO Forrest Claypool, who regularly has voiced confidence that Springfield would come through with the money, said the district would try to fight Rauner's decision and accused the governor of backing away from prior commitments.

"In this instance, in just a fit of pique and anger and recklessness, the governor has decided to hold 400,000 schoolchildren hostage to his political agenda, one that has nothing to do with the education of schoolchildren," Claypool said at an afternoon news conference.

Claypool would not say how Chicago's cash-strapped schools might fill a $215 million hole in its budget.

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CPS faced a similar situation last year. Officials banked on $480 million in state assistance that never arrived and resorted to cutting millions from school budgets in the midst of the school year to help close the gap.

"We always work on contingency plans and potential emergencies throughout the year," Claypool said. "But I'm telling you our strategies now are to fight, and we'll fight on multiple fronts. We're first going to fight through the political process, and if necessary we'll be in the courts."

Rauner's veto landed days before the city's school board is expected to reconsider an annual budget that now exceeds $5.5 billion. The district had to redraw its budget to make room for tens of millions of dollars in new expenses linked to the contract deal reached in October with the CTU.

That budget already relies on property tax increases that include a measure to raise $250 million for teacher pensions. That measure was approved by the General Assembly in June as part of the package that also held the promise of $215 million more for pensions.

The district has counted on state help as its credit rating has sunk well into junk status, a designation that makes borrowing more expensive. Having already exhausted its reserves to cover past deficits, CPS has cash-flow problems and has had to borrow future property tax money it expects to collect to cover the year's operating expenses.

The $215 million was crucial to balancing the budget and helping the district make another massive pension payment this summer. If there's "no opportunity or no way to secure the $215 million, we have to come up with another plan," CPS Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson said.

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"It really puts the district in a horrible position. But I have to have faith that we've made a public commitment, a public promise. And to renege on that is something that really puts the district in a horrible place," Jackson said.

Uncertain prospects for the money's arrival amid a long-running state budget stalemate had prompted skepticism from bond analysts who watch the district's junk-level credit ratings and a widely known city budget watchdog.

The Civic Federation earlier this year said it could not support the CPS budget because of its reliance on state money that might not arrive and a large amount of borrowing.

"Because the district provides no plan of recourse should the funding fail to materialize other than noting that there would need to be midyear cuts, the (fiscal year) 2017 budget is in effect unbalanced," the group said in August.

Last month, Fitch Ratings analysts said the $215 million bet "represents a fairly large budgetary vulnerability" because Rauner had said his support for the money was contingent on a comprehensive pension reform plan.

According to the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund, CPS must pay a remaining balance of $730 million by June 30.

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The sheer size of that debt is partly the result of a long-term practice of not putting in enough money or skipping payments, including an entire decade when CPS made no pension contributions under then-Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Because of that underfunding, combined with recessions that battered the pension fund's investments, the district now must pay hundreds of millions of dollars more each year, as required under a plan to reach a state-mandated funding level of 90 percent by 2059.

"Obviously we're concerned about anything that affects CPS finances, not only for the fund but also for the potential impact it has on children," pension fund director Charles Burbridge said Thursday.

"Should this fail, it really goes back to CPS and what decisions they make because the funding requirement is unchanged."

mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com

jjperez@chicagotribune.com
Update: The Illinois House voted 91-16 to approve the pension bill on Thursday. The measure now heads to the Senate.

Top City Hall aides on Wednesday were trying to round up votes at the Capitol to secure lawmakers' approval of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan to shore up two city worker pension funds.

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The goal is to avert a financial meltdown of retirement plans for municipal workers and laborers. The funds are a combined $21 billion short of what's needed to pay out future benefits and could go broke in a decade or so without a fix.

City taxpayers already are on the hook for previously approved tax increases on water and phone bills, but Emanuel needs Springfield to sign off on a measure that would require new city hires to pay more toward their retirements.

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Much of the effort Wednesday was aimed at getting pension fund trustees and union leaders to accept a city proposal to increase pension fund contributions for newly hired employees to 11.5 percent from 8.5 percent. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has balked at that proposal, saying it could result in the value of what employees pay into the fund being greater than what they got back upon retirement.

In the end, Chief Financial Officer Carole Brown, Budget Director Alexandra Holt and senior adviser Michael Rendina worked out a deal with AFSCME leaders that could reduce the employee contributions if an independent number cruncher, agreed to by both sides, determined lower contributions would be adequate to meet the city's long-term goals for pension funding. That assessment would be made each year, starting in 2018.

Earlier potential roadblocks were cleared Tuesday. Emanuel aides agreed to drop a provision that would have put one more mayoral appointee on the board of trustees for the Municipal Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund and nixed another that would have put city bondholders before the pension funds for city payouts if the city ended up in financial straits.

So now it becomes a matter of Emanuel being able to round up enough votes before lawmakers go home for the year on Thursday. With no AFSCME opposition, Democrats could be expected to vote for the bill. But a handful of lawmakers were absent Wednesday, and the bill requires a three-fifths vote for approval, meaning some Republicans would have to be persuaded to help the Democratic mayor of Chicago.

Even then, it's not clear whether Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner would sign the bill into law. Rauner wants a broader pension reform deal, an issue that is caught up in the record budget impasse with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan.

To cover increased city taxpayer contributions, the City Council this year approved a new tax on city water and sewer bills that will top 30 percent after four years and raise about $239 million annually. In mid-2014, the council increased the monthly emergency services fee on all landline and cellphones to $3.90 from $2.50 billed to city addresses, which freed up about $40 million a year now being directed to the smaller laborers fund.

Under the bill, employees hired from 2011 to 2016 could opt to pay more into the pension fund. In exchange, they could retire at 65 instead of 67. The plan would not affect workers hired by the city before 2011 or those who have already retired. Those groups receive higher retirement benefits under state law.

Emanuel's plan also would require aldermen elected after it goes into effect to work just as long as all other city workers before getting full pension benefits. Current aldermen are able to reach full benefits in just 20 years, instead of the 30 required of city workers.

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hdardick@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @ReporterHal
SPRINGFIELD  As lawmakers prepare to wrap up the fall session, Exelon and ComEd on Wednesday announced an agreement with Gov. Bruce Rauner to raise rates on consumers to help two struggling nuclear power plants.

The last-minute attempt to resolve the long-festering electricity issue came on a day the Republican governor and Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan continued to try to position the other guy to take the blame over the lack of a state budget.

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All of which sets up the prospect of lawmakers going home for the year on Thursday after voting to bail out the power companies but failing to approve a state budget. A temporary spending plan to keep universities and social service programs afloat is set to expire come January.

While Exelon and subsidiary ComEd issued a news release that profusely thanked Rauner for his office's "input" on the "historic energy bill," no floor votes were taken Wednesday. Democrats want assurances that Republicans will put up some votes to pass the bill, which would raise rates to prevent the closure of plants in Downstate Clinton and the Quad Cities.

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As often happens at the Capitol, lawmakers likely will be asked to approve a complex, lengthy regulatory bill without much time to digest the fine print. A final version wasn't expected to surface until Thursday.

Exelon says the agreement would limit rate increases to 25 cents a month for ComEd residential customers. It also would limit increases on commercial customers to a 1.3 percent increase over 2015 rates, though officials noted actual bills will fluctuate from month to month.

Opponents said the rate caps weren't strong enough. A coalition of businesses and government groups against the bill questioned the utility's math, estimating the average consumer bill will spike by more than $4 a month.

Dave Lundy, spokesman for Better Energy Solutions for Tomorrow, said the utility was using a complex formula to get to the 25-cent average by assuming customers will see future savings after it puts in place various energy efficiency programs, which consumers will be required to foot the bill for up front.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office said late Wednesday that it needed more time to review the bill before taking a position, noting the fast pace at which the legislation was evolving.

"While we are encouraged that there are rate caps, we also know from hard experience that the devil is in the details," said Susan Satter, assistant attorney general in the Public Utilities Bureau. "This is a wildly complicated effort and we just simply have not had the time to understand how it will work or even if it is workable in it's current form."

Rauner's office would not comment publicly late Wednesday, but aides indicated on background that the governor will sign the bill if it passes.

The quick movement speaks to the big influence of the power companies in the Capitol. Exelon and ComEd gave more than $1.2 million to state campaigns since the beginning of 2015, and an army of lobbyists were hired to fight for, or against, the proposal.

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What has emerged is a stripped-down version of a sweeping measure that at one time also included subsidies for Downstate coal plants. That was abandoned, along with a controversial provision that would have changed how customers are charged for their monthly energy use. That plan would have allowed billing based on an average of a customer's top 30 minutes of usage on weekdays.

Under the still-developing legislation, the utilities would collect about $235 million annually from customers for the nuclear power plant subsidy, instead of the $285 million called for in the previous versions of the legislation. The adjustment would allow ComEd to spend about $400 million annually on energy efficiency, down from the original $500 million. The company says it currently spends about $240 million a year.

The energy legislation appeared to be the one area ripe for agreement between Rauner-led Republicans and Democrats who control the General Assembly. Rauner doesn't want to be blamed for the loss of jobs associated with the plants closing, while Democrats want to appease unions who support the legislation.

Meanwhile, both sides continued to dig in on a state budget. Another meeting between Rauner and legislative leaders failed to produce any progress toward a resolution.

Madigan emerged from the hour-and-a-half-long session to repeat his stance that a budget deal could be reached only if Rauner followed the "framework" for other emergency spending measures. That's Madigan's way of saying he won't consider the economic agenda items Rauner has made a condition of a larger budget deal.

Instead, Democrats pushed for a re-examination of the state's financial footing given recent changes that have made fixing the state's money problems more difficult, including a decision by the Illinois Teachers' Retirement System to lower assumed stock market returns. That leaves the state on the hook for an additional $400 million to $500 million a year, while a recent change to the Illinois Constitution approved by voters would prevent the state from being able to dip into money earmarked for transportation to fill budget holes.

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While both sides have long said a combination of tax increases and budget cuts will be needed to help balance the books, Madigan tried to flip the script Wednesday. The long-serving speaker suggested the first-term governor's push for a deal in the coming weeks is an effort to muscle though a tax increase during the lame-duck session  the couple of weeks in January when lawmakers who did not win re-election could take tough votes on their way out the door.

Madigan twice referred to the "Rauner lame-duck tax increase" before allowing a House vote on a symbolic resolution that declares the chamber is opposed to any lame-duck tax increase that might pop up.

The measure was sponsored by Rep. David McSweeney, a Republican from Barrington Hills who has staunchly opposed tax increases. Similar legislation that would overhaul the Illinois Constitution to permanently bar such lame-duck tax increases could come up for a House vote Thursday.

Madigan voted against the anti-tax resolution, but calling the measure for a vote allowed him to provide some political cover for Democrats who already are being targeted by Republicans in 2018. Among them was Rep. Jerry Costello, of Smithton, near St. Louis, who voted in favor.

Republicans were quick to note that it was Democrats who pushed through a 67 percent increase in the income tax rate in 2011. Portions of that increase expired in 2015, a rollback Rauner supported during his bid for office.

"What is going on in the House today is more political theater, it's not substantive," House Republican leader Jim Durkin said.

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Rauner has said he is open to raising taxes, but only if Democrats approve his economic wish list as part of a comprehensive budget agreement. But facing continued resistance from Democrats, Rauner raised the possibility that he could agree to another stopgap bill but only if Democrats agree to term limits and a property tax freeze.

Madigan, who was first elected in 1970, argues term limits already exist in the form of elections.

mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @moniquegarcia
Illinois' major public-employee union has filed a lawsuit to stop Gov. Bruce Rauner from imposing contract terms because negotiations have been declared hopelessly deadlocked.

SPRINGFIELD  The action is likely only temporary, however.

The state council of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees went to labor-friendly St. Clair County on Wednesday to ask a judge to bar Republican Rauner from taking action to implement the contract.

A state labor board ruled last month that talks are officially at impasse. That means the governor can impose whatever contract conditions he chooses. The union can accept or strike.

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But the complaint argues impasse isn't official until issued in writing, which hasn't happened.

Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly says AFSCME should cooperate with Rauner on his proposals. AFSCME objects to them.

Associated Press
BOGOTA, Colombia  After five decades of war, more than four years of negotiations and two signing ceremonies, Colombia's congress late Wednesday formally ratified a peace agreement allowing leftist rebels to enter politics.



The 310-page revised accord was approved unanimously by the lower house, which voted a day after the Senate approved the same text 75-0 following a protest walkout by the opposition led by former President Alvaro Uribe.



The accord introduces some 50 changes intended to assuage critics who led a campaign that saw Colombians narrowly reject the original accord in a referendum last month. Revisions range from a prohibition on foreign magistrates judging alleged crimes by government troops or by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia to a commitment from the rebels to forfeit assets, some amassed through drug trafficking, to help compensate their victims.



But the FARC wouldn't go along with the opposition's strongest demands  jail sentences for rebel leaders behind atrocities and stricter limits on their future participation in politics.



"There needs to be a balance between peace and justice, but in this agreement there's complete impunity," Uribe, now a senator, said during Tuesday's heated debate. Other senators accused him of standing in the way of a peace deal that he pursued with the FARC as president in 2002-10.



President Juan Manuel Santos said ratification will set in motion the start of a six-month process in which the FARC's 8,000-plus guerrillas will concentrate in some 20 rural areas and turn over their weapons to United Nations monitors.



"Tomorrow a new era begins," Santos said Wednesday, celebrating the Senate's endorsement and the expected approval by the lower house.



But the rebels insist that their troops won't start demobilizing until lawmakers pass an amnesty law freeing some 2,000 rebels in jail.



"D-Day starts after the first actions are implemented," the rebel leader "Pastor Alape," a member of the FARC's 10-member secretariat, told foreign journalists last week after the new accord was signed. "The president unfortunately has been demonstrating an attitude that creates confusion in the country."



The debate over amnesty highlights one of the peace deal's early challenges: the need for congress to pass legislation implementing the accord and setting up special peace tribunals.



Santos was initially counting on swift approval of the needed changes that in some cases require constitutional amendments. But the referendum loss has left the status of his fast-track authority in doubt, awaiting a ruling by the constitutional court. Experts say a solid pro-peace coalition could crumble if implementation drags on and butts against the political maneuvering for the 2018 presidential election.



Beyond the legal hurdles, there is also concern FARC fighters will wind up joining criminal gangs rampant throughout the country or the much-smaller rebel National Liberation Army, which for months has been playing cat and mouse with the government over opening a peace process of its own. On Wednesday, both sides said they would delay until January any decision about when to start talks.



Combating security threats will test the state's ability to make its presence felt in traditionally neglected rural areas at a time of financial stress triggered by low oil prices.



There is also a risk that peace could trigger more bloodshed, as it did following a previous peace process with the FARC in the 1980s. At that time, thousands of former guerrillas, labor activists and communist militants were killed by right-wing militias, sometimes in collaboration with state agents.



Worries about new bloodshed, although less prevalent than in the darker days of Colombia's half-century conflict, has become more urgent with more than a dozen human rights defenders and land activists in areas dominated by the FARC being killed by unknown assailants since the initial signing ceremony in September. So far this year, 70 have been killed, according to Bogota-based We Are Defenders, more than in all of 2015 and 2014.

Associated Press




Heavily Democratic Durham County must recount more than 94,000 votes in the still-undecided governor's race, North Carolina elections officials ordered on Wednesday, further delaying declaring a winner three weeks after Election Day.



The Republican-led statewide elections board voted 3-2 along party lines in favor of a Republican bid to recount the early ballots cast before Nov. 8. Durham County election officials didn't know definitively whether the recount effort will take hours or days.



Tom Stark, a Durham County voter and chief lawyer for the state Republican Party, raised questions about the tally of early votes cast in the county and added to the statewide totals late that night. The late return of Durham votes turned a lead for incumbent Republican Pat McCrory into a narrow deficit to Democrat Roy Cooper.



Cooper has since built his lead to more than 10,000. Four of the state's 100 counties haven't yet completed vote totals. McCrory could demand a recount if the final margin falls below 10,000 votes.



Kevin Hamilton, an attorney representing Cooper and the state Democratic Party, declined comment when asked whether the recount ruling would be appealed in court. Cooper's campaign later issued a statement saying his victory would stand up to the recount.



The surprise reversal on the election night tally was reason enough to order the recount and satisfy the public the close election has a clear winner, elections board member Jim Baker said.



"One candidate was up by 50,000 votes and in the blink of an eye he was behind," he said. "There was enough of an irregularity to make people wonder."



Stark argued testimony of technical shortcomings that forced a hand-count on election night cast doubts about whether McCrory lost in a state where Donald Trump won the presidential election and Republicans saw gains in other statewide races.



"I think there is always a possibility you could make a mistake, or worse," Stark said. "We have a reasonable suspicion."



But Hamilton argued a losing candidate's suspicions aren't sufficient to trigger the recount. Instead, state law requires substantial evidence of irregularity or misdeeds that cast doubt on an election's result, Hamilton said.



"Sometimes people are surprised and disappointed by the results of elections. But that isn't a reason to ignore the law," Hamilton said. "That's just wrong."



McCrory told The Associated Press on Wednesday in Greenville that if a hand recount of the Durham County votes was granted, he would withdraw a request for a statewide recount.



"As I stated on election night, we're in possibly the closest governor's election in state history, and I'm going to respect the process and respect the results. I expect others to do the same thing," McCrory said.



There is a pending lawsuit filed by the head of a conservative-leaning group demanding the state board not be allowed to finalize results until the addresses of all voters who cast ballots through same-day registration are verified. But the number of outstanding ballots likely isn't enough to change the outcome. Other county protests challenging the eligibility of other early voters essentially were set aside by the state elections board Monday.

Associated Press
In this photo from Nov, 29, 2016, the Soyuz-FG rocket booster with the Progress MS-04 cargo ship is installed on a launch pad in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The unmanned Russian cargo space ship Progress MS-04 broke up in the atmosphere over Siberia on Dec. 1, 2016, just minutes after the launch en route to the International Space Station due to an unspecified malfunction, the Russian space agency said. (Oleg Urusov / AP)

MOSCOW  An unmanned Russian cargo spaceship heading to the International Space Station broke up in the atmosphere over Siberia on Thursday due to an unspecified malfunction, the Russian space agency said.

The Progress MS-04 cargo craft broke up at an altitude of 190 kilometers (118 miles) over the remote Russian Tuva region in Siberia that borders Mongolia, Roscosmos said in a statement. It said most of space ship's debris burnt up as it entered the atmosphere but some fell to Earth over what it called an uninhabited area.

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Local people reported seeing a flash of light and hearing a loud thud west of the regional capital of Kyzyl, more than 3,600 kilometers (2,200 miles) east of Moscow, the Tuva government was quoted as saying late Thursday by the Interfax news agency.

The Progress cargo ship had lifted off as scheduled at 8:51 p.m. (1451 GMT) from Russia's space launch complex in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, to deliver 2.5 metric tons of fuel, water, food and other supplies. It was set to dock with the space station on Saturday.

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Roscosmos said the craft was operating normally before it stopped transmitting data 383 seconds after the launch. The Russian space agency would not immediately describe the malfunction, saying its experts were looking into it.

This is the third botched launch of a Russian spacecraft in two years. A Progress cargo ship plunged into the Pacific Ocean in May 2015, and a Proton-M rocket carrying an advanced satellite broke up in the atmosphere in May 2014.

But both Roscosmos and NASA said the crash of the ship would have no impact on the operations of the orbiting space lab that is currently home to a six-member crew, including three cosmonauts from Russia, two NASA astronauts and one from the European Union.

Orbital ATK, NASA's other shipper, successfully sent up supplies to the space station in October, and a Japanese cargo space ship is scheduled to launch a full load in mid-December.

NASA supplier SpaceX, meanwhile, has been grounded since a rocket explosion in September on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The company hopes to resume launches in December to deliver communication satellites.

Associated Press
2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, left, and former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani are among four finalists for secretary of state. (AP)

President-elect Donald Trump's drama-ridden selection process for secretary of state has narrowed to four finalists, including 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, Trump aides said Wednesday.

It was the first time that Trump's transition team has publicly confirmed that Romney and Giuliani are competing for the highest ranking Cabinet position. Opponents of Romney have waged a remarkably public fight against him, saying the former Massachusetts governor should not get the nod because he attacked Trump in harsh personal terms during the presidential campaign and that Giuliani should be rewarded for his loyalty during the campaign.

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Transition team officials would not name the other two finalists, but other leading candidates include retired Army Gen. David Petraeus - a former commanding general of the U.S. Central Command and CIA director - and Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

A fifth possible candidate is retired Marine Gen. John F. Kelly, former chief of U.S. Southern Command. Kelly, who clashed with the Obama administration over women serving in combat and plans to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, is also a candidate for homeland security secretary and possibly other positions, people familiar with the selection process have said. Kelly is scheduled to meet with the president-elect today at Trump Tower.

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Trump aides said there is no set timetable for making a final selection on the State Department and that the president-elect's decision will likely not be announced this week. Trump met with Romney Tuesday night for a two-hour dinner at which the two men were seen laughing and munching on frog legs and other delicacies.

Afterward, Romney emerged and told reporters: "I had a wonderful evening with President-elect Trump," That stood in stark contrast to the campaign, during which Romney had been one of Trump's leading detractors, labeling him a "con man," a "fake" and a "phony" who was unprepared for the presidency.

Jason Miller, a senior Trump communications adviser, said Wednesday that Trump also "thought the dinner went very well" and that the two men had "good chemistry.'' He added that Trump and Romney "have not spent a significant amount of time together, so this is still the process of getting to know each other.''

The naming of finalists for the State Department post came as Trump appeared to be focusing on core economic issues in his emerging Cabinet, while he prepared to put aside his sprawling businesses.

Trump officially announced key members of his economic team, choosing former banker and Hollywood financier Steven Mnuchin as treasury secretary and billionaire industrialist Wilbur Ross to run the Commerce Department. As Ross's deputy, Trump turned to Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Rickets, whose family are powerful conservative donors.

"This team will be instrumental in implementing the President-elect's America First economic plan that will create more than 25 million jobs over the next decade,'' Trump's transition team said in statement.

House speaker Paul D. Ryan, who often clashed with Trump during the campaign but has been strongly supportive of the president-elect since his victory, praised his choices. "I am excited to get to work with this strong team to fix our broken tax code, ease the regulatory burden on American businesses, and grow our economy,'' Ryan, R-Wis., said in a statement.

Amid the economic focus, Trump's advisers continued promoting his role in a deal with air-conditioning manufacturer Carrier, which has announced it would reverse plans to move one of its factories from Indiana to Mexico. The company, owned by United Technologies, said about 1,000 U.S. jobs would be preserved. Trump's promise to keep jobs in the United States and rebuild American manufacturing was a core part of his insurgent campaign.

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"The Carrier deal, I think it's terrific,'' Mnuchin told reporters as he walked into Manhattan's Trump Tower Wednesday morning to meet with his future boss. He said Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence had "picked up the phone and called the CEO of the United Technologies and told them we want to keep jobs here. Can't remember the last time a president did that.''

Trump and Pence will travel to Indianapolis on Thursday afternoon for the Carrier announcement, transition aides said Wednesday during a telephone briefing with reporters.

Details of the deal remained unclear, including the extent of Trump's personal involvement versus Pence or other officials, and whether any incentives were offered to keep the jobs in the state, where Pence is the governor.

Also uncertain were the specifics of how Trump, a longtime real estate developer with interests around the globe, planned to step away from overseeing his business. Trump tweeted Wednesday morning that he would soon leave the conglomerate.

"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 great business in total in order to fully focus on running the country in order to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump wrote on Twitter, which has remained his favorite communication medium during the transition.

The announcement, seen as a response to increasingly voiced concerns about the potential conflicts of interest between Trump's public and private roles, marks a turn from his months-long refusal to distance himself from his private affairs while holding the nation's highest public office.

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Trump's comments did little to convince critics such as Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin, D-Md., who along with 23 colleagues introduced a resolution Tuesday calling on Trump to follow the precedents set by past presidents and hold his assets in a form guaranteeing no conflicts, such as a "blind trust.''

"I was encouraged to see the President-elect's initial response but the devil is in the details, which Mr. Trump was short on in his tweets,'' Cardin said. "The fact that his announcement will be done with his children at his side leaves many questions as to whether he and his lawyers understand the meaning of a blind trust.''

Trump did not say if the new arrangement would include a full sale of his stake or, as he has offered before, a ceding of company management to his children, which ethics advisers have said would not resolve worries that the business could still influence his decisions in the Oval Office.

Presidents are not bound by the strict conflict-of-interest laws governing most U.S. elected officials. But most modern presidents have agreed to sell or sequester their assets in a "blind trust," led by an independent manager with supreme control, in order to keep past business deals, investments and relationships from influencing their White House term.

Giving company management to his three eldest children - Donald Jr., Eric and Ivanka - would still leave open the potential for Trump to make presidential decisions for their benefit. The children have already played a key part in Trump's governing preparations, serving on the transition team now selecting key appointees and sitting in on meetings with foreign heads of state.

Transition aides declined to provide details of Trump's plans for his business during Wednesday's briefing, saying the president-elect will provide them at his Dec. 15 news conference.

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With Mnuchin, Ross and Ricketts, Trump's Cabinet nominations reward their loyalty and roles in his campaign. Both Mnuchin and Ross were financial contributors and advisers, while Ricketts's father financed a pro-Trump super PAC.

Mnuchin, an investor and former Goldman Sachs executive who joined Trump's campaign in May as finance chairman, has no government experience. But in his statement announcing Mnuchin's nomination, which is subject to Senate confirmation, Trump hailed the former private equity fund head as "a world-class financier, banker and businessman,'' who has "played a key role in developing our plan to build a dynamic, booming economy that will create millions of jobs.''

Ross is an investor known as the "king of bankruptcy" for buying beaten-down companies with the potential to deliver profits. He helped shape the Trump campaign's economic agenda, particularly its hard-line stance on the need to renegotiate or withdraw from free trade agreements. That position resonated with the working class voters who were instrumental in delivering Trump's upset victory.

Trump said that Ross, whose nomination is also subject to Senate confirmation, "is a champion of American manufacturing and knows how to help companies succeed. Most importantly, he is one of the greatest negotiators I have ever met.''

The two expressed confidence in the incoming administration's ability to boost economic growth as high as 4 percent a year.

Crucial to that projection would be passage of Trump's proposed overhaul of the tax code, including streamlining individual tax rates into three brackets and reducing the corporate tax rate to 15 percent. Independent research groups have estimated the plan could cost as much as $6 trillion over the next decade. However, that analysis does not include the potential economic benefits the tax cuts could generate.

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Trump's new team spread out to give a sales pitch on Wednesday for his economic vision. In a joint interview with Ross on CNBC's Squawk Box, Mnuchin said reforming the nation's tax code would be Trump's top priority and promised significant tax breaks for the middle class but no absolute cut for high-income households.

And at Trump Tower, Mnuchin told reporters that the new administration's "number one priority is going to be the economy, get back to three to four percent growth. We believe that's very sustainable.''

Asked how they would achieve Trump's promise to convince U.S. companies to bring back massive amounts of cash they have stockpiled overseas because of what they see as high corporate taxes, Mnuchin said:" Well our first priority is going to be the tax plan and the tax plan has both the corporate aspects to it, lowering corporate taxes so we make U.S. companies the most competitive in the world.''

He added, without elaboration, that Trump will ensure that "we repatriate trillions of dollars back to the United States.''

The Washington Post's Drew Harwell, Ylan Mui and Jim Tankersley contributed to this report.
When Elwood "Woody" Hasemann headed his first International Manufacturing Technology Show in 1982, about 97,000 individuals attended, with 1,000 exhibitors filling 900,000 square feet at McCormick Place and at the O'Hare International Trade and Exposition Center.

More than a dozen shows later, the "boss" of one of the largest industrial trade shows in the world welcomed more than 1,400 exhibitors from 30 nations and filled nearly 1.4 million square feet.

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"It could have been a much larger show, but there just wasn't the space," said his daughter Diane Malone. "It had the ability to grow, but nowhere to go."

In the years that followed, Hasemann became involved in numerous industry organizations and consulted on the expansion of McCormick Place.

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Hasemann was also well-known as a pioneer of trade show events in China, beginning with the first international event held in Shanghai in 1989.

Hasemann, 86, a resident of Rockville, Md., who was vice president of exhibitions for the Association for Manufacturing Technology until 1998, died of renal failure Oct. 31 at Casey House Hospice in Rockville, his family said. He was formerly a resident of Palatine.

"Woody was truly a legend in the trade show world, and as a leader, mentor and gentleman he was unparalleled," said successor Peter Eelman, the association's vice president of exhibitions and business development. "He was a great ambassador for AMT around the world and had a sense of humor that endeared him to everyone."

Born in Barrington, Hasemann was named for the Cubs' All-Star shortstop Elwood "Woody" English. He was a member of the Emil Verban Society, an elite group of Cubs fans living in the Washington, D.C., area that counted former President Ronald Reagan and Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun among its members.

"He was only 8 weeks old when his dad took him to his first ballgame at Wrigley Field," his daughter said.

Hasemann graduated from Barrington High School in 1948 and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in English from Northern Illinois University. He later served as membership secretary and special projects editor for the Associated Equipment Distributors in Oak Brook and as the assistant secretary of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce.

In 1968, he left Palatine and moved to Rockville to join the Virginia-based AMT, when it was still known as the National Machine Tool Builders' Association .

"Mr. Hasemann gave me my first job, during the summer, at NMTBA at the age of 16," said Cherie Thomas Robinette, of Leesburg, Va.

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"He trusted me enough to give me, as a teenager, an opportunity to learn, and he instilled in me a great work ethic while always making it fun," said Robinette, whose mother and aunt also worked for Hasemann. "I don't think I could ever come up with the words of how important he was in giving me a start in life."

In 1982, Hasemann took charge of the International Manufacturing Technology Show while overseeing the entire industrial trade show industry in the U.S. Four years later, the International Manufacturing Technology Show was the first show to use the North Building in McCormick Place.

"It has always been difficult being the first show in a new facility," Hasemann told the Tribune in 1986. "This is the third time this has happened to us in Chicago. We were the first show to use Donnelley Hall, the first to use the enclosed mall area and now we're the first to use McCormick Place North."

There were well-publicized problems ahead of the show, according to the Tribune article. Only one level of the hall was finished, and an incomplete second level forced show management to spend more than $225,000 to construct an auxiliary exhibition hall on the roofed terrace of McCormick Place East.

"We worked very closely with the Convention Bureau and McCormick Place throughout the construction period," Hasemann said. "We dealt with every contingency except pigeons. And, fortunately, the McCormick Place housekeeping staff has helped us deal with that problem too."

In 1996, the International Manufacturing Technology Show was able to use about half of the South Building, though it was still under construction. Two years later, Hasemann stepped down in his role as head of the group.

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At his retirement party from AMT in 2000, a cross-section of more than 200 trade show industry representatives  including labor union and political officials and show exhibitors and contractors  gathered to honor him.

Hasemann was inducted into the Exhibit & Event Marketing Association Hall of Fame in 2005.

"He'd always say, 'Do what you love and you will succeed,'" his daughter said.

Other survivors include his wife of 61 years, Barbara; two sons, Azhar Steven and John; another daughter, Lynn; a sister, Yvonne Russell; and eight grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held this month.

Giangrasse Kates is a freelance reporter.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is introduced with Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association, at the National Rifle Association's NRA-ILA (Institute for Legislative Action) Leadership Forum during the NRA Convention at the Kentucky Exposition Center on May 20, 2016 in Louisville, Ky. (Scott Olson, Getty Images)

You have to respect the ambition of the National Rifle Association. The easy course for the NRA in 2016 was to assume a Hillary Clinton presidency, and to graciously accept the bounty that her election foretold. With Clinton in the White House, the gun industry could count on a Clinton boom piggy-backing on the unprecedented Obama sales boom.

For the NRA, the first woman president represented almost as rich a propaganda bonanza as the first black president. NRA rhetoric had already seamlessly supplanted Obama, previously the greatest threat to human freedom, with Clinton, who NRA leader Wayne LaPierre in May said "attacks our fundamental right to survive and protect ourselves."

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The group had much to gain from a Clinton presidency. With the House in Republican control, there was little Clinton could have realistically achieved on gun regulation. Meanwhile her Supreme Court nominee, like Clinton herself, would have served the NRA well as a readily caricatured super-villain and a spur to both organizing and gun sales.

Instead, the group broke its political spending record to help elect Donald Trump, a man whose positions on gun regulation are as checkered as his business career.

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Why?

The Supreme Court seat, frozen throughout 2016 by unprecedented Republican obstruction, was surely one reason. But gun-regulation groups have not made the court a focus; indeed, they claim to have made peace with the court's 2008 Heller decision recognizing an individual right to arms.

The NRA's winning bet on Trump was in part an assertion of its expanding cultural portfolio, which extends well beyond guns, and in part an acknowledgment that Trump is the organization's most authentic political voice. Trump's speech  conspiratorial, saturated in cultural and racial resentments  is an uncanny echo of NRA leader Wayne LaPierre.

Trump has been likened to Batman's Joker, an "agent of chaos." LaPierre not only beat Trump to the role; he has for years promoted a vision of the U.S. as a dystopian Gotham, a hellscape of broken promises and shattered institutions, overwhelmed from below by violent crime and tyrannized from above by conspiratorial elites.

This LaPierre riff from 2014, a year in which violent crime was near a record low, is perhaps the most resonant sample:

"We know that in the world that surrounds us there are terrorists, home invaders, drug cartels, carjackers, 'knockout' gamers, rapers, haters, campus killers, airport killers, shopping mall killers, and killers who scheme to destroy our country with massive storms of violence against our power grids or vicious waves of chemicals or disease that could collapse as a society that sustains us all.

The chaos is uncontrollable. The institutions tasked with protecting us are either broken, like democracy itself, or corrupted by the shady globalist elites who prey on virtuous everyday Americans.

"Do you trust this government really to protect you and your family?" LaPierre asked NRA convention-goers in 2014. The question was purely rhetorical. "We're on our own," LaPierre assured them.

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Like LaPierre, Trump thrives on chaos, real or perceived. During his campaign, he falsely, repeatedly recast the nation's historically low rate of violent crime as an existential crisis.

"You won't hear this from the media: We have the highest murder rate in this country in 45 years. You don't hear that from these people. They don't want to talk about it."

The combination lie  the murder rate is at a 45-year high and the corrupt elites in the news media won't report it  is an homage to LaPierre's artistry. So was Trump's casual claim that violence in black neighborhoods is so vicious, random and pervasive that when you walk down the street, you get shot. "That's what's happening now," Trump said in August.

In a video heralding Trump's victory  like Trump, LaPierre avoids news conferences where his assertions might be challenged  LaPierre cast the election as a triumph of "the everyday American who stormed the polls in an act of ultimate defiance of the elites."

Hatred of elites, and destruction of the news media's power to validate facts, are as central to NRA dogma as they are to Trump's.

"In the wake of this historic event, the same group of disgraced so-called experts, talking heads, pundits and pollsters that got everything wrong before the election are trying to deceive you once again," LaPierre states in the video. "The disgraceful media attempted to manipulate your emotions. They tried to suppress your enthusiasm, your speech, your vote."

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Before Trump recognized that a famous philanderer could dominate the votes of white Christian conservatives, the NRA recognized white Christians as a key constituency of gun culture, devoting a 2015 video to the depredations of the "Godless Left."

In his new video, LaPierre casts the "openly dishonest media" as an enemy of the people "that truly hates your right to speak, your right to worship and your right to vote." The professional exemplars of the First Amendment, in other words, are destroying it from within.

Perhaps LaPierre, and Trump, will get there first. "In the face of the bitter hatred and elitist condemnation," LaPierre said, "this is our historic moment, to go on offense and defeat the forces that have aligned against our freedom once and for all."

There will be no magnanimity in victory. The NRA's goal is not simply to expand gun rights, which are nearly unfettered already, but to justify the destruction of its enemies. The group is not engaged in a war on urban crime. Like Trump, it fetishizes urban crime, the better to justify a radical reaction.

The war the NRA is fighting is Trump's war against cosmopolitan culture.

The group's top legislative priority is nationwide right-to-carry reciprocity, which would enable gun owners with carry permits in any state to carry guns in any other  including states that want nothing to do with such a law. Thus gun owners from Florida and Texas could enter Manhattan, San Francisco and other dens of cultural opposition and literally and figuratively impose their rule.

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The NRA has been on war footing for years, anticipating an apocalyptic battle over the American future. The battle lines  race, region, religion, education  coincide with those of the 2016 election. The NRA could have settled for another perfect foil in the White House in Clinton. Instead, it went for total victory with Trump. Starting in January, the organization will have a loaded gun in the Oval Office.

Bloomberg View

Francis Wilkinson writes editorials on politics and U.S. domestic policy for Bloomberg View.
We have heard many reports in the past year about the spread of the Zika virus and the extreme brain damage it can cause to unborn children, but it can be difficult to understand what that means for families. As a woman who has mothered such a child for the past 53 years, let me share some of the difficulties as well as the joys of parenting a child with microcephaly.

In my son's case, microcephaly was caused by unknown factors in the first trimester of pregnancy. Andy cannot speak, and although we have tried many times, he cannot use any communication devices. He did not walk until he was 10. He has never learned to read or write or to do any math, he has never held a job and he needs 24-hour supervision to keep him safe.

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He knows his name, and he recognizes his home, siblings, parents, friends and staff members at his group home and his day program. He is cooperative with dressing and bathing, feeds himself and is toilet trained.

He is an extremely happy person and he makes a lot of happy noises, even laughing out loud, infectiously at times. He likes music, toys that make noise, therapeutic riding and going anywhere in a car. He definitely likes to hold hands and is a great hugger. He never has an angry day, and his pleasant personality can light up a room. While he doesn't make the usual contributions to society through employment, marriage or volunteering, I consider his presence a gift. Not all people with microcephaly are as impaired as he, but I am speaking from my own experience.

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A different time

At his birth in 1963, the expectations for children such as Andy were very different from today. Those with intellectual and developmental disabilities were warehoused in institutions, usually in rural areas, out of sight and out of mind.

Andy was my third child. At age 2 months, my husband and I took him to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia  we were living in Harrisburg  at the urging of our pediatrician, who was concerned about his head size. A doctor at the hospital identified his condition as microcephaly and predicted that he would never walk or talk. Because I had two older children, he advised institutionalization for Andy and said we should do it quickly, before we got too attached.

It is impossible to communicate our shock at such a plan. We were already attached and rejected the idea immediately. Fortunately, John Kennedy was president, and his sister Rosemary's mental retardation (to use the terminology of the time) led him to several breakthrough policies. After his inauguration, Kennedy created a panel of scientists, doctors and others to develop a plan of action.

In a message to Congress in 1963, using the panel's report as a blueprint, he outlined a new approach to intellectual disabilities. It included programs for maternity care, initiatives to move away from custodial institutions and plans for research centers. Congress passed legislation enacting many of these ideas before the year was out. However it was the emphasis on special education, training and rehabilitation proposed in the report that helped us keep our son at home.

It took another 12 years for the Education for All Handicapped Children Act to establish the right to a public education for children with disabilities. During the period before public facilities were available, some private programs provided at least self-care training for children with disabilities in their communities.

Because I was a stay-at-home mom, I took care of the kids as usual. But things became harder the longer Andy didn't walk.

Although he was small at age 10  he weighed only 55 pounds  he was about 3 feet tall. It was hard to pick him up, and he was too big for a stroller. He became good at scooting on his bottom from room to room. The most difficult part was getting him upstairs to go to bed. He was not toilet-trained then  still in diapers before disposable diapers were widespread.

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Because he had not walked at the normal age, his hip joints didn't function properly and doctors recommended surgery. We were by then living in Maryland and able to proceed with that idea in 1974 because of a new type of institution, funded by Medicaid, which had opened in 1970. The original purpose of Great Oaks, in Prince George's County, was to provide short institutional stays for therapy or training and return children like Andy to the community. The surgery took place, followed by recovery in leg casts for two months at home, then residence at Great Oaks for therapy for six months. The outcome was notable: He walked!

Andy's time in Great Oaks also allowed me to go to graduate school. My older children were in high school and had adjusted pretty well to having such an impaired brother. Following his surgery, Andy attended a private day program in Washington, D.C. Andy's being able to walk meant it was easier for a babysitter to care for him after school. So I continued my studies and eventually got a job. Andy started public school in 1979, at age 16, four years after passage of the legislation giving him that right. He was admitted to Longview School, one of the first schools in Montgomery County with a day program for special education. By that time, both of my older sons were in college and I worked full-time to help defray their educational and other expenses.

Nowhere to go

And then we came upon the abyss. In 1984, at age 21, Andy was no longer eligible for public education, and there were no further public programs for someone with his level of impairment. I didn't want to give up my job, and we were fortunate to find a daily caregiver.

We hoped that new programs would be developed because the climate was changing for many with intellectual disabilities. To settle a landmark lawsuit involving abuse and neglect of children and adults in 1984, Pennsylvania officials had agreed to close the Pennhurst State School and Hospital, which was completed by 1987. This started closures of state institutions around the country. We thought it was just a matter of time before programs would be developed for this population.

In 1988, I needed a hip replacement, so we enlisted Great Oaks to care for Andy again for a few months while I recovered. There were few if any group homes available, and we thought there would be no harm in a short stay. Unfortunately, Great Oaks' original rehabilitation goals had gone by the wayside, replaced by the old institutional model. By that time, Maryland was closing its institutions, and residents of such places as Great Oaks were being given the first chance at the limited placements in group homes. Andy would be transferred to a group home and an accompanying day program when and if he was selected. We concluded that getting into such a program was worth keeping him institutionalized a little longer, so he remained there after I recovered.

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While he was in Great Oaks, I would pick him up on Friday evenings as I came home from work. However, my happy boy cried every time he went back, so my husband was elected to take him back on Sundays. Six months stretched into a year. (The "talkers" and the "well-behaved" residents of Great Oaks were the first to leave the institution.) Finally in 1989, at age 26, Andy was offered a group-home placement with the Arc Montgomery County, a nonprofit parents' organization that we had joined soon after Andy's birth.

In a good place

Since then, he has lived close by, currently with four other men of varying abilities. He has lived with one of his roommates for the full 27 years he has been in a group home. We still pick him up almost every weekend, but, in deference to our age (I am 80, my husband is 83), he comes home Saturday and goes back Sunday. I make sure he toilets regularly, and I grind his food (he has developed a swallowing problem), but otherwise he entertains himself, plays with his toys, walks around the house, watches TV or takes walks with us. He is as happy to go back to his group home as he is to come to our house. As he ages, there are other health and welfare decisions to be made periodically, but for the moment he is in a very good place.

One particularly gratifying event was his attendance at our 50th anniversary party 10 years ago. He had not seen extended family for many years, and I was uncertain how they would react to him. He came with his favorite staff person from his group home. He was greeted warmly by all and he seemed to enjoy every minute of the attention. He particularly liked listening to the band.

It was good to have him participate in a family celebration, something he wasn't always able to do as he was growing up because of the logistics (and attitudes) of the different circumstances, which meant he wasn't always accepted. While the great majority of people with disabilities can be independent, work, get around (with accessible transportation) and enjoy social activities, those who need assistance with self-care or supervision for safety make up only about 4 percent of the country's adult population. About 52 percent are older than 65.

A very small subgroup, which includes Andy, are without the cognitive capacity to direct their lives. We have moved many people with these serious limitations out of institutions, but we haven't necessarily improved all of their lives. Sheltered workshops, which provided stimulating activities for Andy for years, are now being closed. This closing is best for most clients, but for some, like Andy, it means being relegated to day programs mostly populated by the elderly or, if there is no day program available, being placed in a nursing home. While I live, I won't let that happen.

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We have come a long way in treatment of those with disabilities in the 53 years of Andy's life, but with the Zika virus, the number of people with more-severe limitations will be increasing at the earliest ages. It is time to re-examine what President Kennedy started and commit the necessary resources to helping  and including  everyone with limitations. They have a wide range of needs that don't stop when they turn 21.

Washington Post

Barbara Altman, a sociologist, is retired from the National Center for Health Statistics, where she serves as a consultant on disability-statistics issues.
b y Sasha D'souza





KUWAIT, DEC 1, 2016: The three-day long course for catechists entitled 'the Vocation of a Catechist' began in the Northern Arabian Vicariate on November 24.



Father Francisco Pereira, assistant parish priest of Saint Therese Church, Salmiya addressed the gathering at the onset. On the first two days, he focused on the General Directory of a Catechist (GDC) that is also called the Passport of a Catechist. The catechists were assigned homework to answer questions that revolved around catechesis. This assignment had to be submitted at the end of the three days.





On the last day Father Pereira focused on the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and on the important tips of how to use it for effective study of faith and when preparing lesson plans. He explained at length how a catechist can incorporate the CCC in the lesson plan so that the students can be well grounded in faith.







"This course has opened my eyes and made me realise how much more there is to learn about the Church and our faith," Joe Colaco, a Catechist, said. "I feel I was lacking in the knowledge of the ultimate purpose of catechesis which is to learn, celebrate, live and pray and teach others to do the same. I now feel reformed in my Catholic faith."



Another Catechist, Maura Rodrigues, added, "I knew earlier that being a catechist is a vocation, but now, was once again strongly reminded about the same. I thank Father Pereira for constantly making us aware of this truth which we often take for granted."




The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian will host its annual Native Fine Arts Holiday Market Dec. 3 and 4, allowing people to shop for beautifully handcrafted works from artists from around the country.

The event, perfectly timed for the gift-giving season, started in 1993 with a group of local and Wisconsin native artists who, at the time, showed their art at the museum. Over the years, the market has featured artisans from a wide geographic area, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Indiana, as well as Illinois. South Dakota has been represented in past years, and this year visitors can meet artists from as far away as Arizona and New Mexico.

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"It varies, and that's what makes it nice," Kathleen McDonald, executive director of the Mitchell Museum, says of the artisans who come to the market each year. "We have a core group of artists that come regularly, but new artists join each year and make it a fresh event."

Many of the featured artists operate out of their homes.

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"Without a storefront, some of the artists rely on pow wows and events like this to sell their pieces," McDonald says.

The holiday market also gives visitors a chance to meet with artists to learn more about their cultures and how that ties into their work.

This year, a new jewelry designer, Nelson Garcia (Santo Domingo Pueblo), who has shown his work in the Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest market of its kind, will be at the market. Also present among the dozen artists will be Oneida-raised bead workers with their elaborate beaded items, as well as sketch artist/painter Robert Wapahi (Santee Lakota).

Artist demonstrations will allow people to experience how some of the pieces are made and in some cases, visitors will be able to try their hand at creating their own art.

Items for sale will include one-of-a-kind jewelry, bags, keychains, hair accessories, picture frames and a full range of other objects from rattles to cantinas to pottery to dolls.

It's the perfect place to pick up unique and memorable holiday gifts while learning more about these artists and their cultures. In addition, the museum will be open during the event, so visitors are free to stop in to see the exhibits.

AT A GLANCE

What: Annual Native Fine Arts Holiday Market

Where: Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3009 Central St., Evanston

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When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3 and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 4

Admission: Entrance to the holiday market is free, and demonstrations are included with admission. The museum will also be open during the event. Museum admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Spending some time together on Veterans Day in Aurora are Cadet Capt. Joaquin Miranda, from left, U.S. Navy Lt. (Ret.) Lauren Carthen, U.S. Navy veteran Dick Schreul, U.S. Navy Master Chief (Ret.) George Allen Jr. and Cadet Cmdr. Vincent Delao. (Tom Strong)

After perhaps this nation's most divisive campaign and election, the city of Aurora celebrated Veterans Day recently with a reverent but emotionally elevating parade and ceremony.

Many of the veterans and others in attendance agreed that it represented the beginning of the coming together that the USA so desperately needs.

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Assembling in front of the newly renovated GAR building downtown, veterans and citizens of all colors, ages and religions created a scene of unabashed patriotism that could, if we really desire it, begin a necessary healing and feeling of "oneness."

Diversity and allegiance were apparent everywhere. Seeing an older white veteran and a younger black veteran standing at attention and saluting during our national anthem stood out.

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Adding much pomp and circumstance to the ceremony was the East High School NJROTC Corps of Cadets. Observing the students' entry and formation were impressive, but even better was listening to their thoughts and those of their teachers  naval science instructors who are themselves veterans.

"It's not just about Veterans Day, but about the importance of service," said Lt. Lauren Carthen, senior naval science instructor at the school. "Service is every day. Our program celebrates Veterans Day, but we try to teach the importance of service throughout the year."

Master Chief George Allen, beloved and long-time NJROTC instructor, spoke of his own pride as a veteran and pride he feels for the kids.

"The cadets wear a uniform once a week. It's the same one I've been wearing for almost 40 years, and the same one my son wears," he said. "The Navy program tries to make them better people, to become successful and to give honor to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have so many of the things we take for granted.

"The students actually make my Veterans Day what it is, to see them come out here enthusiastically to honor our veterans," he said.

This school year's student leaders typify youngsters capable of leading the way to a hopeful, confident, and shining future for our nation.

"It's so special to see the veterans out here who might not be wearing a uniform," said Cadet Capt. Joaquin Miranda. "They still carry themselves to the highest standard. It has inspired me to want to join the military and become an officer. I hope to attend the U.S. Naval Academy."

Cadet Cmdr. Vincent Delao reflected an attitude that it is now his generation's turn to begin lives of service.

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"I am proud to wear this uniform, and can't thank veterans enough for what they've already done," he said. "I can only keep saying 'thank you' to them. There are so many men and women who have given their lives for us to be safe at home. Whatever age they are, we can only thank them. They have kept America great."

Well known Aurora citizen and Navy veteran Dick Schreul was one of the older vets in attendance, and also spoke to the day's feeling of pride in our nation and the steadfast hope he sees for the coming generations.

"I'm thrilled that East Aurora, from which I graduated in 1950, has the NJROTC program," he said. "They stand out among the other kids when I visit the school. These kids are our future.

"I was on active duty from 1953-55 on the USS Hornet. I see the other service people and we salute each other. At a dinner gathering, I saw three generations of veterans seated together. There were also black, white, and Hispanic veterans with their military caps on, all who served. The service was a big part of my life, and I want to support those who serve today."

Aurora's "Honoring All Who Served" ceremony concluded with a musical salute to the armed forces by the Aurora American Legion Band. As the groups dispersed, the feeling that remained was that, as Americans, what unites us is far greater than what divides us.

Margaret Mead famously wrote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world (or a nation); indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

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Aurora's diverse, respectful, and patriotic Veterans Day celebration made me believe that it can happen.

Tom Strong is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
Stevenson High School junior Amrit Johar picks up leftovers at local bagel shops and repackages them for food pantries. (Brian O'Mahoney / Pioneer Press)

Sitting on a curb outside an Einstein Bros. Bagels shop in Libertyville that closed for the day, Stevenson High School junior Amrit Johar wondered where he would go next to unload a batch of unused bagels.

He had just filled the trunk of his parents' car with leftover bagels from the shop, an exercise he has been doing since earlier this summer when he decided to collect unused bagels from area stores and donate them to various food pantries that serve families in need.

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Organizers with a few of those pantries have commended Johar for his volunteerism but noted how space on their shelves tighten during the holiday season, when donations usually increase and numerous food drives are put together.

Johar still is collecting the same amount of bagels that he collected during the summer. The dilemma now is finding more places to take them, he said.

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"The hardest part is finding people who actually want the bagels because (the pantries) have so much food," Johar said. "These bagels can feed a family. But once fall came, it was a sudden transition."

The concept seemed simple to Johar when he started the project in the summer.

After going through training at the MA Center Chicago in west suburban Elburn on ways to serve others, Johar started noticing how many bagels and other goods bakeries throw away at the end of the day.

Johar, a Vernon Hills resident, decided he would ride around in his parent' car, collect leftover bagels and deliver them directly to area food pantries for free.

But he quickly learned the process was much more complicated than that since bakeries simply don't hand over unused goods to strangers. Before starting the project, he learned about online donation registries, where businesses and charities can verify information about volunteers, and reached out to local bakeries directly.

By August, Johar started delivering the unused bagels after making connections with several bakeries in Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Palatine and a few other locations in Lake County.

He since has averaged about three to four trips to bakeries each week. He spends time at his house repacking the bagels into clear plastic bags and tying each bag by hand.

After approaching St. Francis de Sales Catholic Parish in Lake Zurich about his donation idea, parishioners decided to raise funds and purchase 1,000 bags for Johar to use, said Kathleen Murray, the food pantry director at St. Francis de Sales.

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They were even more appreciative of his effort, she said. After Johar showed he was committed to the idea, the Lake Zurich pantry made sure to reserve space for his bagels, Murray said.

Regarding his recent dilemma, pantries typically see heightened demand in the winter months, she said.

"Everybody wants to give at Christmas," Murray said. "Nobody does it in the summer, and we get everything now."

Nancy Urice, who coordinates the food supply for the Vernon Township Food Pantry near Buffalo Grove, said they were relieved to see a teenager eager and willing to help.

Organizers usually have room to take on extra goods throughout most of the year to serve the 300 people who come into the pantry each month, she said.

But space has diminished recently for Johar's donated bagels.

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"We're getting more and more donations," Urice said. "We do see a major increase at the end of the year."

But Johar said he plans to continue his donation effort beyond the holiday season.

He said he is willing to travel to food pantries throughout Lake County, even as far north as Waukegan, where he recently found a food pantry in need of goods.

"I'm kind of scared for January," he said. "I'm going to have a bigger demand for these bagels."

Even in the busy winter months, the Vernon Township Food Pantry appreciates the months-long donation effort by Johar, Urice said. She usually sees teenagers burn out after only a few trips to the local pantry.

"People do get excited about some particular activity, then life gets in the way and they don't follow up," she said. "It's really exciting when a child sticks with it like he is."

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rwachter@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @RonnieAtPioneer
Des Plaines Police Chief Bill Kushner speaks at a press conference at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines on Dec. 1. (Lee V. Gaines photo / For the Chicago Tribune)

Officials have announced that security will be increased for this year's upcoming annual two-day religious festival at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Des Plaines.

Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to flock to Des Plaines' Maryville Academy campus for an overnight celebration at the outdoor Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe beginning Sunday evening, Dec. 11. The annual event is a celebration of the Feast Day for Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 and draws large crowds in honor of the icon, second only to the pilgrimage at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

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This year's event will feature a 5 a.m. Mass delivered by Cardinal Blase Cupich on Dec. 12, and the Rev. Alberto Rojas, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, will open the celebration with a Mass in Spanish at 6 p.m. Dec 11.

Des Plaines Police Chief William Kushner said during a press conference Thursday that about 300,000 people attended last year's celebration and, depending on the weather, that number could increase this year. The new rector for the shrine, the Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, said last year's event drew the largest crowd in the history of the Des Plaines pilgrimage. In the interest of safety, Sanchez said, security personnel was doubled from last year to about 120 people, a mix of volunteers and hired security staff.

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"Whenever we have large crowds, there is always an opportunity for people, whether that's an opportunity for mischief, or based on the FBI, even terrorism," he said.

The religious holiday is of particular significance to Latino Catholics and commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego in the 16th century. Diego was canonized in 2002 and is the first indigenous person from the Americas to reach Roman Catholic sainthood.

The annual celebration in Des Plaines began more than a quarter-century ago.

Though the event draws a predominantly Latino crowd, Sanchez said "more and more Americans are learning to draw great meaning through this wonderful icon."

Beginning Dec. 11, Kushner said, Central Road will be closed between River Road and the railroad tracks west of the Maryville campus. The thoroughfare will be closed to all vehicular traffic with the exception of buses transporting worshippers between surrounding parking lots and the entrance of the campus. Kushner said a more detailed traffic plan is forthcoming.

Parking will be available on the Oakton Community College's Des Plaines campus, Kushner said. He added that police have been in communication with the college, surrounding residents and nearby police departments regarding plans for the event. He said the safety of pilgrims and residents are "our primary concern."

Worshippers from all over the Midwest are expected to walk, bike and drive to this year's celebration, Sanchez said.

Both Kushner and Sanchez said alcohol consumption will not be allowed on the public way or at the shrine.

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"This has always been a peaceful event," Kushner said.

Lee V. Gaines is a freelance reporter.
Babies whose mothers cannot afford supplies often wear soiled or re-used diapers, according to the nonprofit SWADDLE, the Southwest Area Diaper Depository for Little Ends.

"Diapers are expensive, and not covered by most government assistance for needy families," according to the organization's website, www.swaddlediapers.org.

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To fill what known as "the diaper gap," State Rep. Margo McDermed, R-Mokena, is hosting a diaper drive through Dec. 22. People can drop off packages of diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream at three locations, including the New Lenox Village Hall, 1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox; the Frankfort Township Office, 11000 West U.S. 30, Frankfort; and McDermed's office, 11032 West U.S. 30, Frankfort.

The donations will be distributed to families in need through a Mokena-based organization called Journey, which provides supplies for babies through age 4, according to its website, www.journeyhhub.com.

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"The sizes they are most in need of are newborn, and sizes five and six," said Kathy Hilton, a spokeswoman for McDermed.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Illinois foods stamps. called SNAP, and programs for Women Infants and Children, called WIC, do not pay for diapers, wipes, rash creams or other infants supplies. Disposable diapers can cost up to $150 per month per child.

"Candy may be purchased with food stamps, but diapers are classified with cigarettes, alcohol and pet food as disallowed purchases," according to the SWADDLE site.

Also, day cares operations require enough diapers for a baby each day, which must be disposable, it said. Cloth diapers are not an option for low-income families because most laundromats do not allow diapers in their machines for sanitary reasons.

"Nearly one in three American families struggle to afford enough diapers, which can lead to serious healthy problems for both babies and parents," according to a White House blog post titled "The Diaper Divide" posted earlier this year by Cecliia Munoz, assistant to the president and director of the domestic policy council. "Low-income families in America spend twice as much as some families that have access to bulk-buying options for diapers."

Illinois has 15 diaper banks within the National Diaper Bank Network that distribute over 1 million diapers annually, according to the network. Children under the age of five comprise 13 percent of the state's SNAP recipients, and over 25 percent of WIC recipients are infants, it said.

More information about diaper drives in the Southland is at www.swaddlediapers.org.

Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Canadian National Police facility sits at the corner of 159th Street and West Avenue. (Warren Skalski / Chicago Tribune)

A warrant for first-degree murder was issued Wednesday in the shooting of a security guard in Harvey last Saturday, city spokesman Sean Howard said.

The identity of the man police believe fatally shot 38-year-old Tyrone Hardin was not immediately available. Hardin was working as a contracted security guard for Canadian National Railroad when he was killed.

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Harvey police issued a statement Wednesday, then canceled a press conference scheduled for Wednesday afternoon regarding the warrant.

Earlier reports indicated that the suspect had stolen a woman's car, was chased by Harvey police until the car crashed near a viaduct in the area of 159th Street and Park Avenue.

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The driver got out and ran over the viaduct which led to property belonging to Canadian National. Hardin was working for the Hazel Crest company Gideon's 300 Security Services, Inc., at the railway property, 15800 block of West Avenue, officials said.

Police say the suspect confronted Hardin and shot him.

Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Gloria Tobolski and her horse, Lady, help collect donations for the Salvation Army outside the New Lenox Wal-Mart. (HANDOUT)

A few years ago, members of the Will County Trail Riders were looking for a way to help support a good cause when Bruce Bochenek, the group's president, came across an interesting news item.

A woman on the East Coast, her pony at her side, was ringing a bell next to a Salvation Army red kettle during the holiday season. Bochenek suggested to the Trail Riders, which works to develop and preserve equestrian trails in and around Will County, about doing something similar in this area.

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"If the Salvation Army would go along with it, (group members) agreed," Bochenek, the Trail Riders' president, said. "The Salvation Army told us that nobody had done anything like that before."

On Saturday, for the third year, some of the group's members, along with their horses, will be outside the New Lenox Wal-Mart, 501 E. Lincoln Highway, collecting donations for the Salvation Army.

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Gloria Tobolski and her horse, Lady, help collect donations for the Salvation Army outside the New Lenox Wal-Mart. (HANDOUT)

Bochenek said volunteer bell-ringers will be in front of the store from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Their past appearances have been a hit with families with young children, who want to have their pictures taken alongside the ponies, miniature horses and full-size horses that Trail Riders usually bring for the event, Bochenek said.

A Mokena resident, Bochenek said the group, which has about 110 members, is "very selective" about the horses that are brought out, making sure they interact well with people.

The Trail Riders have collected about $700 each of the last two years they've volunteered, which is about double what the one-day collection amount would be at any of the Salvation Army's other Will County kettle locations, according to Sharon Leigh, volunteer coordinator with the Army's Joliet Corps.

Covering all of Will County, Joliet Corps is part of the Salvation Army's metropolitan Chicago division, and each year there are between 22 and 25 kettle collection sites in Will County, she said.

"We're trying to inspire this to be a Christmas tradition," she said of having the Trail Riders volunteer to ring bells.

Throughout the division, which includes the greater metropolitan area and northwest Indiana, there are donation kettles at 1,300 locations, with 4,800 volunteers ringing bells, according to the Salvation Army. Each year, about $4.4 million is plunked into the red kettles, according to the nonprofit.

The Salvation Army said that the number of volunteers to man the kettles is currently down about 18 percent compared with this time last year, although there is typically an increase as the holidays approach, according to spokesman Chez Ordonez.

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Still, the decrease is worrisome enough that "we are making the plea" for volunteers, he said.

People who want to volunteer to serve a shift as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army can do so at www.registertoring.com to find a location and available shift in their community.

Bochenek said the Trail Riders take part in local parades during the summer and also offer trail rides, and having the horses out in the public as part of the kettle collection drive "is a win-win for everybody."

"People just love these guys," he said of the horses.

The group has been in existence for about 10 years and "we want to make sure there is always a place for horses."

For more information about the group, email wctr@comcast.net.

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mnolan@tribpub.com
Villagers fertilize the field on the day of "Xiaoshu" (Lesser Heat), the 11th of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese Lunar Calendar which means the beginning of hot summer, in Jiazhai Town of Chiping County in Liaocheng, east China's Shandong Province, July 7, 2016. The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed China's "The Twenty-Four Solar Terms" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Yuguo)

The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has adopted a decision that China's "The Twenty-Four Solar Terms" be inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The decision for the Chinese heritage, knowledge in China of time and practices developed through observation of the sun's annual motion, came here on Wednesday during the 11th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

Presenting China's request, Chairperson of the Evaluation Body Yonas Desta said, "The evaluation body is pleased to find that the traditional Chinese calendar which has provably influenced the people's way of thinking and code of conduct continues to be an important carrier of Chinese cultural identity. It continues to provide the time frame for the everyday life and communal events to this date."

During the UNESCO meeting, the representatives of 24 States Parties to UNESCO's Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, had 37 requests to be examined for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Speaking on the occasion, Zhang Ling, an official of Chinese Delegation, expressed delight at the meaningful recognition.

"On behalf of the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China, my delegation would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the community members, evaluation body and the secretariat for your great effort on the examination and inscription of the 24 Solar Terms," she said.

"As a traditional knowledge system of time that enjoys thousands of years of intergenerational transmission, the 24 Solar Terms clearly embodies the concepts of respect for nature, and harmony between man and nature," she added.

This is the third inscribed element submitted by China that falls in the domain of knowledge and practices concerning nature and universe as defined in the 2003 convention, according to her.

"We believe that the inscription of the 24 Solar Terms on the Representative List will not only enhance cultural identity of communities and groups concerned, but also contributes to ensuring visibility and awareness of the significance of the ICH in general," she noted.
Belgium's unique beer culture has been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN agency announced on Wednesday.

"Making and appreciating beer is part of the living heritage of a range of communities throughout Belgium. It plays a role in daily life, as well as festive occasions," UNESCO said in a press release.

Almost 1,500 types of beer are produced in the country using different fermentation methods, while some Trappist communities have also been involved in beer production giving profits to charity, it noted.

UNESCO also praised Belgium's efforts to pass down the traditional skills and knowledge in the beer industry.

"Besides being transmitted in the home and social circles, knowledge and skills are also passed down by master brewers who run classes in breweries, specialised university courses that target those involved in the field and hospitality in general, public training programs for entrepreneurs, and small test breweries for amateur brewers," it said.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel posted the news on his Twitter account, and invited people to "come on to Belgium and taste it."

Meanwhile, culture ministers of Belgium's three linguistic communities (Dutch, French and German) issued a joint statement in celebration of the inscription.

"The recognition by UNESCO is the culmination of the work of countless brewers, beer lovers, beer promoters and beer scholars. This recognition will make the beer culture in Belgium more renowned worldwide," said Isabelle Weykmans, culture minister of the German-speaking community in Belgium.

The beer culture is Belgium's 11th item inscribed on the UNESCO list. The others include the Holy Blood Procession in Bruges, the Carnivals in Binche and Aalst and the "shrimp fishing on horseback" tradition of Oostduinkerke.
A lot has happened since my last blog post more than seven months ago. In the fall I made several trips - in October to Wyoming for the annual meeting of ...

3 years ago
The official drafts of stamps for Dingyou Year, or the Year of the Rooster, are unveiled in Beijing, China, Nov. 30, 2016. China Post on Wednesday officially released the draft of the Lunar New Year special stamp. (Xinhua/Li He)
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Diagram of a full-scale replica of the Titanic [China Daily]

A Chinese shipbuilder started the construction of the world's first full-size replica of the doomed luxury Titanic ocean liner Wednesday in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The new Titanic, which will be permanently docked at a reservoir in Daying County of Sichuan, is a fixed tourist attraction as opposed to a moveable ship, according to Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, based in central China's Hubei Province.

The replica is 269 meters long and 28 meters wide and expected to reproduce facilities of the original Titanic, including a ballroom, theater, swimming pool and premium first class rooms, according to Wang Weiling, deputy general manager of the contractor.

In addition, modifications will be made to improve the tourist experience, such as a WiFi service, Wang said.

The construction is based on the original design of the Titanic and will be assisted by designers and technicians from the United States and Britain.

Parts of the ship body will be manufactured in Hubei and transported to Sichuan for assembly, Wang said.

The project is funded by Sichuan Seven Star Energy Investment Group, with announced investment of 1 billion yuan (145 million U.S. dollars) in the project in 2014

The Titanic sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic, causing the loss of more than 1,500 lives.
One booth at 2016 Guangzhou Tea Expo, Nov. 24, 2016. [Photo by Niu Jingjing / China.org.cn]

A five-day tea event in Guangzhou has offered tea lovers an opportunity to taste almost 800 global brands of tea.

"I visit this tea expo every year, because these companies always bring their best products," said Mrs. Guo, a local who bought a box of Ceylon tea.

As China's major tea-distributing center since ancient times, Guangzhou owns the largest wholesale and consumer tea market in China.

Since 2006, Guangzhou International Tea Expo has been held for 17 times. This year's event, ended on Monday, attracted almost 800 tea traders from more than 20 countries and regions, including Sri Lanka, South Korea and China's Taiwan.

One South Korean exhibitor not only brought their tea products, but also performed a tea ceremony. They also invited visitors to join them and taste their tea.

Jung-Soon Kim, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Tea World Festival said this was the first time the South Koreans have performed like this since they attended the expo four years ago.

"It gives us a great chance to spread South Korean culture and learn from Chinese people at the same time," Kim said.

Visitors sampled different teas at the booths. One company, Primeval Rainforest Tree Tea from Yunnan, set up 34 tea tables. Each had its own teapot, tea and cup, allowing visitors to make their own tea.

"I can make tea depending on my own taste," said a twenty years old visitor at the booth.

Zhu Biyan, the marketing manager of the company, said this was a good way to help young people try new things and find the charm of tea.
Japanese casual wear retailer Uniqlo teamed up on Wednesday with the prestigious China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), named after late-Madame Dr. Sun Yat-sen, to launch a welfare program that will provide warmth  in a literal sense  to poverty-stricken people in China.

Pan Ning (L), CEO of Uniqlo's Greater China operations, hands over a check of 3.88 million yuan (US$653.4 thousand) to Tang Jiuhong, CSCLF's Funding Department chief, on Wednesday at the inauguration ceremony of the Uniqlo-CSCLF partnership in Beijing. [Photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn]

At the launch ceremony of the cooperation, Uniqlo offered CSCLF a batch of 10 million yuan (US$1.45 million) worth of winter clothes to be distributed to people in need.

Under the three-year-long cooperation plan, Uniqlo seeks to recycle five million clothes  old and new  from the public, clean and sanitize them and have them donated to impoverished people living in remote areas and children who suffer from diseases. To ensure the success of operation, Uniqlo has set aside a special startup fund of 3.88 million yuan (US$653.4 thousand).

The targeted children are those who suffer autism, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and cerebral palsy, among other currently unsolvable medical conditions.

Uniqlo has been regularly inviting those children to participate in open day activities at the chain's retail outlets, allowing the children to have hands-on experience of working at Uniqlo and also to design for Uniqlo.

In teaming up with CSCLF, Uniqlo hopes to "spread and expand its meager effort as a corporate entity" via the national network of the CSCLF to make society aware of the existence of love and care for children with special needs, among other people in need, said Pan Ning, CEO of Uniqlo's Greater China operations.

"More importantly, for people that we have helped, we want to give them confidence in society, so that they will develop the capability to be independent  rather than relying on charitable donations, and to offer a loving heart for people who live a similar or even worse life than theirs," said Pan.

Data from the CSCLF shows that at least 55 million people are still living a life with material scarcity. Uniqlo believes that it could make a difference in poverty reduction with the agglomerative contribution from over 500 stores in more than 100 Chinese cities, besides teaming up with CSCLF.

"Despite being the second largest economy in the world, China's development is characterized by drastic regional imbalance. Some people are living in unimaginable poverty  until you see it in person," said Jing Dunquan, vice chairman of CSCLF. "When you feel that you are still not doing enough after giving them all the money in your pockets, that's the moment when you want partnerships."

For Uniqlo, this is their moment.
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Lyu Xiwen, former deputy Party chief of Beijing, stood trial Thursday for taking bribes.

Lyu was accused of taking advantage of her official positions from 2001 to 2015 to help others obtain government funds and land for construction.

Lyu accepted bribes worth 18.79 million yuan (around 2.73 million U.S. dollars) either herself or through her relatives, according the People's Procuratorate of Jilin City in northeast China's Jilin Province.

The procuratorate filed the charges with the Intermediate People's Court of Jilin City.

Lyu pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in the court.

More than 50 people including journalists and members of the public attended Thursday's hearing.

The ruling will be announced at a later date.
Editor's note: In an article originally published in Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, Robert Lawrence Kuhn, a renowned commentator on China, says interpreting the appellation core leader as indicating a type of "strongman rule" is to misunderstand its significance for a nation navigating its way through immense challenges. An edited excerpt of the article follows:

When, at a recent Party plenum, President Xi Jinping was designated as "core" of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), some Western media were quick to condemn the rise of a new "strongman." While recognizing the significance of Xi as the core was correct, conjuring up visions of an emerging dictator was not.

I recalled my meeting with Xi years earlier, when he was still secretary of the CPC Committee of Zhejiang Province. Even then he was criticizing "empty talk" and advising, "We should never overestimate our accomplishments or indulge ourselves in our achievements." I took note of how Xi stressed, "We need to assess ourselves objectively." Hardly, in retrospect, the ruminations of a gestating dictator.

To understand why Xi is now the core, one must appreciate the complex challenges of our times. China is now facing multiple challenges: domesticallyslow growth, industrial overcapacity, endemic pollution, imbalanced development, income disparity, social injustice, social service demands; and, internationallywars, regional conflicts, sluggish economies, volatile markets, trade protectionism, ethnic clashes, terrorism, geopolitical rivalries, and territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas.

How Xi can use his new power as 'core' of the CPC

Most critically, because China must deepen its reforms to achieve its oft-promised goal of a "moderately prosperous society" by 2020, the resistance of entrenched interest groups must be overcome. More subtly, there is what some call a pervasive "soft resistance"local officials who do not do their jobs and economic elites who migrate.

If reform had been progressing smoothly, then why strengthen central authority by investing Xi with the status of core leader? Xi has encountered obstacles; if there were no obstacles, there would be no need for a core leader.

I have been speaking to Party officials and theorists about Xi as core leader. In fact, the necessity of having a leadership core to maintain stability and expedite reform is the first and foremost of what I found to be four factors relating to Xi's elevation.

A second factor is that Xi not only holds responsibility for China's transformation, he is also accountable for it. Moreover, he has shown courage in confronting and dismantling a vast, corrupt system of bribery, patronage and illicit wealth accretion.

In 'core leader' Xi Jinping's China, discipline trumps corruption when it comes to reform

A third factor is that Xi as the core does not end, and even may not diminish, the cardinal principle of "democratic centralism." The Party bolsters each of the concepts: encouraging the democratic solicitation of input and feedback from members, lower-ranked officials and the public; and strengthening centralism through Xi's leadership of the principal levers of power (his positions as Party general secretary, head of state, chairman of the Central Military Commission and head of the "leading groups" on reform, national security and Internet security).

A fourth factor is that a core is required to manage the Party more strictly and thereby give members and the public more confidence. Witness Xi's relentless and unprecedented anti-corruption campaign, which is altering how government officials and industry managers work and even think. Let no one assume that Xi's battle against corruption has been risk-free.

Significantly, these four factors undergirding Xi as the core leader map onto his overarching political framework, his strategic blueprint called "The Four Comprehensives"a moderately prosperous society, reform, rule of law, Party discipline.

Xi's core status arises, we're told, through the collective will of the Party and the people. Becoming Party core is not an automatic consequence of being general secretary; a core leader must fit the times, and the status must be earned.

Speaking at a press conference following the 18th CPC Central Committee's Sixth Plenum in October, Huang Kunming, Executive Deputy Director of the committee's Publicity Department, said the "central and local departments as well as the military all expressed their support" for Xi's position as Party core, adding that this decision was "based on the valuable experience of the Party, and we feel keenly about it."

Huang explained that "a core is needed to ensure that the Party will be the governing Party," describing it as significant for upholding the CPC Central Committee's authority and maintaining the central, unified leadership of the Party and for its "staying true to its mission."

Therefore, Party theorists explain, Xi as core leader is more a ratification of reality than a shift of fundamentals.

Why becoming the 'core' matters for China's Communist leaders

What does Xi as core mean in a historical context? It was Deng Xiaoping who introduced the concept when he designated Jiang Zemin as "core of the third generation" of central leaders, bolstering Jiang's stature following his unexpected appointment as Party leader in 1989. At the time, China was facing the dual impediments of economic stagnation and social uncertainty at home, and economic quarantine and diplomatic isolation abroad. As Deng pointed out, "Any leading group should have a core; a leadership with no core is unreliable."

Only then did Deng retrospectively apply the novel term to both Mao Zedong and himself, as core of the first and second generations, respectively.

Today's world is more complex. China faces threats at home and abroad. Volatility grows and uncertainty aboundsthe Middle East and Donald Trump are offered as evidence. The need to secure China's stability is more essential than ever, and thus to strengthen Xi's authority is a primary reason, I'm told, for designating Xi as core leader. Party theorists say China "urgently" requires a political nucleus that is sophisticated and nuanced, attuned to contemporary times. Though conditions now differ from those in 1989, Deng's admonition rings timelessly true.

However, that a core leader is needed now does not mean one will always be needed. When China becomes a fully modernized nation, perhaps by mid-century, conditions may change again.

How the West got China wrong

I hear frequently of the "painful lessons of China's century of blood and tears" and that for China not to have a tested and authoritative leadership core would be "unthinkable." Party inner talk says "Xi Jinping has passed the test of the people" to be China's political core, leadership core, and a core of the times.

Chinese scholars argue that "core" is a unique characteristic of Chinese political theoryhowever inapplicable (even inexplicable) in Western political theory. They call Western concerns that labeling Xi as core leader means that "a new emperor is born" wildly unfounded, even paranoic. In China's historic feudal society, the emperor ruled unconditionally with arbitrary imperial power, and in such a "command-obey" system, goes the argument, there is simply no need for a core.

Rather, given today's Party political structure, the concept of a core both strengthens cohesion and serves to prevent a personality cult, not to promote one. Having a core means acknowledging that the Party system is not the "emperor system"absolute power is rejectedand that the optimum system, at least for the foreseeable future, is a combination of concentrated centralism and democratic collective leadership.

Corroborating this functional balance, in the communique issued following the Sixth Plenum, the "collective leadership system" is reconfirmed. It states, "The implementation of collective leadership and personal division of labor is an important component of democratic centralism and must always be adhered to." And it stresses, "Any organization or individual shall, under any circumstance, not be allowed to violate this system for any reason." The three "any's" seem no accident.

How Xi secured 'core' status in just four years

Some analysts see contradictions. On the one hand, the communique calls for democracy and constructive criticism internally within the Party. On the other, disobeying the central leadership is forbidden, backed by vigilant supervision and tough discipline.

Yet to read these statements as contradictory is to misunderstand what is happening here. Xi appreciates the complex and arduous tasks that lie ahead. He told me so a decade ago, and it is obviously truer today than it was then. The statements are harmonized, first, by the Party's motivation to seek optimum policies for the country, and second, by keeping most of the divergent views internal.

China is now the world's largest trading nation and its second largest economy. China's diplomacy is expanding and its military is growing. From its Belt and Road Initiative building infrastructure and facilitating trade in over 60 developing countries to its leading role in the UN peacekeeping forces, China is involved in every meaningful matter of international affairs.

So, what kind of China do we want? Certainly, not one with weak central leadership and fragmented citadels of power. With its huge and imbalanced population, as well as its diverse culture and traditions, China today requires a leader with sufficient strength and prestige to secure social stability, drive economic reform and guide it in being a responsible world power. Xi as core leader should be good for China and, thus, for the world.
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Syria's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday lashed out at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the remarks he recently made against the Syrian government, branding the Turkish leader as "tyrant."

In a statement carried by state news agency SANA, the ministry said "Syria will not allow this tyrant to intervene in its internal affairs and will cut off the hands that try to harm it."

The statement came after the recent remarks by Erdogan, who said Tuesday that the aim of his troops intervention in Syria is to end the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.

"The remarks of Erdogan reflect the real intentions behind the Turkish aggression on Syria and that's a result of his greed and illusions that feed the the thoughts of this extremist tyrant," the ministry said.

"It's ironic that such a tyrant knows how to speak of democracy while he was the one who turned his country into a big prison for all of his opponents," the ministry added.

Meanwhile, the ministry urged the international community to put an end to the "behaviors of Erdogan and his meddling in the affairs of the regional countries, which poses a threat to the regional and international peace."

The Turkish army has recently intervened in northern Syria to back rebel groups under a campaign called "Euphrates Shield," declaring to fight Islamic State (IS) group and prevent Kurdish militias from taking over key areas in northern Syria near the Turkish borders.

But Erdogan in his remarks said that targeting the Syrian army is not far from happening.

Following Turkish intervention, the Syrian government made it clear that it will deal with the Turkish forces as a force of occupation.

A couple of weeks ago, three Turkish soldiers were killed near the Syrian northern city of al-Bab, which is controlled by the IS.

Ankara then accused the Syrian forces of targeting the Turkish soldiers, promising retaliation.
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Sudan's ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) agreed on Wednesday to elevate bilateral relations to a "strategic level."

The parties reached the consensus at the fourth round of high-level talks in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, the talks co-chaired by NCP Deputy Chairman Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid and Wang Jiarui, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Hamid affirmed a "complete consensus between the two parties" after talks on "all political, economic, commercial, cultural and social axes," highlighting the will and determination by the political leadership in the two parties to press ahead and boost the cooperation ties.

China has reiterated its support of Sudan's issues at all international forums, he added, hailing the continuing support from China towards construction and development projects in Sudan, including the increase of Chinese investments.

He also reiterated "primary supporting stance" toward China's core interests, saying that Sudanese government attaches great importance to the bilateral ties.

Wang assured China's "great concern of its strategic ties with Sudan," underscoring efforts to implement the political consensus of the two countries' leadership amid "new circumstances and new challenges."

He said that CPC is willing to intensify communication with NCP, emphasizing the spirit of the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee.

He also reiterated depth of the standing traditional friendship between the two countries, applauding the exchange of support "for the sake of mutual progress," according to a written statement at the conclusion of his three-day visit to Sudan.

Wang, accompanied by a CPC delegation, visited Sudan on Nov. 28-30, where he met with Sudan's First Vice-President Bakri Hassan Saleh, Parliament Speaker Ibrahim Ahmed Omer and Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour.

Wang also attended the second session of the dialogue forum between the Chinese and Sudanese industrial and trade sectors as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The high-level talks represent the top mechanism between both parties to discuss issues of strategic political and economic partnership, and it is governed by a protocol which renew itself in every five years.
An underlying theme in basic economics says, offering a product for free can destroy the local economy writes Luis Miranda. Miranda recently watched Poverty, Inc and since seeing the award winning Acton Institute documentary he has shared some of its lessons in an article at The Indian Economist. He begins by explaining how often times aid can harm its recipient more than help them.

A farmer in Rwanda goes out of business because he cannot compete against an American church sending free eggs to feed starving Rwandans. A rice grower in Haiti stops growing rice because he is unable to compete against very cheap rice coming from rich farmers in the US who receive huge subsidies. A local cobbler goes out of business in Africa when TOMS shoes land up in the village and are distributed for free. In all these cases, the donors had honest intentions. The American church wanted to feed starving people in Rwanda. The US government wanted to feed the disaster-stricken Haitians. Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS, genuinely wanted to help Africans who did not have proper footwear.

Miranda continues to share key takeaways from Poverty, Inc. Next he shares how although aid can appear to be effective in the short term, it can create negative effects in the long term.

Another example from Poverty Inc is the interview of Jean-Ronel Noel, Co-Founder of Enersa in Haiti. Noel started a business in his garage to make small solar panels for street lights and be part of something special. They had created a Haiti-made product. Their business grew gradually and created jobs in a poor neighbourhood; for people who would otherwise be gang members. After the 2010 earthquake, US NGOs raised money to give away solar panels. And the company struggled to stay afloat. Why would someone buy something if it was available for free? The solution for a more long-term change would be to empower the people whose lives have been devastated. Of course, short-term humanitarian aid is necessary, but that should stop as soon as possible to help restart the local economy. Removal of poverty calls for helping local entrepreneurs rebuild their businesses.

Miranda concludes his article by discussing some of the ways that India can improve on the ways it has created dependency.

What does this mean for India? Instead of doling out freebies, we should be encouraging local entrepreneurs and creating institutions that support economic freedom. Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) have done a lot to help local entrepreneurs, but a better effort could take them to a larger scale. Instead of dumping rice or eggs, donors should help support domestic producers of rice and eggs. Through schemes like MNREGA, we are creating a new generation of beggars who lose their initiative and depend on the government. We should, instead, be spending that money to help entrepreneurs develop self-reliance and create jobs that are sustainable. It finally boils down to the fact that market-based solutions which encourage entrepreneurs to grow are the best ways to create prosperity. No country became a first world country because of aid.

You can read Mirandas full article at The Indian Economist here.
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A senior UN relief official in South Sudan on Wednesday called on all warring parties in the country to allow free, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Eugene Owusu, expressed deep concern over the impact of a series of bureaucratic impediments and access constraints on relief operations in the war-torn nation.

"Humanitarian organizations in South Sudan are striving every day to save lives and alleviate suffering across this country. Yet, they continue to face obstacles and challenges which hamper their efforts. This must stop," Owusu said in a statement issued in Juba.

Owusu said the humanitarian needs in the country continued to rise due to civil conflict and economic decline.

It is estimated that about 3 million people have been displaced, including more than 1.1 million who have fled to neighboring countries, since fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his sacked deputy Riek Machar broke out in December 2013.

According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), some 91 humanitarian access incidents were recorded between Nov. 1 and 28, including violence against humanitarians, interference in humanitarian action, illegal taxation and expulsion of staff.

In November, aid workers were reportedly denied access to areas outside of Yei town in Central Equatoria and Wau town in Western Bahr El Ghazal, where tens of thousands of people are in need of assistance and protection.

Owusu said there had been steps taken by the government to address the access challenges, including the establishment of a high-level humanitarian oversight committee.

"However, these recent events are a major concern and it is vital that we see the commitments made in high-level fora fully translate into real, tangible and immediate improvements in the operating environment for aid workers on the frontlines of humanitarian action," Owusu said.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the "humanitarian tragedy" in Syria's Aleppo with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a phone call, presidential sources stated late Wednesday.

Syrian residents fleeing the eastern part of Aleppo walk through a street in Masaken Hanano, a former rebel-held district which was retaken by the regime forces last week, on November 30, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

The sources also said both presidents agreed that aid efforts for the embattled city should be sped up. They also agreed upon the need to put an end to clashes in Aleppo, Turkish Daily Sabah reported.

Erdogan and Putin have discussed Syrian issue twice on the phone in the past week.

The calls covered bilateral ties as well as a "resolution to the Syrian conflict," notably the possibility of "coordinated efforts in the fight against terrorism."

Meanwhile, Erdogan's recent assertion that the Turkish military operation in Syria was aimed at "ending the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad" has raised eyebrows in Russia, with the Kremlin and the Russian Foreign Ministry awaiting an explanation.

The Kremlin said Wednesday that Erdogan's remarks had come as a surprise to Moscow, Turkish Hurriyet News reported.
By Wanwisa Ngamsangchaikit, www.ttrweekly.com | Dec. 01, 2016

JC International Airlines, a Chinese-backed carrier, owned by a conglomerate in Yunnan province, is preparing to launch operations in Cambodia next year.

Phnom Penh Post quoted the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation spokesman, Sinn Serey Vutha, saying the airline had submitted an application for an air operator's certificate (AOC).

"JC International Airlines has not received certification, but it is still being processed," he said, adding that it was unlikely to be approved before December or early January.

The approval would depend on the company's finances and technical capabilities including safety requirements, he said.

The Cambodian-registered airline, managed by Yunnan Jingcheng Group, expects to launch flights in February 2017. It will recruit around 160 to 180 staff, the report said.

The airline plans to operate a fleet of six aircraft, serving domestic routes as well as cities in Malaysia, Singapore and China.

Yunnan's Jingcheng Group is a US$1 billion conglomerate based in China's Yunnan province, and already owns the private aviation company and low-cost carrier Ruili Airlines.

The Cambodia operation will be fully owned subsidiary but registered in Cambodia.
By Saurabh Sinha, TNN | Dec. 01, 2016

In a freak ground incident, the wing tips of two aircraft -- one reportedly stationary and the other taxiing -- collided at Mumbai Airport on Wednesday. This happened when the wings of an incoming Kuwait Airways wide body aircraft and an outbound IndiGo narrow body aircraft clipped before 6 am, much before sunrise when it was still dark.

IndiGo Airbus A320 (VT-IFP)'s sharklet -portion curved at the tip of aircraft wing - was damaged by the impact. The plane returned to the terminal and had to be grounded. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing this incident.

In a statement, IndiGo said: "IndiGo confirms that the wing tip of its Airbus A320 aircraft came in contact with the wing tip of the Airbus A330 - a wide body aircraft of an international operator -- while taxing at the Mumbai airport Wednesday morning. At about 5:45 a.m., while the aircraft of this international airline was taxing toward the parking stand, at the same time an IndiGo flight (6E207) was taxing to depart to Jaipur from taxi way 'N' and 'W' respectively.... under air traffic control's (ATC) instruction."

"IndiGo pilot was advised to follow the international operator arrival. Approximately at 5:45 a.m., the pilot of this international airline was advised by the ATC to move ahead to make way for IndiGo aircraft. As per (rules), while an aircraft is on taxiway N, Taxiway W4 must not be permitted to use as standard wingtip clearance is not met. The (rule) guidelines manual reads - the aircraft holding on taxiway W4 at holding position runway 14/32 will prohibit aircraft taxing on taxiway N. Hence, due to the taxing process, the A320 aircraft of IndiGo came in contact with Airbus A330 aircraft of the international operator," IndiGo said.

Kuwait Airways' spokesman Andrew Chupeau said in a mail: "As the Kuwait Airways A330 was in a holding/stationary position when the incident took place, the IndiGo A320 came into contact with the Kuwait Airways A330.... Kuwait Airways can confirm that no passengers were at risk; however, it is understood that the wingtip of an A320 aircraft scratched Kuwait Airways' A330 (9K-APA) left outboard flap. Kuwait Airways is cooperating fully with both the Indian civil aviation authorities and Kuwait's DGCA, in order to investigate this incident, and further details will be issued as soon as more information becomes available." The flight, KU301, had flown into Mumbai from Kuwait City.

After wings clipped, IndiGo spokesman said that one of its passengers saw the same and "immediately alerted the crew, who informed the pilots about this. The highly experienced pilot-in-command operating 6E207 immediately decided to take precautionary measure and returned the aircraft to the parking bay. The flight crew ensured to keep all passengers informed about the situation and assured to maintain calm on board. All passengers were safely accommodated to the other aircraft."

A passenger on board the IndiGo flight said: "IndiGo handled the incident well and there was no panic in the flight. The aircraft wing got dented while moving towards runway. Once a person on board saw this and reported to the airline staff, the plane went back to the terminal and everyone was sent in another aircraft arranged for by IndiGo."
Pedestrians walk past an advertisement board of China Vanke Co Ltd. XIAO MU / FOR CHINA DAILY

China Evergrande Group, the country's largest property developer, stepped up a buying spree of shares in rival China Vanke Co Ltd in the weeks after a warning from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange that it is closely monitoring Evergrande's investments in listed companies.

Evergrande boosted its stake in Vanke to 14.1 percent, bringing its total expenditure on Vanke's A-shares to about 36.3 billion yuan ($5.3 billion), according to a regulatory filing on Tuesday. The Guangzhou-based home builder bought a further 509.8 million A-shares on the market and through block trades from Nov 18 to 29, the company said.

Vanke's A-shares rose 3.13 percent to close at 26.98 yuan per share in Shenzhen on Wednesday. The shares have surged more than 50 percent since early August, when Evergrande first disclosed a stake in the developer.

Controlled by billionaire chairman Hui Ka Yan, Evergrande has been on a debt-funded buying spree in the past year. It boosted shares in Vanke just days after a Nov 11 statement from the Shenzhen bourse that it has strengthened supervision of trading accounts controlled by Evergrande after finding "abnormal trading behaviors" that affected share prices of Vanke and others.

Evergrande has emerged as the wild card in a battle for control at Vanke, which has been at the center of an ownership battle after a little-known company called Baoneng Group amassed a large stake starting last year. Vanke has previously labeled Baoneng's advances as a "hostile takeover."

Evergrande cited Vanke's "strong" financial performance as a reason for its investment when it started buying shares earlier this year.

Bloomberg
The Chinese business community has called on the European Union to eliminate trade barriers against mainland companiesand to fully recognize its international commitments under the World Trade Organization, a senior trade official said.

"In order to maintain the two parties' healthy economic and trade relations, we hope that the European Union will uphold WTO principles and recognize its international commitments," said Wang Jinzhen, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, at a seminar.

"The two parties can see growth in two-way trade and investment, as long as they further deepen cooperation and uphold the principle of free trade."

According to Wang, Chinese business people regret that the European Union has not dropped its "surrogate country" approacha way that some countries use to calculate the normal value of export products from "non-market economies" like China. Under this procedure, EU officials ask whether the cost of production in a third country is below the price charged by Chinese exporters and, if so, place tariffs on the Chinese products.

Although the European Commission said in a proposal in early November that, for the purpose of anti-dumping investigations, it will no longer automatically assume that China is a "non-market economy," it has, however, introduced a similar concept called "market distortion" to define China's status.

Christian Ewert, director general of the EU-based Foreign Trade Association, said: "Trade from China should not be seen as a threat, but as a really unique opportunity for European economies."

"The Foreign Trade Association welcomes the announcement of the European Commission in early November that it is recognizing its international commitments under the WTO."

At the seminar, China and EU representatives discussed Tomorrow's Silk Road: Assessing an EU-China Free Trade Agreement, an independent study aimed at providing an in-depth examination of the status of bilateral economic exchanges and persistent trade barriers that exist between the two sides.

Yu Huabo, director of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textile and Apparel, said such agreement would help Chinese textile and apparel exports and cut the costs of trade.

China's exports to the European Union were 1.82 trillion yuan ($260 billion) between January and October 2016, up 1 percent from the same period last year, according to the General Administration of Customs.

The scale of investment between the two sides has also been growing, according to financial data provider Wind Information.

Some 28 European countries invested $8.36 billion in China in the first 10 months of this year, a 41.5 percent increase year-on-year. China's investment in the EU rose 0.03 percent year-on-year to $5.58 billion between January and September in 2016.

China's non-market economy status is seen as a major obstacle for Chinese enterprises dealing with anti-dumping investigations.

As a condition of joining the WTO, China agreed in 2001 that other WTO members could treat it as a "non-market economy" for 15 years ending on Dec 11, 2016. As the deadline draws near, however, some members are disputing the automatic recognition of China as a market economy.
The first "Yicang", or storehouse for rummage exchange, in Dalian of Northeast China's Liaoning province is becoming popular among locals.

During the first 10 days since it started operation on November 19, the storehouse at the Linjing Community of Zhongshan District gathered more than 70 items, including books, toys, clothes, and furniture, from local residents.

The storehouse is for storage, display, and transit of the donated items.

As a new type of charity, Yicang aims to make the residents' little-used resources available for those in need, sources from the organizer Yijiaqin said.

Residents can donate everyday objects as well as skills, time, or service. Their donation will be registered and get corresponding points, which could be used to exchange items or service at the storehouse.

In ancient China, Yicang was for the state to purchase corns in harvest years and reserve for famine years.

In recent years, it emerged in many cities in southern China as a new type of charity.

The sources said an online Yicang will be launched soon. It also expects to build more storehouses for rummage exchange in Dalian and take more residents to enjoy the sharing economy.
Two winners of a competition on the Airbnb accommodation site pose in a bed in an underwater room installed in the Aquarium of Paris, on April 11. Zhubaijia is the company's counterpart in China.[Provided to China Daily]

Chinese outbound travelers are looking for new types of accommodation. Traditional hotels are passe. Stays at private apartments are in.

That's creating huge opportunities for US lodging services. For instance, Airbnb Inc, which operates a peer-to-peer or P2P website for accommodation sharing, has more than 2 million listings and connects over 50 million users in more than 34,000 cities of 190 countries.

The San Francisco-based Airbnb, which was founded in 2008, said it has high hopes for the Chinese market. China is the fastest growing market for Airbnb because more and more younger Chinese travelers prefer a unique traveling experience, said Varsha Rao, vice-president of global operations at Airbnb.

The number of Chinese outbound tourists who booked accommodation through Airbnb has increased by a staggering 700 percent in 2015, according to Airbnb.

That has made Airbnb prominent among the businesses currently riding the sharing economy concept. Those include Chinese lodge-booking sites like Zhubaijia, Tujia and Xiaozhu, which are catching up fast, thus driving the growth of this segment in China.

For instance, Shenzhen-based Zhubaijia goes to great lengths to ensure apartments on its list are of high quality. It also provides a series of value-added services like airport pickups, car rentals and tickets to tourism attractions.

In 2015, Zhubaijia's revenue grew 68 times to 45.69 million yuan ($6.74 million) from the previous year, with 79 percent of it coming from the lodging business.

It has more than 250,000 listings in 70 countries. The number of users has increased by nearly 80 times in 2015 compared with 2014.

In April, it listed on China's New Third Board, which serves as a national share transfer system for SMEs and a source of funds, thus becoming China's first listed sharing-economy company.

According to the National Tourism Administration data, 120 million Chinese traveled to other countries in 2015, up from 109 million the previous year.

As for China's domestic tourism, there were over 4 billion journeys in 2015, generating a revenue of over 4 trillion yuan. The accommodation-sharing segment in China is far from saturated, industry observers said.

Tujia.com, which targets middle- to high-end Chinese travelers, is the industry leader in the domestic short-term online rental segment. It has a network of 430,000 rental properties, ranging from single rooms to historic farmhouses and country villas.

In June, Tujia acquired mayi.com, another well-known name in China's house-sharing sector, to consolidate its leading position in the Chinese market.

"More and more families are expected to shift from booking hotel rooms during vacations to reserving lodges through online platforms as non-standardized private apartments can better meet their needs," said Pan Caifu, vice-president of Xiaozhu, which enables users to book spare rooms or apartments of others via an online P2P platform.

Founded in 2012, the Xiaozhu website and its accompanying app saw a fivefold jump in bookings between 2014 and 2015.
BEIJING - China has made great progress in economic growth and financial development, which reflects the government's sound and effective management, officials with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have said.

The officials paid a visit to China to undertake a fresh round of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP), which was kicked off during the visit and slated to run from 2016-2017, the People's Bank of China said in a statement Wednesday.

The FSAP was established in 1999 and plays an important role in IMF activities in financial surveillance and monitoring of the international monetary system.

China is one of the so-called "systemically important" economies that have agreed to mandatory assessments at least once every five years.

The IMF last conducted an FSAP review of China in November 2011, where it found China had made remarkable progress in transiting toward a more commercially-oriented and financially sound system while suggesting further reforms to promote financial stability and sustainable growth.

At a meeting with IMF and World Bank officials, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China Fan Yifei said the Chinese economy and financial system was stable thanks to the government's macro regulation, risk control efforts and institutional reforms.

China will be open and transparent in accepting the FSAP review, Fan said.

Meanwhile, the FSAP team members promised to assess China's financial system objectively and give valuable recommendations.
DALIAN - A bankruptcy creditor meeting for Dongbei Special Steel was held Thursday as the company's restructuring process proceeds smoothly.

The State-owned steelmaker, headquartered in Dalian in Northeast China's Liaoning province, has defaulted on corporate debts nine consecutive times, with debts of several billion yuan.

The company entered bankruptcy restructuring on Oct 10. The declaration of credits concluded while processes such as debt recognition and appraisal of properties and funds are under way.

The meeting was held by Dalian Intermediate People's Court and attended by 374 creditors.

The court agreed that the company could continue to operate and take charge of its own assets and business under supervision during the restructuring period. Production and operation of the company are proceeding as usual.

Under the downward pressure, China's steel sector, already burdened by overcapacity, has been especially hurt by shrinking demand.
A student uses an ofo bike on the campus of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. ZHU XINGXIN / CHINA DAILY

New bike-on-demand services give a new dimension to urban sharing economy

In the 1980s, a bicycle, a radio and a sewing machine were considered as the top three necessities for young, matrimony-bound, love nest-minded Chinese couples.

At the time, China was the "Kingdom of Bicycles"bikes were key to people's daily transportation.

Now, the country boasts the world's largest automobile market. There are more cars than bicycles on roads.

Yet, ambitious entrepreneurs keep attempting to restore lost glory to bikes. Their strategy, however, is changing.

While continuing to convince every family to own at least one bike, they are also attempting to persuade people to share bikes.

Welcome to bike-on-demand services, the latest segment in China's booming sharing economy. They are not very different from ride-on-demand apps, which changed the way people hail cabs in China.

Sensing potential for a similar success story, venture capital firms are betting big on bike-on-demand apps.

Since August, two Beijing-based startups Mobike, which enables people to rent the nearest available GPS-enabled bike via smartphones, and its rival ofo, have been locked in a race for funding. New investors have poured cash into them every two weeks on average.

Newcomers such as Hello-bike and Ubike are emerging. However, catching up with Mobike and ofo, which also make their own bikes, may prove easier said than done.

For, Mobike's two kinds of signature black-and-orange bikes are already ubiquitous in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

Ofo's shiny yellow bikes are gaining in visibility on university campuses in 18 cities, and all over Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

Mobike has so far deployed around 100,000 bikes across the five cities. There are more than 190,000 ofo bikes out there.

Each of its bikes has cost Mobike hundreds of yuan to around 2,000 yuan ($290); for ofo, a bike costs between 200 yuan and 300 yuan, depending on bells and whistles like a vegetable basket in front.

Hu Weiwei, the founder of Mobike, said there is a certain rationale to the investment spree in bike-sharing firms. "People have always had a need for bikes, to cover short distances of less than 5 kilometers. With the development of mobile internet technology, we can now make it happen."

While cab-on-demand services such as Didi Chuxing meet people's demand for quick long-distance rides, bike-sharing firms serve urban citizens seeking to reach a bus stop from home, their office from subway station or a neighborhood vegetable market from apartment.

Li Xiangyu, 20, a sophomore at the Beijing-based University of International Business and Economics, said he instantly took a shine to Mobike after trying out the 1-/2-yuan-per-hour service.

"I ride their bike every time I need to go from the university to the nearest subway station. Unlike the bike-renting services that require users to borrow bikes from (and return them to) certain locations, services like Mobike allow users to borrow and return bikes wherever and whenever they want," said Li.

Because Mobike's bicycles are GPS-enabled, the next borrower will be able to find them using his/her smartphone.

In Mobike's case, after users locate the nearest available bike, they can reach it and book it by scanning its ID, a quick response or QR code.

Payments are done online using apps such as WeChat and Alipay. There is no time limit for a ride.

Li Hao, an analyst with the Beijing-based internet consultancy Analysys, said, "But there will be many bumps ahead, such as how to lower the cost of the high-tech bikes, how to cooperate with local governments.

"And there is no feasible business model yet because bike-on-demand companies are still at the stage of exploring the market."

One possible way to generate additional revenue is to display little advertisements and brand logos on such bikes.

Mobike said it will expand its fleet to more than 200,000 bicycles by 2016-end, if the business grows as expected.
An app-based chef provides home-cooked food in Shanghai at the tap of a button. [Photo/Xinhua]

When heavy smog blanketed Beijing one day in November, Li Pengfei, 26, a software programmer, didn't feel like stepping out of his flat. But then, because he was given to eating out oftener than not, he was in a quandary: where to eat dinner?

Home-delivery of nearby restaurants wasn't an optionfor him, their fare was insipid. Specialty food was miles away. Finally, he settled for Home-Cook, a smartphone app that matches diners and hosts who are willing to share their home-cooked meals.

"It's quite convenient. The meal was delivered within an hour. Most importantly, the dishes tasted like the food made by my mom, authentic Hunan cuisine," Li said.

There are many like Li who are reaping the benefits of the so-called "sharing economy".

In China, sharing economy is evolving fast. First, apps were used to hitch a ride in a stranger's car. Then, apartments owned by strangers were rented using apps. Kitchens are par for the course now.

"There is firm demand for personalized home-cooked meals as they are regarded healthy. Most white-collar workers are often too busy or too tired to cook for themselves," said Tang Wanli, CEO of Home-Cook.

The two-year-old startup in Beijing launched its app in 2014. The app allows users to buy meals made by people within a radius of 3 km. They can either visit the host to pick up their meals or have the food delivered to their home.

More than 2 million users have registered on Home-Cook, which is available in five cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. They are served by more than 60,000 registered "hosts".

Most of the hosts are retirees and housewives. The app offers them a chance to make a bit of money and meet new people.

But to ensure food safety, all hosts are required to register with their real names and official IDs. They also need to produce a health certificate and assure food safety, which are requirements for employees in China's food and catering industry.

Home-Cook has a rigorous procedure to vet its hosts. It examines their cooking skills, menu and kitchen condition. Users can rate the food and their host's general demeanor and the kitchen's condition (if they visit it).

To handle any possible disputes, Home-Cook has partnered with PICC Property and Casualty Co Ltd, a major insurance company in China, to insure every meal ordered through the app.

Liu Xuwei, an analyst at Beijing-based internet consultancy Analysys International, said Home-Cook is trying to differentiate its services from the takeout and home-delivery apps such as Ele.me and Meituan-Dianping.

Despite Home-Cook's strict food safety measures, industry observers said its business falls in a legal gray area.

"The platform and the hosts do not have necessary licenses for working in the catering industry. The legal risk is far greater than the ride-hailing apps," Liu said.
Employees of an online store process orders in Qingyanliu village, East China's Zhejiang province on Dec 29, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

SYDNEY - The rising Chinese phenomenon of online entrepreneurial villages also offers much potential for Australian market, according to e-commerce giant Alibaba's research team.

"There are certainly opportunities for growth here and we have been receiving inquiries about possible areas for development. For example, Australian products continue to be in demand in Chinese cities that Australian rural businesses can fill," Sheng Zhenzhong, deputy director of the Aliresearch Institute, told Xinhua on Thursday.

"We've seen how Australian products such as milk powder and health supplements are very popular in China."

Sheng, who oversees Alibaba's research centre for "rural dynamics", was speaking on the sidelines of a presentation on Chinese rural e-commerce, on the first day of the Digital Enablement Conference, organized by the University of New South Wales Business School.

The conference, which aims to provide a venue for sharing cutting-edge research and networking opportunities among academia and business, saw keynote speeches, panel discussions and paper presentations by leading practitioners from across the world over two days.

Seven years ago, groups of rural entrepreneurs who opened shops on Alibaba's Taobao online shopping platform began appearing in China.

The first of these "Taobao villages" to take up e-commerce on a large scale was a farming community in east China's Jiangsu province. More than 1,000 households involved in furniture production subsequently joined the digital marketplace, according to Aliresearch.

The institute defines a Taobao village as "a cluster of rural e-tailers within an administrative village", where residents get "started on e-commerce spontaneously primarily with the use of Taobao marketplace. The total annual e-commerce transaction volume is at least 10 million yuan ($1.45 million) and at least 10 percent of village households "actively engage in e-commerce or at least 100 active online shops have been opened by villagers".

By the end of August, there were 1,311 Taobao villages across China, according to latest figures from the institute.

In the past year alone, more than 47 million people bought T-shirts, more than 16 million bought toys and more than 3.5 million bought sunglasses via the villages, among other items.

"There are also many villages that will be able to offer distinct products and some of these might meet the needs of Australian consumers," Sheng said.

"One of my overseas Chinese friends here said products such as outdoor wear and vehicle accessories are very popular here. All these offer many opportunities.

"From the institute's perspective, we also hope to use events like this conference to tap developments and exchanges in the field overseas toward these growth areas, on top of our own work at home," said the director.
First lady Peng Liyuan (middle, first row) in a group photo at an event ahead of the 29th World AIDS Day, at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in November 2016. [Photo/gov.cn]

Today marks the 29th World AIDS Day, a day that unites people across the world in the fight against HIV and display of support for those living with HIV.

China's first lady Peng Liyuan is WHO's goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. She attended an event for this year's campaign at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, according to the official website of National Health and Family Planning Commission.

She would "have a lasting impact in bringing awareness to two of the world's deadliest infectious diseases" and "reinforce international commitments to achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals", said WHO's Director-General Margaret Chan in her statement on Peng's appointment as goodwill ambassador on June 3, 2011.

From appearing in videos aimed at raising public awareness to attending diplomatic events calling for closer global cooperation, Peng has been busy campaigning against AIDS for five years. Let's have a close look at Peng and her dedicated efforts to control the spread of one of the most deadly diseases on the planet.

Click here to watch the video which first lady Peng Liyuan calls for end of discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients in 2014.
The country's dwindling labor force might negatively impact the economy

The universal two-child policy "should not be the end of the family-planning policy adjustment", and further relaxation is expected to ease the population challenges China is facing, according to experts.

"A dwindling workforce population and an aging population are inevitable in China, and a further adjustment of the family-planning policy is needed, based on consistent monitoring of births," according to the Green Book of Population and Labor 2016, which was released by the Population and Labor Economics Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences on Wednesday.

The latest family-planning policy, which allows all couples to have two children, will not result in a big population increase, due to reasons such as a reduced willingness to give birth and the increased ages of eligible women, said Zhang Chewei, director of the institute and an author of the book.

As a result, the universal two-child policy will not effectively ease the social and economic challenges China is facing, such as a reduced workforce and a population that is rapidly aging, he said.

"Judging from the experiences of some other countries, with people continuously delaying marriage and pregnancy, it is possible that Chinese people's willingness to give birth will continue to decrease," Zhang said. "China may need to further relax its family-planning policy in the future, and it may even abolish restrictions on birth."

In recent years, China has been relaxing its family-planning policywhich used to allow most couples in urban areas to have only one childamid a reduced fertility rate and challenges such as an aging population.

Since early 2014, couples where one partner is an only child have been allowed to have a second child in most areas of China. Of 11 million eligible couples, only 1.45 million applied to have a second child by the end of May last year, according to a report by Beijing News.

At the beginning of this year, all couples were allowed to have a second child.

The number of people over 60 years old in China reached 222 million last year, accounting for more than 16 percent of the population. That percentage is expected to exceed 30 percent by 2050, according to some population experts.

China's workforce population, or those between 16 and 60 years old, has been declining since 2012, which may negatively impact the economy.

"It is an irreversible trend, and the workforce population will continue to decrease even if the family-planning policy is totally abolished," said Lai Desheng, a professor of economics at Beijing Normal University.

Yuan Xin, a professor in population studies at Nankai University in Tianjin, said that although problems such as population aging and a dwindling workforce population are inevitable, more research and evaluation should be made before adjusting the current family-planning policy.

"The universal two-child policy will not have a significant impact on China's population growth in the short or even medium term, due to generational gaps in birth," he said. "But with several generations having two children, the policy will contribute greatly to population growth by the end of the century."

The National Health and Family Planning Commission, China's top health authority, will monitor population changes for possible policy adjustment, according to a statement provided to China Daily by the commission in October.

China's large population will continue to be a burden on economic and social development until the middle of the century, so the fertility rate in China should be continually monitored, the commission said.
Migrant worker Li Jian with the manuscript of his third book at the room he has rented in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. [Photo by Deng Xiaowei/China Daily]

Migrant worker, author strives to share his stories with both rich and poor

Li Jian, a 52-year-old migrant worker in Xian, Shaanxi province, has not let poverty and hardship deter him from pursuing his dream of becoming a writer.

Earlier this month, he completed his third book Dream Home, which details the dedication and love for life of his fellow villagers.

Made up of more than 60,000 Chinese characters, spread across 20 chapters of prose and poetry, the new book waxes lyrical about the locust trees, stone mills and ancestral temple in Li's hometown.

It was written on 240 pages of odd-sized paper, some of which was leftover scrap covered in engineering and construction terms on the back.

"I collected the paper while I was working," Li explained.

Born in 1964 to a poor farming family in a small village in Wugong county, central Shaanxi, Li learned to read and write during his time in the People's Liberation Army from 1982 to 1984.

"I did not receive much education when I was young and got most of my reading and writing skills in the barracks," Li said.

After retiring from the army, he returned to life as a farmer and began compiling his village's history, which he considers the first book he ever wrote.

It was completed in 1986 and so aroused his interest in the craft that he soon began working on his second book, Memoirs Of A Veteran, which he finished in 1991.

In order to earn more money, Li left home in 2006 to take up a job as a migrant worker in Xi'an, where he began to write his third book.

"During the past 10 years in the city, I have worked as a street cleaner and construction worker. I still work on a construction site with a monthly salary of more than 2,000 yuan ($293)," he said.

He has rented a crude 12-square-meter room in a village to the north of the city with four single beds that is musty, wet and cold.
The ruling Communist Party of China rolled out measures on Wednesday to regulate benefits enjoyed by Party and State leaders to further cut privileges and promote frugality.

Detailed requirements have been made on the housing, vehicle use, transportation, entourage and vacation arrangements of these leaders, according to a statement released after a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, the top decision-making body.

Leaders are required to strictly regulate their family members and staff, to cut their vacation time spent outside Beijing and to strictly follow the rules on the use of business vehicles. Retired leaders should return their offices in a timely fashion, the statement said.

In China, Party and State leaders include leading officials of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council, the Central Military Commission, the top court and procuratorate, as well as the country's top legislature and top political advisory body.

The meeting, presided by President Xi Jinping, required members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to take the lead in following the rules, and other senior officials should follow suit, according to the statement.

Wu Hui, associate professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said the new measures reflect the leadership's determination to push forward strict Party governance. "These new rules can be viewed as a deepened and expanded version of the eight-point rules," he said.

The eight-point rules were issued by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in December 2012, about one month after the new Party leadership was elected, to reduce bureaucracy, extravagance and undesirable work practices of Party members.

Wu said the eight-point rules cover all Party members, but the new measures specifically target State-level officials, including retired ones.

"The latest rules, which are very practical, have responded to some public concerns and will be effective in promoting strict Party governance."

Contact the writers at caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn
Zhou Benshun, former Party chief of Hebei province, has pleaded guilty to taking bribes of more than 40 million yuan ($5.8 million), according to a court statement issued on Wednesday. A sentence is to be handed down later.

The case was heard at the Xiamen Intermediate People's Court in Fujian province on Wednesday morning.

Between July 2000 and June 2013, he served as a leader in Hunan and Hebei provinces and on the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee.

During that period, he took advantage of his position to facilitate bank loans for some companies, as well as easy assess to property development and promotions, according to the court.

It added that from 2003 to 2015, Zhou had received illegal gains of 40.02 million yuan from eight companies and individuals directly or indirectly through his wife Duan Yanqiu and his son Zhou Jing.

The companies accused of bribing Zhou included the Hunan Tongli Real Estate Co and Hunan Tieyin Real Estate Development Co, the statement said.

Zhou was placed under investigation of corruption charges in October 2015. He was expelled from the Party.

Since China's anti-corruption campaign shifted into higher gear, following the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in late 2012, many corrupt senior officials have been exposed and investigated.

The stories of former high-profile senior officials accused of corruption were broadcast in a recent documentary produced by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and China Central Television.

It showed Zhou Benshun had used ill-gotten gains to finance a life of luxury, including hiring two chefs recruited from his hometown in Hunan and two nannies to tend to his family in their 800-square-meter villa. One nanny's sole responsibility was to take care of his pets.
The Chinese mainland and Taiwan have agreed to arrange more flights across the Straits during the coming Spring Festival to ensure people on both sides can return home for family reunions during the Chinese New Year, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday.

As Taiwan's political situation has changed this year, relevant departments from both sides of the Straits did not hold regular communication meetings to reinforce cooperation of civil aviation transport, Ma said at a regular news conference.

"However, considering people's need to make holiday arrangements and their wishes to return home for the holiday, civil aviation departments have arranged more flights during the Spring Festival through the exchange of letters," he said.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, both parties have agreed to increase the number of flights between Jan 14 and Feb 11. To cater to the needs of people and airline companies, no upper limit is set for the total increase in number of flights.

However, as the Chinese mainland's airspace is tight, some busy airports will set a limit for the number of extra flights between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, such as Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

The first group of increased flights will be authorized before Dec 14 to enable travelers to plan their trips in advance, the administration said on Tuesday.

In June, communication between official organizations across the Straits was suspended.

Liu Xiangping, head of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Nanjing University, said that the only way to resume communication is for Taiwan to recognize the 1992 Consensus. "But people-to-people communication cannot be cut off."

Li Weiyi, dean of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University, said, "Although political foundations have been sabotaged, the goal of maintaining people's welfare has never changed."

He said Taiwan and the Chinese mainland opened direct flights in 2008, and even before then, the latter strove to serve people from both sides of the Straits.

"Politics is politics, but people-to-people communication remains. The flights between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan are still at full capacity," said Peter Wu, a Taiwan native.

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn
People who refuse to comply with court verdicts will face harsher penalties and have nowhere to run, thanks to various measures made by China's top court.

Chinese courts are trying to force defaulters to comply with verdicts through the threat of criminal charges, "in a bid to quicken enforcement," said Wu Shaojun, deputy director of the enforcement department at the Supreme People's Court.

Wu said that the number of defaulters penalized for refusing to comply with verdicts is rapidly increasing.

From November 2014 to July this year, defaulters in more than 2,500 cases have received penalties such as prison sentences or criminal detention, according to statistics from the top court released on Wednesday.

A revised Chinese Criminal Law increased the sentence for defaulters from three years to a maximum of seven years, from Nov 1 last year, "which helps us to fight such cases", Wu said.

Meanwhile, a new judicial interpretation issued by the top court in July last year has also contributed, he said.

"In the interpretation, defaulters in eight situations, including hiding, destroying or transferring properties with intention, will be criminally punished," he said.

The quicker the money is returned to creditors, the better courts can maintain justice, he added.

In one case, the Daguan District People's Court in Anqing, Anhui province, detained Zhang Wenmiao for five months and 10 days last year after he failed to move out of a house following a divorce with his wife in 2013, according to Liu Huizhuo, a judge from the top court.

"Zhang was told several times to leave the house, as the court had awarded it to his wife. But the man ignored all the notices," she said.

"Judges from the court had to go to the house to force him to take his belongings and leave at the end of 2013, but he still resisted and shouted loudly at them," she said.

"In January 2014, when the judges arrived again, he hit them with wooden sticks, injuring one of them." As his behavior was brought about by anxiety over the divorce and because he finally moved out, "we punished him leniently", she added.

In addition, the top court introduced an online blacklist of defaulters in 2013 to encourage them to comply by disclosing their names and case details.

Statistics provided by the nation's top judicial body also showed that between 2013 and last year, courts concluded 9.44 million verdict-enforcement cases - a rise of more than 28 percent from 2010 to 2012 - and 3.2 trillion yuan ($464 billion) was repaid, an increase of 110 percent over the same period.
I'm gay, and when my son was born 10 months ago, I decided to live in the closet for my entire life.

He will never know that he has a gay dad and his mom is a lesbian, or that he was conceived via a self-insemination procedure performed by his mom.

My wife and I have chosen to stay in the closet forever to protect our son from potential pressure and discrimination.

Life now is tiring, and caring for my son is hard work. My boyfriend of five years left me because I had less time to spend with him, but all the effort and loss has been worthwhile.

It took me three years to find a lesbian who like me wanted a child. There are always more gay men who want a child than there are lesbians.

We met in online chatting groups of hundreds of local gays and lesbians who need a marriage in name only, because same-sex marriage is illegal in this country.

Before I met my wife, I occasionally came across lesbians who looked exactly like men, and I knew that they would never be acceptable to my parents.

We got married in November 2014, with the sole aim of having a baby. Because neither of us can bear intimacy with the opposite sex we tried a crash course we learned on the internet, injecting my sperm via a syringe.

In fact, before we tried self-insemination we consulted doctors at the fertility center about in vitro fertilization, but we were turned down because both of us were in good reproductive health.

Luckily enough, the self-insemination process went smoothly and my wife became pregnant in May last year. The baby lives with his mom and I go to see him every day after work. I bear the entire cost of raising him.

Both of us - this husband and wife in a "cooperative marriage" - love our son wholeheartedly and that will never change.

It's hard to land a stable relationship in China's gay men's scene, and my son will always be on my mind. I don't expect him to take care of me when I am old; I will feel satisfied calling him from time to time and knowing he's happy.

Wang Xiaofeng spoke with Shan Juan.

Wang Xiaofeng (not his real name), 35, from Chuzhou city, Anhui province, is a gay man who married a lesbian so they could have a child.

(China Daily 12/01/2016 page6)
Launch ceremony of the event held on December 1, 2016. [Photo/China Daily]

More than 100 volunteers will record facts and stories about the 1937 Nanjing Massacre in their own voices to commemorate the history, according to the launch ceremony of the volunteer action in Nanjing on Thursday.

Readers can hear the voices by scanning a QR code printed on a picture book about the massacre, which will be published in April 2017 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the event.

Elderly people that experienced the history, offspring of the survivors, kindergarten children, and students from Germany and South Korea, will all participate in recording the history.

Xia Yuan, a volunteer and granddaughter of Xia Shuqin, a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre, said she hopes her generation and offsprings can know about and memorize this period of history. Her grandma Xia Shuqin, who experienced the massacre when she was eight years old, said she kept trying to forget the experience and failed to do so during the past decades. "Of course, we should not forget about this period of history," said the survivor.

Although there are lots of images and text about the Nanjing Massacre, it is the first time that we are recording the history in a hundred of voices, said Xie Haixiang, deputy director of Nanjing Radio and TV station, a co-organizer of the event.

Voice, as a special medium, will play a key role in passing on the facts, stories, and memories to the next generation and the whole world, and make them cherish peace, said Zhang Jianjun, director of the organizer of the event.

More than 300,000 people were slaughtered by Japanese troops during the Nanjing Massacre from December 1937 to January 1938.
Aerial view of Guangzhou. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Guangzhou will celebrate the Third Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation (the Guangzhou Award) and the 2016 Guangzhou International Urban Innovation Conference from Dec 5 to 8. The Guangzhou International Innovation Festival will be held at the same time.

Themed "Global Wisdom for Local Solutions", five winning cities, one Online Popular City, and one Recommended Project will be announced at the event on Dec 7.

Please visit the official website of the Guangzhou Award at www.guangzhouaward.org to cast your vote before Dec 5.

The biennial event is co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the World Association of Major Metropolises (Metropolis) and Guangzhou Municipal Government.

Guests in attendance will include state, provincial and municipal leaders, representatives from international organizations, such as UCLG and participating sister cities, the Consulate Generals of Guangzhou and prestigious multinationals and Chinese enterprises.

About 1,400 guests are expected to be present at the City of Innovation Awarding Ceremony of the 3rd Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation on Dec 7.

Among them are Dr. Yossi Vardi, Co-chairman of Israel's Digital Living Design and Israel's "Father of the Entrepreneur", Mpho Parks Tau, UCLG President and President of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Josep Riog, Secretary General of UCLG and many other distinguished guests.

During the events, Guangzhou will enter the Supplementary Intent on a Sino-Europe Cooperative City Program on Urbanization with Bristol (UK), and Agreement on a Sister Port with Genoa (Italy).

Apart from the awarding ceremony, there will also be various forums and exhibitions.

The concept of Guangzhou International Innovation Festival was firstly proposed by Dr. Yossi Vardi.

During his six-year tenure as chairman of DLD Tel Aviv Innovation Festival, Dr. Yossi Vardi brought together startups, founders, entrepreneurs, venture capitals, universities and multinationals, investors and angel funds from around the world so as to create an open and interactive platform.

As the venue for the Guangzhou International Innovation Festival, Tianhe district is a core area that supports Guangzhou as a national center city, topping the city in terms of economic strength with well-established modern and high-tech services.

Renowned for its superior S&T resources in South China, Tianhe district is a hotbed for innovation and entrepreneurship thanks to the aggregation of various hi-tech companies, talent pools, active VCs and its strong innovation and entrepreneurship atmosphere.
President Xi Jinping welcomes visiting Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing before their meeting on Thursday. FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY

When the deadly Ebola epidemic was raging in Sierra Leone and other West African countries, China stepped up to provide medical personnel, drugs and other assistance.

Now that the epidemic is over, China is continuing to lend a hand to Sierra Leone, as shown by the hospital assistance partnership that the two countries signed on Thursday.

The agreement, between China's National Health and Family Planning Commission and Sierra Leone's Ministry of Health, was among the six cooperative documents whose signing in Beijing was overseen by President Xi Jinping and Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma. Koroma is on a six-day visit to China.

China also agreed to forgive the hard-hit African country's debt, and the two countries agreed to require no visas from holders of each other's diplomatic and other government passports.

During their talks, Xi said that when the Ebola epidemic was devastating parts of West Africa in 2014, China provided more medical assistance to Sierra Leone than it had to any African country.

The epidemic hit not only Sierra Leone, but also Guinea and Liberia, which also received assistance. In March 2016, the World Health Organization announced the end of Ebola flare-ups in Sierra Leone. The latest flare-up brings to 3,590 the number of dead in Sierra Leone, according to the WHO.

Wu Peng, China's ambassador to Sierra Leone, said that China is helping the country build a West African tropical disease research center, which will help strengthen its health and medical services.

"When the Sierra Leoneans were in difficulties, China did not let them down. We not only transported drugs and equipment in a timely way, but also dispatched medical teams and established a biological laboratory," Wu said.

China provided "all of what was required in terms of personnel, drugs and medical supplies", Koroma said.

On Thursday, Koroma visited the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing's Changping district, where he expressed gratitude for China's assistance.

Zhang Ming, vice-foreign minister, said that the two countries have agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to the new level of comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, which he said is the most important fruit of Koroma's visit.

Sierra Leone has firmly supported China in its core interests, including the South China Sea issue and the Taiwan question, showing the high level of two-way political trust, he said.

Koroma's visit to China started Wednesday. He will travel to Shandong province on Saturday and visit a steel company there.

Jin Yong, deputy head of the School of Foreign Studies at the Communication University of China, said that China-Sierra Leone cooperation will benefit both sides, given that China is seeking investment opportunities overseas while Sierra Leone is still in a post-Ebola period and in great need of infrastructure construction.

Chen Qiqi contributed to this story.
Luo Yixiao receives treatment at Shenzhen Children's Hospital in Guangdong province on Tuesday.[Photo provided for China Daily]

Patient's father owns an apartment in Shenzhen as well as two additional properties in Dongguan

More than 2.6 million yuan ($380,000) raised online by a father for his seriously ill daughter will be returned to the donors following public outcry over his alleged lack of honesty about the family's economic situation, according to a joint statement on Thursday.

Luo Yixiao, 5, from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in September and her condition worsened earlier this month.

Her father, Luo Er, posted a heart-wrenching story about his daughter on WeChat on Friday last week, asking for financial help. The post went viral and more than 110,000 people had donated 2.53 million yuan ($367,000) as of Wednesday.

Luo Er, a magazine editor, also agreed to Liu Xiafeng, a former colleague and founder of Xiaotongren, a marketing company specializing in internet finance, posting his daughter's story on the company's WeChat account on Sunday.

Readers of the post had also donated more than 110,000 yuan as of Wednesday.

However, it was reported on Wednesday that Luo Er owns an apartment in Shenzhen and two more properties in neighboring city Dongguan, which was not mentioned in his plea for help.

Luo Er confirmed the reports, but told local media that the two apartments in Dongguan cannot be sold at present due to a property-rights issue.

The reports led to widespread doubt over his claimed inability to finance his daughter's medical expenses, with many netizens saying their kindness had been taken advantage of.

According to a joint statement by Luo Er, Liu, WeChat and Shenzhen Civil Affairs Bureau, all donations will be returned to the donors.

According to a statement on Wednesday by Shenzhen Children's Hospital, where Luo Yixiao is hospitalized, the girl's total medical fees since September have reached about 200,000 yuan, with her family needing to pay about 36,000 yuan and insurance covering more than 80 percent of the cost.

The girl is in "critical condition" at the moment, and the hospital is working with doctors from Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children on her therapeutic schedule, the statement said.

Liu initially promised that his company would donate 1 yuan for each repost, up to a total of 500,000 yuan. The number of reposts surpassed 500,000.

The company was accused by netizens of employing the posting of the story as a marketing tool.

The joint statement did not state how donations received by the company would be dealt with.

In an earlier statement by Luo Er and Liu on Thursday, they had pledged to use the donations to establish a foundation to help children with leukemia, given donors' permission, adding that they would apply for financial aid for Luo Yixiao's treatment according to regulations.

Legal experts said it is legal to raise money for a family member in difficulty, but added that donors have a right to ask for their money to be returned if important facts are "intentionally concealed".

According to data from the Chinese Red Cross Foundation, about 20,000 children in China are diagnosed with leukemia each year, while the annual income of three-quarters of the families involved is less than 30,000 yuan.
International collectors' expo gathers enthusiasts from around the world

The forthcoming 2016 Asian International Stamp Exhibition in Nanning will showcase Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region's culture, history and lifestyle, offering a platform to enhance people-to-people exchanges, said experts and officials.

The exhibition will be held from Friday to Tuesday. Organizations and individual stamp enthusiasts, known as philatelists, from 31 member countries and regions of the Federation of Inter-Asia Philately will display more than 1,300 sets of stamps during the event, according to Ma Junsheng, chief of the State Post Bureau, one of the organizers of the show.

He said the unique characteristics of the Guangxi region will be displayed at the event. "The local culture, life and landscapes will be showcased at the exhibition in the forms of the mascot, logo and stamps on display."

The mascot of the event is the "Silk Ball Baby". In Guangxi, the silk ball, made of silk embroidery pieces, is popular among the Zhuang and other ethnic groups, who use it for such auspicious occasions as courtship, weddings and receiving honorable guests.

Two commemorative stamps, with one featuring a Zhuang embroidery piece and another featuring a silk ball, will be issued for the exhibition.

In addition, according to Ma, a definitive stamp sheet will be issued, featuring a bronze phoenix lantern, which is a Han Dynasty (206 BC-220) bronze ware discovered in the region and now exhibited at the Guangxi Museum. The bronze piece is evidence of the high level of Guangxi's civilization some 2,000 years ago as an important starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Ma noted that one of the highlights of the stamp exhibition is the Nanning Day event on Saturday, where a number of stamps featuring the culture and landscape of Guangxi and the region's capital city of Nanning will be displayed.

He added that the event will also be a platform to showcase Chinese culture. Ma said a special event featuring the 12 Chinese zodiac signs - including an exhibition of stamps carrying the 12 animals and symposiums on related cultures - will be staged on Monday.

Zhou Hongbo, mayor of Nanning, said he expects the event to enhance the cultural exchanges between Guangxi, Nanning and the world, displaying the region's new social and economic developments.

He said the stamp exhibition will open a window for people from the world to learn more about Guangxi and Nanning.

"We hope our exhibits can be vivid narrators, telling stories about the cultures, traditions, customs and local aesthetic tastes of Guangxi and Nanning," Zhou said.

He said he also hopes the event can offer an opportunity for exchange between local and overseas philatelists.

The mayor added that he expects the exhibition to create a platform to promote Nanning's ethnic culture to the world and further facilitate the cultural cooperation between the city and the world.

Huang Dou, chairman of the Guangxi Philatelic Federation, said the forthcoming event will give people better understanding of the cultures relating to stamps in the new information era.

He said philately is a practice that is developing with the modern postal industry, and that the industry is now undergoing a fundamental change amid the rapid development of information technologies.

"As traditional mail is being replaced by email and new methods of delivery, we are concerned about the future of postage stamps and philately," Huang said.

"Instead of its commercial value as evidence of payment, the postage stamp is still appealing to us as a cultural token," Huang said.

He said collecting stamps and communicating with philatelists around the world with letters are still among the most effective ways for him to learn about the world and to make friends.

"I have kept correspondence with more than 70 philatelists in various countries, which helps me to understand different cultures," Huang said.

Su Bing, a veteran philatelist in Nanning, called the stamps a "mini encyclopedia", as they help people to better know the world.

"Stamp themes cover everything: nature, history and all kinds of social and cultural aspects," Su said, adding that stamps present him with a colorful world and help to enrich his spiritual life.

He said that he began collecting stamps in 1977 when he was 10 years old, and that his vision has been constantly broadened, as his social circle was expanded from Nanning to Guangxi, to China and on to the rest of world.

"I have taken part in various philatelic organizations and made many friends with the same interest," Huang said.

"In times when mobile phones and email are popular, receiving a letter carrying a stamp is always a surprise to me. A review of the past-day letters and stamps always awakens the best memories," he said.

zhaoshijun@chinadaily.com.cn

The bamboo-jumping dance is one of the folk performances that tourists can encounter on the streets of Nanning.Provided To China Daily

Nanning, host of the 2016 Asian International Stamp Exhibition, wants to use the event to make it better known to the world.Provided To China Daily

The Qingxiushan Park in Nanning offers locals and tourists a place for relaxation.Provided To China Daily

(China Daily 12/01/2016 page12)
Students at Riverstone prep school take part in the Healthy Chinese Cuisine Ambassadors program. [ANGUS MCNEICE/CHINA DAILY]

The National Health and Family Planning Commission has revealed its intention to clean up and consolidate nearly 5,000 food safety standards and formulate or revise 300 national standards.

This is a timely step to regulate China's food industry, given that food safety has become a huge concern after a number of high-profile scandals and tragedies in recent years.

The existence of assorted, different and even conflicting food safety standards among different departments, regions and fields complicates the management and supervision of food production.

An official from the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment once pointed out that more than 15 government departments in charge of health, industry, forestry and grains had their own standards in their areas of responsibility. This shows how necessary it is for the NHFPC to build a unified national system for food safety standards.

Especially as newly discovered chemical contaminants and pathogenic microorganisms that may pose health hazards continually present new challenges to those charged with ensuring the safety of the food we eat and require the formulation of new safety standards, along with their evaluation and supervision.

Compounding the difficulties, people's rising living standards have prompted them to pay more attention to food safety and there is growing pressure on the authorities to intensify their supervision.

The country's law on food safety adopted 28 years ago no longer meets the needs of the times after the tremendous changes that have occurred since then. The law's amendment remains a pressing task, as is revision of the country's food safety standards enforcement system. Lax and weak supervision is believed to be one of the reasons for the problems exposed in the country's food production.

However, to ensure the effective supervision and enforcement of food safety standards, the country should first have a set of unified food safety standards.
Members of a SWAT team of Beijing police attend a drill with a police dog on Nov 5, 2016. The police dog division of Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau was founded in 1952. Up to 2015, there have been more than 1,000 police dogs serving in criminal investigation, SWAT, public transportation, firefighting and some other departments of Beijing police.[Photo/Xinhua]

Temporary employees are often hired by the police to help with law enforcement. These assistants have aroused controversy because their legal standing in enforcing the law was not clear until now. The State Council, China's Cabinet, recently issued a detailed guiding document making clear their power and responsibilities. Beijing News comments:

There are many problems with temporary police assistants, because of their undefined legal status, including them becoming scapegoats in some disputes and being punished for the wrongdoings of police officers.

For example, when the police want to use force but are not sure about whether they should, they will ask the police assistants to do it. In case an innocent resident is harmed and it creates a scandal, the leading local police official will simply employ police assistants so the police officers can easily escape any responsibility.

Such an approach has already damaged the reputation of the police in certain cities. The new guiding document of the State Council makes clear that any police official who instructs police assistants should be held accountable for their actions.

It also clearly states that police assistants should be properly regulated and be penalized for any wrongdoing. That will help curb the excessive zeal of some police assistants in enforcing the law.

Of course, while strengthening the disciplinary regulation over police assistants, the new guideline also protects the legal rights of police assistants, and says that they should be paid out of a local government's budget, and their families given compensation if they are killed or wounded on the job.
A Chinese doctor talks with family members of a young patient as he examines him with a Type-b Ultrasonic Diagnostic Instrument at a hospital in Beijing, China, 11 September 2013. [Photo/IC]

Some super hospitals play such strong roles in the provision of public healthcare that they create a problem by diverting resources and draining talent from local hospitals. Legal Daily commented on Wednesday:

In the so-called super hospitals there are about 10,000 beds with the world's top medical equipment and more experienced clinical faculties and healthcare workers. In other words, the super hospitals have the best talent, equipment and infrastructure.

This means patients flood to these hospitals causing management problems, disputes and other issues, and there is a siphoning of talent from grassroots medical institutions. And since the super hospitals use the latest medical equipment, they need to make "super" profits. The result is an increased financial burden on patients.

The direction of medical reform is to balance the quality of medical resources and reasonably apportion patients between healthcare facilities. The super hospitals go against this by concentrating resources, and in so doing concentrating patients.

As the approach of the super hospitals and the direction of the new medical reform are not consistent, and they may form a monopoly over other small hospitals, they should be the focus of the next step of medical reform.

The scale of public hospitals should be clearly defined, including the number of beds they provide, the equipment they have, and the number of doctors and other medical staff they employ.
A man in his 60s picks cotton in Aksu in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on October 14, 2016. Most of the people engaged in the laborious work were born in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, and the younger generation born in the 1990s seldom do it because of the intensity of the work. [Photo/IC]

Our world is changing with unprecedented rapidity. Technology, demography, climate change and globalization are mega-trends that seem to be powering ahead, creating uncertainty and, in some cases, fear of change.

But, in Asia, the experience of change over the last 50 years has been generally positive. It has brought prosperity, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. Today, about half of the region's workers and their families are now classified as middle class or richer. With better education and more investment, people are moving from agriculture into higher-value manufacturing and services. Social protection is expanding, and labor productivity has been growing at about twice the global rate.

But the wave of prosperity has not washed over everyone equally. Income and social inequality persists, and in some places has widened. One in every 10 workers in the region still lives in extreme poverty. More than 1 billion people are in vulnerable employment. And there is a concerning trend of formal employment becoming "informalized", through contract, temporary or part-time work.

So the issue is not change itself, but what kind of change? How do we shape these global mega-trends so that they deliver the future we want?

I see one very clear answer to thisthat the future must be based on the notion of decent work and social justice.

Placing decent work and social justice at the core of policymaking is simply recognizing the obvious; none of us can build a better future for ourselves unless we include others.

The importance of decent work for inclusive and sustainable development has been recognized internationally and is fully reflected in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

From Dec 6 to 9, I will join hundreds of government ministers, representatives of workers' and employers' organizations, academics and others to discuss this, at the International Labour Organization's 16th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting, in Bali, Indonesia.

The delegates represent more than 40 countries in Asia, the Pacific and the Arab Statesequivalent to about 60 percent of the global workforce. This ambitious forum only takes place every four years, and the range of actors brought together is unique in the international systemnowhere outside the ILO do leaders of employers' and workers' organizations sit down to negotiate equally with government ministers. This gives our discussions real representational and policymaking strength.

The countries in this group are very diverse but, as they prepare for this meeting, I strongly encourage them to focus more on the similarity of the challenges they face. If they use their combined strength to harness these mega-trends, they can create a region-wide, coordinated programme of action that will pave the road to an inclusive and prosperous region that offers decent work and social justice to all.

We need economic growth that is sustainable and job-rich, rather than just statistically impressive. Such growth can only be lasting and equitable if it is built on the foundations of strong and relevant labor market institutions.

The promotion of equity and equality must be at the heart of our labor market systems; for example, through effective legislation, social protection systems, and the appropriate use of wage setting and collective bargaining.

We must recognize that workers' rights do not end at borders. Labor migration is a massive and growing trend. Many Asia-Pacific economies depend heavily on migrant workers. When labor migration is properly managed, it is a conduit for skills and wages to flow where they are most needed. It can, and must, be a triple-winbenefiting migrant workers and their families, their home country and their destination.

And, crucially, we need effective social dialogue. None of this will be achieved without discussions and negotiations that engage all the stakeholders of the "real" economy in policymaking and implementation, and treat their views with equal importance and respect.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development offers us a chance to transform the future of work so that it is inclusive, decent and equitable. It is a huge challenge, which will take great political will, long-term thinking and sophisticated coordination. I am confident that the economies of this region can rise to it.

The author is director-general of the International Labour Organization.
LIU XINYI/CHINA DAILY

Yang Xiuzhu, China's most-wanted fugitive who fled overseas 13 years ago, returned to Beijing and turned herself in on Nov 16, marking another victory in the country's campaign against corruption. The former deputy director of the construction department of East China's Zhejiang province has been accused of embezzling 250 million yuan ($36.3 million), making her the most-wanted on China's "red notice" list of 100 corrupt officials released by Interpol last year.

She is the 37th fugitive who have recently returned to the countryalthough most of them were persuaded to do so. To hold them criminally accountable, China has the right to use repatriation and extradition rules in accordance with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and bilateral extradition treaties.

What prompted Yang to end her days on the run was not that the Chinese government had been "pressuring her family". After being charged by the US judicial authorities and detained in the country thanks to close law enforcement cooperation between China and the US, she had no option but to return to confess to her crime.

Beijing's hunt for corrupt fugitives who have fled the country to avoid punishments is justifiable and in line with its efforts to safeguard national interests and promote fair market competition. That some Western media outlets try to make far-fetched connections between China's anti-corruption campaign and its human rights record, which in fact is decent, is nothing more than a targeted smear campaign.

China needs the judicial assistance and cooperation of other countries, especially the popular destinations for Chinese outlaws such as the US, to cleanse its domestic investment environment. But some countries have tried to use Chinese corrupt "asylum-seekers" as a bargaining chip in other bilateral issues with China. They have stalled the Chinese government's repatriation demand in the name of legal reasons, which in turn "inspired" more Chinese corrupt officials to seek havens abroad.

Despite that, China stands firm on its anti-corruption promises no matter where the wrongdoers flee. Its judicial organs have stipulated a set of laws and are negotiating extradition treaties with more countries to bring fugitives at large to justice. China has also revised its laws to protect the human rights of those on the run, and no one has faced the death sentence till now after extradition or repatriation. The open trials of cases involving foreign defendants are easily available to consuls of the countries concerned.

Persuading wanted fugitives to surrender involves making contacts with their friends and relatives who can help them make the right decision. Such a universal approach in combating crimes is about alleviating the suspects' culpability as well as defending their legitimate rights. China has never sought to nor will it overstep the legal boundaries.

It is also noteworthy that some corrupt officials took away with them considerable national assets while fleeing the country. Apart from bringing them back to face trial, Chinese judicial authorities have also made extra efforts to retrieve the misappropriated assets. But there is still a long way to go, as several Western countries have only paid lip service to China's fight against corruption without returning the ill-gotten wealth.

Haggling over how to deal with these illegal assets with Beijing in the name of defending the primacy of their domestic laws is no different from harboring corrupt fugitives. China has to plug up the loopholes that some fugitives "volunteer" to come back at the cost of their own freedom, in a bid to ensure their children (and other relatives) overseas could still feast on their embezzled money.

The UN Convention Against Corruption makes clear the obligations of relevant countries in this regard. On their part, China's procuratorial organs and courts should make the confiscation of the illegal assets looted abroad by wanted fugitives a part of the Criminal Procedural Law.

The author is a professor of law at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law.
Students raising their hands in class. [File photo/Xinhua]

Should we send our children to after-school tutoring institutions to help raise their scores in exams and sharpen their competitive edge?

I know a number of parents who are caught in the dilemma of "to send" or "not to send". They often find it difficult to choose between giving their children adequate time for after-school rest and recreation and helping them stand out from their peers in a largely score-based evaluation system.

Indeed, it's a difficult choice to make. Young parents seem to be obsessed with their children's academic performance. Some attribute it to the Chinese tradition of respect for knowledge. But parents today are much more devoted to their children's academic record than ever before. Many parents can persuade their childrenusing all sorts of meansto spend almost all their after-school time, including weekends, attending different tutorials.

The People's Daily recently published a series of articles on this phenomenon, arguing that it reflects the anxiety of Chinese parents, mostly middle-class parents, about their children's academic performance, a mentality exacerbated by the crafty promotion tricks used by tutoring schools. For example, one of the articles says, some tutoring schools adopted a de facto hunger-marketing method to goad parents into enrolling their students.

Indeed, middle-class Chinese are obsessed with their children's academic performance and not all tutoring schools are clean or play by the rules. But what has caused all this?

Some accuse China's college entrance examination of helping create the anxiety among Chinese parents and students. The exam is still largely based on academic scores. It is a relatively fair and easy-to-assess method of evaluating the performance of applicants and leaves little room for corruption in the college enrollment process. But if one wants to get into a top university, the competition becomes terribly fierce, although China has greatly increased the number of students enrolled in colleges and universities since the mid-1990s.

In fact, in most countries, college enrollment is quite competitive because higher education resources are always limited compared with the demand from youths. Even if China changes its score-based evaluation system for college admission, the competition to get into a top university is expected to remain very strong given the country's huge population.

If we take a closer look at the issue, we will see the crux of the problem lies with the career assessment of Chinese people. In general, people think highly of youths who enroll in a college and become a white-collar worker or public servant upon graduation. That is the most desired career track that many parents design for their children.

Behind this preference is the big gap in salary and social status that comes with different jobs. For example, aside from often earning less than their white-collar peers, blue-collar workers face tougher working environments and don't have access to some economic benefits, such as those enjoyed by government or public institution employees.

Worse, many people "look down" upon such "low-level" jobs and do not want their children to become, say, a car mechanic even if they can earn more than some white-collar workers.

It will take a long time for such a mentality to change.

China has moved a step further in the right direction by encouraging the development of vocational education. In 2014, it issued a document on vocational education saying more vocational schools will be established in order to train more skilled workers. As the demand for skilled workers increases, their salaries could rise, too, encouraging more middle-school students who are eligible to study in vocational schools to take up myriad professions.

Policymakers are trying to deal with the problem of parents' dependence on tutoring schools to improve their children's scores by preventing public school teachers from teaching in private training institutions. But this method may not work given the strong demand for such institutions. The situation will not change much unless the government makes more efforts to raise the salaries of people employed in non-academic sector.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily.

xinzhiming@chinadaily.com.cn
MissPowergrantpresentation.jpg

Mississippi Power's Jackson County Area Manager Cedrick Hurd (far right) presents Moss Point Career and Technical Center teacher Billy Carroll (second from right) with a check as part of the company's 2016 Environmental Education Grants program.

(Courtesy photo/Mississippi Power)

GULFPORT, Mississippi -- Mississippi Power has announced the awarding of $15,000 in Environmental Education Grants to 35 coast schools, including four in Jackson County.

The annual grants are designed to provide funding for teachers to assist with environmental education projects at their respective schools.

Some 180 schools from Mississippi Power's 23-county service area were encouraged to apply for the grant program, with funding available up to $1,000 for individual projects. The 35 winning schools will share the $15,000 in total funding.

"Mississippi Power encourages hands-on indoor and outdoor classroom activities to engage students in environmental study," said MPC's Environmental Affairs Director Mark Loughman. "Hundreds of students will have an opportunity to participate in and learn from the great projects these teachers have proposed."

Mississippi Power's Environmental Stewardship Council, comprised of company employees focused on promoting conservation-related projects -- reviewed the applications and selected the winners.

"Environmental stewardship is important to the employees at Mississippi Power," Loughman said. "We believe in nurturing the next generation of environmental visionaries. We hope these projects will foster an interest in environmental and engineering sciences, and promote stewardship across south Mississippi."

Jackson County teachers and their schools receiving grants are:

Billy Carroll of Moss Point's Career and Technical Center

Linda Foster of Ocean Springs Upper Elementary

Kim Dahl of Ocean Springs' Pecan Park Elementary

Leigh Hanna and Victoria Waltman of Pascagoula High School

Other coast winners were:
China's central bank recently issued a new regulation covering personal bank accounts. According to the new regulation, an individual can only open one Type-I account with a particular bank. For those who already have a Type-I account with a bank, they can only open Type-II or Type-III accounts with that bank.

A Type-I bank account has all the functions of a bank account including allowing the holder to make payments, deposits, transfers and investments. There is no restriction on the amount that can be held in the account. However, a Type-I account has to be opened in person at a branch of the bank so the owner's identity can be confirmed face-to-face.

A Type-II bank account can be opened at a branch of the bank or via an electronic channel but it has limited functions. A Type-III bank account can be opened at a branch or via an electronic channel but it is for micro-payments including internet payments.

Officials of the People's Bank of China, or the central bank, said that the new regulation on individual bank accounts aims to establish a firewall to protect people from the risks associated with internet payments.

Individuals who have opened several bank accounts before the new regulation came into effect on Thursday are not affected by the new regulation and can keep using their cards.

Meanwhile, the announcement also requires each bank account to have a unique individual identification number and unique phone number, in order to prevent telecommunication fraud that rips off money from bank accounts linked with the same phone number.
Italian Members of the European Parliament Gianluca Buonanno (L), Lorenzo Fontana (C) and Matteo Salvini attend a voting session on the EU-Ukraine Association agreement at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, September 16, 2014.[Photo/Agencies]

The European Parliament passed a resolution on Nov 23 to counteract propaganda from third parties against it, obviously aimed towards Russia. Although, the resolution is non-legislative for EU members, it reflects the weakness of the EU both from inside like the wealth gap, and outside like refugee inflows and terrorist attacks.

Russian journalists, based on their professionalism and diverse values, stand out to take on the western media and their "political correctness", which has dominated the international media arena for decades.

Like BBC, CNN and other western media outlets, the "correctness" founded on democracy and professionalism as their golden rule has been praised home and abroad. However, the professionalism only applies to domestic issues while democracy turns out to be the only criteria facing their international reports.

Al Jazeera brought fresh air once upon a time but lost momentum before Russian media like RT and Sputnik emerged in the last decade. The later found their stance in the US and EU by reporting on the voices of "grassland people" by mainstream western media. Cooperating with third-level think tanks and isolated NGOs, Russian media intensively reported the chronic social problems inside western society.

After a series of reforms and social turbulence, Russian media, especially their international agencies, have anchored their berth to serve national interest by disclosing those inconvenient truths which were ignored deliberately by their mainstream western counterparts.

The reports of Russian media indeed stirred up reflections of western populace, and the EU or the US could only take restrictive steps currently against those "incorrect" reports before they could find a new, softer solution.

The author is a professor with Journalism college of Jinan University and a senior fellow of the Charhar Institute. This article is authorized by the writer to be translated from a Chinese copy.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and don't represent views of China Daily website.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif speaks at the inauguration of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor port in Gwadar, Pakistan November 13, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday told a meeting reviewing progress on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that China has helped Pakistan revive its economy in difficult time.

The meeting reviewed at length the benchmarks set for numerous energy, transport infrastructure and industrial projects in terms of deliverables with particular focus on development of the Gwadar Port in Balochistan Province along with socio-economic uplift projects in Gwadar, the Prime Minister Office said.

"Pakistan's economy was in shambles in 2013 when the present government came into power. It was China that supported and helped us in the economic revival at such crucial juncture for which the government and people of Pakistan are indebted to the Chinese leadership and people of China," Sharif said.

"The visionary Chinese leadership supported us in translating the idea of CPEC into reality," he said, according to a statement issued by the PM office.

While highlighting the significance of CPEC, Sharif said that the Chinese initiative is significantly attracting the world in general and regional countries in particular.

"CPEC has changed the negative security narrative into an exceedingly positive economic narrative for Pakistan," Sharif said, adding that "the successful implementation of the projects under the umbrella of CPEC is a manifestation of the strong and time-tested friendship between China and Pakistan; the success of CPEC has been substantiated by the massive and further expanding foreign investment in Pakistan."

"There is a compelling reason for international investors for investments in Pakistan because of the success story of CPEC initiatives," said the Prime Minister.

The meeting was briefed that energy projects under the CPEC including coal, hydel, wind, solar as well as transmission lines are on track. Besides, infrastructure projects including road, rail, aviation and data connectivity are also being executed simultaneously on fast track basis.

The Prime Minister reiterated that no region or territory must be left behind in reaping the benefits of CPEC and the meeting emphasized that local population must be given priority while giving incentives for industries.

The meeting was also briefed on the steps already in place for the safety and security of Chinese workers working on CPEC projects.

"Our endeavors have started yielding substantive results; our continuing efforts in the completion of CPEC projects will transform the socio-economic landscape of Pakistan where no one will be left behind in getting the multiple benefits," Sharif stated.
Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao, who is acting as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy, lays a wreath to late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro on behalf of Xi, at Jose Marti Memorial in Havana, Cuba, on Nov 29, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

HAVANA -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao went to Cuba on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday to pay condolences to late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

Li, who was acting as Xi's special envoy, went to Jose Marti Memorial on Tuesday morning to lay a wreath to Castro on behalf of Xi, and conveyed Xi's deepest condolences to Castro's family members on site.

On Tuesday night, Li attended a grand memorial meeting for Castro at the Havana Revolution Plaza, and delivered a speech.

On behalf of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President Xi, the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people, Li expressed deepest condolences over Castro's passing away.

Li said Comrade Fidel was the founder of the Communist Party of Cuba and the country's socialist cause. He was a great leader of the Cuban people, and had made enduring historic achievements for the Cuban people and the world's socialist development. History and people will remember him forever, Li said.

The Chinese vice president said that Comrade Fidel had been devoted to the Cuba-China friendship, and had been closely following as well as speaking highly of China's development. The Chinese people miss him dearly, he said.

Li believed that under the firm leadership of Comrade Raul Castro, the Communist Party of Cuba, the Cuban government and the Cuban people are bound to turn their sorrow into strength, continue the legacy of Fidel Castro, and make new achievements in the construction of socialism.

China will work with Cuba to deepen the friendship and cooperation between the two parties and the two nations, bring benefits to both peoples, and jointly make active contributions to the noble cause of world peace and development, Li said.

Cuban President Raul Castro and a dozen foreign leaders also gave speeches at the meeting.
The cup that Ben drinks water from. [Photo/Twitter@GrumpyCarer]

Mac Carter, a British father of 14-year-old Ben who has autism, launched a global search on the internet to find a specific kind of little blue cup for his son, the UK-based Daily Mail newspaper reported. A Chinese cup factory is playing an essential role in this heart-warming endeavor.

Ben has a major case of autism. When he was two, Mac gave him a little blue cup that was made in China and ever since the cup had become one of the most important items in Ben's life. Mac never thought that the little cup would cause such a big problem.

Ben became dependent on this cup because ever since he received the gift he would only drink water from the exact type of little blue cup.

Over 12 years, Ben refused to drink water without the cup. Mac was worried about this because their current cup could break soon and he needed to find a replacement for his son to drink with. The problem was the cup was no longer being manufactured.

Mac tried to take Ben to a therapist to solve the cup problem, but it was of no use.

14-year-old Ben Carter. [Photo/Twitter@GrumpyCarer]

This prompted Mac, tweeting as @GrumpyCarer, to seek help from the public on Twitter. The response he got was overwhelming and the enthusiasm people from all over the world showed gave him confidence and hope.

After reading Mac's plea, many strangers found their identical cup and offered to send them to Ben. "I have an identical one! Give me your address and I will send it to you tomorrow!" a twitter user said.

More and more people heard about Mac's plea and this endeavor went viral on the internet.

Though receiving a lot of help, Mac still was concerned. All the cups he received would eventually break. As time passed, it would be even harder to find the same cups. Mac wanted a mould of the cup that is the key for Ben's well-being.

The situation took a surprising turn when the company that produced the cup got in touch with Mac.

The baby products company Tommee Tippee UK said they had a dedicated team searching the cupboards for Ben's cup. The company also delved further into their search on the internet. The team was sent to China, and they found the same exact mould for the cup in the factory that initially made it.

After checking the mould was still in function, the company and the Chinese factory decided to make as many as 500 cups for Ben, and Mac was thrilled about all this.

"Tomme Tippe UK sent me the first delivery today. Ben now has his name in cups!" he tweeted.
Venez uela's President Nicolas Maduro (r) talks to the media after his meeting with Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary-General Mohammed Barkindo at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela November 16, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

CARACAS -- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro hailed Wednesday an agreement by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to reduce oil production for the first time in eight years.

Maduro's reaction came after the OPEC oil cartel had made a decision on the same day in Vienna to set the ceiling of oil production at 32.5 million barrels per day.

The reduction of 1.2 million barrels per day by January, will seek to reduce the oversupply of oil.

Maduro wrote on Twitter, "I thank and appreciate our OPEC partners for the important agreement we have reached...to stabilize the market."

The impact on oil prices, which have been at consistent lows in recent years, was immediate. Benchmark oil prices jumped by 10 percent and energy companies saw stocks soar as the group made its first cut since 2008.

The deal will only last for the first half of 2017 but is boosted by the decision of non-OPEC producers to drop their production by 600,000 barrels per day.

Maduro, who has seen the Venezuelan economy sink as oil prices steadily declined, has fought consistently to secure a production cut, including paying numerous visits to OPEC countries.

"Two years of efforts to recover the market and achieve fair, realistic and stable prices. I also thank the non-OPEC countries," he noted.

Venezuela's Minister of Oil and Mining, Eulogio del Pino, was present at the OPEC meeting in Vienna, Austria, where the deal was struck.

He wrote on Twitter that "we have sealed a historic OPEC agreement, in line with a preliminary pact reached in Algeria."
WASHINGTON - US Green Party's presidential candidate Jill Stein on Wednesday filed for the recount of the votes in Michigan, triggering complaint from the authorities.

"Michigan's Bureau of Elections has received a recount request from Dr. Jill Stein and it is being reviewed," Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson tweeted Wednesday.

"It is unusual that a candidate who received just 1 percent of the vote is seeking a recount, especially when there is no evidence of hacking or fraud, or even a credible allegation of any tampering."

She said the recount would cost Michigan taxpayers 4 million dollars for the recount. But she added that a recount would go ahead.

Michigan authorities officially announced Monday that the state's 16 electoral votes would go to President-elect Donald Trump, who outpolled Democrat rival Hillary Clinton by 10,000 votes.

Stein previously also pushed for recounts in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, an effort supported by Clinton's team but called a "scam" by Trump.

Only in the unlikely event of overturning all three states can Clinton beat Trump to the White House.

"We must recount the votes so we can build trust in our election system. We need to verify the vote in this and every election so that Americans can be sure we have a fair, secure and accurate voting system," Stein said in a statement Monday.
Wang Qimin and Li Jun perform with the National Ballet of China during its return to the London stage this week. [NATIONAL BALLET OF CHINA/CHINA DAILY]

The National Ballet of China performed its version of The Peony Pavilion for the first time on a London stage this weekan adaptation of the 400-year-old Kunqu opera.

Alistair Spalding, artistic director at Sadler's Wells, said: "It's an absolute classic love story but it also has tragedy within it and that is what ballet is good at."

The Peony Pavilion is a contemporary take on Tang Xianzu's 16th century epic that originally featured 55 scenes and last 20 hours.

The two-hour adaptation is a mix of Western ballet and Chinese influences created by choreographer Fei Bo and artistic director Feng Ying.

"In order to bring this opera into ballet, the script was adapted to suit a dance performance," Feng said. "Our previous artistic director, Madame Zhao Ruheng, and another famous director, Li Liuyi, adapted the original script. Only a few episodes from the original opera were selected and that's how we can tell the story in two hours."

The tale focuses on Du Liniang, a young and wealthy woman who falls asleep and dreams of Liu Mengmei, who she falls in love with in her dream but cannot find in real life. Du dies of a broken heart but is sent back from the underworld to the land of the living so she can find her love.

Choreographer Fei Bo said the company wanted to introduce Western audiences to an Eastern philosophy of love.

"We try to analyze the heroine of the performance in depth and find a contemporary explanation for our audience," said Fei.

Feng added: "Whether it is a Chinese or Western audience, we would like to show our interpretation of this great romantic literature because, in this story, we talk about Chinese philosophy. The idea of life and death, and also the cycle of life and reincarnation. The other important theme is the pursuit of love in reality or in the spiritual world."

The production completed a five-night run in Manchester last week.

The event highlights the growth in cultural links between the countries since President Xi Jinping's visit last year.
A handout image provided by the Royal Household Bureau shows Thailand's new King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun paying respect to a portrait of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Thai Queen Sirikit during the accession to the throne proclamation ceremony at the Ambara Villa of the Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, December 1, 2016. [Photo/IC]

BANGKOK -- Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn accepted invitation from parliament president to ascend to the throne and thus formally proclaimed King Rama X in a televised ceremony broadcast late Thursday.

"In accordance with the Palace Law and the constitution, I accept the invitation (to become king) for the sake of (the late King) His Majesty and for all the Thai people," said Vajiralongkorn in a televised statement, followed by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's televised address, in which Prayut said "we have a new king now".

King Vajiralongkorn's formal name is "His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun".

According to the televised ceremony, Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, head of parliament, or National Legislative Assembly, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Supreme Court President Veerapol Tungsuwan and the current Regent Prem Tingsulanondaare were granted an audience with the prince at about 19:16 at Bangkok's Dusit Palace, during which Pornpetch invited the prince to formally ascend the throne.

Since Vajiralongkorn accepted the invitation, he is now King Rama X, or the 10th king of the Chakri dynasty founded in 1782, succeeding his father, revered late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died at 88 on Oct. 13.

King Vajiralongkorn's formal coronation will not happen before his father's royal cremation later next year. Prime Minister Prayut has announced that the current reign dated back from Oct. 13, 2016.

Born on July 28, 1952 in Bangkok, the now 64-year old King Vajiralongkorn is the second of four children of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit and the only son of them.

In 1972, at the age of 20, Vajiralongkorn was designated crown prince by his father.

He started primary education in 1956 and then went to the United Kingdom and Australia for further education before undergoing military training in Austria for several years.

According to his official biography, King Vajiralongkorn is a qualified helicopter and fighter pilot. He holds high ranks in the Thai army, navy and air force.
boat parade

This file photo from 2010 included first place winner in Moss Point's "Christmas By The River" boat parade, Never Say Never, is captained by Andrew Vice and owned by Michael and Fredna Vice of Moss Point. Christmas by the River festivities will take place on Saturday.

(Dick Dixon)

MOSS POINT, Miss. -- The River City of Moss Point is hosting its annual 'Christmas by the River' festivities on Saturday to bring in the holiday season.

At least 1000 people showed to last year's festivities and this year, more are expected to participate. Residents and visitors alone will have multiple activities to choose from such as Breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m. inside the Riverfront Recreation Center to start the day.

Festivities will continue with a Land Parade at 3 p.m., starting at Southgate Shopping Center and ending downtown at the Riverfront, followed by the annual tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. outside of the Riverfront Welcome Center.

Ennit Morris will serve as the Grand Marshall for the parade while Pastor David Newton will be the Parade Marshall.

Festivities will begin to wine down with the Boat Parade at 6:15 p.m., which will then be followed with a fireworks grand finale at 7:00 p.m.

The Moss Point Recreation Department, along with several other community entities and volunteers organized this year's festivities.

Alderwoman Shirley Chambers said she expects this year's event to once again 'wow' onlookers and it is a highly anticipated event residents look forward to.

"Christmas by the River is one of the nicest festivities we have within this city and the residents look forward to it every year," Chambers said.
In my previous post, China Technology Transfers, I focused on misconceptions Western companies often have regarding China technology transfer deals. In this post, I focus on two commonly held misconceptions regarding partnering with Chinese companies in deals that involve foreign technology.

Due to a partnership relationship, the foreign side often wrongly believes it is somehow better protected against IP theft. The foreign side then lets down its guard, only to learn that its China partner has appropriated its core technology. This sense of partnership is most common with SMEs and technology startups, especially those companies whose owner is directly involved in the relationship with the Chinese entity.

The two primary we are partners myths our China lawyers see are the following:

Myth One: Our personal connection will protect us. The Chinese company will not appropriate our technology because I (the owner of the U.S. company) have a close personal relationship with Mr. Zhang (the owner of the Chinese company). Usually this statement is followed with some bit of personal data, such as: He came to my daughters wedding or I sponsored his sons admission to college or I helped bring his family to the United States or He is my sons godfather. Trust me when I say our China attorneys heard them all. This idea that a close personal relationship will somehow insulate your company from China IP theft is probably results in more technology transfer disasters than any other myth about China. It is a myth for two quite different reasons:

On the most basic level, personal relations are not a barrier to committing acts of appropriation or other breaches of trust or contract. For most Chinese business people, personal relations, such as attendance at weddings and other shows of friendship are strategic matters, done to achieve some form of business benefit. When that benefit involves breaching a contract and appropriating technology, the Chinese side will often do it. Of course, this is not always true, but it is certainly true often enough that this possibility cannot and should not be ignored.

When the foreign party points out that this is a breach of trust, the Chinese side will often reply with something like the following: In China, business is like warfare and contract like a treaty between nations. We will honor the treaty when it benefits us, and we will breach when it benefits us. Personal matters are not relevant. As soon as we see a benefit, we will take it. The situation is really all your fault. You should not have presented me with a situation where I had the opportunity to betray you. By leaving me an opening, you forced my hand, because the rule in China is that when an opportunity presents itself the prudent businessperson must take advantage of it opportunity.

I have many times heard a Chinese company owner state this sort of argument with a certain amount of bitterness. They actually say: Its your fault. You made me do it. They resent you for having forced them to the friendship in a way that was painful to them. But again, the common Chinese view is that when a foreign company provides an opportunity to seize a benefit, the Chinese company is obligated to seize. Personal feelings do not count; action is required.

In many cases, however, the Chinese company owner has no reason to appropriate your technology, so it is safe not because of an emotional commitment but because there is no benefit from the theft. But, the technology is still stolen. This is because the technology is stolen by an employee of the Chinese entity.

In fact, for technology that requires a small investment to commercialize, theft by a Chinese company employee is probably the most common way foreign technology gets appropriated. This is particularly true of software products, where no large capital investment is required. In these low barrier to entry businesses in China, senior technical employees are constantly on the look out for an opportunity to steal technology and leave their employer to start out on their own.

This is part of the aggressively entrepreneurial mindset of Chinese technical personnel. Appropriating a nice piece of foreign software is often seen as the perfect way to get a head start on forming a new company. In the same way, if an employee can make off with a full set of production molds, he or she can start up a small factory at a very low cost in China. So the opportunities abound and the foreign technology disappears, leaving both the Chinese owner and the foreign entity frustrated as their mutually advantageous business relationship is destroyed by a low cost Chinese competitor.

Myth Two: Our partnership is secure because of investment by the Chinese side. We hear this argument a lot and it is essentially that it is not necessary to formally protect the technology because the Chinese company plans to invest significantly in the foreign company.

This argument has two variants, both of which are false:

Variant Number 1: The Chinese side plans to purchase a majority ownership interest in our company. In effect the Chinese side will own the technology in the end. Since the Chinese side will eventually own it, there is little reason to try to protect it from appropriation by its future owner. In this way, the Chinese side convinces the foreign entity to transfer the important technology to the Chinese entity prior to the date with the investment occurs.

But, then, there are always delays in closing that investment transaction and in many (most?) cases the full (sometimes any) investment never occurs. The Chinese side assures the foreign entity that the investment funds are on the way; the delay is only temporary. In the meantime, the Chinese entity obtains all of the relevant technology. Finally, the Chinese side announces that it sincerely regrets the transaction cannot be concluded. There is always some good reason. Either the bank that was going to finance the investment deal got cold feet or the Chinese government withdrew its approval of the transaction at the last minute. Either way, the deal is off with no liability on the part of the Chinese side. But the Chinese side got what it wanted. It obtained the key intellectual property without having to pay anything approaching market price for it.

Now that Chinese companies are perceived as wealthy, this investment promise has become a standard technique Chinese companies use to convince foreign companies to drop their guard. The way to prevent the unfortunate result is simple. Up until the day the purchase transaction closes and the funds are clearly in your bank account, treat the Chinese entity as a neutral third party. Protect your intellectual property in exactly the same way you should (or at least would) if you were dealing with an unrelated third party. The Chinese side will complain about the expense and inconvenience, and your reply should be: if you do not like it, pay the money now.

Variant Number 2: The Chinese side will purchase a minority interest in your company, just to provide support for developing the technology. In this variant, Western companies believe protection of their intellectual property is not required because: Why would the Chinese company want to harm the interests of a company in which it is a part owner?

This argument assumes that the Chinese company sees greater future benefit in the earnings it will get from its minority share of the U.S. entity as compared to walking away with the American companys technology. The U.S. side often tells us that when we go public, the Chinese sides share will give them a huge profit. Why would they screw things up now and prevent that public offering from ever happening?

The Chinese side rarely sees it this way. First of all, few Chinese companies focus on the long term. So for many, the promise of a future IPO or other monetary benefit from their minority investment means little or nothing to them. Second, when the Chinese side makes a minority investment, they do not see it as a investment in stock. They are making the payment to hire the foreign entity to do research and development work on their behalf and usually what they pay for such work (via the minority investment) is far less than they would pay for an arms length R&D program.

The investment in this R&D work is valuable to the Chinese company, but only to the extent it can take control of the technology. So the Chinese company will invest in the foreign development efforts for only so long as it receives direct benefits in the form of transfer of technology. The Chinese side has no intention of allowing the underfunded foreign start up to commercialize that valuable technology. Instead, the Chinese entity will transfer the technology to one of its many well funded subsidiaries for entry into the market. Normally, the Chinese entity expects the foreign start up to then simply die. They do not see this as a loss of their investment. Instead, they figure they see themselves (usually rightly) as having received an excellent return on their payments. It paid the money and the foreigners did the development work which it (the Chinese company) now owns. That is the end of the analysis.

The solution here is the same as the solution for Variation 1. Treat the Chinese entity like you would any third party entity. Disclose as little as possible to the Chinese entity and thoroughly protect what you disclose. If the Chinese side continues to seek access to your technology, consider carefully why it is making such requests. A normal investor does not need such information. If the Chinese side is asking you for more than a normal investor would ask, you have to ask why. The answer will almost certainly be that the Chinese company wants access to the intellectual property underlying your technology and it wants that for its own use.

In this situation, if the Chinese side complains or says something like Dont you trust us? Were your partner. This is sure sign of trouble. If the Chinese side requests access to your proprietary technical information, you have to ask: why are they making such a request? The real reason is seldom what you will want to hear.

Bottom Line: Do not be lured into believing that the nature of your relationship with your Chinese counter-party or the structure of your deal will be enough to protect your intellectual property from being appropriated. Or as my co-blogger, Dan Harris, always likes to say: Be careful out there.
"The New York Times" best-selling author Richard Grant will be in Pascagoula on Tuesday to discuss his latest book "Dispatches from Pluto," a highly acclaimed work that delves into the heart and soul of life in the Mississippi Delta.

Richard Grant

A former resident of London, England, Grant decided to write about the Delta and to do so moves to a little place called Pluto, Miss., where he and his future wife, Mariah, purchased an old home and began to settle in to a uniquely new existence.

The Pascagoula Public Library, with a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, is presenting this prestigious author in its final "First Tuesday" speakers program of the year. The program gets underway at 6 p.m. and is free to the public.

PPL Manager Leanna Hamburg is looking forward to the program. "Richard Grant's book has grown in popularity and we are excited to hear him speak about his experiences in Mississippi," Hamburg said.

The Friends of the Pascagoula Public Library are partnering with the library and the MHC to sponsor the event here.

Also a journalist and television host, Grant currently writes for the "Smithsonian" magazine, the "New York Times," "The Telegraph" in the United Kingdom and other publications. He is the writer and presenter of "American Nomads," a documentary for the BBC based on the book of the same name.

Coming from a diverse background, he was born in Malaysia, lived in Kuwait as a boy and then moved to London. He received a history degree from University College in London. After graduation he worked as a security guard, a janitor, a house painter and a club DJ before moving to America where he lived a nomadic life in the American West.

Reviews of the book have been highly favorable. It is clear Grant has gone below the surface to give his readers a look at the complexities of this unique part of Mississippi. The book's subtitle is "Lost and Found in the Mississippi Delta."

Alan Huffman, author of "Mississippi in Africa," writes of Grant's book: "Part travelogue, part sociological study, part memoir, and part nonfiction heir to the works of William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams, 'Dispatches from Pluto' is provocative in the best kind of way. Grant approaches his subjects with empathy, yet pulls no punches. The result is an honest, engaging account of life in one of America's most beguiling, bewildering cultural outposts."

Mississippi State Sen. John Horhn says: "Grant takes a fillet knife and lays us open to the bone, like you might a catfish. He exposes our idiosyncratic insanity and brilliance, both the failure and the promise that are driven by an intimate yet remote love/hate relationship along the racial divide. It's sad and beautiful at the same time."

The book, Grant's fourth, is available in paperback, audio and on Kindle. Grant will also do a book signing in conjunction with his presentation. Copes are $20 each at the signing. His other books include: "Crazy River: Exploration and Folly in East Africa," "God's Middle Finger: Into the Lawless Heart of the Sierra Madre," and "Ghost Riders: Travels with American Nomads."
OSwallettheft.jpg

Ocean Springs wallet snatching suspects Corey Thompson (left) and Brittney Kinstley, both of Vancleave.

(OSPD photos)

OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- A pair of Vancleave residents were arrested Wednesday, charged with snatching a wallet from a women's purse inside the Ocean Springs Walmart.

According to Ocean Springs Police Capt. Chuck Jackson, the incident occurred Oct. 2, when a woman reported placing the wallet in her shopping cart and leaving the cart unattended while she looked at some store items.

When she turned back to the cart, the wallet was gone. The victim told police she did not she the person(s) who had taken the wallet.

Det. Sgt. Matthew Morvant examined Walmart surveillance video and from the footage identified two suspects using the credit cards taken from the wallet, which also contained a pair of earrings valued at $800, as well as $180 in cash.

On Nov. 30, investigators located and arrested 28-year-old Corey Thompson and 26-year-old Brittney Kinstley at a residence on Old River Road in Vancleave.

The two suspects were booked into the Ocean Springs Municipal Jail and made an initial court appearance Wednesday night.

Jackson said the case remains under investigation and additional charges may be forthcoming from both Ocean Springs and other law enforcement agencies. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Ocean Springs Police Department at 228-875-2211 or Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.
(Photo : Getty Images) The Singapore army has been using Taiwan as a training base.

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China has lodged a formal protest with Singapore after Singaporean armored troop carriers were seized by Hong Kong customs officials en route from Taiwan.



The nine troop carriers were seized last week in Hong Kong, drawing a stern rebuke from China's foreign ministry.



China has warned Singapore against maintaining military ties with Taiwan, which China considers a break-away province.



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"China has already made representations over this to the Singapore side," a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said



The Chinese government has always been opposed to countries that have relations with it also having any form of official exchanges with the Taiwan region, including military exchanges.



China's The Global Times tabloid warned that Singapore's continued alliance with Taiwan could potentially harm its relations with China.



"It's no longer for Singapore to continue any kind of military exchange with Taiwan," said an opinion article in the nationalist state-owned paper.



Singapore and Taiwan have cooperated militarily for a long time, a relationship that was kindled in the 1970s. The relationship involves Taiwan being used as a training ground for the Singaporean infantry.



This agreement has been tolerated by China, albeit grudgingly, since Beijing and Singapore re-established diplomatic exchanges in the 1990's.



China has claimed territorial sovereignty over Taiwan since Mao Zedong's Communist army won the Chinese civil war forcing Chiang Kai-Shek's Nationalist force to flee to the Island.



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(Photo : Facebook) The Ohio State University was attacked by a student who carried out a knife on Monday that resulted to the death of the suspect, hospitalization of 11 people, and search for the exact motive behind this attack.

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Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the exact motive behind the attack at the Ohio State University on Monday that resulted to the death of the suspect and injury of 11 people.



The suspect was identified as Abdul Razak Ali Artan, an 18-year-old Somali immigrant in America and a student of the said university.



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Artan reportedly rammed his car in sidewalks with crowd of people near the campus' academic hall and stabbed others with a knife on Monday. A police nearby immediately responded to the attack incident and shot the suspect after he failed to obey orders to stop.



The police was identified as the Ohio State Police Officer Alan Horujko, 28, and has been in the campus since January 2015.



What does the Search Says?



Police and investigators searched the apartment of Artan and examined his Facebook page. They found Artan's status, saying he was already "sick and tired" of seeing fellow Muslims "killed and tortured."



Investigators are trying to find out if the attack was a form of terrorism or the student just had some personal problems or something else that pushed him over the edge. Law enforcers, however, said it will take time to ascertain the motive.



Before the incident, Artan posted on his page "to stop interfering with other countries, especially the Muslim Ummah. We are not weak, We are not weak."



He further threatened that "By Allah, we will not let you sleep unless you give peace to the Muslims. You will not celebrate or enjoy any holiday."



The campus was put on lockdown for 90 minutes after the university first reported an "active shooter." Some students barricaded themselves in their classrooms.



"Run Hide Fight," the university's emergency management office tweeted. "Continue to shelter in place."



Meanwhile, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said: It was "one of those days you're grateful for good training and great people across the board."



The Somalian community, on the other hand, was also shocked about the news.



In NBC News report, Hassan Omar, president of the Somali Community Association of Ohio, said the fact that the attacker was from Somali was upsetting and shocking.



Every Somali person has been calling him, and everybody is crying.



"As a Somali community here, we are in a state of shock. In Columbus, we live in a very peaceful community. This is going to affect the life of everybody. We are American, and we don't want somebody to create this problem."



Artan attended Columbus State Community College for two years, graduating cum laude with an associate's degree before moving on to Ohio State to continue his studies. He told a campus publication that on his first day at the university, he was "kind of scared" to pray in public.



"If people look at me, a Muslim praying, I don't know what they're going to think, what's going to happen," Artan was quoted as saying in The Lantern.



Meanwhile, after all the attack incident on Ohio State University, classes were normally resumed as of Nov. 29, according to the OSU Emergency Management.







UPDATE: All classes on the Columbus campus will resume normal schedule as of Tuesday, November 29th.  OSU Emergency Mngmnt (@OSU_EMFP) November 28, 2016





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TagsOSU, Ohio State University Attack, Abdul Razak Ali Artan, Alan Horujko, Somali
(Photo : CNSA) Col. Yang Liwei aboard Shenzhou 5.

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Major General Yang Liwei, the first Chinese citizen to travel to space and orbit the Earth in a spacecraft, remains adamant he heard loud "knocking" sounds several times during his historic flight aboard the Shenzhou 5 spacecraft on Oct. 15, 2003.



And he's not the Chinese astronaut or taikonaut to have reported hearing this knocking sound seeming to originate from outside their spacecraft. Other Chinese taikonauts (who haven't been identified) reported hearing the same knocking sound, too.



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The China National Space Administration (CNSA), China's equivalent of NASA, isn't investigating this phenomenon and hasn't officially commented on it.



Shenzhou 5 with then Col. Yang as its only passenger completed 14 orbits of the Earth in the historic mission lasting 21 hours and 23 minutes. The spacecraft landed Oct. 16 in Mongolia.



In a recent interview with Chinese media, Gen. Yang said he heard "someone knocking the body of the spaceship just as knocking an iron bucket with a wooden hammer."



He said he was baffled by the noise which he said appeared "suddenly without any reason," and was repeated on more than one occasion.



"A non-causal situation I have met in space is a knock that appeared from time to time," he said.



"It neither came from outside nor inside the spaceship, but sounded like someone is knocking the body of the spaceship just as knocking an iron bucket with a wooden hammer."



Admitting to being unnerved by the sound, he did what any normal Earth bound human would. He peeked outside the spacecraft's small window to see it there was anyone -- or anything -- out there. He saw nothing except the blackness of space.



Thirteen years after this mysterious event and he's not been able to figure out what it was. He said he even tried but failed to recreate the sound so Chinese experts could help him identify it.



Dismayed by his failure to logically explain the knocks, Gen. Yang now accepts the sound as a "normal phenomenon" in spaceflight.



What makes Gen. Yang's story all the more bizarre is that you can't hear any sound generated in space because the vacuum permeating space doesn't transmit sound waves. That he clearly heard a loud knocking sound coming from outside the spacecraft in strange indeed.



Chinese media also reported other taikonauts on missions in 2005 and 2008 hearing knocking sounds.



Gen. Yang, 51, is now Deputy Director of the China Astronaut Research and Training Center and also Deputy Director General of China's manned space program.



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TagsMajor General Yang Liwei, Shenzhou 5, Chinese astronaut, taikonaut, China National Space Administration, knocking sound, china
(Photo : Getty Images) Sleepy.

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Lack of sleep isn't only unhealthy for people that don't get the required amount of shuteye every night, but also negatively impacts the economy, said a new study from a prestigious American think tank.



Sleep deprivation lowers employee productivity levels and the higher risk of mortality resulting from this malady has a significant effect on America's economy, said a report by the European arm of the RAND Corporation, a think tank more associated with political, economic and defense issues.



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The study, "Why Sleep Matters-The Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep," is the first of its kind to quantify the economic losses due to lack of sleep among workers in five different countries: the U.S, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Japan.



It used a large employer-employee dataset and data on sleep duration from the five countries to quantify the predicted economic effects from a lack of sleep among its workforce.



The RAND study claims sleep deprivation increases the risk of mortality by 13 percent and leads to the U.S. losing around 1.2 million working days a year. This lack of sleep among the U.S. working population costs the economy up to $411 billion a year, which is 2.28 percent of the country's GDP.



On the other side of the coin, increasing nightly sleep from under six hours to between six and seven hours could add $226.4 billion to the U.S. economy.



A person that sleeps less than six hours a night on average has a 13 percent higher mortality risk than someone sleeping between seven and nine hours, said the study.



Those sleeping between six and seven hours a day have a seven percent higher mortality risk. Sleeping between seven and nine hours per night is described as the "healthy daily sleep range."



In total, the U.S. loses just over 1.2 million working days a year due to sleep deprivation among its working population.



Productivity losses at work occur through a combination of absenteeism; employees not being at work and "presenteeism," a phenomenon where employees are at work but are working at sub-optimal levels.



"Our study shows that the effects from a lack of sleep are massive," said Marco Hafner, a research leader at RAND Europe and the report's main author.



"Sleep deprivation not only influences an individual's health and wellbeing but has a significant impact on a nation's economy, with lower productivity levels and a higher mortality risk among workers."



He said improving individual sleep habits and duration has huge implications, with their research showing that simple changes can make a big difference.



"For example, if those who sleep under six hours a night increase their sleep to between six and seven hours a night, this could add $226.4 billion to the U.S. economy."



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Tagssleep, sleep deprivation, lack of cleep, RAND Corporation, Why Sleep Matters-The Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep, presenteeism
(Photo : Getty Images) The UN Security Council has unanimously voted on implementing new sanctions against North Korea

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Voting 15-0, the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday slapped North Korea with its toughest sanctions in response to Pyongyang's latest nuclear test on September 9, its fifth and largest missile test.



The new sanctions, unanimously passed by the Council in which China is a member, is believed to be the harshest ever punishment it imposed on any country "in more than a generation."



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The new resolution sanctions have hit North Korea where it hurts most, and that is by slashing its key coal exports to China, the single external source of earnings of the isolated state.



15-0 vote



The new resolution, spearheaded by the United States, was fiercely negotiated between China and the other member-countries of the Council for three months before it was adopted on Wednesday by a 15-0 vote.



Under the resolution, the UN has put a cap on North Korea's coal exports to China, restricting it from exporting more than 7.5 million tonnes of coal in 2017.



The export restrictions would dramatically reduce Pyongyang's coal exports by more than 60 percent roughly, estimated at $700 million from 2015.



Humanitarian aid



US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power said the sanctions would prevent the belligerent state from having access to hard currency that could be used to fund its nuclear weapons program.



Power, in a press conference on Wednesday at the UN headquarters, described the resolution as "the strongest sanctions the Security Council has imposed on any country in more than a generation."



While UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged all nations to implement the resolution. He, however, also called on them to provide humanitarian aid to the ordinary citizens of North Korea who would be affected by the enforcement of the sanctions.



Ban continues to push for dialogue he called on Pyongyang to cease its nuclear tests and comply fully with its international obligations.



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TagsUnited Nations Security Council, North Korea nuclear tests, UN Resolution, coal exports, United States, china
(Photo : Getty Images) Tibet mothers will be allowed 1 full year of paid maternity leave.

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New mothers in Tibet could now enjoy a year of paid maternity leave, according to a new regulation passed by the People's Congress on Nov. 30.



The recently submitted law will not only entitle women a 365-day paid maternity leave but also grant husbands a month-long paid leave to help in the care of the newborn, according to a report by the Global Times.



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With the new draft law in place, Tibet is poised to have the best maternity leave privilege in the whole of China.



In Tibet, rural Tibetans are not bound by the two-child policy and are allowed to have as many children as they wish. Urban Tibetans and the ethnic minorities are, however, expected to still abide by the two-child policy. The Han community in the region was under strict regulations in regard to the one-child policy until this year when it was lifted and they were then allowed to have two children.



According to a report by the South China Morning Post, various regions worldwide vary in terms of maternal leave given to parents after the birth of a child.



Currently, Sweden takes the lead with parents being given 480 days worth of leave. This is followed by Australia and England, which stand at 52 and 50 weeks, respectively.



Asian communities enjoy the least duration of the maternity leave. In Singapore, mothers get a 16-week leave, while Japan grants 14 weeks. Hong Kong mothers get the least period with only 10 weeks.



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If you have wondered what are the must eat food in Sandakan, this list will be an introduction to some of the best Sandakan local food places which can be found around the city area and its outskirts.



Over the last ten years of visiting Sandakan every year, I have been introduced to many local places, some of which have closed while others still serving out the same quality from back then.



So, are you ready for a gastronomical local food experience in Sandakan? If you are, then read on and who knows that the next time you visit Sabah, you may even explore this part of the east coast.



Best Food To Eat In Sandakan If you have wondered what are the must eat food in Sandakan, this list will be an introduction to some of the best Sandakan local food places which can be found around the city area and its outskirts.Over the last ten years of visiting Sandakan every year, I have been introduced to many local places, some of which have closed while others still serving out the same quality from back then.So, are you ready for a gastronomical local food experience in Sandakan? If you are, then read on and who knows that the next time you visit Sabah, you may even explore this part of the east coast.





As a travel influencer, writer or blogger, and has been a regular visitor to Sabah since 2005, I hardly write about food simply because I am no authority to claim which is the best food in Sandakan as everyone has a different taste palate and opinion to judge the food found here.



But over the years of experience and reading how food bloggers review places, I could not help but write this article, based purely on my own experiences.



Here, I will open the doors and you be the judge of the food places in Sandakan that I have narrowed down from the last 10 years and based on many people's opinions, usually the wise old locals rather than some new food blog or food blogger.





Where is Sandakan? This nature city which is also known as Little Hong Kong is located on the east coast of Sabah and is the gateway to numerous natural attractions like Sepilok, Labuk Bay, and the world-famous Kinabatangan River.



Again, I am not a food blogger but share this information through years of experience eating at these places, and this list of must-eat food in Sandakan is in no particular order below.





Mak Cik herself, poses at her original stall in Pasar Sim Sim, Sandakan





1. Ikan Bakar at Pasar Sim Sim at Kampung Buli Sim Sim





For fish and seafood lovers, Pasar Sim Sim is the most famous place to try the Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish) and many other types of fresh barbecued seafood.



There are also two ikan bakar stalls found in this mini 'pasar' which serves the same thing, just that which stall you prefer to dine at.



Both stalls offer grilled fish and seafood, it is available for lunch and dinner, therefore, the tip is to go early to get the best selection of squid (sotong), crabs (ketam), prawns (udang) and local sea fish like Ikan Bolu, Ikan Blais, Ikan Putih, Ikan Kerapu and many others.





sambal' which is really nice and spicy.



Just to add on that Ikan Bakar Mama Resepi is one of the popular stalls here and over the years, she has opened a total of three branches all over Sandakan where the younger generation tends to eat at the Mama Resepi Ikan Bakar at IJM, Mile 6, which is one of the newer branches and at a proper restaurant.



Mama Resepi Ikan Bakar Pasar Sim Sim

Pasar Sim Sim, off Jalan Sim Sim,

Kampung Buli Sim Sim, 1/2 Mile,

90000 Sandakan.

Tel: +6 016 824 8125 / +6 019 453 0484



The unique Kadazan dishes from Borneo Ethnic Cuisine Restaurant in Sandakan



2. Kadazan Food at Borneo Ethnic Cuisine Restaurant, Mile 4 Sandakan





They are open daily except Tuesdays and open for lunch and dinner and the highlights are the Nasi Linopot Ikan Basung Sets which are simply a must-try for anyone curious about Kadazan Food.







From Sandakan city, it takes about 15-20 minutes' drive to get here and the Kadazan Food Restaurant is located by a famous landmark which is the Kenalanmu Seafood Restaurant at Mile 4. The place is closed on Tuesdays.



Borneo Ethnic Cuisine Restaurant

Ground Floor, Lot 8, Block 6, Mile 4,

Jalan Cecily North, Bandar Indah,

90000 Sandakan.

Tel: +6 019 582 0077 (Stephanie) / 019 883 3842 (Rosaline) This new Kadazan Restaurant in Sandakan called Borneo Ethnic Cuisine was recently opened in early October 2016 and at Bandar Indah, Mile 4 Sandakan. The owners have brought the traditional Kadazan cuisine to Sandakan and are the first ethnic restaurant serving this unique food.They are open daily except Tuesdays and open for lunch and dinner and the highlights are the Nasi Linopot Ikan Basung Sets which are simply a must-try for anyone curious about Kadazan Food. Borneo Ethnic Cuisine Restaurant is open from 10.00 AM to 3.00 PM and then from 5.00 PM to 10.00 PM. Prices are very reasonable and for a cultural food experience, this is highly recommended.From Sandakan city, it takes about 15-20 minutes' drive to get here and the Kadazan Food Restaurant is located by a famous landmark which is the Kenalanmu Seafood Restaurant at Mile 4. The place is closed on Tuesdays.Ground Floor, Lot 8, Block 6, Mile 4,Jalan Cecily North, Bandar Indah,90000 Sandakan.Tel: +6 019 582 0077 (Stephanie) / 019 883 3842 (Rosaline) Most locals come here to eat and by seven in the evening, a lot of the selection is finished. You can order rice and other dishes to complement your feast and don't forget to ask for their local '' which is really nice and spicy.Just to add on that Ikan Bakar Mama Resepi is one of the popular stalls here and over the years, she has opened a total of three branches all over Sandakan where the younger generation tends to eat at the Mama Resepi Ikan Bakar at IJM, Mile 6, which is one of the newer branches and at a proper restaurant.Pasar Sim Sim, off Jalan Sim Sim,Kampung Buli Sim Sim, 1/2 Mile,90000 Sandakan.Tel: +6 016 824 8125 / +6 019 453 0484





The delicious seafood spring noodles at Restoran 88 Sim Sim in Sandakan





3. Spring Noodles at Restoran 88 Sim Sim, Sandakan





This local restaurant called Restoran 88 Sim Sim at the end of the jetty of bridge No.8 in Kampung Buli Sim Sim is well known for its spring seafood noodles which come in a dry type of noodles, accompanied with a bowl of amazing fresh seafood soup.



If you are a noodle lover, this is one of the must-eat food in Sandakan as the noodles are purely handmade and one of a kind. They are really springy and fragrant which can be found nowhere else.





During lunch and dinner, Restoran 88 Sim Sim Seafood serves some awesome seafood dishes which are quite original and old school style, unlike the new seafood restaurants. There is a lot of character when you dine here too.



For the springy noodles, the tip is to come here early in the morning to have the Sandakan spring noodles as it finishes fast, especially on the weekends.



They are also well known for their Cheese Prawns dish. Not to be confused, there are two restaurants at the end of the jetty and this one is on the right side.



Restoran 88 Sim Sim

Right Side, Jambatan No. 8,

Kampung Buli Sim Sim,

Jalan Sim Sim, Sandakan.

Tel: +6 012 816 3633





Seafood Bak Kut Teh in Sandakan



4. Seafood Bak Kut Teh in Sandakan





Without fail, this is one of the most popular food in Sandakan where you can order seafood bak kut teh, a type of pork bone soup but instead of the pork, it is replaced with fresh seafood.



From what I have tried here, only two restaurants are serving this and one of them is the 27-year-old Nam Chai Seafood Bak Kut Teh located in Tanah Merah area, along with Jalan Leila which is the main coastal road out of Sandakan. It is also a 10-minute drive from the city too.





The beauty about this seafood bak kut teh dish is that the owner claims that they do not use any other herbs like how the common bak kut teh is done and instead of using only the general bak kut teh spices.



This tends to bring out the flavour of the seafood which makes it quite unique and a must-try when you are in Sandakan.



For the meat lovers, fear not as they do have the normal bak kut teh being served too. The place is closed on Mondays and the must-try dish here, ask for the 'Lai Mang' fish which sells out really fast.



Nam Chai Seafood Bak Kut Teh Restaurant

Ground Floor, Blok D, Jalan Leila,

Bandar Nam Tung, 90000, Sandakan.

Tel: +6 089 612 603





Kuey Teow with Deep-Fried Pork from the 76-year-old stall at the Sandakan Market





5. Kuey Teow with Deep-Fried Pork at Sandakan Central Market





Who would know that on top of a wet market lies one of the oldest and famous local food stalls which serves a unique combination of kueh teow and deep-fried pork pieces?



This stall has been doing the 'Char Yuk Meen' since 1940 and is one of the pioneer noodle stalls where they still home make the kuey teow or flat rice noodles.




FBI: Albuquerque pro-life clinic blaze was intentional 01 December, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

ALBUQUERQUE (Christian Examiner)  If the Project Defending Life (PDL) building had been an abortion clinic, the destruction caused by an arsonist the night before Thanksgiving would have been denounced by Planned Parenthood, pro-life supporters are saying.

Now, they're asking the nation's largest abortion provider to do the same after their pro-life offices and a prayer chapel were damaged by fire.

The FBI and the Albuquerque Fire Department have asked for the public's help in identifying the person or persons involved. The building was not destroyed, but because the fire erupted in multiple locations, officials had little difficulty in determining the fire was a result of arson.

The domestic terrorists who committed this heinous act must be found and brought to justice. Planned Parenthood of ABQ and other pro-abortion forces must denounce this act immediately. Violence has no place in our society, regardless of whether it is committed upon the most defenseless preborn child or a peaceful pro-life office.

Dominique Davis, PDL's director of client services, told the Catholic-oriented LifeSiteNews via email the group is anxious to see results in the investigation in order to learn why it was targeted.

"We will just have to be a little more creative and flexible. We know God has a plan for us, and I see our organization prospering now more than ever. The prolife community in Albuquerque and across the country has shown us so much support," she said. "It's beautiful to see the body of Christ taking care of each other."

While the facility is being repaired, she said, other pro-life groups are stepping in to keep PDL in business. One is the CareNet Pregnancy Center, which is lending PDL its mobile medical unit.

"We can still provide pregnancy testing and parenting classes. Another pro-life org has offered us some office space so we will look into that this week too. And until everything is rebuilt, we may do more sidewalk counseling than we ever have done since we don't quite have a building!" Davis said.

Students for Life of America, a pro-life collegiate association, issued a statement after police announced a finding of arson. In it, the group's president, Kristan Hawkins, said it was disgusted by the "hate crime" committed against PDL, a "peaceful organization whose only aim is to help women facing unplanned pregnancies, and we are so thankful that no one was injured."

"The domestic terrorists who committed this heinous act must be found and brought to justice. Planned Parenthood of ABQ and other pro-abortion forces must denounce this act immediately. Violence has no place in our society, regardless of whether it is committed upon the most defenseless preborn child or a peaceful pro-life office," Hawkins said.

Hawkins said it was imperative that PDL's doors be opened again as soon as possible. To date, Planned Parenthood has not issued a statement about the fire.

The FBI assumed the suspect's vehicle was captured by a security camera on a neighboring building. It showed a white vehicle parking outside PDL's offices well before midnight and someone exiting and entering the vehicle.

However, the driver turned out to be a volunteer at the center. She spoke with a local news station and with police to explain her presence there around 11 p.m. Volunteers have access to the prayer chapel by a keypad on the door.

The driver, who has not been identified, said she was at the facility to pray, but noticed that the streetlights around the building were out.

LifeSiteNews reported last month that a Virginia maternity home was also the target of arson.
If Chip and Joanna Gaines are bigots, then Jesus was, too  Christian leader Guest Reviewer | 01 December, 2016 by Michael Foust

DALLAS (Christian Examiner)  Christian leaders are pushing back against a Buzzfeed article that questioned HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines for attending a church that opposes same-sex marriage.

The Nov. 29 story quickly was labeled a "hit piece" by critics, who questioned why it was newsworthy that a famous couple's church holds to traditional beliefs that have been affirmed by Christians for 2,000 years.

The Gaines are the stars of HGTV's highest-rated program, Fixer Upper.

The story carried the headline: "Chip And Joanna Gaines' Church Is Firmly Against Same-Sex Marriage" and said in a subhead: "whether the Fixer Upper couple agrees is unclear." It has been read more than 500,000 times.

Glenn T. Stanton, director of family formation studies at Focus on the Family, said such accusations should be answered "bluntly."

"If being for husband and wife-only marriage is bigoted, then you better be ready to call Jesus a bigot -- as well as call Christianity, Judaism and all other major faiths in the world bigoted," Stanton told the Christian Examiner. "The advocates of marriage redefinition will simply not tolerate freedom of dissent on this issue. It's important that the Church see and call this for what it is: a new fundamentalism."

The Gaines discuss their faith in a new "I Am Second" video and in a book, The Magnolia Story, which was released by Christian publisher Thomas Nelson.

The Buzzfeed story noted the Gaines are "devout Christians" and that their pastor, Jimmy Seibert of the nondenominational Antioch Community Church, has called the Gaines "dear friends" and that he "takes a hard line against same-sex marriage and promotes converting LGBT people into being straight."

"So are the Gaineses against same-sex marriage?" the Buzzfeed story asked. "And would they ever feature a same-sex couple on the show, as have HGTV's House Hunters and Property Brothers? Emails to Brock Murphy, the public relations director at their company, Magnolia, were not returned. Nor were emails and calls to HGTV's PR department."

The story quotes Seibert as saying "homosexuality is a sin" and that gay and lesbian people can change.

"I have seen hundreds of people personally change their direction of same-sex attraction from a homosexual lifestyle to a heterosexual lifestyle," he is quoted as saying. "It doesn't mean they don't struggle with feelings, it doesn't mean that they aren't hurting, it doesn't mean it's not challenging. But they have chosen to change. And there has always been grace there for those who choose that."

Owen Strachan, associate professor of Christian theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo., said Christians  and the culture in general  should be troubled by the Buzzfeed story. Strachan also serves as director of the seminary's Center for Theological and Cultural Engagement.

"Chip and Joanna Gaines are rightly beloved for their charm, kindness and happy family," Strachan told the Christian Examiner. "Yet Buzzfeed demands they must answer for their crimes: believing in man-woman marriage and attending a religious congregation that celebrates it. If this is worthy of censure, the jails will be full of perhaps four billion Protestants, Catholics, Jews and Muslims. That's a building project that even HGTV couldn't take on. Instead of police-state tactics, how about we Americans go back to the basics of our founding: respectful disagreement, principled give-and-take, and religious liberty for all? Christians should cheerfully work and pray for this spirit, and above all for the spirit of Christ, in times like these."

The story, Strachan said, is another indication that the "self-appointed tolerance police have no clothes."

"They defend a Muslim terrorist at Ohio State University, calling for empathy for him, while they aggressively target a Bible-believing evangelical couple that builds low-cost houses for single women who have fallen on hard times," he said. "This is the height of hypocrisy, and a fountain of irony."
IS GENESIS HISTORY? Film aims to answer questions of creation, evolution, global flood 30 November, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

NEW YORK (Christian Examiner)  A new documentary on the historicity of the Book of Genesis is coming to theaters across the country Feb. 23, but for one night only.

The film, IS GENESIS HISTORY?, is the product of Compass Cinema and Fathom Events, and will feature the work of Dr. Del Tackett, who has spent the past year investigating the historical claims of Genesis with experts in the fields of archaeology, biology and microbiology, geology, astronomy, paleontology, marine biology, mechanical engineering, philosophy and theology.

"Millions of people have sincere questions about the origins of the earth and humanity," Tackett said. "And there are contrasting views of our history, one of which is in the book of Genesis. The question is, which view is accurate? IS GENESIS HISTORY? makes a positive case that the Bible is historically reliable."

Tackett is the former president of Focus on the Family, a former U.S. Air Force officer, and a member of the planning group for the National Security Council in the George W. Bush White House. He is also the creator of The Truth Project.

In addition to addressing whether or not the universe was created in six literal days, the film's experts address human evolution, the historicity of Adam and Eve, the global flood, and the extinction of the dinosaurs.

The film's produce, Thomas Purifoy Jr., said the film is ideal for engaging younger audiences in the discussion about the Bible and creation. Purifoy said it started a conversation about science, history and the Bible with his own 10-year-old daughter.

"She wanted to know how the things in the world are explained by what she reads in the Bible," Purifoy said. "Her questions led me down a lot of different paths where I heard and saw some amazing things. I tried to put as many of them as I could into the documentary."

One segment of the documentary focuses on the "Great Unconformity" with a trip to the Grand Canyon. The Great Unconformity is a geological formation that appears globally where granite bedrock is separated from sediment layers on top by an erosional layer caused by flood flow.

Another focuses on a dinosaur "bone bed" in Wyoming where gravity deposited thousands of heavy, disarticulated (separated) dinosaur bones deeper and lighter bones higher. According to the film, they are all, however, deposited within three feet of mud. This indicates, according to Tackett and taphonomist Dr. Arthur Chadwick, that the dinosaur's bodies were floating in water, where they rotted and came apart, only to be deposited by the settling water in a single location.

IS GENESIS HISTORY? will be followed by a panel discussion between Tackett and several of the scientists who appear in the film.
It's official: Government charges Christian governor with blasphemy 01 December, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

JAKARTA (Christian Examiner)  After several weeks of investigation, prosecutors have formally charged the Christian governor of Jakarta, Indonesia, with blasphemy.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known locally as "Ahok," was arraigned on the charge of blasphemy (or insulting Islam) Nov. 30. Ahok reportedly quoted the Quran's prohibition on taking Jews and Christians and friends, and then said Muslims should not use the teachings as a pretext for not voting for him.

No trial date has been set, but what is already clear is that hardline Muslims will not accept anything less than a conviction, which could land the governor in jail for up to five years  an unpleasant prospect in the world's most populous Muslim nation.

The Jakarta Post reported Ahok will remain free as he campaigns for his first full term as governor. The election is in February.

Ahok  who was serving as deputy governor when he was appointed to his current position is 2014, just after the province's governor, Joko Widodo, was elected president  is a close political ally of the president.

However, in a statement Nov. 29, "Jokowi," as the president is called, said he would stay out of the case since it was a legal matter. Ahok, who is ethnically Chinese, is the first Christian governor of Jakarta in 50 years.

"I emphasize here, I will not protect Basuki Tjahaja Purnama because [his case] is being legally processed," the president said after meeting with the leaders of Muhammadiyah, the second-largest Islamic organization in Indonesia.

Hardline Muslims, stoked by an increasingly radical ideology, have already gathered to protest Ahok. On Nov. 4, a crowd of 100,000 marched against the governor. Initially the protest was peaceful, but it turned violent as night fell.

Now, another protest is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 2, in National Monument Square. Police are fielding as many as 22,000 officers to guard against violence. That protest is being organized by the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Council's Fatwa (GNPF-MUI).

The United States, Australia and Japan have all issued warnings to their citizens living in Jakarta to stay clear of the city's center as the protest is underway.
The death of Cubas revolutionary leader Fidel Castro will not reduce the harassment and surveillance to which the Church is already subjected, an analyst at the charity Open Doors has warned.

Following Castros death at the age of 90 on Saturday (26 Nov.), Paul Groen told World Watch Monitor: Fidels regime really has been a huge source of suffering for the Church, referring to the communist rule instigated by Castro and other revolutionaries in 1959 and continued by Fidels brother Raul since 2006. Many leaders dont expect any immediate change. Raul Castro will continue governing the way his brother did. This means that the restrictions on the Church that existed before Fidels death are likely to be maintained, at least until the elections in 2018 when Raul, who will then be 87, has said he will resign as president.

Cuban church leaders chose not to comment publically on Castros death. The Catholic bishops conference in Havana issued a brief and carefully worded statement expressing our condolences to his family and the authorities of the country, entrusting the communist leader to Christ, the Lord of Life and History, and praying that nothing would disrupt the coexistence among Cubans.

Christians in Cuba face harassment, surveillance, discrimination and the occasional imprisonment of leaders, said Groen. New churches and seminaries cannot be built, and foreigners may enter the country with no more than three Bibles.

Aid work carried out by the Church is also subject to government control. Officials have demanded that some churches hand over donated goods, such as food and building materials that they were distributing to people whose homes were destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Matthew in October. Church leaders said officials believed the state should be responsible for the material needs of the people. Nonetheless, they acknowledged that there has been an improvement in the governments treatment of the Church over the last two decades, and pointed out that Christians are no longer subject to beatings, imprisonment and even murder that terrorised the Church in previous decades.

Raul Castros effort to have more contact with the Catholic Church has strengthened its public role, and Fidel openly expressed his admiration of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and an outspoken critic of economic inequality. Francis has visited the island twice since his election, once for a long-awaited meeting with the Russian Orthodox Patriarch, Kirill.

One church leader explained how the experience of the regime had affected the Church in Cuba. He said: We learned to patiently put up with lifes afflictions. We learned to forgive. We learned to love our enemies. We learned to live through our faith. We learned to live without human defence. We learned to know the power of God in supplying what we need, health for our bodies, providing this sense of fulfilment, peace in the eye of the storm. We learned the most important lesson of a believer about the earth, which is knowing that God is the only being that we need.

But Groen said local church leaders are concerned about what might eventually replace the communist regime, which for decades has been isolated by the US trade embargo. He said they are concerned that materialism and other Western values might flood the island if it opens up to more international trade.

Courtesy: World Watch Monitor

Publication date: December 1, 2016
The only Christian governor in Indonesia is being investigated by police as a suspect in a blasphemy case, amid on-going calls from Muslim groups for his imprisonment.

Investigators questioned the Governor of Jakarta, Barsuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as Ahok, for eight hours at the National Police headquarters in South Jakarta last week.

The outcry against Ahok began after he quoted a verse in the Quran that forbids using the Islamic scripture for political gains in a speech he made in early October. Some Muslim leaders accused him of insulting Islam by quoting from the Quran, and he apologised.

An edited version of his speech was posted online and went viral, sparking outrage. At a mass rally in the Indonesian capital on 4 Nov., demonstrators called for Ahoks removal from power. On 16 Nov., police declared that he was being investigated.

The incident coincides with a rise in terror attacks targeting Christians, and Christians, rights activists and moderate politicians fear Indonesias increasingly fragile secular constitution is under strain.

Muslim leaders have called for the public to respect the legal process while the investigation continues. But the outrage caused by the speech, spearheaded by radical Muslim groups, has increased concerns that the majority-Muslim republic is swaying towards extremism.

Last week, Indonesian police gave permission for a large-scale rally against Ahok to take place on Friday (2 Dec). Earlier this month, the National Movement to Save Indonesia Ulema Councils Fatwa (GNPF-MUI) mobilised tens of thousands of demonstrators to take to the streets of the capital in protest on 4 Nov. Estimates of the number of participants varied between 50,000 and 150,000.

In response, rallies were held on 19 Nov. in support of the ethnic-Chinese Christian leader, UCAN reported. Christians, activist groups and moderate Muslim politicians have expressed solidarity with minority religious and ethnic groups against the tide of growing intolerance. Ahok said he has no intention to give up his place as the republics first Christian governor for decades, and has remained positive about his re-election bid.

The Ahok case is one of a series of incidents that have seen radicals challenge secular political and civil affairs. In August, a teenage man attacked a priest with an axe during a Mass in Medan, North Sumatra, and failed to detonate a bomb in his backpack. Earlier this month, a two-year-old child died and three other young children were injured when a man threw petrol bombs at a Protestant church in East Kalimantan Province. Some Indonesian Christians said they fear the attack was connected to Ahoks case.

Two terrorism experts said last week that a five-year national de-radicalisation programme had not succeeded in reducing extremism. Analysts have been especially concerned by moderate Muslims hostility towards Ahok. Earlier this month, tens of thousands of moderate Muslims rallied alongside hardliners. The Muslim Times ran an opinion piece arguing that Ahok losing his blasphemy case could be the tipping point for a republic once upheld as a model of pluralism and stable democracy in a shift towards a more conservative form of Islam.

From 2004 to 2014, blasphemy cases in Indonesia had a 100 per cent conviction rate. Human rights campaigner Andreas Harsono voiced concerns that the accusation may be being used as a political tool to derail Ahoks re-election campaign.

For Christians, much hangs in the balance. Some see their on-going security and freedom tied to the fate of the accused governor of Jakarta. With a lengthy legal process ahead for Ahok, the coming months could hold much uncertainty for them as well.

Courtesy: World Watch Monitor

Publication date: December 1, 2016
Iranian and European human rights and religious rights organisations have urged the international community to use new opportunities for trade with Iran to hold the government there to account over its treatment of Christian converts.

Nineteen NGOs, including Middle East Concern, Forum 18, Impact Iran and Justice for Iran, issued a joint call for governments to explore avenues beyond dialogue alone to ensure that human rights violators are held accountable and that trade and diplomatic relations do not contribute to further abuses. They noted that converts from Islam to Christianity have been especially affected.

Opportunities for trade have opened up since a deal was reached in July 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany. Under the terms of the deal, Iran agreed to curtail its nuclear activities in return for many of the economic sanctions against it being lifted.

The charities noted that the EUs strategy for relations with Iran, published after the nuclear agreement was signed, disappointingly includes very little mention of human rights.

They wrote: In the summer of 2016, Iranian authorities increased their persecution of Christians, honing in on converts from a Muslim-background, and detailed what they described as a pattern of treatment by the Iranian authorities that included arrests, interrogations, detention, raids on churches and harassment by security agents.

They cited the case of four converts  including Youcef Nadarkhani, a church leader once sentenced to death for apostasy  arrested in May and charged with acting against national security, three of whom are also appealing their sentence of 80 lashes each for drinking Communion wine. The next hearing is scheduled for 14 December.

The NGOs also asserted that such actions contravene Irans Constitutional and international legal obligations, which include not taking action against someone solely on account of his or her beliefs, and urged Iran to comply with them.

They called on the UN Secretary General and the newly appointed Special Rapporteurs on freedom of religion and human rights in Iran to report extensively on violations of freedom of religion in Iran.

The full list of signatories is below:

Abdorrahman Boroumand Foundation

All Human Rights for All in Iran

Arseh Sevom

Article 18

Association for Human rights of Azerbaijani People in Iran

Association of Human Rights in Kurdistan of Iran-Geneva

Baloch Activist Campaign

Center for Supporters of Human Rights

Ensemble Contre la Peine de Mort

European Ahwazi Human Rights Organisation

Human Rights Activists in Iran

Impact Iran

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

Iran Human Rights

Justice for Iran

Middle East Concern

Siamak Pourzand Foundation

Small Media

United for Iran

Courtesy: World Watch Monitor

Publication date: December 1, 2016
Dozens of Coptic Christians in Upper Egypt are rebuilding their lives after Muslim extremists on Friday (Nov. 25) attacked them on suspicions that they were converting a meeting hall and community center into a church building.



After noon prayers in Al-Nagameesh village in Sohag Governorate, a group of Muslims set ablaze the community center for the elderly. They then moved on to the village, where they looted and attacked more than 10 homes and a handful of businesses, all Coptic-owned, with Molotov cocktails and stones.



The fire gutted the events hall and left other buildings in ruins, according to human rights activists who requested anonymity for security reasons. Four Copts were slightly injured in the attack.



Because there is no church building in the village, the events hall and community center was the focal point for Al-Nagameeshs minority Christian community of about 2,000 people. Funerals, weddings and sometimes prayers were held there. A village priest identified only as Father Marqrious reportedly said that the building also had a nursery inside.



The problems started three days before the attack, when Marqrious held a service at the center to mark the one-year anniversary of his fathers death. For unknown reasons, Muslim villagers who heard about the service thought the center was going to be changed into a church building, according to human rights advocates.



Two days before the attack, Muslim extremists went through the town handing out leaflets rejecting the establishment of any church building in the village and demanding faithful Muslims attack the hall and center.



The mob blocked firefighter access to the village and cut off the water supply, and firefighters were unable to reach the burning building until police showed up and suppressed the rioting crowd with tear gas. Police arrested 29 attackers, later releasing 15 of them. Fourteen remained in custody Wednesday (Nov. 30) pending an investigation.



Later on Friday (Nov. 25), the governor of Sohag, Ayman Mohamed Abdel Monaem, ordered a reconciliation meeting among the Christian and Muslim elders of the village to calm tensions.



The attack in Al-Nagameesh came three months after parliament passed a law regulating the building of churches in Egypt. The Egyptian government celebrated the law, but human rights advocates said it merely codified discriminatory standards between Muslims and Christians in Egypt for building houses of worship.



The new law allows governors to deny church-building permits with no stated way to appeal, requires that churches be built 'commensurate with' the number of Christians in the area, and contains security provisions that risk subjecting decisions on whether to allow church construction to the whims of violent mobs, according to a statement from Human Rights Watch.

If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved.



If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at http://morningstarnews.org/donate/?

Publication date: December 1, 2016
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has denied tax-exempt status to a Christian non-profit coffee shop that intended to donate 100 percent of its profits to ministries and charitable organizations and function as a missional space for evangelism to non-believers.

The private letter ruling is redacted, so the location of the coffee shop and those involved are unknown.

The vision of the coffee shop was for it to be a place "where believers could interact with non-believers in a safe and friendly environment to convey the Gospel in a non-confrontational manner in word and deed, the ruling stated.

While one of the pastors from the local church helped to co-found the coffee shop and the pastors church contributed financially in starting up the shop, it was founded as a separate entity from the church in order to encourage other Christian churches and organizations to participate in [the] vision.

The ruling specifies that the coffee shop would give away 100 percent of its profits to "community ministries, other local, national or international non-profits or organizations, or those in financial need."

The IRS, however, determined that the coffee shop did not qualify as a 501(c)(3) organization because its function bears too close of a resemblance to that of a for-profit coffee shop and concluded that its operation was a commercial activity, not a charitable activity.

While the coffee shop intends to donate its funds to charitable organizations, the primary activity is the operation of a coffee shop in a commercial manner, the ruling asserted.

According to Christian Post, Colossae Church in Oregon runs its own coffee shop with two other organizations -- Well & Good Coffee House -- and donates 100 percent of its profits toward the city.

"The bottomline is that [such] a 501(c)(3)'s primary function has to be religious, pastor of Colossae Church Chuck Bomar told the Christian Post.

"The heart behind it doesn't matter to the government. It is a daily function that matters," Bomar continued. "Because the daily function isn't religious, the heart of it doesn't matter in the corporate structure of it."

The church has the right to file a protest for tax-exempt status.
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The longest-running conflict in the Western Hemisphere finally came to an end yesterday, after Colombias congress approved a peace deal with its largest guerrilla group.

However, in order to do so, lawmakers skipped over Colombian voters, who last month narrowly rejected a similar peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The government has been battling the FARC since 1964, when a group of poor farmers and workers took up arms to resist inequality.

Half a century later, voters in October rejected the measure by the smallest of margins: 49.78 percent voted Yes to peace, while 50.21 percent voted No.

Faced with the choice of peace or justice, many Colombians objected to the governments willingness to let most FARC soldiers walk free or reduce their sentences. And some evangelical leaders, sensitive to the recent legalization of same-sex marriage, spoke out against the deals gender theory language among other concerns.

While not all evangelicals voted against the measure, they were widely credited with turning the vote.

The strength of the evangelical vote was surprising in the Latin American country, where 80 percent of the population is still Catholic. It suggests Colombia is joining the rest of the region in the growing numbersand growing influenceof Protestants.

More evidence of that: The first phone call President Juan Manuel Santos made after the failed referendum was to evangelical pastors, noted Rebecca C. Bartel in a thorough analysis for The Immanent Frame. Santos then met with 14 of them.

The message was clear: Evangelical Christianity is no longer a fringe movement of Pentecostal garage churches, wrote Bartel, a religious studies professor at San Diego State University who studies Colombian Christians. Evangelical Christianity has become a political force to be reckoned with.

Yesterday, Santoswho was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize despite the first deals rejectionasked the voters whom he skipped over on the second deal to give peace a chance, The New York Times reported.

CT asked three Colombian evangelical leaders what the contentious vote for peace revealed about the rise of evangelical political powerand whether its a good thing.

Q: Were Colombian evangelicals really a main force behind the No vote?

Elizabeth Sendek, president of the Biblical Seminary of Colombia: News articles in Colombia and abroad affirm that the vote of evangelicals in Colombia was definitive for the victory of the No option in the [referendum] on the [first] peace agreement reached between the government and the FARC. Yet there is no way to objectively prove that assertion. No one really knows how many evangelicals voted. And it is erroneous to assume that all those who did voted in one accord against the agreement.

The media has interviewed pastors that mostly represent large urban churches. And it is true that in urban cities, the No vote won. But this does not mean that evangelicals in rural areas voted in the same way. From conversations with students and pastors from those areas, I have the impression that the church reflects the same geographical division as the rest of the country: municipalities most affected by violence expressed themselves in an overwhelming Yes vote. Meanwhile, the center of the countryexcept Bogotarejected the agreement.

Daniel Salinas, international partnership coordinator of the Theological Education Initiative: According to an interview with the former Attorney General, the vote of evangelicals was a decisive factor for the victory of No in the referendum. However, as she says, there was also a sector of evangelicals who voted for Yes. In Colombia, it is difficult to know the exact percentage since there are no exact numbers published after the election about demographics.

Milton Acosta, Old Testament editor for the Comentario Biblico Contemporaneo: Yes, it is true and accurate. Most political analysts concur on this. And there is an important context for it. Over 60 percent of the people that could have voted did not vote. The difference between the Yes and the No vote was only 0.4 percent. Evangelicals in Colombia represent between 10 to 15 percent of the population; but since lots of them did vote, it could be said that they decided on the No vote.

We dont have exact numbers on the evangelical vote, so these are conclusions drawn from the visibility that pastors of large independent churches have in the media and the invitations from the government to participate in discussions where reasons for the No vote were heard.

Q: What does this voteand the governments reaching out to evangelical leaders afterwardsay about the rising political power of evangelicals in majority Catholic Colombia?

Sendek: Protestants have become a significant minority in Colombia. Some non-church sources say they make up 15 percent of the population. As such, they are a minority to be courted by politicians. But this is not the beginning of political participation of Protestants. In the past three decades, several confessional political parties have been created. Only one of those has maintained stability, mainly because it is so tightly related to a prosperity gospel megachurch with strict control over its members. The rest have eventually disappeared, and their members joined one of the two traditional parties.

Salinas: This is not the first instance where the evangelical vote has been instrumental for the outcome of an election. Former President Alvaro Uribe received blanket support from most churchestwice. Evangelicals have numbers, but not necessarily political savvy. They are easily manipulated by shrewd politicians. Though lately there are some churches reaching the wealthy classes, most evangelicals are from the lower sectors of society with no culture of political participation.

Acosta: It says that conservative evangelicals are able to join forces around issues related to family. But to be fair, conservative Catholics also voted No for the same reasons. Evangelicals have attended rallies organized by conservative Catholics, and have consistently quoted them.

Q: What are the benefits to the rise of evangelical political power?

Sendek: It would be a mistake to identify the benefit of the new political power of evangelicals with the benefit of their religious communities. This is a common tendency.

In 1991, Colombian Protestants elected an evangelical, Jaime Ortiz, to represent them in the drafting of a new constitution for the country [the result of a peace agreement with another guerrilla movement, the M-19]. The new constitution changed the definition of the country from a confessional state (Roman Catholic) to a lay, pluralistic nationsomething Protestants saw as their great victory. Today, Colombian evangelicals have a hard time understanding that a lay state means no church has preeminence, and religious values do not shape the laws of the land.

In that pluralistic scenario, the greatest benefit of the rise of evangelicals to power would have to be seen in light of the greatest good for the country in general. When people participate in local administrative units with transparency and seek the peace and good of their communities, the participation of evangelicals is of great benefit. Protestants in Congress have promoted reforms in the legislative and executive branches of government to guarantee greater transparency; they have obtained approval for legislation that promotes stiffer sentences for violence against women; they have objected to adoption by gay couples; another [Protestant] woman leads the human rights office of Congress. To have evangelicals in key positions within government agencies where they can promote transparency, efficacy, and justice is of great benefit.

Salinas: So far there have been no benefits for evangelicals different than for the rest of the population. The Catholic Church has maintained much of its influence in the government and has been able to keep things as they have been since the beginning of the republic. Evangelicals were not invited to the conversation for the peace treaty, and it was only because of their support for the No vote that they became important in the process afterwards. The religious and social balance in Colombia is still dominated by the Catholic hierarchy and status.

Acosta: The benefits could be numerous, as well as the dangers. It has been demonstrated that in a country where most people do not vote, a minority can make a difference on issues important to Christians. This is good. Issues related to abortion, same-sex marriage, and adoption by married gay couples have been decided in courts, not by vote. So this referendum may feel like a victory on these issues, but it really is not because there is huge international pressure by the United Nations, European Union, and other world powers that are forcing all of our countries to approve all that. These things have been delayed, not stopped.

Q: What are the downsides to the rise of evangelical political power?

Sendek: Reflecting faithfully, the same polarizations and questionable methods of society and politicians. In less than two months, the Evangelical Confederation of Colombia (CEDECOL) has ceased to be considered by the media, and probably the government, as representing the views of evangelicals. A new group, El Pacto Cristiano por la Paz (The Christian Covenant for Peace), led by pastors from independent megachurches, most of them not even members of CEDECOL, are now being portrayed as the voice of evangelicals.

Salinas: Evangelicals have never been united in Colombia. Division has been endemic since the very inception of evangelical churches in the country. Lack of unity has resulted in a church without much influence in the predicament of the country. Historically, evangelicals have remained at the margins of politics. Only recently have a few entered the political arena with mostly ambivalent results. The main influence for prosperity preachers is the satellite television network Enlace with prominent US preachers. On the other side, secular media has always ignored evangelicals until recently. Secular media does not understand, nor does it want to understand, evangelicals. They are still considered sectarian and irrelevant.

Acosta: There is no real unity among evangelicals in Colombia. Now there is a new peace agreement, and evangelical leaders and churches in general are divided because some accept the new agreement and some dont.

Some able politicians know how to move evangelicals to vote for their agendas. They use issues such as family, gay marriage, and abortion, which are very important, but not really decided on by elections because it is the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court that make those decisions. Same-sex marriage is legal in Colombia, but we never cast a ballot to decide on that.

Q: The peace deal touches on the theological concepts of justice vs. grace. How did evangelical Christians balance those two concerns when they went to the polls? How would you theologically advise them to balance the two?

Sendek: Following the debates among evangelicals on social media about the Yes or No vote, one saw two tendencies. And in both cases, the focus was on the offender and his punishment: Those who voted Yes were strongly appealing to the concept and experience of grace to shape their attitude to the FARC. Those who voted No appealed to a punitive idea of justice as the only theological dimension of the concept.

For both sides, there are things to remember: Grace does not exempt us from being exposed to the truth of our sin and our sinfulness. The one who experiences the freeing gift of grace has to come to terms with the truth about himself. Healing after decades of war requires the unveiling of truth from all sides involved in the violence experienced.

On the other hand, the claim that the only justice possible is to punish the offenders forgets that theologically, justice was enacted by God the offended when he took upon himself our punishment. The cross of Christ, Gods supreme act of grace and justice, is at the core of our faith.

As an individual, I can choose to forgive because I have been forgiven. Yet, forgiveness is not something accomplished in a society through legislation. But communities where reconciliation is lived out can foster and nurture reconciliation and healing; this is the calling of the church as peacemaker.

Salinas: As far as I know, those concepts were not even present during the discussion before the referendum. The issues were about the legalities and language of the treaty. Catholics emphasized the idea of forgiveness, but that was not the issue with evangelicals.

Acosta: Conservative evangelicals tend to be institutionalists, who will defend the rule of law at all costs. That is all fine, but there is a history and a context that is often ignored. The history of violence, neglect of campesinos (peasant farmers), corruption, and the distribution of land in Colombia are the context in which violent guerrilla groups have emerged. This does not justify their crimes; but it does acknowledge that there have been other actors, including politicians, armed forces, organized crime, business people, and individuals.

So it is not a matter of forgiveness alone, but understanding the country and its history. Even those evangelicals who voted No are willing to forgive those who have committed heinous crimes. But that does not mean that they will accept a peace deal unless those who have broken the law spend some time in prison. If we all knew our history a little better and understood the enormity of official corruption, we would vote in favor of social justice, [the absence of which] is the cause of our violence. This is one of the main issues that the peace agreement tried to address.

CTs previous coverage of Colombia includes missionary Russ Stendals efforts among the FARC.
Terror in Ohio: How Does a Muslim 'Self-Radicalize?'

Available for Interview: Randall Terry, producer of new Serial Documentary, "What Would Muhammad Do? Islamic Terrorism Explained" is available for interview.



Contact: 904-687-9806



MEDIA ADVISORY, Nov. 30, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Mr. Terry holds a Masters Degree in Diplomacy, with a concentration in International Terrorism from Norwich University. He has spent over 10 years studying primary Islamic sources to understand Islamic thought, and Islamic terrorism. After two years of writing and production, his film crew has released a serial documentary on 4 DVDs, entitled "What Would Muhammad Do? Islamic Terrorism Explained." See episode one of serial documentary  "What Would Muhammad Do?" at www.WWMD.tv.



Content to be discussed:

The path to "self-radicalization" by "lone wolves" can be explained and understood if one studies the material that men like Abdul Razak Ali Artan are reading.

Studies have shown  and often the testimony of lone wolves confirms  that they read three main genres of Muslim literature on the path to self-radicalization.

The Quran The Haddith The Siras

The Quran -- Muslims believe that the Quran is the Word of God; an exact duplicate (in Arabic) as the Quran that exists in heaven with Allah. In Arabic, it is taught to be flawless. Islam teaches that the Angel Gabriel gave the Quran to Muhammad over a twenty-year span in Arabia. Islam also teaches that the Jews were given the Torah by Allah through Moses, and that Christians were given the Gospel by Allah through Jesus, but that scribes, priests, and monks altered and corrupted these sacred texts over the centuries. Thus, Allah gave humanity the Quran to "correct the errors of time." Where the Quran and passages of the old or New Testaments disagree with each other, Islam teaches that the Quran is to be believed, and the Bible rejected. While the so-called "sword verses" of the Quran are troubling, it is actually the next two bodies of Islamic literature that play the most dangerous role.



The Haddith -- The Haddith are the written record of Muhammad's words and deeds that are not in the Quran. These multiple Haddith collections that are massive in size and scope; multiple large volumes containing millions of words. The Haddith collections of Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim are considered "canonical" (Sahih means "true") i.e., they are above reproach or suspicion, and are to be believed; they are foundational to Islam and Sharia Law, and contain extensive records of Muhammad's battles, those he ordered killed, his treatment of women and girls, etc.



The Siras -- or the biographies of Muhammad. The oldest and most respected biography on Muhammad is "The Life of Muhammad," by Ibn Ishaq, written over 1,200 years ago, translated into English by A. Guillaume. The next two most prominent and respected Muslim biographers of Muhammad are Ibn Kathir, ("The Life of the Prophet Muhammad," 4-Volumes) and al-Tabari ("The History of al-Tabari," 39 volumes.) Kathir and al-Tabari wrote their biographies based heavily on Ishaq's work, as well as various Haddith collections, with frequent references to the Quran as well.



These three bodies of literature  especially the Haddith and the Siras  are the fountains from which lone wolves drink, and self radicalize. Even when they turn to ISIS or al-Qaeda, those groups are quoting the Haddith and the Siras to recruit young men and women to violence.



Randall A. Terry states: "If someone reads the literature sacred to Islam, gets inside the narrative of Islamic thought, and excepts the premise that Muhammad was "the Apostle of God"  the greatest prophet who ever lived  then the path lone wolves are choosing becomes logical. We can only understand them  what motivates them and what they hope to achieve  if we learn the narrative of the life of Muhammad that inspires them. I can tell you what Artan was thinking, because I can tell you the stories of battle and death he was reading."



To schedule a radio or print interview with Mr. Terry, call 904-687-9806 and leave a message.



The documentary has an original music score, as well as voice actors and original art from around the world.



See episode one of the serial documentary -- "What Would Muhammad Do?" at www.WWMD.tv.



"Randall Terry offers this most important enlightening and comprehensive analysis of Islam, with plentiful references  not only the Qu'ran  but also the often ignored Haddith and biographies, which are studied by terrorists. With colorful graphics and extensive historic references, he carefully reveals what Muhammad would do, by showing precisely what Muhammad did." Gerald Nordskog, CEO of Nordskog Publishing
home US Charter school orders teacher to remove Bible verse display

A Connecticut public charter school has told one of its teachers to remove the Bible verse on her profile outside the classroom following a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF).

Last June, the FFRF wrote a letter to the board of directors of Jumoke Academy Charter School in Hartford, Connecticut to complain about a verse that was displayed outside one of the classrooms. The verse in question, Philippians 4:13, read "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me."

The atheist group argued that the display was unconstitutional and inappropriate, noting that roughly 30 percent of Americans and 44 percent of millennials are not Christians.

The FFRF asserted in its letter that the display of the verse implies a preference for Christianity over atheism and other religions. The letter pointed out that the Supreme Court has repeatedly noted that schools are not allowed to promote religious messages.

"Public schools may not advance, prefer or promote religion. Courts have continually held that school districts may not display religious messages or iconography in public schools," FFRF Managing Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote.

"The display alienates those nonreligious students, families, teachers, and members of the public whose religious beliefs are inconsistent with the messages being promoted by the school," she added.

In response to the complaint, Troy Monroe, executive director of Jumoke Academy, wrote back to the FFRF on Nov. 7, informing the group that the school had investigated the employee, and the display has since been removed.

"In addition, the school-based leadership team was informed of these expectations and our district's legal counsel conducted a workshop for the entire school staff," Monroe stated in the letter.

FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said that she was pleased by the attention that the school had given to the group's complaint.

"Our mission to remind public institutions of the First Amendment is made worthwhile when they actually listen to us," she said.

The FFRF boasts of 24,000 members across the U.S. including more than 200 members in Connecticut.
home World Norway fines Catholic church for inflating membership to receive government funding

The Norwegian Catholic church has been fined for magnifying the number of its members in order to receive more state funding.

The Diocese of Oslo, which was in charge of keeping records of Catholics living in Norway, was ordered by prosecutors to pay the fine of 1 million kroner (about $142,000), AFP reported.

It was alleged that the diocese went through telephone directories to look for immigrants with names that suggested that they came from Catholic countries and added them to the list of members between 2011 and 2014.

In Norway, which is predominantly Protestant, various religious minorities receive state funding in accordance with the number of church members.

The diocese was able to obtain more government subsidies by inflating its membership figures, according to the prosecution. Thuan cong Pham, the chief administrative officer of the diocese, has been charged with aggravated fraud.

"We've never done anything illegal or received too much money," the Church said in a statement.

"We have always recognised that we have made mistakes and had an unfortunate practice in parts of our registration. This was cleaned up a long [time] ago," it added.

The Church argued that there has been a surge immigration from Catholic countries, such as Poland, beginning in 2004. The immigrants were not registered, which led to an increase in church spending without a corresponding increase in government support.

The state also ordered the Church the repay the amount of 40.6 million kroner ($4.4 million).

Statistics Norway reported that there has been a 42 percent increase in the number of Catholics in the country since 2012, according to Crux. It was noted that the Norwegian Catholic church had about 145,000 members this year.

The Church recently opened the St. Olav Cathedral in Trondheim to accommodate the growing Catholic community.

"It had become too small, since the number of people attending the Catholic Church in TrAndelag and Norway is growing rapidly; with an annual growth of 15 percent in recent years," said Bishop Bernt Eidsvig of the Oslo diocese.

The increase has been attributed to immigration from Eastern European and Asian countries, including the Philippines. It was estimated that about 30,000 Filipinos are currently living in the Scandinavian country, and another 35,000 are employed in Norwegian-owned or operated ships, or in shipyards.
KIDS IN A CLASSROOM ART.jpg

Good Thursday Morning, Fellow Seekers.

It's no secret that the money follows the kids when Pennsylvania's school children leave traditional public schools for charter schools. But a new study out this week details how much cash charter schools bleed out of urban districts, leading to budget shortfalls and funding inequities for kids overall.

Citing an Economic Policy Institute white paper, The Post-Gazette reports that traditional public schools are ""surviving but under increased stress," as a result of rapidly growing charter schools.

The study by Rutgers University professor Bruce D. Baker focused on districts that have seen the largest shift of Pennsylvania students to charter schools. In the 2015-16 school year, nearly 133,000 Pennsylvania students attended charter schools, with more than half hailing from Philadelphia, the newspaper reported.

All told, 150 brick-and-mortar charter schools and 14 cyber-charter schools now serve kids across the state.

And even though charter schools are mainly expanding in low-income and minority-neighborhoods, the growth "is not driven by well-known, high-profile operators," the PG reported, citing Baker's study.

Alan N. Johnson, superintendent of the Woodland Hills district in western Pennsylvania, tells the PG that "the impact on the residents in these communities is really profound, especially where finances are concerned."

The district has lost more than 1,000 students to charter schools and pays about $11,000 a year in tuition for each student and covers their transportation costs. The cost for special education students is about $30,000 each, the newspaper reported.

""The financial impact is enormous. It's going to be almost $18 million for Woodland Hills this year," Johnson told the PG.

That's about 20 percent of the district's overall budget, Johnson told the newspaper.

The rest of the day's news starts now.

State Rep. Patty Kim has condemned the hate mail sent to a local mosque, PennLive's Eric Veronikis reports.

The University of Pennsylvania, Donald Trump's alma mater, says it won't share info about undocumented students, PhillyMag reports.

The Philly City Council has approved new regs for medical marijuana dispensaries, NewsWorks/WHYY-FM reports.

BillyPenn explains why rural voters rule in Pennsylvania.

Here's your #Harrisburg Instagram of the Day:

Keystone Crossroads contemplates the possibility of recession-proof budgeting for Pa. cities.

State officials have revoked the certificate of a Lehigh Valley daycare where a 'profane' video was created, The Morning Call reports.

PoliticsPA considers what happens to the 11th Congressional District if U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta takes a job in the Trump administration.

Trump's pick to run Treasury made millions after his bank foreclosed on homeowners, Politico reports.

Even after re-electing Nancy Pelosi, U.S. House Democrats still want leadership changes, Roll Call reports.

And now you're up to date. See you all back here in a bit.
Is This The Face Of Jesus Christ Himself? Scientists Believe It Could Be.

Found in a cave in Jordan and now analysed by scientists using the latest techniques, some people believe this detailed lead portrait of a Nazarene is the actual face of Jesus Christ.

It is among lead codices that also contain written references to Jesus and his disciples and which scientists this week said could be as much as 2,000 years old, scientists say.

Some people even believe they could be the sealed books mentioned in chapters five and six of the Book of Revelation. According to some interpretations of the Bible, Jesus will return once all seven seals are opened.

The 70 ring-bound copper and lead codices, found by an Israeli Bedouin in a cave in Jordan in about 2008, have previously been dismissed as forgeries.

But scientists from the Nodus Ion Beam Centre at the University of Surrey in Guildford have been examining the age of the lead. The corrosion on the plates has also been tested.

While they cannot state for certain they are from the earliest Christian era itself, the scientists admit they could be genuine. The tablets say that Jesus did not intended to start a new religion but simply restore traditional Judaism as it was 1,000 years previously during the time of King David. They also say he regarded his God as both male and female.

A press release issued by the Ion Beam Centre quotes Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury and now Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge. Williams calls for "a fresh examination of the Jordan Codices" in response to the test results.

Professor Roger Webb, director of the Ion Beam Centre, told Christian Today that all he could say for certain was that the lead tablets were older than 100 or 150 years old. The lead had definitely not been smelted recently. But he added: "That does not necessarily mean anything."

The tablets and lettering were made from a mould, so the lettering could not have been added in modern times to older tablets. Webb said: "If the lead is old, the writing is old. But there is no guarantee that what is written on them is true."

Another scientist had said that the corrosion was such that it could only have occurred over a long period of time.

A British couple, David and Jennifer Elkington, have been liasing with the Jordanian government in an attempt to verify the authenticity of the find. The Department of Antiquities in Amman, Jordan loaned them the codex for testing.

David Elkington, an independent scholar, told Christian Today that the portrait of Christ has been analysed by a corrosion expert who says that it is beyond doubt genuine.

"His face is surrounded by a halo and he appears every inch the Nazarene. The Codex was sealed on all sides and then placed in lead box before being sealed away in the cave in Northern Jordan.

"Any remaining doubts must now be answered by proper excavation of the site in Jordan and carried out by proper archaeologist with impartial objectives."

Webb, working with a colleague, Professor Chris Jeynes, confirmed in their tests that radioactivity from polonium that is typically seen in modern lead samples was entirely absent, indicating that the lead of the codex was smelted more than one hundred years ago. Comparative measurements were made of a sample of ancient Roman lead unearthed from an excavation site in Dorset.

They say in their press release that the Dead Sea Scrolls were only discovered in 1946, making "incredible" a prior forgery of the Palaeo-Hebrew script on the codices. "On a scholarly level, such a forgery would require the very latest academic research," they added.

The scientists said: "All charges of fakery and forgery raised by bloggers and some scholars should now be dismissed to allow proper study and preservation of the sites in which these items were discovered. This will provide additional evidence that should enable more accurate dating and better interpretation of the meaning and purpose of the items."

The Jordan Codices comprise a series of upwards of seventy ring-bound books made entirely of lead, with strong evidence showing that they date back to the first and second centuries CE.

Linguistic analysis has demonstrated that they are the earliest and only Hebrew-Christian documents in existence.

Preliminary work indicates that part of the collection dates to the first century, whilst the other part dates to the second century.

Distinguished archaeometallurgist and former Director of Antiquities in Amman, Dr Ziad Al Saad, hailed the archeological find as one of the most historically important in Jordan: "These manuscripts are a part of Jordan's heritage and global heritage, and we hope to share it soon with the rest of the world."

Bernhard Lang, Emeritus Professor of Religion, University of Paderborn and St. Andrews, said: "The suspicion of forgery, sown by the bloggers and a rashly published note in the Times Literary Supplement in 2011, has been disproved by several independent scientific tests of the metal as well as yet unpublished expert study of the writing. No one of those actually involved with research on the codices has any doubt about their antiquity."

Professor Philip Davies of the University of Sheffield and chairman of the Palestine Exploration Fund said: "We ask the authorities in Amman to make an immediate and detailed statement about the finds and their intentions regarding them. This is not just of national and cultural importance for the kingdom of Jordan, but also of all those interested in the antiquity of the Middle East."
Archbishop Of York: Government Must Not 'Scapegoat' Migrants For Failures In Housing And Jobs

The Archbishop of York has warned the UK not to be "senile" in its attitude to free movement and migration.

Rt Rev John Sentamu told Christian Today Brits were in danger of forgetting migrants' role in its history and urged ministers not to "scapegoat" foreigners for the government's own failure to create housing and jobs.

"The whole question has got be for people who look at migration as the most terrible thing that has happened to this country," he said. "Most won't remember that a lot of people in this country are mongrels."

He told Christian Today: "People are forgetting memory. Once memory has gone, people become senile," he said.

"This country survived the second world war by a lot of Commonwealth soldiers actually fighting to defend the crown. People forget that very easily because we are living in a period of peace."

Sentamu was speaking at the launch of his new book Agape Love Stories in York on Thursday. It features "22 stories of God's love changing people's lives today". Sentamu said the book was part of the Church's response to the UK's political climate after Brexit and Trump's victory in the US Election.

"This book is saying love is stronger than hate, life is stronger than death, and resurrection is stronger than sin. The message there is absolutely wonderful."

He added: "The rediscovery of that kind of love which we see really in the birth of Jesus, in his life and ministry and ultimately dying for us and then rising us again says love will win."

The second most powerful cleric in the Church of England said before the referendum he would vote to remain. But despite every senior bishop declaring they would vote remain, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, 58 per cent of Christians backed Brexit.

Sentamu urged ministers not to blame migrants for their own failures.

"We have got to be slightly more careful if jobs are not in some places, if housing is pretty bad, we must not scapegoat the stranger as the ones responsible." He added it was a matter for "government and policy".

Turning to Trump's administration, Sentamu warned him "the public have a memory". He said if the President-elect did not follow through with his promises, which Sentamu described as "horrendous", they will "come back and haunt him".

He said: "He has got to remember when you made a lot of, some of them very outrageous, promises, you have got to carry them out. If you don't, the electorate won't forget."
Buzzfeed, Fixer Upper, And Gay Marriage: 3 Questions To Ask

Outrage has been sparked on social media in response to a piece by Buzzfeed about the TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, and their church's view on same-sex marriage.

The Gaines' are the stars of HGTV's hugely popular show Fixer Upper. They are also devout Christians, which has drawn the attention of one Buzzfeed reporter to their Texas church, Antioch Community Church (ACC), and the views of its pastor Jimmy Seibert. Seibert expressed his firm opposition to same-sex marriage in a sermon on ACC's website. In the sermon he expressed the traditional view that marriage is between a man and a woman, and promoted forms of conversion therapy, which is designed to change a same-sex attracted person's sexual orientation to heterosexual.

The Buzzfeed piece, which was followed up by takes from Cosmopolitan and Jezebel, focuses on Seibert's view and the question of whether the Gaines' hold the same view or not. Various online responses have followed, from both those on the left, outraged by the potential scandal, and from conservatives frustrated by what they seen as an excessive, "bizarre and not newsworthy" attack on views of sexuality now perceived to be bigoted and dangerous.

Here are three questions that the whole debacle raises for the Church and our present culture in general.

A problematic view?

Firstly, from the Church's perspective, it needs to be noted that Seibert does not simply hold a traditional Christian view on sexuality, but extends that to endorsing the far more controversial issue of conversion therapy. The idea that one's sexuality can be 'changed' is decried by secular media, but also by conservatives within the Church. Wesley Hill, for example, is a prominent writer who is same-sex attracted, celibate, and supports the traditional view, but does not encourage conversion therapy, instead focussing on the cost and challenge of singleness and celibacy.

It is important to distinguish between these two significantly different conservative approaches. Neither are culturally popular, but ex-gay ministries can have a harmful legacy, and encourage the perception of Christians as an extreme, brainwashing cult that believes gay people are inherently sinful and must be 'changed'. Ex-gay ministry may be well intentioned, but is rarely so well received, in addition to not finding clear backing in Scripture. In a culture where Christianity is already perceived as backwards and repressive, it doesn't exactly help.

The new civil rights movement?

It's important to understand that much of the heat generated by these debates is drawn from the fact that for many, particularly millennials, same-sex equality is the new civil rights movement of our generation. Just as racial discrimination and segregation had to be fought in the 1960s, so the oppression of the LGBTQ community must be combated today. To many, opposition to same-sex marriage is just another kind of bigotry, no different to racism.

As such, 'anti-Christian' media isn't always part of a cultural 'war on religion'. It's just that many are deeply and morally invested in the fight for gay rights, and opposition to that is therefore perceived as unjust.

Is gay rights the new civil rights? That is a difficult, though crucial question. If it isn't, why not? At current, cultural consensus on the issue seems unlikely, but conservatives and liberals can make an effort toward mutual understanding. Christians need to be aware that in an increasingly post-Christian society, what was once considered traditional or 'mainstream' is no longer so.

Can we agree to disagree?

Many were frustrated by the fact that the Buzzfeed article was so stridently opposed to Christians basically holding Christian values. Granted, the Church across the world has taken different stances on this issue, but most churches retain the traditional view of marriage, a view that until very recently was not considered deeply problematic. Barack Obama was elected to the Presidency in 2008 saying that he did not support same-sex marriage, though in a few years he would change his mind.

A key question for society at large is whether it can make space for voices which do not agree, particularly on the issue of sexuality. Conservative Catholics, Muslims, Jews and others all hold views about how to live in the world which will not line up with whatever the mainstream opinion may be at any given time. Should that be surprising, and why should anyone expect that to change?

Do we truly live in a pluralistic society with the freedom of conscience, religion, and expression wherein diverse views are acceptable? The 2016 US election, and the EU referendum in the UK, have revealed societies which are in sharp disagreement with themselves, and are socially divided into 'echo chambers' in which the views of 'the other' will always seem absurd and dangerous. If our society is to truly progress at all, it must address this division, instead of pretending that one cultural consensus (on politics, sexuality, religion) will eventually just dominate over the other, with no need for dialogue or understanding.

The alarmist furore over views that Chip and Joanna Gaines may or may not have does not suggest that such mutual coexistence will be easy, but it must be possible. A society where no one disagrees on anything would be far more worrying than one where mutual disagreement is found.

Christians shouldn't expect to always feel comfortable in the world, and many of our beliefs may be deemed strange or unacceptable by society's standards. Nonetheless, we can still make an effort to be at peace with everyone, to not indulge in defensive culture war narratives and instead focus on being as loving as we can, to all we meet, and in all that we say.
Christian Cemetery Vandalised In Israel

A Christian Arab cemetery in northern Israel has been desecrated by vandals, with Arabic graffiti left on graves and headstones.

The incident took place in Kafr Yasif in the Galilee region on Wednesday, The Times of Israel reports.

Israel has been a flashpoint of Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades, with Christians, who once represented a significant portion of the population, now being in an extreme minority. Only 1.9 per cent of Israeli citizens are Christians, while Jews remain in the majority and the Muslim population is experiencing rapid growth.

Christians have been victim to attack before, with some far-right Jewish groups targeting Christian sites.

In January this year, the Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem was vandalised. The walls of the Benedictine monastery were painted with the slogans "Christians to Hell" and "Death to the heathen Christians, the enemies of Israel".

In September, members of the radical far-right Lehava organisation, a group of extremists who oppose non-Jewish actions in Israel, disrupted a Christian conference in the Clal Center in Jerusalem.

Earlier this month, two ancient tombs were severely damaged by fires outside Jerusalem's Old City in suspected arson attacks, though as with Wednesday's vandalism, the perpetrators are unknown.

Police have launched an investigation into the Kafr Yasif incident.
Human Rights Groups Condemn Persecution Of Iranian Christians

The treatment of Christians by the regime in Iran has been condemned by 19 human rights and religious organisations, reports World Watch Monitor.

The groups say there are opportunities to rectify the situation presented by the nuclear deal  which was opposed by conservative elements in the USA and the Middle East.

They add that the opportunity for governments and companies to trade in Iran as a result of the deal now presents a chance for them to pressure the Iranian administration on its treatment of Christians and other religious minorities.

The statement issued by the human rights groups says that persecution of believers has gone up recently. "In the summer of 2016, Iranian authorities increased their persecution of Christians, honing in on converts from a Muslim-background," it says.

Christians have a long history in Iran but have been vulnerable to persecution since the revolution of 1979. Despite ongoing deprivation of freedom, the Church in Iran is said to be growing  with both house churches and more recognised denominations flourishing.

The groups who have released the statement suggest that the persecution of Christians not only contravenes the country's legal obligations, but also its own constitution. The statement is aimed to gain attention from international bodies such as the European Union and the United Nations.
Hundreds of U.S. Churches Offering Refuge to Undocumented Migrants as Trump Presidency Looms

Hundreds of churches in the United States are offering to open their doors to undocumented migrants, a few weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes over the White House and possibly make good on his campaign promise to launch a major crackdown on illegal immigrants.

Citing figures from the Philadelphia-based New Sanctuary Movement, which counts Christian churches among its members, The Guardian reported that some 300 American churches have come forward in the past weeks offering to provide refuge to immigrants regardless of their status.

More than 1,000 people from Philadelphia alone have volunteered for the movement's "sanctuary in the streets" programme, from an initial number of just 65 volunteers.

Peter Pedemonti of the New Sanctuary Movement described the rise in the number of congregations offering refuge and asking how they can help immigrants as "pretty dramatic."

"The faith community has a specific role to stand up and speak out, and offering sanctuary is a bold way of doing that," Pedemonti told The Guardian.

He also noted how people have become "very scared" after Trump won the elections.

"There are waves of despair, anger and disbelief at Trump's election and the rise of white supremacism. This is a very shocking part of U.S. society that was in the shadows before, and with Trump it has come into the mainstream. It's very disturbing," he said.

Reverend Robin Hynicka of the United Methodist Church in Arch Street, Philadelphia also has the same observations, describing a state of anxiety that gripped immigrants just days after Trump emerged as the winner of the presidential polls.

He pledged that his church will provide space and support for immigrants who will seek refuge there.

"People are feeling more vulnerable than before. [But] people of faith and conscience are walking alongside the immigrant community. Sanctuary provides a moral alternative to what we think is an immoral policy," Hynicka told The Guardian.
New Photos Reveal Shocking Horrors Of Life In North Korea's Brutal Prison Camps

Photographs taken from space have revealed the chilling growth rate of one of North Korea's notoriously inhumane prison compounds, Camp 25.

The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea reports that the camp has more than doubled in size in just five years.

Despite their size making them clearly visible from space, the regime led by dictator Kim Jong-un denies the camps even exist.

The committee, based in Washington DC, worked with AllSource Analysis, a leading provider of high-resolution earth images.

Camp 25, also known as Kwan-li-so No 25, is in Susong-dong, Chongjin-si in North Hamgyong Province on the northeast coast of North Korea.

About 5,000 political prisoners are believed to be incarcerated there.

Its biggest growth period was between 2009 and 2010, when its size increased by 72 per cent, from 565,424 square meters to 972,270 square meters, surrounded by more than 40 guard posts.

Analyst Joseph Bermudez Jr said the committee's report confirms that "primary economic activities likely carried out with prison labor are centered on agriculture and light industry."

Greg Scarlatoiu, director, said: "It continues to be difficult to quantify the precise economic importance of the slave labor provided by North Korea's political prison camps. That said, our satellite imagery analysis of Camp No 25 and other such unlawful detention facilities appears to confirm the sustained, if not increased importance of the use of forced labor under Kim Jong-un.

"Due to an intensified crackdown on attempted defections, the imprisonment of forcibly repatriated refugees, the purging of senior officials, together with associates and family members, and the possible transfer of prisoners from camps in the border areas that are now closed, Camp No 25 underwent a twofold expansion in 2009-2010. Recent satellite imagery analysis indicates that Camp No 25 continues to be fully operational at the expanded scale."

Last month, Amnesty International released its own report also proving the massive growth of the camps, often a source of nothing more than brutal slave labour for the regime.

Amnesty said: "These camps constitute the cornerstone of the country's large infrastructure dedicated to political repression and social control that enables widespread and systematic human rights abuses. Assessments of the satellite images of two political prison camps  known as kwanliso  collected in May and August show the addition of new guard posts, upgrading of a reported crematorium, and on-going agricultural activities."

Amnesty said the images were "consistent with our prior findings of forced labour and detention in North Korea's kwanliso." Amnesty has also reported rape, infanticide, torture, deliberate starvation, forced labour and executions against the up to 120,000 men, women, and children held incommunicado in political prison camps throughout the country.

Many of those detained in these camps have committed no crime, but are collectively punished through guilt by association as family members of those deemed threatening to the regime, the charity said.

Amnesty has for years campaigned about human rights abuses in North Korea and released this film documenting one woman's attempt to escape to China.

North Korea continues to be considered the worst place in the world in which to be a Christian. A damning report released by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) in September said Christians face rape, torture, enslavement and being killed for their faith. Freedom of religion or belief "is largely non-existent" under dictator Kim Jong Un's leadership, CSW said.

"Religious beliefs are seen as a threat to the loyalty demanded by the Supreme Leader, so anyone holding these beliefs is severely persecuted," the report said, noting: "Christians suffer significantly because of the anti-revolutionary and imperialist labels attached to them by the country's leadership."

Among the documented incidents against Christians are "being hung on a cross over a fire, crushed under a steamroller, herded off bridges and trampled underfoot".
Pastor Suffers Fatal Heart Attack After Singing 'In His Presence' At Florida Church

Without warning, a silent killer visited a pastor in Florida while he was singing during service on Sunday.

Pastor Jim Watson of Crossroads Family Fellowship in Clermont, Florida collapsed after singing "In His Presence," Charisma News reported.

The killer? A "widowmaker" heart attack. According to medical experts, this kind of heart attack occurs when the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery closes completely, resulting in immediate death.

Before he suffered the fatal heart attack, Watson had told his wife Linda that the Holy Spirit had prompted him to sing "In His Presence," a family friend told Charisma News.

Watson's death stunned members of his family, fellow church workers, congregants and family friends.

"Pastor Jim was a true gentleman and oozed the love of Jesus on everyone he met," said Pastor Steven Halford. "I had never met a man more gifted in the role of pastor/shepherd as I had Jim Watson."

Halford pastors a church in England where he and his wife modelled their pastoral team after Jim and Linda Watson.

"He was a loving husband, father, brother, son, pastor and of course, friend. He took me in and loved me and gave me a chance when few others did. I love you, Pastor Jim. I'll be seeing you," Halford said.

Watson leaves behind his wife, three children and a number of grandchildren.

Watson was an ordained minister with Evangel Fellowship International, chaplain for the Central Florida Christian Bass Club and a founding member of the South Lake Pastor's Fellowship.

The Watsons' Crossroads Family Fellowship is a non-denomination church affiliated with Vision Christian Bible College, Kenneth Copeland Ministries, and the South Lake Pastor's Fellowship.

As written in its website, the church seeks to equip "people of all ages to respond to the leading of the Spirit, using them in ministry and praise and worship."
Pope Francis Pleads For An End To The Scandal Of Child Soldiering

The Pope has made an impassioned plea for an end to children being used as soldiers to fight wars created by adults.

In his "prayer intention" for this month, Pope Francis calls for an end to children being forced to bear arms. His plea is: "That the scandal of child soldiers may be eliminated the world over."

He also annouced an intention for evangelism: "That the peoples of Europe may rediscover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel which gives joy and hope to life."

A video produced by the Pope's worldwide prayer network to promote the December prayer intention states: "In this world, which has developed the most sophisticated technologies, weapons are sold that end up in the hands of child soldiers.

"We must do everything possible so that the dignity of children may be respected, and end this form of slavery.

Whoever you are, if you are moved as I am, I ask you to join in this prayer intention: That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over."

The Catholic Church opposes child soldiering for obvious reasons of human justice and dignity.

The Pope's plea comes after a group of senior African church leaders travelled to Rome in October to talk to him about how to end the phenomenon, which in some countries such as South Sudan has escalated to the point where are now thought to be at least 16,000 children engaged in armed fighting.

Paulino Lukubu Loro, Archbishop of Juba in South Sudan said the only way to stop children being used as soldiers was to find a way to stop the conflict, which has been raging since at least 2013. He told CNA that many children did not even need to be recruited but opted to join up out of their own volition.

"It's because they feel the problem, they are grieved, they feel that there is an injustice in the administration of the government and here you have young boys, young children, by themselves. They are not even recruited by anybody," he said.
Syria's Children Are 'Trapped In A Living Nightmare' Says Aid Head

Syria's children are "trapped in a living nightmare", according to UNICEF's regional director.

Addressing the UN Security Council, Geert Cappelaere said: "Indeed, it is difficult to imagine what words could still adequately convey the unspeakable horrors endured by Syria's children every day. Tens of thousands of children have already been killed. Millions have been uprooted, some more than once. Too many have been deprived of basic medical care and safe drinking water. Too many have witnessed the death of their loved ones and the destruction of the places they once thought are safe: their homes, their schools, their playgrounds.

"We must ask ourselves: what is left of childhood for the boys and girls of Syria?"

He drew a horrifying picture of the hardships endured by the children of Aleppo. "Children wonder why this is happening. Children are wondering why no one is helping to stop this," he said.

He continued: "Amir, a five-year-old boy, is one of those children. Our team met him in Aleppo very recently. He and his sister were playing outside when their house was shelled. His sister was injured in the face and eye, while Amir sustained severe burns all over his body. He had to undergo two painful surgeries to replace the burned skin in one of the very few health facilities remaining in Aleppo."

Amir, Cappelaere said, was "lucky". But he also spoke of a father "living with the trauma and deep regret of simply letting his eight and 10 year old daughters go to school. They left their makeshift home one morning with their schoolbags on their backs. Only their lifeless bodies returned after a shell slammed into their classroom. UNICEF colleagues could barely look into the eyes of the father suffering so much pain."

He said eastern Aleppo's health system was crumbling and that children were sometimes just left to die because of limited resources. "The violence must stop. Nothing justifies the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, especially children. Parties to the conflict must protect civilians  not least children  and allow immediate access for humanitarian agencies to provide assistance."

Cappelaere said an estimated six million children inside Syria needed help, more than two million of them in hard-to-reach areas. There were nearly half a million living under siege. UNICEF and other agencies were prevented from bringing them help due to lack of access.

He painted a grim picture of schools destroyed and education halted, lack of water, malnutrition and poor hygiene  only a third of Syria's sewage is now treated. Children had been killed, maimed and abducted for recruitment as child soldiers.

He said: "The protection of children should be, at all times, a primary consideration for all of us. We have failed them over the last six years, and we continue to fail the children in Syria. This is not only jeopardising children's lives, but the future of the country, the future of the region and the future of the whole world."

He concluded: "Until the guns are silenced, and remain silent, children in Syria will continue to ask us, ask you, why."
World's Largest Refugee Camp Turned Terrorism Breeding Ground Set to Close: 'Like Throwing People Into Fire'

Imagine hundreds of thousands of people "thrown into a fire."

That was the image in the mind of a Somali refugee in Kenya named Mohammed, one of the more than 340,000 refugees living in a desert refugee camp near the border of Kenya and Somalia. It is the world's largest refugee camp.

Interviewed by CBN News, Mohammed said he is aware that the Kenyan government wants to close the camp in Dadaab because they believe it's a centre for recruiting Islamic terrorists. Once the government does that, hundreds of thousands of refugees will be sent back to Somalia.

"I'm thankful that Kenya has hosted us for the last 25 years, but it is going to be a big mistake to return us to a war zone. It's like throwing people into a fire," warned Mohammed, who runs an ice-making factory in the camp.

Mohammed said Somalia is still in the middle of an Islamic insurgency and hasn't recovered from decades of conflict.

"Nothing has changed there; it is still a dangerous place," he told CBN News.

Ibrahim, another Somali refugee staying in the camp, said he was 20 years old when he was forced to flee Somalia and cross the border into Kenya.

Now, 25 years later, Ibrahim has raised 17 children inside the camp. He also has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

When the camp opened in 1992, it was only supposed to hold about 90,000 people. Today, the camp now provides shelter to more than 340,000 refugees, majority of them Somalis fleeing the civil war in their homeland, according to CBN News.

The Kenyan government is now preparing to close the camp, with local workers getting the fingerprints of refugees for identification purposes in preparation for their repatriation to their native land.

"The Kenya government has expressed concerns about security, mostly terrorism, following various attacks in the country," said Teresa Ongoro, who's with the U.N. Refugee Agency.

The people inside the camp have "lost their homes; they've lost their families and their communities," said Ongoro. But despite their difficulties, she said the Kenyan camp "is the safest place that the refugees can go to."

"This repatriation operation is causing us so much stress," one Somali refugee told CBN News. "I escaped here with my children. Some of them got lost on the way here; I don't know where they are. Just when I thought I was safe, now the government wants me to leave."
Wine specialist Chris Munro on a complete case of one of the worlds most coveted vintages, to be offered in our 8 December sale in London

Cheval was spared the damaging effects of the heat due to its favourable position, on a gravel bank to the right of the Dordogne, which was cooler than the surrounding vineyards. Other growers clashed with fishmongers in an attempt to get ice from local merchants, to throw it in their vats to cool the wine, says Munro. Cheval left its wine, resulting in an intense, alcoholic vintage that has lasted for years.

Although the vintage is exalted today, many feared 1947 would be a bad year. July and August were blisteringly hot, Munro explains. Grapes shrivelled on the vines and in September it got even hotter. Everyone thought the vintage would be an absolute disaster.

The 1947 Cheval Blanc is up there with the worlds most famous vintages, explains Chris Munro, Head of Wine at Christies London, as he inspects a complete case of the revered Bordeaux wine, offered in our 8 December Finest and Rarest Wines sale.

The resulting vintage is 14.4 per cent alcohol, and has been described by Christies consultant Michael Broadbent as port-like in its intensity. Celebrated critic Robert Parker commented: The 1947 Cheval Blanc exhibits such a thick texture it could double as motor oil. The huge nose of fruitcake, chocolate, leather, coffee, and Asian spices is mind-boggling. Californian collector Bipin Desai, meanwhile, memorably described the vintage as a cuddly wild boar.

Munro sampled the wine at a private residence in Switzerland  the bottle came from stocks held at the Hotel Beau Rivage in Geneva, which bought a barrel of the increasingly rare vintage from the Chateau. When you taste Cheval Blanc youre tasting a wine in a different sphere. Its more than just a wine, comments the specialist. Merlot grapes, which make up 55 per cent of the wine, give voluptuousness and silky tannins, while Cabernet Franc (45 per cent) lends strength and backbone.

Today, Munro adds, the 1947 vintage is entering its prime, with complete cases becoming increasingly rare as the worlds stock is consumed. Cases such as this only appear once every 10 years or so. Soon, that will be every 20 years. Such is the wines renown that it has even been immortalised in popular culture, appearing as the preferred drink of feared critic Anton Ego in the animated movie from 2007, Ratatouille.

In the winter of 2011 and early spring of 2012 the owner took this case back to Cheval where the bottles were relabelled and recorked. Cheval Blanc checked the quality of the wines, and topped up any bottles with its own stocks of 1947 where appropriate.

The last 1947 Cheval Blanc to appear at Christies  a single, six-litre bottle  established a new world record when it sold for 192,000 / $304,375 in 2010. When this case is offered in December, it is set to delight wine lovers eager to acquire a wine that, against all odds, has become one of the 20th centurys most celebrated.
Mayra Beltran/Staff

A $15,000 grant from Boeing will help middle and high school students learn the importance of water and their role in conserving it.

The grant will provide research equipment to six state parks near Houston, Dallas and San Antonio for hands-on learning with the Texas Aquatic Science curriculum provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
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Will President Donald Trump return to Trump Tower upon his departure from the White House?

Historically, most U.S. presidents head back to their hometowns after their terms in the Oval Office, although Barack Obama bucked the trend of leaving Washington, D.C.

The Obamas opted to stay in D.C. for a few years, until youngest daughter Sasha finishes high school.

According to DCist, the first family will be the first president to remain in D.C. post-presidency since Woodrow Wilson left office in 1921.

>>Take a look at where presidents have lived before and after the White House in the gallery above.

The Obamas leased a stately 1928 home in the Kalorma neighborhood of D.C. With a 10-car garage and nine bedrooms, the home seems well suited for the Secret Service. Their monthly rent has not been disclosed, but the home most recently sold for $5,295,000 in May 2014.

PHOTOS: White House Christmas decorations 2016

When George W. Bush left the White House, he and his wife, Laura, moved to Dallas' prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood. According to the New York Times, he has a "man cave" that contains "mementos and pictures from his time in power." (Story continues below.)

TEXAS' WHITE HOUSE, Y'ALL: White House replica, former Texas governor's mansion going to auction

His father, George H.W. Bush, returned to Houston when he left office in 1994. He and his wife, Barbara, settled into a red-brick home on West Oak Drive South in Tanglewood.

"We are living in our new house, built on our famous tiny lot, and it is perfect for us," the Massachusetts-born former president told a New York Times reporter via fax.

"They really are very nice neighbors," their neighbor told the Times in 1994. "They are just trying so hard to have normal, quiet life."

THE GOLD STANDARD? Will Donald Trump's White House be as opulent as his Manhattan penthouse?

As for Trump, he's already spent a lot of time in his "Winter White House," Mar-a-Lago. Although his primary home is his Manhattan penthouse, where he was rumored to spend most of his personal downtime.

An article once stated that Trump is "a homebody who often flew several hours late at night during the campaign so he could wake up in his own bed in Trump Tower."
Dear Abby:

My husband of 23 years, "Gerald," quit his job to start his own law firm. He told me about it only after he had quit. I have tried to be supportive, but seven months down the line, he has spent all our "rainy day" cash and earned only one paycheck. We have two teenagers, one who will be going to college in a year.

I took a high-paying job a year ago to help pay down our mortgage and fund our son's college expenses. Gerald claimed the bonus money he received when he quit his old job belonged to him to fund the new venture.

He's now saying that seven months is too little time to make any huge decisions, but we are now going to start liquidating our 401(k)s. This is where I draw the line. He needs to get a job. I have worked every year of our marriage and never quit.

I feel like I'm living with a selfish stranger who calls me a "money-hungry stereotypical female" when I ask when he'll get paid. Is it time for me to take off the rose-colored glasses and file for divorce?

Stuck in his Midlife Crisis

Dear Stuck:

Your husband should have discussed his career change with you before he quit the law firm. Do not allow him to push you into taking money from your 401(k). Because your husband hasn't yet reached retirement age, when he liquidates his, there will be a penalty for early withdrawal. Consult an attorney - other than your husband - about what your next steps should be to protect yourself and your children.

Dear Abby:

I am writing in response to the letter from "Loving Granddaughter" on July 2, who was asking for ways to prepare for the eventual passing of her grandparents, with whom she is very close.

A way to help her cope with her premature grief would be to take time to sit down with her grandparents and record a personal interview video with them. This "Interview With a Loved One" provides an opportunity to capture her favorite stories and memories as told by her grandparents in their own words. She might even hear some surprising new stories as well!

We started doing this with my grandfather when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, before he started losing his memory. After he finally succumbed, going back to his interviews was a great way for our family to remember him in the way that he would have wanted to be remembered.

Jessica in Missouri

Dear Jessica:

That's a wonderful suggestion, one that I know will be appreciated by many of my readers. Thank you!

DearAbby.comDear AbbyP.O. Box 69440Los Angeles, CA 90069Universal Press Syndicate
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Designer Sophie Theallet started the conversation when she sent a viral letter asking her fellow fashion designers not to dress future First Lady Melania Trump. Now, more fashion designers are speaking up about the idea of dressing her.

Time.com reveals what 14 designers are saying. Here are a few:

Joseph Altuzarra: "I don't want to not dress people I disagree with."

Source: The New York Times

Carolina Herrera: "I think that in two or three months they'll reach out, because it's fashion. You'll see everyone dressing Melania. She's representing the United States."

Source: Business of Fashion

Tommy Hilfiger: "I think Melania is a very beautiful woman and I think any designer should be proud to dress her. Ivanka is equally as beautiful and smart, although she wears her own clothes. I don't think people should become political about it. Everyone was very happy to dress Michelle [Obama] as well. I think they look great in the clothes. You're not gonna get much more beautiful than Ivanka or Melania."

Source: WWD

Tom Ford: "I was asked to dress her [Melania Trump] quite a few years ago and I declined. She's not necessarily my image."

Source: The View

Marc Jacobs: "I have no interest whatsoever in dressing Melania Trump. I didn't see [Sophie Theallet's] letter. Personally, I'd rather put my energy into helping out those who will be hurt by [Donald] Trump and his supporters."

Source: WWD

>>Scroll through the gallery above for some little-known facts about Melania Trump
Day 1

We arrived in Lima around 10 pm. I was shocked to see "Welcome to APEC PERU 2016" sign at the airport. Who Knew Peru was hosting APEC this week! Both Chinese and U.S. presidents would be attending. I was hoping it would not disrupt our sightseeing plan, but it actually did on Day 3.

We found the one and only ATM machine in the baggage claim area. It seemed to only allow you to withdraw up to 400 Soles for 18 Soles fee. What a ripoff! Later we found BCP bank in Lima and Cusco city center that let you withdraw up to 700 Soles (about 200 USD) for 13.5 Soles fee. So that is a little better.

Since my cellphone always takes a while to work in a new location, we used the official taxi service, Taxi Green at the airport before leaving the security area, to go to our hotel. They charged a flat fee (55 Soles) to go to the city center, which is not bad considering on Day 4 we used Uber to go to the airport. Uber charged us 40 Soles on my credit card while the Uber driver also asked us for some money to pay for the airport ticket. I was not sure how much he asked for since we couldn't understand him, I just gave him 6 Soles, he seemed happy.

Day 2.

Today we went to two museums and the Miraflores district using Uber. It was so awesome, not only it saved us from having to communicate with the driver (most of them didn't speak a word of English), it also saved us money and hassle. One time we came out of Huaca Pucllana and wanted to go to Parque del Amor nearby, a taxi driver came to us asking where we wanted to go in English, I told him Parque del Amor. He said 20 Soles. I showed him Uber app said it would cost 7 Soles. He walked away.

1. Checked out Plaza San Martin near our hotel.

2. Plaza San Martin.

3. Plaza San Martin.

4. National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.

5. National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.

6. National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.

7. National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.

8. National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.

9. National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.

10. National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.

11. Ice cream vendor.

12. Larco Park next to Larco Museum.

13. Larco Museum entrance. Not sure why but the guards kept the door closed during opening hours, and opened it every time people wanted to go in and out.

14. Entering Larco Museum.

15. Larco Museum.

16. Larco Museum.

17. Larco Museum.

18. Larco Museum.

19. Larco Museum.

20. Larco Museum.

21. After Larco Museum, we went to the famous La Mar Cebicheria for lunch. It was good but kind of expensive.

22. Shrimp soup at La Mar.

23. Miraflores Boardwalk.

24. Miraflores Lighthouse.

25. Miraflores Boardwalk.

26. Parque del Amor.

After Parque del Amor, we checked out the nearby Huaca Pucllana, a great adobe and clay pyramid located in the middle of the city. They require you to take a guided tour, but the tour guide's English was so bad, I could hardly understand him.

27. Huaca Pucllana.

28. Huaca Pucllana.

29. Huaca Pucllana.

30. Huaca Pucllana.

31. Went back to Parque del Amor for sunset.

(To be continued)
One person was killed and a second was injured during a one-car accident in the Clear Lake area on Wednesday night.

Just before midnight on Nov. 30, Pasadena, Seabrook and Houston first responders arrived at a wreck in the 5000 block of NASA Parkway, near Clear Park.
A federal jury in Houston awarded the U.S. government $92 million in civil damages after finding two mortgage companies and one of its executives responsible for more than a decade of mortgage insurance fraud.

The initial case against Allied Home Mortgage Capital and Allied Home Mortgage Corp. along with president and chief executive Jim C. Hodge was filed in New York in 2011 as a whistle blower claim. That same year, the federal government intervened in the case. In 2012, the case was moved to Houston where a similar case was pending.

Houston lawyer Wendell Odom, who represents Allied and Hodge, said he was disappointed with the verdict and vowed to appeal. The case stems from the federal government effort to collect damages from mortgage lenders after the financial meltdown of the markets in 2008 and 2009. Unscrupulous and risky mortgage lending in the previous decade is widely viewed as contributing to the housing bust that spilled into Wall Street and spurred the financial crisis.

"By using technical violations of federal regulations, the government sued us for market conditions the government encouraged and then assessed damages for loans that Allied did not cause to go into default," Odom said in a written statement.

Odom also noted that the jury decision was not unanimous. There was a holdout juror who was disqualified because he would not continue to deliberate after making up his mind for the defense.
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The John Wesley United Methodist Church will be hosting various Christmas events including their Nativities from Around the World from 9-11 a.m. Dec. 10 in the Courtyard Room.

"A vulnerable and innocent baby in the midst of an animal stable is a captivating image. When the baby in the middle of the scene is considered by millions and millions of people to be the very embodiment of God, this image becomes more telling," said Marty Dunbar, lead pastor. "Christmas time in the Christians life should be a time to remember, receive and proclaim what God has done through a little baby named Jesus. A nativity display seeks to capture this pivotal scene from the story of redemption."

For more than 20 years the church held a walk through Bethlehem, and the display attracted approximately 2,500 people in the span of three nights. This year marks a change of holiday events for the church as it now will have the Nativities Around the World display.

"With new ministers comes some change and this year we are having Breakfast with the Big Guy on Saturday the 10th as our children's event and we wanted it to have with it a certain religious tone as we share the Christmas story so the Nativity display was born," said Philip A. Hooper, director of music and fine arts.

Breakfast with the Big Guy is a church-wide event and costs $5 for kids and $10 for adults. The Nativities Around the World Display will be out for all to see during the breakfast.

The approximately 30 displays include exhibits that include Africa, Mexico, and Germany.

"John Wesley UMC has been blessed with many folks that have lived all over the world and I knew many of them had Nativities from foreign countries," Hooper said. "I also looked for some more whimsical ones that children could relate to."

Ministries of the John Wesley United Methodist church include preschool, kids, youth, adults, men, women, worship and music, mission and outreach, health, wholeness, and prayer.

The church wants the community to know that they can expect a family atmosphere, anointed worship, practical teachings based on the bible, and faith-based groups.

The John Wesley UMC believes it is their calling to make disciples in order to transform the world for God's glory. The church remains focused on their mission by carrying out a vision that include connect, transform, and activate.

The church believes the nativity displays is art that sends a powerful message to those who see it.

"God has created humans with the ability to create wonderful art. Art can capture the essence of a message better than words, and each display will tell in its own unique way the tale of that wonderful night 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem," Dunbar said. "We want everyone to come and be captivated not only by the nativity displays, but by the very story being told of a loving God being born into the world."

Want to know more?

JWUMC.org

John Wesley United Methodist Church

Phone: 281-444-2112

Address: 5830 Bermuda Dunes Dr. Houston, TX 77069
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The San Jacinto County courthouse is playing host to a number of archived photos depicting individuals, writings and memorabilia from various wars in the United States' history.

The San Jacinto County Historical Commission received permission from County Judge John Lovett to use the basement floor of the courthouse to display the items.

"It goes all the way back to the Buffalo Soldiers," said Dale Everitt of the Historical Commission.

Everitt is also the county's veterans service officer and decided that the walls of the courthouse's basement floor could be used for a better purpose.

"It just seemed like we had a lot of space here on the walls," he said.

All of the photos, articles of interest and other memorabilia are taken from the Historical Commission's archives. Everitt says the Historical Commission decided to share the history for others to see and appreciate.

"We're trying to get the history together so it's not forgotten," said Everitt.

The walls are now holding everything from pictures of veterans who made their mark such as Dorrie Miller, the first African American to receive the Navy Cross, to Charlie Wilson and many others.

"We've even got Hitler's nephew who served in the Navy," said Everitt.

Everitt says the plan is to also have memorabilia placed on the walls dedicated to women in the military, Texas A&M Medal of Honor members and more.

"We're also covering the animals that have served in the military," he said.

Lovett has given the Historical Commission permission to leave the memorabilia up as long as they wish. Anyone who wishes to see the photos and other memorabilia is invited to visit the basement floor of the San Jacinto County courthouse during regular business hours.
As the deadline for parents to apply for the first round of school choice in Houston ISD looms, the district will hold its final fair about it on Saturday.

School officials will present information about the district's magnet programs and application process from 9 a.m. until noon at Sterling High School, 11625 Martindale Road.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 9 for guaranteed consideration in the first round. Any applications received after the deadline will be considered only for schools where space is still available.

The 2017-2018 HISD magnet application is available online, and paper applications can be picked up at all magnet campuses. Online applications provide more options for tracking and staying up-to-date on the latest developments.

Applications can be hand-delivered or sent by U.S. mail to the Office of School Choice at 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092. Another option is to scan the paper application and e-mail it to magnet@houstonisd.org, along with the required documents.

Parents will learn the status of their application on March 24, when results will be available online and also sent by mail. If a child has been offered a seat in a program, parents have two weeks to provide proof of residence and sign an entrance agreement. If their student is placed on a waiting list, parents can monitor changes in application status throughout the summer, at which time they may be able to submit additional applications to programs with available seats.

For more information about the magnet application process, HISD school choice tours, and the final fair, visit HoustonISD.org/SchoolChoice or call the Office of School Choice at 713-556-6947.
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GALVESTON  The name of the Friendswood police officer involved in the fatal shooting of a California man accused of stealing a beer will be released Friday, Police Chief Robert Wieners said Thursday.

Wieners said that he would identify the officer after the individual was informed of a request for the information by the Houston Chronicle.

The officer was placed on administrative leave Tuesday after he shot and killed Toby Cummins, 55, of California, authorities said. They have not released any other information about Cummins or his background.

PREVIOUS STORY: Unnamed Freindswood officer shot and killed California man who allegedly stole beer can

Cummins was accused by the owner of a service station at FM 2351 and South Friendswood Drive of stealing a single can of beer. The owner called police, who confronted Cummins about four blocks from the service station.

Wieners said Cummins had a boxcutter with the blade extended, making the officer fear for his safety.

Cummins' funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, but the time and place has not been released, according to Integrity Funeral Care in Houston.

On the condolences page of the funeral home website, Sue Cummins wrote: "You will always be remembered. Loved you. I will always see you in our boys."

Katherine Augustine of Houston wrote: "Our sweet crazy spirited brother you are so loved. I am sure you are up there dancing in the skies with Cheri."

Neither Sue Cummins nor Augustine could immediately be reached for comment.

Wieners said more information about the case would be released Friday afternoon. "We've obviously made progress in the investigation," he said. "We've interviewed about a dozen folks near the location or who saw something and are just continuing in the investigative process. "
The Houston Police Department is continuing its investigation of a Nov. 17 crash on North Braeswood Boulevard.

Alfred L. Doss Jr. was critically injured in the crash that occurred about 3:05 p.m. Nov. 17 at 5200 N. Braeswood Blvd. He died as a result of his injuries on Friday, Nov. 25, at Ben Taub General Hospital.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sgt. J. Salazar and Officer C. Cisneros reported: "The female driver of a gray Jeep was traveling southbound on Ferris and approached the stop sign at North Braeswood. Mr. Doss was operating a black Harley Davidson motorcycle and traveling west on North Braeswood. The driver of the Jeep failed to yield at the stop sign and struck the motorcycle. Paramedics transported Doss to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition. The driver of the Jeep did not show any signs of intoxication. No charges have been filed at this time as the investigation continues."

Anyone with additional information should contact the Vehicle Crimes Division at 713 247-4072.
A Houston man accused of stealing expensive puppies at gunpoint and running over one with the getaway car remained in the Fort Bend County Jail Thursday on no bond.

Jose Raul Cruz, 28, was arrested late Tuesday in connection with the incident that happened about 2 p.m. that day in Rosenberg. He's accused of organizing the robbery and carrying it out with one other suspect.
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Houston Crime Stoppers is offering a $15,000 reward for information about a man accused of fatally stabbing rapper T-Pain's niece in Florida in August.

The suspect, Tavon Jackson, allegedly entered a Tallahassee Walgreens at about 10 a.m. on Aug. 30, and then stabbed the woman with a large kitchen knife in front of customers and employees, according to Crime Stoppers.
When Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election, it set off a number of bizarre reactions, including the Yes California campaign for state independence.

Californians who are sufficiently riled up have taken to either the streets or social media to exercise their First Amendment right of free speech. That, of course, triggered a comparison of California and Texas: Which state would make a better country?
The husband of Betsy DeVos, the nominee for U.S. Secretary of Education under President-elect Donald Trump, said in a radio interview Wednesday that she would have a chance as education secretary to improve an area where we are not doing our very best,

Dick DeVos Jr. also said his wife had never met Trump personally before meeting with him after the election.

Betsy DeVos has not granted any interviews since she became Trumps nominee for education secretary Nov. 23. But in a discussion with Michigans Big Show host Michael Patrick Shiels , her husband said the possibility of his wife becoming education secretary wasnt something he or his wife (a long-time school choice advocated who until her nomination chaired the American Federation for Children) could have easily predicted.

It happened rather quickly, actually. Interestingly enough, she never submitted her own name. And apparently, others suggested she may be a good fit, DeVos Jr. told Shiels. So conversations ensued.

Noting that she must still be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Dick DeVos also said leading the department would allow her to continue her work in education advocacy. She and her husband are also long-time major donors to Republican Party candidates and conservative causes.

If she had this opportunity, it would really be a continuation of 20-plus years of work that shes done fighting for kids and fighting for them to have better and better opportunities for a better education, he said in the interview.

That perspective on the job, he added, made it an easy conversation for them to have about ultimately accepting Trumps offer.

Asked by Shiels if he was at all uncomfortable about Betsy DeVos working for Trump, given the audio of a sexually explicit conversation Trump had with former Access Hollywood host Billy Bush a decade ago , Dick DeVos said he wasnt uncomfortable at all.

She said he was a gentleman, very kind, thoughtful, asked very good questions, and she was impressed with the conversation that shes had with him to date, he said.

DeVos also said his wife has resigned from almost everything else that shes done to date to make sure that her decks are clear so she can focus on becoming education secretary.

Photo: Dick DeVos Jr. and his wife, Betsy, stand on stage at the Michigan Republican Party convention in 2006, when DeVos Jr. ran for governor. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
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A Little Woodrows location in Midland is coming under fire after a patron was kept out of the bar for having face tattoos.

Little Woodrows is a Houston-based bar chain with locations across Texas that was founded in 1994 by Danny Evans.

An Odessa man, Joeseff Rivera, filmed himself in front of the Little Woodrows location on Nov. 8 speaking out after the bars bouncer denied him entry into the establishment for having a small tattoo under his left eye.

OUCH GUIDE: Wondering how much that next tattoo will hurt? Check out this website first

The bar had just opened days before and was enforcing a dress code, as many bars and clubs do. The dress code happens to prohibit visible tattoos on the neck and face. The tattoo rule is enforced at all Little Woodrows locations.

Rivera wasnt happy, of course, pointing out that the bouncer himself had tattoos on his arms. The rules, though, apply to tattoos on the face and neck and not the arms or other extremities.

I just came to Little Woodrow's and they wouldn't let me in to spend my money because I have a tattoo on my face, Rivera says in the Facebook video he posted.

INK HISTORY: Houston hosted the world's first tattoo convention in 1976

After this video made the rounds on social media, the Facebook page of the Midland bar was inundated with people supporting Rivera and writing angry reviews of the place in protest.

Tattoo sleeves  visible tattoos up and down the arms  are more or less accepted in 2016. Face and neck ink are a different story, with negative connotations for some in the mainstream. Recently hand tattoos started entering the mainstream as well.

Were still not sure what to call tattoos up and down the legs. Stockings?

Philip Brinson, the attorney for Little Woodrows, responded to a request for comment from Odessas KOAS-TV.

FACE/OFF: When it comes to removing face tattoos, the pain is worth it for a new start

"We don't like to refuse service to anyone, but if somebody comes in and is not dressed appropriately we will ask them to either change it up a little bit or in this case with tattoos cover it up, Brinson said. "We do not prohibit anyone from having tattoos and entering the establishment. We prefer that there be no face or neck tattoos.

DON'T SPEND YOUR MONEY AT THIS PLACE.!! MIDLAND,TX - LITTLE WOODROW'S I'm a Level 2 Security Officer,just wanting to spend money and have a Good time with my sister.Was denied Entrance due to a Tattoo on my face. Keep in mind the worker at the Front door is tattooed up.. Posted by Joeseff Rivera on Monday, 7 November 2016

Brinson told the outlet that to his knowledge only two patrons have been turned away at the Midland location, including Rivera. Another man with a neck tattoo covered his ink up so he could enter.

Hand tattoos, it appears, are still OK with everyone.

TEXAS PRIDE: You can't get much more Texas than these tattoos

Back in March 2015, a Houston man named Erik Leighton made headlines after he shared his story of being escorted out of a Bombshells location off Fuqua for having tattoos on his face.

That chain later told Leighton via text message that the area had an issue with gang activity and that face tattoos are by and large gang-related. The rule was meant to sidestep any possible violent confrontations. The location later apologized to Leighton over the incident.

I know what I did by getting myself tattooed on my face and neck. Its a lifestyle choice. But I work at a plant and they hired me and they took a chance on me, Leighton told Chron.com. I understand I look different and that I took things to a whole level by getting these tattoos.

Getting a tattoo on your face, head, neck or hands in 2016 is still not the norm. Some employers won't hire someone with artwork on those very public areas and some artists won't tattoo a client on these places because of the stigma attached.
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A former enforcer for the Texas Mexican Mafia drew five consecutive life prison terms without parole Wednesday for his role in the killings of five people, including Balcones Heights Police Officer Julian Pesina.

Ruben Menace Reyes, 37, was deemed a threat to society by Senior U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra, who took the unusual step of recommending that he serve his sentence at a Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons Administrative Maximum Facility houses or has housed many of the countrys most infamous criminals and terrorists. Heriberto Huerta, the San Antonio native who founded the Texas Mexican Mafia in prison in the 1980s, is serving life terms at that lockup, where inmates are isolated for most of their stay.

I have looked for the good in this defendant and I have found very little, Ezra said of Reyes. Unfortunately, there is little to no hope in rehabilitation of this defendant. He has no conscience.  He poses a danger because of his propensity to murder.

At a hearing last year, Reyes admitted killing at least 16 people as part of the gangs efforts to control the drug market here through extortion and violence. He was charged only in connection to five killings because some evidence on the others didnt match his admissions.

Without making a deal with prosecutors, Reyes pleaded guilty in July to 10 counts on charges that included violent crime (murder) in aid of racketeering and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Reyes lawyer, Brandon Hudson, asked Ezra to run the life sentences concurrently, but the judge turned him down.

According to court records, Reyes was the go-to guy for the gangs green light hits. Among those he admitted killing was fellow gang member Ulysses Farias, 36, in October 2013 and three high-ranking members of the gang in January 2014 who had fallen out of favor.

Reyes also told investigators he passed down orders targeting Pesina, 29, who was off duty when he was shot outside his tattoo shop on May 4, 2014, while delivering payment for a street tax imposed by the gang. Pesina was under FBI investigation at the time for drug-dealing activity but was killed because he had falsely claimed membership in the gang, court records said.

Shortly after those killings, Reyes learned that his own gang wanted him dead and went to the San Antonio Police Department for protection. Over at least two days, he confessed to the SAPD and the FBI about several killings and helped investigators find the makeshift grave near Pearsall containing three victims he shot in January 2014: Texas Mexican Mafia general Carlos Worm Chapa, captain Mark Anthony Lefty Bernal, and lieutenant of lieutenants Johnny Smiley Solis.

They were killed for mishandling $60,000, court records said. Reyes was briefly given Bernals rank afterward before the gang put out a green light on his own life.

He cooperated from the moment he came in and helped (investigators) solve a number of killings, Hudson said. A big victory for us was getting the death penalty off the table.

Of the victims families, only Bernals widow, mother and father addressed the court Wednesday.

Mark made some mistakes, but he never hurt anybody, Bernals mother told the judge. He did not deserve to die.

She called Reyes a soulless, heartless monster who killed Bernal two weeks before the birth of his daughter.

So many lives (Reyes) has taken, she said. He deserves the death penalty, not life in prison.

Reyes was cooperating with the FBI but changed his mind as the Justice Departments lengthy process in racketeering and potential death-penalty cases lagged on.

His justification for killing some of (the victims) were that those people were in the (gang) life, as if that were some sort of justification, Ezra said. There is no justification for committing cold-blooded murder. The defendant did so without remorse, with cold and precise calculation and absolutely no thought about the families of the victims, the children and the community.
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A top Pasadena official admitted on the witness stand that he violated state ethics laws by campaigning during work hours for the mayor's re-election bid and for a 2013 charter amendment to change the city's election system.

On Tuesday, Richard Scott, the city's director of community relations, testified in a trial in a federal voting rights lawsuit before U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal that he'd used city workers and resources to do campaign work during business hours and sent campaign-related emails from his city account.

He said he regretted his actions and knew they were in violation of state law.

The statute of limitations has expired on the 2013 admission but Scott could be charged with a crime for working on the mayor's 2015 campaign, according to Nina Perales, one of the team of attorneys from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund pursuing the lawsuit.

Public servants generally are prohibited from using government resources such as computers or staff time for personal gain or campaigns. A criminal charge - abuse of official capacity - can range from a low-level misdemeanor to a first-degree felony depending on the value of the resources used.

Investigation of the case would likely fall to the Harris County District Attorney's Office Public Integrity Unit, but officials there had no comment, a spokesman said.

The suit accuses Pasadena officials of changing the structure of city council elections in an effort to dilute the voting power of the growing Latino population.

Attorney Buck Wood, a senior partner in an Austin firm who has practiced election law for four decades, had no direct knowledge about the case or the testimony but said if Scott had been his client he would have advised him to plead the Fifth Amendment and avoid incriminating himself.

"Assuming he's testified to that, he's admitted to a criminal offense," Wood said.

"I think most public employees  whether they're state or local  know they're not supposed to be campaigning for their boss or anyone like that on public time. They don't have to know that for it to be a crime, but they do generally know it."

Scott's testimony came during questioning by MALDEF attorney Ernest Herrera in the civil trial of a lawsuit filed by Hispanic voters.

Scott, a longtime confidante of Mayor Johnny Isbell, sat up tall and answered the questions without hesitation. Yes, he had used his work email address. Yes, he'd had city employees help him during work hours on the campaigns. Yes, he knew that was a violation of campaign law.

The trial is expected to continue throughout the week.
A Pasadena man was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly looking to hire an assassin to kidnap and sexually assault two female victims. The suspect wanted someone to murder one or possibly both victims, one of whom was his estranged wife, police said.

Pasadena police arrested Clarence McNatt, 63, after two undercover detectives posed as hitmen. Police received information that McNatt was looking to hire someone to kidnap and sexually assault two females.
President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for U.S. secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, is best known in the education policy world as a school choice advocate. But on the national political stage, she and her husband, Dick DeVos Jr., the son of the founder of Amway , are perhaps best known as big-time donors to Republican candidates and groups.

In the 2016 election year, for example, the two gave $2.7 million to Republican candidates and nothing to Democrats, as we reported earlier. But their campaign-donation record goes back much further. And it includes contributions to several senators who may vote on Betsy DeVos confirmation in the Senate education committee and subsequently on the Senate floormore on that below. We havent seen any campaign finance records, however, showing they donated to Trumps presidential campaign.

A Michigan resident whos been a major player in state politics for over two decades, Betsy DeVos is not the first individual for whom issues of campaign donations and Cabinet appointments have mixed. For example, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny S. Pritzker has given money to Democratic Party candidates and causes for many years and was a campaign-donation bundler for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 ; she became President Obamas commerce secretary in 2013.

We took a look at various candidates and causes DeVos and her husband have given to over the years to those at different levels of government who are connected to education in some way. We relied on information from the National Institute on Money in State Politics , the Federal Election Commission , and the Center for Responsive Politics . Its important to remember that several other members of the DeVos family have given to candidates and groups over the years. Weve tried to focus on recent donations by Betsy DeVos, along with some by her husband, although the donations listed here may not represent a complete picture of their political contributions made directly to candidates.

Thats in part because, in at least a few cases, campaign finance records provided to the Federal Election Commission do not clearly distinguish between Dick DeVos Sr., Dick DeVos Jr., and Dick DeVos III. We have tried to single out only those donation records in which Dick DeVos Jr., Betsy DeVos husband, is specifically named. That may not capture all of his donations. We also focused mostly, but not exclusively, on the couples individual contributions made directly to candidates, not to political action committees or parties. And we highlighted donations dating from the mid-2000s onward, which does not capture the full breadth of the DeVoses political giving.

Big Edge to the GOP

Betsy DeVos herself has given nearly $2.7 million in political donations to 370 individuals and causes over the past 20 years through 819 total contributions, according to the National Institute on Money in State Politics. Just over $2 million of that has gone to Republican candidates or causes, while a very, very small amount went to Democratic candidates or groups.

Heres a basic breakdown of who got what share of those donationsand yes, that tiny blue sliver represents the $8,000 shes given to Democrats:

Create pie charts

The National Institute on Money in State Politics has a rundown of campaign donations Betsy DeVos has made as an individual .

In 1997, Betsy DeVos wrote an op-ed for the newspaper Roll Call in which she defended soft money (campaign contributions to political parties that avoid legal limits on contributions to individual candidates). DeVos, who was chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party at the time, wrote that her family was the biggest contributor of soft money to the national Republican Party, and that "[o]ccasionally a wayward reporter will try to make the charge that we are giving this money to get something in return, or that we must be purchasing influence in some way.

I have decided, however, to stop taking offense at the suggestion that we are buying influence. Now I simply concede the point. They are right. We do expect some things in return, DeVos wrote in Roll Call. We expect to foster a conservative governing philosophy consisting of limited government and respect for traditional American virtues. We expect a return on our investment; we expect a good and honest government. Furthermore, we expect the Republican Party to use the money to promote these policies, and yes, to win elections.

One thing you should remember is that $130,000 of her donations went to her husbands unsuccessful campaign to be Michigans governor in 2006Dick DeVos Jr. ran as a Republican against incumbent Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Betsy DeVos also has given $805,000 to the Michigan Republican Party and $193,000 to the Republican National Committee over two decades.

Many of Betsy DeVos not designated campaign contributions, which total $577,500, went to candidates seeking state supreme court and appellate court seats in Michigan, to cite a couple of examples in that category.



As for Democrats? Betsy DeVos gave donations to 16 Democratic politicians in Colorado, Florida, and Wisconsinnone, interestingly, who ran for office in Michigantotaling nearly $8,000.

Dick DeVos Jr. has given out a lot more money than Betsy DeVos in the political arenaas an individual contributor, hes donated $48.8 million to 514 different candidates and causes over 21 years, according to the National Institute on Money in State Politics. However, $35.4 million of that went to his 2006 gubernatorial campaign. Of the remaining $13.4 million in donations, $10.4 million went to Republican candidates and causes.

Congressional and White House Runs

Several GOP members of the Senate education committee who will be among the first eligible to officially consider and vote on DeVos nomination also have received donations from Betsy and Dick DeVos Jr. over the years. These lawmakers include:



Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina : Betsy DeVos gave Burr $5,400 for the 2016 election, according to Federal Election Commission records. (That represents the maximum allowable contribution from an individual directly to a candidate for federal office, given both a primary and a general election.) Dick DeVos Jr. also gave Burr $5,400 for 2016.

: Betsy DeVos gave Burr $5,400 for the 2016 election, according to Federal Election Commission records. (That represents the maximum allowable contribution from an individual directly to a candidate for federal office, given both a primary and a general election.) Dick DeVos Jr. also gave Burr $5,400 for 2016. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana : Betsy DeVos gave Cassidy $7,800 for the 2014 election. Dick DeVos Jr. also gave $7,800 for 2014. (In addition to primary and general elections, Cassidy participated in a run-off election against former Sen. Mary Landrieu that year.)

: Betsy DeVos gave Cassidy $7,800 for the 2014 election. Dick DeVos Jr. also gave $7,800 for 2014. (In addition to primary and general elections, Cassidy participated in a run-off election against former Sen. Mary Landrieu that year.) Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska : Betsy DeVos gave Murkowski $5,400 for the 2016 election. Dick DeVos Jr. also gave Murkowski $5,400 for 2016.

: Betsy DeVos gave Murkowski $5,400 for the 2016 election. Dick DeVos Jr. also gave Murkowski $5,400 for 2016. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina : Betsy DeVos gave Scott $2,000 for the 2014 election, and $5,400 for the 2016 election. Dick DeVos Jr. also gave Scott $5,400 for 2016.

The 2016 results for the four senators above are from Jan. 1, 2015 through Oct. 19 of this year, according to the FEC.

In addition, Betsy DeVos gave Senate education committee member Mark Kirk of Illinois, another Republican, $5,400 for the 2016 election. Dick DeVos Jr. also gave Kirk $5,400 for 2016. Kirk lost his Senate re-election bid to Democratic Rep. Tammy Duckworth, however, and will therefore not vote on Betsy DeVos nomination next year.

Other GOP senators to receive Betsy DeVos campaign donations include Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Senate majority leader, as well as Iowa Sens. Joni Ernst and Charles Grassley, Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, and Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.

In the House of Representatives, which does not vote on Cabinet appointments, GOP lawmakers on the education committee who received donations from the couple include:





Rep. Mike Bishop of Michigan : Betsy DeVos gave Bishop $2,600 for the 2014 election and $5,400 for the 2016 election. For 2014, Dick DeVos Jr. gave Bishop $5,200, and for 2016, he gave Bishop $5,400.

: Betsy DeVos gave Bishop $2,600 for the 2014 election and $5,400 for the 2016 election. For 2014, Dick DeVos Jr. gave Bishop $5,200, and for 2016, he gave Bishop $5,400. Rep. Carlos Curbelo of Florida : Betsy DeVos gave Curbelo $1,000 for the 2014 election.

: Betsy DeVos gave Curbelo $1,000 for the 2014 election. : In the 2012 election, Betsy DeVos gave $2,500 to Messer. A prominent school choice advocate in Congress, Messer has pushed unsuccessfully to make federal Title I funds for disadvantaged students portable to the public and private schools of families choice. That is a roughly similar idea to Trumps $20 billion school choice plan.

: In the 2012 election, Betsy DeVos gave $2,500 to Messer. A prominent school choice advocate in Congress, Messer has pushed unsuccessfully to make federal Title I funds for disadvantaged students portable to the public and private schools of families choice. That is a roughly similar idea to Trumps $20 billion school choice plan. Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan: Over the 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016 elections, Betsy DeVos gave Walberg a total of $15,500. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Walberg $13,000 over those same election periods.

Betsy DeVos gave Nevada Rep. Joe Heck $5,400 for his Senate run in 2016. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Heck $3,700 over the 2012 and 2016 elections. Heck gave up his House seat this year to run for Nevadas open Senate seat, but lost. And Alabama Rep. Martha Roby, a critic of the Common Core State Standards whos not on the education committee, got $1,000 from Betsy DeVos in her 2010 campaign. (After Trump nominated her, DeVos said she is opposed to the common core.)



Betsy DeVos also donated $5,000 to the 2012 presidential campaign of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and his running mate, current Speaker of the House Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Dick DeVos Jr. also donated to 2012 presidential candidates Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. Gingrich and Santorum got $2,500 each. In 2016, Betsy DeVos and her husband both donated to several other GOP presidential campaigns:



Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush : Betsy DeVos gave Bush $2,700. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Bush $5,400.

: Betsy DeVos gave Bush $2,700. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Bush $5,400. Former business executive Carly Fiorina : Betsy DeVos gave Fiorina $2,700. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Fiorina $5,400.

: Betsy DeVos gave Fiorina $2,700. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Fiorina $5,400. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal : Betsy DeVos gave Jindal $2,700. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Jindal $2,700.

: Betsy DeVos gave Jindal $2,700. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Jindal $2,700. Ohio Gov. John Kasich : Betsy DeVos gave Kasich $2,700. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Kasich $5,400.

: Betsy DeVos gave Kasich $2,700. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Kasich $5,400. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio : Betsy DeVos gave Rubio $2,700. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Rubio $5,400.

: Betsy DeVos gave Rubio $2,700. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Rubio $5,400. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker: Betsy DeVos gave Walker $2,700. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Walker $5,400.

Giving to Governors

Betsy DeVos also donated to Jindals campaigns for Louisiana governor in 2003, when he lost, and 2007, when he won. And Kasich and Walker also got donations from her during their runs for governor. Other current or incoming GOP governors whose campaigns received donations from Betsy DeVos and Dick DeVos Jr. in various election years include:





Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey : Betsy DeVos gave Ducey $1,000. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Ducey $2,000.

: Betsy DeVos gave Ducey $1,000. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Ducey $2,000. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam : Each of them gave Haslam $5,000.

: Each of them gave Haslam $5,000. Indiana Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb : Betsy DeVos gave Holcomb $5,000. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Holcomb $10,000.

: Betsy DeVos gave Holcomb $5,000. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Holcomb $10,000. New Mexico Gov. Susanna Martinez : Betsy DeVos gave Martinez $1,000. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Martinez $4,000.

: Betsy DeVos gave Martinez $1,000. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Martinez $4,000. North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory : Betsy DeVos gave McCrory $4,000. Dick DeVos Jr. gave McCrory $9,100.

: Betsy DeVos gave McCrory $4,000. Dick DeVos Jr. gave McCrory $9,100. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner : Betsy DeVos gave Rauner $1,000. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Rauner $6,000.

: Betsy DeVos gave Rauner $1,000. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Rauner $6,000. Florida Gov. Rick Scott : Betsy DeVos gave Scott $500. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Scott $1,000.

: Betsy DeVos gave Scott $500. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Scott $1,000. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder: Betsy DeVos gave Snyder $6,800. Dick DeVos Jr. gave Snyder $17,000.

And theres at least one well-known former GOP state education chief on the list: Ex-Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett got $5,000 from Betsy DeVos and $10,000 from Dick DeVos Jr. for his 2012 re-election bid, which Bennett lost to Democrat Glenda Ritz. And Jeanne Allen, the founder of the Center for Education Reform, got campaign donations totaling $2,000 from Betsy DeVos and Dick DeVos. Jr. in 2010 when she ran unsuccessfully for the Maryland House of Delegates as a Republican.

Donations to PACs

The Center for Responsive Politics, which lists the husband and wife together in campaign contributions, listed Betsy and Dick DeVos Jr. as the 72nd-largest contributors to outside spending groups (think political action committees) in the 2016 campaign cycle. Together, they had donated nearly $1.6 million to such groups. And theyre listed as the 65th-largest overall top contributor to political campaigns in the 2016 cycle.



Betsy DeVos gave a contribution of $100,000 to American Crossroads, a political-strategy group founded by Karl Rove, the former deputy chief of staff and senior adviser to President George W. Bush, in the 2016 cycle.

And Dick DeVos Jr. gave $25,000 in 2015 to Right to Rise, a super PAC aligned with Jeb Bushs unsuccessful bid for the presidency this year.

Ballot Measures

Both Betsy and Dick DeVos Jr. gave major backing to Protecting Michigan Taxpayers, an unsuccessful push to repeal the states prevailing wage law requiring union-scale wages and benefits to workers on state-funded projects , according to Crains Detroit Business.

The proposed initiative did not make it onto the 2016 ballot . Betsy DeVos gave $125,000 to the proposed initiative, while Dick DeVos Jr. gave $625,000.

Dick DeVos Jr. also gave $100,000 to a successful 2008 ballot measure in Florida that defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman . And he funded Citizens Protecting Michigans Kids, which opposed a successful 2008 Michigan ballot measure to legalize medical marijuana for seriously ill patients.

All Children Matter

Betsy and Dick DeVos Jr. have also financed the All Children Matter PAC , which has financed campaigns related to education and other issues since 2003. (See this 2006 story about the group from former Politics K-12 blogger Michele McNeil.)

Over nine years since it was founded, the group gave $1.8 million to 581 candidates and party committees, the National Institute on Money in State Politics reported. In 2008, the state of Ohio fined All Children Matter $5.2 million for skirting campaign finance rulesthe state found that the PAC improperly funneled the donations through Virginia, which had no campaign-contribution limits. All Children Matter has declined to pay that fine , the Columbus Dispatch reported recently.

Other elected officials who have received money from the PAC in recent years include:



Indiana state Rep. Robert Behning ($4,500) , a Republican and the chairman of the Indiana House education committee;

, a Republican and the chairman of the Indiana House education committee; Former GOP Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels ($35,000) , who worked closely with former Indiana schools chief Tony Bennett;

, who worked closely with former Indiana schools chief Tony Bennett; Louisiana state Rep. Walt Leger ($500) , a Democrat who in 2014 opposed Jindals efforts to get rid of the Common Core State Standards , albeit seven years after the PACs donation to his campaign;

, a Democrat who in 2014 opposed Jindals efforts to get rid of the Common Core State Standards , albeit seven years after the PACs donation to his campaign; Former Democratic Georgia state Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan ($1,750) , who received money from All Children Matter in 2010 in her campaign for state representative. Morgan ran for state schools chief in 2014 and also received campaign donations from StudentsFirst, the advocacy group founded by former District of Columbia schools chief Michelle Rhee, who like DeVos met with Trump after his election victory to discuss education policy;

, who received money from All Children Matter in 2010 in her campaign for state representative. Morgan ran for state schools chief in 2014 and also received campaign donations from StudentsFirst, the advocacy group founded by former District of Columbia schools chief Michelle Rhee, who like DeVos met with Trump after his election victory to discuss education policy; Andy Smarick ($3,000), a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former deputy education commissioner in New Jersey, who ran unsuccessfully for the Maryland House of Delegates in 2006 as a Republican .

Ethics and Rules

So what could Betsy DeVos do or not do in terms of campaign donations if she becomes education secretary?

As education secretary, DeVos would be allowed to donate money to candidates, but she would be prohibited from soliciting or discouraging donations to candidates, said Meredith McGehee, a strategic adviser at the Campaign Legal Center.

Then there are questions about her finances. Betsy DeVos is chair of the Windquest Group, a private investment-management firm she runs with Dick DeVos Jr. On its website, the group lists the West Michigan Aviation Academy, a public charter school, as part of its portfolio. No other education-related assets are listed on the groups website.

DeVos would likely sit down with counsel at the Education Department to determine if she would need to divest herself of any personal financial holdings in the education field, or if she would need to build some kind of firewall between herself and education-related assets or institutions her husband controls, McGehee said. (In a Wednesday radio interview , Dick DeVos Jr. said his wife had stepped away from virtually all her other interests in order to focus on the secretary position, should she be confirmed.)

As for the senators who may vote on her confirmation who have received donations from DeVos and her husband? Theres nothing legally preventing them from voting on DeVos nomination. That may not be an unusual situation, McGehee said, but it reveals something important about the current situation.

It looks awful. Obviously they have a conflict. You might hope for some senators to recuse themselves, McGehee said. Dollars to doughnuts thats not going to happen. In an ideal world, that would be how it would work. I have very low expectations for that.

Education Week Librarian Holly Peele contributed to this post.

Photos from top: Former President George H.W. Bush, right, and Betsy DeVos, then-chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, answer reporters questions in 2000, in Sterling Heights, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Warner); President-elect Donald Trump with DeVos after meeting with her to discuss education issues (Carolyn Kaster/AP); Indiana Rep. Luke Messer, a Republican and school choice advocate. (Andrew Harnik/AP-File)

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
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A family's fears were confirmed Wednesday when a 17-year-old Spring Dekaney High School student was identified as the lone robber who was shot and killed in an armed robbery Nov. 22 at Raising Cane's in Shenandoah.

Montgomery County Sheriff's officials identified Elijah Mark Cobb as the robber who died when off-duty Deputy Prudencio Ochoa shot Cobb at the restaurant in the 1500 block of Research Forest Drive. Cobb rushed into the chicken fingers restaurant and brandished a gun, demanding money from employees.

Ochoa, who was working a private security job at the time of the robbery, ordered Cobb to drop his weapon, but Cobb refused. That's when Ochoa fatally shot Cobb.

READ THE INITIAL REPORT: Officer kills robber at Raising Cane's restaurant

Cobb's family members last heard from him Nov. 22, according to his older sister Alexis Davison, who said she had feared the worst.

"Nobody's seen him," said Davison, who contacted The Courier Wednesday. "My little sister goes to school with him, and she said she hasn't seen him in a week."

Representatives with Spring ISD were unable to immediately confirm whether Cobb has attended class since the Thanksgiving break.

Davison reached out to The Courier about a story posted online Tuesday reporting that law enforcement had yet to identify the robber, who she was believed was her "baby brother."

An employee who witnessed the encounter said the officer shot multiple times after the robber would not put down the weapon. However, no identification was found on the dead male and no abandoned vehicle was found in the area.

Davison said she and other family members thought Cobb could be the deceased robber.

"His friends at school, they found a way to get in contact with me," Davison said. "They said it's been going around the school that my little brother's been shot and that he did a robbery at the Raising Cane's."

Davison said family members reached out to law enforcement Wednesday to help positively identify Cobb. His body is sitting in the Montgomery County Forensic Services building awaiting completion of an autopsy.

Cobb has never been in trouble with law enforcement, to the best of Davison's knowledge. Any would-be criminal history records would not be public record due to Cobb being a juvenile.

Davison said Cobb's death was especially hard on her since the day of the shooting was special to her.

"It hurts so much, because last Tuesday was me and my twin brother's birthday," Davison said. "I had a bad day when I first woke up."

Law enforcement officials had trouble positively identifying the robber at first since none of his fingerprints matched those in a nationwide database. There was no identification on him and no vehicle was found in the area.

During the robbery, Ochoa ordered Cobb to drop his weapon, but the robber refused to comply, Lt. Brady Fitzgerald said.

"In an effort to neutralize the threat that was posed to himself and the patrons at that location," Fitzgerald said Tuesday, "he opened fire on the subject."

Ochoa was placed on paid administrative leave immediately after the shooting, per MCSO policy. It is up to command staff to determine if, when, and how the deputy will be placed back on duty.

Although the shooting happened inside the city of Shenandoah, Texas Rangers are conducting an independent investigation into the shooting alongside MCSO and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. Fitzgerald said the Shenandoah Police Department is assisting in the investigation.

The DA's office will present the case to a grand jury, as it does with every officer-involved shooting in the county, according to Chief Prosecutor Tyler Dunman.

Speaking of the process, Dunman said presenting each case to a grand jury holds law enforcement officers accountable as well as protects them.

"If the grand jury felt the officer's conduct was illegal or there were some other issues, that is the stage at which they would pursue charges against the officer," Dunman said.

Ochoa can be placed back on full duty before a grand jury determines if criminal charges are necessary, Fitzgerald said.
MCSO

An Oak Ridge North man is accused of possessing at least five images of child porn.

Jerry Hutchenson, 49, is facing five felony counts of possession of child pornography following a thorough investigation by multiple agencies. Hutchenson was arrested Wednesday after detectives with the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable's Office executed a search warrant at his home in the 26800 block of Maplewood Drive in Oak Ridge North.
The College Board announced on Thursday that it would make it easier for students with disabilities to request test accommodations, and that it would provide, for the first time, testing supports to some English-language learners who take the SAT.

The College Board and its competitor, ACT Inc., have increasingly faced criticismand questions from the U.S. Department of Justicefor testing practices that put students with disabilities at a disadvantage compared to students without disabilities.

Earlier this year, the departments civil rights division began to look into the testing organizations practices after hearing persistent complaints that they reject many requests for accommodations that are routinely provided by schools, such as extra time or frequent breaks. Students who are used to testing accommodations at school typically have to take the exams without them and risk a compromised performance, or, in some states, they can take the tests with their usual accommodations without getting a certified college-reportable score.

This has posed challenges for students with disabilities, particularly those in the states that require high school students to take either the SAT or the ACT.

Now, the College Board has announced, starting on January 1, most students who use testing accommodations at their school through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan will have those same accommodations automatically approved for taking the SAT, the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, the PSAT 10, SAT Subject Tests, and Advanced Placement exams.

School testing accommodation coordinators must now answer just two questions affirmatively to have most students requests be approved"Is the requested accommodation(s) in the students plan? and Has the student used the accommodation(s) for school testing? This change is expected to reduce the approval time for accommodation requests.

In a statement, David Coleman, the president and CEO of the College Board, said educators, students, and families have been asking for a simpler request process.

The school staff knows their students best, and we want to cut down on the time and paperwork needed to submit a testing accommodations request, he said.

Also starting January 1, English-learners who take a state-funded SAT during the school day will receive test instructions in their native language (including Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and a limited number of other languages initially) and will have access to an approved word-to-word bilingual glossary. In the fall, ELL students taking a state-funded SAT during the school day can also receive more time on the exam (up to time-and-a-half) and will be able to take the test in a room with fewer distractions.

Only a handful of states fund the SAT during the school day: Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, plus the District of Columbia. The College Board expects to expand its ELL-testing supports to students taking the SAT in all states soon.

We are excited that Colorados first statewide SAT administration will mark the first time that English-language learners who use these testing supports on the states college entrance exam will receive college-reportable scores, said Joyce Zurkowski, the executive director of assessment at the states education department, in a statement.

This change comes just a few weeks after ACT Inc. announced it would start providing the same accommodations for English-learners in the fall of 2017.


Say you are a parent who is planning to move from Ohio to Delaware for a job, and you just have a few weeks to figure out where to live, find a house and move with your school age kids. How easy will it be to quickly compare schools and districts to find the ones that will best fit your family?

Even for a parent willing to buckle down with spreadsheets, it could be an uphill slog. While Ohios online district report cards, like the one excerpted above, include data on achievement and growth for different groups of students in a dashboard, Delaware, like many states, does not show students performance levels, graduation rates, teacher quality measures, or other data on its report cards, according to a new study by the Data Quality Campaign .

As a nation, we have not yet prioritized getting this information into the hands of the people who need it to help them understand whether schools are serving all students well, said Aimee Guidera, the president and chief executive officer of the campaign.

DQC analysts spent 100 hours last summer reviewing report cards from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, noting how difficult the report cards were to find, whether they included some information required by state and federal law, and how easy it would be for a parent or other layperson to understand.

We found we were bogged down by clunky formats, obscure terms, and missing data, Guidera said. Overall, the experience of finding and interpreting these state report cards was confusing and frustrating. Were passionate data geeks, and we couldnt find this information.

Only four statesIowa, Nebraska, Virginia, and Washingtonhad report cards that included all the student performance information required under No Child Left Behind, the predecessor of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. Some states had data two or three school years out of date . Others did not provide school achievement data broken out by gender, race, poverty, or disability status. Only a handful of states provided information on school finances. And 45 states provided information only in English, with no support for other languages, even through free online translation tools.

Moreover, states often presented information in rows of numbers and figures without any meaning, or peppered the report cards with education jargonlike five different terms for low-income students.

Former North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue said she was appalled at how difficult the state report cards were to understand. This data should be the guts if you will, of whats going on in the schools, she said. A state report card doesnt make a hill of beans difference if you put a lot old fancy charts with fancy words that parents cant understand.

Under both NCLB and the new ESSA federal laws, states are required to provide annual report cards on student performance in schools and districts, and the federal government has since provided grants to all states to develop longitudinal student data systems, in part to give parents and policymakers richer information about student achievement.

Yet more data being collected can actually make it harder for states to pool and prioritize the information parents most need, said Kentucky Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt. When you think about putting [report cards] together, its not as simple as just saying We are going to list these things, he said. Its easy to get into your bubble ... and say here are the things that are clearly important or compliant without finding out the information parents and community members might be most interested in, like school finance or college-going rates of graduates.

Kentucky has moved beyond providing just a grade or score for each school. While it still provides overall rating, it helps parents dig into different elements that make up the score. People want more rather than less, Pruitt said. People want to be able to still have a quick glance, but in that glance actually see what is making up that [school rating].

Graphic: The screenshot shows an excerpt of one Ohio district report card. According to a new Data Quality Campaign study, the state was praised for providing school information in a format easy for parents to find and understand. (Ohio Department of Education)
President Barack Obama wont issue a sweeping pardon to undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children because it wouldnt protect a single soul from deportation, a top White House aide says.

Obama ordered the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy in 2012, establishing that hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children could receive a two-year work authorization and protection from deportation.

Immigration advocates worry that the policy, commonly known as DACA, could be a target of the Trump administrations plan to crack down on illegal immigration.

Since the program was created through executive authority, the incoming president could alter or end DACA, Cecilia Munoz, assistant to the president and director of the White Houses domestic policy council, said in a Center for Migration Studies podcast interview.

I know people are hoping for use of pardon authority ... but because DACA is a use of executive authority, obviously the next executive can make whatever decisions theyre going to make about it, Munoz said. The president has said since the very beginning that this is why he preferred legislation because anything that he had the capacity to do for people was by definition temporary.

Three Democratic members of Congress asked Obama this month to issue pardons to DACA recipients for entering the country illegally or overstaying visas; the lawmakers hoped that a pardon would protect the immigrants from deportation. Thats not the case, Munoz said.

I know people are hoping that pardon authority is a way to protect people. Its ultimately not, for a couple of reasons. One is that pardon authority is generally designed for criminal violations not civil, but also it doesnt confer legal status; only Congress can do that. So ultimately it wouldnt protect a single soul from deportation, Munoz said. So its not an answer here for this population. I know people are hoping for an answer but by its very nature, the use of executive authority in this way is subject to the will of the executive.

Heres a link to the podcast interview, where Munoz reflects on the Obamas administrations wins and losses on immigration policy and contemplates the future of immigration reform.

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A petition to make Texas State University a sanctuary campus has more than 1,000 signatures.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni who signed the form are appealing to Texas State University President Denise M. Trauth and Vice President of Academic Affairs Eugene J. Bourgeois II to protect undocumented students and workers.

"Our vision of a sanctuary campus involves actively and vigilantly protecting Texas State University's most vulnerable populations through administrative policies," the document reads. "Events both locally and nationally have demonstrated a need for Texas State University to strengthen its commitment to diversity."

The petition also calls for the school's administration to refuse to release immigration information, to preclude campus housing discrimination and to increase counseling and advocacy access to underrepresented populations, among other items.

The form cites numerous distressing incidents that have happened on or near the campus since Donald Trump won the presidential election:

"In the past month fliers have been posted on the Texas State campus calling for "tar & feather vigilante squads" to "arrest and torture...university leaders." In addition, a male student was assaulted in a LGBTQIA hate crime just a block from campus. In another incident, the university lost a widely revered campus student leader in a tragic suicide."

ON CAMPUS: Trump supporters encourage violence at Texas State University

The document also addresses the school's response to these troubling instances, including emails sent out to Texas State staff and students "calling for unity and urging students to report future threats to university police." That correspondence is referred to as "reactive at best and do not actively promote an environment that ensures the safety of our most vulnerable community members."

(Story continues below.)





Also addressed is Trump's campaign promise to repeal President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals act.

"The lack of communication regarding DACA is particularly concerning," the petition states. "The DACA order safeguards students from deportation, grants them work authorization, and enables them to obtain drivers' licenses. While it is unclear whether or how quickly government agencies will take action against students with DACA status, the potential threat of deportation will certainly have deleterious effects upon individuals and the university community at large."

CAMPUS DEMONSTRATION: Texas State students sit-in during national anthem before UH game

The university's spokesperson, Matt Flores, told the the Austin American-Statesman that the petition is currently being reviewed, and that it's not yet been determined how the administration will respond.

This comes on the heels of several college campuses around the U.S. calling for similar safe havens for minorities, undocumented immigrants and refugees.

The University of Pennsylvania, President-elect Trump's alma mater, is among the schools being declared a sanctuary university.

"Penn is and has always been a 'sanctuary'  a safe place for our students to live and to learn," Penn President Amy Gutmann reportedly wrote in an email sent to students and staff. "We assure you that we will continue in all of our efforts to protect and support our community including our undocumented students."
An influential Texas lawmaker on Thursday filed formal complaints against three Harris County magistrate judges after they were captured on videotape rushing misdemeanor defendants to jail without considering no-cost bonds.

State Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, filed the complaints with the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, citing an article published Thursday in the Houston Chronicle about the hearings and videos.

"The total disregard for citizens and the complete lack of judicial temperament and professionalism are unacceptable," Whitmire told the Chronicle. "I am requesting a thorough investigation by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to determine if these violations are intentional, individual, or the responsibility of the elected judges who appoint these magistrates."

He complaints were lodged against Magistrates Eric Hagstette, Joseph Licata III and Jill Wallace. The hearing officers could not be reached immediately for comment.

Whitmire said he named the magistrates specifically in his complaint because of "obvious failures" to conduct hearings as required by statute.

"The total disregard for citizens and the complete lack of judicial temperament and professionalism are unacceptable," Whitmire told the Chronicle. "I am requesting a thorough investigation by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to determine if these violations are intentional, individual, or the responsibility of the elected judges who appoint these magistrates," Whitmire said.

"Texas governing statutes clearly state that a magistrate should exercise their full discretion when conducting probable cause hearings and setting bond amounts," Whitmire said. "It is clear from the video of their hearings that this is clearly not the case with these magistrates. It appears the probable cause hearings in Harris County not only violate the intent of these statutes, but also the letter of the law."

The Chronicle reported on videotaped encounters released by the Texas Organizing Project showing what officials say is judicial indifference to poor, homeless and low-level defendants.

The videos illustrate allegations that have surfaced in a federal lawsuit filed in May in Houston that accuses magistrates, county court-at-law judges and the county sheriff of violating the rights of misdemeanor criminal defendants by jailing nearly everyone who can't afford to post bond without properly considering their ability to pay.




A 7-year-old girl died and six other children were rushed to a hospital after a school van crash Thursday morning in Trinity County.

The two-vehicle wreck happened about 7:30 a.m. on FM 1893 in Trinity County, about five miles west of Trinity, according to the Department of Public Safety.
Police have identified a 51-year-old man who was found shot to death Wednesday morning in north Houston.

The man's body was found about 7:45 a.m. at 2400 Peyton near Aldine Westfield, according to the Houston Police Department.

Police identified the victim as Jose Hernandez.

Hernandez, police said, was found dead in the driver's seat of a red Jeep Liberty that had veered into a ditch along the roadway. He had been shot.

Police said Hernandez's relatives said they last saw him about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday as he drove away from his home. Investigators believe he was shot later that evening.

So far, investigators have no motive or suspects in the shooting.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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It wasn't even December before Sweden's "Gavlebocken," a massive straw Christmas goat display in Gavle, Sweden, met a fiery fate.

Each year, the Swedish town erects a 3.6 ton animal ornament to celebrate the holidays, but in it's 50 years of annual tradition, the goat has been destroyed 35 times (now 36).

BINGE WATCH: The 60 Best Christmas Movies You Can Stream

According to The Local, the goat cost $249,900 this year and was burned less than 24 hours after being put up on Sunday.

The goat even has a Twitter account, where it tragically announced its death.

Oh no, such a short amount of time with you my friends.

NPR reports that in the Gavlebocken's history of persistent arson attacks, guards have been bribed, cameras have been hacked, and fences have been bypassed with flaming arrows.

This year, the goat-burner timed their attack with a security guard's bathroom break.

LOCAL FESTIVITIES: Holiday lights in Houston you need to see

Click through above to see jokes and memes about Christmas.
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The National Science Foundation has agreed to provide medical evacuation from the South Pole for 86-year-old Buzz Aldrin, a former astronaut who in 1969 became one of the first people to walk on the moon.

The medical evacuation flight will be provided by the National Science Foundation, according to a news release on the government agency's website. The statement did not offer a reason for the evacuation, only referring to Aldrin as "ailing."

"NSF will make additional statements about the patient's medical condition only as conditions warrant," according to the statement dated Thursday.

The statement also did not state when the evacuation will occur. It merely stated how.

"Ski-equipped LC-130 cargo planes flown by the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard provide the air bridge between the South Pole and McMurdo. The flight to New Zealand will be scheduled as soon as possible," it read.

It is unclear why Aldrin was in Antarctica, though the release stated that the NSF received the evacuation request from The Antarctic Company, which is a private tourism firm based in South Africa.

On Aldrin's Twitter account, the former astronaut has recently posted several photographs of himself preparing to travel to Antarctica, including one on Tuesday showing him outside an airplane with the caption "South Pole here I came!"

Another, posted on Tuesday, read "We're ready to go to Antarctica! May be our last opportunity to tweet for a few days! We're go for departure to the launchpad!"

Finally another, from Sunday, included a joke: "I could be a little underdressed for Antarctica. Although I tend to be hot blooded."

Aldrin was born in Montclair, N.J. as Edwin Eugene Aldrin, Jr. He earned the nickname "buzz" because his sister pronounced the word "brother" as "buzzer," according to CNN.

In 1969, Aldrin, along with Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins, flew to the moon on the Apollo 11 mission. He became the second person to walk on the moon, after Armstrong.
The last time humans visited the moon was more than four decades ago in 1972, and while the astronauts came as tourists, the NASA technology that helped them explore the lunar surface still remains.

Now, a private team of German engineers known as the "Part Time Scientists" want to return with a rover to study NASA's historic Apollo 17 landing site.
Philadelphia teachers union leaders have walked away from a $100 million deal that would have restored salary step increases and given raises to teachers already at the top of the pay scale, reports The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The deal was pulled before union members were allowed to weigh in. The deal breaker seems to have been the exclusion of retroactive pay for the years that educators, who havent seen raises in four years and who have been without a contract for three years, went without raises or step increases. The deal would have also required teachers to start paying for a portion of their health-care premiums.

This offer has no recognition of the years that people have sacrificed, Jerry Jordan, the president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, told the newspaper. They have saved millions on the backs of our educators.

But William R. Hite, Jr., the superintendent of the financially struggling district, told the Inquirer, that there just isnt any more money: If we had more money, wed be offering more money.

While the districts financial outlook has been improving, officials still project a $500 million deficit over the next five years, a figure that doesnt even take into account the proposed $100 million deal with teachers.

At the same time, Philadelphia politicians and school officials have been debating how to deal with an ongoing teacher shortage in the city.

Jordan contends the new deal wouldnt have helped that.

This doesnt offer any incentive for teachers to stay in the city of Philadelphia, said Jordan. It really is disappointing and shows that they dont really care about the teachers.

Philadelphia Councilwoman Helen Gym, who ran on a platform that highlighted the challenges facing the citys schools, struck a similar note.

Retaining teachers is key to our work, and we must pay people what they deserve and ensure they are working under a fair contract. Otherwise, we will continue to grapple with more and more teacher vacancies, Gym, who chairs the councils committee on children and youth, said in a statement.

According to Gym, more than 6,000 of the districts 135,000 students dont have a permanent teacher. The deal would also have offered bonuses to teachers who sign up to work in the citys hardest-to-staff schools.

Jordan said the PFT has made a counterproposal but hasnt disclosed details of the offer.
Double DUI? Drunk Driving Dad Arrested Twice in a Day

Shockingly, a Massachusetts man, Steven Byrnes, was recently arrested twice in the same day for drunk driving. He was initially arrested for drunk driving while trying to pick up his 10-year-old son from school in the afternoon, which happened after arguing with officers who claimed to smell alcohol on him. Clearly, Byrnes made a bad decision. But then, after somehow being released from custody just a few hours later, he was arrested again for drunk driving. Byrnes's case is proof positive that alcohol affects a person's judgment.

The thing that makes his second arrest even more astounding is the fact that his 20-year-old son actually called police to warn them that his dad was driving drunk again. Not shockingly, Brynes, who is 52, is no stranger to DUI charges, and he has been convicted on eight prior occasions. Knowing his history, it is somewhat alarming he was not held in custody for a longer period of time.

Child Endangerment Charges?

While Byrnes may have some experience with handling DUI charges, there may be potential for the first DUI he was charged with to be more than simply a DUI. Because Byrnes was picking up his child, if he is convicted of DUI, he could very well be facing charges for some form of child endangerment.

Fortunately for Byrnes, the report indicates that he was arrested prior to actually picking up his child from school. However, there may still be other consequence he may face as a direct result attempting to pick up his child while intoxicated.

Are Repeat Offenses in the Same Day Charged Separately?

Unfortunately for Byrnes, he may be going directly from eight DUI convictions to 10 DUI convictions as a result of the double DUI arrest. Each offense is considered a separate chargeable crime. Also, Byrnes may face additional consequences as a result of the repeat offenses. For instance, he is likely to be considered a habitual offender after this if any of the eight priors were recent.

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The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
What Are the Legal Risks of Sole Proprietorship?

Starting and running a business is ripe with risks, both to the individual and the business. However, when an individual elects to run their business as a sole proprietorship, they are personally taking on the business's legal risks. The most frequently raised concern of sole proprietors involves their personal liability for business debts.

For example, if a customer is injured, a sole proprietor could be personally sued, and his personal assets seized in a judgment, whereas if the business were structured as a separate entity, the business owner could potentially avoid personal liability. For a sole proprietor, liability is a complex topic and, surprisingly, it can actually cut both ways.

Sole Proprietors Are More Than Married to Their Business

Sole proprietors have a financial relationship with their businesses that, legally, goes as deep, if not deeper, than marriage. A sole proprietor is essentially using their personal official identity as their corporation, and every debt they assume can be held against them personally because they are one and the same entity under the law. What's more is that a sole proprietor's spouse could even be liable for the business debts. Personal liability becomes incredibly significant if a business fails and the assets of the business cannot cover the debts.

Not only can a sole proprietor face personal liability for their business's debts and actions, a sole proprietor's business can actually be held to answer for a sole proprietor's non-business related debts. Again, because the business and owner are the same under the law, a personal creditor could potentially levy a business asset.

Sole Proprietorships Are Mere Mortals

When an individual dies, their estate is divided by will, by the courts, or sometimes both. When a sole proprietor dies, sadly, their business dies as well, and the business's assets pass the same way as the owner's other assets and belongings because they are one and the same.

Unless an estate plan that accounts for continuing the business after death is devised pre-death, a business that is run as a sole proprietorship will cease to exist when the owner dies.

Mitigating Risks

Oftentimes operating a business as a sole proprietorship is just the simplest route and makes sense because of the size or type of business. However, like with any other form of business, risks can be mitigated if you are prepared.

There are simple ways to mitigate risks. For example, you should always maintain proper insurance for your business. Also, you should have sufficient umbrella insurance to cover your home and other personal assets.

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Why Should Adopting Parents Hire a Lawyer?

Making the decision to adopt a child is usually filled with positive emotions for most couples. That is, until they start looking into the process and get bogged down by the complexity.

Adoptions are not simple. There is a lot of very important legal paperwork that needs to get done and done right. Since adoption laws vary from state to state, it is advisable to seek the help of an adoption attorney at the outset and at various times throughout the process.

While hiring an adoption lawyer to handle the entire process can frequently set soon-to-be parents at ease, full service is not necessary. Adoption lawyers, like any other lawyer, may be rather costly. To control costs, you may wish to only have an attorney handle certain tasks. At a minimum, adopting parents should have an attorney review all agreements they sign. Also, an attorney can help educate prospective parents on the various types of adoption, such as international adoption, and their risks and benefits.

When You Absolutely Should Hire a Lawyer

Adoption is a legal process that requires several steps. If you are not using an adoption service or agency, such as when adopting a spouse's child from a previous marriage, then hiring an attorney to help is advisable. Typically, a service or agency will help with setting up the documentation that a court will want to see in order to approve of the adoption. When an adoption is between private individuals, an attorney should be used to ensure that everything is done properly.

If you plan on using a service or agency, you will want to hire an attorney to review all the agreements you sign with the service or agency, as well as any court documents that get filed. Agreements with adoption agencies or court filings may have specific terms that can impact your parenting, such as terms regarding a birth mother or father's rights after adoption.

Full Service Adoption

Sometimes agencies or services will provide legal counseling as part of their package, or as part of a premium package. In these situations, you may wish to have an independent attorney review the initial agreement or maybe even give you a second opinion later on.

Similarly, many adoption lawyers offer assistance with every step of the process, and may even be able to save you time and money by connecting you to the best or most cost effective services or agencies in or outside your area.

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SCOTUS Seems Ready to Toss Texas's Death Penalty Standard

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments yesterday in the case of Moore v. Texas, a challenge to the standards Texas uses to determine whether inmates are too mentally disabled to be executed. In this case, Bobby James Moore was sentenced to death in 1980 for the murder of a grocery store clerk. A court later ruled that Moore was too mentally disabled to be executed, based on modern medical standards. Texas's highest criminal court, however, reversed that determination.

Questions of intellectual disability and eligibility for capital punishment, Texas ruled, must be determined on the state's judicial precedent, which references an outdated medical definition of disability from 1992 and Lennie Small. Yes, that Lennie, the kindhearted but dim-witted character from John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men."

How Should Courts Determine Intellectual Disability?

Moore's case highlights the ambiguities created by the Supreme Court's death penalty and intellectual disability jurisprudence. In 2002, the Court ruled in Atkins v. Virginia that the execution of the mentally disabled violated the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishments. But it provided no definitive rule as to what constituted mental disability severe enough to bar execution, leaving the question up to individual states.

Two years ago, in Hall v. Florida, the Court tossed out Florida's IQ-based standard. "Intellectual disability is a condition, not a number," the Court declared, holding that a mental disability determination must be "informed by the medical community's diagnostic framework." But again it did not set any hard and fast rules about just how "informed" that determination must be.

Texas and the "Lennie Standard"

Moore was sentenced to death despite having an average IQ of 70 and despite being unable, at age 13, to tell the days of the week or understand the difference between addition and subtraction. Under current medial standards, a trial judge ruled, Moore could not be executed. But, according to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, those standards aren't what courts should be relying on. Moore didn't meet the Texas's adopted legal definition of intellectual disability, the CCA found.

That definition is based off medical standards from 1992, standards the medical community no longer relies on, as well as a 2004 ruling by the CCA, In re Briseno. In that ruling, Texas Judge Cathy Cochran turned to Steinbeck's Lennie to illustrate her point.



(Spoiler alert for those who haven't read "Of Mice and Men:" Lennie unintentionally kills a woman and is himself killed in turn.)

"Most Texas citizens might agree that Steinbeck's Lennie should, by virtue of his lack of reasoning ability and adaptive skills, be exempt" from execution, she wrote, before laying out seven evidentiary factors courts should address. Those factors have since become known as the "Lennie standard."

Justices Wonder About State Discretion

During oral arguments, both Justices Breyer and Kennedy expressed concern that the Court could impinge on the discretion granted to states in its earlier opinions. Could a new rule preserve discretion afforded by Atkins, Kennedy asked, while still requiring courts to hew closely to medical standards? In tough cases, how are courts to determine where to draw the line? "Are we supposed to have all of those hearings here," Justice Breyer wondered, in the Supreme Court itself?

Any determination of disability should be based, Clifford M. Sloan argued for Moore, on the clinical standards and that "if a state wants to conflict with or disagree with the clinical standard, then there has to be a sound reason for doing so."

The Odds Seem to Be Against Texas

Justices Breyer, Kennedy, and Kagan all seemed concerned with the factors that Texas relied upon, including the idea that those standards should reflect the consensus of Texas citizens. The question of intellectual disability, Justice Breyer asserted, "is not what the citizens of the state think about who should be executed. That has nothing to do with it." So, "what were they up to in this opinion?" he asked.

Scott A. Keller, arguing for Texas, attempted to deemphasize those concerns, repeatedly noting that Texas relied on the three-prong test established by the Court in Atkins and Hall.

But, Justice Kagan retorted, the "entire point of Hall" was that "you don't get to apply" the test "however you want."

When Justice Sotomayor brought up Lennie directly (the character, she noted had worked on a farm, yet Moore's ability to mow a lawn was considered to weight against his disability), Keller responded that Lennie "was never part of the test." It was simply an aside, he asserted, with the court adopting only the clinical standards. "The Lennie standard has never been part of a standard," he said.

Overall, it seemed like Texas had a difficult time persuading the justices, five of which (Justices Kennedy, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan) appeared willing to rule for Moore.

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Donald Trump hasnt even taken office yet and hes already fulfilled a campaign promise. This week, he struck a deal to save 1,000 jobs at a Carrier air-conditioner factory in Indianapolis, Indiana. This factory became a campaign issue when a leaked video showed management announcing that the plant would close and move to Mexico, with 1,400 unionized American workers losing their jobs. The deal gives a glimpse of Trumps potential governing stylea style shaped by his professional background as a New York City real-estate developer.

Trump thinks big and is a master of complex deal-making. He has a project orientation, seeks to maximize his PR value, focuses on brand-building and increasing brand value, and boasts of his cost efficiency and operational excellence. Trump really did save that late, mismanaged, and over-budget Wollman Rink project in Central Park, finishing in mere months a renovation that had dragged on for four years. He really did spend far less than both his primary opponents and Hillary Clinton during the election. And now he really has cut a deal to save Carrier. Trump buildings are extremely well managed. Like it or not, he does a good job, the head of a real-estate brokerage told Crains New York.

The challenge for Trump is that this operational orientation translates imperfectly to the presidency. Trump may have run a large business empire, but its small enougheven nowfor him personally to oversee deals and projects. The presidency isnt like that. Theres no way he can govern effectively by involving himself in deals relating to individual factories or infrastructure projects.

Abandoning this successful style will be a challenge for Trump. Hell need to be strategic about which deals he chooses to oversee himself as president. The Carrier agreement was high-visibility and it fulfilled a campaign promise, making it a perfect example of the kind of deal Trump should involve himself in. Because Carriers parent company is a large defense contractor, Trump had leverage. His running mate, Mike Pence, is still governor of Indiana, and thus had a governors economic-development tools to work with. Above all, the Carrier deal sends a powerful message to corporate America: theres a new sheriff in town. Still, it cant be the norm. Instead, Trump needs to think bigger, focusing on transformative agreementsrenegotiating unfavorable trade deals, getting legislation through Congress, adjusting relations with foreign governmentsthat affect the larger economy.

Trump should also apply his brand-building skill to the American economy. Brand USA needs to encompass more than just post-industrial services like tech and finance. How can Trump make the United States an aspirational brand for middle-class employers? Branding is critical. Its not just about the product. Marketing matters, too, and Trump is a master marketer. He built his business empire as a luxury brand, then demonstrated his prowess by running a successful political campaign with a working-class brand. Trump knows that the United States badly needs a brand lift, and this may be the first time that the country has had a brand builder as president. There are real opportunities here.

Infrastructure should also have great appeal to Trump. He already understands the value of physical structures like Trump Tower to his personal and business brand. The Wollman Rink project formed a key part of his legend. Publicly financed buildings and structures often have a plaque attached with the names of all the elected and appointed officials involved in their construction. There are still buildings with WPA markers on them, for example. A vast number of public works projects in America with Donald J. Trump, President of the United States on them would give him a legacy etched in concrete and steel.

Again, Trump needs to be strategic. He cant treat infrastructure like a bunch of Wollman Rink projects. He should pick a few high-profile and high-visibility projects to push through as personal priorities. The Gateway Tunnel beneath the Hudson River and the water-system rebuild in Flint, Michigan, come immediately to mind. Beyond that, he needs to crack the code on Americas dysfunctional infrastructure system, which too often chooses the wrong projects to build or repair, and thenas with Wollman Rinkweighs them down with vast delays and inflated costs. The good news is that we still know how to build things quickly. After the I-35 bridge collapsed in Minneapolis, its replacement opened 18 months later. That should be the model for all replacement and maintenance projects.

While President Trump may be able to push individual infrastructure projects over the finish line through force of will, our national infrastructure-building strategy requires substantial reform. The notion of systems change is not a part of his developers DNA. He will need to adjust. Unfortunately, Trumps choice of Elaine Chao for Transportation secretary doesnt suggest that he has reform in mind.

In short, Trumps background is a good but uneven fit for the Oval Office. Though his Carrier deal can be justly celebrated, Trump cant allow himself to get so distracted by ribbon-cutting and deal making that he starts acting like a governor or mayor instead of the president of the United States.

Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Audio Transcript

Brian Anderson: The election of Donald Trump caught many by surprise, even as some parts of the country are still getting used to the idea of a Trump presidency, policy analysts are already asking what his administration will look like, how will it behave, what policies will it pursue? With us to discuss the effect of Trump's election on the always crucial issues of crime and punishment is Heather Mac Donald. Heather is the Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal, and the author of the 2016 New York Times bestseller, The War on Cops. Heather, thank you for joining me.

Heather Mac Donald: Thank you, Brian, for having me on.

Brian Anderson: Now, over the last few years the Black Lives Matter movement, as you've written and others allied with it in the media and the culture at large, have said that cops are racist. That's been their mantra. That they target the black community, especially young black males and are killing them indiscriminately and without consequences in many cases. You've called this a false narrative. What role do you think such rhetoric played in the election of Donald Trump?

Heather Mac Donald: I think the rhetoric and the consequences played an enormous role in Trump's election, Brian. The public has gotten fed up with these calumnies against the cops. There was a Gallup poll that came out in October of 2016 that showed a massive increase in support for the police over the previous October 2015 poll among all racial groups and I think the reason for that was public's realization that this venomous rhetoric was resulting not just in black lives being taken, but in a much greater number of assaults on blue lives, and the assassination of cops. Eight assassinated in July this year alone. Continuing this last weekend with five cops shot, two lethally.

Brian Anderson: In St. Louis and San Antonio.

Heather Mac Donald: Right.

Brian Anderson: Yeah.

Heather Mac Donald: And a U.S. Marshal taken. People are realizing that we are playing with fire and Donald Trump was the only person that was willing to talk about the breakdown of law and order in the inner cities and saying that that is the most fundamental government responsibility, without which nothing else matters.

Brian Anderson: Well that's an important point. Trump promised in the debates to restore law and order and he did bring up the inner city crime problem where homicide rates, as you've been writing, have been rising in many, many cities. What role, though, does the president actually have in this area? What can he realistically do?

Heather Mac Donald: Well, policy wonks just love to think that there's some policy solutions that can come out of Washington for this rise in crime. And I'm skeptical of that, but that's not to say that Trump does not have an extraordinarily important role to play and that is basically in not repeating the Black Lives Matter narrative.

Brian Anderson: Which the Obama administration has done.

Heather Mac Donald: The Obama administration has been an enthusiastic ally of the false narrative. President Obama has taken seemingly every opportunity to pump out this dangerous lie that we're living through an epidemic of racially biased police shootings and even more corrosive that the entire criminal justice system is racist. He has had Black Lives Matter activists to the White House. He appointed one of the most venomous members of the movement, Brittany Packnett, to his 21st-century taskforce on policing. The effects of something like that are both hard to measure and yet enormous. And just to not have that echo chamber in the White House of this lie I think is going to make a big difference. Trump can also pushback further by telling the truth about crime and policing by informing the public about why officers are in the inner-city neighborhoods that they are. As far as policies go though, again, it's more a question of not doing things wrong rather than actually affirmatively doing things, because the federal government frankly has little role to play in the day-to-day work of policing and fighting crime, which is overwhelmingly a local matter.

Brian Anderson: Trump has selected Senator Jeff Sessions to be his new attorney general. What effect is that choice likely to have in how the Justice Department interacts with local law enforcement agencies and maybe describe a little bit about how the Justice Department operated during the Obama administration.

Heather Mac Donald: I think the Jeff Sessions nomination for AG, and I hope that he gets confirmed, is going to have an enormously positive effect. Jeff Sessions has sat through hearings about the war on cops. He understands the false narrative about the criminal justice system. He will not be sicking the civil rights career bureaucrats from the special litigation section on police departments looking for phantom police racism the way President Obama's attorney generals have done, whether it's Eric Holder or Loretta Lynch. Obama has imposed more consent decrees on police departments alleging patterns or practice of civil rights violations than any previous administration. Those are predominantly local, in effect, they are enormously costly, they require taking officers off the beat to push paper to meet draconian paper-filing deadlines, but nevertheless they do send a message to departments across the country to worry about sending your officers to high-crime neighborhoods because that's going to generate racially disproportionate statistics. Not having that occur, again, we're talking about not doing bad things as opposed to affirmatively doing positive things because, again, the federal role should be limited. Not doing that is going to make a big difference. We will also see a change in tone of so-called criminal justice reform. The other narrative that Obama has been pushing that is false is that the overrepresentation of blacks in prison is due to criminal justice racism as opposed to disproportionate rates of violent crime. Jeff Sessions understands that that's a false narrative, so we're not going to see the same push to radically scale back federal drug law penalties, not that I think that's such a horrible thing. Again I think those are rather a sideshow, but the narrative is going to be different and I think that the criminal justice reform push will be slowed down.

Brian Anderson: Don't forget to check out Heather's work on City Journal. She is in every issue of our magazine. We'd also love to hear your comments about today's episode on Twitter, @CityJournal, with the hashtag #10Blocks. Lastly, if you like this podcast and want to hear more please leave ratings and reviews on iTunes. Thanks for listening and thank you, Heather, for joining us.

Heather Mac Donald: Thank you, Brian.
View this letter as a PDF here.

The Honorable Trey Gowdy

Chairman

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

U.S. House of Representatives

2157 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Elijah Cummings

Ranking Member

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

U.S. House of Representatives

2471 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Gowdy and Ranking Member Cummings:

On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we urge you to hold oversight hearings promptly on Commerce Secretary Wilbur Rosss decision to include a new citizenship question on the 2020 decennial census. We believe that Secretary Ross, who previously expressed concerns to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform about adding untested questions, must explain his decision, which was made despite widespread objections from stakeholders, former Census Bureau directors, and career staff at the Census Bureau. We share the Secretarys stated goal of a fair and accurate census; however, the addition of an untested citizenship question after years of careful, and costly, research, testing, and planning will compromise preparations for the 2020 Census, thereby jeopardizing the accuracy of the count in all communitiesan outcome that the nation will have to live with for the next ten years.

We believe Secretary Ross must explain why he disregarded the advice of Census officials, including six former Census Bureau directors from Republican and Democratic administrations, who stated in a January 26th letter to the Secretary, We strongly believe that adding an untested question on citizenship status at this late point in the decennial planning process would put the accuracy of the enumeration and success of the census in all communities at grave risk. What gives us further cause for concern are reports that the Commerce Department overruled the advice of career officials at the Census Bureau. Officials rightly worried that adding a citizenship question to the decennial census could depress response rates and lead to an undercount. These officials worked throughout the decade to understand the intricacies of the census and how asking certain questions can affect response rates, data collection methods, truthfulness of responses, and overall willingness to be counted in the census. Their advice should not be disregarded, especially for an issue that Secretary Ross himself acknowledged was a big and very controversial request.

In addition, Secretary Ross must explain why he believes the citizenship question was well-tested, as stated in his memo explaining the decision, when in fact the question has never been tested in a contemporary census-like environment. While the American Community Survey includes a citizenship question, as did the census long form before it, the question has not been asked on the census form that goes to all households since 1950. As the former census directors highlighted, every census is different, and the environment in which a census occurs is a significant factor. Small changes to the order of questions, wording, and instructions can have significant and often unexpected consequences for response rates and the quality and truthfulness of answers. The consequences of adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census on data quality and census accuracy, therefore, are completely unknown.

We also believe that Secretary Ross must explain how the inclusion of the question will impact the Bureaus ability to reach and count all communities equally well, especially in the current contemporary environment of fear. It is not, as Secretary Ross asserts, the responsibility of stakeholders to demonstrate that including a citizenship question will depress response rates. Rather, it is the Secretarys job to ensure through rigorous research and testing that the question will not affect the level of responses. The Census Bureau noted, in a presentation in November 2017, that there was growing fear and reluctance to fill out the census in the current political climate. A citizenship question is likely to exacerbate those fears. Secretary Ross must explain and document with objective scientific evidence why he believes this would not be the case.

Finally, we believe that Secretary Ross must satisfy the committees of legislative jurisdiction that political motivations did not improperly taint the decision to add a citizenship question. On March 19th, the Trump reelection campaign sent an email to supporters saying, The President wants the 2020 United States Census to ask people whether or not they are citizens. The campaign followed up on March 28th with an email celebrating the Secretarys decision. The decennial census is not a political function; it is a constitutionally mandated process to count every person in the United States. Since 1790 every census has included citizens and non-citizens alike. The Constitution vests Congress with the responsibility for overseeing the enumeration and achieving that goal. While the censusas the basis for political apportionment and equal representationhas political consequences, the conduct of the census must be strictly nonpartisan and non-political.

We urge the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to conduct oversight hearings on the Commerce Secretarys decision to add a citizenship question to the decennial census as soon as possible. Thank you for your consideration of our views. Please feel free to contact John Foti at (202)-730-7157 if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

18MillionRising.org

9to5 WI

9to5, National Association of Working Women

AcademyHealth

ACCESS

Access Now

Action Ridge, A social action group in Park Ridge, Illinois

Adhikaar

Advancement Project California

Advocates for Children and Youth

Advocates for Children and Youth (Maryland)

AFL-CIO

African American Ministers In Action

AgeOptions

AJC (American Jewish Committee)

Alianza Americas

Alliance for Climate Education (ACE)

American Anthropological Association

American Association for Public Opinion Research

American Association of University Women (AAUW)

American Civil Liberties Union

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

American Foundation for the Blind

American Library Association

American Planning Association

American Public Health Association

American Society on Aging

American Sociological Association

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee

Anti-Defamation League

APACEvotes

APANO (Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon)

Arab American Institute

Archivists Roundtable of Metropolitan New York (ART)

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families

Arkansas United Community Coalition

Asia Pacific Cultural Center

Asian American Federation

Asian American Organizing Project

Asian Americans Advancing Justice  AAJC

Asian Americans Advancing Justice  Asian Law Caucus

Asian Americans Advancing Justice  Los Angeles

Asian Americans Advancing Justice  Atlanta

Asian Americans Advancing Justice  Chicago

Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum

Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote

Asian Community Alliance Inc

Asian Community Development Council (ACDC)

Asian Law Alliance

Asian Pacific American Caucus

Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance

Asian Pacific Community in Action

Asian Pacific Development Center

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence

Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association, Austin TX Chapter

Asian Services In Action, Inc.

Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations

Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs

Association of Population Centers

Association of Public Data Users (APDU)

Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

AZ AAPI Democratic Party Caucus

AZ Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote Table

Bend the Arc Jewish Action

Berkeley Media Studies Group

Breakaway Research Group

California Calls

California Calls Education Fund

Cambodian Women Networking Asso.

Campaign for Youth Justice

Campaign Legal Center

Center for Democracy & Technology

Center for Media and Democracy

Center for Popular Democracy

Center for Urban and Racial Equity

CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers

Child Care Aware of America

Childrens Advocacy Alliance  NV

Childrens Defense Fund

Chinese Community Center, Houston

Chinese for Affirmative Action

CIRC

Claritas

CLASP

CLC

Clearinghouse on Womens Issues

Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)

Coalition for the Peoples Agenda

Coalition on Human Needs

Colorado Childrens Campaign

Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition

Common Cause

Communications Workers of America (CWA)

Community Action Against Rape DBA The Rape Crisis Center

Community Catalyst

Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, US Provinces

Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes

Congregation Rodeph Sholom

Consortium of Social Science Associations

Constitutional Accountability Center

Cook Inlet Housing Authority

Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)

CREDO

Crescent City Media Group

CYR & Assoc. Human Services Consulting

Daily Kos

Data You Can Use, Inc.

Decision Demographics

Defending Rights & Dissent

Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families

Democracy Forward Foundation

Democracy Initiative

Demos

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC)

End Domestic AbuseWI

Equal Justice Society

Equal Rights Advocates

Equality California

Equality North Carolina

Every Child Matters

Faith in Public Life

Families USA

Family Focused Treatment Association

Feminist Majority

FIRM (Fair Immigration Reform Movement)

Florida Asian Services Center

Food Research & Action Center

Forum for Youth Investment

Franciscan Action Network

Free Press Action Fund

Friends Committee on National Legislation

Friends of the Earth  United States

Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance

Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO)

Government Information Watch

Hadassah, The Womens Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

Hep Free Hawaii

Hepatitis Education Project

Herd on the Hill

Hispanic Federation

Hispanic Organization for Leadership & Action (HOLA)

Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters  USA-JPIC

HOPE For Nevada

Human Impact Partners

Human Rights Watch

Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Impact Fund

In Our Own Voice: National Black Womens Reproductive Justice Agenda

Indivisible Baltimore

International Children Assistance Network

International Rescue Committee

Japanese American Citizens League

Jewish Council for Public Affairs

John H. Thompson, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau  August 2013 to June 2017

Justice in Aging

Kansas Action for Children

Kansas Appleseed

Kansas Center for Economic Growth

KIDS COUNT in Delaware

Kids Forward

Lambda Legal

Laotian American National Alliance

LatinoJustice PRLDEF

Latinx Voice WI

Laurin Associates

Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, Inc.

LCLAA

Leadership Conference of Women Religious

League of Women Voters of the United States

Let America Vote

Lisa Gibson, Indivisible Hawaii

Los Angeles LGBT Center

MA Voter Table

MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund)

Maxfield Research and Consulting LLC

Mi Familia Vota

MinKwon Center for Community Action

Minnesota Council on Foundations

MomsRising

Musikanten

Muslim Public Affairs Council

NAACP

NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc.

National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund

National Action Network

National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd

National Asian Pacific American Womens Forum (NAPAWF)

National Association of Social Workers

National Black Justice Coalition

National Center for Law and Economic Justice

National Center for Lesbian Rights

National Center for Transgender Equality

National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (CAPACD)

National Coalition for the Homeless

National Consumers League

National Council of Jewish Women

National Education Association

National Employment Law Project

National Employment Lawyers Association

National Equality Action Team (NEAT)

National Health Law Program

National Hispanic Media Coalition

National Human Services Assembly

National Immigration Law Center

National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP)

National Korean American Service and Education Consortium

National League of Cities

National LGBTQ Task Force

National Network for Arab American Communities

National Urban Indian Family Coalition

National Urban League

National WIC Association

National Womens Law Center

Nazareth Housing Services

NC Child

NC Counts

NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice

New America  Public Interest Technology

New Mexico Asian Family Center

New Mexico Voices For Children

New York Immigration Coalition

North Carolina Asian Americans Together (NCAAT)

NY CIVIC ENGAGEMENT TABLE

OCA  Asian Pacific American Advocates

OFA_WI

Ohio Voter Rights Coalition

One Wisconsin Now

Organizing for Action

Our Wisconsin Revolution

Partnership For Americas Children

Pennsylvania Council of Churches

Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children

People For the American Way

PFLAG National

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

PolicyLink

Poligon Education Fund

Population Association of America

positively kids

Prison Policy Initiative

Progressive Hmong American Organizers

Project On Government Oversight

ProLiteracy

Public Citizen

public health

Public Health Institute

Public Justice Center

Purdue Marion & Associates

Research Advisory Services, Inc.

Research Allies for Lifelong Learning

Revolving Door Project

Ribbon Demographics, LLC

Rid Racism Milwaukee

RLS Demographics, Inc.

Rock the Vote

San Francisco AIDS Foundation

Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law

SEIU 32BJ

Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN)

Sierra Club

SIKH AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND

Sinsinawa Dominican Peace and Justice Office

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Western Province Leadership

Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of New York

Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York

Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, IA

Sisters of the Good Shepherd

Sisters of the Holy Cross

Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, New Windsor, NY

SiX Action

Society of American Archivists

SocioEnergetics Foundation

South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT)

SOUTH ASIAN NETWORK

Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)

Southeast Michigan Census Council

Southern Coalition for Social Justice

Southern Poverty Law Center

Srs. of Mary Reparatrix

State Innovation Exchange (SiX)

State Voices

Sunlight Foundation

Tangible Consulting Services

Texas Civil Rights Project

Texas Progressive Action Network

The Arc of the United States

The Census Project

The Data Center

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA)

The New Florida Majority Education Fund

The Resurrection Project

The Sikh Coalition

The United States Conference of Mayors

Theresa Nowlin

Transformative Justice Coalition

Union for Reform Judaism

Union of Concerned Scientists

United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries

United Methodist Women

United Neighborhood Houses of New York

Urban and Regional Information Systems Association

URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America

Vermont State Data Center

Virginia Civic Engagement Table

Voices for Progress

Voting Rights Institute

West Side Campaign Against Hunger

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Wisconsin Voices

World Without Genocide at Mitchell Hamline School of Law

YWCA Southeast Wisconsin

YWCA USA

ZERO TO THREE

cc: Members of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
What are the purposes of innovation in journalism? Since the birth of radio almost a century ago, one has been to deliver news to audiences as they stampede from one new communications medium to another. Radio, television, cable television, the World Wide Web, and smartphones successively disrupted the formats in which journalism producers reached the public. And since it is usually necessary to reach large audiences to pay for the costs of professional journalism, each of these disruptive waves has brought anxiety aboutand innovation to solvethe problem of making money.

In todays profession, there are many inspiring stories of entrepreneurial adaptation led by journalists who have broken away from legacy newsrooms (Politico, Recode, Serial) as well as impressive stories of startups that have reached scale, even if their sustainability is as yet undemonstrated (Vice, Vox). But in too many newsrooms, editors, producers, and reporters feel whipsawed by business leaders who are desperate to connect audience with revenue, but arent sure how journalism can help. In newsrooms pressured by speed and focused on counting clicks, as an ethnographic study by Caitlin Petre, for the Tow Center on Digital Journalism, showed, the dominance of metrics can leave reporters in a keyed-up state of anxiety. The power of Chartbeat, a real-time tool that measures traffic and audience engagement, to help editors chase trending stories, is the feeling the number produces, as a Chartbeat employee said. At best, its the feeling after a venti double latte; at worst, it is the blank stare of a hamster on a wheel.

These sorts of investigations are essential if professional journalism is to reaffirm and defend its First Amendment role in an era when code is power.

Newsrooms require new ways to think aboutand embracetechnological innovation. One place to begin is with the public mission of journalism. After so many years of dislocation and confusion, it is past time for journalists to separate professional innovation from business and audience innovation. This is not an either/or choice, but it is imperative if the profession is to revive its own credibility and appeal.

Of course, journalists have an interest in participating and even leading as their owners and nonprofit fundraisers attempt to deploy emerging technologies to grow audiences and revenues, while maintaining the news files integrity and independence. Yet distinctively, journalists also have an interest in exciting and persuading the public about the value of deep reporting by modeling how it can be done in dazzling and impactful new ways. And as a practical matter, if reporters are to carry out their aspiration to hold powerful institutions accountable to the public in democratic societies, their techniques must respond to the new ways governments and corporations use information to exercise power in this era of algorithmic decision-making and Big Data.

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One of the most promising areas for innovation in investigative reporting is the interrogation and reverse-engineering of algorithms, those if-this-then-that mathematical formulas that determine what comes across your Facebook feed; what price you may pay for services or insurance, depending on your zip code; and where your local government may plan to direct the most police, based on a computer-generated forecast of crime known as predictive policing.

Algorithms often involve the exercise of power and they may be discriminatory, by design or unintended consequence. They are rarely transparent. The formulas created by corporations are deliberately kept secret, defended as intellectual property. Contractors may write algorithms used by governments and protect them similarly. In the analog era, if a journalist wanted to question the possibly discriminatory effects of a new program like predictive policing, he or she could interview the city official in charge or FOIA the details. Algorithms present a black box that requires sophistication and experimentation to illuminate.

A pioneer of Algorithmic Accountability, as this emerging field is sometimes called, is Julia Angwin, author of Dragnet Nation and now a reporter at ProPublica. With Jeff Larson, the nonprofits data editor, Surya Mattu, and Lauren Kirchner, she published an investigation in May that showed how an algorithm used across the country to predict future criminal behavior discriminated against African Americans in bail and sentencing decisions. Angwin and Mattu recently reported as well on how Amazon appears to use its market power and proprietary algorithm to advantage itself at the expense of sellers and many customers, as their story put it.

These sorts of investigations show journalists applying the math, statistics, and data science knowledge necessary to investigate contemporary hard targets. It may not always be glamorous, or drive traffic, but it is essential if professional journalism is to reaffirm and defend its First Amendment role in an era when code is power and coders may be hubristic, motivated by profit, or unprepared by their own training or professional tradition to identify and evaluate the ethical and discriminatory effects of automated decision-making.

A second field of technology innovation that has already produced breakthrough investigative reporting deploys sensors. Devices that can monitor air and water quality or detect cracks in pipelines are cheaper, faster, and more portable than even a decade ago. The spread of broadband and other connectivity means that dispersed sensors can be rigged to feed data to a hub or dashboard in real time, so that citizens may monitor it, not just companies.

If automation can replicate some routine news reporting accurately and discerningly, it may cost more reporters their jobs, but it may also free up reporters to go deeper.

Investigative reporters in India and China use air pollution sensors to hold their governments accountable for air pollution. In the United States, environmental reporting that used to require months and costly collaborations with laboratories can be carried out in creative new ways. More than a decade ago, the Houston Chronicles Dina Cappiello pioneered the use of air pollution sensors distributed across neighborhoods in an investigation of whether EPA standards were being met in disparate areas of the city. Blake Morrison at USA Today led an investigation into water pollution caused by old lead factories where the reporters carried their own sensors into the field. The Florida Sun Sentinel conducted an ingenious investigation into speeding by off-duty policemen that resulted in fatal crashes by acquiring and analyzing data from highway tollgate sensors. That series won the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2013.

The most promising field of innovation that is still emerging, but has yet to produce such impressive models, involves machine learning and artificial intelligence. The automation of newslike artificial intelligence in generalhas been slow to live up to futuristic forecasts but may finally be approaching its promise in applications like self-driving cars. If automation can replicate some routine news reporting accurately and discerningly, it may cost more reporters their jobs, but it may also free up reporters to go deeper.

Campaign finance is one promising field. Meredith Broussard, an assistant professor of journalism at New York University and Tow fellow, led a team during this years presidential election that tested an artificial intelligence tool that can crawl over public campaign finance data and recognize potential stories as an aid to human reporters. Imagine computers programmed to improve their discernment by repetitious action crawling over the records of police discipline cases, conflict of interest disclosures by politicians, or the minutes of local zoning board meetings. They might be developed to identify anomalies or story leads faster and more comprehensively than human reporters could hope to do. In time, they might even provide a way for reporters, citizens, and nonprofits to replicate at sustainable cost some of the watchdog function that local professional newspaper reporters used to provide, before the vortex of the digital revolution and the Great Recession swallowed so many local reporting jobs.

The idea that journalism might become a disinterested, independent, public-minded profession that keeps watch on rich, powerful individuals and institutions arose before the spread of radio. It has survived and adapted through one technological and media business disruption after another, and through the rise and decline of major industries.

Wheres the goddamn story? the Ben Bradlee character says to Bob Woodward in All the Presidents Men.

The moneys the key to whatever this is, Woodward answers, referring to the scandal that became Watergate.

The parameters of public interest journalism have changed so little across a century because the countrys patterns of public corruption, racism, and abuse of power havent changed very much, either. Venture capitalists ask of a new technology: Can it scale, disrupt, and create opportunities for profit? For journalists there is another question: Can it help us follow the money?

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Steve Coll has been Dean of Columbia Journalism School since 2013. A former president of the New America Foundation, he is also a staff writer at The New Yorker, where he writes on politics, national security, and the media. He is the author of seven nonfiction books, a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, and a former reporter, foreign correspondent, and senior editor at The Washington Post.
With Obamacare in play once again, its fair to ask: Is the press repeating the mistakes it made covering the law the first time around? By that I mean the failure to fully explain the laws provisions back in 2009 and 2010 during the run-up to passage, brushing off early warnings in 2013 before the laws technology-driven, near-death experience, and most recently ignoring the deteriorating financial conditions of the 23 insurance co-ops created as a cheaper alternative to the big carriers until they began to topple one by one?

The press has a chance to redeem itself this time around, but judging from some of the coverage after Trumps post-election meeting with President Obama, redemption could be a shaky proposition. Early stories jumped on simplistic angles that characterized so much of the campaign coverage. A headline in the Wall Street Journal proclaimed, Donald Trump, in Exclusive Interview, Tells WSJ He Is Willing to Keep Parts of Obama Health Law  President-elect hints at possible compromise after vows to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The Washington Post signaled a Trump policy reversal with Heres why Trump is already waffling on Obamacare, an op-ed by Harvard economics professor David Cutler, who once was a senior health care adviser to the Obama presidential campaign. The New York Times weighed in with Trump Signals Shifting Views of Health Law and reinforced the apparent flip-flop with this pull quote, A move away from campaign promises that hews closer to Republican policy. CBS seemed to be passing on the news as a promo for Trumps first post-election TV interview on 60 Minutes.

There was just one problem with this news. It wasnt really news. In an interview with CNN in February, Trump said: I want to keep pre-existing conditions. I think we need it. I think its a modern age. And I think we have to have it. Even if he had flip-flopped, the story going forward is not that a president or president-elect changes his mind. Presidents do that all the time. Obama did not support the individual mandate when he first campaigned for the office, and he used that fact in campaign ads against Hillary Clinton, who did support such a mandate in her 2008 campaign.

Going forward, the story does not lie in Trumps imaginary flip-flop, the spill-over gotcha from the campaign, or the carefully-crafted words from GOP spinmeisters who likely will be called upon to fashion focus-group tested words to sell their brand of reform as the Democrats did for Obamacare. The election results tell us that slogans like affordable quality health care for all and false promises like the one about every family saving up to $2,500 a year on health insurance do come back to bite. Reporters tasked covering the story of repeal and replace take heed!

What the press delivered before Obamacares passage was mostly a conversation among policy wonks and Beltway political elites without letting in the people who would be most affected by the nostrums they were prescribing. The public became the victim of a slick messaging war shaped by spin and talking points that finally backfired at the polls.

Throughout the contentious debate, we at CJR urged the media to explain the individual mandatethe requirement that almost everyone carry insurance or face monetary penalties. Many didnt because newsmakers and politicians glossed over the mandate fearing that voters might not like it. Nor did they talk much about affordability except to pass along the rallying cry of Democrats and their supporters that the law would deliver affordable quality healthcare for all, which as we have seen, it has not. There was little examination of the presidents pledge, if you like your healthcare plan, you can keep your healthcare plan, a hollow promise at best. Americans were already being forced to switch policies often as employers continued to change carriers in search of cheaper coverage for their workers.

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In hindsight, we can argue more honest journalism and better reportingespecially about the likelihood of future high premiumsmight have stalled, perhaps even eliminated, the virulent backlash that has occurred. After all, the public did like some Obamacare provisions. But as recently as late summer the media were still tone deaf, relying on spin from the laws supporters to frame their stories. Outlet after outlet failed to recognize that half the people buying insurance in the individual insurance market where policies must be compliant with Obamacare rules, were not eligible for subsidies and would have to pay the full freight. They, too, undoubtedly expressed their displeasure at the ballot box. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that for 2017, nine million people buying individual market policies outside the shopping exchanges will get no subsidies. Neither will three million people who buy exchange policies because their incomes are too high. That leaves half the projected 24 million individual market shoppers without government help.

The impression given by the media, though, could be best summed up by the quote given on a press call by Health and Human Services official Kathryn Martin and widely passed along by the media. Headline rate increases do not reflect what consumers actually pay, she told reporters. The Hill summed up the rate situation this way: Even if premiums increased by a whopping 50 percent, most Obamacare customers would still pay $100 or less per month for coverage. There was no mention of those who wouldnt. Newspapers across the country left them out, too.

What exactly are the GOPs plans for repeal and replace? They are likely to be complicated and hard to understand, especially on deadline. How they will they affect people who have come to depend on Obamacare for coverage? By that I dont mean a laundry list of possibilities and speculation. Staccato descriptions of serious changes to peoples health insurance arrangements are of little help to anybody except reporters on deadline who need to crank out a quick story. Theres a danger, too, that coverage could fall into the Obamacare trap of policy-wonk speak, leaving readers and listeners to decipher what it all means. Or they could fall into the trap of proponents of a plan say this, and critics of it say that.

The media have already begun to produce stories about how requiring insurers to cover the sickest people must go hand in glove with the individual mandate. Others are saying the two are not tied at the hip. Whos right? Whos wrong? And what kind of insurance arrangement are they talking about? That, it seems, is a good place for journalists to start on their path to redemption. Sarah Kliff writing in Vox this week shows what can be done. Her clear explanation of one direction for changing the health law is worth a read.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Trudy Lieberman is a longtime contributing editor to the Columbia Journalism Review. She is the lead writer for CJR's Covering the Health Care Fight. She also blogs for Health News Review and the Center for Health Journalism. Follow her on Twitter @Trudy_Lieberman.
The mother of a girl injured in a 2014 sledding accident at a Nebraska school will get a $500,000 lump-sum payment as part of a settlement with the school districts insurance company.

Valarie Potter was 14 when she was injured at what used to be known as La Vista Junior High School. She and a friend slid down a hill together and hit a chain-link fence. A lawsuit filed by Valaries mother Christina Augeri said Valaries legs were fractured and an artery in her left knee was torn.

The lawsuit said Papillion-La Vista Community Schools failed to post a sign or otherwise warn people of the danger despite knowing that people often struck the fence while sledding, the Omaha World-Herald reported.

District spokeswoman Annette Eyman said insurance company officials decided to settle the case, although it must still be approved by the court. Eyman doesnt anticipate that the settlement will result in district officials imposing sledding restrictions on the school property.

You want your public school facilities to be used by the public, she said. Our district has always seen our schools as community buildings, and we want them to be used, but thats a risk that you run when you do that.

According to the lawsuit, the medical bills for Valaries multiple medical procedures and therapy exceeded $400,000. The familys attorney Sean Rensch said Valarie seems to be progressing with her recovery.

Ive been impressed with how far shes come, though she still has a long road ahead of her, he said.

The school, now renamed La Vista Middle School, still has the fence in place.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Elaine Chaos record at the Labor Department suggests shed have a light hand when it comes to safety regulation as transportation secretary and would seek to shift responsibility from the federal government to states where possible.

Chao is President-elect Donald Trumps choice for the Cabinet post, according to a Trump transition team official, who spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

Chao, 63, was labor secretary under President George W. Bush and the first Asian American woman to serve in a presidents Cabinet. She also is the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, which might be of some help if Trump is to fulfill his promise of generating $1 trillion in infrastructure spending.

Chaos record suggests shed be skeptical of new safety regulations and may attempt to roll back existing regulations. Under Chao, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration didnt issue a single significant new safety regulation for four years, and mine safety inspectors were cut and inspections reduced, said Thomas McGarity, a University of Texas law professor and author of Freedom to Harm, a book about the labor department that includes Chaos tenure.

Among the pressing issues facing the next transportation secretary will be how to boost the nations aging infrastructure so that it can accommodate population growth and not become a drag on the economy, modernizing the nations air traffic control system, ensuring that new transportation technologies are adopted in a safe manner and responding to a surge in traffic fatalities.

Whether its integrating drones into the national airspace, deploying self-driving cars or some other new technology, shes not going to be especially inclined to second-guess the industry when they say that this will be safe, McGarity said.

As labor secretary, her job was to protect the nations workforce, including setting safety standards and addressing issues related to wages and retirement. She updated overtime regulations for white-collar workers and rules intended to force unions to disclose more details on their financial condition to members.

Chao is a strong advocate of letting the markets function as they will, not intervening into privacy sector arrangements, McGarity said.

Mitch Bainwol, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures, applauded Trumps selection of Chao as a superb choice.

Big issues await, he said. The traditional regulatory approach is increasingly challenged to keep pace with the rapid rate of innovation in our sector.

More recently, Chao had been on the board of directors for Bloomberg Philanthropies, run by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. She resigned last year after learning the organization planned to expand an environmental initiative to shutter coal-fired power plants. Almost 90 percent of Kentuckys electricity comes from coal, and her ties to the organization were used against McConnell in his Senate rate.

Chao came to the United States from Taiwan with her family at age 8. Her family settled in New York, where her father, James Si-Cheng Chao, became a wealthy shipping magnate.

Chao received her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard. She went on to become head of the Peace Corps and deputy secretary at the Transportation Department. She was head of the United Way of America and worked at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington think tank, before becoming labor secretary.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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A 28-year veteran of the Akron Fire Department, Clarence Tucker will serve as the city's 19th fire chief beginning Monday, Dec. 5.

(Jennifer Conn, cleveland.com)

AKRON, Ohio - Akron Fire Department 28-year veteran Clarence Tucker was sworn in as Akron's 19th fire chief on Thursday.

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan administered the oath of office at Akron Fire Station No. 7 in North Hill, where Tucker was stationed when he joined the department. In the fire department's 180-year history, he is the second black man to hold the top post.

Tucker was chosen from nine highly qualified applicants for the position, Horrigan said.

"In Clarence, I found an immensely prepared and well-respected leader with an enormous heart for this community," Horrigan said during the ceremony.

Tucker said achieving the rank of chief was a long-time dream, and he thanked the mayor for his trust. He also thanked his family for their support while he studied for exams, and was away sometimes for weeks, undergoing various training.

As for fellow firefighters, Tucker recognized their service, dedication and willingness to put their lives on the line, saying, "I am proud to consider myself one of you."

Tucker said he is always cognizant that when Akron residents call the fire department for help it is often one of the worst days of their lives. During such crises, residents often must put their most cherished possessions in the fire department's hands for protection.

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan swears in Akron's new fire chief, Clarence Tucker, who has served the Akron Fire Department as district fire chief, captain, lieutenant and firefighter/medic.

"I pledge I will treat the citizens of Akron with dignity and respect," he said.

Tucker's background

Tucker joined the Akron Fire Department in 1988 as a firefighter/medic. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2000, captain in 2005 and district chief in 2015 after serving provisionally.

Tucker's training and experience includes:

managing the city's hazardous materials response team and chairing the

completing a five-year program of Executive Fire Service Management training from the Executive Development Institute through the

earning a bachelor's degree in business management from

completing the Executive Fire Officer certification from the

Beginning Monday, Tucker will lead a department of 326 uniform personnel and 24 support personnel. He will take the reigns from interim Akron Fire Chief Larry Bunner. Bunner came out of retirement to serve while the city found a successor for Chief Edward Hiltbrand, who retired in September.

A new chapter

Tucker is the first new chief since the end a decade-long lawsuit between the city and the fire department.

A lawsuit was filed in 2004 by firefighters who argued the city's promotions test was discriminatory. In 2009, the court decided in favor of the firefighters but former Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic appealed the ruling and fought an order to pay the firefighters back pay with interest, and develop a court-ordered promotional test.

The standoff resulted in a dangerously low number of officers in the fire department. The suit was settled with the firefighters last December for $1 million in back pay and interest.

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OEC Action Fund protest photo.jpg

The Ohio Environmental Council's Action Fund took aim this week at State Rep. Kristina Roegner, a Republican from Hudson, and vice-chair of the House Public Utilities Committee, for her position on pending legislation that would resurrect state rules requiring power companies to provide an increasing percentages of renewable power through 2027 but make compliance for the next three years voluntary. The Action Fund projected this digital billboard on a bank building located on Capitol Square.

(Brian Kaiser)

COLUMBUS -- Ohio Republican lawmakers inched closer to a standoff with Gov. John Kasich Wednesday when the House Public Utilities Committee approved a bill that would, in effect, continue the two-year freeze on rules requiring power companies to provide green energy and energy efficiency programs.

The committee, chaired by Rep. Mike Dovilla, a Berea Republican, approved and sent a bill to the full House that would "unfreeze' the mandates requiring power companies to provide an annually increasing percentage of renewable energy through 2027.

But the legislation, and a companion bill in the Senate that attracted testimony about 60 opponents Tuesday night, would also make compliance with the standards voluntary from 2017 through 2019

In other words, it would leave it up power companies to decide when they want to start to comply -- which would pull the rug out from under wind and solar companies that argued they need mandates initially to create a market for their technologies.

About the same time the House committee ended Wednesday's day-long hearing that drew more than 40 witnesses asking to testify and another dozen or so onlookers, Kasich spoke to reporters following a suburban Columbus event.

He told them that the mandates are important to attracting new business to the state.

"I think we should embrace these renewables," he said. "We think these goals that were established for renewables, both solar and wind, can be met.

"There are companies that look at Ohio who consider it to be very important that we have a forward-looking green program," he said. "If you talk to some of the folks at JobsOhio, these companies will say, 'Well, what's the state of your renewables, what's the state of green?' And it's part of their code. It's part of their culture."

Kasich has repeatedly said he would veto any legislation that extends the freeze on the mandates. But on Wednesday, he would not go quite that far.

Instead, he said he wanted to work with lawmakers, "let them do their job" and "not put some hammer down on them at this point.

"I just would hope the legislature will not have a headline that Ohio went backward on the environment. I just don't want to see that," he said.

The House committee vote went along party lines with the exception of one Republican, Rep. David Hall of Millersburg, who did not support moving the bill out of committee.

He explained in a brief interview later that considering the uncertainty of future federal clean air mandates, he thought now would be a good time for lawmakers and the governor to sit down and quietly negotiate the state green mandates.

Among the opponents to the legislation was Ohio's only solar panel maker.

Colin Meehan, director of regulatory and public affairs at First Solar in Perrysburg, was more blunt than some of the others.

First Solar has spent $100 million a year for the last 10 years on its production lines and its research and development center in Perrysburg, he said. The company has employed as many as 1,400, though that is currently at about 1,200.

And the company, which is about to re-tool its plant to build a highly automated precision production line manufacturing its "next generation" solar panel, needs a consistent policy, one that it can trust "won't be up-ended," Meehan said.

Then, after a series of questions from the lawmakers who seemed to doubt his claims, and even doubt the value of solar technology, Meehan warned that approval of the bill would cause the company to take a hard look at staying in Ohio.

William Spratley, Ohio's first consumers counsel and now director of Green Energy Ohio, an advocate for renewable energy, told the lawmakers they could not stop the coming green revolution.

"Ohio can continue to discourage investment in solar and wind technologies, but the technologies will not be stopped by legislative edicts," he said. "The real damage to Ohio is its relative position to other states that are growing renewable energy faster by encouraging investment and new jobs."

Attorney Sam Randazzo, general counsel for the Industrial Energy Users of Ohio and an advocate for the legislation, rounded out the committee's day with a historical perspective of the origins of the 2008 legislation that created the mandates and a defense of what the pending legislation aims to do.

"This bill does not freeze [the mandates.] Senate Bill 310 [enacted in 2014] froze the rate of escalation and peak demand reduction. What this bill does is restore the escalation of the mandates and stretches out the compliance period [to 12.5 percent renewable by 2027]," he said.

Cleveland.com reporter Jeremy Pelzer contributed to this report.
MikeKeresman.jpg

Visa announced an agreement to acquire Mentor-based Cardinal Commerce, a company that makes software for secured online purchases.Mike Keresman, founder and CEO of Cardinal Commerce, said the company has 160 employees in Mentor as well as sales people throughout the country. None of the employees will be impacted, although Keresman plans to leave the company. Mike Keresman, founder and CEO of Cardinal Commerce, said the company has 160 employees in Mentor as well as sales people throughout the country. None of the employees will be impacted, although Keresman plans to leave the company.

(Cardinal Commerce)

MENTOR, Ohio - Visa announced an agreement to acquire Mentor-based CardinalCommerce, a company that makes software for secured online purchases

Mentor-based Cardinal Commerce to be acquired by Visa

The acquisition is expected to enable more secure, seamless payments, whether made through a browser, mobile app, or connected device, and will help Visa's clients and merchant partners accelerate digital commerce, the company reported.



Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Cardinal will continue to operate and serve all of its clients as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Visa, and its authentication platform will continue to support a broad range of payment brands and partners across the industry. Co-founders Tim Sherwin and Chandra Balasubramanian will remain as leaders of the Cardinal team, based in Mentor, Ohio.



Mike Keresman, founder and CEO of Cardinal Commerce, said the company has 160 employees in Mentor as well as sales people throughout the country. None of the employees will be impacted, although Keresman plans to leave the company.





Tim Sherwin, co-founder of Cardinal Commerce

"It's a special time and good for our hometown and folks who work at Cardinal," Keresman said. "Visa will have a presence in Cleveland...We're going to pass the baton, and I get to ride off the into the sunset. Tim Sherwin and Chandra will be the leaders of this company."



Keresman said that by combining Cardinal's authentication expertise and role in supporting both merchants and issuers, and Visa's payments expertise and global reach, the two companies will be able to fast track the next-generation of digital authentication.



Sherwin is excited about the opportunity to join with Visa, because of it's global reach and the opportunity to make a greater impact on "false declines," when technology is not up to par.





Chandra Balasubramanian, co-founder of Cardinal Commerce, will continue to run Cardinal Commerce along with Tim Sherwin

"What that means is transactions get declined by card issuers. They have no idea if I'm in Pakistan or in Shaker Heights. The merchant has lost a sale and the customer is unhappy...We're building out authentication data, which ultimately lowers fraud and more importantly helps get transactions through," he said. "This is a global problem and by teaming up with Visa were able to accelerate the growth of our authentication network to get rid of opportunities for fraud."

Just two weeks ago, Cardinal Commerce officially opened its new headquarters at 8100 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor. The 40,000-square-foot building is double the size of its previous space in the same city. The company received a $600,000 revitalization grant from JobsOhio.



Mark Nelsen, senior vice president of Risk and Authentication Products at Visa said it's a strategic acquisition.



"This strategic acquisition combines Visa's industry expertise and Cardinal's critical role in payment authentication to bring added security to online transactions, reduce fraud, and support digital commerce which is the fastest growing commerce segment today," he said in a written statement.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Missouri man who picked up a Cleveland-area teenager, held her against her will and sexually assaulted her in 2015 was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in federal prison.

Christopher Schroeder, 42, met the then-15-year-old Brooklyn girl through the instant-messaging app Kik. He drove to Ohio to pick her up and brought her back to Missouri. He sexually assaulted her and recorded their sex without her knowledge.

Schroeder was arrested in December 2015. He pleaded guilty in July to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey in St. Louis handed down the sentence.

According to a criminal complaint filed in 2015, Schroeder picked up the girl near her home. Once she was in his car, he forced her to remove the battery and SIM card in her cellphone so authorities could not track her.

Schroeder then drove straight to Marthasville, Missouri, only stopping for fuel. At his home, he forced her to clean his home and have sex. He forced her to change her appearance and told her she needed to lose weight. He smashed her phone and threw it into a river, the complaint says.

The teen told police that she asked to go home, but Schroeder refused. She said she was afraid to leave the home because Schroeder had several weapons, the complaint says.

Brooklyn police said last year that a Facebook page led authorities to the teen's location.

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
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David Darnell Calhoun Jr., 25, is still at large in the homicide shootings that occurred on Henderson Road Wednesday afternoon.

(Kaylee Remington, cleveland.com)

RAVENNA TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- The pregnant woman killed Wednesday afternoon along with the father of her child in Ravenna Township called 911 in the minutes after she was shot.

"I need an ambulance...I just got shot," Sara Marsh said before she sobbed and moaned as witnesses screamed in the background.

"Ma'am, are you still with me on the line?" the dispatcher asked Marsh. "Ma'am, I'm still here. Can you talk to me?"

Marsh never answered. She died six hours later in a nearby hospital.

The suspect in the shooting, 25-year-old David Darnell Calhoun Jr. remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous, Portage County Sheriff David Doak said Thursday in an interview with cleveland.com.

An aggravated murder warrant was issued for his arrest in the deaths of LaShaun Sanders, 33, and the mother of his child, Marsh, 32.

Saunders niece, Lecreshia Kirklin said in an interview Thursday with cleveland.com that her uncle shared a child with Marsh, and she has no idea why anyone would gun down the couple.

Kirklin said that she was hanging out with her cousin at an apartment in the 6600 block of Henderson road just before 2:30 p.m. when she saw Calhoun walk past the window. Two minutes later they heard gunshots.

"We see him still shooting the gun and then we just start screaming and running outside," Kirklin said, whose home is next door to her uncle's. "My uncle was on the ground bleeding and his baby's mother was in the driver's seat (of a car at the home)."

Kirklin said Marsh was unable to get out of the car because she said she was shot.

She also noted that her uncle knew Calhoun, but she said that she has no idea what spurred the shooting.

Authorities released the chaotic 10-minute 911 recording where bystanders tended to Marsh and Sanders.

"Please, are you breathing? Can you hear me? Honey, please say something," one of the bystanders said about six minutes into the recording. "I have no clue where this woman is bleeding from, but I wish an ambulance would get here."

Sanders was pronounced dead at the scene. Marsh died about six hours later at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center.

Marsh was six to 10 weeks pregnant when she was killed, Doak said.

Ravenna High School was placed on lock down for more than an hour due to the proximity of the shooting to the school. All students and staff were safe, police have said.

To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section.
RAVENNA TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- The man accused of killing two people Wednesday

in Ravenna Township remains at large.

LaShaun Sanders, 33, of Ravenna, and Sara Marsh, 32, of Kent were killed about 2:30 p.m. on Henderson Road, police said.

David Darnell Calhoun Jr., 25, was identified as the shooter, the Portage County Sheriff's Department said. He remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Some media outlets have reported that Marsh was pregnant at the time of the shooting, however, the coroner's office would not confirm this until an autopsy is complete.

Ravenna High School was placed on lock down for more than an hour due to the proximity of the shooting to the school. All students and staff were safe, police have said.

The Portage County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation.

To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section.
GOP presidential candidate Donaled Trump visits Canton

Supporters of Donald Trump cheer during his speech at the Canton Memorial Civic Center in September.

(John Kuntz, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Official results for the 2016 election released Thursday showed Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in Ohio by 476,920 votes - the most lopsided presidential election in the state in 28 years.



Trump ended up with 2,841,005 votes, or 51.7 percent, compared with 2,394,164 votes, or 43.6 percent, for Hillary Clinton. (See statewide history and county-by-county details at the bottom of this story.)



Libertarian Gary Johnson collected 174,498 votes, or 3.2 percent. His showing was the best by a third-party or independent candidate in Ohio since Ross Perot collected 10.7 percent of the vote in 1996.

The Green Party's Jill Stein had 46,271, or 0.8 percent.

The turnout

Turnout was down 1.5 percent from four years ago, with 84,335 fewer votes counted in the presidential election than in Barack Obama's 2012 victory over Mitt Romney.



The 2016 election marked the lowest presidential turnout in Ohio since George W. Bush's 2000 win over Al Gore.

It was widely speculated after the election that Clinton's bid was hurt by low turnout in her core areas of support. But the changes in turnout from 2012 do not appear to be significant, considering the size of Trump's statewide victory.



Some 40,509 fewer presidential votes were cast in Cuyahoga County, a drop of 6.2 percent from 2012. And in growing Franklin County, the number of votes was up by 10,112, or 1.8 percent.

Trump's big win



Overall, Trump's margin of victory marked the most lopsided Ohio vote since George H.W. Bush defeated Michael Dukakis by 476,920 votes in 1988.



Trump carried 80 of Ohio's 88 counties, including 30 counties where he won at least 70 percent of the vote.



He ran strongest in three small western Ohio counties - Mercer (80.6 percent), Putnam (79.7 percent) and Auglaize (79 percent).



Clinton's strength

Clinton swept the counties with Ohio's largest cities - Cuyahoga (Cleveland), Franklin (Columbus), Hamilton (Cincinnati) and Lucas (Toledo).

She also won Athens, Lorain, Mahoning and Summit counties.



Clinton's strongest showing was in Cuyahoga County, where she picked up 66 percent of the vote.



But she failed to do as well as her Democratic predecessors in Cuyahoga County. Obama had 69.4 percent in 2012 and 68.9 percent in 2008, and John Kerry picked up 66.6 percent of the Cuyahoga vote in 2008.

Ohio vote history

Year Democrat Votes Pct. Republican Votes Pct. Total 2016 Clinton 2,394,164 43.6% Trump 2,841,005 51.7% 5,496,487 2012 Obama 2,827,621 50.7% Romney 2,661,407 47.7% 5,580,822 2008 Obama 2,940,044 51.5% McCain 2,677,820 46.9% 5,708,350 2004 Kerry 2,741,167 48.7% Bush 2,859,768 50.8% 5,627,908 2000 Gore 2,186,190 46.5% Bush 2,351,209 50.0% 4,705,457 1996 Clinton 2,148,222 47.4% Dole 1,859,883 41.0% 4,534,434 1992 Clinton 1,984,942 40.2% Bush 1,894,310 38.3% 4,939,964 1988 Dukakis 1,939,629 44.1% Bush 2,416,549 55.0% 4,393,699 1984 Mondale 1,825,440 40.1% Reagan 2,678,559 58.9% 4,547,619 1980 Carter 1,752,414 40.9% Reagan 2,206,545 51.5% 4,283,603 1976 Carter 2,011,621 48.9% Ford 2,000,505 48.7% 4,111,874 1972 McGovern 1,558,889 38.1% Nixon 2,441,827 59.6% 4,094,787 1968 Humphrey 1,700,586 42.9% Nixon 1,791,014 45.2% 3,959,698 1964 Johnson 2,498,331 62.9% Goldwater 1,470,865 37.1% 3,969,196 1960 Kennedy 1,944,248 46.7% Nixon 2,217,611 53.3% 4,161,859

Sources: Ohio Secretary of State and cleveland.com/datacentral archives

2016 vote by county

County Trump Clinton Johnson Adams 8,659 - 76.2% 2,326 - 20.5% 226 - 2.0% Allen 30,487 - 66.4% 13,294 - 29.0% 1,486 - 3.2% Ashland 17,493 - 71.1% 5,740 - 23.3% 906 - 3.7% Ashtabula 23,318 - 57.1% 15,577 - 38.1% 1,213 - 3.0% Athens 11,354 - 38.6% 16,370 - 55.6% 1,012 - 3.4% Auglaize 18,658 - 79.0% 3,980 - 16.8% 701 - 3.0% Belmont 21,108 - 67.8% 8,785 - 28.2% 777 - 2.5% Brown 14,573 - 74.3% 4,353 - 22.2% 431 - 2.2% Butler 106,976 - 61.5% 58,642 - 33.7% 5,790 - 3.3% Carroll 9,254 - 70.8% 3,154 - 24.1% 450 - 3.4% Champaign 12,631 - 69.8% 4,594 - 25.4% 582 - 3.2% Clark 35,205 - 57.3% 23,328 - 38.0% 1,895 - 3.1% Clermont 67,518 - 68.1% 26,715 - 27.0% 3,504 - 3.5% Clinton 13,838 - 74.1% 4,066 - 21.8% 514 - 2.8% Columbiana 31,676 - 68.6% 12,432 - 26.9% 1,401 - 3.0% Coshocton 10,785 - 69.3% 4,013 - 25.8% 468 - 3.0% Crawford 13,611 - 70.8% 4,625 - 24.0% 714 - 3.7% Cuyahoga 184,211 - 30.5% 398,271 - 66.0% 12,993 - 2.2% Darke 20,012 - 78.5% 4,470 - 17.5% 649 - 2.5% Defiance 11,688 - 64.2% 5,368 - 29.5% 782 - 4.3% Delaware 57,568 - 55.4% 40,872 - 39.4% 4,116 - 4.0% Erie 19,648 - 52.3% 16,057 - 42.7% 1,225 - 3.3% Fairfield 44,314 - 60.8% 24,881 - 34.1% 2,439 - 3.3% Fayette 7,995 - 71.6% 2,739 - 24.5% 295 - 2.6% Franklin 199,331 - 34.3% 351,198 - 60.4% 19,725 - 3.4% Fulton 13,709 - 64.6% 6,069 - 28.6% 1,024 - 4.8% Gallia 9,822 - 76.0% 2,628 - 20.3% 285 - 2.2% Geauga 30,227 - 60.5% 17,569 - 35.2% 1,502 - 3.0% Greene 48,540 - 59.3% 28,943 - 35.4% 3,277 - 4.0% Guernsey 11,445 - 69.1% 4,359 - 26.3% 549 - 3.3% Hamilton 173,665 - 42.4% 215,719 - 52.7% 13,200 - 3.2% Hancock 24,183 - 67.1% 9,609 - 26.7% 1,535 - 4.3% Hardin 8,717 - 70.9% 2,920 - 23.8% 465 - 3.8% Harrison 5,098 - 72.0% 1,688 - 23.8% 178 - 2.5% Henry 9,301 - 66.8% 3,756 - 27.0% 659 - 4.7% Highland 14,020 - 75.8% 3,773 - 20.4% 473 - 2.6% Hocking 8,497 - 66.2% 3,775 - 29.4% 367 - 2.9% Holmes 8,720 - 78.9% 1,788 - 16.2% 374 - 3.4% Huron 16,226 - 65.3% 7,192 - 29.0% 923 - 3.7% Jackson 9,949 - 72.7% 3,226 - 23.6% 373 - 2.7% Jefferson 21,117 - 65.6% 9,675 - 30.0% 841 - 2.6% Knox 19,131 - 66.7% 8,171 - 28.5% 936 - 3.3% Lake 64,255 - 55.3% 46,397 - 39.9% 3,833 - 3.3% Lawrence 18,689 - 70.2% 6,974 - 26.2% 589 - 2.2% Licking 51,241 - 61.9% 27,376 - 33.1% 2,708 - 3.3% Logan 15,957 - 74.0% 4,647 - 21.5% 657 - 3.0% Lorain 66,818 - 47.5% 66,949 - 47.6% 4,548 - 3.2% Lucas 75,698 - 38.3% 110,833 - 56.1% 7,410 - 3.8% Madison 11,631 - 67.3% 4,779 - 27.6% 600 - 3.5% Mahoning 53,616 - 46.6% 57,381 - 49.9% 2,606 - 2.3% Marion 16,961 - 64.4% 7,928 - 30.1% 986 - 3.7% Medina 54,810 - 60.0% 32,182 - 35.2% 2,975 - 3.3% Meigs 7,309 - 73.2% 2,260 - 22.6% 280 - 2.8% Mercer 17,506 - 80.6% 3,384 - 15.6% 562 - 2.6% Miami 37,079 - 70.3% 13,120 - 24.9% 1,837 - 3.5% Monroe 4,868 - 71.6% 1,662 - 24.5% 162 - 2.4% Montgomery 123,909 - 48.0% 122,016 - 47.2% 8,387 - 3.2% Morgan 4,431 - 68.8% 1,736 - 26.9% 192 - 3.0% Morrow 11,948 - 72.2% 3,761 - 22.7% 569 - 3.4% Muskingum 24,056 - 65.0% 11,123 - 30.1% 1,244 - 3.4% Noble 4,549 - 75.7% 1,221 - 20.3% 152 - 2.5% Ottawa 12,653 - 56.9% 8,285 - 37.3% 957 - 4.3% Paulding 6,500 - 71.8% 2,093 - 23.1% 279 - 3.1% Perry 10,228 - 68.2% 4,138 - 27.6% 405 - 2.7% Pickaway 17,076 - 69.0% 6,529 - 26.4% 756 - 3.1% Pike 7,902 - 66.5% 3,539 - 29.8% 283 - 2.4% Portage 39,971 - 52.5% 32,397 - 42.5% 2,415 - 3.2% Preble 15,446 - 75.1% 4,325 - 21.0% 553 - 2.7% Putnam 14,961 - 79.7% 2,922 - 15.6% 638 - 3.4% Richland 36,590 - 66.3% 16,085 - 29.1% 1,637 - 3.0% Ross 18,652 - 61.4% 10,356 - 34.1% 934 - 3.1% Sandusky 16,316 - 58.2% 9,929 - 35.4% 1,263 - 4.5% Scioto 20,550 - 66.8% 9,132 - 29.7% 699 - 2.3% Seneca 14,825 - 61.8% 7,404 - 30.9% 1,302 - 5.4% Shelby 18,590 - 78.3% 4,243 - 17.9% 594 - 2.5% Stark 98,388 - 56.1% 68,146 - 38.9% 5,693 - 3.2% Summit 112,026 - 43.4% 134,256 - 52.0% 7,472 - 2.9% Trumbull 49,024 - 51.1% 43,014 - 44.8% 2,489 - 2.6% Tuscarawas 26,918 - 65.2% 12,188 - 29.5% 1,606 - 3.9% Union 18,096 - 66.0% 7,718 - 28.1% 1,119 - 4.1% Van Wert 10,469 - 76.0% 2,697 - 19.6% 429 - 3.1% Vinton 3,883 - 70.6% 1,351 - 24.6% 168 - 3.1% Warren 77,643 - 66.2% 33,730 - 28.8% 4,335 - 3.7% Washington 20,514 - 68.7% 8,026 - 26.9% 892 - 3.0% Wayne 32,270 - 64.7% 15,031 - 30.2% 1,624 - 3.3% Williams 11,939 - 69.0% 4,358 - 25.2% 703 - 4.1% Wood 32,498 - 50.5% 27,318 - 42.5% 3,264 - 5.1% Wyandot 7,468 - 70.5% 2,515 - 23.7% 437 - 4.1% Total 2,841,005 - 51.7% 2,394,164 - 43.6% 174,498 - 3.2%

Source: Ohio Secretary of State
LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- A Muslim civil rights organization says that a 16-year-old Lakewood boy was subjected to anti-Islamic slurs and was shot for wearing an Islamic head covering.

The boy did not suffer serious injuries after the weekend dispute. The man charged in the shooting, Denzel Johnson, 26, of Lakewood remains in jail.

The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said that Johnson called the teen a "terrorist" and made reference to the Taliban before the encounter that led to the Saturday night shooting.

The Lakewood High School student was wearing a kufi, a traditional Islamic head covering, as he walked home from his part-time job, according to a press release from CAIR-Cleveland. The boy was shot in the arm, and he was treated and released from MetroHealth.

Johnson was arrested several hours later. He is charged with one count of felonious assault in Lakewood Municipal Court, court records show.

Johnson's case was bound over to county court, and his initial appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, records show.

Lakewood police Sgt. Steve Spaetzel said investigators are not looking into the case as a possible hate crime.

Police say that the duo exchanged words, and Johnson fired because he "felt threatened," Spaetzel said. Spaetzel had not heard that Johnson used those terms when speaking to the teen, he said.

CAIR-Cleveland is requesting that police investigate possibility that the shooting was motivated by anti-Islamic sentiments and intends to ask the prosecution to ask the presiding judge to deny Johnson bail at his Friday appearance, the release says.

"According to the alleged victim, there are clear indicators that this crime was motivated by ethnic and religious hatred, and we believe it should be investigated with that possible bias motive in mind," CAIR-Cleveland executive director Julia Shearson said in the release.

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The truck terminal will be constructed at the entrance of Rihkhawdar town in Tidim Township, and land (200100 square feet) has been already donated by U Mawitea Fanai, highlighted on the online page of Rihkhawdar Information Office.

Members of Municipal committee had been measured and cleaned the land on 21 November 2016.

Although Rihkhaw town is one of the most important border trade areas in Chin State of Myanmar, there is no truck terminal till date, and then the locals, traders and travelers face various difficulties as all motor vehicles used to stop at the center of the town.
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan on Wednesday fell short in his longshot bid to unseat longtime Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi. That didn't stop him and his supporters from finding solace in their achievement.

"We did not lose today," said Warrensville Heights Democratic Rep. Marcia Fudge, who delivered a nomination speech for Ryan. "Today, we won. We may not have won the position, but we won a caucus. We now have a leadership that listens to what we are saying."

The private vote was 134 for Pelosi, to 63 for Ryan.

Fudge and colleagues, including Toledo Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur, hope the support for Ryan will make Democratic leaders more attentive to the needs of party members between the east and west coasts.

"I think [Ryan] has already been able to sensitize the leadership to our part of America," said Kaptur, who voted for Pelosi because she promised her support before Ryan announced his bid. "So I think his effort is very worthwhile."

Pelosi pledged to "bring everyone together as we move forward."

She also agreed to expand the party's leadership hierarchy to include more of its less senior members.

"Congressional Democrats can go forward and remove all doubt that never again will we have an election where there's any doubt in anyone's mind where the Democrats are when it comes to America's working families," she told reporters.

Ryan said he was was pleased to get "20 more votes than anyone ever thought we'd be able to get."

Ryan argued Democrats lost blue-collar, Rust Belt areas like his congressional district to Donald Trump because they didn't focus enough on the economy and said his effort will help reshape the party's message.

"People are recognizing that the real America is in places like Akron, and Youngstown and Cleveland, more than it is in some highfalutin neighborhoods in Manhattan or Georgetown," said Ryan.
Public Housing Smoking

In this image taken from AP Video, Gerardo Barro, a resident of the Robert King High Towers, a public housing complex near the Miami's Marlins Park baseball stadium speaks to a reporter, Thursday, Nov, 12, 2015, in Miami. HUD announced Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, it will ban smoking in public housing nationwide. (Tony Winton/AP Video via AP)

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Smoking will be banned from public-housing units nationwide, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro announced Wednesday. Castro said public housing will be required to provide a smoke-free environment for residents.

Castro said HUD's new rule will provide resources and support to more than 3,100 Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to implement required smoke-free policies over the next 18 months, according to a press release from HUD.

Read HUD's final rule

Throughout this year, HUD worked with PHAs and stakeholders to finalize the rule, which prohibits lit tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars or pipes) in all living units, indoor common areas, administrative offices and all outdoor areas within 25 feet of housing and administrative office buildings. HUD's final rule included input from more than 1,000 comments from PHAs, housing and health partners, and tenant advocates.

"Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy home free from harmful second-hand cigarette smoke," Castro said. "HUD's smoke-free rule is a reflection of our commitment to using housing as a platform to create healthy communities. By working collaboratively with public housing agencies, HUD's rule will create healthier homes for all of our families and prevent devastating and costly smoking-related fires."

Later, in a conference call with reporters, Castro said he does not want the call to result in evictions.

"We don't see this as a policy that is meant to end in a whole lot of evictions. We're confident that public housing authority staff can work with residents so that that can be avoided,'' Castro said.

HUD's smoke-free rule will reduce damage and maintenance costs associated with smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the smoke-free policy will save public housing agencies $153 million every year in repairs and preventable fires, including $94 million in secondhand smoke-related health care, $43 million in renovation of smoking-permitted units, and $16 million in smoking-related fire losses.

Since 2009, HUD has encouraged PHAs to adopt smoke-free policies in their buildings and common areas, a policy many private housing developments already have in place. During this time, more than 600 organizations have adopted smoke-free policies. Through HUD's voluntary policy and local initiatives, more than 228,000 public housing units are already smoke-free.

Once fully implemented, the smoke-free rule announced today would expand the impact to more than 940,000 public housing units, including more than 500,000 units inhabited by elderly residents and 760,000 children living in public housing.

"My office has long warned the public about the dangers of smoking, including second-hand smoke," said U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy in the HUD press release. "For children who are exposed to second-hand smoke, it can mean everything from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and ear infections to asthma. Protecting our children and families from the devastation caused by secondhand smoke must be a priority for all sectors of our society, including public housing."

The CDC estimates cigarette smoking kills 480,000 Americans each year, making it the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In addition, smoking is the lead cause of fire-related deaths in multifamily buildings. HUD's smoke-free rule will protect the health of public housing residents by reducing the health risks associated with tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

Efforts to get comment from Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority were not successful.

The American Lung Association in Ohio on Wednesday praised HUD about going smoke free, according to a press release from the Columbus based association.

"Smoke-free housing is a win-win - residents breathe better and it costs housing authorities less when their buildings are smoke free. We are glad to see smoke free housing which has been so successful here in Ohio be expanded nationwide," said Shelly Kiser, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Ohio.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Barack Obama

In a recent Rolling Stone interview, President Barack Obama said marijuana should be treated as a public health issue, like cigarettes or alcohol, and hinted he might be more vocal about marijuana legalization after his term ends.

(Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Associated Press)

President Barack Obama seemed to soften his position on marijuana legalization in a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine.

Obama has said many times that legalization is not a "panacea" that solves all social problems, as some advocates think. But in an "exit interview" published this week, Obama said marijuana should be treated, like alcohol and tobacco, as a public health issue.

"Look, I've been very clear about my belief that we should try to discourage substance abuse," Obama said. "And I am not somebody who believes that legalization is a panacea. But I do believe that treating this as a public-health issue, the same way we do with cigarettes or alcohol, is the much smarter way to deal with it."

It wasn't an outright call for legalization, but implied given cigarettes and alcohol are legal in the U.S. And Obama hinted that he might say more after he becomes a private citizen in January.

After the November election, the number of states green-lighting recreational marijuana sales doubled, to eight. States with legal medical marijuana sales rose to 28. Ohio became the 25th medical marijuana state in June.

"There's something to this whole states-being-laboratories-of-democracy and an evolutionary approach," Obama said. "You now have about a fifth of the country where this is legal."

Obama has previously said he smoked marijuana when he was younger and he doesn't think it is more dangerous than alcohol. And his administration has not meddled with states' more lenient medical and recreational marijuana laws.

The Department of Justice has said it will not prosecute crimes in states with regulated marijuana programs except when they violate a few federal priorities, such as diverting marijuana from one state to another.

But marijuana reform advocates have criticized Obama for not pressuring Congress or federal regulators to legalize cannabis or fully recognize state laws.

Obama said in the interview that changing the legal classification of marijuana should be done by the Drug Enforcement Administration or through legislation in Congress.

The DEA earlier this year rejected a petition to reschedule marijuana.

President-elect Donald Trump has said marijuana legalization should be left to the states. But his nominees for attorney general and health and human services chief have strongly opposed legalization, causing concern among some pro-legalization advocates.

Obama said the legalization debate has reached a point, much like same-sex marriage laws did before sparking federal change, for "progress." Obama also shifted his position on same-sex marriage as public opinion grew during his time in office, from opposing it in 2008 to announcing his support in 2012.

"I've already said... that it is untenable over the long term for the Justice Department or the DEA to be enforcing a patchwork of laws, where something that's legal in one state could get you a 20-year prison sentence in another," Obama said.
Cancer research

With House passage late Wednesday, Congress is on the verge of approving a major package to advance medical research, tackle diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's and go after opioid addiction more aggressively.

(Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer)

WASHINGTON -- The federal government will ramp up spending on medical research for cancer, Alzheimer's and other diseases and infuse $1 billion to fight the opioid epidemic, under a sweeping medical-and-health bill the House of Representatives passed late Wednesday.

The Senate is likely to follow this week or next, and the White House said President Barack Obama will sign the bill, which weighs in at nearly 1,000 pages.

This has taken years to work out, yet the bill - the 21st Century Cures Act -- still presents controversy. That's partly because it provides a shift in the way the federal government can approve medical advances to get them to patients sooner.

Rep. Fred Upton, a Michigan Republican who has pushed the bill since 2014, called the $6.3 billion legislation a "medical innovation game changer." The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals of Cleveland, both active in medical research, say they are optimistic, too. And Ohio U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi, a Columbus-area congressman, said the Cures Act will "put America back in the driver's seat on medical innovation."

Yet Dr. Jerry Avorn, a professor of medicine at Harvard, told the New York Times that the bill dumbs down the criteria for drug approval. "It's a lower bar and shorter race," he said.

Of particular importance for Ohio is the $1 billion over two years for fighting the abuse of prescription opioids and heroin across the nation. Obama has fought for a similar amount separately, and its approval comes just as Ohio earned the ignominious distinction as host to more opioid overdose deaths than anywhere else in the nation.

Congressional negotiators have said the bill will give opioid-fighting priority to states that need the most help, although Sen. Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat, said he wants more assurance on how that will work.

It's unusual but it's paid for:

It is unusual these days for Republicans and Democrats to agree on spending of this magnitude. Some conservative groups, such as Heritage Action, opposed the bill for its substantial spending and what Heritage called "budget gimmicks" while the country is running a large debt. Some liberals, including Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren, took an opposite stance, saying the act is insufficient to make up for a long-term lag in medical-research spending until now.

Public interest groups such as Public Citizen and the Union of Concerned Scientists also weighed in with worries that new drug-research standards, intended to speed up approval of new medicines, might lack scientific rigor.

But in the House, such differences faded as proponents hailed the bill's many features. They also noted their agreement to fund the package through existing sources, chiefly the sale of crude oil from the federal Strategic Petroleum Reserve and a shift of money from public health programs that were part of the Affordable Care Act, now likely to be repealed.

The bill passed overwhelmingly, 392-26.

The big picture:

The 21st Century Cures Act was "one of the most-lobbied health care bills in recent history, with nearly three lobbyists working for its passage or defeat for every member on Capitol Hill," according to an analysis by Kaiser Health News.

Among the bill's highlights is $4.8 billion over a decade for the National Institutes of Health, the federal agency that funds and conducts much of the nation's medical research. That money will be broken down this way:

$1.4 billion for Obama's

$1.8 billion for Vice President Joe Biden's cancer "moonshot" program, coordinating and focusing research on potential new treatments and an eventual cure.

$1.6 billion for the

The bill will also provide $1 billion over two years to deal with opioid prevention and abuse, funding a number of existing and new grant programs. And it will give $500 million for work by the Food and Drug Administration.

The nitty-gritty issues:

Money for many of these programs will first flow to federal agencies - in the case of opioids, to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Justice Department - before going out in grants. But the Obama administration said in a statement that it is "committed to taking immediate action to lay the groundwork to ensure that the funds in the bill would be disbursed quickly and effectively so we can begin to address these important public health challenges."

The act also clears the way for new standards and procedures in research.

For example, one provision will allow inclusion of "real world evidence" in applications for new indications of drugs already approved by the FDA. The intent is to avoid the years'-long delays that researchers say prevent people from getting medicines and treatments they need. As noted in an extensive analysis of both sides by ProPublica, proponents say the FDA will not be bound to accept weak or questionable evidence. Public Citizen and other critics, however, say this could weaken the standard for approvals.

Another concern: Many lawmakers are happy that money for dealing with opioids and advancing medicine will be dedicated now, and if it is not spent in the ten years allowed, will revert to the federal Treasury. In theory, this helps avoid the annual struggle to find money for priorities.

In practice, however, Congress still will review the spending annually. Some members say they worry this could give critics a chance to pull the plug. The agreement now also could mean Congress balks at spending more later.

"At a time when Americans pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs, this bill provides absolutely no relief for soaring drug prices," Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who lost the Democratic presidential nomination this year to Hillary Clinton, said earlier this week. "The greed of the pharmaceutical industry has no limit, and this bill includes numerous corporate giveaways that will make drug companies even richer."

The Cleveland angle:

Hospital and university research remain important to Northeast Ohio's economy. It is too soon to tell how much of the additional research money will find its way to the Cleveland region, but some inevitably will.

This, along with changes in FDA procedures, should be good news, authorities from the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals said.

For example, University Hospitals noted that the bill will allow stem cell treatments, under certain conditions, without the large final-stage clinical trials usually required of a therapy. The hospitals' Seidman Cancer Center, along with Case Western Reserve University, is a leader in stem cell therapy. Similarly under the act, a cancer drug could be approved if it shrinks a tumor, even if it hasn't shown yet it extends survival, said Heidi Gartland, vice president for government relations for University Hospitals.

The bill "gives medical research a long overdue investment through increases in NIH funding," the Cleveland Clinic said in a statement.

Asked about concerns over drug safety if research is expedited, Gartland said it is "still very early in the process - there will be additional guidance from the FDA related to the drug approval processes. However, this bill has the potential to accelerate the FDA's approval of life-saving new drugs and devices while ensuring that regulatory standards remain strong enough to ensure safety."

What happens next:

The Senate should take up the bill by next week. Some lawmakers are still not satisfied, and Warren, of Massachusetts, gave a particularly critical assessment this week.

The bill's money for opioids and the NIH, she said, is "political cover for huge giveaways to giant drug companies."

Ohio's U.S. senators are likely to vote for the Cures Act.

"This bill not only increases funding for NIH and the FDA, but it improves the process there so our researchers can find more cures and treatments for life-threatening diseases," Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican, said. "And as an added bonus, it provides a much-needed boost in opioid funding to help people in Ohio who are suffering from addiction. There's a lot to like in this bill."

Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, said he hopes Ohio can get assurances that money for fighting opioids will be commensurate with the state's problem. He also said he's unhappy that a provision to help retired coal miners with their union pensions and health care appears to have been stripped from the bill.

But he nevertheless agrees with Portman that the Cures Act has a lot to like.

"I'm leaning toward 'yes,'" Brown said.
cleveland police car 2.jpg

Two men are accused of lying to police about the death of Marvin Kimmie.

(File photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Two men are accused of lying to police investigating the death of a man found stuffed in a car trunk with gunshot wounds to his head.

Carlos Wallace, 21, and Theodore Hatley, 60, are both charged with third-degree felony obstructing justice. Neither is in police custody and warrants were issued Tuesday for their arrests.

Hatley and Wallace lied to police about their involvement in the September death of Marvin Kimmie, according to court records.

They also concealed certain information about Kimmie's death, court records say.

Court records do not have any additional information on what they are accused of lying about or if they played a role in Kimmie's death.

A mother-and-son duo, Pearl Hatley, 40, and Larry Camp-Hatley, 18, are charged with with aggravated murder, offenses against a human corpse and tampering with evidence. Both have pleaded not guilty and are jailed on $1 million bond.

Both are accused of killing Kimmie on Sept. 15. His body was found stuffed in the trunk of a car on Sept. 23, when Wallace and Hatley were questioned by police.

A Cleveland police K-9 found Kimmie's body in the trunk of a 1994 Saturn S-Series Coupe parked behind Pearl Hatley's house on East 140th Street, police said.

Officers at the scene noted a strong odor coming from the car, police said. Investigators found him wrapped in a sheet and his body was "badly decomposed."

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner ruled Kimmie's death a homicide and that he died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Kimmie, 43, had been in a relationship with Hatley, according to police.

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FAIRPORT HARBOR, Ohio -- Domenic Paolo, Fairport Harbor's superintendent of schools, was tutoring an expelled student last year. Knowing Paolo loves to fish, the student made him a fishing lure on the office's 3-D printer.

Paolo loved the lure. "It was out-fishing my other lures," he said. "With 22 cents of plastic, he made a lure better than ones I'd paid $10, $12 for."

The result is a new student program called Hooked on Education. Since September, some 36 students at Fairport Harding High School who'd struggled in traditional classroom are spending most of their day researching, designing, printing and painting lures.

During the fall, they also spent up to three days a week testing commercial lures on nearby Lake Erie aboard the Top Flight, a charter boat skippered by Dave Hall of Grand River. Students caught enough perch, walleye and steelhead trout to feed about 230 locals recently in a free fish fry at the Fairport Senior Center.

You might think they loved spending school days fishing and eating their catches, but most of the students say they struggled with sea-sickness. And some don't even like fish.

"I like chicken better," says Christina Garcia-Hernandez.

But the students praise Hooked on Education anyway, as a way to learn by doing.

"It's a lot of fun," says student Brianna Manross, whose father, Tim, is Fairport Harbor's mayor. Brianna says the program is educational, too. "We get to learn a lot of real-life skills."

Fairport Harding launched the program with $363,000 from the Ohio Department of Education for 3-D printers, laptops, a test tank and more. The students do most of their traditional academics in this class.

For science, they've researched Erie's waters and fish. For math, they've analyzed the "dive curve" of cast lures and measured their basement headquarters to order furniture. For English, they've written research reports and a newspaper called the "Weekly Catch."

Tyler Spaid says reading and writing seem more relevant now. "Upstairs we'd read a book and do a report. Down here, we write about our research."

Downstairs, students can also talk while they work, as many grownups do. "You broke my computer!" Aaron Halstead said the other day to his kid brother, Eric, when Aaron's screen froze awhile.

Jerry Hites, one of the program's four teachers, says busy students are good students. "There've been no discipline issues. They're all getting their work done."

The students have begun to embellish blank commercial lures and sell them. They hope to offer them soon on their website, hookedfhs.com.

In January, they hope to showcase fully original lures at the Cleveland Outdoor Adventure Show at the I-X Center. By June, they hope to find a manufacturer for the lures. They want to sell them on line and at Painesville's Harbor Bait and Tackle.

Superintendent Paolo's already hooked. "I've been an administrator for 30 years," he says, "and this is the most exciting educational opportunity I've ever encountered."
Emergency responders

Emergency responders risk losing jobs or legal protections if they are gone from their day jobs for too long. Legislation to help them, blocked by the fight over a Supreme Court nominee, is now advancing.

(Max Becherer, Associated Press)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Senate agreed quietly Wednesday night to give federal job and legal protections to emergency response volunteers who risk job and benefit losses when they jump into emergency disaster duty.

In other news, Senate Democrats tacitly acknowledged that Merrick Garland will not be seated on the U.S. Supreme Court.

These are not separate bits.

Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid acknowledged in September he was blocking the responders bill, sponsored by Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman. In a remarkably civil -- yet still barbed -- exchange with Portman then, Reid agreed that protecting volunteers who respond to emergencies was important. But so was the need to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court created by Justice Antonin Scalia's death in February.

President Barack Obama nominated Garland, a federal appellate judge, in March. Republicans, who control the Senate, refused to grant Garland a hearing or vote, saying the vacancy should be filled by whomever would win the November presidential election. They were hoping for a Republican president and a conservative court nomination.

Billionaire businessman Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, won. And with the Senate trying to wrap up all 2016 business by the end of next week, there is no chance Garland will get confirmed. The ninth seat on the nation's highest court, held vacant most of the year by Senate Republicans, will now fall to a new nomination that Trump can make after he assumes the presidency Jan. 20.

And Reid finally dropped his blockade of the Portman bill, as his office confirmed to cleveland.com.

What the bill would do:

The vote was by unanimous consent, meaning it passed without the need for a roll call since there now were no objections. The House of Representatives could follow next week and then the bill would go to President Barack Obama for his signature.

The measure would provide job and benefit protections when volunteers, usually working in local- or state-sponsored emergency response teams, are summoned to help in national emergencies such as hurricanes or other disasters. It would prevent them from being fired if they missed work while responding to a disaster, and assure them the right to benefits and protection from liability lawsuits.

FEMA says that 11 percent or more of each search and rescue task force, usually formed and coordinated at the state or local level with fulltime firefighters and EMS crews, is made up of non-affiliated members. They include equipment riggers and operators, doctors and nurses, engineers and volunteer firefighters who normally leave their day jobs for only a few hours at a time.

But when a big disaster hits, such as Hurricane Katrina, the teams can be gone for days or weeks.

Not a frequent problem, but it occurs:

It is fairly uncommon for a volunteer to lose his or her job because of such absences. According to a Senate committee report, "most employers currently allow workers to reclaim their positions." But Portman and other lawmakers, including House of Representatives Democrats, said any exception needs to be dealt with.

For example, Mark Kramer, a firefighter manager from California who works with a state emergency task force, told a House hearing in 2010 that after Hurricane Katrina, "I was shocked when one of my heavy riggers, who was deployed to Louisiana, gave his heart and soul to the response, came home and was terminated by his employer."

With Wednesday night's bill passage, Congress is "one step closer to helping our search and rescue teams get the protections and resources they need," Portman said in a statement Thursday.

"Volunteers serving on search and rescue teams like Ohio Task Force One leave their families at a moment's notice when they are called upon to provide vital support to disaster areas. These brave volunteers and their families deserve to know that when they deploy to dangerous areas and risk their health, their employment and their personal liability, that when they put it all on the line, we are there for them."
Charlotte Police Fatal Shooting

Protesters march on a street Wednesday in the aftermath of no indictment being given in the death of Keith Scott in Charlotte, N.C.

(David T. Foster III, Charlotte Observer via AP)

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- A police officer who fatally shot a man in the parking lot of an apartment complex in September will not face charges, setting off protests Wednesday night in the city.

Mecklenburg County District Attorney Andrew Murray announced in a news conference that Officer Brentley Vinson was justified in shooting Keith Lamont Scott, 43, on Sept. 20. Murray said Scott was armed when he was shot by Vinson and said rumors that he was holding a book were untrue.

"Officer Vinson took responsibility for the shooting from the outset," Murray said, according to the Charlotte Observer. "Every officer's gun was seized, and an ammunition count was conducted by investigators. Each one had a full count ... of ammunition with the exception of Officer Vinson, who was four rounds short."

The shooting of Scott, who is black, by Vinson, who also is black, resulted in several days of protests in September. Wednesday's announcement brought more protests in downtown Charlotte, the Observer reports.

The Observer said three people among the dozens of protesters had been arrested as of 9 p.m. Wednesday for minor incidents.

Police said Scott had a handgun and that he refused police orders to drop the weapon. A loaded Colt .380 semiautomatic was recovered at the scene, police said.

"There's been some speculation in the community regarding whether Mr. Scott was armed," Murray said, according to the Post. "All of the credible and available evidence suggests that he was, in fact, armed."

Murray said 15 career prosecutors were involved in the decision to not prosecute Vinson, and that they were unanimous.

He said Scott's family was "extremely gracious" when informed of the decision, although the family said it was "profoundly disappointed," the Washington Post reports. A lawyer representing the family said a civil lawsuit against the police and the city is possible.

Corine Mack, the president of the NAACP in Charlotte, tells the Observer she was disappointed with the decision. She said she would like to see an independent federal investigation of the shooting.

"I am still very deeply disturbed," Mack said. "This goes beyond killing people. The system was never made for black people."

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APTOPIX Officer Shot Tacoma

Police stand by a distraught woman at the scene where a Tacoma police officer was shot while responding to a domestic call Wednesday in Tacoma, Wash.

(Peter Haley, News Tribune via AP)

TACOMA, Washington -- A man suspected of shooting and killing a police officer Wednesday was barricaded in a home early Thursday morning and in a standoff with police, reports say.

The officer killed and another officer had responded to the home at about 4 p.m. PST on a domestic call, according to the Seattle Times.

The officers knocked on the door and a short time later called for backup, police spokeswoman Loretta Cool tells the newstribune.com. Moments later shots reportedly were fired.

The unidentified officer shot in the incident was taken to an area hospital but died of his wounds after undergoing surgery, reports say.

The Times reports officers surrounded the three-story house and a SWAT unit also arrived at the scene. Several people in the home at the time of the shooting were able to get out, but it's unknown if others might still be inside.

The suspect barricaded himself in the house with a rifle and fired multiple shots, komonews.com reports.

"We've suffered a great loss and I think the community has suffered a great loss. And I don't know how to put that into words other than to say that everyone here appreciates the kind thoughts and the prayers that are going out to us," Cool tells the Times. "Remember that we still have a job to do, we are still on the scene and we are doing our best to not have anyone else injured or harmed tonight in any way."

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Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren: "During the campaign, Donald Trump told the American people that he was going to change Washington by taking on Wall Street. Donald Trump's choice for Treasury scretary, Steve Mnuchin, is just another Wall Street insider. That is not the type of change that Donald Trump promised to bring to Washington  that is hypocrisy at its worst. After his bank pocketed billions in taxpayer dollars from the bailout, Mnuchin moved on to make a fortune running another bank that aggressively foreclosed on families still reeling from the crisis. This pick makes clear that Donald Trump wants to cater to the same Wall Street executives that have hurt working families time and again." (Images: Bernie Sanders, AFGE/CC-BY; Elizabeth Warren, Tim Pierce/CC-BY)
Trump

President-elect Donald Trump reacts after speaking at Carrier Corp Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Indianapolis.

(Darron Cummings, Associated Press)

President-elect Donald Trump announces his deal with Carrier Corp. to keep jobs in Indiana rather than moving to Mexico, which has received mixed responses. Sen. Tim Kaine weighs in on recounts of the presidential election. Read more in today's Politics Extra.

Ryan cheers Trump's Carrier deal: House Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday defended President-elect Donald Trump's deal with Carrier Corp. that provides $7 million in state tax incentives to the Indianapolis-based manufacturing company to keep 1,000 jobs in Indiana rather than moving to Mexico, reports USA Today. Ryan emphasized to reporters that he did not know the terms of the deal, which a Trump official said gives $7 million in tax breaks from Indiana to Carrier over a decade. Even without knowing the details, Ryan pushed back against critics like Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Sanders' criticism: In an op-ed in The Washington Post, Sanders bashed Trump for what he said is sending a signal to American corporations that they can threaten to leave the U.S. in exchange for government incentives. "Trump has endangered the jobs of workers who were previously safe in the United States," the Vermont senator wrote. "Why? Because he has signaled to every corporation in America that they can threaten to offshore jobs in exchange for business-friendly tax benefits and incentives."

Trump and Sharif: Trump spoke on the phone Wednesday with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, but it is unclear what was said during that call, reports CNN. After the conversation, the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office put out a statement directly quoting Trump - a violation of diplomatic protocol - in which he glowingly praised Sharif. The statement quoted Trump as telling Sharif "you are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon." Trump's office put out a statement saying the two sides "had a productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future."

Gingrich mocks Romney: Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich mocked Mitt Romney Wednesday for "sucking up" to Trump as he contends for the position of secretary of state in the new administration, reports CNN. "You have never, ever in your career seen a serious adult who is wealthy, independent, been a presidential candidate, suck up at the rate that Mitt Romney is sucking up," Gingrich, an early Trump supporter and former 2012 GOP presidential rival of Romney, said on Laura Ingraham's radio show.

"I am confident that he thinks now that Donald Trump is one of his closest friends, that they have so many things in common, that they're both such wise, brilliant people. And I'm sure [Tuesday] night, at an elegant three-star restaurant in New York, that Mitt was fully at home, happy to share his vision of populism, which involved a little foie gras, a certain amount of, you know, superb cooking. But was done in a populist, happy manner," Gingrich said.

Stone to write Trump campaign book: Longtime Trump confidant Roger Stone is penning a book that will trace the arc of Trump's campaign, reports Politico. From his 2015 escalator descent at Trump Tower to his unexpected presidential election victory, Stone's book, "The Making of the President 2016: How Donald Trump Orchestrated a Revolution," is billed as a modern-day successor to Theodore White's inside scoop on the 1960 campaign and JFK's rise to the White House.

Democrats and confirmations: Senate Democrats almost certainly cannot stop Trump's cabinet from being confirmed, but that doesn't mean they won't make the process as painful as possible for the new President, reports CNN. Each nomination presents Democrats an opportunity to litigate arguments that have been at a boiling point throughout the election on a public stage. Even if Trump won, Democrats can argue, his agenda is out of touch.

Kaine weighs in on recount: Sen. Tim Kaine said Thursday that Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign felt compelled to take part in the recount efforts launched by Green Party candidate Jill Stein, even though "we're very doubtful that the outcome is going to change," reports Politico. "The Clinton team looked at the votes and looked at recount and we're not going to pursue it. But when Jill Stein, one of the third party candidates, decided to do it - if there's going to be a recount we have to be at the table to make sure it's done right, that it's done fairly," the former vice presidential nominee told Washington, D.C. Fox affiliate WTTG in a live interview.

Are the Clintons done with politics? Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a longtime confidante of Hillary and Bill Clinton, said Wednesday that he thinks they're done with politics following their devastating loss in the 2016 presidential race, reports The Washington Post. "I think so, sure. I don't think Hillary has any interest in running again," McAuliffe said in a radio interview on WTOP's "Ask the Governor" program. "I'll let her speak for herself. I haven't asked her that. I think the president's probably going to go back, working on all the good deeds he's done before in helping people around the globe. You know, there are elections. We've got to move forward," the Democratic governor said.

Ellison faces renewed scrutiny: Rep. Keith Ellison's past ties to the Nation of Islam and his defense of its anti-Semitic leader, Louis Farrakhan, are resurfacing as he campaigns to lead the Democratic National Committee, reports CNN. Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, publicly renounced his association with the Nation of Islam in 2006 after it became an issue during his run for Congress, when GOP bloggers began publishing his old law school columns and photos connecting him to the organization. "I have long since distanced myself from and rejected the Nation of Islam due to its propaganda of bigoted and anti-Semitic ideas and statements, as well as other issues," he wrote a decade ago. Several outlets have recently uncovered Ellison's past writings and raised concerns about his own views and what they would mean for the Democratic Party if he were to be its leader.

Christie for RNC chair? New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is expressing interest in the job of Republican National Committee chairman, reports Politico. Christie told senior members of Trump's presidential transition team Thursday he is interested in the post, according to three sources familiar with the talks. The Republican governor has been a longtime supporter of Trump, but has had a rocky relationship with his transition team lately.
Tim Ryan

Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, pauses while speaking to members of the media following the House Democratic Caucus elections on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, for House leadership positions. Ryan challenged House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif., but lost, 134-63.

(Andrew Harnik, AP Photo)

Ohio U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat from the Youngstown area, lost an attempt to unseat Democratic U.S. House Leader Nancy Pelosi from her party leadership post. President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on the Ohio State University attack. And Ohio Republicans saw big successes during November elections, thanks in part, to Trump.

Read more in the Ohio Politics Roundup.

What's next for Ryan: Rep. Tim Ryan lost a long shot bid to win the top Democratic leadership position in the U.S. House, cleveland.com reporter Sabrina Eaton writes.

Nancy Pelosi easily hung on to the leadership position in a private vote, 134 to Ryan's 63.

Ryan in a statement on his loss congratulated Pelosi and thanked his supporters. He said he was happy to earn "20 more votes than anyone ever thought we'd be able to get."

Pelosi, a longtime San Francisco representative, is regarded as a member of the coastal elite of Democratic party. Ryan, meanwhile, represents blue collar Democrats that the party failed to win over during the election.

"Ryan argued Democrats lost blue-collar, Rust Belt areas like his congressional district to Donald Trump because they didn't focus enough on the economy and said his effort will help reshape the party's message," Eaton writes.

"People are recognizing that the real America is in places like Akron, and Youngstown and Cleveland, more than it is in some highfalutin neighborhoods in Manhattan or Georgetown," Ryan said.

"I ran for Leader because I believe strongly in the promise of the Democratic Party, but November taught us that changes were necessary. Our party's losses showed our Caucus that we needed to have a serious conversation about our path forward and open the door for new reforms and voices in Democratic Leadership," Ryan said in a statement. "The people I represent in Northeast Ohio and the tens of millions of workers across our country are proud to be called blue collar. Democrats must adopt a progressive economic message that focuses on large, direct infrastructure investments, affordable health care, portable pensions, and public-private investments that promote advanced manufacturing."

The 43-year-old congressman was coy Wednesday when asked whether he plans to seek higher office after losing to Pelosi, initially telling reporters his only plans were to get a sandwich, Eaton reports.

Asked how his leadership bid might affect his political future, Ryan said he plans to "hang out a bit" with his wife and son in upcoming days, and "talk about the next step."

Cleveland Heights pastor joins Trump team: The Rev. Darrell Scott, senior pastor and co-founder of the New Spirit Revival Center, will serve on the executive committee of the Trump transition team, cleveland.com reporter Andrew J. Tobias writes.

Scott has been a prominent Trump supporter.

During the campaign, Scott was CEO of the National Diversity Coalition for Trump, and served as an official Trump campaign surrogate. He also served as a speaker during the July Republican National Convention in Cleveland, hosted Trump and others for a September campaign event at his church and served as a liaison between Trump and other black pastors.

It's unclear what specific responsibilities he will assume in his new role on the transition team.

Trump tweets: The president-elect sounded off about the Monday attack at Ohio State University that left 11 injured.

Trump said that the accused assailant, Abdul Artan, a Somali refugee who died during the violence, should not have been in the country.

Artan came to the United States as a legal permanent resident in 2014 after spending seven years in a Pakistani refugee camp. He graduated cum laude from Columbus State Community College before enrolling at Ohio State.

Ohio Republicans and Trump: Ohio Republicans this November enjoyed big victories, and won in areas they hadn't often seen success.

"And while local Republicans say the victories reflect their hard work, it's hard not to tie the results to Donald Trump," Tobias reports. "Overall, Republicans gained a net 33 county-level elected seats across the state, either by winning open seats previously held by Democrats or by knocking off Democratic incumbents. Republicans took control of three county commissions across the Ohio -- in Ashtabula, Belmont and Lake counties."

The success is damaging to Democrats.

"Republican officials say they've dealt a blow to Democrats' efforts to build a farm team for future state-level races," Tobias writes.

Joe Schiavoni 2018: The Ohio Senate Minority Leader is putting the pieces together for a gubernatorial run in 2018, cleveland.com reporter Jeremy Pelzer writes.

"In an interview, Schiavoni stopped short of officially announcing his candidacy to succeed Gov. John Kasich. But he said he's contacted all 88 Democratic county chairs and has started speaking to Democratic groups to build name recognition," Pelzer writes.

"The goal is to run for governor in 2018," Schiavoni said.

Schiavoni joins a possibly crowded field. Ryan may also be making a run at the office, along with a slew of other Democrats, including ex-State Rep. Connie Pillich, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O'Neill, ex-U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, and former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, who heads the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

In other news: President Barack Obama seemed to relax his position on marijuana in a recent Rolling Stone interview.

"Look, I've been very clear about my belief that we should try to discourage substance abuse," Obama said. "And I am not somebody who believes that legalization is a panacea. But I do believe that treating this as a public-health issue, the same way we do with cigarettes or alcohol, is the much smarter way to deal with it."

"It wasn't an outright call for legalization, but implied given cigarettes and alcohol are legal in the U.S. And Obama hinted that he might say more after he becomes a private citizen in January," cleveland.com reporter Jackie Borchardt writes.

Ohio on a budget: Ohio Gov. John Kasich said that the state will be on a tight budget next year, following-lower-than-anticipated state revenues, cleveland.com reporter Jeremy Pelzer reports.

"There's not going to be a lot of growth in any [state] program," Kasich told reporters in suburban Columbus. "It's going to be tight. There's not going to be an ability to give significant percentage increases."

Then there's this: At least there's one thing everyone can agree on: stop bestiality.

The Ohio Senate voted unanimously to ban people from having sex with animals, reports cleveland.com's Jane Morice.

"Sen. Jay Hottinger (R-Newark), a primary co-sponsor of the bill, said sexual abuse of animals is often a precursor to other sex crimes or deviant behavior," Dix Capital Bureau Chief Marc Kovac reports.

"Without a doubt, this is a very dark and disturbing subject matter that no one wants to speak about," Hottinger told Kovac said. "Candidly, it's uncomfortable. However, the reality of the situation is that this is an issue in the underbelly of society that has disturbing consequences."

The bill will now head to the Ohio House.
tjlane.jpg

T.J. Lane pleaded guilty Feb. 26, 2013, on multiple charges in the Chardon High School shootings that took the lives of three students and injured three others a year before. In the op-ed below, shooting survivor Nicholas Miraglia calls on Gov. Kasich and the legislature to amend Senate Bill 272 reforming juvenile sentencing law to makes sure that those such as Lane who have been convicted of aggravated murder do not gain access to possible parole.

(Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer, File, 2013)

Nicholas Miraglia witnessed the Chardon shooting as a high school freshman.

CHARDON, Ohio -- My friends and I will never forget the morning of Feb. 27, 2012 -- my freshman year -- because it was the day that we all became victims of T.J. Lane. This week, I woke up to a headline that read, "Proposed law could mean freedom for killer T.J. Lane at 40." For a moment, I went right back to that day.

I understand that the likelihood of T.J. being paroled is slight, even if Senate Bill 272 becomes law, but even Chardon's own state senator, John Elkund, admits its a possibility. T.J. Lane's victims, and our families, deserve better than this.

I believe that this bill -- designed to give a chance at redemption to kids who commit crimes before they turn 18 -- is well-intentioned. I'm a supporter of criminal justice reform. But our safety and peace of mind matters.

So if the Ohio Senate passes this bill and it winds up on Gov. John Kasich's desk, I'd urge the governor to send this back to the legislature and ask them to draw a line at extending parole to those convicted of aggravated murder and sentenced to life in prison.

I am one of hundreds of kids who survived Lane's shooting at our school. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember what I was wearing, who I was with, even the sounds and the smells.

I remember those surreal initial moments, as Lane walked into the cafeteria at Chardon High School, pulled out a gun and started shooting. I was about 20 yards away, and when those first shots rang out, I experienced a terror that I'd never felt before in my life. I'll never forget seeing the bodies of the victims. These were people whom I knew -- Danny, Russell and Demetrius.

Dazed, shocked, and terrified, I knew that my life, and my friends' lives, would never be the same. In the days, weeks, and months that followed the shooting, we all felt empty and scared, as if Lane had not only stolen three of our friends' lives but also a little piece of each of us.

Lane has never stopped terrorizing us. During his sentencing, he delivered a vile speech, in which he stated that he was aroused by his victims' dead bodies, and advertised a T-shirt that said "KILLER."

His clear purpose was to inflict as much pain as possible on his victims' already grieving families. The only comfort, for many of us, was the knowledge that Lane would never get out of prison. But because of SB 272, that's no longer a sure thing.

Recovering from the terrible memories of the shooting has been difficult, and I am extremely proud of our Chardon community for coming together and supported each another in the wake of the shooting.

Lane, sadistically, has done everything he can to prevent our recovery. He has threatened to kill the survivors of his shooting if he ever gets released; a threat that became very real, for all of us, when he escaped from prison, on Sept. 11, 2014. He wiggled through his bars and was on the loose for a number of hours, until police found him in a barn near the prison. Now, under SB 272, this evil individual's escape from prison could become permanent.

Again, I support criminal justice reform, I'm pro-redemption. SB 272, admirably, offers young people who've been condemned to spend a life behind bars a chance at parole. I believe that, in most cases, people deserve a second chance.

But there must be a line. Offering a hand to mass murderers such as Lane is a bridge too far.

Furthermore, it would allow him to continue his terrorism from behind bars. I can imagine him taunting us, perhaps starting a countdown to the day he turns 40, when he'll become eligible for parole under the provisions of SB 272.

We should not have to live with this psychopath's 40th birthday marked on our calendars in red. We've suffered enough.

People like T.J. Lane do not deserve SB 272's mercy. If Lane or convicted murderers like him undergo a transformation so dramatic that they deserve society's mercy, then let them make their case to the governor, who has the power to commute prison sentences.

Gov. Kasich, through your words and actions in the wake of the shooting, we saw that you had our backs, and would help us through those days -- the darkest in our lives. We need you to have our backs now.

Nicholas Miraglia was a high school freshman and present when T.J. Lane opened fire in the Chardon High School cafeteria, killing three students he knew. He is now a sophomore at Miami University and will transfer to Ohio State University next semester.

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solarjobs.jpg

John Witte, president of Advanced Distributed Generation of Toledo, adds a solar panel to the more than 11,000 panels his crews already had installed for the Ohio Air National Guard 180th Fighter Wing next door to the Toledo Express Airport in this 2009 file photo. A 2014 freeze on Ohio energy mandates depressed alternative-energy investments in the state. Now that the freeze is supposed to end, Ohio lawmakers are trying to make it voluntary, further jeopardizing jobs and investments, the editorial board warns.

(Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer, File, 2009)

On Wednesday, Ohio GOP lawmakers shamefully turned their backs on the plain fact that alternative energy investments equal jobs.

A House committee led by a lame-duck legislator from the Cleveland area rejected the testimony of numerous witnesses and advanced -- on a mostly party-line vote -- a bill that would effectively extend the state's freeze on green-energy mandates to 2020 by making them voluntary.

To his discredit, Gov. John Kasich didn't immediately condemn that move. If House Bill 554 arrives on his desk, he should veto it.

How much in denial of economic realities are our elected representatives in Columbus?

At least $100 million worth.

That's how much First Solar spends annually on its production lines and research and development labs in the Toledo area, testified Colin Meehan, First Solar's director of regulatory affairs. The company employs 1,200.

Yet The Plain Dealer's John Funk reported that lawmakers seemed openly skeptical not just of Meehan's words but also of the worth of solar technology - as if the evidence of his company pumping millions into Ohio's economy had no value.

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Meehan's response? If Ohio legislators continue to show that kind of hostility by passing HB 554, the company would, as Funk paraphrased, "take a hard look at staying in Ohio."

This is no idle threat. Uncertainty because of Ohio's yo-yoing energy policies already is driving alternative-energy investment, jobs and products out of state.

Kasich must condemn House Bill 554 and the ideologically driven nonsense that underlies it. Ohio's future must not be held hostage to such backward-looking attitudes.

The state's existing freeze on renewable-energy and efficiency mandates is scheduled to end Dec. 31 - and without legislative action, it will. That's what should happen.

Procedurally, it's abominable for legislators to consider HB 554 during a post-election lame-duck session, when voters are politically fatigued and distracted by holidays. Legislators won't face voters again till 2018. And besides House Public Utilities Committee Chairman Mike Dovilla, a Berea Republican, two other committee members who voted Wednesday to advance HB 554 to the House floor will leave the House Dec. 31.

Two months ago, speaking at a Texas forum, Kasich warned that if the legislature "tries to kill the [energy] standards, whether it has to do with the renewables or whether it has to do with the issue of saving energy, I'll veto the bill and we'll go to the higher standards."

Governor, no matter how backers try to disguise it, HB 554 would kill Ohio's already-too-limited progress in alternative energy innovation and production, and drive energy entrepreneurs out of the state. If you can't stop HB 554, prepare to veto it. Ohio's future depends on it.

Editor's note: This editorial was updated on Dec. 2 to clarify that First Solar's annual investment of $100 million in the Toledo area included investments in its production lines as well as its research labs.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Four-star linebacker Antjuan Simmons of Ann Arbor (Mich.) Pioneer took an official visit to Ohio State this past weekend as a Buckeyes commit. Now he's no longer pledged.

Simmons announced Wednesday evening that he has decided to break ties with Ohio State and reopen his recruitment.

After talking to my mom and people I'm close to I have decided to re-open my recruiting process. No interviews please. Thank you.   (@_antjuan_) December 1, 2016

Simmons' decommitment occurred on the same night Urban Meyer and three Buckeyes assistants had an in-home visit with five-star linebacker Baron Browning of Kennedale, Texas.

Ohio State is also involved with four-star linebacker Pete Werner of Indianapolis (Ind.) Cathedral -- who just decommitted from Notre Dame on Tuesday -- and four-star linebacker Anthony Hines of Plano (Texas) East.

Meyer's 2017 recruiting class has limited room and the Buckeyes have been seemingly trending upward with Browning and Werner.

Simmons was a big recruiting get for Ohio State because his high school is only 589 steps from Michigan Stadium. He had been committed to the Buckeyes since March.
BAYarts ornaments.JPG

These holiday ornaments, for sale at BAYarts in Bay Village, were made by area artists.

(Bruce Geiselman, special to cleveland.com)

One World Shop, Rocky River, is a not-for-profit fair trade gift store offering artists and farmers living in poor areas of the United States and the world a fair market for their products.

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio - As the holiday shopping season arrives, a group of local stores is encouraging shoppers to buy from locally owned stores that support others or worthy causes.

Christine Watts, on the board of directors of One World Shop, in Rocky River, is trying to encourage shoppers to patronize seven local businesses that support a variety of causes ranging from fair trade to training low-income individuals.

"Why not make your gift something that would aid either people or the planet?" Watts said. "The goal is to try to get people to think about what they really care about and what they want their gifts to show they value - to get people to start thinking, rather than immediately getting their grandchildren's list of the latest toys, not to say you can't do that, too. I don't want to be the Grinch."

Watts was one of the founders of the One World Shop, which empowers artists around the world who often are surrounded by poverty and have no local market. The shop helps ensure them a fair price for their artwork and crafts, she said. The shop first opened in 1979.

Watts believes there is a market, especially among millennials, for gifts that express the gift giver's values. However, she says, "it's not easy to get people off the shopping mall thing."

Below is a list of west-side businesses that are offering holiday shopping while benefiting social causes.

One World Shop, 19321 Detroit Road, Rocky River. The shop is a not-for-profit fair trade gift store offering artisans and farmers living in poor areas worldwide a fair market for their products. Gifts include purses and jewelry crafted by women rescued from sex trafficking, jewelry made from recycled magazines and pop cans, and wall hangings carved by Haitian artisans from oil drums.

Rocky River Senior Center Gift Shop, 21014 Detroit Road, Rocky River. Located in the city's Senior Center, the gift shop is open to all ages interested in buying gift items ranging from women's purses and jewelry to children's gifts to holiday-themed items. The profits benefit seniors in the community.

BAYarts, 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village. The BAYarts Holiday Shop sells handmade Cleveland items by local artisans. Money spent at the shop goes back to the local community, including local artists and to support BAYarts' art education and cultural programs. Christmas ornaments, candles, knit items, and artwork are among the items for sale. The Deck the Walls Gallery features affordable art on display that can be purchased right off the walls.

Portables Gift Shop, Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, Westlake. The gift shop, inside the library, is owned and operated by Friends of Porter Public Library. Gift shop workers are volunteers and all money goes back to the library to support programs that are not within the library's budget. Gift items include jewelry, candles and greeting cards.

Esperanza Threads, 1370 W. 69th St., Cleveland. Esperanza trains low-income individuals in industrial sewing and helps place them in sewing jobs with manufacturers in the area. At the same time, Esperanza Threads trainees make and sell organic cotton clothing for children and adults. Recently added were vinyl handbags after Esperanza received a request for workers skilled in that area.

Common Threads, 22049 Lorain Road, Fairview Park. This new thrift store is the first social enterprise of Building Hope in the City, a nonprofit organization. The store sells donated brand name clothing and home items. Profits stay local, providing training and jobs and support the ministries of Building Hope in the City.

Wild Birds Unlimited, Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village. The store is privately owned but a portion of every sale goes to the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center. The store also provides the center's rehabilitation department with unlimited amounts of bird food. In addition to many bird-related gifts items, the shop offers unusual gifts for nature lovers.
Whitehall.jpg

What was the main entrance of the school is now Whitehall's favorite photo op for wedding couples.

(Whitehall Columbia)

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - Many of you may not even know that our adjoining neighbor to the west of Strongsville has a fairly new event venue called Whitehall Columbia. This exciting new venue is housed in a not-so-new building. Whitehall originally was Central School that eventually served all grades by 1938, including majority owner, Harold Maddock's father who graduated from the school.

Now going into its second full year, Whitehall is a multi-purpose venue that combines elegance and modern conveniences with the historic charm of the school building. As Maddock states, "Whitehall's focus is on customer service and satisfaction that brings "old school" back." Maddock is passionate about customer service by being the personal concierge for every event and attending to every last detail.

I was able to see Maddock in action during a wedding that I officiated in November. Being a non-denominational minister and having officiated at literally hundreds of weddings, I can tell you that not many venues offer the personal touches that Maddock and his team offers. He was at the rehearsal and the wedding making sure that everything was being take care of to make the wedding ceremony and reception run smoothly and stress free for the wedding couple.

With 12-foot ceilings and commanding chandeliers, the 1921 Chapel provides an elegant setting for weddings.

The original architectural designs, fixtures and nuances are enhanced by modern, exquisite furniture and decor. The Bride's room that they call the Stateroom is the most beautiful I have ever seen. It is even equipped with a coffee table that has a glass cabinet on top with a variety of stunning jewelry that the bride or mothers can borrow for the day.

Whitehall's 2000 square foot 1921 Chapel offers a rustic charm that can only be produced in a 1920s era building. With 12-foot ceilings and commanding chandeliers, the Chapel gives off a stunning intimate feel. Located on the same property as Whitehall Columbia, the 1921 Chapel offers you the convenience of having your ceremony and reception in two unique, elegant, historic buildings.

And if you want a ceremony outside, the grounds of Whitehall offer a large lawn, surrounded by a cedar fence for privacy. A stunning view of the Metroparks , Hitchcock Lake plus a magnificent 100-year old oak tree makes this space truly special. Being in northeast Ohio, we are never sure what the weather will be so it is essential to have a "plan B." The chapel is available at no charge should the weather not cooperate.

Whitehall offers several robust service packages. Details, including pricing, can be found on their web site at whitehallcolumbia.com.

Whitehall is not just for weddings. They offer several different size rooms for corporate meetings, fundraisers and even theater productions. The 3,000 square foot ballroom accommodates 200 people in table rounds or 400 people theater style, plus box and stage seating for performing arts events.

Unique architecture is only of the many draws for Whitehall as a premier event center.

Tastefully decorated, Whitehall maintained some original features from the 1938 school, including the solid maple floor and original doors. - even the school bell! The 20-foot ceiling height, in what used to be the school's gymnasium, provides a grand open feel, and with the floor to ceiling curtains, pillars, and the addition of classic sconces, the resulting look is one of old fashioned grandeur. For a truly unique and lovely venue, contact concierge, Harold Maddock, for a personal consultation at 440-822-8984. Whitehall Columbia is located at 14161 West River Road, Columbia Station.

El Salvador educators visit: Eight guests from El Salvador will be visiting Strongsville City Schools from Dec. 2-10 as part of a "Connecting Communities, Connecting Cultures" program developed by Strongsville High School Spanish teacher, Tonya Barba-Minor, and an English teacher in El Salvador, Elizabeth Orellana Sanchez. The visiting group from El Salvador includes six teachers, one principal, and the Executive Director of Epilogos Charities, Inc.

Ms. Orella Sanchez is interested in learning different teaching methods and experiencing other learning environments, in order to bring those ideas and techniques back to her classroom in El Salvador. Ms. Barba-Minor wants to give her students and colleagues a "real-life" experience of what they have been studying in the classroom. Through the assistance of the El Salvador Committee at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Strongsville, this exchange trip has become a reality. The Church has helped organize sponsors, host families, and donations for some of the travel costs.



A full itinerary is scheduled for both in-classroom and out-of-classroom experiences, including guests visiting Strongsville High School, Strongsville Middle School, and Sts. Joseph & John Catholic School classes. SHS History, Spanish, and English classes will learn more about El Salvador, plus students will be taught in co-teaching sessions with SHS teachers and their El Salvadoran counterparts.

Let the Strongsville community know what is going on with your organization, church, school, business or family. Email me at shirleymac48@att.net.
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University Heights police revived a man after he overdosed. The man was in his car and had just struck a post.

(file photo)

Overdose, Warrensville Center Road: At 9:55 a.m. Nov. 22, a caller reported that a driver struck a post at the parking garage at 2203 Warrensville Center Road and remained, motionless, in the car. Police investigated and found that the male driver was passed out at the wheel. The man was unresponsive and still had his foot on the gas pedal.

Officers had to break a car window to gain entry. The man had no identification on his person. Police administered Narcan to counteract an apparent heroin overdose, and the man awoke. The man's car was towed from the scene. The matter is being investigated.

Warrant arrest, Wilmington Road: At 11:30 a.m. Nov. 21, police stopped a car driven by Euclid woman, 21, due to a traffic offense. It was found that the woman was wanted on a warrant issued by Euclid police. The woman was arrested and her car towed.

Theft, Warrensville Center Road: At 4:20 p.m. Nov. 21, security at Macy's, 2201 Warrenville Center Road, detained for theft an East Cleveland woman, 21, and a Cleveland girl, 16. Both were arrested and charged with theft.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 5:50 p.m. Nov. 21, store security at Target, 14070 Cedar Road, detained a Cleveland woman, 34, for shoplifting. The woman was arrested and charged with theft.

Theft, Cedar Road: Just before 10 p.m. Nov. 21, security at Target notified police that a man had entered the store empty handed and left with three full bags of merchandise for which he didn't pay. The man was not apprehended. Police are investigating.

Robbery, Elmdale Road:

Police are investigating a matter in which a resident reported being the victim of a strong-arm carjacking. The incident was reported at 6:50 p.m. Nov. 22.

Warrant arrest, Elmdale Road: At 7:35 p.m. Nov. 22, police found a man sleeping in his parked car. The Cleveland man, 33, was arrested after it was found that he was wanted on a warrant issued by Cleveland police.

Breaking and entering, Fairmount Boulevard: At 12:45 a.m. Nov. 23, a staff member at Bellefaire JCB, 22001 Fairmount Blvd., reported that an unauthorized person was in a locked building on the campus.

University Heights police, assisted by officers from South Euclid and Shaker Heights, and a K-9 responded. Police apprehended a Cleveland man, 25, hiding under a table. He was arrested and charged with breaking and entering.

Burglary, Cedar Road: At 11:05 a.m. Nov. 23, a resident reported that someone broke into her apartment during the previous night.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 7:55 p.m. Nov. 23, an employee of Whole Foods, 13998 Cedar Road, reported that his cell phone was stolen from a counter as he worked.

Domestic violence, Cedar Road: At 6:15 p.m. Nov. 24, an officer working off-duty security at Target, was told by a customer that there was an ongoing disturbance between a man and woman in the parking lot. Police arrested a Brook Park man, 22, and charged him with domestic violence.

DUS, Hillbrook Road: At 12:10 a.m. Nov. 25, police were informed about a man asleep at the wheel of his parked car. Police learned that the Cleveland man, 47, had a suspended license. He was charged with driving with a suspended license.

Theft, Warrensville Center Road: Just before 2 a.m. Nov. 25, security at Macy's notified police that they had detained two Euclid women, both 43, for shoplifting $986 worth of merchandise. The women were arrested and charged with theft.

It was also found that one of the women was wanted on a Lyndhurst police warrant. She was turned over to Lyndhurst police.

Theft, Warrensville Center Road: At 1:45 p.m. Nov. 25, security at Macy's notified police that they had detained a South Euclid man, 60, for stealing merchandise worth $1,175.

If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page.
Dec 1 next week temps.gif

Model forecast of low temperatures next week.

(Kelly Reardon, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Get ready, Northeast Ohio, because next week you're definitely going to feel a significant change in the air. Last month was one of the hottest Novembers on record in Cleveland. But starting next week, winter is going to hit like Napoli.

A frigid air mass growing in Alaska is expected to dip into the lower 48 states starting early next week, bringing seasonally cold temperatures all the way here in Northeast Ohio.

This week, high temperatures on average have been over 7 degrees warmer than normal, and low temperatures have been nearly 8 degrees warmer.

This week's high and low temperatures compared to normal.

While this polar air mass is not going to bring us below the usual temperatures for this time of year, because of recent record temperatures downplaying the effect, it is going to bring us much closer to seasonal normal.

Next week, high temperatures will reduce to an average of just 0.9 degrees warmer than normal, and low temperatures will reduce to an average of 5.4 degrees warmer than normal.

Next week's high and low temperatures will be much closer to average.

The cold air mass' greatest effect is bringing us significantly closer to average temperatures here in Northeast Ohio.

How is a polar air mass from Alaska reaching all the way to Ohio?

A very strong high-pressure system centered over Alaska is behind the drastic reduction in temperatures forecasted for next week. Winds blow clockwise around high pressure, and counter-clockwise around low pressure.

Therefore, a strong high-pressure system to the west will blow in frigid air from the north all the way down in Ohio. The higher the pressure, the stronger the winds, and the greater distance the effect is felt.

Mean sea-level pressure map. The source of the cold temperatures in Northeast Ohio is from a high pressure system (pink area) centered over Alaska. Winds blow clockwise around the center, bringing cold, polar air from the north down to Ohio.

Are you ready for colder temperatures?

Keep checking cleveland.com/weather for twice daily weather updates for Northeast Ohio, and don't forget to submit any weather questions you may have!

Kelly Reardon is cleveland.com's meteorologist. Please follow me on

and Twitter

.
Deji writes, "Gambia is a small country but this story is pretty crazy. The president, who is seeking his 6th term, is using Trump rhetoric surrounding the 'rigging of elections.' People are voting by using marbles. Meanwhile, opposition activists and journalists have been arrested  and the government STILL shut off the internet. It seems the president has lost his marbles."

Rights groups have already documented a worrying deterioration in the climate for human rights in the small West African country. Earlier this week #KeepitOn member Human Rights Foundation excoriated President Yahya Jammeh for the arrest of 19 activists, who has since called for a ban on protests  which would violate the right to freedom of assembly.

The #KeepitOn campaign includes more than 100 organizations from nearly 50 countries, including leading civil society organizations from countries that are directly impacted by shutdowns. In July 2016, the U.N. Human Rights Council unequivocally condemned internet disruptions, and through the Global Network Initiative, technology companies spoke out against them. The world's largest technology association, the GSM Association, issued strong guidelines on what it calls Service Restriction Orders.
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon, was medically evacuated out of Antarctica where the 86-year-old hero was on a tourist expedition.





The tour company, White Desert, issued a statement:

Mr Aldrin was visiting the Pole as part of a tourist group and while there his condition deteriorated. As a precaution, following discussion between the White Desert doctor and the US Antarctic Program (USAP) doctor, Mr Aldrin, accompanied by a member of his team, was evacuated on the first available flight out of the South Pole to McMurdo with the USAP under the care of a USAP doctor. His condition was described as stable upon White Desert doctor's hand-over to the USAP medical team.



And from a National Science Foundation statement:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has agreed to provide a humanitarian medical evacuation flight for an ailing visitor from its Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to McMurdo Station on the Antarctic coast and then to New Zealand





Ski-equipped LC-130 cargo planes flown by the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard provide the air bridge between the South Pole and McMurdo. The flight to New Zealand will be scheduled as soon as possible.





NSF will make additional statements about the patient's medical condition only as conditions warrant.
Just doing the math, it made sense to Cramer. Selling 10 million barrels a day at $50 apiece is more than selling 11 million barrels at $45. It's also better than selling 11 million at the $40 price where oil might have otherwise headed.

"Going into the meeting, the Saudis upped their production to about 11 million barrels a day, from 10 million, so they are simply going back to where they were last year," the " Mad Money " host said.

The stock market gobbled up that short squeeze on Wednesday, as crude surged 9.3 percent on the news that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries finally reached an agreement to limit oil production for the first time in eight years.

OPEC may have just "engineered the short squeeze of a lifetime," Jim Cramer said Wednesday.

Smart money got played and they got it wrong. The true believers? They got it right.

Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia's energy and industry minister, speaks to a member of his delegation ahead of the 171st Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting in Vienna, Austria, on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016.

The OPEC agreement stipulated a cut in production by 1.2 million barrels a day, from the current 33.6 million barrels produced. Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest chunk of that, by agreeing to cut 486,000 barrels per day. OPEC is also seeking a cut of 600,000 barrels per day from non-OPEC producers, and Russia also agreed to temporarily reduce production by approximately 300,000 barrels per day.

Meanwhile, it was just last week that many on Wall Street thought there would be no OPEC deal. Rumors were that no countries would agree to cutbacks, and the only hope was for a freeze at high levels.

This caused the price of oil to dive to the low $40s. Thus, many commodity traders made a bet that there would be no deal, and the price of oil would fall further.

So when OPEC agreed to production cuts, the commodity traders scrambled to cover those short positions.

"It's pretty much a no-brainer because if the other OPEC countries can't physically pump more than they already are, then the algebra works and oil stays higher for now," Cramer said.

Cramer also explained the massive moves seen in domestic oil companies with exposure to the Permian Basin and the area in Oklahoma known as SCOOP. Those companies have found innovative ways to make money at half the current price of crude, Cramer said.

Hence, EOG , Pioneer and Cimarex have all made big investments and acquisitions in the best part of Texas when oil was down, and now they are prepared to step in and make money when oil falls below $50.

"Smart money got played and they got it wrong. The true believers? They got it right," Cramer said.
Cuban citizen Armando (L) and U.S tourist Lisa Fragoso wave U.S flag while passing the U.S. Interests Section, in Havana July 20, 2015.

A new batch of companies may soon be able to operate in Cuba if the Obama administration can persuade Havana to finalize agreements, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.

If the White House succeeds, Google , General Electric , Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings , Royal Caribbean and Pearl Seas Cruises could all announce the deals in the upcoming weeks, the newspaper said.

The Journal said the deals aim to more firmly secure President Barack Obama's endeavors to thaw U.S.-Cuba relations. Obama was the first American president to visit the isolated island nation in nearly 90 years and has pushed for normalizing relations with Cuba.

The president forged the effort by exercising his executive power, something President-elect Donald Trump could undo once he takes office. On Monday, Trump threatened to "terminate" the Cuba agreement if the country is "unwilling to make a better deal for the Cuban people."

Longtime Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who preserved communism on the island for decades, died last week. His brother Raul became president in 2008.



Read the full report in The Wall Street Journal.
The New York Times indulged a bit of wishful thinking last week when it reported on Trump's surprise that his likely secretary of defense Marine Corps General James Mattis thought torture didn't work, suggesting that this meant that Trump would abandon his campaign promise to torture the shit out of anyone he didn't like, because if it's good enough for ISIS, it's good enough for Trump.



But the NYT failed to give adequate emphasis to how Trump followed those remarks, saying: "I'm not saying it changed my mind about torture," then explaining that if his base liked the idea of torture, he would torture, regardless of the efficacy of this.

In case there's any doubt, consider that Trump's new CIA chief is Kansas GOP Congressman Mike Pompeo, who says that it wasn't torture when the Guantanamo soldiers shoved food up their prisoners asses, says that being called Islamophobic is a badge of honor, and loves torture.

So yeah, the new president is going to torture people, and that will give the green light for torture of captured American and allied fighters, and it will not produce actionable intelligence, and it will be a stain on America's soul for centuries to come.

The initial misreporting may have stemmed from wishful thinking by The New York Times reporters  and American liberals in general  who hope that the most outrageous pieces of Trump demagoguery during the election were off-the-cuff campaign rhetoric which he is now abandoning. A pledge to prosecute Hillary Clinton is apparently being discarded, as is a plan for the immediate construction of a wall to seal off the Mexican border. The abandonment of agreements on climate change and on Iran's nuclear programme are becoming less categorical and more nuanced. But this is not so much a sign of a more moderate Trump emerging as it is fresh evidence of his shallowness and flippancy. He tells people whom he wants to influence exactly what they want to hear. Nothing is off limits. He not only flatters his audience, but does so in a way that is thrilling and attention-grabbing and sure to dominate the news agenda.

Despite the New York Times liberal wishful thinking, Donald Trump is still in favour of waterboarding

[Patrick Cockburn/Independent]





(Image: Roger Wilkinson)

(via Naked Capitalism)
Donald Trump holds up his book 'The Art of the Deal', given to him by a fan, as he speaks during a campaign stop Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, in Birmingham, Ala.

A passage from Donald Trump's 1987 business book gives some insight about how he will approach policy negotiations as president.

The president-elect declared far-reaching, often divisive or even constitutionally questionable goals on the campaign trail. Trump has set his sights on one of his biggest goals  getting American companies to keep jobs in the United States  even before his inauguration, and is basking in United Technologies' decision to keep some of the jobs it planned to move to Mexico in Indiana.

An excerpt from his book "The Art of the Deal" shows how he might have approached the United Technologies talks and could face others moving forward.

My style of deal-making is quite simple and straightforward. I aim very high, and then I just keep pushing and pushing and pushing to get what I'm after. Sometimes I settle for less than I sought, but in most cases I still end up with what I want.

Trump often boasts about his negotiating ability and claimed on the campaign trail that his business past gave him the skills needed to strike better deals for the U.S. He may face a tough task if he tries to go after some of his more divisive campaign targets, like building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and prosecuting Hillary Clinton for her handling of classified information while secretary of state.

Though Trump sets far-reaching goals, he may not always get the deal he wants. For example, while United Technologies unit Carrier will keep roughly 1,000 jobs in Indiana, the state had to agree to give the company $7 million in financial incentives. Carrier still plans to move other jobs to Mexico as well.

In another instance, Trump repeatedly said he would not settle fraud lawsuits against his now-defunct Trump University seminars, claiming he would win the case in court. However, just after his election, Trump agreed to end the case for $25 million, claiming he settled it "for a small fraction of the potential award because as president, I have to focus on our country."

Trump's negotiating style as president is also clouded by the fact that it's often unclear exactly what he wants. Trump contradicted himself on key policy positions often during his campaign, sometimes doing so several times in a day.

Just since his election, Trump has said he would consider keeping two key provisions of the Affordable Care Act, after campaigning on the promise that he would "repeal and replace" the law. He also appeared hesitant to prosecute Clinton, after saying that he planned to at campaign rallies and a presidential debate.
SpaceXs plan to take people to Mars in a giant rocket could cost just $200,000 for a round trip, a board member for Elon Musks space exploration company told CNBC on Thursday.

In September, Musk revealed plans for an "interplanetary transport system"  a giant rocket able to fit 100 people and enough cargo to build self-sustaining colonies on the Red Planet. The aim is to get humans to Mars around the year 2025.

As more and more people travel, the cost of flying to Mars will be dramatically cheaper, according to Steve Jurvetson, a board member of SpaceX.

At the limit when theres millions of people going to Mars so you are amortizing the asset over many trips and all the business terms of depreciation and fuel costs, it actually pencils out to about $200,000 round trip. So this  is roughly the cost of an average home in America, Jurvetson told CNBC in a TV interview at the Slush technology conference in Helsinki.




Asia is ground zero for malware infections dubbed "Gooligan" and aimed at Android operating systems, with the majority of the million Google accounts breached since August located there, researchers said.

The malware burrows in to mobile devices running on Android and steals information from Gmail, Google Photos, Google Docs, Google Play, Google Drive and G Suite, researchers from Check Point Software Technologies said.

Attackers can also generate revenue by installing apps from Google Play on infected phones.

The malware infects a device after a user downloads and installs a "Gooligan"-infected app on third-party app stores, or when users accidentally click on malicious links in phishing attacks. After the infected app is installed, it sends data about the device to the malware's main server and downloads a rootkit, which enables the attacker to gain control of the mobile device.

"This theft of over a million Google account details is very alarming and represents the next stage of cyber-attacks," Michael Shaulov, Check Point's head of mobile products. said.

"We are seeing a shift in the strategy of hackers, who are now targeting mobile devices in order to obtain the sensitive information that is stored on them."
"We are aware of some people's concerns about traces of tallow in our new 5 note. We respect those concerns and are treating them with the utmost seriousness," the Bank of England said in a statement.

The Bank of England has announced that it is looking at "potential solutions" into making its new polymer banknotes more vegan-friendly, after it discovered that the new 5 note contained traces of animal fat.

The U.K. central bank went on to add that at the time the contract  to print the new notes  was signed with supplier Innovia, the Bank wasn't aware that the banknote contained tallow.

According to the Bank, the amount of tallow used in the banknotes is "extremely small" and that the substance is used in an early stage of the production process of the polymer pellets.

"Innovia is now working intensively with its supply chain and will keep the Bank informed on progress towards potential solutions."

The central bank's announcement comes just days after members of the U.K. public expressed their upset over revelations that the new polymer note contained traces of tallow, a substance which comes from animal fats.

The news caused upset among religious groups, British vegans and vegetarians, with more than 117,000 people having now signed a Change.org petition asking the bank to remove the ingredient.

Prior to the bank's latest announcement, Lynne Elliot, CEO of The Vegetarian Society, told CNBC over the phone that the central bank had been listening to the public's concerns and understood that it was a major issue for a number of people.
However, most banking experts believe total repeal is virtually impossible given the sheer size of the reforms and the logistical difficulties of undoing measures that already have been implemented. Instead, they see significant parts of Dodd-Frank chipped away, in an effort to spur growth while avoiding the pitfalls that led to the crisis.

President-elect Donald Trump pledged during the campaign to repeal the omnibus banking reform act passed in 2010 in the wake of the financial crisis.

Dodd-Frank as a whole isn't going anywhere, but significant portions of the set of banking regulations likely will be changed in the Trump administration, according to a community banking advocate.

Rep. Barney Frank (R) (D-MA) and Sen. Chris Dodd (L) (D-CT) talk with each other after U.S. President Barack Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act at the Ronald Reagan Building July 21, 2010 in Washington, DC.

"I think you're going to see bank regulatory relief on steroids, particularly community bank and regional bank regulatory relief," Camden Fine, president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America, told CNBC.com.

Indeed, legislators this week are considering a measure that would relieve smaller banks from some regulations, by redefining which banks are considered systemically important. The current threshold for banks considered too big to fail is those with assets of $50 billion or more; under the new measure, that figure would be moved higher to exclude the regional banks that got caught in the regulatory snare.

Other portions likely to be targeted involve the controversial Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which will be less autonomous.

However, big banks probably will continue to face curbs against excessive risk-taking.

"I think that there are some sections dealing with capital, particularly at the mega-banks, that probably should not be tinkered with or least early on should not be tinkered with," Fine said. "I do think that some of the regulations that deal with the types of mortgage loans that were floating out there ... are probably well-placed regulations, because obviously it was those types of loans that got the economy in trouble and got the banking industry in trouble."
The House action Nov. 17, which largely fell along party lines, adds to the Iran deal's overall uncertainty given Trump as a candidate has called the larger nuclear pact "the worst deal ever negotiated." The proposed measure was received in the Senate this week and read twice before being referred to a committee.

"These are some of the highest valued jobs in America," Howard Rubel, an aviation analyst at Jefferies, said in an interview Wednesday. "People are voting this on an emotional basis as opposed to being logical."

The Boeing deal could be worth as much as $18 billion and result in the creation of tens of thousands of jobs at Boeing and its suppliers. It comes as Trump announces an agreement to keep more than 1,000 jobs at United Technologies' Carrier furnace factory in Indiana from going to Mexico.

The Republican-controlled House voted 243-174 last month to effectively block the Treasury secretary from authorizing the sale of about 80 Boeing commercial jetliners to Iran Air, the state-owned airline. The plane sale is part of President Barack Obama's larger nuclear agreement with Iran.

As President-elect Donald Trump touts a deal to save Carrier factory work Thursday, a bill passed by the GOP-led House could undermine his campaign promise to create new American jobs.

An Iran Air Boeing 747 passenger plane sits on the tarmac of the domestic Mehrabad airport in the Iranian capital Tehran on January 15, 2013.

Specifically, H.R. 5711 would block U.S. financial institutions including the Export-Import Bank from participating in the financing of the Boeing planes. It was sponsored by Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan, who in introducing the measure said the U.S. State Department previously concluded Iran "is the world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism" and that the Treasury found it to be "a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern."

Back in September, the Treasury Department had approved a license for Boeing and its rival Airbus to sell passenger jets to Iran Air. The financing is seen as a critical element to complete the Boeing sale, and if the House prevails in blocking it, Airbus could benefit since it already has an agreement with a foreign leasing firm to finance aircraft to Iran.



There is a way around the U.S. bank hurdle for Boeing's Iran deal, but it would require the airline manufacturer to go overseas for financing as was done by Airbus.



Analyst Rubel estimates the Boeing deal could create between 10,000 and 15,000 jobs for at least one year at Boeing and additional jobs in the supply chain from suppliers of the engines, landing gear and other parts. Also, some of Iran planes could extend production lines that are threatened with downsizing.



"From an economic standpoint, we're actually hurting ourselves," said Rubel. "If we're trying to put America first, the House vote puts America last."



Still, some House members insist the Boeing commercial aircraft deal to Iran Air is wrong because the national carrier might use the new civilian planes to support terrorism or transport Iranian Revolutionary Guard troops. Moreover, critics of the plane deal say Iran remains a threat to Israel and that the House's action is needed to cut off Iran's means of delivering weapons to terror groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as to the Syrian regime itself.



"The scandal is that there are American companies, there are international companies  Boeing, Airbus  that are now making their own names inextricably linked with terror forever more," Republican Rep. Peter Roskam of Illinois said on the House floor a day before the vote.



Another critic of the Boeing plane sale maintained that the American taxpayer could be on the hook for the deal so the House bill was necessary.



"Incredibly, under current U.S. law, if we issued a license for Iran Air to purchase aircraft from an American manufacturer and then Iran walked away from its commitment, U.S. taxpayers would have to foot the bill for Iran," said Republican Rep. Paul Chabot of California prior to the H.R. 5711 vote. "In this case, that could end up to $70 billion on the U.S. taxpayer. Given Iran Air's multiple unpaid commitments over the years, that outrageous outcome is entirely possible."



For its part, a Boeing spokesperson said it is following the U.S. government's guidance in dealing with Iran airlines and will continue to do so. "It's premature to speculate on the outcome of possible legislation or policy changes," the Chicago-based manufacturing giant said.



Boeing wants to sell three models of its planes to Iran, including the short- to medium-range narrow-body 737s, the long-range wide-body 777s and a few of its 747s jumbo jets. Most of the Boeing commercial production work takes place in Washington state, which Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton carried in the recent presidential election.



"I don't know how people sleep at night knowing this would place American manufacturing at a disadvantage, thereby allowing foreign competitors to take away these jobs, but also because we are telling Iran that the nuclear deal is off," Democratic Rep. Denny Heck said in a release after the House vote. Heck represents the Puget Sound region of Washington where many of the Boeing aerospace jobs are located.



Iran's aging commercial airplane fleet is among the oldest in the world due to sanctions that have been in place for decades. The average age of Iran Air's planes now exceeds 20 years and the Tehran government wants the Boeing jetliners due to safety concerns as well as to modernize the national carrier.



"The Republicans not only seek to scuttle that deal with all of the implications, but they do it by stopping an American company from selling a flagship American product around the world," Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut said in comments on the House floor prior to the vote.



Added Himes, "If you use the Department of Commerce's multiplier, the bill they are pushing  would result in 100,000 American jobs not created so that they can continue with this fetish of eliminating a deal, which has made us safer."
Who needs chocolate, when you can have cheese?

After her savory spin on the traditional Advent calendar whet revelers' palettes last year, one London-based blogger will soon make her savory creation available to the public.

Annem Hobson, author of the blog "So Wrong It's Nom," is in talks with several manufacturers to bring her prototype to life. Available for celebrants' December 2017 countdown to Christmas, the original version features appearances by gouda, goat and German smoked cheeses.

So far, 7,010 people have signed up saying they want to buy one. Demand has been so high that it's caused Hobson's website to crash.

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So how exactly do the logistics work?

Hobson has done "extensive research" into how the cheese will need to be packaged, as the types used need to be "'boxable' in miniature form." They also need to "stay fresh for as long as possible," she told CNBC in an email.

"The cheese will have to be vacuum sealed, so I'm eyeing up manufacturers who supply cheese to airlines, as one example," she said. "Whilst the advent calendar MAY have to be refrigerated, we will work out a design for the box so that it can be hung up on the inside of the door making it easier to instantly get to."

Hobson noted there are many waxed cheeses with a long shelf life that do not require refrigeration, and simply need to be stored in a cool place.



The calendar's price will not be set until Hobson finalizes her discussions with manufacturers and retailers. However, she hopes to "make it the best possible price for cheese fans without skimping on quality," she said.
Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

Dollar General  The discount retailer reported adjusted quarterly profit of 89 cents per share, four cents below estimates, with revenue slightly below forecasts. Comparable store sales fell 0.1 percent, surprising analysts who had predicted a 0.5 percent increase. Dollar General said its results were hurt by slower customer traffic and a challenging retail environment.

Lands' End  The apparel retailer reported a larger than expected quarterly loss, although revenue exceeded forecasts. Same-store sales fell 14.3 percent, a result the company calls "disappointing" although it also said its inventories are now under control and that costs are being aggressively managed.

McDonald's  The Financial Times reports that a joint bid by China state-owned investment firm Citic and U.S. private equity firm Carlyle is now in the lead to buy the restaurant chain's China operations. That's a sale that analysts say could be worth as much as $3 billion. Separately, the stock was downgraded to "neutral" from "buy" at Guggenheim. The firm said it sees limited upside at current valuations.

Clarcor  The maker of filtration products is being bought by for $4.3 billion in cash and assumed debt, or $83 per share. Clarcor had closed Wednesday at $70.45 per share.

Mobileye  The maker of autonomous car technology was rated "buy" at Needham, which said the company has a significant first mover advantage.

Walt Disney  The company raised its semi-annual dividend by 10 percent to 78 cents per share. That brings the total dividend for 2016 to $1.49 per share, up from $1.37 a year ago.

Pure Storage  Pure Storage lost 10 cents per share for its latest quarter, five cents less than analysts were expecting. The data storage company's revenue beat forecasts, benefiting from the addition of new customers.

Box  Box reported an adjusted quarterly loss of 14 cents per share, compared to consensus estimates of a 19 cent loss. The web storage company saw revenue beat Street forecasts, and it also raised its full-year outlook on stronger sales trends.

PVH  PVH beat estimates by 20 cents with quarterly profit of $2.60 per share. The apparel maker's revenue was essentially in line with forecasts, but it gave weaker than expected guidance for the current quarter. The company behind brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger said it was being cautious in light of macroeconomic and political uncertainty around the globe.

Guess  Guess missed estimates by three cents with quarterly earnings of 11 cents per share, and the apparel maker's revenue fell below analyst projections as well. The company also cut its earnings guidance for the year, with restructuring efforts not yet producing the desired results.

Raymond James Financial  Raymond James raised its quarterly dividend to 22 cents per share from the prior 20 cents.

Praxair  Praxair got a boost in its effort to buy German industrial gas maker Linde, with Linde chairman Wofgang Reitzle reportedly expressing support for the deal. German newspaper Handelsblatt said Reitzle likes the idea of a deal and also is concerned about Praxair moving toward a hostile bid if a deal isn't worked out.

Wynn Resorts , Las Vegas Sands  These and other casino operators with establishments in Macau may benefit after November figures showed a fourth straight month of growth, up 14.4 percent from a year earlier. The four-month rise comes after more than two years of declining gaming revenue.

Fitbit  Fitbit is near a deal to buy smartwatch maker Pebble for an undisclosed price, according to The Information.

Blackstone  Blackstone-owned Invitation Homes has filed confidentially for an initial public offering, according to the Wall Street Journal. Invitation Homes manages the largest pool of rental homes in the United States, and the Journal said the offering could come as soon as January.

Rockwell Collins  Rockwell Collins is being urged to reconsider its planned $6.4 billion purchase of B/E Aerospace, according to Reuters. That urging comes from activist investor Starboard Value, which has taken a stake in the aircraft component maker.


The Electronic Frontier Foundation has disclosed that it has won two key victories for clients who'd received the FBI's notorious, gag-ordered National Security Letters  a form of secret warrant that has become the go-to way for law enforcement to avoid scrutiny since the Patriot Act's passage.

One of EFF's clients was the Internet Archive from whom the FBI was seeking information that Archive didn't have (something that should have been obvious before the warrant was issued), and which was accompanied by misleading information about how and whether the Archive could challenge it.

The other client was CREDO, a community oriented mobile carrier, who fought its NSL for three years with EFF's help.

"The opaque NSL processincluding the lack of oversight by a courtmakes it very vulnerable to errors of law. Add to that the routine use of gags and enforced secrecy, and those errors become difficult to find and correct," said EFF Staff Attorney Andrew Crocker. "We are grateful to the Internet Archive for standing up to the FBI and shining some light on this error. We hope that others who receive the correction will also step forward to have their gags lifted and shine more light on these unconstitutional data collection tools." This is the second NSL that the Internet Archive has published after battling with the FBI. In 2007, the Archive received an NSL that exceeded the FBI's authority to issue demands to libraries. With help from EFF and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the FBI withdrew the letter and agreed to let the Archive go public in May of 2008.

Fighting NSL Gag Orders, With Help From Our Friends at CREDO and Internet Archive [Andrew Crocker and Karen Gullo/EFF]

Internet Archive Received National Security Letter with FBI Misinformation about Challenging Gag Order [EFF]





INTERNET ARCHIVE SUCCESSFULLY FENDS OFF SECRET FBI ORDER [Kim Zetter/The Intercept]
Billionaire Elon Musk and SpaceX may have just found a new partner in their his planned mission to Mars.

Naveen Jain, the founder of a space exploration company called Moon Express, told CNBC on Thursday that his start-up is willing to work with Musk.

Moon Express is the first private company given permission by the U.S. government to explore the moon for resources. It is planning a mission to take a robotic rover to the moon in 2017.

But Jain said that in Cape Canveral  Moon Express's base  the company has two "neighbors"  Jeff Bezos and his space company Blue Origin, and Musk and SpaceX.

When Jain was asked by CNBC if he would work with Musk, the entrepreneur said "absolutely".

"It's very complimentary as a matter of fact  Elon will build the rocket and we do the rover. Essentially, he lays the cables and we do the last mile," Jain told CNBC in an interview at the Slush technology conference in Helsinki, Finland.

Jain said he has spoken to Musk about working together without giving further details. Earlier this year, Musk laid out his vision to colonize Mars and take a manned mission to the Red Planet in the next ten years.
European markets closed lower on Thursday as investors eyed political developments in Italy and digested the oil-producing cartel OPEC's announcement to cut oil production.



European markets



The Stoxx 600 ended 0.33 percent lower. Almost all stocks were in negative territory however oil and gas stocks outperformed other sectors to close 1.85 percent higher. OPEC countries reached, for the first time in eight years, a deal to cut production on Wednesday. Brent crude was up 4.4 percent as the European session closed and was trading around $54.14 a barrel while WTI rose 4.07 percent to $51.49 a barrel. In the U.S., stocks were mixed though the Dow's chances of extending a 7-day winning streak looked increasingly likely after a record-breaking month in November.

Sterling climbs

Data from Nationwide showed that U.K. house prices went up in November. Compared to the same month last year, prices were up by 4.4 percent. Sterling climbed above $1.13 after David Davis, the U.K.'s Brexit secretary, said the government would assess whether to keep paying into the EU budget to keep its access to the single market.

Banco Popular shares up 13%

Investors continue to be concerned with political uncertainty in Italy ahead of a key referendum on Sunday and its implications for the banking system. The Italian central bank warned Wednesday that the country's top three banks would need to hold further capital against their assets from 2018.

Banco Popular , which is widely regarded as the weak link in Spain's banking sector, announced on Thursday that Chairman Angel Ron is to be replaced after shareholders rebelled against a lackluster clean up of 30 billion euros ($31.9 billion) in toxic assets, according to a Reuters report. Shares closed up 13.6 percent. The world's biggest shipping company, Maersk , announced it is set to buy smaller rival Hamburg Sud, just over two months after the Danish shipping firm announced plans to bolster its transport operations, Reuters reported. Shares soared over 6.7 percent at the close.
As a newborn, Aidan Lamothe wore his father's wedding ring on his wrist like a bracelet. Born 11 weeks early, Aidan weighed 3 pounds and measured 16 inches long. He spent nearly the first two months of his life in intensive care as he battled jaundice and struggled to develop basic abilities, like breathing, sucking and swallowing. "He was way too tiny and way too fragile," said Aidan's mom, Jill Teeters. "We had to leave our baby in the hospital for seven weeks, and it nearly broke our hearts." Jill would have given anything to avoid Aidan's early arrival, but there was nothing more she could have done. "It just happened," she said.

Jill Teeters with her husband, Dave, and son, Aidan Source: March of Dimes

Jill ate well and exercised regularly, attended every doctor's appointment and had no preexisting conditions. But one day in October 2007, she felt something was not right. She called her doctor just to be safe, and less than 48 hours later she was undergoing an emergency C-section. Today, Aidan is a feisty, bright third-grader who loves to sing and play piano and aspires to become an artist. He suffers no lasting effects from his premature birth. But the question of what caused his early arrival remains unanswered, even as he celebrates his ninth birthday.

Aidan Lamothe, wearing his fathers wedding ring on his wrist Source: Jill Teeters

Preterm birth is the leading cause of death for infants, killing 1 million babies around the world in 2015. In the United States, nearly 1 in 10 babies is born early. While there are some inspiring stories like Aidan's, there are countless cases where children never make it home. Statistics reveal a surprising truth. Based on the raw number of preterm births, the United States ranks sixth among countries with the most premature births, according to the World Health Organization. Some experts prefer to focus on preterm birth rate per 100 live births (or 1,000), eliminating the influence of the number of live births overall in any country. Across 184 countries, preterm birth rates range from 5 percent to 18 percent. As recently as 2010, the United States had a higher preterm birth rate than Ethiopia and Rwanda. While the United States has brought that rate down from about 12 percent to 9.6 percent in 2015, it still falls behind many other developed nations. Many studies point to racial and ethnic disparities as the cause of this difference between the United States and other developed nations. In 2015 the rate of preterm birth among African-American women in the United States (13 percent) was about 50 percent higher than the rate of preterm birth among white women (9 percent). The rate of preterm birth is also higher among Hispanic women than white women. This trend has persisted for years.

A problem no one understands

Despite the extensive advances made in the care of premature babies, scientists still don't know what prompts preterm birth. In fact, they don't know what specifically causes labor at any time. "It's embarrassing that we know so little about this," said Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson, senior vice president of research and global programs at the March of Dimes, a nonprofit that works to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. It's difficult to solve a problem that you don't understand. "We don't really understand why some women go into labor early and why other women don't," said Dr. Robert Goldenberg, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University who has been researching preterm birth for nearly four decades. "Until we really understand that better, I don't think we're going to make much progress in terms of reducing the preterm birth rate." Research in this area has traditionally been conducted by maternal-fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians and gynecologists, but a new line of thought is emerging through the March of Dimes: Since the factors contributing to preterm birth are so diverse, the doctors studying it should be as well. Researchers and nonprofits around the globe have dedicated themselves to uncovering the cause. The National Institutes of Health spent $223 million on research in 2015 and projects a similar level of spending in fiscal 2017 ($230 million). The March of Dimes and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have also made preterm birth a priority. "It's going to take physicists, geneticists, biomedical experts from Silicon Valley, different types of engineers, social scientists and more," said Simpson, who oversees March of Dimes research programs.



We don't really understand why some women go into labor early and why other women don't. Until we really understand that better, I don't think we're going to make much progress in terms of reducing the preterm birth rate. Dr. Robert Goldenberg professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Columbia University

The organization has recently launched five transdisciplinary prematurity research centers, bringing together nearly 100 researchers from various fields to find the unknown causes of premature birth. March of Dimes will award each center $2 million annually for at least five years. Goldenberg is not involved in any of the centers himself, but as a veteran researcher in the field, he is hopeful this approach will lead to long overdue progress. "Since researchers in the field, including myself, have not shown ways to really effectively reduce prematurity, I think it's very useful to bring investigators who have studied heart or lung disease to see if they have some novel ideas," he said.

New research pathways

One reason researchers haven't been able to discover the cause of preterm labor is that there isn't a single cause. With countless genetic and environmental factors at play during a woman's pregnancy, it is difficult to isolate each and determine its individual effect. Research has identified several other possible contributors to spontaneous preterm birth: inflammation or infection in the uterus, uterine or vaginal bleeding, excessive stretching of the uterus, premature rupture of fetal membranes and maternal or fetal stress.

"There's not just one cause we can attack," said Dr. Uma Reddy, medical officer in the pregnancy and perinatology branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. "There are multiple factors that go into it ... and each cause has multiple risk factors." In 2010 about 6 infants died for every 1,000 live births in the United States, an infant mortality rate worse than 25 other developed nations. A baby born in the United States is nearly three times more likely to die in the first year of life than one born in Sweden. About 39 percent of that difference is due to a higher percentage of preterm births  a medical statistic researchers struggle to fully explain when comparing it to other developed nations. Reducing the number of preterm births to Sweden's levels could save the lives of more than 3,200 U.S.-born infants.

The March of Dimes prematurity research centers are recruiting scientists from diverse fields.

The prematurity center at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, is harnessing the knowledge of cardiologists and biomedical engineers who have developed pacemakers for the heart to study uterine contractions. Cardiac imaging technology today allows doctors to determine where each heartbeat comes from, the direction it goes in and how fast it moves without ever touching the heart. Researchers now want to modify this technology to produce detailed images of uterine contractions. Understanding what causes contractions to start in a pregnant woman's uterus at only 22 or 26 weeks is a vital step in learning to prevent them.



At the University of Pennsylvania, doctors who specialize in studying tendons and ligaments are now researching the cervix to determine how it affects preterm labor. "They actually think about the cervix as a tendon," said Dr. Deborah Driscoll, department chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Penn Medicine. A pregnant woman's cervix typically softens and shortens as the baby grows, until she is ready to give birth. Researchers hypothesize that in preterm birth the cervix shortens much earlier than it should. They hope their expertise in other body systems will help them look at the cervix in a new way. More from Modern Medicine:

New cancer drugs may damage the heart

The $5.8 billion hidden cost of the flu on the US economy

10 companies making chemotherapy easier

The prematurity centers are also examining particular genes that affect preterm labor, inflammation and infection in the uterus, social determinants and maternal and fetal stress. "The goal, of course, is to find the biological basis that will allow us to identify ways to reduce the preterm birth rate to 5.5 percent by 2030," Simpson said. The preterm birth rate in the United States was 9.62 percent in 2015, up from 9.57 percent in 2014. Finding the causes of preterm birth will ultimately lead to the development of therapies and drugs to prevent it. "We will see the first fruits of this research in the next three to eight years," Simpson said. "I think it's going to move really quickly and we're going to see a plethora of discoveries in this area."

We will see the first fruits of this research in the next three to eight years. I think it's going to move really quickly. Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson senior vice president of research and global programs, March of Dimes

Finding the cause behind preterm birth could prevent nearly 380,000 babies a year from being born too early in the United States alone. The new research efforts could also ease the economic burden associated with preterm birth. The societal cost for preterm babies in the United States is at least $26.2 billion a year, according to one study. Infants born earlier than 32 weeks have an average hospital charge of $280,811, more than nine times as high as charges for infants born at the regular 39 to 41 weeks.

Much of that figure comes from the long-term health-care costs associated with babies born too early. Many suffer lasting deficits in brain and lung function. They are also at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, intestinal problems, infections like pneumonia and meningitis, vision problems and hearing loss. "It's not without repercussions, even if the baby survives," said Dr. John Ilekis, program director in the pregnancy and perinatology branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

An answer that can't come fast enough

The most important savings from the new research efforts takes a human dimension: Saving parents from the agony of not knowing whether their child will make it home from the hospital and feeling helpless that there is little they can do to protect their newborn. It's a feeling that pushed Isamari Castrodad to champion the importance of prematurity research. Isamari's son, Ismael, was delivered by an emergency C-section at 35 weeks when her amniotic fluid level dropped dramatically. Doctors still don't know what caused that. All Isamari knows is that her preparation  working out, eating healthy, taking vitamins  failed. She watched her baby boy suffer inside an incubator that formed a barrier between mother and child. "I couldn't touch him," Isamari recalled. "I know he's struggling just several days after he was born, so weak. The worst part is the feeling that I had no power to help him."

Isamari Castrodad with her son, Ismael, in the hospital. Source: March of Dimes
President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Governor Mike Pence(R) visit the Carrier air conditioning and heating company in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 1, 2016.

Indiana agreed to give United Technologies $7 million in financial incentives over a decade to persuade the industrial giant to keep roughly 1,000 Carrier jobs in the state, Carrier said Thursday.

Carrier, United Technologies' heating and air conditioning unit, had planned to close a furnace plant in the state and move it to Mexico. Carrier will invest about $16 million in Indiana to keep operations there, a source told NBC News.

In a statement Thursday, Carrier said the financial incentives are "contingent upon factors including employment, job retention and capital investment."

The company said Wednesday that state "incentives" were "an important consideration" for keeping the positions in Indiana. Carrier is still moving 600 jobs from the plant to Mexico, and closing another plant in Indiana that would move 700 jobs, according to the The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the tax breaks on Thursday.

The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who repeatedly attacked Carrier and other companies for moving jobs out of the United States, negotiated the deal with United Technologies. Vice president-elect Mike Pence is the state's governor.

Trump and Pence are set to appear in Indiana later Thursday. Trump has cheered the deal in tweets since its announcement.

On the campaign trail, he warned of consequences for United Technologies, which gets about 10 percent of its revenue from federal government contracts.

Correction: This story was revised to correct that Vice President-elect Mike Pence is still governor of Indiana.
The Five Star movement is calling for snap elections if the referendum vote is a no. But under the current mix of old and new electoral laws they'd still struggle to rule because they are unwilling to form coalitions with established parties.

Investors are now wondering if this could ultimately mean a referendum on euro membership at some point in the future. The key here is that Italy's constitution as It stands does not allow referendums on international treaties. And current events prove how tough it is to change it.



The additional kicker here is that the constitutional court will rule of the legality of the new electoral law after this referendum so things could change again anyway. We could even go back to the old system - and likely not in the Five Star movement's favor.



For now there are far more pressing concerns. What happens on Monday morning if Italians vote No this weekend? Renzi has promised to resign. The President must then ask someone to step in. The government have indicated that this would happen quickly to try and limit any potential market instability.



In this case, watch the banks as the outlet for investor fears - even though the banking sector is already down 48 percent so far this year. Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan has suggested that even if the No vote wins, Renzi's pledge to tackle the issue of non performing loans and recapitalise stricken lender Banca Monte Paschi dei Siena with the help of private investors could go ahead. But will reluctant investors still want to take part?



Whether it's a technocrat or someone from the current government, the next leader will also then be tasked with completing the budget for 2017, finalising the electoral law, and preparing the country for fresh elections next year.



If the Yes vote wins and Renzi stays, I doubt the plan will change too much, even if elections are pushed back to 2018. Investors will probably lose interest in this event quite quickly.



So what does this all mean?



Well the good news is that Italian chief executives and business leaders have told me numerous times in the last five years, this country adopts a carry-on-regardless attitude to political instability. I wonder if the same holds true today.



The bad news is - in either scenario, further economic reforms in Italy will take a back seat.



And while a government change won't help investor confidence in the short-term, It's fair to say those arguing for a bolder, more comprehensive solution for the Italian banking sector will be saying exactly the same after this referendum as they were before. Meaning little additional support unless the market forces it. No matter who wins.


When Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz steps down in April 2017, the company's current chief operating officer, Kevin Johnson, will take the helm.

Johnson joined the Starbucks management team in 2015 and has served on the board of directors since 2009.



Schultz and Johnson met in the early 2000s when Schultz tapped Microsoft to help deploy wifi in Starbucks stores, according to The New York Times.

"Kevin has been a wise and supportive resource for me," Schultz said, during a conference call following the announcement Thursday. He said Johnson has provided "invaluable insights" to the company in the past.

"The two fiscal years following [Johnson's] engagement have been the best years in the history of Starbucks coffee company," Schultz said, attributing some of that performance to Johnson.



Johnson brings extensive knowledge of technology to Starbucks, which Schultz said will help reaffirm "Starbucks' position in all things retail."

"Many of you are familiar with the breadth of global management experience and the deep consumer and technology experience and expertise that Kevin brought to Starbucks when he joined our board in 2009," Schultz said. "For years he has provided invaluable insights into how we scale the company around the world and how to best integrate industry-leading customer-facing technology into our customer experience and operations."



This includes mobile pay apps and wi-fi that are used by the consumer.

Previously, Johnson served as CEO of Juniper Networks and was the president of the platforms division at Microsoft. He also served under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama on the National Security Telecommunication Advisory Committee.

"Kevin brings to the CEO role an unparalleled understanding of the market dynamics and strategic choices that have driven Starbucks to become one of the world's most recognized and respected companies and brands."


CNBC's Arjun Kharpal sat down with Sebastian Siemiatkowski, the chief executive and co-founder of Klarna, to discuss how the Swedish company plans on replacing the world's credit cards.

Speaking at Slush, a two-day international start-up and investor event in Helsinki, the CEO of the e-commerce firm discussed Klarna's strategies going forward.

During the fireside chat, Siemiatkowski weighed in on how Klarna competes against top tech rivals such as Paypal and Visa, and its plans on shaking up the global payment space and consumer trends in the future.

To hear what Klarna's boss had to say on these matters, watch the event hosted by CNBC at Slush.
The phrase was added to a draft press release in May prior to its public release in June, the investigation found.

The EPA's final press release and executive summary of the five-year study emphasized a key phrase: "hydraulic fracturing activities have not led to widespread, systemic impacts to drinking water resources." Energy industry groups and media organizations, including CNBC.com, have widely cited the finding in discussions of fracking's safety.

Hydraulic fracturing  or fracking  is one of two technologies that has underpinned a boom in U.S. oil and natural gas production. Frackers inject a mix of water, minerals and chemicals into the ground at high pressure to fracture shale rock and release oil and gas. The practice is widely opposed by environmentalists.

Some of the agency's own scientists criticized the changes and rebuked the key conclusion, APM and Marketplace reported.

Environmental Protection Agency officials made critical last-minute changes to their presentation of a multiyear report on hydraulic fracturing, which served to downplay the oil and gas drilling method's threat to drinking water supplies, an investigation by APM Reports and Marketplace found.

The EPA's messaging had earlier put more emphasis on vulnerabilities to water supplies and about two dozen cases in which fracking operations had affected water resources, according to drafts obtained by Marketplace and APM.

The revelation comes as President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to roll back regulations on the American oil and gas industry in a bid to boost production.

The reporters could not identify who was directly responsible for the shift in focus, but emails obtained through the Freedom of Information Act showed EPA officials and media consultants met with advisers to President Barack Obama to discuss marketing the study.

People familiar with the research called the choice to say there was no "widespread, systemic" impact on water supplies from fracking, "bizarre," "irresponsible" and "ambiguous."

The broad conclusion was simply not backed up by measureable data, according to Peter Thorne, chairman of the EPA's Science Advisory Board.

"We suggested that they provide a definition of 'systemic,' a definition of 'widespread' and then provide quantitative data to support the conclusion," he told Marketplace and APM. "That is all a way of asking them to put that kind of scientific rigor behind a statement as broad as that."

A number of current and former EPA officials declined to comment to APM and Marketplace. One former EPA official defended the study, telling reporters the agency had to offer a nuanced message because the study did not produce a definitive conclusion.

Scientists are revising the study and EPA officials say they hope to release the results by the end of the year.

In a statement to CNBC, the agency said: "EPA's study included the development of multiple research projects involving the analysis of existing data, scenario and modeling evaluations, laboratory studies, toxicological assessments and five case studies. To date, the study has resulted in the publication of multiple peer reviewed scientific products, including 13 EPA technical reports, 14 journal articles and the draft hydraulic fracturing drinking water assessment. EPA anticipates finalizing the assessment report by the end of the calendar year."



Read the full report by APM and Marketplace here.
Ever feel like you lose days, months or even years of your life to the abyss that is your inbox? Perhaps you could benefit from a change in perspective. Your email could be saving you time, and lots of it.

Billionaire investor, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and star of 'Shark Tank' Mark Cuban swears by email as a life hack.

Cuban uses email instead of in-person meetings or phone calls for everything that he possibly can.


A man found a strange round, gelatinous blob in a bag at a train station in Maroochydore, Australia. Concerned that the object was a breast implant belonging to a murder victim, the citizen contacted police. From myPolice Sunshine Coast:





Officers seized the item at the request of the man and provided him with a receipt.





The man was concerned it was a prosthetic implant from someone who may have been murdered or drowned.





Investigations revealed what police suspected the item was indeed a jellyfish!
Shoppers at a JC Penney store in Aurora, Colorado. Matthew Staver | Bloomberg | Getty Images

From magic mirrors to selfie walls, retailers' haphazard attempts to court millennial shoppers have not been short on gimmicks. Perhaps that's what makes J.C. Penney 's approach refreshingly simple. Instead of throwing the latest trends and technologies in the face of these shoppers, Penney's has honed in on one specific subset of the diverse generation: millennial moms. This group numbers more than 14 million in the U.S., according to Pew Research. Penney's says its "emerging customer" base, which includes these women, accounts for 45 percent of its revenue. Millennial moms are also driving much of the growth in the company's sales and customer count. Now, as the department store chain tweaks its product assortment and sharpens its focus on this shopper, it sees more opportunity ahead. "We want to be able to deliver her needs both as a woman and as a mother," Sheeba Philip, J.C. Penney's vice president of marketing strategy and communications, told CNBC. "That's a huge unmet need."

What's at the top of her shopping list

While Kantar Retail data show that the average age of J.C. Penney shoppers is climbing closer to 51, the department store chain started to notice that many of its newest customers were young women between 30 and 40. Not only that, but these shoppers were visiting the retailer more frequently, and spending more than the average customer. Penney's courtship of millennial women has multiple prongs. But the center of its thesis remains consistent, Philip said: thinking of her first as a mom. To better meet the specific needs that come with that role, Penney's this holiday has brought a dedicated toy section back to its kids' department  a specialty seasonal carve out that was scrapped under Ron Johnson's leadership. Featuring well-known brands like "Paw Patrol" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," toys drove strong traffic on JCPenney.com on Cyber Monday, and quickly became one of the most frequently searched terms on its site, the company said.

Along with its push into children's categories, Penney's is leaning into its new fast-fashion line, Belle & Sky, to cater to millennial moms' style. It's also getting traction from these shoppers in its Sephora shop-in-shops and InStyle-branded beauty salons. Sephora has consistently been one of Penney's top-performing categories, and it will add at least another 60 locations in 2017. "Sephora has allowed us to expand our product offering by introducing new compelling industry-leading prestige brands into our assortment," CEO Marvin Ellison told analysts last month.

Looking ahead, Penney's sees a "huge opportunity" to build upon its home business, and make its stores a destination in the category for millennials, Philip said. To some degree, that includes its return to appliances earlier this year. The company is meanwhile testing tweaks to its floor plan in certain millennial-heavy markets, which include switching out its more traditional Worthington brand at the front of the store for its Belle & Sky label. Penney's declined to share what markets those tests are operating in, but said it will have more details to share next year.

Penney's natural advantage

In several ways, the makeup of the millennial shopper base is on Penney's side. That's because it has historically been successful in its efforts to woo immigrant, Hispanic and multicultural shoppers, Craig Johnson, president of Customer Growth Partners, told CNBC. Part of that strength is due to the company's store base. Though Penney's "bread-and-butter" is in the so-called flyover states, Johnson said, it operates 80 locations in California, 92 in its home state of Texas and 55 in Florida, according to its website. That means those three states make up nearly a quarter of the company's store base. "More than ever, the millennial shopper is a multicultural shopper and vice versa," Jordan Rost, vice president of consumer insights at Nielsen, told CNBC.

Another reason Penney's has done well with this group of shoppers is its prices. Because many millennials came of age during the financial crisis, and have struggled to grow their wages, value is extremely important to them, Johnson said. Indeed, data from Kantar Retail show that the average J.C. Penney shopper earns $62,850 a year. That compares with $69,605 for Kohl's customers, and $75,059 for Macy's .



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With breakdowns and growing costs, the U.S. Navy's most expensive destroyer ever is likely to face added scrutiny by the incoming Trump administration and could see its future role minimized. The USS Zumwalt, a stealth ship commissioned in October and costing upward of $4.4 billion, has already had engineering and propulsion problems and experienced a breakdown last week when it passed through a portion of the Panama Canal. It was delivered about two years late and despite its stealthy qualities is seen by some as vulnerable and no longer suitable for the missions it was designed to handle.

"Since they originally started to build the ship, the threat environment has changed so that cruise missiles can easily reach out and hit anybody that's out there close enough to use a gun to hit the shore," said Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, an independent policy research institute based in Washington, D.C.

Clark, a former aide to the chief of naval operations, explained that the Zumwalt-class destroyer was originally designed for operating close to shore such as acting as support for Marines when they land on shore. "That mission sort of fell away [and now the ship is] too vulnerable and too valuable to have them get so close to shore."

The Navy plans to get two more of the Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers, which are equipped with labor-saving technology and manufactured by General Dynamics ' Bath Iron Works in Maine. But its fate will ultimately rest with President-elect Donald Trump, who has made expansion of the Navy part of his plan to strengthen the military. A General Dynamics Bath Iron Works spokesman deferred questions on the destroyer to the Navy, which did not respond at deadline.



Costly ammunition adds to concerns

The Pentagon originally had hoped to get 32 of the Zumwalt-class warships but backed off the plan more than a decade ago after congressional criticism about costs. Adding to the concerns is the huge cost of ammunition for the Zumwalt's on-board advanced guns made by BAE Systems , which can run upward of $1 million apiece, according to some reports. That means the each round of the guided precision ammo is equivalent to the cost of a Tomahawk or a Boeing Harpoon missile.

"The ammunition is definitely an issue," said Benjamin Freeman, deputy director of the National Security Program at Third Way, a Washington-based think tank. "Frankly it's unsustainable for the Navy. At almost $1 million a shot, that's not actually something that they can do."

Officer stands watch on bridge of USS Zumwalt. The new warship requires roughly half the crew size of older destroyers. Sonja Wickard | U.S. Navy

The Zumwalt ship and its class of destroyers, also known as DDG 1000, was named for the late Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt. The destroyer's 155-millimeter guns were designed to use so-called Long Range Land-Attack Projectiles, or LRLAPs, made by Lockheed Martin . Around 90 LRLAPs were bought for the Zumwalt, including some for testing.

"As the DDG 1000's mission continues to evolve, and taking into consideration funding profiles available to support the weaponization of the ship in light of the severe reduction in the planned production quantities, the U.S. Navy decided to evaluate alternate solutions to LRLAP," a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said in an email statement. "Lockheed Martin is working aggressively to provide the Navy with options in relation to the DDG-1000's long-range land attack mission."

Purchases of around 2,000 projectiles to supply all three Zumwalt-class destroyers would likely exceed $1.8 billion. That is in addition to the Zumwalt-class development costs, which have already reached roughly $10 billion.

Meantime, the USS Zumwalt warship is expected to arrive in San Diego by the end of the year and a decision on new ammunition for the ship's big guns is likely to be made by the Trump administration.

Trump's defense plan outlined in September called for up to 350 surface ships and submarines, up from 276 today and above the Pentagon's current target of 308 ships over the next 10 years. That said, Trump hasn't specified plans for destroyer warships and could revisit the Navy's decision to buy three of the Zumwalt-class destroyers.

Zumwalt's role is volving
Trump will start his "thank you" tour today in Cincinnati, in his first public events since winning the White House. The president-elect's victory tour will consist of a series of rallies in states he won in the Electoral College. (WSJ)

President Vladimir Putin of Russia said he was prepared to cooperate with the incoming United States leadership in his annual state of the nation address today. He said the two countries should take responsibility for global security and fight terrorism. (Reuters)

A source told NBC News that Trump may consider former Alaska governor Sarah Palin for the role of Veterans Affairs secretary. Palin, whose son served in the Iraq War, is reportedly interested. (NBC News)

Patients who previously were not helped by repeated treatments for multiple myeloma showed strong benefits with no worrisome side effects from a new type of therapy, said drugmaker Bluebird Bio (BLUE), which its stock soaring about 25 percent in premarket trading. (Reuters)

Researchers found that the majority of the more than one million Google accounts on Androids breached by malware infections since August are based in Asia. The malware targets mobile devices using earlier versions of the Android operating system. (CNBC)

Effective today, a new rule will allow federal agents to hack millions of Americans' computers and smartphones at once with a single search warrant. The bipartisan bill is an effort by the Justice Department to keep up with advancements in criminal tech, especially high-efficiency malware. (USA Today)

Fitbit is in talks to acquire smartwatch maker Pebble, which made headlines for its multi-million-dollar Kickstarter campaign in 2015, sources close to the negotiations said. The deal is not yet complete, but would bring the struggling watchmaker's expertise under Fitbit's wing. (FT)



Auto lending is booming, but loan paying is not, according to Wednesday's report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Regulators are voicing concern about millions of U.S. car owners letting auto loan balances become delinquent. (NY Times)

Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg donated over $100 million to the Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Fund on Nov. 21, according to a regulatory filing. Her donation will be used to fund women's empowerment and mental health initiatives. (Reuters)
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Tax scams aimed at consumers are now a national epidemic. Through a seemingly endless array of new and clever schemes, sophisticated crime rings and other assorted crooks manage to cheat individuals, the federal government and states out of millions of dollars each year and keep regulators working to stay one step ahead of them. Yet there are relatively simple ways for consumers to try to guard against some of the most common scams and for victims to do damage control. Taking steps to prevent identity theft is a good place to start. One of the most pervasive forms of tax fraud is identity-theft refund fraud, which occurs when scammers use someone else's name and Social Security number to file a tax return and claim a fraudulent refund. This brand of fraud tops the Internal Revenue Service's most recent Dirty Dozen list of common scams.

Getty Images

"What's happening now is that crooks are compiling information on people not so much to misuse credit cards or other accounts, but so that they can file what looks to be a legitimate tax return," said Kay Bell, a tax analyst at Bankrate.com Nearly 18 million Americans, about 7 percent of U.S. residents age 16 or older, were victims of identity theft in 2014, according to a report issued last year by a division of the Department of Justice. According to the IRS and other experts, here are some things you can do to protect yourself from identity theft.  Practice good password management for your online accounts, including email and social media accounts. Use strong passwords  which include a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols  and use different passwords for each account. Change passwords regularly, and don't forget to secure your mobile devices with passwords.  Install antivirus software on your computer, and keep it updated. Also, use the latest version of your web browser and install security patches and software updates, including updates to tax-prep software.  Don't carry your Social Security card, or documents containing your Social Security or individual taxpayer identification numbers (TIN).

More from Investor Toolkit:

Need money tips? Avoid family, friends

Investing outside your comfort zone can pay off

Don't let these people near your money

 Don't toss account statements or other documents with sensitive personal information in the trash, and make sure they are stored in a secure place at home. Shred them if you need to dispose of them.

 Check your credit report at least once a year and your Social Security Administration earnings statement annually.  Don't give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, online or via text unless you have initiated the contact and are sure you know who's on the receiving end. In fact, you don't have to give your Social Security number to a business or health-care provider just because you're asked. Only disclose it when absolutely necessary. Phone and email phishing scams by criminals impersonating IRS agents rank up there with identity-theft refund fraud on the IRS's latest Dirty Dozen list. Phone and phishing scams are often designed to scare consumers into paying bogus tax bills or clicking on links in emails that install malware on their computers or that redirect them to official-looking websites used to steal personal information. The IRS won't arbitrarily contact taxpayers by phone or email, let alone threaten them with immediate arrest, demand payment without discussion or require payment of taxes through a specific method, such as a prepaid debit or gift card or wire transfer.

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"The IRS won't send you an email about a tax bill or refund out of the blue," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen in a prepared statement. "We urge taxpayers not to click on any unexpected emails claiming to be from the IRS."

If you get an unsolicited email that appears to be from the IRS or an agency linked to the IRS, forward it to phishing@irs.gov. Also, delete it from your inbox and trash folder, said Adam Levin, chairman of consulting firm IDT911. When it comes to suspicious phone calls, hang up right away and report them to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Federal Trade Commission. If you think you might owe taxes, it's better to contact the IRS directly and deal with the issue rather than making yourself a good target for scammers, said Bell of Bankrate.com. "It's better to just get it out in the open," she said. "You will protect yourself from being vulnerable to scams and eventually getting caught by the IRS and having to pay penalties and interest on anything you might owe." Of course, crooks have managed to get their hands on information about millions of Americans through hacks of large companies and government agencies.

To a hacker, scammer or cybercriminal, we are all Kim Kardashian. We have what they want, because there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Adam Levin chairman of IDT911

Financial advisor John Eckel has clients who have been victims of identity-theft refund fraud, and he suspects their Social Security numbers were lifted during the 2014 hack of Anthem, one of the largest managed health-care companies in the country.

"When they were filing their returns, they learned from the Internal Revenue Service that someone had beaten them to the punch," said Eckel, a certified financial planner and founder of Pinnacle Investment Management. "These were high-level corporate executives and someone filed EZ forms (the shortest and simplest tax-return form) on their behalf," he said. "They had used the long form for years." Eckel added that his clients responded by filing an Identity Theft Affidavit with the IRS and requesting an Identity Protection PIN to use for future tax filings. They eventually got the refunds they were owed, said Eckel, who for years has made it a priority to educate clients and employees about identity theft, cybercrime and other types of fraud by hosting expert-led seminars and writing on the issues. According to the IRS, victims of identity theft should file a report with local police and a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a "fraud alert" on their accounts. They should also close any accounts that have been compromised or opened fraudulently.
Russia will cut its oil output from November-December levels, Energy Minister Alexander Novak told reporters on Thursday.

Novak said a day earlier Russia was ready to cut oil production by up to 300,000 barrels per day in the first half of 2017 as a part of its agreement with OPEC.



Novak said Azerbaijan, Mexico and others could join the deal - which will see OPEC and non-OPEC countries cut output.


Brandon Hall, a Michigan man who worked Donald Trump's election campaign, forged signatures on a petition in 2012 and faces up to five years in jail. At the time he was working for judicial candidate Chris Houtaling, not the Bloated Peachbeast of Queens N.Y.

In 2012, Hall was convicted for stealing from a school fundraiser where he serves on the Grand Haven school board. He ran earlier this year for the state House 89th District.

In a statement, Progress Michigan said Hall's conviction is proof that former Green Party candidate Jill Stein's recount effort should continue in Michigan.

"Donald Trump has made claim after claim calling the integrity of the election into question, but his Michigan campaign had no problem hiring a staff member facing election law charges," executive director Lonnie Scott said. "The fact that the Trump campaign and the Michigan Republican Party embraced Brandon Hall is just one more reason to recount and audit the vote in Michigan."
A good night's sleep can be the difference between a productive, efficient day and an exhausted, sloppy one. But is your rest your boss's responsibility?

For media mogul Arianna Huffington's new online venture, Thrive, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg argues that maybe it is.

"We have to acknowledge that not everyone can get the sleep they need," Sandberg writes. "So many people out there, so many single mothers and others, work multiple jobs, and we don't have the safety net we need for people to make sure that they can take care of their own health, and that we help take care of them."

She adds, "It's incumbent upon all of us who run companies, and all of us, to make sure that people can make ends meet and have the ability to get a good night's sleep."
As the markets gear up for the final four weeks of 2016, several exchange-traded funds may be much more attractive than others.

Craig Johnson, senior technical research analyst at Piper Jaffray, looks to the charts and recommends buying one ETF that's soared  and selling one that's plummeted.

Johnson is bullish on energy stocks at these levels, and said his top ETF pick would be the Energy Select Sector ETF (XLE ), which rose over 8 percent in November.

The XLE jumped 5 percent Wednesday after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to cut oil production by about 4.5 percent, the first deal of its kind reached in eight years.

"If you take a look at the XLE, you'll see that this is an index that has started to break out, starting to trend higher," Johnson said Wednesday on CNBC's "Trading Nation," projecting 7 percent of upside for the ETF.

On the other hand, as high-yielding utilities have fallen this month amid the bond-yield rise, Johnson recommends selling the Utilities Select Sector ETF (XLU ) and buying energy in its place.

The XLU, for which Johnson sees another 6 to 8 percent downside, has lagged the market by about 7 percent this month.

In other words, Johnson recommends adding exposure to the best-performing S&P 500 sector, and cutting exposure to the worst performer.

"We think there is going to be a continual pressure to buy offense and kind of pro-cyclical type names, and there is going to be a waning of money coming out of these utilities as that bond proxy trade is really coming off, from our perspective," he said.

If investors are looking across the border, the beaten-up iShares MSCI Mexico Capped ETF (EWW ) is one trade at these levels, according to Zachary Karabell, head of global strategy at Envestnet.

The risk in owning the EWW looks attractive to Karabell as it's gotten crushed in November, falling 14 percent on investors' uncertainty about U.S.-Mexico trade and the plummeting Mexican peso.

Top holdings in the ETF include the Mexican telecommunications giant America Movil and multinational beverage company Fomento Economico Mexicano . The two names alone comprise 20 percent of the ETF's holdings.

Far too much pessimism is priced into Mexican equities at these levels, Larry McDonald, editor of The Bear Traps Report newsletter wrote in a recent note. He does not see the Trump administration enacting immigration reform next year, therefore limiting further downside to Mexican companies, and sees big opportunity in the space.

"The risk-reward in owning Mexican equities is compelling at these levels," McDonald wrote, calling the EWW a "screaming buy."
Donald Trump has mastered the art of the deal  in the private sector. But as president he may find that dealmaking in the federal government is somewhat less artistic. Consider Carrier: its plant in Indiana became a flashpoint on the campaign trail after Carrier said it would move more than 2,000 jobs to low-cost Mexico. After his election, Trump began a highly public negotiation with the company designed to keep as many of those jobs in the United States as possible.

On Thursday, Trump is set to visit Indiana to lay out a deal he made with the company to keep as many as 1,000 jobs in the state. The specifics of the agreement have not yet been made public.

Air conditioning units are stacked outside the Carrier Corp. plant, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, in Indianapolis. Carrier and President-elect Donald Trump reached an agreement to keep nearly 1,000 jobs in Indiana. Darron Cummings | AP

But one appealing point of leverage for a dealmaker like Trump would be Carrier's parent, United Technologies , a $56 billion company that generates about 10 percent of its revenue from federal government contracts  and particularly from Pentagon defense contracts.

But President Trump will not have as much leverage over those contracts as CEO Trump would have had in the private sector.

Federal contracting regulations are notoriously restrictive. And experts tell CNBC that any effort to quash UTC contracts could run afoul of the rules and expose the federal government to a costly lawsuit from the company.

"You cannot award or fail to award a contract to United Technologies on the basis of any factor that's not mentioned specifically in writing in the original solicitation or the contract itself," said Steven Kelman, a professor at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and a former administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy in the Office of Management and Budget under Bill Clinton. "Those are the only considerations you are allowed to use."

Kelman said Trump could have considerable leeway in rhetorical bluster, but any effort to punish the company could prove problematic. "I do not think it is legal to use the contracts in this way," he said. "He can say anything he wants, but it would be illegal to do it. And UTC must know that."

All of the rules are spelled out in detail in Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the bible of government contracting doctrine.

President-elect Donald Trump walks out at the clubhouse at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster Township, N.J. on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. Jabin Botsford | The Washington Post | Getty Images
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump told Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that he was willing to play "any role that (Sharif wanted him) to play" to address Pakistan's outstanding problems, according to the South Asian nation's government. On Wednesday, Pakistan's Press Information Department posted what it claimed was a summary of a telephone conversation that took place when Sharif called to congratulate Trump on his election win. In what appeared to be an unusually unpolished description, the government statement said Trump praised the people of Pakistan, called Sharif a "terrific guy" and declared the prime minister was doing "amazing work." After Sharif invited Trump to visit the country, the U.S. president-elect said, "he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people," according to the statement.



Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif. Christopher Furlong | Getty Images

Trump's transition team did not immediately respond to an email request from CNBC, sent outside office hours, for clarification on the statement's authenticity, whether Trump has business interests in Pakistan or if he was briefed about U.S.-Pakistan and India-Pakistan bilateral ties.

But in a daily media call with reporters on Wednesday, Trump's team acknowledged the president-elect had spoken to Sharif, according to a transcript by The Washington Post.

Art of the turnaround

Wednesday's phone call with PM Sharif would appear to mark a drastic shift in sentiment for the president-elect, who has seemed to make "turnaround" his new strategy after flip-flopping on various policy stances, including his proposed ban on Muslims entering the U.S. and bashing of Goldman Sachs.

In 2012, Trump launched a series of tweets that sharply criticized Islamabad. "Get it straight: Pakistan is not our friend. We've given them billions and billions of dollars, and what did we get? Betrayal and disrespect, and much worse," he posted in January of that year, in reference to allegations that Pakistan knew Osama bin Laden was hiding on its soil while Washington was hunting for the terror mastermind. A few months later, in July 2012, Trump wrote, "When will Pakistan apologize to us for providing safe sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden for 6 years?! Some ally." Washington and Islamabad remain friendly, with the U.S. proving critical counter-terrorism equipment and training programs to the Pakistani military, according to the U.S. State Department. Pakistan has long been plagued by numerous security issues, including terrorist attacks from domestic militant groups. But the situation has recently deteriorated amid tense ties with India, the draw-down of NATO forces in Afghanistan and a domestic power struggle between civil authorities and Pakistan's influential army, which maintains tight control over foreign, internal and external security policies, Eurasia Group said in a note on Wednesday. Instead of offering praise, Trump should be taking a tough stance against Sharif's administration, strategists say. "The Trump administration should spell out to Pakistan the potential costs to its ties with the U.S. from its refusal to adequately address terrorismand be prepared to start making changes," Alyssa Ayres, senior South Asia fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations, said in a note on Wednesday.

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Stoking India-Pakistan tensions
Drew Greenblatt, owner of Baltimore-based Marlin Steel, is already seeing a revival of U.S. manufacturing  even before President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month.

His company, which makes steel wire baskets, saw an influx of new orders the day after the election that was big enough for him to hire four new workers.

Four new jobs is a start toward Trump's goal of rebuilding the U.S. manufacturing base. But no matter what policies he puts in place, or deals he strikes, it's unlikely factories will create enough new jobs to replace the millions that have been lost to offshoring and improved productivity.

And excitement over Trump's manufacturing plans was stoked this week with news that air conditioner maker Carrier had agreed to keep roughly 1,100 jobs at an Indiana plant it had scheduled to close in exchange for $7 million in tax breaks, said NBC News.

The company announced in February that it planned to move the jobs to Monterrey, Mexico, next year. Local union leaders said Carrier told them it would pay Mexican workers $3 an hour compared with more than $20 for their U.S. counterparts, according to Reuters.

Trump had attacked the plan during his campaign, vowing to impose hefty taxes on imported Carrier products if it did not reverse the move. The company is owned by United Technologies, a major federal contractor, which has a strong incentive to maintain good relations with the incoming administration. Last year, the company generated $6.8 billion of its $57 billion in revenue from government contracts.

The deal, negotiated by Vice President-elect Mike Pence and United Technologies CEO Greg Hayes, also includes $7 million in state tax breaks over 10 years, according to NBC News. The deal is being hailed as the start of a sweeping new set of policies designed to help businesses bring back the manufacturing jobs that allowed a generation of Americans to enjoy a solid middle-class living.

Trump has promised to cut corporate taxes, roll back regulations and reform the Affordable Care Act, along with pother business-friendly measures.

It remains to be seen though, whether Trump's Carrier deal can be replicated on a scale wide enough to reverse a decadeslong decline in factory jobs.

Since manufacturing employment peaked in 1979 at nearly 20 million, some 8 million of those jobs have been lost to automation and cheaper foreign labor markets. Those losses accelerated after the 2001 recession, when competition from China surged, according to MIT researchers, who estimate some 2.0 million to 2.4 million jobs left for China between 1999 and 2011.



But while the level of U.S. manufacturing employment has fallen by roughly a third, overall manufacturing output has doubled, thanks to a surge in productivity brought by increased automation, better supply chain management and other efficiency improvements. Those upgrades aren't going away.

As a result, U.S. manufacturers are able to make more of their product with fewer workers.
Notice is hereby given to all candidates who have been offered provisional admission into Niger Delta University (NDU) to courses they did not choose as their first choice in the Niger Delta University that;

THEY SHOULD ACCESS JAMB WEBSITE ONLINE TO ACCEPT THE NEW COURSES THEY HAVE BEEN OFFERED BY THE UNIVERSITY. .

Furthermore, the above directive from Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Should be complied with as it is a prerequisite for your admission status to be validated.

Candidates who have been offered Provisional Admission for the 2016/2017 session are also requested to report at the ICT centre (New Site) for the verification of their uploaded documents and clearance.

Clearance for the Merit and First supplementary Admissions shall commence on Monday, November 28, 2016 and closes on Monday, December 12, 2016. For more details check the NDU wwbsite www.ndu.edu.ng
A closer look at both sides of the richly toned 1925 Stone Mountain commemorative half dollar graded MS-66 with CAC sticker that sold for $3,055.

A richly toned 1925 Stone Mountain commemorative half dollar graded MS-66 with CAC sticker sold for $3,055, roughly 10 times what a typical example might bring.

Stacks Bowers Galleries hosted the official auctions of the Whitman Expo in Baltimore, Nov. 3 to 6. Among the standouts were several high grade 20th century silver coins with beautiful rainbow toning.

A coin that has magnificent rich color can sell for many multiples of what a similarly graded untoned coin might bring. Collectors especially covet deep, rich jewel tones that lend an almost cloisonne effect to a coins surface. The presence of gorgeous color can give an otherwise common coin a wow factor that collectors will happily open their wallets for.

Here is one of three toned silver coins we're profiling in this week's Market Analysis.

The Lot:

1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Commemorative Half Dollar, PCGS MS-66, CAC sticker

The Price:

$3,055

The Story:

The 1925 Stone Mountain commemorative half dollar designed by Gutzon Borglum is one of the more common halves in the classic commemorative series of 1892 to 1954. A typical example certified MS-66 by PCGS or Numismatic Guaranty Corp. might sell for $250 to $300 at auction.

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Examples with beautiful toning can sell for multiples of a brilliant representative. The Baltimore auction included this 1925 Stone Mountain half dollar graded MS-66 by PCGS with a green Certified Acceptance Corp. sticker that realized $3,055.

As Stacks Bowers writes with florid language, The fields bloom with rich crimson and amber hues, haloing Lee and Jackson as they glow in an aura of champagne and azure luster. A similarly incandescent display emblazons the reverse, on which the eagle imitates a Phoenix, rising from the magenta and tangerine flames of an untold Civil War skirmish erupting in the fields.

Keep reading this Market Analysis of toned silver coins:

Rich toning brings out the best in a high-grade 1954 Franklin half dollar: While many debate the attractiveness of John R. Sinnocks Franklin half dollar, the design is perhaps showcased at its most effective on richly toned examples.

Vivid rainbow toning gives high-mintage 1955-S Roosevelt dime a significant price bump: With a mintage of 18,510,000, the issue is common, and even in MS-67 certified examples sell for $50 or so. This one sold for more than $1,600.
This isn't a self-aware Trumpkin or media supplicant, or an internet anti-semite putting names in brackets. She's an American who voted for Donald Trump. She believes not only that millions of illegal immigrants voted, but that mainstream news media told her they did.

She's "glad you brought that up," but soon realizes it's not true. Then she blurs the numbers and places and sources until it doesn't matter whether it was ever true or not, so long as it feels like it might have been.
A 1989 Proof silver 20-yuan Dragon and Phoenix coin was sold for a hammer price of 55,000 Swiss francs ($55,329 U.S.), against an opening bid of 800 Swiss francs, during Sincona, Ag's Oct. 25 auction.

The protests surrounding Tiananmen Square in China in 1989 forced issuers to melt most 1989 Dragon and Phoenix silver and gold coins, making them rare.

The outbreak of protests in Tiananmen Square in China in 1989 was felt in the coin hobby when some Chinese coins struck for U.S. sale suddenly became politically undesirable in the United States because of the crackdown.

Proof 1989 Dragon and Phoenix coins that had been prepared for release were instead withdrawn and melted, according to Swiss International Coin Auctions, Sincona Ag. Of the 2,538 gold and 7,328 silver coins originally minted, both in 2-ounce size, all but a few examples were melted.

A pair of these 1989 coins highlighted Sinconas auction No. 33 on Oct. 25, during a week when it offered thousands of lots.

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The Proof 1989 Dragon and Phoenix 2-ounce gold 200-yuan coin realized a hammer price of 105,000 Swiss francs (about $106,627 U.S.), against an opening bid of 6,500 Swiss francs. The buyers fee ranges from 18 to 20 percent, depending on bidding method, and an 8 percent value-added tax applies to nongold lots.

The companion piece, offered in the next lot, was the 1989 Dragon and Phoenix 2-ounce silver 20-yuan coin from the release. The silver version was hammered for 55,000 Swiss francs ($55,329 U.S.), against an opening bid of 800 Swiss francs.

Very few examples exist of the 1989 coins, which were minted privately on behalf of the Shenyang Mint, according to the auction house, but were virtually untouchable once the crackdown on protestors escalated.

The dies were remade with the date 1990, and the originally agreed upon mintage  now with the year 1990  was then produced.
Foundation adds another $25M to Kinder Institute

The Kinder Foundation is giving the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy another $25 million, bringing its total to $60 million.
Most IT executives inherit an existing technology environment; Heather Gallagher gets to build her own every year. Gallagher is director of technology for Burning Man, an annual weeklong gathering dedicated to community, art, self-expression and self-reliance in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. Gallagher and her team build, run and dismantle the IT infrastructure needed for Burning Man's temporary metropolis, dubbed Black Rock City. Additionally, she oversees the Burning Man nonprofit organization's year-round IT needs, where a team of more than 20 full-time staffers and contractors support the group's community- and art-focused efforts around the globe.

Gallagher holds a bachelor's degree in business and computer information systems from James Madison University and a master's in computer science from George Mason University. She's also a photographer and originally came to Burning Man in 2003 to produce its annual print calendar (a job she still holds). She became technology director in 2004.

How does your job compare to other IT executive positions? People say, "Your job is so awesome." I say, "Look, it's 11 months of meetings and then it's one month playing in the desert in the dirt." We have budgets and spreadsheets and processes and staffing reviews and goals. And my team generally goes through a planning exercise to map out the next 18 months. It's a business, and I have to be very pragmatic and sometimes conservative.

I have just under 100 full-time employees and contractors who are in our office at any time, and at our event we have up to 7,000 staff, many [of whom] are volunteers. We have 70,000 participants and have easily a quarter-million who consider themselves part of our community, and we have a global audience.

We're a nonprofit, and one that's still getting its legs under it, seeking grants and raising funds. We have to be responsible, and there are a lot of checks and balances with how we spend money, and a lot of processes. We use our resources very efficiently.

Dossier: Heather Gallagher Family: "I have an office family of 100 people and a community of friends, and a boyfriend who is an artist." Best advice you've ever received: "From my father, who said it didn't matter what I did in the world, but I should be able to take care of myself. He just wanted me to be happy." Current reading list: The Geek Gap: Why Business and Technology Professionals Don't Understand Each Other and Why They Need Each Other to Survive, by Bill Pfleging and Minda Zetlin, and The Path of the Priestess: A Guidebook for Awakening the Divine Feminine, by Sharron Rose. Outside interests: "I study yoga, philosophy, consciousness and ancient Celtic traditions." Next on your agenda: "I've been doing more public speaking because I realize as a female leader in tech, I have a responsibility to hopefully inspire girls to be technologists and encourage them to be a bigger version of themselves and take care of themselves as human beings."

How do volunteers fit into your organization? Volunteerism is a huge part of our culture. They engage with us to offer support in many ways. But you have to know what projects they fit into. Some projects can afford a little bit more breathing room, maybe some of the back-burner projects. We always have projects we can't get to immediately, so that's where we use them.

We have meetings where people who are on our different lists can show up and they're part of conversations and they bring their expertise to the table. Or I'll reach out and tap people in my community. We can say, "Can we have your help? If we set up a sandbox, can you code it or update it?" And they're engaged enough that we're not starting from scratch. They blow us away with what they're able to do and their dedication and their patience.

Can you describe your yearlong strategy? Interestingly enough, we spend a lot of our time convincing people they don't need tech. Come on, folks -- it's a camping trip. Yet, the complexity of what we do continues to grow. [After our annual Burning Man event], we'll spend part of the fall debriefing with all our customers. We had about 53 locations and hundreds and hundreds of staff people using the software and devices and office spaces we set up in the desert. So we talk with them about how the event went. We also kick off our tech committee process.

Every fall, I try to tickle the organization from top to bottom and find out what projects are going to be coming out that we need to apply tech resources to. We already have a Gantt chart with all our other projects. But we want to talk about the new things; we want to see what's on the event horizon.

What's the technology landscape like for Black Rock City? We've never been in the business of providing connectivity for the participants. It would be a tremendous drain. But we are running a city, so we have extremely complex operational needs. We have an airport, a hospital, there are government agencies out there.

We build out a wireless microwave point-to-point network. We build a meticulously complex wireless network. That's my favorite part, going out there to put up towers. We distribute connectivity and equipment to a lot of different offices, scanners, mobile devices. And now some of them have stand-alone software installed. But more and more we're using a cloud-hosted solution and architecture.

So we have people [working] on a device that's offline and when they come near any of the internet locations it syncs up to a master database. We build the internet, the software and we give out the devices. It's the full spectrum -- from laying cables in the dirt to very sophisticated software.

Do you use custom or off-the-shelf systems? I don't like solving problems someone else has already solved. So we do look to find off-the-shelf solutions. But we have niche spaces, and no matter who we get in bed with, we end up doing some customization.

We have a unique workforce, and we have a long list of things we want to do differently. We break pretty much every model. But at the same time, doing [everything custom] all the time, we'd need five times the staff I have. So we have some custom-built, some off-the-shelf. Some things come off-the-shelf that we move into and break. And many [systems] are now integrated with each other so we have that added complexity.

Trey Ratcliff The Burning Man Temple, a highlight of Black Rock City, temporary home to 70,000 people for a week each summer.

What do you look for in products and the vendors you use? For software layers solutions, we try to build relations. We invite them out to the event. We want them to experience what we're doing so they can see what our operations are like.

For most of our hardware layer, a lot are things that are available, fortunately. We're building microwave networks in harsh environments, but people do that all over the world, so we're just keeping an eye on the equipment as it matures.

There are people making relatively affordable radio devices that are configurable and pretty hardy. So we keep an eye out, and when something comes out that's new, we get a few and try them out.

Do you ever disconnect? I absolutely do. It's one of my favorite things. Some of my favorite talks or conferences are leading stretches for 500 people and encouraging people to take care of their bodies, to meditate, to develop their spiritual and emotional self. When I go "off comm," I go way off comm. I've been touching computers since I was 9, and I'm now 45. It's important to develop yourself as a human.

What technologies are on the horizon that will impact Burning Man? We're now finally coming around to embrace and work with more geo technology, which some volunteers wanted us to get into a decade ago. We weren't ready then, but it's a natural next step for us. That would be for mapping and planning our city, tracking and coordinating different groups that need access to information about what's where. There's not a Google Map for our city.

For robotics, something like that will become more prevalent with the art and the creations that people bring out there. That's where a lot of our true innovation is -- in the community.

We're a large ship to steer, and change is expensive, but the community brings innovative things, so I'm excited to see what they're going to bring.
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Heres what youll find in the December 2016 issue:

Special Report: Tech Forecast 2017

IT Sharpens Its Focus

Tech leaders are optimistic heading into 2017, but with spending and hiring flat, should IT workers be worried?

5 Tech Trends to Double-Down on Now

IT leaders plan to use these key technologies to deliver business results in 2017.

5 Disruptive Technologies to Track in 2017

Savvy tech execs are keeping these cutting-edge developments on their radar screens.

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Gunning for a banner year in IT? Make sure you have these skills in your toolbox.

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News Analysis

Apples MacBook Pro price hikes shine a light on the iPad Pro.

The Grill

Burning Man IT director Heather Gallagher gets to build her own IT infrastructure every year in Nevadas Black Rock Desert.

Security Managers Journal

The DDoS attack against DNS provider Dyn finds our manager without a backup plan.

Opinions

Thornton May says 2017 could be a bad year for pessimists, and Paul Glen argues that the hottest IT skill  empathy for overburdened users  will be hot forever.

Shark Tank

Read the latest exploits of hapless bosses and clueless users.
News / Education

by Staff reporter

THE Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) 2016 Grade Seven results are out, showing a national pass rate of 42, 9 percent, up by 1,29 percent on the 2015 performance.For the first time Zimsec also announced results for special needs pupils who sat for examinations.Zimsec director, Mr Esau Nhandara yesterday advised examination centre heads to collect the results from Zimsec regional offices."The 2016 national pass rate stands at 42,90 percent reflecting an increase of 1,29 percent as compared to 41,61 percent recorded in 2015. The national pass rate for school candidates is 43 percent which shows a slight increase of about 1,18 percent from the 2015 national pass rate of 41,82 percent," said Mr Nhandara.He said there is a remarkable improvement in the performance of the candidates since 2010."Candidature increased from 303 978 in 2010 to 329 549 in 2016 whilst the pass rate increased from 25 percent in 2010 to 42, 9 percent in 2016. This may suggest that there is marked improvement in the quality of education in Zimbabwean primary schools over the years," said the director.Mr Nhandara said the candidates performed well, especially in indigenous languages compared to Mathematics, General Paper and English Language."The pass rates in English, Mathematics and General Paper which are 56,43 percent , 56,47 percent and 47,96 2 percent respectively for 2016 may be a result of learning the subjects in a second language which is used as the language of instruction," he said.The highest pass rate was recorded in Shona with 86,31 percent and the least in Tshivenda with 72, 2 percent.According to the statistics, female candidates who wrote four subjects performed better than their male counterparts.The pass rate for female candidates is 45, 29 percent compared to 40,43 percent for the male candidates.The three special needs categories analysed were Braille candidates, enlarged print candidates and candidates with hearing impairment.Braille candidates registered the highest pass rate among the three categories under special needs."Pass rate for Braille candidates is at 80 percent while that of candidates with enlarged print and hard of hearing is at 67, 80 percent and 31, 76 percent respectively," said Mr Nhandara.Statistics show that the total number of candidates who registered for the Grade Seven November 2016 examinations was 329 549 compared to the 2015 entry of 329 217, showing a slight increase of 332 candidates which translates to 0, 1 percent."Out of the 329 549 candidates who sat for the Grade Seven November 2016 Examinations, 167 333 (50,78 percent) were female and 162 183 (49,21percent ) were male and these statistics indicate that there is gender equity in the number of candidates sitting for Grade 7 Examinations in Zimbabwe".Mr Nhandara said although candidature for the rest of indigenous languages was still very low, Shona had the highest of 269 339 with Kalanga recording the least candidature of 602.Mr Nhandara thanked all the stakeholders who contributed to the successful running of the examinations.
Since the refounding of the Italian republic in 1946, the office of Prime Minister has changed hands 40 times  the average term in office for an Italian Prime Minister is around one year and nine months. Contrast that with the post-war averages of British Prime Ministers (four years and nine months), French Presidents (six years and four months) or German Chancellors (seven years and five months) and you get an idea of quite how much instability has afflicted Italian politics. Factor in that some Prime Ministers managed to stay in power while changing the composition of the Governments they led, and it looks even worse: there have been 65 Italian Governments in the last 70 years.

There are a variety of reasons for this trend. The shifting sands of Italian party politics, and an electoral system which encourages fragmentation into small parties, requires governments to paste together often fragile coalitions. The violence of the anni di piombo, the years of lead, added further tension to an already fractious politics. And widespread corruption eventually led to the Tangentopoli (Bribe City) scandal of the mid-1990s, which destroyed several of the countrys main political parties. Issues of culture, conflict and crime made Italy hard to govern, and made many of its politicians incapable of governing with each other  a political disaster in a coalition-based system.

The Italian constitution, though, also bears some of the blame. While Westminsters bicameral system clearly grants the Commons primacy and far greater powers than the Lords, Italys parliament has two houses of equal clout, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. This arrangement is known as perfect bicameralism  a euphemism, given its effect on Italian governance is far from perfect. Both chambers must approve a law for it to be passed, and if the Senate is dissatisfied then it can bat any proposal back to the Deputies eternally. Any government therefore requires a majority in both houses, which are elected at the same time but have different compositions, due to different electoral rules, different constituencies and different voting ages (18 for the Deputies and 25 for the Senate). Put simply, the potential for gridlock is huge.

The peculiar history of how this system came to develop  via a series of messy compromises  is laid out here on the blog of the UCL Constitution Unit.

For some years there has been a growing feeling at the top of Italian politics that the arrangement is unsatisfactory and even unworkable. Various attempts have been made to agree and introduce constitutional reform, but each has failed.

The latest such attempt is going to be judged in a referendum on Sunday.

Matteo Renzi, elected as Italys youngest ever Prime Minister in 2014, brought forward wide-reaching proposals which would, among other things: replace the Senate with a much smaller chamber composed of appointees from local and regional government; strip the Senate of the right to block large portions of legislation, thereby placing the Chamber of Deputies firmly in charge; abolish a layer of regional government; and give greater powers of initiative to allow voters to force referendums. At the same time, he is introducing a new electoral system which seeks to offer greater stability by giving a top-up bonus of seats to the biggest party over a certain threshold (this isnt subject to the approval of the referendum but is part of his reform programme nonetheless).

The backlash

Renzis ambitions certainly arent modest. The question is whether it is within his power to fulfil them. He steered the proposals through the Italian Parliament, but failed to secure the super-majority required to pass them straight into law. As a result, they must secure popular approval in this weeks referendum.

If he thought he could separate the twin problems of Italys fractious politics and its broken constitution, he seems to have been mistaken. The referendum has become about Renzi and the wider political class as much as it is about the specific reforms. To the horror of a Prime Minister who claims he is offering to reduce both the number of politicians and the cost of politics, the programme has become the focus for an anti-politics campaign.

British readers will find the themes and arguments familiar from the rise of anti-politics in the UK: the main parties are accused of being almost identical, clubbing together to grant themselves more power at the expense of the people. Bolted onto criticisms of the specifics of Renzis proposals are numerous other concerns and frustrations felt by voters who feel ignored and neglected by a political class which prioritises its own interests ahead of those of the people.

The No campaign is a fascinating patchwork. Insurgents like Beppe Grillos Five Star Movement line up with Silvo Berlusconis Forza Italia, the radical rightists of the Liga Nord find themselves on the same side as the Tory-allied Conservatives and Reformists (named in tribute to the ECR Group in the European Parliament), and all of the above are joined by the Greens, two different brands of Communists and the Italian Left.

It seems to be working. Yes was well ahead at the start of the year, but No took the lead in June and was still out in front in the final polls before the official blackout on polling came into force last weekend. We all know by now that polls can be wrong, but they are certainly in with a chance.

How did Renzis big shot at reform come to this?

The proposals themselves are partly responsible. As The Economist notes, while perfect bicameralism is certainly broken, instituting an unelected upper chamber whose members are immune from prosecution looks like an invitation for the most corrupt politicians in the land to seek a seat in the new Senate. And the top-up electoral system, intended to put an end to the need for coalitions, was always going to attract opposition from smaller parties who stand to lose clout, and suspicion from voters who fear a power-grab by Renzi or someone worse.

Renzis strategic mis-steps have played a large part, too. He opened the door to accusations of a political stitch-up by relying on Berlusconis support to push the reforms through, irritating some in his own party. Having taken the pain of striking that deal, he then lost Berlusconis support through a dispute over his nominee for the Presidency. As a result, the No coalition now includes Berlusconi and various members of Renzis own party who initially chose to support No precisely because they disliked the sight of their leader doing a deal with Berlusconi.

That wasnt his worst error. As his opponents settled on an anti-politics message, bundling not only the issue of electoral reform but also general discontent with the political class into the debate, Renzi offered them the ultimate gift: he pledged to quit politics if he lost. In our EU referendum, David Cameron denied he would resign if we voted Leave lest the prospect tempt Labour voters into doing so. Faced with the same choice, Renzi tried to use his resignation as a threat but inadvertently handed an attractive message to the No campaign.

Theres more at stake than constitutional reform

If the polls are right, and No triumphs on Sunday, the stakes are rather greater than simply the future of the Italian constitution. In the short-term, there are fears that the fall of Renzis Government could push several Italian banks off their precarious perches, requiring a multi-billion euro bailout to save them. That in itself would place renewed economic and political stress on the Eurozone, which is yet to shake off the hangover from its last crisis.

There is also the question of who would come after Renzi. Italy has a long tradition of the main parties installing technocratic governments in times of crisis, but a defeat on this scale could strip them of their authority to do so. If anyone stands to gain in stature from a No vote, its Grillo and his M5S. They want a referendum on Italys membership of the Single Currency  were they to gain power, even as part of a coalition which prevented that referendum from happening, it would be another crack in the already rickety EU wall.

A new crisis for the EU

To pre-empt lazy headline writers: an Italian No vote wouldnt be the same as Brexit. For a start, while many Italians are using the referendum as a proxy to express their dislike of their political elite, they arent quite so far along the Eurosceptic road as Britain (yet, at least). But it would have a dire impact on the European project: reopening the currency and banking crises which the ECB hoped were over, highlighting once again the resentment between the North and South of the EUs core, inspiring politicians across the Continent to wonder if the EU really is the best bandwagon to hitch their career to and, perhaps, pulling back the curtain to reveal that the whole edifice is far less secure and stable than its leaders like to pretend.

For the UK, any economic instability in our close neighbours and trading partners is bad economic news. The political impact at home could yet be sizeable, too. It is common to hear some people assert that the first whiff of an economic crisis would lead Leave voters to regret their decision. What doesnt seem to have been considered is the effect that the sight of a specifically EU economic crisis would have.

If the EUs grandest project wobbles, Brussels would be forced to seek yet more money from member states to fund yet more bailouts. Juncker et al would no doubt demand a response involving more Europe in the form of Banking and Fiscal Union  as they always do. The cost and popular discontent would rise as democracy and the economy declined. In that circumstance, it could be Remain voters who find themselves thanking the stars for our lucky escape from a doomed experiment.
The seating plan has already been done. Walking from right to left along the curved wooden desk, the visitor can read on small rectangular pieces of paper the names of Lord Hodges, Lord Carnwath, Lord Sumption, Lord Clarke, Lord Mance, Lord Neuberger, Lady Hale, Lord Kerr, Lord Wilson, Lord Reed and Lord Hughes.

The names are rather close together, for it was not envisaged that more than nine justices of the Supreme Court would ever sit at one time, and a panel of five is usually considered sufficient. But the Brexit case, which will be heard from Monday to Thursday of next week, is of such critical importance that for the first time, all 11 justices are being fielded.

The court does not look like the kind of place that enemies of the people  to use the Daily Mails characterisation of the High Court judges whose verdict the Government is challenging  would conspire to overthrow the referendum result.

It occupies the former council chamber in what used to be Middlesex Guildhall, built in 1913 on one side of Parliament Square. The conversion of this imposing edifice has been carried out in the style of the early years of the 21st century.

This means that period features have been restored so thoroughly they look disconcertingly immaculate, and to these have been added a considerable quantity of glass, a cafe in a newly glazed light well, and a poem by Andrew Motion.

The staff could not be more friendly and the public are welcome to walk in and look around, though as at other courts one has to go through security first. In a promotional video, bubbly young Stacey Dooley says theres just a lovely atmosphere all round.

At the cafe, an admirable volume about the history and architecture of the building can be purchased, reduced from 19.95 to the more accessible price of 5.00. In this Lady Hale, Deputy President of the court, writes of her institution:

It does not need to impress the world with the majesty of the law: its authority can be taken for granted. It needs a dignified but attractive environment in which the most difficult issues can be debated between counsel and the bench in a structured but informal way. At its best, it has been said, the atmosphere is that of a learned seminar.

How earnestly the justices strive to live up to the ideal expressed with such complacency by Lady Hale. There can be no doubt of their industry, intellect and incorruptibility. Yet I for one cannot help sighing for the majesty of the law, which in some ways seemed more straightforward than all this guff about openness and accessibility.

The justices now find themselves embarrassed, in the best (or worst) modern style, that with one exception they are men, who went to independent schools, followed in most cases by Oxford or Cambridge. Dooley asks Lady Hale why there arent more women, and gets this reply:

Why there arent more women is something of a mystery There arent a lot of women at the top of the legal profession who are eligible to become judges.

Lord Sumption has warned, quite rightly, that a precipitate attempt to recruit more women could wreck the judiciary. For the deal until recent years has been that a gifted barrister could make vast sums by working like a maniac, and then slow down a bit, and enjoy the satisfactions of public service, by becoming a judge, which also carried a good pension.

Edward Gibbon, in his Autobiography, records that his stepmother exhorted him to become a lawyer, and goes on:

I cannot repent of having neglected her advice. Few men, without the spur of necessity, have resolution to force their way through the thorns and thickets of that gloomy labyrinth.

With the exception of a few wonderfully gifted individuals, getting to the top of the legal profession requires a willingness to cudgel ones brains, and ignore personal inclinations, for years on end.

One such wonderfully gifted individual was the late Lord Bingham. But as he records in the opening lines of another essay in the book mentioned above:

On 12 June 2003 the government announced that the ancient office of Lord Chancellor was to be abolished and a new Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, separate from the House of Lords, established. The announcement came as a surprise to the public, the legal profession and some senior ministers. There had been no Royal Commission or select committee, as in 1867-76 when the last major change to the structure of the judiciary had been made. There had been no manifesto pledge to make such changes. There had been no public consultation. Nor was there any substantial groundswell of public opinion demanding change. Early indications were that the proposals had not been very fully thought out.

The justices of the Supreme Court are a Blairite innovation for which they themselves had raised no demand. They are casting around for a role beyond that of the old law lords, when most members of the public would be more than happy for them to remain as inhibited as their predecessors.

We are not living in the United States, and do not have a separation of powers of the kind that has existed in that great country for over two centuries.

So although I do not always agree with that despot, and bully, Paul Dacre (editor since 1992 of the Daily Mail), and although I deprecate his French Revolutionary line about Enemies of the People, I cannot help thinking that whatever the Supreme Court may decide next week, it cannot be allowed to negate the referendum result.
As Christopher Howarth warned on Tuesday, the nasty thing about transitional arrangement with the EU is that they have a habit of being permanent. Much like the temporary introduction of income tax during the Napoleonic Wars, or the thrice-cursed Barnett Formula, things that are meant to only last a short while tend to stick around for perpetuity, bedevelling any and all attempts to move on to what was meant to be the permanent state of affairs.

This should give us pause for thought before steaming into a supposedly temporary bridging arrangement with Brussels. Not only could the reality be longer-lasting than the theory, but voters would be justifiably sceptical and entitled to wonder if the contents of such a deal really do what it says on the tin.

As is so often the case, this would be particularly awkward on the topic of immigration. Of the three things Vote Leave wanted to take back control over  our laws, our money and our borders  a transitional arrangement could conceivably do at least a partial job on the first two. There could be limits on the introduction of new EU legislation during a transition, though that wouldnt do anything to solve the numerous and costly pre-existing body of EU law. Our membership subs might conceivably be reduced to recognise that we were on our way out of the club.

Neither of these would amount to proper Brexit  which is why a transitional arrangement that became permanent would be totally unacceptable. But they would at least involve a little bit of progress. A transitional arrangement wouldnt  couldnt  do anything to change the situation on immigration one iota, though. Free movement would remain in place, and our borders would remain open.

The prospect of entering a long-lasting transitional limbo is unappealing enough. Leave voters would be justifiably angry at what would amount to a fudge at best. But consider the continued loss of control over immigration as well, and it becomes clear that it wouldnt be tenable at all.
News / Local

by Stephen Jakes

Mthwakazi Liberation Front (MLF) leaders in South Africa and Botswana have come under fire over the expulsion of former party spokesperson David Magagula.The Zimbabwean based party leaders have expressed discontent over the issue.Acting party President Churchill Guduza expelled Magagula in May through a letter accusing him of violation of constitutional principles.Zimbabwe MLF Secretary General Bonhomie Ndlovu said Magagula was still a senior member of the party.He said his expulsion was unconstitutional as no hearing was conducted and the disciplinary committee of the party never conducted a meeting over the issue.Ndlovu said the expulsion was done through phone call and a letter.The leadership in SA endorsed Magagula's expulsion and accused him of continuing to illegally use the name of the party.MLF official in Botswana, Edmos Khumalo said Magagula was abusing the name of the party by claiming to represent the party at some meetings.In a statement Khumalo has claimed that Magagula was expelled from MLF and his evils were still following him. He warned some Mthwakazians to stop associating with Magagula and other Mthwakazi organizations which he described as fly by night parties among them Mthwakazi Republic Party led by Mqondisi Moyo.Ndlovu rubbished Khumalo's claims describing him as a Zanu PF intelligence officer planted in the party to destroy it from within.He accused Khumalo of betrayal by marrying a Shona wife from Mtoko which he said can affect his efforts to restore Mthwakazi state against the Shona people where his wife belongs."How would he speak with his wife about the Mthwakazi restoration programme when his wife would obviously be against that move," Ndlovu said. "It is not possible that he can go against his wife's people. Khumalo was planted in Botswana to surveillance our former leader Fidelis Ncube (General Nandinandi) and cause his down fall. He is the one who facilitated Botswana's move to force Ncube to step down from leading MLF through citizenship conditions."Ndlovu said according to the MLF leadership in Zimbabwe Magagula is still a senior member of the party and those who claim he has been expelled must leave him alone.
CORNWALL, Ontario  It was like a scene right from Hollywood boulevard. Supportive fans huddled by the front entrance of the venue, while the limousine pulled up in the parking lot.

Soon, the man of the hour stepped out, accompanied by family, friends, and a bouquet of balloons. For everyone at the Royal Canadian Legion on Sunday, Nov. 27, Alex Tourangeau is their hero.

Its been three and a half long years for the Tourangeu family, but today, they finally made it. After battling Leukemia since July of 2013, Alex Tourangeau got to finally ring the bell, signalling he is done treatment.

Today we are celebrating Alexs end of treatment, said mother, and local organizer, Cheryl Tourangeau. On Thursday the 24th he rang the end of treatment bell, so now he is done. There is no evidence of disease, and he is looking fantastic he is finished with 1152 doses of chemo, 27 lumbar punctures, 10 sessions of radiation, and blood transfusions andits been a long road, but we made it!

Alexs friends and family had the opportunity to celebrate with him Sunday afternoon. By 1 oclock, over 50 people had assembled at the Legion, with many more expected to drop in before 3 p.m. A cake decorated with Captain America, fitting for Alex, was provided, along with other refreshments, and a slideshow displaying the Tourangeaus long journey since 2013.

But, for the Tourangeaus, the battle against childhood cancer is not over.

Were still going to do fundraisers for Ronald McDonald House. In May were going to have bowling going on at Nativity Bowling Lanes, said Cheryl Tourangeau. Because childhood cancer is so underfunded and under-researched. Everything goes into adult cancers, and we need to focus on cures and prevention and medicine for the kids. The kids all get adult chemo, and thats just too hard on their bodies. We need to keep raising awareness and keep fundraising and make childhood cancer only something in history textbooks.

For Alex, today was less about the uphill battle he has fought for three and a half years, and more about celebrating the life he has ahead of him. And, that life includes dropping the puck at the Nationals game against Port Huron on Dec. 4 at 1 p.m.
CORNWALL, Ontario  People of all ages gathered at the Cornwall Square on Sunday, Nov. 27 to remember loved ones and watch as the traditional Memory Tree Lighting Ceremony took place.

Shannon Ferguson, Special to TC Media.

CORNWALL, Ontario  People of all ages gathered at the Cornwall Square on Sunday, Nov. 27 to remember loved ones and watch as the traditional Memory Tree Lighting Ceremony took place.

The Bereaved Families of Ontario Memory Tree stands near the west staircase on the first level, outside of Sears, and honours those who have passed away.

Gisele Roy, Facilitator and Coordinator of Bereaved Families of Ontario-Cornwall, played a big part in helping the day run smoothly and explained why the Memory Tree is so important.

Its a source of comfort for people. Its very symbolic and people come back year after year to add their memory tag to it.

In its 20th year, the tree has become a fixture at the Cornwall Square during the holiday season. People are able to write down the name of a loved one on a special tag and hang it on a branch, eventually filling the entire tree with names of those deeply missed.

The tradition is still very much alive and todays turnout is great. We are so happy to hold a special lighting of this tree year after year said Roy.

The Centennial Choir filled the air with carols throughout the ceremony and heartfelt speeches were given, recognizing the difficulties that many people who have lost loved ones face during the holidays.

Flo Britton lost her daughter, Candace, in a car accident 13 years ago and has attended the ceremony in her memory every year since.

We have a lot of good memories that we cherish and days like today help us move forward she said. This day is always very touching. Its heartwarming. Its just so nice and so heartfelt.

The Memory Tree will be on display until Dec. 24 and BFO staff will be on hand with information for dealing with grief during the holiday season.

BFO will also be holding its Annual Candlelight Remembrance Service at Knox St. Paul Church on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7:00 p.m. It is open to the public.
LONG SAULT, Ontario  On November 26, 2016 at approximately 3:35am, SD&G OPP officers responded to a report of an assault incident at a residence in the Village of Long Sault, South Stormont Township. Investigation indicated that an adult male had sexually assault an adult female.

A 22-year-old male from South Stormont Township was arrested and is charged with;

 Sexual Assault

He was held in custody pending an appearance (bail) at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall. His name is being withheld in order to protect the identity of the victim.
WINCHESTER, Ontario  The Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) Board of Directors approved a motion to allow hospital doctors to offer Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).

This decision is the result of a lengthy process that began with the change in Canadian law last June, followed by planning involving physicians, staff, patients, families, our Ethics Committee and legal counsel, notes Marieke vanNoppen, Board Chair. This is a new service that WDMH is offering to the communities we serve, but its important to note that a component of MAID is the right for health care providers to choose not to be involved, she added. Anyone at WDMH can choose not to be involved in MAID and that choice will be respected.

In February 2015, The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that it was unconstitutional to barr doctors from assisting patients in ending their lives if that was the wish of the patient.

On June 17, 2016, the Liberal Government passed legislation to allow doctor assisted dying in Canada.

Under the law, citizens over the age of 18 who are mentally competent and are suffering from a grievous and irremediable medical condition are eligible to ask a doctor to assist them in ending their lives.
News / National

by Staff reporter

FORMER Mabvuku-Tafara MDC-T MP, Timothy Mubhawu, who recently made headlines for allegedly battering his wife, Moline Elizabeth, has now filed for divorce at the High Court, while the latter has accused the politician of being abusive and schizophrenic.The couple had been married for the past 18 years.According to court papers, the couple agreed that a divorce decree be granted on the basis that the union had irretrievably broken down."What has led to the breakdown of the marriage is the plaintiff's (Mubhawu) physical and emotional abuse towards the defendant (Elizabeth) to the extent that defendant has had to obtain a protection order against the plaintiff," Elizabeth said in her affidavit.Elizabeth further said despite the existence of a court order, Mubhawu continuously violated it and was currently facing criminal charges at the Harare Magistrates' Court.She demanded $100 maintenance for their six children per month and an order for Mubhawu to pay school fees.In his application, Mubhawu urged the court to grant a decree for divorce, saying he had completely lost love and affection for Elizabeth, whom he had not been staying with for the past six years."The marriage between the parties has irretrievably broken down to such an extent that there remains no reasonable prospect for the restoration of the relationship between them," he said through his lawyers.But, Elizabeth dismissed the averments, telling the court they only separated in July this year.In his affidavit, Mubhawu said he was driven to seek a divorce after Elizabeth deserted him. He also said he was applying for the custody of the couple's five minor children and proposed his wife should only be granted reasonable access to the children during school holidays.The former legislator also proposed to provide adequately the financial and educational needs of the minor children until they attained the legal age of majority or became self-supporting.However, his wife argued it would be in the best interest of the minors if custody was to be granted in her favour given that Mubhawu was "abusive and schizophrenic".According to the court papers, during the subsistence of the marriage, the couple acquired several household goods, which Mubhawu suggested should all be awarded to his wife. He proposed retaining their Greendale property and offered Elizabeth the pair's Glen Lorne residential stand.He also urged the court not to consider granting an order of maintenance against either of the parties."In the event of this honourable court granting a decree of divorce to the plaintiff (Mubhawu), it will not be in the best interest of justice and those of the plaintiff that the plaintiff be ordered to pay maintenance to the defendant (Elizabeth) or the defendant to be ordered to maintain the plaintiff in the given circumstances," Mubhawu said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A traffic police officer was yesterday morning assaulted by motorists and residents of Highfield, Harare, for reportedly causing a commuter omnibus accident in which more than 14 passengers were injured along Willowvale Road.The policeman was among officers who were manning a roadblock near Delta Beverages' Willowvale Depot in Highfield area.It is alleged that the officer waved down a kombi driver who plies the City-Canaan/Western Triangle route but he did not stop.According to witnesses, the driver tried to evade the roadblock, forcing the policeman to use spikes to deflate the vehicle's tyres.It is alleged this caused the commuter omnibus, which was carrying 18 passengers heading towards the city centre, to overturn and land on its roof.Several passengers, including school children, were injured. They were taken to Harare Central Hospital for treatment.After the incident, fellow policemen who were manning the roadblock fled the scene. The offending officer was apprehended by members of the public as he tried to escape.People took turns to assault the cop for more than an hour before he was rescued by a soldier and another civilian.Police were later deployed to the area to restore order as people still bayed for the officer's blood.Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said she was still to get details of what transpired.
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News / National

by Stephen Jakes

The President of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Tendai Biti, will be presenting the State of the Economy Address on Friday 9 Dec 2016 in Harare at 1030hrs.This come in the wake of the introduction of Bond notes by the embattled Zanu PF government.PDP Deputy Spokesperson George Mkhwanazi said in attendance will be all members of the party's Management and National Working Committees."The party will also use this opportunity to assign portfolios to new NWC members, appoint Ambassadors to a number of strategic countries and institutions and review events of the year 2016," he said."This will be the last NWC meeting for 2016."
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zanu-PF factions are squabbling over a proposal from five provinces to re-admit members who were expelled from the party as well as rescinding the suspensions of those cadres who were sidelined from party activities for hobnobbing with former vice president Joice Mujuru, the Financial Gazette can exclusively report.Since the party's December 2014 congress, a total of 201 members have been suspended and 14 expelled from Zanu-PF for supporting Mujuru, who was fired from the ruling party and government for undermining President Robert Mugabe's authority.Mujuru has since formed an opposition political party called the Zimbabwe People First, which is currently mobilising support ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections.So far, Zanu-PF has re-admitted only seven of the 50 members who filed appeals with the party's National Appeals Committee (NAC), chaired by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, while the remaining cadres await their fate.Among those who were either re-admitted into the party or had their suspensions lifted are heavyweights namely Nicholas Goche, Webster Shamu (pictured), Francis Nhema, Flora Buka, Jason Machaya, Chiratidzo Mabuwa and Fred Moyo, who were counted among Mujuru's acolytes.Mujuru had fought a long, bruising battle with Emmerson Mnangagwa to succeed President Mugabe, who has been at the helm of Zanu-PF and government since the fall of the colonial regime in April 1980.Her presidential bid collapsed like a deck of cards in 2014 when she, along with her key backers, was dismissed from the ruling party for allegedly attempting a failed palace coup on the incumbent.But as the party prepares for its national people's conference to be held in Masvingo next week, Harare, Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland South provinces have recommended that Zanu-PF should pardon members it suspended and expelled after the 2014 congress.One of the factions in the ruling party, Team Lacoste, has immediately raised the red flag, saying the list of beneficiaries of the amnesty did not include vocal members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA)'s national executive who are allies of Mnangagwa who replaced Mujuru as Vice President in 2014.On top of the list of Mnangagwas allies is ZNLWVA chairman, Christopher Mutsvangwa, and other members of his executive, among them Douglas Mahiya and Victor Matemadanda, who were dismissed from Zanu-PF sometime this year for insubordination.Also conspicuous by their absence from the proposed pardon are former provincial chairmen for Mashonaland East, Masvingo and Midlands, namely Joel Biggie Matiza, Ezra Chadzamira and Kizito Chivamba, as well as former youth leader Pupurai Togarepi and other provincial youth chairmen, who were known for their closeness to Mnangagwa.Team Lacoste is thus alleging that their rivals in Generation 40 (G40) are attempting to beef up their faction ahead of the 2018 general elections, by integrating into the party individuals who had fought alongside Mujuru, to derail Mnangagwa's presidential ambitions.By bringing them onboard, Team Lacoste is alarmed that G40 wants the party to either re-admit or lift suspensions on those cadres who may be having scores to settle with Mnangagwa.It is thought that Mujuru's former allies are bitter with Mnangagwa and would not support his bid to succeed President Mugabe in the event that he leaves office because they hold the Vice President responsible for their woes.They would, therefore, likely align themselves with G40, whose members are currently subject of corruption investigations instigated by their Team Lacoste rivals.Zanu-PF deputy-secretary for legal affairs, Paul Mangwana, could not be drawn into shedding more light on the nature of the resolutions made by the party's 10 provinces a week ago.He said the party's legal affairs department was yet to receive the full list of the proposed resolutions."We will receive all resolutions from provinces and party organs during the course of the conference for consolidation. At that point, we will be able to say something. At the moment, we are simply hearing different versions coming through and we cannot comment on unofficial reports," he said.However, his department, which is dominated by Team Lacoste, has trashed the Women's League resolution seeking to tweak with the party's constitution to allow for the return of the women's quota for positions in the party's presidium.The resolution, presented at last year's conference in December, was viewed by Team Lacoste as targeted at Mnangagwa.The women had particularly demanded that they wanted the change to be effected by the end of this year but are now suggesting that this could be done in 2019 after elections.So contentious was the proposal that the party left the conference without tabling the resolutions for adoption, the first time this has ever happened.Masvingo provincial political commissar, Jappy Jaboon, confirmed that Masvingo had recommended that the suspensions be lifted."It was recommended that all Members of Parliament's suspensions be lifted unconditionally," Jaboon said.He, however, denied reports that the decision was part of a campaign to weaken Mnangagwa."The resolutions came from the people and people's views must be respected because we draw our mandate from the mass of Zimbabwe," he said.If this resolution is adopted, Chivi North MP, Tranos Huruba, Chiredzi South legislator, and former Masvingo provincial chairman, Callisto Gwanetsa, Paul Chimedza (Gutu South) and Tongai Muzenda (Gutu central) could bounce back in the party.Matabeleland South province has also recommended the return of former chairman, Andrew Langa.Interim provincial chairman, Rabelani Choeni, confirmed this but refused to shed more light."I have already submitted that (resolution). I don't want to talk about it," he said.Harare province resolved to set up a provincial disciplinary committee chaired by provincial political commissar, Shadreck Mashayamombe, to try its executive member, Robert Kahanana, a perceived Mnangagwa ally who is accused of mocking the party leadership on social media following its humiliating defeat in the Norton National Assembly by-election.Mashayamombe refused to comment, referring questions to provincial spokesman, Abisha Ushewokunze, who could not be reached.Manicaland provincial chairman, Samuel Undenge, referred questions to provincial secretary for administration, Kenneth Saruchera, saying he did not attend the inter district meeting that passes the resolution as he had travelled out of the country.Saruchera confirmed that the resolution was made, but said it only had to do with Chipinge South MP, Enoch Porusingazi and no one else."The issue came from Chipinge where people were appealing for his suspension to be lifted on the basis that he was repentant and working well with people in his constituency. It was debated and supported and we have duly submitted the recommendation for his re-admission," Saruchera said.Mnangagwa's supporters argued that provinces had no basis to petition conference to lift the suspension of members.According to the party's constitution, such cases are handled by the national disciplinary committee.However, the committee was recently stripped of those powers after the establishment of NAC.Team Lacoste members, however, argue that Mphoko's committee is not provided for in the 2014 party constitution, but this has not prevented it from clearing or re-admitting a number of former heavyweights such as Goche, Shamu, Nhema and Buka.Some senior party members are now claiming that allegations that Mujuru attempted a coup against President Mugabe were mere political banter.At the time, Mujuru was tussling with Mnangagwa whom she had dramatically upstaged to land the vice presidency in 2004.With Mujuru out of the picture, Mnangagwa is now battling to outfox G40, consisting largely of Young Turks.G40 has since assumed control of provincial structures.In a recent development, Mashonaland Central province proposed to amend the party's constitution in order to allow party members to vote for President Mugabe's two deputies.
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Marc noted that, "I have never heard of the latter being done by U.S. authorities." But they certainly have the capability. Chicago and Los Angeles police have had dirtboxes for more than a decade. A number of U.S. police departments have purchased Stingrays in the past few years. Since these cell site simulators can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, they're often donated to local PDs by the FBI or the corporations that make them. A Stingray was most recently used by the Baltimore police to disrupt the protests after Freddie Gray's death. So it's not like John Law is averse to blocking people's data via techno-fuckery. And sometimes they do it with planes, because if you're going to do shit like this, you might as well do it in the scariest way possible.

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In 2014, The Wall Street Journal broke the story that the U.S. Marshals Service had commissioned a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft with dirtboxes. And last year, we learned that the FBI also has their own fleet of dirtbox-equipped planes, mostly Cessnas, registered to a series of dummy corporations with names like "KQM Aviation." And no, this information isn't from some website with an Illuminati pyramid worked into the logo; the AP figured this out, and they've provided so much documentation that anyone who reads it will literally shit credibility.

Marc made sure to note that a number of things could have caused all this funky phone behavior. For example, rural cell towers aren't built to smoothly handle thousands of new people "checking in" on Facebook. Our stories were all anecdotal, and conspiratorial thinking is going to thrive at any given gathering of thousands of people who regularly contend with armed riot police. And while a handful of other sites have reported on rumors of digital eavesdropping at Standing Rock, and the ACLU has submitted a freedom of information request looking into the matter, solid evidence has been in short supply. Or it was, until we ran into this charming sign on the wall of the media tent:
Opinion / Blogs

"Hosea and Gomer divorced because of so many problems" Discuss the causes and effects of divorce in Zimbabwean context ? (25)COMMENT OVERVIEWThe above question demands one to discuss the causes and effects of divorce in Zimbabwean Context. It is prudent to note that the key reference of this question is the prophet Hosea ,who was commissioned to marry harlot Gomer .The prophet used his lifestyle to deliver the message ,it is a belief among biblical students that Hosea was showing the relationship between Yahweh (God) and the Israelites. In Chapter 2 the prophet divorced Gomer due to so many problems which will be highlighted on this ongoing work. In Zimbabwean context, it has been recorded by media that number of so many partners have divorced because of the several problems. Divorces have negative results ,this include spread of STIs and the children will be affected.ANSWERSHosea and Gomer divorced perhaps because of unfaithfulness of Gomer .Gomer was a harlot when Hosea the prophet married her ,Hosea thought that Gomer was going to repent ,unfortunately she failed .She continued with her lewdness. This is evidenced in Chapter 2:5 For she said, 'I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.' As a result ,they divorced. All this indicate that Hosea divorced Gomer because of her unfaithfulness.ZIMBABWEAN CONTEXTMedia has recorded various issues concerning the marriages.Sunday News and Bulawayo24.com records such stories on daily basis .It has been recorded that number of so many partners divorces because of unfaithfulness of their partners . The story of Tafadzwa and Macheso is known by so many people .Bulawayo24.com Newspaper on 31st of October 2016 at 07:13 published a certain story which was headlined "Nust Student sneaks for sex with neighbor's wife" as a result the relationship is very sour now .It has been also recorded that a man was dirvorced by the legal wife after was suspected to be having an affair with a maid.The victim even wrote on Star FM during the show of Auntie Rhoda and Sekuru Nyathi looking for new woman to marry.All this indicates that dirvoces in Zimbabwean context, there are caused by unfaithfulness of the partners .It is also believed that ,partners divorce because of infertility .In Zimbabwean context especially in the Ndebele and Shona cultures ,it is a belief that whenever one of the partners is infertile drastic measures will be done ,in some point even the divorce is encouraged. The similar story was published by Sis Noe a certain post from a certain a lady in Zimbabwe submitted that she was looking for a serious husband after the aunts of her former husband had chased her away because of being infertile .Aunts oppressed the daughter in law (verbal war). Traditionalists in Zimbabwean society they advertise themselves as they will be assisting the men who are infertile ,as a way of saving the relationship .All this indicates that infertility causes divorces in Zimbabwean context.Unsatisfactory is one of major causes of divorces in Zimbabwean context. Media has recorded the increase of night clubs where men march during the night, perhaps the origin of this will be lack of satisfaction at homes.The good example was recorded by Bulawayo24.com , the Private Lounge of Bulawayo and several night clubs in Victoria Falls .records that there is lot of activity ,some they claim that they spend more than two days as they will be well satisfied than in their original homes . All this leads to divorces ,hence showing that unsatisfactory causes divorces .N.B MORE EXAMPLES CAN BE ADDED.FOR INSTANCE-Irresponsibility-MistrustEFFECTS OF DIVORCESThe divorces in Zimbabwean context ,have got negative results .For instance Loneliness. . In Zimbabwean context it is recorded that man experience loneliness especially when marriage issues are concerned. Victoria Falls is good example. In 2003-2009 ,prostitution was on its peak. As a result ,the statistics proved that there were more divorces than engagements. To some point men being divorced by their wife .The divorced being left at home as maids ,as result this indicates that divorces have got negative results. Prostitution can be a result of divorce especially when man divorces the woman .In some cases women will be left with no choice but to embark on prostitution as they will be trying to earn a living ,Hence ,leading to the prostitution at the same time the spread of STIs .All this indicates the effects of divorcesN.B MORE EXAMPLES CAN BE ADDED-loss of integrity-depressionQUESTION DEMANDSDiscussCONTACTS+2637777896159"Where there is no vision people ,perish" King Solomon
Channel programs News

Open Systems Technologies Adds New International Offices, CEO Says Global Capabilities Are Big Competitive Differentiator

Steven Burke

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 Meredith Bronk

Fast growth solution provider superstar Open Systems Technologies (OST), No. 150 on the CRN SP500, is expanding into Hong Kong and Singapore in response to rising demand from its customers for global IT services.

OST, which launched its first international office in London three years ago, says the new locations are on a fast sales ramp with a plan to generate $12 million in additional sales mainly in the data center and cloud storage markets.

[Related: Fast-Growing Open Systems Technologies Scoops Up Design Consulting Superstar]

The Hong Kong and Singapore locations have been set up to respond to demands from existing customers quickly, said OST President and CEO Meredith Bronk.

The global capabilities that the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based, $160 million solution provider brings to the table is a big differentiator not only for multinational customers, but also for enterprise customers digitally transforming their businesses for the cloud era, said Bronk.

"For enterprise accounts, global matters," she said. "Whether they are operating globally or not, large scale accounts are affected by what is happening on a global scale. So our ability to think and operate globally transcends into value even for clients who don't operate globally. If I am talking to a healthcare system that is down the street what is happening globally matters and affects them. We are able to bring that perspective."

The global footprint is a critical competitive differentiator for OST as enterprise customers aggressively move to provide more "creative, relevant and capable" solutions for their own businesses, said Bronk. "Traditional CIOs and IT buyers are trying to figure out how to stay relevant to their business with ideas like DevOps," she said.

OST's business transformation services, which include a robust application development team and an innovative "human-centered design" practice, go hand in hand with the global expansion, said Bronk.

"What is so exciting for us is the emergence of how technology is being leveraged inside and outside of historical buying patterns," she said. "We are seeing forward-thinking CIOs who are staying nimble, but more and more technology driven decisions are being started outside of IT."

OST's acquisition of the human-centered design company Visualhero Design in January has been critical in helping win over the increasing number of customers looking to transform their business, said Bronk. "We call it aligning to the cadence of business," she said.

The global expansion began with a demand from multinational customers for OST to provide global procurement and supply chain capabilities, said Bronk."We went global in response to a need that our existing global accounts had," she said. "Our model is understand what the customers need is and come up with creative solutions."

OST's "proprietary" procurement service has reduced compute deployment for key customers from six to eight weeks to 24 hours, said Bronk. "What we are doing is providing availability of compute ahead of demand so customers can have that compute power in their hands in 24 hours," she said.

Bronk credited global distribution giant Ingram Micro and vendor partners Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Cisco and Dell EMC as key partners in helping OST deliver global services for customers. "We have the relationships and the great partners that have allowed us to expand globally," she said.

OST partners have made major program and policy improvements over the last several years that have helped power the OST global expansion, said Bronk. "We are all being challenged to think and operate globally," she said. "Each of our partners have stepped up to the plate in different capacities to help us."
Channel programs News

Dell EMC President: New Partner Program Will Leverage Dell's Economics, EMC's Engagement Model

Michael Novinson

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Dell EMC President Marius Haas said the company's new partner program will draw inspiration from Dell's economic incentives and EMC's hard deck model for partner engagement.

The new partner program will take effect Feb. 1 and place tremendous emphasis on driving activity across multiple lines of business and providing solutions across all of the data center, Haas said Wednesday at Ingram Micro ONE.

"We have an unbelievable opportunity to take the best of both programs and now create one single industry best-in-class program," Haas, Dell EMC's president and chief commercial officer, told more than 2,000 people at the Aria Resort & Spa in Las Vegas.

[RELATED: Ingram Micro CEO: Chinese Ownership Allows Company To Take More Risks And Boost Its Market Share In China]

While Dell EMC received positive feedback from partners about Dell's economics and the simplicity of EMC's hard deck program  which establishes a revenue threshold under which all deals must be done through the channel  Haas said partners indicated Dell's engagement model was unpredictable and that some of the economics around EMC's partner program had eroded over time.

Although specific details around the new partner program won't start being communicated until sometime in December, Haas said that simplicity, predictability and profitability will serve as the guiding principles. Dell and EMC have been maintaining separate partner programs since the blockbuster $58 billion acquisition closed in early September.

From a simplicity standpoint, Haas said the new program will ensure that partners understand exactly how they can quality for certain benefits at different tiers. The program will have four tiers, Haas said: Gold, Platinum, Titanium and the highest, Titanium Black.

"It has to be very clear," Haas said. "I want partners to know what it takes for them to make money."

As for predictability, Haas said he wants to ensure that accounts partners bring to Dell EMC are tagged to them in perpetuity. Dell EMC also wants to incent customers to grow wallet share for accounts they're bringing to the vendor, Haas said.

Focusing on profitability, Haas said Dell EMC is seeing significant consolidation, particularly in the client space, where just three vendors are boosting market share while the rest of the industry is declining.

"It's a competitive industry," Haas said. "With big parts of the market shrinking, the only way to grow is to take from someone else."

Some of the components of Dell EMC's new partner program will help A&A Computers, particularly as it relates to working more closely with Dell and leaning on Ingram Micro for educational opportunities, according to Marketing Manager Ashwin Doshi.

The Santa Clara, Calif.-based Ingram Micro partner primarily resells Dell desktops, laptops and servers, and Doshi said he's optimistic that the new partner program will make Dell even more competitive from a pricing standpoint.

Haas said Dell EMC plans to look holistically across its entire set of products and services and ensure that there's clear financial incentive for partners to increase the amount of business they're doing with the company. Dell EMC will be proscriptive with its sales force, Haas said, providing tremendous clarity around how they should approach different types of partner accounts and ensuring they're channel-led.

Dell EMC is already having conversations with Ingram Micro and other key vendor and distributor partners to ensure the company understands what matters to its channel partners and how it can best ensure their success, Haas said. The company is also working with publicly traded subsidiary VMware to ensure its programs are consistent and extremely attractive to partners, Haas said.

Dell has grown its partner ecosystem 30 percent to at least $35 billion since the company went private in October 2013, Haas said, giving Dell a market share in the channel of roughly 10 percent. Haas said he has told CEO Michael Dell that the company could achieve market share in the channel of 15 percent to 20 percent, meaning Dell could grow its partner ecosystem from $35 billion to $65 billion or $70 billion.

Dell has spent $12.5 billion on research and development since it went private, which Haas said is more than than what IBM and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have spent between them. Being privately owned has made it easier for Dell to focus on creating long-term value rather than having to optimize its performance for short-term, 90-day cycles, according to Haas.

"We don't have shareholders," Haas said. "We don't invest a dime in dividends. We don't invest a dime in share buybacks."
Channel programs News

CompuCom Promotes EVP Dan Stone to CEO

Michael Novinson

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CompuCom has promoted the former president of Lenovo Latin America, Dan Stone, to be its CEO. Don Doctor, the solution provider's CEO of the past 22 months, will once again become the company's chairman.

The Dallas-based company, No. 23 on the 2014 CRN Solution Provider 500, said that Stone joined CompuCom at the time of Doctor's appointment to lead the end-user enablement division, which helps IT executives manage the convergence of next-gen technologies like social interaction, mobility, big data and cloud.

"[Dan's] strategic thinking, vision and focus on end users make him the perfect choice to lead the company," Doctor said in a statement. "Im excited about Dan and the talented group of leaders we now have in place, and the direction they are taking the business."

[RELATED: IT Hall Of Fame: How Jim Dixon Put Customers First And Turned CompuCom Into A Services Giant]

The $1.9 billion systems integrator recently bought the Internet of Things (IoT) division of Extensys. It plans to launch what it said is the first-ever artificial intelligence (AI)-based managed service aimed at preventing midmarket data center downtime, and expanding its managed security services through a new partnership with Intel that provides real-time threat management.

CompuCom said Doctor is transitioning out of the CEO position since he has helped the company achieve several short-term goals, including a new business unit structure, a focus on key verticals such as retail, financial services and healthcare, and the initial development of a regional VAR play focused on emerging technologies like IoT.

"CompuCom is at an exciting time in its evolution, and Im proud to have the opportunity to lead our team," Stone said in a statement. Don has been instrumental in transforming the company over the past couple of years and bringing it to the place it is today, and I look forward to continuing that transformation."

Stone wasn't immediately available for additional comment.

Some of the services under Stone's purview in his current role include asset lifecycle management, desktop and application management, digital engagement solutions, enterprise mobility solutions, IT staffing, personal service management, service desk, walk-up services and workplace solutions.

Before joining CompuCom early last year, Stone spent a little more than a year as president and general manager of Lenovo Latin America, a $3 billion business division with 7,000 employees across 15 countries and two continents.

Stone had served in a variety of roles at Lenovo since April 2007, including chief strategy officer, where he developed and implemented a strategy for the Chinese company's technology investments, partnerships and alliances, and post-merger management activities around the globe.

Stone will become CompuCom's fourth CEO in the last three-and-a-half years. The revolving door started in May 2013, when longtime CEO Jim Dixon  CompuCom's leader from 1987 to 1996 and again from 2004 until then  stepped out of the CEO role and was replaced by division leader Tony Doye.

Doye left CompuCom in August 2014, prompting Dixon to step back into the CEO slot on an interim basis. In February 2015, following a six-month search, Doctor  who joined CompuCom's board in May 2013 and had spent several years as CEO of data center maintenance company SMS beginning in 2006  replaced Dixon as CompuCom's leader.

One of Doctor's first moves was selling CompuCom's software business, which included a select Microsoft licensing business to SoftwareONE in March 2015 for an undisclosed amount.

CRN had reported in November 2014 that Microsoft was considering revoking CompuCom's licensing solution provider (LSP) status because the company wasn't meeting revenue targets or investing enough in technical certifications. LSPs are the only Microsoft partners authorized to handle software volume licensing transactions.

Today, CompuCom's 11,500 employees hold more than 100,000 certifications, and the company said it had enjoyed more than 25 years of profitable growth. CompuCom's average client has been working with the company for 14 years, and the company said derives three-quarters of its IT services revenue from recurring annuity clients.
A Major Breach

Check Point Software Technologies Wednesday said its researchers discovered a new Android malware, called Gooligan, that has breached more than a million Android accounts. The news comes as Google has looked to ramp up the security of its Android OS, including now pushing automatic security updates. In a blog post about the discovery, Check Point called the Gooligan malware the "largest Google account breach to date" and shows a shift toward more mobile attacks.

"This theft of over a million Google account details is very alarming and represents the next stage of cyberattacks," said Michael Shaulov, Check Point's head of mobile products. "We are seeing a shift in the strategy of hackers, who are now targeting mobile devices in order to obtain the sensitive information that is stored on them." Here's the fast facts on what partners need to know.
Dell's Hyper-Converged Strategy

Chad Sakac, head of Dell EMC's Converged Platforms Division, is laying out a strategy for how the company will play in the storage and server market to take advantage of what the company estimates to be an $85 billion opportunity.

According to Dell EMC estimates Sakac shared in a recent Virtual Geek blog post, the storage and server market is expected to be growing at an annual rate of about 18 percent by 2019. The challenge, Sakac said, is that while the market's momentum is shifting toward turnkey systems, traditional build-your-own systems still dominate and account for nearly the entire server and storage market.

As customers move from the build-your-own model to the turnkey model, Sakac argued, "you inherently trade off flexibility for outcome, and anyone who says otherwise is wrong, delusional or trying to sell you something."

For Sakac, that means Dell EMC has to cover the entire spectrum because getting it wrong is painful for both the vendor and its customers. Click through to see how Sakac intends to guide customers from the old school to the new school.
Preferring Darkness

He was in the world,

and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him.

He came to that which was his own,

but his own did not receive him.

John 1 v 10-11

I once woke up in the middle of the night to find a strange figure at the foot of my bed. It was dark and I was half asleep, so I couldnt work out who it was or what they were doing there. Gradually the light dawned. It was my wetsuit, which Id hung up the night before.

In John 3 a man comes to Jesus at night and wonders why he cant see! That mans name is Nicodemus. Nicodemus comes to Jesus because he is concerned with spiritual insight, rather than physical sight. But John plays on the fact that the meeting is taking place during the darkness of night to highlight Nicodemus real problem.

Nicodemus begins by suggesting Jesus must be from God (3 v 2). But behind this statement is a question: Is Jesus Gods promised King? Is he the Messiah?

If this were a world of light, it would be easy to see the truth about Jesus. But this is a world in darkness, into which Jesus steps as the true light (1 v 9). Verses 10-11 remind us of why we need lightbecause we live in darkness.

This means that to see Gods kingdomto understand its nature and welcome its comingyou need to be able to see in the dark. For that, you need helpyou need the Spirit of God to make you a new person with new insight. Jesus says you need to be born again (3 v 3-8).

Then Jesus starts talking about snakes in the wilderness, which at first sight seems rather random (3 v 14)! Hes asking Nicodemus to think of the episode told in Numbers 20. The people of Israel, on their way to the promised land, had rebelled against God, and so God had sent a plague of poisonous snakes as an act of judgment. The people repented, so God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it high among the people. Anyone who looked to the serpent would be saved. Jesus says this was not only a means of rescue for those Israelites in that timeit was also a picture of what he would do at the cross: Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him (John 3 v 14-15).

Nicodemus asks whether Jesus is Gods King. Jesus says you need Gods Spirit to see Gods King. Why? Because Jesus is not the King we expect. We expect a king to be high and mighty. Jesus would certainly be lifted up. But he would be lifted up on a cross.

And why is Jesus lifted up on a cross? Jesus continues, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (3 v 16). Gods King would die in the place of his people. He had come not to defeat rebels, but to take their placeto be defeated by God so we can be forgiven.

Finally, in his night-time conversation, Jesus comes back to the issue of darkness: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil (3 v 19). People love darkness. They dont want to let go of their sinthey dont want to recognise the Word, and they dont want to receive their King (1 v 10-11). Why? Because people fear exposure. They dont want to admit their sin or give up their self-rule. Jesus is diagnosing what Nicodemus has done by coming furtively at night. Nicodemus is his own parable. He has come at night, asking, Why cant I see?

Jesus offers eternal life to rebellious subjects. But we prefer darkness and death to life in the light. We dont want to admit we need the King on the cross, dying for our sins. As a result, the cross looks like the epitome of shame to us rather than the epitome of glory. We call darkness light, and light darkness. We dont recognise the light that has come to us.

Only the Spirit of God can open our eyes to the true light. Only the Spirit of God can enable us to recognise and receive the truth of these words with joy: The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

Meditate

He was in the world,

and though the world was made through him,

the world did not recognise him.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife

The world has suffered long;

Beneath the angel strain have rolled

Two thousand years of wrong;

And man, at war with man, hears not

The love-song which they bring;

O hush the noise, ye men of strife

And hear the angels sing.

(It Came Upon the Midnight Clear)

Prayer

Eternal God,

the light of the minds that know you,

the joy of the hearts that love you,

and the strength of the wills that serve you: grant us so to know you that we may truly love you, so to love you that we may truly serve you, whose service is perfect freedom;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

(Augustine of Hippo, 354-430)

Content taken from The One Trust Light: Daily Readings for Advent from the Gospel of John by Tim Chester. 2016 by Tim Chester. Used by permission of The Good Book Company, thegoodbook.com.

Tim Chester is a pastor at Grace Church, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, and a tutor with the Acts 29 Oak Hill Academy. He is the author of over 30 books, including Exodus For You, You Can Change, and The One True Light.

Image courtesy: Unsplash.com

Publication date: December 1, 2016
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Princess Cruises has agreed to plead guilty to seven felony charges stemming from its deliberate pollution of the seas and intentional acts to cover it up, according to a statement released this morning by the United States Department of Justice.

Princess will pay a $40 million penalty the largest-ever criminal penalty involving deliberate vessel pollution, the Justice Department said, and plead guilty to charges related to illegal dumping of oil contaminated waste from the Caribbean Princess.

The plea agreement was announced today by Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Department of Justices Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer for the Southern District of Florida in Miami, Florida.

The U.S. investigation was initiated after information was provided to the U.S. Coast Guard by the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) indicating that a newly hired engineer on the Caribbean Princess reported that a so-called magic pipe had been used on Aug. 23, 2013, to illegally discharge oily waste off the coast of England.

The whistleblowing engineer quit his position when the ship reached Southampton, England. The chief engineer and senior first engineer ordered a cover-up, including removal of the magic pipe and directing subordinates to lie, according to the Justice Department.

The MCA shared evidence with the U.S. Coast Guard, including before and after photos of the bypass used to make the discharge and showing its disappearance. The U.S. Coast Guard conducted an examination of the Caribbean Princess upon its arrival in New York City on Sept. 14, 2013, during which certain crew members continued to lie in accordance with orders they had received from Princess employees, said the Justice Department.

According to papers filed in court, the Caribbean Princess had been making illegal discharges through bypass equipment since 2005, one year after the ship began operations. The discharge on Aug. 26, 2013, involved approximately 4,227 gallons, 23 miles off the coast of England within the countrys Exclusive Economic Zone. At the same time as the discharge, engineers simultaneously ran clean seawater through the ships overboard equipment in order to create a false digital record for a legitimate discharge.

"The Caribbean Princess used multiple methods over the course of time to pollute the seas. Prior to the installation of the bypass pipe used to make the discharge off the coast of England, a different unauthorized valve was used. When the Department of Justice investigative team conducted a consensual boarding of the ship in Houston, Texas, on March 8, 2014, they found the valve that crew members had described. When it was removed by Princess at the departments request, it was found to contain black oil," said the press release.

In addition to the use of a magic pipe to circumvent the oily water separator and oil content monitor required pollution prevention equipment, the Department of Justice said the U.S. investigation uncovered two other illegal practices which were found to have taken place on the Caribbean Princess as well as four other Princess ships  Star Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess and Golden Princess.

One practice was to open a salt water valve when bilge waste was being processed by the oily water separator and oil content monitor. The purpose was to prevent the oil content monitor from otherwise alarming and stopping the overboard discharge. This was done routinely on the Caribbean Princess in 2012 and 2013.

The second practice involved discharges of oily bilge water originating from the overflow of graywater tanks into the machinery space bilges. This waste was pumped back into the graywater system rather than being processed as oily bilge waste. Neither of these practices were truthfully recorded in the oil record book as required. All of the bypassing took place through the graywater system which was discharged when the ship was more than four nautical miles from land. As a result, discharges within U.S. waters were likely.

The pollution in this case was the result of more than just bad actors on one ship, said Assistant Attorney General Cruden, in the prepared statement. It reflects very poorly on Princesss culture and management. This is a company that knew better and should have done better. Hopefully the outcome of this case has the potential not just to chart a new course for this company, but for other companies as well.

The conduct being addressed today is particularly troubling because the Carnival family of companies has a documented history of environmental violations, including in the Southern District of Florida, said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. Our hope is that all companies abide by regulations that are in place to protect our natural resources and prevent environmental harm. Todays case should send a powerful message to other companies that the U.S. government will continue to enforce a zero tolerance policy for deliberate ocean dumping that endangers the countless animals, marine life and humans who rely on clean water to survive.

The safety, security and environmental stewardship of our ports, waterways and oceans is an important Coast Guard mission set and the complexity of the challenges we face today requires a global unity of effort among law enforcement partners, said Rear Admiral Scott Buschman Commander, Coast Guard District Seven. I sincerely thank the U.S. Attorney and the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency for your leadership, your collaboration and the hard work put forth to reach a plea agreement with significant penalties that serve as a clear warning to all polluters.

This shows just how well the U.K. and U.S. can work together on these kind of cases, said Jeremy Smart, head of enforcement at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency of the United Kingdom. It also sends a clear message to the industry that this kind of pollution practice will not be tolerated anywhere in the world. It also shows that we will always take any information we are given by those who report such practices to us very seriously and will act upon it.

In addition to the criminal information, a plea agreement and joint factual statement were today filed in court in Miami. Photographs of some of the evidence provided by the whistleblower and obtained by the government were also filed in federal court.
From W-2 scams to WordPress vulnerabilities, ransomware, business email compromises, DDos attacks and allegations of a hacked presidential election -- 2016's been a hell of a year in cybersecurity, and it's not over yet.

There's no reason to believe 2017 will be any better. If anything, it could be even worse as cybercriminals continue to push social engineering, find new ways to deliver malware, crack vulnerable databases and leverage mobile technology to find ways to get inside corporate defenses and target individuals.

We asked two leading cybersecurity experts, Matt Dircks, CEO of secure access software company Bomgar and Scott Millis, CTO at secure device management and mobile security company Cyber adAPT, what to expect in 2017.

1. Passwords 'grow up'

The recent DDoS attack that wreaked havoc on a huge portion of the internet on Oct. 21was at least partly enabled by unchanged default passwords on IoT devices, says Dircks, which hackers were able to exploit. Don't think you're immune; how many of your users have simple, common or outdated passwords? In 2017, Dircks says better password management services will gain traction as businesses understand how vulnerable they are.

"I used to do a party trick where I'd go to someone's house and hack their router. There are so many purpose-built, 'dumb' devices out there like the routers used to facilitate the DDoS attack a few months ago, that it's making hackers' jobs easy," Dircks says.

Cybersecurity professionals will struggle to protect critical infrastructure, connected systems and remotely accessed systems and devices while weak password practices remain the norm, but it's not just external threats that are a problem.

Mitigating insider threats can also be accomplished through better password management, he says. The best way to do so is to implement a solution that securely store passwords that remain unknown to users, and then regularly validates and rotates those passwords to ensure safety and security, he says.

"What we're talking about is credential vaults. In an ideal world, a user would never actually know what their password was -- it would be automatically populated by the vault, and rotated and changed every week. Look -- hackers are intrinsically lazy, and they have time on their side. If you make it harder for them, they'll go elsewhere rather than invest the energy to chip away," Dircks says.

[ Related story: 4 ways tech will shape workforce management in 2017 ]

2. Privilege gains power

Hackers want high-level access, which they get through targeting the credentials of privileged users like IT professionals, CEOs and vendors, Dircks says. And while organizations have applied security to the systems, applications and data that are most critical to their business, these preventative measures simply aren't enough anymore. In 2017, he says, savvy organizations will finally get serious about protecting not just systems, but privileged users by identifying them, monitoring their access and closing off access to what they don't need.

"We've had some clients who say, 'Well, I just stick my users or outside vendors on the VPN and they're fine,' but they have no idea what they are actually accessing! With privilege management, think of it like an elevator bank, where depending on your role, you can only get to certain floors. It really limits what you can do, especially if you're malicious. Even if I do have a valid password, if my privilege lets me access floors one and seven, but I try to go to six, then the system will block me and notify someone," Dircks says.

Addressing this issue, too, will involve organizations willing to provide extensive education and training on the potential dangers involved, especially in an increasingly mobile workforce where many individuals would rather sacrifice privacy and personal data for access and believe their security will be taken care off by the third-party services providers and application creators, he says.

"Especially in the last few generations of digital natives, people are more than willing to give up their personal information and data for access to apps, connectivity, information -- this can easily be exploited. And they are willing to trust that these app developers, these providers, will make sure they're safe and secure. That's dangerous. Combine the cybersecurity skills gap, talent shortage, mobile workforce, app-centric environment, more sophisticated hacking and it's a perfect storm. We think it's just going to get worse before it gets better," Dircks says.

[ Related story: 10 tech skills that will boost your salary ]

3. The security blame game will heat up

"When we talk to our clients, one trend we're seeing that is really horrifying is that they don't even say 'if' an attack occurs anymore, they say 'when.' It's like, at this point they are just throwing up their hands and saying, 'Well, I'm gonna get hit, how bad is it going to be?' and that, to me, is just terrifying," Dircks says.

The IoT and increasing reliance on security solution providers means companies may not be able to easily account for ownership or origin once a breach happens, he says. Who is responsible for securing, maintaining and patching the various technologies? Worse yet, has a product been connected to internal systems that can't yet be patched? A number of IoT devices are often overlooked because they fall outside of IT's traditional purview, but that means exposure to threats.

"With the integration of IoT, automation and the cloud, no one seems entirely sure who's actually responsible for maintaining security of all these various pieces: the IoT device manufacturer? The security services provider? The internal IT department? Individual users? You're only as secure as the least-secure device or relationship," Dircks says.

When a breach occurs, even with layers of security, the question of who "owns" it and who had or has power to do something about it will create intense reactions and finger-pointing, he says.

Companies can head off this blame game by ensuring open communication between IT and business leadership to understand the potential threats, options for security and safety and the challenges and constraints that exist within the organization, Dircks says.

"Part of the problem is that, as a CSO, a CISO or even a CIO -- anyone with security responsibility -- you're either invisible, if you're doing your job right, or you're on the hot seat. If you come up with great policies, procedures and security measures, then you often leave those to IT to operationalize. But if those fail because you didn't understand the business needs, the budgets, the requirements, then you're not really helping," he says.

[ Related story: 10 highest-paying IT security jobs ]

4. Ransomware will spin out of control

Since January 1, 2016, Symantec's Security Response group has seen an average of more than 4,000 ransomware attacks per day: a 300 percent increase over 2015, according to its 2016 Internet Security Threat Report.

Most organizations rely on low-overhead prevention techniques, such as firewall and antivirus solutions or intrusion prevention to mitigate threats like these, says Cyber adAPT's Scott Millis. However, these tools are insufficient, and breach data shows that detection and incident response must be improved.

And as attackers continue to use social engineering and social networks to target sensitive roles or individuals within an organization to get to data, the need for comprehensive security education becomes even more critical, he says.

"If security policies and technologies don't take these vectors into account, ransomware will continue to seep in. There's also the issue of detection. Some attackers can reside within a company's environments for months, often moving laterally within environments, and silos between network, edge, endpoint and data security systems and processes can restrict an organization's ability to prevent, detect and respond to advanced attacks," Millis says.

Finally, new attack surfaces -- for example, IaaS, SaaS and IoT -- are still so new that organizations haven't yet figure out the best way to secure them, he says.

5. Dwell times will see no significant improvement

Dwell time, or the interval between a successful attack and its discovery by the victim, will see zero significant improvement in 2017, Millis says. In some extreme cases, dwell times can reach as high as two years and can cost a company millions per breach.

"Why so long? In my view, this is annoyingly simple -- there's little or no focus on true attack activity detection. At the advent of the 'malware era', companies, vendors and individuals were rightly concerned about 'keeping out the bad guys', and a whole industry grew quickly to focus on two basic themes: 'Defense-in-depth', which I view as layering prevention tactics in-line to make penetration from the outside more difficult; and 'Malware identification', which manifested itself as an arms race towards 100-percent-reliable identification of malware," Millis says.

While response technologies and remediation capabilities, improved, victims were able to isolate and repair damage very quickly. The problem is these technologies didn't help reduce dwell time; unless response teams stumbled upon something malicious or randomly discovered an anomaly, Millis says.

Nowadays, security pros are using network device log files to search for clues as to whether an attack has been attempted or has succeeded, but storing and sorting through the massive amounts of data needed for this approach is costly and inefficient, Millis says.

"The need for huge data stores and massive analytics engines drove the new security information and event management (SIEM) industry. While SIEM is a great after-the-fact forensics tool for investigators, it still isn't effective in identifying attacks in progress. What we -- and some other companies -- are doing now is developing products that focus on analyzing raw network traffic to identify attack indicators. Finding attackers as soon as possible after they have beaten the edge or device prevention gauntlet, or circumvented it entirely as an innocent or malicious insider, will dramatically shorten dwell time," he says.

6. Mobile will continue to rise as a point of entry

At least one, if not more, major enterprise breaches will be attributed to mobile devices in 2017, Millis predicts. A Ponemon Institute report found that for an enterprise, the economic risk of mobile data breaches can be as high as $26.4 million and 67 percent of organizations surveyed reported having had a data breach as a result of employees using their mobile devices to access the company's sensitive and confidential information.

People and their mobile devices are now moving around way too much, and much too fast, for old-fashioned cybersecurity strategies to be effective, Millis says. Add to that an increasing sense of entitlement by users with regards to the devices they choose to use, and you have a situation ripe for exploitation.

"Many users feel they can protect their privacy while having secure, uninterrupted access to business and personal services. And still many people subscribe to the view it is not they who are accountable for security breaches; if they can work around 'security' to improve their user experiences, they will. CISOs, CIOs and CEOs view this as a complex challenge to the implementation of their enterprise security strategies, and one that won't be solved by having email and calendar data delivered over SSL to a single, approved OS," Millis says.

Mobile payments, too, will become a liability. MasterCard's 'selfie pay' and Intel's True Key are just the tip of the iceberg, he says. Individuals should understand that they need to treat their biometric data just as carefully as they do other financial and personal data; again, that comes down to education and training, he says.

"Wouldn't it be nice if public Wi-Fi access providers were required to put up the internet allegory to the warnings on cigarette packs? Something like, 'Warning: This public access connection is not secure and information you send and receive while connected may possibly be viewed, collected and subsequently used by criminals to steal your assets, identity or private information,'" Millis says.

7. Internet of threats?

IoT vulnerabilities and attacks will rise and will increase the need for standardization for various security measures -- hackers at this year's Def Con found 47 new vulnerabilities affecting 23 devices from 21 manufacturers.

And, of course, in October 2016 the massive DDoS attack on major global websites including Twitter, Netflix, Reddit and the UK government's sites -- was reportedly powered by the Mirai botnet made up of insecure IoT devices.
In the wake of reports about Russian involvement in fake news and hacks against political targets leading up to the recent presidential election, scholars and security experts are calling for federal action.

As of Sunday, 158 scholars have signed an open letter calling for a congressional investigation.

"Our country needs a thorough, public Congressional investigation into the role that foreign powers played in the months leading up to November," the letter said.

Democrats in Congress have also called for an investigation, and were recently joined by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.

[ MORE SPECULATION ON HACKING: Q&A: The myths and realities of hacking an election ]

Eric Schmidt, the executive chairman of Google's parent company Alphabet, has said he's most worried about Russia when it comes to cyber attacks.

"If you look at their actions over the last few months, they've done a number of very publicized invasions, attacks, and alterations," he said in an interview on Bloomberg Television.

According to a survey of U.S. adults released this morning by Alertsec, the general public agrees that Russia poses the biggest threat. Of those who said that they were worried about hacker groups, the largest number (24 percent) said that they worry most about Russia. Anonymous was in second place with 21 percent, followed by petty thieves at 19 percent, and China at 18 percent. Wikileaks and "neighborhood nerds" tied for last place, at 10 percent each.

What makes Russian cybercriminals different is the high skill level of the individuals involved, and the breadth of the underground economy that they participate in.

"They have been evolving and honing their skills for the better part of 15 years," said Ed Cabrera, chief cybersecurity officer at Trend Micro.

The Russian underground economy is most mature, he added.

"It has truly been the rising tide that lifts the skill sets of all Russian cyber criminals," he said.

In a report about the Russian Underground that Trend Micro released last year, the security firm also identified two types of politically motivated cyberattackers. First, these are people who have a strong political belief and volunteer their time and skills on behalf of causes, groups, or governments.

Then there are the cyber mercenaries, who work for political groups or governments for money.

Knowing where the criminals are coming from does make a difference, Cabrera said.

"You can not develop a sound resilient cybersecurity strategy without having a deep understanding of the threats you face and the vulnerabilities you have," he said. "To quote Sun Tzu, 'If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.'

Russian hackers also have one other advantage -- it can be easier for them to hide from law authorities in other countries.

"Prosecuting any hacker in a country other than our own can be a process that's legally fraught with jurisdictional and extradition issues, so not an easy undertaking," said Joseph Opacki, vice president of threat research at PhishLabs. "For these reasons, hackers tend to hide in countries well-known within the cybercrime ecosystem."

Some call for offensive countermeasures, not just investigations

The combined offensive power of the Russian criminal underground and the Russian government itself might be too much for individual enterprises to defend against on their own.

"We need to help fund both private and public sector efforts if we want to reduce the risk to our country of a major cyber event," said Michael Lipinski, CISO and chief security strategist at Securonix. "Our corporate entities are not financially equipped to combat endless state sponsored actor attacks."

For example, the United States could fund projects that improve not just defensive capabilities, but offensive ones as well.

"Counter strikes may be necessary depending on the situation but there needs to be great clarity before taking this action," he said. "There is risk of hitting the wrong target and risk of collateral damage. That said, I also believe, just like in standard warfare, that a strong arsenal is a great deterrent."

A formal security officer at the federal level to coordinate investment and prioritization efforts would also be helpful, he said.

"Cyber defense is a priority for both private and military entities, and the government must create a coordinated framework that includes both," agreed Ebba Blitz, CEO at Alertsec. "This work is of great importance and the United States should appoint a chief of cyber security."
Saudi Arabia's government agencies were hit with a cyberattack that security researchers are blaming on a worm-like malware that can wipe computer systems, destroying data.

Several government bodies and vital installations suffered the attack, disrupting their servers, the country's Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday. The transportation sector was among the agencies hit by an actor from outside the country, the press agency said.

Security firms say the attack involved malware called Shamoon or Disttrack that was previously found targeting a Saudi Arabian oil company four years ago. That attack disabled 30,000 computers.

This latest attack involved the malware acting as a time bomb. Samples of the malicious coding were configured to begin wiping data at 8:45 p.m. local time Nov. 17, the end of the work week in the country, according to security firm Symantec.

The malware was configured with passwords that appear to have been stolen from the targeted organizations, Symantec said in a blog post. How the attackers obtained the stolen credentials is unknown.

The Shamoon malware works by spreading across the victim's network and copying itself to new computers. This new variant of the malware uses a system-wiping function that will overwrite a hard disk and replace the data with the image of a 3-year-old Syrian refugee boy who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea last year.

The malware sample appears to have been, "solely focused on destruction," security firm Palo Alto Networks said.

To gain access to the stolen passwords that the malware used, the hackers behind Shamoon may have sent phishing emails to their targets, tricking them into giving up their credentials, Palo Alto Networks said. Or the hackers may have already had inside access, it said.

It's unclear who pulled off the attack, but the malware is similar to the older version of Shamoon used in the 2012 attack against the Saudi Arabian oil company, security firms said. That version overwrote the infected hard disks with images of a burning U.S. flag.

A hacktivist group called Cutting Sword of Justice claimed responsibility for the 2012 attack, but U.S. investigators have suspected that Iran was involved. Iran has denied any ties to that attack.
It's possible to transmit life-threatening signals to implanted medical devices with no prior knowledge of how the devices work, researchers in Belgium and the U.K. have demonstrated.

By intercepting and reverse-engineering the signals exchanged between a heart pacemaker-defibrillator and its programmer, the researchers found they could steal patient information, flatten the device's battery, or send malicious messages to the pacemaker. The attacks they developed can be performed from up to five meters away using standard equipment -- but more sophisticated antennas could increase this distance by tens or hundreds of times, they said.

"The consequences of these attacks can be fatal for patients as these messages can contain commands to deliver a shock or to disable a therapy," the researchers wrote in a new paper examining the security of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), which monitor heart rhythm and can deliver either low-power electrical signals to the heart, like a pacemaker, or stronger ones, like a defibrillator, to shock the heart back to a normal rhythm. They will present their findings at the Annual Computer Security Applications Conference (ACSAC) in Los Angeles next week.

At least 10 different types of pacemaker are vulnerable, according to the team, who work at the University of Leuven and University Hospital Gasthuisberg Leuven in Belgium, and the University of Birmingham in England. Their findings add to the evidence of severe security failings in programmable and connected medical devices such as ICDs.

They were able to reverse-engineer the protocol used by one of the pacemakers without access to any documentation, and this despite discovering that the manufacturer had made rudimentary attempts to obfuscate the data transmitted. Previous studies of such devices had found all communications were made in the clear.

"Reverse-engineering was possible by only using a black-box approach. Our results demonstrated that security by obscurity is a dangerous design approach that often conceals negligent designs," they wrote, urging the medical devices industry to ditch weak proprietary systems for protecting communications in favor of more open and well-scrutinized security systems.

Among the attacks they demonstrated in their lab were breaches of privacy, in which they extracted medical records bearing the patient's name from the device. In developing this attack, they discovered that data transmissions were obfuscated using a simple linear feedback shift register to XOR the data. At least 10 models of ICD use the same technique, they found.

They also showed how repeatedly sending a message to the ICD can prevent it from entering sleep mode. By maintaining the device in standby mode, they could prematurely drain its battery and lengthen the time during which it would accept messages that could lead to a more dangerous attack.

One saving grace for the ICDs tested is that, before they will accept any radio commands, they need to be activated by a magnetic programming head held within a few centimeters of the patient's skin. For up to two hours after a communications session is opened in that way, though, the ICDs remained receptive to instructions not just from legitimate programming or diagnostic devices but also the researchers' software-defined radio, making it possible to initiate an attack on a patient after they left a doctor's office.

Until devices can be made that secure their communications better, the only short-term defense against such hijacking attacks is to carry a signal jammer, the researchers said. A longer-term approach would be to modify systems so that programmers can send a signal to ICDs putting them immediately into sleep mode at the end of a programming session, they said.

Previous reports of hackable medical devices have been dismissed by their manufacturers.

The researchers in Leuven and Birmingham said they had notified the manufacturer of the device they tested, and discussed their findings before publication.
Japanese Internment Camps

Camarillo, Calif., Dec. 1, 2016  Among the students at an upcoming class on the Japanese internment camps of World War II is a woman who lived behind the barbed wire.

Ruth Maruoka, 88, of Ventura was thumbing through the class descriptions for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands (CI), when she came across Through Barbed Wire: World War II and the Japanese American Experience.

Maruoka knew a lot about the Japanese American experience in World War II. She and her family had been forced from their home in California and imprisoned in a camp in Arkansas from 1942 to 1945.

That class really caught my eye, Maruoka said. Although its been 75 years now since it happened, Ive been keeping up with various news documentaries. I thought Wow, Ive got to catch up.

Maruoka was 14 and living on a small farm near Sacramento with her family when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. After Dec. 7, 1941, everything changed.

In early 1942, signs appeared in store and restaurant windows letting them know that no Japanese were welcome. Maruoka and her seven siblings didnt quite understand what was going on, but they picked up on their parents tension.

Then, in May of 1942, a military truck arrived at their door and Maruokas family was told to gather their things and prepare to leave.

We were sad but we didnt know where we were going, Maruoka said. I remember it was harvest season. All the strawberries were bright and red on the farm and ready to be picked.

Instead, they were sent to a family assembly center in Fresno for five months, then put on a train for four days and nights and sent to the Rohwer War Relocation Center in Arkansas. They lost their home in California during the three years they were imprisoned.

Muraoka said her family made the best of the tar paper barracks, open shower stalls, army cots and brutally cold winters.

In the Japanese culture, we dont complain, we dont protest, she said. We went with the flow.

In 1945, her family returned home and friends with a farm took them in and allowed them to live in a small shack in the backyard. Maruokas parents worked on their friends farm until they had enough money to start over again.

When OLLI Program Director Nick Fuentes and Program Analyst Courtney Gross learned Maruoka wanted to attend the class, they arranged coverage of the $15 usually charged to attend any one of the six classes offered this semester in Fall 2016 Taste of OLLI: An Intellectual Buffet.

People come to these classes with a wealth of expertise and background, Gross said. Having her perspective in class is really important.

Museum of Ventura County Director of Education and Outreach Megan Gately, who is teaching the class, says she would love to hear about Maruokas experience during class.

Gately has studied this aspect of World War II history for years because she was fascinated with the way Japanese Americans made the best of an oppressive situation. Gately believes there are lessons in civil rights from that period of time that still resonate today.

I think every generation grapples with civil liberties in the time of national crises, Gately said. How willing are you to question and/or revoke the rights of neighbors, friends and strangers in your community during war time panic?

If you are 50 or better and would like to attend the Saturday, Dec. 3 Through Barbed Wire class on the CI campus, or check out any of the other OLLI classes, click on http://go.csuci.edu/olli or call 805-437-2748.

Photos courtesy Arkansas State University and Bookmice.net
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Good friends Andrea Hollander and Solange Schipani didnt realize the dearth of creative toys that encourage girls to use their STEM skills until they had daughters of their own and became frustrated with the lack of educational options.

Play is how little kids learn and we were seeing there was a lack of toys that were educational for girls, and boys had so many more options, Schipani said. We felt girls were kind of being overlooked.

She noted that the lack of STEM-related activities, which refers to science, technology, engineering and math, has been acknowledged as a reason jobs in those fields are often dominated by men.

So the pair, who met at Columbia Business School and still live in New York City, began thinking of ways they could create a new option for girls. We wanted something that was all about problem solving and creative thinking, Schipani said. But were not looking to turn a traditional construction toy pink and say its for girls.

Instead, Schipani, who has her own marketing consulting firm, SVS Consulting, and Hollander, founder of the nonprofit Out2Play, worked with designers to come up with a new building set option for girls  the Wonderhood Toys. The toys come in two different sets, a Grand Hotel that retails for $59.99 and the Corner Shops for $29.99.

The toys recently became available online and in exclusive toy stores across the nation. In Connecticut only a handful of businesses, most in Fairfield County, carry the toy, including Fairfields Magic Beans, Darien Toy Box and the Age of Reason, which has locations in Westport and Norwalk.

Were excited that were offering these toys, said Eli Gurock, owner of Magic Beans, which has several stores in Massachusetts and opened in Fairfield three years ago. I think its important for girls to be empowered to be builders.

Magic Beans offers a range of toys and products for infants, kids and teens at a variety of prices.

We love to support local businesses and the specialty toy store, like Magic Beans, prides itself on (offering) a real curated collection of quality toys, Schipani said. Its just a good fit for us.

The Wonderhood Toys building sets are targeted to children aged 5 and over. Because the buildings are created through clipping plastic connectors to the sides of the wall pieces, younger children who lack fine motor skills could find it difficult to do on their own and would need an adults help, Schipani said.

To encourage creative play, the building sets come with journals that offer challenges through storylines, like asking the child to create the tallest building possible with a great view for an upcoming firework show.

The toys also come with figurines  with the lead character a girl  to give kids the opportunity to create their own storylines and use the building sets like they would dollhouses.

Gurock said Magic Beans, at 1530 Post Road, has several other new options that also encourage STEM play for girls, including GoldieBlox. Construction toys for girls are on trend right now, he said.
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BRIDGEPORT  Earlier this year, returned Mayor Joe Ganim adopted a dog from the citys shelter.

Now hes adopted a tree.

The live, 20-foot Norway spruce  the centerpiece of Thursday evenings municipal tree lighting at McLevy Green  will, City Hall hopes, help spread holiday cheer for many Christmases to come.

The tree is going to be planted, and used every year, so this is a one-time cost to the city, Ganim spokesman Av Harris said.

Decorating a live tree is a departure from the more-recent tradition of renting a fake one from an out-of-state company.

For years, the city lit a tree growing at McLevy Green. But in 2010, it was damaged by a storm, and a fake has since been seasonally erected at the green.

In fact, last year the tree was set up twice. An artificial spruce was decorated and ready for the lighting ceremony when officials determined it would be in the way of Ganims inauguration festivities.

Mayor from 1991 until 2003, Ganim waged a successful comeback in 2015 and was sworn in last Dec. 1. So installer All Star Construction, of Pulaski, N.Y., dismantled the tree, then returned a few days later to put it up again.

And all that effort was for naught: Ganim was sworn in at the Klein Auditorium, not McLevy Green, because of rain.

The new live spruce was purchased from Planters Choice Nursery in Newtown for $1,515.

Thursdays lighting ceremony is scheduled to run from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., and to include music and dance performances, a visit from Santa Claus, and refreshments.
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Turns out there was more smoke than fire among House Democrats as U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., beat out Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, to retain her position as House minority leader. In the 134-63 vote Wednesday, Reps. Jim Himes, Elizabeth Esty and Rosa DeLauro all supported 76-year-old Pelosi, who became House Democratic leader after the 2002 election.

Challenger Ryan had decried the danger of Democrats becoming the party of coasts, and chided Pelosi for being at the helm of a losing team too long. But ultimately the sense of loyalty (and maybe a few chits here and there) won the day for her.

Esty, ultimately respectful of the women pioneers on Capitol Hill who paved the way for her own political success, was always sure she would support Pelosi but thought it wise to deliberate a little extra.

Republicans mocked the Pelosi win as same-old, same-old, but Esty insisted the election of Donald Trump had laid bare valuable political lessons for Democrats  ones she insisted Pelosi gets.

There are too many families who feel left behind in todays economy and ignored by their elected leaders, and our party must be a stronger voice for these Americans if we are to regain a majority in Congress in the years to come, Esty said.

Discriminatory language

Six months ago, Connecticut Democrats in the House voted for a version of the National Defense Authorization Act  the big annual defense-spending bill  that contained a distasteful provision that allowed contractors to discriminate against LGBT employees and job applicants. The next day they voted unsuccessfully to remove the same language, leading to some head-scratching and a suggestion (on my part) of flip-floppery.

Esty and Himes said there were just too many goodies for Connecticuts defense industries to vote against the original bill, and they would fight to remove the anti-LGBT elements before final passage.

Now, as the NDAA heads for approval in the lame-duck session, the language is gone.

Our government should have no part in funding discrimination  not now, not tomorrow, and not next year, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who was part of the conference committee that ultimately left the LGBT provision on the cutting room floor.

For Himes, another Election Day

You might think Election Day is over and even the less-publicized Pelosi race has finally been determined. But Himes had an election of his own, vying to be chairman of the New Democrat Coalition.

And guess what? Himes won in a closed-door election Thursday.

The NDC is an alliance of 52 centrist Democrats (Himes and Esty among them) who stand as something of a contrast to the Bernie Sanders progressives further to the left. Himes opponents were Reps. Jared Pollis, D-Colo., (known best for marijuana-legalization advocacy) and Gerald Connolly, D-Va.

In a pitch letter to colleagues, Himes, a vice-chairman of the group since 2011 and a bit of a maverick on issues of liberal orthodoxy, argued a Democratic majority will be won in districts that look like ours. (Got that, Fairfield County?)

And he did some modest bragging about his fundraising prowess, telling fellow NDCers how he coughed up $228,000 for New Dems and raised an additional $390,000 through events and outreach.

Himes is chair for the duration of the 115th Congress until January 2019.

Planning for close calls

Members of Congress every day must deal with the dangers that confront America, from overseas and within. Acting after the fact often is not good enough  the nation must be prepared to prevent devastating attack.

So with that in mind, consider a controversy simmering in the Science, Space & Technology Committee, of which Esty is a member.

The committees chairman, Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, sent a letter to NASA complaining about an obscure project known as ARM  or Asteroid Redirect Mission.

ARN sounds a little ominous but its mostly about an ambitious U.S. effort to land robotic spacecraft on moving asteroids, scoop up boulders and send them into orbit around the moon. Later on, astronauts would rendezvous with them in space and take samples.

Sounds pretty wonky but then theres this: The robotic mission also will demonstrate planetary defense techniques to deflect dangerous asteroids and protect Earth if needed in the future.

Whoa! You mean a devastating asteroid strike on Earth, just like the 1998 movie Deep Impact?

Doesnt Earth have enough to worry about?

Dont get too upset, Esty cautioned.

I think we can all agree that stopping deadly asteroids from wiping out life on Earth would be a very good thing, Esty said. At science committee hearings, representatives from NASA have testified about past asteroid strikes and discussed the prospect of a future disaster  including what can be done to prevent one from happening. Were expecting NASA to send more information to our committee about the viability of this specific program, and I look forward to reviewing it with my colleagues.

dan@hearstdc.com; @danfreedma
A Milford psychiatrist has pleaded guilty to federal health fraud and drug charges.

Ljudmil Kljusev, 52, of Fairfield entered the plea Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to distributing narcotics outside of the scope of professional practice, and health care fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kljusev, who operated a psychiatry practice in Milford, was a high-volume prescriber of Adderall and Xanax to patients, many of whom paid for office visits and prescriptions in cash.

Adderall, which is classified as a Schedule II drug by the DEA, is the brand name for a drug containing a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, both of which are central nervous system stimulants. This combination of drugs is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Xanax, which is classified as a Schedule IV drug by the DEA, is a brand name for a drug containing Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine drug. Alprazolam is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders or panic disorders.

The investigation, which included the use of confidential witnesses and an undercover officer posing as patients, revealed that Kljusev prescribed the drugs without a full medical examination of the patient, provided prescriptions without confirming conditions that would medically require treatment using these drugs and dispensed prescriptions in exchange for cash to patients who display substance abuse and addiction behaviors.

Kljusev also directed non-physician employees to write prescriptions signed by the doctor when he was out of the country, court documents show.

In 2014 and 2015, Kljusev improperly billed private health insurers approximately $76,983 for medical services rendered when he was out of the country.

This doctor sold controlled substances out of his office for cash, like a common drug dealer, said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly. We are finding with increasing frequency that the types of pills he distributed are contributing to drug overdose deaths. They are incredibly dangerous if taken inappropriately and particularly toxic if combined with an opioid.

We in law enforcement are committed to prosecuting medical professionals who recklessly and illegally put these and other prescription pills on the street. I thank our partners in this ongoing battle: the DEA and ... the Milford Police Department.

Kljusev, who has been in custody since his arrest on Nov. 12, 2015, will be sentenced on February 22 under a plea agreement, subject to court approval, that calls for a prison term of between 26 and 77 months, the forfeiture of the property on Naugatuck Avenue in Milford where his office was located, as well as $173,095.20 in cash that was seized from his office on the day of his arrest.

He also has agreed to forfeit an additional $117,431.13 contained in his business checking account, and to pay restitution in the amount of $76,983.

The investigation was conducted by the DEAs New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the FBI and Milford police. The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton police departments.

This is not the Macedonia natives first brush with the law. Kljusev was reprimanded and fined $15,000 by the state Medical Examining Board in September, 2013 for sending personal texts to a female patient and calling her "Sweety."

Kljusev, who is board-certified in psychiatry, and speaks with a thick accent, denied the womans claim that he kissed her and said that he was a victim of ethnic discrimination.
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STAMFORD  The YMCA on Washington Boulevard has always been a big part of Ernest Lamours life.

Lamour grew up attending after-school programs at the YMCA and has been credited with spearheading the downtown facilitys revival in recent years.

The chief executive officer is staying within the YMCA family, but moving to a larger facility in New Jersey.

I didnt do every single thing I wanted to do but there are things I can count as major accomplishments, said Lamour, 37, whose last day in Stamford was Wednesday.

Dudley N. Williams Jr., a retired GE Asset Management vice president, has taken over as the interim chief executive officer until a permanent replacement is hired.

Lamour was previously senior program director at the Washington Boulevard community center. He will become the CEO of the YMCA in Ridgewood, N.J.

Lamour, a native of Haiti, moved to Stamford in 1988 and attended the YMCAs after-school programs as a child.

Lamour was credited with rebuilding the centers membership and profile in the community when it reopened in 2010. The facility closed in 2007 for three years amid declining membership and falling revenue.

Theres no doubt that well miss Ernest as both our CEO and friend, YMCA Board Chairman Herbert Parker said. However, we are proud not only of his enormous accomplishments for the Stamford Y, but also of his continuing growth and success as he is tapped to lead another, larger Y into its future. He leaves us with a solid foundation to continue building on.

Lamour said his involvement with the Stamford YMCA for more than 30 years helped shape his life.

Growing up in a single-parent family in a terrible neighborhood, my dad was the single parent and he said there were three important things in life: school, church and the Y  it has always had an important place in my life, Lamour said.

While Im excited to move on to the next chapter of my career, it is a little sad because there are a lot of relationships I have established that I will truly miss.

During Lamours tenure, the YMCA made $1 million in improvements, including new HVAC and pool filtration systems, a remodeled lobby, locker rooms, fitness center and new equipment for the yoga studio and gym. Membership also grew to 2,150 from 1,000 during his six years.

The executive board was restructured to include executives and representatives of Stamfords top businesses, including Deloitte, Pitney Bowes, Harman and GE Capital Management.

Lamour said he is also proud of the organizations improved fundraising efforts that have helped expand programs like the Leadership, Enrichment, Acceptance and Development (LEAD) initiative for children in grades six through 12.

Williams, 61, recently retired from GE Asset Management and serves on the Stamford Board of Finance.

Williams said Lamours leadership at the YMCA, including improving fundraising and hiring qualified staff, helped boost financial support and membership at a critical time.

Ive seen the turnaround first hand under Ernest in terms of establishing programs, hiring staff and being a very effective fundraiser, Williams said. We bet on Ernest and his ability to rebuild this place and he fulfilled the confidence we had in him.
Contributed photo / Wilton Police Department

WILTON  Wilton homeowners hired a cleaning person to tidy up their house, but they got more than they bargained for when that worker tried to clean out their bank account as well, police said.

According to police, 37-year-old Nechtali Lara had been hired to clean a Wilton household in 2011. Some time after his service, the residents of the house realized that nearly $4,000 worth of jewelry had gone missing from their home and two unauthorized checks, totaling $500, had been cashed under their name.
Fidel Castro, Dictator of Cuba, died last Friday after over 50 years of death and destruction of Cuba. On Monday Culver City Congresswoman Karen Bass issued the following statement from her Washington D.C. office regarding the passing of Fidel Castro.

As Cuba begins nine days of mourning, I wish to express my condolences to the Cuban people and the family of Fidel Castro. The passing of the Comandante en Jefe is a great loss to the people of Cuba. I hope together our two nations will continue on the new path of support and collaboration with one another and continue in the new direction of diplomacy.

The late Gus Prado, a Culver City business owner who died in 2015 was born in Havana, Cuba in 1941. He immigrated to the United States in 1960 shortly after Castro seized power in Cuba. He was a staunch opponent of the Castro regime and a loyal, patriotic United States citizen.

He owned Prado Signs in downtown Culver City which he sold over a decade ago.

He served as President of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce, the Culver City Lions Club and of Club 25 of Los Angeles, a Cuban-American club. He was appointed by then Gov. George Deukmejian to serve on the state Advisory Council on Refugee Assistance and Services.

Today would be a day he would celebrate.

Many local residents and business owners in Culver City are of Cuban descent.

Cuba in 1959 was a prosperous country that Castro sent into poverty. For many years the regime was propped up financial by the former Soviet Union.

More people immigrated to Cuba than left the small island nation before Castro overthrew the Batista regime. Following the revolution, mass murder, torture and imprisonment reached virtually every family on the island. He filmed executions long before ISIS was ever born. He exported terror around the world especially to Central and South America.

According to published reports over 100,000 Cubans died through executions, machine gunnings, torture and drowning, while another 500,000 have passed through Castros prisons.

Castro also recommended a First Strike Nuclear Attack to Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev on the Unites States in October 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis when the Soviets placed nuclear missiles on Cuba a mere 90 miles for Florida.

Its not surprising that thousands of Cuban refugees were dancing in the streets celebrating the death of Castro. Those in Cuba were not free to express themselves for fear of death or imprisonment.

The following is individual atrocities according to fathwire.com:

Fusilado (firing squad execution) it says below the name one word, but for most visitors to the Cuban Memorial a word loaded with traumatizing flashbacks.

On Christmas Eve 1961, Juana Diaz Figueroa spat in the face of the Castroite executioners who were binding and gagging her. Theyd found her guilty of feeding and hiding bandits. (Castro and Ches term for Cuban peasants who took up arms to fight their theft of their land to create Stalinist kolkhozes.) Farm collectivization was no more voluntary in Cuba than in the Ukraine. And Cubas kulaks had gunsat first anyway. Then the Kennedy-Khrushchev pact left them defenseless against Soviet tanks, helicopters and flame-throwers. When the blast from Castros firing squad demolished Juana Diaz face and torso, she was six months pregnant.

Rigoberto Hernandez was 17 when Castros prison guards dragged him from his jail cell, jerked his head back to gag him and started dragging him to the stake. Little Rigo pleaded his innocence to the very bloody end. But his pleas were garbled and difficult to understand. His struggles while being gagged and bound to the stake were also awkward. The boy had been a janitor in a Havana high school and was mentally retarded. His single mother had pleaded his case with hysterical sobs. She had begged, beseeched and finally proven to his prosecutors that it was a case of mistaken identity. Her only son, a boy in such a condition, couldnt possibly have been a CIA agent planting bombs.

Fuego! and the firing squad volley riddled Rigos little bent body as he moaned and struggled awkwardly against his bounds, blindfold and gag. We executive from Revolutionary conviction! sneered the man whose peaceful death in bed President Obama seems to mourn.

Carlos Machado was 15 years old in 1963 when the bullets from the firing squad shattered his body. His twin brother and father collapsed beside Carlos from the same volley. All had resisted Castros theft of their humble family farm.

With Castros brother Raul Castro firmly in control of the Cuban Government it is doubtful free elections or freedom for the Cuban people will be come any time soon.
STORY LINK GBP EUR Exchange Rate Nears Four-Month High over 'Brexit' Comments

Pound Euro (GBP EUR) Jumps over Davis Remarks

Euro (EUR) Weakened by Italian Concerns

GBP EUR Exchange Rate Forecast: Supreme Court to Hear Government Appeal next Week

Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues:

The GBP EUR exchange rate rallied just shy of a four-month high today following reports that the UK government may be willing to pay for continued access to the single market.The Pound Euro (GBP EUR) exchange rate was bolstered by comments from Brexit Secretary David Davis who indicated that the UK government may be willing make payments to the EU in order to retain access to the single market after 'Brexit'.In replying to a question on whether the British government would be willing to make some sort of contribution to the EU to ensure access to the single market, Davis said;The major criterion here is that we get the best possible access for goods and services to the European market - and if that is included in what you are talking about, then of course we will consider it.However the 'Brexit' Secretary was unwilling to detail what the governments current plans were for the UKs exit from the EU as he argued;The probable success of the negotiations depend very greatly on us being able to manage the information and keep what needs to be secret until the last minute secret.The news caused a notable improvement in market sentiment towards GBP as investors previously feared that the government would be willing to give up all access to the single market in order to gain greater control over immigration.Euro (EUR) exchange rates face renewed pressure over Sundays conditional referendum in Italy as current polls suggest that Prime Minister Matteo Renzi reforms will be rejected by voters.Investors worry that this could lead to a new populist government as Renzi has repeatedly claimed that he will resign if the referendum is unsuccessful, with growing fears that the Eurosceptic Five Star Movement could potentially claim victory if a general election is called.This has exacerbated concerns over the Italian economy as analysts warn that Renzis resignation could also cause setbacks for planned reforms to Italys banking sector, which may lead to a new banking crisis in Europe.The GBP EUR exchange rate could potentially find itself sliding back next week however as the UK government goes to the Supreme Court in an attempt to appeal a High Court judgement in October that ruled that the government could not invoke Article 50 with a vote from parliament.The Pound is likely to plummet if the Supreme Court rules in the government's favour as investors believe that a soft Brexit' would be more likely if opposition MPs were able to block the 'Brexit' process until the government made certain assurances about how it planned to exit the EU.

International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements.

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A Romanian-Born, Texas-Raised Womans Pledge in Trumps America: Keep Fighting for Better Sex Ed

Mean Girls

We survived Ceausescu. Well survive this idiot, too.

My mothers words sink in over the phone the morning after Trump is announced as president-elect. I feel bitterness, hope, anger, and resilience all at once. I want to believe that no single person can have that much influence on day-to-day life, on freedom. But the political is always personal.

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As a first-generation Romanian American, Ive seen the consequences of red politics, communist and conservative, on womens health and well-being. When Trump is announced as president-elect, thoughts Ive been having all year intersect in a dark its all connected realization.

Thoughts about how my grandmother and mother grew up under a Communist dictator who manifested the ultimate double-edged sword on womens reproductive health: A simultaneous ban on contraception and abortion. His intention was population growth, forcing pregnancy on the nations women. You dont need to be familiar with the history of Romania from 1966 to 1989 to guess the devastating legacy of the government mandates: Self-induced abortions, orphans, and death.

Thoughts about how I currently live in Texas, where the idea of no contraceptives and no abortion is a moral utopia to most GOP politicians.

Thoughts about how virginity was compared to a cookie not to be crumbled, a gift to be re-wrapped, and a sticky note in my abstinence-only sex education growing up in this state. Nobody wants a used sticky note, right?

Thoughts about how Id felt such power over the course of 2016 as I read the Stanford rape survivors letter to Brock Turner, published my own essay about a sexual assault years ago, and watched a tide of people whod long been silent about their sexual assaults speak out after Trumps Grab her by the pussy comment went public.

Thoughts about how the defense of that one sound bite reflected everything wrong with how we still view womens bodies in 2016. Thoughts about a story of a man, emboldened post-election, using that phrase as a rallying cry as he sexually assaulted a woman in the streets of DC.

Thoughts about I dont believe you and Youre lying instead of Im here to listen or I hear you.

Truth: Rape culture is real.



Truth: No one is born a rapist.

So, what does the opposite of rape culture look like? Ive spent all year searching for roots. Dissecting my own experiences, listening to others, turning the words rape and culture over my tongue bitterly. Spitting them out.

Its been a year of incredible sadness.

Its also been a year of incredible strength.

In these seemingly scrambled thoughts that weave together my personal history with the experiences of others, I find clarity. I dont think Ive found the cure to a societal ill. But Ive found a seed.

the author and her mother in Romania

I think about my 15-year-old sister. I think of what young girls will be told about their bodies and their worth over the next four years from a system that refuses to acknowledge the need for honest, comprehensive sex education.

In the final budget of his administration released earlier this year, President Obama acknowledged the value in comprehensive sex education by cutting federal funding to abstinence-only programs. Trump hasnt spoken directly on sex education in public high schools, but I know where hell fall on it, reflected in an excerpt from the 2016 Republican Platform:

We renew our call for replacing 'family planning' programs for teens with sexual risk avoidance education that sets abstinence until marriage as the responsible and respected standard of behavior. That approach  the only one always effective against premarital pregnancy and sexually-transmitted disease  empowers teens to achieve optimal health outcomes.

The only responsible and respected standard of behavior that empowers teens?

I remember 14-year-old me. Vulnerable, and not in the good way that I view vulnerability at 23. Vulnerable in the Im in a developmental stage with limited life experience and the messages you give me about myself will stick with me for years until I painfully unlearn them as I grow up kind of way.

You can always rewrap your gift, the speaker reassures his audience of ninth-graders in a suburb of Houston, Texas.

Were all giggles and side-eyes, glancing at one another.

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Im years away from having sex myself, even more years away from realizing how problematic his message is. The gift he keeps alluding to is our virginity, the precious pearl of women worldwide, often more valued than the woman herself. I glance over at the School Slut, the unspoken label that the student body has collectively placed on a girl whos physically developed earlier and started having sex before most of us. Im conflicted. We just became friends, and shes so nice. I guess she could rewrap her gift?

But why?

Despite the abstinence speakers insistence on treasuring our gifts, I dont understand why my friend is any less deserving of friendship because of who shes slept with.

Now, thats a feminist thought trying to bloom its way through the cement that is Texas sex education.

When you preach about the gift of virginity, youre giving girls the nightmare of shame. Shame about sex, shame about sexual assault. Shame about a natural, beautiful thing they should be allowed to enjoy if they want to, and shame about a crime beyond their control or responsibility.

When your strategy of teaching about sexually transmitted infections is passing around photos of visibly diseased genitalia, youre not scaring teens away from sex  youre spreading misinformation and stigma. The truth about STIs is that most travel with invisible symptoms and that while testing positive for one isnt something to celebrate, your life isnt over if you do. Youre not a dirty, awful person, you wont die, and yes, you can even continue to have a healthy sex life.

When your platform is built on a foundation of demonizing sex, the word consent will never be uttered.

Advocating for comprehensive sex education in Texas that includes discussions about gender, sexuality, and sexual assault seems radical when my sister  who attends the same high school that I did  tells me that by the tenth grade, the only sex ed shes received is a mention of how long menstruation lasts.

In the mainstream media, were finally having the long overdue conversation about campus sexual assault. Theres good work being done by anti-violence organizations to address consent and healthy relationships at the college level. The legislative wheels of justice are in motion with the passing of the historic Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights.

But its too little, too late.

Why are we keeping teenagers in the dark?



Why are we setting them up to hurt?

I dont want it to take a sexual assault in college for my sister to learn the meaning of rape culture like I did.

Well have to be brave. Well have to be creative. Well have to think outside of the system. Well have to trust teens and let them tell their stories. Slut: The Play  put on by The Arts Effect NYC and inspired by the lives of its teenage cast  is a testament to the power of finding the loophole in a society that refuses to shine light on important issues. Those in power wont do it, and so the people must.

What do you pledge in Trumps America?

I pledge to inspire the fight for better sex ed to protect the well-being of teenage girls nationwide, but especially in red states, one of many vulnerable demographics under Trump's administration and with a Republican Congress.

The political is always personal.

But instead of feeling powerless, I feel purpose.

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A first generation Romanian American, Larisa Manescu is a writer based in Austin, Texas. With a journalism background and an activist heart, she believes in the power of the personal essay to shatter stigma surrounding "touchy" topics and to convey the much-needed universal reminder: You are not alone. Currently, she's the Culture Lead Writer for the digital section of the Dallas-based Austere Magazine. Using the opportunities she's been given, from graduating high school in Buenos Aires to studying at UT Austin, she's working towards a world with more opportunities for all. It would be ideal if in this world, the "F" word is fully understood and not at all controversial. Feminism, that is.

Follow her on Twitter @LarisaManescu, on Instagram @larisam13, and check out the spectrum of her work at larisamanescu.com.
Somerset County Treasurer will 'do what it takes' for best returns
The Internet Had A Field Day With This Unflattering Trump Picture

The Internet Had A Field Day With This Unflattering Trump Pic

Quick Take

Look, nobody likes to have an unflattering picture circulate widely on the internet. Nobody wants that. But when you are about to be the President of the United States of America, you can expect to have your likeness contorted in ways you can't even dream of. And that's exactly what happened to Donald Trump, after he told media executives about wanting a particularly unflattering photo not to be shared on the internet.

Luckily for the rest of us, there's not an awful lot he can do, except to suck it up and deal with it. Over at the subreddit PhotoshopBattles, redditors had a very different idea. They grabbed the image and reimagined The Donald's unfortunately engorged silhouette in countless, surprisingly creative ways. Here's some of the best ones:

Drop This Fact

Adobe prefers people to use the term photoshopping when referring to photo editing to prevent its trademark from becoming generalized. Yet it's never caught on as much as they had hoped, and today we regularly use photoshop as a verb.
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!)
President Trump continues to call on America to heal its divisions, writes CRAIG BROWN

MAY 2017

President Trump continues to call on America to heal its divisions.

We have before us the chance now to make history together, to bring real change to Washington, real safety to our cities and real prosperity to our communities, including our inner cities. And, you know what, anyone who doesnt agree is a stupid, ignorant liar who deserves to be shot.

To help distinguish one award from another in the increasingly crowded award show market, a new award show is announced: The Award Awards.

Awards include The Award Award for the Best Award Speech, The Award Award for the Award Show of the Year, The Award Award for the Personality with Most Awards, and The Award Award for Longest Award Evening.

Tonight we celebrate the awarding of awards, say award-winning comperes Ant and Dec, before introducing co-hosts, Helen Mirren, Bob Dylan, Hilary Mantel and Adele.

JUNE

At Paris Fashion Week, the A-list audience reels back in horror when they spot a model smiling on the catwalk.

The last person to be seen to smile on a catwalk was Karl Lagerfeld back in 1989, commented American Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

But thankfully it was a false alarm: Karl had simply decided to wear his face upside-down that night.

Friends of former Monty Python star John Cleese express fears for his mental health when he is heard saying something quite nice about someone on Australian television.

Friends of former Monty Python star John Cleese express fears for his mental health when he is heard saying something quite nice about someone on Australian television

Ive never known behaviour like this from John, says fellow Python Eric Idle.

Its highly worrying. Were all praying that he will soon return to normal.

JULY

The IBO (Institute of the Bleeding Obvious) releases the results of its five-year survey into the reasons people bump into each other.

They conclude that the vast majority of people who bump into someone else are neglecting to look where they are going.

We urgently need more government funding into Bump-Related Education, so that todays citizens are taught the dangers of not looking where they are going from a very early age, a spokesman tells BBC Radio 4s You And Yours.

There is fury among BBC 4 viewers when a new TV series from Scandinavia fails to open with a scene involving the naked corpse of a young woman in an autopsy.

Worse, in the second episode, one of the characters is spotted smiling, and in the third episode two policemen chat happily with one another, rather than just grunting.

Ryanair boss Michael OLeary announces his cheapest fares ever. For only 1.25, you can fly to five locations in Europe

This breaks all the well-loved traditions of the Scandi-Noir genre, says one irate viewer. Next, theyll give us a happy ending and that will be the last straw. Ordinary, decent viewers expect something better.

The Duchess of York is taking a leading chocolate manufacturer to court after dipping into a chocolate selection and picking a Strawberry Creme when she was expecting a Nougat Delight.

I doubt I shall ever get over the shock, says the Duchess. That is why I am asking for 25 million in compensation.

AUGUST

President Trump continues to call on the support of all Americans to help the nation heal.

I am asking you to join me in this effort. It is time to restore the bonds of trust between citizens.

Because when America is unified, there is nothing beyond our reach, even if its beyond the reach of those total dummies, losers, liars and scumbags in the so-called Democratic Party.

Pippa Middleton publishes a lavishly illustrated new book, Pippas Autumn Hints, full of advice on how to survive the autumn. Her top tips include:

 When autumn leaves are falling, take extra special care not to look upwards with your mouth open or else you might swallow a leaf.

 If you go outside in autumn only to find that your head feels wet, dont worry  its probably just a spot of rain.

 Theres nothing quite like a lovely log fire in the autumn. Having trouble lighting it? First, make sure that the switch says On.

Ryanair boss Michael OLeary announces his cheapest fares ever. For only 1.25, you can fly to five locations in Europe.
Bashing Boris Johnson has become the favourite pastime of millions of Remainers who wont accept the outcome of the referendum. They blame him more than anyone. Poor Boris may have become the most hated man in Britain.

For that reason alone, I am inclined to jump to the Foreign Secretarys aid. He has become unpopular by promoting a great cause. But, alas, from time to time Boris says or does things which even his warmest admirers cannot defend.

The most recent rush of blood to his head concerns illegal immigrants. Boris has reportedly dusted off one of his favourite arguments in a Cabinet immigration committee chaired by Theresa May. He thinks there should be an amnesty for tens of thousands of illegal immigrants.

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Alas, from time to time Boris says or does things which even his warmest admirers cannot defend

His suggestion is that illegal immigrants who have escaped detection for ten years or more should be allowed to stay. He contends such people would start paying taxes once their residence in this country became official.

Im not at all sure this would be the case because so many illegal immigrants have become wedded to the cash economy that it might be very difficult to persuade them to pass a share of their earnings to the taxman. But even if some of them did, an amnesty remains a bad idea.

The reason is that it would set a dangerous precedent. There are countless would-be migrants who want to live and work illegally in Britain. They are prepared to pay people smugglers large sums of money and undergo considerable risks to come here. Wouldnt they and others like them redouble their energies if they believed they might one day be granted legal status?

And with net immigration at a record high of more than 330,000 a year  updated figures are due today  this is absolutely the worst time imaginable to contemplate measures that would almost certainly increase numbers significantly.

Boris has reportedly dusted off one of his favourite arguments in a Cabinet immigration committee chaired by Theresa May

No one knows how many illegal immigrants there are in Britain. The impeccably accurate think-tank Migration Watch suggests there are likely to be upwards of one million. Of these, a fair proportion will have been here for at least ten years. Granting an amnesty, and thereby encouraging others to come, would inevitably boost immigration.

Last night, it was reported that Boris has privately told at least four unidentified EU ambassadors that he supports freedom of movement  despite the Governments official line that it must be curbed.

What is he up to? While he was Mayor of London, he floated the idea of an amnesty. Cynics suggested that in a city with a large immigrant population (according to official figures released today, seven in ten babies born in the capital have at least one foreign parent), such a policy would endear him to many voters.

But as Boris is no longer Mayor, his enduring passion for his old cause is perplexing. He may genuinely believe the more immigrants the merrier.

Or does he hope to burnish his faded liberal credentials in the minds of erstwhile admirers who have grown to hate him for his role in the Brexit campaign?

Whatever the reason, Boris is up a gum tree, and should be gently talked down. Fortunately, it seems that the majority of ministers on the same Cabinet committee, as well as Theresa May, strongly disagree with him. No 10 yesterday confirmed that an amnesty for illegal immigrants is not on the cards.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd (who was pretty rude to Boris during the referendum campaign) is said to have asked him for further details. Lets hope she drops them into the wastepaper basket

However, Home Secretary Amber Rudd (who was pretty rude to Boris during the referendum campaign) is said to have asked him for further details. Lets hope she drops them into the wastepaper basket.

The irony of all this is that at the very moment the Foreign Secretary is advocating an amnesty for illegal immigrants, the Government ought to be championing an amnesty for the 3.3 million legal EU immigrants residing in this country, as well as for 1.2 million British expats who live on the Continent.

Many of these are people deeply worried about their future. Ive met several EU nationals working here who fear they may be carted off when this country leaves the EU. I tell them their anxieties are groundless and that throwing out people who have come here legally to work is not the British way. Im afraid they are not entirely convinced.

Equally, there must be many British nationals living or working in Europe who, despite the dictates of common sense, fear they may be sent packing as soon as this country withdraws from the European Union.

Such high-handed treatment would, of course, be unthinkable, as Theresa May well knows. At first  in the aftermath of the referendum and during her first weeks in No 10  she was reluctant to discuss the matter.

The explanation was that she did not want to give up a potential bargaining chip in forthcoming negotiations. What would happen if the UK declared that the rights of all EU nationals living here would be respected, while our European partners did not grant reciprocal rights to Britons living in the EU?

The trouble with this approach was that it left millions of people in a quagmire of uncertainty. So the Prime Minister came up with the idea of fast-tracking a deal that would create an amnesty for British expats, and EU migrants in the UK, after Brexit.

Donald Tusk, the European Council President, insists the issue must wait until Article 50 is triggered and talks formally begin

Almost unbelievably, this humane and sensible plan has been scuppered by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Donald Tusk, the European Council President, who insist the issue must wait until Article 50 is triggered and talks formally begin.

The inescapable interpretation of their response is that they dont want to give up a bargaining chip and are prepared to indulge in the pretence that in extreme circumstances British nationals living in the EU might be asked to get on their bikes.

Or is it a pretence? Might our civilised EU friends really be capable of inflicting such a punishment on innocent Britons living on the Continent, not to mention their own nationals in this country? It doesnt bear thinking about.

At all events, they have unwittingly given Mrs May the moral advantage. If they insist on leaving millions of legal immigrants in a state of uncertainty for months to come, she could seize the high ground by simply agreeing to honour the rights of EU citizens living here.

Should the European Union not immediately reciprocate such an undertaking, it would be left looking mean and small-minded  the very charges that are commonly being levelled against this country by Brussels in a sometimes nasty fusillade of words.

To judge by her remarks yesterday in the Commons, the Prime Minister is not yet ready to make a unilateral declaration that the rights of EU citizens to stay in the UK be guaranteed. She said this would risk leaving those Britons living in Europe high and dry.

Yet it is surely inconceivable that Britain would in any eventuality require EU nationals already legally living here to repatriate. Mrs May has every-thing to gain and nothing to lose by showing that this country does not play dirty little games.

Contrary to what is often maintained in fashionable circles, most people who voted Brexit are not anti-foreigner or anti-immigrant. They realise that controlled immigration can be beneficial to the economy. All they want is a fair and transparent system that limits immigration to manageable proportions.
For a few happy moments yesterday, it seemed the Governor of the Bank of England had turned over a new leaf, steering clear of political controversy and, for once, talking Britain up.

It couldnt last. Within minutes of declaring the EU depends hugely on the City  the investment banker for Europe, as he put it  Mark Carney was up to his old tricks, dabbling in politics and clashing with Theresa May over Brexit.

Directly challenging her refusal to reveal her negotiating aims and tactics, he pressed her to tell firms as much as possible, as soon as possible, about the deal she wanted and how she hoped to achieve it.

Within minutes of declaring the EU depends hugely on the City  the investment banker for Europe, as he put it  Mark Carney was up to his old tricks, dabbling in politics and clashing with Theresa May over Brexit

As for his own views, he made little secret of his wish for a long transitional period in which our relationship with Europe remains much as it is today. But then, as he made clear when he threw his weight behind Project Fear, he doesnt actually want Britain to leave at all.

One question: hasnt he meddled enough? If only he had stuck to the obvious truth that the EU couldnt cope without the Citys expertise, built up over generations, nobody could object.

Indeed, Londons status as Europes financial powerhouse is one of the strongest cards in Mrs Mays hand. Another is Britains role as the EUs biggest military power, while GCHQ is its most effective intelligence-gathering operation by far.

Yet another, of course, is the fact that Britain imports more from our partners  including a fifth of all German-made cars  than we export to them.

Its a powerful hand indeed. But its for the Government, not the Governor, to decide how it should be played. Is it really too much to ask Mr Carney to mind his own business?

A Tory for the BBC?

To his shame, David Cameron ducked every opportunity to redress the balance

As the search goes on for a new chairman of the BBC, Theresa May must not let slip this wonderful chance to stamp her authority on one of the most influential posts in public life.

Like most of our readers, this paper has deep affection for the Corporation and admires much of its output.

But as nobody seriously disputes, our national broadcaster has been infected for decades with a Left-liberal, Europhile bias, quite out of kilter with the patriotic conservatism of most licence-fee payers.

To his shame, David Cameron ducked every opportunity to redress the balance, drawing his appointees to the BBC Trust  and other quangos  from the familiar pink-tinged pool of the centre-Left.

Thus, though the Tories won power at Westminster more than six years ago, their opponents continue to hold sway over huge areas of public life through their grip on unelected public bodies.

Mrs May must not make the same mistake as her predecessor. With its dominant role as the countrys main source of news and comment, the BBC has enormous and insidious influence over the national debate.

The Prime Minister should not hesitate to appoint a chairman who shares the world view of the party elected to rule.

Nannys power lust

When health watchdog Nice was set up in 1999, its chief purpose was to decide which drugs should be available on the NHS.

But look at it now, calling for a cut in speed limits, instructing parents to switch off engines at the school gates  even telling property developers to redesign houses, with living rooms at the back, not the front.

All in the name of protecting us from air pollution.

Is there any area of life on which Nanny Nice feels unqualified to rule? But then this is the story of all quangos: give them an ounce of authority, and before you know it theyll be trying to take over the world.
Boomtown Rat Bob Geldof, who lives in Chelsea, advises Richmond Park voters to support Lib Dem candidate Sarah Olney rather than independent ex-Tory MP Zac Goldsmith, sneering: Zac is a political failure. Zac has to go. Zac is c**p.

The latter might console himself with the memory of V-sign-waving Geldof  a Remain supporter  jeering at Brexit-supporting fishermen on the Thames just prior to the June 23 vote.

Bob Geldof, who lives in Chelsea, advises Richmond Park voters to support Lib Dem candidate Sarah Olney (pictured together)

Ryanairs noisy boss, Michael OLeary, could win a general election in Ireland  emulating Donald Trump in America  argues Dublin writer Fintan OToole. OLeary, 55, a more successful businessman than Trump, has described the Irish parliament as the worlds worst assembly of half-wits, and called ex-PM Bertie Ahern a feckless ditherer and useless wastrel who squandered the wealth of a generation.

OToole, 58, adds: Ireland is wide open for a talented demagogue. Where isnt now?

The Queen gave a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate Princess Alexandras charity work

The Queen gave a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate Princess Alexandras charity work prior to the latters 80th birthday on Christmas Day.

Theyre cousins, the last surviving grand-daughters of George V. Alexandra, pictured at the reception, is a confidante of the Queen.

They share an interest in homeopathy. Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret bequeathed clothes to their younger cousin during wartime rationing.

Former BBC Panorama producer Steve Hewlett tells the Royal Television Society that the trickiest part of concealing their notorious 1995 interview with Princess Diana was to keep it from Alan Yentob  then controller of BBC 1.

He explains: Everybody knew that if Yentob got the faintest whiff of it, it would be everywhere. Might there be bad blood between Steve and Alan?

Former BBC Panorama producer Steve Hewlett (pictured) tells the Royal Television Society that the trickiest part of concealing their notorious 1995 interview with Princess Diana was to keep it from Alan Yentob

Ennobled by his Eton contemporary, David Cameron, and sent to Paris as our ambassador, Ed Llewellyn, 51, says hes well prepared for the Brexit negotiations.

He tells Frances English-language paper, The Connexion: Ive worked on challenging issues throughout my career, including the Bosnian peace process. He was an assistant to Paddy Ashdown, so-called High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Earlier he assisted Hong Kongs then governor, Chris Patten.

Prior to that, he served Lady Thatcher, who called him little Edward. Cameron described Llewellyn as a pocket Talleyrand. The 19th century French statesman is said always to have known when to abandon whichever regime he was serving.

Gordon Browns ex-henchman Damian McBride, 42, pays generous tribute to Ed Ball's efforts on Strictly Come Dancing (pictured)
The first post-election Hillary Clinton sighting  by a mom who snagged a photo with her in a Chappaqua park  grabbed the attention of millions who wondered how she was coping after her loss.

It's been three weeks, but supporters still haven't lost interest in the post-race life of their candidate, and a handy Twitter account has popped up to track her every move.

'HRC in the Wild' aggregates all the Hillary Rodham Clinton sightings, from those on the public stage  like her recent appearance at the UNICEF gala to honor Katy Perry  to those, as they say, 'in the wild', like at her local grocery store.

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Where's Hillary? A new Twitter account called HRC in the Wild has popped up to document Hillary Clinton's post-election activities

Back to business: After the election, she was first spotted walking her dog in a Chappaqua park

The first sighting, of course, was by New Yorker Margot Gerster, who was going for a walk in the woods in Chappaqua with her baby girl when she ran into Mrs. Clinton herself, who was out walking the dog.

'I've been feeling so heartbroken since yesterdays election and decided what better way to relax than take my girls hiking. So I decided to take them to one of favorite places in Chappaqua,' she wrote on Facebook.

'We were the only ones there and it was so beautiful and relaxing. As we were leaving, I heard a bit of rustling coming towards me and as I stepped into the clearing there she was, Hillary Clinton and Bill with their dogs doing exactly the same thing as I was.

Patient: She's also been spotted in a local grocery store, where it seems fans lined up to take pictures with her

Stocking up on reading material: A woman in Rhode Island took this picture with the Democrat in a bookstore

'I got to hug her and talk to her and tell her that one of my most proudest moments as a mother was taking Phoebe with me to vote for her. She hugged me and thanked me and we exchanged some sweet pleasantries and then I let them continue their walk. Now, Im not one for signs but I think ill definitely take this one. So proud.'

Since then, other fans have bumped into her and shared happy group photos on social media.

Hillary aide Adam Parkhomenko shared a image of himself with Bill and Hillary on a hike.

On the same day, the former Secretary of State ran into another group of three fans and obligingly posed for a photo.

Say cheese! Several people have seen her taking walks in the woods, and she's obligingly stopped for photos

Keeping tabs: The Twitter account had found images that have gone viral but also follows local Chappaqua and Westchester County accounts

Jessica Wick met the former First Couple in a book store in Rhode Island, gleefully telling Facebook followers: 'This was a surprise and I can't imagine meeting anyone else who looms as large.

'I told her I voted for her, that she meant and means a lot. I thanked her, apologizing if I was being inappropriate or intrusive, because again: privacy. We all deserve privacy. She was gracious and she was warm and she said the bookstore was beautiful. Bill Clinton shook my hand and complimented my sweater.'

Several people have also run into Mrs. Clinton in the local grocery store, seemingly lining up to take photos with her in front of the prepared foods section.

So far, the account has a few thousand followers, but the number is multiplying by the day

BFFs: Hillary surprised Katy Perry when she was being honored at the UNICEF ball

She took photos with other celebrities at the event, including Sara Bareilles

According to a Raycom News Network story, Chappaqua has been positively inundated with tourists since the election, with fans hoping to just bump into the former Democratic nominee.

So how does 'HRC in the Wild' find all these spottings? The account accepts tips, and also follows all the important local sources, including the town's library, the farmer's market, and several Westchester tourism accounts.
Looking back, I can pinpoint the precise moment I became a feminist. I was 17, a bright-eyed student at Warwick University, with a well-thumbed copy of The Female Eunuch clutched in my hand.

There in the lecture hall in front of me was Germaine Greer, empowering us all with talk of womens liberation.

During the years that have passed since  some of them spent as the editor of Cosmopolitan magazine  the advances made by the womens movement have been extraordinary.

The Red Pill film has provoked outrage among womens groups. Its feminist director, Cassie Jaye, (above) has been pilloried for questioning her own beliefs about womens roles in society and the consequences of feminism for men

Ive witnessed the introduction of the Sex Discrimination and Equal Pay Acts, the recognition  and criminalisation  of rape in marriage, the right for women to be taxed separately from their husbands, not to mention massive improvements in maternity rights.

But for many years now  and as the mother of a son in his late 20s  Ive had a growing sense of unease about what these achievements have meant for men. If, over the past half a century, women have been noisily smashing through glass ceilings in almost every field, then at the same time it seems as if mens voices have been slowly drowned out.

We may have been building a better world for ourselves, but men, it seems, have been left behind in a way that will have negative repercussions for us all.

I say this knowing that I risk incurring the wrath of the sisterhood because, as we shall see, there are few arguments as incendiary as the debate over mens versus womens rights.

A controversial new film, The Red Pill, due to be released next month, has raised hackles by taking a closer look at todays gender wars and questioning whether or not it is men who are the real losers in the battle of the sexes.

With the gender pay gap still yawning wide and men showing no sign of relinquishing the top spots in business around the world, its easy to scoff at the very idea of them being at a disadvantage.

But the fact is, in some crucial areas, they are. Take, for example, the fact that, according to the Higher Education Policy Institute, a boy born in 2016 will be 75 per cent less likely to attend university than his sister if the present trends continue.

Thats no feminist victory, its a terrifying prediction which will have widespread ramifications, not just for men in the workplace, but for relationships between men and women as well.

'We may have been building a better world for ourselves, but men, it seems, have been left behind in a way that will have negative repercussions for us all'

We have to ask ourselves why this is happening and investigate whether teaching now unwittingly works against boys from the earliest years, as some experts suggest.

There are theories that the paucity of male teachers in primary schools is holding boys back and that a lack of male role models at secondary school is also discouraging them from applying to university.

Heres another disturbing statistic: across the UK and Republic of Ireland, men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women, according to the Samaritans.

And yet women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression.

Women are also much more likely to talk about mental health issues, while men rarely come forward and are therefore less likely to get treated.

This isnt a question of rights, but of men still feeling that to own up to psychological issues would be seen as a sign of weakness  a sign, if you like, of being less of a man.

TURN TO DRINK 37pc of men admit they drink alcohol to cope with low mood or anxiety  but only 30pc of women do the samE Advertisement

Which leads to another tug of war men find themselves in: on the one hand, theyre encouraged to look like pumped-up superheroes, because for girls today, nothing less than a David Gandy lookalike will do. On the other, they must be kind and sensitive.

They must also be brilliant fathers  and put in as much work as women when it comes to parenting  but when it comes to break-ups, it is mothers who often have the upper hand.

The perceived silencing of and unfairness meted out to men, particularly when it comes to parental access and financial support after divorce, has led to an increasingly vociferous alliance of men who blame a conspiracy of vengeful women, bias in the courts and feminist-dominated social services for ruining their lives and their relationships with their children after separation.

The battle lines are being drawn, and its only going to get uglier.

The Red Pill, due to be released next month, has raised hackles by taking a closer look at todays gender wars and questioning whether or not it is men who are the real losers in the battle of the sexes (stock image)

So have men really been disenfranchised by feminism? The Red Pill certainly makes a compelling case. Its title is taken from another film, The Matrix, in which Keanu Reeves character takes a red pill to see the truth.

Mens rights activists claim that they see the truth about women and a world they now believe is rigged in womens favour.

Not surprisingly, it has provoked outrage among womens groups. Its feminist director, a fiercely intelligent young American actress-turned-film-maker called Cassie Jaye, has been pilloried for questioning her own beliefs about womens roles in society and the consequences of feminism for men.

By daring to make a sympathetic film about the mens rights movement, the 30-year-old has been shocked to find herself verbally attacked and ostracised by members of her own sex. Jaye described herself as a feminist when she set out to investigate the hate groups of the mens rights movement.

For more than two years, she spent hundreds of hours with the internets most notorious activists (for balance, she also interviewed the groups fiercest opponents among feminists).

It changed her entirely. When I started this project, my perception of mens rights activists (MRAs) was definitely negative, she said. I thought it would be a peek inside this mysterious, misogynist community.

The Red Pill highlights the mens issues that are rarely aired, from the lack of support for male victims of domestic violence to the fact that more than 90 per cent of workplace fatalities are male (as men tend to have the most dangerous jobs) (stock image)

All I knew of them were the cherry-picked, shocking comments used on feminist websites.

But when I really started to listen to them, I started to emphathise with a lot of their issues.

Our cultural conditioning is that women have been oppressed and that men are the oppressors. But I saw that wasnt so.

When backers got wind that Jaye had begun to question her own feminist principles, the money soon began to dry up.

The project was on the verge of being scuppered before the financial hole was filled via crowd-funding  putting a plea out on the internet, proffering a sob story and a virtual begging bowl  and loans from family and friends.

Jaye gathered support from all over the world. People were disgusted that one side was trying to silence and prevent this film being made.

Across the UK and Republic of Ireland, men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women, according to the Samaritans

When it was shown in the UK for the first time in a London hotel basement one Saturday afternoon last month, there was no red carpet and not a celebrity or canape in sight.

According to Richard Elliott, the man who bought the rights to screen the premiere: No one ever looks at the ways in which men are powerless.

Elliott is a semi-retired handyman whose interest in the mens rights movement stemmed from his own experience. He and his partner separated around the time their son was born, 19 years ago.

If it had been a 50/50 arrangement, I wouldnt have had to pay my ex anything, he says. But by restricting my access to two nights a week  which was not my choice  I was required by the courts to pay 230 per month.

Ive had to get past a lot of bitterness in order to reach a calm point and I want to look to a future where men and women can resolve differences without throwing rocks at one another.

Elliott acknowledges that theres aggression coming from both militant feminists and some mens rights activists. He says he doesnt ascribe to the misogynist views of some of the extremists within the mens rights movement.

Linda Kelsey says: 'I have watched the film and although, unlike Jaye, I have no intention of renouncing the feminist beliefs I have held since I was 17, there can be little doubt that, nearly half a century on, its time to listen to the other side of the debate' (stock image)

There are two things he says he wants to campaign for.

Firstly, for mens right to know if they have children and, secondly, for the law to assume an equal right to parenting.

The issues are complex, but they go right to the heart of the question of whether feminism has disenfranchised men.

It used to be that when a girl got pregnant outside of marriage, she became a victim, an outcast.

Now, its women who are seen to have the power. There is no doubt that some women use men as unwitting sperm donors, simply informing them that they have become pregnant and then excluding them from further contact. Meanwhile, many men feel theyve been left behind.

The Red Pill highlights the mens issues that are rarely aired, from the lack of support for male victims of domestic violence to the fact that more than 90 per cent of workplace fatalities are male (as men tend to have the most dangerous jobs).

The film features Erin Pizzey, who opened the first refuge for battered women in the UK in 1972, but has since fallen out with the sisterhood for suggesting that women in abusive relationships are often themselves violent. Statistics back up her claim.

According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, there have been 600,000 male victims of domestic abuse in the last year alone.

There have been 600,000 male victims of domestic abuse in the last year alone

While this compares to less than half the 1.3 million female victims in the last year, it is still a figure that demands urgent attention.

According to Womens Aid, there are more than 500 refuge and support services for women and children in the UK  but the ManKind Initiative, which supports male victims of abuse, says there are only around 20 for men, offering 82 spaces, compared to around 4,000 for women.

Mark Brooks, chairman of the ManKind Initiative, points to the welcome 20 million of government funding awarded to refuges earlier this month, but notes this funding is specifically for female victims.

A new organisation, The Men and Boys Coalition, brings together charities and pressure groups which advocate for males across a raft of issues, ranging from health and education to separated fathers, as well as trying to help create a positive and constructive discussion about men, manhood and masculinity.

At the end of The Red Pill, there is an extraordinary moment when film-maker Jaye states: I can no longer call myself a feminist.

I have watched the film and although, unlike Jaye, I have no intention of renouncing the feminist beliefs I have held since I was 17, there can be little doubt that, nearly half a century on, its time to listen to the other side of the debate.

Personally, I see no conflict between my feminist credentials and recognising the need to face up to the disadvantages faced by men in todays society.

The time has come for women to recognise the ways in which boys and men are missing out, because what good will it do any of us if future generations of men are under-educated, angry and unable to provide healthy role models for our  and their  sons?

Suicidal, lonely  the men pushed to the brink

Tanith Carey

As he entered his GPs consulting room wearing a sharp blue suit, Paul Cox looked every inch the successful businessman.

But just 12 hours earlier, Paul, a 42-year-old commercial property consultant, had stood at the edge of the River Thames and considered throwing himself in.

Disappearing into the freezing water was the only way he could think of silencing the endless swirl of anxious thoughts in his brain.

Paul, a 42-year-old commercial property consultant, above, had been trained to fulfil a traditional masculine role  but the old-fashioned entitlements of his gender are no longer a given

To the world, I projected an air of total invulnerability, as if my life and career were going just as planned, Paul says.

However, the head office reorganisation Id done recently had backfired. Id reorganised myself out of a job and was now working on a consultancy basis. On top of that, the property market had collapsed.

As I walked back along the river on that windy November day after looking at a site for a client, all I could think was: It looks awfully comfortable in there.

Like many, Paul had been trained to fulfil a traditional masculine role  but the old-fashioned entitlements of his gender are no longer a given. As women become better qualified and are often seen as more conscientious, men are 45 per cent more likely than them to lose their jobs involuntarily.

My career was in crisis but I felt I couldnt admit it to my partner

Yet expectations about being strong and silent still live large  around 42 per cent of men say its a mans job to take charge in a crisis, compared with 17 per cent of women. So is it any wonder men are feeling the strain  but cant admit it?

Until the day Paul sat opposite his doctor, he had not told a soul how he felt.

Supporting his partner while she completed a psychotherapy course, he felt burdened with the pressure of keeping up their lifestyle  expensive holidays, nice cars and meals out  as well as regularly cooking dinner after work.

Until the day Paul sat opposite his doctor, he had not told a soul how he felt. Supporting his partner while she completed a psychotherapy course, he felt burdened with the pressure of keeping up their lifestyle as well as regularly cooking dinner after work

And as his career went into a nose-dive, all his feelings of failure were magnified.

Paul, now 50, said: I was like a swan: serene on the surface, yet padding like hell underneath to keep afloat. Though my career was in crisis, I felt the societal pressure to suck it up and not complain.

Like many men, he sought solace in long hours and alcohol, nipping for a drink in the pub rather than telling his partner how bad the situation was. It helped to numb my anxious feelings and camouflage the situation, he says.

Paul finally got psychiatric help, but it cost him his relationship and his family home. Until that point, ending it all was the only way I could think of to silence the constant self-critical dialogue which accused me of not living up to everyones expectations  including my own.

Research shows that 29 per cent of men worry when they lose their jobs that their partner will see them as less of a man.

Author Sean Patrick, 28, above, from Liverpool, felt burnt out only a few years into his career as a project manager at a museum. Sean says: For my generation, theres this pressure to go out there and do something great and amazing.

So it is for John Keane, 50. John, who lives in Ham, Surrey, inherited traditional ideas about masculinity from his childhood, when his pilot father was the boss while his mother stayed at home to look after the children. Now he has lost his job in publishing  and cannot find another.

In the meantime, he has tried to help his wife, Jane, make up the shortfall by helping to run the household so she can work longer hours as a web designer.

But though the couple, who have a ten-year-old daughter, are getting by financially, John still feels emasculated.

No matter how many gourmet dinners I cook, how many school pick-ups I do, or how well I do the shopping, none of these things makes me feel useful, he says.

Indeed, the pressure is so great that men feel it at the start of their careers too. Author Sean Patrick, 28, from Liverpool, felt burnt out only a few years into his career as a project manager at a museum. Sean says: For my generation, theres this pressure to go out there and do something great and amazing.

It all became too much when, after catching a glimpse of his tired, miserable face reflected in his computer screen one lunchtime, he suffered a panic attack so severe he felt he would pass out unless he left

We are taught its all about us, our careers, our success and its hard to live up to that. Its never just about finding a job we love. You are supposed to have the body of a God, too, and feel judged if you dont have that. There was always a running commentary going on in my head, asking: Do I look impressive enough?

It all became too much when, after catching a glimpse of his tired, miserable face reflected in his computer screen one lunchtime, he suffered a panic attack so severe he felt he would pass out unless he left. He later resigned and went travelling to try to get some perspective, and wrote a book about his experiences called That Guy Who Loves The Universe.

For Paul, it is relief that he got off the stress treadmill just in time. He still works as a property consultant, but is not as goal-driven or as concerned about how successful he looks to others.

He believes that in the same way as working women should not to try to be superwomen, men should not be expected to be supermen either.

If youre a man, you shouldnt be seen as weak for talking about this. If the mental health of men and women were treated the same, that would really be equality.
When Amy McNamara saw her son walk for the first time she had tears in her eyes.

Her little boy was born with a rare condition called sacral agenesis, that meant part of his lower spine was missing.

Doctors told Mrs McNamara and her husband, Leigh, that little Jett would never walk.

But proving he is a fighter Jett defied the odds, exceeding doctors expectations to take tentative steps on his own two feet.

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Jett McNamara, four, was born with sacral agenesis which means part of his lower spine is missing, but defied doctors expectations to walk unassisted

While little Jett can walk he also uses a wheelchair to get around, and his parents have called him their 'Super Baby'

Photos show the lower part of Jett's back is missing the spine, and is soft to touch

JETT THE SUPERBABY The McNamaras started a Facebook page called Jett The SuperBaby to share their son's story. You can visit the page here. Advertisement

The first time he was actually playing with his siblings, Mrs McNamara, from Bendigo in Victoria, said of the first time Jett walked.

They all started screaming and said: mum, Jetts walking without holding anything.

At this stage it was only about four steps but we were cheering and carrying on.

Slowly Jett started to walk more, going from four, to eight then 12 steps.

Now he will walk wherever he wants to go.

The four-year-old was also born with three holes in his heart, his feet were pointing upwards towards his shins and he was missing his calf muscles

The first time he walked by himself was a few tentative steps in the backyard with his siblings

A video of the adorable four-year-old shows him running around the familys backyard, going straight past his mother towards the clothes line.

WHAT IS SACRAL AGENESIS? Sacral agensis is a congenital abnormality that affects sacrum, or lower part of the spine. Children with sacral agenesis are born with part or all of their sacrum missing. There is no cure for the condition and no known way to prevent it. For more information, click here. Advertisement

I thought you little super baby, Mrs McNamara said.

Jett was born on January 2, 2013, five weeks premature by emergency caesarean after his heart rate started to plummet.

After he was born the McNamaras heard one tiny cry before their baby was taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

They kept saying things like he had abnormal features and I just couldnt understand what they meant, he looked like a gorgeous baby to me, Mrs McNamara said.

They kept saying things like he had abnormal features and I just couldnt understand what they meant, he looked like a gorgeous baby to me, Mrs McNamara said

Jett, pictured with his mother Amy and father Leigh, amazed doctors when the holes in his heart healed without surgery

Doctors told the couple Jett had three holes in his heart.

A further MRI scan found the bottom of his spine was missing, he had no calf muscles and his feet were extending upwards towards his shins.

As soon as they said he would be wheelchair bound and probably not have as good a quality of life as us due to kidney problems I broke down, Mrs McNamara said.

My husband had to stay strong and speak to the doctors, I just couldnt talk.

He wore casts to help correct his feet, and has also had five surgeries on his feet

Jett uses a walking frame or wheelchair, and has the support of his three older siblings

Mrs McNamara chose to stay strong for her kids - the couple has three other children Alyssa, 12, Sam, 10 and Maddie, 7  and the family moved to Bendigo to be closer to the hospital in Melbourne.

While doctors said Jett would need surgery to fix the holes in his heart, something incredible happened.

I took Jett to a regular check-up and they told me all the holes in his heart had closed, he didnt need surgery, she said.

I couldnt believe the doctor at first, I asked them to double-check.

Doctors don't know what Jett is capable of, and they are excited when he comes in to show them just how far he's come

The incredible moment was the first time the McNamaras called Jett their Super Baby.

Since then he has had five surgeries on his feet.

In the future he will need more surgery on his feet, spine, hips and knees.

Jett is just amazing, his condition is so rare he doesnt have any doctors that look after sacral agenesis, he falls under lots of different categories at the childrens hospital,' Mrs McNamara said.

Doctors dont know what hes capable of, when he comes and shows them theyre as excited as we are.

Jett is pictured with his parents Amy and Leigh and his siblings Alyssa, 12, Sam, 10 and Maddie, seven

Jet will live as normal a life as possible, and the family hopes by sharing his story to inspire other families of children with a disability to never give up hope

While Jett is able to walk he also uses a walking frame or wheelchair should he get tired.

The McNamaras shared they sons journey on the Facebook page Jett The SuperBaby, and said they were overwhelmed by the support they have received.

They hope to inspire other parents of children with a disability to never give up hope.

In the future Jett could use walking sticks or a wheelchair to get around, and despite the initial diagnosis, both his kidneys are healthy.

As he gets older he is starting to realise he is different to other children, but the McNamaras do their best to stay positive and treat him no differently from his siblings.
The first time Karen Rudd walked in to the women's high-security prison, she panicked.

The Gold Coast yogi had never been in trouble with the police, in fact, she'd never even received a traffic fine.

She tried to stay calm as guards took her fingerprints at the door before letting her through, her senses heightened as she walked down the eerie hallways of the Brisbane compound.

But the best way to overcome fear is to breathe, and that's exactly what she did in a room surrounded by murderers and drug traffickers.

Gold Coast yogi Karen Rudd teaches classes at a women's high-security prison in Brisbane (not pictured)

The 43-year-old (pictured) said she 'panicked' the first time she visited the prison, but is now comfortable leading the women through their practise

Ms Rudd is a yoga teacher who visits the women's prison once a week to guide the inmates through their practise.

And while it might not be a conventional yoga class - the students tend to swear more for starters - the goal of finding inner peace is the same.

'They're drug traffickers and murderers, but I don't know what people have done,' Ms Rudd told Daily Mail Australia.

'As a yogi I don't judge any of that.

'I want to bring love and kindness and show it to them.'

'They're drug traffickers and murderers, but I don't know what people have done,' Ms Rudd said (stock picture)

Since she started taking the classes the prisoners have seen a change in behaviour, and some of them have even reduced their medications

Ms Rudd has been practising yoga for nearly 20 years, but it was only four years ago that she decided to take a teaching course.

While on a trip to the U.S. to visit her brother she saw a woman on television guiding prisoners through a yoga class, and was inspired to try the same at home.

'I wasn't prepared at all,' she said of the first time she visited the prison.

'Some of them were quite scary, they had tattoos over their faces.

'None of these women had ever done yoga.'

None of the prisoners had ever done yoga before she started the class, and one woman said it made her feel like she wasn't in prison

With a guard watching over them, she led the class through their practise.

'The first class a lady sat up and said to me "wow, that's the first time I felt like I wasn't in jail",' she said.

'I looked at them all laying on their mats and I thought this is what I'm supposed to be doing.'

I looked as them all laying on their mats and I thought this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Karen Rudd, 43

The women attend the yoga class voluntarily once a week, a privilege that is taken away from them if they don't toe the line.

Feedback from the class has been extremely positive.

'Their behaviour has changed, some of them have reduced their medication,' Ms Rudd said.

'They've seen changes in their sleeping and dealing with conflict.'

Ms Rudd recalled one woman who came in to the class agitated, and left with a clearer frame of mind.

'She said: "Karen that was the best, I wanted to smash someone before I came in and now I'm fine. They can whack me but I won't do it back".'

As well as teaching at the women's prison she holds classes as the juvenile prison and detention centre

She also teaches children between two and five years old, and said yoga helps with their mindfulness

As well as the women's prison Ms Rudd teaches a class at the juvenile prison and detention centre.

'With the young kids they've got no filter, they tell me how it is and they swear,' she said.

'But I'm there as a vessel to show them compassion and love, and a lot of them have never had that.'

Next year she has plans to start a class in the male prison as well.

Ms Rudd, who also teaches yoga to children between two and five year's old, said working at the prison had helped her find her faith and trust in herself.

She also no longer feels frightened teaching the women.

'Sometimes I actually have to check myself, people say you've still got to have awareness,' she said.

'A guard said to me they seem so calm after the classes, and I never thought it would be like this, I didn't think they would embrace it.
The mum said she did so when she realised lack of diversity is damaging

She started making the dolls for her kids, then turned it into a business

Ms Strachan wanted to create the dolls to help to normalise mothering

However, unlike traditional Barbies, they are breastfeeding and pregnant

Mum of two, Betty Strachan, 28, from Brisbane has a range of Barbie dolls

Outdated stigmas around breastfeeding are commonplace.

But one woman and mother believes it's high time such stereotypes are broken down - and so she's trying to help children to better understand breastfeeding and mothering.

Betty Strachan, from Brisbane, has turned her once-hobby of repainting dolls into a business, selling breastfeeding, pregnant and parenting dolls on her Etsy shop.

Mum of two, Betty Strachan, from Brisbane, has created a range of breastfeeding Barbie dolls (pictured) - she did so to help to break down the stigmas surrounding motherhood

While Ms Strachan started designing the dolls for her own two kids, she soon realised she could turn it into a business - she now sells pregnant (pictured) and breastfeeding dolls on Etsy

According to the 28-year-old mother of two, she originally started making the dolls for her two kids - aged three and five - four years ago.

However, she she soon turned her pastime into a business, when she realised others might like the re-booted Barbies, too:

'The decision to make a breastfeeding doll didn't come consciously,' Ms Strachan told the Huffington Post.

'I'm a member of a mothers' group that's comprised of very lovely and supportive woman. I remember one day, I was drawing the new face on a Barbie doll, and she just seemed to be the embodiment of the entire group.

'So I mimicked the positioning of a latched baby with an old figurine I had and called her the "Mamas Worldwide Barbie",' she said.

'The decision to make a breastfeeding doll didn't come consciously,' Ms Strachan said, of her unique idea

She said she principally came up with the idea as she is part of a mother's group - since she started selling the dolls, the breastfeeding, mothering and pregnant dolls have proven popular

'Growing up, it always struck me as odd that there wasn't as much diversity in the doll world as there could or should be,' Ms Strachan (pictured) writes on her Etsy page

Since Ms Strachan started selling both her breastfeeding and pregnant Barbie dolls online, both have proven exceptionally popular.

While this is good news for the mother of two, Ms Strachan also believes that most importantly her dolls are also helping to educate kids that not all women should look the same.

Not every child is born with blonde hair and blue eyes. Some have freckles, some have gaps in their teeth

'Growing up, it always struck me as odd that there wasn't as much diversity in the doll world as there could or should be,' Ms Strachan writes on her Etsy page.

'Not every child is born with blonde hair and blue eyes. Some have freckles, some have gaps in their teeth.

'When I became a mother, seeing the effect of the toys children are exposed to first hand, I noticed that the lack of diversity could be potentially damaging psychologically.

'A girl with brown skin and dark eyes may look at a light skinned doll and wonder why it's classed as beautiful and she is not.'

Most importantly, she wanted to normalise things which many women go through - and go against a homogenised standard of beauty

Ms Strachan now regularly receives request s to fashion different dolls (pictured)

As well as raising awareness of difference, Ms Strachan's dolls have also helped to normalise breastfeeding for the many young girls who own them.

'[When] everyone in my mother's group thought it [the dolls] was great, I posted Mamas Worldwide Barbie on my Instagram page,' Betty Strachan said.

'After that, I received a few requests to make more, and I realised that it was really something that should be available - because, like most things that society deems unacceptable, educating children is the way to erase the stigma behind it [breastfeeding].'

You can follow Betty Strachan's Instagram account here. You can also visit her Etsy shop here.
They are the first couple to ever grace the pages of the Perth publication

It's usually a greased up, shirtless bloke staring down the barrel of the camera, but for the first time ever, a married couple have graced the pages of this year's Perth Firefighters Calendar.

Simone Paardekooper, 46, and her husband Paul, 53, are both firefighters at the Maddington Fire Station in Perth, Western Australia, and have made their debut as Mr and Mrs April in the 2016 calendar.

They are the first married couple to ever strip down and grease up for the cause.

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Simone Paardekooper, 46, (right) and her husband Paul, 53, (left) are both firefighters at the Maddington Fire Station in Perth

All funds raised by the calendar go towards the Princess Margaret Hospital burns unit and the Perth Children's Hospital foundation - a cause Simone said was close to her heart.

But while she knew it was for a good cause, Simone said it was a daunting task and 'way out of my comfort zone'.

'I don't like having my photo taken so I was very self-conscious about stripping down,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'My husband was quite a bit more natural in front of the camera, but it was definitely out of our comfort zone.'

Paul (left) and Simone (right) in the official photo to make it into the Perth calendar

Simone (front) and Paul (back) performing at the launch of the calendar in Perth in October

Simone said having her colleagues' overwhelming support somewhat eased her nerves.

'One was a cover boy a few years ago and another had been in the calendar too, so they had been egging me on for a long time,' she said.

But she also said watching firefighters surround her and advise her about how to pose was a funny sight to behold.

'Here were these big burly firemen telling me to "shake my hair",' she said.

Simone pictured dancing on stage at the launch of the calendar in Perth on Friday October 7th at Eve night club Crown Casino

As daunting as it was to put herself out there, Simone said everyone recognised she was doing it for a worthy cause.

'Ultimately we do it to raise money for the children, so nobody gives you stick,' she said.

While it was her and her husband Paul's first stint in front of the camera, Simone said they had helped to sell the calendar for seven years.

'Each year when we sell it people ask us if we're in it, so eventually we just said, well it would be nice to do it if we can do it together,' she said.

Paul (centre) pictured in his firefighter garb at the launch of the calendar alongside his colleagues who appeared in the calendar

Calendar board member Nathan Wilcock told Daily Mail Australia the committee expected to raise a total of $153,000 from the calendar this year alone.

Mr Wilcock said the calendar was put together entirely by local firefighters who volunteered their time for the cause.

'Everyone from the cast down to the photographers, it's all done by current serving fire fighters,' he said.

He said there was a huge behind-the-scenes effort which kicked off more than a year before the calendar was released.

Simone said the entire experience, which included posing for the calendar and dancing on stage for the launch was all very daunting

'We put out a casting call, people send their photos in and we have a quick look and narrow it down to about 12 or 15 people,' Mr Wilcock said.

'Those who are chosen usually rev their training up a bit to get in shape.'

Mr Wilcock said he was extremely proud of the Perth Firefighters Calendar, which was now in its ninth year.

But he said next year was the 'big one'.

'Next year we expect to top the one million dollar mark,' he said.
Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, was assistant secretary of state for Latin American and the Caribbean in the Reagan administration. He is the author of Tested by Zion: The Bush Administration and the IsraeliPalestinian Conflict.

Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..National Review..30 November '16..Jimmy Carter is 92 now, and it has been 36 years since his landslide defeat for reelection. But neither the passage of time nor the debilities of age slow him from making proposals that will do real harm to the State of Israel  and he has just tried one more time.In Mondays, he writes that America must recognize Palestine and presents a version of Israeli reality that simply takes leave of the facts. Carter tells us that the simple but vital step this administration must take before its term expires on Jan. 20 is to grant American diplomatic recognition to the state of Palestine, as 137 countries have already done, and help it achieve full United Nations membership.Now, granting diplomatic recognition to the state of Palestine will no more make it a legitimate and genuine country than granting diplomatic recognition to Plains, Ga., would make it one. The fact that 137 countries have done so  to no effect whatsoever  ought to make that obvious. So, what is Carters real goal here? He writes that it is peace, but the steps he proposes and the analysis he offers would leave Israel and the Palestinians further from peace than ever.
A millionaire WAG, famous for her designer handbags, has stunned fans after being caught on camera with a granny-style tartan shopping trolley.

Maria Pogrebnyak-Shatalova, 28, the wife of former Reading and Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, 32, is known for her expensive tastes.

In October, she made a trip to Paris where she bought a designer Balenciaga bag for 1,500 (1,780).

Millionaire WAG Maria Pogrebnyak-Shatalova (left) has stunned fans after being caught on camera with a granny-style tartan shopping trolley with friend Tatiana Lyalina (right)

So her social media followers were more than a little surprised when she posted photos of herself and a friend, Tatiana Lyalina, with old school shopping trolleys and large plastic carrier bags.

The two blondes were photographed outside a Cartier store in the centre of the their hometown of Moscow.

Pogrebnyak-Shatalova said: 'Stopped by with my beauty at Cartier with the right choice of bags.'

The check-patterned shopping trolleys, beloved by elderly women around the world, sell for a fraction of the price that the WAG would normally spend on a handbag.

Pogrebnyak-Shatalova, 28, the wife of ex-Reading and Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, 32, is known for her expensive tastes

But the glamorous pair appear to be pleased with their choice of bags for the day - although they divided opinion among Pogrebnyak-Shatalova's followers on social media.

Alena_alex001 said: 'Oh my, two idiots', while lady_anutka wrote: 'My grandma uses the same one!'

But others thought the unconventional bags were rather trendy including pipiamarianna09 who said: 'Wonderful bags! I would love to have one like that.'

In October, she made a trip to Paris where she bought a designer Balenciaga bag for 1,500 (1,779 Euros)

Earlier this year she made headlines after hitting back at online trolls who called her skinny, scrawny and anorexic on social media.

Maria accused her critics of being rude and said that she would not be provoked into commenting on their silly remarks.

She added: My husband likes the way I look. I am not starving, I eat normally.

'I live an active lifestyle and I'm always on the move, so I burn off a lot of calories.'
He is also a musician and singer-songwriter and has released an album

Has 113 acting credits to his name including Bad Boys and The Patriot

He was previously a virtual unknown until his compelling performance as Julien Baptiste in hit drama The Missing turned him into a household name.

But just who is Tcheky Karyo and where has he been hiding?

It turns out the 63-year-old Turkish-French actor is already a household name in France, has acted alongside Will Smith and Mel Gibson in Hollywood blockbusters - and has even released an album.

Tcheky Karyo as Julien Baptiste in The Missing. He has been a hit with viewers as the detective determined to crack the mystery surrounding the abduction of three girls

The Turkish-French actor has appeared in countless French films but has only recently enjoyed recognition in the UK following his role in the BBC drama

Tcheky pictured with his second wife Valerie Keruzore, a French actress. They have one child together and he has a previous child from his first marriage

The married pair attend the 64th Cannes Film Festival in 2011, attending the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides premiere together

Valerie and Tcheky had daughter Louise before the actor turned 60, he has daughter Liv and a grandson Daniel

The Missing fans said the actor deserved an award on Twitter after the finale

Tcheky, who was originally born in Istanbul, Turkey, but grew up in Paris, has appeared in countless French films, but had no profile in the UK before The Missing.

He is hoping that the cliffhanger at the end of the second series - which left viewers in the dark over whether Baptiste will survive brain surgery - doesn't ruin his chances of a return.

'I would love to do a third series. I love the character,' he said of his character's slow decline in health due to a brain tumour.

The illness had dogged him throughout the second series, with his wife Celia begging Baptiste to put himself first over the missing girls and go to hospital to receive life-saving surgery.

He has had millions of viewers gripped to the captivating drama, thanks to his performance as a handsome, shaven-headed detective hell-bent on cracking the case of missing Alice Webster and the evil man who abducted her.

He stood out as the relentless limping detective, capturing the hearts of the nation as they willed him to survive the tumour, and has since gone on to become a real hit with female fans in particular.

One Twitter user gushed: ' Someone put @tchekykaryo up for an award!'

'Julien Baptiste My hero. All acting awards to him, no contest,' another posted.

'Absolutely brilliant actor! You deserve every award coming your way! @tchekykaryo #Baptiste #TheMissing,' a third said.

Baptiste managed to crack the entire case by the end of the series, learning where the missing girls Alice Webster and Sophie Giroux were being held captive

The character was seen heading into surgery at the end of the episode but viewers were left in the dark over the outcome of the operation

Tcheky starred alongside Roger Allam in the second series, and was also in the first series of the hit drama

'@tchekykaryo definitely needs an award, have never seen acting like this, sheer brilliance,' another fan said.

He is married to French actress Valerie Keruzore, his second wife, and the couple have one daughter together Louise. He has a daughter Liv from a previous marriage, and a grandson Daniel.

Tcheky is also an acclaimed musician and songwriter.

He released an album Ce lien qui nous unit (English translation, The Link That Binds Us) in 2006, and another titled Credo in 2013 to mark his 60th birthday.

Surprisingly, the feted actor almost didn't take the role that has made him a star in the UK.

'I almost didnt do it,' he told the Daily Express.

Tcheky as Baptiste in the first series of the mystery thriller - fans were delighted to see him return to the show once again in season two

Baptiste worked alongside detective Laurence played by Emilie Dequenne. There has been confirmation that there will be a third series but not until 2018

Baptiste managed to hunt down the missing girls in the gripping programme, coming within yards of a Swiss log cabin where their evil abductor had been holding them.

As the episode came to an end viewers witnessed the emotional detective finally head in for the much-needed brain surgery as his onscreen wife tearfully looked on, but it's not yet known if he will make it to the third series.

The Missing is not set to return until 2018.

A still from 1997 Frenchsci-fi film Les mille merveilles de l'univers - The Thousand Wonders of the Universe - which Tcheky starred in with Julie Delpy about the mysterious disapperance of the 120,00 citizens of pleasure-island Sepulveda

Tcheky starred in Requiem for a Killer which was released in 2011 about a female killer hired to take out an opera singer for one last job

Tcheky is seen left as drug kingpin Fouchet in Bad Boys, which also starred Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, and right as a vengeful French officer in The Patriot, alongside Mel Gibson

Tcheky Karyo starred in the first series of The Missing alongside Frances O'Connor and James Nesbitt, pictured attending the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2015

Tcheky had already appeared in the first series of The Missing alongside James Nesbitt, whose son had disappeared, before returning for the second to help Keeley Hawes and David Morrissey's characters solve the mystery around the reappearance of their daughter Alice Webster.

Though The Missing has certainly boosted his profile, he has been working steadily for 30 years - including starring in Hollywood films like Bad Boys, with Will Smith, The Patriot with Mel Gibson and James Bond GoldenEye.

He played a drug kingpin in the former and a vengeful French officer opposite Gibson.

His French acting credits include Requiem for a Killer (2011), Les mille merveilles de l'univers (1997) and L'ange noir (1994).
Another man told how he was left with no choice but to sell a treasured possessions, while a woman said she was abandoned by her mother at 12

One man's account that especially struck a chord with readers described how working people in the area can no longer afford to live

He did not ask any of his interviewees about how they voted but allowed their stories to speak for themselves

Humans of New York photographer Brandon Stanton traveled to the Trump-voting Macomb County soon after the election

The photographer behind the hit picture series Humans of New York is attempting to cast light on the struggles of America's 'working poor' by visiting a Donald Trump-voting county in Michigan.

Brandon Stanton, who traveled to Macomb County soon after the President-elect's victory over Hillary Clinton, has been sharing the stories and photographs of people from the area on his popular Facebook page.

One story in particular - in which a man described how working residents are not being paid enough to live - has especially struck a chord with readers.

Personal experiences: Residents of Macomb County, Michigan, such as this man, pictured, shared the heart-breaking struggles of the 'working poor' with Humans of New York

Insight: The creator of the picture series Brandon Stanton traveled to the Trump-voting county soon after the election to photograph and speak to residents about their lives

Stand alone: He did not ask any of his interviewees about how they voted, allowing their stories to speak for themselves

The man, whose story has been shared hundreds of thousands of times, said that growing up in the suburbs he thought poverty was easily solved.

'I used to think that I could write a prescription for a poor man: "Get a job, save your money, pull yourself up by the bootstraps."

'I dont believe that anymore. I was ignorant to the experiences of poor people,' he said.

Now he said people are not being paid a 'living wage' which means they cannot save, they cannot get healthcare and they have no money for emergencies.

He added: 'God forbid they make a mistake, because theres nothing left to pay fines or fees.

'When youre down here, the system will continue to kick dirt in your face. You cant pull yourself up when theres nothing to grab onto.'

Last month, 'blue collar' Macomb County voted for Trump as Michigan turned Republican for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Heart-breaking: One woman, pictured, told how she was abandoned by her mother when she was 12

Lost livelihood: Another man, pictured, said he was sacked because he 'didn't know the computer'

Worried: This man, pictured, was on his way to visit his mother but found out she was in hospital. Now he fears he made the wrong decision to allow doctors to amputate her leg

But Brandon, who created Humans of New York, did not ask any of the people he interviewed and photographed about how they voted, allowing their stories to speak for themselves.

He said: 'Many pundits have pointed to this shift as representative of a greater movement among Americas white working class...

'Very few of the stories even touch on politics. And while the series cannot presume to be representative of an entire region, hopefully it will introduce you to a few of the people who live there.'

Other people featured in the series include a college student and single mother who was forced to fend for herself at the age of 12 after she was abandoned by her mother.

Photographed leaning over the counter of a diner, she said: 'Right now Im trying to finish college while being a single mother.

'Im taking care of my 83-year-old grandmother. I just beat cancer for the second time in four years. But things seem to be quiet now.

'Im always holding my breath, though. The story of my life has been the calm before the storm.'

Resonating: This man, whose account has been shared by thousands, said that growing up in the suburbs he thought poverty was easily solved but he has since learned otherwise

Landmark moment: Last month, 'blue collar' Macomb County voted for Donald Trump as Michigan turned Republican for the first time in nearly 30 years

Emotional: A man said he resorted to selling his beloved violin for $145 to pay bills

A man said he resorted to selling his beloved violin for $145 to pay bills after his mother had already pawned their television and they sometimes went for weeks without power.

Another said he lost the job that he thought he would do for the rest of his life because he 'didn't know the computer'.

He added: 'They took all 1,800 of our brains, and they put them in a computer. So now a guy who dont know nothing can just press a button, and out comes a clamp. Oh well, I dont really give a s**t. Im checking out soon.'

An elderly woman and mother of five said she has fostered 13 babies in her lifetime - each for just a few months.

'Its just a passion I have in my heart...Once they were adopted, Id never contact them again.

'But I often wonder what happened to them. Maybe well meet again in heaven.'

Another man described arriving in the area to visit his mother and finding that she was in hospital with internal bleeding and a blood clot in her leg.
Prince Harry may have moved on with new love interest Meghan Markle but his ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas certainly isn't wallowing in self pity.

The budding actress has instead thrown her energy into her new West End role, starring as Daisy in an immersive theatre version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, The Great Gatsby.

The 27-year-old socialite and actress, who dated Prince Harry for two years until their split in 2014, plays leading lady Daisy Buchanan - and the show's director was reported to be 'thrilled' to have her on board.

Cressida Bonas has taken centre stage as she starred as Daisy in a new West End production of The Great Gatsby

In images taken on the opening night, Cressida can be seen dressed in an ethereal blue and gold gown with a glittering silver headband worn on her forehead.

The actress certainly seems to be getting into character and is seen in a series of animated shots, laughing, crying and dancing with Ludovic Hughes, who plays Jay Gatsby.

For the quirky theatre production, the audience came dressed in stylish Twenties garb and were served Great Gatsby themed cocktails.

The novel gained a new generation of fans in 2013 following Baz Luhrmann's big screen adaptation, which starred Carey Mulligan as Bonas's character Daisy and Leonardo DiCaprio as millionaire Jay Gatsby.

The thespian certainly seems to be getting into character as is seen in a series of animated shots, laughing, crying and dancing with Ludovic Hughes, who plays Jay Gatsby

The budding actress has thrown her energy into her new West End role in an immersive theatre version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, The Great Gatsby

Cressida, who has modelled for Mulberry in the past, showcased her model good looks as she donned a blue and gold gown in the production

The Evening Standard reported at the time of her landing the tole that director Linnie Reedman was 'thrilled' to have the actress on board

Cressida is set to receive rave reviews. Indeed, her solo performance in An Evening With Lucian Freud won her plaudits among the critics

The stage production, which will run at Leicester Square Theatre from the end of November until the middle of January, is directed by Linnie Reedman, who was spellbound by Bonas from her very first audition.

The Evening Standard reported that Reedman was 'thrilled' to have the actress on board.

Whilst reviews of her performance are unknown until the press night takes place in coming weeks, if her previous turns are anything to go by, Cressida's appearance is set to light up theatre town. Indeed, her solo performance in An Evening With Lucian Freud won her plaudits among the critics.

Since splitting with Prince Harry, after it was rumoured that she wanted to focus on her career, her acting skills have gone from strength to strength, Bonas has been linked to Pride And Prejudice and Zombies star Douglas Booth and The Riot Club actor Freddie Fox.

The stage production will run at Leicester Square Theatre from the end of November until the middle of January

Cressida Bonas, who plays Daisy, with her co-stars in the Gatsby play at the Leicester Square Theatre in London

For the quirky theatre production, the audience came dressed in stylish Twenties garb and were served Great Gatsby themed cocktails

Cressida later changed into an ethereal white gown, which she wore with pearls and Mary Jane shoes for the production

Cressida was seen displaying an animated array of emotions during the performance

The budding actress plays Daisy with Ludovic Hughes as Jay Gatsby in the show

But the Londoner has spent more time working on her acting career this year than her love life.

Earlier in 2016, she appeared in horror film, The Bye Bye Man and also made an appearance in TV period drama Doctor Thorne.

Her next film, Tulip Fever, in which she stars alongside Cara Delevingne, Alicia Vikander, Judi Dench, and Tom Hollander, is scheduled for release next year.

Cressida with Ludovic Hughes as Jay Gatsby in the Gatsby play at the Leicester Square Theatre

Despite her ex finding love with Meghan Markle, the Londoner has spent more time working on her acting career this year than her love life
She has spent the past week hosting Queen Mathilde of Belgium on a state visit to her country.

And today Queen Maxima of the Netherlands appeared to be emulating her friend as she stepped out in Den Bosch to open a new educational centre.

Maxima, 45, who has spent much of the past week with Mathilde, wore an almost identical outfit to her fellow royal as she visited the the Jheronimus Acadamy of Data Science on Thursday.

Spot the difference! Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, left, appeared to be emulating her friend Mathilde, right, as she stepped out in Den Bosch to open a new educational centre

The Dutch royal wore head-to-toe crimson, pairing her fitted midi dress with an equally bright poncho and broad-rimmed hat.

The ensemble was remarkably similar to one worn by Mathilde on Tuesday as the pair visited The Hague.

Mother-of-three Maxima, who is married to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, looked to be in typically high spirits in spite of the grey skies on Thursday, flanked by the local mayor as well as staff from the establishment.

As she made her entrance she was greeted by a nun, who shook her hand and presented her with a handful of peacock feathers.

Maxima wore head-to-toe crimson, pairing her fitted midi dress with an equally bright poncho and broad-rimmed hat

Taking inspiration from Mathilde? The ensemble was remarkably similar to one worn by Mathilde on Tuesday as the pair visited The Hague

The newly-unveiled Jheronimus Acadamy in the city of Den Bosch (also known as 's-Hertogenbosch) welcomed Oxford University's Professor Viktor Mayer-Schonberger at its opening ceremony.

According to its website, Argentina-born Maxima will tour the campus, talk to students and researchers, and perform the official opening in front of the building.

The opening ceremony will take the form of a light and laser show, with guests being treated to theatre, music, and dance.

The glamorous royals have been well and truly upping it in the style stakes over the past few days, with each day proving to be something of a fashion face-off.

Mother-of-three Maxima, who is married to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, looked to be in typically high spirits

The Queen was flanked by the local mayor as well as staff from the establishment

As she made her entrance she was greeted by a nun, who shook her hand and presented her with a handful of peacock feathers

Yesterday both Mathilde and Maxima opted for for jewel colours as they headed to Amsterdam station to board a train to Utrecht.

Maxima looked ravishing in an amethyst ensemble pairing a rich purple dress with a plum coloured coat.

Meanwhile Mathilde stunned in a Topaz coloured dress coat with turquoise lace detailing.
We may not get to watch the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show until December 5 when it airs on CBS, but we did get a major glimpse at what went on before the cast of Angels hit the glitter runway last night.

From stalking the Instagram accounts of our favorite VS models, make-up artists and hairstylists, we were given a backstage pass to the primping process on the 'sexiest night of the year'.

While these beauties are naturally gorgeous, there was plenty to be done behind the scenes to achieve glowing skin, bombshell curls and sultry yet soft make-up.

Read on below to find out how the fashion show's class of 2016 got bronzed, waved and made-up. Then shop the exact products used so you can try your hand at the head-turning look.

Runway-ready! Models like Martha Hunt, Stella Maxwell, Josephine Skriver and Jasmine Tookes (L-R) got primped backstage at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Wednesday

SKIN

Ahead of the show, models booked treatments with magic-working facialists like Mzia Shiman, known for her oxygen infusion facial, and Mimi Luzon, known for her 24-karat gold face mask.

Then, in addition to receiving a spray tan pre-show, the models were bronzed to perfection with Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse and the brand's Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish.

After settling in to their make-up chairs, the Angels were treated to a circulation-boosting facial massage with Butterelixir Oil for an otherworldly glow.

The gold standard: Sara Sampaio, 25, is among the Angels who paid a visit to facialist Mimi Luzon for a luxe 24K gold face mask before the show

Soft focus: Make-up artist Tom Pecheux created a soft and sexy look on models like Kendall Jenner, 21

MAKE-UP

Lead by Tom Pecheux, a team of over 30 make-up artists were deployed to enhance the features of the stunning cast of models.

After applying semi-matte foundation, the girls' cheeks were highlighted with natural tones like peach and copper.

On the eyes, neutral shadows from the Max Factor Nude Palette were topped with grey liquid and brown pencil liner to create a soft cat eye.

Essentials: The backstage make-up team exclusively used products from Max Factor

Nailed it: The polish of choice, as seen on Bella Hadid, 20, above, was a pale pink color that matched the models' silk robes

The mascara of choice was Max Factor False Lash Epic Mascara. In a behind-the-scenes Instagram post, Tom revealed that he applied the mascara on both sides of lashes for 'a stronger effect'.

In keeping with the less-is-more theme, lips were painted with Victoria's Secret Velvet Matte Cream Lip Stain in Adored, a muted pink shade, and finished with a gloss.

NAILS

Pale pink manicures, painted with Red Carpet Manicure LED Gel Polish in Candid Moment, perfectly matched the models' silk robes backstage.

For an extra dose of glam, some manis were also adorned with Swarovski crystals.

HAIR

Instead of the perfect, one-size-fits-all curls that we're used to seeing on the Victoria's Secret runway, lead hairstylist Anthony Turner switched things up a bit this year, opting for a 'disheveled yet glamorous' look.

Making waves: To achieve a tousled, bouncy texture, hairstylists backstage relied on the Beachwaver Pro, a rotating curling iron (right)

Free to be: Models with short hair like Maria Borges (above), 24, chose to skip the hair extensions and walk the runway with a natural look

To achieve the sexy, tousled effect, stylists used the Beachwaver Pro and wrapped pieces in all directions. Waves were finished with a comb through, a spritz of Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray and a touch of L'Oreal Mythic Oil to tame frizz.

While extensions were employed backstage, a number of models with short hair awesomely opted to stick to their natural look. Angel Maria Borges, who was the first in the show's history to walk the runway with a natural afro last year, told Glamour backstage, 'it was such a big opportunity to be able to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show with my natural and short hair. I want to show women that anything's possible. You can still look beautiful with short hair.'

Shop the exact products used backstage at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show below!
The Queen has met with old acquaintances and made some new, young friends during a visit to a residence for British and international postgraduate students studying in London.

Well-wishers offered bouquets and waved flags as the 90-year-old monarch arrived at Goodenough College in Mecklenburgh Square, central London, on Thursday afternoon.

Founded in 1931, Goodenough College is an independent educational charity that provides a secure and supportive environment for local and international postgraduate students.

The Queen was all smiles as she arrived at Goodenough College in London this afternoon

It can house more than 700 students and its members, hailing from more than 85 countries, pursue a diverse range of academic disciplines at most of London's universities and colleges.

The Queen's visit to the college's William Goodenough House comes more than 50 years after she opened the building.

It also marks 53 years since she met then-student David Paget, who went on to become an Old Bailey judge, at the opening of the north wing of the site's London House in 1963.

While at the college, that provides support to international postgraduate students, the Queen made plenty of young friends

One charming young man presented a bouquet of heather to her majesty this afternoon

Despite the winter weather settling in, the monarch added some sunshine to her engagement in a bright yellow jacket

The pair reunited before a photograph from the day during Thursday's visit. Later, the monarch mingled with some of the residence's families, including four-year-old Aidan Conrad, who asked the Queen about a posy of heather she was presented with on behalf of the facility's Scottish outpost, The Burn.

'It's lucky,' she told the little boy.

His mother Khairun Nisa Mohamed Zabidi, 30, and father Maximilian Conrad, 32, also have a two-year-old daughter named Aria and have pursued studies in climate change and environmental development respectively.

The Queen could barely take her smile off her face as she greeted members of the college

She looked impressed by one woman's traditional dress while they chatted this afternoon

A fencer curtsys as she meets the Queen during her visit on Thursday afternoon

The Queen, who wore a yellow wool crepe coat with matching hat, also met with Chelsea College of the Arts student Katherine Taylor, appearing incredulous when the 25-year-old said her discipline of choice was weaving.

She then attended a reception and met with guests including Irish contemporary designer Orla Kiely and unveiled a plaque to mark the approaching 60th anniversary of her opening William Goodenough House.

The college also serves as a summer residence for members of The Queen's Young Leaders Programme, a scheme launched in 2014 that aims to unearth exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth.

The Queen's sunny disposition may be explained by the news that she is expecting another great grandchild

The monarch seemed to be in very high spirits this afternoon unable to wipe the smile off her face.

Her sunny disposition may be explained by the news yesterday that she is expecting another great-grandchild.

Zara and Mike Tindall announced they are expecting a second child yesterday much to the family's delight.

Buckingham Palace said the Queen and the Royal Family, who are due to gather together at Sandringham at Christmas, were overjoyed by Zara's pregnancy.

'The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and members of the Royal Family are delighted with the news,' a palace spokesman said.

As always the royals was greeted by a guard as she stepped from her car in front of well wishers who stood to greet her
Connor said the decision was made after the pastor leading the service discovered a photograph of him at a gay Pride rally

The pastor said the church 'does not permit same-sex relationships'

But before the funeral he received a letter from the priest in Decatur forbidding him from singing in the service

Connor Hakes, 23, from Indiana had planned to sing Franz Schuberts Ave Maria at the service to remember his late grandmother Carolyn

A gay man has told of his shock and disbelief after a Catholic pastor banned him from singing at his grandmother's funeral because of his sexuality.

Connor Hakes, 23, from Indiana, had planned to sing Franz Schuberts Ave Maria at the service to remember his late grandparent Carolyn.

But before the funeral Connor received a letter from the priest in Decatur, which he shared on Facebook, forbidding him from singing in the service because the church 'does not permit same-sex relationships'.

Shocked: A Catholic pastor banned Connor Hakes, 23, pictured left with his grandmother and right, from Indiana, from singing at his own grandmother's funeral because of his sexuality

Motive: Connor said the decision was made after the pastor leading the service discovered a photograph of him at a gay Pride rally with friends, pictured

Reasoning: The pastor Pastor Bob J Lengerich, pictured left, said St Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur, Indiana, pictured right, 'does not permit same-sex relationships'

Connor said the decision was made after the pastor leading the service at St. Mary Of The Assumption Catholic Church discovered a photograph of him at a gay Pride rally.

'I can no longer sing at my Grandma's funeral, because I attended a gay pride rally and a picture was posted publicly (years ago).

'The priest's reasoning is by attending such event, I am opposing the Catholic Church's fundamental marriage belief,' Connor wrote on Facebook.

He said that both his grandparents would be 'disgusted by their parish'.

He added: 'They saw beyond race, religion, sexuality, and social class. They loved everyone.

'That is what is means to be a Christian. That is what it means to be Catholic.'

'Scandal': Connor received the letter before the funeral forbidding him to sing Franz Schuberts Ave Maria at the service as planned

Not permitted: The pastor said he 'cannot allow' him to serve 'during mass or any other official liturgy, including your grandmother's funeral'

In a long letter addressed to Connor, Pastor Bob J Lengerich offered his condolences but went on to say that he 'cannot allow' him to serve 'during mass or any other official liturgy, including your grandmother's funeral'.

He wrote: 'Anytime someone sins and then acts in the name of God, it causes scandal. This is the main reason why you cannot (at this time) offer your gifts in service at St Marys.

'The Catholic Church upholds the dignity of those with same-sex attraction. At the same time, it does not permit same-sex relationships or openly advocating for them because it causes scandal.'

Instead, Connor sang just the first stanza of the piece after the funeral at the site of his grandmother's grave.

Connor, who has been involved with the church since he was a child, said he was 'completely shocked and taken aback' by the letter.

He said his family has been a part of for years spanning generations.

'I attended the school that is right next door, and when I was old enough, I started to lead singing in the church.

'I did this for four years, until I went off to study voice performance at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music,' he told BuzzFeed News.

Disappointed: Connor, who has been involved with the church since he was a child, said he was 'completely shocked and taken aback' by the letter

Alternative: Instead, Connor sang just the first stanza of the piece after the funeral at the site of his grandmother's grave

'Religion played an important part in my upbringing and is a huge part of my family.

'I would definitely say I have faith. But, to be completely honest, this entire incident has shaken it a bit.'

He told News Channel 15 that he felt 'judged' by the priest who he said 'formed an opinion about me without ever communicating with me.'

Daily Mail Online has contacted St Mary's and the diocese for comment.

A statement from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend published by BuzzFeed News said that they are trying to encourage 'healing and reconciliation' between the pastor and Connor's family.

The statement said: 'Having become aware of the painful situation at Saint Marys Parish in Decatur, the diocese is working on fostering healing and reconciliation between the pastor and the Hakes family.

'We encourage all to move forward with genuine Christian love and mercy and with respect and prayer for one another.'
A group of brave students have starred in a raunchy calendar to raise funds for their university Quidditch team.

The Harry Potter-mad students from Reading University are hoping to wave their wands and raise money for the team to travel to the British Quidditch Cup nationals in March.

Reading Rocs 'beater' Ari Carrington said the idea started as a joke, but has now become synonymous with the society's fundraising efforts.

Reading University Quidditch society are stripping off for their second naked calendar in a bid to magic up funds for the team to travel to the British Quidditch Cup nationals in March

She said: 'It came up as a joke a couple of years ago and now it's become our thing.

'We're raising money to get to nationals. This year we're getting a lot less funding, partly because we're not considered a sport at the university yet.

'In previous years, we're been joint with the Harry Potter society so we now both get less funding.

'We also haven't qualified for extra funding we applied for, so we need to raise the funds.

'Some people aren't happy to be in the calendar but everyone helps in some way.

'Last year we shot the pictures outside, but this year we stayed inside - it was too cold.'

The team are hoping to raise the cash for all 21 members to travel to Rugeley, Staffs, to compete with the country's top 32 teams.

One of the members said that the idea started as a joke, but has now become synonymous with the society's fundraising efforts

'We want to raise as much as possible, as students, we can't afford to pay a lot ourselves,' they say of the decision

They estimate that the trip will cost around 1,000 - with 200 for travel, 600 on accommodation, and entry fees of 200.

Last year, the Rocs received around 1,000 in funding from the university, but 700 of that money came from a competitive fund for booking pitches, which they missed out on this year. The remaining money has now been slashed to just 150.

Speaking to student newspaper The Tab, Ari added: 'We are hoping to take all 21 of us, which will need two minibuses and two drivers.

'We want to raise as much as possible, as students, we can't afford to pay a lot ourselves.

'The money will go towards accommodation, travel and entry fees.'

The team are also using the calendar to challenge sexism and free the nipple, with both male and female team members covering their nipples with tape

The calendar has only been on sale for a couple of days and has sold two copies, but Ari says the team sold around 60 last year, and are hoping to replicate their success this Christmas.

She said: 'Last year we sold about 60.

'They are 18 each, and this year we're also selling underwear for 6. You can buy both for 21 as a special deal.

'The university leave us to it, they think it's quite funny, and they're letting us sell them at a stand in the student's union.'

The team are also using the calendar to challenge sexism and free the nipple, with both male and female team members covering their nipples with tape.

The colours match their positions on the pitch - green for keepers, yellow for seekers, black for beaters and white for chasers.

Ari said: 'Quidditch is quite a progressive sport in terms of representing non-binary genders.
The genius pastry chef who brought the world the Cronut has just released his latest uber-creative confection: Dessert ramen.

Dominique Ansel, who has bakeries in New York City, Tokyo, and London, isn't one to turn out 'traditional' treats. Besides the Cronut, which launched a parade of copycats, he's also drawn crowds with his experimental chocolate-lined cookie cups filled with milk, 3D interlocking churros, frozen s'mores, and burrata ice cream.

Now, he's debuting a dessert ramen that looks every bit like the savory Japanese meal but is whipped up with sweet substitutes.

Slurp! Dominique Ansel has unveiled is latest imaginative confection, dessert ramen

Looks delicious: The noodles are made out of crispy pastry, the egg is really passionfruit, and the fishcake is a marshmallow

The new dish is a collaborations with Baileys, and there's a catch: For now, at least, only 200 lucky foodies will get to taste it.

Starting today, curious dessert lovers with a Manhattan delivery address can enter to win one of the ultra-exclusive desserts. The contest ends December 6.

Winners will receive one dessert 'ramen', the noodles in which are actually Kataifi, a crisp, stringy Greek pastry.

Yum! This season, he's also selling 'blossoming' hot chocolate

Like magic: A curled-up marshmallow flower opens when it hits the cocoa

The Kataifi sits on a bed of Baileys Irish Cream-soaked bread and butter pudding and is served warm. It's topped with a passionfruit 'egg', a coconut marshmallow 'fishcake', and a waffle 'nori'.

It also comes with 'hot sauce', which is really a packet of homemade cherry jam.

Though Dominique has no plans yet to sell the new treat in his stores, the recipe will eventually be shared online so adventurous bakers can try making it at home.

Another option: Dessert Kitchen NYC sells a ramen ice cream

Chopsticks for ice cream? The 'noodles' are made out of agar gelatin and sit atop Taiwanese shaved ice

Dominique has also earned Instagram attention this season with his 'blossoming' hot chocolate, which comes up with a curled-up marshmallow flower than opens up and blooms when it's placed in a steaming cup of cocoa.

For those who don't manage to get their hands on his new dessert ramen  and for whom the blossoming hot chocolate isn't enough to ease their heartbreak  another Manhattan dessert shop has the solution.
Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..JNS.org..30 November '16..After years of silence, the Obama administration has finally spoken out about an American citizen who was killed in Israel.There's just one catch. The focus of the administration's sudden concern is not one of the 141 Americans who have been murdered by Palestinian terrorists. It's a Palestinian-American terrorist who tried to murder Israelis.On Feb. 26, Mahmoud Shalan, a Palestinian with U.S. citizenship, attempted to stab Israeli soldiers to death at a security checkpoint near Ramallah. The soldiers shot in self-defense, wounding Shalan. Israel Defense Forces doctors and Magen David Adom emergency response personnel administered first aid to the terrorist, but he died of his wounds.The U.S. Embassy in Israel demanded that the Israeli government launch a full-scale investigation of the Shalan incident. For some reason, the embassy did not demand that the Palestinian Authority (PA) investigate why Shalan, who was a resident of PA territory, was trying to murder Israelis. Nor do I recall the U.S. embassy ever urging the PA to investigate when its own policemen have murdered American citizens in Israel. The embassy's concerns seem to be quite selective.
Up to 100,000 adults and children with severe asthma could be prescribed an 840 monthly jab on the NHS.

Rationing body NICE will today give the green light for the injection mepolizumab to be routinely prescribed for patients with refractory eosinophilic asthma  a condition which cannot be controlled by inhalers.

Many sufferers are constantly breathless and reliant on powerful steroids which can cause diabetes, mood swings and high blood pressure.

Up to 100,000 adults and children with severe asthma could be prescribed an 840 monthly jab on the NHS

Patients will have to travel to specialist hospital clinics to receive the jab from a doctor or nurse.

The drug works by stopping the production of white blood cells called eosinophils which cause the airways to become inflamed.

A trial published in The Lancet in September showed patients given the jab were up to 51 per cent less likely to suffer an asthma attack.

The injection is available in Scotland but had been rejected by NICE earlier this year for not being cost effective.

The watchdog changed its mind after the manufacturer GSK lowered the cost and provided more evidence of its benefits. GPs are now free to send suitable patients for treatment.

Professor Carole Longson, director of the NICE centre for health technology evaluation said: Around 100,000 people in England and Wales have severe asthma that cannot be controlled with their regular medicines.

NICE will today give the green light for the injection to be routinely prescribed for patients with refractory eosinophilic asthma  a condition which cannot be controlled by inhalers (file photo)

Symptoms such as constant breathlessness can make it hard to carry out simple day-to-day activities. If they do suffer from an attack, it may lead to hospitalisation and in the worst cases death.

Kay Boycott, of Asthma UK, said: We are delighted. Mepolizumab has the potential to transform the lives of many people.

'Not only should it improve some peoples symptoms and reduce the risk of life-threatening asthma attacks, but we hope it will reduce their reliance on corticosteroids.

'We need to see mepolizumab made available to those who need it as soon as possible.

Around 5.4million adults and children in the UK have asthma of whom just under 2 per cent have the severe type.

Dr Stephen McDonough, GSKs UK and Ireland medical director, said: This is great news for eligible adult patients.
Richard Littlejohn: Darktown by Thomas Mullen (Little, Brown 14.99)

Richard Littlejohn

The first time I came across the expression Darktown, a derogatory name for the black neighbourhoods of American cities, was in the brilliant noir novels of James Ellroy set in post-war Los Angeles.

The action in Darktown by Thomas Mullen (Little, Brown 14.99) takes place in segregated Atlanta, Georgia, in 1948, and follows two of that citys first black police recruits, as they struggle to overcome savage racism from their white colleagues and suspicion from within their own community.

They are only allowed to patrol negro areas and have no power to arrest whites. Against this backdrop, the two cops go off piste to investigate the murder of a young black woman, believed to have been killed by a renegade racist former member of the Atlanta PD.

Weaving social realism, virulent prejudice and political intrigue, Darktown exposes the shameful underbelly of recent American history, which is never far from the surface even today. As a gripping crime thriller, it would do credit to James Ellroy himself.

The Mail's columnists have chosen their best books of the year

Craig Brown: But Bruce Springsteens Born To Run (Simon & Schuster 20)

Craig Brown

The memoirs of rock stars tend to be as pedestrian and self-absorbed as the memoirs of politicians. In this respect, theres little to choose between, say, Norman Lamont and Phil Collins.

But Bruce Springsteens Born To Run (Simon & Schuster 20) is something else entirely. Rock stars are, he says, strong, addictive personalities, fired by compulsion, narcissism, license, passion and inbred entitlement.

He admits to all of these vices in himself, before throwing in a few more (control-freakery, paranoia, etc) for good measure.

This self-awareness acts as the motor for a vast, rollicking autobiography, as exciting and evocative as his greatest songs.

His dad, a sullen, drunken deadbeat, used to sit in the corner muttering Nobodys any good, and so what if they are. With energy and grace, Bruce has spent his whole adult life proving his father wrong.

Sarah Vine: Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Rigg (Quirk Books 8.99)

Sarah Vine

I picked up a copy of Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Rigg (Quirk Books 8.99), originally published in 2011, after my teenage daughter went to see the Tim Burton film and came home raving about it.

Like Burton, I have a passion for the gothic, and love books that explore ideas of otherness and alienation. Ransom Riggs story of a troubled teenage boy with a strange and frightening vision takes the reader on a dreamy, surreal journey of loss, discovery and mortal danger.

Unspeakable things lurk at the margins of the page, half glimpsed but ever present in the corner of the minds eye. Both thematically and stylistically there are echoes of the great masters of weird such as H.P. Lovecraft and Washington Irving  that is to say it is beautifully written as well as narratively compelling.

By some coincidence, I read The Sellout by Paul Beatty (Oneworld 12.99) before I even knew it had been shortlisted for the Booker, let alone won it. It is one of the few books of recent years that has made me choke with laughter; I should warn you, though, that the language is absolutely shocking, the pace frantic, the satire unrelenting and at times overpowering.

And its probably about 5 per cent too self-indulgent (but then in my opinion so is all great writing). But if you want an alternative commentary on the state of America from the point of view of a man who genuinely couldnt give a Baskin Robbins what you or anyone else thinks of him, this is for you.

Original and unexpected  and the perfect choice for the reader who likes his or her laughs bittersweet.

Jan Moir: Perfect Spy by John Le Carre (Sceptre 8.99)

Jan Moir

First, a terrible confession. Id never read John Le Carre, but this years success of the television adaptation of The Night Manager piqued my interest. A Perfect Spy (Sceptre 8.99), written in 1986 and the most autobiographical of his novels, is a masterpiece.

The Girls (Chatto 12.99), a precociously clever debut novel by Emma Cline was hyped as the summer read of 2016. This tale of a lost teenage girl who joins a Charles Manson-esque commune was gripping, but ultimately the lusciousness of Clines style was a distraction to a reader still dazzled by Le Carres relentless, bevelled prose.

The Ice Beneath Her by Camilla Grebe (Zaffre 12.99) is a clammy, Scandi-noir psycho thriller that you will roar through over the holidays.

And I adored one cookbook in particular, Jose Pizarros Basque: Spanish Recipes From San Sebastian And Beyond (Hardie Grant 25). Bask in the Basque, with exciting dishes such as anchovy salsa with steak, plums with sherry, and even a festive note  how to pickle partridge. Pear tree optional.

Mac: When You Are Engulfed In Flames by David Sedaris (Abacus 9.99)

Mac

What a stroke of luck it was a couple of years ago that, stuck in a traffic jam on the M25 and feeling depressed and extremely bored, I switched on the car radio and heard for the first time David Sedaris reading a selection of his short stories.

Not only did he have me convulsed with laughter, he had me hooked. I drove to my local bookstore and bought everything he has written. His anecdotes pointing out the absurdities of every day life are a joy and his latest book, When You Are Engulfed In Flames (Abacus 9.99) is wonderfully funny.

Its hard to pick out a favourite story but I hooted at his account of buying his partner Hugh a human skeleton as a present which hangs in the bedroom and seems to intone You are going to die all the time.

This is followed by a masterpiece about his efforts to give up his almost lifelong habit of smoking.

I know one habit Im certainly not giving up and thats reading David Sedaris.

Quentin Letts: Mark Lawsons novel The Allegations (Picador 16.99)

Quentin Letts

Mark Lawsons novel The Allegations (Picador 16.99) is a stonking condemnation of political correctness in academia.

Lawson, a former BBC arts presenter, uses his own raw experience at the hands of grotty corporate politickers to tremendous effect.

His hero, a TV historian, finds his career imperilled by allegations of abuse.

Lawsons satire of modern personnel officers is horribly funny  and disturbing.

I also enjoyed Ian McEwans slim Nutshell (Jonathan Cape 16.99). The voice of its narrator, a foetus, is splendidly sardonic.

Bel Mooney: Shylock Is My Name by Howard Jacobson (Vintage 8.99)

Bel Mooney

This was a year in which I caught up with two women novelists, one dead (Dorothy Whipple) and the other very much alive (Sarah Waters). I binged on their work and love it. But for my favourite novel Im choosing Shylock Is My Name by Howard Jacobson (Vintage 8.99).

Its a dark, witty, provocative re-imagining of Shakespeares The Merchant Of Venice, seriously brilliant on many levels  not least his satire on the vacuous, rich folk of Cheshire.

My stand-out biography is Ted Hughes by Jonathan Bate (Collins 10.99). This unauthorised account of the life of the great and complex poet caused some controversy, but I found it as spirited and sympathetic as it is (because of Hughess destructive obsession with sex) scorching.

Andrew Pierce: The St Tropez Lonely Hearts Club by Dame Joan Collins (Constable 7.99)

Andrew Pierce

The dark-haired, devilishly handsome gigolo named Fabrizio, who cant resist any woman whatever her age, could be one of the many lovers of Dame Joan Collins. Described as an Italian Brad Pitt, he could also be based on one or all of her five husbands.

Fabrizio is the central character in the Dames rip-roaring yarn The St Tropez Lonely Hearts Club (Constable 7.99), a bonkbuster whodunnit. The book also features an elderly former starlet who needs three hours with her glam squad before appearing in public.

Who does she mean? Having watched her one-woman show at The Palladium, the waspish Dame is probably referring to Linda Evans, aka Krystle Carrington in Dynasty, her deadly rival on and off the screen.

The book is racy, funny, and completely over the top. I loved it.

Christopher Stevens: Iris Grace (Michael Joseph 16.99)

Christopher Stevens

Six-year-old Iris Grace is deeply, exhaustingly aut-istic. She also has an astonishing talent as an abstract painter, mixing trance-like colours on canvases that look rather like Monets left out in a thunderstorm. Her work sells for thousands and has attracted celebrity buyers including Angelina Jolie.

But the most wonderful aspect of her story, told by her mother in Iris Grace (Michael Joseph 16.99), is her bond with her kitten, Thula. The fluffy tabby seemed to understand the little girls wordless wails from the first day, and they became inseparable. Iris had found a friend.

She started sleeping better and then, miraculously, she began to speak. As the dad of an autistic boy, I found this book moving, honest and full of hope.

Jonathan Pugh: Nutshell by Ian McEwan (Jonathan Cape 16.99)

Jonathan Pugh

An eavesdropping foetus plays witness to a murder plot. Dont adjust your reading glasses, you have read that correctly. As stories go, Nutshell by Ian McEwan (Jonathan Cape 16.99) sounds too ludicrous and far-fetched to work, and in the hands of other authors it may well have fallen flat on its face.

But not only does he pull it off, he does so triumphantly, in the cleverest book Ive read this year.

Its smart, dark and at times very funny. Its under 200 pages long but too rich a brew to be gulped down in one go.

A lighter read, but equally compelling in its way, was Five Rivers Met On A Wooded Plain by Barney Norris (Black Swan 8.99), a hugely talented writer with a very bright future. It happens to be set in Salisbury, my home town, which is the only reason why I picked it up but Im so glad I did.

Its fast-flowing, addictive and pulls on the heart strings.

Peter McKay: Skyfaring by Mark Vanhoenacker (Vintage 8.99)

Peter McKay

Horror stories about air crashes always get our attention (check out the 2014 Vanity Fair piece on the Air France flight 447 crash) but Skyfaring by Mark Vanhoenacker (Vintage 8.99), who flies Boeing 747s for British Airways, might make your next flight more interesting.

He writes beautifully about the strange, alien world of high-altitude passenger flights across time zones at 600mph, explaining how his 370-ton assembly of metal, alloys and electronics is powered into the skies and coaxed back down to earth when the hard-won lift runs like water from the wings, and we land.

Vanhoenacker loves flying and communicates beautifully its marvels and mysteries. He quotes the French aviation enthusiast Antoine de Saint-Exupery, who said that it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things.

Fiction-wise, Ive read nothing better this year than The Stories Of John Cheever (Vintage 12.99), 61 tales about Americas fading East Coast elite, summed up concisely by one critic as: Straight As  Alcoholism, Adultery, Abjection.

Sebastian Shakespeare: A House Full Of Daughters by Juliet Nicolson (Chatto 14.99)

Sebastian Shakespeare

Juliet Nicolson has penned an entrancing book about seven generations of women in her celebrated literary family, A House Full Of Daughters (Chatto 14.99), including her flamenco-dancing great-great-grandmother, Pepita, and her grandmother, Vita Sackville-West.

Much of this is familiar territory but the book comes into its own when the author chronicles her own life story, her relationship with her father, her mothers agonising death at 58 as a result of alcoholism, and her own devastating struggle with the same condition.

In the end its not so much the sins of the father as the gins of the mother which are visited on successive generations. This is a poignant, well-written memoir- cum-social history and adds another glorious gin-soaked chapter to the familys illustrious annals.

Henry Deedes: Nutshell by Ian McEwan (Jonathan Cape 16.99)

Henry Deedes

I must admit when I first heard Ian McEwan babbling about his latest novel Nutshell (Jonathan Cape 16.99) on BBCs Front Row a few months ago, I thought I might have stumbled upon a new Radio 4 satire. A tale of murder and betrayal in St Johns Wood, told from the perspective of an articulate, eight-month-old foetus with a camels thirst for Pouilly-Fume? McEwans chattering class apostles must have been doing cartwheels.

So here I am, upside down in a woman, it began. Oh well, I thought, this will give me a good laugh before the clocks go back if nothing else.

The result is a saucy, claustrophobic and darkly funny story which is all rather peculiar.

Compulsive reading, Im afraid.

Peter Oborne: All Out War by Tim Shipman (Collins 25)

Peter Oborne

Two books stand out for me. The first is an autobiography by the extraordinary Zimbabwe politician David Coltart, The Struggle Continues (Jacana 19.95).

As a young lawyer practising in Bulawayo, Coltart started to investigate confused reports of murders carried out in rural areas in western Zimbabwe.

He had stumbled on the Matabeleland Genocide, as Robert Mugabes notorious North Korean-trained Fifth Brigade waged a merciless secret war on political opponents.

As Coltart set out to expose these crimes, he was drawn into politics and eventually became education secretary when the National Unity government was established in 2009. Honest and compelling, it tells the story of Zimbabwe since independence better than anything I have read.

I normally avoid books such as All Out War (Collins 25), Tim Shipmans lucid, analytical, revelation-fuelled account of the seismic political crisis unleashed by the Brexit vote  but this is exceptional.

Jaci Stephen: The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book by Frank Caiafa (Penguin 19.99)

Jaci Stephen

Every so often, a book falls into your lap that is quintessentially YOU. The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book by Frank Caiafa (Penguin 19.99) is such a book.

The old-fashioned Martini glass and the words Waldorf Astoria glamorously paved in gold on the cover create dreams of a past world, one can only dream of in 2016. Its so beautiful, I didnt want to open it.

But I did. I learned about Stocking Your Home Bar, alphabetically named drinks, and muddling: a classic procedure used for releasing the essence of an ingredient by pressing down on it... 

You have no idea what it involves. In my next life, I want to be a muddler.
Rare sighting comes shortly after Delhi's only leopard was found

But not before an eager enthusiastic was injured by the frightened deer

Days after a leopard made the national capital its home, a sambar deer was found loitering in a public toilet in an east Delhi village.

The native stag was found in the Dallupura facility on Wednesday and was rescued by officials from the fire and forest departments of the Delhi government.

They trapped the deer in a net and tranquilised it before ferrying it off to the National Zoological Park.

The sa mbar deer was rescued by government fire and forest officials from the toilet in the village of Dallupura

But that was not before a drunk enthusiast jumped onto the toilet's boundary wall, on Shaheed Budhram Singh Marg, getting horned and injured by the frightened animal.

Meanwhile, excited villagers clicked selfies with the deer, rarely seen in their corner of the world.

Wildlife experts said they were surprised about its arrival as there is no forest patch nearby, unlike the recent case of the leopard which is believed to have arrived at the Yamuna Biodiversity Park (YBP) from Kalesar National Park in Haryana, 200 km away.

Sanbar deers are not normally found in Delhi. This male deer was photographed in the hills of Rajasthan

A male sambar deer, like the one pictured here crossing a jungle river at Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary during sunrise, was found in a Delhi village toilet

Dallupura, however, is not just located in the heart of the crowded city - surrounded by Vasundhra Enclave and the Ring Road - it has no link with any sanctuary.

The scientist incharge of the YBP in Wazirabad, which is currently hosting Delhi's first resident leopard, said: 'The nearest green patch to Dallupura would be Greater Noida's Surajpur park. However, the park has only neelgais.'

The deer is now at the National Zoological Park (photo for representation)

Apparently, sambars are a favourite meal of crocodiles, tigers and leopards.

They are nocturnal and congregate near water in herds of three or four, and are good swimmers.

Sambars do not belong to the Delhi-NCR region and are a vulnerable species.

One was spotted at the Buddha Jayanti Park in Chanakyapuri in February this year, reportedly the first sighting in 20 years there.

Experts at that time said the animal might have strayed from Rajaji National Park in Haridwar (Uttarakhand) or from Sariska National Park in Alwar (Rajasthan).

Chaudhury Virender, a local of Dallupura, said: 'Initially we thought it was a huge cow. Then its horns showed.'

Sambar (Rusa unicolor) is one of the many deer species native to the Indian subcontinent, southern China and Southeast Asia.

It has big, beautiful and polished-looking antlers which it sheds every year to develop new ones. Its shaggy coat is mostly dark grey.

They primarily live in woodland and feed on a wide variety of vegetation, including grass, foliage, browse, fruit and water plants, depending on the habitat.

Anger as officials plan to relocate Delhi's only resident leopard

Delhi's only resident leopard seems to have kicked up a storm with both scientists and wildlife enthusiasts rooting for it to be not relocated.

However, the Delhi Government Forest Department is adamant that it be transferred either to Uttarakhand's Rajaji National Park or Delhi Zoo.

An official at the YBP Park, which is the big cat's current home, said: 'The cage is there [placed by Delhi Forest Department], the [goat] bait is there. And wait is there for the leopard to go in.

The fully-grown male was seen at the Yamuna Biodiversity Park in north Delhi last week

'We wish this was not being done. It was already here for two weeks before we broke the news to the world, and it had not harmed anybody until then, or now, for the matter.'

The cat has killed a bluebull calf recently and scientists said that it had enough prey to feed on in the park.
US President-elect Donald Trump has praised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a 'terrific guy' in the first call between the two leaders, Pakistan confirmed today.

Historical allies in the region, Islamabad and Washington have seen relations sour in recent years over US accusations that Pakistan shelters Islamist militants, a charge denied by the South Asian nation.

Sharif's office said late on Wednesday that the Pakistani premier called Trump to congratulate him on his victory and issued a read out of the call. Trump's team confirmed the two men talked and issued a brief statement.

US President-elect Donald Trump has praised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a 'terrific guy' in the first call between the two leader, Pakistani confirmed today

'President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way,' said the statement issued by Sharif's office.

'I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it.'

However, the prime minister's office did not elaborate on the kind of problems Trump offered to solve, and thoughts now turn to recent conflict on the LoC in Kashmir between Pakistan and India. The statement also did not clarify why exactly Trump was impressed with Sharif.

Pakistan's sputtering economy has rebounded since Sharif was elected in 2013 and security has vastly improved amid greater efforts by the army to tackle militants such as the Pakistani Taliban.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich greets U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump

But security remains a problem as Islamist groups continue to stage mass attacks and Islamic State radicals have sought to gain a foothold inside Pakistan, claiming responsibility for several high-profile attacks. The economy is also facing acute challenges, including energy shortages.

Trump's office said the two leaders had a 'productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future'.

'President-elect Trump also noted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif,' the statement added.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (centre) was called a 'terrific guy' by President-elect Donald Trump

Hindus for Trump

Throughout the election India made no secret of its admiration for Trump and the high-hopes it held for a future relationship with the US.

Over the last few years India-US bilateral relations have developed into a 'strategic partnership' built on the three pillars of future trade, the shared threat of Islamic terror, and the need for a competitor to mint China's aggression in the area.

The US is the sixth largest investor in India and increasing Indian investments in the US has been an interesting feature of bilateral ties with an ambitious target of $500 billion worth of trade of goods and services now set. This is a huge manifold increase from the current figure of around $100 billion.

Trump: Great for India?

In terms of China, it is thought that Trump's recent criticism of China as 'currency manipulator' could see India emerge as a key player on the Asia front, with the US trade policies favouring the market balance brought about by a competitive India.

But the big issue for India is said to be receiving support and help in the global condemnation of Pakistan's alleged terror activities particularly along the LoC with Kashmir.

It was hoped by India that Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric and strong stance on terrorism would turn into a stronger relationship with India on the basic terms that a single-common enemy would bring the two countries together.

Trump, it was thought, would seek the help of India and other nations to address the problem of a 'semi-unstable' nuclear Pakistan, especially considering Trump once called India's neighbour 'probably the most dangerous country in the world'.

India's hopes for greater sway with the US in the region now seem to have taken a major set-back after Trump's positive call today with Pakistan.

Dancers at the charity event hosted by the Republican Hindu Coalition

Strained Ties

What Trump said... according to Pakistan 'Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called President-elect USA Donald Trump and felicitated him on his victory. 'President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. 'I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. 'Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. 'Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office. 'On being invited to visit Pakistan by the Prime Minister, Mr. Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. 'Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr. Donald Trump.' Source: Press and Information Department, Government of Pakistan Advertisement

Detailing the specifics of the conversation, Sharif's office added that Trump told the Pakistani premier to feel free to call him any time before he assumes office on January 20.

'As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long,' the statement added, paraphrasing Trump's comments.

Sharif's office often releases read outs of his conversations with foreign heads of state but they are seldom so full of praise for the Pakistani premier, especially during calls with Western leaders.

Sharif invited Trump to visit Pakistan, according to the statement, and the incoming U.S. leader agreed.

'Mr Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people,' said the statement.

Few details are known about Trump's planned policy for South Asia but the warm words between the leaders suggests ties could be reset under Trump's presidency and will ease concerns in Islamabad that Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric in the run-up to the poll will not lead to unfriendly policies towards Pakistan.

At one point Trump proposed banning Muslims from the entering the United States, remarks that alarmed the predominantly Muslim nation of 190 million people.

Islamabad has also been concerned about warmer ties between the United States and India, fearful that Washington is pivoting towards New Delhi at a time of heightened tensions between the nuclear armed neighbours.

Trump also has business ties in India, which has stoked concerns in Pakistan that under his presidency the United States may accelerate its shift towards New Delhi.

Pakistan continues to receive aid as well as military funding and training from the United States, but the US Congress has recently held back some help due to frustrations about Pakistan's unwillingness to act against elements of the Afghan Taliban.

Relations hit new lows in May when a U.S. drone killed Mullah Akhtar Mansour, the leader of the Afghan Taliban movement, on Pakistani territory. (Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)

Twitter reacts

Social media users took to the news of Trump's call to Pakistan with a mixture of surprise and bemusement.
They nonchalantly speak on the phone while negotiating Delhi's tricky traffic and bumpy roads.

Some do not have the necessary permits, while others use unsafe LPG cylinders to fuel their cars and some go so far as to get away with expired fitness certificates for their vehicles.

And they do all this while driving your kids to school and back. A visit by Mail Today to one of the Capital's school districts this week revealed the dangers children face every day at the hand of Delhi's dangerous bus drivers.

Delhi's children put in danger bus school bus drivers using their phones on the school run

Transport services for students outside schools in the national capital region has raised a slew of safety concerns with fatal accidents, instances of road rage and frequent traffic jams.

According to a senior police officer, regular safety campaigns and penalties have failed to deter errant drivers of school vans and buses as the sector remains unregulated and poorly organised.

This year alone, traffic cops have fined around 3,000 vehicles ferrying schoolchildren.

According to Delhi Police data, over 1,160 school buses and 1,814 vans have been penalised in 2016.

This year alone, traffic cops have fined around 3,000 vehicles ferrying schoolchildren

Sources say despite efforts from the police and school managements, very little change can be seen on the ground as rash driving, overloading, speeding and speaking on phone while driving are common sights.

Frequent guidelines, notices and meetings are organised with school authorities, but a large segment of the transportation of school students in the Capital is outsourced.

'The vans, auto-rickshaws and tempos which flout norms pose a risk to the safety of children,' said a senior police officer.

'Many of these vehicles are run by private operators or hired by parents, as they are economical compared to school buses.

According to Delhi Police data, over 1,160 school buses and 1,814 vans have been penalised in 2016

'As most of the parents are not ready to shell out more money for the ride to school, the operator just stuffs in as many kids as possible in the vehicle.'

According to experts, the lack of a viable solution acceptable to all stakeholders, especially parents and school managements, is the chief reason for the apparent failure of all efforts.

Most children in private schools travel by private vehicles, including buses, vans, auto-rickshaws and parents' vehicles.

Children in government schools mostly walk the distance and some ride bicycles.

However, private buses and vans are driven by negligent drivers, autos are overcrowded, and parents struggle to find parking space near schools.

A three-year-old child was crushed to death by his own school van in north Delhi's Civil Lines area in August.

Delhi's roads are known to be very dangerous

Onlookers said the kid got off the vehicle and was moving towards his home when the reversing van hit him. This is just one such incident.

The Delhi government has issued detailed guidelines on plying of school buses and cabs for ensuring safety of students, but the rules are openly flouted daily.

Most school vans are crammed with students and driven by people who don't have valid licences.

The Delhi government has also mandated educational institutes to keep a check on illegal cabs.

Most such cabs in the city ferrying students are plying without required permits. According to National Crime Records Bureau data, over five per cent of road accidents in the country are reported at places near schools and colleges.

Not even looking! This school bus driver is looking at something on his smart phone while driving children

In 2014, a total of 23,723 road accidents took place near educational institutions.

Seven-year-old Jiya Juneja died after being in coma for nine days as she was hit by a speeding van after she was allegedly dropped on the wrong side of the road by her school bus in Gurugram on May 9.

Her father, Pankaj Juneja, had accused the school of not following safety norms and alleged that the bus that dropped Jiya had neither a conductor nor an attendant.

Police officials say that all such buses and cabs must pick up the students from the premises of the school and drop them at designated stops.

All these vehicles must be equipped with a first-aid box, fire extinguisher and must have provision for bag racks.

Experts say security issue is multi-layered as for parents, safety also means their kids must also not face any harassment, sexual or otherwise.

That explains parents' constant opposition to attempts by the traffic police to tell them which is the safest way for their wards to reach school and return home. Only they know what is safe for their kids, parents argue.

'We do regular drives against errant drivers and also against those who are found recklessly driving and parking their vehicles.

Schools and parents should also actively come forwards for the safety of students,' a senior police officer said.

However, school managements say they alone cannot manage the traffic menace outside the institutions.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has just concluded his six-day trip to India. And it is anticipated that in a historic first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel in January 2017 to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He will become the first prime minister of India to visit the country. Modi had visited Israel as chief minister of Gujarat in 2006.

And as Prime Minister, he had met his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly's annual session last year.

An Israeli soldier patrols the area near the Israel-Syria border in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights

Hallmark

A hallmark of Modi's foreign policy has been a self-confident assertion of Indian interests.

This is reflected in his government's moves vis-a-vis Israel, marking a distinct break from unnecessary and counterproductive diffidence of the past.

Despite sharing more than two decades of diplomatic ties and working closely on defence, counter-terrorism, agriculture and energy-related issues, no Indian Prime Minister has ever visited Israel.

When it comes to India's Israel policy, hypocrisy has been the norm. In 2014, Israel's actions in Gaza were deemed so unacceptable by Indian parliamentarians that all perspective was lost.

Calling for suspension of military purchases from Israel, the CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury had suggested that 'India cannot be a party to this genocide.'

India is no longer initiating anti-Israel resolutions at the UN and has made serious attempts to moderate NAM's anti-Israel resolutions

Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad demanded that the Rajya Sabha pass a resolution condemning the attacks and hit out at the government saying it was regrettable that New Delhi did not raise its voice against the 'massacre'.

Ahmed Hassan of the Trinamool Congress wanted India to raise the issue at the United Nations, and CPI's D Raja called for a 'categorical stand condemning Israel'.

Despite representing a nation that is one of the biggest victims of cross-border terrorism in the world, our esteemed members of Parliament have had no compunction in equating the actions of a liberal democratic Israel with the murderous extremism of a terrorist organisation such as Hamas.

Couched in the humanitarian concern for the plight of Gaza residents, the Opposition did its best to play to the gallery, insinuating that because of the BJP government religious motives cannot be far behind.

Despite sharing more than two decades of diplomatic ties and working closely on defence, counter-terrorism, agriculture and energy-related issues, no Indian Prime Minister has ever visited Israel

In her reply, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj did well to remind her Opposition colleagues that India's relations with Palestine and Israel were a legacy of previous governments, including the Congress-led UPA government of the recent past.

There has been a steady strengthening of India's relationship with Israel ever since the two nations established full diplomatic relations in 1992.

It is a tribute to PV Narasimha Rao's foresight that he was able to lay the basis of Indo-Israeli partnership.

In contrast to the backchannel security ties that existed before the normalisation of bilateral relations, India has been more willing in recent years to carve out a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with Israel, including deepening military ties and countering the threat terrorism poses to the two societies.

Reactions

Over the years, the Indian government has toned down its reactions to Israel's treatment of the Palestinians.

India has also begun denouncing Palestinian suicide bombings and other terrorist acts in Israel.

India is no longer initiating anti-Israel resolutions at the UN and has made serious attempts to moderate NAM's anti-Israel resolutions.

This re-evaluation has been based on a realisation that India's largely pro-Arab stance in West Asia has not been adequately rewarded by the Arab world.

India has received no worthwhile backing from the Arab countries in the resolution of problems it faces in its neighbourhood, especially Kashmir.

There have been no serious attempts by the Arab world to put pressure on Pakistan to reign in cross-border terrorism in Kashmir.

On the contrary, the Arab nations have firmly stood by Pakistan, using the Organisation of Islamic Conference to build support for Islamabad and the jihadi groups in Kashmir.

If Arab nations, such as Jordan, have been able to keep their traditional ties with Palestine intact while building a new relationship with Israel, there is no reason for India not to take a similar route.

Strategic

Keeping India's wider strategic interests in perspective, successive Indian governments since the early 1990s have walked a nuanced line between expressing genuine concern for the Palestinian cause and expanding its commercial and defence ties with Israel.

India is the world's largest buyer of Israeli weaponry and was Israel's third largest trading partner in Asia in 2013, just after China and Hong Kong.

The domestic political milieu continues to exert its substantial influence on the trajectory of India-Israel relations.

Israeli soldiers of the Golani brigade take position during training in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights

Israel has been a good friend of India but Delhi continues to be shy of demonstrating its friendship.

At crucial times, when India needed Israeli help, it got it unreservedly. Israel was willing to continue and even step up its arms sales to India after other major countries curbed their technological exports following India's May 1998 nuclear tests.

Israel provided India with much-needed imagery of Pakistani positions using its UAVs during the Kargil War in 1999.

When India was planning to undertake a limited military strike against Pakistan in June 2002 as part of 'Operation Parakram', Israel supplied hardware through special planes.

The terrorism that both India and Israel face comes not only from disaffected groups within their territories; it is also aided and abetted by neighbouring states, increasingly capable of transferring weapons of mass destruction to terrorist organisations.

And yet previous governments had been reticent in acknowledging Israel's partnership.

In diplomacy, public affirmation of friendships at the highest levels is often as important as drawing red lines for adversaries.

The Modi government is doing well by repudiating the discredited Israel policy of its predecessors.

An open relationship with Israel serves India well and it's time Tel Aviv gets the recognition it deserves from New Delhi.
Glencore will pay out $1billion in dividends next year as the mining giant announced it is coming to the end of its huge debt reduction programme.

The firm has reinstated its dividend after scrapping it last year when it was one of the miners hardest hit by a commodity price crash.

A string of poor results forced the miner to undergo a rapid turnaround plan last September, which included selling assets worth $7billion.

On the up: Glencore chief Ivan Glasenberg laid the foundations for a stunning revival of the battered trading powerhouse today by restoring its sought-after dividend and calling time on its fire sale

Glencore told investors this morning it has now achieved $6.3billion in asset sales, adding that it was on track to cut debt to $16.5billion to $17.5billion.

Chief executive Ivan Glasenberg said: 'Last year we announced a programme of measures to reduce our debt and structurally increase the flexibility and strength of our balance sheet.'

He added: 'We have delivered on our commitments and done so in a way that has preserved the long-term earnings capability of the Group.

'Glencore can look forward to the future with confidence, based on our scalable and low cost industrial operations and robust marketing business.'

Analysts were quick to praise the turnaround at the miner, although some said the reinstatement of the dividend was expected.

Richard Hunter, at Wilson King, said: 'Glencore has achieved a remarkable turnaround, assisted by the tailwind of a resurgence in Chinese demand and the subsequent hikes in commodity prices (particularly coal and zinc), although its own efforts should not be underestimated.

'The driving down of debt, asset disposals and the resumption of a dividend payment after a year in the wilderness is a striking achievement. The shares have also been along for the ride, having risen 199 per cent over the last year.'

But shares were unmoved this session, down just a fraction at 278.5p.

Laith Khalaf, at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'The fairly muted Glencore share price reaction tells you the stock market was already largely expecting a resumption of the dividend, and while a 1billion payout is positive news, it only delivers a minimal yield on the stock.'
A former homeless,self-trained musician has been hailed a genius after writing a symphony.

Stuart Sharp, 73, saw a vision of the musical masterpiece in his mind after his baby son Ben died 41 years ago.

He could not read or write music at the time, but the melodies were so vivid he was determined to turn the 'imaginary' orchestral sounds into a symphony in memory of his lost child.

Music genius: Stuart Sharp had a vision when his son died and later turned the imaginary sounds into a symphony despite having no musical training

Music genius: Stuart Sharp turned the imaginary orchestral sounds into a symphony despite having no musical training. But the dream led to problems in his marriage and eventually divorce. He ended up homeless and broke on the streets of London.

Stuart's persistence eventually paid off and his musical masterpiece has now been recorded by The London Philharmonia Orchestra.

Stuart said: 'My son died in traumatic circumstances and on the night of his funeral, I heard soothing angelic music with a great choir of angels and it comforted me for a short while.'

His Angeli Symphony has been described as a work of 'genius' by music experts.

'I could see the whole orchestra playing and as I watched I could see all the individual notes being played on the different instruments.'

'After that I would often hear the music and I could remember it all very vividly.'

'The melodies were always very real, very beautiful, sometimes as if the angels were really playing to me.'

'But I came to understand that it was music for my son and I could see it as a film one day.' 'The cold light of day was different however and I was numb with fear.'

Darker times: Stuart moving into a hostel for the homeless

The romantic symphony, which is filled with string instrumental sections, has astounded professional musicians.

'Stuart's vision for his musical work was remarkable and it's quite astounding that a non-professional musician has come up with something of this quality,' said Allan Wilson, conductor of The London Philharmonia Orchestra.

" As a pub cook my life hinged around alcohol and smoking that was impacting badly on my life. Instead I wanted to follow my vision and create a great orchestral piece."

Stuart left home and lived in his car for a time before moving around in squats, on the street and later a hostel for the homeless.

But he was determined to follow his dream and bought a cheap guitar from an antique shop called 'Miscellanea' owned by the parents of 'The Who's front man Pete Townshend. He spent the following years learning to play the instrument until he could record the music in his head onto a second-hand tape recorder he bought for 50p.

One day outside the BBC's Television Centre he met jazz musician Anthony Wade, who offered him a place to stay and helped transcribe the music.

In the fifteen years that followed Stuart turned his life around and became a successful businessman through a career in sales and property.

'By 1994 I was able to buy my own home in London, hire great arrangers and the world's best orchestras so I could finally realise my dream,' he said.

'I tracked down Anthony and we worked together for five years to create an excellent demo of the symphony. I felt it was good enough to hand over to conductor Allan Wilson for his opinion. Two years later the big day came when The London Philharmonia Orchestra recorded my Angeli Symphony. I truly thought I was back with the angels and the musicians gave me an ovation after they played it and I was finally happy. I have never considered myself as composer, and although I have written and recorded three more symphonies, a theme song and a further thirty pieces, they are gifts I was given to share where I could. With my success so far I have projects for the blind and disabled in Africa and am Patron of the Canaan Trust in Nottingham, which looks after many homeless people.

Stuart's story was picked up by NPR in America and producers in LA have contacted him with a view to turn Stuart's story into a cinema movie. Recently Gold Circle Films have put the film into development.

You can read more about Stuart's symphony at angeli.tv
A New York state environmental conservation officer is in hospital after he was shot while investigating reports of illegal deer hunting, authorities said.

Department of Environmental Conservation Enforcement Officer James Davey, 39, was hit in the pelvis area by a bullet fired from the rifle of 55-year-old hunter Alan Blanchard on Tuesday evening, according to state police.

At the time, Davey and Lt. Liza Bobseine were checking out reports of trespassing with shots fired around 5pm in the Columbia County town of Gallatin, troopers said.

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Department of Environmental Conservation Enforcement Officer James Davey (right) was struck by a bullet fired from the rifle of hunter Alan Blanchard (left) on Tuesday evening, state police said

During their investigation, the officers came upon tire tracks leading into a cut cornfield and followed the path, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal.

While walking through the corn field, Davey was struck by a bullet from Blanchard's rifle, troopers said.

Blanchard, along with his hunting partner, stayed at the scene and assisted with rescue efforts, according to state police.

Lt. Bobseine is credited with saving Davey's life thanks to her 'quick and heroic actions in the field,' New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a news release.

'Lt. Bobseine was able to quickly apply a compress to the wound while calling for support and keeping the suspects under control half mile into a field,' Seggos said.

Officers at the scene above. At the time of the accidental shooting, Davey and Lt. Liza Bobseine were checking out reports of trespassing with shots fired around 5pm in the town of Gallatin, troopers said

The incident occurred in a corn field in the Columbia County town of Gallatin, 40 miles southeast of Albany (shown above)

'It's clear that if it were not for her actions, officer Davey would not have survived.

'I commend the two officers for their courage in the line of duty and thank them for their dedicated service.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with the wounded officer and his family.'

Davey, a 12-year-veteran of the force, was transported to MidHudson Regional Hospital with a gunshot wound.

He underwent extensive surgery and is listed in stable condition.

Seggos said he has met with Davey's family following the incident.

He said Davey's wife Nancy, who is a forest ranger at the conservation, and the family is appreciative of the 'outpouring of support from the DEC family.'

Davey, who is assigned to patrol Columbia County, recently became a certified firearms instructor for the DEC.

Blanchard has been charged with second-degree assault due to his 'reckless conduct' that led to the accidental shooting, troopers said.

Blanchard was being held on Wednesday in county jail without bail and it could not be determined if he has a lawyer.
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un is under pressure after the United Nations hit his country with the toughest sanctions ever.

The new security council resolution, which was spearheaded by the US and came after three months of tough negotiations, passed by a 15-0 vote.

It demands that North Korea abandon all its nuclear weapons and nuclear programmes and takes aim at the state's exports of coal - its top external revenue source.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un is under pressure after the United Nations hit his country with the toughest sanctions ever. Kim is pictured earlier this week in Pyongyang

Under the resolution, North Korea will be restricted from exporting beyond 7.5 million tons of coal in 2017, a reduction of 62 percent from 2015.

Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said that the resolution would strip the regime of more than $700 million in hard currency, dramatically reducing the money it can spend on nuclear and ballistic weapons.

Ms Power, speaking to reporters with her counterparts from US allies South Korea and Japan, called the resolution 'the strongest sanctions regime the Security Council has imposed on any country in more than a generation.'

She said: 'So long as the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) makes the choice it has made, which is to pursue the path of violations instead of the path of dialogue, we will continue to work to increase the pressure and defend ourselves and allies from this threat.

Meanwhile UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged all countries to enforce the resolution.

The sanctions demand that North Korea abandon all its nuclear weapons and nuclear programmes (file picture)

'It sends an unequivocal message that the DPRK must cease further provocative actions and comply fully with its international obligations' said Ban, who has flirted with entering politics in his native South Korea after his term ends in a month.

Mr Ban added he was still committed to 'sincere dialogue' to resolve the nuclear issue and stood by calls to provide humanitarian assistance to ease the suffering of ordinary North Koreans.

China has traditionally protected North Korea diplomatically, believing that Kim Jong-Un's regime is preferable to its collapse, but has increasingly grown frustrated by the neighboring state's defiance.

And China's UN ambassador, Liu Jieyi, reiterated that Beijing 'strongly opposes' the North Korean nuclear tests - but also made a veiled criticism of joint exercises between the United States and South Korea.

A test-fire of a large-calibre rocket is seen being conducted from an undisclosed location in North Korea

He said: 'Certain parties increase their military presence and scale up military exercises, thus intensifying the confrontation. This situation must be changed as soon as possible.'

The UN Security Council resolution condemns 'in the strongest terms' North Korea's test on September 9 - the communist state's second just this year.

Pyongyang claimed at the time it had made major strides in its efforts to fit a miniaturized warhead on a rocket that could reach the United States.
like it when women think of him as a sex symbol

Making a Murderer's Steven Avery is desperate to have a baby and re-start his old auto mechanic business, which happens to be the place where his victim's charred remains were found.

Avery's best friend Curtis Busse tells DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview what the convicted murderer yearns for most if and when he's finally released: starting a family and going back to running Avery's Auto Salvage Yard in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, alongside his co-accused nephew Brendan Dassey.

Avery, 54, has spent 28 years in prison and missed out on bringing up his four children he had with ex-wife Lori Mathieson.

He's now godfather to Busse's 14-month-old daughter Jordan, but he wants a baby of his own once he's free.

Making a Murderer's Steven Avery's best friend Curtis Busse with his daughter Jordan and told DailyMail.com that if Avery is released from prison, he wants to have more children and return to his family auto mechanic business

Avery confided in Busse, who visits every single week, that he spends his time behind bars watching his favorite program, Crime Watch Daily, and has become a celebrity at Waupun Correctional Institution

Avery is godfather to Busse's 14-month-old daughter, Jordan (left). Busse says Avery's 'eyes light up' whenever he sees Jordan

Busse, 22, says: 'He didn't get to see his children grow up at all, so he'd love to be able to take my child Jordan fishing and also have new boys of his own.

'When he sees Jordan at the prison his eyes light up, he instantly clicks into fatherly mode, and that's when it really hits you that this guy values family a lot.

'He wants to be able to go fishing and be in the outdoors. He just can't wait to start working on cars, this guy was working 12-hour plus days out on his yard fixing up vehicles.'

Busse adds: 'He's talking about starting up a business, he's got hard grease in his blood, so I think it's natural that he's going to be involved in vehicles. He loves the outdoors, the snow, fishing and just the small things like that.

'People get excited about a lot of different things, large amounts of money, mansions and fast cars and all that stuff like that.

'I just talked to him on the phone today, and I told him it was snowing where I was, and he was incredibly overjoyed: "Oh my God, I'd be in Heaven."'

Last month, Avery dumped his Las Vegas-born blonde fiancee Lynn Hartman the day after she appeared on Dr Phil talking about their relationship, claiming she was a 'gold digger'.

Another former fiancee, Sandra Greenman, also said Avery had become the 'world's strangest sex symbol' and had lots of female attention, but Busse says that it's wrong to think Avery is constantly thinking about sex.

Busse says: 'He's frustrated that he gets press for women and being engaged. We don't even want to speak about it.

'He looks more like a womanizer but, in actual fact, it's misconstrued, he only wants to have a family, start again.

Avery dreams of going back to running Avery's Auto Salvage Yard in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, alongside his co-accused nephew Brendan Dassey

Busse, pictured with Avery's mother, Dolores, and brother, Earl, runs a supporter's Facebook page for Avery

While his best friend is in prison, Busse still spends time with Avery's family, including meals at restaurants (pictured above)

'Some people have called Steven a sex symbol, but his needs do not revolve around women - it's family. The two engagements have made him look like a sex addict.

'It's not the case at all, it really isn't, it's absurd. He's now had his fingers burned a couple of times, he now knows really not to get involved.'

Avery was sentenced to life without parole for killing 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach on October 31, 2005, alongside his nephew Dassey, then 16, who at the time had a mental age of nine.

Halbach's charred bone remains were found close to Avery's family home, and her blood stained car was partially concealed on the family's salvage yard.

Avery was sentenced to life without parole for killing 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach on October 31, 2005, alongside his nephew Dassey, then 16

At the time of his arrest, Avery was suing Manitowoc County for $36million over being wrongfully imprisoned for 18 years for sexually assaulting Penny Beerntsen.

Dassey had his 2005 conviction quashed by US Federal Judge William Duffin in August, who said investigators tricked him into a confession, but that ruling is being appealed by the State.

Both Dassey and Avery have been the subject of a Netflix documentary which has catapulted them to worldwide fame.

Avery confided in Busse, who visits every single week, that he spends his time behind bars watching his favorite program, Crime Watch Daily, and has become a celebrity at Waupun Correctional Institution, with inmates saluting him when they go past.

But he spends most of his days thinking of the future and would love nothing more than being with his nephew again although that would mean having to get the blessing of his sister Barbara Tadych, Dassey's mother, who still harbors some resentment to her brother.

'The guards treat him very well and so do the inmates. On many occasions in our visits, inmates will give him salutes,' says Busse. 'He has lots of respect from everyone.

'He loves watching the news, hunting shows, and especially Crime Watch Daily. He's extremely excited for Brendan.

'That would be 50 per cent over with. He wants them to have a great uncle and nephew relationship again because Brendan would go over there and help him [at the salvage yard], what a great story that would be if they could continue to do that moving forward.

Last month, Avery dumped his Las Vegas-born blonde fiancee Lynn Hartman the day after she appeared on Dr Phil talking about their relationship, claiming she was a 'gold digger'

Another former fiancee, Sandra Greenman, also said Avery had become the 'world's strangest sex symbol' and had lots of female attention, but Busse says that it's wrong to think Avery is constantly thinking about sex

'I could see them working on cars again, there's a lot of variables for it to happen, but Steven would love it if Brendan's family wanted it.

'I think that Steven and Barbara would be able to rebuild that relationship because the only thing that was hurting her before was that she'd had her kid taken away from her. Once they're out, things would be a lot easier for this whole entire family.

'She can stop blaming him now, I don't think things are as bad as they once were. She will be able to see that they were both framed for this murder. I mean so much is messed up there, it's not easy.'

His team, including Chicago-based human rights lawyer Kathleen Zellner, is '100 per cent' convinced he'll be out next year and won't even face a retrial after a judge this month authorized new DNA testing, which could prove that Avery's blood had been planted in Halbach's car.

If freed, he'd be entitled to compensation of more than $100million for two wrongful imprisonments.

Zellner is spending 'incredible amounts' on the advanced testing and is fronting up the money herself.

But Busse says that revenge is playing a big part in spurring Avery and Zellner on, as both want to see every single person involved in his prosecution face criminal charges, and, ultimately, jail.

'I don't know any other lawyer working this hard for free,' says Busse, who lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin. 'She really cares about fixing the justice system and doing what's right and making sure that the people involved in this do receive consequences.

Dassey had his 2005 conviction quashed by US Federal Judge William Duffin in August, who said investigators tricked him into a confession, but that ruling is being appealed by the State

'It's been very expensive, she's conducting multiple tests. It's an incredible amount of money.

'He has repeated many a times that these people need to receive consequences otherwise it's going to happen again and again if they're getting away with this all this.

When he was arrested in 2005, Avery had already been wrongfully imprisoned for 18 years for sexually assaulting Penny Beerntsen (his mugshot pictured above)

'He wants revenge and for him to get revenge, it's actually for the good of the people as well.

'Freedom is number one priority for him, it really is, and then after freedom I would say right behind that would be consequences for those who did this.

'There were a lot of people involved in him being put behind bars, nobody is going to be left out.

'This is what makes Steven really so very unique. He says: "I want this to set the bar for other people in the future, I don't want this to ever happen again to anybody else."'

Busse now runs the biggest Facebook page dedicated to justice for Avery, with more than 126,000 likes, and says that Avery will continue to fight for people wrongly convicted if he's ever released.

'He's received so many letters from family members who have said my uncle, my dad, my mom, my brother, you name it, are in the exact same position and you have inspired them to keep going, to work even harder and have more hope,' says Busse.

'He would definitely be interested in helping reach out to these people, who have been wrongly convicted, and be a strong voice because he really is a pioneer now at this point.

'It's one of the reasons why he's such an inspiration.'
Prosecutors say they will be seeking the death penalty for Avalos

Ramirez initially survived her April 2015 attack but died two months later

Investigators say the other victims were also killed during sexual assaults

Police believe he is also responsible for the murders of Rosemary Perez, 28, Celia Ann Lopez, 29, and Genevieve Ramirez, 45, in 2015

The 29-year-old is accused of sexually assaulting and

A Texas man has been charged with strangling a 15-year-old girl to death and murder another three women.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for suspected serial killer Johnny Joe Avalos over the multiple murders which took place within a four month period across San Antonio.

The naked body of Natalie Chavez, 15, was discovered dumped under a west side bridge on December 18, 2014. Investigators say she'd been sexually assaulted before she was strangled to death.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for suspected serial killer Johnny Joe Avalos (left and right, on his arrest) over the multiple murders which took place within a four month period across San Antonio

Avalos was arrested and charged with capital murder after detectives say they found his DNA on her body.

He later claimed he'd had sex with the victim for money and had not been aware of her young age.

The 29-year-old also faces capital murder charges for the deaths of Rosemary Perez, 28, Celia Ann Lopez, 29, and Genevieve Ramirez, 45.

Perez was found wrapped in a sheet along a West Side Street, San Antonio on January 12, 2015. Ramirez initially survived her April 2015 attack but died from her injuries two months later.

Lopez's body was found half naked on April 15 in the 4400 block of South Presa Street, San Antonio.

The naked body of Natalie Chavez, 15, (pictured) was discovered dumped under a west side bridge on December 18, 2014

Investigators say Chavez (left and right) had been sexually assaulted before she was strangled to death

Investigators believe her dead body, which showed obvious signs of trauma, had been lying there for several days before she was found.

Relatives of Lopez have called for Avalos to receive life in jail.

Lopez's mother, 55-year-old Maria Avila, who is serving a 15 year sentence for heroin charges, said the death penalty 'is really too good for an individual like that.'

'There's no reason why he should be able to escape his demons when we have to live without our loved one forever,' she told Fox San Antonio in August. 'This place consumes you. It eats you up and you become something that you're not because you have no other choice and he may very well fit in with these monsters.'

Avalos also faces capital murder charges for the death of Celia Ann Lopez, 29

Avalos also faces capital murder charges for the deaths of Rosemary Perez, 28, (left) and Genevieve Ramirez, 45 (right)

Avalos has a lengthy rap sheet which includes charges of making terroristic threats, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance.

The suspect, of San Antonio, was indicted on Tuesday of two count of capital murder over the four murders. He was remanded in jail until December 19 where he will appear before a judge.

The DA's office said it will seek the death penalty on each charge.
A social worker who dressed as a clown to make children laugh in war-ravaged Aleppo has been killed by an airstrike.

Anas al-Basha, 24, refused to leave the city with his parents as bombs dropped during the siege, forcing thousands of people to flee.

Instead, the charity worker wore bright make-up an orange wig and flowery yellow hat to entertain injured local children.

His brother Mahmoud al-Basha said: 'Anas lived to make children laugh and happy in the darkest, most dangerous place on this world.'

Clown of Aleppo: Anas al-Basha, pictured, a social worker who dressed up as a clown to entertain the children of war-torn Aleppo is believed to have been killed in an airstrike

Full of laughter: Charity worker Mr al-Basha, who married just two months ago, wore bright make up and a long, orange wig to make children smile in the besieged city battered by war

Straight faced: The 24-year-old's brother said of him: Anas lived to make children laugh and happy in the darkest, most dangerous place on this world.'

Brought to its knees: Mr al-Basha, who was a director for a charity, was killed in a suspected in a bomb raid on Aleppo on Tuesday. Pictured: Carnage caused by bombs in the city

'I was not able to say the last farewell to him because Aleppo city has been under siege for 112 days.

'All what Anas wanted is to bring happiness to the children of Aleppo. I am proud of you my brother. May you rest in peace in a place better than this cruel world,' he added on Facebook.

Nicknamed the Clown of Aleppo, Mr al-Basha, was killed in a suspected Russian or Syrian bombing raid on eastern Mashhad on Tuesday.

When his parents fled the city in 2015 before the government began its siege on the rebels, he chose to stay on, unbowed.

His supervisor Samar Hijazi, at the Space for Hope charity where he worked, said Mr al-Basha will remembered as a friend who loved to work with children.

'He would act out skits for the children to break the walls between them,' she said.

Loved to make children laugh: Nicknamed the Clown of Aleppo, Mr al-Basha, was killed in a suspected Russian or Syrian bombing raid on eastern Mashhad on Tuesday

Ms Hijazi went on: 'All of us in this field [of childcare] are exhausted, and we have to find strength to provide psychological support and continue with our work.'

Eastern Aleppo has been under siege for four months and thousands have been left without access to food or water.

Around 20,000 people have left their homes and dozens more killed in the last four days.

Many of them have sought shelter in the government-held town of Jibrin, around six miles from Aleppo.

Fawwaz al-Ashaari, who lost his eldest son and his home in the onslaught, joined the those leaving as the fighting got closer.

'I can't lose any more,' he said from his makeshift home in Jibrin.

Speaking with his back propped up against a black suitcase containing all of his belongings, Mr al-Ashaari added that he had one wish: 'The rest of my children only want to live in safety. They have seen death several times. I want them to know life.'

Exodus: Eastern Aleppo has been under siege for four months and thousands have been left without access to food or water

Rubble: . Around 20,000 people have left their homes and dozens more killed in the last four days. Thousands of people have left the city and moved to the government-held town of Jibrin

Mr al-Ashaari and his family left Aleppo's Sakhur neighbourhood for Jibrin's reception centre after enduring a four-year bombardment since rebels seized power in 2012.

In Jibrin crowds of new arrivals, mostly women and children, waited in the cold to register their names with Syrian authorities and receive food, mattresses and blankets.
Smoking will be prohibited in public housing developments nationwide under a final rule announced Wednesday by the Obama administration.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the smoke-free policy will save housing agencies $153million every year in repairs, preventable fires and health care costs.

That amount includes $16million in costs associated with smoking-related fires.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has been encouraging local public agencies to enact smoking bans, and some 228,000 public housing units were already smoke-free.

The new rule will expand the impact to more than 940,000 units.

Smoking will be prohibited in public housing developments nationwide under a final rule announced Wednesday by the Obama administration (file)

In announcing the ban, administration officials emphasized the dangers of secondhand smoke to children, saying it can increase the risk of asthma, ear infections, even sudden infant death syndrome.

'Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy home free from harmful secondhand cigarette smoke,' HUD Secretary Julian Castro said.

The ban is expected to affect two million Americans, including 760,000 children and more than 300,000 senior citizens who live in more than 940,000 public housing units, HUD said.

More than 600 of the nation's 3,100 public housing agencies already prohibit indoor smoking.

'Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy home free from harmful secondhand cigarette smoke,' HUD Secretary Julian Castro (pictured in July) said

The new rule extends the ban to smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes within 25 feet of all federally owned apartments, public areas and administrative offices.

Electronic cigarettes are exempted.

The new rule gives public housing agencies 18 months to implement the ban.

'Protecting people from secondhand smoke saves lives and saves money,' said CDC Director Tom Frieden.

'No level of secondhand smoke exposure is safe, and the home is the primary source of secondhand smoke for children.'

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids applauded HUD's actions, saying 'this bold step' would reduce smoking among groups that suffer the most from tobacco-related death and disease.

The organization said HUD also should have gone further and applied the ban to electronic cigarettes, though local housing authorities are permitted to do so.

Two in five children living in federally subsidized housing are exposed to second-hand smoke, according to a 2015 CDC study (file)

HUD Secretary Julian Castro said he was optimistic the Trump administration would not 'roll back' the rule.

'I'm convinced that no matter the political persuasion, the public health benefit is so tremendous and the resident support for going smoke free is so tremendous that this rule will stick,' he said during a conference call.
A young Australian boy suffering from leukaemia has been granted his wish to 'blow something up' with the help of the Make-A-Wish foundation, the Australian Federal Police and even Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Declan McLean-Pauley, 12, is described as a 'real boy's boy' who wants to get his hands dirty and trigger some explosives.

Declan was gifted the experience of a lifetime at the weekend, when he joined the Australian Federal Police in a string of hands on training scenarios in the Australian Capital Territory.

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The Australian Federal Police said they added a few extra 'trimmings' to make the experience ultra special for Declan

Declan, 12, (pictured) is dying from leukaemia but he is also just a 'real boy's boy' who wanted to trigger some explosives

Declan was diagnosed with ALL Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in June 2015 and has spent much of his life in hospital since.

But after spending more than a year of his life battling cancer, Declan's only wish was to 'do something risky and out of his comfort zone'.

During his hands-on weekend on the front line, Declan was involved in a hostage scenario, was driven in an armoured vehicle and was even taken out for a whirl with the water police.

And in a complete surprise, he was also taken to meet Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Governer General Peter Cosgrove.

Declan's mother Belinda McLean said her son had been looking forward to the weekend for a very long time.

Declan's wish included a whirl out on the lake with the water police at the weekend

Declan's parents Stephen and Belinda said the experience went above and beyond their expectations

'He's had a focus other than his treatment, something to look forward to because it can be overwhelming when you're going through it,' she said.

'You don't realise how important these wishes are until you're receiving one I don't think.'

Belinda said the experience went above and beyond what Declan and the family expected.

'It has been amazing, beyond our expectations,' she said.

'He wanted to just blow something up and he did that which is just awesome.'

Declan (left) is pictured here triggering an explosive behind the safety of a container

'He wanted to just blow something up and he did that which is just awesome,' mother Belinda McLean said

Make-A-Wish volunteers said experiences like this made a huge difference for children suffering the devastating effects of cancer.

'It gives them hope, strength and joy throughout their illness and journey,' a spokeswoman said.

'It brightens their day, gives them a happy experience.'

Declan's mother Belinda said the Australian Federal Police did more than they could ever imagine - and gave Declan an experience he would remember for life.

She said it was the beginning of a new lease on life for her son, who was now in remission and on maintenance treatment for another six to eight months.

Declan (left) is now in remission and on maintenance treatment for another six to eight months

Declan pictured with Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who joined in to make his weekend one to remember

Over the weekend, our AFP family banded together to help Make-A-Wish Australia grant the wish of a very special boy, Declan,' the ACT Policing unit said

'The whole experience is something we'll never forget,' she said.

'Completely overwhelming, we can't say thank you enough.'

The ACT Policing unit said Declan was 'a very special boy'.

'We added a few extra trimmings for him ... to make sure it was a weekend he never forgets,' the policing unit said.
A newborn piglet has been given a second chance at life at an animal sanctuary where she has more of a liking to the dogs, rather than the pigs.

Dreamy was left in a box at the front of the Sugarshine Farm Sanctuary, in Lismore on the New South Wales north coast in November.

Kelly Nelder, founder of the sanctuary, told Daily Mail Australia she discovered the two-week-old piglet fast asleep in a box and wrapped up in some blankets in a crate, kept at the front of their farm for people to leave animals they can no longer take care of.

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A piglet named Dreamy was found wrapped up in a blanket at the front of the Sugarshine Farm Sanctuary, in Lismore

Kelly Nelder, founder of the sanctuary, said she the two-week-old piglet appeared listless, low on energy and her tail cut, which she added were signs the piglet had come from a factory

Since living at the sanctuary for the past month, the pig has made friends with the dogs at the farm

Ms Nelder said that Dreamy first appeared quite listless, low on energy and her tail cut, which she added were signs of stress and that she potentially came from a factory.

But a few hours at the farm, the piglet's demeanor changed after exploring the grounds.

'She really embraced her new life pretty much within a few hours of arriving. She was full of life and confidence, splashing around in the puddles,' she said.

'[Now], Dreamy is delight cheeky full of energy, loves to have fun, shes very much like a baby, shes just adorable,' she said.

Ms Nelder said she saw the dogs were initially unsure of the piglet joining the group

Dreamy also frequently joins the dogs on adventures around the sanctuary

Ms Nelder: 'We initially thought she would bond with the pigs, but she absolutely adored dogs'

Aside from going back to being a piglet that is full of life and energy, Dreamy has also found new friends with the dogs on the farm.

Ms Nelder said that the dogs were initially unsure about the piglet joining their group until one day Dreamy climbed up onto one of the dogs, a Kelpie named Wally, and napped on his neck.

'We initially thought she would bond with the pigs, but she absolutely adored dogs,' Ms Nelder said.

The piglet, who has now been at the farm for the past month, joins the dogs on adventures around the farm after having breakfast with pigs.

Although she spends plenty of time with the dogs, little Dreamy has breakfast with the other pigs and plays with them

'Now she thinks shes a dog and she wants to be with them all the time,' Ms Nelder added

'Now she thinks shes a dog and she wants to be with them all the time,' Ms Nelder said.

Ms Nelder said she isn't too concerned about Dreamy becoming too attached to the dogs adding that it's still in her instinct to interact and 'snouting' around with the other pigs.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing and dismembering his parents at their Tennessee home.

Joel Michael Guy Jr was arrested on Tuesday in Louisiana on a fugitive warrant in Baton Rouge, the Knox County Sheriff's Office said.

Guy is accused of murdering his 61-year-old father Joel Michael Guy Sr. and his 55-year-old mother Lisa Guy, who are believed to have been killed on Friday or Saturday.

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Joel Michael Guy Jr, 28, (pictured left and right) has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing and dismembering his parents at their Tennessee home

Joel Michael Guy Sr., 61, and his 55-year-old wife Lisa Guy pictured together

Emergency responders were pictured at what police called a 'gruesome' scene

Guy is accused of murdering his 61-year-old father Joel Michael Guy Sr. and his 55-year-old mother Lisa Guy, at their Tennessee home (shown above)

Guy, who lives in Baton Rouge and attended LSU until last year, traveled from Louisiana and visited his parents for the Thanksgiving holiday, authorities said.

The suspect is not employed and allegedly needed money, and had met with his parents to discuss the issue, sheriff's Maj. Michael MacLean said.

While a motive is not clear, investigators believe his parents were going to cut him off financially and had planned to talk to him over Thanksgiving about the matter, according to The Advocate.

Guy was reportedly studying to be a plastic surgeon and had been in college for nine years while his parents supported him for nearly a decade.

The couple, who both worked as engineers, were ready to retire and stop providing him with money, Guy Sr's relatives told the Kingsport Time-News.

Authorities are now looking into whether there was a life insurance policy he could collect, but they do not believe that was the case at this time, WBIR-TV reported.

Both victims were stabbed and dismembered, with remains found in multiple rooms in their West Knox County house, the Tennessee sheriff's office said.

The home with police tape in front shown above. Both victims were stabbed and dismembered, with remains found in multiple rooms in their home, authorities said

Portions of the remains were discovered in an acid-based solution, in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence, requiring a hazmat team to remove them

Portions of the remains were discovered in an acid-based solution, in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence, requiring a hazmat team to remove them.

Guy arrived at his parents' home on Wednesday, spent Thanksgiving with his parents and three sisters, who live in Tennessee, and returned to Baton Rouge on Sunday.

Following the slaying, the sheriff's office spoke with his sisters but they told investigators their brother did not give them any indication that anything was wrong.

They also reportedly told authorities their brother was expected to head back to Louisiana on Friday and that they were surprised he stayed through the weekend.

His parents were last seen alive on Friday when they left their home, which they had just sold, to take a watercraft to their new house in Surgoinsville, authorities said.

Investigators spent much of Monday going through the couple's home after they were told the mother did not show up for work.

'Both suffered multiple, vicious stab wounds as well as dismemberment,' sheriff's MacLean told WBIR-TV.

He called the crime scene 'gruesome.'

'It would be described as horrific  a very gruesome crime scene,' said MacLean, adding that there was no indication why the remains were scattered.

Signs indicate the couple struggled, said MacLean, who added that authorities believe Guy stayed in the house after the bodies were dismembered.

The couple's remains were removed from the home by the Regional Forensic Center and two cars belonging to the victims were towed from the scene for examination.

They had just sold their home and were in the process of moving into the home belonging to Guy Sr's deceased mother, which they had recently purchased, The Advocate reported.

Rene Charles, Guy Sr's sister, said her brother and his wife had planned to retire in Surgoinsville, according to the Kingsport Times-News.

Guy Sr had also reportedly been laid off from an engineering job in Knoxville recently.

'We were going to have Christmases together again,' Charles told the Kingsport Times-News now that her brother and his wife would be closer.

'We were just fixing to have all of us back together again.'

She added that the family is 'very shocked' that her nephew would 'do something like this.'

Guy was apprehended at his Baton Rouge apartment on Tuesday (shown above) when he tried to get into his 2006 Hyundai Sonata

Charles told the newspaper: 'It's one thing to stab someone, but to do everything that he did, to dismember his parents' bodies?'

Authorities with the FBI, the Knox County Sheriff's Office and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office placed Guy under surveillance during the past few days, MacLean said.

He was apprehended at his Baton Rouge apartment on Tuesday when he tried to get into his 2006 Hyundai Sonata.

Guy, who does not have a prior criminal history, has declined to talk with authorities and online jail records did not list an attorney for him.

When asked about a record of Guy attending LSU, a university spokesman told The Advocate that they did not have a record of him being enrolled at the school.

Neighbors have since been rattled by the killings and described the neighborhood as usually very quiet.

'Just horrifying thinking that the quiet neighborhood where everyone waves at each other and willing to help each other, this could happen our street,' one neighbor told WBIR-TV.

'It's just hard to believe that could happen.'

Karie Holton, one of Guy's neighbors and an LSU student, said she was 'really shaken up' after learning about the slayings.

She told WALB that she never really spoke to Guy but described him as being 'very quiet' and keeping to himself.
Footage of a couple 'having sex' in a driving instructor's car is being investigated by the authorities, despite the company maintaining the pair were merely talking.

The vision, from Linyi city, in China's Shandong province, shows a motorist passing a car with steamed-up windows. The scarcely perceptible outline of two people can be seen inside as a man cries out: 'get a room, don't do that here.'

The Department of Transportation has launched an inquiry into the viral vision, however the school vehemently denying the accusations, Shanghaiist reports.

The footage apparently shows a couple 'having sex' inside a driving instructor's car

The footage shows a man unwinding the window as a girl appears to lay beside him on a slid-back seat.

The driving school's principal, Hu Zhiqiang, says the vision was captured by a real estate agent who spread it online as a rumour.

He claimed the instructor had left the students in the car temporarily, and they were only 'chatting' when they were filmed.

He furthermore claimed the students' privacy was violated when the footage was released online, where it has spread like wildfire.

Hu went on claim the school had been defamed by the scandal.

The Linyi City Department of Transportation is now investigating the incident, which reportedly took place last week.

A man is seen unwinding the window as the other motorist cries out: 'get a room, don't do that here'
Customers of Royal Bank of Scotland face more cost cuts and branch closures after failing a crucial stress test and being forced to raise an extra 2billion.

The bailed-out bank, which owns NatWest, would be the riskiest large lender in a recession and come closest to collapse, the Bank of England said.

RBS is now scrambling for extra cash in a bid to become more secure, with even deeper cuts likely.

Dark days: Royal Bank of Scotland will have to raise around 2billion to boost its financial strength after failing the Bank of England's annual health check of UK lenders

Sources claimed there would probably be more redundancies and closed branches as it tried to shore up its finances.

The bank has already axed 2,700 jobs this year, and it shuttered 166 outlets in the 12 months to April.

Jason Napier, banking analyst for financial service company UBS, said: We expect a bigger cost and restructuring plan in February. RBS remains under pressure to deliver  principally by achieving further significant cost cuts.

HALF OF NEW MORTGAGES WILL BE FOR 30 YEARS OR MORE Struggling British families are shackling themselves to longer mortgages as they battle to get on the housing ladder, figures suggest. A decade ago, just 10 per cent of new mortgages had a term of between 30 and 35 years. But today that figure has surged to about 35 per cent  and 15 per cent of mortgages have an even longer lifespan. The statistics were revealed in the Bank of Englands regular health check of Britains financial system. It means homebuyers are being forced to carry their debts with them into old age, and racking up tens of thousands of pounds of extra interest payments. James Daley, of Fairer Finance, said: People have an emotional attachment to the property ladder and will do whatever it takes to get there  even if its borrowing for years and years and paying huge amounts of interest to do that. The news came after the Mail reported yesterday that families owe more than 190billion on credit cards, loans and overdrafts  11 per cent higher than only a year ago. Advertisement

Nervous investors wiped 320million off RBSs share price after the news broke yesterday, taking it even further from a return to health.

The lender was rescued with a 46billion government bailout at the height of the financial crisis, and taxpayers  who still own a 73 per cent stake  are likely to have to wait years before they get their money back.

Laith Khalaf, an analyst at City firm Hargreaves Lansdown, said: RBS is still the weak link in the UK banking chain, almost a decade after the financial crisis came close to wiping the bank out.

The Bank of England study examined what would happen if the world plunged into a global recession on a par with the crash in 2008.

It sought to see how banks balance sheets would hold up if the global economy shrank by 2 per cent, with plunging oil prices and a collapse in China. In Britain, the scenario imagined a 31 per cent fall in British house prices and a 4.3 per cent economic contraction.

It also tested how well banks would hold up if hit with fines, compensation and legal costs worth a collective 48billion.

The aim was to work out how much cash banks had to burn through to stay afloat, and how much would be left over to lend to firms and families to support the real economy.

It emerged the crash would eat up 24billion of RBSs 38billion buffer, taking it below the levels the Bank of England considers safe.

The bank has been hit particularly hard because it faces multi-billion-pound fines in the US over selling toxic bundles of mortgage debt in the run-up to the banking crash.

The lender is thought to need an extra 2billion to satisfy regulators, leading to deeper cutbacks and a further sell-off of risky assets.

The results will heap pressure on chief executive Ross McEwan, who has been pushing through a turnaround plan for the last three years.

Labour MP John Mann, a member of the Commons Treasury Select Committee, said: The bank needs to be honest about the problems its had.

There is a question mark  is the senior management good enough? This kind of stress test result should be getting questions asked of whether theyre the right people. They have to be accountable for whats going on. Its no good them blaming the past.

The results are likely to cast a fresh shadow over RBSs desperate attempt to sell 300 branches.

EU watchdogs demanded the bank got rid of this network by the end of next year as part of its rescue. RBS is considering a sale to another lender, with small rival Clydesdale said to be interested.
Keith Papini, the husband of the California mom who was missing for three weeks after allegedly being kidnapped while out jogging has spoken about the moment she was freed

The husband of the California mom who was missing for 22 days has revealed she could not get anyone to stop and help her after she was released from captivity, as police speculate that she may have been a victim of sex trafficking.

Keith Papini will appear on ABC News' 20/20 this Friday, and in a preview of his sit-down with Matt Gutman says that his wife Sherri was ignored by motorists after she ran to get help.

'She screamed so much, shes coughing up blood from the screaming trying to get somebody to stop,' said an emotional Keith while fighting back tears.

'And again just another sign of how my wife is, shes so wonderful. Shes saying, "Well maybe people arent stopping because I have a chain that looks like I broke out of prison" so she tried to tuck in her chain under her clothes.'

San Diego private detective Bill Garcia said onToday that the injuries suffered by Sherri and the fact that she was chained while in captivity suggests that she was a victim of sex trafficking.

Sherri was covered in bruises, had a broken nose and her hair was completely cut off at the time, but eventually she was able to get someone to pull over and get her to safety. The 34-year-old was even branded during the ordeal, according to a statement released by her husband.

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Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko says detectives have spoken to Sherri Papini (pictured above with her husband Keith on their wedding day) for several hours over the past two days

Keith also detailed the moment that his wife was finally released by her captors in a preview of the upcoming interview.

'She had a metal chain around her waist. She had a bag over her head. She was chained anytime she was in a vehicle,' said Keith of his wife's harrowing ordeal.

'They opened the door... they cut something, freed her restraints that were holding her in the vehicle and they pushed her out.'

Police are now hunting two Hispanic females driving a dark colored SUV and armed with a handgun.

Sheriff Bosenko said the first suspect, the younger of the two, was described as having curly hair and a thick accent. The second, had long black hair with flecks of gray and thick eyebrows.

Papini, 34, was found on Thanksgiving day after going missing for three weeks. Her husband, Keith, said she was covered in bruises and burns when he saw her in the hospital (couple above with son Tyler and daughter Violet)

Papini weighed just 87 pounds when she was found, Keith revealed, and all of her blonde hair had been chopped off

He told ABC that the women had held Papini 'against her will and isolated' and had often covered her head.

The manhunt continues but the strange case has shocked America and left officers stumped.

Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said that detectives are not any closer to establishing a reason or motive behind the kidnapping

'Our investigators have spoken to Miss Papini for a number of hours Monday and then several hours again Tuesday,' Bosenko told DailyMail.com

'Right now we have no known reason why she was abducted, we do not know if she was specifically targeted or if this was a random abduction.

'It's still an active and ongoing investigation and we're still looking for the reasons or the motive for this abduction.

'Abductions are generally rare, especially in this area, but I mean in general an adult abduction is an unusual occurrence.'

Sherri vanished on November 2, 2016 while jogging on Sunrise Drive in Redding, California.

Her husband Keith says he knew immediately something was wrong that day when she didn't pick up their two kids from day care.

He reported her as missing but police were no closer to finding Sherri three weeks later until she was miraculously freed.

Papini was found chained on the side of the road near Sacramento, California, on Thanksgiving morning (above), 140 miles away from her home

When pressed on whether Papini herself had given detectives any theories as to why she thought was abducted, Sheriff Bosenko said: 'The victim may not know the reason why, so we don't know, at this stage of the investigation, the reason or a motive.'

This comes as frightening details of Papini's ordeal begin to emerge.

She was found alive on Thanksgiving day after being missing for three weeks.

TIMELINE OF SHERRI PAPINI'S KIDNAPPING November 2: Sherri Papini fails to pick up her two children from daycare and is reported missing by her husband Keith November 10: Keith Papini is ruled out as a suspect after passing a lie detector test November 18: The FBI joins the search for Sherri as an anonymous donor offers $50,000 for her return November 22: Christine Everson spots a woman she believes to be Sherri Papini at a rest stop in Redding, just miles away from the missing woman's home. The woman refuses to engage Everson in conversation after she approaches the dark SUV she is sitting in, the same tupe of car police are now looking for in the case. Everson leaves but reports her sighting to police. November 23: Cameron Gamble, a local 'negotiator', appears in a video on behalf of the anonymous donor to inform Sherri's captors the ransom was now 'off the table'. Instead it was turned into a $100,000 reward for information November 24: Sherri flags down a passing motorist at the intersection of I-5 and County Road 17 and is taken to hospital Advertisement

Among her injuries Papini had a message branded into her skin, Sheriff Bosenko told ABC News.

'I would think that that was some sort of either an exertion of power and control and or maybe some type of message that the brand contained,' he said. 'It is not a symbol, but it was a message.'

Papini's husband Keith released a statement to the media in which he said his wife endured mental and physical abuse while being held captive.

'Her now emaciated body of 87 pounds was covered in multicolored bruises, severe burns, red rashes and chain markings,' he said.

Keith also revealed the bridge of his wife's nose was broken and her hair had been chopped off.

'Obviously, a very sick person who may have wanted to not only to cut it off to change her physical appearance, but also as to humiliate them, wear her down,' Sheriff Bosenko said.

Police are hunting for the alleged kidnappers, who dumped Papini 150 miles from her California home on Thanksgiving day.

She was able to flag down help even though she was bound with restraints.

Papini described her apparent captors as two Hispanic female adults driving an SUV and armed with a handgun, Sheriff Bosenko said.

The Sheriff added that detectives are also no further forward in establishing the location of where Papini was held.

Police are looking for the two Hispanic women who released Sherri on Thanksgiving, saying they could be driving a dark-colored SUV (map of Sherri's disappearance and discovery)

He told DailyMail.com: 'Right now we don't know where that location is, it is still an active and ongoing investigation, my investigators did talk with her, I don't have the information of whether they have been able to narrow down where she may have been held, but we are still working on this.'

The Sheriff also ruled out the account of witness Christine Everson who claimed to have seen Papini with two men at a Redding truck stop.

Marketing Director Everson claimed to have spoken to a woman who strongly resembled Papini and looked 'scared'.

But the Sheriff added: 'After she was abducted, Miss Papini was driven to an unknown location which would have been not at the truck stop and she would not have been contacted by anybody because this particular reporting person (RP) said that she spoke to the woman and that didn't occur.'
Increased airstrikes in Aleppo, Syria have meant misery and death for both human and animal.

Mohammad Alaa Aljalee, a compassionate ambulance driver who remained in the country to care for hundreds of stray cats left behind when families fled their pets, has recently been forced to stay indoors due to the danger of being arrested or killed as his world famous cat sanctuary was bombed two weeks ago.

Many cats as well as its mascot dog, Hope, were killed.

Ambulance driver and cat lover Mohammad Alaa Aljalee stayed behind in Aleppo to care for the hundreds of stray cats, many left behind by families fleeing the country

After his famous sanctuary was bombed, Aljalee was able to find a secure room for the animals, but then that too was bombed

Aljalee was able to hand off some of the cats to those fleeing the area in hopes they would make it to safety, others stayed behind, where they are still being fed, it is unclear by who

The cats now eat almost nothing but rice as meat has become virtually impossible to get as supplies to Aleppo have been shut off

The sanctuary housed hundreds of stray cats and served as an oasis of gentleness in the hell of war, with children often coming to visit and play with the felines.

Aljalee took care of the animals with the help of cat-loving donors from around the world.

But recently the heart-warming story took a turn for the worse as the area around the sanctuary became a constant target for bombings.

Aid worker Alessandra Abidin, who has been helping Aljaleel, posted this picture of a bomb that landed very close to the cat sanctuary

Aljaleel's ambulance, which he used daily to transport children and adults to the hospital, was also destroyed, as was the gutted city's last hospital.

Aljaleel, known Alaa, who has been chronicling his rescue efforts faithfully on Facebook, was able to relocate the cats to a room in a safer area of Aleppo after the sanctuary was destroyed.

But within the past few days, that area too was too close to bombings, and Aljaleel began giving the cats to people who were fleeing to safer areas, said Alessandra Abidin, a rescue worker who has been assisting Aljaleel.

In one of their last night's of peace before Aljalee's son, Adel, had to flee, he and his father go to sleep with one of their pet cats

Now the humanitarian's life is in danger - and his young son is being forced to flee the area.

On Wednesday, Abidin wrote on Facebook: 'This is the last night you'll see Alaa with his son, the little Adel. Tomorrow [he] will try to go with his mother in a safer area, Alaa and adult males can not get out, they can be killed or arrested, so the women and children go away.'

Cat lover Aljaleel hugs his pet cat with his son, Adel, whose whereabouts are now unknown

It's unclear how many cats have been whisked to potential safety, but Abidin posted pictures of several cats hanging around the old sanctuary, where they are fed rice on the ground. Aljaleel tries to mix the rice with meat, but supplies have been getting more scarce and expensive.

On Tuesday, Abidin said the area was being bombed so heavily that Aljaleel was trying to seek shelter, 'running away from home to home.'

Aljaleel has gone quiet on Facebook in recent days as Internet access has become more difficult and his situation more precarious.

In September, Aljaleel told the BBC he planned to stay with the cats 'no matter what' and had taken a vow to protect them.
A man aged in his 60s has been attacked by a great white shark about while surfing near Forster on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Paramedics are treating the man for arm and leg injuries after he was bit at Seven Mile Beach, Booti Point, near Forster about 9.20am on Thursday.

The 65-year-old managed to swim to shore and contacted emergency services after his surfboard was bitten in half by the great white, measuring between 2.5-3.5 metres.

He has been named on social media as Colin Rowland.

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A man, 65, was bit by a shark while surfing at Seven Mile Beach, Booty Point, near Forster

A witness inspects the damage to the 65-year-old's surfboard

He has suffered a deep laceration to his foot, an ambulance spokesman told AAP, with police also confirming the man has been bitten on his arm.

Mr Rowland was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

He gave media a 'thumbs up' as he was taken off the chopper on a stretcher.

A local woman who witnessed the attack said the incident was 'f***ing scary' and warned other surfers not to head in.

She told Daily Mail Australia 'there were a couple of guys in the water who helped him in, his foot was bitten on the bottom but nothing too much'.

'His board was destroyed though,' the woman said. 'It was scary, but I think he'll be fine.'

He has suffered a deep laceration to his foot, an ambulance spokesman told AAP, with police also confirming the man has been bitten on his arm

The man gave media a thumbs up as he was taken off the chopper on a stretcher

She said the man was in 'shock'.

Another witness said he had a 'bit of a mangled foot'.

Locals have been taking to social media to wish Mr Rowland a speedy recovery.

He is believed to be a local real estate agent.

Officers from Manning / Great Lake Local Area Command are working with officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

Surf Life Saving NSW are sending assistance.

Some of the lacerations to the man's foot are pictured

Beach south of Forster around the Booti Booti and Pacific Palms area have been closed for at least the next 24 hours - including Seven Mile Beach, Elizabeth, Boomerang and Blueys Beach.

Warnings signs have been erected by National Parks and Wildlife personnel and Lifeguards while the public are strongly urged to avoid swimming in the area today.

A decision on when to reopen the beaches will be made in consultation with stakeholders including MidCoast Council, Police, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Department of Primary Industries tomorrow.

The shark has been confirmed to be a great white.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition
Russia is preventing humanitarian aid getting to civilians in the besieged city of Aleppo, Downing Street suggested yesterday. Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia is preventing humanitarian aid getting to civilians in the besieged city of Aleppo, Downing Street suggested yesterday.

The president of the Aleppo district councils has issued a cry of suffering on behalf of 250,000 civilians who face the threat of death in the city described as worse than a slaughterhouse.

And Frances foreign minister assessed the suffering as probably one of the most violent tragedies since World War II as he called for the safe passage of civilians.

Theresa Mays spokeswoman yesterday said Moscow was in effect stopping aid because it would not agree to a ceasefire to allow its safe passage.

Mrs May told Prime Ministers Questions that Russia should use their influence with the Assad regime to stop the appalling atrocities in Aleppo and let humanitarian aid through.

Her comments came as more than 200 opposition MPs and backbench Tories, including Emily Thornberry and Michael Gove, called for aid drops into Syria.

The figure means there would be a majority in parliament for the humanitarian plan if the government were to give its support.

The United Nations Security Council met in New York yesterday to try to stop the fighting and discuss options to bring in aid.

Russian ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, said a proposed Security Council resolution calling for a 10-day pause in hostilities to allow in aid had been overtaken by events.

He said Syrian and Russian forces, which have been bombarding east Aleppo, have now retaken a vital road so it can be freely used for humanitarian supplies.

But asked if the Government was considering air drops, Mrs Mays spokeswoman told a Westminster briefing: It would be possible to get aid in via road to Aleppo, weve seen humanitarian convoys do it in the past, it should be possible.

Mrs May told Prime Ministers Questions that Russia should use their influence with the Assad regime to stop the appalling atrocities in Aleppo

The only reason it is not is because the Syrian regime and their influencers are preventing it. Asked what she meant by influencers, the spokeswoman said: Be it Russia, or others.

She went on: They are one of the people that are backing the regime.

Asked if she meant Russia was directly stopping aid getting in, the spokeswoman said: Two points.

One, they, in a sense that the Syrian regime backed by Russia are not agreeing to a halt or a cessation of hostilities so that you can get aid in, so by that they are stopping it.

Two, if you look at the actions they have taken at the UN Security Council, they vetoed a resolution that called for aid to be brought into Aleppo and to end the bombardment of Aleppo.

Britain and France are also seeking a Security Council resolution aimed at ensuring that members of president Bashar Assads Syrian regime who are involved in using chemical weapons are punished.

The Russian Embassy to the UK also slapped down comments by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who demanded an immediate ceasefire in Aleppo.

On Monday, Tobias Ellwood, a foreign office minister said British aircraft would face being shot down if they were used to drop aid in Aleppo. Pictured: ruins in the city

Yesterday the governments Syria policy department, United Kingdom for Syria, shared a statement by the former London mayor, saying: We need an immediate ceasefire in Aleppo and immediate access for impartial actors to ensure the protection of vulnerable civilians fleeing the fighting.

These are humanitarian imperatives.

But it was quickly rebuffed by the embassy, which replied: Does the Foreign Secretary mean stopping delivering civilians from terrorists bondage?

Tens of thousands, already freed, need impartial assistance now.

On Monday, Tobias Ellwood, a foreign office minister said British aircraft would face being shot down if they were used to drop aid in Aleppo.

More than 10,000 people have signed a petition called for aid drops to save starving cities in Syria.

At least 26 civilians, including seven children, have been killed by artillery rounds in eastern Aleppo as they fled a government ground offensive.

The incident marks the second time the Jub al-Quba area, in the historic district of the rebel-held eastern side of the Syrian city, has been struck in as many days. An air strike blamed on the government killed 25 civilians in the same area.

The dead were also believed to have been newly displaced from the government onslaught on the northern parts of eastern Aleppo.

At least 26 civilians, including seven children, have been killed by artillery rounds in eastern Aleppo as they fled a government ground offensive. Pictured: buildings destroyed by a barrel bomb attack in the al-Shaar neighbourhood

Meanwhile, eight civilians, including two children, were killed in shelling on the government-held western side of the city, according to state media. The government blamed rebels for the attack.

A social worker who often dressed up as a clown to cheer up Aleppos traumatised children has been killed in a missile strike in the besieged Syrian city.

Anas al-Basha, 24, was a centre director at Space for Hope, one of many unheralded local initiatives operating against the odds to provide support services to Syrias war-torn opposition areas.
If you spot something with eight legs scuttling across your living room you might be inclined to shoo it away.

But experts are urging people to stay well clear of any unusual-looking spiders they come across at home.

The milder autumn and an abundance of tasty bugs have led to an increase in numbers of Britains most venomous spider, the false widow.

And as temperatures have decreased the arachnids have descended on homes for warmth.

There have been a spate of bites over recent months which have left several people hospitalised and one man fighting for his life.

Simon John (left) was bitten as he slept during a holiday in August, but didn't notice the two red marks on on his leg (right) for two days

The spiders bite commonly leads to minor feelings of numbness and discomfort, but can cause severe reactions requiring hospital treatment in some cases.

In August, a father-of-five almost died and his five-month-old son was hospitalised when they were bitten by a spider during a caravan holiday in Breen, Somerset.

Simon John, 45, was bitten as he slept but didnt notice two red marks on his leg for two days.

Both he and his baby son Harrison contracted a fever and were taken to hospital, but while Harrison recovered, Mr Johns wound expanded before the flesh began to rot.

A CT scan revealed he had been bitten by a poisonous spider and he was rushed to intensive care where doctors cut flesh away from his leg to minimise the risk of blood poisoning.

Mr John, speaking out yesterday after a series of recent poisonous spider sightings, still requires crutches to walk. He said: I warned the holiday park about the incident and they were so shocked, there have been no other incidents like it in the area which is staggering.

Simon's leg became severely infected and his skin began to rot (left). Right is an image of the false widow spider

John Tweddle, from the life sciences department of Londons Natural History Museum, confirmed the existing false widow populations are expanding. Were expecting the species to continue to increase its distribution within the UK, he told the BBC.

In October, an eight-year-old girl was hospitalised for four days and left with a gaping wound in her hand when she was bitten by what is feared to be a false widow spider.

The creepy-crawly fell from the ceiling of Abbie Kinnairds bathroom in Colchester, Essex. Abbies mother Hayley said the bite mark started out as a red spot but gradually became sore and inflamed.

She was told at hospital she would need a skin graft under anaesthetic. Abbie is now making a good recovery but was said to have been reluctant to return home.

Pest control experts were initially said to have identified the spider as a brown recluse spider, but an infestation of this species would be unlikely as they are native to North America.

Simon's son Harrison was also bitten and had to be taken to hospital after contracting a fever (left). Abbie Kinnaird, in Colchester, (right) was hospitalised after she was bitten by a mystery spider

Venomous false widow spiders are spotted more frequently in late autumn and winter when they reach their maximum size.

The creatures were reported to be living inside a lampshade in a flower shop in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, this week. Ismene Reeves was dusting when she came across the false widow.

She now fears there is a large female one living in the house, but she managed to get rid of baby spiders in the web. Some spider experts are unsure if false widow bites are actually cases of mistaken identity.

But a spokesman for the RSPCA said: Keep your distance from all unusual-looking spiders.

If people want to identify any spider they should contact the British Arachnological Society or the Natural History Museum.
Seven out of every ten children born in London last year had at least one foreign-born parent, official figures reveal, with the figure as high as 86 per cent in some suburbs.

The number of children born in England and Wales with at least one parent born overseas has soared to a record 33 per cent  up from just 21.2 per cent in 2000, when Tony Blairs government was opening the gates to mass migration from Eastern Europe.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed there were 230,811 babies who had either one or two immigrant parents out of a total of 697,852 births last year. The 33 per cent ratio is up 0.5 percentage points on 2014.

Seven out of every ten children born in London last year had at least one foreign-born parent, official figures reveal. Stock image

The impact of migration was especially striking in London, where almost 70 per cent of 129,615 newborns in the city had at least one parent from overseas.

In the eastern borough of Newham, the proportion was 86.4 per cent  or 5,378 out of 6,226 babies. Brent, in North-West London, came next with 86.2 per cent, followed by Westminster (83.5 per cent) and Kensington and Chelsea (83.2 per cent).

In only four of 32 London boroughs were fewer than half of births to non-British parents. The figures were revealed by National Statistician John Pullinger in a letter published by the House of Commons.

The data is a striking illustration of the way mass migration is changing the face of the country  and placing additional pressure on public services, including hospitals, clinics and education services.

The rise in the number of babies with parents born abroad has partly come because fertility rates among immigrants are higher than those of British-born women.

Alp Mehmet, vice-chairman of the Migration Watch think-tank, which campaigns for balanced migration, said: This shows the huge pressure placed on public services by very large-scale immigration. Looking ahead, a large proportion of Londons population growth will be down to immigration so it is essential that we bring overall numbers down.

The figures were revealed by National Statistician John Pullinger in a letter published by the House of Commons

Tory backbencher Philip Hollobone said: Immigration is changing the face of our country.

Immigrants have more children than indigenous people and the make-up of the country is changing in front of our eyes. We have to get control over immigration and Brexit is the best way to achieve that.

It came as official statistics published today are set to show net migration running close to record levels.

In the latest set of figures, published in August, net migration totalled 327,000 in the year to March  before Britain voted to leave the EU. That was down slightly on the record 336,000 recorded a year earlier.

The influx left egg on the face of the Government whose manifesto pledge was to reduce numbers to the tens of thousands.

Failure to control the countrys porous borders  in large part due to the controversial requirement to let in EU citizens  was the spur for millions of people to vote for Brexit.

After becoming Prime Minister, Theresa May reinstated the vow to cut net immigration to below 100,000  but has warned it could take more than four years.

Britain is seeking to introduce controls on free movement rules following the EU referendum.
Terms such as mothering and fathering are outdated and should be replaced by parenting, Cherie Blair says

Terms such as mothering and fathering are outdated and should be replaced by parenting, Cherie Blair has declared.

The former Prime Ministers wife said that because women gave birth and feed their babies, it was important to protect maternity rights.

But  in a plea for more parity between parents in raising their children  she complained that workplace rules were failing to keep up. Instead, she argued, they reflect a mythical world where women stay at home and men go to work.

Her comments came in an interview with BBC Newsnight broadcast last night.

Mrs Blair, who is a QC and judge, also shares in her familys 32million, 38-home property empire.

In the interview she is asked by presenter Evan Davis whether it was right women still do the vast bulk of the mothering and a disproportionate amount of the rearing of children.

Mrs Blair replied: I think we shouldnt be talking about mothering or fathering  we should be talking about parenting, and we should allow couples to actually be able to organise a way of bringing up their children that suits both of them.

Its clear that obviously women physically give birth and they also physically feed the babies, and maternity leave and maternity rights are very important, she said.

But beyond that, what I think is very encouraging  particularly in my sons generation  is we see young men now who are much more hands-on fathers than their own fathers.

'And I have to say that my husband was much more a hands-on father than his own father  when the idea was that real men went to work and women stayed at home, and for a man to show caring was regarded as a weakness.

I think weve gone beyond that today, and this is a good thing.

In a plea for more parity between parents in raising their children, the former Prime Ministers wife said workplace rules were failing to keep up. She said Tony was much more a hands-on father than his own father

But we still organise our work in such a way as though we were still living in this sort of mythical world where women all stayed at home and men went to work.

Asked about sexism, Mrs Blair said the vast majority of men are not sexist.

But she suggested sexist behaviour was still condoned.

She argued there is a culture which sort of shrugs its shoulders and says Oh well men, you know men thats just the way they are.

Mrs Blair also said she was sad that Hillary Clinton did not win the US presidential election and blamed a backlash against women for them not getting to the top.

However she added: But you know I think we cant just focus on the individual personalities. Its about what is it that enables women to get to the top?

And there does appear to be some kind of backlash.

Appearing to refer to US President-elect Donald Trump, she added: And what I fear is that weve rather given permission for people to say things (for) which I thought that wed stopped giving that permission.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon will say today troops won't have to sue to claim more compensation

British troops with battlefield injuries will no longer have to go to court to claim compensation from the Ministry of Defence under a major shake-up, Sir Michael Fallon will say today.

Soldiers and their families are set to receive bigger pay-outs for bomb blast injuries or their loved ones deaths than ever before and they wont have to fork out for legal costs.

The Defence Secretary will today announce a 12-week consultation on new proposals to pay out money to anyone injured even if there is no fault by the Army and shut out greedy law firms.

They will get the same cash pay-out as if they had sued the Government, without having to go to court.

Sir Michael said: Our Armed Forces put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

I want more generous payments to anyone injured - or the families of those who are killed  in combat and to remove the stress of lengthy legal action.

Under the current scheme, war heroes and loved ones who believe they are entitled to better compensation have to challenge the MoDs legal combat immunity in court.

In many cases the MoD have argued the claims were invalid because their duty of care should not apply to troops in the heat of the battle.

In order to claim compensation, troops had to argue the MoD had acted negligently  such as they made errors when it came to training or decisions about equipment.

Soldiers also complained they received less money from the MoD than they could have claimed if they were a civilian with the same injuries.

But Sir Michael wants to cut out legal battles by promising cash compensation to match what they would have got at court.

Under the new proposals, members of the Armed Forces or their families will not have to bring lengthy and costly legal cases and will instead receive compensation for all battlefield injuries.

It means soldiers and their families will not have to prove there was a mistake in order to receive cash because the MoD will pay out the same they would have got, if not more, anyway.

The pay-outs will be determined on a case by case basis depending on the extent of the injuries.

British army soldiers in 2006 (file picture). The Defence Secretary will today announce a 12-week consultation on new proposals to pay out money to anyone injured even if there is no fault by the Army

A statement read: Under the new scheme, proposed by the MoD, those injured or killed in combat situations will get payments equal to the often larger payments paid out in court cases, without having to go through that costly and stressful litigation.

Defence officials also wanted to strengthen the law of immunity to end a culture of lawyers suing the MoD over kit and training failures.

Military advisers warned the department that the effects of the judicialisation of war could undermine the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

The scheme will only apply to combat wounds or death on the frontline and not those who suffer injury or illness through service, which is already covered by an existing scheme.

Paratrooper Ben Parkinson, who lost both legs and suffered head injuries in a roadside bomb explosion in Helmand province in 2006, had to undergo a lengthy legal battle with the MoD to get 570,000.

Sir Michael wants to cut out legal battles by promising cash compensation to match what they would have got at court

The new rules are designed to stop soldiers like him having to go through years of legal hearings.

Welsh Guardsman Simon Weston, who suffered 46 per cent burns when his ship was bombed during the Falklands War in 1982, said he was thrilled with the announcement.

The veteran, who did not get compensation for his injuries, said: We couldnt fight for compensation and it is important that the new generation are going to be looked after.

The only losers in this case are the lawyers.

Im absolutely thrilled that soldiers havent got to fight in the court and this will hopefully take away some of the anguish soldiers go through when theyre back from war.
A 19-year-old man was shot and killed in California just months after he spoke out against gun violence.

Roderick 'Treyvon' Godfrey was shot dead in broad daylight on Monday near his home in Oakland, California.

He was killed alongside his 19-year-old friend Deante Miller.

Roderick 'Treyvon' Godfrey, 19, was shot dead in Oakland, California on Monday just months after he spoke out against gun violence and his fear of losing his life

Godfrey expressed his fear of losing his life to gun violence just 10 months ago when he was a panelist at a town hall meeting with Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

He broke down when speaking about the fears he faced being a young man of color.

'In 2015, I lost about eight friends to guns. That was probably the worst year of my life,' Godfrey told the crowd.

Godfrey said another two of his friends had been shot in the face but survived.

He told the crowd that his brother had also been shot and he was forced to watch his mother's pain.

The 19-year-old spoke out against gun violence at a town hall meeting with Congresswoman Barbara Lee (pictured) in February

He broke down when speaking about the fears he faced being a young man of color and how he had lost eight of his friends to fun violence

'It shouldn't even be like that,' he later said. 'Especially when our kind can't grow up to see the age of 21. We can't even see what it feels like to be grown.'

Lee posted a tribute to Godfrey on Facebook on Tuesday.

'Earlier this year, Treyvon Godfrey participated in my town hall on gun violence, where he shared the painful impact that gun violence had in his life,' she said.

'Sadly, yesterday Treyvon lost his life to the senseless violence he was working to prevent.

'Its a disgrace that Congress has done nothing on common sense gun reform. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Treyvon during this difficult time.'
Nearly half a million children gamble every week, a shocking report reveals.

Around 450,000 youngsters aged between 11 and 15 are now gambling at least once every seven days  or one in six of the total.

That is a higher number than smoke or take drugs and twice the number who drink, a report by the Gambling Commission shows.

It suggests that while the numbers of children drinking or smoking has fallen in recent years, gambling is now a significant problem.

The most common forms of gambling are fruit machines, playing cards for money and scratch cards

The most common forms of gambling are fruit machines, playing cards for money and scratch cards.

Others had lottery tickets bought for them by their parents, or used betting shops, bingo halls and arcades. Three per cent said they gambled online with their own money.

The commission estimates that of the total, around 9,000 are likely to be problem gamblers or addicts.

Some 20 per cent of boys and 11 per cent of girls had gambled in the previous week, according to the report

Some 20 per cent of boys and 11 per cent of girls had gambled in the previous week, according to the report. Boys also gambled twice as much. Nearly 60 per cent of those children surveyed accepted gambling was risky. But one in four said they did it anyway to make money. Some 23 per cent said it was fun and 21 per cent said it was exciting.

The commission surveyed 2,411 children from 103 state secondary schools in England and Wales.

Tim Miller, the commissions executive director, said: Were often reminded to discuss the risks of drinking, drugs and smoking with our children. However, our research shows that children are twice as likely to gamble than do any of those things.

We want to reassure parents that our rules require gambling businesses to prevent and tackle underage gambling and we take firm action where young people are not properly protected.

We recognise that there are some gambling activities in which young people are legally permitted to partake, such as using a crane machine to win a toy, or betting between friends. But we would encourage parents to speak to their children about the risks associated with gambling, so that if they choose to gamble in adulthood they will do so in a safe and responsible way.

The report also revealed the worrying exposure of children to gambling adverts.

Some 75 per cent said they saw gambling adverts on TV, and 63 per cent said they had seen adverts on social media sites. Worryingly, almost one in ten children followed gambling companies on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

And nearly one in ten said they had played gambling-style games online, which could be seen as a gateway to gambling itself.

Tory MP Peter Bone said: 'The Government needs to look at this urgently and work with the Gambling Commission to stop children from being exposed to this dangerous habit'

Tory MP Peter Bone said: One of the problems we are facing is the fact that it was never intended for gambling adverts to be shown in the daytime, but an exception was made for sporting events and that has gone very wrong.

The Government needs to look at this urgently and work with the Gambling Commission to stop children from being exposed to this dangerous habit.

I know that with social media it is difficult to remove the danger completely, but we have to have a way of stopping it.

We also need to change the culture that we have where it is acceptable for this to happen. The fact that 9,000 children are prone to problem gambling is, frankly, terrifying.

Marc Etches, chief executive of GambleAware, said: This report is deeply concerning. One of the main challenges is the lack of awareness of sources of help for young people.

Young people themselves, worried parents or those who work with children and have concerns can go to www.gambleaware.co.uk or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 for free, confidential advice and support.

GambleAware is working hard to raise awareness through education and early prevention work, particularly among young people and vulnerable communities.

We are training teachers and youth workers to identify those at risk of problem gambling and how best to react, by helping them explain the risks and where to find specialist, professional help.

Catherine Sweet, of GamCare, a charity for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling, said that it was creating youth hubs to provide free workshops for young people as well as training for professionals working with young people.

The hubs will be in Bristol, Birmingham, the North-West and London.

She added: We will provide materials and screening tools to assist local youth services and teachers in identifying young people at risk.
An Iranian refugee who bashed and strangled his girlfriend to death in a fit of jealous rage before trying to take his own life has been jailed.

Shahram Hejabian, 40, was sentenced in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday for murdering Nouha Salame, whose body was found wrapped in a doona with skull and neck injuries at his Doonside home in western Sydney, in April 2014.

Justice Peter Hidden said he was satisfied a 'besotted' Hejabian had 'lost control' when he killed Ms Salame, sentencing him to at least 15 years and nine months.

An Iranian refugee strangled his girlfriend to death in a fit of jealous rage, the NSW Supreme Court has heard

The court had previously heard Ms Salame's skull was fractured with a hammer-like object but ultimately died of asphyxia.

Hejabian had suffered post traumatic stress disorder and depression in the wake of the brutal attack.

The court had previously heard Hejabian had decided couldn't live if he couldn't have Ms Salame.

He had left a suicide note on the wall written in the Farsi language saying he loved 'this lady' and 'farewell'.

He pleaded not guilty to murder on the grounds that he was of substantially impaired mind at the time of the killing.

The court has heard Hejabian, who was persecuted because of his religion and spent time as a refugee in Turkey, has severe depression and PTSD.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
Maurice Marco, who claimed his boss called him a terrorist and and referred to Arabic clients as 'camel f***ers', lost his employment tribunal yesterday

A banker who claimed his boss called him a terrorist and and referred to Arabic clients as 'camel f***ers' lost his employment tribunal yesterday.

Maurice Marco, who worked for Bank of America Merrill Lynch in London, claimed that when he started taking flying lessons his boss compared him to the 9/11 al Qaeda terrorists.

Lebanese-born Marco also said his boss Anthony Dullaghan, former managing director of the bank's London Euro Commercial Paper (ECP) teams, described the French as cowards and rats.

He took the bank to employment tribunal last week, claiming racial discrimination, but employment judges ruled against him.

During his case he said Dullaghan referred the French clients as 'rats' after Marco had completed a sale with colleague Kais Gaddas, who worked on the credit desk.

He said: 'Your French rats have just got a steal of the day and we could have sold it to a decent investor'.

'Dullaghan also used to pass me phone calls from my Arab clients with a derogatory accent, Sultan Al Flassi from one client and Abdullah Suhail-Al-Mazrouei from another, most notably even specifying 'you have a camel f**ker on the holding line'.'

Mr Marco also claimed Mr Dullaghan assaulted him and squared up to him on the trade floor of the bank, jabbing him in the chest with his index fingers.

He said the assault and his experience at the bank, where he had worked since 2006, had left him depressed and suffering panic attacks.

However the employment tribunal panel ruled against Mr Marco yesterday morning.

Mr Dullaghan, who describes himself as retired, denied all the claims against him.

Mr Marco also claimed boss Anthony Dullaghan (pictured) assaulted him and squared up to him on the trade floor of the bank

Last week during the hearing he said: 'I have always respected diversity and have worked very well with people of many cultures, racial backgrounds and religions.

'I abhor racism of any kind. My language has always been respectful towards colleagues and personal friends both in and out of work.

'I am therefore shocked and deeply distressed at being accused of such abhorrent conduct and language by Maurice.'
Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas said that community punishments given to more than 100,000 serious offenders each year are a problem

The countrys most senior judge said yesterday that punishments for criminals short of jail sentences might be too soft.

Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas said that community punishments given to more than 100,000 serious offenders each year are a problem.

He called it a disaster and a terrible indictment of the justice system that many offenders who are given them think Ive got off.

The questioning of community punishments follows years in which leading judges have routinely urged their colleagues to spare criminals from prison because the jails are too full and too harsh. Politicians have regularly proclaimed that community punishments are tough.

Last week Lord Thomas himself called for more non-custodial sentences because of the high number of prisoners.

But yesterday he said that punishments outside jail, which are given to offenders whose crimes are considered to fall just short of the seriousness that requires a jail sentence, have failed to convince the public, judges or magistrates that they are rigorous enough.

Lord Thomas, the most senior judge in England and Wales, said: You need to be able to say when someone is given a community punishment, yes, this is something that is a really tough alternative to prison.

This is a controversial issue but it needs to be looked at. We need to look very much more carefully at how we give the public confidence and also the judiciary confidence and particularly the magistracy.

When an offender thinks he has escaped punishment, that is a disaster, Lord Thomas said.

He added: Many defendants often say Phew, Ive got off, and that is a terrible, terrible indictment of the system.

In recent years Cliff Richard and former army chief Lord Bramall have been among a string of men named by police as the target of paedophile inquiries.

Lord Thomas said that debate over the future of community punishments should include visibility.

Past attempts by governments to make groups of offenders carrying out community work more visible have included making them wear jackets labelled community payback, but the Lord Chief Justice said people might reject anything that resembled an America chain gang.

There are plenty of ways of doing it without dressing people up but it is an issue you need to discuss.

I can well and strongly see an argument to say no, no, this is terrible, it is completely alien to the British tradition and we dont want it. You can see another argument for saying, well, yes, it might be.

I think it is for judges to say there is a problem with community punishment and we need to make certain that the public believe in them as being tough.

The Lord Chief Justice said: I have had discussions on this now for 15 years with various different Secretaries of State. Is the community work that people are being asked to do, is that sufficiently tough? Are the programmes they go on reallyk challenging? What visibility do you give to people who are doing community work.

Last year 114,286 convicted criminals, nearly one in 10 of all those found guilty by the courts, were given community punishments.

The offenders, including a high proportion of burglars, can be given up to 300 hours work and there are specialised programmes for sex offenders and drug users.

Senior judges have repeatedly tried to overcome public sceptism over community punishments.

The Lord Chief Justice said it was for Parliament to consider if those being investigated should be shielded by anonymity

A decade ago one Lord Chief Justice, Lord Phillips, went so far as to join a work gang in Bletchley and have himself pictured by a left-leaning newspaper dressed in denim and leaning on a shovel.

Lord Thomas also said yesterday in a discussion with journalists that it could harm individuals to be named in police investigations into historic sex offences.

In recent years Cliff Richard and former army chief Lord Bramall have been among a string of men named by police as the target of paedophile inquiries.

The Lord Chief Justice said it was for Parliament to consider if those being investigated should be shielded by anonymity.

If something is in the investigatory stage, particularly where charges may not be proceeded with, there can be huge detriment to the individual concerned, he said.
The stepson of an ISIS recruiter told a court his mother believes federal police wanted to see her naked when they raided their home two years ago.

Moutia Elzahed, one of two women married to convicted Hamdi Alqudsi, told her son police had punched her and tried to see her nude during a search of her Revesby home in south-west Sydney on September 18, 2014, according to court documents.

Her teenage son told NSW District Court Judge, Audrey Balla, his mother also pleaded with officers not to search a handful of drawers in her closet because they contained 'only clothes a woman should see.'

Ms Elzahed was this week banned from giving evidence by District Court judge Audrey Balla after she refused to remove the veil of her burqa.

The wife of ISIS recruiter Hamdi Alqudsi has claimed federal police wanted to see her naked when they raided their home

Ms Elzahed, her two 17-year-old sons and her husband are suing the state and federal government for compensation over 'assault and battery, wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and intimidation' they allege occurred during the raid.

Judge Balla banned Ms Elzahed from testifying on Tuesday after she refused to remove the veil from her burqa.

Ms Elzahed said it was against her Islamic beliefs to reveal herself to any man who is not related by blood.

Ms Elzahed's lawyer, Clive Evatt, asked Judge Balla for permission for the mother-of-two to lift her veil and swear in while facing the judge, because she is female, but answer questions from the male prosecutors with the veil on.

'I don't know if I'm happy with that,' Judge Balla said.

'Are you proposing that she would have her face covered while she's giving evidence and being cross-examined?'

Moutia Elzahed, one of two women married to convicted Hamdi Alqudsi (pictured), refused to remove the veil of her burqa

NSW District Court Judge Audrey Balla (pictured) banned Moutia Elzahed from giving evidence because she refused to remove her veil

Mr Evatt said that he was 'afraid so.'

'Yes. It's not very satisfactory your honour, but it's something we'll have to live with,' he said.

'It's not something I have to live with,' Judge Balla retorted before denying Ms Elzahed's request.

Ms Elzahed inisisted she would only show her face if the other men in the room looked away.

Judge Balla argued she would have difficulty hearing evidence because the veil would mask her 'demeanour'.

The government has refuted the claim noting that no excessive force was administered during the raid.

Alqudsi was convicted for aiding seven men to travel and fight in Syria and was sentenced to a non-parole period of six years.
The glamorous girlfriend (pictured) of Pasquale Barbaro has received threatening abuse on social media

The girlfriend of slain gangster Pasquale Barbaro has faced a barrage of threatening messages and porn photos just weeks after his slaying.

An unknown troll posted abusive pictures and captions under a username similar to one used by Portuguese dancer Chantel Baptista on Wednesday.

The account branded Ms Baptista a 'dog', published her address and featured pornographic images of a woman apparently having sex.

A close friend said the images were not of Ms Baptista.

'This is being dealt with by the police and is in their hands,' said Ms Baptista's friend.

'The account was fraudulent and the images posted were not of her'.

In Instagram photos, her buff lover Pasquale Barbaro was seen dripping with bling and covered in elaborate tattoos, chief among them the words 'MALAVITA' which ringed his torso

The death of Barbaro - seen pre-tattoo in an expensive Versace shirt - triggered massive police raids throughout this week

The profile was quickly deleted from Instagram.

A New South Wales police spokeswoman declined to comment on whether an investigation was underway.

Barbaro, a prominent gangster, was killed while leaving a dinner at a house in Earlwood more than a fortnight ago in the latest in a spate of slayings in Sydney.

Detectives arrested nine members of an alleged criminal syndicate this week - four who were charged with murder allegedly relating to Barbaro's bloody execution.

'I am grieving - I am really sad for his family too', the girlfriend said earlier this month

As well as Ms Baptista (pictured), other women in his life - his mother and estranged wife - have spoken out about Pasquale Barbaro

Ms Baptista has mostly avoided the limelight in the weeks since his death.

She said earlier this month she was 'grieving' and 'really sad for his family'.

Barbaro was laid to rest at a quiet service in Leichhardt, in Sydney's inner west, last Thursday.

A handful of mourners attended the service at the A'Ohare Funeral Home, including his father, Giuseppe.

Other women in Barbaro's life have spoken about his slaying.

Cheryl, the mother of the heavily tattooed standover man, and his estranged wife Melinda both spoke out in interviews with News Corp last week.

'I didn't like him or what he did, but I loved him a lot,' his mother was quoted saying.

Melinda said: 'He had such a big heart'.

Funeral staff are pictured at the parlour where Barbaro was laid to rest last Thursday

Mourners, draped in black, are seen arriving at the private service last week
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp has bought the Sky News channels in Australia and New Zealand.

Sky News was previously owned by Australian News Channel - a joint venture between Seven, Nine and BSkyB in the UK.

News Corp is understood to have been in long negotiations to take over Sky News and is believed to have paid between $20million and $25million.

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp Australia has bought the Sky News channels in Australia and New Zealand

News Corp has now taken 100 per cent control of the Sky News channels in Australia and New Zealand after buying out Seven, Nine and BSkyB's stakes.

The Murdoch empire will also take over Sky News Business, Sky News Weather, Sky News Multiview, A-PAC, Sky News New Zealand and the Australia Channel.

News Corp executive chairman Michael Miller said: 'This is a significant investment that reinforces News Corp Australia's continued commitment to quality journalism, talent and content.

The Murdoch empire will also take over Sky News Business, Sky News Weather, Sky News Multiview, A-PAC, Sky News New Zealand and the Australia Channel

'I'm excited by the prospects offered by this acquisition and to lead a company that is investing in the best news coverage for all Australians.'

He added that the company was committed to 'promoting and developing Sky News talent and content'.

Australian News Channel CEO Angelos Frangopoulos said the investment was the beginning of 'an exciting new chapter'.

'The industry is rapidly changing and todays announcement goes beyond securing the future of this company - it means it will be playing a significant role,' he said.

News Corp also owns dozens of newspapers including The Daily Telegraph, The Australian, the Herald Sun, and the Foxtel network.
A Tennessee bus company had reportedly been informed about a bus driver's dangerous driving and behavior just days before a fatal crash that killed six children.

Durham School Services, which operates Hamilton County Schools' buses, was warned twice about complaints against driver Johnthony Walker, the district said.

A school district official had last spoken to bus company personnel about the complaints three days before the deadly November 21 crash involving children from Woodmore Elementary School in Chattanooga, according to the AJC.

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Johnthony Walker, 24, is pictured above during his first court appearance on Tuesday. So far, he has been charged with five counts of vehicular homicide

The crashed school bus is shown as it is removed from the scene. On November 21, Walker had left the designated bus route when he crashed on a curvy road while carrying 37 students from kindergarten through fifth grade, federal investigators said

The school district's transportation supervisor, Benjamin Coulter, spoke in person to personnel from the contracted school bus company about the written complaints first on November 16, the district said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Coulter then spoke to Durham School Services personnel again on November 18, records show.

At this time, it is not clear if Durham School services had taken any disciplinary action against Walker after being informed about the complaints.

Two students had previously filed written statements complaining about Walker's driving, according to records released by the school district last week.

'The bus driver drives fast,' one student wrote earlier this month.

'It feels like the bus is going to flip over... When someone is in the aisle he stops the bus and he makes people hit their heads.'

Walker pictured in court on Tuesday. Chattanooga police suspect Walker was speeding at the time of the crash

Investigators examine the road at the site of the fatal school bus crash in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Another student wrote: 'The bus driver was doing sharp turns and he made me fly over to the next seat. We need seat belts.'

Administrators had also raised concerns about Walker's behavior behind the wheel in the weeks before the crash.

On November 16, Woodmore Principal Brenda Adamson-Cothran wrote to Coulter to tell him six students had reported that the driver 'was swerving and purposely trying to cause them to fall today.'

And on November 2, a school official also noted his erratic behavior when driving after riding the bus with students after Walker complained the children were not listening to him.

During that bus trip, one student had complained about the heat on the bus and cursed about it to the bus driver.

Over the weekend, grieving families began holding funerals for their lost children. The funeral for 9-year-old Cor'Dayja Jones (left) was held Saturday. The funeral for Zoie Nash (right), 9, is scheduled for Thursday

In a Facebook post, Woodmore Elementary School said funeral arrangements haven't been finalized Keonte Wilson (pictured), 8, who died two days after the crash

'The driver was now visibly upset and continued on by saying that he had another job and driving this bus was just a part-time job for him,' wrote Carlis Shackelford, a behavioral specialist at the school.

'Driver stated that he could just leave him at the school. He then stated "or I can just leave the student on the bus and I will get off the bus and leave the school".

'Driver stated that he did not care about the students and proceeded to tell the students he did not care about them,' Shackelford wrote.

Walker, 24, who made his first court appearance on Tuesday, has been charged with five counts of vehicular homicide.

Another count will be added for a child who died two days after the crash, police said.

The service for 10-year-old Zyanna Janal Harris (pictured) was held on Sunday

The school said services for D'Myunn Brown (left), 6, and Zyaira Mateen (right), 6, haven't been scheduled at this time either

At the time of the crash, Walker had left the designated bus route when he crashed on a curvy road while carrying 37 students from kindergarten through fifth grade, federal investigators said.

Chattanooga police suspect Walker was speeding.

A toxicology test showed Walker had no drugs or alcohol in his system, police said.

Defense attorney Amanda Dunn said she anticipates her client will plead not guilty if a grand jury indicts him.

Walker's lawyer said she anticipates her client will plead not guilty if a grand jury indicts him

Dunn said the accident has been 'devastating' for Walker and his family.

'Although he stands accused of wrongdoing, Mr. Walker is an innocent man in the eyes of the law until proven otherwise,' Dunn said in an email.

The prosecutor and defense attorney agreed to have the preliminary hearing for Walker moved to December 15.

Over the weekend, grieving families began holding funerals for their lost children.

The funeral for nine-year-old Cor'Dayja Jones was held on Saturday while ten-year-old Zyanna Janal Harris' services followed on Sunday.

The funeral for Zoie Nash, 9, is scheduled for Thursday.

In a Facebook post, Woodmore Elementary School said funeral arrangements have not been finalized for six-year-old D'Myunn Brown, six-year-old Zyaira Mateen and eight-year-old Keonte Wilson.
At least seven people have died, 53 were injured, and m

'As close as we got to seeing sleep in 36 hours,' he captioned the picture which was posted on Tuesday

Firefighter Adam Scott Momberger posted a picture of his colleagues asleep on the concrete ground

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A touching photo shows the moment exhausted firefighters took their first sleep break in 36 hours of tacking the Tennessee wildfires.

At least seven were left dead and 53 injured in the devastating wildfires that destroyed more than 15,500 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains.

More than 14,000 Gatlinburg residents and visitors were forced to evacuate as h undreds of homes and businesses in the resort town, and surrounding areas, were reduced to rubble by the blaze.

Fire crews have been working tirelessly to extinguish the wildfires since Monday when strong winds knocked down electricity masts starting a number of fires.

On Tuesday, firefighter Adam Scott Momberger posted a picture of his colleagues - Avery Knapp, Christopher Ward, Zack Hughes and Charlie Ihle - asleep on the concrete ground next to their fire truck.

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A touching photo shows the moment exhausted firefighters took their first sleep break in 36 hours of tacking the Tennessee wildfires

The wildfires in the resort towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is the worst to hit the areas in decades. Above the The Dollywood Dream Hotel stood in the shadow of a huge fire in Pigeon Forge outside Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday

Firefighters stood by a destroyed home after a wildfire forced the mandatory evacuation of Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Officials say the blaze has caused the area in Gaitlinburg to resemble the 'apocalypse.' Above Tennessee State Troopers walk into areas surrounded by fire on Tuesday to remove those residents who were trapped

'As close as we got to seeing sleep in 36 hours,' he captioned the picture, which has been shared more than 25,000 times.

Ward also took to Facebook yesterday to praise his team, saying: 'Been a rough night/day. Couldn't have done it with a more professional set of guys and gals.'

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said that the wildfire is the state's biggest in 100 years.

'I've never seen anything like this in the county, and we'll never see anything like it again,' said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters.

More than 200 firefighters remained on the ground today, assisted by heavy rain. But Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller said the much-awaited rainfall also presented new challenges as it was causing mudslides.

He added that the rain would only help damped the wildfire if it could penetrate deep into the vegetation.

Smoke rises from the remains of the Alamo Steak House Wednesday, after a wildfire swept through the area Monday

A swimming pool in a motel complex shows burn marks as smoke rises in the distance in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Wednesday

A burned car sits in a parking lot Wednesday, in Gatlinburg. Three more bodies were found today in the ruins of wildfires that torched hundreds of homes and businesses in the Great Smoky Mountains area

At a Tuesday morning news conference, Miller said: 'This is one for the history books. The likes of this has never been seen. But the worst is definitely over with' (A burned car sits in a parking lot Wednesday

The remains of Creek Place Efficiencies are seen after a wildfire in Gatlinburg which destroyed a chunk of the town

Authorities are still working to identify those who lost their lives in the blaze while there are still certain parts of the county that emergency crews are attempting to reach.

Officials warned that the death toll could rise, as seven people have already been confirmed dead in Sevier County as of Wednesday.

Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon that authorities 'have not been able to get in to all of the areas.

'We pray that we don't experience any more fatalities.'

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) says that now many residents and visitors are trying to contact loved ones who evacuated.

One such man is Michael Reed who is on a desperate search to find his wife and two daughters who went missing while trying to evacuate from Gatlinburg.

Reed said that he last spoke to his wife, Constance, and two daughters, Lily, nine, and Chloe, 12, while they were trying to flee their home on Wiley Oakley Drive on Monday.

Structures in Gaitlenburg are pictured above still burning on Tuesday as the wildfire has forced thousands of residents to flee their homes

The mountain cable cars hover over the burned out mountainside (left) while smoke still lingers above the smoldering homes near Gatlinburg

Smoke engulfs the Smoky Mountains while the National Park Service issued an Air Quality Advisory for the area

'I just want to find them,' Reed told the Knoxville News Sentinel on Tuesday. 'They said there were flames across the street. I told them to call 911 and get out, and that was the last I heard from them.'

Reed is now hoping that his wife and two young daughters were able to make it out alive after discovering that the entire street had been engulfed and all the homes were destroyed in the blaze.

'We are just hoping for a miracle,' Reed told WATE.

Fire crews estimate that as much as 20 per cent of Gatlinburg had been wiped out in the wildfire.

Jeff Barker, who is now at one of the many shelters, was one of the unlucky residents who lost his home. He'd returned home from work on Monday, to find his apartment ablaze.

'By the time I arrived at my apartment, apartment's gone, car's gone, pets are gone,' he told the Washington Post. 'It's devastating when you come home, and all you can do is flee with the clothes on our back.'

Inside the local gymnasium, other residents were coming to terms with the loss of their homes, pets, or for some, their loves ones or neighbors.

Carol Lilleaas has no idea if her home will be there when she gets back from the shelter, after she fled with just her animals and her husband's ashes.

'It will be there, or it won't,' she said.

'This is one for the history books,' Miller said at a morning news conference yesterday. 'The likes of this has never been seen. But the worst is definitely over with.'

Miller said the fire spread Monday night by winds that at times exceeded 87 miles per hour in some parts of Tennessee, which has been hit by the worst drought in nearly a decade.

Dozens of cabins operated by the park have been damaged or destroyed in the blaze. Resort staff evacuated families staying in 50 rooms at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and in 19 of Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Cabins.

Desperate: Micheal Reed (above) is pleading for help in finding his missing wife and two daughters after they went missing in Gatlinburg during wildfires on Monday

Michael (top left) says his wife, Constance (center), and two daughters, Lily (bottom center), nine, and Chloe (second left), 12, were trying to evacuate from the fire-riddled resort town of Gatlinburg

In a statement released Tuesday by her publicists, Dolly Parton said she's been watching the 'terrible fires' in the Great Smoky Mountains.

'I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe,' she said.

'It is a blessing that my Dollywood theme park, the DreamMore Resort and so many businesses in Pigeon Forge have been spared.'

The Dollywood Foundation has now announced it will give $1,000 per month for six months to families who lost everything in the wildfires.

Dollywood has suspended park operations at least through Wednesday, but DreamMore will be open on a limited basis as a shelter and for registered guests.

A theme park employee, assisting with the clean up operation, claimed to have found a charred Bible page which refers to the end of days.
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Protests erupted in the streets of Charlotte on Wednesday night as it was announced the black police officer who shot Keith Lamont Scott would not face charges for his murder.

Brentley Vinson was cleared of wrongdoing earlier in the day as prosecutors revealed footage which they said showed Scott was armed when he was killed on September 20.

Although the 43-year-old's death was ruled a homicide, Charlotte's District Attorney said there was not enough evidence to charge Vinson with murder.

He revealed CCTV footage of Scott on the day of his death which he said proved he had a gun holstered to his ankle.

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Protests erupted on the streets of Charlotte on Wednesday night after the police officer involved in Keith Lamont Scott's killing was cleared of murder

Angry residents chanted with megaphones and marched with banners through the city's streets in response to the news

Keith Lamont Scott (left) was killed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Brentley Vinson (right) in September

The news reignited the anger of protesters who took to the streets after Scott's death two months ago.

Around 100 marched on Wednesday night through the town's streets with banners reading: 'How to get away with murder: become a cop.'

Others protested outside the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, chanting in the face of officers.

'Dirty racist a** cops we don't need 'em, need 'em. Back up, back up, we want freedom, freedom,' they sang in anger.

One protester reportedly tried to remove the station's flag but was stopped. Four people were arrested; three for obstructing traffic and one for disorderly conduct.

The police department shared photographs of officers at the scene smiling and answering complaints.

'We support right to lawful protest; we ask those involved to simply obey the laws,' the department said in a tweet. Later, they said the event had been 'mostly peaceful'.

Other photographs painted a different scenario. In those shared by protesters and local photographers, crowds screamed in officers' faces.

Scott, 43, was killed in the parking lot of an apartment complex on September 20.

Tensions flared outside the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department where officers tried to keep crowds under control. Their every move was filmed by a swam of iPhones

The protesters were acting in response to the District Attorney's decision not to prosecute the officer who shot dead Keith Lamont Scott in September

A police officer stands in front of the angry crowd to hear their complaints in Charlotte. Four people were arrested

A female protester chants down a megaphone as others hold up signs behind her at the protest outside the police department

Around 100 people took to the streets of Charlotte on Wednesday after the decision despite Scott's family's plea for peace

Protesters are put in handcuffs in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday at the start of the protests

A protester is watched over by police as he takes part in the demonstration on Wednesday night

District Attorney Andrew Murray revealed his decision not to charge Vinson with murder on Wednesday, claiming CCTV footage of a bulge at the back of Scott's trousers and other footage showed he was armed with a gun strapped to his ankle

Scott's widow Rakeyia responds to the news on Wednesday. Right, Jasmine Lloyd speaks at a press conference after the death of Frank Daniel Clark, her child's father. Clark was shot by police in Durham, South Carolina, on November 22

Police later said they were in the area searching for someone else on a warrant when he exited his car, armed with a weapon.

They claim they demanded he drop it at least 10 times before officer Vinson fired his own gun.

Scott was shot in the abdomen and back, an autopsy revealed.

The killing sparked widespread protests in Charlotte as Scott's family pleaded for justice. They said he was not armed and had been killed unlawfully.

After widespread pressure, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer released dash-cam footage of the shooting.

It failed to show the exact moment he was shot or how many times but did reveal how officers tried to save the man's life after inflicting the fatal wounds.

The protesters carried signs reading 'how to get away with murder: become a cop' as they marched through the streets

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNdQPkdA9mB/?taken-at=5215907

There were fewer protesters in the streets on Wednesday than were seen immediately after Scott's death in September
Australian shoppers can save more than 50 per cent by grabbing their Christmas needs at ALDI over luxury retailers, the supermarket chain has claimed.

ALDI compared its premium range to similar seasonal goods from David Jones, and claims 52 per cent was saved in total.

The total cost of Christmas lunch cost $263.32 at ALDI, compared to $547.18 at the department store.

ALDI selected the items and made the comparison. David Jones told Daily Mail Australia they offer the best produce possible - with a focus on great seafood.

'At David Jones, quality, freshness, provenance and value are at the heart of our food offering, and we are focused on providing customers with the best of local and the best of the world,' A David Jones spokesperson said.

The ALDI Christmas products the German supermarket chain used to compare prices

A similar meal with similar items from David Jones was made up

The comparison does not consider competitor supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths.

The ALDI team purchased 15 goods from both stores and then made similar Christmas meals, arranged and photographed almost identically.

Compared items include lobster tails, turkey, triple smoked half leg ham, tiger prawns, pastry mince pies and champagne.

An ALDI spokesperson said they are confident the German chain had the best value.

'Christmas is truly an exciting time for us and we are confident that our 2016 range, including more than 230 products, will offer shoppers the best value when it comes to their Christmas shop this year.

'Our Christmas range, like our everyday grocery range, is benchmarked to be equivalent to or better than market leading products.

A Christmas tree and decorations is pictured at a Melbourne David Jones department store in 2013

The ALDI (stock, left) team purchased 15 goods from their own stores and from David Jones (stock, right) and made similar Christmas meals

'While they are offered at a discount price, they never compromise on quality.'

A David Jones spokeperson said their produce is sourced as locally as possible.

'Our customers know they can find the best quality seafood and meat at David Jones with a focus on fresh and locally sourced.

'We partner with a number of small producers around the country such as the Pooginagoric Free Range Farm in South Australia who supply our succulent, flavoursome Turkey.

'With seafood the star of many Christmas meals, we are proud to offer beautiful whole rock lobster, swimmer crab and extra large tiger prawns all fresh and never frozen.

'When it comes to confectionary and packaged goods we offer a fantastic range of David Jones Food items created especially for Christmas and made with the best quality ingredients.

'These are complemented by Australias best range of premium brands such as Lindt, Walkers, Fortnum & Mason and Mumm, including a number of products from these brands that are available exclusively at David Jones.'

The ALDI turkey cooked up for the comparison is pictured

ALDI Frozen Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Glaze 380g 2 pack $29.99 Australian Farmwood Frozen Turkey Whole 3.8kg $23.99 Premium Triple Smoked Half Leg Ham $10.99 p/kilo $48.46 for 4.4kg Frozen Blue Swimmer Crabs with Creamy Dijon Mustard Sauce 800g 3-4 crabs per tray $23.99 Whiskey Cured Smoked Salmon 100g $6.99 Ocean Royal Frozen Extra Large Tiger Prawns 1.5kg $39.99 Vintage Christmas Pudding 700g $13.99 Cranberry Sauce 220g $1.99

Luxury Christmas Cake 800g $10.99 Shortcrust Pastry Mince Pies 410g 6 pack $4.99 Luxury Fudge 150g $4.99 Swiss Praline Selection 128g $4.99 Flaked Belgian Truffles 150g $4.99 Monsigny Champagne Premier Cru 750mL $29.99 25th Avenue Luxury Collection Christmas Bon Bons 6 pack $12.99 TOTAL: $263.32 Source: ALDI Advertisement
When you're a politician you have to be careful with your words as Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie found out on Tuesday.

Senator Lambie was speaking about the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) Bill in the Senate at Parliament House in Canberra when she got her words a little mixed up.

While giving a speech in the Senate chamber during the ABCC Bill debate, she said 'it inappropriately reverses the anus of proof in circumstances' instead of 'onus of proof'.

Tasmanian Senator Lambie was speaking during the Australian Building and Construction Commission Bill in the Senate at Parliament House

Social media users were not about to let Senator Lambie forget it.

Andrew Murray joked the term now 'goes best with a suppository of truth' on Twitter.

Twitter user Snow White had a different take it, saying: 'I think the anus of truth is about 8-10 hours after eating a very hot chilli dish.'

But Senator Lambie also had a few people defending her and making the excuse that it was just her accent that made it sound like she using the wrong word.

'Aw come on! The Senator has an Aussie accent and onus can sound like anus,' Pete C tweeted.

Andrew Murray tweeted that the term now 'goes best with a suppository of truth' as well as some other amusing comments

While giving a speech in the senate chamber about the ABCC Bill debate she said 'it inappropriately reverses the anus of proof in circumstances'

But not everyone wanted to criticise Senator Lambie though and thought it was just her 'Aussie accent'

But over all social media users wanted to joke about what she said with Andrew So saying: 'She made such an ass of herself.'

Earlier this week Senator Lambie was also in the news. Speaking under the protection of parliamentary privilege on Wednesday, Senator Lambie revealed she had contacted Federal Police after Senior Channel Seven journalist Robert Ovadia sent a one-line email to her chief of staff, Rob Messenger.

'The unsolicited email contains a cryptic, ambiguous message that could be interpreted as a veiled threat,' Senator Lambie told Parliament.

'It reads: "Words spoken today will not be forgotten."

Mr Ovadia was cleared of making any wrongdoing on Wednesday.
He says they should pay for the damage caused to the historic building

The group glued their hands to Parliament House and dyed the pond red

Protesters call for better treatment of Manus Island and Nauru refugees

A senator has unleashed a scathing rant about the 'bong-sniffing, dole-bludgers' who have staged a peaceful protest outside Parliament House calling for the better treatment of refugees on Manus Island and Nauru.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister James McGrath has scorned the group of protesters who super-glued their hands to the public gallery in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

The same group - the Whistleblowers Activists and Citizens Alliance - returned on Thursday to unfurl a banner reading 'close the bloody camps now' and to dye the pond outside Parliament House red to represent refugee deaths.

Members of Whistleblowers Activists and Citizens Alliance protest outside Parliament House in Canberra

In a colourful outburst posted to his official social media account on Thursday, Senator McGrath condemned the behaviour of the protesters and said they should be made to pay for any damage caused to the historic building.

'A bunch of bong-sniffing, dole-bludging, moss-munching, glue guzzling, K-Mart Castros are again vandalising Parliament. And stopping other opinions being heard,' he said.

'These grubs should be made to pay for their damage.'

'World leaders in cruelty' and 'No opposition to cruelty' the protester's signs read

Two members scaled the building's front wall to unfurl a banner reading: 'Close the bloody camps now. #Justice for refugees'

Senator McGrath said if the protesters were unable to pay for the damage, the Greens party should.

'As the Greens support their action, then the Greens should stump up the money,' he said.

'Have the book thrown at them.'

'A bunch of bong-sniffing, dole-bludging, moss-munching, glue guzzling, K-Mart Castros are again vandalising Parliament. And stopping other opinions being heard,' Senator James McGrath (pictured) said

Senator McGrath conceded the group had a right to protest but their behaviour only represented a very small percentage of the Australian community and they were monopolising Parliament's time.

He said parliament was for everyone, not just those that shouted the loudest, and certainly not for those who vandalised public property.

He condemned the group claiming they were not only damaging Parliament House with their peaceful protest, but they were blocking 24 million other Australians from visiting Parliament themselves.

A police officer takes personal details of a pro refugee protester outside Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday

The protesters have made their voices well heard this week, even shutting down Question Time on Wednesday in continuation of their campaign against the government's treatment of refugees.

'We are here today to tell the Australian Parliament they are all complicit in the murder, rape, torture and child abuse of refugees,' WACA spokesperson Kat Moore said.
A beaver tried to get an early start on Christmas shopping after strolling into a dollar store and rummaging through the decorations.

The animal was caught on camera shopping for decorations in a Dollar General store in Charlotte Hall in Maryland on Monday night.

It walked right in through the front door and was pictured browsing the Christmas tree aisle before moving on to the festive decorations.

This beaver got a early start of his holiday shopping after strolling into Dollar General store in Charlotte Hall in Maryland on Monday night and browsing the Christmas trees

Store workers caught the beaver in the act as it rummaged through the shelves and tore some items off.

St. Mary's County Sheriff Office said it received a call about the destructive customer and animal control was called.

'Corporal Yingling had an interesting call on Monday when the suspect, pictured below, caused property damage to a dollar store in Charlotte Hall,' the sheriff's office posted on Facebook.

The animal was caught on camera rummaging through the Christmas decorations

St. Mary's County Sheriff Office said they received a call about the destructive customer and animal control was called

'The suspect attempted to flee the area but was apprehended by Animal Control.'

The beaver was safely captured and released to a wildlife rehabilitator.

'As an law enforcement officer, you just never know what you're next call might be,' the sheriff's department said.

While items were knocked off the shelves, no serious damage was done.
Thousands of mysterious pink 'sea creatures' have washed up on the beach in southern California.

No one seems to know exactly what the squishy pinkish-reddish creatures are, just that they have covered the sand in Huntington Beach on Tuesday.

Ryan Rustan, who stumbled upon what looked like gelatinous critters, wrote on a Huntington Beach Facebook forum that he 'felt little water balloons popping under my feet, super squishy. Looked down and I don't know what these things are. Couldn't tell if they were jellyfish or eggs but they are thousands up and down the beach. I didn't get stung so that's a good thing.'

Ryan Rustan was walking along Huntington Beach when he spotted these 'super squishy' creatures

The creatures had a pinkish tone and looked similar to little water balloons

Thousands of the critters were snaking along the sand and residents were baffled and yet opinionated over what they could be

Amateur marine biologists immediately began offering up their opinions, one person saying they looked like salp, which are 'barrel-shaped, planktonic tunicate.'

Others, however, thought they looked like sea cucumbers. Still others, jelly fish eggs. One person was insistent, presumably jokingly, that they were coyote eggs.

'It feels like Jello,' another witness, Dan Coursey described, wrote on the forum. 'If you were a little kid, youd love to have something like this so you can drop down your sister's shirt.'

Many people thought the jelly-like creatures were salp, which looks similar

A biology professor at UC Irvine said the critters were sea cucumbers, washed up from recent storms

But Matt Bracken, a UC Irvine associate professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, says they are sea cucumbers unearthed from recent storms.

Sea cucumbers are marine animals generally found on the sea floor, which have feeding tentacles and tube feet.

'My guess is that the recent storms shifted the sands, exposing them,' he told the OC Register.

Most of the squishy creatures were reported gone by Wednesday.
A jury in Tulare County, California, recommended he get the death penalty

Friends said Cheary, 26, lashed out when Sophia did not call him 'daddy'

She died in hospital days afterwards after being declared brain dead

Cheary and the mother said she fainted and they tried to revive her in bath

He was looking after three-year-old while her mother bought him drugs

Christopher Cheary murdered Sophia Acosta in May 2011 after raping her

A heroin addict who brutally raped, tortured and murdered his girlfriend's three-year-old daughter is facing the death penalty.

Christopher Cheary killed three-year-old Sophia Acosta on May 7, 2011, at the apartment where they lived with her mother and younger sister.

The abhorrent abuse took place while Sophia's mother Erika Smith was out buying drugs for the 26-year-old in Visalia, California.

Cheary beat the child before sexually assaulting her with an object and raping her. Emergency services found her lying naked and soaking wet in the middle of the living room floor.

Her mother's boyfriend was convicted of first degree murder, rape and torture earlier this month after a two-month trial. On Wednesday, jurors recommended he be sentenced to death.

Christopher Cheary (left) raped, tortured and killed three-year-old Sophia Acosta (right) while her mother was out buying him drugs in Visalia, California, in May 2011

He will be sentenced by a judge on January 30.

Sophia's mother was never charged. During the trial, she told Tulare County Court that she allowed Cheary to live with her and her daughters to try to wean him off heroin.

The pair soon began dating but he was abusive to her, she said. On the morning Sophia was taken to hospital, she said the pair had an argument which she thought she could resolve by buying him heroin.

She returned and the pair smoked drugs before, they said, hearing a thump upstairs from the children's bedroom. They say they found Sophia unconscious and with vomit around her mouth and put her in the bath.

When they couldn't revive her, the pair called emergency services who arrived to find her soaking wet and placed in the middle of the living room.

Sophia was taken to Kaweah Delta Hospital here in Visalia and then transferred to Valley Children's Hospital where she was pronounced brain dead and taken off life support days later.

Dr. Kathleen Murphy, one of tho doctors who treated her, said it was clear she had been 'tortured'.

Cheary began living with Sophia, her mother Erika Smith and her younger sister Alexa in 2010. They are pictured above together the day before Sophia was taken to hospital

Smith (left testifying at his trial) left her daughters in his care while she went out to buy him heroin which she said she hoped would improve his mood. She told jurors she found Sophia unconscious unconscious in her bedroom and with vomit on her mouth but did not see Cheary hit her. She has never faced charges

Cheary tried to place the three-year-old in the bath to revive her before calling emergency services

One of the emergency responders told prosecutors he noticed a puddle of blood around her backside while they were transporting her to hospital, The Visalia Times Delta reported.

She died of brain injuries after sustaining numerous blows to the head, an autopsy revealed. She also suffered bruising and bleeding to her genitalia.

The toddler also had traces of marijuana in her system.

Cheary (Above in court) will be sentenced in January. Jurors recommended he be put to death

Her babysitters have since described how the child used to complain of a sore backside and was constantly in fear of Cheary. One woman said she observed bleeding from her bottom while changing her diaper.

Cheary was neither Sophia nor her sister Alexa's father but insisted on having them call him 'daddy', the same babysitter told Fox News.

He denied ever raping or torturing Sophia and claimed her death was a medical mystery.

During the trial, it emerged he had changed his story years earlier when questioned by the girls' mother when Alexa, the younger sister, broke her leg.

Cheary had claimed she suffered the injury on a playground slide but later, after Smith spoke with doctors, said she had been dropped at a party.

Alexa was taken in to the care of authorities on May 7 when an ambulance was called for her older sister.

Sophia's father, Obediah Acosta, did not have custody of his daughter when she died.

His family attended Cheary's trial throughout.
One responding officer was shot and later died from his injuries

The suspect was holding a woman and her two children against their will

Witnesses claimed shots were fired from a basement in the home

Police have paid tribute to a fellow officer who was killed attending a domestic violence call on Wednesday morning, as cops shot dead the suspect following a dramatic 11-hour standoff.

Officials in Tacoma, Washington, said that the death of the officer was a 'great loss' while Governor Jay Inslee praised him as 'one of [Tacoma's] finest'.

The suspect responsible was shot by cops at approximately 3.30am, ending an 11-hour standoff, according to Pierce County Sheriff's Department spokesman Ed Troyer.

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A police officer offers a salute as the body of a fellow officer is taken from Tacoma Hospital

The officer, who has not yet been named, was shot attending a domestic violence dispute

Fellow officers spoke with a woman who had been held hostage in the suspect's house

He had been holding a woman and two children hostage in the basement of a home in Tacoma. The suspect has not been identified.

Troyer said the suspect refused to surrender during negotiations with officials, and that the man was using two children as human shields.

Troyer said a girl and a boy, found unharmed, were taken from the house. He said multiple weapons were found in the house.

The officer entered a house in Tacoma, Washington when he came under sustained gunfire.

Earlier, Tacoma Police spokesman Loretta Cool said the officer was pronounced dead at the hospital Wednesday evening.

She said: 'We've suffered a great loss and I think the community has suffered a great loss. I don't know how to put that into words.'

In a statement, Washington Governor Jay Inslee said he and his wife Trudi were sending their thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of the officer.

He said: 'All of Washington grieves with Tacoma, which tonight lost one of their finest. Our hearts are with the men and women of the Tacoma Police Department, their families, and their brothers and sisters in law enforcement across Washington.'

The officer's name has not yet been released while his family are notified of the tragedy.

Dozens of police stood in silence outside Tacoma hospital after being told the officer died

Medics battled to save the officer's life after he was dragged to safety from the gunman

The officer's body has been removed from the hospital to the medical examiner's office

The body, escorted by a procession of law enforcement officers from around the region, was moved from the hospital to the county medical examiner's office Wednesday night.

Cool said police responded to the home Wednesday afternoon in the 400 block of East 52nd Street and that shortly after arriving, officers called for backup.

Reacting to shots fired, arriving officers entered the home and managed to get the wounded officer outside and to a hospital, Cool said.

Medics battled to save the officer's life but he died in surgery.

Detectives are currently investigating what led to last night's shooting.

Governor of Washington Jay Inslee said the entire state was in mourning following the death

It is understood that the suspect is still on the run according to Tacoma police
Justin Hubly, 35, who was the choir director at Crystal Lake Central High School in Illinois, is accused of having sex with two former female students and giving them alcohol at his home

A high school choir director is accused of having sex with some of his former students and giving them alcohol at his home.

Justin Hubly, 35, who had been the choir director at Crystal Lake Central High School in Illinois since 2004, was arrested and charged on Tuesday.

Police started investigating Hubly in October after a staff member in the school's district alerted them to the allegations.

Hubly allegedly gave two females alcoholic beverages and engaged in sexual activities with them at his house.

The two females had already graduated from the high school at the time of the incidents, according to Crystal Lake Deputy Police Chief Tom Kotlowski.

Police issued arrest warrants for Hubly on Tuesday for two counts of misdemeanor battery and one count of unlawful delivery of alcoholic liquor.

He was taken into custody and released after posting $10,000 bond.

Police issued arrest warrants for Hubly on Tuesday for two counts of misdemeanor battery and one count of unlawful delivery of alcoholic liquor

District officials suspended Hubly in October and he resigned on November 8. At the time, the school described his departure as a personal matter.

Parents told ABC7 there had been rumors of students attending parties at his home.

'We have taken appropriate actions to ensure there is no interruption in our student's learning,' district official said in a statement.

'We are also cooperating with local authorities. We cannot discuss this matter any further.'

Hubly's next court date is scheduled for December 27.
A tradie who forgot to pay for a $3 battery at a Bunnings store because he was nervous about asking out the check-out chick has been fined $500 in court.

But Tim Alexander Copeman, 32, is still smiling because she said 'yes'.

He faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court for shoplifting on Thursday and said he regularly went to the hardware store to buy things for his boss.

A tradie who forgot to pay for a $3 battery at a Bunnings Warehouse store (stock) because he was nervous about asking out the check-out chick has been fined $500 in court

The housing contractor said he had put the battery in his pocket to free up his hands and it was never his intention to steal the battery.

But he had forgotten it was in his pocket due to nerves in asking out the check-out chick, Mr Copeman told the court.

He was fined $500 with no conviction recorded for unauthorised dealing with shop goods and two non-related drug matters.

Outside court, Mr Copeman admitted he did have success asking her out and the pair are now looking forward to a second date.
Pair were posing for a photo with a loaded gun when incident

A Melbourne man who killed his friend while 'posing like gangsters' with a loaded shotgun has been jailed for eight years.

Albert Rapovski, 20, previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his good friend Mohammed Hassan, 22.

The pair and other friends were taking drugs and playing with a shotgun in a hotel room in Kingsbury, in Melbourne's north-east, on March 5 when the fatal accident occurred.

Albert Rapovski, 20, (centre) previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his good friend Mohammed Hassan, 22 (right)

Albert Rapovski (pictured), who killed his friend while 'posing like gangsters' with a loaded shotgun has been jailed for eight years

'Drugs, guns and stupidity do not mix,' the judge said as he sentenced Rapovski.

Rapovski had invited Mr Hassan and others to join him in the Bundoora hotel where the friends smoked cannabis, talked and posed 'like gangsters' with Rapovski's unlicensed 12-gauge shotgun.

When he arrived, Mr Hassan had told Rapovski to unload the gun in case he accidentally shot someone.

Rapovski, who had taken GHB (a psychoactive drug), told Mr Hassan the safety catch was on.

The gun was 'cracked open' and Mr Hassan removed two cartridges.

He and Rapovski posed for a photo, with the gun pointed at Mr Hassan.

As Mr Hassan held out his mobile phone to capture the shot the gun fired and he spun back on the bed.

He died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Rapovski screamed and fled.

Albert Rapovski is lead into a prison van at the Supreme Court in Melbourne on Thursday

Rapovski, who accidentally shot dead his friend while posing for photos with a gun, has been sentenced to eight years in prison

Victorian Supreme Court Justice Michael Croucher said he was unable to find beyond reasonable doubt exactly what happened in the hotel room.

On the crown case, Rapovski knew the gun was loaded but didn't expect it to discharge when he pulled the trigger.

The defence said Rapovski may have accidentally pulled the trigger, he may not have thought the gun was loaded, or he may have believed the safety mechanism would prevent it from firing.

Justice Croucher said Mr Hassan's death was the result of Rapovski's stupidity, not violence.

'Mr Rapovski had no intent to harm Mr Hassan,' Justice Croucher said.

'He was his friend.'

The court had previously heard Rapovski thought about Mr Hassan every day and would never forgive himself for the hurt he had caused.

Justice Croucher accepted Rapovski was remorseful but noted he had initially tried to flee the country.
A man who stole a Brooklyn brownstone house by forging a judge's signature to claim ownership has been jailed for up to 15 years.

Joseph McCray, 54, forged a judicial order to claim ownership of the brownstone in Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn in January 2015.

He then sold the home illegally for almost $500,000 and pocketed $250,000 cash, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney's office.

Joseph McCray, 54, illegally sold this brownstone in Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn in January 2015 for $500,000

McCray, from Niagra Falls, New York, had filed a fraudulent court order with the forged signature of Brooklyn Civil Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Lewis that said he owned the building at 119 McDonough Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Four months later, McCray used the forged order to enter into a contract to sell the house.

He received two checks on May 21, 2015 for $249,713, which he cashed the next day at a check cashing place. The rest of the funds had to be used to pay for outstanding liens.

Acting District Attorney Gonzalez said McCray had filed numerous court motions for over a decade - starting in 2001 - falsely claiming ownership, despite orders banning him from doing so.

Joseph McCray forged a judge's signature to claim ownership of the property. He was jailed on Wednesday for seven-and-a-half to 15 years

The four-family building was purchased by a woman in March 2000 from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

McCray was a holdover tenant, but never paid rent. He was evicted in September 2002, but continued to reside in the building.

The District Attorney's office said McCray presented himself as the landlord in 2003 and 2004 and illegally collected rent. He was convicted of this in 2006.

McCray was sentenced on Wednesday to a jail term of seven-and-a-half to 15 years.
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Tyrone Unsworth, the 13-year-old boy bullied so badly about his sexuality that he committed suicide, has been laid to rest.

A funeral for the Brisbane high school pupil was held on Thursday and was attended by mourners clad in rainbow-coloured leis and feather boas.

His white casket was adorned with touching messages written in brightly-coloured ink.

Colourful flowers sat atop the coffin and mourners wore t-shirts printed with an image of Tyrone, while his friends formed a guard of honour as his casket was carried from the chapel.

Tyrone Unsworth's coffin is carried by mourners including his father Blake (in pink and blue) during his funeral on Thursday

A huge bouquet of brightly-coloured flowers adorned Tyrone's coffin as it was carried by pallbearers including Tyrone' father (far left)

One of Tyrone's pallbearers wearing a t-shirt printed with his image, and his father in pink (left)

Tyrone's mother Amanda is embraced by Tyrone's father, Blake, during the funeral on Thursday

Tyrone Unsworth, 13, committed suicide after he was bullied about his sexuality

Mourners embraced as they gathered to say their farewells to the teen.

During the memorial, his mother Amanda said: 'Tyrone, our baby blue eyes, from the day you were born, I knew you were our special gift from God', the Courier Mail reported.

'You always had the biggest smile on your handsome freckly face, your eyes were deep blue ocean eyes, your energy was so addictive.'

Tyrone's father said he thought his son was 'just too good for this world'.

Earlier in the day his mother also wrote a touching post on social media.

'Today's the day we set you completely free Tyrone Thomas Charles Unsworth,' it said.

'Today is going to be the hardest and will break me, but I know you will be there holding my hand through it.'

An image of Tyrone on the program for his funeral service on Thursday afternoon

Touching messages written on Tyrone's casket in brightly-coloured ink

Many gathered to farewell the 13-year-old on Thursday. Here, his father Blake (in pink) leads the the way as a pallbearer

Tyrone's mother Amanda earlier hit out at trolls who had targeted the family

Many mourners chose to wear brightly-coloured clothing to the funeral service, including Tyrone's parents Blake and Amanda (centre)

Tyrone died in mid November and his death sparked an outpouring of support for his family from across the country.

But the tragedy didn't stop cruel trolls from creating fake Facebook profiles under Tyrone's name and continuing the bullying.

The identity of the person, or persons, behind the troll profiles remains unknown.

The disgusting behaviour has sparked outrage from gay rights leaders, uproar on social media and is being monitored by the Education Department cyber-experts.

Gay rights leader Rodney Croome told Daily Mail Australia the trolling was outrageous.

Mourners embraced Amanda as they gathered to say their farewells to her son

Tyrone died in mid November and his death sparked an outpouring of support for his family from across the country

'I extend my sympathies to the family of Tyrone Unsworth and share their outrage that he is being bullied beyond the grave,' he said.

'The continued bullying highlights how deep the hatred of LGBTI people still runs in some parts of Australian society.'

He said leadership from teachers, principals, parents and politicians was vital to tackling prejudice and bullying.

Ron Van Houwelingen, one of the organisers of a vigil for Tyrone, said: 'Initially my heart also went out to Tyrone's tormentors - imagining that they would have to learn to live with the fact that they drove him to the point of feeling that there was no other option than taking his own life.

'After hearing that the bullies are trolling the family, I am absolutely devastated for them, a family still clearly deep in grief.'

After the tragedy was revealed, there was a wave of support for Tyrone's family - with vigils held in Sydney and Melbourne late last week.

For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

Mourners arrive at the funeral bearing flowers
A man wanted on suspicion of moped theft has taunted police by commenting on their appeal post as they try to find him.

Police in Wandsworth, south London, shared an appeal to find Nathan Bick, who they described as a 'prolific motor vehicle thief'.

It wasn't long before the post was shared across the capital, and Bick decided to add to the comments himself.

Wandsworth Police shared the image with the words: 'Nathan Bick is an 18-year-old prolific motor vehicle thief. He is known to favour stealing Mopeds and often uses them to commit other crimes.

Wandsworth Police shared this image of Nathan Bick, who they said was wanted for moped thefts and other crimes. He commented on the appeal himself

Bick, 18, left a message for a woman who commented saying he hoped he would see her around the estates, and then later told police to 'keep up if you can'

'He is currently wanted in connection with a number of M/V [motor vehicle] offences.

'He should not be approached by members of the public and any sightings of him should be reported to us via 999. If you any information in regards to BICK, then please call us on 101.'

One helpful Facebook user told police he was local to estates in the borough and she would let them know if she saw him.

He responded: 'Hopefully I see you two [sic] love.'

The police were quick to spot him and told him to hand himself in quickly.

But Bick has cheekily responded: 'Just Keep Up If You Can.'

An officer wrote: 'Like I said, might as well hand yourself in now.

'Or you can give us a call on the number on the appeal above, which has been seen by 50,000 people.

'And don't worry about transportation, we can arrange that.'

He told them: 'I think u didint [sic] understand when I said keep up but yeah am back on my Back Wheel for you pigs 24s [sic].'

A police spokesman later said: 'Since we started publishing images of wanted suspects on Facebook there was always the possibility that one would comment on our page, on their own appeal.

'While efforts to locate the individual will continue, this provides us with a further opportunity to make a direct appeal for him to hand himself in.'

In March this year, a wanted man in Alabama commented on a police appeal to find him after he was being charged with attempting to elude.

Roderick Hall, 31, wrote below his own wanted image: 'man y'all doing too muchit's murderers out here and y'all worried bout lil ol me? wow...sad.[sic]'
Former One Nation politician David Oldfield says he was offered nannies, house cleaning and extra flights by SBS so he would appear on First Contact as a dissenting and provocative conservative voice.

The producers from the multicultural broadcaster offered the co-founder of One Nation inducements earlier this year when he almost pulled out of the program for family reasons.

'At that point, they pulled out absolutely every conceivable stop and offered me everything you can possibly imagine,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday.

'They made it very apparent how much they wanted me to do it.

'They offered me nannies, extra childcare, people to come into the house and do every conceivable thing for us while I was gone.'

Former One Nation MP David Oldfield (pictured) almost pulled out of First Contact

David Oldfield was offered nannies and extra flights for his wife Lisa and their two sons Henry, 6, and Albert, 4, so he would participate on the program

His wife Lisa and their sons Henry, 6, and Albert, 4, were also offered flights to different parts of Australia as part of the deal to get him on the show, filmed in June.

'They almost made it impossible for me, in any reasonable sense, to say no,' he said.

'They clearly wanted me there.'

Mr Oldfield, a former 2UE radio broadcaster in Sydney, has clashed with celebrity participants on the show, which takes white Australians to remote indigenous communities.

The 58-year-old former state Liberal Party candidate and One Nation MP in New South Wales sparked controversy by saying Aboriginal culture should have died out with the Stone Age.

He also echoed One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's recent call to do away with indigenous identity.

David Oldfield (pictured with sons Albert and Henry) was offered childcare and flights for his family so he would be a conservative voice on First Contact

David Oldfield (pictured left) with singer-songwriter Natalie Imbruglia and former Australian Idol Host Ian 'Dicko' Dickson

Former music chart topper Natalie Imbruglia and stand-up comedian Tom Ballard had heated clashes with Mr Oldfield over his right-wing views while former record industry executive and Australian Idol host Ian 'Dicko' Dickson has compared the Aboriginal stolen generation to the Jewish Holocaust.

Mr Oldfield, who worked in former prime minister Tony Abbott's Sydney northern beaches electorate office during the 1990s before leaving to form One Nation, was the only conservative voice on the program.

'If they hadn't had me on the show, it just would have been people who say nothing, bleeding hearts and that wouldn't have been terribly interesting for very long,' he said.

'They're drinking the Kool-Aid.

'There was a necessity to have me saying things and asking things and being, what would be to some people, provocative.

'I don't have any issue with the fact I was the only dissenting voice.'

David Oldfield (pictured far right) with singer Natalie Imbruglia, former record industry executive Ian 'Dicko' Dickson, model Renae Ayris, comedian Tom Ballard and actress Nicky Wendt. He was the only conservative voice on the program

David Oldfield (pictured left) said he was glad to be the only conservative voice on the SBS program about indigenous affairs

However, Mr Oldfield is upset with the producers for editing out why he declined to go fishing with the indigenous Burarrwanga family at East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, during the first episode.

'I was very clear to them that I thought it was wrong and inappropriate for me to just be playing Aboriginal, plus the thing which did get me there was that it was a modern polystyrene, floated nylon, dragnet and it certainly didn't under any circumstances replicate us hunting traditionally with Aboriginal people,' he said.

'I thought it was silly to be involved in that.'

In the second episode, Mr Oldfield was kicked out of a home at Elliot in the NT for criticising an indigenous family for leaving rubbish lying around.

The first episode of First Contact where David Oldfield decline to go fishing with the Burarrwanga family in East Arnhem Land

David Oldfield was kicked out of a house at Elliot in the Northern Territory for criticising indigenous residents for leaving rubbish around

He said the program didn't show him having a long discussion with the residents beforehand about government funding for housing.

'We're in the house for several minutes,' he said.

'I talked to those ladies about what were the sort of things they needed, a lengthy conservation with them about what sort of ideas they had for how they would spend more funds on things they needed in the community.'

He would still criticise them about the rubbish.

'We weren't there for a cup of tea,' he said.
One stunned woman 'swears' she witnessed a Tasmanian tiger emerge from the scrub in South Australia, adding fuel to the theory that the species may not be extinct.

Deborah Searle was coming back from a run at Aldinga Beach on Tuesday night when she noticed a very strange dog-like creature slink out of the scrub and cross the road in front of her.

'I at first thought it was a fox but it seemed taller than a fox and had a long straight very strange, non-bushy tail,' she posted on the Thylacine Awareness Group of Australia Facebook page.

Is this a Tasmanian tiger? Deborah Searle was coming back from a run at Aldinga Beach on Tuesday night when she noticed this dog-like creature slink out of the scrub

Ms Searle says the sun had set and it was getting quite dark when she spotted the creature.

'It looked prehistoric like with skinny long back legs, longer than its front legs and short fur,' the young mum posted.

'Its head seemed too big for his body and it had distinctive pointy ears on top of his head.'

When the possible Tasmanian tiger looked at her, Ms Searle said his gaze sent shivers down her spine.

The young mum told Daily Mail Australia that the animal didn't seem afraid of her and she felt unsettled.

The creature then skulked off into nearby scrub into the sand dunes and disappeared.

But Ms Searle managed to snap a blurry photo of the mysterious animal on her 'terrible old phone'.

'It reminded me of a large raccoon and couldn't work out why, and then as it got into some light I noticed stripes on its tail

'I started to think, hang on, this looks like a Tassie Tiger,' she said

'It definitely wasn't a fox or a dog, but I'm still in disbelief.'

Ms Searle posted her close encounter on the Thylacine Awareness Group of Australia Facebook page

A Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine pictured in captivity, circa 1930. The last known thylacine was kept in a zoo in Hobart from 1933, dying just three years later

Ms Searle's sighting received mixed responses on social media, as believers and sceptics discussed what she could have seen

A nineteenth century engraving of the Tasmanian wolf or Thylacine. Some sceptics believe Ms Searle saw a 'mangy fox'

Her sighting received mixed responses on social media, as believers and sceptics discussed what Ms Searle could have possibly seen.

'Definitely sounds like you've seen this amazing creature,' one proclaimed.

Another asked: 'I'm not doubting you one bit, could it have been a dingo. Sand dunes and all?'

Some hoped she could recreate the sighting: 'Deborah, you need to go out for a run again today at the same time....and with a good camera.'

But others were not convinced.

'My parents have seen this same animal in the area and they said it was just a mangy fox,' one said.

Another added: While it's hard to judge at the resolution, the long legs and ankle/wrist positions put in the mangy fox category I'm afraid.'
Waleed Aly, Steve Price and Bondi Vet Dr Chris Brown have shared a fiery exchange over the Parliament House protests.

The trio got stuck into each other when they appeared on Thursday night's The Project to discuss the anti-immigration detention camp protests which took place in Canberra this week.

Aly appeared to taunt Price from the get-go, saying: 'You love seeing people rail against the elites, you are a lover of free speech. I can only assume you are on these guys' side?'

The Project Host Waleed Aly and Steve Price during the tense conversation

Bondi Vet Dr Chris Brown got involved to and seemed to take the side of the protesters

Price told Aly: 'Well... You would be making the wrong assumption there.

'Free speech shouldn't mean a free-for-all. The mistake that the feral protesters made was storming into the chamber and disrupting our democracy. That was Question Time... If they hadn't disrupted the central workplace of the Parliament, I wouldn't have a problem with it.'

But Aly said: 'That is part of the process of democracy, that is protest'.

When Price claimed a wall was being built at Parliament House as a result of the protest, Aly 'fact checked' him and said in fact, the wal had been in planning for some time.

Next, Dr Brown got involved in the conversation, only to also be cut off by Price.

When Dr Brown began speaking, Price cut him off and said: 'For God's sake'.

Dr Brown then said the protest took place inside because otherwise, it wouldn't be covered by media.

'Yes, they will. Chris! You are a sensible man. Why are you parroting this nonsense?'

Price cut off Dr Brown as they exchanged words on The Project on Thursday night

Protesters hold up banners in the public gallery of the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday

Steve Price took aim at Bondi Vet Dr Chris Brown when he got involved in the conversation

Dr Brown said there were protests outside Parliament House daily that were never covered by media.

Two pro-refugee protesters are to be hauled before court after abseiling down the front of Parliament House and unfurling a banner reading 'close the bloody camps now'.

The pair scaled the building on Thursday morning while a dozen others waded out into a forecourt pond, holding placards with slogans calling for the immediate closure of offshore immigration detention camps.

Both will be summonsed to appear before court at a later date, Australian Federal Police have confirmed.

The group were members of the Whistleblowers, Activists and Citizens Alliance, which shut down Question Time on Wednesday with a noisy protest where several people glued their palms to hand railings.

Security guards escort a protester out of the House of Representatives

Two women are removed from Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday

The group on Thursday dyed the water red to represent turnbacks at sea, holding signs reading 'Turnbacks are murder' and 'Blood on your hands'.

The protesters said their latest action was a continuation of Wednesday's interruption of the House of Representatives.

Spokeswoman Zianna Fuad said their action had been planned for a while.

'You should be expecting widespread protest until the camps are closed,' she told reporters.

The two protesters who abseiled down the front of the building were experienced climbers, she said.

'I actually think we've tried all our other avenues of civil debate.'

Fellow protester Phil Evans said the group returned for a second day because parliamentarians had become complicit in the torture, rape and abuse of refugees.

'We're calling for justice for the refugees and we're willing to put ourselves on the line in solidarity with them,' he told AAP.

Greens senator Lee Rhiannon offered the protesters chocolates as she congratulated them.

'I'm sure it will go around the world, the message,' she told them.

The senator defended the abseilers, describing them as non-violent and courageous.

Protesters standing in a pond hold placards as fellow protesters attached to ropes hang above the main entrance of Parliament House on Thursday
An unemployed man who splurged $2.1million on luxury holidays, fast cars, and a boat after a banking error left him with a limitless overdraft has won his fraud appeal.

Luke Brett Moore, 25, from Goldburn, New South Wales, was jailed for two years in 2015 after being found guilty of fraud but released on bail four months later after being granted and appeal.

On Thursday he left the Supreme Court of New South Wales as a free man after a judge found that, while he had taken the money, he hadn't deceived his bank while doing so - necessary for fraud conviction.

Luke Brett Moore, 25, was jailed for two years for fraud in 2015 but on Thursday walked free from court after his conviction was quashed

Moore celebrated the decision on Facebook a short time later, with friends agreeing it was the bank's fault for lending him the money

Speaking to A Current Affair after his hearing, he said: 'Of course I'm happy with the judgement, but at this stage I would rather not make a comment.

'I'm just looking forward to finishing my degree, getting myself a job, a hot missus, and a house of my own and going from there.'

Asked if he would be driving his $169,000 Maserati home from the court, one of the items he purchased on his spending spree, he said: 'Not today, sweetheart.'

Moore's case began back in 2010, aged just 22, when he decided to open up an overdraft account with St George while he was unemployed and claiming Centrelink benefits.

He began withdrawing money and by the end of the year he was $9,000 in debt, but found no matter how much he withdrew, the bank never put a block on the account.

Moore's case began in 2010 when he took out an overdraft account and discovered that no limit had been placed on it (pictured, a $32,000 Hyundai he bought)

Moore withdrew funds to other bank accounts before going on a multi-million dollar spending spree, including this $169,000 Maserati

Alongside the Masrati, his haul of cars also included a $91,000 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage

Moore then began moving large sums of cash into secondary bank accounts before opening the taps and going on a spending spree.

His main expenses came in the form of cars - a Hyundai Veloceter for $32,000, an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage coupe for $91,000 and finally the Maserati at $169,000.

A Stessl boat was also among his purchases, costing $54,000.

He also splashed out on holidays to the Gold Coast and Thailand, spending big in pubs and clubs along the way.

Moore collected sport and music memorabilia, including a signed Michael Jordan jersey, and signed albums from Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin.

Artworks also formed part of his collection, including a print by the much-lauded British graffiti artist Banksy.

Moore also bought a $54,000 Stessl boat while claiming Centrelink benefits

Music memorabilia was also part of his collection, such as this Michael Jackson signed album

A Michael Jordan jersey signed by the man himself was also seized by police on his arrest

By the time the bank realised what was going on, Moore owed them more than $2.1million, and the police were called in.

He was arrested and his haul discovered, along with another $1.1million stashed away in accounts with other banks.

A jury of 12 people unanimously convicted him of fraud and handling stolen goods and he was sentenced to two years and three months in jail.

But four months later he was released on bail, pending his appeal, which was heard on Thursday at the supreme court, leading to the acquittal.
These pictures show the glamorous female soldiers defending Ukraine in the crisis-torn east of the country.

The camouflage-clad women, pictured wielding rifles and machine guns, are defending their homeland following a rule change which allowed them to take up arms.

They are defending Ukraine following Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula two years ago.

Moscow has backed pro-Russian separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Women in Ukraine can now be appointed as military vehicle commanders, machine gunners, mortar commanders, scouts, or snipers following a change to the rules in the Summer

Glamorous pictures of female Ukrainian soldiers fighting on the frontline have emerged

For much of the war, which started in spring 2014, official government forces did not allow women to fight on the front lines.

They had to instead join nationalist paramilitary groups as they allowed them to serve in combat positions.

However in June this year the Ukrainian military changed its rules meaning women - who were previously only given jobs such as war medics, cooks and accountants - could now be appointed as military vehicle commanders, machine gunners, mortar commanders, scouts, or snipers.

To serve in combat positions, they had to undergo strict physical fitness and psychological tests.

Women currently make up 8.2 per cent of the Ukrainian military and number around 17,000.

Before the rules were introduced, women who wanted to fight in combat roles had to do so through nationalist paramilitary groups, such as the Right Sector

There are around 17,000 women in the Ukrainian military and they can now take up arms to defend their homeland

In a fresh escalation of tensions between the two countries today, Ukraine began missile tests near Crimea in a move that has angered Russia.

Ukraine said the aim of the tests is to bolster its defence capabilities.

Moscow has responded by putting its land-based and ship-borne air defence forces in Crimea on higher alert and a Russian military source accused Ukraine of trying to create a 'nervous situation.'

To date, the conflict has claimed the lives of nearly 10,000 people including civilians, Ukrainian troops, separatists, Russian servicemen and members of pro-Kiev militias.

Kiev and the West accuse Russia of stoking the separatist movement and aiding the rebels.

As a result, Western nations have imposed economic sanctions on Moscow.
She may be 2,100 years old but she still has soft skin, all her own hair and eyelashes and her arms and legs can still bend.

And the Lady of Dai is considered the best preserved mummy ever discovered.

The body is of Xin Zhui, who was the wife of the Marquis of Dai and lived during the Han dynasty.

The body of Xin Zhui, the wife of the Marquis of Dai, which is considered the best preserved mummy ever

When she died more than 2,000 years ago she was overweight and was believed to have been suffering from high blood pressure, clogged arteries, diabetes and also had a severely damaged heart.

Her tomb was eventually discovered inside a hillside in Hunan in China when workers were trying to find an air raid shelter.

Scientists were stunned to discover how much her remains had been preserved as all her internal organs were in tact along with her own type-A blood.

A recreation of what the Lady of Dai might have looked like before her death at he age of 50 from heart disease

And so much mystery still surrounds the case, that a musical about Lady Dai's life is playing in China.

The show, called Beauty of the Han Dynasty is described as a lovely story about Lady Dai and her husband Li Cang.

It is being played in Changsha city, the provincial capital of Hunan Province where the mummy was found.

After analysing her body, scientists believe that Lady Dai died aged 50 from heart disease due to her lavish lifestyle.

Her body was so well preserved that they also believe the last thing she ate before her death was melon.

When her tomb was discovered the body had been buried with her wardrobe of 100 silk garments, 160 carved wooden figures representing her servants as well as her make up and toiletries.

The body itself was swaddled in more than 20 layers of silk and then sealed within four coffins packed with charcoal and sealed with clay, making it watertight so bacteria could not enter.
This is how to hitch a ride, Russian style.

A funny video has emerged of a man hanging on to the front of a train as he rides the Moscow Metro in Russia.

As the train pulls into the station, the man, dressed in a blue and black top and black trousers, can be seen clinging on to the front of the train.

At first, it's hard to see what is so different about the train pulling into the platform in Moscow

But as the train gets closer, the man hanging onto the front is easy to spot, taking fare-dodging to the extreme

It doesn't seem to be an unusual sight, as no one on the platform bats an eyelid.

The train comes to a stop and the unconventional hitchhiker prepares himself to get off the front, as this is his stop.

In Moscow, metro trains travel at an average of about 25 mph and train surfing, as it is sometimes known, is illegal.

In February 2011, two 19-year-old Russian students were killed after hitting a pipe over the subway line while riding on the roof of a Moscow Metro train.

Despite the threat of being hit, the craze has continued and train surfers wearing ski masks and goggles became a normal sight by September last year.

He gets off the front of the train and hops onto the platform as if nothing is amiss. The other passengers don't seem to bat an eyelid

He looks pleased with himself as he has successfully taken his journey for free, but train surfing is illegal in Russia

One of those was Alexander Nomernoy, 18, who regularly risked his life riding the 155mph inter city trains.

He said: 'Even the first time riding a train in this way was not scary. I wouldn't call it extreme in the slightest.'

Speaking of his hobby Mr Nomernoy said: 'I got interested after seeing a TV broadcast about a guy who died train surfing in Moscow underground. I wondered, how is it possible at all to do that?

'Then once when the underground was full of people and I just couldn't get into the train. I needed to get home ASAP, so I decided to give it a try...I jumped on to the back of the train and held on.'

More often than not the train surfers go completely undetected, slipping away before authorities know they are even there.
The family of a mother brutally murdered by her husband along with their three children say they are haunted by thoughts of her final moments.

Deputy school principal Alan Hawe took his own life after killing his schoolteacher wife Clodagh and their three children Liam, 13, Niall, 11, and Ryan, six, in County Cavan, Ireland in August.

Mrs Hawe's sister Jacqueline Connolly and her mother Mary Coll said 'evil' Hawe was a 'wolf in sheeps clothing' who 'fooled us all'.

Mrs Hawe's sister said the boys were 'pure, lovely, kind, talented, intelligent and wonderful' and their mother was 'their friend and protector, their guide, counsellor and teacher'.

Alan Hawe killed his wife Clodagh and their children Liam, 13, Niall, 11, and Ryan, six, before taking his own life at their rural home in Ireland this summer

Family believe Hawe carried out the killings because he feared a future 'fall from grace'

The family told the Irish Daily Mirror: 'We are haunted for the rest of our lives with thoughts of her begging for her life and for the lives of her children.

'She would have fought for her life so she could have fought for theirs.'

The family have said they will now fight to raise awareness of 'silent' domestic violence, adding: 'We need to learn to recognise where dangers lie in the home, see how the desire for control can get out of control and act before it is too late.'

Mrs Hawe's family have vowed to be her voice and raise awareness of unexpected domestic violence cases

Police were called to the Hawes's home near the town of Ballyjamesduff on August 29 and found the family dead.

Gardai believe Hawe killed his wife and children in their home before taking his own life.

Hawe had pinned a note to the back door warning neighbours against entering the house before the tragedy unfolded.

Another note found on the back door of the house told visitors to contact gardai.

In another chilling message, Mr Hawe is thought to have explained how his family 'would not have coped without him'.

Mrs Hawe's family believe she had no idea she was in danger and the boys had always protected the boys until Hawe carried out the murders.

The family believe he carried out the killings 'to escape a fall from grace'.

All five family members were buried in a single grave in the cemetery at St Mary's Church, Castlerahan in September.

The bodies of the three boys were found in their bedrooms while Hawe and his wife were discovered downstairs

At the funeral, priest Fr Felim Kelly said: 'The family played an amazing part in the life of their schools as teachers, held in the highest regard by colleagues, parents and children, respectful of all in their care and so co-operative in every possible way. The children - gifted pupils, team players, budding leaders, warm friends.

'In the community, organisations and individuals benefitted from so much generous sharing with true family and Christian values the motive and inspiration.

'There is a dark side too. How so much goodness could be destroyed? How such happiness could be invaded? How? Why?

'It is not for us to seek answers or to surmise about behaviour. We all are trying to cope with a tragedy beyond our understanding.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.
A 25-year-old Polish man who was declared dead after drinking too much vodka woke up and found himself in a morgue.

And rather than go home to sleep after the terrifying ordeal, the man went straight back out to re-join his friends at the pub.

The man, called Kamil, passed out after indulging on the spirit in Kamienna Gora, a town in the south-west of the country.

He went into cardiac arrest and was later pronounced dead.

The man, named Kamil, was placed inside a refrigerator inside a morgue after being declared dead in Poland

Paramedics arrived and arranged for him to be taken to a local morgue.

Once there, he was placed inside a refrigerator.

However he started to come round and later that day a guard at the hospital was shocked to hear noises coming from the freezer door.

The guard opened the door and found the naked man who asked for a blanket, local media reported.

Police were called and after a medical check-up, Kamil was free to leave the morgue.

Having cheated death, the 25-year-old then headed straight back to the pub.

The man, called Kamil, passed out after indulging on vodka in the south-west of the country

The account was similar to an incident in Russia last year where a man who had been partying in the Khansanky region in the country's far east also found himself in a morgue.

After sobering up, he found himself locked inside a refrigerator and starting pounding on the door.

Eventually a security guard heard the noises and found the panicked man who ran from the room before he was questioned by police and then released.

In 2014, Polish woman Janina Kolkiewicz, 91, spent 11 hours in cold storage in a mortuary after being declared dead.

Mortuary staff were astonished to notice movement in her body bag while it was in storage.
Theresa May's Home Office wanted to send the children of illegal immigrants to the bottom of the list for school places, it has been claimed.

Leaked letters between Cabinet ministers show the department made the suggestion as part of efforts to crack down on migrant numbers.

Officials also planned to revive proposals to carry out checks on the immigration status of pupils.

The calls in the summer of last year, when Mrs May was Home Secretary, sparked angry exchanges with ministerial colleagues.

The Home Office is said to have proposed 'deprioritising' children of illegal immigrants in the schools system last year when Theresa May (pictured at PMQs yesterday) was in charge

After clashes at a cabinet sub-committee, the then-education secretary Nicky Morgan twice wrote to David Cameron with 'profound concerns' about the ideas.

'I have concerns about the practical and presentational issues of applying our strong position on illegal migrants to the emotive issue of children's education,' she said according to the letters leaked to the BBC.

'These cover deprioritising illegal migrants in the schools admissions process, and carrying out immigration checks through schools.'

The Department of Education also warned that immigration checks would increase bureaucracy and disrupt the school admissions process.

And Mrs Morgan said it would lead to more segregation in communities.

'The overall effect of a deprioritisation measure would be to concentrate children of illegal migrants in the least popular schools in any area, jeopardising our increasingly important focus on tackling both segregation and extremism, and with consequent impacts on the children of British nationals who attend the schools,' she said.

'Aside from the impact on ordinary parents, there is also a risk to children's safety.

'Introducing these checks could lead to some children not being registered for school because of real or perceived fear of deportation.

'Leaving aside the fact that these young people will not receive a decent education, this is a safeguarding risk - we have real concerns that children out of school may be at greater risk of radicalisation or other harms.'

Ms Morgan also warned David Cameron that the Home Office policy 'would reinforce negative stereotypes of our party'.

The measures were later dropped from the Immigration Bill, with Mrs May said to have been furious.

A Government spokesman refused to comment on leaked documents.

But he added: 'It is only right that any government looks at a range of options when considering policy options, but ultimately it is for ministers to decide which policies are taken forward.

Nick Morgan, education secretary at the time, raised concerns that the plans would increase segregation in communities and disrupt admissions

'We are building a system that works in the best interests of the British people and ensures that only those with a right to be in the UK can live and work here.'

Mrs May was home secretary from 2010 until July this year when she took over from Mr Cameron in Downing Street.

Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner described the proposals as 'disgusting' and accused Mrs May of trying to 'offload' the failure to cut immigration on to schools.

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It shows that actually Theresa May was not just considering it, her department was pushing it and I'm deeply concerned about it.'

'I think it's a terrible idea. Denying innocent children because of the circumstances of their parents the right to a good education is disgusting, it's not a British value that we have.
A surge in EU workers coming to Britain in the run up to June's Brexit vote sent immigration to a new record high of 650,000, official figures revealed today.

Net migration - the difference between those entering Britain and those leaving - hit was 335,000 in the year to June, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) - the third highest level on record.

The new figures mean net migration is still running at more than triple the Government's target and increases pressure on Theresa May to agree a Brexit deal that reduces EU migration to the UK.

The latest surge in numbers was caused by a new record influx of EU citizens coming to the UK before the referendum.

A total of 284,000 EU migrants came to the UK in the year to June, while only 95,000 left in the same period.

Net migration from the EU rose by 9,000 to reach 189,000 - the equivalent to adding a county the size of Herefordshire to the UK in one year.

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Net migration in the year to June was 335,000, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics

Rising unemployment in southern European countries led to a record 82,000 EU citizens arriving in the UK looking for work.

It was also revealed that in 2015 Romania was the most common country of last residence for the first time - making up 10 per cent of all immigrants.

The Prime Minister has reinstated the Tory vow to cut net immigration to below 100,000 - but has warned it could take more than four years.

And she has said ending freedom of movement for EU migrants will be a red line for Britain in the upcoming Brexit negotiations with Brussels.

The Prime Minister's spokesperson said the Government was still committed to reducing migration to 'sustainable levels'.

Business leaders said the 335,000 net migration level is likely to be the 'high watermark,' predicting immigration will fall in the wake of June's Brexit vote, although Britain will still be forced to accept the EU's freedom of movement rules until at least spring 2019.

The latest surge in numbers was caused by a new record influx of EU citizens coming to the UK before the referendum

An analysis of the ONS data estimated that 25,446 new school children have come to Britain from the EU in just one year.

The cost to the taxpayer of finding school places for the extra pupils will cost more than 117million, according to the Change Britain think tank.

It also warned that an extra 1.9million EU migrants will be added to the UK population by 2026 if Britain stays in Europe's single market and consequently retains EU freedom of movement rules.

IMMIGRATION NUMBERS AT A GLANCE 650,000: Total immigration to year ending June 2016 - a new record high. 284,000: Total number of EU migrants arriving in the UK in the year to June. 335,000: Net migration - the difference between those entering Britain and those leaving. 189,000: Net migration from the EU. 196,000: Net migration from non-EU countries. 315,000: Total number of emigration in year ending June 2016. 127,000: Number of British citizens who emigrated from the UK in the 12 months to June. 82,000: Number of EU migrants arriving in the UK looking for work in the year to June. 108,000: Number of EU migrants who arrived in the UK with a job already secured. Advertisement

Today's figures - which only cover longer-term migrants - show net migration is still running around record levels but the ONS said it was too early to say what effect June's Brexit will have on longer-term levels of immigration.

Nicola White, an ONS statistician, said: 'Net migration remains around record levels, but it is stable compared with recent years.

'Immigration levels are now among the highest estimates recorded - the inflow of EU citizens is also at historically high levels and similar to the inflow of non-EU citizens; there were also increases in the number of asylum seekers and refugees.

'Immigration of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens continues the upward trend seen over the last few years and in 2015 Romania was the most common country of previous residence.

'The main reason people are coming to the UK is for work, and there has been a significant increase in people looking for work particularly from the EU.'

Work remains the most common reason for long-term immigration. In the year ending June 2016, 189,000 EU citizens arrived in the UK for work - the highest estimate recorded.

Around 108,000 - or 57 per cent - said they had secured a job to go to before they came while 82,000 EU immigrants arrived looking for work - a record number and a 'statistically significant' increase compared to the previous year, the ONS said.

The jump includes a rise in the number of citizens arriving to seek employment from the EU15 group of nations consisting of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain and Sweden.

The new figures - which only cover longer-term migrants - increase the pressure on Theresa May, pictured at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, to agree a Brexit deal that reduces EU migration to the UK

Statisticians suggested the rise may in part reflect 'weaker labour market conditions' in some southern EU states.

Ukip slammed the Government's immigration policy after today's figures, which showed net migration at just 1,000 below the record of 336,000 reached two years ago.

EXTRA 25,000 EU CHILD MIGRANTS TO COST TAXPAYERS 117M TO TEACH An estimated 25,446 new school children have come to Britain from the EU in the year ending June 2016. The cost to the taxpayer of finding school places for the extra pupils will cost more than 117million, according to the Change Britain think tank. It also estimated that if Britain remains in the single market and consequently keeps the borders open to EU migrants, an extra 1.9million European nationals will be added to the UK's population by 2026. This influx alone would require the creation of four new state-of-the-art hospitals, costing an estimated 2.3billion. MPs from across the political spectrum said the figures laid bare the urgent need to end uncontrolled immigration. Labour MP Gisela Stuart said: The public are fed up of politicians making promises on immigration that they cant deliver. The only way for the government to meet these pledges is to leave the EUs single market and take back control of our borders. 'This is what people voted for on 23 June - politicians need to respect the result of the referendum and get on with leaving the EU. Advertisement

Its new leader Paul Nuttall said: 'These figures just go to show that you can't trust the Tories to bring down immigration.

'This is an abject failure, not just by the Government in general but by the Prime Minister in particular.'

Mrs May was also attacked from the opposite side of the political spectrum, with Labour's immigration spokeswoman Diane Abbott accusing her and fellow ministers of scapegoating migrants for Britain's economic problems.

'Theresa May is directly responsible for setting a foolish net migration target that successive governments have failed to meet,' she said.

'The policy is based on a lie. Migrants aren't to blame for the economic crisis. Government policy is. Migrants contribute to the NHS, to our prosperity and to the public finances. Labour will have a fair migration policy that benefits us all.'

Responding to the figures today, the Government insisted June's Brexit vote would allow it to bring down numbers once Britain leaves the EU in spring 2019.

Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill said: 'The British people have sent a very clear message that they want more control of immigration and we are committed to getting net migration down to sustainable levels in the tens of thousands.

'There is no consent for uncontrolled immigration, which puts pressure on schools, hospitals and public services.

'That is why reducing the number of migrants coming to the UK will be a key priority of our negotiations to leave the EU.

'Further to this, we continue to reform non-EU immigration routes to ensure we attract the best and brightest, who benefit and contribute to this country.

'But there is more to do as we build an immigration system that delivers the control we need.'

However, there was confusion over the Government's stance on immigration last night after Boris Johnson was reported to have told a string of ambassadors that he was in favour of free movement of EU workers.

The Foreign Secretary allegedly told the unnamed diplomats that he personally supported open borders with the EU, but he angrily denied he had said so and challenged the diplomats to produce proof that he had.

NUMBER OF EU CITIZENS GRANTED PERMANENT RESIDENCY IN BRITAIN DOUBLES TO 37,000 IN ONE YEAR The number of EU nationals granted permanent residence more than doubled between the year ending September 2015 and the year ending September 2016 The number of EU citizens granted permanent residence in the UK doubled in the last year, official figures revealed today. A total of 37,600 European nationals secured British residency in the year to September - up from 18,700 on the previous year, according to Office for National Statistics data. Grants in the third quarter alone totalled 14,500 - up from 4,000 in the same quarter of 2015. Despite the sharp rise, it still represents a small proportion of the estimated 3.5 EU nationals in the UK. There are mounting concerns about the scale of the logistical task faced by the government to process the details of the individuals ready for when we leave the bloc. A huge backlog has already mounted up following the vote to leave the EU, with applications from EU citizens waiting to be processed rising from around 91,000 in June to some 113,000 in September. But the Home Office has admitted it does not know exactly how many requests are coming in - saying its estimate of 60,000 in the third quarter of the year is 'significantly understated'. The figures reflect the growing anxiety among EU nationals about the looming negotiations on cutting ties with Brussels. Theresa May has repeatedly appealed to European leaders to do a quick deal guaranteeing the rights of Britons on the continent, in return for agreement that EU citizens here will be allowed to stay on the same terms. However, German chancellor Angela Merkal has stamped on the prospect - insisting there will be no negotiation on any aspects of a deal until after we trigger Article 50 and formally begin the Brexit process. Advertisement

Meanwhile an analysis of separate ONS figures from earlier this year have also revealed that seven seven out of every ten children born in London last year had at least one foreign-born parent, with the figure as high as 86 per cent in some suburbs.

The number of children born in England and Wales with at least one parent born overseas has soared to a record 33 per cent  up from just 21.2 per cent in 2000, when Tony Blair's government was opening the gates to mass migration from Eastern Europe.

There was confusion over the Government's stance on immigration last night after Boris Johnson, pictured, was reported to have told a string of ambassadors that he was in favour of free movement of EU workers

The figures showed there were 230,811 babies who had either one or two immigrant parents out of a total of 697,852 births last year. The 33 per cent ratio is up 0.5 percentage points on 2014.

The impact of migration was especially striking in London, where almost 70 per cent of 129,615 newborns in the city had at least one parent from overseas.

ONE IN TEN MIGRANTS ARRIVED FROM ROMANIA A surge in arrivals from Romania helped push EU migration to record levels. One in ten of all migrants came from the Eastern European country, which joined the EU in 2007. For the first time there were more Romanians arriving in the UK than any other EU nation over the last year. Britain dropped transitional controls on Romanian and Bulgarian migrants in 2014, which led to a rush in migrants from the country arriving in Britain. In the year ending June 2016 a total of 70,000 Romanians and Bulgarians entered the UK - an increase in 16,000 compared to the year before. Nicola White, from the ONS, said: 'Immigration of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens continues the upward trend seen over the last few years and in 2015 Romania was the most common country of previous residence.' Advertisement

In the eastern borough of Newham, the proportion was 86.4 per cent  or 5,378 out of 6,226 babies. Brent, in North-West London, came next with 86.2 per cent, followed by Westminster (83.5 per cent) and Kensington and Chelsea (83.2 per cent).

In only four of 32 London boroughs were fewer than half of births to non-British parents. The figures were revealed by National Statistician John Pullinger in a letter published by the House of Commons.

The data is a striking illustration of the way mass migration is changing the face of the country  and placing additional pressure on public services, including hospitals, clinics and education services.

The rise in the number of babies with parents born abroad has partly come because fertility rates among immigrants are higher than those of British-born women.

Alp Mehmet, vice-chairman of the Migration Watch think-tank, which campaigns for balanced migration, said: 'This shows the huge pressure placed on public services by very large-scale immigration. Looking ahead, a large proportion of London's population growth will be down to immigration so it is essential that we bring overall numbers down.'

Tory backbencher Philip Hollobone said: 'Immigration is changing the face of our country.

'Immigrants have more children than indigenous people and the make-up of the country is changing in front of our eyes. We have to get control over immigration and Brexit is the best way to achieve that.'
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These action shots capture rescue pets in the seconds before they got their paws on tasty treats and the anticipation is plain to see.

The snaps show the gang of wide-eyed puppies, kittens and even rabbits licking their lips in expectation as rescue workers brought in their food bowls.

Photographer Jonathan Pow, 31, from Devon, dangled food in the air to get the perfect pictures of the eager pets in order to raise awareness for Santa Paws, an appeal to provide meals for animals in need this Christmas.

The snaps show the gang of wide-eyed puppies, kittens and even rabbits licking their lips in expectation as rescue workers brought in their food bowls

Puggle Rose, a pug and beagle crossbreed, even appeared to smile with her tongue lolling out after finishing her much-needed dinner in the images, taken at an animal rescue centre in Warrington

There is nothing that would distract this Border Collie, named Hollie, from her food

Kittens Sooty and Sweep can be seen staring down the camera lens while a Border Collie named Hollie and a fluffy grey rabbit keep their eyes firmly on the food.

Puggle Rose, a pug and beagle crossbreed, even appeared to smile with her tongue lolling out after finishing her much-needed dinner in the images, taken at an animal rescue centre in Warrington.

Jonathan said: 'We were able to capture that moment of glee and excitement in their faces which is wonderful to see. Like a kid at Christmas time - priceless.

'My favourite photo was of the Puggle, her expression was so dramatic and cute.

'Animals can be pretty unreliable models, you have to work around them, as they don't take well to instructions.

'We tend to place them where they need to be and see what they get up to naturally, capturing things they do.

'It's always a pleasure working with animals, especially when it helps raise awareness to campaigns like Support Adoption For Pets' Santa Paws appeal, which helps abandoned pets across the UK.'

The animal charity, which launched in 2006, supports more than 1,000 rehoming centres and animal welfare organisations across the UK

These action shots capture rescue pets in the seconds before they got their paws on tasty treats and the anticipation is plain to see

Kittens Sooty and Sweep can be seen staring down the camera lens while a Border Collie named Hollie and a fluffy grey rabbit keep their eyes firmly on the food

The campaign, launched today by Support Adoption For Pets, aims to encourage people to donate just 50p with the hope of feeding 1.5million animals

People can donate to the Santa Paws appeal at the till of Pets At Home, by texting BOWL01 to 70070, or online at www.supportadoptionforpets.co.uk/santapaws

The charity will also be fundraising in Pets At Home stores across the country until Christmas Eve

The campaign, launched today by Support Adoption For Pets, aims to encourage people to donate just 50p with the hope of feeding 1.5million animals.

The charity will also be fundraising in Pets At Home stores across the country until Christmas Eve.

Amy Wilson, fundraising manager at Support Adoption For Pets, said: 'We hope these pictures make people smile - they perfectly capture the joy that a simple bowl of food can bring to an animal spending Christmas in a rescue.

'Throughout the festive period, we tend to spoil those around us, and our pets are no exception to this.

'We want to encourage people to give a little extra this Christmas and help us towards our ambitious goal to provide 1,500,000 to animals in need.'

The animal charity, which launched in 2006, supports more than 1,000 rehoming centres and animal welfare organisations across the UK.
A soldier was left thinking he was a 'walking corpse' after a medical condition first recognised in the 18th century convinced him that he was a zombie.

Married father-of-two Warren McKinlay, 35, of Braintree, Essex, began starving himself to death because he believed he was already dead and now a 'ghost'.

But he was cured after meeting another British soldier who also had Cotard's syndrome, a billion-to-one condition also known as 'walking corpse syndrome'.

'Walking corpse': Married father-of-two Warren McKinlay, 35, of Braintree, Essex, began starving himself to death because he believed he was already dead and now a 'ghost'

At the wheel: Mr McKinlay was cured after meeting another British soldier who also had Cotard's syndrome, a billion-to-one condition also known as 'walking corpse syndrome'

Sufferers genuinely believe they are dead, or that parts of their body no longer exist, and some die from starvation because they feel they no longer have to eat.

Mr McKinlay suffered with the condition for 18 months but recovered while being treated at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court in Surrey.

Speaking to Daily Mirror reporters Martin Fricker and Sarah Arnold, he said: 'I convinced myself I was actually dead. I felt I was literally a dead man walking.

'It was as if I was a ghost. I was treated at a time when many soldiers were coming back from Afghanistan with no legs and no arms.

Recovery: Mr McKinlay, who spent seven years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, found his symptoms began after a motorbike accident 11 years ago

Helping hand: Mr McKinlay suffered with the condition for 18 months but recovered while being treated at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court (pictured) in Surrey

'I was surrounded by stories of death  it was like I was in a living nightmare. I refused to eat as I thought there was no point as I'd already died.'

NIGHTMARE OF 'WALKING CORPSE SYNDROME' Cases of Cotard's syndrome date back to 1788 but it was identified by French neurologist Jules Cotard in 1880. Like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, Cotard's is another form of delusional psychosis, the only self-certifiable form of its kind. Those with this condition often describe a loss of blood, organs and/or body parts. This distorted reality is caused by a malfunction in an area of the brain called the fusiform gyrus, which recognizes faces, and also in the amygdala, an almond-shaped set of neurons that processes your emotions. The combination is a lack of recognition when viewing familiar faces (even the face of the sufferer), leaving the person feeling disconnected with reality. There is no cure, but treatments include anti-depressants and anti-psychotics, as well as the controversial electroconvulsive therapy. Advertisement

He added that it was 'like I was living in an alternate reality' and he would hear his father calling his name as if they were in the same room together  despite them living miles apart.

Mr McKinlay, who spent seven years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, found his symptoms began after a motorbike accident 11 years ago.

It left Mr McKinlay fighting for life, but although he recovered from the accident he had a total blank for six weeks and was convinced he was dead.

However he recovered at Headley Court after meeting a fellow sufferer and has since joined an injured veterans' go-karting race team called Team Brit.

In January 2015, MailOnline told how a 17-year-old girl who also suffered from the syndrome had spent three years of her life convinced she was dead.

Haley Smith from Alabama eventually recovered with the help of a therapist  and even Disney films because they gave her a 'warm, fuzzy feeling'.

She said at the time: 'Being a corpse was the most bizarre experience, but I'm so glad I managed to get out alive.'
Studded belts, crash helmets and glow-sticks are just some of the products banned from a New Zealand Coldplay concert.

A lengthy list details exactly what concertgoers can and cannot bring to the Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday.

Aside from the standard ban on weapons and other dangerous goods, the list extends to include cutlery, chairs and 'any other items deemed by Stadium management or the promoter to be illegal, dangerous or a nuisance to yourself or others.'

Studded belts, crash helmets and glow-sticks are just some of the products banned from a New Zealand Coldplay concert

Call the fashion police! Belts and bracelets with large spikes or studs have been banned.

Glow sticks, balls and containers can be used as 'projectiles', hence their inclusion on the list

The Mt Smart Stadium already has strict rules in place for events, banning animals (except service dogs), air horns, prams, alcohol, drugs and weapons.

But stadium management have gone the extra mile for the Coldplay concert and have banned bizarre items such as cutlery, crash helmets and studded belts.

And there's little chance of being able to sneak banned items in, stadium management say they reserve the right to request to search people's bags, clothes and even people's cars.

PROHIBTED ITEMS Selfie sticks Branded or commercial food and drinks, including takeaways Metal utensils/cutlery Chilly bins Fireworks, flares, lasers or flash lights Glow sticks Air horns Umbrellas Furniture chairs or stools Skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles or scooters Animals (excluding service dogs) Political banners and signs Lasers Crash helmets Large spiked/studded belts or bracelet Advertisement

Concert-goers may even be subject for a pat down or a scanner search before seeing the British rock band.

Fans won 't be able to eat any branded or commercial food.

They would have difficult doing so anyway, as cutlery has bizarrely been banned.

Bicycles, roller skates, skateboards and even helmets are included on the banned list, so Coldplay fans will need to find another way to get to the Mt Smart Stadium.

Even clothing will be under scrutiny as belts and bracelets with large spikes or studs have been banned.

Some of the strange prohibited items do have some logic behind them.

Glow sticks, balls and containers can be used as 'projectiles', hence their inclusion on the list.

The reasoning behind banning 'chilly bins' and 'stools' is less clear, ultimately it's all down to safety.



Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mt Smart Stadium for comment.

Chris Martin of Coldplay (pictured) will appear at the Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday

Mt Smart has warned concertgoers to leave furniture chairs or stools at home
'High-end' jewellery thief Jutta Curatolo has been spared a jail term despite a spate of thefts in west London boutiques

A 'high-end' shoplifter who used a large cuddly toy to distract staff while she stole jewellery has avoided jail.

American housewife Jutta Curatolo, 52, targeted Harvey Nichols, Liberty, Dolce & Gabbana and Basia Zarzycka in a series of 'pre-meditated, pre-planned' thefts.

The privately-educated 52-year-old, who lives in a 2million flat in Chelsea, would ask to inspect gold and diamond jewellery and then vanish while the shop assistant's back was turned.

The thief stole a 500 pearl tiara and a pearl necklace with antique silver cross, worth 800 from Sloane Square's Basia Zarzycka last October.

She was at Dolce & Gabbana's Sloane Street store on November 17 last year to grab a 2,450 pattern ring with blue stone.

The prosecutor said she placed a large soft toy on the counter and asked staff about a ring, then left with the ring still on her hand and left.

Curatolo denied the toy was a blocking tactic and claimed she could not resist buying the bear after seeing it at the Winter Wonderland fair in Hyde Park.

Zahid Hussain, prosecuting, said: 'This defendant, who sits in the dock awaiting her fate, has targeted high-end stores and high-value items of jewellery.

'She enters and engaged the sales consultant in conversation with the intention of completing a legitimate financial transaction.

'As the staff members' backs are turned, she leaves with these high-value items of jewellery. Her criminality is captured on CCTV.'

Curatolo was fined 1,000 for the thefts after the judges heard she had mental health issues

Curatolo also took a Marco Bicego silver and gold ring, worth 2,260 from Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, on November 28.

Her last theft was the Liberty store in the West End where she took a Dusty Diamonds 18ct gold bangle, with 23 grey diamonds worth 4,200 on January 7 this year.

Curatolo, who is from San Francisco, claims she is an alcoholic with mental health issues and has been receiving treatment for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

The housewife, who attended the Catholic St Mary's College in San Francisco, dabbed at her face with a tissue as chair of the bench Gilly Wiscarson gave her a 1,000 fine.

She has since returned all the stolen items to police, with the exception of the Marco Bicego ring, which she paid for in full.

Curatolo put a huge bear toy on the counter during a theft at this Dolce & Gabbana store

Magistrates were told Curatolo has been sober for 259 days and is attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings daily and a private psychotherapist weekly.

Ranjeet Dulay, defending, said the thefts were a 'cry for help', but she had 'made progress since that day.'

She said: 'It is not a small, one-man business. These are department stores. She committed these offences at a time where she was suffering in her personal life.'

Curatolo told her lawyer she was driven to carry out the thefts by a variety of calamities including a 'failing marriage', 'eating disorders' and a 'near-fatal skin condition.'

The housewife, who attended the Catholic St Mary's College in San Francisco, dabbed at her face with a tissue as chair of the bench Gilly Wiscarson gave her a 1,000 fine.

She also targeted Harvey Nichols, where she took a Marco Bicego ring worth 2,260

Magistrate Ms Wiscarson said: 'We took into account that three of the four items were returned and the fourth one was paid for.

'In the end, there was no loss to the organisations. You pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

'We took into account the fact that you have not been well and we are impressed with the efforts that you have made to fix that. That is rare for us to hear in this court.

'I would normally say you should never do this again, but I would suspect that you never will.'
Australia's revolving door of prime ministers is set to keep spinning with Labor leader Bill Shorten predicting the Liberal Party will dump Malcolm Turnbull by the next election.

Mr Shorten predicts Foreign Minister and long-serving deputy Liberal Party leader Julie Bishop will become the next prime minister.

'Quite frankly, if I was to lay a bet on this matter, I don't think I'll be facing Malcolm Turnbull at the next election,' he told Leigh Sales on the ABC's 7.30 program on Thursday.

'The Liberal Party will move on to someone else.

'I've got no doubt that Julie Bishop might think she's served three different leaders as deputy - it might be her turn.'

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Opposition Leader Bill Shorten (pictured), who brought down two Labor prime ministers, predicts his Liberal Party opponents will dump prime minister Malcolm Turnbull by the next election

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (pictured), who has been deputy Liberal leader to Brendan Nelson, Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott, is tipped as the next prime minister

Mr Shorten, who brought down Labor prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard in 2010 and 2013, said former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott wanted his old job back.

'Well, we all know Tony Abbott laid out a job interview the Sunday before the last week of parliament for an hour,' he said.

'The real issue is that as the Liberals approach the end of 2017 ... Tony Abbott is on the warpath.'

On the last day of federal parliament for the year, Mr Shorten and Mr Turnbull exchanged pleasantries in the House of Representatives.

'The prime minister and I actually get along quite well,' Mr Shorten said.

Mr Turnbull, a millionaire former merchant banker, returned a light-hearted Christmas dig.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) is struggling in the polls and is the fifth Australian PM since 2007

The ABC's 7.30 host Leigh Sales (pictured) interviewed Labor leader Bill Shorten on the last day of parliament for 2016

'Mr Harbourside Mansion was surely the epithet of the campaign. Of course, Bill desperately wanted the title for himself,' he said.

In the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Parliament House studio in Canberra a few hours later, Mr Shorten said he liked the prime minister personally before getting political again.

'Do I like him personally? Yes,' he said.

'I personally like Malcolm Turnbull but the problem that he's got is that he can't run the Liberal Party.

'The problem for Australia is that when Malcolm Turnbull's always got to look over his shoulder, he can't see where he's going.'

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull enjoys a light-hearted moment on the last day of parliament for 2016

Parliament finished the year with the Senate passing the backpacker tax at a rate of 15 per cent.

It came a day after the House of Representatives voted to confirm the Senate's support for the reinstatement of the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

In the last Newspoll, Labor led the centre-right Liberal-National coalition 53 to 47, after preferences, less than five months after the Turnbull government was narrowly re-elected.

Another poll by Fairfax-Ipsos gave Mr Turnbull a zero net approval rating.

Australia has changed prime ministers five times since 2007 and the next election could be as far away as 2019.
Emerging details of the shocking murder of a French backpacker in Australia's red centre have an eerie resemblance to that of British man Peter Falconio 15 years ago.

A 33-year-old Frenchman has been killed in front of his wife after they took a break from driving through the Northern Territory outback on Wednesday afternoon.

The French couple stopped in Connors Well, 100km north of Alice Springs, when they were allegedly aproached by a 35-year-old Melbourne man who fatally stabbed the Frenchman in the throat.

The alleged attacker then fled the crime scene and was found the following morning in the same area where British backpacker Peter Falconio was last seen alive, 100kms from where he allegedly attacked the Frenchman, according to Nine news.

NT Police believe the alleged attacker fled in a grey Hyundai i20 hatchback (pictured)

The attack has eerie parallels with the case of Joanne Lees and Peter Falconio who were attacked nearbye 15 years ago

Peter Falconio was told to pull over his Kombi by Murdoch - his killer who said the couple had engine problems before killing Falconio

Detective Superintendent Travis Wurst (pictured) released a photo of the car the attacker allegedly escaped in after he stabbed a French tourist to death in the outback

Police said they believed the two French tourists were at a rest stop 30km south of the Aileron Roadhouse (pictured) on the Stuart Highway when they were approached by an unknown man

The Frenchman died after he was allegedly stabbed in the throat in what police are calling an 'unprovoked attack' - the alleged attacker fled in a grey Hyundai i30 - he is expected to be charged on Friday.

Falconio - who was murdered by Bradley John Murdoch 15 years ago was also travelling with his partner through the red centre when he was attacked.

The British man, then 28, and his girlfriend Joanne Lees were directed to pull over on the night of July 14, 2001.

When Murdoch spoke to the couple he told them there was a problem with their Kombi - Falconio went to the back of the car to check it out and was never seen again.

Ms Lees said she heard a gunshot and was then tied up by Murdoch but managed to escape and flag down help after hiding in the bush for hours - waiting for the sun to rise.

The wife of the Frenchman also flagged down help - a nurse and her partner travelling to Ti Tree, north of Connors Well.

The brutal stabbing murder happened in Aileron, about 100 kilometre north of Alice Springs

The attacker fled the scene in a silver Hyundai hatchback (pictured) with a Victoria-registered numberplate after he allegedly stabbed a French tourist on Thursday afternoon

The foreigner was stabbed in the neck in Northern Territory's outback town Aileron

Emergency services were called after the victim's wife flagged down a nurse and her husband who were in the passing car, ABC News reported.

The nurse stayed with the couple while her husband travelled to the nearest roadhouse to call emergency services around 5.30pm.

The 30-year-old wife of the tourist is currently being treated for shock at Alice Springs Hospital.

English backpacker Peter Falconio with his girlfriend Joanne Lees before his murder

'She's particularly traumatised by the event,' Det Supt Wurst said.

Homicide detectives believe the French tourist couple and suspect were the only three people in the remote area at the time of the attack.

'We believe at this time the only persons at the roadside stop were the male person, who is now deceased, and his wife,' Det Supt Wurst said.

'The only other person that was believed to have been present was the person who is considered to be the attacker. We understand there were no other people present.'

The French couple were at a rest stop 30km south of the Aileron Roadhouse (pictured)

The Connor Well rest area 60 miles north of Alice Springs where the 33-year-old Frenchman was stabbed to death

A French tourist has been stabbed to death in front of his wife in a chilling echo of the horror film Wolf Creek after they stopped for a rest in the remote Australian outback

'This is an absolutely devastating occurrence for her and for her family of the deceased as well. Our hearts go out to her and her family.

'And as far as the Northern Territory police are concerned, we'll investigate this matter thoroughly and efficiently and bring this offender to justice.'

'Police saw that vehicle near Ti Tree; as soon as that vehicle had seen police it stopped and the person ran into the bush,' Det Supt Wurst said.

'Police were quite some distance away at the time, and because of that distance we weren't able to apprehend him at that time.'

Northern Territory Police - who arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with the incident

Northern Territory homicide detectives are investigating the stabbing death of a man at a remote area of Aileron (pictured), about 135 kilometre north of Alice Springs

The French couple were at a remote rest stop when an unknown man approached them

The man then fled on foot into bushland, prompting an overnight manhunt until a police helicopter located him and he was arrested about 8.30am on Thursday.

Police are now urging anyone who may have seen the grey Hyundai to come forward as they piece together an exact timeline of events.

'Police will continue to speak to a number of witnesses to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death,' Det Supt Wurst said.

'We are extremely interested in speaking with anyone who may have sighted either vehicle, or had contact with any of the occupants of these cars in the days leading up to yesterdays incident.'

A crime scene has been set up as investigation continues.

The French tourist bled to the death at the scene and his attacker fled in what is understood to have been a Hyundai i20 hatchback

A crime scene has been set up as investigation continues
Ukraine has begun two days of missile tests near Crimea in a move that has infuriated Russia in a fresh escalation of tensions between the two countries.

Relations between the one-time allies collapsed in 2014 when Russia seized Crimea and backed pro-Russian separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine said the aim of the tests is to bolster its defence capabilities and test S-300 medium-range surface-to-air missiles.

Russia has responded to Ukrainian missile tests by putting its air defence forces on high alert and deploying warships in the Black Sea

Vladimir Kryzhanovsky, the head of the Ukrainian military's southern branch press-service, said: 'The purpose of the exercise is to gain experience in using these anti-aircraft missile systems and to check the quality of the rockets, which were repaired, as well as to improve the skills of the anti-aircraft missile troop units.'

He added: 'The tests are being carried out in accordance with international law. Therefore it would be wrong to reproach Ukraine.'

The move has angered Russia, which as put its air defence forces on high alert and deployed warships in the Black Sea.

A Crimean military source told the RIA news agency: 'The ships' air defence units have been put on a higher state of alert.

'Together with land-based air defence units on the peninsula, the ships have thrown up a practically impenetrable shield against the enemy's rockets.'

Another source accused Ukraine of trying to create a 'nervous situation.'

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (front centre) and his then defence minister Sergei Shoigu (front left) walk to watch military exercises upon his arrival at the Kirillovsky firing ground in the Leningrad region, on March 3, 2014

The latest development comes after it emerged Vladimir Putin has deployed 55,000 troops on the Ukrainian border in Russia's latest muscle-flexing exercise.

The sudden influx of feet on the ground adds to up to 7,500 Russian soldiers already stationed in Ukraine and has prompted fears of an invasion.

Putin's deputy defence minister Ihor Dolhov made the announcement in Kiev, where officials are said to be convinced Russia is attempting to topple the government.

Dolhov told Russian news outlet Liga.net at a press conference: 'Currently, Russia has amassed about 55,000 servicemen near the Ukrainian border.

'The presence of the Russian regular army on the territory of Ukraine varies from 5,000 to 7,500 soldiers.

'In Crimea, this figure is 23,000 troops, of which 9,000 are on the administrative border.'

There have also been reports of another build-up of soldiers in Belarus near the Ukrainian border, according to Unian.

The Russian Defense Ministry previously announced plans to send 80 times more soldiers and military equipment to Belarus in 2017 than in 2016.

Russia occupied the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in 2014, the same year it launched a number of condemned attacks on the Ukraine.

There is ongoing fighting in the Donbass region as Russian separatists backed by the Kremin remain at loggerheads with the Ukrainian army in the Donetsk People's Republic.

The fear is Russia will invade so it can take power of the land linking the mainland with Crimea where Ukraine believes Putin would set up an administration to bolster Moscow and shun the West.
This is the moment a furious motorist scolds and alleged joyrider as he is being treated for his injuries at the side of the road.

Kira Lee captured the 23-year-old biker tearing through the streets of Adelaide, saying he swore at her and drove the wrong way around roundabouts.

CCTV captured the moment the man struck another vehicle, skidding into the curb as a line of fuel from the broken tank ignited, burning him and the bike.

Motorist Kira Lee scolded an injured biker as he lay at the side of the road after crashing while driving recklessly through the streets of Adelaide

Medics were called to the scene and began treating the biker under a sheet at the side of the road while firefighters tried to extinguish the bike.

Meanwhile Ms Lee filmed the situation, scolding the man as he lay injured.

'This is exactly what you get for riding like f**khead, he deserves every little bit of this,' she can be heard saying.

Ms Lee said the 23-year-old biker, who is now being treated for spine and hip injuries as well as burns, 'deserves every little bit' of what happened to him

Ms Lee recorded the man riding through the streets, saying he was passing through Give Way signs and going the wrong way around roundabouts

The wounded man is now in hospital with serious injuries including a dislocated hip and burns to his legs.

He is currently being cared for in the spinal injuries unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Violent: Luke Adams (left), 28, grabbed his fiancee Akoya Burcu (right), 26, by the head and threw her against a cupboard

A boyfriend who beat up his fiancee and branded her a murderer after she miscarried their baby has walked free from court with a fine of just 200.

Luke Adams, 28, of Congleton, Cheshire, grabbed Akoya Burcu, 26, by the head and threw her against a cupboard when he saw her using an electronic cigarette.

He also tried to throttle the Cyprus-born former travel agent in other beatings over an eight-week period, leaving her in fear with physical and emotional pain.

She later went to police after ending their engagement. Adams, who admitted assault by beating, was fined and told to do 150 hours of unpaid work - but he avoided jail after pleading for mercy.

The couple had been in a three year relationship after meeting on Facebook, and moved into together in 2014 with Adams calling her his Princess.

But Danielle Allanson, prosecuting, told Stockport Magistrates Court: He was controlling in his behaviour - stopping her going out and socialising. He told that she couldnt go out and thats how things should be.

Adams was arrested for a domestic incident in 2014 and agreed to have counselling for his anger. The next year he was violent again yet she did not pursue a complaint.

Sentenced: Adams, who admitted assault by beating, was fined 200 and told to complete 150 hours of unpaid work - but avoided jail after making a plea for mercy in court

Couple: Adams (right) tried to throttle the Cyprus-born former travel agent (left) in other beatings over an eight-week period, leaving her in fear with physical and emotional pain

But violence flared again in September after she lost their baby and Adams subsequently saw Miss Burcu using an e-cigarette. Miss Allanson added: The defendant was unhappy with the victim using an e-cigarette in the kitchen.

He then grabbed her by the head and threw her against a kitchen cupboard, accusing her of murdering their baby. He then shouted that she opens her legs for anything and he only uses her for sex.

She went upstairs and he followed her into a bedroom and pushed her onto the bed. He pushed a pillow over her face and gripped her round the throat.

Two weeks later, he and the victim had been to her mothers funeral - and whilst she was talking to her brother he witnessed the bruising on her arms. She told him what had happened and he told the defendant not to touch her again.

But within days, trouble broke out again when Miss Burcu went out with Adams and two other friends.

They had all been drinking but Adams was particularly drunk, said the prosecutor. They all returned back to their friends property and were in the living room when Adams started asking her for sex.

Social media liaison: The couple had been in a three year relationship after meeting on Facebook, and moved into together in 2014 with Adams calling her his Princess'

Previous: Adams was arrested for a domestic incident in 2014 and agreed to have counselling for his anger. The next year he was violent again yet she did not pursue a complaint

She said she didnt want to and the defendant became verbally abusive, saying: I just want to f*** you, I dont love you.

The final attack occurred when Adams demanded Miss Burcu get him a drink

As she tried to walk away he tripped her and hit her groin. He then grabbed hold of her and dragged her onto the floor and began to strangle her. She was struggling to breathe and he let her go.

The final attack occurred on October 27 at the couples home when Adams demanded Miss Burcu get him a drink.

Miss Allanson said: She refused and told him she had had enough and that she was leaving him. She said she had had enough of the abuse.

But the defendant then pinned her down on the sofa and begged her not to leave. He squeezed her round the chin and said: Im going to kill myself.

Miss Burcu eventually decided she had had enough of Adamss behaviour and went to police.

In a witness statement read to court, she said: I am genuinely scared of Luke; he has caused me physical and emotional pain and I want him to go.

Miss Burcu eventually decided she had had enough of Adamss behaviour and went to police

In a witness statement read to court, Miss Burcu said she was 'genuinely scared of Luke'

He has caused me to become depressed and I feel as though I am walking on egg shells not knowing whats going to happen next. I cant live like this anymore.

Concerns: Miss Burcu said she 'feels as though I am walking on egg shells not knowing whats going to happen next'

In Adams defence, a letter was read to the court saying: There is no justification for my actions and I am sorry for what I have done.

No man should show aggression against a woman and I know my actions would have caused great upset.

My actions have caused me to lose the woman I love - and I would ask the court to show belief in me. I know I would become a better person with the help of probation. The pain of this will affect me for a long time to come.

Adams was told to pay costs of 170. He was also issued with a restraining order banning him from contacting Miss Burcu and was further barred from posting her name on social media.

But he avoided jail after making a plea for mercy in court, saying: The pain of this will affect me for a long time to come.

Passing sentence, JP Lynn Moors said: This was demeaning behaviour but we have taken into account your guilty plea which has saved your partner the pain of a trial.
A comprehensive school apologised today after a 'joke' poster urging pupils to turn up to lessons with a pen or 'face an unhappy death' sparked anger from parents.

The tongue-in-cheek poster, which claims that the consequences of not having a pen can lead to a miserable life, depression and death is being widely circulated on social media.

But critics say the poster, which bears the Bitterne Park School logo, is 'inappropriate' and 'disgusting.'

The tongue-in-cheek poster at Bitterne Park School in Southampton claims that the consequences of not having a pen can lead to a miserable life, depression and death

It reads: 'Consequences? It's the little things that count! Lose your pen = No pen. No pen = No notes. No notes = No study,' before continuing to 'No marriage/ partner = no children. No children = Alone. Alone = Depression. Depression = Sickness. Sickness = death.'

Now Susan Trigger, the headteacher of the 1,800-pupil school in Southampton, has been forced to apologise and explain the poster in a message to parents.

A statement form the school explained: 'The "consequences" story is, we agree, a challenging one and is intended to invite discussion and debate.

'Promoting resilience has been a learning theme for schools to develop over many years.

Susan Trigger, the headteacher of the 1,800-pupil school in Southampton, has been forced to apologise and explain the poster in a message to parents

Critics say the poster, which bears the school logo, is 'inappropriate' and 'disgusting'

'We have reinforced the message at the start of term to all students about the importance of being prepared for school, having the right equipment and taking responsibility for actions, attitudes and the consequences this can have on learning and life.

'We are very sorry if you have found the message to be upsetting and distressing which is certainly not the intention and we apologise for this.

'The single A4 poster has never been distributed around the whole school at any point and was displayed in a controlled environment where a range of relevant and challenging information on issues that are regularly raised for discussion.'

The school added that while the message is being circulated online it has always been available is not produced by Bitterne Park.
A mother-of-three has revealed she was 'sickened to the core' after her former partner sent 'revenge porn' of her to her own daughter.

Emma Sutcliffe, 42, split up with David Derbyshire, 35, after a two-year relationship but soon found intimate pictures of her had been uploaded to the internet and sent to her 12-year-old daughter Georgia.

She said the day after they broke up in April she was made aware of a Facebook profile featuring naked photos of her that were taken during her time seeing Derbyshire.

He later admitted disclosing private sexual images at Bolton Magistrates' Court and was initially jailed before his sentence was reduced on appeal.

Emma Sutcliffe, pictured left and right, had intimate photos of herself spread on Facebook by former partner David Derbyshire, left and right, after they split up

Ms Sutcliffe, left, was left even more furious when her daughter Georgia, 12, right, was sent some of the naked pictures

Ms Sutcliffe, of Bolton, said: 'I was sickened to the core by the images my daughter had to see, it was horrific.'

She added: 'He [Derbyshire] was obsessed with wanting to take dirty pics of me, especially of my breasts, I was really shy to start with but after a bit of persuading I got into it, I just thought it was a bit of fun to spice things up.'

Their relationship began in February 2014, after meeting in a wine bar, but ended after two years together in April 2016.

Ms Sutcliffe said Derbyshire was 'great' with her children Declan, 17, Georgia and Lexi, four.

She said: 'He was a dream with the kids, they loved him he had a really strong bond with Georgia, he didn't live with us but he was around all the time.'

But cracks began to appear in the relationship after only a few months.

Ms Sutcliffe said said: 'He started drinking heavily and would be argumentative when he was drunk, it was horrible. All we seemed to do was row.'

She said Derbyshire 'was making her life a misery' and worried her children were being exposed to a 'sour atmosphere'.

Ms Sutcliffe added: 'One evening I said I couldn't take anymore and he had to leave, he seemed to take it really well, and he calmly walked out of the door. I thought that was too easy and I was right.

'The next day I was at home with Lexi when my phone pinged, it was a Facebook friend request from someone using my name.

Derbyshire, pictured with Ms Sutcliffe, admitted the offence at Bolton Magistrates' Court and was initially jailed before his sentence was reduced on appeal

The 35-year-old taunted Ms Sutcliffe with messages (pictured) and threatened to 'stitch her up' more after she begged him to remove the images

'When I looked at the profile picture my jaw hit the floor, it was a picture of me with my boobs out!'

Ms Sutcliffe said she immediately realised Derbyshire was behind it and she tried to close down the page, only for him to block her instead.

She said: 'I felt violated that he had betrayed our trust. Within seconds my phone went berserk with messages.

'Friends, family and work colleagues from my job at a supermarket had also received the same friend request.

'I just wanted the world to swallow me up, and I thought things couldn't get any worse, but they did.

'My twelve-year-old-daughter Georgia called me and asked why my boobs were all over Facebook and that she would get bullied if people at school saw the images.'

After her boss also received the pictures, Ms Sutcliffe begged Derbyshire to stop but he replied 'No, you're going to get it'.

She added: 'He took it to the next level, he set up another account, with the same picture, but called me 'Emma Shagsalot,' and put my address and telephone number as well as offering sexual favours.

'Georgia even contacted him but he told her I deserved it. I had no choice but to call the police. They gave me an appointment in a week's time.

Ms Sutcliffe, pictured with Georgia, said Derbyshire had initially been 'good' with her children but that he began 'making her life a misery'

'During this time David even messaged my best mate pretending to be me and asking for a threesome with her partner, and Georgia even saw a screen grab of that message.

'The next day a mate in the pub said he got a message from me offering to give him a blow job for a tenner, it was relentless.'

After reporting the matter to the police, Derbyshire was charged with disclosing a private sexual photograph or film with the intent to cause distress.

He was initially sentenced to 17 weeks in prison and was given a restraining order, but after an appeal it was replaced with an eight-week suspended sentence and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Ms Sutcliffe added: 'After what he put me through I don't think it is anywhere near enough, the thought of strangers looking at my intimate pictures turns my stomach.
Shocking footage has emerged showing the moment a circus trainer was mauled by a lion during a live show in Egypt, leaving him with fatal injuries.

Trainer Islam Shaheen, 35, was filmed motioning at a lion with a stick as another lion climbed up a ladder during the performance in Alexandria.

At that moment, a third lion launches a savage attack on the trainer, rearing up and biting him in the neck as watching children scream in terror.

Other trainers rushed to try and help Shaheen, lying helpless on the ground, by poking the lion with sticks.

As the music cut out abruptly, the only sound was the screams of the panicked crowd fleeing in fright.

Shaheen was rushed to Andalusian Salam hospital but died later from his injuries.

He had worked as a circus trainer for ten years according to his brother.

However he was caught by surprise by the lion that was new to the troupe from South Africa, Al-Arabiya reported.

Mohammed Mustafa, the circus spokesman, said the attack happened as the lion was in the mating season and so behaving erratically.

The lion has been withdrawn from any upcoming shows as a vet checks it over.

One of the lions was on the ladder, while the other two were standing below (the one closest to the trainer then attacks him)

In the shocking incident, the lion suddenly pounded on the trainer in front of an audience

Horrific footage showed the lion attacking the circus trainer during the live show in Egypt

The lion reared up and savaged the trainer as horrified children in the audience screamed

The shocking video comes a year after another female lion tamer in Egypt was mauled by one of her animals.

Footage showed Faten El-Helw prancing around the ring and waving to her adoring fans when the big cat suddenly jumped from its stool and lunged at her.

As the panicked audience jump to their feet screaming, the lion tamer was pinned to the ground and bitten in the shoulder.

Amazingly, El-Helw was able to get up and was led to safety while another circus worker coaxed the lions back into their cages.

She suffered a hairline fracture to her pelvis and was rushed to hospital, but survived.

With the wounded trainer lying on the floor, two other trainers tried to restrain the lion
Dressed in traditional Thai costumes, these three-year-old Thai twins just look like any other smiling toddlers.

But the picture actually shows the youngsters being married after their parents ordered the ceremony, believing the children were lovers in a former life.

Brother and sister Teekatat and Tawisa Hiranmekawanit tied the knot in the traditional ceremony in Ang Thong province in central Thailand.

Brother and sister Teekatat and Tawisa Hiranmekawanit tied the knot in the traditional ceremony in Ang Thong province in central Thailand

Their parents claim that the twins had been soul mates in a past life but were separated by a terrible tragedy.

They add that the children were reincarnated together as twins and to ward off 'bad luck' they have to shows the 'angels' that they are in love and want to be together forever.

The twins' mother Sasi claimed: 'They must get married otherwise one of them will die.'

'We provided the wedding ceremony according to our belief that in the olden days the boy and girl twins were soulmates but couldn't stay together.

'They were reborn again in this life, they were reborn as boy and girl twins.'

For the ceremony, the bride wore a traditional Thai wedding dress with a gold sarong and a gold sash.

The groom was dressed in a white shirt, gold pants and a green sash.

Villagers and relatives joined the twins and their parents for the ceremony, which came after their parents believed the children were lovers in a former life

The boy even handed over a sinsod - a dowry payment made by men to the family of the bride - of 22,000 Thai baht (450) and 30.5g of 23 carat gold.

Villagers and relatives joined the twins and their parents for the ceremony in the Wiset Chai Charn district of Ang Thong.

Their mother Sasi added: 'There was a very relaxed and nice atmosphere. The local community helped us.

'As parents we must provide the wedding to let the angels know that the twins are happily in love and will be together forever.

'It is an ancient belief to show the angels they are in love and will never stay apart.'
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A Danish artist is bidding to have his bizarre statue of Princess Diana on a horse atop and overturned car to be placed alongside Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her death.

The Berlin-based artist wants to raise 430,000 from public donations in the hope of building the 16ft statue, showing the People's Princess riding a horse and carrying a mirror and what appears to be a bird.

The artist, Poul R Weule, came up with idea after Prince Harry said he and brother William said a few months ago that they want to create 'something that is going to last forever' to commemorate their mother's death.

But it is unlikely that the artwork, which has Diana dressed in a skimpy strapless dress and features an overturned car will please the princes, who lost their mother in a fatal crash in Paris in August 1997.

A towering sculpture of Princess Diana riding a horse atop an overturned car could take pride of place in Trafalgar Square to mark the 20th anniversary of her tragic death. Artist Poul R Weile has offered to make his statue for 430,000

The artist has already made smaller, wax impressions of the statue he would like to make in order to celebrate the life of the People's Princess, although the resemblance seems minimal

Mr Weile said: 'This sculpture is a monument for society, who at the moment feel lost and who have also lost their confidence in democracy, society, and in people's goodness'

Supporters of Diana scolded the statue as 'tasteless' and disrespectful, with others complaining that it looks nothing like her.

This statue would not be a fitting tribute at all, she was afraid of horses after breaking her arm from a fall from one as a child and the upturned car is a tasteless reference to her passing,' wrote one user.

Another wrote: 'That statue is hideous. Paper machete and 50 would be a better asking price.'

Mr Weile said: 'This sculpture is a monument for society, who at the moment feel lost and who have also lost their confidence in democracy, society, and in people's goodness.'

The statue is balanced on an overturned car, a reference to how she died in a car crash in 1997

It is thought the work, which would be seen by thousands of people every day, will be the first piece of art depicting the Queen of Hearts mounted on a horse. However, the sylised model, wearing a dress that barely covers its bottom, looks nothing like Lady Diana, who was internationally renowned for her beauty.

In early models, made from wax, she is sitting astride the horse, holding her arms wide open, with the mirror in one hand and a bird in the other - although it is not fully understood what these represent.

Usually only male heads of state, generals and emperors are commemorated with mounted sculptures. There are just 36 statues of women on horses in the world and sculptor Mr Weile wants to break the mould for Lady Diana.

According to Mr Weile his work will represent an 'active, proud, and confident woman' who is 'at ease with herself, aware of her own strength and importance; a woman burning for her cause'.

The Berlin-based artist said: 'I only want to put something into the world that can make people happy and make them think about who we are and what we do in this short time we are here.'

'The equestrian statue of Lady Di honours a woman who, through her active efforts, worked tirelessly to improve the lives of many challenged and underprivileged people around the world.'

Mr Weile - who won the prestigious Fyns Amts Kunstpris in 2000 and has numerous works on show in Denmark - needs raise the cash before approaching London chiefs to install his epic design in London.

The plans have emerged just months after Prince Harry said he and brother William wanted to create 'something that is going to last forever' to commemorate their mother's death. This early version does not feature the car

It is thought the work will be the first piece of art of the Queen of Hearts mounted on a horse, with initial designs showing her sitting astride the proud equine, joining other statues and works of art in the famous square (pictured)

DANISH ARTIST FAMOUS FOR PUBLIC WORKS INCLUDING 'HOLY S***' Poul R Weile studied at the Academy of Arts in Odense in Denmark from 1979 to 1984 but started making a name for himself in the 1990s. His Angel Angel piece was displayed in the new cultural buildings in Salzburg, Austria, in 1988, and he won a host of public contracts in Denmark in the years that followed. With sometimes controversial sculptures, including one named 'Holy s***' at a school in Ottensee, his name gained clout on the Danish art scene. He moved to Berlin, where he is now based, but hopes to now build his international profile with his latest planned work of Princess Diana The artist, Poul R Weile (right) studied at the Academy of Arts in Odense in Denmark from 1979 to 1984 but started making a name for himself in the 1990s. Pictured is Weile in Sedenhuse, Denmark Advertisement

The artist, who is little known outside Denmark and Germany, added: 'It's a very complicated piece of work and it has many interpretations that you could put on it.

'Like for instance the fragility of the cars that are carrying the entirety of the statue.

'This concrete car - a man-made material - and the glass car with the bronze of the statue and the reflection of her mirror, all these things you know, it's complicated and opens the door for many kinds of interpretations.

'I'm trying to let the work open this door of interpretation for people, so that you can put yourself in it.'

Princess Diana was just 36 when she died in the horrific car crash in Paris in 1997.

She was renowned for her pioneering charity work and was an active board member of around 160 charities.
There was a surge in the number of European nationals seeking to secure British residency in the wake of the historic Brexit vote.

The backlog in applications being processed from people already in the UK appears to have risen from around 72,000 in June to some 90,000 in September.

But the Home Office has admitted it does not know exactly how many requests are coming in - saying its estimate of 60,000 in the third quarter of the year is 'significantly understated'.

The figures reflect the growing anxiety among EU nationals about the looming negotiations on cutting ties with Brussels.

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The number of EU nationals granted permanent residence more than doubled between the year ending September 2015 and the year ending September 2016

Theresa May has repeatedly appealed to European leaders to do a quick deal guaranteeing the rights of Britons on the continent, in return for agreement that EU citizens here will be allowed to stay on the same terms.

However, German chancellor Angela Merkal has stamped on the prospect - insisting there will be no negotiation on any aspects of a deal until after we trigger Article 50 and formally begin the Brexit process.

According to the official data released today, there were 37,600 grants of permanent residence to EU nationals in the year ending September 2016, compared to 18,700 the previous year.

Grants in the third quarter alone totalled 14,500 - up from 4,000 in the same quarter of 2015.

Despite the sharp rise, it still represents a small proportion of the estimated 3.5 EU nationals in the UK. There are mounting concerns about the scale of the logistical task faced by the government to process the details of the individuals ready for when we leave the bloc.

The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford showed earlier this year that at the current rate of work handing out residence documents to all potentially eligible applicants could take more than 140 years.

The backlog of applications involving European nationals rose from 72,000 in the second quarter of this year to more than 90,000, according to figures issued by the government.

The number of applications for residency made in the UK by Europeans remained fairly steady over the three months at 60,000.

But the figures include a health warning that numbers are 'signficantly understated due to a surge in EEA (European Economic Area) applications received in the quarter'.

Madeleine Sumption, Director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford said: 'The increase in permanent residence grants suggests that EU citizens are increasingly keen to nail down a secure legal status in the wake of the referendum vote. But these figures are really just the tip of the iceberg. The vast majority of EU citizens living in the UK have not yet applied. Finding a process that will allow EU citizens to receive residence documents quickly and efficiently will be one of the major challenges the Home Office faces as it prepares for Brexit.'

Net migration in the year to June was 335,000, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics

Wider migrations figures released today showed a surge in EU workers coming to Britain in the run up to June's Brexit vote sent immigration to a new record high of 650,000.

Net migration - the difference between those entering Britain and those leaving - was 335,000 in the year to June, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) - the third highest level on record.

The new figures mean net migration is still running at more than triple the Government's target and increases pressure on Theresa May to agree a Brexit deal that reduces EU migration to the UK.

The latest surge in numbers was caused by a new record influx of EU citizens coming to the UK before the referendum.

A total of 284,000 EU migrants came to the UK in the year to June, while only 95,000 left in the same period - a net of 189,000 and up 9,000 from the previous quarter.

The latest surge in numbers was caused by a new record influx of EU citizens coming to the UK before the referendum

Phoebe Griffith, IPPR Associate Director for Migration, said: 'There is no evidence yet of Brexit having a big impact yet on the number of Europeans deciding to come to the UK.

'But the surge in grants for permanent residence (up by 40 per cent following the referendum) show that it is clearly causing concern among EU nationals living in Britain.

'When individuals already in the UK take steps to safeguard their status, barriers should not be put in their way.

'However, at present they are met with a long delays and Byzantine bureaucracy. This is not just mean-spirited. It will have concrete impacts. Without security, people will not invest, hire staff, or enrol their children in school.

'Brexit has created great uncertainty. If the government does not wish to guarantee the rights of all EU nationals at this point in the negotiations, it should at the very least prioritise streamlining the process for residence applications.'
Last year the star of such films as Spartacus and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea gave $15m to an Alzheimer's treatment facility on his birthday

He writes that every year on his birthday he makes a large charitable

Kirk Douglas is opening up about what he has learned over the course of the past century in a touching essay he penned for Closer Weekly.

The iconic film actor, who will turn 100 on December 9, also reveals in the article what he believes is the secret to his longevity - his love for his wife Anne.

'I was lucky enough to find my soul mate 63 years ago, and I believe our wonderful marriage and our nightly golden hour chats have helped me survive all things,' writes Douglas in the magazine, which is on newsstands now.

He will be celebrating his milestone birthday next week alongside 200 of his closest friends and family at a party hosted by his son Michael and daughter-in-law Catherine Zeta Jones.

And his 97-year-old wife will be right by his side.

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Big day: Kirk Douglas (above with wife Anne in 2013) penned an article about his life as the Hollywood legend prepares to turn 100 years old on December 9

Touching tribute: He said that the thing that has kept him going all these years is his 'soulmate' of 63 years, his wife Anne (couple above in 1965)

Hollywood A-list: Kirk is now focused on his writing and philanthropic endeavors, donating millions to charity on his birthday every year (above in 2011 with son Michael and Catherine Zeta Jones)

Kirk also writes that the birthday festivities will feature a surprise element, and admits that he has no idea what to expect.

'My only job is to stay well and rested so I can show up and be charming. And, of course, give a little extemporaneous speech that I will have practiced with my speech therapist so people will understand me,' writes Kirk of his party preparations.

Gifts will not be necessary however, with Kirk revealing hat he views his birthday as a chance to give back to others ever year rather than accept presents.

'Anne and I always use these happy occasions to give presents to the institutions we support through our foundation. Giving is a selfish act, I maintain, because it makes you feel so good,' writes Kirk.

For his birthday last year the two donated $15million to Harry's Haven, an Alzheimer's treatment facility which is located just outside Los Angeles and takes care of patients who previously worked in the motion picture or television business.

Thanks to that donation the organization was able to expand, adding on a two-story addition which they named the Kirk Douglas Care Pavilion.

The three-time Oscar nominee, who received the Academy's prestigious Lifetime Achievement award in 1996, married wife Anne in 1954, three years after his first marriage to Diana Douglas ended in divorce.

Kirk, who was already a father to two young sons, Michael and Joel, would go on to have and additional two sons with Anne, Eric and Peter.

Resume: Kirk has starred in such classic films as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Bad and the Beautiful (left), and Spartacus (right)

Family: Kirk and first wife Diana had two sons, Michael and Joel. He and Anne then had two sons as well, Eric and Peter (Kirk, Michael and Eric above in 1987)

Over the course of his career Kirk has starred in such classic films as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Bad and the Beautiful, and Spartacus.

Kirk has also made notable appearances in both television and theater over the course of his eight-decade career.

He also purchased the rights to the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest early in his career, turning it into a 1963 Broadway play.

Kirk reveals more in the new issue of Closer Weekly (above), on newsstands now

Kirk starred in the production, which ran for just five months and received mixed reviews from critic.

After the play closed he tried to find a producer who was interested in making a film version of the novel, but gave up after 10 years and handed over the movie rights to his son Michael.

Kirk believed he was too old for the lead role at that point anyway, which instead went to Jack Nicholson.

The film opened in 1975 to universal praise and cleaned up at the Academy Awards that year, taking home five statues including Best Actor (Nicholson), Best Director (Milos Forman) and Best Picture.

That last award was presented to the producer of the film, Michael, who would win another trophy a little over a decade later when he was crowned Best Actor at the 1988 ceremony for his role in Wall Street.

Having been given the gift of an Oscar-winning movie from his dad almost 50 years ago, Michael was sure to chime in and give his thoughts about his famous dad's remarkable life, for his Closer Weekly article.

'One hundred years old is certainly a milestone, but the facts are what Dad has accomplished in 100 years,' said Michael in an interview with the magazine.

'I think his stamina and tenacity are the qualities that stand out for me. He has taught me always to give it your best shot at whatever you take on. Hes the full package.'

Family affair: Kirk also reveals that his son Michael and daughter-in-law Catherine Zeta Jones will be hosting his birthday party next week for 200 guests (Kirk above with first wife Diana, Michael and grandson Cameron in 2003)

Family affair: Kirk also reveals that his son Michael (left in 2011) and daughter-in-law Catherine Zeta Jones (right in 2010) will be hosting his birthday party next week for 200 guests

Kirk's 'stamina' was on full display two decades ago when Kirk suffered two terrifying, and potentially life-ending, tragedies in the span of jut five years.

In 1991 he was involved in a horrific mid-air accident when the helicopter he was in crashed into a plane near the Santa Paula airport in California.

Two of the people on the plane were killed, and two others also suffered serious injuries.

In the aftermath of the crash Kirk began to embrace his faith more, and made the decision to devote his free time to studying Judaism.

There was another setback however in 1996 when Kirk suffered a severe stroke that permanent impaired his ability to speak.

Kirk was told at the time he might never be able to speak again, but after months of daily speech therapy classes he slowly began to speak again.

And while the 90s may not have been Kirk's best decade, he capped it off in a big way when in 1999 he invited friends and family to celebrate his 83rd birthday by attending his second Bar Mitzvah.

The Torah states that the average lifespan is just 70 years, which is why at 83 some men celebrate another Bar Mitzvah as if they are once again young boys who are publicly declaring themselves to be men.

Forever: Cameron made the decision to permanently pay tribute to his grandfather by having his face tattooed on his stomach

Kirk's speech problems have however limited his acting roles in the past 20 years, which is why he know focuses on his writing and philanthropic endeavors.

He and Anne have stated in the past that almost all of their fortune, reported to be around $80million, will be given to charities and other organizations upon their deaths.

The two have also had their share of personal tragedies over the years, with their son Eric dying of a drug overdose in 2004 and their grandson Cameron spending five years in prison for possession of heroin and dealing methamphetamine and cocaine out of a New York City hotel room.

That sentence seems to have been a blessing in some ways however, with Cameron now out of prison and sober.

The young man even made the decision to permanently pay tribute to his grandfather by having his face tattooed on his stomach.
This is last picture taken of Syed Farook before he and his wife went on a rampage at his work's holiday party - killing 14 people and injuring 22 more in a religiously-motivated attack.

In the photo, Farook looks serious as he poses with four other beaming co-workers wearing and holding up festive props in front of a Christmas tree at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California last December 2.

Farook would later leave the party early, only to return with his Pakistani-born wife and open fire on dozens of his co-workers.

Syed Farook, right, refuses to smile as he poses with his co-workers at a holiday party

Farook's last photo was taken just before he and his wife went on their brutal rampage

Authorities now believe that Muslim Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik, left, were upset he had to attend a holiday party steeped in Christian tradition

After the attack, the couple made a pledge to ISIS online, but investigators believe the attack may have been inspired by a more personal vendetta against Farook's bosses at the health department.

Investigators have obtained emails written by Malik, in which she complains that her husband shouldn't have to attend a mandatory Christmas party if he is Muslim, according to ABC reports.

'She had essentially made the statement in an online account that she didnt think that a Muslim should have to participate in a non-Muslim holiday or event,' San Bernardino police chief Jarrod Burguan said.

'That really is one over the very, very few pieces of potential evidence that we have that we can truly point to and say, "That probably is a motive in this case."'

Farook attended a mandatory training session at the Inland Regional Center on December 2, 2015, that was to be followed by a company holiday party

The couple initially escaped but were shot dead in a shootout with police just four fours later

Above, the pistols and assault rifles the couple used in the attack last year which left 14 dead and 22 injured

It's still unclear when they started preparing for the attack. Surveillance footage shows Farook practicing to shoot a pistol and an assault rifle at a local firing range just two days before the attack.

The husband-and-wife terrorists returned to the holiday party equipped with assault rifles, leaving those inside mostly helpless to run and hide.

Police were quick to arrive on the scene but by then, Farook and Malik had already fled in their black SUV.

Surveillance footage even shows them making a U-turn outside the center and driving calmly past emergency vehicles rushing to the scene with lights and sirens blazing.

A composite photo of all 14 victims from the San Bernardino shooting rampage. They are top row left: Robert Adams, Isaac Amanios, Bennetta Betbadal, Harry Bowman and Sierra Clayborn. Second row from left: Juan Espinoza, Aurora Godoy, Shannon Johnson, Larry Daniel Kaufman and Damian Meins. Bottom row from left: Tin Nguyen, Nicholas Thalasinos, Yvette Velasco and Michael Wetzel

For the next several hours, the couple never went farther than seven miles from the center, and even drove right by police barricades around the center according to CCTV footage. It's now believed that the couple were returning to the scene so that they could remotely set off bombs they left behind in the building.

Police officers found them driving around in the area four hours later and tried to stop the couple. They then got into a shootout with police and both were killed.
Hulus dark and occasionally dirty family crime drama Shut Eye follows closely the path laid out by such cable classics as The Sopranos and Breaking Bad. But it finds a clever new milieu in which to set things: the sketchy, sunlit LA world of storefront psychics.

Our antihero here is Charlie Haverford (Jeffrey Donovan from USAs Burn Notice). Charlie is a former Las Vegas magician who moved to Los Angeles with his single-minded wife (KaDee Strickland from Private Practice) and his two kids and found work as a psychic reader, gently scamming gullible clients with tarot readings and curse removals. Shortly after arriving in town, however, he ran afoul of the local psychic Mafia. Seems the entire West Coast psychic trade is controlled by actual gypsies, led by the violent Fonzo (Angus Sampson from season 2 of Fargo) and his more seductive but no less vicious mother (screen legend Isabella Rossellini). Play by the rules, hand over a cut of the money you make, and youll get by just fine. Fail to obey and bad things could happen. Godfather kind of bad.

Given the prominence of the setting, it should be noted that Shut Eye teeters on the edge of casual racism. The word gypsy is bandied about quite frequently here. Its a term that has fallen out of favor and is generally considered a racial epithet to anyone of actual Romani heritageexcept, of course, in the psychic realm. There, people who claim ethnic origins in the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent round about a thousand years agowhether through actual genetics or just wishful thinkingare at a premium. Most Romani are embarrassed by the stereotype of the gypsy fortune teller. But its hard to deny that such stereotypes exist. Shut Eye draws a quick distinction between Anglo con men like Charlie and actual Romani, who occupy the upper management positions of this criminal empire. Ill leave it up to real-life Roma to figure out if the show upsets them. But if Italians weathered The Sopranos, I suppose the Roma can deal with this.

Ethnic quibbles aside, the show is fast-paced and extremely well-cast. As the pilot comes to an end, the narrative starts to tilt in an interesting direction. In the wake of an unfortunate concussion (administered by an unhappy client) and an untimely hypnotic suggestion (delivered by a desperate wannabe psychic played by Emmanuelle Chriqui from Entourage), Charlie finds himself in fleeting command of what might be snatches of actual psychic insight. This sudden burst of power inspires him to rebel against his nasty bosses and take his ambitious wifes suggestion of going after a million-dollar mark (Mel Harris from Thirtysomething). Of course, all of this (plus a few other developing subplots) hints at the fact that things are going to go very badly for Charlie and his familyprecognitive powers or not.

Im not sure if psychic noir is a category, but I predict a solid future for Shut Eye. Its sexy, tense, darkly comic and filled with just enough unexpected twists to keep those of us without ESP guessing.
Donald Trump will pursue 'lots' of 'very good' trade deals with individual countries in a boost for post-Brexit Britain, it has emerged.

The President-elect plans to abandon Barack Obama's approach of doing massive trade deals with blocs of countries covering entire regions.

The out-going President infamously warned Britain would be left at the 'back of the queue' for a deal if it voted for Brexit while the EU was negotiating with the US.

But Mr Trump's candidates to run the treasury and commerce departments dismissed this approach.

Commerce secretary nominee Wilbur Ross, pictured right with the President-elect Donald Trump last month, has endorsed bilateral trade deals with individual countries

Steven Mnuchin, set to be US treasury secretary, said the Obama approach to trade deals would 'absolutely' be reversed

Former Goldman Sachs banker Steven Mnuchin told US broadcaster CNBC the policy would 'absolutely' be reversed.

He said: 'We believe in bilateral negotiations.

'We'll have very good deals with lots of countries.'

Wilbur Ross, who is also due to join the Trump cabinet, said: 'The problem with regional trade agreements is you get picked apart by the first country, then you negotiate with the second country, get picked apart.

'You go to the third one, get picked apart again.'

Jacob Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told the Daily Telegraph the position of the incoming Trump administration was good news for Britain, but warned it could be a lengthy process.

'There is no doubt that, on the face of it, this is good news for the UK,' he said.

'But the history of bilateral trade agreements that the US has negotiated shows that they take an awful long time to be ratified by Congress.'

Barack Obama made threatened Britain would be at the 'back of the queue' at a highly choreographed Downing Street press conference with David Cameron just two months before the referendum

Mr Obama made his threat to Britain at a highly choreographed Downing Street press conference with David Cameron just two months before the referendum.

He said: 'I think it's fair to say that maybe some point down the line there might be a UK-US trade agreement, but it's not going to happen any time soon because our focus is in negotiating with a big bloc, the European Union, to get a trade agreement done.

He added: 'The UK is going to be in the back of the queue.'
A social worker who dressed up as a clown to cheer up traumatised and hopeless children in war-ravaged Aleppo is believed to have been killed in an airstrike.

Anas al-Basha, 24, refused to leave the besieged Syrian city with his parents - and tens of thousands of others - when the government advanced on rebel groups in the east last summer.

And he continued to don his bright make-up, orange wig and flowery yellow hat to entertain local kids during the fiercest bombing raids since the Syrian Civil War began.

Anas al-Basha, pictured, a social worker who dressed up as a clown to entertain the children of war-torn Aleppo is believed to have been killed in an airstrike

Mr al-Basha, who acted director for local charity Space for Hope, was killed in a suspected Russian or Syrian bombing raid on the eastern Mashhad neighborhood on Tuesday. Pictured: The aftermath of airstrikes on northern Aleppo

Mr al-Basha, known as the Clown of Aleppo, was killed in a suspected Russian or Syrian bombing raid on the eastern Mashhad neighborhood on Tuesday.

His brother Mahmoud has since left a heart wrenching tribute to the man who helped provide counseling and financial support for hundreds of orphaned children through his charity Space for Hope.

'He lived to make children laugh and happy in the darkest, most dangerous place on this world,' Mahmoud, who still lives in Aleppo, wrote on Facebook.

'I was not able to say the last farewell to him because Aleppo city has been under siege for 112 days.

'All what Anas wanted is to bring happiness to the children of Aleppo. I am proud of you my brother. May you rest in peace in a place better than this cruel world.'

When Anas' parents fled the city last summer, before the government began its siege on the rebel-held eastern districts, he chose to stay and sent them what little money he received.

Mr al-Basha, 24, decided to stay in the besieged city when his parents fled last summer, fearing they would die in the government offensive on rebel-held eastern neighbourhoods

The social worker, who got married only two months ago, would don bright make up and a long, orange wig to cheer up the children who have lost their families in the five-year-long war

His brother Mahmoud, who still lives in Aleppo, wrote a heart wrenching tribute to the Clown of Aleppo, saying: 'He lived to make children laugh and happy in the darkest, most dangerous place on this world'. Pictured: Anas, third from left, with his charity colleagues

His supervisor Samar Hijazi, one of 34 Space for Hope staff who remained in the city as the five-year-long war unfolded, says he will remembered as a friend who loved to work with children.

She went on: 'He would act out skits for the children to break the walls between them.'

Hijazi said the war has been just as trying for the men and women looking after the orphaned children as it has been for the toddlers themselves.

She went on: 'All of us in this field [of childcare] are exhausted, and we have to find strength to provide psychological support and continue with our work.'

Space for Hope has suspended its operations in Aleppo for now, as the government renews its assault on the city's eastern neighborhood.

Eastern Aleppo had been under siege for four months and thousands have been left without access to food or water.

Around 20,000 have left their homes - and dozens killed - in the last four days alone.

His supervisor Samar Hijazi, one of 34 Space for Hope staff who remained in the city during the war, said Anas will remembered as someone who loved to work with children

Eastern Aleppo had been under siege for four months and thousands have been left without access to food or water. Pictured: Dead bodies carpet the streets of eastern Aleppo after an airstrike

In the last four days alne, around 20,000 civilians have left their homes in Aleppo and dozens have been killed in bombing raids

Many of them have sought shelter in the government-held town of Jibrin, around six miles from war-torn Aleppo.

Fawwaz al-Ashaari, who lost his eldest son and his home in the onslaught, finally decided to join the mass exodus as the fighting got closer.

'I can't lose any more,' he said in a makeshift home in Jibrin, his back propped up against a black suitcase containing all his worldly belongings.

He says he now has one simple wish: 'The rest of my children only want to live in safety. They have seen death several times. I want them to know life.'

Mr Ashaari and his family lived in the Sakhur neighbourhood, where they had endured more than four years of bombardment since the rebels seized it in 2012.

But as government troops and allied fighters overran it this week, they set off on the treacherous journey across the front lines.

They are among hundreds of homeless now housed in the three concrete blocks that make up the Jibrin reception centre.

Around 250,000 locals decided to stay in eastern Aleppo under rebel rule until the government launched a new offensive to retake the entire city earlier this year. Pictured: The destruction wrought by an airstrike on rebel-held Aleppo

Thousands who have lived in the city their entire lives have sought shelter in the government-held town of Jibrin, around six miles from Aleppo. Pictured: Pro-government forces walk through the bomb-battered Bustan al-Basha neighbourhood in Aleppo

A crowd of new arrivals - mostly women and children - waited in the cold to register their names with Syrian authorities and receive food, mattresses and blankets.

Dozens of others huddled under charcoal-grey blankets, trying to keep warm and dry as rain drizzled outside.
If you start finding traffic cones in the middle of the road, you might be forgiven for thinking a local gang of youths were behind it.

But workers in New Zealand were given a shock after discovering that a mischievous group of kea birds had been dragging them there instead.

Even more bizarrely, the workers now think the keas were listening out for cars and then positioning the cones to get them to stop in the hopes of getting fed.

Road workers in New Zealand investigating traffic cones that were left in the middle of a busy tourist road were shocked to find a group of kea birds dragging them there

Keas, a parrot-like bird that lives in Alpine regions of New Zealand's South Island, are known for being particularly intelligent.

The road featured in the video is a popular tourist route for day trips to the Milford Sound, with regular stops along the way for visitors to take pictures.

Kevin Thompson, road alliance manager for Milford, told Newshub that the keas have worked out that stopped vehicles typically means people with food.

Workers think the birds, which are highly intelligent, were trying to stop traffic in the hopes that tourists would get out and feed them

Heavier traffic cones are now being considered in order to stop the birds, in case the birds end up causing an accident

The film was taken at one end of a one-way tunnel, where the flow of traffic alternates between either end, meaning it stops for a few minutes at a time as it changes over.

Mr Thompson said: 'We think the Kea listen for the cars in the tunnel and move the road cones between the streams of traffic.'

When the cars emerge from the tunnel, the birds are hoping they will be forced to stop, and may hand out some food while they're there.
She poured sterilising solution on the wound instead of antiseptic liquid

edicurist doing the treatment sliced her toe with a scalp-like tool

An Perth woman was left with serious burns on her crotch after undergoing laser hair removal.

Hair and Beauty Australia (HABA) released images of the womans injury following an alarming number of incidents being caused by unqualified workers in the intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment industry in Australia.

The beauty association is requesting regulation as untrained workers swamp IPL laser treatment clinics and nail salons, WA today reported.

A woman was left with a number of burns on her crotch after an unqualified worker administered an intense pulsed light treatment

Hair and Beauty Australia is requesting government regulation for the laser industry as there are no current laws for qualification (stock photo)

There are currently no guidelines for mandatory qualifications, HABA board member, Helen Golisano, said.

'No qualification is needed in salons... we've seen this in the pedicure/manicure salons, now we're starting to see it really strongly in the IPL industry.'

The last three or four years I've been horrified the IPL price has devalued to cheaper than a wax and the drama and accidents we're seeing now from that is alarming.'

The images released by the association reveal burn marks across the crotch after the worker failed to put a crystal head on the end of the machine.

In doing so, the light hit the woman's skin directly causing the burns across the crotch.



When the girl went back - and this is where the training's lacking - they then proceeded to do needling when in reality they should have treated her for a burn and sent her to get looked at... it actually created a worse outcome.'

Needling is technique generally used by dermatherapists to damage the skin to encourage new skin to grow.

Following the burns the woman was left with scarring and returned to the laser clinic

The worker then needled the burns causing a more sever injury

The injuries within the laser industry are revealed as a woman was left suffering from horrific toe injuries by unqualified workers at nail salons.

The customer treated herself to a pedicure at a nail salon in Perth, Western Australia, in the beginning of November.

The young woman doing the pedicure sliced the woman's toe with a scalp-like tool, WA Today reported.

The pedicurist poured what she thought was antiseptic liquid on the wound, but was instead a sterilising solution, a chemical only meant for metal instruments.

The customer said her toe bled profusely for 40 minutes and dressed the wound with a bandage.

A woman from Perth has suffered horrific injuries to her toe during a pedicure after the pedicurist cut her toe with a scalp-like blade

The customer said the pedicurist mistook the sterilising solution for antiseptic liquid and pour it on the wound

The next morning morning she woke up to see thick chemical burns on her toes.

'What I realised is she had soaked the cotton ball in a solution that is used to sterilise metal instruments which should never go directly onto skin,' she said.

Every day since the incident the woman has visited her podiatrist to treat the injury, which the nail salon owner has agreed to pay for.

She is warning other people nail salons who don't have first aid kits, do not understand the difference between sterilising and antiseptic solutions, and hire unqualified staff pose a risk to the public.

'If you do [go to these salons], do not allow them to touch you with a scalpel or a blade,' she said.

Western Australia's department of health's code of practice for skin penetration notes that employees are responsibility for making sure they know infection control and safety procedures.
A prisoner who escaped from a California jail last week by sawing through the bars has been found hiding in an attic after more than a week on the run.

Rogelio Chavez was arrested at a home in San Jose on Wednesday night, a week after he escaped from Santa Clara county jail with fellow inmate Laron Campbell.

The pair broke the bars on their second-story cell window and then used bed sheets to rappel down the side of the building.

Pictures released by investigators showed the tiny gap they slithered through to get outside the prison walls, but their bid for freedom only lasted a week.

Rogelio Chavez (left) was arrested at a home in San Jose, California, a week after he escaped from Santa Clara county jail with fellow inmate Laron Campbell (right). The pair are both back in custody and face additional charges for their escape bid

The pair managed to saw through several iron bars before lowering themselves down from a second floor window using a rope made from blankets and sheets. An image released by investigators shows the small hole they crawled through in their bid for freedom

Two other prisoners also tried to escape but they were soon apprehended.

Campbell was captured first in Contra Costa County late on Tuesday. He crashed through the ceiling of his sister's attic while police were searching the home.

Chavez was also discovered in an attic, but in the home of his associate Karla Fernandez .

Santa Clara sheriff Laurie Smith said detectives were searching the house when they became suspicious and called in support from a SWAT team.

The SWAT team shot tear gas canisters into the home at least twice before Chavez was arrested.

He was taken to hospital after officers suspected he was under the influence of drugs. He was carrying crack cocaine and marijuana at the time of his arrest.

Emily Vaca (left) and Marcaysha Alexander, Campbell's sister, (right) have been arrested for allegedly helping the pair evade capture

Santa Clara sheriff's department offered a $20,000 reward for the capture of the fugitives

Santa Clara's sheriff's department raided a number of houses after receiving tip offs

Fernandez, who is on probation, was also arrested and is facing charges of resisting and obstructing an investigation, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being an accessory to an escaped inmate.

Late Tuesday, the U.S. Marshals Service and police in Antioch arrested 26-year-old Laron Campbell.

Campbell's sister, Marcaysha Alexander, 24, was also arrested on suspicion of harboring a fugitive.

Santa Clara County Sheriff's Sgt. Mike Glennon said authorities received 'numerous tips' that helped authorities locate Campbell after Sheriff Laurie Smith announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to the fugitives' recapture.

Smith said the investigation is ongoing and there may be more arrests.

Chavez was awaiting trial on several felony charges, including burglary, extortion, false imprisonment, resisting arrest and firearms violations.

Santa Clara sheriff's department said they may be making more arrests following the escape

Campbell has been in jail since February 2015 on felony charges that include robbery, false imprisonment and making criminal threats.

Chavez and Campbell eluded a massive manhunt the night of their escape and several subsequent raids of places the two were thought hiding, including a San Jose mobile home that heavily armed deputies surrounded early Tuesday with no success.

In the process, a 35-year-old San Jose woman was arrested on suspicion of helping Chavez hide in a Gilroy motel raided Monday.

Glennon said Campbell was tracked to his sister's home on Monday and authorities with the US Marshals Service and Antioch Police launched a stake out.

Glennon said a raid was planned for Tuesday night and a warrant obtained after officials spotted Campbell in the house.

Glennon said Campbell fled into the home's attic when authorities burst into the house. But he came crashing down through the flimsy roof shortly after and was taken into custody without further incident.

Glennon said authorities are looking into where Campbell spent his week on the lam and investigating if he received help beyond the alleged assistance of his sister.
A 'sadistic' nursery boss who attacked a boy for crying and deprived him of sleep with childcare techniques 'from the Dark Ages' has been spared jail.

Christine Button made one child sit on the floor alone for up to two-and-a-half hours a day and would wake him up if he fell asleep.

The 56-year-old, of Ilfracombe, North Devon, also made one four-year-old girl sit at a table for two hours because she wouldn't eat an apple.

Button claimed she was 'building them up to be better-behaved in the future' when she was challenged by staff.

Despite admitting four charges of child cruelty at at Warwick Crown Court on Wednesday, she avoid a jail term on 12-month suspended sentence.

Christine Button has avoided jail despite a series of cruel actions against nursery children

The court heard Button mistreated four children in her care and would deliberately make youngsters upset.

She handled one four-year-old boy roughly and hit him four or five times to his hand because he was crying.

The mother of the four-year-old boy who was mistreated said he began trying to hide in the back of the car when she took him to nursery and sat shaking before they arrived.

The mother of the four-year-old girl said she became concerned when she heard her daughter saying to another child: 'Go to my office. You're not having any lunch.'

Button claimed the 'sadistic' techniques would force children to be 'better-behaved in the future'

Another one-year-old girl was even made to sit on the floor in Button's office and left for more than an hour-and-a-half.

The court heard the parents of a three-year-old girl had asked Button for help with potty training.

But the nursery owner 'became frustrated and adopted a cruel attitude' and made her sit for up to 45 minutes in her wet clothes.

She was also pushed to the floor by her head, which she began to imitate at home with her dolls, telling them: 'Look me in the eyes; I'm ignoring you. Go away, I'm not listening to you.'

Button, formerly of Wood End near Atherstone, Warkwickshire, was a child minder before setting up her own nursery nearby, called On The Button, in 2013.

She later took on four full-time members of staff at the nursery, which accepted babies to eight-year-olds.

Judge Andrew Lockhart QC said: 'You demonstrated a cruel streak. You acted towards those four children in a sadistic manner and in a way that was very far removed from any type of appropriate care.

'This type of behaviour is wholly inappropriate. It went out with the Dark Ages. This was more than one incident, it was sadistic conduct.

'There were also young people, apprentices, looking to you for guidance in the way to care for children in the future.

'I regard it as an aggravating feature that they had the anguish of whether they should speak out against a woman who was offering them employment.'

Button's nursery was formerly on this site in Warwickshire. Button faces a ban from working

The court heard Button had created an intimidating atmosphere at the nursery and there would be consequences for anyone who challenged her.

Mr Hunka added: 'But bizarrely and hypocritically, one member of staff who was stern with a child was told not to do it again or they would receive a formal warning.'

When Button was questioned by the police she denied the offences and only admitted what she had done the week before her trial was due to start.

As well as a suspended sentence, he ordered Button do 100 hours of unpaid work, stick to a a 7pm to 7am curfew for four months and pay 600 costs. It is likely she will now be banned from working with children.
While President-elect Donald Trump's incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus has called climate change 'a bunch of bunk,' his eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, has a different viewpoint.

The future first daughter plans to make the combating of climate change part of her platform going forward, Politico has learned.

A source told the website that Ivanka Trump is in the early stage of exploring how to use her new role to speak out about global warming, which her father once said was a 'hoax' created by the Chinese.

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Ivanka Trump wants to take on global warming, sources say, as part of her new role of first daughter

Ivanka Trump wants to be the bridge between liberals and conservatives on climate change, a problem her father has labeled a 'hoax' in the past

Ivanka Trump, photographed leaving her apartment in New York City with Arabella and Joseph, is also going to hire a chief of staff as part of her role as first daughter

In a more recent New York Times interview, the president-elect was asked if he thought human beings were causing the warming of earth's climate and he responded, 'I think there is come connectivity.'

He might be pushed further on the issue if Ivanka, who he is immensely close to, takes a stand.

This isn't the first time the former fashion model has veered into more liberal territory.

Introducing her father in July at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ivanka promised that he would be a fighter for working mothers, bringing up issues like pay equity and family leave, policies that Democrats more often preach.

'Policies that allow women with children to thrive should not be novelties, they should be the norm,' Ivanka prescribed from behind the podium.

Ivanka Trump broke rank from a majority of Republicans at the Republican National Convention touting affordable childcare, family leave and pay equity

Ivanka Trump (right), photographed with her father Donald Trump (left) at the Republican National Convention in July, will not be a traditional first daughter

She promised that her father, as president, would change the labor laws that were put in place years before women were a major part of the workforce.

'And he will focus on making quality childcare affordable and accessible for all,' Ivanka said.

A source told Politico that Ivanka's policy agenda, if it can be called that, shouldn't surprise anyone.

'The issues she's talking about are ones she's always talked about,' said a source close to the future first daughter. 'These are totally consistent with what she's developed with her brand.'

'She is playing a critical role in being able to have issues that moderate and liberal women care about  and creating a bridge to the other side,' the source added.

She notably was friends with Chelsea Clinton, while their parents were warring on the campaign trail.

Ivanka, who will take over the Trump businesses alongside brothers Donald Jr. and Eric, has made no plans to move to Washington, D.C. from New York, but she is planning to hire a chief of staff.

She may hire additional staff members too, Politico reported.

And while she recoiled at a suggestion from DailyMail.com during the New Hampshire that she'd essentially be taking over the role of first lady from her father's third wife Melania Trump, she's already playing a bigger role than first daughters have in the past.

'Margaret Truman sometimes took her mother's place at ceremonial events,' Katherine Jellison, an expert on the first ladies from Ohio University, told Politico. 'Pat Nixon's younger daughter, Julie, would fill in for her sometimes.'
A frail mother was stabbed to death by her schizophrenic son just days after Christmas when she was left to care for him following a 'break in the chain' in his community health care.

Sandra Brotherton, 60, suffered from asthma, osteoarthritis and kidney stones and was unable to cope with her son David, 30 who had lost the support of a community nurse and was reliant on a support worker who was on holiday.

After she returned home to their bungalow from a stint in hospital, Mrs Brotherton found her son had failed to take his medication and claimed she had poisoned his pizza - adding that she was 'Satan' and the 'Anti-Christ.'

Sandra Brotherton, 60, (right) suffered from asthma, osteoarthritis and kidney stones and was unable to cope with her son David, 30 (left) who had lost the support of a community nurse

She was subjected to a frenzied knife attack and was found dead the following morning with multiple stab wounds with her son locked in the bathroom.

The attack happened shortly after speaking to her sister about calling a mental health crisis team.

Brotherton later told police he felt 'happy' and believed he was 'fulfilling what was written in the Scriptures', feeling like he had been 'overtaken by an angel'.

He was sent to Ashworth secure psychiatric hospital where doctors said he posed little risk to others as long as his condition was 'properly controlled.'

At an inquest it emerged at the time of the killing, there had been a lack of communication between care workers looking after Brotherton. No contingency plan had been put in place for when his mother became too ill to care for her son.

On Thursday, a coroner said she would be writing to officials at Pennine Healthcare after she learnt health officials were unaware that the main support worker assigned to Brotherton was on annual leave at the time of the tragedy.

Brotherton had began suffering hallucinations at the age of seven. At the age of 16 was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia after he attempted to climb out of the window of his home.

But an earlier court hearing was told how in 2013 how he lost his community psychiatric nurse. His mother, who was in failing health, had to care for him even though he was not trusted to take his medication.

A mental health worker visited three times a week but Brotherton's behaviour became so erratic, he punched his mother in the face - although she kept the attack secret from doctors for fear her son would be confined to a secure mental hospital.

He became more abusive towards his mother, was reluctant to leave the family home in Bredbury, near Stockport and became paranoid about his food, fearing she was about to poison him.

Brotherton also became fanatically interested in the Qu'ran and claimed his mother was the 'Islamic version of the Antichrist'.

Her daughter Emma Green, 33, told the Stockport hearing: 'Over Christmas mum was very poorly and she did struggle a bit to make the Chiristmas dinner so we all helped out with it.

A mental health worker visited three times a week at the home (pictured) but Brotherton's behaviour became so erratic, he punched his mother in the face

'Mum had to prompt David to do quite a few things, she had to prompt him to eat and to get dressed. He had a book for his own medication, and mum would ask if he had taken his medication and he would go and look at the book.

'We talked about David needing more care and we spoke about that a lot. David read the Qu'ran on the iPad and if you distracted him he would get very angry. Mum said she had said something and he got angry and lashed out at her and on one occasion David said he was going to kill me.

'He had been sat on the iPad all day so I tried to take it off him and he just went absolutely crazy. He was saying 'I'm going to kill you, you're a Christian b****'.

'I was very scared and ran through the door. My mum was there too but she was anxious about David living somewhere else and she wanted to protect him.'

The tragedy occurred in December 2014 after Mrs Brotherton had been admitted to hospital for breathing difficulties.

But whilst his mother was in hospital Brotherton failed to take his medication and began to relapse.

When she was discharged on December 30 and returned home he began calling her 'the devil' and accused her of contaminating his pizza and she called her sister Linda Oates.

Mrs Oates said: 'I said she should call the crisis team but she told me "let's wait and see how he is once he has had his medication at 10pm." But 10pm never came.'

Brotherton who admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility was given an indefinite hospital order under the Mental Health Act in December 2015 after a judge ruled he was a man who should be treated rather than punished.

Recording a verdict of unlawful killing, Stockport coroner Joanne Kearsley said the issues were not enough to amount to systemic failure but added: 'It is a concern of the court about the contingency plan for David in the event of an emergency. It is obvious this information wasn't being provided.

'Sandra was an integral part of his care to prompt him to take his medication but was the focus of David's aggressive behaviour. Over the months he called his mother a 'witch' and 'Satan'.

'It was Sandra who was the main person in David's life and therefore she bore the brunt of his aggression.

'When it came to light that David had hit her, Sandra's sister Linda Oates said that she felt David had gone too far and urged Sandra to seek help and report David.

'Sandra did call the Mental Health services on 18 September seeking for David to be rehoused immediately - but she did not say that David had assaulted her.

'She felt that she didn't want the police involved because of David's last interaction with them was ended up with him being sectioned. Sandra was part of a triangle of care which had a lack of a robust system.

'When the care co-ordinator called Sandra, Sandra was clear that she did not feel at risk. Ultimately she fabricated a story to medical professionals. Her overwhelming position was to protect her son.

'It is likely that David failed to take his medication while Sandra was in hospital and was displaying breakthrough symptoms of his condition. This was a truly tragic incident, and I don't want it to take away from how Sandra cared exemplary for her son for so many years.'
The highest court in Austria has said a resident cannot smoke on his balcony or with the windows open during set hours as it is disturbing his neighbour's sleep.

The decision from the supreme court in Vienna could have far-reaching consequences for smokers in Austria.

A university professor, living in the Austrian capital, had filed the case after complaining about the smell coming from the flat below.

The court heard how the resident below enjoyed a cigar on his balcony during the summer, typically between midnight and 2am.

In the winter, he tended to smoke with the windows open in his apartment.

The highest court in Austria has said a resident cannot smoke on his balcony or with the windows open during set hours

A district court ruled the man should only be allowed to smoke when the windows were shut inside his flat.

However he appealed this and the court then said he could smoke on the balcony or with the windows open, but only between 6am and 10pm.

Following that, the professor decided to take the case to the Supreme Court, the Local reported.

The country's highest court said the resident cannot smoke outside or with the windows open between 10pm and 6am.

In the summer, he is also prohibited from smoking during 'eating times' - between 8am and 10am, midday and 3pm, and 6pm and 8pm.

The decision could have far-reaching effects on the country.

Austria has one of the highest rates of smoking in Europe, especially among young people.
This shocking eyewitness video footage was shot inside France's Alfort National Veterinary School, where dogs are deliberately bred to develop crippling and painful medical conditions.

The animals, which include golden retrievers and beagles among other breeds, are forced to endure muscular deterioration and weakness in a bid to help scientists research treatments for muscular dystrophy in humans.

As muscular dystrophy (MD)  including a particularly aggressive form called Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)  ravages the animals' bodies, they struggle to walk, swallow, and even breathe.

Shocking video footage was shot inside France's Alfort National Veterinary School

The dogs are deliberately bred to develop crippling and painful medical conditions

According to animal charity PETA, some of the dogs are completely crippled before they even reach six-months-old

In the footage, one dog's face is covered with vomit because his oesophageal muscles have grown too weak to allow him to swallow properly, while drool drips from the mouths of dogs whose jaw muscles have weakened.

According to animal charity PETA, some of the dogs are completely crippled before they even reach six-months-old, and half die before they reach 10 months.

Some of the hounds kept at the school can no longer eat normally and must be fed through a stomach tube, while those who survive long enough develop heart problems, the charity said.

On the video, one man, alleged to be an employee says: 'I wouldn't like to be in the beagle's place. The suffering is real'.

The animals, which include golden retrievers and beagles among other breeds, are forced to endure muscular deterioration and weakness

Experiments are conducted on the dogs to help scientists research treatments for muscular dystrophy in humans

The eyewitness video was given to PETA by the French animal rights group Animal Testing

PETA is calling on the French charity AFM-Telethon to stop funding the cruel experiments on animals and instead to support only modern, non-animal research projects.

The group is also calling on Alfort National Veterinary School to switch to humane research methods.

The eyewitness video was given to PETA by the French animal rights group Animal Testing.

As muscular dystrophy (MD) ravages the animals' bodies, they struggle to walk, swallow, and even breathe

The group is also calling on Alfort National Veterinary School to switch to humane research methods

PETA has questioned the reliability of applying results from dog experiments to humans

'Decades of painful experiments on generations of debilitated and suffering dogs have failed to result in a cure or even a treatment that can reverse the course of muscular dystrophy in humans', says Dr Julia Baines, PETA's science policy advisor.

'PETA is calling for an immediate end to these cruel, useless experiments as well as for increased support for promising non-animal research.' One employee acknowledged, 'I wouldn't like to be in the beagle's place. The suffering is real'.
For the past six years, Liu Miaomiao has worked as a flight attendant serving thousands of travellers in China.

But the soft-spoken woman became a celebrity almost overnight this week - after she was named the world's most beautiful flight attendant by an air stewardess association.

Having impressed the judges and the public with her patience and trademark smile, the 27-year-old, however, confessed that she was once a 'shy', 'bad tempered' teenager and did not know why she should smile.

Liu Miaomiao (pictured), from Shenzhen Airlines, is named the world's prettiest air stewardess

Dubbed the world's most beautiful flight attendant, Ms Liu joined Shenzhen Airlines in 2010

Ms Liu, was named as the world's most beautiful flight attendant by the World Air Stewardess Association.

Although the title was given to her in June, the Chinese media turned attention to her this week exploring the secret to her success.

Hailing from Gansu province, north-west China, Ms Liu joined Shenzhen Airlines in 2010 and is now a chief attendant.

She is best known for her smile, a feat she had achieved through etiquette training which required her to bite a chopstick for hours.

The 27-year-old, however, confessed that she was once a 'shy' and 'bad tempered' teenager

Years of cabin service has turned Ms Liu into a star attendant who can resolve the toughest issues with a calm smile

Dubbed as an air stewardess with an 'unforgettable smile', Ms Liu said when she first started at Shenzhen Airline, she had no idea that smiling was so important for a stewardess.

In an interview with her airline's magazine in 2013, Ms Liu said: 'When I first started flying, I saw my cabin manager smiling all the time. I felt strange. I wondered how she could always smile when she was asked to do perform tasks.

'But now I have managed to train myself to do that too because this is my job.'

In the same interview, Ms Liu also revealed that she was once an 'ill tempered', 'shy' and 'stubborn' girl.

She said: 'I was those kind of people who would never lower their heads and admit their mistakes.'

Chinese air passengers have been known for their unruly behaviour during flight delays.

She is best known for her smile, a feat she had achieved through etiquette training which required her to bite a chopstick for hours

Years of cabin service has turned Ms Liu into a star attendant who can resolve the toughest issues with a calm smile.

Ms Liu said once she managed to use her smile to calm down furious travellers who had to endure a lengthy delay before takeoff due to heavy traffic volume, according to China Daily.

The woman added that she felt most proud of her job whenever she thought that her professional looks would inspired young people to become flight attendants.

Shenzhen Airlines said Ms Liu had 'a beautiful image, a beautiful work attitude and a beautiful mind'.

A spokesman from the company told MailOnline that they were proud of Liu Miaomiao's title of the most beautiful flight attendant.

The spokesman said: 'Over the years, Liu Maiomiao has used her actions to represent the valuable characters an excellent flight attendant should have.'

World Air Stewardess Association announced the world's 10 most beautiful flight attendants on its website in June.

These stewardesses had been chosen from 30 candidates recommended by airlines from different countries.

The organisation revealed their criteria: good looks (30 per cent), inner beauty (30 per cent) and popularity (40 per cent).

Based in the city of Shenzhen, the airline operates 160 aircraft and flies internationally

According to her supervisor, Ms Liu had 'a beautiful image, a beautiful work attitude and a beautiful mind'

A spokesman from the association said the judging period lasted from November 2015 to June 2016.

The organisation has said that the candidates had not been judged solely on their appearance as they were also required to be 'gentle, intelligent, charitable and knowledgeable'.

They should also be a popular member of staff in their company.

According to the association's website, Liu Miaomiao was the winner of the competition, followed by Alexandra from American Airline and Shilpa Sharma from Etihad Airways.

The other chosen attendants are from SATA Air Acores, Air Caraibes, Aeromexico, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Cayman Airways and Lao Airlines.
An Apex gang member who is accused of stealing an elderly couple's BMW as they strapped their baby granddaughter in the backseat before arming himself and stealing $25,000 worth of cigarettes has been denied bail.

Kuay Jok, 18, was one of three youths who allegedly stole a BMW from a 78-year-old grandmother and grandfather in Brunswick on November 5.

The 18-year-old gangster allegedly demanded the keys from the terrified couple before allowing them to remove their four-month-old granddaughter from the back seat, the Herald Sun reports.

Kuay Jok, 18, was one of three youths who allegedly stole a BMW from a 78-year-old grandmother and grandfather in Brunswick, Melbourne

Detective Senior Constable Kellie Moore told the Melbourne Magistrates' Court Jok told the victims he was 'in trouble' before taking the keys to their prestigious car.

'(The female victim) told them she was going to get the baby out and the accused said: 'I'm not a bad person, get the baby out'.

The grandparents thought the three young man would hurt them if they refused to hand over their keys, the court heard.

The young gangster was denied bail - and has also been accused of being part of an armed robbery the same night

The car was allegedly involved in an armed robbery the same night. The gang of three is accused of stealing $25,000 worth of cigarettes and $1,000 cash after arming themselves with a kitchen knife, a doona cover and a crowbar.

Jok has been charged with armed robbery, car theft and assault.

Constable Moore told the court she believes Jok's 'sole purpose of the offending is personal enjoyment'.
Newt Gingrich ramped up his assault on Mitt Romney, assailing his 2012 rival for the GOP nomination for 'sucking up' to Donald Trump and mastering the French language.

Romney is on Donald Trump's short list for secretary of state, and it has Gingrich steaming. The former speaker of the House and current Trump adviser is ferociously opposed to the wealthy businessman earning a spot in president-elect's cabinet.

'You have never, ever, in your career seen a wealthy adult who is independent, has been a presidential candidate, suck up at the rate that Mitt Romney is sucking up,' he told radio host Laura Ingraham on Wednesday.

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Newt Gingrich ramped up his assault on Mitt Romney, assailing his 2012 rival for the GOP nomination for 'sucking up' to Donald Trump and mastering the French language

Tuesday evening Trump took Romney out for a lavish dinner at Jean-George, Jean-Georges, a French eatery near Central Park

Republican National Committee Chairman and Romney advocate Reince Priebus joined them. It was the second time Romney and Trump had met since the election. The president-elect is considering the former Massachusetts governor for secretary of state

Gingrich recalled 'a scene in 'Pretty Woman' where Richard Gere tells a salesman at a Rodeo Drive clothing store, 'We're going to need a lot more sucking up to us.'

That's what Romney's doing, Gingrich said, paraphrasing the famous movie line as, 'We need a little sucking up here.'

Romney is making amends for a March speech in which he called Trump a 'phony, a fraud' playing the voters for 'suckers.'

'Dishonesty is Donald Trump's hallmark,' he said in the address.

The retired politician who represented the GOP in the 2012 general election told Republicans to vote for any of the remaining candidates in the party primary - except Trump.

He never apologized for his remarks, at least not publicly, or his suggestion that Trump was hiding a 'bombshell' in his unreleased tax returns. Yet, he's interviewing for secretary of state, angering Trump insiders like Gingrich and Kellyanne Conway.

Tuesday evening Trump took Romney out for a lavish dinner at Jean-Georges, a French eatery near Central Park. Republican National Committee Chairman and Romney advocate Reince Priebus joined them.

Their four-course meal cost $218 a head. They started with young garlic soup with thyme and sauteed frog legs. They moved on to scallops with caramelized cauliflower and a caper raisin emulsion.

For their main course, Priebus and Trump had prime sirloin with a citrus glaze and carrots. Romney had lamb chops with the mushroom bolognese sauce.

For dessert, all three had chocolate cake.

The 'basic' menu at Jean-Georges starts at $138 per head, but they chose items from the more expensive Late Harvest Menu, which bumped them up to $218.

Romney said they discussed 'affairs around the world' and that he was impressed with Trump's speech on the night he won the election.

'It's not easy to win. I know that myself. He did something I tried to do and was unsuccessful in accomplishing and he won the general election,' he said.

Gingrich blew his stack on Wednesday. He told Ingraham, 'I am confident that he thinks now that he and Donald Trump are the best of friends, they have so many things in common. That they're both such wise, brilliant people.

'And I'm sure last night at an elegant three-star restaurant, he was happy to share his version of populism, which involve a little foie gras, a certain amount of superb cooking, but put that in a populist happy manner.'

Ingraham brought up the frog legs, and Gingrich called them 'elegant' before stating that Priebus, who calls Kenosha, Wisconsin, home, did not partake.

'I can't wait to talk to Reince and find out exactly how a guy of his background worked his way through the menu,' Gingrich said.

Gingrich recalled 'a scene in "Pretty Women" where Richard Gere' (pictured in the film) 'goes up to the salesman on Rodeo Drive and says: "We need a little sucking up here" '. Romney's also 'sucking up,' he said

Then, he revived an attack on Romney from their 2012 showdown, saying, 'Luckily for them, Mitt speaks French fluently. So he could help them with the menu.

'He could say: "Ahh, Mr. President-elect. This would be the perfect meal for you." '

A Gingrich attack ad from the 2012 Republican primary compared Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, to Democrat John Kerry, the current secretary of state and a former Massachusetts senator.

Both men are fluent in French the ad, 'French Connection,' pointed out.

Gingrich imagined Romney advising Trump to order the 'escargot, maybe pheasant' at dinner on Ingraham's radio show.

'God, I'd love to have been there as a fly on the wall,' he said. 'Every day they let this thing hang out there it becomes harder and more expensive to pick Romney.'

Trump is a billionaire. Romney is a millionaire. The Jean-Georges tab was pocket change to both of them.

In the day and a half since the dinner Trump have provided no new clues to his thinking on the secretary of state position. He's headed to Indiana and Ohio for events today.

Romney, Senator Bob Corker, Rudy Giuliani and ex-CIA head David Petraeus have all discussed the diplomatic post with the president-elect. Trump's also said to be looking at a list of other candidates that includes former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton.

Gingrich told USA Today in an interview this week that Romney would be an 'outrageous' selection.

'Romney said vile and vicious things. Romney opposed him all the way up to the election,' he said. 'In my judgment, Romney will be a very high risk ... because I think Romney has zero interest in the Trump revolution and every interest in re-establishing his own credentials.'

Gingrich, a vice chair of Trump's transition team, is giving his support to Giuliani.

He told USA Today that Romney's still in the mix because of his relationship with House Speaker Paul Ryan, his 2012 running mate, and Priebus, a Ryan ally.

Priebus, also Trump's White House chief of staff, is 'pretty strongly' in favor of Romney for secretary of state, Gingrich said. Ryan 'is very strongly in favor of Romney,' too, he said.
Tony Blair has handed the money made from almost a decade in business to a new 'Not For Profit Institute' tasked with dreaming up new centre ground policies.

The controversial former Prime Minister insisted his new Institute was neither a think tank or a vehicle for his own dramatic return to front line politics.

Instead, Mr Blair said, it will be a 'platform' for working politicians of the kind he said he would want were he still in No 10, offering 'thought leadership'.

The three-time election winner said the new organisation would include all of his previous interests - including on improving governance in African countries and interfaith relations - and not be a replacement for them.

Tony Blair, pictured after he was slammed by the Chilcot Inquiry in July, announced a new Institute for politicians today that he claimed was not a return to front line politics

But all of the other ventures are to be shut down and folded into the new Institute. It means the 'entirety' of the reserves, worth 8million, are being passed on.

Mr Blair said it was 'abundantly clear' he could not make a personal return to UK politics, acknowledging he is reviled by many for the Iraq War.

But he said: 'However, I care about my country and the world my children and grandchildren will grow up in; and want to play at least a small part in contributing to the debate about the future of both.'

Mr Blair said he had 'learnt a huge amount about the world' and had a greater understanding about what 'I can do and can't do to affect it positively'.

Explaining his new Institute, Mr Blair said: 'This is the creation of a platform designed to build a new policy agenda for the centre ground together with the networks which link people up, and allow a reasonable and evidence based discussion of the future which avoids the plague of social media-led exchanges of abuse.'

Mr Blair has made an increasing number of political interventions in recent months, including backing Remain

He added: 'Part of its focus will plainly be around the European debate; but this will not be its exclusive domain.

'It has to go far wider than that since in many ways the Europe debate is a lightning rod for the whole of politics.'

He said it was possible to launch the new initiative because he had built the necessary 'financial infrastructure'.

Mr Blair said the project was a 'new phase' of his existing ambitions.

He said: 'First we can take the work we have done in Africa, in governance, on extremism and in the Middle East to a new and more effective level.

'Secondly, in the past six months we have seen political earthquakes in the UK with Brexit and in the American election, as well as an explosion in populist movements all over the European continent.

'This impacts profoundly all the work we do and the future of globalisation.'

Mr Blair hinted at the dramatic return to front line politics to prevent Britain becoming a 'one-party state' in October.

In an extraordinary interview with Esquire magazine, the former Prime Minister acknowledges he is deeply unpopular in Britain in the wake of the Iraq war.
They traveled to America, France and

Activists who caused chaos Australia's Parliament House in support of asylum seekers, are in fact globe-trotting, professional protesters.

The group, Whistleblowers, Activists and Citizens Alliance super-glued their hands to railings during Question Time on Wednesday before the scaled the front of the Parliament House on Thursday.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the group took part in Climate Change marches in Paris last year and travelled the US state of North Dakota to protest an oil pipeline.

They also blocked a Melbourne car park and suspended themselves off a Brisbane bridge earlier this year.

Activists who caused chaos Australia's Parliament House in support of asylum seekers, are in fact globe-trotting, professional protesters

Protestors from Whistleblowers, Activists and Citizens Alliance, super-glued their hands to railings during Question Time on Wednesday

Phil Evans, spokesman for the group, told the Daily Telegraph that many in Whistleblowers, Activists and Citizens Alliance are unemployed

Whistleblowers, Activists and Citizens Alliance founder Samantha Castro said donations from 'people who still have a heart', allowed the group to travel around the world for various protests.

Phil Evans, spokesman for the group, told the Daily Telegraph that many in the group are unemployed.

'We're a diverse bunch of people. Most are employed and some are unemployed,' he said.

'I imagine there are some students but I happen to know how low social security payments are.'

Two pro-refugee protesters from the group will now be hauled before court after abseiling down the front of Parliament House and unfurling a banner reading 'close the bloody camps now'.

The pair scaled the building on Thursday morning while a dozen others waded out into a forecourt pond, holding placards with slogans calling for the immediate closure of offshore immigration detention camps.

Both will be summoned to appear before court at a later date, Australian Federal Police have confirmed.

The group on Thursday dyed the water red to represent turnbacks at sea, holding signs reading 'Turnbacks are murder' and 'Blood on your hands'.

The protesters said their latest action was a continuation of Wednesday's interruption of the House of Representatives.

Pro-refugee protestors are seen with a banner suspended of the roof outside Parliament House in Canberra

The group on Thursday dyed the water red to represent turnbacks at sea, holding signs reading 'Turnbacks are murder' and 'Blood on your hands'

A dozen protesters waded out into a forecourt pond, holding placards with slogans calling for the immediate closure of offshore immigration detention camps

Spokeswoman Zianna Fuad said their action had been planned for a while.

'You should be expecting widespread protest until the camps are closed,' she told reporters.

The two protesters who abseiled down the front of the building were experienced climbers, she said.

'I actually think we've tried all our other avenues of civil debate.'

Phil Evans said the group returned for a second day because parliamentarians had become complicit in the torture, rape and abuse of refugees.

'We're calling for justice for the refugees and we're willing to put ourselves on the line in solidarity with them,' he told AAP.

The group's founder Samantha Castro said donations from 'people who still have a heart', allowed the group to travel around the world for protests

Security guards hold a protester from the House of Representatives after they group began chanting slogans regarding the offshore detention of asylum seekers during Question Time

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister James McGrath labelled the protesters 'grubs'

Greens senator Lee Rhiannon offered the protesters chocolates as she congratulated them.

'I'm sure it will go around the world, the message,' she told them.

The senator defended the abseilers, describing them as non-violent and courageous.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister James McGrath labelled the protesters 'grubs'.

'These people are selfish, they're being sooks and quite frankly they should wake up to themselves and get a job,' he told Sky News.

'They ruined the experience for so many other Australians who came to Parliament House to see their representatives working.'

The two protesters who abseiled down the front of the building were reportedly experienced climbers

The abseilers removed their banner and clambered back up the front of Parliament House minutes before a 10.30am police deadline for their voluntary departure

Protesters left the fountain after about two hours and provided police with their details

Earlier, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he would never be convinced parliament's public galleries should be closed despite Wednesday's interruption.

'Incidents like this are regrettable and they will happen from time to time but people should not feel they are free to interfere with the parliament,' he said

Speaker Tony Smith told parliament a raft of proposed upgrade works, including new perimeter fencing and more poles for CCTV cameras, had been approved by the lower house.

He acknowledged the changes will impact the original design intent of Parliament House, but they will not change the way people enter the building or access the roof.

Members of Whistleblowers Activists and Citizens Alliance protest outside Parliament House in Canberra

Parliament is also looking at recovering costs to repair damage to the chamber by protesters

The abseilers removed their banner and clambered back up the front of Parliament House minutes before a 10.30am police deadline for their voluntary departure.

Meanwhile, the other protesters left the fountain after about two hours and provided police with their details.

Mr Smith later confirmed ACT Policing was considering charges against the protesters who abseiled the front of the building.

He also noted an investigation had begun into Wednesday's incident.

It will look at - among other things - security screening of people in the public gallery, ticketing procedures for question time and security response and capacity.
The male lion has been linked to previous attacks on livestock

Environmentalists in California are outraged that a local ranch owner has been granted a permit to kill a beloved mountain lion known after it killed 11 of her alpacas and a goat.

The four-year-old male cougar is suspected of slaughtering a dozen of Victoria Vaughn-Perling's farm animals for sport  and now wildlife officials have given her permission to hunt down the predator.

Then animal has killed 65 animals in the hills overlooking Malibu during an eight-month killing spree, causing uproar among many of the residents.

But wildlife experts are desperately trying to stop the slaying.

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Predator: This 4-year-old mountain lion known as P-45 is believed to have slaughtered a dozen arm animals in the mountains over Malibu, California, over the weekend

This is a digitally obscured image of an alpaca carcass at the California ranch where 10 animals were killed by the courage Saturday

'I understand if you lost the animals youre raising and are upset,' said Michael Bell, who founded the Citizens for a Humane Los Angeles, to the Mercury News.

'But this is a mountain lion, P-45. Famous. I believe he should be left alone to do what mountain lions do. If people have livestock, they should go to great extremes to protect their own without killing a natural predator.'

The attacks took place over the weekend in the rugged mountainous terrain overlooking Malibu.

At one ranch near Mulholland Highway at Decker Canyon Road, owned by Vaughn-Perling, the cougar was believed to have claimed the lives of ten pet alpacas on Saturday.

The mountain lion then struck again on Sunday at a location two miles away, tearing apart a goat and another alpaca.

A state game warden has determined that the animals were all slaughtered by a mountain lion, and the most likely culprit was the cougar.

'The lion is obviously killing for sport, not food,' local resident Mary-Dee Rickards told KBUU radio.

Vaugh-Perling said P-45 has 'terrorized' her for months, theWashington Post reported.

But she has insisted she doesn't want to kill the animal.

She says she was trying to get a permit to tranquilize and relocate the cougar to Wildlife Waystation, an animal sanctuary in Los Angeles.

'It is only a matter of time when someone will get a kill permit, and successfully kill P-45,' said Vaughn-Perling, according to the Post.

The rancher said she 'will proceed with killing this lion if she is not given a permit to relocate it within the next few days.'

Security measures: Wildlife officials said the rancher had her alpaca herd in a secure area surrounded by a barbed wire fence

The mountain lion did not eat any of the alpacas, suggesting it killed the pet animals for sport

In a statement, the National Park Service has said the only long-term solution is for ranchers to build cougar-proof enclosures to protect their livestock.

'Eliminating P-45 does not solve the problem, especially given there are at least four mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains that have killed livestock over the past year,' said Kate Kuykendall, of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, to the Mercury News.

'Nor is P-45s behavior abnormal or aberrant in any way. If animals are stuck in an unsecured pen, a mountain lions natural response can be to prey upon all available animals'

Wendell Phillips, who owns a ranch next door to the alpaca farm that was targeted in Saturday's attack, told CBS Los Angeles he too had several alpacas killed by the same mountain lion over the summer.

Phillips had obtained a permit to kill the four-legged predator but only managed to graze him with a bullet.

If he was just eating one animal every once in a while because he was hungry, everyone would understand that. But this, no, Phillips said.

People in the sparsely populated area have estimated that more than 50 farm animals have been killed by mountain lions in less than a year.

Nobody wants to kill him, Phillips said of P-45. He is an animal and I want to preserve his life, but I dont want to donate my animals to the food chain.

Contract: The owner of the ranch has obtained a 10-day depredation permit allowing her to hire a hunter to lure and kill P-45 (pictured)

The rancher who lost 10 of her alpacas has filed a petition asking for a depredation permit to kill P-45, and on Monday afternoon state wildlife officials granted her request, reported NBC Los Angeles.

The 10-day permit allows the rancher to hire a hunter to lure the cougar, most often using a deer carcass, and shoot it with a rifle within 10 miles of the ranch.

Under state law, killing a mountain lion without a permit is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine, according to the LA Times.

The DFW spokesperson noted that the rancher in question had done everything in her power to protect her herd, including keeping the alpacas in a secure area behind a barbed wire fence with motion-activated security lights.

But the cougar was able to circumvent all the security measures to get to the animals and kill them.

The brazen mountain lion P-45 was tagged with a radio transmitter and blood tested several years ago. National Park Service biologists believe the male is four years old.

The big cat has been linked to earlier attacks in the region targeting llamas, sheep, alpacas,.
Ms Bruce told police she had just regained custody of her young sons

Bruce and Davis said they had been clean but recently relapsed; the young father begged police not to arrest him and offered to become an informant

The 23-month-old was wearing dirty clothing and had no socks on; his nine-month-old brother was sleeping under a blanket in car seat

A passerby spotted the couple passed out in the idling car with a young boy sitting in Bruce's lap and thought they were dead

A couple who drove three hours from their home in Vermont to Massachusetts to buy heroin were found passed out in a car with their one-year-old son and nine-month-old baby boy inside last week.

Jacob Davis, 27, and his fiancee, 32-year-old Tamara Bruce, were arraigned on Monday on charges of reckless child endangerment after they were arrested in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on Friday night.

Davis also faces a charge of operating under the influence of drugs.

Police told the Eagle-Tribune that a passer-by thought Davis and Bruce, both of Manchester Center, Vermont, were dead when he saw them in their idling white Nissan at around 10.30pm on Friday.

Davis had his seat belt strapped around his arm like a tourniquet and was leaning into the steering wheel, with the vehicles engine still running.

It is just the latest example of the shocking heroin epidemic that has gripped the United States in recent months.

Parents' overdose: Tamara Bruce, 32 (left), and Jacob Davis (right), 27, were arrested in Massachusetts after police say they were found overdosed with their two children in the car

Jailed: The Vermont couple were arraigned on Monday on charges of reckless child endangerment

Bruce was slumped in the front passenger seat with the couple's 23-month-old son in her lap. Their 9-month-old son was sleeping in his car seat in the back.

An officer who responded to the scene banged on the car window to wake up Bruce and Davis.

An arrest report describes the man as moving slowly and appearing to be in a stupor.

When questioned by police later, Davis said he had been clean for more than six months but relapsed.

Police found the couple's 23-month-old son (pictured as a newborn left and right) and his nine-month-old brother in the idling car

'Dirty and scared': A police officer wrote in his report that the older boy (pictured with Davis) was wearing dirty clothing, had no socks on and looked scared

He then reportedly got down on his knees and begged the officers not to arrest him, telling police he would become an informant and offer names and phone numbers of 'big dealers in the city if we gave him a chance,' the paper reported.

Bruce admitted that she, too, had recently began using heroin again after a two-year hiatus. The 27-year-old woman told police she had just gotten her boys back from child services in Vermont, and that she had previously lost custody of her 11-year-old son.

The mother was described as wearing 'unsanitary' clothes and was drenched in sweat, as was her fiance.

According to the report, Bruce and Davis' older son, who was sitting in his mother's lap, seemed 'very scared and had small scratches on his face.'

The young boy was wearing filthy clothing and had no socks on in 35-degree weather.

Troubled history: Bruce, pictured left and right, told police she had just gotten her two sons back. She had previously lost custody on her 11-year-old son

Desperate: Davis reportedly begged the officers on his knees not to arrest him, offering police to become an informant and hand over the names of drug dealers

His baby brother was asleep in the backseat with a blanket 'covering him like a tent, stated the police report.

Both children were initially taken to a hospital and then transferred into the custody of the Department of Children and Families

Following her arrest, Ms Bruce told police that 'it was mistake' and that she did not want to lose custody of her children again.

When police searched the couple's Nissan, they allegedly found a syringe and a plastic wrapper containing beige power.

Bruce and Davis were each ordered held on $2,500 bail. They are due back in court for a pre-trial hearing on December 29.

Bruce and Davis both told police they had been clean but recently relapsed and began using heroin again

Far from home: Police say the couple drove three hours from their home in Vermont to Lawrence, Massachusetts, on Friday to buy drugs

Incidents involving adults overdosing on opioids in the presence of children have been extensively covered by the media in recent months.

In September, Lawrence, Massachusetts - the same city where Bruce and Davis were arrested on Friday - was in the news after CCTV footage emerged showing Mandy McGowan lying unconscious from a suspected drug overdose in the middle of a local Family Dollar store, with her 2-year-old daughter tugging on her arm.

Earlier this week, Essex County District Attorney's Officer announced its decision to prosecute McGowan, 36, for child endangerment.

The woman has been placed on probation and ordered to continue with drug treatment until her next court date in January.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 78 Americans die from opioid overdoses every day.
A disgraced former Labor minister's lawyer says he should be spared jail so he doesn't die behind bars.

Eddie Obeid, a 73-year-old millionaire who wielded considerable power in the Labor Party, was found guilty in June of lobbying a senior public servant over lucrative leases at Sydney's Circular Quay.

The Lebanese-born former New South Wales MP failed to disclose his family's stake in Cafe Sorrentino and Quay Eatery at the tourist hot spot.

Former NSW minister Eddie Obeid (pictured centre) arriving at the New South Wales Supreme Court

The former Carr government minister (pictured second right) arrived at the Supreme Court for sentencing submissions

At his sentencing hearing on Thursday in the NSW Supreme Court, his barrister Brad Hughes, SC, argued Obeid should be spared jail because he only had four years left to live.

'Any time taken out away from his family is more precious because it is limited,' he told the court.

Crown prosecutor Peter Neil, SC, however, argued he was 'far from death's door' and therefore deserved to go to jail.

He acknowledged the former minister for fisheries in the Carr government had suffered from a stroke in August and was afflicted with diabetes.

Eddie Obeid had failed to disclose his family's interest in Cafe Eatery at Circular Quay

The former fisheries minister didn't tell the public servant about his family's stake in Cafe Sorrentino

'Fortunately he came out of it as well as could be expected,' he said.

'The type of conditions that afflict the offender and the fact of his age are by no means novel or new to them.'

But Obeid's lawyer said the offending of his client, a 20-year veteran of parliament, was at the bottom end of the scale.

Mr Hughes tendered 55 character references, one describing the resident of ritzy Hunters Hills, on Sydney's lower north shore, as a 'champion of the underprivileged'.
Her mother has now claimed Syrian government forces are targeting them

The mother of an an Aleppo girl who found fame tweeting about the civil war from her home before it was destroyed says the Syrian Army are targeting their family.

Seven-year-old Bana Alabed has been posting messages from the ravage eastern area of the war-torn city with the help of her mother Fatemah.

One haunting image of the child's friend came along with the words: 'Oh dear world, I am crying tonight, this is my friend killed by a bomb tonight. I can't stop crying. - Bana.'

Now Fatemah has used the account to claim the pair are being targeted by the country's government forces because of the content of their messages.

Aleppo is in the middle of a brutal tussle between government forces, ISIS and rebels. Residents are pictured fleeing the city today

The mother of an an Aleppo girl who found fame tweeting about the civil war from her home before it was destroyed says the Syrian Army are targeting their family

'We are still alive': Bana Alabed posted a photo of herself hiding from bomb blasts in her home city of Aleppo

She wrote: 'Appeal to the world - I & Bana received death threats & we are convinced Syrian Army will target us soon because of our account and messages.'

Since join Twitter last September Bana has amassed close to 200,000 followers and frequently posts videos and photos of her grim life in Aleppo which is in the middle of a brutal tussle between government forces, ISIS and rebels.

There have been a number of airstrikes conducted by Russian forces in November on ISIS militants and rebels in support of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and his government.

Earlier this month Bana uploaded a distressing video of herself hiding in the corner of a room while blasts can be heard going off outside.

Cruel ending: The horrifying image of Bana Alabed's friend who died during a bomb raid in the city dubbed the most dangerous in the world

She said: 'Someone save me now please.'

Earlier this year Bana received a number of Harry Potter novels directly from author J.K. Rowling after her mother made a request to the writer over Twitter.

The girl, who speaks basic English, tweeted a sweet thank you video for Rowling.

'Hello my friend, I started reading your books now, my heart is for you. Thank you,' she said.

Rowling replied back with a tweet saying: 'This made me so happy! Lots of love to you and your brothers!'

Innocence lost: A haunting Twitter account purports to show the horror of the bombing raids on Aleppo through the eyes of seven-year-old Bana Alabed (above)

Relentless: Bana, her mother and her brothers (pictured several years ago) are trying to survive the fiercest aerial onslaught since the Syrian civil war began

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Bana's mother Fatemah insisted the account was not 'propaganda' as she revealed details of the devastation around them: 'We live in hell. The sound of bombs wake us from our sleep. They have become our alarm clock.

'When the airstrikes come, my children cry and say the pilot wants to kill us.'

Other pictures on the account claim to show their next-door-neighbours' crumbling homes and smoke billowing from the latest explosion down the road.

'Four bombs hit us now just few steps away. Good afternoon from Aleppo,' reads one of her latest posts.

'Last year my school was bombed my friends killed injured. I was lucky to survive. I'm afraid of the bombing,' the Twitter goes on from Bana's point of view.

Former law student Fatemah lives with Bana, her husband Ghassan, 34, a former lawyer, and their two sons Mohamad, five, and Noor, three.

She says they share the flat with her sister and husband's family and cannot flee the city because they fear being caught up in an airstrike or picked off by snipers.

Meanwhile, about 30,000 people are receiving aid after fleeing the besieged eastern zone of Aleppo in the past few days, taking the total number of displaced people in the Syrian city to more than 400,000, U.N. special envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Thursday.

By Wednesday, about 18,000 people had been registered entering government controlled areas and about 8,500 crossing into Sheikh Maqsoud, the Kurdish-controlled zone of Aleppo, de Mistura's humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland told reporters. He said those figures were likely to have risen on Thursday.

Syria and Russia have declined the U.N.'s request for a pause in the fighting to evacuate 400 sick and wounded in need of immediate treatment, but Russia wants to discuss the idea of setting up four humanitarian corridors, he said.

'A humanitarian corridor can work if all the armed actors respect it,' Egeland said.

Aout 30,000 people are receiving aid after fleeing the besieged eastern zone of Aleppo in the past few days

The total number of displaced people in the Syrian city has now topped 400,000, it has emerged

The U.N. has food for 150,000 people ready in western Aleppo but it still cannot reach roughly 200,000 who remain in the enclave, where food stocks have run out and surgery is being done in basements without anaesthetic, he said.

The United Nations is scaling up its presence in western Aleppo to help with the aid effort but also to monitor the treatment of people fleeing the besieged zone.

'There are no more vulnerable people on earth probably than the civilian population in Aleppo,' said Egeland. 'And they are extremely vulnerable for possible actions by the armed opposition groups as they try to leave and by all of the groups that will meet them as they leave.'

The top priority remains a pause in the fighting, as well as finding shelter for people as winter begins, he said.

Egeland renewed his call for the members of the jihadist group formerly known as the Nusra Front to leave the besieged zone, which he said would help save lives and strengthen the argument for a ceasefire.
Assistant Chief Constable Rebekah Sutcliffe is pictured today arriving to hear the outcome of her misconduct hearing

One of Britain's most senior policewomen committed gross misconduct when she launched a drunken tirade at a junior colleague about the size of her breasts, a disciplinary panel has ruled.

However, the panel have recommended that Assistant Chief Constable Rebekah Sutcliffe should not be sacked over her behaviour.

Ms Sutcliffe told Superintendent Sarah Jackson that her 'credibility was zero' after she had a 'boob job' and berated her as a 'laughing stock' who would be judged professionally 'on the size of her tits'.

She then went on to pull down the front of her dress to expose her left breast and say: 'Look at these, look at these, these are the breasts of someone who has had three children. They are ugly but I don't feel the need to pump myself full of silicone to get self-esteem.'

Ms Sutcliffe, 47, who was the most senior female Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer at the time, verbally attacked her younger subordinate following a gala dinner at the national Senior Women In Policing Conference last May.

But a hearing was told she remains a 'role model' to women despite humiliating another senior officer over the size of her breasts.

The haranguing in the early hours of May 6 at Manchester's Hilton Hotel concluded when Ms Sutcliffe told her colleague she was no longer going to support a further promotion for her.

Ms Sutcliffe denied what she did amounted to gross misconduct but a panel found it did following a hearing this week.

However the panel recommended that Ms Sutcliffe receive a final written warning rather than dismissal.

The BBC's director of strategy and former Labour culture, media and sport secretary James Purnell wrote a letter in support of Ms Sutcliffe. He said it 'seems to me an important type of officer to retain in policing'.

While not 'excusing or condoning' her reported behaviour, he added: 'The region's police force would be poorer without her and a force for good would be lost.'

The hearing was adjourned and GMP Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling will make the ultimate decision at a later date, expected to be next year.

Row: ACC Rebekah Sutcliffe, left, of Greater Manchester Police allegedly flashed colleague Supt Sarah Jackson, right, who says she was shamed for having breast enhancement surgery

Greater Manchester Police declined to comment after the finding this afternoon.

Ms Sutcliffe admitted misconduct in failing to treat Ms Jackson with respect or courtesy and that she abused her position and authority. She also acknowledged that her actions discredited the police service.

Her counsel, John Beggs QC, had told panel chair Rachel Crasnow QC, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Tom Winsor and independent member Alastair Cannon that the 'sheer quality and quantity' of the character references before them 'entitle you to come to a decision which is not career-ending'.

Outburst: ASS Sutcliffe drank up to four glasses of wine and says she can't remember what happened

He said many of the statements from senior and subordinate officers spoke of her as 'inspirational', 'visionary' and 'a strong leader'.

One unnamed female detective chief inspector at GMP said she is 'a role model to many women in the organisation'.

Sir Tom asked Mr Beggs: 'Has her capacity to be a role model for many women officers not been fatally undermined by having humiliated and insulted a fellow woman officer in relation to her body and performance?'

Mr Beggs replied: 'No, it has not been fatally undermined unless you take the approach that once you make a mistake you are tainted.

'In this case the humiliation and upset caused has been acknowledged, admitted and sincerely and fully apologised for.

'Assistant Chief Constable Sutcliffe remains a role model - a role model who is not perfect, who has human frailties.

'Greater humility has been brought upon her. She will emerge as an even more impressive senior leader if you permit her to.'

Night out: Supt Jackson (centre) tweeted this photograph from the event designed to enhance the 'profile and perception' of female officers in May. Her friends, pictured, were not involved in the alleged incident

Another female detective chief inspector testified of her anger that senior male colleagues had behaved 'far more reprehensibly' than Ms Sutcliffe - who has served GMP for 23 years - and not faced sanction.

Mr Beggs said Ms Sutcliffe's 'stupid mistake' of getting too drunk did not demand dismissal and she was someone who could continue to make an 'immensely positive contribution' to policing and service to the public.

He went on: 'She is a woman, actually, of conspicuous personal kindness - to victims of crime, vulnerable people, subordinate colleagues. Someone who always goes the extra mile to help a colleague in personal and professional stress.

'She is a strong leader. She is an inspirational and visionary leader.'

Supt Jackson, pictured left with friends and right in her uniform, said the abuse she suffered in front of her colleagues left her 'mortified, embarrassed and ashamed'

References came from male and female officers across 'a diversity of rank', he said, and he noted that 'many hard-nosed senior detectives clearly regard her as one of the best, some say the best leader they have worked for'.

Mr Beggs said: 'Both within and out of the (police) service, people who know very well what she has done and admitted nonetheless speak with confidence, and assert, that she has much left to give.'

On Tuesday, the panel was told that former GMP chief constable Sir Peter Fahy had twice promoted Ms Sutcliffe and felt she had the potential to reach the highest rank.

It is believed that Ms Sutcliffe is the most senior officer to face a public disciplinary hearing since they were introduced by the Government last year.

Mr Beggs told the panel: 'This will not happen again. Despite the humiliation she can rebuild her career, not just for the benefit to her but for the people of Greater Manchester.

'She will do so chastened. She won't repeat the mistake, you can be certain of that.'

ACC Sutcliffe, above, is said to have told Supt Jackson she was 'a laughing stock on the fourth floor' - where the force's senior command team is based in its Manchester headquarters

He said that Sir Peter Fahy's suggestion that Ms Sutcliffe could be a chief constable in future 'now appears to be a forlorn hope but what she can continue to give is outstanding service'.

'It is not necessary to dismiss Rebekah Sutcliffe, censure is necessary. Most importantly, it is not in the public interest to dismiss her.'
These are the tense moments that two men are forced to drive through the Tennessee fires that are consuming a mountain in a desperate bid to survive.

Choking smoke surrounds the vehicle and several times the car passes just feet from the burning homes that once formed the tiny, picturesque mountain town of Gatlinburg in Sevier County.

At least seven people have been confirmed killed by the fires that consumed the town, but Michael Luciano and his friend managed to escape with their lives - barely - as this terrifying video shows.

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Terrifying: Michael Luciano and his friend were forced to drive through the Tennessee wildfire to escape the burning mountain resort town of Gatlinburg, with visibility almost at zero

Sparks: Several times the fires were so close that sparks flitted over the windows. Had their tires burst, they would have been stranded in the middle of the fire - and likely died

Consumed: Every cabin and other building they passed by was burning down. One area they drove through was once the picturesque 'Chalet Village' - now a smoldering ruin

As the pair - and a dog named Red - weave their way down the mountain, the road ahead is all but invisible beyond a few feet.

All that can be seen through the thick smoke are the orange and yellow lights of the increasingly fires.

At first they're distant - the thin trees just silhouettes against the bright flames.

But seconds later Luciano sees his road, just down an embankment, engulfed in flames. Fire is also crawling along the brush toward them.

'Hit the gas,' Luciano tells his friend, perhaps worrying that the fires that are curling over the edge of the road might pop their tires.

If that happens, they're as good as dead.

Wild: The fires were seen crawling through brushwood on both sides of the road. The intense heat and smoky air caused the car's third occupant - a dog named Red - to whimper in terror

Hellish: As they descended the mountain, the scenes looked increasingly like a vision of Hell. At this point they had to speed across fires that were actually taking over the path ahead

'I can't see!' says his friend, agitated. Luciano keeps his head, telling him 'You can see,' as the light from burning cabins and trees mark the edges of the road.

Sparks flit across the windshield as they descend further into what used to be called Chalet Village, but now looks like Hell itself. Every home they see is being devoured by flames.

Luciano comforts Red, whose eyes are full of smoke, as the driver is forced to veer off-road on occasion to avoid areas of intense heat.

And in one area the path ahead has begun to catch fire, forcing them to speed over the flames.

At one point, they drive under a tree that has fallen toward the road, and is only being held up by other trees.

'Please, Lord, let us get off this mountain' Luciano says, just before the pair come across another fallen tree - this one blocking their path.

'Go through it!' he commands. 'I can't!' the driver replies. 'We cannot be stuck,' Luciano says, as the video ends.

Collapsed: A collapsed tree was being held up - barely - by other trees. Had it fallen, it would have blocked the road

Trapped: The video ends with the pair apparently trapped by another fallen tree, but Luciano did indeed make it off the mountain to safety

The pair did indeed get off the mountain in the end - and according to Luciano's Facebook page they even managed to help spur another driver, who was partially sighted and had given up hope of getting down, to drive on to safety.

Luciano's luck held out down the mountain, too - he later confirmed that his home had miraculously survived the flames.

But others were not so lucky.

On Wednesday another Gatlinburg resident, Michael Reed, was left begging for help to find his wife, Constance, and two daughters, Lily, 9, and Chloe, 12.

And authorities have confirmed that at least seven people have been confirmed dead in Sevier county so far.

Over 14,000 people were forced to flee the area when wildfires swept across the mountain.

But its residents have vowed to rebuild their former homes.

Aftermath: Cars that were left in the path of the fire were completely destroyed

Brick foundations were all that was left of homes and companies in Gatlinburg

Charred remains and smouldering rubble was all that was left after wild fires swept through
He shared several pictures on his Twitter account showing him and others gearing up for the trip and seemed excited to be going

Aldrin traveled to the South Pole as part of a tourist group earlier this week

He was flown out of the South Pole under care of a doctor who had said his 'condition deteriorated' and that he was 'ailing'

The former astronaut is in stable condition and is said to be in 'good spirits'

Officials say Aldrin is suffering from fluid in his lungs and he is being treated at the Christchurch hospital with

Wheelchair bound Buzz Aldrin has been hospitalized with fluid in his lungs after the 'ailing' former astronaut had to be medically evacuated from a South Pole expedition in Antarctica on Thursday.

White Desert, the private tourism company overseeing the trip, requested help for the former American astronaut who was traveling as part of a tourist group and said that he was 'ailing' as his 'condition deteriorated.'

He is currently being treated at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand with antibiotics for fluid in his lungs and is in stable condition.

Aldrin 'is responding well to antibiotics and being kept in overnight for observation,' his manager, Christina Korp, said.

'As a precaution, following discussion between the White Desert doctor and the U.S. Antarctic Program, (Aldrin) was evacuated on the first available flight out of the South Pole to McMurdo under the care of a doctor,' White Desert said in a statement.

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Buzz Aldrin has been hospitalized with fluid in his lungs and is being treated with antibiotics at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand. He is pictured above smiling in the hospital bed

The former American astronaut had to be medically evacuated from the South Pole after his 'condition deteriorated' during a tourist trip. He is pictured above arriving to the hospital in a wheelchair, as it appears he's receiving oxygen

White Desert, the private tourism company overseeing the trip, requested help for Aldrin and said that he was 'ailing'. He is pictured above being taken off the airplane and into an ambulance to be transported to a hospital

Aldrin was transferred by St John ambulance to the Christchurch Hospital. He is pictured above inside the ambulance with his manager Christina Korp

Aldrin needed to be flown from the 'Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to McMurdo Station on the Antarctic coast and then to New Zealand,' the National Science Foundation, which manages the US Antarctic Program, said in a statement.

Once the plane arrived in New Zealand, he was transferred by St John ambulance to the Christchurch Hospital and was accompanied by his manager.

White Desert said the 86-year-old is in 'good spirits' after having to end his trip earlier than expected.

A photo shared to his Twitter account late Thursday afternoon shows his manager standing next to him as he beamed with a wide smile in the hospital bed and is said to be 'recovering well.'

Video shows the moment Aldrin was taken into the hospital, as he was sitting in a wheelchair and appeared to be receiving oxygen.

Before being evacuated from the Antarctica, Aldrin managed to make it to the South Pole

The space legend became ill shortly after this photograph of him was taken

His manager released a twitter message showing the astronaut made it to his destination

The 86-year-old, who is the second man to walk on the moon, needed to be flown from the Antarctic coast to New Zealand on Thursday. He is pictured above during the historic Apollo 11 mission

Aldrin was said to be in stable condition when he was transferred to the medical team. He is pictured above in a tweet he shared before boarding a plane to the South Pole

Earlier this week, Aldrin shared several pictures on his Twitter account showing him and others gearing up for the trip and seemed excited to be going.

'South Pole here I come! #antarctica (sic) #WhiteDesert #GYATAntarctica' he wrote in a tweet on Tuesday alongside a photo of himself standing with his bag in front of a plane.

In another tweet on Tuesday, he wrote: 'We're ready to go to Antarctica! May be our last opportunity to tweet for a few days! We're go for departure to the launchpad!'

White Desert said the 86-year-old is in 'good spirits' after having to end his trip earlier than expected. The former astronaut shared the above tweet and photo before departing to the South Pole with the tourist group

He also tweeted the above message and photo before departing and said 'We're go for departure to the launchpad!'

Aldrin is the second person to walk on the Moon when he joined Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins for the historic Apollo 11 mission.

The Montclair, New Jersey native who is a former fighter pilot, stepped on the moon about 20 minutes after Neil Armstrong took the historic first step on July 20, 1969.

Their moonwalk as part of the Apollo 11 lunar landing was watched by a then-record television audience of 600 million people.
A Colorado children's doctor has been suspended from her job after claiming Michelle Obama was a 'monkey face' who could not speak English properly.

Dr Michelle Herren, who earns $363,000-a-year as a pediatric anesthesiologist at Denver Health, criticized the First Lady on her personal Facebook page.

The outrageous post was noticed by a member of the public who alerted the hospital who suspended Dr Herren.

Dr Michelle Herren made the comments on her now-deleted Facebook account

Denver doctor Michelle Herren made offensive posts on Facebook about Michelle Obama

In one Facebook post, Herren described the First Lady as a 'monkey face'

However, her now-deleted Facebook page has led to her suspension from her hospital

As well as working at Denver Health, Dr Herren is an associate professor at Colorado University.

In a series of posts, Herren attacked the First Lady claiming: 'Doesnt seem to be speaking too eloquently here, thank god we cant hear her!;

She continued: 'Harvard??? Thats a place for "entitled" folks said all the liberals!'

In a final post, she added: 'Monkey face and poor ebonic English!!! There! I feel better and am still not racist!!! Just calling it like it is!'

According to Denver Health: 'Until further notice, Michelle Herren, MD, will not be seeing patients or providing anesthesia services at Denver Health Medical Center.'

A further statement added: 'Denver Health is deeply disappointed by the remarks posted on social media by Dr. Michelle Herren against the First Lady of the United States.

'We are offended by the comments made by this individual, who was acting independently in her private capacity. Her views are contrary to the mission and values of Denver Health, and to our staff and patients.

'Denver Health proudly serves people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and social backgrounds  and our staff and patient population truly reflect our diverse community and nation.

'We are reaching out to all of our patients, employees and physicians to reinforce our culture, mission and beliefs that all individuals regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation are deserving of dignity and respect.'

Some commentators on social media were deeply angered by Herren's offensive comments

Denver Health said they were 'deeply disappointed' by Herren's Facebook posts

Denver Health claimed Herren's comments were made entirely in a private capacity

The University of Colorado School of Medicine also released a statement concerning Herren.

It said: 'Insensitive, derogatory and racist statements are unacceptable and inconsistent with our mission. John J. Reilly, Jr., MD, dean of the School of Medicine, has communicated directly with Dr. Herren regarding her statements posted on Facebook.

'He reminded Dr. Herren, who is an employee of Denver Health, of her responsibilities as a faculty member to conduct herself with civility.

'The School of Medicine is reviewing the details of this matter and will ensure that its students and trainees and the patients who are served by our faculty are not exposed to unacceptable behavior.'

According to the Denver Post, Herren's comments were reported by JoAnne Nietto, who said: 'It really outraged me to see that she works at Denver Health, which serves a huge minority population.'
Disgraced former general David Petraeus would have to check in with his parole officer before being named secretary of state by Donald Trump.

Petraeus, an ex-four-star general who pleaded guilty in 2015 to sharing classified information with his mistress, Paula Broadwell, is reportedly in the frame to be picked by Trump for the prestigious position.

If he does get the nod from the Donald, Petraeus would have just three days to alert his parole officer about his new job.

Despite his guilty plea, David Petraeus (pictured at Trump Tower on November 28) is reportedly in the frame to be named secretary of state by Donald Trump

The 64-year-old was sentenced to two years' probation and fined $100,000 for sharing classified information with Broadwell.

He would also be required to tell the officer before leaving North Carolina and be subject to warrant-less searches, as well as having all work-related travel cleared in advance, court documents obtained by USA Today reveal.

'The defendant shall notify the probation officer within 72 hours of any change in residence or employment,' the document states.

'The defendant shall not leave the Western District of North Carolina without the permission of the Court or probation officer. Travel allowed for work as approved by U.S. probation office.

Petraeus (pictured in 2009), an ex-four-star general, pleaded guilty in 2015 to sharing classified information with his mistress, Paula Broadwell

'The defendant shall submit his person, residence, office, vehicle and/or any computer system including computer data storage media, or any electronic device capable of storing, retrieving, and/or accessing data to which they have access or control, to a search, from time to time, conducted by any US Probation Officer and such other law enforcement personnel as the probation officer may deem advisable, without a warrant.'

Current Secretary of State John Kerry set a record in April when it was calculated he has traveled more than one-million miles during his time in the role.

However, all those roadblocks to doing his potential job could be removed by a presidential pardon. Having a criminal record does not exclude someone from politics.

Petraeus carried on an affair with Paula Broadwell (right), a married woman who was his biographer, and shared classified material with her

It comes after the former military man, who led the CIA until 2012 and was one of the people behind George W. Bush's 2007 troop surge in Iraq, met with Trump on Monday.

Petraeus spoke about the meeting as he left Trump Tower - where the president-elect has been holding meetings since the election.

'I was with him for about an hour. He basically walked us around the world. Showed a great grasp of a variety of the challenges that are out there and some of the opportunities as well,' he said.

Trump tweeted his approval of Petraeus after the pair met inside Trump Tower on Monday

'Very good conversation and well see where it goes from here. We'll see where it goes from here.'

Trump tweeted about the meeting a short time later: 'Just met with General Petraeus--was very impressed!'
Donors to the Democratic Party burnt out after last month's catastrophic electoral losses.

Democrats lost the White House and failed to take enough seats in the House and Senate to constitute a majority, and their top donors have had enough.

'I may very well be done with political giving entirely,' John Morgan, a top Clinton fundraiser in Florida told The Hill. 'My message to anyone reading this is, "Dont call me, Ill call you." '

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Donors to the Democratic Party burnt out after last month's catastrophic electoral losses from the top down. Hillary Clinton is seen above at an event in New York on Tuesday

The losing political party is on a quest to remake its national political operation into one that's more inclusive after an email scandal in 2016 showed party leaders favoring the establishment.

Democrats must pick a new party leader early next year after the president leaves office. Two state party chairs from New Hampshire and South Carolina, a sitting congressman and a former Democratic National Committee chairman are seeking the position.

At least two other heads of liberal organizations and a former governor are considering bids, too.

Contenders are emphasizing a return to the grassroots organizing strategy that won Barack Obama the White House and a bottom up approach that puts a greater focus on state and local races.

Keith Ellison, a Minnesota lawmaker whose candidacy is backed by senators across the spectrum on the left, says the party must ween itself off of rich, corporate donors.

National Democrats may not have a choice.

'The feeling I get from big donors out here in California is that theyre not only extremely disappointed, but theyre shell-shocked,' Marc Nathanson, a high-roller who spoke to The Hill. 'So to turn around and say, now its time to rebuild the national party and the DNC, I just dont see it.'

The House was always a longshot for Democrats. The incumbent president's party was favored to win the upper chamber and the executive branch, though, and managed to lose both.

Clinton's campaign has blamed the FBI and director James Comey for her defeat, which had a down ballot effect on Senate and House races, too.

He rained on her parade in the final days of the election, casting new suspicion in her email case and damaging her credibility with no time left for improvement.

Democrats also blame the Russians for the electoral loss. Hacks on the DNC's system and Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta's personal account led the disclosure of embarrassing information that hurt the party and their top candidate.

Big dollar donors are 'tired' a DNC official told The Hill.

'Theyre upset about the election, and there was significant trauma surrounding the Russians. Theyre upset and theyre tired.'

Democrats put more than $1.3 billion behind Clinton's losing campaign, including more than $545 million that benefited the party committees and her joint fundraising effort with the DNC and states, a Washington Post analysis of each candidate's finances that was published near the end of the race found.

The DNC has also been sending emails non-stop to small-dollar donors since a week after the election, pressing pause once on Thanksgiving Day.

Clinton ally David Brock told The Hill that some major backers are ready to get back in the fight.
A hostage situation at a Jacksonville, Florida bank has ended with all 11 hostages freed and the suspect in custody - despite a tense two-hour stand-off that saw hostages repeatedly threatened with death, police said.

At around 9am Thursday a man identified as Nicholas Daquan Humphrey, 23, entered the Community First Credit Union on West Edgewood Avenue with a dog and handgun and held the place up, cops said.

Police descended on the bank, where the suspect put his gun to the heads of victims and threatened to kill them 'multiple' times, cops said, until two trapped civilians made a distraction that let SWAT intervene.

Hostages: Some 11 hostages were held in the Community First Credit Union (pictured) in Jacksonville, Florida, Thursday. SWAT (pictured) went in after two hours, at 11am

Arrested: Police say Nicholas Daquan Humphrey (pictured in older mugshots - left from September and right from February), 23, tried to hold up the bank with a handgun

Released: All 11 hostages (pictured above, with police) were released, and Humphrey was taken into custody afterward. He had also entered with a dog, which was unharmed

Sheriff Mike Williams initially wrongly identified the suspect - described as a black male in his 20s or 30s - as DeAndre Shuman.

The Sheriff's Office later confirmed that Shuman was innocent, and announced the suspect as 'Nicholas Daquan Humphrey, 01/29/1993, black male' on Twitter.

An 18-year-old black teller named Andre Shuman was confirmed earlier in the day as one of the hostages.

In charge: Officers, including this sniper, had the bank surrounded for two hours - but eventually they managed to get the hostages released

Speaking to reporters, Sheriff Mike Williams said that Humphrey - who was not employed at the bank - threatened to kill hostages 'multiple' times during the two-hour ordeal.

His threats and activity 'escalated and became more intense', Williams said, until there was no choice but to have the SWAT team breach the bank and rescue the hostages.

SWAT held back until an opportunity presented itself, Williams said.

That opportunity came when two hostages, who had hidden from the robber, made a break for the exit.

They were believed to have coordinated the escape with SWAT teams outside, ABC said.

As the pair ran, the gunman was distracted, Williams explained - that gave the SWAT team the opportunity it needed, and a large black tank-like battering ram was deployed to breach the entrance of the building.

SWAT officers used it as a shield to enter the bank, then put themselves between the suspect and the hostages.

Surrounded, Humphrey gave himself up and was taken into custody without injury, Williams told reporters.

Humphrey had previously been arrested in February for battery domestic violence and in September for driving on a suspended or canceled license.

Freed: Officers accompanied hostages from the scene (right). One former hostage (left) was seen using a walker

Led to safety: As the hostages (pictured) were led to safety, officers took the suspect into custody. Police said Humphrey did not resist arrest once he knew it was over

Ram: This is the police battering ram that was used to enter the bank. SWAT team members used it as a shield until they were able to get between the suspect and the hostages

None of the hostages had been injured. The dog was reportedly also safe with police.

One witness, Clara Cruise, thanked 'the Lord' as she saw her daughter, who works in the bank, being removed from the scene by SWAT officers.

'God be the glory! Oh, hallelujah!' she said, laughing with relief, as she watched her daughter safe and sound with police officers.

Another anxious family member seen outside the bank during the incident was Latasha Shuman. She told News4Jax her 18-year-old son Andre had texted her from inside the bank.

He had told her two people were shot - contradicting later remarks by police, who said no one was hurt.

'Is u ok' she asked Andre, who has worked at the bank as a teller for around two or three months.

'Yeah man this dude stupid' he replied. 'Two ppl shot'. He also described the man as 'nervous'.

None of the hostages were allowed to talk to the media immediately following their removal from the scene. Shortly after the suspect was confirmed to be in custody.

Texted: Latasha Shuman's 18-year-old son, Andre, who works as a teller at the bank, texted his mom to say he was okay. He said two people were shot, but cops later said no one was injured

Protection: SWAT get into place during the robbery. Local businesses were evacuated. Good Shepherd School, located near the bank, was placed on lockdown throughout

In force: SWAT, Sheriff's Office deputies and hostage negotiators were out in force during the stand-off. SWAT entered the bank and retrieved the hostages before the suspect was taken

Police said that they were alerted to the incident by a quick-witted witness.

She told ABC First Coast that she saw one teller disappear and another crouching near the counter at around 9am.

When she saw five or six tellers walking with their hands up toward the safe, she made the call.

'When you see something crazy, let it be known that it's crazy,' the woman - who was not named by the media - told the station.

Earlier, when the hostage situation had been underway, a News4Jax reporter on the scene tweeted that Jackson Sheriff's Office (JSO) believed one person had been shot.

'The suspect who tried to rob the bank is contained inside the bank,' Melissa Bujeda with JSO said, while the hostage situation was still happening.

'We know multiple people are inside the bank but we haven't been able to verify if someone has been shot.'

Willing human shields: The SWAT officers stood between Humphrey and the hostages, Sheriff Mike Williams said, ensuring he could not hurt the civilians

The shot was reported in a 911 call by a witness who overheard it, police told reporters.

It's not clear where the information about the injured party came from.

But officers said that nobody was hurt in the incident.

Businesses in the nearby area have been evacuated by police for safety. Good Shepherd School, nearby, was on lockdown during the incident.

Carter Woodson Elementary school was reported on lockdown due to the robbery, but told Dailymail.com that it was only in an unrelated 'testing mode'.

#JSO: One report of person shot, not confirmed.  Vic Micolucci - WJXT (@WJXTvic) December 1, 2016
In the dock: John Letts, 55, and wife Sally Lane, 54, pictured today at the Old Bailey, are accused of transferring cash to their son after he joined ISIS

The parents of 'Jihadi Jack' will face a terror trial next year after they denied sending their son 1,700 knowing it would be used for terrorism.

Jack Letts, 20, from Oxford, became the one of the first white British converts to join ISIS, has changed his name to Abu Mohammed and fathered a son with an Iraqi bride.

His parents John Letts, 55, and wife Sally Lane, 54, are accused of transferring cash to their son despite being warned not to by police on at least three occasions.

The middle class couple, who run an ancient grain business, were allegedly warned they could face criminal prosecution if they sent any money to the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa.

Jack enjoyed a comfortable upbringing at the hands of Canadian master-thatcher father, John, an organic farmer and archaeobotanist considered a 'leading light' in ancient wheat.

His mother, Sally, is a books editor.

Today Letts and Lane both denied three charges of entering an arrangement to make money available for terrorist purposes.

They allegedly made the transfers totalling 1,700 on September 2 2015, December 31 2015 and January 4 2016.

Jack Letts, pictured in what is believed to be Syria, fled to ISIS-held territory in 2014. He is said to have married an Iraqi and fathered a son

Lane has yet to be arraigned on two counts of attempting to transfer money knowing it might be used for terrorism. The pair are due to stand trial on January 9.

Jack is understood to have married an Iraqi woman who has given birth to his son, Muhammed, and the family are thought to be either in Iraq or Syria.

Speaking at an earlier hearing Kathryn Selby, prosecuting, said: This case involved repeated sending or attempts to send money to Ms Lane and Mr Lettss son in Raqqa in Syria which is under Daesh control.

He is believed to be at the very least linked to terrorism. They were told by the police on three separate occasions that this was not permitted.
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Controversial Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to kill human rights campaigners for hindering his bloody war on drugs.

Duterte issued the astonishing warning as the death toll from his crackdown climbed above 4,800 - an average of 30 deaths a day - since it began five months ago.

In an extraordinary message to campaigners, he said: 'The human rights [defenders] say I kill. If I say 'OK, I'll stop', they [drug users] will multiply.

'When harvest time comes, there will be more of them who will die. Then I will include you among them because you let them multiply.'

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to kill human rights campaigners for trying to intervene in his war on drugs

Duterte has followed through his election promise to tackle the drug trade in the country

Almost 5,000 people have been killed since Duterte won May elections in a landslide on a pledge to kill tens of thousands of criminals

The president has called on police and even civilians to murder drug suspects in the country

Campaign groups lined up to condemn the 71-year-old lawyer.

Amnesty International Philippines said: 'This pronouncement is...inciting hate towards anyone who expresses dissent on his war against drugs.'

The National Alliance against Killings Philippines, a newly formed coalition of rights groups, said it took the threat very seriously and called on Duterte to revoke it.

It said: 'His comment - that human rights is part of the drug problem and, as such, human rights advocates should be targeted too - can be interpreted as a declaration of an open season on human rights defenders.'

Father Atilano Fajardo of the archdiocese of Manila, who works with urban poor groups, said those trying to protect the vulnerable would not be intimidated.

'This (threat) is a continuation of his effort to create a culture of fear, a culture of violence. We will not let this come to pass,' he told AFP.

Fajardo said the Catholic Church, which counts more than 70 per cent of Filipinos in its number, has become more vocal in its opposition to Duterte's controversial crackdown on drugs.

'He cannot just frighten us. The priests and nuns will speak out,' he said.

The dead body of Reynato Bernardo, 55, lies on his tricycle in Mandalutong city, Philippines

A pool of blood was left on an avenue following a shooting by an unknown assailant of a man in Pasay city, Philippines, as part of the mass crackdown on drug suspects

A man lies bound and wrapped in packaging tape left in a dark street in Pasay city

An investigator inspects the body of a man killed in a shootout with police in Manila

Police inspect the body of a man, wrapped in packaging tape, and dumped on a road

President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs continues and after almost six months has killed almost 5,000 Filipinos since the crackdown

Duterte won presidential elections in May after pledging to slaughter tens of thousands of drug suspects.

Since assuming office, he has called on police and even civilians to kill drug users.

Duterte also said he would be 'happy to slaughter' three million drug addicts, and likened his campaign to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's efforts to exterminate Jews in Europe.

He later apologised for his Hitler reference, but said he was 'emphatic' about wanting to kill drug users.

Residents inspect a crime scene where police gunned down a drug suspect in Manila

Duterte also said he would be 'happy to slaughter' three million drug addicts in his country

Duterte has publicly encouraged civilians to kill drugs addicts and said he will not prosecute police for extrajudicial executions

Last week he met Russian President Vladimir Putin who he referred to as 'my favourite hero'.

In an attack on the US, he 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.'
An unsuspecting guest arrived a friend's wedding to discover that she was the bride and that her boyfriend had planned their whole ceremony as a surprise.

For many women the idea of a partner planning their big day without them is their worst nightmare.

Having no say on who gets invited, the flower arrangement, the reception and importantly her dress, would surely result in the wedding from hell.

But Gustavo Ortiz, from Buenos Aires in Argentina, was so confident that his partner Mercedes would be bowled over by his romantic - if not audacious - gesture that he spent months planning the ultimate surprise.

Pictured: Mercedes Ortiz (left) was gobsmacked when she was surprised by own her wedding ceremony in Buenos Aires, Argentina

The newspaper photographer said he first came up with the idea around five years ago, but several parishes turned him down because they were unwilling to go ahead with the ceremony without the bride's consent.

He said: 'At the end of July, returning from winter holidays in Mar del Plata, the idea hit me again. And there I thought, 'Suppose I have the church. How do I go about it? Whom do I tell?'

Finally he got a church to agree to help him on his romantic quest - the Sacred Heart in the Barracas area of Buenos Aires.

Gustavo said: 'The priest, what a guy. At the ceremony he said: 'When he came to talk to me four months ago, I said' This bloke is crazy '. But I'm crazier than him. '

However, he could not pull off the big day on his own - he needed help.

Luckily a team of friends were eager accomplices and helped him get the most important prop, his bride's wedding dress.

Pictured: Friends help Mercedes put on her veil as she prepares to walk down the aisle

Pictured: A beaming Gustavo waits at the altar after he surprised his partner Mercedes

However, he still had to convince Mercedes with his 'fake' wedding story.

Gustavo said: 'When I told her that our friend was getting married, she said 'splendid', and that she had a dress she'd worn just a few months before. But it was black.'

To change Mercedes' mind he ordered 'four special cards', with the invitation, stating it would take place in a very glitzy ballroom in Barracas.

Her friends also convinced her to pick another outfit and thankfully, she agreed.

Gustavo admits the most complex part of his plan was the day of the wedding itself.

Pictured: An emotional Mercedes is walked down the aisle as friends and loved ones look on and take pictures

Pictured: Gustavo and Mercedes stand at the altar during their ceremony at the Sacred Heart Church in the Barracas area of Buenos Aires

He arrived at the church before his bride and hid away while she came with a friend.

Another friend then captured the moment a gob-smacked Mercedes walked through the door and heard wedding music erupt around the church.

In the emotional footage, tears run down Mercedes' cheeks as she walks down the aisle towards her future husband.

Thousands of people have watched the video since it was shared online and Gustavo said he was shocked by how many people were touched by it.
almost 50,000 entries from amateurs and professionals from 95 countries

Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is on show at the Natural History Museum in London

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These stunning photos have beat off stiff competition to make it through to the finals in the People's Choice category of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

The Natural History Museum in London, which is hosting an exhibition of 100 photographs from this year's competition, has chosen 25 of the best images to form a shortlist to put to a public vote.

This years contest was the most competitive to date, attracting almost 50,000 entries from amateurs and professionals from 95 countries.

Judged by a panel of international experts, winning images are selected for their creativity, originality and technical excellence - but nature fans also have a chance to pick their favourite.

The exceptional images reveal the astonishing diversity of life on our planet; from tiny penguin chicks huddling together to keep themselves warm in an Antarctica snowstorm, to a huge pair of oxen coming to blows in a Norwegian national park.

Other finalists include a heart-wrenching picture of a baby wildebeest meeting its premature end at the hands of a lion, and a beautiful image of a swarm hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats flocking to feed at twilight.

Voting is open online and closes on January 10, 2017. The exhibition will be on display at the Natural History Museum until September 10, 2017.

Daisy Gilardini from Switzerland snapped this photo of a polar bear cub hitching a ride by clinging on to its mother's back in Wapusk National Park in Manitoba, Canada

This dalmatian pelican, the world's largest species of the bird, was hanging out on Lake Kerkini in Greece, where British photographer Guy Edwardes took this picture

This stunning photograph, captioned 'Into the Night' was taken by Karine Aigner in San Antonio, Texas, as hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats came out to feed at twilight, circling out through the entrance of Bracken Cave

These snow-covered emperor penguin chicks huddled together to shield themselves from the force of the snowstorm as German photographer Gunther Riehle took their picture in Antarctica

This cheeky giraffe was snapped by at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya by Cari Hill from New Zealand; while Cristobal Serrano from Spain captured the exact moment a hummingbird dipped its bill in to feed from a flower at Los Quetzales National Park, San Jose, Costa Rica

Bernd Wasiolka from Germany snapped these sisters briefly adopting the same posture, when she encountered a large lion pride at a waterhole in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa

Ally McDowell took this abstract picture of a parrot fish's eye while she was on a night dive, when creatures of the deep were still and sleeping

This incredible picture, by Victor Tyakht from Russia, shows a rainbow on a bird's wings - the structure of the wing caused light to spread out if it hits at the right angle, creating incredible patterns

This adorable picture shows a Japanese macaque resting, protected by his mother's hand, and was taken at Jigokudany snow monkey park in Japan by Alain Mafart Renodier, from France

It was a crisp, clear day in January when Annie Katz saw this Colorado red fox hunting in her neighbour's field and snapped this perfect picture as the animal approached her and stared right into her camera lens

In this beautiful extreme close-up, UK-based David Maitland photographed the crystallised chemical salicin, which comes from willow tree bark

Cold temperatures on Shodoshima Island, Japan, sometimes lead to monkey balls, where a group of five or more snow monkeys huddle together to keep warm, as pictured by Thomas Kokta from Germany

Andrea Marshall was snorkelling off the coast of Mozambique when she came across hundreds of large jelly fish like this one, covered with brittle stars hitching a ride

Although this shot was taken from a safe hide in Zimanga Private Game Reserve, South Africa, photographer Bence Mate was chilled by this four-metre-long Nile crocodile, which was baited with natural carcasses

These Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys, pictured by Stephen Belcher from New Zealand, have thick fur to help them withstand the -20C temperatures in Zhouzhi Nature Reserve, Qinling Mountains, China

During a dive off the coast of Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia, Sergio Sarta spotted this fire urchin with an elegant couple of little Coleman shrimp sheltered between its toxic quills

Tapio Kaisla, from Finland, took a trip to DovrefjellSunndalsfjella National Park in Norway, to find these magnificent oxen coming head-to-head in their natural habitat

Reinhold Schrank was at Lake Kerkini, Greece, taking pictures of birds when he saw this caterpillar on a flower and encouraged it onto a piece of rolled dry straw; while Mario Cea used a high shutter speed to capture this kingfisher diving at a natural pond in Spain

Gordon Illg photographed these geese looking like ghosts in the pink light of early morning as they came in to land among sandhill cranes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, USA

Rudi Hulshof from South Africa wanted to convey a message of hopelessness and uncertainty with this picture of two critically endangered white rhinos, taken in harsh light at Welgevonden Game Reserve

This beautiful picture, by Marco Gargiulo from Italy, shows a bristle worm, which has two layers of feeding tentacles. One of the layers forms a distinct spiral, as captured by Marco

Johan Kloppers from South Africa saw this little wildebeest shortly after it was born in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Little did he know that he would witness its death at the hands of a lion later that same day
Middle-aged members of a Protestant flute band are seen stripped to the waist and simulating sex as they sing boisterous chants in footage that emerged this week.

Some joked they were 'traumatised' after seeing the shocking footage, which shows women in their bras and topless men on from the Saltcoats club in Scotland.

The riotous group, who describe themselves as a Protestant flute band, are singing along to a Killers song, changing the words to 'Are we human or are we Saltcoats'.

Middle-aged members of a Protestant flute band are seen stripped to the waist and simulating sex as they sing boisterous chants in footage that emerged this week.

It's a play on the actual words, 'are we human or are we dancers', with dozens singing the adapted version as the song plays on the background.

The clip was filmed at a Saltcoats Protestant Boys' Club night out to celebrate the loyalist marching band's 10th anniversary two years ago but has only just emerged.

The footage, thought to have be filmed during a booze-fuelled night out at Sullivans Bar in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, has caused a sensation on social media.

The hilarious video begins with one woman exposing her stomach while showing off her peach bra and rotating around while she dances.

Another woman, with grey hair and glasses, swings her top around the air as she dances around in her black bra with other revellers.

One lady then appears to 'twerk' before a topless man approaches her from behind, bends her over and thrusts from behind, simulating sex.

Some joked they were 'traumatised' after seeing the shocking footage, which shows women in their bras and topless men on from the Saltcoats club in Scotland

The riotous group, who describe themselves as a Protestant flute band, are singing along to a Killers song, changing the words to 'Are we human or are we Saltcoats'

Dozens of shirtless men can then be seen huddling together in the background as they jump around and chant the hit songs lyrics to the Killers song.

Before the clip cuts out the scantily clad crowd simultaneously jump into the air while chanting 'SPB'.

The club describes itself on its Facebook page as a 'Loyalist marching flute band [promoting] Loyalism and Unionism.'

Almost 3,000 people on Twitter have retweeted the video since it emerged last week.

And hundreds of social media users have taken to the clip to make fun out of the energetic party-goers.

One Twitter user wrote: 'Surely this is the first sign of impending apocalypse? Half demonic gremlins performing some anti-christ summoning ritual?

The footage, thought to have be filmed during a booze-fuelled night out at Sullivans Bar in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, has caused a sensation on social media

Most people thought it was hilarious and one even joked that it looked like a scene from wildlife documentary Planet Earth

But the group hit back on Facebook after heavy criticism on social media when the video emerged, claiming the abuse was 'anti-Protestant'

Another said: 'That is horrific isn't it? Some people really shouldn't be allowed to breed.'

And another amused viewer wrote: 'what have I just witnessed.traumatised to say the least.

Another user joked: 'That a trailer for tonights Planet Earth?'

One user even tweeted the video to The Killers asking for their thoughts on it.

He said: 'Wondered if you had any reaction to this 'tribute' by the sectarian 'Saltcoats Protestant Boys'? Scotland is embarrassed.'

But the club hit back at the mockery on Twitter, saying: 'What goes through the diseased mind of your average anti-Protestant that they feel the need to troll a vid of a night out from 2 years ago?
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Paying respect to his late father, Thailand's new king kneels in front of a picture, as servants lie on the floor behind him in a deferential manner.

It is a scene reminiscent of classic musical The King and I, which was also set in Thailand when it was known as Siam.

The 64-year-old Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn today became the king of Thailand, 50 days after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

He accepted an invitation from the Thai parliament to succeed his brother, and was crowned at Bangkok's Dusit Palace.

After weeks of complex palace protocols the prince was invited by the head of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to ascend the throne in an event broadcast on all Thai television channels.

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Thailand's new king kneels in front a picture, as servants lie on the floor behind him in a deferential manner

Thailand's new King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun is seen on his way out from the Grand Palace in Bangkok

The 64-year-old Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn today became the king of Thailand, 50 days after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej

The sombre, ritual-heavy ceremony at his Bangkok palace was attended by the chief of the NLA, junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha, and the powerful 96-year-old head of the privy council, Prem Tinsulanonda

Maha Vajiralongkorn was seen being driven away in a luxury vehicle after he was crowned King in Bangkok

A scene from the classic 1956 film The King and I, in which servants lie on the floor in a similar manner as a way of showing deference

'I agree to accept the wishes of the late king... for the benefit of the entire Thai people,' said Vajiralongkorn, wearing an official white tunic decorated with medals and a pink sash.

The sombre, ritual-heavy ceremony at his Bangkok palace was attended by the chief of the NLA, junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha, and the powerful 96-year-old head of the privy council, Prem Tinsulanonda.

Red-jacketed courtiers looked on as a palace staff member shuffling on his knees presented the new king with a microphone through which he delivered his few words of acceptance.

Thailand's new King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (right) listening to the invitation to ascend the throne by Regent pro tempore General Prem Tinsulanonda (left) during the ascension to the throne proclamation ceremony

Thailand 's new king Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun pays his respects to a portrait of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Thai Queen Sirikit at the Dusit Palace

King Vajiralongkorn then prostrated himself, hands pressed together in respect, to a small shrine topped by a picture of his father and mother - Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara.

He becomes Rama X of Thailand's Chakri dynasty, but will not formally be crowned until after his father's cremation, which is expected next year.

Bhumibol's reign, which ended on October 13, spanned a tumultuous period of Thai history pockmarked by a communist insurgency, coups and street protests.

Students praying for His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun before his proclamation as the new Thai King today

Monks pray next to the portrait of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun at Wat Pathum Wanaram during his proclamation as the new Thai King

Buddhist monks pray in front of a picture of Thailand's new King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun

It also saw breakneck development which has resulted in a huge wealth disparity between a Bangkok-centric elite and the rural poor.

To many Thais, Bhumibol was the only consistent force in a politically combustible country, his image burnished by ritual and shielded by a harsh royal defamation law.

Monks chanted blessings at Buddhist temples to mark the new monarch's ascension -- an era-defining moment for most Thais who for seven decades knew only Bhumibol as their king.

Vajiralongkorn does not yet enjoy the same level of popularity.

Monks pray for His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun as he appears on TV

He spends much of his time outside of the public eye, particularly in southern Germany where he owns property.

He has had three high-profile divorces, while a recent police corruption scandal linked to the family of his previous wife allowed the public a rare glimpse of palace affairs.

Thursday's ascension ends a period of uncertainty since Bhumibol's death prompted by the prince's request to delay his official proclamation so he could mourn with the Thai people.

Thailand's constitutional monarchy has limited formal powers. But it draws the loyalty of much of the kingdom's business elite as well as a military that dominates politics through its regular coups.

Thailand's Crown Prince pictured arriving at the Grand Palace in Bangkok

Analysts say Vajiralongkorn, untested until now, will have to manage competing military cliques.

In a brief televised address after the ceremony, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who as army chief led the 2014 coup, praised the new king 'as the head of the Thai state and heart of the Thai people.'

The Thai monarchy is protected from criticism by one of the world's harshest lese majeste laws, carrying up to 15 years in jail for every charge of defaming the king, queen, heir or regent.

That law makes open discussion about the royal family's role all but impossible inside the kingdom and means all media based inside the country routinely self-censor.

Convictions for so-called '112' offences -- named after its criminal code -- have skyrocketed since generals seized power in 2014.

Experts say most have targeted the junta's political opponents, many of whom support the toppled civilian government of Yingluck Shinawatra.

The emergence of Yingluck's brother Thaksin in 2001, a vote-winning billionaire seen by many of the rural poor as their champion, prompted the recent round of political conflict.

The army and royalist establishment have toppled two governments led by the siblings accusing them of nepotism and corruption.

Thailand royal succession
Sanjay Nijhawan has been jailed after kiling his wife Sonita, 38, pictured

An investment banker who killed his wife in a 'brutal and sustained attack', stabbing her more than 120 times with an axe and a knife, has been jailed for life.

Sanjay Nijhawan launched an 'excessive' attack on his wife Sonita Nijhawan at their 2million mansion in a gated community in Weybridge, Surrey, on May 21 after she told him she wanted a divorce.

The 46-year-old banker was convicted of manslaughter by a unanimous jury in October but his sentencing was adjourned until today so that a psychiatric report could be prepared to assess his anxiety and depression.

Jailing him for life, the judge ordered Nijhawan from Crossfield Place in Weybridge, Surrey, must serve at least nine years before being considered for parole.

The judge told Nijhawan he had 'significant culpability' for his horrific crime after the court heard he conducted internet searches to find the soft part of a human skull before the attack.

The trial at Guildford Crown Court heard the 46-year-old had quit his highly-paid job as an investment banker in the City of London but had a mortgage of 670,000, which led to his depression.

Nijhawan waited for his wife to come downstairs in the early hours of May 21, before he took the axe from his back pocket and attacked her.

He inflicted 124 significant injuries to his wife's body as well as 25 stab wounds to her neck.

Nijhawan had accepted brutally killing his wife but claimed it was on the grounds of diminished responsibility after his battle with depression spiralled out of control and he felt he had 'no option' but to kill her.

Jurors heard that after Nijhawan killed his wife, he took the blade to his own neck.

Nijhawan, right, had quit his job and been diagnosed with depression in the months before the death of his wife Sonita, left. The former banker is said to have been overcome with pressure

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Robert Fraser said: 'It was in any view a brutal and sustained attack where you used a axe to hit her and knife to stab her.

'You inflicted 120 wounds, targeting her head, her neck and her thighs. You used an axe first, stab wounds to her thighs were inflicted after she lost a great deal of blood.

'The knife from the drawer in the kitchen was used to create the fatal loss of blood from her neck wounds.

Former Barclays banker Sanjay Nijhawan

'While the degree of force used to inflict the stab wounds was moderate, the force to the head and skull was severe.

'The majority of the attack was while she was on the floor.

'You and your wife had argued the day before about divorce. She took her rings off, you replaced the ring after she was dead.

'You took her phone from her, clearly to stop her from using it to tell her family about the divorce. You didn't want it to spoil an event for your grandmother.

'Family and friends have lost a very unique and remarkable lady and it's right to say your family suffered too.

'You were capable before you actually killed her of forming a settled intention to do so you planned how to kill her, seeking information from the internet.

'The attack itself was sustained, brutal and excessive.'

The judge told Nijhawan he posed a 'significant' danger to the public and future partners.

He added: 'While your culpability is reduced the remaining circumstances are unchanged given the seriousness - significant culpability remains despite you suffering an abnormality of the mind.'

Mrs Nijhawan was found dead at her 2m mansion in a gated community in Weybridge, Surrey

Sally O'Neill, prosecuting, told the court Nijhawan had no previous convictions.

A letter written by Nijhawan expressing his remorse was read to the court. It said: 'I wanted to express my regrets and remorse to the court, Sonita's family, my family and all friends. Sonita was an amazing person who was tragically taken away by my senseless actions.

MOTHER'S GRIEF 'LIKE A DEEP OPEN WOUND' After the verdict, the court heard a heartrending victim impact statement from Sonita Nijhawan's mother, Nirmala Parkash, 62: I am Sonita's mother. I am desperate to see her, hold her and love her. It feels like an organ has been ripped out of me. I keep thinking of it in my head, it is like a film. How afraid she must have felt. I feel it like a deep open wound, like an abyss which cannot be filled. I can't even look at pictures of her. I had to take photos down around the house because it is unbearable. I will have to live with this until I'm in my own coffin. I long so much to have her here again. I'm proud of my daughter  she often teased me that I liked Sanjay more than her. We had spoken about Sanjay's stress  she only wanted the best for him. I go from screaming and crying to feeling totally drained and hollowed out. I don't understand how this could have happened ... To think of their child who will have his whole life without his mother, I go from screaming to crying. Advertisement

'To go back and change things has been on my mind and will stay with me forever, the pain and anguish I have caused is something I'm sorry for from front the bottom of my heart.

'Her memory will live on, I am sickened by my actions.

'For Sonita's family, my thoughts go to her mum and dad and my nieces and nephews will all be mourning the loss.'

At Guildford Crown Court today, defence barrister Orlando Pownall, said: 'He did not kill her for reasons of revenge, jealousy or punishment.

'He killed her at a time when he was labouring under the influence of moderate to severe depression which caused him to lose rational judgement.

'Mr Nijhawan does not pose a threat of harm to the public. Two doctors have said he does not pose such a risk.

'The only risk of harm that he poses is harm to himself. All of the evidence points in one direction, notwithstanding the dreadfulness of what occurred, there cannot be a life sentence.

'A diminished responsibility remains a responsibility, it is for the court to decide what is his criminal responsibility.

'There are aggravating circumstances, like the use of two weapons, which would in the case of someone in possession of their full faculties, cause the starting point to be greater.

'However who was involved? Someone suffering from an abnormality of mental function.
Heartless trolls have mocked a terminally ill three-year-old who was born with severe disabilities.

Jenny Smith, from rural Ranburne, Alabama set up a special Facebook page in honour of her son Grayson Kole.

Grayson suffers from a number of illnesses including epilepsy, apnea and protrusions of brain tissue through his skull.

Three-year-old Grayson with his mother Jenny and father Kendyl. Heartless trolls have mocked the youngster who has severe disabilities

His terminal disabilities are hydrocephalus (water on the brain) chiari malformation, and craniosynostosis (malformation of the skull).

But he defied doctors predictions by surviving his first few weeks and now Mrs Smith and her husband Kendyl update the Facebook page with his progress.

However, last month Mrs Smith noticed a cruel meme featuring her son's picture appearing online.

It is believed to have been circling since May but was only discovered by the couple last month.

The meme showed a picture of Grayson holding a pumpkin at Halloween and was given the caption: 'That face you make when your parents are actually cousins.'

Grayson suffers from a number of illnesses including epilepsy, apnea, a heart defect and protrusions of brain tissue through his skull but is still a happy little boy

And now Mrs Smith has spoken of her anger after seeing the mocking memes and says she can't believe people would use a child to create jokes.

She told WREG: 'I just can't believe that there are people out there would use a child, especially anyone who has been ruled terminally disabled like that.

Some people think its funny, but I dont find humour in hurting someone else for a laugh. Honestly, Im just so ashamed that people actually find it to be entertaining. Its disgusting.'

On the Facebook page, Grayson's parents write how they discovered at birth that their son was ill when he was born in 2013.

Just hours after being born, he was rushed to a children's hospital in Atlanta and his mother and father were told to prepare for the worst.

However, he managed to defy doctors and has so far undergone 24 operations including having go shunts fitted to keep him alive and maintain his quality of life.

When the meme emerged online, Grayson's parents initially considered shutting down the page.

Grayson with his mother, left, and father, right. They have defiantly kept open his Facebook page and also posted a message online aimed at the cruel trolls

But they defiantly kept it open and also posted a message online aimed at the cruel trolls.

It read: 'Thank you to those who chose to take our sons picture and make cruel comments about him and share with several cruel sites.

'Grayson is his own little star that shines so bright and you have just made our day by giving him the blessing for this opportunity to share with more people about his special life and help spread awareness for him and other special children and families like him and us!

'So your cruelty just became Gods way of showing his glory yet again! As Grayson says "booyah".'
Two Americans tourists have been found dead on a cruise ship in Puerto Rico.

Joseph M. Ambrussi, 62, and William Alan Forsytte, 55, were found on Wednesday afternoon aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Anthem of the Seas.

Both men were on the cruise with their wives.

Authorities said it appeared as though both men died of natural causes, and that they did not have any bruises or other signs of foul play on their bodies, El Nuevo Dia reports.

Joseph M. Ambrussi, 62, and William Alan Forsytte, 55, were found on Wednesday afternoon aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Anthem of the Seas (pictured) in Puerto Rico

The newspaper claimed one of the men died while the boat was at sea, and the other died after the ship docked at Old San Juan Pier.

Ambrussi is from New Jersey, and Forsytte is from Pennsylvania.

The deaths were discovered on what was meant to be a celebration for the country, which had a record number of tourists arrive in one day.

A total of 24,117 aboard six cruises arrived in Puerto Rico on Wednesday, Fox News Latino reports.

The other boats docked on Wednesday were the Carnival Glory, Carnival Magic, Navigator of the Seas, Norwegian Breakaway and the Balmoral.
The Senate moved decisively Thursday to renew a decades-old sanctions law that lawmakers said gives the United States the clout to punish Iran should it fail to live up to the terms of the landmark nuclear deal.

Senators passed the bill unanimously, 99-0, two weeks after the House also approved the legislation by an overwhelming margin of 419-1.

The bill to grant a 10-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act will be sent to President Barack Obama, who is expected to sign it.

Secretary of State John Kerry talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Vienna, Austria, during the Iran deal negotiations. The Senate moved to renew a decades-old sanctions law that lawmakers said gives the United States the clout to punish Iran should it fail to live up to the terms of the landmark nuclear deal

Although the White House said the bill is still being reviewed, Obama administration officials said they've determined it doesn't breach the international accord meant to slow Iran's ability to make nuclear arms.

That satisfies a key condition Obama had established for his approval. The officials weren't authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

'We'll let you know what the president decides to do with it,' White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Thursday.

Lawmakers view the sanctions law, which is set to expire at the end of the year, as an important tool for holding Iran accountable for any violations of the nuclear agreement and also as a bulwark against Tehran' aggression in the Middle East.

The law, first passed by Congress in 1996 and renewed several times since then, allows the U.S. to slap companies with economic sanctions for doing business with Iran.

The White House had previously laid out a litmus test for the law's renewal, saying Obama would reject if it would undermine the nuclear agreement reached last year.

In exchange for Tehran rolling back its nuclear program, the U.S. and other world powers agreed to suspend wide-ranging oil and trade sanctions that had choked the Iranian economy.

While the sanctions renewal bill passed by the House and Senate doesn't violate the terms of the nuclear deal, the Obama administration has said it considers the renewal unnecessary given the president's other authorities to sanction Iran.

But congressional Republicans and Democrats view the law as valuable leverage.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday that preserving the sanctions law is critical to blunt Iran's 'persistent efforts to expand its sphere of influence' throughout the Middle East.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he wants to renegotiate the accord, anyway. Trump is seen here in Indiana today

He also criticized the administration for allowing itself to be 'held hostage' by Iran's threats to withdraw from the nuclear agreement.

Congress approved the Iran Sanctions Act 20 years ago to block major foreign investment in Iran's energy sector. The goal was to deny Tehran the ability to financially support terrorism and build nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.

Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has argued that keeping the law on the books is necessary if the U.S. wants to retain 'a credible deterrent' of putting sanctions back into place should Iran cheat on its obligations under the nuclear agreement.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he wants a better deal, anyway.

Secretary of State John Kerry defended the pact he played a lead role in negotiating in a Tuesday address in which he argued that 'it is essential that we restore civility, honesty, and reasonableness -- common sense -- to the policy debates we have in this country.'

'We're going to have one hell of a debate over the next few years, I can assure you, and I can promise you this... I am not going to go quietly into the night,' he asserted.
Record-setting cold weather could strike large parts of the United States in the next week as record-setting low temperatures from Alaska sweep south, climatologists have warned.

The Last Frontier state is already experience its coldest weather in almost two years, with temperatures in Fairbanks hitting minus 41F.

Now the bitter conditions are set to move into the northwestern states, pushing temperatures well below the average for this time of year.

The cold blast is set to last between six and eight days.

One weather model expects low temperatures of 25F degrees below the norm in Denver, Colorado, and Rapid City, North Dakota, by December 7, according to Pivotal Weather.

Record-setting cold weather may strike most of the United States in the next week following bitter temperatures in much of Alaska (pictured: Anchorage Airport)

One weather model (pictured) expects low temperatures of 25F degrees below the norm in Denver, Colorado, and Rapid City, North Dakota, by December 7

Just this week, weather in Fairbanks has reached minus-31F  ending a 624-day stretch of warmer weather

Alaska (pictured) set the record for its coldest November in 1970 at minus-62F, according to the National Weather Service

The mercury will only reach the high teens in Billings, Montona, and the 20s around Salt Lake City, Utah.

Forecasters predict the weather will move east in the next 10 days, but it will lose some intensity.

Some models suggest cities such as New York and Washington could be slightly higher than usual, but only by 1F or 2F.

When the cold air from the west clashes with warmer breezes from the east, it is also likely to form a storm.

This means central parts of the Lower 48 could see severe snow and thunderstorms.

'Cannot recall last time I have seen such a cold anomaly forecast across almost entire USA,' climatologist Roger Pielke Sr. said on Twitter.

Alaska set the record for its coldest November in 1970 at minus-62F, according to the National Weather Service.

Computer models predict the near-freezing temperatures will spread east in the next week.

'When the cold assaults the western United States this time next week and clashes with milder air to the east, a storm is likely to form, producing heavy snow west of its center and potentially strong thunderstorms to the east,' wrote Jason Samenow, chief meteorologist of the Post's Capital Weather Gang.

'It is far too early to pin down the specific storm track, but the central United States should start to monitor the situation in the coming days.'

Now forecasts expect the record-setting weather may spread to 'most' of the United States

Low temperatures have already set in Alaska, which is witnessing its coldest weather in two years

Computer models predict the near-freezing temperatures will spread east from Alaska (pictured) in the next week

One weather model expects low temperatures of 25F below the norm in Denver, Colorado, and Rapid City, North Dakota, by December 7

Computer models predict the near-freezing temperatures will spread east in the next week
Testimony that was unsealed in 2015 also revealed that the brother, David Greenglass, changed his story for the trial to implicate his sister Ethel

In an interview years later, Ethel's brother David admitted he had lied about his sister's involvement to save his own wife from facing charges

Robert and Michael went to the White House days before their parents died to ask President Eisenhower if he could cancel Ethel's execution

She and her husband Julius were executed for their crimes on June 19, 1953, put to death in the electric chair at Sing Sing Correctional Facility

Ethel was convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage in 1951 for trading secrets about the nuclear program to the USSR

The sons of Cold War spy Ethel Rosenberg are giving one final push in hopes that President Barack Obama will exonerate their mother, who was put to death in 1953 following her conviction on one charge of conspiracy to commit espionage.

Robert and Michael Meeropol were back at the White House on Thursday hoping to bring some attention to their fight, which began 63 years ago in the same exact spot when the two young boys met with President Dwight Eisenhower to try and convince him to cancel their mother's execution.

Four days after that meeting on June 19, 1953, Ethel traveled to the infamous Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York where she was put to death in the electric chair.

Her husband Julius was executed that same evening for the very same crime, but his sons are not trying to have him exonerated for his crimes.

There have been countless reports and revelations over the past 50 years that have made it seem more and more likely that Ethel was not in fact guilty of the accusations made against her, or even a spy.

'This is our mother we're talking about,' said Robert while standing in front of the White House.

'Since we can't bring her back to life, there could be nothing more satisfying to us than to have the government acknowledge that this shouldn't have happened, that this was wrong.'

The two men then attempted to get a letter delivered to Obama inside the White House by handing it to a guard outside the building, but were immediately turned away by Secret Service agents.

'Ok, well, we tried," said Michael, who has already sent a hard copy to Obama senior adviser Valerie Jarrett.

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Clearing their name: Robert and Michael Meeropol (above on Thursday at the White House) are asking President Barack Obama to exonerate their mother Ethel Rosenberg

Soviet spy: Ethel (above in an undated photo) was convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage in 1951 for trading secrets about the nuclear program to the USSR

The latest piece of evidence that brings Ethel's guilt into question involves court documents that make it clear the prosecution's star witness changed his allegations and version of events in the case between the time he testified in front of the grand jury and when he spoke on the stand at the actual trial.

That witness was David Greenglass, Ethel's brother.

The siblings both grew up in New York City's Lower East Side and were very proud and very vocal Communists.

Ethel married Julius, who she met at a Young Communist League meeting, in 1936, with the couple welcoming Michael in 1943 followed by Robert four years later.

Julius was first recruited to become a Soviet spy in 1942, and he proved to be an incredible asset when he recruited his brother-in-law David to help him in his efforts soon after.

David had been assigned to work on the top-secret Manhattan Project in Los Alamos in 1944, where he was eventually tasked with making the molds that created the lenses used to detonate the nuclear core of the atomic bomb.

A little over a year after he started his assignment, David sent Julius 12 pages of notes on that contained the technical details of the bomb along with a sketch of the never-before-seen weapon of mass destruction.

A few months after David handed over those papers the bomb was dropped twice in the span of three days in August, first on the Japanese city of Hiroshima and then further south in Nagasaki.

Those catastrophic actions brought World War II to an end soon after, and the United States was pleased with the knowledge that they had been successful in building the weapon and no one else had the necessary technology to make one.

Then, in 1949, the USSR successfully tested their first nuclear weapon, which was seemingly put together so quick that the government immediately grew suspicious.

Best efforts: Robert and Michael went to the White House days before their parents died (boys above in 1953 with a rabbi and Julius' mother) to ask President Eisenhower if he could cancel Ethel's execution

Demands: The brothers (above on Thursday) are not seeking a presidential pardon, saying that would suggest their mother was guilty, but rather a public exoneration

Within months the arrested began, with David being identified by a co-worker at Los Alamos and then turning in his own brother-in-law Julius.

The cases against the two men were strong, but there was no strong case against Ethel, especially after her brother's testimony to the grand jury, which in no way implicated his sister.

Then, just 10 days before the start of the trial, David and Ruth were reinterviewed, telling a version of events that was wildly different from what they said at the grand jury hearing.

David said in his testimony then that he had handed over data and info on the atomic program to Julius himself on a New York City street corner.

In his new telling however, the two couples were inside the Rosenbergs apartment while Ethel typed out the data on a typewriter.

That claim made the case against the Rosenbergs almost airtight for the prosecution, who showed their appreciation by dropping all charges against Ruth and only sentencing David to 10 years in prison after the trial.

The Rosenbergs were found guilty on March 29, 1951. On April 5 they were sentenced to death.

Julius went first, followed by Ethel. She was forced to do two rounds in the chair after her continued to beat following the first course of electric shocks.

The already serious doubts about her guilt were amplified for the first time three decades later with the publishing of the book The Rosenberg File: A Search for the Truth, which painted Ethel as possibly aware but not involved in her husband's efforts.

Sold out: In an interview years later, Ethel's brother David admitted he had lied about his sister's involvement to save his own wife from facing charges (Ethel and Julius above in 1951)

Gone: Ethel and her husband Julius were executed for their crimes on June 19, 1953, put to death in the electric chair at Sing Sing Correctional Facility

Then came the release of The Brother: The Untold Story of the Rosenberg Case, which featured a shocking admission from David.

When asked about Ethel typing the notes which essentially landed her in the electric chair, David said: 'I frankly think my wife did the typing, but I dont remember.'

He then told author Sam Roberts his reason for implicating his sister despite her innocence, saying: 'My wife is more important to me than my sister. Or my mother or my father, O.K.? And she was the mother of my children.'

The Rosenbergs both maintained their innocence until the day they died, but only ever requested Ethel's exoneration.

Their sons said that's because they believe their father was guilty of conspiracy to commit espionage, though they argue he didn't engage in atomic spying and shouldn't have been executed.

Both brothers argue that a national reckoning over an erroneous execution is crucial, perhaps now more than ever.

'We have gone through cycles in our history of hysteria, targeting people, over punishing, framing people. We're in danger of that happening again,' said Michael.

'Recognizing that in the past we've done things we shouldn't have done might be a cautionary tale.'

The brothers are not seeking a presidential pardon, saying that would suggest their mother was guilty.

They instead are seeking a public exoneration, akin to a 1977 statement by then-Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis on behalf of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, Italian immigrants who were convicted in a 1920 murder.

That proclamation said 'any stigma and disgrace should be forever removed' from their names.

It's not clear what action, if any, the Obama administration will take in its waning weeks and The White House would not comment on the brother's efforts.

Rosenberg's supporters believe their prospects are dim once President-elect Donald Trump takes office, in part because Roy Cohn, once a lawyer for Trump, was a member of the Justice Department's prosecution team against the Rosenbergs.
The boy has been charged with four firearms counts; more may follow

They swept the school before the other children were allowed home

Police were called to the 'active shooter' situation from across the county

A shot was fired into the ceiling - it's not known if that was intentional

They'd spotted the guns missing and went to the school to investigate

His parents confronted him at about 8:15am in a school corridor

The boy, who isn't being named, took the guns to his Bountiful, Utah school

Over 100 police officers descended on a Utah middle school Thursday after an armed 15-year-old boy fired a shotgun into the ceiling of a school classroom before being disarmed by his parents.

The boy, who is identified only as a 'white male' by police, took his family's handgun and shotgun to Mueller Park Junior High in the northern Utah city of Bountiful on Thursday morning.

When his parents noticed the weapons missing, they rushed to the school, arriving just in time to hear him enter a classroom full of students and fire a shot into the ceiling, Bountiful officer Dave Edwards told DailyMail.com.

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Shot: Hundreds of police officers from across Davis County descended on Mueller Park Junior High School in Bountiful, Utah, Thursday after a 15-year-old fired a gun there

Confronted: The boy was confronted by his parents, who noticed their guns had gone missing. No-one was injured, but the children had to shelter in place until police could lead them away

Courtesy ABC4 Good4utah.com

The shot was fired at about 8:15am; the boy's parents then confronted him, with one grabbing the shotgun off the boy, Edwards said.

He said the boy fired the shot intentionally, but his exact reason for taking the weapons to school is still unknown.

No other shots were fired and no-one was injured or killed in the dramatic scene.

Bountiful police chief Tom Ross said he's 'extremely grateful for the parents for their involvement and the fact that this ended without any loss of life.'

The boy was booked into Farmington Bay Youth Center eight miles away. He has been charged with two felony counts of theft of a firearm and two counts of bringing a firearm to school - a Class A misdemeanor.

More charges may follow, Edwards said.

As the parents intervened, a teacher called 911.

The first cop to arrive - a Bountiful police officer who was nearby when the call went out - came within two minutes, taking the boy into custody soon after, police said.

As time wore on, however, more than 100 police officers arrived on the scene, called in from across the county by the 'active shooter' status.

Protection: The 'active shooter' call went to cops county-wide. The boy is not being identified, and spent Thursday being questioned. He was booked on four firearms counts

Fearful: Hundreds of fearful parents (some pictured) waited outside the school as the lockdown went on. It's not known what the boy's intentions were

'The cops just kept coming and coming and coming,' a student named Jaron told Deseret News.

Davis School District spokesman Chris Williams praised the parents, saying 'It's all of our jobs to keep kids safe.'

Williams had no immediate information about the student or whether he had any history of trouble at the school, but said the boy faced 'a lot of trouble.'

The student interviewed by police Thursday; Ross said the student's parents remained 'with their son through the process.'

The school, about 11 miles north of Salt Lake City, remained on lockdown as more than 100 officers went room-by-room through the building to ensure it was safe.

Police found a backpack in the hallway and wanted to ensure it did not contain any explosives, Ross said. It was unclear if the backpack, which was deemed harmless, belonged to the student.

The parents of other children - several hundred of them - arrived and waited in the snow across the street for word about when they could pick up their children.

They later packed into a church across the street to sign up to take their children home.

School officials began allowing parents to take students home around 11am.

Waiting: Another parent waits nervously for news of what's happening in the school. Kids were eventually released from the school at around 11am

Candy Beckstead said she was at a dentist's office when her sister called to tell her that there was something going on at her son's school.

She didn't hear from her 8th-grade son but rushed to the school.

'I freaked out and went into panic mode,' she said. 'Screaming, crying.'

The incident comes about two weeks after another Utah student - in Orem, about 50 miles south of Mueller Park Junior High - stabbed five random schoolmates.

The 16-year-old suspect also stabbed himself while being tasered by a school police officer in the November 15 incident, but he and his victims survived.

He has been charged with five counts of attempted murder in connection with the rampage.

Police also arrested a 14-year-old in late October after he shot an older boy twice in the head in a fight over a girl near another Utah middle school. He faces charges including attempted murder and weapons violations.
Bethan Doci, pictured, conned three men out of more than 300,000 after posting a fake advert on Craigslist asking for cash to cover cancer treatment

A violinist was jailed today for two-and-a-half years after fiddling more than 300,000 out of people by pretending she was battling cancer.

Musician Bethan Doci, 38, put an advert online claiming she needed money to pay for her treatment.

She used the cash to fund a lavish lifestyle of holidays abroad with her French boyfriend, expensive handbags and top of the range cars.

Swansea Crown Court heard freelance violinist Doci was actually fit and well - earning 24,000 a year playing with orchestras.

Doci - who plays both the violin and viola and has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and at concerts around the world- conned three kind-hearted men who answered the advert on the Craigslist website.

The three men - who lived in different parts of England - gave her a combined 357,000 over a period of three years.

Meanwhile she and lover Aurelia Severino jetted around the world to Florida, Spain and a five-star luxury Me Melia hotel in Mexico for three months.

The violinist, 38, pictured, has performed around the world but faked the illness and used the cash to fund a lavish lifestyle with her French boyfriend

She duped retired chartered accountant Liam Donnelly, 64, out of 170,000 and retired businessman Bruce Pilley, 58, out of 168,000.

She also conned retired Royal Navy officer Neil McKelvie, 56, out of 30,000 - although she repaid some of the cash.

Prosecutor Catherine Richards said: 'It [the crime] involved showing people fake doctors' notes.

'She led people she met into believing she was suffering from the disease and acquiring money off them for treatment.'

'In the case of Mr Donnelly, his wife had recently died from skin cancer. She also claimed she was suffering from cancer.'

Mr Donnelly told police how she caught him at a 'terrible time in his life' as he mourned his late wife.

The court heard he gave Doci all his life savings, including the inheritance he planned for his family - and had to carry on working for an extra five years in his accountancy business to replace the cash.

Doci - who performs under the name Bethan Morgan - began playing the violin at the age of seven and trained at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

Doci, also known as Bethan Morgan, pictured outside Swansea Crown Court, was jailed for two-and-a-half years after admitting 11 counts of fraud

Swansea Crown Court heard that after the three men responded to her pleas on the website, they exchanged emails and texts - but rarely spoke to her.

Miss Richards said: 'Her lies and deception were convoluted.

'Her pleas that she needed money for cancer treatment were all false. Her lies and deception became more and more elaborate. Her emails were urgent and full of lies.

'She said that her mother had died but that wasn't true.'

The court heard Doci claimed she needed money because an Albanian gang were 'targeting' her.

The court was told how she married Albanian Bashkim Doci 14 years ago but later formed a relationship with her French lover.

Miss Richards said: 'She told Mr Pilley that she needed money for urgent medical treatment and told him she had been given a terminal diagnosis.

'At the time she was on holiday in Spain - and this after lieing that her mother had died.'

The court heard Doci 'was caught in a classic spriral of lies, debt and deceit' and fell 'deeper and deeper into it'

Miss Richards said Doci began the cancer lie in 2010 and then in 2013 told one of her victims victim the disease had returned.

Doci, of Swansea, admitted 11 counts of fraud from 2010 to 2013.

She denied another 11 charges which were dropped later.

Paul Spreadborough, defending, said: 'She has feelings of true remorse and guilt over the years. She was gaining a professional reputation as a violinist and was a dedicated performer.

'But she was caught in a classic spriral of lies, debt and deceit. She fell into a pattern and fell deeper and deeper.

He said Mr Severino had 'charmed and smitten her' - and had been abusive and violent.

Jailing her for 32 months, Judge Keith Thomas said: 'You committed these offences in a callous and heartless manner, saying you were suffering from cancer and needed treatment which you couldn't afford.

'Colleagues of yours made collections on your behalf. You took the money but used it on a lavish lifestyle

'Your victims were devastated, especially Mr Donnelly who you treated particularly creully by taking all his life savings.'

The court heard she had no assets left after spending all the money and was ordered to repay a nominal 1 in compensation.

Doci wept as she was led away.

After the case, Superintendent Kath Pritchard described it as 'a complex and protracted investigation.'

She said: 'Thanks to the overwhelming evidence against Bethan Morgan she pleaded guilty, which is testament to the tenacity and professionalism of our detectives.

'Bethan Doci/Morgan had a total disregard for her victims, who all trusted her.

'I hope that her victims find some comfort in today's outcome, which also sends out a clear message to criminals intent on committing fraudulent offences.'

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'She exploited the trust, emotional vulnerabilities and generosity of friends, colleagues and persons whom she met on the internet.

'Her conduct amounted to a calculated protracted web of deceit to fund her lavish lifestyle and foreign travel.

'A thorough and lengthy investigation revealed the breadth of her crime and a number of victims.
This is the moment a Colorado police officer opens fire on an armed teenager who was fleeing the scene of a suspected carjacking.

The cop, Denver Police Corporal Jeffrey Heinis, said the 17-year-old boy was armed with a handgun and he feared the teen would turn and shoot him.

The shooting happened just before 5pm on August 16 in the parking lot of the Denver Community Credit Union at 1095 Federal Blvd.

However the footage was only released this week after the Denver district attorney's office decided Heinis was justified in opening fire.

'Hands up!' Denver Police Corporal Jeffrey Heinis shot 12 bullets at a 17-year-old carjacking suspect on August 16, hitting the boy once in the leg

Investigators said that Heinis had spotted a vehicle in the parking lot that had been carjacked two days earlier in Arapahoe County, KDVR reported.

When cops approached the car, three suspects quickly jumped out and fled.

The 17-year-old suspect that Heinis pursued was brandishing a gun. The body camera worn by Heinis at the time showed that he fired 12 shots at the teenager as the boy jumped over a fence into an alley.

One of the shots hit the teen in the leg, officials said.

The cop, Denver Police Corporal Jeffrey Heinis, said the 17-year-old boy was armed with a handgun and he feared the teen would turn and shoot him

Body camera footage from Heinis shows another officer handcuffing the injured suspect, who was shot in the leg

Weapon: Police found the suspect's gun nearby, which can also be seen in the footage

The incident was over in 25 seconds. The teen was found lying wounded and screaming from his gunshot wound in the alleyway.

Cleared of any wrongdoing: Denver Police Corporal Jeffrey Heinis

Police found the suspect's gun nearby, which can also be seen in the bodycam footage.

Heinis told investigators, 'The driver who gets out, I can see he's holding a black semi auto handgun in his hand.' He added, 'I became very fearful he was going to shoot me with the gun. He didn't leave the gun in the car. He didn't try to conceal it. He had already used it in the commission of a violent felony.'

The officer also said he feared the suspect would try to shoot or carjack someone else once he got over the fence.

'I considered him a very imminent threat to everybody in the area, including myself,' he said during the investigation.

The teen was taken to hospital and has since recovered from his injury.

charged with felony menacing, possession of a weapon by a previous offender and motor vehicle theft.

He pleaded guilty to the menacing charge in November and was committed to the Division of Youth Corrections for at least one year.
Staff working for 'Red Ken' Livingstone celebrated the 9/11 terror attacks, an ex-employee has said.

The shocking claims were made by Atma Singh, who was working for the then London Mayor as a policy adviser on Asian issues.

He said he was 'disturbed to see a few people cheering the events' as they watched the four coordinated terrorist attacks taking place in the US on September 11 2001, which killed 2,996 people.

But Mr Livingstone denied the claim, telling MailOnline: 'Everyone was shocked and staring at the telly.'

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The shocking claims were made by Atma Singh, pictured, who was working for the then London Mayor as a policy adviser on Asian issues

But Ken Livingstone, pictured, denied the claim, telling MailOnline: 'Everyone was shocked and staring at the telly'

He said he would have sacked anyone who cheered the attacks and claimed an 'embittered' Mr Singh was getting revenge for being removed from his job years later.

Mr Singh made the extraordinary claims in an interview with the Country Squire magazine.

He said of the 9/11 attacks: 'I watched the attacks unfolding while I was in my office as one officer had come into my office in the Mayoral corridor to inform me about them.

'Then, as the situation unfolded, I went into the Mayoral Press Officer's room to watch the terrible events.

'I was disturbed to see a few people cheering the events. Others watched soberly and others talked matter-of-fact about the consequences for London.'

Asked to confirm that he saw staff celebrating the attacks, Mr Singh replied: 'Yes.'

Staff working for 'Red Ken' Livingstone celebrated the 9/11 terror attacks, an ex-employee said

Tory MP James Cleverly said: 'If this is true I am speechless. The fact that anyone would celebrate the death of 2,996 innocent people is outrageous. I demand to know what action Ken Livingstone took against those sick individuals.'

But Mr Livingstone, who was ousted as Mayor of London by Boris Johnson in 2008, said Mr Singh's claims were completely untrue.

'I remember back on 9/11, I was back in the office and all there was was real shock because we assumed that if they were going after the Americans, they might come after us,' he told MailOnline.

'We were immediately tipped into what do we do if we were attacked here. No one was cheering.

'The problem with [Mr Singh], we made him leave because after the bombings in London he stopped coming into work and it went on for months and months.

'We didn't sack him but I think we just organised for him to go. He claimed he was ill but he never said what he had. So he's been rather embittered.'
Wilson was assigned to Camp LeJeune's II Marine Expeditionary Force unit in late April

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Defense Superior Service Medal

Wilson joined the military in 1981 and has completed 11

Soldier charged: Colonel Daniel H. Wilson, 55, has been charged with sexually abusing and assaulting a young child

A highly decorated decorated Marine colonel who had fought in Iraq has been charged with sexually abusing a young child.

Officials at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, say Colonel Daniel H. Wilson, 55, of Mason, Washington, is facing counts of sexually abusing a child, assaulting a child under age 16, failure to obey an order or regulation, and conduct unbecoming an officer.

Lt. Col. Mike Armistead says a preliminary military hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Wilson was notified of the allegations agaisnt him on November 15. Two military defense attorneys have been appointed to represent him.

Military.com reported, citing an unnamed source familiar with the investigation, that the victim in the case was six years old.

Wilson (far right), a decorated Marine who entered military service in 1981, has completed 11 deployments and earned many awards, including the Bronze Star Medal

According to a press release, the 55-year-old colonel joined the military in 1981 and was promoted to colonel in 2010.

Over the course of his 35-year career in the military, Wilson has completed 11 deployments. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Defense Superior Service Medal.

Wilson, who is based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (pictured), has been reassigned to adiministrative duties

Wilson was assigned to Camp LeJeune's II Marine Expeditionary Force unit in late April. He has since been reassigned to administrative duties.
The former Health Secretary - who was forced to quit after he was caught flouting his own Covid lockdown rules with his married aide Gina Coladangelo - has sparked a storm which has seen him ridiculed and even booted out of the parliamentary Tory party. Justifying his decision to fly Down Under, landing in Brisbane this morning, Mr Hancock denied he had 'lost his marbles'. He insisted it was so he can 'go to where the people are - not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster' - and claimed that he will 'promote his dyslexia campaign' and make a donation to a hospice - although not his entire estimated 350,000 pay deal from ITV. But millions are set to punish him for his decision, including MPs. One former minister has threatened 'to vote for him to eat armadillo c**k every night'. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said today that he should 'step down' and didn't deny he would also vote for Hancock to face Bushtucker Trials, smiling as he said: 'That will be between me and my phone'. In Mr Hancock's West Suffolk constituency, Andy Drummond, the cheesed off deputy chairman of the local Conservative Association, said: 'I'm looking forward to him eating a kangaroo's penis'. Incredibly the now independent MP insists that he will still be doing his job as an MP, meaning he will not forego his taxpayer-funded salary for the duration of his trip. He said: 'As an MP, my first priority is to my constituents. I have agreed with the show's producers that I can be reached at any point on any urgent constituency matters'. Yesterday the Prime Minister said he was doing the opposite. The former health secretary also revealed he had twice asked to appear on the show before but accepted the third offer because the government is now 'stable'. Many have pondered whether he made up his mind when he was snubbed by new PM Rishi Sunak at his victory rally last week, which was tacit confirmation his career as a senior MP is over.
A gang armed with iron bars and chains launched a 'barbaric' attack on a man before jumping on his head, breaking his neck and leaving him with a bleed on the brain.

The 20-strong gang from East Timor, southeast Asia, were involved in the vicious assault in Lincoln city centre on May 15.

A court heard how the assailants punched and kicked one man to the ground until he lay unconscious, before jumping on his head leaving him with a broken neck and a bleed on the brain.

The brutal assault was captured on CCTV footage and eight men have been jailed after their roles in the fight.

Gil Ornai Da Silva (left), Arlindo Freitas Sarmento (centre) and Adelio Freitas Marques (right) all pleaded guilty to GBH and were jailed for four years

The 20-strong gang can be seen running down the road before they round on one man

The brutal assault was captured on CCTV footage and eight men have been jailed after leaving one man in a life-threatening condition

The victim was left in a life-threatening condition but managed to survive his horrific injuries. However the court heard he still suffers ongoing neck pain as a result of the attack.

Eight men appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on November 28 for their roles in the fight earlier this year.

Five men pleaded guilty to affray. Among these was Guterres Isaias Da Costa, who was jailed for 12 months and Alvaro Da Costa and Efendio Marcal Ximenes who were both jailed for 18 months.

Alfredo Pinto was sentenced to nine months and Antonio Cardoso was sentenced to six months as well as another three months for GBH.

Three men pleaded guilty to GBH including Gil Ornai Da Silva, who was jailed for four years, Arlindo Freitas Sarmento and Adelio Freitas Marques who were also both jailed for four years.

The court heard the gang used a range of weapons including a pestle and mortar, a two-foot long iron bar and a chain.

Alvaro Da Costa (left) and Efendio Marcal Ximenes (right) pleaded guilty to affray and were both jailed for 18 months

Guterres Isaias Da Costa (left) was jailed for 12 months, Alfredo Pinto (centre) was sentenced to nine months and Antonio Cardoso (right) was sentenced to six months as well as another three months for GBH

Eight men appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on November 28 for their roles in the fight earlier this year

The gang punched and kicked their victim, and continued even when he lay unconscious

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Adam Petty said: 'Fights of this nature are not common in our town centre and the barbaric actions of those involved could have quite easily resulted in the death of a man.

'Luckily for the victim, people responded to administer first aid before paramedics arrived and placed him on a spinal board.
Armed police were scrambled to a primary school yesterday after reports of a threat - with teachers allegedly escorted away by officers.

Greater Manchester Police officers were seen surrounding Dukesgate Academy and the neighbouring estate in Little Hulton after being called about 6.30am.

Parents claimed to have been told by text message that the school had been shut because a boiler had broken down, but later questioned this after police arrived.

Response: Greater Manchester Police officers were seen surrounding Dukesgate Academy (pictured) and the neighbouring estate in Little Hulton after being called about 6.30am.

One local resident who lives opposite the school told the Manchester Evening News that some parents arrived with their children but were turned away.

He added: There were lots of police. Everyone was asked to leave, even the caretaker, which seems strange if it was a broken boiler.

A guy turned up later to deliver dinners but gates were shut and he couldn't get in. All the parents are bemused and worried.

Another local man told the newspaper that he saw a police sniffer dog being taken around the grounds of the school while officers stood guard.

Carol Moores posted on Facebook that she had seen teachers being escorted out of the building and asked the media and police for more information.

She said: Whats gone on at Dukesgate School and Amblecote Estate, Little Hulton?Police surrounded estate, armed police, school closed, all teachers escorted out.

We got texts saying boiler broke which is a lie as steam was coming out and to have the school surrounded and estate. Its got to be bad.

'We need to know whats going on before kids get sent back in - parents are talking about boycotting the school till they get answers, not lies, thank you.

A police spokesman said: Police were called just after 6.25am on Thursday 1 December 2016, to reports of a threat made towards a primary school on Earlsdon Crescent, Little Hulton.

'Officers have been in attendance at the school throughout the day and enquiries have established that there is no direct threat to the school.

'Police have launched an investigation and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.

'GMP takes all reports of threats extremely seriously and specialist officers will be at the school tomorrow to address any concerns.'

Nobody at Dukesgate Academy  which opened in 2012 on the site of a former primary school - answered the phone when contacted by MailOnline.
Russia's space agency says an unmanned cargo ship has crashed, 383 seconds after it blasted off en route to rendezvous with the International Space Station.

It came only hours after a keynote speech by Vladimir Putin to legislators in which he claimed Russia was successfully charting its way in the world despite Western sanctions.

The spacecraft, which was scheduled to arrive at the ISS on Saturday, was carrying rocket fuel and oxygen tanks, when it took off from the former Soviet cosmodrome at Baikonur in Kazakhstan.

The spacecraft lost contact with control and an explosion was reported near Biysk, in Siberia, around the time the spacecraft vanished.

It is not clear if the spacecraft came down in the Tuva Republic, in Siberia, or came down in neighbouring Mongolia or even the Pacific Ocean.

The Russian space agency Roscosmos tweeted this image of the spaceship launching from the Baikonur cosmodrome. It is not clear what went wrong

Putin's space guru and close ally, deputy premier Dmitry Rogozin, said this week Moscow was 'overcoming a series of defeats, hurtful accidents and catastrophes' in its rocket launches.

But space agency Roscosmos said today: 'Communication was lost today 383 seconds after the launch of the Soyuz-U carrier rocket with the cargo ship Progress MS-04.'

Specialists are trying to work out what went wrong.

The loss will be seen as acutely embarrassing in Moscow, and especially for Rogozin who clamed 'issues of quality' over space launches had been stabilised after a series of failures.

NASA said: 'Our astronauts and the Russian cosmonauts are safe aboard the station. Consumables aboard the station are at good levels.'

Interfax reported the International Space Station has enough food reserves to continue working until the arrival of a reserve cargo rocket.

Putin's space guru Dmitry Rogozin (pictured) said only this week that Russia was 'overcoming a series of defeats, hurtful accidents and catastrophes' in rocket launches

The cargo-carrying space ship took off from the cosmodrome at Baikonur in Kazakhstan and fell back to Earth shortly after crossing the Russian border

Reports said the space launch had come down in the frozen Tuva Republic in southern Siberia, and searches are underway in this region favoured as a holiday destination by Putin and his defence minister Sergei Shoigu, who hails from the area.

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said: 'The wreckage presumably fell in Tuva and a search is being organised.'

But other reports suggested it could have come down over the Altai Mountains, or China or even in the Pacific.

'The time and location of the crash would depend of how the third stage engines worked,' said a Russian space source.

The third stage of the Soyuz carrier rocket probably separated too early after lift-off, an undisclosed source told Russian state news agency TASS.

Footage showed the spaceship apparently taking off normally from Baikonur (pictured) but the mission went wrong minutes later

The spacecraft was set to deliver 2.6 metric tons of fuel, water, food and other supplies (it is pictured during take-off today)

Today's disaster comes 18 months after another Progress cargo ship launch failed.

That failure, which Russia blamed on a problem in a Soyuz rocket, saw the ship disintegrate as it plummeted to Earth.

That incident meant Russia put all space travel on hold for nearly three months and forced a group of astronauts to spend an extra month on the ISS.

Russia said all issues with Progress resupply missions needed to be thoroughly investigated before any manned vessels could be launched.

Russia sends three or four such spacecraft every year to supply the ISS.

Russia's space agency said it lost contact with the unmanned cargo ship 383 seconds after it blasted off for the International Space Station (pictured)

The spaceship was carrying hundreds of kilograms of medical and food supplies as well as equipment (pictured), including 87 kilos of American cargo

Last month American astronaut Peggy Whitson (pictured), Frenchman Thomas Pesquet and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky arrived on the ISS for a six-month mission

After making their delivery, they plummet back to Earth, burning up in the atmosphere above the Pacific Ocean.

Last month Frenchman Thomas Pesquet, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky and American astronaut Peggy Whitson launched to the ISS for a six-month mission.

The launch followed that of Russians Andrei Borisenko and Sergei Ryzhikov and American Shane Kimbrough in October, which was pushed back by nearly a month due to technical issues.

The Baikonur cosmodrome was built in Kazakhstan - then a republic of the old Soviet Union - in the early 1960s and while Russia has now built a new cosmodrome at Vostochny in the Russian Far East, it is still using Baikonur.

There have been reported sightings of the spacecraft over Biysk, in southern Russia (pictured)

The spacecraft (pictured), meant to resupply the International Space Station, suffered a malfunction shortly after launch

Technical mishaps have complicated plans to extend the periods during which the ISS is fully staffed with six astronauts.

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.

A similar incident with the Soyuz-U launch occurred in August 2011 when the third-stage engine failed due to the clogging of a fuel line, said Russian sources.

The Progress M-12M space freighter on board the third stage failed to reach the designated orbit and disintegrated in the Earth's atmosphere during an uncontrolled fall.
A restaurant manager is facing jail after killing his chef when a row erupted over a tandoori chicken takeaway.

Hidayet Ozden, 53, attacked Shahzad Ali Shah after the cook queried whether the meal was to be on the bone or not and told him they needed to call the customer.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that there had been tension between the two friends with accusations by each that the other was not working hard enough.

Ozden repeatedly punched the chef, who was suffering from an undiagnosed heart condition, and told him: Ill kill you b*****d.'

Shahzad Shah is pictured with his wife Naila and his twins Ali, far right, and Shehr, far left

The 56-year-old started to go limp seconds after receiving blows to his head at the Mirchi Indian Cuisine restaurant in Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire.

Ozden, of Falkirk, Stirlingshire, admitted the culpable homicide of the father-of-three.

He was originally charged with murdering his Pakistani-born workmate, who was living in Mintlaw.

He pled guilty to killing the victim on April 11 by repeatedly pushing him, slapping and butting him on the head, striking him with an implement, grabbing him by the neck and repeatedly punching him.

Mr Shah had been working at the restaurant for two years in order to support his wife Syeda Naila and twin ten-year-old children, Ali and Shehr, back in Pakistan.

Hard-working Mr Shah had been hoping to bring his family to Scotland and was due to begin the process of obtaining visas for his family at the time of his death.

Hidayet Ozden (shown) attacked Shahzad Ali Shah after the cook queried whether the meal was to be on the bone or not

Speaking from her home in Sheikhupura, 40km north-west of Lahore, his 42-year-old wife of 20 years said: What am I supposed to do or even feel?

Yes, Ozden has admitted his guilt but my children and I have no one to provide for us.

My husband was working in Scotland to provide for all of us and now that has gone.

These last months have been very bad for our family. We have been distraught since his death. My children still cry about it. It has been very bad for us.

She added: I am still in shock and I sometimes still expect to see him come home to us.

He worked for everything that we had and we just do not know how we will cope without him.

I have not been able to grieve properly as when his body was brought back to Pakistan, I was not allowed to see him.

Advocate depute David Taylor said the men had worked together at various takeaways before taking up posts in Mintlaw.

He added: They have been described as great friends. However, there does also appear to have been tension between the two.

Ozden had hoped the chef would open a new takeaway with him, but Mr Shah was planning his own venture in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

Mr Shah (right) had been working at the restaurant for two years in order to support his wife Syeda Naila (left) and twin ten-year-old children, Ali and Shehr, back in Pakistan

On the day of the killing, Ozden had taken an order over the phone, which included tandoori chicken. Mr Shah asked whether it was to be on or off the bone.

Mr Taylor said: The accused said that it made no difference. The deceased, however, told the accused that they needed to contact the customer to check what the correct order was.

'The accused then stated whats your problem and an argument began between the two men.

Ozden pushed the chef backwards and another employee, Khalid Hussain, intervened to protect him and asked them to stop rowing.

The chef continued to ask him to call the customer to confirm how they wanted their chicken.

Ozden walked out the kitchen but returned and pushed Mr Shah again and slapping him before the chef hit him with a pot.

Mr Hussain left to get his boss, Shahid Ali, as Ozden punched his victim and struck him on the head and body with the handle of the pot, which had broken off.

He also forcibly grabbed the cook by the neck and pushed him against a wall.

Mr Taylor said both men were seen in CCTV footage to have bleeding wounds to their heads.

The 56-year-old started to go limp seconds after receiving blows to his head at the Mirchi Indian Cuisine restaurant in Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire

Mr Ali arrived and asked the victim if he needed a doctor but he said told him he was fine.

The prosecutor added: Ozden then started shouting aggressively at the deceased saying I brought you here and you dont do any work, you just sit there.

Ozden was told to leave, but returned and renewed his attack on his victim who was left apparently unconscious and looking lifeless.

The attacker went to his aid assisting with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. He told police they had been arguing about a food order.

Mr Taylor said Mr Shah was subsequently discovered to have significant coronary heart disease.

Pathologists said the stress and trauma of a sustained assault were a recognised cause of increased heart rate and blood pressure which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia which would explain the victims sudden collapse.

Defence counsel Ian Duguid QC said Ozden was very remorseful, adding that Mr Shahs heart simply could not cope with what had occurred.

Mr Duguid said: They had been friends for a number of years and the accused was instrumental in getting the deceased his job.

He said the argument had arisen between the friends over something as insignificant as a food order.

But Mr Duguid said what appeared to lie behind their disagreement was Mr Shahs ill-health which had left Ozden complaining that he was not pulling his weight.

The defence counsel said the victim had suffered at least one heart attack but was not receiving heart medication.
The 13-day race to recount nearly 3 million presidential ballots got underway Thursday in Wisconsin

Clinton's official web site is now soliciting volunteers to assist

Clinton's camp said it was participating in the recount over Thanksgiving, while keeping its distance

She got just 1 per cent of the vote but wants to check on machine voting after suggestions that unproved hacking would have been possible

A leader of Hillary Clinton's Michigan campaign is urging volunteers to assist in a state recount the the campaign itself is trying to hold at a distance even while participating.

'We need all hands on deck. Will you sign up to volunteer to help with the recount here in Michigan?' Katie Kelly, described as the Michigan lead for Hillary for America, wrote supporters in an email appeal Wednesday.

Clinton narrowly lost the normally Democratic state to President-elect Donald Trump, who beat her by 10,704 votes.

The email pitch, which was reported by the Daily Caller, provided a link to an online sign up. 'Help with the Michigan recount,' it said. 'Let us know if you want to get involved.'

Failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's Michigan director has sought volunteers to participate in a state recount

THE CHAD ARE RUNNING: A Clinton official from Michigan is seeking volunteers to help participate in a recount

The first candidate-driven statewide recount of a presidential election in 16 years began Thursday in Wisconsin (pictured), a state that Donald Trump won by less than a percentage point over Hillary Clinton after polls long predicted a Clinton victory

Tabulators work on recounting presidential ballots in Dane County (Wis.) on December 1

All 72 counties across Wisconsin were required to start the recount by 9 a.m. They have less than two weeks to recount nearly 3 million ballots. The deadline to complete it is Dec. 13, but the state Elections Commission gave counties until 8 p.m. Dec. 12 to finish

'In the weeks since the heartbreak of Election Day, our campaign has taken a number of steps to verify the accuracy of the vote tally in a few critical battleground states  and to this point, weve found no evidence that would change the outcome,' Kelly wrote.

'But as you might have heard, now that others have asked for a recount of the vote here in Michigan, we will participate to make sure everyone who voted for Hillary in this state has their interests represented.'

Green Party candidate Jill Stein has sought recounts in three states that, together, would have given Clinton a victory had they gone the other way. She raised $7 million online for the effort.

The Clinton camp has taken pains not to be seen as the face or driving force of the effort. Clinton campaign counsel Marc Elias released a Medium post explaining the reasons for getting involved.

'Because we had not uncovered any actionable evidence of hacking or outside attempts to alter the voting technology, we had not planned to exercise this option ourselves, but now that a recount has been initiated in Wisconsin, we intend to participate in order to ensure the process proceeds in a manner that is fair to all sides,' Elias wrote on Medium.

Stein has said she isn't doing the recount to help Clinton. She told CNN's Anderson Cooper it was a 'deeply felt need of voters coming out of this deeply painful election.'

Green Party candidate Jill Stein (pictured) has raised $7 million for recount efforts. Running mate Ajamu Baraka told CNN he was against the recount

'What we have are predictors that if tampering took place, it would be most likely to be discovered in the three states where we are looking,' Stein continued. 'Unless we actually look, we would never know.'

'What the voting technology experts tell us is that you cannot tell unless you're actually counting paper votes,' she added. 'And I don't think the FBI has done that.'

Stein's effort came after a push by computer scientists who noted a discrepancy between Trump's margin in Wisconsin counties that had optical scan versus paper ballots, although the experts did not provide evidence hacking took place.

The elections featured what U.S. government officials called Russian government-backed hacks of Democratic individuals and organizations.

Stein's own running mate, Ajamu Baraka, told CNN he wasn't for the recount.

'I'm not in favor of the recount,' he said.
A quarter of all Europeans think there are certain situations where rape can be 'more acceptable' - for example if the victim is drunk, scantily dressed or has invited a man to her home.

The report also found that one in five Europeans believed women often made up or exaggerated rape claims.

The shocking figures, which include wild variations between different countries, are included in a report on gender-based violence, commissioned by the European Union.

A shocking number of people, especially in Eastern Europe, believe it is 'more acceptable' to rape a woman if she has been drinking STOCK PHOTO (posed by models)

Eastern European nations - including Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Latvia - were among those countries where people were more willing to blame the victim, but also in Belgium.

Ireland, Spain and Scandinavian countries were the least willing to excuse the actions of a rapist.

Researchers spoke to 30,000 people in all 28 EU countries in June this year, and have just published the report, which covers attitudes to domestic violence and sexual harassment as well as rape.

The survey, reported in News.com, found seven percent of people thought rape was also justified if the woman was walking alone at night, had flirted with her attacker or even if she had been promiscuous.

The report showed shocking attitudes among some people in the European Union towards rape, including the suggestion that a rape involving a woman who dressed provocatively was somehow less serious STOCK PHOTO

Some Europeans found rape more acceptable if the attacker didnt know what they were doing and if they regretted their actions.

Almost three quarters of respondents think domestic violence against women is common in their country.
Lord Freud, pictured, an architect of the Tory Government's welfare reforms, will leave his role as a Work and Pensions Minister at the end of December

A welfare minister who wanted disabled people to be paid less than the minimum wage has announced he is retiring from the Government.

Lord Freud, an architect of the Tory Government's welfare reforms, will leave his role as a Work and Pensions Minister at the end of December.

He is the only minister who has remained in the same government post since David Cameron became Prime Minister in 2010.

But his time in office was marred by several controversial remarks. He was recorded saying disabled people were 'not worth' the national minimum wage and suggested some could be paid only 2 an hour.

Lord Freud, who draws no ministerial salary, survived the storm that ensued and apologised for the 'offensive' remarks.

He was seen as one of the leading figures in the creation of the Government's flagship welfare reform, universal credit and was promoted last year by Mr Cameron from a junior minister post to minister of state.

Lord Freud first recommended wide-ranging reforms to the benefits system in 2007 and was later recruited to the Government to push through his ideas.

George Osborne praised the peer as 'one of the brains behind our reforms that delivered record levels of employment'.

Downing Street said his successor at the Department for Work and Pensions minister in the House of Lords will be appointed 'in due course'.

Announcing his retirement, Lord Freud said: 'At the heart of our reforms is desire to give people independence to improve their lives.

'For too long, people have been trapped by a byzantine benefits system, leaving them powerless.

'This has always been my driving force - to give people back control over their own lives; to give support in times of need, but also to give a clear route out of the benefits system and into independence.

George Osborne paid tribute to Lord Freud as 'one of the brains behind our reforms that delivered record levels of employment'

Unions and opposition politicians rejoiced Lord Freud's departure and accused him of being central to the injection of 'poison' into the welfare system, which faced major cuts under the Tories

'That's what universal credit does, and I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved. It's a testament to the support I've received both from my ministerial colleagues and civil servants in the DWP that we are now well on the way to achieving our goal of a truly modern, responsive welfare system which is already transforming lives.

'As I retire from my ministerial position, I leave with full confidence in the future of universal credit.'

Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green, pictured, said Lord Freud had made an 'outstanding' difference to the welfare system in the UK

Unions and opposition politicians rejoiced Lord Freud's departure and accused him of being central to the injection of 'poison' into the welfare system, which faced major cuts under the Tories.

SNP MP Alison Thewliss wrote on Twitter: 'Glad to hear this; found Freud completely lacking in compassion or understanding on the two child policy & rape clause,' referring to the Government's controversial decision to limit a family's child tax credits to two children unless a further child is conceived as a result of rape.

And a spokesman for the Public and Commercial Services union said: 'Among staff in DWP, unemployed, sick and disabled people, there'll be no mourning the loss of a man who injected poison into our social security system.

'For years Freud has been at the heart of the cruel and dangerous upheaval of our employment and benefits services, and we'll be glad to see the back of him.'

But Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green paid tribute to the peer. 'Everyone comes into government to make a difference, but David's contribution to transforming the welfare system has been outstanding,' he said.

'As the architect of universal credit, he combines vision with an impressive attention to detail. Moreover, he cares greatly about improving the lives of some of the poorest people in our country.
Police burst into Tahira Nelson-Warburton's home and found weapon

A woman who hid a sawn-off shotgun in her bedroom wardrobe and bullets in her make-up bag has been jailed for five years.

Police burst into Tahira Nelson-Warburton's home in Wandsworth, London in a night time raid in August.

They found the gun inside a rucksack and bullets wrapped up in clothes and inside a make-up bag in a chest of draws.

Detectives believe the 27-year-old was holding the weapon for someone else and that the incident was gang-related.

Nelson-Warburton was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court today after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to cause fear or violence.

Detective Constable Martin Reader, of the Trident and Area Crime Command, said: 'We will continue to target anyone who is storing a gun, or helping to hide them from the police as this conviction shows.

'Gun crime has a devastating affect on communities and families. Anyone found to be involved in the storing or use of lethal firearms will face a significant custodial sentence.'

Police found the gun (pictured) inside a rucksack in her wardrobe
say abuse occurred while Whitsell was babysitting the young relative between January 1 and June 30, 2015

Sick crime: John Whitsell, 72, has been sentenced to 520 years to life in a state prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl who was in his care last year

A 72-year-old convicted rapist from California has been sentenced to 520 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old female relative who was in his care.

John Whitsell, of Carson, was convicted in October of four counts each of lewd act upon a child and oral copulation or sexual penetration with child 10 years old or younger.

The septuagenarian was also found guilty of one count of forcible oral copulation with child under 14 years old.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office, the abuse occurred while Whitsell was babysitting the nine-year-old family member at her Canyon Country home between January 1 and June 30, 2015.

On October 12, 2016, a jury found Whitsell guilty of the charges against him following a six-day trial.

The station KTLA reported that he has been in jail from the time of his arrest in November 2015.

On Wednesday, a judge sentenced the elderly defendant to serve more than half a millennium in a state prison.
A boxer who boasted that he was the 'hardest man' in town has been convicted of murdering a soldier on a night out.

Private Matthew Boyd, 20, was killed in the barracks town of Brecon, South Wales in May.

Jake Vallely, 24, chased him, punched him to the ground and beat him before dragging his body and dumping it in the road.

Jake Vallely (left) killed Private Matthew Boyd (right), 20, in a brutal attack on a night out

The amateur boxer admitted hitting the soldier but denied murder. He was convicted of the charge following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

His friend Aaeron Evans, 23, of Brecon, was acquitted of manslaughter.

During the trial, Christopher Quinlan QC told the jury of nine men and three women: 'Jake Vallely is the self-proclaimed hardest man in Brecon.

'That was how he described himself an hour or so before the attack that killed Mr Boyd.'

'Mr Boyd was punched. He went to the ground and thereafter he was beaten until he moved no more.

'Mr Vallely then dragged and dumped his body and ran off. He ran back to the bar where he continued his night.'

Private Matthew Boyd was killed in the barracks town of Brecon, South Wales, in May

The court heard that, following tours in Northern Ireland, Pte Boyd of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment was sent to Brecon and arrived in the town on May 3 this year.

On the evening of May 7, he went out with fellow soldiers but became separated from them at about 11pm.

He arrived at the Cellar Bar, where Vallely and Evans were, at about 12.19am on May 8.

CCTV cameras later captured Vallely's 'sustained assault' of Pte Boyd in the street outside the bar, Mr Quinlan said.

'Vallely got the better of Mr Boyd,' he told the jury. 'He drove him to the ground.

'Once he was on the ground Mr Boyd was no longer - if he had ever been - a threat to this man.

Aaeron Evans, 23, of Cradoc Close, Brecon, was acquitted of manslaughter

'Once down he was punched repeatedly. You could see Mr Vallely's right arm moving like a piston up and down as he punched him.

'There was also movement of his right leg. He completely overpowered that man. He dragged his still motionless body across the road.

'It was sustained, repeated and unlawful violence delivered with intent to cause really serious harm.'

A member of the public discovered Pte Boyd's body. He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2.40am.

A post-mortem examination found Pte Boyd died as a result of blunt force injuries.

Vallely, of Pen-y-Bryn, Brecon, will be sentenced on December 8.

The scene where Vallely punched Boyd to death in Brecon
Shannon Buckley, pictured, allegedly left her four-month-old baby in a car while she shopped at Target

A woman is accused of leaving her four-month-old child in a car seat inside a car for at least 40 minutes while she shopped at a Florida Target store on Thanksgiving night.

Shannon Buckley, 21, allegedly left the infant behind in the unlocked vehicle and shopped at a Panama City location.

Someone pulled up next to the mother's car, saw the baby, and dialed 911, authorities told Click Orlando.

Police responded and had the store make an intercom announcement seeking the vehicle's owner which no one responded to, nwfdailynews.com reports.

Buckley and her boyfriend came back to the vehicle approximately 40 minutes after, the report said.

Authorities have charged Buckley with child neglect without great bodily harm.

She was booked into the Bay County Jail and released for a pre-trial program, according to the website.

The infant wasn't hurt, and was handed over to relatives.
A sickness bug has swept through a primary school leaving 166 pupils with suspected norovirus.

Nearly half of the 400 students at Intake School in Sheffield have been struck down by the illness, which has also affected three of the school's 59 staff members.

Parents of pupils have called for the school to be closed while a deep clean is carried out on the premises.

Nearly half of the 400 students at Intake School in Sheffield are ill after a suspected outbreak of norovirus

One mother, whose son has been off sick this week, said: 'I am absolutely appalled that nearly half of the school is off sick and we haven't heard anything from the school other than some texts - one reminding children to wash their hands for two and a half minutes, one saying to keep them off for 48 hours if they are sick and one saying not to send children to school if they are ill.

'But we have had nothing to inform us what is going to be done to try to stop the spread of this bug, such as whether they are going to close the school for a deep clean.

'I know that schools are under pressure to have good attendance figures, but I believe the school should be closed today for a thorough deep clean, regardless of how that will affect attendance figures.

'Surely the health and well being of pupil and staff is more important.

'I know parents have called the school, gone to the office and emailed to voice their concerns and to try to find out what the school plans to do to stop any more children falling ill.'

Parents also took to social media to express their concern about the outbreak.

Parents took to social media to express their concern about the outbreak at the school

One parent said: 'Over 100 kids off at Intake School with a sickness bug, parents queuing outside the office yesterday to pick up their poorly children. Surely a deep clean is required?'

Another added: 'This why schools and public transport should have biohazard warnings on them'

Some said they had never heard of an outbreak as large as the one the Sheffield school is dealing with

One said: 'Over 100 kids off at Intake School with a sickness bug, parents queuing outside the office yesterday to pick up their poorly children. Surely a deep clean is required?'

Another added: 'This why schools and public transport should have biohazard warnings on them.'

Lisa Reid Headteacher at Intake Primary School said: 'A large number of our pupils have been affected by a sickness bug.

'I have spoken to Public Health England and Environmental Health who have given advice. I have also written to all parents to let them know what's happened and to ask that, if their children are unwell, they keep them away from school for 48 hours after the last period of sickness.

'We are carrying out a deep clean of the school to prevent any further infection and will be talking to children about washing their hands regularly.'




President-elect Donald Trump is 'seriously intrigued' with the idea of adding a Democrat to his cabinet, a senior transition aide said Thursday.

The source told DailyMail.com that 'it wouldn't be wrong to say several' elected Democrats have entered into his discussions about how to staff the uppermost positions in his administration-to-be.

Those comments come as Trump is set to meet with North Dakota Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp on Friday. She is being discussed as a potential agriculture secretary, the aide said, adding that there are 'other slots' she could fill.

Trump met 10 days ago with Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, despite her public endorsement of Vermont's colorful senator Bernie Sanders during the Democratic presidential primary season.

North Dakota Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp will meet Friday with Donald Trump

A senior aide to Trump, shown boarding his plane Thursday on the way to Indiana, says the president-elect is 'seriously intrigued' with the idea of putting a Democrat in his cabinet, and 'it wouldn't be wrong to say several' Democrats are on his mind

Former Tennessee Democratic Rep. Harold Ford Jr. is also rumored to be a possible cabinet pick. Ford was a Hillary Clinton donor this year but is reportedly close with Trump's adult children who serve on his transition executive committee.

And West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin is in the mix to helm the Department of Energy,Politico reported Thursday afternoon.

President Barack Obama appointed two Republicans to his cabinet in 2009, former Illinois congressman Ray LaHood as secretary of transportation and Robert Gates as secretary of defense.

George W. Bush tapped Democrat Norman Mineta to run the Transportation Department. Bill Clinton made Republican William Cohen his Pentagon chief.

Heitkamp told a CNN reporter on Thursday that she doesn't know why she is meeting with Trump. but she wouldn't rule out joining the new administration.

Trump met 10 days ago with Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (right); former Democratic Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (left) is also reportedly in the mix for a cabinet slot

She said in a statement: 'I appreciate the president-elect inviting me for a meeting.'

'Whatever job I do, I hope to work with the president-elect and all of my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to best support my state,' she added.

A Trump transition team spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday afternoon.

But communications director Jason Miller in the morning called Heitkamp 'very highly recommended, very highly qualified as a proven leader,' adding that she 'would be an asset in any role or capacity.'

A bonus for recruiting Heitkamp would likely come in the form of an added U.S. Senate seat for Republicans.

Trump Tower has been the scene of palace intrigue since the Nov. 8 election, with potential cabinet members and West Wing hopefuls making appearances in the building's ornate lobby

Heitkamp won her Senate race in 2012 despite running in a deep-red state, but her margin of victory was less than 1 percentage point.

This year incumbent Republican Sen. John Hoeven was re-elected with more than 78 per cent of the vote, giving him the most decisive such victory in the state's history.

That's a sign that a special election to fill Heitkamp's seat until January 2019 would almost certainly swing in the GOP's direction.

Republicans are guaranteed to hold at least 51 of the Senate's 100 seats when the 115th Congress convenes in January. The Democrats hold 46.

Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Angus King of Maine are officially 'independent' but caucus with the Democrats.

The final seat will be determined by a runoff election Dec. 10 in Louisiana.

Turning a 51-seat majority into 52 would give the new White House added room to maneuver Trump's cabinet picks through potentially contentious confirmation hearings.

Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul has signaled that he might oppose cabinet nominees who don't please him and persuade another senator to join him  leaving Team Trump with just 49 senators in their corner.
Arkansas State Sen. Jason Rapert doesn't believe his state's largest airport should be named after Bill and Hillary Clinton any more.

Rapert told the Hill newspaper that the election, and the former secretary of state's puny percentage in her husband's home state, proved that Arkansans were done with the Clintons, whose names appear on the airport in Little Rock.

'The Clinton left Arkansas and do not reside here,' the lawmaker told the Hill. 'Many in our state do not want the first thing people see and last thing they remember about Arkansas being two of the most scandal-ridden politicians in American history.'

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Hillary (left) and Bill Clinton (right) have an airport named after them in Little Rock, Arkansas, but a Republican lawmaker wants to have it renamed

The Little Rock, Arkansas, airport got a name change in 2012. It was previously named after Capt. George Geyer Adams, a servicemember killed at the airport in 1937

Bill Clinton grew up in Hope, Arkansas, and eventually convinced Hillary Rodham, who had both Pennsylvania and Illinois roots, to move to the state after they both finished law school.

In 1978 he was elected to be the state's governor, but lost his next election to Frank D. White. He was re-elect

Arkansas State Sen. Jason Rapert wants the Clinton-named airport to be renamed

He was re-elected to the position in 1982 and held on to the job until he won the White House 10 years later.

Hillary Clinton, after serving as first lady for eight years, became the U.S. Senator from New York and thus the Clintons have taken up residence in the Northern state since.

As they moved north, Arkansas has voted more red, with the last Democrat winning the state in a presidential election being Bill Clinton in 1996.

While Hillary Clinton was on the ballot in 2016, the first female major party nominee, Arkansas voters primarily voted for Donald Trump.

The Republican president-elect won the state with 61 percent support, compared to Hillary Clinton's 34 percent.

She won just eight of the states 75 counties.

Though she did win Pulaski County, where the airport is situated.

Bill Clinton (left) was born in Arkansas and Hillary Clinton (right) moved to the state after law school and served as the state's first lady for more than a decade

Hillary Clinton lost big in Arkansas to Donald Trump, though won the county where the airport is situated

In 2012, the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission renamed the airport in honor of the Clintons.

Previously it had been named after Capt. George Geyer Adams, a member of the Arkansas Army National Guard who had an accident and was killed at the airport in 1937.

Rapert, a Republican, would like to see the airport return to its roots and have the name changed back to Adams.

'The nation resoundingly rejected the Clinton legacy, and many think it is not smart to have the gateway airport to our state projecting a message the rest of the country and our own voters rejected,' Rapert said.
President Barack Obama will head to Tampa to talk terror on Tuesday.

Obama will meet with active-duty service members at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, his press secretary, Josh Earnest, said today, and deliver remarks outlining his counterterror strategy.

The White House says the speech is a 'final opportunity' for the sitting president to defend his approach to defeating America's enemies before he hands over the keys to the Oval Office to Donald Trump.

President Barack Obama will head to Tampa to talk terror on Tuesday, the White House said today

Obama, pictured Wednesday in the Oval Office, will meet with active-duty service members at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, his press secretary, Josh Earnest, said today, and deliver remarks outlining his counterterror strategy

The term-limited executive who's leaving office in less than two months is using the visit to defend his anti-terror blueprint that left the United States with fewer troops in Iraq that when he was elected, and no combat forces, but a military presence nonetheless

MacDill is home to United States Central Command, CENTCOM, and United States Special Operations Command, USSOCOM.

CENTCOM oversees the United States' military actions against ISIS, formally known as Operation Inherent Resolve, and other terrorist groups. It was created after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

'While at the base the president will have an opportunity to meet with uniformed leadership of both commands as well as some of the men and women stationed there,' Earnest said Thursday.

Obama will meet with special operations forces at MacDill who 'have been a key element of our relentless pursuit of terrorists,' the president's spokesman said.

'The president will offer his personal gratitude, and that of the nation, for the professionalism, skill and sacrifice of those American patriots.'

The term-limited executive is leaving office in less than two months and is using the visit to defend his anti-terror blueprint that left the United States with fewer troops in Iraq that when he began, and no combat forces, but a military presence nonetheless.

The White House said Thursday that Obama will highlight 'the gains we have made while staying true to the values that have always been at America's core.'

'The president has no higher priority than protecting the American people,' Earnest said. 'This speech will be a final opportunity for him to discuss, at length, how he has effectively, durably and successfully implemented reforms to keep us safe.'

The United States and its coalition partners have been dropping bombs on ISIS in Iraq and Syria for more than two years. The terrorist group is losing ground but it continues to control parts of Mosul, one of Iraq's most populous cities before fighting began.

The incoming administration has reportedly promised the Iraqi government additional logistical support.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told the Associated Press on Tuesday that Trump told him in a call 'that U.S. support will not only continue, but it is going to be increased.'

Trump has not released a read out of the call, even though his team has confirmed conversations with other countries this week.

The incoming administration has reportedly promised the Iraqi government additional logistical support. Donald Trump is seen arriving in Indianapolis today

The United States has 5,000 troops on the ground in Iraq assisting security forces.

Trump has played coy when it comes to Iraq, refusing to discuss his strategy in public in order to keep the terrorists guessing.

'I have a plan, but I don't want to tell ISIS what it is,' he said in a 2015 speech.

He's said he'll 'bomb the s***out of' their oil fields, pipes and refineries and 'utterly destroy ISIS.'

Trump memorably claimed during the presidential campaign, 'I know more about ISIS than the generals do. Believe me.'

The assertion became a rallying point for Hillary Clinton's unsuccessful campaign.

Trump has not committed to a troop strategy in Iraq, saying at times that he could send in more American forces or leave combat fighting to Russia.

The president-elect's also said that he would like to see a 'safe zone' in Syria for refugees instead of allowing them to resettle in the United States.

The deputy foreign minister for Russia says his government has had talks with Trump about Syria but the Kremlin wouldn't confirm those calls after his the claim ran in Tass, a state-run news agency.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskovare said the Russian government is 'continuing with our partners of the current administration of the U.S. president.'

The White House was unable to confirm any conversations that the president-elect's transition team may have had with Russian officials today.

Obama's Tuesday speech will be his last on the terror, his spokesman said today, but it may not be the final policy speech of his term.

The president may make a case for other policies he'd like to see Trump leave in place that do not have to do with terror, the White House official said.

Earnest said Obama may take more domestic trips before the end of his presidency, as well, to tout his record on other issues.
Three people were killed when a pick-up truck smashed into a Wal-Mart in Iowa and kept going until it reached the produce section.

The vehicle plowed through the store in Pella on Thursday, scattering merchandise all over the floor and knocking down the aisles.

Police believe the horrific crash was a tragic accident, but they are still investigating.

The truck finally halted under a sign that read 'Fresh Produce,' with boxes and other debris laying behind it.

'At this time, we don't have any reason to believe it was intentional,' said Patrol Sgt. Nathan Ludwig, who was at the scene of the crash.

A pickup truck (pictured) smashed into an Iowa Wal-Mart on Thursday, killing three people. A picture taken by a witness shows the vehicle stopped underneath a 'Fresh Produce' sign

Witnesses said the truck was traveling at a high speed when it crashed through the entrance, KNIA/KRLS reported.

One employee said the incident was a 'big shock.'

The crash in Pella, Iowa, killed three people  all outside the vehicle  and injured the driver and another person

'I know the employees are pretty scared,' said Judy Playle, who's worked at the store for nine years, to the Argus Leader.

'It's a family here,' she told the paper. 'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone that works here, the man who drove through and his family.'

Ludwig said officials are investigating all possible scenarios.

All three of the victims killed were outside the vehicle. They have not been identified, but none of them are believed to be children.

Witnesses said the truck was traveling at a high speed when it crashed through the entrance of the Pella Walmart (file picture above)

Ludwig said he did not have the medical conditions of those hurt.

Walmart management said in a statement: 'We're heartbroken by what appears to be a tragic accident.'
She will plead guilty or not guilty in January

in DePasquale's story, including the fact her shower was dry, her feet were dirty and she had makeup on

A Florida woman was indicted on a murder charge Wednesday after authorities say she strangled her one-year-old daughter with a string of Halloween lights then blamed it on her two-year-old son.

The Seminole County Grand Jury issued an indictment against Krisen DePasquale, 27, on charges of first-degree premeditated murder and aggravated child abuse for the November 10 death of baby Mia Rice.

Police arrived at DePasquale's home in Oveido on November 10 after receiving a report of a child in cardiac arrest with something wrapped around her neck. They arrested the young mother four days later, The Orlando Sentinel said.

Indicted: Kristen DePasquale, 27 (pictured in mugshot, left, and right), has been indicted on murder child abuse charges after her baby daughter, Mia Rice (right, in August) died on Nov 10

'Blaming a child': DePasquale told police that it her two-year-old son (right) strangled his baby sister (left) with a strand of Halloween lights, but cops doubted her story

Happy family: DePasquale, the daughter of a sheriff's deputy, is pictured here posing happily with boyfriend Mike Rice, 26, and their two young children

DePasquale will appear in court again to either plead innocence or admit guilt on January 3.

The mom told officers in November that she left Baby Mia and her two-year-old son to watch television in the living room while she went to take a shower, according to an arrest reported cited by the Orlando Sentinel.

When she emerged from the bathroom about five minutes later, she said, her young son apologized for hurting his sister and she found the little girl unresponsive and partially hanging from a strand of pumpkin-shaped lights, according to Local 10.

DePasquale suggested that her toddler son might have been the culprit.

But detectives say DePasquale's statements do not add up, citing a dry shower, a lack of wet towels, and her makeup and dirty feet.

According to the arrest report, DePasquale was still wearing makeup and jewelry when police arrived, and she refused to submit to a drug test.

Responding officers tried to revive Mia and then rushed her to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead in the emergency room.

The medical examiner later ruled the girls death a homicide caused by strangulation, telling police that her injuries 'appeared to be the result of more force than the slightly older brother could have made.'

Her version: Cops say DePasquale (left) told them she went to take a shower, leaving her kids watching TV. Five minutes later, she said, she heard the boy apologizing for hurting his sister

According to information available on social media, DePasquales son was born in March 2014 and her daughter in June 2015, putting the age difference between the siblings at just 15 months.

The medical examiner made note of a mark on the back of Mias neck that allegedly indicated someone had used a device to tighten the string of lights, according to the report.

It would have taken four-to-six minutes to strangle the child with the decorations, she estimated.

Force: A medical examiner said the death of Mia (pictured above on the day of her birth) was a homicide, saying her injuries required 'more force' than her brother 'could have made'

The station WFTV reported that DePasquale, whose father is a Seminole County Sheriffs deputy, was arrested in 2010 on a charge of selling, providing or serving alcoholic beverages to someone, but the count was later dropped.

During a court hearing on Monday, Kristen DePasquale said her boyfriend, Mike Rice, is currently in state prison.

Online court records indicate that the 26-year-old man has a vast rap sheet dating back to at least 2008, which includes charges of DUI, burglary, grand theft, petite theft, fraud, battery on an officer, resisting officer, and others.

A judge ordered that Kristen DePasquales son be released into the custody of his grandparents and barred the mother from visiting him without supervision.
A mother of three in New York bled to death after being shot in her buttocks after paramedics couldn't find the bullet, her family has said.

Shots were fired early Wednesday at the Louis Pink Houses housing project in East New York, Brooklyn.

Salaya Figueroa, 27, ran for cover with her boyfriend  but she was struck. Police said she suffered a gunshot wound to the back.

Figueroa was rushed in serious condition to Brookdale University Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Salaya Figueroa, 27, was killed early Wednesday when bullets rang out near her home in East New York, Brooklyn

Figueroa  a mother to three girls ages four, eight and nine (pictured)  was rushed in serious condition to Brookdale University Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries

Her distraught relatives said paramedics couldn't find the bullet while treating her, the New York Daily News reported.

'They put her on her back, and they kept saying she wasn't shot,' the victim's grandmother, Odessa Figueroa, told the newspaper.

'So the bullet just damaged other organs and she bled internally.'

Police are still seeking a suspect in the 12:30am shooting near Loring Avenue.

'I don't think it was aimed toward her,' the grandmother told the Daily News.

Figueroa was shot in the same hosing project were Akai Gurley was killed by an NYPD officer in 2014.

Figueroa's distraught relatives said paramedics couldn't find the bullet while treating her

Figueroa's family described her as a loving mother to her daughters, ages four, eight and nine.

'She was amazing  she truly will be missed,' Figueroa's sister, Jada Harris, told Brooklyn News 12.

'She's leaving her three kids behind, and it's sad. Like, three kids!'

Relatives and friends have placed candles near where Figueroa she was shot.

#This is a very sad time for our family,' wrote family member Sheneik McCallum on a GoFundMe page to help support her children.

'Salaya has left us to live in a better place and we pray she is laid to rest peacefully.'
Melbourne father Pande Veleski (pictured) was arrested on Thursday over the alleged murder of the 33-year-old Frenchman

The wife of a French tourist who was stabbed to death in the outback had tried to fight off the alleged attacker by bashing him with a picnic table.

The 30-year-old Frenchwoman watched helplessly as her 33-year-old husband was killed after he was brutally stabbed in the neck in the Northern Territory on Wednesday.

Melbourne man Pande Veleski has been placed under police guard in hospital after he was arrested on Thursday over the alleged stabbing murder of the Frenchman.

The French couple had stopped at a Connor Well truck stop, about 100km north of Alice Springs, when Veleski allegedly pulled up behind the pair.

They 'exchanged pleasantries' with the man who then allegedly stabbed the backpacker in the neck in front of his wife, The Australian reported.

The victim's wife tried to save her husband from the suspect by hitting him over the head with the picnic table before he escaped in a Hyundai i30 following an unprovoked attack, NT News reported.

The Victorian father-of-one - who has a history of mental illness - fled into bushland on foot overnight after police located his vehicle - but he was arrested naked, 60km from Ti Tree - where British backpacker Peter Falconio was last seen alive.

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The tourist and his 30-year-old wife had stopped at Connors Well, about 100km north of Alice Springs, when Veleski allegedly pulled up behind the couple

The getaway car: The attacker fled the scene in a silver Hyundai hatchback (pictured) with a Victoria-registered numberplate after he allegedly stabbed the French tourist on Wednesday

The French tourist couple were travelling in a 1998 Toyota RAV4 (pictured)

Mr Veleski spent the night in hospital seeking a psychiatric assessment as he is being questioned by police over the murder. He is yet to be charged.

And if his social media account is anything to go by, his Facebook paints a picture of a keen fisherman who breeds pigeons.

He seems to have a love for animals, with pets ranging from a dog to a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Mahamed.

Mr Veleski lives with his parents in Melbourne - and he is the father of a young girl but they don't have much of a relationship, 9 News reported.

On Friday, his brother Tony Veleski revealed the family did not know he had left the state because they thought he had travelled to the family's holiday house in Dromana, on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.

'He came and got my keys. He was supposed to be in Dromana,' Tony told Fairfax Media, adding that his brother had been treated for a mental health condition.

'We were meant to go there today [Friday] to see him, to spend time with him, me and my son.

'We're really sorry for the French tourist, and we're sorry for my brother as well.'

Mr Veleski's sister-in-law Mary Veleski, Tony's wife, told NT News the family were aware he was 'unwell' but they 'never knew it was to this point'.

Melbourne man Pande Veleski (pictured) has been placed under police guard in hospital after he was arrested on Thursday over the alleged stabbing murder of the Frenchman

The tourist and his wife had stopped at Connors Well, about 100km north of Alice Springs

Detectives set up a crime scene where the Frenchman was stabbed to death on Wednesday

The attack has eerie parallels with the case of Joanne Lees and Peter Falconio who were attacked nearbye 15 years ago

It comes as emerging details of the shocking murder in Australia's red centre have an eerie resemblance to that of Mr Falconio 15 years ago.

The alleged attacker was found the following morning in the same area where the British backpacker Peter Falconio was last seen alive - 100kms from where he allegedly attacked the Frenchman.

The Frenchman died after he was allegedly stabbed in the throat in what police are calling an 'unprovoked attack' - the alleged attacker fled in a grey Hyundai i30 - he is expected to be charged on Friday.

Falconio - who was murdered by Bradley John Murdoch 15 years ago was also travelling with his partner through the red centre when he was attacked.

The British man, then 28, and his girlfriend Joanne Lees were directed to pull over on the night of July 14, 2001.

When Murdoch spoke to the couple he told them there was a problem with their Kombi - Falconio went to the back of the car to check it out and was never seen again.

Ms Lees said she heard a gunshot and was then tied up by Murdoch but managed to escape and flag down help after hiding in the bush for hours - waiting for the sun to rise.

The wife of the Frenchman also flagged down help - a nurse and her partner travelling to Ti Tree, north of Connors Well.

The nurse stayed with the couple while her husband travelled to the nearest roadhouse to call emergency services around 5.30pm.

Detective Superintendent Travis Wurst (pictured) released a photo of the car the attacker allegedly escaped in after he stabbed a French tourist to death in the outback

NT Police believe the alleged attacker fled in a grey Hyundai i20 hatchback (pictured)

The brutal stabbing murder happened in Aileron, about 100 kilometre north of Alice Springs

Police said they believed the two French tourists were at a rest stop 30km south of the Aileron Roadhouse (pictured) on the Stuart Highway when they were approached by an unknown man

The foreigner was stabbed in the neck in Northern Territory's outback town Aileron

The 30-year-old wife of the tourist has left Alice Springs Hospital after being treated for shock.

'She's particularly traumatised by the event,' Det Supt Wurst said on Thursday.

Homicide detectives believe the French tourist couple and suspect were the only three people in the remote area at the time of the attack.

'We believe at this time the only persons at the roadside stop were the male person, who is now deceased, and his wife,' Det Supt Wurst said.

'The only other person that was believed to have been present was the person who is considered to be the attacker. We understand there were no other people present.'

English backpacker Peter Falconio with his girlfriend Joanne Lees before his murder

Peter Falconio was told to pull over his Kombi by Murdoch - his killer who said the couple had engine problems before killing Falconio

The French couple were at a rest stop 30km south of the Aileron Roadhouse (pictured)

'This is an absolutely devastating occurrence for her and for her family of the deceased as well. Our hearts go out to her and her family.

'And as far as the Northern Territory police are concerned, we'll investigate this matter thoroughly and efficiently and bring this offender to justice.'

'Police saw that vehicle near Ti Tree; as soon as that vehicle had seen police it stopped and the person ran into the bush,' Det Supt Wurst said.

'Police were quite some distance away at the time, and because of that distance we weren't able to apprehend him at that time.'

The Connor Well rest area 60 miles north of Alice Springs where the 33-year-old Frenchman was stabbed to death

A French tourist has been stabbed to death in front of his wife in a chilling echo of the horror film Wolf Creek after they stopped for a rest in the remote Australian outback

Northern Territory Police - who arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with the incident

The man then fled on foot into bushland, prompting an overnight manhunt until a police helicopter located him and he was arrested about 8.30am on Thursday.

Police are now urging anyone who may have seen the grey Hyundai to come forward as they piece together an exact timeline of events.

'Police will continue to speak to a number of witnesses to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death,' Det Supt Wurst said.

'We are extremely interested in speaking with anyone who may have sighted either vehicle, or had contact with any of the occupants of these cars in the days leading up to yesterdays incident.'

A crime scene has been set up as investigation continues.

The French tourist bled to the death at the scene and his attacker fled in what is understood to have been a Hyundai i20 hatchback

A crime scene has been set up as investigation continues
Accused: Carl Edward Brewer, 17, is accused of murdering his adoptive parents in their home. He was adopted from Russia at an early age, along with two older brothers

A 17-year-old boy was arrested in Texas Wednesday for murdering his adoptive parents after a 12-hour stand-off with SWAT teams that ended in tear gas being deployed.

Carl Edward Brewer is accused of murdering American Airlines pilot Troy Gene Brewer, 60, and his wife Mary Brewer, 64, in their house in Crowley, Texas.

Mary's body was stuffed into a trash receptacle, WFAA said.

The reason for the murders isn't yet known, but a pastor said that Brewer and his two older biological brothers - who were all adopted by Mr and Mrs Brewer at a young age - had a history of 'outbursts'.

'They did have outbursts from time to time from what the boys experienced before adoption in Russia,' said CB Glidden, who had been forced to expel Brewer and one of his brothers from the Nazarene Christian Academy for bad behavior.

'That seemed to really impact the choices they made here. This just wasn't the right place for them.'

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Scene of the crime: Pilot Gene Brewer, 60, was found in the master bedroom of their Crowley home (pictured); wife Mary, 64, was found in a trash can in the living room

Dead: It's not been announced how Mary (pictured) and her husband died, but guns were mentioned in a search warrant. Brewer barricaded himself upstairs before a 12-hour standoff

Police say that one of Brewer's friends had contacted them daytime Tuesday to say that he had admitted to killing his parents while they were smoking weed together.

Officers arrived at the home Tuesday daytime to check and didn't see anything amiss - but noted they couldn't make contact with the Brewers.

The case was passed on to the night shift, but when officers followed up, they smelled the 'odor of death' coming from the house, Lt Robert Gray said.

SWAT were called in and found Brewer - who was adopted from Russia by the couple - barricaded into an upstairs room and unwilling to talk.

A search warrant said that the couple were believed to have been killed sometime between 6:30pm Monday and 4:35pm Tuesday.

If that's the case, Brewer spent hours in the house with the couple's bodies.

Houses on the street were evacuated while SWAT tried to talk Brewer into giving up, but he only surrendered after tear gas canisters were fired.

He was not 'combative,' police chief Luis Soler told the Star-Telegram. 'He was very calm.'

Arrested: Brewer was arrested after police fired tear gas into the home. He has been charged with two counts of murder. His brothers live out of state, not with their parents

Brewer and his parents were the only ones living in the house. His two older brothers live out of state. It's not clear what their lives were like prior to adoption.

Johnny Griffin, who lives next door, said the evacuation 'scared my girls to death,' and added that he'd 'seen the police over here several times.'

'You kind of figure anything can happen over there.' he said Griffin. '[The police] were over there quite a bit.'

Police aren't saying how the Brewers were killed, but the search warrant said police were looking for two guns that has previously been reported stolen.

Mr Brewer's body was in the master bedroom, according to police, while Mrs Brewer's body was found in a 'trash receptacle' in the living room.

Brewer has been charged with two counts of murder and is being held on $200,000 bond - one for each murder charge.
28, he made the fake bombs and threatened the woman

A man in China was detained after he made four 'immitation' bombs made from sausages and threatened his ex-girlfriend.

He became frustrated on November 28 after being rejected by his girlfriend.

The man said that if she did not meet him again, he would blow up her along with her family, reports Huanqiu, an affiliation with the People's Daily Online.

Explosive: The man was upset with his ex-girlfriend and decided to make a fake bomb

The man from Suifenhe in northern China's Heilongjiang province tried to contact his ex-girlfriend to talk about their relationship however she ignored him.

On November 28, he became so frustrated that he made fake bombs from sausages and forced him to meet her.

He said that if she did not meet with him, he would blow up her and her family.

The man's behaviour was alerted to the police by his sister who was unaware that the bombs were fake.

A policeman holds the 'sausage bombs' following the man's arrest

He was later arrested and charged with endangering public security.

Many people have been discussing the story on news site news163.com.

One user wrote: 'Such a silly man. No wonder he was dumped by his girlfriend.'

While another commented: 'He can eat them with his girlfriend if they get back together. '
It remains unknown who had leaked the photos. Police have been alerted

Most of the victims are university students between 19 and 23 years old

They had been provided by money borrowers to loaners as

The nude photos of hundreds of young Chinese women have been leaked online.

These women, most of whom are university students, had been forced by online loan sharks to send over pictures of them undressed while holding their IDs as guarantees.

An 8G zip file, thought to contain pictures of more than 1,000 women, were shared among Chinese internet users this week, reported Huanqiu.com, an affiliation to People's Daily.

Nude photos of hundreds of Chinese women have been leaked online and widely shared

The source of the nude photos is reported to be a Chinese money-loaning platform 'Jiedaibao'. Above is a screen shot of the website

According to reports, the source of the nude photos was a Chinese money-loaning platform named 'Jiedaibao'. However, it remains unknown as to who had leaked these photos to the public.

Once the zip file was decompressed, the web users would be able to see the women's names in the file names, as a screenshot on Huanqiu shows.

Remarks such as 'contact number available' and 'pretty' were also given to some of the file names.

More shockingly, the file names also suggested whether or not a particular woman would be willing to repay loans with sex.

Majority of the borrowers are young women born between 1993 to 1997, reported Huanqiu.com.

The exact number of victims is not known. However, a separate Huanqiu report suggested more than 1,000 woman desperate borrowers had sent naked photos of them to lenders on Jiedaibao.

It's reported that some lender had even requested the borrowers to film themselves masturbating.

Desperate measures: Some borrowers were also asked to hold a IOU in the pictures

An 8G file, named 'stupid girl', has been shared online which contained the nude pictures

In exchange, these women were granted higher loans, which ranged from two to five times the normal amount.

The weekly interest rate was 30 per cent.

The pictures were used by the women as guarantees that they would pay their debts.

It's been understood that loan sharks would release these photos and videos to the borrowers' families if they fail to repay the loans on time.

Jiedaibao position itself as a platform where individuals, often friends and acquaintances, can lend or borrow money.

The internet finance company issued a statement saying using nude photos as the guarantee had been a private agreement between the lender and the borrower.

In June, 2016, similar nude photos were posted for sale on various Chinese internet forums

It is not the first time nude photos of female money borrowers had been leaked online in China.

In June, 2016, similar nude photos were posted for sale on various Chinese internet forums, Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Each set of photos were sold for 20 yuan (2.3) to 30 yuan(3.5). A set of 20 photos was priced 64 yuan at (7.4).

Names, dates of birth, address and ID number of the young women could be clearly seen in the photos and videos.

Jiedaibao said in the statement that the company had reported the case to the police.

According to the Chinese Criminal Law, a person who 'produces, duplicates, publishes, sells or disseminates pornographic materials' shall be sentences to fixed-term imprisonment of no more than three years.

In a 'serious' case, the person could be sentenced to no more than 10 years in prison.
Advertisement

Nine out of ten people around the world are breathing bad air, a problem responsible for killing seven million people each year.

Now you can see this silent and invisible killer, as data scientists have painstakingly crafted a shocking real-time visualisation of Earth's air pollution.

The group's mesmerising map brings to life the sheer scale of the planet's problem.

Zoom in on your country to show its pollution in real-time

A shocking real-time visualisation of Earth's global air pollution. The map shows global wind and weather patterns alongside detailed colour-coded concentrations of PM2.5 - tiny airborne particulates less than 2.5 microns in diameter that can penetrate deep into the lungs

AirVisual Earth aims to clearly show the effect that human emissions are having on the planet's health, as well as our own. The mesmerising map brings to life the sheer scale of the planet's pollution problem. Previous research has shown there to be no 'safe' level of air PM2.5 in humans, and long-term exposure reduces life expectancy, likely through heart and lung diseases

WHAT THE DATA MEANS The data focuses on dangerous airborne matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres, also known as PM2.5. PM2.5 includes toxins like sulfate and black carbon, which can penetrate deep into the lungs or cardiovascular system. Previous research has shown there to be no 'safe' level of air PM2.5 in humans, and long-term exposure reduces life expectancy, likely through heart and lung diseases, including cancer. Advertisement

'AirVisual Earth' aims to clearly show the effect that human emissions are having on the planet's health, as well as our own.

It is the first map of its kind to project real-time pollution data across a 3D globe's surface, allowing users to spin the globe and zoom in and out for extra detail, using a combination of crowd-sourced air monitors, satellite data and government stations across the globe.

As well as wind and weather patterns, the map details colour-coded concentrations of PM2.5 - tiny airborne particulates that can penetrate deep into the heart and lungs.

Red regions indicate severely polluted air, while green areas shows smaller levels of PM2.5.

Previous research has shown there to be no 'safe' level of air PM2.5 in humans, and long-term exposure reduces life expectancy, likely through heart and lung diseases, including cancer.

As a result, even green areas of the map have unsafe levels of pollution.

Users can toggle between showing a combination of particle pollution (PM2.5) and weather data, or just wind patterns alone.

This animation shows pollution over the Eastern edge of North America alongside Western Europe and Africa. Wind and weather patterns can be seen in white, as well as colour-coded concentrations of PM2.5 - tiny airborne particulates that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause lung cancer

This image shows a pollution map of the Eastern United States as seen through AirVisual Earth. The white lines are wind and weather patterns, while the colours represent PM2.5 concentrations. The Western side of the US has not yet been covered by AirVisual's monitors, but they hope to deploy sensors there soon

As well as air pollution levels, the graphic also tracks wind and weather patterns as they hypnotically twist and swirl around one another over Earth's surface

WHERE THE DATA COMES FROM The French pair put the model together using a crowd-sourced global team of amateur climate scientists. Together they deployed 8,000 of AirVisual's small, ground-based air monitors across the globe. They combined their readings with public government data and satellite imagery. In future, the team hope to expand the crowd-sourced project by deploying air-quality sensors in as many countries and cities as possible across the globe. Advertisement

The map reveals the devastating effect that air pollution is having on India and China, as highly dangerous levels of PM2.5 swarm the two nations.

Air pollution in China and India is already a great threat to the health of those who live there, and is only on the rise.

AirVisual's graphic also shows that the area around New York and Washington D.C. in the North Eastern United states is the most heavily polluted area of the country.

Unsurprisingly, it is the UK's biggest cities that see the highest levels of pollution.

A large yellow blob of unsafe air envelops the areas around London, Birmingham, and Manchester.

Surprisingly, the map shows parts of Central and Northern Africa as an area of intense pollution.

AirVisual's founders put this anomaly to large plumes of sand and dust from the Sahara desert fooling the satellite imagery used to make the graphic.

AirVisual was founded by two Beijing-based French scientists just over a year ago.

The company equips everyday citizens with safe air-quality monitors, but also focuses on using data-based visualisations to spread the message on global air pollution levels.

'We've lived in this city for 18 years,' founder Yann Boquillod told MailOnline.

The devastating effect that air pollution is having on both India and China is shown. The French data scientists behind AirVisual Earth are based in Beijing, and are hoping to reduce air pollution for their children growing up in the infamously polluted city

Users can toggle between showing a combination of particle pollution (PM2.5) and weather data, or just wind patterns alone

Europe saw Paris as its most polluted place. Starting in January, the City of Love will introduce a new law forcing drivers to wear stickers ranking their vehicle's impact on the environment

'But what comes to your mind when you think Beijing? We love it except for the pollution.

'We wanted to make sure that our children are breathing safe air in the future.'

The map allows users to see how pollution drifts across countries and populations, and visualise how polluted air merges and flows with twisting weather patterns.

Launched to coincide with the end of the COP22 climate discussions in Marrakech, AirVisual Earth aims to bring the immediacy of our pollution problems to life.

This animation reveals the devastating effect that air pollution is having on India and China. The French pair put the model together using a crowd-sourced global team of amateur climate scientists

Surprisingly, the map shows parts of Central and Northern Africa as an area of intense pollution. AirVisual's founders put this anomaly to large plumes of sand and dust from the Sahara desert fooling the satellite imagery used to make the graphic

'Normally people dont care about pollution,' Mr Boquillod told MailOnline. 'When you can't see a problem, it is difficult to care about it.

'But once you see it and visualise it you realise that this is really serious, and this was the idea behind the project, to make people realise the damage we've done.

'We can clearly see that it is humans that cause this pollution.'

The French pair put the model together using a crowd-sourced global team of amateur climate scientists.

Together they combined data from AirVisual's ground monitors with government data and satellite imagery to create a rounded picture of pollution across the globe.

Mr Boquillod explains his contrasting emotions when seeing the graphic for the first time.

'After seeing what we'd created for the first time, I watched it for a whole hour,' he told MailOnline.

'I was just thinking: "Wow, this is beautiful, but horrible."

'I hope that people who see AirVisual Earth will have the same feeling.

NINE OUT OF 10 PEOPLE ARE BREATHING BAD AIR Nine out of ten people globally are breathing poor quality air, the World Health Organization (WHO) said last month. The staggering report called for dramatic action against pollution that is blamed for killing more than 16,000 Brits and six million people worldwide, every year. New data in a report from the UN's global health body 'is enough to make all of us extremely concerned,' Maria Neira, the head of the WHO's department of public health and environment, told reporters. Nearly 3 million deaths a year are attributed to exposure to outdoor air pollution with an estimated 6.5 million deaths attributed to both indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure in 2012. WHO released an interactive map showing the exposure to pollutants known as PM2.5 for all countries. It also shows values for pollutants in various cities and towns. The problem is most acute in cities, the report found, but air in rural areas is worse than many think, WHO experts said. Poorer countries have much dirtier air than the developed world, according to the report, but pollution 'affects practically all countries in the world and all parts of society', Mrs Neira said in a statement. Advertisement

'I want people to realise that this Earth is beautiful, and for them to then understand the damage we are doing to it,' he said.

In future, the team hopes to expand the crowd-sourced project by deploying air-quality sensors in as many countries and cities as possible across the globe.

They will continue to share all of their data publicly.

'Next we want to work together to make the map as accurate as it can be, and get as many people involved as possible,' Mr Boquillod told MailOnline.

'The more accurate the map, the more it can help us to learn what is causing the air pollution and where.'

'It's a great way to get lots of people involved in climate monitoring and awareness.'

Nine out of ten people globally are breathing poor quality air, the World Health Organization (WHO) said last month.

The staggering report called for dramatic action against pollution that is blamed for killing more than 16,000 Brits and six million people worldwide, every year.

New data in a report from the UN's global health body 'is enough to make all of us extremely concerned,' Maria Neira, the head of the WHO's department of public health and environment, told reporters.

A pollution map of the UK and parts of Western Europe. The white lines represent wind and weather patterns, while the colours show PM2.5 concentrations. The UK is almost completely covered in pollution
It was abandoned on the lunar surface in 1972 when Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt stepped aboard Apollo 17's lunar module to return to Earth.

But now Apollo 17's lunar rover could get its first visitor in 44 years.

A German team hoping to win Google's $30m Lunar X-prize contents by sending a rover to examine the Apollo moon rover left on the moon's surface has signed a contract to launch its project.

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Audi has its sights on the moon, and plans to send its Lunar-Quattro all-wheel-drive rover (picutred) to the moon as part of the $30 million (20.8m) Google Lunar XPrize

HOW CLOSE WILL IT GET? The Autonomous Landing and Navigation Module (ALINA) will touch down 2 to 3 miles from the touch down site of Apollo 17 in the Taurus-Littrow valley in 1972. In accordance with NASA preservation guidelines, the PT Scientists' vehicles cannot land any closer than 1.24 miles (2 km) away, and it cannot get any closer than 200 meters from the Apollo site. Advertisement

'Has it been ripped to shreds by micrometeorids, or is it still standing there like on the day they left?' Karsen Becker, the team's rover driver, told New Scientists.

'This is scientifically a very interesting site for us.'

The PT Scientists projects hopes to launch two rovers by late 2017.

They will send live HD pictures to Earth as they travel to within 200 meters (656 feet) of the Apollo rover, left on the lunar surface in 1972, and inspect it remotely.

It is believed the launch will take place on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, although project officials said this had yet to be confirmed.

Berlin-based PT Scientists said that it signed a contract with Spaceflight Industries, a broker, for the launch of its lander as a secondary payload on a vehicle yet to be identified.

Karsten Becker, head of electronics for PT Scientists, told an online briefing 'We are very confident that it will be a Falcon 9, but we cannot say that it will be a Falcon 9 just yet, because Spaceflight needs to confirm it with their other customers, and SpaceX,' he said.

Participants in the contents face a Dec. 31 deadline to submit launch contracts to the X Prize Foundation and have them validate the contracts in order to continue in the competition.

So far, on three teams have done this: Moon Express, SpaceIL and Synergy Moon.

The initial mission, which could win the $20 million first prize in the Google Lunar X Prize, involves landing their Autonomous Landing and Navigation Module (ALINA) lander 2 to 3 miles from the touch down site of Apollo 17 in the Taurus-Littrow valley in 1972.

The lander will then deploy two rovers that will travel towards the site, to within 200 meters (656 feet) of the Apollo rover and inspect it remotely.

However, in accordance with NASA preservation guidelines, the PT Scientists' vehicles cannot land any closer than 1.24 miles (2 km) away, and it cannot get any closer than 200 meters from the Apollo site.

THE APOLLO 17 MOON ROVER The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) was an electric vehicle designed to operate in the low-gravity vacuum of the Moon and to traversing the lunar surface, allowing the Apollo astronauts to extend the range of their surface extravehicular activities. Three of them were driven on the Moon - one on Apollo 15 by astronauts David Scott and Jim Irwin, one on Apollo 16 by John Young and Charles Duke, and one on Apollo 17 by Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt. The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) was an electric vehicle designed to operate in the low-gravity vacuum of the Moon and to traversing the lunar surface, allowing the Apollo astronauts to extend the range of their surface extravehicular activities. On Apollo 17 the rover went 35.9 km in 4 hours 26 minutes total drive time. The longest traverse was 20.1 km and the greatest range from the LM was 7.6 km. The Lunar Roving Vehicle had a mass of 210 kg and was designed to hold a payload of an additional 490 kg on the lunar surface. The frame was made of aluminum and the chassis was hinged in the center so it could be folded up and hung in the Lunar Module quad 1 bay. The frame was 3.1 meters long with a wheelbase of 2.3 meters, and was 1.14m high. The frame was made of aluminum and the chassis was hinged in the center so it could be folded up and hung in the Lunar Module quad 1 bay. It had two side-by-side foldable seats made of tubular aluminum with nylon webbing and aluminum floor panels. Astronaut Eugene Cernan walks toward the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) near the U.S. flag at the Taurus-Littrow landing site of Apollo 17. The photograph was taken by astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot. Cernan was the last human being to step on the moon as he was entered the Lunar Module after Schmitt for the return flight to earth. An armrest was mounted between the seats, and each seat had adjustable footrests and a velcro seatbelt. A large mesh dish antenna was mounted on a mast on the front center of the rover. A T-shaped hand controller situated between the two seats controlled the four drive motors, two steering motors and brakes. Harrison Schmitt of Apollo 17 said, '....the Lunar Rover proved to be the reliable, safe and flexible lunar exploration vehicle we expected it to be. 'Without it, the major scientific discoveries of Apollo 15, 16, and 17 would not have been possible; and our current understanding of lunar evolution would not have been possible.' Advertisement

It is hoped the probes will able to scan the Apollo vehicle and assess its condition, including any possible damage caused by intense radiation, extreme temperatures, and micro-meteorites.

PT Scientists started in the competition as Part Time Scientists - but now have 12 full-time employees now, Becker said.

German automaker Audi has also become a major sponsor for PT Scientists, providing support for the development of the team's rover, now known as the Audi Lunar Quattro rover.

PT Scientists also has aspirations beyond the moon, in particular Phobos, the larger of the two moons of Mars, according to Space News.

AUDI'S MOON ROVER SPECIFICATIONS The rover is powered by an adjustable solar panel that captures sunlight and directs it to a lithium-ion battery. It feeds four electric wheel hub motors. The theoretical maximum speed is 2.2mph (3.6 km/h). The rover (pictured) is powered by an adjustable solar panel that captures sunlight and directs it to a lithium-ion battery. It feeds four electric wheel hub motors. A head at the front of the vehicle carries two stereoscopic cameras as well as a scientific camera that examines materials. It carries two stereoscopic cameras at the front and a scientific camera to study the surface. Overall it has a total weight of 77lbs (35kg) and is built from high-strength aluminium, with other parts made from magnesium. Advertisement

'Phobos is a very nice outpost to Mars,' he said, adding that such a mission was only a long-term goal for the team.

'It's a very far-fetched vision.'

The Audi Lunar Quattro uses the firm's Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

According to the engineering team behind the rover - one of only 16 remaining groups in the contest - Audi has helped it to perfect a 3D-printing process to manufacturer the vehicle from titanium and aluminium.

Where it will land: At the Apollo 17 site, the tracks laid down by the lunar rover are clearly visible, along with the last foot trails left on the moon. The image also show where the astronauts placed some of the scientific instruments that provided the first insight into the moon's environment and interior.

With a $30 million (20.8m) prize for the winners, the Lunar XPrize competition was set up to 'incentivise space entrepreneurs to create a new era of affordable access to the moon and beyond.'

In order to scoop the prize, a privately-funded team has to place a robot on the moon's surface, explore at least 1,640ft (500 metres) and transmit high-definition video and images back to Earth.

THE GOOGLE LUNAR X-PRIZE The $30 million prize to 'incentivise space entrepreneurs to create a new era of affordable access to the moon and beyond.' 'More than half of the world's population has never had the opportunity to view a live transmission from the lunar surface,' say the organisers. The prize aims to create a new 'Apollo' moment for this generation and to spur continuous lunar exploration. In order to win this money, a private company must land safely on the surface of the Moon, travel 1,640ft (500 metres) on its surface, and send two signals back to the Earth. The Google Lunar XPrize, which started off with more than 25 teams, is currently in its final round, and a decision on funding is due to be made in 2016. Advertisement

Speaking to The Verge, Robert Bohme, boss of Part Time Scientists, said: 'It's really hard to justify a lunar mission now, even if you get it down to $30 million.'

He added: 'We want to focus so much on science, we want to show that there is the value. There is value that you can take away from being on the surface of the moon.

'It's important to show what could be done.'

Audi gave an excited audience the first views of its moon rover (pictured) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week. The outing marks the first public appearance since the car firm revealed its plans to develop a lunar rover last July

A working party of ten Audi employees from different technical departments is assisting the Part-Time Scientists.

Audi has said that along with its knowledge of lightweight design, it has expertise about the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system and the electrical e-tron drive system.

The manufacturer states the goal is to 'further enhance performance by making additional improvements to the electric motors, power electronics and battery.'

As part of the competition, Audi plans to launch the rover in 2017 to the landing site of Apollo 17 - the last manned mission to make it to the moon.

It will travel more than 236,100 miles (380,000 km) to the moon in a trip that will take around five days.

The luxury car manufacturer added it will be able to provide experience with lightweight materials, electric mobility and piloted driving, ahead of the rover's launch.

The rover is powered by an adjustable solar panel that captures sunlight and directs it to a lithium-ion battery. It feeds four electric wheel hub motors.

The theoretical maximum speed is 2.2mph (3.6 km/h). It carries two stereoscopic cameras at the front and a scientific camera to study the surface. Overall it has a total weight of 77lbs (35kg) and is built from high-strength aluminium, with other parts made from magnesium

Double wishbone suspensions are used at all four of the wheels that can each be rotated over 360 degrees. It also carries two stereoscopic cameras at the front and a scientific camera to study the lunar surface

The theoretical maximum speed is 2.2mph (3.6 km/h).

However, more important on the rugged surface of the moon are the vehicle's off-road capabilities and ability for safe orientation.

'Double wishbone suspensions are used at all four of the wheels that can each be rotated over 360 degrees,' Audi said.

'Four wheel hub motors power the drive system - their interplay makes the rover an e-quattro.'

It carries two stereoscopic cameras at the front and a scientific camera to study the lunar surface.

Overall it has a total weight of 77lbs (35kg) and is built from high-strength aluminium, with other parts made from magnesium.

Launching the idea in July, Audi design engineer Jorge Diez, said: 'We come from the Bauhaus tradition of functional forms and technical precision.

'We have core values that people can see in each of our designs, regardless of whether it is an airplane or a piece of furniture.

'This essence will also be visible in the rover, but it will be interpreted in a very unique way.'
While the main drink of choice in Edinburgh may currently be whisky, it seems that the city could soon be one of the best places for a glass of white wine.

A new study suggests that changing weather patterns in the UK could see the country become a major wine producer by the turn of the century.

Unlikely areas, including Peckham in south London, and Milton Keynes, could be ideal areas for sauvignon blanc and chardonnay by as early as 2100.

While the main drink of choice in Edinburgh may currently be whiskey, it seems that the city could soon be one of the best places for a glass of white wine. A new study suggests that changing weather patterns in the UK could see the country become a major wine producer

WINE AREAS IN THE UK The researchers predict that temperatures will rise by around 2.2C by 2100, and that rainfall will increase by 5.6 per cent. If this is the case, the Black Country will be the centre for a range of grape varieties such as chardonnay, pinot noir, and sauvignon blanc, while the area between Newcastle and Edinburgh could be the hub for pinot grigio. The Thames Estuary would best suit a malbec, and the Severn Pocket would be the top place for merlot. Advertisement

The study, by researchers from University College London (UCL) and Laithwaites Wine, suggests that an increase in rainfall and temperature could transform parts of the UK into perfect grape growing environments.

And by 2100, the UK could compete with some of France's most famous wine regions, including Burgundy and Beaujolais.

The researchers looked at the conditions needed to grow certain grape varieties, and compared this with the expected changes in climate in the coming years.

They suggest that temperatures will rise by around 2.2C by 2100, and that rainfall will increase by 5.6 per cent.

If this is the case, the Black Country will be the centre for a range of grape varieties such as chardonnay, pinot noir, and sauvignon blanc, while the area between Newcastle and Edinburgh could be the hub for pinot grigio.

The Thames Estuary would best suit a malbec, and the Severn Pocket would be the top place for merlot.

Professor Mark Maslin, who led the study, said: 'This study could signal how we think long-term about British wine production and redraw the future wine map of the world.

'However, exactly where would be best for particular grapes will depend on site, slope, aspect, soil and drainage as wine-making is as much an art as it is a science.'

If their predictions are correct, the Thames Estuary would best suit a malbec, and the Severn Pocket would be the top place for merlot (stock image)

Miles Beale, CEO of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, added: 'English wine is a fast-growing industry with bold ambitions to boost production.

'In the last 10 years the area of planted vines in the UK has more than doubled and is set to grow by a further 50 per cent by 2020, so it comes as no surprise that the study by UCL is predicting a creep of vines spreading their way across the UK over the next 85 years.

'For an acre of land planted for agricultural use in Britain it is estimated the return is around 300 ($376).

If temperatures rise and rainfall increases as predicted, the Black Country will be the centre for a range of grape varieties such as chardonnay, pinot noir, and sauvignon blanc, while the area between Newcastle and Edinburgh could be the hub for pinot grigio

'The return on your investment if you plant grapes is around 3,000 ($3,760) per acre and if you turn those grapes into wine the return is 30,000 ($37,600) per acre.

'Vineyards are great news for rural communities and their economies, providing more and better job opportunities.

'They look set to become an enduring feature in modern day farming in the UK.'

A study earlier this year also suggested that climate change could make wines taste better.

Researchers from Nasa's Goddard Institute for Space Studies found the conditions typically associated with high-quality wines have altered in recent years as temperatures have risen, resulting in consistently better vintages.
Sending cargo into space has just got a whole lot easier - provided you have 80 million ($100 million) to spend, that is.

A new website, launched this week, will enable customers to build their own custom-spec rocket from scratch.

Called RocketBuilder, the tailor made rocket venture from United Launch Alliance (ULA), aims to provide the hardware and knowhow to get private cargo into orbit.

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New website RocketBuilder.com enables customers to build their own custom-spec rocket from scratch. The tailor made rocket venture from United Launch Alliance (ULA), aims to provide the hardware and knowhow to get private cargo into orbit

Customers can tweak their rocket to select the payload mass, the orbit, the package of launch services and even if they want marketing for the launch.

Colorado-based ULA is a joint venture between aerospace firms Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

In a promotional video, president and CEO Tory Bruno said: RocketBuilder is a website, but its also a revolution in how you purchase a ride to space.

According to Nasa Space Flight, the firm provides and operates all Atlas V, Delta II and Delta IV rockets used for government and commercial launches.

Customers can tweak their rocket to select the payload mass, the orbit, the package of launch services and even if they want marketing for the launch

BUILD YOUR OWN ROCKET New website RocketBuilder enables customers to build their own custom-spec rocket from scratch. Customers can tweak their rocket to select the payload mass, the orbit, the package of launch services and even if they want marketing for the launch. At the heart of the enterprise are Atlas V rockets. These reliable rockets have launched a long list of crucial space missions, including Nasa's New Horizons probe, Juno spacecraft, and the OsirisRex mission. Advertisement

The major selling point for the new website is reliability, both in terms of its sturdy Atlas rockets and lack of delays.

Atlas rockets have carried a number of crucial space missions safely into orbit and beyond, including the New Horizons probe  now sailing beyond Pluto  as well as the Juno spacecraft locked in orbit around Jupiter.

ULA claims that in the last five years its average delay for launches has been less than two weeks, compared to up to six months for other providers.

MailOnline specced out its own rocket, set for launch before April 2017.

To get a full spectrum Atlas V rocket to launch a 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs) payload into a geostationary orbit was $136m (109m).

This would be enough to launch a payload like the Sentinel telescope, which will scan the horizon for dangerous asteroids on course for Earth.

For a more substantial mission, such as deep space missions to Mars and beyond, the size of the rocket and the price tag increase.

All in, a long rocket for Earth escape carrying a 6,000 kg (13,200 lbs) payload with full spec services, set to launch in the first quarter of 2018, carries a price tag of $177m (141m).

But budding aerospace entrepreneurs will need to factor in the cost of the payload, which for a mission such as Nasa's Juno probe, can run to more than $1bn.
Nokia smartphones are poised for a comeback after former managers at the Finnish company licensed the handset brand from Microsoft and struck up partnerships with Google and phone manufacturer Foxconn.

Nokia was once the world's dominant cellphone maker but missed the shift to smartphones and then chose Microsoft's unpopular Windows operating system for its 'Lumia' range.

Nokia quit smartphones in 2014 by selling its handset activities to Microsoft to focus on mobile network equipment.

Nokia smartphones are poised for a comeback after former managers at the Finnish company licensed the handset brand from Microsoft.

Microsoft continued selling Lumia smartphones under its own name but this year largely abandoned that business, too.

HMD Global, led by Nokia veteran Arto Nummela, wants to launch its first Nokia smartphone in the early part of next year using Google's Android operating system.

Success will require a dash for scale by stealing business from Apple, Samsung and dozens of other players in a cut-throat industry.

'Consumers may be carrying different smartphones now, but are they really in love and loyal to those brands?' said Nummela in an interview.

The Nokia consumer brand lives on as the badge on cheaper, entry-level 'feature phones' sold mainly in Asia, India and Eastern Europe, though Microsoft invested little to market the name in recent years.

Smartphones typically cost anywhere from ten to 30 times as much as these basic phones, which sell for as little as $20.

'For a new entrant, having an established brand provides it with an instant on-ramp,' said mobile phone analyst Ben Wood of CCS Insight, who suggested that phone vendors with weaker brands should not take the new challenge lightly.

'The barriers to entry for the Android phone space are low,' said Wood. 'What HMD has is the Nokia brand and management experience.

'The key to its success will be driving scale.'

CEO Nummela, who was once responsible for Nokia's sales and product development, does not lack ambition.

'We want to be one of the key competitive players in the smartphone business,' he told Reuters.

HMD President Florian Seiche previously worked at Siemens , Orange, HTC and Nokia. Chief Marketing Officer Pekka Rantala is a former CEO of Rovio, the maker of the Angry Birds game, as well as a Nokia veteran.

Microsoft tried selling Lumia smartphones under its own name but this year largely abandoned that business, too.

'We are not going to skip any markets in the long term,' Seiche said, adding that HMD had already set up offices in 40 locations around the world.

HMD is owned by Smart Connect LP, a private equity fund run by Jean-Francois Baril, who was once in charge of Nokia's world-leading supply chain management system.

Other HMD managers have put in money of their own.

HMD on Thursday took over the feature phone business that Nokia Corp sold to Microsoft.

It has a licensing deal with Nokia giving it sole use of the brand on mobile phones and tablets for the next decade.

It will pay Nokia royalties for the brand and patents, but Nokia has no direct investment in HMD.

HMD is building its smartphone operating system in partnership with Google and all its Nokia devices will be manufactured by Foxconn of Taiwan, the world's largest contract manufacturer.

BEST SELLING PHONES IN THE LAST 20 YEARS The Nokia 5110 with its changeable covers is thought to have sold more than 160 million 1996: Motorola StarTAC, one of the first flip phones sold 60 million 1998: Nokia 5110 with its changeable covers is thought to have sold more than 160 million 1999: One of the first phones without an antenna, the Nokia 3210 sold over 160 million units 2000: Sleeker Nokia 3310 with extra features sold more than 126 million handsets 2003: Cheap and durable Nokia 1100 sold more than 250 million units 2004: Nokia's 2600 offered one of the first set of desktop tools and sold more than 135 million units. 2005: Nokia 110 - popular in developing countries - sold more than 250 million. 2006: Part of the 'Ultrabasic series' the Nokia 1600 sold more than 130 units. 2007: With 360 hours of battery life on standby, the Nokia 1200 was snapped up 150 million times. 2008: Apple iPhone 3G: Over 12 million people bought Apple's second generation iPhone. 2009: Some 35 million people bought the faster follow-up, the 3GS. 2010: Nokia's 5230 with free amps sold 150 million units. One of the first phones without an antenna, the Nokia 3210 sold over 160 million units 2011: Apple's iPhone 4S sold 83 million units despite battery criticism. 2012: With quad core speed and a 4.8 inch screen, Samsung's Galaxy SII and SIII sold 40 million units. 2013: The follow-up handset, the Galaxy S4, sold 40 million units. 2014: The Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus sold 74.5 million handsets - 34,000 an hour at peak. 2015: Tigermobiles predicts the iPhone 6S will be the best-selling handset of the year, with the Samsung Galaxy S6 close behind. Advertisement

Nummela says his team's enduring relationships with phone service providers and retailers could help HMD quickly convince owners of Nokia feature phones to upgrade in markets like India, Indonesia and Russia.

The Nokia name is still on a tenth of the feature phones sold around the world, though in recent years it ceded ground to Samsung and TCL, maker of Alcatel-brand phones, as well as smaller players, according to market research firm Strategy Analytics.

Shipments of Nokia feature phones plunged 40 percent in fiscal year 2015 and HMD must reverse that decline while trying to break back into the smartphone market, where hundreds of vendors compete by selling phones that can be hard to distinguish.
In human tissue, each freeze-thaw process causes significant damage

Now an expert explains why the procedure might never become possible

Earlier this month, a dying 14-year-old child won the right to be cryogenically frozen after her death following a UK court battle.

In a letter to the judge, the child wrote: 'I think being cryo-preserved gives me a chance to be cured and woken up, even in hundreds of years' time'.

But how likely is it that technology will every be able to bring back frozen corpses?

Alexandra Stolzing, senior lecturer of Regenerative Medicine at Loughborough University, explains in an article for The Conversation.

A teenager who tragically died of cancer recently has become the latest among a tiny but growing number of people to be cryogenically frozen after death. The girl has become the first British child to be cryogenically frozen in the Cryonics Institute in Detroit

DAMAGE THAT CAN BE DONE In human tissue each freeze-thaw process causes significant damage. Understanding and minimising this damage is one of the aims of cryobiology. At the cellular level, these damages are still poorly understood, but can be controlled. Each innovation in the field relies on two aspects: improving preservation during freezing and advancing recovery after thawing. During freezing, damage can be avoided by carefully modulating temperatures and by relying on various types of cryoprotectants. Then, upon thawing, temperature fluctuation causes a series of problems. Advertisement

A teenager who tragically died of cancer recently has become the latest among a tiny but growing number of people to be cryogenically frozen after death.

These individuals were hoping that advances in science will one day allow them to be woken up and cured of the conditions that killed them.

But how likely is it that such a day will ever come?

Nature has shown us that it is possible to cryopreserve animals like reptiles, amphibians, worms and insects.

Nematode worms trained to recognise certain smells retain this memory after being frozen.

The wood frog (Rana sylvatica) freezes during winter into a block of ice and hops around the following spring.

However, in human tissue each freeze-thaw process causes significant damage.

Understanding and minimising this damage is one of the aims of cryobiology.

At the cellular level, these damages are still poorly understood, but can be controlled.

Each innovation in the field relies on two aspects: improving preservation during freezing and advancing recovery after thawing.

During freezing, damage can be avoided by carefully modulating temperatures and by relying on various types of cryoprotectants.

But it's not just the individual cells we have to worry about.

In a frozen state, tissues are generally biologically stable.

Biochemical reactions, including degeneration, are slowed at ultra-low temperatures to a point where they are effectively halted.

Nonetheless, there is a risk that frozen structures can experience physical disruption, such as hairline cracks.

The girl's body is now suspended in freezing nitrogen at Michigan's Cryonics Institute near Detroit. Pictured is one of the areas where here body would be packed in ice and prepared for freezing

PREVENTING ICE FORMATION One of the main objectives is to inhibit ice formation which can destroy cells and tissues by displacing and rupturing them. For that reason, a smooth transition to a 'glassy stage' (vitrification) by rapid cooling, rather than 'freezing', is the aim. For this, simple substances such as sugars and starches have been used to change viscosity and protect cell membranes. Chemicals like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol, glycerol and propandiol are used to prevent intracellular ice formation and anti-freeze proteins inhibit ice crystal growth and re-crystallisation during thawing. Advertisement

Then, upon thawing, temperature fluctuation causes a series of problems.

But it also has an effect on our overall 'epigenetics'  how environmental factors and lifestyle choices influence our genes  by causing epigenetic reprogramming.

However, antioxidants and other substances can help aid post-thaw recovery and prevent damage.

Reviving whole bodies also poses its own challenges as organs need to commence function homogeneously.

The challenges of restoring the flow of blood to organs and tissues are already well-known in emergency medicine.

But it is perhaps encouraging that cooling itself does not only have negative effects  it can actually mitigate trauma.

Drowning victims who have been revived seem to have been protected by the cold water  something that has led to longstanding research into using low-temperature approaches during surgery.

The pacemakers of scientific innovation in cryobiology are both medical and economic.

Many advances in cell preservation are driven by the infertility sector and an emerging regenerative medicine sector.

Cryopreserved and vitrified cells and simple tissues (eggs, sperm, bone marrow, stem cells, cornea, skin) are already regularly thawed and transplanted.

Work has also started on cryopreservation of 'simple' body parts such as fingers and legs.

Some complex organs (kidney, liver, intestines) have been cryopreserved, thawed, and successfully re-transplanted into an animal.

While transplantation of human organs currently relies on chilled, not frozen, organs, there is a strengthening case for developing cryopreservation of whole organs for therapeutic purposes.

Process: Bodies are drained of blood on a table packed with ice(left) and then frozen slowly over several weeks before reaching -196 C and being kept in a regulated cylinder (right)

THE BIGGEST HURDLES

Cryopreservation of whole brains is a niche interest at best. Experiments with frozen whole animal brains have not been reported since the 1970s.

While factors like a good blood supply and high tolerance to mechanical distortion may facilitate brain freezing, particular technical and scientific challenges exist, especially where the goal is to preserve regulatory function and memory.

Mr Justice Peter Jackson agreed a British child who died of cancer could become the first British child to be cryogenically frozen

Without huge breakthroughs in such research, it is likely to remain the one factor holding back therapeutic applications of whole-body cryopreservation.

But there's another huge hurdle for cryonics: to not only repair the damage incurred due to the freezing process but also to reverse the damage that led to death  and in such a manner that the individual resumes conscious existence.

From a purely technical point of view, this added complication might be worth avoiding.

For example, someone who suffers from dementia will have already lost his or her memory by the time they die and will therefore no longer be the same if woken up after being cryogenically frozen.

Faced with this, patients with neuro-degenerative disorders who do not wish to live with the condition any longer may therefore seek to be frozen before death, in the hope that they will retain some memory if revived in the distant future.

This clearly raises both legal and ethical questions.

So will it one day be possible to cryopreserve a human brain in such a manner that it can be revived intact?

DYING GIRL'S INCREDIBLE LETTER BEGGING TO BE FROZEN The British girl now frozen in America met the judge to prove she was capable of making decisions about her body and wrote him a letter explaining her reasons. Mr Justice Jackson said: 'I am only 14-years-old and I don't want to die but I know I am going to die.' 'I think being cryo-preserved gives me a chance to be cured and woken up - even in hundreds of years' time.' 'I don't want to be buried underground.' 'I want to live and live longer and I think that in the future they may find a cure for my cancer and wake me up.' 'I want to have this chance. This is my wish.' Justice Jackson said that she died peacefully knowing she would be frozen and discussed the arrangements before on the day she died. Advertisement

As explained, success will depend on the quality of the cryopreservation as well as the quality of the revival technology.

Where the former is flawed, as it would be with current technologies, the demands on the latter increase.

This has led to the suggestion that effective repair must inevitably rely on highly advanced nanotechnology  a field once considered science fiction.

The idea is that tiny, artificial molecular machines could one day repair all sorts of damage to our cells and tissues caused by cryonics extremely quickly, making revival possible.
As Russia rushes to find out why its Progress craft crashed back to Earth, tech billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX hopes to return its Falcon 9 rocket to flight on Dec. 16, said Iridium Communications Inc, which plans to have 10 of its satellites on board for launching.

The launch is contingent on approval by the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees U.S. commercial space transportation, Iridium said on Thursday.

'We are looking forward to return to flight,' SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said in a statement from Iridium.

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On September 1, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket (pictured) exploded as it was being fueled for a routine pre-launch test at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Musk now says this was caused by a fueling system issue that created solid oxygen in the supper stage tank

RUSSIAN PROGRESS LOST Russia's space agency says an unmanned cargo ship has crashed, 383 seconds after it blasted off en route to rendezvous with the International Space Station. It came only hours after a keynote speech by Vladimir Putin to legislators in which he claimed Russia was successfully charting its way in the world despite Western sanctions. The spacecraft, which was scheduled to arrive at the ISS on Saturday, was carrying rocket fuel and oxygen tanks, when it took off from the former Soviet cosmodrome at Baikonur in Kazakhstan. The spacecraft lost contact with control and an explosion was reported near Biysk, in Siberia, around the time the spacecraft vanished. It is not clear if the spacecraft came down in the Tuva Republic, in Siberia, or came down in neighbouring Mongolia or even the Pacific Ocean. Advertisement

SpaceX suspended flights after one of its rockets burst into flames on Sept. 1 as it was being fueled for a routine prelaunch test at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

The company traced the explosion to a fueling system problem that caused a pressurized container of helium inside the rocket's upper stage to burst.

The accident destroyed a $200 million satellite owned by Israel's Space Communication Ltd.

'We are confident that SpaceX understands its fueling process now and will do it successfully for our launch,' Iridium spokeswoman Diane Hockenberry wrote in an email to Reuters.

Iridium's satellites, however, will not be aboard the rocket during the prelaunch engine firing, she added.

SpaceX declined to comment about the status of its accident investigation or what measures it will take to ensure the problem will not reoccur.

The company uses extremely cold liquid propellants loaded just prior to blastoff to increase the rocket's power so it can fly back to Earth and be reused.

A U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration advisory panel last month publicly questioned the safety of SpaceX's fueling process, especially since the company has been hired to begin flying astronauts to the International Space Station in 2018.

The Sept. 1 accident was the second for SpaceX in 29 flights of the Falcon 9.

The company, owned and operated by Tesla Motors Inc Chief Executive Officer Musk, has a backlog of more than 70 missions for NASA and commercial customers, worth more than $10 billion.

SpaceX has not disclosed the extent of the damage at its primary launch site in Florida. The Iridium satellites will be launched from SpaceX's California launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Iridium intends to replace its current mobile communications network with 81 new satellites made by Italy's Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture of Thales SA and Leonardo Finmeccanica SpA under a contract worth $2.3 billion.

SpaceX is under contract to launch at least 70 of the satellites.
Takeaway delivery service Just Eat has made the first delivery of takeaway using a robot.

A woman in South East London received her Turkish with a twist after opening the door to find a six wheeled robot delivering her online food order.

The firm claims it is the worlds first online food delivery using a robot, with a customer making a live order through its app.

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Online takeaway ordering service Just Eat claims to have made the world's first delivery of an online food order - a Turkish meal to a woman in Greenwich, South London (stock image)

Built by Starship Technologies, the six wheeled robot trundled through the streets of Greenwich to deliver a food order to a customer.

Carried safely inside was a food delivery from Turkish restaurant Taksim Meze.

According to Just Eat, the delivery marks culmination of months of testing on the pilot project which has seen it partner with the robo-courier firm.

The online food ordering site said the woman is 'the first person in the world to receive a takeaway food delivery using the technology'.

The pint-sized robot rolled along London streets to deliver the online take away order to a home in South London

WHAT DID IT DELIVER? According to Just Eat, the first online food delivery was a Turkish meal from a restaurant in South London. The order was taken by the Taksim Meze restaurant delivered to a house in Greenwich. Among the savory treats were falafel and lamb cutlets. Advertisement

London is expected to see more trials of the delivery robots in the coming months.

'We are delighted to add robot home delivery to the Just Eat service,' said the firm's UK managing director, Graham Corfield.

He added: 'We have been working closely with Starship Technologies for many months to ensure that we can seamlessly integrate this exciting technology with our restaurants partners, customers and online booking service.

'Now that we are live in Greenwich, were working towards a larger rollout of the pilot program across London in the New Year.'

According to Just Eat, the delivery marks culmination of months of testing on the pilot project which has seen it partner with robo-courier firm Starship Technologies

Did it look both ways? The cheeky robot crosses a zebra crossing during a break in the traffic

According to Just Eat, the first online food delivery was a Turkish meal from a restaurant in South London (pictured)

Manager of Takzim Meze, Ana Maria Stingaciu, said: 'I am really proud Taksim Meze is the first restaurant to make a takeaway delivery using robot technology.

She added: 'I am looking forward to utilising the technology during the busy festive season to help keep up with demand.'

Just Eat joins a number of other firms looking to use robots to deliver online orders.

Last month Dominoes Pizza delivered an order by drone to customers in New Zealand, air dropping a Peri-Peri Chicken and a Chicken and Cranberry Pizza.

HOW THE SELF-DRIVING DELIVERY ROBOT WORKS Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, the Starships bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags. Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving. It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology to find its way to the customer's address. Walking on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet. The scheme also costs between 10 to 15 times less than the cost of current last-mile delivery alternatives, Starship claims. Integrated navigation and 'obstacle avoidance software' enable the robots to steer clear of pedestrians or to jump over kerbs and cobbles, for example. Advertisement

According to Starship Technologies, the Just Eat delivery robot can trundle along the pavement at about 4 mph (6 km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet.

It even has anti-theft protocols built in for would-be food thieves.

If someone attempts to tamper with the robot, or snatch it, a human operator can take over- talking directly to the wrongdoer and sending police to the drone's location.

Nine cameras on the robot can also capture the criminal's face, and the bot's 'cargo trunk' is sealed throughout the trip, only opening for the customer upon its arrival.

Just Eat told MailOnline that a number of robots are being made available to select restaurants in the area.

The robot travelled half a kilometre, with the journey taking just eight minutes.

The firm said that while customers can not elect for robot delivery, those living in trial areas will increasingly see robots beeping at their door as the service rolls out.

The order from Taksim Meze restaurant in Greenwich consisted of falafel and lamb cutlets

Just Eat joins a number of other firms looking to use robots to deliver online orders, including Amazon and Dominoes Pizza
The filter gets rid of the smelly molecules without producing any ozone

It works as a replacement to the cooker ventilation hoods currently in use

A takeaway normally tasted good at the time, but the remnants of fried fat can stick around your clothes or hair for hours afterwards.

Now researchers at the European Space Agency and the ISS have come up with an alternative way to fry food, which they say eliminates these foul odours altogether.

The new method, that was first developed in space, was developed by a German manufacturer of deep-fat fryers called Blumchen.

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The plasma odour-removing filter developed by Terraplasma is a direct result of experience gained on the International Space Station from a series of experiments funded by ESA and run in collaboration with the Russian space agency. The first of these is pictured

WHAT IS COLD PLASMA? Plasma is usually a hot, electrically charged gas but it is possible to create cold plasmas at room temperature. Cold plasma has proved to be an extremely effective bactericidal agent and can also tackle fungi, viruses and spores. It is safe to touch, which makes it useful for many applications - and now it can be used to remove odours. Advertisement

Cooking foods in hot fat or oil releases molecules that are extremely hard to get rid of.

Normally, these smells are destroyed in bulky and expensive commercial cooker hoods.

These use chemicals that create ozone as a by-product, and this ozone must be removed.

But a German manufacturer of deep-fat fryers, Blumchen, has teamed up with Munich-based Terraplasma, and together they are taking a different approach.

The new approach is based on plasma experiments that have been running on the Space Station since 2001.

Professor Gregor Morfill, CEO of Terraplasma, conducted experiments on the ISS to study complex plasmas in weightlessness.

From this, he developed cold plasma technology.

Plasma is usually a hot, electrically charged gas but it is possible to create cold plasmas at room temperature.

Cold plasma has proved to be an extremely effective bactericidal agent and can also tackle fungi, viruses and spores.

It is safe to touch, which makes it useful for many applications - and now it can be used to remove odours.

Cooking foods in hot fat or oil releases molecules that are extremely hard to get rid of. Nomally, these smells are destroyed in bulky and expensive commercial cooker hoods. Stock image of food being fried

The new system generates the plasma by sparking a glowing electrical discharge in the air between a short rod electrode sitting in the middle of a cylindrical electrode.

The discharge is initially a narrow line about 1 mm thick somewhere between the electrodes, but when it is made to move rapidly by a magnetic field it spreads out to produce a plasma disc.

The smelly air is then passed through this disc for cleaning.

'This industry is not one that normally adopts novel technologies, but we recognised a big potential here,' said Johannes Schmidt of EurA Consult.

HOW THE PLASMA FILTER WORKS First, the exhaust air is led through two conventional air filters, where fine dust, fat particles and humidity are removed, leaving the blue smoke, bacteria and the odour molecules. Then the blue smoke from the burning fat is captured by the third filter. In the fourth filter, germs and odour molecules are broken up by the cold plasma. The few particles that survive are then removed in a final carbon filter. First, the exhaust air is led through two conventional air filters, where fine dust, fat particles and humidity are removed, leaving the blue smoke, bacteria and the odour molecules. Then the blue smoke from the burning fat is captured by the third filter Advertisement

A takeaway normally tasted good at the time, but the remnants of fried fat can stick around your clothes or hair for hours afterwards, reminding you of your indulgence. Researchers have come up with an alternative way to fry food, which they say eliminates these foul odours

'It helps that both companies are open-minded, think creatively and can work fast to bring a new development to market.'

'The new design works by using electrons within the plasma to neutralise odours,' explained Professor Morfill.

'The thin plasma sheet breaks the offending molecules up into harmless components that do not smell and do not need to be extracted afterwards.
The researchers found that when the noise was more meaningful it had far more affect with participants rating them as more annoying

Scientists looked at the impact of background noise on

Ringing phones, tapping keyboards and the whir of the photocopier can all make for a distracting office environment.

But researchers have found that overhearing office chatter, especially about work, is by far the most distracting noise in the workplace.

They claim you would be far better off listening to idle chat such as in a noisy cafe.

The findings could lead to a rethink of how schools and offices are designed to keep students and workers better focused.

Researchers have found that overhearing office chatter, especially about work, is by far the most distracting noise in the workplace (stock image)

Acoustic scientists, led by researchers from Yamaguchi University in Japan, looked at the effects of background noise on concentration to find out what was the most annoying.

As part of the trials, they recruited volunteers to carry out a classic psychology test in which they had to pick out meaningful samples from background noise.

During the first trial, volunteers had to count the number of times a red square popped up on screen over a 10-minute period.

But a second, audio-based version of the test asked them to pick out a rare sound among a bed of other audio signals  either background noise and music or meaningful words in male and female voices.

Idle chat that you might hear in a cafe is not as distracting as the conversation of colleagues

DISTRACTING CHATTER Acoustic scientists looked at the effects of background noise on concentration to find out what was the most annoying. In an audio-based test volunteers were asked to pick out a rare sound among a bed of other audio signals  either meaningless background noise or meaningful words in male and female voices. They found that more meaningful noises, such as conversation, were rated as more distracting and annoying. This was backed up by EEG readings from the electrodes, showing a dip in brain activity. Researchers say this indicates their attention span and ability to focus was disrupted more by meaningful noise. Advertisement

Volunteers were asked to rate their how annoying they found the sounds while electrodes covering their heads tracked brain activity.

The researchers found that when the noise was more meaningful, such as elements of music or conversation, it had far more affect with participants rating them as more annoying.

This was backed up by EEG readings from the electrodes, showing a dip in brain activity, indicating their attention span and ability to focus was disrupted more by meaningful noise.

Dr Takahiro Tamesue, an acoustic scientist at Yamaguchi who led the research, said: Surrounding conversations often disturb the business operations conducted in such open offices.

Because it is difficult to soundproof an open office, a way to mask meaningful speech with some other sound would be of great benefit for achieving a comfortable sound environment.
Fresh drinking water is not usually something that you would want to associate with sewage waste.

But a city in Denmark is bringing the two together, to become the world's first city to provide fresh water using only the energy from household wastewater.

The water treatment plant in Aarhus, Denmark's second biggest city, is now generating so much excess electricity, the surplus is being used to pump drinking water around the city.

The water treatment plant in Aarhus, Denmark's second biggest city, is now generating so much excess electricity, the surplus is being used to pump drinking water around the city

HOW DOES IT WORK? The plant pumps household waste into huge digesters kept at 38C and filled with bacteria. These produce biogas - a mixture of different gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter. The biogas is then burned to make energy in the form of heat and electricity. Advertisement

In addition to powering the city's water system, excess electricity could also be sold to the local grid.

The plant pumps household waste into huge digesters kept at 38C and filled with bacteria.

These produce biogas - a mixture of different gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter - that is then burned to make energy in the form of heat and electricity.

Speaking to New Scientist, Lars Schrder, general manager of Aarhus Water, said: 'We don't add any extra organic material like from restaurants or energy from wind turbines or solar panels.'

The technology comes at quite a price, with an upfront investment of nearly 3 million (2.5 million/$3.2 million).

But Aarhus Water expects the investment will be made back in five years, from maintenance savings and the sale of excess energy into the grid.

The plant is the first in the world to produce more than 50 per cent more energy than it consumes, according to Denmark's Ministry of Environment and Food.

Environment Minister Eva Kjer Hansen told the Local: 'Treatment plants must move forward from being energy guzzlers to being energy producers, and we have a really good example of this here.'

The plant is the first anywhere to produce more than 50 per cent more energy than it consumes, claimed the country's Ministry of Environment and Food

Other cities around the world, including Chicago and San Francisco, are now showing interest in replicating Aarhus' water system.

But Molly Walton, an energy analyst at the International Energy Agency, told New Scientist: 'Replicating Denmark's experience and performance will not be easy.

For the system to be successful, the wastewater plant needs to be big enough to generate enough biogas.

And if the wastewater becomes diluted, for example by storm or grounwater, it will be even harder to generate energy.
of science to be angry and

When logic and rationality are taken to the extreme, even those who rely on objective evidence can form moral ideologies, sorting others beliefs among virtues and vices.

And, this phenomenon is what gives rise to the angry atheist, according to a new study.

Psychologists found that people high in moralized rationality have a tendency to react with strong emotions and intolerance when confronted with beliefs that center on less rational processes, as they perceive these as immoral.

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While earlier studies have focused on those who argue against scientific consensus, the researchers instead examined the psychology of the people who defend it. Moralized rationality, they say, may explain why atheists are sometimes strident, angry, and intolerant'

HOW BELIEF IN GOD AFFECTS THE WAY YOU THINK A recent study from the University of Helsinki has suggested that religious people are more likely to have a poor understanding of the world. It claims that those with a belief in God are more likely to think that inanimate objects, such as metal and oil can think and feel. Researchers say that the findings suggest people's lack of understanding about the physical world means they apply their own rules, 'resulting in belief in demons, gods, and other supernatural phenomena'. Participants were asked how much they agreed with the statement 'there exists an all-powerful, all-knowing, loving God' and if they believed in paranormal phenomena such as ghosts and psychic visions. They were also tested on a range of other topics, including intuitive physics skills and understanding of basic biology. The results showed that religious people tend to base their actions on instinct, rather than analytical thinking. Advertisement

While earlier studies have focused on those who argue against scientific consensus, the researchers instead examined the psychology of the people who defend it.

The team from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Exeter in the UK conducted eight experiments to test moralized rationality (MR), a variable in the perception of how beliefs are formed and evaluated.

We suggest that people can come to view it as a moral virtue to form and evaluate attitudes and beliefs based on logical reasoning and evidence, and to view it as a vice to rely on less rational processes, the authors explain in the paper, published to the journal PLOS One.

Moralized rationality, they say, may explain why atheists and advocates of science are sometimes strident, angry, and intolerant when debating some topics.

Across three different domains  astrology, alternative medicine, and creationism  people with higher MR scores were found to view irrational acts as less moral and more blameworthy.

In one part of the study, 262 participants recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk were presented with a short scenario describing an interaction between doctor (Richard) and patient (Mary).

As Mary is a devout Christian, the doctor advises her to pray to God for better health.

But, the researchers varied his reasoning for doing this.

For the rational scenario, Richard advised Mary to pray because he believes this would function as a placebo.

In the irrational scenario, he does so because he believed God answers the prayers of the faithful.

When logic and rationality are taken to the extreme, even those who rely on objective evidence can form moral ideologies, sorting others beliefs among virtues and vices. And, this phenomenon is what gives rise to the angry atheist, according to a new study

Respondents with higher MR scores were not only angrier about the irrational reasoning, but they also had a stronger desire for Richard to be punished as a result.

The researchers also found that these inclinations can cause people to volunteer for and donate money to charities that work to prevent the spread of irrational beliefs.

The present results suggest that it is not only defenders of traditional beliefs that are spurred on by their moral conviction, but that the motives fueling advocates of science may be moral in nature as well, the authors wrote.

More specifically, these results suggest that they may be motivated by their conviction that it is morally wrong to rely on beliefs that are not backed up by logic and evidence.
For centuries, humans have dreamed of harnessing the power of the sun to energize our lives here on Earth.

But we want to go beyond collecting solar energy, and one day generate our own from a mini-sun.

If we're able to solve an extremely complex set of scientific and engineering problems, fusion energy promises a green, safe, unlimited source of energy.

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If we're able to solve an extremely complex set of scientific and engineering problems, fusion energy promises a green, safe, unlimited source of energy. Pictured is the plasma inside a fusion reactor.

HOW TO ACHIEVE FUSION? There are two important remaining challenges to fusion energy: maintaining the reactions over long periods of time and devising a material structure to harness the fusion power for electricity. Researchers from Princeton say we must first continue research on the tokamak. This involves a doughnut-shaped plasma, confined in a very strong magnetic field, which is partly created by electrical current that flows in the plasma itself. The second component on the path to fusion is to develop ideas that enhance fusion's attractiveness. Once these problems have been resolved, we will have a green, safe, unlimited source of energy. Advertisement

From just one kilogram of deuterium extracted from water per day could come enough electricity to power hundreds of thousands of homes.

Since the 1950s, scientific and engineering research has generated enormous progress toward forcing hydrogen atoms to fuse together in a self-sustaining reaction  as well as a small but demonstrable amount of fusion energy.

Skeptics and proponents alike note the two most important remaining challenges: maintaining the reactions over long periods of time and devising a material structure to harness the fusion power for electricity.

As fusion researchers at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, we know that realistically, the first commercial fusion power plant is still at least 25 years away.

But the potential for its outsize benefits to arrive in the second half of this century means we must keep working.

Major demonstrations of fusion's feasibility can be accomplished earlier  and must, so that fusion power can be incorporated into planning for our energy future.

Unlike other forms of electrical generation, such as solar, natural gas and nuclear fission, fusion cannot be developed in miniature and then be simply scaled up.

The experimental steps are large and take time to build.

But the problem of abundant, clean energy will be a major calling for humankind for the next century and beyond.

There are two remaining challenges: maintaining the reactions over long periods of time and devising a material structure to harness the power for electricity. The first commercial fusion power plant is still at least 25 years away, as it cannot be made miniature and then be scaled up

HOW DOES FUSION POWER WORK? In fusion, two nuclei of the hydrogen atom (deuterium and tritium isotopes) fuse together. This is relatively difficult to do: Both nuclei are positively charged, and therefore repel each other Fusion involves placing hydrogen atoms under high heat and pressure until they fuse into helium atoms. A simulation of plasma inside the tokamaks When deuterium and tritium nuclei - which can be found in hydrogen - fuse, they form a helium nucleus, a neutron and a lot of energy. This is down by heating the fuel to temperatures in excess of 150 millionC, forming a hot plasma. Strong magnetic fields are used to keep the plasma away from the walls so that it doesn't cool down and lost it energy potential. These are produced by superconducting coils surrounding the vessel, and by an electrical current driven through the plasma. For energy production, plasma has to be confined for a sufficiently long period for fusion to occur. Advertisement

It would be foolhardy not to exploit fully this most promising of energy sources.

In fusion, two nuclei of the hydrogen atom (deuterium and tritium isotopes) fuse together.

This is relatively difficult to do: Both nuclei are positively charged, and therefore repel each other.

Only if they are moving extremely fast when they collide will they smash together, fuse and thereby release the energy we're after.

This happens naturally in the sun.

Here on Earth, we use powerful magnets to contain an extremely hot gas of electrically charged deuterium and tritium nuclei and electrons.

This hot, charged gas is called a plasma.

The plasma is so hot  more than 100 million degrees Celsius  that the positively charged nuclei move fast enough to overcome their electrical repulsion and fuse.

Now the international scientific community is working in unity to construct a massive fusion research facility (pictured) in France. Called ITER (Latin for 'the way'), this plant will generate about 500 megawatts of thermal fusion power for about eight minutes at a time

When the nuclei fuse, they form two energetic particles  an alpha particle (the nucleus of the helium atom) and a neutron.

Heating the plasma to such a high temperature takes a large amount of energy  which must be put into the reactor before fusion can begin.

But once it gets going, fusion has the potential to generate enough energy to maintain its own heat, allowing us to draw off excess heat to turn into usable electricity.

Fuel for fusion power is abundant in nature.

Deuterium is plentiful in water, and the reactor itself can make tritium from lithium. And it is available to all nations, mostly independent of local natural resources.

FUSION: HARNESSING THE POWER OF STARS Scientists are looking to nuclear fusion as a potentially limitless source of clean energy. It works on the same principle as the reactions inside the sun's core, nuclear fusion. Using intense heat, magnetic fields and pressure, hydrogen atoms are fused together to create heavier atoms of helium, releasing energy in the process. The MIT team achieved pressures of 2.05 atmospheres, breaking the previous record by 15 per cent. Within a volume of just one square meter, the temperature inside the reactor reached more than 35 million degrees Celsius (63 million degrees Fahrenheit), with trillions of fusion reactions taking place each second. Advertisement

Fusion power is clean.

It emits no greenhouse gases, and produces only helium and a neutron.

It is safe.

There is no possibility for a runaway reaction, like a nuclear-fission 'meltdown.'

Rather, if there is any malfunction, the plasma cools, and the fusion reactions cease.

All these attributes have motivated research for decades, and have become even more attractive over time.

But the positives are matched by the significant scientific challenge of fusion.

The progress in fusion can be measured in two ways.

The first is the tremendous advance in basic understanding of high-temperature plasmas.

ITER (pictured is a concept drawing) employs the design known as the 'tokamak,' originally a Russian acronym. It involves a doughnut-shaped plasma, confined in a very strong magnetic field, which is partly created by electrical current that flows in the plasma itself

WHAT IS ITER? The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (Iter) will be the world's largest tokamak nuclear fusion reactor when it's complete in 2019. 35 nations including the United States are building it in France to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion power. But its construction is proving a challenge. A team of engineers in France is currently grappling with building the massive device, which has magnets that weigh as much as a Boeing 747. Advertisement

Scientists had to develop a new field of physics  plasma physics  to conceive of methods to confine the plasma in strong magnetic fields, and then evolve the abilities to heat, stabilize, control turbulence in and measure the properties of the superhot plasma.

Related technology has also progressed enormously.

We have pushed the frontiers in magnets, and electromagnetic wave sources and particle beams to contain and heat the plasma.

We have also developed techniques so that materials can withstand the intense heat of the plasma in current experiments.

It is easy to convey the practical metrics that track fusion's march to commercialization.

Chief among them is the fusion power that has been generated in the laboratory: Fusion power generation escalated from milliwatts for microseconds in the 1970s to 10 megawatts of fusion power (at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory) and 16 megawatts for one second (at the Joint European Torus in England) in the 1990s.

Now the international scientific community is working in unity to construct a massive fusion research facility in France.

Called ITER (Latin for 'the way'), this plant will generate about 500 megawatts of thermal fusion power for about eight minutes at a time.

If this power were converted to electricity, it could power about 150,000 homes.

As an experiment, it will allow us to test key science and engineering issues in preparation for fusion power plants that will function continuously.

ITER employs the design known as the 'tokamak,' originally a Russian acronym.

It involves a doughnut-shaped plasma, confined in a very strong magnetic field, which is partly created by electrical current that flows in the plasma itself.

Though it is designed as a research project, and not intended to be a net producer of electric energy, ITER will produce 10 times more fusion energy than the 50 megawatts needed to heat the plasma.

This is a huge scientific step, creating the first 'burning plasma,' in which most of the energy used to heat the plasma comes from the fusion reaction itself.

ITER is supported by governments representing half the world's population: China, the European Union, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the U.S. It is a strong international statement about the need for, and promise of, fusion energy.

From here, the remaining path toward fusion power has two components.

First, we must continue research on the tokamak.

This means advancing physics and engineering so that we can sustain the plasma in a steady state for months at a time. We will need to develop materials that can withstand an amount of heat equal to one-fifth the heat flux on the surface of the sun for long periods.

And we must develop materials that will blanket the reactor core to absorb the neutrons and breed tritium.

Experts say we must continue research on the tokamak and develop ideas that enhance fusion's attractiveness. One is using computers to optimize fusion reactor designs within the constraints of physics and engineering

The second component on the path to fusion is to develop ideas that enhance fusion's attractiveness.

Four such ideas are:

1) Using computers, optimize fusion reactor designs within the constraints of physics and engineering.

Beyond what humans can calculate, these optimized designs produce twisted doughnut shapes that are highly stable and can operate automatically for months on end.

They are called 'stellarators' in the fusion business.

2) Developing new high-temperature superconducting magnets that can be stronger and smaller than today's best. That will allow us to build smaller, and likely cheaper, fusion reactors.

3) Using liquid metal, rather than a solid, as the material surrounding the plasma. Liquid metals do not break, offering a possible solution to the immense challenge how a surrounding material might behave when it contacts the plasma.

4) Building systems that contain doughnut-shaped plasmas with no hole in the center, forming a plasma shaped almost like a sphere.

Some of these approaches could also function with a weaker magnetic field.

These 'compact tori' and 'low-field' approaches also offer the possibility of reduced size and cost.

Government-sponsored research programs around the world are at work on the elements of both components  and will result in findings that benefit all approaches to fusion energy (as well as our understanding of plasmas in the cosmos and industry).

In the past 10 to 15 years, privately funded companies have also joined the effort, particularly in search of compact tori and low-field breakthroughs.
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A sub-scale prototype of a futuristic supersonic passenger airliner could make travel even easier, making flights from Sydney to Los Angeles just six hours in the future.

Created by aerospace company Boom and backed by Virgin tycoon Richard Branson, the 'Baby Boom' jet could usher in a new era of supersonic travel with the price of $6,500 one way from Sydney to Los Angeles.

Claimed to be the 'world's fastest civil aircraft ever made', the XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator would cut the journey from Sydney to Los Angeles to just six hours.

The busy route between New York and London would also be reduced to 3.4 hours. A flight from New York to London would cost $3,300.

Claimed to be the 'world's fastest civil aircraft ever made', the XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator is due to take off on its first test flight in late 2017 and journey from Sydney to Los Angeles to just six hours in total

XB-1 SUPERSONIC DEMONSTRATOR SPECS - Crew: Two (pilot + optional flight test engineer or passenger) - Length: 68' - Wingspan: 17' - Maximum Takeoff Weight: 13,500 lb - Powerplant: 3X General Electric J85-21, non-afterburning; proprietary variable-geometry intake and exhaust - Aerodynamics: Chine, refined delta wing with swept trailing edge - Cruise: Mach 2.2 (1,451mph, 2,335 km/h) - Nose Temperature: 307F (345F on ISA+20 day) Range: > 1,000nmi Advertisement

The subsonic flight test will be conducted near Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California in partnership with Virgin Galactic's The Spaceship Company.

The prototype was unveiled today at Centennial Airport in Denver.

The XB-1 is a technically representative -scale version of the future Boom Airliner.

'I have long been passionate about aerospace innovation and the development of high-speed commercial flights,' said Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group.

'As an innovator in the space, Virgin Galactic's decision to work with Boom was an easy one.'

The airline tycoon has confirmed that Virgin has options to buy 10 of the recently revealed supersonic Boom jets, which will be capable of flying at 1,451mph - about 100mph faster than Concorde - and reaching New York from London in three and a half hours.

'Sixty years after the dawn of the jet age, we're still flying at 1960s speeds,' said Blake Scholl, a former Amazon executive and CEO and founder of Boom.

'Concorde's designers didn't have the technology for affordable supersonic travel, but now we do.

'Today, we're proud to unveil our first aircraft as we look forward to first flight late next year.'

The XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator is due to take off on its first test flight in late 2017 and could take passengers from London to New York in 3.5 hours. The jet is designed to carry two crew members.

The subscale XB-1 'Baby Boom' jet (pictured top) is set to pave the way for the larger Boom Passenger Airliner (pictured bottom)

BOOM PASSENGER AIRLINER SPECS - Crew: Two - Length: 170', Wingspan: 60' - Passengers: 45 standard (up to 55 in high density) - Flight attendants: Up to 4 - Lavatories: 2 - Powerplane: 3X non-afterburning medium bypass turbofan; proprietary variable geometry intake and exhaust - Aerodynamics: Chine, refined delta wing with swept trailing edge Long Range - Cruise: Mach 2.2 (1,451mph, 2,335 km/h) - Nose Temperature: 307F (345F on ISA+20 day) Maximum Design Route: 9,000nm (4,500nm unrefueled) Advertisement

The XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator features engines developed by General Electric, avionics from Honeywell and a carbon fibre shell from Tencate, with composite structures fabricated by Blue Force.

The Boom jet was created by top aviation experts with collection experience working at NASA, SpaceX and Boeing.

Learning from the Concorde, they combined advanced aerodynamics, efficient engine technology and new composite materials to produce a 'safe and affordable' supersonic aircraft 2.6 times faster than current jetliners.

The prototype has been subjected to more than 1,000 simulated wind tunnel tests and features a tapered carbon fiber fuselage, and efficient turbofan jet engines.

Unlike Concorde, the Boom design requires no afterburner, which should significantly improve fuel efficiency.

In March, Virgin told MailOnline Travel: 'Richard has long expressed interest in developing high speed flight and building high-speed flight R&D through Virgin Galactic and our manufacturing organization, The Spaceship Company.

'We can confirm that The Spaceship Company will provide engineering, design and manufacturing services, flight tests and operations and that we have an option on the first 10 airframes. It is still early days and just the start of what you'll hear about our shared ambitions and efforts.'

Scholl said: 'We're thrilled to be working with Virgin. It's hard to imagine a better partner for bringing supersonics to market.'

When created Boom will have 45 seats - with a ticket costing $5,000 (4,020).

Speaking to Bloomberg earlier this year, Scholl, 35, said: 'The idea is for a plane that goes faster than any other passenger plane built before, but for the same price as business class.'

According to the simulations, Boom's design is quieter and 30 percent more efficient than the Concorde.

It will be split into two single-seat rows, so everybody has a window and an aisle.

To reduce weight, the seats are of the standard domestic first-class variety, so no lay-down beds.

To cut flight time, Boom's plane will cruise at 60,000 feet, where passengers will be able to see the curvature of the earth, while going 2.6 times faster than other passenger planes.

Scholl said about 500 routes fit the craft's market, including a five-hour trip from San Francisco to Tokyo and a six-hour flight from Los Angeles to Sydney.

The firm hopes London to New York could be one of its most popular routes, with a 3.6 hour saving on a normal flight

A concept image shows what the interior of the Boom passenger jet could look like. Test flights of the first subscale prototypes begin in late 2017

A concept drawing shows what the interior of the futuristic passenger jet could look like - all passengers would have a seat that sits both on the window and the aisle

Created by aerospace company Boom, the jet nicknamed 'Baby Boom' could pave the way for the larger Boom passenger jet (pictured) and usher in a new era of affordable supersonic travel

A mockup of the craft at Heathrow - its founders hope it will use existing airports once tests are complete

'Boom was founded on the philosophy that we need to overcome the challenges to supersonic passenger flight, not surrender to them,' the firm says.

The firm hopes London to New York could be one of its most popular routes, with a 3.6 hour saving on a normal flight.

The firm even has record breaking US Astronaut Scott Kelly as an advisor.

It added: 'We're making a supersonic aircraft affordable for business travel. Our ultimate goal is routine supersonic flight for everyone.'

Scholl said about 500 routes fit the craft's market, including a five-hour trip from San Francisco to Tokyo and a six-hour flight from Los Angeles to Sydney

The first test flights will occur at Centennial Airport in Denver, with supersonic testing near Edwards Air Force Base in California

'Today, international travel means jet-lag and days of lost productivity and family time. But imagine leaving New York in the morning, making afternoon meetings in London, and being home to tuck your kids into bed.

'Unlike Concorde, flying Boom is affordable - the same price as business class,' said Boom.




Nothing can be said to be certain in this world, to paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, except death, taxes  and that there are more tourists in Dubrovnik than there are teapots in England.

Well, the latter may not be strictly true, but visit the stupendously beautiful Croatian city in summer and you can almost feel the age-old streets tremble under the visitors' footsteps.

Dubrovnik's walled seafront old town is a marvel, as picturesque and romantic as anywhere in southern Europe. But sometimes even the most committed sightseer needs a hideaway.

A hidden side of Croatia: Lopud, in the Elaphiti archipelago, is a place of enormous beauty

Thankfully, such places exist in the pretty and often-overlooked Elaphiti Islands, trickling north from Dubrovnik.

In summer, a creaky ferry of the kind found in an Agatha Christie mystery serves the three main islands four times daily, and its first port of call, 30 minutes from Dubrovnik, is Kolocep.

You can hear Kolocep almost before you see it. The chirruping cicadas provide a near constant backing track. Their song will follow you on lazy walks, accompany you as you go in search of the island's remote historic chapels, and lull you to sleep.

Peace personified: The village of Sudurad, on Sipan island, is Croatia at its loveliest

The only places where this evocative little symphony doesn't play is right in the middle of the car-free island's two pipsqueak villages, Donje Celo and Gornje Celo, where you will also find a modest selection of bars and restaurants.

Hop back on the ferry and you will soon be in neighbouring Lopud, the most beautiful of the three islands. Lopud town, the only real settlement here, is as busy as the Elaphiti archipelago gets, a necklace of restaurants  and one or two major hotels. There's even a bank machine. Stroll across tiny Lopud's spine and you will discover the best beaches.

Beautiful but busy: Dubrovnik's considerable charms need little introduction

The ferry's final port of call is Sudurad, on the south flank of the larger island of Sipan. It is centred around an ancient fortified villa with a handful of places to eat and a bus service  yes, the only one  to the island's other town, Sipanska Luka.

Dubrovnik surely ranks among Europe's top 20 destinations, but with travel, juxtaposition is all  and the Elaphiti Islands offer just that. Just ask the cicadas.
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Youd be forgiven for thinking these spectacular photos depict starry mountains and rugged glaciers shot against a dramatic sky.

But in fact the surreal images are all waves, captured in startling detail by Australian ocean photographer Lloyd Meudell, close to his home in New South Wales.

As an avid surfer, Mr Meudell can read how the choppy water and unpredictable swells will break to resemble otherworldly lava ripples and turquoise glaciers.

On his website, the photographer revealed: 'I realised early on I had an eye for this type of photography from my years spent in the water, and what started as a hobby soon grew into a day-to-day obsession.

Progressing from a GoPro to high-end camera equipment, he explained his fascination with finding fresh ways to illustrate seascapes. He said: I love the raw and unique beauty the sea provides.'

Mr Meudell, who has over 77,000 Instagram followers, rose to fame last year with his close up images of ocean foam, which he called foam surrealism'. His latest collection, focusing on the waves alone, is just as mesmeric.

Despite resembling a towering mountain these surreal images are all waves, captured in startling detail by Australian ocean photographer Lloyd Meudell

Mr Meudell grew up on the south coast of New South Wales and takes most of his shots near to his home

As an avid surfer, Mr Meudell can read how the choppy waves and unpredictable swells will break to resemble otherworldly lava ripples and turquoise glaciers

'The best time is always the morning or the evening because that's when you get the beautiful colours,' the photographer revealed to Daily Mail Australia

On his website, Meudell said: 'I realised early on I had an eye for this type of photography from my years spent in the water, and what started as a hobby soon grew into a day to day obsession

Progressing from a GoPro to high-end camera equipment, he explained his fascination with finding new perspectives for seascapes. He said: I love the raw and unique beauty the sea provides'

His works have names such as Wilderness, Wedge, Twin Peak and Warp, which do not give away that they are in fact waves captured mid-movement

Rays of sunshine creep through a stormy black sky to illuminate the waves like ice on a barren glacier (left) and the turquoise water and white froth resemble a smooth glacier (right)

Mr Meudell advises budding photographers to familiarise themselves with how the ocean works before getting behind a lens

'Spending time in the water and knowing how a wave breaks really helps with this kind of photography,' he told Daily Mail Australia, previously

He added: 'Someone who has never surfed in their life won't pick it up as quick as someone who has spent their whole life surfing'

Captured at sunset, at a glance this glassy, cobalt wave looks like an alien mountainscape

The photographer uses an EOS 5D Mark III DSLR and numerous lenses to achieve the remarkable shots

Meudell rose to fame last year with his close-ups images of ocean foam, which he called foam surrealism'
This May 20, 2016, photo released by Pamela Alvarez shows Alvarez's dog Mika in Houston. She has now been found

Mexican airline Interjet says it has found an eight-year-old dog named Mika who had escaped her cage and gotten lost at Mexico City's international airport.

Photographs on the airline's Twitter account Wednesday show Mika reunited with her owner Pamela Alvarez of Houston.

Details were not immediately available on where the dog was found.

But a post by Alvarez on Twitter thanks friends, family and Interjet for helping find Mika.

The airline had posted photos of the search effort and flyers with a picture of Mika with a pink neckerchief.

The flyer offered a 5,000-peso ($250) reward.

Alvarez was not informed of Mika's disappearance until her flight arrived in Houston.

Mika apparently escaped when her cage fell at the airport.

Alvarez had put appeals on social media sites saying the airline didn't inform her until she got to Houston that the dog escaped when the cage fell.

She said on a Facebook post: 'They told me that the dog didn't make it. That they dropped the crate and it ran away.'

She and her husband returned to Mexico City to hunt for the dog.

Interjet said in a statement earlier that it understands pets are important to their owners.
New book showcases some of the most iconic landscapes in the National

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A field bursting with multicoloured flowers forms a kaleidoscopic pattern from above, fireflies create a flickering river of light among the trees and lush green grass covers impressive rock formations.

A new book displays a breathtaking selection of photographs of the world's most beautiful locations.

National Geographic's Greatest Landscapes: Stunning Photographs that Inspire and Astonish showcases some of the most iconic landscapes in the society's archives.

From stunning landscape scenes in San Francisco, Iceland and Namibia to wildlife shots of colourful fish and polar bears among melting ice, the book takes readers on a spectacular visual journey.

The images, paired with illuminating insights from celebrated photographers, shows our planet in all its majesty through moments frozen in time.

MailOnline Travel reveals a selection of just some of the stunning photographs.

San Francisco, California: A span of the Golden Gate Bridge peeks above low-hanging morning fog

Pitztal Galcier, Austria: A skier takes flight above an ice cave nearly 10,000 feet high in the Alps

Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia: In Deadvlei, a camel thorn tree stands tall underneath a star-studded sky

Carlsbad, California: Multicolored flowers form a kaleidoscopic field pattern

Stirlingshire, Scotland: Snow encrusts this small copice standing tall at the end of a white, wintry field

Iceland: Cold Icelandic waters catch the aurora borealiss iridescence

Isle of Skye, Scotland: Verdant grasses swathe the land around the tower of rock known as Castle Ewen

Shimotsuma, Japan: Morning fog settles over a field of wildflowers

Inyo National Forest, California: Weathered twisting branches of an ancient bristlecone pine seem to dance

Okayama Prefecture, Japan: Fireflies form blinking rivers of light in a still woodland

Svalbard, Norway: A polar bear steps along Arctic pack ice

Cortes Banks, Pacific Ocean: A sheepshead fish (foreground) and senorita fish swim through a kelp forest
Sharing your personal space with strangers is an age-old problem.

But where the issue of reclining seats on a plane is concerned, tensions run especially high - it's a regular frustration flash point on flights.

With legroom at a premium and knee defender gadgets forcing the issue, etiquette, behaviour and aviation experts have tackled the thorny question of whether it's ever ok to recline your seat on a flight.

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When, if ever, is it appropriate to recline your seat? Experts debate how to behave in the sky

Most holidaymakers have spent at least one flight in an endless battle with either the passenger in front of them trying to extend their seat into their lap or the person behind them digging their knees into their back.

Outlining the reason for our perhaps inappropriate levels of aggression during this experience, psychologist Judi James told MailOnline Travel: 'We do need to remember how territorial we are and how wars are often fought over space and ownership, so we are looking at a form of plane wars!'

'Once we occupy our seat we take total mental ownership of that space and the space around it.

'Any shared areas like arm rests should actually require polite negotiation but we tend to take them by force leading to silent conflict.'

Explaining the sense of entitlement flyers feel she added: 'If our seat is built to recline we see that as permission to recline it as far back as we want. It's as though the airline had set the boundaries.'

Behaviour expert Judi James explains the psychology of seat reclining on planes

For some flyers, the rules of etiquette seem to be suspended while hurtling through the sky.

James noted: 'Up in mid-air people feel normal rules no longer apply, making their behaviour more egocentric than normal.'

With air rage likely to spiral over the holiday season, a 25-year veteran flight attendant has reignited the debate on her aviation podcast, Betty in the Sky.

'Passengers get very heated over the recline-or-not-to-recline topic.

'I've seen grown men about to fist-fight over the ownership of a few inches of in-flight space,' Betty Thesky told the BBC World Service.

It is one of British flyers' biggest bugbears with three quarters wanting to ban reclining seats on planes.

In October, MailOnline reported that business class flyers were escorted off a plane after a man, 27, and woman, 42, allegedly fought over a reclined seat. The pair had been flying from Thailand's Phuket to Sydney when the fight broke out mid-flight.

And with the launch of inventions such as the Knee Defender the debate has intensified.

The Knee Defender, above, was invented by one Ira Goldman from Washington who, at 6ft 4in, was fed up with being 'bashed in the knees over and over again' when flying

The Knee Defender consists of two small pieces of plastic which clip the arms of your fold-down table, and prevent the passenger in front from pushing his seat back.

The device is adjustable  the closer the plastic clips are placed to the back of the seat, the less the seat will be able to move. It was invented by one Ira Goldman from Washington who, at 6ft 4in, was fed up with being 'bashed in the knees over and over again' when flying.

To keep tempers from fraying, the gadget comes with a 'courtesy card', which you hand to the passenger in front explaining why you are using the clips, and how many inches you are willing to allow him to recline.

Back in 2014, MailOnline reported on a confrontation between a man and a fellow passenger on a United Airlines flight from Newark to Denver over his knee defender, which forced the plane to divert.

Etiquette expert William Hanson said it's possible to politely negotiate space on a plane

Airline safety protocol insists that seats are set to the upright position during taxi, take-off and landing but when it comes to meal time and whether you opt to nap or work during a flight, there is no policy.

To avoid awkward confrontations, the key is to communicate politely, all of the experts advise.

Thesky said: 'I personally think the most polite, fair and equitable solution is to recline your seat half way. It's also polite to put your seat in the upright position during the meal service.'

She added that by simply asking if it's okay to recline your seat you'll most likely be met with a positive response.

Concurring and asserting the importance of maintaining decorum at all times, etiquette expert William Hanson said: 'It's perfectly acceptable to recline your seat but not until after the meal service has been completed and all trays have been cleared away.

'A glance behind to check that they aren't using the tray table for a laptop or children's colouring book is also sensible and gives a subtle yet polite warning to the person behind. Recline slowly, too.'




She became one of the most enviable women in the world after her steamy sex scene with Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager aired earlier this year.

And Elizabeth Debicki continued to turn everyone green with envy as she flaunted her style credentials for an edgy new shoot for Marie Claire.

The 26-year-old actress stunned in a series of cream-coloured ensembles as she candidly discussed the pros of working with a female director for the sizzling BBC drama.

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Cover girl: Elizabeth Debicki, 26, continued to turn everyone green with envy after her sizzling role on BBC's The Night Manager with an edgy new shoot for Marie Claire

The Australian beauty struck a fierce pose while donning an elegant satin jumpsuit and Robert Clergerie Alice loafers, which served to highlight her statuesque 6 ft 2 in height.

In another, the porcelain star draped her arms across a wooden pole as she showed of a billowy number, which featured hues of orange.

The minimalist, stripped back aura was taken indoors as she perched on the edge of a bed, with a ribbed jumper dress which elegantly fell off her shoulders.

With her stylish pixie cut and doll-like features, it's no surprise that Elizabeth was cast in the role of Jed in The Night Manager and in the interview with the magazine credits the director for her critically acclaimed portrayal.

Stunning: The porcelain beauty draped her arms across a wooden pole as she showed of a billowy number, which featured hues of orange, in one snap

Relaxed: The minimalist, stripped back aura was taken indoors as she perched on the edge of a bed, with a ribbed jumper dress which fell off her shoulders

Speaking of working with an Academy Award winning female director, she revealed: Would I have played the same character had a man been directing me? I dont know. Susanne (Bier) was able to understand and embrace the femininity of the female characters and not objectify them, and thats why women responded to the show as well.

'Is a man capable of that? Yes, of course. I cant walk around and say, I would rather be directed by a woman, because thats not the case. For me, its about the person - and their sensitivity and intelligence - its not about gender.

'But, the amount of women who are directing TV and film is disproportionate, and it has to change,' she observed.

Elizabeth played Jed in the hit BBC series, who begins a sizzling affair with Tom's Jonathan Pine - an intelligence operative tasked with infiltrating the inner circle of Jed's arms dealer boyfriend Roper (Hugh Laurie).

'She was able to embrace femininity': In the interview with the magazine Elizabeth credits the female director for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Jed in The Night Manager

She said she had the time of her life shooting the series with Tom and Hugh, gushing: 'I would love to [do a second series] I adored shooting it. I loved everyone on that cast.'

'Hugh is a wonderful wonderful man. I was just emailing him the other day to come to the show.'

The scene that caused the most fuss was a hot encounter between Jed and Jonathan, which saw Tom flashing his bum.

The stunning actress, who is currently starring in the West End, told This Morning last month that she had no idea the fuss the sex scene would cause.

Hot under the collar: She became one of the most enviable women in the world after her steamy sex scene with Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager aired earlier this year

'Hold on a minute what's going on?' The stunning actress, who is currently starring in the West End, told This Morning last month that she had no idea the fuss the sex scene would cause

On the now dubbed 'Hiddlesbum' moment, Elizabeth insists: 'We werent laughing when we were doing that scene. That was quite intense.'

She added that she lost track of what episodes were screening so wasnt aware of the big fuss around the scene until journalists started bombarding her with questions.

One woman I remember speaking to was asking so many questions and I had to say "hold on a minute what's going on?"

And she said "don't you know? It's a huge thing here, everybody's talking about it."'

'So I didn't realise that the now famous Tom's bottom scene was screening that night and the next morning I was doing radio interviews for it and someone bought it up.'

Stage star: Elizabeth now stars alongside Mark Strong in the West End show The Red Barn, which opened at the National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre this week

'We shot that scene quite quickly in a way efficiently. I didnt really realise that was going on in the scene I was looking at his face,' she added.

Elizabeth now stars alongside Mark Strong in the West End show The Red Barn, which opened at the National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre this week.

Based on the novel La Main by Georges Simenon, the play is set in Connecticut, 1969, when on their way back from a party, two couples struggle home through the snow but not everyone arrives safely.

Read Elizabeth's full interview in the January issue of Marie Claire, out now.
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Just last year she stole the spotlight as she strutted down the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in the $2million fantasy bra.

And Lily Aldridge looked just as attention grabbing as she took to the highly coveted runway at the Paris' Grand Palais on Wednesday night.

The 31-year-old supermodel sent pulses racing in a flesh-flashing silver lingerie set which she teamed with matching wings and towering heels.

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Anything but the blues: Lily Aldridge looked sensational in a blue and red ensemble as she turned heads at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show held at the Grand Palais in Paris on Wednesday night

Fruits of her labour: Lily showed that all of her hard work in the gym had paid off as she also wore a very racy grey lace ensemble

The racy silver number showed off every inch of her flawless physique as she took to the catwalk with her fellow models.

Laying high on her hips, the skimpy garment sported large cut-outs on the sides which allowed her enviably long, lean legs to take prominence as she sashayed forth in towering open-toe heels.

Lily's shiny chocolate brunette tresses were glamorously styled and framed her pretty face which sported sultry eye-shadow and nude gloss while the glittery wings pulled the 'angel' look together.

For her second outfit of the eagerly anticipated lingerie event, the mother-of-one peeled off more layers of fabric as she bared all of her toned tum in blue lingerie set.

Heavenly: Lily Aldridge, 31, sent pulses racing in a flesh-flashing silver lingerie set which she teamed with matching wings and towering heels as she strutted down the runway

Bottoms up: She cheekily flashed her pert derriere as she walked back up the runway

Silver lining! Laying high on her hips, the skimpy garment sported large cut-outs on the sides which allowed her enviably long, lean legs to take prominence as she sashayed forth in towering open-toe heels

Finishing touches: Lily's shiny chocolate brunette tresses were glamorously styled and framed her pretty face while the glittery wings pulled the 'angel' look together

Here come the girls: (L-R) Victoria's Secret Angels Josephine Skriver, Jasmine Tookes, Lily Aldridge, Adriana Lima, Elsa Hosk, Alessandra Ambrosio and Taylor Hill

The stylish bra contained her ample assets, while the minuscule bottoms barely covered her modesty as she posed at the end of the runway.

A delicate red bow was tied under her busty cleavage and she worked her angles in a pair of matching sky-high ankle boots.

Lily couldn't contain her delight as a funky feathered set of wings, which were attached to her back, spruced up the outfit.

Earlier on in the day, she seemed at ease as she was spotted taking selfies while getting glammed up for the big event.

Fun: The girls were in a playful mood as they posed for a photo backstage; (L-R) Alessandra Ambrosio, Jasmine Tookes, Adriana Lima, Taylor Hill, Lily Aldridge, Lais Ribeiro, Elsa Hosk, Sara Sampaio, Martha Hunt, Romee Strijd and Josephine Skriver

The glam pack: Kendall Jenner (L) also joined her stunning pal Gigi Hadid (middle) for the walk down the runway for their second year, while Gigi's sister Bella Hadid (R) made her sizzling debut on Wednesday

Figure-flashing: The stylish bra contained her ample assets, while the minuscule bottoms barely covered her modesty as she posed at the end of the runway

Glamorous girls: (L-R) Lily Aldridge, Lady Gaga and Jasmine Tookes posed for a backstage snap at the event on Wednesday evening

Lily first got her Angel wings when she walked in the 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and has continued to model for the luxury lingerie brand ever since.

Last year, the married beauty donned the coveted fantasy bra and this year the honour went to Californian model Jasmine Tookes, 25.

Parading down the runway, Tookes looked like the ultimate sex-kitten as she slipped her sensational frame into the $2.4million emerald and diamond bra, weighing more than 450 carats.

Just your average day! Earlier on in the day, Lily seemed at ease as she got glammed up for the big event

Capturing the moment: The American beauty slipped in a few cheeky selfies as she dolled up backstage

Each year a different model is charged with wearing the 'Fantasy Bra' - a brassiere styled by a world renowned jeweller, who will craft the item which is deemed the 'ultimate holiday gift'.

Kendall Jenner also joined her stunning pal Gigi Hadid for the walk down the runway for their second year, while Gigi's sister Bella Hadid made her sizzling debut on Wednesday.

They joined Angel veterans Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima, both 35, for the spectacular parade in the French capital.

Bella's rumoured ex beau The Weeknd performed during the night, as did Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

The Parisian show marks the Victoria's Secret catwalk's 21st year, having first launched in New York in 1995, with the show growing in size every year and scoring higher profile names with it.

All eyes on her: Jasmine Tookes looked like the ultimate sex-kitten as she slipped her sensational frame in to the $2.4million emerald and diamond Fantasy Bra, weighing more than 450 carats

Angel forever: Lily (fourth from left) first got her Angel wings when she walked in the 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and has continued to model for the luxury lingerie brand ever since. Last year she donned the 2million Fantasy Bra

Striking: Lily Aldridge changed things up by sporting an all black ensemble for her appearance at the after-party
She supported her hunky co-star as he took home an Emmy for his lead role in their web series The Bay.

And on Tuesday Karrueche Tran cosied up with co-star Kristos Andrews as the pair filmed a romantic beach scene in Los Angeles for their successful show.

The 28-year-old model showed off her phenomenal figure in a see-through lace frock which exposed a tiny bikini beneath.

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Action! Karrueche Tran and her co-star Kristos Andrews, 26, filmed a romantic beach scene for their web series The Bay in Los Angeles on Tuesday

The ex-girlfriend of Chris Brown slipped into a plunging white crocheted number that she layered over a bright aqua two-piece.

She flashed a hint of her ample decolletage in the low-cut number which she teamed with a pair of striped black and white sandals.

Karrueche - who plays Vivian Johnson - looked chilly while shooting alongside Kristos, 26, on the sandy beach as the sun set on their picturesque scene.

The Santa Monica born actor, producer, and professional skateboarder whispered into the stunner's ear as they shot an intimate moment.

Bikini babe! The 28-year-old ex-girlfriend of Chris Brown showed off her phenomenal figure in a see-through lace frock which exposed a tiny bikini beneath

Sultry scene! The Emmy Award-winning actor whispered into the stunner's ear as they shot an intimate moment

The beauty - who is of Vietnamese and Jamaican descent - kept warm and bundled up with a blanket as she got cosy with Kristos in between takes.

In May the actor - who stars as Peter Garrett - took home a Daytime Emmy Award at the 43rd annual ceremony for Outstanding Actor in a Digital Daytime Drama Series.

Their series also won for Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series.

Earlier this year, the petite model-turned-actress stated how 'important' it was to build her own empire.

Cosy co-stars! The beauty - who is of Vietnamese and Jamaican descent - kept warm and bundled up with a blanket as she got cosy with Kristos in between takes

'Its very important at this point,' she told Hip Hollywood. 'Im a business woman and I need to present myself in the best way possible.'

She added: 'Unfortunately people know me for certain other things that theyve seen in the media, or whatever it is.'

'So now its very important for me to show my personality and show the woman I am and the woman Im growing to be.'
The Kardashians always rally around each other when one of them is in trouble.

So when Kanye West was hospitalised in Los Angeles last week after having a breakdown, family matriarch Kris Jenner dropped everything to be by his side.

The 61-year-old pulled out of an appearance at a magazine cover party in Miami's Art Basel which was due to take place on Tuesday.

Did not attend: Kris Jenner (pictured last week) skipped magazine cover party in her honour in Miami on Tuesday after Kanye West was hospitalized

'It doesn't look like she is going to make it due to what's going on with Kanye,' a source told Us Weekly.

A representative for the DuJour Magazine event confirmed that Kris did not attend.

But it appears that there is a silver lining for the momager, as TMZ claimed on Wednesday that Kanye had checked out of UCLA hospital.

Family struggles: Last Monday, the 39-year-old (seen November 15) was taken to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center after having suffered a breakdown. He has now checked out

Kim and his doctor, Dr. Michael Farzam, are by his side, the website claimed.

It has been alleged that the raoper's breakdown was in part because of to the ninth anniversary of his mum Donda's death on November 10, as well as career and family pressures and his wife Kim Kardashian's robbery.

Us Weekly also reported that Kanye and Kim, 36, had their share of fights before his meltdown.

Missing his mother: Part of the rapper's breakdown was apparently due to the ninth anniversary of his mum Donda's passing

Too much to handle: Kanye was also struggling with Kim's robbery, as well as career and family pressures. The reality star is seen here in September

'He would be up all night ranting about things. They were fighting because he was impossible to live with.'

Following Kim's Paris ordeal, Kanye was apparently 'completely freaked out.'

'The mere thought of his wife being taken from him was too much  it was like his mother's death. Seeing Kim close to death did a major number on him. It sent him into a tailspin,' a source told the site.
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It's her seventh strut down the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

And Lily Donaldson certainly picked up a few tricks of the trade over the years which was evident as she glided down the highly coveted runway at Paris' Grand Palais on Wednesday night.

The 29-year-old British model looked sensational as she donned a racy caged one-piece before switching into a statement pink lingerie set which boasted an overlay of glittering crystals, complementing her matching feathered wings.

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Pretty in pink: Lily Donaldson, 29, amped up the sex appeal in a sizzling one-piece and giant wings as she glided down the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Paris' Grand Palais on Wednesday night

The skimpy pink balcony style bra just about contained her ample assets and bared her toned tum as she walked the runway alongside her fellow models.

Her racy briefs showed off her enviably toned legs as she strutted forth in towering gold caged heels, while her wings billowed behind her.

Upon turning, the statuesque stunner cheekily flashed her perky derriere while smouldering with her striking features for the photographers.

Lily amped up the sex appeal further with the night's other look - a sizzling one-piece which sported lace-up detail down the front.

Sexy angel: The British model looked sugary sweet in a racy pink lingerie set which boasted an overlay of glittering crystals, complementing her matching wings

Details: The nude overlay sported glittery pink and purple jewels which went up to her neck and across her stomach

The sensational blue garment featured a huge cut-out in-between, baring her lace green bra as a pair of glittery wings took prominence behind her.

Her luscious blonde locks were styled in waves and framed her pretty face, which sported an immaculate slick of eyeliner and a nude pout.

Lily has been prepping for the annual lingerie spectacle for a while and is good friends with the other models, including Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Joan Smalls, who she dined with at Japanese restaurant Kinugawa in the French capital earlier on in the week.

Strut! Her sexy footwear complemented the racy ensemble as she walked down the coveted runway

Model pals: Lily is good friends with Gigi Hadid - who has been part of the VS Fashion Show for two years - and they were spoptted dining out at the Japanese restaurant Kinugawa in the French capital earlier on in the week

Kendall joined her stunning pal Gigi for the walk down the runway for their second year, while Gigi's sister Bella Hadid made her sizzling debut on Wednesday.

They joined Angel veterans Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima, both 35, for the spectacular parade in the French capital.

This year's Fantasy Bra honoree was Californian model Jasmine Tookes, 25.

Racy lady: Lily ensured all eyes were on her as she glided down the runway at the iconic French venue

Raunchy: Her other outfit, a sensational blue number, featured a huge cut-out in-between, baring her lace green bra as a pair of glittery wings took prominence behind her

Coveted catwalk: The Parisian show marks the Victoria's Secret catwalk's 21st year, having first launched in New York in 1995, with the show growing in size every year and scoring higher profile names with it

Parading down the runway, Tookes looked like the ultimate sex-kitten as she slipped her sensational frame into the $2.4million emerald and diamond bra, weighing more than 450 carats.

Bella's rumoured ex beau The Weeknd performed during the night, as did Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

The Parisian show marks the Victoria's Secret catwalk's 21st year, having first launched in New York in 1995, with the show growing in size every year and scoring higher profile names with it.

Silver siren: Lily later slipped into a sexy silver bandeau mini-dress as she and her fellow Angels headed to Paris eatery, Ferdi, to treat themselves to well-earned burgers and calorific treats after months of dieting

Bombshell: After the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show wrapped, the British beauty changed into a slinky silver backless chainmail gown and Messika jewellery as she prepared to party the night away with her model friends
Hannibal Buress is seemingly not a fan of Sydney's controversial lockout laws.

The American comedian, who is currently touring Australia, took to Twitter in the early hours of Thursday morning to make his feelings known.

Tweeting at 1.06 am, he wrote: 'Hey Sydney, who did this? This s*** sucks.'

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Not impressed: Hannibal Buress made his feelings about Sydney's lockout laws known when he tweeted early on Thursday morning

'This s*** sucks': The 33-year-old, who is currently touring Australia, used his social media account at 1.06 am

The 33-year-old is in Sydney to perform the first date of his Hannibal Montanabal tour at Enmore Theatre tonight.

Hannibal then heads to Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane before jetting back to the States.

Judging by his previous posts on social media, the Chicago native is keen to enjoy himself in Australia, asking his Twitter followers to suggest 'after-party' venues earlier this week.

And last month, the stand-up applauded Australian women for being 'straightforward' and drama-free when it comes to hook-ups.

Praying for suggestions: Hannibal previously used his Twitter account to ask his followers for suggestions of where to go for an 'after-party' after gigs in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane

Drama-free hook ups: Hannibal appears to have met his match with Australian women, who he recently applauded for being 'straightforward' and drama-free when it comes to hook-ups

'If Australian girls wanna hook up with you, they hook up with you,' he told The Daily Telegraph.

'There's no dilly dallying. It's very open and honest and you don't have to buy them drinks.'

Hannibal recalled meeting a girl in Sydney, who he spent time with 'for a few days' during his 2012 tour Down Under.

'She was witty and charming and straightforward... I hope I hang out with her again in Sydney, that way I don't have to deal with anyone else,' he told the publication.

Girlfriend in Sydney? Hannibal recalled meeting a girl in Sydney, who he spent time with 'for a few days' during his 2012 tour Down Under and hopes to see her again while he's in town

Meanwhile, the former Saturday Night Live writer is best known for igniting the Bill Cosby sex scandal, calling him a 'rapist' during a stand-up performance in Philadelphia.

It was captured on video and later went viral, which led to renewed scrutiny of decades-old allegations of sexual assault lodged by a number of women.

Hannibal previously said it was a 'weird surprise' that his joke precipitated Cosby's fall from grace.

Comedy making news: the former Saturday Night Live writer is best known for igniting the Bill Cosby sex scandal, calling him a 'rapist' during a stand-up performance in Philadelphia

'I was doing a joke in my show and that shouldn't influence public opinion. I don't know if it should go that far,' he said earlier this year.

'That's just one joke that... people took and really ran with it,' he said.

At the time, Hannibal took to Twitter alluding to the controversy he had sparked.

'Boy, that escalated quickly. I mean that really got out of hand fast,' he wrote.

Bill Cosby has denied all of the allegations made against him.
They both wowed in equal measure as they took to the Victoria's Secret catwalk on Wednesday night.

But it seems ruling the runway wasn't enough for Bella and Gigi Hadid, as the sisters continued to turn heads off the runway.

Heading to an after-show photocall, Bella, 20, and Gigi, 21, both showed off a serious amount of skin as they slipped into revealing metallic gowns.

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Sheer style: It seems ruling the runway wasn't enough for Bella and Gigi Hadid, as the sisters continued to turn heads off the runway

Bella, who made a triumphant debut as an Angle for the famed show, went for an extremely plunging see-through number.

The floor-length gown left little to the imagination, and allowed the brunette beauty to flaunt nearly every inch of her incredible figure.

Preserving her modesty with a nude thong, the model certainly wasn't feeling shy and retiring following her walk in the show.

Flashing the flesh: Bella, 20 -who made a triumphant debut as an Angle for the famed show -went for an extremely plunging see-through number

Shimmer: Gigi, 21, opted for a metallic gown which was slashed up the thigh and across the chest; showing plenty of leg as well as an ample amount of cleavage

Teaming with immaculate hair and make-up, Bella certainly looked every inch the tempting angel.

Gigi went for a less transparent number, but made sure her outfit was suitably racy.

Opting for a metallic gown which was slashed up the thigh and across the chest, the eldest of the Hadid brood showed plenty of leg as well as an ample amount of cleavage.

Her angles: The two beaming beauties - who were draped in Messika jewellery - were joined at the photocall by their proud mother Yolanda, 52

Proud momma: Cuddling up to her two daughters, the former model was rewarded with a kiss by her two children

The two beaming beauties - who were draped in Messika jewellery - were joined at the photocall by their proud mother Yolanda, 52.

Cuddling up to her two daughters, the former model was rewarded with a kiss by her two children.

And proud parents Yolanda and Mohammed Hadid were naturally front row to support the girls.

Proud moment: And proud mother Yolanda was joined on the front row of the show, where she cheered on her girls, by their father Mohamed

Devoted dad: Mohamed, 68, stood proudly alongside his striking fiancee Shiva Safai, 30, as they eagerly awaited the kick off at the Grand Palais

The two were beaming with pride as they walked the pink carpet before the main event at the Grand Palais.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda was dressed to impress in a shimmery black dress with a tiered skirt.

The former reality star showed where her children get their good genes from, looking impossibly youthful with her hair swept back from her face.

Yolanda kept her look sophisticated thanks to a pair of opaque tights and patent leather ankle boots.

Mohamed, 68, stood proudly alongside his striking fiancee Shiva Safai, 30, as they eagerly awaited the kick off.

Glittering: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda was dressed to impress in a shimmery black dress with a tiered skirt

No awkwardness here! Mohamed, who has been engaged to Shiva since 2004, got divorced from Yolanda in 2000

Striking: Real estate developer Mohamed's gorgeous partner stole the show in an elegant black dress

Catwalk beauties: Novice Bella (R) is all set to make her debut at the show, while Gigi (L) will be strutting her stuff for the second year

The real estate developer's gorgeous partner stole the show in a sheer dress with mesh panels highlighting her slim figure.

The pair - who divorced in 2000 - are on good terms and share children Gigi, 21; Bella, 20; and Anwar, 17.

Earlier in the day, Yolanda had teased her excitement at watching her striking daughters strut down the runway with a flashback Instagram picture.

A-list attendees: Lady Gaga was putting in a stylish appearance ahead of her performance

Sealed with a kiss: The singer and actress posed with fashion designer Nicola Formichetti

Cosying up: The Diesel designer wrapped his arms around Gaga's waist on the pink carpet

Sensational in silk: Rising star Lottie Moss, 18, looked elegant in an asymmetrical silk number

It's all in the details: Kate Moss' half sister accessorised with a silver clutch and diamond earrings

She captioned the image: '17 years after I photographed my "ANGELS" Today is the day that they will be walking in the fashion show together......... #Excited #Grateful #Paris #VS #Sisters #ProudMommy'.

Also in attendance to watch the show were a host of stars from the world of showbiz, from presenter Nick Cannon to model Lottie Moss and superstar Lady Gaga, who will be performing at the show.

Putting in a surprise appearance was fashionsita Millie Mackintosh and her boyfriend Hugo Taylor.

Best of British: Putting in a surprise appearance was fashionsita Millie Mackintosh and her boyfriend Hugo Taylor

Fashionista: Quality Street heiress Millie rocked a tuxedo jacket with a statement necklace

Stunning: Millie showed off her long legs in her floor-skimming trousers

French beauties: Axelle Laffont (L) and Marie-Ange Casta (R) stuck to a sombre palette

Military chic:Balmain designer Olivier Rousteingwas sporting one of his trademark creations

The pair, who rekindled their relationship this Spring following Millie's split from husband Professor Green, looked thrilled to be in attendance.

The Parisian show marks the Victoria's Secret catwalk's 21st year, having first launched in New York in 1995, with the show growing in size every year and scoring higher profile names with it.

Novice Angel Bella is all set to make her debut at the show, in which she will strut the catwalk to the tune of her on-off boyfriend The Weeknd's music.

Sheer delight: Supermodel Doutzen Kroes was putting in an appearance as a guest this year instead of storming the runway

Cute couple: Doutzen Kroes and her husband Sunnery James cosied up on the pink carpet

Sealed with a kiss: The pair locked lips as they made a joint arrival at the runway show

Daring to bare: Russian-born model Svetlana Pavlova sported a rather racy look

Stylish star: Gabriel-Kane, Daniel Day-Lewis' son, was clad in a tweed coat and neon scarf

The siblings' turn at the show comes after Bella revealed their mum Yolanda taught her how to pose for the show - as she dubbed her mum an 'emotional angel'.

Speaking to People magazine, the model said: 'My mum is my emotional angel. She always makes me feel so much better.

'Just like any mother would. Shes just like: "Shoulders back, be confident and walk strong."'

Quirky ensemble: Nick Cannon sported sparkling brogues and a pink turban

Striking stripes: Keltie Knight (L) teamed a quirky striped dress with studded ankle boots, while Doina Ciobanu (R) sported an orange silk ensemble

Happy chap: Dominic West looked thrilled to be in attendance at the event

Date night: Stromae and wife Coralie Barbier attended the event together
They were two of the most eagerly awaited models on the catwalk at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Wednesday.

And Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima turned heads when they arrived in the press room at the Grand Palais in Paris after the main catwalk extravaganza, showcasing their incredible figures in dazzling evening wear.

Veteran Angel Alessandra was hard to miss in a striking sheer number, with a deep V neckline drawing attention to her cleavage.

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Stunning: Alessandra Ambrosio turned heads backstage at the Grand Palais after the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Grand Palais in Paris on Wednesday night

Radiant in white: Adriana looked equally stunning in a white tuxedo style dress, a plunging neckline adding some glamour to the masculine tailoring

The statement dress boasted a glittering leaf pattern running along its length and was nipped in at the waist with a belt.

The thigh-split number offered a glimpse of her long legs, a pair of simple black stilettos adding extra height to her already statuesque frame.

The brunette beauty pulled her locks up in a top knot and tied a coordinating choker around her neck.

Show-stopping gown: Veteran Angel Alessandra was hard to miss in a striking sheer number, with a deep V neckline drawing attention to her cleavage

All white on the night: The striking ensemble was completed with a gold belt running around her waist and matching button detailing

Golden delight: Adriana's tan completed her gold embellished ensemble

Yummy mummy: The mother-of-two, 35, looked incredible as she showed off her flawless complexion

Inked up: She flaunted a delicate ankle tattoo and strappy heels

Cheese: With a successful show behind her Adriana could finally relax

Ooh! Alessandra pulled a very cheeky expression as she looked back at the crowd

How does she do it? She blew kisses to the crowd as she showed off her naturally flawless features

All together now: The group were all musically minded as they swapped their strut for a dance

Party time: The ladies were all seriously letting their hair down as the show was a huge success

Adriana looked equally stunning in a white tuxedo style dress, a plunging neckline adding some glamour to the masculine tailoring.

The striking ensemble was completed with a gold belt running around her waist and matching button detailing.

She styled her dark locks pushed back from her face and highlighted her pout with red lipstick.

Gorgeous gown: Isabel Goulart was beautiful as ever in a grey lace number, featuring a striking fishtail skirt

Sheer delight: The floor-sweeping dress had sheer sections at the bust and down the legs, giving the ensemble a glamorous feel

Sensational in stripes: Irina donned a simple shift dress amid rumours she's expecting her first child with Bradley Cooper

Keeping coy: The Russian beauty, 30, is yet to address the claims

Isabel Goulart was beautiful as ever in a grey lace number, featuring a striking fishtail skirt.

The floor-sweeping dress had sheer sections at the bust and down the legs, giving the ensemble a glamorous feel.

Irina Shyak also put in an appearance behind-the-scenes, keeping covered up in a stripy dress as she fuelled pregnancy rumours.

Coming up roses: Tanzanian model Herieth Paul was elegant in a glittering gown

Sizzling! Romee coordinated her dress with a pair of sequin-encrusted sandals

Red hot: Dutch model Romee Strijd opted for a rather revealing little number

All that glitters! Romee wore an array of diamond bracelets, earrings and and a necklace

Gorgeous: Kendall Jenner made an appearance after the show in a striking cream slip, looking every inch a natural beauty

The Russian beauty, 30, is alleged to be expecting her first child with boyfriend Bradley Cooper.

Kendall Jenner made an appearance after the show in a striking cream slip, looking every inch a natural beauty.

Following her runway debut, Bella Hadid dared to bare in a sheer silver dress, flashing her nude underwear in the see-through look.

Sheer style: It seems ruling the catwalk wasn't enough for Bella and Gigi Hadid, as the sisters continued to turn heads off the runway

Flashing the flesh: Bella, 20 -who made a triumphant debut as an Angel for the famed show -went for an extremely plunging see-through number

Shimmer: Gigi, 21, opted for a metallic gown which was slashed up the thigh and across the chest; showing plenty of leg as well as an ample amount of cleavage

Her sister Gigi, who was back for a second year, looked incredible in a two-tone metallic dress.

The red carpet showdown came before the official afterparty, where the official toast of the evening was Ciroc Vodka.

Proud parents Yolanda and Mohammed Hadid were naturally front row to support the girls, beaming with pride as they walked the pink carpet before the main event at the Grand Palais.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda was dressed to impress in a shimmery black dress with a tiered skirt.

Proud moment: Yolanda Hadid was supporting her daughters Gigi and Bella, beaming as she walked the pink carpet before the main event

Devoted dad: Mohamed, 68, stood proudly alongside his striking fiancee Shiva Safai, 30, as they eagerly awaited the kick off at the Grand Palais

The 52-year-old star showed where her children get their good genes from, looking impossibly youthful with her hair swept back from her face.

Yolanda kept her look sophisticated thanks to a pair of opaque tights and patent leather ankle boots.

Mohamed, 68, stood proudly alongside his striking fiancee Shiva Safai, 30, as they eagerly awaited the kick off.

Glittering: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda was dressed to impress in a shimmery black dress with a tiered skirt

No awkwardness here! Mohamed, who has been engaged to Shiva since 2004, got divorced from Yolanda in 2000

Striking: Real estate developer Mohamed's gorgeous partner stole the show in an elegant black dress

Catwalk beauties: Novice Bella (R) is all set to make her debut at the show, while Gigi (L) will be strutting her stuff for the second year

The real estate developer's gorgeous partner stole the show in a sheer dress with mesh panels highlighting her slim figure.

The pair - who divorced in 2000 - are on good terms and share children Gigi, 21; Bella, 20; and Anwar, 17.

Earlier in the day, Yolanda had teased her excitement at watching her striking daughters strut down the runway with a flashback Instagram picture.

All that glitters! Lais Ribeiro turned heads in a glitzy gold thigh-skimming mini dress

Racy! The piece hugged her every curve showcasing her cleavage

Legs for days! Lais flaunted her model pins

Accessorising: She went for gold sandals and a matching gold clutch

A-list attendees: Lady Gaga was putting in a stylish appearance ahead of her performance

Sealed with a kiss: The singer and actress posed with fashion designer Nicola Formichetti

Cosying up: The Diesel designer wrapped his arms around Gaga's waist on the pink carpet

Sensational in silk: Rising star Lottie Moss, 18, looked elegant in an asymmetrical silk number

It's all in the details: Kate Moss' half sister accessorised with a silver clutch and diamond earrings

More than al-white! Joan Smalls rocked a floor-length white gown

Natural beauty: Showing off her stunning bone structure she went for minimal make-up

Earning her stripes! The frock featured an array of sheer stripe cute out panels

She captioned the image: '17 years after I photographed my "ANGELS" Today is the day that they will be walking in the fashion show together......... #Excited #Grateful #Paris #VS #Sisters #ProudMommy'.

Also in attendance to watch the show were a host of stars from the world of showbiz, from presenter Nick Cannon to model Lottie Moss and superstar Lady Gaga, who will be performing at the show.

Putting in a surprise appearance was fashionsita Millie Mackintosh and her boyfriend Hugo Taylor.

Raven haired beauty: Lily Aldridge glowed as she showed off her flawless complexion

Covered up: She opted for a diagonal neck dress with leggings

Standing out: Jourdana Phillips opted for a blue halter neck dress with waist cut out panels

Best of British: Putting in a surprise appearance was fashionsita Millie Mackintosh and her boyfriend Hugo Taylor

Fashionista: Quality Street heiress Millie rocked a tuxedo jacket with a statement necklace

Stunning: Millie showed off her long legs in her floor-skimming trousers

French beauties: Axelle Laffont (L) and Marie-Ange Casta (R) stuck to a sombre palette

Military chic:Balmain designer Olivier Rousteingwas sporting one of his trademark creations

The pair, who rekindled their relationship this Spring following Millie's split from husband Professor Green, looked thrilled to be in attendance.

The Parisian show marks the Victoria's Secret catwalk's 21st year, having first launched in New York in 1995, with the show growing in size every year and scoring higher profile names with it.

Novice Angel Bella is all set to make her debut at the show, in which she will strut the catwalk to the tune of her on-off boyfriend The Weeknd's music.

Stunner: Mother-of-two Doutzen flaunted her model bone structure

Sheer delight: Supermodel Doutzen Kroes was putting in an appearance as a guest this year instead of storming the runway

Cute couple: Doutzen Kroes and her husband Sunnery James cosied up on the pink carpet

Sealed with a kiss: The pair locked lips as they made a joint arrival at the runway show

Daring to bare: Russian-born model Svetlana Pavlova sported a rather racy look

Stylish star: Gabriel-Kane, Daniel Day-Lewis' son, was clad in a tweed coat and neon scarf

The siblings' turn at the show comes after Bella revealed their mum Yolanda taught her how to pose for the show - as she dubbed her mum an 'emotional angel'.

Speaking to People magazine, the model said: 'My mum is my emotional angel. She always makes me feel so much better.

'Just like any mother would. Shes just like: "Shoulders back, be confident and walk strong."'

Quirky ensemble: Nick Cannon sported sparkling brogues and a pink turban

Striking stripes: Keltie Knight (L) teamed a quirky striped dress with studded ankle boots, while Doina Ciobanu (R) sported an orange silk ensemble

Happy chap: Dominic West looked thrilled to be in attendance at the event

Date night: Stromae and wife Coralie Barbier attended the event together

Dapper chap: Toby Huntington-Whiteley showcased his best model poses

Still sending kisses! Adriana wrapped up as she arrived at the party in a black faux fur coat

Glam squad: Adriana (left) was still in good spirits following the show as Cindy Bruna stunned in a thigh skimming dress with faux fur trimming

Statuesque: Adriana towered above the rest of the glamorous crowd

101 Dalmations? Grace Elizabeth channelled a unique look in a black and white floor-length coat

Angelic behaviour: Barbara Fialho rocked a flared champagne-coloured blazer

Legs for days! Cindy Bruna (left) showed off her very slender legs in thigh high boots

Accessorising: Barbara dressed up her simple outfit with a multi-chain necklace
They're the Australian models who earned a spot on the Victoria's Secret runway.

But at Wednesday's show in Paris, Kelly Gale, 21, and Bridget Malcolm, 25, flaunted their own individual looks.

Kelly put on a busty display in a grey lace push-up bra, while Bridget kept relatively modest in a vest, shorts and metallic jacket.

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She's got some front! Busty Kelly Gale (L) 21, flaunted her ample assets, while Bridget Malcolm (R) 25, put on a leggy display, at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris on Wednesday

Kelly sported a show-stopping number for the annual fashion event.

A grey lace push-up bra showed off the stunner's generous cleavage, while the semi-sheer briefs drew attention to her endlessly lean legs.

Adorning her shoulders with a beaded and feathered cover-up, the beauty accessorised with gold strappy heels and angel wings.

Ample: A grey lace push-up bra showed off the stunner's generous cleavage

Playful: The push-up bra enhanced the starlet's ample bust as she posed for the cameras

Cascading brunette curls framed her striking face, that was enhanced with a flawless base, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a nude lip.

Meanwhile, Bridget opted for a more conservative look on the runway.

A simple white tank top with the word 'pink' emblazoned on the front, covered her chest.

Contrasting styles: A simple white tank top with the word 'pink' emblazoned on the front, covered Bridget's chest

Trim: Love Pink emblazoned knee-high socks accentuated the starlet's leggy frame, enhanced further with a pair of pink and black platform heels

Love Pink emblazoned knee-high socks accentuated the starlet's leggy frame, enhanced further with a pair of pink and black platform heels.

A silver bomber jacket was tied around the beauty's hips, while a coordinating bronze jacket covered her toned shoulders and lithe arms.

Bridget's blonde tresses fell in glamorous waves, while her natural beauty shined through with a dewy complexion, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a glossy pink lip.

Racy: Backstage images of Kelly saw the rising star leave very little to the imagination

Upfront: The Swedish-Australian born beauty offered a glimpse of her generous bust

Keeping abreast: Kelly drew attention to her chest and statement jewels as she pouted for the camera, in a social media snap

Setting pulses racing: Another snap also offered the camera a good look at her enviably taut torso

Kelly, who counts Chanel, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren in her impressive modelling portfolio, used her Snapchat and Instagram accounts to give her followers behind-the-scenes access to the event.

She snapped revealing close-up photos of her ample chest before posing beside American model Devon Windsor.

Kelly's snaps are a far cry to pictures backstage of Bridget, that sees the blonde cover up her chest in the signature Victoria's Secret pink silk robe.

An interview with Channel Nine's Today show backstage drew attention to Kelly and Bridget's differing frames.

While Swedish-Australian model Kelly flaunted her bosoms, with her white lace bra exposed, Bridget tightened the band of her silk robe, covering her chest entirely.

Feeling shy? Bridget opted to cover most of her petite upper frame

Leggy: The blonde instead emphasised her impressively trim pins


He's the bad boy model often compared to a young Leonardo Dicaprio.

But on Wednesday night, Jordan Barrett looked positively angelic as he supported his many model friends who took to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show catwalk.

The 20-year-old Byron Bay boy wore a blue checked suit to the Paris event.

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Model of good behaviour: Bad boy model Jordan Barrett looked angelic on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show red carpet on Wednesday night

His golden locks were slicked back into a half bun for a more stylish evening look.

The Burberry model wore a white collared shirt with the top buttons undone, exposing his chest hair.

Hands in his pockets, Jordan looked relaxed in the fitted blue suit.

Round toed black boots completed the understated red carpet look as he did his best model pose for the camera.

Earlier that day, Jordan had announced his arrival in the city of lights via Instagram.

Dressed up: The 20-year-old's blonde locks were slicked back in a half bun for the evening look

The 20-year-old shared a retro black and white photo of the Arc De Triomphe.

'Insert Quote about paris. 7.25Am #JetLag,' Jordan captioned the photo.

Despite the complaint, the model's jetsetter lifestyle seems to suit the model.

In an interview with W Magazine in June, Jordan confessed he doesn't like being by himself and tries to surround himself with other people as much as possible.

'Im never alone. It freaks me out. I like having friends everywhere all the time,' he told the publication.

No catwalk: The male supermodel only walked the red carpet after the show had finished

Last month, the Australian supermodel also revealed his less than conventional uncovering.

The 20-year-old told Vanity Fair he was discovered at 13 after stealing some matches from a convenience store.

Instead of dobbing him in, the scout handed him a business card, later found in his jeans pocket by his mother.

She emailed the scout some pictures of her son and by 18 he was signed by IMG Models.

Since his meteoric rise to fame, Jordan has been linked to a string of the world's most beautiful women.

The list of rumoured romantic partners includes Paris Hilton, Lara Stone, Hailey Baldwin and Suki Waterhouse.
It is his big comeback since announcing he is HIV Positive.

And Charlie Sheen looks full of beans as he poses with his on-screen stepmother Leah Remini in a still from his forthcoming film Mad Families he posted on social media on Wednesday.

The movie follows three families, one Hispanic, another black and the other white, who end up feuding when it turns out they have all booked the same camping space over the Fourth of July weekend.

Mother's pride: Charlie Sheen poses with on-screen stepmother Leah Remini in a still he posted on Instagram on Wednesday

The controversial Two And A Half Men star looks as trendy as ever in a lumberjack shirt, T-shirt and khaki shorts.

King of Queens favourite Leah, 46, looked good for her age in a white T-shirt and blue jeans.

Blundering buffoon Charlie, 51, originally wrote Lisa was his 'Missus,' before amending his Instagram caption to: 'Me and the Stepmom. #MadFamilies.'

He also revealed it will be debuting on January 12 on Crackle.

He sticks to what he is good at in the show, which he executive produces, as he is playing a good natured, if rather grumpy, man-child in the film.

Smokin': Charlie seemed to be enjoying having a puff on set in Los Angeles back in October

Last month the Notorious ladies man was spotted puffing away on set while surrounded by a bevy of beauties as filming took place.

In a creative piece of casting, which he no doubt approves of, it seems his on-screen lover may be glamour model Charlotte McKinney, while while Victoria's Secret favourite Chanel Iman was also spotted on set.

It was written by comedian David Spade and Fred Wolf, with the latter directing. The film will be released on Sony's Crackle streaming service.

Hard-living Charlie has been working to turn his life around in recent months, and even celebrated his birthday with ex wife Denise Richards and their children back in September.

Well he is the executive producer: It seems glamour model Charlotte McKinney may be playing Charlie's love interest in the film

It came after the father-of-five agreed to reduced child support payments with Denise and his other ex Brooke Mueller.

Both women reportedly agreed to around $25,000 a month, nearly half of the $55,000 a month they had been previously been receiving to cover child-care costs.

The Hot Shots star was the highest paid actor on television in 2010 when he commanded $1.8 million per episode of Two And A Half Men, before his contract was terminated amid drug and alcohol abuse and a public meltdown.

After he announced his diagnosis in November last year, he said that opening up about his health issue was 'liberating'.

Playing to his strengths: His man-child character sounds much like who he played in Two And A Half Men

He told Graham Norton: 'It was good to talk about it and what I had been dealing with. It was an opportunity to stop the self-loathing and the "why me" and be part of something genuinely important.'

The Platoon favourite admitted to paying millions of dollars in hush money to blackmailers in an effort to keep his HIV status a secret.

It was later reported he had been filmed smoking crack cocaine and performing oral sex on another man, and that he had attempted to cover up the existence of 'at least' five sex tapes of him that were recorded around the time of his public breakdown five years ago.
James Packer's ex fiancee Kate Fischer is making headlines at the moment as she opens up about her former partner and embarks on her weight loss journey.

And on Thursday, NOVA radio host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald revealed he used to date the former model.

The 40-year-old admitted the pair struck up a relationship and there was 'kissing on the lips.'

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Who knew they dated? On Thursday, NOVA radio host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald, L, (seen with co-host Michael Wipfli) revealed he used to date James Packer's ex fiancee Kate Fischer

'I got to know her...she sold her Bondi apartment that James gave her and she bought this amazing place down at Clovelly on the cliff, right down the road from Clovelly Hotel,' Fitzy said, after his co-host Wippa told their guests, Chris Brown and Julia Morris, that they 'used to go out.'

'And I used to be a bit of a local down there, the ladies used to know me down there. I met her one day and we became acquaintances and yeah...Kissing on the lips. Haven't spoken to her since,' he said.

It came up in conversation after the group were talking about the possible celebrities who will enter the jungle on the upcoming I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

Former flame: James Packer's ex fiancee Kate Fischer (seen) is making headlines at the moment as she opens up about her former partner and embarks on her weight loss journey

Opening up: The 40-year-old admitted the pair struck up a relationship and there was 'kissing on the lips'

Fitzy is happily married to wife Belinda, with the pair having two children.

It was revealed this week that Kate - who now goes by the name T'ziporah Malkah - has signed with celebrity Agent Max Markson.

'I'm excited to be representing T'ziporah,' Max told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

'My main goal is to help her with her health and help her to lose weight,' he said.

'Her Doctor has told her that unless she loses weight she will get diabetes and also be unable to continue her work as a carer for dementia patients because of the potential damage to her back.'

It comes after Kate revealed plans to shed some weight, after ballooning to 118.5kgs.

Getting back on the scene: It was revealed this week that Kate - who now goes by the name T'ziporah Malkah - has signed with celebrity Agent Max Markson (seen in 2001)

Health overhaul: It comes after Kate revealed plans to shed some weight, after ballooning to 118.5kgs (seen L, in 1994 and R, recently)

The brunette told Kyle and Jackie O she put on 30kgs only recently because a 'close friend' and potential love interest went away and she gorged on Pizza and drunk vodka.

'There was a loss. I'm a bit of an emotional eater,' Kate said.

T'ziporah's new interview comes after she told New Idea magazine that her doctor has ordered her to shed 20kg, before it's too late.

'I'm going to lose at least 20kg, hopefully much more. I'm way too heavy, and it's time to trim down,' she explained to the publication.

'This is doctor's orders - he says I'm morbidly obese. My blood pressure is high and I'm likely to die prematurely unless I lose weight. So my life depends on this.'

Being honest: The brunette told Kyle and Jackie O (seen) she put on 30kgs only recently because a 'close friend' and potential love interest went away and she gorged on Pizza and drunk vodka

Case of the ex: James Packer is seen here in January with his most recent ex Mariah Carey

She also revealed she secretly had lap band surgery ten years ago but it didn't work and she had it promptly removed.

Last month Kate told Daily Mail Australia that she was happy with her new figure, saying: 'I know I'm overweight but I'm comfortable with that.'

The actress looks barely recognisable from her days in the spotlight, where she was known for her glamorous lifestyle and for being the arm candy of billionaire James.

She now works as a therapist and has embraced orthodox Judaism.

Kate and James split in 1998 after being together for five years.

She previously said how she had no interest in being in the spotlight and said on Facebook that she prefers to be addressed by her Hebrew name and also claimed news of her weight gain - which first emerged in 2010 - was getting 'old'.
She sizzled down the catwalk for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

And Josephine Skriver still proved to be scorching hot as she attended the photo-call for the runway spectacle at Paris' Grand Palais on Wednesday night.

The Dutch model, 23, didn't hesitate in flashing her flesh in a perilously plunging red gown which boasted two thigh-high splits.

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Red hot: Josephine Skriver, 23, was scorching hot in a plunging thigh-high split gown after the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Paris' Grand Palais on Wednesday

Her big moment: The Dutch model looked incredible as she worked her magic in a incredibly sexy ensemble on the star-studded catwalk earlier that night

The daring number plunged excessively down the front, barely covering her perky cleavage with the spaghetti straps.

The two slits down the side flaunted her long, lean legs which glided down the coveted runway earlier in the day.

The stunner - who made her VS runway debut last year - donned dangling silver earrings while her arms were cuffed in matching bracelets and rings.

Josephine's sleek locks were scraped back into a tight bun, showing off her pretty features which were contoured to perfection.

Sizzler: The two slits down the side flaunted her long, lean legs which glided down the coveted runway earlier in the day

Sexy in scarlet: The bombshell model sizzled as she showcased her incredible figure on the pink carpet after the lingerie giant's annual extravaganza

Lady in red: Josephine looked as though she was very much enjoying her moment in the spotlight as she twirled and pranced in front of the cameras

Belle of the ballroom: The Dutch beauty seemed to be in the party spirit as she celebrated yet another successful Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Queen of the catwalk: The bombshell stormed the runway earlier in the evening

Heaven sent: The model blew a kiss to pop princess Lady Gaga as she sauntered down the runway during the singer's performance

Abs-olutely fabulous! Josephine's toned figure proved to be the envy as many as the audience at the Grand Palais watched with glee

The beauty was clearly in a good mood during the photo-call where she was joined by veteran angels Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima.

The glam duo turned heads when they arrived at the press room after the main catwalk extravaganza, showcasing their incredible figures in dazzling evening wear.

Alessandra was hard to miss in a striking sheer number, with a deep V neckline drawing attention to her cleavage.

Hey there! Josephine flashed a cheeky glance at Bruno Mars as he worked his magic on the star-studded supermodel runway

That's a wrap! (L-R) Martha Hunt, Jasmine Tookes, Taylor Hill, Josephine, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid looked delighted as they posed together after the show

Class of 2016! (L-R) Taylor Hill, Lais Ribeiro, Adriana Lima, Josephine, Lily Donaldson, Jasmine Tookes and Stella Maxwell posed backstage

Stunning: Alessandra Ambrosio turned heads as she arrived at the press room after the main catwalk extravaganza

Radiant in white: Adriana looked equally stunning in a white tuxedo style dress, a plunging neckline adding some glamour to the masculine tailoring

The statement dress boasted a glittering leaf pattern running along its length and was nipped in at the waist with a belt.

The thigh-split number offered a glimpse of her long legs, a pair of simple black stilettos adding extra height to her already statuesque frame.

The brunette beauty pulled her locks up in a top knot and tied a coordinating choker around her neck.

Show-stopping gown: Veteran Angel Alessandra was hard to miss in a striking sheer number, with a deep V neckline drawing attention to her cleavage

All white on the night: The striking ensemble was completed with a gold belt running around her waist and matching button detailing

Ooh! Alessandra pulled a very cheeky expression as she looked back at the crowd

How does she do it? She blew kisses to the crowd as she showed off her naturally flawless features

All together now: The group were all musically minded as they swapped their strut for a dance

Party time: The ladies were all seriously letting their hair down as the show was a huge success

Adriana looked equally stunning in a white tuxedo style dress, a plunging neckline adding some glamour to the masculine tailoring.

The striking ensemble was completed with a gold belt running around her waist and matching button detailing.

She styled her dark locks pushed back from her face and highlighted her pout with red lipstick.

Gorgeous gown: Isabel Goulart was beautiful as ever in a grey lace Ralph & Russo number, featuring a striking fishtail skirt

Sheer delight: The floor-sweeping dress had sheer sections at the bust and down the legs, giving the ensemble a glamorous feel

Sensational in stripes: Irina donned a simple shift dress amid rumours she's expecting her first child with Bradley Cooper

Keeping coy: The Russian beauty, 30, is yet to address the claims

Isabel Goulart was beautiful as ever in a grey lace number, featuring a striking fishtail skirt.

The floor-sweeping dress had sheer sections at the bust and down the legs, giving the ensemble a glamorous feel.

Irina Shyak also put in an appearance behind-the-scenes, keeping covered up in a stripy dress as she fuelled pregnancy rumours.

Coming up roses: Tanzanian model Herieth Paul was elegant in a glittering gown

Gorgeous: Kendall Jenner made an appearance after the show in a striking cream slip, looking every inch a natural beauty

The Russian beauty, 30, is alleged to be expecting her first child with boyfriend Bradley Cooper.

Kendall Jenner made an appearance after the show in a striking cream slip, looking every inch a natural beauty.

Following her runway debut, Bella Hadid dared to bare in a sheer silver dress, flashing her nude underwear in the see-through look.

Sheer style: It seems ruling the catwalk wasn't enough for Bella and Gigi Hadid, as the sisters continued to turn heads off the runway

Flashing the flesh: Bella, 20 -who made a triumphant debut as an Angle for the famed show -went for an extremely plunging see-through number

Shimmer: Gigi, 21, opted for a metallic gown which was slashed up the thigh and across the chest; showing plenty of leg as well as an ample amount of cleavage

Her sister Gigi, who was back for a second year, looked incredible in a two-tone metallic dress.

Proud parents Yolanda and Mohammed Hadid were naturally front row to support the girls, beaming with pride as they walked the pink carpet before the main event at the Grand Palais.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda was dressed to impress in a shimmery black dress with a tiered skirt.

Proud moment: Yolanda Hadid was supporting her daughters Gigi and Bella, beaming as she walked the pink carpet before the main event

Devoted dad: Mohamed, 68, stood proudly alongside his striking fiancee Shiva Safai, 30, as they eagerly awaited the kick off at the Grand Palais

The 52-year-old star showed where her children get their good genes from, looking impossibly youthful with her hair swept back from her face.

Yolanda kept her look sophisticated thanks to a pair of opaque tights and patent leather ankle boots.

Mohamed, 68, stood proudly alongside his striking fiancee Shiva Safai, 30, as they eagerly awaited the kick off.

Glittering: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda was dressed to impress in a shimmery black dress with a tiered skirt

No awkwardness here! Mohamed, who has been engaged to Shiva since 2004, got divorced from Yolanda in 2000

Striking: Real estate developer Mohamed's gorgeous partner stole the show in an elegant black dress

Catwalk beauties: Novice Bella (R) is all set to make her debut at the show, while Gigi (L) will be strutting her stuff for the second year

The real estate developer's gorgeous partner stole the show in a sheer dress with mesh panels highlighting her slim figure.

The pair - who divorced in 2000 - are on good terms and share children Gigi, 21; Bella, 20; and Anwar, 17.

Earlier in the day, Yolanda had teased her excitement at watching her striking daughters strut down the runway with a flashback Instagram picture.

A-list attendees: Lady Gaga was putting in a stylish appearance ahead of her performance

Sealed with a kiss: The singer and actress posed with fashion designer Nicola Formichetti

Cosying up: The Diesel designer wrapped his arms around Gaga's waist on the pink carpet

Sensational in silk: Rising star Lottie Moss, 18, looked elegant in an asymmetrical silk number

It's all in the details: Kate Moss' half sister accessorised with a silver clutch and diamond earrings

She captioned the image: '17 years after I photographed my "ANGELS" Today is the day that they will be walking in the fashion show together......... #Excited #Grateful #Paris #VS #Sisters #ProudMommy'.

Also in attendance to watch the show were a host of stars from the world of showbiz, from presenter Nick Cannon to model Lottie Moss and superstar Lady Gaga, who will be performing at the show.

Putting in a surprise appearance was fashionsita Millie Mackintosh and her boyfriend Hugo Taylor.

Best of British: Putting in a surprise appearance was fashionsita Millie Mackintosh and her boyfriend Hugo Taylor

Fashionista: Quality Street heiress Millie rocked a tuxedo jacket with a statement necklace

Stunning: Millie showed off her long legs in her floor-skimming trousers

French beauties: Axelle Laffont (L) and Marie-Ange Casta (R) stuck to a sombre palette

Military chic:Balmain designer Olivier Rousteingwas sporting one of his trademark creations

The pair, who rekindled their relationship this Spring following Millie's split from husband Professor Green, looked thrilled to be in attendance.

The Parisian show marks the Victoria's Secret catwalk's 21st year, having first launched in New York in 1995, with the show growing in size every year and scoring higher profile names with it.

Novice Angel Bella is all set to make her debut at the show, in which she will strut the catwalk to the tune of her on-off boyfriend The Weeknd's music.

Sheer delight: Supermodel Doutzen Kroes was putting in an appearance as a guest this year instead of storming the runway

Cute couple: Doutzen Kroes and her husband Sunnery James cosied up on the pink carpet

Sealed with a kiss: The pair locked lips as they made a joint arrival at the runway show

Daring to bare: Russian-born model Svetlana Pavlova sported a rather racy look

Stylish star: Gabriel-Kane, Daniel Day-Lewis' son, was clad in a tweed coat and neon scarf

The siblings' turn at the show comes after Bella revealed their mum Yolanda taught her how to pose for the show - as she dubbed her mum an 'emotional angel'.

Speaking to People magazine, the model said: 'My mum is my emotional angel. She always makes me feel so much better.

'Just like any mother would. Shes just like: "Shoulders back, be confident and walk strong."'

Quirky ensemble: Nick Cannon sported sparkling brogues and a pink turban

Striking stripes: Keltie Knight (L) teamed a quirky striped dress with studded ankle boots, while Doina Ciobanu (R) sported an orange silk ensemble

Happy chap: Dominic West looked thrilled to be in attendance at the event

Date night: Stromae and wife Coralie Barbier attended the event together
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They have spent months working out and keeping to the cleanest of diets to strut their stuff at the iconic Victoria's Secret show in Paris.

But as soon as the brand's skimpy lingerie was off, it was time to seriously indulge.

Returning for their second year as Angels, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid led their fellow supermodels straight to the Ferdi Paris, where they chowed down on some delicious carbs.

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Let them eat... anything! Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid led their fellow supermodels straight to the Ferdi Paris, where they chowed down on some delicious carbs straight after strutting in lingerie at the Victoria's Secret fashion show

The feast was all laid out for the girls, with burgers, mac 'n' cheese and margaritas ready for them to devour.

Sharing their excitement at such a scene, Kendall was quick to show fans their post-show treat.

'Burger, please,' the 21-year-old Society Management model wrote of her post-fashion show feast.

Bella Hadid Snapchatted video of the Keeping Up with the Kardashians starlet chowing down on molten macaroni and cheese as her sister Gigi watched on.

The restaurant - endorsed by the likes of Kendall's half-sister Kim Kardashian and her husband Kanye West - boasts having the 'best cheeseburger' in Paris.

The reality TV superstar has made no secret of what she had on her mind after the show - promising she would devour a juicy burger as soon as she could.

'Burger, please!' The restaurant - endorsed by the likes of Kendall's half-sister Kim Kardashian and husband Kanye West - boasts having the 'best cheeseburger' in Paris

'Round 2!' Bella Hadid Snapchatted video of the 21-year-old Society Management model chowing down on molten macaroni and cheese as her sister Gigi watched on

Dinner time! The feast was all laid out for the girls, with burgers, mac 'n' cheese and margaritas ready for them to devour

Before the feast: Kendall and Gigi showed off the runway bodies in the skimpiest of lingerie just hours before they chowed down on calorie-laden grub

Ferdi is the current restaurant du jour for the fashion pack in Paris.

Opening its doors in 2004, it attracts the likes of Marc Jacobs, Christian Louboutin and Azzedine Alaia.

Menu hits include the egg-topped cheeseburger, ratatouille crunchy with pine nuts, ceviche, and extremely gooey mac 'n' cheese.

On the cocktail front, they boast mean mojitos and margaritas.

They then headed to the official afterparty to carry on the celebrations, where the official toast of the evening was Ciroc Vodka.

Kendall has been enduring four gruelling workout sessions a week with a trainer over the last few months to get in top shape and trying, on the whole, to keep her diet as clean as possible.

She explained: 'I usually start my day off with a cup of detox tea. I have like 12 cups a day... and have a clean diet with loads of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.'

For her meal, Jenner - who relies on stylist Monica Rose - rocked black leather trousers, peep-heel booties, and a leopard-print coat.

The beauty sported wavy hair extensions by Sarah Potempa and doe-eyed make-up applied by Tom Pecheux.

KUWTK fashion staple: For her meal, Jenner - who relies on stylist Monica Rose - rocked black leather trousers, peep-heel booties, and a leopard-print coat

Ready for her close-up: The Time of the Twins co-author sported wavy hair extensions by Sarah Potempa and doe-eyed make-up applied by Tom Pecheux

Cutting a rug: Jenner later showed off her dance moves in a Snapchat video from Gigi

Belly dance: The brunette beauty flaunted her six-pack abs in her off-the-shoulder top

Kendall was joined by her pal Bella, who paired a white mini-dress with a blue fur coat and diamond collar.

The 20-year-old IMG Model had just made her debut in the VS Fashion Show alongside 50 other lucky ladies.

Bella's 21-year-old sister Gigi showcased her cleavage in a chainmail-inspired jumpsuit also selected by stylist Monica Rose.

And while the IMG Model was not actually photographed eating French fast food, she clearly enjoyed her salt-rimmed cocktail at dinner.

Also at the binge bash was fellow VS Angel Lily Donaldson looking fierce in a silver-studded bustier mini-dress.

At 29-years-old, the British blonde was the elder statesman of the model-filled party.

Joan Smalls showcased her taut tummy in a white long-sleeved crop-top, bedazzled blue jeans, and white gladiator stilettos.

Wednesday's show marked the sixth time the Puerto Rican 28-year-old - born Rodriguez - walked in the annual fashion extravaganza.

Thigh's the limit! The Calabasas socialite was joined by her fellow supermodel Bella, who paired her white mini-dress with a blue fur coat and diamond collar

Modeling milestone: The 20-year-old IMG Model had just made her debut in the VS Fashion Show alongside 50 other lucky ladies

Sparkling in silver: Bella's 21-year-old sister Gigi showcased her cleavage in a chainmail-inspired jumpsuit also selected by stylist Monica Rose

Razzle dazzle: The star couldn't resist showing off some more lingerie as she wore silver underwear underneath her glittering jumpsuit

Cheers! And while the IMG Model was not actually photographed eating French fast food, she clearly enjoyed her salt-rimmed cocktail at dinner

Making the most it: Bella certainly tried to keep up with her sister and pals after her debut by changing into another racy dress, this time a maroon sheer dress with a blue fur coat

As usual, Kendall strutted down the coveted catwalk inside the Grand Palais in two different scantily-clad ensembles.

One of the original Angels, Allesandra Ambrosio, also detailed her diet regime before the show - and boasted that she likes to eat well all year round.

She revealed: 'I just try to eat healthy throughout the year. I love fresh food, fish, meat, and I'll have a piece of cupcake, some pizza, sometimes I go for burgers.

'I start pacing myself and start eating really healthy and eat a lot of protein to have the strength to workout, and greens and veggies. So in the end I cut out all the carbs - most of the carbs and the sugar. I always eat a piece of toast in the morning.'

Disco doll: Also at the binge bash was fellow VS Angel Lily Donaldson looking fierce in a silver-studded bustier mini-dress

'They here!' At 29 years old, the British blonde was one of the veterans of the model-filled party

Gal pals: Lily guided Joan Smalls into the restaurant as they excitedly go ready for a lavish dinner

Baring her midriff: Joan Smalls showcased her taut tummy in a white long-sleeved crop-top, bedazzled blue jeans, and white gladiator stilettos

'The set up': Wednesday's show marked the sixth time the Puerto Rican 28-year-old - born Rodriguez - walked in the annual fashion extravaganza

'I'm so excited and nervous!' Jenner confessed to InStyle on Wednesday.

'Last year I had two looks that were very covered in certain spots. But this year I have one look that is kind of covered and one that is pretty exposed - so I'm a little nervous about that!'

The #WHERESTHELOVE video vixen's fame-hungry family was not present, but they sent her flowers before she walked in the big show.

'I'm so excited and nervous!' As usual, Kendall strutted down the coveted catwalk inside the Grand Palais in two different scantily- clad ensembles

Working that body! The supermodel had certainly been putting in the effort before the big day, working out four times a week with a stranger

Jenner confessed to InStyle on Wednesday: 'This year I have one look that is kind of covered and one that is pretty exposed - so I'm a little nervous about that!'

Her moment: The #WHERESTHELOVE video vixen's fame-hungry family was not present, but they sent her flowers before she walked in the big show

The millennial millionaire told E! News on Wednesday: 'You dream of doing this show your whole life, but you would never dream for it to be as good as to do it with all your friends, like genuinely your friends outside of work'

Ruffling feathers: Gigi had never looked better than when she walked down the catwalk in seriously racy black lingerie and huge wings

Sister act: Gigi proudly put her arm around younger sister Bella, who had just enjoyed her first time on the Victoria's Secret catwalk

Debutante: Bella certainly made an impact on her first strut down the runway, showing off her slender figure in two extravagant numbers

Squad goals: The Angels included face new and old including Josephine Skriver, Jasmine Tookes, Lily Aldridge, Adriana Lima, Elsa Hosk, Alessandra Ambrosio and Taylor Hill

Ooh! Alessandra pulled a very cheeky expression as she looked back at the crowd

What a line-up: Models including Kendall Jenner, Izabel Goulart and Barbara Fialho celebrate at the end of the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Baby news? Newbie Irina Shayk covered her tummy with a red tassled cape as E! News claim she is pregnant with her first child with Bradley Cooper- although this is not confirmed

Class of 2016! The girls posed in their finery for a stunning group shot after the show

'You dream of doing this show your whole life, but you would never dream for it to be as good as to do it with all your friends, like genuinely your friends outside of work,' the millennial millionaire told E! News on Wednesday.

'Gigi and I have been texting the whole time like, "Oh my god. I'm so excited! Where are you? Stay with me." We've had a buddy system this whole trip. It's just nice. It's really comforting.'

It's hard to believe that Kendall is allowed to represent the lingerie label since she already fronts competitors - Calvin Klein and La Perla.

Conflict of interest? It's hard to believe that Kendall is allowed to represent the lingerie label since she already fronts competitors - Calvin Klein and La Perla

'I'm a lucky lady': In truth, VS bosses are probably far more interested in the ratings Jenner draws thanks to her combined 104.8M followers on social media

'The Road Ahead': The San Francisco brand's big bra and panty show airs December 5 on CBS with musical guests Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and The Weeknd

In truth, VS bosses are probably far more interested in the ratings Jenner draws thanks to her combined 104.8M followers on social media.

The San Francisco brand's big bra and panty show airs December 5 on CBS with musical guests Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and The Weeknd.
Sofia Richie went to a favoured restaurant on Wednesday with a mystery man.

The 18-year-old model was spotted againt at Mauro's Cafe at Fred Segal in West Hollywood, California but this time with the unidentified companion.

The daughter of Lionel Richie was seen hugging her male associate inside the restaurant.

Favoured spot: Sofia Richie was seen with a mystery man on Wednesday as she returned to a favoured restaurant in West Hollywood, California

Sofia showed her taut tummy in a black crop top that she teamed with a black Balenciaga bomber jacket.

She had her blonde hair gathered in a high ponytail and accessorised with black sunglasses.

Sofia completed her look with orange Yeezy boots.

The model had a brief relationship with pop star Justin Bieber, 22, that ended in September.

Mystery man: The unidentified male companion joined Sofia at Mauro's Cafe at Fred Segal

Warm embrace: The model and the mystery man hugged inside the restaurant

Justin quit Instagram over fan reaction to his relationship with Sofia.

Sofia has been a regular fixture at Mauro's Cafe and was seen there on Tuesday with gal pal Nicola Peltz, 21.

The blonde starlets were joined by fellow young star Anwar Hadid, 17, who is the younger brother of top models Gigi and Bella.

Rising model: Sofia showed her taut tummy in a crop top and rocked black skinny jeans

Sofia has been making a name for herself in the modeling world and was a 1970s siren in her latest shoot for Galore.

She also recently has shot new ads for Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors and landed the cover of Wonderland's winter issue.

Sofia additionally models a new party range for PrettyLittleThing.com and has been chosen as the face for their new campaign.
The tendency when viewing a new Disney animated film is tofairly or unfairlycompare it to various time periods in the companys history. Over the decades weve had the early classical period (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi), the late classical period (Robin Hood, The Aristocats), the transitional period (The Black Cauldron, The Great Mouse Detective), the revival period (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King), the Pixar period (Up, Inside Out) and so on. Each epoch has had its ups and downs, and everyone has their own personal favorites. But viewers more or less knows the highlights (Bambi) and lowlights (Bambi II). So if we had to categorize it at the offset, Disneys sunny new computer-animated offering Moana would sit comfortably alongside 1989s bright, boisterous and much beloved The Little Mermaid.

Having raided German, Greek, Nordic and Japanese fairy tales for inspiration, Disney now turns to Polynesian mythology as the spark for its latest tale of plucky princesses on brave quests. Though it fits well in the tradition of past Disney offerings, Moana does some very interesting things. Its not as much of a rule-breaker as the companys last South Seas adventure (2002s brilliantly bratty Lilo & Stitch), but it playfully tweaks audience expectations creating a fresh and original tale.

Moana is the name of our protagonist (voiced by Hawaiian-born actress Aulii Cravalho). Shes the daughter of an island chieftain whose ancient people long ago gave up their seafaring ways and settled down on a perfect island paradise. Unfortunately, an evil plague is creeping across the ocean, snuffing out sea life and endangering Moanas people. This plague was touched off a thousand years ago when the legendary demigod Maui stole the heart of the island goddess Te Fiti, hoping to give its creative power to the nascent human race. Unfortunately, this godly transgression unleashed the lava demon Te Ka, whose black influence is slowly but surely killing islands across the Pacific.

Moana takes its time building its characters. Its not in a rush to get to the razzle-dazzle CGI action. Instead, we watch and listen as Moana grows up, isolated on her island paradise of Motunui. She hears the call of the ocean and longs to sail on its surface, but her father preaches about the dangers of the sea, preferring to stay safe and hidden. Unfortunately, Te Kas corruption eventually touches Motunui. Coconut trees die off and fish become scarce. Against her fathers wishes, Moana steals a boat and heads out into the sea, hoping to find the legendary Maui and convince him to return the heart of Te Fiti.

Of course, our plucky heroine eventually locates the egotistical half-god (played with brio by wrestlin thespian Dwayne The Rock Johnson). The two engage in a string of waterborne adventures before inevitably confronting the evil Te Ka.

Like The Little Mermaid, Moana is an unapologetic musical which moves the story forward though exposition-filled songs. The songs here are written by Lin-Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton fame), Opetaia Foai (of the Oceanic music group Te Vaka) and longtime Hollywood composer Mark Alan Mancina. Its unlikely that any of the songs showcased here will become earworms on the magnitude of Frozens Let It Go, but theyre all solid, hummable contributions.

Disney has been a bit more sensitive lately to cultural issues. (The company took a few hits after Mulan.) Though this sort of package will always see complaints about exploiting the exotic, filmmakers seem to have gone out of their way to work with actors, musicians, historians and anthropologists from across Polynesia to ensure the accuracy and sensitivity of the cultural and religious issues at hand. The cast (consisting of many pan-Pacific actors) is delightful. Cravalho as the stubborn young gal and Johnson as the boastful hero have a great back-and-forth. Jemaine Clement, from New Zealands Flight of the Conchords, drops by to deliver a showstopping number as a treasure-hungry giant crab.

Storywise, Moana sets sail in some interesting directions as well. Though she is the daughter of a great chief, Moana bristles at the idea of being called a princess. (Theres even a solid joke about this very topic.) This may also be the first Disney Princess movie in which the princess has no love interest of any kind. Our protagonist is smart and full of spark (something thats been the standard since 1991s Beauty and the Beast), but this gal has more important things to do than moon over non-sexually threatening boys. Also, the villain is handled in a way I havent seen before in a Disney film. This ones more about the idea of healing and fixing things that have been made wrong than about fighting monsters and making things explode.

Really, theres little more you could ask of Disneys Moana. Its bright, tuneful, entertaining and assembled in a beautifully artistic way. Its got everything you love about Disney animated movies, right down to the animal sidekicks. (Who doesnt love an idiotic chicken?) But for all the tradition, this ones playful about its roots, poking fun at Disneys endless princess franchise and tweaking the familiar trappings in a very forward-thinking way.
She's one of Australia's hottest modelling exports, thanks to her enviable frame.

And Shanina Shaik reminded onlookers of her appeal, as she made a stunning arrival at the Miami Beach Kick-Off Party on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old flaunted her leggy figure in a pair of thigh-high boots and a leather mini-skirt.

Thigh's the limit! Shanina Shaik, 25, flaunted her leggy frame in a pair of thigh-high boots and a leather mini skirt as she attended the Miami Beach Kick-Off Party on Wednesday

Shanina took to the media wall in a form-fitting ensemble.

A skin-tight white shirt hugged the star's petite upper frame, teamed with a lace-up black mini skirt from BlankNYC.

Placing the focus on her lean legs, Shanina sported a pair of pointy-toed thigh-high boots.

Details: A skin-tight white shirt hugged the swimsuit model's petite upper frame, teamed with a lace-up black mini BlankNYC skirt and thigh-high boots that accentuated her lean legs

Beauty: Sweeping her short dark tresses into an effortless style at the nape of her neck, Shanina enhanced her striking facial features with a dewy complexion, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a glossy lip

Keeping accessories to a minimum, the swimsuit model donned a statement choker and carried her belongings in a simple shoulder bag.

Sweeping her short dark tresses into an effortless style at the nape of her neck, Shanina enhanced her striking facial features with a dewy complexion, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a glossy lip.

A day prior, the Seafolly ambassador made another stylish arrival at the L'Eden By Perrier-Jouet opening night at Miami Beach.

Unstoppable: A day prior, Shanina showed off her model physique at the L'Eden By Perrier-Jouet Opening Night at Miami Beach

Accompanied by fiance DJ Ruckus, real name Gregory Andrews, Shanina accentuated her slim physique.

A black velvet blazer with white trim was buttoned under the bust, revealing her assets in just a racy lace bra.

Teaming the look with a pair of skin-tight trousers, Shanina elongated her leggy frame with a pair of black strappy heels and also added a Wanderlust + Co Choker.

In profile: Allowing her short locks to fall effortlessly around her face in relaxed waves, the in demand personality sported an elegant makeup palette of a flawless base, defined brows, a touch of highlighter on the apples of her cheeks and a matte nude lip

Her main man: Fiance DJ Ruckus, real name Gregory Andrews, showed off his style credentials in an edgy number of an embellished neutral-hued T-shirt, black jeans, boots and statement jewellery

Allowing her short locks to fall effortlessly around her face in relaxed waves, the in demand personality sported an elegant makeup palette of a flawless base, defined brows, a touch of highlighter on the apples of her cheeks and a matte nude lip.

Meanwhile, DJ Ruckus showed off his style credentials in an edgy number.

An embellished neutral-hued T-shirt was teamed with a pair of black jeans that featured detailing at the knee.

A pair of boots, a statement watch and several necklaces finished off the look.
It takes a lot to stir up the usually unflappable TV presenter Julia Morris.

But the female comedian was admittedly left furious after a tense exchange while filming the Australian version of I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here.

Without revealing anyone's name, the show's co-host Julia, 48, recalled the experience this week in an interview with news.com.au.

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Shocking exchange: Comedian / host Julia Morris has opened up about an exchange between her and a female contestant from I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here that left her furious

'In one of the series, somebody - and I'll leave them remaining nameless because this didn't go to air - said 'why do all women in their 40s look like kegs with legs?' and I was unstoppable in my fury,' she said.

Adding insult to injury, the outspoken and offensive contestant was also a woman.

'That was a woman - speaking about women,' Julia said. 'I wanted to go down to camp and get a 4 x 2 [plank of wood] and bash the f**k out of her.'

Who could it be? DJ Havana Brown [L] and actress Val Lehman [R] are two of I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here's former female contestants

It's anyone's guess as to which female contestant was responsible for such an ugly statement during one of the show's two seasons.

This year's cast included six diverse ladies ranging in age from 30 (popular DJ Havana Brown) to 72 (actress Val Lehman of Prisoner fame).

Ten new celebrities are scheduled to hit the jungle for next year's third season, which will be filmed in South Africa in January.

Girl power: Julia, pictured with her I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here co-host Dr. Chris Brown, is an unabashed champion for women's empowerment

Julia, who's worked extensively across Australian television and radio in addition to touring the country with her stand-up show, is an unabashed champion for women's empowerment.

The comedian previously told Stellar magazine she believes the world of comedy offers an even playing field for comics of both genders.

'I don't think it's harder for women to succeed in comedy. All you have to be is funny.'
Georgia Fowler took centre stage at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after party in Paris on Wednesday night.

The 24-year-old model left little to the imagination by going completely braless in a bizarre sheer dress, that offered a revealing look at her bust.

After making her impressive runway debut for the American lingerie brand, the brunette beauty joined her fellow angels for the after party held at the Grand Palais.

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Revealing: Georgia Fowler took centre stage at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after party on Wednesday night

She showed no signs of fatigue after parading up and down the catwalk, as she was positively glowing while posing for snaps on the pink carpet.

A sheer black panel covered her midriff while also draping over her left hip and she completed the look with black sandal heels.

The leggy beauty wore her brunette locks loosely - complete with a long fringe that neatly framed her face.

Georgia had previously taken to Instagram to say she was 'living the dream' after making her maiden appearance at the lingerie brand's annual fashion show.

Bust foot forward: The model left little to the imagination in a predominantly sheer dress that offered a revealing look at her bust

Here she comes! Georgia sizzled on the runway in a stunning green diamante ensemble, which hugged tightly around her frame

During the highly-anticipated event, the kiwi-born model sizzled as she showed off her long legs in a green diamante ensemble, which hugged tightly around her frame.

For the walk, she wore a deep green lace bra, which was covered with a gold sheer material that had endless gold, silver and green diamonds sown down the side and front.

Georgia also rocked matching lace panties that were covered with the glamorous jewels.

To add to her head-turning look, the brunette stunner was decked out with oversized black drop earrings and bracelets, as well as multiple rings.

All eyes on her: Later in the show, she slipped into a flawless metallic silver bra and high-top panties. She wore a sheer patterned long-sleeves top over the top of the garment

Beauty: She wore her dark brunette locks out with a loose curl, while styling her fringe to the front to cover her forehead

Taking it in her stride! She was photographed on the runway while The Weeknd (L) performed

She wore her locks out with a loose curl, while styling her fringe to the front to cover her forehead.

The model also showed off her natural complexion with light makeup, which included a nude lipstick and a light brush of black mascara.

Later in the show, Georgia slipped into a flawless metallic silver lace bra and high-waisted panties.

Catwalk ready: Before taking to the famous runway, Georgia stunned as she slipped into a white lace bra and matching underwear

She wore a sheer patterned long-sleeves top over-the-top of the garments while accessorising with silver hoop earrings and bracelets.

The model added some height to her look, with plum-coloured heels that buckled up around the ankles.

Before taking to the famous runway, Georgia stunned as she slipped into a white lace bra and matching underwear.

Ready to go: After spending time in the makeup and hair chair, the beauty debuted her natural look to the cameras as she posed for images

While preparing for the big moment backstage, she added a pink silk dressing gown and matching coloured thongs to her attire.

After spending time in the makeup and hair chair, the beauty debuted her natural look to the cameras as she posed for images.

In one captured frame, Georgia pulled her gown off her shoulder, giving the lens a clear view of her ample cleavage and bra.
Magda Szubanski has lashed out at Queensland MP George Christensen over a photo taken of the politician for a Fairfax publication.

The Australian actress, an openly gay LGBT activist, took to Twitter to share the photo - and her unfiltered thoughts.

She said the 38-year-old politician - who is dressed in a navy blue singlet, flaunting a large Christian tattoo and holding a whip - looked like a 'lezzo' and said she would be thrilled to play him in a film.

Mixed messages much?? This is, bar none, the GAYEST image I've ever seen! Totes could pass for 1 of my lezzo mates pic.twitter.com/slR3ro1UyO  Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) December 1, 2016

'Mixed messages much?? This is, bar none, the GAYEST image I've ever seen,' she tweeted on Thursday.

'Totes [sic] could pass for 1 of my lezzo [sic] mates.'

She later wrote on Twitter: 'I know what my next film role is! I will play George Christensen in bio-pic of his life as a closet S&M lesbian.'

I know what my next film role is! I will play George Christensen in bio-pic of his life as a closet S&M lesbian! pic.twitter.com/Oz8tR4v0qX  Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) December 1, 2016

In March, the ABC reported Mr Christensen linked the Safe Schools program to a 'paedophilia advocate', and has consistently voted against legalising same sex marriage.

During her appearance on Q&A in September,The Guardian reported Magda slammed Malcolm Turnbull for 'caving in' to the Queensland MP over disallowing a free vote on same sex marriage in parliament if there is no plebiscite.

The photo was taken for Saturday's edition of Good Weekend, and Fairfax journalists have suggested there are more photos to be released.

Mr Christensen told Daily Mail Australia he was happy to pose for the photo, but is not delighted about the feedback.

'From the moment the photographer suggested the pic [sic], I knew it would cause a social media storm,' he said.

'But it's all in good fun and there's some creative people out there with a good sense of humour, so that's been entertaining.

'It's interesting to see the personal attacks and comments based on race, religion, appearance, and sexual preference are all going unchallenged.

'I'm not offended by the comments themselves but the I find the hypocrisy highly offensive.'

Not happy: Magda has previously criticised George Christensen for saying there would be no free vote on marriage equality if the plebiscite did not come to fruition

Mr Christensen, who is the MP for Dawson and the Chief Nationals Whip, told the Daily Mercury the brown leather whip coiled around his shoulder is one associated with his position, not his own.

'I don't have any cows so I don't need a whip [at home],' he said.

While the photo has been circulated thousands of times around Twitter, many with disparaging comments, the politician appears to have taken it all in good stride.

'If [the photographer] tells u [sic] he has a great idea for a photo, run! Just kidding! Looking forward to full story,' he tweeted on Wednesday night.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted both Magda Szubanski for comment.
BRIAN VINER: Philippa lives in Edinburgh, where she works in a dreary sales job and is passed over for promotion. 'You are at the right level for you,' says her condescending boss.
Lindsay Lohan lamented the results of her sun-filled holidays and hard-partying past in a topless selfie she shared Wednesday.

'It's about that time to recognise gravity is taking over my upper half (or so to speak),' the 30-year-old - who boasts 20M followers - wrote on Instagram.

'#age #numbers #foreveryoung when you get home. Sit down. Analyse your future & see the wrinkles!'

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'Gravity is taking over my upper half': Lindsay Lohan lamented the results of her sun-filled holidays and hard-partying past in a topless selfie she shared Wednesday

The SAG Award nominee just returned from yet another bikini-clad vacation in Bali where she stayed at the lavish Seseh Beach Villas.

While on the Indonesian isle, Long Island-raised Lilo worked on material for her first-ever memoir.

'Book life. #writingatruestory,' the Mean Girls alum captioned a lazy snap.

Harmful UV rays: The 30-year-old SAG Award nominee just returned from yet another bikini-clad vacation in Bali where she stayed at the lavish Seseh Beach Villas

'Book life. #writingatruestory': While on the Indonesian isle, Long Island-raised Lilo worked on material for her first-ever memoir

'Travelling sometimes leaves you speechless and in that silence, it leads you to greatness with a lot of stories to tell. - Lindsay Lohan (book coming soon).'

Back in June, Lindsay told Vanity Fair that her tell-all tome would include 'personal experiences' on how she 'overcame obstacles.'

'I hope that my words will connect with those who need some guidance when [or] if they are in a tough place,' the West End thespian explained to the mag.

'I am grateful that I have a voice': Back in June, Lindsay told Vanity Fair that her tell-all tome would include 'personal experiences' on how she 'overcame obstacles'

The West End thespian explained to the mag: 'I hope that my words will connect with those who need some guidance when [or] if they are in a tough place'

'I am grateful that I have a voice, which I can now feel comfortable using as a platform to let people know that we all have ups and downs in life, and we can all come up from the downs if we get in touch with our inner self and spiritual side.'

The six-time rehabbed redhead has also made two appearances at her new Athens nightclub, LOHAN, owned by Greek restaurateur Dennis Papageorgio.

Lindsay has been single since splitting with her allegedly abusive fiance Egor Tarabasov in July.

Part-owner: The six-time rehabbed redhead has also made two appearances at her new Athens nightclub, LOHAN, owned by Greek restaurateur Dennis Papageorgio

On her own: Lindsay has been single since splitting with her allegedly abusive fiance Egor Tarabasov in July (pictured June 22)

The Till Human Voices Wake Us actress will next play Patricia in the Belgium-shot horror flick The Shadow Within, which is due out next year.

It centers on a private investigator 'unraveling the murder of her uncle while keeping the secret that she is a descendant from a line of werewolves.'

The former child star hasn't headlined a feature film that grossed more than $100K in the States since the dismally-reviewed 2007 thriller I Know Who Killed Me.

Action! The Till Human Voices Wake Us actress will next play Patricia in the Belgium-shot horror flick The Shadow Within, which is due out next year
Being the cover girl for Dolly's July 1983 issue was a game-changing career moment for Nicole Kidman, former editor Lisa Wilkinson has revealed.

The revelation comes a day after Bauer Media confirmed the iconic Australian magazine for teenage girls will cease print after 46 years of publication.

While discussing the closure with Karl Stefanovicon the Today Show on Thursday, Lisa explained that Nicole's red-haired edition was one of the most profitable issues under her reign.

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Game-changing: Nicole Kidman's 1983 Dolly cover was the actress' first time behind a camera and helped launch her career, former editor Lisa Wilkinson revealed on Thursday

'That was July 1983, that was one of the biggest sellers we had,' she said.

The 56-year-old media veteran said it was clear from the beginning that Nicole was destined for great things.

A few months after the iconic eighties edition was released, the flame-haired beauty made her motion picture debut in BMX Bandits.

Remembering: Lisa went on to say the magazine was one of the best-selling editions during her time as editor

'That was actually Nicole's first time before the camera,' Lisa said.

'We captured it on a Saturday afternoon, took one look at it and thought that is going to be a big seller.

'And it proved to be the case.'

Rising star: Lisa said it was clear Nicole was something special once she saw the photos from the covershoot

Their first meeting, more than 30 years ago, is always a topic of conversation whenever they cross paths, Lisa went on to say.

'She remembers it very fondly,' the journalist said.

'Everytime I see her, she tells me that was a real life changing moment for her.'

Flashback: Lisa Wilkinson, pictured at Dolly's offices in 1984, was the magazine's youngest editor at 21

Lisa became Dolly's youngest editor at 21.

Her protege Mia Freedman was also editor-in-chief before moving onto Cosmopolitan.

In its more than four decades of publication, Dolly magazine launched the careers of some of Australia's biggest names.

Still friends: Lisa and Nicole remember the magazine cover that first brought them together fondly

The magazine discovered Miranda Kerr, Jess Hart and Abbie Cornish through their annual model search competitions.

In 1997, a then 13-year-old Miranda graced the cover after winning that year's competition.

The closure comes just seven months after it stopped monthly publication, switching instead to a bi-monthly print cycle.

The magazine had dropped from a circulation of 92,000 in 2012 to just 30,000 in 2016.

Dolly adopted a digital-first approach after the switch to bi-monthly and will continue to publish content online, Bauer CEO Nick Chan confirmed on Wednesday to Mumbrella.

In a statement, Mr Chan blamed a younger audience going increasingly online as the reason why the magazine folded.

The first of many: Miranda Kerr's cover after winning the model search in 1997

'Dolly readers predominantly engage with the brand on digital and social platforms and they do so with greater frequency than is possible with a bi-monthly magazine  this means its no longer feasible to continue publishing the magazine on a regular basis,' he said.

The teen publication will now join the ranks of Cleo magazine, which was closed by Bauer in January.

Earlier in November, Dolly's rival Girlfriend was re-launched as a seasonal publication, with a digital-first focus.

Earlier: Jess sported a number of different looks on various covers across the years




Jai Courtney is best known for his rugged roles in Hollywood hits Suicide Squad and Terminator Genisys.

But the Australian actor still knows how to scrub up for the red carpet - his latest appearance coming at the Los Angeles premiere of Man Down.

The 30-year-old cut a dapper figure in a smart-casual ensemble at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood on Wednesday night.

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Red carpet: Jai Courtney cut a dapper figure in a smart-casual ensemble at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood for the premiere of Man Down on Wednesday night

The stocky film star opted for a dark grey t-shirt underneath a subtle chequered-pattern suit jacket from label Isaia.

Jai went for all black on his bottom half, matching black jeans with a pair of leather boots.

In his typically rugged image, the Sydney native wore a bushy beard with his curly brown hair slicked back.

Star of the big screen: In his typically rugged image, the Sydney native wore a bushy beard with his curly brown hair slicked back

Suit up: The stocky film star opted for a dark grey t-shirt underneath a subtle chequered-pattern Isaia suit jacket

The actor was joined at the premiere by co-stars Shia LeBeouf and Kate Mara.

American star Shia dressed to impress in a snappy blue suit accompanied by a crisp white shirt and patterned tie.

Meanwhile, blonde beauty Kate wore an intriguing dress which featured beaded frivolity.

Co-stars: The actor was joined at the premiere by fellow Man Down stars Shia LeBeouf and Kate Mara

On screen: Jai's character helps best friend Gabriel Drummer, played by Shia, as he goes in search of his estranged wife and son in post-apocalyptic America

The film, which won't be shown in Australian cinemas, sees Jai play the role of Devin Roberts.

His character helps best friend Gabriel Drummer, played by Shia, as he goes in search of his estranged wife and son in post-apocalyptic America.

Meanwhile, Jai has a couple of projects in the pipeline for release in 2017, with the actor starring in US TV series Wet Hot American Summer: 10 Years Later.
She's a sought after transgender model known for her eye-catching outfits.

And Andreja Pejic didn't disappoint on Wednesday as she attended the L'Eden Cocktail Party by Perrier-Jouet in Miami Beach.

The 25-year old beauty dazzled in an elaborate ensemble which featured a zip-up blue denim crop top and black latex miniskirt.

Stunner: Andreja Pejic sported an eye-catching outfit featuring a black latex miniskirt as she attended the L'Eden Cocktail Party by Perrier-Jouet in Miami Beach on Wednesday

Her outfit offered just a glimpse of her toned midriff, while her famously endless legs were on full display.

Her long blonde tresses were parted at the centre and worn loosely in light waves.

The Australian model completed her dramatic look with a bold red lipstick, while wearing natural makeup - which highlighted her bold brows.

She cast a smouldering look at photographers while posing for snaps as she arrived at the event.

Striking a pose: Andreja cast a smouldering look at photographers as she arrived at the event

Born in Bosnia, Andreja moved to Melbourne when she was eight years old after her family was granted political asylum.

The blonde beauty was discovered while working at McDonald's aged 16.

Her androgynous look quickly won over the fashion world and she modelled for a string of big names such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs and Vogue.

But Andreja faced discrimination in 2011 when FHM magazine referred to her as a 'thing' and 'professional cross-dresser' in an online profile.

Gal pals: Andreja posed with Ukranian model Alina Baikova, left, as the pair arrived at the event

The magazine apologised after an outcry of disgust over the article.

She was ranked number 98 in the magazine's 100 Sexiest Women in the World the same year, three years before she underwent sex reassignment surgery.

In an interview with ES Magazine, the blonde beauty spoke candidly about her transition and why she will never be ashamed of her past again.

'When I was little, the idea of waking up as a girl was like a fairytale,' she said.

'I had this idea that I'd meet a witch who would transform me. From the moment I found out that it was actually possible, I went to bed each night feeling that when it happens, it will be the best day of my life. And it was!'
He lashed out at fellow Bachelorette alum Sam Johnston last month, claiming that he only posted photos of himself on Instagram.

And it seems the feud between Davey Lloyd and his male model counterpart has escalated, with Davey taking another swipe at the Bachelorette contestant on Thursday, in a comment left underneath Sam's latest Instagram snap.

'That's f****** gay matr [sic]', wrote Davey underneath a photo of Sam posing shirtless on a bike with the accompanying caption: 'Who wants to be in my bad ass bike gang this summer? Shades compulsory.'

'That's f****** gay': It seems the feud between Davey Lloyd and his male model counterpart has escalated, with Davey taking another swipe at Sam Johnston in a comment on Sam's latest Instagram snap

Last month, Davey left another bizarre comment underneath another photo of Sam posing alone - this time writing: 'Do you ever not put up a photo of just you?'

Sam failed to respond to the comment, but did take to Instagram hours later with another photo - this time of himself and another gentleman at the polo.

Meanwhile, Sydney carpenter Davey has earned a reputation as a keyboard warrior since rising to fame on The Bachelorette.

Former reality star: Davey rose to fame last year during the debut season of Australia's The Bachelorette show, which saw him compete against a slew of men to win the heart of Sam Frost

'Do you ever not put up a photo of just you?' Last month, Davey left another bizarre comment underneath another photo of Sam posing alone

Taken offence? Sam failed to respond to the comment, but did take to Instagram hours later with another photo - this time of himself and another gentleman at the polo

Keyboard warrior! After The Bachelor finale, Davey criticised fans who were attacking his friend Richie Strahan for picking Alex Nation over Nikki Gogan

After The Bachelor finale, Davey criticised fans who were attacking his friend Richie Strahan for picking Alex Nation over Nikki Gogan.

Posting in response to a comment on Richie's Instagram page, Davey wrote: 'I have been around. I'm sorry you guys think nikki should have wine [sic], but it's f****** reality tv they can edit and produce it how they want.

'From a personal knowledge Richie made the right decision. So suck it up idiots and leave the man to be happy (sic),' he added.

Well that's unexpected! Meanwhile, Davey made a splash on the red carpet on Friday night when he KISSED another gentleman at the Maxim Hot 100 party in Sydney

Meanwhile, Davey made a splash on the red carpet on Friday night when he KISSED another man at the Maxim Hot 100 party in Sydney.

His female entourage appeared to be taken aback by the brazen display as they giggled and crossed their arms.

The fiasco continued when a rather worse-for-wear Davey took a sip from the man's glass using his straw.

Meanwhile, Sam was also in attendance at the party - and made sure to pose alone on a chair rather than on the red carpet.

Just a sip! The fiasco continued when a rather worse-for-wear Davey took a sip from the man's glass using his straw
His co-hosts on Triple M's The Grill Team are well aware of his fear of snakes.

And Matty Johns was sent running from the Sydney studios on Thursday when the panel organised for celebrity vet Dr Chris Brown to enter the studio with a pillow case with a 'snake' inside.

'The doctor has come in this morning and he's got a present for Matty,' the show's host Gus Worland said.

Without uttering a word, the former NRL star frantically ran for the door.

'It's just a little African rock python,' the Bondi Vet star explained. 'It's nothing to worry about.'

Matty, who had an illustrious NRL career with the Newcastle Knights and Cronulla Sharks, was left short of breath and visibly shaken outside the studio.

But all was not as it seemed.

'It's just a door snake': Matty Johns was sent running from the Sydney Triple M studio when celebrity vet Chris Brown entered The Grill Team studio with a pillow case with a 'snake' inside

'It's nothing to worry about': The panel erupted in hysterical laughter when the Bondi Vet star revealed the contents of the pillow case

'The most ridiculous thing is it's actually not an African rock python,' the vet continued.

'It's just a door snake,' he confessed, pulling the wind-stopping tool from the case.

As the panel erupted in hysterical laughter, Matty breathed a sigh of relief.

While he had nothing to be alarmed about on this occasion, Matty has grown suspicious of his co-hosts after an earlier incident.

Phew! Matty breathed a sigh of relief when he realised he had been stitched up by his co-hosts

In 2013, Mark Geyer hid a snake in the studio as Matty prepared to record a voiceover for the program.

'Oh s*** get 'em out, please mate don't,' a clearly terrified Matty said as he jumped on a desk for safety.

'Mate, f****** get it off... mate can you get rid of it.'
They may each work for rival television networks.

But there was nothing but love shared between Carrie Bickmore and the Today Show's Lisa Wilkinson during her appearance on Thursday night's edition of The Project.

Channel Nine personality Lisa appeared for the first time on the Channel Ten program to discuss the recent demise of teen magazine Dolly, having edited the publication in her twenties.

'You have lived such a legacy': Carrie Bickmore gushed over Lisa Wilkinson as they discussed Dolly magazine's demise on Thursday's edition of The Project

Carrie wasn't shy to complement the 56-year-old icon, telling her: 'I have to say you are one of my favourite women on Australian TV - I think you are fabulous.'

'You have lived such a legacy,' Carrie gushed.

'Right back at you!' beamed Lisa.

'It was the only place I could find out the naughty stuff without asking mum and dad': Earlier in the interview, Carrie admitted that she loved reading the 'naughty stuff' contained in the now-defunct magazine's 'Dolly Doctor' section.

Earlier in the interview, Carrie admitted that she loved reading the 'naughty stuff' contained in the now-defunct magazine's 'Dolly Doctor' section.

'I loved Dolly Doctor for all the naughty stuff I couldn't ask my parents,' she confessed.

'It was the only place I could find out the naughty stuff without asking mum and dad.'

Magazine legend: Under the helm of high-profile editors including Today host, Lisa Wilkinson - who became the publication's youngest editor at 21, the magazine was billed as the ultimate guidebook for teenage girls between 14 and 17 years old

When Dolly launched in 1970, it was quickly heralded as a revolutionary publication.

Under the helm of high-profile editors including Today host, Lisa Wilkinson - who became the publication's youngest editor at 21, the magazine was billed as the ultimate guidebook for teenage girls between 14 and 17 years old.

Not only was the magazine said to speak to them about issues which really mattered such as sex, relationships and their bodies, but Dolly also managed to snag some of the biggest celebrities for their creative covers.

Simultaneously, the magazine launched some of Australia's biggest talent on a worldwide stage.
Amber Heard will reportedly follow through on an initial promise to donate her $7 million divorce settlement to charity within the next two years.

The actress, 30, elected to gift the multi-million dollar pay-out to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles following an acrimonious and highly publicised split with Hollywood star Johnny Depp in August.

But while the promised donation is yet to be made, sources tell TMZ she will begin the process of handing over her settlement money in its entirety as soon as it is paid.

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Coming soon: Amber Heard will follow through on an initial promise to donate her $7 million divorce settlement to charity within the next two years

Depp, 53, who previously gifted both organisations $200,000 in his ex-wifes name, is expected to release the remaining $6.8 million within the next 12-months, with Heard reportedly aiming to fulfil her promise by the end of 2018.

MailOnline have reached out to Amber Heards representatives for further comment.

TMZ previously claimed that Depp intended to pay the full amount directly to each of the charities, but Heard wanted him to pay the money to her so that she can donate it herself.

The website alleges that Heard does not want her ex-husband to receive a tax deduction on the donations.

Settlement: Amber Heard vowed to donate all of her settlement money to charity after being awarded $7million in her divorce from Johnny Depp in August, however the two organisations are yet to receive the funds

The ACLU has contacted TMZ to state that Amber also donated $350,000 to their organisation in August, as an advance from the money Johnny is due to pay her.

It's understood that the delay in handing over the remaining sum occurred because the former couple are yet to sign their final settlement documents.

Pierce O'Donnell, Amber's lawyer, told TMZ that he expects the documents to be signed in early December.

It's complicated: The actors are apparently yet to sign their final settlement documents, and Amber wants to donate the money herself instead of having Johnny do it, so that he can't receive a tax deduction

Heard filed for divorce from the Pirates Of The Caribbean star in May after one year of marriage, and obtained a temporary restraining order against him five days later.

She alleged that the actor was 'verbally and physically abusive' throughout their relationship and provided photographs of her battered face as evidence of abuse, along with witness statements.

However Depp's lawyers alleged that Heard was 'attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse' because on an occasion that police were called to her home, she said there had been a 'verbal dispute only' and officers saw no evidence of a crime at the time.

Messy split: Amber and Johnny reached a settlement in August, with Amber receiving the $7million and dismissing her restraining order against Johnny, having claimed he was 'verbally and physically abusive' throughout their relationship

Heard and Depp reached a settlement in August, with Amber receiving the $7million and dismissing her restraining order against Johnny.

In a joint statement to announce their divorce settlement, Johnny and Amber said: 'Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love.

'Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm.'

Last week, Heard appeared in a PSA for GirlGaze Project in which she fought back tears while discussing domestic violence.

Speaking up: Amber discussed domestic violence in a public service announcement for GirlGaze Project last week

'I guess there was a lot of shame attached to that, the label of victim,' she explained in the clip. 'It happens to so many women you know. When it happens in your home behind closed doors with someone you love, its not straightforward. If a stranger did this it would be a no-brainer.'

She added: 'Just as a woman having gone through this in the public stage, in the public arena that I did it, I have a unique opportunity to remind other women this doesnt have to be the way it is, you dont have to do it alone, youre not alone. We can change this.'

According to TMZ, Heard's settlement requires that she does not make any mention of allegations against Depp.

The website alleges that Depp may now fight against honouring the settlement, although this may prove difficult as she does not name him directly in the clip.
Imogen Anthony and her shock jock beau Kyle Sandilands lent their name to promote the Zambi Wildlife Retreat charity gala.

But that's not all they lent, with the animal-loving couple donating a whopping $50,000 to the cause on Thursday evening.

And all the while, 25-year-old looked as stunning as ever at the glamorous Sydney event in a black couture gown.

Racey in lace: Imogen Anthony, 25, poses in a black gown designed by Sarah Joseph Couture at the Zambi Wildlife Retreat charity gala on Thursday

Imogen, often seen posing half-naked in pictures across social media, cut an elegant figure in the floor length lace dress designed by Sarah Joseph Couture.

The 25-year-old shared two photos at the event, fixing her pink hair in one as she stood in the setting sunlight.

Her silver nails and floor-length skirt appeared to glisten in the diminishing sunlight as she cast a smouldering gaze at the photographer.

The halter neck gown featured a triangular cut-out detail near the bust and finished with a patterned lace skirt which offered a glimpse of her endless pins.

Imogen's svelte figure was flaunted in the gown which she appeared to pair with no accessories.

'It just felt right': Kyle and Imogen generously donated $50,000 to the Wildlife Retreat Charity

What a gesture! Kyle and Imogen posed alongside Traci Griffiths (L) and a guest at the charity gala (second from right) in a snap posted to social media

Her hair was pinned back in a messy bun and she wore lashings of mascara with a nude lip to finish the outfit.

A picture posted to the Kyle and Jackie O Instagram page saw the pair posed with a spokesperson from the wildlife retreat and Traci Griffiths.

Next to the picture it was revealed that the couple donated $50,000 to the charity that night because it 'just felt right'.

Guy Sebastian performed an acoustic set on the night at the fundraiser event.

Youthful: A poster promoting the event used an image of Kyle from almost a decade ago - with the shock jock looking markedly different

Suddenly shy? Kyle Sandilands, 45, sported a much slimmer frame and youthful visage in a promo shot from his 2DAY FM days to promote the gala he attended with Imogen

The couple made headlines last month when a poster promoting the event came out, using an image of Kyle from almost a decade ago - with the shock jock looking markedly different.

It wasn't long before fans noticed the old 2Day FM snap had been used, with one commenting: 'Wow Kyle is about 21 in that pic.'

Another noted: 'Kyle hasn't looked like that for over eight years.'

Kyle, who unashamedly revealed his weight to be 138 kilos earlier this year, sported a much slimmer frame and youthful visage.
She has catwalk ambitions of her own.

But Lottie Moss, 18, looked happy to watch her contemporaries in the spotlight as she attended the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris on Wednesday night.

The model caught the eye in a striped silver and blue sleeveless minidress with a ribbed neck.

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Pretty as picture: Lottie Moss, 18, looked happy to watch her contemporaries in the spotlight as she attended the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris on Wednesday night

The sister of industry stalwart Kate Moss, 42, crossed her slender pins as she posed on the hot pink carpet in a pair of silver heels.

She stored her essentials in a metallic blue clutch which she held in front of her with both hands.

Lottie accessorised with an eye-catching pair of dangly silver earrings and sported a glamorous makeup application.

Elegant: The model caught the eye in a striped silver and blue sleeveless minidress with a ribbed neck

Dressed to impress: Lottie accessorised with an eye-catching pair of dangly silver earrings and sported a glamorous makeup application

Glamorous: She covered her lips with a slick of glossy pink, while her piercing blue peepers were decorated with lashings of mascara

She covered her lips with a slick of glossy pink, while her piercing blue peepers were decorated with lashings of mascara. The teen's blonde locks were loosely tied back from a middle parting and allowed to fall down her back.

Displaying her modelling ability, she turned to show off her dress's backless cut and slender sides.

Lottie has been regularly spotted on the arm of Made In Chelsea star Alex Mytton, 25, and was seen holding his hand at Winter Wonderland earlier this month.

Model material: The sister of industry stalwart Kate Moss, 42, crossed her slender pins as she posed on the hot pink carpet in a pair of silver heels

Happy! The teen's blonde locks were loosely tied back from a middle parting and allowed to fall down her back

Stylish: The model's dress had a luxuriant quality to it

However, she was very much an independent woman at the fashion spectacle gracing the pink carpet alone.

She has previously been linked to several very different suitors in the past - having enjoyed lunch in June with pop star Conor Maynard, and flirted with Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio on Twitter.

Lottie and Alex have been linked since early October when it was falsely believed that she had rekindled the flame with ex-boyfriend Sam Prince.

Sam, with whom Lottie broke things off two years ago when he supposedly strayed, mingles with the same Chelsea set as Alex and his MIC pals.
She has swapped a career in reality TV for a life in fashion.

So Jessica Wright is undoubtedly keen to make a sartorial impact wherever she goes, as illustrated when she appeared at an al fresco photo call for Manuka Doctor at London's Hilton At Tower hotel on Thursday morning.

The 31-year-old former TOWIE star slipped into a metallic mustard-coloured slip dress for the party, in which she was flogging a new range of skin care for the brand.

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Feeling the chill? Jessica Wright is undoubtedly keen to make a sartorial impact wherever she goes, as illustrated when she appeared at a photo call for Manuka Doctor at London's Hilton At Tower hotel on Thursday morning

Jessica appeared to ignore the plummeting temperatures in the UK as she sported her barely-there slip dress which shimmered in the winter sun.

Ever the professional, the former pop star looked as though she could not feel the near-frozen temperatures while showing off her endless legs and toned arms.

Her surgically-enhanced assets appeared to heave beneath the silk material of the dress - causing the front hem to rise up slightly.

Boosting her already statuesque height, Jessica wore a pair of strappy gold heels which tied into the dazzling overall feel of the look.

Sexy look: The 31-year-old former TOWIE star slipped into a metallic mustard-coloured slip dress for the party, in which she was flogging a new range of skin care for the brand

Balloon girl: Jessica appeared to ignore the plummeting temperatures in the UK as she sported her barely-there slip dress which shimmered in the winter sun

Ensuring the ensemble was totally tied together, she wore a structured gold necklace alongside a chunky designer watch.

Her lustrous brunette tresses were worn in bouncy waves which cascaded over her shoulder while perfectly framing her pretty face.

Jessica kept her make-up fresh faced, with lashings of highlighter emphasising her flawless bone structure while fluttering lashes widened her eyes.

What cold? Ever the professional, the former pop star looked as though she could not feel the near-frozen temperatures while showing off her endless legs and toned arms

Launch pad: Clutching on to a mass of balloons, her stunning good looks made her the perfect advertisement for the product, where the Manuka Doctor is launching the Manuka Honey and Purified Bee Venom skincare range

Clutching on to a mass of balloons, her stunning good looks made her the perfect advertisement for the product, where the Manuka Doctor is launching the Manuka Honey and Purified Bee Venom skincare range.

While Jessica naturally looks stunning, in an exclusive chat with MailOnline, she recently revealed she has hang-ups over her body - particularly her bust.

During her heyday on TOWIE, Jessica showed her journey to breast augmentation surgery onscreen including asking her mum Carol, late grandmother Nanny Pat and brother Mark for advice ahead of the enhancement.

Designer diva: Ensuring the look was totally tied together, she wore a structured gold necklace alongside a chunky designer watch

Regrets: While Jessica naturally looks stunning, in an exclusive chat with MailOnline, she recently revealed she has hang-ups over her body - particularly her bust

Once she recovered from the operation she was seen stripping off to display her enhanced assets to her family - a move she admits she regrets.

Speaking of her most loved and less adored body parts, she said: 'I've got long legs so that's good and always helps. But my least favourite would be my big boobs, they're too big.

'They went too big when I had my boob job and I've been back to two surgeons to get a reduction and they've both said: "You've got great boobs, don't change them" but I just think they're too big. I was happy with them at first but I was younger - times have changed and fashion has changed
Her goop website has divided opinion with fans due to the pricey goods promoted on it.

But Gwyneth Paltrow's pet project proved it has some serious star pulling power.

Some of the Oscar winner's close pals came out in support of the star's online blog in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

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Support: Gwyneth Paltrow's fellow blonde pal Kate Hudson arrived at the goop gift pop-up in LA on Wednesday looking casually chic in a boho style black ruffled maxi dress

Woman of the hour: Gwyneth looked incredibly chic in a black ensemble from La Perla's ready-to-wear collection, designed by the brand's Creative Director Julia Haart

The event marked the goop gift pop-up in Santa Monica, to show off the presents available on the site in time for the festive season.

Gwynnie's fellow blonde Kate Hudson arrived looking casually chic in a boho style black ruffled maxi dress.

She kept her look simple and classic, adding a dash of red lipstick which matched her manicure.

Also at the bash were mother-daughter Hollywood duo Demi Moore and Rumer Willis.

Close: Also at the bash were mother-daughter Hollywood duo Demi Moore and Rumer Willis

Matching: The coordinated in black ensembles, with Demi going for all one colour while Rumer opted for a white dress under a black blazer

Celebrate: The event marked the goop gift pop-up in Santa Monica, to show off the presents available on the site in time for the festive season

Business partner: Kate posed with Geraldine Martin-Coppola, General Manger of her Fabletics brand

Social scene: Also at the bash were fashion designer Monique Lhuillier and fashion insider Crystal Lourd

The coordinated in black ensembles, with Demi going for all one colour while Rumer opted for a white dress under a black blazer.

Also at the bash were fashion designer Monique Lhuillier and fashion insider Crystal Lourd.

The main woman wasn't at the bash, but Gwyneth recently defended her business against claims the products are not in the price range of most people.

She told Glamour magazine: ' Sometimes I'll get annoyed if someone's like, "Goop is so expensive." I'm like, "Have you looked at the website? Have you seen the range of price points? 'Cause we sell things that are $8." I'm like, "If you want to f**k with me, bring your A-game. At least have all your information.'
She's had a much publicized pregnancy since announcing her news in May.

And now Stephanie Davis has revealed she would like to film her birth.

The 23-year-old Hollyoaks star is expecting a baby boy in January, and has admitted she would like to capture her labour on camera.

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'It would be nice to have a personal memory to watch back when I want': Stephanie Davis has revealed she would like to film her birth

And her latest decision was sparked after a recent conversation with Jacqueline Jossa, who has 10-month-old daughter Ella with her partner Dan Osborne.

Eastenders star Jacqueline reportedly assured her she'd be so enamoured with her bundle of joy, she'd be raring to have another one.

Writing in her blog for OK! Online, the Stephanie explained: 'I'm definitely going to take it all on board and make the most of it. I'm even thinking about filming it as it would be nice to have a personal memory to watch back when I want.'

'I can't wait to meet him!' The 23-year-old Hollyoaks star is expecting a baby boy in January, and has admitted she would like to capture her labour on camera

Although she's not due to give birth for at least another month, the former 'Hollyoaks' star is convinced her little one will come earlier than planned as he's already measuring bigger than he should be.

She said: 'I had my latest growth scan in preparation and I can officially confirm by baby is all ready to go! On the growth chart he's already above the average line and we've still got weeks to go - he's going to be one healthy boy!

'I just can't wait to meet him now. They've booked me in for another appointment before Christmas to keep a close eye on us both.'

'I had my latest growth scan in preparation and I can officially confirm by baby is all ready to go!' An excited Stephanie revealed in her recent blog

The actress will give birth to her first child in the new year after reportedly falling pregnant during a short lived romance with Irish model McConnell, who she met while appearing in Celebrity Big Brother.

Despite furiously denying he had fathered her child, Jeremy previously did admit: 'If what is circulating is true, I'll always be responsible for my actions'.

Stephanie said on Loose Women last week, that ex Jeremy had failed to make contact during her pregnancy.
Hes a clear favourite to win the current series of long running celebrity talent show Strictly Come Dancing.

But Ore Oduba has hinted that a combination of gruelling rehearsals and impressive live performances on the BBC juggernaut has affected his sex life with stunning wife Portia.

The former Newsround presenter, 30, says he is inevitably exhausted following his weekly routines with dance partner Joanne Clifton, and has little energy.

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No nookie: Ore Oduba has hinted that a combination of gruelling rehearsals and impressive live performances on Strictly Come Dancing has affected his sex life with stunning wife Portia

He told The Sun: 'Everything is fatigued, the body is working a little less efficiently than it was at the start of this journey, tiredness is kicking in. Ive not felt this tired and been so happy at the same time.

'Every day I wake up and its harder to get out of bed. Its really taking its toll on the body.

'A couple of times in the last week Ive found myself in bed and my body is telling me to stay horizontal for as long as possible.'

Smashing it: Ore and dance partner Joanne Clifton are clear favourites to win the current series of of the long-running celebrity talent show

Ore is appearing on the show after celebrating his first wedding anniversary with Portia.

The pair celebrated their wedding with a lavish reception at Penshurst Place in Kent, more than five years after they met at an event at Loughborough University, where Ore studied.

The BBC host previously revealed that after Portia warned him against popping the question in public, he decided to plan several 'decoy' proposals.

Gruelling: But he says his performances are leaving him with little energy for anything else

Ore took the blonde beauty for several romantic excursions, including a birthday lunch to London's famous landmark The Shard and a trip to Dubai straight after.

But it was only when the pair returned from the holiday that Ore landed the real surprise - proposing to Portia in front of her loved ones at her family home.

He previously told The Mirror: 'On my wedding day I cried from 11 in the morning until 2am that night.

Long-term lovees: Ore and Portia met more than five years ago at an event at Loughborough University, where Ore studied

'There's a picture of me wailing, my best men there laughing and Portia absolutely cracking up next to me  I am the only one crying.'

Reminiscing about their first dance at their wedding, Portia added: 'Everyone says, 'Your wedding dance must have been amazing.' But it was just a little dance.
She's the exotic model who won Couturesque Magazine's Model of the Year competition earlier this year.

And on Thursday, Imaan Hammam, 20, looked every inch a winner while attending an event for Tiffany & Co in Sydney.

The statuesque beauty, who hails from Amsterdam, was recently named as the face of the luxury jeweller's #lovenotlike digital campaign and she certainly made sure to steal the show in a low-cut silk dress complete with a thigh-high slit.

Chic! Imaan Hammam, 20, looked every inch the glamorous model in a revealing black dress, while attending an event for Tiffany & Co in Sydney on Thursday

The floor-length number highlighted the model's slender frame and radiant glow as she playfully posed for snaps by Darling Harbour.

She paired the look with white sneakers, which added a pop of brightness and a touch of flair.

Her bouncy brunette curls were worn loosely and neatly framed her flawless visage.

Leggy lady: The statuesque beauty, who hails frol Amsterdam, was recently named as the face of the luxury jeweller's #LOVENOTLIKE digital campaign and she certainly made sure to steal the show in a low-cut silk dress complete with a thigh-high slit

The stunner, whose mother is Moroccan mother and father is Egyptian, showed off her stunning complexion - with her makeup consisting of blush, mascara and lip balm.

Since being discovered in Europe at age 14, Imaan has enjoyed a successful modelling career.

The beauty, who once revealed supermodel Naomi Campbell as one of her inspirations, has worked in campaigns for the likes of Vogue.

Wow! The stunner, whose mother is Moroccan mother and father is Egyptian, was discovered in Europe at age 14

Inspiration: She once revealed supermodel Naomi Campbell (pictured) to be one of her inspirations

She has also walked the runway for esteemed fashion designers like Dior, Tom Ford and Jean Paul Gaultier.

In April, she won Couturesque Magazine's Model of the Year competition.

In addition to her love of modelling, Imaan also has a passion for food.

'I have a passion for food and cooking, I want to become that kind of home cook who can make a great dish out of anything in the fridge,' she once told The Fashionography.
A busy shooting schedule continued in earnest on Wednesday afternoon as Ruby Rose joined Jason Statham on the set of forthcoming film Meg.

The pair were accompanied by a bustling production team while taking a break between scenes as their location shoot in scenic New Zealand, where much of the exterior action has been shot, steadily wound down.

Australian star Ruby, 30, revealed an androgynously gelled and twisted hairstyle while preparing to film her final scenes as Jaxx Herd  credited as an engineering genius and integral member of a marine research team.

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Here she comes: Australian star Ruby Rose revealed an androgynously gelled and twisted hairstyle while preparing to film her final scenes on the set of new film Meg in New Zealand

The actress, best known for her supporting role in Netflix drama Orange is the New Black, looked focused as she joined leading man Statham, 49, ahead of another take.

Showing off his bulky physique in a black and red wet suit, the British star chatted to members of the production team while idling on a nearby jetty.

Statham takes the lead as Jonas Taylor, a naval captain and seasoned diver recruited to help rescue a group of terrified Chinese scientists from a 70-foot prehistoric shark.

Quiet on set: Showing off his bulky physique in a black and red wet suit, British star Jason Statham chatted to members of the production team while idling on a nearby jetty

Based on author Steve Alten's 1997 novel Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror, the forthcoming film also stars Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson and Jessica McNamee.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday evening, Ruby shared a snap of herself alongside Jessica as the pair prepared to leave New Zealand.

Captioning the shot, she wrote: 'Last day of #megmovie with the greatest most hilarious yet talented fellow Aussie @jessica_mcnamee.'

Close: Taking to Instagram on Wednesday evening, Ruby shared a snap of herself alongside Jessica McNamee as the pair prepared to leave New Zealand

Principal photography began in October, almost 20-years after plans to adapt Alten's novel for the screen were announced.

Film-makers Jan de Bont and Guillermo del Toro were previously attached to the troubled production before Eli Roth was hired to film the adaptation in 2015.

The 44-year old soon quit the project due to creative differences, with National Treasure director Jon Turteltaub taking his place.
It's the first Christmas that the Giudices will not be celebrating together as a family.

The Real Housewives Of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice revealed to Life & Style Magazine how she and her young daughters will be celebrating the holiday this year.

The 44-year-old reality starlet also opened up about how difficult it will be for her and her girls to spend a not-so-merry Christmas without husband and father Joe Giudice.

Not-so-merry Christmas: Teresa Giudice,44, opens up about how tough it'll be for her and the girls to spend Christmas without Joe. They are pictured here in 2014 on Gia's 13th birthday

This year, it's going to just be Teresa and her four daughters Gia, 15, Gabriella, 12, Milania, 10, and Audriana, seven.

Instead of spending the holiday alone, Guidice revealed she will be bringing her girls to family celebrations.

'We are going to spend Christmas Eve with Melissa [Gorga], my brother [Joe Gorga], and my parents,' the cookbook author divulged.

The Giudice patriarch, 44, began his 41-month sentence in March of this year.

And though Teresa will take her daughters to Joe's family for Christmas Day, she lamented that the day still will not be 'the same.'

Keeping the holiday alive: Teresa shared a photo of her New Jersey mansion's Christmas decor on Instagram

Her and the girls: Teresa will try to make the holidays as cheerful as possible for her girls

'I want him here. The girls really want him home, too.'

The reality starlet went on to say she tries not to dwell on the fact that she won't have her husband home until 2019 or on his possible deportation back to Italy.

'You can't be miserable and hide in a corner. You've just got to life life to the fullest,' the Italian beauty stated bravely.

This will be the first major holiday the family spends apart since the parents were given hard time due to bankruptcy fraud.

Though the mother-of-four was herself incarcerated for 15 months, she went in shortly after Christmas of 2014 and was released in time for the holiday on December 23, 2015.

Hard time: The reality starlet went on to say she tries not to dwell on the fact that she won't have her husband home until 2019 or on his possible deportation back to Italy

Long faces: This will be the first major holiday the family spends apart since the parents were given hard time due to bankruptcy fraud

In November, Teresa explained to E! News why she won't be hosting Christmas at her New Jersey mansion this year.

'Being home is just kind of going to be sad, so I didn't want to be home.'
Their first series of The Grand Tour has been greeted by rave reviews after it debuted on Amazon Prime earlier this month.

And it seems that Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond weren't content to rest on their laurels, as the petrol-head trio began prepping for another shoot on Thursday.

Arriving on-location at Loch Ness, Scotland, Jeremy, 56, and his two co-stars were seen preparing for filming as their travelling studio was erected next to the lake.

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Back to day job: It seems Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond weren't content to rest on their laurels, as the petrol-head trio began prepping for another shoot on Thursday

Invading the tiny Scottish village with their army of crew and production staff, Jeremy, James and Richard all appeared excited to be back at the day-job.

With the big black tent, which now serves as the studio for the trio's motoring show, planted next to the lake, it looked as though the trio were planning some water-based hijinks.

And that seemed to be the plan indeed, as members of the crew were seen testing the waters in a dinghies and rowing boats.

Hitting the water: Arriving on-location at Loch Ness, Scotland, Jeremy, 56, and his two co-stars were seen preparing for filming as their travelling studio was erected next to the lake

Putting in an appearance to check on the filming prep, Jeremy was instantly recognizable as he arrived alongside Richard, 46, puffing away on a cigarette.

The journalist and TV presenter rocked his trademark casual and dishevelled 'dad' look.

Dressed in jeans, a shirt and navy cardigan, and a wax jacket, Jeremy certainly looked at home as he roamed about the damp and wet loch.

No smoke without fire: Putting in an appearance to check on the filming prep, Jeremy was instantly recognizable as he arrived alongside Richard, 46, puffing away on a cigarette

Hamster is here! Richard, also known to fans as Hamster, sported a similar look, though he chose a Barbour International wax rally jacketH=

Richard, also known to fans as Hamster, sported a similar look, though he chose a Barbour International wax rally jacket.

James, 54, was later seen strolling around the set, though it appeared he'd taken a back-seat in the walk-around on set.

The trio, famed the world over and well-loved for their robust humour and tendency to joke, looked to be in high-spirits as they chatted away outside the studio tent.

Have you met Captain Slow? James, 54, was later seen strolling around the set, though it appeared he'd taken a back-seat in the walk-around on set

Up to no good? The trio, famed the world over and well-loved for their robust humour and tendancy to joke, looked to be in high-spirits as they chatted away outside the studio tent.

Rollin' up: Jeremy arrived at the site in a huge black 4x4, though he was sure to check-in with security

Living it up Loch-side: The black tent has been taking shape this week on the outskirts of Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire, at the southern tip of the world-famous loch

The black tent, which replaced the Top Gear hangar when the trio changed the format of their show, has been taking shape this week on the outskirts of Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire, at the southern tip of the world-famous loch.

Filming is believed to be scheduled to star later this month with the footage set to be used for a show later on in the programmes current run on Amazon Prime.

Other locations used for filming the series so far include California, Johannesburg in South Africa and Whitby on the Yorkshire coast.

Taxi? A member of the crew was seen paddling a yellow rowboat around the loch - perhaps testing it for health and safety before the stars climbed aboard

Has Jeremy fallen in yet? Richard and James looked to be watching the action on the lake unfold, but Jeremy was conspicuous in his absence

Serious equipment: The crew had plenty of hefty equipment on site

So far the programme has delighted fans with its action-packed content, which has included huge stunts and some of the world's most expensive cars.

Episode one, The Holy Trinity, saw the trio race each other in a Ferrari La Ferrari, McLaren P1 and a Porsche 918.
It's not for the faint of heart.

Karrueche Tran learned the hard way that being an actor isn't always easy.

The 28-year-old model braved the elements as she showed off her incredible figure in a bright aqua bikini Wednesday afternoon while filming her web series The Bay.

Chilly: Karrueche Tran is seen looking rather cold while filming a beach scene for her web series The Bay in Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon

Keep moving: The actress ran along the beach, possibly attempting to keep warm

Pert: Karrueche showed off her enviable figure (and long tattoo) in an aqua and black bikini

Karrueche - who plays Vivian Johnson - had her dark hair loose and blowing in the wind during the chilly beach shoot.

Although it looked to be a warm, sunny day to the cameras, temperatures in Los Angeles were hovering in the mid-50s.

The brunette stunner didn't even try to pretend it was a summer day between takes - she's seen visibly cringing when the cold breeze hit her exposed body.

Keeping warm: The brunette beauty and her co-stars, who had to wear bathing suits for the scene, tried to keep as warm as possible

Deceiving: Although it looked to be a warm, sunny day to the cameras, temperatures in Los Angeles were hovering in the mid-50s

The beauty - who is of Vietnamese and Jamaican descent - remained close to co-star Kristos Andrews while the pair the romantic scene that required them to get a little wet.

In the scene, the stunning star was seen being carried by her leading man - the two hovering dangerously close to the frigid Pacific ocean.

But despite the low temperatures, the co-stars seemed to be in good spirits and enjoying each others company.

Chemistry! Karrueche and her co-star Kristos Andrews, 26, filmed a romantic beach scene together

Having fun: Despite the low temperatures, the two seemed to be in good spirits while filming together.

Helping hand: Kristos appeared to help Karrueche with something on her bikini

They've been busy over the past couple of days - also out in the chilly temperatures Tuesday shooting a similar scene.

Karrueche was wearing the same aqua bikini, but this time layered it with a crocheted cover up.

She flashed a hint of her ample decolletage in the low-cut number which she teamed with a pair of striped black and white sandals as she filmed alongside Andrews.

Fun in the sun: The beauty - who is of Vietnamese and Jamaican descent -stuck close to her co-star

Keeping close: The actress and her co-star seem to have a good relationship as they smile together between takes

In May the actor - who stars as Peter Garrett - took home a Daytime Emmy Award at the 43rd annual ceremony for Outstanding Actor in a Digital Daytime Drama Series.

Their series also won for Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series.

And earlier this year, the petite model-turned-actress stated how 'important' it was to build her own empire, which includes the successful show.

Award-winning: In May the actor - who stars as Peter Garrett - took home a Daytime Emmy Award at the 43rd annual ceremony for Outstanding Actor in a Digital Daytime Drama Series

'Its very important at this point,' she told Hip Hollywood. 'Im a business woman and I need to present myself in the best way possible.'

She added: 'Unfortunately people know me for certain other things that theyve seen in the media, or whatever it is.'

'So now its very important for me to show my personality and show the woman I am and the woman Im growing to be.'

Karrueche dated Chris Brown on and off from 2011 to 2015, briefly breaking up in 2013 when the RnB hitmaker reconciled with his ex-girlfriend, pop princess Rihanna.
She missed out on Wednesday's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris because of a 'work commitment.'

The next day And Karlie Kloss was going hell for leather as she ran errands on the other side of the Atlantic - in NYC - on Thursday.

The 24-year-old supermodel looked effortlessly stylish wrapped up in a shearling trim biker jacket.

Hell for leather: Karlie Kloss ran errands in a leather jacket in NYC on Thursday

The beauty played safe with a figure-hugging LBD and braved bare legs in the New York winter.

At 6ft 2in, the star already has height on her side, so she chose a pair of lace-topped flat pumps.

Apparently make-up free, Karlie covered her eyes with dark Sunday Somewhere glasses and teased her honey tresses into a chic messy updo.

Sheep's clothing: The 24-year-old supermodel looked effortlessly stylish wrapped up in a shearling trim biker jacket

She also shared a glammed up post, as she got set for December on Wednesday - which she captioned: 'Feeling festive'

Karlie missed out on the VS Fashion Show, but made it clear she was there in spirit.

She shared Instagram snap showing her with the Angels in 2013 earlier this week.

'Thinking of the Angels and my entire @victoriassecret family as they make their way to Paris today,' she captioned.

Natural beauty: Apparently make-up free, Karlie covered her eyes with dark glasses and teased her honey tresses into a chic messy updo

Busy star: Karlie missed out on Wednesday's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris as she had a work commitment

Driving off: The beauty played safe with a figure-hugging LBD and braved bare legs in the New York winter

She added: 'Unfortunately this year I have a work obligation that is keeping me from Paris. I'm sad to miss it but am wishing everyone all the best from afar!

'There is truly no show quite like the VS Fashion Show, and there is no feeling quite like walking on that magnificent runway.

Karlie first appeared on the show in New York in 2011 and became an official Angel in 2013, only to leave the lingerie brand in 2015.

Her last year on the VS catwalk was December 2014 in London. The 2016 show at the Grand Palais in Paris will air on CBS on December 5.

Shimmer: She also shared a glammed up post, as she got set for December on Wednesday - which she captioned: 'Feeling festive'

Legs for days: The tall beauty shows off her lean figure as she models wings at the Victoria Secret Fashion show in 2014
She recently took a break from her hectic schedule to enjoy a sun-soaked trip to Dubai.

And Myleene Klass certainly looked well-rested and raring to go as she headed back to work at Global Radio Show in London on Thursday.

The radio and TV presenter, 38, flaunted her sartorial flair in a skin-tight, clashing patterned ensemble as she strutted forth in a pair of sexy knee-high boots.

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Stepping out in style: Myleene Klass, 38, flaunted her sartorial flair in a clashing patterned ensemble as she headed to work at Global Radio Show in London on Thursday

A stylish geometric-floral top, which sported a ruched sheer neckline, was neatly tucked into a monochrome mini-skirt.

The skirt sported elongated crochet detailing, which complemented her sex-kitten inspired footwear.

Despite night falling in London, the former Hear'Say star opted for black shades, which completed her bold red lips and scraped black braided locks.

Holding on to a chic black handbag and brown paper shopper in the other, Myleene looked incredibly content - and her handsome new beau Simon Motson may have something to do with it.

Chic: The radio and TV presenter flaunted her sartorial flair in a skin-tight, clashing patterned ensemble as she strutted forth in a pair of sexy knee-high boots

Fashionista: A stylish geometric-floral top, which sported a ruched sheer neckline, was neatly tucked into a monochrome mini-skirt

Beauty: The former Hear'Say star opted for black shades, which completed her bold red lips and scraped black braided locks

Myleene and the fashion PR have been dating for just over a year, but only went public with their romance in May.

When speaking of her new romance, the classically-trained musician recently told the Daily Mirror: 'He is so hot. Its lovely. Im enjoying myself.'

It was previously reported Myleene made the blonde hunk wait nearly six months before agreeing to be seen with him in public, while he finalised a divorce from his ex-wife.

Keeping warm: A chic black jacket was expertly draped over her shoulders

Career mum: Holding on to a chic black handbag and brown paper shopper in the other, Myleene looked incredibly content with her hectic schedule

The multi-talented star was previously married to bodyguard Graham Quinn, 41 - the father of her daughters Ava, nine, and Hero, five.

Graham ended their six-month marriage and decade-long relationship when he walked out on her on her 34th birthday in April 2012. The couple were granted a divorce in April 2013.

Meanwhile, the Classic FM presenter recently slammed rumours the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! shower was fake.

In love: Myleene confirmed her relationship fashion PR Simon Motson went public with their relationship in May after dating for a year

The star, who's iconic shower scene sent pulses racing in 2006, admitted there was a 'constant water supply' where she was there.

Speaking at the Global's Make Some Noise Night in London earlier this week, Myleene revealed exclusively to MailOnline: 'I thought it would of fallen apart since then if that was the case,' she hit back addressing rumours the shower was man-made.

'I don't know about fake showergate, it certainly seemed real when I was there. It seemed like a constant water supply,' the presenter added.
The new version of The Wiggles have only been performing together for three years.

But the group are certainly coming to attention, especially with a revelation on Friday's episode of Channel Seven's breakfast program Sunrise.

Yellow wiggle Emma Watkins, 27, shared that the musical act will incorporate sign language into their upcoming shows: '[We're] making our show accessible to everybody.'

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Busy bees! Yellow wiggle Emma Watkins, 27, shared that the musical act will incorporate sign language into their upcoming shows: '[We're] making our show accessible to everybody.

'This show that we're performing now has two big screens on the backdrop,' Emma told the program's Edwina Bartholomew.

'[We're] making our show accessible to everybody.'

Having grown up with friends who were deaf, Emma is keen to make an impact.

'If I can do anything to encourage and support it, then I'd absolutely love to,' the personality continued.

Details: 'This show that we're performing now has two big screens on the backdrop,' Emma told the program's Edwina Bartholomew

Emma has certainly been working hard since rising to attention on The Wiggles.

The slender redhead revealed just recently to The Fix, that she hasn't had time to go on a proper honeymoon since marrying purple Wiggle Lachy Gillespie on April 9.

She told a reporter on the ARIAs red carpet the pair have been working too hard and touring to nab any time alone.

'We've been on the honeymoon together, and it hasn't really changed,' Emma joked.

Passionate: 'If I can do anything to encourage and support it [incorporating sign language into the community], then I'd absolutely love to,' the personality continued

The star also explained that since their wedding, nothing in the group dynamic had altered too much.

'We're just used to touring together as one big family. It's great.'

Simon Price, the 44-year-old red Wiggle, chimed in to suggest it wasn't all smooth sailing.

'I think they're sick of Anthony and I hanging around the last six months on their honeymoon,' he laughed.

Though Emma and Lachy, 30, are yet to have a honeymoon, Emma said it was still on the cards - eventually.

'When we find time, we will,' she said, as Lachy jumped in to say they're hoping to all have a break around Christmas.

But before they part ways for the festive season, The Wiggles are expecting to complete their yearly tradition of visiting sick kids at the Children's Hospital in Sydney.

Fame: Emma has become a familiar face thanks to landing the coveted gig
He won a new legion of British fans when he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015, forming a close bromance with winner James Hill.

And Austin Armacost has now bravely opened up about a traumatic sexual assault that resulted in him fearing for his life, speaking out about his ordeal on Thursday in a bid to raise awareness for World AIDS day.

The American star, who is rumoured to be taking part in the upcoming all-stars CBB series, recounted his decade-long HIV scare after being date raped in a moving piece for GuysLikeU.com.

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Speaking out: Austin Armacost has opened up about a traumatic sexual assault that resulted in him fearing for his life, speaking out about his ordeal on Thursday for World AIDS day

Austin confessed he was sexually assaulted in Chicago almost 10 years ago, recalling how everything became 'very blurry' during a night out with a male friend and waking up in man's flat two days later.

Following a week of crippling anxiety, Austin got himself checked for HIV - but was too afraid to go back for the follow-up test, resulting in him living in fear every single day for the next nine years.

Austin said: 'As a result of the unwanted assault, I was terrified of sex for years following that experience. It haunted me every day.

'It also contributed a large part to my drug and alcohol abuse in my twenties.'

Austin said: 'As a result of the unwanted assault, I was terrified of sex for years following that experience. It haunted me every day'

The star, who famously dated designer Marc Jacobs, revealed the worst part was repeatedly coming face-to-face with his attacker - and never mustering up the courage to confront him.

'Terror, fear, anxiety, hatred were just a few of the many emotions that would flood my brain every time I saw him. I was never able to confront him because I never got closure', he bravely recalled.

Recently, Austin admitted he met someone who helped him face his fears, finally taking the HIV test he should have all those years ago.

Tough time: The star, who famously dated designer Marc Jacobs, revealed the worst part was repeatedly coming face-to-face with his attacker

Describing how he felt after realising the test was negative, Austin explained: 'I had lived my life scared of a disease that has been so monumentally stigmatized for so long, yet a five minute test all those years ago could have helped me avoid the years of fear and panic I went through.'

The star went on to say that he hopes to raise awareness thanks to his account, revealing that he believes PrEP - Pre-exposure prophylaxis, a pill to prevent those at substantial risk of contracting HIV - is a blessing and will greatly benefit the gay community.

GuysLikeU.com is the UK's only website for young gay guys that gives them a voice and is edited by ex OK! editor Christian Guiltenane.
Kaya Scodelario has given birth.

The 24-year-old Maze Runner star took to Instagram to share the happy news that she and husband Benjamin Walker, 34, have welcomed their first child - a son - into the world.

Sharing the happy news with her one million followers, the English-born actress wrote: 'Welcome to the world little man. We couldn't be happier or more in love with you & Arnie's loving his new cuddle buddy.'

Welcome, little man: Kaya Scodelario, 24, took to Instagram to share the happy news that she and husband Benjamin Walker, 34, have welcomed their first child - a son - into the world

No other details about the baby have been released as of yet, but their French bulldog Arnie seemed enamored by the little one as he snuggled up to the baby in the photograph.

Avid posters: The couple announced their engagement, wedding, pregnancy and the arrival of their son on Instagram

The pair announced their pregnancy on the social media site this June when Benjamin uploaded a picture of the couple kissing on a beach as he held Kaya's exposed baby bump.

'Happy summer from the four of us. I love you @kayascods,' the actor captioned the sweet shot.

Kaya announced the pregnancy on her Facebook, posting, 'I love you @findthewalker. I love our little family...The family is expanding. And no we are not getting another dog, Arnie would be way too jealous.'

Instagram official: 'Happy summer from the four of us. I love you @kayascods,' the actor captioned the sweet shot

Benjamin and Kaya met on the set of 'The Moon and the Sun' and got engaged in December 2014 after just a few months of dating. The couple tied the knot one year later in a beautiful ceremony.

Kaya previously opened up about how she moved to New York to be with the Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter star after admitting it was tough to maintain a long-distance relationship.

'Ben lives in New York and I live in London, so we have to work hard to see each other. You have to go for it, which I like,' the Moon starlet divulged.

While Kaya may want to take some time off work to be with her newborn, she has two new films set to release in 2017: The King's Daughter, which Benjamin stars in as well, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

It's also been announced she will return to the third installment of Maze Runner: The Death Cure.

Meanwhile, hubby Benjamin - who was previously married to Meryl Streep's daughter Mamie Gummer - will appear in three films, one releasing toward the end of the year and two in 2017.

Shimmer Lake is set to release this December.
She was a big hit as co-host of Weekend Sunrise earlier this year.

And the move could be made permanent, with Angela Cox reportedly touching down in Australia for good after serving seven years as a US reporter for Channel Seven.

It is rumoured the journalist will become the newsreader for Weekend Sunrise, and The Daily Telegraph report she will read her first bulletin on air as soon as Saturday.

Coming soon? Angela Cox touched down in Sydney on Thursday after seven years with Channel Seven's US bureau and is rumoured to be taking a role reading the news on Weekend Sunrise

Angela's return down under has been confirmed by the presenter herself, who took to Instagram to bid an emotional farewell to her US colleagues.

After a spiel on her adoration for the team, she finished by writing: 'Love you all and can't wait to be reunited back in our other home.

'Thanks for giving me so much to miss and so much to be grateful for.'

Difficult goodbyes: The journalist shared an emotional farewell to her US colleagues to Instagram before she left the country to return home

And it appears she returned home to just as much love.

Angela shared a picture of herself and her sister Belinda Daley, who, according to the television presenter, 'woke up at 3am to fly to Sydney to meet me at the arrivals area so I would have someone waiting for me'.

The brunette joked she had been told off by Belinda, who told her she was 'six and a half years late'.

Reunited! Angela's sister Belinda flew to Sydney to pick the brunette up from the airport on Thursday, and the two appeared delighted to be back together

During her time overseas, Angela covered everything from the recent US election to the Emmys.

Talitha Cummins is the current newsreader for Weekend Sunrise, and is yet to announce a move elsewhere.

A spokesperson for Channel Seven was contacted by Daily Mail Australia and refused to comment.

A bit of everything! During her time overseas, Angela covered everything from the recent US election to the Emmys
Emily Ratajkowski shot to fame after stripping off for Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines video in 2013.

But the 25-year-old was covered head-to-toe after slamming photographer Jonathan Leder for publishing previously unseen naked photos of her.

'My body, my choice,' the actress and model wrote just hours before she landed at LAX airport on Thursday.

Flying under the radar! Emily Ratajkowski was covered head-to-toe as she arrived at the LAX airport on Thursday

'My body, my choice': The model took to Twitter on Thursday to rant about nude photos of her from 2012 being leaked

The brunette beauty began her rant since Wednesday and tweeted her anger, stating: 'This book and the images within them are a violation.'

The explicit photo shoot was done in May 2012 and some of the pictures have been widely reproduced by media outlets and magazines.

News of the photos broke last week and Emily explained: 'Ive been resisting speaking publicly on the recently released photos by Jonathan Leder to avoid giving him publicity. But Ive had enough.'

Fashionable flyer: The 25-year-old model was spotted after she took to Twitter and slammed photographer Jonathan Leder for publishing previously unseen naked photos of her

Low-key look: The Blurred Lines beauty wore a loose-fitting black sweater which she teamed with light wash distressed denim jeans

She explained that the Polaroids were taken for an artful magazine spread and she never intended for the unused ones to be published.

'These photos being used w/out my permission is an example of exactly the opposite of what I stand for: women choosing when and how they want to share their sexuality and bodies,' she tweeted.

The genetically-gifted stunner continued her rhetoric on Thursday and wrote: 'To be clear: I signed no release & was not paid.'

Natural beauty: Emily went makeup-free for her travels which featured her flawless complexion

Details: The genetically-gifted stunner rounded out her low-key look was a pair of simple wire-framed glasses and dainty silver necklaces

'That said, the legal side of this is private,' she added. 'And I would appreciate it if people waited to base their opinions on facts rather than speculation or assumptions.'

The Vogue Germany cover girl touched down at the Los Angeles terminal in light wash distressed denim jeans.

She wore a loose-fitting black sweater which she teamed with matching suede ankle boots.

Outrage: While she's happy to flaunt her body for fame, the model insisted via Twitter on Wednesday that it's up to her when and how she chooses to show off her figure

Her silky chestnut tresses were styled straight and parted down the centre for a classic look.

Emily went makeup-free for her travels which featured her flawless complexion and natural beauty.

Rounding out her low-key look was a pair of simple wire-framed glasses and dainty silver necklaces.
New era for Thai monarchy as prince to be proclaimed king

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be proclaimed the new king of Thailand late Thursday, his office said, opening a new chapter for the powerful monarchy in a country still mourning the death of his father.

Vajiralongkorn, 64, who inherits one of the world's richest monarchies as well as a politically troubled nation, will ascend the throne 50 days after King Bhumibol Adulyadej's death.

As dusk fell in Bangkok, the prince arrived at the Grand Palace where his father's body lies in state for religious rites to mark the 50th day since his death.

A Thai man looks at a portrait photo of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn at a shop along a street in Bangkok TANG CHHIN SOTHY (AFP)

In complex protocols, the prince will later grant an audience to grandees including the junta leader and the head of the National Legislative Assembly, who will invite Vajiralongkorn to become king.

"The Crown Prince will deliver an acceptance speech... after that he will pay respects in front of a portrait of the king," the statement added.

Buddhist temples across the country have been asked to beat drums and gongs after his proclamation.

He will be named Rama X of Thailand's Chakri dynasty, but will not formally be crowned until after his father's cremation, which is expected next year.

Bhumibol's reign, which ended on October 13, spanned seven turmoil-laden decades, pockmarked by a communist insurgency, coups and street protests.

To many Thais Bhumibol was the only consistent force in a politically combustible country, his image burnished by ritual and shielded by a harsh royal defamation law.

Vajiralongkorn, who has been named successor for more than four decades, does not yet enjoy the same level of popularity.

He spends much of his time outside of the public eye, particularly in southern Germany where he owns property.

He has had three high-profile divorces, while a recent police corruption scandal linked to the family of his previous wife allowed the public a rare glimpse of palace affairs.

Thursday's ascension will end a period of uncertainty which followed a shock junta announcement after Bhumibol's death that the prince had asked to delay his official proclamation so he could mourn.

Thailand's constitutional monarchy has limited formal powers.

But it draws the loyalty of much of the kingdom's super-rich business elite as well as a military that dominates politics through its regular coups.

It is also protected from criticism by one of the world's harshest lese majeste laws, carrying up to 15 years in jail for every charge of defaming the king, queen, heir or regent.

That law makes open discussion about the royal family's role all but impossible inside the kingdom and means all media based inside the country routinely self-censor.

Convictions for so-called "112" offences -- named after its criminal code -- have skyrocketed since generals seized power in 2014.

Experts say most have targeted the junta's political opponents, many of whom support the toppled civilian government of Yingluck Shinawatra.
Indonesian police fire water cannon at pro-Papua demo

Indonesian police Thursday fired water cannon in a bid to disperse a demonstration against Jakarta's rule over the insurgency-hit eastern region of Papua, and rounded up scores of protesters.

About 150 protesters rallied in Jakarta to mark the anniversary of Papua's 1961 declaration of independence, two years before Indonesia took control of the region from former colonial ruler the Netherlands.

Insurgents have been fighting against rule from Jakarta ever since, while the central government has sought to keep a tight grip on the resource-rich region with a heavy military and police presence.

Protesters confront police using water cannons during a protest by mostly university students from the Free Papua Organization and the Papua Student Alliance in Jakarta BAY ISMOYO (AFP)

The protesters, mostly university students from the Free Papua Organisation and the Papua Student Alliance, yelled "Free Papua", facing off against hundreds of police in riot gear.

"It's enough. Our people have been killed and detained, it's enough," said protester Cheko, who only gave one name.

Four demonstrators were detained after police accused them of displaying the pro-independence "Morning Star" flag, which is banned, and most of the other protesters were later taken away in police vans, going voluntarily without any violence breaking out.

Veronica Koman, a lawyer from Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation, said the group had a team of lawyers ready to defend the protesters.

Six years after taking control of Papua, Indonesia held a referendum that it says validated its claim to the region. But the vote was widely seen as a sham, with Jakarta hand-picking 1,026 people to vote on behalf of all Papuans.

There are regular small-scale clashes between insurgents, fighting on behalf of the ethnic Melanesian population, and security forces in Papua. Activists often accuse police and the army of committing human rights abuses in the name of anti-rebel operations.

President Joko Widodo has pledged to improve livelihoods in Papua, which is one of the least developed regions of the archipelago, and has repeatedly travelled there during his two years in office.
Foreign governments warn citizens before Jakarta rally

Foreign governments Thursday warned their citizens to keep away from a major rally in the Indonesian capital Jakarta by Muslim groups against the city's Christian governor amid fears it could turn violent.

At least 150,000 people are expected to flood downtown Jakarta Friday to protest against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who has caused widespread anger in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country by allegedly insulting Islam.

A protest on November 4 against Purnama, who is being prosecuted for breaking Indonesia's tough blasphemy laws, attracted about 100,000 demonstrators and ended in violence, with one person killed and hundreds injured in clashes.

At least 150,000 people are expected to flood downtown Jakarta to protest against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who has caused widespread anger in Indonesia by allegedly insulting Islam GOH CHAI HIN (AFP)

The American embassy in Jakarta warned in a message to US citizens that "even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence".

"Some extremist groups could take advantage of the December 2 events to incite or carry out violence," it said, adding that Americans should avoid the demonstration.

The Australian government warned its citizens: "We strongly advise you to avoid all protests as they may turn violent... Maintain a high level of vigilance and security awareness."

More than 20,000 police and soldiers will be deployed to secure Friday's rally which could dwarf the earlier protest against Purnama, who is known by his nickname Ahok.

Authorities and Islamic leaders have agreed to restrict the demonstration to a major park around a downtown monument and the event is scheduled to end by 1:00 pm (0600 GMT).

During the last protest, clashes began in the evening when hardliners refused to disperse, with protesters hurling missiles and police responding with tear gas and water cannon.

Police named Purnama a suspect in a blasphemy investigation earlier this month following the protest, as calls mounted from Muslim groups for him to be prosecuted for allegedly insulting the Koran while campaigning for February governorship elections.
A Ugandan town comes to terms with a massacre's aftermath

Outside the mortuary in Kasese, grief-stricken families wait to find out if their missing relatives were among scores killed by Ugandan security forces at the weekend.

Huddling in groups, some pull clothes over their mouths and noses to mask the sickening stench of the decomposing corpses inside.

Kikanda Bwambale, 40, was back at the mortuary to look for his older brother, Siriro, after being turned away the previous day.

Relatives prepare to bury a guard of King Charles Wesley Mumbere of the Rwenzururu kingdom after clashes with security forces leave scores dead Will Boase (AFP)

Bwambale last heard from Siriro on Saturday when he visited the local king's palace to discuss a land issue. That day, clashes broke out between royal guards and Ugandan police that left nearly 90 dead.

"My brother had never been to the palace before. He was a peasant, he didn't know anything about politics or the kingdom," said Bwambale. "I think he's been shot."

Mumbere Isaac, 27, was also looking for his brother, Nyanza. "The bodies in there are burnt and decomposed," he said, distraught that he may be unable to identify the corpse.

Sobs rang out as coffins were loaded into trucks or carried to grave sites as families who had recovered their dead began holding funerals.

The official police toll from weekend fighting first given on Sunday stands at 62. However Kasese's district police commander has told AFP another 25 bodies were found in two sub-counties on Monday.

The government accused King Charles Wesley Mumbere of stoking a secessionist rebellion and stormed his palace on Sunday to arrest him. He was taken to the capital Kampala where he was charged with murder.

- Fear and anguish -

But in Kasese there are different stories, with some suspecting the real toll tops 100.

Tembo Jockim of the Ugandan Red Cross said many people remain missing.

"Civilians, wives to the royal guards were at the palace and we know that in the palace there were children and they're seen neither in police custody nor in the death list," Jockim said.

The Ugandan government alleges that kingdom hardliners want to secede and establish an independent state they call the Yiira Republic that would include a part of neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, whose people share the same culture and language as the local Bakonzo.

Before being recognised as a traditional kingdom in 2009, Rwenzururu had a long history as a separatist movement, and the government said a trained, armed militia had set up camp in the palace and surrounding Rwenzori mountains.

Uganda's Internal Affairs Minister General Jeje Odongo said machine guns, machetes, spears and petrol bombs had been found in the palace.

But Bwambale said none of this meant anything to his missing brother.

"He didn't support a Yiira Republic or not. He was not interested in that."

- Region feels 'oppressed' -

Days after the violence, Kasese is gradually returning to a semblence of normality with shops and restaurants opening, but anguish and fear remain.

Near some market stalls in the town centre, Abdon -- who did not want to give his full name for fear of reprisals -- said the local ethnic group feels marginalised.

"The Bakonzo community feel that they have always been oppressed, even since colonial times. The whole of this region was underdeveloped," he said.

But he denied government claims of ethnic militancy or a drive for secession.

"We've just heard of 'Yiira' on press or media but publicly nobody has held a rally or any gathering about that," he said.

The kingdom's prime minister Tembo Kitsumbwe disputes the official account that royal guards started the violence.

"I was inside my office at noon on Saturday when I received a call to say the office was being surrounded. I escaped through a side door and the Royal Guards closed the doors and refused to let the police and army enter," he told AFP.

"Moments later the police just bombed the office. I ran to the palace and within an hour that was surrounded, too," he said.

He called for the king to be released and for negotiations between the monarch and President Yoweri Museveni.

"If it's a battle as they claim then this is the only way to achieve peace in the Rwenzori. Otherwise the conflict will continue."

People read a list of those detained in police custody in Kasese after clashes between police and the royal guard Badru KATUMBA (AFP)

Relatives of policemen killed during the clashes between security forces and royal guards of King Charles Wesley Mumbere of the Rwenzururu kingdom Will Boase (AFP)
Kuwait court upholds cyberactivist's 10-year jail term

Kuwait's appeals court has upheld a 10-year jail sentence against an online activist on charges of insulting the emir and harming national interests, a newspaper reported on Thursday.

Waleed Fares was convicted of spreading false news on Twitter about the Gulf state's domestic affairs which harmed national interests and of insulting the emir and undermining his authority.

He was also convicted of publishing comments deemed offensive to judges and the public prosecutor.

In recent years, dozens of opposition politicians and activists have been jailed by the Kuwaiti courts, most of them on charges of insulting the emir or undermining his authority Yasser al-Zayyat (AFP/File)

On Wednesday, the appeals court upheld the 10-year jail sentence handed down by a lower court, Kuwait's Al-Qabas newspaper reported.

In recent years, dozens of opposition politicians and activists have been jailed by the Kuwaiti courts, most of them on charges of insulting the emir or undermining his authority.

Dozens more are awaiting trial on similar charges.

The crackdown came after the emir dissolved an opposition-dominated parliament in 2012 sparking two years of mass street protests.
First Israeli ambassador to Turkey since 2010 arrives

Israel's new ambassador to Turkey arrived in the capital Ankara on Thursday, an Israeli embassy official said, to serve as the first official envoy since a six-year spat put diplomatic relations on ice.

Eitan Naeh arrived in the morning, the official, who did not wish to be named, told AFP. Naeh is due to present his letter of credence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the next few days.

Naeh, who had been serving as deputy head of mission at the Israeli embassy in London, was chosen as ambassador earlier this month by a government committee.

Relations between the two countries plunged to an all-time low after Israeli commandos raided a Gaza-bound ship of activists in 2010 Jack Guez (AFP/File)

A career diplomat, he previously worked at the embassy in Ankara from 1993 to 1997.

Naeh is the country's first envoy since Israeli commandos raided a Gaza-bound ship of activists in 2010.

After the raid which killed 10 Turkish activists, relations between the two countries plunged to an all-time low with both pulling their envoys out from the respective capitals.

At one point, Erdogan even accused the Israeli leadership of "keeping Hitler's spirit alive".

But the bitter rift came to an end in June after long-running secret talks in third countries with Israel offering $20 million in compensation, an apology over the raid and permission for Turkish aid to reach Gaza.

Last week firefighting planes from Turkey were sent to Israel after bushfires raged.

Thanking Ankara for its support and the warm welcome, Naeh told reporters at the airport: "We have a history of helping each other in times of need."

In a video shared by the embassy's official Facebook account, Naeh said: "I am very happy to be back in Turkey as ambassador. We have a lot of work to do... I am looking forward to starting the work here, officially."

The process to normalise relations was strongly supported by the United States, which had long wanted to see NATO ally Turkey resume its once-close relationship with Israel.
Myanmar child rape cases surge 40 percent: state media

Child rape cases in Myanmar have surged by 40 percent this year, state media said Wednesday, highlighting a growing problem for the country still grappling with a dark past of rights abuses.

Poverty and weak laws mean Myanmar's children are highly vulnerable to abuse, with many of them sold into labour or forcibly recruited to fight in the country's borderlands.

Behind closed doors rights activists say many more are at risk of exploitation either as domestic helpers for wealthy families or within their own communities.

Poverty and weak laws mean Myanmar's children are highly vulnerable to abuse, with many of them sold into labour or forcibly recruited to fight in the country's borderlands Romeo Gacad (AFP/File)

At the end of October, 380 child molestation cases had been reported across the country -- 150 more than the same period in 2015 and accounting for half of all reported rapes nationwide.

But experts fear the numbers could be only the tip of the iceberg as a culture of silence and victim blaming means abuse often goes undocumented.

"Most of the time it is carried out by family members, neighbours, relatives or someone close to the victims' families," said police major Khin Maung Thin from Mandalay, where cases have doubled.

"Brothers abuse sisters and fathers abuse daughters," he told AFP.

Physical and emotional abuse is a common problem in many countries in Asia-Pacific.

A UNICEF study released last month found it cost the region some $200 billion, or two percent of GDP, in healthcare and crimes committed by many victims later in life.

UNICEF's Myanmar representative Bertrand Bainvel said sexual violence is the second most widespread form of child abuse in the country.

"Sometimes families are reluctant to report (cases) because of the taboo surrounding the issue," he said.

"They think they are protecting victims by not reporting."

Strengthening child protection is a key issue for Myanmar's new democratically elected government as it seeks to reform the country after half a century of brutal military rule.

He said he expects tougher child protection laws including stiffer sentencing to be passed this year.

But for some longer jail terms will not suffice especially for child rapists.

"The public cannot bear such abuse and they are urging the government to take action against the perpetrators by giving the death sentence," said lawmaker Khin Saw Wai.

"I am a member of parliament, a woman and a mother. I cannot accept such abuse of children."
Russia wants fresh start with US under Trump: Lavrov

Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Thursday for a fresh start in relations with the United States under Donald Trump and fired a parting shot at outgoing President Barack Obama.

"We are confident that the new administration does not want to repeat the errors of the outgoing one, which deliberately destroyed US-Russian relations," Lavrov was quoted as saying in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

Trump's election victory and the positive noises he has made towards Moscow have been greeted with trepidation in Ukraine and former communist states that are now part of the US-led NATO alliance.

Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is quoted as saying that US President Barack Obama "deliberately destroyed US-Russian relations" Brendan Smialowski (AFP/File)

During the campaign, Trump praised President Vladimir Putin and said he would seek to improve relations with Moscow while casting doubt on Washington's commitments to its NATO allies.

Lavrov told Corriere: "Naturally we positively welcomed the willingness for cooperation between our two countries shown by Trump during the election campaign.

"On our part we are always available for a honest, pragmatic dialogue with Washington on all bilateral and global questions..."

He added: "We hope that the new president's fledgling foreign policy team will take concrete steps in this direction and that the cooperation will be constructive."

Lavrov defended Russia's build-up of forces in areas close to ex-Soviet NATO states as a response to the Western allies "political-military pressure on our country" which had obliged Moscow to "take appropriate measures for our defence and national security."
Birthplace of S. Korea president's father 'hit by arson'

The birthplace of the father of South Korea's scandal-hit President Park Geun-Hye was damaged in an arson attack Thursday, police said, with the suspect allegedly calling on the leader to quit.

Park is under huge pressure to resign over an influence-peddling scandal that has drawn more than a million people onto the streets in protest and sent her approval ratings to record lows.

The suspected arson attack damaged the memorial hall of the house where former military dictator Park Chung-Hee was born in the southern city of Gumi, police said.

The suspected arson attack damaged the memorial hall of the house where former military dictator Park Chung-Hee was born in the city of Gumi Jeon Young-Han (AFP/File)

A 48-year-old man was arrested nearby for suspected arson.

"The president should have resigned or killed herself. I set the fire because she did neither," the suspect was quoted as saying by the police, according to Yonhap news agency.

Police were investigating whether he had written a message in the visitors' book Thursday which read "Kill yourself, Park Geun-Hye. Stop soiling your father's name", Yonhap added.

Park said this week she would let parliament decide her fate following accusations that she colluded with Choi Soon-Sil -- a secretive confidante dubbed "Korea's Rasputin" -- to coerce firms to "donate" tens of millions of dollars to foundations which were used for Choi's personal gain.

Park has been named a suspect in the investigation, making her the first sitting president to be subject to a criminal probe while in office.

Her late father, Park Chung-Hee, is credited with pulling the war-ravaged South out of poverty during his iron-fisted rule from 1961 to 1979, when he was assassinated by his security chief.

However, he is also reviled for his regime's human rights abuses.
Lavrov denies Russia, Syria role in Turkish deaths

Moscow and Damascus were not behind an air strike in Syria last week that killed four Turkish soldiers, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday, refuting Turkish claims.

"Neither Russia nor Syria, its air force, had anything to do with this," Lavrov told a news conference in the southern Turkish resort of Alanya, alongside his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu.

"Our (Russian and Turkish) representatives had discussed this issue right after the incident on various levels," he said.

Turkey in August launched an operation inside Syria dubbed "Euphrates Shield" in support of Syrian opposition fighters to push IS jihadists from its border Nazeer al-Khatib (AFP/File)

Turkey blamed Syria for the November 24 strike, which came on the first anniversary of the shooting down of a Russian military warplane by the Turkish air force.

That incident sparked an unprecedented crisis in relations between Turkey and Russia, who remain on opposite sides of the Syrian conflict.

Ankara is staging an unprecedented military operation in northern Syria to support rebels against Islamic State (IS) jihadists.

With Turkey's help, opposition fighters have so far retaken Jarabulus, Al Rai and the symbolically important town of Dabiq from IS.

Moscow has sided with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, providing military support that the Western observers say is killing civilians, not just jihadists and the rebels.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed Syria three times on the phone in the last week including the Turkish soldiers' deaths.

Lavrov warned that coordination between Moscow and the US-led coalition was key to improving the fight against terrorists.

"We coordinate with the US-led coalition, of which Turkey is a part, with the goal of avoiding unplanned incidents. So, through these channels, it would make sense to check who was flying and who was not flying."

- Humanitarian corridors in Aleppo -

Lavrov also defended Moscow's involvement in a massive Syrian bombing campaign to crush the last resistance by rebels in eastern Aleppo, which has forced thousands of civilians to flee.

"We have helped the Syrian regime to thwart attempts by terrorists to block the exit of civilians from eastern Aleppo," Lavrov said in Alanya.

Lavrov said Russia used any opportunity to help civilians despite what he said "threats from those called local council to prevent passage of humanitarian convoys and fire on them."

The UN reported Thursday Russia proposed setting up four humanitarian corridors to eastern Aleppo to allow aid to enter and to evacuate the injured.

- 'Meetings with Syrian opposition' -

Lavrov added now that "most of eastern Aleppo has been liberated", he did not understand why large-scale efforts to organise humanitarian convoys had not yet begun despite talks with the United Nations.

Lavrov also confirmed "ongoing" meetings with the Syrian opposition "to convince them to become part of the solution" but declined to comment on its details.

"We never evaded contact with all opposition groups," he stressed.

For his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called for a "ceasefire" in Syria and for humanitarian aid to be sent to the country.

He later added: "A political solution is the best solution."

The Russian presence in Syria
Troops advance in Aleppo, Russia proposes aid corridors

Elite Syrian troops moved into east Aleppo Thursday ahead of a push into the most densely populated areas, as regime ally Russia called for corridors to bring in aid and evacuate wounded.

Despite global criticism including the UN warning Aleppo risked becoming a "giant graveyard", government forces have pressed an assault to retake control of the divided city.

The artillery-backed offensive has spurred an exodus of tens of thousands of residents from the rebel-held east.

Syrian pro-government forces cheer on a military vehicle driving past residents on November 30, 2016 fleeing a former rebel-held district of eastern Aleppo, northern Syria which was retaken by the regime forces last week George Ourfalian (AFP)

It has left Aleppo's streets strewn with the bodies of men, women and children, many lying next to the suitcases they had packed to escape.

Artillery fire continued on Thursday but subsided as heavy rainfall hit the city.

The assault has seen President Bashar al-Assad's forces make significant gains in the past week.

After overrunning the city's northeast, they were in control of 40 percent of the territory once held by opposition forces in Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"The regime is tightening the noose on the remaining section of east Aleppo under rebel control," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

He said hundreds of fighters from Syria's elite Republican Guard and Fourth Division arrived in Aleppo on Thursday "in preparation for street battles" in the densely populated southeast.

"They are moving in on the ground, but they are afraid of ambushes because of the density of both residents and fighters," he said.

- Widespread outrage -

The violence in Aleppo has sparked widespread outrage at the regime, but also at its steadfast supporter Moscow.

On Thursday, Russia proposed setting up four humanitarian corridors into east Aleppo to bring in aid and evacuate severely wounded people.

Russia announced "they want to sit down in Aleppo with our people there to discuss how we can use the four (humanitarian) corridors to evacuate people out," Jan Egeland, head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, told reporters in Geneva.

He said Russia has pledged to respect the corridors, and that "we (the UN) now feel confident that the armed opposition groups will do the same."

Moscow has announced several humanitarian pauses in Aleppo to allow civilians to flee, but until the recent military escalation, only a handful did so.

In Turkey on Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow had used every opportunity to help civilians, but accused rebels of threatening "to prevent passage of humanitarian convoys and fire on them."

Russia was criticised at Wednesday's UN Security Council meeting on Syria, with British ambassador Matthew Rycroft accusing Moscow of supporting "a deliberate act of starvation and a deliberate withholding of medical care."

Since Saturday more than 50,000 people have poured out of east Aleppo into territory controlled by government forces or local Kurdish authorities, according to the Observatory.

Thousands more have sought refuge in the remaining rebel-held neighbourhoods in southeastern Aleppo, arriving with overpacked suitcases or sometimes just the clothes on their backs.

- Urgent UN appeal -

The loss of east Aleppo -- a rebel stronghold since 2012 -- would be the biggest blow to Syria's opposition in more than five years.

Syrian aircraft have been pounding east Aleppo with air strikes for months -- often using crude munitions like barrel bombs -- but as the ground advance has gathered pace the army has instead turned to more precise artillery.

The effect has been no less devastating.

On Thursday, four children from a single family were killed in artillery fire by regime forces on the rebel-held Maadi neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to the Observatory.

The government's offensive has left 42 children dead, among a total of more than 300 civilians killed since November 15.

Retaliatory rocket fire by the rebels on government-held areas has killed 48 civilians, according to the Britain-based Observatory, which has a wide network of sources on the ground.

The US-led coalition bombing the Islamic State jihadist group in both Syria and neighbouring Iraq said Thursday that 54 civilians had been "inadvertently killed" in seven air strikes between March and October.

The deadliest strike occurred July 18, when coalition aircraft attacked a group of IS fighters near Manbij in northern Syria, killing about 100 of them.

But "up to 24 civilians who had been interspersed with combatants were inadvertently killed in a known (IS) staging area where no civilians had been seen in the 24 hours prior to the attack," said the coalition.

Map showing the situation in Aleppo on November 30 as the Syrian army tightened its grip on the northeast of the city Valentina BRESCHI, Simon MALFATTO, Frederic BOURGEAIS, Sophie RAMIS (AFP)

Syrians who fled from rebel-held areas in east Aleppo receive food aid on December 1, 2016 at a warehouse in Duweirineh, a small village on the eastern outskirts of the embattled city George Ourfalian (AFP)

Residents of eastern rebel-held parts of Aleppo, northern Syria walk through the Kadi Askar district on November 30, 2016 as they leave their homes for a safer place, during a Syrian army offensive on the eastern sectors of the divided city Thaer Mohammed (AFP)

Syrians who fled from rebel-held areas in east Aleppo receive aid food on December 1, 2016, at a warehouse in a small village on the city's eastern outskirts George Ourfalian (AFP)
India signs $750m deal for BAE howitzers

India has signed a $750 million agreement with the United States to buy 145 howitzer artillery guns from BAE Systems, an official said Thursday, its first such deal in three decades.

India, the world's number one defence importer, is updating its military capabilities with hardware worth tens of billions of dollars in the face of long-standing tensions with regional rivals China and Pakistan.

It has been in discussions since 2012 to buy BAE Systems' M777 ultra-lightweight guns through the US Foreign Military Sales programme.

India has signed an agreement to buy 145 BAE Systems' M777 ultra-lightweight howitzers for its military Marwan Naamani (AFP/File)

"India has signed the letter of acceptance which formalises the contract between India and the US for the howitzer guns," a defence official told AFP in New Delhi.

The deal, worth nearly 50 billion rupees, will see 25 guns being delivered in ready-to-use condition with the rest being assembled in India, the official said on condition of anonymity.

The howitzers, with a maximum range of 30 kilometres (17 miles), will be used by the army's mountain artillery divisions along India's high-altitude frontiers.

India has fought three wars with arch-rival Pakistan since independence in 1947, but China is increasingly seen as the main focus of its ambitious military modernisation and procurement policy.

India last purchased howitzers for the army in 1986, when it bought 410 field guns from the Swedish arms giant AB Bofors.

The Bofors deal became mired in corruption allegations and cost then Congress Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi the 1989 national elections.

BAE Systems said in February it had chosen India's Mahindra group to build a plant for assembling the artillery guns.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he wants foreign manufacturers that win lucrative hardware deals to invest in India by partnering with local firms.
Abbas is Israel's top 'ideological' foe: Netanyahu ally

A leading minister called Mahmud Abbas Israel's top ideological enemy on Thursday after the Palestinian president suggested he could withdraw recognition if progress was not made towards peace.

Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz, seen as close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called the Palestinian leader's remarks at a Fatah party congress in Ramallah on Wednesday "a sad joke."

"Abu Mazen talks about stopping recognising Israel -- he never really recognised Israel's right to exist and the Jewish people's right to a state of their own," Steinitz told army radio, referring to Abbas.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas addresses members of his Fatah party in the West Bank city of Ramallah on November 30, 2016 Abbas Momani (AFP/File)

"Ideologically Abu Mazen is the number one enemy of the very existence of Israel, even more than (Yasser) Arafat was," he said referring to Abbas's predecessor, who led an armed struggle against Israel before signing the Oslo peace accords of 1993 and 1995.

While Palestinian leaders have recognised the state of Israel, Israeli leaders have called on them to do so as a "Jewish state", which Abbas has refused.

For the Palestinians, doing so could preempt negotiations on the so-called right of return, the demand that Palestinian refugees from the time of Israel's creation in 1948 be allowed back under a peace deal.

Israeli leaders say the refusal shows the Palestinians are not truly interested in peace with a Jewish-majority nation.

Speaking at his Fatah party's first congress since 2009, Abbas said: "Our recognition of the state of Israel is not free and must receive mutual recognition in return.

"If Israel goes to the UN and is recognised as a Jewish national republic of Israel, then they will have international recognition," the 81-year-old said during his three-hour speech.

"At the moment, we must lead a peaceful popular resistance and we want to keep our hand extended for peace, but if Israel does not recognise us, we will withdraw our recognition."

While Israeli politicians accuse Abbas and other Palestinian leaders of inciting violence, Israeli military officials have saluted his efforts to coordinate security.

Israel's security establishment sees him as far preferable to Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip.
Russia proposes four humanitarian corridors for Aleppo: UN

Russia has proposed setting up four humanitarian corridors to battered eastern Aleppo to allow in aid as well as hundreds of desperately needed medical evacuations, the United Nation said Thursday.

"The Russian Federation announced that... they want to sit down in Aleppo with our people there to discuss how we can use the four corridors to evacuate people out," Jan Egeland, head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, told reporters in Geneva.

"We have at least 400 wounded that need immediate medical evacuation," Egeland said, adding that there would also be discussions on using "these corridors to get medical supplies and food in."

Smoke billows in Aleppo's Bustan al-Basha district on November 28, 2016, during Syrian pro-government forces assault to retake the entire city from rebels George Ourfalian (AFP/File)

His comments came as hundreds of elite Syrian troops were moving into east Aleppo Thursday ahead of a push into the most densely populated areas, after the UN warned the city risked becoming a "giant graveyard".

A government offensive to retake all of Aleppo has pounded the city in recent days, with the relentless barrage leaving Aleppo's streets strewn with the bodies of men, women and children, many lying next to the suitcases they had packed to escape.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said Wednesday that more than 50,000 people have fled Aleppo's rebel-held districts to both government-held territory and Kurdish-controlled districts.

Egeland, who put the exodus at at least 27,000, said the UN had access to all the people in both the government- and Kurdish-held areas, but still could not reach those in besieged parts of the east.

- Respected by all sides? -

Syria's main ally Russia has previously unilaterally declared the creation of evacuation passages from east Aleppo, but the UN was not involved and the routes, which came under rebel fire, went largely unused.

Egeland acknowledged that previous attempts at setting up humanitarian corridors had not been successful due to "issues with both sides," but said "a humanitarian corridor can work if all the armed actors respect it".

He said Russia has pledged to respect the corridors, and that "we (the UN) now feel confident that the armed opposition groups will do the same".

"Now I think it has dawned upon all sides the urgency of the situation," he said.

The UN peace envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told reporters that a humanitarian "pause" in the fighting remained UN priority.

Egeland said access to the besieged areas of east Aleppo was essential, adding that the UN has enough food stored in western Aleppo to feed 150,000 people in the east, as well as medical supplies to cover all the needs there.

As for western Aleppo, he said the main concern was providing adequate shelter for those flooding in from the east, who are joining some 400,000 displaced Syrians already in that part of the city.

Civilians flee Aleppo
Moonwalker Buzz Aldrin stable after South Pole health scare

Retired astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the Moon, was recovering in a New Zealand hospital Friday after being medically evacuated from the South Pole while on a tourist trip, his management said.

Aldrin, 86, was "evacuated on the first available flight out" after experiencing health problems, said a statement from Antarctic tour operator White Desert.

It said Aldrin -- later found to have fluid on his lungs -- was flown out after his "condition deteriorated", describing the move as "a precaution."

Retired astronaut Buzz Aldrin was visiting the South Pole as part of a tourist group, when his "condition deteriorated," said a statement from the operator, White Desert Mark Ralston (AFP/File)

An update on Aldrin's website said he was taken to Christchurch, New Zealand, where he was receiving hospital treatment.

"(He) currently has fluid in his lungs but is responding well to antibiotics and being kept in overnight for observation," it said.

"His condition is stable and his manager, who is currently with him, described him being in good spirits."

Aldrin's management also tweeted a photograph of the spaceman smiling and looking alert in his hospital bed.

His illness in the remote frozen continent sparked a 4,400 kilometre (2,700 mile) mercy dash.

First, the US National Science Foundation dispatched a humanitarian medical flight to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.

From there, another flight took Aldrin to McMurdo Station on the Antarctic coast, and then to New Zealand, where he arrived at 4:25 am local time Friday.

"After a gruelling 24 hours we're safe in New Zealand," his manager Christina Korp tweeted.

- 'Here I come' -

In 1969, Aldrin and Neil Armstrong became the first men to walk on the Moon, as part of the Apollo 11 mission.

Armstrong stepped out of the lunar module first, uttering the now famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Aldrin, clad in a bulky white spacesuit, hopped out next.

"Beautiful, beautiful. Magnificent desolation," Aldrin said on July 20, 1969.

In recent years, he has authored books for adults and children and advocated establishing a permanent human colony on Mars.

Aldrin is an avid user of Twitter, and tweeted in recent days about his trip to the South Pole.

"I could be a little underdressed for Antarctica. Although I tend to be hot blooded," he wrote on November 27, posting a picture of himself wearing a black and red Mars shirt.

"South Pole, here I come!" he wrote a day later.

Born in Montclair, New Jersey on January 20, 1930, Aldrin was educated at the prestigious West Point military academy in New York state.

He joined the US Air Force and flew 66 combat missions in the Korean War, shooting down two enemy fighter jets.

He earned a doctorate in astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and devised manned space rendezvous techniques -- an orbital maneuvre during which two crafts dock in space -- that were later adopted by NASA.

In 1963, he was picked to join the select corps of early US astronauts, and six years later he set a record -- now broken -- for the longest space walk by spending five and a half hours outside the spacecraft during the Gemini 12 orbital mission.

He logged a total of 4,500 hours flying time, 290 of them in space.

Aldrin is known to be a Republican and a devout Christian, and has said he took communion while in the spacecraft that landed on the Moon. He has been married and divorced three times and has three children.
Nigerian court denies bail to separatist leader Kanu

A Nigerian court on Thursday refused bail to a separatist activist, whose arrest last year sparked a wave of bloody protests across the country.

Nnamdi Kanu heads the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) group, which has emerged as the new face of the campaign by the Igbo people of southeast Nigeria for a separate Biafra state.

He has been in custody since his arrest in October 2015, facing charges of treason, operating pirate Radio Biafra and belonging to an unlawful organisation.

Demonstrators from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) hold a sign reading "Buhari, free Nnamdi Kanu from prison" during a protest in the Abidjan suburb of Treichville on September 23, 2016 calling for the release of the pro-Biafra leader Sia Kambou (AFP/File)

Federal high court judge Binta Nyako refused an application by Kanu's lawyers to release him and three others, ruling that the "alleged offences for which the defendants are standing trial are serious."

Nyako said Kanu and the other suspects could face up to life in prison if convicted.

In refusing bail, Nyako also ordered the case heard "almost immediately but not later than two months from now."

Kanu's lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor told AFP he would appeal.

"We are surprised at the ruling of the court but we still have the right of appeal," he said.

The court is now adjourned until December 13 to consider a prosecution request for the trial to be conducted behind closed doors to protect witnesses.

Dozens of pro-Biafra campaigners stood outside the court chanting slogans such as "All hail Biafra" and "All we want is freedom."

After the hearing, Kanu and the other suspects, all dressed in white, were whisked away by security officials.

At least three judges, including in an ECOWAS court, have ordered Kanu's release, but the Nigerian government refused to free him, saying he would jump bail.

Kanu's separatist IPOB group has held a series of protests across the country in recent months, sparking bloody clashes with the security forces.

Last week, Amnesty International accused security agents of killing some 150 Biafra protesters in the past year, but the military denied the charge.

Kanu is pushing for a separate republic of Biafra, nearly 50 years after a previous declaration of independence sparked a civil war.
UN envoy meets Yemen's Hadi in new peace bid

The UN envoy to Yemen and President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi met Thursday in the southern city of Aden to discuss a new bid to end the country's conflict, a government official said.

Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who flew in from Riyadh, held several hours of talks with Hadi at the hilltop Al-Maashiq palace, where members of his government are also staying, before leaving Aden, the official said.

The UN envoy, after meeting Hadi in Aden for the first time, said the visit was a "message of respect" for the president, in videotaped comments sent to reporters.

More than 7,000 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 wounded since Yemen's conflict escalated since a Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened militarily in March last year Ahmad Al-Basha (AFP/File)

The aim of his mission was to "return to dialogue and a peaceful solution", Ould Cheikh Ahmed said, reporting "much positivity" from Hadi.

Aden has been serving as Yemen's temporary capital since pro-Hadi forces with support from a Saudi-led Arab coalition recaptured it from Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels last year.

Hadi, who has been based mostly in Riyadh since Yemen's conflict broke out, flew to Aden last Saturday.

The government-run sabanew.net website said Hadi handed the envoy a letter reiterating the governments rejection of a roadmap presented by Ould Cheikh Ahmed in October, which would see the president eased out of power.

The contents of the peace roadmap have not been made public.

But informed sources say it calls for agreement on naming a new vice president after the rebels withdraw from the capital Sanaa and other cities and hand over heavy weapons to a third party.

Hadi would then transfer power to the vice president who would appoint a new prime minister to form a government in which the north and south of Yemen would have equal representation.

Late last month, Ould Cheikh Ahmed said he has been preparing "for a new round" of peace talks, after a previous round held in Kuwait collapsed in August.

More than 7,000 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 wounded since Yemen's conflict escalated after the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in March 2015 to support Hadi.

On a separate front, Aden has been the target of frequent jihadist attacks claimed by Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group which have expanded in Yemen's south and east.

On Thursday, three Al-Qaeda suspects, including a local leader named Abu Jeni al-Suairi, were killed in an apparent US drone strike on their vehicle in the eastern province of Hadramawt, security officials said.

In Shabwa province, further south, suspected Al-Qaeda gunmen shot dead a retired intelligence officer, Colonel Salem Yusr, as he was left a local market, they said.
Trump kicks off post-election Midwest victory lap

Donald Trump kicked off a victory tour through the Midwest on Thursday, swinging through Indiana to trumpet a deal to keep 1,000 manufacturing jobs from relocating to Mexico and addressing a campaign-style mass rally in Ohio.

The president-elect, who upended the US establishment and the world by defeating Hillary Clinton on November 8, made guaranteeing jobs for blue collar American workers a key plank of his presidential campaign.

Casting aside interviews for senior cabinet positions yet to be filled, the maverick tycoon flew out of New York bound for Indiana where he will tour an air conditioning plant that he repeatedly leaned on in public not to ship a planned 2,000 jobs to Mexico.

US President-elect Donald Trump boards his plane at New York's LaGuardia Airport on December 1, 2016 Bryan R. Smith (AFP)

The 70-year-old billionaire will be accompanied by Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who is winding down his official duties as governor of Indiana and also helped to broker the deal.

"Getting ready to leave for the Great State of Indiana and meet the hard working and wonderful people of Carrier A.C," Trump tweeted.

Carrier, a subsidiary of United Technologies, has announced that it will preserve more than 1,000 jobs and continue to manufacture gas furnaces in Indianapolis, but the precise details of the agreement are unclear.

"The incoming Trump-Pence administration has emphasized to us its commitment to support the business community and create an improved, more competitive US business climate," said Carrier.

"Incentives" offered by the state were "an important consideration," it said.

Critics are fearful that workers' rights may not be adequately protected, or that the deal may embolden other firms to threaten to relocate jobs in exchange for reported tax and regulatory breaks offered to Carrier.

Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont and prominent Trump critic on the left of American politics, savaged the deal in an op-ed published in The Washington Post on Thursday.

"United Technologies took Trump hostage and won. And that should send a shock wave of fear through all workers across the country," he wrote.

- Fierce criticism -

"Trump has endangered the jobs of workers who were previously safe," Sanders added. "He has signaled to every corporation in America that they can threaten to offshore jobs in exchange for business-friendly tax benefits and incentives."

The Trump transition team has hailed the agreement as a "big win" but declined to flesh out the details when pressed by reporters, saying that it would be down to the president-elect and Carrier to speak on Thursday.

But on Wednesday, Anthony Scaramucci, an entrepreneur and member of the Trump team's executive committee, said "the whole purpose" was to slash corporate tax rates to make it more competitive for US companies to allocate capital at home.

"I'm hoping that every CEO in America is getting that beacon signal from the new Trump administration that we're open for business here in the United States, and we've got to get American people back working in American jobs."

Steven Mnuchin, Trump's nominated treasury secretary and multi-millionaire former Goldman Sachs banker, said he couldn't remember the last time a president had made such an intervention with an American CEO.

"I think it's terrific," he told reporters Wednesday, saying that he and Wilbur Ross, the billionaire nominated as commerce secretary, would be working with Trump to "do the right thing for the American workers."

Trump has so far peppered top-level administration appointments with billionaires and millionaires, having slammed Clinton for her ties to Wall Street and for amassing a fortune of millions in between stints in public office.

Later on Thursday, Trump and Pence will travel to Ohio to lead a rally in Cincinnati. Trump was the first Republican nominee for president to win the state since 2004. Unlike several other swing states it is not scheduling a recount.

The evening event at the home of the Cincinnati Cyclones, which can host more than 17,000 people, is expected to be similar to those that drew enthusiastic crowds of thousands during the campaign.

The transition team has dubbed it a "thank you tour."

While such rallies are untraditional for a US president-elect, Trump often spoke of the thrill of addressing such enormous crowds during the campaign.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who is winding down his duties as governor of Indiana, will join Trump on his quest to broker a deal with US manufacturer Carrier to preserve 1,000 manufacturing jobs in Indianapolis Eduardo Munoz Alvarez (AFP/File)

Steven Mnuchin, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Treasury secretary, walks in the lobby of Trump Tower on December 1, 2016 in New York Bryan R. Smith (AFP)
UN rights team says 'ethnic cleansing' under way in S.Sudan

UN human rights experts on Thursday said "ethnic cleansing" was under way in South Sudan after visiting the country where violence has soared since a peace deal collapsed in July.

"There is already a steady process of ethnic cleansing underway in several areas of South Sudan using starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages; everywhere we went across this country we heard villagers saying they are ready to shed blood to get their land back," said Yasmin Sooka of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.

"Many told us it's already reached a point of no return."

Soldiers of the Sudan People Liberation Army are in Lelo, northern South Sudan, on October 16, 2016 after heavy fighting broke out two days earlier Albert Gonzalez Farran (AFP/File)

Sooka was part of a three-member team which travelled to battleground towns including Bentiu, Malakal and Wau to gather facts about the situation in the world's youngest country.

Jarring testimony gathered by the team during their 10-day visit shows a nation on the brink of "catastrophe", said a statement issued by the commission.

"The stage is being set for a repeat of what happened in Rwanda and the international community is under an obligation to prevent it," said Sooka.

At a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, Sooka warned of "unprecedented levels of violence and ethnic tension" without using the term ethnic cleansing, a war crime closely related to genocide which refers more to groups being forcibly removed from a particular area.

South Sudan's current conflict began nearly three years ago when President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy and political rival, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup.

Hopes that an August 2015 peace deal would bring peace to the young nation were dashed when fighting erupted in Juba in July, leading to a surge of violence around the country characterised by divisions between the country's 64 tribes.

- 'Still time to prevent it' -

Sooka said on Wednesday that government and rebel armies were both forcibly recruiting soldiers -- including children -- and warned that "renewed recruitment is an indicator that all the parties are preparing for the next conflict".

She said fighting was expected to get worse as the dry season settles in.

Keith Harper, the US ambassador to the UN rights council warned that the government appeared to be preparing for large scale attacks, and had in the past two weeks mobilised at least 4,000 militia fighters to the southern Equatoria region.

Among the atrocities reported to the commission was widespread gang rape, with some women unable to receive medical treatment for the complications suffered after sexual attacks.

"The scale of rape of women and girls perpetrated by all armed groups in South Sudan is utterly unacceptable and is frankly mind boggling," said Sooka.

"Aid workers describe gang rape as so prevalent that it's become 'normal' in this warped environment."

After decades of civil war South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011.

However hopes of a fresh start for the oil-rich nation were quickly dashed as internal political divisions burst to the surface, fracturing the government and people along ethnic lines with devastating consequences.

Sooka said that many of the warning signals of impending genocide are already there.

"An existing conflict, resort to polarised ethnic identities, dehumanisation, a culture of denial, displacement based on ethnicity and in some places indications of systematic violations and planning -- but the important thing is there is still time to prevent it," she said.
Mosul offensive takes toll as Iraq casualties soar

The scope of the toll the six-week old battle for Mosul has taken on Iraqi forces emerged Thursday, with UN figures showing that around 2,000 had been killed in fighting last month alone.

While high casualty tolls were expected for what has been Iraq's toughest battle against the Islamic State group to date, few figures had been released.

The United Nations' mission in Iraq released monthly casualty figures for November that showed 1,959 members of the Iraqi forces were killed just last month and 450 others wounded.

Iraqi forces members advance in the village of Arabat, south of Mosul, as temperatures continue to drop, on December 1, 2016 AHMAD AL-RUBAYE (AFP)

The UN toll includes members of the army, police engaged in combat, the Kurdish peshmerga, interior ministry forces and pro-government paramilitaries.

The UN statement also said at least 926 civilians were killed, bringing to 2,885 the number of Iraqis killed in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict last month.

"The casualty figures are staggering, with civilians accounting for a significant number of the victims," the top UN envoy in Iraq, Jan Kubis, said.

The spike in casualties comes as a major offensive to retake the IS stronghold of Mosul, Iraq's largest military operation in years, enters its seventh week.

Kubis said the growing death toll was largely a result of the jihadists' ferocious defence of Mosul, the city where they proclaimed their now crumbling "caliphate" in 2014.

"Daesh (IS) has been employing the most vicious tactics, using civilian homes as firing positions as well as abducting and forcibly moving civilians, effectively using them as human shields," he said.

The US-led coalition assisting anti-IS forces in Iraq and Syria admitted Thursday to "inadvertently" killing 54 civilians in both countries between March and October.

"Although the coalition makes extraordinary efforts to strike military targets in a manner that minimizes the risk of civilian casualties, in some cases casualties are unavoidable," the coalition said in a statement.

A July 18 strike that killed 100 IS fighters also killed as many as 24 civilians, the statement added.

The UN did not provide a regional breakdown of the overall toll but its casualty figures have been going up steadily since the launch of the Mosul offensive on October 17.

- Increase in casualties -

The number of members of the Iraqi forces killed released by the UN for October was 672.

The highest number of civilian deaths recorded in November was in Nineveh province, of which Mosul is the capital, with 332, the UN figures showed.

The UN explained it had few reliable figures for the western province of Anbar, which has seen continued IS-related violence in recent weeks, and suggested that real casualty figures were likely higher.

The government in Baghdad rarely divulges casualty figures during a military operation.

Officials from the Kurdistan region's peshmerga ministry said more than 1,600 peshmerga fighters were killed since IS took over large parts of Iraq in June 2014.

"Since the beginning of the war against Daesh, which means June 2014, until November 30 (2016), the total number of martyrs is 1,614 and the wounded are 9,515," peshmerga ministry secretary-general Jabar Yawar told AFP.

Burials at the main Shiite cemetery of Najaf, as well as partial figures provided by local officials across the country and the number of obituaries posted on Facebook also pointed to significant losses among the security forces.

After the launch of the offensive in mid-October, tens of thousands of Iraqi forces started closing in on Mosul, retaking towns and villages in Nineveh province.

Iraqi federal forces entered the city from the eastern side and admitted they were met by stiffer than expected resistance.

Military officials and experts had warned before the start of the offensive that the toughest fighting would be on the western side of the city.

The peshmerga were mostly involved in the early phase of the offensive and now hold positions a few miles from Mosul city limits.

Iraqis walk as they flee their neighbourhoods to safer locations on November 28, 2016 in an eastern district of the city of Mosul during the ongoing figthing between Islamic State group jihadists and government forces THOMAS COEX (AFP/File)

Iraqi Shiite fighters advance near the town of Tal Abtah on November 30, 2016 during a broad offensive by Iraq forces to retake the city Mosul from jihadists of the Islamic State group AHMAD AL-RUBAYE (AFP/File)
Yahya Jammeh: devout and erratic leader of The Gambia

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh seized power in a 1994 coup and has maintained it ever since with a blend of severity, mysticism and iron-clad self-belief.

"No matter what people say about me, I am not moved... I don't listen to anybody because I know what is important," he said on applying to run for a fifth term in office at Thursday's presidential election.

Governing, he said, "is between me and God Almighty."

Incumbent Gambian president Yahya Jammeh gets back into his armoured car after casting his marble at a polling station in Banjul on December 1, 2016 MARCO LONGARI (AFP)

This deeply devout Muslim grew up in the western village of Kanilai in 1965, the year that The Gambia, a long east-west sliver of land bordered by Senegal, gained independence from Britain.

His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Doctor Yahya Abdul-Azziz Jemus Junkung Jammeh Naasiru Deen joined the army in 1984 -- his military title is the only one he has lost.

Ten years later, Jammeh mounted a coup with fellow army officers against Dawda Jawara, who had ruled the country since independence, pledging to root out corruption and hold elections.

After giving up his rank of colonel to allow him to contest elections as a civilian, Jammeh swept the vote in 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011, following a 2002 constitutional amendment removing presidential term limits.

- Rights abuses -

Now 51, Jammeh has attracted worldwide attention for declaring The Gambia an Islamic nation, withdrawing the country from the International Criminal Court, and claiming he had concocted a herbal cure for HIV/AIDS.

The longtime ruler has woven a shroud of mysticism around himself using religion and rumours of secret powers.

Never seen without his Koran, sceptre and prayer beads, Jammeh's billowing white robes are rumoured to hide a bulletproof vest, the legacy of several coup attempts by his own guards.

In the last few years, a crackdown on journalists, opposition figures and anyone deemed disloyal within the ruling Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), has intensified.

He has promised to bury critics "nine feet deep" and told the UN Secretary-General to "go to hell" after Ban Ki-moon called for an investigation into an activist's death in custody.

But in another moment he urged his supporters to restrain themselves from violence and allow this week's election to go ahead peacefully.

Rights groups allege that those who defy him end up in the country's notorious Mile Two prison, where the UN in 2014 said it had obtained evidence of torture and executions by the country's National Intelligence Agency, which reports directly to Jammeh.

This was supplemented by "interference with the independence of the judiciary, denial of due process, prolonged pretrial and incommunicado detention," Special Rapporteur Christof Heyns said.

"The security forces are his tools, and he uses them to control Gambia by arresting people who don't share his views," a prominent opposition figure told Human Rights Watch.

- Isolated -

Gambia's diplomatic relations have also been precarious of late. In December 2014, the EU cut off 13 million of funding, and threatened to block another 150 million in response to the country's poor human rights record.

International criticism followed the introduction of an "aggravated homosexuality" law in October 2014 that imposed life sentences for a series of new offences.

And EU and ECOWAS observers are not attending 2016's presidential vote.

Relations with neighbouring Senegal too are at an all-time low.

A huge increase on customs fees for trucks entering Gambian territory was put into place without warning in February, cutting the country off from vital supplies for months.

One Banjul-based diplomat told AFP that the blockade, the effects of a 2013 drought, and tourist fears of Ebola in a country that relies on sunseekers for up to 20 percent of its GDP had made economic conditions unbearable for many Gambians.

Jammeh controls several businesses in the country and has in the past seized them without warning, discouraging foreign investment.

The state of the economy has pushed many young Gambians to take the "Back Way", or migrant route across the Sahara to Libya, where they board boats bound for Italy.

But others remain grateful for investment in education and the health system, which were severely neglected under his predecessor.
Gazans hope Coca-Cola plant refreshes economy

The head of the Gaza Strip's first Coca-Cola plant said Thursday he hoped the venture would send a "message to investors" that the beleaguered Palestinian enclave was open for business.

"It's a message to a lot of investors and global companies that investments in Gaza can succeed," said Yasser Arafat, Gaza manager of Palestinian Coke franchisee National Beverage Company (NBC).

"If we can move away from fear we can reduce unemployment," he told AFP.

The new Coca-Cola bottling facility in the industrial area east of Gaza City, seen December 1, 2016, will provide 120 new jobs immediately, with eventual expansion to 270, according to Coca-Cola MOHAMMED ABED (AFP)

A few hundred metres (yards) from the border with Israel the new $20 million (19-million euro) bottling facility formally opened Wednesday.

It will provide around 120 jobs immediately, Coca-Cola said, with an eventual expansion to 270.

In Gaza, blockaded by Israel for nearly a decade, the launch is the result of years of work and was hailed as a rare positive moment for the ailing economy.

"It is wonderful that an international company opened a branch in Gaza," said Samir Skaik, who works in tourism, hoping it will encourage more investment.

The 15,000 square-metre site was a hive of activity Thursday, with forklift trucks shuffling crates of bottles to and fro.

Marcel Abu Shadaq, in his 20s, said the plant's opening "helps a lot of young people in the current circumstances to gain a source of income and end the frustration."

Opening a new business in Gaza brings with it a "unique" set of challenges, Arafat admitted.

Israel has maintained a blockade on the Palestinian enclave for a decade, which it argues is necessary to prevent Islamist movement Hamas, which runs the Strip, from expanding its military capabilities.

The two have fought three wars since 2008, the most recent of which in 2014 left much of Gaza's industrial sector badly damaged, as well as thousands of homes destroyed.

The unemployment rate in the coastal territory is over 40 percent, with close to two-thirds of young people out of work.

Arafat is careful not to step into politics or comment on the possible irony that Coca-Cola, perhaps the most obvious symbol of Americanisation, is seen as a ray of hope in the territory run by Hamas, which America considers a terrorist organisation.

"We do not look at things politically at all, we look at things in economic terms," he said.

"If the economy strengthens friendship then it is to be welcomed."

The United Nations has estimated the Palestinian economy could double in size if the Israeli occupation ended.
A 53-pound snapping turtle is recovering at a Houston wildlife rehabilitation center after fire-rescue crews saved it from a drainage pipe.

The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the specimen, one of a threatened species known as alligator snapping turtles, was found wedged Tuesday in the pipe in a new residential development near Hockley, about 35 miles northwest of Houston.

Fire-rescue crews used a spreader to open the pipe enough to remove the turtle, which had struggled to keep its head above water.

This Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2016 photo provided by the Houston SPCA's Wildlife Center of Texas shows a wounded 53 pound alligator snapping turtle. The turtle is recovering at a Houston wildlife rehabilitation center after fire-rescue crews saved it from a rural drainage pipe

The threatened-species specimen was found wedged Tuesday in the pipe in a new residential development near Hockley, about 35 miles northwest of Houston

Several drowned alligator snapping turtles flowed from the newly unblocked pipe.
North Carolina: Officer and suspect wounded amid gunfire

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  An officer and a suspect were wounded in an exchange of gunfire as police investigated a reported break-in at a North Carolina apartment complex Wednesday, authorities said.

The city of Raleigh said officers responded to reports of a break-in at the apartment compelx just after 2:40 p.m. A news release from the city said the suspect and the officer were taken to a hospital with gunshot wounds.

The extent of the injuries wasn't immediately clear and a Raleigh police spokesman didn't respond to messages seeking more information. The identities of the wounded also were not immediately released.

At an apartment complex across the street, bystander Philip Palmer said he heard numerous shots through an open door to his screened-in porch.

"The shots sounded rapid-fire, quite a number of shots," said Palmer, an automotive student at a community college. The 26-year-old man walked out on his porch and said he had heard people talking loudly and sounding upset. Soon afterward, he saw several police cars arrive.

After the shots, several police vehicles with flashing lights surrounded the area, just south of North Carolina State University. Officers swarmed the area as anxious neighbors stood by for hours. Several blocks were cordoned off by police tape and numerous officers stood guard for much of the afternoon.

State Bureau of Investigation agents are investigating the officer-involved shooting, Special Agent Shannon O'Toole said in an email.

He said he couldn't provide more details.

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Police: 6 shot, 2 fatally, in front of Baltimore store

BALTIMORE (AP)  Police say six people have been shot, two fatally, in front of a northwest Baltimore store.

Spokesman T.J. Smith said at a news conference near the Stop 1 Convenience Store in the Windsor Hills neighborhood that a lone gunman fired on people standing in front of the store at about 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Smith says one man was pronounced dead at the scene; a second was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police say a third man was critically wounded, and a fourth man and two women had non-life-threatening injuries.

Smith says detectives believe the shooting was retaliation for a homicide in the area several days ago.
California couple guilty in phony energy drink scheme

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP)  A Southern California couple has been convicted of plotting to sell millions of bottles of counterfeit 5-Hour Energy shots.

Joseph and Adriana Shayota of El Cajon were found guilty of conspiracy Monday by a San Jose jury. Each could face up to 15 years in federal prison.

Authorities say the couple produced and marketed millions of fake 5-Hour Energy shots that were mixed from unregulated ingredients by day laborers under unsanitary conditions.

It's unknown whether any consumers were harmed.

Six other people have pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme, which prompted the distributor to pull millions of bottles of phony shots from store shelves in 2012.
2 Filipino militants who left bomb near US Embassy captured

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Philippine police officials have captured two local sympathizers of the Islamic State group who allegedly tried to detonate a bomb near the U.S. Embassy and prompted authorities to raise a terror alert.

National police chief Director-General Ronald de la Rosa said Thursday the two militants, who were separately arrested on Wednesday, initially wanted but failed to detonate the homemade bomb at Manila's seaside Rizal Park, their initial target.

The bomb, which was designed to explode remotely with the use of a cellphone, also failed to explode near the embassy on Nov. 28 in Manila's tourist and diplomatic section.

Police secure suspected bombers, Jiaher Guinar, center left, and Rashid Kilala, center right, as they are presented to reporters at police headquarters in Quezon city, north of Manila, Philippines on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. Philippine police officials have presented two captured local sympathizers of the Islamic State group who allegedly tried to detonate a bomb near the U.S. Embassy and prompted authorities to raise a terror alert in Manila and the south. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Police presented the handcuffed suspects at a news conference, where they also announced a terror alert, which means more road security checkpoints would be set up, and possibly more raids on suspected militant hideouts.

"Don't get alarmed but stay alert," dela Rosa said.

The militants, Rashid Kilala and Jiaher Guinar, belonged to a small Muslim militant group called Ansar Al-khilafa Philippines. After failing to set off the bomb, which was made from an 81mm mortar round, the two decided to leave the explosive in a trash bin near the U.S. Embassy but again failed to set it off.

They wanted to impress the Islamic State group and secure possible funding from the Middle East-based terrorist group, dela Rosa said. They also wanted to divert the military's focus from an offensive against fellow Muslim militants in the south, he said.
Miami celebrations at Castro's death shock those in Havana

MIAMI (AP)  For more than a decade, Maria Vazquez's store had a special gift basket to celebrate Fidel Castro's death.

For $24.99, it includes a bottle of cider with the label "only open after Fidel's death," and toilet paper bearing the Cuban leader image. She's sold more than 250 since Castro's death at 90 was announced Friday night.

"It's a way to close the chapter," said Vazquez, who moved from Cuba to Miami when she was 8. Fifteen years ago she opened her store selling Cuban goods like domino tables and pleated guayabera shirts.

FILE - This Nov. 26, 2016 file photo shows Jose Fernandez dressed as Fidel Castro feigning death as he and other members of the Cuban community celebrate Fidel Castro's death outside Versailles Restaurant in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami. Some Cuban-Americans have been celebrating Castros death with jubilation and vulgar humor, calling it a well-earned release after decades of exile and insults from the man they blame for ruining their country. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Some Cuban-Americans have been celebrating Castro's death with jubilation and vulgar humor, calling it a well-earned release after decades of exile and insults from the man they blame for ruining their homeland. In Cuba, the bawdy reaction to Castro's death has shocked and offended even critics of the government, who are taken aback by the celebration of any death with dirty jokes.

"It really seems pretty sick to me," said Ernesto Ortega, a 42-year-old souvenir salesman in Old Havana. "I can't understand one person celebrating the death of another."

Dissatisfaction with the socialist government and economy is widespread in Cuba. Many do not share the worshipful attitude toward Castro that has dominated state-run airwaves and rallies in recent days. However, the personal enmity toward Castro so widespread in Miami is largely missing even in private conversations on the island.

Many in Cuba are dumbfounded by the scenes in Miami, which they call deeply alien to a bicoastal Cuban culture that generally emphasizes friendliness, politeness and respect.

"Fidel was a human being with virtues and defects, that explains why they're crying here and raising glasses there," said Diuber Perez, 33. "But it's really ugly to go after someone who's dead, regardless of who they are."

The disparate reactions to Fidel's death have at least momentarily widened the cultural gap between Cubans and their friends and relatives overseas, after years of growing closer thanks to increased communications and travel between the U.S. and Cuba.

As Cuba silently bid farewell to Castro's ashes Wednesday, an ice cream shop in Miami's Little Havana district was selling "go to Hell Fidel," a mix of chocolate with red peppers.

Even some Cuban-Americans were put off by the jokes and vulgar celebration, particularly the more recently arrived who have maintained closer ties to the island than those who fled in the first years of Castro's revolution.

"I don't like it; it doesn't interest me," said Fernando Piedra, 41, who was a doctor in Cuba and moved to the U.S. six years ago. "I'm happy about what's happened, that's it."

Pedro Llanio, a 71-year-old who came to Miami when he was 14, said the sale of celebratory items was "ridiculous," but in the U.S. "everyone has the freedom to express themselves as they like."

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Associated Press writer Gisela Salomon reported this story in Miami and AP writer Juan Zamorano reported from Havana. AP writer Michael Weissenstein in Havana contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Nov. 26, 2016 file photo, members of the Cuban community celebrate Fidel Castro's death in the Little Havana area in Miami. Many in Cuba are dumbfounded by the scenes in Miami, which they call deeply alien to a bicoastal Cuban culture that generally emphasizes friendliness, politeness and respect. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 26, 2016 file photo, a Cuban flag flies at half-mast after the death of Fidel Castro, outside the Museum of the Revolution, formerly the presidential palace, in Havana, Cuba. The disparate reactions to Fidels death have at least momentarily widened the cultural gap between Cubans and their friends and relatives overseas, after years of growing closer thanks for increased communications and travel between the U.S. and Cuba. (AP Photo/Desmond Boylan, File)

An elderly man wearing military medals holds his hand over his heart after paying his final respects to the late Fidel Castro in Havana, Cuba, Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. Thousands of Cubans began lining up early for the start of week-long services bidding farewell to the man who ruled the country for nearly half a century. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

People gather in the street to watch Fidel Castro's funeral procession, as his ashes pass through Esperanza, Cuba, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Castro's ashes have begun a four-day journey, retracing the path of his triumphant march into Havana nearly six decades ago, to their final resting place in the eastern city of Santiago. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

In this Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 photo, rolls of toilet paper with the face of the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro printed on every sheet, are displayed for sale at the Sentir Cubano Cuban gift shop in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Q&A: Can my employer fire me for legally using marijuana?

BOSTON (AP)  Changing marijuana laws aren't necessarily making weed more welcome in the workplace.

For now, many employers appear to be sticking with their drug testing and personal conduct policies, even in states where recreational marijuana use is now permitted. Others are keeping a close eye on the still evolving legal, regulatory and political environment.

Voters in California, Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada voted Nov. 8 to approve the use of recreational marijuana, joining Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska, where it had previously been legalized. (A recount of Maine's close result is scheduled.) More than two dozen states have medical marijuana programs.

FILE - In this Oct. 4, 2016 file photo, farmworkers inside a drying barn take down newly-harvested marijuana plants after a drying period, at Los Suenos Farms, America's largest legal open air marijuana farm, in Avondale, southern Colo. Newly-approved laws in four states allowing the recreational use of marijuana are seen as unlikely to change rules regarding use of the drug in the workplace. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)

But the drug is still against federal law.

A closer look at what it all means for workers and businesses:

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CAN MY EMPLOYER STILL TEST ME FOR POT?

Bottom line: You can't come to work high. You can still be drug tested. And you can still be fired  or not hired  for failing a drug test even if you're not the least bit impaired at work.

All the states with legalized recreational pot have exemptions for workplace drug policies.

In Massachusetts, for example, the law includes language stating that "the authority of employers to enact and enforce workplace policies restricting the consumption of marijuana by employees" is not changed.

"Yes, you may be able to have (marijuana) at home, but that doesn't mean it's OK in the workplace," said Edward Yost, an HR specialist with the Society for Human Resources Management.

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WHAT ABOUT WORKPLACE SAFETY?

Advocates for marijuana legalization said it was never their intention to compromise safety, a central reason offered by employers for drug testing.

"We don't want anyone to come to work impaired on any drugs," said David Boyer, campaign manager for the ballot initiative in Maine.

A 2013 survey by the employee screening firm HireRight found 78 percent of employers conducted drug tests either randomly, as a condition of employment, after accidents or for some combination of those reasons.

The federal government requires drug testing for some workers, including truck drivers and others in transportation.

Quest Diagnostics, which performed nearly 11 million laboratory-based drug tests for employers in 2015, said the percentage of tests coming back positive has shown a modest increase in recent years. Nearly half of all positive tests showed evidence of marijuana use.

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CAN I GET FIRED EVEN IF I'M NOT HIGH?

THC, the psychoactive chemical in cannabis, can stay in a person's system for days or even weeks, experts say  long after the buzz has subsided.

"It's the equivalent of firing somebody who drank a glass of wine on Friday evening and then came to work on Monday," said Tamar Todd, legal director for the Drug Policy Alliance, who believes employers should reconsider zero-tolerance policies in light of changing laws and attitudes.

A number of efforts are underway to develop an accurate method, akin to the Breathalyzer for alcohol, to measure actual marijuana impairment. Such a test might be useful not only for employers, but also for police and prosecutors trying to determine what constitutes driving under the influence of marijuana in states where recreational pot is legal.

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WHAT SHOULD COMPANIES DO?

At a minimum, companies should review their current polices, make sure their managers are trained and make clear to employees that marijuana use on or off the job can still land them in trouble, said James Reidy, a New Hampshire-based attorney who advises clients around the country on drug testing issues.

Tina Sharby, chief human resources officer for an Easter Seals affiliate with about 1,700 employees in New England, said the organization, which provides services for people with special needs, is monitoring the evolving legal and regulatory environment but is sticking with its drug testing protocols for now.

"We have a drug-free workplace policy, and we believe that the current policy we have is effective," Sharby said.

But drug testing and zero-tolerance rules can also make it difficult for businesses with a need to recruit young professionals who may harbor more liberal attitudes toward pot.

"We have ski industries out here, and if they really took a hard line on marijuana use, they would have to shut down," said Curtis Graves, information resource manager for the Colorado-based Mountain States Employers Council.

After Colorado became the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012, surveys showed an uptick in workplace drug testing, Graves said, but that trend has begun to shift in the other direction.

"Employers who have a zero-tolerance policy maybe shouldn't apply that to non-safety sensitive workers, because if they do testing on them, they run the risk of inviting an invasion of privacy claim," suggested Amanda Baer, a Boston-area attorney who specializes in labor and employment issues.

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WHAT DO THE COURTS SAY?

Adding to the uncertainty is the scarcity of legal precedent in states that have legalized recreational marijuana. But several cases involving employees with permits to use medical marijuana have reached the courts, and most have been decided in employers' favor.

The most widely cited case is a 2015 Colorado Supreme Court that upheld Dish Network's firing of a disabled man who used medical marijuana and failed a drug test. The court ruled that a state law barring employers from firing workers for off-duty behavior that is legal did not apply because pot remains illegal under federal law.

Similar rulings have been issued in other states including California, Montana and Washington.

As medical marijuana programs become more common even in states where recreational pot remains outlawed, some companies have begun to weigh accommodations for workers with permission to use marijuana for an existing health condition.
Girl's death reveals risks of obsolete Detroit power lines

DETROIT (AP)  The electrocution of a 12-year-old Detroit girl has exposed a new risk in a city that's turning the corner nearly two years after emerging from bankruptcy: miles of obsolete power lines that could fall from poles and turn deadly.

K'Brianna Griffin was killed in September when she came in contact with a downed line in a friend's yard. The line was inactive, but it was energized and dangerous because it was resting on a live DTE Energy power line that was carrying electricity.

An investigation turned up details that made the tragedy even worse. DTE, the local utility, said one of its workers saw the downed line in July, weeks before K'Brianna's death, taped off the area, warned neighbors and notified the city, which owned the line. The city, however, never removed it.

Tamika Robinson of Detroit holds a poster with a picture of her daughter, K'Brianna Griffin, Nov. 30, 2016 in Detroit, Mich. K'Brianna was killed in September when she came in contact with a downed power line in a friend's yard. Staff at the Michigan Public Service Commission are recommending that the city of Detroit remove miles of obsolete, abandoned overhead wires. (AP Photo/Corey Williams)

Now state utility regulators are urging action to prevent more peril. In a report last week, staff at the Michigan Public Service Commission said it is Detroit's responsibility to remove abandoned wires that once powered neighborhood street lights in a 138-square-mile city that's larger than Boston and Minneapolis combined.

Detroit told the agency that it could cost $35.7 million and take years to remove 900 miles of overhead wire. DTE, which controls the poles, puts the price tag at more than double if other maintenance work is included.

"Only the future removal of the arc wire will entirely eliminate the safety threat. ... Without a city of Detroit formal commitment, the possibility exists that the status quo could return," Public Service Commission staff said.

It's another challenge for a city trying to refresh itself, nearly two years after emerging from the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. It is spending millions of federal dollars to demolish vacant houses  more than 10,000 so far  that can be havens for crime while eating away at neighborhood property values and sapping optimism.

Below ground, aging water pipes and infrastructure are vulnerable to ruptures. Street lights have been revived by a new independent agency that focuses solely on that task. About three years ago, 40 percent of lights weren't working due to copper theft, old technology, dead bulbs and a lack of money. The new lights don't use the old power lines.

The city's chief attorney, Butch Hollowell, declined to address questions from The Associated Press about whether Detroit will follow recommendations about removing all wires. He said city workers have been told that no downed lines will be left unattended until the wire is cut and any immediate danger is eliminated.

"The city cannot comment further on this tragic matter considering it remains under review" by state regulators, Hollowell said, referring to K'Brianna's death.

Separately, he told the Public Service Commission that Detroit "is in fundamental disagreement" with DTE Energy's report about the electrocution. He didn't elaborate.

The commission has no authority over Detroit. But it does oversee DTE, whose poles hold the abandoned wires. Commission staff said the utility should work with the city on a long-term plan if Detroit doesn't act on its own.

K'Brianna, known as "KB" to friends, enjoyed dancing, drawing and dogs. Tamika Robinson said her daughter was making a video in a friend's yard when she backed into the power line.

"Her eyes got really big and she just dropped. The wire got caught on her jacket," Robinson said. "Her goal was to be a veterinarian. She was as unique as her name."

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Corey Williams contributed to this story.

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Foreign governments warn citizens about Indonesia protest

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  Foreign governments are warning citizens in Indonesia to stay away from central Jakarta ahead of a huge rally against the capital's minority Christian governor.

The United States, Japan and Australia issued advisories highlighting the possibility of Friday's protest turning violent or the risk extremists could stage an attack.

A related protest on Nov. 4 drew more than 100,000 people demanding the arrest of Gov. Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who is being prosecuted for blasphemy, a criminal offense in Muslim-majority Indonesia. After nightfall, hard-liners clashed with police, with one death and dozens injured.

Indonesian soldiers perform national flag -colored headbands during a military-sponsored interfaith rally held ahead of the planned Dec. 2 Muslim protest against Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Thousands of Indonesians have joined interfaith rallies around the country organized by the military in an attempt to demonstrate national unity as religious and racial tensions divide the worlds largest Muslim nation. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

Security plans call for a heavy police and military presence and organizers have agreed to concentrate the rally around the national monument in the city to limit disruption.

Labor unions demanding wage hikes are also expected to join the protest, which police say should disperse in the early afternoon following Friday prayers.
A year after attack in San Bernardino, faithful seek unity

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP)  Almost a year after her father was killed in the San Bernardino terror attack last December, Kate Bowman etched the word "love" in yellow chalk on the sidewalk outside a mosque.

It was one of many messages of peace the 15-year-old and her mother have left in an effort to unify Muslims and Christians in the hardscrabble city east of Los Angeles against the violence many community members feared might divide them but hasn't.

"What angered me most after Dec. 2 was the amount of hate speech going on," Bowman said, recalling the day her father, Harry Bowman, and 13 others were killed by husband-and-wife assailants at a lunch meeting for county health inspectors in San Bernardino.

In this Nov. 18, 2016 photo, a faded photo collage showing images of the 14 victims who were killed in the Dec. 2, 2015, San Bernardino terror attack is adorned with artificial flowers at a makeshift memorial near the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, Calif., where the shooting took place. Last December, San Bernardino County health inspector Syed Farook and his Pakistan-born wife Tashfeen Malik opened fire on a meeting of Farook's colleagues, and were killed in a shootout with police. Investigators said the assailants were inspired by the Islamic State group. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

"I just kind of didn't understand how people could be that ignorant about another religion" and blame all those who follow it, said Bowman, a Lutheran.

Bowman's actions were among the efforts in the city of 216,000 to counter what some feared would be a prolonged, hate-filled backlash. Some victims' families encouraged dialogue and tolerance. The Muslim community undertook its own campaign to educate neighbors about Islam. Clergy organized interfaith talks.

Nationwide, hate crimes against Muslims were up last year and President-elect Donald Trump frequently used heated rhetoric about Muslims on the campaign trail.

As San Bernardino prepared this week to mark Friday's anniversary of the attack, a Somali-born Muslim student carried out an attack at Ohio State University and police in Los Angeles met with Muslim leaders to condemn threatening, hateful letters sent to mosques in the city and elsewhere.

In San Bernardino, apart from some relatively minor incidents, residents say their worst fears about a backlash in their own community never materialized.

"I think as a community it felt good not to be divided," said Brian Levin, a professor at California State University, San Bernardino who studies hate crimes. "And I think in other parts of the country they had the luxury of hating when we didn't."

Last December, San Bernardino County health inspector Syed Farook and his Pakistan-born wife Tashfeen Malik opened fire on a meeting of Farook's colleagues, and were killed in a shootout with police. Investigators said the assailants were inspired by the Islamic State terror group.

Residents said they couldn't believe such an attack could happen in their city, an hour's drive from tourist destinations like Disneyland and Hollywood but a place struggling economically.

In the days after the attack, area Muslim women wearing headscarves said they were stared at in public, and some changed their attire out of fear. A Muslim university professor told police he received threatening emails.

But there were no violent incidents as community members worked to calm fears and limit hate. Muslim residents held vigils for the victims and developed an 11-point campaign rejecting terrorism that members of diverse faiths could agree on.

Clergy formed an interfaith alliance. Christians invited Muslim community members to speak with them about their religion to promote greater understanding.

"There was an obvious worry. These are people who looked like us here in America committing these violent acts," said Amjad Khan, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in nearby Chino. "But it wasn't as pronounced as I thought it might be."

After the attack, a teacher in an adult education class at the First Presbyterian Church in San Bernardino asked Pastor Sandy Tice to do something to foster interfaith dialogue. Tice invited Khan to speak, and the crowd was standing-room only as congregants peppered him with questions.

"I think there are people who are afraid," she said. "But mostly I think there are people who have risked getting to know others that they didn't know before. There is a kind of urgency about getting to know one another, figuring out how to co-exist."

After a major event such as a terror attack, hate crimes tend to increase, Levin said. But while there were eight anti-Muslim crimes reported in the five days after the Dec. 2 shooting, none of them occurred in the city of San Bernardino, he said.

Last December, two mosques were sprayed with graffiti and one set on fire in other cities in Southern California.

Ojaala Ahmad, a spokeswoman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations in greater Los Angeles, said there was an initial spike in reports of hate incidents after the attack but it was short-lived. More recently, the election of Trump has sparked another increase, she said.

No specific incidents, however, were reported in San Bernardino, said the city's police chief, Jarrod Burguan.

Ayman Taleb, the director of a mosque in nearby Riverside, regularly holds "open mosque" nights and invites visitors to ask questions. He hopes to combat fear with knowledge, even though he hasn't heard of any uptick in hateful incidents since arriving in the community.

"I thank God every day that nothing does happen," he said.

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Taxin reported from Santa Ana, California

In this Nov. 25, 2016 photo, Karen Fagan, joined by her daughters, Kate and Elizabeth Bowman in rear, writes chalk messages on the sidewalk outside the Islamic Center of Claremont in Pomona, Calif., to show their support for Muslim communities. Fagan's ex-husband and her two daughters' father, Harry Bowman, was killed in the Dec. 2, 2015, terror attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In this Nov. 21, 2016 photo, Kate Bowman pauses for a moment during an interview with The Associated Press in Upland, Calif. Bowman's father, Harry, was killed in the Dec. 2, 2015, terror attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, Calif. "What angered me most after Dec. 2 was the amount of hate speech going on," Bowman said, recalling the day her father and 13 others were killed by husband-and-wife assailants at a lunch meeting for county health inspectors. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In this Nov. 21, 2016 photo, Kate Bowman, top, and mother, Karen Fagan, look at an old family photo showing Kate's father and Fagan's ex-husband, Harry Bowman, in Upland, Calif. Bowman was killed in the Dec. 2, 2015, terror attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, Calif. "What angered me most after Dec. 2 was the amount of hate speech going on," Bowman said, recalling the day her father and 13 others were killed by husband-and-wife assailants at a lunch meeting for county health inspectors. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In this Nov. 25, 2016 photo, Kate Bowman, 15, casts a shadow over a chalk message written by her mother on the sidewalk outside the Islamic Center of Claremont in Pomona, Calif. Bowman's father, Harry, was killed in the Dec. 2, 2015, terror attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, Calif. Almost a year after his death, Bowman etched the word "love" in yellow chalk on the sidewalk outside a mosque- just one of the messages of peace the teenage Lutheran and her mother have left in an effort to unify Muslims and Christians in the hardscrabble city east of Los Angeles against the violence that many community members feared might divide them. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In this Nov. 18, 2016 photo, Rahman Aleem arrives to attend a prayer service at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mosque in Chino, Calif. In the aftermath of last year's terror attack in San Bernardino, Muslims in this Southern California community feared a prolonged, hate-filled backlash. While there were some incidents, for the most part, their worst fears never happened. Victims' families encouraged dialogue and tolerance while the Muslim community undertook a campaign to educate neighbors about Islam. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In this Nov. 21, 2016 photo, pastor Scottie Lloyd, foreground, leads an opening prayer as he is joined by Rev. Pamela Moore, from left, Imam Mohammed Zafarullah, Rabbi Jay Sherwood and Rev. Petra Malleis-Sternberg at an interfaith Thanksgiving service in San Bernardino, Calif. In the aftermath of last year's terror attack in San Bernardino, Muslims in this Southern California community feared a prolonged, hate-filled backlash. While there were some incidents, for the most part, their worst fears never happened, in part because community members took action. Muslim residents held vigils for the victims and developed an 11-point campaign rejecting terrorism that members of diverse faiths could agree on, starting with the local police chief. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In this Nov. 18, 2016 photo, Muslim students' essays on 2016 presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, are pinned to the wall in the hallway at the Islamic Academy of Riverside in Riverside, Calif. Nationwide, hate crimes against Muslims were up last year and President-elect Donald Trump frequently used heated rhetoric about Muslims on the campaign trail. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In this Nov. 18, 2016 photo, a Muslim man arrives to attend a prayer service at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mosque in Chino, Calif. In the aftermath of last year's terror attack in San Bernardino, Muslims in this Southern California community feared a prolonged, hate-filled backlash. While there were some incidents, for the most part, their worst fears never happened. Victims' families encouraged dialogue and tolerance while the Muslim community undertook a campaign to educate neighbors about Islam. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In this Nov. 18, 2016 photo, the Inland Regional Center building where the Dec. 2, 2015, terror attack took place is visible in the background behind star-shaped memorial pieces in San Bernardino, Calif. Apart from some incidents, residents of San Bernardino said their worst fears about a backlash in their own community never materialized. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In this Nov. 18, 2016 photo, wearing a T-shirt with a Superman logo on it, 4-year-old Atta Ul Arham attends a prayer service at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mosque in Chino, Calif. In the aftermath of last year's terror attack in San Bernardino, Muslims in this Southern California community feared a prolonged, hate-filled backlash. While there were some incidents, for the most part, their worst fears never happened. Victims' families encouraged dialogue and tolerance and the Muslim community undertook a campaign to educate neighbors about Islam. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In this Friday, Nov. 18, 2015 photo, artificial flowers are placed around a wood cross at a makeshift memorial site near the Inland Regional Center, in San Bernardino, Calif., to honor the victims who were killed in the Dec. 2, 2015, terror attack at the center. Last December, San Bernardino County health inspector Syed Farook and his Pakistan-born wife Tashfeen Malik opened fire on a meeting of Farook's colleagues, and were killed in a shootout with police. Investigators said the assailants were inspired by the Islamic State group. In San Bernardino, apart from some incidents, residents say their worst fears about a backlash in their own community never materialized. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

FILE - In this Dec. 4, 2015 file photo, Kareema Abdul-Khabir, who teaches special needs students at an elementary school in Barstow, Calif., places some cards made by her students at a makeshift memorial honoring the victims of a shooting rampage, in San Bernardino, Calif. In Dec. 2015, San Bernardino County health inspector Syed Farook and his Pakistan-born wife Tashfeen Malik opened fire on a meeting of Farooks colleagues, and were killed in a shootout with police. In the aftermath of the terror attack in San Bernardino, Muslims in this Southern California community feared a prolonged, hate-filled backlash. While there were some incidents, for the most part, their worst fears never happened. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 2, 2015 file photo authorities search an area near where police stopped a suspected vehicle in San Bernardino, Calif. Victims' families and a Muslim community leader have spent the year since a terror attack in San Bernardino trying to counter what some feared would be a prolonged-hate-filled backlash. Victims' families encouraged dialogue and tolerance. Muslim leaders undertook a campaign to educate neighbors about Islam. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes,File)
Clarification: Romania-National Day story

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)  In a story Dec. 1, The Associated Press reported that Romania and Transylvania reunified in 1918. Romania and Transylvania unified as a modern state for the first time in 1918.

They had shared common rulers at times in history. Romania celebrates its national day on Dec. 1, when it marks Transylvania becoming part of modern-day Romania.
2 arrested in Belgian August machete attack case

BRUSSELS (AP)  Belgian authorities have charged two people with terrorist offenses linked to a machete attack on two police officers earlier this year.

The federal prosecutor's office announced Thursday that two of six people detained earlier this week were charged with participating in a terror organization and attempted murder in a terror context.

A 33-year-old Algerian attacked and wounded two women officers with a machete at Charleroi's police station on Aug. 6. He was shot dead by a third officer.
Italian police arrest 'ndrangheta clan boss in hiding

MILAN (AP)  Italian police have arrested the fugitive boss of a powerful 'ndrangheta clan who ran illegal operations from the southern Calabria region north to Lombardy.

Police video show an unarmed Marcello Pesce being taken into custody before dawn Thursday in the bedroom of a home where he had been in hiding in the clan's stronghold of Rosarno. Police also arrested a father and son staying in the same home.

Pesce escaped capture by police in April 2010, and was later convicted in absentia of Mafia association charges and sentenced to 16 years and eight months. He is considered one of the most powerful bosses of the Calabrian 'ndrangheta organized crime syndicate.
Cambodian court jails former envoy to South Korea for graft

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  A court in Cambodia on Thursday sentenced the country's former ambassador to South Korea to five years in prison on charges of corruption and abuse of power.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court found Suth Dina guilty of embezzling at least $117,000 by selling visas, receiving kickback money from Cambodian workers in South Korea, and failing to pay rent on the Cambodian Embassy in Seoul during his two-year tenure. The court also fined him 10 million riel ($2,500).

Suth Dina was arrested in April by the government's Anti-Corruption Unit. The agency said that at the time of his arrest he had $7.2 million in cash  $3 million more than he had at the beginning of his appointment in February 2014. It also found he had stashed away almost 13 kilograms (29 pounds) of gold worth about $500,000.

Suth Dina told reporters the court's verdict was unfair and he plans to appeal it.

Suth Dina used to be an opponent of Hun Sen's government, but joined the ruling party in 2009. Last year he gained attention when he warned Cambodian workers in South Korea to stay away from meetings held by Cambodian opposition leaders, or else risk losing their jobs and getting sent back to Cambodia.
UN: World population grows, young girls struggle

AMMAN, Jordan (AP)  The world's population grew slightly to 7.4 billion in 2016, the U.N. said Thursday, with a substantial youth bulge challenging political and social systems across the planet.

The United Nations Population Fund released its 2016 State of the World Population report Thursday in Amman, Jordan. Daniel Baker, regional humanitarian coordinator and head of the fund's Jordan country office, highlighted the potential fallout  and gains  to be had by overcoming the world's clear gender inequality in the half of the world's population under the age of 24.

"Failing to invest in girls is nothing less than planned poverty. Unless we invest in girls, we're planning to have a poorer future," Baker said.

Students from the Princess Alia School for Girls sing a song about gender equality at a press conference for the release of the 2016 State of the World Population report by the United Nations Population Fund on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 in Amman, Jordan. (Sam McNeil/AP Photo)

The report said the world's population grew 1.1 percent to 7.433 billion from 7.349 billion the previous year.

The report focuses on the well-being of 10-year-old girls as indicators of development success or failure. It says 89 percent of the world's 125 million 10-year-olds live in developing countries where girls face obstacles to equal education, healthcare and safety.

The report estimated that developing countries could generate or lose at least $21 billion depending on their investments in the health and education of their 10-year-old girls today.

UNFP goodwill ambassador, Princess Basma Bint Talal, said the fate of the world's young girls rests in international commitment to equality.

"Let us remember that we are all responsible. Let us remember that our every word and deed, positive or negative, can affect the road she travels from this crossroads in her life. This is what will shape her role in society, which is to say our society, and our world," she said.

Students from the Al Ahliya School for Girls sing a song about gender equality at a press conference for the release of the 2016 State of the World Population report by the United Nations Population Fund on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 in Amman, Jordan. (Sam McNeil/AP Photo)
Teen in UK charged in Polish man's death after Brexit vote

LONDON (AP)  A 15-year-old boy in Britain has been charged with murder in the killing of a Polish man in the weeks after the U.K.'s vote to leave the European Union.

Arkadiusz Jozwik died after he was attacked by teenagers in Harlow, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of London, on Aug. 27. His death came amid a spike in reported attacks on eastern Europeans and other hate crimes in the wake of Britain's June 23 EU membership referendum.

At the time, police said they were investigating the killing of 39-year-old Jozwik as a potential hate crime.

Six teenagers were arrested and later released on bail. Government prosecutor Paul Scothern said Thursday that one was being charged and would appear in court Jan. 6.
Ailing Buzz Aldrin evacuated from South Pole to New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  An ailing Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, was evacuated from the South Pole to New Zealand where he was in a hospital on Friday in stable condition.

Aldrin, 86, was visiting Antarctica as a tourist when he fell ill. He was flown to Christchurch from McMurdo Station, a U.S. research center on the Antarctic coast.

Tour company White Desert said Aldrin has fluid in his lungs, but was responding well to antibiotics. He'll remain hospitalized overnight for observation. His manager Christina Korp, who accompanied him, said he was in good spirits.

In this image made from a video, Buzz Aldrin is wheeled from ambulance into hospital in Christchurch, New Zealand Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, was evacuated from the South Pole to New Zealand where he was in a hospital on Friday in stable condition. Aldrin was visiting Antarctica as a tourist when he fell ill. (TVNZ via AP)

On Twitter, she said the past 24 hours had been grueling. She posted side-by-side photos of Aldrin  one on a stretcher giving a thumbs-up with a purple knit cap on his head, another in a hospital bed, on oxygen and with an IV in his left arm.

Aldrin and Neil Armstrong became the first men on the moon, on July 20, 1969. Armstrong died in 2012.

Just three weeks ago, Aldrin was at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the unveiling of a new astronaut exhibit. The ceremony coincided with the 50th anniversary of his launch with Jim Lovell on Gemini 12, the last of the two-man Gemini flights. Both were present and looked as energetic as usual.

Aldrin has crisscrossed the globe in recent months and years, pushing hard for human exploration of Mars and promoting space and science education. His latest book, "No Dream Is Too High: Life Lessons from a Man who Walked on the Moon," came out in April. And year, he teamed up with Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, now home to the Buzz Aldrin Space Institute. Aldrin lives in nearby Satellite Beach, Florida, not far from Cape Canaveral and its launch pads.

"We wish Buzz a speedy recovery," the London-based White Desert said in a statement.

Aldrin was part of an Antarctica sightseeing tour, along with son Andrew. The elder Aldrin was clearly excited about his adventure to the bottom of the world: "South Pole here I come!" he said via Twitter on Nov. 28. The group departed Tuesday from Cape Town, South Africa, on a trip that was supposed to last just over a week. Doctors agreed an evacuation was prudent after Aldrin's condition deteriorated, according to his staff in Florida.

The National Science Foundation helped provide the air lift via a ski-equipped LC-130 cargo plane from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to McMurdo, and then on to New Zealand on another plane.

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Dunn reported from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Online:

Buzz Aldrin: http://buzzaldrin.com/

CORRECTS DATE FROM THURSDAY TO FRIDAY- In this Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, photo provided by Christina Korp, right, Buzz Aldrin lies in a hospital bed in Christchurch, New Zealand. Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, was evacuated from the South Pole to New Zealand where he was hospitalized in stable condition. (Christina Korp via AP)
France and Ireland call for more clarity from UK over Brexit

PARIS (AP)  The foreign ministers of France and Ireland are calling for more clarity from the U.K. over its intentions for the Brexit.

Ireland's Charles Flanagan said "it's now over five months since that decision was taken by the British people and I believe it's important now that ... we know precisely what the British plan is," at a news conference in Paris on Thursday.

His French counterpart, Jean-Marc Ayrault, said if the "in-between" situation were to persist for too long, it would cause "prejudice" to the EU.
Former Dallas police chief David Brown writing memoir

NEW YORK (AP)  The Dallas police chief who was praised for his response to last summer's shootings of five law enforcement officers is working on a memoir.

Ballantine Books announced Thursday that it had a deal with David O. Brown for a "deeply revealing" book, currently untitled, to come out next year. Brown, who retired in October, received national attention after a sniper killed five officers at a July protest. According to Ballantine, the book will reflect his "measured, motivating" approach to his work.

Brown said in a statement that he hoped to emphasize the importance of trust and "other philosophies" he had developed over the years. Earlier this week, ABC News announced that he would join the network in January as a commentator on race, policing and other subjects.
2 Iranians charged in Kenyan court with terrorism

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Two Iranian men were charged Thursday in a Kenyan court with collecting information to facilitate a terrorist act after they were allegedly found with video footage of the Israeli embassy.

Sayed Nasrollah Ebrahim and Abdolhosein Gholi Safaee were arrested Tuesday in an Iranian diplomatic car on Bishops Road in Nairobi, after they had come from visiting Kamiti Prison where they saw two other Iranians who have been jailed for 15 years on terrorism charges, said prosecutor Duncan Ondimu.

The suspects were taking the pictures using a mobile phone, Ondimu said. A Kenyan driver, Moses Keyah Mmboga, who was chauffeuring the vehicle belonging to the Iranian embassy, has been charged with the suspects and also faces a separate charge of "abetting terrorism.

Iranian agents are suspected in attacks or thwarted attacks around the globe in recent years, including in Azerbaijan, Thailand and India. Most of the plots had Israeli targets.

In June 2013 a Kenyan court convicted two Iranian nationals of being Quds agents plotting attacks against Western targets in Kenya and they were sentenced to life in prison. That sentence was reduced on appeal in February to 15 years imprisonment.

Ahmad Abolfathi Mohammad and Sayed Mansour Mousavi were arrested in June 2012 and led officials to a 15-kilogram (33-pound) stash of the explosive RDX. At least 85 kilograms (187 pounds) of the explosives that authorities say was shipped into Kenya has not yet been found.

Kenyan anti-terror officials said the two Iranians are members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force, an elite and secretive unit.

In November 2015, two Kenyans admitted assisting Iranian state intelligence to plot attacks on western targets in Kenya, according to the country's police chief. Abubakar Sadiq Louw, 69, and Yassin Sambai Juma, 25, confessed to being spies for the Quds Force, according to Joseph Boinnet.
In turnaround, commodities giant Glencore to resume dividend

GENEVA (AP)  Commodities giant Glencore will resume paying a dividend worth $1 billion, a sign of improved financial health for a company that was just last year facing questions about its ability to cope with slumping prices.

The Anglo-Swiss company says it's reinstating the dividend next year after having sold off assets worth $6.3 billion, over three times its previous guidance, to reduce debt.

Glencore last year saw its shares nosedive as investors worried about its ability to handle debt. The company responded by selling off assets and cutting production and costs. The company said 2016 has been "challenging."

FILE - This April 14, 2011 file picture shows the Glencore headquarters in Baar, Switzerland. Commodities giant Glencore has announced Thursday Dec. 1, 2016 a $1 billion dividend after announcing that its debt-reduction plans are far ahead of pace. The Anglo-Swiss company says its reinstating the dividend after having completed divestment processes at $6.3 billion, over three times its previous guidance. (AP Photo/Keystone, Urs Flueeler, file)

CEO Ivan Glasenberg said Glencore had delivered on its commitments to cut its debt and strengthen its balance sheet, and now "can look forward to the future with confidence."

The company, which is based in Baar, Switzerland, but listed in London, has about 150 mining and metallurgical sites. It markets over 90 commodities including copper, zinc and nickel to industrial customers.
Veterans' group criticizes vets joining pipeline protest

FARGO, N.D. (AP)  Some military veterans in North Dakota disagree with the 2,000 veterans planning to join a protest opposing the four-state, $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline.

The North Dakota Veterans Coordinating Council has sent a letter to the "Veterans Stand for Standing Rock" group asking them not go to the southern part of the state where hundreds are camped out because it'll create more tension and increase the burden on law enforcement, council president Russ Stabler said Thursday.

The council doesn't have an opinion about the pipeline, which is mostly complete aside from a portion on federal land under a Missouri River reservoir that's been held up, and supports anyone who wants to protest peacefully. But, he said, the demonstrations have not been conducted in "the military manner in which our veterans behave."

Demonstrators sit on a closed bridge across from police protecting the Dakota Access oil pipeline site next to the Oceti Sakowin camp where people have gathered to protest the pipeline near Cannon Ball, N.D., Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

He believes the veterans coming to Standing Rock have been misinformed and should not be supporting a movement that has "broken laws, destroyed property and attacked law enforcement."

But, he said, "They intend on coming anyhow."

There are a "lot of different emotions and opinions" about the protest, and the veterans from across the country aren't going to be swayed by the letter from Stabler, Veterans Stand for Standing Rock spokeswoman Ashleigh Jennifer Parker said.

"Our mission is to go and ask and offer if we can help and support the tribes that are already there," the Coast Guard veteran said. "Obviously there could be groups that say some negative things, but we're going to march forward without them."

Veterans Stand for Standing Rock plans to arrive at the reservation Sunday and stay for four days. Much of the trip will be funded through a GoFundMe.com page that as of Thursday afternoon had raised nearly $780,000 of its $1 million goal.

The main protest camp, Oceti Sakowin, has grown significantly since the summer and is on federal land. Citing cold and wintry weather, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has said all federal lands north of the Cannonball River  the camp included  will be closed to public access on Monday and Gov. Jack Dalrymple issued a mandatory evacuation of the camp, though both have said that protesters will not be forcibly removed.

Police have made about 575 arrests since August during clashes along the pipeline route and in a couple of North Dakota cities. Protesters have complained about excessive force by law enforcement, including the use of water hoses during last month's confrontation in 30-degree weather. Another protester suffered a serious arm injury during that altercation, although it's not clear what caused the blast.

Stabler is especially upset that the vets' protest is slated to culminate on the anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

"It is an insult to the remaining World War II veterans from North Dakota," said Stabler, whose group represents more than 55,000 North Dakota veterans who are members of the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Veteran of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Also Thursday, the Morton County Sheriff's Department, which has been in charge of much of the law enforcement's response to protesters, released a video of a veteran who is critical of the Veterans Stand for Standing Rock.

Raymond Morrell, a U.S. Marine veteran, wants to know why veterans who have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution would participate in what he considers an unlawful protest.

"Veterans within the state North Dakota, we really question that as to where their cause truly is," he said.

Phillip Swafford, from left, and David Cook, both of Colorado, sit around a campfire at the Oceti Sakowin camp where thousands have gathered to protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline near Cannon Ball, N.D., Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. The pipeline is designed to carry oil from North Dakota to Illinois. Opponents, including the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, say it will harm drinking water and cultural sites. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

A man sits by the Cannon Ball River at the Oceti Sakowin camp where thousands have gathered to protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline near Cannon Ball, N.D., Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. The pipeline is designed to carry oil from North Dakota to Illinois. Opponents, including the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, say it will harm drinking water and cultural sites. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
The Latest: Trump narrows Supreme Court picks to '3 or 4'

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on President-elect Donald Trump (all times EST):

10:20 p.m.

President-elect Donald Trump says he has narrowed his choice for a Supreme Court nominee "down to probably three or four candidates."

President-elect Donald Trump waves to the crowd after speaking during the first stop of his post-election tour, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

One of Trump's first decisions after his inauguration will be to nominate a replacement for Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February. The high court has been functioning with just eight justices since then, with the Republican-led Senate refusing to hold hearings on President Barack Obama's nominee, Judge Merrick Garland.

Trump tells Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity, in an interview that aired Thursday night, that his Supreme Court candidates are "terrific people. Highly respected, brilliant people."

He says he will announce his nominee "pretty soon."

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8:20 p.m.

President-elect Donald Trump says he will nominate retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis to lead the Defense Department.

Trump made the announcement during a post-election victory rally Thursday in Cincinnati.

Mattis retired in 2013 after serving as the commander of the U.S. Central Command.

In a recent tweet, Trump referred to Mattis by his nickname "Mad Dog" and described him as "A true General's General!"

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7 p.m.

House Speaker Paul Ryan says he and Donald Trump have moved beyond their disagreements during the presidential campaign.

Ryan tells CBS in an interview excerpt that aired Thursday that he and Trump "speak about every day. And it's not about looking ... back in the past. That's behind us. We're way beyond that."

Before the election, the Wisconsin Republican criticized some of Trump's more incendiary remarks, and Trump called Ryan "weak and ineffective."

Ryan now calls Trump a "get-things-done kinda guy," but he insists Congress won't simply give the incoming president a blank check.

The speaker says Trump believes President Barack Obama "stripped a lot of power away" from Congress, and wants to "reset the balance of power, so that people and the Constitution are rightfully restored."

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6 p.m.

Workers at an Indianapolis factory say they're hopeful the deal President-elect Donald Trump brokered to reverse some job cuts there can be repeated elsewhere.

Carrier plant forklift driver Robert James says he's happy about Thursday's announcement but disappointed that perhaps 400 jobs at the 1,400-worker factory will still be lost to Mexico.

James says he wants to give Trump a chance to stop other factory closings even as he worries the Carrier decision might be one-shot deal.

Jeffery Blackford is a 25-year employee of Carrier and wore a red Trump baseball cap to Trump's announcement. Blackford says he believes Trump is letting corporations know they can't leave America.

A Carrier spokesman says the company received $7 million in state tax incentives to keep the factory running.

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3:45 p.m.

President-elect Donald Trump is renewing his pledge to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border during his first extensive public remarks since winning election.

He addressed border security briefly in a Thursday speech at an Indiana air conditioning company.

Trump says: "People are saying, 'Do you think Trump's going to build the wall?' Trust me, we're going to build the wall."

The incoming president seemed to pull back on his plan to build a wall in an interview soon after the election. He said at the time he would consider a fence in certain areas along the border.

Trump also said Thursday the wall would "have doors" allowing legal immigration.

There are currently several hundred miles of border barrier separating the United States and Mexico. Trump promised during the campaign to extend a concrete barrier across the entire 1,954-mile border.

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3:35 p.m.

President-elect Donald Trump is warning that companies are not going to leave the United States anymore "without consequences. It's not going to happen." He says that companies leaving will be "taxed very heavily" at the U.S. border.

Trump spoke at an Indianapolis factory where he says he helped prevent hundreds of jobs from moving to Mexico.

Trump said at the Carrier plant that more than 1,100 jobs will be maintained there. But he didn't talking about hundreds of workers who are still set to lose their jobs.

The incoming president is vowing to lower the country's business tax rate from 35 percent "hopefully down to 15 percent" and eliminate regulations.

Any changes to the tax code would need to be approved by Congress.

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3:25 p.m.

President-elect Donald Trump says he didn't mean it when he first vowed to stop an Indiana air conditioning company from shipping jobs to Mexico.

Trump said Thursday that the campaign-trail promise to save Carrier was initially only a symbol for the other manufacturing jobs he would save if elected. He said he thought it was too late to change the company's plans.

He says it wasn't until a week ago that he took his promise seriously, after watching a report about the Indiana company on the nightly news.

Trump says he called a company executive and helped negotiate a deal that would involve keeping about 800 union positions in Indianapolis that were initially set to be outsourced.

Indiana officials offered Carrier $7 million in incentives as part of the deal.

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2:45 p.m.

President-elect Donald Trump is touring the Indiana factory where he says he saved hundreds of jobs from moving to Mexico.

Trump, joined by his running mate Mike Pence, walked through a portion of the Carrier plant in Indianapolis.

He waved at some cheering workers, spoke with Carrier executives and inspected an assembly line.

Trump made saving the plant a central promise of his campaign.

A deal was reached this week to keep 800 jobs at the Indiana plant. But hundreds more are still set to lose their jobs.

A Carrier spokesman said earlier Thursday that the company received $7 million in tax incentives from Indiana to keep the factory running.

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1:30 p.m.

The chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee says he'll wait until Donald Trump becomes president before looking at potential conflicts of interest involving Trump's business empire.

Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz (CHAY'-fits) of Utah says it's too early for lawmakers to look into Trump's financial ties with foreign businesses and governments, or to deal with other questions.

Democrats have called for investigations into Trump's vast holdings, as well as his lease with the federal government for a luxury hotel near the White House.

Chaffetz says Trump "needs time to get his affairs in order. When he becomes the president we'll start providing some oversight of that."

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1:15 p.m.

Indiana is offering Carrier $7 million in incentives to keep some jobs in Indiana that the company had planned to shift to Mexico.

A company spokesman, Seth Martin, says the offer was made to the air conditioning and furnace maker after negotiations with President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence plan to announce the deal in Indianapolis later Thursday.

State economic development officials could not immediately be reached for comment to confirm the figure.

The Associated Press previously reported the deal will involve keeping about 800 union positions in Indianapolis that were to be outsourced.

Trump made Carrier's plans to shutter the Indianapolis plant a central issue of his campaign. He repeatedly railed against the company for its plans to move production to Mexico.

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12:50 p.m.

The congressman named by Donald Trump to oversee the country's health care system would also have an impact on another major issue  immigration.

It's an area where Georgia Republican Tom Price has been at odds with the Obama administration.

If Price is confirmed by the Senate to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, he would head an office responsible for both resettling refugees in the United States and caring for immigrant children caught trying to cross the border on their own.

The five-term lawmaker has joined his Republican colleagues in objecting to Obama's immigration enforcement policies, including those at the border. Price co-sponsored a bill that sought to let states block Syrian refugees from settling in their communities.

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10:45 a.m.

Donald Trump's transition team says the incoming president will meet on Friday with North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (HYT'-kamp), a Democrat up for re-election in 2018.

Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence plan to talk with Heitkamp at Trump Tower in New York. Trump won Heitkamp's home state with an overwhelming majority in the presidential election.

Trump spokesman Jason Miller says Heitkamp "comes very highly recommended, very highly qualified as a proven leader and would be an asset in any role or capacity."

Heitkamp says in a statement she's appreciative of the meeting and says that "whatever job I do, I hope to work with the president-elect" and her colleagues in Congress to help North Dakota.

President-elect Donald Trump, right, shakes hands with Vice President-elect Mike Pence as he arrives to speak to a "USA Thank You" tour event, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence talk with factory workers during a visit to the Carrier factory, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Indianapolis, Ind. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence wave as they visit to Carrier factory, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Indianapolis, Ind. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President-elect Donald Trump talks with workers during a visit to the Carrier factory, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Indianapolis, Ind. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence watch as employees work during a visit to Carrier factory, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Indianapolis, Ind. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Vice President-elect Mike Pence arrive at Indianapolis International Airport for visit to the Carrier factory, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Indianapolis, Ind. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Air conditioning units are stacked outside the Carrier Corp. plant, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, in Indianapolis. Carrier and President-elect Donald Trump reached an agreement to keep nearly 1,000 jobs in Indiana. Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence planned to travel to the state Thursday to unveil the agreement alongside company officials. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Iraq hopes OPEC deal will help cover its massive war costs

BAGHDAD (AP)  The government of Iraq is hoping that a new OPEC deal will help the war-weary country generate enough revenue to help pay for its costly, 2-year-old fight against the Islamic State group.

Iraq, whose oil revenues make up nearly 95 percent of its budget, has been reeling under an economic crisis since late 2014, when oil prices began their descent from a high of above $100 a barrel.

The plunge began just months after IS militants swept across large parts of northern and western Iraq. They seized territory that prompted a huge effort to rebuild and rearm large segments of the military and security forces and to care for a flood of people displaced from their homes.

An unfinished hotel in Basra, 340 miles (550 kilometers) southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. War-weary Iraq hinges hopes on OPEC agreement to cut production to meet the massive needs of its costly, two-year-old war against the Islamic State extremist group, and to refresh its ailing, oil-reliant economy hammered by plummeted oil prices. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jurani)

On Wednesday, the 14-member Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries sealed a deal to lower its output for a six-month period by 1.2 million barrels per day. Effective Jan. 1, the group will produce 32.5 million barrels per day.

Non-OPEC nations are expected to pare an additional 600,000 barrels a day off their production. That includes Russia, which committed itself to reducing its output by 300,000 barrels per day.

Oil prices gained an immediate boost Wednesday with the international benchmark for crude jumping 8.3 percent, or $3.86, to $50.24. The price of oil dipped as low as $26 a barrel in February.

"If there was no deal, we would have been in a very bad situation," said Iraqi lawmaker Haitham al-Jabouri, a member of parliament's Financial Committee. "The deal will have a positive impact on oil prices and therefor on our precarious economic situation."

Iraq's financial crisis has forced the government to introduce austerity measures, eliminating posts, merging some ministries, halting spending on construction projects and imposing new taxes. It has also sought loans from foreign and local lenders.

In an interview Monday with The Associated Press, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi described the level of oil prices as "inadequate."

"According to our own calculations, I think that the rise in oil prices, every $1 for a barrel of oil will add $1 billion to our budget. So, I think we will have more by cutting the production and increasing the price," al-Abadi said.

Iraq's projected 2017 budget is based on a price of $42 per barrel and a daily export capacity of 3.75 million barrels. The nearly 100.67 trillion Iraqi dinars (about $85.17 billion) budget runs with a deficit of 21.65 trillion dinars (about $18.32 billion). Parliament has yet to ratify the Jan. 1-Dec. 31 budget.

For the last several months, crude oil has traded between $40 and $50 a barrel. Before the OPEC meeting, the U.S. Energy Department predicted that crude would rise to $50 or $51 a barrel next year. OPEC will meet again in May 2017 to discuss a possible six-month extension of the deal.

Al-Jabouri said about 32 percent of the 2017 budget will go to the ministries of Defense and Interior and other security organizations, an increase from 28 percent in this year's budget. Iraq won't change the projected 2017 budget after the OPEC agreement, but instead will use the expected increased revenues to help bridge the deficit, he said.

The budget provides for a 4.8 percent cut in salaries and pensions for government and public sector employees to finance paramilitary forces, which are made up mainly of Shiite militias, and to care for those people who are displaced by the fighting.

OPEC's second-largest producer, Iraq will reduce output by 200,000 barrels a day to 4.351 million barrels, according to Mudhir Mohammed Salih, al-Abadi's economic adviser. Iraq will not only benefit from the anticipated increase in oil prices, but also from the reduction in production costs arising from smaller output, he added.

Salih hopes defense spending will be reduced when IS militants are driven out of the northern city of Mosul, the last urban bastion in Iraq still held by the extremist group. The offensive to oust IS militants from the country's second-largest city began Oct. 17.

"I call it a peace budget rather than a war budget, as much of the military expenses will go down with the liberating of Mosul this year, ending major battles," he said. "By then, we'll see more surpluses to cover other areas."

In July, Iraq secured a badly needed $5.34 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund that could unlock a further $18 billion in loans. The IMF has established a series of benchmarks connected to the three-year loan, requiring Iraq to reduce public spending, improve collection of taxes and customs fees, and fight corruption and money laundering. Other loans and payment facilities also were offered from other countries to cover defense costs.

But the OPEC deal is not expected to improve the lot of ordinary Iraqis like Baghdad merchant Ali al-Maksosi.

"Whether the price of the Iraqi oil is up or down, we will not be benefiting," said al-Maksosi, a dealer in flour and grain in the capital's Jamila wholesale market. "We are going through harsh circumstances in a state of war that continues affecting the budget."

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Associated Press writer Ali Abdul-Hassan contributed.

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Follow Sinan Salaheddin on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sinansm

Construction workers work at unfinished mall in Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. War-weary Iraq hinges hopes on OPEC agreement to cut production to meet the massive needs of its costly, two-year-old war against the Islamic State extremist group, and to refresh its ailing, oil-reliant economy hammered by plummeted oil prices. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)

Fuel for sale on the sidewalk in Basra, 340 miles (550 kilometers) southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. War-weary Iraq hinges hopes on OPEC agreement to cut production to meet the massive needs of its costly, two-year-old war against the Islamic State extremist group, and to refresh its ailing, oil-reliant economy hammered by plummeted oil prices. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jurani)

Shoppers buy goods at a commercial street in Baghdad's eastern district of Jamila, Iraq, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. War-weary Iraq hinges hopes on OPEC agreement to cut production to meet the massive needs of its costly, two-year-old war against the Islamic State extremist group, and to refresh its ailing, oil-reliant economy hammered by plummeted oil prices. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)

A damaged house after fight between Iraqi security forces and Islamic State militants at Hamdaniyah near the northern city of Mosul, Iraq, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. War-weary Iraq hinges hopes on OPEC agreement to cut production to meet the massive needs of its costly, two-year-old war against the Islamic State extremist group, and to refresh its ailing, oil-reliant economy hammered by plummeted oil prices. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
Feds: SC law compounds 'school-to-prison pipeline' problem

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  Federal authorities have weighed in on a lawsuit challenging South Carolina's "disturbing schools" law, arguing that the vague statute ends up disproportionately landing minority students and those with disabilities in juvenile jails.

The filing in federal court this week is connected to a controversial 2015 cellphone video of a South Carolina high school student being snatched from her desk by a sheriff's deputy, flipped backward and tossed across a classroom. The images prompted the deputy's firing, sparked national outrage over the use of force on students, and led to a debate on deputies' roles in the classroom.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Justice Department filed what's called a statement of interest in the American Civil Liberties Union's challenge of the law. In a statement announcing the filing, Civil Rights Division chief Vanita Gupta wrote that the arbitrary enforcement of such vague statutes contributes to the "school-to-prison pipeline," which unfairly affects minorities and students with disabilities.

"The criminalization of everyday and ordinary childhood behavior under imprecise statutes can have disastrous and discriminatory consequences," Gupta said. "Laws must provide officers with sufficient guidance to distinguish between innocent and delinquent conduct and ensure that all children receive the full protections of our Constitution."

The ACLU filed its lawsuit in August on behalf of students including Niya Kenny, who in October 2015 videotaped Richland County Deputy Ben Fields flipping another Spring Valley High School student out of her chair and tossing her across a classroom after she refused to surrender her cellphone.

Kenny told the deputy what he was doing was wrong, and she and the other student were arrested and charged with disturbing schools.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott swiftly fired Fields, saying the deputy's actions made him want to "throw up" but that the officer shouldn't have ever been called in the first place, saying it is up to educators to manage their classrooms. Local prosecutors ultimately found no probable cause to charge Fields with a crime.

As the ACLU filed its lawsuit, Lott's department reached a settlement with the Justice Department to do its part in ending the "school-to-prison pipeline" by providing intensive annual training for deputies who work in more than 60 schools on how to de-escalate situations, avoid bias and interact properly with disabled students.

The agreement also required the creation of an advisory group including students and parents and the hiring of outside consultants approved by the DOJ to assist with compliance. It settled a civil rights review that began five months before the cellphone video incident went viral.

For his part, Lott has called the "disturbing schools" law "terrible" and "misused and abused." In a statement issued Wednesday, the sheriff called on South Carolina lawmakers to make revising the "disturbing schools" law a priority when they reconvene next year.

Efforts to reform the law failed this year.

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Cuban family reveals complex reaction to Castro death

SANTA CLARA, Cuba (AP)  When Nancy Belcourt was a girl, two of her uncles fled their home in the central Cuban countryside to join rebels fighting a counter-revolution against Fidel Castro.

One was shot to death by firing squad, his bones found by Belcourt's family many years later. Another was shot and killed while fighting Castro's men in the Escambray mountains in 1963. Belcourt remembers his frozen remains arriving in a wooden box, water from the slowly melting body dripping onto the floor.

"I'm 60 years old," she said. "I've never forgotten that water."

Nancy Belcourt looks out from her porch in Santa Clara, Cuba, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Fidel Castros death unleashed powerful public emotions in Cuba. Belcourt revealed a blend of gratitude to Castros revolution, pain at the violence it unleashed and hope that Cuba will now be able to start looking toward a future that builds on Castros legacy while living its worst aspects behind. (AP Photo/Christine Armario)

Her father never forgave Castro for the killings of his two brothers but when Nancy Belcourt's neighbor told her Friday that Fidel Castro was dead, there was only a tiny sense of surprise and then wonder: What next?

Castro's death unleashed powerful public emotions in Cubans on the island and in exile around the world. In Cuba there have been five days of revolutionary fervor, with hundreds of thousands of people singing Castro's praises and pledging their commitment to his socialist system.

But behind closed doors, feelings have been more complex. A day spent with Belcourt revealed one person's blend of gratitude to Castro's revolution, pain at the violence it unleashed and hope that Cuba will now be able to start looking toward a future that builds on Castro's legacy while leaving its darker side behind.

"People feel hopeful," she said, sitting on a bed in a concrete-walled room in her home in the outskirts of Santa Clara, where Castro's ashes arrived Wednesday, the first stop in a four-day funeral procession taking his remains to the eastern city of Santiago.

The cortege continued Thursday, leaving in the morning for the central-eastern city of Camaguey on its eastbound route. In Camaguey province, workers were filling potholes and putting a new coat of yellow paint on some traffic signs ahead of the funeral caravan's passing. Hundreds of buses, trucks and even flat-bed trucks were dropping people off to line the route.

Belcourt was born nearly three years before the start of the revolution, the daughter of a housewife and a construction worker with only an elementary school education. Her family lived in a large, colonial-style home in a rural part of Trinidad that became a battleground between then-President Fulgencio Batista's forces and Castro's guerrilla army.

At one point, her family's adobe home was caught in the crossfire between the two forces  Batista's soldiers stationed in the front, Castro's in the back.

Bullets flew, striking the front door. The gunfire only stopped when Belcourt's sister screamed and the fighters realized there were children inside, she said.

After Castro's victory and the deaths of her uncles, Belcourt's family slowly left Trinidad. She and her sisters graduated with university degrees in economics, a first for their family. The toddler one of her uncles left behind fled to the United States, when he grew older and was never heard from again. Other cousins have left to different parts of Cuba and a few she still has contact with live in Florida.

She went on to have two children and has worked at various state enterprises.

"I don't think I've lived badly," said Belcourt, wearing a bright pink T-shirt with the word "Nyke" and the Nike logo that she said she bought from a privately-run business. "I've never been hungry. Within how you can live here, I have not lived poorly."

Her daughter today is a housewife and mother to a 14-year-old girl. Her son operates one of the many bicycle taxis shuttling people around Santa Clara's colorful plazas and bustling, narrow streets. Santa Clara is perhaps most famous for its connection with Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Here, he famously derailed a train carrying Batista's soldiers in one of the revolution's final key victories. And it is here where Guevara's remains were taken after being exhumed in Bolivia.

Belcourt didn't sign the condolences book and oath that Cubans have been encouraged to take affirming the revolution's principles in cities around the island. She was caring for her grandson, who was sick with a fever. But the retired accountant made sure her son signed it, because she thought not doing so would have been viewed unkindly.

"You're 24 years old," she told him, "You're too young to be marking yourself."

Belcourt said she hoped the revolutionary leader's death would create an opening allowing members of her children's generation to pursue their own vision for the island nation. She said countries such as the U.S., which long isolated Cuba in large part because of Fidel Castro, might now reconsider their earlier hard-line policies.

"They blamed him for everything," she said. "Now he's not here."

Younger Cubans now have access to cell phones and the internet and see their friends on the island opening small businesses and advancing economically, showing them "that you can live much better than we do here," she said.

"You only hear about the old people and what happened 60 years ago," said Belcourt. "When are they going to let young people develop their own ideas?"

But Belcourt said she doubts Raul Castro's government will be open to significant change. And she wonders what the incoming administration of President Donald Trump will mean for U.S. relations with Cuba.

As the funeral cortege passed by, she remained inside her three-room home, already decorated with a tiny Christmas tree with lights.

"Hope is the last thing you lose," she said.

Nancy Belcourt shows photos of her parents at her home in Santa Clara, Cuba, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. The retired 60-year-old accountant was born nearly three years before the start of Fidel Castro's revolution, the daughter of a house wife and construction worker who had only received an elementary education. (AP Photo/Christine Armario)

Nancy Belcourt looks at family photos in her home in Santa Clara, Cuba, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. When Belcourt was a girl, two of her uncles fled their home in the central Cuban countryside to join rebels fighting a counter-revolution against Fidel Castro. Her father never forgave Castro for the killings of his two brothers but when Belcourt's neighbor told her Castro was dead, there was only a tiny sense of surprise and then wonder: What next? (AP Photo/Christine Armario)

Nancy Belcourt, 60, stands in her kitchen in Santa Clara, Cuba, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Santa Clara was the first resting stop for Fidel Castro's ashes before continuing on the trek to Santiago, retracing the path he took to Havana in 1959. She didn't sign the condolence book and oath affirming the revolution's principles. The grandson she is raising was sick with a fever. She did make sure her son signed it, though. (AP Photo/Christine Armario)
Women lead the 'The Illusionists' on Broadway this time

NEW YORK (AP)  The magic supergroup "The Illusionists" has returned to Broadway trying to stun audiences for a third time, but this time they've brought something missing from previous stops: female magicians.

Jinger Leigh, who performs with her husband, Mark Kalin, is known for elaborate illusions  like levitating and sawing someone in half. And the clairvoyant Amelie van Tass will be able to tell you what's in your purse while blindfolded onstage.

"What you're going to see is a little bit different than 'The Illusionists' you saw last year. It's the same brand and it's the same quality level, but this show is rich in history," said Leigh. "It's rich in costuming and character and composition."

This image released by DKC shows Jinger Leigh, center, performing with her husband Mark Kalin, right. Leigh, who is known for elaborate illusions like levitating and sawing someone in half, is part of, "The Illusionists _ Turn of the Century," at the Palace Theatre in New York. (The Illusionists/DKC via AP)

"The Illusionists  Turn of the Century " has landed at the Palace Theatre with eight new acts. The franchise first arrived on Broadway during the 2014-15 holiday season and a new group arrived last Christmas, becoming the highest-grossing show ever at the Neil Simon Theatre.

The addition of women this time is no revisionism  female magicians were often headliners in magic's golden age. Leigh lists Adelaide Herrmann, Mercedes Talma and Ionia the Enchantress as pioneers.

The rest of the magical lineup this time includes Rick Thomas ("The Immortal"), Justo Thaus ("The Grand Carlini"), Jonathan Goodwin ("The Daredevil"), Charlie Frye ("The Eccentric") and Dana Daniels ("The Charlatan").

Leigh, who grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and performed in Las Vegas before meeting her husband and switching to magic, considers it a supreme honor to be on a Broadway stage.

"This is the epitome for me. This is the pinnacle," said Leigh, who has previously played the Sydney Opera House and the Palladium in London. "This is THE milestone. I can retire after this, I think."

Van Tass is also onstage with her significant other, Thommy Ten. She grew up in Austria, adored acting and dancing as a child and studied social work in school. She met Ten in 2011 and they soon fell in love.

In their act, van Tass is blindfolded while her partner goes out into the crowd and randomly picks items from theatergoers. Anything he touches, she'll instantly know, from serial numbers on $5 bills to the expiration date of asthma inhalers. They were named runners-up in NBC's 2016 "America's Got Talent" competition .

"Some people think it maybe is a little tough to be like 24 hours together but we can manage it pretty good," she said. "Some people need three days apart from each other. For us, three hours are OK."

Leigh will try her hand at some lost tricks from the past, like the Okito floating ball, in which a ball hovers about the stage. She's also sawed in half with help from two members of the audience.

Both women said they never use their special skills for profit or revenge.

"In private life, we try to be as normal as we can," said van Tass.

"Right, we use our powers for good," said Leigh.

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Online: http://www.theillusionistslive.com/turnofthecentury

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Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
OAS urges Honduras to be swift in social security scandal

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Organization of American States is calling on Honduras to work more swiftly to clear up a $300 million embezzlement scandal involving the Central American country's social security system.

Thursday's call came from a special mission created to root out corruption in Honduras, the organization's first such foray. It was created in February at Honduras' invitation amid growing street protests calling for an international body such as the U.N.-sponsored one that investigated corruption in neighboring Guatemala.

Last month the mission asked Honduras' security secretary to capture 10 fugitives related to the case. It says it has identified 47 lines of investigation and expects six trials to start in the coming months.
Chicago schools: Cuts possible due to pension aid veto

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP)  Illinois Democrats failed Thursday to override the Republican governor's veto of $215 million to help the financially struggling Chicago Public Schools with pension payments as negotiations on an overdue state budget broke down again.

Using its Democratic supermajority, the Senate quickly voted to overturn Gov. Bruce Rauner's move, but the House adjourned for the year Thursday evening without bringing the override question for a vote. Although the House has 15 days to try again, it's unclear if there is enough support in the chamber.

Losing the money would be a huge blow to the finances at CPS, which crafted the current year's budget expecting the funds. Without state support, officials at the nation's third-largest school district have warned of budget cuts and in the past they've said that could include layoffs.

Illinois Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, argues legislation while on the House floor during veto session at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

The veto was the latest budgetary battle between Democratic legislative leaders and the former venture capitalist, who has tried since taking office to change Illinois' political system by weakening unions and making the state friendlier to businesses.

Rauner wants Democrats to help him enact part of his agenda, but neither side has budged and that has left Illinois without a budget for 18 months  the longest any state has gone since at least World War II. The gridlock has crippled social service programs and left higher education institutions facing financial uncertainty due to less state support than they've received in the past.

The parties had agreed to the Chicago Public Schools funding in June as part of a six-month spending plan to get the state through the end of the year. But the money promised came with the condition that lawmakers would work on a separate plan to overhaul a statewide pension system that's more than $100 billion.

Democratic Senate President John Cullerton denied Thursday there had been such a deal. Immediately afterward, Rauner vetoed the funding.

"Breaking our agreement undermines our effort to end the budget impasse and enact reforms with bipartisan support," Rauner said in his veto message to lawmakers.

Chicago Public Schools has a "junk" status from credit agencies and narrowly averted a teachers strike in October. Leaders of the 400,000-student district built the $5.4 billion budget expecting the $215 million to pay the employer's contribution to teachers' pensions. The payment is due in June.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel accused Rauner of "lashing out," calling the veto "reckless and irresponsible."

For months, Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool, whom Emanuel appointed, said the aid was necessary to avoid cuts. He said Thursday that school officials and allies would fight the veto and floated the possibility of a civil rights lawsuit over unfair funding practices. Most students in the largely black and Hispanic school district are low-income.

"They should not be pawns in Gov. Rauner's cynical political game," Claypool said.

CPS is the only Illinois school district where local taxpayers, rather than the state, pay the employer's contribution and Democrats have argued that's unfair.

Rauner has been meeting with Republican and Democrat leaders in his office this week to negotiate a budget, but they have made no progress.

Rauner said he's willing to consider another short-term budget agreement, but only if Democrats consider term limits and put a permanent freeze on property taxes. Democrats have said Rauner should drop his demands and focus on a budget without pre-conditions.

The governor has said CPS money must be accompanied by a commitment to fix the state's overall pension debt to improve Illinois' fiscal health.

"The taxpayers of Illinois do not want just another bailout," he said in the veto message. "Let's get back to work to end the budget impasse and put Illinois on the right track once and for all."

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Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed to this report.

Illinois Rep. Robert Rita, D-Blue Island, speaks to reporters during veto session at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

Illinois Rep. Robert Rita, D-Blue Island, speaks to reporters during veto session at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

Lawmakers, lobbyist and visitors stand along the "Brass Rail" outside the House chambers during veto session at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

Illinois Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, walks down the center aisle of the House chambers during veto session at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, right, speaks to reporters outside Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's office during veto session at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. Illinois Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, left, is looking on. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
Brazil judge in Petrobras probe urges Senate to oppose bill

SAO PAULO (AP)  The federal judge presiding over the corruption-kickback investigation at Brazil's state oil company Petrobras urged senators on Thursday to oppose legislation that would allow judges and prosecutors to be charged with abuse of authority.

Judge Sergio Mors aid such legislation would be interpreted as an attempt to repress the "Operation Car Wash" investigation, which already has implicated lawmakers and business executives.

Moro spoke during a Senate debate one day after congress' lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, approved the measure that would permit defendants to sue authorities for alleged offenses against the "honor and dignity" of their offices. Prosecutors investigating the kickback scheme have threatened to quit if President Michel Temer signs the bill.

A prosecutor holds a sign that says in Portuguese "Who cares about the public prosecutor?" to protest lawmakers' attempt to pass legislation that would allow judges and prosecutors to be charged with abuse of authority, in Brasilia, Brazil, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. Brazilian prosecutors are threatening to quit their investigation into a corruption-kickback scheme at state oil company Petrobras if the legislation is signed by President Michel Temer. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Moro said the bill was an attempt to intimidate prosecutors as they are nearing completion of plea agreement negotiations with construction company Odebrecht, which is at the center of the Petrobras case. The agreement is expected to implicate as many as 200 politicians suspected of receiving bribes in recent years.

"Perhaps this is not the best moment to legislate on abuse of authority considering the important investigations currently underway," Moro told the senators.

He said congressmen tried to prevent wider debate on the issue by approving the bill in a marathon session that began Tuesday night and ended early Wednesday.

Senate President Renan Calheiros, who was sitting next to Moro, denied the bill was drawn up to intimidate prosecutors investigating the Petrobras scheme.

"Operation Car Wash is sacred for it reduces the impunity that reigns in our country," he said.

Hours later, the Supreme Court said it would open legal proceedings against Calheiros, who is suspected of embezzlement. Eight of the court's 11 justices ruled that Calheiros must stand trial for allegedly misusing public funds nine years ago to pay for the financial support of a daughter he had out of wedlock.

Also Thursday, Odebrecht published a statement apologizing for its involvement in corruption scandals that have led to the arrest of its former chairman and several of its executives. The construction company said it made serious mistakes and pledged not to submit to extortion or resort to bribes to get contracts from public officials.

The newspaper Folha de S. Paulo reported that the company signed an agreement with authorities to return almost $2 billion to public coffers.

Brazilian Federal Judge Sergio Moro, who is leading the corruption probe at the state-run oil company Petrobras, speaks during a Senate session in Brasilia, Brazil, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. Brazilian prosecutors are threatening to quit their investigation into a corruption-kickback scheme at state oil company Petrobras if legislation that would allow judges and prosecutors to be charged with abuse of authority is signed by President Michel Temer. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Public prosecutor employees from various states protest lawmakers' attempt to pass legislation that would allow judges and prosecutors to be charged with abuse of authority, in Brasilia, Brazil, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. Brazilian prosecutors are threatening to quit their investigation into a corruption-kickback scheme at state oil company Petrobras if the legislation is signed by President Michel Temer. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Brazil's Senate President Renan Calheiros, left, and Brazilian Federal Judge Sergio Moro, who is leading the corruption probe at the state-run oil company Petrobras, attend a Senate session in Brasilia, Brazil, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. Brazilian prosecutors are threatening to quit their investigation into a corruption-kickback scheme at state oil company Petrobras if legislation that would allow judges and prosecutors to be charged with abuse of authority is signed by President Michel Temer. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
Ethiopia arrests opposition figure for violating emergency

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP)  The Ethiopian government says it has arrested an opposition figure for violating the terms of a state of emergency declared in October.

The state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate reported Thursday that Merera Gudina is under investigation for having met with the leader of an outlawed group while he traveled in Belgium recently.

Merera was arrested when he returned to Ethiopia on Wednesday.

Merera has been a government critic for more than a decade and hails from the restive Oromia region, which has seen anti-government protests since November 2015. He is the vice chairman of the Ethiopian Federal Democratic Unity Forum, one of the biggest opposition groups in Ethiopia.
Man gets 40 years in murder-suicide plot that left 3 dead

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)  A southwest Florida man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for a murder-suicide plot that left his girlfriend and her two daughters dead.

The News-Press (https://goo.gl/Ok4XRe ) reports that 28-year-old Patrick Carlopoli was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to six counts, including second-degree murder.

Authorities say Carlopoli and his girlfriend, 37-year-old Tammy Modlin, on Jan. 24 first killed the family's dog at their Fort Myers apartment. Modlin then stabbed 16-year-old Montana Modlin, her daughter from a previous relationship. She then shot 3-year-old Jeanne Carlopoli, her daughter with Carlopoli.

Police say Carlopoli then shot Modlin, but instead of turning the gun on himself, he went outside and called 911.

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The mother of a missing six-year-old Hawaiian boy has admitted manslaughter 20 years after he was last seen.

Jaylin Kema and her husband Peter Kema Sr. campaigned for the safe return of their six-year-old son Peter who became affectionately known in the public as Peter Boy after his 1997 disappearance from Big Island, Hawaii.

The couple claimed to have lost track of the child after giving him to a family friend to look after when they fell upon hard times. Earlier this year they were both arrested for murder after a fresh investigation.

On Thursday, Jaylin Kema pleaded guilty to manslaughter as she confirmed the boy is dead as authorities have long feared.

He is believed to have died of sepsis after a wound in his arm which police say was inflicted by his abusive father became infected.

Jaylin Kema (left in court on Thursday) admitted manslaughter in the death of her six-year-old son Peter Boy who vanished in April 1997. Peter is seen right, in one of the few photographs ever taken of him which was captured by his grandparents

Jaylin Kema agreed with this version of events, Hawaii County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ricky Damerville said.

She agreed that she failed to get the child medical help after he suffered the injury which was large enough for a finger to be stuck in it.

'I failed to protect my son,' she wept in court as she told how despite having health insurance for the family, she did not seek help or speak out because she was in fear of her husband.

The wound, which was puss-filled and festering, prompted extended family members to fear Peter was being abused, Damerville added.

It was one of many suffered by the child at the hands of his father, according to his siblings.

They told Hawaii News earlier this year how they were all beaten as children but that Peter suffered the most gravely. Their father forced him to eat his own feces and tortured him daily, they said.

Jaylin and her husband Peter Kema Sr campaigned to find their son after he disappeared. They are seen above in 1998 claiming he was last seen with a family friend who could never be traced

Peter Boy had suffered a severe wound to his arm which was so infected it was seeping puss and left a hole in his arm, extended family friends said. It is prosecutors' belief he died of sepsis

The three children were removed from their parents care when Peter was just a baby after he was found to have suffered several broken bones. They went to live with their grandparents and were happy.

It was during this time that all the photographs taken of Peter Boy throughout his life were captured. The children were however returned to their parents by the state and the abuse began again.

After his disappearance, Peter's four-year-old sister told authorities she saw her father trying to resuscitate the boy before he vanished. She also claimed to have seen him in a box in a closet.

Kema Snr, who denies killing his son, maintains that he gave him to a woman called Auntie Rose Makuakane in Oahu after struggling to support him financially.

Police never found any trace of such a woman or flight details showing he had made the described journey.

Peter Boy's siblings said their father beat them all but that he was specifically targeted

The children were taken to live with their grandparents (their grandmother is photographed above) after concerns were raised over abuse by their parents. They were later returned to their mother and father by the state

Peter Kema Snr (left earlier this year after his arrest) maintains he did not kill the boy. Right, Jaylin Kema's mugshot

The couple was arrested earlier this year after a grand jury indictment which named them as Peter's killers.

They were brought in to custody on gun and welfare fraud charges and separated, a tactic law enforcement officers hoped would drive a wedge between them and reveal what happened to the boy.

Jaylin wept at Hilo Circuit Court as she admitted manslaughter on Thursday

The case had been reopened after heavily redacted files from 2005 were released in which detailed the abuse Peter and his siblings suffered at the hands of their father.

Jaylin was charged with second-degree murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in a plea deal with prosecutors. She will testify against her husband in exchange for a reduced sentence for her crime.

Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth said the development was a victory.

'It's a case most people in the state have heard about. The real win for the community is they at least know what happened to the child.'

Jaylin Kema received a recommended sentence of just one-year in exchange for her testimony with credit for time already served. If her husband's trial isn't over by April, she'll be on supervised release, according to the plea agreement.
Trainee doctors facing huge workloads worried about patient safety, poll finds

Some trainee doctors are working beyond their competence due to huge workloads, with many worried about patient safety, according to a new report.

A poll of 55,000 UK doctors in training for the General Medical Council (GMC) found that 43% described their daytime workload as "very heavy" or "heavy".

This rose to 78% of doctors in emergency medicine, with workloads in all areas having got worse over the last five years.

More trainee doctors are reporting heavy workloads and patient safety concerns

Over half of doctors in training said they regularly work beyond their agreed rota hours, and up to 25% said their working patterns left them sleep-deprived on a weekly basis.

The report also found that doctors with the highest workloads were more likely to report patient safety concerns.

Those who described their workload as very heavy had twice as many concerns about patient safety as those who thought their workload was about right. They were also six times more likely to feel forced to cope with clinical problems beyond their competence on a daily or weekly basis.

The report said: " This has worrying implications for the safety of patients, doctors in training, and public confidence. Our standards are clear that doctors in training should not be expected to find themselves in such a situation."

The poll also found that, when compared with doctors in training who said their daytime workload was about right, those who described their daytime workload as heavy or very heavy were three times more likely to have to leave a tea ching session to answer a clinical call once or multiple times each session.

The report said: " While we acknowledge that treatment in busy environments is an occupational inevitability, training time should be protected as much as possible."

Compared to 2014, more than twice as many doctors responding to the GMC survey in 2016 used the opportunity to raise worries about patient safety. Some 838 doctors reported a local patient safety issue in 2016 compared to 404 in 2014.

The GMC warned that many doctors in training are working under such significant and growing pressure that it threatens the training they need to become GPs and consultants.

The GMC also surveyed 23,000 trainers, most of whom said they enjoyed their role, but one in three said they did not have enough time to deliver training.

GMC chief executive Charlie Massey said there was a "tremendous amount" of high quality training across the UK. But he added: "We know the very real pressures our healthcare services are under and appreciate the challenges organisations involved with the training of doctors are facing, but it is vital training is not eroded.

"Those responsible and accountable for the delivery of medical education locally must take appropriate steps to ensure the training of doctors remains protected. Medical training is so often a bellwether for the quality and safety of patient care and patients are directly at risk if support and supervision of doctors in training is inadequate."

A separate poll of 498 junior doctors for the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) found 80% felt their job "sometimes" or "often" caused them excessive stress.

One in four said it had had a serious impact on their mental health and over half said it "sometimes" or "often" had a negative impact on their physical health.

Professor Neena Modi, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), called the results of the survey a " stark warning of the risks to patient safety and care as a consequence of the increasing pressures faced by junior doctors in the NHS".

Dr Pete Campbell, the British Medical Association's junior doctors committee chairman, said: "Patients and the public may be shocked by these findings, but no junior doctor will be surprised. It is still far too common that junior doctors are left sleep-deprived after regularly working beyond their rostered hours, on rotas that are desperately short of doctors.

"We cannot accept a situation where vital training time is being sacrificed in the face of rising pressures on services. This is a short-sighted approach that is already having an impact on the quality of patient care."

Professor Wendy Reid, director of education and quality at Health Education England (HEE), said: " We know that being a junior doctor is challenging and stressful without any additional pressures such as poor rota planning, unsupportive senior colleagues and lack of family time.

"HEE has been leading work to improve the training for junior doctors but this report highlights the importance of the employer in managing the workload, rotas and support at work for doctors in training.

"HEE and NHS Employers have agreed a new Code of Practice which will improve communication and planning of placements and we look forward to working with NHS Employers and the system to improve the working lives of doctors in training."

A Department of Health spokesman said: "We want to support our junior doctors. That's why the NHS has employed 11,900 more doctors since 2010.
Immigration to UK hits record 650,000 as EU numbers rise

Immigration to the UK has reached a record level as the inflow of EU citizens hit a historic high.

Official figures showed about 650,000 people arrived in the country in the year to the end of June - the highest number recorded.

The number entering the UK over the 12 months - which mainly covers a period before the referendum as well as a week after - included a record 284,000 EU citizens.

The latest immigration figures have been published

Net migration - the overall difference between the numbers arriving and leaving the country - was at a near record of 335,000, well above the Government's controversial target of less than 100,000.

It was also revealed that in 2015 Romania was the most common country of last residence for the first time, making up 10% of immigrants.

Nicola White, of the Office for National Statistics, said: "Net migration remains around record levels, but it is stable compared with recent years.

"Immigration levels are now among the highest estimates recorded - the inflow of EU citizens is also at historically high levels and similar to the inflow of non-EU citizens.

"There were also increases in the number of asylum seekers and refugees. Immigration of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens continues the upward trend seen over the last few years and in 2015 Romania was the most common country of previous residence."

She said it was too early to say what effect the referendum has had on long-term international migration, adding: "There does not however appear to have been any significant impact during the run-up to the vote."

Ms White added that the main reason people are coming to the UK is for work. T here has been a "s ignificant increase" in numbers looking for employment, particularly from the EU.

In the year ending in June, 189,000 EU citizens arrived for work - the highest estimate recorded.

About 57%, or 108,000, of those reported having a definite job to go to while around 82,000 arrived looking for work - a record number and a "statistically significant" increase on the previous year.

The jump includes a rise in the number of citizens arriving to seek employment from the rest of the EU15 group of nations - Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain and Sweden.

Statisticians suggested the rise may in part reflect "weaker labour market conditions" in some southern EU states.

Data published on Thursday also showed:

:: In the year ending in June, non-EU net migration was 196,000, similar to the previous year

:: The number of people immigrating for more than 12 months to study was estimated to be 163,000 - a statistically significant reduction

:: The number of national insurance registrations in the year ending in September was 629,000 for EU citizens and 195,000 for non-EU citizens, with both showing a fall from the previous year.

The net migration figures prompted fresh scrutiny of the Tories' objective to reduce the number to five figures.

Alp Mehmet, vice chairman of Migration Watch UK, said: "Even if net migration was brought down to 265,000 a year, the UK population would still be growing at half a million a year, every year for the next 10 years. That is the equivalent to another five Birminghams.

"This is unacceptable to most of the British public."

Saira Grant, chief executive of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, accused the Government of creating "counter-productive immigration policies designed to make life extremely uncomfortable for migrants" driven by a "fixation on the ill-judged net migration target".

Immigration minister Robert Goodwill said: "The British people have sent a very clear message that they want more control of immigration and we are committed to getting net migration down to sustainable levels in the tens of thousands.

"There is no consent for uncontrolled immigration, which puts pressure on schools, hospitals and public services. That is why reducing the number of migrants coming to the UK will be a key priority of our negotiations to leave the EU."

Prime Minister Theresa May's official spokeswoman said the Government's ambition is still to reduce net migration below 100,000.
Tony Blair sets up institute to develop 'policy agenda for centre ground'

Tony Blair has announced the creation of a new institute which he will use to develop "a new policy agenda for the centre ground".

The former prime minister insisted that the organisation would not be a think tank, and its establishment was not a step towards him returning to the front line of UK politics.

But he said he hoped to develop "open-minded" ideas and practical solutions to global problems which will help politicians counter the growing wave of "populism" on right and left.

Tony Blair says the institute is not a step towards him returning to the front line of UK politics

Mr Blair - who has called for a second referendum on the UK's withdrawal from the EU - confirmed that Britain's relationship with Europe would be a key issue for the new body, but insisted it would not be its only purpose.

In a statement released by his office, he said: "This is not about my returning to the front line of politics. I have made it abundantly clear that this is not possible.

"However, I care about my country and the world my children and grandchildren will grow up in, and want to play at least a small part in contributing to the debate about the future of both."

Mr Blair said the new not-for-profit institute, to be established in the new year, will take in the work on countering religious extremism, governance in Africa and the Middle East peace process already undertaken by the foundations he has set up since leaving office in 2007.

But he said recent political developments - including the Brexit vote and the election of Donald Trump as US President - had highlighted the need for work to develop a new policy agenda for people on the centre, free from "the plague of social media-led exchanges of abuse". This will form the "fourth pillar" of the new institute's work.

"In the past six months we have seen political earthquakes in the UK with Brexit and in the American election, as well as an explosion in populist movements all over the European continent," said Mr Blair.

"This impacts profoundly all the work we do and the future of globalisation. So I want us to bring all the different organisations together under one roof and to re-orient our mission."

The former Labour leader made no mention in his statement of his successor, Jeremy Corbyn. But his call for people in the political centre ground to fight populism on both the left and right is likely to be interpreted as a warning about the current leader's agenda.

Mr Blair said the "open-minded response to global problems" which he aims to promote "depends on us having an answer to the new populism of left and right which exploits the anger and drives the world apart".

And he added: "This new populism may differ in some respects between left and right - the left anti-business, the right anti-immigrant - but in others what is remarkable is the convergence between them, especially around isolationism and protectionism, in what is an essentially closed-minded approach to globalisation and its benefits and to international engagement."

His new organisation will aim to "build a new policy agenda for the centre ground together with the networks which link people up, and allow a reasonable and evidence-based discussion of the future which avoids the plague of social media-led exchanges of abuse", he said.

"This is not a think-tank - there are enough of those, many doing excellent work we would want to utilise. It is a platform for engagement to inform and support the practising politician. It is what I know I would want were I still in the front line of politics."

Mr Blair said the new institute will be funded from the assets - reportedly around 8-9 million - of his advisory business Tony Blair Associates, which he shut down in September.

He acknowledged that the business - which made millions from an array of controversial clients ranging from oil companies to the authoritarian government of Kazakhstan - was "open to misrepresentation" and had been widely criticised.

But he insisted that much of the criticism was "inaccurate" and said the business had been "entirely necessary" to help fund his other work and had allowed him to "learn a lot about the way the global economy functions".

He added: "During the time since leaving office, I have learnt a huge amount about the world and, frankly, what I can do and can't do to affect it positively."
Doctor weeps at letter from cystic fibrosis patient Elle, 10

The moment an NHS doctor was moved to tears by a thank you note from a 10-year-old patient has been captured on video.

Consultant paediatrician Dr Ravi Jayaram wipes away tears after reading the letter from his patient Elle Grace Morris who suffers from cystic fibrosis (CF).

The youngster, who appears in the Cystic Fibrosis Trust's moving Christmas campaign message, is in desperate need of a double lung transplant.

A doctor was moved to tears by a thank-you note from a 10-year-old patient (Cystic Fibrosis Trust/Marcel Reinard/PA)

The video features the youngster reading the note to her doctor saying "without your help I don't know if I'd be here today".

Dr Jayaram, who has been treating Elle since she was diagnosed aged 15 months, admits that he is a "big softie" before saying he will "write to Santa for those new lungs for you".

Last Christmas, Elle, from Nantwich, Cheshire, was told she may not live for another year.

But the CF Trust said that thanks to the work of her dedicated medical team, she is still alive.

When she found out that she needed to go on the transplant list, the youngster created a list of 10 things she wanted to do before she reached the age of 10.

She has fulfilled most - including meeting Rita Ora and Olly Murs, making her own music video and being a princess for a day.

One of the wishes was r aising awareness for the work of the CF Trust - something she has achieved through making the video.

Her mother Becky Whitfield, 29, told the Press Association: "One her wishes was to promote organ donation and the CF Trust so it's what she has asked for.

"She is just such a strong and independent person.

"She's just amazing. I know I'm biased because I'm her mum but she just gets on with it."

Elle has recently been reviewed at Great Ormond Street Hospital - where it is hoped her lung transplant will take place.

"They said: 'from what we see on paper to the girl we are looking at, you wouldn't think it is the same person'," the stay-at-home mum said.

"They were expecting her to be in a wheelchair.

"She has got weaker as the months have gone on but they said they just can't believe how she is pushing herself and getting by every day and going to school.

"They said she shouldn't even be in full time school by looking at the state of her lungs because she is only on 30% lung function."

On Dr Jayaram, Ms Whitfield added: "Dr Ravi is amazing. His comical character always keeps Elle's spirits up.

"He goes beyond his duties as Elle's consultant to make sure she is comfortable and as healthy as she can be when having her treatments and medication.

"He is a huge credit to the NHS."

Dr Jayaram, consultant paediatrician at the Countess of Chester Hospital: "I've watch Elle and her family deal with the burden of cystic fibrosis since she was a diagnosed with the condition at 15 months-old.

"Elle has already had to devote too much of her short life to the daily medications and treatment that keep her alive.

"Every day she must take dozens of tablets, do two hours of physiotherapy and carry an oxygen cylinder around with her wherever she goes.

"Since her health has deteriorated she also has to spend two weeks in hospital every two months and is in desperate need of new lungs.

"Despite all this, Elle remains one of the toughest, bravest and most positive little girls I know and I'm proud to appear in this film with her and help raise awareness of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust's work to beat this disease."

Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic condition that causes lungs to become clogged with mucus, making it hard to breathe.

There are over 10,500 people with cystic fibrosis living in the UK.

Half of those who die from cystic fibrosis are aged 28 or younger.

Figures from NHS Blood and Transplant show there are currently 6,451 people in the UK in need of an organ - including 153 children.

James Barrow, head of external affairs at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust said: "This time last year Elle was told she may not live for another year, but thanks to the incredible support of her CF team, she has the chance to spend another Christmas with her family.

"Sadly Elle is just one example of how cruel this condition can be - there is almost 11,000 people living with CF in the UK, and millions carrying the gene.

"We need to raise awareness and with support we can beat cystic fibrosis for good."
Boy, 15, charged over death of Polish man Arkadiusz Jozwik

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the manslaughter of "hard-working" Polish man Arkadiusz Jozwik.

Mr Jozwik was attacked outside a row of takeaway shops on August 27, in the wake of the Brexit vote in June's EU Referendum.

He died in hospital two days later.

Arkadiusz Jozwik, who died after being attacked in Harlow

Initial reports suggested the death of the 40-year-old, who was attacked in Harlow, Essex, was a possible hate crime, but it is understood that prosecutors are not treating it as such.

Polish ambassador Arkady Rzegocki visited Harlow in the days after the attack and met the family of Mr Jozwik, and Poland's foreign minister and home affairs minister met their British counterparts Boris Johnson and Amber Rudd the following week amid concerns for the Polish community in the UK.

In a tribute statement issued at the time, the family of Mr Jozwik said: "He was a hard-working man who loved spending time with his family, specifically his nephew, with whom he loved to play table football."

Five teenage boys who were initially arrested in connection with Mr Jozwik's death were told they would face no further action by Essex Police.

The decision not to charge the five boys, who prosecutors said were at the scene, was taken in October due to a lack of evidence.

Mr Jozwik was attacked in a shopping precinct called The Stow at around 11.35pm.

He was initially taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow but was later transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where he died of head injuries.

Paul Scothern, Crown Advocate in the complex casework unit for the Crown Prosecution Service East of England, warned people against posting any information online that could prejudice the case against the 15-year-old.

"It is very important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings," he said. "For these reasons, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."
Keaton Jennings celebrates England call-up with unbeaten century in Lions' win

Keaton Jennings celebrated his England call-up with an unbeaten century as Lions captain in their eight-wicket win over United Arab Emirates in Dubai.

Jennings, named less than 24 hours before Thursday's one-day international series opener as a replacement for the injured Haseeb Hameed in England's Test squad in India, finished with 101 not out as the Lions knocked off their hosts' 174 all out with 16 of their 50 overs to spare.

In his first innings since the end of last summer, the left-handed Durham opener proved he would be in form if he makes his Test debut in Mumbai next week.

Keaton Jennings warmed up for a possible Test debut with a century for England Lions

South Africa-born Jennings was put in charge for his Lions debut and responded with an innings which contained 13 fours from 103 balls as the Lions went 1-0 up with two to play.

Surrey seamers Stuart Meaker (four for 38) and the Curran brothers Tom and Sam, with two wickets each, had the measure of the UAE after Jennings chose to bowl on a slow pitch.

In reply, Jennings and Daniel Bell-Drummond began cautiously but found their feet in an opening stand of 107 inside 22 overs.

Bell-Drummond fell for 40 - before debutant Tom Alsop shared another half-century stand with Jennings to put the Lions on the home straight.

Reflecting on a winning start to cap off his wonderful week, Jennings said: "That couldn't have gone much better.

"It was our first game together in the field after six or seven weeks, and a really enjoyable experience for me captaining the team.

"To spend some time in the middle for me was great, even if they were one-day runs - which is obviously different to how things will be in India."
Katie Price's stepfather cleared of rape

The stepfather of model Katie Price has been found not guilty of twice raping a woman following a group night out in a seaside resort.

Jurors cleared fence erector Paul Price, 53, of two counts of rape following a week-long trial at Chichester Crown Court in West Sussex.

Price was alleged to have first raped the woman in Worthing after following her out of a taxi when she complained of feeling sick en route to his house on March 21 last year.

Paul Price had denied two counts of rape

The woman told the trial she then flagged down a van before getting into another taxi with Price, who then allegedly raped her a second time in woodland near his home.

But jurors took seven hours and 36 minutes to find him not guilty on both counts after Price said the woman consented to sex.

In court, relatives and friends gasped "Yes" when the jury foreman acquitted him.

Price closed his eyes and looked skywards as the verdicts were announced.

Katie Price, 38, did not attend court but in a statement read to jurors, the ex-glamour model and TV star described her stepfather as "loving" and "fun", adding: "He is always supportive in all situations and always puts us family first."

The trial heard how the allegations emerged after Price, his wife Amy, the complainant and her husband were among an eight-strong group who went to pubs and then the 50-per-head Imperial Chinese restaurant in Worthing.

After leaving the restaurant after their starters, Price told how he, his wife, the complainant and her husband got into a taxi after other members of the group left.

When she complained of feeling sick, the complainant got out of the taxi, followed by Price, before the vehicle continued to Price's house in North Drive, Angmering, carrying his wife and the complainant's husband.

Out of the taxi on Worthing seafront, Price said he and the woman laughed and joked, then started to cuddle, kiss and hold hands before she told him: "I haven't had sex for a year."

"I said, 'If you want to we can but we will have to go over here and lean over'," Price told the trial.

Asked by his defence counsel Abigail Penny what her reaction was to the suggestion, Price replied: "She didn't say no, so I led her over there."

He said he held her hand with a gentle grip and that she did not resist, adding: "If she didn't want to come, she didn't have to come. She led with me."

After intimately touching each other under their clothes, Price said he could not get an erection, telling her: "It isn't going to work, let's carry on."

After they caught another taxi, Price said they were laughing and joking, and part-way through the journey back to his house, he told her: "If you want to try again we will have to get out here."

Price said she was "fine" about leaving the taxi in order to try having sex a second time before they walked over to some bushes.

After kissing and cuddling, Price said they attempted to have sex again but for a second time that night he could not get an erection.

They instead returned to Price's nearby house where his wife and the complainant's husband were, and he said the woman had a glass of red wine while he locked up and sorted out his dogs.

In the morning, Price said the woman had left his house.

Later, he received a text message from her husband urging him to stay away and saying he should consider himself "a lucky man" they were not calling the police.

Giving evidence from behind a screen, the woman said she feared for her life and said she got back in a taxi with Price because she thought it the "safest thing" to get back to her husband.

Breaking down in tears, she said: "I thought I wouldn't get out of the woods alive."

Days after the incidents, she telephoned Price. She told the court: "I basically rang him back and said that he was disgusting and to never contact me again."

She denied claims by Ms Penny that she was a "willing and enthusiastic participant" in having sex with Price, or that she had kissed him back or touched him intimately.

And she rejected claims she had told the group at the Chinese restaurant she had a microchip in her back to enable her to alert members linked to London's notorious Richardson crime gang.

The woman also denied suggestions by Ms Penny that she had drunk more than she previously stated in a video police interview, or that she had drunk vodka neat.

The woman scotched claims she was an "attention seeker". And asked by Ms Penny whether she had spoken to a journalist or agent about the allegations, she said her only motivation was "justice".

But in his defence, Price said she consented to sex, that she never resisted or told him to stop and that she returned with him to his house following the alleged attacks where she and her husband were staying that night.

Price - who has no previous convictions - said he was "amazed" when the allegations emerged, and told the trial: "She was enjoying it, like I was."

He added: "I wouldn't force any woman to do anything they didn't want to."
Hollande bows out of French presidential race

Francois Hollande has announced he will not seek a second term as France's president.

Mr Hollande, in a TV address to the nation from the Elysee Palace, said he would serve out the remainder of his term until May before handing over to his successor.

His Socialist Party will pick its candidate in January primaries.

Francois Hollande has been France's president since 2012

Mr Hollande's term has been overshadowed by terror attacks that claimed hundreds of lives and forced him to declare a state of emergency.

"I have decided not to be a candidate to the renewal of my mandate," said Mr Hollande, who becomes the first president in modern times not to seek a second term.

"In the months to come my sole duty will be to continue to lead the state, the mandate for which you elected me in 2012."

Current polling does not make good reading for France's centre-left, with the centre-right resurgent under newly-selected candidate Francois Fillon and the far-right Front National having made large strides under leader Marine Le Pen.

Mr Fillon, a 62-year-old father-of-five whose Welsh wife is from Abergavenny, did not wait long to take aim at the man he hopes to succeed in May.

He tweeted: "This evening, the President of the Republic admits with lucidity, that his patent failure prevents him from going on further.

"This five-year term is ending in a political mess and the dissolving of power."

Mr Hollande's prime minister Manuel Valls, who may seek the Socialist nomination, said the decision by his boss was "of a statesman".

Mr Hollande's victory over incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy in 2012 ended a 17-year reign at the Elysee Palace for the centre-right which endorsed Mr Fillon as candidate with its own primary process which ended last Sunday.

Mr Fillon, a former prime minister, had surprised his centre-right rivals, seeing off Mr Sarkozy and another former prime minister Alain Juppe to win the nomination for the movement now known as Les Republicains.

Ms Le Pen came third in 2012 with 17.9% of the vote but has seen her poll ratings climb with voters more receptive to hardline security and immigration policies in the wake of the massacres in Paris and Nice that have blighted Mr Hollande's spell in power.

Polls carried out before Mr Hollande's decision to withdraw suggested that Mr Fillon and Ms Le Pen were the two likely candidates to progress to the second decisive round of next year's presidential election on May 7.
Russia ready to cut oil output by 300,000 bpd in H1, as agreed with OPEC

By Denis Pinchuk

MOSCOW, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Russia is ready to cut oil production "gradually" by up to 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the first half of next year as part of an agreement with OPEC, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday.

"Russia is ready to join the agreement ... Based on our active talks over the last couple of months with key OPEC members and non-OPEC countries, Russia will gradually cut its output by up to 300,000 barrels per day in the first half of 2017," Novak told reporters.

He added that it was technologically challenging for Russia to cut production sharply.

"Our talks with non-OPEC countries allow us to expect some countries to join the deal, cumulatively contributing approximately up to 300,000 bpd," Novak said. He did not elaborate.

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are the second- and third-biggest oil producers among ex-Soviet countries after Russia. Russia, the leading global oil producer, saw its output hit post-Soviet highs in recent months.

Novak gave no indication from which level Russia was ready to cut output. The Kazakh energy ministry declined immediate comment. The Azeri energy ministry could not be reached for a comment on Wednesday.

"We are optimistic about the agreements reached and consider today's agreement as historically important," Novak said. He added that OPEC and non-OPEC nations were choosing the timing for a separate meeting to sign a memorandum on the deal.

"We think such a meeting will take place within the next 10 days," Novak said.
Panel urges ouster of 'victim-blaming' judge in Canada rape case

By Anna Mehler Paperny

TORONTO, Nov 30 (Reuters) - The Canadian judge who asked a rape complainant why she could not "just keep your knees together" should be removed from the bench, a committee of inquiry recommended on Wednesday.

Alberta Justice Robin Camp committed misconduct during the 2014 rape trail, relying on "discredited myths and stereotypes about women and victim-blaming," the five-member panel established by the Canadian Judicial Council, which oversees federal judges, said in its unanimous recommendation.

The full council will now consider whether to recommend Camp's ouster to Canadian Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, who in turn would then decide whether to ask Parliament to vote to remove Camp from the bench.

Camp made his comments during the 2014 trial of a man accused of raping a 19-year-old woman who said she was sexually assaulted over a bathroom sink during a house party. Among other remarks, Camp asked the woman, "Why didn't you just sink your bottom into the basin so he couldn't penetrate you?"

He also repeatedly called the woman "the accused," and told her that "sex and pain sometimes go together."

"There's no talk of real force here," Camp said in his reason for acquitting the accused man. "There's no talk of fear. That doesn't mean that there's consent. It just means that the accused hasn't explained why she allowed the sex to happen if she didn't want it."

Alberta's Court of Appeal overturned the acquittal, saying the judge's conduct and reasons for judgment disclosed errors of law, and ordered a new trial.

Camp's conduct "was so manifestly and profoundly destructive of the concept of the impartiality, integrity and independence of the judicial role that public confidence is sufficiently undermined to render the Judge incapable of executing the judicial office," the committee said in its report.

Four law professors last year filed a formal complaint about the judge's conduct. Alberta's attorney-general also filed a complaint.

Amid the uproar over his comments, Camp apologized and said he realized his statements "caused deep and significant pain to many people." He asked to remain in his position, saying he would educate himself and attend gender-sensitivity counseling.

The committee said that would not be enough, saying education "cannot adequately repair the damage caused to public confidence through his conduct."

Camp can make written submissions before a formal recommendation is made by the council to Wilson-Raybould.

The judicial council has only ever recommended removing two judges since its creation in 1971. Both those judges resigned before the recommendations made it to Canada's Parliament.
Supply, not foreigners, behind high Canada house prices -CMHC

By Nicole Mordant

VANCOUVER, Nov 30 (Reuters) - A housing shortage, not a rush of foreign demand, is probably driving up Canadian property prices, the country's housing agency chief said on Wednesday, as he warned against blaming overseas buyers for the decade-long market boom.

New government data shows foreign ownership is only a small factor behind the high prices, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp (CMHC) Chief Executive Evan Siddall said in a speech at the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.

Foreigners have been blamed for driving up prices, particularly in Vancouver, Canada's most expensive housing market, where locals believe wealthy Chinese buyers have made housing unaffordable for ordinary Canadians.

But that may be a case more of perception than reality, Siddall told an audience in Vancouver. "When a white person buys a house, we don't notice. When a person of color buys a house, we do. That's not good economics," he said.

The housing agency said in a report on Wednesday that foreign ownership of Canadian condominiums dropped in 2016 after the introduction of a foreign buyers tax in Vancouver, and remains a fraction of overall ownership, concentrated mostly in newer buildings.

The share of foreign ownership fell to 2.2 percent in Vancouver in 2016 from 3.5 percent in 2015, the agency said, suggesting that the August introduction of a 15 percent tax on foreign buyers in that city had dampened demand.

Buyers did not appear to have shifted to other cities where the tax was not imposed, as some analysts had predicted, with foreign ownership falling to 2.3 percent in Toronto from 3.3 percent a year earlier.

Siddall said the most important factor driving up home prices was a supply shortage, particularly in Vancouver, along with rising disposable incomes, immigration and lower mortgage rates.

He urged municipalities to increase housing supply by, for example, speeding up housing development approvals.

Demand by foreigners for Vancouver-area homes dropped almost immediately after British Columbia imposed the tax on such purchases, but it crept back up in October.

The government has moved in recent years to cool the market, mostly among buyers, by tightening mortgage rules to make it harder to take on too much debt.
Commentary: In Kazakhstan, Trump could find the key to fighting Islamic State

By Theodore Karasik

Nov 29 (Reuters) - It goes without saying that Donald Trump will make the fight against religious extremism his top priority in the next four years. But if he wants to stay ahead of groups like Islamic State, he needs to move quickly on taking his security policies beyond the Middle East.

Specifically, Trump needs to come up with something new in Washington's approach to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Just look at the map: This core region between Russia, China and Iran is at the crossroads of security challenges, including terrorism and radicalism.

Kazakhstan, in particular, is at the intersection of political and economic interests not only for Washington but also Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran. As Trump articulates a new vision for the United States, the issue is simple: Kazakhstan's crucial geo-strategic position requires American attention.

The Obama administration created a vacuum in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Libya, piling up security challenges for the region and for the United States. The sum total of these conflicts across a wide arc from North Africa to the Levant to Central Asia has created a security nightmare that will demand thoughtfulness and foresight. The Trump administration needs to begin addressing the Islamist challenge by engaging Kazakhstan directly.

This is because Afghanistan remains a bleeding wound, as the Taliban and especially Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (IS) are likely to affect mostly secular/moderate, Islamic-majority autocracies of Central Asia negatively by launching recruitment operations and ultimately extremist attacks in these countries. Reports from Kazakhstan suggest this process is already starting.

In addition, the outflow of Central Asian fighters who went to wage jihad in Syria are backwashing to Central Asia, potentially capable of undermining not just Kazakhstan and Central Asia at large, but also Russia and Europe.

The Trump administration will be well advised to focus on new bilateral security programs with Kazakhstan. A former Soviet republic, the Muslim-majority country has long recognized the importance of managing its Islamic revivalism while simultaneously developing its energy infrastructure and vast mineral resources.

First, the United States should restructure the C5+1 format. The C5+1, only a year old, is a platform that brings together the five states of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and the United States. The C5+1 has met twice.

The C5+1 needs to be given more priority and necessary leadership. C5+1's ambitious program needs a retrofit. But there is a larger point: President Barack Obama failed to visit Central Asia during his eight years in office. President-elect Trump should rectify this strategic neglect: any trip to China or Russia should also include a stop in Central Asia.

Second, Kazakhstan should become one of the key U.S. security partners in the region by revisiting CENTRASBAT, or the Central Asian Battalion.

In 1996, the United States helped to established CENTRASBAT, which was supposed to strengthen the military-to-military relationships and regional security through joint peacekeeping.

Unfortunately, CENTRASBAT suffered from neglect as a flagging of American engagement moved Afghanistan to the back burner. A new plan that gives CENTRASBAT a sharp, cutting-edge counter-terrorism mission is necessary. The requirements for combating terrorist activity and ideology will require thinking out of the box, including countering radical ideology and propaganda. A new bilateral security relationship is needed between Washington and Astana.

The United States should also expand diplomatic cooperation with Kazakhstan, which plays an important founding role in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). However, most valuable to Washington is Astana's ability to work with all great powers and international organizations, including the U.N., where Kazakhstan is to become a non-permanent Security Council member as of January 2017.

On the international stage, Kazakhstan, under President Nursultan Nazarbayev's tutelage, has also chaired the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in 2010 as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2011.

Let's not forget that Nazarbayev promoted his own vision of security with the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which is a possible mechanism for bringing together countries.

On the economic front, international attention will be focused on the China-led historic One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative. It is the reinvention of the historic Silk Road, the future massive infrastructure projects, where new ports, pipelines and highways are creating new supply chain routes across Central Asia, tying China and Europe.

Overall, the United States is going to improve its own and its allies' security through partnership and cooperation, not by withdrawing behind the two oceans. And it is through positive engagement in the fight against terrorism that Washington can and should engage Moscow in a positive way.
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Reel World Poster Purchase Guild Cinema (3405 Central NE) will have its annual poster sale this Saturday, Dec. 3 from 12 to 3pm. Drop by and peruse the venues selection of indie, foreign and cult film posters. Hundreds of movie posters are up for grabs, some of them recent, some as old as eight years ago. Prices vary, but the owners of the Guild promise things will go cheap! Among the titles Guild is teasing artwork for are: High Rise, Belladonna of Sadness, Forbidden Room, Heart of a Dog, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Therapy for a Vampire, Wiener-Dog, Lucha Mexico and more.

PROTEC Yourself Do you live in Santa Fe? Are you curious about jobs in the burgeoning local film industry? Santa Fe County in partnership with the Northern Local Area Workforce Development Board and Santa Fe Community College will be offering a free education training program to Santa Fe County residents interested in learning more about what it might take to work in the local film and media industries. The PROTEC program includes 100 intensive, hands-on classroom and on-the-job training hours. Possible career fields include grip/electric, camera, editing and social media marketing. A maximum number of 25 participants will be accepted into this program. SFCC has already hosted a couple of information sessions about the program, but you still have time to apply. Applications are due Monday, Dec. 5. To download an application or to get more information, go to sfcc.edu/PROTEC.

Dramedy Tonight! The historic KiMo Theatre (423 Central NW) continues its Comics in Disguise film series highlighting well-known comedians in dramatic roles this Friday, Dec. 2. At 6pm and 8:30pm, the theater will screen Terry Gilliams 1991 psychological- fantasy The Fisher King. Robin Williams stars as a delusional homeless man who recruits a suicidal radio shock jock (Jeff Bridges) on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Tickets are $8 general admission and $6 students/seniors. They can be purchased in advance by going to kimotickets.com.
New evidence shows deep Islamic State role in Bangladesh massacre

By Paritosh Bansal and Serajul Quadir

DHAKA, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Before Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury orchestrated Bangladesh's worst militant attack, he sought and won approval for it from Islamic State.

A Canadian of Bangladeshi origin, he was told by his contact in the militant group, Abu Terek Mohammad Tajuddin Kausar, to target foreigners, according to a senior police official who has seen communications between the two men.

Chowdhury, located in Bangladesh at the time, proposed an attack on a Dhaka eatery frequented by expatriates.

On July 1, a group of gunmen stormed the Holey Artisan cafe in the city's Gulshan neighbourhood, murdering 22 people, most of them foreigners, in an overnight siege that shocked the country.

The back-and-forth between Chowdhury, 30, and Kausar, 35, which includes drafts of articles later published in Islamic State magazines, has not been previously reported.

Together with attempts by people linked to Islamic State to recruit and fund militancy in the country, the documents show the extremist organisation has built deeper connections with Bangladeshi militants than was previously known.

The police official declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the information. Reuters could not independently verify the contents of the communications.

As Islamic State comes under pressure in its home base of Syria and Iraq, its activities in outposts such as Bangladesh could intensify, experts have said.

The extent of Islamic State's influence in Bangladesh will be key to the country's garment sector that employs millions of people and earns $28 billion a year in exports.

Any sign the global jihadi network is making inroads could force Western brands to look elsewhere for cheap clothes.

In the year before the cafe atrocity, a string of grisly individual murders, including of bloggers and foreigners, had already raised the alarm for overseas investors.

In its Rumiyah magazine published after the cafe massacre, Islamic State claimed two dozen attacks in the country since September 2015. The claim could not be independently verified.

LOCAL MILITANTS OR ISLAMIC STATE?

After the siege, police raided suspected jihadi hideouts and said they killed dozens of militants and arrested hundreds more.

Still, the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Islamic State does not exist in the impoverished South Asian nation of 160 million people, and instead blames the rise in political violence on the Islamist opposition.

Opposition leaders deny any link and say it can be traced to the bitter rivalry, which has long poisoned politics in the country, between Hasina's ruling Awami League and its main rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as well as Jamaat-e-Islami.

"These are all home-grown people," said Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, adding that the siege militants belonged to a new faction of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a banned group he said had ties to the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami party.

An aide to Hasina said that, while local militant groups had links with Islamic State, the extent of support was limited.

"They are not an organised group here. People with Islamic State links are here. But that is not to say Islamic State is here."

FUNDING AND RECRUITING

Bangladesh police first came to know about Chowdhury around fall of last year, but they did not know his whereabouts, the police official said.

In December, Dhaka police seized about 3.9 million taka ($50,000) destined for a close associate of Chowdhury's.

The money, which the police official said was sent via the informal hawala cash transfer network, came from a UK-based company. The company's founder, Siful Sujan, was killed a few days later in Syria.

At the time, investigators could not establish the money had been sent on Islamic State's instructions, the police official said.

Chowdhury's group, meanwhile, was recruiting.

Tanvir Kaderi and his wife, Abedatul Fatema, had a comfortable middle-class life in Dhaka, with two children and steady jobs.

"We were a very happy family," Kaderi's son Mohammed Tahrim Kaderi Abir wrote in a confession presented before a magistrate.

Abir, an eighth grade student, wrote that his parents' behaviour started to change after they went on the Haj pilgrimage in 2014.

After that, Kaderi told a preacher he had dreamed he was standing with a weapon in his hand in the middle of a desert.

Kaderi also started spending time with acquaintances from the local mosque, who introduced the family to others, including associates of Chowdhury.

They in turn preached to the family about faith and jihad and showed them videos of the war in Syria. One gave them a copy of Dabiq magazine, an Islamic State publication, according to the confession.

The preparations for the cafe attack began at least as early as June, around the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, according to Abir's confession. Kaderi rented an apartment in Basundhara area of Dhaka, near the cafe.

A few days later the five militants who conducted the attack showed up at the house. Kaderi's family moved to Dhaka's old city the night of the raid.

MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS

Chowdhury was killed on Aug. 27. That and the other raids gave police access to his correspondence with Kausar.

In one, Chowdhury was asked by Kausar to answer questions for an interview, which was eventually published in Dabiq in April under the nom de guerre Abu Ibrahim al-Hanif.

Al-Hanif was identified in the magazine as head of Islamic State in Bangladesh.

In another, Chowdhury sent the draft of an article about the cafe attack, which was published after his death in Rumiyah magazine, the police official said.

Kausar's mother said he moved to Australia in 2006 and she had not heard from him since before the attack. Tahera Begum, who lives in a town 135 miles from Dhaka, said she did not know whether he had links with Islamic State.

Before his death, Chowdhury made Kaderi the new point of contact with Kausar, the police official said.

At around 7.30 p.m. on Sept. 10, police knocked on the door of Kaderi's apartment, where his wife, one of his sons and some associates were hiding.

In the ensuing chaos, police were attacked with grenades and knives, while some women in the apartment threw chili powder at them. Kaderi ran into a room.

As they tried to apprehend him, he swung a scythe at police, who were using his son as a shield.

Kaderi told his son, "If you get hit, you will either be martyred or Allah will reward you."

By the time the raid was over, Kaderi had slit his own throat. The last known link to Islamic State in Bangladesh was dead, although the police official said they did not know if anyone else was in contact with the militant group.

POLITICAL STRIFE

Opposition leaders accuse the government of using militancy as an excuse to stifle dissent.

"A democracy deficit is definitely encouraging the extremists," said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP's secretary general who spent months in jail and now faces prosecution in dozens of cases.

The Jamaat leadership has gone into hiding after several of its top leaders were executed during the past two years for war crimes committed during the country's 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.

In an email, Maqbul Ahmad, the head of the party, denied any connections with JMB or other militants.

"The government is consistently denying the actual presence of terrorism in Bangladesh," Ahmad wrote. "Rather they are using it as an effective instrument of repression of Islamists."

Soon after the cafe attack, the government placed a bounty of 2 million taka ($25,000) on Chowdhury's head. A series of raids on militant hideouts followed. By Oct. 3 police said they had killed 42 militants and arrested at least 221 people, according to an internal police report.
Reunited in death: Fidel Castro's remains rest at Che Guevara mausoleum

By Sarah Marsh and Diego Ore

SANTA CLARA, Havana, Dec 1 (Reuters) - One of history's best known double acts was temporarily reunited on Wednesday, when Fidel Castro's ashes arrived at a mausoleum housing the bones of his fellow revolutionary, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, part of a three-day cortege for the Cuban leader.

Castro was cremated after he died on Friday aged 90. His ashes are being driven in a military caravan that reverses the route from Santiago de Cuba to Havana taken by his band of guerrillas in a fight to topple a U.S.-backed president in 1959.

A few thousand mourners gathered to greet the caravan at the mausoleum outside Santa Clara, the central town where Argentine doctor-turned-revolutionary Guevara derailed an armored train in a battle against the army of President Fulgencio Batista that helped tip the war to the rebels.

A large billboard bearing Fidel's image stood at the base of a nearly 7 meter (23 feet) tall statue of Guevara, beret on his head and marching into battle. Words on the billboard said "Until Victory, Always," a phrase Guevara wrote in a farewell to Fidel.

On stage, folk musicians and a theater troupe gave a memorial performance.

"This is a sacred place for us, because Che rests here. Now Fidel is going to spend the night alongside his battle companion," said Pedro Pineda, 70, a worker in a meat processing plant.

Earlier, crowds lined streets chanting "Fidel!" and waving small Cuban flags for a man who ruled Cuba for 49 years with a mix of charisma and iron will, creating a Communist state at the U.S. doorstep and becoming a central figure in the Cold War.

His remains were slowly driven in a trailer behind a military jeep that set off from Havana and wound its way through several towns on Wednesday

The casket containing his ashes will pause at the monument containing Guevara's bones overnight, before continuing towards Santiago de Cuba, the southeastern city in which Castro launched his rebellion against Batista in 1953.

There, Castro will be buried on Sunday in a cemetery that is also the final resting place of 19th century national hero Jose Marti and musical phenomenon Compay Segundo.

Castro died a decade after stepping down due to poor health and ceding power to his brother, current President Raul Castro, 85.

Guevara and Fidel Castro met in Mexico, where they trained and bought guns in preparation for the Cuban revolution before setting sail for the island on Nov. 25, 1956, 60 years to the day before Castro's death.

Guevara rose to become one of the most important men in the rebel force and later in the revolutionary government, heading the central bank and industry ministry, meeting world leaders and finally taking up arms again to try to spark revolution elsewhere in Latin America.

When Batista fled from Cuba and Castro's rebels swept into Havana, Guevara set up his office in the La Cabana fortress overlooking the city, where he oversaw the trials of Batista henchmen and executions by firing squad in the moats.

The fame and charisma of the handsome fighter was matched only by Castro's and continued to grow after he was captured and executed by CIA-backed Bolivian soldiers in 1967 aged 39.

Guevara's remains were exhumed from a mass grave and buried in Santa Clara in 1997, as the Cuban Communism he helped build struggled to survive after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

At the burial, Castro called Guevara a "prophet" and in a message directed at his late friend, said Cuba was still flying the flags of socialism.

While both men were hated by their enemies who say they ruined the economy with socialism and ruthlessly jailed or silenced opponents with a Soviet-style dictatorship, they were anti-imperialist heroes to many, especially in Latin America and Africa.
Lack of urgency cost us League Cup semi-final, says Wenger

Dec 1 (Reuters) - Arsene Wenger said Arsenal's lack of urgency early in the match and not his team selection was to blame for the London club's 2-0 League Cup quarter-final loss to Southampton on Wednesday.

Southampton will take on Liverpool in the semi-finals after first half goals from Jordy Clasie and Ryan Bertrand got them past a weakened Arsenal side and into the last four for the first time since 1987.

"We didn't have enough urgency in the first half. We were weak in some departments and we paid for that," Wenger told reporters.

"We gave ourselves a mountain to climb. We were not good enough defensively and gave cheap goals away ... it was one of these nights where we looked like we could play for two hours without scoring a goal."

Wenger made 10 changes to his side from the team that beat Bournemouth last weekend but would not accept that as a reason for the defeat.

"I don't think the problem was there. We had players who are used to top-level competition, but I think we maybe didn't have the right urgency from the start," the 67-year-old added.

"We were not incisive enough in the first half, especially. In the second half they played very deep and were sharper than us."

Southampton manager Claude Puel made eight changes from the side that beat Everton at the weekend and, although impressed the victory, warned against complacency.

"We moved the team at the start with different players and the answer from them was fantastic," Puel told the club website. (www.southamptonfc.com)

"We will see for the future of the competition, but for now we have no time to be satisfied and happy because it's important ... to make a good result in the Premier League and then we have a very important final game in the Europa League."

Tenth-placed Southampton visit Crystal Palace in the league on Saturday before their Europa League match at home against Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva.
UK's Ofcom to examine rising landline prices to protect elderly

LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - British telecoms regulator Ofcom said it was concerned about the rising cost of telephone line rental for customers who did not take broadband, particularly elderly and vulnerable people who rely on the service.

Ofcom said all major landline providers had increased line rental charges by between 28 percent and 41 percent in recent years, despite the wholesale cost of providing the service falling 25 percent.

Market leader BT and Virgin Media had the highest line rental charges, it said, with TalkTalk and Sky not far behind.

The increases were felt most acutely by customers who did not take advantage of competition in the market for bundling landlines with services such as broadband and pay-TV, it said.

Bundling has become more popular in recent years, with some services such as broadband marketed as free in packages.

"We're particularly concerned for older and vulnerable customers, who rely on their landline and are less likely to change provider," Jonathan Oxley, Ofcom's competition group director, said on Thursday.

"So we're reviewing this market to ensure these customers are protected and getting value for money."

The regulator said it would examine whether measures were needed to protect those customers, and it expected to publish a consultation in early 2017.
China slaps new fees on Mongolian exporters amid Dalai Lama row

ULAANBAATAR, Dec 1 (Reuters) - A major border crossing between China and Mongolia has imposed new fees on commodity shipments between the two countries, amid a diplomatic row sparked by the visit to Ulaanbaatar of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama last week.

The Dalai Lama is cherished as a spiritual leader in predominantly Buddhist Mongolia, but China regards him as a dangerous separatist and warned the visit could damage bilateral relations.

The crossing at Gashuun Sukhait is used to export copper from the giant Oyu Tolgoi mine run by Rio Tinto , as well as coal from the Tavan Tolgoi mine, which China's state-owned Shenhua Group is currently in the running to develop.

The crossing in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia would charge vehicles a transit fee of 10 yuan ($1.45) each time they pass through the border, and would also impose an additional charge of 8 yuan per tonne for any goods they are delivering, according to a notice issued by local authorities and published by the Mongolian Mining Journal on Wednesday.

For precious metals and copper concentrate worth more than 10,000 yuan per tonne, exporters would be charged 0.2 percent of the total value of the cargo, the notice said, adding that the new charges would come into effect on Dec 1.

Dale Choi, an independent mining analyst in Ulaanbaatar, said 900 trucks pass through Gashuun Sukhait every day, adding that around 133,000 tonnes of copper concentrate is delivered into China every month via the crossing.

Local government officials contacted by Reuters on Thursday could not confirm the veracity of the announcement, but a senior industry representative in Ulaanbaatar who is familiar with the matter said the new charges were now in effect.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang did not confirm whether or not the new border fees were connected to the Dalai Lama's visit, saying that he was unaware of the situation.

"As for the Dalai Lama's visit to Mongolia, China has expressed its position many times," he said at the ministry's regular press briefing on Thursday.

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959. Beijing regards him as a "splittist", though he says he merely seeks genuine autonomy for his Himalayan homeland, which Communist Chinese troops "peacefully liberated" in 1950.

Geng said in a statement last month that Mongolia needed to "adopt effective measures to eliminate the negative effects of the Dalai Lama's visit".

The diplomatic repercussions could hit Mongolia hard, with the crisis-hit government desperate to boost economic ties with its powerful southern neighbour and use Chinese investment and knowhow to kickstart key mining and infrastructure projects.

China has already postponed a Nov. 28 meeting between the two sides, Mongolian government spokesman G. Otgonbayar said via Twitter last week.

Mongolian government officials are due to hold talks on Friday with international partners, including the International Monetary Fund and the Development Bank of China, to discuss Mongolia's currency and balance of payments crisis.
Eight years after collapse, Iceland's Kaupthing looks to list bank - sources

By Dasha Afanasieva and Arno Schuetze

LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Failed Icelandic bank Kaupthing is seeking banks to coordinate the listing of its domestic arm Arion, according to sources familiar with the matter, a sign it believes there is renewed investor appetite for the country's assets eight years after a financial collapse.

Kaupthing - now a holding company - has asked banks to pitch for possible roles such as that of global coordinators of an initial public offering (IPO), which will most likely be a dual listing in Stockholm and Reykjavik, two sources told Reuters. This could value Arion Bank at about 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion), they said.

Earlier this year, it mandated Citi and Morgan Stanley as IPO advisers to do the initial preparatory work, the sources added.

A flotation could mark a tentative step towards Iceland's rehabilitation in the global financial system, almost a decade after its banking sector collapsed and it became the first western European country in more than three decades to be bailed out by the International Monetary Fund.

It would also represent a test of whether investors are ready for exposure to its economy.

The country is now lifting capital controls imposed during the crisis in 2008, which have isolated it from international financial markets. It could fully remove the controls next year in a process that has helped earn it a credit-rating upgrade and boosted its currency.

Kaupthing and Arion declined to comment, while Citi and Morgan Stanley were not available for immediate comment.

Iceland received a $2.1 billion IMF loan in late 2008, and another $2.5 billion from its Scandinavian neighbours, as its banks buckled under the weight of huge debts amassed over years of overseas expansion. The money was needed to protect domestic deposits and keep its currency from crashing further.

Kaupthing - a major international bank at the time, and Iceland's largest - went into administration and its domestic operations were separated and renamed Arion Bank in 2009.

In late 2015 the company reached an agreement with its creditors who became its shareholders. It owns 87 percent of Arion, which includes insurance, asset management and retail banking assets, while Iceland's government owns the rest.

The Icelandic finance ministry was not immediately available to comment.

FALLING ASSETS

Kaupthing's assets were valued at 800 billion Icelandic crowns ($7.16 billion) at the end of 2014 while its outstanding claims amounted to 2,826 billion Icelandic crowns. By contrast at the end of 2007, Kaupthing's assets including foreign subsidiaries and branches stood at 5,347 billion crowns.

A new board was appointed after the deal was struck with its creditors and Paul Copley, who was one of the main administrators for Lehman Brothers International (Europe) after its collapse, was selected as chief executive to help with "the controlled monetisation of Kaupthings assets".

Arion made net earnings of 17.3 billion crowns in the first nine months of 2016. It had 1,189 employees and 1,038 billion crowns in total assets at the end of the third quarter.

The lender, which operates solely in Iceland, said in June that it was considering an IPO, but its owners' move to seek advisers indicates the plans are now more concrete.

Sources told Reuters earlier this week that Kaupthing was looking to sell its British high street retail assets including Coast, Oasis and Warehouse.
Maersk to buy German shipping line Hamburg Sud

By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen

COPENHAGEN, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Maersk Line, the world's biggest shipping company, is to buy smaller rival Hamburg Sud, joining a wave of M&A in the industry just over two months after the Danish company revealed plans to bolster its transport operations.

The deal, announced by parent A.P. Moller-Maersk on Thursday, is the group's first full takeover in more than a decade and highlights a consolidation drive in container shipping, which has been grappling with low freight rates and oversupply.

It also follows Maersk's new boss Soren Skou's move to focus on transport and logistics and spin off the company's energy operations.

Maersk shares rose more than 5 percent.

Hamburg Sud, part of the Oetker Group, is the world's seventh largest container shipping line and operates 130 container vessels primarily in trade between the northern and southern hemispheres. Maersk has a fleet of more than 600 ships.

"This will provide us with a very strong platform in Latin America," Skou, chief executive of Maersk Line and the Maersk Group, said on a conference call, noting "significant" cost benefits from combining the companies' network.

Skou declined to disclose the value of the deal, but said it would be a cash only transaction, and that Maersk did not need to sell other assets to ahead with the purchase.

He also said Maersk would be looking at a "light-touch integration" of family-owned Hamburg Sud, keeping both the brand name and the company's headquarters in Hamburg.

"I would imagine that more (consolidation) can happen in the future. Even with this acquisition, the market is still quite fragmented, and I would be surprised if this was the final piece," Skou said.

With the acquisition, Maersk Line will increase its container capacity to around 3.8 million TEU (20-foot Equivalent Unit), boosting its market share to 18.6 percent from 15.7 percent, it said.

Maersk's combined fleet will consist of 741 container vessels with an average age of 8.7 years, compared with 9.2 years before the deal.

The transaction will help Maersk Line to boost its presence in global trade, especially in Latin America where Hamburg Sud has had a strong presence since its foundation in 1871 by representatives of Hamburg merchant houses.

"It's a smaller and more niche player - it's a good strategic fit for Maersk," analyst Michael Jorgensen at Alm. Brand Bank said. He described the acquisition as a defensive consolidation. Alm. Brand has a "buy" recommendation on Maersk.

Hamburg Sud has 5,960 employees in more than 250 offices across the world. Last year, the company's revenue was $6.73 billion and of that $6.26 billion came from its container line activities, Maersk said.

Oetker Group is involved in shipping, banking, food and beverages. There had been speculation in the shipping market that the Oetker-family would opt to sell its container business.

"Giving up our engagement in shipping after an 80 year-long ownership in Hamburg Sud was not an easy decision for my family," said August Oetker, chairman of the advisory board behind the management holding company of the Oetker Group.

The deal will be the first full acquisition by Maersk since a takeover of P&O Nedlloyd a decade ago.

Other container lines have been looking to do deals to build scale. Family-owned French group CMA CGM sealed an acquisition this year of Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines, which has given it market leadership on trans-Pacific routes.

Last week, the European Commission gave conditional approval to a merger between German container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd and the United Arab Shipping Company.

In 2013, a planned merger between Hapag-Lloyd with rival Hamburg-Sud was called off as terms could not be agreed.

Maersk said the deal would be subject to final agreement and regulatory approvals, and would have no impact on Maersk's outlook for 2016.
Indian government officials propose break up of Coal India-sources

By Neha Dasgupta and Krishna N. Das

NEW DELHI, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Senior Indian government officials tasked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with reviewing energy security are recommending the break up of the country's coal monopoly, Coal India Ltd, within a year.

Attempts to break up the world's biggest coal miner would be met by strong resistance from powerful unions representing the company's employees of more than 350,000. The government backed down from a similar proposal in the face of union protests in 2014.

Around 70 percent of India's power generation is coal based. The country is the world's third-largest producer and its third-biggest importer of coal, which the government wants to change by boosting local coal production.

In a presentation seen by Reuters, government officials recommend that Coal India - with a stock market valuation of $28 billion - should be broken up into seven companies, which they say would make it more competitive and efficient.

The proposal, dated Nov 30, is expected to be presented to Modi soon, three government officials with direct knowledge of the situation said. They declined to be identified because the information has not been publicly released.

Calls to a Coal India spokesman went unanswered.

A source close to power and coal minister, Piyush Goyal, said the ministry would review its stand on Coal India depending on what the prime minister says.

Coal India is the country's second-biggest employer, but critics say it is bloated and inefficient. Its output-per-man shift is estimated at one-eighth of Peabody Energy, the world's largest private coal producer, filed for bankruptcy protection this year.

Under Modi's government though, production has risen sharply as environmental and other clearances to develop mines have been fast-tracked. The company is also spending billions of dollars on buying modern machinery to raise productivity.

The government wants Coal India to increase production of coal to 1 billion tonnes a year by 2020 from around 539 million tonnes in the fiscal year that ended in March. It wants India as a whole to produce 1.5 billion tonnes a year by 2020.

Modi was exploring a breakup of Coal India before taking office, Reuters reported in 2014, but the government put the idea on the back burner following protests by unions. (http://reut.rs/2gXYD5L)

Unions fear restructuring Coal India would almost certainly lead to job cuts and work being outsourced to private companies, so are likely to protest against a break up.

"What happens is that once a big company is broken down, it is easier to control the smaller ones," said D.D. Ramanandan of the All India Coal Workers' Federation, which he said represents more than 100,000 workers of the company. "But if it happens, we will oppose it. We will oppose it through all ways possible, including strike."

ENERGY SECURITY

In late October, Modi set up 10 groups of senior bureaucrats to "undertake a critical review" of government work in a number of areas, including energy, transport and agriculture.

The proposal to break up Coal India comes from one of these groups - nine top bureaucrats, including ones from the ministries of coal, power, oil and mines. They were asked to come up with policy proposals to promote energy security and the environment.

Under Modi, Coal India's production growth rate has nearly doubled, marking one of the administration's biggest successes. Fuel shortages for power plants have turned into oversupply.

Restructuring is likely to be harder, but is crucial to the government's ambition to sell 10 percent of the company to raise funds for further growth and investment. The government owns just under 80 percent of the company.

Coal India wants to spend billions of dollars in the next few years to buy equipment and modernise mines. Miners still commonly use shovels and picks to dig for coal underground.

The company also plans to stop filling most vacancies arising from retirements over the next three years, and outsource more mining to private companies.

Coal India unit Mahanadi Coalfields pioneered outsourcing of mining work a few years ago and is now the company's biggest producer and fastest-growing unit. Contractors carry out about 90 percent of the unit's mining.
U.S. on watch for Islamic State dispersing in Libya -official

By Lamine Chikhi

ALGIERS, Dec 1 (Reuters) - The United States is "watching very carefully" for Islamic State militants operating outside Sirte as the jihadist group faces defeat in its former North African stronghold, a senior U.S. Department of State official told Reutersew.

Libyan forces have been battling Islamic State in Sirte for more than six months and have reduced the amount of ground held by its fighters to a small cluster of buildings near the city's Mediterranean sea front.

Since Aug. 1 the forces, led by brigades from the western Libyan city of Misrata, have been backed by U.S. air strikes.

"They have made a great deal of progress, but the fight has been quite severe and the Libyan forces have taken a lot of casualties," said Marie Richards, the Department of State's deputy counterterrorism coordinator for regional and multilateral affairs.

"We are very confident that in a short period they will be able to eliminate the threat coming out of Sirte."

However, Richards said that there will inevitably be elements that disperse throughout Libya. "We are watching very carefully where they go," she added.

Libyan officials and commanders say that some Islamic State militants fled Sirte in the early stages of the campaign there. Though Sirte was the only Islamic State-controlled city in Libya, the group has a presence in other parts of the country.

The battle in Sirte comes as Islamic State is also on the defensive against U.S.-backed campaigns in Syria and Iraq, including in the biggest city of its self-declared Caliphate, Mosul.

"ISIS is also declining in Iraq and in Syria. In that area but also in Libya we are seeing the fighters being squeezed," Richards said, using an acronym for Islamic State.

"But people are recruited at home and they can still carry out terrorist attacks at home without travelling ... the threat from Daesh (Islamic State) will continue, it just will take different forms."

Speaking during a visit to Algiers, Richards also praised Algeria's role in organising a counter-terrorism conference in the Algerian capital this week.

The conference has led to "a lot of sharing information and discussions, particularly the issue of terrorists returning home", she said.
United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit. ELROY TILLMAN, Petitioner - Appellant, v. ALFRED BIGELOW, Respondent - Appellee. No. 16-4139 Decided: November 30, 2016

Before HARTZ, O'BRIEN, and PHILLIPS, Circuit Judges.

ORDER DENYING CERTIFICATE OF APPEALABILITY

Defendant Elroy Tillman, a state prisoner proceeding pro se, applied for relief under 28 U.S.C.  2254 more than one year after his state-court conviction and sentence became final. The United States District Court for the District of Utah dismissed his application as untimely. Defendant now requests a certificate of appealability (COA) from this court to appeal the dismissal. See 28 U.S.C.  2253(c)(1)(A). We deny a COA and dismiss the appeal because no reasonable jurist could debate that the district court erred in its denial of his claim.

I. BACKGROUND

In 1983 Defendant was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. The Utah Supreme Court initially affirmed the conviction and death sentence. See State v. Tillman, 750 P.2d 546, 577 (Utah 1987). Over the ensuing years, Defendant repeatedly sought postconviction relief from state and federal courts without success. But in 2001 a state district court granted a petition for postconviction relief, vacating Defendant's death sentence but not his conviction. The Utah Supreme Court affirmed. Defendant was resentenced to life imprisonment on December 23, 2005. See Tillman v. Bigelow, 484 F. App'x. 286, 287 (10th Cir. 2012). He did not appeal his resentencing.

In 2013 Defendant initiated his current  2254 application. The district court found it to be a second-or-successive application and dismissed it for lack of authorization from this court. But when Defendant sought authorization from this court, we dismissed the request as unnecessary because of his 2005 resentencing. We explained that Supreme Court precedent treated the existence of a new judgment [as] dispositive in determining whether a  2254 application is second or successive. Order, R. at 228 (quoting Magwood v. Patterson, 561 U.S. 320, 338 (2010)). The district court accordingly vacated its dismissal order and directed the state to file an answer to Defendant's application. In a March 2016 order the district court dismissed the application as untimely. Defendant now seeks a COA from us.

II. DISCUSSION

A COA will issue only if the applicant has made a substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional right. 28 U.S.C.  2253(c)(2). This standard requires a demonstration that  includes showing that reasonable jurists could debate whether (or, for that matter, agree that) the petition should have been resolved in a different manner or that the issues presented were adequate to deserve encouragement to proceed further. Slack v. McDaniel, 529 U.S. 473, 484 (2000) (internal quotation marks omitted). If the application was denied on procedural grounds, the applicant faces a double hurdle. Not only must the applicant make a substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional right, but he must also show that jurists of reason would find it debatable whether the district court was correct in its procedural ruling. Id. Where a plain procedural bar is present and the district court is correct to invoke it to dispose of the case, a reasonable jurist could not conclude either that the district court erred in dismissing the petition or that the petitioner should be allowed to proceed further. Id.

The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA) imposes a one-year time limit for filing a  2254 application. The relevant language follows:

(1) A 1-year period of limitation shall apply to an application for a writ of habeas corpus by a person in custody pursuant to the judgment of a State court. The limitation period shall run from the latest of--

(A) the date on which the judgment became final by the conclusion of direct review or the expiration of the time for seeking such review;



(2) The time during which a properly filed application for State postconviction or other collateral review with respect to the pertinent judgment or claim is pending shall not be counted toward any period of limitation under this subsection.

28 U.S.C.  2244(d).

Defendant's  2254 application was clearly untimely. Because he failed to appeal his resentencing, his judgment became final on January 23, 200530 days after his resentencing. See Utah R. App. P. 4(a) (notice of appeal shall be filed within 30 days after the date of entry of the judgment or order appealed from). Absent statutory or equitable tolling, the last day to file his application for federal habeas relief was January 23, 2006, long before he filed his  2254 application on March 29, 2013.

Defendant is not entitled to statutory tolling. Although the one-year limitation period may be tolled while a defendant seeks state postconviction relief, the first postconviction petition filed by Defendant after his resentencing was in December 2009, well after the limitation period had expired. See Fisher v. Gibson, 262 F.3d 1135, 114243 (10th Cir. 2001) (denying statutory tolling for state postconviction petition filed after limitation period).

And we agree with the district court that Defendant is ineligible for equitable tolling. Actual innocence, which Defendant invokes here, can justify equitable tolling. See Schlup v. Delo, 513 U.S. 298, 315 (1995) (claim of innocence may serve as a gateway through which a habeas petitioner must pass to have his otherwise barred constitutional claim considered on the merits (internal quotation marks omitted)); Gibson v. Klinger, 232 F.3d 799, 808 (10th Cir. 2000). But [t]o make a credible showing of actual innocence, a petitioner must support his allegations of constitutional error with new reliable evidencewhether it be exculpatory scientific evidence, trustworthy eyewitness accounts, or critical physical evidencethat was not presented at trial. This new evidence must be sufficient to show that it is more likely than not that no reasonable juror would have convicted the petitioner in the light of the new evidence. Frost v. Pryor, 749 F.3d 1212, 123132 (10th Cir. 2014) (citations omitted) (internal quotation marks omitted). Defendant has failed to provide any new evidence, before this court or below.

Defendant's final argument is that our order sending the case to the district court required that court to hear the merits of his claim. But the order did not address the merits of his petition or whether it was procedurally barred. It merely stated that Defendant did not need permission from our court to proceed.

Defendant fails to identify any other basis for equitable tolling. Hence, no reasonable jurist could debate whether Defendant's  2254 motion ought to have been granted.

III. CONCLUSION

We DENY Defendant's request for a COA and DISMISS the appeal.

Entered for the Court

Harris L Hartz Circuit Judge
Southern apathy could boost Italy PM Renzi in referendum

By Isla Binnie

ROME, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi says "loads of people" will vote in a Dec. 4 referendum on his wideranging constitutional reform, but he may be privately hoping that those in the poorer south stay at home.

Renzi has pledged to resign if Italians reject his plan to shrink the upper house Senate, effectively turning a debate on highfalutin points of law into a personal vote of confidence.

Before a blackout was imposed on opinion polls two weeks ago, all surveys showed the 'No' camp was well ahead, sending shivers through financial markets wary of instability in the euro zone's third-largest economy.

The polls said the strongest anti-reform sentiment appeared to be in the southern regions, which are home to more than a third of the electorate, but which also register the lowest turnout figures in Italy -- a fact which might help Renzi.

Economic stagnation and widespread organised crime in the south has contributed to a steady erosion of faith in politics.

"Voter abstention in the south favours 'Yes', because they are more inclined to vote 'No', but they are also less likely to vote," said Carlo Buttaroni, president of pollsters Tecne.

The last time Italy held political elections, for the European parliament in 2014, 51.7 percent turned out in the regions south of Rome, compared with 66 percent in the north-west, which includes the financial capital Milan.

Disaffection is deepest in Sicily and Sardinia, whose economies have been hit harder by years of recession. Just 42.7 percent of islanders cast a ballot in 2014.

In a further twist, turnout is traditionally much lower in referendums. This is because normally at least 50 percent of the electorate have to vote for the plebiscite to be valid. So one tactic to register disapproval is simply to stay at home.

This happened in Italy's last referendum in June on oil drilling rights, when turnout was just 31.2 percent, guaranteeing that the measure failed. However, under Italian law, votes on changing the constitution have no set quorum.

"We are worried that people opposed to this reform will simply not vote, thinking that is all they have to do, like in June," said an official with the Northern League party, which is campaigning hard against Renzi's overhaul.

GUT INSTINCTS

Renzi's Democratic Party (PD) in Sicily is focusing on mobilising its electorate and explaining the practical benefits of its plans, regional party secretary Fausto Raciti said.

"This is a reform that tries to imagine a country that moves at one speed, not at two different speeds, and we are pushing that idea," said Raciti.

His party is also pushing against the anti-system 5-Star Movement (M5S), which offers a protest vote against hardship which is seen as being aggravated by years of corruption. Some mainstream southern politicians have fuelled the 5-Star fire.

Vincenzo De Luca, the outspoken PD president of Campania, Italy's third-largest region which surrounds the city of Naples, was recorded at a private meeting in mid-November apparently recommending influence peddling as a way to bring 'Yes' votes.

"Offer them a fish supper ... whatever the hell you have to do," De Luca said in the recording broadcast by Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper. The veteran politician added that the region had received "rivers of money" from Renzi's government.

De Luca denied any wrongdoing and Interior Minister Angelino Alfano dismissed the incident, telling parliament that public spending was subject to strict rules.
UBS sets up Frankfurt bank for European wealth management

By Joshua Franklin

ZURICH, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Swiss bank UBS has set up a bank in Frankfurt to consolidate most of its European wealth management operations, after Britain's vote to leave the European Union dashed London's chances of being the host city.

In an effort to conserve capital and simplify its structure, UBS began the project of funnelling its European private banking business into one bank around three years ago.

With neutral Switzerland outside of the EU, the key question was where to have the headquarters. Luxembourg was a contender, along with London until Britain's vote to leave the EU, but Frankfurt had long been viewed as the favourite.

UBS, the world's biggest wealth manager, will keep branches across Europe.

But UBS Europe SE will bring UBS's private banking business in Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Spain under one roof, meaning UBS no longer needs to allocate capital to multiple banks.

UBS has not disclosed the potential capital savings.

"UBS has taken an important step to simplify its governance structure and increase operational efficiency across its European operations," the bank said in a statement on Thursday.

UBS's German investment banking operations will sit within UBS Europe SE but it relates primarily to wealth management, with UBS's investment banking headquarters remaining in London.

However, the new bank is an option to house more investment banking jobs if Britain fails to preserve single market access for financial firms in Brexit negotiations.

Frankfurt is a top-tier candidate among European cities for banking jobs requiring EU access. Reuters reported last month that Goldman Sachs is considering shifting some of its assets and operations from London to Frankfurt.

The new set-up is also part of efforts by UBS to streamline its structure as it looks to cut costs by a net 2.1 billion Swiss francs ($2.07 billion) by the end of 2017.

UBS's private banking business in Britain will remain separate due to the uncertainty over the country's single market access once it leaves the EU.

France, where UBS is facing legal issues, will also be separate from Europe SE for the time being.
Eight years after collapse, Iceland's Kaupthing looks to list bank - sources

By Dasha Afanasieva and Arno Schuetze

LONDON/FRANKFURT, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Failed Icelandic bank Kaupthing is seeking banks to coordinate the listing of its domestic arm Arion, sources familiar with the matter said, a sign it believes there is renewed investor appetite for the country's assets eight years after a financial collapse.

Kaupthing - now a holding company - has asked banks to pitch for possible roles such as that of global coordinators of an initial public offering (IPO), which will most likely be a dual listing in Stockholm and Reykjavik, two sources told Reuters. This could value Arion Bank at about 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion), they said.

Earlier this year, it mandated Citi and Morgan Stanley as IPO advisers to do the initial preparatory work, the sources added.

A flotation could mark a tentative step towards Iceland's rehabilitation in the global financial system, almost a decade after its banking sector collapsed and it became the first western European country in more than three decades to be bailed out by the International Monetary Fund.

It would also represent a test of whether investors are ready for exposure to its economy.

The country is now lifting capital controls imposed during the crisis in 2008, which have isolated it from international financial markets. It could fully remove the controls next year in a process that has helped earn it a credit-rating upgrade and boosted its currency.

Kaupthing and Arion declined to comment, while Citi and Morgan Stanley were not available for immediate comment.

Iceland received a $2.1 billion IMF loan in late 2008, and another $2.5 billion from its Scandinavian neighbours, as its banks buckled under the weight of huge debts amassed over years of overseas expansion. The money was needed to protect domestic deposits and keep its currency from crashing further.

FALLING ASSETS

Kaupthing - a major international bank at the time, and Iceland's largest - went into administration and its domestic operations were separated and renamed Arion Bank in 2009.

In late 2015 the company reached an agreement with its creditors who became its shareholders. It owns 87 percent of Arion, which includes insurance, asset management and retail banking assets, while Iceland's government owns the rest.

The Icelandic finance ministry and the body which manages state holdings declined to comment.

According to the state holdings manager's website, banks were also invited to pitch to IPO Icelandic bank Landsbanki, which is now owned by the Treasury and had 1,134 billion Icelandic crowns ($10.12 billion) in assets at the end of the third quarter.

It was not immediately clear why the listing did not go ahead. Two sources said they expect the Arion IPO to eventually pave the way for the other banks, and other Icelandic companies, to tap equity markets.

Kaupthing's assets were valued at 800 billion Icelandic crowns at the end of 2014 while its outstanding claims amounted to 2,826 billion Icelandic crowns. By contrast at the end of 2007, Kaupthing's assets including foreign subsidiaries and branches stood at 5,347 billion crowns.

A new board was appointed after the deal was struck with its creditors and Paul Copley, who was one of the main administrators for Lehman Brothers International (Europe) after its collapse, was selected as chief executive to help with "the controlled monetisation of Kaupthings assets".

Arion made net earnings of 17.3 billion crowns in the first nine months of 2016. It had 1,189 employees and 1,038 billion crowns in total assets at the end of the third quarter.

The lender, which operates solely in Iceland, said in June that it was considering an IPO, but its owners' move to seek advisers indicates the plans are now more concrete.

Sources told Reuters earlier this week that Kaupthing was looking to sell its British high street retail assets including Coast, Oasis and Warehouse.
How Putin, Khamenei and Saudi prince got OPEC deal done

By Rania El Gamal, Parisa Hafezi and Dmitry Zhdannikov

VIENNA, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladmir Putin played a crucial role in helping OPEC rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia set aside differences to forge the cartel's first deal with non-OPEC Russia in 15 years.

Interventions ahead of Wednesday's OPEC meeting came at key moments from Putin, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani, OPEC and non-OPEC sources said.

Putin's role as intermediary between Riyadh and Tehran was pivotal, testament to the rising influence of Russia in the Middle East since its military intervention in the Syrian civil war just over a year ago.

It started when Putin met Saudi Prince Mohammed in September on the sidelines of a G20 gathering in China.

The two agreed to cooperate to help world oil markets clear a glut that had more than halved oil prices since 2014, pummelling Russian and Saudi government revenues. Oil prices are up 10 pct this week topping $53 a barrel.

The financial pain made a deal possible despite the huge political differences between Russia and Saudi over the civil war in Syria.

"Putin wants the deal. Full stop. Russian companies will have to cut production," said a Russian energy source briefed on the discussions.

In September, OPEC agreed in principle at a meeting in Algiers to reduce output for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis.

But the individual country commitments required to finalise a deal at Wednesday's Vienna meeting still required much diplomacy.

Recent OPEC meetings have failed because of arguments between de facto leader Saudi Arabia and third-largest producer Iran. Tehran has long argued OPEC should not prevent it restoring output lost during years of Western sanctions.

Proxy wars in Syria and Yemen have exacerbated decades of tensions between the Saudi Sunni kingdom and the Iranian Shi'ite islamic republic.

BRINKMANSHIP

Heading into the meeting, the signs were not good. Oil markets went into reverse. Saudi Prince Mohammed had repeatedly demanded Iran participate in supply cuts. Saudi and Iranian OPEC negotiators had argued in circles in the run-up to the meeting.

And, then, just a few days beforehand, Riyadh appeared back away from a deal, threatening to boost production if Iran failed to contribute cuts.

But Putin established that the Saudis would shoulder the lion's share of cuts, as long as Riyadh wasn't seen to be making too large a concession to Iran. A deal was possible if Iran didn't celebrate victory over the Saudis.

A phone call between Putin and Iranian President Rouhani smoothed the way. After the call, Rouhani and oil minister Bijan Zanganeh went to their supreme leader for approval, a source close to the Ayatollah said.

"During the meeting, the leader Khamenei underlined the importance of sticking to Iran's red line, which was not yielding to political pressures and not to accept any cut in Vienna," the source said.

"Zanganeh thoroughly explained his strategy ... and got the leader's approval. Also it was agreed that political lobbying was important, especially with Mr. Putin, and again the Leader approved it," said the source.

On Wednesday, the Saudis agreed to cut production heavily, taking "a big hit" in the words of energy minister Khalid al-Falih - while Iran was allowed to slightly boost output.

Iran's Zanganeh kept a low profile during the meeting, OPEC delegates said. Zanganeh had already agreed the deal the night before, with Algeria helping mediate, and he was careful not to make a fuss about it.

After the meeting, the usually combative Zanganeh avoided any comment that might be read as claiming victory over Riyadh.

"We were firm," he told state television. "The call between Rouhani and Putin played a major role ... After the call, Russia backed the cut."

IRAQ LAST-MINUTE HITCH

But OPEC would not be OPEC without a last-minute quarrel threatening to derail the deal. Iraq became a problem.

As ministerial talks got underway, OPEC's second-largest producer insisted it could not afford to cut output, given the cost of its war against Islamic State.

But, facing pressure from the rest of OPEC to contribute a cut, Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi picked up the phone in front of his peers to call his prime minister, Haider al-Abadi.

"Abadi said: 'Get the deal done'. And that was it," one OPEC source said.
Boko Haram attacks destroy farm communities, bring famine risk

By Alexis Akwagyiram

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Fati Adamu has not seen three of her six children nor her husband since Boko Haram militants attacked her hometown in northeast Nigeria in an hail of bullets.

Two years on, she is among thousands of refugees at the Bakassi camp in Maiduguri, the city worst hit by a seven-year-old insurgency that has forced more than two million people to flee their homes.

The United Nations says 400,000 children are now at risk from a famine in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe - 75,000 of whom could die from hunger within the next few months.

A push against the jihadists by the Nigerian army and soldiers from neighbouring countries has enabled troops to enter remote parts of the northeast in the last few months, revealing tens of thousands on the brink of starvation and countless families torn apart.

"I don't know if they are dead or alive," Adamu, 35, said of her missing relatives.

There is a renewed threat of Boko Haram attacks. The start of the dry season has seen a surge in suicide bombings, some of which have targeted camps, including one at Bakassi in October which killed five people.

The World Food Programme said it provides food aid to 450,000 people in Borno and Yobe. Some 200,000 of them receive 17,000 naira each month to buy food, soon to rise to 23,000.

At least 15 camps, mostly on the outskirts of Maiduguru, the Borno state capital, are home to thousands of people unable to return home and surviving on food rations.

At one known as New Prison, women and children visibly outnumber men, many of whom were killed by Boko Haram or are missing.

One man -- 45-year-old Bukaralhaji Bukar, who has eight children from his two wives -- said the food he buys with the monthly stipend finishes within two weeks.

"We are suffering. It is not enough," said Bukar, who begs on the street to make money.

In the centre of Maiduguri, life seems to be returning to normal. Food markets are bustling but soldiers in pick-ups clutching rifles are reminders of the need for vigilance.

MALNOURISHED CHILDREN

In a ward in Molai district near the Bakassi camp, the air is filled with the sound of crying babies and the gurgle of those who lack the energy to cry. Some, whose skin clings tightly to their bones, are silent - too weary to even raise their heads.

"Many of them are malnourished, which is already bad enough, but they also develop things like malaria which further worsens their illnesses because they can't eat and start vomiting," said Dr Iasac Bot, who works at the unit overseen by the charity Save the Children.

Children have conditions ranging from diarrhoea and pneumonia to bacterial infections and skin infections.

Hauwa Malu, 20, fled with her husband and their two-week-old daughter, Miriam, from her village in Jere after Boko Haram militants burned the farming community to the ground and took their cattle.

Miriam, now aged 10 months, has suffered from fevers, a persistent cough and is malnourished. Her mother said they have been left without a home or livelihood.

Tim Vaessen of the Food and Agriculture Organization said a failure to restore their ability to farm would in the long term mean displaced people would depend on expensive food aid.
Denmark's new government could ease taxi law

By Nikolaj Skydsgaard and Erik Matzen

COPENHAGEN, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Denmark's new liberal government could move to deregulate taxi laws, transport minister Ole Birk Olesen told Reuters, a move that would help Uber to challenge opposition from industry and union supporters in parliament.

Uber's European business, headquartered in Amsterdam, has run into legal hurdles and some of its drivers, who are not covered by strict licensing and safety rules, have been convicted of illegal taxi-driving.

Its business model is disrupting existing taxi businesses, prompting protests, bans and legal action around the world including in the United States and much of Europe.

"The government wishes to deregulate taxi law, so the industry becomes as liberal, practical and cheap as possible to an extent which a majority in parliament can get behind," Olesen, newly appointed to his post, told Reuters.

Denmark's prime minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen reshuffled his government this week, bringing in two parties to form a liberal trio, averting possible snap elections, as the Liberal Alliance party traded in tax cut demands for places in government.

Olesen, who said he had used Uber for personal transport a few times up until drivers were convicted of illegal taxi-driving, also said he would like to see people taxiing in private cars in their spare time to spur competition.

"That would undermine and devastate the entire industry and create working poor," Jan Villadsen, who heads the transport division in Denmark's biggest union, 3F, told Reuters.

"Even if the taxi industry was liberalised, there wouldn't be any room for Uber," Villadsen said and referred to recommendations on Wednesday in Sweden saying profit-making ride-sharing should be illegal.

This month a driver in Denmark was convicted and fined for lacking taxi permits at the second-highest tier court, upholding a verdict from a city court. The driver decided on Wednesday not to appeal to the Supreme Court, according to local media.

The new, tripartite government, however, still needs to convince the Danish People's Party (DF) to pass laws, but DF has previously expressed opposition towards Uber and its drivers for not complying with rules or paying their taxes.

If DF and Denmark's biggest party, The Social Democrats, team up in parliament, they will have a collective 85 votes, enough to vote down any suggestion from the government.
France backs Brussels' call for fiscal stimulus, hits back at Germany

PARIS, Dec 1 (Reuters) - France threw its support behind the European Commission's call for fiscal stimulus on Thursday, in contrast with the rebuttal from Germany and other euro zone fiscal hawks in recent weeks.

"I want to say how much I support the European Commission's approach," Finance Minister Michel Sapin told Reuters.

"The countries which are currently running a surplus must take a more dynamic position, and they know it very well, even if they don't like to be reminded about it," he said.

Two weeks ago, the Commission - the executive branch of the European Union - called for Germany and other countries to loosen budgets to create more growth and jobs, a plea also aimed at addressing the rise of populist parties in Europe.

Such a move for the euro zone as a whole to loosen its fiscal policy next year to make it moderately expansionary would be a reversal of EU policy, which has been focused on budgetary discipline for most of the bloc's existence.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, a veteran member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and renowned for his fiscal hawkishness, criticised the European Commission's plea last week, saying it was directed at the wrong country.

His Dutch counterpart also supported his position, saying the European Commission should focus on enforcing European Union budget rules rather than proposing fiscal stimulus.
Rural Cambodia uses guppy fish to fight dengue

By Astrid Zweynert

LONDON, Dec 1 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - In the backyards of rural Cambodia, a tiny weapon is being deployed to fight dengue fever, the world's fastest spreading tropical disease that causes debilitating flu-like symptoms and can develop into a deadly hemorrhagic fever.

More than 3,000 households in Kampong Cham province, which has one of the highest dengue rates in Cambodia, have been given colourful guppy fish to breed in barrels of water that villagers keep close to their homes for cleaning and cooking.

Presenting the results of a one-year pilot project, charity Malaria Consortium said the larvae-eating guppies have helped to reduce the presence of potentially dengue-carrying mosquitoes by 46 percent during the trial at a cost of a few cents per fish.

"The idea was to create a sustainable solution for the villagers, with minimal costs and inconvenience for them," John Hustedt, senior technical officer at Malaria Consortium Cambodia, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

The project is part of a growing trend to find cheap, low-tech solutions to medical problems, especially in developing countries where disease outbreaks can severely test already stretched health budgets, experts said.

The Malaria Consortium hopes the Cambodian government will agree to roll out its guppy project across Cambodia, which reported almost 200,000 dengue cases between 1980 and 2008, one of the highest rates in Southeast Asia.

FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS

Dengue has spread to more than 100 countries from nine in 1960, according to the World Health Organization, and explosive outbreaks have become more common.

Almost half of the world's population is at risk from dengue with cases rising to 390 million a year from 15,000 in 1960.

Experts say the increased movement of people and goods due to globalisation as well as a rise in floods linked to climate change are likely to speed up the spread of dengue.

The economic cost is potentially huge, with the disease estimated to cost the Americas $2.1 billion annually, while Southeast Asian economies could lose almost $2.4 billion.

Yet global attention and funding to fight the disease have been limited, not least because mortality rates are much lower than from malaria and three quarters of those infected do not show signs, making it a "silent disease".

"The approach to dengue is reactive - when there is an outbreak. We have to get more pro-active in controlling it before it becomes an even greater threat," said James Tibenderana, Malalaria Consortium's global technical director.

There is no dedicated treatment for the virus. Patients are generally asked to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take medication to bring down fever and reduce joint pains.

Simple tools such as testing blood from a finger prick to diagnose malaria are not available for dengue, and there is no routine testing for the disease if a malaria test is negative.
South Sudanese flee as country edges closer to "genocide"

By Aaron Ross

KARUKWAT, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dec 1 (Reuters) - C harity Mandulu said the executions began soon after government soldiers - around 100 of them mostly from South Sudan President Salva Kiir's Dinka ethnic group - arrived in her home town of Tore Payam.

"They started to demand things. If you didn't give to them, they killed you," she said, visibly exhausted from what she said was a week-long walk through the bush and across the southern border to relative safety in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mandulu's account and those of some of the other 64,000 people who have fled South Sudan to isolated northeastern Congo could not be independently verified.

The South Sudanese government, which has fought a civil war against rebels headed by former vice president Riek Machar for three years, says it only targets the rebels, who say in turn that they only attack the military.

But the refugees' accounts and a human rights report from the Equatoria region, much of which is cut off by fighting, point to both sides targeting civilians along ethnic lines, adding weight to a U.N. warning of a genocide in the making.

Mandulu, taking shelter in the Congolese village of Karukwat, said among the first to be killed in Tore Payam were a woman and a local trader accused by the soldiers of collaborating with Machar's SPLA-IO rebels.

"They (the soldiers) said Equatorians are rebels," she said, her nine-month-old baby in her lap and a child clinging to either arm. "They even started searching for civilians in the bush, started killing them."

Mandulu left behind her 10-year-old son, who had been at her aunt's house when the attack began. Her husband had been away in the capital Juba at the time. She has had no news from either.

"KILLED LIKE ANIMALS"

More than one million people have fled South Sudan since the conflict erupted in December 2013 after Kiir fired Machar as vice president, the largest mass exodus of any conflict in central Africa since the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Over 4,000 a day have been crossing into Uganda, where the Bidibidi refugee settlement, open since August, now hosts over 188,000 people. Another 36,600 refugees have reached Ethiopia since early September, and over 57,000 fled to Congo this year.

The fighting has mostly pitted Kiir's Dinkas, the dominant ethnic group estimated to be roughly a third of the population, against Machar's Nuer tribe.

But as fighting has spread to southern border states, known as Greater Equatoria, it has sucked in dozens of other ethnic groups that are also historically in conflict with the Dinka.

Adama Dieng, U.N. Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, warned the Security Council this month that the violence was providing "fertile ground" for a genocide.

The Nuer and Dinka, cattle-keeping peoples in the central Nile valley, have a long and sometimes deadly history of rivalry over grazing lands. A near 50-year conflict against the Sudanese government in Khartoum ending in 2005 worsened these tensions.

In 1991, for example, forces allied to Machar massacred 2,000 Dinka civilians, according to rights groups.

Human Rights Watch last week accused the army of killing civilians and raping women thought to be Nuer and said rebel forces from ethnic groups in Equatoria had targeted Dinka civilians in and around Yei, the latest flashpoint.

In Karukwat, which is sheltering hundreds of refugees, Ferana Lavirck, 23, spoke of the aftermath of a clash between government troops and rebels, when enraged soldiers returned to his village and attacked civilians.

"They came back and start stabbing people, taking people's property," he told Reuters. "Schoolgirls were raped ... There is no proper security. Everything was destroyed. People were killed like animals."

WORLD POWERS STEP IN

The United States is pushing for a U.N. arms embargo on South Sudan and further targeted sanctions, including against Machar and Paul Malong, the head of President Kiir's army.

The Security Council has also authorised a 4,000-strong regional protection force for South Sudan, after the existing 12,000-troop U.N. peacekeeping mission failed to protect civilians during fighting in Juba in July.

But there are fears it could be too little too late.

A report by a U.N. panel of experts this month said the war was increasingly viewed by both sides as "a zero-sum confrontation between the Dinka and non-Dinka tribes".

The head of the U.N. commission on human rights in South Sudan said on Thursday that ethnic cleansing was taking place in some areas, where the stage was set for a repeat of the Rwandan genocide.

"There is already a steady process of ethnic cleansing underway in several areas of South Sudan, using starvation, gang rape and the burning of villages," Yasmin Sooka said in a statement.

Asked about the report, Kiir told Reuters: "There's no such thing in South Sudan. There's no ethnic cleansing."

There are signs of Kiir's forces importing large amounts of ammunition. A Nov. 25 letter seen by Reuters from the South Sudanese embassy in Ethiopia to army headquarters in Juba referred to a shipment of 20,000 rockets, 20,000 hand-grenades, 7,964 mortar bombs and nearly 3 million rounds of ammunition.

The letter's authenticity could not be confirmed and South Sudan's military spokesman declined to comment.

"I have no information on what you are talking about, and therefore I cannot react to what I have not seen with my own eyes," said spokesman Lul Ruai.

As farmers fled the violence in Equatoria, traditionally South Sudan's bread basket, they left their crops rotting in the fields. Up to 4 million people - over a third of the country's population - are severely food-insecure, the World Food Programme said this month, describing the current level of malnutrition as unprecedented.

Casie Copeland, a researcher with the International Crisis Group, said the world had turned a blind eye to the fighting in its newest country, whose independence from Sudan in 2011 was strongly backed by the United States and other Western nations.

"From the war's outset the U.N. never tried to maintain a death toll. Guesses vary from 50,000 up to 300,000. It demonstrates a shocking lack of humanity that no one has tried to establish the scale of violence," she said.

U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said the U.N. mission in Sudan had faced numerous challenges accessing affected areas but was doing all it could to establish death tolls and other human rights violations.

So far, villages in Congo, a country with its own long history of civil war, are coping with the influx.

In the Congolese town of Meri, where over 6,000 South Sudanese have settled, local women have pooled their meagre resources to buy high-protein supplements for refugee children.

But recurrent crises have stretched resources, as high-profile cases like Syria command donor attention. In recent years, the U.N. refugee agency in Congo has only been funded at about a quarter of what it says it needs.

"We don't have sufficient means to help them," said Medard Mokobke Mabe, the coordinator for the Red Cross in Karukwat, estimating that more than 100 refugees arrive each day.
Iranians face terrorism charges after filming Israeli embassy in Kenya

By Humphrey Malalo

NAIROBI, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Two Iranians and their Kenyan driver, who worked for the Iranian embassy in Nairobi, were charged on Thursday with collecting information for a terrorist act after filming the Israeli embassy, lawyers said.

Sayed Nasrollah Ebrahimi, Abdolhosein Ghola Safafe and driver Moses Keyah Mmboga "were found taking video clips of the Israeli embassy ... for the use in the commission of a terrorist act", according to a charge sheet produced in court.

The three men were in a car belonging to the Iranian embassy when they were arrested on Tuesday, the court papers said. The diplomatic status of the two Iranians was unclear.

The Iranian embassy did not respond to requests for comment.

"My clients pleaded not guilty and have been detained by the ATPU (Kenya's Anti Terrorism Police Unit) for further interrogation," defence lawyer Cohen Amanya told Reuters after the men's court appearance.

Prosecutor Duncan Ondimu said the two Iranians were visiting Kenya but gave no further details.

Kenya has suffered repeated militant attacks in recent years but those were mainly carried out by ethnically Somali militants who would be hostile to Iran because of sectarian differences.

In 2002, 15 people died when an Israeli-owned hotel was bombed in the coastal town of Mombasa at the same time two missiles were fired at an Israeli jet, narrowly missing it.
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. CATHERINE BECKWITH, Appellant v. THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, d/b/a PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF MEDICINE No. 15-1392 Decided: November 30, 2016

Before: JORDAN, GREENAWAY, JR., and RENDELL, Circuit Judges

OPINION*

Dr. Catherine Beckwith brought suit against Pennsylvania State University alleging that Penn State breached a six-year employment agreement and violated her right to procedural and substantive due process when it terminated her after little more than two years of employment. The Magistrate Judge recommended granting summary judgment on all three counts. The District Court adopted the Magistrate Judge's report over Beckwith's objections and entered summary judgment for Penn State, from which Beckwith appeals. We will affirm.

Background

Beckwith began employment as an Associate Professor, a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Comparative Medicine, on May 1, 2007. Her offer letter stated that the department expected her to devote 75% of her effort to research and the remaining 25% between teaching and administrative activities. It described her position as tenure-eligible, with tenure being a six-year process, although consideration for earlier tenure [was] possible based on [her] performance. A80. Her appointment was also subject to Penn State's policies regarding faculty appointments, including HR23 (which governs tenure review).

Beckwith's tenure review process began in November 2008 when Dr. Ronald Wilson, the chair of her department, asked her to submit paperwork for her promotion and tenure dossier. The dossier included, among other things, a percentage breakout of how Beckwith allocated her time and a narrative statement by Wilson. Beckwith reviewed the dossier for accuracy and signed it, although in her signature statement she wrote, I do not agree with the Chair's narrative. A222. Then, after successive, independent reviews, the department's Promotion and Tenure Committee recommended that Beckwith continue on tenure track, while Wilson and Dr. Harold Paz, the Dean of the College of Medicine, recommended that she not. Ultimately, the College of Medicine Promotion and Tenure committee agreed with Wilson and Paz and also recommended that she should not continue on tenure track. On April 24, 2009, Paz informed Beckwith that on June 30, 2010 she would be terminated.

Beckwith challenged this review process by filing a petition with Penn State's Faculty Senate Committee on Faculty Rights and Responsibilities (CFRR). The CFRR found that Beckwith's review suffered from procedural unfairness and recommended that the dossier be revised to include statements of the specific expectations within the allocated effort for research consistent with those expectations communicated to [Beckwith] through her letter of offer and the HR-40 review letter. A281. The dossier was then to be recirculated to her reviewers.

In response to the recommendation, a one-page document was added to the dossier that generally set forth how the allocation of effort numbers had been calculated in her original dossier. That document also communicated the expectation that Beckwith was to allocate 75% of her time to research. Beckwith again reviewed the dossier for accuracy, this time adding a lengthier signing statement that challenged inaccurate content about expectations, reviews, and % effort, and included two direct quotes from Wilson's 2008 annual departmental review (the HR40 review) that had set forth his expectations of Beckwith for the coming year. A294. After recirculation, however, the decisions at all levels of tenure review remained unchanged, and Paz notified Beckwith on January 20, 2010 that she would be terminated on June 30, 2011. Beckwith subsequently filed two unsuccessful petitions with the CFRR challenging this second review.

Discussion 2

A. Procedural Due Process

Beckwith first claims that Penn State did not afford her meaningful due process during her termination. A party who seeks to establish a procedural due process claim must demonstrate that (1) [she] was deprived of an individual interest that is encompassed within the Fourteenth Amendment's protection of life, liberty, or property, and (2) the procedures available to [her] did not provide due process of law. Hill v. Borough of Kutztown, 455 F.3d 225, 233-34 (3d Cir. 2006) (internal quotation marks omitted). While pre-termination procedures need not be elaborate to satisfy the requirements of due process, at a minimum they must grant the employee [t]he opportunity to present reasons, either in person or in writing, why proposed action should not be taken. Biliski v. Red Clay Consol. Sch. Dist. Bd. of Educ., 574 F.3d 214, 220 (3d Cir. 2009) (alteration in original) (quoting Cleveland Bd. of Educ. v. Loudermill, 470 U.S. 532, 545-46 (1985)). This means the tenured public employee is entitled to oral or written notice of the charges against [her], an explanation of the employer's evidence, and an opportunity to present [her] side of the story. Id. (quoting Loudermill, 470 U.S. at 546).

We find that Beckwith received adequate pre- and post-termination process in this case. Before her termination, Beckwith had notice of the contents of her dossier, the file that contained the materials on which her peer reviewers would base their decisions. Before the dossier was circulated, Wilson made corrections to the dossier and clarified certain other portions, all at Beckwith's request. Beckwith then had a final opportunity to object to Wilson's narrative in her signing statement. After the initial termination notice, Beckwith successfully challenged this first tenure review, secured additional clarifications, and, after the second review yielded the same result, raised two additional post-deprivation petitions before the CFRR. There is no dispute that Beckwith utilized these opportunities to voice her concerns, nor is there any evidence in the record that Penn State either failed to consider her claims or otherwise violated HR23. Thus, the District Court properly found Beckwith ha[d] not presented sufficient evidence to overcome Penn State's assertion that Beckwith was afforded adequate due process. A23.

Beckwith urges on appeal, however, that the dossier clarification did not provide meaningful due process because it failed to address some of the CFRR's concerns explicitly. Appellant's Opening Br. 23. Although the CFRR's letter recognized five instances of inconsistent communication of expectations, the District Court found that the record is  clear that Penn State revised Beckwith's dossier in accordance with the [CFRR's] single recommendation. A21. Indeed, the revised dossier quoted expectations regarding required effort directly from her offer letter. Our independent review of the record, moreover, reveals that Beckwith had the opportunity to, and did actually, register her objections to the quality of this revision in her dossier signing statement before this revised dossier was recirculated to her reviewers. By quoting language directly from Wilson's HR40 review statement, she added to the dossier some of the expectations she now claims Penn State failed to add itself. This opportunity to present [her] side of the story before recirculation, among the many others afforded Beckwith during her tenure review, satisfied the requirements of due process in this case. See Biliski, 574 F.3d at 222.

B. Breach of Contract

Beckwith also argues that Penn State breached her employment agreement by terminating her after little more than two years of employment. In Pennsylvania, there is a presumption of at-will employment. Murray v. Commercial Union Ins. Co. (Commercial), 782 F.2d 432, 435 (3d Cir. 1986) (citing Geary v. U.S. Steel Corp., 456 Pa. 171 (1974)). This presumption can be overcome if, among other things, the plaintiff can show that there was an express contract between the parties for a definite duration or an explicit statement that an employee can only be terminated for cause. See Luteran v. Loral Fairchild Corp., 688 A.2d 211, 214 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1997). The District Court found that Beckwith failed to show the existence of any agreement of definite duration, and even if she did, that Beckwith could not show Penn State breached this agreement. We agree.

Neither Beckwith's offer letter nor any other document incorporated by reference established a term of years for the agreement. Her offer letter merely noted that Beckwith would be hired in a tenure-eligible position. This process of securing tenure would take six years. But HR23, which is incorporated by reference in Beckwith's offer letter and which governs the tenure decision process at Penn State, provides a process a dean must follow if she is considering termination of a faculty member after any provisional reviews. A107. HR23 also contemplates that this dismissal may occur as early as the first academic year. A75. In any event, Beckwith has not shown Penn State failed to follow HR23 in discharging her. She was terminated on June 30, 2011 and received notice of termination on January 20, 2010, more than 12 months in advance. Thus, Beckwith has not met her burden on her contract claim.

III. Conclusion

For the reasons set forth above, we will AFFIRM the District Court's order granting summary judgment to Penn State.

FOOTNOTES

. Wilson opined that Beckwith had not met expectations. Beckwith was hired as part of the department's effort to produce more research and scholarship. Wilson recognized that some delays beyond Beckwith's control had contributed to her lack of publications after her first year at Penn State. But at the time of her second-year tenure review, he noted that still no demonstrable work product ha[d] resulted from her research. A209. Moreover, Wilson reported that Beckwith had shown a pattern of interpersonal conflict with [him] and others, A211, something he believed would greatly hinder her progress and future performance, A214.

. The District Court had jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C.  1331 and 28 U.S.C.  1367(a). We have appellate jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C.  1291. We exercise plenary review over a district court's grant of summary judgment. Ramara, Inc. v. Westfield Ins. Co., 814 F.3d 660, 665 (3d Cir. 2016).

. Like the District Court, we do not decide whether Beckwith had a protectable due process interest in her employment because, even if she did, we find that she received adequate due process in this case.

RENDELL, Circuit Judge:
Islamist mole in German spy agency had been gay porn actor - report

By Sabine Siebold

BERLIN, Dec 1 (Reuters) - An alleged Islamist mole in Germany's domestic intelligence service starred in gay porn videos before becoming a spy, media reported on Thursday, prompting questions about his security vetting.

When investigators searched the suspect's home in the western town of Toenisvorst they not only found evidence he had betrayed secrets, but also discovered pornography featuring the 51-year-old man, tabloid Bild wrote.

The Bundesverfassungsschutz (BfV) intelligence agency declined to comment on the report because of the ongoing investigation. It has said the man was arrested after making Islamist statements on the Internet and offering to share sensitive data about the spy agency's work in chatrooms. .

The BfV defended its security checks after the arrest, saying that the man had behaved completely inconspicuously.

Even his family obviously knew nothing about his double life including his alleged conversion to Islam, a security source told Reuters on Thursday.

Conservative politicians demanded more frequent security checks to avoid similar problems in future.

"We should have a security check once a year instead of every few years," Patrick Sensburg of the ruling CDU party said in an interview with the daily Handelsblatt.

The suspect, who remains in custody, was hired in April and played only a minor role in the agency, being tasked with the observation of Islamists, the security source said.

Before joining the service, he had been working as sales manager of a bank. Data found on the Internet by Reuters showed he had also been active in voluntary work and local politics, and was one of two proprietors of a tattoo shop.

It remained unclear if the suspect actually did damage while working for the spy agency and if he was in touch with radical Islamists at all, the source said. "There have to be investigations on whether he passed on information - and if and to what extent there was a connection to the Islamist scene."

It is not known if the suspect had contact with a suspected Islamist from the same town known by the alias Abu Walaa, who was arrested in November and is described by security authorities as a leading Islamist ideologist in Germany.
Ireland has moved closer to legalising cannabis for medicinal use after the government passed a bill about its usage.

Marijuana-based products will become regulated if new plans go ahead following a debate in parliament.

It is hoped the drug will help to relieve those suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis - for which it has a proven benefit.

While under a doctor's guidance, cannabis would also be given to help fight cancer, the RTE reports.

The move would see Ireland join countries like Italy, the Czech Republic and Australia, which have all relaxed their laws on medical grounds.

Ireland has moved closer to legalising cannabis for medicinal use after the Government passed a bill about its usage

Put forward by People Before Profit Alliance (PBPA), the Dail (Irish government) had made it clear it would not block the all-party backed bill.

However, Health Minister Simon Harris said he would seek some changes to the proposal following a evidence-based review.

'While there are elements I do not and will not support, I don't wish to divide the Dail,' he added.

'I share the concerns of patients who believe that cannabis should be a treatment option for certain medical conditions and I recognise the urgency and worry they feel.'

TD Gino Kelly, who put the bill forward on behalf of the PBPA, told the national broadcaster he hoped the medical profession would soon support the drug's use.

This comes two months after UK health officials admitted that cannabis-based ingredients do have a medicinal effect.

It is hoped the drug will help to relieve those suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis - for which it has a proven benefit

Products containing cannabidiol - also known as CBD - are now classed as medicines by the nation's regulatory body.

It was found to have a 'restoring, correcting or modifying' effect on physiological functions when administered to humans.

Previous research has found cannabis can be used to prevent epileptic seizures.

In 2003, US researchers proved an extract of the drug helped to rid rats of seizures for around 10 hours.

While Californian scientists discovered CBD may help to prevent cancer from spreading by switching off a gene.

And in 2010, a study at Harvard found cannabis may help to reduce anxiety and improve someone's mood.
Madagascar aims for annual growth of 6.5 percent by 2019

By Lova Rabary

PARIS, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Madagascar needs to achieve growth of 6.5 percent to help it reduce poverty, the president told a donor conference in Paris on Thursday.

Madagascar's economy has been struggling since a 2009 coup scared off foreign investors. The country is one of the world's poorest, despite reserves of nickel, cobalt, gold, uranium and other minerals.

"We need at least 6.5 percent annual growth rate. It is the only guarantor of the structural change that the country needs to reduce poverty," President Hery Rajaonarimampianina told the conference.

General Herilanto Raveloharison, the minister of economy and planning, said the government aimed to reach this target by 2019.

Madagascar's population of 24 million people is growing at 2.8 percent annually, according to the World Bank.
Air strikes kill 54 civilians in Iraq, Syria -U.S. military

By Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - The U.S.-led coalition killed 54 civilians between March 31 and Oct. 22 while carrying out air strikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria, the U.S. military said in a statement on Thursday.

Up to 24 civilians were killed in one strike in mid-July near the Syrian city of Manbij, the statement said.

At the time the opposition Syrian National Coalition called for a suspension of the air campaign against Islamic State in Syria while reports of the Manbij strike were investigated and U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said reports of those civilian casualties would be investigated.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had said at least 56 civilians were killed in air strikes north of Manbij.

On July 18, about 100 Islamic State fighters were preparing for a counter attack against Syrian Democratic Forces near Manbij, the statement said.

"Unknown to coalition planners, civilians were moving around within the military staging area, even as other civilians in the nearby village had departed over the previous days," the statement said.

It throws light on the challenges in coalition air strikes against Islamic State in parts of Iraq and Syria where the United States does not have ground forces or reliable informants within the population.

This brings the total number of civilians killed by the Coalition to 173 since strikes started in 2014, which is significantly lower than estimates from other groups.

In October, Amnesty International said the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State had not taken enough precautions to avoid civilian casualties in Syria and that as many as 300 civilians have been killed in 11 attacks conducted by the coalition since September 2014.

The United States has conducted 12,633 air strikes in Iraq and Syria as of Nov. 17, according to U.S. military data.
Namibia will stay in ICC - if United States joins, says president

By Claire Milhench

LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Namibia would remain a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) if the United States joined, Namibia's president Hage Geingob told Reuters in London on Thursday.

Namibia said in March that it would withdraw from the ICC, which sits in The Hague and has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The court has come under criticism from African nations.

"People are saying that it only targets African leaders. That seems to be true ... and that's a problem," said Geingob, who was elected as president of Namibia in November 2014.

Whilst parliament still needs to debate Namibia's withdrawal, Geingob said his feeling was it would go ahead.

"But if you convince the United States to come, we will stay," he said.

The United States is not currently a participant in the ICC as it has not signed or ratified the Rome Statute, a treaty which serves as the ICC's governing document.

"Africa needs to develop its own processes, systems, courts and institutions," Geingob added. "It would help us to be self sufficient. We must build lasting institutions ... not something imposed from foreign countries."

Turning to the economy, Geingob said he expects growth of 2 to 3 percent in Namibia in 2017, up from around 2.5 percent in 2016, and below the average longer term trend of 4-5 percent.

"But we need about 7 percent growth, which we are failing to do," he said. "That's why are encouraging people to come in to invest, to manufacture in Namibia, transfer technology, and that way we can create jobs."

Namibia's economy has been hit by a prolonged drought and a contraction in the mining sector, but Geingob said tourism had picked up this year with more people choosing Namibia over destinations in the Middle East due to the troubles there.

The Namibian economy is also closely linked to that of South Africa, and Geingob added they were following political developments there. An ongoing feud between President Jacob Zuma and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has unnerved investors and business leaders.
Canada needs referendum before electoral reform-committee

OTTAWA, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Canada should hold a referendum before making changes to the country's voting system, an all-party committee recommended on Thursday in a report that could kill the momentum for the electoral reform promised by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The call for a referendum to decide whether Canada is ready to ditch its first-past-the-post electoral system could stall an overhaul that was expected to benefit smaller parties like the left-leaning Greens, who have just one seat in parliament.

Trudeau's Liberals had promised during the 2015 election campaign that Canada would have a new voting system in place by the next election in 2019 - suggesting that proportional or preferential voting could come to Canadian politics.

But the recommendation by the committee for a referendum - and signs that Trudeau may not have the stomach for such a difficult reform - may make change impossible by 2019.

Indeed, the Liberal members of the committee said the recommendations were rushed and too radical to impose at this time without engaging more Canadians.

"Our position is that the timeline on electoral reform as proposed in the majority report is unnecessarily hasty," the Liberals said in a dissenting report.

Proportional representation, done in countries like New Zealand, would likely boost the performance of small parties like the Greens by allotting seats in parliament based on the popular vote rather than by a candidate's performance in each riding, as in the current first-past-the-post system.

Trudeau has already appeared to be backing away from his promise to reform the system, telling the French-language Le Devoir newspaper in October that the timetable was likely to slip. He also said major changes would need the substantial backing of Canadians.

The current system, inherited from Britain, allows a party to win a majority government with less than 40 percent of the popular vote. Critics say it encourages strategic voting among supporters of the three major parties - that is, voters abandon their preferred party in favor of whatever party they believe can defeat their enemy.

The committee, which has been holding consultations across the country, recommended that the government use a tool known as the Gallagher Index that measures the difference between the popular vote and seat allocations as it develops a new proportional electoral system.
U.S. veterans arrive at pipeline protest camp in North Dakota

By Terray Sylvester and Alicia Underlee Nelson

CANNON BALL/WEST FARGO, N.D., Dec 1 (Reuters) - U.S. military veterans were arriving on Thursday at a camp to join thousands of activists braving snow and freezing temperatures to protest a pipeline project near a Native American reservation in North Dakota.

However, other veterans in the state took exception to the efforts of the group organizing veterans to act as human shields for the protesters, saying the nature of the protests reflected poorly on the participants.

Protesters have spent months rallying against plans to route the $3.8 billion Dakota Access Pipeline beneath a lake near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, saying it poses a threat to water resources and sacred Native American sites.

State officials on Monday ordered activists to vacate the Oceti Sakowin camp, located on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, citing harsh weather conditions. Officials said on Wednesday however that they will not actively enforce the order.

Matthew Crane, a 32-year-old Navy veteran who arrived three days ago, said the veterans joining the protest were "standing on the shoulders of Martin Luther King Jr and Gandhi" with the their plans to shield protesters.

"I bought a one-way ticket," he told Reuters as he worked to build a wooden shelter at the main camp. "Hopefully we can shut this down before Christmas."

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday said for the first time that he supports the completion of the pipeline.

Trump's transition team also said Trump supported peaceful protests.

"We respect all Americans' first amendment right to peacefully protest, and we hope that local and federal officials continue to give support to local law enforcement so they are able to continue to protect these protestors," said the Trump transition team's daily note sent to campaign supporters and congressional staff.

Meanwhile in West Fargo, North Dakota, several members of the North Dakota Veterans Coordinating Council, which represents five veterans organizations in the state, held a news conference to decry the involvement of veterans in a protest that has damaged property and asked veterans not to participate in the demonstration.

"We agree that it is our constitutional right to assemble and to peacefully protest," council President Russ Stabler told reporters at the West Fargo VFW Post 7564 building. "However, protests over the last 100-plus days in North Dakota have been less than peaceful.

"Participating in this kind of assembly even as a peaceful bystander or participant will only mar the image of the North Dakota veterans and the veterans of our nation," he added as he stood surrounded by about a dozen veterans from the region.

North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple on Wednesday told reporters it was "probably not feasible" to reroute the pipeline, but he would try to rebuild a relationship with Standing Rock Sioux leaders.

Dalrymple said state officials never contemplated forcibly removing protesters and his evacuation order was mainly due to concerns about inclement weather endangering people. Frigid weather makes some aspects of pipeline construction more difficult, engineers interviewed by Reuters said.

The Standing Rock Sioux, in a statement on Wednesday, said that because "the Governor of North Dakota and Sheriff of Morton County are relative newcomers" to the land, "it is understandable they would be concerned about severe winter weather."

They said the camp has adequate shelter to handle the cold weather, adding that the Great Sioux Nation has survived "in this region for millennia without the concerns of state or county governments."

The temperature in Cannon Ball is expected to fall to 6 degrees Fahrenheit (-14 Celsius) by the middle of next week, according to Weather.com forecasts.

Veterans Stand for Standing Rock, a contingent of more than 2,000 U.S. military veterans, intends to reach North Dakota by this weekend and form a human wall in front of police, protest organizers said on a Facebook page.

The 1,172-mile (1,885 km) pipeline project, owned by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners LP, is mostly complete, except for a segment planned to run under Lake Oahe, a reservoir formed by a dam on the Missouri River.

Protesters, who refer to themselves as "water protectors," have been gearing up for the winter while they await the Army Corps decision on whether to allow Energy Transfer Partners to tunnel under the river. That decision has been delayed twice by the Army Corps.

On Wednesday, the North Dakota Emergency Commission approved another $7 million to provide support for law enforcement who deployed to deal with protesters. The commission previously approved an additional $10 million in funds to cover the escalating costs of the protests.
Reuters Science News Summary

Following is a summary of current science news briefs.

Russian cargo ship destroyed after launch for Space Station

An unmanned Russian cargo ship loaded with more than 2-1/2 tons of food and supplies for the International Space Station broke apart about six minutes after liftoff on Thursday, Russia's space agency Roscosmos said in a statement. A Soyuz rocket carrying the Progress capsule blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan as planned at 9:51 a.m. EST, a NASA TV broadcast showed.

Human ancestor 'Lucy' adept at tree climbing as well as walking

Scientists using sophisticated scanning technology on the fossil bones of the ancient human ancestor from Ethiopia dubbed "Lucy" have determined that she was adept at climbing trees as well as walking, an ability that in her case may have proven fatal. Researchers on Wednesday announced the results of an intensive analysis of the 3.18 million-year-old fossils of Lucy, a member of a species early in the human evolutionary lineage known as Australopithecus afarensis.

Facebook developing artificial intelligence to flag offensive live videos

Facebook Inc is working on automatically flagging offensive material in live video streams, building on a growing effort to use artificial intelligence to monitor content, said Joaquin Candela, the company's director of applied machine learning. The social media company has been embroiled in a number of content moderation controversies this year, from facing international outcry after removing an iconic Vietnam War photo due to nudity, to allowing the spread of fake news on its site.

SpaceX aims for December 16 return to flight, customer Iridium says
Canada opposition says government reneging on electoral reform vow

OTTAWA, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Canadian opposition parties accused the government on Thursday of reneging on a promise to make the country's voting system fairer after a key Liberal minister dismissed an official report that recommended having a referendum before changes are made.

The denunciation of the report that the Liberals had asked for could kill the momentum for an overhaul that was expected to benefit smaller parties like the left-leaning Greens, who have just one seat in parliament.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised during the 2015 election campaign that Canada would have a new voting system in place by the next election in 2019 - suggesting that proportional or preferential voting could come to Canadian politics.

Critics say Trudeau is less enthusiastic about reform now that he has won a majority under the current first-past-the-post system.

An all-party committee recommended on Thursday that Canada should hold a referendum before making changes, something the Liberals have said is not necessary.

The referendum would allow Canadians to choose between the current system and a type of proportional voting, although the report left it up to the government to choose which type.

Minister of Democratic Institutions Maryam Monsef, who has been tasked with electoral reform, criticized the report and the work of the committee for a lack of consensus and not recommending a specific alternative.

The opposition accused the Liberals of self-sabotage.

"Minister Monsef and Justin Trudeau are trying to find a way out of this because they don't like the answer they got," said interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose.

The existing system, inherited from Britain, allows a party to win a majority government with less than 40 percent of the popular vote. The Liberals received 39.5 percent of the vote in 2015 but 184 of the 338 seats in the House of Commons.

Proportional representation, used in countries like New Zealand, would likely boost the performance of small parties by allotting seats based on the popular vote rather than by a candidate's performance in each electoral district, as in the first-past-the-post system.

Trudeau already appeared to be backing away from his promise to reform the system, telling Le Devoir newspaper in October that the timetable was likely to slip. He also said major changes would need the substantial backing of Canadians.

"The Liberals have been doing a remarkable job of hedging and backpedaling," said David Moscrop, electoral reform researcher. "They might just let it die on the vine."
EconomyNext: US-based Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has firmed up deals to manage two hotels in Sri Lanka, reaching nearly 400 rooms and plans to go up to 5 hotels over the next four years, an official said.



Chief Executive Officer South Asia Carlson Rezidor Hotel group, Raj Rana told EconomyNext that the hotel in Sri Lankas capital Colombo would be under the Park Inn by Radisson brand and the one in Kandy would be a Radisson.

Both hotels would be in the 190 to 200 room range.

Rana said the group may increase its presence to up to 5 hotels in the next four years.

The Colombo hotel is expected to be ready by 2018/19. The Kandy hotel, where land has been identified is expected to take at least three years.

Investors connected to Sri Lankas Tokyo Cement group are partnering the brand, officials said.

Converting already built hotels is an option that will allow Carlson Rezidor to expand their presence in the country faster, Rana told Asia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference, an industry forum in Colombo.
United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. SHON HOPPER, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. NEW BUFFALO CORPORATION, Defendant-Appellee. No. 16-5776 Decided: November 30, 2016

Before: MOORE and CLAY, Circuit Judges; HOOD, District Judge. *

In August 2011, Plaintiff-Appellant Shon Hopper purchased a lock-on tree stand for hunting deer from a Rural King store in Madisonville, Kentucky. At the same time, Hopper purchased a separate set of ratchet tie down straps distributed to Rural King by Defendant-Appellee New Buffalo Corporation. Hopper hung his new tree stand with the ratchet tie-down straps (rather than the straps included with the tree stand), stepped onto the stand, and promptly fell approximately 21 feet to the ground as though in a dunking booth [,] sustaining the alleged injuries he complains of in this case.

Hopper sued New Buffalo, alleging strict and negligent product liability, breach of warranty and violation of the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act. He requested class certification and sought injunctive relief. The parties filed cross motions for summary judgment, and the district court granted summary judgment in favor of New Buffalo on all claims. Hopper appealed the grant of summary judgment on his product liability and breach of warranty claims. For the reasons stated below, we AFFIRM.

I. FACTS

The facts of the accident giving rise to this lawsuit, as described briefly herein, are not in dispute. Hopper set out with his cousin, Tommy Boyd, to hang a new tree stand next to a tree stand he had previously hung (using the straps included with that tree stand when purchased) approximately 21 feet above ground. R. 73-1 (Hopper Dep. at 33-35) (PageID# 706-8). Although his new lock-on tree stand came with straps for hanging it, as well as numerous warnings instructing the user to use all the included parts and not to replace any parts, Hopper discarded the straps that came with the tree stand and used the ratchet tie-down straps to secure the tree stand to the tree instead. R. 73-1 (Hopper Dep. at 58) (PageID# 731-32). The packaging for the ratchet tie down straps stated Use To Secure Equipment During Transport and 750 lb Capacity. R. 72-3 (Pl.'s Mem. Sup. Mot. Sum. J., Ex. B) (PageID# 663). The packaging did not list any other permissible uses or limitations of the straps. Hopper hung the new tree stand while standing on the old one. When he stepped onto the new stand, it fell. R. 73-1 (Hopper Dep. at 36) (PageID# 709). Upon inspection, Hopper discovered the s (or figure 8) shaped hooks on the ratchet straps had straightened out, causing the fall. R. 73-1 (Hopper Dep. at 65) (PageID # 738).

The ratchet straps are featured on New Buffalo's website, branded as Sportsman Series under the heading Fishing, Hunting and Camping Supplies. The straps appear in New Buffalo's catalog with the description:

Safely secure loads in the truck bed, on the trailer, or on the roof of the SUV with the Sportsman Series Tie Down Kit. Keep a set in the truck or the tool box for camping, hauling loads home from the hardware store, or moving furniture.

R. 12-4 (First Am. Compl., Ex. 4, Product Catalog, pp. 28-32) (PageID# 129-32). Nothing on the product packaging or product catalog insinuates the ratchet tie-down straps could or should be used for any purpose other than tying down loads for transport.

II. STANDARD OF REVIEW

We review a grant of summary judgment de novo, applying the same test as used by the district court. Baker Hughes Inc. v. S&S Chemical, LLC, 836 F.3d 554, 559 (6th Cir. 2016). Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56(a), summary judgment is appropriate if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. In making this assessment, we view the record and all inferences drawn from it in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Belasco v. Warrensville Heights City Sch. Dist., 634 F. App'x 507, 514 (6th Cir. 2015). Summary judgment is improper if the nonmoving party has produced evidence such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict in his favor. The ultimate inquiry is whether the evidence presents a sufficient disagreement to require submission to a jury or whether it is so one-sided that one party must prevail as a matter of law.  Id. (quoting Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 and 25152 (1986)).

III. PRODUCTS LIABILITY CLAIMS

The Kentucky Product Liability Act, KY. REV. STAT.  411.300 et seq., recognizes products liability suits founded in strict liability, negligence, or breach of warranty. Morales v. Am. Honda Motor Co., 71 F.3d 531, 537 (6th Cir. 1995). Hopper put forth a theory of defective design and failure to warn, claiming strict liability and negligence on the part of New Buffalo. To prevail under the KPLA on either strict liability or negligence, [a] plaintiff in Kentucky can bring a defective design claim under either a theory of negligence or strict liability. The foundation of both theories is that the product is unreasonably dangerous.  Ostendorf v. Clark Equip. Co., 122 S.W.3d 530, 535 (Ky. 2003). [U]nder either theory [negligence or strict liability], it is the legal duty of a manufacturer to use reasonable care to protect against foreseeable dangers. Id. We agree with the district court that Hopper did not present any evidence that would create a genuine issue of material fact regarding whether his use of ratchet tie-down straps as deer stand straps was a foreseeable danger against which New Buffalo had a legal duty to protect.

Hopper spends a significant portion of his brief arguing that the ratchet straps were unreasonably dangerous due to their defective design because they failed during his expert's testing at a weight of 157 pounds, which is well below the 750 pounds advertised on the package. Whether the ratchet straps could actually withstand the advertised weight is inapposite to the question at issue in this case, because regardless of whether the ratchet could hold 750 pounds when used as a tie down, the package makes no promise of any weight the tie-down straps could hold when being misused to suspend a deer stand against a tree. Under either theory of negligence or strict liability, a manufacturer must exercise reasonable care in order to design a product which is reasonably safe at the time of sale for its intended and forseeably [sic] probable uses. Jordan v. Massey-Ferguson, Inc., 100 F.3d 956 (6th Cir. 1996). As discussed below, using a ratchet strap intended to tie down items to a vehicle to instead hang a tree stand 21 feet in the air is not a foreseeably probable use or misuse; thus, Plaintiff cannot present any evidence that the design was defective for the Plaintiff's misuse.

Hopper argues the issue of foreseeable misuse is a jury question, relying heavily on Noel v. S.S. Kresge Co., 669 F.2d 1150, 1156 (6th Cir. 1982), in which this Court stated, in part, the issue of misuse presents a question of fact for the jury[,] affirming the district court's denial of a motion for directed verdict. This quote, however, refers to the particular facts at issue in Noel and does not state a broad rule of law. In Noel, the plaintiff was injured using pliers to stretch a brake spring while repairing a vehicle. This Court noted that [t]he evidence did not establish that using pliers, without any warning of limited use, for the purpose of gripping and pulling wire, was misuse as a matter of law. Id. As this Court made clear in Noel, where material facts regarding foreseeable misuse are present, it is appropriate to submit the case to the jury; however, no such material facts existed with respect to the foreseeability of Hopper's misuse of the ratchet tie-down straps. A manufacturer or seller may not determine the intended use of a product and then escape liability for injury resulting from a different use even though the product is defective and the use by the consumer is foreseeable. Id. (emphasis added). While using pliers with one hand to grip and stretch a spring is potentially foreseeable, and presents a question of facts for the jury, using ratchet tie-down straps as a replacement for the included deer tree stand straps to secure a stand 21 feet in air is an unforeseeable misuse as a matter of law. Hopper has not presented any evidence to the contrary.

Hopper maintains that because there have been a handful of lawsuits in the past  not involving New Buffalo  in various jurisdictions across the country regarding ratchet straps and deer stands, that Hopper's misuse was foreseeable. He did not, however, make this argument to the district court (other than citing Bradley v. Ameristep, Inc., 800 F.3d 205, 207 (6th Cir. 2015)); furthermore, the seven cases Hopper cited are unconvincing here and do not stand for the proposition for which Hopper cited them. These seven cases, in which only a few of the Plaintiffs used separately purchased tie-down ratchet straps (and none of them prevailed), do not create a genuine issue of material fact as to the foreseeability of Hopper's misuse of the ratchet straps at issue here.

Hopper also maintains that because he, his cousin Tommy, and one Amazon reviewer have used ratchet tie-down straps to secure lock-on tree stands, this misuse was foreseeable to New Buffalo. As the district court correctly stated:

This is insufficient. A product designed to secure items in a truck bed or in a trailer is a different product than one designed to secure a platform to a tree over 20 feet in the air. These are wholly different purposes.

R. 93. (Mem. Op., pp. 4) (PageID# 1531). Even viewing the facts in the light most favorable to him, Hopper has not presented a genuine issue of material fact sufficient to survive Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment based on the fact he, his cousin Tommy, and one stranger on the Internet have similarly misused tie-down ratchet straps in the past.

Because we hold that there was no genuine issue of material fact on the issue of Hopper's misuse of the ratchet straps, and, thus, summary judgment was appropriate as a matter of law, we need not address Hopper's argument that any misuse on his part could have been remedied with a comparative fault jury instruction.

IV. BREACH OF WARRANTY CLAIM

The district court did not reach the issue of whether a valid warranty existed in this case; however, assuming, arguendo, that such a warranty did exist pursuant to KY. REV. STAT.  355.2-313, the district court granted summary judgment in favor of New Buffalo on Hopper's breach of warranty claim because pursuant to Kentucky law, the scope of a product warranty is limited to the product's intended use[.] Overstreet v. Norden Labs, Inc., 669 F.2d 1286, 1290 (6th Cir. 1982) (construing Kentucky law). A promise that a ratchet strap can tie down 750 pounds to secure equipment during transport is not a promise that the strap can suspend 750 pounds from a tree. Hopper's use of the tie-down ratchet straps as tree stand straps was contrary to their intended use; accordingly, the district court's grant of summary judgment on the breach of warranty claim was appropriate pursuant to Kentucky law.

For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

. See Bradley v. Ameristep, Inc., 800 F.3d 205, 207 (6th Cir. 2015) (Plaintiff purchased replacement treestand ratchet straps not tie-down ratchet straps.); Bryant v. BGHA, Inc., 9 F.Supp.3d 1374, 1381 (M.D. Ga. 2014) (Plaintiff sued tree stand manufacturer; the stand was packaged with certain straps  including two stabilizer straps and two ratchet straps. Plaintiff did not use separate tie-down ratchet straps.); Arant v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 628 F. App'x. 237 (5th Cir. 2015) (affirming district court's grant of summary judgment to Defendants based on Plaintiff's failure to introduce any genuine issue of material fact that the straps were unreasonably dangerous. The Court did not specify whether these were tie-down ratchet straps or tree stand straps.); Johnson v. Serv. Tool Co., LLC, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 160397, *19-20 (E.D. Mich. Nov. 30, 2015) (Drawing all reasonable inferences in favor of Plaintiff, the evidence fails to establish that the hunting community commonly uses [cargo tie-down] ratchet straps to replace treestand support straps.); Freeland v. Ameristep, Inc., 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 57160 (E.D. Ok. 2014) (granting summary judgment in favor of Defendant on Plaintiff's strict liability, negligence, and failure to warn claims arising from ratchet strap failure; district court did not specify whether the straps were tie-down or tree stand ratchet straps); Yoder v. Sportsman's guide, Inc., 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 153094 (W.D. Pa. 2015) (granting summary judgment in favor of Defendant where Plaintiff alleged tree stand was defective; tree stand was sold with ratchet straps and other straps; Plaintiff did not allege ratchet strap failure caused injuries.); Crowe v. Strong Built, Inc., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 121714 (S.D. Ill. 2012) (tree stand fell when ratchet straps allegedly failed; district court did not reach the merits or address whether the straps at issue were included with the tree stand or were separately purchased tie-down ratchet straps).

JOSEPH M. HOOD, Senior District Judge.
The Frontline Socialist Party Leader Kumar Gunaratnam will be given Sri Lanka citizenship if he applied for it and give up Australian citizenship, Minister of Wayamba Development Cultural Affairs and Immigration and Emigration S. B. Navinna told Parliament today.

Minister Navinna, who was responding to a question raised by Joint Opposition group leader Dinesh Gunawardane, said Mr. Gunaratnam can be given the Sri Lankan citizenship before his prison sentence ends on December 7 this year.

He said Mr. Gunaratnam was expected to submit an application for citizenship later in the day.

He also accepted that some members of the Frontline Socialist Party have met the Prime Minister and several other ministers recently and made a request on behalf of Mr. Gunaratnam.

Mr. Gunawardane said Mr. Gunaratnam should be given Sri Lankan citizenship as he was born in Sri Lanka and his parents are still living in this country. He also requested the government not to deport him. (Yohan Perera)
The Commander of the US Pacific Command Admiral Harry B Harris who was on an official visit to Sri Lanka to attend the Galle Dialogue 2016, took time off to visit the Naval Base, Trincomalee.

The US Admiral was warmly received by Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Travis Sinniah and the visiting delegation was made aware on the operational function of the Eastern Naval Command.

During this tour Admiral Harris got onboard SLNS Samudura and shared a light moment with the Commanding Officer and ships crew. He also visited sites where US military personnel have continued to train with the Sri Lanka Navy on skills such as disaster assistance and underwater demining and met with members of the newly-established Sri Lanka Navy Marines, who worked with the US 11th Marines Expeditionary Unit and the crew of the visiting USS Somerset. (Pix by Navy Media)
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa rejected Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweeras allegation that a house in Los Angeles had been rented as the official residence of the Sri Lankan Consul General in 2013 and it has used by the son of the former Defence Secretary.

While posting a Tweeter message Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa said making such allegations is a cheap tactic to discredit him

Mangala Samaraweera yesterday in Parliament charged that a house had been rented as the official residence of the Sri Lankan Consul General in Los Angeles in 2013 and a sum of Rs. 27.6 million has been spent for it while it was occupied by former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa's son for more than a year.

Participating in the budget debate in Parliament yesterday he said US Dollars 10,000 had been paid as a deposit for it. Minister Samaraweera also charged that Rs. 2.3 billion had been spent for overseas visits during the Rajapaksa regime between 2012 and 2014.


An awareness walk was launched today under the National STD/AIDS Control Programme by the Health Ministry from the Colombo National Hospital to the Campbell Park in Colombo to mark the World Aids Day  2016. Pix by Damith Wickremesinghe
Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa has the ability to rescue Sri Lanka from the downfall which would be faced by the country in the near future, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) claimed today.

Addressing the media in the recruiting of members to the SLPP, former minister and SLPP front-liner Basil Rajapaksa said the county was heading towards a dark era unlike in the governing period of former president Rajapaksa.

It is not former president Rajapaksa who is in need to govern this country again, but it is the country which need the guidance of him to bring back the country out the dark era which we are experiencing at present, he added.

At the event, three trade unions from the Urban Development Authority, Ceylon German Technical Training Institute and the Sevanagala Sugar factory and several former Provincial Council members were offered with the membership cards of the SLPP.

A collective of youths named Hadawathe Janadhipathi - Mahinda had also being registered to the SLPP and were given the membership cards.

Meanwhile, conducting a media briefing on media freedom and its suppression by the government, the SLPP said the government was in a mission to ban media by creating the necessity to regulate media institutions.

Addressing the media briefing, media expert Kula Sri Kariyawasam said it was not a surprise to experience authoritarian media suppression from the government since it was a United National Party (UNP) based government.

The governments hatred towards the media is evident from the behaviour of the President and the Prime Minister. However, when the government came to power they had assured the people of complete media freedom. Unfortunately they are practising its opposite now he added. (Kalathma Jayawardhane

Video by Buddhi
Former President and Kurunegala District MP Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to the country after a seven day visit to China, Airport sources said.

Mr. Rajapaksa left for china on November 23. During his tour he also participated in several special programmes with China's Guanshu regional government heads and Shenshing Urban heads. (T.K.G. Kapila)
Officials from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington will be sent to California to investigate the alleged spending of Rs 27 million on a residence for the Consul General in Los Angeles at the time the post fell vacant in 2013, informed sources said today.

This comes in the wake of Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera disclosing in Parliament on Wednesday that Rs.27 million had been spent for the utility bills of this residence even though there was no consul general occupying the residence.

He alleged that former defense secretary Gotanaya Rajapaksa's son had occupied this residence during this time.

However Mr. Rajapaksa denied this allegation.(Yohan Perera)
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe left for Hong Kong this morning to participate in the World in 2017 summit which was organized by the Economist magazine, the Prime Ministers media office said. (T.K.G. Kapila)
For the first time in seven years, events of Maveerar Day for the commemoration of the valiant militants who sacrificed their lives in the Tamil Eelam struggle were held in public and in full swing yesterday with emotional fervour.



This was how the SudarOli, one of the Tamil dailys published in Colombo started to explain in its front page lead story, the remembrance of LTTE cadres who died in their fight for a separate Tamil State, by their relatives in the North and the East on November 27, under the headline The Tamil motherland rises up, the abodes where the great heroes slumber were lit up, people wail at the places where there were graves.

The story continues; Although the abodes where the great heroes slumber had been destroyed by the armed forces, most places where there were such abodes had been lit up at 6.05 last evening. No efforts had been made after 2009 to commemorate the great heroes who laid down their lives for the liberation of the Tamil Eelam soil so openly. Earlier armed forces and the intelligence services had been vigilant in a manner that nobody could enter the abodes where the great heroes slumbered, and army camps had been built on some such abodes.



The commemoration of LTTE cadres killed in the war had been so public this year for the first time, as has been reported in this news item as well as many other news items and features in the Tamil media, the coverage of the commemorations by the Tamil media was also so emotional and daring, with Tamil newspapers this year carrying full page pictorials and front page lead stories on the event, for the first time. However, the coverage by the Sinhala and English newspapers was totally different in that, some newspapers totally ignored the events, while some others reported as if they were insignificant.



Some politicians in the South such as the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila had demanded that those who commemorated the LTTE be arrested, while some others recognized the right of the relatives of those killed in the war to commemorate their loved ones. However, each politicians stance on the matter seems to have based on his constituency or the political surroundings.

Northern politicians including those who had been branded by the LTTE as traitors, such as EPDP leader Douglas Devananda were totally defending the commemorations on the day declared as the Maveerar Day, by the outfit decimated by the armed forces. The Tamil leaders in the south such as National Integration Minister Mano Ganesan and Rehabilitation and Hindu Religious Affairs Minister D.M. Swaminathan cautiously approved the commemorations. They were of the opinion that people should commemorate their loved ones without commemorating the LTTE.



Despite the Northern Provincial Council representing the northern Tamils adopting controversial resolutions in the past years, such as the one calling for an international investigation into the war crimes allegedly committed by the security forces and one claiming that genocide of Tamils had taken place in Sri Lanka, it did not dare to formally commemorate the LTTE cadres. When a motion to that effect was presented in the council, its Chairman C.V.K.Sivagnanam, who was once in 1987 the choice of the LTTE for an interim administration for the North and the East, declined it on the grounds that the situation in the country was not conducive.



The reason seems to be that the Maveerar Day and the Maveerar Week were declared by the LTTE, an entity that was proscribed by the Sri Lankan government. The Maveerar Naal had been announced by the LTTE during its heyday to mark the death anniversary of Shanker, its first cadre to be killed on November 27, 1982 and later the Maveerar Varam, a whole week was declared to be commemorated, covering Shankers death anniversary as well as the birthday of the LTTE leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, on November 26. On the other hand,they were declared for the purpose of commemorating the LTTE cadres who were killed during a war against the government. Hence, to commemorate them by a provincial council might amount to espousing secessionism as happened to the first and only Northern and Eastern Provincial Council in 1990.



It was a resolution moved by Chief Minister Varadharaja Perumal in the Northern and the Eastern Provincial Council on March 1, 1990 that was used by President Ranasinghe Premadasa to dissolve the council. The resolution provided for the conversion of the council into a constitutional assembly for a separate state, if the government of President Premadasa failed to meet his 19 demands, and it was interpreted as espousing separatism in order to dissolve the council. Therefore Sivagnanams concerns were apparently valid.



Being a highly sensitive issue for the North as well as the South, the commemoration of the LTTE cadres on days specified by the LTTE itself is, no doubt, a tricky matter for both the North and the South. Despite the motive and the modus operandi of those killed during clashes with the security forces being unlawful and in most cases inhuman, each man or woman was a beloved son, a daughter, a father, a mother, a brother or a sister of people still living. The right of those relatives to remember the dead in their personal capacity is inalienable.



Tamil leaders justify these commemorations, comparing them with the remembrance by the JVP of those killed during their two insurrections, which had never been an issue. However, the JVP is not a banned organization nor is its ultimate political goal, the socialism proscribed in the country as secessionism. The southern rebels too had to observe their commemorations secretly when they were hunted down by the security forces.

Despite the humanitarian side of the commemoration of LTTE cadres by their relatives being acceptable, the possible political ramifications of rhetoric by the Tamil leaders during those commemorations, might have an adverse impact on the Tamil people in particular, and on the country in general. It is a common practice to glorify the sacrifices of those killed in the war which is acceptable, but this might in turn be seen in the eyes of the present day young generation as a justification of the separatist goal of the LTTE as well.



A separate Tamil State within the territory of Sri Lanka would never be a reality, so long as India fears that Tamil separatism in Sri Lanka would be contagious to its southern most Tamil State, Tamil Nadu.Therefore the commemoration of the people killed in the war including the members of the LTTE, and the breathing of new life to the disastrous political ends should be clearly identified and differentiated by the Tamil leaders.

However, those who were killed in the war, irrespective of them being the LTTE cadres or the members of the armed forces, were human beings. Hence, can there be a situation where the northern and southern people would be commemorating the LTTE cadres as well as the members of the armed forces together? As a measure towards the reconciliation in its true spirit, the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) in the concluding paragraph of its report had this to suggest;



The Commission strongly recommends that a separate event be set apart on the National Day to express solidarity and empathy with all victims of the tragic conflict, and pledge our collective commitment to ensure that there should never be such blood-letting in the country again. Based on testimonies it received, the Commission feels that this commemorative gesture, on such a solemn occasion, and at a high political level, will provide the necessary impetus to the reconciliation process the nation as a whole is now poised to undertake.

But would a southerner come forward to commemorate an LTTE cadre and vice versa? It seems to be an extremely remote reality for the moment. So does the true reconciliation.This points that Sri Lanka has a long way to go in its efforts towards reconciliation.
The man in the North often used as a punching bag by Sinhala hardliners and for sensational headlines and soundbites for the Colombo media, on Tuesday 22 November came to their doorstep to invite them for an open dialogue on Northern and Eastern issues.



We are trying to get in contact and talk to our Sinhala brethren, because this has not been done earlier. We could sit together and discuss. Now that young brother of mine asked all sorts of questions and he was worked up. Thats good..These questionings, answering, discussion, these are all very important. See, we are trying to engage..We may possibly even have it next in Galle. Justice Wigneswaran, CM of the Northern Province told a journalist, answering his question at the first ever media briefing he and the Tamil Peoples Council (TPC) had in Colombo, and fielded questions too, at the SLFI. He sat flanked by the Co-convenors of the TPC, Dr. P. Lakshman a reputed cardiologist in Jaffna and Vasantharajah from Batticoloa. He told media they had been misquoted and misinterpreted very much in the South, especially after the ElugaThamil peoples mass gathering on 24 September in Jaffna. Thereafter they decided he said, to come to Colombo and tell the Sinhala people their side of the story, direct. The media briefing was thus under the banner North  South Dialogue.

Why do Justice Wigneswaran and the TPC have to call for a North-South Dialogue now? Isnt there a North-South dialogue for reconciliation, that the government hypes so much in all their talks? That perhaps is from where answering this question should begin.



This government does not believe in people for reconciliation. Reconciliation for this government is no different to that of the Rajapaksas. For this Yahapalana government it is all about construction and funding livelihood projects, no different to Basils Uthuru Wasanthay (Northern Spring) and Negenahira Navodaya (Eastern Awakening). Chandrika Kumaratunges heavily funded ONUR now leads from where Basil left. While the Northern and Eastern people do not reject infrastructure and livelihood projects, they want them to be consulted to decide on what and where development work should be focused on. They dont want themselves to be treated as receiving hand outs from Colombo. Reconciliation after all is about dignity in life and mutual respect. With that comes post-war issues left unsolved for over 07 years for now.Topping them all is the political solution for the National Question, the South has been dragging its feet on, in negotiating for over 06 decades.



Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Colombo have lent their time and expertise on this for almost 30 years. They organised very expensive awareness campaigns, exchange programmes and training sessions with foreign funds. They carried out projects on peace, ethnic harmony, conflict resolution, power sharing and federalism, ethical media reporting on ethnic conflicts and even foreign study tours that supported numerous social segments, social activists, the clergy, politicians, women and youth to create social awareness. Over the past 30 years, the money they spent on these programmes may even be much more than the total budget of the Social Services Department during the same period of time. The fact is, they have failed in their efforts despite all that money spent. Proof they failed in all their projects to push through stable peace, ethnic harmony and a negotiated political settlement to the national question through power sharing, is amply demonstrated first with the war waged and concluded in May 2009. That military approach is now accepted as the only solution that was practically valid. Their failure is also proved in how the media behaves with a Sinhala bias, at times going openly anti minority. And with Sinhala Buddhist extremism emerging in many different violent forms. Sri Lanka would not have got enmeshed and burdened with Sinhala Buddhist extremism and a brutal war, had their heavily funded projects on peace, ethnic harmony, power sharing and federalism and everything to do with the national question over almost 30 years, had been successful. But these NGOs have not looked back to find out why they failed and how.



They failed primarily because they could never fit into the shoes of political responsibility. Finding a political solution to the much debated and agitated national question is the responsibility of the political leadership.The Southern Sinhala leaderships allowed themselves the comfort of obeying Sinhala sentiments. More precisely they give into the small but loud urban extremism now with rowdy saffron participation.The Sinhala political leaderships irrespective of their symbols and colours, tend to believe without logic and rationale, this loud rowdy extremism that decides the Sinhala vote. This behaviour of the Sinhala political leadership could never be stymied by a small group of Colombo based NGO activists, purely on the strength of their dollar funds.With the mainstream media too nurturing and living on the market thus created, people were left to follow political leaderships.



Thus there is a valid invitation to the South when Justice Wigneswaran says, ..this has not been done earlier. Where we could sit together and discuss like this...These questionings, answering, discussion, these are all very important. Agreements reached by a few Sinhala and Tamil leaders meeting behind closed doors in Colombo, have right throughout history, been aborted in the face of hard line protests. When people are not given the right to decide what the answers should be, when people are kept out of all bargaining the leaders get involved in, hardliners on both sides of the divide find ample space for agitations and protests.

That is precisely what is happening right now. This Yahapalana government is re-inventing the same wheel, all past negotiations ran into deadlocks, except that of MR initiated All Party Representative Committee (APRC). From 1957 B-C to 1965 D-C Pacts to Jayawardenes All Party Conference, the Thimpu discussions and all negotiations under Premadasa and Chandrika presidencies, and then led by PM Wickremesinghe with the Norwegian brokered cease fire agreement in place, failed because the Southern political leaders did not get the Sinhala constituency on board. They never played the leadership role they should, in creating confidence in people, to accept a negotiated settlement to the conflict.



Results have not only been negative, but terrifying and tragic too. The conclusion of the war has left a human tragedy that was fiddled with Sinhala tools by the Rajapaksas and is prodded by the Yahapalana government now. They remain festering, and lead to remorse and anger without any decent and humane political hand to resolve them. The ruling political leadership in Colombo shies away from solving post-war issues. With the long-delayed LG elections and 3 PC elections lined up for 2017, they make every effort to look Sinhala in an ethno religiously divided post-war country. The President consistently asserts that war heroes should not be investigated on crimes and the PM talks of saving Sangha chapters including the Malwatte from conspiracies; all efforts in reserving Sinhala Buddhist votes for elections. In such a Sinhala dominated political context, national issues are decided by Sinhala preference.Thus there is very little chance, the Sinhala hard line politics thats never challenged, would allow decisions arrived behind closed doors to be worked out.

Rajapaksa has already gone on record, as saying any federal system can lead to separation. His Joint Opposition is not going to compromise with any power sharing that would go beyond the present 13A, implemented with police and land powers suppressed. Considered a constitutional law expert, PC Manohara de Silva addressing a press conference on 24 November as the National Joint Committee (no clue how national it is and what joint means here), had claimed, giving police powers to PCs including North and East would create nine military gangs. Such infantile political statements that try to couch policing of society with that of the national security of the country though pathetic, gets the best of the Sinhala day. Such Sinhala infantilism is allowed, with no serious dialogue in society as to how power can be shared in the provinces, with a central government handling everything national, including security and foreign affairs.

The rationale for a North-South Dialogue as presented by Justice Wigneswaran and his TPC leaders, thus hold purpose and reason for Southern attention. Unless consensus is reached with the Sinhala citizenry through open and serious discourse, no stable and workable solution can be worked out for the North-East. That is the practical truth today in Sri Lankan politics. It is also the political truth that part of the country cannot enjoy human, democratic, political and economic rights that are denied to the other part of the country. In short Sinhala citizenry will not be able to enjoy a stable, peaceful and a socio-economically developed life, without allowing the North and East to enjoy same. That is the option now offered by Justice Wigneswaran and the TPC, to the Sinhala people. The issue is, does the South understand the advantage of accepting that offer? The Sinhala media does not. But will the Sinhala social activists and the middle class intelligensia understand its importance and come forward? If they do, then it is not too late for the Sinhala South to sit with the North and East for serious dialogue. Its time that the North and South came together on the political slogan Nothing About US, Without US.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya today lifted the travel band imposed on former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and six other directors of the Avant Garde Security Service Company.

The case filed by the Bribery Commission alleging that Mr. Rajapaksa and the six others had caused a huge loss to the State was fixed for February 13. (T. Farook Thajudeen, Shehan Chamika Silva)

Video by Courts Prasanna
The terror attack in Nagrota calls for a clinical response. Retribution from the Indian Army will follow.

The scale could exceed the surgical strike conducted by special forces after the Uri terror attack. This is necessary but not sufficient.

Parliament must now rapidly pass Rajeev Chandrasekhar's private member's bill to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism.

Other steps - diplomatic, economic and military - will flow from Parliament's declaration of intent.

Operations

Meanwhile, the government must look inwards. Why are our Army camps vulnerable to terror attack after terror attack?

Why did combing operations to flush out the remaining terrorists who struck Nagrota not continue through the night of the attack?

The lack of night vision technology underscores the chronic failure of the defence ministry to equip our forces for counterterrorism operations.

Counterterrorism, ironically, is the principal theme of the Heart of Asia (HoA) conference that begins in Amritsar on December 3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani are co-hosts of the conference. Forty high-level ministerial delegations from around the world will attend.

The HoA initiative, begun in 2011, is Afghanistan-focused. The HoA is a platform to encourage cooperation on security, economic and political concerns that affect Afghanistan and its neighbours.

Pakistan, as the epicentre of regional terrorism - including its decades-long role in creating and nurturing the Taliban in Afghanistan - will be on the mat in Amritsar following the Nagrota atrocity.

Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan's de facto foreign minister, despite Islamabad's pariah status, will be a keen participant in the conference. He has two assets: a thick skin and China.

Pakistan has developed a brazen response to critics of its terror factories: "We too are the victims of terrorism."

It ignores the obvious fact that Pakistan is the victim of home-grown terrorists nurtured over decades.

Like rattlesnakes, some will inevitably turn on their creator. Pakistan's other asset is China. In Amritsar, Beijing can be counted on to provide Islamabad cover with sniper fire.

As it did at the BRICS summit in Goa in October, China will find alibis for Pakistan's terror machine. But Beijing's complicity in jihadi terror is coming under increasing global scrutiny.

Pakistani foreign minister Sartaj Aziz will get a cold reception at Heart of Asia conference. (Photo credit: PTI)

The US is a "supporting" member of the HoA process. So are several other Western countries with a security stake in Afghanistan, including NATO member-nations such as Britain and Germany.

China's obstructionist behaviour to defend Pakistan-origin terror finds no sympathisers among them.

Infrastructure

Afghanistan, which along with India has borne the brunt of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, will be keen not to spare Islamabad in Amritsar. President Ghani began his term sympathetic to Pakistan.

After a year in office, he turned a fierce critic. Because it is landlocked and poor, Afghanistan is geostrategically dependent on Pakistan.

The HoA process is designed, at least in principle, to reduce that dependency. India has a crucial role in this.

It already spends billions of dollars in building schools, hospitals, roads and infrastructure in Afghanistan.

The Afghan people are as deeply grateful to India as they are deeply resentful of Pakistan. As one observer said bluntly, "Send a Pakistani military officer alone to any bazaar in Kabul, Kandahar or Herat and he'll be lynched."

For India, the HoA conference on December 3-4 is an opportunity to turn the global spotlight on Pakistan's terror machine.

The beheading of two Indian soldiers in the space of a month underscores the fact that the Pakistani army increasingly behaves like a jihadi army.

It has abandoned all pretence of professional soldiering. India's military response then was strong and swift, forcing the Pakistani DGMO to sue for peace last week by calling the Indian DGMO.

This metaphorical white flag was shown after Indian artillery destroyed Pakistani army posts around Machil where the latest mutilation of an Indian jawan took place.

Consequences

Beyond retaliatory military strikes, PM Modi has warned Islamabad that India will use its legal rights under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) to divert water to Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.

Six hydroelectric power projects in J&K have already been fast-tracked. Together, Punjab and J&K will now get the share of Indus water they are entitled to under the IWT - a legal allocation India has for decades inexplicably not fully used.

The consequences of India using its legal quota of IWT water will not be pleasant for Pakistan's Punjab.

Under the IWT, India has been allocated water which can potentially generate 18,500MW of power compared to the current 3,500MW. This legally allocated water flow can irrigate 13.4 lakh acres.

Today, a mere eight lakh acres are being irrigated. The PM has given the central electricity authority a December 2016 deadline to finalise a techno-economic appraisal of these plans, including completing several hydroelectric projects on the Chenab.

Speaking at a rally in Bathinda, Modi declared last week: "India has the right to Indus water. It flows into Pakistan. Flowing through Pakistan, the water goes into the sea. That water belongs to Indian farmers. We will do whatever we can to give enough water to our farmers."

Sartaj Aziz will receive a formal but cold reception when he arrives in India on December 4.

What will be more chilling is his realisation that Pakistan after Nagrota is about to pay a heavy price for being a state sponsor of terrorism.
Belayed by globalisation, "the West" has lost confidence in its golden child, is unsure of its place in the world and how to relate to the rest of the world; for the first time since the 18th century, the maytide of political revolutions in "the West" are poised to shift the gables of international order.

Is the clock of history turning away from an increasingly involuted West? Niall Ferguson, the popular Harvard historian, in his book Civilization differentiated between the West and "the Rest" by using the term "Resterners".

Are there good reasons for posing the sort of question that whether the momentum of history is moving away from the West? The question is intellectually mandated, first by the rise of the "alt-right" parallel to the involution of the very ideas that enshrined "the West" as the pinnacle of civilisational evolution in the post-Second World War era.

Second, the grand chroniclers of the uninhibited triumph of the West as a logical outcome of the inherent vitality of western values and world views found in the list of "New York Bestsellers" such as Ferguson, Francis Fukuyama and Parag Khanna need revision and not just revised editions.

The other aspect of this is the seemingly fly-by-night political populists who were deemed unfit for elections and mainstream politics suddenly redefining the political. This revisionist political group of "alt-right" dismisses much of liberal ideological enterprise as "political correctness" that silenced conservative opinion in a cosmopolitan diverse world as essentially extreme, racist and even neo-Nazi or neo-fascist.

The measuring instruments of political temperature have failed to read the biggest political churning yet in the last 27 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. In the course of his campaign, US president-elect Donald Trump called for "re-declaring Independence" of the US which had ceded its founding sovereignty to the "cosmopolitical" world order.

The "connectographic" world which was initially projected as a way of bringing in a new wave of prosperity was squandered away by excesses of American warlords and global capital overlords whose reach had no limits.

Parag Khanna talked of connected mega-cities driving the 21st century economy in a "global civilisation". In his misplaced futurism, described by a New York Times reviewer as "fluff" and that Parag Khanna Im afraid, does not know what he is talking about, sees land, people, identity, culture, history as meaningless variables that could be bent at will by the inheritors of the future deed of a total world civilisation.

The "Alt-Right" has emerged as a meta-political doctrine, a neo-political collective with culture and politics as synonymous end-to-end. Politics was the driver of culture but in a historical role reversal, culture is defining politics. While culture was always latent with political imagination, the alt-right transformed it into a political movement.

The informal channels within digital media are the voice of this alt-right and mainstream media houses are becoming vulnerable by being identified too closely with entrenched "cosmopolitical" interests and as franchises of global finance weaponisation.

While the "cosmopolitical" regime integrated politics and finance investment, the "alt-right" integrated cultural and political dissent with the deceptive comfort that traditional media houses will perpetually keep a lid on dissent by labelling it as extreme, racist and regressive.

While the global "connectographic" governments were willing to pay a political price for economic gains, the "alt-right" was the first to put forth a coherently political argument that the political price was too high and economic gains restricted to finance powerhouses which came at the cost of the "real" economy which was defined by the ability to produce.

This new political philosophy of the West is a revolution against "connectographic" governments which saw every political barrier to the mission of global finance as enemy of the state. There was no such thing as national interest in practice.

Pankaj Mishra, in a New Yorker article How Rousseau Predicted Trump described the political phenomenon as an anti-elitist revolt.

However, there is enough to suspect that the vanguard of this "anti-elitism" is a dissatisfied aspiration of another set of elites i.e. the "old money" which lost out to the Silicon Valley merchants who liquidated much of this old money by being the architects of the global "cosmopolitical" finance economy which did not need physical assets to build wealth but could simply create a network of finance where wealth was generated simply by being passed around without having to create or produce anything.

Titans of the old money have been brought to their knees by the millennial entrepreneurs. However, it would be unfair to presume that these old money titans are solely driven by loss of their own status and they are also culturally bound to old money patriotism where the national working class also had its role in society.

No doubt, these titans were at the same time patrons of the "old money" cultural world. Mishra rightly points out Rousseaus sense of contradiction between man of "civilisation" and the "natural" man and it would be fair to assess that the alt-right has emerged from this essential contradiction which was driven to its critical point by the "connectographic" order.

A new term being used to explain the geist of the "alt-right" in the West is "post-fact" or "post-truth", but post-fact did not emerge with Brexit or Donald Trump.

However, there is a contradiction within this alt-right itself since it is an anti-elite angst led politically by an old money elite. The old-world titans succeeded into manufacturing a political leadership for themselves by identifying with the plight of the working class.

However, if this is merely a strategic deployment of a political idea to mount an intra-elite coup then a further refinement of the current alt-right movement may emerge in its conflict with the alt-left. The alt-left is yet to emerge formally and it probably wont anytime soon.

"The West" is looking for a new wave of prosperity and the political "revolutions" underway are being underestimated for being mere "populism". There are three phases in modern-era world politics; the Cold War (1945-1991), the post-Cold War unipolar world (1991-2010) and the so-called Cold War 2.0, which began in earnest when Putin decided that Russian national interests could no longer be secured only through defensive security profile and for the first time since the fall of the Soviet Union, it reactivated its far afield strategic doctrines manifest in the current situation unfolding in Syria as well as its over- arching stand-off with US and Europe.

Soviet Union's break up was an important signifier in this victorious narrative of "the West" with the challenge of communism defeated by an inherently superior capitalist system of US and West Europe. Finally "the West", in its third attempt, turned into a "civilisation" which it lacked throughout history compared to the Indian subcontinent and Chinese. Imperialism, Nazism and WW-II being the first two attempts at turning the West into a mother civilisation.

Lastly, a new term being used to explain the geist of the "alt-right" in the West is "post-fact" or "post-truth" which the Oxford Dictionary has introduced as one of the new words in its latest edition.

But post-fact did not emerge with Brexit or Trump. When Colin Powell and George Bush pushed for a war against WMDs, that was a post-truth moment. Tony Blair was recently indicted in the Chilcot Inquiry about misleading the British public and Parliament into entering the Iraq War of George Bush II.

Thus, post-truth has been around for a while except that it was a toxic info war controlled by mainstream political parties and media houses. The info-warriors of the new age are coming together with old money elites and neo-nationalists in a new alliance of the alt-right in the West.

With the alt-right, "the West" has decided to turn itself into "the rest". What political discussion is generated in the "alt-right"-led West is not certain and much will depend on what historical point they take as their beginning.

The point of historical birth as a political movement is not the same as the point at which "zero history" begins for the movement. Europe has a different notion of it than the Americans to the extent that Europeans and even Russians can look to ancient Greece but that is not available to the Americans.

If the US and Europe are prepared to have a consensus of "the West" to include Russia into it through an "alt-right" cultural-political alliance, then "the rest" will also have to rethink.
"When will Pakistan apologise to us for providing safe sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden for six years?! Some 'ally'."

This was US President-elect Donald Trump back in 2012, denouncing Pakistan on Twitter for giving shelter to the world's most wanted man.

It is 2016 now. The time has changed, and so has Donald.

After winning the most anticipated presidential race, Trump made his first phone call outside the country. And guess whose number he dialled? Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Pakistan's Press Information Department on Wednesday, November 30, released a readout of a phone call that took place on Monday between Sharif and Trump.

The read-out is reproduced here:

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called President-elect USA Donald Trump and felicitated him on his victory. President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities.

Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office.

On being invited to visit Pakistan by the prime minister, Mr Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr Donald Trump.

Notice the keywords in the read-out. There is something strikingly similar to what Donald Trump had spoken about Indians before the election result.

Speaking at a Republican Hindu Coalition fundraiser night in October, he had said: "Under a Trump administration, we [India-US] are going to become even better friends."

He added: "In fact, I'll take the word 'even' out because we are going to be best friends. There won't be any relationship more important to us. I am a big fan of Hindu and I am a big fan of India. Big, big fan," Trump had declared to the cheering crowd.

I tried the document-level analysis to get a sense of the overall tone of the document released by Pakistan Press Information's Department, and from Trumps's speech at the Republican Hindu Coalition fundraiser party. I also used sentence-level analysis to identify specific areas of the content where tones are the strongest, which can identify the overall sentiment.

The results from his speech at the Republican Hindu Coalition fund-raiser event and the phone call with Nawaz Sharif aren't too different.

Here are the results:

Trump's sentiments with Pakistan.

Trump's sentiments with India.

Though his choice of words doesn't clearly indicate his diplomatic purposes, this could be a little worrying for New Delhi.

Trumps declaration that he is "ready and willing to play any role that you [Nawaz Sharif] want me to play" should ring a bell for Indian diplomats, since tensions between India and Pakistan are on the rise ever since the Uri attack.

One Reddit user compared Trump's "conversation with Pakistan" with a bipolar template which every interviewee at Google uses for getting the job:

I called Google recruiter to discuss job opportunities. I said you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific company. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to meet with Googlers. As I am talking to you recruiter, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your company is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Googlers are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January. On being invited to visit Google offices by the recruiter, I said that I would love to come to a fantastic company, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Googlers that they are amazing and all Googlers I have known are exceptional people.
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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. 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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. 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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. 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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.

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Rudy Royston Trio Rise of Orion ( Greenleaf )

As I pulled into a parking spot last week, KUNM was playing a song from The Lounge Lizards' first album. I was struck by how legitimate that now-epochal band of No-Wave and weirdo post-postmodern jazz musicians sounded. My late '80s explorations of the Lounge Lizards' first album were thorough. I owned the EG release on album and cassettethis was quintessential driving music warranting a dedicated cassette copy in the motorist's medium of the day. It sometimes left me with a suspicion that these guys were imitating something, posing in a previous era's guise and style. Wynton Marsalis' work in the '80s left me with the same feeling. With time's tonic, both aforementioned artists sound genuine to my jaded ears. In this light, Rudy Royston's Coltrane- and- Coleman- influenced arrangements on Rise of Orion aren't just imitation crab but the genuine, prehistoric creature that is modern jazz.
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The City of Dalton's Christmas Parade will be held Thursday night starting at 6 p.m. The parade will cause several road closures in the downtown area.



The route begins on Waugh Street and will head eastbound to Hamilton Street. It will turn south on Hamilton to Morris Street. It turns west on Morris Street to Thornton Avenue. At Thornton Avenue, the parade turns north and travels to Crawford Street. At Crawford, the parade turns west and travels to Harmon Field where the parade will finish.

Affected roads will remain closed until the end of the parade.
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As residents begin the recovery process after the tornado ripped through the southeast yesterday, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) says the first step is to contact your insurer and start the claims process.

Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted from these severe storms, said Logan McFaddin, PCIs regional manager of state government relations. Homeowners should contact their insurance company or agent through their toll free phone number, app or website. Insurers plan for catastrophes and are prepared to assist homeowners immediately. Company adjustors are now in the field helping homeowners and renters begin rebuilding.

Most severe weather related events like hail and tornados are covered under either a homeowners, renters or commercial insurance policy. Renters insurance covers a policyholder's personal possessions damaged by tornados. Windstorm and hail damage for cars is covered by the comprehensive coverage in an auto insurance policy.

PCIs Tornado Recovery Tips:

 Secure property from further damage or theft.

 Contact your insurance agent or company representative as soon as possible to report damage.

 Inventory losses and photograph damage to provide to your insurance adjustor. Save receipts.

 If you are a business owner, keep detailed records of business activity that is negatively affected due to the tornado or storm and keep a list of extra expenses during the interruption. Prepare records to show the income from the business before and after the loss.

 Many standard homeowners and renters policies provide reimbursement of additional living expenses when the property is determined to be uninhabitable due to damage. This provision helps with paying for increases to necessary living expenses such as temporary housing and restaurant meals. In addition, extra expenses such as overnight parking and laundry services may also be covered. Additional living expense coverage does not pay for all living expenses, so contact your insurance company or agent for a list of what your policy will cover.

 Be careful about unscrupulous contractors following a natural disaster. Contact your insurer, agent or local business bureau for references on potential contractors and ask for certificates of liability and workers compensation before signing contracts.
Middle Valley Church of God, 1703 Thrasher Pike in Hixson, announces that Pastor Mitch McClure will speak on the topic, "We Actually Do Have Hope, I Dare You To Believe," in the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday. This is part of a sermon series titled "Advent, A Time Of Hope." This sermon series will focus on the advent of the Christ child at Christmas, with the hope He brings to humanity.Pastor Mitch McClure will lead the congregation in a time of worship and prayer on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.Each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.Sunday school classes are available for all age groups.Pastor Mitch McClure is leading a Bible study focusing on Pentecostal theology each Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the administrative classroom.All are invited and encouraged to participate in any or all of these services.For additional information, contact the church office at 423-843-1539.
New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone.
A jury has found a 26-year-old Culpeper man guilty of attempted robbery and first-degree murder in the death of Floyd Alston Jr.

In the last chapter of a three-day trial for Jordan Jerome Eaddy, his defense asked a jury to reject the damning testimony of Eaddys getaway driver in their botched November 2015 burglary of Alstons South First Street home.

Ultimately, they found Eaddy guilty of first-degree murder in the commission of that failed robbery, as well as attempted robbery. He was found not guilty, however, of armed burglary and homicide in commission of that burglary.

Early on Wednesday in Charlottesville Circuit Court, prosecutors delivered their closing arguments, recapitulating the previous two days worth of evidence and asking the jury to find against one of two men responsible for Alstons death. Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Nina Antony showed jurors a small black bag, telling them that it contained less than two ounces of marijuana and that it was the reason that two men entered Alstons apartment, one armed with a gun.

According to prosecutors, Alston was known for selling small amounts of marijuana, a fact known to Pierre Gerard Augustine, the other man charged with attempted robbery, armed burglary and first-degree murder in Alstons killing. Augustine faces trial in July.

Antony said that Eaddy was facing financial troubles and possible eviction, leading him to text his girlfriend were going to make something happen on the day of the botched robbery. Throughout the afternoon, Augustine and Eaddy repeatedly spoke on the phone, with Augustine eventually texting Eaddy that he wouldnt have access to his shortys vehicle.

It was then that they contacted Bryan Page, the uncle of Eaddys girlfriend, who had a silver Chrysler four-door. As the trio drove around, Antony said, it was decided that they would need a gun for whatever they were planning, which Eaddy said he could acquire.

According to Page, who testified against Eaddy in exchange for a plea agreement, Eaddy then retrieved what Page believed to be a gun from that friend, and the trio continued toward South First Street, where Augustine identified Alston as a potential target.

That night, Antony said, the two men headed to the back door of Alstons apartment while Page parked the car just outside the front door, but not before Augustine asked Eaddy to give him the pistol. The two men went in through the unlocked door, finding Alston, his fiancee, Tiffany Powell, and their 3-year-old daughter.

Powell previously testified that as she moved to protect their daughter, the 31-year-old Alston got into a struggle with the armed man. When the gun went off, she said, Alston fell to the floor, and the two would-be robbers  clad in black hoodies and bandanas  fled out the front door and took off in Pages silver Chrysler sedan.

The trio was later spotted by an Albemarle County patrolman who watched them speed and skip a stop sign near Fontaine Avenue. When he attempted to pull them over, Page sped off, leading to a high-speed chase that ended when Page crashed the car. All three suspects attempted to flee on foot, with only Augustine getting away. He was arrested in October.

Dashcam footage from that chase shows all three of the men fleeing; in the footage, Antony pointed out, Page appears to be wearing a jean jacket, and not a black hoodie, as spotted on Eaddy in his interrogation video from that evening.

Anticipating the defenses final arguments, Antony said that while a good portion of the case hinged on Pages testimony, it nonetheless fits with the copious amount of supplementary evidence presented on Monday and Tuesday. She added that while Page had entered into a plea agreement, it was not specific about the amount of time he would have to serve for the 10 charges hes facing in relation to the chase, including eluding, hit-and-run and accessory to murder.

Jessica Phillips, representing Eaddy, then took the floor, saying that while she would not dispute many of the facts in the case, the jury should not mistake cooperation for concession. While Powells testimony paints a picture of the scene from that night, she cannot be certain of the identities of the two men who came through her apartment door. Some of Powells testimony was questionable and inconsistent with other facts in the case, although not intentionally or maliciously, she said.

She wants to hold someone accountable for Floyd Alstons death, Phillips said.

From there, she continued, this case rises and falls on the back of Bryan Page. A convicted felon who has already admitted to lying to police in this case, Page continuously fashioned his testimony to alleviate his own punishment, she argued.

You cannot and should not believe him, Phillips said. Bryan Page is consistently trying to get the best outcome for himself.

Phillips said that Page was facing his own financial issues and in desperation mode leading up to the slaying. His credibility is a key issue in the case and, without it, the jury is left with reasonable doubt  more questions than answers, as she phrased it.

After the verdict was read, the jury heard more evidence for the sentencing portion of the trial. Powell read a letter from her 12-year-old daughter, Sierra, who is now in therapy to deal with her grief.

My daddy was the best dad ever, the letter read. I would do anything to have my dad back.

Alstons father, Floyd Alston Sr., held back tears as he spoke about the pain of losing his only child and the closure hell never feel.

Floyd paid the ultimate price for the choices he made, Alston Sr. said. What hurts the most is I didnt get to say goodbye.

The jury recommended a sentence of 25 years for Eaddy, three years higher than the minimum allowed for his charges.

The court will wait until December to schedule his sentencing hearing.
A controversy over several tweets Charlottesville City Councilor Wes Bellamy wrote from 2009 to 2014 has led him to resign from his seat on the Virginia Board of Education.

Today, I informed Gov. [Terry] McAuliffe that I have decided to resign from my appointment to the Virginia State Board of Education, Bellamy said in a statement Wednesday. I would like to redirect my attention and focus to my family, the children and young people whom I serve, and to the city of Charlottesville.

Earlier on Wednesday, Del. R. Steven Landes, R-Weyers Cave, had called on Bellamy to resign immediately from his position on the education board that McAuliffe appointed him to last spring. Landes is the chairman of the education committee in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Mr. Bellamys racist, sexist and outrageous tweets are repugnant. It is especially disturbing to see these comments come from an individual who serves on Virginias Board of Education, Landes said. The type of language used by Mr. Bellamy is unacceptable, and certainly disqualifies him from serving on the Board of Education.

Our children and the Board of Education deserve better than this.

After author and blogger Jason Kessler last week unearthed a number of tweets showing Bellamy disparaging white men and women, other tweets by Bellamy showing him taking a flippant attitude toward women school teachers and administrators, as well as a graphic description of sexual assault, were shared by various news sources, social media accounts and blogs.

On Tuesday, the Albemarle County School Board announced that Bellamy had agreed to go on administrative leave pending the outcome of a School Board investigation of the posts that were attributed to his Twitter account.

A county school system spokesman said Wednesday that Bellamy is being paid during the leave.

This is consistent with the school divisions practice whenever an employee is the subject of an ongoing investigation, Phil Giaramita said. Due process is the key here  only when an investigation has been completed and all facts are known and confirmed is a final decision made by the School Board about an individual employees status.

Bellamy moved to the Charlottesville area in 2009 to work at the National Ground Intelligence Center. According to his LinkedIn account, he started working for the Albemarle school system in August 2010.

After becoming involved in community activism and establishing a youth mentoring program known as Helping Young People Evolve in 2011, he entered city politics shortly after.

In 2013, he narrowly missed being nominated as a Democratic candidate for the City Council, losing to first-term Councilor Bob Fenwick by just five votes  Fenwick was second to Councilor Kristin Szakos in that election.

Bellamy made a second run for the council last year. He was the top vote-getter in the 2015 election, coming in ahead of incumbent Kathy Galvin and newcomer Mike Signer.

With the exception of Signer, Charlottesvilles mayor, the other three councilors have made statements signaling their desire to forgive Bellamy for his past indiscretions on social media.

Kessler, the blogger who revealed the tweets last week in an apparent attempt to undermine Bellamy because of his Afrocentric and anti-white ideologies, is circulating a petition on StandUnited.org to have Bellamy removed from the council.

Earlier in the week, the petition had been listed under Michelle Jones but was later changed.

Over the phone Wednesday, Kessler said there had been some people questioning the validity of his petition and whether the growing number of signatures was legitimate. He said he was shy about putting his name out there, but later chose to attach his real name to the petition so that he could promote it more publicly.

Angela Morabito, senior campaign organizer for StandUnited, said in an email that Kessler initially had decided to use a different identity on the website.

 I am verifying that Jason Kessler is a real site user and that his petition, and the signatures it has garnered, are legitimate, she said.

As of Wednesday night, the petition had acquired more than 500 signatures.

On Wednesday, Showing Up For Racial Justice Charlottesville, an affiliate of a national organization of white people for racial justice, issued a statement indirectly alleging that Kessler has been using a well-documented and formulaic media strategy of the so-called alt-right, an offshoot of conservatism that mixes white nationalism and populism.

In February, Kessler wrote in a blog post that there will come a time when white people understand that they also need to stick together as a political force.

Were going to be a minority soon and were already treated like one. Dont think we arent going to be oppressed more and more if we cant stand up for ourselves, he wrote. Cultures, tribes and civilizations are meant to clash just as we always have in the past, just like it is with nearly every other beast in the animal kingdom.

The statement from Showing Up For Racial Justice does not name Kessler but alludes to the recent revelation of Bellamys old tweets as an example of a witch hunt to delegitimize black public officials.

In an environment of enduring, and now emboldened and explicit, white supremacy, it is more important than ever to be decisive and bold in our solidarity, the statement says. We will not stand for these acts of targeted racism in the Charlottesville community.

Signer also alluded to Kessler, though indirectly, in a statement Wednesday.

In a time when we so urgently need unity, tolerance and love, these communications, as well as the toxic website that revealed them, have done real harm to our community, Signer said.

I believe Mr. Bellamy must seriously consider how and whether, in his present role, he can best serve the common good of Charlottesville, he said.
Melody Barnes, a Richmond resident who currently serves as chairwoman of the Aspen Institutes Forum for Community Solutions, told the crowd at the Center for Nonprofit Excellences Philanthropy Day Luncheon that solutions come not only from collaboration, but also sustained efforts.

If you do not know where you are going, it is virtually impossible to get there, Barnes said. We have to have a shared sense of how we are going to get there, what the benchmarks are, the use of data and evidence that can unify and bring people together and gives us a sense of whether we are making progress and what changes we need to make.
Robin Grant Jermaine Purifory Neshawn Calloway Previous Next

December 2016 marks the one year anniversary the opening of Jazzanoogas historic MLK Blvd. location, the Jazzanooga Arts Space. Jazzanooga continues to offer a diverse range of artistic expression that builds on the citys rich cultural heritage and they have planned a weekend of music featuring local and regional performers to celebrate the occasion.

Dec. 8 - Chattanooga Creative Center for the Arts music students under the direction of Neshawn Calloway

Dec. 9 - NightCap Series: Featuring Jermaine Purifory

Dec. 10 - NightCap Series: Featuring Robin Grant

Dec. 11 - Jam & Soul Brunch: Featuring Nancy Westmoreland

Students from Jazzanoogas Youth Music Academy will serve as the opening act of each anniversary show.

All the events will be pay as you go admission which means any financial contribution given is appreciated and goes directly to continue their community arts programming efforts.

"I still smile every time I come in the doors," said Shane Morrow, director of Jazzanooga. Providing opportunities for all segments of our community to gather, interact, learn and celebrate our citys musical and cultural diversity is overwhelming gratifying. I am so appreciative to be able to make a positive difference in this community through the power of the Arts.

Over the past 12 months, Jazzanooga has used the space on MLK Blvd. to further the organization's mission of cultural preservation, performance and music education in Chattanooga. More than a few famous folks have helped Jazzanooga mark 2016 by visiting the location for performances and just to hang out with local musicians -- among them are Grammy winners Usher and Arturo OFarrill, author Patricia Bell Scott, and Najee Dorsey, the founder of Black Art in America. More than 75 programs and events have taken place in Jazzanoogas space since the doors opened in December of 2015.

Jazzanooga has served as a community space for arts and cultural programming, hosting events by, Chattanooga Links, Velvet poetry, Cha Noisemakers, BJS Productions, NBM Lifestyle, PechaKucha, Speakeasy Revue and Chambliss Law Firms Startup Social.

For more about Jazzanooga and additional information on the upcoming events, visit www.jazzanooga.org. To see Jazzanoogas recent participation in State Farm Neighborhood Music Sessions, click here.






LYNCHBURG  Lynchburgs Democratic committee chairwoman and a special policy advisor for the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control announced Thursday that they are seeking the Democratic nomination for the 22nd Senate District.

Katie Webb Cyphert, 36, a science teacher at Linkhorne Middle School, has served as chairwoman since 2014. She also leads a Girl Scout troop in Lynchburg.

Ryant Washington, a former Fluvanna County sheriff and a member of Gov. Terry McAuliffes 2013 post-election transition team, was appointed to the newly created position of special policy advisor for law enforcement at ABC in 2014, a year after department agents arrested a University of Virginia student who they mistakenly thought had purchased beer underage.

The Democratic nomination is scheduled to be decided by caucus Saturday at the Moton Museum in Farmville. A special election on Jan. 10 will determine who will replace Rep.-elect Tom Garrett, R-5th, who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Two Republicans, Lynchburg attorney Mark Peake and Goochland County Supervisor Ken Peterson have been campaigning for months. Republicans plan to meet for a convention Saturday at Hampden-Sydney College to pick a nominee.

Race is on to replace Garrett in state Senate After losing last week to Garrett, Democrat Jane Dittmar said she hasnt decided yet whether shell run again for political office in the future.

Cyphert graduated from Lynchburg College with a B.S. in psychology and special education in 2002. She worked for five years in insurance and financial services and has taught at Linkhorne since 2013. Cyphert unsuccessfully challenged Del. Kathy Byron, R-Bedford County, for the heavily Republican 22nd District House of Delegates seat in 2013.

The issues that I see being of major concern, I think I can bring some expertise to the table, Cyphert said, referring to health care issues such as the looming closure of Central Virginia Training Center in Madison Heights.

We also have representatives in Washington who now have the ability to, whether theyll follow through or not, they do have the ability to dismantle some of these programs that are specifically there for individuals for whom theres no private market, Cyphert said.

Washington, who first worked in law enforcement in 1990 and has served as a deputy sheriff and state trooper, was elected Fluvanna County sheriff in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 as an independent candidate.

My career has afforded me the opportunity to gain a unique understanding of the complexities and capabilities of state government, and I hope to be an advocate for the citizens of the 22nd District, Washington said in a news release.
Our Picks For The 8 Best Donut Shops In Chicago

By Anthony Todd in Food on Nov 30, 2016 6:46AM

By Rebecca Skoch

Its been years since the humble donut usurped cupcakes to claim the crown for trendiest pastry. With boutique bakeries still popping up and established shops adding additional locations, the donut trend shows no signs of slowing down. Here are a few of the amazing places in town where you can grab a dozen.



Gurnee Donuts, via Facebook

Gurnee Donuts

Grabbing breakfast at Gurnee Donuts might take a little longer, but it is well worth the drive. Featuring an array of sugary pastries, you'll find traditional choices like long-johns and glazed rings alongside more imaginative seasonal options. Recently theyve gotten buzz for their tender (and very purple) ube donut, which gets its distinctive lavender color from the Filipino staple root vegetable. It has been selling out fast and lines at the door form early, so plan ahead to make sure youll be able to snag one.

Donut Delight



This new cafe located off The 606 opened quietly less than a year ago, and has been a welcome addition to a north Humboldt Park area previously devoid of coffee shops. Arrive early for donuts, as supply dwindles quickly as the morning progresses. The donuts taste like those youd find at an old-school family bakery, but with a few fun flavor twistswere smitten with the vanilla glazed topped with flakes of coconut and cinnamon. The buttermilk cake donuts are also notable, with a crispy dark-brown exterior and just a hint of glaze that makes them the perfect companion to your morning cup of coffee.



Glazed and Infused, via Facebook.

Glazed & Infused

With inventive flavors and surprising fillings, there's nothing old-fashioned about the donuts at Glazed & Infused. Topped with everything from mini M&Ms to entire strips of bacon, both raised and cake varieties are superb. Staple selections are always available, but they have daily specials that highlight local eventslike the Cubs clinching the World Seriesor feature seasonal flavors such as pumpkin buttermilk and cider spice. Grab a dozen in the morning to share and youre sure to be the most popular person in your office.

Longman & Eagle

Offering donuts on the weekends in their OSB back room, these treats have all the personality and flair you'd expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. With creative flavors like lemon-filled salted caramel and German chocolate, each week brings a new batch of bold combinations (check out whats available on Instagram or Twitter before heading over). Whether you're waiting for a table for brunch, need a snack before heading to the Logan Farmers Market or just want something a little sweet, Longman has the best donuts in Logan Square.



Firecake Donuts, via Facebook

Firecakes Donuts



Whether youre in the mood for chocolate hazelnut long-johns or ice cream donut sandwiches, there are a million ways to indulge your gluttony at Firecakes. The selection changes daily, and the flavors that stand out most offer a playful, grown-up take on the classics. The vanilla glazed is donut perfectionsimple and straightforward, it doesn't require any trendy additions to make it shine. With an airy, melt-in-your-mouth dough, a thin sheen of vanilla bean-specked icing and a scattering of shimmery candy bits, it is sure to win you over with just one bite.



Image via Pleasant House Baker Twitter

Pleasant House Bakery

Pleasant House has long been a comfort food staple in Bridgeport, and their donuts are just as delightfully different and unexpected as the rest of their offerings. Selection varies week to week, with options ranging from apple fritters made with sourdough and fried to a borderline-controversial golden brown, to naturally-leavened raised donuts stuffed with creamy vanilla custard and congealed berry jam. Find them at the Pleasant House Pub or the 61st Street Farmers Market.

Stan's Donuts & Coffee

Now with six locations across the Chicago area, this California-based bakery is quickly taking over the city. Bright and cheery, the pastel-colored shop offers dozens of donut flavors alongside other baked goods like pretzels and bagels. The raised donuts are good, but Stans cake donuts are truly exceptionalcrumbly and dense, with lots of little crevices and edges fried to golden-brown perfection. While you can't go wrong with the traditional plain old-fashioned, were partial to the lemon pistachio donuts combination of salty, sweet, and tart flavors.

Doughnut Vault

Starting in the tiny space off the back of Gilt Bar, Doughnut Vault donuts can now be found at Hogsalt group locations all over the city, including Three Greens Market in River North, CC Ferns in Humboldt Park, both Doughnut Vault locations (River North and West Loop), and the roving Vault Van. Purists will be happy with their assortment of conventional choices, but it is hard not to fall in love with some of the daily specials, which feature clever flavors such as Mexican hot chocolate and raspberry old-fashioneds topped with streusel crumble. You can find whats available (and when theyve sold out) on Twitter @doughnutvault.




Lakeview Bar Boycotts MillerCoors Because Higher-Up Fundraised For Trump

By Stephen Gossett in Food on Dec 1, 2016 8:12PM



Getty Images / Photo: Scott Olson

Maybe this will spearhead the reverse #DumpKellogs of booze in Chicago.

A much-loved North Side bar announced on Wednesday it will no longer stock MillerCoors drinks to protest the companys bedfellows with the president-elect.

Pete Coors, a board member on a MillerCoors subsidiary, co-hosted a fundraiser for Trump this summer. Even though the event happened a few months back, the Green Lady, a popular beer-centric bar in Lakeview, is saying its better to boycott late than never.

This is news from back in June, stated the announcement on Facebook, in reference to the GOP benefit, but it's important to keep in mind in the post-election landscape.

According to the post, the bar is selling all leftover cases of Miller Lite and Miller High Life for $6 a bottle. In accordance with our favorite charitable jest, the bar will donate profits to Planned Parenthood in Veep-elect and womens-health knuckle dragger Mike Pences name.

The Tribune caught up with bar owner Melani Domingues, who said she made the move in part be a role model for her young daughter:



"Im not trying to judge anyone for what they do, but as a publican and a citizen, this is how I can stand up and be counted and model behavior for my 5-year-old girl. Ive been struggling over the last few weeks with what to say to her when she asks how can so many people vote for someone so mean. I say that a lot of people are trying to figure that out."

MillerCoors responded that Pete Coors support of Trump should be considered as the action of one individual, separate from the company as a whole, and that a boycott hurts other employees who may not share his views:



"Neither MillerCoors nor Molson Coors takes a position on Presidential races. Whomever our employees choose to support is their business, not ours. As a citizen, Pete Coors exercised his right to personally support the nominee of his political party. We respect Petes right to support any candidate in the same way we support that same right for any of our employees. MillerCoors is made-up of 8,100 hard-working beer people who rely on their jobs to provide for their families. Calling for a boycott of our brands only harms them and the hundreds of businesses across the country, large and small, which we are proud to call our partners."

Josh Noel of the Tribune, who first reported the story, notes that 5 Rabbit Cerveceria and Spiteful Brewing have made similar ant-Trump moves over the last year and a half.

The Green Lady's boycott-announcement post is embedded below. We'll let you crack your own jokes about banning Miller products on grounds of bad taste in our comments section.
LONDON - England - There will be no Brexit, as the deluge continues into Britain day in day out from the EU.

With the wonderful news from the ONS that 280,000 EU citizens came to live in Britain within the last quarter, where the majority were from Romania and Bulgaria, there is no surprise that the NHS is now close to certain death.

Its not only the health service though, schools are overflowing with some primary schools having to teach children in corridors, and 40-50 kids in a class. School places are all but impossible to find, much like getting an appointment from your local GPs surgery.

The roads are now so overcrowded with EU cars and trucks that having to spend two hours to complete a distance of three miles is an every day occurrence.

No one speaks English in London any more, all you hear are Slavic languages, African and Romanian and every other language except for the local language.

Naturally, EU residents are preferred for jobs because they are cheaper to pay and work longer hours, therefore putting the indigenous workers out of work. Jobs are now very hard to come by, not only for professionals but for trades people, who have been hit hardest by the deluge. Where a plumber from Romania works for 7 an hour, a British plumber would not even get out of bed for less than 60.

The Ministers do not see what is going on because they are chauffeured everywhere and live in a cotton wool world where they are cushioned from such things. They do not seem to care, as the shoddy so-called Brexit never materialises and is possibly the longest on-going joke in the history of jokes. With private health care for them and their families, MPs never have to endure the massive waiting lists or no hospital beds, they never have to endure the agony of waiting in pain for an operation that should have been done eighteen months ago, but is continually put forward because of the deluge of people using the NHS. The daily flights of women from Nigeria landing at Heathrow to be admitted at maternity wards so they can give birth to their triplets and quintuplets for free on the NHS.

Your child is sick, theyve gone pale and their breathing erratic. You call an ambulance in sheer desperation. None come. Your child dies a painful death in your arms, something that would never have happened before the deluge.

Big Issue, Big Issue! the Romanian woman shouts in your ear, her housing costs of 25,000 per annum are of course paid for by the taxpayer, her tax credits she receives are over 35,000, and thats not including her income of 39,000 per annum selling people copies of the Big Issue. Britain for these people is the softest of touches, and should be milked for every penny.

No wonder they are queuing up at Calais to come over, but its also easy for anyone who comes into the Schengen zone from Greece, or Italy to come to the UK. You just have to wait for six months to get your EU membership card, then come to the land of milk and honey to live a life of Riley on benefits in England.

The future is one of morose death for Britain, there is no future for the NHS, because it is now so oversubscribed that it will not last for another two years at the most. This is however, what many MPs want, because they will eventually use this EU deluge to introduce a pricing model. This is what a lot of Conservatives have wanted for a long time, so it will be goodbye NHS and hello a model where all UK citizens will have to pay for their healthcare needs. The ironic part of this, is that it is the socialists who want to stay in the EU, who are actually contributing to the death of the NHS, which was created by socialists in the first place. They are of course too stupid to realise this.

Britains cities are just nothing more than holding pens for migrants as they cram themselves into hovels by the dozen, exploited by ruthless landlords and lax regulation from the councils, who are told to turn a blind eye for the benefit of cheap workers.

The benefits system, which was designed initially for the most vulnerable of society, is now used as a holiday camp, a ticket to free everything and the biggest lure for EU migrants who do not get as much elsewhere. With less taxpayers putting in to the pot, and more people taking out of the pot, it is simple mathematics, the benefits system will collapse along with the NHS. That will happen very soon, and there will be no lifeline left, socialists are good at using other peoples money, until that runs out. Then they are royally fucked.

Dont bother learning the Highway Code any more, because according to EU drivers, it does not exist. EU drivers rarely signal, they simply turn when they want to, they are rude aggressive and flout pretty much every road rule there is in the UK. They can park wherever they want to because their vehicle is registered in some shit hole village in Romania, so ticket away wardens, you are completely powerless to do anything. If an EU citizen crashes into you, they usually drive off, so good luck with your insurance claim, because they have no insurance or MOT. But they can get away with it because theyre from the EU.

Britain has now become a stinking depository for the lowest human detritus, people of low skill, EU criminals, gang members, drug dealers who are overcrowding the already overcrowded. Instead of bringing in people of professional skill who would contribute to the economy, now there is a surplus of excrement and burdens to the taxpayer.

Dig up the English countryside, so you can plonk on those garish fucking grey buildings, stacked up by the thousand to house the millions of EU migrants and their millions of children.

There is no way out of the EU totalitarian regime, because the restrictions of leaving the EU are so stringent, there is literally no way out. If you cant get out of something easily, you are a prisoner, you are tied into a totalitarian authoritarian regime, and the EU claims to be a liberal democracy led by unelected eurocrats dictating laws from the EU Commission.

The EU is in fact a Feudal state, where the peasant citizens have little or no say. There will definitely be no Brexit, and if there is, it wont be a Brexit, it will be made to look like one but nothing will change.
A photo posted by juan ramon palacios (@troyanolo) on Nov 30, 2016 at 3:54pm PST
The OPEC on Wednesday decided to cut its oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day, setting the ceiling of oil production at 32.5 million barrels per day (bpd).

The reduction is effective from Jan. 1, 2017, and is the cartel's first oil reduction since 2008. The reduction is being coordinated with the non-OPEC country Russia, which promised to cut its production by 300,000 bpd.

Qatar's energy minister Mohammed Al-Sada, president of OPEC, said the agreement was reached unanimously except for Indonesia, which has now suspended its membership of the cartel.

According to data offered by OPEC, the largest oil producer, Saudi Arabia took the biggest share of the reduction, 486,000 bpd, while Iran is allowed to produce 3.79 million bpd, a moderate number which seems to be consistent with its position of insisting to be exempted from the oil reduction, saying it needs to recover its oil production after the sanction relief.

Iraq, which claimed to be exempted from the reduction because of fighting extremists, also joined the reduction by cutting 210,000 bpd.

It seems that Saudi Arabia, the largest producer and de facto leader of the cartel made a compromise and took the largest hit with the reduction.

OPEC crude output rose to a record 33.83 million bpd in October, around one third of the world's oil production, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), and output from the group's 14 members has climbed for five months running. In October, OPEC supply stood at nearly 1.3 million bpd above a year ago.

IEA believes that if OPEC countries implement their Algiers resolution, the resultant production cut will see the market move from surplus to deficit very quickly in 2017.

OPEC member states met in Algiers and the organization announced it would examine how to set up a production ceiling of between 32.5 million bpd and 33.0 million bpd.

The promised oil reduction from OPEC and non-OPEC producers would be over 1.5 million bpd.

It's not clear whether other non-OPEC producers besides Russia would be able to join the oil reduction.

OPEC's decision is followed by the jumping of the oil price on Wednesday, but analysts still doubt whether the cut could save the oil market. John Hall Fei, chairman of Alfa Energy said the reduction agreement could "save OPEC", but would bring the shale oil back, noting the U.S. shale oil companies were happy with this conclusion and would increase the rigs as soon as possible.
A father who wrote about his 5-year-old daughter's leukemia online to raise money for her treatment has been revealed as the owner of three apartments.

Luo Yixiao

It was further revealed that most of her expenses were covered by insurance.

Shenzhen Civil Affairs Bureau said yesterday it had established a working group to investigate the controversy.

As of yesterday, Luo Er, 48, had raised more than 2 million yuan (US$291,000), according to the WeChat account where his post was published.

The account belongs to the Shenzhen Xiaotongren Financial Service Co, founded by an old friend of Luo's, Liu Xiafeng.

On his personal account, Luo said he had been working for a magazine in Shenzhen before it closed in January. When his daughter, Luo Yixiao, was diagnosed with the disease in September, his friend wanted to give him a helping hand. Reluctant to receive money from Liu directly, they decided to post Luo's story online via the company's WeChat account with the company paying one yuan for every repost. In this way, Luo could get help while the company won more followers.

Major blow for family

The donation from Xiaotongren was to be between 20,000 yuan and 500,000 yuan, regardless of how many times the article was reposed.

It said that Luo was a middle-aged man who had lost his job, whose father was ill and who had a son still at university. His daughter's illness was a major blow for the family, it said.

But as the post went viral, Luo received donations from WeChat's reward function.

However, it was later revealed that Luo had three apartments under his name, while most of his daughter's medical expenses were covered by social security.

Shenzhen Children's Hospital, where the daughter is being treated, said yesterday that her total expenses to date were more than 200,000 yuan, with some 82 percent covered by social security. The family's contribution would be 36,193.33 yuan it said.

Via their WeChat accounts, both Luo and Liu said they did not expect the articles would attract so much money.

Liu said some would be used to cover medical treatment, while the rest would be used to set up a leukemia foundation in Luo Yixiao's name.

Her father told Beijing Youth Daily he would return money to any donor who felt cheated.
The 2016 World AIDS Day on Thursday will be a bit different for Liu Shi, a 24-year-old gay man, who is HIV-positive.

Elementary school students in Donghai county in Jiangsu province crafted red ribbons as part of an HIV/AIDS prevention campaign on Tuesday.[Photo/China Daily]

He will host a talk show about his own experience and HIV/AIDS prevention in a temporary glass room set up in a plaza in Sanlitun, a bustling commercial district in Beijing. The show will also be available live-streaming online.

"I feel a bit upset now, since there are usually lots of people in that area and they can see me through the glass," said Liu Shi, who works full time at a private nonprofit organization that provides support for AIDS patients in the capital.

Liu learned of his HIV-positive status in 2012, and since graduating from an occupational school has worked for NGOs to combat HIV/AIDS stereotypes and discrimination.

"Someone like me in the community has to stand out, providing a voice for patients," he said on Wednesday.

Wu Zunyou, head of the National Center for AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Disease Control and Prevention, co-organizer of the Sanlitun event, said Liu's bravery will deliver the message to protect yourself against HIV, particularly to young people.

As of September, there were 654,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in China, and 201,000 deaths, according to the center.

The center has alerted the public to increasing HIV transmissions among the young. In the first nine months of the year, 2,321 students aged 15 to 24 tested positive for HIV, a number 4.1 times greater than in 2010.

"At a sexually active age, they are aware of HIV/AIDS but their limited knowledge of disease prevention has failed to provide enough protection," Wu said.

While most new transmissions are among gay males, Wu also urged school authorities to be more open and provide more information to both male and female students.

Liu said that for a long time, HIV/AIDS education in the country highlighted only the fear and desperation surrounding the condition, which "failed to deliver the key preventive messages to young men like myself."

On Thursday, Liu said besides sharing such messages, his appearance would have another positive effect.

"They can see me, an AIDS patient who's been in treatment for four years, still young, energetic, healthy and with great hope for the future," he said.

Liu said he also will talk about fighting discrimination. "Despite growing social tolerance, AIDS related discrimination still runs rampant here."

Having been denied medical treatment before, Liu said he still hides his status when seeing a doctor.

Discrimination makes people avoid HIV testing and timely treatment, and that undermines the nation's overall AIDS battle, Wu said.

Liu said: "I hope I will be nicely treated tomorrow. Social norms cannot be changed overnight. But when I am old, I can say I've tried."
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Families of all victims in a construction site accident in eastern China's Jiangxi Province have agreed to a compensation deal, according to the local rescue headquarters.

The collapse of a cooling tower's working platform killed 74 construction workers last week. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hebei Yineng Tower Engineering, a contractor of Ganneng Fengcheng power station, where the collapse of a cooling tower's working platform killed 74 construction workers Thursday, offered 1.2 million yuan (174,300 U.S. dollars) to each victim's family.

Local police have completed DNA matching between victims and their families, and the victims have been cremated. Most familes have now received the compensation.

Construction of the cooling tower was part of the expansion of the power plant owned by Jiangxi Ganneng, a state-owned corporation. The tower was planned to be a height of 156 meters, and over 70 meters was completed before the accident.

Fifteen people suspected of either "major liability" or "producing and selling shoddy products" have been put in police custody.

A work group from the State Council is investigating the collapse.
For almost 20 years, 43 year old rural doctor Yin Zuluan, has been on the frontline of the battle to control the spread of AIDS in Guangyi village, southwest China's Yunnan province.

Doctor Yin Zuluan works at a clinic in Guangsong Village, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Oct. 17, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua]

The village borders the notorious Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. It's one of the most extensive opium-producing areas of Asia. Most of the world's heroin came from the Golden Triangle until the early 21st century when Afghanistan replaced it as the world's largest producer.

In 2005, Guangyi was designated an experimental village for the prevention and treatment of AIDS, aiming to provide education, consultations and simple treatments for the disease.

From the beginning, Yin was put in charge of the prevention and control of the disease, but few were willing to get tested, and she was frequently threatened. She was also once almost bitten by a villager's dog.

She recalls one tricky moment, when an infected needle accidentally stuck into her leg when she fell from her motorbike on a slippery mountain road. By taking preventative medicine for a whole month, she successfully avoided being infected herself.

Her family wants her to quit the job but Yin Zuluan decides to continue. Thanks to her efforts, no new patients from the village have presented themselves. Yin also made sure that everyone in the village has been taught about HIV infection and AIDS.

Now 90 percent of villagers between the ages of 15 and 49 years self-test their blood, with patients receiving medical check-ups once a month.

Children orphaned because of AIDS have gone on to college and have even majored in medicine, with others growing up, getting married, and living normal lives.

Her achievements in controlling HIV, have given her more time to tackle heart diseases, mental illness and high blood pressure.

Yin Zuluan has been honored by the nation many times. She has been offered the opportunity to work in bigger counties, but still prefers to remain in the poor village, trying her best to fight against the disease, and help over 3,000 villagers.
Liu Miaomiao, a Shenzhen Airlines' stewardess, was named the world's most beautiful stewardess in a competition held in Shenzhen city, South China's Guangdong province, in June 2016.

Liu Miaomiao. [Photo: Chinadaily.com.cn]

Liu, born in Xi'an city, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, decided to be a stewardess six years ago.

The three-month orientation training made Liu more aware about her duties. "Besides etiquette training, such as practicing smile by biting the chopsticks, I had to master the dos and don'ts of emergency rescue in case of cabin fire or evacuation, since small mistakes could cause big disasters," said Liu.

After being promoted to chief attendant in 2014, she began to focus more on challenges and difficulties the daily flying presented.

Once a flight from Beijing got delayed as it did not get clearance for takeoff from the air traffic control due to the heavy traffic rush. When Liu and her colleagues tried to explain the reasons to the passengers, who were already angry at the delay, they lost their temper. But Liu calmed them down with her smile. What made Liu happy was that some passengers apologized to her at the end of the flight.

Liu said this job makes her feel proud whenever she thinks that someday she might inspire some boys or girls to become flight attendants when they see her professional look in uniform.
The Chinese mainland and Taiwan have agreed to arrange more flights across the Straits during the coming Spring Festival to ensure people on both sides can return home for family reunions during the Chinese New Year, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday.

As Taiwan's political situation has changed this year, relevant departments from both sides of the Straits did not hold regular communication meetings to reinforce cooperation of civil aviation transport, Ma said at a regular news conference.

"However, considering people's need to make holiday arrangements and their wishes to return home for the holiday, civil aviation departments have arranged more flights during the Spring Festival through the exchange of letters," he said.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, both parties have agreed to increase the number of flights between Jan 14 and Feb 11. To cater to the needs of people and airline companies, no upper limit is set for the total increase in number of flights.

However, as the Chinese mainland's airspace is tight, some busy airports will set a limit for the number of extra flights between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, such as Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

The first group of increased flights will be authorized before Dec 14 to enable travelers to plan their trips in advance, the administration said on Tuesday.

In June, communication between official organizations across the Straits was suspended.

Liu Xiangping, head of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Nanjing University, said that the only way to resume communication is for Taiwan to recognize the 1992 Consensus. "But people-to-people communication cannot be cut off."

Li Weiyi, dean of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University, said, "Although political foundations have been sabotaged, the goal of maintaining people's welfare has never changed."

He said Taiwan and the Chinese mainland opened direct flights in 2008, and even before then, the latter strove to serve people from both sides of the Straits.

"Politics is politics, but people-to-people communication remains. The flights between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan are still at full capacity," said Peter Wu, a Taiwan native.
New Delhi: India Yamaha Motor today reported a 20 per cent increase in domestic sales at 51,106 units in November. The two-wheeler maker had sold 42,719 units in the year ago month, India Yamaha Motor said in a statement.

"The continuous growth numbers are a sign of Yamaha's robust business plan and strategic customer engagement programs. The company is en route to achieve 1 million in 2017 through exciting products and by expanding its 3S network," Yamaha Motor India Sales Vice President Sales & Marketing Roy Kurian said.

Last month, Yamaha achieved a decent sales volume in spite of the restrained growth in business activities due to decreased liquidity, he added.
The Lok Sabha earlier this week passed the Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, which proposes a steep up to 85 per cent tax and penalty on undisclosed wealth.

New Delhi: Amendments to the I-T laws do not seek to tax inherited gold and jewellery as also those items that are purchased through disclosed or agriculture income, the government said on December 1.

The Lok Sabha earlier this week passed the Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, which proposes a steep up to 85 per cent tax and penalty on undisclosed wealth that is discovered by tax authorities during search and seizure.

Dispelling rumours that jewellery would be covered under the amended law, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said the government has not introduced any new provision regarding chargeability of tax on jewellery.

"The jewellery/gold purchased out of disclosed income or out of exempted income like agricultural income or out of reasonable household savings or legally inherited which has been acquired out of explained sources is neither chargeable to tax under the existing provisions nor under the proposed amended provisions," the CBDT said.

During search operations, conducted by I-T Department, there would be no seizure of gold jewellery and ornaments to the extent of 500 grams per married women, 250 gm per unmarried women as also 100 gm per male member of the family, it said.

"Further, legitimate holding of jewellery up to any extent is fully protected," it added.

The Bill, which is currently under consideration of the Rajya Sabha, will amend Section 115BBE of the Income Tax Act to provide for a steep 60 per cent tax and a 25 per cent surcharge on it (total 75 per cent) for black money holders.

Another section inserted provides for an additional 10 per cent penalty on being established that the undeclared wealth is unaccounted or black money, taking the total incidence of levies to 85 per cent.

CBDT said: "Tax rate under section 115BBE is proposed to be increased only for unexplained income as there were reports that the tax evaders are trying to include their undisclosed income in the return of income as business income or income from other sources.

"The provisions of section 115BBE apply mainly in those cases where assets or cash etc. are sought to be declared as 'unexplained cash or asset' or where it is hidden as unsubstantiated business income, and the Assessing Officer detects it as such."

The Bill also proposes to raise penalty under I-T Act for search and seizure cases by 3-fold to 30 per cent, a move aimed at deterring black money holders, from 10 or 20 per cent currently.

Once the amendments are approved by Parliament, there would be a penalty of 30 per cent of unaccounted income, if admitted and taxes are paid. This would take the total incidence of tax and penalty to 60 per cent.

While proposing to amend Section 271AAB, the government has decided to retain the provision of levying penalty of 60 per cent of income in "any other cases".

That would raise the incidence of tax and penalty to 90 per cent. During 2015-16, the I-T Department conducted 445 searches which discovered undisclosed income of Rs 11,066 crore.

Total assets seized were Rs 712.68 crore. Also 545 searches conducted in 2014-15 have led to admission of undisclosed income worth Rs 10,288 crore. Total assets seized amounted to Rs 761.70 crore.

Besides, 569 searches in 2013-14 saw admission of undisclosed income of Rs 10,791.63 crore and asset seizure of Rs 807.84 crore. This took the total undisclosed income which was admitted during searches to Rs 32,146 crore.

Search and seizure operations are conducted by the tax department when the Assessing Officer believes that the assessee is unlikely to produce books of accounts or likely to suppress books of account and other documents which may be useful and relevant to an income tax proceedings.
Banks and members of the public are, therefore, cautioned to be guided by only those instructions which are either uploaded on the Reserve Bank's official website

Mumbai: RBI on December 1 cautioned banks as well as the public not be misguided by questionable and unverified documents being circulated on social media channels regarding demonetisation of old Rs 500/1000 currency notes.

In a public notice, the Reserve Bank said that people should rely on information provided by it on its website. In the wake of withdrawal of legal tender character from the Specified Bank Notes (old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000), RBI has, from time to time, been issuing instructions to the banks which are sent directly to banks through an official mail.

In the notice, RBI said that it has been reported that certain guidelines/instructions "purported" to be issued by the RBI are being circulated in the social media by "some unscrupulous elements creating confusion in the minds of the public/bank personnel".

"Banks and members of the public are, therefore, cautioned to be guided by only those instructions which are either uploaded on the Reserve Bank's official website," the central bank said.

Following demonetisation of the old high value currency from November 9, people have been depositing the invalid notes in banks and also exchanging them at RBI counters. RBI has placed a weekly withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000, including from ATMs, a week.
Mumbai: It is the same time of the month when people as per their cash needs either rush to banks or teller machines to withdraw money.

The Times of India on Thursday reported that the Reserve Bank of India has supplied four times more cash to the banks but the lenders are still starved of cash.

The situation prevails even twenty two days after high value notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination were discarded, the banks in country still grappling with cash crunch as a gigantic 86 per cent of currency in circulation were scrapped.

The TOI also reported that the central bank has scaled up its currency printing process at its Mysuru and Salboni facilities to meet the dire demand of the newly minted Rs 500 denomination notes.

The government has also accelerated printing at its Nashik and Devas India Security Press (ISP) units where workers are now working three shifts.

On Wednesday, long queues resurfaced at banks and outside teller machine kiosks as these facilities did not have cash in ample amount to disburse to customers, TOI quoted sources as saying.
According to World Steel Associations data, the two firms combined production exceeds that of previous national leader Hesteel. (Representational image)

Shanghai: China officially established a new national steelmaking leader  the worlds second-largest manufacturer  on Thursday by merging two giant mills, as Beijing pushes consolidation in the industry to combat overcapacity.

Shanghai-based Baosteel Group and Wuhan Iron and Steel Group, in the central province of Hubei, were combined to create China Baowu Steel Group, second only to Paris-listed ArcelorMittal.

Its birth was marked with a ceremony in Shanghai attended by top national government and company officials.

The combined new entity will have total assets of 730 billion yuan ($105.9 billion) and 228,000 employees, a Baowu statement said.

The two firms combined steel topped 60 million tonnes last year, according to data from the World Steel Association, exceeding that of previous national leader Hesteel.

Baosteel, which had been Chinas No. 2 steelmaker, has issued new stock to existing shareholders of Wuhan Iron and Steel to absorb the company.

The new groups focus will be to improve the international competitiveness of Chinas steel industry, said Ma Guoqiang, Baowus chairman. Chinese steel demand has slumped as economic growth slows and the global steel industry is hit by a glut.

The crisis has seen manufacturers across the globe suffer huge losses and led to political frictions between trading partners and accusations of dumping. Beijing has vowed to eliminate 100-150 million tonnes of capacity by 2020.
General view of a meeting of oil ministers of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting countries, OPEC, at their headquarters in Vienna. (Photo: AP)

Vienna: OPEC agreed on Wednesday its first oil output cuts since 2008 after Saudi Arabia accepted "a big hit" on its production and dropped its demand on arch-rival Iran to slash output.

Non-OPEC Russia will also join output reductions for the first time in 15 years to help the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries prop up oil prices.

Brent crude jumped over 9 percent to more than $50 a barrel as Riyadh reached a compromise with Iran and after fast-growing producer Iraq also agreed to curtail its booming output.

"OPEC has proved to the sceptics that it is not dead. The move will speed up market rebalancing and erosion of the global oil glut," said OPEC watcher Amrita Sen from consultancy Energy Aspects.

Iran and Russia are effectively fighting two proxy wars against Saudi Arabia, in Yemen and Syria, and many sceptics had said the countries would struggle to find a compromise amid frosty political relations.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said ahead of the meeting that the kingdom was prepared to accept "a big hit" on production to get a deal done.

"I think it is a good day for the oil markets, it is a good day for the industry and ... it should be a good day for the global economy. I think it will be a boost to global economic growth," he told reporters after the decision.

OPEC produces a third of global oil, or around 33.6 million barrels per day, and under the Wednesday deal it would reduce output by around 1.2 million bpd from January 2017.

Saudi Arabia will take the lion's share of cuts by reducing output by almost 0.5 million bpd to 10.06 million bpd. Its Gulf OPEC allies - the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar - would cut by a total 0.3 million bpd.

Iraq, which had insisted on higher output quotas to fund its fight against Islamic State militants, unexpectedly agreed to reduce production - by 0.2 million bpd.

Iran was allowed to boost production slightly from its October level - a major victory for Tehran, which has long argued it needs to regain market share lost under Western sanctions.

Clashes between Saudi Arabia and Iran dominated many previous OPEC meetings.

"If you get this deal done, it would be huge. You remove a lot of oil from the market and you get the Russian participation," said veteran OPEC watcher and founder of Pira consultancy Gary Ross. He said oil could rise to $55 per barrel.

WILL OPEC COMPLY?

Falih had long insisted OPEC would do an output-limiting deal only if non-OPEC producers contributed.

OPEC president Qatar said non-OPEC producers had agreed to reduce output by a further 0.6 million bpd, of which Russia would contribute some 0.3 million.

Russia, which had long resisted cutting output, pushed its production to new record highs in recent months."Russia will gradually cut output in the first half of 2017 by up to 300,000 barrels per day, on a tight schedule as technical capabilities allow, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told a briefing in Moscow.

Novak, who spoke an hour after OPEC announced its deal, did not say from which output levels Russia would cut.

A combined output reduction of 1.8 million bpd by OPEC and non-OPEC represents almost 2 percent of global output and would help the market clear a stocks overhang, which had sent prices crashing from levels as high as $115 a barrel seen in mid-2014.

Non-OPEC Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have said they might also cut.OPEC suspended Indonesia's membership on Wednesday since the country, a net importer, could not cut output, Qatar said.

The move will not affect OPEC's overall reduction as Indonesia's share of cuts will be redistributed among other members.

Bob McNally, president of Washington-based consultancy Rapidan group, said on Twitter that compliance with cuts would be key: "In deals with Russia, OPEC is like (the late U.S.) President (Ronald) Reagan used to say: 'Trust but verify'."

OPEC will hold talks with non-OPEC producers on Dec. 9. The organization will also have its next meeting on May 25 to monitor the deal and could extend it for six months, Qatar said.
The Nikkei Markit India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)  a gauge of manufacturing performance  fell to 52.3, down from a 22-month high of 54.4 in October. (Representational image)

New Delhi: The manufacturing growth slowed sharply in November after demonetisation but stills remains in the positive territory, according to a monthly survey.

Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki India, Volkswagen Toyota and Renault posted double digit sales growth in November despite fears that demonetisation will hit consumer sentiments. The wholesale auto figures which are first to be announced every month give an indication about the pulse of the economy.

Some analysts said that a part of the reason for double digit growth in auto sales may also be due to past waiting period of some popular car models and one will have to wait for one more month to see if the growth slows down. Mahindra, Ford and Honda saw sales drop in November.

The Nikkei Markit India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)  a gauge of manufacturing performance  fell to 52.3, down from a 22-month high of 54.4 in October.

Any figure above 50 indicates expansion, while a score below this level means contraction in factory output. PMI data for November showed that the sudden withdrawal of high-value banknotes in India caused problems for manufacturers, as cash shortages hampered growth of new work, buying activity and production, said Pollyanna De Lima, economist at IHS Markit and author of the report.

November data still marked the 11th consecutive monthly improvement in manufacturing conditions across India.

Whereas some may have anticipated an outright downturn, the sector held its ground and remained in expansion mode, Lima said. While many companies, surveyed for the monthly PMI scorecard, commented that further disruption is expected in the near-term, the demonetisation of the rupee is anticipated to ignite growth in the long-run as unregulated companies will leave the market, Ms Lima added.

Softer expansion in new business inflows affected the manufacturing sector growth during November as order books rose at a moderate pace which was the slowest since July.

The surveyed companies reported higher demand from domestic as well as external clients, but indicated that growth was hampered by the money crisis, the survey said.
Mumbai: Several Bollywood celebrities had applauded the Narendra Modi governments demonetisation decision when it was announced almost three weeks ago.

The queues at banks and ATMs have made news since then and it seems that even celebrities have no option but to stand in queues to withdraw money. We saw Tollywood star Ravi Babu and other celebrities standing in the queue for ATM and that had made news.

And now even a Bollywood celebrity, Anil Kapoor, was also snapped when he was standing in a queue for ATM in Mumbai. He also sportingly posed for selfies with fans, one of who posted it on Twitter and tagged Kapoor in it. The actor didnt have any complaints and thanked demonetisation for giving him the opportunity to meet lovely people.

On the work front, the actor will be seen in Mubarakan next along with his nephew Arjun Kapoor.
Ranveer is currently working on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati,' while Varun's busy with 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania' and 'Judwaa 2'.

Mumbai: As per recent trade reports, Ranveer Singh has opted out of Zoya Akhtars ambitious Gully Boy. The film, based on city rappers who make it big with their local flavour and ghetto lingo, has been in the making since a while now. And as per latest reports, post Ranveers exit, the makers are vying for Varun Dhawan to step in.

Ranveer, whos currently in Alauddin Khilji mode for Sanjay Leela Bhansalis magnum opus, Padmavati, had to opt out since the dates were clashing with Shimit Amins romantic drama for Yash Raj Studios.

Ranveer loved the subject, but finally had to let go. He tried his best to work out the dates for Zoyas film for the last three months, but Amins romantic drama produced by YRF, begins shooting next year and is a romantic drama. The female lead of the film is a newcomer, DNA quoted a source as saying.

Gully Boy, reportedly inspired from the lives of popular rappers Naezy aka Naved Sheikh and Divine aka Vivian Fernandes, is scripted by Zoya along with frequent collaborator Rima Kagti.

However, Ranveer and Zoya have recently appeared together in a popular chat show which contradicts the strong rumours doing the rounds.

We wont know for sure until an official announcement is made. Until then, rumour mongers are bound to have a field day too many.
Mumbai: Social media users usually go on an overdrive with memes, jokes and videos over much discussed topics like the recent demonetisation exercise of the government. They also dont miss out on an opportunity to troll someone if they commit a blunder or sometimes even without it, as was evident when Shilpa Shetty Kundra was mocked for recommending George Orwells Animal Farm to kids as she believed it would teach them about animal welfare.

Juhi Chawla also provided such active users another opportunity to show their funny side by asking them to send her the funniest joke they had heard.

She made it a contest of sorts, revealing that she would retweet the ones she liked and even announced a surprise for the best three jokes. Her post was then flooded with jokes, with the overall number of replies crossing 300.

While the actress eventually just retweeted eight, we bring you some of the other hilarious jokes we read from among them.

We wonder what the surprise was, though.
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A senior Chinese official Wednesday called for prosecuting agencies of countries in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to strengthen cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the call at the opening ceremony of the 14th SCO attorney generals' meeting and the 2016 BRICS attorney generals' meeting both held in Sanya, Hainan Province,Wednesday.

The SCO attorney generals' meeting will look at the role of prosecuting agencies in fighting terrorism, while the BRICS meeting will focus on battling corruption-related crimes.

Meng called on prosecuting agencies of SCO member states to enhance pragmatic cooperation in anti-terrorism information, fight against cyber-terrorism and improve anti-terrorism law.

Meng also called on prosecuting agencies of BRICS countries to deepen cooperation in anti-graft information as well as hunt fugitives and their illicit gains.

The SCO is an inter-governmental organization founded in Shanghai in 2001, which includes China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Mumbai: The news of Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif breaking up had created headlines earlier this year and the exact equation between the two is not clear today with reports of the two patching up recently surfacing again.

Pictures of them shooting together after the breakup for Anurag Basus Jagga Jasoos had made its way on social media and the professionalism of the two actors was appreciated then.

Ranbir has moved on to the shoot of Rajkumar Hiranis Sanjay Dutt biopic and Ayan Mukerjis Dragon, but he would soon start promoting Jagga Jasoos when it gears up for release on April 17 next year and he might have to make joint appearances with Katrina for the same.

According to reports, the former couple has been issued a diktat by the makers, led by director Anurag Basu, co-producer Siddharth Roy Kapur and the marketing teams to keep their differences aside and promote the film together. No just that, they want them to look extremely amicable with each other , with no discomfort visible at all between the two.

It would now be interesting to see if the actors actually pay heed to the diktats.
Mumbai: The evidently much in love rumoured couple never fail to amuse one and all with their sweet gestures and adorably PDA moments. After refuting rumours of a possible break-up by walking out of Mukesh Ambanis party hand-in-hand, the duo recently flew down to Dubai to receive Man and Woman of the Year awards. And there, too, the two gave out strong romantic vibes.

In a video from the award show that went viral on social media, Ranveer can be seen kissing Deepika right before going up on stage.

Singh, who had first met DP on the sets of Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela

and eventually developed a special bond with her, fearlessly labelled the stunning actress a marriage material.

When Deepikas father, ace Badminton player Prakash Padukone, was asked if he approves of Ranveer, he reportedly told mid-day, "They are adults and know what they are doing. As father, I have given Deepika the freedom to take her own decisions. Even in this case, she is free to decide whatever she wants to do."

Deepika is one lucky girl!
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modis cleanliness initiative Swachh Bharat Abhiyan had made headlines, with several celebrities also supporting it. The mission has now received the support of Salman Khan, who will become a face of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations drive against open defecation and litter.

The superstar will join in the initiative through his Being Human Foundation. According to reports, the civic body approached Salman for the campaign some time ago, and on Tuesday, Being Human Foundation confirmed his participation for the cause.

It is also being reported that the Salman had expressed concern about open defecation in front of his home near Bandstand in Bandra and now, his foundation is set to donate mobile toilets for the particular area.

The BMC is concerned about the problem of open defecation in the city and are keen to remove the open defection spots at the earliest.

Salman and BMC Commisioner Ajoy Mehta are likely to hold discussions related to the idea and the actor might feature in drives, videos or radio jingles for the campaign.
Los Angeles: Supermodel Irina Shayk is pregnant with her first child with Hollywood star Bradley Cooper.

The 30-year-old Russian model debuted her baby bump on the ramp at Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris.

Shayk wore a maroon lace bra and kept her stomach semi-concealed by a beaded long-sleeve top, reported Us magazine.

The model also kept her midriff covered up in a signature pink Victoria's Secret silk robe backstage.

"Irina is in her second trimester and is so excited about becoming a mother for the very first time," a source said. Shayk and Cooper, 41, first started dating in April 2015.

The pair went public with their romance at a party during Paris Fashion Week this past March.

Since meeting, they've put their love on display while jetting around the world together.

Shayk has also met Cooper's mother, Gloria, in New Jersey last year.

This will be the first child for both Shaky and Cooper, who previously dated Suki Waterhouse and Zoe Saldana.
She is definitely more than just a beautiful face. Former Miss Kerala Gayathri Suresh talks with a certain poise and wisdom but with the right balance of her age as her new movie is releasing on Friday. Even with a handful of movies in her kitty, the pretty actress has learned how to survive in the industry. With Ore Mukham releasing, the actress is pretty excited to act along with young stars of the time  Dhyan Sreenivasan, Aju Varghese and Prayaga Martin.

On her role in Ore Mukham, she says, I play a subtle character which has no loud presence amongst her friends. She is a typical village girl who reacts only when needed. Since it is a college movie, it was so much fun in the sets and we all had the same vibe. Even the caravan experience was so much fun, says Gayathri. After two years in Mollywood, Gayathri says she is not worried that she doesnt play lead roles even though she debuted in Jamnapyari as the love interest of Kunchacko Boban.

I understood that fame is short-lived. Just good role and good movie take us to the clouds. We can get carried away, but have to be careful with everything we say, act or behave. A small mistake can upset our fans and there ends our fame. Even on the sets, we need to watch our behaviour as it can decide our survival in the industry, shares Gayathri. Even though Gayathri is becoming active in movies, she also has a professional career as a banker.

I should really thank my bank for letting me continue to work even as I have to take long leaves, she says. The pretty actress is also acting in Tovino-starrer Oru Mexican Aparatha, another college-campus movie which is slated for release next year. She will also be seen in Nivin Pauly movie Sakhavu. I play the role of a nurse named Aishwarya, a kind and sweet character, not very modern. There are three female heroines in the movie, Gayathri concludes.
"So we really just hope this makes a point about the nature of the pharmaceutical industry," (Photo: AFP)

Sydney: US drug company chief Martin Shkreli became a global figure of hate after buying the rights to Daraprim and then raising the price in the United States from $13.50 a tablet to $750.

Youngsters at a Sydney school decided to draw attention to the scandal and went to work creating pyrimethamine, the active ingredient for Daraprim, an anti-parasitic used to treat people with low immune systems such as those with HIV, chemotherapy patients and pregnant women.

Student James Wood said he and his friends had started off with just $20 of the drug, and in one reaction had produced thousands of dollars' worth.

"So we really just hope this makes a point about the nature of the pharmaceutical industry," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

University of Sydney research chemist Alice Williamson helped the boys synthesise the medicine using an online platform Open Source Malaria. The pupils "shared the outrage of the general public," Williamson said.

"The original recipe, if you like, to make this molecule was from a patent that was referenced on Wikipedia," she said. Turing Pharmaceuticals continue to sell the only FDA-approved form of the drug in the US, but reportedly cut the price in half for hospitals after the outcry.

Daraprim, which figures on the World Health OrganiZation list of essential medicines, is cheap in most countries, with 50 tablets selling in Australia for $10.
The Delhi High Court said the step was taken in a "haphazard manner" (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: In a blow to the Centre, its decision to ban 344 fixed dose combination (FDC) medicines, including well known brands like Corex cough syrup, Vicks Action 500 extra and several anti-diabetes medication, was on Thursday set aside by the Delhi High Court which said the step was taken in a "haphazard manner".

J. Rajiv Sahai Endlaw allowed 454 petitions moved by various pharma and healthcare majors, like Pfizer, Glenmark, Procter and Gamble and Cipla, challenging the government's March 10 notification banning the FDCs, saying the decision was taken by the Centre without following procedure prescribed in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

The court had from March 14 onwards stayed the operation of the Centre's decision with regard to medicinesof several pharma majors.

The court on Thursday said that proceedings till issuance of the notification of March 10, 2016, "do not suggest there was any grave urgency".

It also said that the power under section 26A (power to prohibit manufacture of drugs and cosmetics in public interest) of Drugs and Cosmetics Act cannot be exercised in public interest except when a drug poses a risk to consumers.

During the hearing in the case, the drug companies had contended that the government has not properly implemented the powers under section 26A, under which the ban was ordered.

They had also argued that the ban order was passed without considering clinical data and had termed as "absurd" the government's claim that it took the decision to ban FDCs on the ground that safer alternatives were available.

The government had banned over 300 FDC drugs on the ground that they involve "risk" to humans and safer alternatives were available.

As per the March 10 notification, "On the basis of recommendations of an expert committee, the central government is satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in public interest to regulate by way of prohibition of manufacture for sale, sale and distribution for human use of said drugs in the country.
The governments decision to demonetise high denomination currency notes as a step towards curbing black money and corruption in the country has divided the nation as some are opposing it, a large section complaining of mismanagement and another group rallying after the decision.

But as people are queuing up outside banks and ATMs for hours, weeks after the announcement, brands are cashing in on the opportunity, with some like e-payment platform Paytm coming under fire multiple times, be it featuring the PM in an ad or coming up with an ad that tagged complains of inconvenience as a drama.

The latest brand to make headlines for a controversial marketing campaign around demonetisation is strangely a sexual wellness product called Stay-On, as it draws comparison between the pill that allows men to last longer and the move which is said to yield benefits in the longer run.

The text goes on to state that this is not a bitter pill, this is a power capsule perhaps hailing the move as a bold one, and asks people to stop whining, stop complaining. Just stay on, which takes aims at people talking about inconvenience caused by demonetisation and ends with saying that its not sacrifice but is instead a duty that you should, Perform it smilingly, energetically with vigour and vitality. Just Stay On.

The interesting copy created a buzz on Twitter as users started giving their interpretations of the text and also came up with future predictions about the brands marketing ideas.

Stay-On! Capsules for Sexual Power.

This ad by Stay-On makes sense for a party who is Fcuking the democracy. pic.twitter.com/A9CcyKC4DF  JayKay (@JayKay074) November 30, 2016

Stay-On endorses the PM, because long lasting erections, such as Eiffels, Burjs, Qutubs, represent development. pic.twitter.com/MtaTAQ6wSI  500 And HazaaRatty (@YearOfRat) November 30, 2016

@rishibagree, for Kejri, the following ad perfectly suits to stay on & milk the situation @PuravaPakash pic.twitter.com/KygK8bmCPJ  Ajaata Shatru (@ajaatashatru) November 30, 2016

Suddenly, from the long ToI grasses, the ultimate in demonetisation ad copy appears: pic.twitter.com/ktNndBUEzH  David Keohane (@DavidKeo) November 30, 2016

How to get a hard on? Think #DeMonetisation pic.twitter.com/gMXgtTEbu3  Veena Venugopal (@veenavenugopal) November 30, 2016

Stay-On's next ad will be about standing up for the anthem.   Vivek (@milcom_) November 30, 2016

In any case, demonetisation seems to have brought the product under the spotlight, while its not clear how much longer the publics patience can stay on. It might also come in handy after a long hard day spent lining up in the sun.
Naveenton Karthick Leon after he was caught by the night patrol. He was found wearing a wig to avoid detection Above: Bharathi with her husband Gopalakrishnan.

Chennai: A purported murder-for-gain orchestrated by a woman BPO employee to dispose of her husband fell through as her colleague who was involved in the murder was caught fleeing by a night patrol team, during the small hours of Wednesday.

At around 3 am, the Vadapalani night patrol team found Gopalakrishnan (35), a chartered accountant and resident of II Street, Bhaktavachalam Salai, Vadapalani, lying dead in a pool of blood and his wife, Bharathi (31), tied with ropes and in a sedated condition.

The cops picked up Naveenton Karthick Leon (25), a colleague of Bharathi, who while wearing a wig and face masked with a handkerchief was riding a two-wheeler.

As he attempted to flee on sighting the cops, he was nabbed after a short chase and was found carrying a bloodstained knife in his bag. He claimed that he had robbed a woman after attacking her husband.

As cops unravelled the relationship between Bharathi and the purported robber, Bharathi pretended to have regained consciousness at the Government Royapettah Hospital (GRH).

Unaware of her colleague confessing to the crime, the woman continued to play distraught over her husbands death. The woman was taken into custody.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Bharathi was gearing up to celebrate her birthday on Thursday. She had decided to kill her husband who was the only hindrance to her relationship with Leon, her workmate at her T. Nagar workplace. Gopalakrishnan, who came to know about her relationship, warned her to sever all ties with Leon.

As per their plan, she left the house door open. Leon, who entered the house at around 2 am when Gopalakrishan was fast asleep, stabbed him in the neck and saw him bleed to death. He then tied Bharathi down and was making his escape good when he was caught, said an investigation officer.

She had left her 11-month-old child at her mothers place in Tiruvannamalai earlier this week. Leon took away her 8-sovereign mangalsutra hoping to make the theory of murder-for-gain work while keeping their relationship under wraps.

The Guindy resident had also chose to wear a wig and his face masked so as to conceal his identity from the surveillance cameras along the route.
Mohammad Sabir, who suspected his wife Najma Bano was having an affair, had attacked her on Wednesday evening as well with a pair of scissors, police said. (Photo: Representational Image)

Jodhpur: A man murdered his wife of 20 years by hitting her with a heavy stone in the wee hours in Jodhpur on Thursday before surrendering before police.

Mohammad Sabir, who suspected his wife Najma Bano was having an affair, had attacked her on Wednesday evening as well with a pair of scissors, police said. On that occasion, her family had come to her rescue, placated the husband, but went off to sleep immediately after.

"Today, Sabir got up at about 4.30 am, went out of the house, returned with a big stone in his hands and brought it down on Najma's chest, killing her on the spot," Mahamandir SHO Bhawani Singh said.

He said family members woke up upon hearing Najma's cries and rushed her to hospital immediately, where she was declared brought dead. Meanwhile, Sabir himself appeared before the police and admitted to committing the grisly act.

According to Mahamandir police, the couple had been wed for 20 years and had two daughters and a son.

"But the relations between them had started getting strained for some time as Sabir suspected her of having an affair, according to the family members. Over the past few months, there were several incidents of domestic violence as well," the SHO said.

"We have registered a case against him on the complaint of the victim's brother and have started investigation," he said.
The Ministry of National Defense of China (MOD) has clarified that China is not seeking military expansion by building its first overseas supply facility in Djibouti.

Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MOD), takes questions at a routine press briefing on Wednesday. [Photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn]

"China is constructing its overseas supply and logistic facility to take more international responsibility, fulfil more international commitments and protect China's legitimate interests," said Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesperson for the MOD, at a routine press briefing on Nov. 30.

The topic surfaces as Fan Changlong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited Djibouti from Nov. 23-24. During his visit, Fan visited a Chinese naval ship being resupplied in Djibouti and held talks with Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Prime Minster Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed. A Xinhua report shows that the talks covered ways of further enhancing military ties among other areas of bilateral cooperation.

Yang added that China and Djibouti agreed to strengthen military exchanges in aspects of staff training, resupplying navy ships in escorting missions and participating in UN peacekeeping operations as part of an overall effort to promote China-Djibouti relations.

The logistic facility in Djibouti, whose construction is progressing smoothly, will mainly be used to provide supplies to Chinese navy ships that carry out escort and anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden and the Somalian waterways as well as humanitarian rescues in adjacent waters, confirmed Yang.

"It's fundamentally different from U.S. overseas navy bases. Ours emphasizes international public interests," he said.
Three children, including the one given to US-based software engineer, a couple in Kenya and the other given to owner of a textile showroom in Mysuru are yet to be rescued. (Representational Image)

Mysuru: Police investigating the child kidnapping racket have revealed that the accused had sold children to issueless couple based in India and even abroad for prices ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 4 lakh and some nurses working in four city hospitals were also involved.

After the racket came to light a month ago, the Mysuru District police have so far arrested 11 people and investigations revealed that the racket has been functioning for the past five years.

The police have so far succeeded in tracing and rescuing as many as 16 children, including nine girls.

The children were given to well-off couples, including two NRIs in US and Kenya, three couples from Thrissur in Kerala, nine city-based couples, and others in Bengaluru, Shivammoga and Mangaluru.

Three children, including the one given to US-based software engineer, a couple in Kenya and the other given to owner of a textile showroom in Mysuru are yet to be rescued.

Disclosing details to media persons, SP Ravi D. Chennannanavar said, As adoption procedures are stringent, there is a long waiting list for. The members of gang have taken advantage of the situation and identified aspirant couple and sold children for Rs 1 lakh to Rs 4 lakh, he said.

Shockingly, the staff for four nursing homes were involved.

They include Usha, 45, Superintendent at Naseema hospital and Srimathi alias Anusha 40, a fake doctor who were involved in large number of cases, Soumya staff nurse in Cheluvamba hospital, Mohan K.M. 26, staff nurse in KR Hospital, Renuka 41, a OT Nurse and C.J. Francis of Naseema hospital.

Madanlal, 44, a footwear shop owner, was an agent. B. Ashok, 25, S. Mahesh, 29 and C. Venktesh 38 (all drivers), Ravichandra alias Scot Ravi 24, and N Shankar 26, (both electricians) were the other accused.

Police have seized 1 kg 284 grams of gold, half kg silver and four cars. While one private hospital has already been closed, we have written to District Health officer to take appropriate measures against others, Chennannanavar said.

The children include a 15-day-old baby and the oldest one is five years of age. The police have been able to track ascertain the parents of seven children through DNA tests, parents of nine others are yet to be traced.
New Delhi: A special court for Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) related cases on Thursday issued fresh open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) against British national Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam.

The court also issued summons against a company and two other accused in connection with the helicopter deal.

This came weeks after the CBI sent a request to the designated central authorities of UAE, seeking to extradite James.

According to sources, the investigation revealed that James is one of the key middlemen in the VVIP helicopters purchase from AgustaWestland.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also filed a chargesheet against James and two other middlemen.

James has been accused by the CBI and the ED of working at the behest of AgustaWestland and its parent Italian major Finmeccanica.

He has also been accused of routing funds to India meant to bribe officials.
Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged the Army was deployed at two toll plazas at Palsit and Dankuni on NH 2 in West Bengal without informing the state government and described it as "unprecedented and a serious matter."



"Army has been deployed at two toll plazas without informing the state government. This is a very serious situation worse than Emergency," she told reporters at the state secretariat.



"It is an attack on the federal structure. We want to know the details. The Chief Secretary is writing to the Centre. Given an opportunity I will talk to the President on the issue. Has Emergency been imposed in the country without declaration?" she wanted to know.



The Chief Minister said, "Army is our asset. We are proud of them. We requisition Army in times of major disaster or communal flare up.



"I don't know what has actually happened. Even if there is mock-trial, state government is informed", she said.



Banerjee claimed that the people got panicky due to the deployment of Army at toll plazas.



When contacted, A Defence spokesperson said that the army conducts bi-annual exercise throughout the country with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency.



"There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders", Wing Commander S S Birdi said.



The exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing through a certain area that could be tapped during operations, he said.
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressing the media at Parliament house in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The verified Twitter account of the Congress party appeared to have been hacked on Thursday, a day after vice-president Rahul Gandhis account was compromised.

The events unfolded after Rahul Gandhis account, @OfficeofRG, tweeted, To every one of you haters out there. I love all of you. You're beautiful. Your hatred just doesn't let you see it yet.

To this, the official handle of Congress, @INCIndia, responded with a profanity.

Responding to the hacking of the accounts, Rahul on Thursday said, "It's a huge question mark on the digital security".

The Information Technology (IT) Ministry said it has ordered a probe into the hacking of Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account.

Delhi Police has initiated a probe into the hacking of the account and has written to the management of the social media site seeking necessary details.

"We have written to Twitter to provide us log details such as the IP address of the hackers. We have started investigating the matter," a senior police official said.

The @INCIndia handle was compromised after 10 am on Thursday, it seemed, posting abusive tweets and bizarre advice.

Coming up is a full dump of inc.in Congress emails, stay tuned for Christmas special. We have enough info to drop your party down to shreds, one tweet claimed.

However, it then continued with profanities directed at Congress party itself, at Rahul Gandhi and at the general public as well. It labelled Congress as 'corrupt', the common public as 'retards' and liberally used expletives while advising people on things they could consume alongside beer.

All the abusive tweets were later deleted around 10:45 am.

Gandhis official Twitter account was hacked on Wednesday night earlier and some expletives-laden tweets were posted.

Confirming the development, his office said efforts were being made to rectify the problem. After the hacking, Congress party raised questions on the digital safety of all Indians and said it reflects disturbing insecurities of the prevalent fascist culture in the country.

Gandhis account was hacked around 8.45 pm and some messages with profanities were put out, but these were deleted soon thereafter.

The name of the verified Twitter handle @OfficeOfRG was also changed. Such lowly tactics will neither drown the sane voice of reason nor deter Rahul Gandhi from raising peoples issues, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

Meanwhile, the Opposition on Thursday said it will raise the issue of hacking of verified twitter accounts of Rahul Gandhi and Congress, in both the Houses of Parliament when the session begins on Thursday.
New Delhi: The Opposition parties on Thursday caused uproar in both Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over the delay in landing of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees flight on Wednesday night and once again raked up the issue of demonetisation.

The Opposition in Rajya Sabha also demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present in the House, speak on the note ban.

While Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following uproar, the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm as Opposition demanded an apology from Modi for allegedly accusing them of supporting black money.

The TMC and the Congress had earlier raised the issue of Banerjee's safety over the incident on Wednesday. TMC had alleged the IndiGo flight with the chief minister on board hovered in the sky for over 30 minutes before landing at the NSCBI Airport in Kolkata though it was short on fuel. The party claimed it was a conspiracy to kill her.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju refuted the allegations and said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation had ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Wrong to say the IndiGo flight was made to hover for 30-40 minutes. DGCA has ordered an inquiry to check how three flights to Kolkata reported low fuel, Raju said in Lok Sabha.

The Congress too raised the issue of the West Bengal Chief Minister's safety.

When there is no fuel, its the duty of the ATC to have allowed the landing. Her life was in danger, Congress Mallikarjun Kharge said in the Lok Sabha.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raised this issue in Rajya Sabha, saying, "The aircraft should have been given priority, this is a serious issue, should carry out investigations."

Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha, in the Rajya Sabha, said the DGCA will investigate the allegation of shortage of fuel in three flights to Kolkata, including the one in which Banerjee was flying.

Meanwhile, IndiGo said the flight from Patna to Kolkata, with Banerjee on board, had landed normally at Kolkata airport. The flight was kept on hold due to air traffic, the airline said.

Modi remained seated in the Rajya Sabha even during an adjournment of 15 minutes as members from various political parties, including some from the Opposition, were seen going to his seat to exchange pleasantries or for a chit-chat.

Amid Opposition demand for the presence of Modi through the debate on demonetisation, the Prime Minister reached the Upper House shortly before the Question Hour at 1200 hours. Questions relating to Prime Minister's Office were listed to be taken up on Thursday.

During adjournments, Modi remained seated in the House and so were most of the members from both Treasury as well as Opposition benches.

Cinestar-turned politician Jaya Bacchan (SP) went to the Prime Minister and was seen exchanging pleasantries. She was followed by AIADMK members and a Left MP.

Renowed boxer and member Mary Kom was also seen discussing certain things with Modi.

As members kept meeting him, there were some lighter moments too, as the Prime Minister was seen smiling at times.

Both Houses were eventually adjourned till 11 am on Friday.
New Delhi: Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, who had implemented a Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (VDS) to unearth black money during his tenure, on Thursday said the present government had carried out demonetisation in a "haphazard" manner causing "unimaginable sufferings" to the people.



The JD(S) chief said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have spoken on demonetisation in Parliament "so that we could reply".



"The best thing would have been that the Prime Minister should have made a statement in the House on the very first day of the ongoing Winter session" regarding the decision which he had already announced on November 8 when Parliament was not in session, Gowda said.



"We are not against efforts to curb black money. But in my opinion, the Prime Minister announced demonetisation without any preparation. It was done in a haphazard manner," said the Lok Sabha member who has been waiting to speak on the issue in the House but could not due to its non-functioning.



Gowda said 22 days have already passed since the announcement was made by Modi in a nationally-televised address but people, particularly the farmers and the labourers, continue to go through "unimaginable sufferings".



Noting that the Prime Minister had asked people to "tolerate" the difficulties for 50 days, he questioned, "How long does this government want the people to suffer?"



The senior leader from Karnataka said in his state, banks do not have enough cash and they close down as early as noon, leaving people high and dry.



"It was a hasty decision by the Prime Minister without proper assessment which has put the country in an awkward situation," he emphasised.



83-year-old Gowda, who was Prime Minister from June 1996 to April 1997, recalled the VDS implemented by him during his tenure which had unearthed Rs 10,000 crore of undisclosed money.
Some banks are disbursing only Rs 5,000 per person while those having better cash availability are offering Rs 10,000 or Rs 12,000 per withdrawal. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Reeling under shortage of currency stock, banks across the country have resorted to rationing of cash in order to handle the huge payday rush at branches.

Although claims were made by various banks that adequate arrangement would be in place to tide over cash crisis on pay day, branches are seen rationing cash depending on their currency stock position.

Branches are compelled to resort to rationing because of cash shortage and it is difficult to meet the withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000 per person set by the Reserve Bank, said a senior public sector bank official.

Some banks are disbursing only Rs 5,000 per person while those having better cash availability are offering Rs 10,000 or Rs 12,000 per withdrawal.

Making matters worse, a large number of ATMs are still dry even 24 days after the government scrapped 500 and 1,000 rupee notes earlier this month to crack down on black money.

Despite recalibration of nearly 80 per cent of ATMs do not have cash, while people are struggling with the problem of change as the operational ones dispense mostly high denomination Rs 2,000 notes.

On Wednesday, a top government official claimed that special efforts are being made to pump in additional cash into banks to meet the heavy demand for currency notes on account of salary withdrawal but situation on the ground is still a far cry.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel had earlier said the central bank is monitoring the situation on a daily basis and taking all necessary actions to "ease the genuine pain of citizens" with a clear intent to normalise the things as early as possible.
New Delhi: "We do not want politics to shift to the courts," the Supreme Court observed on Thursday while hearing arguments on whether a political party can file and pursue a public interest litigation (PIL).

"The apprehension is that this will shift politics to the courts. We do not want this. We do not want politics to shift to the courts," a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and N V Ramana said.

The apex court's observation came after advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for NGO 'Swaraj Abhiyan' which has filed a PIL on the plight of farmers in 12 drought-hit states, said if a political party files a petition in public interest, the courts can hear it.

The issue cropped up after Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi had told the bench that the NGO has made its intention clear to continue as a wing of a political party, if not a political party itself, and it should not be associated with this PIL.

During the arguments today, Rohatgi said the application filed by 'Swaraj India' before the Election Commission (EC) for registration as a political party was pending.

"They (petitioner) have already formed a political party.

I will show what this political party does outside the court," he said, adding "just because they (Swaraj India) are not yet registered, does not mean they are not a political party".

"If anyone is using court proceedings for political gain, then there is a political motive," Rohatgi said.

Bhushan, however, said 'Swaraj Abhiyan' and 'Swaraj India' were separate entities and the former is not a political party.

"The point is whether the issue raised by a political party raises an issue of public interest. Swaraj Abhiyan has no political interest," he said, adding "if a political party files a petition which raises an issue of public interest and does not intend to gain any political mileage out of it, the courts should hear it".

The bench then asked Bhushan "how can the court separate it in parts, that this is for public interest and this is for interest of the political party?"

Responding to this, Bhushan said every act of a political party, if it is for public interest, should be appreciated and if it is not for public interest, courts can dismiss the plea.

The bench said a political party has a platform like Parliament or the state assembly where it can raise its voice on an issue.

To this, Bhushan said, "Merely because political party has a platform, it should not be stopped from doing it. Political parties should be encouraged for pursuing a PIL which is for public interest".

When the bench said that a political party can raise an issue in Parliament or assembly, he said they may not get redressal of their grievances there.

"If it (political party) uses court's platform to settle political scores, the court could see it," he said while referring to the issue of demonetisation raised by individuals as well as political parties.

However, the bench said since the issue of registration of 'Swaraj India' as political party was pending before the EC, it would wait for the poll panel's decision in the matter.

During the hearing, Rohatgi placed before the bench the minutes of November 9 meeting held under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, in which issue of framing of rules under the National Food Security Act was discussed.

The bench asked the Centre that constitution of state food commissions and the eligibility criteria of its members should be as per prescribed provisions of the National Food Security Act.

The apex court fixed the matter for further hearing on January 18 next year.

Earlier, the court had asked the Centre to release all outstanding and necessary funds for MNREGA scheme to the states and directed it to pay compensation for delayed wages to the farmers in drought-affected areas.

The PIL has alleged that parts of 12 states, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Haryana and Chhattisgarh were hit by drought and the authorities were not providing adequate relief.

The petitioners had claimed before court that directions given by the apex court in this matter were not complied with by the states.
Thiruvananthapuram: Banks and state treasuries in Kerala are witnessing heavy rush since morning with people queueing up to withdraw salaries and pensions.

State Finance Minister Thomas Issac said 42 treasuries in rural areas have not received any cash till 11.30 am.

The government had asked RBI to release Rs 153 crore for distribution of salaries and pension through the 222 treasuries in the state, but had received only Rs 75 crore till noon, he said adding treasuries in the urban areas were not facing much of a problem.

RBI had on Wednesday assured the state that Rs 1000 crore would be released for paying salaries and pension through banks. However, till noon only Rs 500 crore had been released, the Minister said.

In the state treasuries at the state capital, aged men and women could be seen waiting patiently for the treasury to open. An elderly woman, who had come to collect her pension, said she had come early to get her monthly pension of Rs 10,000.

"I have to get my pension today, out of which Rs 7000 has to be paid as house rent", she said.

Another pensioner, who reached the treasury at 4 AM, said they were solely dependent on pension for daily needs.

"All the earnings have been distributed to our children. Now we have only our meagre pension to fall back upon", she said wondering if they would be lucky enough to get their pension today, the first day of the salary after the Centre scrapped Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes last month.

State treasuries would be open till 6 PM today. Anticipating the heavy rush, Treasury Director had yesterday sought police protection for treasuries.

Issac, who visited some treasuries, said there was severe currency shortage. In Nedumangad in the outskirts of Thiruvananthapauram, since there was cash shortage, only Rs 5,000 was being distributed per person.

The Centre should release the balance amount today itself, he added.

No untoward incidents have been reported from any parts of the state so far, he said.

As people are panicky, they have been queueing up right from early morning to withdraw their salaries and pension, he said.

About Rs 3000 crore is needed every month to disburse salaries to government servants and pensioners in Kerala. The strength of salaried employees and pensioners in the state is five lakh each.
New Delhi: Breaking the Bofors jinx, India and the US on Wednesday inked a nearly Rs 5,000 crore deal for 145 M777 ultra-light howitzers, which will be mostly deployed near the borders with China.

This is the first deal for artillery guns since the Bofors scandal in 1980s. India has on Wednesday signed the Letter of Acceptance which formalises the contract between India and US for these guns, sources said. The deal for 145 American ultra-light howitzers, costing about Rs 5,000 crore was recently cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security. The deal was inked as atwo-day meeting of the 15thIndia-US Military Cooperation Group began here.

India-US MCG is a forum established to progress Defence Cooperation between HQ Integrated Defence Staff and US Pacific Command at the strategic and operational levels.

The meeting commenced with the US Co-Chair Lt Gen David H Berger, Commander US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific calling on Lt Gen Satish Dua, CISC, HQ IDS.

The MCG meeting is co-chaired by Air Marshal AS Bhonsle DCIDS (Operations), HQ IDS. A 260-member delegation from the US Defence Forces and several officers from the three Services HQ and HQ IDS representing the Indian side are attending the bilateral event.
New Delhi: A day after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Indigo flight from Patna to Kolkata was short of fuel and that there was a conspiracy to kill her, Indigo Airlines for blamed the Air Traffic Control, claiming it had misunderstood the information conveyed from the flight.

IndiGo flight from Patna to Kolkata had normal landing at Kolkata airport. The flight was kept on hold due to air traffic, the IndiGo statement further said.

Misinterpretation by ATC controller led him to instruct fire engines and ambulances to be stationed at Kolkata airport, the Indigo statement claimed.

It added that the flight captain did not declare a fuel priority or emergency, and that fuel on arrival was more than minimum diversion fuel.

The Trinamool Congress had alleged that the IndiGo flight with the Chief Minister on board hovered in the sky four over 30 minutes before landing at the NSCBI Airport in Kolkata as it was short on fuel.

However, the TMC went further and claimed that this was a conspiracy to end Mamata Banerjees life.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader and state Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, who was accompanying Banerjee in the flight alleged that even as the pilot announced 180 km away from Kolkata that the plane would land within five minutes, it ultimately touched down after over half an hour, "seriously inconveniencing the chief minister and other passengers".

"The pilot sought permission for landing from the ATC as the plane was flying short on fuel but the ATC kept the flight on hold," he alleged, adding that this was a conspiracy to eliminate Banerjee.

The issue rocked Parliament on Thursday with a united Opposition demanding that the government explain.

Security of Mamata Banerjee and other passengers is of serious concern, we are serious about it, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar responded. The government said a probe had been ordered into the incident.

MoS Jayant Sinha said that DGCA will probe into 3 flights to Kolkata including one carrying the West Bengal CM.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi addressing the media at Parliament house in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Delhi Police has begun a probe into the hacking of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account and has sought log details of his account from the microblogging site.

"A case has been registered by the Cyber Cell of Economic Offences Wing (EOW) under Section 66 of the IT Act. Twitter has been asked to provide details of log of the account for investigation purpose," said Deependra Pathak, Delhi Police spokesman and Joint Commissioner (SW range).

Also, Lt Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung has been briefed by the police regarding action being taken in this matter, said a senior officer.

Police said they were trying to locate the suspect by tracking the IP address used to break into the official account of the Congress leader.

Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing of the Police around 1 AM , the officer said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electronics and IT has started probe into the hacking. "We are probing the incident (hacking of Gandhi's account)," a MEITY official said.

Gandhi's official account on social media site Twitter was hacked on Wednesday night and again this morning. Miscreants posted some expletives-laden tweets, which were later deleted. The name of the verified Twitter handle "@OfficeOfRG" was also changed.

The official Twitter account of the Congress has also been hacked this morning and a string of unsavoury messages posted.

MEITY's cyber security arm Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) will investigate the matter. CERT-In has authority to collect information stored or communication carried out by any computer in the country for the purpose of cyber security.

Sources at Twitter said there was no security breach at their end, but the accounts may have been compromised through breach of e-mail.

They added that the company was contacted by Congress in the matter but it is yet to receive any communication from the government.

The Congress party has filed a complaint with the Cyber Cell of Delhi Police on the hacking of its Vice President's Twitter account.

"Hacking of @OfficeofRG proves lack of digital safety around each one of us. Every digital info can be accessed, altered, morphed and modified," Congress' Chief Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel tweeted, "Those forcing country to adopt online payment overnight, have they taken steps to ensure a/c of ordinary people will be immune from hacking?"
Kolkata: A private airline plane carrying West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hovered for over half an hour in the city sky before landing at the NSCBI Airport in Kolkata on Wednesday night, prompting Trinamool Congress to allege that it was a conspiracy to eliminate the party supremo.

"The flight took off from Patna at 7.35 pm, an hour behind schedule, and landed in Kolkata at shortly before 9 pm, after hovering over 30 minutes in the sky due to technical reasons," airport officials said, adding that such incident was nothing new in any airport.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader and state Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, who was accompanying Banerjee in the flight, however, took strong exception to "delayed permission from the ATC" for the flight to land and alleged that it was a conspiracy to eliminate the CM.

Hakim claimed that even as the pilot announced 180 km away from Kolkata that the plane would land within five minutes, it ultimately touched down after over half an hour, "seriously inconveniencing the chief minister and other passengers".

"The pilot sought permission for landing from the ATC as the plane was flying short on fuel but the ATC kept the flight on hold," he alleged.

"This is nothing but a conspiracy to kill our chief minister as she has raised voice against demonetisation and is touring the country to organise a mass movement against the anti-people decision," Hakim said.

When contacted, a senior ATC official said he was not aware of such incident.
Khalistan Liberation Force chief Harminder Singh Mintoo being produced at Patiala House court in New Delhi on Monday. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Self-styled chief of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) Harminder Singh Mintoo reportedly told interrogators about expansion plans of KLF through Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Days before the jailbreak, he had his last Skype chat with Pakistan handler Harmeet, a KLF militant who managed to flee to Pakistan, and is living in a safe house under protection of ISI at Dera Chall village in Lahore.

ISI had plans to bring militancy in Punjab through KLF under Mintoo's leadership, said sources.

Mintoo has base in countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and ISI had plans to bring back militancy through these sleeper cells said sources, adding that Mintoo made these contacts during 2009-14.

Germany based KLF sympathisers were sending money to Mintoo through Western Union Money Transfer.

On the day of jailbreak, on November 27, around lakhs of rupees were deposited in a bank account, which was supposed to be handed over to Mintoo by Shagun Sweets owner, who was arrested by the Punjab Police, but Mintoo managed to flee, so he couldn't get the money, said sources.

Sources said a KLF sympathiser, Sandeep, who is based in England, has also sent him money through Hawala channel. He was staying in Malaysia with a fake passport in the name of Bakshish Singh.

"Harminder has accepted of being a Mastermind of the jailbreak. Six months back, he first contacted an inmate Gurpreet Singh Sekhon, who later contacted Vicky to arrange his local criminals to wait for the day suitable for the attack. Parminder being close to Satnam Kaur, Daughter of KLF militant, was given responsibility to arrange the arms. The Punjab police are probing arms trail with assistance of UP police," saod sources.

Mintoo has revealed of having strong base in Goa. His family shifted to Goa in 1989 and raids are being carried out in Punjab to look for Satnam Kaur. Police teams will also be going to Goa to look for Mintoo's aide," sources added.
This year core engineering, research and development companies set to dominate the day one of the placement season.

Chennai: The annual recruitment drive at IIT Madras is set to begin on Thursday with more than 300 companies expressing their interest to recruit the students from the premier institute.

This year core engineering, research and development companies set to dominate the day one of the placement season. We have 308 companies registered for the placement interviews and they are coming for more than 420 job profiles. We expect at least 300 companies to participate in the recruitment as we have given them dates over next two weeks, said Professor Manu Santhanam, advisor, Training and Placement, IIT Madras.

This year 1,350 students have registered for the placement interviews.

Last year overall 400 companies have registered for placements. Although we had a lot of companies registered last year, only 216 companies have offered jobs. Because of the floods last year, several companies scheduled to come in December came only in January and some of them didnt come, he explained.

Nearly 25 companies are slotted for the day one of the placement season. The bigger names which come every year like Microsoft, Oracle and Samsung R and D are slotted for the day one of the placement.

After the withdrawal of offers by start-ups last year, there is generally a lack of interest among the students to join the start-up companies. No start-up company was listed on day one.

We have more than 70 start-up companies registered this year for the placements. All of them have confirmed their participation in the placement drive, Professor Manu Santhanam said.

Last year 129 start-ups have registered to participate in the recruitment process at IIT Madras. The All IIT Placement Committee (AIPC) had blacklisted 31 start-ups who had withdrawn their offers to the selected IIT students last year. It also banned them from participating in the recruitment process.

IIT Madras is keen to have public sector undertakings (PSU) for recruitment this year. At least seven public sector undertakings (PSUs) companies are expected to recruit the IIT Madras students.

Already three companies have recruited our students. Some four companies including HPCL, BPCL are scheduled for next two weeks. We expect some more in the next semester, he added. When asked about the interest of academic institutes to recruit the IIT students he said, Academic institutes would come all over the year to recruit the students and not specifically during this placement season.
Visakhapatnam Port Trust Deputy chairman P.L Haranadh presents a memento to Consul-General Krongkanit Rakcharoen and Consul (Commercial) Jittima Nakamano of Thailand in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.

Visakhapatnam: Thailand Consul- General Krongkanit Rakcharoen, and consul (commercial), Jittima Nakamano, along with the team visited Vizag port on Wednesday.

Vizag Port Trust (VPT) deputy chairman P.L. Haranadh explained the importance of Visakhapatnam port and the infrastructure facilities available.

Krongkanit Rakcharoen, informed that she was very much impressed with the Visakhapatnam port infrastructure and expressed their interest in doing business with the VPT.

This initiative aims to foster stronger ties between Thailand and India as well as strengthening business ties between the two countries at large and Visakhapatnam port in particular, said Mr Haranadh.
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court on Thursday made it clear that the crop losses in Kothapalem and Dornala villages in Jogulamba Gadwal district were not on account of an act of God or floods, but on account of lack of assessment and estimation by the irrigation department.

Justice S.V. Bhatt was dealing with a petition by Shankaramma and 50 others of both villages who held that their lands were submerged under the Gudemdoddi balancing reservoir. Justice Bhatt said that the state is fully responsible and must answer for the losses incurred by the farmers.

During earlier stages of the case, the Judge had directed the district collector to constitute a three-member committee, comprising irrigation and revenue authorities, to determine the extent of the lands submerged by the reservoir.

Authorities erred in determining compensation: Counsel

The Hyderabad High Court on Thursday made it clear that the crop losses in Kothapalem and Dornala villages in Jogulamba Gadwal district were not on account of an act of God or floods, but on account of lack of assessment and estimation by the irrigation department.

The judge said, This court declines to place the report of the district collector on record for the communication cannot be treated as a report or a decision taken by the collector, after accepting the report of the three-member committee on damage to the crops and agriculture infrastructure.

Senior counsel Sarasani Satyam Reddy, appearing for the petitioners, told the court that the authorities acted irresponsibly in determining the compensation.

The judge noted that the counsel for the respondent could not satisfy the court that GO MS No. 2, which pertains to disaster management compensation, was applicable in this case.

Granting time to counsel for the respondents to get instructions, the judge said that if the authorities did not file a comprehensive report by the next date of hearing, the court would proceed in the matter from the material placed on record by the executive engineer, irrigation. The case was posted to to December 8.
Vijayawada: The AP state Cabinet, which met at the Velagapudi Secretariat on Thursday, decided to allot 100 acres at the rate of Rs 50 lakh per acre in Amaravati to BR Shetty Group of Dubai to set up a medical university, a 1,000-bed hospital, medical equipment manufacturing unit, naturopathy centre and staff quarters with an investment of Rs 10,000 crore.

Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, I&PR minister Palle Raghunatha Reddy said that the Cabinet also decided to increase salaries of of 14 mayors, 14 deputy mayors, 715 corporators, 96 chairpersons, 96 vice-chairpersons and 2,450 councillors.

The wages of the mayor will be increased from Rs 14,000 to Rs 30,000 and deputy mayor from Rs 8,000 to Rs 20,000. The local bodies have to bear additional expenditure of Rs 6.52 crore with the increase in wages which cost Rs 15.86 crore.

The Cabinet decided to extend surety to get a loan of Rs 1,859 crore from Hudco or other agencies for Amaravati Metro Rail Corporation, to take forward the project. The Metro rail project in Vijayawada costs Rs 7,212 Crore including `829.50 crore equity each from Union and state governments.

The Cabinet also approved the draft Bill to bring amendment to AP Infrastructure Development Enabling Act 2001 to attract more investments from private sector.

The Cabinet also decided to allot 200 acres to Apollo Tyres Limited at Chinapanduru of Varadayapalem mandal in Chittoor to set up a modern tyre factory. It also decided to extend guarantee to provide cash credit facility to APCO to purchase clothes at a cost of Rs 52.48 crore and yarn at Rs 5.84 crore from 2016-17 to 2018-19. The Cabinet decided to sanction and upgrade 195 posts in three departments, Mr Reddy said.
New Delhi: A row erupted on Thursday over West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees IndiGo flight being made to hover over Kolkata after the plane was reportedly low on fuel and it echoed in Parliament where Trinamul alleged threat to her life while the Centre asserted no one was in danger.

IndiGo on Thursday contradicted the governments statement  that one of its flights from Patna carrying West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had reported a fuel shortage over Kolkata  saying that no fuel emergency had been reported by the pilot mid-air.

The airline further said that the Kolkata Air Traffic Control had misunderstood information communicated by the pilot. In the Rajya Sabha, Jayant Sinha said, At no point was anybody's life at risk or danger. All safety procedures were fully followed.
Angry bank customers protest in front of a bank at Kanchanbagh by stopping the vehicles and demanding that the officials address their problems. (Photo: P. Surendra)

Hyderabad: The first payday since the demonetisation led to protests, clashes and attacks on bank staff in Hyderabad. On Thursday, as there was no separate queue lines being maintained at many branches for pensioners and government employees, they lined up to withdraw parts of their salary / pension along with other citizens and were stuck in queues for hours.

Many parts of the city, including the IT Corridor and Telangana state Secretariat, witnessed cash-strapped people queuing up outside banks and ATMs to withdraw money. Despite standing in line for hours, many had not succeeded in withdrawing money as many banks had run out of cash within the first hour.

The exasperated public put up roadblocks and protests at Saroornagar, Santhosh-nagar, Malakpet, Dilsukh-nagar, Saleemna-gar near Moosarambagh and a few parts of Old City.

Bankers face acute shortage of notes, says association

The first payday since de-monetisation led to prot-ests, clashes and attacks on bank staff in the city. Bankers said that some people attacked a bank manager in Malakpet. Malakpet ACP Ch. Sudh-akar said that no such incident has been reported with Malakpet police.

Public anger was on show at banks like ICICI Bank at Shivam Road, SBH at Chandrayangutta, SBI at Moosarambagh and Secunderabad, etc as they announced that only less than Rs 4,000 would be given as cash. Customers at ICICI Bank Shivam Road argued with the staff angrily.

All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) general secretary Ch. Venkatachalam said that there was an acute shortage of cash at banks and at ATMs and bankers had only 25 per cent cash.

AIBEA secretary B.S. Rambabu said that the customers who lost their patience began abusing bank staff. Bankers are not getting sufficient cash and we urged the IBA to make necessary arrangements in the view of payday, he said.

South Zone DCP V. Satyanarayana said that there was no complaint received from bankers on attacks. At a few places angry bank customers held protests and we have convinced them to withdraw the protest, he said.
You are here: Top 10

Wang Qicheng and Wu Yan, a couple, topped the list of Richest Self-made Chinese Under 40 with 24.5 billion yuan (US$3.55 billion), according to a recent ranking released by Hurun.net.

The ranking, together with another list - Richest Billionaires Who Inherited Their Wealth  are two sub-lists of the Hurun Rich List 2016.

The richest Chinese under 40 are mostly successful in the industry of information technology. 30-year-old Duan Wei is the youngest self-made entrepreneur on the list.

Beijing features the most the number of self-made billionaires, with 7 people total, followed by Shanghai and Shenzhen with 5 and 4 billionaires, respectively.

Wang Yue









Wealth:7 billion yuan (US$1.02 billion)

Wealth change:newcomer

Company:Kingnet.com

Age:33




While jostling and arguments were reported from many places, police caned the people in Anantapur.

GUNTUR/VIJAYAWADA/ VISHAKAPATNAM: Public anger at the unavailability of cash in banks and ATMs took the form of protests in AP. While jostling and arguments were reported from many places, police caned the people in Anantapur.

Locals of Amaravati Capital Region, frustrated over the absence of cash at Andhra Bank and State Bank of Hyderabad branches at Mandadam, squatted on the main road.

Closed ATMs and cashless banks turned it into a pain day for the public.

Most banks failed to provide adequate cash to salaried employees on the first day of the month in AP forcing employees and others to spend four to six hours at banks for currency notes.

In Vishakhapatnam most of the ATMs continued to remain dry due to lack of cash. Those who wanted to withdraw salaries on Thursday had a tough time. In Vijayawada too it was a tough time for pensioners, employees and bankers.

Locals of the Amaravati Capital Region including farmers, employees and workers came to the said two banks at Mandadam to withdraw money but found no money available at the banks. Bank officials expressed their inability to give money which angered them. They squatted on the Amaravati-Vijayawada main road. The police came to the banks and tried to pacify them but in vain.

Guntur rural SP, K. Narayana Naik rushed to the spot and asked protestors to end the agitation which stopped traffic on the Amaravati road. The public claimed that they were unable to meet their familys needs due to the absence of liquid cash and announced continuation of protest till the banks arranged for cash.

Mr Naik contacted bank officials who sent currency from the banks at the Temporary Secretariat Velagapudi to Mandadam. The two banks then provided Rs 4,000 to each account holder.

Banks and ATMs in Vijayawada witnessed huge crowds and police commissioner Gautam Sawang monitored the situation. Karnataka Bank manager Sudheer said We expect to receive cash within two days.

DGP apologises for police action

AP DGP N. Sambasiva Rao apologised to the public for the police behaving badly with the people standing in the queue at banks. He was interacting with the people standing in queues at banks in Guntur.

Mentioning a lathi charge at Ananthapur, he said the incident was very sad and apologised to the public on behalf of the police. He visited SBI main branch and inquired about the difficulties of the public. He suggested that police provide water and buttermilk to the public standing in queues with the help of NGOs.
New Delhi: India said on Thursday that it would never accept continued terrorism as the new normal of the bilateral relationship with Pakistan, adding talks cannot take place in such an atmosphere.

The firm stand came even as sources said the Pakistan PMs adviser on foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz, may meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4 at the Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar when the Pakistani delegation calls on Mr Modi as per protocol there.

Speculation is also rife that there may be an informal meeting on the sidelines there between Mr. Aziz and Union finance minister Arun Jaitley.

On Tuesday, seven soldiers were killed and six others wounded as terrorists stormed an Army camp in Jammus Nagrota, while the Border Security Force killed three militants in the regions Samba district.
Hyderabad: A 23 year old student of Osmania PG College went missing a week ago. Police registered a case on Wednesday.

According to Police, Pedhagoni Mounika, hailing from Nalgonda district is studying MA economics II year in Osmania University and is residing in the college hostel in the campus. Last Sunday she called her mother Pushpalatha and informed that she was coming home.

Late in the evening, when she did not reach home, her family called her on the mobile, but it was switched off. After searching in all prospective locations to find her, her brother in law P Upender came to the hostel and found that she left hostel last Saturday. He lodged a complaint with Osmania University Police and a missing case was registered.

 We are verifying the details and for clues in all angles. Based on the evidence we will proceed. Investigating officials said.
Hyderabad: Activities in government offices were badly hit on Thursday as employees made a beeline to banks to withdraw the Rs 10,000 cash that was disbursed as part of salary for this month.

Employees had to wait in queues for hours together to draw salary leaving their work. At the Secretariat, hundreds of employees waited in long queues since morning to draw cash.

Though there are two banks at the Secretariat, only one bank could disburse cash while the other bank closed counters as there was no cash supply from RBI. This resulted in hundreds of employees queuing up the State Bank of Hyderabad, the only bank functioning.

They stood in long queues throughout the day to obtain cash due to which all the offices at Secretariat wore a deserted look. Even activities in offices of Heads of Departments (HoDs) and commissionerates located across the city were adversely affected with employees busy obtaining cash from banks throughout the day. Senior officials could not ask staff to resume duties as they have been complaining of cash crunch since past three weeks.

Following repeated requ-ests made by Telangana employees associations to disburse at least Rs 10,000 from their salary in cash this month to meet emergency needs, the government had agreed to do so. The employees said they would find it difficult to withdraw cash from banks and ATMs if their entire salary was credited in bank accounts as before. There was even more demand to secure the cash as the bank provided it in lower denominations.

Employees said they got only Rs 2000 notes from banks and ATMs earlier but they served no purpose with no one accepting them due to problem of change.

I came to the bank at 10 am. There was already a long queue. I had to wait in queue for four hours to obtain cash. Since, they are giving lower denomination notes, I had no option but to wait and obtain them. We are getting only `2000 notes outside, which serves no purpose, said B. Mallikarjun, an employee of municipal department.
Hyderabad: The TRS on Thursday questioned AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his family over the source of funds to acquire 258 Big Bazaar outlets by investing Rs 846 crore when people are struggling for small amounts of money due to demonetisation.

The party also said that it is against stalling of Parliament by the Opposition parties over demonetisation and insisted that a discussion take place on demonetisation and it after effects.

TRS MLA G. Kishore questioned the source of funds for Mr Naidu and his son Nara Lokesh. Its really shocking they acquired 258 Big Bazaar outlets investing `846 crore when the common man is struggling to get `1,000. What is the source? Is it black money? Fake notes? Naidu should come clean and reveal the sources of funds. Let TD leaders talk about this, Mr Kishore said.

In New Delhi, TRS Floor leader in the Lok Sabha A.P. Jitender Reddy requested the Speaker to ensure discussion on demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and the fallout that has put common man to immense hardships due to acute shortage of new currency notes.

Please ensure a discussion on demonetisation and problems that arose subsequently. Let the ruling and Opposition parties dont hold Parliament to ransom for their prestige but ensure smooth conduct of the House, he told the Lok Sabha.
New Delhi: A doctor at a reputed private hospital in south Delhi has been directed by state consumer commission to pay Rs 15 lakh compensation to the son of a woman, who died at the age of 22 due to negligence during her caesarean operation in 1993.

The state commission bench, presided by its member N P Kaushik, directed doctor Sadhna Kala to pay the amount to the deceased woman's son Deepanshu Mishra and other family members including her father Uday Kant Jha and husband Uma Shanker Mishra.

"Facts speak for themselves. I am, therefore, left with no option but to hold that it was the negligence on the part of Sadhna Kala that led to the death of a 22-year-old, hale and hearty young girl," the bench said.

According to the complaint filed by Jha, his daughter Anjana Mishra was admitted to Moolchand Khairati Ram Hospital here, on April 12, 1993, for delivery.

The complaint alleged that the doctor performed C-section operation due to certain complexity and it resulted in profuse bleeding.

It further alleged that the condition of the young mother got worse during the following days and she was kept on artificial breathing. She was diagnosed with jaundice after the bleeding due to which her liver stopped functioning.

It said the doctor consulted other experts about the woman's health but on April 22, 1993, she passed away.

The doctor had denied negligence on her part and said a healthy baby was born on April 12, 1993.

She had also submitted that jaundice was in a pre-clinical stage and there were no apparent outward symptoms which could have been noticed by the doctor.
According to a DVAC official, a case of amassing wealth disproportionate to his known source of income has been registered against Mr Jayaraman.

Chennai: Sleuths from the directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption on Tuesday unearthed Rs 25.68 lakh in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations during searches at premises across the state belonging to a retired chief engineer of TN highway department. The searches originated on a complaint from the Anti-Corruption Movement Chennai. All the cash seized were in demonetised notes.

Searches were carried out at the house of K. Jayaraman, retired chief engineer, construction and maintenance wing of TN highways, at KK Nagar in Chennai, another house and a commercial complex in Fair Lands in Salem, besides an engineering college in Ullundurpet in Villupuram.

According to a DVAC official, a case of amassing wealth disproportionate to his known source of income has been registered against Mr Jayaraman. His income from the year 2007 to 2016 was scrutinised and found that he had been amassing wealth by corrupt ways, disclosed an officer.

A complaint from V.R. Chandran, general secretary of Anti-Corruption Movement, Chennai, alleged that the retired officer possesses disproportionate wealth worth over Rs 37 crore.

He had been preparing bogus bills for sign boards which are not actually fixed, inflating the cost of various items in road project estimates, violating the tender transparency act to his advantage, executing sub-standard works and diverting government fund allotted for plan works to non-plan works with a motive to defraud the government to benefit himself, the complaint said.

Jayaraman joined the department in 1981 and retired nine months ago. The complaint also contained a dossier on properties held by his wife, son and daughter. It also details of possible expense on education and marriage of his children.
New Delhi: Hitting out at Congress, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said that the opposition party was not allowing Parliament to function even after the Prime Minister attended the House and accused it of "shying" away from debate as it has run out of facts and issues.

The Information and Broadcasting Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House for the third day as he wanted to participate in the debate but the Opposition, particularly Congress, behaved "irresponsibly" by rushing to the Well of the House.

He accused the Congress of trying to mislead the people but all these things are "boomeranging" on it.

Although the Houses of Parliament witnessing hardly any work since the Winter Session began mid-November, Naidu expressed confidence that all pending bills will get passed during this session.

"The Opposition particularly Congress totally stands exposed. They were saying that PM is not coming to the House and not participating in debate and accused him of giving lectures outside Parliament.

"This is the third day that PM came to Parliament. He wanted to participate in the debate. We (govt) have also made our intention clear, the PM will not only be present, he will intervene as and when required. At the end, the Finance Minister will reply to the debate," Naidu said.

He said the Congress was alone in the House today as other parties did not join them in the Well of the House.

"The cat is out of the bag, they have run out of arguments. They are shying away from the debate as they have no issue. They have been exposed. They started creating 'hungama'. At the end of the day, in the presence of the PM, the House was adjourned.

"So it clearly proves they have been trying to change the goal post from time to time. By bringing out some reasons or the other, they do not want debate to happen or House to function. They do not have any facts," he said.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day after Opposition uproar, demanding apology by the PM for certain remarks made against them over demonetisation while the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day due to unabated opposition protests over the same issue.

Asked when the pending bills would be taken up with only a few days left for this session to end and what was the way forward, Naidu expressed confidence that all bills would get passed.

"You should ask this question to Mallikarjun Kharge, Ghulam Nabi Azad (of Congress) and also the parties which are coming to the Well. We are well within our right. We are saying debate, discuss and decide. They are saying we will not allow. How can I say on their behalf. But as a former parliamentary affairs minister, I am still confident, all the bills will be passed," he told reporters.

He said that when the House reassembled at 2 PM today, the agenda item was on the issue of remonetisation. "The PM was present. Why Congress did not allow the debate. They again came to the Well of the House and started making irresponsible comments and raising slogans against the PM," he said.

He said after the PM came to Rajya Sabha in the morning, he himself stood up and said that since the PM is here, either the question hour or the debate should start.

He said that the chair asked the House whether it wanted debate or question and the Congress said they did not want question hour. He said that he had said yes when the chair asked him if the government was willing to debate.

"The Congress did not cooperate. They came to the Well of the House, created 'hungama' and did not allow the debate to go on. When the House reassembled, they again created 'hungama', they criticised the leader of the House, then they attacked deputy chairman, made sarcastic and defamatory comments against the chair which were expunged.

"It is a pitiable situation to see the chair has to expunge the remarks. Entire House should have come together to condemn this but Congress leader P Chidambaram came to the defence of Jairam Ramesh," he said.

He said that the Congress party should have a clear stand over the step of demonetisation taken by the Prime Minister, either they are with it or not. "If you are (in its favour) then say it. If there are shortcomings in it, say that as well," he said.

"They want to show the House in a poor light. They are thinking they are showing the government in poor light. They are getting exposed," he said.
Primary healthcare in most Indian states is in shambles. This is despite a national flagship programme, National Rural Health Mission, having run for more than a decade and having pumped public investments of over Rs 1.3 lakh crores from 2005-06 to 2014-15. NRHM, which was aimed at strengthening government health delivery system in rural areas with a focus on the primary care, was launched in 2005 with much fanfare and hope. Then, the commitment of the Central political leadership to the health sector was high; and so were ambitions. Those ambitions were backed by greater availability of public funding which was made possible by faster economy growth. NRHM repacked many Central programmes such as reproductive and child health, immunisation, contraception, training, etc. as well as supported many new activities such as training of new cadre of health workers, upgradation of public health facilities, constitution of patient welfare committees, etc.  all in a flexible, decentralised manner.

Despite all this, a special health survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation in 2014 reports that only 28 per cent of total non-hospitalised cases in rural areas are actually treated by public health facilities. This implies that a vast majority of rural folks needing non-hospitalised care actually end up going to private providers, paying out of their pockets at the point of care. It is no surprise that 60 per cent of total healthcare expenditure in India is private expenditure and most of it is out-of-pocket, with pernicious effects on the finances of poorer households. One big lesson that emerged from the experience of NRHM is that the states have to be in drivers seat in prioritising, designing, financing and implementing the primary care agenda. The Central government can at best provide some financial incentives and technical guidance to states that prioritise the primary care. But a call to strengthen the primary care is that of states.

The legacy of a weak primary healthcare system in the country could be considered as an opportunity to move to an innovative, low-cost care delivery model, which is made possible due to technological innovations. For example, tele-consultation, tele-medicine and tele-radiology have the potential to overcome access barriers, economise on the scarcer factors such as doctors by reducing patients need to have face-to-face encounter with doctors, improve patient satisfaction and so forth. To give another example, a trained nurse, guided by computer algorithms, can be made capable to evaluate and prescribe drugs for certain conditions. Similarly, technology can be deployed in many other ways to strengthen accountability, bring transparency, make field workers more effective and so forth. A transformative, low-cost model has to integrate various innovative pieces into developing a robust primary care system that also addresses the emerging non-communicable disease burden among population.

A primary care system ought to be the first point of contact for all medical needs (preventive, promotive and curative care) of the population, and need to serve as the referral point. What is needed is a few states taking a big leap in this direction. The states that move first will need to pilot a few low-cost care delivery models in order to discover an appropriate model that can be taken to scale. Those states need to increase their health spending, which is woefully low at present, is a well-known fact. It is in the Central governments own interest to see the states prioritise primary healthcare as that will help the country meet its health-related commitment under sustainable development goals. Further, when the Central government is strengthening the tertiary care in the country by setting up new AIIMS hospitals as well as new cancer institutes, a robust primary care is also needed from the health system efficiency perspective  to mitigate the flow of patients to hospitals by catching them early. So even in the primary healthcare, the Central government does have a role: to ensure that at least a few states prioritise primary healthcare. Once a few states have taken the lead in redesigning their primary care delivery system, the pulls and pressures that usually accompany any development process, will necessitate the lagging states to follow suit and also benefit from cross-learnings.
Regardless of whether Prime Minister Narendra Modis shock therapy on the Indian economy garners electoral support for him or not, he is assured of immortality in Indian history. Opinion polls and surveys, from the one conducted by Mr Modis personal app to those conducted by the media, provide skewed indication of the peoples mood. The decision to scrap Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes has been presented by the government as an essential step to snuff out black money. Mr Modis drive against Indias shadow economy has been exhibited as a moral crusade because besides being unfair to law-abiding citizen, clandestine wealth prevents the State from undertaking anti-poverty and development programmes. As a result, even those believed to be hoarders of undisclosed income and tax evaders have lavishly praised Mr Modis move, at least in public. Consequently, barring Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati and Arvind Kejriwal, no one has the gumption to demand a rollback and be labelled an advocate of the corrupt. Mr Modi has indisputably polarised India between the corrupt and honest.

This is not the first time that a leader has attempted to ride on morally (policy-wise) correct issues for political benefit. Indira Gandhi aggressively adopted population control but the coercive nature of the sterilisation programme backfired and was instrumental in her eviction from office. Last winter, Arvind Kejriwal acted egotistically and enforced the odd-even scheme, again on an issue that had assumed alarming proportions. Economists of repute have contended that Mr Modis unplanned action will not siphon out great amounts of black money, but will heap great misery on people and deal a body blow to the economy. Demonetisation is thereby not intended for its stated objectives but is part of a bigger package that is just beginning to reveal itself. The jolt to the economy from the step has preceded an equal blow  Goods and Service Tax. If the government succeeds in securing passage of the three supporting bills for GST, it will be in a position to roll out the biggest indirect tax reform yet by its April 1, 2017, deadline. This would be a double whammy for the economy because even before it stages a recovery from the setbacks triggered by demonetisation, the new tax regime will trigger greater slowdown.

The introduction of GST will result in huge job losses as the informal sector, which has so far not paid most taxes, will be particularly hit as promoters question the raison detre of remaining in business after paying full taxes that would cut their profits significantly. Not just small operations in the informal sector but even the bigger ones, like SMEs, will be badly affected as business may become unviable for them because of the rise in cost of business. The predicament for the government stems from the informal sector employing almost five times more people than the formal sector. The first policy thrust became evident within days of demonetisation when the government launched the campaign for going cashless. The objective of the massive push towards cashless transactions is not just to overcome the immediate crisis of inadequate currency. But the drive has to be seen as a way to move towards ensuring transparency in businesses with the aim of reducing tax evasion.

Prominence being given to the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) makes it appear that it is an initiative of this government. The National Payments Corporation of India, which powers the interface, was founded and promoted by the RBI in 2008. Though UPI was launched in April this year, work on it was under way. NPCI, it may be recalled, launched RuPay, the indigenous card payment network competing with international card companies, in May 2014, more than a week before the 2014 Lok Sabha results were announced and the Narendra Modi government came to power. Giving boost to cashless transactions may be a precursor to making it mandatory for all wages  above a certain limit  to be paid by cheque or bank transfer. It is foreseeable that in future cash salaries will be disallowed as expenses in income-tax returns. However, Mr Modi cannot prioritise targeting black money, as the bigger political challenge is to ensure jobs for those rendered unemployed in major production centres and, most importantly, in the real estate sector.

The launch of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana along with a cess and fund for taxing amounts of undisclosed income being deposited somewhat addresses this crisis. In the bill amending the income-tax law, the government declared that money collected under the PM Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme will be utilised for the schemes of irrigation, housing, toilets, infrastructure, primary education, primary health, livelihood, etc., so that there is justice and equality. Providing jobs to lakhs of workers  skilled and unskilled  in welfare programmes over the next couple of years will be a tall order. Because Mr Modi famously quipped that he did not believe that the government had any business to be in business, it can be safely assumed that state-funded welfare programmes for the poor will be executed by private players in the organised sector. The government has also hinted that it is considering a universal basic income scheme. We can expect either a formal launch or a statement of intention within the next few months.

The decision is clearly motivated by electoral considerations and aimed at winning working class votes. Mr Modis steps undoubtedly tighten screws on the informal sector, including the politically-significant trading community. Amendments to employees insurance and provident fund regulations to extend coverage of these schemes would enable Mr Modi to further expand his core constituency and reach out to the last man in the line. Efficient execution of planned welfare programmes will be central to Mr Modis drive to evolve his party from being a trader-based organisation with the middle class as its core constituency. Mr Modi considers the telecom sector as a key driver of his programmes. Like telcos, he is aiming to target the ABCDs (ayah, bai, carpenter, driver), because unless his section votes for him, his electoral hold on India will surely weaken. But before that he must find immediate ways to ease the currency crisis, or else his political plan will remain stillborn.
 Flash

The Chinese and Hungarian governments have announced a new visa policy to help business people traveling between the two countries.

Under the new program, business travellers will be able to get their visa within one working day.

Chinese tourists should be able to have their visa applications processed within two days.

The new policy is part of a series of agreements Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has been working on with his Hungarian counterpart as part of a working group set up to coordinate policy through the "Belt and Road" initative.

"The bilateral working group is an important platform to implement cooperation. We hope that all the members of our working group will prepare and coordinate, establish the cooperation strategy in various sectors, as well as set next goals for China and Hungarian bilateral cooperation in promoting the "One Belt One Road" initiative in the future," says Wang.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto says the "Belt and Road" program fits in well with Hungary's development policies.

"The Hungarian government initiated in 2010 a policy to develop and open up to the East. This policy combines really well with China's "One Belt One Road" initiative - these two policies are complementary," says the Hungarian official.

Hungary has been tapped as a logistics hub in the "Belt and Road" initiatives for Chinese trade moving into western Europe.
An FIR was registered and investigations ordered into the hacking involving the Twitter handles of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party. The Congress has even accused some ruling party members of a role in the conspiracy, as Internet users had fun trolling the party vice-president. The two Twitter accounts are suspected to not have the additional security features the platform offers, and its also possible the hackers accessed the email IDs linked to the accounts. What this episode reveals is how little we bother about cybersecurity, particularly key personalities, political parties and celebrities, who should be far smarter about it than millions of ordinary users. To have politicised the issue without a moments thought may be attributed to the former ruling partys sensitivity being somewhat reduced in todays circumstances.

Hacking is a dark art and a major digital evil of modern times, with individuals, companies, governments and nation states on the Internet. While 10-year-old autistic kids are known to possess the wherewithal to hack into so-called secure sites in the United States and Europe, there are also specialists who do the job in a more sinister way, including in covertly interfering with the election of the US President. Instead of raving about a spreading fascist culture, the Congress and its key leader would have been better advised to spend a little money and thought on making their footprint on the Internet a little more secure. Anyones digital safety can be compromised and its not only Indians who are under threat. Its time everyone pays a lot more heed to cybersecurity.
The gurus leisurely and unhurried lifestyle inspired his disciples. When asked about his cool conduct, hed say, I just dont have the time to hurry. During these days of Advent  from the Latin adventus, meaning arrival  in preparation for Christmas, Christians are exhorted to slow down, be aware, stay awake and wait.

The Advent motif of waiting on God has myriad meanings in the Bible. On a seemingly passive note, waiting on God requires patience, resignation, submission and acceptance of a less-than-ideal current state. The psalmist writes: Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.

Second, waiting can be a test of faith, a trust in God rather than in human means. Third, waiting on God can be pregnant with hope and expectancy. To wait is to anticipate that God will, indeed, act: It is for you, O Lord, that I wait; it is you, O God, who will answer.

Truly, God is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks God. Finally, waiting can also refer to the end-times pictured as waiting for a new heaven and a new earth.

Francis Gonsalves is a professor of theology. He can be contacted at fragons@gmail.com
Humbleness is a virtue that is the essence of good moral character. The Quran constantly reminds people to be humble. Call upon your Lord with humility and in private. Verily, He does not love transgressors. Allah tells us not to walk proudly on the earth. His words in the Quran repeatedly praise those with humility and label those without humility as the heedless who do not recognise the signs and Majesty of God. When Muslims prostrate on the earth to offer their ritual prayers five times a day, they are demonstrating their humility before their Creator. However, its not just the outward appearance, but about the internal essence of realising that we are nothing before God. When we touch our forehead to the ground, its the most humbling of human positions. It is a constant reminder that we are created from the earth by the will of God and we shall return to Him when He wills.

The famous ninth century Sufi scholar Imam Junaid of Baghdad said that the first thing that spiritual Masters should teach their disciples is to recognise ones own signs of arrogance and how to treat it in them in themselves. Practicing humility is a way of connecting with the divinity in ourselves and dissolving self centredness. Arrogance is a sign of a spiritually diseased heart. Prophet Muhammad famously said, No one will enter paradise if they have an atoms weight of arrogance in their hearts. There are different kinds of arrogance. The first is when a person deems himself superior to others. The second type of arrogance is displayed in a person who shows contempt of others. The third is when people think they are born superior and are arrogant of their lineage.

Arrogance is the characteristic of Satan, for when God created Adam and commanded all the angels and Jinns to prostrate before him, Satan refused saying, I am better than me. You created him from clay and me from fire. This claim of superiority and failure of Satan to follow Gods command led to his being thrown out of Paradise and being condemned to the eternal fire. Sometimes people of knowledge are in greater danger of arrogance because they may feel superior to others on account of their knowledge. The villains of history have been those filled with false pride and arrogance. The Quran clearly states that the only rank that eventually matters is marked by the relationship that one has with God. On the subject of humility, Mevlana Rumi writes:

When a seed falls on the ground,

it germinates, grows and becomes a tree,

if you understand these symbols,

youll follow us, and fall to the ground, with us.
Halogens include elements such as chlorine and fluorine. Tennessine's symbol on the Periodic Table will be Ts.

The superheavy element 117 has been officially named "tennessine" - about six years after its discovery was first reported.

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) - which validates the existence of newly discovered elements and approves their official names - gave its final approval to the name "tennessine" following a year-long process.

The IUPAC and the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics announced verification of the existence of the superheavy element 117 last year, more than five years after scientists first reported its discovery in April 2010.

Superheavy elements, which do not occur naturally, are synthesised by exposing a radioisotope target to a beam of another specific isotope.

In theory, the nuclei will in rare cases combine into a "superheavy" and heretofore unknown element. In tennessine's case, the atomic recipe for element 117 required the berkelium-249 target. Over a year-long campaign, US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory produced and then shipped the 22 milligrammes of berkeleium-249 to Russia, where the experiment that would yield element 117 was carried out with a heavy-ion cyclotron at Russia's Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR).

After six months of relentless bombardment with a calcium-48 beam, researchers had detected six atoms in which the nuclei of the calcium and berkelium had fused to create element 117. Subsequent experiments confirmed the results.

"The discovery of tennessine is an example of the potential that can be realised when nations come together to lend their unique capabilities toward a scientific vision," said ORNL's Jim Roberto, who helped put together the element 117 US-Russia collaboration with JINR's Yuri Oganessian.

The name tennessine was chosen in recognition of the contributions of the US state of Tennessee to the discovery, including the efforts of collaborators at Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee.

The specific spelling of tennessine was chosen because the new element is classified as a halogen, a type of element that by convention ends in the suffix "-ine."

Halogens include elements such as chlorine and fluorine. Tennessine's symbol on the Periodic Table will be Ts.

The discovery of superheavy elements, which typically exist for only fractions of seconds, is driven by a quest for the long-predicted "island of stability," in which new elements beyond the existing Periodic Table may survive for exceptionally long periods of time, opening up new and useful vistas of physics and chemistry.

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These apps are reviewed by Google and an independent third-party security firm to make sure that the solutions are safe and reliable, and meet Google's requirements for high quality integrations.

Zohos online invoicing software, Zoho Invoice has been selected by Google and is now officially part of the 'Recommended for G Suite' program.

Zoho Invoice for G Suite program is designed to help G Suite customers identify apps that work best with G Suite, such as Zoho Invoice that tightly integrates with G Suite apps like Gmail and Google Drive. These apps are reviewed by Google and an independent third-party security firm to make sure that the solutions are safe and reliable, and meet Google's requirements for high quality integrations.

Zoho Invoice with all its features is free for businesses with 25 customers or less. Get unlimited access to Zoho Invoice features for Rs 2099/organization/year.

Highlights of Zoho Invoice and G Suite Integration

Single signon: Sign-on to Zoho Invoice with Google credentials to provide access to accounts.

Add contacts from G Suite: Import new contacts and users to Zoho Invoice from G.

View emails from Gmail: View emails in Zoho Invoice. Associate emails from customers to Gmail to customer transactions in Zoho Invoice.

Save files with Google Drive: Save files, documents, backups and attach them to invoices in Zoho Invoice, all from Google Drive.

Work with the Android Platform: Download the Zoho Invoice app on the android phone, import contacts from Google Sheet into the app in a click and start invoicing on the go.

Key Features of Zoho Invoice

Generate estimates: Send professional estimates to customers and know when they get accepted. Convert estimates to invoices in one click of a button.

Instant invoicing: Users can create and send invoices and can also setup recurring profiles to send out invoices at specified times.

Online payments: Zoho Invoice integrates with online payment gateways. Users can pick a payment gateway of their choice to get paid faster online.

Track expenses: Bill reimbursable expenses and track where money is spent so business owners can stay on top of their expenses.

Time tracking: Zoho Invoice allows users to manage multiple projects and track time for them. Users can track time daily or weekly and bill them to their clients instantly.

Payment reminders: Set payment reminders on auto-pilot and chase outstanding invoices.

Multi-currency: With Zoho Invoice, users can invoice customers in any currency.

Invoice supports multi-currency transactions.

Customisable invoice templates: Right from invoice name, header, footer, labels, font and color - every bit in the invoice is customisable.

Reports: Zoho Invoice supports 30+ reports with advanced filters for each, so users can drill down to the tiniest detail. Reports can also be scheduled to be sent to the inbox at specified time.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
Rocket fire in Aleppo hits two neighbourhoods in the west of the city, with one of the attacks striking a school. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP)

United Nations: Parties to the Syrian conflict have systematically disregarded the laws of war, showing time and again that they are willing to do anything to gain military advantage, the UN humanitarian chief has said.

Speaking via video-link from Geneva, Stephen O'Brien on Wednesday told an emergency meeting of the Security Council that nowhere more apparent than in the besieged city of eastern Aleppo with nearly a quarter of million people trapped inside.

"There are no limits or red lines left to cross. The rules of war sacrosanct notions borne out of generations of costly and painful lessons and set more than 150 years ago in the First Geneva Convention have been systematically disregarded in Syria," O'Brien said.

O'Brien said some 25,000 people, most of them women and children, have been displaced from their homes since Saturday and that it is likely thousands more will flee in the coming days as Syrian forces step up their attack.

He said there was no longer any properly functioning hospital in eastern Aleppo, which has been under siege for nearly 150 days and that most of the people trapped inside don't have the means to survive much longer.

He called on the Syrian government to allow the UN and its humanitarian partners unrestricted access to deliver food and medical aid.

Steffan de Mistura told the council that over the last two weeks, government forces have recaptured almost 40 percent of the area in Aleppo previously held by opposition groups forcing thousands to flee.

He said that his office has received credible reports of opposition groups preventing civilians from fleeing areas under their control. Also, he expressed concern that many fleeing the city, who are perceived to have links to the opposition, were being detained by government forces.
The flag-covered urn, which rested under a glass case on a small olive-green trailer, arrived in Santa Clara after midnight and entered a complex with a mausoleum and museum dedicated to Guevara. (Photo: AP)

Santa Clara: Fidel Castro's ashes were taken on Thursday to a symbolic reunion with his fallen comrade-in-arms Ernesto "Che" Guevara in Santa Clara, the first stop in the late Cold War titan's last trip across Cuba.

After two days of tributes in Havana, hundreds of thousands of flag-waving Cubans lined the streets to bid farewell as a military jeep began a four-day journey on Wednesday morning with the cedar urn in tow.

Crowds chanted "I am Fidel!" as the convoy started retracing the victory tour that Castro's guerrilla took in 1959 to celebrate their defeat of US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista.

The flag-covered urn, which rested under a glass case on a small olive-green trailer, arrived in Santa Clara after midnight and entered a complex with a mausoleum and museum dedicated to Guevara.

"It's a historic meeting, two comandantes who change the history of Cuba and humanity," said Agnier Sanchez, a 33-year-old medical imaging technician.

A somber guitar, song and dance show played across a giant statue of Guevara as the "caravan of freedom" paused a third of the way into its 950-kilometer (590-mile) trek across the island.

The convoy will resume on Thursday morning, heading to other cities before a final ceremony on Sunday in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba, where Castro's ashes will be laid to rest next to 19th century independence hero Jose Marti.

Cubans were observing the fifth of nine days of mourning for Castro following his death on Friday at age 90. Castro ruled from 1959 until an illness forced him to hand power to his brother Raul in 2006.

Dissidents call Castro a dictator who jailed opponents but others in Cuba praise his legacy of providing free education and health care to Cubans while defying the US "empire."

"I come from a poor family. I am black. In another era, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to be who I am today," said Maria Gonzalez, a 31-year-old computer engineer.

Che Guevara

Castro met Guevara in 1955 while in exile in Mexico, and the young doctor joined Fidel and Raul on the boat that took them to Cuba a year later. Guevara won a crucial battle in Santa Clara in 1958, derailing an armored train and taking the city.

Guevara was given high-ranking positions in the government but he left in 1966 to lead a guerrilla expedition in Bolivia, where he was captured and executed a year later.

His remains were recovered three decades later and taken to Santa Clara, now home to a huge statute of Che and a museum dedicated to the revolutionary icon.

"His death seemed like something incredible to me. In fact, I don't know, something that one can never get used to," Fidel Castro once told a Spanish journalist, admitting that he occasionally had dreams in which he spoke with Guevara.

Uncertain future

As the country ponders its future without Fidel Castro, attention is turning toward Raul and whether he will undertake deeper economic reforms after enacting modest changes in recent years.

The 85-year-old general, who has vowed to step down in 2018, has also restored diplomatic relations with his brother's eternal enemy, the United States.

"If Fidel's death results in reforms in Cuba speeding up a little, the rapprochement with the United States could be energized," said Michael Shifter, president of the Washington-based Inter-American Dialogue think tank.

"It's an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, but a lot will depend on what happens within the Cuban government," he said.

US President-elect Donald Trump threatened this week to halt the detente that was begun by US President Barack Obama if the Castro government doesn't offer a "better deal" to the Cuban people.

Obama did not join other foreign leaders at a massive rally for Fidel Castro in Havana on Tuesday, instead sending aides as the White House voiced concerns about the human rights situation in Cuba.

Along the caravan's route, Fidel Castro's supporters were confident that his revolution would go on.

"Cuba won't change," said Jany de la Caridad, 20, who had the face of a young Fidel painted on her face. "Look at all these people waiting for hours for Fidel's ashes.

"You think that Cuba will deviate from its socialist path with the death of one man, even if it was commander in chief Fidel Castro?"
Brandi Worley who has been charged with murder in the stabbing deaths her young son and daughter has been released from a hospital and was booked into jail Monday. (Photo: AP/ Facebook)

Darlington, Indiana: A central Indiana woman who confessed to fatally stabbing her young son and daughter has been released from a hospital and booked into jail.

Thirty-year-old Brandi Worley of Darlington was booked into the Montgomery County Jail Monday and is being held without bond. She had been hospitalized and treated for self-inflicted stab wounds to the neck after the Nov. 17 attack that left her children dead

She has been charged with murder in the deaths of 7-year-old Tyler and 3-year-old Charlee.

Court documents say Worley told police officers she used a combat knife to kill the children and stab herself because she didnt want her husband to take the children from her. Her husband, Jason Worley, had filed for divorce.
In the fake tweet, Lodhi alleged that the Ohio Police, a day earlier raided the Pakistani Embassy in Washington in connection with the terrorist attack carried by Abdul Razak Ali Artan. (Photo: Representational Image)

Washington: Pakistan's missions in Washington and New York were targeted by fake twitter accounts which alleged that the two consulates were raided by US law enforcement agencies in connection with the Ohio terror attack by a Somalian refugee who had reportedly lived in Pakistan.

The two twitter accounts, in particularly Pakistan Embassy UN (@PakEmbassyUN) appeared that it was being handled personally by Maleeha Lodhi, the Pakistani Ambassador to the UN.

In the fake tweet, Lodhi alleged that the Ohio Police, a day earlier raided the Pakistani Embassy in Washington in connection with the terrorist attack carried by Abdul Razak Ali Artan.

Artan, a Somalian refugee who reportedly lived in Pakistan for a few years before coming to the US, injured as many as 11 people early this week before he was shot and killed by the Ohio Police.

In this fake account Lodhi alleged that the federal police is now raiding the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN in New York.

"Shame that after Ohio Police raid yesterday on Pakistan Embassy, Washington DC their Twitter account is also suspended by FBI. #OhioStateAttack," the fake twitter account said.

"Federal police have confiscated some documents of our Embassy in New York regarding #OhioStateAttack," said the second tweet from the same account.

"We have bent our flag at Embassy as a protest to the raid regarding #OhioStateAttack. Embassy in New York will remain closed today," said another tweet, which had a picture of Lodhi.

Later in the day, both the Pak Embassy in Washington and its Permanent Mission to the UN in New York issued statements, saying that these are fake accounts and have taken up the matter with Twitter.

"Baseless and false information is being spread on the social media through fake Twitter accounts impersonating the Permanent Mission of Pakistan and Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi.

The Permanent Mission has only one twitter account ie @PakistanUN_NY," the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN said.

"The Mission has taken up this issue with the Twitter administration in order to block all unauthorised and fake accounts," it said.

The Pak Embassy in Washington also issued similar statement on twitter.

"It's reiterated that some fake twitter accounts are spreading baseless and unauthentic Info & Pics which are not linked with the Pak Embassy," the embassy said in a tweet. Lodhi who has 138,000 followers also tweeted the statement.

By late night tweets from @PakinUS appeared to have been deleted, while those of @PakEmbassyUN still appeared to be there.

One of these tweets also reflected a fake twitter account of Sartaj Aziz, who is the foreign policy advisor to the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Several credible media outlets in South Asia even reported about these raids without realising that such an act was unprecedented and would have created a major international crisis, as it would have been in violation of several UN and Vienna conventions.

The diplomatic missions are considered as sovereign territory and the law enforcement agencies of that country have no permission to enter its premises.

This comes at a time when the American media is abuzz with fake stories on the social media and how it was used to influence the recently concluded elections.
Islamabad: US President-elect Donald Trump has told Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that he is willing to play any role that Pakistan wants to address and find solutions to the country's outstanding problems.

Trump made the remarks when Sharif called him last night to congratulate him as the two leaders discussed various issues.

"I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Trump told Sharif, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office here.

Trump also told Prime Minister Sharif that he has a "very good reputation", the statement said.

"You (Sharif) are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," Trump was quoted as telling Sharif.

Trump said Pakistan is an "amazing" country with "tremendous opportunities", the statement said.

"Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," the President-elect said.

Sharif also invited Trump to visit Pakistan .

In his reply, Trump said, "he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people." "Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people," said Trump.
 Flash

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday that if Israel does not recognize Palestinian statehood, he would withdraw Palestinian recognition of Israel.

The Palestinians are seeking reciprocity and mutual respect, and therefore the recognition of Israel "will not last forever" if Israel continues to refuse to recognize Palestine as a state, Abbas said in his address to Fatah's 7th conference, where he was reelected as the chairman of the party.

He added that he "will never accept to recognize Israel as a Jewish state" and the Palestinians will never accept interim deals, sending a message to the Israeli society that "Palestinians want peace but it is your government that does not want it."

He added that Palestinians will pursue to seek full membership at the United Nations and joining all possible international organizations.

Abbas mentioned that, after becoming a UN observer state, it has been allowed membership in 522 international organizations, but have so far joined 44, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and International Criminal Court.

Despite the actions of the occupation, including settlements, killings and house demolitions, Palestinians will remain on their lands, said Abbas, adding that East Jerusalem will be the capital of the state of Palestine.

He called on the Islamic Hamas movement to work towards national reconciliation through the gate of democracy, calling for general elections to bring back unity to Palestinian ranks.

Some 1,400 delegates participated in the conference of the Fatah party in the West Bank city of Ramallah, which kicked off Tuesday, where a new leadership, a central committee and a revolutionary council will be elected.
Jacksonville: A bank robbery suspect was holding several hostages on Thursday at a credit union in the north Florida city of Jacksonville, and SWAT team members were on the scene, authorities said.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Melissa Bujeda said an unknown number of hostages were inside the Community First Credit Union. An initial 911 call reporting a bank robbery came in at 9.06 am. A short time later, another call indicated that someone may have been shot, but the sheriff's office has been unable to confirm that, Ms Bujeda said.

Police negotiators also were present, the spokeswoman added. Streets surrounding the bank were blocked by police, and Bujeda urged patience from business people unable to get to work.

Situations like these sometimes can be short and sometimes can be long, she said. Ms Bujeda urged TV reporters not to show their positions because that could pose a danger to officers as well as the individuals in the bank. The bank is located in a Jacksonville commercial district.
Nadzri was charged with causing damage to the statues at the Sree Muneeswaran Aman temple in Ipoh last year and being in possession of a machete. (Representational image)

Kuala Lumpur: A Muslim medical graduate in Malaysia charged with damaging statues of Hindu deities at a temple has been acquitted after he was found to be mentally unsound at the time of committing the offence.

A Sessions Court Judge said it was clearly proven that accused Fathi Munzir Nadzri, 29, committed the offence, but a psychiatrist confirmed that he was suffering from Bipolar Affective Disorder with Psychotic Features Manic Phase.

"Yes, he did it but on the balance of probabilities, he was found to have done it while he was in an unstable state of mind and did not know that he was committing an offence," the judge said.

The court also acquitted and discharged Nadzri on the charge of possessing a machete on the same date and place.

Nadzri was charged with causing damage to the statues at the Sree Muneeswaran Aman temple in Ipoh last year and being in possession of a machete.

Malaysia is a Muslim majority country but has a minority population comprising ethnic Hindus and Chinese.
Albert Rapovski, 20, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after he shot 22-year-old Mahamd Hassan in the face at a hotel room in Melbourne. (Photo: Victorian Supreme Court)

Melbourne: A 20-year-old Australian man who accidentally killed his friend while posing for a selfie with a shot gun has been jailed.

Albert Rapovski, 20, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after he shot 22-year-old Mahamd Hassan in the face at a hotel room in Melbourne. The incident took place at Park Inn Motel in Melbourne, Australia.

According to a report in the Mirror, the victim had told Rapovski to unload his gun in case he shot someone accidentally. However, the accused did not listen and continued to pose for a selfie.

Rapovski then aimed the gun at Hassan's head and held up his camera to capture the moment. Instead, he shot the victim.

After the incident, Rapovski cried, "I shot Mo, I shot Mo" before fleeing from the spot.

The victim's dead body was discovered by the motel's owner later, who then informed the police and got Rapovski arrested. The accused had attempted to leave the country and flee to Macedonia, but was arrested at the airport.

Rapovski has been charged with manslaughter after he pleaded guilty to the offence at the Melbourne Magistrate's court. He has been remanded in custody and will appear for a plea at a later date.
New Zealand's Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce said the lower number of new visa approvals was likely to continue for a while. (Photo: Representational Image)

Melbourne: Tightening its visa rules, New Zealand has issued half as many new study visas to Indian students in the past five months as in the same period last year, turning down too many potential students from India.

Between the start of July and the end of October, the country approved 3,102 visas, just 48 per cent of the 6,462 approved in the same period last year.

The fall was due to tighter rules for, and monitoring of, study visa applications from India because too many students were arriving with too little money to support themselves and too little English to study here, New Zealand's public broadcaster 'Radio New Zealand' reported.

Auckland International Education Group, which represents 16 private tertiary institutions, said the government had gone too far. The group's spokesman Paul Chalmers said Immigration

New Zealand's Mumbai office was turning down too many potential students.

"It's a matter of loosening up in Mumbai and saying 'this is now a catastrophic collapse'," he said.

"Rather than just trying to cut the shonky providers out of the market and the poor students who are filling in application forms incorrectly, they need to see if we can improve visa approval rates," Chalmers said.

He said the government was right to tighten English language requirements, but in some cases it was not clear why students were being refused visas.

"It's a wider-sweeping broom that is starting to block students for, from what we can see, no reason whatsoever.

Students that would have previously been given visas are being declined," he said.

Richard Goodall, international education spokesperson of Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand (ITENZ), said good institutions would cope with the fall in enrolments from India, but others might go out of business. ITENZ represents several hundred private tertiary institutions.

Goodall said the number of visa approvals was lower, but the calibre of students was higher.

Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce said the lower number of new visa approvals was likely to continue for a while. He said Immigration New Zealand was not being too tough.

"Don't forget what we're doing here is we're focusing on the things that are important for students to succeed here in terms of their English-language capability and their ability to support themselves financially when they're in New Zealand.

"So I make no apology for making sure that those things are followed up on and the declarations students make are correct," Goodall said, adding that a correction to the Indian market was needed.
London: The British government voiced disappointment on Thursday after a UN panel rejected its request to review a ruling that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is being arbitrarily detained.

"Julian Assange is not, and has never been, arbitrarily detained in the UK," junior foreign minister Alan Duncan said in a statement.

"We completely reject the opinion of the UN Working Group and are very disappointed that they will not review their deeply flawed and incorrect position," he said, adding that Assange's presence at the Ecuadoran embassy was "entirely self-inflicted".

Having initially issued its opinion in favour of Assange in February, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said it was not changing course as the British request "did not meet the threshold of a review... and (was) thus not admissible".

Assange, 45, has been at the Ecuadoran embassy in London since 2012, having taken refuge to avoid being sent to Sweden where he faces a rape allegation that he denies.

He fears Sweden would extradite him to the United States to answer for the leaking of diplomatic cables and other classified documents by his whistleblowing website. The disclosures caused huge embarrassment in Washington.

The UN panel, which is attached to the Human Rights Council, met between November 21-25 but only published its findings on Wednesday.

The fate of the former computer hacker, who turned WikiLeaks into a vehicle for releasing classified documents on the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, remains unclear.

He was grilled over the longstanding rape allegation by an Ecuadoran prosecutor at the embassy for two days earlier this month. The questions were provided by Swedish officials but the answers were confidential.

Swedish prosecutors dropped a sexual assault probe into Assange last year after the five-year statute of limitations expired. But they still want to question him about the 2010 rape allegation, which carries a 10-year statute of limitations. Assange insists the sexual encounters in question were consensual.
"The Russian Federation announced that... they want to sit down in Aleppo with our people there to discuss how we can use the four corridors to evacuate people out," Jan Egeland, head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, told reporters in Geneva. (Photo: AFP)

Geneva: Russia has proposed setting up four humanitarian corridors to battered eastern Aleppo to allow in aid as well as hundreds of desperately needed medical evacuations, the United Nation said Thursday.

"The Russian Federation announced that... they want to sit down in Aleppo with our people there to discuss how we can use the four corridors to evacuate people out," Jan Egeland, head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, told reporters in Geneva.

"We have at least 400 wounded that need immediate medical evacuation," Egeland said, adding that there would also be discussions on using "these corridors to get medical supplies and food in."

His comments came as hundreds of elite Syrian troops were moving into east Aleppo Thursday ahead of a push into the most densely populated areas, after the UN warned the city risked becoming a "giant graveyard".

A government offensive to retake all of Aleppo has pounded the city in recent days, with the relentless barrage leaving Aleppo's streets strewn with the bodies of men, women and children, many lying next to the suitcases they had packed to escape.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said Wednesday that more than 50,000 people have fled Aleppo's rebel-held districts to both government-held territory and Kurdish-controlled districts.

Egeland, who put the exodus at at least 27,000, said the UN had access to all the people in both the government- and Kurdish-held areas, but still could not reach those in besieged parts of the east.

Respected by all sides?

Syria's main ally Russia has previously unilaterally declared the creation of evacuation passages from east Aleppo, but the UN was not involved and the routes, which came under rebel fire, went largely unused.

Egeland acknowledged that previous attempts at setting up humanitarian corridors had not been successful due to "issues with both sides," but said "a humanitarian corridor can work if all the armed actors respect it".

He said Russia has pledged to respect the corridors, and that "we (the UN) now feel confident that the armed opposition groups will do the same".

"Now I think it has dawned upon all sides the urgency of the situation," he said.

The UN peace envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told reporters that a humanitarian "pause" in the fighting remained UN priority.

Egeland said access to the besieged areas of east Aleppo was essential, adding that the UN has enough food stored in western Aleppo to feed 150,000 people in the east, as well as medical supplies to cover all the needs there.

As for western Aleppo, he said the main concern was providing adequate shelter for those flooding in from the east, who are joining some 400,000 displaced Syrians already in that part of the city.
Rome: Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Thursday for a fresh start in relations with the United States under Donald Trump and fired a parting shot at outgoing President Barack Obama.

"We are confident that the new administration does not want to repeat the errors of the outgoing one, which deliberately destroyed US-Russian relations," Lavrov was quoted as saying in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

Trump's election victory and the positive noises he has made towards Moscow have been greeted with trepidation in Ukraine and former communist states that are now part of the US-led NATO alliance.

During the campaign, Trump praised President Vladimir Putin and said he would seek to improve relations with Moscow while casting doubt on Washington's commitments to its NATO allies.

Lavrov told Corriere, "Naturally we positively welcomed the willingness for cooperation between our two countries shown by Trump during the election campaign.

"On our part we are always available for a honest, pragmatic dialogue with Washington on all bilateral and global questions..."

He added: "We hope that the new president's fledgling foreign policy team will take concrete steps in this direction and that the cooperation will be constructive."

Lavrov defended Russia's build-up of forces in areas close to ex-Soviet NATO states as a response to the Western allies "political-military pressure on our country" which had obliged Moscow to "take appropriate measures for our defence and national security."

Lavrov was in Rome to attend a conference on Mediterranean security issues, during which he was due to meet with his US counterpart, John Kerry.
Istanbul: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Turkey's military operation in support of rebels in northern Syria did not target any one country or individual, but was aimed at terrorist organisations.

His comment, in a speech at the presidential palace, came after he said earlier this week that Turkey was in Syria to "end the rule of the cruel (President Bashar al-) Assad".
The exercises, which will run from Dec. 1-2, were taking place at least 30 kilometres from Crimean air space, Ukraine said. (Photo: AFP)

Kiev: Ukraine began two days of missile tests near Crimea on Thursday, a move that has angered Russia, which has put its air defence forces on high alert and deployed warships in the Black Sea.

The disagreement marks a fresh escalation in tensions between the one-time allies, whose relations collapsed in 2014 after Russia seized Crimea and backed pro-Russian separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Volodymyr Kryzhanovsky, a Ukrainian military official, said the exercises, which are taking place in Ukraine's southern Kherson region bordering Crimea, had begun and that everything was going smoothly.

"The tests are being carried out in accordance with international law," Kryzhanovsky told the 112 TV channel.

The exercises, which will run from Dec. 1-2, were taking place at least 30 kilometres (18.64 miles) from Crimean air space, he said.

"Therefore it would be wrong to reproach Ukraine," he said.

Moscow has responded by putting its land-based and ship-borne air defence forces in Crimea on higher alert and a Russian military source has accused Ukraine of trying to create a "nervous situation."

Warships from Russia's Black Sea Fleet took up position off Crimea's western coastline on Thursday to help strengthen the peninsula's air defences, a Crimean military source told the RIA news agency.

"The ships' air defence units have been put on a higher state of alert," said the source. "Together with land-based air defence units on the peninsula, the ships have thrown up a practically impenetrable shield against the enemy's rockets."

"In the Kremlin we wouldn't want to see any actions by the Ukrainian side that breached international law and that might create dangerous conditions for international flights over the territory of Russia and adjacent regions," said Peskov.

Kryzhanovsky said the Ukrainian military was ready for "any developments".

Russia held large-scale war games across its southern military district in September, including Crimea. Ukraine says the aim of the tests is to bolster its defence capabilities.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that he did not know whether President Vladimir Putin had ordered the defence ministry to prepare a potential military response to the Ukrainian tests.

He was responding to a question about Ukrainian media reports which said that the Russian Defence Ministry had told Ukraine's military envoy that Moscow would shoot down any missiles and destroy their launchers if Kiev test-fired missiles in the air space near Crimea.
Pro-Brexit demonstrators wave flags and banners outside Parliament in London. (Photo: AP)

London: Residents of the posh London suburb of Richmond took to the polls on Thursday in a local by-election that has turned into a mini-referendum on Brexit in a pro-EU heartland.

Liberal Democrat challenger Sarah Olney, whose party wants a second referendum on Brexit, is hoping the result will shock Downing Street, as the government forges on towards the EU exit door.

Olney is running against Zac Goldsmith, who held the seat for Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party but quit in protest after the government backed expanding the nearby Heathrow Airport.

He is now standing as an independent candidate.

"While some people feel very strongly about Heathrow expansion, lots more people feel much more strongly about Brexit," Olney told AFP during the campaign.

"That's really alarmed and upset people and they want to use this opportunity to send a message."

In the June referendum on Britain's membership in the European Union, 52 percent nationwide voted to leave.

But in the well-heeled borough of Richmond in southwest London, 69 percent voted to remain in the bloc.

Its 82-percent turnout, one of the highest in the UK, showed it was an issue locals felt passionate about.

The centrist and unambiguously pro-EU Lib Dems, reduced to a rump in the 2015 general election, are eyeing a comeback by filling the void for disgruntled 'Remain' voters.

'Loyalty to Zac'

However, the 39-year-old Olney faces a tough task in overturning Goldsmith's majority.

Both the Conservative and Brexit-cheerleading UKIP parties are giving him a clear run.

Goldsmith won Richmond from the Lib Dems in 2010 and retained it in the May 2015 general election with 58 percent of the vote.

Wealthy, suave, affable and soft-spoken, 41-year-old Goldsmith is Brexit royalty.

He is the son of the late tycoon financier Jimmy Goldsmith, whose high-spending Referendum Party, calling for a vote on UK-EU relations, got the anti-EU bandwagon rolling.

Zac Goldsmith's understated, local approach seems to have won him support around Richmond.

"There's a lot of loyalty to Zac round here," said Jane McCready, 52, who sat enjoying a hot drink overlooking the River Thames last week.

But she added that Brexit was an issue: "I do have friends who are using this as another vote for 'Remain' (in the EU) by voting Lib Dem."

However, Freddie Gates, 79, from Richmond, said he had voted in June to stay in the EU but now would be backing Goldsmith.

"The majority of the country said out, so you go along with it," he said.
 Flash

Iraqi security forces on Wednesday fought Islamic State (IS) militants in the city of Mosul and liberated another district in the city, while a UN humanitarian organization warned of the humanitarian situation in eastern Mosul.

Iraqi Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) paramilitaries advance near the village of Tal Faris, south of Tal Afar, on November 29, 2016 during a broad offensive by Iraq forces to retake the city Mosul from jihadists of the Islamic State group. [Photo/Xinhua]

After nearly six weeks of a major offensive to drive out the extremist militants from Mosul, the commandos of the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) continued fighting heavy clashes with the IS militants in eastern Mosul, a statement by the Iraqi Joint Operations Command (JOC) said.

The troops managed on the day to free the district of al-Ekhaa and raised the Iraqi flag over some of its buildings, the statement said.

The troops inside Mosul were met by stubborn resistance from the extremist militants, who are fighting in small groups and moving quickly throughout the districts in the eastern side of the city, locally named the left bank of the Tigris River that bisects the city.

The extremist groups frequently infiltrated behind the advanced CTS forces using tunnels or dozens of houses and buildings.

In west of Mosul, the predominantly Shiite Hashd Shaabi units freed the villages al-Salhiyah and Bootha al-Sharqiyah near the IS-held town of Tal Afar, some 70 km west of Mosul, after heavy clashes with IS militants, according to a statement by the Hashd Shaabi.

The presence of the Hashd Shaabi units near Tal Afar enabled them to cut off IS supply routes from the west side of Mosul, and allowed both the paramilitary units and other Iraqi and Kurdish security forces to entirely isolate and surround Mosul.

The units' presence in the whole area in west of Mosul would also enable them to secure the border areas between Iraq and neighboring Syria and would cut off the IS supply routes between Mosul and the Syrian city of Raqqa, the capital of IS self-declared caliphate.

Also on the day, Hashd Shaabi spokesman Yousif al-Kilabi said in a statement that "the order for the Hashd Shaabi is to isolate and encircle Tal Afar, while the army's 15th Division will storm and liberate the center of the town later."

"The Hashd Shaabi units are tasked with surrounding the cities like what happened in Fallujah, but the tasks of storming the city of Mosul and the town of Tal Afar will be for the army and other forces, according to the distribution of missions decided by the General Command of the Iraqi Armed Forces," Kilabi said.

Earlier in the day, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned that almost half of Mosul's children and their families no longer have access to clean water as clashes between IS militants and Iraqi security forces trying to recapture the Iraqi city intensify.

"Children and their families in Mosul are facing a horrific situation," the UNICEF representative in Iraq, Peter Hawkins, said in a statement.

"Not only are they in danger of getting killed or injured in the cross fire, now potentially more than half a million people do not have safe water to drink," he added.

According to the UNICEF, a major pipeline serving eastern districts of the northern city was destroyed amid ongoing military operations.

The conduit in question, one of three pumping water to eastern parts of the war-torn city, is impossible to repair quickly given that it is located in parts of Mosul still under IS control.

The UNICEF said that Iraqi authorities are ferrying water to civilians with trucks, though this temporary measure is not enough to meet the needs of residents.

According to the UN body, civilians will have no choice but to resort to unsafe water resources if the pipeline is not repaired in the coming days.

This would put children in particular at risk of contracting waterborne diseases such as severe diarrhea and the threat of malnutrition.

"The UNICEF urges all parties to the conflict to allow these critical deliveries and repairs. Civilian infrastructure must never be attacked," Hawkins reminded.

Also on Wednesday, the Unites Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a report that after nearly six weeks of military operations against IS militants in Mosul, almost 73,908 civilians have fled their homes in Mosul and nearby areas and the number goes up every day.

The OCHA also warned that "supplies of food and potable water are dwindling in eastern Mosul city. Civilians close to the front lines face the threat of IS snipers, leading to rising casualties. As many as one million people are estimated to remain out of reach."

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Oct. 17 announced a major offensive to retake Mosul, the country's second largest city.

Since then, the Iraqi security forces have inched to the eastern fringes of Mosul and made progress on other routes around the city.

Mosul, some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under the IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
Jerusalem :An Israeli court on Wednesday sentenced a Palestinian to 16 years in prison for a knife attack that wounded an Israeli in Jerusalem in May, the justice ministry said.

Mohammed Bader, 21 and from Abu Dis in the occupied West Bank on the outskirts of Jerusalem, was accused of having stabbed an ultra-Orthodox Jew on May 16 as he was walking with his wife and two children.

A plea bargain saw him plead guilty to attempted murder.Several stiff sentences have been handed out recently to Palestinians convicted for attacks.

On Monday, an Israeli court jailed a Palestinian for life for the 2015 killing of two Israelis and the wounding of a for the 2015 killing of two Israelis and the wounding of a third in a Tel Aviv knife attack.

At a separate court hearing Monday in Lod, near Tel Aviv,judges jailed another Palestinian for 16 years and six months. Since October, 241 Palestinians, 36 Israelis, two Americans, a Jordanian, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed, according to an AFP count.

Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some died in Israeli air strikes on Gaza.
People fleeing rebel-held eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo into the Sheikh Maqsoud area that is controlled by Kurdish fighters, Syria. (Photo: AP)

Aleppo, Syria: Hundreds of elite Syrian troops moved into east Aleppo on Thursday ahead of a push into the most densely populated areas, after the UN warned the city risked becoming a "giant graveyard".

Despite fierce global criticism, forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have pressed an assault to retake control of all of Aleppo, once Syria's commercial hub but now a divided city in ruins.

The assault -- backed by heavy artillery fire -- has spurred a mass exodus of tens of thousands of residents from rebel-held districts.

The relentless barrage has left Aleppo's streets strewn with the bodies of men, women and children, many lying next to the suitcases they had packed to escape.

The steady artillery fire could again be heard pounding rebel areas early Thursday, with heavy rainfall adding to the misery.

The assault has seen Assad's forces make significant gains in the last week.

After overrunning the city's northeast, they were in control of 40 percent of the territory once held by opposition forces in Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"The regime is tightening the noose on the remaining section of east Aleppo under rebel control," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

He said hundreds of fighters from the elite Republican Guard and Fourth Division arrived in Aleppo on Thursday "in preparation for street battles" in the densely populated southeast.

"They are moving in on the ground, but they are afraid of ambushes because of the density of both residents and fighters," he said.

The violence in Aleppo has sparked widespread outrage, but little concrete action from the international community.

Speaking to a special Security Council session on Wednesday, UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien made an urgent appeal.

"For the sake of humanity we call on -- we plead -- with the parties and those with influence to do everything in their power to protect civilians and enable access to the besieged part of eastern Aleppo before it becomes one giant graveyard," he said.

Children killed

Syrian warplanes have been pounding east Aleppo with air strikes for months -- often using crude munitions like barrel bombs -- but as the ground advance has gathered pace the army has instead turned to more precise artillery.

The effect has been no less devastating.

On Thursday, four children from a single family were killed in artillery fire by regime forces on the rebel-held Maadi neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to the Observatory.

And at least 26 civilians, including seven children, were killed in shelling of the rebel-held Jubb al-Qubbeh district on Wednesday, the Observatory said.

The latest attacks brought the civilian toll of the government's offensive to more than 300 civilians, including 42 children, since November 15.

Retaliatory rocket fire by the rebels on government-held areas has killed 48 civilians, according to the Britain-based Observatory, which has a wide network of sources on the ground.

Thousands of people have sought refuge in the remaining rebel-held neighbourhoods in southeastern Aleppo, arriving with overpacked suitcases or sometimes just the clothes on their backs.

Another 50,000 have poured out into territory controlled by government forces or local Kurdish authorities, according to the Observatory.

More than 300,000 people have been killed since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011 with anti-government protests, before spiralling into a civil war.

The loss of east Aleppo -- a rebel stronghold since 2012 -- would be the biggest blow to Syria's opposition in more than five years.

'Deliberate starvation'

The city had become a powerful symbol of Syria's uprising, producing some of the war's most iconic images -- including of Omran, the shell-shocked toddler in an ambulance.

At Wednesday's special UN session on Aleppo, British ambassador Matthew Rycroft said Assad ally Russia was hamstringing the Security Council.

Moscow launched a military campaign in support of Assad in September of last year and has since carried out of air strikes in Syria.

Rycroft accused Moscow, which in October vetoed a resolution to stop the bombing in Aleppo, of supporting "a deliberate act of starvation and a deliberate withholding of medical care."

Russia's envoy, Vitaly Churkin, brushed off criticism and said Syria was seeking to eliminate extremists such as the Al-Nusra Front, which has rebranded itself the Fateh al-Sham Front after severing ties to Al-Qaeda.

"We vehemently condemn any attempts to protect terrorists including any political action on a humanitarian pretext which, sadly alas, UN humanitarian works have been dragged into," Churkin said.

US ambassador Samantha Power urged the Security Council to pass a resolution that would mandate a 10-day military halt to allow humanitarian supplies to enter Aleppo.

But she feared a new Russian veto and acknowledged a brief halt "is barely even a Band-Aid and it is a sign in some ways of just how low our bar has become."
Authorities on Wednesday detained six people in connection with a fire that broke out at a dormitory for girls and left several people dead. Turkish authorities have banned distribution of images relating to the fire in Adana within Turkey. (Photo: AP)

Istanbul: Turkey on Wednesday detained eight people over a deadly fire at a dormitory for schoolgirls that left 12 people dead, as anger grew over possible negligence that caused the tragedy.

The blaze, which officials said was likely caused by an electrical fault, tore through the building's wooden interior on Tuesday night as panicked youngsters tried to jump from windows to safety.

Some officials suggested many of the victims were killed on the top floors of the dormitory in the southern region of Adana after they were unable to open a fire door to flee the flames.

"We will learn lessons from this and we will do what needs to be done to ensure this never happens again," said

Education Minister Ismet Yilmaz, adding that an inspection in June had not uncovered any issues.

In Ankara, Turkish police used tear gas to disperse a protest outside the education ministry by activists angered that the devastated dormitory was managed by an influential religious sect.

Those detained as part of the investigation into accusations of "causing death by negligence" include the manager of the dormitory in the Aladag district of Adana, the Dogan news agency said.

Five people were detained initially while three other suspects were being treated for wounds in hospital. A total of 14 arrest warrants have been issued.

Dogan said most of the dead would be identified using DNA tests, in a sign that the victims were too badly burned to be identified visually.

Ten of those killed were schoolchildren aged up to 14, while the fire also claimed the life of a member of the teaching staff.

The four-year-old daughter of the dormitory manager being held by the police also died, Dogan said. Twenty-four people including 16 children were injured, Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak told at a press conference.

Officials said the fire was likely caused by an electrical fault which then spread rapidly due to the dormitory's wooden structures and carpeted floors.

Adana governor Mahmut Demirtas said yesterday some of the schoolgirls were injured after jumping out of windows to escape the flames. He added that none of those injured was in a serious condition.

Adana city mayor Huseyin Sozlu told Turkish television Tuesday that the dormitory's fire door was locked and that most of the dead were recovered from near that exit.

But Kaynak said that according to initial findings, the door had been unlocked.
On July 1, a group of gunmen stormed the Holey Artisan cafe in the city's Gulshan neighbourhood, murdering 22 people. (Photo: AP)

Dhaka: Before Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury orchestrated Bangladesh's worst militant attack, he sought and won approval for it from Islamic State.

A Canadian of Bangladeshi origin, he was told by his contact in the militant group, Abu Terek Mohammad Tajuddin Kausar, to target foreigners, according to a senior police official who has seen communications between the two men.

Chowdhury, located in Bangladesh at the time, proposed an attack on a Dhaka eatery frequented by expatriates.

On July 1, a group of gunmen stormed the Holey Artisan cafe in the city's Gulshan neighbourhood, murdering 22 people, most of them foreigners, in an overnight siege that shocked the country.

The back-and-forth between Chowdhury, 30, and Kausar, 35, which includes drafts of articles later published in Islamic State magazines, has not been previously reported.

Together with attempts by people linked to Islamic State to recruit and fund militancy in the country, the documents show the extremist organisation has built deeper connections with Bangladeshi militants than was previously known.

The police official declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the information. Reuters could not independently verify the contents of the communications.

As Islamic State comes under pressure in its home base of Syria and Iraq, its activities in outposts such as Bangladesh could intensify, experts have said.

The extent of Islamic State's influence in Bangladesh will be key to the country's garment sector that employs millions of people and earns $28 billion a year in exports.

Any sign the global jihadi network is making inroads could force Western brands to look elsewhere for cheap clothes.

In the year before the cafe atrocity, a string of grisly individual murders, including of bloggers and foreigners, had already raised the alarm for overseas investors.

In its Rumiyah magazine published after the cafe massacre, Islamic State claimed two dozen attacks in the country since September 2015. The claim could not be independently verified.

LOCAL MILITANTS OR ISLAMIC STATE?

After the siege, police raided suspected jihadi hideouts and said they killed dozens of militants and arrested hundreds more.

Still, the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Islamic State does not exist in the impoverished South Asian nation of 160 million people, and instead blames the rise in political violence on the Islamist opposition.

Opposition leaders deny any link and say it can be traced to the bitter rivalry, which has long poisoned politics in the country, between Hasina's ruling Awami League and its main rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as well as Jamaat-e-Islami.

"These are all home-grown people," said Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, adding that the siege militants belonged to a new faction of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a banned group he said had ties to the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami party.

An aide to Hasina said that, while local militant groups had links with Islamic State, the extent of support was limited. "They are not an organised group here. People with Islamic State links are here. But that is not to say Islamic State is here."

FUNDING AND RECRUITING

Bangladesh police first came to know about Chowdhury around fall of last year, but they did not know his whereabouts, the police official said.

In December, Dhaka police seized about 3.9 million taka ($50,000) destined for a close associate of Chowdhury's.

The money, which the police official said was sent via the informal hawala cash transfer network, came from a UK-based company. The company's founder, Siful Sujan, was killed a few days later in Syria.

At the time, investigators could not establish the money had been sent on Islamic State's instructions, the police official said.

Chowdhury's group, meanwhile, was recruiting. Tanvir Kaderi and his wife, Abedatul Fatema, had a comfortable middle-class life in Dhaka, with two children and steady jobs. "We were a very happy family," Kaderi's son Mohammed Tahrim Kaderi Abir wrote in a confession presented before a magistrate.

Abir, an eighth grade student, wrote that his parents' behaviour started to change after they went on the Haj pilgrimage in 2014.

After that, Kaderi told a preacher he had dreamed he was standing with a weapon in his hand in the middle of a desert.

Kaderi also started spending time with acquaintances from the local mosque, who introduced the family to others, including associates of Chowdhury.

They in turn preached to the family about faith and jihad and showed them videos of the war in Syria. One gave them a copy of Dabiq magazine, an Islamic State publication, according to the confession.

The preparations for the cafe attack began at least as early as June, around the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, according to Abir's confession. Kaderi rented an apartment in Basundhara area of Dhaka, near the cafe.

A few days later the five militants who conducted the attack showed up at the house. Kaderi's family moved to Dhaka's old city the night of the raid.

MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS

Chowdhury was killed on Aug. 27. That and the other raids gave police access to his correspondence with Kausar.

In one, Chowdhury was asked by Kausar to answer questions for an interview, which was eventually published in Dabiq in April under the nom de guerre Abu Ibrahim al-Hanif.

Al-Hanif was identified in the magazine as head of Islamic State in Bangladesh.

In another, Chowdhury sent the draft of an article about the cafe attack, which was published after his death in Rumiyah magazine, the police official said.

Kausar's mother said he moved to Australia in 2006 and she had not heard from him since before the attack. Tahera Begum, who lives in a town 135 miles from Dhaka, said she did not know whether he had links with Islamic State. Before his death, Chowdhury made Kaderi the new point of contact with Kausar, the police official said.

At around 7.30 p.m. on Sept. 10, police knocked on the door of Kaderi's apartment, where his wife, one of his sons and some associates were hiding.

In the ensuing chaos, police were attacked with grenades and knives, while some women in the apartment threw chili powder at them. Kaderi ran into a room.

As they tried to apprehend him, he swung a scythe at police, who were using his son as a shield. Kaderi told his son, "If you get hit, you will either be martyred or Allah will reward you."

By the time the raid was over, Kaderi had slit his own throat. The last known link to Islamic State in Bangladesh was dead, although the police official said they did not know if anyone else was in contact with the militant group.

POLITICAL STRIFE

Opposition leaders accuse the government of using militancy as an excuse to stifle dissent.

"A democracy deficit is definitely encouraging the extremists," said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP's secretary general who spent months in jail and now faces prosecution in dozens of cases.

The Jamaat leadership has gone into hiding after several of its top leaders were executed during the past two years for war crimes committed during the country's 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.

In an email, Maqbul Ahmad, the head of the party, denied any connections with JMB or other militants.

"The government is consistently denying the actual presence of terrorism in Bangladesh," Ahmad wrote. "Rather they are using it as an effective instrument of repression of Islamists."

Soon after the cafe attack, the government placed a bounty of 2 million taka ($25,000) on Chowdhury's head. A series of raids on militant hideouts followed. By Oct. 3 police said they had killed 42 militants and arrested at least 221 people, according to an internal police report.

Militant groups, including a faction ideologically linked to al Qaeda, have gone quiet and police say the overall security situation is under control, although the threat is not over.
Kathmandu: Nepal's Madhesi Front has refused to back the Constitution amendment bill, saying it was not acceptable in its current discriminatory form, in a blow to Prime Minister Prachanda's efforts to achieve reconciliation with groups agitating over the new statute.

The United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and the Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal (FSF-N) stated that they cannot accept the Constitution amendment bill which has been registered in Parliament by Nepal's government despite opposition from CPN-UML.

"We cannot accept the Constitution amendment bill, which was unilaterally registered in the Parliament by the government because the bill does not address the issues raised by Madhesis, Janajatis and deprived communities," the UDMF said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement was jointly issued by UDMF leaders, including Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal Chair Upendra Yadav, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Chair Mahantha Thakur and Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party-Nepal Chair Mahendra Prasad Yadav.

"The three major parties want to continue to discriminate against Janajatis, Madhesis and other deprived communities," said FSF-N Chair Yadav.

He stated that the UDMF was primarily concerned about the struggle and would think about elections only in future. Yadav, earlier issued a statement, saying that the government committed a blunder by registering a Constitution amendment bill that did not address the demands of indigenous nationalities, Tharus, Khas, Muslims, women, Dalits and Madhesi movement.

Yadav said the provincial autonomy and 10-province model were still being treated as disputed issues and the concerns over five Tarai districts Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Kailali and Kanchanpur were yet to be addressed.

He argued that the Constitution amendment bill had made no mention of proportional representation on the basis of the population of ethnic groups and recognition of national identity.

"The Federal Alliance has been demanding representation based on population. If the Constitution is amended as per the bill's proposal, Madhesis would never be in majority in the Upper House," Yadav said.

Other issues of concern cited by him were recognition of all mother tongues and the issue naturalised citizenship.

The agitating forces demand that women who acquire naturalised citizenship on the basis of matrimony should be treated as citizens by descent but the bill implied that these women would never hold top Constitutional posts.

Federal Alliance is a grouping of Madhesi parties and ethnic groups that have been demanding more rights and representation for the marginalised people.

The bill, registered at the Parliament Secretariat after the Council of Ministers passed its draft on Tuesday, proposes to address three other key issues, citizenship, representation in the Upper House and recognition of languages spoken in various parts of the country.
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz is set to visit India on Sunday to attend the Heart of Asia meet in Amritsar, according to a media report.

The two-day conference is being held in Amritsar this weekend (December 3-4) and Aziz visit Amritsar on Sunday, Dawn News reported.

Aziz is leading the Pakistani delegation to the meeting of the process that focuses on regional cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for improving connectivity and tackling security threats.

But no meeting with Indian officials is scheduled on the sidelines, the report said.

"For now we don't see any willingness on their part, the ball is in India's court, for they know we are willing but we don't know whether they are willing," an official was quoted as saying.

Pakistan and India had held a meeting in Islamabad at the last Heart of Asia ministerial meeting and agreed to start 'Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue' that was to cover all outstanding issues.

The resumption of the dialogue could, however, not take place due to the Pathankot terror attack in January this year.

An official was also quoted as saying that Pakistan had not formally reached out to India for a bilateral meeting in Amritsar.

Pakistan's High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit, while participating in BBC Urdu's 'Facebook Live' interaction on Tuesday, said Pakistan was ready for unconditional resumption of dialogue if India is ready.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is not attending the Heart of Asia ministerial meeting.

"Since Sushma Swaraj is not attending, it's difficult to have a meeting with anyone else," the daily quoted a Pakistani diplomat as saying.

"The Pakistani side believes that the way out of the current stalemate in ties is India giving up its intransigence," the daily said.

"India has to make up its mind. They are not willing to discuss Kashmir," the official said.

India has been non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Aziz but has made it clear that "talks and terror cannot go hand in hand".
Donald Trump lavished praise on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and offered to play "any role" in helping Pakistan address its problems, a Pakistani statement said, even as the US President-elect's transition team just described their discussion as "productive".



Sharif called Trump last night to congratulate him as the two leaders discussed various issues. "I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it.



Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Trump told Sharif, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office.

Trump also told Prime Minister Sharif that he has a "very good reputation", the statement said.



"You (Sharif) are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," Trump was quoted as telling Sharif. Trump said Pakistan is an "amazing" country with "tremendous opportunities", the statement said.



"Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," the President-elect said. Sharif also invited Trump to visit Pakistan. In his reply, Trump said, "he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people."



"Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people," said Trump. However, Trump's lavish praise for Sharif and his offer to play a role in addressing Pakistan's problems found no mention in the readout of the conversation between the two leaders issued by Trump's transition team.



"President-elect Trump and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif spoke today and had a productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future," the transition team said.



"President-elect Trump also noted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif," the transition team said.



The presidential transition team did not immediately respond to questions on the Pakistani readout. After being elected on November 8, Trump has so far spoken with more than 40 foreign leaders. Prime Minister NarendraModi was among the first few foreign leaders to have spoken to Trump.



Meanwhile, the American media was abuzz with reports about the readout of the telephonic conversation issued by Sharif in Islamabad after his telephonic call with Trump, in which the President-elect was quoted as lavishly praising Pakistan.



"Lavishing praise on the Pakistanis would be a major turnaround for the President-elect. In 2012, Trump took to his favourite social media platform, Twitter, to denounce Pakistan," The Washington Post said.



"I very rarely say you need to read a story to believe it, but check this Pakistani government readout of a call with Trump," tweeted Yochi Dreazen, deputy managing editor and foreign editor of Vox.


Faced with currency shortage and long queues, banks today resorted to rationing of cash at many branches countrywide but met with limited success to handle the huge pay-day rush, while ATMs continued to remain mostly dry, causing hardship to people seeking to withdraw money.





People in several parts of Tamil Nadu even braved heavy rains to get money for their household expenses, while long queues started building up in wee hours before ATMs and bank branches for withdrawal of start-of-the-month expenses on the first post-demonetisation pay day across several other states including Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab and Haryana.





Having got much less than their regular requirement from the currency chests, many branches ran out of cash in post- lunch hours, even as people complained about being given money even below the permitted withdrawal limits at branches.





Long queue were visible at many places for withdrawal as a large number of ATMs are still not functional. Even the functional ATMs at many places could dispense only Rs 2,000 notes, leaving the customers without lower denomination notes.





Frustration and anger were also visible at many places in semi-urban and rural areas where banks and ATMs soon ran dry. Metro cities too had similar scenes at many places with patience turning into anger against bank employees for their failure to provide currency other than Rs 2,000 notes.





Bankers said on their part that the situation is expected to continue for another 6-7 days because of withdrawal rush from salaried and pensioners.





Despite claims by various banks that adequate arrangement would be in place to handle the pay-day rush, branches were seen not only rationing the cash, many of them also refused to entertain the non-home branch customers.





A senior public sector bank official said the branches are compelled to resort to rationing because of cash shortage and it is difficult to meet the withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000 per person set by the Reserve Bank.





Some banks were seen disbursing only Rs 5,000 per person while those having better cash availability offered Rs 10,000 or Rs 12,000 per customer.





Making things worse, a large number of ATMs remained dry even 24 days after the government scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes earlier this month to crack down on black money.





Banks and state treasuries in Kerala witnessed heavy rush since morning, while the state's Finance Minister Thomas Issac said 42 treasuries in rural areas did not receive any cash at least till 11.30 AM.





Yesterday, a top government official had said special efforts were being made to pump in exta cash into banks to meet the heavy demand for currency notes on account of salary withdrawals but situation on the ground remained a far cry.





"As such, none of our branches are short of cash. We have ensured that enough cash is available at our branches in anticipation of higher demand after disbursement of salaries and pension in accordance with the customers demand," Canara Bank MD and CEO Rakesh Sharma told PTI.





Situation was no better in West Bengal, though there were expectations that the cash availability may improve soon after new notes start arriving from Salboni printing press in West Midnapore district.





Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that West Bengal and some other states were being discriminated against in the process of distribution of new currency notes and demanded that the RBI come out with state-wide "figures" for disbursement of cash.





Across the country, people thronged the branches as central and state governments, as also private enterprises, credited salaries to their employees. At the central level alone, there are around 50 lakh employees and 58 lakh pensioners.





Bankers said the government's move last week to provide Rs 10,000 in advance to non-gazetted staff have not provided any relief.





Many banks made 'SOS calls' to RBI for additional cash for the first few days of December to meet the initial rush of people, already fatigued standing in unending queues to exchange/deposit old notes and make limited withdrawals over the past three weeks after the demonetisation was announced on November 8.





RBI Governor Urjit Patel had said on Sunday that the central bank is monitoring the situation on a daily basis and taking all necessary actions to "ease the genuine pain of citizens" with a clear intent to normalise the things as early as possible.





In Gujarat also, banks began regulating supply of cash to their customers to meet the heavy demand amid a paucity of funds, while a number of ATMs remained inoperative.





Similar was the case in neighbouring Maharashtra, including in cosmopolitan Mumbai and its suburbs.





Kerala unit of All India Bank Employees Association said bank branches were under extreme pressure as the existing stock of currencies with them may not be sufficient to meet the needs of customers due to pension and salary disbursement.





This will lead to an 'explosive situation', the association said in a statement. Unless the RBI urgently supplied sufficient quantity of currency notes, especially of low denomination, to all the banks, bank employees would be exposed to the wrath of customers for no fault of theirs, it said.





Bank customers complained of harassment and inconvenience at various places in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh as well, even as banks maintained they have made adequate arrangements to deal with the heavy rush.





Punjab Bank Employees Federation Secretary Naresh Gaur said, "We appeal to the RBI to make available sufficient cash as soon as possible to banks otherwise the situation will turn worse."
Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz is set to visit India on Sunday to attend the Heart of Asia meet in Amritsar, according to a media report.



The two-day conference is being held in Amritsar this weekend (December 3-4) and Aziz visit Amritsar on Sunday, Dawn News reported.



Aziz is leading the Pakistani delegation to the meeting of the process that focuses on regional cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for improving connectivity and tackling security threats.



But no meeting with Indian officials is scheduled on the sidelines, the report said. "For now we don't see any willingness on their part...the ball is in India's court, for they know we are willing but we don't know whether they are willing," an official was quoted as saying.



Pakistan and India had held a meeting in Islamabad at the last Heart of Asia ministerial meeting and agreed to start 'Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue' that was to cover all outstanding issues.



The resumption of the dialogue could, however, not take place due to the Pathankot terror attack in January this year. An official was also quoted as saying that Pakistan had not formally reached out to India for a bilateral meeting in Amritsar.



Pakistan's High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit, while participating in BBC Urdu's 'Facebook Live' interaction yesterday, said Pakistan was ready for unconditional resumption of dialogue if India is ready.



External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is not attending the Heart of Asia ministerial meeting. "Since Sushma Swaraj is not attending, it's difficult to have a meeting with anyone else," the daily quoted a Pakistani diplomat as saying.



"The Pakistani side believes that the way out of the current stalemate in ties is India giving up its intransigence," the daily said.



"India has to make up its mind. They are not willing to discuss Kashmir," the official said.

India has been non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Aziz but has made it clear that "talks and terror cannot go hand in hand".


The government and the opposition, yet again failed to break the deadlock over discussion on the demonetisation issue under provisions that entail voting and the noisy scenes prompted the Speaker to adjourn the House for the day.





As the House assembled at noon after a brief adjournment, the Opposition demanded discussion on the issue of demonetisation.



Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, said the Opposition wants to hold discussion on the issue. "You should give consent for discussion under Rule 56. This is a big issue, scam and scandal. Government employees, poor people are not getting salaries. We want to put forth the problems faced by them. But you want to run away from discussion.



"People are being murdered in installments. Every day there is a new firman (order), the country is facing trouble, but the government is at ease," Kharge said.



Mahajan took an objection to the word 'scandal' used by Kharge. "This is not a scandal. I am ready for discussion. Even yesterday, I said I can relax all rules for discussion on the issue as this is under my jurisdiction. Let's start the discussion," she said.



However, the Opposition, joined by the JD(U), CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress jumped into the Well, demanding discussion under provisions that entail voting.



Hitting out at the Opposition, particularly the Congress, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said, "We are ready for discussion, but the Congress is not. You (Mahajan) said we can discuss everything, from zero to universe, but Congress only wants to go from zero to zero.

"They should not dare to stop the fight against black money as the whole country is with Prime Minister Narendra Modi."



As the deadlock continued, TRS MP Jithender Reddy sought an intervention from seniors like BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab.



Mahtab said Parliament functions on rules and conventions and not as per the "whims and caprice". "I request the government to take initiative and talk to respective political parties and start the discussion," he said.



When Mahajan again said, "Let's start the discussion," Kharge said this was possible only under provision of voting.



Attacking the government, TMC's Sudeep Bandopadhyay, said the black money holders are happy because the government has fixed the "50-50 ratio", while poor are suffering. He was referring to the new amendments in IT Act passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.



"Black money should be properly punished, but what is happening is that common people are suffering. We simply want discussion with voting. Why is the government not ready for discussion....," the TMC MP said.



Opposition members, including those from Congress and TMC, stood in the Well of the House, raising their pitch against the government over the demonetisation issue.



Members from the Left parties, Samajwadi Party and AIUDF also joined them while those from the AIADMK and NCP were seen standing near their seats.



Interestingly, as Opposition members raised anti-government slogans demanding voting, BJP members started shouting 'Modi Modi' to counter them.



Earlier when the House assembled for the day, Mahajan took up the Question Hour, but protesting Opposition members turned vociferous with their slogan shouting besides occasionally resorting to howling and clapping.



In the din, the Speaker could take up only two questions and the related supplementaries, before adjourning the House proceedings till noon.



Rahul Gandhi was present in the House during the Question Hour, and most of the time he was seen talking to Congress MPs Jyotiraditya Scindia, Shashi Tharoor and Deepender Singh Hooda.


Talking tough in the wake of attack on army camp in Nagrota, India today made it clear that talks with Pakistan cannot take place in an atmosphere of "continued terror", which it will never accept as "new normal" in the bilateral relationship.





External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said the government is awaiting detailed information on the specifics of the Nagrota attack before it decides on the next steps.



"But I do wish to emphasise that the government takes this incident very seriously and will do what it feels is required for our national security," he asserted.



Asked if there would be bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia (HoA) Conference in Amritsar on December 3 and 4, he said, "We have not received any request from Pakistan for a bilateral meeting.



"India has always been open to talks but obviously it cannot be that talks take place in an atmosphere of continued terrorism. India will never accept continued terrorism as the new normal in the bilateral relationship," Swarup said.



India's sharp remarks come two days ahead of the conference where Pakistan will be represented by Sartaj Aziz, Foreign Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Earlier, Pakistani media reports had quoted officials as having said there would not be a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the HoA meet on Afghanistan.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will jointly inaugurate the ministerial deliberations on Sunday where the Indian delegation will be led by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the absence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is ill.



Hitting out at Pakistan, Swarup said Pakistan is a country which has a long record of carrying out cross border terrorism which it regards as an instrument of state policy and which puts Islamabad at odds with the rest of the international community.



On the criticism that the attacks increased after the surgical strikes, he said, "It was our assessment at that point of time that there was an imminent threat based on hard intelligence about the location of armed terrorists who were ready to infiltrate from across the LoC and carry out terrorist activities on our side.



"This imminent threat was successfully neutralised through the surgical strikes. We should not look only at what happened but also at what did not happen, what was prevented through successful neutralisation of terrorists."



On the appointment of Pakistan's new army chief, he said it is an internal matter of Pakistan. India will judge Pakistan by its behaviour and its track record and not by change of persons, he added.



On Pakistan suggesting a joint probe in Uri strike, which India maintains was carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists, Swarup said this has happened in past also and instead of acting on the evidence provided by India, Islamabad engages in "pure propaganda ploys".



"Pakistan called for an international inquiry, we said we are happy even with their domestic inquiry. When we are giving you fingerprints, DNA of the terrorists who we believe came from Pakistan why Pakistan cannot match this with its national database?



"That would be simplest thing to do, but Pakistan refuses to do that and instead engages in these pure propaganda ploys," the Spokesperson said, adding if Islamabad was serious about tracking down those behind the Uri attack, it should first bring to book those

responsible for 26/11 terror strikes in Mumbai. Besides, it should also share with India the investigation details in the Pathankot air base attack for which a Joint Investigation Team from Pakistan visited the country, he said.



Over the years, India has suffered many "heinous terrorist attacks which have been supported and sponsored by Pakistan and this has been a calculated strategy on its part for many years. He referred to terror attacks on Indian Parliament, the Kaluchak massacre, 2005 Delhi bombings, strike on the CRPF camp in Rampur in 2008, 26/11 Mumbai attack, besides the assaults on Pathankot air base and the army camp in Uri.



"These (attacks) are all reminders of the continuing complicity of Pakistan in sponsoring cross border terrorism of which Nagrota is the latest example. So, it is evident that it is not a matter of a week or a month. It is in fact a challenge that we have faced over many years, indeed over many decades," the MEA Spokesperson said.



He also rejected Pakistan's allegation that India scuttled this year's SAARC summit, saying its members wrote "unanimously" to the Chair that atmosphere was not conducive for holding the meet.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today accused the Centre of creating a situation "worse than Emergency" by deploying army personnel at two toll plazas on a national highway without informing her government.





Talking to reporters at the state secretariat, she alleged army was deployed at two toll plazas at Palsit and Dankuni on NH 2.

"Army has been deployed at two toll plazas without informing the state government. This is a very serious situation worse than Emergency," she said.



"It is an attack on the federal structure. We want to know the details. The Chief Secretary is writing to the Centre. Given an opportunity I will talk to the President on the issue. Has Emergency been imposed in the country without declaration?" she asked.



"Army is our asset. We are proud of them. We requisition army in times of major disaster or communal flare up. "I don't know what has actually happened. Even if there is mock-trial, state government is informed," she said.



Banerjee claimed people got panicky due to the deployment of army at the toll plazas.



When contacted, a defence spokesperson said the army conducts bi-annual exercise throughout the country to get statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the force in case of a contingency.



"There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders," Wing Commander S S Birdi said.



The exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing through a certain area that could be tapped during operations, he said.
Immigration into the UK from within the European Union (EU) has officially overtaken the rest of the world, with Romania replacing India at the top of the table in official figures released today.





Romanians accounted for 10 per cent of all immigration in 2015 with 54,000 people coming to live in Britain  more than any other nationality, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).



China contributed 44,000 immigrants, followed by Poland with 38,000 tally, and India was third with 36,000.



"Immigration levels are now among the highest estimates recorded  the inflow of EU citizens is also at historically high levels and similar to the inflow of non-EU citizens," said Nicola White, ONS head of international migration statistics.



"These long-term immigration figures run up to the end of June, so it is too early to say what effect, if any, the EU referendum has had on long-term international migration," she said.



Immigration was one of the key issues that is believed to have swung the vote in favour of an exit from the EU in the June 23rd referendum.



Annual net migration to Britain in the 12 months to June 2016, or before the Brexit referendum, continued at a record level of 335,000.



This remains far from the UK government's target to reduce net migration levels to the "tens of thousands".



However, Downing Street insisted Prime Minister Theresa May remains committed to that target.



"She remains absolutely committed to bringing net immigration down to sustainable levels, which means tens of thousands, but we have made clear it will take time," a spokesperson said.



UK Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill hinted at further tightening of immigration measures for non-EU nationals, which will include India, as their hands remain tied on internal European migration until the EU's freedom of movement rules can be addressed once official Brexit negotiations kick off.



"We continue to reform non-EU immigration routes to ensure we attract the best and brightest, who benefit and contribute to this country. But there is more to do as we build an immigration system that delivers the control we need," Goodwill said.



This year's migration was largely fuelled by the highest- ever influx of EU nationals in the 12 months before June's referendum.



Europeans came to Britain for work, from countries like Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Spain and Sweden.



The overall 650,000 level of immigration for the year until June 2016 was made up of 284,000 EU citizens coming to live and work in Britain, 289,000 coming from outside Europe and 77,000 Britons returning to live in the UK.
Vowing "zero tolerance" against terrorism, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today assured India that Bangladesh will not allow its soil to be used for terror acts against any country as Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar called on her to discuss bolstering security ties.





"We won't tolerate any sorts of terrorism and militancy and won't allow our land to be used for carrying out terrorist acts against any country," Hasina told Parrikar, who called on her at her official Ganobhaban residence here.



According to Hasina's press secretary Ihsanul Karim, she recalled with gratitude the contribution of Indian armed forces to Bangladesh's Liberation War and told Parrikar that during her upcoming visit to India she would honour those Indian soldiers who died during the 1971 freedom war.



On his part, Parrikar said "it was our moral responsibility to extend help to Bangladesh in the War of Liberation as a friendly country and we provided that assistance."



After the meeting, he handed over Hasina a replica of a helicopter that India used during Bangladesh's liberation war and photographs of paratroopers who took part in that war.



Parrikar, who was accompanied by a high-level defence delegation, offered Indian expertise to train Bangladesh Coast Guards for enhanced capacity to guard the countrys southern coastlines along the Bay of Bengal.



Hasina thanked the Indian Coast Guards for rescuing Bangladeshi fishermen recently.



Parrikar appreciated Bangladesh's tremendous socio- economic development, particularly the women empowerment under Hasina's leadership, saying "Bangladesh made impressive development in various sectors, especially women empowerment, which India could not do yet".



His meeting with Hasina came at the end of a two-day visit, the first by an Indian defence minister, during which he called on President Abdul Hamid and also met premier's security adviser Major Gen (retd.) Tariq Ahmed Siddiqui.



Earlier in the day, Parrikar visited Bangladesh Military Academy near the southeastern port city of Chittagong and paid tributes to "Shikha Anirban" or "flame eternal", a military monument built in memory 1971 war martyrs at Dhaka Cantonment.



Prime Minister's International Affairs Advisor Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Mahfuzur Rahman, PM's Military Secretary Maj Gen Mia Mohammad Joynul Abedin and Indian High Commissioner Harsha Vardhan Shringla were present at the meeting, among others.



The vice chiefs of India's three wings of armed forces, who comprised Parrikar's delegation along with the Indian Coast Guard chief, held talks with Bangladesh army, navy and air force chiefs at their offices in Dhaka cantonment.



"During the meetings, they discussed issues related to the existing good relations and cooperation between the two armed forces," a defence ministry statement said.



Security analysts said Parrikar's visit was expected to firm up defence cooperation initiatives ahead of Bangladesh premiers expected India visit later this month which could yield a defence cooperation agreement.
India was ranked second in a list of 300 top universities in emerging economies, "making great strides" in the compilation topped by China.





China ranked first with 52 universities while India was on the second spot with 27 universities in the ranking -- 'BRICS and Emerging Economies University Rankings 2017' -- compiled annually by 'Times Higher Education' which released its report today.



"India is making great strides. Its flagship university, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), breaks into the top 15 for the first time this year in 14th place, thanks to improved scores for its teaching environment and research influence.



"The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) climbs three places to 26th, its highest ever rank, due to improved scores across all of the five pillars underlying the methodology," said Phil Baty, editor of the rankings.



"In fact, India could soon overtake Taiwan as the second most-represented country in the top 200 of the table, behind China. Overall, India has 19 universities in the top 200, up from 16 last year, while Taiwan has 21, down from 24," Baty said.



Peking and Tsinghua universities in China held on to the two top spots for the fourth year running and China has a further four universities in the top 10.



Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia, University of Cape Town and University of Science and Technology of China complete the top five rankings.



The other Indian universities to make the cut this year include IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur at joint 32; IIT Madras at 35; IIT Roorkee at 62; IIT Kharagpur at 71; Jadavpur University at 99; IIT Guwahati at 106; Tata Institute of Fundamental Research at 107; University of Delhi at 109; Panjab University at 135; Tezpur University at 140; Savitribai Phule Pune University at 143; Aligarh Muslim University at 157; University of Calcutta at 179; Sri Venkateswara University at 186; National Institute of Technology Rourkela at 195; and Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, at 196.



The un-ranked 200-300 category include Acharya Nagarjuna University, Amrita University, Andhra University, Osmania University, Amity University, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Maharaji Sayaji Rao University of Baroda and Manipal University.



While India and China were described as this year's "winners", the performance of the other BRICS  an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  was described as "waning".



"With almost double the number of institutions in this ranking than the second most-represented country, India, China looks set to continue to dominate the list in the years to come, while other nations will have to run faster just to stand still," Baty said.



There were gains made overall by Turkey (16 institutions ranked, up from nine last year), Egypt (eight versus three last year) and Pakistan (seven versus two last year) in terms of representation.
Russia's space agency said it had lost contact today with an unmanned cargo ship shortly after it blasted off to the International Space Station from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.





"Communication was lost today 383 seconds after the launch of the Soyuz-U carrier rocket with the cargo ship Progress MS-04," space agency Roscosmos said in a statement, adding that its specialists were looking into the problem.



The ship, which was scheduled to arrive at the ISS on Saturday, was carrying 2.4 tonnes of fuel, food and equipment, Roscosmos said.



A Progress cargo ship launch failed in April 2015. The failure, which Russia blamed on a problem in a Soyuz rocket, saw the ship disintegrate as it plummeted to Earth. The incident forced Russia to put all space travel on hold for nearly three months.



Last month Frenchman Thomas Pesquet, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky and American astronaut Peggy Whitson launched to the ISS for a six-month mission.
Stepping up its attack on the government over Income Tax Amendment Bill, a united opposition today petitioned President Pranab Mukherjee against it, alleging the legislation was hurriedly passed in the Lok Sabha bypassing parliamentary rules and procedures.





As many as 16 opposition parties, including Congress, arch rivals TMC and the Left, SP and BSP, besides DMK, JMM, NCP and others met the President at Rashtrapati Bhawan this evening and handed over a memorandum, which alleged a "brute and authoritarian" government was "stifling" the democratic process.



The JD-U, whose president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has supported demonetisation, however, was not part of the delegation.



"We appeal to you as the custodian and protector of the Constitution to intervene at this juncture as the democratic rights are being trampled upon by a brute and authoritarian government that is hell bent upon stifling the democratic and legislative process of our Parliament," the memorandum said.



It said the mandatory provisions of Constitution and Rules of Procedure were "totally violated" in passing the Bill.



The memorandum said though Lok Sabha members raised these issues in the House, their democratic rights were denied on the plea that there was no time to wait for the President's assent as the bill was very important.



"This is not permissible in law and amounts to undermining the authority of the President of India," the memorandum said.



Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who was part of the delegation, alleged that Parliamentary procedure was not followed in the passing of the legislation and voice of people was being "suppressed blatantly" now in Parliament too.



"We met the President because of the Bill that was passed without allowing any discussion. There is a sense in the country that the voice of the people is being suppressed and crushed.



"This was being done across the country and now it is being done in Parliament blatantly. This is not the way to run parliamentary democracy. That is why we have come to meet the President here," he said.



The opposition memorandum said it is mandatory under Rule 82 that the Minister shall inform the House in writing whether the recommendation of the President for moving amendments has been given, withheld or rejected.



It said any legislation, especially the one like IT Amendment Bill, which not only relates to taxation but also involves the issue of eliminating the scourge of black money, calls for a detailed discussion in both Houses of Parliament.



"The government, for reasons beyond our comprehension, passed this Bill without affording opportnity and depriving us of our democratic rights and privileges as Members of the Houses, a travesty to the principles of democracy," the memorandum said.



TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said as many as 16 opposition parties got together and explained to the President how the Income Tax Amendment Bill was taken up and passed.



"We are all aggrieved about how the democratic system and Parliamentary rules and procedures are being violated. So we made a fervent appeal to the President to intervene and see to it that the bills are passed according to rules and procedures. We hope we will get positive results," he said.



Bandyopadhyay said the opposition was united on the issue and hoped it will remain so. "If all opposition parties are united, we can do so many things," he said.



Incidently, the last time TMC leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met the President demanding roll back of demonetisation, the Congress and some leading opposition parties were not present.



Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said, "This is a big blow to democracy and there is an attempt being made by this government to trample democracy in the country."



He said the Prime Minister spoke more outside Parliament than inside which was causing problems.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah today said the spurt in militant attacks in the state was a result of "provocative statements" by Union Ministers in the wake of the PoK surgical strikes.





"We are bearing the brunt of statements made after the surgical strikes. If our rulers would have kept quiet after the strikes, and if they would have spoken with their work rather than their mouth, perhaps the conditions would not have been such," he told reporters in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.



The National Conference working president said the statements by Union Ministers that Pakistan would not even dare to look towards India after the strikes and that demonetisation had ended terror, were proving to be wrong now.



"When Defence Minister says that if Pakistan looks at us, we will gouge their eyes out and hand them those, obviously, there would be a reaction somewhere," he said.



Omar said the ministers should focus on their job and leave the talking to the Opposition.



"Unfortunately, there are regular attacks on our establishments, be it Nagrota, Samba or any other place. My only appeal to the rulers is that please pay more attention towards your work.



"It is Opposition's job to talk and the government's job to do work. Here, it is the opposite, the government is talking more and we are working. There should be a role reversal," he said.



The Valley is witnessing a spurt of terror attacks. Seven defence personnel were killed in one such attack at an Army camp at Nagrota on November 29.



The BSF had recently killed three heavily-armed militants in Samba district. The militants had infiltrated into the state to carry out a chain of terror attacks by blowing up running trains and tracks with chained IEDs and hard to detect liquid explosives.



The National Conference leader also hit out at Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju's statement in the Rajya Sabha that illegal funds were being sent through 'hawala' to inimical forces in the Valley to incite protests.



"Such statements only oversimplify a complex political issue in Kashmir that has claimed thousands of young lives. New Delhi should look beyond aggressive, conventional rhetoric and acknowledge the gravity of the situation in Kashmir," he said.



He said both the Central as well as the Mehbooba Mufti-led state government should stop portraying the situation in Kashmir as either a manifestation of terrorism or one invented by slush funds.
What do you do when mundanity creeps in from the daily routine of a 9 to 5 job? You take all your leaves, book a ticket, pack your bags and leave. Yes, that is exactly what I did. I chose Bali, the beautiful paradise in Indonesia, as the destination for my first solo trip. The very idea of travelling alone sounded not just intriguing but also a bit eccentric to some and I got mixed reactions from friends and family. Some applauded me for my decision and for being quite an adventurous soul while others were appalled at the thought of a girl travelling alone. But I was determined to explore the place; a decision fuelled by the excitement of travelling solo.



When the plane was about to land in Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport, a glance at the view from the window assured me of the good times ahead.

My tryst with Bali began from Kuta from where I took a taxi to a nearby town called Sanur as I wanted to start slow before I could make my way to a livelier beach. Sanur has a laidback atmosphere with several small beaches along the coastline adorned with various resorts and hotels as well as dive shops that offer all kinds of water sports. After exploring the shops of the beautiful beach art market, I treated myself with a Balinese massage and enjoyed my first experience of sea walking.

After two days of relaxing and rejuvenating in Sanur, I headed to Ubud which is undoubtedly the cultural and historical hub of Bali. The whole city is adorned with houses, hotels, restaurants and temples, all of which display an architectural and aesthetic finesse that gives the city a very archaic look. I was excited to see the beauty of the stone-carved statues and structures as I took a walk around the city.

The next day, I met a few solo travellers and we had lunch in a traditional Balinese restaurant.



We all enjoyed the Mei Goreng as well as the interesting discussions around travel, history, films and of course, food.



Then we went to the Sacred Monkey Forest which shelters Balinese macaques and has temples with beautiful carvings.



The following day we headed to a museum  Puri Lukisan (Palace of Paintings). This museum showcases modern Balinese paintings and highly ornate wood-carved statues.



Later in the afternoon, there was a bicycle tour around the beautiful green rice terraces of Ubud, a very refreshing experience indeed.



Ubud also has some great nightlife, housing several pubs and restaurants, where one can enjoy various performances from traditional Balinese dances to jazz music.

At 3 am the next morning, I headed for the Mt Batur trek which, even though a little taxing given the hangover, was one of the most surreal and enthralling experiences of my life.



We started the climb at 3.30 am and reached the summit around 5 am which was when the sun started to rise from behind the foggy mountains and the clouds, forming faded shadows on the misty lake below.



Witnessing this breathtaking scene was phenomenal. Mt Batur, like its neighbour Mt Agung, is an active volcano with smoke emerging from its crater.



From Ubud, I decided to give myself some tropical sunshine and coconut-based cocktails, so I took a ferry to Gili Trawangan Island, one of the three islets with beautiful white sand beaches and coconut palms.



I enjoyed snorkeling in the afternoons andsoaking in the beautiful sunsets along the beach in the evenings.



During the nights, it was fresh seafood barbecues accompanied by some bintangs (the local beer) at the elaborate night food market. After enjoying the crystal clear blue waters in the paradise, it was time for me to come back to Bengaluru with tanned skin and a refreshed mind, ready to take on the world again.



(The author can be contacted at ankita.0125.sharma@gmail.com)
As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump talked about China almost solely in the context of trade, such as when he promised to slap punishing tariffs on cheap Chinese imports that he argued had ruined the lives of working-class Americans.





But as he begins to feel the weight of office on his shoulders, there are signs that his focus in the Asia region may have shifted toward security  specifically, the problem of North Korea and its expanding nuclear arsenal, which experts say already threatens the United States regional allies, Japan and South Korea.



During his visit to The New York Times this week, Trump referred obliquely to a big problem for the country that President Barack Obama had mentioned during their 90-minute meeting at the White House after the election. Well-placed US officials believe that reference was to North Korea.



Any solution to that problem must involve China, North Koreas patron, US and Chinese officials agree. Trump acknowledged as much during the campaign, saying on one occasion that China should do more to bear down on the North.



So which tack will Trump take with China? Will he seek its support for a deal on North Korea, or will he start a trade war, putting such cooperation in doubt?

The US officials briefed the Chinese several months ago on their assessment that the Norths nuclear capabilities had sharply increased, according to two Americans with knowledge of the briefings, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.



But even before then, nuclear scientists from China and the US had agreed for some time about the danger posed by the Norths ambitions, said Siegfried Hecker, a US nuclear scientist at Stanford University who was the last outsider to visit the countrys plutonium processing plant at Yongbyon, in November 2010.



Several years ago, the Chinese tended to play down the Norths nuclear capabilities, Hecker said in an email. But since the mercurial Kim Jong-un, a young leader who has declined to listen to China and has provoked the US, took over the country, the assessments of the two powers have been pretty much in line, he said.



Hecker and other scientists estimate that North Korea might develop the capacity to strike the West Coast of the US with a nuclear warhead in about five years. But the real problem is here and now, in Asia, he said.



The greatest and most urgent threat comes not from a North Korean nuke being able to reach the US, but rather what they have already, he said. Specifically, Hecker wrote in a recent article, the North is now probably able to put nuclear weapons on target anywhere in South Korea and Japan and even on some US assets in the Pacific.



Worse yet, he wrote, North Korea may have developed a false sense of confidence from a recent spate of successful nuclear and missile tests  one that could lead it to grave errors of judgment.



Nuclear weapons

By the end of this year, Hecker estimated, the country is likely to have enough fissile material for about 20 bombs. The danger would be exacerbated if the North decided to field tactical nuclear weapons as its arsenal expands and its confidence in its nuclear arsenal grows.



In short, Hecker said, more and better bombs make a catastrophic miscalculation by North Korea more likely. How much of this Trump knew before his victory is unclear, but he was certainly aware of the problem. Early on, he expressed a mixture of awe and dismay toward Kim.



If you look at North Korea, this guy, I mean, hes like a maniac, OK? he said at a rally in Ottumwa, Iowa, in January. And youve got to give him credit. How many young guys  he was like 26 or 25 when his father died  can take over these tough generals?



Trump was referring to Kims execution of several generals, including his uncle, Jang Song-thaek, who was the main conduit between North Korea and China. We cant play games with him, Trump said at the time, referring to Kim. Because he really does have missiles, and he really does have nukes.



Such considerations  and briefings that Trump presumably has received or will receive on the Norths capabilities  co-uld compel the new president to prioritise security over trade in his dealings with China.



With the right approach, he could find a willing partner in Beijing, said Yang Xiyu, a former Chinese official who oversaw the so-called six-party talks on the Norths nuclear program that collapsed in 2008.



But Chinese officials say that approach would require removing a thorn in Beijings side: an advanced missile defense system that the US plans to install in South Korea.



The Chinese view that system, known as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, as an effort to contain its ambitions in Asia, though Washington and Seoul say it is intended purely to defend South Korea against the North.


Opposition members in the City Municipal Corporation laid seize to the CMC presidents chair over lack of transparency in tendering process conducted for the upcoming Visvesvaraya Commercial Complex here on Wednesday. The project has been taken up under public private partnership model.





Opposition Member Yashpal Suvarna said the civic body has failed to furnish the documents related to the tendering process. He said there might be some illegal transactions and the CMC president is involved the scam. He said he had submitted an application seeking the tender documents on October 20. But the documents have not given even after 40 days, he said.



Opposition leader M R Pai said the details on the project were sought in the last general body meeting. The CMC had assured that the related documents would be furnished after the meeting and they were not given. All these developments point at unethical transactions, he said. The Opposition members raised slogans and also threatened not to allow the meeting to continue.



Vice President Sandhya Tilak Raj expressed dissatisfaction by sitting in the well of the House over accusations made against the CMC president and urged the Opposition members to apologise. She also challenged them to produce evidences to prove their charges. The CMC president is being harassed for being a woman, she charged.



Following a huge hue and cry, CMC president Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje intervened and directed the commissioner to provide the documents to the Opposition members.



The meeting was adjourned for ten minutes following commotion as both opposition and ruling party members stuck to their stand. The problems related to irregular business by push cart vendors also came up for discussion in the meeting.



Commissioner Manjunathaiah said the vending zones have been set up. The nameplates for the identification have been set and they would be put up shortly.



If the push cart vendors continue to create nuisance even after that, police help will be sought to tackle the issue, he said. As many as 279 street vendors have been identified. The vending zones are set up at Bannanje, Gundibailu and some areas of Manipal.



The meeting also decided to tackle impending drinking water woes by taking up precautionary measures. The existing water bodies, which do not have water, would be recharged.



Putting up of illegal towers at MIT, Manipal, parking problems, illegal advertisements hoardings, improper drainage and improper collection of waste are among the issues which were discussed in the meeting.
Heavy rain continued to batter Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Thursday even as cyclone Nada weakened into a depression, which is likely to cross the Cuddalore coast on Friday morning.





Deputy Director General of Meteorology S Balachandran of the regional meteorological centre on Thursday said that cyclonic storm Nada over the southwest Bay of Bengal moved westwards in the last six hours and lay centred about 330 km southeast of Chennai, 270 km southeast of Puducherry.



The system is very likely to move westnorthwestward, weaken gradually into a deep depression in the next 12 hours and cross the north Tamil Nadu coast between Vedaranniyam and Puducherry, south of Cuddalore by the early hours of December 2, the official said.



According to him, cyclonic warning signal number seven and six was hoisted in Cuddalore and Puducherry ports.



The met official said that under the influence of the depression, heavy to very heavy rain will occur over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the next 24 hours with squally winds.



Fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were advised not to venture into sea. Meanwhile, heavy rain lashed the coastal districts of Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts on Thursday as the cyclone inched towards Tamil Nadu coast.



Though Chennai ramained cloudy in the morning, the city experienced heavy rain in the afternoon with most roads being flooded with knee-deep water. Schools and educational institutions will remain closed on Friday, even as several scheduled exams at various universities were postponed.



With cyclone Nada set to cross the coast on Friday, the Indian Navy was on alert to assist the state government in rescue and relief work, with two naval ships on standby.



A defence spokesperson said Eastern Naval Command was ready to render any necessary humanitarian assistance.



Two naval ships Shakti and Satpura were on standby to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief, evacuation, logistic support, including providing medical aid, a senior defence official said.



Naval aircraft were also on standby at Rajali and Dega to undertake reconnaissance and rescue operations.
With political discourse focused on heat generated by the Oppositions stand on demonetisation drive, the government is sensitising Union ministers and media on less-cash movement that would be undertaken to further squeeze grey economy.





After the November 8 announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the BJP-led NDA government had managed to convey the message that it was a strike against black money, fake currency and terror funding.



But, with the Opposition trying to encash on inconveniences faced by people due to restrictions imposed during the currency purging exercise, the government has shifted gear to reduce dependence on cash and switch over to digital economy.



For 13 days, Parliament has been paralysed with the Opposition demanding a statement from Modi on the currency ban. Realising that moving to cash-less economy may not be possible in the near future, a senior minister emphasised on the less-cash model.



Government sources said Union ministers and BJP leaders have been apprised of the benefit of digital mode of payments which would reduce dependence on cash. India is among the largest non-banking economy as 90% of transactions are done in cash, a minister explained.



The ministers have been told to educate officials and personal staff in their ministries about the movement towards digital transfer, a senior minister said.



The electronic media has also been briefed about the steps the government was taking in that direction  right from integrating poor into the banking system through Jan Dhan accounts to forming a committee of chief ministers and experts on suggesting a road map for digital payments through debit and credit cards and e-wallets, said government sources.
The government received names of 18 former judges for appointment in four high courts following a decision to re-engage them to deal with huge pendency of cases.





The 18 names have been received from the high courts of Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Allahabad and Calcutta. The proposal is under process, highly placed sources said.



An extraordinary provision of the Constitution can now be invoked to appoint retired judges with proven integrity and track record as judges of high courts to tackle rising pendency, the government and the judiciary agreed.



According to the minutes of the meeting of the chief ministers, chief justices conference held in April, approved after a gap of nearly six months, it was resolved that subject to integrity, suitability and performance of a person who has held the office as a judge of the high court, the provisions of Article 224 A can be invoked to deal with the extraordinary situation involving the large pendency of civil and criminal cases in the HCs.



As per the provision, the chief justice of a high court, with the previous consent of the President (Centre), can request any person who has held the office of a judge of that court or any other high court to sit and act as a judge of the high court for that state.



With 24 high courts facing a shortage of nearly 450 judges, nearly 3 crore cases are pending in courts across India.
Barely 24 hours after seven army personnel, including two officers, were killed in one of the deadliest terror attacks on a strategic army installation in Nagrota area of Jammu, a team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the spot to initiate a probe.





Sources told DH that the NIA team reached Nagrota, 18 km from Jammu, on Wednesday afternoon to probe the attack. Though there is no direction from the Ministry of Home Affairs to probe the case, the NIA, according to the standard operating procedure, visit the spots where terror attacks take place and collect the samples, they said.



Sources revealed the NIA team will investigate to find out if there were any similarities between Pathankot, Uri and Nagrota attacks.



If there are any similarities that means Nagrota attack has been carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group which was responsible for the Pathankot and Uri attacks, they said and added that the local police and the army will assist NIA officials in their probe.



Earlier, the NIA investigated an attack on a Border Security Force convoy in Udhampur area of Jammu province in August 2015, and is presently investigating the September 18 Uri army base attack. The NIA is a central agency set up to combat terror in India. It is empowered to deal with terror-related crimes across states.



A senior police officer said preliminary investigations revealed that the terrorists were familiar with the topography of the Nagrota headquarters. It seems that the fidayeen had sneaked into the highly fortified garrison with a possible support from some civilians, who have access to the premises. Also, it is to be established as to who provided the police uniforms to the terrorists, he said.



The officer added that a note, written in Urdu and bearing the name Afzal Guru Squad at the end, points to the involvement of JeM in the attack. In December 2014, the Guru Squad of JeM had carried out its first fidayeen attack on an army camp in Mohura near the Line of Control, which left 17 people dead, including 11 security personnel.
India on Thursday said that it would never accept continued export of terror from Pakistan as the new normal in its bilateral relations with the neighbouring country.





Two days after seven soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack near the headquarters of Indian Armys 16 Corps at Nagrota in Kashmir, New Delhi said that it was always ready for dialogue with Islamabad, but the talks and terror could not go together.



The Ministry of External Affairs stated that it was waiting for more specific details about the terror attack on the Indian Army camp at Nagrota and would make the next diplomatic move to step up pressure on Pakistan to stop supporting cross-border terror against India.



India has always been open to talks but obviously it cannot be that talks take place in an atmosphere of continued terrorism. India will never accept continued terrorism as the new normal of the bilateral relationship, Vikas Swarup, official spokesperson of the MEA, told journalists.



Bilateral engagement



He was replying to a question on the possibility of a bilateral engagement during the visit of Sartaj Aziz, Foreign Affairs advisor to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to India to attend the forthcoming Heart of Asia ministerial meet at Amritsar in Punjab.



Islamabad has been signalling Pakistans willingness to have bilateral engagement with India during the visit of Aziz, New Delhi, however, has been giving the cold shoulder to the overtures.



Pakistan has not yet sent any request to India for any bilateral engagement on the sidelines of the conference, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday.



Pakistan is a country which has a long record of carrying out cross border terrorism which it regards as an instrument of state policy. This puts Pakistan at odds with the rest of the international community, said Swarup. He added that India had over the years suffered many heinous terrorist attacks which had been supported and sponsored by Pakistan. This has been a calculated strategy on the part of Pakistan for many years.



Parliament attack



He recalled the 2001 attack on Parliament, the 2002 massacre at Kaluchak in Jammu and Kashmir, the 2005 explosions in Delhi, the attack on the CRPF camp at Rampur in 2008, the terror attack at Mumbai, January 2-5 attack on the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot and the attack on the Army camp at Uri in north Kashmir.



He said that the terror attacks were all reminders of the continuing complicity of Pakistan in sponsoring cross border terrorism against India, and the attack on Nagrota was the latest example. So, it is evident that it is not a matter of a week or a month. It is in fact a challenge that we have faced over many years, indeed over many decades, said Swarup.



We should not look only at what happened but also at what did not happen, what was prevented through successful neutralisation of terrorists (during the September 29 surgical strikes by Indian Army), said the official spokesperson.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) will set up Higher Education Finance Corporation for mobilising funds to ensure quality education within the reach of students.





UGC chairperson Ved Prakash said here on Thursday that the government and corporates would join hands in setting up the proposed corporation. He said that the universities were not getting sufficient funds and hence were in dire straits. The higher education system needs financial reforms. So, a multi-pronged approach is required for mobilising funds, he said. Ved Prakash was in Mysuru to take part in the principals meet.



He said that the documents submitted by the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) were being verified and the de-recognition of its courses would be revoked soon. The varsity had submitted an action taken report following corrective measures suggested by the UGC. The Commission had raised some queries about the report and the KSOU has submitted a few supporting documents in reply. If they are found satisfactory, the de-recognition will be revoked, he said.



The UGC de-recognised the courses offered by the KSOU (from the academic year 2012-13) on June 16 this year, citing violation of its guidelines.



The de-recognition came after a long process after a show-cause notice was issued to the KSOU on June 10, 2011 and after considering its response, including personal hearing of the officials of the university.



The KSOU, bifurcated from the University of Mysore, was established in June 1996 and was considered as a reputed institution among the open learning institutions in the country.


Police have registered a case of house-trespass against unknown persons on a complaint given by an employee of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshits daughter Latika.





Based on the complaint, police said on Thursday that the accused were henchmen of Latikas husband against whom she had recently filed a domestic violence case.



According to the complainant Shashikant, who is employed by Latika, the incident happened on Tuesday night when he and his colleague Manish saw five-six men standing outside their employers house in a suspicious manner.



The complaint further stated that when Shashikant and Manish came out of the house and started driving towards Khan Market, two of the men, who were standing in front of Latikas house, started following their car in a motorcycle.



Shashikant then reversed the car and returned to their employers house from where he called up the police. Two others were heard calling out Latikas name outside her flat at Hailey Road near Barakhamba Road.



Shashikant has expressed suspicion that the men could be the henchmen of Syed Mohammad Imran, Latikas husband who was arrested by the Delhi Police on charges of theft, adultery and misappropriating his wifes property on November 11.



Shashikant said he was one of the witnesses in the case and there was a threat to him and another person.
Bengaluru Development Minister K J George has said that the state government would start construction of the steel bridge between Basaveshwara Circle and Hebbal in Bengaluru soon after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) vacates the stay.





Given that there are various components to the project, the government hopes to start the project work at the earliest he said.



In his reply to the question raised by BJP MLC Ganesh Karnik in the Upper House, George said that the government had been making efforts to get the NGT stay vacated so that it could complete the project within two years.



The project has been conceived to ease traffic towards the Kempegowda International Airport. Further, it has been envisioned to provide connectivity to Tumakuru Road, Nagavara-Hennur and Sarjapur Roads.



When Karnik asked about the project cost, George said, The steel bridge was conceived by the then BJP government. But, the detailed project report was readied after the Congress government came to power. Larsen and Toubro has been selected as the agency to implement the project at an estimated cost of Rs 1,791 crore.



He said that people travelling to Hebbal and Yelahanka could also opt for this route. Equipment and spare parts for the bridge will be manufactured in single unit to facilitate the speedy implementation of the project.



Meanwhile, the chief minister held a review meeting on the flyover project at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. He later told media that he has directed the advocate general to make efforts to vacate the NGT stay.
Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said nine persons affiliated to the BJP and the RSS have been killed in the last three years in the state.





In his written reply to BJPs Arun Shahapur in the Legislative Council, the minister said that the suspects in the recent murder of RSS activist Rudresh in Bengaluru are said to have links with SDPI, PFI, Indian Mujahideen and Al Ummah of Tamil Nadu.



The suspects in the murder case of Raju, a RSS activist of Mysuru, are in the judicial custody.



But, the murders in other cases are due to personal reasons. The police have arrested a total of 85 persons in connection with all these murders.



The government will provide protection to the BJP and the RSS workers if they want Parameshwara added.


The Karnataka government took the legislation route to curtail planting of saplings that have adverse effect on environment and ground water.





The Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Karnataka Preservation of Trees (Amendment) Bill, 2016 that provides for regulating the planting and cultivation of saplings which cause ecological damage and erode soil fertility.



The bill, piloted by Forest Minister Ramanath Rai, also provides for the government to regulate planting of saplings which support and hosts pests. However, the bill has not named any specific species that are harmful to nature and should be banned from cultivation.



The state government, through a circular in 2012, had banned planting of acacia and eucalyptus as these two species caused environmental damage. However, there was no effectively implementation of the circular.




In a bid to tide over acute shortage of specialist doctors in government hospitals, the Health department is taking steps to hire doctors from the private sector on contract or to work on on call basis.





Replying to Duryodhan Aihole (BJP) in the Legislative Assembly, Health Minister K R Ramesh Kumar said specialists are not keen on working in government hospitals despite being offered salaries to the tune of Rs one lakh per month in addition to house rent allowance of Rs 20,000.



Remuneration for doctors who agree to serve on call will be on a case-to-case basis, he said.



The minister said several specialist doctors from government hospitals are holding administrative posts such as joint directors, deputy directors and programme directors under various health schemes.



The Health department will divest them of their administrative responsibilities and depute them to government hospitals.



Specialist doctors working in the casualty wings are being replaced with those with MBBS qualification in a bid to use them for specialised services.



Recruitment in a month

The minister said that the Health department will fill all the vacant para-medical and staff nurse posts in government hospitals within a month. He said there is no proposal before the state government for opening new primary health centres.



Replying to a query by B N Vijay Kumar (BJP), the minister said all the hospitals in Bengaluru, including those run by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike will be equipped with infrastructure for blood component separation units to help patients suffering from dengue.


The state government has reorganised the policing structure in Bengaluru by opening nine new police stations, abolishing/merging an equal number and renaming one.





It has also created a new division (Whitefield) and renamed three subdivisions. The total number of police stations remains unchanged, though. The reorganisation  the first in 53 years  has been taken up on a proposal submitted by Police Commissioner, N S Megharikh.



A government order to this effect was issued on November 28. The government accepted the proposal in toto, disregarding the objections raised by some MLAs who feared their constituencies will lose police stations. DH had reported the development on October 7, 2016.



The Bengaluru police commissionerate will continue to have 153 police stations  110 of law and order and 43 of traffic. In 2015, the government had abolished the Excise and Lottery (E&L) wing and added its four police stations and two SP-rank positions to the commissionerate.



Whitefield division



The post of DCP (Traffic-North) was created using an SP-rank position of the E&L wing. The other SP-rank position has been now used for creating the Whitefield division that will oversee five police stations in the IT hub.



The reorganisation is aimed at equally distributing the workload among police stations and ensuring an effective mechanism to redress grievances. In the earlier set-up, the workload was grossly unequal among police divisions.



The Southeast division alone reported around 10,000 cases a year, Central 4,000, Northeast 2,400, and the remaining four divisions (West, South, North and East) saw between 6,000 and 9,000 cases.



The Madiwala police station alone reported 2,400 FIRs a year. The unequal distribution of workload and inconvenience to the general public because of geographical reasons triggered the decision to reorganise the set-up.
The Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed a bill that makes registration compulsory for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Naturopathy and Siddha (Ayush) practitioners.





The Karnataka Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Siddha, Unani and Yoga Practitioners Registration and Medical Practitioners Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Bill, 2016 seeks to regulate these practitioners. Registered practitioners will be issued an ID card, which should be compulsorily displayed at their clinics.



According to the provisions of the bill, unregistered practitioners will be punished with a fine that may extend to Rs 20,000 for the first offence and Rs 2 lakh fine and imprisonment of one year for the second offence and a fine of Rs 5 lakh and imprisonment for three years for the subsequent offence.



The Assembly also passed a bill that proposes to expand the authority of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to give administrative approval for projects up to Rs 10 crore without bringing it before the Cabinet.



Hitherto, the BWSSB had the authority to clear projects up to Rs 1 crore.

The House passed a bill, which provides for allowing tapping of neera, the sweet sap from coconut trees. The Karnataka Excise (amendment) Bill, 2016 also provide for promoting byproducts of neera such as palm jaggery and palm sugar to help farmers increase their revenue.



The Assembly passed the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation during Emergency situations) Bill, 2016 that seeks to provide protection to Good Samaritans and medical professionals who help accident victims from civil and criminal liabilities.



In the Legislative Council, Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy said the government is mulling over bringing in Karnataka Universities Comprehensive Act in the next legislature session to ensure uniformity in administration and monitoring of the varsities and colleges in the state.



During a discussion on a bill that proposes to change the name of Karnataka State Womens University after 12th century social reformer Akkamahadevi, the minister said the government intends in bringing a comprehensive legislation for all the state universities. A committee headed by former Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University N R Shetty has submitted its report in this regard.



Rayareddy said Maharani College in Bengaluru could not be brought under the Women's University as the process of declaring the college as cluster university was under process. A regional centre for the womens university would be set up in Mandya, he added.


In a major step towards providing Metro connectivity to Whitefield, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Thursday invited bids to take up construction work between Kundanahalli and Whitefield (Reach I-B), without waiting for the land acquisition to get over.





The BMRCL has planned to take up the work in two packages. The tender contract involves construction of elevated structures (viaduct and stations) of 7.2 km length from Visvesvaraya Industrial Area station (excluding) to Whitefield station (including), viaduct line entry to Whitefield depot and road widening works.



The seven elevated Metro stations are Kundanahalli, Vydehi Hospital, Sri Satya Sai Hospital, ITPL , Kadugodi, Ujwala Vidyalaya and Whitefield in extension of Phase II.



The BMRCL has set a deadline of 27 months to complete the work from the date of awarding work order. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 666.12 crore. The BMRCL has also mentioned that it is in talks with Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau, a German government-owned development bank for funds.



The corporation has identified a maximum of up to six acres near Baiyappanahalli railway station to set up casting yard. The land would be provided to the contractor on license fee basis at the rate of Rs 1.36 lakh per acre per month.



Pradeep Singh Kharola, managing director, BMRCL told DH that the corporation has split the work into two packages to ensure that the contractors complete the work faster.



Land acquisition process between Kundanahalli to Whitefield is in the final stage. The tender process takes around two to three months. Meanwhile, we are confident to take required land in to our possession, he said.



Kharola said the tender would be floated in a few days for the remaining stretch from Baiyappanahalli Metro station to Kundanahalli (Reach 1-A). Another BMRCL official said properties on this stretch are yet to be acquired and the process may need a few more days.



Phase-2



Apart from the Whitefield extension, the BMRCL has also taken up civil work on Mysuru road Metro station and Yelachenahalli Metro station. Recently, it also invited bids for the construction work of elevated Metro corridor from Nagasandra to Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre.



While the Bommasandra extension from RV Road is stuck with land acquisition issues, the BMRCL is yet to take up Gottigere-Nagawara Metro project.
A senior housing development is planned for the vacant lot adjacent to the polo fields on Via de la Valle  whether or not the project is subject to a city-wide vote remains a topic of debate.

The Carmel Valley Community Planning Boards Prop A subcommittee met on Nov. 21 to discuss Prop A as it relates to the proposed facility, Hacienda Del Mar. Prop A, which passed in 1985, states that any development on agriculturally-zoned land is to be very low density housing, open space or agricultural use. Any more intense development must go to a city-wide vote.

The planning board and the city have to make a policy decision on whether the project is urban or non-urban in scale and character  if deemed to be an urban project it would require a general plan amendment and a vote of the people.

The developers, Milan Capital, acknowledge that it is ultimately a policy decision but they believe what they are proposing would not require a vote.

There is no doubt that it is Prop A land, said David Watson, an attorney for the Hacienda Del Mar project. Over the last two years, Milan has tried to come up with a project that the community might consider to be non-urban in character and scale, and of a high enough quality that they could consider supporting.

Per the municipal code, hospitals, intermediate care and nursing facilities are prohibited on Prop A lands but would be allowed with a conditional use permit. In 1995, San Diego City Council adopted growth management guidelines known as the Framework Plan, which allows for rural cluster development on Prop A lands.

Hacienda Del Mar is a rural, clustered development, non-urban in character and scale, designed and sited in the most environmentally-sensitive manner, Watson said. For these reasons, it is consistent with all Prop A General Plan, Framework Plan and municipal code requirements.

Barry Schultz, vice chair of the planning board, was attempting to grasp exactly what would define a project as urban or non-urban and what threshold of development would cause a vote.

To committee member Jay Powell, who was involved in the origins of Prop A, it is important to protect what is left of agricultural land in the city. Powell said the main reason for Prop A was to provide a mechanism for residents if developers are not following the general plan. He is concerned about exemptions made on Prop A lands; he believes any development should be taken to a vote of the people.

De-facto suburbanization has happened without Prop A which is not the intent, Powell said. The battle that I think we lost was in the city councils interpretation, allowing clustering to occur in the intensity that it did.

Watson said the developers understand that the 20 acres in the San Dieguito River Valley is the last open space there is in the area.

Hacienda Del Mar is planned to have less than 10 percent lot coverage, with the remainder of the 23.87-acre site used for dedicated open space.

A total of four, one-story buildings will be clustered below a hillside at the eastern portion of the property and all building setbacks are at least 55 feet, more than double the required 25 feet. In the sites agricultural residential zone, one unit is allowed per 10 acres. Under the planned residential development code with no vote, the maximum allowed would be four units. Watson said the developers are looking to stay within that allowed square footage of four large residential estate units.

The remaining 11 acres on the western side of the property, closest to El Camino Real, will be open space with restored natural habitat.

As long as the majority of the site  in this case 90 percent  is not developed, than that whole corner would still be open, Watson said. And as the polo field is owned by the city, that will still be open space. So you would have this wide open space area with a small cluster up against the hill.

The previous project, Rancho Del Mar, was much more urban in scale, Watson said. At one point, the Rancho Del Mar plan called for 225 care casitas spread across the entire lot and a 29,147-square-foot wellness center across the street.

The current developer has tried really hard to work with the community and come up with a project that is non-urban in scale and would not create a negative precedent, Watson said.

What could make Hacienda Del Mar considered urban in character, Schultz pointed out, is the projects intensity of services. Schultz said that more than just looking rustic, the planning board must also consider the use, the employee parking requirements and what it will take to serve the senior community.

Senior housing has the lowest amount of trips generated from any other use and typically has less demand at peak traffic hours, but the concern is that a facility would still generate more traffic than if it was just estate homes on the property.

A notice of preparation of Hacienda Del Mars environmental impact report is set to go out to residents soon and a scoping meeting will be held in December. At the scoping meeting, all members of the public are invited to come and provide input on what the EIR (environmental impact report) should study.

The draft EIR would be prepared and released for comments in 2017.


Marni presents the MARNI HAPPY BIRDS project, reaffirming its commitment to childrens charities. A limited edition collection of hand-painted wooden and metal birds in a range of vibrant colour combinations is made in partnership with Colombian craftsmen. Inspired by the world of art, five individual creations are an ironic representation of a great female artist of the last century: Carol Rama is depicted with a whimsical sunburst crown, Frida Kahlo is a cormorant with a large beak, the moorhen is Georgia OKeeffe, the little bird looking to the sky is Alice Neel and the queen is Louise Bourgeois.



The proceeds from all Happy Birds sold will be donated to the Vimala Association www.associazionevimala.org, supporting children in the refugee camps of India.

MARNI HAPPY BIRDS will arrive in Marni boutiques at the beginning of December and will be available throughout the Christmas period.

See more after the jump:



All images courtesy of Marni
Sarkunam's Next Will Feature This Ace Actor
With Google token in tow, the hackers can access Google services like Gmail, Google Photos, Google Docs, Google Play, Drive and entire G suite

A new Android malware has reportedly compromised more than 1 million Google accounts. The new malware dubbed Gooligan has been found active in at least 86 apps and has affected hundred of accounts associated with enterprise users.

According to researchers from security firm Check Point Software Technologies, Gooligan is active in 86 apps available in third-party marketplaces. Once installed, the malware uses rooting to gain access to system privileges on devices running Android 4.0 - right from Ice Cream Sandwich to KitKat and Android 5.0 Lollipop. Android 4.0 and Android 5.0 combined are running on nearly 73 percent of Android smartphones.

In a blog post, Check Point researchers wrote, "The infection begins when a user downloads and installs a Gooligan-infected app on a vulnerable Android device. Our research team has found infected apps on third-party app stores, but they could also be downloaded by Android users directly by tapping malicious links in phishing attack messages. After an infected app is installed, it sends data about the device to the campaigns Command and Control (C&C) server."

The Check Point report notes that the rooted devices can download and install software capable of stealing authentication token allowing phones to access the owner's Google accounts and services. With Google token in tow, the hackers can access Google services like Gmail, Google Photos, Google Docs, Google Play, Drive and entire G suite.

The Check Point researchers further added, "After achieving root access, Gooligan downloads a new, malicious module from the C&C server and installs it on the infected device. This module injects code into running Google Play or GMS (Google Mobile Services) to mimic user behavior so Gooligan can avoid detection, a technique first seen with the mobile malware HummingBad. The module allows Gooligan to:

1. Steal a users Google email account and authentication token information

2. Install apps from Google Play and rate them to raise their reputation

3. Install adware to generate revenue."

Gooligan is an advanced version of 'GhostPush', a vast collection of Potentially Harmful Apps available outside of Google Play.

In response to this threat, Adrian Ludwig, Director of Android Security wrote in a blog post,"In the last few weeks, we've worked closely with Check Point, a cyber security company, to investigate and protect users from one of these variants. Nicknamed Gooligan, this variant used Google credentials on older versions of Android to generate fraudulent installs of other apps. This morning, Check Point detailed those findings on their blog."

Google says it has taken many actions to protect its users and has found no evidence of user data access or targeting. Google feels there is a need to strengthen android ecosystem security (which is going to be the case for any ecosystem) and is removing apps associated with Ghost Push family from Play Store.

If you are using third party app store on your Android device then you can visit Check Point's blog post for list of 86 affected apps. Alternatively, users can also check whether their Google accounts are breached by visiting this link. Affected devices can only be restored by reflashing with a clean Android ROM while affected Google accounts need immediate password change.
Nokia is launching a new section for phones on its site marking return of the once dominant mobile brand

Nokia branded smartphones running Android are coming early next year. Nokia recently announced its plans to return to smartphones and has formalised the move by licensing agreement with HMD Global.

Early this year in May, Nokia announced that HMD Global - a finnish smartphone maker will solely be responsible for Nokia branded products. Today, Nokia has confirmed that HMD Global will be the new home for Nokia phones. HMD has announced that it will begin operations as the new home of Nokia phones under an exclusive global brand license for the next ten years.

Nokia is launching a new section for phones on its site marking return of the once dominant mobile brand. Nokia says its feature phones will continue to be available but HMD has plans to introduce smartphones and tablets later.

"We've been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown around the world for the return of the Nokia brand to smartphones. The HMD Global team has the ambition, talent and resources to bring a new generation of Nokia branded phones to market, and we wish them every success. I'm sure our millions of Nokia fans will be excited to see their new products," said Brad Rodrigues, interim president of Nokia Technologies.

Just ahead of Microsoft acquisition, Nokia introduced its first Android tablet named N1. The product was not a success but it did turn out to be a futile experiment after Microsoft killed Nokia brand in favour of Lumia.

With Google entering the hardware space recently with its Pixel series smartphones, it will be interesting to see how Nokia adapts to this world. It won't be easier for Nokia to convince consumers especially considering the fact that it won't be building its own phones. Nokia has a legacy, will it be able to live up to it? Only time can answer that.
Energy storage and clean fuel company ITM Power said that new directives announced by the European Commission were fundamentally important in the uptake of power-to-gas energy storage and green hydrogen fuel made by electrolysis across the continent.

On Wednesday, the European Commission released new directives - Clean energy for all Europeans: Unlocking Europe's growth potential - included a dew definition of energy storage that includes power -to gas, a level playing field for generation, storage and demand response, and a guarantee of origin scheme for hydrogen.

Chief executive Dr. Graham Cooley said: "These new EU directives are fundamentally important for unlocking the potential of rapid response grid balancing using electrolysis and for the deployment of power-to-gas energy storage across Europe. The guarantee of origin scheme also differentiates green hydrogen as a fuel for transport."

The new energy storage definition includes the conversion of electricity to another energy carrier such as hydrogen and is not restricted to power-in/power-out storage so it encourages the adoption of power-to-gas.

The definition will enable power-to-gas plants and electrolyser-hydrogen refuelling stations to offer storage facilities to the electricity market, while selling hydrogen to the mobility and gas sectors.

By providing a level playing field for generation, storage and demand response companies can each provide flexible services to the grid operator. Electrolysers will be able to be instructed by grid operators to provide up and down response for grid services and will have balancing services payments across the EU, which they already have in the UK.

The guarantees of origin scheme for hydrogen will give customers the confidence that they are using a legitimate source of low-carbon gas. A carbon intensity threshold for hydrogen will be applied, and provided it is at, or below the threshold value, it will be classified as low-carbon with certificates awarded.

Shares in ITM Power were up 2.11% to 24.25p at 0908 GMT.
AIM-listed property developer Watkin Jones has forward sold developments in Cardiff and Belfast to institutional investors in student accommodation for an undisclosed fee.

Chief executive Mark Watkin Jones said: the disposals underpins the companys earnings and cashflow, while interest in the sector remains strong.

The Cardiff development on Bridge Street, which is close to the city centre and Queen Street station, has 472 beds and is due to be completed in 2018, ahead of the 2018-19 academic year.

The Belfast development on Queen Street has 340 beds and is also to be completed in August 2018.

Shares in Watkin Jones were down 0.63% to 118.25p at 0814 GMT.
Foreign secretary Boris Johnson has denied that he told ambassadors that he favours the free movement of people as Britain prepares to leave the European Union.

Sky News reported that Johnson had assured several ambassadors that he supported the free movement of people across Europe, straying from the official Conservative party line to curb migration.

The EU has said that the unrestricted movement of people was one of the four freedoms for membership of the bloc, the others being the free movement of goods, capital and services.

An ambassador told Sky News: He did say he was personally in favour of free movement, as it corresponds to his own beliefs, but said it wasnt government policy.

Johnson told another ambassador that he was personally in favour of it, but said that Britain had been more affected by free movement of people than other EU member states.

His comments put him at odds with Prime Minister Theresa May who has been adamant about reducing net migration since she was home secretary.

In response to the claims, a spokesperson for the foreign secretary said: "Boris said what he has said many times before - he is pro immigration but wants to take back control to limit numbers.

"He did not say he supported freedom of movement and challenges anyone to show proof that he ever said that."

Nick Clegg, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Johnson was treating voters like fools.

If these reports are to be believed, then Boris Johnson, the figurehead of the Brexit campaign, is treating voters like fools. It now appears he never even believed in the central message of the Brexit campaign: to end freedom of movement.

During the referendum campaign Johnson had said that he was in favour of immigration, but warned on the unrestricted free movement of people across the continent and that it was damaging to Britain's public services.
Dixons Carphone racked up some healthy gains on Thursday as Credit Suisse initiated coverage of the stock at outperform with a 12-month 420p price target, implying a one-year total shareholder return of 30%.

CS argued that Dixons Carphone was a rare example of a successful retail merger, pointing out that since the combination just over two years ago, it has gained significant market share in its core markets and demonstrated robust operating and best-in-class profitability metrics in what is widely considered to be one of the toughest sub-sectors in retail  consumer electricals retailing.

Despite robust like-for-like growth and profit delivery this year, shares are down 33% year to date on investor concerns about weak sterling and demand next year.

We argue that Dixons Carphone will pass through higher costs, while demand is likely to remain stable and the flux in the industry should help the company gain market share in the UK and Europe.

The bank reckons Dixons can deliver 3-4% top-line growth and strong cash generation over the next four years thanks to additional benefits from planned synergies, the ongoing store optimisation and focus on Services.

At 1430 GMT, the shares were up 2.4% to 339.60p.
Pharmaceuticals' recent underperformance versus Mining stocks might be set to end, strategists at Deutsche Bank said.

The approximately 5% gain in the US dollar index over the past three months would have been consistent with double-digit outperformance by the former, the investment bank said.

Pharma tended to do well when the greenback strengthened because roughly 38% of the European sector's sales were denominated in US dollars, while dollar gains tended to drag on commodity prices, it said.

Critically, Deutsche's FX strategists forecast was for another leg higher in the US dollar, which they saw ending 2017 up by 5.0%.

However, the higher the US dollar moved "the more likely this performance is to reverse", they added.

Markets pricing in a more aggressive US Fed in 2017 or a disorderly devaluation of the Chinese yuan were among the possible triggers for dollar strength.

On the other side of the equation, the main risks to their 'call' were a further boost to metals' prices should China's economy grow more quickly than anticipated or a sharp devaluation in Sterling linked to Brexit.

Deutsche Bank said it was 'positive' on the sector, singling out Shire, AstraZeneca and Sanofi as their 'top picks'.
Home-sharing website AirBnB has introduced new limits on the number of nights for which guests can book accommodation, as it faces pressure from city councils and national governments.

AirBnB allows hosts to rent out their houses and apartments when they are not on the property, but a statement from the group has confirmed those renting out in London and Amsterdam will have limits on the number of days they can rent it.

In the English capital the licence will be needed if the hosts wish to rent their apartment for 90 days or more per year, while in Amsterdam the limit will be 60 days.

The changes to the company's policy will come into effect from 2017.

"We want to be good partners for everyone and ensure home sharing grows responsibly and sustainably," James McClure, Airbnb general manager for Northern Europe, said.

Urban authorities have expressed concern that residents' cost of living has been increased by the platform.

AirBnB earlier this year filed to raise $850m in funds, valuing the company at around $30bn. It is one of the best examples of the emerging "on-demand" economy whose values are being discussed by world economic leaders. The likes of Uber and Lyft are also part of this new industry, but have come under criticism for exploiting their workers.
The unemployment rate fell to 9.8% from 9.9% the month before and 10.6% in October 2015. This is the lowest rate recorded in the euro bloc since July 2009. The rate for September was revised down to 9.9% from a previous estimate of 10%.

In the EU-28 group of countries, the rate nudged down to 8.3% from 8.4% in September and 9.1% in October 2015, which is the lowest rate recorded since February 2009.

Among the member states, the lowest unemployment rates were seen in the Czech Republic and Germany, with the highest rates in Greece and Spain.

Pantheon Macroeconomics said it was a surprising and upbeat headline but cautioned that big month-to-month movements in these data are often revised.

The labour market is a lagging indicator in the eurozone, and it likely will continue to fall in the coming three-to-six months. This decline will mainly be driven by countries outside Germany, but we also remind that the structural level of unemployment in France, Italy and Spain is higher than in Germany, the US and the UK which are often used as benchmarks. This is particularly relevant in France, where we think the structural level of unemployment could be as high as 7%-to-8%. In Italy and Spain, though, the room for further declines remain significant.
Stocks across the Asia Pacific region kicked off the new month with gains in the wake of OPEC's decision, overnight, to cut its levels of oil output and after stronger-than-expected Chinese factory data.

Japanese and Australian shares did best, with only benchmarks in Mongolia, South Korea and India to be seen on their backfoot.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng edged up 0.39% to 22,878.23 on heavy trading volumes and led by oil stocks following OPEC's decision overnight to cut its output to 32.5m b/d, while the Shanghai Stock Exchange's Composite Index rose 0.72% to 3,273.31.

Shares in Chinese sewage treatment firm CT Environmental crashed lower after they resumed trading. On 28 November, Glaucus Research accused the company of publishing misleading figures on its water treatment volumes.

In parallel, the Nikkei-225 gained 1.12% to close at 18,513.12, while Sydney's S&P/ASX 200 tacked on 1.10% to 5,500.24 - its best level since late August - as copper and iron ore futures advanced.

Caixin's Chinese manufacturing sector purchasing managers' index slipped from a 27-month high of 51.2 in October to 50.9 for November, edging past forecasts for a reading of 50.8.

A separate "official" gauge, which is more geared towards larger-sized firms, increased from 51.2 to 51.7 (consensus: 51.0). In parallel, the services sector PMI rose from 54.0 to 54.7.

Nevertheless, many economists sounded a cautious note on the short-term outlook for growth in China.

Exports from South Korea grew for the first time since August, rising by 2.7% year-on-year in November, while imports increased 10.1%, driving an increase in the country's trade surplus from $6.97bn in October to $8.0bn.

Both figures easily surpassed the 1.6% and 2.9% increases which analysts had penciled in.

South Korea's consumer price index on the other hand advanced at a 1.3% year-on-year clip in November, the same as in the prior month but missed forecasts for it to pick-up to 1.5%.
European stocks pushed lower as investors chewed over the production cut agreed by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries on Wednesday and as jitters set in ahead of the Italian referendum on constitutional reform this Sunday.

At midday, indices were in the red across the board with the benchmark index Stoxx Europe 600 down 0.52%, Frances CAC 40 0.57% lower and Germanys DAX falling 0.71%.

Oil prices were in the black but off highs after members of OPEC decided on a production cut of 1.2m barrels a day to 32.5m barrels from January next year.

Brent crude was up 0.99% to $52.36 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate rose 0.8% to $49.85, as analysts started to doubt whether the supply targets will be achieved.

Meanwhile, investors were also getting nervous ahead of the impending Italian referendum.

IG market analyst Joshua Mahony said: The OPEC hangover being felt across Europe this morning is a clear indication that whilst yesterdays announcement was over and above expectations, there still remain a number of hurdles to curing the oversupply evident in the oil market. European markets also have Italian clouds looming, with the referendum providing the most significant risk event ahead despite tomorrows US jobs data.

On the data front, the final eurozone manufacturing purchasing managers index came in at 53.7 in November, in line with the flash estimate and up from 53.5 in October according to IHS Markit.

Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, said: Eurozone manufacturers are enjoying the best improvement in business conditions for almost three years, as the benefits of a weaker currency and strengthening demand helped firms brush off political worries.

Unemployment in the region declined in October to the lowest rate recorded in the euro bloc since July 2009 according to Eurostat. The unemployment rate fell to 9.8% from 9.9% in September and 10.6% in October 2015.

Pantheon Macroeconomics said it was a surprising and upbeat headline but cautioned that big month-to-month movements in these data are often revised.

In China, the official manufacturing purchasing managers' index released earlier came in at 51.7 for November, up from 51.2 in October and ahead of expectations for a reading of 51.0.

On the corporate side, oil giants BP and Shell racked up healthy gains as oil prices rallied. BP was also boosted by an upgrade to outperform from neutral from Credit Suisse.

Anglo-Swiss miner Glencore was on the front foot after it said its plan to reduce debt as resources prices retreat is near completion, and the company intends to return $1bn to its shareholders next year.

Rio Tinto edged lower after earlier gains as it confirmed that it is cooperating with inquiries from the relevant authorities relating to the impairment included in the company's 2012 accounts in respect of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique.

The statement followed a press report in earlier in the week stating that the company was facing an investigation by the US Securities & Exchange Commission on the timing of the $3bn in impairment charges.

Swedish medical equipment firm Elekta slumped after its results missed expectations.

TalkTalk was also under the cosh after a downgrade by JP Morgan Cazenove.

Daily Mail & General Trust was in the black as it reported a drop in adjusted pre-tax profit and operating profit but a rise in revenue for the year, with results ahead of expectations overall.

Rolls Royce advanced as it announced plans to cut around 800 jobs worldwide to make savings in its marine business.
Glencore s plan to reduce its debt as commodity prices retreat is near completion as it finalised the sales of its agriculture and Australian rail businesses, while it plans to return $1bn to shareholders.

The Anglo-Swiss miner is seeking to maximise shareholder value and will distribute $1bn to be paid in equal tranches in the first and second half of 2017.

A new policy will come into effect from 2018, which will have a fixed $1bn base together with a minimum payout of 25% of industrial free cash flow.

Last year, the company enforced measures to reduce its debt and structurally increase the flexibility and strength of the balance sheet.

Chief executive Ivan Glasenberg said: We have delivered on our commitments and done so in a way that has preserved the long-term earnings capability of the group. Glencore can look forward to the future with confidence, based on our scalable and low cost industrial operations and robust marketing business."

The FTSE 100 company is on track for net debt to be between $16.5 to $17.5bn by the end of the year.

Its divestment programme is nearly finished, with the company having made gains $6.3bn versus the original guidance of between 1bn to 2bn.

The Australian Grail business was sold to Genesse & Wyoming Australia for AU$1.41bn and stakes in Glencore Agriculture totalling 49.99% were sold to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and British Columbia Investment Management for $3.12bn.

It also sold a stake in the Ernest Henry copper and gold project to Evolution Mining in November for AU$880m. In total, the three disposals, in accordance with relevant exchange rates, come to $4.7bn.

Glencore is targeting a maximum of two times net debt and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) during the year.

The company said that even though commodity prices were low in the first quarter of 2016, its cash flow was healthy. For 2017 it has about $6.51 in cash on EBITDA of about $14bn, based on prices for next year.

Marketing earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) is expected to be towards the upper end of the $2.5 to $2.7bn originally anticipated.
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J.T. Tuimoloau's NIL value surges after win over Penn State

Ohio State defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau could see some very tangible benefits from his performance against Penn State.
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Conflict rules different for presidents

The government's legislative and judicial branches are governed by well-established rules, but there's far less clarity about what a president can and cannot do.



By JULIE BYKOWICZ and MARK SHERMAN

Associated Press

WASHINGTON  Rep. David McKinley has sold his West Virginia engineering and architecture firm, but it still bears his name  and that earned the Republican congressman a rebuke from the House Ethics Committee. President-elect Donald Trump has built an international property management, real estate and branding business around his name. There appears to be no consequence for that.



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Wilbur Ross has salvaged a number of failing ventures  including one of Donald Trump's.



By JEFF HORWITZ

Associated Press

WASHINGTON  Wilbur Ross, Donald Trump's choice for Commerce secretary, has a history of salvaging failing ventures  including, at one point, Trump's own.

Now worth an estimated $2.9 billion, Ross grew up in an affluent New Jersey suburb before heading to Yale University, Harvard Business School and Wall Street. A specialist in bankruptcies, Ross headed the restructuring practice at investment banking firm Rothschild Inc. when Trump's bad bets in the Atlantic City casino industry had put him on the verge of losing everything. Ross convinced creditors to drop a plan to strip Trump's name and ownership from the Taj Casino, a victory that set the stage for Trump's eventual resurrection.





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SEATTLE (AP)  Federal regulators say simple safety measures could have kept a dockworker from falling to his death aboard a cargo ship in Longview last June.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Tuesday cited the dockworker's employer, SSA Pacific, for what it described as willful safety violations aboard the Forest Trader. The agency proposed a fine of just under $125,000, and noted that it has cited SSA Pacific or its parent company, SSA Marine, for similar violations in Florida and Oregon in the past three years.





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POCATELLO, Idaho (AP)  Idaho authorities teamed up with a construction company to help rescue a horse that fell off a cliff and became stranded on a ledge.

The Idaho State Journal reports that the Bannock County Sheriff's Office deputies and search and rescue personnel were called to the Blackrock Canyon area south of Pocatello on Tuesday morning. They found a draft horse stranded on a ledge there and estimated it weighed 1,700 to 1,800 pounds.





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DUBLIN, Ohio (AP)  Gov. John Kasich says the state will invest $15 million to support research in self-driving highway technology along a 35-mile stretch of an Ohio road.

The Republican governor announced the investment Wednesday in conjunction with a self-driving truck made by Otto heading out on its first run along U.S. Route 33 between Dublin and East Liberty. A driver was going along as backup.





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McAvoy Real Estate

A week after reporting that Luma condominiums on First Hill had only two of 168 units remaining, McAvoy and co-listing agent Red Propeller said those last two units have sold. Luma was developed by Lowe Enterprises of Los Angeles, with the Swedish pension fund Alecta as a financial partner. It was completed in September. Weber Thompson was the architect and Lease Crutcher Lewis was the contractor. The entire sales process took 18 months, said McAvoy.




CIA chief warns Trump against tearing up Iran deal

The outgoing director of the Central Intelligence Agency has warned of disastrous consequences if Donald Trump goes ahead with his threat of tearing up the US deal with Iran over nuclear weapons.

In an unusually frank interview with the BBC, John Brennan said Trump's opposition to the nuclear deal with Iran was the ''height of folly''.

Brennan told the British broadcaster, ''I think it would be disastrous, it really would: for one administration to tear up an agreement that a previous administration made would be almost unprecedented.''

Spelling out the dangers, the US intelligence chief added, ''It could lead to a weapons programme inside of Iran that could lead other states in the region to embark on their own programmes with military conflict, so I think it would be the height of folly if the next administration were to tear up that agreement.''

Brennan also expressed alarm about many of the key foreign policy pledges made by Trump during his election campaign, including the president-elect's admiration for Vladimir Putin, his anti-Islamic rhetoric and his willingness to use torture.

He said that in Syria, Russia and the Assad regime were responsible for ''wanton slaughter of civilians that is ... nothing short of outrageous''.

Brennan said he hoped for an improvement in relations between Washington and Moscow, but urged Trump to be careful of cosying up to Putin.

He said, ''Russia is a country that will pursue its national interests frequently to the detriment of the interests of the peoples of the countries wherein it operates. So I think President-elect Trump and the new administration need to be wary of Russian promises. Russian promises have not given us what it is they have pledged.''

He also warned Trump not to reintroduce waterboarding and other interrogation techniques as he has threatened. And he revealed that he would disobey orders if Trump ordered him to use waterboarding, and that most in the agency were also opposed to it.

He said, ''I would counsel my successor not to go down that route any more. Without a doubt, the CIA really took some body blows as a result of its experiences in its interrogation programme. And some that were very, very damaging to our reputation as well as to our officers. The overwhelming majority of CIA officers would not want to get back into that business.''

Asked about Trump's talk of the US being at war with radical Islam, Brennan said, ''The new team needs to be disciplined in the language that they use, the messages that they send, because if they are not disciplined their language will be exploited by the terrorists and extremist organisations as a way to portray the United States and the government as being anti-Islamic, and we are not.''

He also cautioned against stepping up targeted assassinations using drones. He said, ''I truly hope that the next administration understands their obligations, their responsibilities when they have these capabilities to be exceptionally judicious and prudent in carrying out these activities, because it can have tremendous positive advantages, but if it is used and misused in ways that increase the number of deaths as well as increases resentment against the United States it will not be beneficial to our national security interests. It will be counterproductive.''
Oil surges as Opec, non-Opec producers agree on output cuts

Oil producing nations on Wednesday agreed on the first joint output cuts by Opec and non-Opec producers in 15 years and the first output cut by Opec since 2008, which pushed crude oil prices by around 10 per cent.

Opec has reached a deal to reduce their combined oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day in order to raise global prices. Opec has 13 major oil producing and exporting countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq  which together account for a third of global oil output - as members.

OPEC nations currently produce 33.7 million barrels of oil per day and the proposed cutback will restrict total Opec output to 32.5 million barrels per day, with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, and Kuwait making the largest cuts.

Markets reacted quickly, with Brent crude rising from $46 per barrel up to $51 per barrel. But this is far lower compared to levels in 2014, before the oil market crashed:

An Opec-non-Opec deal was made possible by a deal within the Opec with Saudi Arabia accepting "a big hit" on its production and dropping its demand that Iran slash output, while Iraq agreed to rein in booming production to help prices.

Non-Opec oil producer Russia will join output cuts for the first time in 15 years to help prop up oil prices.

Both Iran and Iraq are ramping up oil production after years of cut-backs amidst long-drawn conflicts with the West while Russia was skeptical of Opec members agreeing to a deal or implementing it if arrived at.

The lone dissenting note came from Indonesia, the East Asian member of the oil cartel that rejoined the producer group only this year, saying it was not willing to comply with the output cuts and that it would rather suspend its Opec membership.

Oil prices, later eased slightly in early Asian trading on concerns that other producers, especially US shale drillers, could increase production with rising oil prices.

However, Opec kingpin Saudi Arabia agreeing to an output cut along with Russia, in itself is a big achievement for the oil market, as the decision comes amidst huge political hurdles with Iran and Russia effectively fighting two proxy wars against Saudi Arabia, in Yemen and Syria.


The Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital remains extremely busy this afternoon, December 1st with significant numbers of patients awaiting admission to the hospital.

According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, a total of 28 patients were awaiting beds at the hospital this morning, 16 on trolleys and 12 in wards.

This afternoon, a spokesperson for the Saolta Univeristy Health Care Group said, "We apologise to patients and their families for these delays.

"The Full Capacity Protocol has been implemented and all efforts continue to be made to identify patients who are appropriate for discharge. It has also been necessary to defer non urgent elective procedures."

Management at the hospital would like to advise people who are attending the Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital that they can expect delays.

The public are reminded to attend the Emergency Department only in the case of real emergencies and to contact their GP or GP Out-of-Hours service in the first instance.

Letterkenny University Hospital again apologises to all patients and their families for any distress caused as a result of these delays.
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Mercedes-Benz has increased the intensity of the heavy-duty off-road ute arms race with the addition of the military-grade G-Professional ute to its local armoury.

Priced at $119,900 before on-road costs, the G-Professional cab chassis is offered at a fair premium over the Toyota LandCruiser 70-Series which is beloved by farmers.

Boasting a payload of almost 2.1 tonnes - without a tray - and coupled with a braked towing capacity of just over 2.2 tonnes the G-Professional out-guns all other heavy-duty utes on the market not needing a truck licence.

It is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine that produces 135kW and 400Nm and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.

A large 96-litre fuel tank and snorkel along with a bull bar, headlight, indicator protection and radiator and sump shields featured as standard make the G-Professional a serious off-roader.

Inside the cab chassis ute is a no-fuss cockpit featuring vinyl-seat covers, two water drain plugs, rubber floor mats, storage boxes under both seats and a lockable glovebox. It also comes with air-conditioning which should be considered a luxury in the spartan interior of the agricultural ute.

The new Mercedes-Benz G-Professional Cab Chassis is now on sale.

Mercedes-Benz G-Professional Cab Chassis price

G300 CDI Cab Chassis - $119,990 before on road costs
Home Four wheelers Four Indian Women To Set Off On A Driving Expedition From Coimbatore To London  Heres Why oi-Rajkamal

Four Indian women have decided to brave the odds and drive their car all the way to London, from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Their goal  to celebrate India's 70th Independence Day.

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Picture credit: NDTV/ Facebook
On Friday night last, the same day as that giant of anti-imperialism and leader of Cuba for the past five decades Fidel Castro passed away, I had one of those fun unpredictable nights were you end up first at a gig you didnt expect to go to and then at a lesbian night in a small room above a pub from which all the gate proceeds go towards Syrian refugees.

An event, it must be said, strangely populated by men who are neither lesbians nor Syrian refugees (as they arent allowed into the country).

Earlier in the evening I had popped over to the Thomas House on Dame St for an after work Friday pint or two with my friend Tim.

While waiting on our pints of Guinness, Tim got a text from a music promoter he knows offering him plus one guest list for a gig that night in the Sugar Club, so we decided that after our pints we would head across town and check it out. Never look a gift horse in the mouth and all that.

By the time we arrived at the venue I was still in the dark as to who or what we were going to see other than it was apparently some sort of German techno/ soundscape/ ambient composer whom had been on seminal electronica label Warp for a while back in the day - always a good sign.

After apologetically falling over everyones knees as we tried to reach our seats we eventually settled in as the lights dimmed to almost sheer blackness. Before us the artist emerged, silhouetted from the light of the screen behind him. It turns out the artist in question is a German man called Wolfgang Voigt; Voigt is an artist, music producer and co-founder of the Cologne based ambient label Kompakt and tonight is his first ever appearance in Ireland.

Amongst many other things Voigt is hailed as one of the pioneers of the Cologne minimal techno movement and for more than twenty years now he has been pushing the boundaries between what constitutes techno music through his soundscape work that converges the disparate worlds of minimal ambient and electronica with what we might more normally consider more esoteric gallery work, indeed his art attracts audiences usually far removed from purely the world of electronica. Though there are many beards present tonight.

The work Voigt is presenting is entitled Ruckverzauberung. This most German and wonderful of words translates into the English as reverse-enchantment and it stands as a perfect description of the artists approach to his music: this can best be described as a parred back minimalist ambient work which involves the taking of musical sound sources out of their original context and playing around with them, changing their whole texture, thus rendering them in an entirely new and fresh new aesthetic light and context. Much like the YouTube videos recently produced by English actor and comedian Peter Serafinowicz wherein he overdubs the speeches of Donald Trump word for word in a camp, sassy accent thus rendering them both in a hilarious new light but also one that underlines the disturbing obnoxious ideas inherent in those speeches which is not so easily apparent when taken in their original context.

Voigts work in the past for example has included an album series entitled GAS were he used found sound from a forest and transformed them into sound pieces for the disco. This is the same technique and approach he applies to his visual art which plays throughout the performance on the screen behind him.

This is art at its most stripped back, in its starkest and most esoteric form and the results once you let yourself go with the flow is utterly hypnotic and mesmerising. The work presented here as a whole continuous piece lasting over an hour is unsurprisingly cinematic in nature too and it did strike me how Voigts work really does get to places less oblique verse-chorus-verse structured work is unable to reach. I wont divulge now just where my mind travelled to while in my trance -like state but I will say I will be checking out more of this unique artist's work and you really should too.

I nearly missed my flight the next morning to the Netherlands where I was heading with Adrian Crowley and the Crash Ensemble. The great Irish songwriter and Irelands foremost contemporary music ensemble; a group of world-class musicians who play the most adventurous, ground-breaking new music around.

For the uninitiated the Crash Ensemble was founded in 1997 by Irish composer Donnacha Dennehy. Over the twenty years of their existence they have worked with many well-known artists from diverse musical backgrounds, including Steve Reich, Gavin Friday, Dawn Upshaw, Terry Riley, David Lang, Iarla O Lionaird, Julie Feeney, Gerald Barry and many more.

The Ensemble is committed to broadening the repertoire available to audiences by commissioning, producing and performing new or recent works by internationally acclaimed composers, up-and-coming composing talents at home and abroad and collaborating with culturally relevant artists. They have recently joined forces with the wonderful Adrian Crowley on some truly stunning pieces.

The results are performed here at the Explore the North festival in the northern Friesland province of the Netherlands in a picaresque town named Leeuwarden, along with some shorter pieces by contemporary Irish composers.

The work presented is melding together of all the things which make both Crowley and the Crash unique and the results are explosive. With the music and words written by Crowley, his deep baritone and baroque, gothic use of language being the perfect foil for the energetically experimental style of the ensemble.

Led by Kate Ellis on cello and featuring Alex Petcu-Colan on Marimba/ bass drum/ percussion, Deirdre O' Leary on bass clarinet/ clarinet Lisa Dowdall on viola and Aoife Ni Bhriain on violin, Crash have always seemed to this writer as closer to collectives like Godspeed you Black Emperor, Kronos Quartet and Do Make Say Think than the National Orchestra or a Night at the Proms and when their imperial powers are combined with those of one of Irelands greatest songwriters this is a truly special evening and one which neither we nor the Frisian speaking audience will forget in a hurry.

If you get a chance to witness Adrian and Crash perform together do whatever you need to in order to make it happen.
Irelands Own is still going strong. It always will. As glossy magazines try to survive in the digital age, this unassuming publication remains the same.

It doesnt have to change because its readers never deserted it. They just stay with the magazine and hand the tradition on to the next generation.

For the last seven years, the magazine has published an anthology of winning short stories. These are stories that have been entered in the annual writing competition run by the magazine.

There are 39 stories, fiction, memories, anecdotes, from all over Ireland in this years anthology. Its one of the most readable and enjoyable books you could buy this Christmas.

And we have six copies we would like to offer to our readers.

Michael Harding, the author, playwright and columnist, himself an award-winning short story writer, provides the foreword to the anthology in which he lauds the art of storytelling which is what makes us human. He also lauds the role of Irelands Own in encouraging and promoting storytelling for over a century.

Anna Anderson from Louth Village has a wonderful story - which was Highly Commended - entitled Two Ladies in Black.

It tells of a friendship that develops between two women after a difficult beginning.

The two women really come alive in this story because of the superb dialogue and technical skill of the author. The winning story is called, Itch of the Heart, by Richard Lysaght. It is about a man who returns to Dublin after living in America for forty-five years.

He decides to look up a woman he knew in the old days. It is full of wit and humour:

I looked at Sue, and though I felt like a thirsty hen being invited to sup with a fox, I called for another glass of Guinness and sat opposite her.

Or

You're not the easiest to look at either,' Sue said, 'not that I'm exactly a popular tourist attraction myself.

Eaten Bread by Alan OBrien, is a short story based around the funeral of the woman who had run the local corner shop for many years. She and the shop had been an integral part of the local community, and had also played a central role in the life of the narrator.

In her memoir, Wandering Star, Margaret Clarke reflects on the joys of youth hostelling with An Oige, the organisation that has long facilitated shoe-string travel around Ireland and beyond.

Cathleen Greaney from Bray has a short story included simply titled Ellen, who is a teenager who is idolised by her younger brother, Joe, whom she helps to raise when their mother has to go out to work. A local boy comes calling. Ellen is suddenly the subject of whispered conversations and Joe is devastated when she suddenly disappears.

The short stories in the new anthology, drawn from 16 Irish counties, deploy the full spectrum of emotions, featuring tales of love, loss and nostalgia.

The memories pieces recall incidents and events that will strike a chord with many readers, often laced with a good dash of humour.

Do you remember when Saturday night was bath night, along with all the preparations to have everyone at their best for Sunday, or how making and mending was an everyday part of life in frugal times?

If you are among the many thousands of weekly loyal readers of Irelands Own, you will love this book, but it should also appeal to a much wider audience and it would certainly make an ideal Christmas present for Irish people at home and abroad.

Last week, one of our best short story writers, William Trevor, died.

The short story form has long been associated with this country and Trevor was one of its best exponents. Who knows what greatness lies ahead of the authors in this collection. They are keeping up a great tradition.

The Irelands Own 2016 Anthology of Winning Irish Short Stories is published by Wexford company, Three Sisters Press, at 14.99, and is widely available through bookshops or on the internet through www.irelandsown.ie
Passengers on the Belfast Dublin rail line experienced a staggering 1,700 over the course of 12 months, adding up to a grand total of 15 days of delays on the line.

The figures comes as Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Cross Border Co-operation Declan Breathnach TD has expressed deep frustration that one year on from the signing of the Fresh Start Agreement, there has been no progress in improving cross border rail services, as promised by the Irish Government in the Agreement. His comments come following a reply to a Parliamentary Question from Transport Minister Shane Ross.

Deputy Breathnach commented, Last November, we all welcomed the signing of the Fresh Start Agreement and the commitment within it on behalf of the Irish Government to bring a renewed focus on investing in the Dublin - Belfast Railway. One year on, and it is clear that only has the Government not put any effort into delivering on this promise, the Transport Minister is taking people for absolute fools.

Fianna Fail asked Mr Ross to spell out what progress had been made on implementing this section of the Agreement in a Parliamentary Question and the response is deeply frustrating. He has nothing to say about the importance of the route or what his promised renewed focus is on. Instead he lists repairs to the Drogheda Viaduct and refurbishment of the Enterprise rolling stock as the big achievements of year since the Agreement.

The Ministers big problem however is that the Enterprise Refurbishment was announced and commenced a full year BEFORE the Fresh Start Agreement was signed. Indeed, refurbished trains were operational in October 2015. As regards repairs to the Drogheda Viaduct, it is deeply disingenuous of the Minister to present this as anything other than what it is  essential safety maintenance on a key piece of infrastructure that is used by all Irish Rail services.

The truth is that over the 12 months since the Fresh Start Agreement was signed, the North-South Rail Service has had a terrible performance. A recent investigation by media in Northern Ireland found that over the course of the year, passengers on this service suffered an incredible 1,700 delays, which added up to 15 full days.

I know from my own constituency, where two of the trains six stops are located, the service has become chronically overcrowded and unreliable.

The Irish Government was clear in the Agreement that a renewed focus on this service was a key Irish commitment. However, the only thing that is now clear is that the Minister for Transport has no idea what is going on with Cross Border rail services and has even less interest. Given the importance of not only the service, but the Fresh Start Agreement, this is not good enough.

Based on the answer provided to Fianna Fail by the Minister, there is a serious question mark over Irelands delivery of its side of the Agreement and that cannot continue. My colleagues and I will be further following this up with the Minister in Dail Eireann in the days and weeks ahead.
"We must be ready to dare all for our country. For history does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. We must acquire proficiency in defense and display stamina in purpose." - President Eisenhower, First Inaugural Address
Its been almost two years since the first time I started a relationship with Organique ACAI. By the first year I have known the brand, I was the luckiest of all the people invited at the grand brand relaunch here in the Philippines when I won the all-expense paid trip to the California USA to see the home or Organique ACAI. The trip was supposedly to visit the plant, but since production schedule in US was changed to March, I instead covered the first and formal launch of Organique ACAI in the USA.

Im sure you are all wondering why the launch in US just happened now when here in the Philippines Organique ACAI was branded as US made and FDA approved. Dont get confused, formal launch is different from since the product has been used and circulated. In fact there are a handful of people in the US who can say they have know the brand for more than two years.

Organique ACAI USA formal launch in the US happened at the Dream Palace Banquet Hall in Glendale California and was hosted by Regine Tolentino. Regine is one of Organique ACAI endorser and #HealthyisBeautiful advocate for the brand. Aside from hosting the main event, Regine led the Organique ACAI team, with Ms. Cathy Salimbangon and daughters Martina and Luisa (who came from Vancouver) who toured around California to promote and push the product to more Filipino consumers.

Among the places we visited for the Organique ACAI USA road tour were big Filipino stores like Island Pacific, Seafood City and Arko Foods which are run and owned by Asian Commodities. Asian Commodities is the biggest supplier of Filipino goods and products in the USA and it is also now the official distributor of Organique ACAI in the US.

Aside from me, they also invited ABS-CBN to cover the US launch and Tour, and Ricky Lo for Philippine Star who published the event the moment we all landed back to Manila!

Meanwhile, Regine Tolentino being the #HealthyisBeautiful advocate for Organique ACAI also held Zumba sessions in some of the places we visited in California.

Organique ACAI is sold for about $50 in the US (tax inclusive). It was nice to see how well received the product was to g the people who tasted it on site of our product sampling booth in the stores we visited. Some even bought more than one bottle with them after.

Again, not to confuse everyone, Organique ACAI is made in the USA and FDA approved. Plus the brand had a major Makeover from its original look so its basically a relaunch. You may read my post on why should you drink Organique ACAI to know the health benefit of the product.

How about you, have you tried Organique ACAI? How was it for you?

Stay gorgeous everyone!



Some photos grabbed from Regine Tolentino
Step on the property ladder with help to buy at Kings Park

The majority of people across the nation still aspire to owning their own home, new research has found. Some 72% of adults want to be homeowners within the next two years according to research from the Council of Mortgage Lenders as part of its long running series on attitudes to housing. In addition, a majority of people - regardless of their own circumstances - feel that it is harder than it has ever been for young people to buy their own home with 75% believing action is necessary to help first-time buyers.

Those who are looking for an easier way to fly the nest can do so through the London Help To Buy scheme at Countrysides newly launched Allerton and Eastwell apartments at Kings Park, Harold Wood. This allows buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit, the Government will then provide an equity loan of up to 40% of the propertys value, which is interest free for the first five years.

Andrew Loveday, Sales Director at Countryside comments: It is increasingly evident that a number of house-hunters are looking to the outskirts of London to find their long-term home. Home ownership is valued as a major landmark for personal and financial development and Countryside understands that affordability is crucial. We are offering a number of homes at Kings Park with Help to Buy providing the opportunity to purchase a home whereby it may be cheaper to buy than rent. With the impending Crossrail and already fast access to the centre of London, Kings Park in Harold Wood is proving very popular.

Kings Park is currently offering an impressive collection of one and two bedroom apartments featuring a high specification and outside space with either a terrace or balcony. Benefitting from a beautiful parkland setting, with tree-lined avenues and green open spaces, Kings Park offers an outstanding lifestyle in an excellent location.

The Allerton and Eastwell Apartments are a collection of one and two-bedroom homes, with every property providing access to a private outdoor space and allocated parking. The apartments spacious open-plan living, kitchen and dining area, opens out to either a terrace or balcony, flooding the entire indoor space with natural light. The master bedroom in each home creates the ideal get-away, featuring integrated wardrobes and luxurious en-suites in the two bedroom apartments.

All built to an impressive specification, these stylish homes are meticulously designed to complement modern living. Contemporary kitchens feature gloss white units, stone worktops throughout and dark grey ceramic floor tiling. Bathrooms boast stylish white sanitary-ware, chrome accessories and warming oak details, creating a stylish oasis ideal for unwinding.

Despite its picturesque setting, Kings Park is within easy walking distance of a great range of amenities including a Post Office, supermarket, travel agent, several hairdressers, a bakery and a restaurant. Meanwhile, nearby Brentwood is home to many bars and eateries, a selection of high street and independent shops and charming boutiques.

Harold Wood Station is a five minute walk from Kings Park and from 2019 residents will be able to access the Crossrails Elizabeth Line, which will decrease journey times into central London by up to 19 minutes, and will offer direct and stress-free commutes into London. In addition to superb rail services, Kings Park is near to the A12, A127 and M25 for fast connections to London, Kent and further afield, whilst easy access to the M11 is convenient for travel through Essex and Hertfordshire to Cambridge.

Prices for the Allerton and Eastwell apartments start from 370,000 for a two bedroom property. For more information, visit kings-park.co.uk.
Microsoft earlier this week said it had fallen victim to Strontium, its code name for the Russian hacking group also known as Fancy Bear, which has been linked to recent attacks on Democratic Party systems.

The group launched a spear phishing attack that targeted vulnerabilities in both the Windows operating system and Adobe Flash, according to Terry Myerson, executive vice president of Microsofts Windows and Devices Group.

The attack, first identified by Googles Threat Analysis Group, involved two zero-day vulnerabilities in Flash and the down level Windows kernel, he explained. It used the Flash exploit to gain control over browsers, elevate privileges to escape the browser sandbox and install a backdoor to gain access to a users computer.

Microsoft is working with Google and Adobe on a patch and plans to release the fix by Nov. 8, when the next update is scheduled, Myerson said.

Those who use Microsoft Edge on the Windows 10 Anniversary Update are known to be protected from versions of the attack observed in the wild. Microsoft recommended that users upgrade to Windows 10 and said that those who enable Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection will be able to detect the attempted attacks.

Googles Disclosure

Google should not have disclosed the vulnerability before the patches were made available, according to Myerson.

We believe responsible technology industry participation puts the customer first, and requires coordinated vulnerability disclosure, he said. Googles decision to disclose these vulnerabilities before patches are broadly available and tested is disappointing and puts customers at increased risk.

Google on Monday revealed the Microsoft and Adobe vulnerabilities, noting that Adobe already had updated Flash to address the flaw. The Adobe patch is available through the Adobe updater and Chrome auto update.

Google, per its policy of seven-day disclosure of actively exploited critical vulnerabilities, reported the remaining critical vulnerability in Windows, noting that it was being exploited in the wild.

The vulnerability was a local privilege escalation that could be used as a security sandbox escape, noted Neel Mehta and Billy Leonard of Googles Threat Analysis Group in an online post. They urged users to make sure that Flash was auto updated, or to manually update if necessary.

They should make sure to apply Windows patches, when available, Mehta and Leonard also wrote.

Election Jitters

The new attacks came at a sensitive time in the United States, with the presidential election less than a week away. Federal and local officials have made a major effort to ensure the public has confidence in the electoral system.

Thus far, 48 states and 36 county and local governments have taken up an offer by the Department of Homeland Security to assist local governments with ensuring that the state and local election systems are protected against cyberattacks, DHS spokesperson Scott McConnell told TechNewsWorld.

The states of Illinois and Arizona were targeted more than a month ago by a suspected Russian hack that impacted 200,000 voters in the Illinois voter registration database.

There is little risk of a foreign hacker impacting the actual outcome of the race, but there are fears that a new round of cyberattacks could impact the level of confidence in the integrity of the system.

While the actual fallout is hard to predict, its important to look at the chaos that Russian hackers have allegedly been sowing in the past couple months, said Bryan Burns, vice president of threat research at Proofpoint.

This group has access to multiple zero-day vulnerabilities, which are always very powerful, as no patches exist, he told TechNewsWorld. The potential fallout, especially with the election just a week away, is quite concerning.
Facebook on Wednesday reported a record Q3, beating analysts expectations for the fourth straight quarter, but concerns among investors about increased expenditures and the companys future prospects drove down share prices.

They closed Thursday at US$119.95, down more than $7 from Wednesdays closing price of $127.17. Friday saw little movement, with a closing price of $120.75.

Facebook posted adjusted earnings of $1.09 per share on revenue of more than $7 billion for the quarter, compared with 57 cents per share and $4.5 billion in revenue in Q3 2015.

Ad revenue totaled more than $6.8 billion.

Mobile ad revenue amounted to $57 billion  about 84 percent of the firms ad revenue in Q3 2016, compared with 78 percent in Q3 2015.

Monthly active users (MAUs) increased 16 percent year over year to a total of 1.79 billion. Mobile MAUs increased 20 percent year over year for a total of 1.66 billion.

Daily active users (DAUs) increased 17 percent YoY to 1.18 billion on average, and mobile DAUs averaged 1.09 billion, a 22 percent increase over year-ago figures.

Analysts had expected revenue of about $6.9 billion, adjusted earnings per share of 92 cents, 1.76 billion MAUs and 1.16 billion DAUs.

Facebook gained 80 million monthly users in Q3.

The company is making progress putting video first across our apps and executing our 10-year technology road map, said CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Slightly Dimmer Outlook Ahead

Facebooks ad load  the number of ads that can be placed in the News Feed  is expected to fall meaningfully after mid-2017, CFO David Wehner told investors, and revenue growth could decline in Q4 this year.

Facebook plans to hire aggressively and invest in expanding its data centers. It expects to grow capital expenditures substantially as it executes its 3-, 5- and 10-year road maps, Wehner added.

The company sees good opportunities to grow both users and advertiser demand, he said, and it is developing a number of new ad products and enhancing current products.

Facebook continues to be in an excellent market position, noted Andreas Scherer, managing partner at Salto Partners.

The short-term blip in its share price is a sign that some investors would rather cash out than see how the company will conquer the challenges ahead, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Hope for the Future

Facebook is by no means a fully mature company or stock, noted Barry Randall, chief investment officer at Crabtree Asset Management.

What Facebook gets right is that it recognizes its service doesnt meet everyones needs, so its been willing to pay for and develop other platforms, such as Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram, he told the E-Commerce Times.

The company has many avenues of growth available to it, Randall pointed out. With its large installed base, any attempt to monetize a service or feature is instantly credible, if not immediately profitable.

Facebook is pushing hard in a number of hot growth areas, including virtual reality.

Facebook and Google together will rake in 71 percent of the $77 billion to be spent on mobile ads in the United States in 2020, according to Polar, although Google will be ahead.

The global ad market will grow by $73 billion, Zenith has predicted. Internet ad spending will attract nearly 39 percent of all global advertising by 2018.

Still, while Facebook isnt doing anything wrong compared to companies like Twitter, Yahoo or even Google, which seem to lurch from crisis to crisis, Randall noted, any company that handles as much personal data as [it] does is always only a data breach away from a 10 percent stock drop and congressional hearings.
BRUSSELS - As the European Union (EU) looks increasingly likely to recommend that Sri Lanka once regains the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) +, the Clean Clothes Campaign, Industriall Global Union and the International Trade Union Confederation are urging the EU to adopt a roadmap for Sri Lanka which will include time-bound measures to comply with ILO core conventions. "Sri Lanka is currently in serious breach of those conventions," claim the three labour rights organisations.
BIELLA - At the wool industry's recent Round Table in Biella, while chief operating officer of Benetton, Lorenzo Dovesi, presented wool as ammunition in the war on fast fashion, the European Outdoor Group's Pamela Ravasio questioned whether wool is what brands and consumers are looking for. By Tone Skardal Tobiasson.
With a climate change denying White House and cabinet taking shape, theres not much environmentalists are excited about these days. But a new report from Politico indicates that our ever-warming planet might have an unlikely defender: Ivanka Trump.

Future First Daughter Ivanka Trump. Flickr

A source told the publication that the future First Daughter plans to speak out about climate change and make it one of her signature issues. As Politico reports:

Ivanka wants to make climate changewhich her father has called a hoax perpetuated by the Chineseone of her signature issues, a source close to her told Politico. The source said Ivanka is in the early stages of exploring how to use her spotlight to speak out on the issue.

Donald Trumps election stands to overturn President Obamas environmental legacyjust when the environment desperately needs a well-positioned champion. The president-elect plans to renege the Paris climate deal, axe the Clean Power Plan and other environmental regulations, and embrace the Rights drill, baby, drill ethos.

Not only that, Trump has climate change denier Myron Ebell leading his transition team at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and his latest cabinet picks, including Elaine Chao for secretary of transportation and frack-happy Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin as the frontrunner for the Interior secretary position, is just more good news for the fossil fuel industry.

The issues shes talking about are ones shes always talked about, the source elaborated to Politico. These are totally consistent with what shes developed with her brand. She is playing a critical role in being able to have issues that moderate and liberal women care aboutand creating a bridge to the other side.

So does that mean Ivanka actually wants to act on climate change? Once upon a time, the Trump family actually believed in climate science and urged aggressive action.

https://twitter.com/CameronCRussell/statuses/800707479868829696 isnt the same as taking action.

We fear that Donald Trumps presidential reign could be a disaster for the planet. As Nichols explained, Trumps transition team and cabinet of millionaires remain among the worst climate denying fossil fuel industry shills weve seen from the Republican party, and Trump himself hasnt laid out any concrete plans to deal with this massive global problem.

From the start of Trumps presidential run weve seen his team use Ivanka to soften her fathers most egregious positions, and theres no reason to think this isnt part of the same plan, Nichols continued. Even if Trump can afford to protect his family from climate change, the rest of America cannot afford that luxury. Trump will have to take direct, executive climate action before anyone should think of him as any different from the climate disasters like Myron Ebell he surrounds himself with.
Former NC House Speaker Sen. Daniel Blue is Commencement Keynote Speaker

Attorney and North Carolina Senator, Daniel T. Blue Jr., will give the keynote address during the 2016 Elizabeth City State University commencement on Dec. 10, 2016, 10 a.m., at the R.L Vaughan Center on the campus of ECSU.

Blue, a Lumberton, North Carolina native, is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, and Duke University School of Law in 1973.

Blue was hired by one of North Carolinas leading law firms, Sanford, Cannon, Adams & McCullough. He became one of the first African Americans to integrate the states major law firms. However, he would go on to establish his own firm, Blue, Stephens & Fellers, in Raleigh, where his two sons and daughter-in-law practice law alongside him.

In 1980, Blue was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing Wake County. He was re-elected 10 times and held a number of leadership positions in the House, including chairman of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committee. Blue was elected to serve as Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives twice, from 1991 to 1995.

Although Blue left the House after 22 years to run for the U.S. Senate in 2002, he returned in 2006 and now serves in the North Carolina Senate, representing Wake County.

Blue is recognized across North Carolina and the country for his political service. He is the immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees of Duke University. He is currently serving as a member of the Executive Committee of the Duke University Health System.

Blue is the recipient of nine honorary doctorate degrees, including one from Elizabeth City State University. He is the recipient of the Duke University Medal for Distinguished Meritorious Service. Blue is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and a 33rd Degree Prince Hall Mason.

Blue resides in Raleigh with his wife, Edna, a civic and community leader.
(Photo:  Peter Kenny)Globethics executive director Rev. Obiora Ike, a Nigerian, and Globethics Swiss founder and its Swiss president, Professor Christoph Stuckelberger support World Council of Churches HIV self-testing campaign on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, 2016.

GENEVA - Faith-based organizations play a key role in the fight against HIV and AIDS and the stigma that goes with it.

So on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, the World Council of Churches started a campaign to encourage religious leaders to get tested for HIV in hopes of inspiring others across the world to seek testing, too.

Increasing the number of people receiving HIV testing is vitally important in the effort to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 say those at the forefront in confronting the disease, which unchecked can be lethal.

UNAIDS, the United Nations program on HIV/AIDS says that 36.7 million people globally were living with HIV at the end of 2015 and 2.1 million people became newly infected with HIV at the end of that year.

By the end of 2015 it was estimated that 1.1 million people had died from people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

More worryingly less than half of people living with HIV know their HIV status, according to UNAIDS.

Some don't know the facts about HIV transmission or treatment; others don't have access to the test.

"To end HIV and AIDS, we have to overcome the stigma of HIV testing," said Francesca Merico, HIV campaign coordinator for the WCC-Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance.

"By getting tested for HIV, you aren't making a statement about morality  you're taking care of your health."

The WCC noted that many people are afraid of the stigma they may encounter just by getting tested.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

This is a stigma the World Council of Churches is hoping to lift with the campaign "Leading by Example: Religious Leaders and HIV Testing."

The campaign began Dec. 1 with a morning prayer service at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland.

As of June 2016, 18.2 million people, less than half of people living with HIV, were receiving treatment, according to UNAIDS.

At the Ecumenical Centre, the WCC invited the community to visit an exhibit of banners depicting religious leaders who are promoting HIV testing by getting tested themselves.

The World Health Organization offered a demonstration of an HIV self-test, and self-test kits will be available for free.

"Together, we will lift the stigma in a spirit of unity, acceptance and caring - for ourselves and for each other," said Merico.

Rev. Nyambura Njoroge, coordinator of the WCC Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy said, ""When I go to see my doctor I get tested for high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other things. So why should I not be tested for HIV?"

"Faith leaders have a lot of influence in the community. We are leaders. I am hoping that many religious leaders will go for testing, and that people in the congregations will also follow," she asserts.

Worldwide, churches, communities, families, and individuals can join the effort by accessing an online order of service and by making a commitment to get tested.

ACCURATE INFORMATION

Materials from the WCC-EAA are designed for religious leaders and others to use in sermons or in other forums to share accurate information about HIV testing.

"Set aside an HIV testing Sunday each month, or an HIV testing week or month each year," suggested Merico. "Share your efforts with the media. Tweet about the importance of HIV testing using #KnowYourStatus. Instagram your faith leader supporting HIV testing."

Speakers at the campaign launch included, Pradeep Kakkattil, director, UNAIDS Executive office; Dr. Rachel Baggaley, WHO coordinator, HIV Prevention and Testing and Dr. Mwai Makoka, WCC program executive, Health and Healing.

Among those who declared their support for the campaign were Geneva-based Globethics executive director Rev. Obiora Ike, a Nigerian, and Globethics Swiss founder and president, Professor Christoph Stuckelberger.

In his World Aids Day Message for Dec. 1 U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that 35 years since the emergence of AIDS, the international community can look back with some pride.

"But we must also look ahead with resolve and commitment to reach our goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030," said Ban noting that there has been real progress in tackling the disease.

"More people than ever are on treatment. Since 2010, the number of children infected through mother-to-child transmission has dropped by half. Fewer people die of AIDS-related causes each year. And people living with HIV are living longer lives," said the U.N. chief.

He noted that the number of people with access to life-saving medicines has doubled over the past five years, now topping 18 million.

But said Ban, "While there is clear progress, gains remain fragile. Young women are especially vulnerable in countries with high HIV prevalence, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

"Key populations continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. New infections are on the rise among people who inject drugs as well gay men and other men who have sex with men.

"The AIDS epidemic is increasing in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, fueled by stigma, discrimination and punitive laws. Globally, people who are economically disadvantaged lack access to services and care."

Ban said criminalization and discrimination foster new infections each day with women and girls are still especially hard hit.
School choice advocates are waffling between excitement for potentially unprecedented new opportunities under a Donald Trump administration, and concern that the president-elect could also dramatically undermine the school choice movement.

Trumps promise on the campaign trail to spend $20 billion on school vouchers for low-income students could herald a massive expansion of school choiceespecially with his selection of an ardent school choice activist as his new education secretary. But the elections polarizing outcome and Trumps comments on race could also prove corrosive to the school choice movements increasingly tenuous claim to bipartisan supportin particular for charter schools.

More than half of the nearly 6 million students enrolled in the nations charter schools are black and Latino.

It seems highly likely that there might be some increase for the federal [charter school] program. ... We would applaud that. The problem is almost everything else, said Shavar Jeffries, the president of Democrats for Education Reform, a political action committee that supports charter schools and teacher merit pay.

Trumps selection of Betsy DeVos, a Republican mega-donor with a long record of championing vouchers, tax-credit scholarships, and charter schools, also brought mixed reaction from the school choice community.

Jeffries expressed guarded optimism because of DeVos record of support on charter schools, but called on her to push the President-elect to disavow the bigoted and offensive rhetoric he used on the campaign trail toward racial, ethnic, and religious minorities.

If charter school policy becomes primarily identified with Trump and his agenda, that could undermine the political viability of charter school policy with progressives and people of color for a generation, Jeffries said.

But other choice advocates see Trumps election as an opening to advocate for and expand school choice, a feeling that was further affirmed by DeVos selection.

I think [DeVos appointment] signals that Trump is not going to do business as usual when it comes to K-12 education, said Robert Enlow, the president and CEO of EdChoice, formerly known as the Friedman Foundation. And this issue of parental options is going to be one of the most important things coming out of this administration.

Money Follows Students

Trumps most detailed education proposal during the campaign was a pledge to allow states to use $20 billion dollars in federal money that would follow low-income students to a school of their choice, be it a private, magnet, charter, or traditional public school.

Lawmakers last year rejected a similar proposal attached to the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that would have allowed federal money to follow students to the school of their choice.

If such a program were passed under Trumps administrationand thats a big if because of the scale of the proposal and one that would require Congressional approvalit would represent an enormous expansion of private school choice programs.

Current public spending on private school programs in states is about $1.5 billion, according to Enlow.

But even if Trump is able to make good on his campaign promise to create federal school vouchers for low-income students, the vast majority of the nations 50 million public school students will remain in district-run, neighborhood schools.

The full contours of Trumps proposal are still largely unknown, but presumably not all of the $20 billion would be, or could be, set aside for private-school vouchers. A large share of eligible families would likely choose to send their kids to other traditional public schools, or charters, which are public. Of those that may choose a private school option, theres an issue of whether there would be enough private schools at a low enough cost to meet demand.

Of the 50 million students in public schools, only five percent attend charter schools. A little more than 1 million students, or 2 percent, use vouchers and related school choice programs, according to numbers from EdChoice.

Even if Trumps voucher plan is never realized, theres plenty for supporters of vouchers to celebrate, said Enlow.

One of the reasons Im excited about the next four years, in terms of school choice, there is going to be a chance to advocate and educate about this issue, he said.

Another encouraging sign for some advocates beyond the appointment of DeVos: Trumps transition team has no shortage of school choice stalwarts.

Unprecedented Support

In addition to Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who oversaw aggressive expansion of Indianas school voucher program during his tenure as governor there, Trump has also tapped experts from right-leaning think tanks to advise his transition team on education policy.

Its kind of unprecedented to have this many people from the top on down who not only embrace school choice, but understand it, said Jeanne Allen, the founder and chief executive officer of the Center for Education Reform, a longtime proponent of school choice.

Gerard Robinson, a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a former state chief in Florida and Virginia, is advising Trumps transition team on education issues, along with Williamson Evers, a research fellow at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution.

School choice advocates are also hopeful that with support from the Trump White House, Congress will expand the District of Columbias private school voucher programknown as the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program.

The program, which is the only federally funded voucher program and is currently funded at $20 million through 2016, has been in limbo for a while. The Obama administration has long opposed it, and while the U.S. House of Representatives voted to reauthorize the program in April, the Senate has not yet acted on a companion bill.

There are some private school choice supporters who are wary, however. Jonathan Butcher, the education director for the Goldwater Institute, a right-leaning think tank, is one.

Although hes pleased with the people Trump has working on education policy so far, Butcher warns that federal investment on the scale that the president-elect has proposed would bring federal bureaucracy.

When youre talking about parental options in the states, every state is different, they have different needs, they have different provisions in their constitution[s] that determine how school choice programs have to be structured, and theyll have different kinds of opposition, he said. Thats a state concern and a state project. When Washington does it, they have trouble not painting with a broad brush.

A Bipartisan Issue?

But while Trumps support may lead to major investments in school choice, some of his other policies, such as a nationwide stop and frisk program, and his comments on ethnic and religious minorities, could also poison the idea among key groups of charter school supporters and some Democrats.

This is an especially sensitive issue for charter school advocates, who carefully guard the movements status as a bipartisan issue.

I think it feeds a narrative that choice is about privatization and conservative values, said Robin Lake, the director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education at the University of Washington.

Shes concerned that while promoting his school choice plan, Trump was too harsh in describing traditional schools in urban districts.

The support for charter schools relies on bipartisan support especially in big cities where choice is probably most needed, Lake said The people we work with are always treading a careful political and rhetorical line.

Its an issue charter advocates have had to wrestle with a lot lately, as the sector has taken some hard political hits.

In October, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People officially called for a ban on new charter schools, citing concerns over segregation and discipline policies. The Movement for Black Lives adopted a similar stance.

In the Democratic-heavy state of Massachusetts, voters there soundly defeated a ballot measure that would have lifted the cap on the number of charter schools allowed to open up in the state.

It was considered a big win for the teachers unions, which spent significantly less than charter school advocates on campaigning and fought the effort largely on the claims that charter schools take resources away from district schools and dont serve students with disabilities.


New Products Date: 01/12/2016 Cryptographic controller MAXQ1061 for embedded electronics In today's competitive world security can no longer be an afterthought in system design. This issue was overcome by the cryptographic controller MAXQ1061.



The DeepCover cryptographic controller (MAXQ1061) protects the confidentiality, authenticity and integrity of software IP, communication and revenue models. It is ideal for connected embedded devices, industrial networking, PLC, and network appliances.



By the Implement of Turnkey Security for Connected Devices with Maxim's Cryptographic Controller MAXQ1061 speeds design time with full security and cryptographic toolbox supporting TLS communication.



Designed to meet Common Criteria EAL4+ requirements, the MAXQ1061 empowers engineers to quickly design security into their products and protect the endpoints of a network.



The MAXQ1061 integrates a comprehensive cryptographic toolbox that provides full support for a wide spectrum of security needs, ranging from key generation and storage, to digital signature and encryption up to SSL/TLS/DTLS. It can also support secure boot for most host processors.



For extreme industrial environments, the MAXQ1061 operates across the -40-degree Celsius to +109-degree Celsius temperature range the widest compared to other similar products and is available in TSSOP-14.



The MAXQ1061 embeds 32KB of user programmable secure EEPROM for storing certificates, public keys, private and secret keys, and arbitrary user data. The EEPROM is managed through a flexible file system enabling custom security policy enforcement. Its cryptographic algorithms include ECC (up to NIST P-521), ECDSA signature generation and verification, SHA-2 (up to SHA-512) secure hash, AES-128/-256 with support for ECB, CBC, and CCM modes, and MAC digest.



The MAXQ1061 also provides a separate hardware AES engine over SPI, supporting AES-GCM and AES-ECB modes, and that can be used to off-load a host processor for fast processing.



The MAXQ1061 provides a hardware root of trust; its comprehensive set of cryptographic functions fulfill the key security requirements of the embedded systems of tomorrow. Said Christopher Tremlet, Executive Business Manager, Embedded Security, Maxim Integrated.



With the MAXQ1061, our customers have a trusted device that will not only guarantee the integrity and authenticity of the system, but also secure communications.



The MAXQ1061 provides ideal hardware security to complement our software solution for the Floodgate Defender Appliance allowing customers to easily secure their legacy equipment economically,as said Ernie Rudolph, Executive Vice President, Icon Labs.



The pricing and availability as specified by company the can be obtained below:

An evaluation kit is available under NDA request: MAXQ1061-KIT# A MAXQ1061-KIT# pricing starts at $100.00 A MAXQ1061 unit pricing starts at $2.64 (1,000-up, FOB USA) A Buy from Maxim Storefront: https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/storefront/storefront.html At TRUSTECH The MAXQ1061 and other embedded security products will be on display at TRUSTECH, November 29 a December 1, in Maximas stand, Palais 01 D 043, http://bit.ly/TRUSTECH.

Tweet Follow @eeherald




Vietnam pangasius exports up 6.2% in first 3 quarters

Vietnamese pangasius exports in the nine months through September grew 6.2% year-on-year to US$1.2 billion. Among the four largest markets, exports to the US, China and Asean rose 23%, 75.6% and 0.03%, respectively, while exports to the EU declined 9.9%, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (Vasep) reported.

Meanwhile, according to the latest figures as of October, exports to the US and China showed steady growth in the first 10 months. China-Hong Kong, however, may overtake the US as the leading importer of Vietnamese pangasius if it keeps the current growth rate in 2017 and if technical barriers to pangasius shipments to the US remain in place, Vasep said.

As of October, Vietnamese pangasius exports to the US were valued at $319.8 million, up 22.7% over the same period last year and accounting for 23% of total exports in the first 10 months.

In October alone, exports to the US registered a substantial growth of 19% compared with the same month in 2015.

Through October 2016, Vietnam's pangasius exports to China-Hong Kong totaled $235.5 million, up 76% compared with the same period last year. Exports to this market posted a good growth for two consecutive years. China mainly imports pangasius for processing fast food in restaurants, hotels, canteens, as well as plane flights.

Exports to the EU in January-October reached $217.7 million, down 11.5% from the same period last year. Within the 28-nation bloc, the four largest buyers--the Netherlands, the UK, Spain and Germanyshowed year-on-year declines of 11.2%, 1.9%, 15.2% and 5%, respectively.

As of October, Vietnamese pangasius exports to the Asean market reached $112 million, or a mere increase of 0.02% over the same 10-month period last year. Exports to the top three importers in the 10-nation Asian blocThailand, Singapore and the Philippinesremained stable over the same period in 2015.
Managua, Dec 1 (EFE).- Thousands of Nicaraguans denounced the Nov. 6 presidential election in a protest Thursday coinciding with the visit of the Organization of American States's secretary-general.

Luis Almagro visited the Central American nation as part of his organization's talks with the Nicaraguan government over the controversial balloting, in which the opposition did not participate and President Daniel Ortega, chairman of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) party, won a third consecutive term in office.

"We're demanding new democratic elections. We want observers to come. We're saying no to the dictatorship, no to the electoral farce, and no to the canal," the leader of the Movement for Nicaragua, Benjamin Lugo, said.

A group of people also expressed solidarity during the protest with a group of peasants from southern Nicaragua who oppose the planned construction of an interoceanic waterway that is meant to rival the Panama Canal.

Those peasants had planned to hold a march Wednesday in Managua but were impeded by National Police officers.

Participants in Thursday's protest had planned to make their way to the hotel where Almagro was meeting with representatives of different sectors of Nicaraguan society, but riot police and motorcycle-riding Ortega supporters impeded them.

The organizers of the protest - members of the Broad Front for Democracy (FAD), the Sandinista Renovation Movement, the Council in Defense of Our Lake, Land, and Sovereignty and feminist movements - decided to detain the march to avoid confrontations.

The FAD said the National Police was continuing to block roads in different parts of Nicaragua to prevent people from making their way to Managua for the protest.

Participants in the march say Ortega, who first seized power in a revolution in 1979, served as president in the late 1980s and began a second period in the presidency starting in 2006, violated the constitution through maneuvers to suppress the main opposition Independent Liberation (PLI) party.

They were referring to a Supreme Court ruling in June that ousted that party's leader, Eduardo Montealegre.

They also slammed Ortega for not allowing independent international election observers.
On Thursday, Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has returned to Bangkok two days after the Thai Parliament said it would invit him to become the newest king of the country after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Crown Prince, who was based in Germany, has safely arrived in Bangkok early Thursday according to two senior military officials and scheduled to meet up with the head of parliament Pronpetch Wichitcholchai later in the evening following a Buddhist rite marking the 50 days since the king's death. He is then expected to formally accept parliament's invitation to ascend the throne.

The palace schedule released regarding the issue also cited that Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and Prem Tinsulanonda, a former head of the royal advisory council who is currently standing in as the regent, will be attending the ceremony.

For him to become the new Thai King as King Rama X, the prince has to formally accept the invitation from parliament before he can be proclaimed as the 10th king of the Chakri Dynasty. As part of royal protocol, the royal household will also release an official statement regarding the ascension in the next coming weeks.

Since the death of King Bhumibol on October 13, the country has been without a monarch with Prem serving as regent as per the request of the prince. The prince had asked to delay the succession in order to grieve. King Bhumibol was considered the longest-serving head of state in the world when he passed at the age of 88 has been integral in restoring the prestige attached to the monarchy. He was also seen as a stabilizing force in the country despite the constant change and political upheaval that threatens the country.

A Thai lese-majeste or royal insult law criminalizes anything considered to be an insult to the monarchy and is being implemented in Thailand actively. This law prevents public discussion about the incoming succession, the future of the monarchy and the criticisms regarding the crown prince. The prince has spent most of his adult life abroad and does not have the same level of devotion from the people like his father.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Prayuth said that a year-long mourning period for the late king would not affect the scheduled general elections next year.
The personal blog of Peter Lee a.k.a. "China Hand"... Life is a comedy to those who think, a tragedy to those who feel, and an open book to those who read. You are welcome to contact China Matters at the address chinamatters --a-- prlee.org or follow me on twitter @chinahand.
The Northern Wisconsin State Fairs Fairest of the Fair program is searching for candidates to run for the 2017 Fairest of the Fair.

Contestants must be 18 years of age as of Jan. 1, 2017.

The winning contestant will be crowned on Jan. 14 at the Horizons Banquet hall in Tilden, during the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Fairests Grand Gala.

The contestant will also be the official ambassador for the Fair and receive a $1,000 continuing education scholarship from the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association, Inc.

Applications, program obligations, rules and requirements, duties and compensations can all be found on the fairs website: www.nwsfa.com.

Contact the fair office at 715-723-2861 or the Fairest coordinator, Jenny Oemig, at 715-829-7636 for questions or to participate in the program.

Applications are due by Saturday, Dec. 31.

The 2017 Northern Wisconsin State fair will be held July 12-16 at the fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls.
More than a decade after EU-Turkey accession negotiation started, MEPs adopted a resolution last week, calling for the talks to be suspended until Ankara ends its disproportionate and repressive response to Julys failed coup. The Turkish government immediately retaliated by saying that it would let thousands of migrants pass through the countrys territory to Europe. Turkey hosts the largest refugee population in the world  three million people  and is a transit country for Syrian, Afghan, and Iraqi refugees trying to reach Europe.

Greek member of European Peoples Party, or EPP, Manolis Kefalogiannis, who is also the head of European Parliaments delegation to Turkey, commented that both sides were entering a new phase in their relations and emphasized that the mutual implementation of the agreement on immigration was crucial. Brussels has heavily criticized Ankara for the suspension, detention and arrests of military personnel, public servants, teachers and university deans in the aftermath of the failed coup of July 2016. MEPs are concerned about the subsequent crackdown and President Recep Yayyip Erdogans plan to reintroduce capital punishment.

Mr Kefalogiannis also said that Turkey must stop exhibiting a huge democratic deficit, particularly following the coup of July 2016 and it should stop considering reintroducing the death penalty. Furthermore, Turkey must adopt the EU values and standards, respect the EU acquis and stop disputing international treaties, like the Treaty of Lausanne. The resolution calling for a temporary freeze on the EU membership talks is a follow-up to the previously stated concerns by MEPs that the way Turkey will manage the aftermath of the coup would be crucial for the countrys democracy, rule of law and human rights. The EU has also urged Turkey to release the journalists and media and media workers being held without compelling evidence of criminal activity.
The European Union praised Uzbekistan for the release of Mr Samandar Kukanov, Uzbek politician who was imprisoned in 1993 while serving as an MP in ex-Soviet Uzbekistans parliament on embezzlement charges that supporters say stemmed from his opposition to the late strongman Islam Karimov.

Samandar Kukanov, now 72, became one of the worlds longest-held political prisoners. The EU said that his release was an encouraging political message for the overall political space in Uzbekistan as well as for the further strengthening of EU-Uzbek bilateral relations. Steve Swerdlow, a Central Asia researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch group commented that Mr Kukanovs release was a collective effort of the diplomatic community, including the US government, which publicly appealed to Tashkent to release him.

The EU has also said that the planned entry into force of the amnesty law, as foreseen by the government of Uzbekistan for early December 2016, ought to lead to the release of additional prisoners, which would be yet another positive step towards the improvement of the human rights situation in the country. Brussels seeks to continue to engage with Uzbekistan on human rights, including the annual human rights dialogue.

Uzbekistans human rights record is weak, according to human rights observers. Human Rights Watch says that Uzbekistan imprisons thousands on politically motivated charges and torture is part of the criminal justice system. Uzbek authorities continue to crackdown on civil society activists, opposition members, and journalists and freedom of expression is severely limited. Moreover, Muslims and Christians who practice their religion outside strict state controls are persecuted and freedom of expression is limited. The Uzbek government also still denies justice for the 2005 Andijan massacre in which government forces fired into a crowd of protesters in Andijan in the Republic of Uzbekistan, killing hundreds.


Dave Seleski: the go-to businessman for business advice on Cuba

Urbane and well-groomed, career banker Dave Seleski is an unlikely revolutionary. Tiny by US standards, with assets of around $3 billion, Seleskis Stonegate Bank has found itself in the extraordinary position of being the only US bank to be authorized by both Washington and Havana to do business in Cuba.

The nimble Seleski has, for the moment at least, an effective monopoly on US banking with Cuba; his reward for resolving an issue that had threatened to derail Washingtons diplomatic rapprochement with the Castros.

As influential rivals look on, Stonegates credit and debit cards are today the only US-issued plastic acceptable in Cuba. Stonegate also has US bankings only correspondent relationship with a Cuban bank, the state-owned Banco Internacional de Comercio. Stonegate also banks Cubas new diplomatic missions in the US and is opening US accounts for the fast-emerging private-entrepreneur class transforming Cubas command economy.

Beyond banking, Seleski has become the go-to businessman for business advice on Cuba, a fixture on the seminar circuit for those anxious for insight on how to enter one of the worlds last untapped markets.
LONDON, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Despite a year of economic uncertainty Europeans are still spending on travel according to Trainline [http://www.trainline.eu ], Europe's leading independent train

ticket retailer

--Italians clocked up the most trips in 2016, followed by Germans, French and Brits -

- Italians topped travel spending at a total of EUR358.9 billion in 2016 -

- Spain the travel capital of Europe, 2016 -

-- Brits least likely to take a break in their own country -

-- French least likely to travel abroad, with almost half claiming not to go abroad at all -

A survey released today by Trainline [http://www.trainline.eu ] reveals that, despite an economically challenging year, Europeans are still prioritising spending on travel, both at home and abroad. The average spent across the four countries surveyed (UK, France, Germany and Italy) was EUR279 billion and at the number one slot were the Italians spending a huge EUR6953 per head or EUR358.9 billion in total. German holiday-makers came in at number two spending EUR4959 per head or EUR349.5 billion in total; the Brits came third spending EUR3977 a head or EUR206.8 billion and the savviest travellers were the French, spending EUR3769 per head or EUR199 billion in total.[**]

(Photo: enlace )

As the biggest spenders it was also the Italians who clocked up the most trips away, taking an average of 5.4 holidays or short breaks a year; Germans took 3.8; the French 3.3 and the Brits took the least of all at 3.1 on average.[***]

In contrast to the Italians, the French were happy to stay put with almost half claiming not to have travelled abroad. This trend was not reflected amongst Brits, who were the least interested in travelling in their own country in comparison to their European cousins. One in ten (10%) Brits did not travel within Britain at all, compared less than 1% of Italians (0.8%); 6% of Germans and 3% of French. Instead, Brits preferred to join the majority of Europe in heading to Spain, with almost a third of all age groups saying they visited the country in the past year and all nationalities, with the exception of Italy, chose it as the number one destination for 2016.

A Trainline [http://www.trends.trainline.eu ] spokesperson said; "The results of our survey mirror what we see in our travel bookings. Despite economic challenges we continue to see people travelling for leisure by train both at home and cross border, a clear sign that holidays and short breaks aren't seen as a luxury any nationality is willing to give up."

Why we go away

For a significant number of leisure travellers from the UK, France and Italy, the number one reason for going away was to 'discover somewhere new'. The exception to this was the Germans who preferred to travel so they could spend time relaxing on the beach.

It seems the French, Germans and Italians were far more interested in seeing nature and scenery than Brits, with almost half giving this as a reason for travelling, compared to just over a quarter of Brits (28%). Other popular motivating factors included food; sporting events and attending festivals.

Capitals Remain King

For European travellers, capital cities were still the main draw with London being the most visited city in the UK and almost 85% of those travelling to England visiting the capital city ahead of Liverpool, Manchester and Cornwall. For France, Paris was the most popular tourist attraction with 60% of people visiting; for Germany it was Berlin with almost half the tourists stopping by the capital (48%) and Italy it was Rome (41%). These popular destinations are quick and easy to reach by train with those travelling by rail valuing the ease, comfort, short travel time and the ability to get straight to the destination.

Family Breaks Most Popular in France

The most popular way for Europeans to travel on holiday was in a couple, followed closely by 'with the family'. Almost one in ten Europeans (10%) travelled alone. Despite the nation's romantic reputation; it was family, rather than couple holidays that came top in France (45% vs 35%) - the only nation where family travel was preferred to travelling a-deux.

Find out what kind of traveller you are and how you compare to others by taking the Trainline [http://www.trends.trainline.eu ] quiz at http://www.trends.trainline.eu

About Trainline [http://www.trainline.eu ]

Trainline [http://www.trainline.eu ] is Europe's leading independent retailer of train tickets. We sell tickets worldwide on behalf of 44 train companies, helping our customers make more than 100,000 smarter journeys every single day in and across 24 countries. We are a one-stop shop for train travel, bringing together all major train companies onto one platform and providing our customers with a complete set of travel options. We make it easy for our customers to find the best price for their journey.

Notes to editors:

Survey was conducted by Censuswide and surveyed a total of 8,258 Europeans (2,022 in France, 2,001 in Germany, 2,017 in Italy and 2,218 in the UK.) Survey was conducted in November 2016. Full survey data is available on request.

*Survey was conducted in Europe's four largest countries.

**Average spend per head:

(CONTINUA)
I welcome the First Committee of the United Nations General Assemblys resolution A/C.1/71/L.41 on Taking Forward Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament Negotiations and, whilst regretting the fact the nine known nuclear powers, including the UK, failed to sign the agreement, it is still pleasing that 123 states supported the next step towards a nuclear free world.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) support a rules based international order committed to peace and nuclear disarmament and, as such, naturally see dialogue at the United Nations as an appropriate means of bringing the world closer to disarmament. The job for all of us who agree with this proposition is to convince the 38 countries which voted against and the 16 which abstained.

Before discussing the practical implications of the resolution, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the general case for nuclear disarmament.

The renewal of nuclear weapons is a 20th century solution to a 21st century problem. The most significant threats we face today come from terrorism, cyber-attacks, hybrid warfare and climate change. That these threats cannot be tackled with nuclear weapons was encapsulated by President Obama who, when writing in the memorial book at Hiroshima, asked who are we pointing it at? The UKs retention of its nuclear arsenal is about prestige, not military necessity.

In the UK, the finance for its four Trident nuclear submarines, housed in the Faslane military base on the Clyde basin, just 25 miles from Scotlands largest city of Glasgow, is taken from the central defence budget. The Tory Chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, Crispin Blunt, has calculated that the total cost of the next generation of Trident at 179 billion over its lifetime. At a time of economic austerity with more than 40 billion to be cut from public services by 2020  it is wrong to prioritise an outdated nuclear weapons system that we in Scotland do not want and that the UK does not need and can never use.

Indeed, the SNP has long called for money saved on Trident to be reinvested in conventional forces. There are no major surface warships based in Scotland and personnel numbers are at a historic low: Trident is leaving Scottish defence increasingly threadbare. The Ministry of Defences own figures show that between 2010 and 2014, under the previous Tory-led coalition government, defence personnel in Scotland were cut by 3,300; an 18.7 per cent reduction. If we go back further to 2000, 10,170 such jobs have been shed across Scotland, with an overall reduction of 41 per cent  compared to 28 per cent across the UK.

Of course, the removal of Trident is about more than the cost. Having housed them for almost half a century, Scotland finds itself as an anti-nuclear nation tied to a pro-nuclear state. Civic Scotland, through the STUC, Scotlands Churches and the Scottish Parliament, is opposed to Trident, and there is cross party support for this with the Greens and Scottish Labour alongside the SNP which has won elections in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2016 running on an explicitly anti-Trident manifesto. On 19 July 2016, 58 of Scotlands 59 MPs voted against the decision to renew the Trident nuclear weapons system. Among the population, an IPSOS MORI poll from February 2016 found a majority of Scots in favour of ditching Trident and a UK wide poll released this week shows only 45% of respondents in favour of renewal.

With regards to implementing Scotlands wish to live in a world free of nuclear weapons, we are all aware that the process of disarmament has been a long battle and will take some time to conclude. I was delighted when SNP MSP Bill Kidd, co-president of global group Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (PNND) was named in the anti-nuclear groups nomination for Nobel prize which was nominated for the prize by a member of Turkeys Republican Peoples Party (CHP).

Preceding resolution A/C.1/71/L.41, by several decades, the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) committed all its signatories to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament. The International Criminal Court of Justice, in 1996, confirmed these states have an obligation to conclude these negotiations.

More recently, the January 2016 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreed between Iran and the P5+1 countries (China, France, Russia, the UK and US plus Germany) along with the EU ensured that Iranian uranium stockpiles will be reduced to such levels that the country will have no capacity to realise its previous nuclear ambitions. Sanctions on Iran in regard to nuclear activities are being suspended in line with its reduction in nuclear capacity; showing that international agreement on nuclear non-proliferation can work and bring various benefits where there is a political will.

The UK itself has a National Counter-Proliferation Strategy designed to stop terrorists, as well as rogue states such as North Korea and Iran from gaining weapons of mass destruction as well as help Russia and other nations continue with the destruction of nuclear weapons stockpiles. In terms of non-state actors, the 2004 UN Security Council Resolution 1540 contained an agreement that states would not support any non-state actors who might try to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery. Whilst we welcome attempts aimed at preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons by states and non-state actors who do not currently have such capacities, it is now time for the international community to be as bold when it comes to the arsenal of existing nuclear states.

This resolution, in a world where there are no world-wide disarmament negotiations taking place, could serve as the moral foundation upon which practical disarmament can take place. Whilst proposals to reduce the global stockpile to reduce the worlds joint 15,000 strong nuclear stockpile, go in the right direction, it is vital that the world agrees the goal of eliminating all weapons, even if this will take some time. The current system  which is seeing nuclear arsenals modernised and even increased  is not working and, whilst a treaty banning nuclear weapons cannot alone bring nuclear disarmament to the world, what the motion can do is inject fresh energy into the disarmament movement and send a clear message to nuclear states that their modernisation programmes are going against the grain of the wishes of the international community. For those states without an arsenal which are becoming increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of change, supporting this motion is the best means by which they can encourage orderly disarmament.

The next step towards achieving a world free of these outdated weapons is the creation of an international consensus that the nine known nuclear powers disarm. Only when we have established moral consensus on this issue will be able to move towards practical disarmament. I call for all states to support resolution A/C.1/71/L.41. Only then can the international community move forward on the long process of nuclear disarmament.

The opinions articulated above represent the views of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Leadership Network or any of its members. The ELNs aim is to encourage debates that will help develop Europes capacity to address the pressing foreign, defence, and security challenges of our time.
The outcome of the OPEC meeting saw oil prices and both the Canadian Dollar and Norwegian Krone exchange rates experience extreme volatility.

CAD/USD edged higher on Friday afternoon as rising prices of oil and a solid Canadian unemployment report left the Loonie a little stronger than the Greenback.

CAD was also able to hold its ground against the Pound despite soft Brexit hopes leaving the UK currency sturdy throughout the day. The Canadian Dollar was on track to see modest gains against both USD and GBP week-on-week.

The bullishness of the Canadian Dollar faded on Friday morning, with the oil price rally starting to lose steam and investors bracing for a disappointing Canadian employment report.

As Novembers UK Construction PMI pointed towards fresh strength the Pound Canadian Dollar exchange rate made some solid gains, continuing to benefit from easing hard Brexit fears.

The GBPCAD exchange rate struggled to hold its best levels on Thursday afternoon as oil prices continued to advance and offered the Canadian Dollar support, but GBP/CAD still advanced due to hopes of a soft Brexit.

GBP/NOK saw similar movement but trended a little more flatly as oil price increases gave significant demand to the Norwegian Krone.

The Pound has advanced massively against a weakened Canadian Dollar today, as well as an oil price-bolstered Norwegian Krone.

The Pounds faring against the CAD and NOK today has been directly influenced by Wednesday afternoons dramatic oil price rise, which was triggered by OPEC finally deciding to cut production.

The Pound has risen against the Canadian Dollar due to mass profit-taking weakening CAD demand, while against the Norwegian Krone a rise in demand has come from hopes that the UK could pay to stay in the single market after Brexit.

A production cap was finally agreed, sending oil prices higher and allowing both the Canadian Dollar and Norwegian Krone to record gains against Pound Sterling (GBP CAD, GBP NOK).

Oil Production Deal Sends Oil Prices Climbing  CAD, NOK Exchange Rates Fluctuate

In recent weeks the values of the Canadian Dollar and Norwegian Krone have been supported by hopes that the OPEC would agree to a production cap for oil  a move which would help black gold emerge from its current price slump.

The global price of oil shot up during yesterdays session thanks to an announcement of a wide-ranging agreement from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Oil ministers from the signatory nations concluded their Vienna meeting with an accord which they described as the first cut in output since the 2007-09 financial crisis. The surprise agreement saw Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabias delegates come together on a surprise accord - Saudi and Iraq will curb their production levels by almost 1m barrels a day and one-time pariah state Iran pledged not to increase its level of supply.

In the wake of development, the commodity-driven Canadian Dollar (CAD) and Norwegian Krone (NOK) exchange rates put on a particularly solid performance.

GBP CAD, GBP NOK Exchange Rates Decline as Oil Climbs Beyond $50 a Barrel

Leading Oil & Gas Expert Paul Dean of legal firm HFW interpreted the announcement thus,

The known unknowns are how Russia will react and whether it will lead to an increase in US production. The US picture made more complex from a geopolitical perspective by Trumps threatened ban on the import of Saudi crude. Therefore while there are certainly positives for the market to take from this agreement the jury must still be out on whether it is going to lead the stability that is so desperately needed.

The price of a barrel of Brent Crude Oil spiked from just above the $47 level to almost $52 as investors priced-in a perceived likelihood that supplies of oil will be constricted into the medium term. Meanwhile, in the currency markets, the usual suspects recorded gains in the wake of the news from Vienna, with both the Canadian Dollar (currency : CAD) and the Norwegian Krone (currency : NOK) recording gains against the Pound Sterling (currency : GBP).

Currency News: US Election News Weakens Mexican Peso (MXN) Exchange Rates

Elsewhere, Pound Sterling (GBP) exchange rates enjoyed a mixed day in the markets following the announcement from the Bank of England (BoE) that leading UK retail bank RBS had failed its stress test of the domestic banking sector. RBS remains partly owned by the British government following the bail-out deal it received in the wake of the 2007-09 financial crisis.

The bank informed the markets that it had, agreed a revised capital plan to improve its stress resilience. However, analysts forecast that the news may weigh on Sterling (GBP) during coming sessions.
The Pound Sterling to Australian Dollar (GBP AUD) Exchange Rate Demand Spikes as Brexit Minister Suggests Pay to Stay Single Market Access

The Australian Dollar (AUD) increased in strength as investors who were slightly disappointed in the days US Non-Farm Payroll moved to risk-correlated currencies.

With iron ore boosting towards US$80 per tonne again, traders tested the waters with the risk of the Aussie. Meanwhile, the Pound was sold slightly from its highs.

While Octobers Australian retail sales data bettered expectations the Aussie remained on a weaker footing, weighed down by the more risk averse mood of investors.

On the other hand, the Pound was bolstered by a positive UK Construction PMI, which encouraged greater confidence in the robustness of the domestic economy.

GBP/AUD fell from its best levels on Thursday afternoon as Sterlings bullishness dipped and risk-sentiment recovered, but still traded well above the days opening levels.

Demand for risk-correlated currencies had been weaker for most of the day, but as oil prices continued to advance and the days US jobless claims data disappointed, risky currencies like the Aussie saw a brief period of demand towards the end of the day that limited GBP/AUD gains.

The Pound (GBP) has rallied against the Australian Dollar (AUD) today, climbing by over 1% to reach an exchange rate of 1.71.

The days UK domestic data hasnt actually been that supportive, with the manufacturing PMI for November falling on the month by a larger amount than expected.

The actual source behind mass Sterling appeal has been Brexit Secretary David Davis, who has stated that the UK may be able to leave the EU but pay to remain in the advantageous single market.

Pound Sterling Australian Dollar Predictions: Mass Profit-Taking could Soften GBP ahead of Construction PMI

The next UK data to watch out for will be Friday mornings construction PMI for November; at present, this is expected to rise from 52.6 points to 52.8.

Even with this minor boost, however, the Pound may close trading on Friday down against the Australian Dollar, partly because of mass profit-taking on todays domestic data.

Additional GBP losses could stem from investor discontent owing to the idea of paying the EU after Brexit conflicting with one of the main Leave promises of paying less to the EU and spending more on the UK.

Australian Dollar (AUD) Demand Limited as Iron Ore Crash Continues

The Australian Dollar has been a poor option for traders today, having fallen to 0.58 against Sterling and dropped off in other pairings as well.

The latest Australian economic news has been negative overall, with the price of iron ore sliding and lowering demand for the AUD.

Other negative news out of Australia has included the forecast that GDP could turn negative in the future if business investment in the country continues to stagnate.

Australian Dollar (AUD) Outlook Dim on Retail Sales Forecast and Odds of US Dominance

The remainder of the week does not look especially bright for Australian Dollar (AUD) exchange rates, given that the last AU domestic data will be Fridays decline-forecast October retail sales result.

Outside of this, forecasts for iron ore have been for further declines in cost, which is unlikely to permit much in the way of AUD gains against the Pound.

With oil-prices on the rise, the final nail in the AUD coffin may be the probable rise of the US Dollar tomorrow, which could cement the weakened Australian Dollars place at the end of the week.

Australian Economic Focus: Capital Economics Economist Voices Concern about Future AU GDP

Returning to the worrying outlook that the Australian economy may dip into negative GDP in the future, Capital Economics Chief Australian Economist Paul Dales has elaborated by stating;

We previously estimated that GDP growth was between 0.0 per cent and 0.5 per cent quarter-on-quarter but, after these figures, we have settled on a forecast of 0.0 per cent.
People from Mexico will no longer need a visa to travel to Canada from next month and can now apply for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) online.Mexico is the latest country to be included in the new eTA programme which means that citizens from authorised countries flying into Canada or transiting through will not need a visitor visa.  Immigration officials are advising citizens of Mexico who are planning a trip in the coming months to apply online immediately for their eTA but they will not be able to use it until 01 December and will need a visa until then.The eTA allows immigration officials to screen travellers before they board a plane to Canada. All foreign nationals from visa-exempted countries, except United States citizens, require an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada.Being able to apply early for their eTA provides Mexicans travelling to Canada with time to get the travel document they need, to take full advantage of their anticipated visa free status in the immediate days after the visa lift, said Pierre Alarie, Canadas Ambassador to Mexico.Applying for an eTA cost $7 and is done via an online process that takes just minutes to complete. The eTA is electronically linked to a travellers passport and is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.People can apply for an eTA using any device with an internet connection, including mobile phones. To complete the form, they need their passport, a credit card, an email address and access to the internet.Mexican citizens who already have a valid Canadian visa do not need an eTA and can travel with their valid visa. However, once their Canadian visa expires, they will need to obtain an eTA.They will not need an eTA if they are entering Canada by land or sea. Mexicans who want to work or study in Canada temporarily will still need to apply for work or study permits and officials added that Canadian dual citizens living in Mexico should continue to travel on their Canadian passport.Citizens of Bulgaria and Romania can also now apply for an eTA and travel without a visa from the 01 December. Canada is expected to continue rolling out the eTA programme to other countries in the New Year.
Farrakhan compares Castro, communist dictator who killed thousands, to Jesus Christ 30 November, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

HAVANA (Christian Examiner)  "Long live Fidel! A hero of the liberation struggle, a man of high principle." That was the Nov. 29 headline of Final Call, official newspaper of the Nation of Islam and Louis Farrakhan.

In an article written by Senior Editor Askia Muhammad, Castro is praised for his "steadfast, unwavering commitment to helping provide a better quality of life for the 12 million people of Cuba."

He is also praised by Louis Farrakhan, leader of the black separatist group, who mixes elements of Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism and science fiction in his theology. Farrakhan told the paper in an "exclusive interview" that Castro  who he visited on multiple occasions  possessed virtue "cut out of his spirituality."

He becomes a messenger to all from the God of all to answer the critical needs of all. And like Jesus, who said he came in to the world so those who say they see may go blind, and that those who are blind may see. The revolution that Jesus brought would take those who were up and sit them down, and those that were down and deprived would be raised up. Such a man was Fidel Castro. No wonder some people hated him.

In a separate audio statement, Farrakhan also identified Castro with Jesus Christ. Castro was a Marxist atheist, though he frequently appropriated the words of Jesus in his communist ideology.

Farrakhan said Castro was still a "deeply spiritual man, though he spoke in practical terms."

"It didn't have to be religion, because much of religion and religiosity is hypocrisy," Farrakhan, who first visited Cuba as Castro's "guest" in 1977, told the paper.

"[W]hen I left Cuba I landed in Barbados. They asked me how could I visit a 'Communist country?'" Farrakhan said.

"I asked them, 'Are they Christian?' And they said, 'Yes.' Well, Jesus spoke of two men who were asked to do the will of God. One said he would and he didn't. And the other said he wouldn't, but he did. And Jesus asked, 'Which of these two men did the Will of God? The one who said he would, and didn't, or the one who said he wouldn't, and did?'

"I said, 'Here you are, a Christian country, yet you don't do what Jesus said, when he asked his disciples: When was I naked and you clothed me not? When was I hungry and you fed me not? When was I sick and in prison and you ministered not unto me? When was I out of doors and you gave me not shelter?'

"And the average Christian nation has not done this. But here is a man who doesn't claim religion, but he feeds the hungry. No one is without a home. They have free education from kindergarten through college. He has free medical care.

"I said, 'Which one of you, both the Christians or the so-called agnostics or atheists, which one of the two of you have done the Will of God?' (Mr. Castro) was more of a deeply committed spiritual man than many who preach religion and say lots and lots of prayers. He may not have said a lot of prayers, but his deeds were the answer to many peoples' prayers," Farrakhan said.

Except for those who set before a firing squad.

The exact number of political prisoners killed by Fidel Castro may never be known.

Some sources peg the number of dissidents executed at nearly 5,000, while others set the figure closer to 30,000. But those figures don't include the Cubans  perhaps as many as 80,000  who have died trying to make the 90 mile journey by raft from the island nation to Florida to escape the regime.

It also doesn't include those who died after being denied medical treatment, those who committed "suicide" while in prison, or those who died in otherwise mysterious circumstances.

Many have simply "disappeared" since Fidel (and his brother Raul, now president) wrestled power from the military dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista in 1959, promising to return the country to constitutional rule.

Castro was by no means an Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin or Mao Zedong in terms of the total number of people he killed, but he was nonetheless brutal and, per capita, one of the worst mass murderers in history. In fact, groups like the Cuba Archive still annually document reports of executions, disappearances and extra-judicial killings  like the time Castro's forces murdered dozens trying to flee Cuba on July 13, 1994.

Those who did not face a firing squad under Castro died by other horrific means  drowning, starvation, electrocution and forced blood extraction followed by execution (the blood was sold to the North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War).

Despite the murderous reign of Fidel and his gleeful executioners  among them the notorious hero of the Left, Che Guevara  Farrakhan called Castro "one of our greatest revolutionary thinkers."

Farrakhan has a history of developing cozy relationships with dictators. He repeatedly visited Lybia and said Muammar Ghaddafi was his "brother" and had "always been my friend." When he was advised to distance himself from the Lybian dictator, Farrakhan said he was not a "punktified Negro" and would not abandon him.

He also argued against sanctions against Iraq after meeting with dictator and mass murderer Saddam Hussein, and has traveled to Iran to meet with Iranian officials who repress all dissent.

In the audio statement, also published Nov. 29, Farrakhan himself described his last conversation with Castro. He said it was supposed to last for 20 minutes, but ended at just over three hours. He said he spoke to Castro about himself in the last 20 minutes of the conversation.

He told Castro that he was "an answer to the prayers and longing of the people not only in Cuba ... but all over the world" who wanted to be free of slavery, colonialism and neocolonialism.

"In answering the prayer of all, he becomes the messenger of Allah," Farrkhan said. "He becomes a messenger to all from the God of all to answer the critical needs of all. And like Jesus, who said he came in to the world so those who say they see may go blind, and that those who are blind may see. The revolution that Jesus brought would take those who were up and sit them down, and those that were down and deprived would be raised up. Such a man was Fidel Castro. No wonder some people hated him."

Farrakhan then supposedly discussed the leader's health and his impending death. He told Castro, "There is no such thing as death for you."

"The ideas and principles, the universal principles, the internationalist thought that you put in the people, is the seminal fluid of the kingdom of God on earth," Farrakhan told Castro.

"He lives. He lives in my heart and the heart of all us who understand his role. He will never die," Farrakhan concluded.
(NewsUSA) - November is Epilepsy Awareness month, and this year's 4th Annual Epilepsy Awareness Day (EAD) was the largest gathering of epilepsy patients and physicians in the world. Held at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, the 2-day event included a convention with over 90 exhibitors, 24 physician/specialist seminars, a Rick Springfield benefit concert, and a full day at Disneyland for the families.

Epilepsy is a brain disorder marked by recurring seizures, or convulsions, and it affects over 2 million Americans, with onset often beginning with children. It is also estimated that as many as one-third of individuals with autism spectrum disorder also have epilepsy. Despite affecting such a large breadth of the population, the National Institute of Health's estimated research budget for fiscal year 2017 is only $145 million.

EAD is an annual event operated by the Irvine-based non-profit foundation, Sofie's Journey/EAD, now in its fifth year and drawing people from across the globe. "We wanted to create an opportunity to drive epilepsy awareness, with awareness the key to overcoming challenges created by epilepsy," states Candy Levy, Co-Founder of Sofie's Journey/EAD. "At our event we bring together patients, physicians, advocates, non-profits, services, and this year we had a large section of the convention facility for people to meet their possible and future service dogs."

Sofie's Journey began with Sofie Levy, who had her first seizure at 5 years old. After years of pursuing treatments and options, the Levy family was given the opportunity of brain surgery for Sofie. Sofie is now in 11th grade, and is eight years seizure-free. To further focus their passion for epilepsy awareness, and to ensure that others are afforded great epilepsy care, Sofie's parent's Candy and Brad Levy created Epilepsy Awareness Day with the first event held on November 7, 2013.

"The Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland has become a unique opportunity for patients with epilepsy and their caregivers to interface with non-profit and other groups to openly communicate about their needs and available services," says neurosurgeon Dr. Gary Mathern. "This is a model meeting that should serve as an example for others around the world."

There are other conventions globally, including the annual American Epilepsy Society convention held in the beginning of December. What separates EAD is that it is not a typical medical or business convention: it is about the patients and their families. "We have learned so much, met many people with similar things like us, but most importantly we learned that we are not alone in this fight with epilepsy. Awareness is spreading like wild, it's the best," says Mandy G. from Kansas. "We have been so lucky to work with the UCLA pediatric epilepsy department to help our son, we travel to the west coast every few months for treatment."

Preparations are underway for 2017, with an expanded focus. "The good we are doing is an incredible feeling that goes beyond description, says Brad Levy, Co-Founder. "We are transitioning to a full-time Epilepsy Awareness campaign, with a three-day physical event as the anchor for our efforts. Planned for this year, we will have an updated site, multi-platform social media presence, video campaigns, and working more closely with our medical advisory board and hospitals. Our mission is now a year-long epilepsy awareness campaign."

For more information, visit www.epilepsyawarenessday.org
Thursday, December 1, 2016

When making your list and checking it twice, don't forget about food safety during the holiday season. "While the pace is hectic, it's crucial to slow down in the kitchen and remember the importance of food safety, so that friends and family don't leave with any unwanted gifts, such as E. Coli, Salmonella, or Listeria," says child safety and health expert Debra Holtzman J.D., M.A, the author of "The Safe Baby: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety and Healthy Living".

Debra Holtzman offers tips for keeping healthy and worry-free when hosting friends, family, and pets:

1. Always use a food thermometer to be sure foods are safely cooked. About 48 million people (1 in 6 Americans) get sick and 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

2. Buy pasteurized juices and cider. Pasteurization is a heat process that kills harmful bacteria. If you aren't sure if a product is pasteurized, boil it for a minute and let cool before serving.

3. When preparing homemade eggnog always use pasteurized eggs. Raw eggs could be contaminated with salmonella. The store-sold eggnog in cartons is pasteurized.

4. Don't leave party platters at room temperature for over two hours, where bacteria can grow to harmful levels. Arrange food on small platters and replace them often with fresh, refrigerated platters of food. (Using a kitchen timer is a good idea because we can easily lose track of time with so much going on.)

5. Hot foods on buffet tables should be held at 140 F or warmer. You can keep hot foods hot with chafing dishes, slow cookers and warming trays. Cold foods should be held at 40 F or colder. Keep foods cold by nesting dishes in bowls of ice.

6. Keep spiked holiday punch and eggnog--and their ice cubes-- out of the reach of children and pets. Alcohol affects children (and pets) more drastically than adults, so even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous. Remove all empty and partially empty cups as soon as possible.

7. Foil-wrapped baked potatoes should be kept hot or refrigerated to prevent botulism. Also, avoid using green or sprouted potatoes. They contain a toxin called solanine, which can cause gastrointestinal problems.

8. Keep your chocolate goodies out of reach of pets. Chocolate is toxic, and sometimes even fatal, for animals. The toxic substance which chocolate contains is called theobromine, a compound that is very similar to caffeine. Baker's chocolate (pure, unsweetened chocolate or cocoa powder) is the most dangerous.

Other food items that can be toxic to pets include caffeine products (coffee, tea), garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, avocado, macadamia nuts, and sugarless chewing gum and products containing xylitol.

9. Refrigerate custard-type pies, including homemade lemon meringue varieties and pumpkin pie. If you store these pies at room temperature, they can grow dangerous bacteria.

10. Ask guests beforehand if they or their children are allergic to any food. Also, keep out of reach of young children firm, round food, such as popcorn, nuts and candy canes because they pose a choking risk.

Lastly, remember to wash hands thoroughly before and after handling food, beverages or utensils. And keep up-to-date on all product recalls and safety alerts: visit http://www.Recalls.gov

Debra Holtzman, J.D, M.A., is a nationally recognized child safety and health expert and award-winning parenting author. She holds a B.A. in communications from the State University of New York at Albany, an M.A. in occupational health and safety from New York University, and a J.D. from St. John's University School of Law. She has made hundreds of media appearances including ABC World News, NBC's The Today Show and Weekend Today. Debra teaches infant and toddler safety and CPR at a regional hospital and is a certified child passenger safety technician.

Debra's best-selling book, "The Safe Baby: A Do-it-Yourself Guide to Home Safety and Healthy Living" (Sentient Publications) offers parents easy-to-implement solutions and cost saving tips to keep children and pets safe and healthy.

Visit Debra Holtzman's Website http://thesafetyexpert.com, Connect with her on Twitter @SafetyExpert_ and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/DebraHoltzmanTheSafetyExpert
A historic deal in Vienna to trim oil production sent prices rising Wednesday, with the companies that work in the remote shale fields of South Texas and West Texas ending up as some of the biggest winners.

It was the first deal by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to restrict oil production since late 2008, when the global economy was teetering on the brink of a depression and the international oil cartel agreed to cut production to prop up collapsing prices.

Russia, which is not an OPEC member and has resisted calls to cut, said it would trim production, too.

The deal would remove about 1.2 million barrels per day off the world market by January  the rough equivalent of taking the entire Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas offline, or half of the Permian Basin in West Texas and eastern New Mexico.

No one knows if the new OPEC deal will stick in the coming months.

OPEC countries have a long history of producing more than their stated quotas and dont publish reliable production data, but the markets went into champagne-popping mode anyway on the news Wednesday.

The deal immediately boosted oil prices. The international benchmark Brent oil rose 9 percent to close above $50 per barrel. The U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate was up more than 8 percent for the day, to $48.98.

Share prices of many publicly traded U.S. shale drillers also soared on the news. Irving-based Pioneer Natural Resources rose to $191.04, up 10 percent. Houston oil producer ConocoPhillips rose nearly 10 percent, to $48.52. The oil field service giant Halliburton, also in Houston, was up more than 11 percent for the day, to $53.09.

At the annual San Antonio awards breakfast for the industry group that includes the Eagle Ford Shales biggest companies, the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable, the crowd broke into applause when the OPEC deal was announced.

Congratulations, producers, Haley Curry, director of external affairs for the group, told the audience, before she added in a 1980s movie reference to a famous game of chicken.

Its like that scene in Footloose where the tractors are going at each other. We want to be Kevin Bacon, Curry said.

Much has been made about the showdown between OPEC, the worlds traditional swing producer, and the upstart U.S. shale producers, who have added 5 million daily barrels to world production in a handful of years.

Both OPEC and U.S. producers have suffered during the bust in oil prices, which started in late 2014 after oil peaked at $107 that summer. Oils roller coaster ride down started in earnest around Thanksgiving 2014 when OPEC met and declined to cut production. Instead, member countries pumped more and started to compete with each other for market share.

Since then, Saudi Arabia has been spending down its financial reserves. Venezuela has been on the verge of economic collapse, with food shortages and electricity blackouts. In Texas, more than 100,000 energy workers have lost jobs since late 2014. North Dakota lawmakers sliced 10 percent from their budget this year. Alaskas governor cut in half the annual oil dividend that goes to residents.

The bust hit hard in South Texas, where the once high flying Eagle Ford had 200 drilling rigs hunting oil and gas at the start of 2015, but now has 38 active rigs. Oil production has dipped from 1.7 million barrels daily in March 2015 to 978,000 this month, the biggest decline of any U.S. shale field.

Meanwhile, attention  and money  has focused on the Permian Basin in West Texas and eastern New Mexico, an immense and historic behemoth of an oil field, now pumping around 2 million daily barrels.

But Omar Garcia, president and CEO of STEER, said the Eagle Ford isnt finished yet.

The University of Texas at Austin said this fall it expects 100,000 wells in the Eagle Ford, far more than the roughly 17,000 wells drilled so far, and said there was 10 billion barrels of oil that could be recovered at todays prices.

Please know theres a lot of activity left, Garcia said to a roomful of Eagle Ford operators, services companies and local officials at the Pearl Stable.

The Texas oil fields already have been in an increasingly better mood with tentative signs of recovery, including a small bump in the number of drilling rigs at work.

Sean Strawbridge, deputy executive director and COO for the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, gave the keynote address at the STEER breakfast and said he hoped that the incoming Trump administration would provide funding to help deepen the port from 45 feet to 52 feet, which would allow it to handle larger vessels. The project has been approved by Congress but never been given the federal share of the estimated $350 million in construction costs.

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.

It goes to the Office of Management and Budget and dies, Strawbridge said.

The Corpus Christi port has become a key player in moving oil out of the Eagle Ford. In 2010, it had outbound shipments of just 245,000 barrels of oil per year, a fraction of what one large tanker can hold. It now has outbound shipments  mostly destined for other U.S. ports  of 650,000 barrels per day.

Thomas Tunstall, an economic development research director at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said U.S. companies are ready to move more rigs and equipment into the oil fields.

Were really in a position to change our oil output, Tunstall said of U.S. shale producers. The energy companies are just aching to get back in there with higher rig counts.

Tunstall said he was cautious about the OPEC deal, though.

Yeah, its good news, but Im always amazed at the ways traders can react, Tunstall said. I think if the prices do rise, and Im not convinced they will on any sustained basis, its going to create incentives for their other (OPEC) members to go ahead and exceed their quotas.

Analysts also agree the devils in the details. Will the OPEC cuts actually happen? And if they do, will they last?

OPEC in the drivers seat today, the energy investment bank Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. wrote in a note to clients Wednesday morning. Details will matter.

jhiller@express-news.net
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VIENNA  After years of trying fruitlessly to prop up energy markets, OPEC on Wednesday finally reached a consensus on production cuts, sending oil prices soaring. The problem is, the euphoria may not last.

With prices still at less than half the levels of two years ago, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed this fall to lower collective production. But it could not figure out how to spread the cuts among the countries. The path to consensus had been complicated by Saudi Arabia and Iran, whose long-standing mutual enmity encompasses religious, political and economic competition.

They overcame their differences Wednesday, with OPEC deciding to cut production next year by about 4.5 percent, or 1.2 million barrels a day. It will be the first cut in eight years.

With the prospect of less pumping, West Texas Intermediate for January delivery rose $4.21, 9.3 percent, to $49.44 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Its the biggest gain since February and the highest close since Oct. 27.

Brent for January settlement, which expired Wednesday, increased $4.09, or 8.8 percent, to $50.47 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The global benchmark closed at a $1.03 premium to WTI for the same month. February Brent rose $4.52 to $51.84.

Rising prices could lift the troubled economies of oil-dependent nations such as Nigeria and Venezuela, and bolster the fortunes of smaller U.S. energy producers that have been shaken by the weakness.

The deal shows that the weight and resilience of OPEC is still there and will continue to be, Qatars energy minister, Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada, said at a news conference Wednesday.

The optimism, though, may soon be tempered.

The deal, which is to last six months starting in January, is contingent on the cooperation of non-OPEC countries, most notably Russia. OPEC has said Russia agreed to participate, but Moscow is notoriously hard to predict. OPEC plans to hold talks with non-0PEC producers on Dec. 9 in Doha.

A recent production frenzy creates another wild card for the deal.

While Saudi Arabia and Iran have vocally supported higher prices, their national oil companies have been making deals in Asia and filling tankers as quickly as possible. Saudi production has increased to well over 10 million barrels a day, while reductions in domestic consumption have left more available for export. Iran, relieved of nuclear sanctions, has gone on its own selling spree in India and started production in new oil and gas fields.

Other OPEC countries have followed, increasing production in recent months. The race to pump more is taking several of the cartels largest members to the brink of their production capacity.

The intense competition makes OPECs new plan less meaningful  part of the piece of the industry dynamics that means the price increase could prove temporary.

The size of the cut is fairly trivial in a 96-million-barrel-a-day marketplace that remains oversupplied. Should prices rise in the next few weeks, U.S. shale producers are likely to drill and complete more wells, which would add supply to the global market. And, if history is any guide, even a modest agreement can be breached by cheating.

If higher prices bring higher output, prices will not remain up for long, said Jim Krane, a Middle East energy analyst at Rice University. It wont be long before were back where we started.

Two months ago, the cartel surprised world energy markets by agreeing in principle to trim production. The move by OPEC signaled a significant change of course for Saudi Arabia, which had allowed oil prices to collapse to try to undercut higher-cost Western players.

But the cartels words and actions did not initially dovetail. The production and export frenzy in Iran has been accompanied by increased activity across much of OPEC.

In the midst of a civil war, Libya has more than doubled oil production since August, to 600,000 barrels a day. It says it hopes to raise output an additional 300,000 barrels by early 2017. Iraq has expanded production by 300,000 barrels a day since the summer. Nigeria has pledged to increase oil production to 2.2 million barrels a day by the end of the year, from 1.9 million.

Iran is trying to reclaim the global market share, and the clout in OPEC, that it lost in recent years under Western sanctions tied to its nuclear program.

Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern and African producers  particularly Angola, Iraq, Kuwait and Nigeria  took advantage of Irans troubles by raising production to serve its old customers. Iran once threatened a retaliatory naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical Gulf choke point, a move that could have paralyzed the economies of Saudi Arabia, its neighboring allies and much of Asia and inflamed geopolitical tensions.

Now Iran is coming back fast.

Since many sanctions were lifted in January, Irans crude oil production has risen nearly a third, to about 3.7 million barrels a day. Having achieved the goal of returning to pre-sanctions levels, Iranian officials want to take production capacity higher still, toward 4.8 million barrels a day by 2021.

Irans influence in OPEC, and indeed in the region, has been growing since the lifting of nuclear-related international sanctions, said Bhushan Bahree, an OPEC analyst at IHS Markit, a research company.

Iran is also beginning to negotiate deals with outside companies for the capital and technological expertise it needed to reach its production goals.

Officials have already reached a preliminary agreement with Total to develop a giant Gulf natural gas field that Iran shares with Qatar, and they are discussing energy deals with Royal Dutch Shell, the Anglo-Dutch giant. Nearly 50 oil and gas projects may also be opened to international investors.

Irans ultimate success at recovering its old glory is uncertain.

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During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to rip up the nuclear deal with Iran negotiated by the Obama administration and other world powers. And even if other countries do not follow Trumps lead, persistently low oil prices could deter foreign investment.

There is a lot of uncertainty, said Homayoun Falakshahi, an Iran analyst at Wood Mackenzie, an energy consultancy.

The Saudi-Iranian rivalry complicated the negotiations.

Some energy analysts say the Saudis pushed the idea of a cut, in part thinking that Iran had reached its production limits and would not be able to fight for supremacy in the Asian markets for long. In the days before the OPEC meeting, Iran tried to negotiate an exemption from any cut.

The competition extends beyond markets. Saudi Arabia and Iran are also playing an increasingly deadly political game, battling for power in Syria, Yemen and elsewhere in the Middle East.

The specifics of the ultimate OPEC deal give both Saudi Arabia and Iran reasonable room, adding to the doubt about whether the cuts will have much teeth.

Saudi Arabia is taking a considerable hit, agreeing to cut by 486,000 barrels a day, the largest chunk of the total deal. But the Saudis would normally cut substantially in the winter, when they burn less oil to generate electric power for air conditioning. Iran faces a ceiling about 100,000 barrels a day higher than what analysts estimate it is now producing.

Iraq, the groups second-largest producer, agreed to cut production by 210,000 barrels a day. The country previously pushed for special consideration, citing the urgency of its offensive against Islamic State. Indonesia, which is a net importer, asked to have its membership suspended and isnt party to the reductions.

Adherence to the deal also is not a given. Three big and reliable Persian Gulf producers  Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates  account for more than 60 percent of the cuts. But the rest come from other producers who may not adhere as closely to their limits.

This is a great headline number, said Jamie Webster, a fellow at the Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy, who was observing the meeting. But considering the need to secure cuts from non-OPEC and that there need to occur big contributions from countries that dont have a great history of compliance, it starts to look smaller, he said.

Bloomberg News contributed to this report.
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If Cowboys Dancehalls bankrupt owner has its way, patrons will be two-stepping at the popular San Antonio honky-tonk for years to come.

Cowboys Far West, an Arlington-based limited partnership that owns the popular music venue, is fighting to keep the doors open. It filed a bankruptcy reorganization plan this week that would keep it operating and repay creditors from revenue generated by the business.

The owners are battling a competing plan filed in October by one of its lenders that calls for liquidating the companys assets and selling the honky-tonk on the Northeast Side.

A hearing on the lenders reorganization plan is scheduled for Dec. 12 before Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ronald King. No hearing date has been set yet for Cowboys Far Wests plan.

James Wilkins, the lawyer for Cowboys Far West, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cowboys Far West filed for Chapter 11 on June 24 to halt a July 5 foreclosure auction of the property after it technically defaulted on two property loans totaling $7.5 million.

In a court document Wednesday, Cowboys Far West said it was profitable but that it had inadvertently failed to pay its property taxes on time, leading one of its lenders to declare it in technical default.

The partnership also blamed its financial troubles on the recent downturn in the oil and gas industry (which) has significantly reduced the income of the dance hall. It didnt elaborate, other than to report the market has somewhat stabilized. Falling alcohol sales and license violations also tripped up the business, the San Antonio Express-News reported in June.

In previous court filings, Cowboys Far West reported about $10.5 million in assets and $9.8 million in liabilities. The venue itself, at 3030 NE Loop 410, was valued at $10 million.

Cowboys Far West said it expects that cash flow from the business will be sufficient to meet its obligations going forward, although it warned that there is a risk it wont generate enough cash to cover all of its bills.

It proposes repaying two of its largest creditors  Missouri-based Business Property Lending, owed $4.2 million, and Minnesota-based Prinsbank, owed almost $2.1 million, but lowering the interest on the loans to 3.5 percent.

A call to Eric English, Business Property Lendings lawyer who filed the competing reorganization plan, wasnt immediately returned.

Cowboys Far West had accused Business Property Lending and its parent, EverBank Financial Corp., in a July 22 lawsuit of wrongly foreclosing on the nightclub. King later dismissed the case, but Cowboys Far West is appealing his decision, according to the court docket.

The partnership previously reported that revenue rose from about $6.1 million in 2014 to almost $6.7 million in 2015. But from Jan. 1 through June 24, the date of its bankruptcy filing, Cowboys Dancehall generated about $2 million in revenue.

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From June 18 through the end of October, the venue generated almost $2.3 million in revenue and a $34,000 profit.

Cowboys Far West is projecting a rise in revenue over the next five years that will boost its bottom line, from about $57,500 next year to more than $1 million by 2021, according to a Wednesday court filing.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD
A bankruptcy judge is allowing investors in bankrupt medical device company Palmaz Scientific Inc. to sue company co-founders Dr. Julio Palmaz and Steven Solomon to try to recover some of their losses from the pairs personal assets.

Lawyers for Dr. Palmaz  a local luminary known for inventing a heart stent credited with saving millions of lives  sought to halt the litigation, arguing that a previous court ruling in the companys bankruptcy case barred investors from personally suing the two.

Dr. Palmaz argued in a court filing that investors had to pursue their claims through a special trust that was set up to handle most of the companys litigation. The trust also covered potential legal claims against company executives, which are covered by the companys liability insurance policy for directors and officers.

A group of investors that sank a combined $4 million into Palmaz Scientific say executives intentionally withheld key facts  including Palmaz Scientifics recurring operating losses, Solomons personal bankruptcy and federal tax liens, among other issues  that may have warned them off of investing.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Craig Gargotta sided last week with the group, referred to collectively as the Turnbull plaintiffs; while ruling against a separate group of investors, giving them two weeks to amend their lawsuit.

We are happy with the ruling because it confirms our clients will be able to seek recovery from Dr. Palmaz and Mr. Solomon in addition to any recovery they might receive from the Litigation Trust which may not fully remedy their losses, Justin Bryan, a Dallas attorney for the Turnbull plaintiffs, wrote in an email. His firm represents about 40 investors.

RELATED: See a list of Palmaz Scientific investors here.

Dr. Palmaz raised $40 million from investors to launch medical-technology company Palmaz Scientific in 2008 with the idea of developing the next generation of arterial stents. But he couldnt duplicate his earlier success  Johnson & Johnson bought the rights to the heart stent in 1998, reportedly paying around $500 million.

Palmaz Scientific failed to generate any recurring revenue and sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March. It has blamed its troubles on a negative campaign of false information by Austin investment banker Susan Harriman, whos been tied up in litigation with the company over a soured business deal with Solomon. Both Dr. Palmaz, chairman of the company, and former CEO Solomon resigned prior to the bankruptcy filing.

Most of Palmaz Scientifics assets were sold to Vactronix Scientific Inc., a company headed by Dr. Palmazs wife, for $22.6 million in June. In August, Dr. Palmaz said Vactronix was in the process of starting operations in a new plant in Fremont, California.

On Monday, less than a week after Gargottas ruling, the Turnbull plaintiffs filed an amended lawsuit against Dr. Palmaz and Solomon in Dallas County to add other investors as plaintiffs. Palmaz Scientific was formerly based in Dallas.

Dr. Palmaz has denied their allegations and countersued for more than $1 million, saying the investors claimed they were sophisticated and that they were aware of and could tolerate the high risk associated with the investment, and that they had all of (their) inquiries answered to their satisfaction, that they had investigated the investment.

Just what personal assets of Dr. Palmaz and Solomon the investors could pursue if they prevail in the litigation hasnt been revealed. Dr. Palmaz co-founded the Palmaz Vineyards in Napa, California, and is described on its website as the winerys visionary and guiding light.

Separately, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery recused himself Wednesday from a related matter after Harriman purportedly sent accusatory messages impugning the character and professionalism of a court staff member, according to a copy of the order obtained from the court before it was sealed.

Biery said Harriman indicated that she had invaded a court staff members financial privacy. Biery also said he learned of allegations about Harriman that could result in state and federal criminal prosecution. Biery ordered Harrimans attorney Monday to hold her cellphone and computer until a new judge is assigned to the case.

Biery additionally said Harrimans behavior at a hearing last year was evasive and obstructionist. He said the court threatened her with contempt and asked the U.S. Marshals Service to stand by if she needed to be taken into custody.

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Her behavior improved somewhat, Biery wrote. He said the court cant unremember what happened. Life is short. The sands of the hourglass show it is becoming shorter, he wrote in recusing himself from the case.

Shortly after Biery filed the recusal order, Harriman filed an emergency motion seeking to seal the order, which she said recites findings and accusations  that are incorrect and are based on a one-sided version of facts irrelevant to the case. U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez sealed Bierys recusal Wednesday afternoon.

Harriman declined to comment. Palmaz Scientific attorney Jason Davis didnt return a call for comment.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD
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The U.S. House has approved a bill recognizing Filipino veterans of World War II and sent it to President Barack Obama for his signature.

Senate Bill 1555 authorizes the awarding of a single Congressional Gold Medal, the nations highest civilian honor, to be displayed by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., to honor the estimated 250,000 Filipinos who fought under U.S. command in the war.

Fewer than 7,000 such veterans live in the U.S. Some of them fought in the Philippine Scouts, which merged with U.S. Army formations shortly before Japan invaded in 1941 and were among the first U.S. forces to see combat in the war.

They have been waiting now for over 70 years. Theyve been waiting for this recognition, said Helotes resident Nonie Cabana, a U.S. Air Force veteran and a descendant of a Philippine Scout. Cabana had pushed for the bills passage as a member of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project.

An October ceremony here that honored Filipino veterans of World War II included Dominador Soriano, 100, the only surviving one in San Antonio. Soriano was drafted in 1938, and his Philippine Commonwealth army unit became part of the newly created U.S. Army Forces in the Far East on Sept. 1, 1941.

I consider this historic breakthrough as my advance gift for my 101st birthday, Soriano said Thursday. We waited long enough. Im elated that justice finally prevails.

As the Philippines gained its independence in 1946, President Harry S. Truman signed the Rescission Act, which stripped many Filipino veterans of service benefits.

Im very happy because this recognition is long overdue,said veteran Celestino Almeda, 99, a Maryland resident quoted in a statement by the recognition project group. We responded to President (Franklin D.) Roosevelts call to serve and risked our lives fighting under the American flag.

The Senate passed the measure unanimously in July. It passed in the House by a voice vote Wednesday.

This calls for a worldwide celebration, said Laura Allison of the Organization of Filipinos in Texas.

jlawrence@express-news.net
In a handwritten book believed to be penned by Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, the convicted killer claims his actions were in defense of Islam by a sincere Muslim.

The neatly written, 51-page work  now on sale for $1,350 on a well-known murderabilia website  explains the former Army psychiatrists religious justification for the 2009 mass killing.

Only All-Mighty God will decide whether He will accept my effort as a Holy-Warrior or rebuke me for misunderstanding his Holy Book, it says in one of the early pages, copies of which were obtained by the Houston Chronicle.

Dorothy Carskadon, 46, of Amarillo, who was among those injured, is not happy to see the book for sale.

It doesnt surprise me. He was very much self-absorbed, she said. Id be surprised if hes able to make a profit on it because thats against the law.

Some states, including Texas, have banned the sale of murderabilia if the killer profits. But Hasans lawyer, John Galligan, says his client is probably not even aware that the volume is for sale  and that he would likely not approve.

Its typically not illegal to sell murder-related memorabilia if a third-party is profiting.

Hasan is on death row at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He alluded to his faith during pre-trial hearings, explaining his decision to grow a thick beard, for example, but the judge barred him from claiming that he acted in defense of Taliban leaders targeted by the U.S., so he never took the witness stand during the trial.

True Crime Auction House owner Andrew Sturgess  who asked to be identified by his business pseudonym  is confident the book is authentic. He said he has been exchanging letters with the killer for years and knows the penmanship.

Keri.Blakinger@chron.com
City Council voted 9 to 2 Thursday to annex a small commercial corridor along U.S. 281 near the Comal County line, part of a compromise with area residents who did not want to be absorbed into San Antonio.

Those residents, about 28,000 people, only get a partial reprieve  the city will annex the smaller commercial area this year but plans to annex the much larger and highly populated area off U.S. 281 in the year 2034. The city plans to execute a non-annexation agreement for this bigger, residential area early next year, with two public hearings scheduled in January.

Council members Shirley Gonzales, District 5, and Ron Nirenberg, District 8, continued to air their concerns about annexation, and what benefit it actually delivers for the city. Both voted against the annexation.

For me, this is a 1950s argument for a 2016 issue, Nirenberg said. Annexation is not the answer for the citys problems, he said.

Issues were also raised about how much development will be allowed over the Edwards Aquifer once these new properties are added to the city, a concern Nirenberg mentioned. Gonzales remains concerned that the citys northern growth only means less services for inner-city districts like hers.

The city allocated $1.2 million in this years budget to fund services in the U.S. 281 commercial corridor, which will become part of the city Dec. 31, said Deputy City Manager Peter Zanoni. Money was set aside to hire seven more police officers to service this area, Zanoni said.

As part of the U.S. 281 commercial corridor annexation, the city has agreed to partner with Bexar County Emergency Services District 3 and the Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department to provide initial first responder emergency service in the area.

Emergency service districts, or ESDs, are special purpose districts that collect tax revenue to fund first responder service in rural and suburban areas that arent part of a city like San Antonio. Many parts of unincorporated Bexar County are served by ESDs. ESDs typically contract with volunteer fire departments to provide this service. In this part of Bexar County, ESD 3 contracts with the Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department.

As part of the agreement, the San Antonio Fire Department will dispatch units to any fires in that area but Bexar County will also be alerted and dispatch units as available. Whichever company arrives first will take command; if Bexar-Bulverde shows up first, they will take command until SAFD arrives and determines if their services are still needed at the scene.

SAFD plans to respond to every fire in the area with the same manpower they do anywhere else in the city, with three fire engines, one ladder truck and one commanding officer, in addition to Bexar-Bulverde, said SAFD Deputy Chief Carl Wedige. Both Bexar-Bulverde and SAFD will respond to medical incidents, but Bexar-Bulverde will be the closest responding department.

The Bexar-Bulverde volunteer department, which has some paid staffers, will also respond to incidents manned with at least four people per unit. All of the volunteer units are equipped to provide basic life support. About 25 percent of their units have a paramedic, who can provide advanced life support; in San Antonio, the number of units with paramedics is closer to 60 percent, Wedige said. He said Bexar-Bulverde has agreed to increase that percentage on their units.

San Antonio EMS will transport all patients that need it.

When an area is annexed, the residents must receive like services to those in the rest of the city. City officials have said in combination with Bexar-Bulverde and SAFD, these residents will receive comparable service, if not better, than what they currently have, Wedige said. Currently, the volunteer fire departments response time is faster than the citys.

There are only 18 residential properties in the U.S. 281 commercial corridor, which is only 1.6 square miles. San Antonio fire stations usually cover areas that are nine square miles, Wedige said.

If Bexar-Bulverde is dispatched to a call and cant respond because units are already dispatched to calls, the volunteer departments senior firefighter will notify SAFD dispatch.

Currently, the county dispatches Bexar-Bulverde VFD calls, not the city. The city will continue to address the potential for consolidating dispatch for both service areas, according to the interlocal agreement voted on Thursday. Bexar-Bulverde will be given SAFD radios to communicate with the larger agency as well.

The city will pay Bexar-Bulverde an annual fee to provide first responder service to the area which will fluctuate based on the number of calls the volunteer department responds to in the newly-annexed zone.

As part of the deal, the city also agreed to raise ESD 3s debt ceiling to $500,000. Currently, ESDs can only incur debt up to $20,000 unless otherwise authorized by the city or county.

The agreement is for five years and can be extended for up to three, five-year periods.

Besides emergency services, another major point of contention Thursday was the affect of annexation on impervious cover rules. Currently, there are severe limits on how much impervious cover can be built over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone outside of the city limits. Impervious cover is hard surface, like rooftops and asphalt, that block rainwater from absorbing into the ground, increasing the chances for destructive flooding and hurting water quality.

By annexing this strip, the impervious cover rules slacken  developers can build far more impervious cover over the recharge zone in the city, versus 15 percent in the unincorporated county.

Annalisa Peace, executive director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, started a Change.org petition Monday, asking the mayor and City Council to vote no to the U.S. 281 commercial annexation because of those issues.

But Zanoni said only about one square mile of the area is over the aquifer; of that, he said, 60 percent is already developed. Scott Halty, with the San Antonio Water System, also said developers have to incorporate best management practices when doing more impervious cover over the aquifer, and so, he said, water quality would be protected.

These issues will likely come up again, as the city continues to pursue annexation in the coming years.

The city eventually plans to annex an area off Interstate 10, near the Bexar-Kendall county line. The city will develop a service plan over the next year, with public hearings scheduled for fall 2017 and a final annexation vote by fall 2019. Many residents in the area have said they do not want to be annexed by San Antonio. Some feel more a part of Boerne; others are literally closer to that city.

On Thursday, Zanoni said the city is still exploring whether to annex large areas in far west Bexar County, near Texas 151 and Loop 1604 encompassing the master-planned community of Alamo Ranch, and near Loop 1604 and U.S. 90, around Lackland AFB. Zanoni said the city is updating its financial models for those areas and will bring recommendations to City Council early next year.

Zanoni also said the city is trying to work out a deal with the suburban city of Converse to potentially annex an area off I-10 East and also possibly provide fire service to the area. San Antonio officials had originally looked at absorbing that area, which includes several low-income neighborhoods with properties owned by absentee landlords. The city said annexing this area would be cost-prohibitive.

The area the city voted to annex Thursday is slightly smaller than what was originally proposed  two properties were eliminated because they have agricultural exemptions, and so they were granted 10-year non-annexation agreements. Other areas were cut because it would have required the city to execute another first responder agreement with a second Emergency Services District, which Zanoni said was too expensive. Another small property was dropped from the annexation plan because it is part of a larger property that is being developed into homes and is still in the county.

There was also a last-minute request, received by the city Thursday morning, to remove a small property from the annexation plan because the owner hoped to keep most of the land in the county in order to divide it among his children. This request was met with a great deal of confusion from council members, and city staff said they had not had a chance to vet the proposal. District 10 Mike Gallagher, who submitted the amendment to exclude this property, then withdrew it so the issue could be further researched.

Mayor Ivy Taylor emphasized after the vote that this annexation process has been in the works for more than two years, and so assured people this was not a rushed process.

I am comfortable with us moving forward, Taylor said.

vdavila@express-news.net

Twitter: @viannadavila
Harrisburg Abortion Law Challenged by Sidewalk Counselors

Contact: Liberty Counsel, 800-671-1776, Media@LC.org, Press Kit



HARRISBURG, Penn., Dec. 1, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Liberty Counsel filed the opening brief in the lawsuit against the city of Harrisburg because its ordinance created unconstitutional buffer zones on public sidewalks and public property 20 feet away from abortion clinic entrances, exits, and driveways. In practice, this ordinance pushes sidewalk counselors sometimes 50 to more than 70 feet away and completely prohibits freedom of speech. The U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned similar buffer zones in McCullen v. Coakley, the unanimous decision which establishes a strong precedent in favor of this lawsuit.

Liberty Counsel represents Becky Biter and Colleen Reilly, who have regularly engaged in peaceful sidewalk counseling on the public sidewalks outside the Planned Parenthood clinic and the Hillcrest abortion facility. Since the passage of the ordinance, they have been harassed and intimated by clinic staff and the local police.

The Harrisburg City Council did not list any specific incidents that led to the passage of the ordinance. While pretending to be neutral, this ordinance discriminates based on the speaker's viewpoint. It allows pro-abortion clinic employees and agents to speak within the buffer zones but bans all pro-life speech. In addition, the city did not first seek any solutions that would cause less than complete censorship of the free speech of pro-life sidewalk counselors.

Liberty Counsel's brief states that "the ordinance has completely abolished free speech in traditional public fora used for the expression of ideas, debate, and protestspecifically, public sidewalks and streets adjacent to health care facilities, including abortion clinics, throughout the City of Harrisburg."

"This city's blatant discrimination against these sidewalk counselors is unconstitutional," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "The city cannot prohibit them since sidewalks and parks have always been viewed as a place where we respect the marketplace of ideas. It is a dangerous position for a city to prohibit this pro-life viewpoint."

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.
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A man accused in two separate cold cases in which two women were killed was arrested Wednesday after authorities reviewed new developments.

Jose Joe Baldomero Flores III, 36, faces two counts of capital murder in the deaths of Heather Ann Willms on Feb. 21, 2005, and Esmeralda Herrera on March 2, 2011. He has also been charged with arson of a habitation.

Leon Valley Police Department Chief Joseph Salvaggio said an examination and retesting of evidence using new DNA technology led to a developed picture of Flores, who was 25 when the incidents occurred, as a suspect in Willms case.

Mr. Flores was a purported friend of Heathers, having gone to high school with her and staying in touch with her afterwards, Salvaggio said. He was one of the last to see her alive.

Willms was found dead in her bedroom in the Shadow Valley apartments, 5650 Grissom Road.

She was last seen leaving a friends apartment before midnight the night before her death, police said. The next day, at around 5 a.m, neighbors told police they heard the woman arguing with a male, followed by shuffling sounds then silence.

Friends of Willms contacted police after being unable to contact her the following day.

The friends entered her apartment through a sliding glass door and everyones worst fears were realized, as they found Heathers body in her bedroom, Salvaggio said.

Officials said Willms was the victim of a possible sexual assault.

The assailant tried burning her clothing in an attempt to destroy evidence, investigators said. A suspect was interviewed in 2005 but released, according to authorities.

Flores was previously arrested in the death of Herrera, who was strangled and bludgeoned on March 2, 2011, according to an affidavit.

Herrera was found tied to a bed in her Southwest Side apartment after firefighters extinguished a blaze at the complex, according to previous reports. Investigators said Flores had set the fire in multiple parts of the complex in an unsuccessful attempt to destroy evidence, according to previous reports.

Flores was arrested and charged with Herreras death that year on April 27. He was released May 26 and charges were dropped, according to previous reports.

The Bexar County district attorneys office said in a statement that the case was rejected for further investigation in May 2011 but re-opened in 2015 by Nico LaHoods administration.

An arrest warrant was filed for Flores and he was apprehended Wednesday morning by the Lone Start Fugitive Task Force with in a collaborative effort with the Leon Valley Police Department, DPS Texas Rangers, the Bexar County DAs office, FBI and other agencies.

The DAs office noted that because the matter is still pending, they are not commenting further at this time.

It was not specified what exactly led the office to take another look at Flores in Herreras death.

Officials said that because both homicides were alleged to have been committed in the course of a sexual assault, Flores charges were elevated to capital murder.

Flores could face death or life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of capital murder. The arson charge is also a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, the DAs office noted.

Although many years have passed, the family hasnt forgotten and neither have we. Advances in technology have greatly assisted this department with efforts in bringing this case to an arrest, Salvaggio said Wednesday at a news conference, surrounded by Willms family.

The brutality of this tragedy has left many on my department with vivid nightmares as to how Heather was treated, he said. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family who were left behind to deal with the aftermath. No parent should ever have to bury a child.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye

jbeltran@express-news.net

Twitter: @JBfromSA
AUSTIN  The U.S. Department of Education said Wednesday it is dispatching officials to Texas to ask residents and educators whether the state is illegally denying special education services to students with disabilities.

Department officials said they will hold public listening sessions as part of a probe into a large decline in services in the state. The meetings will take place in Houston and Dallas on Dec. 12, in Edinburg and El Paso on Dec. 13, and in Austin on Dec. 15.

Those unable to attend the meetings will be able to submit written comments online starting next week, the department said.

The sessions provide members of the public an opportunity to comment on the timely identification and evaluation of students with disabilities, as well as the delivery of special education and related services to all eligible children, the department said.

The Texas Education Agency confirmed the events, saying it helped choose the locations and will have representatives at each stop.

The listening sessions will continue a federal probe launched earlier this year in response to a Houston Chronicle investigation that revealed the TEA arbitrarily decided in 2004 that only 8.5 percent of students should get special education services such as counseling, tutoring and therapy, and that in the years since, the agency has audited school districts for serving too many children.

Schools have responded by dramatically curtailing services, dropping the percentage of students in special education from near the national average of 13 percent to exactly 8.5 percent. That is the lowest of any state in the country, by far.

No other state has set a target for special education enrollment, the Chronicle found. Texas set its target while facing a $1.1 billion state budget cut and without consulting the federal government, state lawmakers or any research.

In response to the revelations, the U.S. Department of Education ordered the TEA to end the benchmark unless it could prove that no children with disabilities have been deprived of services. Federal officials also asked the state to come up with a plan to remedy the past denial of services.

The TEA told the federal government it immediately would suspend and eventually eliminate the benchmark. But it also vigorously defended the policy, saying it was not a cap on students allowed to get special education services, was not designed to save money and that the agency did not seriously punish districts that gave services to more than 8.5 percent of students.

The TEA has attributed the dramatic drop in special education students to new teaching techniques that it says have lowered the number of children with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.

More than 150 current and former Texas school teachers and administrators have told the Chronicle that they interpreted the benchmark as a strict ban on serving more than 8.5 percent of students. Nearly 100 educators have admitted that they have delayed or denied services to disabled kids to try to comply with the policy.

About 100 special education experts have said the new teaching techniques almost certainly cannot explain the decline in students because they have been implemented nationwide and have not led to a reduction in any other state.

On Wednesday, experts and advocates for children with disabilities said they were hopeful the public meetings would show the disastrous consequences of the TEA policy.

Understanding the human casualties of TEAs misguided special education cap requires meeting families of students who have been denied services, said Dustin Rynders of Disability Rights Texas, an advocacy group that has said it does not trust the TEA to eliminate the benchmark. When they share their stories, it will be clear to all who attend that we are dealing with a crisis that TEA cannot be trusted to fix on their own.

State Senate Minority Leader Jose Rodriguez, who has filed legislation to prohibit the use of any special education enrollment target, said he also expects the listening sessions will clear up the debate over the policy.

It's very welcomed, said Rodriguez, D-El Paso. The TEA has maintained that this was not an effort to reduce the numbers, but everything we've heard from all quarters is that it was, in fact, interpreted as a hard cap. I think that is going to come out in these sessions.
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Councilman Joe Krier plans to announce during the City Council meeting today that he wont seek re-election in 2017.

His announcement, expected to come toward the end of the morning session, isnt completely surprising. The District 9 councilman has said he was contemplating whether to run again, while some of his colleagues have already signaled they plan to seek additional terms.

Marco Barros, president and CEO of the San Antonio Area Tourism Council, told his 36-seat board of directors in October that he was planning to launch a campaign in District 9. And Krier said in an exclusive interview with the San Antonio Express-News on Wednesday that Patrick Von Dohlen, a hard-line anti-abortion advocate and outspoken opponent of the citys nondiscrimination ordinance, came to visit him recently seeking guidance for a District 9 campaign.

Von Dohlen said in a text message that he hasnt decided yet whether to run.

I have had people talking to me about running which is humbling, he wrote. It would be an honor to serve my city but I haven't made a decision yet.

Krier, a former lawyer and longtime president and CEO of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, took over the District 9 seat in 2013, when then-Councilwoman Elisa Chan left the dais for an ultimately failed bid for a Texas Senate seat.

Months later, Krier campaigned for the seat in a May 2014 special election, winning more than 56 percent of the vote in a four-way race.

A year later, Krier, one of Mayor Ivy Taylors closest allies, ran for re-election in a five-way race, in which he won more than 72 percent of the vote.

Noting his success among his voting constituency, Krier said,  I think Ive been doing something right.

He said Wednesday that when he took the job on the council, he had a list of items he wanted to accomplish, and now, some three years later, hes crossed many of them off the list.

Among other things, Krier said, he pushed for a back-to-basics budget that focuses on streets, sidewalks and drainage, along with library services and public safety. He advocated for a long-term supply of water  which is now moving forward with the controversial Vista Ridge pipeline project.

And he was an outspoken councilman on the matter of a new collective-bargaining agreement with the San Antonio Police Officers Association. The council approved a new contract earlier in 2016 after years of contentious negotiations.

Now, Krier said, hes looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Cyndi Taylor Krier, a former Bexar County judge.

The councilman said he believes Taylors re-election is essential and hell do what he can to ensure she wins again.

I intend to support her re-election in any way I can, he said.

jbaugh@express-news.net

Twitter: @jbaugh
At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, at exactly the same time that supporters began gathering at Burleson Yard to rally for keeping ride-share companies in San Antonio, an 11-year-old girl was killed in a suspected drunken driving crash on the North Side.

The driver accused of causing the crash that killed Charity Siler was the girls own mother. According to police, Julie Marie Siler, 39, failed to yield to a Dodge Dakota that had the right of way at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Wetmore Road; she was intoxicated at the scene.

The tragedy underscored some troubling facts, shared at the rally by Jason Derscheid, executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving South Texas.

Last year, according to Derscheid, 1,323 people died in drunken driving accidents in Texas, which leads the nation in these fatalities. And per capita, Bexar County leads all urban counties in Texas in the rate of drunken driving fatalities. More than six crashes occur every day here due to alcohol-impaired driving.

These numbers are why City Council must vote next week to keep ride-sharing in San Antonio.

See what ride sharing apps are available in Bexar County and beyond:

In the past, Council has been split on the issue, with only a slim majority supporting the pilot program that brought ride-share companies such as Uber and Lyft back last year.

They left in protest of rules requiring city-conducted, fingerprint-based background checks. The companies insist on conducting their own checks.

Forged in part by District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino, the nine-month pilot program allowed drivers to choose whether to submit to the fingerprinting, and offered options for riders to choose fingerprinted drivers.

A similar proposal in Austin was rejected by that citys council.

We gave (council members in Austin) our operating agreement, Trevino told me. What I think happened in Austin is, they didnt want to try it out.

Sporadic cases of sexual assault by ride-share drivers likely dissuaded Austin officials from embracing the innovative measure. But here, the risk has paid off: There have been no incidents involving drivers for Uber and Lyft since the voluntary fingerprinting program took effect.

About 370 drivers have opted to be fingerprinted, officials said.

Opponents often cite public safety as a priority in denying flexibility to ride-share companies.

That argument is an insult to drunken driving victims such as Charity Siler, whose life was lost at the hands not of a ride-share driver, but of someone who should have called one.

bchasnoff@express-news.net
Developers of the Peanut Factory Lofts apartment complex are trying to get San Antonio officials to weaken the terms of a $400,000 loan after falling short on providing student housing around the downtown campus of the University of Texas at San Antonio.

City Council is scheduled to vote Thursday on whether to soften the 2012 lending agreement with 210 Development Group before the complex is sold next month, according to the City Council agenda. The purchaser has asked for the change as a condition of the sale, making it easier for the new owner to get up to $250,000 of the loan forgiven.

The developers have told city officials that demand for student housing was less than expected, according to the agenda. One-bedroom apartments at Peanut Factory run between $1,190 and $1,790 a month, according to the complexs website. Executives at 210 Development Group didnt respond to requests for comment. UTSAs financial aid office estimates the costs of room and board for full-time students living off campus at $9,558 per school year.

The city loaned $400,000 to 210 Development four years ago to help build the Peanut Factory Lofts and allowed for a portion of the loan to be forgiven each year if at least 30 of the 102 apartments were rented to students. The entire loan could be forgiven if students rented at least 49 of the apartments over 10 years.

Under the new agreement, the loan would be forgiven as long as students rent at least 15 of the apartments each year for 10 years, which is equal to the number of students currently living at the complex, said John Jacks, director of the citys Center City Development and Operations Department. 210 Development would pay back $150,000 of the loan and the buyer would assume the rest, which would be eligible for forgiveness under the proposed deal.

The definition of students would also be expanded to include students who arent seeking degrees as well as to vocational students such as aspiring nurses.

The new loan agreement is a fair and equitable exchange, Jacks said. To say, OK, you couldnt meet this goal, so lets revise it to whats more attainable and then repay that difference. Thats kind of what weve done here.

Peanut Factory Lofts was assessed at $17.3 million this year by the Bexar Appraisal District. 210 Development is currently working on several other projects, including the Vitre apartment complex two blocks north of UTSAs downtown campus and another complex next to Mission Concepcion.

The near West Side still hasnt reached the level of density and hasnt attracted the retail options that students are looking for, Jacks said. Another problem is that students at UTSAs downtown campus also need to take classes at the main campus on the Northwest Side, reducing the incentive to live downtown, he said.

Our first priority was housing, and then second to that was students, to have an affordability factor for students, Jacks said. We are still meeting our goal and our priority which was to bring housing, period.

Rent for a studio apartment in Peanut Factory ranges from $909 to $1,529 a month, while one-bedroom apartments rent for up to $1,790 a month, according to the complexs website. The median rent in the San Antonio metro area was $625 a month for a studio apartment and $798 for a one-bedroom in October, according to Zillow, a website that tracks rental prices.

When asked whether the rents at the Peanut Factory Lofts are affordable to students, Jacks said he doesnt think its far off, especially so close to downtown.

Is it affordable for every student? Probably not, he said. But I think thats the situation at every college campus, across the nation.

A housing study conducted before the complex was built indicated there was strong demand from students, according to the council agenda. In 2014, 210 Development Group partner Mark Tolley told the Express-News that a city report showed a need for more than 600 units for UTSA downtown students over the next decade.

210 Development plans to sell the complex next month to 939 S Frio Street LLC. Julien Collin, an investment analyst at Oregon-based Windmill Investments, said on Wednesday that the firm is looking at Peanut Factory. Windmill previously bought the Villa Espada Apartments that 210 Development built on the far South Side, according to its website.

Like many developers, 210 Development and its investors have made several campaign donations to city officials. The firm donated $1,000 to Mayor Ivy Taylor in fall 2014. Former Mayor Henry Cisneros, who has invested in many of the firms projects but not specifically in the Peanut Factory Lofts, has donated about $2,500 to the mayor and council members in the last five years, campaign filings show.

All in all, 210 Development received just over $1 million in public incentives to develop the Peanut Factory Lofts, according to the citys website. That includes the $400,000 loan, Jacks said.

Leonard Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Westside Development Corp., pointed out that the near West Side hasnt experienced an urban renaissance to the extent that other parts of the center city have. Earlier this year, a plan to rehabilitate the 270,000 square-foot Scobey complex fizzled.

I dont think it has the amenities of Southtown or Broadway or that the East Side is starting to see, Rodriguez said. I think its a very rough area of town.

Growth in the area will largely depend on the priorities of UTSAs next president, Rodriguez said.

rwebner@express-news.net

@rwebner
This week is, at least for Ohios most avid hunters, the most important week of the year. In fact, it also the most significant week for the states Division of Wildlife officials who are charged with managing the overall number of whitetail deer that live in Ohio.

Managing is the key word here and when it comes to deer, it isnt as easy as it sounds.

Differing goals

Ask a deer hunter how the deer herd is doing, or more precisely, how the management team is doing, and the answer is always the same: There arent as many deer as there used to be and there ought to be more.

Now walk over to the next row of stakeholders and address the same question of landowners, farmers, or insurance representatives and the answer will always be 180 degrees in the other direction. Too many deer they say, with an emphasis on too many.

Management is often nothing more than limiting, or reducing, the number of deer  animals that, if given decent habitat, access to nutritional foods, and mild winters with few natural predators, can expand in numbers about as fast as a pen full of rabbits.

Thats why this week, the popular gun season, is so important to hunters and especially to deer managers.

Balancing act

Ohios deer management strategy is a difficult balancing act subject to pressure from various stakeholders as well as from the political side.

According to the Division of Wildlife, the strategy is built around maximizing recreational opportunities, which include photography, viewing, and hunting while minimizing conflicts with agriculture, vehicles, and other areas.

In recent years, biologists have been using farmer and hunter surveys to help set goals for managing the herd. Understand, of course, that maintaining the deer population is accomplished by harvesting the right number of deer through hunting.

Longer, plus more, seasons added to increased season limits usually equals more deer harvested. At least thats the expectation.

So who actually makes the strategy work? Who doesnt is a group of good old boys hunkered around a pop belly stove. Who does is a team of well-educated and dedicated biologists who study every aspect of the states deer herd. They dont propose limits and goals based on guesses and bets but they do gather mountains of data with enough numbers.

Lets look at a very small piece of the numbers pie. All Ohio deer hunting seasons amount to a lot of opportunity by archers, gun hunters, and special days for youth only. The number of deer harvested during the 2014 seasons was 175,801. That number increased by seven percent in 2015 to 188,335. Thats just the beginning.

Biologists break that number down by bucks, does, and button bucks. They also look at the results for each season. For archery hunters, they look at vertical bow and crossbow results.

They look at how non-resident hunters affect the numbers of bucks taken versus the number of does.

Next, the numbers are crunched county by county and whether landowner-hunters take a normal percentage of bucks and does.

After the numbers story tells its tale, its on to how the harvest affects the overall health of the states herd.

Moving target

Thus the management strategy appears to be constantly moving, a swift target at best.

One thing is very clear. The huge number of deer that roamed the Ohio landscape a few years back will never be back. Thats a management fact, but overall, Ohios deer management team is pretty good at what they do.
Most every boy and man in Jville had a nicknamea few I can remember: Deacon Kiser, By Grab Finley, Mutt Winbigler, Sock Alleman, Pug and Pee Wee and Tater WinbiglerDerby Garn, Mugs Fridline, Pook Sharp, Splinters Wallace, Jumbo Ewing, Jake Foot DayPeanuts Rowe, Rosy Funk, Peg Heffelfinger, Dude Strine the barber, Skunk Schweyer, and my cousin Goatmilk Funk.

 By Paul Carl, known as P.A., writing about his hometown of Jeromesville, Ohio

Part Three

The glorious thing about small towns is that while some things change with the march of time, the cast of characters and the stage on which they played remain in treasured memories of those whose roots run deep.

One picture my friend Cindy pulled from the treasure trove that had been her Grandmother Siglers made us all laugh with shared delight.

Possibly the most memorable across all generations during a particular slice of time, good old Mick Smalley stands behind the counter at his ice cream parlor, ready to serve.

For having owned such a happy place to gather, he seemed mighty somber, peering at children through heavy glasses as he silently accepted their nickels and dimes, saved just for the delight of a malt or a soda.

With each soul so jubilant to take a seat at his ice cream counter, one would have thought it would have rubbed off on the proprietor.

Nicknames

The insular world of nearly every small town in those good old days seemed to have been made up of nicknames, some treasured, some resulting from a single day which sort of branded a fellow.

Paul Carl writes of Skunk Schweyer, who got his name when he came to school smelling of skunk after running his trap line, and teacher sent him home.

Perhaps the most interesting is the story of Jake Foot Day, who drank a concoction of Jamaica Ginger back in prohibition days and ended up with a lame foot.

Now thats a nickname of legendary proportion.

Yearbook

In the impressive 1924 Jeromesville School yearbook, in which handsome Paul Carl was a member of the graduating class, each seniors picture and full name appears, followed by the nickname traditionally given.

A pretty senior named Genevieve Thatcher is Hepsy and the creed given reads, Anyone that doesnt know Hep must be deaf, dumb and blind.

A boy known as Stentz, is described as the boy who once was caught studying.

Each senior was required to write a thesis, the subject of which appears with their professional photograph.

Harold Dude Potter, who wrote his senior thesis on Heroes, also carries the quip, If it wasnt for my studies I would get along fine in school.

Harriette Deane (nicknamed Bill) wrote her thesis on The White Mans Burden. A beautiful young woman, she is described as Quiet, reserved, a thinker not a talker.

What I wouldnt give to be able to read each thesis, but Deanes in particular, as it likely centered upon the Native Americans who held such a large part in Jeromesville lore.

School days. School and church was everything then, in terms of focus and loyalty. In 1924, the junior class, looking toward senior year with serious pride, is pictured as a group  all six of them.

Nancy Baird, the pretty young woman who would become Nancy Sigler, the keeper of the precious yearbook of which I write, sits in the front of the photograph, her dark hair styled in a curly bob, a major cultural trend of the Roaring 20s.

She notes, There is a boy in our class, and he is wondrous wise; he seems to have his lessons, although he never tries.

Looking forward, a note written by class member Lisle Sharp reads, To old Jeromesville High School, we always think of you, and no matter what befalls us, Twenty-five will sure be true.

The rest of the series
The Villiger 1888 cigar is getting a new look. While the blend is remaining the same, the cigar is getting repackaged with newly designed boxes and bands.

Back in February 2009, the VilligerNorth America introduced the Villiger 1888 cigar into the U.S. market. 1888 represents the year that Villiger Cigars was founded and the cigar had been created to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the company.

The new repackaging symbolizes the company colors of Villiger  red, black, and white. The new boxes emphasize bright red color. Red is also a prominent color with the new banding.

The Villiger 1888 uses the same blend that was originally created by Villiger Chairman, Heinrich Villiger. The blend consists of a Ecuadorian wrapper, Mexican binder, and a combination of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. The cigars are available in five sizes: Corona, Robusto, Toro, Torpedo, and Toro Gordo. Production will also remain in the Dominican Republic.

Pricing for the Villiger 1888 ranges from $5.70 to $8.20 SRP
SALEM, Ohio  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued its final Environmental Impact Statement for the Nexus Gas Transmission pipeline, a sign that the project is on its way to approval and construction.

The proposed route runs diagonally across Ohio, beginning in the eastern Ohio town of Kensington, and crossing portions of Stark, Summit, Wayne, Medina and Lorain Counties, as it continues into northwestern Ohio, and then into lower Michigan.

Moving ahead

In a statement to media, Nexus said the action is a major project milestone, keeping it on track with previous timelines.

The Nexus project, owned by Spectra Energy, will now look to FERC to approve the projects Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which Nexus expects will come in the first quarter of 2017.

According to FERC, the project would result in about 210 miles of new 36-inch diameter natural gas pipeline in Ohio, and 47 miles of the same pipeline into Michigan. It would carry about 1.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day from the Marcellus and Utica shale regions, to markets across Ohio, Michigan and into Canada.

The project also includes above-ground facilities, including four new compressor stations in Ohio, as well as metering and regulating stations.

Concerned landowners

The pipeline has been an intensely debated topic for many landowners, who fear the long-term consequences. The city of Green, located between Akron and Canton, had proposed several route changes, but FERC ultimately found Nexuss route acceptable.

Nexus said that during the planning phase, it adopted nearly 240 route changes, in response to landowner requests, sensitive resources and engineering considerations.

The company has conducted environmental surveys, studies and planning for the route, since August of 2014.

Nexus also says its new pipeline will generate millions of dollars in tax revenue for Ohio and Michigan. According to a study by Michigan State University, the line will also generate nearly 7,000 jobs and $830 million in total activity.

Adverse effects

In its report, FERC did note that the line will result in some adverse environmental impacts, but said the impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels because of the mitigation actions NEXUS has vowed to take.

According to FERC, the land disturbed during construction, that is not permanently occupied, would be restored and allowed to revert to its former use.

FERC recommendations:

(The conclusions and recommendations presented in the EIS were made by the FERC environmental staff, with input by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.)

 FERC said NEXUS has plans in place to control erosion, segregate topsoil, enhance successful revegetation and crop activity. But the commission also recommends that Nexus file an impact mitigation plan with the Secretary an Agriculture, detailing construction and restoration measures to address agricultural issues unique to Ohio and Michigan.

 FERC also recommends that NEXUS file a 5-year postconstruction monitoring program to evaluate crop productivity in areas impacted by construction.

Based on these measures, FERC concludes that construction of the projects would not significantly alter the soils of the region.

 The Nexus project crosses four certified organic farms and several specialty crop lands. Nexus developed an Organic Farm Protection Plan to address prohibitions on substances allowed on farm property (both during construction and operation); soil handling procedures; erosion control and buffers; off right-of-way water migration; noxious weed and invasive species control; mitigation/restoration methods; post-construction monitoring; compensation for construction-related damages; and damages due to decertification. The commission said it reviewed the plan and finds it acceptable.

 Operation of the Nexus Project would affect 96.8 acres of specialty crops. NEXUS would compensate landowners for any project-related damages and lost production on organic farms and specialty crop lands.

 The Nexus project crosses multiple parcels of land that are enrolled in the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program, the Ohio Forest Tax Law program, or are protected by conservation easements. The project also crosses a number of areas enrolled in a variety of Farm Service Agency (FSA) enrolled land including CRP/CREP lands.

 On program lands where tree clearing is necessary, Nexus would reimburse the landowner the fair market value for any loss of crop or timber for any area disturbed due to the construction of the pipeline. Also, Nexus would work with landowners and local program officials to determine how the crossing of enrolled lands by the pipeline affects the continued participation in the program by landowners.

Related coverage:
HERSHEY, Pa.  The Susquehanna County Farm Bureau won five awards, including the prestigious Farm Bureau Proud award, during Pennsylvania Farm Bureaus 66th Annual Meeting in Hershey.

The award is the highest honor bestowed upon a county Farm Bureau among Pennsylvanias 54 county Farm Bureaus.

Susquehanna County Farm Bureau edged out the Chester/Delaware County Farm Bureau by earning more total points, even though both county Farm Bureaus captured five awards.

Susquehanna County Farm Bureau was also recognized for earning the Overall Achievement Award for county Farm Bureaus with up to 400 farmer members.

The award salutes a county Farm Bureau for its outstanding performance in the six program areas evaluated by PFB.

In addition, Susquehanna County won Presidents Awards in the areas of Policy Development & Implementation, Media Relations and Member Communications and Services.

Also in the award category of 400 farmer members or less, Juniata County Farm Bureau won the Presidents Award for County Board Organization and Leadership Development.

Juniata County also took home the second place award for Overall Achievement.

Clearfield County was recognized with the Presidents Award for Agriculture Promotion in the up to 400 farmer member category.

In the category of county farm bureaus with 401 or more farmer members, the Chester/Delaware County Farm Bureau won five awards, including the Overall Achievement Award.

Chester/Delaware shared four other Presidents Awards, including a tie with Butler County for the Leadership Development award, a tie with Somerset County for the Media Relations and Member Communications award, a tie with the Blair County Farm Bureau for Agriculture Promotion and a three-way tie with Bedford County and Somerset County for the County Board Organization award.

Butler County Farm Bureau was the second place recipient of the Overall Achievement Award in the 401 and up farmer member category. Butler County earned its second Presidents Award for Policy Development and Implementation.

The Wayne/Pike County Farm Bureau won the Presidents Award for Services to complete the 401 and up member category.
The Prairie Doc: Men, you can thank women for your good health

columnists
Seventeen of the UKs leading wildlife, conservation and environment groups are calling for the current EU restrictions on neonicotinoid insecticides to be retained  and extended to all crops - to 'protect Britain's bees'.

In an open letter to the UK government, the organisations say it is clear that there is now more than enough evidence to retain the ban and extend it to all crops, and that this is essential to reverse the decline of bees and other pollinators.

The EU restrictions, which ban the use of three neonicotinoids on flowering crops, is due to be reviewed next year. The ban was introduced in 2013 after European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that the chemicals posed a 'high acute risk' to honey bees.

In the letter, the organisations - which include Friends of the Earth, RSPB, Greenpeace, The Wildlife Trusts, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation and Bat Conservation Trust - say: Since 2013 many more independent laboratory and field studies have found neonics impairing the ability of different bee species to feed, navigate and reproduce resulting in declining populations.

The government says it will not hesitate to act on evidence of harm. The third anniversary of the neonics restrictions is Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsoms chance to catch up with scientific evidence and public opinion by keeping and extending the ban as part of properly protecting Britains bees and pollinating insects.

Farmers access to right inputs 'crucial'

Food sustainability and agriculture experts at the University of Hertfordshire say pesticides have an important role

In a debate on crop protection at CropTec 2016 this week, National Farmers Union chief crops adviser Guy Gagen said farmers need to be ready to talk to the public about crop protection products, and to emphasise the work farmers to do for the environment and to promote biodiversity on their farm.

The NFU has been meeting with both domestic and European politicians, Defra government officials and stakeholders to deliver the message that it is 'crucial' that farmers have access to the right inputs so their farm businesses can be 'competitive, profitable and progressive'.

Mr Gagen stressed the importance of increasing public awareness around the use of crop protection products, such as pesticides, underlining their importance to farm businesses.

He said: We still have to deal with regulatory pressures coming through the EU, these are not going away and without key products, the situation for farmers could become very serious, very quickly.

There are simple, but effective, measures available to promote biodiversity and protect water such as keeping slug pellets and herbicides out of the water and participation in stewardship schemes such as the Campaign for the Farmed Environment.

Agriculture experts from the University of Hertfordshire have said key crop protection products, such as pesticides, play an important role in ensuring food is safe and healthy for the world's population. Global food production could fall by as much as 35-40 per cent without them, the scientists warn.

'Dozens of new studies'

Three of the UKs leading bee experts have said that the scientific case against the use of the three pesticides has grown over the past three years, and that the restrictions should continue and be extended to other crops.

Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology at Sussex University, said that three years ago, EFSA's analysis of the scientific evidence concluded that neonicotinoids 'pose an unacceptable risk to bees'.

Since then dozens of new studies from around the world have been published, including a major Swedish field trial in which neonicotinoids were shown to impact profoundly on bumblebee colonies and solitary bees.

Work from Italy has showed that even tiny doses of neonicotinoids impair the immune system of honeybees, rendering them susceptible to infections. Perhaps more concerning, it has become clear that neonicotinoids are persistent and pervasive in the environment, so that soils, wildflowers, ponds and rivers commonly contain significant levels.

He said: This widespread pollution of the environment with these potent neurotoxins has now been linked not just to bee declines but also to declines in butterflies, aquatic insects, and insect-eating birds. With farmland wildlife populations in free fall, it is surely time to extend the moratorium on neonicotinoids to cover other uses."

Open letter in full

December 1st marks the third anniversary of the introduction of Europe-wide restrictions on three neonicotinoid pesticides - often known as 'neonics' - after they were found by scientists to pose a "high acute risk" to honeybees.

It is clear that there is now more than enough evidence to retain the ban and extend it to all crops, and that this is essential to reverse the decline of bees and other pollinators.

Since 2013 many more independent laboratory and field studies have found neonics impairing the ability of different bee species to feed, navigate and reproduce resulting in declining populations.

There is now solid evidence of harm from neonics to wild bumble and solitary bees which are even more sensitive to these pesticides than honeybees. Evidence has also grown of neonics harming the wider environment with studies indicating a link to butterfly population decline, identifying risks to bird species and finding neonics accumulating to dangerous levels in wildflowers surrounding crops.

2017 will be a crucial year for decisions on bees as scientists will publish the official review of the evidence of harm to bees from the three restricted neonicotinoids.

The government says it will not hesitate to act on evidence of harm. The third anniversary of the neonics restrictions is Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsoms chance to catch up with scientific evidence and public opinion by keeping and extending the ban as part of properly protecting Britains bees and pollinating insects.

Yours faithfully,

Craig Bennett, Chief Executive, Friends of the Earth

Dr Jeremy Biggs, Director, Freshwater Habitats Trust

Pauline Buchanan Black, Director General, The Tree Council

Kath Dalmeny, Chief Executive, Sustain

Martin Harper, Conservation Director, RSPB

Heidi Herrmann, Co-Founder, Natural Beekeeping Trust

Dr Maggie Keegan, Head of Policy, Scottish Wildlife Trust

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive, Angling Trust & Fish Legal

Peter Melchett, Policy Director, Soil Association

John Sauven, Executive Director, Greenpeace UK

Matt Shardlow, Chief Executive, Buglife

Kit Stoner, Chief Executive, Bat Conservation Trust

Steve Trent, Executive Director, Environmental Justice Foundation

Steve Trotter, Director, The Wildlife Trusts

Dr Keith Tyrell, Director, Pesticides Action Network

Dr Martin Warren, Chief Executive, Butterfly Conservation

Catherine Weller, Head of Biodiversity Programme, ClientEarth
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its first EU summary report on the monitoring of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) in cattle, sheep and goats.

According to the report, the number of positive BSE cases has decreased over time, both in terms of absolute number of cases as well as the proportion of cases in tested animals.

TSEs are a group of diseases that affect the brain and nervous system of humans and animals. With the exception of 'Classical' BSE, there is no scientific evidence that other TSEs can be transmitted to humans.

In animals, scrapie is a common disease in sheep and goats. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is also a TSE, affecting a number of species (cattle, human, cats, some types of animals in 300 settings).

BSE is a transmissible, neuro-degenerative fatal brain disease of cattle. The disease has a long incubation period of 4-5 years and it is fatal for cattle within weeks to months of its onset. The nature of the BSE agent is still being debated.

The disease is characterized by a spongy degeneration of the brain with severe and fatal neurological signs and symptoms.

In 2015, 1.4 million bovine animals were tested and five cases were detected in four MS (Ireland: one case; Slovenia: one case; Spain: one case; and the United Kingdom: two cases) and one case was detected in Norway.

The two cases in Ireland and the United Kingdom were affected by classical BSE and both cases were born after the EU-wide feed ban enforced in 2001.

641 cases of scrapie in sheep (out of 319,638 tested) and 1,052 in goats have been reported (out of 135,857 tested) in the EU.

Since 2002, approximately 8.4 million small ruminants have been tested during the EU-wide surveillance for scrapie.
Northern Ireland agriculture minister Michelle McIlveen has announced a 4million package of support for local livestock farmers.

The funding is expected to give livestock farmers and milk producers help in destroying BVD infected calves, improve pig meat quality and receive business training.

Miss McIlveen said she was 'acutely aware' of the extreme difficulties faced by many livestock farmers in Northern Ireland.

"I am encouraged that dairy farmers have already had the opportunity to bid for EU aid to reduce their milk production, where that suited their particular business circumstances. Those farmers should receive a much-needed cash injection in the new year.

"However, I want to be able to do more for all livestock farmers affected by the recent market turbulence and to help build a stronger, more sustainable and competitive industry for the future. That is why I pressed for a favourable share of the UK Exceptional Adjustment Aid envelope and why I have decided to use our 4million allocation to fund measures that will support all eligible livestock sectors here, including milk producers."

The UK allocation of aid is 30.2million (around 26.6million), of which Northern Ireland will receive 4.8million (around 4.07million).

The minister said: "In the meantime, I urge all dairy and beef farmers to continue to tag and test for BVD in line with the legislation and to continue to remove BVD PIs promptly in order to reduce the disease risks."
British farmers and leading supermarkets have written an open letter urging the government to secure tariff-free access to the European single market post-Brexit.

In a letter to the Times the 75 signatories, which include Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, the NFU and others, said the industry will struggle without securing assurances regarding market access and seasonal labour from the continent.

"For our sector maintaining tariff-free access to the EU single market is a vital priority," the letter states.

"It is where 75% of our food exports go, so all our farming and food businesses wish to achieve this outcome. The sector needs access to EU and non-EU seasonal and permanent labour, alongside assurances that EU workers permanently in the UK are allowed to remain."

The call comes as rumours of foreign secretary Boris Johnson telling EU diplomats that he 'backed freedom of movement' were dismissed as 'total lies.'

National Farmers Union President Meurig Raymond said agriculture is already experiencing labour shortages

Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "Boris said what he has said many times before - he is pro-immigration but wants to take back control to limit numbers. He did not say he supported freedom of movement and challenges anyone to show proof that he ever said that."

'Devastating impact'

UK farmers said there could be a 'devastating impact' across the sector if access to skilled and flexible labour from the European Union was cut off. A briefing paper published by the Food Research Collaboration called for Britain to invest in its workforce to cope with any changes that may occur after Brexit.

National Farmers Union President Meurig Raymond said agriculture is already experiencing labour shortages which "looks set to get worse."

Mr Raymond said: "And we know its not just horticulture that will be affected. Non-UK workers are often employed in a whole host of roles throughout farming and are crucial in day-to-day tasks as well as at peak times as we are now experiencing with harvest. We have already written to the Brexit minister, David Davis, about our concerns, and we continue to meet with Government departments to work on behalf of our members."

This week Mr Raymond had 'constructive and robust discussions' with Defra secretary Andrea Leadsom on post-Brexit farming, the NFU president said 'unfettered access' to the EU market was key and urged the government to place equal priority on the British farming sector.

"We set out firmly that high standards of UK farm production must not be sacrificed in a free trade deal and I was pleased to hear that Mrs Leadsom agreed with us on that. British food cannot withstand a market flooded with imports produced to lower standards, there was universal understanding of this in the meeting. We welcomed her initiative to explore new markets outside the EU such as China where she has held talks recently but stressed that retaining key export markets for agricultural commodities, such as those to the EU, is vital for many UK farming sectors."

The NFU President also raised concerns around the UK's need for seasonal labour from abroad, saying it was an 'urgent concern' for many farmers.

He said: "Access to non-UK labour is an urgent concern for our farmer and growers, and the food processing sector. We discussed with Mrs Leadsom possible solutions, including the urgent need for a substantial trial of a visa-controlled Seasonal Agricultural Permit Scheme. And due to confusion caused by Brexit, we called for the Government to reassure all EU citizens already working here of their right to remain in the UK."
At the 2016 IPCPR Trade Show, Rocky Patel Premium Cigars debuted a new line called the Rocky Patel Special Edition. This is an offering by Rocky Patel that has been positioned as a brick and mortar offering, being limited to the companys top 200 retailers nationwide. The cigar itself is highlighted by an eight year old Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. This past October, the cigar had a full nationwide launch to those 200 retailers. Recently Ive had an opportunity to smoke this cigar in the Toro format. Overall, I found this to be an excellent and unique offering from Rocky Patel Premium Cigars and one worth keeping an eye out for.

Over the years, Rocky Patel Premium Cigars has worked into becoming a vertically integrated company, and the Rocky Patel Special Edition is a reflection of that strategy. This cigar is made at Rocky Patels Tavicusa factory located in Esteli, Nicaragua. It incorporates fillers from Patels farms also located in Nicaragua. Given it is a brick and mortar offering, it is also sold by Rocky Patels U.S. sales force to those top 200 retailers.

Without further ado, lets break down the Rocky Patel Special Edition Toro and see what that cigar brings to the table.

Blend Profile

In addition to the eight year old Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan tobaccos from Patels farms, the Rocky Patel Special Edition includes an undisclosed double binder.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Double Binder (Not Disclosed)

Filler: Nicaraguan

Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Tavicusa)

Vitolas Available

The Rocky Patel Special Edition is available in three box-pressed sizes. Each are packaged in ten count boxes.

Robusto: 5 1/2 x 50

Toro: 6 1/2 x 52

Sixty: 6 x 60

Appearance

The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper has a chocolate brown colored look to it. There is a light coating of oil on the surface. This was an elegant and smooth wrapper where the wrapper seams were well hidden and any visible veins were on the thin side. The box-press itself is firm. The press itself leaned toward a square press as the press seemed a little sharper on the bottom of the cigar.

The upper portion of the band has a white background while the lower portion is purple. The upper portion features the Rocky Patel circulos RP logo surrounded by gold adornments. On the purple section is a white nameplate design with the text SPECIAL EDITION in gold font. Below the nameplate are some additional gold adornments The band itself has gold trim, but the purple section has some additional white trim on the lower portion.

Preparation for the Cigar Experience

Prior to lighting the Rocky Patel Special Edition Toro, I went with my usual choice of a straight cut to remove the cap. After the cap was clipped, I moved on to the pre-light draw ritual. The dry draw delivered a mix of earth, mushroom, and some blackberry sweetness. Overall I considered this to be a very good pre-light draw. At this point I was ready to light up the Rocky Patel Special Edition Toro and await what the smoking phase would have in store.

Flavor Profile

The start to the Rocky Patel Special Edition Toro featured notes of earth, cedar, and blackberry sweetness. The earth notes became primary soon additional notes of mushroom and chocolate joined them in the forefront. The cedar and blackberry notes settled in the background. Meanwhile the retro-hale produced a combination of white pepper and cedar. The aroma of this cigar also delivered a nice amount of white pepper and cedar.

At the start of the second third, the cedar notes gradually increased in intensity. By the midway point, these notes joined the earth and mushroom notes in the forefront. Meanwhile chocolate notes that were present earlier had dissipated. I still detected some blackberry sweetness in the background.

The last third of the Rocky Patel Special Edition Toro saw the cedar notes in control. These notes combined with some white pepper that now was in the forefront. There still was a touch of earth and mushroom in the background while the blackberry sweetness had dissipated. This is the way the cigar experience came to a close. The resulting nub was firm to the touch and cool in temperature.

Burn and Draw

The burn to the Rocky Patel Special Edition Toro did require some touch-ups along the way. I found the burn to be a little on the jagged side, but this was a cigar that still took a straight burn path from start to finish. The resulting ash was light gray. Overall the ash was on the firmer side. Meanwhile the burn rate and burn temperature were both ideal.

The draw to the Rocky Patel Special Edition Toro was open, but not loose. This was a cigar that also produced ample amounts of smoke throughout the cigar experience.

Strength and Body

The strength level of the Rocky Patel Special Edition Toro started in the medium range, but by the second third I found the strength kicked in and had progressed to medium to full. The strength pretty much stayed at medium to full until the end of the cigar experience.

When the Special Edition Toro is retro-haled, it is going to put some weight on the palate. Factoring the retro-hale in, I found this cigar started out medium to full-bodied. Like the strength, by the second this I found the level progress to the next level  in this case full-bodied.

In terms of strength versus body, I gave the edge to the body throughout the smoking experience.

Final Thoughts

One thing that definitely came to mind after smoking the Rocky Patel Special Editon Toro was unique. This was not a cookie cutter flavor profile. The mushroom notes combined with some blackberry sweetness are not something that I have had on a cigar. At the same time, I found the flavors really clicked and the end result was a well-balanced cigar. There also is a bit of kick with this cigar  in terms of strength and body. As a result, this is a cigar I would probably steer toward a more seasoned cigar enthusiast. This is a cigar I would definitely reach for again  and its one worthy of a box purchase.

Summary

Key Flavors: Earth, Mushroom, Cedar, Blackberry

Burn: Very Good

Draw: Excellent

Complexity: Medium+

Strength: Medium (1st Third), Medium to Full (Remainder)

Body: Medium to Full (1st Third), Full (Remainder)

Finish: Very Good

Rating

Assessment: 4.0-Box Worthy

Score: 91

References

News: Rocky Patel Special Edition Makes Debut at 2016 IPCPR

Price: ~$10.50

Source: Purchased

Stogie Geeks Podcast: Episode 198, Episode 210

Stogie Feed: Rocky Patel Special Edition Robusto

Brand Reference: Rocky Patel

Photo Credits: Cigar Coop

* Rocky Patel Premium Cigars is a sponsor of Cigar Coop and Stogie Geeks
Farmer, 20, who took over family farm after tragedy scoops award
By Matt Stockton

Agricultural Economist

Background

Cover crops in corn and soybean systems can reduce soil erosion, mitigate nutrient loss, improve soil physical properties, and increase yields. High biomass production is key for cover crops to fulfill these functions, but may not be attainable due to the short window of opportunity for winter cover crops in Nebraska corn and soybean systems. Cover crops may negatively impact subsequent crop yields if they cause soil water deficits or immobilize nitrogen upon their decomposition.

With this study we want to determine the feasibility and impact of winter cover cropping on soil quality, soil water, and crop yields in corn-soybean systems across Nebraska. Our objectives were to quantify cover crop emergence, fall and spring biomass production, soil water changes, soil chemical and physical property changes, and crop yields.

Study Description

Experiments were carried out at four University of Nebraska research sites. The two irrigated studies were at the South Central Agricultural Laboratory near Clay Center and the West Central Research and Extension Center at North Platte. The two rainfed studies were at the Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead and the Haskell Agricultural Lab near Concord. Five types of cover crops were grown:

cereal rye (alone),

forage radish (alone),

a mix of hairy vetch and winter pea,

a mix of cereal rye, forage radish, hairy vetch and winter pea, and

a mix of these four along with red clover, black oats, and forage collards.

Cover crops were planted either early (broadcast into corn or soybeans when corn was at the half-milk stage) or late (drilled after corn or soybean harvest). All cover crops were terminated with glyphosate two weeks before planting corn or soybeans. Variables measured included cover crop emergence, fall and spring biomass production, soil nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic C), bulk density, aggregation, water infiltration, soil water, and crop yields.

Applied Questions

Which cover crops produce the most spring biomass? Cereal rye was the highest producer, yielding up to 1,800 lb/ac in the first year and up to 4,800 lb/ac in the second year at the Haskell Agricultural Lab site. Forage radishes winterkilled and the legume mix yielded less than 500 lb/ac at any site-year. Mixes were intermediate in productivity, but most of their dry matter was rye.

Which planting date resulted in the most spring biomass? The early planting date had significantly higher biomass.

What were the impacts on crop yields? Corn yields were 10 bu/ac lower and soybean yields were 4 bu/ac lower after early-planted cover crops at the Haskell Agricultural Lab in 2015. No impacts on corn or soybean yields were found at the other research sites.
Two 14-year-old boys have been charged in connection with having a gun at Unity Reed High School in Manassas this week. The gun was not brandished toward other students and was not part of an
Lawyer says body cam shows police trying to cover up unlawful stop

The exchange can be heard in body camera footage released Tuesday in the case of Ja'Lana Dunlap-Banks, 22, who says she was wrongly detained Sept. 6.
In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome!
Photo courtesy of the IWC-SofiaEarlier this week, Richard Bistrong talked in a post about expats engaging with the local community as a way to understand the challenges and struggles of people who live nearby.

There are lots of ways to do that.

Take for example the International Womens Club of Sofia.

The group funds more than 20 projects across Bulgaria, aimed at helping those who are most vulnerable.

They fund the projects mainly through their Annual Charity Bazaar.

This years event happens Sunday, December 4 from 9:00 to 19:00 at the Inter Expo Center in Sofia.

This is the IWC-Sofias 22nd Annual Charity Bazaar.

The event is organized by volunteers and most funds are raised through generous donations made by companies, individuals and embassies, the group says.

Money thats raised by the event is allocated to charities across Bulgaria to help the underprivileged.

The one-day charity event allows more than 50 countries to showcase their handmade crafts, music, souvenirs, folklore, national cuisine, clothing and literature. Theres also plenty of food.

More information about ticket sales is here.

Heres a wonderful 5-minute clip about the International Womens Club of Sofia and some of the work its doing.

____

Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog.
Transparency Internationals Max Heywood recently posted an article on TIs website asking if the British Virgin Islands  from where I operate a cross-border fraud and asset recovery law firm  has cleaned up since the publication of the so-called Panama Papers.

I regularly extoll the virtues of Transparency International. Its efforts to expose and raise awareness of the pernicious nature of grand corruption are laudable. However, despite my support for what it stands for, I have also been critical of TI when several of its number have sought to oversimplify the world of offshore companies. In doing so, they seek to make what strikes me as being politically-inspired (in contrast to fact-based) criticism.

In this instance, Max Heywood has reported some of the developments in the BVI since the release of the Panama Papers revelations in April and asks if the revelations have led to any changes in the way BVI does business. All too often since the Panama Papers scandal broke, we have seen innumerable media reports that have sought to dramatize the murky world of offshore companies.

At first glance, there appears nothing particularly contentious in Heywoods article. There is, though, an immediate inaccuracy, where he states that the BVI was home to over half of the offshore companies which featured in the Panama Papers.

In fact, not all BVI companies are shell companies (meaning a company of no substance). Some are active companies trading in the same manner as their onshore counterparts. Some count among the largest and most valuable holding companies in the world. Some are valuable cross-border joint venture companies. But this is a minor point. The mechanics and governance of offshore companies, be they shell or otherwise, are inherently complicated.

So what has been the effect of the Panama Papers on the BVI?

Well, as Heywood points out, offshore company formation activity has reduced by 30 percent when compared with the same quarterly period before the Mossack Fonseca scandal. Heywood is also right to point out that the regulators here may need to be more rigorous and step up to the mark in the aftermath of the Panama Papers.

But the scandal is just seven-months old. What do people expect to happen in such a short period of time? New regulations and new protocols cannot simply be pulled out of a magicians hat. They have to be firm, fair, practical and enforceable. It is going to take time for the officials here to draw up, debate and implement sensible measures in response to Aprils reports.

If the demand for change was simply being driven by a need to exert additional governance over the offshore business community, I would raise little objection. The fact is that there is a clamour by the ill-informed and those driven by political ideology for all things offshore to be outlawed. This is both unfortunate and unnecessary.

I appreciate the ethical issues and debate that offshore companies generate in terms of legal tax avoidance (or being tax efficient) in contrast to criminal tax evasion. However, the amount of tax a company is required to pay is dictated by onshore legislators. Low tax policies on corporate earnings for tax competitiveness (such as in Ireland) are not the fault of offshore service providers. If the onshore tax legislation provides a company and its directors the opportunity to pay less tax, theyd be actionably negligent as officers of the company not to pursue that opportunity.

Many people are drawn to form companies in the BVI as it is often preferable and safer when compared to jurisdictions elsewhere. If a Ukrainian businessman wants to set up a joint-venture company with a Nigerian trader, would it be preferable to set it up in the neutral BVI rather than one of their respective homelands? Englands (and derivatively the BVIs) legal system is emulated across the world. The BVI offers international entrepreneurs and risk-takers one of the safest of all legal platforms upon which to do business.

For their own part, BVI politicians and community leaders are aware that they need to move with the times and diversify their economy. They are already working towards this goal. The new nomenclature in the BVI is to attract value added business.

If onshore tax regulators want to impose a substance test on tax competitive jurisdictions, then substance they will get  with research and development activity, and royalty-generating intellectual property creation, migrating offshore. This will take time.

The constant onslaught by organizations such as TI is unbecoming, and in my opinion contradictory to their ambitions, given that they effectively exist to fight the corner of the common man. The people who stand to lose the most from this undignified onslaught are ordinary BVI belongers.

* * *

I picked up a further anomaly in Max Heywoods piece.

He quoted Justice Barry Leon of the BVI Commercial Court as saying: We should remember that those who come to incorporate companies here come not for the false reasons we have heard so much in the past year.

In actual fact, Justice Leons original quote read: We should remember that those who come to incorporate companies here come not primarily for the false reasons we have heard so much in the past year.

Without the word primarily the sentence takes on a substantially different meaning and perspective. I would like to give Mr. Heywood the benefit of the doubt and presume that this was not a deliberate misquote of a public statement from a sitting High Court Judge.

In actual fact, Justice Leon is right in explaining that the popularity of BVI companies is principally down to the BVIs stable environment and English-based legal system. Why should the BVI be apologetic for maintaining a legal system that is seen to be fair and incorruptible?

* * *

There are a lot of good people in the BVI who ply their honest trades here. BVI belongers rely upon the commercial world and its infrastructure to support their islands. The constant sniping and misnomers thrown at the BVI could see local communities seriously harmed by all of the noise.

Will this then be seen as mission accomplished by those who profess to be looking after the interests of the average man on the street? If the BVI is to be attacked, why is Delaware and its 800,000 anonymously owned companies left to carry on without so much as a blemish?

____

Martin Kenney is Managing Partner of Martin Kenney & Co., Solicitors, a specialist investigative and asset recovery practice based in the BVI and focused on multi-jurisdictional fraud and grand corruption cases www.martinkenney.com |@MKSolicitors.
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard are in the "final stages" of their divorce.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard

The couple have reportedly worked out a plan for the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor to pay the outstanding $6.8 million of the $7 million divorce settlement, which the 'Magic Mike XXL' star is donating to charity.

A source has revealed the $6.8 million will be paid over the next 15 months, E! News reports.

In a statement released previously, Amber confirmed she is donating her entire divorce settlement to charity.

She said: "As described in the restraining order and divorce settlement, money played no role for me personally and never has, except to the extent that I could donate it to charity and, in doing so, hopefully help those less able to defend themselves. As reported in the media, the amount received in the divorce was $7 million and $7 million is being donated. This is over and above any funds that I have given away in the past and will continue to give away in the future.

"The donation will be divided equally between the ACLU, with a particular focus to stop violence against women, and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, where I have worked as a volunteer for the past 10 years alongside organisations like the Art of Elysium. Over the years, I have seen firsthand how more funding for staffing, better equipment and better medication can make the difference between life or death for a child. I know these organisations will put the funds to good use and look forward to continuing to support them in the future. Hopefully, this experience results in a positive change in the lives of people who need it the most."

Whilst a spokesperson for Johnny added at the time: "Following Amber Heard's announcement that her divorce settlement was to be divided equally and gifted to Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and the American Civil Liberties Union, two exceptionally deserving and important charities, Johnny Depp has sent the first of multiple instalments of those monies to each charity in the name of Amber Heard, which when completed will honor the full amount of Ms. Heard's pledge. Ms. Heard's generosity in giving to these wonderful causes is deeply respected."
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is missing shooting 'Jumanji' on location in the jungle - because he can no longer terrify Kevin Hart by "throwing venomous spiders on him".

Dwayne Johnson's Instagram post

The two actors have been busy shooting the family action film, which is a continuation of the story from the 1995 film of the same name starring the late Robin Williams, for the past few months and have spent a lot of time in wild jungles in Hawaii.

Now, Johnson and Hart - who appeared together in action/comedy 'Central Intelligence' - are filming their green screen scenes and although the former WWE wrestler loves working with the CGI experts he is missing being able to give his co-star arachnid angst.

In a post on his Instagram account - accompanied by a photo of himself sitting on a motorbike in front of a green screen - Johnson revealed: "For #Jumanji we shot for two months in the Hawaiian jungles and mountainous terrain - now for our final weeks we bring our filming inside and come to huge sound stages where we shoot all our very technical VFX green screen action.

"Always so impressed with this process as we get to tap into the minds of some of the most brilliant visual effects filmmakers in the world. Now the only drawback to not being in the real jungle, is that I can't f**k with Kevin Hart by throwing venomous spiders on him, but the payoff is when you see the movie you'll be transported to the amazing world of #Jumanji. #OnSet #SoundStages #GreenScreenVFX #IStillNeedToF##kWithHart #Jumanji (sic)"

Before filming took place in Hawaii, Johnson and the rest of the 'Jumanji' cast - which includes Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Nick Jonas - and director Jake Kasdan were blessed by a local priest.

Hawaiian Kahu Cordell Keka blessed the film with a "powerful aloha" to ensure the "spirit of laughter, enjoyment and love" was present throughout the shoot.
Nicolas Cage is to star in 'The Humanity Bureau'.

Nicolas Cage

The 52-year-old actor will portray a caseworker who tries to save the lives of a single mother (Sarah Lind) and her son (Jakob Davies) in the futuristic sci-fi thriller.

The movie is set in 2030, a time when Earth has been ravaged by the effects of Global Warming. It takes its title from a newly-formed government agency in the American Midwest, which has the job of identifying members of society it feels are unproductive in the recession-hit region, and has them exiled to a colony called New Eden.

Lind's character and her son have been sentenced to banishment, so it's up to Cage's alter ego to save them from their fate.

Rob King is directing the movie, from a script written by Dave Schultz.

'The Humanity Bureau' - which also stars Hugh Dillon - is shooting now in Canada and is expected to be released next year.

Cage can currently be seen in 'Dog Eat Dog' and has a number of other movies on the way, meaning there are lots of sober times ahead for the actor as he recently admitted he restricts drinking to once a week when he's working on a movie.

He said: "I'm a very serious person when it comes to my work ethic. I have to manage my lifestyle if I want to perform at the top level. If I want to drink when I'm working, it's on a Friday night and not after that. You have to have nothing in your body on Monday, because your anxiety levels go up. You have to stay relaxed so you can get the dialogue out. You've got a camera rolling and people relying on you, you've got to get the job done."

However, Cage still likes to have fun at work because a good atmosphere on set helps the entire creative process.

He said: "I'm going to try and have fun - because that will help the performance. If I don't have fun, I've always thought the audience isn't going to have fun."
Prince Harry has spoken about the importance of HIV testing ahead of World Aids Day (01.12.16).

Prince Harry

The 34-year-old royal has urged everyone to undergo a HIV test for the potentially deadly virus that attacks the immune system.

Speaking with HIV practitioner, Dr. Amok Kumar, Harry said: "I want to say to everyone who hadn't been tested - get tested, regardless of who you are, your background, culture or religion.

"Because of the success of these drugs, which is great, we are now suffering from complacency and risk going back 10 or 20 years."

The flame-haired hunk told Dr. Kumar that there is "no excuse" for not having the simple test.

According to the Daily Express newspaper, he said: "In a culture where we are obsessed with what we look like, and fitness - if you don't know your status then that's incredibly irresponsible."

Today (01.12.16), World AIDS Day, Harry will be visiting the National HIV/AIDS Commission's 'Man Aware' event at Heroes Square.

Earlier this year, Harry's HIV test lead to a five-fold increase in testing for the infection.

He has inspired young people to get tested after he himself underwent the simple test earlier this month live on the internet.

The Terrence Higgins Trust set up a pilot scheme to offer the medical screening to thousands of people for free and has praised Harry for encouraging people to be checked after underwent his own test live on Facebook.

Taking to their official Twitter page, they wrote: "Brilliant! Prince Harry's #HIV test plea led to a five-fold increase in requests during our self test pilot (sic)"

Harry recently joined Sir Elton John in South Africa as he signed the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS' ProTest wall where he questioned why anyone wouldn't want to take the test.
Queen Elizabeth attended her first royal engagement since the death of her close friend on Wednesday (30.11.16).

Queen Elizabeth

The 90-year-old monarch put on a reception in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace for her cousin Princess Alexandra to mark 50 years of being a working member of the royal family.

It's the first event the queen has been to since she lost her dear friend and cousin Margaret Rhodes, who died aged 91 on Friday (25.11.16).

The former lady-in-waiting to the Queen Mother passed away after a short illness and Buckingham Palace said Elizabeth would not be commenting because it is a "private matter".

A source said: "The Queen will be devastated to have lost her best friend. She grew up with Mrs Rhodes and they had so much shared history. They remained close throughout the Queen's reign and Her Majesty continued to be a regular visitor at Mrs Rhodes's Windsor home until very recently.

"One of the disadvantages of the Queen having such a long life is that she has had to say goodbye to so many dear friends and relatives.

"It is such a sad loss for Her Majesty, Mrs Rhodes's family and everyone in the royal household. She was an extraordinary woman."

Margaret was the youngest daughter of Sidney Elphinstone, the 16th Lord Elphinstone and his wife Lady Mary Bowes-Lyon, whose sister was the Queen Mother.

Mrs Rhodes was one of Queen Elizabeth's bridesmaids when she tied the knot with Prince Philip in 1947 and also attended her coronation in 1953.

Speaking about the latter event, she said in 2012: "We had only just recovered from six or seven years of deprivation and blackouts and rationing - it was like the sun suddenly coming out behind a lot of very dark clouds and I think everybody felt that with a new young Queen, a whole new era was opening up. It was somehow exciting."

Mrs Rhodes' husband Denys died in 1981. She is survived by her four children; two daughters, Victoria and Annabel, and two sons Simon and Michael.
The fall in Indian currency is a boost for export of garments, but for a short term. This depreciation will be fruitful to the export industry only if the situation continues for a longer duration. The rupee had plunged to a record low of 66.246 against the US dollar on November 8, 2016 before recovering to settle at 68.395 on December 1, 2016.

One of the reasons for decline in rupee value is outflow of money from prospective foreign investors, said the representatives of textile associations.

The fall in Indian rupee is good news for the export industry. With the rupee depreciation and rise in dollar value, we are expecting improvement in the export of garments, at least for short run. But, India will be at loss if there is greater fall in values of currencies from other major emerging markets, Ajay Sahai, Director General and CEO of Federation of Indian Export Organisations, told Fibre2Fashion.

The fall in Indian currency is a boost for export of garments, but for a short term. This depreciation will be fruitful to the export industry only if the situation continues for a longer duration. The rupee had plunged to a record low of 66.246 against the US dollar on November 8, 2016 before recovering to settle at 68.395 on December 1, 2016.#

Rupee depreciation has definitely helped garment-oriented exports. However, the gain is only for a short-term as we have been experiencing this kind of situation since last few years where the rupee falls by the end of the year end and the value begins to increase within few days. Hence, most of the exporters are a bit unhappy with this rupee depreciation. The issue with short-term depreciation is that buyers who place the order in the next term use the old value to negotiate. We lose price due to uncertainty of our money value, said Raja Shanmugham, president, Tirupur Exporters Association.

While talking to Fibre2Fashion, Shanmugham added, Fearing such a situation in the future, a large number of the garment exporters took forward cover as a hedge against currency instability.

Market situation of the Western countries is also not good. Savings rate has also improved in the US and Europe. As of now, consumers are spending very low on garments. Hence, fall in rupee value is just a ray of hope to catch up with the export business. It will benefit us only if the situation sustains for a longer term, said Rakesh Vaidya, former chairman of Apparel Export Promotion Council. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Champion Thread Company, a leading global supplier of industrial sewing threads, engineered yarns, and other textile and sewn products supplies, has announced the promotion of Matt Poovey as the new president of the company. In the new role, he will extend his current sales and operations duties to include responsibility for all day-to-day activities.Matt Poovey assumes the position from his father and company founder, Bob Poovey, who will continue to actively serve as chief executive officer.

Champion Thread Company, a leading global supplier of industrial sewing threads, engineered yarns, and other textile and sewn products supplies, has announced the promotion of Matt Poovey as the new president of the company. In the new role, he will extend his current sales and operations duties to include responsibility for all day-to-day activities.#

Matt holds a BS degree in textile management from North Carolina State University. He is an active member of the Southern Textile Association and the SEAMS Association, the National Association for the Sewn Products Industry. He currently serves as a director and vice president of SEAMS.Poovey said, I am honoured to serve as the president at a time of such opportunity and growth for Champion Thread. The resurgence of soft goods manufacturing in the United States and across the Americas has fuelled our strong growth in recent years. This has empowered us to accelerate innovation of existing products, expand into new products, and increase market share. I look forward to continuing to work closely with my father and the rest of the Champion Thread team to drive continued growth into the foreseeable future. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Indias GDP growth rate is likely to decrease to 6.9 per cent from the previously predicted rate of 7.4 per cent due to temporary disruptions caused by the demonetisation of currency notes of high denominations, according to Fitch Ratings. It also said that the economic activities of the country are likely to be hit in the third quarter due to cash crunch.

The US based leader in financial information services has also revised the GDP growth forecast for the next to fiscals, lowering it to 7.7 per cent from the previously predicted rate of 8 per cent. Gradually implementing structural reform agenda and higher disposable income could result in a higher growth, said media reports quoting the Global Economic Outlook - November report by Fitch Ratings.

Consumers are facing a liquidity crunch and are unable to make purchases. Supply chains have also been disrupted and the time spent in queuing up in banks has also affected general productivity, stated the report. The impact on the growth of Indias GDP will increase if the disruptions continue. Fitch added that the medium-term effect on GDP is not certain, but it is unlikely to be very large.

India's GDP growth rate is likely to decrease to 6.9 per cent from the previously predicted rate of 7.4 per cent due to temporary disruptions caused by the demonetisation of currency notes of high denominations, according to Fitch Ratings. It also said that the economic activities of the country are likely to be hit in the third quarter due to cash crunch.#

As new incentives for people avoiding cash transactions have not been introduced, the informal sector could go back to business as usual and people in this sector are likely to continue using high denomination currency notes or gold to store their wealth.

Monetary transmissions may have been impaired, but Fitch expects RBIs 1.5 per cent policy rate cuts from early 2015 to contribute towards a higher GDP growth.

According to the report, a rise in low-cost funding because of demonetisation may remove a constraint on banks, which prevented lending rates from keeping pace with the RBIs policy rate cuts. However, this is likely to depend on deposits remaining in banks beyond the next few months. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Home and contract textiles trade show Heimtextil, which will be held January 10-13, 2017 in Germany, will host the 'Digital Textile Micro Factory' for the digital print technology segment. As part of this presentation, a digital production chain will be showcased live, in which, visitors will be able to experience the whole digital printing process.The 'Digital Textile Micro Factory' will be revealing a model of the future, which enables individualised products to be manufactured in a competitive, regional way to meet demand through the digital networking of automated processes.

Home and contract textiles trade show Heimtextil, which will be held January 10-13, 2017 in Germany, will host the 'Digital Textile Micro Factory' for the digital print technology segment. As part of this presentation, a digital production chain will be showcased live, in which, visitors will be able to experience the whole digital printing process.#

The seamless digital networking of the production steps within the Micro Factory ensures optimal material consumption, quicker processing time for orders and the highest level of flexibility to enable producers to react to market needs in a short space of time, Messe Frankfurt, the organiser said.According to Sabine Scharrer, manager of Heimtextil, the possibilities are almost limitless as visitors will experience the completely networked production of textiles.At the show, the digital print technology segment will be given more space in a central area of the exhibition site, where printer manufacturers will present their innovations and technologies for the textile segment. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The Woolmark Company, a global authority on wool , hosted a full-day event called Wool Conclave along with the India Fashion forum (IFF) to promote the wool industry in India. The event also highlighted the Woolmarks Grown in Australia, Made in India initiative and endorsed the multiple properties of merino wool and its boundless potential.

Designers Karishma Jamwal and Jimit Mistry presented a fashion show for Monte Carlo, Ambassador Shawls and OCM, highlighting merino wools versatility and innate luxury. Elaborate wool installations and panel discussions with industry experts highlighted the eco-credentials of wool and the farm to fashion journey at the conclave.

The farm to fashion journey truly highlights how merino wool can beautifully be transformed into fashion pieces here in India. We encourage the use of wool as a natural fibre as we aim to promote the Indian wool industry, said Union textiles minister Smriti Irani.

The Woolmark Company, a global authority on wool, hosted a full-day event called Wool Conclave along with the India Fashion forum (IFF) to promote the wool industry in India. The event also highlighted the Woolmark's 'Grown in Australia, Made in India' initiative and endorsed the multiple properties of merino wool and its boundless potential.#

This natural and biodegradable fibre is easy to tailor, which makes it a popular choice for most manufacturers and retailers in India. Bringing these two forces together, this event served as the perfect platform for exploring the different opportunities available in the wool industry. I am sure that this endeavour will spur growth of the Indian textile industry, added Irani.

Industry leaders including, CEO and country head of H&M India Janne Einola and vice president of Raymond Textiles Ram Bhatnagar also chaired enriching discussions on the key drivers of wools growth volumes, the wool market in India and wools communication strategy. Adding a design perspective to this panel were international Woolmark prize winners Suket Dhir and Rahul Mishra, joined by leading designer Ritu Kumar.

Bringing to the forefront our Grown in Australia, Made in India initiative, The Wool Conclave is a spectacular platform for wool enthusiasts. There is a lot of unexplored potential of this fibre in the Indian market, making it ideal for emerging designers to experiment with and discover. This event allowed us to promote the wool industry in India through global and local retailer inputs and highlighted the endless properties of this remarkable fibre, said Arti Gudal, country manager India, The Woolmark Company.

Australian deputy high commissioner Chris Elstoft and Satya Prakash Thakur, chairman of Bhuttico also attended the event along with Indias leading retailers and manufacturers. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
To strengthen regional cooperation to address the growing challenge of refugee populations in the Pacific, Fiji hosted the inaugural Pacific Regional Meeting on Protection from 29-30 November 2016 in Nadi in partnership with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).



The two-day conference brought together representatives from 13 Pacific Island countries to discuss issues relating to refugee protections, including mixed migration, statelessness and climate-induced displacement. The meeting also sought to boost regional and sub-regional innovation to develop solutions to challenges stemming from refugees and displaced peoples in the Pacific.



Opening the forum, Mr. Thomas Albrecht, UNHCRs Regional Representative, said that the UN Refugee Agency is encouraged in the Pacific by the efforts made by states to formalise legal commitments to displaced people, to regularise arrangements for their care and processing, and to show regional leadership on emerging issues. Mr. Albrecht also noted the Pacifics proud tradition of welcome and care.



In his keynote address, the Fijian Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, spoke on the importance of regional and international collaboration in confronting the practical challenges presented by refugee movements around the world.



Issues relating to refugee status rarely have easy answers, however, this workshop presents an important opportunity to openly and freely discuss these issues and learn from each others experiences, said the Attorney-General. While refugee movements represent serious challenges to countries all across the world, we must always recognise the dignity of the human being, citizen or not. And Governments need to continue to review their relevant laws to ensure that processes are transparent and accountable in confronting the practical challenges of refugee status.



The Attorney-General also discussed the projected increase of climate-displaced people in the Pacific and stressed the urgent need for Fiji and other Pacific Island countries to offer adequate accommodation and assistance to those seeking refuge from rising sea levels.



The conference was attended by representatives from Fiji, the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.



The participating countries exchanged ideas and shared experiences in an effort to identify key actions necessary to increase regional support for persons in need of international protection throughout the Pacific.
Emraan Hashmi had begun shooting for Milan Luthria's Baadshaho by first filming an item song with Sunny Leone in Mumbai.

In the latest development, the actor has now flown down to the blue city of Jodhpur to kick-start the second shooting schedule of the film. He took to his Twitter handle and asked his fans to wish him luck for this movie...

2nd schedule of "Badshao" starts in the blue city of Jodhpur!! Wish us luck. pic.twitter.com/a6iaB3TnFg  emraan hashmi (@emraanhashmi) December 1, 2016

Baadshaho also stars Ajay Devgn who is expected to join the shoot soon. Earlier, he had tweeted a funny picture mentioning it's Baadshaho time for him...

The film also stars Ileana D'Cruz and Esha Gupta as the leading ladies. Reportedly, the film is based on true events. In an interview, Milan had earlier mentioned, "Baadshaho is set in Rajasthan and is rustic in its texture and music. The clothes, cars, locations, everything will be very different. It's got the mood of the '70s and the approach of a Tarantino in its action, humour and one-liners. It's loosely based on true events which transpired during the Emergency."

The flick is slated to hit the big screens on 12th May, 2017.
Awesome Would Be An Understatement

It's impossible to describe how good it feels to see this photoshoot, in which all the members of Khan parivaar can be seen donning same colour of outfits and boy, they nailed it (like, totally!).

Here's The Another Picture

Be it SRK, Gauri, Aryan, Suhana or the little munchkin, all are looking just too good! Reportedly, this family portrait is from Gauri Khan's book which is going to be launched tomorrow in London.

Wondering How It All Started?

We will tell you! Gauri Khan has been signed on to be the brand ambassador for real estate luxury conglomerate, Ace Group. She will design signature interiors for their premium residential projects.

A Commemorative Book On Contemporary Living And Design

The brand will also showcase their collaboration through a commemorative book on contemporary living and design with a visual narrative by Gauri, that will be launched tomorrow (December 2, 2016) in London.

Gauri's Message For Her Kids In The Book

She has also a very lovely message for his kids in the book that reads "I hope my kids are focused and hardworking no matter what they choose to do in life. I want them to be passionate about their dreams, not give up until they make them happen and achieve every goal they set out to conquer."

Gauri On Collaborating With Ace Group

"Ace Group is in the business of marketing luxurious properties, so it is important to create an essence of subtle opulence. It is a pleasure to collaborate with Ace Group, a leading real estate luxury conglomerate, to design signature interiors for their premium residential projects," said Gauri.

We're Proud Of You Gauri Khan!

"To weave sophistication into their interiors, I have opted for rich materials and textures, statement accents and strategic lighting to lend a feel which is classic, timeless chic," added Gauri Khan.
Dulquer Salmaan, the charming young actor of Mollywood, in currently in Mexico. The actor is currently busy with the final schedule filming of the upcoming Amal Neerad movie, which has been shot in Monterrey, Mexico.

Recently, Dulquer Salmaan shared some special pictures with the Mariachi band set, clicked from the location, through his official Facebook page. The actor has already fallen in love with the Mexico city and wants to visit again.

Earlier, it was reported that the final schedule of the Dulquer Salmaan-Amal Neerad movie will be filmed at the various locations of the USA. But the team later shifted the location to Mexico, due to some technical reasons.

The yet to be titled movie, which is said to be a breezy romantic entertainer, stars Dulquer in the role of Aji John, a Kottayam-based youngster who is a strong follower of Communist ideologies. The movie is scripted by Shibin Francis.

Karthika Muralidharan, the daughter of renowned cinematographer CK Muralidharan, makes her acting debut as the female lead opposite Dulquer Salmaan in the movie. Soubin Shahir, the actor-director appears in a key role.

Amal Neerad's former associate Ranadive makes his debut as an independent cinematographer, with the project. Gopi Sundar composes the music for the movie, which is jointly produced by Amal Neerad and Anwar Rasheed.
Ore Mukham

Ore Mukham, is finally set to hit the theatres, after multiple postponements. The film, directed by Sajith Jagadnandan, will be the first major release of the month of December. Ore Mukham is said to be in the lines of an emotional thriller and has a big star cast comprising of some popular names of Mollywood.

Marupadi

Upcoming film Marupadi marks the comeback of actress Bhama, after a short gap. The film is also the comeback venture of director V M Vinu, who is trying a different subject, this time. The film, which is based on a true event also has actor Rahman in the lead role. Marupadi is expected to hit the theatres on December 9, 2016.

Kuttikalund Sookshikkuka

The makers of the film Kuttikalund Sookshikkuka had earlier planned to release the movie in November, but they had to push forward the dates owing to the note ban. The film, directed by Kalavoor Sasikumar has Anoop Menon and Bhavana in the lead role. The story of Kuttikalund Sookshikkuka revolves around two children. The movie is expected to hit the theatres in December.

Jomonte Suvisheshangal

Dulquer Salmaan starrer Jomonte Suvisheshangal is one of the big releases of this Christmas season. The teaser of the film, which was released recently, has been well received by the audiences. The expectations are high on this movie, which is expected to be in the lines of a perfect family entertainer. The movie will hit the theatres on December 16, 2016.

Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol

Mohanlal is all set to get back to a common man's role with this film, directed by Jibu Jacob. The film, scripted by Sindhuraj has Mohanlal and Meena in the lead roles. The official and motion posters of the film that were released recently, have raised the expectations on the movie. The film is set to hit the theatres on December 22, 2015.

Ezra

It is after a big break that a horror-thriller is making its entry to Mollywood. Ezra, which has Prithviraj in the lead role, is being planned as a December release. The film, directed by Jay K is expected to offer a very different viewing experience.The exact release date of the film has not been announced.
Television has been a big source for the actors. We have seen small screen actors making their big screen dreams come true. Also, the Big Bollywood stars debut on television with fiction and non-fiction shows on TV is something we all have thoroughly enjoyed.

From Salman Khan to Amitabh Bachchan many actors have been part of the television world. Shahid Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, many other younger generation actors debuted on television as judges. Now, we have heard, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan might make her television debut soon.



We have seen Aishwarya promoting her films on television. Now, it is said that Aishwarya is considered as one of the judges of the Star Plus' show Dil Hai Hindustani.

A source was quoted by Deccan Chronicle as saying, "The makers are leaving no stone unturned to convince the actress to sign up for the show. She is still mulling over the project. The makers have also requested Karan to put in a word. Chances are she might agree to come on board. If that happens, the actress will be joining four celebrity judges in the panel. Her presence will add a distinctive vibe to the show."

It is said that the makers of the show are leaving no stones unturned to rope in Aishwarya for this project. While the actress is still thinking over it, there may be chances that she might agree to take up the show.

The singing reality show already has big names in the judge panel - Badshah, Shekhar Ravjiani and Shalmali Kholgade and the super judge being Karan Johar. If Aishwarya considers the project, she will be the fourth judge of the show!
Star Plus' trending soap, Ishqbaaz, produced by 4 Lions Films is in news for its unique storyline and powerful performnces. The story revolves around three Oberoi brothers, who are poles apart from each other, yet, they love each other and can go to any extent to bring a smile on each other's faces.

Of the three brothers, Nakuul Mehta is receiving special mention his portrayal of Shivaay Singh Oberoi, a shrewd and arrogant businessman, who never leaves a chance to flaunt his 'Oberoi attitude'.

His portrayal of Shivaay and his electrifying chemistry with co-star Surbhi Chandna aka Anika, has been lauded by the fans. Not only that, there's one more news for all the fans out there!

Nakuul has been honoured with 'Best Actor' award at the recently held UK Asian Viewers Television Awards (AVTA) 2016 in London. Ishqbaaz is touted to be one of the most popular shows in the UK. No wonder, Nakuul emerged as the winner by beating his contemporaries such as Vivian Dsena (Shakti) and Shaheer Sheikh (Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi).

An elated Nakuul posted a picture of his award and wrote, "Yaaaas! Won the Jaguar Best Actor of the Year at AVTA (Asian Viewers Television Award) held in London last weekend. Secretly hoped that a Jaguar would be part of the deal. It has been an absolute riot playing this character of #ShivaaySinghOberoi & in all honesty this award is a reflection of the fantastic cast & crew I have had the good fortune to collaborate with each day & continue to do so with mucho excitement. "

Way to go, Nakuul!
When it comes to M&A, Tokio Marine has stuck to a strict philosophy: dont buy companies that could embarrass or damage the company down the road.

We start off with what is the business fit and cultural fit  many of our competitors look at the numbers first, says Ian Brimecome, senior managing executive officer at Tokio Tokio Marine Holdings, Japans largest property & casualty insurer by revenue.

Brimecome, the most senior foreigner in Japan's insurance industry, has seen what can happen when his company's peers rush into the wrong deals: bankruptcies.

To ascertain whether the fit is right, Tokio Marine monitors potential targets from a distance, sometimes for years. We have a long list of companies that we are interested in  HCC (the Boston insurer it bought in 2015) was on our target list for six years but it was never considered to be available, said Brimecome in an interview with FinanceAsia.

When asked about Japanese insurers reputation for paying high prices Brimecome shrugged. Each of the companies weve bought weve paid a relatively full price but for a very high quality business, said Brimecome, who helped complete over 100 M&A deals in his previous career as a banker with Fox-Pitt, Kelton; Putnam Lovell Securities and Merrill Lynch.

Despite its size Tokio Marine is seeking to pick specialist insurers rather than compete head on with big multi-line players such as Travellers in the US, Axa in France or Allianz in Germany. In the US you can do very big business and still be in speciality insurance, said Brimecome.

We continue to look at things in emerging markets as well  but frankly the prices paid are excessive, he added. Weve deliberately missed out on deals in Asia because the prices have not been sensible or there has been something to fix.

At home, Tokio Marine is trying to evolve to better manage its sprawling global empire. Executive meetings are nowadays conducted in a mix of Japanese and English. And in April 2014 Tsuyoshi Nagano, the groups chief executive officer, relinquished his additional hat as president of the domestic P&C company, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, to focus on heading the entire group. Its the first time the roles had been split since the company was founded in 1879.

Brimecome's warning

For Brimecome, who visits Tokyo around 20 times a year, these steps demonstrate the seriousness of Tokio Marines international engagement. They also underline just how key his role is to its future.

Uncertain times

But while foreign forays help boost income, they come with their own risks. Currency fluctuations make profits more volatile as Japanese life insurers generally do not hedge overseas investment income.

All the ones that got into trouble [in the 1990s] tried to be very clever in making unhedged foreign currency bond investments, too much equity investment, too much real estate, said Brimecome.

Each went under as a result of investments made to offset negative spreads, the gap between income and returns on guaranteed insurance policies, said Brimecome who advised Axa on its acquisition of failed Nippon Dantai Life Insurance in 1999 and AIG on its takeover of bankrupt Chiyoda Mutual Life Insurance in 2001.

He sees parallels from the 1990s with Japanese insurers' behaviour in the current low interest rate environment. The industrys forage for higher returns became frenzied when yields on domestic government bonds tumbled into negative territory after the Bank of Japan shocked the market with record dollops of quantitative easing and cut its deposit rate in January to -0.1% for the first time in its history.

Now even the riskiest investments are beginning to be very richly-priced and consequently I really question whether now is the time to be aggressive [when investing], he said. Its probably a little bit late or very much too early [to be aggressively buying assets].

US corporate leverage  using debt-to-Ebitda as the metric  now stands at least as high on a nominal basis as it was in 2007. Of course, interest rates today are far lower, but signs are rising that this will begin to change too and the extraordinarily benign credit environment is becoming to an end.

The Federal Reserve has signalled a rate hike is likely in December, and the consensus is that US president-elect Donald Trumps economic policies will fuel inflation and lead to more rate hikes. Thats led US bond yields to rise to one-year highs, while 10-year gilts in the UK are at pre-Brexit levels.

Tokio Marines domestic units have kept hedging foreign security purchases, despite relatively high hedging costs.

But opportunities still exist, despite the choppy environment. One such area is illiquid assets. Richard Sega, chief investment officer at Conning, which specialises in asset management for insuers, said his group has helped Japanese insurers invest in US collateralised loan obligations because they offer a yield premium over high grade corporates up to about eight years of duration.

Brimecome agreed that illiquid instruments can be rewarding  if investors buy with their eyes wide open.

If you dont need to sell them urgently because you have a 15 to 20 year liability like we have in some of our US businesses  thats fine, he said. The issue is not knowing what the risk is, or not being paid for it.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/30/16 -- DuSolo Fertilizers Inc. (TSX VENTURE: DSF) ("DuSolo" or "the Company") today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Tembo Capital Mining Fund LP extending the maturity date of the Company's convertible debenture in the amount of $750,000 and due on November 30, 2016 (the "Loan") by one week, until December 7, 2016. The terms of the Loan were previously announced by the Company on September 29, 2015.

The extension will allow the Company and Tembo to complete discussions regarding the repayment or potential re-structuring of the Loan as it continues to work on the development of its Bomfin Project in Brazil.

ABOUT DUSOLO

DuSolo Fertilizers Inc. is focused on developing a fully integrated process to produce and sell phosphate based fertilizers within the Cerrado region of Brazil as part of a nationwide effort to increase domestically sourced fertilizers and achieve agricultural self-sufficiency.

On behalf of DuSolo Fertilizers Inc.

Giles Baynham, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Forward-looking statements

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of DuSolo which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and DuSolo disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Contacts:

DuSolo Fertilizers Inc.

(604) 484 7122

(604) 484 7143 (FAX)

ir@dusolo.com

www.DuSolo.com




Oakforest-PACS Specifications



Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-3215-5259 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

TOKYO, Dec 1, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today announced the completion of the Oakforest-PACS supercomputer at the Joint Center for Advanced High Performance Computing (JCAHPC), which is jointly run by the University of Tokyo and the University of Tsukuba, and that operations have commenced today.This new supercomputer is comprised of FUJITSU Server PRIMERGY CX600 M1 x86 servers. It uses Intel Xeon Phi processors in its 8,208 computation nodes, achieving a total theoretical computational performance of 25 petaflops(1). Using performance tuning technologies from Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. aimed at large-scale, high performance computing to draw out the maximum system performance, the system achieved 13.55 petaflops on the LINPACK(2) benchmark used to show supercomputer performance on the TOP500 rankings, placing it first in Japan and sixth in the world. It also achieved 385.5 teraflops(3) on the HPCG (High Performance Conjugate Gradient) benchmark(4), which is known to be a performance indicator closer to actual application performance, placing it third in the world.Fujitsu will be supporting Oakforest-PACS, which will contribute to the development of science and technology across all of Japan on the basis of Japan's first joint operation by two universities.Under the operation of JCAHPC, Oakforest-PACS will not only promote research and development in a variety of next-generation science and technology fields, but will also contribute to human resource development in the computational science and high performance computing fields, which will play key roles in the future. Fujitsu is involved in the two universities' activities, providing total support for various research, development, and analysis operations, through its broad product lineup, strong service structure, and experience accumulated over 40 years of high performance computing.Fujitsu will continue to work on developing the world's top-level supercomputers, providing even faster and higher performance systems.Oakforest-PACS Specificationshttp://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuSupercomputer121.jpg(1) PetaflopsShort for peta floating point operations per second. Peta is an SI prefix indicating one quadrillion, or 1015, so this indicates one quadrillion floating point operations per second.(2) LINPACKA program developed by J. Dongarra, Ph.D., of the University of Tennessee, for solving a system of linear equations using matrix computation. It is the benchmark program used to create the TOP500 list, which ranks the performance of the world's supercomputers.(3) TeraflopsShort for tera floating point operations per second. Tera is an SI prefix indicating one billion, or 1012, so this indicates one billion floating point operations per second.(4) HPCG (High Performance Conjugate Gradient) benchmarkAn international ranking of processing speed with the conjugate gradient method used in industry and other actual applications.About Fujitsu LtdFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 159,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702; ADR:FJTSY) reported consolidated revenues of 4.7 trillion yen (US$41 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.* Please see this press release, with images, at:http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/Source: Fujitsu LtdContact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
LIMA, PERU -- (Marketwired) -- 11/30/16 -- Minera IRL Ltd (BVLAC: MIRL) (the "Company") announces the results of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on November 30, 2016 in Vancouver, Canada (the "AGM").

The Company put forward nine (9) resolutions to be voted on by shareholders at the AGM. The resolutions were outlined in the Management Information Circular dated 25 October 2016 that were posted to shareholders and is available on the Company's website at www.minera-irl.com.

A brief description of the matters voted upon and the voting results of the AGM are provided in "Appendix A - Meeting Results" at the end of this press release. The total number of ordinary shares represented by shareholders present in person or by proxy at the Meeting was 75,919,070 representing 32.8% of the Company's outstanding ordinary shares.

Board of Directors

Pursuant to the articles of association of the Company (the "Articles"), each of the five directors of the Company in office prior to the AGM were proposed for election/re-election at the AGM.

1. Prior to the AGM, each of Mr Julian Bavin, Mr Derrick Weyrauch and Mr Robert Schafer withdrew their consent to stand for election/re-election and as such the resolutions relating to such directors were not put to the AGM. Accordingly, each of Mr Bavin, Mr Weyrauch and Mr Schafer are no longer directors of the Company. 2. The resolutions to elect/re-elect each of Mr Francis O Kelly and Mr Gerardo Perez were put to the AGM. 3. The resolution to elect Mr O Kelly was not passed and as such Mr O Kelly is no longer a director of the Company. 4. The resolution to elect Mr Perez was passed and as such Mr Perez remains the sole director of the Company.

Pursuant to the Articles, Mr Perez has authority to appoint further directors. The minimum number of directors with which the board can make substantive decisions is three, so Mr Perez intends to appoint an additional two or more directors as soon as practicable.

Other resolutions

The resolutions to accept the financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2015 and to appoint PKF Littlejohn LLP to be the auditor of the Company for next year were passed.

The resolutions to adopt new articles of association and granting the directors the authority to allot up to 115,567,514 ordinary shares without the application of the Company's pre-emptive rights described in Article 6.1 of the Articles did not pass, and will not be put into effect.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.

Contacts:

Minera IRL Limited

Carlos Ruiz de Castilla

Interim Chief Financial Officer

+1 778 387 5434



Minera IRL S.A

Diego Benavides Norlander

President & CEO

+51 1 418 - 1230




HAUPPAUGE, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 01/19/17 --



Highlights:

Globecomm ranked 7th in WTA's World Top 20 Independent Teleport Operators globally

17th among all operators globally including largest satellite companies

Globecomm has continued to rank in the top 20 since winning the Teleport Operator of the Year - 2000

Globecomm, a leading global communications solutions provider, announced today that it has again been named one of the World's Top 20 Independent Teleport Operators by the nonprofit World Teleport Association (WTA).

The WTA, in its annual ranking of teleport operators, named Globecomm as one of its Independent Top 20 Operators as well as one of its Global Top 20 Operators. The company ranked in 7th place among independents -- companies that operate satellite communications facilities on the ground but do not own satellites in space -- and in 17th place among all operators including the world's largest satellite companies (up from 18th in 2015).

"We are both honored and excited to again be named in the World's Top 20 Independent Teleport Operators," said Jason Juranek, CEO and CFO of Globecomm. "Our goal is to provide our customers the smartest, best engineered and most robust solutions for whatever connectivity challeges they face."

About the World Teleport Association

Since 1985, the World Teleport Association (www.worldteleport.org) has focused on improving the business of satellite communications from the ground up. At the core of its membership are the world's most innovative operators of teleports, from independents to multinationals, niche service providers to global carriers. WTA is dedicated to advocating for the interests of teleport operators in the global telecommunications market and promoting excellence in teleport business practice, technology and operations.

About Globecomm

Globecomm is the leading engineering-driven, global connectivity provider serving media, maritime, enterprise and government markets in over 100 countries. We develop smart connectivity solutions to address customer issues across a broad spectrum of areas, including system design and integration, managed communication services including mobile and IoT, media services and mission critical networks. We are known for our unique ability to provide robust connectivity to the most remote locations under the most treacherous conditions. Globecomm is dedicated to improving communications and leverages its world class, global network to offer end-to-end, managed service communication's solutions worldwide. Based in Hauppauge, New York, Globecomm also maintains offices in Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, the Netherlands, South Africa, Germany, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan. For more information, please visit www.globecomm.com
DUBLIN, Apr 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Cardiac Monitoring Market Analysis & Trends - Industry Forecast to 2025" report to their offering.

Report Highlights:

- The report provides a detailed analysis on current and future market trends to identify the investment opportunities

- Market forecasts till 2025, using estimated market values as the base numbers

- Key market trends across the business segments, Regions and Countries

- Key developments and strategies observed in the market

- Market Dynamics such as Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and other trends

- In-depth company profiles of key players and upcoming prominent players

- Growth prospects among the emerging nations through 2025

- Market opportunities and recommendations for new investments

This industry report analyzes the market estimates and forecasts for all the given segments on global as well as regional levels presented in the research scope.

The study provides historical market data for 2013, 2014 revenue estimations are presented for 2015 and forecasts from 2016 till 2025. The study focuses on market trends, leading players, supply chain trends, technological innovations, key developments, and future strategies.

With comprehensive market assessment across the major geographies such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Latin America and Rest of the world the report is a valuable asset for the existing players, new entrants and the future investors.

The market size is calculated based on the revenue generated through sales from all the given segments and sub segments in the research scope. The market sizing analysis includes both top-down and bottom-up approaches for data validation and accuracy measures.



Key Topics Covered:



1 Market Outline

1.1 Research Methodology

1.1.1 Research Approach & Sources

1.2 Market Trends

1.3 Regulatory Factors

1.4 Product Analysis

1.5 End User Analysis

1.6 Strategic Benchmarking

1.7 Opportunity Analysis



2 Executive Summary



3 Market Overview

3.1 Current Trends

3.1.1 Rising occurance of cardiac disorders

3.1.2 Unmet medical needs in emerging and underdeveloped nations

3.1.3 Recent Technological Developments in Cardiac Monitoring

3.1.4 Growth Opportunities/Investment Opportunities

3.2 Drivers

3.3 Constraints

3.4 Industry Attractiveness

3.4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers

3.4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

3.4.3 Threat of substitutes

3.4.4 Threat of new entrants

3.4.5 Competitive rivalry



4 Cardiac Monitoring Market, By Product

4.1 Electrocardiogram

4.1.1.1 Type

4.1.1.1.1.1 Stress ECG

4.1.1.1.1.2 Resting ECG

4.1.1.1.1.3 Holter Monitor

4.1.1.2 Lead Type

4.1.1.2.1.1 12-Lead ECG Devices

4.1.1.2.1.2 3 to 6-Lead ECG Devices

4.1.1.2.1.3 Single-Lead ECG Devices

4.1.1.2.1.4 Other Products

4.2 Holter Monitoring Systems

4.3 Cardiac Output Monitoring Devices

4.3.1.1 Noninvasive COM Devices

4.3.1.2 Minimally Invasive COM Devices

4.4 Cardiac Event Monitoring Systems

4.5 Insertable Cardiac Monitoring Devices

4.6 Implantable Loop Recorders

4.7 Event Monitors

4.7.1.1 Type

4.7.1.1.1.1 Post-symptom

4.7.1.1.1.2 Pre-symptom

4.7.1.2 Technology

4.7.1.2.1.1 Autodetect monitors

4.7.1.2.1.2 Manual event monitors



5 Cardiac Monitoring Market, By End User

5.1 Home health care

5.2 Hospitals & Clinics

5.3 Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCS)

5.3.1 Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCS) Market Forecast to 2025 (US$ MN)



6 Cardiac Monitoring Market, By Geography



7 Key Player Activities

7.1 Mergers & Acquisitions

7.2 Partnerships, Joint Venture's, Collaborations and Agreements

7.3 Product Launch & Expansions

7.4 Other Activities



8 Leading Companies

8.1 Applied Cardiac Systems

8.2 Boston Scientific

8.3 Cardiac Science Corporation

8.4 GE Healthcare

8.5 Medtronic

8.6 Mennen Medical

8.7 Phillips Healthcare

8.8 Schiller

8.9 Siemens Healthcare

8.10 Toshiba Medical Systems



For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/xdmp5l/global_cardiac





Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Mettrum Health Corp. ("Mettrum" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: MT), a fully integrated medical cannabis producer under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, is pleased to announce that it has acquired all of the outstanding shares of 2344823 Ontario Inc., d/b/a Bodystream ("Bodystream"), a leading network of medical cannabis clinics with 14 current locations across Ontario (the "Transaction").

Under the terms of the Transaction, Mettrum paid $1 million in cash and issued 451,596 Mettrum shares from treasury to the current shareholders of Bodystream. These shares are subject to a four-month hold and the Corporation is required to inform the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") of the Transaction. In addition, Mettrum will issue up to a maximum of 1,505,322 additional shares, over the next three to five years based on Bodystream achieving certain operational milestones.

"We have been working closely with Bodystream for the past two years and they have demonstrated an ability to scale rapidly while maintaining a high level of professional service," said Michael Haines, CEO of Mettrum. "With so many Canadians entering the ACMPR system on a monthly basis and medical cannabis gaining traction as a viable therapeutic option for a variety of symptoms, the time to expand this aspect of our business is now." As previously announced, the Corporation acquired Apollo Applied Research Inc. ("Apollo"), a referral-focused cannabis research clinic based in the Greater Toronto Area. The acquisition of Bodystream complements the Apollo acquisition and expands the reach of the Corporation's clinic network across Ontario, with the opportunity to expand beyond.

"Our mission at Bodystream is to apply cannabis-based therapies that can effectively treat our patients' symptoms," said Brian Warner, President of Bodystream. "Mettrum's physician-centric approach, and commitment to research resonates with our physicians and patients. We look forward to growing with Mettrum and working to develop a variety of services and products that will help improve the quality of life for patients."

Bodystream has operated since 2014 and since then, has earned the trust of an active patient base of approximately 6,000 people.

The Bodystream leadership team will remain on board and will continue operating the business independently as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation.

Under the terms of the Apollo transaction (which closed on November 15, 2016), in addition to consideration paid by Mettrum on closing, Mettrum agreed to issue up to a maximum of 1,558,752 additional shares, over three to five years, based on Apollo achieving certain operational milestones.

About Mettrum Health Corp

Mettrum Health Corp. is a Tier 1 Industry Issuer listed on the Exchange. Mettrum Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, is a Toronto-based company and a licensed producer of medical cannabis under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (Canada) issued pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) (the "ACMPR"), which came into effect on August 24, 2016. Mettrum received its first license from Health Canada under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (the "MMPR") on November 1, 2013 and began production of medical cannabis at its first production facility in Bowmanville, Ontario.

Mettrum received its second license from Health Canada under the MMPR on December 11, 2014 for its subsidiary, Agripharm Corp., at Mettrum Creemore facility in Clearview, Ontario. Mettrum received its third license from Health Canada under the MMPR on December 17, 2015 for Mettrum Ltd. at its new 60,000 square foot production and distribution facility in Bowmanville, Ontario. Mettrum is a leading producer and vendor of medical cannabis under the ACMPR system. In addition, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Mettrum Hempworks, Mettrum is also a licensed producer and distributor of industrial cannabis (hemp) products, including Mettrum's functional food line, Mettrum Originals, under the Industrial Hemp Regulations (Canada) issued pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada).

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; and the results of operations. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Mettrum disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Press release.

Contacts:

Mettrum Health Corp.

Ali Mahdavi

Director, Investor Relations

416.962.3300

amahdavi@mettrum.com



Alison George

Argyle Public Relationships

416.968.7311 x230

ageorge@argylepr.com




Toyota's TC Smartphone Navigation



Official Name: TC Smartphone Navigation Development and Operation: Toyota Motor Corporation Provided By: Toyota Media Service Corporation Supported Devices: iPhone, Android Service Area: Japan Supported Language: Japanese Start of Service: December 1, 2016 Pricing: Free

Toyota Motor Corporation Public Affairs Division Global Communications Department Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

Toyota City, Japan, Dec 1, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation announces the launch of the TC Smartphone Navigation, a new smartphone navigation app available from December 1.http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_ToyotaApp121.jpgTC Smartphone NavigationApp Store (iPhone) https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id1154773775?mt=8Google Play (Android) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.toyota_ms.TcSpNaviToyota has been providing T-Probe traffic information-Toyota's proprietary traffic congestion information based on big data collected from vehicles equipped with on-board data communication modules (DCM)-on the paid1 T-Connect smartphone app which suggests routes to avoid traffic congestion (2,500 yen annually).At the same time, the route history map which helps to support relief activities in the event of a disaster has been made available on Toyota's website free-of-charge. This feature is also based on information collected from big data, and displays the vehicle's route history. The route history map is also compatible with smartphones.The newly launched TC Smartphone Navigation app will further improve visibility and operability of the existing navigation function. In addition, the app will display T-Probe traffic information and route history map throughout the driving journey. In order to provide safe and convenient mobility support services to a wide-range of customers, this service will be offered free of charge. The aim is to accumulate customer experience with the daily utilization of these information, where data utilization in the event of a disaster has been enhanced.In addition, aerial photographs of disaster areas2 are made available in the route history map display in the case of large-scale disasters with this new application. Next summer, a navigation route search function which will incorporate the route history map will be added to further strengthen disaster countermeasures.In addition, TC Smartphone Navigation will openly link with various external service providers in the future. As a first step, we will promote linking with services provided by akippa Inc., a parking lot sharing service provider to offer search and reservation services, as well as navigation service to a reserved parking lot. Furthermore, we plan to further link with services developed by Park24 Co., Ltd. in the future.Toyota will continue to improve the TC Smartphone Navigation to support safe, convenient, and an attractive mobility life for our customers.TC Smartphone Navigation featuresToyota's proprietary navigation functionsIn addition to displaying Toyota's proprietary real-time traffic information through T-Probe, the route is guided by easy-to-view maps and easy-to-understand audio, such as enlarged views of intersections, and the reading aloud of the names of intersections.Completely free of chargeUse of the app is completely free, with no basic charges.Link ups with parking lot sharing services. Parking spaces can be reserved from the app.Together with the recent changing environment relating to the usage of vehicles, this is a parking lot sharing service that is being developed for use as a service that allows for the usage at monthly and individual parking lots nationwide.Using a smartphone, the TC Smartphone Navigation will first start to link with search and reservation services that are provided by akippa Inc. In the future, we plan to also link up with services that are being developed by Park24 Co., Ltd.When a disaster occurs, you are able to view the route history map that informs you of the traffic situation at the affected area.The route history map is based on the information which Toyota has gathered from DCM-equipped vehicles, so as to provide useful information for the relief and recovery activities of affected areas. The route history and T-Probe traffic information (congestion) etc. have also been released in real-time.Together with the launch of the new app, we have improved the route history map so as to provide easy-to-understand information in the event of the occurrence of a disaster. In addition to the route history and traffic control information3 that are available during normal conditions, congestion information and aerial photographs of disaster areas can also be displayed in the case of large-scale disasters. It is also possible to select and view the display area when disasters occur in multiple areas.Future improvement of the various functionsIn addition to the parking lot sharing service, we will link up with various service providers in the future.We plan to improve functions with the aim of providing customers with satisfaction that goes beyond driving of their vehicles, which enhances all aspects of their daily lives.Outline of the TC Smartphone Navigation(1) Regarding navigation functions of the T-Connect smartphone app, new sales will stop after December 1.(2) Pasco Corporation will provide aerial photographs.(3) Toyota Media Service Corporation provides information from the Japan Road Traffic Information Center (JARTIC) / Vehicle Information and Communication System Center (VICS Center).About ToyotaSupported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.Source: ToyotaContact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
TomTom (TOM2) today announced that they have extended their partnership with SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) to provide global coverage of TomTom's location-based capabilities for SAP applications.

This is the first agreement with SAP that sees TomTom collaborating with SAP to provide geocoding and address validation capabilities across SAP's product portfolio on a global basis. This partnership will allow SAP to further expand its geocoding and address validation offerings in the Cloud and on premise, including solutions from SAP's Enterprise Information Management portfolio such as SAP Data Services and SAP HANA-based applications.

"It's great that not only are we continuing our relationship with SAP, but that we are expanding it too," explains Anders Truelsen, Managing Director of TomTom's Licensing Business Unit.

"Benefiting from the new spatial capabilities in SAP applications, SAP's customers can now start investing in and leveraging the power of location with the confidence provided by TomTom's address and geo content."

"Location awareness provides important additional information to companies that want to drive new innovations and business models from technologies like the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0. SAP is investing in a significant opportunity to enrich and add value to existing data natively, within SAP's solutions, and this agreement helps us realize these goals." said Philip On, VP Product Marketing, EIM solutions, SAP.

"By partnering with TomTom, we are committed to delivering strategic location based innovations which will underpin business growth in the future."

-Ends-

About TomTom

At TomTom (TOM2) our mission is to make technology so easy to use, that everyone can benefit from it. We created easy to use navigation devices, helping millions of people to get where they want to be. Today, we continue to simplify the complex, making technology more accessible for everyone. We have four customer facing business units: Consumer, Telematics, Automotive and Licensing.

We make easy to use navigation devices, sport watches and action cameras for consumers. We enable businesses with vehicles to more easily manage and improve fleet efficiency whilst increasing overall business performance with our Telematics solutions. We also offer a world leading real-time map platform that is powering innovative location based services and helping to make automated driving a reality for the automotive industry. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Amsterdam, we have over 4,600 employees and sell our products worldwide.

SAP, SAP HANA, and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE (or an SAP affiliate company) in Germany and other countries. See http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

SAP Forward-looking Statement

Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161211005055/en/

Contacts:

TomTom

Press

Sebastian Mathews

+31 20 75 74 135

tomtom.pr@tomtom.com

or

Investors

Bisera Grubesic

+31 20 75 75 194

ir@tomtom.com
Paris (awp/sda/reu) - Gute Geschafte in den USA und in China spulen dem franzosischen Spirituosen-Hersteller Remy Cointreau mehr Geld in die Kassen. In der ersten Halfte des Geschaftsjahres 2016/17 stieg der Betriebsgewinn um sieben Prozent auf knapp 124 Millionen Euro, wie das Unternehmen aus dem westfranzosischen Ort ...

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Regulatory News:

Second Quarter

Gross order intake amounted to SEK 3,383 M (3,398). Growth was flat in SEK and decreased by 2 percent based on constant exchange rates.

Net sales was SEK 2,434 M (2,828), a decrease of 16 percent based on constant exchange rates. The decline is mainly related to one-off effects from implementing the produce-to-order process.

EBITA* amounted to SEK 391 M (451) before items affecting comparability of SEK -117 M (-18) and bad debt losses of SEK -23 M (-7). The effect from changes in exchange rates compared with last year was SEK 95 M (50) including hedges.

EBITA* margin was 16 percent (16).

Operating result was SEK 140 M (304).

Net income amounted to SEK 55 M (189). Earnings per share was SEK 0.14 (0.49) before and after dilution.

Cash flow after continuous investments amounted to SEK 114 M (147). Cash outflow related to the transformation program and legal processes was SEK -150 M.

Two orders for MR-linac were signed after the end of the second quarter, in line with local regulatory requirements.

May-October 2016/17

Gross order intake increased 1 percent to SEK 6,044 M (5,967) and was flat based on constant exchange rates. This is in line with general market development.

Net sales was SEK 4,316 M (5,067), a decrease of 15 percent based on constant exchange rates. The decline is mainly related to one-off effects from implementing the produce-to-order process.

EBITA* amounted to SEK 558 M (519) before items affecting comparability of SEK -206 M (-48) and bad debt losses of SEK -29 M (-34). The effect from changes in exchange rates compared with last year was SEK 210 M (30) including hedges.

EBITA* margin increased to 13 percent (10).

Operating result was SEK 106 M (211).

Net income amounted to SEK -9 M (60). Earnings per share was SEK -0.03 (0.15) before and after dilution.

Cash flow after continuous investments improved by SEK 223 M to SEK -194 M (-417). Cash outflow related to the transformation program and legal processes was SEK -320 M.

Richard Hausmann assumed the role as President and CEO effective June 10, 2016.

*Adjusted for items affecting comparability (restructuring costs and costs for legal processes, see details on pages 19-20) and bad debt losses.

President and CEO comments

We continue our transformation program to reduce costs, strengthen margins and cash flow, and drive operational excellence. We see strong interest in our innovations and have started to receive orders for our coming MR-linac system.

The global market for radiation therapy is in essence stable, although we continue to see quarterly fluctuations. Our gross orders for the first half year are flat compared with last year. We strengthened our market leadership in emerging markets with strong order intake in China, India, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

The measures for improvement in region North and South America are slowly yielding results and we continue to strengthen our organization. Gross orders returned to growth in the second quarter mainly driven by strong performance in our Latin American operations.

In region Europe, Middle East and Africa, the underlying market remained stable, but we had a challenging comparison to the second quarter last year.

My confidence in the potential of our MR-linac is reinforced and prior to CE mark we signed two orders just after the closing of the second quarter, in line with local regulatory requirements. Our activities towards launch and CE-mark in the second half of the 2017 calendar year are advancing as planned. I really look forward to bringing this groundbreaking technology to our customers and their patients. It's less than a year away!

As part of our transformation program, we are increasing efficiency and reducing our cost base. At the end of the second quarter, we had reached an annual savings run rate of SEK 500 M out of the SEK 700 M target. The cost savings in combination with favorable currency movements and product mix, strengthened our EBITA margin to 13 percent (10) for the first half of the fiscal year.

Our change of the supply chain process to produce-to-order is now completed and had a negative one-off effect on net sales of SEK 650 M for the first half year. We have increased the efficiency in our supply chain, shortened lead times and reduced working capital. Accordingly, our underlying cash flow has improved by about SEK 530* M adjusted for cash outflow for legal processes and the transformation program.

In the quarter, we launched our new strategy and brand platform. Further, the organization has been aligned with our three core processes, Product Lifecycle Management, Supply Chain Management and Customer Relationship Management. Accompanied by the support and management processes, this change will lead to clearer and more effective processes and workflows. These measures are an essential part of our transformation towards sustainable profitable growth and operational efficiency.

Richard Hausmann,

President and CEO

*Cash flow after continuous investments. Adjusted for items affecting comparability of SEK 303 M (refer to page 4), related to cash outflow attributable to legal processes and the transformation program.

Shareholder information

Conference call

Elekta will host a telephone conference at 10:00-11:00 CET on December 1, with president and CEO Richard Hausmann and CFO Hakan Bergstrom.

To take part in the conference call, please dial in about five minutes in advance.

Swedish dial-in number: +46 (0) 2 00 88 38 17

UK dial-in number: +44 (0) 203 008 98 01

US dial-in number: +1 646 502 51 18

The telephone conference will also be broadcasted live online (listen only). Please use the link:

http://event.onlineseminarsolutions.com/r.htm?e=1304981&s=1&k=E3404F72CB10AABEE6D468FAD6E086E1

This is information that Elekta AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication at 07:30 CET on December 1, 2016.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161130006525/en/

Contacts:

Elekta AB (publ)

Hakan Bergstrom, +46 8 587 25 547

CFO

hakan.bergstrom@elekta.com

or

Johan Andersson, +46 8 587 25 415

Director Investor Relations

johan.andersson@elekta.com

or

Tobias Bulow, +46 8 587 25 734

Director Financial Communication

tobias.bulow@elekta.com
Regulatory News:

Stallergenes Greer plc (the "Company") (Euronext Paris: STAGR)(Paris:STAGR), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in treatments for respiratory allergies, today announced it secured a 50 million Euros revolving credit facility (the "Facility").

The facility subject to customary closing conditions will take the form of a revolving credit line composed of one single tranche, provided by UBS Switzerland AG.

The facility will be used for general corporate purposes.

ABOUT STALLERGENES GREER PLC

Headquartered in London (UK), Stallergenes Greer plc is a global healthcare company specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies through the development and commercialization of allergy immunotherapy products and services. Stallergenes Greer plc is the parent company of GREER Laboratories, Inc. (whose registered office is in the U.S.) and Stallergenes S.A.S. (whose registered office is in France).

Trading information:

Name: Stallergenes Greer

ISIN: GB00BZ21RF93 1 Ticker: STAGR

ICB classification 4577

Market: Euronext Paris regulated market

Additional information is available at http://www.stallergenesgreer.com

This document (including information incorporated by reference in this document), oral statements made and other information published by the Company contain statements that are or may be forward-looking with respect to the financial condition and/or results of operations and businesses of the Company. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe," "expects," "project," "estimated," "forecast," "should," "plan," "may" or the negative of any of these, or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology indicating expectations or beliefs concerning future events. These forward-looking statements include risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Without being exhaustive, such factors include economic situations and business conditions, including legal and product evaluation issues, fluctuations in currencies and demand, and changes in competitive factors. These and other factors are more fully described in the Company's 2015 annual report published on 29 April 2016 on the Company's website (www.stallergenesgreer.com). Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, due to various factors. Save as required by applicable law, neither the Company nor any other person assumes any obligation to update these forward-looking statements or to notify any person of any such update.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161130006523/en/

Contacts:

Investor and Analyst Relations

Peter Buhler, +33 1 55 59 23 22

Chief Financial Officer

investorrelations@aresallergyco.com

or

Media Relations

Lise Lemonnier, 33 1 55 59 20 96

Head of Global Communications

llemonnier@stallergenes.com

or

Investor Relations Agency

FTI Consulting

Arnaud de Cheffontaines, +33 1 47 03 69 48

arnaud.decheffontaines@fticonsulting.com

or

Media relations agency

Havas Worldwide Paris

Jean-Baptiste Froville, +33 1 58 47 95 39

jean-baptiste.froville@havasww.com
HONG KONG (dpa-AFX) - Anton Oilfield Services Group said that it has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Beijing Branch or 'SPDB Bank Beijing Branch'. As per the agreement, SPDB Bank Beijing Branch will provide professional support and financing facilities, including conventional business, asset securitization, cross-border settlement, bond financing and equity transactions to the Group. The financing level is tentatively set at RMB 2 billion with one-year validity, the exact financing level and mutual agreement terms will be confirmed upon approval by the internal credit department of the bank with endorsement on credit level arrangements at both sides. It will be extended automatically for one year without frequency restriction if there is no objection. The Board of Directors of the Group believes that the strategic cooperation with SPDB Bank Beijing Branch will be supportive of the Group's operations and business development, in addition to rendering effective assistance to the Group's cash management and capital arrangement. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Regulatory News:

Atlas Copco (STO:ATCOA) (STO:ATCOB), a leading supplier of sustainable productivity solutions, has appointed Helena Hedblom as President for the Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area, starting January 1, 2017. She is currently President of the Rock Drilling Tools division in the same business area. Helena Hedblom will be a member of Atlas Copco's Group Management.

"Helena is a proven leader with a solid understanding of the mining business," said Ronnie Leten, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group. "I am confident that she will continue to develop the business area and build an even stronger global position."

Helena Hedblom started her Atlas Copco career in 2000 as Manager Materials Development Research Development in the Rock Drilling Tools division. She has since then had different roles including Lean coordinator and Vice President Research Development in that division. Before she became President of the Rock Drilling Tools division based in Sweden in 2013 she was General Manager for the product company Atlas Copco Secoroc.

Helena Hedblom, born 1973, is a Swedish citizen. She has a Master of Science in Material Technology from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.

Helena Hedblom will be based in Orebro, Sweden. She replaces Johan Halling, who will retire.

This information is information that Atlas Copco AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact person set out above, at 8.30 am CET on December 1, 2016.

Atlas Copco is a world-leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions. The Group serves customers with innovative compressors, vacuum solutions and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. Atlas Copco develops products and services focused on productivity, energy efficiency, safety and ergonomics. The company was founded in 1873, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 180 countries. In 2015, Atlas Copco had revenues of BSEK 102 (BEUR 11) and more than 43 000 employees. Learn more at www.atlascopcogroup.com (http://www.atlascopco.com).

Atlas Copco's Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area provides equipment for drilling and rock excavation, a complete range of related consumables and service through a global network. The business area innovates for sustainable productivity in surface and underground mining, infrastructure, civil works, well drilling and geotechnical applications. Principal product development and manufacturing units are located in Sweden, the United States, Canada, China and India.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161130006536/en/

Contacts:

Atlas Copco

Ola Kinnander, Media Relations Manager

+46 8 743 8060 or +46 70 347 2455

media@se.atlascopco.com
PARIS, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

French real estate company Fonciere Atland and Dutch pension fund manager PGGM have today announced the launch of a Paris and Ile-de-France office partnership. The joint venture has an allocation of circa 250 million to invest. It has successfully completed its first investment, 38 rue de la Republique, in Montreuil.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444473LOGO )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444474LOGO )

Fonciere Atland and PGGM have established the joint venture to source attractive investments in Paris and Ile-de-France. The partnership will target investments that offer growth potential that can be captured through asset management initiatives such as re-letting, re-gearing of leases, refurbishment, redevelopment and extension infill. The objective is to create properties that become recognized as core assets with strong income return characteristics for the long term and, at the same time, will have a substantial lower carbon footprint than at the date of acquisition.

Fonciere Atland will co-invest in the joint venture, and its subsidiaries will lead the acquisitions process and manage the assets. An OPPCI (professional real estate investment scheme), structured and managed by Voisin, will acquire the assets upon approval by the French AMF.

Tinka Kleine, Director of Private Real Estate for PGGM, said, "We believe that the Paris and Ile-de-France office market offers interesting opportunities to enhance asset performance, both financially and environmentally. The partnership with local expert Fonciere Atland provides us access to this promising market."

Georges Rocchietta, CEO of Fonciere Atland, commented, "We are proud to enter into this partnership with PGGM and see it as a great recognition of our management skills."

About PGGM

PGGM is a cooperative Dutch pension fund service provider. Institutional clients are offered: asset management, pension fund management, policy advice and management support. On June 30, 2016 PGGM had EUR 200 billion in assets under management. PGGM invests approximately EUR 22 billion in real estate worldwide, both in listed companies and private vehicles such as funds, club deals and joint ventures.

http://www.pggm.nl

About Fonciere Atland

Fonciere Atland is a French real estate operator, active in Ile-de-France and the provinces. Created in 2006, the company is a REIT with 650 million assets under management, and invests, asset manages and executes turnkey developments on balance sheet and on behalf of institutional investors. Fonciere Atland also manages collective real estate funds through its subsidiary, Voisin, which is authorized by the AMF. The company's shareholders include Credit Foncier and Tikehau Capital; and Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners at Groupe Atland.

http://www.atland.fr
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Federal Statistical Office will release Swiss retail sales for October at 3:15 am ET Thursday. Economists forecast the retail sales to decline 2.2 percent on year, after a 2.3 percent slump in the previous month. Ahead of the data, the franc traded mixed against its major counterparts. While the franc rose against the greenback, it held steady against the yen. Against the euro and the pound, it eased from early highs. The franc was worth 1.0151 against the greenback, 112.43 against the yen, 1.0778 against the euro and 1.2730 against the pound as of 3:10 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
ANNOUNCEMENTA.P. Mller - Mrsk A/S - Maersk Line A/S to acquire Hamburg SudA.P. Mller - Mrsk A/S' subsidiary Maersk Line A/S (Maersk Line) and the Oetker Group have reached an agreement for Maersk Line to acquire the German container shipping line Hamburg Sudamerikanische Dampfschifffahrts-Gesellschaft KG (Hamburg Sud). The acquisition is subject to final agreement and regulatory approvals.Hamburg Sud is the world's seventh largest container shipping line and a leader in the North - South trades. The company operates 130 container vessels with a container capacity of 625,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent). Hamburg Sud has 5,960 employees in more than 250 offices across the world and markets its services through the Hamburg Sud, CCNI (based in Chile) and Alianca (based in Brazil) brands. In 2015, Hamburg Sud had a turnover of USD 6,726 million of which USD 6,261 million stems from its container line activities.With this acquisition, Maersk Line follows the strategy announced on 22 September 2016 to grow market share organically and through acquisitions. Acquiring Hamburg Sud will create a unique opportunity for further development of Maersk Line's business to the benefit of customers, employees as well as shareholders.With the acquisition of Hamburg Sud, Maersk Line will grow its global capacity share to approximately 18.6% (15.7%), its nominal capacity to around 3.8 million TEU (3.1 million TEU) while decreasing the average age of the combined fleet of more than 700 vessels to 8.7 years compared to Maersk Line's present vessel age of 9.2 years.A.P. Mller - Mrsk A/S expects to communicate further details following the approval of the sales and purchase agreement expected early in the second quarter of 2017. A.P. Mller - Mrsk A/S expects to close the transaction end 2017.The acquisition will have no impact on A.P. Mller - Mrsk A/S' outlook for 2016.Copenhagen, 1 December 2016Contact persons:Head of Investor Relations, Stig Frederiksen, tel. +45 33633106Press Officer, Mikkel Linnet, tel. +45 3363 8515Page 1 of 1Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=606881




LONDON, Dec. 1,2016 /PRNewswire/-- EDMI Europe Limited is pleased to announce that the AICH Standard 420 Communications Hub has been granted Commercial Product Assurance (CPA) certification against the Security Characteristic Smart Metering Communications Hub v1.2 at Foundation Grade by the National Cyber Security Centre.

The AICH Standard 420 Communications Hub has been developed by EDMI on behalf of Arqiva and will be installed across Scotland and northern England as part of the smart meter rollout. The hub will enable communication with electricity meters, gas meters and the In-Home Display (IHD) allowing consumers to effectively monitor and manage energy usage.

The Communications Hub is the first of EDMI's products to achieve CPA which is a UK Government backed scheme administered by NCSC providing the assurance that a product has met stringent predefined security levels.

Alan Masterman, General Manager, EDMI Europe, commented, "The award of CPA for the Communications Hub marks a significant milestone for EDMI and demonstrates EDMI's commitment to deliver. The CPA process for the Communications Hub was rigorous and the lessons learnt have been invaluable to our business, ensuring a smooth path for certifications for future SMETS2 products. We are also proud to announce that we have commenced supply of live Communications Hubs to Service Users."

Sean Weir, Director of Smart Metering & M2M at Arqiva, said: "Delivering the infrastructure for Great Britain's smart energy meter programme is a huge task, and the security of the system is of paramount importance. Our partnership with EDMI is key to its delivery and we are delighted to have worked with them on achieving the CPA accreditation for the Communications Hub."

About EDMI: http://www.edmi-meters.co.uk

EDMI Limited is one of the leading smart metering solutions providers in the world. EDMI is focused on designing, developing and manufacturing innovative and technologically advanced energy meters and metering systems for the global utility industry. EDMI's metering portfolio includes a comprehensive range of premium quality metering products, advanced infrastructure and energy management systems.

With over 25 years' experience of manufacturing smart meters and over 1.2 million EDMI smart meters installed in the UK alone, EDMI's products are tried and tested, giving customers the confidence of working hand in hand with a company with a proven track record.

EDMI is owned by Osaki Electric Co. Ltd, a Japanese metering solutions provider listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Media Contact:

Sally Cowling

Marketing Manager

EDMI Europe Limited

Email: sally.cowling@edmi-meters.com

Phone: 44 (0)191 233 6322








LONDON, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The High Court is set to judicially review a planning decision made by a District Council in Suffolk in what will be a test case with potentially far-reaching implications for housing developments in rural England.

The case which is being heard by the High Court at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on the 7thDecember, will examine whether a decision by Babergh District Council to allow a housing development in the picturesque and historic village of East Bergholt was lawful.

The case, which is being brought by East Bergholt Parish Council, concerns the building of 10 homes in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty best known for inspiring the works of landscape artist John Constable. A separate decision on the same day by the same District Council to allow 144 homes to be built on another site in East Bergholt is now being reconsidered and could depend on the outcome of this test case. Overall, across the district, the development of more than 415 houses in rural parts of Suffolk depend on the outcome of this case.

David Bowman, a senior associate at law firm Royds Withy King, who is representing East Bergholt Parish Council in their planning battle against Babergh District Council, said: "There are a number of parish councils in Suffolk and across rural England that will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this case. The judgment will clarify how local housing needs should be met in rural locations in view of the ever increasing pressure on local planning authorities to allow residential development. At least three judicial reviews are currently being brought by rural Parish Councils against Babergh District Council and this case will be the test case which will decide whether hundreds of new homes are built in this beautiful, culturally-significant and as yet unspoilt part of Suffolk."

The judicial review will consider three points of law. In particular:

How much weight a local planning authority should give to Neighbourhood Development Plans which place limits on development and which are at an advanced stage but not yet finalised.

Whether the New Homes Bonus awarded by the Government to Councils as an incentive to develop more houses is capable of creating an undue pre-disposition towards authorising development or even outright bias.

To what extent housing policy should be interpreted in relation to the needs of the whole district or the particular needs of the local area where the development will take place.

For the full press release, visit: https://www.roydswithyking.com/test-case-planning/

For media enquiries, contact Natalie Birrell: 07557 356860 and natalie@nb-pr.co.uk
QUEBEC, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Editors Note: There are two maps associated with this press release.

Nemaska Lithium Inc. ("Nemaska" or the "Corporation") (TSX: NMX)(OTC: NMKEF)(FRANKFURT: NOT) is pleased to announce that, following the completion of the Summer 2016 definition diamond drilling campaign, (see press release of July 13, 2016), an updated Mineral Resource estimate has been completed by Jean-Philippe Paiement, P.Geo., M.Sc., of SGS Canada Inc. The Mineral Resource was interpolated using ordinary Kriging and was limited inside an optimized pit shell. Following interpolation by SGS Canada Inc., the block model was submitted to Met-Chem/DRA to run pit optimization using MineSight. The portion of the block model located below the optimised pit shell is not included in the updated Mineral Resources. The company is currently preparing a National Instrument 43-101 format updated Feasibility Study on the Whabouchi project, which will include the updated Mineral Resource estimate. Currently, there is a National Instrument 43-101 format Feasibility report on the Whabouchi project with an effective date of April 4, 2016 (revised on June 8, 2016), that incorporates the past Mineral Resource estimate prepared by Jean-Philippe Paiement, P.Geo., M.Sc. of SGS Canada Inc. with an effective date of January 22, 2014.

The following table presents the 2016 Mineral Resources, with a comparison with the 2014 resource estimate:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016 vs 2014 Mineral Resource Estimate (In-pit) - Whabouchi Project ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016 2016 2014 2014 Increase in Resources Tonnage Li2O Grade Tonnage Li2O Grade tonnage Categories (Mt)(i) (%) (Mt)(i) (%) (Mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Measured 15.767 1.58 12.998 1.60 2.769 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicated 20.853 1.41 14.993 1.54 5.860 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Measured + Indicated 36.620 1.48 27.991 1.57 8.629 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred 7.188 1.37 4.686 1.51 2.502 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bulk density of 2.71 t/m3 is used. Effective date November 30, 2016. (i) Rounded to the nearest thousand.

"I am very pleased to see the significant resource tonnage increase within our pit shell," commented Guy Bourassa, President and CEO of Nemaska Lithium. "As you can see from the longitudinal image the new resource will increase the open pit design enabling us to mine for a longer period using low cost open pit mining methods, which should reduce our cost of concentrate. This is very important when one considers that it takes approximately 7.5 tonnes of concentrate to produce one tonne of lithium carbonate equivalent. While our updated Feasibility study, which we are targeting to release in January 2017, will further define those numbers, I am nonetheless very pleased with the results of this new resource and the positive impact it should have on our project economics. The deposit remains very strong below the pit shell and there is potential to continue to mine beyond the optimized pit shell in an underground scenario, but that now looks to be pushed further into the future, especially when one considers the potential of the Doris Zone which is within the pit shell, near surface and open along strike. We are planning a drilling campaign this winter to further explore the Doris Zone. It seems the potential at Whabouchi is even greater than we initially thought."

The mineral resources were estimated based on the following geological and resources block modeling parameters(i):

-- Mineral resources were estimated from analytical results of the diamond drill holes and channels completed by Nemaska since 2009. Historical drill holes and channels were not used for the current mineral resources estimates. A total of 545 drill holes/channels and 13,770 assays were used for the mineral resources model. -- The 3D modeling of mineralized pegmatite dyke was conducted using a minimal modeling grade of 0.50% Li2O over a 2m horizontal thickness. -- Block Model Interpolation was conducted using Ordinary Kriging on 2m uncapped composites. The block model was defined by block size of 5m long by 3m wide by 5m thick and covers a strike length of 1,315m to a maximal depth of 520m below surface. The modelling and interpolation was conducted in Genesis software. -- The block model was submitted to DRA for pit optimization using the parameters stated in the table below. The mineral resources which are located inside the optimised pit shell reach 390m below surface (maximum depth of optimised pit). -- The cut-off grade of the reported Mineral Resources was estimated at 0.30% Li2O by DRA using the parameters from the following table.

(i)Based on the Memorandum received from SGS Canada Inc., dated November 30, 2016.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parameters Value Unit References ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales Revenues ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Concentrate Price (6% Li2O: 2.81Li%) 688.00 C$/Tonne Nemaska Lithium Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mining Mineralized Material 4.48 C$/t milled DRA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mining Overburden 2.86 C$/t DRA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mining Waste 3.88 C$/t DRA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crushing and Processing 22.81 C$/t milled DRA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- General and Administration 5.00 C$/t milled DRA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Freight Mine to Refinery 50.00 C$/Conc. Nemaska Lithium Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Metallurgy and Royalties ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Concentration Recovery 83.8 % SGS Canada Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- NSR Royalties 1.665 $/t Nemaska Lithium Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Geotechnical Parameters ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pit Slopes 56 Degrees DRA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mineralized Material Density 2.71 t/m3 SGS Canada Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Waste Material Density 3.06 t/m3 DRA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Overburden 2.1 t/m3 DRA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cut Off grade 0.30 % Li2O DRA ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The technical information in this press release has been reviewed by Jean-Philippe Paiement, P.Geo., M. Sc., Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

About Nemaska Lithium

Nemaska Lithium intends to become a lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate supplier to the emerging lithium battery market that is largely driven by electric vehicles, cell phones, tablets and other consumer products. The Corporation is developing in Quebec one of the most important spodumene lithium hard rock deposit in the world, both in volume and grade. The spodumene concentrate produced at Nemaska Lithium's Whabouchi mine will be shipped to the Corporation's lithium compounds processing plant to be built in Shawinigan, Quebec. This plant will transform spodumene concentrate into high purity lithium hydroxide and carbonate using the proprietary methods developed by the Corporation, and for which the Corporation holds three granted patents and several patent applications that are pending in different countries, covering different aspects and improvements of its proprietary technology for preparing high purity lithium hydroxide and carbonate.

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release including, but not limited to, (i) the expected increase of the open pit design and the resulting longer mine life using low cost mining methods, (ii) the possible lowering of the cost of concentrate, (iii) the potential to continue to mine beyond the pit design, (iv) the potential of the Doris Zone and (v) the positive impact of the foregoing on project economics, constitute 'forward-looking information' or 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of certain securities laws, and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the time of this press release. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect.

Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.

Further information regarding Nemaska Lithium is available in the SEDAR database (www.sedar.com) and on the Corporation's website at: www.nemaskalithium.com

www.nemaskalithium.com

To view the maps associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161130-Longitudinal_Figure_1_EN_800.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161130-Longitudinal_Figure_2_EN_800.jpg

Contacts:

Victor Cantore

Investor Relations

514 831-3809

victor.cantore@nemaskalithium.com



Wanda Cutler

Investor Relations

416 303-6460

wanda.cutler@nemaskalithium.com

www.nemaskalithium.com




12 December 2016

VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Limited ("the Company" or "VOF")

Estimated weekly net asset value ("NAV")

VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Limited, a London Stock Exchange Main Market traded investment company established to target key growth segments in Vietnam, and managed by VinaCapital Group (the "Manager"), announces that, as at its close of business on 9 December 2016, its unaudited, estimated net asset value was USD861.2 million or USD4.14 per share (Sterling equivalent at that date was GBP685.2 million or GBP3.30 per share).

The estimated weekly NAV stated in this announcement has been produced by the Manager based on estimated valuations and accordingly the Company accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the estimated weekly NAV figure given, and neither is any responsibility implied. The actual month end NAV in any month may vary from the estimated weekly NAV's provided in the relevant month. Accordingly, no reliance should be placed on the estimated weekly NAV and it has been provided for indicative purposes only. The Company's unaudited Net Asset Value as at the end of each month will continue to be published on or around the 10th of each month.

The estimated weekly NAV is prepared by the Manager based on the following valuation guidelines:

Listed equities are marked to market, based on the closing price of the last trading day of the prior week, provided by the Vietnam stock exchanges (the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange and the Hanoi Stock Exchange).

stock exchanges (the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange and the Hanoi Stock Exchange). Over the counter (OTC) securities are based on the average of up to 3 independent broker quotes for the last trading day of the prior week to the extent available, or the last available price.

Non-publicly traded investments, including private equity and direct real estate investments, and operating assets, are valued based on the last available valuation as approved by the Audit Committee which may be adjusted for any impairment, loss or disposal.

Cash is based on cash in the bank at the close of the prior trading week and may be adjusted for receivables and accruals.

The Vietnam Dong (VND) foreign exchange rate is based on the daily reference rate provided by Vietcombank as of the date of the weekly NAV. The British Sterling (GBP) and US Dollar (USD) exchange rates are based on the Reuters reference rate of the same day.

More information on the Company is available at vof-fund.com.



Enquiries:

Jonathan Luu

VinaCapital Investment Management Limited

Investor Relations

+84 8 3821 9930

jonathan.luu@vinacapital.com



Joel Weiden

VinaCapital Investment Management Limited

Communications

+84 8 3821 9930

joel.weiden@vinacapital.com

David Benda / Hugh Jonathan

Numis Securities Limited, Broker

+44 20 7260 1000

funds@numis.com

Franczeska Hanford / Martin Bourgaize

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited, Company Secretary

+44 1481 745001

fk26@ntrs.com / meb16@ntrs.com

Edward Gascoigne-Pees

Camarco, Public Relations (London)

+44 20 3757 4980

ed.gascoigne-pees@camarco.co.uk
Release no. 1/2017Today, Columbus A/S has concluded an agreement about acquisition of Tridea Partners, an IT services company in the US.The acquisition of Tridea Partners strengthens Columbus' position in the US market, and is in line with Columbus' goal of being recognized as a strategic business partner that helps customers increase the value of their ERP investment and leads them in the digital transformation of their business.Tridea Partners holds a leading positon within ERP and CRM in the growing food and beverage industry in the US. The acquisition thereby strengthens Columbus' market reach and industry specialization in the US."We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of Tridea Partners. With Tridea Partners' leading market position and deep industry knowledge within the food and beverage industry in the US, we accelerate our growth ambitions in the US while strengthening our ability to serve our customers even better", says CEO and President in Columbus Thomas Honore.Tridea Partners, which was founded in 2004, has 29 employees at their office in San Diego. In 2015, Tridera Partners had a revenue of DKK 40m and an EBITDA of DKK 6.5m.The agreed acquisition price is DKK 61.8m Enterprise Value +/- regulation of normalized working capital.The amount to be paid at closing of the agreement on 9 January 2017 is DKK 47.6m. The remaining amount of DKK 14.2m is dependent on the agreed earnings targets, and is expected to be paid over the next two years.The acquisition is financed by Columbus' own available funds.Columbus expects to take over net assets of DKK 3.6m adjusted to fair value at the acquisition. Hereafter DKK 58.2m is expected to be capitalized as intangible assets.The acquisition is expected to contribute with a revenue in the level of DKK 53.6m and EBITDA* in the level of DKK 9.3 in the period from closing to 31 December 2017.Expectations to revenue and EBITDA for the Group in 2017 will be announced when the Annual Report is published on 16 March 2017.* EBITDA before share-based paymentIb Kune Thomas Honore Chairman CEO & President Columbus A/S Columbus A/S For further information, please contact Koncernchef Thomas Honore, T: +45 70 20 50 00.Translation: In the event of any inconsistency between this document and the Danish language version, the Danish language version shall be the governing version.Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=610720
VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - European stocks dropped from a three-week high on Thursday, although commodity-related stocks gained ground after the oil cartel OPEC took the surprising move to cut production from January next year. Investors seem to be adopting a cautious stance ahead of a crucial referendum on constitutional reform in Italy due this weekend. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index was down 0.1 percent at 341.67 in opening deals, snapping a two-day rally. The German DAX was moving up 0.3 percent, while France's CAC 40 index and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 were down about 0.2 percent each. TalkTalk shares slumped 5 percent after JP Morgan Cazenove downgraded its rating on the stock. Healthcare company Elekta lost 4 percent after releasing its interim earnings report. Banks traded mostly higher after their U.S. peers rallied overnight on bets of loosening of regulation under Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress. Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Credit Agricole, BNP Paribas, Societe Generale Group and Barclays climbed 1-2 percent. Miners Anglo American and BHP Billiton gained about 2 percent each while energy major Tullow Oil advanced 1.7 percent and Total SA added half a percent. Rio Tinto shares advanced 1 percent. The mining giant said it is cooperating with inquiries from the relevant authorities relating to the impairment included in its 2012 accounts in respect of Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique. Commodity trader Glencore rallied 2 percent. The company plans to reinstate its dividend next year after completing an asset sale and reducing its debt. Shares of Daily Mail & General Trust soared 7 percent. The publisher behind the Brexit-backing tabloid reported higher pretax profit for the year to end-September, despite booking higher exceptional costs than originally guided. In economic releases, U.K. house prices grew 4.4 percent year-on-year in November, slower than the 4.6 percent increase seen in October, the Nationwide Building Society said. PMI reports from major European economies are slated for release later in the day. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LOS GATOS, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- e-Literate, a leading source of analysis and research on higher education technology, today released a report on European market dynamics for Learning Management Systems, known in parts of Europe as Virtual Learning Environments. The first-of-its-kind analysis follows the May 2016 release of LMS Market Dynamics, a comprehensive report from e-Literate focused on the market for Learning Management Systems (LMS) in the U.S. and Canada.

Authored by e-Literate co-founders and edtech experts Phil Hill and Michael Feldstein, the new report surveys the adoption of virtual learning environments across Europe. e-Literate's analysis suggests that while the shift towards open-source Europe has historically had a favorable impact on Moodle, Canvas by Instructure may be gaining momentum in certain markets.

"Overall, the data indicate that Europe can best be thought of as a collection of regional -- or even national -- markets, rather than a single unified market," said Phil Hill, co-publisher of e-Literate. "This report offers a much-needed road map for edtech developers and institutional leaders seeking to gain insight into the virtual learning environment space in Europe."

The analysis is powered by data from LISTedTECH, the most comprehensive education technology database, which allows, for the first time, an extensive review of LMS usage, implementation, and decommissions for more than 1,600 institutions throughout Europe.

In the report, Hill and Feldstein suggest that nascent market shifts in Europe may mirror those in the U.S., which has recently seen the rapid rise of new players in the LMS space. They note, however, that due to the fragmented nature of European markets, it remains to be seen whether these companies will make the same large gains in Europe as they have in the U.S.

To download the report or receive additional information, please visit: http://mfeldstein.com/lms-subscription/.

About e-Literate

e-Literate is a digital education technology research and analysis site designed to help organizations learn to effectively use technology to improve education. e-Literate is published by MindWires LLC, a team of education technology experts that help schools, educational companies and policymakers navigate the new world of digital education through in-depth market research, strategic planning, education technology and infrastructure assessment, and executive leadership advising. Learn more at www.mindwires.com.

Media Contact:

Sarah Herring

Email Contact




ATLANTA, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The new module enables members to purchase top-up miles/points, while saving the program up to 75% over traditional commission rates

Today, Loylogic has launched Buy Miles Plus, a new Akruu.com module, which offers more points to program members (through the ability to purchase top-up points/miles), facilitating earlier redemption: a significant factor in ensuring the highest possible member engagement and ROI for the program. The module also retains more revenue in the program, as it cuts traditional commission rates (paid on these transactions) by up to 75%; these funds can be reinvested in other engagement initiatives for members, which can also have a significant impact on member engagement rates. Loylogic developed the Buy Miles Plus module to further enhance the existing benefits of the Akruu platform, which offers members unparalleled flexibility in earning miles/points from participating loyalty programs.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444129 )



What Makes Buy Miles Plus Different

The concept of topping up miles/points to enable members to achieve earlier redemption has always been a popular program feature, as members who redeem are significantly more loyal to a brand; unfortunately though, many program providers are hesitant to offer this feature because of the high commission rates charged on every transaction by solution providers. Akruu's Buy Miles Plus module charges a net 5% commission rate, as opposed to the industry standard between 15 and 20%; therefore, Akruu's highly competitive pricing structure enables programs to offer the feature that their members want, without breaking the bank.

The Economic Advantage

To determine how much money could be saved on commissions each year by using Akruu's Buy Miles Plus module, let's examine the case of a fictional loyalty program, which sold $10 million of top-up miles to its program members via a solution operated by a typical Buy Miles solution provider. At standard commission rates (of 20%), the program would have paid $2 million to the solution provider; however, if the program chose to use Buy Miles Plus (via Akruu), the program would have paid $500,000 (5% commission rate) on their members purchased top-up miles, enabling them to reinvest $1.5 million into improvements in the program.

Considering the large volumes of points and miles purchased every year by frequent travellers around the world, Akruu's Buy Miles Plus module could help save the airline and hospitality industry more than $40 million per year.

"For years, loyalty programs worldwide have been paying bloated commission rates to Buy Miles technology providers," said Dominic Hofer, CEO of Loylogic. "Our pricing model will address this common issue and help to drive substantially more money towards the loyalty programs. With this significant increase in profits, the programs will be able to develop new program functionality, offer additional choice and, ultimately, improve overall member engagement and program sales."

Buy Miles Plus and Akruu.com are now available for any companies looking for a way to improve their member engagement and overall loyalty program ROI. To find out more about Akruu and the "Buy Miles Plus" module, please visit http://www.akruu.com or contact us at sales@loylogic.com to arrange a complimentary demo.

To arrange a media interview to find out more about the new product or for a media demo, please contact Jennifer Sacco at jennifer.sacco@loylogic.com or +41 43 500 51 60.

About Loylogic

Loylogic is the world's leading innovator and creator of points experiences, insights, commerce and engagement. By tantalizing members with more choices and arming programs with insights on behavior - anticipating both present and future needs - we deliver powerful solutions that amplify engagement and build loyalty. Founded in 2005 with offices around the world and a global content network of more than 500 merchants and 2,000 online stores offering millions products and services, Loylogic, the new paradigm of points-based e-commerce and e-payment solutions, is the partner that the world's leading loyalty programs trust with making their points and miles loved more. For more information please visit loylogic.com.

About Akruu

Akruu is an innovative online loyalty solution offering unparalleled earning flexibility and customization options to program members. Unlike other online loyalty solutions, Akruu offers numerous ways to earn in multiple program currencies (i.e., points or miles) within a single platform, making it the only solution that allows members to earn in the way that best suits their lifestyles and needs. As such, Akruu can significantly increase a program's member engagement, revenue and boost brand loyalty. To find out more, please visit http://www.akruu.com.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Sacco

jennifer.sacco@loylogic.com

+41-43-500-51-60


ESPOO, Finland, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

HMD Global enters the market today, to c reate a new generation of Nokia branded mobile phones through an exclusive 10-year brand licens ing agreement

Effective immediately, HMD will own the existing Nokia branded feature phone business, providing global market reach and scale

HMD G lobal leadership team announced; ambition to become significant player in the global smartphone market

Strategic partnership model with leading industry players and world-class expertise to bring the very best Nokia mobile phone experience to global consumers

New Nokia smartphones on Android operating system available in H1 2017

A new and exciting chapter in the story of Nokia branded phones begins today as HMD Global Oy ("HMD") - the new home of Nokia phones enters the market. Finnish company HMD will bring a new generation of mobile phones to consumers, with the first smartphone products set to be launched in the first half of 2017, alongside the existing Nokia branded feature phone business.

The launch of HMD comes just six months after the company signed a strategic licensing agreement with Nokia, giving HMD exclusive use of the Nokia brand on mobile phones and tablets worldwide for the next 10 years.

With a leading position in the feature phone market already, HMD has a significant global foothold including Americas, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, India and China from day one. This scale, coupled with a world-class and highly experienced leadership team positions HMD for a truly accelerated start.

HMD has developed a unique strategic partnership model that will see it working with some of the world's leading technology companies including Nokia, FIH Mobile Limited (FIH) and Google. Future Nokia smartphones will utilise Google's Android operating system, currently deployed on 86% of the world's smartphones.

A cornerstone of HMD's partnership model is an agreement with FIH, a global consumer electronics manufacturing and technology powerhouse that will manufacture Nokia branded mobile phones and tablets, guaranteeing quality of manufacture and innovation at scale as well as giving access to FIH's world-class R&D capability.

HMD is developing an exciting new consumer centric product range which will focus on innovation, quality and experience, alongside the iconic Nokia mobile phone attributes of design, robustness, and reliability.

The company combines the agility and attitude of a start-up business with the expertise of some of the industry's most experienced and passionate senior leaders. The HMD Global team is headed by CEO Arto Nummela and President Florian Seiche. Together, they will forge a new chapter in the story of Nokia mobile phones with the support of an experienced leadership team made up of talent across multiple markets.

Arto Nummela, CEO of HMD Global, said:

"Today marks a happy and important day for HMD. Nokia has been one of the most iconic and recognisable phone brands globally for decades. The excitement of re-introducing this much-loved, well-known and trusted brand to smartphone consumers is a responsibility and an ambition that everyone at HMD shares.

"Driven by the extremely positive reception we have received since HMD was announced earlier this year, we are excited about building the next chapter for Nokia phones. We see this as a brilliant opportunity to solve real life consumer problems and to deliver on the quality and designs that the Nokia brand has been always known for. Our talented and passionate team is uniquely placed in this modern setup to deliver our promise of reliable, beautifully crafted and fun Nokia phones for consumers across the globe."

Florian Seiche, President of HMD Global, said:

"We believe that the time is right for renewal in the mobile industry. The market is fatigued and flooded with undifferentiated products. Consumers are looking for technology with clear purpose that is useful, exciting and with a brand they can trust, so our approach will focus on true, core user experiences and a dedication to quality.

"With our passionate team, start up attitude, a brand with a 95% worldwide awareness and a unique, asset light partnership approach, we believe we are perfectly placed to forge a new way in mobile."

Brad Rodrigues, Interim President of Nokia Technologies, said:

"We've been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown around the world for the return of the Nokia brand to smartphones. The HMD Global team has the ambition, talent and resources to bring a new generation of Nokia branded phones to market, and we wish them every success. I'm sure our millions of Nokia fans will be excited to see their new products!"

Samuel W. L. Chin, Chairman of the Board, HMD Global, said:

"Today marks an exciting moment for all those involved in this venture. As one of the Founders of HMD Global it has been very satisfying to oversee the launch of our business through the completion of a number of agreements. Through the hard work of all involved we can now move forward with our new business, a new approach to the category and a fresh start for Nokia mobile phones."

About HMD Global

Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, HMD Global Oy is the new home of Nokia phones and tablets. HMD designs and markets a range of smartphones and feature phones targeted at a range of consumers and price points. With a commitment to innovation and quality, HMD is the proud exclusive licensor of the Nokia brand in mobile phones and tablets. Samuel W. L. Chin is Chairman of the Board and a Founder of HMD Global. Samuel was formerly Chairman & CEO of Foxconn International Holdings, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. For further information see http://www.hmd.global.

The HMD Global leadership team, announced today, comprises:

Arto Nummela is the Chief Executive Officer at HMD Global. Previously, he was Vice President at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group in Greater Asia , Middle East and Africa region. Arto joined Nokia in 1994 and had broad range of positions from product creation, portfolio and business management to sales and marketing including all the regions in the world.

is the Chief Executive Officer at HMD Global. Previously, he was Vice President at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group in , and region. Arto joined Nokia in 1994 and had broad range of positions from product creation, portfolio and business management to sales and marketing including all the regions in the world. Florian Seiche is President of HMD Global. Former Co-Founder of HTC's branded smartphone business and Global Director of Orange Devices. Most recently he has been Senior Vice President at Nokia and Microsoft, responsible for the Sales and Marketing of Mobile Device in the Europe Region.

is President of HMD Global. Former Co-Founder of HTC's branded smartphone business and Global Director of Orange Devices. Most recently he has been Senior Vice President at Nokia and Microsoft, responsible for the Sales and Marketing of Mobile Device in the Europe Region. Anssi Ronnemaa is the Chief Finance and Commercial Officer at HMD Global. Previously, he was Finance Director at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Head of Finance at Nokia IMEA.

is the Chief Finance and Commercial Officer at HMD Global. Previously, he was Finance Director at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Head of Finance at Nokia IMEA. Pekka Rantala is the Chief Marketing Officer for HMD Global. Former CEO of Rovio Entertainment, he has over 20 years' experience working in the mobile industry. Previously he was the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Nokia.

is the Chief Marketing Officer for HMD Global. Former CEO of Rovio Entertainment, he has over 20 years' experience working in the mobile industry. Previously he was the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Nokia. Juho Sarvikas is the Chief Product Officer at HMD Global. This role sees Juho go back to his Nokia roots in product creation, looking after HMD products from concept to launch as well as defining product strategy for the company. He moves to HMD from Microsoft, where he was the Global Head of the Feature Phone business.

is the Chief Product Officer at HMD Global. This role sees Juho go back to his Nokia roots in product creation, looking after HMD products from concept to launch as well as defining product strategy for the company. He moves to HMD from Microsoft, where he was the Global Head of the Feature Phone business. Pia Kantola is Chief Operating Officer at HMD Global. With over twenty years' experience in the software, telecom and automation industries Pia was Senior Director of Product Management at Microsoft and Vice President of Customer Logistics at Nokia.

is Chief Operating Officer at HMD Global. With over twenty years' experience in the software, telecom and automation industries Pia was Senior Director of Product Management at Microsoft and Vice President of Customer Logistics at Nokia. Oliver Schulte is Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at HMD Global. He joins the company from Bullitt Group Ltd., where he was the CEO of the Mobile Division. Previously he was the Vice President of Commercial Operations at HTC EMEA.

is Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at HMD Global. He joins the company from Bullitt Group Ltd., where he was the CEO of the Mobile Division. Previously he was the Vice President of Commercial Operations at HTC EMEA. Jari Koljonen is the General Counsel at HMD Global. Previously, he was the Director Legal and Corporate Affairs at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group as well as the Regional Compliance Director, India & MENA at Microsoft Office of Legal Compliance. He was the Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs IMEA at Nokia.

is the General Counsel at HMD Global. Previously, he was the Director Legal and Corporate Affairs at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group as well as the Regional Compliance Director, & MENA at Microsoft Office of Legal Compliance. He was the Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs IMEA at Nokia. Tiina Topal has been appointed Vice President Human Resources at HMD Global. Previously, she was HR Director for North Africa , Eastern Mediterranean and Pakistan at Microsoft and HR Director for IMEA at Nokia.

Regional Leadership

James Rutherfoord will be Vice President Asia Pacific at HMD Global. Previously, he was the General Manager APAC at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Vice President North Africa, Levant and Near East at Nokia.

will be Vice President Asia Pacific at HMD Global. Previously, he was the General Manager APAC at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Vice President North Africa, Levant and Near East at Nokia. Nestor Xu is the Vice President Greater China at HMD Global. Previously, he was the General Manager of Greater China at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Head of Sales at Nokia China.

is the Vice President Greater China at HMD Global. Previously, he was the General Manager of at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Head of Sales at Nokia China. Ajey Mehta is the Vice President India at HMD Global. Previously he was the Country Manager for India at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and prior to that, Head of Sales Operations for India , Middle East and Africa at Nokia.

is the Vice President India at HMD Global. Previously he was the Country Manager for at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and prior to that, Head of Sales Operations for , and at Nokia. Per Ekman is the Vice President Middle East & North Africa at HMD Global. Previously he was Head of Sales Operations Europe at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Head of Finance at Nokia APAC.

is the Vice President Middle East & at HMD Global. Previously he was Head of Sales Operations Europe at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Head of Finance at Nokia APAC. Justin Maier will be Vice President Sub Sahara Africa at HMD Global. Prior to joining, he was Head of Sub Sahara Africa at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Head of Marketing for South and East Africa at Nokia.

will be Vice President Sub Sahara Africa at HMD Global. Prior to joining, he was Head of Sub Sahara Africa at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Head of Marketing for South and at Nokia. Alberto Matrone is the Vice President Eastern Europe at HMD Global. Previously, he was General Manager for Central East Europe at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Vice President at Nokia Central East Europe

is the Vice President Eastern Europe at HMD Global. Previously, he was General Manager for at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group and Vice President at Nokia Central East Europe Jon French is the Vice President West Europe at HMD Global. Previously, he was General Manager at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group in Asia Pacific . Jon started his career in Nokia in 1997 and worked for Samsung and HTC in the UK. He was Vice President at HTC Europe and Middle East and Africa .

is the Vice President West Europe at HMD Global. Previously, he was General Manager at Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales group in . Jon started his career in Nokia in 1997 and worked for Samsung and HTC in the UK. He was Vice President at HTC Europe and and . Maurizio Angelone is the Vice President Americas at HMD Global. Previouslyhe wasatLenovowhere he helped the company toestablish its newly launched smartphone business unit in the Latin Americaregionand at Motorola asCorporate Vice President and General ManagerEMEA. He also led Nokia's LATAM division as Senior Vice President.

For further information, please contact:

HMD Press Office: press@hmdglobal.com

Cohn & Wolfe: +44(0)20-7331-5305


According to the latest market study released by Technavio, the global military simulation and virtual training marketis expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 4% during the forecast period.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170503006333/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global military simulation and virtual training market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

This research report titled 'Global Military Simulation and Virtual Training market 2017-2021' provides an in-depth analysis of the market in terms of revenue and emerging market trends. This report also includes an up to date analysis and forecasts for various market segments and all geographical regions.

According to Moutushi Saha, a lead analyst at Technavio for defense technology research, "The foremost reason behind the growth of the market is the increasing need for making the armed forces combat ready amid rising tensions among different countries. This has led to the procurement of new combat vehicles and weapons to protect nations from possible external threats."

Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

The market research analysis categorizes the global military simulation and virtual training market into three major product segments. They are:

Flight simulators

Maritime simulators

Combat simulators

Global military flight simulators market

A military flight simulator is a device that recreates various aspects of a flight environment synthetically and is used to train a pilot on military aircraft. Flight simulators are categorized into two types:

Full-flight simulators (FFS)

Flight simulation training device (FSTD)

While an FFS is a replica of a specific type of airplane cockpit, an FSTD is a replica of the flight controls and other devices. A flight simulator covers simulation in three areas, including aircraft, environment, and cueing. Technavio expects the global military flight simulators market to post a CAGR of 4.44% during the forecast period.

Global military maritime simulators market

A military maritime simulator is a device that artificially recreates various aspects of warships and the maritime environment. It forms the most integral part of naval training, as it becomes extremely challenging or expensive to pull out a warship from service and use it for naval crew training. At the same time, it is impossible to have trainees transported to the ship to have a training session. Therefore, the use of simulators in maritime stands as the only technique for learning. The most common military maritime simulators are:

Ship's bridge simulators

Engine room simulators

Communication/global maritime distress and safety systems

Remotely operated vehicle simulators

The global military maritime simulators market is estimated to grow from USD 2.3 billion in 2016 to USD 2.8 billion in 2021.

Global military combat simulators market

Technavio expects the global military combat simulators market to grow from USD 2.3 billion in 2016 to USD 2.8 billion in 2021. Military combat simulators consist of simulators and training devices that are used to teach army troops their battlefield operations or functions. These include simulators for ground-based combat vehicles, weapons, and weapon systems.

"The use of combat simulators has helped in exposing soldiers to life-threatening and crises situations in terrains and megacities, developing cognitive thinking, and improving their decision-making capabilities," says Moutushi.

The top vendors highlighted by Technavio's market research analysts in this report are:

CAE

L3 Link Simulation and Training

Lockheed Martin

Rockwell Collins

Saab

Browse Related Reports:

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Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like aerospace componentsaerospace, and defense technology. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently.

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies.

Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170503006333/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
AMSTERDAM, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

AIDSmonument in Amsterdam Counts Down Till the end of AIDS

Elsevier/ RELX Group on behalf of the NAMES Project Netherlands

From December1st 2016, World Aids Day, onwards the Netherlands have their own HIV/AIDSmonument, officially unveiled by the mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan, together with the artist Jean-Michel Othoniel and Louise van Deth, managing director of AIDS Fonds (AIDS Foundation) the Netherlands.

It is located on the south bank of the river IJ on a permanent location between Central Station and the concert hall Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ. The monument "Living by Numbers" was created by the French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.

The striking features of the landmark are the great scarlet beads made of hand-blown glass; the monument has the shape of a giant abacus, which counts down till the end of AIDS.

Development of the monument is an initiative of the NAMES Project Netherlands Foundation, and could be realized thanks to the support of main sponsors: Aids Fonds (Aids Foundation), OLVG hospital of Amsterdam, RELX Group and ViiV Healthcare.

Other contributing sponsors include among others, Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst, The Art of Impact, Zabawas, and the Centrum district of Amsterdam; funding was also raised through a crowdfunding campaign.

S ignificance of th e AIDS monument

The monument is a beacon of hope and support to anyone living with HIV. At the same time it is a tribute to all buddies, supporters, medical employees, activists and scientists. Moreover it is also a memorial, dedicated to all loved ones who have died of AIDS.

The initiators of developing the monument chose Amsterdam because this city has been and is a sanctuary for many people with HIV who were not welcome in their own countries.

"Othoniel demonstrates with his design that an AIDSmonument does not necessarily have to be somber. He combines very delicately a heavy subject with elegance and beauty. The wonderful light at the bank of the river IJ will be freely reflected in the shining beads, made of hand-blown glass. The monument will match its surroundings perfectly. The AIDSmonument will enrich Amsterdam with a significant work of art," the appointed art committee had said upon selecting the design of the monument.

See for more information: http://www.hiv-aidsmonument.nl - and further details provided in appendix below. Twitter hashtags: Aidsmonument WorldAIDSDay

Appendix

What is the significance of the HIV/AIDSmonument?

The aim of this monument is to keep the attention for AIDS and HIV alive and kicking. At this moment there are approximately 22,100 people in the Netherlands with AIDS and HIV. Every week there are still 19 people in this country who are getting the diagnosis that they have HIV. Moreover a quarter of people with HIV don't even know that he or she is carrying the HIV virus. Therefore HIV and AIDS deserve all our attention, and was the AIDSmonument unveiled December 1st 2016 - Worlds Aids Day - in the footsteps of other cities such as New York, San Francisco and Vancouver.

Why this design?

The AIDSmonument was designed in the form of an abacus; an instrument to teach people to count. The abacus is significant, because it symbolizes the countdown to the moment that AIDS will have disappeared from this world for good. The beads in the abacus are made of hand blown glass and therefore all slightly different. They catch the light of the river IJ, reflecting the light in bright colors. It puts a spell on the eyes of anyone passing by. Every year the number of beads will be adjusted and this will be clarified during an event. The beads will, for example, show how many people have been cured of HIV. In that way the AIDSmonument will reflect not only loss, but will also emphasize that there is hope for the future.

The monument is an initiative of the foundation NAMENproject Nederland, an organization that works with volunteers who want to keep the attention for HIV and AIDS alive and kicking. In search of a suitable design the foundation was advised by an independent commission of arts. Moreover there was a web-election among the public. This resulted in a longlist of forty artists. Eventually the foundation chose a work of art by the internationally well-known French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.

Why this site?

The river IJ seems a perfect site for the AIDSmonument due to its history. This river symbolizes trade overseas. Sailors did not only exchange goods; they also exchanged diseases. Such as syphilis in the fifteenth century and plague in the seventeenth century. In that way the river IJ reflects almost tangibly the international dimension of AIDS.

But there is more: only a few decades ago the De Ruyterkade was the place for hookers and junkies, with just around the corner social workers and the bus that was providing methadone. For gay men the eastern side of the quay was a popular car-cruising-area and Cafe West-Indie - no longer existing - at De Ruyterkade 110 was the meeting point of Motor Sportclub Amsterdam, a motorclub for gay people.

Nowadays the 'back of Amsterdam' shows the dynamics of the capital of the Netherlands. The site, where the AIDSmonument is located, is now a beautiful spot at the river IJ, among exceptional architecture and international splendor. Nowadays the south bank of the river IJ offers a 'coming and going' of many people due to the Central Station, the river-ferries, rivercruise-ships and the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), which is the harbor for international cruise-ships. Every year hundreds of thousands residents and visitors will see the AIDSmonument: from the street, from passing busses, trams and trains, from bigger and smaller ships and boats. The AIDSmonument will also be seen by pedestrians and by people driving their cars and riding their bikes. Amongst them there will be many, many tourists.

The AIDSmonument will not only be a place for official ceremonies, but also for intimate memorials by individuals. Therefore Othoniel has designed a bench right underneath the abacus with a beautiful view of the river. Underneath the huge abacus people will be able to daydream and reflect, while they look at the horizon, pondering on the future. In this way the AIDSmonument is to give people the courage to go on.

How is the artist involved?

Jean-Michel Othoniel (Saint-Etienne, 1964) was eighteen, when a mysterious disease got a name: AIDS. Since the eighties AIDS plays an important part in Othoniel's work. The absence of bodies is a significant recurrent theme.

For this Living by Numbers Othoniel was inspired by figures: the number of people with HIV and AIDS. Counting is a recurrent theme in this design: the number of victims, the number of people who live with HIV, the number of CD4-cells. All this led to the idea of the abacus; a calculation tool from the past. The hand blown beads symbolize hope, especially our hope that one day people will be able to stop counting. Colored balls have been the principal material that Jean-Michel Othoniel has been using in his work since the late 1990's. Therefore his work looks like monumental jewels. Othoniel says: "Beauty in art seems kind of taboo in the Western world, whereas beauty, compassion and hope are absolutely necessary in our world."

Wide support in fundraising

The foundation NAMENproject Nederland could only realize the HIV/AIDSmonument thanks to many companies and organisations that supported this monument ever since 2014. The main sponsors are the Aids Fonds (Aids Foundation), the Amsterdam hospital OLVG, RELX Group (formerly Reed Elsevier) and ViiV Healthcare. Founding sponsors are DoubleTree by Hilton and Gilead. Many individuals donated money due to crowdfundation through http://www.voordekunst.nl And there was support by major (art)foundations: the Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst (Amsterdam Foundation for the Arts), Art of Impact and Zabawas. Other sponsors are the hospital Academisch Medisch Centrum (AMC), het Amsterdamsche Fonds, Amsterdam Lowlanders Rugby Club, Michael Bakish & Peter M. Hirsch, Canal Company, COC Nederland, Cordaan, dance4life, Drugspastoraat Amsterdam, Eelco & Frank, Elsevier Women's Network & Elsevier Pride, Les Enfants Terribles, Firma Netjes, Stichting GALA, Gebr. Silvestri, GGD Amsterdam, hello gorgeous, Stichting HIV Monitoring, Hiv Vereniging Nederland, i.m. Kees Rumke, Stichting Homomonument, IHLIA LGBT Heritage, Joep Lange Institute, Lloyd Hotel & Culturele Ambassade, Mr. B, De Nederlandsche Bank, Nederlandse Vereniging van Hemofilie Patienten (NVHP), Nederlandse Vereniging van HIV Behandelaren (NVHB), Nieuwezijds Gay Sauna, Pascal van den Noort, Mark Noyons & Partners, PlanetRomeo Foundation, De Regenboog Groep, RutgersWPF, Sanquin Bloedvoorziening, Thalys, Thermos Sauna, Tijgertje, TrutFonds, VU Medisch Centrum and Zorggroep Amsterdam Oost (Flevohuis | De Open Hof). Other supporters were the Municipality of Amsterdam and the central district of Amsterdam.

International battle against aids

The Netherlands have always been a runner-up in the international battle against AIDS. Scientists and experts from our country have been important in the development of the combination therapy. Due to this therapy of HIV-inhibitors dying of AIDS became living with HIV. This meant a huge breakthrough, but meanwhile the danger remains that HIV has become invisible. People tend to forget that even this year and even in The Netherlands there are still people dying of AIDS.

Amsterdam, December 2016

See for more information: http://www.hiv-aidsmonument.nl

Twitter hashtags: Aidsmonument WorldAIDSDay

Media contact

Jorn Wolters

Foundation NAMES Project Netherlands

NAMES Project Netherlands Foundation

joern@aidsmemorial.nl

info@aidsmemorial.nl


ATLANTA, GA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- It took a trip to the annual Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) in Las Vegas for Georgia State University faculty members to end their search for the ideal electronic health record (EHR). While at the massive industry conference, they met Azalea Health, which is headquartered in Atlanta and serves customers nationwide.

Tamara S. Melton, MS, RDN, LD, Program Director and Clinical Instructor for Health Informatics, and Aaron M. Baird, BS, MBA, Ph.D., an assistant professor in Health Administration, had been rebuffed by numerous vendors who weren't interested in partnering with an academic institution. However, they were greeted warmly by Azalea Health, which expressed interest in supporting the university in its mission to provide hands-on training in healthcare technology.

Fast forward several months and the Azalea Health EHR is now in use by Georgia State health informatics students, with more classes scheduled to begin use of the software prior to the end of the year. It will be used in simulations and classrooms for programs including health informatics, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, nutrition and the graduate nursing informatics program.

"Our students are at a disadvantage if they go out into the marketplace without hands-on experience working with actual software," explains Baird. "Whether they go to work for a provider or vendor, they need to understand how to set up the software for a client, or assist a provider with customizing and configuring the software."

Baird said that he appreciates the fact that Azalea uses true cloud-based technology, eliminating the need to manage hardware and software. "Because Azalea is cloud based, we don't need a whole support team, we just log in and get started. And Azalea's trainers have been very supportive."

Melton echoes the praise for Azalea's support team as well as the realism the EHR software brings to the classroom. "We've been very pleased with the user interface and functionality. We had used an academic EHR in the past, but it didn't mimic a real EHR in a real clinical setting -- it just didn't have the functionality."

Melton continued, "From an academic perspective, Azalea is allowing us to teach students how to do this in the real world, so when they graduate and get their first job, they're not looking at the equipment and thinking, 'oh my gosh, this is so much more complicated than what we did in simulations.' There is so much value in them seeing and using a real EHR system."

"We're delighted to partner with Georgia State and to support the next generation of health professionals," said Justin Pierce, Vice President of Sales at Azalea. "The healthcare industry increasingly relies on technology to support and optimize clinical decisions while also achieving strong financial performance. Our leading-edge solutions will enhance the educational experience and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities they will face in the future."

Melton says the university was also excited to learn that their EHR integrates telehealth capabilities. Azalea Health is the first company to fully integrate telehealth capabilities within its technology-enabled solutions platform. That platform also includes the EHR, practice management, electronic prescribing, interoperability services, personal health records, patient portal, Azalea M mobile platform integrated with Apple HealthKit and Revenue Cycle Performance services.

About Azalea Health

Azalea Health is a leading provider of fully integrated, technology-enabled healthcare solutions and professional services for practices of all sizes and most specialties. Azalea's comprehensive portfolio includes integrated electronic health records, practice management, electronic prescribing, interoperability services, personal health records, patient portal, telehealth, Azalea M mobile platform integrated with Apple HealthKit, as well as Revenue Cycle Performance services. The Azalea platform also provides tools and resources to help customers meet their Meaningful Use and ICD-10 requirements, as well as strategies to navigate accountable care and alternative payment models. To learn more, please visit www.AzaleaHealth.com, call (877) 777-7686 or connect via social media on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Terry Siroky

TSiroky@AzaleaHealth.com

404-978-2723














Part of Oracle's Greater $3.3 Billion Annual Investment to Accelerate Digital Literacy Worldwide

REDWOOD SHORES, California, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the European Commission and DIGITALEUROPE launched the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition, a multi-stakeholder partnership to bolster computer science (CS) and coding proficiency at all levels within Europe's workforce pipeline. In conjunction, Oracle announced a three-year investment totaling $1.4 billion in direct and in-kind support of CS education throughout the European Union (EU) member states.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444566

Nearly 1,000 EU educational institutions currently collaborate with Oracle Academy, Oracle's flagship program in education philanthropy that brings computer science education to nearly 3.1 million students in 110 countries. As part of today's pledge, Oracle Academy aims to train 1,000 additional EU educators in CS, Java and Database instruction, as well as reach students across an added 1,000 EU educational institutions over the next three years.

"Digitally skilled professionals are critical to Europe's competitiveness and capacity for innovation," said John Higgins, Director General, DIGITALEUROPE. "Over the last ten years, we've seen the demand for workers with computer science and coding skills grow by four percent each year. Oracle's efforts to bring computer science into classrooms across the European Union will help strengthen our digital economy."

"At Oracle, we are thrilled to inspire and engage students from all different parts of the world in computer science," said Alison Derbenwick Miller, Oracle Academy Vice President. "Earlier this year, Oracle made significant commitments to the White House's CS for All and Let Girls Learn initiatives. Today's announcement continues our momentum to advance digital education and increase diversity in technology fields globally."

Additionally, Oracle Academy will drive several programs during the next three years, including:

Invite National Coalitions in the EU member states to partner with Oracle Academy in delivering computer science education to teachers and students

Provide new higher education curriculum in emerging technologies

Level Oracle Academy's entire curriculum to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

Today's commitment is an extension of Oracle's pledge in 2013, which trained and empowered 1,246 EU educators to teach computer science, as well as added 203 EU educational institutions to Oracle Academy.

Supporting Resources

Join Oracle Academy

Learn more about the EU Digital Skills and Job Coalition

Follow @Oracle, @OracleAcademy, @ORCLCitizenship

About Oracle Academy

As Oracle's flagship philanthropic educational program, Oracle Academy advances computer science education globally to drive knowledge, innovation, skills development, and diversity in technology fields, offering a free and complete portfolio of software, curriculum, hosted technology, faculty trainings, support, and certification resources. Supporting more than 3.1 million students annually in 110 countries, the program works with public and private partners to provide the tools educators need to engage, inspire and prepare students to become innovators and leaders of the future. Through Oracle Academy, students receive hands-on experience with the latest technologies, helping to make them college and career ready in the era of big data, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and beyond.

About Oracle

Oracle offers a comprehensive and fully integrated stack of cloud applications and platform services. For more information about Oracle (NYSE:ORCL), visit www.oracle.com.

Trademarks

Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.






TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Note to Editors: There are two videos associated with this press release.

Following the introduction of the first BMO Millennial Leaders Advisory Council, BMO Financial Group and Catalyst Canada - the leading non-profit organization advancing women and inclusive workplaces - have convened the first meeting of the Council's newest members.

The new members, 27 female student leaders from universities across Canada, have started ongoing consultations with BMO and Catalyst to provide insights over the coming year relating to the workplace of the future and learn about inclusion. Students participating on the Council, who range in age from 20 to 27, act as ambassadors on campus and bring forward the dialogue on leadership locally.

"Our purpose in establishing the Council is simple: to inspire millennials to be agents of change," said Bill Downe, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "The path to ensuring that the quality of opportunities in the workplace is the same for everyone has been leading Canadian organizations steadily in the right direction, but it's never fast enough."

The new members of the Council will continue the progressive work of the first cohort from last year on developing strategies to advance women, building inclusive workplaces and helping to grow Canada's talent advantage for the future. Despite the advancement and even dominance of women in many university undergraduate and graduate programs, Catalyst research shows that Canada's 'best and brightest' women continue to face gaps in opportunities when compared to their male counterparts.

"For us at BMO, it's important that we have these types of discussions and encounters with individuals coming into the workforce," said Sonya Kunkel, Chief Inclusion Officer and Vice President, People Strategies and Insights, BMO Financial Group. "It gives us a lot of insight into how we should be tailoring our people strategies."

The first Council cohort, which did its work over the past year, reported that the experience led them to gain further knowledge on the benefits of diversity and inclusion. These first Council members committed to raising these issues in everyday business environments, and said their learnings would help them in applying and evaluating corporate cultures in their careers.

"These impressive millennial women, who will soon enter the workforce, represent Canada's leaders of tomorrow," said Tanya Van Biesen, Executive Director, Catalyst Canada Inc. "They are motivated to support our mission of advancing women and inclusive workplaces, and we're so grateful to have their counsel, insights and support."

"Society needs to change its perspective on what we think defines a successful leader," said Dana Doswell, a Bachelor of Commerce student at Saint Mary's University in Halifax. "I'm inspired by our conversations about inclusion, collaboration and loyalty, and I'm ready to go back to my school with the ideas we've discussed."

"If we have a team that both promotes an inclusive environment and is diverse, we are going to be at our most productive and innovative," said Samantha Stuart, a Materials Science and Engineering student at the University of Toronto.

Members of the BMO Millennial Leaders Advisory Council 2016/2017

Business students:

-- Cassandra Bourque, Ryerson University -- Andrea Cheng, University of Calgary -- Juliana Chesterfield, University of Western Ontario -- Dana Doswell, Saint Mary's University -- Amy Groshot, Carleton University -- Arunima Gupta, University of British Columbia -- Neha Karnad, McGill University -- Claudia Jiang, University of Toronto -- Emilie Leduc, Concordia University -- Nitzan Leibovitch, McGill University -- Allison Lennox, University of Calgary -- Aliyah Mohamed, McMaster University -- Aliya Rota, University of Alberta -- Danielle Skuy, Dalhousie University -- Rabia Sohaib, University of Toronto -- Breanne Timlick, University of Manitoba -- Sara Tyler, Queen's University -- Jia Hui Yan, York University

Engineering students:

-- Zaineb Al-Faesly, University of Ottawa -- Rachel Chan, University of Calgary -- Serena Chao, University of British Columbia -- Jessica Dakkak, McGill University -- Salma Ibrahim, York University -- Taylor Sawadsky, Queen's University -- Anna Sollazzo, University of Victoria -- Samantha Stuart, University of Toronto -- Clare Xu, McMaster University

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $692 billion as of July 31, 2016, and over 45,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

About Catalyst

Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit organization accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion. With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, and Japan, and more than 800 supporting organizations, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work.

To view the videos associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

https://youtu.be/12HggXPQYOg

https://youtu.be/nBh0ygBEGbU

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Matt Duffin, Toronto

matthew.duffin@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996

Valerie Doucet, Montreal

valerie.doucet@bmo.com, (514) 877-8224



Internet: www.bmo.com

Twitter: @BMOmedia




Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CAMBRIDGE, England, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

- New and existing investors participated in the round

- Early stage biotechnology company targeting ophthalmology and other areas of unmet medical need

Exonate, an early stage biotechnology company, today announced they have successfully closed their latest funding round. This is Exonate's third Angel round and is bolstered by further investment from the Angel Co Fund. The funding round also welcomed new investment from Australian venture fund Uniseed; University of Bristol Enterprise Fund, managed by Parkwalk; Martlet of Cambridge; Wren Capital as well as further Angel Investors and O2h Ventures. This brings the total amount raised at this round by Exonate to just under 1,500,000.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444099 )



The investment will be used to accelerate the development of Exonate's first therapeutic area of interest

- an eye drop for the treatment of wet Age-related Macular Degeneration as a much needed alternative to the current treatment by eye injections.

Exonate was delighted with the level of interest in this round. The company's strategy is to maintain its focus on topical delivery of ophthalmology products for diseases of the back of the eye and to expand its science base to address other disease areas including cancer. Exonate believes that its approach to wet AMD can provide significant improvements for patients in both efficacy of drug and a reduction in unpleasant injections into the eye. By leveraging the truly global span of this investment Exonate will become a successful company making scientific progress on three continents.

Exonate has an experienced international management team, with a wealth of clinical and start-up experience.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr Catherine Beech, CEO of Exonate, said: "I am very pleased at the successful close of this funding round. Exonate's early data is very promising and we have a clear aspiration to successfully deliver medicines in areas of unmet need. The funding will enable us to progress our currents programmes to develop drugs that can be easily administered as eye drops, improve adherence and benefit patients."

Peter Cowley at Martlet, the corporate angel fund of the 2bn Marshall of Cambridge aerospace and automotive engineering company added: "Martlet is pleased to add Exonate to our 35+ early stage

investments. The experienced management team and board, together with a Cambridge base, fits ideally within our investment criteria."

Dr Peter Devine, CEO of Uniseed commented: "Uniseed is pleased to be investing in Exonate which was formed on the basis of a medicinal chemistry programme at the University of New South Wales and cutting edge translational research from the Universities of Bristol and Nottingham. Exonate's novel small molecule approach to treating age related macular degeneration has the potential to have a significant clinical impact on patients who suffer from this disease, and increasing incidence with an aging population."

Alun Williams, Investment Director at Parkwalk Advisors added: "We are delighted to support this innovative Bristol University spin-out. Their science is exciting with a number of attractive applications potentially leading to big improvements in efficiency and patient experience. We see it as an excellent investment opportunity for the Fund."

Sunil Shah, Chairman of Exonate further added: "We would like to thank our new and existing investors including our highly supportive Business Angels for their investment. Without their involvement Exonate's scientific innovations would not be able to benefit patientswithwet AMD or in the future potential patients with Cancer, Fibrosis and diseases of the Kidney."

About Exonate:

Exonate is a privately held, early stage, biotech, company spun out of the University of Nottingham that is focused on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). The Company has grown significantly in the last year as it welcomes investment and input from an increasing Global market. Exonate undertakes medicinal chemistry in laboratories in the University of New South Wales and in January 2017 will welcome John Kurek from Uniseed to its Board of Directors. Exonate continues to be funded from the University of Nottingham and also has links with the University of Bristol. Exonate continues to have strong links with Cambridge Angels and have offices based in Cambridge, laboratories in Nottingham and collaborations with laboratories in India.

It aspires to successfully deliver medicines in areas of unmet need, such as ophthalmology, pain, nephropathy and cancer, by targeting diseases through regulation of VEGF isoforms/variants that are both protective and disease promoting. Exonate's lead program is focused on wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration, known as wet AMD, which is the leading cause of vision loss in people aged 60 and older. The Company is founded on scientific excellence with strong links to Prof. David Bates and his lab at Nottingham University specialising in the biology and biochemical pathways of VEGF splice variants.

Exonate is led by an experienced, international management team that has worked together previously, successfully raising capital for start-ups and early stage companies over many years. Management has cross-disciplinary experience in medicine, finance, drug development and the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. CEO Catherine Beech, OBE, has over 25 years biotech/pharma experience including 12 years in big pharma leading development programs in cardiovascular, Parkinson's disease and HIV. Exonate is her 4th role as CEO of an emerging biotech company and she also has extensive experience as a non-executive board director.

About wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (wet AMD):

Today, wet AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people aged 60 years or older and affects more than 30 million patients worldwide, over 200,000 of those in the UK alone. If untreated patients are likely to lose sight in the affected eye within 24 months of disease onset.

The main currently available treatment options for wet AMD are:

anti-VEGF antibody drugs - to prevent the growth of new blood vessels in the eye. Unlike small molecule drugs or eye drops these treatments must be injected into the eye once every 1 or 2 months. Resistance can develop to these drugs causing the disease to progress anew.

laser surgery - to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye. This type of surgery is only suitable if blood vessel damage is not too extensive and if the abnormal blood vessels aren't close to the fovea, as performing surgery close to this part of the eye can cause permanent vision loss.

Please contact Louise Shave at Exonate for further information

01223 437042

louise.shave@exonate.com


Unified modelling environment for high-value process design and operational applications

Process Systems Enterprise (PSE), the Advanced Process Modelling company, today released a significant update to gPROMS ProcessBuilder, its leading advanced process modelling platform for optimising design and operation of process plants.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170628006173/en/

gPROMS ProcessBuilder provides a unified modelling environment across the plant, with powerful analysis and optimisation features for dealing with risk and uncertainty (Graphic: Business Wire)

gPROMS ProcessBuilder is a unified equation-oriented process modelling environment for applications across the plant, from complex catalytic reaction and separation to wastewater treatment and utilities. The new version 1.2 updates ProcessBuilder's steady-state and dynamic process modelling capabilities, and adds a new high-fidelity rate-based separation model library as well as new libraries for wastewater treatment plant design and design and operational analysis of site utilities systems. A new Olefins library enables detailed modelling and optimisation of ethylene plant cracking furnaces.

ProcessBuilder 1.2 also beings a step change in the ability to include detailed reactor models within process flowsheets for simultaneous design and economic optimisation of reactor and separation sections. PSE's industry-leading Fixed-Bed Catalytic Reactor library has been significantly upgraded, and a new Trickle-Bed Reactor library now allows design of wetted-surface catalytic reactions such as benzene hydrogenation, hydrotreating and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

Built on PSE's state-of-the art gPROMS 5.0 modelling platform, ProcessBuilder 1.2 also includes powerful new features such as global system analysis (GSA) and high-performance computing (HPC). GSA enables easy, systematic exploration of the complex process decision space using high-fidelity models, making it possible to rapidly assess risks under uncertainty and screen and rank process design and operation alternatives.

HPC brings new power for computationally-intensive calculations, allowing users fully to exploit multi-processor/multi-core machines in order to accelerate large-scale optimisation and GSA applications. A new dynamic solver accelerates execution of dynamic simulation, optimisation and parameter estimation activities by factors of up to 5.

Costas Pantelides, PSE CEO, says "Our mission is to put powerful tools in the hands of sophisticated users who want to move beyond the heat-and-material balance capabilities of traditional process simulators. A major thrust of current developments is the support of high-value applications capable of significantly improving process economics. Next generation large-scale optimisation and analysis techniques mean that it is now possible to revisit many processes that were considered already optimised, and generate substantial new value."

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170628006173/en/

Contacts:

Process Systems Enterprise

Kate Burness +44-20-8563-0888

k.burness@psenterprise.com

Editors: www.psenterprise.com/news/pr170628
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/22/17 -- The San Francisco-based Holberton School, an alternative to college for training students to become highly skilled full-stack software engineers, announced today its founders, CEO Julien Barbier and Sylvain Kalache earned an EdTech Leadership Award in the category "School Leader" as part of the 2017 EdTech Awards from EdTech Digest.

Opened little over a year ago, the San Francisco-based Holberton school offers an alternative to college, online courses and coding bootcamps. It trains world-class full-stack software engineers in two years by using a system proven in Europe to scale to graduate thousands of elite engineers a year. The curriculum is based on the progressive education concept, a methodology that combines project-based and peer learning. At Holberton, there are no formal teachers and no lectures. Students learn theory and tools by building, which guarantees that they are fully prepared to take on the most demanding jobs and maybe even hunt for asteroids.

"From old school to new school, 21st-century education is in the midst of a paradigm shift. Chalkboards have given way to smartboards, desktop clutter to digital clean, disparate data to dashboard clarity, and isolated teachers to connected educators," said Victor Rivero, who as Editor-in-Chief of EdTech Digest, oversees the program. "Yet while evidence of the power of technology's transformative effect on matters of learning is all around us, the power to energize education still lies within us. Holberton is on the leading edge of providing a better learning environment for a new generation of learners, they are changing school culture with purpose-driven project-based collaborative learning and getting great results. We need more of this kind of energy and mission-driven leadership in education."

Holberton, which accepts fewer than 2.5% of applicants (making it more than twice as competitive for admissions as Harvard), attracts students often under-represented in the technology industry. Today Holberton boasts a 50% class of women and nearly 50% students of color. And Holberton offers students a debt-free education, they pay a percentage of their salary after they graduate and only after and as they are employed.

"EdTech Digest is a significant resource in the educational community so Sylvain and I are very excited to be recognized with such a prestigious award. It certainly makes all the hard work and sacrifice easier," said Barbier. "Our mission is to open this high quality education to as many people, from as many walks of life, as possible."

With less than half of their initial two-year program completed, the first class of Holberton students have already secured internships and jobs at top Silicon Valley companies, including Apple, Docker, LinkedIn, Dropbox and NASA.

Holberton students gained experience participating in a number of prestigious projects and events, from hosting the first ever international secure academic certificates within the bitcoin blockchain. The students have also published many articles in a wide variety of publications, and one student received a coveted internship at the SETI Institute.

Join Holberton

Holberton is open to anyone -- ages of 18 to 128, whether an experienced programmer or not. The selection process is based only on talent and motivation. Holberton enables students from every community and background to have the opportunity to become a software engineer. That is also why there is no upfront cost to join the school, that charges a percentage of students' salary once -- and only if -- they find a job.

Applications are now open for the May and September batches: Apply now.

About EdTech Digest

The mission of EdTech Digest is to tell the story of 21st-century education transformation. By sharing cool tools, fascinating interviews, relevant trends and voices from the field, we hope to inspire learners and leaders everywhere, to get workable technology solutions for education widely known about and well thought of, to reshape the education culture and to create a new and better future for students.

About Holberton School

Using project-based learning and peer learning, our mission is to train the best software engineers of their generation.

At Holberton, there are no formal teachers and no formal courses. Instead, everything is project centered. We give our students increasingly difficult programming challenges to solve, and give them minimal initial directions on how to solve them. As a consequence, students naturally look for the theory and tools they need, understand them, use them, work together, and help each other. We are focusing on teaching how to learn instead of teaching a specific tool or programming language.

Editorial Contact:

Joe Eckert for Holberton

Email Contact

+1 203-300-2649




COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT NO 66/2016 - 1 DECEMBER 2016Henrik Brandt, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Unibrew A/S since 2008, has decided to step down as CEO and focus on non-executive directorships and advisory roles in future.Jesper B. Jrgensen (50) will be appointed new CEO of Royal Unibrew no later than 1 June 2017.Jesper B. Jrgensen has many years of commercial and international experience from Arthur Andersen, Carlsberg and latest from the German-based company, Knauf, as Senior Vice President, Northern Europe. During his employment with Carlsberg, Jesper B. Jrgensen had various responsibilities in Denmark, Switzerland, Germany and Turkey - the last five years as Managing Director of Carlsberg Denmark."On behalf of the Board of Directors I wish to thank Henrik Brandt for an outstanding contribution as CEO of Royal Unibrew. Henrik Brandt has headed an incredible turnaround of the company that was in serious financial disarray eight years ago. Today Royal Unibrew is a strong regional beverage company, financially as well as commercially. Through divestitures and acquisitions among others, Henrik Brandt has ensured significant growth in revenue, profit and market value", says Kare Schultz, Chairman of the Board, and adding: "With the appointment of Jesper B. Jrgensen, the Board and I are certain that Royal Unibrew will continue the positive development as a strong regional beverage company with strengthened market positions and earnings"."The past eight years with Royal Unibrew have been both exciting and challenging. Royal Unibrew's market position has been strengthened significantly not the least because of the talented, committed and consumer and customer centric colleagues all over the organization which I have been proud to be part of", says Henrik Brandt."I am impressed by the great results delivered by Royal Unibrew and they reflect the values and the culture that the employees represent. Therefore, I am of course honored to take over the responsibility, and I look forward to continuing the journey in cooperation with my new colleagues in Royal Unibrew, says Jesper B. Jrgensen.Please address any questions to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kare Schultz by phone +45 22 20 80 17.Kare Schultz Chairman of the Board of Directors, Royal Unibrew A/SRoyal Unibrew is a leading regional beverage provider in a number of markets - primarily in Northern Europe, Italy and in the international malt beverage markets. We produce, market, sell and distribute quality beverages with focus on branded products within beer, malt beverages and soft drinks as well as cider and long drinks.www.royalunibrew.comAttachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=606909
RICHMOND, VA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- To better serve their patients interested in breast reduction surgery, Dr. Neil J. Zemmel and Dr. Steven J. Montante have recently launched a specialty website dedicated to the topic. The board-certified plastic surgeons perform a wide range of procedures at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, with breast surgery being one of the more popular. In addition to options like breast augmentation and reconstruction, the Richmond plastic surgeons frequently perform reduction surgery. Due to the popularity of this procedure, Drs. Zemmel and Montante are pleased to offer a new comprehensive resource for those wishing to learn more.

On the practice's new specialty website, visitors can find a wealth of information about breast reduction, all within a responsive website design. This advanced feature allows Internet users to see the extent of the content and visuals within a conveniently formatted layout. Depending on whether the visitor is on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, the dimensions of the website will automatically resize to fit the dimensions of the device in use.

In addition to its responsive nature, the breast reduction website is filled with original content detailing every step of the breast reduction process -- from consultation through recovery. Every page was outfitted with the latest medical SEO strategies, allowing those searching for relevant information to more easily find the educational resource.

For the creation of their new website, Drs. Zemmel and Montante collaborated with Rosemont Media, a digital marketing agency that specializes in medical website design. The agency and practice worked closely together to design not only an aesthetic and easy-to-use website, but also a resource to connect with women, communicating the life-changing potential of reducing overly large breasts. The plastic surgeons believe with the launch of their new specialty website, current and prospective patients will be better informed about the procedure by having more information readily available.

About Richmond Aesthetic Surgery

At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Neil Zemmel and Dr. Steven Montante offer an array of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures, as well as a number of non-surgical options at their med spa Dermounge. The board-certified plastic surgeons are both Diplomates of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and they are committed to utilizing the latest advancements in the field to provide patients with safe and effective solutions. They are available for interview upon request.

For more information about Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, visit richmondplasticsurgery.com and breastreductionvirginia.com.

To view the original source of this press release, click here:

https://www.rosemontmedia.com/surgeons-blog/richmond-plastic-surgeons-launch-specialty-breast-reduction-website/

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3086407



Richmond Aesthetic Surgery

11934 W Broad Street

Suite 200

Richmond, VA 23233

(804) 424-2000



611 Watkins Centre Parkway

Suite 350

Midlothian, VA 23114

(804) 423-2100



Rosemont Media

(858) 200-0044

www.rosemontmedia.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Alexandria Minerals Corporation (TSX VENTURE: AZX)(FRANKFURT: A9D)(OTC PINK: ALXDF) ("AZX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding Option and Joint Venture Agreement with Probe Metals Inc. ("Probe") for mineral claims comprising the eastern portion of its 35 kilometer-long Cadillac Break Property Package in Val d'Or, Quebec.

Pursuant to the Agreement, Probe can earn up to 70% interest of the eastern 1/3 of Alexandria's Cadillac Break Property Group (the "Property") by expending up to $7.0 million on exploration, and completing a pre-feasibility study, over a period of 6 years. This transaction will allow Alexandria to maintain its exploration focus on the western part of its property package.

The Agreement calls for Probe to exercise two options in order to earn its 70% interest:

First Option:

-- Probe will issue 300,000 common shares to Alexandria upon signing the agreements and approval by the TSX; -- Probe may earn a 60% interest in the Property by spending an aggregate of $5,000,000 on exploration expenditures over 4 years; -- Upon completion of the First Option, a joint venture will be formed with Probe holding a 60% interest and Alexandria holding a 40% interest.

Second Option:

-- Probe may earn an additional 10% (for a total of 70%) interest in the Property by issuing 200,000 common shares to Alexandria and, within the following 2 years, by completing a pre-feasibility study on a mineral resource totaling a minimum of 1 million ounces of gold and incurring an additional $2,000,000 in exploration expenditures; -- Upon completion of the Second Option, Probe will acquire the aforesaid additional 10% interest in the Property and each party thereafter will be required to contribute to any further programs pro rata according to its joint venture interest.

Eric Owens, President and CEO of Alexandria Minerals, stated, "This deal will unlock considerable value for Alexandria's shareholders on the early-stage exploration claims. This collaboration most importantly allows us to focus on our extensive drilling program on the western part of our property package where to date we have discovered 1.8 million ounces of gold. We are looking forward to working with the Probe group, as they, like us, will conduct exploration activities according to the highest standards. Moreover, they are a strong, successful exploration partner, having discovered the large Borden gold deposit in Ontario."

Probe will be the operator throughout the Option and Joint Venture.

To view a map of Alexandria Minerals' Cadillac Break Property and the Probe Earn-In, please click on the following link: http://bit.ly/2gME6NA

Alexandria is continuing its exploration program with focus on the Orenada and Triangle Too targets. While it is waiting for assay results from its recently completed 4,000 meter drill program at Orenada Zone 4 and Zone 2, planning and permitting is underway for a minimum 6,000 meter wintertime drill program. To-date the company has announced assay results from the first two holes of a 9 hole program at Orenada (see Press Release, November 10, 2016), and anticipates releasing further results in the coming weeks.

Further information about the Company is available on the Company's website, www.azx.ca, or our social media sites listed below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandriaMinerals

Twitter: https://twitter.com/azxmineralscorp

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/AlexandriaMinerals

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/alexandriaminerals/

About Alexandria Minerals Corporation

Alexandria Minerals Corporation is a Toronto-based junior gold exploration and development company with strategic properties located in the world-class mining districts of Val d'Or, Quebec, Red Lake, Ontario and Snow Lake-Flin Flon, Manitoba. Alexandria's focus is on its flagship property, the large Cadillac Break Property package in Val d'Or, which hosts important, near-surface, gold resources along the prolific, gold-producing Cadillac Break, all of which have significant growth potential.

WARNING: This News Release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of up-coming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Alexandria Minerals Corporation relies upon litigation protection for forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Alexandria Minerals Corporation

Mary Vorvis

Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

(416) 305-4999



Alexandria Minerals Corporation

Eric Owens

President/CEO

416-363-9372

info@azx.ca

www.azx.ca




Figure 1: Strengthened areas of the Global Managed Security Service

Figure 2: New functions utilizing high-speed forensic technology



Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-3215-5259 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

TOKYO, May 12, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu announces its high-speed forensic technology(1) to identify the extent of damage targeted cyberattacks cause to an organization's intranet. The new technology, developed by Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. and to be made available in Japan from June 2017, will accelerate time required to identify damage, from several weeks with conventional technology to several tens of minutes.Fujitsu will offer the new technology as a function added to its Fujitsu Security Solution Global Managed Security Service, which provides integrated lifecycle support to strengthen security resilience, mitigate risks and minimize damage of cyberattacks.Fujitsu has also signed an agreement with US-based Dtex Systems to launch solutions in Japan that combine Fujitsu's services with Dtex Systems' advanced user behavior intelligence technology that looks at the ordinary behavior of users at endpoints(2) such as PCs, and then detects and analyzes behavior that suggests internal wrongdoing. The solutions will detect and analyze risks of internal impropriety that could lead to information leaks. These solutions will be made available and represent Dtex Systems' first collaboration in Japan.Going forward, Fujitsu will continue to contribute to the creation of a networked society in which everyone can feel safe and at ease, and will support the business continuity of customers by further strengthening its Global Managed Security Service using cutting-edge security technology.BackgroundThe Cybersecurity Management Guidelines(3), published by Japan's Ministry for Economy, Trade and Industry and the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA), call for companies to take such steps as preparing an emergency response system if one is the victim of a cyberattack, and preparing a system for rapid disclosure after damage has been discovered. When subjected to a targeted cyberattack, it is important to prevent the damage from spreading by taking rapid initial countermeasures such as identifying where the attack has penetrated and removing attacked devices from the network, but identifying the extent of an attack on an intranet requires advanced technology and several weeks, making it difficult to rapidly determine attack status and disclose it.In addition, intentional internal wrongdoing by someone related to an organization is one of the main causes of information leaks, alongside targeted cyberattacks, and companies also face issues in discovering this type of activity.In order to resolve these issues, Fujitsu is offering functionality that can rapidly identify the extent of damage from a targeted cyberattack, and is expanding its Global Managed Security Service to detect the risk of internal impropriety through its collaboration with Dtex Systems. This will work to strengthen security on the boundaries between the internet and an intranet, and also within intranets and endpoints.http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuIntranetFig1.jpgFigure 1: Strengthened areas of the Global Managed Security ServiceNew Functionality to Rapidly Identify the Extent of DamageA proprietary high-speed forensic technology developed by Fujitsu Laboratories enables the rapid determination of the extent of damage from an attack by detecting and analyzing only behaviors unique to targeted attacks from internet communications data. With this new functionality, the Global Managed Security Service monitors a customer's intranet 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from the Security Operation Center(4). When an external intrusion from a targeted attack is detected, Fujitsu's security experts determine the extent of the damage in several tens of minutes, using the high-speed forensic technology developed by Fujitsu Laboratories, enabling rapid reporting to the customer.With this functionality, customers can rapidly grasp the infection pathway used by the malware sent by the attacker, and which devices are infected. This means they can not only prevent the spread of the infection by removing only infected devices from the network, enabling early restoration of the attacked network environment, but they can also take immediate countermeasures aimed at business continuity, minimizing the damage.http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuIntranetFig2.jpgFigure 2: New functions utilizing high-speed forensic technologyAbout the Collaboration with Dtex SystemsDtex Systems provides technology that collects metadata(5) of users' ordinary behavior in business, such as usage status and communications with outside parties, from endpoints such as PCs, and uses machine learning to understand the pattern of action in ordinary times. With this technology, it is possible to detect and notify supervisors of actions deviating from ordinary activity patterns.Fujitsu is now set to collaborate with Dtex Systems in its first deal in Japan to offer solutions. Fujitsu's security experts will analyze the risks of internal impropriety leading to intentional information leaks and other potential harm, supporting rapid countermeasures by customers.Comment from Christy Wyatt, CEO of Dtex Systems"Insider incidents represent a majority of data breaches globally, which makes understanding user behavior critical to preventing data loss. We are thrilled to partner with Fujitsu, a trusted industry leader, to offer comprehensive and scalable security solutions that provide deep, contextual understanding of user behavior in Japan."Sales TargetsSales of security-related products and services of 300 billion yen per year in fiscal 2019.(1) Forensic technologyTechnology that collects and analyzes logs kept on electronic devices such as PCs, providing clear evidence of unauthorized access and information leaks.(2) EndpointA computer or information device connected to a wireless network or network device.(3) Cybersecurity Management GuidelinesA document incorporating three principles managers should recognize, and ten instructions they should give their Chief Information Security Officers (CISO), in order for companies to promote cybersecurity countermeasures under the leadership of management. This was first formulated in December of 2015, and revised in December 2016.(4) Security Operation CenterAn organization that monitors and analyzes logs, such as from security products, network devices, and servers, and detects and notifies customers of cyberattacks.(5) MetadataData (information) that provides information about other data.About Fujitsu LtdFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 159,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702; ADR:FJTSY) reported consolidated revenues of 4.7 trillion yen (US$41 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.* Please see this press release, with images, at:http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/Source: Fujitsu LtdContact:Copyright 2017 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
FRANKFURT, Germany andMUNICH, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP is pleased to announce that Michael Bernhardt, a leading German private equity lawyer, is joining the firm's Frankfurt office as a partner in the Corporate Department. Recognized as a top lawyer for private equity by JUVE and Best Lawyers, Michael Bernhardt has over 15 years of experience. His practice is focused on corporate M&A and Private Equity, representing national and international corporations and sponsors on investments and cross-border transactions and he advises regularly on private equity transactions including public takeovers as well as Public-to-Privates, LBOs and MBOs.

"We are delighted that Michael Bernhardt will join the firm," said Scott A. Edelman, Chairman of Milbank. "His addition to the team is another strategic step in expanding our Private Equity and M&A capabilities in Germany and Europe. As we expect private equity to continue to be a particularly active area of M&A in the years ahead, he will play an important role in continuing to position the firm at the forefront of legal advisors to private equity houses with investment interests in Germany and all over Europe."

Milbank's Global Head of Corporate Norbert Rieger, added: "Michael Bernhardt's mix of experience fits perfectly with our transactional practice and will help us continue the growth of our private equity offering in Germany."

"I was drawn to Milbank because of the firm's strong focus on international transactions and outstanding reputation of its partners. I'm excited to be part of the well-versed transaction team with excellent integration of finance, tax and competition," said Michael Bernhardt.

Milbank's German offices are located in the key economic centers of Frankfurt and Munich, with integrated teams focusing on corporate, M&A, private equity, finance, capital markets, tax and antitrust matters.

Michael Bernhardt joins the firm from Allen & Overy and received his degrees at the University of Regensburg.

About Milbank

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP is a leading international law firm that provides innovative legal services to clients around the world. Founded in New York 150 years ago, Milbank has offices in Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Munich, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, DC. Milbank's lawyers collaborate across practices and offices to help the world's leading commercial, financial and industrial enterprises, as well as institutions, individuals and governments, achieve their strategic objectives. For more information please visit www.milbank.com.

From: Jocelyn De Carvalho, Public Relations Manager; 212-530-5509; jdecarvalho@milbank.com
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Pioneering Technology Corporation (TSX VENTURE: PTE)(OTC PINK: PTEFF), ("Pioneering" or the "Company"), a technology company and North America's leader in cooking fire prevention technologies and products announced today that Pennrose Properties LLC ("Pennrose") of Philadelphia has specified the installation of SmartBurner for all of its new building and redevelopment projects.

The Pennrose development and management project portfolio includes close to 16,000 multi-family housing apartment units in 12 states and the District of Columbia and in over 80 municipalities.

Pennrose is a premier real estate development and property management company with an outstanding reputation for excellence both in the quality of residential units produced and the manner in which they are maintained. As an innovator in building design and operational management efficiency, Pennrose has delivered lasting value for its customers and for the multifamily housing market for more than 40 years.

Kevin Callahan CEO of Pioneering Technology said of the announcement. "Theirs is a team of exceptional professionals transforming communities by creating high quality real estate developments and delivering outstanding value to their tenants, clients and partners. We are proud to have Pennrose now specify our products in their new construction and redevelopment projects".

Prior to making this decision, Pennrose confirmed proof of performance having previously completed Safe-T-element and SmartBurner installations in apartment buildings in Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey. It is the success of these pilot projects that triggered Pennrose's decision to specify SmartBurner for all future new building and redevelopment projects. The latest development project is underway now for the Cuyahoga Housing Authority in Cleveland Ohio.

About Pioneering Technology Corp: Pioneering, based in Mississauga, Ontario is an "energy smart" technology company and North America's leader in innovative cooking fire prevention technologies. Pioneering engineers and brings to market energy-smart solutions for everyday consumer appliances making them safer, smarter, and more efficient. The company's patented technologies/products address a multi-billion-dollar problem - cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, stovetop cooking is the number one cause of household fire and fire injuries in North America (48% of all household fires - up from 20% in 1980). Pioneering's temperature limiting control (TLC) technology is now installed in over 150,000 multi-residential housing units across North America without a single cooking fire being reported and delivering a return on investment for its customers. Pioneering has proprietary cooking fire prevention solutions, including its trademarked Safe-T-element, SmartBurner, Range Minder & Safe-T-sensor, for the majority of the more than 140 million stoves/ranges and over 140 million microwave ovens throughout North America. For more info, go to www.pioneeringtech.com.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of the Company with respect to its performance, business and future events. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results and events may vary significantly.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release

Contacts:

Pioneering Technology Corp.

Kevin Callahan, President & CEO

905-712-2061 ext.222

kcallahan@pioneeringtech.com



Investor relations contact

Contact Financial Corp.

Rob Gamley

604-689-7422

rob@contactfinancial.com




MIDLAND, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- For Midland plastic surgeon Kevin Cook, MD, breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures he performs. According to Dr. Cook, adult women of all ages come to his practice seeking to enhance the appearance of their bustline. Whether they desire fuller breasts, more shapely curves, or a more youthful lift to their breasts, he listens to their motivations and goals and carefully explains their breast augmentation options. He believes that the more informed his patients are about the procedure, the easier the process is to navigate.

One of the most common questions Dr. Cook hears is: which breast implants will give me the look I want? When it comes to breast implants, there are so many different choices for patients to make, he explains. Silicone or saline; round or anatomical; smooth or textured; the options can seem endless, but the bottom-line for many of his patients is which one is going to best meet their physical and cosmetic requirements. During the initial patient consultation, he emphasizes the plastic surgeon really has to understand the body he or she is working with, and how it will likely respond to different implants and breast augmentation techniques. He notes that walking the patient through the various types of implants, incision methods, and implant placement options is vital to reaching a mutual conclusion that can yield optimal results.

Often, patients also ask Dr. Cook which augmentation approach he thinks is best for achieving the end result they desire. In some cases, his patients have not considered adding a breast lift to their procedure to elevate the bustline, reduce drooping, reshape the breasts, and add volume with one surgery, he explains.

Ultimately, Dr. Cook's consultation process culminates in a discussion about the cost of breast augmentation surgery. At this point in the process, he and his staff are able to calculate a price based on the variables he and the patient have discussed. The cost of each procedure can vary, he explains, and it is important to receive a customized quote that lays out financial obligations very clearly. He also advises that, if patients are concerned about affording the cost of the surgery, exploring any financing options offered through the practice may be beneficial.

About Kevin Cook, MD

Dr. Kevin Cook is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the medical director of Midland Plastic Surgery Center. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston. After medical school, Dr. Cook began his specialized training in all aspects of plastic surgery at the University of Cincinnati. He furthered his surgical experience by completing a fellowship in craniofacial surgery at the Craniofacial Center in Dallas. At his practice, Dr. Cook offers a wide range of options for improving the appearance of the breasts, body, face, and skin. He also provides reconstructive surgery services for patients affected by facial trauma and cancer. He is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Dr. Kevin Cook and Midland Plastic Surgery Center please visit midlandplasticsurgery.com and facebook.com/midlandplasticsurgery.

To view the original source of this press release, click here:

http://www.midlandplasticsurgery.com/breast-augmentation/midland-plastic-surgeon-answers-patients-questions-about-breast-augmentation

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3086391



Midland Plastic Surgery Center

2405 W Missouri Ave.

Midland, TX 79701

(432) 618-6772



Rosemont Media

(858) 200-0044

www.rosemontmedia.com




NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Troymet Exploration Corp. (TSX VENTURE: TYE) ("Troymet" or the Company") is pleased to review plans for follow up drilling of holes WC16-08 and WC16-09 in the SE Target Area of the Wildcat gold project, Utah, held under option from Renaissance Gold Inc. (TSX VENTURE: REN). Troymet's initial exploration in the SE Target Area, in 2015, pointed to the likelihood of untested/undrilled precious metal mineralization at shallow depths associated with anomalous soil and rock chip geochemistry (News Release of November 24, 2015). The Company is pleased that its exploration model/target of shallow gold mineralization, in prospective silty limestones, concealed at shallow depths over an approximately 1 km2 area, has been validated with the intersection of significant elevated to anomalous gold in holes WC16-08 and WC16-09. These are the first holes drilled in this highly prospective district. Further drilling is required to establish the size and grade of this mineralization and to test for possible high-grade feeder zones. Parallels can be drawn with the Long Canyon gold deposit in northeast Nevada in that silty limestones carry Carlin-style gold mineralization beneath limestones that are nearly devoid of gold mineralization.

Hole WC16-08 intersected a long run of anomalous gold in the uppermost part of the Big Horse member (Figure 1). Anomalous mercury, tellurium and antimony broadly coincide with the anomalous gold interval (Figure 2). The feeder for this mineralization has not yet been identified. However, the extension of the structure with mineralization in WC16-09 lies 65 metres to the northeast and it may be the feeder for the mineralization in WC16-08 (Figure 5). Hole WC16-09 intersected anomalous gold near the bottom of the hole (7.0 metres of 0.040 g/t Au from 152.4 to 159.4 metres), just before intersecting gold-mineralized material in a greater than 12-metre wide fault zone (Joy Fault?) where drilling stopped due to poor recovery related to friable and clay altered rock, and loss of sample material into open fractures (Figure 3). Nonetheless, grab and/or select chip samples with elevated to anomalous gold values were collected from contiguous samples in the structure, including distinctive ferruginous clay-rich siltstone chips assaying from 0.14 to 7.5 g/t Au. Tellurium is strongly anomalous in this hole, with 6.1 metres (53.3 - 59.4 metres) assaying 5.29 ppm Te that includes a zone of hydrothermal breccia, and 13.7 metres (83.8 to 97.5 metres) of 1.39 ppm Te.

The structure and mineralization in WC16-09 lie on the edge of an area of complex structure (Figure 4 and Figure 5). Prospective silty limestones and structures here could host significant gold mineralization as evidenced by the gold in holes WC16-08 and WC16-09. RTP is a technique that correctly positions the magnetic anomalies in map view. The tilt angle derivative is able to resolve shallow and deeper sources equally. In this way, a more complete and detailed picture of the magnetic signature of the target area is obtained.

The 2016 drill program utilized a reverse circulation (RC) drill. Poor sample recovery was experienced in a number of important holes including hole WC16-09, drilled on the Rattler Breccia, and holes WC16-05 and WC16-06 drilled on High Grade Hill (News Release of August 9, 2016). Troymet plans to re-drill the target areas originally tested by holes WC16-09 and WC16-05 with a diamond drill to ensure sample recovery. Gold mineralization in competent rock, as in hole WC16-08, can be further explored with RC drilling.

Qualified Person

All technical data, as disclosed in this press release, has been verified by the Company's qualified persons Kieran Downes, Ph.D. P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Troymet Exploration Corp.

Troymet Exploration Corp. is a junior exploration company with a solid treasury and with projects in British Columbia (Redhill and Golden Eagle), Manitoba (McClarty Lake) and Utah (Wildcat). Troymet operates the Wildcat, Redhill and Golden Eagle projects. Hudbay Minerals Inc. is the operator of the McClarty Lake joint venture and must contribute $1,151,052 in joint venture expenditures before Troymet is required to fund its participating interest. Troymet retains a 2% net smelter returns royalty (NSR) on the Key property, British Columbia, which was sold to New Gold Inc. in 2013.

TROYMET EXPLORATION CORP.

- Kieran Downes, Ph.D., P.Geo., President, CEO & Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release contains certain forward-looking information. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information in respect of: the Wildcat Project, including the exploration potential and analogous deposit potential of the Wildcat Project; future drilling and exploration plans for the Wildcat project including data analysis, sampling plans and exploration plans on the Wildcat Project; and exploration targets and the potential of such exploration targets. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. This forward-looking information reflects Troymet's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Troymet and on assumptions Troymet believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the current share price of Troymet's common shares and the ability to raise future equity financing, if needed, at prices acceptable to Troymet; Troymet's current and initial understanding and analysis of the Wildcat Project; the ability of Troymet to continue to discover viable exploration targets and the results of exploration on the Wildcat Project; Troymet's general and administrative costs remaining constant; Troymet's cost assumptions for its exploration programs at the Wildcat Project and the market acceptance of Troymet's business strategy. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Troymet to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the early stage development of Troymet and its projects, and in particular, the Wildcat Project; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; capital market conditions and market prices for securities, junior market securities and mining exploration company securities; commodity prices; the actual results of current exploration and development or operational activities; competition; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents and other risks inherent in the mining industry; lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting Troymet; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. A description of other assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of other risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in Troymet's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Troymet does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Tel: 250-729-0453

info@troymet.com

www.troymet.com




NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- TouchBistro has been named the 2016 Gold Winner for Digital Food and Beverage Design by the New York Design Awards. The New York Design Awards is organized by design100, a global community of 75,000 design experts that celebrate creative courage and recognize design excellence. A panel of 180 of the world's leading design minds provided curatorial, judging and creative direction of the New York award program.

TouchBistro is an iPad point of sale (POS) app built specifically for quick and full-service restaurants, bars, cafes, and food trucks. It is the top grossing food and beverage app in 37 countries on the Apple App Store.

"New York is a global design leader. The depth of entries in this year's awards demonstrate that design in New York is clearly thriving," said New York Design Awards Chairman Mark Bergin.

TouchBistro joins market-leading brands like PepsiCo, IBM, H&R Block, and MasterCard as winners of the 2016 New York Design Awards

"We are very proud to be recognized for our design amongst such a prestigious group of award winners," said Alex Barrotti, CEO and founder of TouchBistro. "TouchBistro is committed to providing restaurants with a tablet POS solution that has been carefully optimized for ease of use so our customers can more easily train staff, manage operations and expand their businesses."

TouchBistro has distinguished itself in the tablet POS space by rigorously creating and testing its design with its community of users - restaurant waiters, managers, and owners. A pioneer in the tablet POS industry, the company was founded in 2010 by Alex Barrotti to deliver a robust mobile restaurant POS app that could be used by waiters tableside. The app design streamlines order and payment processes, revolutionizing the service experience for modern restaurants.

All design efforts at TouchBistro have the same ultimate mandate: to create solutions to the problems that waiters, managers, and restaurant owners face that are easy, smart and complete. Particular attention is paid to ease of use in order to address the training issues resulting from the restaurant industry's high turnover rates; the design goal is to build features that can be learned in minutes.

Restaurants that use TouchBistro consistently report increased revenue and table turns due to the improved efficiency the app provides in day-to-day operations.

TouchBistro offers a 30-day free trial that can be downloaded anywhere in the world from the Apple App Store. It is available in English, Spanish and French.

About TouchBistro

With offices in New York and Toronto, TouchBistro is a leader in iPad point-of-sale technology for restaurants, cafes, bars, food trucks, and other food and drink venues. The TouchBistro app has been ranked as the number one top-grossing food and beverage app in 37 countries on the Apple App Store(SM). TouchBistro offers a 30-day free trial that can be converted to a no-contract subscription. Additional information is available at www.touchbistro.com.

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Kari Wise

Boulevard PR (for TouchBistro)

818.588.8074

kari@boulevardpr.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RHT)(OTCQB: RQHTF) ("Reliq" or the "Company"), a technology company focused on developing innovative mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine solutions for Community-Based Healthcare, is pleased to announce that it has begun enrolling patients for the pilot of its remote patient monitoring and secure communication solution with The Feldman Institute in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The pilot will evaluate the use of Reliq Health's technology with patients who have been discharged home after interventional pain management surgery, or have returned to their homes between treatments at The Feldman Institute.

"We are very pleased to be enrolling patients and launching our pilot of the Reliq Health platform with The Feldman Institute," said Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO of Reliq Health Technologies, Inc. "Our virtual care solution allows patients to receive high quality follow up care from the comfort of their own homes. Patients can communicate with their care team at The Feldman Institute using Reliq's cloud-based secure messaging, videoconferencing and virtual visits. The Reliq Health cloud provides access to patient education materials and instructional videos, empowering patients and their families to actively participate in their own care at home. We look forward to working with The Feldman Institute to improve treatment outcomes, reduce the risk of post-surgical complications and increase access to specialized pain management care for their chronic pain patients."

The Feldman Institute is committed to providing patients with compassionate, accessible healthcare. The pilot is designed to validate the use of Reliq Health's virtual care solution to help patients better manage and document their symptoms in the home, and facilitate secure and timely communication between patients and family members and their care team at The Feldman Institute. Many of the patients treated at The Feldman Institute travel great distances to receive cutting edge pain management surgery and other treatments. Reliq Health's remote patient monitoring and secure communication platform will allow these patients to continue to receive high quality care even after they return home.

The Feldman Institute's mission is to relieve chronic pain and restore health, comfort and quality of life in a collaborative and compassionate environment. The clinical team is committed to eliminating pain through research and innovation while working closely with each patient to find their appropriate level of care. The Feldman Institute is dedicated to helping its patients through a comprehensive program of interventional pain management. The team specializes in performing minimally invasive, outpatient, and Endoscopic Discectomy procedures to address problems such as herniated discs, bulging discs, or ruptured discs. These advanced procedures are alternatives to open back and neck surgery and do not require general anesthesia. Patients undergoing these procedures experience far less trauma and a much shorter recovery time. The diagnosis and treatment techniques offered at the Feldman Institute represent the leading edge of recent medical advances.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO and Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements."

We caution you that such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (the "Company") does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

CORE Capital Partners

604-566-9233

investors@ccpartnersinc.com




MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- DiaMedica Inc. (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: DMA)(OTCQB: DMCAF) today announced the sale and transfer of its DM-71 product and related intellectual property. The sale of this non-core asset provides DiaMedica with a total of $300,000 in upfront payments, of which $50,000 had been previously received, and a royalty stream linked to future sales.

"The asset was sold to a private biotechnology company for use in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. The sale allows us to focus on our core priorities while continuing to benefit from this important legacy technology," said Rick Pauls, President & CEO. "This transaction provides the potential to generate value from our patent portfolio without investing our own capital to progress DM-71 development and, hopefully, improve the lives of patients in the future."

About DiaMedica

DiaMedica is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for kidney and neurological diseases. DiaMedica's shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "DMA" and on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "DMCAF".

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts contain forward-looking information that involves risk and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, which address DiaMedica's expectations, should be considered forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's exercise of business judgment as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. When used in this document, the words "may", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and words of similar import, are intended to identify any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals, future plans and statements regarding the use of proceeds from the private placement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information described in detail in the DiaMedica's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, all of which are available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. DiaMedica undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update, revise or otherwise publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of any unanticipated events, unless required by law. Although management believes that expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, no assurance can be given that these expectations will materialize.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this press release.

Contacts:

DiaMedica Inc.

Donna Husemoller

Corporate Controller

763-270-0603

info@diamedica.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- GMV Minerals Inc. (the "Company" or "GMV") (TSX VENTURE: GMV) is pleased to announce that its drill program is proceeding on schedule with completion of the first four holes on the Mexican Hat gold property. An additional ten drill holes are planned. The drill program has been designed to increase resources, primarily consisting of step outs along strike and to depth of known mineralization. The Company has initially targeted the extension of the southeast trending H2 Zone, the southern-most mineralized zone that has been traced for 600 metres along strike.

The Company is pleased to confirm that all four holes drilled thus far, have encountered the targeted H2 Zone, including steps outs of up to 500 meters southeast of the current resource. All drill holes completed to date have encountered multiple structural zones with intense hematization. At Mexican Hat, hematized zones carry the gold within the Company's current resource, however, these new intercepts require lab assay to confirm that they are also mineralized with gold. One of the drill holes was extended 100 meters into the footwall of the H2 Zone where it encountered multiple zones of hematite alteration over total widths of 80 meters. This is interpreted to be a new zone encountering sedimentary rocks of the underlying Bisbee Group. Bisbee Group rocks are known to host significant mineralization in the district but until now had not been encountered on the Mexican Hat property. The Company is very pleased with the identification of additional exploration targets.

In conjunction with the drill program, a test geophysical survey consisting of two 500 meter lines across a portion of the known mineralization utilizing AMT techniques has been completed. This method was selected to trace resistivity profiles correlating with structural zones cross-cutting the host rocks. The test has shown that the structures can be traced to depths greater than 650 meters, and additional, unknown structures have been identified. A full survey covering an expanded area is being planned.

Dr. D.R. Webb, B.A.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., P.Geo. is the Q.P. for this release within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical content of this release and has approved its content.

About GMV Minerals Inc.

GMV Minerals Inc. is a publicly traded exploration company focused on developing precious metal assets in Arizona. GMV, through its 100% owned subsidiary, has a 100% interest in a Mining Property Lease commonly referred to as the Mexican Hat project, located in Cochise County, Arizona, USA. The Mexican Hat property contains an inferred mineral resource of 23,452,000 tonnes grading 0.70 grams of gold per tonne hosting 531,400 troy ounces of gold. The project was initially explored by Placer Dome (USA) in the late 1980s to early 1990s. GMV is focused on developing the asset and realizing the full mineral potential of the property through near term gold production.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ian Klassen, President

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management of the Company regarding future events or results. Such statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements except as may be required by law.

Contacts:

GMV Minerals Inc.

Ian Klassen

President

(604) 899-0106

info@gmvminerals.com




Geneba Properties N.V. ("Geneba") announces today that it has engaged Credit Suisse as its exclusive financial advisor to assist Geneba in exploring strategic alternatives. These strategic alternatives could include, amongst others, an initial public offering, capital increase, merger, sale or other possible transactions. Geneba is considering strategic alternatives in collaboration with its largest shareholder, The Catalyst Capital Group Inc.

Dr. Wulf Meinel, CEO of Geneba:

"After its recapitalization transaction in 2014, Geneba has been investing in corporate logistics and light industrial real estate. Our unique and growing portfolio of assets is composed of properties that are mission critical to our solid group of corporate tenants. The engagement of Credit Suisse is an important step in exploring options for the continued evolution of Geneba."

Gabriel de Alba, Chairman of the supervisory board of Geneba:

"Following the sale of Geneba's stake in MoTo Objekt Campeon GmbH Co. KG to Infineon Technologies AG, the company now has a focused and high quality portfolio of assets that represent significant value and a platform for disciplined growth. The strategic alternatives process will allow the company to explore a variety of options that can maximize value for all shareholders."

About Geneba

Geneba is a European commercial real estate company that commenced business in 2014 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The company owns and manages a property portfolio of over 785 million as of 30 June 2016 consisting mainly of long-term leased corporate real estate assets in Germany and the Netherlands. Geneba's investment strategy focuses on corporate real estate assets which serve its tenants as operational basis, providing "a home to their businesses". The main investments targets are logistics and light industrial buildings in Germany and the Netherlands. Geneba's shares trade at NPEX. Geneba is subject to the supervision of the Dutch financial regulator, AFM. For more information: www.geneba.com.

About Catalyst

The Catalyst Capital Group Inc., a private equity investment firm with more than $6 billion in assets under management founded in 2002, is a leader in operationally focused turnaround investing. The firm's mandate is to manufacture risk adjusted returns, in keeping with its philosophy of "we buy what we can build." Catalyst's Guiding Principles of investment excellence through operational involvement, superior analytics, attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, team and reputation are key to the firm's success. The Catalyst team collectively possesses more than 110 years of extensive experience in restructuring, credit markets and merchant and investment banking in Canada, the United States, Latin America and Europe.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005716/en/

Contacts:

Gagnier Communications

Dan Gagnier, +1-646-569-5897

dg@gagnierfc.com
GRAND ISLAND, NE -- (Marketwired) -- 04/25/17 -- Amur Equipment Finance (AmurEF), one of the nation's leading commercial equipment finance companies, announced that Kimberly Adair, Vice President of Finance and Accounting, and Angie Jensen, Collections Manager, have received the Certified Lease and Finance Professional (CLFP) designation from the Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation (www.clfpfoundation.org). Both employees successfully sat through and passed the rigourous 8-hour exam.

"We are extremely proud of Kim's and Angie's recent success in obtaining the prestigious CLFP designation," said Malia K. DuMont, AmurEF Co-President and Chief Operating Officer. She added, "The CLFP designation is the preeminent credential for equipment leasing and finance professionals throughout the world. Having two of them on our staff shows that AmurEF continues to be a leader in the industry."

Kimbery Adair stated, "The desicion to pursue the CLFP designation was not only a personal challenge, but one that I felt was important in order to gain greater industry knowledge while applying best practices to my current position at AmurEF."

Kim joined AmurEF in 2010 and is responsible for all of the company's accounting operations including receivables, and payables. She has over 20 years of experience in the broader financial industry.

"We work in a dynamic and rapidly changing industry," said Angie Jensen. "The in-depth knowledge and continuing education I recieve through the CLFP Foundation allows me to stay on top of the most recent regulatory changes and other pertinent aspects of the business such as marketing, sales, finance and accounting."

Angie Jensen joined AmurEF six years ago and is responsible for collections and works to negotiate settlements, forbearance and the restructuring of agreements on delinquent accounts. Prior to joining AmurEF, Angie worked in the commercial and agriculture loan department at Lincoln-based TierOne Bank.

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgable professional who has demonstrated competency through testing of knowledge, continuing education, and a commitment to exemplary ethics and best business practices in the industry. Currently there are 415 active Certified Lease & Finance Professionals.

About Amur Equipment Finance

Founded in 1996, Amur Equipment Finance (AmurEF) is a nationally ranked 2016 independent equipment finance provider and Top Twenty vendor channel origination company, dedicated to ensuring that its customers and employees around the nation are equipped to grow and succeed. AmurEF offers customized capital financing programs that draw on its uniquely expansive expertise in the world's most essential industries -- from transportation and technology to manufacturing and medicine -- to support its network of over 15,000 vendors and other partners. AmurEF is a subsidiary of New York-based Amur Finance Company, a global diversified holding company with over $800M in assets.

For more information, visit amuref.com.

Media Contact:



Jacklynn Manning

Marketing Director

Amur Equipment Finance

+1 (800) 994-0016 x266

Email Contact




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Thursday, US President-elect Donald Trump is to embark on a 'thank you' tour, which will take him to predominantly those regions that helped him earn a surprise presidential election victory. Trump extended an invitation on Twitter Wednesday: 'Join me in Cincinnati, Ohio tomorrow evening at 7:00pm. I am grateful for all of your support. THANK YOU!' The first in a series of rallies will be held at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio - the site of one of Trump's rallies during the presidential campaign. With seven more weeks remaining for Trump to enter the White House, other venues in the 'thank you' tour are yet to be announced. George Gigicos, Trump's director of advance, said the New York billionaire is expected to focus on battleground states that voted in his favor, like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Florida. During the campaign, Trump often outclassed his Democrat rival Hillary Clinton with the size of his rally audiences, which gathered thousands of his supporters. He had originally planned to launch a weekend victory tour immediately after the election, but changed focus to building his transition team. Vice President-elect Mike Pence is expected to join Trump at Cincinnati, CNN reported. He is also slated to host a get-out-the-vote rally at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport in Louisiana on Saturday. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The United States Department of Labor releases weekly jobless claims for the week ended November 26 at 8:30 am ET Thursday. Initial jobless claims are expected to rise to 253,000, from 251,000 a week earlier Ahead of the data, the greenback traded mixed against its major opponents. While the greenback declined against the franc and the pound, it rose against the yen. Against the euro, it held steady. The greenback was worth 1.0619 against the euro, 114.31 against the yen, 1.0136 against the Swiss franc and 1.2630 against the pound at 8:25 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Leading Edge Materials Corp. ("LEM") or (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: LEM)(OTCQB: LEMIF) is pleased to announce the first discovery of lithium mineralization in outcrop, and the completion of a ground magnetic survey, at the Company's 100% owned Bergby project.

Bergby lies in central Sweden, 25km north of the town of Gavle, and is secured by three exploration licenses that cover a total of 1,903 Ha. The site is close to infrastructure, with major roads, rail and power supply passing immediately adjacent to the claim boundaries.

Recent mapping at Bergby, in follow up to the identification of a lithium mineralized boulder field (see press releases dated 19th October 2016 and 4th November 2016), has discovered three areas of lithium mineralization in outcrop. Although the region is largely glacial soil covered, the few outcrops located include exposure of petalite and spodumene mineralized pegmatite with high grade lithium, similar to that previously observed in boulders.

Fifteen samples from three outcrop areas returned Li2O (lithium oxide) averaging 1.71% and ranging from 0.01% to 4.65%; and Ta2O5 (tantalum pentoxide) averaging 133 ppm and ranging from 16 ppm to 803 ppm (see Table 1). Samples included representative chip samples, composite samples and selective grab samples depending on outcrop quality, and were taken from three sites across an area of approximately 350m x 750m.

Furthermore, a small ground magnetic survey has been completed, to provide indication of the structural setting of the claim, and to assist with drill targeting. The survey covered 700m of strike of the lithium prospective sequence, and has defined a discrete magnetic low, as are often associated with lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites.

Work is now underway to gain permits and prepare for a drilling program early in the first quarter of 2017.

Blair Way, President and CEO, stated, "This discovery of high grade lithium mineralized outcrops at Bergby, despite the extensive glacial soil cover, gives us confidence we are close to the source of the extensive mineralized boulder field. The Bergby discovery is now drill-ready, and we are excited to get LEM's maiden drilling program underway in the first quarter of next year."

Lithium has a strong and expanding market, due to the essential role it plays in lithium-based batteries for the automotive, consumer product and stationary electrify storage industries. The high electrochemical potential of lithium results in the high power to weight ratio that is essential for efficient mobile batteries. Europe is investing heavily in these emerging battery technologies, as part of the transition to a low-carbon economy.

On behalf of the Board,

Blair Way, President & CEO

Samples submitted by Leading Edge Materials Corp. were prepared and analyzed by the ME-MS81 and Li-OG63 technique by ALS Ltd.'s laboratories in either Pitea, Sweden, Loughrea, Ireland and/or Vancouver, Canada, where duplicates, repeats, blanks and known standards were inserted according to standard industry practice. The qualified person for the Company's exploration projects, Mark Saxon, Director of Leading Edge Materials, a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy has reviewed and verified the contents of this release.

The TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange), accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Information. This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Such statements include but are not limited to the timing of start of drilling at Bergby, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there are risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

Table 1: Analytical values for 15 outcrop samples from Bergby project, Sweden

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Element Value Unit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Li2O (lithium oxide) Average 1.71 % Minimum 0.01 % Maximum 4.65 % ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ta2O5 (tantalum pentoxide) Average 133 ppm Minimum 16 ppm Maximum 803 ppm ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cs (cesium) Average 94 ppm Minimum 8 ppm Maximum 305 ppm ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rb (rubidium) Average 388 ppm Minimum 16 ppm Maximum 1545 ppm ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sn (tin) Average 42 ppm Minimum 13 ppm Maximum 167 ppm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contacts:

Leading Edge Materials Corp.

+1 604 685 9316

www.leadingedgematerials.com




DALLAS, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Real Estate giant, Lincoln Property Company, was announced as the management company for 324 apartment units within one of Downtown Dallas' tallest skyscrapers. The Drever, formerly First National Bank tower located at 1401 Elm St., is undergoing a massive redevelopment by Drever Capital Management. At 50 stories, The Drever will be a combination of a 216-room luxurious boutique hotel, 24,000 sf of retail space, in addition to 324 units of apartment living built inside the former 1.5 million sf office tower. The development is anticipated to open in 2018.

"Residents will not be wanting for amenity space," says Lincoln Property Company's Regional Vice President, Sheila Carter. "The apartments feature shared amenities with the hotel such as available room service and housekeeping services, in addition to accessibility to a wraparound amenity deck, featuring a resort-style pool, expansive full-service spa, fitness center, dog park and dining options with incredible views. Transportation is also a priority; residents will be able to walk out their door and take the DART directly to many places throughout the North Texas region, including DFW International Airport."

The Drever is situated in the heart of downtown Dallas and will feature a public observation deck to showcase spectacular city views. Merriman Anderson/Architects will provide the design for the massive undertaking, Andres Construction is the general contractor and CBRE was selected for retail leasing.

Lincoln Property Company was selected to manage the urban apartments after a comprehensive selection process of several real estate companies.

About Lincoln Property Company

Lincoln Property Company was founded in 1965 as a builder and operator of high-quality residential communities. In the early 1970's, Lincoln expanded its product mix to include commercial, build-to-suit, office, hotel, industrial, and other mixed-use assets. In 1972, Lincoln took this expertise within the United States to Western Europe and the Middle East.

In 2001, Lincoln joined forces with the U.S. Department of Defense to renovate and redevelop family housing at selected bases for the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Army. Through innovative management, property rehabilitation and award-winning new construction designs, Lincoln is now one of the largest operators of military housing in the country. Lincoln continued its growth in 2013 with the acquisition of Grand Campus Living, increasing the depth of knowledge in the rental housing sector for the firm.

Headquartered in Dallas, TX, Lincoln focuses on real estate investment, construction and development, in addition to property management. Their national reputation has enabled Lincoln to attract a large client base of owners and investors who count on their ability to deliver quality results and continually serve as a market leader.

For more information about Lincoln Property Company, please visit http://www.lincolnapts.com/management-services or visit http://www.lincolnapts.com/regions/ for apartment listings in your area.

Follow Lincoln Property Company on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to hear about all the new deals to help you look forward to moving into your new home!

Media Contact:

Sheri Sandefur Killingsworth

Vice President - Marketing & Communications

214-740-3300

Email Contact




QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- H2O Innovation Inc. ("H2O Innovation" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: HEO) (ALTERNEXT: MNEMO:ALHEO) (OTCQX: HEOFF) is proud to announce that it was awarded three (3) new contracts - two (2) wastewater projects using membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology and a drinking water project. These new contracts bring the Corporation's project sales backlog to $55 M, which is included in the $108 M consolidated backlog (combining Projects and Operation & Maintenance contracts).

The two first contracts won by the Corporation consist of wastewater treatment systems using the MBR technology. The first of them was awarded by the City of Decatur in Arkansas (USA) and currently has a sequential batch reactor (SBR) operating at a flow rate of approximately 1.2 MGD (4,542 m3/day). H2O Innovation was selected among five (5) suppliers to retrofit the existing process with a membrane bioreactor. The addition of the MBR will increase the system capacity to 3.8 MGD (14,385 m3/day) with future expansion to 4.6 MGD (17,413 m3/day), and will incorporate biological nutrient removal. The Corporation's unique approach will allow the retrofit to occur without interruption to the treatment system. This will be the first MBR system in the State of Arkansas. "We are very excited to be a part of this innovative MBR retrofit in Arkansas! There are hundreds of SBR water treatment systems in North America that require expansion and this project will certainly pave the way to secure similar opportunities in the future", stated Dr. Fraser Kent, P.Eng, Manager - Wastewater Process Engineering of H2O Innovation.

The second MBR project will treat up to 0.1 MGD (421 m3/day) of wastewater from the municipality of Riviere-Beaudette, in the province of Quebec (Canada). This will be the third MBR system installed by the Corporation in Quebec.

The third and last project is for a water treatment system using reverse osmosis (RO) and provides up to 2 MGD (7,571 m3/day) of drinking water for Cinco Municipal Utility District No. 1, in Fort Bend County, Texas (USA).

About H2O Innovation

H2O Innovation designs and provides state-of-the-art, custom-built and integrated water treatment solutions based on membrane filtration technology for municipal, industrial, energy and natural resources end-users. The Corporation's activities rely on three pillars which are i) water and wastewater projects; ii) specialty products and services, including a complete line of specialty chemicals, consumables, specialized products for the water treatment industry as well as control and monitoring systems; and iii) operation and maintenance services for water and wastewater treatment systems. For more information, visit www.h2oinnovation.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the Alternext Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

H2O Innovation Inc.

Marc Blanchet

+1 418-688-0170

marc.blanchet@h2oinnovation.com

www.h2oinnovation.com




CT Honored for Third Consecutive Year in Small or Medium Business Product of the Year Category

Wolters Kluwer's CT Corporation has been recognized as a silver winner in the Small or Medium Business Product of the Year category in the Best in Biz Awards 2016, the only independent business awards program judged by members of the press and industry analysts.

This is the third year that the Best in Biz Awards has recognized CT Corporation, which works with more than 300,000 small and mid-sized businesses and helps keep 1.6 million entities in compliance every year.

This year's award recognizes CT Assurance, a complete compliance solution that supports the entire lifecycle of a business and its legal entities. The tool helps business owners monitor spend, boost efficiencies, stay in good legal standing and save time. Clients have access to a customizable product suite that includes registered agent services, annual report services, entity management tools, corporate document filings and retrievals, and more. CT Assurance also won a Bronze Stevie Award for New Product of the Year in the 2016 American Business Awards competition.

"CT Corporation is honored to be recognized by the Best in Biz Awards for the third straight year," said Rex Caswell, vice president at Wolters Kluwer's CT Corporation. "With products such as CT Assurance, we remain committed to helping small and mid-sized business owners continue to build their businesses even as they face more regulatory and compliance challenges than ever before."

The sixth annual Best in Biz Awards drew more than 600 entries from across the United States and Canada. This year's winners were determined based on scoring from an independent panel of 50 judges from widely known newspapers, TV outlets, and business, consumer and technology publications, including AdWeek, Associated Press, Entrepreneur,Forbes, The Wall Street Journal and Wired

For a full list of gold, silver and bronze winners in the Best in Biz Awards 2016, visit http://www.bestinbizawards.com/2016-winners.

About Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk Compliance

Wolters Kluwer is a global leader in professional information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2015 annual revenues of 4.2 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide.

CT Corporation is part of Wolters Kluwer's Governance, Risk Compliance division, which provides legal, finance, risk and compliance professionals and small business owners with a broad spectrum of solutions, services and expertise needed to help manage myriad governance, risk and compliance needs in dynamic markets and regulatory environments.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005276/en/

Contacts:

Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk Compliance

Alison Meyerstein, 212-590-9208

Senior Manager

Corporate Marketing Communications

alison.meyerstein@wolterskluwer.com

or

Infinite Global

Caitlyn Foster, 484-798-7730

Senior Account Executive

caitlynf@infiniteglobal.com
DUBLIN, Dec 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --



Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Hydrocolloid Market 2016-2020" report to their offering.

The report forecasts the global hydrocolloid market to grow at a CAGR of 10.16% during the period 2016-2020.

The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.



One of latest trends in the market is increasing demand for functional food. Functional foods and drinks aim at improving health conditions. With higher disposable income and increasing awareness, primarily in the developing and developed regions, the demand for functional food is expected to grow during the forecast period. The use of hydrocolloids in functional food helps in reducing incidences of diabetes, obesity, and several other diseases. Thus, hydrocolloids are used in several functional food and beverages.

According to the report, one of the primary drivers in the market is increasing demand for convenience food. Convenience food or processed food is commercially prepared food that requires minimum or no further preparation in order to be consumed. This category includes packaged food or meals, canned food, frozen food, preserved food, and instant products. This category of food is called convenience food because it is easy to consume, portion-packed, time saving, has convenient packaging, and is freeze or thaw stable. With technological advancement in the packaging industry, the range of convenience has also expanded from frozen, chilled, shelf-stable, portion-ability, microwave-ability, prepared-mixes and others.

Further, the report states that one major challenge in the market is complexity in raw material sourcing. The major ingredients and raw materials used in hydrocolloids are mostly sourced from third-party suppliers. This increases the risk of contamination due to improper handling as hydrocolloids are mainly used in the food and beverage industry. Hydrocolloids are mostly obtained from plants, animals, and seaweeds. It is a challenging task for the vendors to obtain best-quality and naturally derived raw materials. Also, the process of collecting and processing hydrocolloids, especially from seaweeds is a complex task. As a result, there is scarcity of raw materials in the market, which is expected to increase the price of hydrocolloids, affecting the financial performance of the vendors.

Key vendors:



Archer Daniels Midland

Cargill

DuPont

FMC

J.M. Huber



Key Topics Covered:

Part 01: Executive summary



Part 02: Scope of the report



Part 03: Market research methodology



Part 04: Introduction



Part 05: Market landscape



Part 06: Market segmentation by type



Part 07: Market segmentation by application



Part 08: Market segmentation by source



Part 09: Market segmentation by function



Part 10: Geographical segmentation



Part 11: Market drivers



Part 12: Impact of drivers



Part 13: Market challenges



Part 14: Impact of drivers and challenges



Part 15: Market trends



Part 16: Vendor landscape



Part 17: Appendix

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c47xdj/global

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716






We hereby inform that due to the resignation from the office of the AB Klaipedos Nafta's (hereinafter - the Company) independent Board member Rytis Ambrazevicius, as of the 1st of December 2016, 3 out of 5 Board members, stipulated in the Articles of Association of the Company, are acting, accordingly the Board does not have a quorum of no less than 2/3 of the Board members, members of the Board shall not attend the meetings of the Board and decisions of the Board cannot be adopted. Currently the selection of 2 independent Board members is being performed by the Committee for Selection of Independent Board Member Candidates of the Company, formed by the Supervisory Board of the Company. Marius Pulkauninkas, Director of Finance and Administration Department, +370 46 391 763

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
SEATTLE, WA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- CFN Media Group ("CannabisFN"), the leading creative agency and digital media network dedicated to legal cannabis, today announced that Laguna Blends Inc. (CSE: LAG) (OTC PINK: LAGBF) has agreed to conduct a four (4) month investor and market visibility program beginning on December 1, 2016.

"With the launch of CBD Naturals bottled water to its network of affiliates, Laguna Blends continues to solidify its leadership in the distribution of hemp and CBD products," said Frank Lane, President of CFN Media. "We are excited to work with the company to develop a broader shareholder audience and unlock value in the stock."

Mr. Stuart Gray, Laguna's CEO, said, "With the growing awareness and market demand of CBD worldwide, Laguna has positioned itself to be a market leader in the sale of CBD bottled water and Cannaceuticals, CBD Skin Care products. CFN Media has a great track record and will assist Laguna by increasing our investor audience by targeting investors interested in hemp and CBD related companies."

CFN Media will leverage its extensive reach and presence with both mainstream and cannabis-focused investors across North America to elevate Laguna Blends' brand and attract high-quality long-term investors.

Learn how to become a CFN Media client company, brand or entrepreneur: http://www.cannabisfn.com/become-featured-company/

Download the CFN Media iOS mobile app to access the world of cannabis from the palm of your hand: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cannabisfn/id988009247?ls=1&mt=8

Or visit our homepage and enter your mobile number under the Apple App Store logo to receive a download link text on your iPhone: http://www.cannabisfn.com

About CFN Media

CFN Media (CannabisFN), the leading creative agency and media network dedicated to legal cannabis, helps marijuana businesses attract investors, customers (B2B, B2C), capital, and media visibility. Private and public marijuana companies and brands in the US and Canada rely on CFN Media to grow and succeed.

CFN launched in June of 2013 to initially serve the growing universe of publicly traded marijuana companies across North America. Today, CFN Media is also the digital media choice for the emerging brands in the space.

About Laguna Blends Inc.

Laguna Blends is a market leader in the distribution of hemp and CBD products. Laguna's growth strategy includes acquiring and incubating companies who formulate and or manufacture hemp products. Laguna Blends markets hemp and CBD products utilizing its B-to-B network along with driving traffic to its online marketplace. It's Laguna's intent to provide the highest quality hemp and CBD product experience for the end user, utilizing a proprietary nanotechnology in many of its consumable and topical skin care products.

Laguna is currently seeking joint ventures and acquisitions to expand its portfolio and will aggressively begin international expansion into Asia and Europe in 2017.

Laguna Blends

ir@lagunablends.com

www.lagunablends.com

https://cbdskincream.com/

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Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to statements regarding the Company's business, products and future the Company's business, its product offerings and plans for sales and marketing. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance and developments to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, the risks that the Company's products and plan will vary from those stated in this news release and the Company may not be able to carry out its business plans as expected. Except as required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation, and does not intend, to update any forward looking statements or forward-looking information in this news release. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and makes no reference to profitability based on sales reported. The statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release.

CFN Media

Frank Lane

206-369-7050

flane@cannabisfn.com




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A day ahead of the release of the more closely watched monthly jobs report, the Labor Department released a report on Thursday showing that first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits climbed to a five-month high in the week ended November 26th. The report said initial jobless claims rose to 268,000, an increase of 17,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 251,000. Economists had expected jobless claims to edge up to 253,000. With the much bigger than expected increase, jobless claims reached their highest level since hitting 270,000 in the week ended June 25th. The Labor Department said the less volatile four-week moving average also inched up to 251,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 251,000. Continuing claims, a reading on the number of people receiving ongoing unemployment assistance, also rose by 38,000 to 2.081 million in the week ended November 19th. The four-week moving average of continuing claims climbed to 2,037,500, an increase of 12,750 from the previous week's unrevised average of 2,024,750. Friday morning, the Labor Department is scheduled to release its more closely watched monthly employment report for November. Employment is expected to increase by 170,000 jobs in November after climbing by 161,000 jobs in October, while the unemployment rate is expected to hold at 4.9 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
SAINT-LAURENT, CANADA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- IntelGenx Corp., (TSX VENTURE: IGX)(OTCQX: IGXT), today strengthened its relationship with Chemo Group ("Chemo") by signing a term sheet for the co-development and commercialization of a generic tablet in the area of CNS (central nervous system) on a worldwide basis. According to Global Data, worldwide sales in 2015 of the CNS related product exceeded $4 billion.

Under the agreement, IntelGenx will receive an upfront payment, development costs of the product and future milestone payments. Chemo and IntelGenx will also share the profits of commercialization.

"We are very pleased that we have further strengthened our relationship with Chemo," said Dr. Horst Zerbe, President and CEO of IntelGenx. "We are now collaborating with Chemo on a total of four products for future commercialization. The completion of a second transaction with Chemo, further validates our oral delivery platforms and our ability to attract high quality partners. We look forward to working with Chemo as our strategic partner in further expanding our global reach of our innovative pipeline."

About Chemo Group:

CHEMO operates across the entire pharmaceutical value chain, delivering specialized expertise and experience in scientific research, development, manufacturing, sales and marketing of a wide range of value-adding active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), finished dosage forms (FDFs) and branded pharmaceuticals, for human and animal health.

While the main offices are located in Spain, Switzerland and Argentina, CHEMO is acting worldwide, creating a broad and balanced manufacturing and commercial network across Europe, America, Asia and Africa, to address global opportunities and customers' needs in all major pharmaceutical markets.

CHEMO's activity is organized in three synergistic business areas: Industrial, Branded and Biotech, with over 5,000 professionals in more than 40 countries, 20 state-of-the-art facilities, 9 specialized R&D centers, 12 commercial offices and more than 50 pharmaceutical affiliates, serving 1,150 customers in 96 countries around the world.

About IntelGenx:

IntelGenx is a leading oral drug delivery company primarily focused on the development and manufacturing of innovative pharmaceutical oral films based on its proprietary VersaFilm technology platform. Established in 2003, the Montreal-based company is listed on the TSX-V and OTC-QX.

IntelGenx highly skilled team provides comprehensive pharmaceuticals services to pharmaceutical partners, including R&D, analytical method development, clinical monitoring, IP and regulatory services. IntelGenx state-of-the art manufacturing facility, established for the VersaFilm technology platform, supports lab-scale to pilot and commercial-scale production, offering full service capabilities to our clients. More information is available about the company at: www.intelgenx.com.

Forward Looking Statements:

This document may contain forward-looking information about IntelGenx' operating results and business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Statements that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about IntelGenx' plans, objectives, expectations, strategies, intentions or other characterizations of future events or circumstances and are generally identified by the words "may," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "could," "would," and similar expressions. All forward looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Because these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, IntelGenx' actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in IntelGenx' annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov, and also filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and www.sedar.com. IntelGenx assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange), nor the OTCQX accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Source: IntelGenx Technologies Corp.

Source: IntelGenx Technologies Corp.

Contacts:

Edward Miller

Director, IR and Corporate Communications

IntelGenx Corp.

+1 514-331-7440 (ext. 217)

edward@intelgenx.com




A.M. Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of C++ (Marginal) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "b+" to JSC IC Kazkommerts-Policy (Kazkommerts-Policy) (Kazakhstan). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. Kazkommerts-Policy is a majority-owned subsidiary of JSC Kazkommertsbank (Kazkommertsbank), the largest bank in Kazakhstan.

The ratings reflect Kazkommerts-Policy's developing business profile, supportive level of risk-adjusted capitalisation and volatile underwriting results. The ratings also consider Kazkommerts-Policy's exposure to the heightened country risk in Kazakhstan.

Kazkommerts-Policy's business profile has undergone material changes in recent years due in particular to changes in its senior management and modifications in the regulatory environment in Kazakhstan. In 2015, Kazkommerts-Policy's premium base increased by a third to KZT 10.4 billion (approximately USD 30.5 million) as it merged with another Kazakh insurer, JSC BTA Insurance SC of the BTA Bank JSC (BTA Insurance), following an exchange of assets between their parent banks. The company's premiums grew further in 2016 to KZT 13.2 billion (approximately USD 38.7 million) as of September, due to several large contracts underwritten and an increase in premiums under certain policies as a result of the depreciation of the Kazakh tenge in the prior year. Despite this recent growth, A.M. Best believes that the company's small size by international standards, combined with the intensely competitive conditions and the deteriorating economic environment in Kazakhstan, limits its ability to defend its market position and maintain synergy effects from its merger with BTA Insurance.

A.M. Best expects Kazkommerts-Policy's risk-adjusted capitalisation to be maintained at a supportive level for its ratings in the medium term. The company's balance sheet is impacted negatively by its high net catastrophe exposure arising from the earthquake risk in Kazakhstan. Additionally, A.M. Best notes the exposure of Kazkommerts-Policy's asset base to the high financial system risk in Kazakhstan, with over 30% of its fixed-income portfolio being of vulnerable credit quality.

Kazkommerts-Policy historically has reported underwriting losses primarily due to its high expenses relative to premiums and losses from its workers' compensation run-off portfolio. However, underwriting performance improved in 2016, demonstrated by a combined ratio of 69.4% (under national accounting standards) for the first nine months of the year compared with the weighted average of 114.5% reported for 2011-2015. The improvement was attributed to strong premium growth, as well as to reserve releases from the workers' compensation book due to some policyholder-specific benefits and a change in claims' development pattern following legislative amendments enforced in 2015 that limit insurers' liability for workers' compensation claims.

Kazkommerts-Policy's financial strength currently is not considered to be affected by the vulnerable credit profile of its parent, Kazkommertsbank. This reflects A.M. Best's consideration of the regulatory restrictions in Kazakhstan that prevent a material capital withdrawal from an insurance subsidiary.

The rating assignments follow an accepted appeal from Kazkommerts-Policy, in which new material information was provided that enhanced A.M. Best's opinion of the company's risk-adjusted capitalisation and subsequently resulted in a change to the original ratings determination.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best's Credit Ratings

A.M. Best is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright 2016 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201005872/en/

Contacts:

A.M. Best

Valeria Ermakova, +44 20 7397 0269

Senior Financial Analyst

valeria.ermakova@ambest.com

or

Mathilde Jakobsen, +44 20 7397 0266

Associate Director, Analytics

mathilde.jakobsen@ambest.com

or

Christopher Sharkey, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5159

Manager, Public Relations

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

or

Jim Peavy, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5644

Director, Public Relations

james.peavy@ambest.com
STOCKHOLM, Sweden and LUCCA, Italy, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

New Office in Sweden Staffed by Corporate Performance Management and IT Experts Ready to Work with Nordic Region's Progressive CFOs

Tagetik , a leader in global performance management software solutions, today announced the establishment of Tagetik Nordic AB, a direct operation providing sales, implementation, and consulting support to companies in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland.The new subsidiary is a result of Tagetik's acquisition of its former distributor in the Nordic market.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140625/694014 )



Under the name Tagetik Nordic AB, the company will support Tagetik's global expansion efforts driving continued growth in the region. The formation of the new entity is accompanied with the opening of a new office in Stockholm, Sweden. Current customers in the region include Ambea, Dina, Protector, Hempel, and Elematic.

Tagetik's new direct operation will be led by experienced finance and corporate performance management (CPM) experts with an extensive track record of project successes. Marco van der Kooij, general manager for Tagetik Benelux, will also serve as general manager for Tagetik Nordic. Erik Granbom, who brings 20 years of experience in software market sales, will serve as Tagetik Nordic's sales director.

"Our new direct operation gives Tagetik the ability to focus exclusively on the satisfaction and success of its customers in the Nordic region," said van der Kooij. "With the support of our established business partners, the new operation will also help us grow market share in the CPM software market. We are confident Tagetik's unified Financial Performance Platform', along with pre-packaged solutions for IFRS 4 Phase II, IFRS 9, 15 and 16, will appeal to the region's CFOs dealing with complex business and finance challenges."

"This new direct operation positions us to increase our growth momentum worldwide and work directly with progressive finance leaders in the Nordic region," said Manuel Vellutini, co-CEO of Tagetik. "Marco and his team have delivered excellent results in the first year of direct operations in the Benelux region. Under Marco's guidance, we will increase sales and marketing investments and deepen relationships with our existing customers in the Nordic region through increased support services."

About Tagetik

Tagetik understands the complex challenges that face the Office of Finance and translates that knowledge into intuitive, enterprise-scale performance management software solutions that drive business results. With Tagetik, companies get the simplicity of the Cloud and the power to unify financial and operational planning; shorten the consolidation and close process; immediately analyze results, model and compare full financial statement impact of business scenarios; adjust strategic plans; seamlessly update rolling forecasts; produce formatted and auditable financial statements and management reports; collaborate on business reviews, and automate disclosure and board reporting. Tagetik has built-in financial intelligence so that CFOs, finance managers, and operations executives can orchestrate multiple or all processes in one software solution. More than 850 customers across 35 countries count on Tagetik to improve efficiency, reduce risk, save money and deliver results. For more information, visit http://www.tagetik.com. We get Finance. You get results.

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Media Contacts



Corporate and EMEA:

Linda Galloway

insidHR Communications

+1 303 863 8620 office

+1 203 733 7446 mobile

lgalloway@insidhr.com



North America:

Courtly Stevens

Courtly & Company

+1 415 640 0188 office

cstevens@courtlyandco.com


SAINT PETERSBURG, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- HempTech Corp. (OTC PINK: HTCO), a provider of advanced Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) with sophisticated automation and analytical tools for the cultivators of legal industrial hemp and marijuana, announces today that it is introducing GrowFacility -- a complete, continuous commissioning software solution based on CognetiXs' advanced Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) technology, which significantly reduces costs and improves operational efficiency for growers and processors of Cannabis.

GrowFacility incorporates a standard library of fault rules that can be customized to predict equipment failures and advise personnel of preventive actions. Optimize energy savings and improve overall safety with GrowFacility. The unique FDD fault viewer quickly identifies the costliest faults to reduce downtime and costs to diagnose and repair. CognetiXs' solutions for fault detection and diagnostics are based on advanced research by the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Using its advanced Fault Rules Engine, GrowFacility calculates fault probability as well as all associated costs. It saves users conguration time by making integration easier, faster and more intuitive. The powerful Web-based Workbench provides an easy-to-use conguration and deployment environment. GrowFacility integrates with the most popular BAS, SCADA, PLC and other systems used to monitor equipment conditions. GrowFacility comes with Standard Fault Diagnostic Models for Popular Equipment such as Air Handling Units, Boilers, Chillers, Cooling Towers, or define your own.

GrowFacility offers:

Predict, Reduce and Eliminate Equipment Downtime

Automatic Fault Detection and Real-time Notifications

Standard Rules Library with Over 300 Fault Rules

Improve Overall Environmental Quality

Reduce Maintenance and Determine Probable Causes

Be Notified "Anywhere, Anytime and On Any Platform"

Return on Investment Typically Between 12 to 18 Months

For more information on this solution and how you can reduce your facility cost, please contact info@hemptechcorp.com to request a demo or information material.

About HempTech Corp

HempTech Corp (OTC PINK: HTCO), a Nevada corporation, is a provider of advanced Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) with sophisticated automation and analytical tools for the cultivators of legal industrial hemp and cannabis. We design and engineer specialized products using advanced sensors, process control techniques, big data aggregation, analytics and security solutions so cannabis growers can easily and effectively control every aspect of their operation. Through HempTech technologies, virtually every component of the plants' vegetative growth matrix and flower harvest is automated, documented and available in visible format both in real time and historically. This simplifies operations and ensures that the baselines set by the master grower are adhered to by the cultivation staff.

The Intelligent Automation Technology engineered for agricultural operations featuring CognetiX Cultivation Automation & Analytic Software drives improvement in productivity, efficiency, quality and sustainability. This industrial grade advanced Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) with analytical technology software is being made available to small and large size cultivators that are not yet available in the Cannabis market. HempTech's goal is to provide cost effective and efficient cultivation of indoor cannabis through intelligent technologies and process control platforms.

HempTech's mission is to establish a reputation in the cannabis industry as a one-stop-shop that provides all the infrastructure elements required by growers in a manner that is fully integrated, state-of-the-art, and secure. Products include the SPIDer (Secure Perimeter Intrusion Detection), SmartSense, SmartEnergy, and analytics dashboard CognetiX through which HempTech Corp. provides growers unparalleled data analysis capabilities to Know Your Grow. HempTech -- America's Future Taking Root Today.

To request further information about HempTech, please email us at info@hemptechcorp.com, log onto our website at http://www.hemptechcorp.com or visit us at our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hemptechcorp or on Twitter @hemptechcorp.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements covered within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply and demand conditions, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact and involve risks and uncertainties. Our expectations regarding future revenues depend upon our ability to develop and supply products and services that we may not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan," "expect," "believe," and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in pervasive markets. This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions.

Media Contact:

HempTech Corp.

Http://www.hemptechcorp.com

info@hemptechcorp.com

(727) 474-1810

Twitter - @hemptechcorp

Facebook - hemptechcorp




QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 12/29/16 -- Stelmine Canada Ltd. ("Stelmine") (TSX VENTURE: STH) announces the closing of a private placement of: $90,000. The Corporation has issued an aggregate of 225,000 "flow-through" shares at a price of $0.40 per share.

Four (4) insiders participated to this private placement for gross proceeds of $70,000 (78%). Insiders of the company subscribe to Units offered under the private placement (the "Insiders' Participation"). The Insiders' Participation is exempt from the formal valuation and shareholder approval requirements provided under Regulation 61-101 respecting Protection of Minority Holders in Special Transactions ("Regulation 61-101") in accordance with sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of said Regulation 61-101. The exemption is based on the fact that the market value of the Insiders' Participation or the consideration paid by such insider does not exceed 25% of the market value of the company. The company did not file a material change report at least 21 days prior to the completion of the private placement.

The proceeds of this private placement will be used by the Corporation to incur Canadian exploration expenses on the Corporation's properties located in the Province of Quebec and such exploration expenses will be fully incurred on or before December 31, 2017 in accordance with the Corporation's undertakings to the subscribers of this private placement.

All securities issued pursuant to the private placement are subject to a four-month and one day hold period. The private placement is subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Stelmine

Stelmine is a restructuring junior Quebec mining exploration company operating in Quebec. Its capital stock consists of 17,953,884 issued and outstanding shares for a current market capitalization of $5.6 million.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements made herein may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or the future economic performance of Stelmine and carry known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may appreciably affect their results, economic performance or accomplishments when considered in light of the content or implications or statements made by Stelmine. Actual events or results could be significantly different. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Stelmine Canada Ltd.

Isabelle Proulx

President and CEO

581-998-1222

info@stelmine.com

www.Stelmine.com



Stelmine Canada Ltd.

Christian Guilbaud

Director

514-813-7862




International Lithium Corp. und Pioneer Resources durchschneiden spodumenhaltigen Pegmatit bei Lithium-Pegmatit-Projekt Mavis (Ontario, Kanada)

Vancouver (British Columbia), 8. Februar 2017. International Lithium Corp. (TSX Venture: ILC.V) (ILC oder das Unternehmen) freut sich, gemeinsam mit seinem strategischen Partner, Pioneer Resources Limited (ASX: PIO) (Pioneer), bekannt zu geben, dass das erste Bohrloch des Bohrprogramms 2017 beim Lithium-Pegmatit-Projekt Mavis in der kanadischen Provinz Ontario einen spodumenhaltigen Pegmatit durchschnitten hat.

Das erste Bohrloch, MP-17-39, hat in einer Tiefe zwischen 79,9 und 97,9 Metern einen spodumenhaltigen** Pegmatit auf 18 Metern durchschnitten. In der Spodumenzone treten Beschreibungen zufolge gebrochene Kristalle zutage, wobei die groten beobachteten Spodumenkristalle parallel zur Kernachse ausgerichtet sind und eine Lange von etwa 45 Zentimetern aufweisen.

http://www.irw-press.at/prcom/images/messages/2017/38837/NR ILC Feb08 2017 F_DE_PRCom_NEU.001.png

Foto 1: Bohrkern von MF-17-39 mit dem spodumenhaltigen Pegmatitabschnitt. Als Referenz ist jede Kernlinie etwa 1,5 Meter lang.

*-Die Lange des Bohrabschnitts ist eine Tiefenmessung und stellt moglicherweise nicht die wahre Machtigkeit des durchschnittenen Pegmatits dar. Weitere Untersuchungen sind erforderlich, um die wahre Machtigkeit des angegebenen Abschnitts auf zuverlassige Weise zu schatzen.

**-Die qualifizierte Person (Qualified Person) kann in Zusammenhang mit der Identifizierung im Rahmen fruherer Arbeiten beim Projekt eine ausreichende Erfahrung und ein ausreichendes Know-how vorweisen, um mit hoher Zuverlassigkeit die Identifizierung von Spodumen in den angegebenen Abschnitten zu bestatigen. Die Leser sollten jedoch beachten, dass weder die qualifizierte Person noch das Unternehmen Annahmen oder Schlussfolgerungen hinsichtlich des Ausmaes oder Gehalts der Mineralisierung auert.

Tabelle 1: Details der Bohrkragen Bohr-IDBezugspunOstenNordenRL AzimutNeigunTiefe Kern kt (m) (m) (m) (o) g (m) (m)

(o) MF-17-3UTM15N/NA52438551802420 80 -70 179 171,5 9 D83 4 7 Die Koordinaten wurden mithilfe eines tragbaren GPS-Gerates ermittelt und weisen daher fur gewohnlich eine Genauigkeit von funf Metern auf.

Bohrprogramm 2017 bei Mavis Lake

MF-17-39 ist das erste Bohrloch eines bis zu 1.500 Meter umfassenden Programms von Diamantkernbohrungen beim Lithium-Pegmatit-Projekt Mavis. Weitere Details hinsichtlich des Bohrprogramms entnehmen Sie bitte der Pressemitteilung des Unternehmens vom 6. Februar.

Bohrloch MF-17-39 wurde eigens konzipiert, um den hochgradigen Lithium-Pegmatit in der Nahe der groen Abschnitte zu durchschneiden, die in den Bohrlochern MF-11-12 und MF-12-24, neigungsabwarts von Pegmatite 6, beobachtet worden waren. Das Ziel bestand darin, einen schiefen Winkel zu den historischen Bohrungen zu bohren, um die Ermittlung der Beschaffenheit von Pegmatite 6 in der Tiefe zu unterstutzen.

Im Folgenden sind groe Bohrabschnitte neigungsabwarts von Pegmatite 6, in der Nahe des angegebenen Abschnitts in Bohrloch MF-17-39, angegeben:

- MF-11-12: 26,25 m mit 1,55 % Li2O bei 152,0 m - MF-12-24: 16,40 m mit 1,86 % Li2O bei 161,9 m

Das zweite Bohrloch, MF-17-40, wurde bereits angebohrt und wird zurzeit durchgefuhrt. Das Bohrloch befindet sich in derselben Struktur wie MF-17-39, weist jedoch einen Azimut von 40 Grad auf. Es wurde konzipiert, um das Potenzial neigungsabwarts dieses spodumenhaltigen Pegmatits in einer groeren Tiefe zu erproben und weitere Daten uber die Struktur bereitzustellen, um die Geometrie des spodumenhaltigen Pegmatits zu ermitteln, der in den Bohrlochern MF11-12, MF12-24 und MF17-39 durchschnitten wurde.

Das Unternehmen wird den Markt weiterhin uber den Fortschritt der Bohrungen beim Lithium-Pegmatit-Projekt Mavis auf dem Laufenden halten. Die Bohrungen werden vermutlich bis zu 30 Tage in Anspruch nehmen und die Analyseergebnisse werden voraussichtlich bis Ende Marz 2017 verfugbar sein.

Patrick McLaughlin, P.Geo., ist eine qualifizierte Person (Qualified Person) gema NI 43-101 und hat die technischen Informationen in dieser Pressemitteilung gepruft.

Lithium-Pegmatit-Projekt Mavis

Das Lithiumprojekt Mavis liegt 19 Kilometer ostlich der Stadt Dryden (Ontario). Das Projekt befindet sich in einer gunstigen Lage in unmittelbarer Nahe des Trans-Canada-Highways und der Eisenbahn, wo Hauptverkehrsadern groere Stadte wie Thunder Bay (Ontario) im Sudosten oder Winnipeg (Manitoba) im Westen miteinander verbinden.

Das aktuelle Bohrprogramm wird zur Ganze von Pioneer im Rahmen seiner Earn-in-Option finanziert (Details der Bedingungen des Mavis-Optionsabkommens entnehmen Sie bitte der Pressemitteilung des Unternehmens vom 22. Juni 2016).

Uber International Lithium Corp.

International Lithium Corp. ist ein Explorationsunternehmen, das uber ein herausragendes Projektportfolio verfugt, dessen Management einen hohen Anteil an Aktien besitzt, das mit einer soliden Finanzierung ausgestattet ist und mit Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. - einem fuhrenden chinesischen Hersteller von Lithiumprodukten - einen strategischen Partner und Schlusselinvestor an der Seite hat.

Der Tatigkeitsschwerpunkt des Unternehmens liegt im Lithium-Kali-Soleprojekt Mariana, einem gemeinsam mit Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. betriebenen Joint Venture. Das Projekt befindet sich im bekannten sudamerikanischen Lithiumgurtel, in dem der Groteil der weltweiten Lithiumressourcen und -reserven lagert und wo ein Groteil der Lithiumproduktion stattfindet. Das Projekt Mariana umfasst ein ganzes mineralreiches Verdunstungsbecken mit einer Grundflache von 160 Quadratkilometern, das zu den ertragreichsten Salaren oder Salzseen in der Region zahlt.

Das Lithiumsole-Projekt des Unternehmens wird von drei Seltenmetall-Pegmatit-Konzessionsgebieten in Kanada - den Projekten Mavis, Raleigh und Forgan - und einem Projekt in Irland (Avalonia) erganzt, das einen ausgedehnten, 50 km langen Pegmatitgurtel umfasst. Das Projekt Avalonia unterliegt einer Optionsvereinbarung mit dem strategischen Partner Ganfeng Lithium, wahrend die Projekte Mavis und Raleigh gemeinsam mit dem strategischen Partner Pioneer Resources Limited (ASX:PIO) betrieben werden. Die Projekte Mavis, Raleigh und Forgan bilden zusammen die Grundlage fur die neugeschaffene Upper Canada Lithium Pool-Initiative des Unternehmens, deren Hauptziel es ist, zahlreiche Projektgebiete mit nachweislich hohen Lithiumkonzentrationen in unmittelbarer Nahe zur bestehenden Infrastruktur zu erwerben.

Angesichts der steigenden Nachfrage nach High-Tech-Akkus fur den Einsatz in der Fahrzeugantriebstechnik und in mobilen Elektronikgeraten spielt Lithium in der auf Umwelttechnologien basierenden, nachhaltigen Wirtschaft von morgen eine entscheidende Rolle. Ziel von ILC ist es, sich durch den Aufbau solider Erschlieungspartnerschaften und den Erwerb hochwertiger Basisprojekte im fruhen Explorationsstadium als DER Rohstoffexplorer fur Investoren in Umwelttechnik zu positionieren und einen Mehrwert fur seine Aktionare zu schaffen.

Fur das Board of Directors:

Kirill Klip Chairman, President und CEO, International Lithium Corp.

International Lithium Corp. 488-625 Howe St.

Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2T6 Canada

Voice: (604) 687-7551 Fax: (604) 687-4670 1-800-667-4470 E-mail:info@internationallithium.com

Website: http://www.internationallithium.com

Borsenkurzel: ILC: TSX-V CUSIP-Nummer: 459820 10 6

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http://www.irw-press.at/prcom/images/messages/2017/38837/NR ILC Feb08 2017 F_DE_PRCom_NEU.002.jpeg Abbildung 1: Standortkarte des Lithium-Pegmatit-Projektes Mavis

http://www.irw-press.at/prcom/images/messages/2017/38837/NR ILC Feb08 2017 F_DE_PRCom_NEU.003.jpeg Abbildung 2: Standortkarte der geplanten Bohrstandorte 2017 beim Lithium-Pegmatit-Projekt Mavis

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AXC0107 2017-02-08/12:34
DUBLIN, Nov 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Automotive Telematics Market 2016-2020" report to their offering.

The report forecasts the global automotive telematics market to grow at a CAGR of 24.22% during the period 2016-2020.

The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

One of latest trends in the market is reduced dependence on smartphones for applications. Smartphone connectivity to in-vehicle infotainment system has been one of the major drivers of automotive telematics. This is due to end-users' desire to access smartphones while driving. Automakers have capitalized on this by developing high-resolution and more intuitive HMIs capable of seamlessly integrating with smartphones in automobiles. OEMs have been trying to enter the third-party application service segment. Smartphones have the upper hand over in-vehicle infotainment OS owing to their flexibility.

According to the report, one of the primary drivers in the market is regulatory mandates to improve vehicle and passenger safety. Passenger vehicles are the largest installer of telematics systems in the world due to increased demand for vehicle tracking and navigation services in passenger vehicles. Among the services offered by telematics solutions for passenger vehicles, emergency call and stolen vehicle tracking have been the area of focus for many regulatory bodies worldwide.

Further, the report states that one major challenge in the market is data security in telematics industry. Previously, most M2M communications used proprietary protocols or private networks for connectivity. However, increasing demand for connectivity has forced players in the industry to provide Internet connectivity in their offerings. The major focus is on the functional requirements of telematics devices. As a result, the industry has neglected many non-functional requirements of systems, like data security.



Key vendors:



Agero

Airbiquity

Continental

Verizon Telematics

Visteon



Key Topics Covered:

Part 01: Executive summary



Part 02: Scope of the report



Part 03: Market research methodology



Part 04: Introduction



Part 05: Market landscape



Part 06: Market segmentation by fitment



Part 07: Market segmentation by geography



Part 08: Market drivers



Part 09: Market challenges



Part 10: Market trends



Part 11: Vendor landscape



Part 12: Key vendor analysis



Part 13: Appendix

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/rvplnk/global_automotive

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

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JACKSONVILLE, FL--(Marketwired - December 01, 2016) - Santa is coming to a town near you this month. This year marks the seventh annual Christmas Train operated by Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) in coordination with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys For Tots Foundation. The train will depart Saturday, December 10 and will run along the railroad's 351-mile mainline on the east coast of Florida, from Jacksonville to Miami.

The 2016 FECR Christmas Train will make eight stops during the journey. Along the way Santa Claus will be spreading holiday cheer to all who come out to see him.

A local Toys For Tots coordinator -- a U.S. Marine Corps service member, will be present at each stop to accept the FECR Christmas Train donations, and distribute throughout the community. The FECR Christmas Train is a 501c3, so anyone who would like to make a donation to the organization can receive a tax deduction. All donations will go toward children and teens in need in the local community.

Since FECR President and CEO Jim Hertwig started the program six years ago, it has continued to see growth, donating close to 270,000 toys. "Last year alone over 1,000 children attended our event, and 16,000 toys were donated," said Jim Hertwig. "This event is, and will continue to be a favored tradition for the FECR family. We are proud to be able to once again work alongside the Toys For Tots Foundation to contribute to those in need during the holiday season," he said.

The FECR Christmas Train will stop at the eight railroad crossings listed below for approximately 30 minutes, during which strict procedures will be in place for the safety and enjoyment of everyone in attendance:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- City RR Crossing Location Times (approximate) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jacksonville Mussel Acres Road - West 7:10 AM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- St. Augustine San Sebastian View - East 8:10 AM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Smyrna Beach Canal Street - East 10:05 AM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cocoa Dixon Boulevard - West 11:45 AM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fort Pierce Orange Avenue - West 1:30 PM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Palm Beach 36th Street - East 3:00 PM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fort Lauderdale SW 17th Street - West 4:25 PM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Miami NE 87th Street - West 5:15 PM ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

About Florida East Coast Railway

The Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) is a 351-mile freight rail system located along the east coast of Florida. It is the exclusive rail provider for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Port of Palm Beach. FECR connects to the national railway system in Jacksonville, Fla., to move cargo originating or terminating there. Based in Jacksonville, Fla., FECR provides end-to-end intermodal and carload solutions to customers who demand cost-effective and premium quality.

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Media Contact:

Robert Ledoux

1 (904) 279-3111

Robert.Ledoux@fecrwy.com
DUBLIN, Dec 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --



Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "TSMC Integrated Fan-Out (inFO) Package Apple A10 iPhone 7 Plus Application Processor: Analysis" report to their offering.

Each year, Apple integrates new technology and innovation inside the iPhone. This year with the iPhone 7, Apple is the first to bring Package on Package (PoP) Wafer-Level Packaging (WLP) at the consumer scale. For its new application processor packaging, the A10, Apple has considered to use TSMC's new inFO-PoP (integrated Fan-Out PoP) technology.

Located under the DRAM package on the main board, the application processor (AP) is packaged using PoP. Depending on the version (iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus), the DRAM memory has different space management.

The Apple A10 is a wafer-level package using TSMC's packaging technology with copper pillar as Through inFO Via (TIV) to replace the well-known Through Molded Via (TMV) technology. With this new technology, Apple marked a huge breaking point with the old traditional PoP found in the previous generations of his APs. In this report, we will show the differences and the innovations of this package: Copper Pillars, Redistribution layer, patent identification, silicon high density capacitor integration, The detailed comparison with the Exynos 8 and the Snapdragon 820 will give the pro and the cons of the inFO technology compared to PoP packaging used in the market.

Thanks to this inFO process, Apple is able to propose a very thin package on package, with a high number of I/O pads and better thermal management. The result is a very cost-effective component that can compete with any well-known PoP. In the report, the cost comparison is also including in order to highlight the difference.

This report also includes a technical comparison with previous Apple AP, the A9.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Overview / Introduction



2. Company Profile and Supply Chain



3. Physical Analysis

- Physical Analysis Methodology

- iPhone 7 Plus disassembly

- A10 Packaging Analysis

- Land-Side Decoupling capacitor

- PoP Comparison (Samsung's PoP and Shinko's MCeP)

- A10 Die Analysis

- Comparison with previous generation (A9)



4. Manufacturing Process Flow

- Chip Fabrication Unit

- Packaging Fabrication Unit

- inFO Package Process Flow



5. Cost Analysis

- Synthesis of the cost analysis

- Supply Chain Description

- Yield Hypotheses

- A10 Die Cost Analysis

- inFO Package Cost Analysis

- Final Test Cost

- Component Cost



6. Estimated Price Analysis



7. Cost & price comparison with Samsung's PoP & Shinko's MCeP

Companies Mentioned



- Apple

- GE

- HTC

- Huawei

- LG

- Samsung

- Xiaomi

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/nmb7st/tsmc_integrated

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716






BAIE VERTE, NL -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Rambler Metals & Mining PLC (TSX VENTURE: RAB) (LSE: RMM)

1 December 2016

Results of Annual General Meeting

London, England & Baie Verte, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada - Rambler Metals and Mining plc (TSXV: RAB, AIM: RMM) ('Rambler' or the 'Company'), a copper and gold producer operating in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, today announces that all resolutions were passed at Company's annual general meeting held earlier today.

ABOUT RAMBLER METALS AND MINING

Rambler is a mining and development company that in November 2012 brought its first mine into commercial production. Rambler has a 100% ownership in the Ming Copper-Gold Mine, a fully operational base and precious metals processing facility and year round bulk storage and shipping facility; all located on the Baie Verte peninsula, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Rambler's immediate plans are to increase mine and mill production to 1,250 mtpd by the end of Fiscal 2017. This initial expansion has been fully funded through CEII's investment. Rambler will also continue advancing engineering studies on ore pre-concentration (DMS) and shaft rehabilitation with a view to further increase production to 2,000 mtpd at the Ming Mine. In addition, Rambler has initiated a detailed study at the mill with a goal to increase gold recovery and production rate in the copper concentrator.

Along with the Ming Mine, Rambler also owns 100% of the former producing Little Deer/ Whales Back copper mines and has strategic investment in the former producing Hammerdown gold mine.

Rambler is dual listed in London under AIM:RMM and in Canada under TSX-V:RAB.

For further information, please contact:

Norman Williams, CPA,CA Peter Mercer President and CEO Vice President, Corporate Secretary Rambler Metals & Mining Plc Rambler Metals & Mining Plc Tel No: 709-800-1929 Tel No: +44 (0) 20 8652-2700 Fax No: 709-800-1921 Fax No: +44 (0) 20 8652-2719 Nominated Advisor (NOMAD) Investor Relations David Porter, Craig Francis Nicole Marchand Investor Relations Cantor Fitzgerald Europe Tel No: 416- 428-3533 Tel No: +44 (0) 20 7894 7000 Nicole@nm-ir.com

Website: www.ramblermines.com

Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser, to view the associated PDF document.

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/7421Q_1-2016-12-1.pdf

Contacts:

RNS

Customer

Services

0044-207797-4400

rns@londonstockexchange.com

http://www.rns.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Finalists for the 2017 BC National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction - one of the largest non-fiction book prizes in the country - were announced today on behalf of the BC Achievement Foundation. The award carries a prize of $40,000 and each finalist will also receive a prize of $5,000.

The 2017 finalists are:

Taras Grescoe for Shanghai Grand: Forbidden Love and International Intrigue on the Eve of the Second World War; Sandra Martin for A Good Death: Making the Most of Our Final Choices; Robert Moor for On Trails: An Exploration; and, Alexandra Shimo for Invisible North: The Search for Answers on a Troubled Reserve.

An independent jury chose the four finalists from among 141 books submitted by 46 publishers from across Canada. The members of the 2017 jury are Hal Wake, Jury Chair, Artistic Director of the Vancouver Writers Fest; Jan Walter, editor, publishing executive, bookseller and former Chair of the Kingston WritersFest Board and, John Burns, journalist, editor, publisher and current Editorial Director of Echo Storytelling Agency in Vancouver.

Now in its 13th year, the award has featured such winners as Rosemary Sullivan, Karyn L. Freedman, Thomas King, Modris Eksteins, Charlotte Gill, John Vaillant, Ian Brown, Russell Wangersky, Lorna Goodison, Noah Richler, Rebecca Godfrey, and Patrick Lane.

The jury will announce the winner of the 2017 prize at a special presentation ceremony in Vancouver on January 26, 2017.

"The 2017 shortlisted authors have inspired us to learn and reflect on the world in which we live whle expanding our thinking and our knowledge," said Foundation Chair Keith Mitchell. "Their works represent an excellent selection of non-fiction books, and we thank the jury for their work in narrowing the field of 141 books nominated for this year's prize to these remarkable finalists."

The finalists are described in the following citations from the jury panel:

Taras Grescoe for Shanghai Grand: Forbidden Love and International Intrigue on the Eve of the Second World War (Harper Avenue, HarperCollins Publishers)

"Shanghai Grand is a spellbinding work that immerses us in a disappeared yet irresistible world. Shanghai on the eve of World War II is a city of dangerous contrasts: a glamorous haunt of the internationally rich and famous, a haven for desperate European and Russian refugees, a booming economy built on the opium trade, a strategic target of both Chinese communists and Japanese imperialists. Enter three extraordinary figures whose intertwined lives lead us into every salon and alleyway: the free-spirited American journalist, Emily Hahn; her protector, British tycoon Victor Sassoon; and her lover, the "decadent" Chinese poet Zau Sinmay. Their stories play out in vivid detail, inseparable from the tumultuous events around them. Grescoe's deft weaving of the intimate, the historic, and the political offers another perspective on the reality of Shanghai and China today."

Sandra Martin for A Good Death: Making the Most of Our Final Choices (Patrick Crean Editions, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd)

"It is a curious paradox that despite the inevitability of death, it is a subject people would rather avoid talking about. But is there a more important issue for us to resolve than how to find a social consensus on making death more humane? Sandra Martin's A Good Death will make an enormous contribution to our ongoing, often contentious public debate on the issue. Her careful and thorough research provides historical context, legislative precedents, the effect of medical technology and philosophical and religious insights. What truly distinguishes this book is the reportage on individuals and families who have fought to arrange for a better death, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. These firsthand experiences are the beating heart of a timely and powerful examination."

Robert Moor for On Trails: An Exploration (Simon & Schuster)

"In fractals, we find the beauty of forms repeating at ever smaller scales. In On Trails, Robert Moor, a transplanted American of prodigious talent, turns our eye to the fractal splendour of the paths that spool out in scales from minute (neuronal trackways) to massive (tectonic shiftings). The book - astonishingly, his first - is a glorious pathway of its own, meandering in places, bloody-mindedly efficient in others. Detours into aboriginal phonology, animal husbandry, and information architecture reveal themselves to be necessary way-stops as Moor investigates profound questions: What is wisdom? What is wilderness? Freedom? Choice? There's an element of cheerful dorm room philosophizing here as well, yet the sincerity of his conclusions (and his evocation of the walking life) are inspiring and resonant. It's a trail that demands re-walking."

Alexandra Shimo for Invisible North: The Search for Answers on a Troubled Reserve (Dundurn Press)

"In late 2005, the First Nation reserve of Kashechewan, Ontario, showed signs of E. coli. The provincial and federal response forms one strand of Alexandra Shimo's Invisible North: The Search for Answers on a Troubled Reserve. A second follows the reason that reporters, in town to investigate, were duped with "tap water" that was actually dirty river water. Shimo arrives to follow both threads: how was public health allowed to degrade, and who switched the samples? What she finds is chaos: in a reserve gutted by colonialism and church-condoned sexual predation; in a country where Native sovereignty conveniently absolves responsibility; and in Shimo herself. That last element, her unravelling mental and physical ability to withstand Kash's horrors, lifts the book from whodunit into something achingly poignant for all Canadians."

The BC Award is an annual national prize established by the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, an independent foundation endowed by the Province of British Columbia in 2003 to celebrate excellence in the arts, humanities, enterprise, and community service.

For more information on the award and this year's finalists, please call 604-261-9777 or visit www.bcachievement.com.

Contacts:

British Columbia Achievement Foundation

Cathryn Wilson

Executive Director

604-261-9777

info@bcachievement.com

www.bcachievement.com




LEWISBURG, PA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Playworld, a leading commercial playground equipment manufacturer committed to saving outdoor unstructured play, today announced PlayCubes have been named one of Architectural Record's Products of the Year. The annual competition invites a jury of six professionals to select the best new products of the year, rating entries for innovation, usefulness and aesthetics.

"I've proudly been designing play equipment for the majority of my career and it's rewarding to see PlayCubes recognized by our peers outside of the parks and recreation industry," said Craig Mellott, an industrial designer at Playworld who helped oversee the launch of PlayCubes. "The iconic sculptural playforms enhance outdoor spaces and provide a play environment that is unique and supportive to child development, while also being aesthetically pleasing. The entire Playworld team is honored to have PlayCubes named a Product of the Year by Architectural Record."

PlayCubes offer rich physical, social and cognitive play value along with refreshingly fun ways to engage. The distinctive geometric shapes and undefined paths encourage exploration and climbing activity that's accessible, yet challenging. The varying planes and handholds encourage climbing and spatial experimentation, with small recesses that invite entry and provide an immersive play experience.

Architect Richard Dattner debuted PlayCubes in the 1960s. Today, an exclusive partnership between Dattner and Playworld is introducing the once popular playground equipment to new generations.

"This much-loved form has been redesigned by popular demand to meet current safety standards," said Dattner, whose Salt Shed project was featured on the cover of Architectural Record in March 2016. "Reimagined in tough rotational molding, these larger PlayCubes, with openings on all 14 faces, offer more visibility, enhanced play opportunities and almost limitless combinations."

Available in a single cube for ages 2 and up, and in four pre-set designs that vary in size, capacity and play activity for ages 5 and up, PlayCubes are configured to enable easy selection. Customers also have the option to link PlayCubes, creating paths to other areas of the play space.

Since their debut earlier this year, PlayCubes are proving extremely popular. Originally planned for a five-month installation on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston, PlayCubes are remaining in Chinatown Park after rave reviews from the community.

About Playworld

Playworld, a division of PlayPower, Inc., believes The World Needs Play. Play is vital to everyone's health and well-being. It's something you are never too young or too old to enjoy. We develop playground environments where creativity is king, belly laughs are welcome and children make the rules. Playworld equipment is designed to unleash the transformational power of play so bodies grow stronger and imagination can take flight. For 45 years, Playworld has created innovative, inclusive and meaningful outdoor play experiences for all ages and abilities. Come play with us.

About PlayPower, Inc.

PlayPower is a global leader in the recreation industry. The company is headquartered in North Carolina, with manufacturing facilities in Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Sweden and the United Kingdom. PlayPower brands include Miracle Recreation, Little Tikes Commercial, Playworld, Soft Play, HAGS, EZ Dock and USA Shade. PlayPower's vision is To Inspire the World to Play through its mission of Creating Outstanding Play Environments for All Ages and Abilities. More information is available at www.playpower.com. PlayPower is a portfolio company of Littlejohn & Company, LLC and is actively seeking add-on acquisitions.

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Media contact:

Jennifer Leckstrom

RoseComm for Playworld

215-681-0770

jleckstrom@rosecomm.com




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A bill extending existing U.S. sanctions on Iran for ten years was unanimously approved by the Senate on Thursday and is now headed to President Barack Obama's desk. The Senate voted 99 to zero in favor of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., did not vote. Supporters of the bill said it gives the U.S. the tools needed to hold the Iranian regime to account if the Islamic Republic violates the nuclear agreement negotiated with the Obama administration. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said the bill ensures President-elect Donald Trump has the ability to re-impose the sanctions the Obama administration lifted to implement the nuclear deal. The White House argued the legislation is unnecessary because the president already has authority to re-impose sanctions on Iran, but it stopped short of threatening to veto the bill. The unanimous vote in the Senate along with a 419 to 1 vote in the House last month suggests lawmakers could override any potential veto. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
SANTA CLARA, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- IngDan, China's largest IoT supply chain platform, today announced the opening of its first U.S. IngDan Experience Center in the heart of Silicon Valley, increasing its number of global centers to six. IngDan also enters into partnership with Tsing Capital and SVC Angel Fund to expand financial services and resources to IoT hardware innovators and startups.

As part of IngDan's $35 million commitment to the region, IngDan's Silicon Valley Experience Center is a place where the public can touch, interact with and enjoy innovative IoT consumer products and interconnected tech gadgets for free -- from new robotics and innovative wearables to the latest smart toys. The center will also serve as a community hub for innovators and entrepreneurs to promote products and host workshops, events and forums.

IngDan's partnership with Tsing Capital and SVC Angel Fund bolsters each company's ability to more fully support their portfolio companies and community of entrepreneurs. IngDan can now capitalize on both funds to help entrepreneurs seeking capital infusion at various stages of growth. Tsing Capital and SVC Angel Fund in turn can leverage IngDan's extensive supply chain and access to local resources and to the Chinese market to help accelerate their portfolio companies' expansion.

Additional benefits include:

Increased access to U.S. and China investors and industry connections

Customized funding models for IoT and smart technology startups

Mentorship from global business, academic and financial leaders with domain expertise

"IoT is the next industrial revolution, poised to usher in a new golden age of innovation and economic progress" said Dr. Shipeng Li, CTO of IngDan and Cogobuy Group, IngDan's parent company. "Innovators and investors in the U.S. and China are paving IoT's early pathways to success. IngDan is committed to empowering IoT hardware innovators by connecting them to world-class investors, supply chain partners and marketing partners. And our experience centers enable the public to interact with the technologies of tomorrow, today, for free."

According to analysts, U.S. investments in IoT are expected to grow from $230 billion today to $370 billion in 2018. By 2025, total global IoT revenue from sales and services is expected to skyrocket to $3 trillion, with the U.S. and China neck-and-neck for market dominance. (source: IDC, MachinaResearch)

"This is a win-win relationship for Tsing Capital, IngDan, and most importantly for IoT innovators who are looking for funding and supply chain support," said Don Ye, founding managing partner, Tsing Capital. "With IngDan, we're excited to offer our portfolio companies a vastly expanded value proposition to help transform an early-stage IoT startup with a product idea and a vision into a formidable international player with an efficient and reliable supply chain reaching customers from around the globe."

According to Roy Kong, managing partner, SVC Angel Fund, "Venture capital in Silicon Valley has a profound impact on the pace of innovation around the world. SVC Angel Fund's legacy of investing in early-stage, intelligent technology startups in Silicon Valley has helped bring $10 million dollars to the region and helped 300 companies, with a plan to invest $150 million in new smart tech funds. Partnering with IngDan, we can give our portfolio clients access to world-class technical domain expertise that they need to succeed -- from ideation to production and access to global markets."

About IngDan

Founded in 2013, IngDan is the one-stop IoT innovation platform and subsidiary of Cogobuy Group, a Hong Kong-listed company operating China's largest hardware supplier platform. It empowers entrepreneurs to outsource to the right suppliers at the right time, giving them the same advantage and potential success previously enjoyed only by well-funded companies. Leveraging over 6,000 suppliers, IngDan enables entrepreneurs to capitalize world-class hardware manufacturers at an affordable cost. IngDan's millions of followers also provide entrepreneurs an unprecedented critical mass and platform for consumer testing and feedback, accelerating brand recognition and product adoption among Chinese consumers. IngDan has U.S. offices in San Francisco and Santa Clara and a growing number of U.S. clients. en.ingdan.com

About Tsing Capital

Established in 2001, Tsing Capital is the leading CleanTech venture capital firm in China. Through its China Environment Fund series, Tsing Capital works intimately with its portfolio companies across China in areas of new energy, energy efficiency, environmental protection, cleaner production, sustainable transportation, new materials and sustainable agriculture. www.tsingcapital.com

About SVC Angel Fund

SVC Angel Fund, founded and managed by a group of accredited investors and industry professionals, invests in U.S. early-stage startups. Its team is committed to utilizing domain expertise to help entrepreneurs respond swiftly to challenges and opportunities in areas such new technology areas including Intelligent Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Big Data, Smart Manufacturing, Robotics, Sensing Technology, Control Technology, Low Power Devices, etc. www.svcangel.com

Media Contacts:

Mary Placido

Sim-Krause Consulting

Email: Email Contact

Mobile: 415-218-3627



Sharon Y. Sim

Sim-Krause Consulting

Email: Email Contact

Mobile: 415-420-1889




Washington D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2016) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that investment management firm Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO) agreed to retain an independent compliance consultant and pay nearly $20 million to settle charges that it misled investors about the performance of one its first actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and failed to accurately value certain fund securities.

According to the SEC's order issued today, PIMCO's Total Return ETF attracted significant investor attention as it outperformed even its flagship mutual fund in the four months following its launch in February 2012. The initial performance was attributable to buying smaller-sized bonds known as "odd lots" as part of a strategy to help bolster performance out of the gate. But in monthly and annual reports to investors, PIMCO provided other, misleading reasons for the ETF's early success and failed to disclose that the resulting performance from the odd lot strategy was not sustainable as the fund grew in size.

"PIMCO misled investors about the true long-term impact of its odd lot strategy and denied them the opportunity to make fully informed investment decisions about the Total Return ETF," said Andrew J. Ceresney, Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement. "Investment advisers must accurately describe the significant sources of performance and the strategies being used."

The SEC's order further finds that PIMCO's odd lot strategy caused the Total Return ETF to overvalue its portfolio and consequently fail to accurately price a subset of fund shares. PIMCO valued these bonds using prices provided by a third-party pricing vendor for round lots, which are larger-sized bonds compared to odd lots. By blindly relying on the vendor's price for round lots without any reasonable basis to believe it accurately reflected what the fund would receive if it sold the odd lots, PIMCO overstated the Total Return ETF's net asset value (NAV) by as much as 31 cents.

"PIMCO overstated its NAV almost every day for four months because its policies and procedures were not reasonably designed to properly address issues concerning odd lot pricing," Mr. Ceresney said.

PIMCO agreed to be censured and consented to the SEC's order without admitting or denying the findings that the firm violated Sections 206(2) and 206(4) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Rules 206(4)-7 and 206(4)-8, and Section 34(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. PIMCO agreed to pay disgorgement of fees totaling $1,331,628.74 plus interest of $198,179.04 and a penalty of $18.3 million.

The SEC's investigation was conducted by Adam Schneir and Brian Fitzpatrick of the Enforcement Division's Asset Management Unit as well as Kate Zoladz of the Miami office, Rhoda Chang, John Berry, Donald Searles, and Gary Leung of the Los Angeles office, and Jose Santillan of the Chicago office. The case was supervised by C. Dabney O'Riordan, Co-Chief of the Asset Management Unit, and Michele Layne, Regional Director for the Los Angeles office. The examination of PIMCO that led to the investigation was conducted by Eric Lee, Ryan M. Hinson, and Shawn McEnnis and supervised by Daniel C. Jung of the Los Angeles office.
CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 12/01/16 -- Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI), a global designer and manufacturer of electro-mechanical devices, will release its second-quarter Fiscal 2017 results for the period ended October 29, 2016, on Thursday, December 8, 2016, before the market opens.

Following the release, the Company will conduct a conference call and Webcast to review financial and operational highlights led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Donald W. Duda, and Chief Financial Officer, John Hrudicka, at 10:00 a.m. Central time.

To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 407-9210 (domestic) or (201) 689-8049 (international) at least five minutes prior to the start of the event. A simultaneous Webcast can be accessed through the Company's Web site, www.methode.com, by selecting the Investor Relations page, and then clicking on the "Webcast" icon.

A replay of the conference call, as well as an MP3 download, will be available shortly after the call through January 8 by dialing (877) 481-4010 (domestic) or (919) 882-2331 (international) and providing Conference ID number 10166. On the Internet, a replay will be available for 30 days through the Company's Web site, www.methode.com, by selecting the Investor Relations page and then clicking on the "Webcast" icon.

About Methode Electronics, Inc.

Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI) is a global developer of custom engineered and application specific products and solutions with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, electronic, wireless, safety radio remote control, sensing and optical technologies to control and convey signals through sensors, interconnections and controls. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interface, Power Products and Other. Our components are in the primary end markets of the automobile, computer, information processing and networking equipment, voice and data communication systems, consumer electronics, appliances, aerospace vehicles and industrial equipment industries. Further information can be found on Methode's Website at www.methode.com.

For Methode Electronics Inc. - Investor Contacts:

Kristine Walczak

Dresner Corporate Services

312-780-7205

kwalczak@dresnerco.com




ANAHEIM, CA--(Marketwired - December 01, 2016) - The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented its Huell Howser Best in Blue Award to the Joshua Basin Water District for its innovative outreach program encouraging the public to plant water-saving native plants.

The award was presented during the annual ACWA Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim, where more than 1,600 local water officials are gathered through Friday for programs and panel discussions on California's critical water issues. Joshua Basin Water District was among six finalists for the award that honors stellar communications and outreach programs developed and run by California water agencies.

"Joshua Basin Water District's creative and collaborative campaign to educate the public about the water savings inherent in native plants is a stellar example of the many local programs being offered by water agencies throughout the state to help California survive this multi-year drought," said ACWA President Kathy Tiegs. "The district reached out to partners throughout its community to collaborate on an educational and results-driven program to 'Save Water...Grow Native.'"

Other finalists for this year's award were:

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District for outreach on its Conversion to Budget-Based (Water Budget) Rate Structure, which used hands-on demonstrations as well as social media to answer customers' questions.

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for its water conservation campaign called "Let's All Take a Turn," which encouraged residents to turn off their faucets whenever possible.

Padre Dam Municipal Water District for its public education campaign on the Advanced Water Purification Program, a robust media campaign designed to improve the community's comfort level with the idea of indirect potable reuse of wastewater.

San Diego County Water Authority for its Citizens Water Academy, a program to educate customers on regional water issues, water supply, and regional water infrastructure.

Western Municipal Water District for its Free Sprinkler Nozzles Program, an outreach campaign that engaged customers and made it easy to obtain vouchers for free sprinkler nozzles.

ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 430+ members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com

Contact:

Lisa Lien-Mager

Director of Communications

(916) 441-4545

C (530) 902-3815
Regulatory News:

FMC Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:FTI) and Technip (Paris:TEC) (ISIN:FR0000131708) (ADR:TKPPY) (Euronext: TEC) today announced that the pending combination between the companies has received a clearance decision issued by the General Superintendent of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), the Brazilian antitrust authority. The decision is subject to a 15-day waiting period.

As previously announced on May 19, 2016, Technip and FMC Technologies will combine to create a global leader that will drive change by redefining the production and transformation of oil and gas. Brazil is the last outstanding antitrust clearance required prior to closing. Clearance decisions have previously been provided by antitrust authorities in the United States, the European Union, India, Turkey, Mexico and Russia. The pending transaction remains subject to other closing conditions, including approval of the transaction by FMC Technologies' and Technip's shareholders at their respective shareholders meetings scheduled on December 5, 2016, as well as certain regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in early 2017, subject to the satisfaction of these other closing conditions.

About Technip

Technip is a world leader in project management, engineering and construction for the energy industry. From the deepest Subsea oil gas developments to the largest and most complex Offshore and Onshore infrastructures, our close to 31,000 people are constantly offering the best solutions and most innovative technologies to meet the world's energy challenges. Present in 45 countries, Technip has state-of-the-art industrial assets on all continents and operates a fleet of specialized vessels for pipeline installation and subsea construction. Technip shares are listed on the Euronext Paris exchange, and its ADR is traded in the US on the OTCQX marketplace as an American Depositary Receipt (OTCQX:TKPPY). Visit us at www.technip.com

About FMC Technologies

FMC Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:FTI) is the global market leader in subsea systems and a leading provider of technologies and services to the oil and gas industry. We help our customers overcome their most difficult challenges, such as improving shale and subsea infrastructures and operations to reduce cost, maintain uptime, and maximize oil and gas recovery. The company has approximately 14,500 employees and operates 29 major production facilities and services bases in 18 countries. Visit www.fmctechnologies.com or follow us on Twitter @FMC_Tech for more information.

Important Information for Investors and Securityholders

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking statements." All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements usually relate to future events and anticipated revenues, earnings, cash flows or other aspects of our operations or operating results. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "foresee," "should," "would," "could," "may," "estimate," "outlook" and similar expressions, including the negative thereof. The absence of these words, however, does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs and assumptions concerning future developments and business conditions and their potential effect on us. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include failure to obtain applicable regulatory or stockholder approvals in a timely manner or otherwise; failure to satisfy other closing conditions to the proposed transactions; failure to obtain favorable opinions from counsel for each company to the effect of how TechnipFMC Limited (to be renamed TechnipFMC plc) ("TechnipFMC") should be treated for U.S. tax purposes as a result of the proposed transaction; risks associated with tax liabilities, or changes in U.S. federal or international tax laws or interpretations to which they are subject, including the risk that the Internal Revenue Service disagrees that TechnipFMC is a foreign corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes; risks that the new businesses will not be integrated successfully or that the combined companies will not realize estimated cost savings, value of certain tax assets, synergies and growth or that such benefits may take longer to realize than expected; failure to realize anticipated benefits of the combined operations; risks relating to unanticipated costs of integration; reductions in client spending or a slowdown in client payments; unanticipated changes relating to competitive factors in the companies' industries; ability to hire and retain key personnel; ability to successfully integrate the companies' businesses; the potential impact of announcement or consummation of the proposed transaction on relationships with third parties, including clients, employees and competitors; ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients in the manner anticipated; reliance on and integration of information technology systems; changes in legislation or governmental regulations affecting the companies; international, national or local economic, social or political conditions that could adversely affect the companies or their clients; conditions in the credit markets; risks associated with assumptions the parties make in connection with the parties' critical accounting estimates and legal proceedings; and the parties' international operations, which are subject to the risks of currency fluctuations and foreign exchange controls.

All of our forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties (some of which are significant or beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that affect the parties' businesses, including those described in FMC Technologies' ("FMC Technologies") Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed from time to time by FMC Technologies and TechnipFMC with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and those described in Technip S.A.'s ("Technip") annual reports, registration documents and other documents filed from time to time with the French financial markets regulator (Autorite des marches financiers or the "AMF"). We wish to caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities or the solicitation of any vote in any jurisdiction pursuant to the proposed transactions or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act and applicable European regulations. Subject to certain exceptions to be approved by the relevant regulators or certain facts to be ascertained, the public offer will not be made directly or indirectly, in or into any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, or by use of the mails or by any means or instrumentality (including without limitation, facsimile transmission, telephone and the internet) of interstate or foreign commerce, or any facility of a national securities exchange, of any such jurisdiction.

Important Additional Information Has Been Filed with the SEC

TechnipFMC has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4, which includes a proxy statement of FMC Technologies that also constitutes a prospectus of TechnipFMC (the "proxy statement/prospectus"). The registration statement on Form S-4 was declared effective by the SEC on October 24, 2016 and a definitive proxy statement/prospectus has been delivered as required by applicable law. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC, IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FMC TECHNOLOGIES, TECHNIP, TECHNIPFMC, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and stockholders can obtain free copies of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC by the parties through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and stockholders can obtain free copies of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC on FMC Technologies' website at www.fmctechnologies.com (for documents filed with the SEC by FMC Technologies) or on Technip's website at www.technip.com (for documents filed with the SEC by Technip).

Important Additional Information Has Been Made Available in an Information Document

Technip has made available an information document in connection with the Technip meeting of stockholders called to approve the proposed transaction (the "Information Document"). INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE INFORMATION DOCUMENT, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS PUBLISHED OR TO BE PUBLISHED ON THE TECHNIP WEBSITE, IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FMC TECHNOLOGIES, TECHNIP, TECHNIPFMC, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and stockholders can obtain free copies of the Information Document from Technip on its website at www.technip.com.

Important Additional Information Will be Made Available in a Prospectus Prepared in Accordance with the EU Prospectus Directive

TechnipFMC will make publicly available a prospectus, prepared in accordance with the EU Prospectus Directive 2003/71/EC, with respect to the issuance of new shares as a result of the proposed transaction and their admission to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Paris (including any supplement thereto, the "Admission Prospectus"). INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE ADMISSION PROSPECTUS, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FMC TECHNOLOGIES, TECHNIP, TECHNIPFMC, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and stockholders will be able to obtain free copies of the Admission Prospectus from TechnipFMC when available.

Participants in the Solicitation

FMC Technologies, Technip, TechnipFMCand their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of FMC Technologies and Technip, respectively, in respect of the proposed transactions contemplated by the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and the Information Document. Information regarding the persons who are, under the rules of the SEC, participants in the solicitation of the stockholders of FMC Technologies and Technip, respectively, in connection with the proposed transactions, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed with the SEC. Information regarding FMC Technologies' directors and executive officers is contained in FMC Technologies' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and its Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated March 25, 2016, which are filed with the SEC and can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. Information regarding Technip's directors and executive officers is contained in Technip's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the AMF and can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161201006230/en/

Contacts:

For Technip

Investors

Aurelia Baudey-Vignaud, +33 1 85 67 43 81

abaudeyvignaud@technip.com

or

Elodie Robbe-Mouillot, +33 1 85 67 43 86

erobbemouillot@technip.com

or

Media

Christophe Belorgeot, +33 (0) 1 47 78 39 92

cbelorgeot@technip.com

or

Laure Montcel, +33 1 49 01 87 81

lmontcel@technip.com

or

For FMC Technologies

Investors

Matt Seinsheimer, +1 281.260.3665

investorrelations@fmcti.com

or

Media

Lisa Albiston, +1 281.610-9076

media.request@fmcti.com

or

Lisa Adams, +1 281.405.4659

media.request@fmcti.com
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/21/16 -- Canadian Spirit Resources Inc. ("CSRI" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: SPI)(OTCBB: CSPUF) is pleased to announce that it has closed, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, its previously announced (see News Release dated December 1, 2016) private placement of units of the Corporation at a price of $0.12 per unit.

Each unit issued pursuant to the private placement consists of one common share of the Corporation and one-half of one common share purchase warrant ("Warrants"). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase an additional common share of the Corporation for a period of one year at an exercise price of $0.12 per share.

The gross proceeds raised from the sale of the units were $500,000. Finders' fees of $6,000 were paid in connection with the closing. 85.00% of the securities issued pursuant to the private placement are subject to a restricted resale period under Canadian securities laws until April 22, 2017.

The net proceeds of the offering will be used for various field activities and initiatives, and for general corporate purposes.

The private placement was a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as Richard Couillard, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Jeffrey Dyck, Director and Corporate Secretary of the Corporation and Elmag Investments Inc., an insider of the Corporation purchased 208,336, 416,666 and 2,291,666 units, respectively. Following completion of the private placement Richard Couillard owns 1,351,686, or 0.86%, of the outstanding common shares of the Corporation, Jeffrey Dyck owns 416,666, or 0.27%, of the outstanding common shares of the Corporation and Elmag Investments Inc. owns 58,056,166, or 37.04%, of the outstanding common shares of the Corporation.

The private placement was exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder vote requirements of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the insiders' participation in the private placement did not exceed 25% of the Corporation's market capitalization. The private placement was approved by Donald Gardner and Alfred Sorensen, directors of the Corporation who did not participate in the private placement.

CSRI is a natural resources company focusing on the identification and development of opportunities in the unconventional natural gas sector of the energy industry.

Information regarding CSRI is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or the Corporation's website at www.csri.ca.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

CANADIAN SPIRIT RESOURCES INC.

Richard Couillard, President and Chief Executive Officer

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE

Contacts:

Canadian Spirit Resources Inc.

Richard Couillard

(403) 539-5005

rich.couillard@csri.ca

www.csri.ca




AerCap Holdings N.V. ("AerCap" or the "Company") (NYSE: AER) announced today that AerCap Ireland Capital Designated Activity Company and AerCap Global Aviation Trust (together, the "Issuers"), each a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, priced their offering of senior notes, consisting of $600 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% Senior Notes due 2022 (the "Notes"). The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company and certain other subsidiaries of the Company. The Issuers intend to use the net proceeds from the Notes for general corporate purposes.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman, Sachs Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner Smith Incorporated are serving as joint book running managers for the underwritten public offering.

The Company has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) on Form F-3 with the SEC for the underwritten offering to which this communication relates. The registration statement automatically became effective upon filing on June 22, 2015. Investors should read the accompanying prospectus dated June 22, 2015, the preliminary prospectus supplement relating to the offering dated January 23, 2017 and other documents the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and this offering. These documents may be obtained for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

The prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from: Citigroup Global Markets Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, telephone: 1-800-831-9146, e-mail: prospectus@citi.com; Goldman, Sachs Co. Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, telephone: 1-866-471-2526, fax: 212-902-9316, e-mail: prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179, telephone: 212-834-4533; and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner Smith Incorporated, telephone: 1-800-294-1322, e-mail: dg.prospectus_requests@baml.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or any other securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About AerCap

AerCap is the global leader in aircraft leasing with, as of December 31, 2016, 1,566 owned, managed or on order aircraft in its portfolio. AerCap has one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 200 customers in approximately 80 countries with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and has its headquarters in Dublin with offices in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Shannon, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Singapore, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle and Toulouse.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements, estimates and forecasts with respect to future performance and events. These statements, estimates and forecasts are "forward-looking statements". In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "potential" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. As a result, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate or correct. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future performance or events described in the forward-looking statements in this press release might not occur. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information regarding AerCap and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.aercap.com and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/aercapnv.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170123006097/en/

Contacts:

AerCap Holdings N.V.

For Investors: Brian Canniffe, +353 1 418 0461

Head of Investor Relations

bcanniffe@aercap.com

or

For Media: Gillian Culhane, +353 1 636 0945

Vice President Corporate Communications

gculhane@aercap.com
Qstream, a Burlington, MA-based sales performance platform provider, closed $15m Series B funding.

The round was led by Polaris Partners with participation from existing backers Frontline Ventures, Launchpad Venture Group and Excel Venture Management. In conjunction with the funding, Gary Swart, a partner at Polaris, joined Qstreams board of directors.

The company, which has raised $23m in total funding, intends to use the funds to expand into US and EMEA markets.

Led by Duncan Lennox, CEO and co-founder, Qstream provides sales acceleration software that allows large organizations to drive revenue through science, data, and mobile technology.

With offices in Boston, San Francisco, Dublin, and London, the company currently serves 300+ global brands in the technology, financial services, and pharmaceutical industries, including LinkedIn, Mastercard, Sun Life Financial, Pfizer, and BristolMyers Squibb.

FinSMEs

01/12/2016
SQZ Biotech, a Boston, MA-based developer of cell engineering technology that harnesses the bodys natural immune system to combat disease, raised $4m in Series B funding.

Quark Venture made the investment joining GV, NanoDimension, Polaris Partners and others.

The company intends to use the funds to further invest in the platform and advance its preclinical immuno-therapy programs in oncology and other serious diseases.

Originated out of Dr. Klavs Jensen and Robert Langers laboratories at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, and led by Armon Sharei, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, SQZ Biotech provides CellSqueeze, whose cell engineering capabilities are being used to develop innovative cell therapies to combat disease across a broad range of indications.

FinSMEs

01/12/2016
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has roped in superstar Salman Khan as the face of its anti-open defecation mission, a part of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Campaign.

Deccan Chronicle reports that Khan had complained of a few men relieving themselves in front of his residence at Bandra Bandstand. The actor was perturbed by the state of these people who are devoid of the basic necessity of clean toilets.

Thus, the Being Human Foundation accepted the BMC's invitation to come on board the Swachh Bharat Mission by acting as the ambassador of its campaign against open defecation.

Mumbai Mirror quotes Khan's foundation Being Human's letter to the BMC, "We are in receipt of your letter addressed to Mr Salman Khan requesting him to become a brand ambassador of the BMC to assist the BMC in their cleanliness drives. We are pleased to inform you that Mr Salman Khan will be happy to accept your invitation and through Being Human  the Salman Khan Foundation will help the BMC in creating awareness about cleanliness drives."

According to the same report, Khan will also donate five mobile toilets to the BMC, to be placed at Bandstand. Also, the actor is in talks with BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta to discuss the modus operandi of the campaign like featuring Khan in jingles, videos and posters.

Recently, Kangana Ranaut also featured in an ad, dressed as Goddess Lakshmi, to promote the Swachh Bharat Mission.

The Times of India states that according to the Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines, there should be a toilet seat for every 30 users. The city needs around 1.36 lakh toilet seats to accommodate 63% of the Mumbai population that lives in slums. As of now, the city is 60,000 toilet seats short of this target.

The BMC recently declared 12 out 24 wards of Mumbai open defecation free and promised that the rest will join the list by the end of this year. Ward B (Dongri, Pydhonie) and ward C (Chira Bazar, Bhendi Bazar and parts of Marine Drive) were declared open defecation free last year. Ten more wards were added to the list this year, as per the report by Mumbai Mirror.
Mumbai: Nearly 90 percent of the 2 lakh ATMs deployed across the country have been re-calibrated to dispense the new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes, says a key maker of the machines even as millions of people continue to face acute cash shortages in the aftermath of demonetisation last month.

As per the plan, all the ATMs should have been ready by yesterday.

These machines needed to be re-calibrated after the government on 8 November announced the scrapping of old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a bid to crack down on black money, and introduced of new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes of different size and high security features.

"A working group, formed under a RBI headed task force, was given a deadline to recalibrate all the ATMs by 30 November. About 90 percent, which is around 1.80 lakh ATMs, have been re-calibrated so far to dispense new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes," ATM manufacturer NCR Corporation's managing director, (India & South Asia) Navroze Dastur told PTI.

Following the announcement to scrap old high currency notes, a task force was set up on 14 November under the chairmanship of Reserve Bank deputy governor S S Mundra to oversee the recalibration process of all the ATMs.

Under the task force, a working group was formed which included of representatives of ATMs manufacturers like NCR, Diebold Nixdor, cash in transit companies and managed service providers, among others.

Dastur said the working group consisted of around 40-60 people and they have been recalibrating on an average 12,000 ATMs per day.

He said the rest of the ATMs would be re-calibrated over the next 10 days to dispense new notes.
By Elias Glenn and Shu Zhang

| TANGSHAN/GUIYANG, China

TANGSHAN/GUIYANG, China Toilet manufacturer Fenghua Ceramics Co is building a factory over farmland in north China's Tangshan city, its first major investment since 2000. While it plans to boost annual production by 20 percent, it won't be hiring more workers.It's a familiar dilemma vexing many small- and medium-sized enterprises across the country. Even as sales slowly improve, land and labor costs are rising and squeezing profit margins.The government has lauded this year's steady economic growth and the rebound in private sector investment, saying it shows stronger domestic demand, but economists warn the recent uptick may be short-lived as companies struggle to navigate a business landscape that heavily favors state-linked enterprises.And not all sectors will be able to create the thousands of jobs policymakers hope for even as investment picks up. "(The recovery) is still driven by previous monetary easing rather than sustainable changes in structural growth and reform," said Capital Economics economist Julian Evans-Pritchard."The question is then what's going to happen to sales growth  it's probably not going to recover much further than it already has," he said. "If I was a Chinese firm, I'd have some concerns about the macroeconomic outlook over the next couple of years."China Beige Book, a research firm that surveys more than 3,000 companies quarterly, said firms saw revenues rise in the third quarter, but profit margins fell and cash flow deteriorated."Profit margins are under threat because labor costs are rising every year. We have to upgrade the production process to remain competitive in the long term," said Daniel Dong, export manager at Fenghua, which has sales of 160 million yuan ($23.3 million) a year.Corporate underperformance is worrisome as the private sector is vital to China's economic health, accounting for 80 percent of employment in urban areas and more than 60 percent of investment.

Private investment growth in January-October quickened to 2.9 percent, off a record low this year, but remains far below the boom years of above 20 percent a few years ago. Its performance also lags fixed-asset investment by state firms, which rose 20.5 percent in the first 10 months of the year.STATE SUPPORT

Local governments have come to the aid of private enterprise with subsidies and other assistance, in part because they are rewarded for encouraging entrepreneurship and improving the business environment.

Their support is in line with a major push by Premier Li Keqiang to put government to work for business. Guizhou Yangsheng Medical Equipment and Yangcheng Bakery operating in the southwestern province of Guizhou, among the fastest growing in China, received government help with capital raising and will use the funds for expansion.Yangsheng Medical sells to more than 1,000 hospitals across China and aims to be a bigger brand name, joining the tide of domestic companies the government is supporting to take market share from foreign names. Yangcheng Bakery, with a large factory in the provincial capital Guiyang, plans to open shops in every county in the province. Owner Zhou Zhaoming is adding new local snack products to ride the province's push into tourism, importing foreign technology and hiring more staff to develop new products.In Moganshan, a mountain area southwest of Shanghai, entrepreneur Shen Yang and a group of partners have received subsidies of several hundred yuan per square meter for the renovation of farm homes to be leased out as hotels.

The state may be doing more than previously to help private firms, but they have far less insulation than their state-owned counterparts.Companies say the big challenge is a general slowdown in the economy combined with a highly competitive market where firms are sustaining production and employment levels despite pressure on margins.Indeed, there have been few signs of rising unemployment even in hard-hit sectors such as steel, with local governments offering subsidies and incentives to companies that avoid layoffs.Tian Weiguang, a manager at Sunshine Ceramics in Tangshan, says his industry is coming to a crossroads and must find ways to improve productivity."There won't be rapid growth, but we can likely keep stable. The industry is at a point where it needs to adjust. If you don't upgrade, you'll have a hard time surviving," Tian said. (Editing by Jacqueline Wong)

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By Rania El Gamal, Parisa Hafezi and Dmitry Zhdannikov

| VIENNA

VIENNA Russian President Vladimir Putin played a crucial role in helping OPEC rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia set aside differences to forge the cartel's first deal with non-OPEC Russia in 15 years. Interventions ahead of Wednesday's OPEC meeting came at key moments from Putin, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani, OPEC and non-OPEC sources said.Putins role as intermediary between Riyadh and Tehran was pivotal, testament to the rising influence of Russia in the Middle East since its military intervention in the Syrian civil war just over a year ago. It started when Putin met Saudi Prince Mohammed in September on the sidelines of a G20 gathering in China.The two agreed to cooperate to help world oil markets clear a glut that had more than halved oil prices since 2014, pummeling Russian and Saudi government revenues. Oil prices are up 10 pct this week topping $53 a barrel.The financial pain made a deal possible despite the huge political differences between Russia and Saudi over the civil war in Syria."Putin wants the deal. Full stop. Russian companies will have to cut production," said a Russian energy source briefed on the discussions.In September, OPEC agreed in principle at a meeting in Algiers to reduce output for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis.But the individual country commitments required to finalize a deal at Wednesday's Vienna meeting still required much diplomacy.Recent OPEC meetings have failed because of arguments between de facto leader Saudi Arabia and third-largest producer Iran. Tehran has long argued OPEC should not prevent it restoring output lost during years of Western sanctions.

Proxy wars in Syria and Yemen have exacerbated decades of tensions between the Saudi Sunni kingdom and the Iranian Shi'ite Islamic republic. BRINKMANSHIP

Heading into the meeting, the signs were not good. Oil markets went into reverse. Saudi Prince Mohammed had repeatedly demanded Iran participate in supply cuts. Saudi and Iranian OPEC negotiators had argued in circles in the run-up to the meeting.And, then, just a few days beforehand, Riyadh appeared back away from a deal, threatening to boost production if Iran failed to contribute cuts.But Putin established that the Saudis would shoulder the lion's share of cuts, as long as Riyadh wasn't seen to be making too large a concession to Iran. A deal was possible if Iran didn't celebrate victory over the Saudis.

A phone call between Putin and Iranian President Rouhani smoothed the way. After the call, Rouhani and oil minister Bijan Zanganeh went to their supreme leader for approval, a source close to the Ayatollah said."During the meeting, the leader Khamenei underlined the importance of sticking to Iran's red line, which was not yielding to political pressures and not to accept any cut in Vienna," the source said."Zanganeh thoroughly explained his strategy ... and got the leader's approval. Also it was agreed that political lobbying was important, especially with Mr. Putin, and again the Leader approved it," said the source.On Wednesday, the Saudis agreed to cut production heavily, taking "a big hit" in the words of energy minister Khalid al-Falih - while Iran was allowed to slightly boost output.Iran's Zanganeh kept a low profile during the meeting, OPEC delegates said. Zanganeh had already agreed the deal the night before, with Algeria helping mediate, and he was careful not to make a fuss about it.

After the meeting, the usually combative Zanganeh avoided any comment that might be read as claiming victory over Riyadh."We were firm," he told state television. "The call between Rouhani and Putin played a major role ... After the call, Russia backed the cut."IRAQ LAST-MINUTE HITCH

But OPEC would not be OPEC without a last-minute quarrel threatening to derail the deal. Iraq became a problem. As ministerial talks got underway, OPEC's second-largest producer insisted it could not afford to cut output, given the cost of its war against Islamic State.But, facing pressure from the rest of OPEC to contribute a cut, Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi picked up the phone in front of his peers to call his prime minister, Haider al-Abadi."Abadi said: 'Get the deal done'. And that was it," one OPEC source said. (additional reporting Alex Lawler and Ahmad Ghaddar; editing by Dmitry Zhdannikov and Richard Mably)

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By Devika Krishna Kumar

| NEW YORK

NEW YORK Oil prices rose more than 4 percent on Thursday, with Brent crude at its highest in about 16 months, extending gains after OPEC and Russia agreed to restrict output to speed up the rebalancing of a long-oversupplied market.The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed on Wednesday its first oil output reduction since 2008 after de-facto leader Saudi Arabia accepted "a big hit" and dropped a demand that arch-rival Iran also slash output. The deal also included the group's first coordinated action with non-OPEC member Russia in 15 years. On Thursday, Azerbaijan said it was also willing to engage in talks on cuts.Despite the historic deal, doubts were widespread in the market."It remains to be seen how well they stick to the plan, but if OPEC hadn't come to an agreement the probability is that oil prices would have fallen to $40 a barrel, perhaps even lower," said Simon Flowers, chief analyst at consultancy Wood Mackenzie."Brent was trading at about $50 a barrel after the announcement, and we expect it to trade at an average of $55-$60 per barrel in 2017." Benchmark Brent futures for February delivery jumped as much as 4.8 percent to $54.36 a barrel, the highest since July 30, 2015. By 11:43 a.m. EST, Brent was up $2.21, or 4.3 percent, at $54.05.

U.S. crude rose $1.98, or 4 percent, to $51.42, after rising to a high of $51.72 a barrel, about 20 cents below its 2016 high.U.S. refined products also rose along with crude - ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) futures soared as much as 5.5 percent to its highest in more than a year while gasoline futures jumped about 6 percent.The OPEC deal also triggered frenzied trading, with Brent futures trading volumes for February and March - when the supply cuts should start to be visible in the market - hitting record volumes.The Intercontinental Exchange Inc also said ICE Brent crude futures hit a daily volume record of 1.96 million contracts on Wednesday.

Oil prices are still only at September-October levels - when plans for a cut were first announced - and crude prices are less than half mid-2014 levels, when the oil price began to collapse to its lowest in a generation.OPEC produces a third of global oil, or around 33.6 million bpd, and the deal aims to reduce output by 1.2 million bpd from January 2017, similar to January 2016 levels."It's clearly too soon to know what beyond the short-term market gain will be the consequences of this mini-renaissance of OPEC - for other producers and for the group itself," Credit Suisse analysts said.

Others noted that the cuts could leave the field open for other producers, especially U.S. shale drillers."We do not believe that oil prices can sustainably remain above $55 per barrel, with global production responding first and foremost in the U.S.," Goldman Sachs said.The head of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol warned of greater volatility after the OPEC deal."Unlike in the past OPEC decisions, if prices move to around $60, a substantial amount of oil in United states is ready to come to the markets," Birol said.Coinciding with the OPEC cuts, supply of the four major North Sea grades of crude oil will hit a one-year high next month, according to monthly loading programs. (Additional reporting by Christopher Johnson in London, Henning Gloystein and Keith Wallis in Singapore; Editing by Marguerita Choy and David Evans)

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By Devidutta Tripathy and Jatindra Dash

| BHUBANESWAR, India

BHUBANESWAR, India Vedanta Resources Plc plans to invest as much as 200 billion rupees ($2.9 billion) over three years to expand its alumina and aluminium producing capacity in Odisha, its chairman Anil Agarwal said.The company plans to expand the capacity of its Lanjigarh alumina refinery to 5 million tonnes from the current 2 million tonnes and double the capacity of its Jharsuguda aluminium smelter to 2 million tonnes.Vedanta has been trying to expand the capacity of its refinery for almost 8 years but a lack of availability of bauxite, the raw material which is refined to make alumina, has proved a hurdle.Vedanta, which currently buys bauxite from elsewhere to feed the plant, is still in talks with state-run Odisha Mining Corp to get access to the raw material locally, Agarwal said in the state's capital where he was attending an investment summit."We are looking forward to some bauxite strategy to come," the metals tycoon said in a group interview.

He said Vedanta, which has already invested 600 billion rupees to build the refinery and smelter, will need to put in a further 150 billion to 200 billion rupees to expand capacity.Vedanta would also be interested in bidding for iron ore mines in the mineral-rich state and elsewhere in India in state auctions, Agarwal said.

Vedanta's Cairn India unit produces oil in the country.Agarwal said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' decision to reduce oil output for the first time since 2008 was a positive."Good for us," he said. "Prices will increase a bit."

Vedanta has previously said it planned to invest about 300 billion rupees to augment its oil production capacity.($1 = 68.3355 rupees) (Reporting by Devidutta Tripathy and Jatindra Dash; Writing by Promit Mukherjee, editing by David Evans)

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"I will not go to medical," said four-year-old Shanti in a feeble voice to her father. Shanti and her father are members of the Koya tribe, inhabitants of Odisha's Malkangiri district. It's a dreary time for the community; over a hundred children have died in the last two months, suffering from an unknown disease.

But if it's a tough time for the community, spare a thought for Shanti's father, who has lost two of his children to the same disease, and now has a third daughter suffering. "Two of my children died in medical. What if the third one also meets the same fate?" he choked.

The child's resistance against hospitalisation didn't last long; District magistrate K Sudarshan Chakrabarty had the ailing child under medical care soon enough. It has become a part of his administration's daily battle against the unknown disease, that is now spreading among the tribals.

"The district administration is dealing with the abrupt rise in child death cases in the tribal villages of Malkangiri for the last three months. Despite the administration's efforts, however, fear still persists among the people," says R Srinivasan Rao a social activist from the region. "The first child death was reported on 9 September. Though only 102 deaths have been reported till now, the actual toll could be higher," said Debabrat Sana, a journalist from the region.

If there is a mismatch between the official government figures and actual deaths in the region, it's because several tribals rely on traditional medicine to meet with their health requirements, said Rao. "Most of the people in the village don't go to hospitals. Rather, they visit the local ojhas who purportedly treat them with mantras. Deaths occurring during such treatment are seldom reported," he said.

Dr Kalyan Kumar Sarkar, additional district medical officer, added that several patients are being admitted with symptoms similar to Japanese Encephlitis. "Among patients admitted to the hospital, 36 were found to be Japanese Encephelitis positive," Sarkar said. "But strangely, even patients who were not Japanese Encephalitis positive were showing similar symptoms. The cause of their ailments was not found," the doctor added.

These patients who are suffering symptoms similar to Japanese Encephalitis are said to be ailing from the "Acute Encephalitis Syndrome". Malkangiri has become the hotspot for Acute Encephalitis Syndrome as well. "Scientists from across the country and abroad as well visited the district to enquire into the new health condition," Sana said.

But a team of scientists, led by Dr E Jacob James from a hospital in Tamil Nadu, came up with a novel interpretation of the riddle that said a seed that Malkangiri villagers pluck from the wilderness and eat might have caused the unexplained symptoms. "The seed is known as Chakunda among the people here, and is found to have toxic properties. Eating this may result in Japanese Encephalitis-like symptoms and also cause abrupt glucose deficiency, which could be fatal," Sarkar said.

But very few villagers believe in this interpretation, instead saying that Chakunda seeds have been a part of the food habit of local tribes for a very long time and nobody ever discovered it to be lethal. "Chakunda seeds are used as pulses by the tribes here for a long time and are known to have medicinal properties. How can it be toxic all of a sudden?" Rao asked.

Rao said this explanation is only meant to cover up the government's failure in providing health facilities to the poor tribals of the district. "If Chakunda seeds are indeed causing these deaths, then why are only malnourished tribal children dying?" he asked, adding that it's actually a "classic case of the government's neglect of Odisha's tribals".

Even Sana, himself a resident of the district, admitted that he'd never heard of people dying because they ate Chakunda seeds.

But Sarkar has a possible answer. "Chakunda seeds grow in the wilderness after September every year and people eat it. Deaths have been happening this time of the year for a long time. But this is the first time cause of these deaths have been ascertained," he said.

Dalit Camera, a website that provides data about issues affecting villagers, said 7,493 children have died in the area since the year 2012, including 128 in the last two months. But locals take this figure with a pinch of salt.

Whatever be the interpretations of the spate of child deaths rocking this remote village in Odisha, fact remains that the district administration has taken two pronged approach to face this challenge. "Since Japanese Encephalitis has also been detected in a number of patients, we are trying our best to create awareness among the people to prevent spreading of this virus. Apart from that, other interventions have also been initiated. In the second approach, for instance, we have publicised the ills of Chakunda seeds, and warned people against ingesting them," Sarkar said.

Moreover, there are many who refuse to have their children admitted to hospitals given a mistrust of medicine and also considering the many number of deaths that have taken place. However, for some, like four-year-old Shanti, who survived because of timely medical intervention, medicine can also be a boon.
New Delhi: Aviation regulator DGCA has ordered an inquiry into as many as three flights, including one carrying West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, reporting low fuel at the same time, as TMC and other opposition parties alleged conspiracy and threat to her life.

TMC raised the issue in both Houses of Parliament alleging that Banerjee's flight was made to hover over Kolkata airport on Wednesday evening for about half an hour despite the pilot reporting that the plane was low on fuel.

The government vehemently denied any design saying just when West Bengal Chief Minister's Patna-Kolkata Indigo flight reported low on fuel, two other flights of Air India and SpiceJet also called in with the same problem.

Banerjee's flight hovered over Kolkata airport for only 13 minutes and it was ensured that the aircraft landed in a safe and orderly manner, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were informed by Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and MoS Jayant Sinha respectively.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiry to find out how three flights at the same time could fly low on fuel into Kolkata when the norms mandate them to carry enough fuel to enable hovering for 30-40 minutes as well as to carry it to the nearest diversion airport, which in this case was Bhubaneshwar, they said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said in Lok Sabha the DGCA report will be tabled in the House.

Alleging a threat to the life of Banerjee, who is at the forefront of anti-demonetisation campaign, TMC leader in Lok Sabha Sudip Bandopadhyay said the government should rise to the occasion and find out whethere there was a conspiracy.

Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, said that Banerjee has been travelling to various parts of the country protesting against government's move to ban 500 and 1000 rupee notes causing hardships to common people.

"Her life is in danger and ATC should have allowed her flight to land first. The VVIP flight should have been allowed to land in priority," he said.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said: "It is incorrect to say that the flight was hovering over Kolkata for 30-40 minutes. The flight was hovering for only 13 minutes. The DGCA has ordered an inquiry how all the three flights were flying low fuel."

He also said that none of these three flights sought priority landing, despite being asked by the ATC.

In Lok Sabha, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said the House prays for the well being of the West Bengal Chief Minister and all other passengers who were in the flight.

Kumar said life and safety of Banerjee was paramount and the incident was a matter of concern and security of Banerjee and other passengers is the responsibility of the government.

In Rajya Sabha, Derek O'Brien (TMC) tried to raise the issue no sooner had the House assembled for the day, saying Banerjee was flying from Patna to Kolkata on an IndiGo flight which normally takes an hour to reach.

About 200 km from Kolkata, the ATC informed that the flight was 8th in landing sequence but the pilot relayed a message that it was low on fuel and should be allowed to give priority landing, he said.

Despite the warning, the flight was made to hover over the Kolkata airport for at least 15 minutes and by some count 30 minutes, he said adding besides Banerjee, there were 100 other passengers on the flight whose life was put to danger.

"Today it is one opposition leader... this opposition leader is at the forefront (of anti-demonetisation campaign)," he said, adding questions are being raised if it is a conspiracy to eliminate opposition leaders.

Stating that the flight landed under full emergency conditions, he asked why was the pilot denied permission to land. "I am not insinuating anything but there is a school of thought which believes it may be a conspiracy."

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said just when the IndiGo flight called in to report low fuel, two other planes of Air India and SpiceJet also did the same.

"Air safety of all passengers is of utmost importance to us... we did everything possible that every flight landed safely," he said, adding "passenger security is of utmost importance and we are doing the best and no one should have any doubt on it."

He said DGCA has specific standards for low fuel and priority landing and all procedures were fully followed.

As per norms, every plane is mandated to carry enough fuel to allow 30-40 minutes of hovering and traveling to nearest diversion airport.

Sinha said the IndiGo flight took off from Patna at 7.36 pm on Wednesday and landed at Kolkata at 8.40 pm after hovering for 13 minutes.

"At no point was anybody's life at risk or danger. All safety procedure were fully followed," he said.

The Minister said DGCA will probe as to how three flights could fly with low fuel despite strict norms.

Aircraft instrumentation would also be checked to find out how much fuel was there when the flights took off and whether they carried enough fuel, he said.

"Strict action will be taken for any violation," he said adding criminal investigation would be conducted. "We will do the needful. Passenger safety is number one priority and will remain so."

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said it was a very serious issue as any plane flying on low fuel should be given top priority in landing and sought a probe into the incident.

Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) said the incident has created doubts in minds of people and an inquiry must be ordered and its report tabled in the Parliament.

Mayawati (BSP) said the government should rise above party politics and order an inquiry, while Sharad Yadav (JD-U) also termed the incident as serious and sought a probe.

Prem Chand Gupta (RJD) said when a flight is low on fuel it should be allowed to land first and it should not be converted into "an opportunity to take out vengeance."

Rajeev Shukla (Congress) said how could airplanes be allowed to take-off when they are low on fuel.

KTS Tulsi (Nominated) said based on the material brought out so far, it is a fit case for registering an FIR for attempt to murder and investigating the case.
New York: US President-elect Donald Trump is going to keep Indian American Preet Bharara in his job as a high-profile federal prosecutor with charge of Wall Street and important security matters in New York.

Bharara, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, told reporters after meeting with the president-elect on Wednesday that Trump asked him to continue as the US District Attorney for Southern New York and "I agreed to stay on."

Bharara has the reputation of being a crusader against financial institutions that have been blamed for the recent great recession and have been attacked by Trump for causing economic hardship around the nation.

He has taken action against major banks like Citibank and JP Morgan Chase, forcing them to pay billions of dollars to the government to settle the cases.

He has prosecuted over 100 of Wall Street executives for criminal activities like stock trading irregularities using insider information.

They include several Indians like Rajat Gupta, the former head of the consulting company McKinsey and Goldman Sachs director, who served two years in jail for colluding with the Sri Lankan American hedge fund operator Raj Rajaratnam in a stock market scam.

The meeting with Trump and the offer to have Bharara is unusual both because he is a Democrat and an Obama appointee  the only one so far that the Republican has said he will keep on - and because despite its visibility, the job is not of the high-level that Trump is currently trying to fill.

Therefore, it shows the importance Trump attaches to the areas of potential prosecution that Bharara oversees.

Like Bharara, Trump is highly critical of Wall Street manipulations and irregularities, saying: "Wall Street has caused tremendous problems for us."

"I'm not going to let Wall Street get away with murder," Trump has declared, and Bharara would be his minion to ensure that.

Bharara has prosecuted several New York politicians for corruption. The senior-most among them is state assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Democrat, who was given a 12-year sentence for corruption.

Bharara, whose full name is Preetinder Preet Singh Bharara, was born in Ferozepore in 1968 and immigrated to the US as a child.

He sparked a diplomatic stand-off between India and the United States in 2013 when he had a Dalit Indian diplomat, Devyani Khobragade, arrested and strip-searched over allegations that she had made a false statement in the visa application for her maid.

Other diplomats accused of similar offenses were not similarly treated by Bharara and the humiliating action against Khobragade, the Deputy Consul General in New York, brought retaliatory action against by India against US diplomats in India.

Secretary of State John Kerry expressed regret for the incident and the matter was diplomatically resolved with her being allowed to leave the US without prosecution.

Citibank paid a $158 million fine to settle a case Bharara brought against it for misleading the government about loans and in another case made a $7 billion payment to the government after Bharara began investigating its Mexican unit.

JP Morgan Chase was made to forfeit $7 billion for failing to inform authorities about a massive investment fraud by a client.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has reportedly locked herself up in her office in the state Secretariat in Kolkata, citing the alleged presence of Indian Army trucks outside as the reason. She has further claimed that she would leave her office only once the army is asked to move.

Until and unless the Army stationed in front of Nabanno, the Bengal state govt secretariat, is withdrawn 1/2  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 1, 2016

... I will be staying at my Secretariat to guard our democracy 2/2  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 1, 2016

Mamata had earlier alleged the large presence of army vehicles deployed at toll booths across highways, saying the state government was kept in the dark over this move.

"Army has been deployed in the state without informing the state government. This is a very sensitive issue. This is unacceptable. We do not know anything about it. It has never happened," Banerjee told the media. "We want details. Federal structure has been disrupted and democracy twisted. Has Emergency been declared? We had no information."

A Defence Ministry spokesman said there was "nothing alarming about this" and the exercise is carried out as per government orders. "The army conducts the annual exercise throughout the county with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency," said the spokesman.

The three-day exercise, now being conducted within the Eastern Command area, would end on Friday.

She iterated that a civil operation cannot be launched by the army without informing the state and claimed it was the result of a "political vendetta".

"What was the magnitude of the incident that the central government didn't inform the state government? This is a political vendetta," she said.

Continuing her tirade against the Narendra Modi-led central government, she said: "Is it some kind of planning to start a war within the country? The road is ours and is administered under the state's law and order although it is categorised under the Centre's National Highway Authority of India."

She claimed public is being harassed and their vehicles are being stopped along the toll collection points.

"Even if the Army carried out a mock exercise, the state government should have been kept in the loop. The public is panicking. If this is happening in a civil area in Bengal, this could happen in Bihar, next in Uttar Pradesh, then in Tamil Nadu and other states as well. It is a very serious situation and it is dangerous than Emergency. We are facing an extremely black day," she said.

With inputs from IANS
Batala: The last rites of Hawildar Sukhraj Singh, who was killed in the Nagrota terror attack, was held with full state honours in his native place on Thursday. Singh, 32, was among the seven army personnel killed when heavily armed terrorists in police uniform stormed an Army unit at Nagrota, about three kilometers from the Corps headquarters on the outskirts of Jammu city.

The martyr's body wrapped in the tricolor was brought in a bedecked Army vehicle and a large number of people reached here to pay their last respects to Sukhraj Singh, who had joined the Indian Army 11 years ago.

His elder brother Dhanraj Singh lit the pyre, amidst chanting of patriotic slogans. He is survived by wife Harmeet Kaur, mother Swanjeet Kaur, elder brother Dhanrah Singh, seven-year-old daughter Subhpreet and five-year-old son Sargundev Singh.

Deputy Commissioner, Gurdaspur, Pardeep Sabharwal placed a wreath on behalf of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, DSP city Ravinder Pal Singh Dhillon on the behalf of director general police and Major Hari Chandera and JCO Baljinder Singh placed wreaths on belhaf of the army.

An army contingent of 21 soldiers paid tributes by reversing their arms and firing shots in the air. Deputy Commissioner Pardeep Sabharwal announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia and a government job to the next kin of martyr Sukhraj Singh.

His wife Harmeet Kaur had said yesterday that her husband was posted at Nagrota in Jammu six months ago and was to come home on leave on 29 November. "But instead of going on leave, he fought the terrorists and attained martyrdom," she had said. The soldier's family members demanded that Pakistan be "taught a lesson" for harbouring terrorists.
Despite what happened in Jammu's Nagrota, the question is not just about lapse of security. Nothing is secure against a human bomb or a man whose mental brainwashing is so intense he is ready to die with his enemy and seek honour in it. Every time this sort of assault occurs, we fall about in trembling little heaps moaning about the breaches and how is it that the military camps cannot see these attacks coming?

That is like saying the revelers in Nice, France should have figured out that the truck driver, who went berserk, was going to mow them down and have a blast doing it.

The only minor defence uplift can be in creating a cordon sanitaire, around a camp, in that the 200-metres around the base is sterile and devoid of any cover or natural growth. Several major installations are just made a bit safer by being turned into islands so that any approach by an adversary allows for time to for reaction. Even then it is not perfect because a vehicle could navigate that distance in mere seconds.

Indian military security is touted as one of the largest in the world and the ability to actually stop the killers and bring them down rather than allow them to shoot and scoot is in itself indicative of a major capability. Lets back up a bit. The surgical strikes, conducted by the Indian Army in September after the Uri attack, were in isolation and we were so busy congratulating ourselves and making political capital out of this one day destruction of launch pads that we took the foot off the accelerator and eased the pressure on the terrorists. They were able to regroup and move on. And get back into business.

We should have, and probably do have, the intel to indicate more camps and training bases and arsenals and launch pads and we should have identified these locations and continued striking. There cannot just have been seven launch pads. Since India was not targeting Pakistani armed forces but the common enemy of mankind it would have made it very difficult for Islamabad to read these initiatives as acts of war.

After all, Pakistan officially wishes to wage battle against terror groups that target it. So India is only offering a helping hand. They would have made squealing noises but not raised the ante to an all out confrontation.

The complicity between Pakistan forces and terror groups and what we see as an glaring overlap is technically valid but since again Pakistan denies this support, the Indian strategy should be to use Pakistans selective stance over terrorism to advantage.

Elect to circle those suspected sites and continue to hit them. Activate your eye in the sky. Avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage but use the right to defend your own territory band your own people by eliminating the threat at the gate.

Whether we wish to ignore the fact or critique those who bring it up those seven strikes were misinterpreted as a major blow to the enemy which they were not. Set to music we danced away the opportunity to see the first seven as the start of an ongoing operation.

Nagrota has given us another opportunity to recognise the existence of more launch pads leading to larger training camps and bases and even extremist headquarters.

No lying back on laurels and making assumptions of intimidating the enemy that are dangerously naive.

Nagorta, Uri, Poonch, Pampore, there will be more.

Unless we wake up to the reality that penetration has to be deeper and more decisive without the bunting and the backslapping.
In an odd twist, the Supreme Court on Wednesday passed an order that the National Anthem must be played in cinema halls before every screening of a movie. This order comes with caveats  everyone in the theatre must stand up and show their respect, the National Flag must be displayed on the screen, the entry and exit doors have to 'remain closed' while the anthem is being played, the abridged version shall not be played, it cannot be commercially expropriated and that it cannot be printed on an 'undesirable object'.

Naturally, reactions came in thick and fast.

Congress came out in support of the Supreme Court decision, but raised questions over the implementation. "The 130-year-old party has seen the bigger independence movement. Therefore, we have strongly supported all aspects of genuine nationalism. We support, in principle, everything that enhances the respect and dignity of this nation. Therefore, we support this in principle," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said.

Singhvi also raised concerns over its implementation, that there shouldn't be any disrespect "for any of the national icons, flag or anthem" and that "the remembrance to the nation whether by saluting the flag or by National Anthem is a noble virtue".

The apex court, in its ruling, said that "love and respect for the motherland is reflected when one shows respect to the National Anthem as well as to the National Flag. A time has come when citizens of the country must realise that they live in a nation and are duty-bound to show respect to the National Anthem which is the symbol of constitutional patriotism and inherent national quality".

Echoing the Supreme Court ruling, a happy Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said that the decision will "inculcate a sense of patriotism among people, particularly the younger generation". BJP also welcomed the order saying that it will strengthen the spirit of nationalism and the idea of 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat'. Spokesperson Nalin Kohli said the order is a reminder to people that they should have affection and duty towards national institutions and symbols. "Its a welcome order. Of late, there have been certain controversies. People are not standing up in cinema halls when national anthem is being played."

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi welcomed the ruling, but also displayed doubts as to whether it would help boost patriotism. Owaisi, talking to the media on Wednesday, said the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and the Union Home Ministry's advisory regarding the national anthem do not talk about citizens requiring to stand up when the anthem is being rendered, and suggested to the government to amend the law and revise the advisory. The act prohibits desecration of or insult to the Constitution, national anthem, flag and the country's map. "What I believe [is that] children should be taught about (respecting the anthem) from very young age... The government needs to amend the 1971 act and correct the MHA advisory," the Hyderabad MP said.

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav too welcomed the ruling, "It is a good decision and I welcome it."

Congress' Manish Tewari questioned the criticism surrounding the ruling. "If Indians will not stand in respect for their own anthem who else will?"

Surprised at criticism of SC ruling on#nationalanthem.If Indians will not stand in respect for their own anthem who else will- the Paki's?  Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) December 1, 2016

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned this reaction by Tewari and wanted to know if "only movie goers need lesson in patriotism?"

State assemblies? For that matter why not courts, every morning as they are called to order? Do only movie goers need lesson in patriotism? https://t.co/lmh5EE2Pdw  Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) December 1, 2016

With inputs from PTI
Japan again sends fighters to head off Chinese warplanes near mainland

(NationalSecurity.news) Japan has once again scrambled fighter-interceptors in response to a flight by Chinese fighters and bombers through a strategic passage into the Pacific Ocean between Okinawa and Mikyako Island.

Japans Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighters to intercept a pair of Chinese Su-30 fighters and H-6 bombers, Stars and Stripes reported. The Defense Ministry added that the Chinese planes were intercepted Friday, and the flight did not infringe into Japanese territorial airspace. That said, the flight took place through a politically sensitive area.

It was the second such flight since September, when Beijing dispatched at least eight fighters and bombers through the area  apparently to send a message to Tokyo, the Tribune News Service reported, adding:

Fridays flight involved two H-6 bombers and two intelligence-gathering aircraft that flew northwest over the Pacific Ocean toward the East China Sea, passing through the strait south of Okinawa. The two Su-30 fighters entered the passageway from the opposite direction, making U-turns to link up with the four other aircraft before flying to the East China Sea, the Defense Ministrys Joint Staff Office said in a news release.

The move came the same day China and Japan held the sixth round of talks on a stalled maritime and air communication protocol intended to prevent accidental clashes between aircraft and vessels. Implementation of the mechanism has been stalled since Japan effectively nationalized the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea in 2012.

Beijing and Tokyo have blasted each other this year over a number of incidents in the air and sea as tensions continue to boil. This has prompted concern over the prospect of an accidental clash by the two Asian giants. 

China and Japan are involved in a territorial dispute over the Senkakus. Beijing unilaterally declared an air defense identification zone over the East China Sea in 2013, and its coast guard vessels frequently face off around the Japan-administered islands, which are claimed as Diaoyu by China and Tiaoyutai by Taiwan.

One of the most pressing foreign policy issues facing the incoming Trump administration is figuring out how best to ease tensions that have been steadily rising between China and Japan, historic rivals. China has become much more aggressive in recent years after updating and upgrading its forces in response to rising economic growth. China now holds the worlds No. 2 economy, behind the U.S. and ahead of Japan, which is No. 3.

More:

 2016 USA Features Media.
The interim order of the Supreme Court of India in the National Anthem case is a mockery of the judicial process and the Constitution.

The travesty of forcing people to stand up for the National Anthem in a private setting has been highlighted here, here and here. The larger illegality of such an order apart, the directions themselves are silly and unimplementable, suggesting a lack of thought on the part of the court or concern for the law. This piece will try to parse the directions and what they mean.

Remember, none of these directions have any statutory backing. There is no law which is being implemented, nor are any fundamental rights being violated in the absence of such a law. That, however, does not stop the court as it assumes for itself the role of the legislature, executive and judiciary in one go, claiming an extra-constitutional power that is the hallmark of absolute tyrants.

The first direction is there shall be no commercial exploitation to give financial advantage or any kind of benefit. If that were not clear enough (it isnt), the court adds that the National Anthem should not be utilised by which (sic) the person involved with it either directly or indirectly shall have any commercial benefit or any other benefit. This clarification only raises further questions: Is it acceptable to refuse to pay a person for singing/performing the National Anthem? Are all copyrights of an artiste performing the National Anthem automatically void?

Now that the Supreme Court has said that fundamental rights and freedoms are constitutionally impermissible when it comes to the National Anthem, does that mean that the prohibition against forced labour (under Article 23) or the right to property (under Article 300-A) are no longer enforceable? We dont know and state governments being free to interpret this as they choose, so good luck enforcing any fundamental rights you may have.

The next direction goes even beyond the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. No film, drama or show of any sort can have the National Anthem as part of the show. This is the clearest indication that Justice Dipak Misra is peeved that the Supreme Court had the temerity to overturn his earlier decision banning Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham for having played the National Anthem in the film, and has now decided to make this law for the whole country, the rights and precedent be damned. Move aside, Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Central Board for Film Certification, theres a new super censor in town and theres no appeal from its orders.

Next, Justice Misra effectively prohibits the publication of a copy of the National Anthem or even specific words of the anthem. This is of course the logical conclusion of a direction which says National Anthem or a part of it shall not be printed on any object and also never be displayed in such a manner at such places which may be disgraceful to its status and tantamount to disrespect. The next line is a total non sequitur and despite reading it multiple times I have not been able to make any sense of the words the concept of protocol associated with it has its inherent roots in national identity, national integrity and Constitutional patriotism.

The clearest direction is the next one. It issues a grand proclamation, like the firman of a Nizam, that all theatres must play the National Anthem before the feature film starts and all citizens, whether they be old, infirm, physically challenged, or just tired, must stand for the National Anthem. How it expects to enforce this direction the court does not say so. It may not know. Or possibly care. Perhaps it intends to leave it to patriotic citizens, free to use any means necessary at their disposal, to instill patriotism in their fellow old, infirm, physically challenged or just tired citizens.

In the next direction, demanding that entry and exit doors be closed while playing the National Anthem, the Supreme Court ignores its own earlier judgment in the Uphaar tragedy case where the court, for good reasons, had held that under no circumstances should doors to a cinema be shut from the outside. Perhaps it should be considered that unlike laws written by institutions, the laws of physics cant be suspended or struck down by a judicial order, and if a fire breaks out, all the patriotism in the world wont save you from a horrible death in a closed room.

After having donned the role of the legislator, the court then decides to wear the hat of a director, demanding that the National Anthem be played only with the image of the National Flag on screen. Whether such flag should be a static image or wave patriotically is not clear.

The last direction, that the abridged version will not be played, ignores the Home Ministry order which specifies the occasions where it might be played. This is a minor technicality and given that the government was only too happy to have the court legislate entirely new norms, it should have no difficulty in changing its orders.

There is no logical reasoning or law cited to justify any of these directions. They have all been made on the pure say-so of a judge, with the collaboration (if not the urging) of the central government. When anyone in the government next complains about judicial over-reach, perhaps this order should be pointed out to them. Here, the government has willingly abdicated its responsibility and powers. At no point does the Attorney General even resist the suggestion that the court should pass these orders. At no point does anyone question the court on the wisdom of its actions. Perhaps the central government was aware that it had no powers to enforce the singing of the National Anthem in private spaces but preferred to collude in getting a judicial diktat issued for the same. We can never know for sure but such collusion only works to shake the faith of the independence of the court as an institution.
The issue of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is more about values existing within communities and not about their lifestyle and identities  is what Tufail Ahmad, executive director of Open Source Institute, a Delhi-based think tank, feels.

Ahmad, who proposed a draft UCC on Wednesday to initiate a public debate, told Firstpost: "This draft UCC is the first-ever attempt to bring specific issues before the public for a wider discussion. It is necessary to emphasise that the issue of UCC is not about the lifestyles and identities of Indian citizens but to ensure that certain fundamental rights to equality and liberty are protected for them by the Indian state. It's more about values existing within communities."

It has been observed that UCC despite being a good idea, whenever a debate takes place on this issue, gets into a controversy and gets a religious colour as the focus is on Muslims. A section within the society feels that instead of making the debate Muslim-centric, the debate should first be within the communities and why it shouldnt begin with Hindus.

"It's a misleading argument. The move for UCC has predominantly been opposed by a section of Muslims, clerics and their institutions, and not by other religious communities. Other groups are open to change. Unlike a class of liberals which believes that this change comes from within, I strongly feel it comes from an external source. Like Raja Rammohan Roy opposed the practice of Sati and it was an outcome of his interactions with foreign scholars and ideas," said Ahmad, a former journalist with BBC World Service.

Stating that his draft UCC is the first-ever attempt to bring specific issues before the public for a wider discussion, Ahmad said, "At present, no draft UCC exists that could enlighten the people of India regarding the specifics that would constitute a code."

"This UCC is drafted within a broader context of a Universal Bill of Rights for the Indian citizen (Ubric). In the name of secularism, often a biased stand is taken. This discriminatory identity divides communities. Even the judiciary, including some judges of the Supreme Court, often fails to understand that Right to religion and beliefs is available to Indian citizens and not to communities and religious organisations. As a result, while hearing cases of individuals  say a case related to a Muslim woman, they allow Islamic institutions to be a party in it," he pointed out.

Ahmad, the author of Jihadist Threat to India - The Case for Islamic Reformation by an Indian Muslim, in his 12-clause document  a blueprint for the UCC  said, "The issue of UCC has emerged into Indias political discourse recently because many Muslim women, affected adversely by the personal laws have begun knocking on the doors of the Supreme Court to uphold their fundamental rights to equality and liberty, in keeping with constitutional provisions. Gradually, a realisation is gaining ground that UCC will protect the constitutional rights of Indian citizens."

The 16 clauses in the draft UCC highlights the importance of fundamental right to education; religion and beliefs; unhindered freedom of thought and speech; application of rule of law to every citizen; any child born throughout the territory of India, including Gilgit Baltistan (which being the part of J&K) should have an automatic right to be citizen of India; use of words (like bhangi, chamar, kafir, etc) that describe an individual or groups in a discriminatory and hateful manner shall be a criminal offence; etc.

"We appeal to the members of Parliament to enact this Bill as Law in fulfilment of the objectives set out in the Preamble of the Constitution and in particular Article 44 that says  The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India," added Ahmad.
Bhadohi (Uttar Pradesh): A statue of BR Ambedkar was found desecrated on Thursday in Dudwa Dharampuri locality in Sant Ravidas Nagar district, leading to tension in the area.

Some anti-social elements damaged the four feet tall statue of Ambedkar by throwing stones at it, said circle officer Paramhans Mishra.

Protesting against the incident, an angry mob blocked traffic on the main road for over an hour prompting the administration to deploy additional police force.

Senior administrative and police officials also rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control and pacified the protesters.

According to Patrika, officials installed a new statue which brought the situation under control and also assured the protestors of action against miscreants involved in desecrating the statue. A case has been registered against unidentified persons.
In the scorching heat of the midday sun, children dive into the Barighat dam in central Madhya Pradesh to escape the high noon. However, this ordinary scene common to villages across India is distorted by the presence of men standing guard with country-made guns to ward off farmers from neighbouring states from drawing water. With two consecutive drought years, Barighat dam is one of the few remaining water bodies left in the state. The Mad Max dystopian future is a reality here.

Luckily, 2016 provided much relief with most parts of India receiving above average rainfall especially in the Eastern and north eastern parts of India. For starters nearly 60% of agricultural land in India in rain-dependent. Any deficiency in rainfall can have a negative impact on the produce and the standard of living. The remaining land is irrigated through surface water like rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater. As perennial rivers in India are few, most irrigation procedures involve the use of groundwater. Any groundwater tables are under extreme stress.

Firstly, the Green Revolution was responsible for providing farmers in the country granary belt with bumper crops due to the use of high yield seeds. These hybrid variants would produce ten times the yield than regular seeds in the same plot. To produce bumper crops, a steady flow of water was required and therefore depending on rainfall would not be possible. Many state governments provided cheaper electricity to farmers to pump groundwater for irrigation purposes. While the crop yields have increased significantly, groundwater tables have been severely depleted. As data from the Central Groundwater Board shows rainfall is the lifeline for ground water.

While the lion's share is used for irrigation purposes, water is required for domestic and industrial purposes. As per a UN report in 2010, apart from Trivandrum and Kota no Indian city has a continuous supply of water for 24 hours year round. Increasing migrations to the urban areas due to renewed focus on manufacturing and infrastructure development compounded by the decline in the agricultural sector will have an adverse effect on the already sparse water resources. Data from the Ministry of Water Resources show that the annual per capita availability of water has decreased falling from 1,816 cubic metres in the year 2001 to 1,545 cubic metres in 2011.

Right now the country stands at a precipice. Combating melting of the polar icecaps, Himalayan glaciers, and rising sea levels is beyond the scope of the Indian government. However, the central and state governments (Water is the responsibility of the state government) can take immediate actions in certain areas through proper mechanisms and regulations. For instance, the state of Tamil Nadu led the way in 2001 by making it compulsory for every building to harvest rainwater. The city of Chennai reaped rich dividends of this move as it raised groundwater levels. Similar measures are in the process of implementation around the country, albeit at a snails pace.

Another area of attention is pollution and water treatment. The country may not need to build more dams or reservoirs (India ranks third in the number of dams in the world), and even then construction would take years to materialize. Instead, to capitalize on existing resources is the need of the hour. The idea is to provide people with more water using current resources while new infrastructure can be built. This can be done by ensuring there is no contamination of water sources, water, and sewage treatment, plugging leakages in the distribution system.

Honestly, we need more public-private partnerships as the private sector is more agile in implementation and deployment while the public sector can retain ownership and set tariffs. Herein the main challenge would be to ensure affordability while being viable and the number of private operators increasing in this sector will help drive down costs.

The stark truth lies in the way water is protected in Bariaghat in the border region of Madhya Pradesh. To solve the crisis we need collective efforts right from government building reservoirs to people pledging to Jaldaan and helping fellow citizens quench their thirst. The need of the hour is a collective effort that binds us all. The alternative is a planet that is not blue anymore.

This is a partnered post.
Over the last one decade India has emerged as the pharmacy of the world. Nearly 17 million people in developing countries receive low-cost medicines from India. Its a very good thing, but unfortunately, one facing constant threats.

After India joined the World Trade Organisation in 1995, it signed several trade agreements with it and the member nations including the US and the European Union, both of which have constantly been pressuring India and lobbying for strong intellectual property rights through free-trade (FTAs) and bilateral agreements.

And while it opened new markets for India, in hindsight, it also allowed them ways to pressure India to change its intellectual property rights (IPR) rules, thus threatening Indias generic drug market, says Loon Gangte, regional coordinator of International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC), South Asia. ITPC works towards enabling people in need to access optimal HIV treatment.

India has always been at loggerheads over foreign governments over patent issues and is quite assertive about its rights, as Firstpost writer Shreerupa Mitra-Jha explained earlier this month.

Whats the connection between drugs and IPR

A patent on a drug allows a company to get exclusive license to manufacture and sell a drug at a price it seems fit, for 20 years, according to TRIPS agreements signed between the WTO members.

But, Gangte, who is one of the founding members of the Delhi Network of Positive People (DNP+), and has been working with people with HIV/AIDS at the grassroots level through his other organisation for the past 19 years in not against patents.

A patent as such is not a bad thing. And, why should a company who spend billions of dollars in research be forced to sell a medicine at a loss? However, lately drug companies have been making small changes in their medicines and re-applying for fresh patents thus extending their control on a drug. They also charge exorbitantly for the drugs. This is wrong and must be stopped. Certain essential medicines, especially those that can save millions of lives, should be made available at as low a cost as possible, adds Gangte.

So, far the Indian government has been very strict with its stand of not letting these external forces affect the Indian generic drug industry, but with the Narendra Modi government pushing India as the next manufacturing hub, Indias IPR rules are likely to change in order to attract more MNCs. Our stand is changing. And how long will India manage to retain its stand remains unclear.

A crucial example is how Gilead managed to get the patent to manufacture its anti-Hepatitis C drugs sofosbuvir (Sovaldi). In 2015, the company applied for a patent to manufacture sofosbuvir in India, but it was rejected because of the high prices of the pill. It costs $1,000 a pill in the US.

But in 2016, Indias patent office, reportedly under pressure, approved the patent to make Sovaldi, right before US president Barack Obama was to visit the country. Mandakani Gahlot and Vidya Krishnan has an interesting account on how the patent was won in an article on The Caravan.

We are fighting the patent award in court, says Gangte, adding, Currently with generic drugs the cost for an 84-day treatment comes to be around Rs 20,000. With Gileads patent for Sovaldi, it will become very expensive, not just in India but across the world. They are already charging $1,000 a bill in the US, which brings the cost for an 84-day course to $84,000. Its very expensive.

Not to mention, the company had signed a deal with seven generic drug companies licensing them to sell generic versions of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir in 91 low income and least developed countries while preventing them from exporting the medicine to countries like China (30 million people with HCV), Brazil (2.6 million), the Philippines (1.9 million), Turkey (1.5 million), Thailand (1.4 million) and Mexico (1.1 million) and developed countries.

Indias HIV amendment bill has a crucial loophole

Patents, however, not the only problem that is worrying people with HIV/AIDS, and the organisation fighting for their rights. The government of India earlier this month introduced some crucial changes through the HIV Amendment Bill 2016, offering more privacy to people with HIV/AIDS. However, it left a crucial thing out: a guaranteed treatment.

Though the bill states that the state governments and the Central government will work towards creating an infrastructure offering diagnostics services while towards prevention of HIV/AIDS and offer treatment, the bill doesnt make it mandatory on the government. And that, says Gangte, is worrying, especially when People with HIV/AIDS are heavily dependent on ARV drugs.

Currently, there are more than 30 different types of ARV  a first line, second line, and so on  and, the treatment changes constantly as the virus keeps developing resistance to the medicines. There are more than 1 million people receiving free medicine through ART centres in India, and without any guarantee to receive treatment, theres a constant fear among those with HIV/AIDS.

If you say that we will provide medicine as far as possible, you retain the right to withdraw treatment. This bill offers a legal loophole for the government and politicians to wash their hands off at any time. It is supposed to protect the people, but instead, its protecting the politicians and the government. The government must accept and confirm that it won't live us half-way. People with HIV/AIDS dont need the treatment for just a month or a year, but through their lifetime. Once you start, you must continue, or you don't start at all, says Gangte.

Indias weak intellectual property rights rules are termed as one of the reasons why foreign companies are not willing to come to India. But should trade take priority over lives? Especially, when they are already battling an incurable virus is a question worth pondering.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is holding rallies across the country, to protest Centre's demonetisation move, was in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. He appealed that the people of Uttar Pradesh should punish the BJP in the upcoming Assembly election for the pain and inconvenience caused due to demonetisation.

.@arvindkejriwal appeals to the people of UP to punish BJP in coming election for the pain given to India with this scam.#AKRoarsInMeerut  AAP (@AamAadmiParty) December 1, 2016

Kejriwal tweeted that people in Uttar Pradesh are angry and that they should take revenge in the UP Assembly election against the BJP.

UP                      Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 1, 2016

Watch Kejriwal's speech here:

Kejriwal had earlier this month accused the Prime Minister of receiving bribes while he was the Gujarat Chief Minister and sought a judicial probe into the issue. He called the demonetisation move a "flop", and had alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "arrogance and obstinacy" has pushed the country 10 years back and that the measure has "failed" to curb black money, corruption, circulation of counterfeit currency and terror financing.

Kejriwal claimed that black money and corruption have "increased" by 10 times ever since the ban of high-value currency and demanded that cases of cheating and fraud be lodged against those responsible in the Centre for the mess.

The Delhi Chief Minister also alleged that BJP has settled its "black money" before demonetisation by buying land in Bihar and other states.

The Delhi Chief Minister also alleged that counterfeit notes are being churned out faster than the RBI, which gives rise to suspicion as to whether it is a way to convert black money into white.

With inputs from agencies
Meerut: The "pain" suffered by people due to demonetisation will cost BJP Uttar Pradesh in the

upcoming Assembly polls, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday, vowing to "expose" the ruling party in the Centre across the country.

Addressing a public meeting, he said had the "intention" of the government been welfare of the people, it would have waived farm loans instead of writing off the debt of "friendly industrialists".

Kejriwal's over half-an-hour-long speech was punctuated by repeated exhortations to the crowd to spread the "real truth" behind the currency ban, which he described as a "conspiracy" and "scam" implemented to favour the corporates.

"Modiji could become the prime minister because of people of Uttar Pradesh, who gave 73 seats out of 80 to him in the general elections. Now it is your responsibility. Many people told me, they will avenge every minute they had to spend standing in queue due to demonetisation," Kejriwal said.

The AAP chief urged people to show BJP "the door" when it comes seeking votes. Tell them to go looking for votes to "Ambani and Adani", he said, adding that he was here to "save the country" and not for electoral gains.

"I will go around the country with these papers and will expose the BJP," Kejriwal said, waving a set of documents containing allegations against the prime minister.

Kejriwal is scheduled to address a string of rallies across Uttar Pradesh, including one in prime minister's constituency Varanasi, and a number of BJP-ruled states over the next few months.

Kejriwal dubbed the proposed changes in the Income Tax law, which were cleared by the Lok Sabha, as a "50-50 scheme", the purpose of which was to "whitewash black money into white".

"Few still believe that it will end black money in the long run. Villagers are pinning hopes on the fact that it may rein in the moneylenders. No one will be asked whether the money was earned through terror or any other means," he said.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had on Wednesday termed Kejriwal's take on the changes as "factually incorrect".

"People who are standing in queues are all honest. Of the total amount amassed till now, not a single penny is black money," he said.

"A few days ago, the prime minister made his mother stand in line for Rs 4,000. I was saddened. Shame on him for using his mother for a political stunt," he said.

Kejriwal also questioned the spending in the weddings in the families of former Karnataka BJP Minister G Janardana Reddy and Union Minister Mahesh Sharma, wondering whether making arrangements for a marriage was possible within Rs 2.5 lakh.
He may not found a place in the sub-committee of six chief ministers formed to suggest ways to move towards a digital economy but K Chandrasekhar Rao won't lose sleep over it. In any case, being part of a committee under the chairmanship of bete noire Chandrababu Naidu would have been anathema to the Telangana chief minister.

KCR's initial reaction after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes won't be legal tender for the intervening night of 8-9 November, was one of dismay. He rushed to Raj Bhavan to reportedly tell Governor ESL Narasimhan that Telangana would face major financial pressure due to the demonetisation move. The loss of revenue was pegged at between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 crore every month. Add to this, the slowdown in the construction sector, in which a workforce of 10 lakh is engaged in and around Hyderabad. The chief minister says they have been left without work for ten days now. The poultry industry, where Telangana is the country leader, has seen business dropping by 70 percent as most of the chicken and egg business is cash-based.

Around the same time, opposition to the demonetisation decision started building up, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the charge. Some of the parties marched to Rashtrapathi Bhavan, others disrupted Parliament.

Sources say it was around that time that Modi reached out to KCR. The inference is that the prime minister was conscious that a larger group of chief ministers taking him on, won't make for good optics.

KCR immediately flew to Delhi and a 40-minute audience with the prime minister followed, after which the chief minister decided he won't be part of the opposition chorus against demonetisation. Now, KCR is not part of the NDA and therefore is under no compulsion to support every decision taken by the Modi sarkaar. The fact that he has chosen to cast his lot with Modi instead of the vocal opposition, is both political and administrative.

KCR realises that it makes little sense for him to oppose Modi, if he is to get financial goodies from New Delhi for Telangana. He also has one eye on Amaravati to ensure political rival, Chandrababu Naidu does not out-manoeuvre him.

But the Delhi meeting was not the only time Modi and KCR met. Over the weekend, they met twice when the prime minister arrived in Hyderabad to attend the meeting of DGPs at the National Police Academy. No one missed his gesture of buttonholing the Telangana chief minister and Governor on the tarmac of the Hyderabad airport. The duo met again when the prime minister left for Delhi the next day.

Ever since the three meetings, KCR has been singing Modi's tune. The fight against black money, corruption and cashless economy  the buzzwords are same, making people wonder if the BJP's saffron and TRS's pink lines are blurring.

In terms of profile, KCR has gained. Modi needs all the political support that he can within 'Team India' and the support of a non-NDA chief minister looks better than support from an NDA chief minister. In that sense, KCR is as valuable as a Nitish Kumar or a Naveen Patnaik.

Congress leaders believe both Naidu and KCR want Modi to help them in increasing the number of assembly constituencies in Andhra and Telangana. From 175 to 225 in Andhra and from 119 to 153 in Telangana. Was this part of the quid pro quo, they wonder. It is critical for KCR to have a larger pool of assembly seats as he can then accommodate all the turncoats from the TDP and Congress to contest the 2019 assembly election. Likewise with Naidu, who has admitted a whole lot of YSR Congress MLAs into the TDP.

It also suits KCR and Naidu to focus on how to make India go cashless. The battle against black money is no longer the main target, the goalpost has conveniently been shifted because politicians like KCR and Naidu know they can look good, projecting a modern outlook by ushering in a digital economy. KCR has taken the lead by announcing that Siddipet, the assembly constituency that he once represented and now has his nephew Harish Rao as the MLA, will be the first segment to go completely cashless.

The desire to be by the prime minister's side is also governed by real politik. KCR sees no sense by being seen with a disjointed opposition, especially when the Congress is his principal foe in Telangana. The BJP in contrast, does not have the cadre to match up to either the Congress or even the TDP in Telangana.

Reports from rural Telangana are mixed. There is genuine anger at the misery those without bank accounts are being put to, especially among farmers who are not getting loans for their rabi crop. Many of them are having to trek long distances to access an ATM or a bank. The central team that toured different states also sent back a similar feedback to the PMO. KCR is a smart politician to realise that while the dissatisfaction will be directed at Modi, he can showcase himself as a chief minister who cares by trying to help sort out matters. KCR sees a win-win situation in this crisis.

Will this new-found friendship lead to TRS joining Modi's cabinet? It is known that members of the TRS parliamentary party won't be averse to joining the NDA. Modi does not need any extra support in terms of numbers but a lot could depend on how things pan out politically post the Uttar Pradesh elections.

So while it is fairly certain that something is cooking between Modi and KCR, nothing has been put on the table as yet.
COLUMBUS  A 23-year-old Columbus-area man convicted in early November of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl pleaded no contest this week in Platte County District Court to having sexually explicit photos of the teenager.

District Judge Robert Steinke scheduled Francisco Batz-Chicaj for sentencing Jan. 13 on a charge of visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct in connection with a 15-month relationship with the teen that was discovered in March when she learned she was pregnant during a visit to the hospital.

The visual depiction charge is a Class ID felony punishable by up to 50 years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of three years behind bars.

Batz-Chicaj will also be sentenced in January for first-degree sexual assault, a Class 2 felony that carries a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison and minimum of one year.

In exchange for Batz-Chicajs plea in the assault case, the Platte County Attorneys Office dismissed a charge of identity theft-$5,000 or more. The charge carried a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The defendant has been free from jail on bond since early April.

Court documents in the case describe a Columbus Police investigation that got underway March 25 with the report of the girls pregnancy.

Investigator Jaymee Levander wrote in her probable cause arrest statement that the victim reported having sex with the defendant in a city park about two months earlier.

During an interview with police, the defendant admitted the sexual contact and time frame and said he had been dating the victim for about 15 months, the investigator wrote in her statement.

Levander said the defendant was aware the victim was pregnant and said he planned to marry her when she turned 18. The victim believed the defendant was 20 years old, the investigator said.

Batz-Chicaj was in possession of several pieces of false identification when arrested.
Washington: Pakistan's missions in Washington and New York were targeted by fake twitter accounts which alleged that the two consulates were raided by US law enforcement agencies in connection with the Ohio terror attack by a Somalian refugee who had reportedly lived in Pakistan.

The two twitter accounts, in particularly Pakistan Embassy UN (@PakEmbassyUN) appeared that it was being handled personally by Maleeha Lodhi, the Pakistani Ambassador to the

UN. In the fake tweet, Lodhi alleged that the Ohio Police, a day earlier raided the Pakistani Embassy in Washington in connection with the terrorist attack carried by Abdul Razak Ali Artan.

Artan, a Somalian refugee who reportedly lived in Pakistan for a few years before coming to the US, injured as many as 11 people early this week before he was shot and killed by the Ohio Police.

In this fake account Lodhi alleged that the federal police is now raiding the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN in New York.

"Shame that after Ohio Police raid yesterday on Pakistan Embassy, Washington DC their Twitter account is also suspended by FBI. #OhioStateAttack," the fake twitter account said. "Federal police have confiscated some documents of our Embassy in New York regarding #OhioStateAttack," said the second tweet from the same account.

"We have bent our flag at Embassy as a protest to the raid regarding #OhioStateAttack. Embassy in New York will remain closed today," said another tweet, which had a picture of Lodhi.

Later in the day, both the Pak Embassy in Washington and its Permanent Mission to the UN in New York issued statements, saying that these are fake accounts and have taken up the matter with Twitter. "Baseless and false information is being spread on the social media through fake Twitter accounts impersonating the Permanent Mission of Pakistan and Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi. The Permanent Mission has only one twitter account which is @PakistanUN_NY," the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN said.

"The Mission has taken up this issue with the Twitter administration in order to block all unauthorised and fake accounts," it said.

The Pakistan Embassy in Washington also issued similar statement on twitter. "It's reiterated that some fake twitter accounts are spreading baseless and unauthentic information and pictures which are not linked with the Pakistan Embassy," the embassy said in a tweet.

Lodhi who has 1,38,000 followers also tweeted the statement. By late night tweets from @PakinUS appeared to have been deleted, while those of @PakEmbassyUN still appeared to be there.

One of these tweets also reflected a fake twitter account of Sartaj Aziz, who is the foreign policy advisor to the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Several credible media outlets in South Asia even reported about these raids without realising that such an act was unprecedented and would have created a major international crisis, as it would have been in violation of several UN and Vienna conventions.

The diplomatic missions are considered as sovereign territory and the law enforcement agencies of that country have no permission to enter its premises. This comes at a time when the American media is abuzz with fake stories on the social media and how it was used to influence the recently concluded elections.
Jacksonville: A bank robbery suspect was holding several hostages Thursday at a credit union in the north Florida city of Jacksonville, and SWAT team members were on the scene, authorities said.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says 11 hostages have been freed from a credit union in that north Florida City where they were held at gunpoint by a robbery suspect.

The sheriff's office said in a tweet Thursday that the hostages were freed about two hours after their ordeal began and that the suspect was in custody.

Community First Credit Union - We have 11 hostages out. #JAX #Jacksonville  Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016

Community First Credit Union - Bank robbery suspect/hostage taker is in police custody. #JAX #Jacksonville  Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016

LIVE on #Periscope: Bank robbery with hostages https://t.co/38vjosmp7p  Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016

Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Melissa Bujeda had said an initial 911 call reporting a bank robbery came in at 9:06 a.m.

A short time later, another call indicated that someone may have been shot, but the sheriff's office has been unable to confirm that.

She said SWAT team members and police negotiators were called in.

An initial 911 call reporting a bank robbery came in at 9.06 am. A short time later, another call indicated that someone may have been shot, but the sheriff's office has been unable to confirm that, Bujeda said.

Police negotiators also were present, the spokeswoman added.

Streets surrounding the bank were blocked by police, and Bujeda urged patience from business people unable to get to work.

"Situations like these sometimes can be short and sometimes can be long," she said.

Bujeda urged local TV reporters not to show their positions around the bank because that could pose "a danger to officers as well as the individuals in the bank."

The bank is located in a north-west Jacksonville commercial district surrounded by a storage facility and a dollar store.
By Stephen Kalin

| BAGHDAD

BAGHDAD In early June, two Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias under the nominal control of the Iraqi government stormed into an Iraqi military airbase north of Baghdad. Driving armoured vehicles and wielding rocket launchers, they took over a building on the base.The Iraqi commander at the base, near the town of Balad, asked the militiamen to leave. But the men ignored him as well as orders from the central government in Baghdad, according to two army officers in the Salahuddin Operation Command, the regional military headquarters.The June standoff grounded four Iraqi F-16 fighter jets and pushed more than a dozen U.S. contractors  there to help local pilots bomb Islamic State militants  to flee, according to the army officers and an Iraqi military intelligence source.It also underscored one of the biggest challenges ahead for Iraq.Baghdad is currently battling to prise hardline Sunni group Islamic State from the northern city of Mosul. In that struggle, government troops are fighting alongside the country's Shi'ite militias, as well as Kurdish and U.S. forces.But the government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi knows that even if it defeats Islamic State it needs to bring the Shi'ite militias under greater control. Iraqi and Western officials alike say episodes like the one in Balad raise serious questions about Abadi's ability to do that.The militias came together in 2014 after Islamic State seized a third of the country. Officially, the militias form a government-backed popular fighting force called the Hashid Shaabi, which has been instrumental in protecting Baghdad and pushing back Islamic State.But the militias have also created headaches for the government. Many of them have ties to Iran and have amassed vast military and political influence. Sunni Iraqis and human rights groups have accused some of them of rights violations, torture and murder.The militias deny the charges of abuse, torture and murder, and say they are simply battling Islamic State terrorists.At the Balad airbase in June, Iraqi army troops dealt with the rogue fighters by walling off the section of the base they had seized. The fighters eventually agreed to leave for a local farm after the intervention of their boss, Qais al-Khazali. He leads Asaib Ahl al-Haq, one of Iraq's fiercest Shi'ite militias.SIGNS OF PROGRESS?

Abadi came to power in 2014, promising to mend wounds between Iraq's Shi'ite majority and Sunni minority. The latter dominated the country during Saddam Hussein's iron-fisted rule and have chafed under Shi'ite governments since his toppling in 2003.To promote national unity, Abadi has promised to rein in the militias. Technically, the Hashid Shaabi reports to the prime minister through long-time national security advisor Falah Fayyad. Other Hashid leaders hold official positions. Spokesman Ahmed al-Assadi, for example, is a lawmaker. As well, Baghdad allocates salaries for about 110,000 Hashid members.But Western diplomats say money for Shi'ite fighters is regularly dispensed through commanders, giving them de facto control of the purse strings. And the Hashid routinely presents itself as loyal to the Iraqi people rather than the state. Fayad's deputy Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes  many militia members see him as the Hashid's real leader  is a veteran commander with long-standing ties to Iran.

Iraqi and Western officials say Abadi is too weak to take on the militias directly. When he first came to power, the prime minister tried to integrate the Hashid Shaabi into the regular security forces but that plan quickly died. Now he is pursuing a softer approach. In February he issued an executive order meant to nudge militias into accepting government control. Diwan Order 91 directs the Hashid Shaabi to become "an independent military formation, part of the Iraqi armed forces and linked to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces ... on the current model of the counter-terrorism service." In November, parliament passed a law to that effect which also calls on fighters to cut party affiliations and refrain from practising politics.There are signs of progress. After leading the fight against Islamic State in 2014 and 2015, the Hashid has mostly played a supporting role in recent government advances. Reuters has seen a memo Mohandes sent in June that directed fighters to eliminate factional flags and chants.But the militias remain outside the control of the defence ministry. They dominate in and around Baghdad, throughout eastern Diyala province and in large parts of Salahuddin province further north. And they still raise religious banners that portray Shi'ite imams and logos of partisan groups.SECRET PRISONS

The militias also control at least half a dozen of their own prisons, according to local officials, police and army sources. One is located in Jurf al-Sakhar, a town south of Baghdad that was captured by security forces and militia fighters in 2014.

According to one national security official, the town and surrounding area is still controlled by Kataib Hezbollah, one of the most secretive of the Shi'ite militias in the Hashid Shaabi. The U.S. Treasury calls the group a terrorist organisation."More than a year ago, the Kataib group set up their own detention centres and turned multiple former government buildings and large houses into tightly secured detention centres," said the official. "All we know is that hundreds of prisoners from Anbar (province) are detained ... The group is conducting its own investigations ... and security forces have made no contribution at all to these procedures."A senior local official confirmed Kataib ran its own prisons and said many of the inmates were Sunnis who had been detained at a checkpoint in Razzaza, a desert area separating western Anbar province from Shi'ite shrines in the south.Ahmed Salmani, a lawmaker from the nearby Sunni town of Qaim, said around 2,200 people are being held there. He said he had discussed their fate, including incidents of torture, with the defence and interior ministries as well as Abadi.One local said he had three sons who were rounded up at the Razzaza checkpoint. One was killed, he said. "I lost my three sons in front of my eyes at that ominous checkpoint," said the man, who paid $20,000 to have three of them returned. But "the oldest one, Omar, had been tortured to death."Kataib Hezbollah spokesmen Jaafar Hussaini said reports of secret prisons were "baseless and a shameless attempt to distort the image of Kataib." He said the group was operating alongside the army, police and counter-terrorism forces to keep Islamic State out of the area.

REINING IN THE NUMBERS

Western diplomats say the Hashid's ranks could be halved if Iraq manages to defeat Islamic State. But they also fear a hardcore could evolve into something resembling Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard. That would help cement the influence Tehran has gained in Iraq since Saddam's fall. But according to one senior diplomat in Baghdad, Iranian officials have expressed their unwillingness to treat Iraq like a protectorate. "They keep telling us they can't manage a client state," the diplomat said. Senior Iraqi security officials also reject any further increase in Iranian influence.The Iranian embassy in Baghdad did not respond to repeated requests for comment.Militia leaders themselves are split, with some suggesting they will not lay down their arms even if Islamic State is defeated. Jawad Talabani, a commander in Asaib Ahl al-Haq, said groups like his see no need to join the official Iraqi security forces. He said his militia would only lay down its weapons once all Sunni groups are defeated, and will resist forced disarmament."The role of the security forces is to protect the Iraqi people and we will support the security forces if that is requested from us," he told Reuters.Kareem Alewi al-Mohamadawi, a spokesman for the Badr Organisation, the single biggest Shi'ite militia, said the group would revert instead to its pre-2014 status, with some members serving in the police and others operating independently. But the big groups are less of a concern to Iraqi officials and Western diplomats than smaller, more radical ones that take more direct support from Iran. Earlier this year, Baghdad began working with the United Nations to establish a demobilisation programme for Hashid members who consent to give up their arms. Senior Iraqi security officials say the aim is to cut the size of the Hashid significantly. But with the fight against Islamic State not yet over, the programme has not started.Rebuilding the regular military, which was crippled by corruption and sectarianism and then overrun by Islamic State in 2014, will take time, according to officials.In June, when black-clad commandos from the government's elite counter-terrorism service marched in Baghdad with army and police units to celebrate the restoration of Falluja, Hashid forces marched beside them. Abadi looked on, saluting from a viewing platform.A colonel in the police command of Tikrit, a Sunni town now adorned with Shi'ite militia banners and pictures of Iran's Supreme Leader, put it this way: "We don't have any authority over them (the militias). They are a state inside a state." (Edited by Michael Georgy and Simon Robinson)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Diego Ore and Sarah Marsh

| SANTA CLARA, Cuba

SANTA CLARA, Cuba Thousands of people greeted Fidel Castro's funeral cortege on its journey across Cuba on Thursday after a symbolic overnight reunion at the mausoleum in Santa Clara housing the bones of fellow revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara.Waving flags and chanting "I am Fidel," Cubans thickly lined pastel-coloured colonial streets in admiration of Castro, who died on Friday at age 90 as one of the towering figures of the 20th century after establishing a Communist state 90 miles (145 km) from the United States. The government declared nine days of mourning.The outpouring from ordinary Cubans contrasts with the hatred of many Cuban exiles who saw Castro as a tyrant who jailed opponents and ruined the economy with socialism."With the death of Fidel, the revolution must continue on its path, no steps backwards," said Pedro Sanchez, 81, who said he fought in Castro's rebellion against a U.S.-backed president in the 1950s.

The procession was slowly making its way east, destined for the final resting place of his ashes in Santiago de Cuba, where Castro's rebels first launched an attack on the U.S.-backed forces of Fulgencio Batista in 1953.Batista was finally driven from Cuba on Jan. 1, 1959, and the cortege is retracing the trek Castro made from that day until he arrived in Havana a week later.

Castro would go on to rule for 49 years, attempting to erase U.S. influence from a country that had been dominated by its northern neighbour for decades. Building a healthcare system for the poor, he sent doctors around the world but also soldiers to Africa to help Namibia achieve independence and weaken apartheid in South Africa.Guevara, who once approximated Castro's charisma and influence, also embarked on guerrilla missions in Latin America, dying in battle in Bolivia in 1967. His monument was placed in Santa Clara, where he also led a crucial fight against Batista forces in December 1958.

Whether out of revolutionary zeal, nationalist pride or a sense of obligation in a one-party state, Cubans have poured onto the streets to bid their final farewell to Castro.Many lined up for hours to pass through a memorial in Havana's Revolution Square. Tens, if not hundreds of thousands, gathered there on Tuesday night for a four-hour ceremony in which presidents from around the world delivered eulogies. (Writing by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Jonathan Oatis)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Paritosh Bansal and Serajul Quadir

| DHAKA

DHAKA Before Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury orchestrated Bangladesh's worst militant attack, he sought and won approval for it from Islamic State.A Canadian of Bangladeshi origin, he was told by his contact in the militant group, Abu Terek Mohammad Tajuddin Kausar, to target foreigners, according to a senior police official who has seen communications between the two men.Chowdhury, located in Bangladesh at the time, proposed an attack on a Dhaka eatery frequented by expatriates.On July 1, a group of gunmen stormed the Holey Artisan cafe in the city's Gulshan neighbourhood, murdering 22 people, most of them foreigners, in an overnight siege that shocked the country.The back-and-forth between Chowdhury, 30, and Kausar, 35, which includes drafts of articles later published in Islamic State magazines, has not been previously reported.Together with attempts by people linked to Islamic State to recruit and fund militancy in the country, the documents show the extremist organisation has built deeper connections with Bangladeshi militants than was previously known.The police official declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the information. Reuters could not independently verify the contents of the communications.As Islamic State comes under pressure in its home base of Syria and Iraq, its activities in outposts such as Bangladesh could intensify, experts have said.The extent of Islamic State's influence in Bangladesh will be key to the country's garment sector that employs millions of people and earns $28 billion a year in exports.Any sign the global jihadi network is making inroads could force Western brands to look elsewhere for cheap clothes.In the year before the cafe atrocity, a string of grisly individual murders, including of bloggers and foreigners, had already raised the alarm for overseas investors.In its Rumiyah magazine published after the cafe massacre, Islamic State claimed two dozen attacks in the country since September 2015. The claim could not be independently verified.LOCAL MILITANTS OR ISLAMIC STATE?

After the siege, police raided suspected jihadi hideouts and said they killed dozens of militants and arrested hundreds more.Still, the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Islamic State does not exist in the impoverished South Asian nation of 160 million people, and instead blames the rise in political violence on the Islamist opposition.Opposition leaders deny any link and say it can be traced to the bitter rivalry, which has long poisoned politics in the country, between Hasina's ruling Awami League and its main rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as well as Jamaat-e-Islami."These are all home-grown people," said Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, adding that the siege militants belonged to a new faction of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a banned group he said had ties to the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami party. An aide to Hasina said that, while local militant groups had links with Islamic State, the extent of support was limited. "They are not an organised group here. People with Islamic State links are here. But that is not to say Islamic State is here."

FUNDING AND RECRUITING

Bangladesh police first came to know about Chowdhury around fall of last year, but they did not know his whereabouts, the police official said.In December, Dhaka police seized about 3.9 million taka ($50,000) destined for a close associate of Chowdhury's.The money, which the police official said was sent via the informal hawala cash transfer network, came from a UK-based company. The company's founder, Siful Sujan, was killed a few days later in Syria.At the time, investigators could not establish the money had been sent on Islamic State's instructions, the police official said.Chowdhury's group, meanwhile, was recruiting.Tanvir Kaderi and his wife, Abedatul Fatema, had a comfortable middle-class life in Dhaka, with two children and steady jobs. "We were a very happy family," Kaderi's son Mohammed Tahrim Kaderi Abir wrote in a confession presented before a magistrate. Abir, an eighth grade student, wrote that his parents' behaviour started to change after they went on the Haj pilgrimage in 2014.After that, Kaderi told a preacher he had dreamed he was standing with a weapon in his hand in the middle of a desert.

Kaderi also started spending time with acquaintances from the local mosque, who introduced the family to others, including associates of Chowdhury.They in turn preached to the family about faith and jihad and showed them videos of the war in Syria. One gave them a copy of Dabiq magazine, an Islamic State publication, according to the confession.The preparations for the cafe attack began at least as early as June, around the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, according to Abir's confession. Kaderi rented an apartment in Basundhara area of Dhaka, near the cafe.A few days later the five militants who conducted the attack showed up at the house. Kaderi's family moved to Dhaka's old city the night of the raid.

MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS

Chowdhury was killed on Aug. 27. That and the other raids gave police access to his correspondence with Kausar. In one, Chowdhury was asked by Kausar to answer questions for an interview, which was eventually published in Dabiq in April under the nom de guerre Abu Ibrahim al-Hanif.Al-Hanif was identified in the magazine as head of Islamic State in Bangladesh. In another, Chowdhury sent the draft of an article about the cafe attack, which was published after his death in Rumiyah magazine, the police official said.

Kausar's mother said he moved to Australia in 2006 and she had not heard from him since before the attack. Tahera Begum, who lives in a town 135 miles from Dhaka, said she did not know whether he had links with Islamic State.Before his death, Chowdhury made Kaderi the new point of contact with Kausar, the police official said.At around 7.30 p.m. on Sept. 10, police knocked on the door of Kaderi's apartment, where his wife, one of his sons and some associates were hiding.In the ensuing chaos, police were attacked with grenades and knives, while some women in the apartment threw chilli powder at them. Kaderi ran into a room. As they tried to apprehend him, he swung a scythe at police, who were using his son as a shield. Kaderi told his son, "If you get hit, you will either be martyred or Allah will reward you."By the time the raid was over, Kaderi had slit his own throat. The last known link to Islamic State in Bangladesh was dead, although the police official said they did not know if anyone else was in contact with the militant group.POLITICAL STRIFE

Opposition leaders accuse the government of using militancy as an excuse to stifle dissent."A democracy deficit is definitely encouraging the extremists," said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP's secretary general who spent months in jail and now faces prosecution in dozens of cases. The Jamaat leadership has gone into hiding after several of its top leaders were executed during the past two years for war crimes committed during the country's 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.In an email, Maqbul Ahmad, the head of the party, denied any connections with JMB or other militants. "The government is consistently denying the actual presence of terrorism in Bangladesh," Ahmad wrote. "Rather they are using it as an effective instrument of repression of Islamists."Soon after the cafe attack, the government placed a bounty of 2 million taka ($25,000) on Chowdhury's head. A series of raids on militant hideouts followed. By Oct. 3 police said they had killed 42 militants and arrested at least 221 people, according to an internal police report.Militant groups, including a faction ideologically linked to al Qaeda, have gone quiet and police say the overall security situation is under control, although the threat is not over.($1 = 78.75 taka) (Additional reporting by Amran Abocar in TORONTO; Editing by Mike Collett-White)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Alonso Soto

| BRASILIA

BRASILIA Venezuela will probably be suspended from the Mercosur regional trade bloc for failing to meet membership requirements, three Brazilian government sources said on Thursday, in another blow to Caracas during a deep political and economic crisis. Venezuela had until Thursday to meet requirements that included economic, human rights and immigration accords governing the group, whose other members are Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and regional diplomatic heavyweight Brazil."Venezuela has not adopted all the membership rules and treaties it had promised," said one official directly involved in the decision, who requested anonymity to be able to speak freely. "Everything indicates that Venezuela will be suspended starting in December."Sources said they expected Mercosur to decide on Thursday or Friday to suspend Venezuela. However, an Argentine government source said later on Thursday that the decision would not happen until a Dec. 14 meeting of Mercosur foreign ministers.Socialist-led Venezuela has it will not leave Mercosur and has denounced what it calls a campaign by right-leaning Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay to expel it from the group.

Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday said via Twitter that Venezuela had called on member countries to activate a mechanism for "resolutions of conflicts," tweeting a complaint letter sent to Mercosur foreign ministers. "Venezuela must be respected!" Rodriguez said on Twitter. "Officials who adhere to imperialist mandates will not win against our fatherland."The suspension would not carry any sanctions against Venezuela but would sideline its government from bloc meetings and trade negotiations, the Brazilian officials said.

A suspension would also further isolate Venezuela as it struggles with food shortages and social unrest as its oil-dependent economy crumbles. Brazil's foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment.Tensions within Mercosur reflect the changing political landscape of a region that has turned to conservative governments after years of domination by leftist leaders buoyed by a commodities boom.

Some Brazilian officials had considered delaying the suspension to avoid hampering Vatican-led negotiations to ease the political crisis in Venezuela, but they later dropped those plans, said another official. Businesses in Brazil have complained that the presence of Venezuela, which joined the bloc in 2012, has delayed key trade and regulatory decisions."It's a political decision that shows Mercosur countries trying to be in line with the global reality," said Roberto Ticoulat, head of the Brazilian Council of Commercial Exporters and Importers. "Brazil needs to be part of global trade, and we can't wait any longer." (Additional reporting by Maximiliano Rizzi in Buenos Aires, and Corina Pons and Alexandra Ulmer in Caracas; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Marguerita Choy)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
"Allied" stars Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard and is directed by Robert Zemeckis. The story follows Max Vatan (played by Pitt) and Marianne Beausejour (played by Cotillard), two spies who are forced to feign a marriage to complete a mission during World War II. Eventually, though, the pair begin to truly fall in love, but conflict arises when secrets surface about one of the characters.

I was excited to see this movie almost solely on the fact that Zemeckis was directing. He has a very wide range of films under his belt, the most notable being 1985s "Back to the Future" and the 1995 Academy Award winner for best picture "Forrest Gump."

I was interested to see how he would handle a World War II romance story. "Allied" is not on the same level as "Back to the Future" or "Forrest Gump," but it isnt absolutely terrible either.

Starting off with the positives, the feel for the setting and costume design is incredible. It feels like this film could have been made in the 1940s because everything is spot-on. Zemeckis also did a fantastic job of shooting this movie. Most frames seem thoughtfully crafted and have a purpose to them, and even if "Allied" is not primarily an action movie, the elements of action are spectacular.

Both Pitt and Cotillard have proven they can be great actors, but their performances arent exactly Oscar-worthy. This isnt to say the acting was flat-out terrible, but it does feel like the actors may not be performing at their highest level, which bleeds into the problems I have with this film.

The romance between Max and Marianne is extremely rushed and does not feel earned. And then, when their love forces its way into the script, it feels bland for most of the movie.

Along with that point, the overall pace of the film is fairly poor. This can be partially attributed to the fact that Zemeckis was trying to tribute films from this era, particularly 1942's "Casablanca." Although honoring classics can be a good idea, the film beats you over the head with it.

Along with references to older films, Zemeckis styled and shot "Allied" like a film from the 1940s. While interesting, it does make certain scenes feel drawn out, specifically in the first act. One thing Zemeckis has proven himself to be exceptional at is blending animated and CGI elements with live-action performing, but he seems to fumble with this in this movie. There are a few shots that have poor CGI imagery, and along with looking rough, this can take an audience out of the film.

Overall, "Allied" can be considered a beautiful mess. A very good-looking movie with little sustenance within it. Even though it has its moments, it cannot escape from the sense of mediocrity.

Rating: 6.4/10

See It or Miss It: Miss It
LINCOLN  The Nebraska Attorney General's Office has accused a Lincoln-based clothing business of ripping off both customers and sales agents.

According to a complaint filed this week in Lancaster County District Court, Pixi Chix and its owner, Andrea Christensen, took money from both customers and sales consultants, then failed to fulfill their orders.

The business also is accused of selling college and pro team apparel without licenses to do so.

The Attorney General's Office says in its complaint that it has received at least 140 complaints from customers and sales consultants, but a spokeswoman for the office said several dozen more complaints have been received in the past two days.

Christensen, who also operated the business under the name State 51 Wear, is accused of violating both the Nebraska Consumer Protection Act and Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, as well as the Seller-Assisted Marketing Plan Act.

If found guilty, she could face fines of $2,000 for each violation.

Customers and sales agents of the business have been complaining for months on social media, alleging that they paid for custom-made merchandise and never received it, received only part of it or received their items months after they were promised. There also have been complaints of merchandise being of a much poorer quality than what was promised.

The Better Business Bureau has registered nearly 90 complaints against the business in the past year.

Earlier this month, Christensen was ordered to pay more than $11,000 to a supplier after failing to appear to contest a lawsuit against her.

Christensen could not be reached for comment. A phone number listed for both Pixi Chix and State 51 has been disconnected.
Earlier this year Nokia announced that it will be back to the worldwide mobile phone and tablet market and granted exclusive global license to HMD Global, a new company based in Finland to sell Nokia-branded feature phones, Android smartphones and tablets for the next ten years. Last month HMD Global announced its appearance at the MWC that is scheduled between February 27th and March 2nd in Barcelona.

Today the Finnish company announced that it has officially entered the market, six months after it signed a strategic licensing agreement with Nokia. It said that it will bring a new generation of mobile phones to consumers, with the first smartphone products set to be launched in the first half of 2017, alongside the existing Nokia branded feature phone business.

Florian Seiche, who was Senior Vice President for Europe Sales and Marketing at Microsoft Mobile is the president of HMD. Back in August HMD appointed Pekka Rantala as Chief Marketing Officer to look after the return of Nokia brand of mobile phones and tablets.

It said that it is already in leading position in the feature phone market and has a significant global foothold including Americas, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, India and China from day one.

HMD also said that it has developed a unique strategic partnership model that will see it working with some of the worlds leading technology companies including Nokia, FIH Mobile Limited (FIH) and Google. Future Nokia smartphones will utilise Googles Android operating system, currently deployed on 86% of the worlds smartphones.

It already announced a partnership model in an agreement with FIH that will manufacture Nokia branded mobile phones and tablets. The company said that it is developing an exciting new consumer centric product range, which will focus on innovation, quality and experience, alongside the iconic Nokia mobile phone attributes of design, robustness, and reliability.

Arto Nummela, CEO of HMD Global, said:

Today marks a happy and important day for HMD. Nokia has been one of the most iconic and recognisable phone brands globally for decades. The excitement of re-introducing this much-loved, well-known and trusted brand to smartphone consumers is a responsibility and an ambition that everyone at HMD shares. Driven by the extremely positive reception we have received since HMD was announced earlier this year, we are excited about building the next chapter for Nokia phones. We see this as a brilliant opportunity to solve real life consumer problems and to deliver on the quality and designs that the Nokia brand has been always known for. Our talented and passionate team is uniquely placed in this modern setup to deliver our promise of reliable, beautifully crafted and fun Nokia phones for consumers across the globe.

Florian Seiche, President of HMD Global, said:

We believe that the time is right for renewal in the mobile industry. The market is fatigued and flooded with undifferentiated products. Consumers are looking for technology with clear purpose that is useful, exciting and with a brand they can trust, so our approach will focus on true, core user experiences and a dedication to quality. With our passionate team, start up attitude, a brand with a 95% worldwide awareness and a unique, asset light partnership approach, we believe we are perfectly placed to forge a new way in mobile.
Scientists from Unilever and Wageningen University, Netherlands, have found that processed soybeans have a slightly better nutritional profile than their mother... Read More




1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.

2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.

5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.

6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.

7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.

8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.

9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.

10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.

11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers.

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."

23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch."

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.

38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand.

39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.

40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems.

43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.

44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.

45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.
Image source: Spectra Energy.

More often than not, when investorsare deciding between two income stocks, the one with the higher payout wins out. If that were always the case, then Spectra Energy Partners' (NYSE: SEP) current yield of 6.2% would make it the better buy over Magellan Midstream Partners (NYSE: MMP) and its 4.8% payout. However, before declaring it the winner, there are a couple more factors investors need to review to ensure that the payout is safe and can grow in the future.

Battle of the balance sheets

One of the most important things to consider before making any investment is the company's financial strength. Here's how these two stack up.

Company Credit Rating Debt-to-EBITDA Ratio Current Distribution Coverage Ratio Spectra Energy Partners BBB/Baa2 3.7 1.2 Magellan Midstream Partners BBB+/Baa1 3.3 1.2

Data sources: Spectra Energy Partners and Magellan Midstream Partners.

As that chart shows, Magellan has a slight edge. Not only does it have a stronger credit rating -- boasting one of the highest credit ratings among MLPs -- but more importantly it has a lower leverage. Because of that, it has greater access to cheaper capital, which gives it more flexibility to fund growth projects or make acquisitions. So, while Spectra Energy Partners does have a solid balance sheet, Magellan wins this round.

Comparing the portfolios

One of the primary differences between Magellan Midstream Partners and Spectra Energy Partners is the focus and makeup of their asset base. In Magellan Midstream's case, 58% of its revenue comes from moving and storing refined products, while another 32% comes from crude oil services, and the final 10% comes from marine storage. Underpinning the bulk of these services are fee-based contracts, which this year supplied 87% of Magellan's operating margin. That said, 13% of the company's operating margin does come from commodity-related activities, which was a problem this year due to weaker commodity prices, though the company more than offset this impact by completing a slew of fee-based growth projects to boost distributable cash flow.

Meanwhile, Spectra Energy Partners derives the bulk of its earnings from natural gas transmission pipelines. More importantly, fee-based contracts underpin 95% of the company's cash flow, with the majority of those contracts having minimal volume risk. Because of these contracts, Spectra can bank on receiving a very stable cash flow each year.

Because its portfolio has limited exposure to commodity prices and minimal volume risk, Spectra Energy Partnershas the edge in this round.

Image source: Spectra Energy.

A look at the upside

Magellan Midstream Partners is working to reduce its direct exposure to commodity prices by building new fee-based assets. The company will spend about $850 million this year alone on new projects, which is the most it has ever spent on growth. That capital expendditure is expected to set the company up to grow shareholder distributions by 10% this year, and at least 8% in 2017, while maintaining a distribution coverage ratio of at least 1.2. That said, Magellan's investment spending is winding down, with the company currently expecting to invest $300 million in 2017 and $250 million in 2018 on growth capex, though it does have more than $500 million of additional investment opportunities under consideration. Still, given the steep drop from prior years, Magellan has limited visibility on future growth at the moment.

Spectra Energy Partners, on the other hand, has a much-larger growth pipeline because the company and its parent,Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE), have $8 billion worth of projects in execution. These projects support its forecast to deliver $0.0125 per unit in quarterly distribution increases through 2018 while also maintaining a distribution coverage of 1.2. Further, the companies have another $20 billion of development projects under consideration.

That said, Spectra Energy is in the process of merging with Canadian oil pipeline giant Enbridge (NYSE: ENB). Once that deal closes, Enbridge will become Spectra Energy Partners' new parent company. That might open up new opportunities, considering that Enbridge's combined growth backlog will be $20 billion and it has another $37 billion of potential projects to develop in the years ahead, with some of that growth possibly flowing through Spectra Energy Partners. However, thereis a potential wrinkle in that Enbridge also controls oil pipeline MLP Enbridge Energy Partners (NYSE: EEP), which itself manages natural gas MLP Midcoast Energy Partners (NYSE: MEP). Given the added complexity of all those MLPs and the apparent overlap, it is entirely possible that Enbridge will roll up some, if not all, of its MLPs into a single entity. That is both a risk and a potential catalyst for Spectra Energy investors.

Investor takeaway

While Magellan Midstream Partners has a better balance sheet, Spectra Energy Partners has a stronger portfolio and more upside due to growth projects under development. For many investors, those factors, when combined with its higher yield, clearly make the gas MLP the better buy. That said, due to the pending merger of its parent with Enbridge, there's a risk that the Spectra Energy Partners of tomorrow could be quite different because it could get rolled up with Enbridge's other MLPs. That unknown is something investors must weigh before investing in the company.

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Matt DiLallo has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Spectra Energy. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge Energy Partners and Magellan Midstream Partners. 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.
Nestle, the world's largest packaged food group, said it had devised a new technology that has the potential to reduce sugar in some of its confectionery products by up to 40 percent without affecting the taste.

The maker of Kitkat and Aero bars said its researchers have found a way using only natural ingredients to change the structure of sugar particles. By hollowing out the crystals, Nestle said each particle dissolves more quickly on the tongue, so less sugar can be used in chocolate.

"Our scientists have discovered a completely new way to use a traditional, natural ingredient," the company's chief technology officer, Stefan Catsicas, said in a statement late on Wednesday.

The announcement comes as a global obesity epidemic ramps up pressure on processed food makers to make their products healthier. Nestle and its peers have all been working to reduce sugar, fat and salt, as consumers increasingly opt for fresher, healthier options.

Nestle said it was patenting its findings and would begin to use the faster-dissolving sugar across a range of its confectionery products from 2018.

Nestle is not the first company to experiment with designer molecules.

PepsiCo in 2010 piloted a designer salt molecule that it said would allow it to use less sodium without affecting the taste of its snacks, which include Walkers crisps and Cheetos.

(Additional reporting by Silke Koltrowitz in Zurich; Editing by Susan Fenton)
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Social Security isn't quite as simple as it may seem. It's not just a matter of waiting until you're 65 and then receiving checks from Uncle Sam. There are important things to know that can affect how much you receive from the program.

Here's a quick overview of what you need to know before you think about taking Social Security. If you know these things well before you retire, you can plan more effectively for retirement, too.

Know how much money to expect from Social Security

Perhaps the most important thing to know is how much money you can expect to get from Social Security. For most people, it won't be enough to sustain you comfortable. The program was designed to replace about 40% of your pre-retirement income, if you earned an average income. (That percentage is higher for lower-income folks and lower for higher earners.) The average monthly retirement benefit was recently $1,375, which totals $16,500 per year. If your earnings have been above average, though, you'll collect more than that -- up to the maximum monthly Social Security benefit for those retiring at their full retirement age, which was recently $2,639. (That's about $32,000 for the whole year.) More specifically, you can find out how much you can expect to receive in retirement from Social Security at the Social Security website.

Once you have an idea of what to expect, factor it into your big picture. Figure out how much money you'll need in retirement and subtract what you expect from Social Security. Then figure out where the rest of your needed funds will come from. If you're still some years from retirement, you might save and invest aggressively. There's no guaranteed return from stocks, but the table below shows what you might accumulate over several periods if your investments generate 8% average annual growth:

Decide when to take Social Security benefits

Next, give some thought to when you'll start collecting your Social Security benefits. Don't assume that 65 is when you're supposed to start getting Social Security checks. The normal (or "full") retirement age has been increased for many of us. For those born in 1937 or earlier, it's 65, and for those born in 1960 or later, it's 67. For those born between 1937 and 1960, it's somewhere in between. Despite that, though, you can start receiving benefits as early as age 62 and as late as age 70.

For every year beyond your full retirement age that you delay starting to receive benefits, you'll increase their value by about 8% -- until age 70. So delaying from age 67 to 70 can leave you with checks about 24% fatter -- enough to turn a $2,000 check into a $2,480 one. Retire early and your benefits may be up to about 30% smaller. Note, though, that the system is designed so that total benefits received are about the same for those with average life spans no matter when they start collecting. Checks that start arriving at age 62 will be considerably smaller, but you'll receive many more of them.

Know how to increase your Social Security benefits

Delaying starting to take Social Security benefits is not the only way to try to collect more money from the program. For example, it might be useful to get familiar with the formula that the Social Security Administration uses to compute your benefits. It's based on your earnings in the 35 years in which you earned the most, so if you only earned income in 26 years, the formula will be incorporating nine zeros, which will shrink your benefits considerably. Are you planning to retire after 32 years of work? It might be worth it to work three more years, if you want to get more benefits. Even if you've worked 35 years, if you're now earning much more than you have in the past (on an inflation-adjusted basis), you might consider working for another year or two, as each high-earning year will kick a low-earning year out of the calculation.

Consider spousal strategies, too, if you're married. One good strategy for many married people is to start collecting the benefits of the spouse with the lower lifetime earnings record on time or early, while delaying starting to collect the benefits of the higher-earning spouse. That way, the couple does get some income earlier, and when the higher earner hits 70, they can collect extra-large checks. Also, should that higher-earning spouse die first, the spouse with the smaller earnings history can collect those bigger benefit checks. Note, too, that even divorcees can collect benefits based on their ex's earnings history -- if they were married for at least 10 years and have not remarried. Also, spouses can collect "spousal benefits" based on the other's earnings history, getting up to 50% of that spouse's benefits, while widows and widowers can choose to start receiving 100% of their late spouse's benefit instead of their own.

Will your Social Security benefits be taxed?

Finally, know that some or all of your benefits might be taxed. If Social Security benefits make up all or a vast majority of your income, you likely won't be taxed on them at all. But if your income surpasses a certain level while you're receiving Social Security benefits, those benefits may end up taxed. No more than 85% of your benefits will ever be taxed, though.

To determine whether you'll have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits, you need to calculate your "combined" income, which is your Adjusted Gross Income ("AGI") plus nontaxable interest plus half of your Social Security benefits. The table below shows the taxation you can expect:

Your benefits may shrink some if you work during retirement, but it's not as bad as it sounds. The Social Security Administration explains: "If you're younger than full retirement age during all of 2017 [and collecting benefits], we must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earn above $16,920." The year you reach your full retirement age, the earning limit jumps to $44,880, and the penalty decreases to $1 withheld for every $3 earned above the limit. Fortunately, though, the money withheld isn't lost. Instead, it's factored into the benefit checks you receive later, which end up increased.

The more you know about Social Security, the more you can get out of the program. Be sure to take Social Security into account as you plan for and save for your retirement.

The $16,122 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 $16,122 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.

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Changing marijuana laws aren't necessarily making weed more welcome in the workplace.

For now, many employers seem to be sticking with their drug testing and personal conduct policies, even in states where recreational marijuana use is now permitted. Others are keeping a close eye on the still evolving legal, regulatory and political environment.

Voters in California, Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada voted Nov. 8 to approve the use of recreational marijuana. Four other states already allow recreational pot and more than two dozen have medical marijuana programs.

All of the laws allow employers to continue testing workers for marijuana or keeping zero-tolerance policies in place.

Some advocates for reform of cannabis laws say employers should rethink zero tolerance policies and treat off-the-job use of marijuana as it would alcohol.
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) surprised skeptical traders with a deal Wednesday to cut the oil cartels production by 1.2 million barrels a day. Though oil and gasoline prices will climb in the short run, OPECs move may actually spur American drillers to action.

Two years ago, when a global oversupply sent oil prices into a downward spiral, OPEC opted to keep its wells flowing to compete with the rapid growth of U.S. production. The oil cartel was unsuccessful in its attempts to cobble together a broad freeze until a meeting in Vienna this week. Saudi Arabia, the largest OPEC producer, will bear the brunt of the cuts, as the 14 oil-producing nations attempt to slow down after a record pace of 33.6 billion barrels a day in October.

Russia, a non-OPEC producer, also agreed to participate in the effort, contributing a cut of 300,000 barrels a day.

The overall cut of 1.2 million barrels a day reflects about 1% of global oil production, further reducing the glut that has kept a lid on prices. U.S. oil futures jumped $4.21, or 9.3%, to $49.44 a barrel, the largest daily percentage gain in nine months. Shares of Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM), Chevron (NYSE:CVX) and other energy giants also climbed.

However, analysts expect the OPEC-inspired rally will cool off over time. With the value of crude approaching $50 a barrel, U.S. rigs that were idled during the two-year slump can quickly come back online.

We are surprised by the move, having previously thought that anything short of full participation would kill a deal [among OPEC members], CFRA Research analyst Stewart Glickman wrote in a note to clients. The focus now shifts to U.S. producers, which we think will try to fill the gap.

Ticker Security Last Change Change % XOM EXXON MOBIL CORP. 109.58 -2.40 -2.14% CVX CHEVRON CORP. 178.42 -3.78 -2.07% VLO VALERO ENERGY CORP. 125.80 -4.19 -3.22%

U.S. oil drillers will be ready to capitalize on stronger oil prices. The combination of hydraulic fracturingknown as frackingand horizontal drilling that sparked the shale boom is an expensive process. Higher prices make it more economical to increase drilling. Also, cost efficiencies established during the oil downturn have lowered the breakeven threshold for shale producers.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) forecasted that Brent crude would peak at $55 a barrel in the first half of 2017, citing the enduring impact of U.S. shale oil on global supplies. Brent crude, the international benchmark, was trading 8.8% higher at $50.45 a barrel after OPECs announcement, and the group is said to be targeting prices of $55 to $60 a barrel.

Tony Starkey, manager of energy analysis at Platts Analytics, said the OPEC cuts should bring supply and demand closer into balance in 2017, thus allowing oil prices to rebound next year. Over the long term, Americas oilfields could determine the markets direction.

Even before this agreement, expectations for U.S. production [have] been increasing throughout the year, Starkey wrote. Given the presumed increase in prices that the proposed cuts will provide, we can assume that those forecasts for U.S. production will likely continue to rise in the months ahead.
Billionaire Steven A. Cohen's former hedge fund SAC Capital Advisors LP will pay $135 million to settle a lawsuit by investors in Elan Corp, who said they lost money on the drugmaker due to insider trading by one of his portfolio managers.

The preliminary settlement with SAC, which is now known as Point72 Asset Management, was filed on Wednesday with the federal court in Manhattan, and requires approval by U.S. District Judge John Koeltl.

It resolves class-action claims over an estimated $275 million of illegal gains that Mathew Martoma, who worked at SAC's CR Intrinsic Investors unit, generated in 2008 by trading in shares of Elan and Wyeth based on tips from a Michigan doctor about an Alzheimer's drug trial.

"We are pleased to have resolved this matter and close the books on this chapter of SAC-era litigation," Point72 spokesman Mark Herr said in a statement.

SAC pleaded guilty to fraud in 2013 and paid $1.8 billion in criminal and civil settlements with U.S. authorities. It settled with Wyeth shareholders for $10 million last December.

Martoma, meanwhile, is appealing his February 2014 insider trading conviction, while he serves a nine-year prison term.

Cohen was not criminally charged, but in January accepted a two-year ban on managing money for outside investors to end a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission civil probe into his supervision of Martoma. That ban ends on Jan. 1, 2018, and no fine was imposed.

SAC and Cohen did not admit wrongdoing in settling with the former Elan investors, including purchasers of its American depositary receipts and stock options.

Perrigo Co bought Elan in 2013, while Pfizer Inc bought Wyeth in 2009.

Lawyers for the Elan investors plan to seek up to $35.1 million for legal fees and $2.8 million to cover costs. These would be deducted from the $135 million settlement fund, court papers show.
Nearly two months before President-elect Donald Trump takes office air-conditioning manufacturer Carrier (NYSE:UTX) announced it had reached an agreement with the incoming Trump administration to keep 1,000 jobs at its plant in Indiana. Previously, the company planned to shift to production in Mexico. Carrier employee Robin Maynard said when he found out about his job moving south of the border, he was devastated.

[I was]not sure what the future held and just, you know, was going to come to work every day and do my job until my job went away, Maynard told the FOX Business Networks Stuart Varney.

Maynard said he found out the news of the Trump-Carrier deal Tuesday night.

My wife had given me a phone call, I was running around with a friend of mine and she called and said, Hey, did you hear the news, he explained.

Maynard hoped to thank Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence in person when they visit Carriers facility in Indianapolis Thursday.

I would like to get up and shake [Trumps] hand and congratulate him and Mr. Pence on doing an excellent job and taking their time to, during the holidays even and out of their busy schedule, to go ahead and start talking with Carrier, he said.

When asked if most of his colleagues voted for Trump in hopes he would help keep Carriers jobs here in America, Maynard responded that while he wasnt sure how many people voted for the GOP nominee, he could see a lot of conversation on Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) about people crossing party lines to vote Republican.

According to Maynard, many of his co-workers were unhappy with the direction of the country and the U.S. job market under the Obama Administration.

I know a lot of people in the factory were tired with the current Administration and the direction our country was going and the direction our jobs were going, he said.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump visited a factory in Indiana on Thursday to kick off a "thank you tour" for his election win and celebrate persuading air conditioner maker Carrier Corp to preserve around 1,000 jobs in the state rather than move them to Mexico.

The Republican businessman toured the plant in Indianapolis and shook hands with workers on an assembly line. He was due to make remarks there later in the day.

In an early victory for Trump before he takes office on Jan. 20, Carrier said this week it agreed to keep more than 1,000 jobs at the plant and at its headquarters, while still planning to move more than 1,000 other U.S. jobs to Mexico.

Trump made keeping jobs in the United States one of the main issues of his election campaign and frequently pilloried Carrier for planning to ship jobs overseas as he appealed to blue-collar workers in the Midwest.

Though the company is still outsourcing Indiana jobs to Mexico, the deal marks a quick win forTrump, who has spent most of his time since the Nov. 8 election in New York building his team ahead of the handover of power from President Barack Obama.

Carrier confirmed that Indiana agreed to give the company $7 million in tax incentives. A source briefed on the matter said the tax incentives are over 10 years and the company has agreed to invest $16 million in the state, which is run by Governor Mike Pence, Trump's vice president-elect.

Trump spokesman Jason Miller told reporters the Carrier deal is proof that this administration is going to make good on our promises to keep jobs here in America.

But Carrier, a unit of United Technologies Corp <UTX.N>,

still plans to move 600 jobs from the plant to Mexico, the Wall Street Journal said. Reuters reported earlier this week Carrier also still intends to close a factory in Huntington, Indiana, that employs 700 people making controls for heating, cooling and refrigeration and move the jobs to Mexico by 2018.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who lost the Democratic primary to Clinton, said the Carrier deal is incomplete and leaves the incoming Trump administration open to threats from companies.

"Trump has endangered the jobs of workers who were previously safe in the United States. Why? Because he has signaled to every corporation in America that they can threaten to offshore jobs in exchange for business-friendly tax benefits and incentives," Sanders wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece on Thursday.

He noted that Trump had originally said he would save 2,100 jobs that Carrier planned to move to Mexico.

"Lets be clear: It is not good enough to save some of these jobs," Sanders said.

Despite Trump's deal, employers elsewhere in Indiana are laying off five times that many workers because of foreign competition.

Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim said on Thursday that if Trump succeeds as U.S. president, it would benefit major trading partner Mexico because of increased employment and U.S. economic growth.

CINCINNATI RALLY

Trump was due to hold a rally in Cincinnati, Ohio, later on Thursday and address supporters who helped him win that swing state in his stunning victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

The Indiana and Ohio stops will be Trump's first public events since he won the presidency.

At the Cincinnati event, Trump and Pence will talk about what is ahead and the positive changeTrump will bring to the country, spokesman Miller said.

Trump's Cincinnati rally looks like it will echoes the raucous events that characterized his campaign, in which he railed against Washington insiders and Wall Street and vowed to "drain the swamp."

But now Trump is turning to establishment figures to fill critical positions in his administration.

On Wednesday, Trump said he would nominate former Goldman Sachs banker Steven Mnuchin, to lead the Treasury Department. Trump named Wilbur Ross, a billionaire known for his investments in distressed industries, as his nominee for commerce secretary.

The Trump team has also tapped a series of experienced Washington hands to oversee the transfer of power within government departments and agencies.

The real estate mogul and former television celebrity, who has never before held elected office, has named some members of his Cabinet but has many other jobs to fill.

The Cincinnati rally follows a car and knife attack this week by a Somali immigrant and Muslim student, Abdul Razak Ali Artan, at Ohio State University in Columbus that left 11 people injured, for which Islamic State claimed responsibility.

In a Twitter message, Trump said, "ISIS is taking credit for the terrible stabbing attack at Ohio State University by a Somali refugee who should not have been in our country."

The Council on American-Islamic Relations accused Trump of seeking to exploit the "tragic situation in Ohio."

(Additional reporting by Steve Holland and David Shepardson. Writing by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Alistair Bell)
Tom Ford said he declined to dress Melania Trump "years ago" because she's not the right fit for the fashion designer's brand.

"I was asked to dress [Melania Trump] quite a few years ago and I declined," Ford said on "The View" Wednesday. "She's not necessarily my image."

The high-end designer added that he doesn't believe any first lady or woman in power should wear his designs because they can cost upwards of $3,500. The outspoken Democrat said that even if Hillary Clinton had won, he would not have dressed her.

"The first lady  other than the fact that I'm a Democrat and voted for Hillary [Clinton] and am very sad and disappointed that shes not in office  even had Hillary won, she shouldn't be wearing my clothes. They're too expensive," Ford said.

He continued, "And I don't mean that in a bad way. They're not artificially expensive. It's how much it costs to make these things. But I think to relate to everybody, you shouldn't necessarily [wear such expensive clothes]."

"View" co-host Joy Behar pointed out that Ford did dress first lady Michelle Obama.

The designer defended his decision to dress Michelle Obama, saying he only did it once when she went to a dinner at Buckingham Palace with the Queen.

"That, I thought, was appropriate...and it was an honor."

Ford isn't the first designer to say he wouldn't dress the future first lady. French-born designer Sophie Theallet, who dressed Michelle Obama on secret occasions, wrote in a controversial essay in November that she will not dress Melania Trump.
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In the five and a half years shes undergone chemotherapy, 19-year-old Kyla Pokorny has dealt with all the classic side effects, from nausea to lost hair. But with that experience comes a wealth of knowledge, like which caps will best keep her head warm without being itchy, which creams and sprays are the most soothing for wounded skin, and which heating pads are the safest.

To help other young patients like herself, Pokorny is raising money to build what she calls chemo survival kits specialized goodie bags of sorts that she hopes will help make cancer patients fights more comfortable.

I hope they can be super helpful as helpful as all the stuff was for me, Pokorny, of Enfield, Connecticut, told FoxNews.com.

Pokorny had been attending the University of Connecticut at Storrs to study nursing, but she left school only a month into her freshman year when her cancer returned for a third time, spreading to multiple places in her body. She was first diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at 14, and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. Throughout her battle, she has taken 15 different chemotherapy drugs and completed countless rounds of radiation, but the cancer has come back repeatedly. In the past year, the cancer has spread to nearly every bone in her body. Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer that primarily affects children.

You learn to kind of live with a new normal of how you feel every day, but youre always sick and tired, Pokorny said.

Because of all the chemotherapy, Pokornys body no longer responds well to the treatment. There arent any clinical trials available to patients with her health history, so her regimen now consists of the chemotherapy her medical team thinks will give her the best shot at a comfortable life, said Christine Eaccarino, a nurse practitioner at Connecticut Childrens Medical Center, who has been treating Pokorny since her first cancer recurrence.

Ive just been buying time with different drugs and radiating and all that stuff, so I dont plan that much ahead; I just plan by the month, Pokorny said. But I always feel like I have to be doing something one: to keep my mind off everything and two: because I have to be productive.

The kits are one of numerous fundraising efforts Pokorny has led at Childrens, Eaccarino said. In years past, Pokorny has adopted in-need families at Childrens, and fundraised money for their Christmas gifts, before shopping for them herself.

Kyla is incredible at looking outside herself and into this community, and she has almost united the clinic in that mission, Eaccarino told FoxNews.com.

Paul Shapiro, founder and chairman of Vie for the Kids, a Simsberry, Connecticut-based organization of which Pokorny has been on the board since she was 18, likened Pokorny to a nonstop locomotive of a human being who enjoys the heck out of life.

Shes living like this greeting card cliche of making every moment count, Shapiro, who met Pokorny five years ago near the start of her cancer battle, told FoxNews.com. She never says no to anything, no matter what it is, no matter what someone asks of her  One of her core things is generosity.

Pokorny came up with the idea for the kits because she did not think she would have enough energy to adopt another family this year for the holiday gift program.

But even if Pokorny says otherwise, those physical limitations havent slowed her down, Eaccarino and Shapiro said. That she has requested all her chemotherapy be on an outpatient basis so she may do this type of work and babysit illustrates her commitment to giving back, Eaccarino said.

I think Kyla is aware that time is important that she is up against some odds, Eaccarino said. She has been great about how to take that to heart, and [think] its not a time to wallow, the time she has is her chance to make a difference.

Shapiro, who sees Pokorny as a daughter, called her creation of the chemo survival kits incredible.

She knows what its like to be a patient, and knows all those inflection points of where youre most uncomfortable and most scared, he said.

Im in denial that shes sick, he added. I dont even think of it that way anymore.

Pokorny said she plans to continue raising money on GoFundMe, where, as of Wednesday afternoon, she had set a $6,000 goal for the kits, and distribute them at Childrens in January or February 2017. But she said the goal was somewhat arbitrary. If there continues to be an outpouring of support as of Wednesday morning, she had raised more than $5,400 Pokorny plans to up the threshold.

My goal is kind of endless, Pokorny said.
There are legions of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border, and they do not belong to the United States. They are owned and operated by Mexican drug cartels, and theres nothing we can currently do to stop them.

The proliferation of small, cheap UAVs (aka drones) has raised a litany of security concerns, from interference with commercial aviation to possible delivery systems for weapons. Along the U.S. southern border, the Mexican cartels are operating drones as intelligence gathering tools. Cartels traditionally have employed falcones (Spanish for falcons)people who perch on points along the border to monitor border patrol movements, collecting information that smugglers could exploit to outmaneuver Americas border security efforts.

Mexican cartels and criminals are operating with impunity, and it is having a definite impact on the volume of drug smuggling and illegal immigration. What steps are we going to take to address this fast-growing, fast-flying problem?  Nelson Balido

Today, those falcones are in the process of being replaced with a fleet of drones that fly along the U.S.-Mexico border, giving comprehensive real-time intelligence to smugglers on the location and movement of border patrol and other law enforcement officers and vulnerabilities in our border security infrastructure. This presents a long list of fatal challenges for all of Americas border security efforts. Foremost among them:

* With constant, real-time video of the U.S.-Mexico border, drug smugglers, human traffickers and others can simply identify the areas where law enforcement agents are not operating and cue an illegal crossing at those points. That easily defeats all of our randomized patrols and quick-response capabilities.

* Knowing where our patrol efforts are temporarily weakest, cartels and others can send a UAV with a payload of narcotics into the United States. They dont even need to worry about the mechanics of dropping cargo and bringing the drone back. The drug payload is worth tens or even hundreds of times more than the UAV, making the drone more or less disposable. This scenario has been occurring since 2010, and in April last year, a drone carrying 28 pounds of heroin crossed the U.S.-Mexico border near Calexico, California.

* With aerial video, criminals on the Mexican side could record identifying features of the law enforcement officers themselves and target them (or their loved ones) for violence. We cannot allow gangs of violent criminals to accumulate a photo roster of our dedicated agents who are already risking their lives to protect the border.

These serious implications for cartel-run UAVs are concerning enough, but more troubling still is that the United States has no capacity to stop them.

What options do we have? A sharpshooter with a long-range rifle could attempt to shoot down the drones, but given the size of the target and the speed at which it can travel and change direction, there is a good chance there will be missed shots, and who could say where that errant bullet might land or what it might strike?

The Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine has told the Border Patrol they cannot take steps of their own because airspace is their exclusive domain. For years, the Border Patrol has tried to obtain small UAVs for themselves that they could launch from the back of pickup trucks to do their own reconnaissance. Yet, currently, Air and Marine can only bring helicopters to bear. The result is that they would be using extremely high-powered machine guns on airships costing more than $1,500 an hour plus crew to try and take down a very nimble and low-flying UAV worth a fraction of that cost, to say nothing of the missed shots that would hail bullets on the ground below. This is the equivalent of bringing a Hellfire missile when all you need is a fly-swatter.

Some might think we can track the drones and trace them back to their operator. However, cartels have been sending much larger, manned ultra-light planes across the border for years, and we have a hard time even tracking those. If we cant always track a plane, we have no hope of keeping tabs on a legion fast, low-flying drones.

Perhaps more adventurously, we could consider some sort of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) device that fries the UAVs circuits, but that would likely take out some of Americas border security technology in the process, and it would bring unforeseeable but certain unintended consequences.

And even if we did have some innovative response to this massive problem, U.S. Border Patrol agents cannot launch and use what they dont have. Given woefully insufficient attention and budget from Washington, theres no reason to believe new technology to address this situation is coming soon.

The result is the United States has no means by which to counter the criminal use of UAV activities along the border. Meanwhile, the cartels and other criminal organizations do have a way to counter American UAVs. It has been reported that some of the UAVs American law enforcement are using for operations lack critical security modules that can prevent GPS spoofing; that is, a simple cyberattack that sends the UAV incorrect GPS coordinates, causing it to fly away from its intended route.

This is bad all the way around. Mexican cartels and criminals are operating with impunity, and it is having a definite impact on the volume of drug smuggling and illegal immigration. What steps are we going to take to address this fast-growing, fast-flying problem? I have no idea.

And frankly, neither does anyone else.
As we celebrate our love, appreciation and respect for women during this International Womens Day, it is inspiring to see companies committed to making an impact in the lives of women while also instigating social change.

Now more than ever, companies are tapping into the social consciousness of todays shoppers, primarily the largest and most diverse generation, millennials. More than eight in 10 millennials (81 percent) expect companies to make a public commitment to good corporate citizenship, according to Horizon Medias Finger on the Pulse study.

This new business norm has motivated some women to launch ventures that combine social impact with their passion for advancing women issues such as equality, education and career opportunities. Here are three companies founded by women committed to changing the lives of women:

1. Cora is redefining the way women experience their period, offering a line of feminine accessories and 100 percent organic cotton tampons by subscription. The purchase of one months supply turns into the donation of a months supply of feminine products to girls in developing countries. Approximately 100 million girls miss school because they lack the products they need during their period, and Cora is seeking to fill that gap around the world. During the week of International Womens Day, Cora will be doubling its donation to girls for every new subscription.

2. Co-founded by Latina power duo Catalina Girald and Golden Globe winning actress Gina Rodriguez, the company Naja is bringing hope and opportunity through lingerie. They have created a brand that seeks to empower women instead of objectifying them, while also providing fashion-focused, environmentally friendly lingerie to women. Najas garment factory primarily employs single mothers or female heads of households where they are paid above market wages with healthcare benefits.

3. Same Sky was born with a mission to help women who survived the brutal genocide in Rwanda, which left over a quarter of a million victims of rape, and 70 percent of them contracted HIV/ AIDS. The company offers beautiful bracelets and accessories made by many of these women in Rwanda. They earn 15 to 20 times the average wage in Sub Saharan Africa, while Same Sky reinvests 100 percent of its net proceeds to train and employ more artisans in need.

So next time you are wondering how to make an impact, consider products and companies that not only are good for your looks and body but also do good for other women. Happy International Womens Day!
As a lifelong Floridian, I can say were used to being coveted. So when Donald Trump comes to town  salivating and losing his mind at rallies  neither I nor anybody else down here are surprised.

Taking the big 99 delegates would be truly huge for Trump. Floridas delegates are winner-take-all and, for the past month, Trump has been consistently on top in all the Florida polls  signaling that he will take them all and thereby be well on his way to the nomination.

[Bendixon and Amandi] pollster found that Trump would get only 16 percent of the Hispanic vote, proving that if you continually insult and offend a certain minority group they will eventually repel you like the plague. Who knew, right?  Rick Sanchez

There is one problem though, the establishment GOP knows that and so does Sen. Marco Rubio. Both are trying to fight off the Trump victory in Florida that no longer seems inevitable.

But Trumps lead in Florida is dwindling. Ever since he went even more off the rails  and thats saying something for Trump  consistently and publicly engaging Rubio on his hands and penis size, Trumps numbers have actually begun to slide. His margins here used to be consistently in double digits, now theyre in single digits.

In the last couple of weeks, both Public Policy Polling and Quinnipiac showed Trump beating Rubio by 20 and 16 percentage points respectively. But a Monmouth poll this week shows Rubio (30 percent) closing the gap and now only eight points behind Trump (38 percent).

Knowing that, what can we expect from Trump? Id say its a safe bet that hell go even more bat st crazy. Trumps recent rally in Orlando may be just a precursor for whats to come. While on stage he asked his followers, many who are proud and committed white supremacists and even neo Nazis, to raise their right hands and repeat an oath of loyalty to him. No, it wasnt a heil Hitler salute, but it sure looked like one. Its as if Trump was taunting us, he had to know what that image would look like, right?

There is no question that Trump is desperate to take down the Florida Senator he refers to as little Marco and will do whatever it takes to do so. So when Rubio points out that Trump cant beat Hillary Clinton, Trump goes after both he and former Florida governor Jeb Bush.

I used to listen to Jeb Bush ... say that I couldnt beat Hillary Clinton, I would say to him  then what does that say about you? You cant beat me! And the crowd roared.

The irony is that Bush was right. Trump, by indulging the worst in GOP voters, made himself unbeatable to Bush. While Bush was trying to mend fences with potential GOP voters who have long felt the party had left them behind, Trump was mowing them down, insulting especially Latinos who by sheer numbers alone will likely decide who becomes the next president. That alone makes Trump all but a lock to lose the general election.

Heres why. According to a recent poll conducted by the Bendixon and Amandi research group, Trump would get absolutely slaughtered among Hispanic voters. The premier Latino pollster found that Trump would get only 16 percent of the Hispanic vote, proving that if you continually insult and offend a certain minority group they will eventually repel you like the plague. Who knew, right?

Think about it. Back when George W. Bush was getting more than 40 percent of the Hispanic vote, news reports talked about the death of the Democratic party in presidential elections. But since then, the Latino vote in presidential elections has eroded.

Senator and candidate John McCain got 31 percent of the Latino vote. Then it went down further when Mitt Romney got only 27 percent of the Latino vote, leading most analysts to conclude it had cost him the election. They were right.

Its virtually impossible to mathematically win the general election for president with less than 30 percent of the Hispanic vote  cant be done! Now imagine a candidate getting only 16 percent of the Hispanic vote. Down here in Florida, thats what we call muerto. Translation: Trumps candidacy in the general election is as good as dead.

Now add to that the enthusiasm factor and what you have is a likely landslide. Fueled by the recent GOP tendency toward immigrant bashing disguised as border security, and by Trumps highly charged, offensive and downright insulting language, young Latinos are registering to vote in record numbers even in places like Iowa, Alabama and North Carolina.

Its a double whammy for the GOP that promises to undo all the goodwill established by presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bush 43, who were all generally admired, respected and more importantly, supported by Hispanic American voters.

Can it get any worse for Republicans hoping to expand their base? At the rate things are going, and with Trump continuing to win primaries, the bad news is, yes it can. Hold on to your sombreros folks, the general election is going to get really bumpy.
On Friday, March 4th, the ever-widening investigation into corruption at Petrobras, the state-owned oil company in Brazil, ensnared former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Federal police raided his residence outside Sao Paulo and brought him in for three hours of questioning. Then, just yesterday, state prosecutors filed charges against Lula for money laundering, with regards to a beachfront villa they claim he owns and has kept hidden.

Its all part of an investigation called Operation Carwash, or Lava Jato in Portuguese, over a vast network of kickbacks that Petrobras allegedly gave to a consortium of infrastructure companies and network of politicians across the party spectrum, but mostly to the governing Workers Party (PT).

The best for Brazils democracy and efforts to ensure integrity in both the public and private sphere is that both sides maintain restraint in converting this into a political, partisan showdown on the street.  Amy Williams

When news of the Fridays dawn raid broke, protestssome violenterupted on the streets of Sao Paulo. Just a week before, Lula had declared that he might run for president in the next election and that he was the most honest man in the country.

Following his detainment Friday, Lula quickly denounced his arrest as political scaremongering  an attempt by the elite to discredit him and recover the government from his PT.

Beginning with his own partys Twitter announcement of him being a political prisoner, both sides moved quickly to rally supporters and win public support. President Dilma Rousseff, herself not under investigation but with allegations swirling ever closer, went to visit Lula, her predecessor and mentor, at his home on Saturday, along with hundreds of supporters.

President Rousseff has claimed that the ongoing political crisis is not the result of mismanagement on her part, despite dismal approval ratings and a cratering economy, but the result of sore losers from the 2014 election not content to wait until 2018 for a new government. One cant help but note that she was Chair of Petrobras at the time when much of the corruption took place, and wonder, given her reputation has a micro-manager, how much she actually knew or is implicated in the scandal.

The important question is what this will mean for Brazils democracy, especially in the next few weeks. Is this just the latest stage of a much-needed cleansing of corruption and rot of Brazils political and business class?

The case has brought to light the billions of dollars that have lined the pockets of politicians and business leaders from across the ideological spectrum, possibly even touching the beloved international icon, Lula. Or is this a political witch-hunt, a new type of coup, brought on by the elites trying to bring down the symbol of social mobility for the masses, as has been claimed by Lula and the PT?

The risk is that, with Lula and the PT rallying their supporters and opposition groups staging their own protests over corruption and demanding that Rousseff resign, chaos and even potential conflict will come to Brazils streets. Ultimately, it will come down to the trust Brazilians have in their institutions to objectively resolve this issue.

While Brazilians have long considered their government inept or partisan, the past two decades of democracy have brought a series of reformsincluding by the PTthat have helped to strengthen and ensure the independence of the Brazilian state.

Ironically, as Lula and other members of the PT denounce the current investigation as a political witch-hunt, they undercut the very institutions they had helped to build. The mere act of calling the popular, iconic former president in for questioning does not prove political motive. But it does require the state prosecutors avoiding even a whiff of partisanship.

So far the prosecutors investigating Lula appear to be trying. Their statement following Lulas questioning made it clear that questioning based on evidence and suspicions does not equal final judgment, though at least one, Carlos Fernando Lima, also made it clear that being a former president did not make one exempt from investigation.

Unfortunately, it looks nearly impossible to keep politics out. While it is clear that there did exist a vast network of kickbacks among private construction companies and Petrobras (see the 19-year sentence issued to the former CEO, Marcelo Odebrecht, of one of the major construction firms involved), rather than allow the investigation to proceed unimpeded, both the PT and the opposition are jumping on every step as an excuse to wage hold political rallies.

The opposition is planning nationwide protests this upcoming Sunday, with the PT planning to hold its own the following week (March 19th).
I thought I had finally run out of things to write or say about Donald Trump, and then it happened. Chicago happened  proving to the world once again that he is a true evil genius.

Imagine what kind of low life scum would actually be willing to get people hurt or even killed just for the sake of attention. Can you say Donald Trump?

Did he ever confer with police to make sure it was the right thing to do? No! Did he make the situation worse? Of course he did. Did he get exactly what he wanted, though? Absolutely.  Rick Sanchez

Heres what we thought we knew. We were told the recent melee at the University of Illinois at Chicago was caused when rowdy protesters scuffled with Trump supporters causing campaign officials to postpone the event. Thats the story Trump put out. In fact, he even blamed Chicago police.

Sadly, heres how it works: Trump says it and the media, even serious news organizations like the NY Times, buy it  hook, line and sinker. In fact, heres the Times headline the very next day: "Donald Trumps Rally in Chicago Canceled After Violent Scuffles."

Turns out that was a lie. In fact, it was such a bald-faced lie that both Chicago and UIC police have since put out statements refuting it  refuting Trumps entire line of bull. Lets examine Trumps first line: We met with security and the law enforcement, who I think did a terrific job, and they told me itd be best not to go in and do the speech.

Now, what police said: The Chicago Police Department had no role, Chicago Police Interim Supt. John Escalante told reporters. In fact, I can tell you we did assure the Trump campaign that we had more than adequate resources outside the UIC Pavilion and that we guaranteed them we could provide safe access and exit for Mr. Trump.

But it appears safe is not what Trump had in mind on that night. What Trump actually did was sabotage the police efforts. In fact, newly released video now shows that prior to the cancelation there were no scuffles, no clashes and no violence. Surprise, surprise  the media is hoodwinked once again by Donald Trump because they fail to ask questions and mistake him for a credible or believable person.

Remember the headline: Donald Trumps Rally in Chicago Canceled After Violent Scuffles? Well, if it were accurate it would have read: Donald Trumps Rally in Chicago Canceled BEFORE Violent Scuffles. Thats right, the scuffles only happened when Trump canceled the rally thereby angering the crowd just enough to cause violent clashes.

Did he ever confer with police to make sure it was the right thing to do? No! Did he make the situation worse? Of course he did. Did he get exactly what he wanted, though? Absolutely.

While were asking questions, lets continue and see if some of the following interrogatories bring us closer to understanding the real Donald Trump.

Did Donald Trump set the crowd on each other knowing full well their subsequent clashes would make headlines, thereby victimizing him?

Did Donald Trump need to own the 24-hour news cycle once again before the next round of Tuesday primaries in Florida and Ohio, where the races were suddenly tightening?

Did Donald Trump concoct some kind of Machiavellian strategy to make peaceful black protesters look like thugs, thereby getting even more sympathy and votes from his white supporters?

Did Donald Trump do all this knowing full well that people and/or police have been hurt and even killed in disturbances like the one he seemed to catalyze in Chicago last weekend?

The answers to all if not most of the questions is YES, which leads me back to the question of Donald Trump as an evil genius. Smart and sinister is what he has to be to pull off what he just did in Chicago.

I couldnt do something like that  neither could you, I bet. Its hard to be that way: that sinister, that evil. In fact, I suspect that very soon when you look up either one of those words in the dictionary the name youll find next to it in the column marked synonyms will be Donald Trump.
Who comes first as a phony: Donald Trump or Raul Castro? Trump is a wannabe president and Castro is a phony president who serves at the pleasure of an AK-47 rifle.

There is a haunting similarity between the two men in one recognizable case. They both simply refuse to answer critical questions.

When Trump announced his run for president, the Washington Post investigated his work force at a new Trump Washington D.C. hotel project and published the fact  as they saw it  that there were workers on Trumps new hotel that had entered the United States illegally. When asked if that was true, Trump brazenly demanded that the Post produce and give him a list of names. What a joke.

[Obama] stood there lectured to by this dictator about U.S. American shortcomings some Americans were in poverty, he said  while Cubans had human rights of a free education (which Americans have K-12) and health. He made no mention of human rights of freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom to vote for whomever.  Raoul Lowery Contreras

Yesterday, the President of the United States stood next to tin pot dictator Raul Castro and did not burst into laughter or show disdain when Castro replied to an American reporters query about political prisoners held by Castros dictatorship with Give me a list of political prisoners and Ill see to it they are released.

Obama just stood there. How embarrassing is that? The question didnt come from a weekly shopping throw-away reporter, it came from a well-known American television reporter.

Ideally, if the U.S. president standing there had been concerned about human rights for all he would have turned to the Cuban President and said Mr. President, we insist you agree to have the American Red Cross enter every prison you run and that they be allowed to interview every single prisoner to determine if they are or are not political prisoners. If they are, we will present you with a list of names and expect you will release them to the Red Cross.

But he didnt. He stood there lectured to by this dictator about U.S. American shortcomings some Americans were in poverty, he said  while Cubans had human rights of a free education (which Americans have K-12) and health. He made no mention of human rights of freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom to vote for whomever.

Obama just stood there.

Obama proud-fully declared that it was not the U.S. goal  to dictate how Cubans govern themselves. One should compare that to Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall. On balance, which is the better goal?

Why didnt President Obama refer to the weekend demonstrations by the courageous Ladies in White who march demanding freedom? Why didnt President Obama diplomatically challenge Castro when the dictator declared that human rights issues should not be politicized?

Why didnt President Obama tell the dictator that there would be no more negotiations until every convicted American criminal living in Cuba is repatriated?

President Obama declared we must promote links that can benefit both countries. The suggestion here is that the first beneficial link should be the release of all Cuban political prisoners from a list prepared by the American Red Cross. The second must be the repatriation of every convicted American criminal living in and being supported by Dictator Castro.

Until those two issues are resolved to benefit both of our peoples, there should be no further negotiations.
The terrorist attacks in Brussels that killed 31 people and injured 270 others is yet another reminder to the United States that terrorists think outside the box. The attackers targeted the unsecured portion of the Brussels Zaventem Airport and the Maelbeek metro station.

One of the 9/11 Commissions core findings was that the United States did not see the September 11 terrorist attacks coming because of a failure of imagination. The idea that a terrorist would hijack a plane and use it as a weapon of mass destruction was outlandish and improbable, and so cockpit doors were not locked and flight crews, at the instruction of law enforcement, did not fight back.

If we can imagine the consequences of an attack at a port of entry, so too can our adversaries. As many of us in the security community have been saying for years, another major terrorist attack in the United States is not a question of if but when.  Nelson Balido

Since then, U.S. security agencies have been striving to imagine all the ways a bad actor might cause death and destruction and find methods to mitigate those vulnerabilities. In the spirit of that priority, we need to weigh the possibility that a terrorist could detonate an explosive at the U.S. southern border.

Soft Targets at Legal Crossings

There have long been concerns that a terrorist could illegally sneak across the porous U.S.-Mexico border and conduct an attack somewhere in the United States. What has not been sufficiently considered and addressed is whether a terrorist could target a legal port of entry at the border.

Currently, there is nothing stopping an individual from crossing out of Mexico by road, heading towards the United States, stopping in the middle of the port of entry, and detonating an explosive device. As we approach Easter weekend, there are higher-than-average legal border crossings, with Mexicans headed to vacation and shop in the United States. The result is bumper-to-bumper traffic with up to six-hour wait times at the U.S. border.

This is a quintessential soft target. An attack amid the traffic would kill and injure many, and the consequences would not stop with the body count. Terrorists seek several results from an attack, like causing outsized economic consequences, sowing uncertainty and fear, and triggering reactionary measures that disrupt the target far more than the attack itself.

Ports of entry are major fulcrums in the U.S. economy. Across these ports travel commercial goods, tourists, and even American citizens who live in Mexico and work in the United States. A terrorist attack at a port of entry would bring all of that movement to a screeching halt. The U.S. Government would immediately close the border for all crossings in every border state. After the 9/11 attacks, the United States halted air traffic and all border crossings, which contributed significantly to the attacks estimated $50 billion to $100 billion economic impact. Similarly, shutting down the U.S. border again would cause enormous economic harm, measured in billions of dollars.

So, now that we have rectified a failure of imagination, we can take action to shore up that vulnerability. Step one is to find ways to have Mexico do their part in keeping lethal actors and items from accessing a border crossing.

A Security Challenge for the Americas

Today, Mexicos border security is at pre-9/11 levels. On the U.S.-bound Mexican side of the border, Mexico does little to nothing to inspect and track who is leaving the country. There are no alarms or body scanners, limited vehicle checks with dogs or other means. They have no system to document outbound citizens, and they have poor visibility into precisely who is leaving Mexico and with what. Our southern neighbor must do a better job of outbound inspections.

There is also very little sharing of what information is available between U.S. agencies (like the DEA or ICE) and Mexican intelligence and law enforcement. The trust levels are low, and poor intelligence sharing creates a dangerous blind spot in our national preparedness and capacity to secure ports of entry. Mexico must do its part to shore up its side and prove that it can be a trusted partner.

Meanwhile, practically speaking, the U.S. southern border starts on Mexicos southern border. Mexico is often a conduit for the illegal flow of Central Americans into the United States. Unfortunately, Mexico lacks the funds, technology, fortitude and impetus to do much about it. This is chiefly an economic hurdle. Funding mechanisms like the Merida Initiative foster U.S.-Mexican cooperation, in part because the United States foots much of the bill for the security processes we need to guard our borders, citizens and interests. Its fair to ask why U.S. taxpayers should be funding Mexican security efforts. Just as its fair to say, if we dont fund it, no one will.

If we can imagine the consequences of an attack at a port of entry, so too can our adversaries. As many of us in the security community have been saying for years, another major terrorist attack in the United States is not a question of if but when. We have an opportunity now to harden ports of entry against an attack. But will we capitalize on our powers of imagination? If we do not, terrorists will.
Let me begin with this. If the National Enquirer wrote a story about me cheating on my wife with five women, I had better be extremely definitive in my response; because if Im not, my wife smelling the guilt  would kick my ass. OK, let me also tell you that I wouldnt be angry; in fact, Id be ecstatic. Its fun to count money from guaranteed punitive and compensatory damages in a multimillion dollar lawsuit.

But thats me. I cant speak for Senator Ted Cruz except to say that so far his reaction seems well, not exactly definitive. He calls it garbage and false, not exactly a denial. Then he plays the victim, calling it an attack on his family; offensive to Heidi and me, theyre offensive to our daughters, he writes.

Actually, its not an offense aimed at your wife or your daughters; its aimed at you, Senator. Then, theres the attack on Donald Trump.

While Americans were coming to grips with the story, news outlets were running away from it. Running is bad enough, but framing the story incorrectly is even worse.  Rick Sanchez

Donald Trumps consistently disgraceful behavior is beneath the office we are seeking and we are not going to follow, says Cruz. Seriously Senator, youre accused of cheating with five women and youre attacking Donald Trump? Sounds like an O.J. defense to me  just point at Mark Fuhrman and hope everyone will look away.

Let me be clear. I dont know if Senator Cruz has been completely faithful to his wife or has slept with every aid hes ever laid his eyes on. What I do know is that because hes positioned himself as the evangelical candidate, he best leave no wiggle room in his response. And thus far, I see a ton of wiggle and jiggle.

One other thing, our media better figure out how to play this story and soon, because so far it seems to be responding with coverage that is a combination of confusion, obfuscation and downright stupidity.

This story broke over the weekend as the #CruzSexScandal. The hash tag, as its now known on Twitter and other social media sites, blew up right as Americans were gathering for the Easter holiday  no doubt making Cruz a main topic of conversation at many a family gatherings.

But while Americans were coming to grips with the story, news outlets were running away from it. Running is bad enough, but framing the story incorrectly is even worse. By Friday afternoon, networks resigned themselves to covering the story essentially this way: "Ted Cruz is defending himself against Donald Trumps accusations about cheating on his wife."

Apparently, thats the editorial line someone in a corporate office at a network like CNN chooses so as to not sully itself. In other words, CNN chooses to cover the story from a distance  or better said, chooses to cover it wearing neoprene coated latex gloves so as to not get dirty.

More clearly, the decision goes something like this: "It cant look like were covering a story about a politician whos allegedly been serially cheating on his wife, so lets change the narrative to a story about a politician who accuses another politician of making up a story about him cheating on his wife." Problem solved? No!

Two issues here. One, the story is not stagnant. Its organic  evolving and changing  and journalists look stupid when theyre forced to ignore developments that millions of people on social media outlets have been discussing for hours. The essence of the story is ignored, as are all developments and subsequent conversations among millions of people. Its what happens when you put coverage of the reaction, before the action.

Problem number two: In an effort to make themselves look like they are clean, they get in the dirt with Cruzs unsubstantiated allegation that Trump planted the story. (Note: Subsequent reporting by several credible outlets now show it wasnt Trump, but rather the Rubio camp that was feverishly peddling #CruzSexScandal story).

Let me note for the record here that Im no fan of Donald Trump. As a Latino, I find his "rapists" offense to the point of unpardonable, so I take no pleasure in having to defend him when I say there is absolutely no evidence that hes responsible for the National Enquirer story.

We Floridians know our Palm Beach geography well enough to understand that just because both Trump and National Enquirer publisher David Pecker both live and work in the same area and because they talk to each other frequently and attend the same parties, that doesnt mean theyre in cahoots or that one can control the actions of the other.

OMG, if that were true then we could say that every story that comes out of our national media  90 percent of which is centered in the Northeast and where like-minded reporters, publishers and news makers frequently gather and freely associate  is a product of some form of collaboration, arrangement or scheme. Of course that would be ridiculous, right? Hmm!
I thought this day would never come.

Ana Abarca, a spunky 68-year-old Salvadoran woman, murmured these words as she gave me a prolonged, tight hug last summer, holding her citizenship certificate in one hand and a miniature American flag in the other. She is one of the hundreds of new U.S. citizens with whom I celebrated over the course of my career.

For more than 10 years, I have dedicated myself to supporting fellow immigrants as they navigate a country whose customs, system of government and naturalization process are new to them.

I was brought up in communist and post-communist Romania, a country pugnaciously tried by corruption pains, misunderstood Western exceptionalism and a struggling, incompetent political class. I tried to make sense of my dreams and ideals but I was routinely stripped of even my smallest victories.  Ana Negoescu

Many of them did not know that the woman celebrating with them was not a citizen herself. But thats about to change.

In February, I passed my citizenship test. In a few weeks, I will swear allegiance to a country in which I have a family and career that long have stroked chords of belonging and personal responsibility, duty and rights. I am excited to redefine my relationship to this country and become a U.S. citizen.

At my citizenship ceremony I will stand together with hundreds of other immigrants, who, like me, took charge to determine their own destiny. Many have fled violence and persecution; others sought religious or other freedoms.

Like me, many sipped on the alphabet soup of immigration visas and statuses for years, and they have patiently delved into social and cultural norms, as they made this country their own.

Millions of immigrant stories are similar to Anas and mine, each different and worthy of being told, but some dont end with citizenship just yet. Of nearly 9 million permanent residents in the United States eligible to naturalize, more than 60 percent have never received information on how to become a U.S citizen, according to recent groundbreaking research. Although many share our enthusiasm about becoming Americans, some simply dont know where to begin.

To give them a jump start, the New Americans Campaign has piloted a program called Citizenship 1-2-3 in Miami. This innovative program aims to inform and support those who are ready to take the steps to naturalize by bringing together an online tool, on-the-ground legal service providers, a texting platform, and a telephone hotline. This multidimensional effort aims to achieve exponential reach across generations of immigrants who get their information from different sources and prefer different models of assistance.

Citizenship 1-2-3 is like bringing Ana to encourage each permanent resident who is contemplating US citizenship, to demystify the process, and assure them that their goal of becoming U.S. citizens is within reach!

Its easy! Dont be afraid! she said sternly, speaking to her former classmates at CARECEN, a community based organization and New Americans Campaign partner in Washington, DC. She urged them to continue studying and take full advantage of the citizenship resources in the community. Then, she smiled and proceeded to roast herself in front of the classroom: nothing was going into this hard head of mine, and my stubborn tongue never listened to me when I was trying to pronounce Woodrow (Wilson) and oath of allegiance but I spent hours practicing, and now I can say it!

Ana fled the civil war in El Salvador in 1988 and came to the United States to escape the bloodshed that has marred the tiny Central American country for the decades to follow. A small business owner, Ana left everything behind when she decided the future she wants for her children and grandchildren looked different.

A single mom, with only an elementary education, but driven by ambitious dreams, Ana reinvented herself in the United States. Life has not been easy here, but my secret was strong will and perseverance, Ana said as she recalled her first years in the U.S. I went to learn English but gave up after a while to take another job. She recently retired from working as a janitor at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., but she never gave up her goal of becoming a US citizen.

Like my fellow Anas story, mine is one of struggle. Mine is also a story of privilege. Growing up, we always had food on the table. I have never experienced war or systemic violence, and I had access to quality education. My struggles seem minor  I grew up without indoor plumbing and spent my youth being told that you cant do anything if you dont know the right people. All my successes were attributed to some form of bribe or nepotism.

I was brought up in communist and post-communist Romania, a country pugnaciously tried by corruption pains, misunderstood Western exceptionalism and a struggling, incompetent political class. I tried to make sense of my dreams and ideals but I was routinely stripped of even my smallest victories. But no one could strip me of my dignity. So I decided to leave and try my chance at fairly rewarded hard work, and recognition of my values and dreams, in the United States.

Now, 15 years later, I am proud that I am becoming a full-fledged citizen. And I am glad that more people are learning about the road to swearing their allegiance to this land of opportunity.
According to one expert, the average American unwittingly commits three felonies every day, due to the massive size and scope of criminal laws in the United States. As shocking as that is, somehow the idea is even more concerning during tax season. After all, according to the Tax Foundation, federal tax laws and regulations have grown to over 10 million words in length.

Today, the IRS, the agency tasked with enforcing the Internal Revenue Code, boasts more agents than the FBI and CIA combined. Does that seem like a problem to anyone else?

The tax code is the way the government exercises power over the people, and enables a few to become more powerful at the expense of many others. This needs to change, and a serious overhaul of the tax code is the only way to ensure equity in economic opportunity and wage growth for all Americans.  Marilinda Garcia

Ordinary Americans who are dutifully making an effort to properly file their taxes can only hope for the best to make the task easy. Those who can afford an accountant are fortunate to have someone who can handle the tangled web of forms, deductions and general filing process for them, but not everyone is so lucky. The tax code has grown so complex that just the instruction book for filing a 1040 form has grown to over 200 pages. Even former Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner failed to pay the taxes he owed, explaining that he made careless and unintentional mistakes. If Tim Geithner cant manage to file his taxes properly, odds are rough for the rest of us.

Small and medium sized businesses  known as the backbone of the American economy  have to go through even more than what individual filers have to deal with. Small businesses in this country are saddled with ever increasing paperwork and bureaucracy by an administration that has managed to roll healthcare provision into the tax code, and a takeover of the student loan industry into healthcare law. Thus, they have further complicated an already labyrinthine system that not even those who voted for it can pretend to understand.

An unnecessarily complex tax system raises barriers to opportunity for every American. Rather than allowing the spirit of American entrepreneurship to simply flourish and inspire new generations to follow their dreams of starting a business, it is as though the government is actively trying to make it more difficult.

Hispanics in the U.S. start businesses at double the national rate. The number of entrepreneurs could be higher, but more are being held back by the unreasonable and costly demands of occupational licensing requirements and the bewildering complexity of the tax code.

For years it seems, lawmakers have promised a serious conversation on tax reform and simplification. But recently at least, Congress and the President have been unable to agree on whether the reform process should include more tax increases. It is an understatement to say that reform is badly needed, particularly for working families, small businesses, and young people just starting out with big dreams and limited resources. While its clear that no progress will be made this year, we can hope that the next president will be more able to work with Congress to fix this.

Our current system favors the powerful and the wealthy. It empowers individuals and entities that have the resources to hire armies of lobbyists to carve out loopholes and exceptions, and accountants and lawyers to find more loopholes and ensure compliance, or to play defense if something goes wrong. The tax code is the way the government exercises power over the people, and enables a few to become more powerful at the expense of many others. This needs to change, and a serious overhaul of the tax code is the only way to ensure equity in economic opportunity and wage growth for all Americans.
And so it begins. I told you this would come back to haunt Senator Ted Cruz. He is not eligible to be the president of the United States, and now that eligibility is being officially challenged in New Jersey.

New Jerseys secretary of state has scheduled a hearing to make Cruz prove he is eligible to run for president under the Constitution, after a write-in presidential candidate in New Jersey filed a challenge. Washington-area law professor Victor Williams is arguing that Cruzs Canadian birth makes him ineligible.

Even if we strip away the common law and originalists views and replace it with a living constitutionalist view to apply to Cruzs case, he still falls short  Rick Sanchez

And you know what? As I see it, Williams is right, and heres why.

Cruz continues to argue publicly that hes a citizen of the United States and hes absolutely correct in that assertion. But heres the problem: James Madison and his forefather companions did not make just plain old ordinary citizenship the threshold for presidential eligibility. Nope. They established a different threshold, one that Ted Cruz doesnt seem to meet.

What Madison and gang established as the standard for presidential eligibility is not basic citizenship, it is natural-born citizenship. Simple translation: it means you have to be born in the territory of what is or will be the United States. Last time I checked, Canada is neither in the U.S. nor is it about to be annexed.

That was the intent of the term natural-born citizen, framers were saying that for every job in the U.S., being a citizen was good enough, but to be president, more was required  a test of hyper loyalty if you will.

In fact, Cruz himself would make the best argument against his own eligibility. Thats right, Cruz believes in originalism  thats the conservative belief that our constitution should be interpreted not as it applies to our laws and standards today, but rather how ordinary people would have understood it to mean at the time it was ratified in 1788.

Using Cruzs own measure, most constitutional law scholars  including Cruzs own Harvard law professor Lawrence Tribe  have concluded that Cruz is simply not eligible, because the legal principles that prevailed in the 1780s and 90s required that someone actually be born on U.S. soil to be a 'natural-born' citizen.

In fact, Tribe says that our forefathers would have argued even having two U.S. parents wouldnt suffice. And having only an American mother, as Cruz did, would have certainly been insufficient at a time that made patrilineal descent decisive."

So what does the term natural-born really mean and why? Well, for starters if all we needed to be president was citizenship, why then doesnt the constitution say that? Exactly!

Legal scholars like Tribe and Mary Brigid McManamon, a constitutional law professor at Widener University, say that to understand what the men who wrote our constitution meant, you have to understand the legal principals that guided them. And those principals are rooted in English Common Law, which state unequivocally that "natural-born subjects had to be born in English territory."

In fact, even if we strip away the common law and originalists views and replace it with a living constitutionalist view to apply to Cruzs case, he still falls short.

Lets say because people travel more today, we could argue that Cruzs parents were on vacation or even on an extended business trip when he was born  OK, but thats not true. They were there for years and chose to become Canadians. It would also be reasonable to exempt Cruz from the constitutional threshold if his parents were serving as diplomats or in some military capacity (as in the case of John McCain), mandating them to live outside the U.S. Unfortunately for Cruz, that scenario also does not apply.

Ted Cruz is born in Canada in 1970, to two parents who had lived there, of their own choosing, for at least four years. Whats worse, each of his parents applied for and received Canadian citizenship under Canadian Immigration and Naturalization Laws, as described by Cruzs father Rafael who was, ironically, a natural-born Cuban citizen at the time he became a Canadian.

In 1974, the Cruz family moves to the U.S., but Rafael Cruz remains a Canadian citizen and doesnt become a U.S. citizen until 2005, at which time he applies for and becomes naturalized. That, in and of itself, does not make his son an automatic citizen and certainly doesnt make him a "natural-born citizen." (I know this because I too am the son of foreign-born parents who filed for citizenship when I was still a minor).

Heres the clincher: In 2014 (yes, thats only two years ago), sensing he had a serious problem, Cruz on the advice of his lawyers, renounces his Canadian citizenship so he can run for president. Of course, by doing so Cruz finally confirms what many suspected  that hes a Canadian citizen  a simple, but crucial revelation. Heres the point: By renouncing his original citizenship, Cruz has only further proven his original citizenship.

Fact is this: Ted Cruz is a natural born Canadian citizen, not a natural born American citizen. Does that mean he is fraudulently representing himself as constitutionally qualified for the office of president?"

Its a question that will be asked again and again in state after state. New Jersey is only the first.
A week ago, on the eve of the national Hispanicize event that I organize, I published an op-ed piece that argued why the only way Latinos will achieve true respect in the U.S. is finding the courage and creativity to corporately unite behind one national leader.

Today, I want to address the hurdles to unity and how with some true leadership, selflessness and imagination we can solve the cultural crisis Latinos are encountering in the U.S.

Similar to how the political parties have their delegates pledge their allegiance to the final party candidate, the Latino Leadership Congress should seek a written pledge from each of the participating organizations leaders to support whomever is elected leader of this historic vote, which should be conducted with strict parliamentary procedures.  Manny Ruiz

The Obvious Hurdles

I should begin by acknowledging that there are several hurdles to achieving the unity we need.

For starters, the nation's 55 million U.S. Latinos are comprised of 20 different nationalities, all of which can be further divided into Hispanics who are English- and Spanish-dominant, bilingual, bicultural, first generation, second generation, etc.

A second obstacle is that many Latinos believe that a unifying leader should rise on his or her own, organically over time.

A third strike against my idea is that some Latino leaders themselves may never support a super leadership structure because they will not want to disrupt how they operate or they simply believe its not necessary.

Finally, many leaders dont even think Latino unity is worth the effort because they say what we should do is wait to show our political muscle at the ballot box this November. (Predictably I think this means "we'll show the Republicans" because that is what Latino leaders routinely do  with often embarrassing results).

I hear the skeptics of the unity leader idea loud and clear, and while some of these peoples points range from fair to pathetic, I believe our greatest problem is a lack of good old fashioned imagination.

A Historic Precedent

For example, our nations own history can be a source for ideas and inspiration.

In 1775, under pending attack from the British crown, our forefathers created a loose union of 13 American colonies called the Second Continental Congress. Even though these colonies had significant differences, interests and quarrels amongst them, history forced them to unite and they did. In hindsight, even though it was difficult for them to agree to this, history changed when they put their collective destiny in the hands of George Washington, the Virginian who would lead the Continental Army to victory.

Structuring Our Latino Leadership Congress

I believe creating a Latino Leadership Congress, our version of the Continental Congress, would be a critical first step towards unity because without this I dont think even one strong candidate would risk their career and/or family to play the sacrificial role that this historic position requires. A Latino Leadership Congress would set the bar high for our community and its leaders to demonstrate that we are serious about harnessing our collective voices.

This Latino Leadership Congress should be created by organizing a core group of ten Top-50 Latino organizations (by number of members) who wholeheartedly believe that identifying a national Latino leader is a moral imperative that must be tackled immediately. The Top 10 organizations should in turn recruit 300 to 500 additional Latino organizations from across the country to form a national Latino Leadership Congress that is representative of various nationalities, professions and age ranges.

These top 10 organizations should build the criteria for conducting a national leadership search that will culminate with an emergency convention somewhere central in the United States and whose primary mission is to vet nominees for this special role and to vote someone into this position. Similar to how the political parties have their delegates pledge their allegiance to the final party candidate, the Latino Leadership Congress should seek a written pledge from each of the participating organizations leaders to support whomever is elected leader of this historic vote, which should be conducted with strict parliamentary procedures.

The significance of this emergency congress cannot be lost on us as it would be unprecedented and would generate significant media and social media coverage. In fact, a key strategy behind the national pledge from participating organizations is that it will give this leader immediate national recognition and the necessary gravitas to lead.

Once this leader has been selected, it is strategically critical that this powerful congress inform all media, Latino and non-Latino alike, that from this point forward this leader will be heavily favored and monitored by Latino organizations and leaders from across the country, all of which would treat him or her with special deference usually accorded in the mainstream press to presidential candidates.

This leaders voice would not negate other Latinos but would instead reinforce the idea that we now have a coherent, consistent voice that can speak to what the Latino brand stands for on a daily basis and what our positions across many topics are.

In the age of social media virality, it is not only feasible to have someone like this recognized overnight  it is virtually guaranteed. Social media would not only help introduce this person to the Latino community but it would allow them to create unprecedented conversations quickly, efficiently and consistently in a way that has simply not been possible before. Used intelligently, social media and traditional media can play an essential role in bringing organic, national recognition to our leader quickly  and that is half the battle.

Let's Crowdfund Our Leader

In order to avoid financial conflicts of interest, our leader should be crowdfunded and economically fully dependent on the Latino movement that will be formed  without launching yet another non-for-profit.

Crowdfunding may sound unconventional but its effective because it will enable him/her to speak and act with their conscience rather than with the concerns of losing their funding from government organizations, corporate sponsors, charities or private individuals who would otherwise exert financial control over them. (If they are independently wealthy, they can decide to forego crowdfunding).

Crowdfunding is also extremely democratic and will enable the Latino community (not just leaders and other elites) to get excited and show support for the movement, something which I think our community morally needs to do.

With regards to the amount that should be crowdfunded, it should be significant enough to generously provide for this person, their family and for the support staff that will be needed to do the work.

A Council of Mentors

Even though our unity leader will possess a strong array of skill sets, they must receive mentorship and resources. To properly equip them we must give this person the fullest support system possible and between all of our respective organizations we should form a Council of Mentors that specifically will be this leaders go-to resources for legal, marketing, social media, leadership, resource and organizational advice.

The Council of Mentors will not have any undue influence or powers over this leader but will instead be the collective backbone of the leaders movement.

We Went to the Moon

I know these ideas may seem far-fetched to some but so was the one-time crazy notion of landing on the moon. If we can put a man on the moon, something far more difficult and with as much at stake as the great crisis Latinos are engulfed in, I think we can do anything.

A little imagination is all our Latino community needs to be unified.
Let me begin by admitting that this primary cycle has been a torturous and grueling experience for most any dyed-in-the-wool progressive. Like a good number of my peers and even a healthy number of millennials, I have had to reflect on my own cognitive dissonance over this Democratic primary cycle.

Despite working in the industry, I have come to feel increasingly left out of the conversation. Its not that I feel excluded, but that my views and aspirations seem to have been rebranded as noble but unachievable goals that should be replaced by slow, small-ball, and piecemeal change. It is frustrating seeing the clock being run out Congress after Congress, progress being undone by regression through attrition. This cycle I have been told that its one or the other  making the sacrifice for tiny steady achievements or the lunatic fringe that is todays GOP.

The problem that most progressives have had with Secretary Clinton during this primary is that she has not been known as a lead advocate for many of these issues. Among the most progressive, theres even a false assumption that the secretary is either indifferent or has directly advocated against these priorities.  Daniel Ferreira

As a child of the 80s and 90s, I saw Republicans at their peak and Democrats taking office thru the Democratic Leadership Council and members like then Governor Bill Clinton by mimicking Republicans in a fight for the center. Much like the Reagan Administration, President Clinton focused on governing with a laissez faire attitude toward the economy and regulation, while pitching the center some moderately liberal social values on education, health care, workplace rules and womens rights. It was an attempt to push back against the GOPs southern strategy and it worked enough to help President Clinton get reelected and slow the inevitable red tide that took over the south.

But, much like the pop-culture, times change. Today, Blue Dogs are as easy to find as a rent-controlled apartment in Washington D.C. and the issues that have shaped the political consciousness of my peers and those that followed are very different from what drove the Fleetwood Mac generation.

My parents grew up with duck and cover while I grew up seeing our biggest foe collapse only to be replaced by the chaos of failed states, Middle Eastern violence and the threat posed by countless people driven into fanaticism by poverty, ignorance and oppression. In my lifetime I have seen the market soar and crash several times, with increasing frequency. I have seen employers racing to shed themselves of what they call long-term liabilities but my parents call a well-earned pension and retirement health care benefits. Those are benefits that I know will not be available for me unless we bring about big change; and it is entirely plausible that the concept of a comfortable retirement after a lifetime of hard work will fade away for everyone except for the exceptionally wealthy.

Last year I finally paid off my undergraduate student debt and can only imagine the extra decade or two it would have taken to pay off graduate studies. In my lifetime I have seen friends and neighbors go through the humiliation of a short sale or foreclosure, a tax lien due to debts that accumulated during a period of unemployment, and families struggling to do everything to avoid bankruptcy due to tens or hundreds of thousands in medical bills related to accidents. I myself had to come back to work a week after a serious car accident despite my fractures because the supervisor didnt believe the letter from the hospital. I myself have faced letters from insurance companies denying health care coverage for a range of conditions, including my childhood asthma. And, I have seen employees face the threat of being fired for speaking Spanish in the workplace.

There are so many things that happen in our lifetimes that shape our outlook. Those are but a few. Bullies beating me up in a bathroom for speaking with an accent, and then the black students near my locker who rallied to my defense, became friends and invited me to sit with them during lunch; eventually inviting me to become a leader in the schools BSA. Seeing friends kicked out of stores or getting pulled over for driving while black to facing a government lawyer who while prosecuting a friend wanted to download all my phone, email, text records under the argument, you have nothing to fear if youve done nothing wrong.

I may have nothing to say, but that doesnt mean I give up my right to freedom of speech, and the same goes for my privacy.

I have at times lived paycheck to paycheck, calculating times and odds of deposits, factoring the steep fees for everything, and tried to stretch every dollar as much as possible. And, when finally my income rose to a level that has allowed me to sustain a good quality of life, I then had to witness my younger brother go through so many of these same difficulties, including finding work in the middle of a recession. And, along with countless friends, I have lived thru 911, frantically running out of an evacuated government building, clutching my cell and desperately dialing for my family in New York.

All of that goes to say that those are some of the issues that speak most to my heart. How we need to expand and restore the economic security of working wage families, to make a secure retirement attainable, curbing Wall Street excess, tax fairness and recommitting ourselves to a progressive tax system, judicial reform, helping people in soul crushing debt find ways to start over, standing up for the consumer whenever possible, and trying our best to sow seeds of peace and resolve long standing conflicts to end these cycles of violence and war.

The problem that most progressives have had with Secretary Clinton during this primary is that she has not been known as a lead advocate for many of these issues. Among the most progressive, theres even a false assumption that the secretary is either indifferent or has directly advocated against these priorities.

This is patently untrue! It is a false conclusion built from the strength of our convictions but also from suspicion, paranoia, ignorance and, in some cases, a touch of misogyny. Like many of the friends Im trying to persuade, we worked in Congress or in public policy during these votes, and they are complicated. The lead up to war alone was emotionally charged and hard to cast, especially for someone representing New York City. We cannot allow ourselves to think that simplistic sound bites can ever replace the ability to govern through complexity and with nuance.

Why did we fall so hard for Bernie off the gate? Well, there we can blame Secretary Clinton, or, more precisely, her campaign. The campaign saw a clear field to the general and began hugging the center. Strategically it made sense, especially with Republicans abandoning the center for the far right field, and then leaving the stadium altogether for the right parking lot. It was all well intentioned, but it made progressives wonder how good of a steward Secretary Clinton would be to President Obamas legacy. The Secretary and her team had begun distancing themselves from the President after all.

Many progressives that, like me, helped build the Presidents campaign and many others wanting to expand his legacy suddenly found ourselves questioning if we could find an alternative. The Clinton team eventually did what it does best  acknowledged its mistake and repositioned. But, not before Senator Sanders came on the field and, running unopposed for progressive votes, began to snowball. This Aristotle called horror vacui and it applies to politics, power abhors a vacuum.

The present administration has been an awkward time for some Clinton Alumni, a fair number of whom work in the private sector and resented President Obamas restrictions on lobbyists. For some it created a feeling that the president went too far left and to others it led to a case of unrequited love. It didnt help that this administration, despite all its incredible achievements, admirable temperament and enviable style of governance, has been more than aloof when it comes to helping build Democratic institutions and supporting the party faithful in outside roles.

More than a fair number of nostalgia-filled admirers of President Clintons administration found themselves for the last six or seven years in the desert, alone, meeting with twenty-some and early thirty-some appointees that seemed far younger than we ever were, and who sometimes had little regard for their experience.

Despite these differences, when I sit down and talk to these fierce supporters of the Clinton administration and now of Secretary Clintons campaign, they support those very same issues. They have evolved along with rest of us. Their politics arent frozen in time. There were certainly disagreements and some passionate discussions over public financing of elections, the treatment of Edward Snowden, military use of drones, warrantless surveillance of international communications, etc. These are important areas, but overall we agreed a lot more than we disagreed.

We especially agreed on the perspective that Republicans have been winning a lot more battles than they are credited. That is because we need to score every stalemate, obstruction and delay in fixing the mounting and innumerable number of issues that need serious reform as a victory to our foes.

Every year we delay investing in the kind of educational system that our children deserve is an opportunity lost on yet another crop of our youth. Every year we allow money to shape the political dialogue, we turn the eye to elected officials tripping over each other positioning to support whatever corporate mergers or well-funded issue of the day.

Every year we fail to clean our political system, voters become more disengaged and elected officials become far more beholden to those who fund their elections.

Yes, we need a political revolution, but far more important is to build a movement that knows how to fight against all these well-funded foes that draw no distinctions between protecting shareholder value and using their financial wherewithal as a means to corrupt of our governance. We need an administration that will restore our party, strengthen our institutions and help us dig out of this madness that is increasingly spilling over beyond Congress into our state capitals and even at the municipal and local level.

President Obama and his team, for all their strengths, saw nearly 1,000 Democratic state legislators lose their seats to Republicans, which further helped the agendas of ALEC and those that try to govern in the dark.

What we need is a brawler. Someone who is good in the close in knife fight, because they will not give up the ground theyve gained without a fight. If you hate partisanship, hold on tight because when it comes to erasing the corrupting influence of money, the toothpaste is out of the tube  and putting it back in will be the nastiest fight of all.

This is a time when Democrats need to be united to face these challenges, and  in my opinion  Senator Sanders is a decent man, but possibly too decent for the road that lies ahead. I will not let my paranoia of a resurgence of DLC Democratic values cloud my judgment, because society has caught up and I know that Democratic voters will not stand for it. Nostalgia cannot roll back the clock on progress we have made on health care, the environment, marriage equality, etc.

Secretary Clinton isnt perfect, but there is no perfection in government. These are institutions that operate on the basis of human talent. Otherwise, they are just hollow shells made of brick and mortar. In Secretary Clinton we see someone who can be nuanced and can dig deep into policy. In Secretary Clinton we find someone who is exceedingly loyal to Democratic institutions and wants to help them grow and succeed.

In a bare knuckled running game when we are going to fight for every inch, I want Hillary Clinton on my side. Can she be partisan and sharp elbowed? Yes. Can she be calculated, making sacrifices for strategic value? Yes. Yet, all of those things help her to be the president we need now. We need a political wartime president, and thats why #ImWithHer.
Presidential candidate Donald J. Trump: When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre not sending you. Theyre not sending you. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people. June 16, 2015

Protecting us from criminal hordes from Mexico is a not-so-thin-green-line called the U.S. Border Patrol which is an agency within the Customs and Border Enforcement division of the Department of Homeland Security. It does not resemble the Border Patrol founded in 1924 nor the Border Patrol of 50, 20 or 10 years ago.

On Friday, April 15, I drove to the border to take pictures of fencing separating San Diego from Mexico for my new book. I drove to the 40-year-old Border Friendship Park because it abuts the Mexican border and was where the first fencing was constructed during President Bill Clintons presidency. A huge locked steel gate blocked my way. The park was closed to vehicles. Two miles on foot.

Their job was to look like border bandits that preyed on illegal border crossers to rob them and in the cases of women, rape and/or kill them. The five-mile area between the ocean and the legal border crossing was a true combat zone, a no-mans-land at night.  Raoul Lowery Contreras

I walked for a while. No one was in sight. Gave up after a mile. I knew I could drive up to the fence on the Mexican side so I turned around just as I heard something. I turned and coming down the road was an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) ridden by a green-uniform clad, armed, helmeted Border Patrol Agent. Naturally, he stopped to find out who I was and what was I doing in a partially-closed public park on the border with Mexico.

He looked at my California drivers license and my federal passport card; he then asked me what I was doing there. I explained and asked if I could take his picture for my book and here it is. I asked him if I could ask him some questions as he was the first Border Patrol agent I had spoken in 20 years. Sure, he replied.

He joined the Border Patrol nine years ago. The job wasnt as busy as it used to be. I was the first person he had talked to since he started his patrol of the park, the surrounding conservation preserve, the Tijuana River Estuary and three miles of ocean front at 8:00 a.m. It was 2:30 in the afternoon.

His weekly average of arrests was three people. That, over the 35-40 hours he spent on patrol a week since last summer.

He told me that old-timers told stories how they used to line up school buses every night and squads of agents would flush men and women from the Tijuana River sloughs that separate the two countries, load them on buses and drive them to the Border Patrol facility for processing. There they would be read their rights and held until the hearing or they could sign a voluntary deportation form and be returned to the pedestrian crossing into Mexico. The more enthusiastic illegal borders crossers were known to return within an hour or two sometimes four times in a night.

Every day, hundreds of people lined up on the south side of the concrete Tijuana River channel waiting for nightfall. There the border was a 10-foot tall chain link fence with giant holes cut in it. The hundreds of border crossers waited there until dark buying food and drinks from vendors. As darkness fell, impatient young men usually started crossing. By midnight the remaining less adventurous would move north, wading across some river water, climb the north side and start the run for Los Angeles, 150 miles north.

Dozens of Border Patrol agents were waiting on the north side around ways out of the river bottom and sloughs to arrest the crossers and send them by school bus up the hill to Patrol facilities. Also in the area was a special squad of San Diego Police immortalized by author Joseph Wambaugh in his book, Lines and Shadows. Their job was to look like border bandits that preyed on illegal border crossers to rob them and in the cases of women, rape and/or kill them. The five-mile area between the ocean and the legal border crossing was a true combat zone, a no-mans-land at night.

Then came President Clintons 1994 Operation Gatekeeper that flooded the area with more Border Patrol agents and a fence pushed on him by San Diego congressman Duncan Hunter. The very fence I wanted to photograph. It stopped most illegal border crossing there in the Tijuana River valley but it did nothing to stop national mass illegal border crossings. The fence moved the mass crossing east of San Diego into mountains and deserts.

Fences can keep vehicles from crossing but not people. For that, the young Border Patrol Agent on his ATV stopped people from crossing if they jumped the fence. In the 1990s up to 10,000 people a night crossed the border illegally, night after night. He says there arent that many anymore. The busy days on the border are history.
Puerto Rico is becoming front page news as the U.S. House of Representatives hammers out a bill that they hope will address a serious economic crisis on the island, satisfy bondholders holding Puerto Rican debt, and protect U.S. taxpayers from another bailout.

However this turns out, one thing remains true: the beautiful island of Puerto Rico desperately needs to generate more economic activity. When you are home to some of the most enviable tropical beaches and resorts in the world, promoting your tourism industry naturally tops your list.

That pina colada you enjoy on the beach will taste a lot sweeter knowing that you are helping Puerto Rican families instead of enabling dictators and their corrupt, repressive, anti-liberty regime.  Rachel Campos-Duffy

Thats why President Obamas recent and controversial trip to Cuba is all the more curious. Puerto Rico was already facing increasing competition from the Dominican Republican and Cuba, but Obamas high profile visit is, unsurprisingly, causing a spike in tourism to Cuba. So have visits from his glitzy friends Beyonce and JayZ. At precisely the time when Puerto Rico needs more tourist dollars, Cuba, thanks to Obama, is emerging as a serious competitor for the U.S. Caribbean tourist dollar. Its unfortunate, on many levels.

To begin with, Puerto Rico has the infrastructure to offer American tourists a superior experience. Their resorts are first rate and meet the standards Americans expect on an exotic vacation. A friend of mine who recently returned from Cuba described dilapidated hotels deserving of one, maybe two stars, charging five star rates. Her five star hotel with peeling paint gave her several days of cold showers.

More depressing, though, is knowing that your U.S. dollars are not going into the pockets of the hardworking Cuban maid, bellman or waiter who attends you. Hotels and resorts are required to pay their workers wages directly to the Cuban government and the government pays the worker as low as 5 percent of what they earned. The rest they use to enrich themselves and finance an undemocratic and repressive regime that has destroyed and depressed its people and their economy. Good times.

Its worth noting that in his entire presidency, President Obama has spent a total of four hours on the island of Puerto Rico  to campaign for his reelection. In contrast, he spent two high profile days in Cuba, and didnt bother to stop by Puerto Rico on his way home to reassure the island during these tough times or to promote a tourist industry affected by fears of Zika and a increasing competition.

So what can you do?

Go to beautiful Puerto Rico! Book a trip, enjoy the warm winds, the sandy beaches, the music, the food, and the good feeling that comes from knowing you are helping fellow Americans living in a U.S. territory get through a tough economic period. That pina colada you enjoy on the beach will taste a lot sweeter knowing that you are helping Puerto Rican families instead of enabling dictators and their corrupt, repressive, anti-liberty regime.
When vandals scrawled the words Rape Mexico on the glass doors of the Lincoln United Methodist Church in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, it was hard for the mostly-Latino parishioners not to think of Donald Trumps famous speech about rapists crossing the border.

But the idea of raping Mexico  either for revenge or profit  has a much longer history than modern Trumpian grievances. Intimations of sexual violence have played a major role in aggressive feelings against Mexico for more than five hundred years, and the hyper-masculine posturing of this presidential campaign is tapping into a dark channel of the Mexican national subconscious.

It is no wonder, then, that Mexicans are disgusted by Donald Trumps fantasy of building a border wall and making Mexico pay for it, a suggestion with echoes of blaming the victim for her own rape.  Israel Reyes

No other figure embodies this history more than the possibly-unwilling mistress of Hernan Cortes, who was known as Dona Marina, or more infamously as La Malinche.

Nobel Prize winning poet and essayist Octavio Paz called Malinche the violated, traitorous mother of Mexico. Her alliance with Cortes is often cited as an original sin, and the symbolic curse of the Mexican nation. According to Paz, Mexicans call themselves los hijos de la Chingadathe children of the raped woman.

The word malinchismo refers to someone who is selling out the political and economic interests of the Mexican nation. Malinche has come to represent a pattern of violence for which the victim is held up for blame, a consistent theme in sexual violence across the globe.

During the era of Manifest Destiny and the U.S. war against Mexico in the mid-1840s, President James K. Polk portrayed this war of territorial expansionism as a defense against Mexican belligerency. In his speech to the Congress, President Polk said that war exists by the act of Mexico herself.

As U.S. troops marched southward, they pillaged many Mexican villages, raped women, and killed innocent civilians. Soldier, writer, and painter Samuel Chamberlain described the bloody massacre in a cave just outside Saltillo, where a group of Arkansas volunteers murdered and scalped scores of local men, while women and children watched and wailed helplessly in horror. These atrocities were committed as reprisals against Mexican guerrilla attacks  literally "Rape Mexico"  and the perpetrators cheerfully blamed the victims.

More recently, economic expansion and globalization at the U.S.-Mexico border have set the conditions for more acts of sexual violence against women. The hundreds of unsolved murders of female factory workers in Juarez have occurred in an industrialized zone that sees rampant levels of social inequality, labor exploitation, drug and human sex trafficking.

What is undeniable is that free trade agreements like NAFTA have destabilized the Mexican economy and compelled men and women to migrate to and across the border in search of employment. Many encounter rape and death along the way.

It is no wonder, then, that Mexicans are disgusted by Donald Trumps fantasy of building a border wall and making Mexico pay for it, a suggestion with echoes of blaming the victim for her own rape. We have the moral high ground here, and all the leverage, Trump said. It is time we use it.

My students sometimes ask me how Malinche could be considered both a victim and a traitor. I point out that this is a common characterization of women who suffer sexual violence  She asked for it! Those who scrawled Rape Mexico on the doors of a church are saying far more than they realize, and the words are perceived in atavistic ways that are even more ugly than the surface meanings.
More than a third of Americans believe that most Latinos are undocumented immigrants. The actual number is 16 percent. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump paints a picture of a massive wave of Mexican illegals overwhelming America. But with an improved Mexican economy and greater hostility toward Latinos in the U.S., there are now more Mexicans leaving than entering our country.

How can we explain this divide?

In our recently released report The Latino Disconnect: Latinos in the Age of Media Mergers, we examine one of the root reasons: the media representation of Latinos, including through the offerings of merged corporations like Comcast NBCUniversal, the largest media conglomerate by revenue in the world.

The main way that we can build on current gains is if consumers and advocates keep a watchful eye on media merger activity, holding companies accountable for the money we pay them. Otherwise, we will be paying not only more money for cable, but also a high price for allowing others to narrowly represent who we are.  Frances Negron-Muntaner and Chelsea Abbas

Overall, we found that even with a slight rise in the percentage of Latinos on screen, the number of stereotypes skyrocketed after the merger. Although Latinos  who are currently 55 million strong, contribute to every field and profession, and comprise 18 percent of the U.S. population  are extraordinarily diverse, they are increasingly playing four kinds of roles: criminals, police officers, blue-collar workers or sexy Latinas.

At NBCUniversal, the Latino presence expanded by just 0.7 points, from an average of 6.6 percent three years before the merger to 7.3 percent three years after. Yet, the percentage of Latinos playing stereotypes, including the cliche role of bad guys, rose by 54 percent, from 34.1 percent in the 2008-2009 season to 52.5 percent in the 2014-2105 season.

In film, the average increase through 2015 was even less, 0.2 points. But as in television, Latinos in stereotypical roles grew from 54.5 percent in 2008, reaching an all-time high of 66 percent of all roles in 2013 before settling to 58.7 percent in 2015.

Whereas not all portrayals are equally unidimensional, relentless stereotyping pigeonholes Latino talent into a very limited range of genres such as crime dramas and defines Latinos almost exclusively in relationship to the law as good or bad.

Even more stunning, news is worse than fiction. Our analysis of the influential NBC Nightly News show from 2012 to 2014 revealed that U.S. Latino stories accounted for a dismal 1.8 percent of over 9,000 broadcast segments, and the combination of U.S. Latino and Latin American stories together was only marginally better at 3 percent.

Likewise, while 4.3 percent of non-Latino U.S. news related to crime, a whopping 64 percent of the Latino-themed segments were about criminal activity and illegal immigration. In this sample, Mexicans and Puerto Ricans were the two groups most associated with lawlessness: 64.3 percent of Mexican stories and 88.9 percent of Puerto Rican reports were, respectively, about crime, particularly drug smuggling, human trafficking, and sexual violence. This slanted view of Latinos is succinctly captured in headlines such as: Drug cartels descend on Puerto Rico, Arizona ranchers fear armed Mexican drug smugglers, Mutilated bodies found in Mexico near U.S. border.

Significantly, although the Cold War ended decades ago, reports about Latin America continued to use a red lens: almost 40 percent of coverage focused on leftist governments or leaders in Cuba and Venezuela. The result is that nearly two thirds of news stories portrayed Latinos and Latin Americans as a potential threat to the United States in one of three ways: as criminals, illegals, or communists. Given the view of Latinos as bad news for America, it is then not surprising that a viable 2016 presidential candidate can mobilize significant support by scapegoating Mexican undocumented immigrants and that we are not any closer to immigration reform today than we were in 2008, when President Obama promised that he would move forward a bill during the first year of his administration.

Part of the reason why stereotypes rule in both traditional and global online media is the staggeringly low number of Latino decision-makers and behind-the-camera talent. In the new study, we found that even though merging media companies routinely promise more diversity in signed memoranda of understanding with community leaders and advocacy organizations, in NBCUniversal programming, news, and movies, on average, there were actually fewer Latinos working behind the scenes in most categories after the merger took place.

In addition, whereas Comcast acquired Telemundo, a major Spanish-language network, the companys principal leadership diversified slightly, adding only one Latino board member and one Latino executive not involved with Spanish-language television.

There are, however, a few bright spots: to the extent that Latinos are 18 percent of the population, 26 percent of the coveted 18-34 advertisement demographic in the nations top 10 markets and buy 26 percent of all domestic movie tickets, consumer demand and mobilization by media advocates can make a difference. In large part as a result of pressure to Comcast by Latino government officials, activists, guild members, independent producers, and consumers during the companys unsuccessful bid to acquire Time Warner Cable, there was a considerable spike in NBCUniversal pilots featuring Latinos, particularly Latinas. The percentage surged from 0 percent in 2014 to an unprecedented 30 percent in 2016, with shows such as Superstore with America Ferrera, Shades of Blue starring Jennifer Lopez, and Telenovela featuring Eva Longoria.

Also significant is the low percentage of stereotypical representation and substantial diversity of Hulu, a streaming service with 6 million subscribers that is owned by several television networks, including Disney-ABC, Fox, and NBCUniversal, although the latter company does not participate in decision-making due to merger conditions. In Hulu, as a result of innovative programs like East Lost High, about a group of Latino students navigating life in an East Los Angeles high school, Latino presence was notably higher, comprising 33.3 percent of writers and 31.5 percent of actors. Even further, their characterizations were the less stereotypical of any content provider that we examined.

Yet, as East Los High is largely an exception, the new NBCUniversal series still deal in familiar stereotypes, and past boosts in inclusion have not translated into long-term change, the drive for media diversity continues. The main way that we can build on current gains is if consumers and advocates keep a watchful eye on media merger activity, holding companies accountable for the money we pay them. Otherwise, we will be paying not only more money for cable, but also a very high price for allowing others to narrowly represent who we are.
As state visits go, President Obamas recent trip to Cuba was entirely normal, and that is precisely what the Obama Administration is trying to achieve  normalized relations between the United States and Cuba. Now that he is pushing for travel and trade are getting back to normal, its important that we apply the same standard across all U.S. policies toward Cuba. That includes immigration.

As the president is fond of saying, the Cold War is over. Agreed. Now its time to amend our immigration policies. If the United States is going to treat Cuba like any other country, we should treat its citizens like any other immigrants.  Nelson Balido

Currently, the United States treats Cuban citizens like no others. The Cold War birthed a U.S. immigration policy towards the island nation that considered every Cuban citizen to be a political refugee as soon as they touched American soil. The Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 was designed to give asylum to the 300,000 Cubans who fled the communist revolution, and the act is still used today to determine immigration status.

This law is accompanied by a minimum 20,000 visas handed out to Cubans each year through a lottery system, as well as President Bill Clintons wet food/dry foot policy, which continues to shelter Cubans who make it to the United States while repatriating those caught in the act of immigration (such as in a makeshift raft traversing 90 miles of ocean between Cuba and Key West, Florida).

Today, immigration from Cuba to the United States is accelerating rapidly. In 2015, there was a 78 percent increase in the number of Cubans entering the United States, and about two-thirds entered through Laredo, Texas; and so as of March 2015 the number is already approaching 26,000 for the fiscal year.

This significant uptick owes in part to Cuban concerns that U.S. immigrations laws may soon change. For decades, U.S. policies have given Cubans a direct path to U.S. residency unavailable to any other nationality of immigrants. Many families benefited from this, including those of presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, former candidate Sen. Marco Rubio, and this author.

My parents came to the United States from Cuba in the early 1960s, fleeing Castros communist regime. My father was the youngest of three children, and his brothers fought in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. Growing up, I heard all the stories about a difficult journey and adjustment in the United States. I heard about my grandfather hollowing out the heels of my grandma and mothers shoes so they could secret some the family jewels and heirlooms to their new home. I heard about my fathers struggles selling balloons on the street in New York City. And I heard of how hard it was to simply acclimate into a foreign land that was not used to many immigrants from Latino nations  yet fortunately the Catholic church helped place many, especially the children that came on their own through the Peter Pan flights.

My family was accurately given political refugee status, as were many others. I appreciate the good that the U.S. immigration policy toward Cuba has achieved for thousands of people. But I also see that since the United States is now counting Cuba amongst nations with which we have normal relations, we must extend that to our treatment of Cubans arriving at Americas doorstep. There are several reasons for this.

No Longer Political Refugees: The majority of Cuban immigrants arriving in the United States are seeking economic, not political, relief. A leaked 2009 U.S. State Department survey found that Cubans overwhelmingly were economic migrants, not political refugees. The whole point of the provision in the Cuban Adjustment Act that fast-tracks Cuban residency was to grant liberty to people fleeing communist persecution. That is not what the law is achieving. Instead, it is giving a big boost to Cubans who are doing what many people around the world try to dolive and work in the United States for the prospect of a richer, freer future. That is a normal aspiration around the world. If their motivations are the same as other immigrants, why should Cuban citizens be treated differently?

Refugee Status Has Real Costs: American taxpayers are generous, offering financial support to people who leave everything behind for a shot at a life in America. Currently, Cuban immigrants enjoy about $700 million each year in public benefits. That is a lot of good will and public support that is in some cases going to people who dont need it. It has been reported that some Cuban immigrants take advantage of government aid programs (like food stamps and Medicare) while frequently traveling back and forth to Cuba for commercial reasons. In essence, the U.S. taxpayer is subsidizing a jet-set Cuban lifestyle and not advancing the economic potential of an American resident. Arent there other legal immigrants who could legitimately use some of that public support?

Implications for the Rule of Law: While many Cubans arriving in the United States are honorable and law abiding, some are not. Currently, Cubas travel policy allows its citizens to leave the country for up to two years. This has led some criminal organizations to come to the United States, turn an illicit profit, and then return to Cuba when there is a threat of incarceration. At the same time, Cuba is one of the few countries in the world that will not repatriate convicted criminals, leaving the United States with no recourse but to take the good with the bad. During my recent visits to Washington, Dc and Laredo, law enforcement sources have reported privately that many of the people arriving in the current wave of Cuban immigration are criminals, and it appears that amid all the international good will, the Castro regime is emptying its prisons on U.S. borders. Unfortunately, U.S. law enforcement has no insight into the background of arriving immigrants and so are unable to deny entry to criminals under existing law.

Despite these evident problems, Obama Administration officials, such as Secretary of State John Kerry, have said repeatedly that they have no plans to revisit U.S. policy. Fortunately, much of this matter is in the sole province of lawmakers, and U.S. legislators are taking steps to change the laws. In October last year, Rep. Paul A. Gosar introduced Ending Special National Origin-Based Immigration Programs for Cubans Act of 2015, which would repeal the Cuban Adjustment Act. And in March, the bipartisan work between Reps. Blake Farenthold and Henry Cuellar yielded the Correcting Unfair Benefits for Aliens (CUBA) Act, which would also amend policies on asylum and public benefits.

As the president is fond of saying, the Cold War is over. Agreed. Now its time to amend our immigration policies. If the United States is going to treat Cuba like any other country, we should treat its citizens like any other immigrants.
In states across the country a dramatic transformation is happening in our classrooms. After years of setting expectations low for students, schools have begun to implement rigorous, consistent learning goals through the implementation of high and equal academic standards comparable across states. For the first time in decades, all students  regardless of race, gender or religion  are being held to levels that fully prepare them with the skills they need to achieve their full potential in life.

I urge the Hispanic community to be patient and perseverant and to resist temptations to return to old models of education. The changes happening in our schools are not easy, but with time and commitment they will help students of every color live out the calling God has for them.  Rev. Tony Suarez

Still, some critics would like to turn back. Educational outcomes for minority students, they say, have not miraculously improved, therefore these changes must not be working. Three years into testing, the results arent heartening for the Latino community, a recent Fox News Latino article proclaimed. In other words, nothing has changed much.

Thats not only untrue, the suggestion therein  that we should turn back on these efforts just as they begin to take root  would do an immense disservice to the Hispanic community. Improving student achievement will take time. It will require we look honestly at where our students are now. It will require that we measure progress over years to identify whats working and to correct whats not.

Last year, most states passed an important milestone by administering student assessments aligned to Common Core State Standards. The results were sobering. Because more was asked of students, fewer scored at or above proficient. That doesnt mean students somehow regressed; it means for the first time families were given an honest account of their childrens abilities measured to levels that ensure they will become college- and career-ready.

Thats a big departure from the old way of doing things, in which a patchwork of academic standards and uneven definitions of proficiency allowed some students to coast through the system. A report last year found more than half of all states reported proficiency rates 30 percentage points or higher than those identified by objective national tests. This honesty gap gave parents a misleading depiction of how well prepared their children were to move on to higher level material.

These discrepancies told countless parents their child was ready to move on to higher level material, when in fact they were not. In many cases, the problem did not become apparent until it was too late. Students were ushered in to classes they were not prepared for, only to struggle to keep up  or, worse, to drop out. For others, the issue did not manifest itself until they entered college or the workforce, only to find they were woefully unprepared.

This was especially true for minority students, who face higher drop-out rates than their white peers. Despite significant improvements over the past several decades to ensure access to a first-rate education, high-school graduation rates among Latinos still lag those of white students. Only 15 percent of Hispanics hold a bachelors degree or higher, well below all other student populations.

This year, most students will participate in high-quality assessments for the second year. The results from this second administration will provide valuable information for teachers and parents. They will identify whats working so educators can build on it. The data will also show where students need help so that parents and teachers can meet them when and where they need it most. And as students acclimate to these new tests, scores are likely to increase.

As Executive Vice President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, which is home to the Faith and Education Coalition, I am privileged to link arms with Evangelicals who care deeply about education. We believe all children are created in the image of God. We consider it a high calling to honor the life and potential of every child, to allow their gifts to flourish. Implementation of rigorous academic expectations and high-quality student assessments align with that responsibility, because they better ensure all children have the resources to achieve their potential.

Throughout Gods Word are examples of days in the desert  difficult periods that often precede major breakthroughs. I urge the Hispanic community to be patient and perseverant and to resist temptations to return to old models of education. The changes happening in our schools are not easy, but with time and commitment they will help students of every color live out the calling God has for them.
I remember how proud California Gov. Pete Wilson was when Proposition 187 passed. I remember he won because he scapegoated Californias immigrant population.

And, I remember how we never forgot.

These days, as the Republican Partys now presumptive nominee, Donald Trump, advocates for the mass deportation of 11 million undocumented immigrants, Republicans would do well to heed the lessons of Proposition 187.

It may be too late for Trump to change his tune, but it is not too late for Republican office-holders and candidates nationwide, at all levels of government, to heed the warnings of Proposition 187.  Ali Noorani

Wilson has not expressed regret for his 1994 decision to support  and advocate for  Prop. 187. In fact, as recently as October of last year, Wilson said he would absolutely support the initiative again.

Thanks for the reminder, Gov.

The measure, which a federal court later ruled unconstitutional, would have created a state-level screening for citizenship and would have blocked immigrants who lacked authorization from services including non-emergency health care and public education.

Among its effects was to cement the alienation of Latinos and other immigrants toward Republicans  in California and elsewhere. In the 90s, California was a legitimate swing state. No one would call it that now: less than 28 percent of voters are registered Republican.

Not merely coincidentally, the state has 4.7 million registered voters who are new Americans  naturalized citizens or the voting-age, U.S.-born children of immigrants  according to 2012 data. Thats 31 percent of the electorate, a group that by itself outnumbers registered Republicans.

I, as governor here, I would never do that in California, then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said on The Tonight Show in 2010. He was speaking about Arizonas anti-immigrant SB 1070, whose unwelcoming parallels with Proposition 187 are clear. The pronouncement came from the only Republican governor elected in California since Wilson.

I was absolutely opposed to Prop. 187," veteran GOP consultant Allan Hoffenblum told the Los Angeles Times in 2003, during Schwarzeneggers campaign. I said it was going to anger Latino voters and come back to bite Republicans, and that is exactly what it did.

Demographic changes in other states may not rival those of California, yet. But they are no less real. 2016 electorate will be the most diverse in U.S. history, a February Pew Research headline notes, pushed by strong increases among Hispanic eligible voters.

Swing states  think Florida, Nevada and Colorado  are among the places where this diverse electorate could have the greatest impact, as it did in 2012.

Speaking of 2012, GOP Chairman Reince Preibuss autopsy following Governor Mitt Romneys loss read:

"We are not a policy committee, but among the steps Republicans take in the Hispanic community and beyond, we must embrace and champion comprehensive immigration reform. If we do not, our Partys appeal will continue to shrink to its core constituencies only. We also believe that comprehensive immigration reform is consistent with Republican economic policies that promote job growth and opportunity for all."

Lets be clear: The Donald Trump mass deportation position is even more extreme than Proposition 187. And, since more Republican primary voters in practically every primary state polled support a path to legal status for the undocumented than support deportation, his position is more extreme than the electorate he hopes to represent in the White House.

It may be too late for Trump to change his tune, but it is not too late for Republican office-holders and candidates nationwide, at all levels of government, to heed the warnings of Proposition 187.

Conservatives have an alternative: They can aggressively and loudly distance themselves from Trump and his rhetoric and instead embrace the opportunity and potential our changing demographics offer. Many have distanced themselves from Trump. Not coincidentally, many want a pragmatic, humane immigration process, starting with a respectful conversation.

In coming years and decades, a diversifying workforces ingenuity and productivity will help support an aging population. We need to ensure that our nation thrives by conducting a conversation, and eventually by passing laws, that help new Americans reach their fullest potential.

Will the 2016 presidential election put a large nail in the coffin of Republicans hope  and demographically urgent need  to court new American voters? Time will tell.

But Republicans ignore the lessons of Proposition 187 at their peril.
Central American families continue to flee horrific violence and targeting by gangs. Unfortunately, these traumatized families are subjected to fast-track deportation proceedings upon arrival and some are simply unable to come to terms and tell their story to a stranger so quickly. Take Josie*, for example, a mother of two from El Salvador.

When a survivor is unable to articulate what happened to her in that first interview, for totally understandable reasons related to her trauma, or where new and compelling evidence comes to light after the interview, she should be given a second chance to tell her story and to save the life of her 10-year-old son.  Lindsay M. Harris

Josie was subjected to repeated physical and sexual abuse at the hands of the father of her children. On one occasion, when she was pregnant with their second child, he kicked her in the back after he saw another man compliment her on her cute baby as she walked down the street.

She was terrified and it was only when her abuser left for nine years that Josie was relieved of his daily violence. Upon his return, however, he repeatedly harassed and threatened her. Josie endured this, but could not stay when she found out that members of the powerful MS gang, a transnational criminal organization, had been threatening, beating, and choking her 10-year-old son Manuel, in an effort to get him to join them.

She had no choice but to flee.

Josie and her son undertook the long and dangerous journey to the U.S., bringing with them another boy, Cristofer, a friend of her sons, who was also at risk of death for refusing gang recruitment. They traveled together through Mexico but were separated from Cristofer when Mexican authorities stopped the truck he was riding in, apprehended and detained him, and deported him back to El Salvador.

It was only weeks later, after her arrival in the U.S. and detention at the family detention center in Dilley, Texas, that Josie learned Cristofer had been killed within a week of being sent back to El Salvador.

Josie and Manuel are held in the largest immigration detention center in the country, a center purpose-built for the detention of immigrant children and their mothers. About a week after her initial detention, she underwent a credible fear interview  an initial screening interview with a USCIS asylum officer to determine whether she could establish threshold eligibility for asylum protection in the United States.

Josie described that interview as intimidating; the asylum officer smiled, laughed at her, and failed to ask follow up questions. She was unable to share her story. A psychologist later met with Josie and diagnosed her with post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder. During her initial interview and a review of the asylum offices negative determination before an immigration judge, Josie did not disclose the abuse she had suffered in El Salvador or her fear that her abuser would start harming her again. She also had not yet learned that Cristofer had been killed.

Attorneys with the CARA Family Detention Pro Bono Project, upon learning all of the details of Josies fear of return to El Salvador for herself and for her son, filed a request for reconsideration with the asylum office for the family on April 4, but it was quickly denied the same day.

Attorneys scrambled again to protect this family, submitting a second request for reconsideration, including even more key evidence, like the death certificate for Cristofer, killed in El Salvador, but the asylum office denied that second request as well.

Yesterday we received notice that Josie and her son will be removed to El Salvador today. As we try to protect Josie and little Manuel, we are forced to ask, yet again, why the government continues to push families through these fast-track procedures in detention?

Survivors of trauma like Josie and Manuel, seeking protection in the United States, should not be forced into these expedited procedures. And, when a survivor is unable to articulate what happened to her in that first interview, for totally understandable reasons related to her trauma, or where new and compelling evidence comes to light after the interview, she should be given a second chance to tell her story and to save the life of her 10-year-old son.

*Names changed for the familys safety.
On Sunday May 1, 2016, I ran into Donald Trump, who had just appeared for a remote taping of Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace. Chris was in Washington DC.; Mr. Trump was in our studio on the 12th floor of Fox News World Headquarters in New York.

I was about to appear on Fox and Friends at our-first floor studio to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the killing of terror mastermind Osama bin Laden by our superb Navy SEALS in Pakistan on May 1st, 2011.

We need to build bridges not walls. To spread fear through this already frightened community might appeal to the hard core xenophobes needed to win the GOP nomination, but it is not the American Way.  Geraldo Rivera

I went upstairs to say hello to my longtime friend. When the GOP leader finished taping, to avoid any competitive jealousy that I was stealing Chris guest, I joked to Mr. Trump that I thought it was Bring Your Friend to Work Day. Rather than ask the presumptive Republican nominee to come downstairs with me, I told Mr. Trump I was going on Fox and Friends and would be delighted if he stopped by.

He did, to my surprise, taking a seat on what we call the curvy couch, for a long, newsworthy interview on the eve of a pivotal primary in Indiana on Tuesday May 3rd.

That friendly gesture is an example of why I love the guy. He has always treated my family and me with sincere respect and affection. "Celebrity Apprentice" was a blast. I hold him and his family in the highest regard. He is a man who doesnt have a racist bone in his body. He is a down-to-earth, all around good guy.

But Donald Trump knows that despite my personal positive feelings about him and his, I could never vote for him to be president unless and until he moderates his toxic immigration policy.

We can't deport undocumented but otherwise law-abiding families who have been here for decades; many with U.S.-born citizen children. Make them register, get background checks, pay a fine, learn English and get on line. But dont round them up like they were terrorists. They are the pizza deliverers, the baby sitters, the lawn mowers, the poultry processors, the meat packers and so forth. They make America stronger, not weaker.

We need to build bridges not walls. To spread fear through this already frightened community might appeal to the hard core xenophobes needed to win the GOP nomination, but it is not the American Way. It is impractical if not impossible. It would profoundly disrupt urban and agrarian society and would pit people against one another in a way unseen in America for a century.

More importantly, such a draconian action would not jibe with the Donald Trump that I have known for decades as a good and honest man, a tremendous and creative businessman and a terrific dad and grandfather who would otherwise make a great president.

He is a smart practical man and he will do the right thing. Now that he has effectively won the Republican nomination, he has the chance to moderate his position on Mexicans and Muslims and to move to the center. If he doesnt, then again, he knows that I could never vote for him. He may win anyway, but he would take an office in a nation divided against itself. He is better than that. He will do the right thing.

None of the above is to suggest that there arent real problems with our southern border. The Mexican drug cartels are flooding our towns and cities, particularly in the Northeast, with heroin in amounts and potency unseen previously. The Sinaloa Cartel formerly run by the billionaire drug lord El Chapo, Joaquin Guzman, also known by the DEA as the Osama bin Laden of the drug trade, is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans.

I hope you catch my weekend special, Fox Reports: Beauty and the Beast, When Kate met Chapo, an in-depth investigation on how the most wanted man on earth risked everything for a jungle rendezvous with Kate del Castillo, a lovely actress over whom the drug lord obsessed.

It airs on Fox News Channel on Saturday May 7th at 8pm ET and again on Sunday, May 8th at 9pm.
What if on Thanksgiving Day there is more to be fearful about than there is to be thankful for? What if our political season from hell is not over but merely transformed? What if the election season through which we all just suffered is a portent of things to come?

What if the election was decided not on issues but on emotions? What if most people who voted for president chose the candidate they hated less? What if people talked more about videotapes, emails, private behavior and public deception than they did about issues that arise under the Constitution? What if the videotapes and the emails aroused feelings of disgust that motivated millions of voters to make choices? What if those emotional choices led them to Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton?

What if, on the issues that arise under the Constitution, Clinton and Trump have a common belief at their core -- that government should expand to address whatever needs the politicians who run it can identify?

What if neither Clinton nor Trump expressed any mistrust of government? What if, instead, they showed a willingness to embrace it? What if there was little or no talk during the campaign of personal liberty in a free society? What if there was little or no talk during the campaign about how the federal government should stay within the confines of the Constitution? What if there was no talk at all by either candidate during the campaign of the Constitution itself and the values that underlie it and its unambiguous recognition of natural rights?

What if the public injection of the FBI into the political process during the height of the presidential campaign was without precedent or legal justification? What if it was expressly prohibited by long-standing federal practice? What if the Department of Justice was determined to exonerate Clinton no matter what evidence of criminal activity on her part was discovered by the FBI?

What if the FBI nonsense about Clinton emails on Anthony Weiners laptop was just that -- nonsense intended to ensure a Clinton electoral defeat in return for her legal exoneration? What if that is a trade-off that the FBI has no business offering and no lawful right to make?

What if the whole purpose of the Constitution was to establish the federal government and, at the same time, to limit it? What if the Constitution affirmatively states that the powers the states do not delegate away to the federal government are retained by them? What if that view is alien to President-elect Trump? What if he believes that the federal government can right any wrong, regulate any behavior and tax any event, no matter what the Constitution says?

What if candidate Trump called Obamacare the worst political experiment and assault on health care in American history? What if the core of Obamacare is the individual mandate (which forces all Americans to have health insurance), the pre-existing conditions mandate (which forces insurance carriers to insure the uninsurable, against all free market principles) and the child coverage mandate (which forces insurance carriers to allow for the insuring of the children of insured parents until the children reach age 26)?

What if those three mandates have contributed to the increased cost of health insurance and the decreased availability of the services of medical professionals? What if President-elect Trump now supports those three mandates, against which he railed aggressively and vociferously when he was a candidate?

What if he supports President Barack Obamas claimed right to use drones to kill Americans who have not been charged or convicted of any crime when they are in foreign countries? What if Trump believes he can legally torture Americans, not as punishment for the commission of a crime but to extract information from them? What if he believes he can kill the innocent spouses and children of those foreigners who are harming American interests? What if torture for any purpose and knowingly targeting innocents for death are war crimes and the president is not immune from being prosecuted for them? What if Trump, like Obama before him, believes he can lock people up without charges or a trial or access to the courts?

What if on Thanksgiving, instead of thanking, we engage in thinking -- about human freedom, limited government and government fidelity to the Constitution that created it? What if, while being thankful for life and liberty, we think about ways to preserve them? What if we recognize that when our government breaks its own laws, it assaults the fabric of our republic? What if we are thankful for the recognition of that?

What if on Thanksgiving we re-evaluate the relationship of the individual to the state? What if we begin by demanding that the government work for us and not the other way around? What if instead of just accepting the new government, we try to limit it?

What if we advance the idea that the individual has an immortal soul and the government is a temporary organization based on a monopoly of force? What if we can cause the government to recognize that because our souls are immortal, there are vast areas of human behavior in which we do not need a government permission slip in order to make personal choices? What if we call these choices in these areas natural rights?

What if the best government is the one that taxes, spends and regulates the least? What if the best government recognizes our natural rights? What if the best government leaves us alone? What if that would be something to be thankful for?
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering seriously at least two men for the critical position of secretary of state. One, former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, has divided the Trump team between those who think it is a good idea and those who think Romneys severe criticism of Trump during the campaign disqualifies him.

The other is retired general and former CIA Director David Petraeus. A major problem for Petraeus is his mishandling of classified documents, which he reportedly leaked to his biographer-mistress, Paula Broadwell. After Trump hammered Hillary Clinton for her extremely careless handling of classified material when she was secretary of state, it would be hypocritical of Trump to name Petraeus.

Though also in the running, former New York mayor, Rudy Giuliani is thought to be running a distant third, if the number of visits in and out of Trump Tower are any indication.

So, of the top two contenders, who? How about someone with experience as a diplomat, including within the State Department and as a former U.N. ambassador?

How about someone with experience as a diplomat, including within the State Department and as a former U.N. ambassador?

John Bolton, now a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a regular commentator on cable news, does not engage in wishful thinking, or project American morals on those who dont share them in the vain hope they might be contagious. Here is Bolton on the threat of radical Islamic terrorism: When you have a regime that would be happier in the afterlife than in this life, this is not a regime that is subject to classic theories of deterrence.

In his book Surrendering is Not an Option: Defending America at the United Nations, Bolton is unrelenting in his criticism of the toothless UN and of many U.S. policies that have not produced results in Americas best interests  precisely the attitude of President-elect Trump, who wants to look out for America and its interests first. In this pursuit he is not unlike one of his predecessors, Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick, who said, What takes place in the Security Council more closely resembles a mugging than either a political debate or an effort at problem-solving. It is a mugging, and too often it is the United States and Israel who get mugged.

Heres another Bolton quote: Negotiation is not a policy. Its a technique. Its something you use when its to your advantage, and something that you dont use when its not to your advantage. That is the opposite of wishful thinking.

In a July 2015 column for the Dallas Morning News, Bolton wrote that it is a fiction to believe Iran wont violate terms of the nuclear weapons deal it made with the Obama administration. He argues that snapback sanctions wont work because sanctions failed before. He thinks the only option for keeping nuclear weapons out of the hands of the ayatollahs is Israel.

However, Iran may well retaliate, Bolton acknowledges. At that point, Washington must be ready to immediately resupply Israel for losses incurred by its armed forces in the initial attack, so that Israel will still be able to effectively counter Tehrans proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah, which will be its vehicles for retaliation. The United States must also provide muscular political support, explaining that Israel legitimately exercised its inherent right of self-defense. Whatever Obamas view, public and congressional support for Israel will be overwhelming.

Who is to blame for this situation? Bolton writes: American weakness has brought us to this difficult moment. While we obsessed about its economic discomfort, Iran wore its duress with pride. It was never an even match. We now have to rely on a tiny ally to do the job for us. But unless we are ready to accept a nuclear Iran (and, in relatively short order, several other nuclear Middle Eastern states), get ready. The easy ways out disappeared long ago.

This is sober reality and precisely the worldview that is needed at the Department of State.
Its not exactly clear why Buzzfeed chose to publicly shame Fixer Upper hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines. Nor do we know why the online publication attacked the Christian couples church.

Maybe author Kate Aurthur got a speeding ticket while driving through Waco, Texas? Or maybe she dislikes shiplap? Or perhaps Buzzfeed simply employs virulent, anti-Christian bigots?

Click here for a free subscription to Todds newsletter: a must-read for Conservatives!

We may never know. Regardless, their ugly attack on the Gaines family and Antioch Community Church in Waco cannot be undone.

The real shame is not on the Gaines family, but on this media inquisition of Christianity, National Religious Broadcasters president Jerry A. Johnson told me.

Earlier this week, Buzzfeed raised questions about the Gaines' family church and its position on same-sex marriage.

So lets cut to the chase  is Antioch Community Church anti-gay?

Absolutely not, Pastor Siebert told me in an exclusive interview. We are not only not anti-gay, but we are pro-helping people in their journey to find out who God is and who He has made them to be.

The pastor told me he was surprised by the controversy surrounding a message he delivered more than a year ago pointing out that people from all different walks of life attend the church.

For us  our heart has always been to love Jesus, preach the word of God and help people in their journey, he said.



Click here to continue reading Todd Starnes column at ToddStarnes.com.
"If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion or other matters of opinion. -- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson

Is flag burning protected speech? This old issue returned front and center earlier this week after President-Elect Donald Trump tweeted that he found it so reprehensible, it should be criminal. He even suggested a punishment -- loss of citizenship or one year in jail. Is the President-Elect correct? Can the government punish acts that accompany the expression of opinions because the government, or the public generally, hates or fears the opinions?

Here is the backstory.

Last weekend, in a series of continued emotional responses to the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States, and prodded by the death of Fidel Castro -- the long-time, brutal, profoundly anti-American dictator of Cuba -- students on a few American college campuses publicly burned American flags. These acts regenerated the generation-old debate about the lawfulness of this practice, with the president-elect decidedly on the side of those who condemn it.

For the sake of this analysis, like the U.S. Supreme Court, which has addressed this twice in the past 17 years, I am addressing whether you can burn your own American flag. The short answer is: Yes. You can burn your flag and I can burn mine, so long as public safety is not impaired by the fires. But you cannot burn my flag against my will, nor can you burn a flag owned by the government.

Before the Supreme Court ruled that burning your own flag in public is lawful, federal law and numerous state laws had made it criminal to do so. In analyzing those laws before it declared them to be unconstitutional, the Court looked at the original public understanding of those laws and concluded that they were intended not as fire safety regulations -- the same statutes permitted other public fires -- but rather as prophylactics intended to coerce reverence for the American flag by criminalizing the burning of privately owned pieces of cloth that were recognizable as American flags.

The First Amendment, which prohibits Congress from enacting laws infringing upon the freedom of speech, has consistently been interpreted in the modern era so as to insulate the public manifestation of political ideas from any government interference, whether the manifestation is by word or deed or both.

That is where the former statutes ran into trouble. Had they banned all public fires in given locations, for public safety sake, they probably would have withstood a constitutional challenge. But since these statutes were intended to suppress the ideas manifested by the public flag burning, by making the public expression of those ideas criminal, the statutes ran afoul of the First Amendment.

The First Amendment, which prohibits Congress from enacting laws infringing upon the freedom of speech, has consistently been interpreted in the modern era so as to insulate the public manifestation of political ideas from any government interference, whether the manifestation is by word or deed or both. This protection applies even to ideas that are hateful, offensive, unorthodox and outright un-American. Not a few judges and constitutional scholars have argued that the First Amendment was written for the very purpose of protecting the expression of hateful ideas, as loveable or popular ideas need no protection.

The Amendment was also written for two additional purposes. One was, as Justice Jackson wrote as quoted above, to keep the government out of the business of passing judgment on ideas and deciding what we may read, speak about or otherwise express in public. The corollary to this is that individuals should decide for themselves what ideas to embrace or reject, free from government interference.

In the colonial era, the Founding Fathers had endured a British system of law enforcement that punished ideas that the King thought dangerous. As much as we revere the Declaration of Independence for its elevation of personal liberty over governmental orthodoxy, we are free today to reject those ideas. The Declaration and its values were surely rejected by King George III, who would have hanged its author, Thomas Jefferson, and its signers had they lost the American Revolutionary War. Thank God they won.

Justice Jackson also warned that a government strong enough to suppress ideas that it hates or fears was powerful enough to suppress debate that inconveniences it, and that suppression would destroy the purposes of the First Amendment. The Jacksonian warning is directly related to the Amendments remaining understood purpose -- to encourage and protect open, wide, robust debate about any aspect of government.

All these values were addressed by the Supreme Court in 1989 and again in 1990 when it laid to rest the flag burning controversies by invalidating all statutes aimed at suppressing opinions.

Even though he personally condemned flag burning, the late Justice Antonin Scalia joined the majority in both cases and actively defended both decisions. At a public forum sponsored by Brooklyn Law School in 2015, I asked him how he would re-write the flag burning laws, if he could do so. He jumped at the opportunity to say that if he were the king, flag burners would go to jail. Yet, he hastened to remind his audience that he was not the king, that in America we dont have a king, that there is no political orthodoxy here, and that the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, leaves freedom of expression to individual choices, not government mandates.

The American flag is revered because it is a universally recognizable symbol of the human sacrifice of some for the human freedom of many. Justice Scalia recognized that flag burning is deeply offensive to many people -- this writer among them -- yet he, like Justice Jackson before him, knew that banning it dilutes the very freedoms that make the flag worth revering.
The new dawn of American manufacturing broke Thursday with one big step for the workers of Indiana and one far bigger step for a more muscular trade policy: Carrier will stay in Indianapolis  along with more than 1,000 jobs.

The Never Trumpers will be quick to give others credit or attack the terms of the deal. But there is something much more important going on here that is the real story. It is a story about how the loss of Americas manufacturing base has been a politician-made disaster rather than the inevitable march of globalization.

THE INCREDIBLE SECRET WEAPON TRUMP BRINGS TO US-CHINA RELATIONS (AND WHY MATTERS)

In this story, American multinationals like United Technologies and its Carrier subsidiary along with other marquee off-shorers like Boeing, Apple, General Motors, GE, and Intel have been operating in a world in which they have been both pushed and pulled to foreign lands  and allowed to have their way with American workers because neither the White House or the collective power of Congress has stood in their way.

The push offshore has come from excessive regulations, the highest corporate tax rate in the world, and energy and electricity costs that are needlessly burdensome. In this case, on the regulatory front alone,, the president and CEO of UTC Climate Controls and Security told Governor Pence that 53 of the 260 new federal regulations passed since 2013 have had a direct impact on their manufacturing business.

American multinationals like United Technologies and its Carrier subsidiary along with other marquee off-shorers like Boeing, Apple, General Motors, GE, and Intel, have been operating in a world in which they have been both pushed and pulled to foreign lands  and allowed to have their way with American workers because neither the White House or the collective power of Congress has stood in their way.

The pull offshore comes from the lure of sweat shop labor, lax environmental regulations, the availability of export subsidies and the advantages to foreign direct investment that come from manipulated, that is undervalued, currencies.

The Carrier deal teaches this push and pull can be overcome with strong leadership. Here, it is true that President-elect Trump and his incredibly gifted vice president used their bully pulpits  and all of the implied powers United Technologies saw that it would face -- to keep Carrier in the fold. But there is much more that will unfold come Inauguration Day in a world where we need far more than a bully pulpit to revitalize Americas manufacturing base.

Indeed, the broader goal of a Trump administration will be to change the rules of international trade in a way that once again makes it profitable for American corporations to build at home and for American workers to enjoy decent jobs at rising wages  even as the global economy soars to new heights.

The Trump trade agenda is coming because the Democrats Blue Wall across our manufacturing belt has crumbled, and the people have demanded change. Taxes shall be cut, regulations shall be reduced, our oil, and gas, shale, and coal resources shall be unleashed, the push of forces offshore shall be eliminated and it will once again be profitable to produce on US soil.

At the same time, the Trump administration will eliminate the pull offshore by smartly negotiating new trade deals and renegotiating bad trade deals to ensure American workers and domestic manufacturers will compete on a level playing field. And any trade cheaters and currency manipulators be aware  the White House will no longer turn a blind eye.

America First: This is an attitude, not a slogan. Make America Great Again: This is a mission, not a political message.

Carrier is but the first shot in a new era of trade peace through strength; and the world now knows that President Trump is coming to deal. All he will insist on is a fair deal  whether he is negotiating with China or Europe or Japan or a World Trade Organization that has historically not had Americas best interests at the top of its agenda.

So be happy America. Be very happy. You have chosen your next president well.
President Obama is reportedly close to commuting the sentence of one of Americas most vicious and unrepentant terrorists, Oscar Lopez Rivera. This must not happen.

Before ISIS, there was the FALN, the most prolific terrorist group ever to attack the United States. The FBI has linked FALN, which declares itself waging war for Puerto Rican independence, to 146 bombings and numerous armed robberies, including the heinous 1975 lunchtime attack on Fraunces Tavern in New York that killed 4 people and injured scores more.

FALN leader Oscar Lopez Rivera is in prison today, convicted and sentenced to 55 years for seditious conspiracy, (trying to overthrow the government), armed robbery, illegal transportation of firearms, and conspiracy to transport explosives with intent to destroy government property. His sentence was extended for an additional 15 years in 1988 because of an attempted jailbreak.

For decades, Rivera has refused to admit or take responsibility for the numerous terror attacks perpetrated by FALN under his guidance, nor has he expressed any remorse.

For decades, Rivera has refused to admit or take responsibility for the numerous terror attacks perpetrated by FALN under his guidance, nor has he expressed any remorse.

Further, he has never cooperated with authorities. The Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion National Puertorriqueno was not only behind numerous bombings aimed at killing and maiming Americans, the outfit also perpetrated kidnappings, prison breaks, arson and armed takeovers of the Democratic Party campaign headquarters in Chicago and the Republican campaign office in New York.

In 1999 President Bill Clinton offered Lopez and several other FALN prisoners clemency; Lopez rejected the offer because it required him to renounce terrorism, and that was something he refused to do.

In 2011 Lopez came up for parole. After hearing from numerous family members of those killed by FALN, who noted that Lopez had never renounced his terrorist past or expressed contrition, parole was denied.

Why would Obama want to commute his sentence? Possibly for the same reason that Clinton offered clemency to the FALN group: politics.

Clinton had happily ignored some 3,226 petitions for clemency that had landed on his desk while president; his singling out the 16 FALN members was no accident. Making the move even more unusual, the prisoners had not themselves asked for a presidential pardon.

But Bill had reason enough: his wife Hillary Clinton was preparing to run for the senate from New York, a state with 1.3 million Hispanics. An advisor of Clintons White House Interagency Working Group for Puerto Rico emailed a fellow staff member at the time that freeing the FALN prisoners would be "fairly easy to accomplish and will have a positive impact among strategic communities in the U.S. In other words, Hispanic voters.

Several members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, along with leftist activists, had agitated for the release of 16 imprisoned FALN members, arguing that they were political prisoners being treated unfairly.

Hillary, at first supportive of her husbands move, shifted gears when public outrage mounted over the releases. Among others offended by the releases were members of Congress, which voted by overwhelming majorities to condemn Clintons pardon.

Obama, too, is eager to solidify his partys standing with Hispanics. Hillary Clinton won 66 percent of the Latino vote, down considerably from the 71 percent garnered by Obama in 2012. Though Democrats still have the backing of most Hispanics, they cannot afford slippage in what has become a core constituent of their base. But, allowing a terrorist to walk free would be an unconscionable way to gin up support.

There was no excuse for Clintons pardon then, as he left office, and no excuse for Obama to consider an early release for Lopez now. Those advocating for Lopez argue that his prison term is overly harsh, but the sentences for the FALN members were reviewed by the U.S. Sentencing Commission and found in line with sentences imposed in other cases for similar terrorist activity.

It is also argued by some, including U.S. House of Representatives Member Luis Gutierrez (D-Illinois), that Lopez is in jail because the U.S. government disapproves of his popular quest for Puerto Rican independence. That is nonsense; in a 2012 plebiscite, independence received the support of only 5 percent of Puerto Rican voters.

Lopez is a terrorist whose conviction and sentence are supported and endorsed by not only the law enforcement officials that oversaw the investigations into FALNs terror activities but also the families of those killed in the Fraunces Tavern bombings.

In an open letter to President Obama protesting the possible commutation, they write they cannot forgive a man who, instead of showing contrition, has lied, obfuscated, spoke in circles and denied obvious assertions such as his violent past and FALN leadership.

Nor should we.
The decades-long effort to recognize and honor the U.S. Merchant Marines of WWII took another step forward Wednesday when the House passed a bipartisan measure to award the seamen a Congressional Gold Medal.

The medal, along with the Presidential Medal of Honor, is the highest civilian award in the country.

More than 200,000 Merchant Mariners played essential and perilous roles in winning the war -- ferrying American troops and supplies into Atlantic and Pacific theater battle zones.

Some of the roughly 5,000 remaining mariners -- now in their 80s and 90s -- expressed gratitude this week over the House effort. And they voiced guarded optimism about a similar Senate measure and about perhaps getting compensation like the soldiers and sailors with whom they served.

Were always working for some recognition, former Merchant Mariner Morris Harvey told FoxNew.com Wednesday night.

The 89-year-old Harvey, who turns 90 in late June, worries that the companion Senate effort doesnt have enough support to pass this session.

So hes pinned his hopes on next year and on someday receiving the financial compensation that outgoing California Rep. Janice Hahn, co-sponsor of the Congressional medal bill, and other House members have also tried to get for him and others of the Greatest Generation.

Hahn -- whose southern Los Angeles district includes the harbors and ports from which thousands of Merchant Mariners have set sail -- championed a bipartisan plan that essentially gives those who participated in the war effort a one-time, $25,000 payout.

These men put their lives on the line in defense of their country during one of the darkest periods of human history, Hahn said Wednesday. For decades, their service went unrecognized, and many of them died without the appreciation they deserved. In awarding these men the Congressional Gold Medal, we may finally express to them our gratitude as a nation for their incredible sacrifices.

Harvey said the surviving mariners would be grateful for such a payout, considering many have outlived their savings and that most of our lives might have been different had they received GI benefits.

Today, there are less than 5,000 surviving Merchant Marines, and with nearly 500 World War II veterans dying each day, it is critical that we act this year, Indiana Republican Rep. Susan Brooks said Wednesday about the medal bill, which she introduced.

The Merchant Marine was the linchpin connecting the fighting forces overseas  . Im proud that the House has taken action to honor their service, and I hope that my colleagues in the Senate will act swiftly.

An estimated 9,000 mariners were killed, and thousands more were wounded during the war.

The Merchant Marine, whose roots trace back to the Revolutionary War, during peacetime sails imports and exports around the world.

But in 1942, its shipping fleet and more than 250,000 sailors were pressed into military service when President Roosevelt created the War Shipping Administration to help fight Germany, Japan and other Axis powers.

Yet the survivors didnt achieve full veterans status until 1988, when many were already in their 60s, after years of being called draft dodgers and decades without medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs and other G.I. benefits.
Nearly 2,500 refugees from terrorism hotspots around the world are bound for the U.S. after being rejected by Australia, but not even top lawmakers can get answers about who they are.

In an unprecedented move, the U.S. State Department has classified details on refugees to be resettled in America via a secret deal made with Australia. The bi-lateral agreement, which Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called a one-off, involves 2,465 people currently being held in Papua New Guinea and Nauru who will now be transferred onto U.S. soil.

This is a backroom deal, wheeling and dealing with another country's refugee problem, Center for Immigration Studies fellow Don Barnett told FoxNews.com. I dont believe for a moment its a one-time deal. Thats for public consumption.

The move has also raised a red flag among Congressional oversight members.

In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Secretary of State John Kerry, key lawmakers Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., complained about the lack of transparency.

This situation is concerning for many reasons, read the letter, charging that your departments negotiated an international agreement regarding refugees without consulting or notifying Congress.

Screeners from the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services are set to leave for the Pacific Island nations next month to begin vetting the refugees.

When staffers probed the number of individuals being considered for resettlement, they were told it was classified, even though refugee admissions are traditionally public. Officials, however, did confirm countries of origin to be Iran, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq and Sudan, as well as some deemed stateless.

Iran, Sudan and Syria are the three countries on the U.S. current State Sponsors of Terrorism list. But Barnett said the stateless category is most worrisome.

These could be Burmese Muslims, who have posed assimilation issues for every nation which has taken them, said Barnett. Its a dangerous precedent which says, Well take any ethnic group with which you dont get along.

Australia has been under fire for paying poor surrounding island nations to house detention centers for refugees. Australia created the camps in an effort to curtail people smuggling and has long had a policy which prevents individuals seeking asylum from entering the country before being vetted.

In a statement, the State Department said the Obama administration is proud of its role in taking in refugees, even ones other nations don't want.

The United States is proud of its long history as the largest refugee resettlement country in the world," read the statement. "As the President has announced, our refugee resettlement program has grown substantially in the last year.

"The United States has agreed to consider referrals from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) of refugees now residing in Nauru and Papua New Guinea," the statement continued. "These refugees are of special interest to UNHCR and we are engaged on a humanitarian basis, as we are in other parts of the world."

The Goodlatte-Grassley letter also asked why Australia and other countries refused to take in the refugees.

If theyve been vetted and deemed inadmissible, the U.S. cant say, You dont want them, so well take them, said Barnett.

Speaking at a Nov. 14 press conference, Turnbull said, Nobody is taking any more refugees, but what the Americans are doing is assisting these individuals on Nauru and Manus by bringing them in within their existing quota.

The Obama administration increased the quota for the 12-month period that began in October to 110,000 refugees, up from 85,000 the previous year.

Turnbulls announcement that his country would be taking more refugees from Central America as part of some commitments at President Obama's Refugee Summit has also sparked speculation that the deal is a trade of refugees from the most dangerous areas of the world for ones from Central America.

In July, Costa Rica agreed to set up a detention center for those wishing to enter the United States through a new program the administration established initially for children to reunite with U.S. -based parents. The program has been expanded to include those fleeing gang violence in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. It also created a special category for female heads of households.

All you have to do is say is youre a single mother and youre in, said Barnett. There is all sorts of twisting of the law here.

A particular social group, is one of the five categories applicants must meet to obtain refugee or asylum status. The designated group could be a religion, nationality, race or political group whose members have a well-founded fear of persecution for belonging.

While U.S. law stipulates refugee status should not be granted based on generalized violence, according to officer training materials obtained by FoxNews.com, status can be considered for women heads of households who are vulnerable to crime, economic hardships or could be a victim of Machista, described in materials as a cultural pattern where men father children, [then] abandon [their] family.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that 146,000 individuals will apply to enter the U.S. through the Costa Rican Center.

In a July 26, 2016 press release the State Department laid out the logistics in which after pre-screening and transfer to Costa Rica, they will undergo refugee processing before being resettled to the United States or another third country.

Representatives from the Grassley-Goodlatte committee are set to receive a classified briefing on the Australian refugee deal next week. However, numerous questions could remain shielded from public view including costs, timing, benefit to the U.S. and perhaps most importantly why it was done in secret.
President Obama has pointed the finger for the drubbing his party took in last month's elections squarely at America's most watched and most trusted cable news network.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Obama ticked off several contributing factors for Hillary Clinton's loss to Donald Trump, which was compounded for Democrats by Republicans maintaining control of the House, Senate and statehouses around the nation. One big bogeyman was Fox News Channel, according to the outgoing cammander-in-chief.



"In this election, [voters] turned out in huge numbers for Trump," Obama told the magazine. "And I think that part of it has to do with our inability, our failure, to reach those voters effectively. Part of it is Fox News in every bar and restaurant in big chunks of the country, but part of it is also Democrats not working at a grassroots level, being in there, showing up, making arguments."

Fox News Channel is by far the most watched channel in cable news. According to figures from Nielsen Media Research, Fox averaged 3,283,000 primetime, viewers in November  a 71 percent jump from November 2015.

Foxs numbers more than doubled the combined totals from CNN and MSNBC  1,529,000 and 1,335,000 respectively  over the same timeframe. Polls also have consistently placed Fox as the the mosted trusted news source on cable television.

Obama did not explain how fair and balanced coverage hurt his party or helped the GOP. But critics said the president's analysis was off the mark.

"Almost seven in 10 people routinely say the country's going in the wrong direction, wages have basically been flat since 1999, and yet this president comes out and in a very infantile manner blames cable news without any sense of personal responsibility," conservative pundit Laura Ingraham said on Fox News Channel's "Special Report."

Mollie Hemingway, of The Federalist, noted that Trump takes heat when he blames the media, but Obama seems to be lauded for keen insight.

"When Donald Trump critiques The New York Times or other liberal media outlets, the rest of the media reflexively unites to condemn him," Hemingway said. "But President Obama has obsessively singled out Fox News during his presidency, denigrating their work and even trying to shut them out of press briefings.

"It's as if a populace seeking out media that doesn't accept White House spin on the issues of the day is a personal affront," she added. "Having at least a few media outlets that escape the echo chamber of the left is something everyone should praise."
President-elect Donald Trump has spoken with more than 40 foreign leaders since he won the Nov. 8 election, but his transition team has provided few details about what is discussed in those conversations.

That has left plenty of room for the foreign leaders to offer their interpretations of these phonecalls, ranging from the discreet to the effusive.

The latest example came Wednesday, with the Pakistani government issued a statement saying that its prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, spoke to Mr. Trump and felicitated him on his victory.

The Pakistani government recounted Mr. Trumps end of the conversation this way: You have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every wayPakistanis are one of the most intelligent people.

In its own readout released late Wednesday night, the Trump transition team said the men had a productive conversation about a strong working relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan. Mr. Trump also said he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif.

Click for more from the Wall Street Journal.
Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier

Those who habitually put items in their recycling bins that don't belong there are the target of the ordinance amendment, not those who make an occasional, accidental mistake, said Public Works Director Jeff Demers.
The Senate unanimously approved legislation Thursday that extends by 10 years the ability of the United States to hit companies who do business with Iran with economic sanctions.

The extension of the Iran Sanctions Act, first passed in 1996, allows the United States to punish Tehran if the Islamic Republic does not live up to the terms of the controversial Iran nuclear deal. The bill now goes to President Obamas desk for signature.

While Obama is expected to sign the legislation, the White House had previously said he wouldnt if they perceived it as undermining the nuclear agreement. A senior Obama administration official told The Associated Press that they did not see it as violating the terms of the deal, although it does consider it largely unnecessary.

The bill passed the House by 419-1 and passed 99-0 in the Senate. The legislation was first passed by Congress in 1996 and has been renewed a number of times since then.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the law is important in order to be able to stop Irans persistent efforts to expand its sphere of influence while Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md.  the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee -- said renewing the law is necessary in order to retain a credible deterrent if Iran dodges its responsibilities.

Congress approved the Iran Sanctions Act 20 years ago to block major foreign investment in Iran's energy sector. The goal was to deny Tehran the ability to financially support terrorism and build nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President-elect Donald Trump touched down in wingman Mike Pence's home state Thursday to take a bow for their dramatic, job-saving deal with Carrier air conditioning.

The stop, in the state Vice President-elect Pence still serves as governor, came amid a "thank you" tour of the Midwestern states that helped propel their ticket to victory.

"I will tell you that United Technologies and Carrier stepped up, and now they're keeping over 1,100 people," Trump said. "It's so great."

Trump said he got involved after seeing a report on Carrier's announcement it would leave for Mexico. Trump said he was moved by a Carrier employee and Trump supporter who promised his co-workers that Trump wouldn't let the company leave.

"It's because of that guy," Trump said, scanning the assembled throng and explaining how he reached out to the company's top brass.

"Companies are not going to leave the United States anymore without consequences," Trump thundered, before tempering the threat with pledges for deregulation and lower taxes.

"We're going to do great things for businesses," Trump said. "There's no reason for them to leave anymore."



Before Trump spoke, Pence told his fellow Hoosiers they had cause to celebrate.

"Its a great day for working people all across the U.S.A.," Pence said, speaking before Trump. "The State of Indiana is proud.

"Since the 1950s, Carrier has been a part of Indianas success story, and thanks to our president-elect, Carrier has decided to stay and grow right here in Indiana. We are so grateful."

Trump and Pence were at the factory on the west side of Indianapolis, where they toured the facility they helped keep in the U.S., thanks in part to a $7 million tax break from the Hoosier State.

In February, the heating and air conditioning company said that it would shutter the plant and send jobs to Mexico, and video of angry workers being informed about the decision soon went viral.

Big day on Thursday for Indiana and the great workers of that wonderful state. We will keep our companies and jobs in the U.S. Thanks, Carrier, Trump tweeted Tuesday.

Trump threatened to impose sharp tariffs on any company that shifted its factories to Mexico. And his advisers have since promoted lower corporate tax rates as a means of keeping jobs in the U.S.

By enabling the plant to stay open, the deal spares about 800 union workers whose jobs were going to be outsourced to Mexico, according to federal officials who were briefed by the company. This suggests that hundreds will still lose their jobs at the factory, where roughly 1,400 workers were slated to be laid off.

Also, neither Trump nor Carrier has yet to say what the workers might have to give up or precisely what threats or incentives were used to get the manufacturer to change its mind. The company attributed its decision to the incoming Trump administration and financial incentives provided by Indiana, which is something of a reversal, since earlier offers from the state had failed to sway Carrier from decamping to Mexico.

Todays announcement is possible because the incoming Trump-Pence administration has emphasized to us its commitment to support the business community and create an improved, more competitive U.S. business climate, the company said in a statement released Wednesday.

Trump will later hold a campaign-style rally in Cincinnati, the first of several stops on the USA Thank You Tour 2016 planned this month to revisit the states that helped him capture the White House. Trump, who has long spoken of feeding off the energy of his raucous crowds, first floated the idea of a victory tour just days after winning the election, only to instead prioritize filling some of his Cabinet positions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report


South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has been picked by President-elect Trump as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Haley has been a rising star in the Republican Party after she made the decision to remove the Confederate flag from the state capitol following the shooting deaths of nine people in a Charleston church. Haley initially endorsed Trump rival Marco Rubio for president. If the Senate confirms her, she will represent the countrys interests at the Security Council on a number of issues including nuclear proliferation. Though she is a popular governor, Haley has virtually no experience when it comes to foreign policy.
Archaeologists in England have discovered the remains of 48 victims of the Black Death in a mass grave, just the third such known site of its kind in the United Kingdom.

Among the four dozen bodies found at the site, a medieval abbey in Lincolnshire, England, are the remains of 27 children. The pit was excavated over three summers, and now analysis of DNA found in the teeth of the skeletons has pointed a finger at Yersinia pestis, a bacterium and the culprit of the bubonic plague. Radiocarbon dating has placed the site historically in the 14th century.

To our complete surprise, we found a huge medieval mass grave, Dr Hugh Willmott, a senior lecturer in the archaeology department at the University of Sheffield, said in a video explaining the discovery. A big rectangular pit containing rows of women, men, and a large proportion of children.

HUGE 3,000-YEAR-OLD GOLD 'BELT' UNEARTHED IN THE UK

In an email to Foxnews.com, Willmott, who led the excavation, described the discovery as a a very unexpected and unique find. He explained that the burial pit was initially found in 2013, but that the complex research on the site has only just come together after getting the radiocarbon and DNA results.

Bodies were not the only thing the excavators found at the site; they also discovered a small pendant known as a Tau Cross in the remains of a hospital building.

This pendant was used by some people as a supposed cure against a condition called St Antonys fire, which in modern day science is probably a variety of skin conditions, Willmott said, in a statement.

FARMER'S FIELD YIELDS HOARD OF ENGLISH CIVIL WAR COINS

Over 70 million, and perhaps as many as 200 million, perished in the Black Death between 1346-1353 in Europe, according to the University of Sheffield. Willmott said that the only two other known Black Death burial sites from the 14th century are in London, making this third one an important find.

"The finding of a previously unknown and completely unexpected mass burial dating to this period in a quiet corner of rural Lincolnshire is thus far unique, and sheds light into the real difficulties faced by a small community ill prepared to face such a devastating threat, he said in the statement.

Follow Rob Verger on Twitter: @robverger
Police officers in Australia thought they had a major investigation on their hands when a concerned citizen walked into their station to report a possible homicide.

The member of the public presented police at Maroochydore Station on Queenslands Sunshine Coast with a bagged and tagged circular object he had found that day, according to a police press release.

JAPANESE SKATING RINK FEATURING FROZEN FISH CAUSES A STINK

The man was concerned that the object was a breast implant from someone who may have been murdered or drowned.

Evidence presented at Maroochydore Station smelt fishy from the start, resulting in a unique bust #CSImarine https://t.co/5LfZsqMa2z pic.twitter.com/AbsmrMup6r  QPS Media Unit (@QPSmedia) November 25, 2016

At the mans request, officers seized the object and provided him with a receipt. However, it soon became apparent that a major probe would not be necessary.

Investigations revealed what police suspected the item was indeed a jellyfish! explained the police.
Trailblazing astronaut Buzz Aldrin is being treated for fluid in his lungs at a hospital in Christchurch, New Zealand following his evacuation from the South Pole, according to a statement published on his website.

Aldrin, who made history with Neil Armstrong in 1969 when they became the first men to walk on the moon, was evacuated from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to another Antarctic station by the National Science Foundation on Thursday, local time, and then on to New Zealand.

The evacuation flight for Buzz Aldrin has successfully landed at Christchurch, New Zealand and he has been transferred to hospital for examination, a statement on BuzzAldrin.com reads. He is currently has [sic] fluid in his lungs but is responding well to antibiotics and being kept in overnight for observation.

Official statement about Buzz and his evacuation from the South Pole. He's recovering well in NZ. Full statement https://t.co/OacRI4577Z pic.twitter.com/QdrEaHuQHq  Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) December 1, 2016

His condition is stable and his manager, who is currently with him, described him being in good spirits, the statement added. They also thanked the National Science Foundation for organizing the flights.

Aldrin, now 86, was part of an Antarctica sightseeing tour, along with son Andrew. The elder Aldrin was clearly excited about his adventure to the bottom of the world: "South Pole here I come!" he said via Twitter on Nov. 28.

The National Science Foundation helped provide the air lift via a ski-equipped LC-130 cargo plane from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to McMurdo, and then on to New Zealand on another plane.



The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An unmanned Russian cargo space ship broke up in the atmosphere and crashed over Siberia on Thursday en route to the International Space Station due to an unspecified malfunction, the Russian space agency said.

Roscosmos said in a statement that the Progress MS-04 cargo craft broke up at an altitude of 118 miles over the remote Russian Tuva region in Siberia that borders Mongolia. Most of space ship's debris burnt up as it entered the atmosphere before crashing over what the space agency said was an uninhabited area.

The Progress cargo ship had lifted off as scheduled at 8:51 p.m. local time from Russia's space launch complex in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, to deliver 2.5 metric tons of fuel, water, food and other supplies. It entered an orbit nine minutes later and was set to dock with the space station on Saturday.

Roscosmos said the craft was operating normally before it stopped transmitting data 383 seconds after the launch. The Russian space agency would not immediately describe the cause of the malfunction, saying its experts were looking into it.

This is the third botched launch of a Russian spacecraft in two years. A Progress cargo ship plunged into the Pacific Ocean in May 2015, and a Proton-M rocket carrying an advanced satellite broke up in the atmosphere in May 2014.

But both Roscosmos and NASA said the crash of the ship would have no impact on the operations of the orbiting space lab that is currently home to a six-member crew, including three cosmonauts from Russia, two NASA astronauts and one from the European Union.

Orbital ATK, NASA's other shipper, successfully sent up supplies to the space station in October, and a Japanese cargo space ship is scheduled to launch a full load in mid-December.

NASA supplier SpaceX, meanwhile, has been grounded since a rocket explosion in September on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The company hopes to resume launches in December to deliver communication satellites.
With President Obama's term coming to an end, the sons of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are again calling on the president to clear their mother of the espionage charge for which they believe she was wrongly executed in 1953 in an intense Cold War case.

Michael and Robert Meeropol say their father was a Soviet spy but grand jury testimony shows their mother was not, per the Telegraph. It actually shows Ethel's brother, David Greenglasswho worked at the headquarters of the Manhattan Project and later served 10 years for spyinginitially said he'd never discussed atomic secrets with his sister.

The Meeropols believe Greenglass lied six months later, when he said he saw Ethel transcribing secrets, to cover-up his wife's own role in the case. Greenglass later admitted he was pressured to lie by prosecutor Roy Cohn, who went on to become president-elect Donald Trump's mentor, per the Boston Globe.

With that in mind, the Meeropols say Obama's "presidential proclamation" (a pardon implies guilt, they say) may be their last hope to exonerate their mother in what would be "the first time that the United States has admitted that the federal government has wrongly executed one of its citizens," per the Telegraph.

The brothers plan to deliver a letter and case documents to the White House on Thursday, but they're not alone in this fight, per the Springfield Republican.

They're backed by the Boston Globe editorial board, Michael Moore, Noam Chomsky, and more than 40,000 others who've signed a petition. (Click for more on the case.)

This article originally appeared on Newser: Hope of Exonerating Ethel Rosenberg May End With Trump
If you hate tying laces, and slip-on shoes just aren't exciting enough for your multifarious foot-based exploits, then how about a pair of "power-lacing" sneakers for your feet?

They've been a long time coming, but Nike's much-anticipated HyperAdapt 1.0 footwear -- inspired by the snazzy self-lacing MAG shoes worn by Marty McFly in Back to the Future II -- are finally hitting stores today. Well, two stores, to be precise. Both in New York City.

Costing a cool $720 a pop, the specially designed footwear features automatic "adaptive fit" technology powered by a so-called "lacing engine" located at the base of the shoe. As you slip your foot inside, it triggers a sensor in the heel that causes the shoe to gently tighten. Two buttons on the outside of the sneaker allow for smaller adjustments to give you the absolute snuggest of fits.

Nike released an image of the packaging on Thursday. It shows not only the main attraction, but also a Quick Start guide, charging pucks that magnetically attach to the bottom of each sneaker, and an AC adapter. The sportswear giant says that with average use the incorporated battery should keep the tech functioning for up to two weeks on a single charge. The shoe's built-in lights glow three different colors to let you know the state of the battery. A full charge takes about three hours.

The HyperAdapt shoe was co-designed by Tinker Hatfield and Tiffany Beers. Speaking earlier this year, Hatfield said he believes adaptive lacing could be a hit with athletes as the system provides a "tailored-to-the-moment" custom fit.

"It's amazing to consider a shoe that senses what the body needs in real-time," Hatfield said, adding that the unique design "eliminates a multitude of distractions, including mental attrition, and thus truly benefits performance."

So where exactly can you grab a pair of these flashy, high-tech sneakers? Why, at Nike stores, of course. Both are in Manhattan -- Nike Soho on the corner of Broadway and Spring Street, and the Nike+ ClubHouse at 45 Grand -- which means most of the world's sneaker fans won't have the chance to slip their feet inside a pair. However, Nike does say on its website that the new shoes will be landing in additional select stores later this month. Presumably outside of Manhattan.
What is the secret that elite special forces around the world know about jumping out of aircraft? State-of-the-art canopies - where to find them and how to leverage them to the max.

Jumping with a parachute provides the military with a range of advantages  not least of which is rapid and stealthy insertion of teams.

Highly-trained and experienced special operations jumpers can take average canopies and do amazing things. But equipped with truly next-gen, cutting-edge canopies, they can take things to an entirely new level.

Making ordinary canopies extraordinary

Retired Navy SEAL Fred Williams jumped a lot during his military career. During his service, he began to have some ideas about how the parachutes could be radically improved to enhance the performance of elite forces.

Determined to ensure U.S. forces had the very best gear to support missions and reduce risk to jumpers, when he retired he committed to doing just that. Flying parachutes on top of the world requires confidence, having the right equipment allows us to focus on our personal performance, he explained.

Complete Parachute Solutions (CPS), where Williams is President, took those original ideas and then continued to further refine and evolve them. CPS canopies rapidly became a go-to for elite and covert military teams.

EXCLUSIVE: INSIDE AN EPIC PARACHUTE JUMPING EXPEDITION IN THE HIMALAYAS

The Tandem Phoenix and Military Silhouette are two of the most combat proven parachutes since 9/11. For the past 12 years running, the Military Phoenix has earned the best U.S. military school house track record for reliability and safety of all parachutes used at United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) validated Military Free Fall courses.

The parachutes were recently used during an epic parachute jumping expedition in the Himalayas.

So how are these canopies different to ones youll find all over drop zones in America? Many aspects cannot be shared publicly, but here are some key details that can.

Flying solo

The Military Phoenix Series is an advanced medium-high aspect ratio, moderately tapered, nine-cell tactical main canopy extremely popular for solo jumpers in need of a general use ram-air solo parachute. It provides users with an excellent maximum suspended weight capability.

Parachutes with medium aspect ratios have predictable opening capabilities while high aspect ratios offer a flat glide and the most tolerance for timing the landing flare or maneuver.

What is it made of? CPS manufactures the canopy from an exclusive zero-porosity ripstop nylon material. It is built to provide optimal offset performance.

DARPA DEVELOPS DIGITAL COPILOT FOR MILITARY AIRCRAFT

The MP-360 series is the workhorse of solo operations. For a solo operator who needs to carry full combat equipment and a heavy parachutist drop bag, this model is an ideal solution. Parachutists can use it with loads up to 475 pounds.

It is also a great choice for K9 operations where the team requires a dog or dogs on the mission. An operator can jump the dog in to join the team using this parachute.

The maximum deployment altitude is 25,000 feet and the minimum is 3,000 feet. The rate of descent full flight is between 14 to 18 feet per second. The forward speed is about 20 to 35 mph.

The MP-360 Series is available in two configurations. The MP-M1 series is designed for drogue-fall and free fall operations, while the MP-M2 series can handle drogue-fall, free fall  as well as double bag static line operations.

The U.S. Marine Corps uses Phoenix exclusively in the Multi Mission Parachute System. Marine Recon and MARSOC (Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command) forces train on it while attending the in-service Military Free Fall course at the CPS Tactical Training Facility in Arizona.

Tandem action

U.S. military elite special operations units have been leveraging the Tandem Phoenix series parachutes for the past 15 years.

A NEW COMBAT VEHICLE THAT SWIMS FOR THE MARINE CORPS

The Tandem Phoenix series is also built as a moderately tapered, nine-cell tactical tandem canopy with an advanced medium-high aspect ratio.

The TP-360 is designed for smaller tandem canopy tasks and can handle working loads up to 550 pounds. Solo operators who need to carry heavy rucks or a canine can also use this model.

The TP-360 and TP-400 canopies are constructed entirely of zero-porosity ripstop nylon. But the hybrid constructed TP-460s canopy combines a zero-porosity ripstop nylon on the top surface with nylon ripstop underneath.

On all models, the maximum deployment altitude is 25,000 feet and the minimum is 5,000 feet. The rate of descent full flight is between 14 to 18 feet per second. The forward speed is about 20 to 35 mph.

All models are designed to provide enhanced landing performance during the flare maneuver. They are also built for optimal offset performance with lighter toggle pressure.

Search and Rescue

When search and rescue is necessary, the Military Silhouette canopy is a go-to for special operations forces around the world. It excels at landing in tight areas using braking approaches.

ARMED MUTTS: SELF-DRIVING VEHICLES COULD BOOST THE MILITARYS ARSENAL

The Military Silhouette is also a moderately tapered, nine cell tactical main canopy with a medium aspect ratio.

The maximum deployment altitude is 35,000 feet across all models. The minimum altitude deployment varies by model, ranging from 3,000 feet down to 2,000. The full flight descent rate is 12 to 16 feet per second. And the forward speed with the Military Silhouettes is about 18 to 28 mph.

This series has a hybrid design that gives users some excellent advantages. To name just two of many- it is easily and rapidly packable and provides extremely reliable openings. All the models also provide exceptional, enhanced glide performance.

Operators take full advantage of the excellent, easy maneuverability and stability for search and rescue missions and beyond.
American Airlines has cut nearly 25 percent of its scheduled flights to Cuba for early 2017.

The airline cited weak demand as the primary reason for the move, which drop three daily round-trip flights between the U.S. and Cuba  going from 13 to 10  beginning in mid-February, reports Bloomberg.

The carrier will also operate smaller planes on two of its planned itineraries.

While American travel to Cuba faces uncertainty as President-elect Donald Trump makes his transition into the Oval Office, American Airlines spokesman Matt Miller told Bloomberg that the airline's decision had nothing to do with politics since the decision was made before the Nov. 8 election.

The weak demand leading American to backtrack is partly the result of too much seat capacity, according to Olga Ramudo, owner of Miami-based Express Travel. Ramudo told Bloomberg that she expects other airlines to follow American Airlines' lead by reducing flights in the near future.

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She also notes that Cuba still has a long way to go in terms of building up hotels and other travel infrastructure necessary to accommodate an influx of U.S. travelers. Ramudo noted that the repressed desire to visit Cuba many within the airline industry had anticipated isn't as overwhelming as originally thought.

American Airlines was one of more than a half dozen carriers to begin service to the Cuban capital of Havana this week. And according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines will complete as many as 500 flights to Havana by the end of 2016.
Officials say former American astronaut Buzz Aldrin, one of the first men to walk on the moon, has been evacuated by plane from the South Pole for medical reasons.

LEGENDARY ASTRONAUTS CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING OF NEW SPACE EXHIBIT

An association of Antarctica tour operators said Thursday that 86-year-old Aldrin was visiting the South Pole as part of a private tourist group when his health deteriorated.

It said he was taken on the first available flight to McMurdo Station, a U.S. research center on the Antarctic coast. It described his condition as stable.

RICHARD BRANSON UNVEILS SUPERSONIC 'BABY BOOM' PASSENGER JET WITH BOOM TECHNOLOGY

The National Science Foundation, which manages the U.S. Antarctic program, said Aldrin would be flown from McMurdo to New Zealand.

Aldrin became the second man to walk on the moon in 1969 as part of the U.S. Apollo 11 mission.
You know what they say-- dance like nobodys watchingexcept maybe in Brussels.

If you find yourself in the Belgian city, club owners might want you stop dancing altogether because it turns out your moves are costing them quite a bit of money.

Authorities in Belgiums capital have now started to reinforce a tax on dancing. The tax, first introduced in 2014, requires cafes, bars and nightclubs to pay the government about 40 cents per every dancing customer-- each night. Though it's been two years since the law was enacted, it wasnt strictly enforced. But now, Belgian authorities are now clamping down on unpaid fees in the lead-up to the busy Christmas season.

IT'S NOW SHOCKINGLY CHEAP TO FLY TO EUROPE

The tax inspector explained that the tax is based on the number of people dancing, Nicholas Boochie, the artistic director of club Bonnefooi, told website Bruzz. Boochie says his nightclub was recently hit with a $2,100 fine, which caught him off guard.

I first thought it was a joke, Boochie said, but it really does turn out to be true.

According to the citys finance department, dancing in public can be costly for Brussels as the activity entails additional expenditure, in particular in the field of safety, public peace and public order. The dancing tax allows the government to pay for any damage control.

But it's not just Bonnefooi that has to pay up, of course.

Marc Van Muylders, of Horeca Bruxelle, said his establishment was also hit with the tax. Sometimes taxes are applied, but there are not enough officials to collect them, he said.

Boochies establishment has even asked patrons to refrain from dancing in humorous posters on its windows. The club is contemplating a peaceful dance-protest against the tax, reports the BBC.

ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO TRY THE WORLD'S LONGEST PUB CRAWL?

This isn't the first time the city has penalized club owners for dancers. Brussels first introduced the dancing tax in the 1950s. Inits modern iteration, the tax is levied against establishments, not individual dancers. The city says numbers are estimated by tax assessors who visit the area, not by official bar head counts or receipts.

In a statement, Brussels's finance alderman, Philippe Close said that city inspectors have been patrolling the Rue des Pierres, the street Bonnefooi is on, to keep an eye on where people are going to dance. No one is supposed to ignore the law, he said.

Close said that 38 other establishments have been fined this year.
At least five people were killed while three children at a daycare center were injured after powerful thunderstorms and possible tornadoes swept through the South overnight and into Wednesday morning, officials said.

Jackson County Chief Deputy Rocky Harnen said early Wednesday that three people living in a mobile home in the northeastern community of Rosalie, Alabama were killed. Another person in the home was critically injured, he added.

Emergency officials said at least a dozen more people were injured early Wednesday in the severe weather that hit the South.

The National Weather Service was assessing damage from multiple possible tornadoes across the region. At least five hit Alabama, and three more struck southern Tennessee, and one confirmed in Louisiana and at least four in Mississippi, forecasters said.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency spokesman Dean Flener says a husband and wife died and two others were injured in Polk County. He said at least seven injuries were reported in nearby McMinn County. He didn't have further details on what happened.

Officials in DeKalb County, Alabama said the possible tornado hit a closed day care center in the Ider community, injuring seven people, including three children.

"Those that were injured at the day care center had left their mobile home to seek shelter in the building," said Anthony Clifton, DeKalb County Emergency Management Director.

Clifton said 50 to 60 homes in the county had been damaged with about half of them destroyed.

Harnen said there were a number of other injuries and estimated that 16 to 20 structures in the county have been destroyed. He could not give an exact number of injuries. The suspected tornado affected an area of homes and businesses that covered nearly half a mile, Harnen said.

Harnen and Clifton said authorities were searching door to door before dawn Wednesday for any other damage and injuries.

Tornadoes and hail were also reported Tuesday in Louisiana and Mississippi. In Mississippi, the National Weather Service in Jackson said late Tuesday that it had counted six confirmed tornadoes so far in the areas of the state it monitors.

Despite dozens of tornado warnings, authorities said no one was injured in Mississippi, but six homes were reported destroyed in one southeastern county. Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley said he came upon a UPS truck that was blown onto its side and hit a pickup truck.

"I've never driven through something like this in my life," Presley said.

Rain provided some relief for Tennessee which has been dealing with wildfires. Firefighters were still checking for hotspots, officials said.

Some people had to deal with more than one problem.

One crew that spent all Tuesday night fighting fires in Gatlinburg, Tennessee left the fire scene only to help respond to a tornado in McMinn County, Tennessee, said Fire Chief Bill Roach of Englewood, Tennessee.

"They're wore out," Roach said. "They've had very little sleep, and I know I've had two hours since Monday morning. We're to our limits."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Two gang members have been sentenced to prison for killing a man in south Los Angeles because he wore red sneakers and a red shirt.

Kevin Johnson and Kanasho Johns received sentences Wednesday of 50 years to life and 53 years to life, respectively.

They were convicted last month of murdering 19-year-old Tavin Price in May of last year.

Prosecutors say a defendant approached Price, who was developmentally disabled, at a car wash and asked about his gang affiliation because he was wearing red.

Authorities say soon after, Johns shot the teen four times in the back and chest.

Price wasn't a gang member.

A third man, Dwight Smith, pleaded guilty in August to voluntary manslaughter and is facing 12 years in state prison.
The Latest on a California woman who authorities say was abducted and held for three weeks (all times local):

2:30 p.m.

A California sheriff says a mother who was held captive for three weeks is unable to fully describe her two female abductors because their faces were covered most of the time.

Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said Wednesday that the Spanish-speaking suspects also kept the head of 34-year-old Sherri Papini covered during much of her ordeal.

Papini went missing Nov. 2 while jogging near her home in Redding. She was dropped along Interstate 5 near Sacramento on Thanksgiving.

Bosenko said authorities are trying to do a sketch of the suspects based on Papini's limited recollections.

Papini told investigators one of the women had long curly hair, thin eyebrows and a thick accent. The older suspect had straight black hair and thick eyebrows.

Bosenko urged anyone with information on the case to come forward and told residents to stay cautious until the suspects are identified.

___

11 a.m.

A California sheriff says the abductors of a woman who was held captive for three weeks branded her with a message before she was released.

Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko told "Good Morning America" on Wednesday (http://abcn.ws/2gx7urR) that the suspects may have been trying to humiliate Sherri Papini by cutting off her long blonde hair and branding her.

Bosenko declined to elaborate on the branding, saying only that it was a message, not a symbol.

Papini's husband has said his 34-year-old wife was covered with bruises and burns and was chained at the waist and wrists when she was found along Interstate 5 near Sacramento on Thanksgiving.

The mother of two small children disappeared while jogging Nov. 2 near her home in Redding.
The Latest on a car-and-knife attack at Ohio State University (all times local):

4:15 p.m.

A preliminary autopsy shows the attacker at Ohio State University died from gunshots to the head and chest.

A campus police officer shot the Somali-born student within a minute of his car-and-knife attack that left 11 hurt on Monday morning.

The coroner's office in Columbus said Wednesday that it could take eight more weeks before it can issue a final report on the death of Ohio State student Abdul Razak Ali Artan.

Investigators said Wednesday that the 18-year-old bought a knife on the morning of the rampage, but it's not clear if that's the weapon he used.

The FBI also says the investigation has not found that anyone else was involved in the attack or the planning of it.

Authorities are looking into whether the attack is linked to terrorism.

___

2:15 p.m.

The FBI says a Somali-born student who carried out a car-and-knife attack at Ohio State University may have been inspired by the Islamic State group along with a former al-Qaida leader.

Law enforcement officials said Wednesday that it's too soon to say the rampage that hurt 11 people on Monday was terrorism.

The FBI says it is looking to verify whether Ohio State student Abdul Razak Ali Artan posted rantings on Facebook about U.S. interference in Muslim lands on the morning of the attack.

Police also say Artan bought a knife before the attack but do not know if that was the weapon he used.

The 18-year-old was fatally shot by a police officer shortly after driving into pedestrians and then slashing people with a knife.

___

11 a.m.

Ohio State University students are continuing to offer messages of support following an attack on campus that injured nearly a dozen people.

All four panels of a two-sided board in the student union were filled with messages Wednesday, two days after 11 people were hurt in a car-and-knife attack carried out by OSU student Abdul Razak Ali Artan.

Writers using markers have contributed Bible verses, famous quotations and well-wishes to both the victims and police.

A number of students stopped by Wednesday to check out the board. Around them, a tour guide led prospective students and their parents out into the drizzling morning.

Artan was fatally shot Monday morning by a police officer shortly after the attack began.

Columbus police planned an update on the investigation later Wednesday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says its famed Hurricane Hunter aircraft are moving from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa to Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, about 30 miles east of its current location.

NOAA announced the new home Wednesday for its two Lockheed WP-3D Orion "hurricane hunter" aircraft, along with its Gulfstream IV-SP. The planes fly in and around tropical storms to measure their intensity and forecast their path.

The Air Force told NOAA earlier this year that it needs the hangar space at MacDill and told the agency to move by July 1, 2017. NOAA operations will officially begin in Lakeland on May 1. NOAA will be leasing over 100,000 square feet of space that includes a $13.1 million build out for hangar, office and shop space.
A Washington police officer died late Wednesday after being shot several times while responding to a domestic violence call, officials said, adding that the suspect was shot and killed after an 11-hour standoff.

Police said rescuers freed a girl and boy who the unidentified gunman had used as human shields inside the home where he was holed up.

MOMENT OF SILENCE: WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY HONORS OFFICER KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY

The killer was shot at approximately 3:30 a.m. Thursday, Pierce County Sheriff's Department spokesman Ed Troyer said, adding that the gunman refused to surrender during negotiations.

The male officer, who has not been named, was shot with a gun inside the home. The officer was pronounced dead at 9:13 p.m. local time after undergoing emergency surgery at Tacoma General Hospital.

He was the 132nd officer to die in the line of duty this year, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. More than 60 of the 132 were shot to death. At least eight were responding to reports of domestic disturbances.

SECOND FUGITIVE CALIFORNIA INMATE CAPTURED AFTER SWAT TEAM STANDOFF

"We've suffered a great loss and I think the community has suffered a great loss," police spokesman Loretta Cool said. "I don't know how to put that into words."

Cool said earlier that the neighborhood in Tacoma had been locked down while officers from multiple agencies were "working to bring it to a peaceful resolution."

Drivers were told to avoid the area and neighborhood residents were told to remain indoors.

The incident began at around 4 p.m. when two officers responded to the home after a report of a verbal dispute. Cool said the officers called for backup "a very short time later" and shots were fired almost immediately after reinforcements arrived.

It wasn't immediately clear what led up to the shooting.

The Tacoma News Tribune reported that several people inside the home were able to get out following the initial shooting.

In a statement, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said he and his wife Trudi were sending their thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of the officer.

"All of Washington grieves with Tacoma, which tonight lost one of their finest. Our hearts are with the men and women of the Tacoma Police Department, their families, and their brothers and sisters in law enforcement across Washington."

Click for more from Q13Fox.com.

Click for more from The News Tribune.
A 28-year-old man was arrested in Louisiana on charges of killing and dismembering his parents at their Tennessee home.



Joel Michael Guy Jr. was arrested Tuesday on a fugitive warrant in Baton Rouge, the Knox County Sheriff's Office said. He's accused of killing his parents, Joel Michael Guy Sr., 61, and Lisa Guy, 55.

They are believed to have been killed Friday or Saturday.



The Tennessee sheriff's office, in a news release, said both victims were stabbed and dismembered, with remains found in multiple rooms in the house. Portions of the remains were discovered in an acid-based solution, in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.



"Both suffered multiple, vicious stab wounds as well as dismemberment," sheriff's Maj. Michael MacLean tells WBIR-TV.



He called the crime scene "gruesome."



"It would be described as horrific -- a very gruesome crime scene," said MacLean, adding that there was no indication why the remains were scattered.



Authorities said the suspect, who lives in Baton Rouge and attended LSU until last year, had visited his parents for the Thanksgiving holiday.



The parents were last seen Friday. Signs indicate they struggled, said MacLean, who added that authorities believe Guy stayed in the house after the bodies were dismembered.



Investigators spent much of Monday going through the couple's home after they were told the mother didn't show up for work.



MacLean said authorities with the FBI, the Knox County Sheriff's Office and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office placed Guy under surveillance during the past few days and apprehended him at his Baton Rouge apartment Tuesday when he tried to get into his 2006 Hyundai Sonata.



Guy has declined to talk with authorities. Online jail records did not list an attorney for him.



MacLean has said Guy allegedly needed money and met with his parents to discuss that issue. He said Guy has two sisters in Maryville and another in Kingsport. The sheriff's office spoke with them but they told investigators their brother didn't give them any indication that anything was wrong.



Officials expect to return him to Knox County in the next couple of days.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested in Louisiana on charges of killing and dismembering his parents at their home in West Knox County, Tennessee.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office says Joel Michael Guy Jr. was arrested Tuesday on a fugitive warrant in Baton Rouge. He's accused of killing his parents, 61-year-old Joel Michael Guy St. and 55-year-old Lisa Guy. They are believed to have been killed Friday or Saturday.

The sheriff's office says both victims were stabbed and dismembered, with remains found in multiple rooms in the house. Portions of the remains were discovered in an acid-based solution, in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.

Authorities say the suspect, who lives in Baton Rouge and attended LSU until last year, had visited his parents for the Thanksgiving holiday.
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The suspect accused of fatally shooting a 4-year-old Albuquerque girl during a road rage dispute with the child's father is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, with his attorneys saying he'll enter a plea to a count of second-degree murder.

Tony Torrez's attorneys say they reached a deal with prosecutors that calls for him to enter an Alford plea and accept a 16-year prison term in the death of Lilly Garcia, who was riding in her father's pickup truck when she was shot. An Alford plea means Torrez does not admit guilt but acknowledges there is enough evidence to convict him.

Torrez had been charged with first-degree murder, which carries a life sentence. A jury trial in the high-profile case was scheduled to begin Thursday before attorneys announced they had met a Wednesday deadline for a plea agreement.
A Pennsylvania day care worker is facing criminal charges after authorities say she coaxed 3- and 4-year-old children to use obscenities and took videos of them doing it.

Twenty-four-year-old Rashanna Gyles, of Allentown, was charged Thursday with a misdemeanor count of corruption of minors.

Gyles was a bus monitor at Creative Minds Daycare Academy in Allentown. Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin says she had a half-dozen children direct obscenities toward another child. Authorities say she made videos of them and sent one to a friend, who called police.

The video wound up on Facebook, and has been viewed nearly 170,000 times.

A phone number could not be located for Gyles. Court records say she'll be assigned a public defender.

State regulators have revoked the day care's license.
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Detroit's police chief says these are "troubling times" for the city with the latest officer slain in the line of duty and others being targeted.

Chief James Craig attended Thursday's funeral of Wayne State University police canine Officer Collin Rose at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in suburban St. Clair Shores.

It was the third funeral for a Detroit police officer killed in the line of duty since September.

Before entering the church, Craig said he's "never seen a time like this. ... I want the public to know the dangers that our heroes are facing."

No officers were hurt in two shootings targeting police within 24 hours of Rose's funeral.

Rose was shot in the head Nov. 22 as he tried to make an arrest.
A Nevada education philanthropist is calling for Las Vegas-area schools and college campuses to declare themselves sanctuaries for undocumented students, staff and family members who might face deportation.

The Rogers Foundation board chairwoman Beverly Rogers said Wednesday that President-elect Donald Trump's pledges to deport immigrants would ruin students' futures and violate their basic American right not to live in fear.

Trump promised during his campaign to create a "deportation force" and to end temporary protective status for students in the U.S. illegally.

Rogers says she sent a letters to the Clark County School District, UNLV, College of Southern Nevada and Nevada State College.

Organizers in other states have called for schools to refuse to share students' personal information with immigration officials or allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on campus.

The nonprofit Rogers Foundation was founded in 2013 by Rogers and her husband, wealthy television station mogul and Nevada state university chancellor Jim Rogers. He died in June 2014.
A suspect with a criminal history stormed a bank in Florida and took 11 hostages during a standoff that lasted hours before he surrendered, police said Thursday.

Nicholas Daquan Humphrey, 23, pointed his gun at hostages' heads and made a series of demands, investigators in Jacksonville said. Sheriff Mike Williams told reporters the demands included money and bringing family members to the scene at the Community First Credit Union.

This is the mugshot of bank hostage suspect Nicholas Daquan Humphrey from a February arrest https://t.co/xwXZ8v99lb pic.twitter.com/ilFnBk6Xfq  ActionNewsJax (@ActionNewsJax) December 1, 2016

One of the hostages texted a friend to say the suspect appeared nervous, Fox 30 reported.

GUNMAN DEAD AFTER SHOOTING THAT KILLED WASHINGTON POLICE OFFICER

It was unclear whether anybody was hurt. Investigators denied initial reports that people were shot. Officers used a battering ram to break down the bank's front door as the standoff ended.

Humphrey was likely to face charges including armed kidnapping and robbery, the sheriff added, saying the suspect did not work at the bank. He brought a dog inside, Williams said, adding that the animal was safe after the standoff.



A message from CEO and President John Hirabayashi. pic.twitter.com/EExgndHIas  Community First CU (@CommFirstCU) December 1, 2016

SECOND CALIFORNIA FUGITIVE INMATE ARRESTED AFTER STANDOFF

Police had arrested Humphrey at least twice earlier in the year on charges including domestic violence and driving on a suspended license, Fox 30 added.

Aerial video showed several hostages slowly walking out of the bank some two hours after the standoff began. The hostages apparently included employees and customers.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office acknowledged that the sheriff identified the wrong man as a suspect shortly after the standoff ended Thursday.

Latasha Sherman told Fox 30 her 18-year-old son was working inside the bank -- and that hours after she started trying to call him, he texted her back saying he was safe. She said he'd been working at the bank for just a few months.

Law enforcement officers ordered people to evacuate the area while the hostage situation was under way.

Two 911 calls initially came in -- one reporting a robbery, and one reporting gunfire, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Melissa Bujeda told reporters.

Click for more from Fox 30.
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Jurors in the Michael Slager murder trial will resume deliberating the fate of the white former South Carolina patrolman charged with killing a black motorist.

Slager is charged in the shooting death of 50-year-old Walter Scott, who was shot five times in the back while running from a traffic stop in April of last year.

Although Slager was charged with murder after cellphone video of the shooting surfaced, Circuit Judge Clifton Newman told jurors Wednesday that they could consider a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter.

The jury of one black man and 11 whites will return to the Charleston County Courthouse to resume deliberations Thursday. The judge instructed them in the law and they began their discussions late Wednesday, considering the case for about an hour before breaking for the night.
Since President-elect Donald Trump's victory, people have taken to social media with concerns and fears about the incoming administration. Riots, protests and the creation of safe spaces on college campuses have rose in the wake of an election that has left the country deeply divided.

But Ali Olaikhan, a Muslim-American, argues Trump's comments were taken out of context.

I'm a Muslim, and I know what he says about Muslims, said Olaikhan. I understand what he means. He's talking about the terrorists or the extremists, of course."

Trump, a billionaire real estate mogul and reality TV star, stunned the nation as he pulled off one of the biggest political upsets in history. Olaikhan said he was happy, but for the majority of registered Muslim voters, the election elicited a much different reaction.

The first word I said when he won was chaos, Abbas Abdul, a truck driver and former Department of Defense contractor, said. I expected something to happen the next day.

A YEAR AFTER SAN BERNARDINO ATTACK, FAITHFUL SEEK UNITY

Both Abdul and Olaikhan were born in Iraq and worked as translators for the United States military forces in the early 2000s. They served in regions such as Ramadi and Mosul, some of the most violent places in the world  experiencing firsthand the devastating impact of terrorism.

Only 4 percent of registered Muslim voters planned to vote for Trump, whereas 72 percent planned to vote for Hillary Clinton, according to a survey by the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR).

Trumps campaign proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the U.S. sparked distrust among the Muslim community and was partly responsible for the deep rift among Muslim-American voters, said Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, Founder and President of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy.

I think that Muslims on both sides of the equation heard him say, We are going to ban Muslims. Imagine if our Founding Fathers said, We ban Christians who were against the Church of England, said Jasser. That doesnt make sense, because those are the Founding Fathers  it was a battle against theocracy. And I think many of the Muslims who were battling against theocracy sort of listened to that.

ISIS MIGHT HAVE INSPIRED OHIO STATE ATTACKER, FBI SAYS

However, some argued the attack Monday at Ohio State University, which left 11 people injured and was under investigation as an act of terror, supported Trumps claims of the need for extreme vetting to prevent Islamic extremists from entering the country.

Olaikhan said he didnt blame Trump for proposing the ban, and understood Trumps motivation was not to harm Muslim-Americans, but rather to protect America from more terrorist attacks.

To be honest, Islam's reputation right now is really messed up, says Olaikhan. I dont blame American people when they get scared of Muslims.

Abdul, who voted for Hillary Clinton, believes its not the ban that has Muslims concerned, but rather a narrative which Abdul claimed pushed the trigger for violence.

A few days ago, I was in the bar, a couple people are around the bar drinking, and I had my beer, and they were like, Hey, what do you think about whats happening? Do you guys [Syrian refugees] deserve to be here? I was like, Are you serious right now? Abdul said.

Incidents like the one above have incited fear in minorities after Trumps victory. However, Jasser believes while Trumps rhetoric can be troubling at times, the real cause for worry is actually media bias  and the failure to fairly cover all aspects of the Muslim community.

Yes, we have some concerns, but fear-mongering is un-American and un-Islamic. If you look at the numbers of hate crimes, no objectified, fact-based American Muslim can say that theres more hate crimes against Muslims than the Jewish community, said Jasser. And yet, all of the bandwidth of the American media has been about Muslims. The Jewish community understands that striving on fear mongering does not help either the Jewish community or American.

Hate crimes motivated by religious bias accounted for 1,354 offenses reported by law enforcement in 2015, 51.3 percent of which were anti-Jewish, and 22.2 percent anti-Islamic (Muslim), according to the FBIs Hate Crimes and Statistics report.

Despite conflicting views of who is best suited to run the country, both Abdul and Olaikhan agree the next four years boil down to one crucial issue: defeating ISIS.

A lot of Muslims they like him, most of the Muslims I know like Trump, says Olaikhan. They like him because he is serious about ISIS, and serious about the tax and the middle class.

Abdul also hopes to see Trump make good on his promise to eradicate terrorism, and his message to the President-elect is pretty clear, go fight the terrorists out there, wherever they are.
North Carolina's governor is pardoning an innocent man who spent nearly 25 years in prison until after the FBI admitted analysts it trained in tracing hair evidence repeatedly gave flawed evidence.

Gov. Pat McCrory's office said he called Timothy Scott Bridges on Thursday to tell him about the pardon of innocence. It makes Bridges eligible to receive up to $750,000 for the 24 years and seven months he was unjustly imprisoned.

Bridges was released from prison 13 months ago. He was sentenced to life for the 1989 rape of an 83-year-old Charlotte woman.

The prosecution built its case on microscopic hair analysis, which was often described as wrongly identifying individual persons. An FBI-trained Charlotte police analyst testified two hairs found at the crime scene likely came from Bridges.
The driver in a Chattanooga school bus wreck that killed six children last week has declined to be interviewed by federal crash investigators on advice of his lawyer.

The National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday that it has filed subpoenas to obtain 24-year-old driver Johnthony Walker's medical and mental health history. Investigators are also seeking his cellphone records and employment details from his second job with Amazon.

The NTSB's final report is expected to be presented within 18 months.

The six children died on Nov. 21 after the bus carrying 37 students hit a mailbox and utility pole, rolled onto its side and then crashed into a tree.

Walker's attorney, Amanda Dunn, has said she expects him to plead not guilty if a grand jury indicts him for vehicular homicide.
In a move to show respect to all religions, a school district in Oregon has decided to ban religious-themed decorations in the classrooms during the holidays.

The decision, which was revealed on Tuesday, bans decorations with images such as Santa Claus, according to KATU.

CURIOUS BEAVER IN MARYLAND DECLARES WAR ON CHRISTMAS

The school district released a notice to staff:

"You may still decorate your door or office if you like, but we ask that you be respectful and sensitive to the diverse perspectives and beliefs of our community and refrain from using religious-themed decorations or images like Santa Claus."

"It really went out as a notification to staff, not even parents, just to make sure they are being sensitive and thoughtful as they enter the holiday season," said Beth Graser, communications director for Hillsboro School District.

As expected, some parents are not happy with the new rule and believe it's unnecessary.

Click for more from Fox 8.
A Tacoma, Wash., police officer was shot and killed late Wednesday while responding to a domestic violence call that prompted an hours-long standoff with the suspect, who had barricaded himself inside the home.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page website, at least 132 officers have died in the line of duty -- 59 because of gun violence -- this year. Twenty officers died in November, marking the highest monthly tally in 2016 so far.

California and Texas have seen the most officer deaths this year.

Of the dozens of cases in which officers were gunned down by suspects, a handful have resulted in a long standoff where the suspect was barricaded inside a home.

In early October, Palm Springs, Fla., officers Gil Vega and Lesley Zerebny were shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

The man inside the home opened fire as officers approached the front door, killing Vega, a 35-year veteran on the force and Zerebny, who had just returned from maternity leave. He also wounded a third officer.

The suspect, later identified as John Felix, barricaded himself inside the home for approximately 12 hours before he was taken into custody by members of the Riverside County Sheriffs Office SWAT team.

In February, Fargo, N.D., police officer Jason Moszer, 33, was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call. The suspect, who was armed with multiple long guns, barricaded himself inside the home. After an 11-hour standoff, the suspects body, which exhibited a gunshot wound, was located inside the home.

On Thursday, Tacoma Police spokeswoman Loretta Cool said the officer, who still hasnt been publicly identified, was pronounced dead at the hospital.

"We've suffered a great loss and I think the community has suffered a great loss. I don't know how to put that into words," Cool said.

Early Thursday morning, a shootout between the suspect and Tacoma police led to the officer's death. Two children inside the home were rescued, officials told Fox News.

It wasn't immediately clear what led up to the shooting.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
After the election of Donald Trump some Texas State University students like Raymond Garcia began to feel uneasy.

"Oh definitely I have friends who are immigrants, family who are immigrants, a lot of people who were definitely feeling for their safety, their livelihood," Garcia said.

UW-MADISON STUDENTS DEMAND SANCTUARY CAMPUSES FOR IMMIGRANTS

Some fear Trump, as President, could do away with DACA -- that's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Basically, protection for qualifying undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.

"If they're coming here, if they want an honest education, if they want to be here and they want to work, they should be able to come here to the United States and do that but they should definitely be able to come to the campus and do that and not feel worried about being hazed or being pressured," said Texas State student Nikolas Farrell.

DONOR CALLS FOR 'SANCTUARY' AT VEGAS-AREA SCHOOLS, COLLEGES

Farrell helped organize a petition urging university officials to make Texas State a sanctuary campus.

As of Wednesday morning there were more than 900 signatures, including Raymond Garcia's.

"I'm hoping that they will make it a sanctuary campus because I definitely feel that every student regardless of what their immigration status is should be able to feel safe and should be given that space at their own university," Garcia said.

Earlier this week Texas State president Denise Trauth told students in a letter, "I have become aware of a growing national movement to support the needs of immigrant students and a petition that is circulating at our University. I am reviewing these initiatives and determining what the Universitys role should be."

So should the school decide to adopt the policy, what would that mean for DACA students?

"Our goal would be to give them full protection and say 'Hey as long as you're here you're safe.' However we realize that there's only so much that the president of the university can do, and that we can do and we can only bend the rules so much," Farrell said.

Governor Greg Abbott has threatened to cut off funding for sanctuary cities.

Click for more from Fox 7.
Thousands of dollars and well-wishes have been pouring in from across the country for the family of a father of four who was shot dead on Black Friday as he tried to stop a 21-year-old man from battering a woman in the parking lot of a Walmart in San Antonio, Texas.

Police told local news station KSAT 12 that the good Samaritan father, 39-year-old Isidro Zarate, was trying to stop 21-year-old Teles Juarez from assaulting the woman when Juarez pulled a gun and fired multiple shots at him.

'GOOD SAMARITAN' WHO SHOT DEPUTY'S ATTACKER GETS NEW GUN

According to The Washington Post, at about 4 p.m. as he waited inside his car in the parking lot for his wife of 22 years, Lisa Benavides, Zarate noticed Juarez and a woman arguing. Juarez reportedly grabbed the woman by her hair and started beating her.

Police say Zarate pulled his car up to the couple and shouted at Juarez, "Take your hands off her." At that point Juarez reached for his gun.

"All [Zarate] did was verbally say, 'Take your hands off her,' " San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters. "At that point, the assailant pulled a firearm and started shooting."

He died in the parking lot after a gunshot hit him in the neck. A woman riding in the car with him was hit by shrapnel or flying glass and a stray bullet also flew through the Walmart parking lot, wounding a third woman.

Juarez was later arrested after he fled the scene.

Click Here to Read the Full Story at ChristianPost.com
A pickup truck rammed through the front door of a Walmart in Iowa Thursday morning, killing three people, police confirmed.

Never quite seen a photo like this - Injuries reported after truck crashes through Wal-Mart doors in Pella https://t.co/Bs4sw8aHlv  Allen Vaughan (@AllenVaughanDMR) December 1, 2016

The crash in Pella appeared to be an accident -- not intentional, according to investigators. State police told Fox News there was "nothing suspicious" about the crash.

STUDENT DIES AFTER EAST TEXAS SCHOOL VAN HIT BY A TRUCK

Investigators said at least two other people were hurt, including the truck driver. None of the people killed or injured were children, Patrol Sgt. Nathan Ludwig said.

"Were heartbroken by what appears to be a tragic accident," Walmart told WHO-TV.

A photo posted by the Des Moines Register showed the truck stopped in the produce section with debris scattered across the floor.

Crews evacuated the store after the crash. Fire trucks and ambulances rushed to the scene.

Pella is about 40 miles southeast of Des Moines.

Fox News' Ruth Ravve and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A woman in Rochester, New York, remains hospitalized with what police describe as "horrific" injuries after she was mauled by a pit bull before officers shot and killed the dog.

Police say 33-year-old Maria Schaffer is in guarded condition at a hospital Thursday, a day after she was attacked by a pit bull outside a home in Rochester. Officials say she suffered multiple wounds including extensive injuries to her arm.

When police arrived about 1 a.m. Wednesday, Schaffer was naked and the pit bull was "biting and chewing" various areas of her body, police say.

Three officers fired several rounds at the animal, killing it but also wounding the dog's owner, Jamie Cruz, 34.

The womans life was in danger, Deputy Chief Scott Peters said. I have no doubt that the officers actions saved this womans life. Again, shes in critical condition, shes expected to survive, but the amount of wounds that she has on her body is just horrific.

The dog owner's neighbor Louis Crocitti said his family heard the commotion just after 1 a.m. He grabbed a bat and started to run to the woman's aid, but police arrived quickly.

"I backed off because I knew they were going to get out and have to shoot the dog," Crocitti told the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A woman who police say was chained in a storage container for two months by a man charged with killing seven people is suing her alleged captor.

The woman filed suit Wednesday in Spartanburg County, where authorities say Todd Kohlhepp kidnapped the woman Aug. 31 after talking to her and her boyfriend about hiring them to clean up his property.

Deputies say Kohlhepp fatally shot her boyfriend that day, then locked the woman in the container, where deputies eventually found her.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from Kohlhepp for intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, assault and battery.

Court records didn't list a lawyer for Kohlhepp.

The Associated Press isn't naming the woman because the suspect is a sex offender, though authorities haven't said whether she was sexually assaulted.
Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka has rejected terror charges that two Czech nationals face in Turkey.

Miroslav Farkas and Marketa Vselichova were arrested Nov. 13 in Sirnak province while trying to cross the border to Iraq, and charged with belonging to a terror group.

The Foreign Ministry said Turkish authorities found materials that linked them to YPG, a Kurdish group that has been battling the Islamic State militants with the aid of U.S. airstrikes but which Turkey considers a terrorist group.

Addressing Parliament's lower house on Thursday, Sobotka said there's no reason to think that the two were traveling to Syria to commit any terror act and that they didn't do anything illegal according to Czech law.

Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek will travel to Turkey Dec. 13 to discuss their case.
Italian police have arrested the fugitive boss of a powerful 'ndrangheta clan who ran illegal operations from the southern Calabria region north to Lombardy.

Police video show an unarmed Marcello Pesce being taken into custody before dawn Thursday in the bedroom of a home where he had been in hiding in the clan's stronghold of Rosarno. Police also arrested a father and son staying in the same home.

Pesce escaped capture by police in April 2010, and was later convicted in absentia of Mafia association charges and sentenced to 16 years and eight months. He is considered one of the most powerful bosses of the Calabrian 'ndrangheta organized crime syndicate.

Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said the arrest "confirms our daily commitment in the fight against organized crime."
Describing the battle to defeat ISIS in Mosul as very dangerous fighting, Col. John Dorrian, U.S. spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, told Fox News he estimates 20 percent of Mosul has been freed of the militants so far, after more than six weeks of tough fighting by Iraqi forces backed by U.S. airstrikes and support on the ground.

The Iraqi forces are working very hard to get this done, Dorrian told Fox News via Skype from Baghdad, but they are up against a fanatical enemy.

ISIS MIGHT HAVE INSPIRED OHIO STATE ATTACKER, FBI SAYS

Making things more complicated: the million-plus residents of Mosul said to have stayed in the city when the fighting began. Officials this week said some 650,000 residents no longer had access to clean drinking water.

Dorrian defended the decision by Iraqi authorities to tell civilians to remain there, noting there were no facilities outside of the city to handle a massive outflow of refugees.

PURPORTED ISIS NEGOTIATOR SEEKS $100M FOR ARREST, JAILING

As casualties mount, there is added pressure to get the job done. A route leading west from Mosul to ISIS-held ground in Syria is cut off and four of five bridges in Mosul have been taken out, as forces move in from the northeast and south.

The Iraqi security forces have completely encircled the city, Dorrian noted, saying the terrorists are largely going to be destroyed in place.

But how long will that destruction take? Dorrian would not commit to a timeframe with Fox News, only noting that that the last time militants were wiped out of Mosul it took U.S. forces several months.

Its going to take some time, he concluded, but ultimately the flag of Iraq is going to be raised in the center of the city.
The Obama administration is introducing a last-minute barrage of costly environmental regulation pronouncements that Republicans have vowed to repeal as soon as possible after Donald Trumps January 20 presidential inauguration.

The recent outpouring adds to the administrations dubious record of producing more than 600 major regulations -- those estimated to cost more than $100 million each -- during its tenure, according to a study by the American Action Forum, a Washington-based think tank.

Case in point: an announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency, one of the administrations most energetic rule-makers, on Wednesday that after lengthy study, it would push ahead with tougher greenhouse gas emission standards, equivalent to 54.1 miles per gallon fuel efficiency, for passenger cars and light trucks for the years 2022-2025.

EPA says the standards will prevent emission of some 6 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases over the vehicles life span. Technically speaking, EPAs administrator has until April 18, 2017, to make a so-called final determination about the rules -- but is doing it sooner, the agency says, for reasons of long-term regulatory certainty and stability.

Translation: EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy is certain to be out of the job by then, and the ruling will likely hit a brick wall in a much more climate-skeptical Trump administration.

The public has until December 30 -- three weeks before Inauguration Day -- to comment on the move.

Within hours, the EPA announcement was decried by Sen, Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, as another administrative avenue for President Obama to force his climate ideologies on American businesses and consumers, through a fuel economy program that is broken and rife with inequalities.

Inhofe said he looked forward to working in the next Congress with the new administration to pare back all of the legacy-saving regulatory actions this administration will continue to advance as their January 20 deadline approaches.

Inhofes legacy-saving jibe was apt enough: the fuel economy final determination makes explicit reference to the Paris climate agreement signed by the U.S. and more than 190 other countries, which also came into force this month -- and from which President-elect Trump vowed on the campaign trail to withdraw (Trump has since declared he is keeping an open mind about the document.)

Moreover, the determination, while it makes no additional regulations post-2025, makes the case for further emissions reductions, averaging 4.3 percent annually, for the following quarter-century in order to meet the long-term goals of the Paris agreement.

Cars and trucks are hardly the only products to get the eleventh-hour regulatory treatment from EPA and other agencies, in the waning months of the administration.

In August, EPA and the Department of Transportation finalized additional follow-on standards through 2027 for emissions from medium- and heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles that the agencies said would save 1.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases, even while they pushed up the price of big trucks by some $14,000 by some estimates.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx called the new rules a huge win for the American people. The estimated cost of the regulation, according to American Action Forum, is about $29.3 billion.

The EPAs first-ever regulations covering methane emissions from the oil and gas industry were finalized in May, and significantly toughened from an earlier version. They are now the focus of a court battle led by the state of Texas, which called the tough emission standards a gross demonstration of federal over-reach.

Meantime, the most expansive -- and expensive -- regulatory change of all, the administrations Clean Power Plan, which aims to reorganize much of the nations entire electrical generating system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, has been stayed by the Supreme Court while an appeals court rules on its legality.

But there is much more. In all, estimates run to nearly 100 new rules that could still emerge from administration agencies before power passes to the Trump administration; earlier this month, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy officially warned federal agencies not to finalize any more rules and regulations before inauguration.

As the latest passenger car and truck determination shows, the message hasnt exactly gotten through. Republicans have further threatened to use the Congressional Review Act starting in January to repeal any regulation the Obama administration finalized after May 30, but that too could prove to be more work than they realize -- with the administrations final rule-making binge as the ultimate tsunami.

The biggest single force behind the latest upwelling of gas rules is the goals that the Obama administration set to cut U.S. greenhouse emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, and 26 to 28 percent by 2030 -- long after the administration departs.

In its second biennial report on progress toward those goals, presented earlier this month, at a follow-on to the United Nations-sponsored Paris climate agreement meeting in Marrakech, the Administration announced that factoring in all of our planned additional measures, including measures that have been proposed by not yet finalized, the U.S. was on track to hit the 17 percent figure.

The additional measures also have the potential to drive our emissions down to 22-27 percent below 2005 levels by 2025 -- tantalizingly close to the draconian stretch goal.

Among the areas where the additional gains could come: changes in U.S. land-use and forestry; new standards for equipment and appliance efficiency, tougher building standards for energy efficiency, and even greater adoption of biofuels.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SECOND BIENNIAL REPORT

The administration also has been seeking to lock in its efforts internationally, through new multilateral agreements and integrated greenhouse reduction plans with neighboring Canada and Mexico.

As part of a 20-nation effort called Mission Innovation, the administration announced, among other things, that it hoped to double U.S. spending on clean-energy research and development to some $12.8 billion by 2021 -- even though the Obama team will be long gone.

A billionaires club of tycoons, including Bill Gates and George Soros, also have been enlisted in the effort, to mobilize billions more in private-sector financing for the clean-energy effort.

A shower of additional clean transportation and infrastructure projects were further included in the Obama administrations proposed 2017 budget, ranging from the start of a $7 billion annual spend on advanced rail technology to $750 million more toward a promised $3 billion for the U.N.-sponsored Green Climate Fund, which Congress has already opposed without success.

An administration spokesperson underlined to Fox News that clean energy R and D has enjoyed bipartisan support during a number of administrations and across sectors. The official pointed to a Senate Appropriations Committee endorsement last April of more than $37 billion in energy and water development funding.

The Obama budget is now a dead letter, in the process of being replaced by short-term financing for the federal government through the early months of next year.

Republican legislators have vowed that the short-term fix will itself be a clean project -- that is, not festooned with special interest deals and boondoggles, or any of the huge laundry list of projects contained in the still-born budget.

They could even succeed. But the real challenge may come in the mountain of infrastructure spending that President-elect Trump and the opposition Democrats seem to agree is needed to jump-start American economic growth in 2017 and the years ahead.

A mammoth wave of spending, after all, is how the Obama administration launched itself in the first place on its path to a legacy that the victorious Republicans now say they deplore.

The administration spokesperson put it this way: While we cant speak to what the future administration may or may not do, investing in clean energy R & D to increase U.S. competitiveness, strengthen infrastructure and enhance national security remains an important priority for the Obama administration.

George Russell is Editor-at-Large of Fox News. He is reachable on Twitter at @GeorgeRussell and on Facebook at Facebook.com/George.Russell
New satellite photos published by a group investigating the human rights abuses in North Korea have confirmed that secret prisons where detainees are tortured, raped and murdered are expanding in terms of size.

The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea said the photos it obtained, with the help of AllSource Analysis, a leading global provider of high-resolution Earth imagery solutions, affirmed previous fears that North Korea's infamous Camp No. 25, believed to be keeping around 5,000 political prisoners, is growing.

UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL SET TO TIGHTEN SCREWS ON NORTH KOREA

As the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea explained, political prisoners in Camp No. 25 and other such camps are among the "primary targets of a systematic and widespread attack" by the regime of Kim Jong Un.

In these prisons, people are subjected to "murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence, persecution on political grounds, and the enforced disappearance of persons," according to the commission.

While the identities of the prisoners in that particular camp are not known, several persecution watchdog groups, including Open Doors USA, have long been documenting the intense persecution religious minorities face in the country, particularly Christians.

"Getting information out of North Korea is notoriously difficult. That is what makes the fact that it remains number one on the World Watch List even more amazing. We don't even know how many Christians have been martyred in North Korea. Yet, it remains at the top. That's because it uses all of the powers of its government to suppress Christian faith, to punish even the most basic of things such as owning a Bible," Open Doors CEO David Curry told The Christian Post in January.

Click Here to Read the Full Story at ChristianPost.com
BRISTOLLike many residents of the Mountain Empire, Gatlinburg was the vacation spot for Tiffany Porter and her family while she was growing up.

For that reason, she has an emotional connection to the Tennessee tourist town in the Smoky Mountains that was decimated earlier this week by wildfires.

Wiping away tears Wednesday morning, the Twin City resident said she was glued to the news Monday night when the details of the devastation began to emerge.

There is such an emotional connection to both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg partly because so many people from here vacation there or have property, Porter said. I cant even begin to count how many times as a child growing upGatlinburg would be our annual family vacation.

The biggest fire in the state in 100 years destroyed more than 700 homes and businesses. By Wednesday afternoon, the death toll climbed to seven.

Porter and several other local residents got together and decided they had to do something to help the more than 14,000 residents who were displaced. And Porter wanted to take a hands-on approach.

I was able to get in contact with the American Red Cross and explained to them that we wanted to help out in any way we could, Porter said. They came back to me with a list of items that they needed the most and from there, we did what we could and started collecting items.

Just a little more than 24 hours later, Porter had gathered 5,561 items, including blankets, non-perishable food items, toys, coats and hygiene products.

All were packed into two cars and delivered Wednesday to Boyds Bears Barn building in Pigeon Forge, which has been designated a drop-off location

Collecting all these items and delivering them was a miracle, Porter said. I cannot believe what just a small group of people accomplished and I cant describe exactly how I feel right now.

Tennessee Emergency Management officials said Wednesday that more than 200 people are still in three Red Cross shelters in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Sarah Basel, regional communications director for the American Red Cross of Tennessee, said Wednesday afternoon that more than 10,000 meals and snacks had been served inside the shelters.

We have received a lot of donationswhich is wonderful, Basel said. This community in particular and the surrounding area has been so supportive and really is making a difference.

Basel said they remained hopeful that Wednesdays rain would extinguish the fires completely. But she added that her staff is taking it one day at a time.

We will be open as long as residents need us to be in town, Basel said. These people have lost everything and they need a place to stay, a hot meal, and we will continue to provide that.

The Red Cross continues to accept financial donations. While physical donations have been helpful, she said sometimes they dont have enough resources or time to sort through every single item collected.

There are several drop-off locations across Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, but a very simple way that people can donate is simply by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, Basel said. That money along with the donations will surely be put to good use in Gatlinburg.
The genre of Americana has become a big tent for acoustic music with folk or blues influences. No group stretches the definition of that term as much as Durham, N.C., band Bombadil.

Over the course of 11 years and five albums the band has combined catchy indie-pop, folk, and art-rock. The lineup includes founding member Daniel Michalak, James Phillips (who joined the band in 2007), and recent addition Stacy Harden. The band is a collaborative effort, with songs written by all of the members.

I think the diversity in styles comes from having several composers in the band, and being free to write whatever we want, said Michalak. Sometimes songs have just a single writer, sometimes two, sometimes three, sometimes fourso that provides a lot of different combinations. Stacy, who joined last year, is just starting to put compositions into the band now. But thats a big part of the group, were all creatively in charge.

Previous Bombadil albums have reflected the diverse musical interests of the band members. When asked about the bands current musical influences, Michalak threw out R. Kelly, ELO and old-time string band music. The bands most recent album, released in 2015, was Hold On, and featured a wide range of styles and also instruments, including horns and strings.

I definitely had a love of arrangement and lots of weird instruments or different instruments, said Michalak. I think we all do, and that comes across. The album was a chance to do something very different from the live show. It was a creative opportunity, just a lot of fun. Recording is very different from playing live, so we just tried to take advantage of that.

Hold On received critical acclaim and the song Amys Friend was used in the soundtrack to the movie Trainwreck. But rather than try and repeat that formula, the band is now taking a totally different approach and creating a more sparse and unified sound for their upcoming album and tour.

This record we want to try to make very simple, very continuous, very similar sounding, said Michalak. Usually Bombadil records are all over the map, theres a piano ballad then theres a country song then theres some kind of hip-hop stuff and then Americana-folk or whatever. For this record, we wanted all of the songs to be the same. We tried writing in the same key. We tried copying melodies, trying to be very boring. Boring in the sense of really limiting the creativity to a very few things.

That simplicity is also carrying over to Bombadils live performances. The band has been playing around a single condenser microphone. They are also sticking to minimal instrumentation with just bass, guitar and kick drum on most songsfocusing instead on vocal harmonies. They consider this tour to be a long rehearsal for the new record, which they plan to record in San Francisco this winter with famed producer John Vanderslice (Spoon, Mountain Goats).

Most of the time, we put out a record and have no idea how to play any of the songs, so our goal with this new record is to know how to play all the songs when the record comes out, said Michalak. With the music I had done before, the live show was presenting it to people but were just trying to reverse that.

Bombadil will be bringing their new sound to The Camel in Richmond on Dec. 6. They plan to split their sets and play half older songs and half newer songs that will be on their upcoming album.
LOVING (PG-13) 3.5 STARS

This story of the Caroline County couple whose marriage ultimately made miscegenation laws unconstitutional is powerful, but not because its a typical courtroom drama.

Instead, director Jeff Nichols tells the story by following the life and love of Richard and Mildred Loving, simple people who didnt need Virginia or the U.S. Supreme Court to tell them they were right for each other. But the film isnt idealistic about loveit does demonstrate the hardships and emotional toll suffered by the Loving family because of a Virginia law prohibiting people of different races to marry.

Nichols drama, beautifully shot in scenes of seasons changing that emphasize the passage of time, starts in 1958 when the couple whod grown up as sweethearts in Central Point decide to get married. Much of it was shot in Caroline County, several scenes at the courthouse in Bowling Green.

Because it was against the law for them to marry in Virginia, the quiet Richard and shy Mildred go to Washington to be married, returning home as happy newlyweds to live with her parents.

That bliss is shattered when the Caroline County sheriff sneaks into the house in the middle of the night to arrest a shocked Richard and a by-then pregnant Mildred, carting them off to the Bowling Green jail.

A lawyer eventually works out a deal with the countys circuit court judge to let the couple avoid prison time if they plead guilty and leave the state to live elsewhere.

While those arrest scenes have their own power, this isnt a melodrama, and the film follows the Lovings and their growing family to Washington D.C.

Mildred wants the children to have green grass to run in and open spaces to call their own. Both husband and wife miss the friends and family that are central to their lives in a community where whites, blacks and native American have mixed for generations.

Eventually they sneak back and dare living on a farm in King and Queen County. A letter Mildred sent to Bobby Kennedy eventually finds its way into the hands of ACLU lawyer Bernard Cohen.

That connection is the one that eventually leads to the case of Loving v. Virginia before the U.S. Supreme Court, which takes almost a decade to come about.

What makes the film so powerful is the way Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton so completely become this husband and wife so devoted to each other.

It isnt through big speeches, overt shows of affection or grandiose deeds, but instead through a gentle touch, a knowing look or a smile at realizing life was complete when they were together.

But few lines are as powerful as the one Richard Loving utters when Cohen asks him if theres anything hed like to tell the justices of the Supreme Court.

Yes, he says, Tell them that I love my wife.

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements. 123 min.[RF]

MOANA (PG) 3 STARS

Disney delivers a wonderful animated tale once again, with a story that mixes Polynesian heritage with a young girl finding her purpose in a movie where the music sounds as good as the images on screen.

Stars Aulii Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson are spot-on as young princess Moana and demigod Maui, who set out on a voyage to restore balance to a world where the spirit of nature is threatened.

While its a wonderful story for young and old alike, there are a few frightening moments that will scare the very young.

Rated PG for peril, some scary images and brief thematic elements. 103 min. [MC, PV]

ALLIED (R) 3 STARS

This classy throwback to old World War II films is a melodramatic thriller that grabs you and doesnt let go.

Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard are perfectly cast spies who meet while undercover in German-occupied Casablanca. At first, they are wary of each other in a world where trust and caring can get you killed.

They pull off that first mission and Marianne (Cotillard) relaxes her professional standards after their shared mission leads to a different kind of sharing.

She follows Max (Pitt) to London, where hes a wing commander when not going undercover.

But can spies ever leave the layers of deception and subterfuge behind? Thats the question the film poses, a worry that director Robert Zemeckis never lets moviegoers forget.

Pitt and Cotillard are the perfect actors for the part, in roles that Alan Ladd and Lauren Bacall might well have filled in an earlier time.

Cotillard seems plucked from another era, looking like she was born to wear 40s gowns and bright-red lipstick. Its hard to tell where the actress begins and Marriane ends.

Theres enough action to firmly anchor the story in 1942, from the mission in Morocco to bombings in London and Maxs covert mission in France.

But while the action keeps things hopping, the conflict here is more emotional, as the lovers who give themselves to each other are forever wondering what they might not know.

Rated R for violence, some sexuality/nudity, language and brief drug use. 124 min. [MC, PV, RF]

RULES DONT APPLY (PG-13) 2 STARS

This film written, directed, produced by and starring Warren Beatty is as odd and off-key as the eccentric billionaire at its center, Howard Hughes.

Its a gamble that doesnt work, because the stories of an actress and a driver who work for Hughes arent all that interesting or important.

Better stars and directors have tried and done a better job trying to help audiences understand the odd and eventually unstable Hughes.

Its sad and telling that Beatty has spent so many years of his life creating this slow, clunky, uneven and eventually unsatisfying film.

Rated PG-13 for sexual material including brief strong language, thematic elements, and drug references. 126 min. [MC, RF]

BAD SANTA 2 (R) 1 STAR

Crude, gross and not the least bit funny, this sequel arrives like a chunk of coal in your stocking.

While the first film was dark and more than a bit irreverent, the juxtaposition of a sleazy Santa and robber elf with the holiday season found a comedy sweet spot.

This one shows itself in the first minute to be a grab for sequel dollars, as Willie (Billy Bob Thornton) manages to vomit, urinate on his living room floor and try to hang himself in the films first 5 minutes.

Things only get worse from there, largely because the normally classy Kathy Bates tries to out-gutter Thornton while playing Willies Mom.

With a horrible haircut, running about looking sloppy in her underwear and swearing in a way that would make sailors blush, shes actually hard to watch.

Thats par for the course here. Its one painful scene after the next, from the thin plot about Willie and his little-person partner Marcus (Tony Cox) robbing a charity to the goofy return of the chubby boy, Thurman (a much bigger Brett Kelly) who is as clueless as ever.

Only Christina Hendricks gets out with her dignity intact, though she does fill the same role as Lauren Graham from the first film, having sex with Santa.

Instead of shocking and silly, this is all just boring and crass.

The sequence that runs during the credits, involving graphic male nudity, shows how far the filmmakers wentand missedin search of laughs.

Rated R for crude sexual content and language throughout, and some graphic nudity. 92 minutes. [MC, PV, RF]
A Henrico man who shot and killed the husband of his daughters mother during a child-custody exchange in Stafford earlier this year, was convicted of first-degree murder Wednesday.

Corey Andrew Terry, 27, shot 20-year-old Austen Agnor seven times May 20 in the parking lot of the now-closed Exxon station on Courthouse Road, just down the street from the Stafford Sheriffs Office.

Terry entered an Alford plea to the murder charge in Stafford Circuit Court a week before a scheduled three-day jury trial. Though an Alford plea technically means Terry doesnt admit guilt, it carries the same effect as a guilty plea.

In exchange for Terrys plea, prosecutors Lori DiGiosia and Ryan Frank dropped charges of using a firearm in the commission of a felony and receiving a stolen firearm. The dropped charges have no real effect on the sentence Terry could receive when he is sentenced March 27, since first-degree murder carries a potential life sentence.

According to the evidence presented by DiGiosia, Austen and Crystal Agnor got married in October of last year. Austen Agnor returned from Army training to the couples new residence in Maryland two days before his death.

Crystal Agnor planned to meet Terry in Stafford because it was a central location for the court-ordered custody exchange. In a recorded phone call she had with her former boyfriend earlier that day, Terry made a number of threats, including, Im going to smoke your family and his family.

The Agnors did not take the threats seriously, DiGiosia said, and drove together to Stafford as planned. Terry, who had no drivers license, rode to Stafford with his cousin and her boyfriend.

The two cars parked about 70 feet apart and Terry walked to the Agnor vehicle to get his 2-year-old daughter. The child called Austen Agnor Daddy and said she didnt want to go with Terry.

Terry took the child to his vehicle, DiGiosia said, then jogged back to the Agnor vehicle. Austen Agnor was sitting in the passengers seat by this time with the windows up.

Terry suddenly pulled out a gun and shot Agnor seven times, three times in the chest, three times in the arm and once in the head. DiGiosia said the arm shots came from Agnor trying to shield himself from the unprovoked attack.

He unloaded every bullet in the gun, and then he ran, DiGiosia said.

Crystal Agnor called 911 and yelled hysterically, He shot my husband. He killed my husband. A bystander took the phone from her and told police that the suspect had run across Courthouse Road onto the ramp leading to Interstate 95 before disappearing into the woods.

The gun, which had been reported stolen in Woodbridge, was found in the grass off the ramp. Terry was apprehended without incident about 90 minutes later when a state trooper found him hiding behind a boat at Airport Auto Sales at U.S. 1 and American Legion Road.

Attorney Elizabeth Hutson, who along with attorney Amr Ahmed is representing Terry, said Terry acted in the heat of passion and noted that the incident was preceded by a bitter two-year custody battle.
A Richmond County man was stabbed Wednesday morning during an incident that authorities say had nothing to do with hunting, despite rumors to the contrary.

Richmond County Sheriff Stephan Smith said that Timothy Walker, 51, was stabbed in the 900 block of Snyder Road, not far from his home near Montross, between 9 and 10 a.m. Wednesday. Shawn Grant, 36, of King George County was charged with aggravated malicious wounding, the sheriff said.

The sheriff said Walker was taken to Mary Washington Hospital, where he remains hospitalized. The investigation is ongoing.

Grant and Walker have known each other for almost 20 years, and Walker used to live in King George, the sheriff said. Grants Facebook page is filled with photos of him with deer and turkeys hes bagged, as well as pictures of his hunting dogs.

A Nov. 26 post marked the end of the first week of dog hunting. Killed a few deer, had some good chases, Grant wrote, Im wore down and my 4 legged friends are wore out.

Grant was hunting Wednesday morning with his dogs, but Smith said his office determinedin spite of stories circulating to the contrarythat the stabbing was not caused by a dispute that arose when Grant went on Walkers property to retrieve his hunting dogs.

The sheriff said the two men were in their vehicles on Snyder Road. One of them had stoppedSmith wouldnt say which oneand when the other stopped, the stabbing occurred.

Ive been getting calls all morning, and what I can tell you is this: It was not related to hunting at all, Smith said.

However, the issue of hunting dogs wandering onto private property where hunting isnt allowed is a contentious one in his rural county and throughout the Northern Neck.

Virginia is one of few states with a right to retrieve clause that allows hunters to venture onto private land to get their hunting hounds.

Hunters maintain that dogs dont know where property boundaries are, they merely follow the scent in pursuit of game.

But landowners say hunters purposely let their dogs loose on small tracts of land, knowing theyll quickly roam onto private property.

In most counties east of the Blue Ridge, its legal for hunt clubs to line public roads with their dogs to hunt deer.

For almost 10 years, the General Assembly has considered bills that would address the disputes between hunters and landowners.

A bill put into law July 1 made trespassing by hunters using dogs a Class 3 misdemeanor if the act involves the intentional release  of hunting dogs on the lands of another to hunt without the consent of the landowner.

The bill also punishes a second or subsequent offense committed within three years as a Class 1 misdemeanor and could result in the loss of a hunting license for one year.
On The Farm, a six-part Free LanceStar series about agriculture in the region, has won the Virginia Farm Bureau Federations top honor in its annual Journalism Awards competition.

The newspaper received the 2016 IsheeQuann Award for Media Excellence, which recognizes the best of all print, radio and television entries. According to a Farm Bureau press release, the award is named for Jeff Ishee and the late Homer Quann. Ishee is the near-legendary farm reporter for Harrisonburgs WSVA radio who hosts the PBS Virginia Farming TV program and operates a daily, web-based farm news service, the release said. Quann served as WSVAs farm news director for several decades and was known as the most dedicated agricultural reporter in Virginia, according to the release.

For the second year in a row, The Free LanceStar also captured the Members Choice Award, which honors media nominated by Farm Bureau members and selected using the same criteria as other categories.

Published in July, the newspapers series looked at the measures some farmers are taking to stay on the farm, such as hauling equipment to 10 different counties, as acreage devoted to fields and pastures diminishes. The series also looked at those striving to get on the farm for the first time, agritourism and the farm-to-table movement.

Reporters Kristin Davis, Cathy Dyson, Vanessa Remmers and Amy Flowers Umble collaborated to plan, develop and write the series. Photographers were Peter Cihelka, Dave Ellis and Suzanne Carr Rossi; editors were Jonas Beals and Katherine Shapleigh; and designers were Gail Choochan, Amanda Montag and Karen Wonsik.

The Farm Bureau judges wrote that The Free Lance-Star produced a carefully crafted and richly detailed week-long series that took readers onto the regions farms. They said the newspapers sweeping features start with compelling leads that draw readers into the story. They take agricultural topics and humanize them to make a connection between farmers and non-farmers.

The Free Lance-Stars entry also included a story on the last 4H Show and Sale at the Fredericksburg Livestock Exchange and the Secretariat display at Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.

Also in the competition, Vic Bradshaw, reporter for the Daily News-Record in Harrisonburg, won for daily newspapers and the Rappahannock Record in Kilmarnock won for weekly papers.

For the sixth consecutive year, the news team at WHSV TV 3 in Harrisonburg won the television category and Frank Wilt of WSVA, the radio category.

Award winners were honored Nov. 29 at the Farm Bureaus annual convention at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs.

We continue to be impressed by the amount of coverage modern media gives to agriculture, said Wayne Pryor, president of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, the states largest farmers advocacy group. These reporters are dedicated to covering many of the same issues of concern to our Farm Bureau members, and they often present them in ways to which the average reader or viewer can relate.
Campaign dollars should go to worthier causes

I have always been very disturbed with the amount of money spent by candidates running for president. The total spent on the last election was unbelievable.

How many of our poor and homeless could have been fed with that money? The recent school bus accident in Tennessee, where six children died, has revived the discussions regarding mandates for seat belts on all school buses. Virginia does not require this safety feature.

The major concern for legislators is the cost to protect children. It could cost $5 billion to put belts on all buses in the nation. I wonder how many seat belts could have been purchased with the money spent on that ridiculous presidential election.

Margaret Lowry

Stafford
Like most people who are fabulously empathetic physicians as well as very fine scientists, [people like Davidson] get the connectivities, said friend Dr. Marc Lippman, now the deputy director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of Miami but once Davidsons mentor for that summer job. Before translational became a vogueish word, they understood there were implications for the work they did and there was a moral and ethical imperative to make things better for people.

Getting the connectivities also hints at Davidsons approach to scientific leadership.

As of Thursday, Davidson became the senior vice president and director of the Clinical Research Division of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; the president and executive director of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Fred Hutch's clinical care partner; and the professor and head of the Division of Medical Oncology of the University of Washington School of Medicine. Davidson will also be focused on strengthening connections between the research centers that make up the Fred Hutch/UW Cancer Consortium: Fred Hutch, UW School of Medicine, UW School of Public Health, Seattle Childrens Hospital and SCCA.

I think by nature Im a bridge-builder, Davidson said. Thats part of the reason Im attracted to the position [in Seattle], and I imagine thats one of the reason the leaders in Seattle thought I might be a reasonable candidate. This is what Ive done for my entire career. I think that medical oncologists are very good at team science, and were very good at team care: Its at the forefront of what we do.

Prior to her new role, Davidson was the director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, a position she has held since 2009. Dr. Edward Chu, who served as deputy director of the institute under Davidson, said that Davidsons bridge-building style served the Pennsylvania institute well.

Shes very inclusive, she very much wants to get input from the other senior leaders here at the center, the program leaders, the shared resource leaders, and also from the individual cancer members, said Chu, who has known Davidson since early in their careers. I think her view is, get critical insight from the people on the ground to hear what the strengths and weaknesses of whatever initiatives are being developed, and then come together and work with the leadership to come up with a decision that is well-reasoned and thoughtful and that can ultimately help to further the science that is being conducted by cancer center members.

As proof of her style, he pointed to the institutes success in two arduous cycles of review to renew its elite status as an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. The most recent renewal, Chu said, the Pittsburgh center got its best-ever score in the process.

In truth, being a cancer center director is a very difficult position. Its a very difficult job, because you have many different constituencies, he said. Every cancer center has different challenges and I think the key is how to work with different groups to come up with a solution that works for everyone  I think shes been extraordinarily successful.

Advancing breast cancer care from the lab through clinical trials

The daughter of two geologists, Davidson has always had science running in her veins. From those early summers spent camping out for her fathers fieldwork, she eventually found herself drawn to the excitement of biology for the insights it offered into how life works. Later, an undergraduate research experience in a liver cancer lab at MIT sparked her interest in cancer and sealed her decision to pursue medicine.

From her fateful summer in Lippmans lab at NCI, Davidson kept her focus on breast cancer research, with the hormonal work shed begun there forming a cornerstone of her career.

Hormones circulating in a patients blood, especially estrogen, can have a major effect on the growth of some types of breast cancer. Some breast cancer cells, for example, have receptors on their surface that recognize hormones. For these cancer cells, hormones like estrogen act like a fuel.

Davidsons team was the first to describe how the activity of one of the estrogen receptor genes is regulated by epigenetic factors that affect how the DNA code is read and eventually translated into proteins. She also has contributed foundational research to our understanding of how estrogen deprivation and other therapies trigger breast cancer cells to kill themselves through apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

True to Davidsons dedication to translational research, her lab studies paved the way for new clinical trials of drugs that exploit these pathways to kill breast cancer. She has also led several critical clinical trials that have advanced the care of breast cancer patients, for example, establishing a combination chemotherapy and hormone therapy regimen for premenopausal women with the disease.

Large-scale clinical trials are massive undertakings. They typically involve a network of investigators at multiple institutions around the country, even around the world, who must work together to secure funding, plan the trial, gather data, troubleshoot the inevitable glitches, and report the findings. Davidson led the committee that oversaw breast cancer trials for one such large cancer-research network, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group.

Davidson, Lippman said, is a socially graceful person with a gravitational force who is a natural at navigating these difficult and vitally important efforts.

That progress that has changed the face of the disease, making it so that now the majority of women are cured  even though thats true, it hasnt happened because someone said, Ah, heres the magic solution. Its been very incremental  5 percent here, 3 percent there, on these lengthy, complicated trials in which you see small benefits involving hundreds and hundreds of people, doctors and nurses and researchers. Lippman said. Its a numbing amount of effort to get these incremental gains, and thats one of her most remarkable contributions.

She knows how to engage and empower

In addition to her new leadership roles at the Hutch, UW and SCCA, Davidson will also be continuing what, for her, is one of the things shes most proud of in her career: providing quality care to people with breast cancer.

I hear from them [former patients] from time to time and Im happy that I was able to touch lives in a positive way, Davidson said.

One of these is Lancaster, Penn., resident Judy Ochs. Davidson treated Ochs breast cancer starting in the early 1990s.

Davidson was the first doctor Ochs had seen after her diagnosis that made her feel safe, she said, giving her confidence that she was getting the best care. The doctor has given her two gifts in life, Ochs said: empowerment and hope.

She isnt the type of person who says, Youre going to be OK, this is going to be fine, said Ochs, who turns 72 this month. She does it in a different way: her confidence, her knowledge.

Ochs remembers how, after reviewing her file, Davidson pulled out a piece of paper and wrote down what was known about Ochs condition, the available treatments and ongoing clinical trials. The two talked about Ochs options and Ochs decided on a double mastectomy based on her cancers likelihood of recurring on the other side, as well as systemic treatment on a clinical trial.

She has such a natural ability, she can not only educate you, she knows how to engage and empower, Ochs said about her former doctor. She allowed me to be part of my treatment.

Ochs remembers that she was stunned when Davidson  the founding director of the breast cancer program at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University and later the universitys first chair of breast cancer research  called her on a Saturday to see how Ochs was feeling on the new anti-nausea meds that shed prescribed.

I remember her saying, There but by the grace of God go I; we could switch places, Ochs said. She made herself very human to me. She never made me feel that I was in the presence of someone I had to treat a special way. It was a working relationship. She was easy to understand. If you asked her a question, shed answer it, and if she didnt have all the information, shed say it.

A wider view

For Davidson, serving as both a clinician and a researcher is a powerful way to ensure that her research is solving real patient concerns, and to bring science to bear to improve the care of her patients  a bidirectional flow, she said.

It allows you to understand the importance of your science. It allows you sometimes to see how scientific ideas can have an impact on the lives of individual patients. Its allowed me to be a good clinical trialist, to think about how one can bring an evidence-based and hopefully research-focused, where appropriate, mindset to care in the clinic, Davidson said. And of course it also allows you to see the kinds of problems that youre facing with individual patients in the clinic and think about how they can be elucidated.

And with the opportunities she has been given throughout her career to serve as a leader, she said, shes been able to think about how the thrill she experienced in the breast cancer lab years ago is spreading throughout all oncology, and how she can facilitate that.

This excitement about this relationship between the biology in the laboratory and the things that you could do in the clinic  that excitement over the last few years is if anything even more in melanoma, in kidney cancer, in lung cancer, in multiple myeloma, in diseases where for a long time we didnt have a whole lot to offer. But because of our enhanced understanding of the molecular underpinnings for these diseases, there are now so many things you can do, said Davidson who served as president of two national professional societies in cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (2007 to 2008) and the American Association for Cancer Research since 2016.

That kind of excitement is really what has driven me to think about the position [in Pittsburgh] and the position Im going to be taking with [the Hutch and its partners].

Susan Keown, a staff writer at Fred Hutch, has written about health and research topics for a variety of research institutions, including the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reach her at skeown@fredhutch.org.
Pankauski Hauser PLLC Offering Free Webinars

Law Firm offering two webinars throughout December, both of which will allow Florida Bar Members to receive CLE Ethics Credits.

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Beginning Dec. 1, Pankauski Hauser PLLC is offering two free Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Webinars, approved by the Florida Bar for ethics and general credits for Florida Bar members.

Launching on Dec. 1 at noon, the first webinar, Advising the Estate Planning & Probate Attorney, is a two + hour ethics CLE course. It is designed for attorneys who prepare estate plans, draft wills and trusts, and administer estates. Florida estate planning attorneys are eligible for 2.5 hours of ethics credits.

With a focus on legal malpractice, probate matters, settlement agreements, and ethical rules surrounding an estates and trust practice, this webinar is structured to provide Florida bar members with not only ethics credit, but also the advice of a seasoned AV Preeminent rated attorney - in fact, both webinars will feature John Pankauski, managing partner at Pankauski Hauser PLLC.

Pankauski Hauser PLLC exclusively represents clients in matters involving disputes, trials and appeals surrounding estates, business, wills and probate.

"Our probate litigation law firm represents beneficiaries, trustees and executors throughout Florida when disputes develop for wills, trusts, administration, inheritances, investment losses, beneficiaries' rights and many other estate, business, property & probate topics," said Pankauski. "This webinar will provide estate planning and probate lawyers with not only ethics credits, but the perspective of a probate litigator. You'll hear everything about pitfalls and traps, to the most recent malpractice appellate decisions, to the changing law and trends, as well as lots of ethical rules and best practices."

The second webinar, Ethics for Florida Probate Lawyers, will begin on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. This one-hour course is designed to target attorneys whose practice involves wills, trusts, estates and guardianships. As with Pankauski's first webinar, there will be a focus on ethical issues and the duties which Florida bar members must uphold.

Both webinars are free to Florida Bar members and will provide CLE credits to those who participate. Pankauski Hauser PLLC urges those interested to RSVP to Amanda@phflorida.com to receive the link to participate. If you miss the live webinar, check back at www.phFlorida.com, where links will provide you access to the audio file and visual presentation.

For more information, please visit http://www.phFlorida.com

Contact Info:

Name: Amanda Phillips

Organization: Pankauski Hauser PLLC



Source: http://marketersmedia.com/pankauski-hauser-pllc-offering-free-webinars/150646

Release ID: 150646

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Law Offices of David L. Carrier Opens New Portage Office, Wins Award, and More

With new Portage office open, firm also now ranks as one of country's fastest growing and recently sponsored a world-record marriage vow renewal at WMU, The Law Offices of David L. Carrier reports

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With a brand-new office now open at 3275 Cooley Drive in Portage, Mich., The Law Offices of David L. Carrier, P.C., has been in the news for other reasons, as well. On October 8, an event sponsored by the firm set a new world record for simultaneous marriage vow renewals. With Guinness Book of World Records officials certifying the feat, the gathering at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo saw 1,201 couples promising again to remain together for life.

Only weeks later, The Law Offices of David L. Carrier was named one of the nation's fastest-growing law firms by the Law Firm 500 award team. With independent auditors verifying its impressive 86.64% growth rate, The Law Offices of David L. Carrier ranks 52 among the rarefied elite that sits atop the country's nearly 50,000-strong cohort of active law firms. With these major developments coming on the heels of the September 26 Grand Opening of the firm's new Portage office, those seeking Michigan Probate Attorneys, Portage Estate Planning Lawyers, or assistance with elder law matters will find in The Law Offices of David L. Carrier a highly experienced, especially capable ally.

"For nearly forty years, I've enjoyed the many challenges and rewards that the legal profession has to offer," said firm founder David Carrier, "We've helped over 10,000 families plan for the future and assisted many more with elder law issues and other legal matters. Even with so many satisfying experiences to look back on, though, these last couple of months have been some of the most exciting and momentous yet. From the opening of our new office in Portage to being recognized as one of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, things are looking brighter than ever. We even had the pleasure of sponsoring a world-record-setting marriage vow renewal gathering at Western Michigan University. We look forward to many more such memorable events and promise to maintain the quality of service that has brought us so far."

In 2009, a bicentennial celebration at Ohio's Miami University was the scene of a get-together where 1,087 married couples renewed their vows at once. That Guinness Book of World Records feat stood unchallenged until October 8, when 1,201 couples attending a homecoming celebration at Western Michigan University set a new, official high-water mark.

As one of Michigan's most engaged, trusted, and successful law firms for decades, The Law Offices of David L. Carrier was an appropriate sponsor for the event. Having opened a new office in Portage only weeks before, the firm was instrumental in making the world-first mass vow renewal possible.

With The Law Offices of David L. Carrier also securing an impressive placing in the Law Firm 500 list of the nation's fastest-growing practices, the last couple of months have been especially exciting for the firm's founder, attorneys, and team members. Those seeking a Portage Family Trust Attorney, a Medicare advocate in Grand Rapids, or help with any other estate planning or elder law matter can learn more about the practice and keep up to date at its website.

About The Law Offices of David L. Carrier, P.C.:

Always committed to your success, the Law Offices of David L. Carrier provides top-quality counsel and representation for a full range of estate planning and elder law matters.

For more information, please visit http://www.davidcarrierlaw.com/

Contact Info:

Name: David Carrier

Organization: The Law Offices of David L. Carrier, P.C.

Address: 4965 E Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Phone: 616-361-8400

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/law-offices-of-david-l-carrier-opens-new-portage-office-wins-award-and-more/150972

Release ID: 150972

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Amish author, Ruth Price releases Missing, an Amish mystery book

Amish author, Ruth Price releases Missing, the first in her Amish Mystery series. Lovers of Amish mysteries will be delighted with this compelling book.

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Amish mystery lovers looking for an exciting new Amish mystery book can purchase Missing by Ruth Price for $2.99 on Kindle, Nook, iBooks, Kobo, Page Foundry and 24Symbols today. This is Book 1 of the Amish Mystery Series. It is also available in Paperback for $9.99.

In Missing, everyone knows Amish teen, Salome ran away. But five years later and pregnant with her first child, Salome's best friend Susie stumbles on new, troubling evidence that makes her question everything. Caught between community, family, and friendship, Susie will put her life and her marriage on the line for the truth. Readers will be riveted, wondering if Susie's faith will withstand the truth of what really happened.

Readers can learn more about this Amish book here: http://familychristianbookstore.net/index.php/prod...

Amish book, Ruth Price strives in her fiction channel a higher good, and while she doesn't always reach that ideal, she hopes that her readers are entertained and inspired by her stories. Readers will find this book compelling, absorbing, and ultimately poignant.

Readers have expressed a great deal of enjoyment about Ruth Price's Missing:

About Missing, Amazon reader, DL Montgomery, raves: "I loved this mystery! I love mysteries and stories of the Amish this is both rolled in one by author Ruth Price. Very well written. Loved the characters. Story of a runaway Amish girl Salome or was it something else. Her friend Susie won't quit till she finds the truth. Great clean story. 5 star."

A second Amazon.com reader, SD Granny, explains, "The book was captivating. I had to keep reading. I love Amish stories and this one was different. Didn't know the result within a few pages of the book."

And a third Amazon.com reader, Laquita Chaney was delighted with the book, stating: "I love mysteries and books of the Amish. This book was a great blend of both! Exciting and well written! One of those books you cannot put down until you have read it all! I would recommend this book to everyone."

Readers can learn more about Missing here: http://familychristianbookstore.net/index.php/prod...

Missing is being offered for $2.99 on Kindle, Nook, iBooks, Kobo, Page Foundry and 24Symbols. It is also available in paperback for $9.99 through Createspace, Amazon.com and other online book distributors.

About Global Grafx Press:

Global Grafx Press was founded in 1997. This Christian book distributor is known for publishing great Western romance novels, Christian nonfiction, and Amish books. They are committed to helping readers find the best, clean Christian books online and hope that their readers enjoy browsing their Christian Bookstore. Those interested in learning more about Global Grafx Press can do so at http://familychristianbookstore.net.

For more information, please visit http://familychristianbookstore.net

Contact Info:

Name: Book Maven

Organization: Global Grafx Press

Address: 823 Old Westtown Road Suite B1, West Chester Global Grafx Press

Phone: (267) 530-1611

Release ID: 150897

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FactoringDirectory.org Announces Expansion Of Services

The invoice factoring directory has increased its listings and educational information regarding factoring accounts receivable, reports factoringdirectory.org

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Businesses of all sizes depend on cash flow to keep the business growing at a healthy rate. When investments and bank loans are not available or cost-effective options for pulling in new funds, many companies turn to invoice factoring, or selling their accounts receivables at a discount, in order to quickly and easily increase their cash flow. With now over 100 listings and more than a dozen informative articles, the invoice factoring directory FactoringDirectory.org has made itself the go-to resource on factoring, according to spokesperson Kevin Amundsen.

"Our newly expanded listings make it easier than ever before to search our directory and find the best possible match for your needs," Amundsen explained. "You can search by location and industry, and then read on to learn more about the options each service offers. Our database gives detailed information about each listing, such as what size businesses a company serves and what financing services they offer." Users can search for specific options like 24-hour financing, recourse and non-recourse funding options, and digital invoice factoring processing, to name a few.

Amundsen emphasized that the directory is free to search and the results are impartial. "We are a completely neutral resource," he said. "We are not partnered with any of the companies we list, so we do not promote some invoice factoring companies over others. We make sure all of our listings are reputable services, but we don't pressure users to sign up with any specific company."

In addition to the listings, Factoring Directory also provides educational resources designed to inform users about how invoice factoring works and how it can benefit a business. In addition to a lengthy and detailed FAQ that explains the ins and outs of the factoring process and defines key terms, the website also hosts a blog with more than a dozen educational articles. Some of the most recently added topics include a comparison of invoice factoring and bank loans, a discussion of the benefits of invoice factoring for small businesses, and a guide to comparing factoring companies to find the right match.

Invoice factoring companies can list their business on the website by filling out a simple form. "We only list established, reputable services," said Amundsen, "so our users know that they can trust any company they find in our directory. Listing with us is not only good for a factoring company's reputation, it also helps companies reach the clients they want to target and increases their visibility."

About Factoring Directory

FactoringDirectory.org is a website that allows users to search an extensive database of invoice factoring companies in the U.S. and Canada. Users can filter searches by industry, location, and size, among other options. With new companies being added on a regular basis, Factoring Directory is the go-to site for all things related to factoring, from conducting searches to learning about how accounts receivables works. From answering invoice questions to finding the right financing company, Factoring Directory can help.

For more information, please visit https://factoringdirectory.org/

Contact Info:

Name: Kevin Amundsen

Organization: Factoring Directory

Phone: 800-672-3844

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/factoringdirectory-org-announces-expansion-of-services/150960

Release ID: 150960

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Jon Prosser Of Front Page Tech Publishes New Guide To Getting Started On YouTube

Ten-part guide is the most comprehensive and informed to be found anywhere and is available now for free at company's website, Grin reports

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With over ten years of high-profile experience on YouTube, Front Page Tech host Jon Prosser has published a new, ten-part guide for would-be content creators. Available now at https://grin.co/guide/, the brand-new guide is entirely free and guides readers through everything they'll need to succeed on the world's most popular streaming video platform.

From identifying goals and setting targets to branding, promotion, and staying true to a vision, Prosser's guide for YouTube newcomers is one of a number now available at https://grin.co. Grin readers who have absorbed Prosser's informed advice, for example, will be well positioned to make use of another guide at https://grin.co/free-youtube-subscribers/ that details how to obtain more subscribers without paying a cent. By helping content producers and social media influencers connect, coordinate, and reach out, Grin delivers real value to creators and consumers alike.

"One of the most rewarding things about building Grin has been being working with many of today's most talented and successful content creators," said Grin co-founder Brian Mechem, "Whether it's YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, or Twitch, we're constantly amazed at the high-quality content this new wave of creators is turning out. We've been big fans of Jon Prosser for a long time, first for his work on the Front Page Tech YouTube show, and now with the Creator Wire and Creator Kickstart shows on Grin. We're truly proud to publish Jon's new guide to getting started on YouTube. We think readers are going to learn many important, useful things from this influential industry veteran."

With over a billion active users in its own latest reckoning, Google's YouTube video sharing service is one of the Internet's busiest destinations. Top independent content creators on YouTube today boast subscriber counts in the tens of millions, with fortunes often being made even by those far lower on the scale.

For over ten years, Jon Prosser has been a top YouTube personality and content creator. Best known for the popular Front Page Tech news show on YouTube, Prosser has consistently demonstrated the ability to attract attention and cultivate a loyal, engaged following.

Created to help content creators of all levels build their own audiences, Grin makes it easy for anyone to network with established influencers in a relevant niche. By making use of cross-promotion and other tools, creators working with Grin grow their audiences an average of three times faster than those who go it alone.

With interest in content creation already high and rising steadily, Prosser's new Grin-hosted guide to getting started on YouTube will be of great interest to many. The ten-part guide covers everything even complete novices will need to know, with every subject detailed from Prosser's deeply informed perspective. The new guide is available now exclusively at the Grin, Inc., website.

About Grin, Inc.:

Helping talented content creators attract the attention and audiences they deserve, Grin puts the power of thousands of established influencers at the service of those who can benefit the most.

For more information, please visit https://grin.co/guide/

Contact Info:

Name: Brandon Brown

Organization: Grin, Inc.

Address: 1990 3rd St #800 Sacramento, CA 95811

Phone: (877) 975-3429

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/jon-prosser-of-front-page-tech-publishes-new-guide-to-getting-started-on-youtube/150980

Release ID: 150980

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At-Home Teeth Whitening Brand Re-Launches as PearlyWhites.com

Pearly Whites Australia, has finished the process of changing their website address to PearlyWhites.com.

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Pearly Whites Australia, a leading brand for in-home teeth whitening systems, has announced that they have finished the process of changing their website address to PearlyWhites.com.

"We are really happy to be able to announce that we've finished the migration to our new pearlywhites.com domain," said Pearly Whites Australia Managing Director Jake Munday. "This shorter, more memorable domain will be easier for our customers to use and remember, quicker to type in, and will help put a spotlight on the brand. As of December 1st 2016, pearlywhites.com is the home of teeth-whitening online. "

In an interview with Australia's number one news site News.com.au earlier this year, Jake Munday highlighted the importance of the brand when he said, "We've developed an innovative product which we believe to be higher quality and more stylishly presented than our competitors', but the key has been embracing social media in order to get the product in front of its most likely buyers."

Mr Munday said he was attracted to Pearly Whites due to the name of the business and the suitability of the product for social media marketing. The change from www.pearlywhitesaustralia.com to the simple pearlywhites.com is the result of several months of negotiation with the domain name's former owners. The former owners had held the domain since the nineteen-nineties and were reported to be reluctant to let it go, but finally agreed for an undisclosed sum.

"This transition was a lot of work, but we see it as definitely worth it," said Jake Munday. "We now have the best possible domain for the best at home teeth-whitening products in the market. The aim in all of Pearly White's marketing has been to capture peoples' attention and drive engagement with the content by pin-point targeting. Our domain name is a key part of this."

About Pearly Whites Australia Pearly Whites Australia is a leading brand of teeth whitening products dedicated to creating a way for the everyday person to achieve a celebrity-style bright white smile in the comfort of their own homes. Pearly Whites Australia uses only superior dentist grade whitening formulations. Their teeth whitening products are now available in Australia, the United States and New Zealand.

For more information, please visit https://au.pearlywhites.com

Contact Info:

Name: Jake Munday

Organization: Pearly Whites Australia

Address: Pearly Whites Australia Geelong Victoria Australia

Phone: +61

Release ID: 151034

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Best Selling Play Food Set Announced Flash Sale For Limited Time

The holiday shopping season has just started, and today Mommy Please announced a flash sale on their #1 rated play food set.

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Not all sales ended on Black Friday. Today Mommy Please announced that they will have a special flash sale on their #1 rated plastic play food set. The Mommy Please play food set is sold exclusively on Amazon.com, and has become a favorite of customers.

"When we launched our play food, we had no idea what the reception would be. We invested our resources and efforts into creating the best quality play food set that we could develop," said Mommy Please spokesperson Elsie Murphy. "We have been thrilled with the customer response. We wanted to find a way to reach out and thank them, and have decided to do this by offering a flash sale. During this time of year, families are buying so many gifts, which can be an incredible financial strain. Our hope is that the sale will make our product even more affordable and that it will be placed in the hands of many new customers."

The Mommy Please play food set is made of BPA-free plastic, which means the ingredients contain no harmful chemicals and the toy is safe for children ages three and over. The set includes a large variety of food options, such as peppers, french fries, ice cream, tomatoes, croissants, potatoes, cucumber, cheese, chocolate bar, grapes, apples, strawberries and much more. The large variety of food also ensures that children will by busy shopping for groceries, cooking pretend meals or playing kitchen for hours at a time.

The Mommy Please play food set is durable and makes an excellent addition to daycares or doctor office waiting rooms, as well as home play areas. The exact date of the sale will be announced soon, and although Mommy Please has increased production in anticipation of the sale, customers are encouraged to by early, to ensure the toy food set is not sold out.

The 125 piece play food set by Mommy Please will be priced at $24.97 during the flash sale. Free shipping is available on any purchase over $49.

About Mommy Please: "Mommy Please has worked tirelessly to bring children a play set that will never cease to keep their imaginations going. We strive to ensure that happiness, education, and creativity are all incorporated into play time every single day. As a company that focuses on family values, Mommy Please intends to influence the lives of families around the world."

For more information, please visit https://www.amazon.com/Pretend-Food-Toy-Play-Set/dp/B01COI9EAC

Contact Info:

Name: Elsie Murphy

Email: elsiemurphy@mommypleasetoys.com

Organization: Mommy Please

Address: 3440 Hanifan Lane, Duluth, GA, 30097 Mommy Please



Release ID: 151005

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Maryland Doctor-Lawyer Law Firm Launches Medical Malpractice Representation

Gerhson, Willoughby and Gertz, is a Maryland medical malpractice law firm consisting of lawyers with medical degrees. They launched Malpractice representation focusing on serious malpractice cases including birth injuries and wrongful death. Based in Maryland, they handle cases nationwide, on a case by case basis.

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Gershon, Willoughby and Getz, LLC, a Baltimore medical malpractice law firm comprised of lawyers trained as medical doctors, launched a comprehensive range of malpractice services representing people injured by medical negligence including serious birth injuries.

More information is available at http://medicalmalpracticedoctors.com.

While modern medical services have improved considerably over the past decades, the risk of medical malpractice is still more real than you might think, especially considering the number of clinics lacking proper equipment.

The recent Affordable Care Act seems to have made health insurance prohibitive to those with wages in the lower percentages, with roughly 8 million taxpayers preferring to pay a legal fine rather than purchase insurance.

Additionally, health insurance costs have gone up, in some cases doubling, in many US states, leading to less people being able to afford quality professional health care. Coupled with the increasing number of people seeking healthcare in certain low-cost facilities, this situation could have potentially increased the risk of medical negligence.

Unsurprisingly, there are numerous cases where malpractice cases end up in court. However, in the face of the "hired gun expert", ie. the party with the best array of medical experts, it is not always the victim that wins the case.

In an effort to provide the highest level of expertise in the complex field of medical malpractice, the doctor-lawyers at Gershon, Willoughby and Getz, LLC, graduated from medical school and are trained medical doctors.

The Maryland based medical malpractice law firm handles serious cases including birth injuries, wrongful death, failure to diagnose, and other forms of medical negligence resulting in permanent injury.

As a malpractice law firm of Maryland doctor-lawyers focusing on client-service and appropriate compensation for injury, Gershon, Willoughby and Getz, LLC, does not charge any legal fees until the case is successfully resolved. This ensures that all clients have equal access to quality legal representation irrespective of financial ability.

The lawyers at Gershon Willoughby and Getz are licensed in Maryland but also provide medical malpractice representation to injured victims throughout the Nation on a case by case basis.

Interested parties can find more information about the firm's lawyers and cases handled by visiting the above-mentioned website.

For more information, please visit http://www.medicalmalpracticedoctors.com

Contact Info:

Name: Dr. Zev Gershon

Organization: Gershon Willoughby & Getz

Address: 25 Hooks Lane, Baltimore Gershon Willoughby & Getz

Phone: +1 866-232-8384

Release ID: 150894

For more information visit r



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Fortress Home Security Austin Home Security Systems Celebrates 5 Star Reviews

Fortress Home Security announces the expansion of their company to include a new website focused entirely on their home security system offerings.

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Fortress Home Security, a full service home security systems provider in Austin, Texas is proud to celebrate receiving 5 star reviews by their satisfied clients on Google. Fortress has sought to make customer satisfaction a priority and has worked to consistently meet and exceed their customers' expectations for service and quality. The locally owned and operated home security systems company has worked diligently to ensure that every single client is provided with unmatched personal service.

When reading the Austin security company's reviews on Google, the satisfied clients of Fortress Home Security left comments that highlighted the company's customer service and overall professionalism. Others remarked that their home security system installations were quick and seamless and that they felt safer thanks to the team at Fortress. Several customers commented that they were extremely satisfied with their security systems and would recommend Fortress to their friends. The team at Fortress Home Security is proud that they have been able to exceed their customer's expectations and to garner so many positive reviews on Google.

Fortress offers a wide variety of home security options including door and window alarms, keyless entry, glass break, smoke, and heat sensors, panic buttons, wireless and IP cameras, full surveillance systems, and more. As a full service home security systems company, Fortress provides the technology needed to protect one's home, but also offers premium installation services. Fortress Home Security is proud of their 5 star rating on Yelp and looks forward to continuing to offer premium security services to clients in the greater Austin area.

About Fortress Home Security

Fortress Home Security is a full service security system provider and installation company located in Austin, Texas and serving the entire greater Austin area. They offer a full range of home security services, as well as access control, security cameras, safes and vaults, and alarm systems and installation.

For more information, please visit http://austin-homesecuritysystems.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Jon Lorquet

Organization: Fortress Home Security

Address: Austin, Texas United States

Phone: (512) 800-3030

Release ID: 151075

For more information visit r



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See Why Best Real Diamond Engagement Rings Named #1 on iWork4Self's Top List

Internet Marketing and Lead Generation company, iWork4Self, announced its Top 3 List of Diamond Engagement Rings Websites based on extensive reviews and research.

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There is no doubt that weddings are the most important events in the life of a person. Hence they would like to make it as memorable as possible. There are many ways by which a wedding can be made special and wearing a quality diamond ring is on such way. From princess cut diamond engagement rings to emerald cut diamond engagement rings, there wasn't much to be found of as far as reviews of the best sites was concerned.

Noticing the market need for some type of reviews to help consumers make an easier choice. Spence and the team at iWork4Self have come up with a top list for consumers.

Strict qualifications were required for high placement on the Top Diamond Engagement Rings Websites List. iWork4Self evaluated multiple criteria in order to narrow the field to the best 3 for Future Brides. The full list of items along with the selection criteria can be found on the company website http://iwork4self.com/diamond-engagement-ring-site....

Among the highest ranked are:

#1 "Best Real Diamond Engagement Rings" - Some of the widest collection of diamond rings covering some of the most reputed brands.

#2 "Blue Nile" - Can customize specific designs and shapes of diamond engagement rings.

#3 "Helzberg Diamonds" - Special financing available for those who need it for diamond rings.

When discussing the reasons for creating the list, Spence Lawrence, CEO of iWork4Self said,

"A good quality breakdown and ranking of the best three websites online wasn't available. Shopping for real diamond engagement rings has never been easier and better with these top options."

Future Brides looking for the most up-to-date rankings for real diamond engagement rings websites can view the list at http://iwork4self.com/diamond-engagement-ring-sites-review/. Companies who would like to be considered for the next list may contact iWork4Self via their website, http://iwork4self.com.

For more information, please visit http://iwork4self.com

Contact Info:

Name: Spence Lawrence

Email: support@iwork4self.com

Organization: iWork4Self

Address: 9888 W Belleview Ave Ste 2063, Denver, 80123 iWork4Self

Phone: +13024289462

Release ID: 150887

For more information visit r



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Quaker Canada has invited me to help celebrate the real side of parenting, the one we dont often get to see in our social media feeds, this year as they launch their #stopCOMPAREnting campaign.

COMPAREnting is when you compare your parenting style to other parents. This habit has been heightened with recent social media trends. Its so easy to compare your life to those of your friends, family and others you may follow online, even knowing the images you see are often a filtered reality that does not reflect the full story. Its something we, as Canadian parents, all do. Ive done it. Ive reassured friends in the past whove done it.

Its an easy trap to fall into and it can leave parents feeling totally insecure about their own parenting decisions and habits.

Instead, The Quaker brand wants to help Canadian parents celebrate their confidence by showcasing the authentic, unpolished and beautiful side of parenting. lnstead of COMPAREnting, I think it is time we all embrace the real side of parenting as a community. Were in it together, after all.

I know, its going to be hard at first. We all want to keep up appearances and follow the latest trends and information on how to be the best parent ever. Here is the secret though. The less you compare yourself to someone elses false reality, the more you can celebrate your own reality. The more confident you will be.

As a blogger, I am often focused on getting that perfect shot and curating what looks to be a magazine worthy lifestyle. Creating my own reality where my food always looks restaurant quality, my kids are always posing perfectly with a painted on smile, my house always neat and tidy. Sometimes that drive for perfection unconsciously sneaks into my personal feeds when I share with family and friends.

Its Seriously Time to #stopCOMPAREnting

I think its time I be more aware of the more authentic, unpolished everyday moments that make up my day and share those instead.

Instead of sharing the perfectly posed pictures of the girls, I will start to share my favourite pictures more often. The ones with the goofy smiles, the blur because all they wanted to do was dance and jump around. The ones that will never be framed and hung on a wall.

The ones that show my family the way we really are, that really tell our story. That show how goofy, funny and silly my kids are. That show they dont always want to just stand and smile for the camera. That show reality in our home.

Id love to see more Canadian parents stop creating a myth of perfect and stop COMPAREnting themselves to what they see on social media. To start feeling confident in knowing that they really do know whats best for their own families. That their families are perfect just the way they are.

Quaker has been supporting families since 1902, and the message they want to share with this campaign is that for families to be at their best, we must be confident in the choices we make. Through the #stopCOMPAREnting campaign, Quaker aims to empower Canadian parents to support one another and be confident in the choices they make for their family.

Want to spread the word? Embrace the real side of parenting and share your own unfiltered family moments using #stopCOMPAREnting on social media now!

Disclosure: This post has been brought to you by Quaker Canada. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!
Ubisoft has detailed the second year of content for Rainbow Six Siege that they confirmed a few weeks ago. From February 2017 to February 2018, Rainbow Six Siege will get eight new operators, new weapons, more cosmetic items, seasonal events, a full year of the Pro League, and four free maps that take place in Spain, Hong Kong, Poland, and South Korea.

There are multiple ways to get the Year 2 content. Current players can either buy the Year 2 Season Pass for $29.99 and get everything up front or earn it all via in-game credits. New players can buy the Complete Edition that comes with the base game, the Year 2 Season Pass, and the operators from the first season pass. The Complete Edition is available now on PC for $99.99 and will come to the Xbox One on December 6 and the PS4 at a later unannounced date.

Players can also buy the Year 2 Gold Edition now on PS4 and December 6 on PC and Xbox One for $79.99, which comes with the base game and the Year 2 content as it releases. Year 2 Season Pass owners get VIP status that yields early access for all eight operators, a 10-percent discount at the in-game shop, a 5-percent Renown boost, and two extra daily challenges.

Ubisoft is also phasing out the Year 1 Season Pass soon and rolling out the Legacy Operator Bundle. The Legacy Operator Bundle unlocks the operators from the first season and will be available in the in-game shop for 2400 credits.

Ubisoft will give more information on Year 2 at the Six Invitational, which takes place on February 3-5. For a more detailed rundown of Year 2's content, check out Ubisoft's post here.

[Source: Ubisoft]





Our Take

The Pro League and steady flow of free and paid content are great ways to breathe life into a game and keep its community entertained. This approach lets games live for long periods of time and is a key reason why some competitive games have such long tails.


Marvel Fans Get Yourself Ready For Top 5 Marvel Movies To Watch Out For This Coming 2017 & 2018!

Up to this day, Marvel never failed to surprise everyone with its high-quality movie films and although some still have a hangover from the past Marvel films, the company has already announced some major updates about their upcoming project. If this doesn't give you any thrill, I don't know what else will. Marvel Movies That Will Hit The Big Screen on 2017

"Guardians of the Galaxy" - May 5, 2017

The unusual group of intergalactic criminals named Drax, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Star- Lord and of course, Groot, are fighting their way back into the big screen this May 2017. Originally, it is scheduled on July 2017 however, Marvel doesn't seem to like their fans waiting too long.

"Thor: Ragnarok" - July 29, 2017

Who wouldn't love to see the mythological son of Odin, Thor, and Loki on the big screen? I do! Marvel is set to release their upcoming movie this 28th of July, 2017 and as early as now, there are a lot of rumors spreading online.

"Black Panther" - Nov. 3, 2017

Luke Charles or Black Panther first appeared in "Fantastic Four" but this time, he is making a comeback as a solo big star this Nov. 2017.

"Captain Marvel" - July 6, 2018

This is the first time that Captain Marvel will appear on the big screen and there are a lot of speculations about that Carol Danvers will play the part. Whoever the real actress is, though, we still don't know.

"Avengers: Infinity War" Parts I and II - May 2018 and 2019

Correct me if I'm wrong but Marvel isn't Marvel without Avengers. It seems like the all-time favorite superheroes are set to return this May 4, 2018, while the second part of "Avengers: Infinity War" will be seen on May 3, 2019.
Nintendo Mini NES News & Update: ThinkGeek Re-stocks Mini NES Before Holidays; Learn How to Get Mini NES

A retailer, ThinkGeek, reported will re-stock Nintendo Mini NES before holiday hits. This could be another good news to gamers who are still searching for this classic-themed device.

Nintendo Mini NES systems are still sold out at many retailers (Walmart, Tesco, Argos, and more). Obviously, the demand of classic-themed device is high. Due to the high demand, Nintendo and some retailers have promised consumers they will bring back the consoles in the shelves before the holiday.

On Thursday, Nov. 29, ThinkGeek has announced it's getting a shipment of the Nintendo Mini NES. In addition, the store also announced it will give away five Mini NES as part of its promotion, according to Game Spot.

How to join ThinkGeek contest?

Interested video game shoppers need to sign up at this page with their email accounts. They can sign up either Facebook, Instagram, or via Twitter. The promo runs until Dec. 13. ThinkGeek said lucky winners will Recep ive Nintendo Mini NES in time for the holidays.

The store added in their announcement that it will share more details about NES Classic general availability in the time ahead. In a previous report, in response to Nintendo Mini NES shortage, the Japanese company Nintendo said there will be a "steady flow" of additional systems.The device is expected to be available again at retailers through the holiday shopping season and into the new year.

The Nintendo Mini NES price is $60 and comes with 30 games, including some of the console's classic and best games like "Super Mario Bros.," "Donkey Kong," "The Legend of Zelda," and "Pac-Man."

In a previous report on Sunday, Nov. 25, in the United Kingdom, Nintendo Mini NES consoles have become available. However, just like what happened in the United States, the device has been quickly sold out.

To get more news and update, keep your tabs on Gamen Guide.
'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' Latest News & Updates: Why Was There A Massive Reshoot?

The next major film in the Star Wars world is "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story". It is set to be in theaters this coming December 16 and fans are clearly excited about it. "Rogue One" is the first film in the new Anthology Series that Lucasfilm are starting. The story takes place before "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

In the first few updates, we saw Darth Vader reappearance being the evil Sith Lord that he is. The main hurdle of the rebels in the "Rogue One" is the destruction of the Death Star. This is already a clear indication that our favorite Sith Lord will have a big role in the movie.

According to sources though, Disney actually ordered major reshoots for the film. This came about after the poor reviews of their studio executives. Fans should not be worried though because reshoots like this are already included in the planning.

The"Rogue One" cast Felicity Jones says that this is a normal occurrence for films and they all welcome it. Sometimes during screenings, the team and even the cast end up thinking that they could probably do a better job, she added. It would only be the first draft. Co-star Mads Mikklesen also added that this was no big deal for them.

The "Rogue One" will also have new additions like C2-B5, the new robot in the supporting cast who is working for the empire. The storm troopers will also be sporting a new look since they will be introducing us to the Death troopers and the Shore Troopers.

Rumors have also mentioned that the "Rogue One" will see the return of Grand Moff Tarkin. Aside from a very brief glimpse in the trailer, fans also deduced that since the Death Star was created during his time on "A New Hope", it would only make sense for him to be in "Rogue One" during the construction of the evil killing machine.

Until the movie airs though, we will all have to assume that all the news are mere speculations. "Rogue One" will run for about two hours and 13 minutes much to the delight of some fans, so they will definitely have time to check all the theories that were mentioned.
Victorias Secret Now Flies Kendall Jenner, Bella and Gigi Hadid; Girls Wore Their Wings For the First Time

Victoria's Secret recently launched their latest lingerie line and they have new "winged" girls aboard. Held in Paris over the weekend, Kendall, Gigi and Bella strutted their stuff to the tune of Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and The Weeknd. But aside from the girls, the one woman that spiced up the event is Elsa Hosk who wore the enigmatic ensemble of the Chinese Dragon wrap.

The 2016 Victoria's Secret event hosted a total of 51 models ranging Adriana Lima to newbies like Kendall. Imagine the chaos that erupted backstage? Stylist Sarah Potempa of Refinery 29 said "We want to embrace everyone's natural beauty. We're giving a carefree approach to the length and type of curl. Some women with shorter hair, maybe a lob, will walk with that hair. We're not gonna add extensions to make it super-long ... we're not gonna put a wig on. We're gonna embrace it. There are 51 women, and we're gonna make them feel their most beautiful."

Of course, the million dollar bra that Victoria's Secret usually feature is present during the Paris event. As the city shone with their bright lights, so did jasmine Tookes who donned this year's $3 million bra. The bra, which is covered with diamonds and emeralds actually had a total of 9,000 gemstones; a stunning masterpiece fit to shine alongside the city of lights.

The bra obviously weighed heavy and can be compared to the weight of a 450 karats. Bella Hadid on the other hand described the event as an amazing experience and she's happy to have shared it with her best friend and sibling, Gigi Hadid. Yolanda Hadid, the mother of Gigi and Bella was so caught up in the moment, she Instagrammed a picture of the sisters in their younger days wearing the "wings."

More news about the recent Victoria's Secret event? Read us here on GameNGuide.
WWE Rumors: Sami Zayn to be traded from Raw to SmackDown for Baron Corbin?

Former NXT champion Sami Zayn has had ups and downs during his stint on the main roster. He is considered as one of the most undervalued and misused superstars in the WWE today. Will a trade from Monday Night Raw to SmackDown Live be beneficial for all parties involved?

In this week's episode of Raw, Zayn was once again at the mercy of Braun Strowman. Raw general manager Mick Foley came in to stop the beating but it led to a confrontation. The Canadian star was very unhappy with Foley which led to a lot of speculation about a possible trade.

SmackDown Live general manager Daniel Bryan has been trying to persuade Zayn into leaving Raw and joining the blue brand. There several ways that these could happen like a Loser Leaves Town Match or even a possible trade.

According to FOX Sports, there is one very interesting trade scenario the WWE can explore in the coming weeks. The report pointed out that Baron Corbin has been trying to get himself fired by disobeying Bryan and the SmackDown Live management.

Foley can say in the storyline that he is trading Zayn to SmackDown to save him from another Strowman beating. On the other hand, Bryan can finally get rid of Corbin and get the blue brand a new superstar that can help them beat Raw in the ratings.

Zayn for Corbin trade looks like an even trade as it benefits all the parties involved. SmackDown can book Zayn properly while Raw gets another heel to stock up the roster. Nevertheless, these are just purely speculative at this point and nothing has been confirmed.

It should be noted that Bryan encouraging superstars like Zayn and Cesaro to join SmackDown is not part of any storyline. According to Cageside Seats, Bryan is doing it by himself but it could lead to a major program if the fans start to pick it up more.
Asus ZenFone 3 Ultra Price, Specs, Latest News & Update: What You Need To Know

The Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra, the company's flagship smartphone, is one humongous phone with a 6.8-inch screen. Priced at around $479, this monster of a phone has its perks and hitches.

Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Asus has a fascination with big phones, which explains why this handset surfaces with a totally enormous screen. Nevertheless, there has been an apparent trend towards going larger. The Zenfone 3 Ultra brings forward the now-familiar Asus design language with brushed metal finishes and metallic edges, all exuding style at many levels. Ultra vision and ultra sound.

Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra Body, Display, Platform & Features

The 6.8-inch 1080p full-HD resolution screen is sharp enough for movies and games, which makes it attractive for customers going for hybrid device- one that offers large screen benefits of a tablet minus the price of buying both tablet and the handset. The Zenfone 3 Ultra has included a 4K TV processor that makes watching videos more enjoyable. To further enhance the movie-watching experience, the device is geared with two super loud five-magnet speakers, the SonicMaster 3.0 technology, as well as DTS 7.1 ZenEar headphones.

Its stylish beauty veils monstrous power, plus a 64-bit, 1.8GHz octa-core Snapdragon 652 processor, 4GB memory and desktop-grade Adreno 510 graphics performance. It also has 300Mbps 4G LTE and intuitive fingerprint security that unlocks ZenFone 3 Ultra in a fraction of a second, according to the Asus website.

It also boasts of the PixelMaster 3.0 that packs a 23 camera, 92 MP Super Resolution technology, for any distance and lighting clarity in just 0.03 seconds. With both optical and electronic image stabilization for blur-free shots and video and photography.

Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra Features: Long-lasting & Fast-charging Battery

ZenFone 3 Ultra is packed with high capacity 4600mAh battery to keep you entertained for as long as you wish. Its Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology can have it charged from flat to 60% in just 45 minutes. It can even charge attached devices as a power bank with a high current of up to 1.5A that makes charging up to three times faster that offers two full days of active use which can even stretch, even more, GSM Arena reports.
Nokia Pixel Specs, Release Date Latest News & Update: Getting Ready For A Rebound!Gadget Is Controlled By Qualcomm 430 Chipset,Adreno 505 GPU?

Nokia is set to make a major rebound in the worldwide cell phone advertise with its leader cell phone, Nokia Pixel, which keeps running on the most recent Android working framework and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 chipset.

The most recent hole on Nokia's new section level cell phone proposes a 5.2-inch or 5.5-inch screen estimate. Bits of gossip likewise assert that it will wear 2K (QHD) show with a 1920 x 1080 pixel screen determination, as indicated by report.

In the engine, the handset is fueled by a double center CPU variation with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor timed at 1.19GHz, which incorporates a 3GB of RAM and 32GB of ROM. Be that as it may, as indicated by Antutu benchmark, the gadget is controlled by Qualcomm 430 chipset combined with an Adreno 505 GPU.

In its optics office, the up and coming Nokia cell phone may convey the most recent Carl Zeiss focal point, as a past element on the Lumia cell phones. It can be recollected that the Lumia Smartphone cameras have great notoriety for its astounding camera capacities. In late news, the gadget is required to wear a 13MP essential camera and a 8MP front shooter.

Moreover, the new Nokia cell phones will bolster the Quick Charge 3.0 innovation to charge the battery. The cell phone's outline highlight will likewise be a metal unibody plan and a waterproof affirmation. It will run the most recent Android Nougat firmware out of the case.

As indicated by AsiaStarz, HMD Global is the organization behind the rebound of Nokia. HMD Global, a Finland-based organization marked an agreement with Nokia Technologies.

HMD's point is to sustain Nokia's worldwide image achieve, providing stunningly composed, amazing cell phones and tablets to individuals while keeping up the organization's image duty.

Nokia Pixel: An entry Level Android smartphone from Nokia spotted. https://t.co/HlEWYlrDre pic.twitter.com/FD3AdFxDKK  Pricebaba (@Pricebaba) November 25, 2016

Notwithstanding the Nokia Pixel, they will likewise discharge three more lead cell phones: the Nokia D1C, Nokia 5320 and Nokia 1490. The new Nokia Android cell phone lineup is relied upon to be propelled one year from now at the February 2017 Mobile World Congress (MWC). The Nokia Pixel lineup is relied upon to supplant the Asha arrangement.
Google Nexus 7 Tablet Release Date, Specs, Features, News & Update: Device To Run On Andromeda; Huawei To Build Device?

The search engine giant, Google, ventured a new segment in the technology arena. This is the first time they did this. The Nexus 7 is said to run on the hybrid, Andromeda.

This year, Google is expected to release two new smartphones. But with just only weeks before the year ends, Google Nexus 7 will less likely materialize this 2016.

Google tried to get the Chinese manufacturer, Huawei, to build Google Nexus 7. However, due to some disagreements on marketing schemes, the collaboration decayed thus proved to be a major setback for the mobile device. Rumors for its release on 2017 can be put to bed.

According to sources, the Taiwanese tech manufacturer HTC is said to be given a shot at the development of the Google Nexus 7. Will they deliver? Let's hope and see if it will be slated to launch by next year.

The Google Nexus 7's capabilities and features are already part of the rumor mill. It is very apparent that the device will retain its 7-inch screen but with minor upgrades. Google Nexus 7 is equipped with a quad high-definition screen and a corning gorilla glass for added display protection. The new tablet will most likely run on Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 with the Adreno 530 GPU. Google Nexus 7 is also a juice box housing a 5100mAh.

The anticipated Google Nexus 7 will also stock a 13-megapixel rear camera and as for the front facing camera, it is yet to be updated. Though it is expected to be an 8-megapixel camera with a LED Flash there. And the cherry on top of the upcoming device is that it will be utilizing the hybrid operating system Andromeda. To support this OS, Nexus 7 would need a 4 GB RAM that brings the device's performance to new depths.

Google Nexus 7 is originally slated to arrive this year but there is still no specific date until now. So it is safe to say that this device will be on the shelves next year. For the latest scoop on Google Nexus 7 news and updates, check them only here on Gamenguide.
NASA Latest News & Update: NASA Will Reward $30K To Anyone Who Wins Space Poop Challenge

NASA is searching for someone to develop a spacesuit that's capable of collecting human waste for up to six days. Dubbed the "Space Poop Challenge," NASA officials have launched the initiative with a reward of $30,000 in prize money for anyone who can design a hygienic spacesuit plumbing system.

NASA Wants You To Help Astronauts Deal With Their Poo In Space

Space travel presents NASA scientists with insurmountable challenges. The technological feat of getting human beings off the planet is colossally impressive already, but aside from that, scientists have to figure out how to keep astronauts healthy with proper nutrition and no-gravity exercise once they're up in space.

What most of us don't realize is that part of scientists' work is to find out the proper way of disposing astronaut fecal matter on long missions in spacesuits. This dilemma has NASA scientists stumped, so they've decided to take suggestions from the public.

In October, NASA launched the "Space Poop Challenge" via Herox, the crowdsourcing platform. Anyone can submit a proposal until December 20. A video posted in Vimeo shows astronaut Richard Mastracchio explaining why human waste is a serious challenge in space missions.

What Prompted The NASA "Space Poop Challenge"

"I can tell you that space flight is not always glamorous if people need to go to the bathroom, even in a space craft," Mastracchio said. "How is this waste treated such that it does not harm the astronaut, or even kill them," the astronaut continued.

What NASA is looking to create is a device that will fit inside a spacesuit, where it can collect and store 75 milliliters of fecal matter, 13 milliliters of menstrual blood and 1 liter urine per day for six days. Currently, astronauts use diapers for urine, but this would result to irritation and risk infection for prolonged use.

Anybody has the chance to win $30,000 by pitching their ideas on Herox. The initiative may sound comical, but NASA is adamant this predicament be solved.
'Jurassic World 2' Release Date, Spoilers, News & Update: Dr. Wu Causes New Dinosaur Attack? [PLOT, PREDICTIONS]

Fans of Rexy, raptor Blue and her crew are in luck because the wheels are in motion for a follow-up to "Jurassic World." It is going to be rather epic for the raptor enthusiasts as "Jurassic World 2" is going to hit the big screen in 2018.

It was previously confirmed that "Jurassic World 2" is going to take place outside of the iconic Isla Nublar. This time, the dinosaur rampage is going to happen in the city. Dr. Wu's return in the film further left fans with speculations that the hybrid dinosaurs are back.

It can be remembered that Dr. Wu (B.D. Wong) escaped Isla Nabur, bringing with him one of the dinosaur embryos. The "Jurassic World 2" is going explore the fate of dinosaur eggs in the hands of the geneticist. With the embryos that Dr. Wu stole from the island, it is likely that the Indominus Rex could once again appear.

What remains quite unclear though is what Dr. Wu plans to do with those eggs in his possession. Perhaps, he finds his own lab and land in the city where he can raise the hybrid dinosaurs and weaponized them. This was later confirmed by film director J.A. Bayona as he hinted that those embryos in Dr. Wu's possession will become instruments of war in "Jurassic World 2."

The screenwriter, Colin Trevorrow also disclosed how "Jurassic World 2" is going to deal with animal rights. "The dinosaurs will be a parable of the treatment animals receive today: the abuse, medical experimentation, pets, having wild animals in zoos like prisons, the use the military has made of them, animals as weapons," Trevorrow revealed in a Spanish newspaper. "It will be more suspenseful and scary. It's just the way it's designed; it's the way the story plays out." He added.

The movie, currently being developed in London, is said to film in the UK. However, it is also believed that production will go back to Hawaii. As for its release date, "Jurassic World 2' is said to premiere on June 22, 2018
Windows 10 Anniversary News & Updates: Available To 'Current Branch For Business' Release? More Details Revealed!

Just this Nov.29 when Microsoft company had their official announcement that Windows 10 version 1607 or better known as Windows 10 Anniversary Update was now a Current Branch for Business release. Downloaded CBB bits is now available for all business users.

Windows 10 Anniversary CBB Update will be available via Windows Update in this coming January 2017. The update brings new security features, helps simplify IT and has the capability to reduce deployment times. Along with this, Windows 10 Anniversary has Enhanced Cloud Infrastructure with the two biggest benefits iteration: Partner Readiness and Improved Compatibility.

Improved Compatibility means all applications are now compatible in Windows 10. Ninety-nine percent are compatible with the latest OS out of 3,000 applications on the platform. On the other hand, Partner Readiness means Microsoft has a better engagement from its partner ecosystem. While Enhanced Cloud Infrastructure allows the malware researchers of the company to identify and block the malware in much easier, faster way. In addition to its new features, Windows 10 Anniversary Update contains security features such as identity and breach protection for business users.

As Microsoft company says, "With hundreds of millions of devices already running the CBB version 14393.447 installed by KB 3200970 or any later update, as indicated in the Windows 10 Release Info page, organizations can be assured Windows 10 1607 is fully ready for them."

However, Microsoft company noted that they will only support two CBB releases at all times in that includes the November 2015 Windows 10 (build 1511). The company announced that Windows 10 version 1507 for CBB will continue to update until March 2017 and while November 2015 Windows 10 version 1511 will end its service within six months after Windows 10 Creators Update became CBB released. The officials confirmed that Surface Pro and Surface books that are on LTSB or Long Term Servicing Branch will not have a general purpose support.
Samsung Prepared To Reveal Why Its Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Release Exploded

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was reportedly a worldwide success when it launched a few months ago. The phone was able to move an estimated 4.3 million units worldwide. It seemed that Samsung had the winning formula with its Note series, but then reports started spreading about the Note 7 blowing up unexpectedly.

According to GSMArena, Samsung pointed fingers at a certain battery supplier as the culprit, which is surprisingly reported to be their own subsidiary. The first batches of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units were then recalled by the company. Sales of the phone model were temporarily banned until replacement units were ready. Unfortunately, reports still spread that the Note 7's in circulation continued to randomly explode or catch fire. One notable report stated that a Southwest Airline flight was evacuated when a passenger's purported replacement Note 7 caught fire.

Roughly a month after its official launch and product recalls, Samsung officially announced that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be discontinued. After an estimated 35 cases were reported, some even included replacement units. The company decided to halt all sales of its flagship device. The timing of the incident also happened just as Apple was about to launch its iPhone 7 lineup.

The Korea Herald reports that Samsung launched an internal investigation on Nov. 11. They are reportedly working closely with product safety experts from Korea and the US. Apparently, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 fiasco has already affected their Galaxy brand. Samsung is expected to announce their flagship phone early next year.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 investigation is expected to yield results soon. Samsung claims to have the details of probe made public before the year ends.

Samsung officially launched the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in August. The phone sported a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED screen with Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The device flaunted an IP68-rated protection from moisture. It relied on an Octa-core Exynos 8890 CPU with a 4GB RAM. A 3500mAh battery supplied its power.
Students in Lindsey Lloyd's musical theater class at Lebanon High School have been working as hard as Santa's helpers to perform "Elf the Musical Jr."

She thinks audience members coming to see performances of the play beginning Thursday night will appreciate the students' efforts just as much as the comedic holiday musical.

"The kids put in a ton of work outside of just their normal school responsibilities," Lloyd said. "It's a labor of love, for sure."

More than 30 students, grades 9-12, from her mixed grade class are participating in the musical, either as part of the cast or working backstage, Lloyd said. They began at the end of September.

"We have a 52-minute class period that we work on choreography. After school, rehearsals are about two and a half hours and that is when we run through the whole thing," she said.

The lead roles are double-casted and some of the students are cast in different minor roles as well.

"The show itself is just basically a shortened version of the Will Ferrell movie," Lloyd said.

In the story, Buddy the Elf discovers he's not an elf after all and travels to New York City to find his birth father, who isn't very receptive to his arrival at first.

"We see him start to win over his father, Walter, and his family and really bring the Christmas spirit back to his family and New York City," Lloyd said.

The musical is terrific, Lloyd said, "because it has comedy in there that everybody is going to get. It also has a good message of what the holiday season is all about," Lloyd said.

People who arrive at 5 p.m. before Friday's performance will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and other cast members and take pictures. Snacks and hot cocoa will be included with the ticket at a bundled price.
BROWNSVILLE  Monday, Nov. 7, was much like any other day for Brownsville City Manager Scott McDowell. At least, until an employee opened a computer program containing a ransomware demand for 0.49154 in Bitcoins.

Thats only about $360, but the real issue was that the malware program, which infected one computer at City Hall, shut down its operation for an entire day and left McDowell worried that it may have infected all of the citys computers.

It wasnt the employees fault, he said. She tried to close the program, and thats when it downloaded the ransomware bug.

McDowell said the bug encrypted the computers Word files and databases. And, they want you to pay their ransom to decrypt your files, he added.

Fortunately, quick action kept the bug from infecting all of the citys computers, McDowell said, limiting the problem to a single device.

The ransomware hackers provided written instructions on establishing a Bitcoin account, threatening the city to act in three days or you loose (sic) all your files. The instructions also read, Nobody can help you except us. Its useless to reinstall Windows, update antivirus software, etc.

McDowell told City Council members last week that the FBI believes there are 17 major ransomware viruses and that the majority of hacks originate in Eastern Europe and Russia.

A community member well-versed in computer technology and a staff member from the Council of Governments helped fix the problem the following day.

It took six hours, McDowell said. We were extremely fortunate.

And the really good news was that the city has an automatic software saving system that uploads data to an offsite server daily. But, the city was able to avert the upload that could have spread the ransomware virus.

McDowell noted that there were an estimated 1,000 ransomware hacks per day nationwide in 2015; now there are an estimated 4,000 per day.

There is no sign it is going to slow down, he said.

McDowell is working with specialists to develop more extensive malware protection systems.

Other communities have not been so fortunate.

The San Francisco train system was struck by ransomware this week. Hackers demanded $73,000.

The bug was designed to affect passenger ticketing, but the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency decided to let passengers ride for free rather than submit to the hackers demands until the problem could be fixed.
There was a group of around 10 people holding signs at the entrance to the Know Your Rights event for immigrant families at Linus Pauling Middle School Wednesday night.

I support Hispanic families, said some signs.

Others delivered the same message in Spanish.

Yo apoyo a familias Hispanics.

The supportive signs were in keeping with the central theme of the event: immigrant families have support in Corvallis.

The event, which was attended by around 100 people, was organized by Casa Latinos Unidos with some help from the Corvallis School District, which provided a translation service at the event and child care for parents attending it.

Ryan Noss, superintendent of the district, said the district hosted a similar event last year that was well attended and school officials do it as a way to further engage Latino families.

For us, it is important that we create an environment in our schools where kids feel safe and comfortable so they can focus on learning, he said.

While speaking at the event with the help of Spanish translator, Noss thanked the parents for the opportunity to educate their kids, and he said his goal was to let them know their kids would be safe at school.

Biff Traber, Corvallis mayor, also spoke at the event with the assistance of a translator to tell the families that the city of Corvallis and its staff, particularly the police, would not target them for being immigrants.

He said the city charter is supportive of diversity and forbids discrimination of any kind, including by national origin or immigration status. City police, he added, cannot ask about immigration status.

It is the policy of the city to eliminate discrimination based on citizenship of national origin, he said.

[For clarification, Corvallis Police Department does ask about country of origin for purposes of determining if someone arrested is entitled to legal representation from their home country's consulate. Jon Sassaman, Corvallis' police chief, said these consular notification laws are intended as a way of protecting accused by making sure their home countries can offer them services, not as a means for prosecuting them over their immigration status.]

A representative of the Benton County Health Department also spoke at the event in Spanish, encouraging the families to come in for advice and help with applying for benefits.

If you come in and write your name down, it will not affect you, she said.

For English speakers in the audience, the districts translator brought headsets through which attendees could listen to a translated of the portions of the event in Spanish.

Maria Cobarrubias, an immigration attorney, also spoke at the event. She gave some advice, such as for people facing deportation to ask for an attorney and to not sign anything without an attorney present. She also encouraged people to not use fake identity papers because that is a crime that could affect their legal status.

Cobarrubias started by talking about how many people are afraid of Donald Trump winning the presidency, but she added that many people were deported under President Barrack Obama.

You dont have to be afraid of what Trump is saying," she said. We have already passed that, and we are surviving."

Cobarrubias also took questions, many of which had to do with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an immigration policy Obama created through executive action that gave legal status to people brought to the U.S. as children. Cobarrubias said she wasnt sure what would happen with the program.

But she did say there are many organizations and lawyers working with people facing deportation, and although they are busy, they are trying to help everyone.

We are here to help you, Cobarrubias said.
Candy canes, presents, carols and thefts: These are all things you can find in abundance in Corvallis around the holidays.

Officials with the Corvallis Police Department say there are more reports of package thefts from homes in the month leading up to Christmas than in the entire rest of the year combined. A majority of the thefts are crimes of opportunity involving an offender walking by and seeing the package as an easy target for theft. With online shopping becoming more prevalent, so too have reports of package thefts, said Lt. Dan Duncan of the Corvallis Police Department.

We go from taking very few reports throughout the year to taking dozens during the month of December, Duncan said. Typically the reports involve someone ordering something too big for the mailbox that is then left on the front porch. They come home and its gone.

But thefts arent the only problem created by unattended packages left on porches. Even if they are not stolen, packages can often make a home look more attractive to burglars, Duncan said.

Its a sign that youre not home, he said. And there are plenty of people willing to take advantage of that.

In addition to package thefts, police say burglaries increase every December on the Oregon State University campus and throughout Corvallis as many people take vacation over the holidays. In previous years, residential burglaries have resulted in more than $60,000 in stolen property and dozens of thefts.

But police say citizens can take several steps to minimize the risks of becoming victims over the holidays, including shipping packages to locations where people will be able to receive them when delivered or requesting that packages be dropped off in locations not visible from the street.

Police also are asking residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in neighborhoods.

If you keep seeing that same person wandering through the neighborhood, call it in, police said in a press release. When in doubt, have police check it out.
Police search : Young woman allegedly pulled into car and taken away

Konigswinter-Romlinghoven Bonn police are searching for a young woman who was apparently pulled into a car on Malteserstrae/Lommerwiese on Wednesday against her will. They are asking for the publics help in finding her.

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On Wednesday, Bonn police received an emergency phone call at about 4:10 pm. A witness reported that a woman has asked for help from the driver of a white car, but was then grabbed by a man, thrown into a black car and taken away. The witness could not give any more specific information about the vehicles.

Police are now searching for the woman but so far questioning in nearby businesses and other search measures have not resulted in any information about the young woman or the car. Police are asking for the publics help in finding the woman because she may be in danger.

The woman is described as around 18 - 25-years-old and sudlandisch (meaning with a Mediterranean look - Spanish, Italian, etc.). The suspect is believed to be around 18 - 26-years-old and also looked sudlandisch. He wore a wool cap. Police are especially asking for the driver of the white car to contact them.

Anyone who may have observed anything or have any information is asked to call the police: (0228) 150.
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
HARRISBURG  Former Philadelphia Deputy Kevin Bethel spoke at Wednesdays Dauphin County Commissioners meeting to discuss the importance of police departments and school districts developing diversion programs.

Bethel says times have changed, and it is important that change takes place on how youths who dont commit serious crimes are treated.

Coming to school with scissors or fighting in the hallway or code of conduct issues is different that bringing a weapon to school and making threats, Bethel said. Over the last three decades, when zero tolerance was implemented, those less serious incidents became crimes, and that is just not acceptable.

Bethel leads the diversion program in the Philadelphia School District. He said since 2014, arrests in schools have dropped nearly 65 percent.

He says school districts in Dauphin County need to develop diversion programs and they will see a difference.

You want to redirect them to services versus arrests, Bethel said. The goal is to reduce repeat offenses, but more importantly get services to them and help them with the issues they may have.

According to Bethel, there has been major progress since the program began.

When you keep kids out of the system and in the classroom they stay focused on learning, instead of other things, that may lead to a life of crime, Bethel said.
The IMPACT student program at South Middleton School District is sponsoring an Empty Bowls project and silent auction at 6 p.m. Friday in the Yellow Breeches Middle School cafeteria.

There is no charge to attend the event, but tickets are required to guarantee a bowl for each guest. Tickets are available at the middle school office and at the building office of the W.G. Rice Elementary School, the Iron Forge Elementary School or the Boiling Springs High School.

Empty Bowl projects bring attention to the issue of world hunger to people across America. Guests to the Dec. 2 event will be served a simple soup and bread supper in a ceramic bowl of their choice made by students, family, faculty members and local residents.

The bowls are a gift for each guest to take home as a reminder of the countless empty bowls facing hungry people around the world. One-hundred percent of the donation from the bowls and dinner will benefit the Backpack Power Pack program of the Project SHARE food bank.

The program provides food to children identified by school counselors, administrators and family members as being at risk for going hungry over weekends and school holidays. The program, run entirely by volunteers, provides these children with power packs  a backpack of 15 food items at the start of each weekend or holiday break.

This is the second year IMPACT has sponsored an Empty Bowls project. The 2015 project drew about 125 participants and raised about $1,000 for Project SHARE programs.

It was a beautiful dinner.  A humble dinner, said Alex Smith, a school psychologist and one of three IMPACT coordinators. Our students did an excellent job commenting on what Empty Bowls is and how the funds will be distributed.

The hope this year is the project could raise $1,500 toward the Backpack program as a way to help local students, said Alex Smith, a school psychologist and one of three IMPACT coordinators.

There will also be a silent auction involving items donated by local businesses and school staff members. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the IMPACT program by helping to fund activities that promote social skills, teamwork or healthy alternatives.

These include luncheons with adult mentors, an end-of-the-year trip to a theme park for students who meet program goals and a high rope course for adventure-based activities at the Diakon Wilderness Center.

Last year the silent auction raised about $600 for IMPACT, Smith said. This year the goal is to raise $1,000.

Launched in January 2014, IMPACT is a program designed by South Middleton to help at-risk students who do not fit the mold of other support programs. While these students are academically capable, they display behaviors that are not conducive to learning, such as poor attendance, poor work completion and high amounts of disciplinary referrals.

The IMPACT program includes the Why Try? curriculum package that incorporates long-term and short-term goals with cooperative learning and teamwork activities where students identify and address areas of support and obstacle in their lives, Smith said.

There are 25 students in grades 6-8 enrolled in the program. Through goal setting, the students can see how their daily courses are relevant to them and serve as stepping stones to where they ultimately want to be, Smith said.
God Told Me Dangote Will Be The President Of Nigeria - Ex CAN Secr., Archbishop George Amu

kacylee at 1-12-2016 07:15 AM (5 years ago) (f)



A former Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop George Amu, has said God has shown him that Nigerian billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, will one day become the president of Nigeria.

A former Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop George Amu, has said God has shown him that Nigerian billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, will one day become the president of Nigeria.

Amu said just like the emergence of Donald Trump as the President of America shocked the world, so will Dangotes emergence as Nigerias President shock everyone.







The cleric, who recalled telling journalists on August 21, on the occasion of his 75th birthday, that Trump would win Americas election, said God had also revealed to him that Dangote would be Nigerias President, but he was not sure whether he would succeed President Muhammadu Buhari or not.



According to him, the similarity between Trump and Dangote is that both are successful businessmen, rather than politicians, and God plans to use them to salvage their countries from problems.



Amu recalled that when he predicted Trumps victory, no newspaper reported it, saying, I even told my children to circulate the information on their Facebook but they declined. The same God, who revealed Donald Trumps victory in the US, has also declared His intention to install Dangote as the future President of Nigeria. Amu said just like the emergence of Donald Trump as the President of America shocked the world, so will Dangotes emergence as Nigerias President shock everyone.The cleric, who recalled telling journalists on August 21, on the occasion of his 75th birthday, that Trump would win Americas election, said God had also revealed to him that Dangote would be Nigerias President, but he was not sure whether he would succeed President Muhammadu Buhari or not.According to him, the similarity between Trump and Dangote is that both are successful businessmen, rather than politicians, and God plans to use them to salvage their countries from problems.Amu recalled that when he predicted Trumps victory, no newspaper reported it, saying, I even told my children to circulate the information on their Facebook but they declined. The same God, who revealed Donald Trumps victory in the US, has also declared His intention to install Dangote as the future President of Nigeria.

Post Reply I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 1-12-2016 07:15 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero

Wazubia at 1-12-2016 07:29 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Ewu, una don chop Jonathan finish with una false prophesied, now u won turn to Dangote. Posted: at 1-12-2016 07:29 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Ewu, una don chop Jonathan finish with una false prophesied, now u won turn to Dangote. Reply

Trueyarn at 1-12-2016 07:35 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Ok nah till then. Posted: at 1-12-2016 07:35 AM (5 years ago) | Hero Ok nah till then. Reply

kacylee at 1-12-2016 08:52 AM (5 years ago)

(f) HMMMM. EVEN ALICASH NEVER EVEN ENTER POLITICS, GOD KNOWS ALL SHA I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 1-12-2016 08:52 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero HMMMM. EVEN ALICASH NEVER EVEN ENTER POLITICS, GOD KNOWS ALL SHA Reply

emytex74 at 1-12-2016 10:18 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Who be this one again you no go keep quite now

tomorrow now you say no be wetin you talk Posted: at 1-12-2016 10:18 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Who be this one again you no go keep quite nowtomorrow now you say no be wetin you talk Reply

gogoman at 1-12-2016 10:50 AM (5 years ago)

(m) COS TRUMP A BUSINESS MAN DON BE AMERICAN ONE ABI... PASTOR PASTOR Posted: at 1-12-2016 10:50 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero COS TRUMP A BUSINESS MAN DON BE AMERICAN ONE ABI... PASTOR PASTOR Reply

MERSHIEBOY at 1-12-2016 11:04 AM (5 years ago)

(m) hahahaha hillarious!!! so you want dangote to be buried alive huh??? Posted: at 1-12-2016 11:04 AM (5 years ago) | Upcoming hahahaha hillarious!!! so you want dangote to be buried alive huh??? Reply

OLOWOBABA10 at 1-12-2016 11:27 AM (5 years ago)

(m) SHAME ON HIM ! NOW HE IS EXPECTING HIS EGUNJE CHECK FROM DANGOTE FORGETTING THAT DANGOTE IS NOT THAT DUMB , ANYWAY HE DID NOT SAY WHICH god TOLD HIM THAT ! Posted: at 1-12-2016 11:27 AM (5 years ago) | Upcoming SHAME ON HIM ! NOW HE IS EXPECTING HIS EGUNJE CHECK FROM DANGOTE FORGETTING THAT DANGOTE IS NOT THAT DUMB , ANYWAY HE DID NOT SAY WHICH god TOLD HIM THAT ! Reply

winace at 1-12-2016 11:38 AM (5 years ago)

(f) Until then Posted: at 1-12-2016 11:38 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Until then Reply

kison at 1-12-2016 12:21 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Posted: at 1-12-2016 12:21 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Reply

AmazingMarie at 1-12-2016 01:37 PM (5 years ago)

(f) very good prophesy thank you man of God. let's wait and see by His grace. Posted: at 1-12-2016 01:37 PM (5 years ago) | Hero very good prophesy thank you man of God. let's wait and see by His grace. Reply

AmazingMarie at 1-12-2016 01:38 PM (5 years ago)

(f) whe n the prophesy of a prophet does not come to pass that means God didn't speak to him. Posted: at 1-12-2016 01:38 PM (5 years ago) | Hero whe n the prophesy of a prophet does not come to pass that means God didn't speak to him. Reply

osarobo62 at 1-12-2016 03:56 PM (5 years ago)

(m) i won't be surprised. Dangote is a nigerian and he is entitled to join politics if he chose to Posted: at 1-12-2016 03:56 PM (5 years ago) | Hero i won't be surprised. Dangote is a nigerian and he is entitled to join politics if he chose to Reply

diutopep at 1-12-2016 05:36 PM (5 years ago)

(f) Even when God did not say anything they will still say..

It's Him that said it!! Posted: at 1-12-2016 05:36 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Even when God did not say anything they will still say..It's Him that said it!! Reply

diutopep at 1-12-2016 05:38 PM (5 years ago)

(f) May God keep all of us alive to witness this false/true prophecy! Posted: at 1-12-2016 05:38 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac May God keep all of us alive to witness this false/true prophecy! Reply

CHRISETTE at 2-12-2016 11:59 PM (5 years ago)

(f) We dey wait Posted: at 2-12-2016 11:59 PM (5 years ago) | Hero We dey wait Reply

BournIdentity at 28-12-2016 01:11 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Sidon there dey look like zombie,,,,.. I just dey wakaring Posted: at 28-12-2016 01:11 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Sidon there dey look like zombie,,,,.. I just dey wakaring Reply
What is Project Tango

Firstly, before we get into any further details, Project Tango is a tech based on Augmented Reality which will allow your smartphone to capture objects in your surroundings in 3D.

How will it be useful, you may ask? Well, it may be used for various real-life applications such as helping visually impaired people, mapping and navigation, architectural designing, depth perception, and gaming. The possibilities are just endless.

A Moto Mod will add Googles Tango capabilities to Moto Z series smartphones

As stated by Aymar de Lencquesaing, Mobility president of Motorola, the Moto Z series of smartphones will be getting support for the tech mostly in the form of "a Tango module." He further added that "Augmented reality on a phone is a technology that's likely to stick. Of course we'll follow, or lead, the market in this area."

However, specifics like when is it going to be made available were not revealed.

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is the first smartphone to come with Googles Tango tech

Like mentioned earlier, Lenovo's Phab 2 Pro is the world's first smartphone to come with Google's Project Tango technology. The device is priced at USD 499 (roughly. Rs. 34,169) and is already available in the US. It is expected to hit the Indian shores soon. The official date for the Indian launch is still not available, though.

Apple iPhone 8 also to come with Augmented Reality capabilities

In addition to the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro and a few other Phab series smartphones, Apple iPhone 8 is rumoured to come with Augmented reality capabilities. Read more about it here. Having said that, how the Cupertino-based tech giant will implement this technology and how will it be different from Google's Project Tango remains to be seen.

Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals
Nokia D1C to Come in Two Variants With Varied Display, RAM, and Camera! Features oi -Chakri Kudikala A 5.5-inch screen variant with 16MP rear camera is tipped.

As we already know about the fact that Nokia will re-enter into the smartphone business in 2017. Nokia itself officially confirmed the news. And, we have earlier seen some leaks about a Nokia-powered Android phone called 'Nokia D1C', and now we have another information regarding this phone.

Nokia is rumored to launch three to four Android-powered phones at MWC 2017 and rumors say that the company will launch two flagship phones along with an entry-level phone and a mid-ranger.

Also Read: New Nokia Phone Concept Hits the Web and it's Absolutely Gorgeous

Having said that, leaks till date suggested that the Nokia D1C will be the company's entry-level smartphone with entry-level specs. The smartphone has been through benchmark listings already, and the latest leak from Nokiapoweruser reveals more detailed specs of the upcoming phone.

Two Variants In Tow According to NPU, the Nokia D1C will be made available in two display variant sizes, which was earlier rumored as well. However, the important thing here is both the phone differ internally as well. A 5-inch Variant The lower end variant will boast of a 5-inch 1080p screen along with 2GB of RAM and a 13MP rear camera. The smartphone will also get an 8MP sensor on the front. There might be 16GB of internal storage along with support for expandable storage. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals A 5.5-inch Variant Another variant of Nokia D1C comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p screen along with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. Also, the rear camera on this variant will be of 16MP, but boasts of the same 8MP front-facing camera. Snapdragon 430 SoC Will power both Variants One noticeable thing with this leak is that both the variants will be equipped with the earlier reported 1.4 GHz octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU along with the Adreno 505 GPU for taking up the graphics Boots Android Nougat The best feature of all. The Nokia D1C (two variants) will run Android Nougat out-of-the-box. Though this was not a new leak, it is one of the most anticipated features of the phone. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals

Best Mobiles in India
What will happen to the Welcome Offer?

Well, it is confirmed that Welcome Offer will be ending on December 31, but there has not been any official announcement about its extension.

However, there have been several rumors that the company might introduce Welcome Offer 2, well nothing is confirmed until Mukesh Ambani's speech today.

Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals

Reliance Jio DTH Service

After the telecom sector, the new entrant is expected to hit the television world. The company already provides JioTV. JioCinema and more.

However, Reliance Jio might announce their very own DTH services. Several features of the new DTH service has already been rumored across the internet.

SEE ALSO: Reliance Jio DTH vs Dish TV: Find Out Which Offers Better Services and Suits Your Needs



Cheapest 4G Feature Phone of India?

Well, Reliance Jio has been hitting headlines to launch India's cheapest 4G feature phones starting at Rs. 1,000, especially to cover the suburban regions of the country.

The specifications of the 4G feature phone named as LYF Easy phone has been revealed, hence the company might surely announce the service today.

Watch the Event Live

Mukesh Ambani is supposed to hold a meeting at 1:30 PM today, and is expected to unveil the company's future plans. Well, the company has decided to broadcast over its various social media platforms, including YouTube, Jio Digital Life Channel, Twitter and more.

On the other hand, the consumers can also watch the speech live on Jio's Facebook page, click here to watch it live.

Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals
The Offer

So if you are a Vodafone customer and you want to upgrade to 4G you will now get 2GB of data with unlimited 4G speed for 10 days.

Presumably, Vodafone might be giving the offer free as a test or a trial and when customers upgrade to 4G they can also check the speed of the 4G network.

However, Vodafone users in selected states can make use of the offer. Besides, you can get free data in your Vodafone SIM by just sending an SMS.

How to Get this Vodafone SIM Upgrade Offer?

Well, you have to visit your nearest Vodafone store and ask them to upgrade your current SIM to 4G SIM. Need to do the formalities like submitting id-proof, etc.

After getting the SIM, you will need to send a single SMS from your Vodafone 4g SIM.

Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals

What to Send?

So go to your message application and compose a new message. You need to type "GET 4G" and send it to "144." After sending this SMS you will receive a notification saying that your promotion has been successfully activated.

That's pretty much that you need to do. Your pack will be activated free for 10 days.

SEE ALSO: Aircel Offers Unlimited Call and Data with its Latest Combo Packs

Terms Regarding This Offer

Although the offer comes free there are some terms regarding this. Firstly the offer is valid for both prepaid and postpaid users. Secondly, you will need a 4G enabled handset and a 4G SIM. Users also need the 4G network to make use of the offer.

Lastly, it is in selected states only. Basically, you can check with your customer care if the service is active or not.

Click Here for New Android Smartphones Best Online Deals
Scotlands first 7T scanner arrives at the QEUH

The University of Glasgow, in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, has taken delivery of Scotlands first ultra-powerful 17.5 tonne 7 Tesla (7T) MRI scanner at the new Imaging Centre of Excellence (ICE) on the site of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH).

The new ultra-high resolution scanner  one of the worlds most powerful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines  is also the first scanner of its kind in the UK to be located in a clinical setting. It will be situated on the grounds of Glasgows new super hospital, the QEUH.

The 10m 7T MRI scanner will be used to advance critical clinical research and will allow scientists and clinicians to study the human body in greater resolution than ever before, ultimately benefitting patients.

The 7T scanner arrives

The 7T MRI scanner will offer researchers the opportunity to learn more about a host of health conditions, initially focusing on brain imaging to look at conditions such as small blood vessel disease of the brain, stroke, vascular dementia, brain tumours, Parkinsons, Alzheimers Disease, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

The scanner will be housed in the Universitys state of the art 32m ICE, which was made possible by 16m of funding by the UK Government and the Medical Research Council (MRC) via the Glasgow City Region City Deal, with further funding from other sources including the European Regional Development Funding, The Sackler Trust and the Dr Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation.

The 7T scanner will be located on the ground level of ICE, which will also include extensive accommodation for research and development and an extension to the Universitys Clinical Innovation Zone, providing an entire floor for industry collaboration and partnership. Over a ten year period the development is predicted to create around 400 jobs and 85m for the Scottish economy.

Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow said: The new 7 Tesla scanner is very important for the University of Glasgow, the city of Glasgow, Scotland and the UK.

The scanner is an important first for Scotland, which wouldnt have been possible without 2.3m of European Union funding. The ability to form collaborations across Europe, and also bring skilled staff over from the EU to work on such advanced technology, will be a key part of the long-term success of the project.

By locating the scanner at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, we are bringing advanced precision medicine technology closer to patients, making it arguably the most advanced imaging capability of its kind in the world for patient benefit."

The 7T MRI scanner will be the centrepiece of the ICE building, which will become a cutting-edge centre for the advancement of precision medicine when it opens next year. The building will provide world-leading clinical research facilities and provide a hub for academic, scientific and NHS clinical expertise.

Professor Keith Muir, SINAPSE Chair of Clinical Imaging (Stroke and Brain Imaging), who will be leading a clinical research programme using the 7T scanner, said: The high magnetic field of the 7T scanner will allow extremely high resolution scanning of the body. This technology opens up the possibilities for new clinical and basic neuroscience research.

In some conditions, looking at very small parts of the brain with the 7T scanner might make a big difference. In areas such as Alzheimers and some types of stroke, the areas of interest are very small  even microscopic  parts of the brain that we cant see with the scanner technology that is currently available.

Robert Calderwood, Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:

The installation of this high resolution scanner will provide the most advanced imaging facilities in the world on the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus.

The new building will also provide four state of the art theatre suites with full ancillary accommodation which will be utilised by the Department of Neurosurgery and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery.

Councillor Frank McAveety, Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: I am delighted a further milestone has been reached for the ICE project. The 1.13billion Glasgow City Region City Deal will not only deliver tens of thousands of jobs and enormous infrastructural improvements over the coming decades, but also continue the City Regions rise as a leader in innovative industries.

The investment we are making in exciting innovation projects such as the ICE will create new jobs and expertise in the key sectors that will deliver sustainable future economic growth.

Dr Craig Buckley, Head of Research and Scientific Collaborations - Siemens Healthcare GB&I - Siemens Healthcare, said: Dementia is now the leading cause of death in England and Wales and conditions such as Parkinsons, Alzheimers disease and epilepsy continue to be key health challenges across the UK. We are working closely with experts and partners such as The University of Glasgow to improve the process of early diagnosis, treatment, supporting research through partnerships and providing innovative technology.

The 7T MRI scanner allows researchers to see detail in the brain as tiny as a grain of sand. Brain imaging is extremely significant in these conditions as it identifies miniscule alterations in the structure, function and chemistry of the brain, which can improve early patient diagnosis and care throughout the pathway.

A spokesperson for The Sackler Trust and Dr Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation said: We are delighted to support the acquisition of the University of Glasgows new 7T scanner and its new facilities at the ICE building at the QEUH.

The foundation is pleased to play a role in the advancement of research and look forward to seeing the impact the scanner will have on furthering medical science in this crucial area.

Bruce Dickson, Regional Director, BAM Construction said, In our industry our teams become used to overcoming challenges, but plugging a 17 tonne state of the art MRI scanner into a building nearing completion has to be up there with the best of them.

Fortunately the way this building was procured using a completely collaborative approach means that we have understood exactly what was required from us by our Client, the University of Glasgow, and their partners NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde from the very start of the project and our team have been planning for, and working towards, this moment for over a year.

This is our third major project within the new Queen Elizabeth University Hospital estate and we are delighted to be involved in such a ground breaking, world class facility.

ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk // 0141 330 6557/4831
Overall, Double XL is a well-made film that might be liked by gentry in all shapes, sizes, and age too. By the way, do not miss the interval!!
A man named Pastor Ernest Perces spending Thursday afternoon on the Square in Carlisle protesting the wars in the Middle East.

Around 1:35 p.m., Perce was spotted at the corner of High and Hanover streets in Carlisle holding a sign that reads "U.S. stop bombing Muslims 4 Isreal" (sic). He also had an American flag lying on the sidewalk in front of him.

Passers by were heard yelling and cursing at Perce as he stood on the corner.

Police later confirmed that Perce ended up on the hood of a passing vehicle and his flag was taken into evidence after that incident.
German Intel Agency to Spend About $160Mln on Decryption of Messengers  Reports

Sputnik News

17:17 30.11.2016(updated 17:18 30.11.2016)

Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is going to spend 150 million euros (about $160 million) on the project allowing decryption of messengers such as WhatsApp and Telegram, local media reported.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The project Reconnaissance of Non-Standardized Communication in Internet (ANISKI) is the BND's response to the challenge posed by widespread new means of communication such as messengers that are using specific transmission and encryption protocols as well as complicating identification of users, the Netzpolitik media outlet reported on Tuesday.

BND is now capable of gaining information from "less than 10" out of over 70 popular communication services. The German intelligence service wants to increase its capabilities in the sphere in order to fight terrorism and illegal human trafficking in the Mediterranean Sea.

As part of the ANISKI project BND is going to develop software for analyzing and processing of metadata. In order to fulfill the set goals BND is going to buy new powerful hardware.

BND refused to comment on the reports saying that classifying certain information serves public interests.

Last week, the German parliament passed budget increasing the BND financing by 12 percent to 807 million euros.

 Sputnik

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook November 29, 2016

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook in the Pentagon Briefing Room

PETER COOK: Afternoon, everybody. Hope you had a good Thanksgiving break if you got the chance to get a break.

I got a couple of items before I take your questions, and I want to begin with some news regarding the budget.

A short time ago, Secretary Carter sent a letter to congressional leaders regarding the prospect of a continuing resolution. In the letter, Secretary Carter says that he is particularly troubled by information that Congress may be considering a CR through May of next year. A short-term CR is bad enough, but a CR through May means DOD would have to operate under its constraints for two-thirds of the fiscal year.

Now, in the secretary's words, this is unprecedented and unacceptable, especially when we have so many troops operating in harm's way. The secretary goes on to strongly urge Congress to reject this approach and limit the duration of any continuing resolution. And we can provide that letter for you after this briefing, if you're interested.

Now, one task that an extended CR would make more difficult is the fight against ISIL, which would be deeply unfortunate because we continue to achieve results in that fight. In fact, this morning, the secretary received an update from some of his commanders leading our effort against ISIL.

They reported to him that in Mosul over the last week, Iraqi security forces had made careful but steady progress in tightening the noose around the city and pressuring ISIL on multiple fronts. CTS continues to lead the way from the east of the city. As was expected and as we and our Iraqi partners have said many times, this is not an easy fight, but it is a fight ISIL is losing.

Iraqi forces during this campaign have exhibited extraordinary care in preventing civilian casualties, and we continue to work closely with Prime Minister Abadi and Iraqi commanders, remain closely aligned with the Iraqis in the execution of the campaign plan.

Meanwhile, over in Syria, the SDF is consolidating the gains it has made in the first phase of its drive towards Raqqah and the SDF continues its isolation of ISIL's so-called capital. The coalition continues to provide critical support to our partner forces in Syria and in Iraq, especially through the air, as we maintain maximum pressure on ISIL.

I also want to briefly address the results of the investigation into the September strikes in Dayr az-Zawr, Syria that you heard about earlier today from CENTCOM. As you know, CENTCOM released the results of their investigation earlier today. The investigation determined that although the strikes likely hit forces aligned with the government of Syria, the strikes were conducted under a good faith belief that the strikes were targeting ISIL, in accordance with the law of armed conflict and the applicable rules of engagement.

Secretary Carter has been briefed on the investigation. He is grateful for the hard work of the investigative team and the participation of our coalition partners. He also fully supports the efforts of U.S. Central Command, AFCENT, and the Combined Air Operations Center to implement lessons learned from this incident.

The United States is not only the most powerful and most precise military on earth. We are also the most transparent. When we fall short of our high standards, as happened in this case, we acknowledge our mistakes. We learn from it. And that's what we will do after this event.

And with that, I'm happy to take your questions.

Idrees?

Q: Coming to the CENTCOM report that you mentioned, Secretary Carter has been briefed on it. Is he satisfied with the way the officials -- the United States officials on the ground handled themselves? Because there were clearly a series of errors that led to this.

MR. COOK: I think obviously the secretary is concerned by the report that we had ended up striking a target that did not end up being the target we thought we were hitting, the coalition, and he wants to make sure that something like this doesn't happen again. And that's what he certainly expects of the operations -- the air operations that will continue; that there will be lessons learned from this; and this sort of thing can be prevented.

And again, these are, as you heard today from the investigating officer who investigated this, this was a situation in which they had high confidence they were hitting ISIL, and it turns out that that was not the case; that they likely hit regime-aligned forces. But they had reason to believe that they were hitting ISIL. A number of factors contributed to this. We're going to learn from that, take lessons from it, and make sure that this sort of thing can't happen again, or certainly that the chances of it happening again are reduced.

Q: (inaudible) -- should be reprimanded? Or there should be some sort of impact on the officials because there were clearly some errors that could have been, you know, avoided?

MR. COOK: The secretary is confident that there will be lessons learned here; that those will be applied. The correct processes and procedures will be applied going forward.

Q: Do you expect anyone to be reprimanded?

MR. COOK: At this point, there was -- as we understand it, based on the investigation, there was no malice here. This was what they believed to be an appropriate target. We've now learned since that that was not the case. And the secretary will leave it to the commanders to determine anything along those lines.

Q: (inaudible) -- about the policy impact that this strike had, and how it impacted your dealings with Russia? Because obviously, the investigation dealt with the technical aspects of it, but from a policy perspective, what impact would that have on working with the Russians since September?

MR. COOK: I think the one thing that the investigation made clear, one thing that we've tried to do since, for example, is to make clear that in those conversations that happen on that hotline that if there's immediate information that needs to be relayed, that it should be relayed right away. That's one of the most immediate after effects of this.

But with regard to broader policy, I don't believe that there has been a change.

Yes?

Q: So, following up on the Russia contact. So, in the -- they were told by the investigating officer that this was the first time that Russia had been made aware of actual targets before coalition war planes struck. We were understanding that this was -- the hotline was for de-confliction of air space. This seems to be a little bit different. Can you talk -- was there a lot of discussion about kind of providing that information? Is this a change in what the hotline is designed to do? And has that kind of information been shared regularly?

MR. COOK: No. I think as you heard from General Coe, this was in fact the first time that this kind of information was relayed and it was relayed because of the number of aircraft that would be in the area as I understand it.

Again, I would defer to CENTCOM and the investigators for the detail on this, but because of the number of aircraft involved, this was an effort -- the purpose of that line is for de-confliction and that was what was attempted here and they did provide an area of operation because of the risk that there might be Russian aircraft in the same area.

So they went out of their way, they did something that was not necessary under the terms of the memorandum of understanding. And so they tried to provide the kind of guidance that would avoid some sort of miscalculation or misunderstanding in the air. Unfortunately, the after effect of this was a strike that did not end up with the result that we had intended.

Q: There was a little talk about whether or not -- the question was asked if compensation had been discussed at all. I understand this is something that's left to -- you said it was going to be left to diplomatic channels. Is the Department of Defense involved in those conversations at all about the prospect of compensation as something that's being looked at?

MR. COOK: I'll defer to what you heard today on the call from General Coe on that. I'm not aware of anything that's actively happening.

Yes, Tara.

Q: Back to the budget. On the letter released today --

MR. COOK: Yeah.

Q: -- is there any concern about the CR potential impact on the supplemental request that the secretary made I guess about a month ago now? I don't know how closely the two are -- how one affects the other.

MR. COOK: The letter only references the threat of a -- or the possibility of an extended CR. There is an additional reference to the OCO funding, so.

Q: Are you expecting any sort of impact as well on a supplemental request? Have you heard any --

MR. COOK: Well, we continue to work closely with Congress. We know that there's bipartisan support for our operations in overseas, particularly the fight against ISIL, our operations in Afghanistan, and so we remain certainly optimistic that we'll be able to work this out with members of Congress.

But the secretary felt strongly enough that he wanted to make this point that an extended CR  a CR is bad enough, it is not an efficient way to conduct the department's business. He's been clear on that for some time. An extended CR would be an even worse situation and could, again, have the possibility of affecting our operations and that's something that he would like to avoid.

Q: More on the transition. Are -- have the transition teams continued to come to the Pentagon or the Pentagon staff still meeting with them?

MR. COOK: Yes.

Q: Is it a daily occurrence or what --

MR. COOK: My understanding, there's a meeting today, but I'll leave it to the transition folks for the president-elect to detail what their activities are here. But we continue to provide the support and answer any questions that they have.

Yes?

Q: The Iraqi National Assembly has passed a law making the Shiite militias a formal part of the Iraqi army. Will that affect how the U.S. deals with either the militias or the army? I mean, now you don't support the militias with air power, for example. Would that change under the new law?

MR. COOK: First of all, this is really a matter for the Iraqis to resolve and my understanding is it has not been completely resolved at this time. And so I defer you to questions on their legislative action to the Iraqis.

What I can say is we continue to support the government of Prime Minister Abadi and continue to support forces under his control right now and we'll continue to do that. And this is, again, a situation where this has more to do with Iraqi domestic politics as anything else and we'll continue to work closely with Prime Minister Abadi.

But this is not finalized as I understand it and there are also diplomatic considerations here as well. You know there are rules regarding U.S. assistance, and so these are things that we think at this point, not all those questions can be answered.

Q: Well, are you concerned -- regarding the rules on U.S. assistance, are you concerned that some of these bigger militias have their origins in the insurgency against U.S. troops while they were there in Iraq up through 2011?

MR. COOK: Well, as you know, we're not providing support to the PMF at this time. We're going to continue to provide support to the Iraqi security forces, and that has not changed.

Q: My question is if the PMF become a formal part of the Iraqi security forces, would your position towards the PMF change?

MR. COOK: We will continue to work closely with the government of Iraq, but we have stated clearly in the past that we will not support those PMF forces. If there's a change in the structure, that's a determination that the Iraqis will make on their own and we'll have that conversation at a later time. But at this point, our position has not changed.

Yes, Aaron.

Q: Two on the budget. First, usually when these type of letters get sent to Congress from this building, they aren't announced from this podium. Usually something we find out about from the Hill. What are the circumstances that made you feel it was important enough to publicly announce this letter?

MR. COOK: We got word that there was a risk of -- possibility of this, an extended CR. There's obviously a limited time that Congress is here to take action on these matters, and so the secretary felt time was of the essence. And because of that, he felt it was important to send this message out and deliver what he thought was -- his view on this issue, given that there's limited time for Congress to act on it.

Q: We also are expecting an NDAA agreement shortly. One of the things that we're told is in that agreement is going to be a change to the AT&L structure, which is something that the secretary has raised concerns about in the past. What have the discussions been like with the SASC and the HASC about a potential change? And what are the concerns presently from this building?

MR. COOK: Well, first of all, we haven't seen a finished product, so I'm not going to weigh in on something we haven't seen yet.

You know, Aaron, as well as anyone, the secretary's concerns about the change that had been proposed in the Senate legislation in particular, and he would continue to have those concerns. So we would like to see the finished product and we look forward to working with Congress trying to resolve these outstanding issues. But until we see a finished product, it's hard for me to weigh in on anything.

Yes, Carla.

Q: Going back to the Dayr az Zawr strike, you said that this was the first time that the U.S. had relayed the coordinates to the Russians because of the number of aircraft. How many times has that happened since the Dayr az Zawr strike?

MR. COOK: Honestly, I don't know if it came up in the call or -- I'd refer you to CENTCOM for that. I'm not aware of it happening again since, but I can't say with certainty.

But again, this was a unique instance in which the sheer number of aircraft involved, they thought -- they did it out of an abundance of caution. And again, they're not obligated to do that, but the idea here was to promote safety of flight, and that was the goal in making that call.

Yes?

Q: I'm -- (inaudible) -- I'm a reporter with -- (inaudible) -- news wire, so I want to follow-up on cooperation with Russia. So, is the United States still looking to enhance the MOU?

MR. COOK: I think we continue to engage with the Russians with regard to safety of flight. Those discussions have been professional and productive in terms of maintaining that line of communication, and I think we'll continue to have those conversations to see if there are ways to achieve greater safety, greater understanding between our air crews and their air crews so that we minimize the chances of a miscalculation in the air.

So we would have urged the Russians to maintain that memorandum of understanding and the communications, and nothing's changed in our view on that. We think it's an important line of communication to maintain in order to preserve the safety of our flight crews and of course the Russian crews as well.

Q: Will the United States consider cooperating with Russia to validate targets on the ground in the future?

MR. COOK: We have no plans at this point to cooperate with Russia in that way.

Yes, Gary?

Q: Now that the formal report is out, are you planning to formally apologize to the Syrian government?

MR. COOK: Gary, as you know, at the time of the incident, we did express regret if coalition forces mistakenly struck forces aligned with the regime, and that appears to be at this point the case, that's it's likely, although we can't say with certainty, that those were government-aligned forces. And we'll stand by that at this point, again, if a mistake was made in this instance, it's a mistake we regret.

Q: Regret isn't an apology, though.

MR. COOK: I'm going to leave it at that, Gary.

Yes, Richard?

Q: Peter, on the budget, you mentioned that there's a possibility of an impact on the campaign against ISIS from an extended continuing resolution, yet you've also cited the major progress made in the campaign against ISIS.

So the -- the question is, if you're making this progress under current spending levels, how is -- how is an extended continuing resolution, how does that impact the -- the war against ISIS?

MR. COOK: Well, I'll give you one example, and that is obviously that the funding levels that we had set for last year reflected the reality on the ground and the support we needed at that time.

We've had, for example, increases in the number of U.S. forces in Iraq, for example. So if we're using money and budgeting that was allocated under one scenario or one expectation about the level of U.S. forces and we now have a new one, again, you might be able to see how that would pose problems for us.

Likewise, anything we need to do to provide funding to those forces right now conducting the counter-ISIL operations could mean a limitation on funding for training, for readiness back here at home, and that's not a situation the secretary feels any better about.

So it is not an effective way to run the Department to Defense. It is certainly not an effective way to plan for the future. And that's why the secretary would like to limit as best we can the period of time that we might be under a continuing resolution.

Q: Peter, if I could, one on the -- one on the transition. The secretary has said several times and you've reiterated from that platform that the significant changes he's made here at the Defense Department, DIUx, Defense Innovation Board, opening up all MOSs to women, that they make good sense and he would hope that they would be retained by his successor.

Have you brought up this in the contacts that you've now made with the Trump transition team? Has this been a subject that you've brought up with them?

And lastly, does the secretary intend before he leaves to outline -- to be specific about the changes that he's made and his hopes for retaining them in the future?

MR. COOK: I will leave it to the Trump transition team to outline their meetings here and the information they want to receive. We've been providing information as they've requested it and we'll continue to do so in as seamless and professional a way as possible. But I'll leave it to them as to what information they've asked for.

With regard to the secretary's own initiatives here and the accomplishments under his watch, you've heard him talk about those in the past at length. I think he will certainly do everything he can to articulate why he feels strongly that the achievements we've made with regard to innovation, with regard to the counter-ISIL fight, with regard to the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific, why those are important and why we've carried out the strategy and the operations and the initiatives on his watch in that way.

Again, he's prepared to articulate those to whoever is willing to listen. But with regard to what the transition team is looking for and asking for, I'll leave that to them to characterize. But the secretary certainly is willing and able to explain to anyone, as he has publicly on many occasions, why he's done the things he's done or why he thinks they make sense, not just for the next administration, but for administrations down the line.

So many of the things the secretary has talked about, particularly with regard to innovation and the Force of the Future initiatives, deal with issues that ensure that the Department of Defense he leads today is just as capable for his successors down the road.

Many of the decisions and the initiatives he's outlined are things that will have an impact 10, 15 years down the road. They may certainly be things that affect not just the next administration, but administrations to follow.

Yes?

Q: Peter, how do you evaluate the advances that the Syrian regime is making in Aleppo? And what kind of implications do you see if one side falls into the hands of Damascus?

MR. COOK: Well, obviously, like others, we've been watching what's happening there. We certainly have concern for the humanitarian situation in Aleppo. You can't watch what's on the TV screen and not be moved by that. But as you know, Joe, our focus from a U.S. military standpoint remains -- the Department of Defense remains on the ISIL fight.

And we would continue to encourage peaceful resolution of the Syrian civil war and an end to what we're seeing in Aleppo. And Secretary Kerry has taken the lead, continues to conduct negotiations. I'll leave that to my State Department colleagues to articulate our views on that.

But what we're seeing in Aleppo is a tragedy. And what we're seeing with the Syrian civil war for months play out is a tragedy, one that we would of course encourage all the players to reach a peaceful resolution to what has been a humanitarian situation that we all deplore.

In the meantime, we're going to remain focused on our efforts in Syria against ISIL.

Q: (inaudible) -- think, or do you think having the Syrian regime taking over Aleppo could help the coalition in the fight against ISIS? Do you see any relation between both operations?

MR. COOK: Anything that further strengthens the hand of the Assad regime, we do not see as playing a helpful role in terms of not only ending the civil war in Syria, but bringing peace to Syria. It's one of the reasons ISIL formed in the first place.

So, we don't see necessarily, just as the secretary expressed concerns about anything that strengthened the support for Assad when the Russians first came in, I think we continue to maintain the same view.

Q: (inaudible) -- having the Syrian regime taking Aleppo, this could complicate the war against ISIS?

MR. COOK: Well, the regime itself has fueled the civil war. Its actions have made the situation in Syria worse. And we don't think that the military efforts by the regime do much to help the people of Syria. And what would help the people of Syria is a peaceful end to the civil war, and that's what we're encouraging. That's certainly what our colleagues at the State Department, led by Secretary Kerry, are doing with as much energy as possible.

Q: Quick question, Peter. Have you seen any evidence that the YPG is working closely with the Syrian regime in Aleppo?

MR. COOK: I can't speak to that. It's not something I'm tracking. I'm not aware of that.

Q: Thank you.

MR. COOK: Yes?

Q: Just to follow up on Aleppo, does the secretary, as he is as the helm of the most powerful military in the world, feel that the moral responsibilities that the United States military should stop this onslaught going on inside the city. Or -- or how does he feel about this -- the things going on in Aleppo as he's going to go out (inaudible).

MR. COOK: I think you've heard -- just to reiterate what I said before, I think you've heard from the secretary that the most important thing that can happen right now would be a peaceful end to the Syrian civil war, and that rests in the hands of the regime and rests in the hands of its allies who are helping fuel the civil war at this point.

And the United States, again, not at the Department of Defense, but our colleagues elsewhere, they can speak to it better than I can, continue to make every effort to try and -- with the help of the multinational community, other countries, continue to try and make the case for peaceful resolution.

So we do not believe there's a military solution that can end a civil war, and so the policy decision's been to maintain our focus on ISIL, and that's going to continue to be our focus.

Q: I understand that, but the issue is this. For several times, the diplomatic efforts somehow blocked, broken, whatever. Then, doesn't the secretary believe that at least in order to put the diplomatic discussions back on track, that the military should at least have some points or positions to push the parties to do something?

MR. COOK: I think the United States has made clear our view on the civil war and the need to end those hostilities. And again, that's been the effort of diplomats led by Secretary Kerry. Our focus has been on ISIL and we're going to continue to remain focused there. That's been what this president has asked Secretary Carter to carry out and we're doing that to the best of our abilities.

Yes?

Q: I just had two questions on THAAD. Is THAAD deployment dependent at all if the South Korean president resigns or is impeached? And do you know anything about Japan also looking to acquire THAAD?

MR. COOK: On the first question, our THAAD deployment continues -- the effort to do that as quickly as possible continues forward, and I'm not aware of any plans to alter that at this point.

Q: Okay. And Japan?

MR. COOK: I'm going to leave it to the Japanese at this point with regard to that, but I'll just speak to our efforts with regard to South Korea. Again, those remain ongoing, and the alliance continues to move forward with that plan.

Jeff?

Q: Northern Syria in al-Bab, how worried are you about potential for a confrontation between Turkish backed forces and Kurdish forces there? They're all seeming to focus in on the city.

MR. COOK: We've continued to engage all of our partners, including our NATO ally, Turkey, with regard to efforts in Syria, trying to make sure that everything we do is as coordinated as possible, as deconflicted as possible, and that the most important thing for all of our partners is that we all share one common enemy and that's ISIL. And the more we can keep our focus on that, the better.

There continue to be discussions on a regular basis with all of our partners to ensure that we remain deconflicted and we keep our focus on ISIL, and we'll continue to do that. And it's a challenging environment. Obviously, there are a number of different players with different concerns. And one of our goals, or one of our primary efforts is to make sure that everyone knows our view on things. And the most important thing is, again, our common enemy, keeping our focus and pressure on ISIL.

And that's what we're doing every day.

Okay. Thanks, everybody.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1015355/

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Counter-ISIL Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 30, 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 five strikes in Syria:

-- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed two oil wellheads and two oil pumpjacks.

-- Near Shaddadi, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions and a vehicle.

-- Near Raqqah, a strike engaged an ISIL chemical weapons storage facility.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, bomber, fighter, rotary and remotely piloted aircraft conducted eight strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government:

-- Near Qaim, a strike engaged ISIL military equipment and a defensive position.

-- Near Beiji, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a tunnel.

-- Near Mosul, four strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units, destroying four vehicle bombs, four mortar systems, three ISIL-held buildings, two vehicles, two weapon caches and an ISIL compound. A mortar system was suppressed, and 22 supply routes and a tank were damaged.

-- Near Qayayyarah, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two vehicles, two ISIL-held buildings, a weapons cache and a vehicle bomb. A heavy machine gun was suppressed.

-- Near Sinjar, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two vehicles.

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.

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Carter Talks With Defense Senior Enlisted Leader Council

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2016  Defense Secretary Ash Carter thanked the senior noncommissioned officers he calls his "eyes and ears" with the force as he addressed the 2016 Defense Senior Enlisted Leader Council at the Pentagon this morning.

Chaired by Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the council consists of the service and combatant command senior enlisted advisors. Troxell calls it "the Top 25." The council is the only time all the senior enlisted leaders get together each year, and Troxell hopes to build synergy and cohesion among the group.

Carter said the role these senior NCOs play is important in transmitting the concerns of the enlisted force to Defense Department leaders and the as conduits of information from the top down. "I hope when you speak with these young men and women, you tell them how proud we are of all of them, and how proud we are of what they chose to do with their lives," he said.

The secretary spent much of his time with the senior NCOs discussing readiness. He said each service has different readiness issues, so one solution cannot apply to all. The Army and Marine Corps are working to get back to full-spectrum operations after a generation of  necessarily  concentrating on counterinsurgency. The Marine Corps also has aviation issues it must address, he said.

In the Navy, shipbuilding and overhauling affect readiness. The Air Force is confronting an air fleet that is the oldest in the service's history.

"There is a bill to be paid for 15 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said.

Carter said he does not begrudge the money spent, noting, "If you are in, you have to be all the way in."

But there are costs and DoD is addressing those shortfalls. He said a new administration needs to take a serious look at the readiness issue and expects it will. "The world is the world," Carter said. "So our major strategic directions will, I think, basically remain the same in the sense that the problems aren't going to change, but approaches to them might."

The secretary spoke of the four-plus-one litany of threats  Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and violent extremism. These probably won't change, but he does not know what could happen elsewhere to change the equation.

The secretary specifically discussed the current efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. "As far as ISIL is concerned, obviously there is the complete necessity to destroy this thing," he said. "And we are going to do that."

He doesn't want any vestige of the group to be able to reconstitute in a couple of years. He said stabilization and economic efforts have lagged behind the military campaign against the group, and that is a concern. Providing hope and jobs for young Arab men are keys to ensuring the ideology loses its appeal.

Overall, the military needs to continue to innovate and encourage agility to build the force of the future. "Generations change, kids change, societies change; it requires a constant effort," he said. "A force that has seen the future and grasps the future and gets there before anyone else does, is what we need to continue to nurture."

The secretary specifically said he is more concerned now about the geographical base of the military more than any other personnel issue. The services need to reach into area underrepresented in the armed force, to give every American the opportunity to serve.

The council will continue through Friday.

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Iraqi Forces Make 'Remarkable Turnaround,' OIR Official Says

By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2016  The invasion of Islamic State of Iraq and The Levant forces into Iraq two years ago has met with a "remarkable turn-around," British Army Maj. Gen. Rupert Jones, deputy commander, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve told reporters today.

In a teleconferenced feed from Baghdad, Jones said the coalition's training of Iraqi forces has been key in the campaign to defeat ISIL. "It's been well over a year since [ISIL] last defeated an Iraqi force, although they continue to resist," he said, noting that more than 4,500 forces are training now to sustain the Iraqi forces and establish wide-area security and holding forces when Mosul has been retaken.

"We're a coalition of more than 60 nations, united against [ISIL]. And we're very proud that so many have offered contributions to fight against [ISIL's] twisted ideology here in Iraq, in Syria, and other locations around the world," he said.

The majority of trainers are non-U.S. coalition forces, Jones said. "We believe their contributions play a key role in developing a sustainable security way ahead for Iraq since the fall of Mosul and Raqqa will not in itself defeat [ISIL]. Once they have been defeated in Mosul and Raqqa, they will still be dangerous and we will continue to support our partners in the region in further reducing them."

The coalition has trained more than 63,000 fighters and many are in combat operations in Mosul and other locations around Iraq, he said.

"The Iraqi security forces continue to fight bravely and display the dramatic progress they have made since 2014. It is truly amazing to watch them perform so professionally under pressure."

The OIR deputy commander said the Iraqi forces continue to progress in their advance on Mosul, and while ISIL has lost significant amounts of territory in the city's eastern sector, the enemy has used snipers and indirect fire, mortars and rockets "to terrorize civilians in areas that have been ripped away from their control. They've also used suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices to attack the advancing Iraqi security forces," he said.

Iraqis OK Bridge Air Strikes

In response, and at the Iraqi government's request, U.S.-led coalition forces struck and disabled four of the five bridges connecting east and west Mosul, and increased terrain-denial missions, Jones said.

"The intent of these operations is to reduce the effectiveness of the vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. This combination of the two tactics seems to be reducing the number of VBIEDs the enemy has been able to use," he said.

While tough fighting is expected in the coming weeks, "we expect that pressure on ISIL will continue to increase, and their resistance will begin to wane," Jones said. "This is not a race, so patience is required. The protection of civilians continues to be a top priority for the [Iraqis]. It's going to take time and a lot of tough fighting, but we're confident of [ISIL's] defeat in Mosul."

Surrounded by a superior coalition force, the enemy has little ability to resupply or reinforce their fighters, he said, adding since the counterattack to liberate Mosul began Oct. 17, the coalition has relentlessly bombarded the enemy.

"The coalition has supported the Iraqi advance with more than 4,800 precision bombs, artillery shells, missiles and rockets against [ISIL] fighters and resources," he added.

Next Phase in Raqqa, Syria Planned

In Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces having recaptured more than 270 square miles of terrain from ISIL, and are planning the next phase of isolation of Raqqa, Jones said.

"They're now less than [18 miles] from the city and have encountered light to moderate resistance as they continue clearing villages along the axis of advance," Jones said.

The SDF is also back-clearing the areas they control to reduce ISIL's ability to reinfiltrate or attack using sleeper cells. "The coalition continues supporting their operations with air strikes, having delivered more than 600 munitions onto enemy targets," he said.

"These strikes have destroyed vehicle-borne improved explosive devices, fighting positions, vehicles, and eliminated [ISIL] tactical units -- the fighters they use to intimidate and maintain control over the population," Jones said. "The SDF continues to prove that they are quite capable of defeating Daesh wherever they encounter them on the battlefield."

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Taiwan's sovereignty over South China Sea indisputable: official

ROC Central News Agency

2016/11/30 18:43:05

Taipei, Nov. 30 (CNA) Taiwan has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea, the head of the Coast Guard Administration Lee Chung-wei ( ) reaffirmed on Wednesday amid protests by Vietnam that a drill conducted by Taiwan encroached on its sovereignty.

Taiwan staged a cross-agency humanitarian rescue drill in waters around Taiping Island in the South China Sea on Tuesday, involving 336 personnel, three planes and eight ships.

Lee said there is no question that the sovereignty of the island belongs to the Republic of China on Taiwan and the government's stance is unwavering.

"All countries arrange exercises and have their own national considerations, but these are separate," Lee said.

"We will continue to plan and conduct our own drills," he added.

As to whether President Tsai Ing-wen () will visit Taiping Island to reassert the nation's sovereignty, Lee said the president has stated her position clearly, including expressing a willingness to shelve disputes and undertake joint development of resources.

Whether the president visits Taiping is not an urgent issue, Lee said, though he added "that possibility cannot be ruled out in the future if it becomes necessary."

Hsu Kuo-yung (), an Executive Yuan spokesperson, reaffirmed Taiwan's sovereignty over Taiping Island, the largest of the Spratly Islands.

Also known as Itu Aba, Taiping conforms to the stipulation in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that an island must sustain human habitation and have its own economic life, Hsu said.

Lee said Tuesday's drill underscored the importance of coordination and cooperation among government agencies, and the government's policy of turning Taiping Island into a humanitarian rescue and disaster relief center.

Lee said that several important navigation routes pass through the South China Sea, many commercial ships and fishing vessels operate in the area.

As a result, there is potential for accidents and Taiwan will continue to conduct drills there based on different scenarios.

Tuesday's drill simulated a fire on the deck of a foreign cargo ship, which caused injured crew members to jump ship near Taiping Island.

The National Search and Rescue Center dispatched Navy and CGA vessels to the scene, where they rescued the injured and transported them to the island. Once in the hospital, patients were treated by medical staff with assistance from colleagues in Taiwan proper via a video link.

The injured crew members were then transported to a hospital in Pingtung, southern Taiwan, on an Air Force C-130.

The CGA has said it would like to step up rescue missions in conjunction with neighboring countries as part of the policy to turn Taiping Island into an international rescue center and a repair and logistics base.

Six countries -- Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei -- claim sovereignty over parts or all of the islands in South China Sea and their surrounding waters.

(By Tai Ya-chen and Lilian Wu)

Enditem/AW

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"This grant will help us improve walkability in the borough and ensure that walkers are able to do so safely," Mechanicsburg Borough Council President Kyle Miller said. "We will also be able to take a look at how to promote bike safety on borough and state roads as well as develop safer connections between public spaces such as parks, schools and downtown businesses."
Experts denounce speculation that Chinese chips cause U.S. vessel malfunctions

People's Daily Online

(People's Daily Online) 16:19, November 30, 2016

"The U.S. missile destroyer Zumwalt and high-tech destroyer of the British Royal Navy HMS Ducan have turned into useless tin cans due to ChinaThe killer chips are present in almost all the military equipment and communication systems which have been recently built by the U.S. and Great Britain," Pravda.ru, a Russian news website, reported on Nov. 28.

The report comes after USS Zumwalt, the most cutting-edge U.S. destroyer, broke down in the Panama Canal on Nov. 21, and British warship HMS Duncan had to be towed back to port on Nov. 23 due to a malfunction.

According to the report, microchips made in China are to be blamed for both incidents, as they were allegedly installed in both vessels.

"Generally speaking, the U.S. rarely imports foreign-made components for its core equipment. Even if they did introduce Chinese microchips, strict scrutiny would be applied to ensure national security," Zhang Junshe, a research fellow at the People's Liberation Army Navy Military Academic Research Institute, told the Global Times.

"It would be ridiculous to assume that China sold fake chips to other nations, as this would ruin China's reputation and development," Zhang added.

Neither the U.K. nor U.S. have released detailed reports on the malfunctions. However, this is not the first time such an incident has befallen the British vessel. In 2014, HMS Ducan suffered a power outage during a naval exercise, according to the Telegraph.

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Over half a million Afghans displaced in 2016, UN says

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 6:58PM

The United Nations has reported a dramatic increase in the number of displaced people as a result of the years-long conflict in Afghanistan.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday that more than half a million people had been displaced in 2016, the highest number since 2008.

The figure also surpasses a previous record of 471,000 set last year.

This has been a sharp increase in the number of people leaving their homes due to daily battles between the Kabul government forces and Taliban militants across the war-torn country.

Mark Bowden, the UN humanitarian coordinator has expressed concern about the increasing number of internally displaced people in the war-stricken country.

"I am concerned these record figures show not just an alarming number of new IDPs, but a longer term crisis where increasing numbers of families in Afghanistan are facing prolonged displacement," Bowden said.

He highlighted the need for collective measures to provide long-term humanitarian assistance to the displaced people.

The OCHA also said more than 600,000 people have been forced to return to the country from neighboring Pakistan this year. According to the UN agency, the mass migration to safer urban areas is draining local resources.

The UN says more than 150 million dollars in emergency funding is needed to assist the displaced people.

The UN, however, says it has received a little over half of the money needed to fulfill the immediate requirements of the displaced.

Millions of Afghans have been dislodged and tens of thousands more fled to other regional and European countries as a result of the 2001 US-led invasion and the ensuing Taliban insurgency ever since.

The militant group lost its grip over Afghanistan in the US-led invasion, but security has not been delivered to the country despite the presence of foreign boots on Afghan soil.

According to UN data, a record 198 out of 399 districts of Afghanistan are now reporting conflict-induced displacement. And for the first time, all the 34 provinces are hosting IDPs.

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Rwanda opens probe into role of French officials in 1994 genocide

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 6:40PM

Rwanda has opened a formal investigation into the alleged role of 20 French officials in the 1994 genocide.

The Rwandan government accuses France of complicity in the genocide. The French officials are accused of supporting the Hutu nationalist government, which carried out the mass killing of an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandans, mainly from the Tutsi ethnic group. Paris denies the allegation.

"The inquiry, for now, is focused on 20 individuals whom, according to information gathered so far, are required by the prosecution authority to explain or provide clarity on allegations against them," said Rwanda's prosecutor general Richard Muhumuza.

He added that the probe would enable prosecutors to decide "whether the concerned individuals should be formally charged or not."

Muhumuza said that he had contacted the French government and that full cooperation was expected.

The Rwandan genocide began following the shooting down of a plane carrying former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994. Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira was also killed in the plane crash. They were both ethnic Hutus.

After the crash, Hutus who were in majority, were incited to commit acts of ethnic violence against Tutsis.

France's Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on November 16 that it was "a disgraceful lie" to say that the French army took park in genocide.

Relations between the two countries have gone through ups and downs since the genocide.

In 2014, Rwandan President Paul Kagame repeated accusations that French troops were both accomplices and "actors" in the massacre.

In October, Paris re-launched an inquiry into the shooting down of Habyarimana's plane to hear testimony from a former general who accuses Kagame of being behind the attack. The Rwandan government has rejected the claims, saying it is an attempt by France to cover up its role in the genocide.

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EU to boost defense cooperation, revitalize military spending

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 2:9PM

The European Union has unveiled a plan to boost joint defense cooperation among member states and revitalize the bloc's military spending.

The European Commission, which oversees the EU budget, said on Wednesday that the multibillion-euro plan would fund research and investment on areas like encrypted software or robotics and promote joint defense programs, including drones and helicopters.

"This is not about an EU army, this is not about spending on the military instead of social security," European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen told reporters, adding, "We face multiplying threats and we must act."

The plan is believed to be the EU's biggest defense research program in more than a decade.

According to Katainen, the fund should be able to mobilize about five billion euros a year.

Known as the European Defense Action Plan, the project also proposes the lifting of rules preventing the EU's common budget and its development bank from investing in military research.

"If Europe does not take care of its own security, nobody else will do it for us," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a statement as the plans were announced.

The EU "must invest in the common development of technologies and equipment of strategic importance -- from land, air, sea and space capabilities to cyber security," if it wants to stand on its own feet, he added.

According to the European Commission, the EU governments have cut their defense research spending over the past years, failing to reinforce military cooperation, which is costing the bloc 25-100 billion euros ($27-106 billion) annually.

This comes as earlier this month, the EU agreed a defense plan that could allow the 28-member bloc to send forces abroad to act for its own security.

EU leaders need to sign off on the plan in December and financial aspects are set to be worked out by officials next year.

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Colombia's Senate passes revised peace pact between FARC, government

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 9:19AM

Colombia's Senate has approved a revised peace accord between the government and the country's biggest rebel group.

The agreement was approved at the Senate by a vote of 75-0 in a Tuesday session boycotted by opposition lawmakers. The deal will now have to go to the lower house of the Colombian parliament for approval.

The new deal was negotiated after an original version was rejected by a razor-thin margin in a referendum on October 2. The Colombian government and the rebel group, the FARC, then returned to the negotiating table in the Cuban capital of Havana to incorporate the demands of the deal's opponents, who had claimed it was too lenient on the rebels.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, who won the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to reach the deal despite its rejection, then decided to submit the revised agreement to the Congress for approval rather than call another referendum.

The members of the Centro Democratico, the right-wing party that had led the opposition to the original truce agreement, walked out of the Senate floor prior to the Tuesday night vote in protest. The remaining senators then approved the measure.

"Long live peace, long live Colombia," shouted Senate President Mauricio Lizcano as he adjourned the session.

The chief opponent of the deal, ex-president Alvaro Uribe, has rejected the modified version.

The deal, if approved, would end some 52 years of an armed conflict between the leftist guerrilla organization and the government. The decades-old conflict in the Latin American country has killed at least 260,000 people and displaced seven million people, according to official figures.

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CIA chief warns Trump: Scrapping Iran deal 'disastrous'

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 7:58AM

CIA Director John Brennan says it would be "the height of folly" for US President-elect Donald Trump to sabotage the nuclear agreement with Iran reached under the Obama administration.

"I think it would be disastrous. It really would," Brennan said in an interview with the BBC published on its website on Wednesday.

Republican Trump, who defeated his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the November 8 election, has repeatedly threatened to scrap the deal reached between Iran and the P5+1  the US, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany - in June last year.

The agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), angered many in the United States, especially congressional Republicans who slammed President Barack Obama for reaching a deal that they claimed only benefited the Islamic Republic.

"First of all for one administration to tear up an agreement that a previous administration made would be unprecedented," said Brennan, who will step down in January after four years leading the CIA.

"I think it would be the height of folly if the next administration were to tear up that agreement," he added.

As a candidate, Trump threatened to "rip up" the Iran nuclear agreement on day one if elected president, calling it "stupid," a "lopsided disgrace" and the "worst deal ever negotiated."

Despite Trump's tough rhetoric on the campaign trail, there has been no real indication since the election that the incoming Republican president would follow through with the threat to undermine the accord.

One of Trump's top aides said earlier this month that the president-elect would likely take the agreement but try to renegotiate its terms.

"Ripping up is maybe a too strong of word," Trump's adviser Walid Phares told BBC radio on November 10. "He will take the agreement, review it, send it to Congress, demand from the Iranians to restore few issues or change few issues, and there will be a discussion," Phares added.

However, experts argue that renegotiating a deal that took more than a decade of stop-and-go diplomacy and almost two full years of negotiation to complete would prove difficult. Besides, none of the other countries that negotiated the accord has expressed any interest in opening up the talks.

"The agreement is valid only as long as all parties uphold it," State Department spokesman Mark Toner acknowledged days after the election.

Obama also said that after the JCPOA was reached, there was an argument that Iran might not comply with the agreement, but that it had been proven otherwise.

"The main argument against it was that Iran wouldn't abide by the deal, (but) we now have over a year of evidence that they have abided by the deal," Obama said at a White House news conference earlier this month.

"My suspicion is that when the president-elect comes in and is consulting with his fellow Republicans on the Hill, that they will look at the facts," he said. "To unravel a deal that's working and preventing Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon would be hard to explain."

Trump could indeed send the JCPOA to Congress, where the Republican majority is vehemently opposed to the deal.

Congressional Republicans are already considering a slew of possible actions such as targeting Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the country's missile program.

The US Senate will vote this week on legislation to renew sanctions on Iran for 10 years, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday.

The Iran Sanctions Act, passed in 1996 and set to expire at the end of 2016, was overwhelmingly approved in the House of Representatives last month. If the bill is passed in the Senate as expected, it would be sent to President Obama, who is expected to sign it into law.

White House officials have indicated that the reinstatement of sanctions was not needed, but said sanctions are technically allowed under the nuclear accord.

Iran has warned that the renewal of sanctions will be a violation of commitments under the JCPOA, and has threatened reprisal if the US extends the longstanding act.

Russia's role in Syria conflict

In his interview, Brennan also commented on Russia's role in Syria, saying Moscow continued to hold the key to Syria's future, while the US lost ground in the war-torn country after it allegedly stopped supporting the so-called moderate militants fighting the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

"I do not have confidence that the Russians are going to relent until they are able to achieve as much tactical battlefield successes as possible," the CIA chief said.

He also warned Trump, who has frequently expressed interest in working with Russia, that he should be "wary of" Moscow.

"I think President Trump and the new administration need to be wary of Russian promises," he stated.

According to a Russian deputy foreign minister, Moscow has started communicating with Trump's team over the deadly conflict gripping Syria.

On November 17, Mikhail Bogdanov expressed hope that the new US government will adopt a new approach to help resolve the crisis.

Syria has been hit by deadly foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. Russia and the US have been supporting opposing sides in the conflict.

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Protests erupt in Haiti against presidential election results

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 7:35AM

Haiti appears to be teetering on the brink of a political and social upheaval again. The preliminary results from the small Caribbean nation's much-delayed presidential election have sparked violent demonstrations in the capital Port-au-Prince, with losing candidates questioning the voting process and thus the victory of Jovenel Moise.

Based on early official results, Moise, a banana exporter backed by former president Michel Martelly, led opposition candidate Jude Celestin from the LAPEH party, with about 55.7 percent of the vote. That means a runoff will be avoided.

Reacting to the preliminary results, Celestin, who won 19.5 percent of the vote, as well as the second and third runner-ups rejected the tally and said they would file challenges. Leftist senator Jean-Charles Moise garnered 11 percent of the vote, and the leader of the Fanmi Lavalas party, Marysse Narcisse, came fourth with 8.9 percent.

Meanwhile, chaos erupted in several poor neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince where supporters of the losing candidates poured out into the streets, alleging massive voting fraud in the November 20th vote. Police forces moved in and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd of protesters who in turn set fire to tires. There were also reports of civil unrest in downtown Malpasse, a town close to the border with the Dominican Republic.

Moise told media right after news of his victory, "I am working hard to be close with the parliament because there's no way a president can work without deputies, without senators."

As his top priorities for strengthening the impoverished country, Moise mentioned plans to boost agriculture, education, energy reform, and foreign investment.

Nearly 6.2 million people were eligible to vote in the Western Hemisphere's poorest country. Only 21 percent, however, turned out to cast their ballots. Many people showed contempt toward the electoral commission and its voting system, alleging that irregularities had prevented voters from casting their ballots since some polling centers had been relocated.

The Caribbean island nation plunged into turmoil in the wake of the presidential election which was initially held in October 2015. However, the results were thrown out by authorities amid protests and allegations of massive fraud from opponents. A re-run scheduled for October this year was also postponed after Hurricane Matthew struck, killing up to 1,000 people.

The final results will be out on December 29. In the meantime, candidates can challenge the results in electoral courts.

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New government aimed at better serving Yemenis: Houthi leader

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 7:24AM

The leader of Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement says the newly-formed National Salvation Government is aimed at boosting efforts to run the country's domestic affairs and better serve the nation, saying everyone must work to pave the way for an eventual popular victory.

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi made the remarks on Tuesday on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of South Yemen's independence from Britain in the 1960s.

"The formation of the National Salvation Government is of great importance as it will consolidate positions inside the country and efforts to provide service to the people," he said, according to Yemen's al-Masirah television. "Everyone should make efforts so the Yemeni people emerge victorious in the end."

Houthi also urged the public to hold rallies in support of the new administration and ignore efforts made by certain parties to create division among the nation's ranks.

Earlier on Tuesday, the new Yemeni government was sworn in after the Houthi Ansarullah movement and their allies announced its formation.

The National Salvation Government is to replace the Supreme Political Council, which was set up earlier this year by Ansarullah and the General People's Congress, the party of former president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to run the country's affairs.

The new administration has vowed to help UN efforts to bring about peace in the country.

The Houthis took control of state affairs in 2014 after former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi resigned despite Ansarullah calls to review the decision, a move that created more chaos in a country already grappling with al-Qaeda terror threats.

Hadi then fled to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, before returning to the port city of Aden earlier this year.

The Houthis and the Yemeni army have also been defending Yemen against the deadly Saudi military campaign, which was launched in March 2015 with the aim of reinstalling Hadi, a close Riyadh ally.

Also on Tuesday, the head of the new government Abdul-Aziz bin Habtoor said the formation of the ruling structure was a vital step towards the arrangement of Yemen's internal affairs and dealing with the consequences of the Saudi aggression.

He asserted that the Saudi crimes against Yemeni people would not go unanswered.

Habtoor added the sheer number of the operational sorties conducted by the Saudi military since March 2015, namely 150,000, was a testament to the true nature of the Saudi aggression.

'A true salvation government'

In remarks made on the occasion of Yemen's independence day, Saleh Ali al-Sammad, the head of the former Supreme Political Council, said the current government was a "National Salvation Government in the real sense."

"The government should present a national and exceptional plan in tandem with [both] the Yemeni men's struggle on the battlefield against Saudi invaders and the exigencies of the new era and people's demands," he added.

The invaders, he said, had recruited large numbers of troops from other countries as well as mercenaries with the Blackwater security contractor and the Sudan-based Janjaweed militia among others in order to further their expansionist ambitions, Sammad noted.

"The goal pursued by the Saudi invaders is for the people to accept their leadership, but the Yemeni people would never brook such a situation."

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UN criticizes formation of new Yemen national salvation government

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 12:50AM

The United Nations has criticized Yemen's Ansarullah movement as the "national salvation" government is sworn in before the country's Supreme Political Council.

The "national salvation" government was sworn in on Tuesday after the Houthi Ansarullah movement and their allies announced its formation on the previous day.

The new government replaced the Supreme Political Council, which was established by the Houthis and the party of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh earlier in the year.

Despite Ansarullah's assurances that the new body will not hinder UN-brokered peace talks, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed referred to it as "a new and unnecessary obstacle" for the talks, according to a statement released on Tuesday.

"Yemen is at a critical juncture. The actions recently taken by Ansarullah and the General People's Congress will only complicate the search for a peaceful solution. The parties must hold Yemen's national interests above narrow partisan ambitions and take immediate steps to end political divisions and address the country's security, humanitarian and economic challenges," read the statement.

He added that such new measures should only be based on UN-backed measures and not on unilateral decisions by any side.

"I ask the representatives of Ansarullah and the General People's Congress to re-think their approach and demonstrate their commitment to the peace process with concrete actions," added the statement.

Saudi Arabia started an invasion in March 2015 and has sustained the campaign so far at the cost of thousands of Yemeni lives to restore power to Yemen's former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, a steadfast Riyadh ally, who had resigned and fled to the Saudi capital in 2014. He returned to Aden in November 2015.

Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement, which had set up the Supreme Political Council together with the Yemeni General People's Congress party, after the resignation of the former government, has, meanwhile, been defending the nation against the Saudi invasion together with the army forces.

The last round of UN-backed peace talks held between Yemen's opposing parties in Kuwait, ended in deadlock in August.

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CIA Chief Warns Trump Over Scrapping Iran Nuclear Deal, 'Russian Promises'

RFE/RL November 30, 2016

The director of the U.S. intelligence agency has issued warnings over the dangers of scrapping the Iran nuclear deal, as well as trusting what he called "Russian promises."

CIA Director John Brennan warned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that abandoning the nuclear deal with Iran would be "disastrous" and "the height of folly."

"I think it would be disastrous, it really would," the BBC quoted Brennan as saying on November 30 in an interview.

International sanctions against Iran were eased in January following a nuclear deal with world powers that curbed the country's controversial nuclear program.

But Trump, who will take office in January, said during campaigning for the White House that it was a "terrible" deal that only benefited Iran and that he would "tear it up" if he were elected president.

However, he has conceded that it would be hard to destroy a deal enshrined in a United Nations resolution.

Brennan told the BBC that scrapping the agreement would risk strengthening hard-liners in Iran and risk other states pursuing nuclear programs in response to a renewed Iranian effort.

"I think it would be the height of folly if the next administration were to tear up that agreement," he said.

The CIA director also advised Trump and the new administration "to be wary of Russian promises," blaming Moscow for much of the suffering in Syria.

Brennan said that Russia -- a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- continues to hold the key to Syria's future.

But he also expressed skepticism about the Russia's willingness to come to any kind of deal "until they are able to achieve as much tactical battlefield successes as possible."

The CIA director added that he believes Washington needs to continue supporting moderate rebels fighting the Damascus regime to help them withstand what he called an "onslaught" carried out by Syria, Iran, Hizballah, and Russia.

During campaigning for the White House, Trump suggested his administration may try to work more closely with Moscow on a number of issues, such as the fight against the Islamic State extremist group.

Brennan will step down in January after four years leading the U.S. intelligence agency.

Based on reporting by the BBC

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/iran-nuclear-deal-cia- director-folly/28147515.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Over four years ago, attorney Jessica Greene and I met with Sentinel editor Naomi Creason to offer to write weekly articles. Whether or not Naomi really believed that we would be able to create fresh content weekly, she treated us seriously. We appreciate the opportunity.

We were excited to share information through The Sentinel that could help people with the frustrations and paradoxes of the long-term care system. As uncompensated contributors, we believed that Keystone Elder Law could benefit from a platform to promote an understanding and appreciation of our model of practice, which incorporates guidance about care options, along with the legal issues of asset preservation. Our way of doing things is unique to this geographic area, but is patterned after the model of the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association.

Many of you have expressed gratitude, and your encouragement has fueled the discipline we require to create fresh content weekly. It inspires us to hear that you appreciate our efforts to be a community educator about long-term care issues. Occasionally, I have been asked if we employ a ghostwriter, and we never have.

In the early stage, writing articles was an opportunity to scratch the itch I had developed 40 years earlier in the wake of Watergate, when I was one of many idealists who studied journalism and wrote for their college newspaper. As a weekly contributor to The Sentinel, I discovered that it is not easy to respond creatively to deadlines. Nothing about long-term care is easy; however, our collection of Sentinel articles now totals well over 200.

Just when I was beginning to wonder how long Keystone Elder Law could produce articles, Karen Kaslow joined our team as the Care Coordinator in summer 2013. Karen brought an insightful perspective from many years of employment as a registered nurse in various long-term care venues, as well as her personal experience as a caregiver for a grandparent.

Karen inspired us and assumed responsibility to make sure that we have fresh content weekly, even if she has to write it herself, as she has done more often than not.

Karens non-legal voice is easier for some of you to hear. Many of her articles about caregiving or medical issues are generally useful, even across state lines. Several of her articles, and even a few from the attorneys, have received favorable attention from national authorities. A number of times, we received requests that we allow our articles to be linked to national websites, but so far we have made our articles available only on our website and Cumberlink.

At a time when many newspapers were no longer publishing daily, Gary Adkisson became The Sentinels publisher in December 2014. His leadership brought new ideas and change. He found a way to continue The Sentinels commitment to make a newsprint paper available for us to read six times a week.

As a long-time lover of newspapers, whose clientele mostly prefers home delivery of newsprint instead of reading it on the internet, I hope you express your appreciation and support for The Sentinel by renewing your subscription. If you enjoy our articles, please tell that to The Sentinel when you renew!

Around a year ago, I began to echo the complimentary but challenging input from many readers who said: Keystones articles should be assembled into a book! Karen responded by recruiting her daughter, Lindsey, who was home on a holiday break from the University of Delaware. Lindsey sorted and edited our articles, which had previously been proofread by my wife, Marcia, who also serves as Keystones Client Services Director.

Part of the editing challenge was that, in contrast to the general relevance of articles about caregiving, articles about legal issues can have a narrower application. While the laws about long-term care are generally rooted at the federal level, every state is permitted to modify a federal program, as long as the result does not violate a citizens Constitutional rights by being more restrictive and less beneficial.

Therefore, a number of Keystones articles about legal issues could have a core concept that applies across the country, but some specific points might apply only in Pennsylvania.

Once Lindsey and Karen had assembled the collection of articles, we found a consultant to help us format the collection of articles into a book. It quickly became apparent that appropriate graphics would improve the appearance and help to introduce the content. Our daughter-in-law, Allison, who has been studying and practicing animation and caricature art in Orlando, created the internal art and cover design.

What resulted is: Long Term Care Guide: Essential Tips For Solving The Elder Care Puzzle. Our new 305 page paperback is now available locally, exclusively at the Whistlestop Bookshop, 129 W. High St., in Carlisle. It is also available online from Amazon.com (Google Amazon Keystone Elder Law), or electronically from Kindle, e-Books and Nook.

As a collection of more than 75 articles, our book can be read incrementally. Its a perfect holiday gift for the aging parent who has everything. Its also a great resource for a caregiver who needs encouragement.

No book about long-term care should be read as a do-it-yourself manual. Aging adults need support. The best caregiving occurs with teamwork.

We need to be careful about not creating the false impression that through our articles we are intending to provide legal advice to a person who is not our client. For many reasons, we cannot do that. When we get to know our clients individually, we are able to add value as an experienced and compassionate guide who can explain nuances of the long-term care system and help to gain access to the best and most affordable resources.

We will be talking about our book with Michael Parks on WHP 580 AMs Taking Care of Business on Saturday 7 a.m. We are not selling books to the general public from our office, but please call 844-697-3223 to reserve a seat at one of our seminars on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Days Inn, where books will be available.

Keystone Elder Law will donate $1 per book sold to the Alzheimers Association.
Oil Prices Surge As OPEC Agrees To First Production Cut Since 2008

RFE/RL November 30, 2016

Ministers from the 15 members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have reached an agreement to cut their oil production by 1.2 million barrels a day.

The November 30 agreement, an attempt to boost oil prices by reducing a global supply glut, would lower the total output of the cartel to 32.5 million barrels a day beginning in January.

Saudi Arabia's Energy, Industry and Minister Khalid al-Falih said Tehran would be allowed to freeze its oil production at levels before international sanctions were imposed against Iran over its nuclear program.

He said Russia and other major non-OPEC producers also agreed to cut their oil production by 600,000 barrels per day.

Russian Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak said Moscow was ready cut its production "gradually by up to 300,000 barrels per day" beginning in the first quarter of 2017.

Novak said Russia's cuts would be gradual "because of technical issues."

He did not specify what Russia's production levels would be when it began the output cuts.

Novak also said Moscow expects other non-OPEC countries to match Russia's production cuts by reducing their output collectively by 300,000 barrels per day.

Novak also said officials from OPEC and non-OPEC countries have agreed to meet within 10 days for further talks on coordinating their cooperation under the agreement.

Qatari Energy Minister Muhammad Salih al-Sada said the proposal was for the meeting to take place in Doha on December 9.

Venezuelan Oil Minister Eulogio del Pino said non-OPEC countries that signaled their readiness to cooperate with OPEC's production cuts included Kazakhstan, Oman, and Mexico.

However, Kazakh government officials declined to immediately comment on the deal.

Oil prices surged dramatically on news of the deal, with crude futures rising by 8 to 9 percent within 15 minutes of the announcement to over $50 per barrel.

Higher global oil prices are seen as critical for countries like Russia and Iran whose national budgets depend heavily upon revenue from oil exports.

Oil industry analysts warned that if the November 30 deal collapses, global oil prices are likely to fall by as much as 20 percent to under $40 per barrel.

The agreement was reached at a meeting of OPEC ministers in Vienna that was overshadowed by regional geopolitics, with Saudi Arabia and Iran jostling for economic and regional advantages.

Tehran has been rushing to rebuild its oil-export capacity since its landmark nuclear deal with world powers led to a lifting of international sanctions against Iran.

Saudi Arabia said after the Vienna meeting that it was prepared to accept "a big hit" on its own production in exchange for Iran's agreement to freeze its output at presanctions levels.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, dpa, Interfax, and TASS

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/opec -oil-prices-surge-production-cut- agreed/28148741.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Air Force Study Warns US Falling Behind China, Russia in Hypersonic Missiles

Sputnik News

21:40 30.11.2016(updated 22:31 30.11.2016)

China and Russia have proceeded in testing high-speed maneuvering weapons (HSMWs), causing anxiety in some circles that the US may be falling behind in its development of hypersonic missiles.

The US' history of pioneering high-speed flightparticularly in regards to the technology's military applicationshas been put in "question," according to an unclassified report released by the US Air Force Studies Board. The threat posed to the US emerges from a "class of weapons that will effectively combine speed, maneuverability, and altitude," the Committee on Future Air Force Needs for Defense Against High-Speed Weapon Systems notes.

"Existing doctrine and organizational structure may not be adequate to address the cross-domain threat posed by HSMWs," the report adds.

For Russia's part, President Vladimir Putin said on November 18 that Russia will do whatever is required in order to maintain a global strategic balance, including the development of hypersonic and robotic weapons.

China, India, and other states are also examining the potential applications of the technology. In April, China and Russia tested hypersonic gliders that capable of compromising the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system that is scheduled to be deployed in South Korea. Tactical Missile Systems Corp. CEO Boris Obnosov said Russia could have hypersonic weapons "somewhere early next decade" or perhaps even before 2020.

The Pentagon currently does not have any resources specifically devoted to developing HSMWs in an offensive or defensive role, but Congress has advocated for the Missile Defense Agency to concentrate resources on hypersonic missiles, the Free Beacon reports.

Lockheed Martin military experts said in August that the Department of Defense is exploring ways to handcuff HSMWs by shooting the missiles down via an extended range version of THAAD called THAAD-ER. Alternatively, the Pentagon could look to focus high-powered lasers on the missiles before they reach hypersonic speeds.

HSMWs are operational in a slew of military domains, including air, sea, land, space, and cyber, according to the unclassified summary, and can be deployed either strategically or tactically.

 Sputnik

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Poland Received Info on Mistrals Deal Between Egypt, Russia From Secret Sources

Sputnik News

19:21 30.11.2016(updated 20:15 30.11.2016)

Poland received information from "secret sources" that Egypt resold the two Mistral warships to Russia, Poland's Defense Ministry said in a statement.

WARSAW (Sputnik)  In October, Poland's Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said that Egypt resold the two Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia for the symbolic price of $1. The Russian Defense Ministry and the Egyptian embassy in Moscow denied Macierewicz's statements, while a group of Polish lawmakers from an opposition Civic Platform party wrote a request to the Poland's Defense Ministry, asking to provide the source of the information on the sale of the Mistrals.

"The information concerning the deal between Egypt and Russia originates from the secret sources," Poland's Defense Ministry said in a statement, posted by Agnieszka Pomaska, a party's member, on her Twitter page.

In August 2015, Paris and Moscow formally terminated the 1.2bln euro ($1.35 billion at the current exchange rate) deal on the construction and delivery of two Mistral-class helicopter carriers as France had refused to transfer them to Russia over its alleged role in the Ukrainian conflict. Shortly after, French President Francois Hollande confirmed that a deal had been reached with Egypt on the delivery of two Mistrals.

 Sputnik

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OSCE Minsk Group Fails to Promote Nagorno-Karabakh Settlement

Sputnik News

18:09 30.11.2016

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group's mediation on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict did not bring positive results, head of the Azerbaijan's Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev said in an article issued on Wednesday.

BAKU (Sputnik)  The OSCE Minsk Group, co-chaired by France, Russia and the United States, has been attempting to resolve the conflict since 1992. Azerbaijan insists on preserving its territorial integrity, Armenia protects the interests of the breakaway republic, as Karabakh is not a party to the negotiations.

"After events happened this April the troubled situation on the line of Armenia-Azerbaijan's standoff has not significantly changed. Neither meetings of the countries' presidents, nor the mediatory activities of the OSCE Minsk Group gave proper results," Mehdiyev said in the article published by the Azertag news agency.

Mehdiyev pointed out that most authoritative international organizations and some prominent politicians were taking part in solving the Karabakh issue.

"But noone can guarantee that the ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh will end with just peace in the foreseeable future."

Azerbaijan's Armenian-dominated breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh proclaimed its independence in 1991. After the military conflict ended in 1994, Azerbaijan lost control over the region. Violence erupted in Nagorno-Karabakh on April 2, 2016 and led to multiple casualties. The parties to the conflict signed a Russian-brokered ceasefire on April 5, but mutual accusations have not stopped so far.

 Sputnik

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EU Proposes Creation of Joint Defense Fund for Military Procurement, Research

Sputnik News

16:41 30.11.2016

The European Commission proposed on Wednesday the creation of a new defense fund for military procurement and collaborative research as part of a wider EU defense strategy, according to the press release.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to the press release, the aim of the fund is to foster investment in research in innovative defense technologies, including electronics, encrypted software, metamaterials, and robotics. The EU member states would also be able to borrow from the fund to buy military technology and equipment for their national militaries.

"Under the European Defense Action Plan the Commission proposes to set up a European Defense Fund to support investment in joint research and the joint development of defense equipment and technologies," the press release read.

The European Commission had already proposed to allocate 25 million euros ($26 million) for defense research from the 2017 EU budget and expected the allocation to increase to up to 90 million euros until 2020, the press release noted.

On November 14, the EU member states agreed on a new plan on the European Union security and defense, excluding the creation of the EU army.

The discussions on Europe's defense have become more active following the victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential election. During the presidential race, the politician had repeatedly stated that the United States should decrease the support of other NATO member states and protect only those members of the alliance, who "fulfill their obligations" in respect to Washington.

 Sputnik

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Colombian Parliament Approves Revised Peace Deal Between FARC Rebels, Government

Sputnik News

14:27 30.11.2016

Colombian Parliament unanimously approved a new version of the peace agreement between the government and the FARC rebel group, media reported Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Following a prolonged debate, 75 Senate members voted for the peace plan, zero votes rejected it, while the harsh critic of the deal, former President Alvaro Uribe, and his supporters abstained, according to Latin American TV broadcaster TeleSUR.

The original peace deal was rejected by the people of Colombia in a referendum on October 2, as many felt that the rebels would not receive the deserved punishment.

FARC was formed in 1964 as the military wing of Colombia's Communist Party. The half-century war between the FARC and the Colombian government claimed the lives of a quarter of a million people. The two sides began peace talks in November 2012.

 Sputnik

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South Sudan: Bureaucratic obstacles hindering relief work must stop, says senior UN official

30 November 2016  Expressing deep concern over the impact of a series of bureaucratic impediments and access constraints on relief operations, a senior United Nations humanitarian official in South Sudan has called on all parties to allow free, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the people in need.

"Humanitarian organizations in South Sudan are striving every day to save lives and alleviate suffering across this country," said Eugene Owusu, Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan in a news release issued by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

"Yet, they continue to face obstacles and challenges which hamper their efforts. This must stop."

According to OCHA, some 91 humanitarian access incidents were recorded from 1 to 28 November. Of these, 64 incidents (little more than 70 per cent) involved violence against humanitarian personnel or assets. Another 18 incidents (about 20 per cent) involved interference in humanitarian action, including interference in administrative matters, illegal or arbitrary taxation, and expulsion of staff.

Also in November, relief workers were denied access to areas outside of Yei in Central Equatoria and Wau in Western Bahr El Ghazal, where tens of thousands of people are in need of assistance and protection.

The UN humanitarian arm further reported that needs in the country continue to rise due to the conflict and economic decline. It is estimated that about three million people have been displaced, of which more than 1.1 million people have fled to neighbouring countries as refugees, since fighting first broke out in December 2013.

Further in the release, Mr. Owusu also noted steps taken by the Government to address the access challenges, including the establishment of a high-level humanitarian oversight committee.

He, however, added that the recent incidents were a "major challenge" and that the commitments needed to be translated into "real, tangible and immediate improvements in the operating environment for aid workers on the front-lines of humanitarian action."

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China Ponders ADIZ in Disputed Sea

By Ralph Jennings November 30, 2016

A Chinese state institution warned this week that Beijing is ready to set up an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the contested South China Sea, giving it the authority to screen foreign aircraft. But analysts say any enforcement would anger other countries without deterring traffic.

That measure would follow a series of steps to control the movement of foreign ships in the same sea, underlining China's intent to hold its vast maritime claims after a world court tribunal ruled in July that it lacked a legal argument.

China calls 95 percent of the sea its own and its militarization of tiny islets since 2010 has angered officials from Jakarta to Washington. Beijing reportedly toyed with the idea of an ADIZ in July after the court verdict.

"More likely if they do decide to progress toward this, it would be kind of a patchwork approach in which military exercises have closure areas, and that would be the sort of trial point to extend the geographic scope of those or the duration of those from there rather than go for an all-out ADIZ," said Euan Graham, international security director for the Lowy Institute for International Policy in Sydney.

The government-run Chinese think tank, the National Institute of South China Sea Studies, said that because of an estimated 700 U.S. surveillance patrols in the sea last year, Beijing was ready to set up the air zone unless Washington stopped the activity.

The U.S. government counts a lot of China's neighbors as allies and calls most of the sea international waters. China says the rival superpower is trying to contain its expansion.

Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan Vietnam and the Philippines also claim all or parts of a sea that's rich in fisheries and may hold valuable undersea fossil fuel reserves. The South China sea covers 3.5 million square km (1.4 million square miles) from Taiwan to Singapore.

China could feasibly set up an air zone, called an ADIZ for short, using radars if it built up Scarborough Shoal west of the Philippines, said Carl Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at The University of New South Wales in Australia. That installation would give it the third corner of a triangle connecting the Paracel and Spratly island chains.

But since the arbitration ruling in July, other claimants have eagerly talked to China rather than testing the anti-Beijing verdict. Southeast Asian countries that compete with China for maritime control also look to it for trade and investment.

"I just don't think the Chinese are in a capability position to (enforce and ADIZ)," Graham said. "I think the politics of the South China Sea at the moment are rolling their way and I think that would suggest a more cautious approach."

Based on the fallout from China's declared ADIZ over part of the East China Sea near Shanghai three years ago, foreign airlines are unlikely to defy any new order from Beijing to have flights screened, experts say.

China has turned back only one aircraft, a commercial plane from Laos, citing an incomplete flight plan.

But military aircraft from Japan, which has an East China Sea zone overlapping China's, and the United States are flying through the ADIZ as usual.

Military aircraft from Japan, which has an East China Sea zone overlapping China's, and the United States are flying through the ADIZ as usual. China has turned back only one aircraft, a commercial plane from Laos, citing an incomplete flight plan.

China has also established rules and assigned vessels to check foreign ships, with a fresh order in July this year. Those measures are also expected to have little impact on actual traffic.

Ships and boats must get approval from regional Chinese authorities before any fishing or surveying, state media said in December 2014. The order by Hainan province in southern China took effect in January 2015 and was set to cover two-thirds of the sea.

Vessels from Vietnam and the Philippines continue to use that tract of water as before. About half the world's marine shipping traffic also uses the South China Sea, and Beijing's orders have not disrupted it.

But this year the Chinese Maritime Safety Administration gave an order barring foreign vessels from a 63,000 square kilometer tract near Vietnam and the Paracels for a six-day naval exercise. U.S. ships said they would not honor the block, according to a U.S. Naval Institute report.

In one of its closest calls, China sent warships to trail the U.S. Navy's USS Lassen destroyer as it passed within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island in the Spratly chain. The U.S. ship went to show the waters were free for international use.

But Thayer said to avoid a backlash from around the region, China will not stop marine shipping crucial to the economies of East Asia.

"I don't think anybody in Southeast Asia believes China is going to interfere with commercial navigation," Thayer said. "China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan are just too dependent," he said. "(If) China did something like that, it would affect the global economy. It would cause massive push back. China is really upset about military aircraft, ships, because it just claims stuff."

This year China also built a second 10,000-ton coast guard cutter for "protecting China's maritime rights," the pro-Communist Party Global Times in Beijing said. The first ship began patrolling the East China Sea last year. Chinese coast guard vessels periodically travel with fishing boats for protection in the South China Sea.

China may want its rules, ships and infrastructure in place for selective, long-term use rather than to turn away every boat, said Andrew Yang, secretary general with the Chinese Council of Advanced Policy Studies think tank in Taiwan.

"I don't think they're going to do that aggressively," Yang said. "Their infrastructure construction surrounding the Paracels and other South China Sea islands are already in place. So they just wait and see and just continue to do so."

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Colombia's Senate Approves FARC Peace Deal

By VOA News November 30, 2016

The latest peace deal between the Colombian government and the rebel group known as FARC is one step from approval after the country's senate voted in favor of the agreement on Tuesday.

The lower house of Congress is considering the measure Wednesday.

A previous version of the agreement was struck down in a national referendum, but the revised deal signed last week in Bogota by President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC leader Rodrigo Londono needs only to be approved by lawmakers and not the public.

The 75-0 vote in the senate came after more than 12 hours of debate among lawmakers, government officials and victims of rebel violence.

Humberto de la Calle, the lead government negotiator, said the current peace is fragile and urged lawmakers to back the deal, saying this is a "crucial moment for Colombia."

President Santos, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end the 52-year war, expressed his gratitude after the vote, saying the senate is "committed to the peace we long for."

Colombia's former leader, Alvaro Uribe, said there were some improvements among the more than 50 changes made to the deal since last month's referendum. But he said his party could not vote for the new deal and has always endorsed direct democracy.

Senator Nohora Tovar Rey, another member of Uribe's party, also criticized letting lawmakers decide instead of citizens.

"Congress approved the agreement that the Colombian people rejected. It is ignoring the will of the majority," she said.

Peace negotiations have stretched on for four years in the effort to end the conflict that has killed more than 220,000 people and displaced millions. Santos has said there is no more room for negotiation.

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US, UN Warn of Intensified Violence in South Sudan

By VOA News November 30, 2016

United States and United Nations representatives warned in separate meetings Wednesday of escalated tension and potential violence in South Sudan.

"We have credible information that the South Sudanese government is currently targeting civilians in Central Equatoria and preparing for large-scale attacks in the coming days or weeks," Keith Harper, the U.S. representative at the U.N. Human Rights Council, said in Geneva.

The claim was quickly rejected by his South Sudanese counterpart, and South Sudan ambassador Kuol Alor Kuol Arop denied any build-up of forces or plans for an offensive in an interview with the Associated Press.

In Juba on Wednesday, U.N. human rights experts warned of "unprecedented" levels of violence and ethnic tension across the war-torn country.

"Many expect intensified fighting now that the dry season is setting in," said Yasmin Sooka of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, following a fact-finding mission.

A group of international monitors were blocked by the government from traveling to Central Equatoria to investigate violations of the country's peace deal earlier this week, AP reported.

Earlier this month, Adama Dieng, the U.N. secretary-general's adviser on the prevention of genocide warned of the risk of "outright ethnic war" and the "potential for genocide" in Central Equatoria and the Yei region.

The conflict in South Sudan began nearly three years ago when President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy and political rival Riek Machar of plotting a coup.

Since then, fighting largely along ethnic lines has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than two million.

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A protester was involved in two police incidents Thursday afternoon on the Square in Carlisle.

Pastor Ernest Perce, of Yahwehs Flat Earth Ministries in Cumberland County, took to the Square to protest against the wars in the Middle East.

Perce had a sign that read U.S. stop bombing Muslims 4 Isreal (sic) and an American flag attached to his ankle that dragged across the ground, an action that resulted in yelling and taunting from passers-by as well as numerous confrontations.

Carlisle Police said one person was being investigated for a possible assault on Perce.

In a separate incident being investigated by police, Perce wound up on the hood of a vehicle and was carried down Hanover Street, police said.

As a result of the incident, Perces flag was held by police as evidence.

America is voting in favor of more wars, more killing of young Americans enlisting in the military for basically to kill Muslims for a crime they did not commit, Perce said. Thats what my protest is all about.

Perce also claimed, Israel did 9/11. Theres no argument about it.

The National Commission on Terrorist Attack upon the United States determined operatives from the Islamic militant group al-Qaida carried out the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Im a Marine. I enlisted when I was 17 in (2009), Ryan Meldrum said after confronting Perce. I served as an infantryman on the front line and I have this (expletive) right here stepping on the flag that I fought to protect, my brothers fought to protect and my brothers lost their lives for. Its bull(expletive).

Perce left the Square and headed to the Cumberland County Courthouse around 2 p.m., shortly after speaking with police about the incident in which he wound up on the hood of a vehicle.
UN Alarmed About Deterioration of Human Rights Worldwide

By Lisa Schlein November 30, 2016

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein has warned of an alarming deterioration of human rights and an erosion of international institutions and laws threatening the social cohesion of nations.

During a year-end review to the U.N. Human Rights Council, the high commissioner singled out an agreement between the government of Colombia and the FARC rebel group, which ended more than five decades of war, as a rare bright spot in an otherwise troubling human rights picture.

High Commissioner Zeid said he is particularly concerned about the worsening situation in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. "Most shockingly," he said, "my office has no access to any area of Syria, even as the vast majority of the people of eastern Aleppo are still trapped in a sharply worsening siege."

The United Nations has not been able to deliver food or other humanitarian aid to the estimated 275,000 civilians in eastern Aleppo since early July. The World Food Program distributed its last stock of food rations to the besieged inhabitants on November 13.

"Pounded by accelerating bombardment and deliberately deprived of food and medical care, many of them - including small children - report that they are simply waiting for death," Zeid said. He called this "a nightmare which clearly violates the most basic norms of human rights and any shred of human decency."

Iraq

Reporting on Iraq, the high commissioner's deputy, Kate Gilmore, enumerated the many serious breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law being committed by Islamic State militants in their effort to prevent the Iraqi military from retaking the city of Mosul.

She said IS, also known as ISIL, was installing rocket launchers and placing snipers on the rooftops of civilian homes. "Those who refuse to allow their homes to be used for these purposes are threatened or killed," she said. "Families are effectively used as human shields, placed squarely and deliberately in harm's way."

She said hundreds of people have reportedly been abducted by IS and moved to unknown locations and people suspected of leaking information to the Iraqi Security Forces were killed.

Gilmore cautioned against giving into despair. She said it was high time for all parties, all communities, and all Iraqis to "start planning for the day after ISIL."

She said, "There urgently needs to be a negotiated, inclusive settlement for all people of Iraq to break the cycles of violence and to build a truly inclusive democratic state with full respect for human rights."

For this to happen, she said it was important that there be "justice for victims and survivors of crimes, violations and abuses."

ICC withdrawals

While agreeing with this assessment, High Commissioner Zeid said he was worried that international concern for victims' justice was wearing away. Without naming them, he noted that three countries -- South Africa, Burundi and Gambia -- have announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, and a fourth country -- Russia -- also had changed its mind about joining the ICC, which prosecutes war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.

"These withdrawals, in my view, are a betrayal of the rights of victims of the most grave human rights violations," he said.

Zeid warned the erosion of international institutions and laws is threatening global instability and, in turn, was leading to a rise of xenophobia and intolerance in many states.

Zeid said many of his recent missions to western Europe and North America included discussions of "increasingly worrying levels of incitement to racial or religious hatred and violence, whether against migrants or racial and religious groups."

He accused political leaders of stoking discrimination and said the number of hate crimes appeared to be rising in several countries.

Ethnic discrimination

The high commissioner also turned to what he called "two especially worrying situations" - Burundi and Myanmar. He said growing fear of ethnic discrimination in Burundi was swelling the exodus of refugees, with numbers increasing from 270,000 to 325,000 during the past four months.

Zeid denounced the Burundi government's plan to launch a review of the "ethnic balance" in all public and semi-public institutions. He said the requirement for all staff to declare their ethnic identity was "a potentially dangerous move."

He expressed alarm at reports from Myanmar of alleged "extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, sexual violence and massive destruction of houses," during security operations in northern Rakhine state.

Zeid said these operations have "led to the displacement of up to 30,000 members of the Rohingya community" during the past seven weeks. He warned security operations that violated fundamental human rights would "deepen grievances and may lead to far greater violence."

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Hong Kong's anti-China MPs lose court appeal

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 10:26AM

Two pro-independence lawmakers in Hong Kong have lost their appeal against a ruling preventing them from taking up their seats in the parliament over anti-China remarks.

The Court of Appeal on Wednesday sided with the High Court's decision two weeks ago that prevented Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching from being sworn in at the Chinese city's Legislative Council.

The November 15 ruling had disqualified the newly-elected lawmakers for office, saying that the pair invalidated their oaths of office during a swearing-in ceremony in October after misreading the texts and using expletives that were meant against China.

"There can be no innocent explanation for what they uttered and did," the three-member panel of the Court of Appeal said Wednesday. "What has been done was done deliberately and intentionally."

China's parliament has also objected to the conduct of the two lawmakers. The National People's Congress in Beijing earlier adopted an interpretation of an article in Hong Kong's mini-constitution on oath-taking, saying that the pair's oaths were "invalid," and that they must swear allegiance to Hong Kong as a Chinese city.

The interpretation says that those who advocate independence for Hong Kong are not only disqualified from election and from assuming posts as lawmakers but should also be investigated.

Independence activists have criticized China's interpretation of Hong Kong's Basic Law, as its constitution is known, saying China should respect the judicial independence of the territory under a 1997 deal with Britain, known as "One country, two systems."

Hong Kong's pro-China leader Leung Chun-ying has said his administration would be tough on activists pushing for independence from China.

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China Hopes for Stable Military Relationship With US Under Trump - Ministry

Sputnik News

15:28 30.11.2016(updated 15:44 30.11.2016)

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND) hopes to develop a stable relationship with the US Department of Defense under US President-elect Donald Trump's administration, MND spokesman Yang Yujun said Wednesday.

BEIJING (Sputnik)  Yang expressed hope for the United States respecting Chinese sovereignty, national interests and concerns while maintaining that there are significant contradictions between the two countries' military interests.

"The Chinese side is ready to promote a healthy and stable development of bilateral military relations jointly with the next US administration's Defense Department," the spokesman said at a briefing.

Washington and Beijing interests clash mainly in the South China Sea, with China and US allies, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam, having competing claims to the territory. The US Navy continues patrols in the area, with officials stating these would continue despite Chinese protests.

The situation became heated when China strongly criticized the United States after US naval destroyer USS Lassen sailed inside the 12-mile limit of the Spratly archipelago, also known as the Nansha Islands, in the South China Sea late last year. Washington responded that the maneuver was not in violation of international law. The United States has also repeatedly warned it does not recognize Chinese claims of sovereignty over the islands.

The latest incident took place in late October near the Paracel Islands, also known as Xisha, when the US guided-missile destroyer Decatur carried out a safe passage patrol exercise in a move labeled a provocation by China.

 Sputnik

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Castro's Ashes Begin Procession Across Cuba

By VOA News November 30, 2016

The ashes of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro began a three-day procession across the island nation Wednesday.

Castro died Friday night at the age of 90. His body was cremated as Cuba began a nine-day period of mourning for the polarizing leader who was celebrated by some as a champion of the poor and harshly criticized by others as a tyrant who wrecked the country's economy and violated human rights.

Memorial services began Monday in the capital and in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba, where Castro started the Cuban revolution in 1953.

The procession of his ashes is moving east from Havana following in reverse the route Castro and his rebels fighters took as they advanced on the capital from the Sierra Maestra mountains before taking power in January 1959.

"It's a kind of symbolic closure to his rule.  The Castro era began with the triumph of the revolution and Fidel's march across the country. Now he's gone and they retrace that route, and the Cubans of this era have a chance to say goodbye," William LeoGrande, an American University professor of Latin American politics, told the Associated Press.

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Havana's Revolution Square Tuesday to honor Castro.

The crowd chanted "Long live the revolution!" and "Fidel! Fidel!" as leftist Latin American allies and other leaders from the region and Africa joined the memorial rally. Leaders from elsewhere in the world were absent, with some countries sending lower level officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called Castro as a "true friend of Russia," said he needed to focus on preparing a major speech and was not traveling to the island.

White House officials said President Barack Obama asked Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes and Jeffrey DeLaurentis, the president's nominee to be ambassador to Havana, to represent the United States.

But at Tuesday's event in Havana there was praise for Castro from leaders such as Bolivian President Evo Morales and Nicaraguan President Nicolas Maduro.

"Fidel has not died because they do not die, those people who fight for their freedom," Morales told those at the rally.

Maduro said Castro had accomplished "beyond the greatest expectations."

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto had more tempered remarks in support of the Cuban people that noted changes since Castro's brother Raul took over power in 2006.

"We recognize the steps taken in a sovereign manner being taken towards a more open country, economically and politically," he said. "We Mexicans express our commitment to continue accompanying Cuba and its people as friends, as we've always done, on its historic march towards a more inclusive and prosperous society."

Castro, raised near Santiago de Cuba, launched his revolt against the rule of Fulgencio Batista in 1953 from the southeastern city, finally toppling the U.S.-backed leader and seizing power in 1959. He set up a one-party socialist government, which constantly defied Washington and allied itself with the former Soviet Union.

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UNSC imposes new sanctions on North Korea over nuclear test

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 4:44PM

The United Nations Security Council has voted to impose new sanctions on North Korea over its most recent and largest nuclear test in September.

The 15-member council on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution, which curbs Pyongyang's biggest export, coal, by at least 60 percent. It also bans the country's copper, nickel, silver and zinc exports.

The resolution, spearheaded by the United States and passed by a 15-0 vote, condemns "in the strongest terms" North Korea's latest nuclear test on September 9.

"Sanctions are only as effective as their implementation," outgoing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council after the vote, adding, "It is incumbent on all member states of the United Nations to make every effort to ensure that these sanctions are fully implemented."

On September 9, North Korea said that it had conducted a successful "nuclear warhead explosion" test, saying it was meant to counter US hostility.

Pyongyang's state media said the test had achieved its goal of being able to fit a miniaturized nuclear warhead on a rocket.

"Our nuclear scientists staged a nuclear explosion test on a newly developed nuclear warhead at the country's northern nuclear test site," a North Korean TV presenter said.

North Korea has been under a raft of UN sanctions over its nuclear and missile tests.

Pyongyang says it will not abandon its nuclear "deterrence" unless Washington ends its "hostile" policy toward the country.

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Russia Condemns Military Buildup Around North Korea - Deputy UN Envoy

Sputnik News

21:23 30.11.2016

Russia condemns the increased deployment of foreign offensive weapons systems near North Korean borders, Russian Deputy Ambassador to United Nations Vladimir Safronkov said Wednesday.

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2321 imposing new sanctions on North Korea following its nuclear test in September and missile launches. The resolution prohibits UN members from buying North Korean coal, iron and iron ore, as well as nickel, copper, silver, zinc and monuments.

"The situation on the Korean peninsula should not serve as a pretext for increasing foreign military presence in the region. We strongly condemn the buildup of offensive weapons near the borders of North Korean neighbors, including THAAD [Terminal High Altitude Area Defense] anti-ballistic missile systems," Safronkov said after the vote.

Security Council sanctions do not aim to preclude further talks with North Korea, he added, stressing that the resolution cannot be used to harm the North Korean economy or worsen the humanitarian condition of its population.

The UN Security Council adopted the first resolution on North Korea in 1993. In 2016, the Council held nine emergency consultations in response to Pyongyang's nuclear test and ballistic missile launches. This year the country conducted two nuclear tests and at least 25 launches using ballistic missile technology.

In July, South Korea and the United States announced they had agreed to deploy the THAAD system in South Korea's Seongju County. The system is designed to intercept short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles at the terminal incoming stage.

 Sputnik

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White House Uncertain New UN Resolution to Change North Korea's Behavior

Sputnik News

20:51 30.11.2016(updated 21:44 30.11.2016)

The United States is unsure whether the UN Security Council resolution imposing new sanctions on North Korea following its nuclear test in September will lead to significant changes, thus making further sanctions against Pyongyang possible, White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said in a press briefing.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The new resolution, adopted unanimously by the members of the Security Council, condemns "in the strongest terms" the nuclear test conducted by North Korea on September 9.

"I don't think anybody outside of North Korean government can predict exactly whether or not this [new sanctions] will lead to the kind of behavior we would like to see," Earnest stated on Wednesday. "There is always an opportunity for us to go further."

Earnest pointed out the UN resolution represents a substantial escalation of pressure on North Korea, because it imposes a hard, binding cap on the country's coal exports. The resolution also expands a range of sectoral sanctions on other exports that North Koreans use to raise hard currency.

"When you are the subject of so many sanctions, raising this hard currency is difficult to do," Earnest noted. "We made it even harder."

The UN Security Council adopted the first resolution on North Korea in 1993. In 2016, the Security Council held nine emergency consultations in response to Pyongyang's nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches.

 Sputnik

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N Korea to Have Missile Able to Reach Seattle by Trump's Term End - Ex-CIA Chief

Sputnik News

20:21 30.11.2016(updated 22:31 30.11.2016)

The North Korean government will likely develop a nuclear missile capable of reaching the US city of Seattle by the end of President-elect Donald Trump's term in office, former CIA Director Michael Hayden said on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Earlier on Wednesday, the UN Security Council held a meeting in which it unanimously adopted a resolution on new sanctions against North Korea in response to the country's nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

"I really do think it is very likely that by the end of Mr. Trump's first term, the North Koreans will be able to reach Seattle with a nuclear weapon onboard an indigenously produced intercontinental ballistic missile," Hayden said in an interview with MSNBC.

In 2016, North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests and at least 25 launches using ballistic missile technology. In response, the UN Security Council has held nine emergency consultations on North Korea.

 Sputnik

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UN Security Council Approves New North Korea Sanctions

By Margaret Besheer November 30, 2016

The United Nations Security Council unanimously voted Wednesday to impose a new round of targeted economic sanctions against North Korea for its September 9 nuclear test.

The sanctions take aim at sectors of the defiant nation's economy that generate cash to fund its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and could cost Pyongyang more than $800 million a year in lost funds  the equivalent of a quarter of its total export revenues.

The resolution focuses its toughest action on Pyongyang's coal export industry, which, according to global trade figures, is expected to generate over $1 billion in revenue this year and is the country's single largest source of external funds.

Coal exports

The resolution imposes a hard, binding cap that will cut the country's coal exports by more than 60 percent -- that could add up to some $700 million per year, experts said.

"This coal export revenue has not been used to help the people of North Korea; it has been used to further build up the regime's illegal weapons programs," U.S. United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power told the council.

An additional $100 million would come from prohibitions on exports of copper, nickel, silver and zinc. Tens of millions more could be lost from the country's lucrative giant bronze statue export industry.

In addition, the council has designated for asset freezes and travel bans 11 North Korean officials and 10 entities involved in the development, production and financing of the country's illicit weapons programs, its coal sector and conventional arms trade.

The United States and China began negotiating the new measures shortly after North Korea tested what it said was a hydrogen bomb in September.

"The resolution adopted by the council today demonstrates the uniformed stand of the international community against the development by DPRK of its nuclear and ballistic missiles and for the maintenance of international nuclear non-proliferation regime," said China's U.N. ambassador, Liu Jieyi.

The council has imposed several rounds of increasingly harsher, targeted sanctions on North Korea since 2006. Diplomats said they have slowed its march toward a nuclear weapon, but have so far failed to induce Pyongyang to abandon its atomic ambitions.

Ban addresses council

In a rare occurrence, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was present in the council for the vote.

"The DPRK must reverse its course and move onto the path of denuclearization through sincere dialogue," Ban said. "I reiterate my call on the DPRK to take the necessary steps to reduce tensions in the region," he added.

The U.N. chief is a former South Korean foreign minister and considered a likely presidential candidate in his home country after his U.N. term expires on December 31.

Council members made clear that the resolution does not target the North Korean people or seek to exacerbate their already difficult humanitarian circumstances.

South Korea's envoy, Oh Joon, said that this year alone, it is estimated that Pyongyang has spent more than $200 million for nuclear tests and missile launches and that the total cost of its nuclear program has surpassed $1 billion.

"This could have been used to buy one year's worth of food for the entire North Korean population," he said. "People need to eat food, not weapons."

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France Helps India Revive Home Grown Jet Engine Project

Sputnik News

19:39 30.11.2016(updated 19:40 30.11.2016)

French Defense manufacturer Safran has signed a $ 2 million consultancy agreement with India to help revive its indigenous jet engine project  Kaveri. Its revival will remove bottlenecks in India's ambition of developing a fighter aircraft with a homegrown engine.

New Delhi (Sputnik)  Indian defense scientists are optimistic about the fate of an indigenous jet engine after a consultancy agreement with a French company. The GTX-35VS Kaveri turbofan engine, developed by the state-owned Gas Turbine Research Establishment was originally meant to power the Tejas light combat supersonic aircraft.

But it failed to produce sufficient thrust to power a fighter and eventually stalled because India lacked the expertise to make alloys that can withstand high temperatures while advanced nations were unwilling to part with the technology. India has been compelled to import engines from General Electric of the US to power the Tejas.

"Non-availability of raw materials, critical components, lack of infrastructure and test facilities within the country and non-availability of skilled / technical manpower in the field of aero-engine technology are some of the major reasons for non-completion of project within the time schedule," says Manohar Parrikar, India's Minister for Defense in the Upper House of Parliament.

After months of negotiations, French firm Safran has agreed to assist India in making the Kaveri engines flight-worthy. As Safran also makes engines for Rafale fighter jets, the Kaveri deal is part of the offset clause that requires the French firm to invest half of the Rafale deal in India.

This has benefited India, mainly on two counts. Firstly, it will not have to spend extra money in reviving the Kaveri project. Secondly, it will ease the export of the light combat supersonic aircraft Tejas as it will not require a separate export clearance pact with foreign engine suppliers.

The Kaveri Engine project was sanctioned in 1989 with probable date of completion of 1996, which was extended to 2009. India has spent $315 million on the project. DRDO had conducted 73 hours high altitude testing and 57 hours of trial on a Flying Test Bed. Indian scientists had developed a total of nine engine and four core engine prototypes and accumulated over 2,550 hours of engine testing. Kaveri was integrated with the Russian IL-76 heavy lift aircraft and its trial was considered successful.

 Sputnik

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India inks Rs 5,000 crore defence deal with US to buy 145 M777 howitzers

Published: December 1, 2016

India has signed government-to-government (G2G) deal with the United States (US) to buy 145 M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzers worth $750 million under the Foreign Military Sales programme.

The deal was signed at the two-day meeting of the 15th India-US Military Cooperation Group (MCG) held in New Delhi.

This is the first defence deal signed by India for purchasing artillery guns since the Bofors scandal in 1980s. It was recently cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Under this deal

M777 howitzers manufacturer BAE Systems will conclude an offset agreement estimated at about $200 million. 25 guns will come to India in a fly-away condition.

Remaining 120 guns will be assembled at the proposed Assembly Integration and Test facility for the weapon system in India.

BAE Systems already has selected the Mahindra group as the local offset partner.

India-US MCG: It is a bilateral forum established to progress Defence Cooperation between HQ Integrated Defence Staff (India) and US Pacific Command at strategic and operational levels.

About Ultra-Light Howitzers (ULH) artillery Guns

It is manufactured by BAE Systems Global Combat Systems division. It is smaller and lighter. It weighs 4,100 kg and can be easily transported by helicopters. It has effective firing range of 24 km.

Comment

M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers artillery guns induction will give Indian defence forces a much needed operational advantage and an access to state of art technology. These guns will be deployed in high-altitude areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh, bordering China.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2016

Topics: Defence  defence deals  India-US  M777 Howitzers  National

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Senate to vote on renewal of Iran Sanctions Act: Republican leader

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 4:44AM

The US Senate will vote this week on legislation to renew sanctions on Iran for 10 years, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

"Preserving these sanctions is critical given Iran's disturbing pattern of aggression and its persistent efforts to expand its sphere of influence across the Middle East," McConnell said on Tuesday.

The House of Representatives voted 419 to 1 last month to reauthorize the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA), which was first introduced in 1996 to punish investments in Iran's energy industry based on accusations that Tehran was pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.

If the House bill is passed in the Senate as expected, it would be sent to the White House, where President Barack Obama is expected to sign it into law. The act is set to expire at the end of 2016.

Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- the United States, Britain, Russia, China, France as well as Germany  reached a landmark nuclear agreement last year, under which Tehran agreed to limit some aspects of its nuclear program in exchange for removal of all sanctions.

The two sides began implementing the deal, dubbed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), on January 16.

However, members of Congress said they wanted the ISA to be extended for another decade to send a strong signal that any US president would have the ability to "snap back" sanctions on Iran.

"Unless Congress acts, the congressional sanctions don't exist after December 31," Maryland Senator Ben Cardin, ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told The Weekly Standard on Tuesday. "The ability to snap back wouldn't be there on the congressional side."

White House officials have indicated that the reinstatement of sanctions was not needed, but said sanctions are technically allowed under the nuclear accord.

Iran has warned that the renewal of sanctions will be a violation of commitments under the JCPOA, and has threatened reprisal if the US extends the longstanding act.

On Monday, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said Tehran has made necessary preparations and is ready to respond if the US violates the deal.

Sen. Cardin dismissed Iran's warnings as unfounded. "Iran is making this up. These problems don't exist."

"Congress, by extending ISA, is not taking any new steps against Iran at all," he stressed.

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Defiance Thrusts Iranian Lawmaker Into Spotlight

Golnaz Esfandiari November 30, 2016

Until recently, Mahmud Sadeghi was an obscure legal expert whose most conspicuous professional accomplishment was a two-year advisory stint with Iran's Education Ministry.

That changed with the 54-year-old's election to parliament in Iran's tightly controlled elections in February, as one of 133 relative moderates allied with reformist President Hassan Rohani to have won seats in the 290-seat legislature, known as the Majlis.

Government critics hoped their gains in parliament, and in the influential Assembly of Experts, would mark their return to relevance after more than a decade on the political sidelines.

Junior lawmaker Sadeghi, for his part, has been an irritant to the conservative and hard-line establishment ever since.

He has aired defiant criticism of state repression and censorship, grabbing the spotlight late this month as the target of an abortive arrest after he expressed suspicions around the financial dealings of one of Iran's most powerful political figures, Judiciary head Sadegh Larijani. (Larijani has rejected the allegations as "lies.")

Sadeghi rebuffed the security officers who arrived at his home on November 27 by citing parliamentary immunity, but it was arguably the mobilization of supporters via digital media that set the incident apart from other such raids in Iran.

News spread quickly on social media, users shared his address, and colleagues and activists gathered outside his house to prevent his arrest.

The officers backed down, although Tehran's prosecutor has pledged that Sadeghi must turn himself in or face detention.

Sadeghi then vowed via Twitter that "pressure" would not prevent him and other lawmakers from "seeking transparency and fighting corruption in all [Iran's state] institutions.

A 'Glimmer Of Hope'

Judiciary officials and hard-line media reported that Sadeghi was accused of "spreading lies" by private plaintiffs.

Sympathizers including deputy parliament speaker Ali Motahari suggested that Sadeghi's challenge of Larijani was the real reason for the pressure.

A number of Iranians have come out on social media to speak in support of Sadeghi, with some praising his "courage" and another suggesting that Sadeghi and Motahari alone deserve to be called people's representatives in the Iranian parliament, widely known as being a powerless body.

"[Mahmud] Sadeghi is the best reformist lawmaker in the parliament," wrote a Twitter user.

Another described Sadeghi as a "glimmer of hope" on the so-called List Of Hope, a reference to the coalition of reformist and pragmatist candidates ahead of February's elections.

"This gathering, the people's support, the writings -- all of these, the public opinion pressure is aimed at preventing anything from happening to the only truthful [politician] of this system," tweeted journalist Fateme Beykpour.

Attracting Attention

Even before the attempted arrest, Sadeghi, had garnered attention for condemning the arrest of journalists and criticizing Iran's aggressive filtering of Twitter.

Sadeghi was among 15 lawmakers who signed a letter to Larijani calling for a review of a 16-year prison sentence handed down to a leading human rights defender, Narges Mohammadi.

In an October speech to the parliament, Sadeghi blasted the arrest of a "significant number of journalists and media workers" on "vague accusations" -- including alleged "infiltration" by enemies -- that were raised by hard-liners following Iran's 2015 deal with world powers to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

On November 12, Sadeghi said he would work to eliminate the filtering of Twitter, which is widely used by even the most senior Iranian officials despite Iranian authorities' routine denunciations of such digital platforms as tools of the West.

"The filtering of Twitter has no justification," Sadeghi tweeted. "The activity of senior establishment officials and many figures in this social networking site is proof."

Days later, the lawmaker criticized a state ban on the commemoration of the killing of political dissidents Dariush and Parvaneh Forouhar, a crime that Iranian authorities blamed on "rogue" Intelligence Ministry agents.

Sadeghi said neither the "savage murders" of the Forouhars nor the ban on their death commemorations was defensible.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/iran -parliament-deputy-sadeghi-spotlight- arrest/28148605.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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CIA Chief Brennan Warns Trump Against Scrapping Iran Nuclear Deal

Sputnik News

11:00 30.11.2016(updated 11:39 30.11.2016)

Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John Brennan in an interview published Wednesday warned US President-elect Donald Trump against scrapping the Iran nuclear deal, saying that it would be "disastrous."

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to Brennan, such move could result in strengthening hardliners in Iran. It could also lead to other states pursuing nuclear programs, he said.

"I think it would be disastrous. It really would  First of all, for one administration to tear up an agreement that a previous administration made would be unprecedented," Mr Brennan told the BBC broadcaster.

"I think it would be the height of folly if the next administration were to tear up that agreement," Brennan added.

In July 2015, Iran and the P5+1 group of nations  the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China and Russia, plus Germany  agreed on a gradual lifting of sanctions in exchange for Tehran keeping its nuclear program exclusively for peaceful uses. The agreement took effect on January 16, after the International Atomic Energy Agency officially confirmed Iran's compliance with the deal's provisions.

During the 2016 US presidential election, Trump was very critical of the Iran nuclear agreement, characterizing it as one of the worst in history.

 Sputnik

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Iraqi volunteer forces seize two villages around Mosul, free over 2,000 families

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 10:47AM

Iraqi fighters from Popular Mobilization Units have liberated two more villages near the northern city of Mosul as they are helping government forces in their drive to push Takfiri Daesh terrorist out of their last stronghold in the Arab country.

The pro-government forces, better known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha'abi, managed to take complete control of Eastern al-Buthah and al-Salehiyah village southwest of Mosul, located 400 kilometers north of the capital Baghdad, early on Wednesday, Arabic-language al-Forat news agency reported.

Some 2,300 families, whom Daesh terrorists were using as human shields, were also freed during the offensives.

Iraqi volunteer forces are now clearing al-Salehiyah from remaining pockets of Daesh militants as well as booby traps and abandoned explosive ordnance.

Additionally, Commander of Federal Police Forces Lieutenant General Raed Shaker Jawdat announced that Iraqi snipers had shot and killed nine Daesh members during an operation on the outskirts of Um al-Masaed village.

An arms depot, six explosives-laden belts and several rockets were discovered during a separate operation west of Hamam al-Alil town, which lies about 30 kilometers south of Mosul.

Elsewhere in northern Mosul, Kurdish Peshmerga forces rounded up three Daesh militants, who were hiding inside a house.

On Tuesday, soldiers from the 9th Armored Division of the Iraqi Army freed al-Nisabah and Jadida al-Mufti districts from Daesh clutches, as they made headway in the eastern quarter of Mosul.

Iraqi troops are now a few kilometers away from the bridge, which links the eastern side of Mosul to the western flank.

Meanwhile, the media director for the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights said Daesh militants had executed 12 civilians in the eastern part of Mosul.

Jawad al-Shamari said the victims were killed after they opposed to the installation of rocket launchers on their home rooftops, which were to be aimed at security forces.

After months of preparation, Iraqi army soldiers, backed by volunteer fighters and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, launched an operation on October 17 to retake Mosul from Daesh terrorists.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has vowed that Mosul, Iraq's second largest city and Daesh's last urban stronghold in the country, will be fully recaptured by the year-end.

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Abuse of Rohingyas in Myanmar may be crime against humanity: UN

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 6:38AM

The United Nations (UN) has warned that ongoing, widespread human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar could be tantamount to "crimes against humanity."

In a statement on Tuesday, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed alarm over reports of serious rights violations in Myanmar's western Rakhine State.

The UN body said that the Myanmarese government "has largely failed to act on the recommendations" made in a June report that "raised the possibility that the pattern of violations against the Rohingya may amount to crimes against humanity."

The report documented a wide range of human rights violations and abuses against the Rohingya, including arbitrary deprivation of nationality, severe restrictions on freedom of movement, threats to life and security, denial of rights to health and education, forced labor and sexual violence.

The UN rights office further called on the Myanmarese government to respect international humanitarian law and the rights of internally displaced persons, warning that continued failure to do so would draw a sharp response from the international community.

The military has launched a crackdown on the Rohingyas in Rakhine, where they are concentrated, since an attack on the country's border guards on October 9 left nine police officers dead. The government blamed the Rohingyas for the assault.

There have been numerous accounts by eyewitnesses of summary executions, rapes and arson attacks against the Rohingyas by security forces.

The military has blocked access to Rakhine and banned journalists and aid workers from entering the zone.

At least 30,000 Rohingya have been internally displaced in Rakhine, while thousands of others have tried to reach Bangladesh over the last month to seek refuge amongst the Rohingya refugee population that already lives there.

Bangladesh has also started to crack down on the incoming refugees by either preventing them at border transit points or confining them to refugee camps.

Rakhine, home to around 1.1 million members of the minority Rohingya Muslim community, has been the scene of violence against the ethnic Muslims since 2012.

Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been hailed by some as a "democracy icon" and has been awarded the Nobel peace prize, has remained largely silent on the plight of the refugees.

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Rohingya Refugees Seek to Return Home to Myanmar

By Maaz Hussain November 30, 2016

Rohingya Muslims who have sought refuge in Bangladesh say they are desperate to stop living as refugees and return to their homeland in Myanmar.

"The Rohingyas have been seeking temporary shelter in Bangladesh only to save their lives from a genocide-like situation in Myanmar. For most of us, life as refugees is very hard in Bangladesh. Arakan (Rakhine), where our Rohingya community has lived for centuries, is our ancestral homeland. We want to go back to Arakan," said Mohammad Shaker, a Rohingya leader in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh.

Nurul Islam, a Britain-based Rohingya rights activist and community leader, said whenever anti-Rohingya violence erupts in Myanmar, the international community has taken a keen interest to see that they get safe passage to other countries. But he alleges outside powers do not follow up to help the refugees return to their homeland.

"It appears many in the international community think if all Rohingyas are evacuated from Myanmar, the problem of our community will be solved. They are wrong," said Islam, chairman of Arakan Rohingya National Organization. "The Rohingya crisis will never be resolved until our community members are able to return to their homeland in Arakan."

Long-standing problem

Since the Rohingya Muslims were first targeted by large-scale ethnic violence in 1978, the religious minority community has fled persecution and economic hardship in Myanmar by leaving for Bangladesh and other countries.

Currently, there are up to half a million Rohingyas in Bangladesh, with over 90 percent of them living as illegal refugees, mostly in decrepit shanty-colonies scattered across southeastern Bangladesh.

With no support from the Bangladesh government or the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), most of the refugees do menial jobs, have no access to basic services, and live hand-to-mouth.

Most complain that in Bangladesh their life is full of hardship and their life back in Myanmar was more comfortable.

"After the Rakhine Buddhists burnt my house, with my two children and wife I fled to Bangladesh four years ago. I do odd day-wage jobs to support my family. Often I go without job. I live in a ramshackle shack and I think I can never escape this life of poverty here," said Mohammad Ismail, a 38-year-old Rohingya. "I had my own farmland, I also owned a shop and I was quite well-off. If the situation there changes I want to return to Arakan."

Current crisis

Since a Myanmar military crackdown began in Rakhine state seven weeks ago following the killing of 9 policemen in an armed attack blamed on Rohingya militants, several thousands more Rohingya men, women and children have landed in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that "on humanitarian ground" some of the Rohingyas fleeing the current violence have been provided refuge.

"We shall try to host these people as long as possible. Then we shall start a dialogue with Myanmar so that they can return to their home. We hope Myanmar will take them back, eventually," Kamal said.

But Rohingya community leader Islam alleged the ongoing violence against the Rohingyas in Rakhine is "state-sponsored."

"The Burmese security forces are entering the Rohingya villages and indulging in killings, rape and arson in ways as violent as possible, as we have seen in the past weeks. This level of indescribable torture is aimed at terrifying the entire community to an extreme level so that all Rohingyas flee the country," Islam told VOA. "No Rohingya refugee can dare return to Burma in such situation. But, the final line from us is that we want to return to our homeland in Arakan."

Investigations and pressure

The Myanmar government has said it is setting up a "national level committee" to investigate conditions and allegations of abuses amid international pressure about rising violence and a humanitarian crisis in northern Rakhine state.

Although the current government has said little else about the current situation, it has long denied allegations of abuse and persecution. For decades, Myanmar officials have said most the Rohingya are recent migrants from Bangladesh, and the government generally refers to them as Bengali.

Myanmar's state counselor and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has faced growing criticism for failing to tackle the violence, as the military campaign has triggered the displacement of tens of thousands.

The committee follows on the Rakhine State Advisory Commission, in place since August, under former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, who recently expressed "deep concern" over violence.

Penny Green, a professor of law and globalization at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) said as long as institutionalized discrimination, widespread and state sanctioned hate crime and segregation characterize life for the Rohingya in Myanmar, they will continue to flee Myanmar.

"The voluntary return of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar will only be possible if Myanmar confronts its genocidal crimes, punishes perpetrators and restores full civil, economic, social and political rights to the Rohingya," said Green, who is the director of QMUL's International State Crime Initiative.

She said pressure must be brought to bear on Aung San Suu Kyi's government.

"Sanctions, boycotts and divestment have been successful in confronting some of the world's worst state crimes. We should all be urging our own governments not to engage with the Myanmar government until it ceases its genocidal practices," she said.

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South Korea opposition sticks to plans to impeach Park

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 6:23AM

South Korea's opposition parties have agreed to keep plans to impeach embattled President Park Geun-hye, rejecting her recent offer to resign under a "safe" power transfer arranged by the parliament.

"The people of South Korea do not want to enter the new year with Park Geun-hye as president," said the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, Choo Mi-ae, on Wednesday.

"There is only one way under our constitution to halt a term of a president and that's an impeachment motion," Choo added, dismissing the president's resignation offer as a ploy meant to avoid impeachment.

Park, whose presidency has been rocked by scandalous revelations of influence peddling and a subsequent investigation, on Tuesday offered to step down amid an increasingly tough challenge to her rule.

South Koreans have been rallying in huge numbers in the capital, Seoul, over the past several weeks to demand her resignation. One such rally drew some one and a half million people on Saturday.

While Park has apologized for the influence-peddling scandal involving her long-time confidante Choi Soon-sil, she has denied accusations by prosecutors that she had a "collusive" role in the scandal herself.

She had also been defying calls to step down, until Tuesday that is.

"If the ruling and opposition parties discuss and come up with a plan to reduce the confusion in state affairs and ensure a safe transfer of governments, I will step down from the presidential position under that schedule and by processes stated in law," she said then.

The opposition parties also agreed on Wednesday to put an impeachment motion to a vote as early as Friday or meet again if the plan does not work, state news agency Yonhap reported.

Support from two-thirds of the country's 300 parliament members is required to impeach Park. This is while the three opposition parties and independent anti-Park lawmakers hold a total of 172 seats, meaning that they need the assistance of dissenters from within Park's ruling Saenuri Party.

Park's resignation offer may change the minds of some of those who have supported her impeachment. Some members of the ruling party have already spoken of the need to review whether to impeach her or find other ways for her ouster.

If impeached, Park's presidential powers would be immediately suspended until the Constitutional Court makes a ruling on her fate. The court has 180 days for deliberations.

Choi, President Park's long-time confidante, is detained over allegations that she interfered in government decisions even as she had no official role or security clearance. Choi is also accused of exploiting her ties to the president to bully corporations into granting large sums of money to businesses and foundations that she controlled.

Park, who has immunity from prosecution while in office, refused to cooperate with prosecutors despite an earlier offer to do so.

President Park now seems increasingly unlikely to be able to finish her presidential term according to schedule. She began a five-year term in February 2013.

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S Korea, US Begin Air Defense Exercises as N Korea Set to Launch Drills Thursday

Sputnik News

14:10 30.11.2016(updated 14:23 30.11.2016)

South Korea and the United States launched their annual aerial exercise amid North Korean expected air defense drills.

TOKYO (Sputnik)  South Korea and the United States launched their annual aerial exercise, set to run until December 5, as North Korea is expected to begin large-scale air defense drills on Thursday, amid tensions on the Korean peninsula, local media reported Wednesday.

According to the YTN news channel, South Korea and the United States havebegun conducting the large-scale air defense Vigilant ACE exercises, aimed at countering North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities.

The exercise would focus on simulating strikes on radar systems, mobile missile launchers and other key military facilities of North Korea, the news channel said. The drills involve up to 450 US and South Korean troops as well as South Korean KF-16 and F-15K and US F-16 fighter jets, and an EA-18G Growler electronics warfare plane, according to the news channel.

At the same time, the Yonhap news agency reported that North Korea is set to launch on large-scale air defense drills near the Pyongyang's Sunan airport on Thursday.

The news come as the UN Security Council is set to vote on a new draft resolution on sanctions against North Korea over its unlawful missile and nuclear tests later in the day.

On September 5, Pyongyang launched three ballistic missiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan. Several days later it conducted successful test of a nuclear warhead, which is believed to be the fifth and largest blast since Pyongyang began pursuing nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

On October 14, North Korea carried out a failed test of the Musadan intermediate-range ballistic missile near the northwestern city of Kusong.

 Sputnik

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Envoys: Trump Expected to Keep Strong Ties With South Korea

By Lee Jee-eun November 30, 2016

In less than two months, Donald Trump will be sworn in as president of the United States, and yet he remains tight-lipped about his plans for nuclear-armed North Korea, which many believe is one of the most important security threats currently facing the United States.

While his murky North Korean policy is leaving South Korea particularly on edge, the political novice's "America First" foreign policy proposed during his campaign is casting a shadow over military alliances and agreements between Washington and Seoul. Among the deals are how to share the financial burden of keeping American troops in the South, deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, an advanced U.S. anti-missile defense system in South Korea and the restitution of wartime operational control of South Korean forces, which has been under the U.S. Command in South Korea since the 1950-53 Korean War.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the alliance between Washington and Seoul following Trump's victory, former U.S. ambassadors said the longstanding U.S.-South Korea alliance will largely remain intact and smooth sailing is expected for bilateral efforts to counter growing threats posed by North Korea.

"The U.S.-ROK alliance is very firm and very resilient," said Thomas Hubbard, former ambassador to South Korea who served from 2001 to 2004. "Our common interest will prevail regardless of who is the president of the United States."

Strong alliance

Christopher Hill, who was the U.S. ambassador to South Korea during the George W. Bush administration, said the Trump administration will likely maintain strong military ties with Seoul given Pyongyang's steady march toward acquiring an operational nuclear weapon.

"I don't think they are looking to have problems in the ROK relationship," said Hill. "If any issue emerges, I think they'll try to work it out with the ROK and I think some of the traditional Republican security outlook toward ROK will prevail  that is, I think, they'll try to preserve the good relationship above all else."

On the campaign trail, the president-elect lamented that U.S. allies are not bearing their fair share of alliance burdens and urged South Korea and Japan to "pay more" for U.S. soldiers stationed on their soil.

Asked whether the issue of burden-sharing could become a point of contention between the two allies, Alexander Vershbow, who spent two years in South Korea as the U.S. ambassador, said he anticipates some friction over the cost of defense, but not significant enough to bring about a fundamental shift in the long-standing partnership.

Some envoys disagreed with the notion that Seoul is not contributing enough for the stationing of U.S. forces. Hill said it "will be cleared once Trump understands and when he is properly briefed about the degree to which the ROK has been providing for its own defense."

Hubbard concurred: "I think it reflects a misunderstanding of the degree to which the ROK is already bearing its share of the burden promoting regional security and deterrence vis-a-vis North Korea."

North Korean threat

Currently, about 28,000 U.S. troops are based in South Korea, conducting joint military drills to counter increasing threats - real and perceived - emanating from the North. This year alone, the isolated regime has conducted two nuclear tests and launched more than 20 ballistic missiles.

Vershbow, who also served as NATO's deputy secretary general, suggested Trump and his national security team ratchet up direct pressure on the North Korean government through additional sanctions to bring it back to the negotiating table.

"I think they should never completely rule out options involving direct application of force," Vershbow said. "And it is important to make clear that their continued intransigence will have consequences."

Hill, who led the U.S. delegation for the now-stalled Six Party Talks on North Korea's nuclear program between 2005 and 2009, stressed the role of China.

"If there's any solution to North Korea, it will involve China," said the former envoy.

Three weeks into his presidential transition, Trump and his transition team are scrambling to appoint all his cabinet members, a task that needs be completed before his inauguration in mid-January. As his confirmed and likely picks are mostly hardliners, an increasing number of experts say his administration is shaping up to be the one that will likely take a much tougher stance in foreign policy.

This report was produced in collaboration with VOA Korean Service.

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Russian, Armenian Defense Ministers Sign Combined Forces Agreement

Sputnik News

12:12 30.11.2016(updated 12:23 30.11.2016)

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Armenian counterpart signed an agreement on establishing combined forces, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan said the group would include Russia's military base in Armenia, as well as units of the Armenian armed forces. The ministers signed a cooperation plan for 2017.

Russian President Vladimir Putin singed off on a decree to establish a combined task force on November 14.

Previously, Russia and Armenia signed the agreement that established regional Unified Air Defense System as part of Joint Commonwealth of Independent States Air Defense System in December 2015.

 Sputnik

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UK scientists allow three-parent babies mitochondrial gene therapy

Published: December 1, 2016

An independent panel of British scientists and experts has formally given nod to introduce so-called three-parent baby fertility treatments or mitochondrial gene therapy (MGT) procedures.

The panel tasked with reviewing the safety of MGT held that this practice should be cautiously adopted to prevent certain genetic diseases from being passed on to future generations. Thus, it paves the way for the country to officially introduce the procedures.

Earlier in February 2016, British Parliament voted to legalise three-parent baby fertility treatments or MGT procedures. It was first country in the world to legalise creation of In-Vitro Fertilisation babies with DNA from three people.

The worlds first three-parent baby boy was born in Mexico in April 2016 to a Jordanian couple with help of this new fertility technique which incorporates DNA from three people in embryo.

What is mitochondrial gene therapy (MGT)?

MGT or Mitochondrial donation is a medical technique in which defective mitochondria carried by a woman is replaced with the healthy mitochondria of a donor.

Through invitro fertilization technique (IVF), the egg is then fertilised with the partners sperm. Thus, the embryo remains free from any such genetic defects.

Thus, it prevents the transmission of mitochondrial (genetic) disease from one generation to the next.

The two most common techniques in mitochondrial donation are pronuclear transfer and maternal spindle transfer.

MGT proposes to give parents chance of having a child that is over 99% genetically matched to them and most importantly free of the mitochondrial disease.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2016

Topics: Biology  International  Mitochondrial Gene Therapy  Science and Technology  United Kingdom

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Russia's Bastion Defense Systems Arrive to Crimea

Sputnik News

10:39 30.11.2016(updated 12:43 30.11.2016)

A battalion of Russia's Bastion coastal defense system is arriving in Crimea to replace the systems that are protecting a naval task force in Syria, a source in the Crimean uniformed services told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.

SEVASTOPOL (Crimea) (Sputnik)  A typical Bastion battalion includes 10 vehicles and four launchers.

"A Bastion battalion is arriving on the peninsular today to replace a similar unit that departed to Syria in October. The Bastions will be located in two regions of the peninsula," the source said.

The Bastion fires supersonic Oniks cruise missiles, with a range of up to 280 miles and could be used against ships and targets on the ground.

 Sputnik

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Syrian forces liberate SE Aleppo district from militants' grip

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 3:45PM

Syrian government troops and their allies have managed to retake full control of a neighborhood southeast of Aleppo, which has been turned into a major frontline in the fight against terrorists.

An unidentified Syrian military source announced the recapture of the Sheikh Saeed district on Wednesday.

However, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed that militant groups still controlled a third of the neighborhood.

Russia ready to escort aid to eastern Aleppo

Separately on Wednesday, Russia expressed its readiness to escort aid agencies into recently retaken areas of eastern Aleppo.

Lieutenant General Sergei Rudskoi of the Russian military's General Staff said that despite the announcement, Moscow had not received any requests from the United Nations or anyone else so far.

Rudskoi (pictured below) also noted that the Syrian government forces had completely purged terrorists from the Castello road, which is the only supply line into militant-held eastern Aleppo.

The Russian official further stressed that his country's air force had not conducted anti-terror airstrikes on Aleppo over the past 44 days.

Syria has been gripped by deadly foreign-sponsored militancy for over five years. The situation in Aleppo is of particular concern as the city remains divided between government forces in the west and terrorists in the east.

Since last September, Russia has been conducting an aerial campaign against Daesh and other terror outfits in Syria at the Damascus government's request.

Russia urges explanation over Erdogan's anti-Assad remarks

In another development on Wednesday, the Kremlin demanded an explanation from Turkey over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent comments against his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad.

Erdogan said on Tuesday that the Turkish army entered Syria in order to topple Assad, saying, "We went in there to put an end to the rule of the tyrant Assad who carries out state terror, not for anything else."

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Erdogan's assertion "really came as news," adding that it "is not in harmony with previous statements" and "not in harmony with our understanding of the situation."

Peskov further expressed hope that "clarification will come shortly" from Turkey.

Syria not to allow meddling by 'tyrant' Erdogan

Syria also censured Erdogan's remarks, saying his assertion proves that he is a "liar."

An unnamed source at Syria's Foreign Ministry told the official SANA news agency that the Turkish president has turned his country into a base for terrorists, who undermine security and stability in Syria and Iraq and cause the suffering of the innocent.

"It's ironic that a tyrant like Erdogan would talk about democracy when he has transformed Turkey into a big prison for everyone who opposes his policy," the source said.

Syria is currently fighting Erdogan's "pawns and proxies," the official added, further emphasizing that Syria will not allow Erdogan to interfere in its domestic affairs and will cut off the hands of those trying to harm the country.

He also called on the international community to put an end to Turkey's interference in the affairs of other states, saying Erdogan's policy poses a threat to regional and international peace.

Turkey stands accused of allowing militants to use its territory for travel and shipment of arms into Syria, and buying smuggled oil from militants.

Back in August, Turkey launched an incursion into Syria, claiming that it was meant to engage both Daesh terrorists and Kurdish forces. Damascus condemned Turkey's military intervention as a breach of its sovereignty.

Russia, Syria militants meet in Ankara: Source

Also on Wednesday, an informed source said that Russian representatives and militants opposed to President Assad have held talks in the Turkish capital city of Ankara about the possibility of a ceasefire in Aleppo.

"Several meetings have taken place in Ankara to discuss the ways to come to such a truce," AFP quoted an unnamed source close to the militants as saying, adding that the last such meeting took place on Monday.

Those involved in the negotiations are believed to be linked to the anti-Damascus Syrian National Coalition and do not include the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham terrorist group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front.

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Humanitarian aid in Aleppo used as political ploy: Russia

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 11:28AM

Russia says the issue of aid delivery in Syria is becoming highly politicized as most UN humanitarian aid goes to the areas occupied by foreign-backed militants.

On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria said only one percent of the UN aid supplies was being directed to the western city of Dayr al-Zawr, where at least 200,000 people trapped by the Daesh Takfiri terror group remain in desperate need of help.

She added that most UN aid was being sent to militant-held areas, including areas controlled by the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham terror group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front.

The report comes as the humanitarian situation in the terrorist-held parts of Aleppo City in northwestern Syria has been the focus of attention, with rights groups warning of a humanitarian disaster there.

Aleppo, once Syria's second largest city, has been the scene of fighting between Syrian forces and terrorists.

It has been divided over the past four years between Damascus forces in the west and terrorists in the east, making it a front line battleground.

Backed by Russian air cover, the Syrian army in September launched operations to reunite the divided northwestern city.

The army has set up several humanitarian corridors to facilitate the exit of civilians from the occupied parts of Aleppo.

However, reports coming of the embattled city say militants are preventing the civilians from fleeing the eastern parts, using them as human shields to slow down the advances of government forces.

A day earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said the Syrian army had recently reestablished control over half of the areas that had been under the control of militants in the east of the northern city of Aleppo.

On Tuesday, the UN said up to 16,000 civilians have fled the militant-held parts of eastern Aleppo amid the Syrian army's recent gains there.

Meanwhile, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Wednesday that some 50,000 people have fled eastern Aleppo for government-controlled parts in the last four days.

In another development earlier in the day, at least seven civilians were killed and eight others were injured in mortar attacks by militants against three neighborhoods in Aleppo.

Elsewhere, government forces retook Tal al-Eyn, a hilly area that lies on a road linking Dali and al-Faqi' townships on the northern outskirts of the city of Dara'a.

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Israel military fires missiles against targets near Damascus: Report

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 6:48AM

Israeli fighter jets have carried out missile attacks against two targets inside Syria close to the highway connecting the capital Damascus, to the Lebanese capital Beirut.

Syria's state television reported on Wednesday that the Israeli air force had fired two missiles from the Lebanese airspace towards an area near Damascus. It said the attack had fallen short of causing any casualties.

Syria's official news agency SANA cite an unnamed military source as saying that the missiles fell on the Saboura area west of Damascus.

The source said the Israeli assault was an attempt to "divert attention away from the successes of" government forces on the battleground against Takfiri militants.

Meanwhile, Rai al-Youm, an Arab world digital news and opinion website, said one of the strikes, it said, hit a Syrian army's arms depot, while another targeted a number of trucks thought to be carrying weapons and military equipment.

Al-Masdar News, a pan-Arab news and commentary website based in Boston, also said the warplane had fired long-range 'Popeye' missiles at the Saboura district,

The air-to-surface missiles have been developed by the Israeli military itself.

"The jet did not penetrate Syrian airspace but did allegedly breach Lebanese airspace in order to come within striking range of its designated target," it reported.

Israel is widely viewed as a staunch supporter of the Takfiri terrorists operating against the Damascus government.

The regime regularly targets the Syrian side of the Golan Heights, parts of which it has occupied since 1967.

Tel Aviv also provides treatment to anti-Syria Takfiri terrorists who sustain injuries on the battlefield against the Syrian army.

In the past, Israeli jets have time and again carried out sorties inside the Syrian territory under various pretexts.

Back in May, an Israeli strike against Damascus claimed the life of Mustafa Badreddine, a senior Hezbollah commander.

Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement, which fought off two Israeli wars in 2006 and 2008 at home, has been successfully helping Syria to defend itself in the face of terrorists and to prevent the spillover of the crisis into Lebanon.

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Syria Claims Further Advances Against Rebels In Aleppo

RFE/RL November 30, 2016

Syria's government says it has recaptured another entire district of Aleppo from rebels, but opposition fighters have denied the claim and vowed to continue their fight against a brutal Russia-backed government offensive.

Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on November 30 that they had taken full control of the Sheikh Saeed district on the southern edge of rebel-controlled eastern Aleppo.

But the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights quoted rebel fighters who said they still controlled a third of the Sheikh Saeed neighborhood.

During the past week, rebel fighters have lost a third of the areas in eastern Aleppo that they had controlled since 2012, cutting their urban stronghold in half and bringing them to the brink of a catastrophic defeat.

The gains by the Syrian Army and its allies have led to a massive human exodus with some 50,000 civilians fleeing decimated neighborhoods near the rapidly shifting front lines.

Syrian military officials are denying a report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights that government forces were detaining and questioning hundreds of civilians fleeing rebel-held areas for the comparative safety of state-controlled districts.

The observatory also said Syrian and Russian air strikes were intensifying on November 30 in the city center, with at least 45 civilians killed.

'Slow-Motion Descent Into Hell'

The UN Security Council is set to hold another emergency session on the crisis in Aleppo on November 30.

Aleppo's eastern districts have been under government siege for more than four months, with international aid stocks exhausted and food supplies running low.

World Food Program spokeswoman Bettina Luescher said civilians were enduring a "slow-motion descent into hell."

And France's UN ambassador, Francois Delattre, called for international action, but it was unclear what that would entail and whether it would succeed where so many previous efforts have failed.

"France and its partners cannot remain silent in the face of what could be one of the biggest massacres of civilian population since World War II," Delattre said.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Moscow was hoping that the situation in Aleppo can be resolved by the end of the year.

"We need to force these terrorists out" in the same way as Islamic State fighters need to be forced out in their Syrian stronghold of Raqqa and the Iraqi city of Mosul, the RIA Novosti news agency quoted Bogdanov as saying on November 30.

Bogdanov was also quoted by TASS as saying Moscow had been in contact with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's team over Syria.

Trump is to take office in January.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, AP, TASS, and dpa

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/un- security-council-aleppo-syria- crisis/28147522.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Syrian Army Prepares to Enter Al-Bab to Liberate City from Terrorists

Sputnik News

21:42 30.11.2016(updated 21:53 30.11.2016)

According to information received by a Sputnik correspondent, the bombing carried out by the Syrian military aircraft on the positions of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in the area of al-Bab, which had been captured by Daesh, has halted the advance of the FSA fighters, which are supported by Turkey.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Syrian Forces, which include the Kurdish self-defense units YPG, are also moving from Afrin and Manbij towards al-Bab in order to establish their own control there and to consolidate the Kurdish cantons of Afrin and Kobani.

Meanwhile, Syrian government forces comprising 10,000 soldiers have demonstrated significant advances in the operation to liberate al-Bab.

The Syrian Army has liberated most of the settlements to the west of al-Bab from Daesh terrorists. It is reported by Sputnik Turkey that there are about 3 km left for the Syrian Army before it reaches the city.

Meanwhile, according to the Sputnik correspondent, Daesh militants' kidnapped two Turkish soldiers near the village of Ed Dana to the west of al-Bab in the framework of operation Euphrates Shield.

It is reported that the Turkish soldiers were captured during an attack by the jihadists. They were first taken to al-Bab and from there to Raqqa.

Al-Bab is one of Daesh's last remaining strongholds near the Turkish border. Capturing the city is of strategic importance to Turkey in order to prevent the Syrian Kurds taking it and unifying their own territories.

 Sputnik

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Erdogan's Remark About Toppling Assad Prompts Syrian, Russian Reaction

Sputnik News

20:09 30.11.2016(updated 21:47 30.11.2016)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that the Turkish armed forces' military operation in Syria was designed to put an end to the rule of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The remarks made the headlines and prompted immediate reaction in Syria and in Russia.

Syria

The Syrian Foreign Ministry said that the Turkish president's statements confirm Damascus' assertion of Turkish aggression in Syria.

"Erdogan's statements about the goals of Turkish aggression in Syria put an end to his lies and clearly revealed that Turkish aggression on Syrian territory is nothing more than a result of ambitions and illusions," the ministry said in a statement obtained by RIA Novosti.

Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Moscow was guided by its agreements with Ankara on Syria.

"We are guided by statements that were repeatedly made by Ankara, in particular, by the Turkish leader publicly, and that underlay the agreements Turkey takes part in. I would like to remind you that these are not only bilateral documents, but also documents of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) Turkey is part of," the spokeswoman said.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said that Erdogan's statements run counter to earlier reached agreements between Russia and Turkey.

"This runs counter to all agreements. First, Resolution 2254, Resolution 2268, decisions of the Vienna format, Lausanne format. We have been participating in these formats jointly with Turkey," Bogdanov told reporters.

Kremlin

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that it was inappropriate to speculate on whether Turkish President Erdogan's statements on Syrian President Bashar Assad could affect the Moscow-Ankara relations.

"No, principled and hypothetical speculations are inappropriate here," Peskov said when asked if Erdogan's statements could affect bilateral relations.

"The statement was new. So before making any judgments, we hope this position will be explained," he said, adding that the statement was very serious.

Peskov said Erdogan's announcement on Assad, which had not been voiced in phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, ran counter to Russia's understanding of the situation.

He added that Russia is the only country whose forces are in Syria legally.

Turkey

Finally, a source in Erdogan's administration tried to downplay president's statement.

"The presidential statement was announced yesterday, but it should not be perceived literally. I hope that the misunderstanding [with Russia] in this connection will be promptly overcome," the source said, adding that only Turkey's top leadership could provide official comments on Erdogan's announcement.

On August 24, Turkish forces, backed by US-led coalition aircraft, began a military operation dubbed the Euphrates Shield to clear the Syrian border town of Jarabulus and the surrounding area of Daesh terrorists. As Jarabulus was recaptured, the joint forces of Ankara, the coalition and Syrian opposition groups continued the offensive southwest.

The operation has been widely criticized both by the Syrian Kurds and Damascus, who have accused Ankara of violating Syria's territorial integrity.

 Sputnik

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Turkish Presidential Administration Downplays Erdogan's Statement on Assad

Sputnik News

17:28 30.11.2016(updated 17:35 30.11.2016)

A source in Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's administration on Wednesday tried to downplay Erdogan's statement on his intention to depose Syrian leader Bashar Assad.

ANKARA (Sputnik)  Erdogan said Tuesday the Turkish armed forces' military operation in Syria is designed to put an end to the rule of Bashar Assad. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday said while commenting on Erdogan's statement that the Turkish leader's words were news for the Kremlin, calling the statement "serious."

"The presidential statement was announced yesterday, but it should not be perceived literally. I hope that the misunderstanding [with Russia] in this connection will be promptly overcome," the source said, adding that only Turkey's top leadership could provide official comments on Erdogan's announcement.

On August 24, Turkish forces, backed by US-led coalition aircraft, began a military operation dubbed the Euphrates Shield to clear the Syrian border town of Jarabulus and the surrounding area of the Daesh terrorist organization. As Jarabulus was recaptured, the joint forces of Ankara, the coalition and Syrian opposition groups continued the offensive southwest.

The operation has been widely criticized both by the Syrian Kurds and Damascus, who have accused Ankara of violating Syria's territorial integrity.

 Sputnik

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Russia Sends Planes With Field Hospitals, Surgeons, Medical Equipment to Syria

Sputnik News

13:13 30.11.2016(updated 15:40 30.11.2016)

Russia has sent military-transport planes with field hospitals, surgeons and medical equipment to Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Russia's aid is aimed to help the residents of Aleppo, the ministry said.

"Upon the arrival in the Syrian Arab Republic, Russian military doctors will provide medical assistance to civilians and refugees in the Aleppo region."

The Defense Ministry has sent a special medical unit equipped with a multipurpose hospital for 100 patients, which has a children ward, while the Emergencies Ministry will send a mobile field hospital for 50 patients, which can also provide ambulatory treatment for some 200 people per day.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, mobile field hospitals will also include ambulance stations, x-ray room, anesthesiology department, laboratory diagnostics department. Russian mobile field hospitals, which are set to be deployed in Syria's Aleppo, will include a surgery department, intensive care unit, children's therapeutics department, the ministry said.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered sending mobile field hospitals to Syria in order to provide immediate medical assistance to residents of Syria's embattled city of Aleppo and its neighborhoods.

 Sputnik

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Without urgent steps to end violence, Aleppo may become 'giant graveyard,' Security Council told

30 November 2016  With thousands of civilians fleeing neighbourhoods in eastern Aleppo, senior United Nations officials today appealed to the Security Council and the wider international community to come together and "do everything in their power to protect civilians and enable aid access to the besieged parts of the [war-battered city] before it becomes one giant graveyard."

Painting a dire picture of the situation on the ground, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told the Council that the "humanitarian tragedy" in Aleppo is only deepening as both ground and air assaults against the eastern half of the iconic city have intensified over the last two weeks, forcing an estimated 25,000 from their homes since Saturday.

"It is likely that thousands more will flee should fighting continue to spread and further intensify over the coming days," he said, briefing the Council via video conference from Geneva, adding that he had strongly suggested that Ali Al-Za'tari, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Coordinator in Damascus, together with international members from the UN Country Team, should head to Aleppo as soon as possible to rejoin national aid workers to assist the civilian population  on both the city's east and west sides.

And while the Council is today focused on Aleppo, he underscored that the war continues elsewhere  Idlib, Hama, al-Waer, Homs, north of Latakia, Western Ghouta, north-west of Damascus, and Eastern Ghouta. "Each deserves its own description, but the underlying theme remains the same: the continued dominance of military over political strategies, and the brutal price being paid by civilians in the process."

Speaking via videoconference from London, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien recalled that for over five years, the UN and the entire humanitarian community have raised the alarm about the devastating impact of the conflict in Syria on millions of ordinary men, women and children. "Our calls, and the requests, even the demands of this Council, have largely gone ignored."

Security Council must come together and stop the brutality in Syria

Mr. O'Brien, who is also the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, said that nowhere has the cruelty of the Syrian war been more grimly witnessed than in Aleppo, where the world has witnessed "bombs and mortars raining down in recent days, weeks and months  on civilian areas, residential houses, schools, medical facilities, water and electricity stations, and public markets. Constant, tormenting images of people murdered, bloody, and exhausted."

Amid intensifying attacks on eastern Aleppo, he said that over the last four days, numerous civilians have reportedly been killed. "Just today we received a report that scores of people were killed in an airstrike this morning. It is estimated that up to 25,000 people have been displaced from their homes in eastern Aleppo since Saturday."

"It may be too late for many of the people of eastern Aleppo, but surely this Council can come together, stop the brutality and also prevent a similar fate befalling other Syrians, he said, telling the Council that what Syrian and the humanitarian community need to see above all is three things: real respect and protection of civilians (and civilian infrastructure); safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access; and an end to brutal sieges once and for all.

Children under five know nothing but a lifetime shaped by war

To say that the situation is tragic would be an understatement, emphasized Geert Cappelaere, Regional Director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) for the Middle East and North Africa, who said "it is difficult to imagine what words could still adequately convey the unspeakable horrors endured by Syria's children every day."

Indeed, tens of thousands of children have already been killed. Millions have been uprooted, some more than once. Too many have been deprived of basic medical care and safe drinking water. Too many have witnessed the death of their loved ones and the destruction of the places they once thought are safe: their homes, their schools, their playgrounds. "Simply put, Syria's children are trapped in a living nightmare," he said.

"Children ask 'why.' We ask 'why.' The devastating downward spiral has to end. Today, every single child under the age of five has known nothing but a lifetime shaped by war," he stated, stressing that protection of children should be, at all times, a primary consideration for all.

"We have failed them over the last six years, and we continue to fail the children in Syria. This is not only jeopardizing children's lives, but the future of the country, the future of the region and the future of the whole world [] UNICEF renews its call on all parties to lift the sieges across Syria, and to allow and facilitate immediate, unconditional and sustained humanitarian access to all areas across the country."

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Union Cabinet approves Indias negotiating position adopted at Kigali conference to Montreal Protocol

Published: December 1, 2016

The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the negotiating position adopted by India at the recent 28th Meeting of Parties (MoP) to the Montreal Protocol in Kigali, Rwanda.

The negotiations at Kigali meet held in October 2016 were aimed at including HFCs in the list of chemicals under the Montreal Protocol.

The Union Cabinet has approved baseline and freeze years proposal of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest (MoEFCC) over the issue of phasing down the climate-damaging refrigerants hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as negotiated in Kigali meet.

Key Facts

In the Kigali meet, India had successfully negotiated the baseline years within a range of 2024 to 2030 and freeze year in subsequent years for phasing down the use of HFCs.

It had two set of baselines years were agreed for developing countries. India along with nine other countries will have baseline years of 2024, 2025, 2026.

India will completely phase down of HFCs in 4 steps from 2032 onwards with cumulative reduction of 10% in 2032, 20% in 2037, 30% in 2042 and 85% in 2047

It also gives additional HCFC allowance of 65% that will be added to the Indian baseline consumption and production.

Other developing countries including China (largest producer of HFCs in the world), South Africa and Brazil opted for 2020-22 baseline.

The developed countries on the other will hand reduce use of HFCs over a 2011-13 baseline and will reduce production and consumption of HFCs by 70% in 2029.

The freeze year for India will be 2028 and it will be with a condition that there will be a technology review in 2024/2025.

Indias position was mainly aimed at allowing sufficient room for growth of its domestic sectors using refrigerants.

Background

The Montreal Protocol of the Vienna Convention for Protection of Ozone Layer which entered force in January 1989 aimed to phase out the ozone depleting substances (ODS).

At Kigali, it was decide to include HFCs in the list of chemicals under the Montreal Protocol in order to regulate their production, consumption and phasing them out with time.

It also added mechanism to provide financial assistance from the Multilateral Fund created under the Montreal Protocol.

Under it, funding for R&D and servicing sector in developing countries also was included in the agreed solutions on finance.

Kigali amendments to the Montreal Protocol also for the first time will incentivise improvement in energy efficiency in case of use of new refrigerant and technology.

Note: HFCs are not ODS but potent global warming substances and controlling them can contribute substantially to limit global temperature and advance actions for addressing climate change.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2016

Topics: Cabinet Decisions  Envrionment  Global warming  Kigali Amendments  Montreal Protocol  National

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In Aleppo, Tens of Thousands Flee Advancing Government Troops

By Margaret Besheer November 30, 2016

More than 50,000 civilians have fled the rebel-held districts in eastern Aleppo during the past four days as government forces continue their effort to retake the city, according to a Syrian monitor group.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says government artillery fire killed at least 26 civilians early Wednesday in eastern Aleppo, forcing more people to flee the city.

The U.N. Security Council is to hold an emergency meeting on the recent increase in hostilities. Britain and France called for the session, which Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin criticized as a "propaganda campaign."

The Security Council is expected to be briefed Wednesday by a U.N. humanitarian official and U.N. envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura.

British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson said he is optimistic about the meeting's ability to bring peace to Aleppo.

"I would urge all those with responsibility for that, both the Assad regime and their supporters in Russia ... to think of what they can do to bring peace, stop the bombardment, stop the killing of innocent civilians and get to the negotiating table," he told AFP.

Dire prediction

The meeting follows a dire prediction made Tuesday by de Mistura about the city's future.

"Clearly, I cannot deny - this is a military acceleration and I can't tell you how long eastern Aleppo will last," de Mistura said during remarks to the European Parliament. "There is a constant increase of movement on the military side."

The increase in fighting intensity forced many civilians to flee their homes empty-handed, a situation U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien called "alarming and chilling."

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights almost 300 civilians, including 33 children, have been killed in eastern Aleppo since the government began bombarding the city earlier this month.

A leading Syrian opposition group, the National Coalition asked the United Nations to "take immediate, definitive steps to protect civilians in Aleppo and stop the barbaric offensive against them."

Eastern Aleppo has been under government siege for more than four months; the army began heavily bombarding the city two weeks ago and late Monday took control of a key district.

Aleppo has been a major focus of Syrian military efforts with the backing of Russian airstrikes.

In Washington, the State Department has expressed its "deep outrage" at the latest bombing of Aleppo, holding Moscow responsible.

Previous efforts to halt the fighting have brought only short-term agreements and no real progress toward a lasting end to the Syrian conflict that began in March 2011.

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Turkey seeks multiple life sentences for suspects in Ankara bombing

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 5:43PM

Turkey is seeking multiple life sentences for nearly 70 suspects in connection with a deadly bombing in the capital, Ankara, blamed on Kurdish militants.

According to the official news agency Anadolu, Turkish prosecutors are seeking 30 aggravated life sentences for each of the 68 suspects over the February 17 bomb attack against military vehicles, which killed 29 people, mostly soldiers.

The prosecutors have sought one life term for each victim killed and one additional for acting "against the state's security," the report said.

The prosecutors charged that senior leaders of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) had given instructions for the attack, which was carried out by both members and non-members.

Fugitive PKK leaders Cemil Bayik, Murat Karayilan, Fehman Huseyin and Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) leader Salih Muslim were also named in the indictment.

Turkey has seen attacks on a host of targets over the past year and a half. Most of the bombings have been blamed on the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, the PKK and other Kurdish groups.

The Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) in a statement posted on its website claimed responsibility for the February car bombing in Ankara, saying it had carried out the attack in response to the policies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

TAK was once linked to the PKK but it says its relationship has been cut.

President Erdogan said at the time that he had "no doubt" that Syrian Kurdish groups fighting Daesh had carried out the bombing.

Senior Turkish officials have already blamed the PYD and its military wing People's Protection Units (YPG) for being behind the attack.

The group has denied any involvement in the attack, saying Ankara was making the accusation in order to extend its military operations in Syria.

Ankara has been bombing YPG positions in northern Syria over the past few months in an attempt to stop Kurdish forces from reaching the border with Turkey.

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Royal Navy Using 'Out of Date Equipment' and Ships - Report

Sputnik News

15:50 30.11.2016(updated 15:54 30.11.2016)

Britain's Royal Navy is having is fair share of problems over recent months, and now a new report has suggested that they are using naval ships "well beyond their sell-by date."

A review by Sir John Parker, a mining expert from the Ministry of Defense (MoD), into the Royal Navy shipbuilding has blasted the UK government for creating a 'vicious cycle' in which ships are being ordered too late, thus increasing the costs over the long term.

The report, published November 29, sets out far-reaching recommendations to transform the United Kingdom's shipbuilding industry and boost the prosperity of shipyards and supply chains across the country, according to the UK MoD press statement.

Within the report, Sir Parker also highlights the uncertainty surrounding the qualifications of MoD employees, stating that he was unsure if they had staff with sufficient commercial expertise to handle the contracts with defense, security and aerospace company, BAE systems.

"It is not clear that Defense has sufficient and sufficiently expert project contract managers, with suitable commercial expertise, to manage the sophisticated warship contracts with BAE," Sir Parker said within his report.

He calls on the MoD to start looking at the way Scotland have revolutionized their fleet of warships, by using cutting edge technology that allowed ship components to be produced across the UK before being assembled at a central hub.

"The build of the Royal Navy's largest ever warships, the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers, has already demonstrated the success of such an approach, with multiple shipyards and hundreds of companies across the UK working together and benefiting from the aircraft carrier build," Sir Parker said.

This report comes at a crucial time for the MoD, recently one of their warships had to be towed back to port after suffering a technical malfunction two days after it set sail. The navy Type 45 Destroyer had to be towed back after suffering a total propulsion failure while taking part in NATO exercises.

In November the MoD also confirmed that some of their warships would be left without an anti-ship missile due to financial concerns. This led to criticism from politicians, such as Douglas Chapman, MP from the Scottish National Party (SNP), who said that the navy would now be left defenseless.

"Not only does the Royal Navy find itself with a historic low of 17 usable frigates and destroyers," he continued, "we now find that these warships will be left defenseless in a way that surely no other major modern navy would consider acceptable."

The MoD is under immense pressure to deliver on keeping the nation safe. However, with a series of chaotic stumbling blocks it has been made to look like a failing department in need of desperate help. Sir Parker's report highlights that there is still a lot of work to be done.

 Sputnik

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No breakthrough reached at Minsk talks on Ukraine: Lavrov

Iran Press TV

Wed Nov 30, 2016 9:20AM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says no visible progress has been made in a recent quadrilateral meeting on the peace process in conflict-stricken eastern Ukraine.

On Tuesday, foreign ministers of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany held a meeting in the Belarusian capital of Minsk to shore up a shaky peace process in eastern Ukraine, which has witnessed deadly clashes between Kiev's troops and pro-Moscow forces.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Lavrov said that "there were no breakthroughs," in talks because the foreign ministers could not agree on a roadmap on how to implement a ceasefire agreement struck in Minsk last year to end the fighting.

The top Russian diplomat said that sharp disagreements on security and other issues remain.

"At an operational level we did not succeed, even in agreeing the sequence of steps, first of all in the fields of security and political reforms that must be put in place," he said.

However, he said that the meeting was "already positive that the agreements reached by our leaders on Oct. 19th are not being questioned."

The four nations agreed in October to work out a "roadmap" this month on how to implement the Minsk agreement sponsored by France and Germany.

Conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine after people in the country's Black Sea peninsula of Crimea decided to separate from Ukraine and reunite with Russia in a March 2014 referendum.

The West, however, brands the development as Moscow's annexation of the territory. The US and its allies in Europe also accuse Moscow of having a hand in the crisis in eastern Ukraine, a claim Moscow denies.

Donetsk and Lugansk have witnessed deadly clashes between pro-Moscow forces and the Ukrainian army since Kiev launched military operations later in April 2014 to crush pro-Moscow protests there.

The crisis has left nearly 10,000 people dead and over 21,000 others injured, according to the United Nations.

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Russian Forces In Crimea on High Alert Ahead Of Ukraine's Planned Missile Tests

November 30, 2016

Russia's state-run TASS news agency reports that Russian air-defense forces in Crimea have been placed on high alert on the eve of planned Ukrainian missile tests near the Black Sea peninsula.

Moscow has protested the tests planned for December 1-2 near Crimea, which Russia seized from Ukraine in March 2014.

Russia's Foreign Ministry on November 30 called the planned missile tests a "new large-scale provocation," saying they were aimed at "escalating the conflict between Ukraine and Russia."

On November 29, Ukraine issued an additional formal notice to airmen (NOTAM) in airspace danger zones in connection with the tests of air-to-air combat missile systems.

It said the tests will be conducted in accordance with international regulations entirely in Ukraine's airspace over the open sea.

Media reports in Ukraine quoted Defense Ministry sources as saying that Moscow had officially warned Kyiv it would respond to the missile tests with a missile attack.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on November 30 that he had never heard about such warnings.

Russia illegally annexed Crimea in March 2014 and an ensuing war between Kyiv's forces and Russia-backed separatists has killed at least 9,600 people in eastern Ukraine.

Based on reporting by UNIAN, Interfax, and TASS

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/crimea-missile- tests-ukraine-russia/28148107.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Union Cabinet approves Rehabilitation Package for displaced families from PoKJ, Chhamb

Published: December 1, 2016

The Union Cabinet has approved Central Assistance of 2000 crore rupees for 36,384 displaced families from Pakistan occupied areas of Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) and Chhamb.

It was approved following an announcement of Prime Ministers Development Package for Jammu & Kashmir 2015 announced in November, 2015

As per the package

5 lakh rupees cash benefit per family will be disbursed to the displaced families. This financial aid will enable them to earn an income and subsist their livelihood.

The amount will be disbursed through J&K state Government to eligible families through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Background

In the aftermath of partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, thousands of families from Pakistan occupied areas of Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) migrated to the Indian state. Subsequently, during Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971, a large number of families were displaced from Chhamb Niabat area of J&K. Union Government and J&K state Government have extended series of relief and rehabilitation packages from time to time to mitigate the hardship of displaced persons from PoJK and Chhamb and to rehabilitate them.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2016

Topics: Cabinet Decisions  Jammu and Kashmir  National  Rehabilitation Package

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Young entrepreneurs from both Danville Community College and area middle schools debuted business ideas in search of scholarship money and start-up cash during the second annual Small Business Idea Fair on Wednesday.

The reason we do this sort of thing is small businesses are the future of economic growth, said event organizer and DCC business management professor Vince Decker.

Presented by the Barkhouser Center and the DCC Educational Foundation, the event lets both DCC students and middle school members of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy compete for cash prizes, DCC scholarships and access to up to $5,000 in microloan funds from the Mahmoud Entrepreneur Endowment.

DCC student Alishia Walden presented her startup Hair for Queens during the event. Walden said she planned to create a way for women with breast and other types of cancer to be able to affordably purchase high quality real-hair wigs locally.

The hair that they have now gets really old really fast, Walden said. You can get many years of [the new product] if you take care of it.

Walden said the name signified the individual expression in hair styling and a way for women to help their self confidence during trying times.

Jimmy Tickle, dean of DCC business, engineering and industrial technologies, said he was impressed with the students passion.

What makes me the most excited is the interest the students have, he said.

Tickle said hopefully some of the younger students would consider attending local colleges to continue to pursue their small business interests.

DCC student Cameron Worsham showed off his idea for Greenhouse Beanhouse  a coffeehouse with a greenhouse in the upper floor where he could grow and harvest his own beans to use, then ethically source beans during the rest of the year.

The whole concept is in the name itself, Worsham said.

Worsham said he planned to locate the business in the growing city of Richmond, where residents would likely be more environmentally conscious.

My target market would be the college-aged to young professionals, Worsham said.

Judges will award prizes to the students Thursday.
         :   - 32          ' '
Members of the regions Certified Work Ready Community planning committee are hosting a Recertification Reboot from 7:30 to 9 a.m Tuesday at the Missouri Job Center in Park Hills.

The event, which includes complimentary coffee and snacks, is another opportunity for local employers to get their questions answered and to get signed up as part of St. Francois Countys efforts to remain a Certified Work Ready Community (CWRC).

In 2012 the state of Missouri jumped on board with the Certified National Career Readiness Certification Initiative, said Sharrie Berowski, a member of the planning committee, during a CWRC meeting for St. Francois County employers in late October. A goal for this program is to grow our economy by helping businesses and workers succeed. Shortly after the state agreed to start this initiative, St. Francois County jumped on board and became a certified work ready community in July of 2014.

With numerous benefits and zero cost to employers to participate, CWRC committee members say theres no downside. Becoming a participating employer simply requires signing a form that states the employer recognizes the National Career Readiness certificate as part of the overall effort to maintain St. Francois Countys work ready status.

The employers are under no obligation to hire employees who have earned their own career ready certification, but are encouraged to give such prospective employees a closer look during the hiring process.

Participating employers have reported less employee turnover because of a focus on new hires who have been tested and who have earned a career ready certificate.

CWRC employer partners also report that they spend less time and money on advertising, recruiting, and training and that its generally easier to train the newly hired work ready candidates.

Overall, communities that become certified as work ready have a more skilled workforce.

Although St. Francois County became certified in 2014, Berowski said, The certifications are good for two years and its now time for us to get into maintenance status and maintain that certification.

In order to maintain the certification, a certain number of employers are needed to become work ready partners with the National Career Readiness Communities organization.

Were asking all those employers who completed employer-support forms in 2014 to reconfirm their support, as well as inviting new employers to join with us, said Harold Gallaher, CWRC committee member, presiding commissioner of St. Francois County and CWRC employer partner.

For prospective employees, participating in the initiative offers them an opportunity to earn a useful credential after training and evidence of achievement beyond a diploma or degree.

Berowski explained that there are four credential levels  bronze, silver, gold and platinum  job seekers can achieve, depending on their performance on assessments that look at factors such as problem solving and critical thinking skills, reading and applying information to help solve problems, mathematical reasoning and other analytical skills.

Comparing the assessment results of St. Francois County certificate holders with others in the state and across the nation, Berowski pointed out that although St. Francois County had fewer bronze level certificate earners than the rest of Missouri and the country as a whole, the results were quite different at the silver and gold levels.

The silver level is where we do really well; 61 percent of those that tested, earned a silver certificate, she said, which is well above the 50 (percent) nationally and 55 for Missouri.

Were still above average with gold as well; 26.7 percent of our test-takers earn gold where nationally and in Missouri only 19 percent earned gold certificates.

Results were nearly even for all test-takers at the platinum level.

Summarizing how the certificate levels impact employers, Berowski said, Everyone has turnover, everyone loses employees. Part of this program looks at why turnover may be occurring, what training focuses you need to have, what youre doing for advertising, interviewing, hiring and training and how can this certificate help you save time and money for all those things.

Being the only region in the state with four connected counties certified as work ready  St. Francois, Madison, Iron and Ste. Genevieve  the region has a unique selling point for attracting new businesses into the area: the local workforce is prepared to succeed and becomes a valuable asset to your business.

Its nothing but good for the employer and employee, said Gallaher.

For more information about the initiative or how to participate, call Becky Murphy or Berowski at the Missouri Job Center, located at 403 Parkway Dr. in Park Hills, at 573-518-2439. Interested employers can also complete their partnership letters online at workreadycommunities.org/business/form.
U.S. District Court Judge Michael Liburdi, regarding his order that members of Clean Elections USA could not monitor ballot drop boxes in Arizona and must stay at least 250 feet away from the locations. The ruling came following complaints that people wearing masks and carrying guns were intimidating voters. (Associated Press  Nov. 2, 2022)
The decline of the mining industry started long before the Obama administration and will likely continue even with Trump in the White House. That's why local leaders are starting to diversify their economies and prepare their people for an uncertain future.
Baton Rouge is ready for new leadership. The Dec. 10 mayoral election has been reshaped by a series of tragedies this summer.On July 5, the death of Alton Sterling made Baton Rouge the site of yet more protests against police shootings. Less than three weeks later, those protests turned violent, when a man killed three law enforcement officers, critically wounding a fourth. Then in August, Louisiana was struck by floods that amounted to the nations worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Baton Rouge was one of the areas that was hardest hit, with thousands of homes damaged. The period of time in which so much happened was just an enormous shock to the community, says Adam Knapp, president of the local chamber of commerce.Knapp suggests that an area that was divided and angry after the shootings came together during the floods, with strangers helping strangers. The mayors race has naturally been reshaped by the events.But not exactly the way one would think. Instead of unifying, the race has been a crowded and chaotic affair. A dozen candidates ran to replace Mayor Kip Holden, who had decided to step down after 12 years as mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish. Particularly after the shooting, Holden was criticized for not stepping up to provide leadership or even maintain much of a public presence.With such a large field, candidates spent much of their time trying to appeal to limited constituencies in hopes of earning just enough support to make the runoff. Now, with just a month between the Nov. 8 primary and the election, there hasnt been much time for the remaining candidates -- former Democratic state Sen. Sharon Weston Broome and Republican state Sen. Mack Bodi White -- to make the switch to a broader, more inclusive message.Still, given the number of people who supported other candidates in the primary, a lot of votes are available to the candidate who best presents a message of inclusion and rebuilding. Each candidate has to talk about recovery and the healing process, Knapp says, both flooding and the significant event that laid bare the problem of poverty in our community.To that end, Broome supports a local increase in the minimum wage, which White has criticized. She has also taken a harder stance than White, a former detective, in calling for an overhaul of police practices. While she talks about body cameras, he talks more broadly about training and improved community relations.The next mayor will also have to address other issues that were paramount ahead of this summers events, notably traffic congestion. Infrastructure will be a key concern for the new mayor -- both roads and the completion of a diversion canal and other waterways that could mitigate flooding.But in the wake of so much suffering and unrest, the new mayor must strive to unite the city. We need someone who wants to try to bring everybody together, says Robert Mann, a journalism professor at Louisiana State University. Im not convinced that person is actually running.
A longshot campaign to block Donald Trump from the presidency using the Electoral College has added another renegade elector from Washington state, the group announced at the Capitol in Olympia on Wednesday.State Democratic elector Levi Guerra, who lives near Vancouver, Wash., joined the small but outspoken outfit calling for members of the Electoral College to pick a Republican "consensus candidate" rather than Trump, when they decide the next president on Dec. 19.It's a plan with little chance of succeeding. But it's necessary to try to stop Trump, Guerra said, calling the GOP businessman a "demagogue." Guerra, 19, is the third Washington Democratic elector to publicly express support for the movement and reportedly the seventh nationally."I believe that there are Republican leaders out there that the whole country can unify behind," she said.In nearly every state, including Washington, the winner of the state's popular vote gets all of the state's electors. All 12 of this state's electors are pledged to Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.The leaders of the campaign to block Trump hope to convince enough Democratic and Republican electors to unite behind a third candidate -- or at least to win over enough Republican electors that Trump ends up lacking the 270 votes required for the presidency, in which case the decision would fall to the U.S. House of Representatives.Trump won states that have a combined 306 electoral votes, meaning 37 Republican electors would have to defect.Bret Chiafalo -- a leader of the self-described "Hamilton Electors" -- said at the Wednesday press conference that blocking Trump is a "moral imperative."The Everett resident cited Trump's incendiary rhetoric on the campaign trail about minorities and Muslims and also attacked Trump for appointing Steve Bannon as chief White House strategist.Bannon formerly ran Breitbart News, which Bannon called "the platform for the alt-right" -- a movement often associated with anti-Semitic, misogynistic and racist views.Chiafalo floated Ohio Gov. John Kasich, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg as possible alternative candidates.The electors championing the Electoral College revolt say their effort is "in the spirit of" founding father Alexander Hamilton.Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, once wrote the Electoral College is necessary to ensure "the office of the President will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications."One of Washington state's most prominent Trump supporters, state Sen. Doug Ericksen, rebuked the Electoral College dissenters, calling the effort "irrelevant" and its supporters within the electoral system "a very small fringe element.""I think that those people should get together with Jill Stein and go hand-count ballots in Michigan," said the Republican from Ferndale, referring to the Green Party candidate's ongoing recount efforts.Ericksen was Trump's deputy campaign director in the state."The election is over -- Mr. Trump won," Ericksen said. "So they can be crazy like Jill Stein and drag this out or they can do their job and follow the will of the people."The "Hamilton Electors" face an uphill battle.The Associated Press has reported that historically 99 percent of electors have voted for their party's nominee and so-called "faithless electors" have never swung an election. Electors can be subject to penalties for breaking with their pledge to honor the results of the state's popular vote. In Washington, faithless electors face a $1,000 fine.Colorado Democratic elector Michael Baca has joined Chiafalo's movement, and Washington Democratic elector Robert Satiacum has expressed support for it. Satiacum made national headlines this year when he pledged not to cast his vote for Clinton. Satiacum, a member of the Puyallup Tribe, supported U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.The Guardian reported Wednesday that three other Democratic electors from Colorado have said they will join the anti-Trump protest.Guerra and Chiafalo said they have both spoken with Jaxon Ravens, chairman of the state Democratic party, who did not indicate he would try to replace them with other electors.Marc Siegel, a spokesman for the party, told The News Tribune and The Olympian by email that Ravens "is talking to all the electors and encouraging them to fulfill their duties as Democratic electors."Chiafalo said "many" Republican electors had shown interest in their cause, but wouldn't speculate how many anti-Trump voters they may have. In Texas, a Republican elector resigned his position in the Electoral College this week rather than vote for Trump."We've never had any confusion about the fact that it's a long shot," he said. "But we do believe there's a very real path to this happening."
The State Board of Elections voted 3-2 along party lines Wednesday to order a machine recount of 90,000 votes in Durham County, backing a request from Republicans and North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory's campaign.The three Republicans on the board voted for the recount, saying that the late addition of the 90,000 votes to the statewide tally on election night constituted an "irregularity." The two Democrats on the board opposed the recount, arguing that no evidence suggested any mistakes in counting Durham votes."What harm would it do to scan these votes and count them?" said board member and retired Judge James Baker, a Republican. "It's not likely to change anything. There was enough of an irregularity to make people wonder."The roughly 90,000 votes under scrutiny in Durham were added to the statewide tally around 11:30 p.m. on election night. McCrory, who is seeking a second term, appeared to be leading statewide until those votes were added to the total; Democrat Roy Cooper, North Carolina's attorney general, has been leading in the count ever since.Baker said the late shift could have reminded voters of fraudulent elections in which corrupt officials added to the vote count if their candidate was behind. He said that practice was once common in Madison County, a rural county near Asheville where he lives."I'm not saying that's what happened here," Baker said. "I personally don't have any reason to doubt that any information entered was correct."Another Republican board member, Rhonda Amoroso of Wilmington, cited past election problems and staffing changes in Durham County as one reason to hold a recount. "I think right now we have a taint," she said.McCrory's campaign said he won't seek a statewide recount if the Durham votes are recounted. Election officials there said the recount would take about eight hours, so it's possible the governor's race could be settled by the end of the week.In the latest numbers on Wednesday, Cooper's lead was above 10,000 votes for the first time as the final counties were finishing counting absentee and provisional ballots. Several more counties are expected to finish their tallies by the end of the week; McCrory isn't eligible for a statewide recount unless the margin is less than 10,000.Republicans initially wanted the Durham ballots recounted by hand, although they later said a machine recount would be sufficient. The Durham County Board of Elections, which like all county election boards is controlled by Republicans, had rejected the request, saying there was no evidence of irregularities or misconduct.The two Democrats on the State Board of Elections said overturning Durham's decision was a mistake and sets a bad precedent for future election complaints."I think it's a travesty that we're going to interpret what happened in Durham County as an irregularity," said board member Joshua Malcolm of Lumberton, who opposed the recount. "Anyone who looked at the data (showing a McCrory lead early on election night) knew that all the votes in Durham County were not in yet."The delay came because election workers entered information from ballot tabulators' paper tapes after they were unable to read data from six memory cards that also came from the tabulators.Election software couldn't aggregate data from five of the cards because the number of votes per race exceeded the software's memory limitation. A sixth card may have had a battery problem. Experts on the equipment told Durham officials that the paper tapes are reliable, but the GOP wants to double-check.When elections officials read off and calculated numbers from paper tapes, observers from both political parties watched the proceedings. "The county should be applauded for what they did, not attacked," said Kevin Hamilton, an attorney representing Cooper and the N.C. Democratic Party. "This is what's best in our election system."But Republicans said the situation was unusual and merits a recount to catch any mistakes."The easiest thing to do is simply to count or retabulate the votes," said Tom Stark, who filed the recount request and serves as attorney for the N.C. Republican Party. "I can't understand why the (Roy) Cooper campaign has been so opposed."Hamilton said Stark failed to show any evidence that mistakes were made _ a legal requirement for a recount."Mere suspicion, or reasonable suspicion, is not enough," Hamilton said. "Uncertainty is not enough. ... The law isn't 'gee, I'm a disappointed losing candidate in the election, I can ask for a recount just to see.'"The State Board of Elections' staff attorney, Josh Lawson, cautioned the board that it needed to include "findings of fact and conclusions of law" in its order approving the Republican protest. Baker responded by citing concerns that "the perception by the public is that it was a mammoth problem" in Durham.N.C. Republican Party executive director Dallas Woodhouse praised the board's decision. "Today is a great day for democracy in North Carolina," he told reporters after the meeting. "We believe this will help us to conclude the process in a very short amount of time. The voters of North Carolina now have an opportunity to have full and complete confidence in the results that came out of Durham County."Cooper's campaign criticized the recount as a waste of money. "We are confident that this recount will confirm Roy Cooper's election as governor of North Carolina," campaign manager Trey Nix said in a news release. "It is wrong that Gov. McCrory continues to waste taxpayer money with false accusations and attempts to delay and that the Republican-controlled Board of Elections did not follow the law."
No tangible evidence

'Lives in another universe'

Advising Trump

Recount effort

County cases

The top election official in Kansas asserted without evidence that millions of noncitizens voted in the presidential election moments after he certified the state's election results on Wednesday.Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who made his first public appearance since meeting with President-elect Trump last week, backed Trump's claims that he would have won the popular vote if illegal votes were discounted."I think the president-elect is absolutely correct when he says the number of illegal votes cast exceeds the popular vote margin between him and Hillary Clinton at this point," Kobach said immediately after he and other Kansas officials certified the state's election results.Kobach pointed to a study released by two Old Dominion University political scientists in 2014, which has been rebutted repeatedly by other election scholars.The study analyzed data from the Cooperative Congressional Election Study and found that self-reported noncitizens voted at a rate of 11.3 percent. The Old Dominion analysts actually lowered the estimate for the total voting rate by noncitizens to 6.4 percent, but Kobach used the 11.3 percent figure."If we apply that number to the current presidential election ... you'd have 3.2 million aliens voted in the presidential election, and that far exceeds the current popular vote margin between President-elect Trump and Secretary Clinton," Kobach said.Kobach said he had no tangible evidence to support that statement."This is the problem with aliens voting and registering. There's no way you can look at the voter rolls and say this one's an alien, this one's a citizen," Kobach said. "Once a person gets on a voter roll, you don't have any way of easily identifying them as aliens, so you have to rely on post-election studies."The Cooperative Congressional Election Study, the source of the raw data for the study, has disputed the Old Dominion analysts' conclusions, calling their study biased and saying in 2014 "that the likely percent of non-citizen voters in recent US elections is 0."Kobach has repeatedly cited the study in court documents, according to Mark Johnson, a Kansas City-based attorney who has represented suspended voters in multiple lawsuits against Kobach.The study is based on responses to an online survey. Patrick Miller, a political scientist at the University of Kansas, said the data should be viewed with skepticism."He's taking that at face value," Miller said. "Whereas, we know that people often give trash responses in surveys all the time."Kobach also said he had no way to prove that the majority of noncitizens would have voted for Clinton rather than Trump but said he could make that inference based on the candidates' policies."You're right. Can you necessarily conclude that all of them voted for Hillary Clinton? No. But you can probably conclude that a very high percentage voted for Hillary Clinton given the diametric opposite positions of the candidates on the immigration issue," Kobach said. "So let's assume 85 percent voted for Clinton."State Rep. Jim Ward, D-Wichita, a frequent critic of Kobach's, scoffed at this extrapolation."Does it concern you that the chief election officer of Kansas lives in another universe?" Ward said. "I mean, (he) just makes things up and has no verification or backup but just continues to say them, thinking that if I say them over and over again, they must be true."Kobach has championed a Kansas law that requires voters to provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, in order to register to vote. That law has faced numerous legal challenges.Dale Ho, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Voting Rights Project, said in an e-mail that the study Kobach is citing has been debunked. He noted that even one of its authors has said that it's not plausible that illegal votes would have tipped the popular vote in Clinton's favor."Kris Kobach's assertions about large numbers of noncitizens voting are patently false and have been rejected repeatedly by federal courts," said Ho, who represented suspended voters in a case against Kansas' proof of citizenship law.Ho pointed to the recent ruling by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which blocked Kobach from requiring proof of citizenship from voters who register at the DMV. Judge Jerome Holmes, an appointee of President George W. Bush's, called Kobach's argument about thousands of noncitizens potentially on Kansas voter rolls "pure speculation" in his opinion for the court.A photograph of Kobach showed that when he met with Trump earlier in November, he brought a plan for the Department of Homeland Security that included a reference to voter rolls.Kobach, who advised Trump on immigration issues throughout the campaign, would not say Wednesday whether he was advising the president-elect to pursue a nationwide proof of citizenship requirement.Johnson questioned Kobach's decision to certify the election results if he believes that noncitizens vote at such a high rate. Kobach did not raise it as a concern to Gov. Sam Brownback before they officially certified the results."If the secretary seriously believed that there was voter fraud in Kansas, why did he certify the election results?" Johnson said.Johnson noted that since Kobach became the only secretary of state in the nation with the power to prosecute voter fraud last year, he has not brought any cases against noncitizens for illegally voting, including for elections that predate the proof of citizenship law."He can't find them and, believe me, I'll bet you he's been looking for them," Johnson said.Kobach's office said in an e-mail that if it "obtains specific evidence that a specific individual who is not a U.S. citizen voted, and that crime occurred prior to the running of the statute of limitations, then the Kansas Secretary of State will pursue criminal charges where sufficient evidence can be presented to the relevant court."Trump began making the claims about illegal votes after Green Party candidate Jill Stein began an effort to hold recounts in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, three states that tipped the election in Trump's favor after he won them by a combined 114,000 votes.Clinton has a lead in the national popular vote by more than 2 million votes.Trump's spokesman, Jason Miller, pointed to the recount efforts earlier this week when asked about the president-elect's unsubstantiated claims regarding illegal voting."I really do think that it's been ridiculous that so much oxygen has been given to a recall effort with no chance of election results changing," Miller told reporters Monday. "The election results have been decided. It's also important that so much time and attention is going to be given to recount efforts."Clay Barker, the executive director of the Kansas Republican Party, stopped short of supporting Kobach's claims of noncitizen voting Wednesday, saying, "I hear a lot of claims. I'm not sure what he's basing it on."Kobach has repeatedly pointed to Sedgwick County to support his claim of widespread voter fraud and did again on Wednesday.Documents from Kobach's office show that 11 noncitizens became registered between 2003 and 2010. However, only three of them ever cast a ballot. Another 14 tried to register since 2013 but were blocked from doing so because of the proof of citizenship requirement.Judges at both the state and federal level have called this insufficient evidence to support the need for Kobach's voting restrictions."Even when weighed against the 25 Sedgwick County individuals identified by the Defendant who attempted to register to vote over a period of 13 years, the denial of more than 18,000 individuals' right to vote far eclipses the Defendant's demonstrated -- and undeniable -- interest in a secure election," wrote Shawnee County Judge Larry Hendricks earlier this month when he ruled that Kobach lacked the authority to set up a tiered voting system.
was a coal miner in Harlan County, in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. So were his grandfathers, his uncles -- all his people. Mosley went a different route, though. He became a successful banker, with a comfortable life. But he wasnt blind to the fact that most of his family and friends who had once worked in the mines were now unemployed. Given the decline in coal production, there are thousands of former miners in his part of the state.Mosley decided he had to try to do something about that. Last year, he ran successfully for the job of county judge-executive. The downturn of the coal industry has had an absolutely devastating impact on this economy, he says. We werent going to have anything left for my kids and maybe my grandkids if we didnt get to work having a diversified economic development effort.The job has ended up being tougher than he expected. Mosley knew that coals decline meant less revenue was coming into the county treasury, even as the demand for services was increasing. The drop has been faster than anticipated. In 2012, Harlan County collected $5.3 million in severance taxes from the coal industry. This year, it expected to receive $1.7 million, but actual collections have come in $1 million lower -- a sizable chunk of money in a county thats down to fewer than 30,000 residents. The severance funds arent even enough to service the $14 million in debt that Mosley inherited, let alone do anything to boost the economy.Mosley is just one among many political leaders in his part of the state facing the same predicament. When Bill Clinton left the White House in 2001, there were 30,000 coal mining jobs in Eastern Kentucky. By the time George W. Bush left office eight years later, that number had been cut in half. Now, as President Obamas tenure reaches its end, the number of people still working in coal in the region is below 4,000.All of coal country is shedding jobs. Consumption of coal to produce electricity is down nationwide by nearly a third since 2008. Production has fallen even more and continues to slide. Earlier this year, it reached a 35-year low. Among major coal companies, bankruptcy has become the default position. And, since the coal industry has a heavy supply chain, the multiplier effect for each mining job lost is substantial, from machinists and truck drivers to security guards and even restaurants seeing fewer customers walk in the door. We have put all our eggs in one basket for decades in this region, Mosley says, and that basket has spilled.Coal countrys troubles reflect the type of economic pain that can hit an area thats relied too long on any one sector or employer, whether its the local plant closing or timber or textiles falling prey to global competition. Some of these places that are rural, that are isolated, that for a long time have relied on a single industry have seen forces beyond their control create major job losses, says Kathy Nothstine, who until recently was the program director on economic development for the National Association of Counties.Areas such as Eastern Kentucky had high rates of poverty even in the days when coal was king. Now, thousands of additional workers who were once accustomed to pulling in $80,000 or $90,000 a year are either unemployed or lucky to be making $12 an hour in retail. Thats why Mosley and local officials in coal-production regions from Alabama on up to Pennsylvania keep repeating one word as a kind of mantra: diversification. Places that have maintained an economic monoculture based on coal are trying to think of ways to broaden their employment base, while modernizing the skills of their residents. Its easier said than done. Everyone understands that dozens of new employers wont pop up overnight. And, with so many areas pursuing similar strategies -- promoting tourism, chasing manufacturing, looking to expand the health-care business -- competition is intense.Theres never going to be anything thats going to come in, in my part of the world, employing 1,000 or 1,500 people, says Michael Miller, who directs the Kentucky River Area Development District. In saying that, every so often we make a little headway. Five people go to work here and 10 over there and 50 over here. We got to take our little successes and celebrate them for 15 to 20 minutes and then go back to work and try to have another little success somewhere down the road a ways.Health problems and societal ills go hand in hand with the disappearance of jobs. Appalachia suffers from high rates of obesity, smoking, diabetes, heart disease and prescription drug abuse. Harlan County itself ranks 3,139th out of the nations 3,143 counties in life expectancy for both men and women. For all these reasons, demands on government in coal country -- for health programs, job assistance, public safety and education -- are growing just at the moment the tax base is shrinking.This isnt just a problem for Appalachia. Wyoming, which is now far and away the nations leading coal producer, will start the year facing a shortfall of $157 million, or more than 5 percent of its budget, due in large part to an unprecedented drop in coal production. There, too, the declining market for coal has brought added burdens on government.But production isnt falling quite as rapidly out West as it is in the central Appalachian region. Thats mainly because underground mining in Kentucky or West Virginia can cost four times as much per ton as surface mining in Montana or Wyoming. Even if natural gas prices go up, its not going to be Eastern Kentucky coal thats going to bounce back -- its going to be Wyoming, says Jason Bailey, executive director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, a nonpartisan research group. Theres not a future for Eastern Kentucky coal.Baileys blunt talk is unusual. Politicians and industry spokesmen in Appalachia continually decry the war on coal, blaming the Obama administration and federal regulations for strangling the sector. Theres little doubt that environmentalists would like to shut the coal industry down entirely, in hopes of improving air quality and curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg alone has donated $80 million to the Sierra Clubs Beyond Coal campaign, which seeks to eliminate coal-fired power plants altogether. Just in the past two years, 135 coal-fired plants have shut down nationwide.But environmentalists arent coals biggest enemy. Natural gas is. Coal productions decline started well before Obama released his Clean Power Plan, designed to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental Protection Agency regulations curbing mercury and other toxic emissions didnt kick in until this past June. It was under the old rules that coal hit the skids. According to a recent study from Case Western Reserve University, as coal use plummeted between 2008 and 2015, shale gas production increased by a factor of more than 10, while its price dropped in half. The drop in demand for coal, from overseas customers as well as domestic ones, was devastating. And the price and technological advantages enjoyed by natural gas are only accelerating. If youre a power plant operator and you see gas supply is continuing to increase and natural gas can do the job cheaper -- by a lot -- the decision to switch from coal is pretty easy, says Walter Culver, who co-authored the study. As we look toward the future, we see no natural mechanisms that will permit coal to recover.Depending on how deep and lasting local levels of decline have been, coal communities are at different stages of grief -- denial, anger, depression. In Appalachia, Bailey says, theres growing acceptance that there wont be a boom this time around to follow the coal bust.During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to restore the coal industry to its former health. Let me tell you: The miners ... theyre going to start to work again, believe me, Trump said this spring. Youre going to be proud again to be miners. Along with other Republicans, he castigated Hillary Clinton for saying, Were going to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business. She was trying to express, however clumsily, a desire to assist Appalachia, referring to her $30 billion plan to help retool the economy in coal-producing regions through heavy investment in infrastructure, schools and tax incentives for companies that do business in coal communities. Her proposal barely got a hearing in the areas it was designed to help. Trump beat Clinton by 30 percentage points in Kentucky, while Republicans took control of the state House for the first time in more than 90 years. Eastern Kentucky was a large part of the story, says Stephen Voss, a political scientist at the University of Kentucky. Its a region, along with the rest of Appalachia, that has moved to the Republican Party because of energy policy.Trump has made clear his intention to scrap Obamas Clean Power Plan, which would have cut back on carbon emissions from power plants. Coal stocks rallied strongly in the days following Trumps election. But beyond a general desire to promote fossil-fuel development, Trump hasnt ever outlined his ideas for helping mining areas, or how they could overcome market forces that were dragging them down long before Obamas presidency. In any event, its not certain that Congress would rush to embrace any aid package. This year, U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, a Republican who represents Eastern Kentucky and chairs the House Appropriations Committee, gained no traction with a $1 billion package to invest in coal communities. The plan had support from the Obama White House, but ran into opposition from Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead and other Western politicians who didnt want to see money that had been collected from the industry for mine cleanup efforts redirected to local economic development programs -- especially if those programs were taking place in some other state.Given the relatively localized effects of coals decline, that type of parochialism is something any federal package would have to overcome. When push comes against shove, do people really care about mining communities and hillbillies enough to reinvest? asks Dee Davis, president of the Center for Rural Strategies in Whitesburg, Ky.Harlan County has long played an outsized role in the national imagination. Back in the early 1930s, a coal strike turned violent, leading to one of the nations most protracted labor disputes, one that was well-documented by outside media. So was another long and painful strike in the early 1970s, the subject of the Academy Award-winning documentary. More recently, Harlan has provided the backdrop for the television seriesThe countys population peaked in the 1940s at about 75,000 -- more than double its current size. The reason, of course, was coal. Back in the pick-and-shovel era, there could be more than 100 people working at the face of an underground mine, digging for coal and bringing it to the surface. Today, thanks to mechanization, there might be seven people doing the same work. And using the technique known as mountaintop removal, the same amount of coal can be extracted by just two people. Meanwhile, the rich seams that made Eastern Kentucky so attractive for mining have mostly been dug out, leaving thinner deposits behind. I think in some form or other, theyre going to be mining coal in the hills of Eastern Kentucky for the next 100 or 150 years, says Miller, the Kentucky River Area Development District director. Do I think its ever going to produce 100 million tons a year again? No, I dont.Even a decade ago, in the wake of wars in the Middle East that lifted up prices for energy commodities, the regions coal fetched up to $100 a ton. Now, Kentucky coal prices are below the cost of extraction, which is roughly $60 per ton. About 85 percent of the coal mined in Kentucky last year was shipped to 89 power plants. Of that amount, 16 percent was sent to plants that have since closed or are scheduled to stop using coal by 2019. In Harlan County, there are fewer people working in coal mines today than the number of miners who were scabs and kept working during the strike-afflicted Depression years. Across Kentucky as a whole, employment in the coal business is lower than its been since the 19th century.Hence Mosleys focus on diversification. Like his peers in other Appalachian areas, he is hoping to attract new enterprises to his county. Harlan was so stuck in a coal mindset that it never even thought in terms of formal economic development efforts until the last few years. In October, Mosley hired the countys first full-time, certified economic development manager. We need somebody every hour of every day doing nothing but economic development, he says. Thats what weve lacked in the past and its flat-out cost us in doing additional recruiting here.So far, the success stories are small-scale affairs. The county is applying for grants to help convert an old industrial site it owns into a wood pellet facility. Earlier this year, it saw the opening of a teleworks hub, which trains residents and connects them with distant companies for support jobs they can do on the phone. Thats put about three dozen people to work over the past few months. Some people who were in the coal business opened a firewood bundling facility, Mosley says. They have a contract with different retailers. Thats put several people to work.When youve lost hundreds of jobs, several doesnt sound like much. And every time a new company comes to town, it can take 18 to 24 months of visits and board meetings and a long permitting process before its doors will open. Thats why Mosley and Larry Calhoun, the new Harlan County development director, are working to get some projects in the pipeline. If you dont start, Calhoun says, you cant finish.The story is the same all over coal country. In the next breath after diversification, local officials often say the word tourism -- ecotourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism. The beauty of tourism is that it brings in people to spend money without being much of a burden on infrastructure. Folks are looking at tourism, trail towns or the history of mining, says Bailey of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.But there are only so many places that can offer heritage tours or install zipline thrill rides and expect to draw enough visitors to support a substantial number of jobs, especially when there are going to be lots of competitors within a given region. Tourism jobs tend to be seasonal and dont pay very well anyway. Thats why another huge piece of the puzzle for communities seeking to reinvent their economies is education. Any county with a community college is talking about using it to train residents to suit any job that might come along, whether its a skill such as welding or an effort to turn coal miners into digital code writers.The Kentucky Valley Education Cooperative, which includes 19 school districts in the southeastern part of the state, was originally formed to pool their purchasing power and save money on basics such as toilet paper. Now it runs all kinds of joint training ventures -- participating in computer hackathons for rural health, instructing kids on aviation and aeronautics, helping students combine coal spores with algae to create a new biofuel. The results have been impressive. The percentage of high school students who are assessed as ready for college or careers is nearly 90 percent -- up from less than 60 percent five years ago. We arent so crazy to think we can just train people for jobs that dont exist, says Jeff Hawkins, the cooperatives director. We have to train them in technical areas for jobs that they can get immediately.That points to a chicken-and-egg problem for communities such as Harlan that are attempting to reboot their economies. Do they invest in education and training in hopes of creating a pool of workers that will lure new companies, or do they try to bring in companies first and then promise they can train enough residents to do the kind of work thats needed? Mosley admits that the county has spent money in the past training people for jobs that did not exist locally. It doesnt take long for that to seem like a losing game.But Mosley insists that former coal workers have talents transferable to other industries. People who still picture coal miners as holding picks and shovels in their hands havent kept up with the field. Mechanization eliminated a lot of jobs, but it gave workers a broad set of skills -- part miner, part electrician, part engineer -- that equips them to handle surprise at every turn. Their work ethic is second to none, Mosley says. These people will crawl into the side of a mountain and never see the light of day to feed their family. Imagine what they could do for a company with good working conditions.Training those people in new lines of work -- and making that work available -- is a real test. Despite the long and now seemingly permanent decline in the industry, mining is still central to the Appalachian identity, in the same way that people in Kansas think of themselves as farmers or people in the Pacific Northwest see themselves as loggers. Coal has moved a lot of people out of poverty into the middle class, says Davis of the Center for Rural Strategies. Its been a friend. Its just not our future.It wont be easy growing a new economy in fits and starts, a few dozen jobs at a time, but its imperative that places like Harlan County start the process. Trump will be a friend to coal, but whether Washington can revive struggling coal regions remains in doubt. Earlier federal help, from the War on Poverty in the 1960s to Promise Zones in the past decade, has done some good but never succeeded in remaking Appalachia. Were never going to get to where we need to be until we realize that our solutions have to come from us, says Hawkins of the education cooperative. We have to break the pattern of people coming from somewhere else and telling us what we need to do, and then leaving three or four years later.Calhoun, Harlan Countys new economic development director, just relocated from Texas. Hes worked in the field long enough to remember when Houston was decimated in the early 1980s because oil hit $9 a barrel. The situation there taught us that diversification is the answer, Calhoun says. The city of Houston began to attract new types of businesses. Thats why the latest oil crisis in Texas is not as severe.
A daylong fundraising event held Saturday at the Bonne Terre VFW on behalf of a local couple involved in a fatal car accident while on a family vacation in Florida raised more than $3,000 to help financially provide for their two children who were left seriously injured.

Greg and Sarah Moyers of Leadwood were killed in the Sept. 25 wreck that left their two daughters, Haley, 13, and Sophia, 8, hospitalized for weeks.

Greg Moyers owned Moyers Muffler and Brakes in Park Hills and his wife was general manager of the Desloge McDonald's. They were longtime Leadwood residents and, by all accounts, well-loved and respected in the community.

We are pleased to announce that our event on Saturday raised a total of $3,191.60, said Debbie Lawson who, along with Greg Moyers cousin, Crystal Gore, coordinated the fundraiser. Our goal was to raise money to help with any expenses for anything the children or family might need, whether its medical expenses they may have incurred or future expenses for the girls  anything. The money is there for anything the girls will need to live now that their parents are gone.

According to Lawson, the fundraisers success was due in large part to the willingness of community members to step up and help out.

Crystal and I went to local businesses who were so willing to donate, she said. "The groups, Two Lane Highway and Crystal & the Bone Shakers, who both have members with personal ties to the couple, came together to provide music for the day.

The Bonne Terre Fire Department donated a chili supper that was available to the public and we also held a cake auction, a 50/50 drawing, numerous raffles and gave away lots of door prizes. There was also a $5 cover charge for everybody that allowed them to take part in everything throughout the day.

We cant thank everyone enough for everyone who helped us with the fundraiser and know the family appreciates the communitys willingness to help out, too.

All proceeds from the event went to the fund for Haley and Sophia setup at First State Community Bank. Other donations by the public can be made there.

Other groups have held successful fundraisers for the family as well.
In January, Congress lifted a decades-long ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs and clinics. Since then, the number of programs has skyrocketed, driven in large part by the opioid epidemic. Programs have popped up in states that might never have considered them -- or might even have actively opposed them -- only 10 years ago. Kentucky has gone from zero to 11 programs, says Daniel Raymond, policy director at the Harm Reduction Coalition. Florida authorized a program in Miami -- and we thought they would never have one.The goal of needle exchanges, in which drug users hand in their used syringes for new sterile ones, is to reduce the number of infections from diseases like HIV and hepatitis -- illnesses that are transmitted through the sharing of contaminated needles.Theres long been a stigma surrounding needle exchange programs, with many believing that they condone and encourage illegal drug use. But that idea is fading rapidly. Theres been a sea change, says Raymond. The stigma comes from unfamiliarity. Contrary to common misperceptions, he says, needle exchange programs arent crack dens or safe places to shoot up.Much of the sea change is the result of the opioid epidemic that has devastated communities across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that, on average, 78 people die from opioid overdoses every day. Such frightening numbers have united policymakers across party lines. In July, 46 governors signed a compact pledging to make the epidemic a key issue for their states.Needle exchange programs are increasingly seen as a key tool in dealing with the epidemic. Experts are hoping these programs will not only stop the spread of infectious diseases but also help curb drug overdoses. Many exchange programs incorporate services such as condom distribution, advice on avoiding overdoses, and referrals to substance abuse and mental health treatment centers.Even early adopters are expanding their existing needle exchange programs. Delaware, Maryland and Massachusetts have had programs for years, but due to limitations they were unable to grow them until now. Maryland, for example, had one of the nations first needle exchange programs, but it was restricted to Baltimore. In October, the program was allowed to expand statewide. We want to have a replicable model for the rest of the state, so we are working with the other localities in Maryland to put together their own programming, says Leana Wen, Baltimores health commissioner.Needle exchange programs have proved effective in stopping the spread of infectious diseases when they are part of a larger anti-addiction strategy. Raymond points to an HIV outbreak last year in Scott County, Ind., that has been contained since a needle exchange program was established, as well as a program in southeast Ohio that has seen a reduction in hepatitis C cases.Much of the effectiveness of a needle exchange program depends, of course, on how it is designed and run. Wen advises her public health colleagues to reach out beyond their own profession. Health centers cannot go at this alone, she says. They have to team up with faith centers and other advocacy organizations, those people who are trusted messengers.Obviously, needle exchanges alone wont end the opioid epidemic or eliminate needle-spread infections, says Andrea Young, supervisor of an HIV/AIDS program in Dayton, Ohio. The city started a needle exchange program last year after a series of drug overdoses. It has served hundreds of residents and exchanged thousands of syringes -- no doubt it has even saved lives. As, she says, its one tool in our arsenal to keep the numbers down.
Workers compensation is broken in Florida. Putting it back together will be a difficult, time-consuming and potentially fruitless task for legislators next year.In recent months, courts have issued a series of rulings that have served to dismantle the states workers compensation law, which had its last major overhaul back in 2003. Most significantly, the Florida Supreme Court found that the laws cap on attorneys fees is unconstitutional. It also found that the time limit placed on disability payments was too short. As a result, workers comp insurance premiums are set to spike. Depending on which estimate you trust, employers could be paying anywhere from 25 to 45 percent more over the next couple of years.Business groups will pressure the legislature to come up with a new plan, but they recognize its going to be difficult. Workers comp affects many different players -- employers, insurance companies, health providers and attorneys, not to mention workers themselves. Often there isnt agreement even within a given sector about the right approach. Small businesses view workers comp issues differently than corporations, for instance. Most groups want to see reform, but there are very different versions of what that would look like, says Tom Feeney, president of Associated Industries of Florida, a business advocacy group.That association alone has split into five different working groups, all seeking consensus on possible legislative proposals. Assuming the internal squabbling works out, Feeney and his allies know that their complaints about excessive or unnecessary legal fees will receive serious pushback from the trial lawyers who take workers cases to court and can profit from large awards. Attorneys fees are the driving force of interest to people on both sides -- labor and the employers side, says Alan Kalinoski, who chairs the workers compensation section of the Florida Bar Association.Legislators arent going to like the feeling of being cross-buffeted by various powerful forces -- labor, business, attorneys, insurance companies and health-care providers. Making matters more difficult is the fact that Florida is a term-limit state. No more than eight legislators are still around who lived through the big debate on the issue 13 years ago.And any agreement that can be reached will have to pass muster with the courts, which have dramatically altered the legal landscape around the issue. The whole business of trying to make sure that workers are adequately compensated and treated for injury while keeping costs under control for employers is inherently difficult. Its not clear how, given the new legal constraints, legislators are going to be able to strike a reasonable bargain. There are a number of reasons this issue is more complex than what legislators typically deal with, says Feeney, a former Florida House speaker. I dont think its a foregone conclusion that the legislature will act.
Sometimes a politician can do favors for a friend and stick it to an enemy at the same time. Thats what Gov. John Bel Edwards is trying to do in Louisiana.Edwards, a Democrat, wants the state to join some of its parishes in suing the oil and gas industry to pay for the restoration of environmentally damaged coastal land. To oversee the case, Edwards decided to hire Taylor Townsend, a former state legislator who just happens to chair the governors super PAC. Townsend put together a team of outside attorneys who, collectively, had given Edwards campaign $130,000 last year.Needless to say, this led oil and gas officials to accuse Edwards of cronyism and doling out massive legal fees for his friends and funders. But the hiring also needled Jeff Landry, the Republican attorney general who many expect is preparing to challenge Edwards in the next election. Edwards and Landry have been feuding for a while now -- well before the coastal land litigation came up. The attorney general has refused to approve more than 40 state contracts negotiated by the governor in part because of objections to language in the contracts barring LGBT discrimination. Edwards has challenged Landrys authority to block his deals, but so far the rulings have gone Landrys way.So it was no great surprise that Landry would object to Edwards hiring some pals for the coastal land suit. In September, he moved to nullify the deal, calling it a violation of a state law restricting contingency legal fees. Edwards countered that the contract actually protects the state financially by denying the attorneys any payday unless they prevail and barring them from taking a percentage of the award. Still, more than three dozen legislators have objected to Edwards proposal.The issue exposes both a policy and political rift between Edwards and Landry, says Jeffrey Sadow, a political scientist at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. The governor drew tremendous monetary support from trial lawyers in his campaign, and this suing strategy permits Edwards to stake out a visible populist position. Landrys actions also publicize him as standing up to this perceived abuse of power, and serve his policy goal to resist state intrusion on corporate citizens.Sadow doesnt think Landry can prevent Edwards from hiring the lawyers that he wants indefinitely. And for his part, the governor has been unapologetic about offering a contract to political allies. There is nothing dishonorable about hiring a qualified, competent attorney who happens to be a friend and supporter, Edwards told. Since when am I obligated to do business with people who dont support me?Edwards critics point out that Townsend doesnt have experience overseeing a case of this type. But the team the governor has put together is highly qualified, says Dane Ciolino, who teaches legal ethics at Loyola University in New Orleans. With respect at least to some of those lawyers, it wasnt raw political payback, he says. Many of the lawyers that were chosen by Gov. Edwards were among the first you would call for these sorts of issues.If the qualified attorneys happen to have been donors, Democrats say, so much the better. As far as a governor or attorney general hiring a campaign contributor to work on a state case, Ciolino says, thats a story thats oft been told here in Louisiana.
The hundreds of arrests during the months of protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota have created an unprecedented burden for the state's court system, which faces huge cost overruns and doesn't have enough judges, lawyers and clerks to handle the workload.Police have made nearly 575 arrests since August during clashes at the protesters' main camp along the pipeline route in southern North Dakota and at protests in and around the state capital, Bismarck, about 50 miles to the north. That's far more arrests than these areas typically deal with and it could lead to delays in bringing cases to trial, experts say."We don't have sufficient judges to get all of those cases heard in a timely fashion," said Sally Holewa, North Dakota's state court administrator.The state judicial system will ask the Legislature next year for an additional $1.5 million to cover protest-related costs. That amounts to about 1  percent of its current two-year budget."This is a first," Holewa said. "The judicial branch has never had to ask for a deficiency appropriation in its history," which dates back more than a century.
The Supreme Court justices gave a mostly skeptical hearing Wednesday to a Los Angeles lawyer who argued for limits on the government's power to indefinitely jail immigrants facing deportation because of crimes they've committed.The court's conservative justices said they were inclined to reverse a 9th Circuit Court decision requiring immigration judges to give a bond hearing and consider possible release for noncitizens who have been jailed for more than six months as they fight their deportation.Liberal justices sounded unsure as to whether a specific time limit can be upheld."We are only talking about an individualized hearing," Ahilan Arulanantham, an American Civil Liberties Union attorney, told the high court.The case could prove to be the first major Supreme Court decision of the Trump presidency and may have a direct impact on his plans to crack down on illegal immigration.Shortly after this election, President-elect Donald Trump spoke of deporting as many as 3 million immigrants who have criminal records. That number appears to include many immigrants with minor convictions from the past.The lead plaintiff in the high court case is Alejandro Rodriguez, who came to the U.S. as a baby and eventually obtained lawful status. Because of a drug possession and a "joyriding" conviction as a teenager, he was slated for possible deportation and detained for more than three years as the case proceeded. He eventually won and was released.Government lawyers say they were simply complying with a 1996 immigration law that mandates the "detention of criminal aliens," including people who have been convicted of past crimes.The same law allows such people to fight deportation if they have jobs and families in the United States.At issue is whether the government may jail these immigrants for long periods without a hearing while judges weigh their claims.Acting Solicitor General Ian Gershengorn urged the court to rule no hearings are required. He said Congress made a "categorical judgment" that there is a "real flight risk" if these "criminal aliens" are released. Therefore, he said, they can be held indefinitely until their claims are resolved.Justice Elena Kagan objected, saying the Constitution has been understood to mean "you can't just lock people up for an indefinite period of time. Why doesn't the Constitution set an outer bound?" she asked.The government's lawyer said the Constitution does not set a specific time limit for a hearing.Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said that people who think they are being held unconstitutionally can hire a lawyer and file a "habeas corpus" lawsuit before a federal judge.The ACLU lawyer said that was an unrealistic option for most immigrants who are taken into custody. Such a suit could take years to resolve, he said.At one point, Justice Stephen G. Breyer said the outcome could affect "hundreds of thousands, maybe millions" of people, if a new administration moves aggressively to carry out deportations. But he too said he was struggling to decide whether the law requires hearings for all jailed immigrants after a certain time period.In 2003, when the justices last dealt with this issue, they said immigrants who face deportation can be "detained for a brief period" while their claims were resolved.More recently, the 9th Circuit Court in California and the 2nd Circuit Court in New York defined that period as no more than six months. After that, the courts said, jailed immigrants are entitled to a bond hearing in which a judge can decide if they can be released, provided they present no danger and are not a flight risk.In their comments and questions, the justices indicated they were weighing several possibilities. They could send the case back to the 9th Circuit to decide directly whether the Constitution sets a six-month limit on detentions without a hearing.This will test "the courage of their convictions," Roberts said, referring to the 9th Circuit judges who had stopped short of saying the Constitution itself required a time limit on detentions.In the past, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy has voiced concern about holding people in immigration jails with no hearing. But he said little Wednesday to suggest he would uphold the 9th Circuit's ruling.The eight justices may split 4-4 on the outcome. If so, they are likely to hold the case and await the arrival of a ninth justice appointed by President Trump.
Description

GIS - 01 December, 2016: The Government of India has allocated US $ 52.95 million, an equivalent of approximately Rs 1.9 billion representing 15 percent of the total grant of Rs 12.7 billion allocated by the Government of India for the implementation of priority projects in Mauritius.

In this context, the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mr Abhay Thakur, handed over a cheque yesterday to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, at the Government Centre in Port Louis.

It will be recalled that earlier in November, Mauritius and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Port Louis to finalise the grant assistance to the tune of Rs 12.7 billion allocated by the Government of India for development projects in Mauritius.

The Rs 12.7 billion in the form of grants will be used to finance the following five major projects:

 Rs 9.9 billion for the Metro Express project;

 Rs 1.1 billion for a New Supreme Court Building;

 Rs 500 million for the provision of Tablets to primary students;

 Rs 700 million for the construction of some 1,000 social housing units; and

 Rs 500 million for a state-of-theart ENT hospital.

These projects which are considered crucial for the socio-economic development of Mauritius encompasses various sectors of the economy such as public transportation, education, health care, social housing and the judiciary.

India agreed to provide grant funding to the Mauritian Government during the visit of the Finance Minister Pravind Jugnauth, to India in September this year during which the Government of India responded positively and promptly in disbursing funds for several projects in Mauritius.
Typical Characteristics The application (PDF) to become a proving ground calls for sites with varied environments run by entities not limited by size. Sites that are encouraged to apply include:



Test tracks or testing facilities

Race tracks

Cities/urban cores

Highway corridors

Campuses (corporate or academic) Proposals will be accepted until 11:59 pm EST on Dec. 19, 2016.





Since his appointment, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has championed the idea that collaboration in the transportation industry will lead to optimal outcomes. Pockets of innovation throughout the country must be connected in order to maximize the potential. One of the most daunting challenges for the transit officials will be incorporating autonomous vehicle (AV) technology into our roadways.So to kick-start a community of AV innovation, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has called for the creation of an Automation Proving Ground Pilot Program The program will help identify and designate specific facilities as qualified proving grounds "for the safe testing, demonstration and deployment of automated vehicle technology, according to a post written by Foxx. This "Community of Practice," as he calls it, will be an innovative community that facilitates data sharing throughout the sites and between the sites and the federal government, and ultimately advances the technology, according to a USDOT spokesperson familiar with the program.The pilot program is the latest step in the federal governments commitment to creating partnerships with state and local governments that take the lead on innovation. Earlier this year, the agency held a Smart City Competition in which cities created multifaceted plans that used advanced technology transportation projects to improve their community. Columbus, Ohio, was ultimately chosen as the winner and received $50 million in federal fundingAlso of paramount concern to the agency is safety, so a key requirement of becoming an official proving ground is to have a designated safety officer. This person will be responsible for the sites safety management plan and will be required to participate in regular meetings with other site safety officers where they share insights and best practices.As for potential proving ground candidates, the Las Vegas Innovation District has seen the application, and is exploring how the program would fit in the community.We were very excited when we saw the solicitation go out by the USDOT," said Innovation Program Manager Joanna Wadsworth. We definitely feel like it fits with the direction the city is headed within the smart city/connected and autonomous vehicle environment.Las Vegas, she said, is interested in creating an on-road testing facility. Because Nevada already distributes licenses for autonomous vehicles, the Innovation District views a proving ground on the streets of Las Vegas as the next logical step.We are identifying corridors we can outfit with technologies that might assist with autonomous vehicle testing, Wadsworth added.Despite the many benefits that would come from designating official AV proving grounds throughout the nation, some concerns have been raised about the required data-sharing component  the idea of which also was iterated in the guidelines for AV regulations proposed in September by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).Some partners may not want to share any data, said Randy Iwasaki, executive director for the Contra Costa County Transportation Authority, which operates GoMentum Station in Concord, Calif.Because GoMentum Station is on private land, it's not subject to the same data-sharing requirements issued by the California DMV. It is a public-private partnership between the county and several technology and vehicle companies, including Acura, Honda and EasyMile. So before any decision on whether or not to apply is made, Iwasaki said all of the private partners will weigh in on what they think.And Iwasaki is not the only one with this concern; it has been voiced by several industry giants In Las Vegas, Wadsworth said understands the concern, but believes the payoff of the returning data compensates for it.And the sensitivity of sharing of data is something the DOT understands. It's not about exposing competitive data, a DOT spokesperson said; reducing mistake redundancy and utilizing testing grounds effectively is key to advancing the technology. Iwasaki understands the predicament, saying that it is not a wise use of resources if every test track is running the same test, gathering the same results."We all understand that the potential for this technology is huge," Iwasaki said.Autonomous vehicles could create both a safer and more efficient transportation environment, he said, pointing to freight shipping. We are already 25,000 to 30,000 truck drivers short, he said, adding that with population growth, it will only exacerbate the problem. The Uber-owned Otto , which specializes in autonomous big-rigs, uses GoMentum Station as its testing facility.Towing the line between fostering innovation among potential market rivals while protecting competitive data is a delicate operation and a learning experience  but it is something the DOT is willing to take on. And given that this is a pilot program, the department is open to comments on the process.The selection of the initial proving ground sites is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017.
(TNS) -- Gov. John Kasich bristles  becomes a tad defensive, in fact  when the term Rust Belt is applied to Ohio.Standing in Dublin, in front of a driverless tractor-trailer and the section of Route 33 it soon traversed, Kasich announced a planned $15 million state investment on Wednesday to create a "smart mobility corridor.Its another high-tech example of Ohio diversifying its economy and striving to create better jobs suited for the 21st century.The governor said existing funds will pay for the transformation of a 35-mile section of Route 33 from Dublin to East Liberty into an ideal proving ground for transportation technology and innovation.The Department of Transportation will use the money beginning in May to embed high-capacity fiber-optic cable and wireless sensors along the auto-industry-rich corridor to permit testing and research of smart-transportation technology such as self-driving vehicles.Some of the worlds foremost automotive researchers are working here in Ohio, at both ends of this corridor, and this project provides them with the perfect location and state-of-the-art infrastructure for safely testing autonomous and connected-vehicle technologies, Kasich said in the parking lot of OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital.They call us the Rust Belt? Theyre following us, Kasich said. Its cool.Partners in the project include Ohio State Universitys Center for Automotive Research near East Liberty, Honda R&D Americas, Union County and the cities of Dublin and Marysville. The local governments matched a $6 million federal grant to expand their fiber-optic networks to reach Route 33 and install highway sensors.The smart mobility corridor also will factor into Columbus Smart City initiative to make it an intelligent-transportation hub, spurred by a $40 million federal grant and $90 million private-sector commitment.Transportation Director Jerry Wray said the investment would position Ohio to work with transportation innovation companies and pocket jobs and a better highway system along the way. The system will allow autonomous vehicles to communicate with each other and even signal ODOT if their tires lose traction upon encountering icy roads.A driverless semi owned by OTTO, an offshoot of San Francisco-based ride-sharing service Uber, has been making test runs along Rt. 33 and also will hit the Ohio Turnpike.Walter Martin, 47, of San Franciso, describes himself as a seat sitter and non-driver. He sits behind the wheel of the high-tech rig ready to take over control from the computers if an engineer in the back of the cab detects the software is taking the truck where it should not go. He rarely has to hit a big red button to assume manual control, he said.
Eyes In the Sky: Cutting NASA Earth Observations Would Be a Costly Mistake
DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been married for almost 11 years and have three children. About four years ago my wife cheated on me and left. After a six-week split, we decided we wanted to work things out. Everything was great -- until recently, when she got a job working at a busy gym.

Several of the guys from the gym have added her on Facebook and send her messages. They like all her posts and pictures. I work out there and when I go in, I see her laughing and joking with them. This has all started to bring me flashbacks to when she cheated.

I tried talking to her about how I feel, but she just says they are my insecurity issues and I need to deal with them. At this point, I'm contemplating divorce so I won't go through the same pain I went through last time. I check her Facebook page constantly to see if she has added any new guys and see what comments they are leaving. I know it's not healthy, and it makes me constantly depressed.

My wife has no interest in marriage counseling, but tells me I should seek professional help for my issues. Is there any saving this marriage, or is it time to move on? -- THREATENED IN TEXAS

DEAR THREATENED: Part of your wife's job is to be friendly to the members of that gym. It doesn't mean that she's involved with any of them outside of work. The problem with jealousy and insecurity is that unless they are managed, they tend to feed on each other and grow. While I can't banish the suspicions from your mind, some sessions with a licensed mental health professional might help you to put them into perspective. It may save your marriage. However, if it doesn't ease your mind, you can always talk to a lawyer.

DEAR ABBY: I take a maintenance pain pill for arthritis. I count them every other day to make sure that I'm not taking too many.

My daughter has been coming to my house a lot lately, and -- not every time, but off and on -- I'll count my pills after she leaves, and my count doesn't match the one from the day before. Sometimes I'm missing almost all of them, but when I talk to my daughter and ask if she took them, she always says she didn't. If I ask nicely, "Are you sure?" she accuses me of calling her a liar.

I know she's taking them, but I don't know what to do about her lying to me about it. I really need the pills for myself. The doctor prescribes them only once a month, and I know I'm going to run out.

What should I do? I don't want to hurt my daughter's feelings, but she needs to stop taking my pills. -- IN PAIN IN KANSAS

DEAR IN PAIN: Your daughter may have become addicted to your pain medication or be selling them to people who are. It's time to start keeping your pills under lock and key. Once you do, your daughter may be forced to come clean about the lying -- or you may find you're seeing a lot less of her than you presently do.

DEAR ABBY: I was just offered a HUGE promotion at my company. It will mean more than a 40 percent increase in pay, which is unheard of in my company, which has more than 10,000 employees. People in my department are not taking it well. Even my director did not congratulate me.

Taking on this new endeavor kind of scares me. I have had a tough year in my current position, and this new job is seriously tailored to me. My current manager -- who is new to the department -- feels this job was meant for me. She says I need a fresh start, and she has faith in me.

What's awkward is, the position involves working with some of the same people I worked with previously, although in a different capacity. Am I taking on too much? I know the team I will be working with, and I have a feeling I will love it. I'm just scared of setting myself up for failure. My boss and new manager are giving me a great opportunity, and I don't want to let anyone down. -- UNSURE IN THE MIDWEST

DEAR UNSURE: If your boss and new manager didn't feel you were capable of taking on the new assignment, they could have offered the job to the numerous other people at the company. Your former director may not have congratulated you because he/she was jealous, so do not take the silence to heart.

As to your fear that you won't succeed, all you can do is give it your best and keep moving forward. If you do that, you won't let anybody down -- including yourself.

DEAR ABBY: Child abuse is epidemic in the United States. It occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural levels, within all religions and at all levels of education. Every year, more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the U.S. Without intervention, about 30 percent of those abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children.

With the proper skills, all parents can raise happy, healthy children. Treatment is necessary, but our communities also need to do a better job at prevention.

Please ask your readers to learn about programs and activities in their communities that support parents and promote healthy families.  JOHN E. THORESEN, DIRECTOR, BARBARA SINATRA CHILDRENS CENTER, RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIF.

DEAR MR. THORESEN: Thank you for your letter. Readers, the first step to curbing child abuse is recognizing it. These are the 10 most common indicators:

1. UNEXPLAINED INJURIES: Visible signs may include burns or bruises in the shape of objects. There may be unconvincing explanations for a childs injuries.

2. CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR: Abused children often appear scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive.

3. RETURNING TO EARLIER BEHAVIOR: Abused children may display behaviors shown when they were younger, such as thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, fear of the dark or strangers. For some, loss of basic language or memory problems may occur.

4. FEAR OF GOING HOME: Abused children may express fear or anxiety about leaving school or going places with the abuser.

5. CHANGES IN EATING: The stress, fear and anxiety lead to changes in a childs eating behaviors, which may result in weight gain or weight loss.

6. CHANGES IN SLEEP HABITS: The child may have frequent nightmares or have difficulty falling asleep, and appear tired or fatigued.

7. CHANGES IN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE OR ATTENDANCE: Children may demonstrate difficulty concentrating in school or experience excessive absences, sometimes because of adults trying to hide the childrens injuries from authorities.

8. LACK OF PERSONAL CARE OR HYGIENE: The child may appear unkempt, be consistently dirty and have severe body odor, or lack sufficient clothing for the weather.

9. RISK-TAKING BEHAVIORS: The child may engage in high-risk activities such as using drugs or alcohol, or carrying a weapon.

10. INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR: A sexually abused child may exhibit overly sexualized behavior or use explicit sexual language. We can all support children and parents to reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect. Be a friend to a parent or child you know. Volunteer your time or donate to programs that support child abuse treatment and prevention as well as those that build healthy families. Trust your instincts. Suspected abuse is enough of a reason to contact authorities.

DEAR ABBY: Im a 43-yearold woman who has been in a relationship with a man I dated many years ago, Charles. When we reconnected three years ago, I had a dog, Frosty. One year into the relationship, Charles asked me to get rid of Frosty because he thinks dogs are unsanitary. I loved Frosty and kept him, but it caused all kinds of problems with my boyfriend.

When Charles and I moved in together three months ago, he insisted I get rid of Frosty and I caved. I miss my little friend so much it hurts. Memories of him are everywhere. I am able to get him back, but is it crazy that I would jeopardize my relationship because I want to keep my dog?  IN THE DOGHOUSE

DEAR IN THE DOGHOUSE: I dont think its crazy, and Im sure my animal-loving readers  who number in the millions  would agree with me. People bond with their pets to such an extent that in the event of a natural disaster, some of them refuse to be separated from their companions.

That Charles would insist you get rid of Frosty shows extreme insensitivity for your feelings, in addition to disregard for your beloved pet in whom you had a significant emotional investment. Could Charles be jealous of the affection you have shown Frosty? Not knowing him, I cant guess. But if you are forced to choose between the two of them, you should seriously consider choosing the dog.

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been dating for two years. We live together, and his child from another woman lives with us. I love my boyfriend and his child, but one thing prevents me from imagining us being married: He has his childs mothers name tattooed on his body.

The tattoo bothers me for many reasons, and Id like him to have it covered up if we ever do marry. He says he doesnt want to get rid of it. When the topic comes up, we argue. Am I unreasonable for wanting him to get rid of the tattoo? If that woman really is in his past, why does he need a constant reminder of her on his body?  IN A STINK OVER INK

DEAR IN A STINK: Youre asking the wrong person. Only your boyfriend can answer that. He may not want to go to the expense, or to experience the pain of having more artwork done. Or he may not like the idea that you are telling him what to do.

However, if he has been living with you for two years, I doubt its because hes still carrying a torch for someone else. If you love him and the two of you want to get married, my advice is to accept him warts, artwork and all, because regardless of any romance in his past, YOU have habeas corpus. (Thats Latin for you have the body.)

DEAR ABBY: I consider myself a social person and enjoy talking to friends on the phone. My problem is, when I talk to one of them, she will never let me get off the phone. Sometimes well talk for several hours, but eventually I have other obligations and have to go. When I tell her that, she often ignores me and keeps right on talking.

I dont want to be rude, but sometimes I have to say goodbye four and five times before she finally acknowledges that I must end the call. It irritates me. I like talking to her, but I cant go on and on forever. How can I make her let me off the phone without hanging up on her or upsetting her?  MR. NICE GUY

DEAR MR. NICE GUY: The person youre describing obviously has less going on in her life than you do. She may also be a compulsive talker.

The next time you talk to her, make the conversation face-toface and tell her that as much as you like her, you dont have the amount of time to spend on the phone that she does. Explain that when you tell her you must end the conversation, if she doesnt stop talking within five minutes, you will have to hang up. And then do it.

Will she like it? No. But the alternative is that she will continue to take advantage of you  which she has been doing because you have allowed it.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Kimi Raikkonen's improvement in 2016 was nothing short of "amazing".

That is the view of the 2007 world champion's manager Steve Robertson, when discussing Raikkonen's performance this year with the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat.

"It's amazing what difference a year makes," he said.

"If you think back to a year ago, I don't think many people would have argued that Kimi would beat Sebastian Vettel 11 to 10 in qualifying," Robertson added.

"Ferrari is not where everyone would like them to be, but Kimi did a very good job, and next year, the dream continues," he smiled.

Raikkonen's 2015 and 2016 race engineer, Dave Greenwood, agrees that the Finn has stepped up his game this year, even though Vettel beat him on points.

"In my opinion, statistics do not lie," Greenwood said.

"I know Kimi says that nothing has changed, but I personally think Kimi has been better in qualifying than in 2015."

But Greenwood said he also shares Raikkonen's view that if Ferrari is not winning, little else matters.

"We share Kimi's view that winning is always the goal," he said. "If we do not win, we have missed the target. The whole team, every individual, only wants to win."

(GMM)
Nico Rosberg has admitted he was unsure if Lewis Hamilton would take his 'backing up' tactics in Abu Dhabi to the next level.

Hamilton is already under fire for trying to drive the chasing Ferrari and Red Bull into his title nemesis, but Rosberg has said he has no problem with the Briton's tactics.

"I think it's a pity that the topic is even discussed," he said.

"It's very simple: you can understand the team side, but I also understand Lewis, because it was not just a race win."

Asked if he would have done the same, Rosberg answered: "This is far too hypothetical, and I also don't want to contribute to the discussion."

However, as he celebrated in his home town of Wiesbaden on Wednesday, the German also told the N24 broadcaster: "I didn't know how far he (Hamilton) would take it.

"Would he turn completely and try to drive me off the track?

"The last two laps were really hard. I saw the two cars behind me and knew that if I made a mistake, all the work of the whole season would be for nothing," Rosberg added.

He also defended Hamilton, who is being called a 'bad loser' by some sections of the F1 world.

"I don't know exactly how he feels, I only know how I felt after 2014 and 2015," said Rosberg. "And a defeat like that is hard to digest, so he will need some time."

(GMM)
Jenson Button will continue to contribute to McLaren-Honda in 2017.

That is the claim of team boss Eric Boullier, even though in the wake of team supremo Ron Dennis' departure, Button in Abu Dhabi was suddenly referring to it as his "last race" rather than the start of a sabbatical.

But France's Auto Hebdo quoted Boullier as insisting that Button's role in 2017 as a team ambassador, including another contracted year for 2018, still stands.

"Jenson will be perfect in this role," he insisted.

"He knows how to share his feelings and defend the interests of a brand," Boullier added, saying Button will also be "useful" for the engineers next year.

"This year I think Jenson had a drop in pressure; a sudden moral fatigue," the Frenchman explained.

"He did not tackle his 17th season in a situation of a potential winner, but as part of a large technical construction programme. Different to (Fernando) Alonso," Boullier added, "because it was he (Alonso) who chose this challenge."

(GMM)
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Pawan Kalyan Laughs Off Andhra Jyothy's Survey

Pawan Kalyan has already made it clear that he would be contesting the Andhra Pradesh assembly elections in 2019.

For the past few months, he has been very active in building up his Jana Sena party with various programs like holding public meetings in different cities in Andhra Pradesh. He has more such plans of holding it in December too.

On the other hand, a popular Telugu newspaper Andhra Jyothy carried a survey about the prospects of various parties in AP if polls are conducted today.

The survey said Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena will not have any impact on AP politics and it would get not more than 3.5 % of share of votes. In other words, the survey said Pawan Kalyan's political show would be damp squib.

Two days have passed since the survey got published but Pawan Kalyan didn't say a single word about it, as he is busy shooting for "Katamarayudu". Neither he tweeted about it.

But sources close to Pawan Kalyan told GreatAndhra.com that he laughed off the survey by terming it is a political game being carried out by Chandrababu Naidu and his crony media baron.

The source says Pawan Kalyan realized that both Andhra Jyothy and TDP's Supremo are playing the similar card that he did with his brother Megastar Chiranjeevi when he floated Praja Rajyam party.

"I don't fall for their cheap tricks. This is oldest trick in dirty game of politics - belittling the opponent's strength and weakening his morale. I am aware of what is going on now," Pawan Kalyan told the core team of Jana Sena.

So, Pawan Kalyan will not be worrying about the survey. He would continue shooting for "Katamarayudu" as well and focus on building Jana Sena.
Toyota Motor Corporation has approved Mentor Graphics Volcano VSTAR AUTOSAR basic software stack for use in all Toyota vehicles. With this approval, global Tier 1 automotive suppliers can now leverage Mentors fast, resource-efficient AUTOSAR stack for the design and development of advanced Electronic Control Units (ECUs) in next-generation Toyota models.

Supported by Volcano VSx design tools across the development cycle, Mentors Volcano VSTAR software stack provides scalable AUTOSAR 4 middleware which abstracts the application from the hardware-dependent layer for the rapid development of highly differentiated end-products.

A longtime premium partner of the AUTOSAR development partnership, Mentor has a well-established track record of promoting AUTOSAR as the premier open standard for automotive electronics engineering. Designed to optimize re-use and transferability of ECU design assets, AUTOSAR allows automotive engineers and suppliers of ECUs to achieve modularity and scalability of software with standardized interfaces, improving the ability to handle high-complexity designs.

Mentor Automotive focuses in four key areas of the industry:
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Concerns about estate taxes pushing high wage-earners south and General Electrics departure fueled questions to Catherine Smith, the commissioner of Connecticuts Department of Economic and Community Development, at a Greenwich Chamber of Commerce meeting Wednesday.

You guys are asking all the hard questions, Smith joked while fielding blunt questions about the states future.

For a second year, Smith spoke to the chamber about the condition of the states business climate. Her remarks focused on ways Gov. Dannel P. Malloys administration is responding to the wants of businesses when building a home for their companies.

My private-sector background showed me that if you dont know what the customer needs, you cant serve them, she said.

Her presentation began with a defensive, though friendly, reminder that theres a lot of good news, but its hard to remember how much better it actually is now, she said, referencing the contrast between now and the period just after the Great Recession.

Highlighting the positives

As proof, Smith ticked off a few statistics including the states most recent unemployment rate of 5.1 percent, being ranked in the top five most innovative states by Bloomberg and Malloys attempts to cut government by decreasing payroll and eliminating 1,000 pages of regulations.

Fiscal woes continue, she said, adding that Malloy would release a state budget in February that will include some of his plans to resolve severely underfunded future liabilities.

For 20 years before Governor Malloy, pension plans hadnt been funded at all, Smith told chamber attendees. Now, the governor is putting $1 billion into pensions per year from the general fund.

Plans to spur Connecticuts economy

Smith also discussed Malloys plans for improving the states outlook. The plan is to invest heavily in areas that drive the economy, she said.

These include initiatives to graduate more students steeped in STEM, and spur business growth through programs like Small Business Express and First Five Plus.

Small Business Express provides loans and grants to small businesses while First Five Plus is geared toward big businesses, such as Greenwich-based hedge fund AQR Capital Management, which recently received a commitment for millions in state incentives to create at least 200 jobs.

Smith referenced the AQR expansion as a win for the state and said her department has also worked with United Technologies and Sikorsky Aircraft to ensure they will remain in Connecticut for a long time to come.

A lot of lessons were learned from GE moving to Boston, Smith said, so were being proactive to work with others to make sure they know theyre loved. But she told the crowd that she wasnt sure Connecticut had any chance to compete for GE.

They had already made up their minds, she said. It was clear the location in Fairfield wasnt right. ... Were sorry they left.

The giants departure marks a blow to Connecticut symbolically, Smith said, but it doesnt dent the economy all that much. She said the biggest challenge for Connecticut in the wake of its flight to Boston is perception.

Big investments planned for infrastructure

Infrastructure marks another major recipient of state investment.

A study to widen Interstate 95 is underway and construction will likely begin in the early 2020s, Smith said. Metro-Norths ridership has increased dramatically in the last few years, making it a really important backbone.

More general to Connecticut's success is maintaining the high quality of life that draws many to live in the state, Smith said. Forbes ranked Connecticut as No. 3 in most attractive state for quality of life, and we dont want to lose that  we have to keep investing.

In response to a question about stemming the outflow of wealthy homeowners, Smith said its not possible to stop them all, but already Malloy has put a cap on the estate tax and hes considered lowering the cap more.

Were confident we can set up the state for a healthy financial future, she said.

MBennett@hearstmediact.com, 203-625-4411; Twitter @Macaela_
GREENWICH  The driver of car hit by a truck on Arch Street has died from her injuries as police continue the investigation into the now fatal accident.

Cristina Vomoca, who suffered severe head injuries in the accident, died Wednesday.

Cristina and her family were able to spend her final moments together in love and prayer, giving Cristina the ease of knowing that her son, Oliver, is well cared for while giving her the strength to let go, according to Sarah Potter, a manager at the hair salon where Vomoca worked.

Vomoca, of Stamford, leaves behind a young son, nearly 2. Memorial arrangements have not yet been scheduled. Vomoca will donate a number of organs following her death, according to the salon.

The 38-year-old Brazilian immigrant had been working at the Hopscotch salon for 10 years. Her co-workers came to Stamford Hospital every day since the accident Saturday afternoon to offer support.

The passenger in the vehicle, Maiko Kobayashi, another Hopscotch hair stylist, has been moved from Stamford Hospital to a rehabilitation center in Westchester County. Kobayashi, 32, and Vomoca were driving home to Stamford when the collision took place.

Kobayashi is faced with a hard road to recovery said Potter.

More than $100,000 had been raised for the two accident victims through a GoFundMe account titled Hopscotch Miracle.

The traffic section at the Greenwich police department said there were no updates on the case this week, and the investigation is ongoing.

A ShopRite truck hit the car Vomoca was driving after getting off and then attempting to get back on the ramp off I-95 during heavy traffic caused by another fatal accident on the highway.

Robert.Marchant@scni.com
Editors Note: Entrepreneurs 20 Questions series features both established and up-and-coming entrepreneurs and asks them a number of questions about what makes them tick, their everyday success strategies and advice for aspiring founders.

If you are intimidated or overwhelmed by the prospect of making decisions about money, especially if you are just beginning your career, you arent alone.

After being laid off from his job as a hedge fund analyst and having his sister ask him for credit card advice, Tim Chen decided to launch a financial planning platform in 2009.

Named Nerdwallet, the online resource helps people make informed decisions about their money, with a wealth of information about everything from banking to credit cards and loans in one place. The CEO believes that there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all advice when it comes to money management, so the company tailors the experience for each user.

Related: Reach Your Financial Goals and Live the Life You Want

While Chen bootstrapped the company and earned only $75 the first year in business, today the company has raised $69 million and has 450 employees and 7 million monthly users.

We caught up with Chen for our 20 Questions series to find out what motivates him and makes him tick.

1. How do you start your day?

I am not a morning person. If you picture the scene from the Exorcist, that's me. That said, I find it helpful in the morning to reflect on my goals for the day. Ill schedule morning to evening, and if I don't pause to think about what I want to accomplish, I won't make time for the [most important] things.

2. How do you end your day?

Before bed, my fiance and I talk about one thing we're grateful for every night. Its one way to stop and appreciate what's good in your life. Achievement-oriented people are always focused on whats the next thing, what could be better. And its a way to foster more appreciation and mindfulness. We feel really happy after we do it every day.

Related: 6 Ways Embracing Mindfulness Helps You Thrive at Work

3. Whats a book that changed your mind and why?

Principles by Ray Dallio. What I love about it provides a convincing argument about why a lot of us underachieve and dont meet our potential. He talks about how he works through those things to achieve what he wants in life.

The reason it resonated with me so well is because, I think a lot of the stuff that holds us back is our inability to face truth: Its our ego. If something isnt working to stop, pause and think about why [it] didn't go well, instead of just doing the same thing over and over again.



4. Whats a book you always recommend and why?

It isnt a book, but the Farnam Street blog. The premise that I love about it is that theres an underlying belief that there are mental models that dictate how the world works. I believe that all creativity and problem solving is a remix of other mental models. When I learn new ones that give an explanation about how some related but tangential industry or field works, I often find going back to an unrelated problem and think about how to apply those concepts.

5. Whats a strategy to keep focused?

Each Monday I prioritize what I want to accomplish that week, and then I think about [what Ive done] at the end of the week [and share it in] an email to my employees called Reflections. Its a great way to make space [in your head], otherwise your inbox and email becomes your to-do list, which is ridiculous because you didnt create that to do list. [It was sent to you by other people.]

Related: 4 Tips to Better Manage Your Email Inbox

6. When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?

I grew up in Houston near NASA, and I thought I wanted to be an aerospace engineer because huge flying objects seemed really cool at the time.

7. What did you learn from the worst boss you ever had?

Ego gets in the way of success. I worked at a hedge fund that had a real Lord of the Flies feeling. It was pretty crazy. The problem with ego is the best ideas don't win, because you have trouble facing the truth.

8. Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

Coming out of that [hedge fund] environment, I thought it was the right way to run a company, and I was proved very wrong. Over the years, Ive learned a ton from a lot of the people at NerdWallet. Ive learned to approach things with more of an open mind. If Im doing my job right, each of them is bringing something to the table that I dont have.

Related: Your Potential Success is Limitless, Despite What You've Been Told

9. Whats a trip that changed you?

One of the fascinating aspects of being an investor was visiting some of the facilities [we invested in]. In 2008, I took a trip to China as a solar investor and visited a ton of solar factories in rural areas. What I saw was astonishing. The pollution was so bad, you could only see 20 feet in front of you in the middle of the day. I just sensed the complete loss of potential in all the people there; they were in terrible working conditions.

After that, I realized I wanted to help people reach their human potential, maybe one day there is a way to do that using technology.

10. What inspires you?

You see so much potential for change in so many areas; Im really inspired by the possibility of change and how to seize that. I believe those things start with a combination of proving something is possible, telling the right people about it and then pick up the torch and carry on from there. The right way to think about it is planting the seeds of what is possible and enabling a lot of people to go after it.

11. What was your first business idea and what did you do with it?

In eighth grade, Magic cards were becoming super popular. I noticed a big price differential by buying an unopened deck of cards, so I got money together to buy unopened packs of cards. Then I sold them to get a profit, and the school wasn't too happy about it

Related: Let's Be Real: Why Transparency in Business Should Be the Norm

12. What was an early job that taught you something important or useful?

I worked in this guy's basement for a coin order mail catalogue. This guy's business was essentially mailing coin catalogs to remote regions of the US and marking it up a ton. The margins on the coin sales were unbelievable; it just showed the lack of transparency in pricing. I think that played some small part in wanting to remove that inefficiency.

13. Whats the best advice you ever took?

Another CEO told me that your opportunity is set up like a graph. On one axis, it's what you do, and the other axis who you tell. If I think about some of the career mistakes I made at my last company, it was really not doing enough telling [about my accomplishments].

14. What's the worst piece of advice you ever got?

I'm Asian. My parents told me to keep my head down, work hard and show my value through work rather than through my mouth. I think that might work well in some industries, but even in those cases, there is a benefit of speaking up and communicating.

Related: Productivity Lifesaver: The 5-Sentence Email

15. Whats a productivity tip you swear by?

I don't generally check my email. I know its a bit socially offensive at times, but I try to do it in batches every two to three days. I might be just terrible at multitasking, but if youre coding, it takes 10, 20 minutes to get reoriented after a distraction.

16. Is there an app or tool you use to get things done or stay on track?

The off button. I put my phone on nighttime mode, and I shut down everything when I'm working. I get highly distracted otherwise.

17. What does work-life balance mean to you?

I'm a big believer that productivity is less about hours worked and more about the quality of the hours you worked.

There are two modes of operation: highly analytical and a daydream mode. I think the right balance is a mix of those two. Work is a social purpose, and the two feed off each other well.

Related: Why You Need to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

18. How do you prevent burnout?

Burnout is never about the hours of work, but how deterministic the work is. If you have to accomplish some kind of goal and you're excited about the outcome, the key to avoiding burnout is staying somewhere in the middle, out of your comfort zone but not doing things that are so out of reach.

19. When youre faced with a creativity block, whats your strategy to get innovating?

Often I just stop and read a book, because it jogs another part of your brain to think about the problem.

20. What are you learning now?

Its really important to have a multi-disciplinary understanding of a lot of different things to come up with the best answers. I apply this at Nerdwallet. The thing that is important is to have people with different experiences contribute when relevant without too much noise. Im learning about [building] a collaborative culture, how you facilitate communication and how we get to the truth.

Related:

Nerdwallet's Founder Shares the Worst Advice He Ever Got

12 Entrepreneurs Share the Books They Always Recommend

The One Thing This Entrepreneur Does Each Day to Stay Productive



Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Kerrville, TX (78028)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight. Low 62F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight. Low 62F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Like this, only with more smoke and glitter. Photo: koosen/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Nestles mad scientists  the groundbreaking team behind Nespresso multivitamin pods and diabetes pills in appealing snack form  are back with a new creation thats being called sugar lite by the New York Times. Its a chemically restructured version the food producer claims tastes sweeter in smaller amounts, and because regulators are starting to look, confectioners are desperate to find healthy (or healthy-seeming) ways to sweeten candy. This development would represent quite a turning point in that hunt.



In an announcement, Nestle says its team reengineered the actual compound in a way that will allow its chocolates and other candies to taste the same, but with 40 percent less sugar. Although they arent too hip to explain how, exactly, until the patents go through. So for now everybody has to rely on vague explanations like this one by the Times, based on an interview with Nestles chief technology officer:



Dr. Catsicas compared a normal crystal of sugar to a shoe box, where the box is made of sugar and everything inside it is also made of sugar. The new sugar, he said, will be processed to have the same sugar exterior  though it may be a globe instead of a box  to dissolve in the mouth. Because less sugar is inside, less goes to the stomach.

Regardless whether its a globe or a box, the changeover will occur gradually, Nestle says, because the company doesnt want customers suddenly detecting a change in taste. It says its new candies will start off with 40 percent of their original sugar, but could take less as more gets slowly swapped for this lighter stuff. Nestle says it should be ready for use starting in 2018, and plans to release more details in the coming year.



The company also tells the Times it might sell the new sugar to other companies, because why not, but for still-mysterious reasons, adds its not something that can be mixed into your coffee or used to sweeten soda.
Last month Samsung went further than ever in trying to ensure that all Galaxy Note7 units sold in New Zealand are returned following its discontinuation of the device. Working with the carriers over there, the company has basically shut down mobile network access for those Note7 handsets still in the wild. This move has apparently proved successful, since Samsung is now getting ready to do the exact same thing in neighboring Australia.

Starting on December 15, if you have a Note7 in Australia you won't be able to use it on any of the mobile networks over there. It will essentially be cut off from the mobile infrastructure, meaning it will only connect to Wi-Fi networks from that point on. Samsung clearly hopes that this will finally convince the "small number" of holdouts to return their devices. After all, these are the people who can live with their phones only charging up to 60%.

Samsung's even throwing in $250 in "a specific partner offer" that hasn't been detailed yet, but only if you choose to replace your Note7 with a Galaxy S7 or S7 edge. This is on top of the refund for the difference between the two sales prices, of course. The $250 offer will be valid until December 22, and at some point the page at the Source link below will be updated to tell us more about it. Before the end of the year we should find out exactly what caused the Note7 fires.

Source
Starting today, HMD Global Oy is now the home of Nokia phones and tablets. The exclusive license extends 10 years forward and covers the whole world (sans Japan). Nokia, the company, will receive royalty payments for Nokia-branded products made by HMD (for both the name and for the intellectual property used).

Its important to note that Nokia, the company, is not an investor or a shareholder in HMD. That said, HMD is a Finish company and theres one Nokia representative on its Board of Directors. Also, FIH Mobile (a Foxconn subsidiary) will be making Nokia-branded feature phones.

This leaves HMD to focus on the Android-powered side of things. The site nokia.com/phones (operated by HMD) promises new smartphones coming in 2017. You can sign up to be notified by email for new developments.

The site currently lists a number of Nokia feature phones, which used to be manufactured by Microsoft, until the company unloaded the factories to Foxconn (technically, to FIH).

Heres a bit more info about the leadership of HMD, which you might find interesting.

President: Florian Seiche, former co-founder of HTCs branded smartphone business

CEO: Arto Nummela, former VP at Microsoft MObile Devices Sales (EMEA), joined Nokia in 1994

Chief Product Officer: Juho Sarvikas, introduced Nokia Windows Phone to US carriers

The list includes even more Nokia and Microsoft alums, plus a few from HTC, Sony Ericsson and other mobile phone luminaries.

Source
Huawei has announced Nougat update plans for its smartphones. The Android 7 update for Huawei devices will arrive in the form of version 5.0 of the Chinese company's EMUI skin. The roll-out will begin sometime in Q1, 2017, with the Huawei Mate 8 and P9 getting the update first, followed by the P9 Plus, P9 lite, nova, and nova Plus.

The new EMUI 5.0, Huawei claims, is more efficient, secure, and user friendly. It "significantly cuts down on the number of steps needed to achieve the desired function," the company says in a press release, adding that "furthermore, the user can reach 90% of the core functions in just two to three clicks."

The new UI also lets users choose between the standard layout and an app drawer. "Additionally, users can jump between their professional and personal lives effortlessly with profiles now being able to run in parallel  no switching of phones necessary."

Coming back to the update, those rocking a Huawei P9, P9 Plus, P9 Lite or Mate 8 will be able to participate in the beta testing as well.
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2017 will be the year of the Nokia brand's re-entry into the smartphone space. This has already been confirmed multiple times by the Finnish company itself, most recently a couple of weeks ago. One of the first new Android-powered devices to bear the Nokia name is set to be the D1C, which we've so far seen leaked in three different benchmark databases. And while one of those pegged its screen size at 13.8", the reality is that this will in fact be a phone, according to a new rumor on the matter.

Well, not one phone, but two actually. Apparently we're set to see a lower-end 5-inch Nokia D1C with a 1080p touchscreen, 2GB of RAM, a 13 MP main camera, an 8 MP selfie shooter, and 16GB of built-in storage. It will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 chipset, sporting a 1.4 GHz octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 505 GPU. It will run Android 7.0 Nougat.

Another D1C variation will keep all of those specs, except for packing a bigger 5.5-inch display (with the same 1080p resolution though), a 16 MP rear camera, and 3GB of RAM. Both models are already in the prototype testing phase, say purportedly reliable sources. Additionally, one or both of them might look similar to what's pictured in the renders above.

No clues about pricing have been outed yet, or any specific release time frame. Nokia could make these official at MWC in February, or it may hold a special event of its own at some other time for their introduction.

Source
According to a new report, Sony's Nougat-based Concept for Android firmware for the Xperia X will soon get support for VoLTE. The support will come in form of an update, and the Japanese company is currently working with operators for the new feature.

To begin with, the update containing VoLTE support will be rolled out to eligible units on three of the largest German mobile carriers including Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica/02. After Germany, units in UK and Spain will also get the update.

Via
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Haiti - Health : Privert calls for solidarity and to the sense of responsibility





The de facto President of the Republic, Jocelerme Privert, calls for solidarity, to the sense of responsibility and renewed action by all actors in the fight against HIV AIDS, on the occasion of the World Day against the epidemic on 1 December.



The Head of State welcomes on this occasion the courage of people infected with the virus, the support of their families and their relatives and the health professionals for their work of awareness, prevention and treatment of the disease. The fight must not stop at this moment; It must even intensify to minimize the risks and improve the care of patients.



Haiti has made much progress over the past decade in terms offight against the disease. The Head of State sees this effort as a sign that together we can eradicate the disease by 2025, according to the UN-AIDS plan, through responsible behavior of all, infected people and other actors in the chain.



The number of HIV-positive people receiving medical treatment in Haiti has more than doubled between 2010 and 2015 (more than 82,500 to date). In addition, new infections have decreased by more than 27% since 2004 and AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 49% since 2008. However, 150 961 people still live with HIV / AIDS in Haiti, according to official records, and the prevalence among girls aged 15 to 24 is three times higher than for boys of the same age.



Haiti is a priority country for accelerating the elimination of HIV by 2030. By 2016, the rate of HIV transmission from mothers to their babies at 6 weeks of life has increased to 4.23% while it was more than 12% in 2010. Despite these advances, in Haiti, 7,500 HIV-positive people die each year. The prevalence rate among adults aged 15-49 years is 2.2% (1.7% for men and 2.7% for women), but it rise to 12.9% for men who have sex with men and 8.7% for sex workers.



The spread of HIV in Haiti is linked to multiple factors such as poverty, low education, intergenerational sex, gender inequalities, or limited access to HIV prevention and treatment services. Sensitization actions such as screening and non-discrimination are part of the overall national strategy for the elimination of AIDS, which also includes the provision of treatment.



A commemorative march will be organized on December 4th by Health Through the Walls (HTW) between Juvenat and the Champs de Mars. This event focuses on youth, prevention and awareness-raising against discrimination.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politics: Venezuela congratulates Jovenel Moise





"President Nicolas Maduro on behalf of the Venezuelan Government and people extends his warmest congratulations to the President-elect [Note HL: a President can only be considered as elected when the final results will be published by the CEP on 29 December https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19391-haiti-elections-no-candidate-is-authorized-to-self-declare-elected.html ] of the Republic of Haiti, Jovenel Moise and salutes the Haitian heroic and dignified people for the presidential election on 20 November 2016.



The Homeland of Bolivar and Chavez wants to highlight the great patriotic commitment of the brotherly people of Haiti during the electoral process, overcoming difficulties, including those arising from the effects of nature, showing the maturity and level of consciousness of the Haitian people in the electoral process for building a future of Peace and prosperity.



[...] The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates to the people of Haiti its firm commitment to the construction of a more integrated, fair and supportive Caribbean by strengthening spaces such as PetroCaribe and the Bolivarian Alliance for Peoples of Our America - People's Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), for which, we extend our friendly hand to President-elect Jovenel Moise and his people to continue along the road of struggles and victories for our American independence and in favor of a world without empires and with justice for the Peoples."



SL/ HaitiLibre


















Political prisoner, activist, journalist, hymn-writer, emerging think tanker, aspiring novelist, "tribal elder", parliamentary candidate for North West Durham, Shadow Leader of the Opposition, Speedboat, proudly banned from Twitter so officially more dangerous than the Taliban, eagerly awaiting the second (or possibly third) attempt to murder me.




Haiti - News : Zapping politics...







New violent demonstrations

Yesterday Wednesday a large demonstration compose mainly of Lavalas supporters, but also LAPEH and Pitit Dessalines was on the Delmas road, en route to Petion-ville, was prevented at Delmas 48 from reaching Petion-ville by a major Police presence and CIMO who face the stone throwers used the water cannons and tear gas, on their way the demonstrators broke several windows of cars. Stone jets were also spotted on the Boulevard du 15 octobre near the OAVCT.



Results this Friday

The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) announces that the proclamation of the preliminary results of the partial and complementary legislative and senatorial will be published on Friday, December 2, 2016.



Jovenel Moise has two tasks

According to deputy Gary Bodeau, there are two tasks for Jovenel Moise, launch the constructive dialogue and develop the inclusive political pact essential to stability. "Goodwill is not enough, slogans will not work, you have to make the right decisions that can influence the future."





Marteen Boute heard

Tuesday, Digicel CEO Marteen Boute went to the public prosecutor's office in Port-au-Prince to be heard "on the grounds that your company has published some results of the elections held in the country on November 20 in flagrant violation of the Electoral Decree governing elections" https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19333-haiti-elections-digicel-ceo-convened-to-the-public-prosecutor-s-office.html it is Mirlande Dupiche Prevost, spokesman of the prosecutor's office accompanied by several substitutes of the government commissioner who heard Mr. Boute, who will have to appear again to the public prosecutor of Port au Prince to answer again to the questions of the justice.



A mafia sector at the origin of the manipulations ?

Rony Timothe, one of the spokespersons of the Platform Pitit Dessalines, denounces the preliminary results of the elections and points the finger at a mafia sector at the origin of the manipulations that produced them...



The part of women's vote will be known

Marie Frantz Joachim, Secretary General of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), said she was satisfied with the electoral process, saying that "the weight of women's votes in these elections will be known at the end of the tabulation of the votes cast."



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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Harlow is a former New Town in Essex with a population of 86,000. Located in the upper Stort Valley, it was built in the decades after the Second World War to ease overcrowding and London and provide homes for people bombed out during the Blitz. It includes Britain's first pedestrian precinct and first modern residential tower block, The Lawn. Old Harlow, the historic part of the town, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. David and Victoria Beckham's former home, Rowneybury House, nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', is nearby.

16:31, 2 NOV 2022
more millennials enter the workforce, the bigger the chances that companies would have younger bosses handling older subordinates.And while the age gap may be awkward enough, a new study published in the Journal of Organizational found that in companies that employed more young managers to older subordinates, 12% more employees reported having negative feelings about their job.The companies with more of these negative emotions fared worse when it came to top managers' reports about financial and organisational performance in the survey, reported Jena McGregor at The Washington Post, adding that researchers surveyed 8,000 employees at 61 different German companies for this study.Meritocracy  where the best person is chosen for a particular job, without regard to seniority  may be the right and fair way to hand out promotions but it does have its disadvantages.Doing away with age-based promotions helps prevent stagnant hierarchies, frees up fresh talent and reinforces performance over longevity, wrote McGregor.But it also sets up dynamics between colleagues that are not only uncomfortable for some, but can be detrimental to productivity if not well managed.Florian Kunze, chair for organisational studies at the University of Konstanz in Germany, added that the status incongruence contradicts common career and status norms that prompt negative feelings and these negative feelings can also spread throughout a company to employees who are not directly part of the unusual age supervisory relationship.Older employees who work under younger managers perceive the dynamic as a failure on their part to keep pace with changes in the workplace, he said.In some companies where the culture prompts people to suppress their negative emotions, Kunze and fellow researcher Jochen I. Menges, chair of leadership and HRM at WHU  Otto Beisheim School of Management, found that the hit to company performance was neutralized, though they did not advocate for this solution to the problem.Instead, they said companies should invest in training their managers to be more sensitive to their subordinates negative feelings and how to be proactive about these feelings before it escalates to greater proportions.Recent research has shown that young managers are most successful in these situations if they create a professional distance with the older subordinate and provide autonomy to [them] by setting clear targets and goals, he told McGregor.
The Digital Watauga Project is excited to announce the online addition of two new major collections to its website, DigitalWatauga.org.

The first is the Lowery-Whiting Collection, a group of 51 historic images and several supporting interpretive documents that illustrate the history of the Whiting Lumber Company and the Boone Fork Lumber Company operations at Shulls Mills, North Carolina, from 1915 to 1921. The collection came to Digital Watauga through the generosity of Michael Scott Lowery of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Lowery is the great grandson of William S. Whiting, the lumber baron and entrepreneur behind both companies that operated at Shulls Mills. The full collection is now available for viewing online.

The second collection is the Palmer Blair Collection, which consists of well over 5,000 images taken between 1946 and 1958. The vast majority of the images are from original negatives and photographs produced by Boone photographer Palmer Blair, who operated a local photo studio and served as a stringer photographer for numerous publications between 1946 and his death in a plane crash in March 1957. Two assistants who worked for BlairFrank Hartley and J. C. Booneare believed to have taken photographs in the collection that were shot during the remainder of 1957. Additional photographs shot in 1958 and attributed to George Flowers, another significant Boone photographer who bought Blairs photo shop in January 1958, are also present in the collection.

The Palmer Blair Collection comes to Digital Watauga through the remarkable generosity of Boone resident Sarah Lynn SpencerPalmer Blairs widowand the logistical assistance of Spencers children. Because of the size of this collection, only the first box of 1,065 negatives has been digitized thus far. Rather than wait until the entire collection has been digitized, Digital Watauga is making the collection available in stages to the public as portions of the collection are completed.

This first wave of images from the Palmer Blair Collection documents numerous family reunions (Clawson, Cook, Daugherty, Edmisten, Farthing, and Walker), promotional shots for Grandfather Mountain, the interiors of several Downtown Boone businesses, various studio portraits, Senator Estes Kefauvers visit to Mayview Manor in 1956, various bank and business meetings, several local car dealerships, early productions of Horn in the West, and a large number of car accidents. Also depicted are campers at assorted local summer camps and students from Blowing Rock High School, Cove Creek High School, Cove Creek Elementary School, Happy Valley High School, and Appalachian State Teachers College in various candid shots.

The Digital Watauga Project has been actively pursuing additional acquisitions this fall, including the following recently acquired collections, which are presently being catalogued and digitized:

*Clarence A. Price Home Movies Collection (1947-1953)This moving image collection documents various Boone and Watauga County scenes, as well as the 1949 Centennial Parade and the 1950 fire at the Appalachian Theatre;

*H. L. and Gladys Coffey CollectionThis collection includes several shots of the July 4, 1919, parade through Downtown Boone, as well as approximately 30 images of residents of the Grassy Creek vicinity of Watauga County;

*Linda Miller Slide CollectionThis collection consists of various images of Downtown Boone, including the 1973 Wagon Train Parade;

*Henry DeWolf Aerial Surveys of Boone and Watauga CountyThis collection contains seven aerial shots of Downtown Boone and various county scenes taken circa 1972; and the

*Paul Armfield Coffey Collection (1950s to 1990s)This collection of approximately 1,500 images consists of photographs shot for the Watauga Democrat while under the editorial leadership of the Rivers family and Paul Armfield Coffey.

Digital Watauga anticipates that these collections, along with additional content from the Palmer Blair Collection, will be added online over the next six months.

The Digital Watauga Project is a partnership between the Watauga County Historical Society and the Watauga County Public Library and was established in 2014. The principal aim of the Digital Watauga Project is the digital preservation of Watauga Countys historical images, documents, and other materials. By serving as a digital clearinghouse of Watauga Countys history, Digital Watauga encourages its members and the citizens of Watauga County to make our history more accessible to the general public while also allowing the owners of historical materials to retain ownership and control over their original images, documents, and artifacts. Digital Watauga also sponsors regular public events designed to highlight components of its digital collection and educate the Watauga County community about its rich, multifaceted, and important history.

If you have a collection of images or documents that chronicles the history of Watauga County and would like to share it with Digital Watauga, please contact us at [email protected], or call Eric Plaag, the Chairperson of the Digital Watauga Project, at (828) 773-6525.

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Finnish boys, in particular, have seen their test scores in mathematics and science drop over the past couple of years.

The Ministry of Education and Culture has revealed that the dip in the performance of 15-year-old students in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has been duplicated by fourth-graders in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).

Girls have overtaken boys in all of the areas examined. In order to improve the results, attention should be paid especially to the attitudes and capabilities of learners at the beginning of their journey through the education system, a ministry spokesperson says in a press release.

The 2015 TIMSS found that the average score of Finnish boys has fallen by 18 points in mathematics and 22 points in science since the previous iteration of the study in 2011. The average score of girls, meanwhile, has fallen by 2 points in mathematics and 10 points in science.

No such gender gap was noticeable in the 2011 TIMSS, as Finnish boys only narrowly outperformed girls in both mathematics and science.

A drop in the share of boys with excellent scores is a key reason for the drop in the average score of boys. It is alarming that gender differences are noticeable at such an early stage of the education journey, lament Jouni Vettenranta, a study co-ordinator, and Jenna Hiltunen, a researcher at the Finnish Institute of Educational Research.

The national curriculum for basic education places an emphasis on the significance of school as a promoter of gender equality, but it seems yet to be realised.

Finland, the press release indicates, was the only top-performing country in the 2011 TIMSS to record a decline in national average scores  from 545 to 535 in mathematics and 570 to 554 in science. Finnish fourth-graders consequently saw their ranking decline from 8th to 13th in mathematics and 3rd to 5th in science in the 2015 TIMSS.

Finnish learners continue to score relatively high on both knowledge and skills-based tests, despite the recent dip in test performance, remind Hiltunen and Vettenranta. We ranked second among OECD countries in science and scored well above the OECD average in mathematics, they point out.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Vesa Moilanen  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
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Crime Scene Investigators pictured arriving at Hassetts Villas, Thomondgate in Limerick where Simone Lee was attacked. Photo: Frank McGrath

Doctors treating a woman who was stabbed, scalded and beaten in her flat are still discovering injuries on her body days later.

Simone Lee (37) was at Hassett's Villas in Thomondgate in Limerick city when she was attacked late on Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday.

Her family have said they're prioritising her recovery from her horrific ordeal and that she is a "fighter".

She is still in an induced coma in University Hospital Limerick as her shocked family hold a bedside vigil.

The medical team in the intensive care unit are giving her round-the-clock care and hope to transfer her to Cork University Hospital or a Dublin hospital in the coming days.

"Simone is still critically ill, she has a long, hard road ahead and we will be here for her," said Simone's sister Una from Limerick Hospital.

A man who was arrested by gardai in relation to the attack was released without charge on Monday and a file on the matter is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Simone's family has told of the extent of her injuries.

"They are unimaginable," said Una.

"She has burns to her face, and burns to her upper body and shoulders. Her ears are burned and her lips are swollen too, but as far as we are aware she didn't ingest what scalded her, which is good.

Stabbing

"Simone also has a number of injuries to her back and has a punctured lung as a result, and for that reason she is on a machine to help her breathe."

It is believed the wounds to Simone's back were as a result of stabbing.

"There are also different knocks to her head and face and she has stitches in many areas, including heavy suturing around her eyes and her eyebrows," said Una.

"The doctors and nurses are doing incredible work and they are in constant touch with their colleagues in Cork and Dublin.

"But there are injuries still surfacing on Simone that we did not know about previously. She still has to undergo some scans and X-rays, but there is bruising surfacing on her shoulders now that was not there initially.

"Day by day we are seeing more injuries, but Simone not surviving is not an option for us. We are concentrating on getting her better. That is our priority as a family.

"Simone is an amazing girl and an incredible fighter, but she has a massive long road ahead," she added.

Asked about the investigation into the attack, Una said the family's priority is Simone.

Support

"We have full faith in the gardai and they are keeping us informed. They are in full support of our family," said Una.

The attack on Simone caused widespread shock in Limerick.

The scene at Hassett's Villas remained sealed off until Monday while a garda technical bureau team from Dublin carried out forensic tests and gathered evidence.

A window on the top-floor apartment was smashed during the attack and broken glass littered the street below.

Gardai are investigating if hot water was used to burn Simone during the attack. They have been unable to speak to her yet.
Bernadette Scully arrives at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin this morning, where she is charged with the manslaughter of her daughter, Emily Barut (11), in September, 2012. Photo: Collins Courts

The partner of a GP on trial for the manslaughter of her severely disabled daughter has said the child was her "number one priority".

Bernadette Scully (58) of Emvale, Bachelor's Walk, Tullamore, Co Offaly has denied the manslaughter of her daughter Emily Barut (11) by an act of gross negligence involving the administration of an excessive quantity of a sedative.

Andrius Koslovskis told the trial at the Central Criminal Court that he lived with Dr Scully and had a very active role in caring for Emily.

He said he had found a note in the car on the day of the child's death and had become "emotional".

Two weeks before her death, the young disabled child had an operation to replace the peg tube used to deliver medication and she was in "constant pain" and "really suffering", he said.

Strain

Asked if Dr Scully was under strain at this time, he replied that she was.

On September 15, 2012 Mr Koslovskis was playing music at a memorial service for Dr Scully's nephew who had died from sudden adult death syndrome. Dr Scully had not attended because she was caring for Emily.

When he returned, Dr Scully was very distressed and told him Emily had a seizure.

She sent him to get medication but when he returned, she counted the tablets and said there was not enough, sending him back for more.

He could not recall seeing or hearing Emily on either of these two occasions. When he returned again, she asked him to go and get some food.

This time he took "Emily's car" and noticed an envelope.

"It was all emotional, I remember being upset," he said.

When he came home with food, Dr Scully was tired and he left her to sleep. He checked Emily at 9pm and found her cold. He said he panicked and tried to rouse Dr Scully before calling an ambulance.

He said Emily was Dr Scully's number one priority and she would never hurt her.

Earlier, Dr Scully's sister, Teresa told how Emily had been born in 2000 following a third IVF attempt for Bernadette and her then husband.

When Emily was diagnosed with microcephaly, she said Dr Scully used her expertise as a doctor "to improve Emily's life, but most of all her dignity".

Emily was unable to speak but could make some small sounds and she suffered seizures that were "very severe".

In this time Dr Scully's marriage broke down. Emily's father was not able to deal with his daughter's situation and had problems with drinking.

Ms Scully described her sister as a deeply caring person who had been "a pillar of support" when her own husband was killed in the British Army in Afghanistan.
A woman has been awarded 37,500 damages after she developed permanent facial skin damage following her use of a "high-end" cosmetic product that was recommended to her by a beauty therapist.

Margaret McLaughlin (45) told the Circuit Civil Court that, in March 2013, after receiving a bonus payment from work, she decided to treat herself to a facial at Revive, Milltown Road, Dublin.

Ms McLaughlin told her barrister that, after the treatment, the beauty therapist advised her she had sensitive skin and recommended that she use Image Total Resurfacing Masque - a chemical peel on sale at Revive - twice weekly.

Ms McLaughlin, of Hazelbrook, Kilmacud Road Upper, Stillorgan, said she bought the product and used it once but washed it off quickly after feeling a burning sensation on her face.

She said the feeling then settled and, after thinking it was a normal reaction, she decided to use it once more. However, the burning sensation became worse second time around and Ms McLaughlin also developed swelling of her nose and redness on her forehead and chin.

Cream

She had gone back to Revive which, the court heard, is now out of business, and had been advised by the manager to apply a hydrocortisone cream.

Ms McLaughlin said she had felt no improvement to her skin, which was red, blotchy and itchy, and later went to her GP.

The court heard she had developed acne rosacea, a skin disease that causes redness of the face and she said she had ongoing issues with her skin, even though three years have passed since the incident.

"I had perfect skin before," she said. "I went from having a facial as a treat to having permanent skin damage," McLaughlin said.

She sued Revive Experience Limited, with an address at Herbert Street, Dublin, and also product supplier Renaissance Products Limited, Church Street, Howth, for negligence. Both denied liability.

Renaissance Products Limited alleged the Image Total Resurfacing Masque was a high-end product sold only by professionals who had been trained. The court heard that an analysis of the product had not revealed any issue.

McLaughlin claimed the product had been too harsh for her skin. She had been distressed and her confidence and her life had been affected. The court heard she needs to be careful not to expose her skin to the sun.

Analysis

Judge Raymond Groarke said Revive Experience Ltd failed to carry out a skin analysis or a patch test on Ms McLaughlin's skin before recommending the product and therefore failed in its duty of care.

The judge told barrister Eamon Marray, who appeared with Donal M Gahan, Ritchie & Co solicitors for Renaissance, that he was satisfied no case had been made against them.

Judge Groarke awarded McLaughlin 37,500 damages along with her legal costs.
A vile rapist was strangled in Glasnevin Cemetery, chopped up and buried in a Dublin park, gardai believe.

A dig will begin in the coming weeks for body parts of James Nolan, whose arm washed up on Dollymount Strand in 2011.

It is believed Nolan, from Finglas, was strangled to death by his killer in Glasnevin Cemetery before his body was brought to an address in north Dublin and cut into pieces.

Details of the dig for some of the scattered body parts in a park on the northside comes as gardai in Co Monaghan also plan to resume searches for other remains of the convicted sex offender.

Officers are carrying out fresh investigations because of details left in a 21-page suicide letter written by Nolan's killer and sent to family members.

After dismembering the body, the killer then disposed of most of Nolan's body parts in Co Monaghan and at a park that is "extremely popular" with walkers on the capital's northside.

It is understood that the severed arm that was found washed up at Dollymount Strand had been thrown into the Tolka River and then washed out to sea.

Credible

Gardai are treating the contents of the letter as being "very credible". Its now-deceased author was a very close associate of Nolan and is the chief suspect in the shocking case.

Detectives are working on the theory that after being strangled to death, Nolan's body was dismembered, he was decapitated and even his fingers were cut-off.

An inquest previously heard that the rapist's arm was found by a man walking his dog on February 8, 2011.

State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy said that Nolan's arm was "cleanly" severed post-death using a very sharp knife and tattoos had been cut from the skin.

Nolan's last known whereabouts were when he collected methadone from the Wellmount Clinic in Finglas on November 30, 2010.

Nolan had been missing since shortly after he was released from Portlaoise Prison having served a three-year sentence there for burglary in Booterstown, south Dublin, in 2005.

In 1986 he was jailed for 14 years when he was convicted of rape and false imprisonment.

The 1986 rape attack is considered one of the most savage to have ever happened in Ireland and the victim was brutally attacked in front of her partner.

Sources say that the rape incident is being probed as a possible motive for Nolan's gruesome murder even though his suspected killer was not present on the night.

"One theory coming from the suicide letter is that Nolan's killer murdered him because he was absolutely disgusted about the rape but there are other theories as well," a source said.

These include reports that James Nolan received a cash windfall after his release from prison but he refused to help out his killer financially and a major row occurred.

Another prominent theory being investigated is that Nolan had been stealing money from an elderly woman known to both of them.

Butchered

Earlier this month it emerged that gardai in Co Monaghan spent two days searching a lake in the county after a relative of Nolan's passed on the suicide letter to gardai.

In the letter, the man is believed to have described butchering Nolan before dumping some of his remains in Lough na Glack lake near Carrickmacross.

Gardai believe the letter's author became concerned after a search was carried out in the lake for the remains of a Polish national the previous week.

He took his own life after writing the shocking letter.

At the inquest into Nolan's death, evidence of how he was identified was given by a senior garda.

Detective Inspector Paul Scott revealed that his identification was confirmed using a DNA sample taken from the arm which matched a DNA profile on a UK police database.

Nolan had been arrested at Holyhead in 2004 when he was found using a forged driving licence and details and DNA were taken at the time.

The photograph and fingerprints were also cross-referenced with the Garda database.

Det-Insp Scott said the Garda diving unit had carried out an extensive search of the sea around Dollymount Strand, but had found nothing else.

Professor Marie Cassidy said there was no evidence of any bleeding or blood loss into the tissues, indicating that he was dead when the cuts were made.

The limb had been in the water for days "if not weeks", said Professor Cassidy.

Nolan's arm had been "fairly cleanly cut", using a "very sharp implement".

"A propeller can leave quite a clean mark on a body, but they are usually longer. These were very carefully and deliberately going around the whole circumference of the limb. It was deliberately cut," she said.

Two large sections of skin had been removed from the victim's upper arm and forearm, with the cuts "cleanly excised".

Sources say that an exact date for the planned dig in the north Dublin park has not yet been finalised but should happen "sooner rather than later".

"It is not the best weather at the moment for this kind of operation and the terrain in the area is difficult enough," a source said.

"Another issue is that the park will have to be closed off to the public while this is going on and it is an area that is very popular with walkers.

"It is hoped the dig will happen within the coming weeks."
Pensioners are being warned not to open their doors to strangers over the Christmas period as con artists prepare to scam the vulnerable.

Elderly charity Age Action Ireland has also advised them to fit front doors with security chains and peep holes.

It is understood a number of scammers have been busy knocking on doors across the city posing as door-to-door charity groups.

Dangers

Age Action spokesman Gerry Scully told the Herald that the organisation produced a number of leaflets highlighting the potential dangers posed by cold callers, including one entitled Scams And Frauds - How To Protect Yourself.

"The scam that older people are most vulnerable to are cold callers, so that's somebody calling at the door unannounced offering to do work," he said.

"Never open the door to strangers. Get a peep hole if you can, but certainly get a chain so that you don't have to open the door fully to strangers.

"People may call offering things like meals, or supposedly collecting for charities, but any bona fida charity will have proper ID.

"Before you let someone in, check with the company or the organisation they are representing. But do not call a mobile number. It has to be a landline."

Sean Moynihan, of ALONE, a charity that highlights issues facing older people living alone, told the Herald that the elderly may not be scammed any more than others, but the mental effect is far worse.

"Scams include opportunism, where a person calls to the door, perhaps asking to come in for a glass of water," he said.

Impostor

Ballymun councillor Paul McAuliffe said one such incident in his area saw an elderly woman bring someone in pretending to be working for a water company.

The person turned out to be an impostor, and took money from the woman's house.

"You're in a very vulnerable state there, because she's questioning herself and she's questioning why are they upstairs and eventually she was able to get them out of the house, but they did take money."
He would love to move to America one day and Brian Dowling has said he is not worried about Donald Trump rolling back gay rights when he becomes US president.

Many gay rights activists have expressed concern over what the Republican's policies will be on the issue.

His vice president-elect, Mike Pence, while serving as governor of the state of Indiana, signed a law that attempted to jail gay couples who applied for a marriage licence and the judges or clerks who supplied the licence to them.

Minority

Brian stressed the need for minority groups to feel safe in American society as the country prepares for the Trump family to move into the White House in January.

"In this day and age everyone has to feel safe. Black people and Muslim people and for them to feel unsafe is a horrible thing. As a white, Irish, gay man, I feel relatively safe and I'm lucky I can say that," he said.

However, Brian acknowledged it may be worse when he crosses the Atlantic. The Kildare man is going on holiday to the states soon with husband Arthur Gourounlian, and he recently secured an American agent with the hope of getting work there in the future. "I'll be going shopping, socialising, maybe a bit of work. I got an American agent a while ago," he told the Herald.

Brian revealed he's thinking about moving to America when he's had enough of living in London.

"America is something in the long term, yeah," he said.

"I'm lucky I'd be able to do that. It's not something I'd like to do immediately but in the future."
BRISTOL, Va. -- Due to the overwhelming amount of participation in the Gatlinburg/Sevier County Relief fundraising effort by Food City and Bristol Motor Speedway, officials have decided to extend the drive until Saturday, Dec. 10.

"We have collected over $428,000 to benefit our friends and neighbors in need. We want to do everything possible to continue to garner support for this critically important initiative," said Food City president and chief executive officer, Steve Smith. "Therefore, we have elected to extend our in-store collection campaign through Saturday, December 10th to provide our customers, associates, and colleagues ample time to contribute."

Customers who visit stores in Kentucky, Virginia and the Tri-Cities will be able to help by rounding their bill up or giving any amount when they check out.

BRISTOL, Va.  Food City CEO Steve Smith was emotional Wednesday when he explained about why his company is giving $50,000 to those affected by the deadly wildfires that ravaged Gatlinburg, Tennessee Monday night.

Five Food city employees lost their homes to the fires.

There might be more, he said during a news conference held by Food City and Bristol Motor Speedway at the store on Euclid Avenue in Bristol. But five of our people have lost everything  and the mayor of Gatlinburg lost his home, his business and his town is severely damaged. Its tough.

And customers who visit stores in Kentucky, Virginia and the Tri-Cities will be able to help by rounding their bill up or giving any amount when they check out.

No donation is too small, Smith said. We want to do everything we can to help our friends and neighbors so people can give anywhere from a nickel up through Dec. 7.

BMS is holding four fundraisers. The speedway will match all of the proceeds from Speedway in Lights and the Ice Rink today and give that amount to Gatlinburg and Sevier County, said Logan McCabe, vice president of communications at BMS.

Speedway Childrens Charities is near to our hearts, so were not going to take any of their money  were going to match what they take in dollar for dollar and donate that. Were hopeful that the fundraiser will increase the number of cars that come through Speedway in Lights so people can have a holiday experience and help those in desperate need, both here and in Gatlinburg.

In addition, the speedway will start a red bucket brigade at Speedway in Lights that will run through Dec. 7. McCabe said those visiting the raceway can drop their donations into the buckets when they enter the track. Those who cannot visit the speedway can give by calling the ticket office at 423-BRISTOL.

The track will also open free of charge the Medallion camping area to anyone with a camper or RV from the Gatlinburg/Sevier County who have been displaced.

Food City is working with the mayor and Chamber of Commerce of Gatlinburg/Sevier County to ensure that 100 percent of the money collected goes to those who need it, Smith said.
It's been 125 years since Dracula was published. And it's still scary.
On Jan. 18, if all goes according to plan, Virginia will execute Ricky Gray for killing a former Virginia Beach homecoming queen and her family in Richmond more than a decade ago.





Gray, whose only other option is the electric chair, will likely die by lethal injection. But the method the state uses to administer the deadly drugs is raising concerns and prompting Gray's lawyers to consider their response, including a potential court challenge.





The 3-drug combination that Virginia has chosen for the execution includes Midazolam, a drug that the state has never used before and that has been involved in botched executions elsewhere.





Furthermore, Virginia would become the 1st state in the country to use a version of Midazolam manufactured by a "compounding pharmacy" - one whose identity is not released to the public and which does not operate under the same federal regulations as the large drug makers.





"It hasn't been done before anywhere, and the drug is new to Virginia executions," said Rob Lee, one of Gray's lawyers and the executive director of the Virginia Capital Representation Resource Center.





Midazolam would be the 1st of the 3 drugs administered in the execution. State officials say other drugs previously used as the 1st in the process have become very difficult to get.





"Florida has used this 3-drug protocol many times, starting with a lethal injection on Oct. 15, 2013," said state Department of Corrections spokeswoman Lisa Kinney.





But the Midazolam used there wasn't made in secret by a compound pharmacy, said Megan McCracken, a lethal injection expert who works with the Death Penalty Clinic at the UC Berkeley School of Law. The drug's use in executions was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2015.





"It brings 2 sets of concerns together," McCraken said. "It's 2 significant changes that introduce risks of pain and suffering."





Gray was convicted of killing 49-year-old Bryan Harvey, 39-year-old Kathryn Harvey and their daughters, 9-year-old Stella and 4-year-old Ruby, on New Year's Day 2006. The family was bound and beaten and their throats cut in the basement of their suburban Richmond home, which was then set on fire.





Bryan was a well-known musician, and Kathryn was a former Cox High School homecoming queen who owned a toy store. In all, Gray and his nephew Ray Joseph Dandridge are linked to the killings of 9 people.





Gray was arrested 7 days after the murders and confessed to them. He told police he and Dandridge were looking for a house to rob and noticed the front door was open. After the killings, they stole a computer, wedding ring and basket of cookies.





Gray pleaded not guilty to the charges, arguing he should receive leniency because of evidence of physical and sexual abuse during his childhood and because he used PCP during the killings. He was found guilty in August 2006 and sentenced to death that October.





Virginia has executed 111 people since 1982, but only 6 since 2010. Currently there are 7 men, including Gray, on death row.





An execution date of March 16, 2016, was set in January but Gray was issued a stay in federal court to allow the U.S. Supreme Court to consider 2 petitions. The time for the Supreme Court to review those has now expired, and a circuit court judge earlier this month set Jan. 18, 2017, as Gray's execution date.





It was questionable whether the state could have executed Gray in March anyway.





For years the drugs used in executions nationwide have been harder and harder for states to obtain. Drug-makers do not want their names or their products associated with executions and have refused to sell them to states for that purpose.





That has led many states to turn to the compounding pharmacies, which make the drugs and then provide them to states in secret. Until this year, Virginia did not have a law allowing for the use of such drugs.





In February, during the legislative session, Corrections Department officials claimed that they did not have enough pentobarbital - then used as the 1st drug in the state's 3-drug cocktail - to execute Gray.





DOC officials had obtained 3 vials of pentobarbital from Texas last year, 1 of which was used to execute convicted murderer Alfredo Prieto. Though they had 2 unexpired vials left, state officials claimed they didn't have enough.





The Virginia Death Penalty Coalition, which opposes the death penalty, released a statement claiming that the state had the drugs it needed to kill Gray by using lethal injection and that the department's claim otherwise was designed to put pressure on state legislators to bring back the electric chair.





Inmates condemned to die in Virginia can choose between lethal injection and the electric chair, but the state must use lethal injection if an inmate refuses to make the choice. That meant that if the drugs weren't available, Gray could have refused to choose a method of execution and the execution could not move forward.





The General Assembly passed a bill allowing the state to choose the electric chair as its method of execution. Rather than sign the bill, McAuliffe amended it to allow state officials to obtain execution drugs made by compound pharmacies in secret.





McAuliffe, a Democrat who supports capital punishment, said at the time that his plan was essential to ensure that the death penalty continues without resorting to the electric chair.





"These manufacturers will not do business in Virginia if their identities are to be revealed," McAuliffe said at a news conference.





In addition to being the first using Midazolam obtained in secret, Gray's execution would also be the 1st under the new law.





"The ongoing issue," said Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, "is how do you assure that the drug is as advertised when you don't know the producer or what its safety record is? How can a prisoner be offered an alternative way of being executed if he doesn't know what the source of the drugs is and the state is the only one with that information?"





Gray requested additional information about the execution process from the state, which refused to provide it.





At a hearing Nov. 21, a judge declined to force the state to release more information about its process.





Lee said he is considering appealing the ruling.





In a 3-drug protocol execution, the 1st drug is supposed to render the condemned person unconscious, the 2nd to paralyze him and the 3rd to stop his heart.





1 of the problems with using Midazolam is that it is not an anesthetic, but an anti-anxiety drug, McCracken said.





In 2 of the botched executions using the drug - that of Joseph Wood in Arizona in July 2014 and Dennis McGuire in Ohio in January 2015 - Midazolam was part of a 2-drug cocktail. The botched execution of Clayton Lockett in April 2014, in which there were problems inserting an IV to get the drugs into his bloodstream, used 3 drugs.





In all 3 cases, the condemned man at first appeared to be unconscious, then gasped for air or struggled in pain.





"It's not used to maintain anesthesia," McCracken said. "So with the 3 botched executions using Midazolam, 1 of the similarities ... is the person initially loses consciousness or appears to and then regains consciousness."





In all of those, the potency of the drug being used was known because it was made by drug makers, not at a compound pharmacy, McCracken said. If Gray is executed using a compound version of Midazolam in January, no one will know the potency of the drug, she said.





"There is a lot of science out there that this is an inappropriate drug to use," she said. "And in Virginia you have the related issue of the new statute that makes so much information confidential. ... This is a unique situation."

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Source: The Virginian-Pilot, November 30, 2016
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A son cant take his parents property for granted. The Delhi High Court has ruled that irrespective of his marital status, a son has no legal right to live in the self-acquired house of his parents and he can reside there only at their mercy. Only because parents have allowed him to live in their house as long as their relations are cordial does not mean they have to bear his burden throughout his life, it said.

There is nothing new in the verdict. But it clarifies and reiterates the legal position to the benefit of people who often think that a child has a right to his parents property by birth. A Hindu has a right by birth only in ancestral property and not in the self-acquired property of his parents.

Read: Son has no legal right in parents house, can stay at their mercy: Delhi HC

The HC has rightly dismissed the plea of a man and his wife challenging the order of a trial court, which had passed a decree in favour of his parents. Acting on a civil suit by the old couple, the trial court had asked their son and daughter-in-law to vacate the floors in their possession.

The order must be welcomed as it serves as a form of protection and assurance for the elderly  vulnerable to harassment and manipulation at the hands of their children who are supposed to support them in old age.

We cling on to the myth that we are a society which respects elders but neither the State nor family ensures a life of dignity for people once they are past their `shelf life.

Read: Forcing husband to separate from family is ground for divorce: SC

Having control of their own self-acquired property is a huge insurance for the elderly.

India is often described as a young nation where 65% of the population is below the age of 35. But thats only one side of the coin. According to a ministry of statistics report, the number of citizens over the age of 60 jumped 35.55 from 7.6 crore in 2001 to 10.3 crore in 2011. The number of elderly reached an all-time high i.e. 8.6% of Indias 121-crore population.

Perhaps it was for this reason that Parliament enacted Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act in 2007 to have better provision for maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens. The law makes it a legal obligation for children and legal heirs to give maintenance to senior citizens and parents and provides for speedy mechanism for the protection of life and property of the elderly. This is in addition to Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code  a general provision on maintenance.

The Delhi HC verdict is bound to supplement the existing legal framework for the protection of the elderly, besides educating common people on the issue.
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.
Amidst the chaos over demonetisation, campaigning in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh has suddenly gone into slow motion.

Leaders, who used to hit the campaign trail much before declaration of polls, are busy protesting or supporting demonetisation, either in Parliament or on the streets.

Even candidates, whose names have been cleared by the leadership, have been forced to stay home instead of going out for door-to-door campaigns.

Many candidates who campaigned in the countryside were bluntly told,You are asking for votes while we are struggling for notes.

Their outings are limited to attending marriages or death rituals. Voters take note of their candidates social commitments.

Helpless as they are in providing succour to public, the netas feel unwanted. A BSP candidate in Allahabad said, Koi hamara naam nahi le raha (no one even mentions our names).

Ironically, the candidates themselves are short of new currency to arrange publicity material. A candidate from Agra said, Even our workers are standing in long queues.

BSP candidate from Lucknow Central, Rajeev Srivastava said, Sensing the public indifference, we are forced to do closed-door meetings only.

There were reports that some candidates distributed old notes among voters. After December 30, all banned notes will turn into scrap. As deposits of huge amounts will invite IT notice, a candidate distributed them in Sitapur, a politician claimed.

You are asking for votes while we are struggling for notes

Meanwhile, BSPs small bhaichara meetings led by Naseemuddin Siddiqui and Satish Chandra Mishra are still on, which, according to its rivals, are mainly attended by Jatavs, Mayawatis core support group.

The party was the first to distribute tickets but is planning a major shake-up while BJP may start ticket distribution in the New Year.

Their state-wide pativartan yatra is evoking little public response except the ones addressed by partys top leaders, including three by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he exhorted party cadre to spread the message of cashless transactions to end corruption in the country.

The BJP will start ticket distribution after the parivartan yatra in which all aspirants are putting their best foot forward.

The Samajwadi Party show is confined to Mulayam Singh Yadavs rallies in the divisions while Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is on an inauguration spree. He had said recently, We are engaged in a family feud when we should have hit the campaign trail.

However, demonetisation has overshadowed the feud too. The senior Yadav has managed to iron out differences.

The Congresss khat sabhas have become a thing of the past: people are beginning to forget them.

Demonetisation is not only dominating the political discourse but also public discussions. The divisions on the lines of for and against are clear as majority are expecting a miracle by Prime Minister Modi.

Senior RLD leader Jayant Choudhary said, It appears the Prime Minister has some plan up his sleeves to assuage the hurt feelings of the masses. He may announce a lucrative scheme in his budget before UP elections.

The RLD is demanding loan waiver for farmers in the country.

Last time, the Election Commission had announced elections in UP on December 24 in 2012. The seven phase polling had started on February 3 and ended on March 3. Results were out on March 6.

This time, after the demonetisation bombshell, they are too busy arranging new currency to go on a campaign.
Government employees associations in MP are miffed that the state government did not pay heed to their request for making arrangements to dole out a portion of salary in cash.

According to employees associations, there are approximately 3.45 lakh Class III and IV employees, 2.5 lakh teachers, 2 lakh contractual employees, 1 lakh government-run boards and corporations besides 1.3 lakh class I and II officers in Madhya Pradesh.

MP Class III Employees Association general secretary Laxminarayan Sharma told HT that the associations had written to the chief secretary urging employees be given some cash against their salaries but there was no response from the government.

The central government and even neighbouring Chhattisgarh have decided to give `10,000 each in cash to the employees against their salaries, he said.

The MP government could have followed the suit. But despite written and verbal requests, we didnt get any assurance.

Banks would be overburdened in the next few days, particularly when employees turn up to withdraw money in a large number from their accounts, he added.

Sudhir Nayak of State Secretariat Employees Association said government employees were mentally prepared to endure the sufferings in the national interest.

But if this trend and situation continue for a long time, we will have to think our course of action.

But parliamentary affairs minister Narottam Mihra claimed he was unaware of any such demand raised by the government employees for part payment of salary in cash.

Meanwhile, banks claimed they were geared up to meet the salary rush.

State Bank of India, Madhya Pradesh, public relations officer Udai Bhagwat said the bank has enough cash and employees would not face any inconvenience.

We are not facing any problem The limit is sufficient. This is the salary week yet we havent run out of cash or received any complaint, Narendra Mishra, branch manager of Central Bank of India, said.

I dont know why certain banks are complaining about shortage of cash. We are receiving sufficient cash. There was a shortage in the beginning but now everything is well settled, said Monika Chhatri from Axis bank.
For 66-year-old Shyam Narayan Chouksey, the national anthem represents the pride, the struggles and the sacrifices made by the people and freedom fighters for freeing India from British rule.

Cant we even spare 52 seconds to give due respect and honour to the anthem that represents so much? Chouksey told HT after the apex court gave the historic order on Wednesday.

It was his public interest litigation on which the Supreme Court ordered that the national anthem must be played before any movie is screened at a public theatre.

Chouksey runs an NGO Gandhivadhi Manch in Bhopal and has been fighting for nationalistic and environmental causes since his retirement for last 15 years. I cant bear to see people dishonoring or not showing enough respect for things that symbolically represent our pride, the struggle of lakhs of people for making this beautiful country independent, he says.

Chouksey says his fight began when he watched Bollywood movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham at Jyoti Theatre in 2001. When the national anthem was sung in the movie, I was surprised to see no reaction among the audience. Apart from me only a few stood up to pay respect. Some people sitting behind even objected to our standing up. I couldnt bear the disrespect. So I staged satyagrah outside the theatre and put banners.

Chouksey went on to file a case in the high court in 2002. In my petition, I objected to the use of national anthem in a commercial venture and its dramatisation. In July 2003, the high court banned its screening till the scene was removed from the movie. But the movie producer approached the Supreme Court and got a stay.

Chouksey adds it was in 2005 that the apex court set aside the high courts order that directed the producer and director to delete that portion of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham where the national anthem was sung. Finally I decided to file a PIL in the apex court last month to take the fight on the issue on a broader level on the national stage.

I pleaded that national anthem be sung for entire 52 seconds, without any disruption, without dramatisation or commercial exploitation, before a movie starts and during prayers in the schools. And there should be prior intimation before the anthem starts. And I will continue my fight to ensure that National Anthem is played in the schools during morning prayers. This will instill patriotic fervour in our children.
Demonetisation has put investigating agencies in MP in a fix over seized cash of outlawed denominations.

In absence of any guideline from the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on exchange of the cash used as evidence in the bribery cases, investigation agencies in Jabalpur are waiting for instructions from their respective headquarters for taking necessary action in this regard.

The cash in these cases were used as baits to trap the accused and were provided by the complainants.

The cut-off date to deposit the old bank notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 denominations with the banks is December 30, 2016.

Meanwhile three district courts have sought advice from the MP high court administration about what to do with the cash that is used as proof in bribery cases where trial is pending.

As per the practice in the trial courts in Madhya Pradesh the cash amount that is used as a proof in such cases submitted by an investigation agency is kept in the sealed envelope bearing case details on cover in the states treasury.

The high court might seek clarification from the union government in this matter, MP high courts registrar general Manohar Mamtani told HT. The advisory will be issued to the trial courts soon.

Investigation agencies are compiling the amount of cash in Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes used as proof in the bribery cases.

Instructions from the headquarters are awaited: CBI Jabalpur branch SP

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Jabalpur branch superintendent of police PK Pande told HT that instructions from the headquarters were awaited and their concern was only with the money used as traps in bribery cases where notes were seized as evidence.

As far the disproportionate sources of income cases are concerned the amount of money seized is deposited in the current account in the banks, Pande said.

Padma Vilochan Shukla, superintendent of police Special Police Establishment, Lokayukta Jabalpur office told HT if any complainant whose case was pending approached the investigation agency on this issue, guidance might be sought from the trial court.

Allow man to exchange old notes, HC tells trial court

The high court has directed a trial court to return a complainants money, which was held as evidence in a graft case, for allowing him exchange demonetized notes.

Balak Singh had moved an application before the high court appealing his money worth Rs one lakh needs to be exchanged with new currency notes.

In 2012, Singh had lodged a complaint with the Special Police Establishment  Lokayukta office in Sagar against sub divisional officer (forest) Kailash Verma for demanding Rs 1 lakh to release his seized tractor. The Lokayukta had caught Verma red handed with Rs one lakh.

Singhs counsel Som Mishra said the old currency notes of Rs 1,000 is no more in circulation and if the complainant do not exchange to notes by December 30, it will be of no value.
The Shivraj Singh Chouhan government carried out a massive shake-up of police department late on Tuesday by transferring 52 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers.

But the decision to transfer district police superintendent of Bhind, Navneet Bhasin didnt go down well with the common people in Bhind district, who took to streets against the move.

Several people, including school, college students and girls also staged protests across Bhind town demanding the revoking of Bhasins transfer as SP Khandwa.

The protestors claimed that along with district collector Ilayaraja T and other district officials, Bhind SP Navneet Bhasin had done immense work for establishing peace and tranquillity, particularly action against sexual-harassers. The protestors also submitted a memorandum, addressed to the CM, to the district collector for revoking the transfer of Bhasin, who they credited with crackdown against the exam copying mafia.

On Tuesday night, the government ordered the transfer of 52 IPS officers, including five additional DG rank officials, among them ADG (CID) Anil Kumar who will be the new DG of Lokayukta special police establishment.

The transferred IPS officers, include 20-odd superintendent of police rank officers, including SP Dhar Rajesh Hingankar and SP Jhabua Sanjay Tiwari, who were transferred to Special Armed Force (SAF) in Indore and PHQ Bhopal respectively over inability in timely dealing with communal violence in their districts in October.

Tiwaris transfer is being particularly seen as fallout of pressure by the RSS and ruling BJP to shunt him over the communal violence and beating of an RSS leader in Petlawad (Jhabua) recently.
Neelesh Chaudhari

neelesh.chaudhari@hindustantimes.com

JABALPUR: Giving a boost to efforts of Jabalpur Municipal Corporation (JMC) in developing the existing ghat on Narmada river in Bhatauli village, a saint has donated his 2.5 acres land for beautification and expansion of the same.

The ghat in Bhatauli village was reportedly getting crowded in recent times, especially on auspicious days, given its proximity to the popular Gwarighat and Umaghat.

The JMC had decided to develop the ghat also because Bhatauli is close to the new railway station on the broad gauge railway enroute Jabalpur-Gondia (Mahrashtra). Besides, the village is now connected by road to the national highway 12A Jabalpur-Mandla.

Swami Pyarenand Saraswati, who resides in an ashram constructed in Bhatauli, has donated to JMC his 2.5 acres land that is close to the ghat. I donated my land to the municipal corporation to provide maximum facilities to the pilgrims visiting the place, Swami said, adding, On religious occasions, the pilgrims, particularly women and children, face a lot of hardship when the ghat gets overcrowded.

The JMC had requested the saint to contribute the land for the project, a public-private partnership.

Meanwhile, mayor Swati Godbole said that the municipal corporation will now take the help of landscape architects to retain the natural beauty of the ghat while carrying out development works. She said Rs. 1.65 crore was already sanctioned for the works to be undertaken in Bhatauli.
The Bhopal gas tragedy is still killing and maiming people due to poisoning of groundwater from reckless dumping of toxic waste by Union Carbide during its 14 years of operation prior to the disaster, five organizations said on Wednesday.

The MP government is equally responsible for the plight of survivors and the utter neglect of their childrens health. In the last 12 years, the state government has not implemented recommendations of the monitoring committee set up by the Supreme Court, Rachna Dhingra from Bhopal Group said at a joint press conference.

The preliminary findings of the Sambhavna Trusts research shows that 10 times more gas affected people are dying of cancers compared to unexposed people of similar socio - economic background. The bottom-line is that half the victims of the disaster are Muslims and 80 % of the Hindus are from the low castes, said Safreen Khan from the Children Against Dow-Carbide.

Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh president Rashida Bee said Dow Chemical, which took over Union Carbide in 2001, ignored four judicial notices asking its representative to appear before a court in last two years.

Bhopal Gas Peedit Nirashrit Pensionbhogee Sangharsh Morcha president Balkrishna Namdeo alleged the factory was set up and run with much help from the US government. And, now the US government is sheltering both Dow Chemical and Union Carbide by refusing to serve the Bhopal Courts notices to Dow. This year within one month, thousands of people wrote to the US Presidents office asking that the Department of Justice serve the notice on Dow Chemical. All we got in response was an apology for deliberate inaction, he said

Nawab Khan from Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha alleged that the Centre was downplaying the figures of death and extent of injuries in the apex court. It is also refusing to carry out a scientific assessment of the toxic contamination of soil and groundwater, he claimed.

At the same venue, Sayunkt Sangarsh Morcha MP, Bhopal, state president Shamsul Hassan convened a press conference, demanding that there should be a CBI probe in the funding of the NGOs, especially those receiving foreign funding. he also demanded that healthcare facilities should improve in the BMHRC.
Actor Ali Fazal has donned the teachers hat. He has been giving Urdu lessons to Hollywood actor Judi Dench, and has been enjoying every bit of the process. The duo  thats working together in a Hollywood film, tentatively titled Victoria and Abdul  indulged in lessons in their free time between shoot schedules. Dench plays a queen in the film, and Fazal his confidant servant, Abdul Karim.

With my Queen. And our two friends . A photo posted by ali fazal (@alifazal9) on Oct 27, 2016 at 4:43am PDT

Judi is an amazing human being and a total professional. I can say that she knew Urdu to the T by the end of it all. She learnt words, sentences and writing... all of it

Abdul Karim taught the queen Urdu for 14 years, and I tried teaching some to Judi whenever we got some time off over the period of three months that we were filming. We both lived our parts in reality, says Fazal, who hails from Lucknow.

The actor adds that working with Dench has been a fine experience, as she is a thorough professional. Judi is an amazing human being and a total professional. I can say that she knew Urdu to the T by the end of it all. She learnt words, sentences and writing... all of it.

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They came, they saw... but they couldnt conquer! Were talking about the newbies the film industry welcomed this year. Despite buzz around their projects, some backed by big banners, 13 out of 18 names, including Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher (Mirzya), Pooja Hegde (Mohenjo Daro), Sayyeshaa (Shivaay), Gautam Gulati (Azhar), Gizele Thakral (Kya Kool Hain Hum 3) and Waluscha De Sousa (Fan), failed to make an impactful first impression.

Harshvardhan and Saiyami debuted with a dream project, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directorial. So was the case with Sayyeshaa, the grand-niece of veteran actor Saira Banu. She starred alongside Bollywood star Ajay Devgn in his much-awaited film, and created a stir after Shivaays teaser released, but the film bombed. Sayyeshaa calls it a learning experience.

Sayyeshaa (Raajesh Kashyap/HT Photo)

Even Pakistani actor Mawra Hocanes film, Sanam Teri Kasam, flopped, but her spirits werent deterred. She has bagged two more Bollywood films.

Its not like actors from Mirzya or Mohenjo Daro didnt have a good platform, they still could not make an impact. The films script was poor as well. But its too early to write the debutants off

Trade analysts say everyone deserves a second chance. Amul Mohan says, Its not like actors from Mirzya or Mohenjo Daro didnt have a good platform, they still could not make an impact. The films script was poor as well. But its too early to write them off. Pankaj Sabnani agrees, saying that actors, especially newbies, can get sidelined if a film doesnt have good content.

TV actor Gautam Gulati is hopeful of a better second film. I had a good experience, and am looking forward to a better positioning in my next. Sonarika Bhadoria adds, It was exciting to see and experience the whole process of your first film taking shape. Its an inexplicable feeling.

Gautam Gulati hopes for a better second film. (Aalok Soni/ HT Photo)

I had a good experience, and am looking forward to a better positioning in my next. I want people to see my better work

Also to have debuted were Reecha Singh (Dongri Ka Raja), Navneet Kaur Dhillon (Love Shhudha), Kriti Kharbanda (Raaz Reboot) and Sonarika Bhadoria (Saansein), but they too, couldnt connect with the audience, and their films vanished from the theatres without a whimper.

However, not everyone got it wrong. Abrar Zahoor (Neerja), Andrea Tariang (Pink) and Diljit Dosanjh (Udta Punjab) were among those who won praise from critics and audiences alike.
Bollywood actor Sunny Leone, who launched her own mobile app on Wednesday, said her app will ensure the right news about goes public but added that media will gossip about her anyway.

I think media will gossip about me anyway, but through this app what I can do is filter information before going out in the public domain, so they are authentic, Sunny said.

Asked about which actress should have a mobile app like the one she is launching, Sunny said: I think Sonam Kapoor would be interesting to watch as she keeps travelling to different countries and exploring. However, I follow all the Bollywood stars on social media.

When it comes to actors, I think Ranveer Singh is very interesting, he is crazy, he is fun! He has a good sense of fashion and, at times, he wears whacky outfits too! So thats gonna be entertaining, she added.

The actress who launched her new mobile app in collaboration with New York-based start-up escapex said the app is one-stop shop for all her fans who can directly interact with her and meet her. It will open the door for her worldwide fans to her social media handles -- be it Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube.

Sunny is the first ever-Indian celebrity to have such an app -- escapex has produced white label apps for artists like Bob Marley, Wyclef Jean and 35 other celebrities.

Emphasising on the impact of social media on an actors life, Sunny said: As our shelf life is small, unlike Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, social media is one of the best ways to build up fan followers and one can write ones own destiny.

Sunny Leone also has a fitness DVD, Super-Hot Sunny Mornings.

Asked if there were any specifications given while collaborating with the company, she said: Yes, I will control all the information that will go out to my fans and there should not be any room for internal ranting!

Being the first ever-Indian celebrity to have a mobile app and entering the e-commerce industry, when asked if she wishes to author another book, Sunny said: Honestly, I havent thought much about it, I might just do that in future. I have so much to achieve.

Right now, I am content and happy with the fact that I am able to do what I wanted to do. Since I am busy shooting a film called Tera Intezaar directed by Raajeev Walia opposite Arbaaz Khan, I am quite consumed in that.

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Ahead of her upcoming release Befikre, actor Vaani Kapoor is all praises for her co-star Ranveer Singh. According to her, he is very supportive and brings to life all that he does.

Asked about Ranveer as a co-star, Vaani said: He really does bring life to wherever he is. Be it any place... Be it on or off camera his energy is really infectious. He never really behaved like a star. He is a very supporting co-actor.

The 28-year-old actor, who made her acting debut in 2013 with Shuddh Desi Romance, says she knew Ranveer before shooting for filmmaker Aditya Chopras directorial.

Ive known him before we started shooting for the movie. So we already did have an equation and we really did have a very chilled out vibe. We both were very comfortable being in each others company, she said.

Vaani says that this has made a huge difference because then there was no ice-breaking process that was needed.

So, it went really smooth actually. We had a very smooth equation, she said.

Shot widely in Paris, Befikre tries to interpret love in the 21st century. The film is slated to release on December 9.

Befikre is the story of Dharam (Ranveer) and Shyra (Vaani), who find love in an impulsive, engaging series of experiences.

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Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif has been keeping her fans up-to-date about her latest work trip to Maldives by sharing sizzling pictures from time-to-time.

And now after wrapping up her work, she even shared a grand finale pic! The 33-year-old actress, who has shot for a magazine there, took to her Facebook account to share a Bye Bye Maldives moment.

Looking lovely in white, Kats heart-warming smile is sure to make your day!

See more pictures from her Maldives trip:

She will next be seen in Jagga Jasoos opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

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Love is not just a fairy tale thing. Love does make you a better person, says Pragnya Patnaik, who has just had her second book  Love is not Lost, published.

The book is a collection of short stories based on real life incidents with fictionlised details. She says,The book has six different love stories. The stories introduce readers to the ups and down in love, because love is not just a happy thing.

She has been writing poetry since the age of seven and came up with her first book of poetry in 2003 which was based on the history of India. For Patnaik, love for writing was natural. My parents are writers... I wrote my first poem in 3rd standard, she adds.

Writer Pragnya Patnaik worked with some IT companies before leaving work to take up full-time writing.

As for this book, she says, When I wrote The Cup of Life, which resonates my own life story, I showed it to my friends. Theyre so moved that some of them cried and hugged me. That day I decided to write a book, and I ditched my IT job for it. The story is now a part of the anthology.

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Reliance Jio will extend till next March the free voice and data services that was earlier valid till December 2016, allowing existing users to automatically migrate to the new offer.

Under the new offer  Reliance Jio Happy New Year offer  all users, including existing customers, will get Jio services on voice, data, applications, free of all charges.

The telecom subsidiary of Reliance Industries, one of Indias largest companies, also announced the launch of Jio Money wallet for small merchants from December 5.

Sharing details of the wallet launch on Thursday, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani said it will help small merchants build a digital retail ecosystem to be called JioMoney Merchants Solutions that will participate in the gradual replacement of physical cash with digital cash in all transactions.

We are focused on signing up over 10 million small merchant retailers across 17,000 towns and in over 400,000 villages for the wallet scheme, said Ambani.

Ambani, who congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his demonetise exercise, said his company had recently introduced the home delivery of Jio SIMs.

Reliance Jio will also allow customers of other mobile operators to migrate to Jio while retaining their existing numbers. The company has initiated home delivery of SIMs to help all customers for this.

Explaining the progress that Jio has made over the three months since it was launched, Ambani said the telecom service has crossed 50 million subscribers in that period and is signing up 6 lakh customers every day via the e-KYC (know your customer) system.

The companys Adhaar-based SIM activation, done through its 2 lakh outlets, will be further expanded to a targeted 4 lakh outlets by March 2017.

The Jio telecom service that started commercial operations on September 5, disrupted Indian telecom market with its free voice and low data charges prompting competitors including Airtel and Vodafone to also reduce tariffs.

However, data speed has been slow and voice calls faced blockages, which the company has blamed on poor Points of Interconnection that other mobile operators have to provide.

The service has suffered due to the anti-competitive behaviour (of other players). Thankfully, the authorities have instructed all players in the industry to cooperate and now we have seen call blocks come down from 90% in September to about 20%, as of yesterday, said Ambani.

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The main reason given by the government for demonetising high-denomination banknotes was to curb black money. Various estimates have been made of the quantum of such money -- which is not expected to be deposited in banks -- ranging from Rs 3 lakh crore to Rs 5 lakh crore.

But if one goes by the deposit trends so far and the projections, the black money expected to be purged may be much less. The Narendra Modi government may thus be in for a shock.

On Tuesday, in a reply in Rajya Sabha, the minister of state for finance, Arjun Ram Meghwal, said there were 17,165 million pieces of Rs 500 notes and 6,858 million pieces of Rs 1,000 notes in circulation on November 8, the day Modi made the announcement of demonetising the two high denomination notes.

The total amount of high denomination currency circulating in the system on that day was, thus, Rs 15.44 lakh crore (Rs 8.58 lakh crore in Rs 500 notes and Rs 6.86 lakh crore in Rs 1,000).

Read: Payday is here: Banks brace for rush, many skip office to withdraw cash

On November 28th, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that Rs 8.45 lakh crore (Rs 8,44,962 crore) in the banned high denomination notes had been deposited in the banks between November 10 and November 27. Banks were closed on November 9.

This was the value of banned notes deposited in the banks in 18 days, out of the 50 days that the government has permitted bank customers to do so. That too, when huge queues outside banks detered many people from putting money into their accounts.

Further, all commercial banks in India have to maintain a portion of their deposits with the RBI known as cash reserve ratio (CRR). The RBI uses this to manage liquidity in the system.

On November 8, the total amount of actual cash with the RBI as CRR was Rs 4.06 lakh crore (Rs 4,06,900 crore), according to the weekly bulletin of the central bank. This is cash, sent mostly in large currency notes according to bankers, by the banks on any incremental deposit that they have, thus adding to their CRR deposit held with the RBI.

Read: Grains for goods: UP villagers resort to barter to beat cash crunch

Additionally, banks retain money with themselves to manage day-to-day affair and to provide money on demand by customers. According to the RBI, the average cash-to-deposit ratio of banks in India is 4.69. If four percentage points from this goes as CRR to RBI, amounting to Rs 4.06 lakh crore (on Nov 8, say), the cash with banks would average around Rs 70,000 crore. This would include all denominations, of course.

So, if we take the money deposited in 20 days and add the November 8 CRR to it, that amounts to Rs 12.50 lakh crore. If we further add a portion of the cash-in-hand on November 8, say Rs 50,000 crore, the total amount of money which is not with public in old notes is Rs 13 lakh crore.

There are still 30 days left to deposit banned currency notes. At the rate at which money is being deposited, it stands to reason that Rs 2 lakh crore or more would come into the system till December 30, thus throwing to the winds all calculation of the government to tackle black money.

Either the black money is not in high denomination notes or those who have such money may already have put it back into the banking system.
Customers damaged furniture at a state-run bank in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday and reports of public anger spilling over emerged from other places as the government struggled to meet the demand for cash on the first payday since the recall of high-value banknotes.

Across the country, tens of thousands of people lined up at banks and ATMs raising fears of more chaos amid the severe cash crunch, sparked by the governments decision that pulled out 86% of the currency in circulation.

Police guarded banks and cash dispensing machines in many places as mints failed to churn out enough notes to keep up with the demand.

Highlights Thousands lined up at banks and ATMs across the country on Thursday, as the first payday since the recall of high-value banknotes on November 8 raised fears of more chaos amid the severe cash crunch. In India, 78% of consumer payments are made in cash, which the government is attempting to change. Many private companies have given a day off to employees on Thursday to enable them to withdraw cash.

LIVE COVERAGE: Long queues outside banks, ATMs as payday pangs continue

Police said angry customers barged into an Allahabad Bank branch in Meerut when they were informed about the unavailability of cash. The people also broke the glass panes at the cash counter, bank manager Harendra Singh said.

There were reports of people blocking roads and staging demonstrations in Bijnore, Hapur, Moradabad, Amroha, Baghpat, Bulandshahr and Saharanpur. Police said the incidents happened late on Wednesday.

Meerut city superintendent of police Alok Priyadarshi said he has advised bank managers to put up signboards displaying the amount of cash received and an estimated number of customers who could withdraw cash.

On Wednesday, there were reports of angry customers locking up bank staff at a few branches in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The All India Bank Employees Association admitted the situation is getting out of hand.

We have no cashthere is a huge shortagethis chaos will continue at least till the 10th (of this month), said a senior official of a private sector bank.

Fearing backlash from customers, the Punjab National Bank Officers Association in Allahabad wrote to the CMD and CEO seeking adequate cash.

Read: Little cash in hand, Delhi deals with payday pangs

Most government and private sector employees get their salaries credited to their accounts on the last day of the month and millions of people were expected to withdraw cash to meet their immediate needs such as school and medical fees, newspaper bills, and other sundry purchases. In India, 78% of consumer payments are made in cash, which the government is attempting to change.

Many private companies have given a day off to employees on Thursday to enable them to withdraw cash.

I had somehow managed the daily needs. But now the shopkeepers have stopped giving creditthe house maid, newspaper vendor and the washer man have started demanding money and that too in cash, said Amit Vijay, 36, as he stood in queue outside a bank in Sarita Vihar in New Delhi.

Many people standing in queue outside banks said they had taken off from work to withdraw money as they had to clear pending bills.

Read: Worse days ahead in the capital as banks, ATMs run out of currency

Mine is a family who lives by my salary only. If I dont give them money on time, what will happen to them? said Jatin Shah who waited in a long queue outside a bank in Mumbais Borivli.

In Kolkata, most ATMs either ran out of cash or were dispensing only Rs 2000 notes that inconvenienced most people.

I didnt waste time standing in queues outside ATMs. First, the withdrawal limit from ATMs is small and second, they could run out of Rs 100 notes any time. Instead, I rushed to the bank. I was behind around 20 people even at 8 am, said Amiya Halder, an employee of a private company.

The government has put a cap of Rs 24,000 on what a person can take out in a week and all of it can be done in one go. However, on Wednesday banks in major cities were giving out no more than Rs 10,000 per person, and shrinking the amount to Rs. 4,000 at some branches.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said it has increased printing of Rs 500 notes by 25%.

The printing of Rs 2,000 notes is over and the presses can now switch lines to the Rs. 500 note, said a finance ministry official. The presses cannot print the two notes simultaneously. The official said it will take another three weeks to have enough Rs 500 notes in banks and ATMs.
Since Donald Trumps shock victory last month, the Democratic Party and its supporters have plunged into a cantankerous inquest. The search for answers has lingered on voters in the Rust Belt states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, areas of the country that haemorrhaged manufacturing jobs in recent decades. Once blue states, they swung to Trump this year. The Democratic representative Tim Ryan suggested that Hillary Clinton lost the Rust Belt because she didnt have a clear and forceful economic vision. We have not focused on the economic issues that are so important to people in working-class places, Ryan said. Our economic message clearly isnt penetrating.

Read: Still reeling from Hillary Clintons defeat, Democrats begin battling for future



That is a fair critique of the Clinton campaign, which only seemed to offer technocracy dressed in slogans, a hodgepodge of programmes without an overarching and compelling narrative. But Ryan took it further, blaming Clintons result on her courting the vote of minority groups. We try to slice the electorate up, he lamented in a recent TV interview. And we try to say, Youre black, youre brown, youre gay, youre straight, youre a woman, youre a man. Instead of engaging in identity politics, Ryan claimed, the Democrats should focus on devising a platform that can connect with voters in places like the Rust Belt.

There is an echo here of political language often heard in India, when people critique the Congress party and its allies for their supposed reliance on minority vote banks. One of the perils of democracy in diverse societies is that an inclusive politics can easily become cynical, making an instrument out of religious or racial difference. Like her centre-left counterparts in India, Clinton was accused by her opponents of pandering to minorities rather than speaking to all Americans.

Read: Did social media drive US presidential election?



Yet who are the all Americans, or all Indians, or, to borrow the words of the Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, the real, decent people of Britain who voted to leave the EU? For Trump (and even the Democrat Tim Ryan), this invocation of a greater collective was not universal, but rather targeted to a specific group: white voters predominantly in the middle and south of the country.

Read: Hillary Clinton grapples with globalization vision as Donald Trump closes in



Some thinkers describe this successful feature of the Trump campaign  his appeal to a white heartland identity  as a response to how liberals have sought to enshrine minority identities. Mark Lilla, a professor at Columbia University, penned a provocative piece in the New York Times claiming that Trumps victory heralded the end of identity liberalism. He blamed the lefts obsession with diversity for sparking the revivified white nationalism that powered Trumps campaign. National politics in healthy periods is not about difference, he wrote, it is about commonality. And it will be dominated by whoever best captures Americans imaginations about our shared destiny.

The irony is that Trump, who now dominates national politics, based his campaign almost entirely on difference. Americans did not choose him because of their economic concerns. According to exit polls, Clinton won strong majorities of poorer voters and voters in areas more heavily affected by immigration and globalisation. Racial  not economic  anxieties seemed to have animated those who turned out to vote for Trump. As Ive written several times in this column, he galvanised supporters by arraying them against a welter of supposed enemies: Latino immigrants, Muslims, and the coastal elites. He conjured and manipulated identities, and in so doing won.

Read: Why President Trump would be bad for the world economy

Of course, the kind of liberal identity politics that takes place on college campuses or in certain media circles, for example, can be overly dogmatic and strident. As an Indian fiction writer living in the United States, I bristle when well-meaning liberals seem to expect me, as a member of a minority group, to only be interested in turning my art inward in exploration of my identity. In the words of Jim Sleeper, a particularly thoughtful American analyst of liberalism and multiculturalism, people dont want to be corralled into ethno-racial holding pens by curriculum writers and policymakers. Why should my skin colour and my heritage be the sum of who I am?

But what the argument against identity liberalism neglects is that identity politics has always been part of American democracy. Over two centuries ago, a nation was born in which only a fraction of people (not women, not the poor, and certainly not black slaves) had suffrage. Fitfully and with great struggle in the intervening decades, more and more Americans won political rights. At every stage, they were resisted by conservative, often hateful forces that can only be described as the original purveyors of American identity politics. If the multicultural left places too much emphasis on the importance of identity, it is only in reaction to the centuries-old insistence that the nation does not belong equally to all its inhabitants.

Kanishk Tharoor is the author of Swimmer Among the Stars: Stories

The views expressed are personal





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Respect is one thing, obedience another; devotion is one thing, compliance another; commitment is one thing, submission another.

I respect my nations anthem, I am devoted to Tagores great vision in it. I am committed to the integrity of my nation as it stands visualised, region by region, river by river, in its image of India conjured by its diverse people  jana.

No one needs to make me respect that song, be devoted to it, and committed to it. The national anthem is not a traffic signal that has to be respected. It is not a tax that requires compliance. It is not a test that has to be submitted to. It is the poetic equivalent of collective pride, the lyrical expression of a nations resolve to advance from ancient primitivisms and medieval bigotries to a future in dignity and justice. If songs are sung because one wants to sing them, heard because one wants to hear them and not under orders, anthems are sung or played when the occasion and the moment for it is right, when the sound of it saturates ones sense of belonging to the greatness of India, and the greatness of India belonging to oneself.

Read | National anthem in cinema halls: Supreme Court may have gone way too far this time

India is all Indians and all Indians are India.

This is the essence of Tagores great vision in the anthem. It also happens to be the core of our Constitutions sense of its goal. They are testaments, both.

One does not make an affidavit of an anthem. One does not make a contract of a Constitution. Those are written by visionaries, not notaries.

There has never been an occasion, not one, when I have not stood instinctively as the national anthem is announced. Not with ritual reflexiveness but with the surge of pride in my nation, my Bharat, suffusing my heart and mind. Let me recall two such.

On August 15, 1997, the 50th anniversary of our Independence was marked in Cape Town, South Africas part-capital city at a historic event. Nelson Mandela was president. He did not as a matter of routine attend receptions organised by different embassies on their national days. But India was India and this was no ordinary national day; it was Indias 50th. He needed no persuasion. Departing from standard protocol, he came with a spring in his gait, a smile of infinite warmth on his face. India and South Africa represented two struggles, one freedom. All of us present stood to the Jana Gana Mana and to Nkosi Sikeleli Africa not because we had to but because we were privileged to, inspired to, stirred from within our souls, to do so. Our anthem, that evening, was no song; it was a sensation. It was no verse, it was a voltage.

Read | Supreme Court says yes to national anthem at the cinemas. Where next?

On August 15, 2007, the 60th anniversary of Independence, Kolkata marked the date like the rest of India. That city was where on that day, 60 years earlier, the last British governor of Bengal, Frederick Burrows left. But Calcutta, as it then was called, tensed into communal warfare. Gandhi, shunning the celebrations in Delhi, positioned himself at the heart of Calcuttas fire to quench it. His extraordinary intervention, made dynamic by a fast, brought the flames down and showed the power of Indias secular choice over sectarian madness. If on that day, Jana Gana Mana had been declared the national anthem and played, would Gandhi have stood for it? Of course he would have.

Gandhi recognised its power and pulsation years before it was even considered as a future anthem. It was included in the Bhajanavali that his ashram in Sabarmati compiled. Gandhi knew his Jana Gana Mana as he did Bankims Vande Mataram (written in 1882, first sung in a political setting in Calcutta in 1896) and Iqbals Sare Jahan Se Achha (written in 1904, sung by the poet the following year in Lahore). But would he have said the anthem should be made compulsory? Compulsory? he may have asked. Have we substituted God Save The King by Gurudevas great song? And we would have heard a pained laugh from the 78-year-old. Sixty years on, on August 15, 2007, the veteran Communist Jyoti Basu and Siddharth Shankar Ray, the vintage Congressman stood with chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Tava subha asis maage, and with some of us, eyes misted over, not because they were required to but because it could not be otherwise. The anthem was us, we were the anthem.

Read | Good, bad, funny: Twitter reacts to national anthem must in theatres before movies

Standing for the national anthem is a sign of respect. But more importantly, it is the mark of a relationship. The anthem starts with jana, the people. And it talks of the janas mana, that is, the peoples minds. It does not talk of the nation-State, the government, its laws and rules. The adhinayak and Bharat bhagya vidhata in the song have been the subject of endless discussion. Who or what did Tagore have in mind with those phrases? And that discussion, in a democracy, is to the good. But now that the song is the anthem of a Republic, those phrases should be contextualised afresh and seen to represent the collective ethos of the jana, their mana, their moral integer. Our anthem and our flag have a relationship with us, and we with them, which is not is a matter of the regulated mind but the kindled soul.

The full, unexpurgated jana gana mana song has a passage which, understandably, is not part of the official text: ghora timira ghana nibida nishithe, pidita, murchita deshe, dushapne, atanke, rakha karile, snehamayi tumi mata. Translated roughly the words mean from darkness deep and dense, from the ink-black of night, from its pained, suffering, unconscious, nightmared, terrorised state, save my land, kind-hearted Mother.

Read | Bollywood divided on SCs ruling to play National Anthem before films

Those who want to make love of India a matter of obedience, respect for the motherland subject to verification, inspection and certification, should ponder the excised words of the song that brood over its official version.

Gopalkrishna Gandhi is distinguished professor of history and politics, Ashoka University

The views expressed by the author are personal

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Delhi Police arrested a 25-year-old man from Bawana industrial area on Wednesday, ten days after a four-year-old girl was raped and murdered in northwest Delhis Keshavpuram.

The accused, Amarjit, 25, alias Chup Ram, was a close friend of the victims father and lived only 50 meters away in the same neighbourhood. A native of Bihar, he stayed near the girls shanty for the past three to four years.

On November 20, the day of the incident, Amarjit and the girls father consumed liquor together in the afternoon. Later, Amarjit allegedly raped and murdered the girl at night. He fled from the spot and went into hiding in Bawana, police said.

A relative of the girl allegedly spotted her body at an abandoned house near the railway tracks close to Lawrence Road around 7 am on November 21. The place is also close to the slum, where the girl lived with her family.

Amarjit was caught on camera. He came towards her, picked her up and went away, as she was playing outside her house. The next day, the girls body was found barely 200 meters away. Amarjit left his footwear behind on the crime scene, a senior police official said.

Police began tracing his calls. Amarjit even tried to fool the police by calling his wife on November 22 and telling her that he was about to commit suicide by jumping before a train.

Amarjit must have realised that we were tracing his calls. So he called his wife and told her he was committing suicide. Maybe he thought we would stop searching for him if we thought he was dead. Later he switched off his phone, the officer said.

A police team was sent to Bawana in search of Amarjit. Over 100 factories were searched. Five police officials even went to Bihar where his wife and four-year-old daughter lived, to nab him if he showed up there.

Amarjit made another call to his wife on November 30 around 3.15 am. The call was traced and his location intercepted. Amarjit was nabbed late in the evening.

Police said Amarjit confessed to his crime during interrogation. He told police that he smothered the girl to death because she screamed on being picked up.

A class 3 dropout, Amarjit worked as a driver and transported goods to grocery stores.

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Banks opened on Thursday, the first day of this month, to huge crowds of people desperate to withdraw their salaries and clear outstanding bills. Many had gathered outside banks even before the opening time as they wanted to be the first to get in.

Standing in a queue outside a State Bank of India branch in Sarita Vihar, Amit Vijay (36) said, I had somehow managed to meet my daily needs, but now shopkeepers have stopped giving goods on credit while the domestic help, newspaper vendor, rag picker and washerman have started demanding payment and that too in cash only.

Due to this, I took a day off from work to withdraw money, he added.

Many people in the queues outside banks said they had taken an off from their respective workplaces to withdraw money as they had to clear pending bills and pay drivers, domestic helps etc.

Ravish Raushan, who stood outside a Corporation Bank branch in east Delhi, said, My landlord refuses to be paid through money transfer to his account. My house rent is Rs12,000 and the ATM dispenses only Rs2,000. Bankers are saying the bank will not give more than Rs6,000 as they do not have sufficient cash. Now I will have to come again tomorrow.

Read more: Cashless residents forced to spend nights outside banks

Despite assurances by senior officials that sufficient cash would reach banks by Wednesday night, most banks continued to put a cap on the maximum withdrawal limit as they didnt have enough money to dispense.

An official at Central Bank said he had received no cash from the chest on Wednesday and has just Rs3 lakh in the form of Rs50 notes, mostly soiled. A Corporation Bank official too said the bank received just Rs10 lakh so far against their demand of more than Rs30 lakh.

On one hand, the RBI notification says you can withdraw an unlimited amount of money, and on the other they are not giving more than Rs8000, said Nadia Hussain, standing outside a State Bank of India branch in Daryaganj.

A senior official of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said the problem was mostly because of hoarding of notes by individuals and retailers. He said that the situation would be under control in the coming days as the process of printing new Rs500 notes has been scaled up.

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The plans to convert Indias borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan into smart barriers, moving away from the present system of constant men-in-boots patrols to one that supplements that surveillance radars, closed circuit TVs and possibly drones, has long been overdue. However, New Delhi should be realistic about how effective such physical instruments are in maintaining borders. They must be part of a larger policy that includes trade incentives, sensible visa and legal migration channels, and reforms of Indias own border forces.

Read: BSF seizes 18kg heroin near border in Tarn Taran district

The sheer length and inhospitable terrain that marks most of Indias borders has always meant that building fences and sending patrols were at best a half-measure. Supplementing this with electronic measures and drones had already begun in parts of the border facing Pakistan. The advantage of using electronics is that it allows 24/7 surveillance as opposed to the few minutes of watchfulness every few hours that physical patrols provide. But a smart border is also vulnerable to extreme weather  flooding on the Bangladesh side, snow on the Kashmir side, rainstorms on both  and the fact that maintenance is a word often found missing from the vocabulary of the Indian state. It is also not a guarantee of proof against penetration. The borders of Israel and the southern United States are among the tightest on the planet and regularly suffer breaches  and both these countries have technology and budgets that will not be available to New Delhi.

Read: Mexico says will not pay for Trump wall, no action yet to ease peso plunge

Which is why the Indian side should continuously look at how to strengthen the border through soft measures. Illegal migration from Bangladesh is largely an economic issue. India should therefore seek to provide a legal visa path for such workers. Keep in mind that the number of Indian workers attracted by Bangladeshs thriving textile sector is not insignificant. Some sort of reciprocity in this area should be worked out. Otherwise economic incentives will ensure that criminality and smugglers will find means to get through even the smartest of borders  and once breached, the border will cease to function properly. The experience of the US and Mexico, where much of the migration is now governed by temporary work visas, should be instructive. India already has open border arrangements with Nepal and Bhutan so moving to a managed border with Bangladesh, especially given how strategically important the country has become to India, is a logical extension. Border management with Pakistan will obviously have a different set of priorities almost all related to security. But the first smart reform needed is to improve the training and internal compliance structures of the Border Security Force and related bodies like the Assam Rifles because no number of microchips and webcams will make a difference as long as those who are using this information are not made equally smart.
The distance between a childs home and school could be the only criteria for admissions in the coming season, a move that will simplify the procedure but is being questioned by schools.

If the Kejriwal governments proposal on neighbourhood criterion is implemented, some of Delhis prominent private schools built on government land will have to follow the norm.

This time, we are planning to keep distance as the only criterion. This will give equal weightage to all applications as there will be no other criteria, Atishi Marlena, adviser to the Delhi education minister, told HT.

Typically, Delhi schools follow a point system and neighbourhoodis one of the parameters that decide the school a child would go to.

Schools would be free to determine the distance but in keeping with the right to education guidelines.

As many as 285 private schools built on DDA land such as GD Goenka Rohini and Vasant Kunj, all Delhi Public School except the one in RK Puram, all Bal Bharti schools and Vasant Valley School would have to follow the norm, Marlena said.

Till last year, neighbourhood, alumni  one or both the parents ex-students -- and siblings  an elder brother or sister studying in the same school -- were the three criteria for which points were allotted.

The Delhi government plans to do away with all norms but the one for distance in the guidelines expected to be released in two weeks, officials said. The admission process begins January.

With parents keen on children starting out in good schools, there is always a scramble for seats in the citys top private institutions.

Last few years have been chaotic, with parents dragging schools and government to court over norms that were changed several times.

Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, who will have the final word, has welcomed the move but has some reservations.

He pointed out in a note that only 285 of the 1,700 private schools were given land by government on condition of having a say in admissions, sources said.

He has expressed concern that it might create a subset of schools which have admission polices different from other schools, sources said.

Jung had asked the government to consults all stakeholders to come up with a transparent and uniform policy.

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, was likely to meet parents, teachers and other stakeholders on December 5, sources said.

Schools can impose other criteria but only for seats left vacant after exhausting the neighbourhood norm, Marlena said.

Schools are not happy.

Schools will suffer as the quality of students may suffer if you have students from one area only. All neighbourhoods dont have enough number of schools and if distance is fixed, students in many areas will be left with no options, said a principal on condition of anonymity.

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Salaries of those working in the organised sector were credited to their bank accounts on Wednesday and Thursday, but the account holders couldnt get money in their hands. Banks reported shortage of cash as currency supply did not improve even after requests to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for more cash.

However, despite this, queues outside banks and ATMs did not worsen as people avoided visiting these places after learning from others that there was no cash available.

Salaries of government employees were also credited to their bank accounts on Thursday. We cannot stand in queues during office hours and there is no point in visiting ATMs as most of them do not have cash, said a peon at the Mini-Secretariat in Gurgaon.

Residents said they can manage food, rent, and shopping expenses through online or card transactions, but cash is required for payments to milk and vegetable vendors, domestic helps, newspaper delivery persons, etc.

I have been managing without cash since demonetisation was announced. But now, the domestic help, laundryman and milkman are demanding to be paid only in cash as they do not have bank accounts, said Soham Gupta, a web developer. Gupta had come to withdraw cash from his bank branch in Sector 45, but was told there was no cash available since Wednesday morning.

Bank officials are also concerned about pensioners who are expected to line up at banks for cash withdrawal as soon as pensions are credited to their accounts.

Pensioners comprise a large section of the senior citizens who depend on cash and are not well versed with digital transactions. Banks will have a tough time handling their demands, said lead district manager, Ramesh Chandra Nayak.

Banks demanded additional cash at their own level. There was a requirement of 2,000 crore per day, which is expected to double to meet the demand of cash from salaried persons, he added.

Bank officials said they were also expecting a rush to withdraw money when salaries of industrial and construction employees are credited. Salaries in these sectors are paid by the seventh of every month.

They are also expecting more pressure as accounts of construction workers and workers from the unorganised sector are being opened for their salaries will be credited into.

Since November 26, banks have held 468 camps at industrial areas where 6,607 applications were received and 3,487 new bank accounts were opened. Nayak said that banks are also opening Jan Dhan accounts for workers who do not have all the documents required for opening a savings account.

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The traffic department of Gurgaon police is considering adopting digital modes of payment to collect fines from traffic offenders.

If all goes per plan, traffic violators will be made to pay fine amounts through electronic data capture or debit/credit card swipe machines or through digital wallet services such as Paytm.

Confirming the plans to adopt cashless modes of payment, Y Puran Kumar, joint commissioner of police and in-charge of Gurgaon polices traffic department, said, We are in touch with the Point of Sale division of the State Bank of India to procure the machines. We hope to get them soon.

He added that for now, two machines will be used at the challan counters at the traffic tower in Sushant Lok.

The department will also start handing over swipe machines to on-duty police personnel to recover fines from violators on the spot. The machines that were purchased long ago are lying defunct as of now.

In addition, the traffic department is in touch with Paytm to open an account in which traffic offenders can deposit fine amounts.

We are in the process of getting a Paytm account for this purpose as well. The idea is to switch to digital payments eventually, Kumar said.

The demonetisation of high-value currency notes on November 8 had affected the enforcement drive of the traffic department. In the absence of cash, traffic offenders have been submitting documents such as licence and registration certificates to the police to recover them at a later date after paying the fine.

On an average, the traffic department issues 2,500 challans across the city, with a majority of violators paying fines on the spot. However, since the demonetisation came into effect, a majority of the fines are paid at a later date. Around 1,000 challans are being issued on a given day since November 8, said an official, adding that the scrapping of 500 and 1,000 notes has resulted in considerable reduction in revenue.

The traffic department started the traffic rule enforcement drive in August and had generated over 2 crore in fines from erring drivers between August 17 and October 23.

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The World Health Organization warned on Tuesday that nearly half of all people with HIV around the globe do not know they are infected, and called for broader access to at-home testing kits.

The UN health agency said that 40 percent of people with the virus that causes AIDS, or more than 14 million people worldwide, are unaware of their status, according to 2015 estimates.

However, that marks a huge improvement from a decade earlier when only 12 percent of people with HIV were estimated to know they had the virus.

But the continued lack of diagnoses remains a major obstacle to implementing WHOs recommendation for everyone with HIV to be offered anti-retroviral therapy (ART).

Today, more than 80 percent of those diagnosed with HIV are receiving ART, but that is still less than half of the 36.7 million people believed to be living with the virus.

We still have a major treatment gap, Gottfried Hirnschall, head of WHOs HIV department, told reporters in Geneva, warning that many people actually get to treatment late because they dont know they are HIV positive.

WHO chief Margaret Chan said that making home testing kits more easily available could make a dramatic difference.

HIV self-testing should open the door for many more people to know their HIV status and find out how to get treatment and access prevention services, she said in a statement.

HIV self-testing allows people, in the privacy of their own homes, to use oral fluid or blood from a finger prick to determine their status in about 20 minutes, while new tests are being developed that work even faster.

Record infections

WHO urges anyone who tests positive to seek confirmatory tests at a health clinic, where they can receive information about the disease and how to get counselling, as well as rapid referral to prevention, treatment and care services.

Self-testing has been shown to nearly double the frequency of HIV testing among men who have sex with men, and recent studies in Kenya found that the male partners of pregnant women were twice as likely to get tested if they were offered self-testing, WHO said.

Twenty-three countries currently have national policies in place supporting HIV self-testing while others are developing such policies, but WHO warned that in much of the world wide-scale access to the tests remains limited.

And in countries where they are easily accessible they are often pricey, as in the United States where they can be bought in most chemists at around $40 (37.67 euros) a piece.

We would really like to emphasise that they should ideally be free, said Rachel Baggaley of WHOs HIV prevention unit.

WHO said it was supporting a project in three southern African countries  Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia  aimed at making free home testing kits widely available, and said a number of other countries were interested in joining the initiative.

More testing is also needed in other regions, with the EU and WHO reporting on Tuesday that one in seven people with HIV in Europe is unaware of their infection, as 2015 marked another record year for new HIV cases in the region.

Europe registered 153,407 new cases, up from 142,000 in 2014, the WHO said, a jump driven by cases in Russia and immigrants who acquired the virus after arrival.

Hirnschall acknowledged on Tuesday that the rate of new HIV infections globally had stopped declining in recent years and had stagnated at around 2.1 million annually, voicing hope that increased testing could help turn that trend.

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Veteran actor Helen Mirren feels she will be a sex symbol until the day she dies.

The 71-year-old feels people will always talk about her appearance, reported Us magazine.

I think its probably going to follow me to my grave, Mirren said.

Photographer Peter Lindbergh, actors Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman and Helen Mirren and CEO Pirelli Group Marco Tronchetti Provera attend a photocall for the launching of the Pirelli Calendar 2017 in Paris, France on November 29, 2016. (Reuters)

The actor, who is in the seventh decade of her life, feels better now about life than she did when she was 25 years old.

The idea of dying young when youre 25 is kind of cool - a bit romantic, like James Dean. But then you realise that life is too much fun to do that. Its fascinating and wonderful and emotional... So you just have to find a way of negotiating getting old psychologically and physically.

The best thing about being over 70 is being over 70. Certainly when I was 45, the idea of being 70 was like Arghhh!

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Filmmaker Martin Scorsese met Pope Francis in Rome following the Vatican screening of his latest film Silence, which recounts the persecution of a group of Jesuit missionaries in 17th century Japan.

Scorsese, 74, was accompanied by his wife, his two daughters, the producer of the movie for the meeting on Wednesday, according to a Vatican statement that said the meeting was very cordial and lasted 15 minutes.

Pope Francis told those present that he had read Japanese author Shusaku Endos novel on which the film was based. Scorsese gave the Pope two paintings on the theme of hidden Christians, one of them a much-venerated image of the Madonna painted by a 17th century Japanese artist. Pope Francis gave his guests rosaries.

Pope Francis looks at a painting given to him as a gift from director Martin Scorsese, right, on the occasion of their private audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. (AP)

The audience in the Vatican came after a special screening of Silence in Rome on Tuesday night for more than 300 Jesuit priests.

The movie is due to premiere in the United States this December.

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A prominent Indian-American industrialist who played a leading role in mobilising Hindus for US President-elect Donald Trump has been appointed to the Transition Finance and Inauguration committee, a Republican Hindu organisation said.

Shalabh Shalli Kumar, who is founder and president of Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC), has been appointed to the Transition Finance and Inauguration teams.

I am honoured to accept these positions with the transition team and the inauguration committee, Kumar said in a statement.

I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and working together with Steve and the other members of the Trump administration to Make America Great Again, he said.

Kumar along with Steven Mnuchin, Trumps pick for treasury secretary, also played a key role in organising the Aab Ki baar Trump Sarkar ad campaign.

Kumar collaborated on Humanity United Against Terror event in New Jersey on October 15, and on other events during the campaign, including a meet and greet between Donald Trump and Hindu leaders in Orlando just days before the election, as well as a visit by Trumps son-in-law to a Hindu Temple.

He also donated $898,000 (approximately Rs 6 crores) towards Trumps victory campaign.

Trump, who is forming his Cabinet has picked two Indian- American women, Nikki Haley as US envoy to the United Nations and Dr Seema Verma as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The BJP hit out at the Congress for pointing fingers at it and its supporters over the hacking of Congress and Rahul Gandhis Twitter accounts, saying this shows the Opposition partys mental bankruptcy as it blames the saffron outfit for everything going against it.

We absolutely reject the charge. It only shows Congress bankruptcy that it blames BJP for everything. When court asked their leaders to appear in National Herald case, it blamed BJP when summons were issued later it still blamed BJP and now it is blaming BJP for something completely unrelated to the party, BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

He demanded that the Congress tender an apology for making a baseless allegation.

Noting that the Congress often credits late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for ushering in digitisation in India, he said its vice-president Rahul Gandhi questions the concept of digital India, a flagship programme of the Modi government.

The Congress should answer who of the two leaders is right, he said.

Blaming fascist forces for the hacking, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said it reflects the extremities of an intolerant culture that resorts to abuse when cornered. Senior party leader Digvijaya Singh pointed fingers at followers of the government for this.

Sharma said the governments IT department has taken the matter seriously and police have also launched a probe.
Delhi Police has initiated a probe into the hacking of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhis Twitter account and has written to the management of the social media site seeking necessary details.

We have written to Twitter to provide us log details such as the IP address of the hackers. We have started investigating the matter, a senior police official said.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing of the Police around 1 AM , an official said.

The official Twitter account of the Congress was also hacked this morning and a string of unsavoury messages were posted.
BROWNSVILLE  Monday, Nov. 7, was much like any other day for Brownsville City Manager Scott McDowell. At least, until an employee opened a computer program containing a ransomware demand for 0.49154 in Bitcoins.

Thats only about $360, but the real issue was that the malware program, which infected one computer at City Hall, shut down its operation for an entire day and worried McDowell that it may have infected all of the citys computers.

It wasnt the employees fault, he said. She tried to close the program, and thats when it downloaded the ransomware bug.

McDowell said the bug encrypted the computers Word files and databases. And, they want you to pay their ransom to decrypt your files, he added.

Fortunately, quick action kept the bug from infecting all of the citys computers, McDowell said, limiting the problem to a single device.

The ransomware hackers provided written instructions on establishing a Bitcoin account, threatening the city to act in three days or you loose (sic) all your files. The instructions also read, Nobody can help you except us. Its useless to reinstall Windows, update antivirus software, etc.

McDowell told City Council members last week that the FBI believes there are 17 major ransomware viruses and that the majority of hacks originate in Eastern Europe and Russia.

A community member well-versed in computer technology and a staff member from the Council of Governments helped fix the problem the following day.

It took six hours, McDowell said. We were extremely fortunate.

And the really good news was that the city has an automatic software saving system that uploads data to an offsite server daily. But, the city was able to avert the upload that could have spread the ransomware virus.

McDowell noted that there were an estimated 1,000 ransomware hacks per day nationwide in 2015, and now there are an estimated 4,000 per day.

There is no sign it is going to slow down, he said.

McDowell is working with specialists to develop more extensive malware protection systems.

Other communities have not been so fortunate.

The San Francisco train system was struck by ransomware this week. Hackers demanded $73,000.

The bug was designed to affect passenger ticketing, but the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency decided to let passengers ride for free rather than submit to the hackers demands until the problem could be fixed.
Customers damaged furniture at a state-run bank in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday and reports of public anger spilling over emerged from other places as the government struggled to meet the demand for cash on the first pay day since the recall of high-value banknotes.

Across the country, tens of thousands of people lined up at banks and ATMs raising fears of more chaos amid the severe cash crunch, sparked by the governments decision that pulled out 86% of the currency in circulation.

Police guarded banks and cash dispensing machines in many places as mints failed to churn out enough notes to keep up with the demand.

Police said angry customers barged into an Allahabad Bank branch in Meerut when they were informed about the unavailability of cash. The people also broke the glass panes at the cash counter, bank manager Harendra Singh said.

There were reports of people blocking roads and staging demonstrations in Bijnore, Hapur, Moradabad, Amroha, Baghpat, Bulandshahr and Saharanpur.

In Patna, at many places salary earners waited in queues for hours for their turn. Among the most crowded was the SBI secretariat branch and its ATM.

In Shimla, government employee Satish Sharma said his salary was credited on Thursday but he could not withdraw the money through cheque. I could only take out Rs 2,000 from the ATM. May be in the days to come the situation will ease, he said.

On Wednesday, there were reports of angry customers locking up bank staff at a few branches in Tamil Nadu, UP and Bihar.

The All India Bank Employees Association admitted the situation is getting out of hand. We have no cashthere is a huge shortagethis chaos will continue at least till the 10th (of this month), said a senior official of a private sector bank.

Fearing backlash from customers, the Punjab National Bank Officers Association in Allahabad wrote to the CMD and CEO seeking adequate cash.

Most government and private sector employees get their salaries credited to their accounts on the last day of the month and millions of people were expected to withdraw cash to meet their immediate needs  such as school and medical fees, newspaper bills, and other sundry purchases. In India, 78% of consumer payments are made in cash, which the government is attempting to change.

Many private companies gave a day off to employees on Thursday to enable them to withdraw cash. Many people standing in queue outside banks said they had taken off from work to withdraw money as they had to clear pending bills.

In Kolkata, most ATMs either ran out of cash or were dispensing only Rs 2,000 notes.

(With inputs from Mumbai/Kolkata/Patna/Meerut/Shimla)
Shyam Narayan Chouksey, the man whose public interest litigation (PIL) led to the Supreme Courts order on Wednesday that the national anthem must be played before any movie is screened at a public theatre, says he is a Gandhian by heart and karma.

For me national anthem represents the pride, the struggles and the sacrifices made by our people, our leaders, our freedom fighters and specially Mahatma Gandhi for freeing this country from the tentacles of the colonial rule. Cant we even spare 52 seconds to give due respect and honour to the anthem that represents so much? 76-year-old Chouksey told Hindustan Times after the Supreme Courts historic order.

He says his fight for ensuring due respect to the national anthem started when he saw Karan Johars movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham at a theatre here in 2001.

When national anthem was sung in the movie, I was surprised to see that there was no reaction in the audience. Apart from me only a few stood up to pay respect. Some people sitting behind even objected to our standing up. I couldnt bear the disrespect.

When national anthem was sung in the movie, I was surprised to see that there was no reaction in the audience. Apart from me only a few stood up to pay respect. Some people sitting behind even objected to our standing up. I couldnt bear the disrespect. So I staged satyagrah outside the theatre later and put banners, distributed pamphlets to make people aware about respecting the national anthem, he says.

In 2002, Chouksey filed a case in the Madhya Pradesh high court against the use of national anthem in a commercial venture and its dramatisation. A year later, the high court banned its screening till the scene was removed from the movie, but the producers approached Supreme Court and got a stay.

In 2005 the Supreme Court set aside the Madhya Pradesh high courts order to delete that portion of the movie where the national anthem was sung.

Finally I decided to file a PIL in the Supreme Court last month to take the fight on the issue to the national stage, he says

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DMK president M Karunanidhi was admitted to Kauvery hospital in Chennais Alwarpet on Thursday.

Karunanidhi was rushed to the hospital around 5.50 am for the optimisation of nutrition and hydration that is given to undernourished people who cannot maintain a healthy body weight by meals alone.

He was accompanied by his wife Rajathiammal, son MK Stalin and former union minister Dayanidhi Maran.

Among people such as Karunanidhi who dont face food shortages, undernutrition is usually caused by an illness --- like severe infection, diseases of the stomach and gut, cancers, etc -- that can affect appetite and hamper nutrient absorption.

Along with IV-fluid to restore electrolyte balance, Karunanidhi is likely to be given oral nutritional supplements between planned nutritive meals as a top-up food to help him gain wait.

DMK president #Karunanidhi admitted into Kauvery hospital for "optimisation ofnutrition and hydration." @htTweets pic.twitter.com/hCotyfBTTE  Aditya Iyer (@Theadityaiyer) December 1, 2016

He is stable and is being treated by a team of doctors. He will be in the hospital for a few days, a statement from the hospital said.

Karunanidhis political rival, Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, is recovering from a lung infection at Apollo Hospital in Chennai. She has been under treatment for more than two months.
The Centre has begun the process of appointing 28 high court judges, amid a tussle between the executive and judiciary over judges posts lying vacant.

Law ministry sources said most of these judges will be appointed in December.

With 120 posts filled till November this year, the new hiring will take the number of judges appointed in a single year to an all-time high, surpassing 121 appointments in 2013.

We have already processed these recommendations of the Supreme Court collegium. The notifications will follow soon, a source said. The positions are likely to be filled in batches.

Facts There are 31 sanctioned posts in the Supreme Court, out of which seven are lying vacant In the high courts, there are 1079 sanctioned posts; 430 of them are vacant

The collegium  a body of five of the countrys senior-most judges headed by the Chief Justice of India  recommends judges names for the top court and high courts. For the high courts, however, each court has its own collegium to shortlist names and these are then sent to the law ministry.

The ministry forwards these names to the Supreme Court collegium for final selection.

Vacancies in the Supreme Court and 24 high courts have been a bone of contention between the judiciary and executive.

The top court has periodically lashed out at the government for not filling vacancies fast enough. The government is of the view that a bulk of the vacant posts should be filled under a new memorandum of procedure  guidelines for appointments to the higher judiciary.

But, with opposition parties also criticising the governments stand, the law ministry has been appointing judges in small batches every month.

Of 1,079 sanctioned positions of judges in high courts, 430 are lying vacant. Likewise one-fourth of the 31 Supreme Court judges positions are yet to be filled.

Officials said it is unlikely Supreme Court judges will be appointed this year because no recommendations have been received so far.

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The government scrambled on Thursday to ensure steady supply of cash for daily wagers and quell any possible unrest among the large number of people in the unorganised sector who are still out of the banking network.

Labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya met finance minister Arun Jaitley to seek more mobile ATMs and banking correspondents at labourer colonies and construction sites, which employs the highest number of daily wagers.

Most workers are paid on a monthly basis with the cash handed out on the last or first of every month.

The labour ministry also conducted special drive and opened 3.87 lakhs new bank accounts since the government announced demonetisation of high-value banknotes that took out 86% of the currency in circulation.

With banks and ATMs running out of cash as soon as they are being replenished, anger has risen across the country over the cash crunch.

The ministry also approached trade unions to avoid any possible situation that may flare up into violence.

We have requested them to reach out the workers and create awareness about the digitisation in economy. They are responsible unions and can help us in this situation, said union labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya.

While the labour ministry is keeping no stones unturned, there is, however, no guarantee that millions of unorganised daily wagers  that constitute 85% of Indias workforcewill get cash in hand at the right time, official said.

We have requested the finance ministry to send more cash to rural areas and construction sites, but we have not got any assurance, said a senior labour ministry official.

Dattatreya has also written letters to chief ministers seeking their help.

Banks opened 25.68 crore Jan dhan accounts to bring a large section of Indians under the ambit of the formal economy.

Read| Payday is here: Banks brace for rush, many skip office to withdraw cash

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Eighty-year-old Munshi Lal and his two sons have not found any work for the past 13 days either in the fields or on the multiple construction sites on the highway near his village in Uttar Pradesh.

Lal lives with his family of 14 in Ghazipur, about 45 km away from Kanpur, a village that has another 32 families.

Before the Narendra Modi governments demonetisation drive, Lal and his sons worked in the field and earned Rs 200 every day. He has exhausted the three Rs 500 notes he had the day the government scrapped two high-value currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.

The daily wage earner could not get them exchanged at the nearest bank, which is 7 km away in Bithoor, because of the heavy rush but a merchant in Hingupur agreed to pay him Rs 400 for one note.

The scene is no different in cities and towns across the country after the November 8 shock announcement took out 86% of the currency out of circulation. On Thursday, tens of thousands of people lined up at banks and ATMs across the country, as the first payday since the recall of the high-value banknotes raised fears of more chaos amid the severe cash crunch.

Most government and private sector employees get their salaries credited to their accounts on the last day of the month and millions of people were expected to withdraw cash to meet their immediate needs  such as school and medical fees, newspaper bills, and other sundry purchases. In India, 78% of consumer payments are made in cash, which the government is attempting to change.

A penniless Lal, however, has a way out. As he has now decided to do what almost everyone in his village has been doing for a week now - barter grains for goods.

He offered the village merchant Pooran Gupta a sack full of wheat, weighing 100 kg, in exchange for vegetables, spices, wheat flour, rice and oil. He has another one at his house that he plans to trade sometime later. The owner of the field they had worked on had given them the wheat in exchange for their labour.

This is the only way I can make sure my family has food and lentils with their meals. The children dont understand the problem, we cant make them understand either. They want food and we have to arrange (for food), Lal said.

Money is no longer available to us. God knows when we will have work.

The daughter-in-law of one of his dead brothers, Meena, is worried about arranging for the wedding of her eldest daughter. Sumans wedding has been fixed to be held on December 20 and the family doesnt have much cash to spend on the ceremonies.

Meenas husband has a broken hand and her three children are too young to work. However, unlike Lal, this family has one bigha of land and rice  in abundance after the autumn harvest  would be the medium for exchange. As will be wheat for potatoes, flour, vegetables, cooking oil, spices and even for salt.

Families like Meenas have been dealing in rice and wheat as currency in the countryside.

I will have to trade the rice even for clothes. How will my daughter live in her sasural (in laws house) if we fail to provide right hospitality to the baratis (guests from the grooms family)? She will be teased for any folly of ours. I cannot jeopardise her dignity, we will do the best we can to arrange funds, Meena said.

She has struck a deal with a farmer who would give her ghee or clarified butter, vegetables and flour for the wedding feast. In turn, he will keep one-quarter of the wheat crop the family would sow.

To earn some cash, she has started working in households in Kalyanpur, 15 km away from Ghazipur, and will barter the paddy for the clothes from local shops.

Gupta, the merchant who has struck some goods deals with the villagers, set a reminder. He said the barter system will not work as the villagers are bound to run out of things to exchange.

Cash squeeze has begun hurting me. The number of people for barter is increasing by the day and how long I can barter is the question before me? he asked.
The Income Tax department on Thursday confiscated over Rs 4.5 crore, mostly in new notes, from two individuals, during a surprise check in Bengaluru for fresh currency stashes.

The banknotes were retrieved during searches on premises of an engineer and a civil contractor, the department said.

While Rs 4.7 cr of the seized money was in the new Rs 2000 banknotes, the rest of the Rs 30 lakh comprised of Rs 100 and demonetised Rs 500, the officials said.

Also, 7 kg gold bullion, worth approximately Rs 2 crore was found in the contractors house.

Huge stacks of Rs 2000 notes have been recovered. The cash amounts to over Rs four crore. The counting of the seized currency is still on. This is one the biggest seizures of the new currency. Some entry operators and bankers are under scanner, a senior I-T department official said.

The department also found many ID cards on the premises, which may have been used to illegally exchange the old currency, the department officials suspected.
On his last day in office, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda said he didnt see an easy solution to end the Kashmir conflict, calling it a long war that would require a long-term approach.

His comments are significant as government sources predict that the conflict with home-grown militants will end soon.

A day after seven soldiers were killed in the Nagrota strike, Hooda said on Wednesday that the situation along the Line of Control was not cooling down anytime soon and the hinterland would also remain hot.

He warned against calling the first shot fired against a garrison a security lapse, saying 100% success each time in preventing attacks reflected little understanding of the battle the army is fighting.

If we look at everything from a two-month perspective, we will end up adopting a short-term view. That will be counter-productive in terms of dealing with Pakistan.

I wish we could have prevented the Nagrota strike but some setbacks have to be acceptedand we learn our lessons. We have to move on, rather than let one incident set the discourse for overall national security, he said.

Sixty soldiers have died in J-K this year. Hooda said the army was ruthless about finding ways to minimise casualties. We understand this more than anyone else because our lives depend on it.

On the alleged lapses that may have led to the attack, he said, Two officers deliberately put themselves in the line of fire to rescue women and children. Let us respect that rather than sitting in peaceful areas and mouthing criticism.

He added that alleging lapses before carrying out a detailed analysis dilutes what soldiers are doing on the ground.

Hooda said the army moved swiftly to kill the militants who attacked the Nagrota base or else it could have been worse than the Uri attack in which 19 soldiers were killed.

He rubbished reports about actionable intelligence being available on the Nagrota attack. We launch hundreds of operations in J-K daily on the basis of intelligence inputs. In this case, we had no specific inputs.

He said there was an urgent need to tap smart technologies for perimeter protection of military bases to complement human effort.

Hooda added that soldiers were at the highest alert level but there were limits to human endurance.

On the situation worsening after the September 29 surgical strikes, he said: If we look at everything from a two-month perspective, we will end up adopting a short-term view. That will be counter-productive in terms of dealing with Pakistan.
Hundreds and thousands of people lined up at banks and ATMs across the country on Thursday as the payday since the recall of high-value banknotes raised fears of more chaos amid the severe cash crunch.

Police guarded banks and cash dispensing machines in many places over the possibility of peoples anger spilling over with the governments mints failing to churn out enough notes to keep up with the demand since the November 8 shock announcement took out 86% of the currency out of circulation.

Below are the updates from across the country:

Meerut| Angry customers barged into the Khairnagar branch of Allahabad bank and smashed counter glasses when they were informed about the unavailability of cash. Deputy general manager of Allahabad Bank admitted shortage of cash and said that he has written to the RBI to ensure adequate supply of cash.

Meerut city superintendent of police Alok Priyadarshi said he has advised bank managers to put up signboards displaying the amount of cash received and an estimated number of customers who could withdraw cash.

People stand in queue outside a bank to withdraw currency notes in New Delhi. (Mohd Zakir/HT Photo)

Delhi| Many people standing in queues outside banks said they had taken off from work to withdraw money as they had to clear pending bills.

I had somehow managed the daily needs. But now the shopkeepers have stopped giving creditthe house maid, newspaper vendor and the washer man have started demanding money and that too in cash, said Amit Vijay, 36, as he stood in queue outside a bank in Sarita Vihar in New Delhi.

 Fearing backlash from customers, the Punjab National Bank Officers Association have written to the CMD and CEO seeking adequate cash. We have no cashthere is a huge shortagethis chaos will continue at least till the 10th (of this month), said a senior official of a private sector bank.

Mumbai|There was no respite for people even on Thursday as they continued to wait in long queues to deposit and withdraw money.

Some people complained that though cashless transactions are useful, the local shops and hawkers dont keep, or cant provide card swipe machines.

The local vegetable vendors and provision store owners dont keep card machines nor do they have cashless transaction facilities. We have to withdraw money for that since those are the most basic needs, said Shruti Gala, a Borivali resident waiting outside a long queue of a bank branch.

Kolkata| Long queues were seen outside banks. Since morning, most ATMs either ran out of cash or were dispensing only Rs 2000 notes.

The situation worsened as employees of several private companies also queued up to withdraw money to pay the salaries of staff.

I didnt waste my time standing in queues outside ATMs. First, the limit of withdrawing money from ATMs is small and second, they could run out of Rs 100 notes any time. Instead I rushed to the bank. I was behind around 20 people even at 8 am, said Amiya Halder an employee of a private company.

People queue up outside ATMs in Delhi on the first payday after #DeMonetisation (visuals from Parliament street) pic.twitter.com/8LJ0H9zGdH  ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016

Allahabad| Braving winter chill and fog, people queued up outside banks and ATMs.

Life has been derailed completely. Never thought of facing such a chaos in life. Only Rs 2000 notes are available at the ATM in Civil Lines against maximum daily withdrawal limit of Rs 2500 as there are no Rs 500 currency notes, said Sudhir Chawla, a businessman.

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Late-night drama gripped West Bengal on Thursday after chief minister Mamata Banerjee decided not to go home and instead stay put at the state secretariat Nabanna to protest against the sudden deployment of the army in the area.

A livid Mamata took to Twitter to express her disgust, saying, Very unfortunate. Army stationed in front of Nabanno, the Bengal State Secretariat in a high security zone, in spite of police objection. I am waiting here at the Secretariat and watching to guard our democracy.

As the news hit headlines across TV channels and social media, the army stuck to its stand that it was a routine exercise and refused to budge.

Jawans could be seen noting down numbers of goods vehicles crossing Vidyasagar Setu, a stones throw from the state secretariat in Howrah district. The bridge connects Kolkata and Howrah across the river Hooghly. Soldiers were also spotted at Dankuni toll plaza in Hooghly district, and Pallsit toll plaza in Burdwan district.

Addressing a hurriedly called press conference at Nabanna a little earlier, Mamata said, We knew the country is undergoing an economic emergency unleashed by demonetisation. But now the states are being hounded by the Centre for not falling in line. Today its Bengal, tomorrow it may be Bihar or Uttar Pradesh. Even if the army is used to suppress communal tension or riots, the states are not being informed. Why was the state not informed in this instance?

Army spokesperson SS Birdi told HT, This is a routine exercise and we have already informed the police and the district magistrates. This was basically done to know the number of load carriers available that might be of use to the army in times of emergency.

Howrah police officers, however, claimed that the army had not informed them about either the deployment or the survey.
Oct. 2, 1929  Nov. 20, 2016

Carl Henry Lorenz Jr., 87, died peacefully on Nov. 20, 2016, and currently resides in heaven with his Lord and Savior.

Carl was born in Pilot Rock, Oregon, on Oct. 2, 1929, the son of Carl and Stella (Sherwood) Lorenz. He and his sister Barbara spent their childhood living in many small towns in Eastern Oregon. He moved to Portland just before 7th grade and graduated from Portlands Washington High School in 1947. Carl was a talented man, who with little-to-no training could build houses and make many things with his hands. In school he enjoyed his woodworking class, a passion he carried the rest of his life. He had great joy in making wooden toys and seeing childrens faces light up when they received one.

After high school, Carl worked a number of jobs which required traveling throughout the Willamette Valley. He married Dolores Kvavle in 1949 and they had four wonderful and talented children. In his 20s he became a Christian and a few years later became a Lutheran Minister. Working a full time job and raising a family, he attended both the University of Oregon and Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul Minnesota. He served Lutheran churches in Minnesota, Washington and Oregon.

In his later years, Carl moved to Lebanon and worked at Economy Supply for many years until retiring. After moving to Lebanon, he met and married Bess Carlson whom he loved very much. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was involved with Habitat for Humanity.

He is survived by his wife, Bess; daughters Christine and husband David Eide, Karen and husband David Brock, and Kathy Jo and husband Abe Ferriera; son David and wife Becky Lorenz; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Carls last days were honored and celebrated with him by all of his family.

A celebration of life service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lebanon.

Family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Lebanon Habitat for Humanity in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.
The outlawed CPI (Maoist) is allegedly targeting Bihar villagers who have Jan Dhan accounts to deposit its stock of demonetised notes, the groups zonal commander revealed to the police on Wednesday.

Ram Pravesh Yadav alias Damkal Jee, who was nabbed by Aurangabad police on Tuesday, told police that top leaders of the organisation, who had amassed huge wealth, were desperate to change the banned currency in their possession.

The governments move has not only ruined the financial health of the outfit, but also affected Maoist activities in general, Yadav reportedly said in his statement to the police.

The organisations financial health was weakened by the demonetisation drive, so it was not in a position to carry out missions, he added.

He, however, supported the governments move saying, Personally, I am in favour of scrapping the high denomination notes.

Yadav said the Maoists had now given up their so-called class struggle and mobilising the movement purely on caste lines.

The outfit that used to safeguard the interests of the poor by carrying forward the struggle against the rich with feudal mindset was now focusing on how to amass money through extortions and other means. If this scenario prevails, Maoism will be history in the country, he added.

The Chalho zone commander of CPI (Maoist), who has been evading arrest for more than 11 years, was nabbed from Bilaspur village in Madanpur police station in Aurngabad district, when he was planning to sneak into Jharkhand with his subordinate Vishnudev Mistri.

He was wanted in about 50 cases in Aurangabad and Gaya districts.

Aurangabad superintendent of police Satya Prakash said his revelations on demonetisation were on expected lines. We have launched campaign to thwart Maoists bid to use villagers to exchange the banned currency, he said.

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As Cyclone Nada is building up over South West Bay of Bengal and is poised to strike the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Indian Navys Eastern Naval Command has assumed a high degree of readiness to render necessary humanitarian assistance.

An Indian Navy release said two ships -- INS Shakti and INS Satpura are standing by to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake humanitarian aid distress relief (HADR), evacuation, logistic support including providing medical aid.

These ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and relief material that include food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets etc, in quantities sufficient to sustain over 5000 personnel, the release . Additionally INS Ranjit, presently deployed in the Bay of Bengal, has been positioned off Tamil Nadu coast and would be the first responder for HADR operation, if required.

The Eastern Naval Command is monitoring the developments closely and Flag Officer Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area is in constant communication with the state administration to augment rescue and relief operations.

Naval aircraft are also standing by at naval air stations Rajali and Dega to undertake reconnaissance, rescue, casualty evacuation and air drop of relief material to the stranded.

Additionally, diving teams with Gemini boats and four platoons with additional relief material are ready to be pressed into action at short notice.

A cyclone alert has been sounded in Tamil Nadu in view of deep depression forming over the Bay of Bengal.

Chennai, the coastal regions of the state and Puducherry are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days.

Area Cyclone Warning Centre director S,. Balachandran said the cyclone was expected to move in west-northwest direction and would cross between Vedaranyam and Puducherry in the early hours of December 2.

The well-marked low pressure area, which was lying over the southeast bay yesterday intensified further and intensifies the cyclone storm. And today morning (Wednesday), at 8:30, lying at about 735 kilometer southeast of Puducherry or Southwest of Bay of Bengal, said Balachandran in Chennai.

He further added that this cyclone has been named as Nada. In the wake of the approaching system, light to moderate rain are likely to commence over the coastal regions.

India is one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world and many of its 1.2 billion people live in areas vulnerable to hazards such as floods, cyclones and droughts.

Freak weather patterns not only affect agricultural output and food security, but also lead to water shortages and trigger outbreaks of water and mosquito-borne diseases such as diarrhoea and malaria in many developing nations.
Pakistan will have no bilateral meeting with India on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar where the Prime Ministers Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz is set to participate on Sunday, according to a media report.

Aziz is leading the Pakistani delegation to the two-day conference that focuses on regional cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for improving connectivity and tackling security threats.

Pakistan and India would not hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia ministerial conference being held in Amritsar, Dawn reported, citing officials.

For now we dont see any willingness on their part...the ball is in Indias court, for they know we are willing but we dont know whether they are willing, it quoted an official as saying.

Pakistan and India had held a meeting here at the last HoA ministerial conference and agreed to start Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue that was to cover all outstanding issues.

The resumption of the dialogue could, however, not take place due to the Pathankot terror attack in January this year.

An official was also quoted as saying that Pakistan had not formally reached out to India for a bilateral meeting in Amritsar.

Pakistans High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit, while participating in BBC Urdus Facebook Live interaction yesterday, said Pakistan was ready for unconditional resumption of dialogue if India is ready.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is not attending the Heart of Asia ministerial meeting.

Since Sushma Swaraj is not attending, its difficult to have a meeting with anyone else, the daily quoted a Pakistani diplomat as saying.

The Pakistani side believes that the way out of the current stalemate in ties is India giving up its intransigence, the daily said.

India has to make up its mind. They are not willing to discuss Kashmir, the official said.

India has been non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Aziz but has made it clear that talks and terror cannot go hand in hand.
The government has cut short the deadline of using old Rs 500 notes at petrol pumps and for buying airline tickets at airports till December 2 instead of December 15 announced earlier.

With effect from December 3, 2016, old Rs 500 notes cannot be used for purchase of petrol, diesel and gas at the stations operating under authorisation of public sector oil marketing companies and for buying airline tickets at airport counters, a government notification said.

Highlights The government has cut short the deadline of using old Rs 500 notes The new deadline is December 2, and not December 15 as announced earlier The old note will be accepted for other utility bill payments, railway ticketing counters and counters of government or public sector undertaking buses for purchase of tickets till December 15

While junking old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes on November 8, the government had allowed their use for utility bill payments for 72 hours.

This deadline was extended twice and when the last one was to expire on November 24, it amended it to state that only the old 500 rupee notes could be used for payment of utility bills like electricity and water, school fees, pre-paid mobile top-up, fuel purchase and airline ticket booking.

While the old note will continue to be accepted for the other utility bill payments as well as at railway ticketing counters and counters of government or public sector undertaking buses for purchase of bus tickets till December 15, it will be discontinued for purchase of fuel and airline tickets at airport counters.

Also, the government has dropped earlier announced plan to allow the use of 500 rupee notes for payment of toll at national highways from December 3.

Toll payment in both old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes was accepted till December 2 and from December 3 it was to be limited in 500 rupee notes. But now this facility too has been withdrawn.

From December 3, fuel purchase, airline ticket booking at airport counters and highway toll payment would be allowed only in lower denomination currency or the new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes.

Sources said the move to curtail use of old notes at petrol pumps and highway toll plazas follows reports of the facility being misused to launder black money.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah triggered a controversy on Thursday, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modis ministers were provoking Pakistan to launch terror attacks like in the state. Seven soldiers were killed in a militant strike in Jammus Nagrota town on Tuesday.

The Nagrota attack is a result of statements made by various ministers against Pakistan, the National Conference leader told reporters on the sidelines of his address to party workers in south Kashmir Anantnag district.

 The Nagrota attack is a result of statements made by various ministers against Pakistan.

Abdullah said he disapproved of defence minister Manohar Parrikars statement that India didnt want a war with Pakistan but if someone looks at the country with an evil eye, we will gouge his eyes out and put them back in his hand.

He said that if such a statements are made by the defence minister, then we should expect attacks like Nagrota.

He said Modis claim that demonetisation would end terrorism in the country was another reason for terror attacks being stepped up in Jammu and Kashmir.
Stepping up its attack on the government over Income Tax Amendment Bill, a united opposition on Thursday petitioned President Pranab Mukherjee against it. They alleged the legislation was hurriedly passed in the Lok Sabha bypassing parliamentary rules and procedures.

As many as 16 opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress, the Left, SP and BSP, besides DMK, JMM and NCP met the President at Rashtrapati Bhawan this evening and handed over a memorandum, which alleged a brute and authoritarian government was stifling the democratic process.

The JDU, whose president and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has supported demonetisation, however, was not part of the delegation.

We appeal to you as the custodian and protector of the Constitution to intervene at this juncture as democratic rights are being trampled upon by a brute and authoritarian government that is hell bent upon stifling the democratic and legislative process of our Parliament, the memorandum said.

It said the mandatory provisions of Constitution and Rules of Procedure were totally violated in passing the Bill.

The memorandum said though Lok Sabha members raised these issues in the House, their democratic rights were denied on the plea that there was no time to wait for the Presidents assent as the bill was very important.

This is not permissible in law and amounts to undermining the authority of the President of India, the memorandum said.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who was part of the delegation, alleged that Parliamentary procedure was not followed in the passing of the legislation and voice of people was being suppressed blatantly now in Parliament too.

We met the President because of the Bill that was passed without allowing any discussion. There is a sense in the country that the voice of the people is being suppressed and crushed.

This was being done across the country and now it is being done in Parliament blatantly. This is not the way to run parliamentary democracy. That is why we have come to meet the President here, he said.
Defence minister Manohar Parrikar met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday and discussed measures to strengthen military and security ties between the two countries.

Hasina also holds the defence portfolio in the cabinet.

Parrikar, the first Indian defence minister to visit Bangladesh in 45 years, is in the country on a two-day visit leading a 11-member delegation.

On Wednesday, he met President Abdul Hamid who assured India that it has zero tolerance policy against terrorism and sought expanded military ties.

The President urged the Indian minister to send more military officials to Bangladesh for training to boost ties between the armed forces of the two countries.

The Defence Minister on Wednesday also met Hasinas security adviser Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed and discussed bilateral military and security cooperation.

Top Defence Ministry officials in New Delhi had said the focus of Parrikars trip was to deepen security ties and firm up a defence cooperation agreement that is likely to be signed when Hasina visits India next month.
It had been three days since violence had broken out in Kashmir following the killing of militant leader Burhan Wani. Reports of widespread clashes and stone pelting at security forces were pouring in from all regions of the valley, especially near Insha Mushtaqs home in troubled south Kashmir.

In the afternoon, the 15-year-old had just opened a street-facing window to see what had happened to the young stone-pelters when her world went black  a pellet cartridge fired from a close range had burst at her forehead and blinded her.

Since that day, July 11, the class 9 student has undergone a series of surgeries in Srinagar, Delhi and Mumbai hospitals but to no avail.

I cant sleep at night. Sometimes I get scared. I sleep during the day, she tells HT.

Insha became the global face of Kashmirs pellet woes  hundreds of people who were blinded or maimed by pellet guns used by security forces to manage crowds. Hospital data show that the eyes of more than 1,000 people were pierced by pellets in the ongoing unrest, leading to either complete or partial blindness.

Read: Mehbooba should release those arrested during unrest: Omar Abdullah

Photos of her in dark glasses sparked sympathy and outrage on social media across the world; international media covered her plight, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti offered to donate an eye to her and a senior separatist leader, Shabir Shah, claimed to have adopted her.

Yet, her world has changed forever.

In a small room in her home in the picturesque remote village of Sedow, around 60km from Srinagar, she sits wearing dark goggles. Her scarred forehead remains covered by a headscarf.

I cant see anything, but the pain is not as intense as earlier Inshas voice breaks off.

At first, she could not even move around the house on her own, says Inshas mother Afroza Bano. But now, she says, her daughter can at least sense the rooms by touching the walls and move without help.

But Insha cannot study and her books lie untouched, tucked in her school bag.

Most of the time I sleep. Then I eat, drink tea and again sleep. Sometimes I chat with my cousins or any friend who visits, says Insha.

On Inshas lap lies a tablet phone, on which her cousin sister plays Naat  Islamic songs praising Prophet Mohammad  for her.

The phone, Insha says, was gifted to her by Dr S Natarajan  a Padma Shri Mumbai-based ophthalmologist -- who visited Srinagar thrice in the unrest and operated on over 200 pellet victims.

Insha is scheduled to travel to Mumbai in December for a check-up by Dr Natarajan and prays that in the coming months somehow a little vision is restored.

The blinding has not shattered Inshas dreams  especially that of continuing her education and becoming a doctor. Insha says that if vision, to whatever extent possible, comes back even in one eye, she will continue her education.

Writing exams with pellets in eye

Inshas resilience is mirrored in 16-year-old Tabish Rafiq Bhat, who took his class 10 board examinations, which ended on Monday, despite his left eye blinded by pellets.

Tabish, a resident of Pampore town around 20km away from Srinagar, was hit by pellets on July 9. Six pellets perforated his left eye, of which three still remained lodged inside even after rounds of surgeries and check-ups at Srinagar and Amritsar hospitals.

Tabish Rafiq Bhat, a 16-year-old boy blinded in his left eye by pellets, studies for his board exams at his home in Pampore town. (Waseem Andrabi/HT photo)

His uncle, Abdul Majeed Bhat, says he was not pelting stones but caught in between protesters and forces while returning from tuition classes.

Doctors have told me I will never be able to see with my left eye again, says Tabish, who aspires to do an MBA course in the future.

Undeterred by his partial blindness, Bhat chose to sit for exams in the November session because he felt he would score more with the 50% syllabus relaxation announced by the government due to the unrest. Board exams would also be conducted in March for students failing to appear this time, but without syllabus relaxation.

Read: At least 23 South Kashmiri youth turned to militancy after Burhan Wanis death

But preparing for exams in such a condition was not easy.

My right eye starts watering after reading or writing for some time. A headache starts and I cannot concentrate for a long time, says Tabish, who does not wear glasses to cover the injured eye.

Tabish appeared for the exam without any helper  sanctioned by the government for those students injured in the unrest  and is hopeful he will fare well.

I will be back

Like Bhat, Zuhaib Maqbool  a 30-year-old Srinagar-based photojournalist whose left eye was blinded by pellets when forces used the weapon to quell the protest he was covering on September 4  is also hopeful of his return to photography.

All my colleagues are out there covering the conflict while Im battling my injury. I was not throwing stones but doing my job, says Zuhaib.

Sporting red shades to cover the blinded eye, Zuhaib waits for his turn outside the Follow Up ward at the crowded ophthalmology department of Srinagars SMHS hospital.

In the last three months, Zuhaib has undergone four surgeries at the hospital apart from making umpteen rounds for check-ups and tests.

Zuhaib Maqbool, a photojournalist blinded in the left eye by pellets, waits outside a doctors cabin at Srinagar's SMHS Hospital for a check-up. (Waseem Andrabi/HT photo)

With an injured eye, you have to be very careful. Dust or water shouldnt go in and the eye should not catch an infection, adds Zuhaib.

He explains that he can comfortably see whatever is to his right but not left. So, now, his friends place him to the leftmost when they walk in a group.

Zuhaib story had brought into focus the perils of working as a journalist in Kashmir  facing the wrath of both protestors and security forces. But his resilience is unmistakable.

I wont give up journalism. I will be back even if with only one eye, quips the photographer as his father guides him into the doctors cabin.

Also Read: Modi squandering opportunity to find solution for Kashmir: Ex-RAW chief Dulat

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The Congress website and Twitter handle was hacked on Thursday, a day after hackers infiltrated party vice-president Rahul Gandhis account on the popular social networking site and sent out a barrage of expletive-laden messages.

The back-to-back incidents in a little over 12 hours put to question the countrys online security system at a time when the government is promoting digitisation in a mass scale, including in governance and electronic payment for goods and services.

Information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad assured the matter is being looked into very seriously.

We are seeking the details of all those who logged in that Twitter account in the past one week to probe it further, he said.

His assurance came after cyber criminals attacked the main opposition partys Twitter handle, @INCIndia, website and servers, and threatened to publish private emails of Congress members. The posts were quickly deleted.

We sincerely hope the Modi government will move expeditiously to not only probe and punish the guilty but also revisit the issue of digital safety, Congresss chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said.

The party filed a set of complaints with the cyber cell of Delhi police.

The cyber cell of economic offences wing of Delhi police registered two separate FIRs under Section 66 of the IT law. Teams have been formed to investigate the hacking and Twitter was asked to provide log details of both accounts.

We are taking help from officials in Twitter in Bengaluru, joint commissioner of police Deependra Pathak said.

Though the Twitter handles of the Congress and Gandhi were restored, the partys website continued to be down till late Thursday night. The website was compromised earlier on December 9, 2011.

Hello everyone! We are back. The tweets in the morning lacked wit, evidently. Anyway, Mr Modi, back to peoples questions, care to answer? read a Congress tweet after the account was restored. The reference was to the governments demonetisation drive.

For his part, Gandhi posted from his @OfficeOfRG: To everyone of you haters out there: I love all of you. Youre beautiful. Your hatred just doesnt let you see it yet.

The Congress urged the government to ensure better online security, which it said is pertinent as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is exhorting Indians to go cashless.

Those forcing country to adopt online payment overnight, have they taken steps to ensure a/c of ordinary ppl will be immune from hacking? tweeted Congress president Sonia Gandhis political secretary Ahmed Patel.

Party colleague Surjewala wondered if the digital payment network is safe if platforms such as Twitter can be hacked so unabashedly. Does it not prove the inherent cyber security risks that exist for all electronic transactions and payment gateways? he asked.

Also, be blamed fascist forces for the hacking, saying it reflects the extremities of an intolerant culture. Remember, we are legion, do not (expletives) with us! said one of tweets posted by hackers from Gandhis account.

According to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Gandhi dissuaded his party MPs from pitching in Parliament the hacking of his Twitter account. We wanted to raise this issue. But he said we should not blow up such issues if any person commits such insensible act.

The hacking exposes cyber vulnerabilities as parties push their social media outreach.

A Twitter account can be hacked in one or more ways. A hacker can either choose to download a tool from thousands of websites available online to hack a persons profile or use the sheer brute force of programming to get a password, change it and hijack the account.

Hackers may have gained access to the Congress social media accounts through a targeted and persistent attack on the party server, which gave them access to all emails.

Experts suggested steps such as complicated passwords and encryption of files stored on the server to minimise hacking risks.

Other steps include updating the security system with patches that are released from time to time, an expert said. Patches are files or codes that a company releases after a loophole or a bug is identified in the first public release of software.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel seized Rs 1.2 crore in banned currency notes from a Thai national at the Patna airport on Thursday evening.

The passenger, Suwachai Parithan, had flew into Patna from Lucknow by an IndiGo flight (6E 342, Del-Luk-Patna-Kol).

The passenger has been detained and the money handed over to income tax officials. I-T officials were on the job when reports last came in.

The CISF had received intelligence inputs from their counterparts at Lucknow airport and acted swiftly when the IndiGo flight landed here in the evening.

Sources said the passenger has claimed that the money was of donation and belonged to a Buddhist organisation.

This is the first such seizure of banned currency after demonetisation in Patna.

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May 20, 1923  Nov. 16, 2016

Lois Marie (Schuler) Hopkins died Nov. 16.

She was born in Corvallis May 20, 1923, to Louis and Ina Hopkins Lois attended Harding Elementary School and graduated from Corvallis High School in 1941 where she met her husband, Emmett Schuler. They lived in Chicago, Whidbey Island, Washington, Corvallis and Salem before settling in Albany in the home where she lived until her final moments.

Lois worked as a civilian employee for the Navy, was a longtime employee of Don Endicott construction, worked for the State of Oregon, and finished her career with ESD.

She was a very talented homemaker, seamstress, and cook and a loyal Trail Blazers fan. Her husband Emmett passed away in 1975, she never remarried.

She was able to enjoy many celebrations and treasured many ordinary days with her three devoted sons and their families who now miss her dearly: John Schuler of Albany and wife Leslie, Bill Schuler of Albany and wife Jill, and Terry Schuler of Beaverton and wife Melissa. Lois was blessed with seven loving grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

The service will be at 1 p.m. Dec. 5 at Eastside Christian Church in Albany.

Arrangements are being handled by Fisher Funeral Home.
A taxi driver in Punjabs Barnala town, whose State Bank of Patiala (SBoP) account was accidentally credited with an amount of Rs 98,05,95,12,231, has not recovered from the shock but said he is happy anyway.

I had become a paranoid deranged billionaire instantly, Balwinder Singh said when asked about credit entry of about Rs 9,800 crore in his account under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana meant for poor people.

I was flummoxed at the credit entry that I could not even understand as the figure was so big. Even my family members and friends could not really make it as to what it was. I am still under shock. My bank balance never exceeded Rs 3,000, Singh said.

These things are not for me and I am not for these either. I am a god-fearing person and want to earn my two square meals with honesty.

He could have pampered himself with shopping sprees, extravagant meals in five-star hotels and amazing holidays, but Singh said, These things are not for me and I am not for these either. I am a god-fearing person and want to earn my two square meals with honesty.

Rather than being happy with the credit, which was done on November 4, he said he was extremely scared after he saw the amount in his account.

The big fortune that flashed for a while has gone forever, I have no regret on this. But I was scared of income tax authorities who could have pulled me up especially in the wake of the demonetisation move of the government, Singh said.

The amount, possibly the biggest credit entry in an individuals bank account in the state, was debited from Singhs account the very next day.

Lead bank manager Sandeep Garg explained the freak occurrence.

The account holder happens to be a designated vendor for the bank. While passing a credit entry of Rs 200, an assistant manager (accounts) wrongly inserted the banks 11-digit internal Banking General Ledger account number in the amount column. The mistake was noticed the next day, following which the entry was reversed, he said.

Singh said nothing has changed in his life and he is still plying his taxi.

If the voice of conscience, however feeble, is any guide, I would say with certainty that I would love to live like any poor man if I were a billionaire, Singh said.

Money is the prime cause of all troubles in the modern world. What we need is a civilisation with less stress on currency, a state in which qualities of head and heart are more prized than power and possessions, he said in a philosophical tone.

In July last year, an amount of Rs 95,71,16,98,647 was credited to the State Bank of India account of Kanpurs Urmila Yadav, thanks to a strange procedure followed by the bank to get in touch with its customers.

Urmila, who works as a domestic help, too had opened a savings account by depositing Rs 2000 with the SBIs UPSIDC branch in Vikas Nagar as a part of the central governments Jan Dhan Yojana.
She became Indias first female army officer to win a gallantry award for saving at least 19 lives during a 2010 terrorist attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul. But lieutenant colonel Mitali Madhumitas two-year-long court battle against the government was tougher than her brave act.

And it surely has ended in a sweet victory for her.

A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India TS Thakur on Wednesday dismissed the ministry of defences (MoD) appeal challenging the Armed Forces Tribunals (AFT) order to absorb Madhumita permanently in the services.

As per the MoD, the officer had declined permanent commission when the offer was made to her in September 2010. So, she could not have changed her mind and requested to enrol her permanently because it was against the rules.

The CJIs bench disagreed with the Centre. It examined the laurels Madhumita won while she served in Afghanistan and noted that an officer like her must continue to be part of the organisation.

She will be an asset to the organisation. Her citation certifies her exemplary courage, the bench remarked.

The court noted the chain of army command had acknowledged Madhumita as an outstanding officer and recommended her absorption. It also went into the reasons for the officers refusal at the first instance and noted that she did so for personal reasons.

Hindustan Times was the first to report how the government in 2015 dragged Madhumita  a Sena Medal awardee  to the SC to deny her permanent commission. It challenged the AFT order in the same year when it showcased womens empowerment in the armed forces at the Republic Day parade.

More than 3,250 women serve in the Indian armed forces, with the army accounting for 1,436. The military has so far granted permanent commission to 340 female officers, which allows them to serve their full term until at least the age of 54.

The Sena Medal is an important recognition in the army. Five Special Forces commandos, who took part in a June 9, 2015, cross-border raid against insurgents in Myanmar were chosen for the honour this Independence Day.

Madhumita joined the army under the short service commission (SSC) that allows an officer to serve for 5-15 years. However, she declined permanent commission (PC) offered to her in September 2010 for personal reasons.

She changed her mind after returning to India from Afghanistan and requested the army to enrol her permanently. But, despite glowing recommendations from her senior officers, the MoD refused to even consider the 2000-batch officers request.

Madhumita appealed against the ministrys decision before the AFT in March 2014. The tribunal directed the MoD to, at least, give her a chance in February this year.

In its plea before the SC, the government argued her application to absorb her permanently came very late, much after the selection board for her batch was convened.

According to the ministry, Madhumita slept over the issue for three years.

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Ingenuity is often the hallmark of cheats. In Rajasthan, unscrupulous medical practitioners, looking to make a quick buck, have gone a step further by duping pregnant women to undergo abortions after telling them that they are carrying a girl child despite the foetus being a male.

It is perhaps the mother of all frauds, points out Naveen Jain, head of Rajasthans Pre-Conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) bureau of investigation, and mission director of National Health Mission.

Though sex determination is illegal, the practice is rampant is Rajasthan where a male child is still preferred over a girl by many would-be parents. In a state notorious for its skewed child sex ratio  888 girls for every 1,000 boys as against the national average of 919, as per the 2011 census  some make a quick buck by offering medical termination services in seedy clinics.

Read | How the gang of 13 CID sleuths busted the baby selling racket

But for maximising profit, officials say many doctors and paramedics involved in the illegal trade are also misleading parents, luring them into abortions by making them believe the child in the womb is a girl.

Garima Sain (name changed), pregnant with her third child, helped to blow the lid off the thriving racket in Makrana of Nagaur district recently. Dr Mohammad Niyaz of Suncity Hospital recommended an abortion costing Rs 60,000 as her foetus was that of a girl.

Mother of all frauds Rajasthan is notorious for a skewed sex ratio  888 girls for every 1,000 boys. Doctors and paramedics involved in illegal abortion trade lure parents by making them believe the child in the womb is a girl. Authorities have carried out 39 decoy operations in Rajasthan to implicate those involved in sex determination and illegal abortion trade. Yet, activists believe the trade is thriving in districts such as Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Hanumangarh and Ganganagar.

He did not know that the law was coming for him. Rajasthans PC-PNDT cell that keeps an eye on illegal practices had used Garima as a decoy to investigate Dr Niyaz.

She delivered a healthy baby boy on November 20, but not before the PC-PNDT cell had arrested Dr Niyaz. This was not the doctors first brush with trouble. His ultrasound machine had been sealed in 2012 on charges of illegal use. His son, a government doctor, was also arrested on similar charges in Jodhpur in October.

Garima also helped the cell crack down on two paramedics at another hospital who suggested that she abort her pregnancy at a discounted price of Rs 50,000. Like Dr Niyaz, they too told her the baby in the womb was a girl.

Officials say inducing women to abort under false advice is intended for making a fast buck. Telling every woman that shes carrying a girl is risk-free, says Raghuveer Singh, Rajasthans nodal officer of PC-PNDT.

If they tell women they are carrying a boy, they get money only for ultrasound, but if they tell them that its a girl and manage to convince the family to get it aborted, they rake it in, he adds.

Read | Illegal sex-determination services leaving urban hubs for remote villages

As against anywhere between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh for an abortion done secretly, ultrasound to determine the sex of the foetus costs between Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000, say officials associated with investigations.

Vikas Rahad, a social activist of Sikar who helped the PC-PNDT cell nab a retired army paramedic, says abortions offer the cheats with umpteen possibilities. They squeeze more money out of their patients by raising the bogey of complications during the procedure.

Since 2009, the state PC-PNDT cell has carried out 39 decoy operations to nab those involved in sex determination and illegal abortions.

But activists fear the trade is still thriving in districts such as Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Hanumangarh and Ganganagar. These districts have poor child sex ratio, say activists, while pointing out that they share their borders with Haryana, which had the worst child sex ratio in the country in the 2011 census.

Those involved in the illegal trade mostly use cheap Chinese-made portable ultrasound machines. Many of them are not trained doctors and cannot decipher the ultrasound. Many therefore have no qualms in declaring the foetus as a girl, says Jain.

Social activist Rajan Choudhary, whose tip-offs have led to several decoy operations, says, The doctors have a network of government and private nurses who terminate pregnancies at home. Doctors who conduct only the ultrasound refer women to them for abortion. The network works as middlemen for ultrasound clinics.

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After remaining suspended for nearly five months due to unrest in the Kashmir valley, the rail service connecting Banihal in Jammu with Baramulla in Kashmir resumed on Thursday, officials said.

Full operations were expected to commence within the next two-to-three days, the officials said.

The rail service resumed from Budgam district in central Kashmir to Banihal town in the Jammu region.

The railway track and railway property were damaged by protestors in the Valley during the last five months.

The Northern Railway suspended the service as a precautionary measure on July 9 following widespread protests over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces.

We have suffered losses to the tune of Rs 4.5 crore during the last five months, said Neeraj Kumar, Northern Railway PRO.

The train service comes very handy for students, government servants and other professionals who commute daily between the northern and southern parts of the Kashmir Valley.
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday lashed out at the Congress after its leaders criticised the Narendra Modi government for poor cyber security following the hacking of party vice-president Rahul Gandhis and its official Twitter accounts.

The partys official Twitter account was hacked in the morning, just 12 hours after Gandhis account fell prey to hackers who posted offensive tweets, removed his profile picture and changed the account name and bio.

Read: Congress slams govt over Twitter hack attacks, fears of server breach loom

Minister of state for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan squarely blamed the Congress heir apparent for the security breach.

As Cyber Security Experts would tell you that any digital system is as secure as its weakest link i.e. the user in this case. #RahulHacked, Pradhan tweeted.

Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav followed closely by hitting out at Congress leaders who raised doubts about the cyber security in India and questioned if the bank accounts of ordinary people can remain safe.

What more regressive thinking needed than Cong leaders using twitter hacking 2 qtn entire digital security! What abt millions already in use, Madhav posted.

Another senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy even claimed that Gandhis Twitter account was hacked by people who already knew the code and were frustrated because of him.

This is done by the dissatisfied people with whom Rahul Gandhi has misbehaved. The people already knew the code have done this and not the outsiders, Swamy told ANI.

Swamy also said that Gandhi has annoyed so many people in the office as his mood depends on what he eats.

Read: Homophobic, racist: Some condemn Twitter hack attack on Rahul, others laugh

The Delhi Polices cyber cell have registered two FIRs into the hacking of Twitter accounts of the Congress party and vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

Agencies reported that the Centre has ordered an inquiry into the hacking of the accounts of Congress and Gandhi but Twitter refused to comment on the matter.

Information and technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that strict action would be taken against those involved in the hacking of Gandhis account.

(With inputs from IANS)
Opposition members caused uproar in Parliament on Thursday, alleging that a private flight with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on board was low on fuel and was made to hover over Kolkata airport.

Trinamool Congress parliamentarians staged a protest in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the plane scare incident was an attempt to eliminate the party chief, who has been at the forefront of protests against the governments move to scrap high-value banknotes.

Airport officials in Kolkata said the flight took off from Patna at 7.35pm on Wednesday -- an hour behind schedule  and landed in the West Bengal capital shortly before 9 pm after hovering over 30 minutes in the sky due to technical reasons.

But Trinamool members dismissed this, alleging that the delay and fuel shortage was part of a concerted plan. This is nothing but a conspiracy to kill our chief minister as she has raised voice against demonetisation and is touring the country to organise a mass movement against the anti-people decision, Bengal minister Firhad Hakim said.

Trinamool Congress was joined by the Congress and other parties. When there is no fuel, its the duty of the air traffic control to have allowed landing of Mamata Banerjees flight, her life is in danger, Mallikarjun Kharge was quoted as saying by ANI.

The government rejected the conspiracy theories and said an inquiry had been ordered into the incident. The security of Mamata Banerjee and other passengers is of serious concern, we are serious about it, Union minister Ananth Kumar told Lok Sabha.

But there was no clarity on whether the flight was low on fuel. The carrier  Indigo  told ANI that the plane had a normal landing after being put on hold due to traffic at Kolkata airport.

The private airline said the air traffic control in Kolkata had misinterpreted the pilot and hence instructed fire-engines and ambulances to be stationed at Kolkata airport.

The captain at no stage declared a fuel priority or emergency. Fuel on arrival was more than minimum diversion fuel, Indigo was quoted as saying by ANI.

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The Rajya Sabha saw two adjournments on Thursday in the post-noon session over demonetisation and PM Narendra Modis participation in debates.

During question hour, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the PM addresses his party MPs in the House and speaks outside the Parliament about demonetisation, but refuses to do the same with the Opposition.

We had been demanding for last 15 days (presence of PM). ...We are against blackmoney. We want to speak on this issue but with whom? Our anguish is that the Prime Minister is holding weekly meetings with his MPs in Parliament House. He is also speaking outside. Our demand is that the Prime Minister should be here and listen to us, Azad said.

Law and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu insisted that the House should continue with the debate on demonetisation, which started on November 16, the first day of the Winter session.

Ansari too echoed the same and asked listed speaker A U Singh Deo (BJD) to start the debate.

Sharad Yadav (JDU) said he too agreed that the debate should continue, but it cannot be one-way traffic and demanded that the Prime Minister should remain seated in the House all through the discussion.

Why are you assuming that he (PM) will not participate, Ansari asked the Opposition member.

As Singh Deo rose to put forth his points on demonetisation, Congress members started raising slogans like Pradhan Mantri Mafi Maango (PM should apologise) from the aisles.

Naidu said the Prime Minister is here and the unfinished debate should be resumed. However amid din, the House was adjourned for 15 minutes.

When it reassembled at 12:29, Congress members again started shouting slogans as the BJD member rose to debate.

Amid noise , Deo said, We support any move taken by the Government of India for corruption and black money.

But as the sloganeering continued, Ansari adjourned the House till 14:00.
Pitching against the move by Devi Ahilya Vishwavidhyalaya (DAVV), Indore to conduct pre-affiliation inspections on their campuses, 57 B.Ed colleges affiliated to the university have unanimously decided to remain shut for an indefinite period from Wednesday.

The decision was taken after a meeting between college directors and university vice-chancellor Narendra Kumar Dhakkad on Wednesday failed to agree to pre-affiliation inspections. The directors claimed that they would remain closed until the university revoked its decision.

The directors told the VC that the idea of carrying out inspections on their campuses for affiliation would be illegal, and claimed that half of the academic sessions for the year were already over.

As many as 57 B.Ed colleges are affiliated to the DAVV and more than 4,000 students are pursuing B.Ed and M.Ed courses in them.

Girdhar Nagar, Indore Mahavidyalaya director and patron of Malwa Region Education College Association, said that during their meeting with the VC, the directors tabled letters of Gwalior and Bhopal universities, which shows the universities had given affiliation using special power.

We had even shown high court order in which the court has asked universities to renew affiliations after taking affidavit from the colleges. But the VC was adamant on his decision, he said.

During the meeting, the directors had argued that the Madhya Pradesh high court, in its ruling in February, stated that only National Council for Teacher Education can inspect teacher education colleges.

The VC, in turn, informed the directors that the university has gone through the courts order that does not prevent the varsities from carrying out pre-affiliation inspections at teacher education colleges.

Earlier, Dhakkad had made it clear that the university will conduct pre-affiliation inspection as per the norms and it wont deviate from this norm.

We dont want to compromise with the norms anymore and we are going to conduct inspection at all the colleges, Dhakkad said.
Sudden deposit of huge amount of money in zero-balance Jan Dhan bank accounts in the Jhabua district has triggered a war of words between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress.

Congress leaders said some BJP leaders have used Jan Dhan accounts to legalise their unaccounted wealth, an allegation the ruling party denied.

The BJP, however, said with demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought poor people closer to financial institutions.

There was just Rs 1.75 crore in 170,847 Jan Dhan accounts in the tribal majority district. But, between November 9 and 30, deposited amount crossed Rs 25 crore mark.

On November 8, the prime minister announced that old 500 and 1,000 banknotes would no longer be legal tender from November 9 in a bid to tackle graft and undeclared wealth.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is aimed at providing banking services to all households in the country. Run by the Ministry of Finance, on the inauguration day, 15 million bank accounts were opened under this scheme.

Before Nov 8, 70% Jan Dhan accounts in Jhabua had deposit of less than Rs 100

District lead bank manager Arvind Kumar told Hindustan Times on Wednesday that before November 8, 70% Jan Dhan accounts in the district had deposit of less than Rs 100.

The Congress demanded a CBI probe into the matter. Youth Congress president Ashish Bhuria said leaders of the ruling party were legalising their black money using Jan Dhan accounts of poor people.

While BJP district unit chief Daulat Bhavsar said: Our prime minister opened around 20 crore Jan Dhan accounts two years back as he wanted to bring banks at poor peoples doorstep so that they can contribute in nation building.

In the wake of allegation that Jan Dhan accounts are being used to deposit black money, the RBI said it will limit withdrawals for such accounts holders to Rs 10,000 per month, if the account is compliant with know-your-customer requirements.
While Cuba may officially be in national mourning for the death of Fidel Castro, many Cuban-Americans in Miami and elsewhere have been hitting the streets in celebration to mark the end of an era.

Jubilant Cubans poured into Miamis Little Havana over the weekend, blasting car horns, dancing and singing following the death of the revolutionary leader.

Castros death comes not long after the signing of a historic agreement that restored relations with the US and opened the country to US visitors in a pact led by US President Barack Obama.

In a timely coincidence, US carriers like American Airlines and JetBlue also launched historic direct flights connecting the US to Havana on Monday.

Want in on the celebrations? Here are a few popular Cuban dishes to help get you in the spirit:

Ropa Vieja

Known as the national dish of Cuba, ropa vieja is perhaps one of the best ways to show solidarity with the Cubans. Shredded flank steak is cooked in a tomato-based sauce and is often served with black beans, rice, plantains and fried yuca.

Cubano sandwich

You could be forgiven for thinking that the Cubano sandwich, and not ropa vieja, is Cubas national dish given its namesake and its popularity and ubiquity throughout America. You could call it the Cuban version of the all-American grilled cheese sandwich, with the addition of tangy dill pickles, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, ham, and griddled white roll instead of sliced bread.

Fried plantains or platanos maduros

A staple of Cuban cuisine, fried sweet plantains are a popular accompaniment to savoury main Cuban dishes.

Cuban black bean soup

As its colour would suggest, black bean soup is thick and rich, spiced with the warmth and savoury flavours of onions, garlic, oregano and cumin and deepened in flavour by the addition of a smoked ham hock. Unlike its Mexican counterpart, Cuban-style black bean soup is typically void of chili peppers for a milder flavour.

Mojito

Whats a Cuban fiesta with mojitos? The official drink of Cuba, the mojito is the fresh combination of white rum, cane syrup or sugar, lime juice, soda water and sprigs of mint served in a highball glass.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.
Aug. 4, 1948  Nov. 26, 2016

Roy Van Epps, 68, of Lebanon passed away Saturday.

He was born in Lebanon to Albert and Jessie Marie (Blackwell) Van Epps. He served in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972.

Roy worked for three different metal detector companies. He owned his own business, Discovery Electronics and HPR. He also owned Apple Creek Cafe.

He loved to go to classic car shows. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and metal detecting.

Roy is survived by his wife, Cathy Ann Van Epps of Lebanon; children Jennifer Ann Gagneaux of Tangent and Sarah Lynn Chytka of Albany; sister June Dickson of Lebanon; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Van Epps in 2016, and father Albert Van Epps in 1994.

Military honors will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Crawfordsville Union Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements (www.sweethomefuneral.com).
Saithan

Director: Pradeep Krishnamoorthy

Cast: Vijay Antony, Arundathi Nair, Charuhasan, YG Mahendra

Rating: 2/5

Indias paranoia about the mysteriously elusive foreign hand is as old as the countrys independence, and it did not come as a surprise to me that debutant director Pradeep Krishnamoorthy should have chosen to walk the same path in his Tamil work, Saithan. However, his canvas contains a lot more than this. Never mind, it leaves us confused and confounded.

A drug company with its headquarters abroad makes India its experimentation laboratory testing a new formula on men and women who are kidnapped and imprisoned, literally chained to their beds. The medicine affects different people in different ways. Some die, and their organs are illegally harvested and sold.

But, some like the films protagonist, Dinesh (Vijay Antony), develops an abnormal ability to recall his past life -- where he was a humble Tamil teacher, Sharma (also Antony), replete with a turban, in a Thanjavur school. An adopted son and a marriage with a much younger woman, Jayalakshmi (Arundathi Nair), complete his domestic bliss.

Half a century later, the story travels to Chennai, where Dinesh -- newly married to Aishwarya (Nair again) -- is a smart techie, who begins to hallucinate. He remembers Jayalakshmi, and hears a voice which seems to be pushing him to commit suicide.

Anything more on the narrative will be a clean spoiler, but what is bizarre about the Antony starrer is its needless effort to make a stew of the story. Once Indian cinema made movies on reincarnation and reincarnation alone. But Krishnamoorthy wants to dish out much more than this, and so he peppers his plot with wicked doctors, straying wives and a woman who marries only to trap her husband into the unethical and potentially fatal medical experiment -- but finds herself in love with her victim. Can one ask for anything more in the roughly two-hours of the films run time?

Saithan is a psychological thriller but it just doesnt impress.

A brooding Antony and a rather silly Nair do not add much to push Saithan into a bit of breeze. But Charuhasan (actor Kamal Hassans elder brother) in a cameo and YG Mahendra as Dineshs boss do make some kind of impression in an otherwise dull movie, touted as a psychological thriller. Not much of thrill here, though.

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Demonetisation: Long queues to deposit, withdraw cash continue

In a repeat telecast of yesterday, there was no respite for people even on Thursday as they continued to wait in long queues to deposit and withdraw their salaries. Read

Vasai station escalator worth 1 crore non-functional since August

An escalator worth Rs1 crore installed at Vasai Road platform 2 the east side of the north foot over bridge (FOB)  has been non-operational since August 22. One of 21 new facilities inaugurated by Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu in July, during his short trip to Mumbai, the escalator has been gathering dust over the past several months. Read

Maharashtra guv asks universities to go cashless, accept fees through online banking

Maharashtra governor and chancellor of universities in the state Ch Vidyasagar Rao on Thursday asked universities in the state, and the colleges affiliated to them, to shift to electronic transfers or transactions while accepting fees from students or while dealing with stakeholders. Read

Indian cobra rescued from Taloja jail in Navi Mumbai

A four-foot Indian Cobra was rescued from Taloja central jail in Navi Mumbai on Thursday morning. A few inmates had spotted the venomous snake near the kitchen around 8.30am and informed the officials. Read

Owner of chemical firm booked for negligence after 2 workers burn to death

The Taloja police booked the owner and the management of Nedilex Company in MIDC after two of their workers were burnt to death on the premises on Wednesday evening. Read
The ambitious Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) III infrastructure projects worth more than Rs10,000 crore will be jointly financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the World Bank in a 40:60 ratio.

The project, aimed to expand the suburban rail network across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), was cleared by the union Cabinet on Wednesday and was extensively discussed by the World Bank, AIIB officials and Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) on Thursday in the day-long meeting.

The opposition parties, meanwhile, said that with the central nod commuters will have to pay more for the repayment of MUTP-III funds. Railway officials are proposing a loan of Rs7,000 crore from the international financial institutions, while the remaining Rs4,441 crore will be equally funded by the railway ministry and the state government.

The World Bank and AIIB will jointly fund the loan amount for the project in a 60:40 ratio. We are discussing the process with them and in all probability, the tenders will be floated by the end of the month, said Prabhat Sahai, chairman and managing director of MRVC.

The MUTP-III project comprises construction of the third and the fourth lines between Virar-Dahanu (63km), Airoli-Kalwa (4km), which will provide easier access to suburban commuters between Kalyan-Panvel, and doubling of Panvel-Karjat (28km).

The MRVC is likely to start the work on all the three projects by October in 2017. The project will take at least five years, but we are trying to finish it faster; specially, the Kalwa-Airoli link, which is a high priority project, added Sahai. Meanwhile, the Congress raised questions over the union Cabinets nod to MUTP-III project, alleging that it would increase the fare.

Citing the condition laid down by the Niti Aayog, the Congress said that commuters will be burdened if the nod to the project comes with the rider. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said that Niti Ayog had directed the railways to go for an automatic fare revision before approving the project.

Rail officials said if the fare revision is implemented it will be for the entire nation and not only for Mumbai.

READ MORE:

HT Unclog Mumbai: Plans on track, bumps ahead

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The Bombay high court has reserved its order on the appeals filed by the CBI and the convicts in the 2002 Bilkis Bano gang-rape case.

The 11 convicts, who were sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court in 2008 for raping Bilkis Bano and killing her family members in the aftermath of the Godhra riots, had filed the appeal in the HC challenging their conviction. The CBI, meanwhile, had moved HC in 2011, seeking death penalty for three of them.

The bench of Justice VK Tahilramani and Justice Mridula Bhatkar had been conducting a day to day hearing on both the pleas since July, this year.

Appearing for the CBI, advocate Hiten Venegaonkar had sought the death penalty, arguing that the case was that of a mass murder as 14 members of a family, including a three-day-old child, had been killed. He argued that the riots had caused an exodus and while Bilkis and her family had been on the run, they were raped and murdered. Therefore, the case belonged to the rarest of rare category and warrants the maximum punishment.

Meanwhile, Harshad Ponda, the senior advocate appearing for the convicts, raised doubts on the chronology of events narrated by Bilkis, the FIR registered by the Gujarat police and the photographs of the dead bodies and other evidence collected from the spot. He argued that the CBI had fabricated all the evidence in the case.

In January 2008, a Mumbai court had held the 11 menJaswant Nai, Govind Nai, Shailesh Bhatt, Radhyesham Shah, Bipin Chandra Joshi, Kesarbhai Vohania, Pradeep Mordhiya, Bakabhai Vohania, Rajubhai Soni, Mitesh Bhatt, and Ramesh Chandana  guilty of murder and gang rape among other charges, and sentenced all of them to life imprisonment.

In March 2002, Bilkis Banos family was attacked by a mob. Bano, who was 19-years-old at the time and five months pregnant, was gangraped by the convicts and left to die. Fourteen of her family were killed.

READ MORE

HC allows Bilkis Bano to file appeal seeking hearing

CBI seeks death penalty for three in Bilkis Bano gang-rape case

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After months of constant bickering, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis from the BJP and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray showed great camaraderie at a civic event in Bhandup, fuelling speculations that the two warring allies are considering a tie-up for the crucial Mumbai civic polls.

While there were doubts over the partys stand, Fadnavis and Thackeray put up a picture of unity as they inaugurated the Rs2,887-crore tunnel running between Gundavali in Thane and Bhandup water complex.

Thackeray requested Fadnavis to fast-track the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations (BMC) projects, which have been stuck at the state-government- or central-government-level, and Fadnavis promptly agreed for a review meeting. Both the leaders also spoke about their alliances emphasis on development and Mumbaiites faith in their 20-year partnership, months before the city goes to polls in February 2017. The people of Mumbai will always support the alliance, Thackeray said.

This was in sharp contrast to what has been happening in the past few days. Thackeray has been criticising the Centres demonetisation move and his party MPs even participated in protests organised by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The BJP reacted bitterly to the friendly fire by its alliance partner. The two parties had forged an alliance for elections to 147 civic bodies governing small cities, but on the ground the alliance did not work in most cities because the party workers were not keen to work together. The BJP also got a boost earlier this week, when it climbed to the number one spot after the results of these civic polls were declared. However, a day later, the BJP maintained it was willing to work out an alliance with the Sena for the Mumbai civic polls.

Seated next to each other on a floor filled with Sena and BJP leaders, both Thackeray and Fadnavis were seen exchanging pleasantries. On Monday, too, the two leaders inaugurated the revamped disaster management department at the BMC headquarters.

Talking about the delay in BMC projects, Thackeray cited the Middle Vaitarna project, which he said was stuck because of pending approvals from the central government for 10 years. Despite that, the BMC completed the project in three-and-a-half years. Yet, the public works departments (under the state government) work of re-constructing a bridge delayed the project by another one-and-a-half years. I request the chief minister to call the mayor and municipal commissioner for a meeting and clear all the pending BMC projects. The BMC does not wait for praises, it has the wherewithal to develop the city.

The BMC is working on big-ticket projects such as the Gargai, Pinjal dams, the Damanganga river interlinking project, the Goregaon-Mulund link road and the ambitious coastal road connecting the island city and the western suburbs, where it requires clearances from the state and the Centre.

Fadnavis, in his reply, not only agreed to hold a review meeting, but also took a jibe at Opposition parties Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)  who were alliance partners in the previous government. Fadnavis said, In the past 10-15 years, urban infrastructure has remained on paper. It is only after the new government came to power that we are talking about urban development. A delay of 10 years is not only surprising, but also wrong. Now, there is coordination between the Centre, state and the civic body and that is reflecting on the ground.

The in-fighting between the two parties had cropped many doubts about a continuity in their alliance for the 2017 elections. Be it at the civic body or the State level, the parties had many differences in the past couple of years. However, the leaders seem to be brushing aside the differences for the upcoming polls. While a section in the BJP still wants to go solo, there is thinking in the party top brass in the state that the two parties should try to work out an alliance to avoid surprises in the civic polls. They are also wary of the changed circumstances post-demonetisation and hence want to be cautious. Although the BJP has emerged on in the first phase of civic polls, the Congress has come second and the electoral equations may change if desperate Congress and NCP join hands for the next phases of local elections.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis criticised the NCP by referring to violence in the partys recent meet. I will definitely take heed of what Uddhavji has said [about pending projects] and set up a meeting. People know which parties are talking about development and those indulging in violence. On Tuesday, a scuffle broke out between two factions of the NCP with allegations of firing in the incident.

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In a repeat telecast of yesterday, there was no respite for people even on Thursday as they continued to wait in long queues to deposit and withdraw their salaries.

My family lives on my salary alone. If I dont give them money on time, what will happen to them? said Jatin Shah, an office-goer, awaiting his turn outside a Borivli bank.

An ATM in Vile Parle that ran out of cash on Thursday. (Satish Bate/HT)

Why are we earning money? And for what? To stand in queues for our own cash, which they will give at their own leisure? he added.

Some residents complained that though cashless transactions are useful, local shops and hawkers dont have, or cant make provisions for such facilities.

The queue outside ICICI bank in Currey Road on Thursday. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT)

The local vegetable vendors and store owners neither have card machines nor facilities for cashless transactions. We have to withdraw money to buy such items as those are the most basic needs, said Shruti Gala, a Borivli resident waiting outside a bank branch.

There has been such a furore and it seems like an eternity has passed, but there is still a month to go. These two months have easily been my most difficult period of my life, said Pramod Salvi, who retired two months ago.

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Demonetisation: Queues at banks start getting longer

Demonetisation: Fee payments in Maharashtra may soon go cashless

After demonetisation, Mumbai civic body takes steps to go cashless
Bombay High Court on Thursday cautioned the police against rushing into registering offences on the basis of any complaint where someones religious sentiments have been hurt.

A bench of Justice VM Kanade and Justice Nutan Sardessai said that the police need to apply their mind before rushing into registering an offence on the grounds of offended religious beliefs and that the police must not cower down into submission every time someone cries wolf.

Justice Kanade also said that the state police needed training and should be sent to the Nashik police Academy.

The observations came while the bench was hearing a plea filed by a wholesale footwear seller who, in 2014, had been booked by the police after a customer complained that the shoes he bought had the letter M inscribed on the sole in such a way that it looked like the word Allah written in Urdu.

He was booked for blasphemy under Section 295 A of the IPC, his godown in Thane was sealed, and his stock of shoes worth 1.5 lakh destroyed.

Justice Kanade said that this was a classic case of non-application of mind and that it was a malicious prosecution before he quashed the FIR.

He also said that the petitioner was not the manufacturer. The manufacturer was a Muslim and it was common sense that he wouldnt commit sacrilege.

This was a complaint made by just one individual, a third party, yet one of your bright officers promptly registered a case, subjected the petitioner to interrogation, mental agony, and humiliation. I believe they are more liberal than you (the police), Justice Kanade said.

The bench added that while it was aware that often, the police can receive flak if it refuses to register a case, it must check on whether the accused person had deliberately offended someones religious sentiments and that they must thoroughly assess the situation and consult seniors if needed, for such indiscriminate censure leads to rumour mongering and causes further animosity among communities.

Justice Kanade also cautioned citizens against making allegations or complaints of their religious sentiments having been hurt. He said, As per the fundamental duties prescribed by the constitution, every citizen, including the police and the state authorities, are required to ensure communal harmony.

The state government on its part argued that while at the time it had registered the case and detained the petitioner, it had later consulted some Urdu scholars and come to the conclusion that no offence was made out. Accordingly, it had already decided to quash the proceedings but was yet to inform the petitioner.

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Oversensitive Indians? Comedians feel they should set their own limits on TV

Mumbai police to start recording statements in Goregaon Social case

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The Bombay high court on Wednesday gave the state government four weeks to install closed circuit television cameras at all strategic points inside 25 city police stations  the lock-up rooms, interrogation rooms and office cabins of senior inspectors.

A division bench of justice Ranjit More and justice Shalini Phansalkar-Joshi issued the directive after noticing the state had not complied with its earlier assurance to the court to install CCTV cameras in 25 selected police stations in Mumbai on a pilot basis. The measure was ordered to curb custodial violence  Maharashtra recorded the highest number of custodial deaths between 1999 and 2013 and the figure stands at a staggering 333 deaths, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The judges were irked to note that while cameras were installed at some places in these police stations, important areas like lock-ups, interrogation rooms, office cabins of the station in charge had been left out.

The court was hearing a petition filed by BPT Colony resident Leonard Valdaris, seeking a CBI probe into the death of his 25-year-old son, Agnelo, picked up with three others by the Wadala Government Railway Police on the charge of chain snatching. Agnelo allegedly died from torture in custody and an FIR was registered against seven personnel from the Wadala GRP. The HC has transferred the case to CBI.

Acting on the petitions, on August 13, 2014, the court directed the state to install CCTV cameras to cover every corridor and room of every police station across Maharashtra. The court also directed the footage of each of the CCTV cameras be preserved for a year. The state, citing fund shortage, assured the court it would install CCTV cameras in 25 selected police stations on a pilot basis. The HC also noted that uncontroverted figures from the NCRB showed the number of custodial deaths in Maharashtra was alarmingly high and constituted 23.48 % of all custodial deaths in India. The court expressed hope that installing CCTVs would help control torture and reduce custodial deaths.

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Agnello Valdaris father demands GRP cops be tried for murder
After the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) revealed that 2,234 people in the country have been infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) from 2014 to 2016, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), based on the complaint filed by an activist, has instructed health officials to submit a report within eight weeks. The health department, however, claimed that the figures indicate self-reported cases and lack credibility.

NHRC released the directive on November 23, asking NACO and other concerned officials to respond to the complaint and file a report. Responding to the same, Dr Shobhini Rajan, assistant director general (blood safety) said that they have already filed a response, pointing out the loophole in infection reporting and spread guidelines.

The blood banks and state transfusion departments are following NACO guidelines where they are supposed to list the number of patients, who self-report the infection, citing blood transfusion as a reason (for infection). We have informed NHRC about the existing window period between the sampling and transfusion, which can lead to Transfusion Transmitted Infections (TTI), said Dr Rajan. She added that all the blood banks, according to NACO guidelines, are doing the mandatory tests before accepting blood which includes HIV ELISA tests.

The RTI information, accessed from NACO for the period between October 2014 and March 2016, had revealed that 2,234 individuals across India reported HIV infection through blood transfusion and blood products. Social activist Chetan Kothari, who had filed the RTI, approached NHRC, blaming the inefficiency of NACO and state blood transfusion departments.

Pointing out the staff crunch across blood banks of the nation, resulting in complacency in blood safety measures and increase in infection, Kothari said, The state Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) body must submit a compliance report on implementation of above staffing norms in the blood banks of India, within the stipulated time limit period.

A senior official from State Blood Transfusion Council of Maharashtra said that the self-reporting nature format case doesnt provide credible record about the actual TTI figures. While mentioning the cause of infection, the patients have to choose from transfusion, unprotected sex, mother to child transmission and infection due to syringes. Most of the time, people give transfusion as a cause, said the official.

The NACO kits have a 99.8% sensitivity, which means there will be a large number of cases which will be false positive. If the officials are saying cases are self-reported and hence lack credibility, they also arent following up with the victims to investigate the blood bank records of his time of blood transfusion and how he was infected, said a senior pathologist from a civic run blood bank.

Read more:

Mumbai: Yoga found to boost immunity in AIDS patients
The infection rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgenders have declined between 2015 and 2016.

Statistics from Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS) reveal that of out of 40,923 people from these groups who were tested in the Integrated Counselling and Testing Center (ICTC) between March 2015  April 2016, 174 (0.42%) were diagnosed positive for HIV infection. In the previous year, there were 232 (0.66%) positive cases among the 34,641 people who were tested.

But, even as the HIV infection rate among sex workers in Mumbai has been on the decline, the infection is spread through unprotected sex. Dr Padmaja Keskar, project director for MDACS, said that people who visit sex workers should always use condoms. This, she said, can bring down the numbers of people affected by HIV transmission by a large margin. Even now, people need to be aware of the dangers of having unprotected sex, said Keskar.

There are about 30 Non-Government Organsations (NGO) and Community-based Organisations(CBO), linked to MDACS that are counselling and helping high risk groups of MSM, FSW and transgenders with their treatment every six months.

Each NGO and CBO attends to about 100 individuals and follows up with them about their antiretroviral treatment (ART) schedules and also spreads awareness about the importance of having protected sex. As per MDACS figures for 2015-16, there are 21,274 female sex workers and 16,235 MSM and transgenders registered with the centers. The data also indicated that 91% of the people who tested positive for HIV, had acquired it through unprotected sex.

Speaking about what the statistics, Dr Srikala Acharya, assistance project director of MDACS, said that it burst the myth that sex workers are a major source of spreading HIV infection among others. She said, People used to believe that sex workers are responsible for spreading the infection but gradually, we have been able to reduce the prevalence of HIV in sex workers to below 1%.

Now its the people having unprotected sex who need to use protection to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and HIV from spreading, added Dr Acharya.

Read more: World AIDS Day: Its time we shed the taboo, HIV patients are humans too
Aug. 21, 1956  Nov. 26, 2016

Valerie Geline Wallace, 60, passed away in her home on Saturday, Nov. 26.

She was born on Aug. 21, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her parents were Andreen Lincoln Johnson and Olga Betty Eckre. Valerie graduated from Wilmar High school in 1974 and went to college for accounting. After she went to school Valerie moved to Oregon where she found a job at Fred Meyer which she worked at for over 27 years, retiring in 2009.

She married Warren Wallace in 1997 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Valerie loved everything in the outdoors, whether that be traveling, camping or fishing; even once catching her weight in fish.

Valerie was preceded in death by her husband, Warren, and son Andy Johnson who passed away in 1982. She is survived by her brother, Vance Johnson; partner Darl Rodgers; and her beloved Fred Meyer family.

To leave condolences for her family, please visit www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.
Parents of the Islamic International School, Mazgaon, founded by controversial preacher Zakir Naik, who is under investigation, have threatened legal action if the school is taken away from the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and handed over to another organisation.

The schools parents-teachers association (PTA) wrote to education minister Vinod Tawde on Thursday, opposing the proposed change in management. They demanded time until April-May  when the academic year ends  to decide the schools fate.

The petition was a response to education officials on Monday asking parents to withdraw their children from the school because it does not have the required permits.

Tawde has given students a choice between shutting down the school altogether or handing over its management to a trust like Anjuman-i-Islam, which runs 100 educational institutes in Maharashtra.

But parents are worried the studies will be disrupted if the department shuts the school or changes management mid-term. Both these actions will disturb our childrens education. We will move court challenging the governments decision, said Mustafa Shaikh, a parent, whose three children study in the school.

Parents complained the government is targeting them. There are hundreds of schools that dont have registrations or NOC from the government, but only our school is facing action, said Mouzan Armar, another parent from Tardeo.

Armar said handing over the school to another Muslim management will not assure the same quality of education. We chose this school because of its management. If the management changes, we wont want to continue with the school, said Armar.

School principal Imran Qureshi said even though parents might be looking for other schools, they have not received any applications for withdrawal yet. It will be a cultural shock for students to shift to other schools, said Qureshi.

Meanwhile, Zahir Kazi, president of Anjuman-I-Islam, said they are open to acquiring the school if the government approaches them. As of now, the department hasnt asked us anything. We have a lot of experience in running educational institutes so the quality wont be compromised, said Kazi.

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Students of Zakir Naiks IRF school in Mumbai told it will be shut down

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The Centres move to scrap the old Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes and the cash crunch that has followed is affecting farmers in rural Maharashtra.

After nearly a month of having no access to their money, the primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) in Maharashtra went on a token one-day strike against the Centres decision to not allow them or their district central co-operative (DCC) banks to accept or exchange old notes. The functioning of the PACs and DCC banks came to standstill because the Reserve Bank of India is yet to change their working capital, worth Rs40,000 crore, with the new banknotes. As a result, they are unable to restart operations.

Despite having a working capital of Rs40,000 crore, we cannot start our daily operations as the money needs to be converted to the new currency, said Vasant Shinde, executive chairman, Maharashtra State Federation of Credit Co-operative Societies. An RBI circular issued on November 13 said no DCC bank or credit societies can exchange or deposit old notes of Rs500 and Rs 1,000. Finance minister Arun Jaitley refused to reconsider the decision. The move, however, has hit farmers the worst, as most of them have their accounts only in PAC or DCC bank. It will have a negative impact on the rural economy, as these banks are unable to provide money to farmers, especially now, when it is sowing season. We have to give interest against deposits and pay staff. All this can happen only if we start operating, Shinde said.

The co-operative sector has a three-tier credit structure, with the Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank as the apex body, the DCC banks at the middle level and at the bottom, more than 21,085 credit societies.

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Demonetisation woes: Tempers flare as thousands queue up for cash on pay day

Its regulation, not deprivation, government tells SC on notes ban

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The Ghatkopar police recently arrested a 40-year-old man on the charges of raping a six-year-old girl during Navratri, after her mother finally decided to speak up. Though the girl told her mother about the incident when it first occurred, the woman decided to keep silent, fearing her husband would get into a fight with the accused.

According to the Ghatkopar police, the woman had gone to her mothers house in Ghatkopar (West) to celebrate Navratri and had taken her daughter with her. The man is her grandmothers neighbour. He took the girl on the pretext of playing with her, and then inserted his finger into her private parts, which amounts to rape. The girl started experiencing pain in her private parts and informed her mother about the incident, said a source from the Ghatkopar police.

The mother, however, made her keep quiet and did not inform her husband. However, the girl complained about pain in her private parts again last week. She was taken to a doctor, who suspected that she had been sexually assaulted.

The mother got scared and told her husband about the incident. On November 27, the couple approached the Ghatkopar police station, where a first information report (FIR) was immediately registered under section 376 (punishment for rape) of the Indian Penal Code and under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act amounting to rape.

The accused was arrested and produced before a sessions court that remanded him in police custody. Senior police inspector VB Patil of the Ghatkopar police confirmed the development.
The Taloja police booked the owner and the management of Nedilex Company in MIDC after two of their workers were burnt to death on the premises on Wednesday evening.

A massive fire broke out at the company around 4.30 pm and soon engulfed the building. Sanjay Gupta, 28, and Akhilesh Singh, 25, got trapped in the blaze and died.

However, no one was aware of this until the fire was doused, almost five hours later. The charred bodies of the two employees were found during cooling operations.

Both were natives of Uttar Pradesh and stayed at a rented house in Panvel.

The owner and the management have been booked under sections 304a (causing death by negligence), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) and 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) of the Indian Penal Code.

The owner, Atik Badshah, is yet to be arrested. We have summoned him for interrogation, said Mashindranath Shedge, police sub inspector from the Taloja police station.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

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Hundreds of people gathered at Vakhri village  near Pandharpur in Solapur district of Maharashtra  were moved when the three-year-old daughter of Major Kunal Gosavi, Umang, lit his funeral pyre on Thursday.

The braveheart was among seven jawans who were killed in a gun battle with terrorists in Nagrota Cantonment in Kashmir.

His body was flown in Pune on Thursday morning and later taken to Pandharpur where the last rites were performed with full military and state honour.

Umang along with her grandfather, Munnagiri, paid floral tributes and lit the funeral pyre, amid patriotic slogans raised by people who gathered from the surrounding villages.

Umang had spend almost a month at Pandharpur along with her father and mother, Uma, a few days back.

Gosavi left Pandharpur on November 26 to resume duty in Kashmir and made supreme sacrifice for the country three days later.

Thousands of people near the holy town of Pandharpur stood in queues to pay tributes to the officer. His body was kept in Pandharpur town for a few hours and was later taken to Vakhari village. The funeral procession took more than four hours to traverse 4km. All the activities in and around Pandharpur remained closed as a mark of respect to Gosavi.

Major Kunal Gosavis body was kept in Pandharpur town for a few hours and was later taken to Vakhari village. The funeral procession took more than four hours to traverse 4km. (HT photo)

Patriotic songs were played and rose petals showered when the procession passed from various roads in Pandharpur. Some anti-Pakistani slogans were also raised.

Gosavi completed his school education from Pandharpur village and moved to Pune in 2000 for college. After completing his graduation in commerce, he joined the Army in 2006.

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The first phase of placements at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) will be led by financial services firm Visa and IT giants Microsoft and Google. They are scheduled to conduct interviews and make offers on Thursday  the first day of the placements.

While the list of companies for the first two days of the placements  when most of the coveted offers are made  is similar to the last year. There are some notable additions such as app-based aggregator Uber, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company Procter and Gamble. They are both slated for day one. Other companies such as financial services firm Mastercard and e-wallet firm Paypal - would visit the campus on the second day, claimed sources.

This year marks the re-entry of Public Sector Units (PSUs) with six companies already registered for phase one of placements. Companies like Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will be visiting the premier institute for the first time. While ONGC will be conducting interviews on day one, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which was part of the second phase of placements at IIT-B last year, will be conducting interviews on the second day. E-commerce giant Flipkart, which had made seven offers on the second day of placements last year, is absent from the list of companies scheduled for placements on first two days this year.

Last year, Visa had offered the highest base salary of $115,000 per annum while Google, Microsoft and Oracle, reportedly, offered around $1,00,000 a year as base salaries to a few students who were selected for US profiles. According to placement coordinators, about three companies may offer US profiles this year, although they refused to divulge their names. Usually, the Japanese companies offer the highest number of foreign profiles, said a placement coordinator.

The first phase of IIT-B placements will continue till December 15 and will be attended by more than 300 companies this year. Interviews will be conducted in two slots8am to 4pm and 6pm to 2am. Close to 1,500 have registered for placements and deferred placements have been offered to six students this year. Officials from IIT-B confirmed that till date, 125 pre-placement offers (PPO) have been made to students on campus and the highest registrations are in the core engineering sector.

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An escalator worth Rs1 crore installed at Vasai Road platform 2 the east side of the north foot over bridge (FOB)  has been non-operational since August 22. One of 21 new facilities inaugurated by Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu in July, during his short trip to Mumbai, the escalator has been gathering dust over the past several months.

The Western Railways has not addressed the problem yet.

Commuters said the non-functional escalator was an inconvenience. What is the point of having an escalator that has not been working since August? asked Kirtan Upadhayay, a Vasai resident.

Ravinder Bhakar, chief public relations officer, WR said the escalator was non-functional, owing to power fluctuations and frequent load-shedding in the area.

The escalator had to be reset many times during power cuts, said Bhakar.

A few days ago, the issue came up at a meeting of top officials. We are making attempts to restart the escalator. However, it is not viable for us to appoint a person full-time and pay him just to sit at the spot and reset the machine each time it stops. We are thinking of training a few locals from the commercial department to reset the machine when there are power cuts and it malfunctions, said Bhakar.

However, he declined to provide a time frame within which the machine would be repaired.
Despite assurances from officials that the cash flow would improve on Thursday as the supply of notes was to be doubled, most customers returned disappointed.

Many had received their salary for November and had queued up to make a withdrawal. Residents said they were hopeful after media reports that RBI would increased supply of cash.

This was false. We stood in the queue for one and a half hours at Oriental Bank of Commerce, but failed to get the amount we wanted. We argued with the branch manager but he said that there was a shortage of funds. We are in a crisis, as we are unable to arrange funds to manage daily needs, KK Jain of Sector 34 said.

Dinesh Singh of Sector 33 said, My son gave me a cheque for 17,000 and asked me to withdraw the money as he could not spare time due to his work. There was a long queue at ICICI bank branch, but I had to wait in line as many necessary payments such as salary to household help, recharging Mother Dairy card and so other trivial expenses are to be done in cash only. I think it will take few more months for the situation to be normalised. The situation at the ATMs was no different.

Bank officials said that the cash crunch could last for an indefinite period.

A senior bank official of Union Bank said that the cash flow is very low and queues are only getting longer. There is a huge responsibility on bank officials to give money to a maximum number of customers. People are not spending the money, but are keeping it at home, a type of hoarding, which is affecting cash flow, the official said.

Lead bank manager of Gautam Budh Nagar, AK Singh, said, The new currency notes of 500 are likely to reach banks soon. Cash flow was supposed to increase from Thursday, but I cannot tell you why it did not happen. I hope that the situation will improve soon.

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An on-duty Ghaziabad police constable allegedly shot and injured a fellow constable on duty near Loha Mandi police post in Ghaziabad on Thursday night. The accused constable fled the spot after shooting the victim with his service pistol.

According to the police, the incident took place around 8pm on Thursday. Umesh Yadav, posted at Loha Mandi police-post, and Sukhbir Singh, posted on PCR van 37, got into an altercation after which the Yadav shot Sukhbir. The incident took place under Kavi Nagar police station area.

According to eyewitnesses, the two were having drinks together when they got into an altercation. Then Umesh fired at Sukhbir with his service pistol. He then fled the scene. We have lodged an FIR against him for attempt to murder, said Salmantaj Patil, superintendent of police (city).

The injured constable sustained a bullet injury in his abdomen and was rushed to a private hospital in Kavi Nagar and later referred to a multi-specialty hospital in Gandhi Nagar.

It is to be inquired whether they had drinks or not and what led to the altercation. The entire incident will be probed. The victim is injured and more details will be known only when his health improves, Patil said.

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Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rebel volunteers, workers and ticket aspirants upped the ante against the party on Thursday and announced an open convention in Jalandhar on December 3 to decide on fielding their own candidates in the 59 assembly constituencies.

The rebel volunteers had on Wednesday given a 48-hour ultimatum to AAP national convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to change candidates in 59 constituencies on which they alleged that the party had fielded tainted candidates. They said the choice of candidates on these seats was not in accordance with the three Cs concept meaning that the candidate will not be corrupt, criminal or characterless.

The purpose of the convention is to consolidate the facts of corruption and favouritism of Delhi leadership of the AAP and to give voice to the honest volunteers for their political aspirations.

The meeting will be held at Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall. AAPs Tarn Taran volunteer Harinder Singh Zira, who is leading the rebel volunteers, said they will be deliberating and releasing to the media the evidences gathered by them against AAP candidates.

The purpose of the convention is to consolidate the facts of corruption and favouritism of Delhi leadership of the AAP and to give voice to the honest volunteers for their political aspirations, in the light of forthcoming elections. It was also decided to make an appeal to all honest AAP volunteers, who are victim of the highhandedness of the Delhi darbar. The convention will deliberate on cutting the chord from Delhi, if our ultimatum is ignored. The convention will promote leadership, in the light of the idea of swaraj, from the grassroots level workers from Punjab. The election strategy will also be deliberated in the convention, said Kabul Singh, another party volunteer.

APP INVITES REBEL VOLUNTEERS

Meanwhile, Aapna Punjab Party (APP) president Sucha Singh Chhotepur on Thursday said the rebel AAP volunteers were welcome to join his party. I have worked in the AAP for years and I know that every volunteer of this party has worked with honesty and dedication. They are the backbone of the party and are responsible for taking the party house to house. I will give them their due, he said in a press statement here.
A Tangent man who reportedly pointed a gun at his estranged wife and threatened to kill her during a July incident was sentenced to 16 months in prison on Wednesday in Linn County Circuit Court.

John Michael Schone, 58, pleaded-no contest in mid-November to charges of coercion and unlawful use of a weapon.

According to police reports, Schone's wife had filed a restraining order against him.

Charges of first-degree kidnapping, fourth-degree assault and menacing were dismissed as part of the negotiated settlement.
Bank customers faced harassment and inconvenience at various places in Punjab, Chandigarh and also Haryana while withdrawing cash on payday even as banks claimed that they put adequate measures in place to deal with the heavy rush.

From youngsters to elders stood in serpentine queues outside bank branches and ATMs for hours in order to withdraw cash with banks facing tough time to deal with angry customers who were denied money.

Several bank branches saw shortage of cash at their disposal and some branches went dry within an hour or so of receiving fresh lot of money for disbursement from RBI, officials said. Banks are facing massive shortage of cash and people are fighting with bank staff when they do not get money, said an official of State Bank of Patiala.

A man who was given two-rupee coins of Rs 100 by a bank in Jalandhar on Thursday. (Sikander Singh Chopra/HT)

What could we do when we do not have sufficient cash? asked the official.

Besides blaming insufficient cash, banks pointed out people are reluctant with parting with fresh cash which further complicated the matter. People are hoarding cash and there is not enough circulation of money in the market which has made the matter worse, bank official said adding that which is why banks had imposed limit on cash disbursements in order to accommodate maximum people.

Fed up with standing in queue for withdrawing their own money, bank customers put blame on the ill-preparedness of the government in dealing with problems arose after demonetisation of old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. It has become difficult to get even our own cash, fumed bank customer Sukhdarshan Singh.

Punjab Bank Employees Federation secretary Naresh Gaur said, We appeal to RBI to make available sufficient cash as soon as possible to banks otherwise the situation will turn worse.

He said that a security guard of State Bank of Patiala in Bathinda was allegedly beaten up by few angry men on Wednesday after the guard asked them to stand in a queue. We have also asked for police protection in order to prevent any untoward incident, he said.

Meanwhile, an official of Central Bank of India in Chandigarh claimed that they had sufficient cash and they did not face any problem in disbursement.
Despite the Centres claims that the situation is easing with every passing day after demonetisation was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cashless residents in the district are now forced to spend their nights outside banks.

With prevailing shortage of cash at most of the banks and ATMs even three weeks after the announcement of the note ban on November 8, the idea behind the desperate move is to secure some money early in the morning.

PROTEST AGAINST MODI

Several residents of Lehragaga and Hathan, who spent Wednesday night outside a branch of the State Bank of Patiala (SBoP), staged a protest raising slogans against the Modi government.

The government did not do its home work and failed to make enough preparations before implementing such a big decision. The common man has been abandoned to die in queues or to hold protests at foggy nights, but the rich are managing to get cash without trouble, said Deepak Jain in Lehragaga.

I have been roaming around to arrange some cash for my sisters marriage. Even as I have sufficient money in my account, I was told to get documents signed by the SDM (sub-divisional magistrate), halwai and even beauty parlour owner. What nonsense! said Ashok Kumar, another resident of Lehragaga.

I have been roaming to arrange some cash for my sisters marriage. Despite I have sufficient money in my account, I was told to mark a letter from SDM, halwai and even from beauty parlour. What nonsense!

MID-DAY MEAL PROBLEM

Even some school teachers, who complained that they have no money to buy material for mid-day meal, also joined the night protest.

We have been spending money from our own pockets to purchase ration for over three weeks, but enough is enough. We cannot run this scheme without cash, said Gurcharan Singh, a school representative.

Protesters said not only SBoP, but other banks are also denying poor people money, citing lack of cash, even as affluent people manage to get it.

The argument is baseless. We never made any favour to anyone. Banks are facing acute shortage of cash. The demand is high and the supply is low. Now, we are receiving cash only between `2 lakh and `6 lakh per day as against `1 crore to `1.5 crore that we got earlier,  said Sanjay Kumar, manager, Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC).
Havildar Sukhraj Singh, 32, was to reach home on vacation on Tuesday. Instead the family received a call around 1pm that fateful day. We regret to inform you that Sukhraj has been killed in a militant attack, was what an army officer informed his elder brother Dhanraj Singh, 35.

Now, the coffin carrying the martyrs body will reach his home at Mann Nagar in Batala on Thursday.

For the past six months, Sukhraj, who joined the 188 Sikh regiment in 2004, was posted at the Nagrota military camp, which was stormed by terrorists on Tuesday, leaving seven soldiers, including two Majors, dead. Sukhraj was one of them.

Sukhraj had informed us that his leave had been sanctioned and he would be reaching home by Tuesday evening.

Sukhraj had informed us that his leave had been sanctioned and he would be reaching home by Tuesday evening, said Dhanraj, who works with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

Most eagerly waiting for Sukhraj was his seven-year-old daughter Subhpreet Kaur, to whom he had promised a family vacation. But the destiny had others plans for us. On the day he had to arrive, we got the fateful news that he died fighting the enemies, said Dhanraj.

Sukhrajs wife Harmeet Kaur, 30, and mother Swaranjeet Kaur, 55, who works in the sub-divisional magistrates office, are now awaiting his body. His four-year-old son Sargundev is too young to realise his loss.

The martyrs body will be flown to the Tibri cantonment on a helicopter on Thursday morning, from where it will reach Batala for cremation by road.

Gurdaspur deputy commissioner (DC) Pardeep Sabharwal, who visited the family on Wednesday, announced Rs 5-lakh relief for them. The family will also get a plot besides a job for Harmeet Kaur.

Other visitors included Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate from neighbouring Fatehgarh Churian assembly segment Gurvinder Singh Shampura and Akali candidate from Batala LS Lodhinangal.
Back in town after joining the Congress, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who will start campaigning in Amritsar-East from Friday, said the high command will soon answer party members opposed to her being given a ticket for the assembly polls from the constituency. The Congress has not announced the tickets as yet.

I know that some people are opposed to me getting a party ticket. The party will answer them. They should respect the decision of the party high command. I have no ego and am willing to work as a team with even those opposed to me now, she said.

I have no ego and am willing to work as a team with even those opposed to me now.

It is only natural that of the many people looking for a ticket, some will be upset, she added, telling workers who met her at the residence that she would start her campaign from Friday and seek votes for the Congress on the agenda of development.

Many Congress leaders, unhappy with Dr Sidhu making claims that she would contest on a party ticket, are camping in Delhi.

Dinesh Bassi, secretary, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), said, Party workers are unhappy with the impression being created that the ticket for the constituency has already been decided. I have informed the party high command of this. For years, we worked and raised our voice against BJP leader Dr Sidhu. How can we now go to people and ask them to vote for her?. Bassi is also considered to be in the race for a Congress ticket from the constituency.

Former Amritsar mayor and Congress candidate from Amritsar-East constituency in 2012 elections, Sunil Datti, said, I will respect the decision of party high command and Captain Amarinder Singh. However, I will consult workers at a rally as they are also my high command. I have worked in the constituency for years and can say that the worker is definitely demoralised.

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Ahead of the pay day, long queues could be seen outside a few ATMs that were functional across the city on Wednesday. Bank officials are bracing for a rather chaotic scenario on Thursday and have demanded more money from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The last day of the month did not witness much rush inside the banks, but serpentine queues were seen outside ATMs. The city is grappling with the issue of cash crunch with a large number of ATMs gone dry. Most affected are the southern sectors.

In Sector 37-D, there are more than 6 ATMs, including those of PNB, ICICI, Oriental Bank, Yes Bank, Central Bank and HDFC. But only one ATM of HDFC bank was functional, with a long queue outside.

I have to give rent of my PG accommodation, but most of the ATMs were out of cash. I live in Sector 36 and have visited nearly seven ATMs, but none had cash. Finally, I found one functional at Sector 37, said Yukta, a student.

There is no cash in the ATMs for the past 4-5 days. None of the ATMs, except one, is functional, said a security guard, deployed outside a private bank.

At the Bank Square in Sector 17 too, most of the ATMs had gone dry.

Meanwhile, bankers were preparing for long working hours and heavy rush on Thursday as people get their salaries on the first day of the month.

The daily withdrawal limit from ATM is of Rs 2,500 and weekly cash withdrawal limit is Rs 24,000.

We are hardly getting 35-40% of our total cash requirement from the RBI. The next week will be hectic and we are fully dependent on the cash supply from the RBI, said an official of a private sector bank.

A Bank of India (BoI) official said, There are more than 100 branches of our bank across the city and Haryana. We need over `100 crore to meet the demand. We never get full amount and get roughly 30% of the demand.

We are expecting chaotic conditions for the next ten days, but we are ready for it.  said an official from SBI.

The next ten days will be crucial because people will rush to banks to withdraw salaries. We are making arrangements accordingly. We have demanded around `2,000 crore to meet the demand for at least four days, he said.
The Jharkhand police on Thursday deployed the anti-terrorist squad (ATS) to assist the Jamshedpur police to arrest gangster Akhilesh Singh, the suspected mastermind behind the murder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader-turned-gangster Upendra Singh inside a city court.

Upendra Singh was gunned down inside the court premises on Wednesday.

State additional director general of police (ADGP) Ajay Kumar Singh ordered the city police to trace and arrest Akhilesh Singh.

Sonu Singh alias Vicky, one of the two shooters arrested by the police in connection with the killing, has revealed that Akhilesh Singh was the mastermind of the murder plan, police said.

The duo has revealed that Akhilesh Singhs associate Pankaj Singh paid them Rs 2 lakh on Tuesday night as an advance and handed over two new mobile phones on Wednesday morning, police said.

Weve deployed a team of ATS led by superintendent of police Dhananjay Kumar to assist the city police in tracing Akhilesh Singh and his gang members, said ADGP Ajay Kumar Singh.

 The ATS team is already in Jamshedpur and collaborating with city superintendent of police Prashant Anand, he said.

Sonu alias Vicky has revealed crucial information about the possible whereabouts of the members of the Akhilesh Singh gang and we are keeping a tab on them. Singh told Hindustan Times.

He further said that another shooter Vinod Singh alias Mogli was critical in an intensive care unit at the Tata Main Hospital with gunshot wounds on his back.

Were waiting for him to recover to interrogate him. Prima facie, the motive behind the murder appeared to be rivalry for dominance over extortion, land deals, transport business and railway contracts, said the ADGP, who has been camping in the city along with Kolhan deputy inspector general of police Shambhu Thakur.

Jamshedpur senior superintendent of police Anoop T Matthew said apart from the two arrested shooters, they have identified the other members of Akhilesh gang involved in reccee and providing logistical support .

Weve suspended two sub-inspectors of police, two havildars and three constables for laxity in court security. Now an inspector rank official will be in charge of the court security, he said.

Akhilesh Singh has more than 44 cases of murder, extortion under the Arms Act, pending against him.

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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 British government voiced disappointment today after a UN panel rejected its request to review a ruling that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is being arbitrarily detained.

Julian Assange is not, and has never been, arbitrarily detained in the UK, junior foreign minister Alan Duncan said in a statement.

We completely reject the opinion of the UN Working Group and are very disappointed that they will not review their deeply flawed and incorrect position, he said, adding that Assanges presence at the Ecuadorean embassy was entirely self-inflicted.

Having initially issued its opinion in favour of Assange in February, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said it was not changing course as the British request did not meet the threshold of a review... and (was) thus not admissible.

Assange, 45, has been at the Ecuadorean embassy in London since 2012, having taken refuge to avoid being sent to Sweden where he faces a rape allegation that he denies.

He fears Sweden would extradite him to the United States to answer for the leaking of diplomatic cables and other classified documents by his whistleblowing website. The disclosures caused huge embarrassment in Washington.

The UN panel, which is attached to the Human Rights Council, met between November 21-25 but only published its findings on Wednesday.

The fate of the former computer hacker, who turned WikiLeaks into a vehicle for releasing classified documents on the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, remains unclear.

He was grilled over the longstanding rape allegation by an Ecuadorean prosecutor at the embassy for two days earlier this month. The questions were provided by Swedish officials but the answers were confidential.

Swedish prosecutors dropped a sexual assault probe into Assange last year after the five-year statute of limitations expired. But they still want to question him about the 2010 rape allegation, which carries a 10-year statute of limitations.

Assange insists the sexual encounters in question were consensual.
After five decades of war, more than four years of negotiations and two signing ceremonies, Colombias congress late Wednesday formally ratified a peace agreement allowing leftist rebels to enter politics.

The 310-page revised accord was approved unanimously by the lower house, which voted a day after the Senate approved the same text 75-0 following a protest walkout by the opposition led by former President Alvaro Uribe.

The accord introduces some 50 changes intended to assuage critics who led a campaign that saw Colombians narrowly reject the original accord in a referendum last month. President Juan Manuel Santos has said there wont be a second referendum.

Revisions range from a prohibition on foreign magistrates judging alleged crimes by government troops or by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia to a commitment from the rebels to forfeit assets, some amassed through drug trafficking, to help compensate their victims.

But the FARC wouldnt go along with the oppositions strongest demands  jail sentences for rebel leaders behind atrocities and stricter limits on their future participation in politics.

There needs to be a balance between peace and justice, but in this agreement theres complete impunity, Uribe, now a senator, said during Tuesdays heated debate. Other senators accused him of standing in the way of a peace deal that he pursued with the FARC as president in 2002-10.

Santos says ratification will set in motion the start of a six-month process in which the FARCs 8,000-plus guerrillas will concentrate in some 20 rural areas and turn over their weapons to United Nations monitors.

Tomorrow a new era begins, Santos said Wednesday, celebrating the Senates endorsement before the vote in the lower house.

But the rebels insist that their troops wont start demobilizing until lawmakers pass an amnesty law freeing some 2,000 rebels in jail.

D-Day starts after the first actions are implemented, the rebel leader Pastor Alape, a member of the FARCs 10-member secretariat, told foreign journalists last week after the new accord was signed. The president unfortunately has been demonstrating an attitude that creates confusion in the country.

The debate over amnesty highlights one of the peace deals early challenges: the need for congress to pass legislation implementing the accord and setting up special peace tribunals.

Santos was initially counting on swift approval of the needed changes that in some cases require constitutional amendments. But the referendum loss has left the status of his fast-track authority in doubt, awaiting a ruling by the constitutional court. Experts say a solid pro-peace coalition could crumble if implementation drags on and butts against the political maneuvering for the 2018 presidential election.

Beyond the legal hurdles, there is also concern FARC fighters will wind up joining criminal gangs rampant throughout the country or the much-smaller rebel National Liberation Army, which for months has been playing cat and mouse with the government over opening a peace process of its own. On Wednesday, both sides said they would delay until January any decision about when to start talks.

Combating security threats will test the states ability to make its presence felt in traditionally neglected rural areas at a time of financial stress triggered by low oil prices.

There is also a risk that peace could trigger more bloodshed, as it did following a previous peace process with the FARC in the 1980s. At that time, thousands of former guerrillas, labor activists and communist militants were killed by right-wing militias, sometimes in collaboration with state agents.

Worries about new bloodshed, although less prevalent than in the darker days of Colombias half-century conflict, has become more urgent with more than a dozen human rights defenders and land activists in areas dominated by the FARC being killed by unknown assailants since the initial signing ceremony in September. So far this year, 70 have been killed, according to Bogota-based We Are Defenders, more than in all of 2015 and 2014.
The man behind one of the most recognisable fast-food sandwiches, McDonalds Big Mac, died this week at age 98.

Michael James Delligatti invented the Big Mac - two beef patties on a hamburger bun - which debuted at a McDonalds restaurant in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1967.

McDonalds tweeted a message on Wednesday celebrating Delligattis contribution to the fast-food company where he was a franchisee.

Today, we celebrate the 98 inspirational years of Big Mac inventor, Michael Jim Delligatti. Jim, we thank and will forever remember you, the company said.

US media reported that Delligatti died at his Pennsylvania home on Monday.

In a 2007 interview with Reuters, Delligatti said it took two years to convince McDonalds that the Big Mac was a good idea.

I felt that we needed a big sandwich, he said. But you couldnt do anything unless they gave you permission.

The contents of the sandwich, immortalised by the popular jingle two-all-beef-patties-special-sauce-lettuce-cheese-pickles-onions-on-a-sesame-seed-bun are generally the same worldwide, although prices and nutrition value varies.

The US version of the Big Mac contains about 540 calories, 28 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein, according to the McDonalds website.

Over the years the Big Macs ubiquity has come to mirror that of the Golden Arches itself. It is used to track the value of foreign currencies against the US dollar in a Big Mac Index published by The Economist magazine.
French President Francois Hollande announced Thursday he would not seek re-election next year as he bowed to historically low approval ratings after a troubled five years in power.

The 62-year-old Socialist leader put a decisive end to speculation in a solemn televised statement from the Elysee Palace in Paris.

I have decided that I will not be a candidate, Hollande said.

In the months to come, my only duty will be to continue to lead my country.

Hollandes popularity had hit rock bottom after a term in office marked by U-turns on major policies, terror attacks, high unemployment and embarrassing revelations about his private life.

A new poll on Wednesday predicted he would win just 7.0 percent of votes in the first round of next years election in April -- strengthening critics in the Socialist party who view him as a lame duck.

Voter surveys currently tip rightwing Republicans party candidate Francois Fillon to win the election, with the far-right National Front candidate Marine Le Pen seen as his closest challenger.

But with the full range of candidates still unknown and the role of independents such as 38-year-old ex-minister Emmanuel Macron difficult to predict, analysts urge caution about the forecasts.

Divided Socialists

Hollandes withdrawal leads the field open for Frances divided ruling Socialist party which began accepting candidates on Thursday for a party primary race due on January 22 and 29.

Arnaud Montebourg, a leftist former economy minister, has already submitted his name while ambitious Prime Minister Manuel Valls would also be expected to run.

Hollande, who has some of the lowest approval ratings for a French president since World War II, came to power after defeating rightwing president Nicolas Sarkozy in 2012.

He took office promising to be Mr Normal after what were seen as the excesses of the years under Sarkozy, who married supermodel Carla Bruni and was often pictured with millionaire friends.

But his presidency has been anything but normal.

France has faced three major Islamist-inspired terror attacks since January 2015 -- firstly against the Charlie Hebdo magazine, then in Paris in November and in Nice in July.

On economics, Hollande started with a leftist programme that included a wealth super-tax of 75 percent on top-earners but he shifted course mid-way through his term to embrace pro-business reforms.

And his colourful personal life has never been far from the headlines, leading his opponents to claim he has demeaned one of the most powerful political offices in Europe.

In January 2014, celebrity magazine Closer published pictures of him arriving on a scooter at an apartment near his official residence for secret trysts with a French actress, Julie Gayet.

The revelations led to the break-up of Hollandes relationship with partner Valerie Trierweiler, who went on to write an eviscerating book which claimed the president mocked poor people as the toothless.

The left-leaning Le Monde newspaper had more harsh words on Thursday for the president, whose leadership was described as pathetic by Republicans candidate Fillon at the weekend.

Le Monde wrote in an editorial that the Socialists risked tearing themselves apart ahead of the presidential election in April and May and parliamentary polls in June.

The person who is most responsable is Francois Hollande, who has not given a meaning to his time in office, occupied the job with authority or imposed himself as the legitimate candidate for his party, it said.

And there could be more bad news to come.

Hollandes embittered former aide Aquilino Morelle has announced a tell-all book to be published around the same time as the primary about the presidents first few years in power.

Its title? The Abdication.
Police say six people have been shot, two fatally, in front of a northwest Baltimore store.

Spokesman TJ Smith said at a news conference near the Stop 1 Convenience Store in the Windsor Hills neighbourhood that a lone gunman fired on people standing in front of the store at about 6 pm Wednesday.

Smith says one man was pronounced dead at the scene; a second was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police say a third man was critically wounded, and a fourth man and two women had non-life-threatening injuries.

Smith says detectives believe the shooting was retaliation for a homicide in the area several days ago.

Police said the shooter fled on foot. Smith says officers have a limited description of the suspect and urged witnesses to come forward.
Several more mosques nationwide have reported receiving a hate-filled letter from California that warns Muslims to leave the country or face genocide.

The identical letters postmarked from the Los Angeles area have now shown up at mosques throughout California and in Ohio, Michigan, Rhode Island, Indiana, Colorado and Georgia.

Los Angeles police have been investigating the letters addressed to the children of Satan as a hate incident, but not a crime because it does not contain a specific threat.

An anonymous group calling itself Americans for a Better Way has sent a letter to at least five California mosques and another one in Georgia. (Facebook Photo from Council of American-Islamic Relations)

The letters appeared to be photocopies of a handwritten note referring to Muslims as vile and filthy people and saying that President-elect Donald Trump would do to Muslims what Hitler did to Jews.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations has asked the FBI to investigate.

Read | US authorities seek authors of hateful letters to mosques

The FBI said the threats, while inflammatory and awful, do not pose a threat specific enough to investigate at this point, but theyre monitoring the situation and urged anyone to report such incidents.

Police in Providence, Rhode Island, said they would increase patrols after one of the letters was received at Masjid Al-Kareem.

Faissal Elansari of the Islamic Center of Rhode Island said he feels a wave of hate at his doorstep, WPRI-TV reported.

Envelopes have had a return address in the city the letter was sent  often 331 Oak St.  but are postmarked in Los Angeles or Santa Clarita, a suburb about 30 miles north.

The name above the return address is Reza Khan, said Shehadeh Abdelkarim, president of the Islamic Center of Cleveland, which received one of the letters. He noted thats a Muslim name.

The person obviously knows a little about Muslim culture, Abdelkarim said.

The name is bogus, said Sgt. Mike Abdeen of the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, which is assisting LAPD.

Letters have been received at six mosques in California, including Los Angeles, Fresno and San Jose, according to police and Islamic groups. Elsewhere, they have also turned up at mosques in Denver, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Savannah, Georgia, and a school affiliated with an Indianapolis mosque.

Trumps spokespeople have not responded to a request for comment. The president-elect told 60 Minutes that if his supporters were harassing others, they should stop it.

Read more | US mosques receive hate letter threatening to cleanse the filthy Muslims
Liza Donnelly, staff cartoonist with the New Yorker, is in Delhi; shell be live cartooning during the HT Leadership Summit this weekend. Donnelly, who has been contributing to The New Yorker since 1979 and now also does live cartooning for the US news channel CBS, besides publishing in other media forums, has since carved out a niche for herself: many of her cartoons centre around issues of gender. Of the several books shes written is one on the pioneering women who drew for The New Yorker, which had women cartoonists right from when they first began publishing in 1925.

Donnelly spoke to Mint/Lounge on why women werent considered funny enough to be cartoonists, how she keeps her anger at bay while drawing on issues related to womens rights, her favorite graphic novelists, and Donald Trump.

Read the excerpts of the interview here
The Somali-born student who injured nearly a dozen people in a car-and-knife attack at Ohio State University showed few signs of bitterness despite what must have been a difficult early life and even danced onto the stage when he graduated from community college.

Abdul Razak Ali Artan was fatally shot by a university police officer when he refused to drop his knife during Mondays attack. Those who knew him say he always said hello to his neighbours in the low-rent apartment complex where he lived with his mother and siblings on the citys west side.

The 18-year-old stopped in frequently at a nearby convenience store for snacks and attended a local mosque.

He had graduated with honours from Columbus State Community College last May, earning an associate of arts degree. A video of his graduation ceremony shows him jumping and spinning onto the stage and smiling broadly, drawing laughs, cheers and smiles from graduates and faculty members.

He transferred to Ohio State to get his bachelors degree and gave an interview to the universitys student newspaper in August, saying he was looking for a place to pray openly and worried how he would be received.

Yet leaders of the mosque say they dont remember Artan, and Ohio States Muslim and Somali student groups say he wasnt affiliated with their organizations.

None of us could recognize his face, said Horsed Noah, director of the Abubakar Assiddiq Islamic Center, a mosque around the corner from Artans apartment.

Artan was not known to FBI counterterrorism authorities before Mondays rampage, Angela Byers, the FBIs special agent in charge in Cincinnati, said Wednesday.

On the day of Mondays attack, Artan got ready to attend classes as always, even dropping his young siblings off at their school first.

He woke up and he went to school, said Hassan Omar, a Somali community leader who spoke with Artans mother Monday, hours after the attack.

The first time she knew something was wrong, Omar said, was when police showed up at her doorstep.

Sometime that morning, Artan bought a knife at a nearby Wal-Mart  authorities dont know yet whether it was the one used in the attack  and posted a series of Facebook rants showing he nursed grievances against the US, according to Columbus police and the FBI speaking at a Wednesday news conference.

After arriving on campus, Artan drove his car over a curb and into a crowd of people, then got out and started slashing at people with a knife. He was shot to death almost immediately by an Ohio State officer after refusing to drop the weapon, according to the university.

In those Facebook posts, Artan railed against US intervention in Muslim lands and warned, If you want us Muslims to stop carrying lone wolf attacks, then make peace with the Islamic State group.

Artan came to the US in 2014 as the child of a refugee. He had been living in Pakistan from 2007 to 2014, according to a law enforcement official. Its not uncommon for refugees to go to a third-party country before being permanently resettled.

Artan arrived in Dallas with his mother and six siblings on June 5, 2014, according to Dave Woodyard, CEO at Catholic Charities of Dallas, which briefly offered aid to the family.

Woodyard told the Texas television station KXAS that the Somali family arrived at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport from Pakistan through New Yorks Kennedy Airport.

The organization gave the family shelter and aid as part of the government resettlement program, he said. The groups records show the family received shelter for 23 days before leaving for Ohio.

Columbus has the second largest Somali population in the US after the Twin Cities.

President-elect Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday that Artan should not have been in our country.

Authorities say that Artan and his family were thoroughly vetted before coming to the US, and that Artan underwent a second background check when he became a legal permanent resident in 2015.

Columbus State said he had no behavioral or disciplinary problems while he was there from the fall of 2014 until this past summer.

He started at Ohio State in August as a business student studying logistics management.

He was personable and willing to be interviewed and photographed, said Ohio State student reporter Kevin Stankiewicz.

Jack Ouham, owner of a market near Artans apartment, saw Artan almost every day when he stopped in for snacks but never alcohol or cigarettes.

He was never angry, Ouham said.

Very nice guy, he said.
Preet Bharara, the powerful US attorney who has facilitated many high-profile insider trading convictions, has agreed to remain in the position after meeting President-elect Donald Trump.

Appointed as the US attorney for the southern district of New York by outgoing US President Barack Obama in 2009, Punjab (India)-born Bharara has earned the reputation of a crusader prosecutor.

The President-elect asked, presumably because hes a New Yorker and is aware of the great work that our office has done over the past seven years, to meet with me to discuss whether or not Id be prepared to stay on as the United States attorney to do the work as we have done it, independently, without fear or favour for the last seven years, Bharara said.

We had a good meeting, he said in a brief interaction with reporters after his meeting with Trump on Wednesday.

I said I would absolutely consider staying on. I agreed to stay on, said Bharara, who is in his late 40s.

I have already spoken to senator (Jeff) sessions, who is the nominee to be the attorney general. He also asked that I stay on, and so I expect that I will be continuing to work at the southern district, said the top Indian-American attorney.

Born in a Sikh family in Ferozepur, Punjab, in 1968, Bharara grew up in New Jersey after his parents moved to the US.

After being appointed as the US attorney for the powerful south district of New York, Bharara has made a national and international mark for himself with many high-profile cases and investigations including foreign countries, insider trading and those involving US politicians.

It was under Bhararas prosecution that India-born former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta was convicted for insider trading in 2012.

Leaving Preet in office sends a powerful message to Wall Street that this is not open season for Wall Street folks to run around and do whatever they want, Greg Morvillo, a partner at Morvillo LLP, told The Wall Street Journal.

Morvillo LLP had represented hedge-fund manager Anthony Chiasson whose insider-trading conviction was obtained by Bhararas office.

New York senator Charles Schumer welcomed the move and said Trump had called him last week and asked for his thought on Bharara staying in this position.

I told him I thought Preet was great, and I would be all for keeping him on the job and fully support it, Schumer said.

Preet has shown as a prosecutor that he is willing to take on the political establishment, Arlo Devlin-Brown, a former chief of Bhararas corruption unit who is now a partner at the law firm Covington and Burling told The New York Times.

Hes also shown he can win. There is no question that these are qualities that the president-elect admires, he said.
Fidel Castros ashes were taken on Thursday to a symbolic reunion with his fallen comrade-in-arms Ernesto Che Guevara in Santa Clara, the first stop in the late Cold War titans last trip across Cuba.

After two days of tributes in Havana, hundreds of thousands of flag-waving Cubans lined the streets to bid farewell as a military jeep began a four-day journey on Wednesday morning with the cedar urn in tow.

Crowds chanted I am Fidel! as the convoy started retracing the victory tour that Castros guerrilla took in 1959 to celebrate their defeat of US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista.

The flag-covered urn, which rested under a glass case on a small olive-green trailer, arrived in Santa Clara after midnight and entered a complex with a mausoleum and museum dedicated to Guevara.

Its a historic meeting, two comandantes who change the history of Cuba and humanity, said Agnier Sanchez, a 33-year-old medical imaging technician.

A somber guitar, song and dance show played across a giant statue of Guevara as the caravan of freedom paused a third of the way into its 950-kilometer (590-mile) trek across the island.

Read | Fidel Castro takes final voyage across Cuba

The convoy will resume on Thursday morning, heading to other cities before a final ceremony on Sunday in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba, where Castros ashes will be laid to rest next to 19th century independence hero Jose Marti.

Cubans were observing the fifth of nine days of mourning for Castro following his death on Friday at age 90. Castro ruled from 1959 until an illness forced him to hand power to his brother Raul in 2006.

Dissidents call Castro a dictator who jailed opponents but others in Cuba praise his legacy of providing free education and health care to Cubans while defying the US empire.

I come from a poor family. I am black. In another era, I wouldnt have had the opportunity to be who I am today, said Maria Gonzalez, a 31-year-old computer engineer.

Che Guevara

Castro met Guevara in 1955 while in exile in Mexico, and the young doctor joined Fidel and Raul on the boat that took them to Cuba a year later.

Guevara won a crucial battle in Santa Clara in 1958, derailing an armoured train and taking the city.

Guevara was given high-ranking positions in the government but he left in 1966 to lead a guerrilla expedition in Bolivia, where he was captured and executed a year later.

His remains were recovered three decades later and taken to Santa Clara, now home to a huge statute of Che and a museum dedicated to the revolutionary icon.

His death seemed like something incredible to me. In fact, I dont know, something that one can never get used to, Fidel Castro once told a Spanish journalist, admitting that he occasionally had dreams in which he spoke with Guevara.

Uncertain future

As the country ponders its future without Fidel Castro, attention is turning toward Raul and whether he will undertake deeper economic reforms after enacting modest changes in recent years.

The 85-year-old general, who has vowed to step down in 2018, has also restored diplomatic relations with his brothers eternal enemy, the United States.

If Fidels death results in reforms in Cuba speeding up a little, the rapprochement with the United States could be energized, said Michael Shifter, president of the Washington-based Inter-American Dialogue think tank.

Its an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, but a lot will depend on what happens within the Cuban government, he said.

Read | People turn up in large numbers to pay tribute to Comrade Fidel

US President-elect Donald Trump threatened this week to halt the detente that was begun by US President Barack Obama if the Castro government doesnt offer a better deal to the Cuban people.

Obama did not join other foreign leaders at a massive rally for Fidel Castro in Havana on Tuesday, instead sending aides as the White House voiced concerns about the human rights situation in Cuba.

Along the caravans route, Fidel Castros supporters were confident that his revolution would go on.

Cuba wont change, said Jany de la Caridad, 20, who had the face of a young Fidel painted on her face. Look at all these people waiting for hours for Fidels ashes.

You think that Cuba will deviate from its socialist path with the death of one man -- even if it was commander in chief Fidel Castro?
The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office says 11 hostages have been freed from a credit union in that north Florida city where they were held at gunpoint by a robbery suspect.

The sheriffs office said in a tweet Thursday that the hostages were freed about two hours after their ordeal began and that the suspect was in custody.

Sheriffs Office spokesperson Melissa Bujeda had said an initial 911 call reporting a bank robbery came in at 9:06am. Authorities confirmed that reports of people being shot were not true.

She said SWAT team members and police negotiators were called in, Bujeda said

LIVE on #Periscope: Bank robbery with hostages https://t.co/38vjosmp7p  Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016

Streets surrounding the bank were blocked by police, and Bujeda urged patience from business people unable to get to work.

The bank is located in a northwest Jacksonville commercial district surrounded by a storage facility and a dollar store.
Warships from Russias Black Sea Fleet have taken up position off Crimeas western coastline to help strengthen the peninsulas air defences in response to the start of Ukrainian missile tests nearby, the RIA news agency reported on Thursday.

Kiev began two days of missile tests on Thursday, angering Russia, which has put its air defence forces on high alert saying it hopes the war games wont disrupt international flights.

Warships of the Black Sea Fleet ... have taken up positions near Crimeas western coast for the duration of Ukraines planned missile tests from Dec. 1-2, a military source in Crimea told RIA.

The ships air defence units have been put on a higher state of alert. Their equipment is designed in the first instance to shoot down heavy anti-ship missiles and cruise missiles. Together with land-based air defence units on the peninsula, the ships have thrown up a practically impenetrable shield against the enemys rockets.

Vladimir Krizhanovsky, a Ukrainian military official, earlier on Thursday told the 112 TV channel that the exercises had begun and that everything was going smoothly.

The tests are being carried out in accordance with international law, said Krizhanovsky. He said they were taking place at least 30 kilometres (18.64 miles) from Crimean air space. Therefore it would be wrong to reproach Ukraine, he said.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.
If you land in Saudi Arabia right now, be prepared to make a snowman instead of embarking on a desert safari!

The deserts of Saudi Arabia were covered in layers of snow on Wednesday after temperatures dropped to as low as -3 degrees Celsius in the northern regions of the country. The region usually receives moderate rainfall until October, though the showers have continued to prevail.

Since it is not every winter that this desert experiences snowfall, Saudis made the most of this rare opportunity to have some fun.

Snowfall in a Tabuk Saudi Arabia as unstable weather sweeps across the region. pic.twitter.com/V63g5jRAvp  Mohammed Al-Binateej (@ATEEKSTER) November 24, 2016

Anomalous snow covers the desert of #SaudiArabia in pictures and videos

https://t.co/g0DqJwq8VG pic.twitter.com/2BZfYtBdaw  T  S L A (@Discloser1) December 1, 2016

Professor Abdallah al-Musanad, professor of climate science at Qassim University, told Alarabiya.net that this is the second rainfall this season, even though 40 days have passed since the rain season ended.

Last year, 18 people were killed in Saudi Arabia because of floods in the month of April.

Municipalities in the eastern cities of Dammam, Dhahran, Khobar and Qatif are expected to use drainage stations and tanks to collect rain and keep the streets dry to tackle the unexpected weather change.

But for now, people in Saudi are taking pleasure in the sudden weather change.

Snow today in Jabal Al-Lawz (mountain of almonds), Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. 23-11-2016/22-2-1438H #MyArabia pic.twitter.com/8CAVx8L1pC     (@Rasees) November 23, 2016

Snow falls in Northern Saudi Arabia: pic.twitter.com/PkAvPVWVJA  Arabian Veritas (@ArabianVeritas) November 24, 2016

Sheikhs Snowboarding:

                #_# pic.twitter.com/TOf6BKRZPe    (@majed_waheep) November 23, 2016

While social media also showed concerns on the red flag of this rare event: climate change and global warming!

Snow in the Saudi Arabia, climate change. pic.twitter.com/Zk3eX4WPHH  Nijad Abou Chacra (@nijadabichacra) November 28, 2016

Now Snowfall in Saudi?!

I think the movie 2012 was indeed 2016#SaudiSnowfall #2016or2012  Rushabh Shah (@ShahRushabh31) December 1, 2016

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A series of artillery rounds lobbed Wednesday on Syrias eastern Aleppo district killed 26 civilians, including seven children, as they fled a government ground offensive in the besieged enclave.

It was the second time the Jub al-Quba neighborhood, in the historic district of the rebel-held eastern side of the city, was struck in as many days.

An airstrike Tuesday blamed by activists on the government killed 25 civilians in the same area. They were also believed to be newly displaced from the government onslaught on the northern parts of eastern Aleppo.

Meanwhile, eight civilians, including two children, were killed in shelling on the government-held western side of the city, according to state media. The government blamed rebels for the attack.

The embattled opposition fighters clashed heavily on the southern edge of the enclave with government-allied troops, who made new gains in the government offensive that has cleaved the rebel-held part of the city.

The Syrian government pushed its way into the 45-square kilometer (17 square miles) rebel-held enclave over the weekend, making its first territorial gain in the area seized by the opposition fighters since 2012.

Government officials say they want to liberate the area, calling the opposition fighters terrorists, and accusing them of holding civilians there hostage.

Read | Razed to the ground: Battle turns Aleppo into dust

Despite opening a number of passageways to allow civilians to leave before the offensive, none of the residents took advantage of it, citing fears of being arrested or forcibly conscripted. The passageways were not U.N. supervised.

In New York on Wednesday, Syrias UN ambassador Bashar Jaafari accused the rebels of opening fire on the civilians as they tried to flee eastern Aleppo.

The bodies of the victims of the Jub al-Quba attack Wednesday lined the streets, as their bags and few belongings lied close by their sides, photos showed.

Jawad al-Rifai, who took the pictures for the Aleppo Media Center, said they were civilians  mostly women and children  fleeing shelling and air strikes on other parts of the city.

They were fleeing on foot. They were coming to our side, said Ibrahim Al-Haj, a member of the Syrian Civil Defense teams, explaining that the displaced were heading to what they thought was safer ground. There were children, baby bottles and bags all over.

The neighborhood and others around it in Aleppos centrally-located old city have absorbed thousands of residents displaced by the advance of government troops in the east.

Abdulkafi Alhamdo, a teacher living in the Zabadieh neighborhood in eastern Aleppo, said refugees were filling up his building, most of its flats abandoned because of the war. They had close to nothing, he said, and have asked for the simplest things, including salt.

They knock on my door all the time. They ask for a plate, or some sheets, Alhamdo said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war in Syria through a network of local contacts, said tens more were wounded in Jub al-Quba.

Observatory chief Rami Abdurrahman said he predicts death tolls will rise in east Aleppo as the internal displacement creates more residential density.

Read | Syria rebels lose all of northeast Aleppo, prompts exodus of civilians

The SCD in eastern Aleppo, also known as the White Helmets, put the toll at 45 killed. It blamed the government for the strikes.

Rescue efforts by the group were hampered by the lack of functioning machinery, said Rifai.

Most of their equipment is out of service because of the targeting against their quarters, he added.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in Aleppo as pro-government Syrian forces press on with their campaign to reclaim the divided city.

The Observatory said more than 50,000 out of an estimated quarter-million inhabitants have been displaced by attacks on rebel-held eastern Aleppo over the past 4 days. Many of them fled to safer ground in areas under government or Kurdish control. The International Committee of the Red Cross says around 20,000 people have fled.

The Lebanese Al-Manar TV channel, operated by Hezbollah which has groups fighting on the government side in Syria, reported from the Aleppo countryside that pro-government forces were advancing in the southern portion of the citys rebel enclave.

Syrian state media announced midday Wednesday that its forces had retaken the southern Sheikh Saeed neighborhood, while the Observatory said rebels still held onto a third of the area. The Observatory added that Iraqi militia fighters were playing a central role in the governments advance from the south.

Yasser al-Youssef, a spokesman for rebel group Nour el-Din el-Zinki, said the pro-government fighters were repelled and the opposition had captured at least one of their soldiers. The group posted a video of the captured fighter.

There is regime deployment on the southern edge of the city. They are likely to attempt an assault on the southern front, al-Youssef said.

Residents said meanwhile that after the killing in Jub al-Qubba, there was a respite in government bombing, most likely due to heavy rain.

The rain stopped the bombing, al-Haj said.



Read more | Syrias Aleppo: A historic city is key to Assad regimes victory
Thailands Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn returned to Bangkok on Thursday, two days after parliament said it would invite him to become the countrys new king following the death of his father, revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The prince will meet with the head of parliament, Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, on Thursday evening following a Buddhist rite marking 50 days since the kings death. He then is expected to formally accept parliaments invitation to ascend the throne.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and Prem Tinsulanonda, a former head of the royal advisory council who has been standing in as regent, will also be in attendance, according to a palace schedule.

The prince arrived in Bangkok from Germany, according to two senior military officials with knowledge of the matter.

We can confirm that His Majesty arrived safely this morning, said a senior military official who asked not to named.

The prince, who will be known as King Rama X, or the 10th king of the 234-year-old Chakri Dynasty, must formally accept the invitation from parliament before he can be proclaimed king.

An official announcement from the royal household is expected to come soon afterward, according to palace protocol.

Read| Thai parliament invites prince to become new king

Thailand has been without a monarch since King Bhumibol died on Oct. 13. The monarchy has been run by 96-year-old regent Prem after the prince asked to delay the succession in order to grieve.

King Bhumibol, who was the longest-serving head of state in the world when he died at the age of 88, was instrumental in reviving the prestige of the monarchy. He was widely seen as a stabilizing force through an era of rapid change and decades of often violent political upheaval.

A Thai lese-majeste, or royal insult, law criminalises anything deemed to be an insult to the monarchy. The law has curtailed public discussion about the succession, the future of the monarchy or criticism about the crown prince, who has spent much of his adult life abroad and does not command the same level of devotion as his father.

Prime Minister Prayuth said on Tuesday a year-long mourning period for King Bhumibol would not affect a general election scheduled for 2017.
President-elect Donald Trump has asked Preet Bharara, the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, to continue, making him the third Indian-American to get the nod for the incoming administration.

Bharara, who was appointed by President Barack Obama and had acquired a reputation for being tough on insider trading and other securities scams, met Trump on Wednesday morning triggering speculation of an administration position.

The president-elect asked, presumably because hes a New Yorker and is aware of the great work that our office has done over the past seven years, asked to meet with me to discuss whether or not Id be prepared to stay on as the United States attorney to do the work as we have done it, independently, without fear or favour for the last seven years, Bharara told reporters.

We had a good meeting. I said I would absolutely consider staying on. I agreed to stay on. I have already spoken to Senator Sessions, who is as you know is the nominee to be the attorney general. He also asked that I stay on, and so I expect that I will be continuing to work at the southern district.

He is the third Indian-American to get a nod from Trump to join his admiration after South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who has been tapped for US ambassador to UN, and Seema Verma for medicaid and medicare services.

Bharara is also possibly the first Obama appointee Trump has asked to continue, which is not very rare. Obama had asked Bob Gates, who was appointed by President George W Bush, to continue as his secretary of defence.

US attorneys prosecute federal crimes, and Bharara has built a reputation for pursuing securities crimes that has earned him the sobriquet Sheriff of Wall Street.

Bharara became unpopular in India for prosecuting diplomat Devyani Khobragade in 2013 for allegedly providing false information on a visa application for a domestic help she brought with her from India.
The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday unanimously imposed its toughest sanctions on North Korea, placing a cap on the hermit states key coal exports after its defiant nuclear tests.

The new sanctions resolution -- which was spearheaded by the United States and came after three months of tough negotiations with fellow veto-wielding council member China -- passed by a 15-0 vote.

The resolution demands that North Korea abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs and takes aim at the states exports of coal, its top external revenue source.

Under Resolution 2321, North Korea will be restricted from exporting more than 7.5 million tonnes of coal in 2017, a reduction of 62% from 2015.

Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the resolution would strip the regime of more than $700 million in hard currency, dramatically reducing the money it can spend on nuclear and ballistic weapons.

Speaking to reporters with her counterparts from US allies South Korea and Japan, she said the move marked the strongest sanctions regime the Security Council has imposed on any country in more than a generation.

So long as the DPRK makes the choice it has made, which is to pursue the path of violations instead of the path of dialogue, we will continue to work to increase the pressure and defend ourselves and allies from this threat, Power said, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

China joins in pressure

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged all countries to enforce the resolution.

It sends an unequivocal message that the DPRK must cease further provocative actions and comply fully with its international obligations, said Ban, who has flirted with entering politics in his native South Korea after his term ends in a month.

Ban said he was still committed to sincere dialogue to resolve the nuclear issue and stood by calls to provide humanitarian assistance to ease the suffering of ordinary North Koreans.

China is North Koreas primary ally and one of the few markets for its coal.

Although Beijing has traditionally protected Pyongyang diplomatically, believing that Kim Jong-Uns regime is preferable to its collapse, it has grown frustrated by the neighboring states defiance.

Chinas UN ambassador, Liu Jieyi, reiterated that Beijing strongly opposes the North Korean nuclear tests -- but also made a veiled criticism of joint exercises between the United States and South Korea.

Certain parties increase their military presence and scale up military exercises, thus intensifying the confrontation, he said at the Council.

This situation must be changed as soon as possible, he said.

Expanding breadth of sanctions

The UN Security Council resolution condemns in the strongest terms North Koreas nuclear test on September 9 -- the communist states second this year.

Pyongyang claimed at the time that it had made major strides in its efforts to fit a miniaturized warhead on a missile that could reach the United States.

North Korea, which insists its nuclear weapons are a deterrent to US aggression, brushed aside earlier sanctions that targeted its weapons exports, access to financial markets and imports of luxury goods.

In addition to coal, the Security Council on Wednesday banned North Korea from exporting certain metals, including copper, silver, zinc and nickel, that bring in an estimated $100 million a year.

The Security Council also added 10 companies and 11 individuals --including the former North Korean ambassadors to Egypt and Myanmar -- to a blacklist under which their travel is restricted and assets frozen due to their alleged role in Pyongyangs military programs.

Although the outgoing US administration of President Barack Obama has generally favored dialogue over conflict, it has taken a tough line on North Korea after Pyongyang rebuffed early overtures.

Power said the latest resolution is groundbreaking because it also takes North Korea to task for its human rights violations.

In another rare clause, the resolution threatens North Korea with some losses of diplomatic rights at the United Nations if it violates resolutions.

But Japans UN envoy, Koro Bessho, voiced willingness to return to dialogue if North Korea shows a serious commitment.

We are introducing sanctions not for the sake of introduction sanctions, he said, but in order to change the course of DPRK policy.
An unmanned cargo ship travelling to the International Space Station burned up in the atmosphere shortly after launching on Thursday, the Russian space agency said.

According to preliminary information, as a result of an abnormal situation, the cargo ships loss occurred some 190 kilometres above the remote, unpopulated mountainous territory of (Russias) Tuva region, and most fragments burned up in dense layers of the atmosphere, Roscosmos said in a statement.

Communication was lost today 383 seconds after the launch of the Soyuz-U carrier rocket with the cargo ship Progress MS-04, space agency Roscosmos had said in a statement earlier, adding that its specialists were looking into the problem.

The ship, which was scheduled to arrive at the ISS on Saturday, was carrying 2.4 tonnes of fuel, food and equipment when it took off from Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Roscosmos said.

A Progress cargo ship launch failed in April 2015. The failure, which Russia blamed on a problem in a Soyuz rocket, saw the ship disintegrate as it plummeted to Earth.

The incident saw Russia put all space travel on hold for nearly three months and forced a group of astronauts to spend an extra month on the ISS.

Russia said at the time that because the same type of rocket is used for manned ships, all issues with Progress resupply missions needed to be thoroughly investigated before any manned vessels could be launched.

Russia sends three or four such spacecraft per year to supply the ISS. After making their delivery, they plummet back to Earth, burning up in the atmosphere above the Pacific Ocean.

Last month Frenchman Thomas Pesquet, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky and American astronaut Peggy Whitson launched to the ISS for a six-month mission.

The launch followed that of Russians Andrei Borisenko and Sergei Ryzhikov and American Shane Kimbrough in October, which was pushed back by nearly a month due to technical issues.

Technical mishaps have complicated plans to extend the periods during which the ISS is fully staffed with six astronauts.

Russias Soyuz capsules offer the only way for global astronauts to reach the space station since the American space shuttle program was retired in 2011.

The space laboratory, where a range of research is carried out, has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour (17,000 miles per hour) since 1998.
The US Congressional conference committee has sought to condition a significant portion of American funding to Pakistan on a Pentagon certification that the country is taking demonstrable steps against the dreaded Haqqani Network in its territory.

In another significant move, the committee asked the Pentagon to ensure that Pakistan does not use its military aid in persecution of minority groups like Baloch, Sindhis and Hazaras.

The National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2017, passed on Wednesday by a Congressional conference committee, authorises up to $900 million in coalition support funds for Pakistan. Of this, $400 million has been made contingent upon a certification from the defence secretary.

US defence secretary Ashton Carter refused to give a similar certification to Pakistan this year as a result of which it was not given a $300 million under coalition support fund.

NDAA-2017 refocuses security assistance to Pakistan on activities that directly support US national security interests and conditions a significant portion of funding on a certification from the secretary of defence that Pakistan is taking demonstrable steps against the Haqqani Network in Pakistani territory, said senator John McCain.

The conference report (running into more than 3,000 pages) on $618 billion National Defence Authorisation Bill remains concerned about the persecution of groups seeking political or religious freedom in Pakistan, including the Balochi, Sindhi and Hazara ethnic groups, as well as religious groups, including Christian, Hindu and Ahmadiyya Muslims.

The conferees - comprising of members of the house of representative and the senate - believe that the secretary of defence should continue to closely monitor the provision of US security assistance to Pakistan and ensure that it is not using its military or any other assistance to persecute minority groups, the report said.

The NDAA allows for reimbursement of Pakistan for security activities along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, including providing training and equipment for the Pakistan Frontier Corps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

However, members of the conference committee expressed concern that Pakistan continues to delay or deny visas for US personnel who could assist with the provision of such training.

Given this situation, the report recommended the Pentagon to condition reimbursements for training and equipment with appropriate access by US personnel.

It now needs to be formally passed by the two chambers of the Congress - the house of representatives and the senate - before US President Barack Obama can sign it into a law.
President Vladimir Putin struck an unusually conciliatory tone in his annual state of the nation address on Thursday, saying Moscow wanted to get on with the incoming US administration and was looking to make friends not enemies.

Putin has used previous set-piece speeches to lash out at the West and the United States in particular, but he reined in his criticism this time round and focused most of his speech on domestic social and economic issues.

We dont want confrontation with anyone. We dont need it. We are not seeking and have never sought enemies. We need friends, Putin told Russias political elite gathered in one of the Kremlins grandest halls.

We are ready to cooperate with the new US administration. We have a shared responsibility to ensure international security.

Any US-Russia co-operation would have to be mutually beneficial and even-handed, he said.

Putin has spoken previously of his hope that US president-elect Donald Trump may help restore tattered US-Russia relations, and analysts said he was unlikely to want to dial up anti-Western rhetoric before Trumps inauguration in January.

We dont want confrontation with anyone. We dont need it. We are not seeking and have never sought enemies. We need friends.

The Russian leader said he was hoping to find common ground with Washington on fighting global terrorism in particular.

That was a reference to Syria where Moscow is backing President Bashar al-Assad, while the outgoing US administration has supports rebels.

Russia hopes Trump will give Russia a freer hand there and cooperate militarily to fight Islamic State.

Putins tone may have been softer than usual, but he still made it clear that Russia would continue to robustly stand up for its own interests.

Complaining about what he said were myths about Russian aggression and Russian meddling in other countries elections, he said Moscow wanted to independently decide its own fate.

We will build our future without advice from anyone else, said Putin.

The main target of Putins speech appeared to be the Russian people though.

His message was that the worst of a grinding economic crisis was in the past and that it was now time to focus on improving living standards by investing more heavily in education and health.

The next presidential election takes place in 2018, and though he has not said yet if he will seek another term, Putin is widely expected to run.
It looks like the Brangelina woes are just not ending. The parents of Maddox, 15, and Pax, 12, might simply materialise out of nowhere, giving a "horrific twist" to the Brangelina custody battle.

The nightmare will begin after today, November 30. Pax Jolie-Pitt's birth mother will be released from prison in a short while. The biological parents of Maddox Jolie-Pitt too are thought to be alive, while earlier it was believed that he was an orphan.

"I'm sure both [Brad Pitt] and Angie are freaking out over this. It's been a fear from day one that the biological parents of their adopted kids would resurface," an insider said.

Their third adopted child is their daughter Zahara, 11, who was brought from Ethiopia.

Maddox was the first child adopted from Cambodia. It was thought that he was an orphan. But now it emerges that it had just been a deal brokered by a crooked agent called Lauryn Galindo, who had been sold Maddox by his mother for just $100. Galindo was imprisoned for money laundering that involved more than 800 babies.

"I'm sure this child was not a real orphan and was not abandoned," said Dr. Kek Galabru of the human rights agency Licadho.

Pax was another three-year-old that had been picked up from a Vietnamese orphanage a decade ago. Today, his mother, Pham Thu Dung, has asked for him again.

"Most of the normal children are kids of prisoners," Nguyen Kim Xuyen explained to Radar Online. After the parents are freed, they rarely fail to ask for their children. "There are some cases where economic conditions mean they are not able to raise the child [when they're released], so they leave them here, but it's very seldom."

Currently, the situation is pretty terrifying for the Brangelina couple.

"All they know about Pax is that he came to the orphanage at 2 days old after his mother, Pham, ran away from the hospital. With Maddox, they had to rely on Galindo's word."

If Pax's mother comes forward to ask for her child, Maddox's parents would come forward too.

"If Pham makes a bid to win Pax back - and everyone expects she will - it could lead Maddox's parents to come forward," the source alleged. "Taking a child from a parent with no apparent say in the matter won't look good for Jolie's UN status... No doubt Angie'll be praying this can all be fixed with a blank check, but the trauma of possibly losing any of their children is both Angie and [Brad Pitt's worst nightmare come true."

There are more parents involved in battling for the children than just the Brangelina couple. Will the nightmare ever see a dawn?

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The theories of Albert Einstein about modern physics have withstood not only the test of time. His research has endured emerging experiments and hypotheses as well.

As of late, his views on the speed of light will, once again, be challenged. Einstein's Theory of General Relativity has stated that the light rate will always be the same everywhere which means that the Laws of Physics are applicable anywhere.

However, this belief may soon be tested by a contemporary proposal. Back in the 1990s, Professor Joao Magueijo of London's Imperial College and Dr. Niayesh Afshordi of Canada's Perimeter Institute suggested that after the Big Bang, light travelled faster than it is now.

The idea surfaced due to an angle that is associated with the universe's irregular density. When the Big Bang resulted in the formation of the solar system, the universal solidity has been unstable. It has been repeatedly explained that the transition or expansion stages contributed to this intermittent state.

The present cosmos seems to assume a regular outlook that manifests a relatively homogeneous mass. If this observation is applied to the speed of light, the extent of the energy beam will have trouble reaching the far end of the universe.

However, since the current macrocosm has undergone a lot of significant changes, the light rate will have problems replicating its reach in the past. Magueijo and Afshordi have reason to believe that light speed was high in the initial stages but eventually dropped off due to the changeable density of the cosmos.

The two scientists have instituted a method that monitors universal background radiation support their theory after the Big Bang. The oldest cosmic light index, which was measured at 0.96478, will be utilized as basis about how the universe expanded.

According to Professor Magueijo, their concept has attained the maturity line which means that the testing phase will come next.

However, disproving Einstein's law can be difficult since there will be a need to produce more than just one type of deposition to alter the theory.





@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Mosul residents are now in danger of being denied from getting their water supply. The UN has revealed that at least 500,000 people inside the Iraq's second largest city have no access to this basic need.

It has been found that Iraqi soldiers have hit one of the three major water channels during a skirmish against ISIS fighters in eastern Mosul. Considering that the damage has been done inside an extremist-held area, repairs at the moment will be impossible.

As of late, the Iraqi-spearheaded military campaign is in full blast in Mosul. Since the location of conflict is the Islamic State's last known major base, it is perceived that the fighting will be intensified and probably extensive.

Attempts to address the water concern inside the city have gone out of hand due to the ISIS response. Zuhair Hazem Al-Jabouri, an official supervising the urban area's water and energy services, has announced that the terrorist group has deliberately disabled the water pipeline in neighborhoods proximal to the frontlines.

The electricity running the supply stations have been immobilized to deter advancing Iraqi troops. By depriving people of their drinking water, the population will be forced to move into ISIS positions where the fighters will be able to use civilians as human shields.

According to UN Humanitarian Coordinator Lise Grande, a blueprint is emerging in ISIS-occupied areas. Basic necessities like food and water are being used to manipulate people.

Sabah Al-Numan, a spokesman for Iraq's counterterrorism forces, has said that the jihadists control water stations as they please.

As Iraqi forces surrounded Mosul, the military has also managed to severe supply channels to the militants. However, the approach has spelled disaster for the residents as many people headed to the extremist locations to get basic needs.

It has been around ten days since Mosul has been denied of clean drinking water. Some people have reopened improvised wells. However, it is troubling to know that the water being acquired is filthy.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Apple iMac enthusiasts are indeed waiting for the new update over its previous model. Earlier rumored to be iMac 2016 is now speculated to be the iMac 2017. Many reports hitting the internet, indicates that the new iMac likely to be launched in the next Apple event of 2017.

Earlier, it was speculated that the Apple will launch its iMac 2016 in any of the three events held in this year. However, no single word was mentioned about the iMac 2016. Some rumors suggested that Apple knowingly delayed the iMac computers as a result of delay in the Intel's new chipset Kaby Lake processor.

According to Christian Times, it is reported that Apple new iMac computer is rumored to feature Intel Xeon processor instead of Kaby Lake processor. It is reported that the Intel's Xeon processors have been widely used as a common processing chip for high-end workstations and servers.

The ability of the Intel Xeon processor is reportedly the best one which supports error-correcting code memory. This feature paves way for an extremely enhanced computing performance.

Other report indicates that the iMac 2017 will feature the Intel Core i7 Kaby Lake 7700 processor and the leaked benchmark tests shows the results are exciting. So, the enthusiasts need to wait until Apple makes an official statement on which processor likely to fit-in the new iMac 2017.

Another major challenge to Apple Inc. is the Microsoft Surface Studio with the 28-inch screen having fold down ability in-order to make it easier for artists to draw on it. Plus, the Surface makes use of touch input, a stylus and the Dial. Surface Studio is the attraction in the current tech market with respect to the segment of desktop computers.

According to The BitBag, It is reported that the new iMac 2017 will have a high-end 27-inch variant featuring a 5K display with virtual reality (VR) support, a newly introduced organic light-emitting diode (OLED) Touch Bar as seen in the MacBook Pro 2016. Thus, a final statement from Apple Inc. is indeed important for the rumors to become a reality.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are going through a very nasty child custody battle but the ex-couple might be facing dilemma worse than the child custody case.

In the course of the divorce drama as well as the child custody case, Brad and Angie are fighting real hard but this time, both of them are in trouble. It has been reported by Radar Online that Brad and Angie could be in a horrific twist to their already nasty custody battle. Their two adopted sons, Maddox and Pax might be torn away from them.

It has been learned that Pax's biological mother will soon be released from jail and desires to have her son back. Moreover, for Maddox's case, there is a big possibility that his parents are still alive.

The report also added that Angelina and Brad would really freak over this as this is their biggest fear starting from the day they adopted them. It can be recalled that the two are already fighting over the custody of their six kinds and these include Maddox and Pax.

So if this would happen, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie could lose Maddox and Pax and this will surely be the worst nightmare for them.

Jolie adopted Pax when he was just 3 in Vietnam last 2007 but a volunteer recently claimed that his biological mother is due for release from jail. She really wants to have him back and finally reunite with her son.

Meanwhile, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt will likewise face the possibility that Maddox's biological parents are actually alive. Angelina has always believed that the parents of Maddox are dead but according to the report, that could be untrue.

Maddox was adopted by a crooked agent who was later jailed for two cases. This person arranged for several families to adopt children whose parents were still alive. And there is a prospect that Maddox's mother sold her son for just $100.

Brad Pitt has just been cleared from the child abuse case which increases his chance of getting the full custody of the six children, but with the presence of another trouble, both Brad and Angelina Jolie would really fail to have this.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are already in a nasty divorce and child custody battle but with the presence of another worse dilemma, they could really be in trouble.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The marital woes of Kate Middleton have always acquired a good deal of spotlight in the media and now it seems they have become worse. It is said that Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge are divorcing because he has chosen to support the relationship of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

Prince William's recent act of issuing a statement in support of his brother's decision to defend his girlfriend Meghan Markle has made matters worse for Kate Middleton, reports Game N Guide. Kate is said to be furious with her husband for doing so and it led to a bitter quarrel between the two that ultimately made Kate fall into depression. Sources say that the royal couple is not on good terms with each other and thinking of ending their relationship.

Notably, Prince William issued an official statement last week on Saturday which said that the Duke of Cambridge absolutely understands the situation concerning privacy and supports the need for Prince Harry to support those closest to him. This reportedly did not go well with Kate and only served to further the rift between the two.

The Duchess of Cambridge felt sidelined as she is said to consider Markle as an adversary and competitor for the throne. To add salt to her injury there is an already-miffed Queen Elizabeth, who is now allegedly on the side of Markle and is being manipulated by the 'Suits' actress and Harry to oust her from the royal palace, claims The Bitbag.

The Queen is said to be approving of their budding relationship and also in favor of Harry's marriage with Meghan despite her Hollywood connection. She sees her as a more suitable contender to become the next queen as Meghan's humanitarian work has impressed the grandmother of her boyfriend.

So, it does seem like Kate Middleton does not have anyone to support her in the royal palace. The worst thing is that some time back it was also alleged that her sister Pippa was helping Queen Elizabeth separate Prince William and Kate as she did not want her third pregnancy stories to steal the attention from her upcoming wedding.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
For an independent hotel, it is sometimes hard to get noticed. When a potential guest is searching for a hotel in their chosen destination, they tend to shop around. They could find your hotel on booking.com or in most cases via a search on google.com, visit your brand site to see the pictures of your rooms and the services you offer. Then click off to review more options within the area. According to Google, If your hotel is the first one they visit, 96% of the time they will not make a reservation. It is also likely they have forgotten about you by the time they have come to make a decision on where they are going to stay. Remarketing allows your hotel to reconnect with guests who have visited your site, to remind them to come back and visit your website again, normally incentivizing them to do so by offering a unique discount. By providing re-engagement with visitors is a much more cost-effective way of converting them into future guests at your hotel. There are three main ways to re-connect with your guest which every hotel no matter whether they are big or small should consider.

Remarketing using Google Adwords

Use Google Analytics to review which potential guests are visiting your hotel website. You can filter the users by which pages they have visited or whether they entered into the reservation process then clicked off, demonstrating that were interested in staying at your hotel and for whatever reason decided to continue with their search

Within Google AdWords, you can create specific ads to be shown on the Google Display Network, and only to those previous visitors. We recommended that within your ads, you can get incentives them to click back to the website by offering a discount or special offer like a free spa treatment or upgrade for example. You can increase your conversions further by creating a unique landing page with your booking engine embedded with the exclusive offer.

RLSA (Remarketing List for Search Ads)

While the remarketing through Google AdWords is based on display ads, there is also another way of remarketing via traditional text ads. Again, the same principle applies, i.e., a person who has visited your website, only this time, when they go back to Google to continue their search for "hotel in London," they will see your text ad within the search results with the option to revisit your site and finally book. Google is still the number one method for travelers seeking hotels in specific destinations so is an essential tactic in re-engaging with your potential guests.

Facebook Dynamic ads

Along similar lines to Remarketing via Google, but this time re-connecting with users who are also Facebook users who will see your ads appear in their timeline feed. As over 1.4 billion people are connected to Facebook and growing all the time, this provides an excellent way for hotels to reconnect with potential guests who have recently visited your website and convert them into prospective guests by sending them back to a landing page with a unique offer or promotion.

For the majority of independent hotels over the last few years, increasing their dependency on OTAs for your online bookings has been the norm. However, as we see with chains like Marriott and Hilton, the fightback has begun. By introducing a simple marketing strategy into your hotel's marketing plan for 2017 will provide you with a clear, simple and cost effective way of re-connecting with potential customers and converting them into guests.

If you would like Hotelient to help your hotel in creating a remarketing strategy, then email [email protected] for more information.

John kearney

Hotel Sales & Consultancy Specialist - Director of Hotelient

Hotelient

View source
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Centro Europeu and eRevMax forms an Industry-Academia Partnership

This unique Industry-Academia tie-up has been created for imparting students with relevant hands-on training on multiple hotel technology solutions that has become critical for new professionals to know.

Centro Europeu (The European Center), a premier professional training institute in Brazil has partnered with eRevMax, the global leader in hotel connectivity solutions, to collaborate on skill development and research. This unique Industry-Academia tie-up has been created for imparting students with relevant hands-on training on multiple hotel technology solutions that has become critical for new professionals to know.

As the hospitality industry in Brazil shifts towards online and mobile, the demand for skilled individuals who understand how technology can be deployed effectively to achieve productive and inclusive growth will only increase. As part of the partnership, the students of Centro Europeu Hotel Management Program receive training from accredited professionals from eRevMax on revenue management and how to use technology products like RateTiger.

"The use of the eRevMax software in the Revenue Management discipline of the Hospitality Course is in line with the Centro Europeu teaching proposal, which is to meet the real needs of the market and Training of professionals for different areas. We are very grateful to eRevMax, because it is partnerships like these that make the course so popular for over 20 years, said Luis Fernando Queiroz Maingue - Academic Director, Centro Europeu.

The partnership between eRevMax and Centro Europeu enables students to understand the real benefits of the tools in the revenue management process and applying them in practice. This really helps to shape qualified and updated professionals in such a dynamic and competitive market, preparing them for the rapid pace of change within the discipline of revenue management, said Alex Moura, Regional Sales Director  North America, Brazil and Caribbean, eRevMax.

RateTiger Suite is an integrated solution to manage third party online channels, benchmark competitor room rates and manage reservations through two-way XML connectivity. It helps hotels improve sales through real-time ARI updates and leverage rate movements as per demand scenario.

This partnership will help eRevMax to not only build its functional expertise through research collaboration but also contribute to strengthening the industry readiness of the talent stepping out of campuses through curricula building, live projects and various engagement activities.

About Centro Europeu: Centro Europeu was founded in 1991, inspired by Europe's leading educational institutions, and provides full, high-level courses lasting from three months to two years. Centro Europeu maintains partnerships with large educational institutions in Europe and attracts students from all over Brazil and abroad, forming thousands of people who are looking for new tools for their growth in the labor market through a new profession, updating of knowledge already acquired or Still, in learning new languages.

About eRevMax: eRevMax is a travel technology company that helps hotels to maximise online revenue opportunities through real-time distribution, market intelligence and connectivity solutions. The company provides specifically tailored solutions within its core product brands  RateTiger, RTConnect and LIVE OS.

RateTiger product suite offers the industrys leading ChannelManager for online distribution, Shopper for rate benchmarking and BookingForce to help drive direct bookings from the hotels brand.com. RTConnect provides seamless 2-way XML integration of channel management functionality with the hotels central systems. LIVE OS offers hotels a single sign-on platform to access multiple applications, while offering technology partners a chance to get in front of hotels allowing greater distribution of promotional opportunities.

eRevMax is working closely with over 200 certified channel and technology partners as well as 9000 hotels worldwide helping them increase revenue opportunities and streamline business processes.

For more details, please visit http://www.erevmax.com/ or contact us on marketing@erevmax.com.
In year-over-year comparisons, the industrys occupancy rose 2.7% to 50.7%. Average daily rate (ADR) increased 2.8% to US$107.66. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew 5.5% to US$54.62.

The U.S. hotel industry reported positive results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 20-26 November 2016, according to data from STR.

In year-over-year comparisons, the industrys occupancy rose 2.7% to 50.7%. Average daily rate (ADR) increased 2.8% to US$107.66. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew 5.5% to US$54.62.

Five Top 25 Markets experienced double-digit growth in RevPAR for the week: Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (+16.6% to US$50.90); Dallas, Texas (+15.4% to US$45.82); Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia (+15.1% to US$38.91); Los Angeles/Long Beach, California (+12.9% to US$92.36); and Phoenix, Arizona (+10.6% to US$51.06).

In ADR, Los Angeles/Long Beach (+8.0% to US$144.65) and Washington, D.C. (+7.4% to US$106.90) posted the largest year-over-year increases.

Norfolk/Virginia Beach, saw the only double-digit increase in occupancy (+12.5% to 47.2%).

Houston, Texas, experienced the steepest declines in occupancy (-9.0% to 42.2%) and RevPAR (-15.2% to US$33.72).

Miami/Hialeah, Florida, reported the largest drop in ADR (-8.7% to US$161.30) and the only other double-digit decrease in RevPAR (-14.5% to US$104.30).

View weekly U.S. hotel performance review

STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com.
Yu Kitchen at the Regent Chongqing Hotel

Regent Hotels and Resorts is excited to debut Regent Chongqing, slated to open December 23, 2016. The hotel, which is managed by Regent Hotels & Resorts and owned by Casin Group, is set to be the mega-citys first urban resort.

Regent Chongqing is situated in the financial district Jiangbeizui and it is set between the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and 10-minute drive to Jiefanbei or Guanyinqiao center.

Regent Chongqing features a total of 202 rooms, with 181 guestrooms that boast an average size of 57 square meters and 21 suites that has an average size of 182 square meters. The guestrooms offer spacious five-fixture bathrooms: a feature that was created by Regent in 1970s; most rooms offer expansive river views.

The hotels elegant and contemporary interiors are imbued with a sense of place, the designs modern elements echo the economic importance of Chongqing in todays China, and pay homage to the citys past. Chongqings heritage comes to life in Regent Chongqings design and interiors, through the use of traditional building materials that have been used for centuries in the Sichuan province - ceramic, jade, metal and lacquer.

The interiors provide a fitting backdrop to an impressive assembly of art by a roster of celebrated artists. The collection includes works by Lee Eun, the Korean ceramic artist; Donnie Pan, the Taiwanese artist who specializes in working with metal; Yi Meng, a Fine Artist and the American artist Jessica Drenk, whose textural sculptures highlight the chaos and beauty that can be found in simple materials.

Regent Chongqing offers three restaurants and two bars. Each outlet is unique in its concepts, cuisine and ambience. The Bar Lounge is a sophisticated venue for enjoying drinks and refreshments throughout the day. Located on the 5th floor, the Outdoor Rooftop Bar, which is blessed with stunning views of Jialing River and Yuzhong, is the perfect location for private parties. An all-day dining restaurant, Yu Kitchen, serving a la carte and buffet menus, offers fresh, authentic and comforting dishes that celebrate the diversity of Asian cuisines. Lijing Shuen,with large private dining rooms, specializes in modern Sichuan cuisine, traditional Cantonese dishes and a signature roast duck feast. Robins Grill & Teppanyaki is a specialty steak and teppanyaki restaurant with an extensive wine cellar.

The hotel provides a wide range of event space, which totals to 1,800 square meters and accommodates up to 1,000 guests. There are six versatile function rooms and an iconic Regent Ballroom. Each venue offers state-of-the-art facilities, personalized service, and beautiful river views. Regent Ballroom is 805 square feet and offers 270 panoramic views of the surrounding rivers. Regent Chongqing has an exclusive Regent Club to cater to the needs of business travelers. Additionally, the urban resort has a fully-equipped health and gym, wellspring spa with sauna, a Jacuzzi and in-door heated swimming pool, which allows guests to enjoy the ultimate urban relaxation.

As the largest municipality in southwest China, Chongqing continues to maintain rapid economic development while attracting visitors from abroad with its rich cultural heritage and fascinating natural environment. We are confident in the inbound tourism of Chongqing and believe that an urban resort is going to be received positively in this mega-city. We are very excited to be working with Casin Group, says Steven Pan, Chairman of Regent Hotels and Resorts. In line with our philosophy that the essence of luxury is to be unique, our focus will be on delivering luxury experience through creating new and original concepts interpreted in the framework of gracious and intuitive service.
The estimated $40 million project, which broke ground on November 29, 2016 will be situated just two miles west of the island's capital, St. John's, and a convenient six miles west of the airport.

Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy The Hon. Asot Michael has announced the entry of a global hospitality brand Marriott hotel for Antigua and Barbuda.

Marriott International will expand its portfolio in the Caribbean with the latest addition from the brand's Autograph Collection coming to the shores of the island of Antigua. The estimated $40 million project, which broke ground on November 29, 2016 will be situated just two miles west of the island's capital, St. John's, and a convenient six miles west of the airport.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister said it was an honour to be participating in the significant groundbreaking ceremony both for Antigua and Barbuda and the Coconut Beach Resort Project by Marriott.

"Being able to participate in the ground-breaking of new properties and developments, that will lead to increasing the room availability, and broadening our twin-island nations portfolio of distinguished properties, is of utmost distinction and importance."

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has set the goal of increasing the room capacity of Antigua and Barbuda to 10,000 within the next 7 years.

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The Marriott development is a venture of Leisure World Hotels Limited, which is jointly and equally owned by Sand Dollar Limited and Propertyvest, whose investors comprise some of Antigua's most notable real estate developers. The new hotel rests on the location of the former Coconut Beach Club, property owned by Leisure World Hotels Limited, which closed indefinitely in 2015 and slated for demolition in anticipation of this project.

Coconut Beach Resort by Marriott will comprise of 40 high-end condominiums and a 70 room five star hotel with modern water features, eco-friendly amenities and a sustainable facility design throughout the property. The plan will ensure that the property will fit in-line with Antigua and Barbuda's reputation as providing the quality to attract guests in an incredibly competitive market. Coconut Beach Resort by Marriott will cater to the top-end, and will appeal to those in the leisure and business market, with associated upscale services.

"We are confident that having the Marriott name and respect of brand as part of our portfolio will lead to increased airlift, in particular from the US market as this is a draw for US carriers," said the Tourism Minister.

The Coconut Beach Resort by Marriott is expected to take 24 months to construct, and will provide 180 jobs during the construction phase, and 240 jobs once the property is open; representing a significant source of employment for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Honorable Gaston Browne, in attendance along with Honourable Asot Michael Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy, Andrew Houghton, Area Vice President for the Caribbean at Marriott International and Marriott's Director of Development for the Caribbean and Latin America, Bojan Kumer.

Kumer said, "We believe Marriott's Autograph Collection will be a strong addition to the current tourism landscape in the region and this project will endorse Antigua and Barbuda's position as the international gateway to the eastern Caribbean. We are excited to bring the brand to the island and be part of its continued growth as a tourism destination."
On Monday (Nov. 28), Kodak Black was released from St. Lucie County jail in his native Florida, and many were quick to deem him a newly free man. That was not the case. He was immediately extradited to South Carolina and placed in the custody of the states authorities. It was reported that his move to South Carolina was due to a sexual assault charge stemming from an incident in early February in the city of Florence, where Kodak had performed a show. Details of the arrest warrant and of the alleged assault have now become available for the first time.

Kodak, whose real name is Dieuson Octave, is being charged with committing sexual battery in a Florence hotel room on (or about) Feb. 7, reports the Sun Sentinel. The warrant states that the 19-year-old rapper forced the victim onto the bed in the room and then onto the floor of the room. Kodak is alleged to have forcefully removed the victims underwear, assaulted her orally, and penetrated her without consent.

The victim repeatedly told Kodak no and to stop, according to the warrant. Police report that Kodak also bit the victim on her neck and chest and that those injuries were confirmed by a sexual assault kit.

Neither the victims age nor her identity has been disclosed in the warrant, which was signed by Judge Belinda B. Timmons on May 26. The victim has expressly identified Kodak as her attacker.

After his jail release on Monday, Kodaks lawyers in Florida said that they were confident that he would be absolved of the charge he faces in South Carolina. For this case, though, Kodak will be represented by Greenville, SC-based lawyer Beattie Ashmore, who declined to comment about her clients current situation.

In South Carolina, a criminal sexual conduct charge carries with it a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

Kodak Black
The cult classic Air Jordan 15 will be returning to retailers in 2017 in a couple of different colorways including this Obsidian joint which will reportedly arrive sometime in the Spring.

The bizarre looking kicks give off a strong New York Yankees vibe with the dark blue and white colorway accompanied by the pinstripes on the inside of the tongue, though were sure this isnt a Derek Jeter AJ XV PE, afterall weve seen them before way back in 99.

The silhouette of the Air Jordan 15 is undoubtedly one of the most unique of the entire Air Jordan Collection, so it will be interesting to see how well these are received next year.

AJ XV
It appears that the door is now finally being opened to making cannabis legal for medicinal purposes in Ireland.

A big step forward will be made today when a Bill on making cannabis legally available for medicinal purposes will be put up for debate in the Dail by People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny  with the government announcing that it will not block the proposal but would rather seek some changes to its wording. This would mean that it would then progress to the committee stage in the Dail.

This is something of a u-turn from Fine Gael who had originally planned to reject the Bill and said they wouldnt make any decision on the issue while awaiting the recommendations of a review by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA)

But the Bill now looks set to pass as it has already received the backing of Sinn Fein, Labour, the Social Democrats, Fianna Fail, the Green Party and the Anti-Austerity Alliance.

In recent Hot Press interviews, several senior Ministers, such as Finian McGrath, Paschal Donohoe, John Hallagian and junior finance minister Eoghan Murphy have all come out in favour of making cannabis legal for medicinal purposes.

As everyone know, the government always kicks Bills from the opposition into touch. But this government is weak and can't afford a split over an issue like this. So, this is one of the main reasons why the powers-that-be at the top of Fine Gael are now making this volte-face, because they dont want to rock the boat of this already unstable government , one government source told Hot Press.

The new Health Minister says that he doesnt agree with all aspects of the Bill and will be seeking some amendments to it. But Minister Harris added that he will not stand in the way of the Bill that proposes making it legal for patients in pain to use cannabis for medicinal purposes.

However, on the central objective of the Bill, access to medicinal cannabis products, I accept the deputies bona fides, share their desire to make progress on this matter and it is clear there is much common ground on this across the Oireachtas, Minister Harris stated last night.

Therefore, while there are elements of the Bill I do not and will not support, I dont wish to divide the Dail on this issue and will not oppose the Bill at second stage.

The Bill seeks to make cannabis legal for patients to receive a safe and effective supply of cannabis. However, Minister Harris said that he would not be progressing the Bill until hes actually received the report from the HPRA.
The award-winning Canadian artist will come to Dublin in May.

Following up the success of her last album, Compostela, Jenn Grant has released a new single, the aptly named "Galaxies." The new track is rich with celestial echoing vocals and pulsing piano chords. Even Grant's initial inspiration for the track comes from the fascination with the expanse of the galaxy and the potential for other worlds, in contrast with the vastness of human life and all that exists already on earth. I pictured people standing at the edge of the earth, hands outstretched, asking, What is bigger than us, than any of this? she says.

Grant herself has been on quite a journey in the time between her last album, Compostela, and Paradise. Compostela earned her two JUNO Award (Canadian Grammy award) nominations for Songwriter & Contemporary Album of the Year. Following the success of Compostela, she took off on a tour around the world promoting the album to over 300 audiences worldwide. She then returned to a studio in her home of Lake Echo, Nova Scotia to create the new album, Paradise.

Paradise will be available everywhere March 3 2017. Jenn Grant plays Whelan's May 24. You can listen to "Galaxies" below.
Transcription

1 Republic of Ghana ICT Policy and Plan Development Committee Compilation of ICT related s and Initiatives by Donor and UN Agencies in Ghana A study of the ICT initiatives and projects/programmes being sponsored by the Donor and UN Agencies was conducted by the Technical Support Staff. This exercise was done as part of activities to facilitate the ICT Policy and Plan development process in Ghana. The study was done to gather information on the nature; scope and areas of emphasis of ICT related initiatives and projects/programmes been supported by the Donor and UN Agencies in Ghana. The intention is to gain a broad overview of ICT initiatives in the country in order to advice government. Listed below are the Donor and UN Agencies that were contacted and their responses. The result of the survey is summarized as follows: The name of each project is stated as well as the implementing and sponsoring organisation(s). A brief description of each project is given and the core objective of the project stated. Under the scope, it is stated if the project is organisational; supporting a particular sector; or is a national project. The time frame, the stage, and beneficiary organisations and/or institutions for the project are also stated. The list of organisations contacted is as follows: 1. International Institute of Communication Development IICD International Institute of Communication Development - IICD Global Teenager Ghana IICD Rescue Mission Ghana Deliver ICT to schools. It involves training teachers in ICT and empowering students through collaborative learning circles Time Frame Stage of Beneficiary Inst / Org Sectoral Educational Jan 2003-Dec 2007 Rescue Mission Ghana

2 Environment Information Net (Infrastructure Development & Capacity Building). IICD Environmental Protection Agency To develop and establish an electronic networking system for information dissemination of environmental information between EPA and FORIG nationwide Time Frame Stage of Beneficiary Inst / Org Sectoral Environmental Two years 1999 to 2001 Pilot EPA/FORIG. Forestry Research Inst GHANA DOT GOV Supporting Organisation IICD Implementing Organisation Min. of Information & Presidential Affairs To design, create and develop a gov t of Ghana Portal to promote E-governance. Expected to enhance national portal. 4 months Pilot MIPA Oct 2002-Jan 2003 E-commerce for Non Traditional Exports DFID through IICD Min. of Food and Agriculture Establishing district information centers and developing databases on selected NT in some districts. To provide information on, and promote NT produce to producers, and traders/exporters in regional markets. through a web-base information system. Sectoral Agriculture Five years Pilot: Started 2000 Imp. July 2002 Impleme 2. United States Agency for International Development

3 Improved Management and Administration of the Electoral Process Electoral Commission To help EC to communicate internally and among other institutions, and to facilitate outreach and civic education to the rural and urban citizens through the used of. It covers all ten regions and includes a website and accounts for all regions 08/25/00 08/24/02 (Completed) Electoral Commission Increased access to and use of information Parliament of Ghana Parliamentary Research Center Installation of 14 computers and UPS a server, 2 printers LAN, Radio Equipment for Internet connectivity and Training of staff completed. Development of Website is ongoing Sectoral Parliament 03/25/00 08/24/02 (Completed) Parliamentarians Staff of Parliament Support to Governance Institutions - CHRAJ Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) To serve as resource centers on human rights and anticorruption education and provide a valuable link to the numerous civil society organizations involved with human rights education at the local level Regional Network 05/15/02 12/24/03 CHRAJ

4 Support to Governance Institutions - Legal Aid Board Legal Aid Board (LAB) To assist LAB to communicate internally and among other institutions, and tofacilitate outreach and civic education to the rural and urban citizens as well as establish and maintain a comprehensive database of its clients across the country. Regional Network 08/31/02 03/31/2004 Legal Aid Board (LAB) Support to Governance Institutions Council for Law Reporting (CLR) and Media Commission (NMC) To assist the institutions in its capacity to communicate internally and among other institutions, and to facilitate outreach and civic education to the rural and urban citizens. Sectoral 08/01 09/02 Council for Law Rep Media Com Time Frame 08/25/97 still on going Establishment of Community Learning Centers Beneficiary Organisations To bring the benefits of the global information revolution to Ghanaian communities by supporting the establishment of Community Learning Centers (CLCs) Stage of Beneficiary Inst./ Org A number of NGOs in and the various regions

5 Support of Civil Society Organizations Beneficiary organisations To support Civil Society Organizations with computer and internet connectivity and websites Support to Asanteman in the development of a website Sectoral Time Frame 03/25/00 and still ongoing Stage of Beneficiary Inst./ Org Legal Research Center, Center for Pub Interest Law, FIDA-Ghana, Time Frame Sectoral 09/01 08/03 Enhanced Decentralized Education Systems for an Improved Learning System /GHANA and IFESH Beneficiary TTC and Int. Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH) The expansion and development of Teacher Resource Centers in seven Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs). Stage of Beneficiary Inst./ Org Akrokerri, Bagabaga, Foso, Kibi, Peki, K dua & Tamale 3. Danish Agency for Development Assistance - DANIDA (Royal Danish Embassy) Ghana University Telecom DANIDA Royal Danish Embassy Beneficiary Institutions Improving telecommunications at university of Ghana Sectoral 1997 to 1999 Univ. of Ghana, UCC KNUST

6 REN Universities of Ghana DANIDA Royal Danish Embassy Beneficiary Institutions Provide Internet link between universities and other research institutions 2000 to 2002 Universities of Ghana and CSIR 4. Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA Health In-service Training JICA - Government of Japan Min. of Health and Ghana Health Service Establishment of in-service training system including computer Data Base in the country Sectoral 1997 to 2003 Min. of Health Ghana Health Service 5. International Development Association IDA of World Bank PUFMARP (BPEMS) IDA - World Bank Min. of Finance Reform of central management agencies and subvented agencies, and the improvement of basic public sector management systems and processes 1997 to July 2003 Min. of Finance, Con ler & Acc t Gen. etc 6. European Commission (European Development Fund)

7 GIS monitoring development activities European Commission (European Development Fund) CERGIS To strengthen capacity of Government to monitor development activities in the framework of the GPRS 3 years (Start Sept. 2003) Preparation stage CERGIS 7. United Nations Fund for Population Activities UNFPA UNFPA/GOG: Third and Fourth Country Programmes UNFPA and GOG Time Frame Stage of Organisational 3rd Prog th Prog Population Council (NPC Establish Population Information Network (PIN) to serve as a national database on population and related issues. It includes a LAN at the NPC Secretariat, and a WAN to link up the NPC s regional offices and partner institutions Beneficiary Inst./ Org NPC, Partner institution, academic institutions, NGOs and institutions in the field of population. 8. Canadian International Development Agency - CIDA Supporting Organization Implementing Organization GRATIS Phase II (Has ICT component) Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Ghana Regional Appropriate Technology Industrial Service (GRATIS) To support the development of Ghana s emerging industrial sector by increasing the availability of skilled technicians in the country and introducing new technologies to enhance productivity and quality. Organisational Five years, 08/2000 to 2005 GRATIS

8 Central Governance CIDA Beneficiaries: (Office of president, Cabinet Secretariat (CS), PPMEDs of key MDAs) To enhance the Government of Ghana s policy management process. To strengthen capacity of the Policy Mgt Group (PMG) in the office of the President, Cab. Sec. and PPMEDs And to improve co-ordination among the PMG, CS, NDPC, some PPMEDs and MOF Time Frame Stage of Beneficiary Inst./ Org 3.5 years, Ending Oct 2006 Operational Office of president, Cabinet Secretariat, PPMEDs of key MDAs 9. United Nations Development Programme - UNDP Supporting Organization Implementing Organization Consolidating Democratic Governance Programme United Nations Development Programme - UNDP Governance Programme Promoting an advanced level of consolidation in the practice of democratic governance in Ghana through institutional development; advocacy and facilitation of dynamic processes; and more effective coordination of governance partnership. Time Frame Stage of Beneficiary Inst./ Org Starting October 2002 to 2006 Parliament, CHRAJ, FIDA, Judiciary, SFO, NCCE, NMC, EC, GJA, IEA, TUC, IDEG 10. Department for International Development DFID

9 project Time Frame 15 months Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database Department for International Development DFID Controller and Accountant General s Department To strengthen GoG s ability to manage and control human resources and payroll costs in the public service by providing them with a sustainable modern, human resources and payroll system to replace the Integrated Personnel Payroll Database. Stage of Beneficiary Inst./ Org Min. of Finance Controller & Accountant Generals Departmentt, Office of Head of Civil Service 11. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN - FAO Strengthening Agricultural and Fisheries Statistics Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO) Ministry of Food and Agriculture To provide new methodologies and practices, and technical capacity strengthened for the collection, processing, analysis and dissemination of food and agric statistics including fisheries Time Frame Stage of Beneficiary Inst./ Org Jan 1999 June 2000 Min. of Food and Agriculture 12. World Health Organisation - WHO Plan of Action Supporting Organization World Health Organisation - WHO Ministry of Health (MoH) & Ghana Health Service (GHS) It is a biennial agreement between the WHO and GoG in which WHO is to support the Health Sector Programme for the period, especially priority health problems. To strengthen the database and information management system of the various programmes of the MoH/GHS Sectoral Health Sector Two years Jan Dec Min. of Health Ghana Health Service

10 13. India High Commission Supporting Organization Implementing Organization ICT Centre of Excellence Government of India Equipment Government of Ghana - Structure Ministry of Communication and Technology Training of skills in ICT to link academia and industry. /Sub Regional Nov.2002 to Feb Min. of Communications and Technology 14. United Nations Educational, Scientific And Cultural Organisation UNESCO INFODEV UNESCO and WORLD BANK University of Ghana To link higher educational institutions and research institutions to the information highway to create easy access to information for researchers, students, etc. and create a network Time Frame Stage of Beneficiary Inst./ Org Educational Institutions, Research institutions and students Training of Librarians from a number of institutions on the use of CDS/ISIS UNESCO INSTI at CSIR Training of librarians in the use of the CDS/ISIS software for cataloging etc.

11 Inventory of Educational Databases in Ghana UNESCO Commission for UNESCO at the Min. of Education To inventory the current situation of Educational Databases in Ghana Sectoral Educational Min. of Education 15. United Nations Children s Fund UNICEF Supporting Organization Implementing Organization Ghana Country Programme UNICEF The project is aimed at Community Development and District Capacity Building Time Frame Beneficiary Inst./ Org / Regional / District Government of Ghana, District Assemblies, NGOs SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS Response to the Survey A total of eighteen (18) UN and Donor Agencies and some Embassies were contacted for information on the ICT related projects they are sponsoring in the country. Fourteen (14) of the UN and Donor Agencies and one embassy responded as supporting some ICT related projects, and provided the necessary information on them. The remaining three are not sponsoring any ICT related project as of now. The total number of projects received is thirty-six (36). The project information is summarized as follows: Beneficiaries of s From Table 1 below, The Public Sector Organisations (PSO s) are the beneficiaries and implementers of most of the projects. They are the beneficiaries of as many as seventeen projects forming 48.6% of the projects. The Ministries benefited from eleven of the projects, representing 31.4%. The other beneficiaries are some educational institutions; NGOs and some communities. A graphical representation of groups of organizations that benefit from the Donor Agency sponsored projects is also shown. In most cases the beneficiaries of the projects are also the implementers.

12 Beneficiaries No. of s Percentages Ministries % PSOs % Educational Institutions % NGOs and Communities % Types of s The projects received can be categorized as follows: Delivering ICT to schools and institutions in the form of training teachers, librarians and students. Installing electronic networking systems for communication, and dissemination of information within an establishment and with the outside world. Establishing information centers, community learning centers and resource centers for communication, to educate the communities on social issues, and to introduce ICT to the communities. Creating of databases for easy access to information. Developing websites to publicize the activities of an organisation and to provide a link between the organisation and the public. Providing links between the countries universities and research institutions for easy access to research information. Using ICT to support the development of Ghana s emerging industrial sector. Using ICT to enhance government s policy management process and to strengthen Government to monitor development activities in the country. Using ICT to merge culture and development. Infrastructure development to improve the activities of an organization. s The scope of the project indicates whether the project is organizational, sectoral or national. If a project is organisational, it implies the implementing organization is the sole beneficiary of the project. A sectoral project supports a sector of the economy and a national project covers a number of organisations, or sectors of the economy. From Table below, most of the projects submitted are either sectoral; that is to support a particular sector of the economy, or national. There were fifteen sectoral projects and another fifteen of the projects are national projects. This represented 42.9% of the total number of projects received.

13 Beneficiaries No. of s Percentages Ministries 3 8.6% PSOs % Educational Institutions % NGOs and Communities 2 5.0% Stage of s From Table 3, and it is obvious that almost all the projects received are being fully implemented; this represents 88.6% of the projects. There are a few projects that are being implemented on Pilot basis. None of the Donor Supported projects are in the feasibility stage Most of the projects are at the full implementation stage because of the nature of the projects. Most of the projects are directly implemented hence no need for a feasibility or pilot implementation, example, networking of offices and designing a website. Beneficiaries No. of s Percentages % Pilot % Feasibility % Total % Conclusion The ICT related projects being supported by the donor agencies are aimed at improving the living standards of the people and to facilitate the dissemination of information from civil society groups to the public. Some of the projects are also aimed at improving the work of Government. The Donor and UN Agencies supported projects have a very wide coverage area. Most of the projects are either sectoral or national. In a similar survey of on-going ICT projects and initiatives in Government Ministries and some PSO, the ICT related projects that were named by the Ministries and PSO s are not the same as those that were submitted by the Donor and UN Agencies as the projects they are supporting. At the moment, over eighty million US Dollars (US$ 80m) is being spent on ICT related projects by the Donor and UN Agencies in Ghana.
BOBIGNY, France - A French court has convicted 14 current and former Air France workers of taking part in violence during a union protest last year at the airline's headquarters that saw two company executives flee over a fence with their shirts ripped off.

The images of the shirtless managers spread around the world and came as an extreme example of the often-tense labor relations in France.

The judges outside Paris on Wednesday gave three men suspended terms of between three and four months for aggravated assault. Eleven workers were given a $530 fine for property damage. One person was acquitted of all charges.

Most of the 15 defendants are union members. Four were fired after the incident, while the others retained theirs jobs in the company.

The 14 convicted and the prosecutor's office now have 10 days to appeal the verdict.

After the ruling was read in a crowded courtroom, the lawyer for 11 defendants, Lilia Mhissen, said that the verdict was "outrageous" and that she will advise her clients to file an appeal.

The violence erupted in October 2015 as executives were announcing nearly 3,000 job cuts during a union meeting at the airline's headquarters next to Charles de Gaulle Airport outside Paris.

During a scuffle near the building, two managers and several security guards were manhandled.

Amid catcalls and boos, with protesters chanting "naked, naked," and "resignation," the airline's human resources director at the time, Xavier Broseta, was seen bare-chested, with a tie still around his neck but just a piece of sleeve around his wrist.

Meanwhile, the head of long-haul operations, Pierre Plissonnier, ended up with his shirt and suit jacket shredded. The two managers, under protection of security guards, managed to escape by climbing a fence. Plissonnier said the humiliating images were seen "1.4 billion times around the world."

At the trial two months ago, prosecutor Philippe Bourion said "the humiliation and nudity of executives never created jobs," and he compared the protesters to a "horde of hooligans" who entered a "collective trance."

The lawyer for Broseta, Frederique Beaulieu, said her client was "singled out for public opprobrium," had been a victim of a "true manhunt" and felt a "very great sense of humiliation and shame" that day.

Mhissen, the lawyer for most of the defendants, claimed her clients were only "scapegoats" since the two executives said they hadn't seen those who assailed them.

The shirt-ripping incident shocked many, even in protest-prone France, and worried the government, a big Air France shareholder. Socialist Prime Minister Manuel Valls said "these acts are the work of thugs."

Air France has shrunk its workforce and cut costs over years of restructuring amid competition from low-cost and Mideast airlines. Its unions have gone on strike repeatedly, disrupting air traffic throughout Europe, and the pilots attend demonstrations in uniform.

Earlier this year, the Air France-KLM Group reported a net annual profit for the first time in several years.
In and up and down year for oil, OPEC's agreement to cut production sent crude prices to their biggest dollar gain since 2009. Click the button below to change the chart.

If history is any indication, OPEC production cuts and higher oil prices are on their way.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed on Wednesday in Vienna to slash production by 1.2 million barrels a day. It's the cartel's first cut in eight years, and ended up much deeper than the 750,000 barrels a day the countries suggested at their meeting in Algiers in September.

Skeptics argue OPEC's member countries have not always followed through with such prescribed cuts. But analysts who have studied the cartel's history say otherwise. OPEC has agreed to trim oil production three other times over the past two decades in response to precipitous drops in oil prices.

And each time, the cartel succeeded in curtailing output and raising prices.

In the summer of 1997, stock market crashes and government upheaval in South Asia sent oil prices tumbling from about $25 a barrel to under $11 by the end of 1998. OPEC cut production by 2.3 million barrels a day, and by the winter of 1999, prices were back at $25 a barrel.

Prices began falling again in 2000, a descent that steepened after the 9/11 attacks. By the end of 2001, they had dropped from about $36 a barrel to less than $20. The cartel removed 5 million barrels a day for 15 months and, by the end of 2002, crude had risen to $31 a barrel.

During the 2008 financial crisis, oil prices plunged from a record $145 a barrel to under $35. OPEC reduced output quotas by 4.2 million barrels per day via three separate cuts. By the end of 2009, crude was trading close to $80 per barrel.

This round, OPEC faces different market conditions from the past, largely due to the rise of U.S. shale drillers who already are kicking up production. But anything that takes barrels out of the market, analysts said, will help the industry.
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Nearly 1,000 employees in the Houston area of Minnesota-based Life Time Fitness will be receiving checks for $61 to reimburse them for getting shorted on the minimum wage during their first week on the job, according to a settlement the company reached with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Employees were required to buy uniforms, and the upfront cost - which averaged $40 for a pair of pants and a T-shirt - meant that employees earned less than the federal minimum wage during their first week.
United Continental Holdings may convert a $12.4 billion order for Airbus Group SE's largest twin-engine jet to smaller long-range models. It's also interested in a new Boeing Co. 737 Max that's still on the drawing board.

Those are among the multibillion-dollar changes under consideration as a new management team reviews the carrier's order portfolio and revamps its fleet strategy, the chief financial officer, Andrew Levy, said in an interview. The goal: to close a profit gap with Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.

United is weighing the conversion of Airbus A350-1000s as it looks to replace its fleet of 747 jumbo jets. The carrier could switch to a smaller version of the aircraft, or even the mid-sized A330. That would dent the Airbus order book, since United is the second-largest customer for the -1000 variant, which took its first flight last week.

The airline also is studying the so-called Max 10X, a stretch of Boeing's largest 737, after deferring 61 of the company's smallest jets last month.

The support from a blue-chip airline customer may help the planemaker close the business case for the proposed new variant, intended to help catch up to sales of Airbus's A321neo.

"These fleet decision are big decisions, they affect your balance sheet for a long time," Levy said in the interview at United's Chicago headquarters. "These are big capital decisions that you have to live with for a really long time, so you need to make sure you get it right."

The A350-1000 has only garnered 195 total orders, according to Airbus's website. Qatar Airways is the largest customer for the jet, which is similar in size to Boeing's 777-300ER. An Airbus representative declined to comment.

Levy said United also is rethinking its share buybacks after announcing a $2 billion repurchase plan this summer that followed a $3 billion effort from a year earlier.

The pace may need to slow because of significant increases in labor expenses from several new union contracts as well as rising fuel costs, he said.

United CEO Oscar Munoz unveiled a $4.8 billion plan last month to reap greater revenue and savings from its worldwide route network. That includes improvements in the way the airline forecasts demand and manages seats, which is expected to generate an extra $900 million a year. Cost-cutting moves will save another $700 million by 2020, compared with last year's level.

Munoz pledged to reshape the executive corps he inherited when he became CEO in September 2015 and has been under pressure from investors to improve performance. With new agreements with workers in hand, the focus now is to lift United's operating profit, which amounted to 13.6 percent of sales last year. Industry leader Delta had a 19 percent margin and American's was 15.1 percent.

Scrapping current jet orders altogether is unlikely because it would be too costly, Levy said. United plans to accept delivery of 14 of Boeing's ultra-long 777-300ER, the first of which is due to arrive within weeks. That is a "done deal," he said.

Boeing met with United officials recently to discuss the Max 10X, a longer version of the largest 737 model. It "definitely looks to be of interest to us," Levy said.

United's interest is critical as Boeing weighs how to respond to the Airbus A321neo, which has emerged as a hot-seller for airlines flying trans-continental routes.
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OPEC has started driving up oil prices again, but it won't help Houston's economy as quickly as many would like.

Oil traders are enjoying the volatile markets after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed Wednesday to cut production by 1.2 million barrels a day, or roughly 1 percent of global supply. For good measure, OPEC claims that Russia and other unidentified countries have agreed to take another 600,000 barrels off the market.

That's roughly enough to balance global oil supply and demand, if fully implemented.

Iraqi oil minister Jabbar al-Luaibi hopes the new policy will generate prices between $55 and $60 a barrel, a 22 percent spike above Tuesday's price. Futures prices for the international benchmark jumped almost 9 percent on Wednesday to $50.37.

Staying above $50, and getting to $55, will be far more difficult.

OPEC has historically had a hard time sustaining high prices. The Saudis have almost always had to assume the lion's share of cuts, and they did it again Wednesday by slashing 486,000 barrels a day.

Other, poorer OPEC nations tend to cheat on their quotas, hoping to capitalize on the higher prices. OPEC has appointed a monitoring committee, but only time will prove its effectiveness. It will help that Nigeria and Libya are exempted from the agreement, and that Venezuela is losing production capacity because of its economic collapse.

The only true test of the OPEC agreement, though, will be how quickly global inventories drop from current record levels, said Andrew Slaughter, executive director at Deloitte's Center for Energy Solutions.

"If they deliver on the 1.2 million barrels a day, and they sustain it, then by late August or early September, inventories will be back in range, and then we will be looking at a strong price recovery," Slaughter said. "Nothing about this gets us back to a $100-a-barrel world. We won't see that again anytime soon. But it puts us on the path to a steady recovery from a $40 world to a $50 or $60 world for the next two or three years."

Non-OPEC members, which supply two-thirds of the world's oil, also temper OPEC's price-setting effectiveness. For every dollar the cartel drives prices up, a new non-OPEC well becomes profitable. Those new wells eventually increase supply and cap prices.

Two years of low prices have also encouraged oil companies to lower production costs for deep-water wells, horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, making billions of barrels of non-OPEC oil accessible at lower prices. That's how oil companies drilled a million shale wells and nearly doubled U.S. oil production between 2006 and 2015.

That created a glut and prompted OPEC to start a price war by eliminating quotas in 2014. The cartel hoped to force out high-cost producers, and to some degree it succeeded, sending more than 140 U.S. oil companies into bankruptcy and eliminating 250,000 jobs worldwide.

Oil Prices Interactive Written By John D. Harden

Copyright  Houston Chronicle 2016

Caption: In and up and down year for oil, OPEC's agreement to cut production sent crude prices to their biggest dollar gain since 2009. Click the button below to change the chart.

U.S. production is down to 8 million barrels a day this year from 9 million in 2015, but surviving companies have stabilized output by cutting break-even costs by more than 30 percent, industry analysts say. Many executives say their West Texas wells operate profitably at $50 a barrel for West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark.

The question now is how quickly U.S. oil companies can become confident in $50 prices, convince investors and lenders to give them money and deploy rigs back into the fields. Slaughter thinks little of that will happen until they see inventory levels drop to normal levels and dig out of debt.

OPEC also wants to discourage U.S. competitors, said Jim Krane, a fellow for energy studies at Rice University's Baker Institute. OPEC has been producing at full throttle, and cutting production will give it spare capacity.

"They've rearmed themselves for another battle with shale," Krane said. "If you are a shale producer, and you reinvest now with OPEC having spare capacity, you could see them return to a price-war footing if shale starts to pose a threat again."

None of this bodes well for rehiring the 75,000 Houstonians who lost their jobs due to the oil bust. Oil company stocks will rise because of higher valuations, but that doesn't necessarily mean new jobs, just fewer layoffs.

"Over a period of a year or a year and a half, then confidence comes back and hiring begins again," Slaughter said. "But it doesn't happen really quickly."

This oil price collapse has lasted longer than most people expected, but I'm confident we've seen the bottom of the cycle. That doesn't mean, however, that oil prices will rise enough to give Houston's economy a shot in the arm for at least two more years.

The strength of the national and global economies will play a more critical role than ever before in Houston's future. A global slowdown would not only hurt energy demand, and therefore oil prices, but also damage the other industries that keep the region's economy afloat.

OPEC may have declared a truce in the oil price war, but it is a shaky one that might not hold. And even if does, rebuilding from the rubble will take longer than those in the oil business would like.
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Levi Strauss & Co., a sartorial emblem of the legendary American West and the gun-toting cowboys who swaggered there, would like you to keep your firearms out of its stores. Even in states where it's legal, the San Francisco-based company's chief executive told its shoppers Wednesday.

Levi's CEO Chip Bergh expressed concerns over maintaining a safe shopping environment at its hundreds of stores across America in a note published on LinkedIn. The 163-year-old jean seller is not banning guns from its premises outright, because "trying to enforce a ban could potentially undermine the purpose of the ban itself: safety."
As readers of Texanomics well know, there are two sides to the Texas economy right now: The part of the state that's highly exposed to the oil business, which has suffered tremendously over the past two years. And there's the part of the state that's more akin to the rest of the U.S. economy, which continues to do quite well.

It's the difference between Houston and Dallas, which had respectively the lowest and the highest year-over-year job growth rates of the U.S.' 12 largest cities in October, or between oil-producing counties and those with no oil at all. But there are also two sides to the oil-related economy as well.

As my colleague David Hunn has explained, drilling is hot again in the Permian Basin, the vast oilfield that covers much of West Texas and some of New Mexico. The reason: With oil prices hovering below $50 a barrel, its unique geology makes it one of the few economical places to drill, with many layers of oil-soaked rock that can produce at as low as $30 a barrel. Accordingly, there are now 228 rigs in the Permian  more than there are in the other 13 major shale plays combined. That's lower than the peak, but up seven from this time last year.

Although the productivity of wells in the Eagle Ford shale play has increased faster than the ones in the Permian, that's only because drillers turned off all but their very best producers  only 38 rigs remain in the Eagle Ford, about half of the number at this time last year.

Oil Prices Interactive Written By John D. Harden

Copyright  Houston Chronicle 2016

Caption: In and up and down year for oil, OPEC's agreement to cut production sent crude prices to their biggest dollar gain since 2009. Click the button below to change the chart.

Production in the Eagle Ford hasn't fallen quite as much, but it's still trending downward, offsetting the gains in the Permian:

The difference in the popularity of Texas' two major shale plays may be starting to show up in the economic fortunes of the communities that sit on top of them. By my calculations, the average unemployment rate in the 49 counties of the Permian basin was 4.6 percent in October, up only 0.1 percent from October of 2015, and slightly below Texas' statewide unemployment rate of 4.7 percent. The average unemployment rate in the 30 Eagle Ford counties is 5.3 percent, up more than 0.3 percent from last year.

Even with oil prices on the rise, that might not change for a while, as drillers continue to return to the Permian basin  where even more massive reserves have recently been discovered. As Shane Smith, proprietor of a hunting supply store in a town near the Eagle Ford told me: "West Texas doesn't do us a damn bit of good."
Next year marks two decades since the release of "No, No, No," the first single from Houston-born girl group Destiny's Child. But, perhaps more important, it's been more than a decade since the group went on hiatus.

A couple of recent online blips grew hopes that the trio would reunite for 2017.

Members Michelle Williams, Beyonce and Kelly Rowland recently participated in the Mannequin Challenge, a viral video craze that requires participants to remain frozen for several seconds. And an official DC3 Instagram account popped up in October.

STRIKE A POSE: Destiny's Child does the #MannequinChallenge

Williams answers the reunion question before it's even asked during a recent interview.

"We don't talk about it," she says. "When we get together, we're so happy to see each other that doesn't come to mind.

"I think we were all shocked at the Instagram page. None of us knew about it. Everybody's like, 'Oh, my God, they're doing something, it's verified.' It is a blessing that people still say, 'Are y'all gonna get together?' Heck, when I see Justin Timberlake, I'm gonna ask him, 'When is NSync getting back together?'

More Information 97th annual Mayor's Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting When: 6 p.m. Friday Where: Hermann Square at City Hall, downtown Houston Admission: Free See More Collapse

"I don't have the answers, other than we love each other and that's it. I'm probably gonna find out when y'all find out."

Williams joined Destiny's Child in 2000 and became part of the group's final lineup, contributing to the "Survivor" and "Destiny Fulfilled" albums. She was the first member to release a solo album, 2002's "Heart to Yours," and has found success in the gospel and dance genres.

That solo shine extends to the holidays as Williams will headline the 97th annual Mayor's Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Friday at City Hall. Before the caroling begins, she talked Christmas memories, 2017 goals and why you'll never see her fighting for sweaters at a mall.

Q: You lived in Houston during the DC3 days. What comes to mind when you think of the city?

A: The very, very first time I came to Houston. And the reason why I came to Houston was to finally meet my sisters Beyonce and Kelly Rowland. Pappadeaux comes to mind. The food. My old apartment that I used to have.

Q: Are you big on Christmas?

A: It's a time when you're able to be home with your family. I've traveled close to 200,000 miles this year, just on one airline. I live in the Chicago area, so it's cold up here. I do not look forward to that. It's disrespectful. I do not like cold weather at all. I loved the humidity, the heat (in Houston).

Q: What's one of the best gifts you ever received?

A: My parents got us our own TV. You really were big-time if you tell your classmates you got a TV.

Q: Something you got that wasn't particularly high on your list?

A: I had an uncle who was a retired math teacher. He would give us stuff like socks and pajamas and calculators for Christmas. I mean, I will take it. I need socks, I guess. My mother is guilty, too. She's gotten me pajamas for Christmas. Tell people to find me the ugliest pair of pajamas ever, and I have to wear them, and I have to post it to my Instagram page as a challenge. We'll start a pajama challenge.

Q: Favorite holiday food?

A: I think of all the sweets, the cakes, the brownies, the cookies. My grandmother did these amazing cream cheese brownies. And she would only do it around Christmas, so we had to wait for those.

Q: Are you a big Christmas shopper?

A: My shopping process is on Christmas Eve. I go out and get gift cards, unless there is something specific that my mom or dad wants. I just think about the pressure that it puts on people to be out and about, to get stuff that they can't afford. I don't like the hustle and bustle of being in big malls and trying to get things. I'm not out in the street trying to compete with somebody for this ugly sweater. I'm not doing it.

Q: What's on your list this year?

A: Oooh. Maybe some, I don't know, nice luggage? I'm not in need of anything. I don't want anything. I'm single, so everything I want, I have to get it myself. Maybe you could put a nice, handsome man under the tree that says, "I'm going to get you everything you want." I know we sang "Independent Women," but I'm tired of being independent. I am tired.

Q: You recently launched a bedding line called Believe. What was the motivation?

A: My grandmother was a huge inspiration to so many of us in our family. She was a seamstress, and everything in her house - bedding, curtains and draperies - she made those by hand. She made every child in the family quilts. Now mind you, my mother has eight brothers and sisters. It had our name, date of birth, how much we weighed. It had a patchwork baby on it. She even had it down to the complexion of our skin. I don't sew, but I still somehow wanted to keep the legacy of what my grandmother started. And my mother is amazing in interior design. When I grew up, my mother had pride in her living room and how our bedrooms looked.

Q: Have you been working on new music?

A: I'm interested in doing a holiday album for next year. I've always wanted to do a classic Christmas album. Of course, coming from the type of music I do, you have to have some fun, upbeat music on there, too. Some new, original material. Maybe I can incorporate pajamas and calculators in a song?

Q: "8 Days of Christmas" from Destiny's Child was a good example of blending traditional and modern elements.

A: We were busy touring, and sometimes after a show late at night, we'd go in the studio and do a song. One of my favorites on the album, "Opera of the Bells," that was recorded at Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis' studio in Minneapolis.

Q: What are your goals for the new year?

A: I'm hoping to accomplish the expansion of my bedding line. I want to go into retail. I want to have my own furniture. I hope to continue to do more theater. Broadway is calling my name again. I have to get on that stage. I'm in the beginning stages of a book. I'm really, really excited about what we're already planning for next year.
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The beauty world is constantly changing and growing. Here are two locals brands that are carving out space in the nation's skin and body care landscape.

DRUNK ELEPHANT

Everyone's drunk in love with Drunk Elephant, the Houston-based skin care brand with the quirky name.

Barely three years old, the brand founded by Tiffany Masterson, a West University Place mom of four, has become one of Sephora's fastest-growing skin care companies. Drunk Elephant is in all 360 U.S. stores and on sephora.com.

Next year, Masterson plans to expand into the European market.

This beauty-brand darling also nabbed headlines in Women's Wear Daily for attracting top investors, including Estee Lauder. Masterson estimates $20 million in retail sales this year, a big increase over 2015's nearly $4 million.

"It's been a fun whirlwind experience," Masterson, 48, says. She named the line after the myth that elephants get drunk eating the fruit of African Marula trees. Mural oil - which is hydrating, light in texture and packed with nutrients and fatty acids - is one of her key ingredients.

"When I developed the line, I clearly wanted to be in Sephora, but I sent just one email early on. I told them I was a new category. That's how I got their attention."

Ironically, owning a business wasn't on her bucket list. She liked fashion and beauty, but Masterson, who graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1991, wanted most to be a wife and mom. She and husband Charles Masterson have been married 16 years.

She initially started distributing a cleansing bar with her brother-in-law, Charles Williams, but soon realized the bar did nothing it claimed. At the time, she was deep into studying the ingredients in skin care products and discovered that most had silicones, essential oils, fragrance, dye and chemical sunscreens, which can cause skin irritation.

"I spent four months trying to make products myself without those ingredients," she says. "I was kind of naive about it and didn't have any idea how hard it would be and that you need a chemist."

Masterson launched Drunk Elephant with a $300,000 loan from Williams. The company has 25 employees in Houston, Austin and Los Angeles.

Drunk Elephant products are "nontoxic, clean, compatible and effective," using both natural and synthetic ingredients. There was nothing like it on the market, Masterson says.

"I found it fascinating that what goes into a formula is just as important and critical to its effectiveness as what is left out of a formula," she says. "How ingredients affect our internal health and the health of our skin was my inspiration."

Drunk Elephant skin care products, $18-$90, are available at Sephora and DrunkElephant.com.

LA BELLE FEMME

Angel Cornelius was a body-cream aficiando long before she started selling her La Belle Femme line of natural, vegan bath and body products in 2014.

Cornelius, a health care administrator for Texas Children's Hospital, had perfected her body butters in the kitchen, mixing together favorite oils and natural ingredients. Her first clients were church members who couldn't resist her lavender body butter.

Last year, Cornelius, 57, had a chance meeting with an Essence magazine editor who was looking for products for the publication's home-delivery, beauty-box service. They ordered 10,000 tubes of her Pomegranate Kiss Body Butter.

At the time, the New Orleans native was mixing ingredients in her Sugar Land home, which she shares with husband Keith Cornelius. The couple has two grown children.

"I was a one-woman shop, but I also am a person of faith. I didn't believe God would give me this opportunity without giving me a way," she says.

Cornelius launched an online crowd-funding campaign and raised $17,000. She then hired a cosmetic chemist who turned her kitchen recipes into a commercial formula. In February, Cornelius happily delivered the body butters to Essence.

"It's truly been one of the hardest things I've done in my life, but being a part of their beauty box gave me instant credibility," she says. At the Essence Festival in New Orleans in July, Cornelius' products were among the celebrated offerings.

She's now looking for retail distribution and hopes to launch a line of hair care products next year. "It's like having a newborn baby," she said. "It consumes every waking moment. But we're empty-nesters, so this is the right season in my life for something like this."

La Belle Femme body butters, $25, and soaps, $10, are available at labellefemmeproducts.com.
Transcription

1 The One to Watch Radio, New ICTs and Interactivity Chapter 16 After 50 years: The role and use of rural radio in Africa Jean-Pierre Ilboudo To consider today of the role and use of rural radio raises the question of its place in the new African media landscape, and in particular in the radio environment marked by deregulation and the end of broadcast monopolies. Given the pluralist nature of the contemporary broadcasting environment, what role can rural radio play to support the emerging civil society? What does the future hold for rural radio, indeed for public radio, in Africa, in view of the ever-increasing number of local stations, be they commercial or community? This new issue is a major challenge for us all. To understand the contemporary challenges, it is useful to take a historical perspective; to analyse the changes in the role and use of rural radio that have occurred over the last fifty years. It would be a truism to say that rural radio has known various forms and objectives. The speed at which its roles and uses are evolving stems from the fact that it cannot be seen as an educational technology independent of the social system or untouched by integrationist policies designed to keep the prevailing leadership in power. In what has by and large been a rapid process, African States, that is to say the governments which take the decisions affecting radio, have become aware of how most broadcasts meet the tastes and needs of citizens. As a result, it has been necessary to revisit the nature of rural broadcasting, and from this the concept of rural radio has emerged. How has this evolution taken place? In short, that depends on the countries concerned, for each one has known different rhythms of change. Let us now consider what have been the fundamental steps in this development, whether successive or simultaneous. From Farm Radio to Radio Forums or Radio Clubs Even prior to independence, there were radio broadcasts which aimed to give the community advice on hygiene, health and practical finance, mainly for farmers. This meant that the new countries in sub-saharan Africa very soon used radio as a means to promote economic development this was the case in Cameroon from 1956 onwards, Mali in 1957, or in English-speaking Africa, mainly in Nigeria. In Ghana, from the eve of independence, in 1956, Radio Accra broadcast in Ghanaian languages and had programmes for rural communities; the weekly programme The Cocoa Family about life on cocoa plantations is an example. In 1957, Radio Ghana started talk shows on agriculture, albeit in English. In Benin, as early as 1960, Radio Dahomey had a special programme in the Fon language; it is at this time that the government of Dahomey requested the FAO to design a rural radio broadcasting service. It worked together with the agricultural department based in Porto-Novo and effectively started operations in It broadcast in six languages, covering palm planting, layout of maize fields and the introduction of rice and cotton farming

2 Jean-Pierre Ilboudo The Role and Use of Rural Radio in Africa In Niger, the Association of Radio Clubs was set up in 1962, with its first broadcasts in 1965, following the line of farm radio. The major topics covered were improved seed varieties, soil management, fertilisers and cattle rearing; it also dealt with such issues as the marketing of food stuffs, irrigation, water hygiene, women in the household, the National Assembly, and animal husbandry. In Nigeria, it was at Radio Kaduna that a programme encouraged farmers to adopt agricultural mechanisation and improved seed varieties. And in Kenya, from 1962, the Education by radio programme broadcast advice for farmers. In the so-called English-speaking countries of Africa, this sort of radio was widespread. Often programmes were produced by the Ministry of Agriculture, with its own radio production units. In Cameroon, beginning in 1966, there were broadcasts of agricultural advice in the Fulfulde and Fulani languages, and in Hausa on regional stations. In Ivory Coast, the programme La coupe nationale du progres, or The National Progress Bowl, was started in 1966 with a mixture of extension-style agricultural information, traditional music and contests between sub-prefectures, all with the goal of improving agricultural output and social conditions. There are many examples of this early orientation in the use of radio for development. Such was the case with Radio Progres in Benin in the years , and with the development radio contests on the rural radio of the Burkina Faso in It is important to emphasise that radio club approach was adopted in other countries: Ghana (1956), Niger (1962), Benin ( ), Burkina Faso (1969) and Togo (1970). Later, in a second phase, it was no longer a question of developing awareness of these issues within the stations themselves, but of using radio to support agricultural policies and, in a more general way, rural policies. Farm radio, with or without the support of radio clubs and their collective listening approach, had been seen as a supplement to agricultural extension work, and even as a palliative for the shortcomings of training services. The purpose of a broadcast was to give the farming community short and to-the-point information segments, sometimes known as microprogrammes, with which to improve their agricultural output. Farm radio was seen as a radio school, serving to consolidate the process of organising emerging cooperative groups. With the introduction of listening clubs, farm radio was quickly transformed. This second phase saw a strategy of radio forums and radio debates, where listening, discussing and decision-making were brought together, following the example of Niger s radio clubs: Look at observable facts (or build a foundation of facts through a process of enumeration, description, comparison, distinction, classification and definition); Generate ideas (develop understanding, look for the consequences, rules and theories); Plan actions whilst determining goals, means and methods. What lessons can be learned from these first and second phases, which in practice almost merged one into the other? By amplifying extension services and programmes, the impact of rural radio broadcasts led to a notable increase in cash crop production in most African countries in the 1970s. It must be noted, however, that rural radio erred towards a reductionist approach to development, reducing development to a simple increase in agricultural productivity, and choosing to focus its messages on rural problems rather than on concepts of underdevelopment. It can also be noted that the issue of socio-economic change was not grasped by many, and that political action mobilising rural communities was avoided. Consequently, - 2 -

3 The One to Watch Radio, New ICTs and Interactivity this educational work was carried out in isolation, without collaboration with other efforts to improve rural livelihoods. With regard to radio clubs, it is hard to say which changes, in the long-term, were due to them or to other influences at work in the community. It is also hard to determine their costs of radio debates: staff (local facilitators in each club), equipment (714 radio sets distributed in Benin in 1973 and 580 in Burkina Faso in 1980), printing and distributing listenership reports, and so on. Nevertheless, it is possible to point to four major sets of constraints: The lack of networks linking extension workers and programme hosts. Contact between the two opposite ends of the chain was only through written reports; The production centre was also isolated from the listening groups, and could not benefit from their feedback to improve the programmes; There was a lack of coordination between rural radio programmes and projects run by other ministries or NGOs; Listening clubs were often set up without prior identification of community needs, or without having involved those primarily concerned. After an initial period of fascination, people switched to a phase of criticism, and finally saturation. From the Classic Model of Rural or Educational Radio, to Local, Community- Based, Rural Radio One thing is clear: radio campaigns and propaganda pushed by the top echelons from capital cities rarely achieved the desired effect. Was there then a change in the intentions of rural radio? Did the experience of radio clubs usher in a third phase? Rural radio ceased to be handled as just another programming unit, producing agricultural programmes just as other units were producing programmes for young people or programmes with technical information. Instead, it became an autonomous body within the national radio broadcasting system. In Senegal, in 1968 we saw the establishment of rural educational radio (although the idea dated back to 1965). It sought to go beyond earlier experiences and was designed as an overall programme for integrated rural development. In 1969, in Burkina Faso, the same model of rural radio was launched, drawing much of its inspiration from the broadcasts of the rural division of Radio Mali. These rural and educational radio units of the 1970s stood out for their freedom of expression (as in the case of Radio Disoo in Senegal), and above all for their increased coverage of agriculture, livestock, health, news and culture. Not only did they aim at changing farming methods, but they also sought to change people s attitudes and behaviour. In fact, such is the diversity of their phases, methods and objectives and such is the multiplicity of their styles, that we should be talking of rural radios in the plural form. The main issue facing them was that of a communication strategy. Even though they had fixed schedules, the broadcasters were not able to measure the impact their messages had on an unorganised audience. Mere letters from listeners do not provide evidence that a message, after being received, has been assimilated or has led to any concrete action. Furthermore, one has to repeat a message on the radio several times because it is fleeting in nature. Scheduling constraints also pose a problem, especially when programme directors and station managers refuse to allocate much time or the best listening slots to educational broadcasts. And there is the shortage of funds which seriously affected rural radio stations operations, as became clear when projects supporting them came to an end. Of course, the economic crisis which has afflicted the continent for more than two decades, devastating the economies of African countries, did not left the world of communication unscathed. Funds from both national and external sources dried up, and this - 3 -

4 Jean-Pierre Ilboudo The Role and Use of Rural Radio in Africa has generally led to a crisis in African radio, particularly in the field of rural radio. Having moved ahead by leaps and bounds in the 1970s, rural radio was gradually restricted by a bureaucratic approach to production, due largely to the lack of resources permitting programme makers to travel to rural areas and to meet with farmers. Rural radio was been in danger of complete asphyxiation, and a second breath of oxygen had to be found. To do more with less, rural communicators had to resort to imaginative financial means, drawing inspiration from the experiences of others and making use of the new possibilities offered by advances in technology. Nevertheless, they soon found themselves faced with a lack of trained competent staff, with problems of distributing their final product due to the constraints of having share their transmitters with foreign language broadcasts, with the issue of the many languages that must be used to reach target audiences, and with a class censorship which tended to block programmes which challenged the prevailing social, political, cultural and economic environment. All these led to a lack of credibility, itself engendering a breakdown in communication. Outside, vigorous demands were being made for a new information and communication order; inside, equal passion was devoted to doing next to nothing to change things. There, the new order was driven by a handful of technical staff so-called development facilitators who were unwavering in their positions and much enamoured with the good tidings heard at a CIERRO-ACCT training seminar for rural broadcasters held in Ouagadougou in The studio has been transformed into a church where only the grand organ is played, where the only message to be amplified is that of the Channel of Truth. The believer who hears this, deeply aware of that which is sacred, promises deep down to act in accordance with the sound principles of the sermon. Yet, no sooner has he left the cathedral than he takes another path, to the great astonishment of the noble preacher who was sincerely steadfast about having convinced his parish of the validity of his arguments. The severity of this judgement betrays its somewhat excessive nature, but it does highlight the perverse character of the information flows organised by some services and bodies in rural radio; it is a one-way flow, and at the last resort, it leads to a situation of noncommunication. Several alternative solutions were advanced, and the promotion of local rural radio in Africa is one that has been at the heart of debates among rural communication professionals since the early 1980s, discussed in various meetings organised by the Agence de cooperation culturelle et technique (ACCT), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Union of National Radio and Television Organizations of Africa (URTNA) through its Inter-African Rural Radio Studies Centre in Ouagadougou (CIERRO). At the beginning of the 1980s, these reflections led to the conclusion that there was a need to question the methods hitherto experimented with for reaching rural areas, and to search for new ways to improve communication. In 1981, from 4 to 28 October, a training seminar was held in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) for rural radio programmers, organised jointly by the ACCT and CIERRO. It was attended by fifteen participants from Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Niger, Togo and Tunisia. At its conclusion, the seminar report stated that rural radio stations have done well to communicate to farmers the knowledge they needed, but they have forgotten that to learn is to express oneself and to teach oneself, especially when the true goal is for the community to assume its responsibilities. Seminar participants agreed that local rural radio could provide a new basis for the possible renewal of communication in Africa, aiming for participatory methods linked to the problems of development. In 1982, the community radio station of Homa Bay in the province of Nyanza in Kenya started regular broadcasts in the local language, Luo. Led by a producer of the national - 4 -

5 The One to Watch Radio, New ICTs and Interactivity broadcasting service, the Voice of Kenya (VOK), with three assistants, it had a daily one-hour broadcast of local news. Health problems and family planning topics replaced the Ki-swahili news programmes from VOK. Most programmes were based on interviews held in the market place, on farms, in schools and with organised groups such as the local women s organisation. This community radio station was part of a UNESCO project which sought to create a lowcost radio station in rural areas, where the equipment would be designed and built using local labour. The station had a low-power FM transmitter (10 watts) and with its low energy consumption, it could use solar energy. The cost of imported material totalled US$900. The station later was later closed, due to disagreements between local people and the authorities. In early 1983, a second CIERRO/ACCT seminar on local rural radio was held in Ouagadougou, with the goal of further developing what had been done in October The seminar discussion focused on the first seminar s report, Towards a local rural radio. In late 1986, a workshop-seminar on the production of messages for community media defined the underlying concept behind the variety of terms in use: local radio, community radio, free radio and participatory radio. The same workshop hosted by UNESCO and URTNA determined the characteristics of the content and orientation of messages to be broadcast by a rural radio station. In September 1990, a seminar-workshop was held at CIERRO with the assistance of the Swiss Romande radio and television service, on the linkages between national, regional and local radio. Let us see what conclusions can be reached from these developments and efforts to arrive at more focused roles and functions of rural radio. The overall observation to be made is that African rural radio stations were almost all created in the 1960s, following the various preparatory meetings launched by UNESCO and FAO, and in particular following the meeting held in Giseyni in Rwanda which called for the general replication of debate-radio and radio clubs already set up in Ghana (1956) and in Niger (1962) in the Association of Radio Clubs of Niger (ARCN). After a decade of existence, the limitations of collective listening groups as the basis for rural radio in sub-saharan Africa were to be clearly seen. The failures of ARCN and of the radio clubs of Benin and Burkina Faso speak volumes about the dissatisfaction of farmers with these uses of radio for development. Those limitations lie principally in the fact and here we recall what has been said earlier that rural radio stations have done well to communicate to farmers the knowledge they needed, but they have forgotten that to learn is to express oneself and to teach oneself, especially when the true goal is for the community to assume responsibility for its own development. The question that arises is thus not to change the educational goals of rural radio, but to allow them to attain their full meaning. This implies a reversal of the methods used previously. It is this new approach which rural radio services have been trying to achieve since the 1980s, by adopting an interactive strategy and methodology. Elements in this strategy are the public broadcasts and debates held in villages, which give rural radio stations a role of dialogue between communities. International organisations such as FAO, CIRTEF (the International Council of French-language Radio and Television Services) and CTA (Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development ACP-EU) should support these moves towards a broader process of democratisation on the roles and uses of public rural radio. The vice-like grip of top-down What is at stake here is the need, today and in the future, to reinvent farmer participation in radio broadcasts, to give farmers free expression, and to arrive at a radio school of selfeducation where each listener can recognise their language, and better make it their own. Such - 5 -

6 Jean-Pierre Ilboudo The Role and Use of Rural Radio in Africa an approach in radio must get close to the field it seeks to report. The future of rural radio is in local rural radio. It becomes what the community makes of it. The basic characteristic of this type of radio service is that it belongs to the community, and that it aims at responding to the community s needs. It has the privilege of riding the wave of democratisation of communication, which enables the broad participation of men and women of the local community, although the nature of this participation depends on the particular social context. This is part of an alternative approach to the use of radio one in which the radio station adapts to the socio-cultural environment. It is led by the desire to be in close proximity to local circumstances and to provide the local community with the real possibility to participate in programming, to define content and to manage the station. By making the means of communication available to a social group, this approach, and these radio stations, encourage and engender a certain degree of democratisation because it is the very nature of participation. This participation goes beyond the medium in question; it also changes the form of the radio stations. Take the example of educational rural radio: true, it broadcasts literacy programmes and provides ample advice on health, agriculture and livestock, but it also has to innovate, to create attractive forms and genres of radio which carry local values and knowledge. In conclusion, these four aspects of radio one could almost speak of four phases come with four distinct methods. The first lays emphasis on sensitising rural people to the radio itself. Even though radio receivers are far from being ubiquitous, this stage has long been overtaken in most countries. The second phase is to encourage people, by radio, to adopt specific agricultural practices, by informing and initiating them in new techniques. It depends more on agricultural policy than on information policy. The third phase, taking an opposite approach, lets the farmers speak and has a positive impact on agricultural policy. The fourth phase comes from the challenge of democratisation, given the propensity of the radio medium to enable the demanding goal of democracy. When this facet is well-understood and wisely used, it can confer upon local radio not the function of being a tranquilliser but that of an instrument of popular expression and education. A facet which could open up some excellent perspectives for farmers self-improvement. Some people have posed the legitimate question of whether local communities might not be ready to take charge of and run democratic structures in Africa. The ensuing debate has been seized by some communication specialists to express reticence about, or even opposition to, community-based local radio. Let us be clear. Radio is a political tool for governments. To accept its decentralisation and regionalisation in the form of local community radio is to take power from the government, and to give it to local communities, which have long been excluded from the scene of public administration. For thousands of years these communities had their own democratic forms of justice and organisation, but they have been confiscated. Let these responsibilities be handed back gradually, let people again take ownership of them through the various social, political and economic organisations broadcasting on the continent, and why not let this happen through the use of local rural radio stations. The experiences of Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Congo and Ivory Coast in this process, under the leadership of the ACCT, are such that attention needs to be given to mechanisms enabling the community to assume ownership of their radio station, to issues of programme content and production, to the languages used, and to the roles assigned to specific broadcasts

7 The One to Watch Radio, New ICTs and Interactivity The new radio landscape There is a direct link between the period in which private, commercial, and community radio blossomed, and the rise of political demands in Africa. Radio stations which were linked to associations or to political parties made claims for frequencies in order to gain liberty and democracy. As a result, in 1989 and 1990, in the process of drawing up their constitutions, some countries elaborated communication policies which authorised the establishment of private radio stations, regardless of the type. And so, at the end of 1990, the first commercial private radio station was set up in Burkina Faso, under the name of Horizon FM, and another three were set up between 1992 and In Mali, it was not until the establishment of a constitutional government in 1992 that several radio stations sprung up, both in towns and rural areas. The same trend was set to grow even faster in Niger, Senegal and Cameroon where communication professionals, associations and rural communities all demanded more space for freedom of expression. These stations were to fulfil various political, cultural and spiritual roles, depending on their background and circumstances. Some served to link the village with the Diaspora community of its emigrant sons and daughters, as in the case of the radio station in Kayes. Others have been commercial stations broadcasting primarily music and advertising. One thing they have in common: they all broadcast programmes with information components, covering questions of health, environment, making skilful use of national languages and local music. In fact, many of them have started playing the initial roles and uses of rural radio with even a greater degree of attention in targeting specific audiences (youth, women, farmers, fishermen) or entire communities. All this raises the question of what rural radio will be like five years hence. Civil society is getting organised, and is gradually acquiring communication tools for the simple reason that it needs to communicate. Radio is such tool because it is the cheapest of (mass) communication tools and rural people can easily obtain it. Radio has the flexibility for playing the following roles: A means for the rapid dissemination of key information, in a great many languages, and in geographically vast or restricted areas; A platform for dialogue and debate among development stakeholders; A platform for rural and urban communities to express themselves; A tool for awareness-building and social mobilisation; An instrument for research, providing genuine information about rural communities (upwards) to decision-makers. This is why it is not realistic to seek to divide the clientele, as some aspire to do, into two opposing groups of urban and rural audiences. Reality is more refined, and the differences and differing lifestyles which are specific to ethnic or community membership language, gender and age play an increasingly important role. The roles and uses of rural radio in the early years of the 21 st century will be determined by the forces which separate or bring together existing rural radio stations and community, public, private, religious and commercial services. The end of broadcast monopolies opened the way to a division of tasks and roles. Henceforth the determining factors will be the freedoms, rules and unifying practices needed in the framework of Africa s emerging media pluralism. What alliances between public, commercial and community radio services can we expect to emerge in the future? What sets of structures, what regulations, and what other measures will be required to allow commercial, community and public service broadcasters to - 7 -

8 Jean-Pierre Ilboudo The Role and Use of Rural Radio in Africa coexist? What can public service, commercial and community radio learn from each other? How can financial sustainability be assured? These are the fundamental questions, inspired by half a century of rural radio experience in Africa, that must be asked as we prepare for the next fifty years. References ACCT, Pour une radio locale en Afrique, Ouagadougou, Bli Rudiger, Landfunk ein Entwicklungsmedium fur die Dritte Welt, in Entwicklung und landliches raum, Ilboudo, Jean-Pierre, L experience burkinabe dans le domaine de la radio rurale, in Carrefour africain n , Ilboudo, Jean-Pierre, Etude des conditions de production, du contenu du discours radiophonique et de l auditoire de la radio rurale au Burkina dans les annees These pour le Doctorat en Sciences de l Information et de la Communication, Universite de Bordeaux III, 1992 Tudesq, Andre Jean, La radio en Afrique noire, Paris : Pedone, Tudesq, Andre Jean, Albert, Pierre, Histoire de la radio-television, Paris, 1981, Presses Universitaires de France, Que sais-je. > > > < < < Jean-Pierre Ilboudo is the head of the Communication for Development Group in the Extension and Communication Service of the FAO. He is a radio journalist by training and has PhD in Information and Communication Sciences. He has taught radio production and communication sciences in Germany and Burkina Faso and is the former head of the Study Service at the Inter-African Centre for Rural Radio Studies of Ouagadougou (CIERRO). He has written and published numerous articles, studies, manuals and other works in the field of communication for development and rural radio. <
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As a translator for the U.S. military, Shaor Ahmad Safi helped conduct mountain patrols, searching for suspected Taliban fighters.

He once barely missed a deadly attack on an American base. Then a Taliban commander threatened his father in a menacing phone call. If his son didn't stop working with the infidels, he would be killed.

He applied for an American visa for Afghan translators in danger and three years later, arrived in Houston in November. Home is a spare one-bedroom in Gulfton that he shares with four former translators. The sole decor is their homeland's flag.

"Finally," said Safi, who is 26. "I feel free."

Like him, more than 20,000 Afghans risked their lives and those of their families to work with the U.S. military during its longest conflict. In return, the government promised to protect them. But their resettlement program has been riddled with problems.

This year Republican opposition, steeped in the strong anti-Muslim sentiment that has swept the nation, delayed its reauthorization, endangering thousands whose visa applications are in flux. Some translators were killed, including one Safi knew. After months of infighting, Congress this week allocated just 1,500 additional special immigrant visas for Afghans in its annual defense budget bill, despite the fact that about 10,000 have either applied for the visa, or qualify to do so.

Until the last year or so, the program enjoyed wide bipartisan support in Congress, with Arizona Sen. John McCain, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, one of its top champions. But several Republicans, including Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, are leading the fight against it, arguing the program costs too much and isn't restrictive enough.

"We just need to be careful about this," Sessions told The Associated Press earlier this year. "Just because you've got applicants doesn't mean every one of them is deserving of acceptance."

Proponents of the program, including broad swaths of the military, say America owes it to the translators to provide them safe haven after their service.

"As you know, a number of states, including Texas, have taken the position that they do not want Muslim refugees in their states and that is not a very good signal to send," said Ryan C. Crocker, who served as ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq and was dean of Texas A&M University's George Bush School of Government and Public Service. "It's pretty awful to think that America is going to leave behind people who risked their lives to aid our efforts and continue to risk their lives today."

Thoroughly vetted

Matt Zeller, a retired U.S. Army captain who founded the nonprofit No One Left Behind to lobby for Afghans and Iraqis who helped the U.S. mission, said these translators are the most thoroughly vetted immigrants to come to the United States. During their employment, they are regularly submitted to polygraph testing. Their security review takes an average of three-and-a-half years.

"There is not a more highly scrutinized program," he said.

During his campaign President-elect Donald Trump promised to ban Muslim immigration to the U.S. Since his election, he has backtracked from that proposal, appearing to favor instead that Muslims register with the government in some fashion.

Safi and some of his fellow translators in Houston don't necessarily have a problem with that proposal, or with Trump's vow to crack down on immigration from certain Muslim countries. What troubles them is the widespread anti-Muslim sentiment that was stoked, in part, by Trump.

Hate crimes against Muslims spiked last year to their highest level since the 2001 terror attacks, according to FBI data released last month. In November, letters praising Trump and advocating for the genocide of Muslims were sent to mosques around the country.

For these young Afghans, such a sentiment is completely out of touch with their idea of Americans, forged out of close relationships with soldiers in the battlefields of Kandahar and Herat. They call their U.S. counterparts brothers and say it was the Americans who lobbied for them to come here in the first place, only for them to find, to their surprise, that they were in some cases not welcome.

"They are making jokes, 'You guys are killers. You just want to blow up places,'" said Sayd Ashraf, who lived in this Gulfton apartment before moving to Virginia two months ago to work as a truck driver. He was visiting for the Thanksgiving break. "I laugh, but on the inside I am taking offense."

Ashraf, 23, came to Houston in 2014 after a Taliban elder threatened to kill him when he accompanied American soldiers to an Afghan village.

"It's really hard here, more than in Afghanistan," he said. "It's not like what we see in the movies."

Here he works seven days a week and still struggles to pay his bills.

"But at least I don't have to worry that someone is going to suicide me," he said.

There are times, however, when he feels vulnerable here too. An avid gun admirer, he recently walked into a gun shop in Spring. Immediately the atmosphere turned tense.

"You know, you are looking kind of like the Taliban," his friend whispered. The two turned around and walked out.

'I'm a good guy'

Jalal, 30, moved into this apartment in October and didn't want his last name used because he fears for the safety of his family in Afghanistan. He translated for one of the U.S. Army's most prestigious units, the 82nd Airborne Division. Once during a fire fight, the Taliban shot his Afghan commander in the head as Jalal, who was unarmed, crouched behind an American supervisor. Another time he was in an armed convoy when a roadside bomb exploded, injuring an Afghan translator in the vehicle behind him. The man lost his hearing and his job.

At one point, a Taliban commander approached Jalal on the street in Herat, Afghanistan's third largest city. "I know who you are working for and I advise you to leave that job," the man said.

Jalal moved his three siblings and parents elsewhere, but every day he was afraid.

Arriving in Houston in October, he brimmed with excitement to restart his life and dreamed of working in IT. But he found himself startled when a man approached him on the sidewalk, demanding to see his driver's license.

"What do you mean?" he asked in careful English acquired from a literature degree and years of translating books for the U.S. Embassy. "I don't have a car."

"Are you legal or illegal?" the man pressed.

Jalal replied that he was here on a visa.

Later, he wondered, "Do I need a license to walk around?"

The prospect of a Trump presidency troubles him. A reader of American history, he sees the idea of a Muslim registry as a precursor to segregation.

"Maybe Muslims will have separate schools, separate buses," he said. "If that is the case, then this is not my place. I come to a place with freedom of speech, freedom of living."

Roman Jamal, an Afghani who is of Persian descent, lives in the apartment across the hall. The former military translator who now works at a painting company said he has been here for a year and hasn't had any problems.

"Everything is good," the 25-year-old said.

"That's because you don't look Afghani," one of his friends joked.

Jamal said he thinks Trump is a "cool guy" and supports the extra vetting of Muslims he has promised.

"I'm OK with every single immigrant coming into America having an extra security check," he said. "We all want our security. That's why we come to America."

Another roommate, Samir Kohistani, has been here for about a year and loves Western movies so much that he listed Texas as the No. 1 place to be resettled. The translator lamented that he has yet to see a cowboy or even a horse.

The 27-year-old dreams of returning to work with the U.S. Army, this time as a soldier. Barring that, he wants to be a nurse or engineer.

"Americans saved our lives so we have to help them," he said. "It's my country now even though I wasn't born here."

The idea of a Muslim registry doesn't upset him either.

"Even if Trump gives me an ID card, it wouldn't bother me," he said. "I'm a good guy."

But Trump's comments about Islam upsets them all. They point out that Omar Mateen, who killed 49 people in a gay Orlando nightclub this summer, was the son of Afghans, but born and raised in New York. They note that an Islamic State suicide bomber recently bombed a mosque in Kabul, killing at least 30 people.

"What kind of Muslim kills Muslims who are in a mosque?" Kohistani asked. "These people are not Muslims."

Friendly Americans

Mohammad Akbar used to live in this same complex. Then he woke up one morning to find a man had been killed overnight. He shielded his six children from the police cars and blood and promptly moved his family to an apartment down the street.

"It was like Afghanistan," he said. "I didn't tell anybody that this happened. If I told someone, they would laugh."

Akbar, who is 30, spent years working with the U.S. military as a lawyer and translator, training Afghan police and settling claims involving the U.S. Army. In one case, an American military vehicle struck an Afghan woman crossing the street, killing her and injuring her child.

"The people were very upset," Akbar said.

He worked out a settlement in which the U.S. government paid the family $7,500. His job involved direct interaction with the Taliban and its aggrieved supporters. Once, a man, upset after Akbar denied his claim, threatened to return in a suicide vest.

Akbar began receiving nightly letters warning him to stop working with the U.S. Two Afghans at the base he was assigned were killed on their way home from work. Akbar was recommended for the Afghan visa, arriving in Houston last summer.

Surprised at how friendly Americans were, he tried to explain to family back home: "Just their names are not Muslim. Everything else about them is Muslim. They are very nice."

He hopes to take the bar exam here and resume work as a lawyer, but in the meantime is a security guard at an apartment complex. A devout Muslim, he prays five times a day and said he has never been harassed while taking out his prayer mat during work shifts and paying respect to God under a tree.

He said he isn't too concerned about Trump, seeing some of his more outlandish statements as purely political pandering.

"He was thinking about how he can become president," he said. "Now he can be softer."
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City Council unanimously confirmed Art Acevedo and Samuel Pena as Houston's new police and fire chiefs Wednesday, clearing the way for the mayoral appointees to take office.

Acevedo, Austin's former police chief, was sworn in and is poised to take the helm of the city's police department Thursday, while El Paso Fire Chief Samuel Pena is set to assume local duties in mid-December.

Acevedo said he intends to adopt a model he calls "relational policing."

"Every person that we contact as members of the Houston Police Department - whether it's a 911 operator, crime scene tech, police officer on the front line, the detectives - is an opportunity to create a relationship," Acevedo said. "It's about the way you treat people. I think you start with transparency. You respect people.  You engage the community. Because the police is not us or them. We are the community."

Acevedo, 52, fielded questions from Council Member Mike Knox, a former policeman, about the Second Amendment, Acevedo's handling of officer discipline and his recent attendance at an Austin protest against President-elect Donald Trump.

Acevedo said he is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment but did not favor allowing the concealed carry of guns on college campuses.

"Having said that, the law has passed, and we are soldiers of the law," Acevedo said. "Unless  the Texas Supreme Court changes it, we are going to enforce the law as passed by the policymakers."

He clarified that he attended the anti-Trump protest three weeks ago to monitor it rather than to participate, and defended his decision to fire an officer involved in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old.

Council Member Steve Le asked Acevedo his opinion on so-called sanctuary cities, where local authorities restrict their cooperation with federal immigration officials.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, apparently annoyed by the questioning, jumped in before Acevedo could answer and stressed that he sought to appoint a "cop's cop" who favors community policing and is sensitive to Houston's diversity, rather than picking a candidate based on politics.

Acevedo will make $280,000 per year.

Pena, 47, said he looks forward to working with the Houston Fire Department to "make this community the great community that it should be."

"It's not lost on me the trust and responsibility that you guys have placed on me," Pena told Turner and the council. "I pledge my whole loyalty to the Houston Fire Department and the city of Houston. And what I ask from the Houston firefighters is that they pledge their loyalty to this community, as well."

Pena will make $180,000 per year.
A swastika-bearing anti-immigrant flier posted this week at a gated Galleria-area apartment complex has sparked a police investigation.

"Attention all Mexicans, Arabs and non-American 'people.' This is a warning to leave this alt-left proclaimed property immediately before we remove you," the flier reads.

"Leave our country now or you will be sent back where you came from like the animals you are."

The hateful posting popped up in several common areas on the property, according to a spokeswoman for the upscale Avenue R apartment complex on Richmond.

But as the news leaked out into the community, residents and local activists were outraged.

"I am warning the minority communities to arm themselves and be ready for more conflict with white supremacists in the near future," Black Panther organizer Bryan Sweeney said.

"No longer 'waiting for the Trump presidency to affect me personally' because these were posted where I live," Avenue R resident Anastasia Bolshakov wrote on Facebook.

The flier, first obtained by KPRC, warns various minorities they "must" leave by Thursday.

"This is nothing but natural segregation and the right order of things. Your time is up, you must go now," the letter says.

Above the message written in all capital letters is a flag for the National Socialist Movement, a neo-Nazi group that bills itself as "America's Premier White Civil Rights Organization."

It's not clear the if typo-ridden letter is a hoax, but the complex decided to take it seriously, firing off a concerned email to residents urging them to lock their doors.

"We are cooperating fully with the police and join our residents in hoping that the party or parties responsible for posting this flier are apprehended. If the facts show that any of our Avenue R residents had anything to do with the flier, they will be asked to leave our community immediately and their lease will be terminated," spokeswoman Margie Fielder said in a statement.

Police did not respond to requests for comment.

The Houston incident comes on the heels of a similar incident to the north in McKinney, where a letter was reportedly found advocating the "need to get rid of Muslims, Indians, blacks and Jews."

The Southern Poverty Law Center is reporting a recent uptick in bias-related incidents and received nearly 900 reports of hate incidents in the 10 days after Donald Trump's election.
Mayor Sylvester Turner is endorsing a new comprehensive plan to slow the spread of AIDS in greater Houston but is not committing local funding to bring it to fruition.

The report, prepared by Legacy Community Health, a Montrose-based federally qualified health clinic, was unveiled during a news conference at City Hall on Wednesday, a day ahead of World AIDS Day.

"Obviously I don't like that such a world-class city known for its medical advances has been leading the state of Texas in new cases of HIV for years," said Turner, noting that 1,200 people are diagnosed each year locally. "It's time to reverse that trend."

After endorsing the report, Turner said the city would pursue federal funding and grants to support the initiative: "But we do not anticipate just a direct contribution coming from the city at this time."

The "Roadmap to Ending HIV in Houston" mirrors plans that have been implemented in other major cities, like New York and San Francisco, and is the first of its kind in Texas. The goal is to cut all new HIV cases in half within five years by expanding access to preventative care and launching marketing campaigns to fight stigmas that prevent people from seeking treatment.

The plan calls on new city, county and state funding to educate the public and physicians about the disease, increase access to testing and care among poor and immigrant populations, and reform the criminal justice system to slow the spread of the virus among the incarcerated.

About 22,500 Houston residents - one in 200 - are living with HIV, with black, Latino and LGBT communities hardest hit, according to health department data. To cut the number of new cases in half by 2022, the plan makes 30 recommendations, including:

Launching educational campaigns in marginalized and immigrant communities while training care providers to create culturally sensitive environments.

Increasing access to HIV testing by expanding mobile testing units and free community clinics.

Acknowledging that inmates have sex at the Harris County jail and distributing condoms to the incarcerated.

Creating a syringe-exchange program to prevent addicts from sharing potentially contaminated needles.

The report also calls on the state to accept federal funding to expand Medicaid to more adults since access to health care is the No. 1 barrier to treatment.

Katy Caldwell, CEO of Legacy Community Health, said the mayor's endorsement was an important first step. Ultimately, she said, "we need some money to back it up," specifically from the city and county coffers.

"Public policy at the local and state level appears indifferent to eradicating HIV," the report authors wrote, calling for increased funding at each level.
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A man was shot during a robbery Wednesday night at his apartment in southeast Houston.

The shooting happened about 9 p.m. at 9420 Nathaniel near Ledge, said Jeremy Spurlock, an investigator with the Houston Police Department robbery division.

Spurlock said the victim opened his door when someone knocked on it. Two men about 18 years old were outside. At least one of them carried a gun, and they demanded he give them his personal items.

During the robbery, the victim was shot in the leg. He was rushed to a nearby hospital. His condition was not released but Spurlock said he is expected to survive.

The suspects left after the gunfire. No description of them was available.
In a handwritten book believed to be penned by Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, the convicted killer claims his actions were taken "in defense of Islam" by a "sincere Muslim."

The neatly written, 51-page work - now on sale for $1,350 on a well-known "murderabilia" website - explains the former Army psychiatrist's religious justification for the 2009 spree, the largest mass shooting ever on a U.S. military base.

"Only All-Mighty God will decide whether He will accept my effort as a Holy-Warrior or rebuke me for misunderstanding his Holy Book," says one of the early pages, copies of which were obtained by the Chronicle.

Dorothy Carskadon, of Amarillo, who was among those injured, is not happy to see the book for sale.

"I think it's a shame," Carskadon said.

A former major, Hasan is on death row at Fort Leavenworth's disciplinary barracks. Toting more than 200 rounds of ammunition, he shouted "Allahu Akbar!" (God is Great) as he opened fire at the Killeen-area military post.

During trial, the judge barred him from claiming that he acted in defense of Taliban leaders targeted by the U.S., so he never took the witness stand.

"He never testified; he never said anything," said Andy Kahan, the City of Houston's victim advocate. "So this quite possibly could be an incredible look into his mind."

Hasan's civil attorney, John Galligan, said the book posted for sale is a "total surprise," but he did not challenge its authenticity. Hasan, now 46, has been toiling away at a longer book, he said.

"Over a year ago, Nidal Hasan starting writing a text that was entitled 'The Purpose of Life,' " Galligan said. "I have forgotten how many pages it was, but 51 pages is not a complete copy of the text he is working on."

A copy of one version was released to the media in 2013, but Galligan says the text online now might be an earlier draft.

But True Crime Auction House owner Andrew Sturgess - who asked to be identified by his business pseudonym - is confident it is authentic.

Sturgess, who learned of the odd find from one of Hasan's pen pals, has been exchanging letters with the killer for years, so he was able to compare the penmanship.

"It's his handwriting for sure," Sturgess said.

"I made a pact'

The title shown in photographs on truecrimeauctionhouse.com is "Man's Duty to His Creator and The Purpose of Life."

One section describes how Hasan turned to religion after his mother's death.

"I thought in silence. I won't become religious for mom. That makes no sense. I will become religious for All-Mighty God," the text reads.

"I made a pact. I would be steadfast in prayer  This religious journey was severe. I would learn the Purpose of Life. It wasn't the American Dream. That all changed, you see. I was now trying to be obedient to the All-Mighty Lord of all the beings."

The website also is offering a hand-addressed envelope and letter signed by Hasan for $475, in which he offers to answer "questions about Islam." The letter includes a Leavenworth return address.

Carskadon, who is out of the Army reserves and works as a social worker for the Veterans Administration, said Hasan's apparent decision to release writings did not come as a shock.

"It doesn't surprise me. He was very much self-absorbed," she said. "I'd be surprised if he's able to make a profit on it because that's against the law."

Some states, including Texas, have banned the sale of murderabilia if the killer profits. "Eight states including Texas have notoriety-for-profit laws, so if he were here in Texas it would be illegal here and we'd have to shut it down," Kahan said.

Murderabilia laws

But that's only if Hasan would profit from the deal. Hasan's lawyer says his client is probably not even aware that the volume is for sale - and that he would likely not approve.

"Anyone who would seek to make money off of it, I don't think would be in line with want Major Hasan would want," he said.

It's typically not illegal to sell murder-related memorabilia if a third-party is profiting, even though victims and victims' advocates may disapprove.

"There's a lot of books about a lot of different horrific events, and getting permission from the family members and the victims is, I believe, the decent thing to do," Carskadon said.

Sturgess says those works could have important historical value.

"The way I look at Nidal Hasan is that 20 or 30 years from now all of this will be historical documents, whether people now want to look at it that way or not."
WASHINGTON - The Office of Government Ethics has informed lawyers for President-elect Donald Trump that only a divestiture of his financial stake in his sprawling real estate business will resolve ethical concerns about conflicts of interest as he assumes the office of the presidency.

The revelation from the normally secretive federal agency came Wednesday in a bizarre series of oddly informal postings on its Twitter account after officials apparently concluded, erroneously, that Trump had committed on his own Twitter account to divesting his assets.

"As we discussed with your counsel, divestiture is the way to resolve these conflicts," the office wrote on Twitter, revealing legal advice that would normally be confidential and adding in a separate post: "Bravo! Only way to resolve these conflicts of interest is to divest. Good call!"

In fact, Trump had made no such commitment, at least publicly.

In a series of early-morning posts on Twitter, Trump said he would separate himself from the operations of his vast global business empire.

Trump provided few details in his posts and did not say whether he would divest his assets. But he promised to hold a "major news conference" with his adult children in two weeks to reveal legal documents that would remove him from what he called the "business operations" of his company. He vowed to leave the Trump Organization "in total" to focus on running the country.

But his vague promise to "in no way have a conflict of interest with my various businesses" drew an immediate rebuke from legal and ethics experts in Washington, who said that a close reading of the actual words in the posts suggested that Trump was not planning to take sufficient steps to eliminate conflicts.

Financial stake possible

The emphasis on "business operations," not on ownership, hinted that Trump was not ruling out retaining a financial stake in the Trump Organization or putting his children in control of the company. Ethics experts said such moves would leave Trump vulnerable to accusations that his official actions were motivated by personal financial interests.

"Although it is of course important that he have no involvement in Trump business operations, in order to avoid conflicts he must also exit the ownership of his businesses through using a blind trust or equivalent," Norman Eisen, who served as a White House ethics lawyer in the Obama administration, and Richard Painter, an ethics lawyer in the Bush administration, said in a statement to the New York Times.

Noah Bookbinder, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a liberal nonprofit group that promotes ethics in government, said: "Unless his solution is to sell the business outside the family and put the proceeds in a blind trust, he's not really doing anything to solve the problem. Just because you say something on Twitter doesn't make it so."

Every president in the past four decades, Eisen and Painter noted, has taken personal holdings he had before being elected and put them into a blind trust in which the assets were controlled by an independent party.

If Trump were willing to sell his assets, one option would be to seek a certificate of divestiture from the Office of Government Ethics, which would allow him to sell his real estate holdings and other businesses with an enormous tax advantage.

Enormous tax windfall

This system was set up to allow wealthy Americans to take jobs in the government and avoid conflicts of interest without a large financial effect. It allows incoming government officials to defer paying capital gains taxes on any earnings on the investment. This could generate an enormous windfall for Trump, given his vast real estate holdings.

After Henry Paulson was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as Treasury secretary, he left a job at Goldman Sachs and took advantage of this provision, avoiding conflicts of interest by selling an estimated $500 million in Goldman stock.

Money generated from the liquidation of Trump's assets would have to be invested in "permitted property," which is limited to Treasury bonds or diversified mutual funds, ending the real estate ventures that are so tied to the Trump family's identity.

Still, that is what the Office of Government Ethics has said he should do.

The office is a staid, low-profile agency that rarely talks to reporters on the record, but Wednesday's Twitter posts were strangely enthusiastic. The series of nine posts suggested that officials were celebrating what they thought was a decision by Trump to accept their legal advice.

In their posts, officials at the ethics agency referred to a 1983 legal opinion in which the office urged presidents to "conduct themselves as if they were" bound by conflict of interest laws, even though such laws do not apply to occupants of the Oval Office.

In a statement, Seth Jaffe, an agency spokesman, said that officials there were "excited" by Trump's announcements on conflicts of interest and that the messages were not based on any information about the president-elect's plans beyond what was shared on his Twitter feed.

Asked later about the disclosure of the advice that the Office of Government Ethics had given to Trump's lawyers, Jaffe said he could not provide comment. But the agency has left the posts on its official government account.

Little information given

Officials for Trump's campaign and the Trump Organization did not respond to requests for comment about the disclosures from the agency. And Reince Priebus, who will be the White House chief of staff, said on the MSNBC program "Morning Joe" that he was not ready to provide any more information about the discussions.

Democrats on Capitol Hill immediately questioned on Wednesday whether Trump's Twitter posts indicated a significant change in his plans and called for a formal investigation by the House Judiciary Committee.

A letter sent by Rep. John Conyers of Michigan, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, and signed by 15 other Democrats on the committee, said Trump's posts raised "a number of questions," including whether Trump intends to transfer ownership of his assets.

On Wednesday, Trump emphasized the appearances he would need to maintain as president, saying he believed it was "visually important" to avoid conflicts between his role as the head of government and his businesses.
The Houston Housing Authority is poised to build its first new affordable apartments in a decade, after City Council on Wednesday cleared the way for the development of a subsidized housing complex in Independence Heights.

The 154-unit development at Crosstimbers and North Main would be located in a high-poverty, predominantly black and Hispanic neighborhood, prolonging housing advocates' concerns about the dearth of affordable options in low-poverty areas with good schools.

Federal housing officials in August launched an investigation into whether the city's placement of affordable housing violates the Civil Rights Act, after Mayor Sylvester Turner blocked a similar development near the Galleria, a so-called "high-opportunity" neighborhood.

Turner said he views the Independence Heights project at 302 Crosstimbers as a better financial deal than the proposed development at 2640 Fountain View, which he declined to bring to a City Council vote, citing "costs and other concerns."

"It's good not only for people who need affordable housing. It's good for the school district itself," Turner said, referencing the nearby Booker T. Washington High School scheduled to open in 2018. "There is almost (unanimous) support for it. It is more cost-efficient than what was proposed (at Fountain View)."

The mayor said in August that Fountain View's per-unit price tag of $240,000 was too expensive.

The Independence Heights development is projected at $226,000 per unit, according to Houston Housing Authority President Tory Gunsolley, and would be reserved for families earning 60 percent or less of the area's median income, $69,200 for a family of four.

Gunsolley said he is excited about finally being able to move forward with a project after all but two of the eight projects the housing authority proposed in the last three years were blocked.

"We've been trying at a number of different properties to get all of the stars to align so that we could go forward," Gunsolley said. "It's rewarding to finally - we're still not there yet - but we're closer to the finish line in getting all of those approvals."

A 'shocking affront'

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is set to review the housing authority's application for tax credits Dec. 15, the final government approval hurdle.

Housing advocate John Henneberger said his group, the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service, asked the city to sign off on the Independence Heights project only in conjunction with Fountain View or another development in a similar "high-opportunity" neighborhood.

"Approving a new low-income project in Independence Heights today  while at the same time continuing to refuse to approve a single new subsidized housing unit in a low-poverty, non-segregated neighborhood, is a clear and shocking affront to civil rights and fair housing, as well as a blatant violation of the law," Henneberger said in an email.

The Independence Heights development would be located in a census tract with a poverty rate of 35 percent, compared with 6.1 percent for the Fountain View site.

Houston has concentrated most of its units in neighborhoods like Independence Heights, with high poverty and a high concentration of minority residents, worrying some that the city's affordable housing efforts perpetuate segregation.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that policies with a "disparate impact" on minorities violate the Fair Housing Act, even if the effect is unintentional.

Mayor must 'hold true'

Tiffany Hogue, policy director for the Texas Organizing Project, a grass-roots advocacy group, said it is important to expand affordable options in neighborhoods like Independence Heights that are thought to be on the cusp of gentrification, but indicated that alone is not enough.

"We still expect the mayor to hold true to his commitment to get truly low-income units in high-opportunity areas that are zoned to good schools and along transportation (corridors) and jobs," Hogue said in an email.

After blocking the Fountain View project in August, Turner asked the housing authority to seek proposals for alternate projects in the same west Houston area, Council District G.

Gunsolley, the housing authority president, said the agency submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in September for a site in District G, and another proposal to the Texas General Land Office in October for a site in southwest Houston's District K.

Neither, he said, is a replacement for Fountain View.

"I don't think that either one by itself would be seen as a one-for-one replacement of Fountain View," he said. "We are still looking for more options."

The mayor said the city should not stop expanding subsidized housing options while the search for another "high-opportunity" site is underway.

"We certainly don't rule out building housing in those areas, and we probably will build housing in those areas," Turner said. "But that doesn't mean that we stop all public housing completely until it's done."

HUD did not respond to a request for comment on the status of its investigation into Houston's placement of affordable housing.

In other housing news, City Council signed off on the demolition of the troubled Crestmont Village apartment complex in South Acres and confirmed Tom McCasland as director of the city's housing department.
I've gotten a load of great questions about Monday's post, The Democrats' 2016 Strategic Failure-- Closeup: Texas And Pennsylvania , many of them focused not on Hillary's triumphs in the historically Republican suburbs around Houston, Austin and San Antonio but about what happened in the Philly collar counties. Not all the numbers on the precinct level (or even the congressional district level) are in yet, so give me a couple of months and I'll try to explain in greater depth why Hillary's strategy worked in places like blue California and red Texas and Georgia (yes... the Atlanta suburbs too!) where it did her no electoral college good, but failed her in-- sorry for the nomenclature-- "the rust belt."





That's a swing! But what happened in southeast Pennsylvania? Varad Mehta, a historian and election analyst who lives in the Philly burbs, took a stab at So... as we saw Monday, Tom Price's congressional district in the suburbs north of Atlanta was a virtual dead heat between Hillary and Trump-- 47.7% to 47.5%. That's shocking, especially when you consider Romney beat Obama in those same GA-06 suburbs 61-37%.a swing! But what happened in southeast Pennsylvania? Varad Mehta, a historian and election analyst who lives in the Philly burbs, took a stab at explaining what happened with the 4 main collar counties yesterday.





Like Schumer, ADA and Team Clinton, he believed an outreach to wealthy, college-educated moderate Republicans and independents in the suburbs ("professionals"), would offset gains Trump would make as it became clear that Democrats were no longer prioritizing the plight and legitimate concerns of downscale working families. Schumer was elected Senate Democratic Leader not long after he said "For every blue-collar Democrat we lose in western Pennsylvania, we will pick up two moderate Republicans in the suburbs in Philadelphia, and you can repeat that in Ohio and Illinois and Wisconsin ." As usual, Schumer was wrong-- wrong about Pennsylvania, wrong about Ohio and wrong about Wisconsin... he was probably wrong about Illinois as well, but it didn't matter one way or the other because the state is so blue and Clinton won it 55.4-39.4% (primarily by winning Cook County 74.4-21.4%). Anyway, here's Mehta's analysis for the Philly area. A more granular anlaysis of Bucks County than we were able to do Monday is extremely useful.

Bucks



Barack Obama won Bucks County in 2012 by 4,000 votes. Hillary Clinton won Bucks County as well but her margin shrunk to 1,000 votes, a swing of 3,000 votes to Donald Trump. These raw totals however dont tell the full story. Bristol Township, a heavily blue collar community (12% four-year college degrees) along the Delaware River swung to Trump by almost 4,200 votes, while Falls Township (21%) and Bensalem (27%) went red by 2,200 and 2,000 votes, respectively. Trump saw more modest but perceptible gains in numerous localities whose populations have a share of college-educated residents under 35%. On the other hand, Trumps standing eroded in those parts of Bucks County with the highest share of residents with four-year degrees. Even in such places Trump won his margins diminished compared to Romneys. Northampton Township (49% college-educated) remained red but swung 1,100 votes towards Clinton. Mitt Romney won Buckingham Township (58%) by 1,800 votes. Trump won it by just over 400, a shift of 1,300 towards Clinton. Obama won Newtown Township (61%) by ten votes over Romney. Clinton won it by 1,200.



Three municipalities exemplify Trumps struggles with college-educated voters. Mitt Romney won Upper Makefield (the locality with the countys highest share of college graduates [67%]) by 1,500 votes. Trump won it by just over 150, a swing of over 1,300 votes towards Clinton. Romney won Doylestown Township (49% bachelors degrees) by 800 votes. Trump lost it 600, a shift of 1,400. The most dramatic pro-Clinton tilt occurred in Lower Makefield (just under 67%). Mitt Romney won it by just over 200 votes. Hillary Clinton won it by 2,900, a shift in her favor of 3,100.



Montgomery



A similar pattern plays out in Montgomery County, but on a much more extensive scale. When pundits forecast that Trump would lose Pennsylvania because of the Philadelphia suburbs, Montgomery County is what they had in mind: wealthy, white, and (over-)educated. They were right, too, as Trump managed to do a staggering 31,000 votes worse in MontCo than Romney did. Trump bled and bled and bled in MontCo. Compared to Trumps 90,000-vote deficit, Romneys arrears of 60,000 seems almost heroic. Twelve municipalities swung by a thousand votes or more towards Clinton, a bakers dozen if you round up in a thirteenth. Lower Merion (76% college grads) stampeded towards Clinton to the tune of 7,700 votes. Upper Dublin (64%) experienced a blue shift of 2,600 votes. Whitpain (60%) swung by over 2,100 votes. The only reason there arent more four-figure swings towards Clinton is that there was very little left to squeeze in some places.



Chester



The most dramatic swing of suburban voters towards Clinton occurred in Chester County. Chester was the one collar county that Romney won, albeit by a slim margin of fewer than a thousand votes. Clinton took it by 25,000. Again the municipal results tell the story. Nearly 76 percent of Charlestown Townships residents have four-year degrees. Mitt Romney won it by around 125 votes. This year it went for Hillary Clinton by almost 450, a swing of over 550 to her advantage. Romney won Birmingham Township (74%) by 600 votes. Clinton won it by over 120, a blue shift of over 700. Mitt Romney won East Bradford Township (68%) by 400, while Clinton won it by almost 650, a swing of over 1,000 votes to the Democratic nominee. Romney claimed East Goshen (57%) by 1,500 votes. Trump lost it by a handful. Romney won Easttown Township (75%) by approximately 800. Clinton took it by 1,000, a shift of 1,800 votes. The starkest example of the trend is Tredyffrin Township (76%). Romney lost it in 2012, but by a modest 600 votes. Trump, on the other hand, was crushed to the tune of 4,500 votes, for a total shift of nearly 3,900 votes in Clintons favor. All told, nine Chester County localities swung by four-digits towards Clinton, while over two dozen more shifted by three-digit margins. It all adds up to what was a slight GOP advantage in 2012 turning into a 25,000-vote deficit in 2016.



Delaware



Completing our counter-clockwise tour of the Philadelphia collar, we come to Delaware County. Obama won it by around 60,000 votes in 2012 and Hillary won it by a little under 63,000. Like Bucks, though, Delco is something of a mixed bag because here too we find four-digit swings in both directions. Obama won Upper Chichester (24% bachelors degree or higher) by about 1,000 votes. Trump took it by about 100, a swing of 1,100 votes towards him. Ridley Township (23%) swung by 2,000 votes towards Trump. Obama beat Romney there by 800 votes; Trump beat Clinton by 1,200. There are various other municipalities where Trump improved on Romneys performance by a few hundred votes. But Clinton benefited from a few that stampeded in her direction. Haverford (54%), which Obama and Clinton both won, saw a net shift of 3,100 votes towards Clinton. Radnor (71%), where Romney managed to keep his deficit under a thousand, saw Trump trounced by almost 4,500, a 3,500-vote improvement for Clinton. Romney barely took 600 votes in Swarthmore (80%), losing it by 2,100. But Trump managed to do even worse, getting just over 400 votes and losing by 2,700. Its these smaller shifts that let Clinton improve by a couple thousand votes on Obamas 2012 performance in Delaware County.





Mehta concludes, as we had, that Clinton did well enough in these counties as she needed to to make Schumer's delusion come true. Early polls had predicted a win for Clinton with as much as a 40% margin-- which would have given her the state and probably swept congressional candidates Steve Santisiero and Mary Ellen Balchunis into office. By election day polls were forecasting a still mammoth 20 point margin. That too was overly optimistic. "Obama," wrote Mehta, "won 690,000 votes in the Philly suburbs in 2012. Hillary Clinton received 729,000. Romney got 567,000. Trump dropped to 550,000. Thats a swing of 46,000 votes to Clinton. Perhaps suburban Philadelphians didnt hate Trump, but they certainly didnt like him much."





One problem with her strategy of appealing to these moderate Republicans and giving working class voters the short shrift was that "much of the advantage she accrued in the suburbs was wiped out in Philadelphia itself, a failure Democrats will rue for many years. Obama beat Romney there by 492,000 votes. Trump did only 10,000 votes better than Romney in the City of Brotherly Love (96,000 to 106,000), but Clinton received only 563,000 votes compared to Obamas 588,000, a net swing of 35,000 towards the Republican candidate. Trump did worse in Philadelphia than John McCain, who lost the state, while Clinton did as well as John Kerry, who won... What Donald Trump demonstrated with this years electorate is that a historic turnout by white working class voters could be and in fact was-- contrary to the expectations of all but a handful of pundits-- sufficient to negate the Democrats traditional advantage in the Philadelphia region and put Pennsylvania in the GOP column for the first time since 1988."





That's something House Democrats will have to deal with now that they're finally rid of "messaging czar" Steve Israel, a Long Island Blue Dog who hates working class voters and is filled with racist prejudices that subtly skewered Democratic messaging away from the party base resulting in... well, 4 years of Trump/Pence and at least two more years of a Paul Ryan-led House. With Israel gone, there are no structural reasons why the Democrats shouldn't win back PA-06, PA-07 and PA-08, although by reelecting Pelosi yesterday-- and allowing her to reimpose incompetent Israel-clone Ben Ray Lujan as DCCC-- it will be a much tougher task than if Democrats had done the sensible thing and taken the DCCC out of her hands entirely, cleaned house over there and started fresh today.
AUSTIN -- State leaders on Thursday announced they have reached agreement to provide tens of millions of dollars in emergency funding to ease a continuing crisis in child-protection programs.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and three top Senate allies announced at the conclusion of a Legislative Budget Board meeting that the additional funding would include more money for the Department of Family and Protective Services to begin hiring additional caseworkers and to give salary increases to current workers.

The state's Child Protective Services program, plagued by skyrocketing turnover and high vacancy rates, made headlines after children taken from their families because of suspected abuse and neglect were forced to sleep in state offices because of a shortage of temporary beds elsewhere.

The operational shortfalls have left hundreds of children reported to have been abused or neglected without a face-to-face visit by caseworkers, some for months. In October, state police were dispatched to help find those children to help the agency cut a chronic backlog.

Under the agreement, $12,000 raises will be awarded to about 6,000 front-line workers and an additional 1,110 managers and special investigators will get pay hikes ranging up to 20 percent. The agency can also immediately begin hiring 829 new employees.

"The Senate has approved the DFPS request for additional caseworkers and salary increases and we have agreed to add teeth to ensure that the resources invested into this agency are producing results, assuring the safety of our children," reads a statement from Patrick's office.

"The most important action we can take to protect our children is resolving our caseworker retention issue -- and that has been the primary focus of the Senate. Our work is far from over and rest assured CPS will remain under a microscope as these funds are expended."

No detail on the unspecified tweaks was given.

"This is a meaningful step toward stabilizing the CPS workforce," said House Speaker Joe Straus. "The Texas House will build on these efforts so that we can continue improving child protection and foster care."

Thursday was the day when DFPS Commissioner Henry "Hank" Whitman Jr. had set to begin hiring additional workers and provide pay bumps to current front-line employees to allow the agency to begin fixing problems that have plagued Texas' child-protection efforts for some time.

Under the agreement, $12,000 raises will be awarded to about 6,000 front-line workers and an additional 1,110 managers and special investigators will get pay hikes ranging up to 20 percent. The agency can also immediately begin hiring 829 new employees appeared to get a green light when a spokesman for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Patrick and Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Jane Nelson were on board - though still pressing for unspecified tweaks.

"Our approval has been submitted to LBB," Keith Elkins, Patrick's communications director, wrote in an email.

He was referring to the Legislative Budget Board, a group of 10 lawmakers who closely track the state budget.

In the procedure used for approving CPS' emergency spending request, the board doesn't have to act in a public meeting. The request only needs written approvals from the offices of Gov. Greg Abbott, Patrick, Nelson, Speaker Joe Straus and House Appropriations Committee Chairman John Otto, officials said.

"We have added some additional accountability measures that we are working on with the House," said Elkins, the Patrick spokesman.

Last week, House members said they had agreed to a request by Whitman to hire up to 829 additional workers and give raises of up to 20 percent to field and supervisory staff to begin correcting an operational crisis in child protection programs that has made headlines for months.

Senators have pushed for immediate raises for some caseworkers as a way to curb high employee turnover rates, and to bring new employees aboard quickly. In an initial plan, a Senate panel agreed only to about $75.3 million in funding and balked at hiring as many new employees as Whitman had requested.

House officials and Gov. Greg Abbott had said they support Whitman's full funding request.

"We all agree we want to see some focus on this issue as quickly as possible," said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound.

Complicating the issue on the emergency funding is that the Legislature, after it convenes in January must look at longer-term repairs to a system that has been plagued by problems for years, at a time when the new state budget will be tight because of a downturn in state revenues.

In addition, a federal judge in Corpus Christi a year ago declared the state's foster-care system unconstitutional in a continuing legal fight that both state officials and advocates say could take hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funds to fix.
Mixed blessing

Regarding "How will history judge Fidel" (Page A19, Wednesday), Fidel Castro's death following Thanksgiving Day served to highlight an individual who was a survivor but not a success and one who left a 57-year legacy of failure. His actions drastically altered the lives of everyone. He turned our beautiful island nation into an economic and social disaster.

As a brutal dictator, he managed to stay in power not by popular consent but by eliminating freedoms, imprisoning or executing thousands of opponents and creating distrust. He confiscated hard-earned farms, businesses and property and created the "neighborhood committees" (Comites de Barrio) to uncover dissidents and sources of assets.

Thousands died fighting him. Untold numbers drowned fleeing Cuba hoping for a new life in the United States.

Beyond that, Fidel Castro's death following Thanksgiving Day gave a new meaning to the words some of us have often uttered: "Gracias, (Thank You) Fidel." In a peculiar way, because of him, many of us were blessed and fortunate to have been welcomed, accepted and made part of the great Texas City community.

Interestingly and coincidentally, Cubans and Texans are bound by our flags: Both have a solitary star. Texas is the Lone Star State; the Cuban flag is known as "The Solitary Star."

Jose Boix, Texas City

Dire scenario

Regarding "Death of a dictator" (Page A1, Sunday) if President-elect Donald Trump refreezes President Obama's thawing political relations with Cuba and doubles down on the embargo strangling its economy as he promised he would during the campaign, the Cubans could blackmail the United States for concessions by forming an alliance with North Korea and allowing them to build nuclear missile launch sites on the island.

The North Koreans routinely vow to attack mainland America with nuclear tipped missiles. Although there is no evidence they have successfully attached a nuclear warhead to a missile, Western experts believe it is only a matter of time.

The North Koreans' larger constraint is that their missiles travel only 2,500 miles while the Korean peninsula is 6,670 miles from America. Cuba, on the other hand, is only 90 miles from America.

Such a Cuban/North Korean nuclear gambit in response to bullying by Trump would constitute an existential threat forcing the U.S. to proactively attack Cuba. At the very least that would alienate most of Latin America and possibly goad the Russians and Chinese into a military assault on the U.S.

"Cuban Missile Crisis: The Sequel" could be a prelude to nuclear global Armageddon.

Larry E. Vecera, Houston

Faded revolution

The Castro brothers were unusually charismatic, maximum leaders of a thugocracy well in the main stream of Latin American strongmen.

Fidel unofficially handed over power to Raul in 2006 and officially in 2008. Raul is not the last man standing, rather he is the next domino to fall. If he makes it to 2018, it will be a surprise.

By 2020 or sooner, I believe there will be three or four Cuban billionaires and Marxist-Leninisn will be relegated to the dust bin of history.

Scott Baum, Houston
Perhaps a holiday trend

Regarding "Sacred holiday" (Page A35, Sunday), hear, hear to Peter Riga's letter about store owners who make their employees work on Thanksgiving being like thieves of a sacred holiday. My praise also extends to all the stores that kept their doors closed until Friday after Thanksgiving so that their employees could be home with their families on Thanksgiving Day.

Only places of absolute necessity to keep open all 365 days a year (e.g. hospitals, retirement communities, fire and police stations, etc.) should remain open that day. While we're at it, why not also apply the same rule to Easter Sunday?

Alison Tyler, Houston

Waiting for change

Regarding "Donald Trump's illegal voter claim has Houston roots" (HoustonChronicle.com, Tuesday), is this the way it's going to be for the next four years? Just like during the campaign whenever Donald Trump wants to make an unsupported point or whine about some transgression, he just makes up stuff.

I thought he was supposed to start acting presidential. When does that start, eh?

Manuel Castrejana, Houston

Lighting the way

Regarding "To bridge what divides us, we must try to understand each other" (Page A3, Sunday), Lisa Falkenberg is to be commended again for another spot-on commentary. This time she also showed great personal responsibility and courage.

Falkenberg's commentary and self-assessment dealing with the election and the need for each of us to make an attempt to understand and acknowledge the other's position is what is sorely needed in the United States. Her story demonstrates on a personal level clearly the problems that befall all of us if we assume that a person's political position represents who they are instead of what they believe or want.

What are we teaching our children if we too easily fall into the trap of defining a politician solely by their perceived behavior, correct or not?

The great problem today conveyed by a lazy media is to report perception as reality and minimize substance. Why? Perception is controversial and sells. Substance lacks the same controversy and requires more effort to research and report. Thanks to Falkenberg for shining a light on the path that each of us need to follow!

Dick Patyrak, Missouri City

Gifted hands

Regarding "'Never lost sight of his purpose'" (Page A3, Tuesday), I first met Dr. Denton Cooley in 1966. As we walked down the hall together at St. Luke's, he put his arm around my shoulders and said; "Bill, I'm going to make a new woman out of your wife."

And he did.

He was a gifted, caring doctor and I will always have fond memories of him.

William Crockett, League City
After attacking the North American Free Trade Agreement repeatedly during his campaign, Donald Trump notably failed to include NAFTA on his agenda for his first day in the Oval Office. Perhaps he has learned that the Constitution prevents the president from terminating our trade agreements by himself.

Upon taking office, the new president will enjoy broad powers in foreign affairs. He will have the right to set U.S. policy toward other nations and to terminate treaties. In 2002, for example, President George W. Bush called off the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty between the United States and Russia without any input from Congress.

But like all modern trade pacts, NAFTA is a congressional-executive agreement created by statute, not treaty. Trump cannot terminate it - or even renegotiate it - without the approval of Congress.

The Constitution grants to the president the power to make treaties, subject to approval by two-thirds of the Senate. Our nation's most significant obligations take this form, such as the North Atlantic Treaty that created NATO and the San Francisco Treaty that ended World War II in the Pacific. Presidents also have made some limited international compacts all on their own, though the Constitution doesn't acknowledge this power. President Barack Obama concluded the Paris climate accords and the Iran nuclear deal without the approval of the Senate or House of Representatives. Because Congress never cemented these deals into law, Trump can reverse them with the stroke of a pen on Day One.

But trade deals are different, because under the Commerce Clause, only Congress may alter our tariff, tax and customs laws.

Congress first authorizes the president to reach a trade agreement with certain countries within limited parameters. Once the deal is struck, the president sends it to Congress for enactment into U.S. domestic law. No trade agreement goes into force until Congress passes the statutes that carry out the trade deal's obligations.

The upshot is that President Trump cannot on his own terminate U.S. participation in NAFTA or, for that matter, in the World Trade Organization. Congress enacted both agreements as statutes, so they can be reversed only by another, repealing statute enacted by the House and Senate and then signed by the president.

This constitutional balance of power effectively means that NAFTA and the WTO are here to stay. Both houses of Congress are more friendly to free trade. In the Senate, a minority of just 40 Senators could successfully filibuster any effort to terminate NAFTA. Trump is unlikely to persuade a new Congress to thoughtlessly throw the U.S. into recession and spark retaliatory trade sanctions against American products.

If Trump simply announced that the United States was pulling out of NAFTA, all the U.S. laws that implemented it would remain unchanged. Trump would have effectively freed Mexico and Canada to impose trade barriers against our products while leaving in place our preferential treatment of theirs - the worst trade deal in American history. Incidentally, trade with Mexico alone supports 382,000 Texas jobs.

Even if Trump wants to merely renegotiate NAFTA, he is required to first seek congressional approval. No nation will even discuss trade agreements with the United States unless Congress is already on board. Presidents must first seek "fast-track" authority, a promise of swift congressional consideration of trade agreements with no amendments, before negotiations begin. Any amendments to NAFTA would likewise have to be enacted by Congress.

Moreover, a unilateral Trump decision to leave NAFTA would almost certainly be challenged in federal court immediately. In 1980, the Supreme Court avoided deciding a legal challenge to President Jimmy Carter's termination of a defense treaty with Taiwan because no one had the proper standing to bring a case. That won't be the case this time. Importers or exporters directly affected easily could show they suffered individual harm. A lawsuit could derail any attempt by Trump to withdraw from NAFTA - or at the very least, drag out the process for years.

The Constitution still preserves presidential initiative in foreign affairs. Trump can refuse to negotiate or sign new trade agreements, which is why the Trans Pacific Partnership is probably dead on arrival under the new administration. But the Constitution makes undoing a trade agreement, once enacted into law, as difficult as it was to make it in the first place.

Whether the United States should leave NAFTA is an issue open to political debate. But who gets to decide to leave is not. The Constitution requires that the president and Congress must jointly agree whether to leave NAFTA.

Ku is a law professor at Hofstra University Law School. Yoo is a law professor at the University of California at Berkeley and a visiting scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. They wrote this for the Los Angeles Times.
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This post is a co-authored piece:

Heather M. Roff, Jamie Winterton and Nadya Bliss of Arizona States Global Security Initiative

Weve recently been informed that the Clinton campaign relied heavily on an automated decision aid to inform senior campaign leaders about likely scenarios in the election. This algorithmknown as Adawas a key component, if not the component in how senior staffers formulated campaigning strategy. Unfortunately, we know little about the algorithm itself. We do not know all of the data that was used in the various simulations that it ran, or what its programming looked like. Nevertheless, we can be fairly sure that demographic information, prior voting behavior, prior election results, and the like, were a part of the variables as these are stock for any social scientist studying voting behavior. What is more interesting, however, is that we are fairly sure there were other variables that were less straightforward and ultimately led to Clintons inability to see the potential loss in states like Wisconsin and Michigan, and almost lose Minnesota.

But to see why Ada didnt live up to her namesake (Ada, Countess of Lovelace, who is the progenitor of computing) is to delve into what an algorithm is, what it does, and how humans interact with its findings. It is an important point to make for many of us trying to understand not merely what happened this election, but also how increasing reliance on algorithms like Ada can fundamentally shift our politics and blind us to the limitations of big data. Let us begin, then, at the beginning.

For the non-tech savvy, an algorithm is a procedure that has certain characteristics: finiteness (it terminates or halts); definiteness (every step is precisely specified); effectiveness (each operation is capable of being performed in a finite length of time); possesses at least one input and at least one output. It is as simple as that. The algorithm itself can be highly complex, with many steps or subroutines, but it is in the abstract a written procedure.

Where we get into trouble is in the procedural knowledge representation. Other than thinking about variables like race, sex, party identification, zip code, past voting behavior and the like, we need to think about how these variables interact with one another, as well as the assumptions that we make about them when formulating or designing the algorithm. We want algorithms, moreover, to have external and internal validity. We want them to possess the characteristics above (internal validity) and we want its outputs to have a high fidelity with the real world (external validity). This fidelity can be as basic as in the task of pattern matching, or more complex, like in the case of Clinton, where the task was prediction.

So what happened with Clintons Ada? We submit there are three problems: heuristics; computational complexity; and over demanding cybersecurity. Heuristics, particularly in simple search algorithms, act like a rule of thumb. For instance, when I have lost my car keys, I usually undertake a search of them in my house. My rule of thumb is to look first in the common places I usually deposit my keys upon entering. Next, I might expand my search to countertops generally, or tables, or desks. If that fails, I update my search again, this time maybe retracing my steps. Each of these ways of looking for my keys is a heuristic. It is a process, but a process that possess a level of uncertainty in outcome. We are willing to wage that some of the heuristics used in Adas simulations were the result of faulty reasoning and assumptions about voter behavior, apathy or discontent.

Second, is a deeper problem about computational complexity. We cannot do justice to much of these complex ideas here in full, but this is about the very nature of figuring out what people will do in an interdependent and non-rational world. In terms of algorithm design, we think that Clintons Ada really found herself bounded in ways that she could not predict what would happen because prediction in this election was essentially a problem of exponential complexity (or a NP-complete problem in Computer Science-speak  where no polynomial time solution has been found). An NP-complete problem does not mean that the problem is unsolvable, but it does mean that solving it exactly requires exponential time in the number of inputs. Typically, to solve such a problem, the approach is to develop an approximation algorithm  an algorithm that can quickly can find a reasonable solution. The approximation can be well bounded (essentially saying that you have a guarantee that your solution is within some multiple of the optimal one), or that the solution is not bounded and thus may not be defined (that would be our guess here). Given the need for an approximation to this kind of NP-complete problem of predicting voter behavior in key battleground states, as well as leveraging heuristics, it is likely that Ada did not actually have well the kind of confidence to predict accurately. The algorithm may have yielded a potential solution, but the humans on the other side may not have understood that the validity of that solution. In short, the predictions Ada made didnt match reality.

Finally, there is also something about the way the Campaign used Ada that is worrisome: they tried to secure it to such a point that only a few top advisors had access to it and it was kept away from other computers and internet connections for cybersecurity purposes. The Clinton campaign knew they had to protect Ada from hackers, nation-state adversaries, and even the press to ensure that its data sources and outputs were pristine and reliable. Manipulating Ada wouldve meant affecting campaign strategy at all levels and in ways that may not have been immediately apparent. But did the campaigns efforts to ensure the cybersecurity of a critical strategic component actually end up being a vulnerability?

Few people knew of Adas existence, much less how the algorithms worked. The insular environment provided an effective barrier against manipulation (or so we assume), but it also protected Adas outputs from feedback and criticism. Harsh restrictions on access created a false sense of security, and they potentially limited the campaigns understanding of where Ada may have gone wrong. Cybersecurity isnt just about building walls to keep bad things out. Cybersecurity must also include the concept of resilience, or the ability to operate under adverse circumstances. By attempting to provide Ada with the ultimate security, the campaign failed to understand the fragility of their algorithm, which may have then led to fatal errors in strategy.

While algorithmic bias is a hotly debated topic, these debates usually center on secretive algorithms that significantly impact the fate of an individual through racial profiling, housing discrimination, or judicial bias. Adas flaws and their consequences show that the effects of algorithmic bias can happen to any of us, regardless of our status or power. Perhaps this is the necessary impetus to demand diversity in development, more responsible algorithms, and less secrecy behind their inner workings.
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Many of you require your employees to sign employment agreements with restrictive covenants, also known as non-competes(Click here, here and here for review). You may be vigilant about enforcing your non-competes. You may go as far as advising competing employers who hire your employees about the non-compete; you might even file suit and name the employer as a co-defendant. What if you wanted to be more proactive? What if you and one or more of your competitors wanted to head off such issues and instead you enter into an agreement that you will not solicit or hire each others employees (non-poaching, non-solicitation or no-hire agreements). What if you want to gofurther and agree to salary amounts and ranges so that employees are not tempted to leave you in the lurch? Better not. These types of agreements might violate antitrust laws, and might get you in trouble with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and other federal and state agencies (and private individuals). Come again? What are antitrust laws? Arent they designed to prevent big conglomerates from taking over and controlling an industry? What do they have to do with businesses wanting to maintain goodwill and friendly relationships? Lets learn, after the jump If you are like many people, you get intimidated when you hear words like antitrust, and you might eve...
We have all experienced that manager or coworker who agitate us. It can be difficult to objectively look at the situation and decide if they are just being rude or actually being hostile. Although many workers feel that they are victims of a hostile environment, it is important to note that there is a legal definition of such an environment. The US Department of Labor (2013) defines a hostile work environment as a result from anyone with whom the victim interacts on the job, and the unwelcome conduct renders the workplace atmosphere intimidating, hostile, or offensive. Personality conflict is inevitable however human resources can take some steps to purge such applicants. One solution available is to have potentially qualified applicants take a personality assessment (Cascio & Aguinis, 2011). The human resources department can analyze the results to ensure that the candidates personality will mesh with existing leadership and organizational culture. Employees will feel the effects, directly or indirectly, of a hostile work environment. Decelerated productivity is certainly a common consequence in part because a hostile work environment will keep the employee distracted. Other effects of this type of environment are whenever an employee deliberately makes mistakes in order to retaliate. The erosion of the organizations culture could have fatal consequences for the business and affect long term/car...
The Associated Press

rench court has convicted 14 current and former Air France workers of taking part in violence during a union protest last year at the airline's headquarters that saw two company executives flee over a fence with their shirts ripped off.The images of the shirtless managers spread around the world and came as an extreme example of the often-tense labour relations in France.The judges outside Paris on Wednesday gave three men suspended terms of between three and four months for aggravated assault. Eleven workers were given a 500-euro ($530) fine for property damage. One person was acquitted of all charges.Most of the 15 defendants are union members. Four were fired after the incident while the others retained theirs jobs in the company.The 14 convicted and the prosecutor's office now have 10 days to appeal the verdict.After the ruling was read in a crowded court room, the lawyer for 11 defendants, Lilia Mhissen, said the verdict was ``outrageous'' and that she will advise her clients to file an appeal.The violence erupted in October 2015 as executives were announcing nearly 3,000 job cuts during a union meeting at the airline's headquarters next to Charles de Gaulle Airport outside Paris.During a scuffle outside the building, two managers and several security guards were manhandled.Amid catcalls and boos, with protesters chanting ``naked, naked,'' and ``resignation,'' the airline's human resources director at the time, Xavier Broseta, was seen bare-chested, with a tie still around his neck but just a piece of sleeve around his wrist.Meanwhile, the head of long-haul operations, Pierre Plissonnier, ended up with his shirt and suit jacket shredded. The two managers, under protection of security guards, managed to escape by climbing a fence. Plissonnier said the humiliating images were seen ``1.4 billion times around the world.''At the trial two months ago, prosecutor Philippe Bourion said ``the humiliation and nudity of executives never created jobs'' and he compared the crowd of protesters to a ``horde of hooligans'' who entered a ``collective trance''.The lawyer for Broseta, Frederique Beaulieu, said her client was ``singled out for public opprobrium,'' had been a victim of a ``true manhunt'' and felt a ``very great sense of humiliation and shame'' that day.Mhissen, the lawyers for most of the defendants, claimed her clients were only ``scapegoats'' since the two executives said they hadn't seen those who assailed them.The shirt-ripping incident shocked many, even in protest-prone France, and worried the government, a big Air France shareholder. Socialist Prime Minister Manuel Valls said ``these acts are the work of thugs.''Air France has shrunk its workforce and cut costs over years of restructuring amid competition from low-cost and Mideast airlines. Its unions have gone on strike repeatedly, disrupting air traffic throughout Europe, and the pilots attend demonstrations in uniform.Earlier this year, the Air France-KLM Group reported net annual profit for the first time in several years.
Is sincerely, freely and deeply held.

Is integrally linked to a persons identity, self-definition and fulfilment.

Is a particular and comprehensive, overarching system of belief that governs ones conduct and practices

Addresses ultimate questions of human existence, including ideas about life, purpose, death, and the existence or non-existence of a Creator and/or a higher or different order of existence.

Has some nexus or connection to an organization or community that professes a shared system of belief.

or delivery service UPS has come under fire for beard discrimination this week after one disgruntled jobseeker claimed the employment requisite was patently unfair.Although not as serious as some (violations), I dont believe large multi-national corporations should be able to get away with this, Allan Stokell told the Toronto Star. Ive had a beard since I was 18 and I identify as being a bearded person.The 68-year-old says he felt his human rights were violated when UPS told him he would have to shave his beard  in accordance with their strict no facial-hair policy  in order to work for the firm.unless one is keeping their facial hair for religious or medical reasons, all employees need to be clean shaven at UPS as part of UPSs appearance policy, he was told by a representative at the time.He was also informed that employees seeking beard accommodation on religious or medical grounds must supply proper documentation.Company spokesperson Nirali Raval confirmed UPS has an appearance and grooming policy in place and said all applicants were informed of the guidelines during the interview process.While beards arent specifically mentioned in the Ontario Human Rights Code, Stokell says he considers his facial hair to fall under the creed category  a protected ground under the code.My son has a beard, my father and grandfather all had beards Its something you live by, he told the Star.While the claim might sound unlikely, a fairly recent update to the code could actually lend some weight to Stokells claim. Earlier this year, the Ontario Human Rights Commission redefined the category of creed and said; Creed may also include non-religious belief systems that, like religion, substantially influence a persons identity, worldview and way of life.However, the commission also offered the following characteristics that would be helpful in deciding if a belief system would be classed a creed under the Code  some of them, a little loftier than facial hair:At the time, employment lawyer Laura Williams said the broadened interpretation may now capture previously unprotected groups such as vegans.Vegan rights advocates, for example, have argued that this revised definition now requires employers to accommodate the needs of ethical vegans in the workplace, she told ProfitGuide.That could mean that employers would be compelled to provide vegan options at on-site cafeterias, for example, or alter uniform requirements if a vegan employee refused to wear leather shoes as part of a uniform.
sp;Tania Evans, WorkPro Founder, said that organisations are looking to improve business process and productivity and driving efficiencies in every element of their business; this includestheir recruitment and engagement processes.Often the recruitment process can be slowed down through various checks, most notably the Ministry of Justice criminal history checks, said Ms Evans.The ongoing drive for business improvement means that organisations are looking for streamlined business processes that provide them with a point of difference for their internal and external stakeholders.The Ministry of Justice criminal conviction check provides two tiers of criminal conviction history check: a standard check and the new priority check. The standard check is a free option that provides results in 20 or more working days, while the priority service is a paid service, with a guaranteed 5-day turnaround. To use the Ministrys service, organisations must choose their one level of service, as well as predict how many checks they will require for the next 12 months. The service is invoiced annually and upfront.At WorkPro, it was clear to us that the options available from the Ministry were not enabling organisations, including recruitment companies to process criminal checks quickly in line with their business needs. In response, WorkPro has developed a simple web-based interface for applicants, and enables an employer to select the service level they require for each check. As an approved Third Party of the New Zealand Ministry of Justice, the organisations we work with know that our streamlined process to manage criminal conviction history requests is fully compliant.Recruiters and organisations who use WorkPro are already seeing huge benefits in an enhanced recruitment process. In turn, weve significantly reduced the hiring time , said Ms Evans.This was the case with Manpower, one of WorkPros long-term New Zealand clients. Natasha Russell, Manpower Group Quality Consultant said that when undertaking previous Ministry of Justice checks it was a matter of crossing fingers that the application was received in the mail, and then waiting for the check to be processed and returned. This often took 20 or more days.This process impacted us, our associate and our clients productivity as we required this final check to be finalised to make the placement, said Ms Russell.However it was when Manpower had five and half days to place 30 staff in a New Zealand Call Centre for their client that WorkPro really made a difference.While Manpower found 30 people, WorkPro worked with them to process the Ministry of Justice Priority checks within the tight deadline. We worked through a public holiday, and kept in constant communication with Manpower to ensure all the checks were completed on time. As a consequence a team of 30 were ready at the call centre from day one, said Ms Evans.Linda Jones, Manpower Business Manager said that WorkPros ability to offer priority checks when they needed it enabled them to deliver on a client request that they would normally not have been able to meet.It has definitely improved our service delivery and we are now able to secure business that requires priority clearance, where in the past we couldnt, said Ms Jones.WorkPro is a specialist web based screening and induction solution that aims to gets people work ready. Providing services across Australia and New Zealand, WorkPro is fast-becoming the most powerful web-based employee screening, induction, compliance & information management solution available. For more information visit www.workpro.net.au
urvey conducted by the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand found that 84% of respondents said HR was significantly over-represented by women.Moreover, Frazer Jones Global HR Survey sought the opinion of nearly 3,500 HR professionals around the world and 62% of the respondents globally were female.Looking at Australia, across the ASX Top 50 companies, around 75% of HR heads are currently female.The HR profession has paved the way for executive gender diversity and making senior leadership roles more appealing to women, said Ciaran Foley, Head of Frazer Jones Australia.Foley has worked in people and recruitment related roles for over 15 years and has met hundreds of HR professionals.They are all passionate about how HR can positively impact an organisation, said Foley.The vast majority are also well aware that a diverse workforce will always offer more potential for growth and opportunity than a one dimensional workforce.Foley added that it cant be any coincidence that the number of senior female HR leaders are an inspiration to young females entering the workforce  and that is a good thing. And it is a shame that other business units dont appear to have the same quantity of female role models as HR does.For many organisations, the diversity discussion has progressed past gender; however, given HR comprises higher numbers of women than other functions, this is a gender issue that needs addressing, he said.Foley has personally been instructed to run search assignments for senior HR professionals where it has been strongly suggested that a female would be a good fit for the role.In every case, the reason behind a preference for a female was the lack of female representation on the leadership team, he said.Nonetheless, my role is to source the strongest shortlist, regardless of gender.Foley explained that business leaders need to consider the gender bias in HR, the gender split of other business units and start to take a more aggressive approach to the recruitment of female leaders into roles which have been traditionally held by males.If this doesnt happen, I wonder whether HR is itself in danger of becoming one dimensional, he said.Ironically, when we are asked to recruit more junior HR roles, if gender is ever referenced it will usually be along the lines of We would love to hire a guy into this role as there are so many females in the team  and therein is the challenge for HR.Foley concluded by saying an increasing amount of females are choosing to enter and build careers in HR whereas more and more men are choosing to pursue different career paths.Given the gender bias across different business units, it is easy to see why both parties are making these decisions, he said.
The day will consist of a series of 6 high-level conferences addressing issues relating to renewable energy and just transition.
More of fashion's top designers are speaking out against dressing the future first lady, Melania Trump.

After Tommy Hilfiger said any designer "should be proud" to dress the wife of president-elect Donald Trump, some of his colleagues in the industry are taking sides with fashion designer Sophie Theallet and not feeding into what she calls a "rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia." Marc Jacobs is one of these colleagues.

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"I have no interest whatsoever in dressing Melania Trump," Jacobs told WWD. "I didnt see [Sophie Theallets] letter. Personally, Id rather put my energy into helping out those who will be hurt by [Donald] Trump and his supporters."

And Jacobs isn't the only one taking this stance. So is Tom Ford.

The 55-year-old American designer, who said he was "sad and disappointed" at Hillary Clinton's loss, stopped by "The View" on Tuesday and firmly said he would not be dressing the former Slovenian model.

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"I was asked to dress her quite a few years ago and I declined," Ford said. "Shes not necessarily my image."

And although New York-based designer Cynthia Rowley said "fashion and politics should never mix," it seems like many in the industry have been personally affected by the election process.

"I think you should address and dress your conscience," Rowley said.

Designer Derek Lam noted, "While I have incredible respect for our countrys political institutions, I find it challenging to be personally involved in dressing the new first lady."

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"I would rather concentrate my energies on efforts towards a more just, honourable and a mutually respectful world... I really dont see myself getting involved with the Trump presidency," he continued.

Phillip Lim, whose brand values "inclusion, diversity, justice, consciousness, innovation," said he does not "foresee a relationship developing under the Trump administration."

It is still unclear who will dress Melania for Trump's inauguration on Jan 20, 2017.

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Potlucks are arguably one of the best things about the holiday season.

You often only have to cook one dish, and in return, you get to feast on a bit of everything made by your friends and family. And if you're in need of easy potluck ideas that will make you the star of the night, we've got you covered.

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From easy appetizers (think Lebanese meat rolls) to big pot curries (think Mongolian beef) to simple chocolate truffle fudge bars, these recipes will excite both you and your guests' taste buds. And if you aren't that handy in the kitchen, you can always go with an easy seven-layer dip.

Check out the delicious dishes below.
Less than two months before president-elect Donald Trumps inauguration, Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus chief of staff reminded Americans theyre always welcome to move to Canada.

Katie Telford shared her open invitation with an audience at Fortunes Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit in Laguna Niguel, Calif. on Wednesday.

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We welcome all of you to come to Canada, Telford said, sweetening her pitch with the promise of parties to celebrate the countrys 150th birthday next year.

Telford, a speaker at the conference, leaned on a message of optimism in light of Trumps stunning election victory and other disruptive elections on the horizon.

I think the world is looking for governments to play a positive force in their lives right now, she said.

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But the longtime Trudeau strategist also drew some election-cycle parallels between the two countries, saying there was a lot of noise in our election, too.

She referenced the barbaric cultural practices hotline proposed by the Conservative party, as well as the fracas over the voting rights of women who wear the niqab and hijab.

There was a lot of angst amongst Canadians and its not that different than what weve been seeing in terms of the concerns and the priorities, she said.

Telford, who was recently named No. 8 in Toronto Lifes ranking of the most influential people in the city, also cajoled American businesses to consider moving north.

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General Electric, General Motors, and Amazon are some examples of big name companies  drawn by the countrys diverse workforce  currently expanding in Canada.

I know that this is something that this audience cares a lot about so I encourage you to bring that message back, she said.

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A group of 17-year-old students in Australia has recreated the key ingredient in a life-saving drug that saw its price dramatically hiked by "Pharma Bro" Martin Shkreli.

While he was head of Turing Pharmaceuticals, Shkreli increased the price of Daraprim from US$13.50 to $750. The drug is used in the treatment of toxoplasmosis, a lethal parasitic disease.

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But according to BBC News, the students from Sydney Grammar re-created 3.7 grams of pyrimethamine  the essential component in the drug  for just $20.

That same amount in the U.S. would cost up to $110,00, the broadcaster reported.

I said Why dont we get students to make Daraprim in the lab, because to me the route looked pretty simple," the University of Sydney's Alice Williamson, who supported the students in the year-long project, told The Guardian.

"I thought if we could show that students could make it in the lab with no real training, we could really show how ridiculous this price hike was and that there was no way it could be justified.

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One of the students who worked on the project told the Sydney Morning Herald the dramatic saga behind the drug made the endeavour even more important.

'No excuse' for drug's price: Chemist

"If you can obtain it cheaply in schools, then there's no excuse for charging that much money for a drug," Williamson told the BBC.

"Especially from people that really need it and probably can't afford to pay for it."

"He was clearly trying to justify something driven by the profit motive," James Wood said.

"Working on a real-world problem definitely made us more enthusiastic," Austin Zhang, another student in the group, told the paper.

Shkreli increased the price of Daraprim after Turing bought the rights to it in the U.S, a decision which invited widespread bashing and accusations of price-gouging.

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The company eventually offered a 50-per-cent discount, but that reduced priced was still equivalent to roughly a 2,700-per-cent price increase over the original.

Months after the controversy, Shkreli resigned as chief executive of Turing after getting arrested and charged with securities fraud and conspiracy related to another company he ran.

With files from Dan Tencer and The Associated Press

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Shannen Doherty is one tough woman.

Since revealing she has breast cancer, the actress has been nothing but inspirational in sharing her personal journey with the world, discussing her ups and downs while living with her illness.

Her latest Instagram photo, which shows her on her first day of radiation treatment, just proves how much of a fighter she is, despite admitting she's frightened about the process.

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"First day of radiation treatment. I look like I'm about to make a run for it which is accurate," Doherty captioned the photo. "Radiation is frightening to me. Something about not being able to see the laser, see the treatment and having this machine moving around you just scares me. I'm sure I'll get used to it but right now.... I hate it. #radiation #radiationmondaysucks #stillfightinglikeagirl"

Earlier in November, the former "Beverly Hills, 90210" star posted about having a "full panic attack" while undergoing a CT scan and revealed she was afraid and "sick of being poked."

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"Was supposed to get it with contrast but the minute they started looking at which vein to use I started crying," she wrote. "Full panic attack. Sometimes, you just get sick of being poked. And that's ok. I cried. I felt sorry for myself for a minute. Then stopped and reminded myself of how lucky I am."

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015, the former "Charmed" actress admitted that the days after getting chemo aren't always "so great."

"Sometimes one isn't able to dance, or eat or even to think about the next day," she wrote on Instagram. "Sometimes it just feels like you aren't going to make it. That passes."

Actress Shannen Doherty arrives at American Cancer Society's Giants of Science Los Angeles Gala on November 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/WireImage)

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But her family and friends, and even her former "90210" costars are rallying behind her. In November during a "Beverly Hills, 90210" reunion, actor Luke Perry paid tribute to his former work colleague.

None of us are up here today without Shannen, he said at the reunion, which Doherty didn't attend.

Shes been through a lot. Shes not doing well right now but sometimes her contributions are minimized," he continued. "Shes been thrown under the bus. Ive been accused of driving it. But shes a very big part of the success of this show. She taught me a lot. Im glad she was my scene partner. She was great at what she did in the character with me."

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The Department of Energy (DOE) traces its roots to the energy crisis of 1973, which was made worse by misguided government policy. The Arab embargo of 1973 was short lived but it lead to a series of actions that distorted energy policy and created a bureaucracy that now, thanks to the oil and gas renaissance we are experiencing, is in search of a mission. In addition to the effects of the embargo and price and allocation controls, there was, at the time, a firm belief that the world was going to run out of oil by the end of the century.

Not only does the world have plenty of oil, but the United States is now a net exporter of natural gas--and would be exporting more if DOE was faster with its approvals.

When created in 1977, DOE was given the responsibility for the design, constructing, and testing of nuclear weapons, and  a loosely knit amalgamation of energy-related programs scattered throughout the Federal Government.

Prior to DOE, the federal government played a very limited role in energy policy and development. Presumed scarcity, excessive dependence on OPEC nations, distrust in markets, and the search for energy independence became the foundation for what is now a $32.5 billion bureaucracy in search for relevance. A series of energy policies have done little to contribute to the abundance of affordable energy that fuels a growing economy.

What DOE has done is squander money on the search for alternative energy sources. In the process, it enabled Bootlegger and Baptist schemes that enriched crony capitalists who are all too willing to support the flawed notion that government can pick winners and losers. For 2017, a large chunk of DOE spending--$12.6 billion, or 39 percentis earmarked to support the Presidents strategy to combat climate change. This is not a justifiable use of taxpayer dollars.

Over 36 years, DOEs mission has morphed from energy security to industrial policy, disguised as advanced energy research and innovation. There is a long and failed history of industrial policy by the federal government. It has failed because it has attempted to decide what energy consumers and industry should want and use.

In contrast, government R&D that has proved successful is that carried out by the Pentagons Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). It has been successful for one overriding reason. It is focused on known clients, the military services, and their specific technology needs. Lacking specific clients, DOE has become the Department of Pork. The late Senator William Proxmire once observed that a characteristic of interventionist industrial policy is that government money will go where the political power is, regardless of economic considerations.

Energy firms do not need government subsidies to innovate and develop new technologies. Horizontal drilling and fracking came from the private sector because the incentives to develop shale oil and gas were stronger than the illusions driving alternative energy sources. Entrepreneurial firms that want to develop new energy technology can go to private markets, which can judge the chances of success.

Abolishing DOE would punish only the crony capitalists who have become addicted to its support. The nuclear weapons role could be assigned to a new Atomic Energy Commission. Research to the extent that government wants to fund it could go through the National Science Foundation to centers of excellence for basic research, creating new knowledge for the benefit of our economic and social well-being. The Energy Information Administration to the extent that its continued existence can be justified could be transferred to the Commerce Department.

If the Trump administration and Congress can muster the courage of its convictions to end DOE, they would then have a basis for creating a new Hoover Commission to re-examine the justification for all government departments and programs. With the last review in 1947, a top to bottom reorganization is long overdue.

William O'Keefe is the President of Solutions Consulting. You can follow him on Twitter here.

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Two years ago, OneWest filed foreclosure papers on the Lakeland, Fla., home of Ossie Lofton, who had taken a reverse mortgage, a loan that supplies cash to elderly homeowners and doesnt require monthly payments.

After confusion over insurance coverage, a OneWest subsidiary sent Lofton a bill for $423.30. She sent a check for $423. The bank sent another bill, for 30 cents. Lofton, 90, sent a check for three cents. In November 2014, the bank foreclosed.
One of the best things about the Elf on the Shelf tradition is that there are no concrete rules (besides moving the little scout every night, of course). That means your familys elf can arrive and leave on whatever day you choose.

Generally, Santas scout bids farewell on Christmas Eve. After all, come Christmas morning, his job of watching the kids to make sure theyre on their best behaviour is over.

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The official Elf on the Shelf website explains that the elves must return to the North Pole on Dec. 24 because toy making begins almost immediately for the next year. Not only that, but the elves may have to undergo new training for their scout missions and tend to the reindeer.

But again, everyones family traditions are different and you may choose to have your scout fly back to the North Pole on a different day. For some, that means Christmas night so the kids can enjoy the company of their elf for a final day.

So how does the elf say good-bye? There are so many ways! Some pack their bags.

Goodbye, Excellent Elf Al and Clara! Have a safe flight back to the North Pole! See you next year! #bringsomeextramagicnextyear #elfontheshelf #elfantics #goodbyeelf #hellosanta A photo posted by Karen Halbert (@karenhalbertphoto) on Dec 24, 2015 at 11:25pm PST

Some bring presents.

Merry Christmas! #GoodbyeElf #ChristmasEve2014 A photo posted by J e s s i c a  (@letsadventuredarlin) on Dec 24, 2014 at 11:54pm PST

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And some leave magic dust.

Flip through the slideshow below for more creative ways your scout can say good-bye
Lisa5201 via Getty Images Silly little girl holding a parents hand barefoot in the grass, laughing

No one wants to receive a brown envelope from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) but if you file a tax return, you can expect to get some correspondence from the taxman. During the summer months and beyond, the CRA conducts a matching program and reviews returns to check taxpayers are claiming the right income, deductions and credits.

Part of this process can be asking for proof of what was claimed on your return. With more and more Canadians filing online, the CRA will ask for receipts to make sure you have the paperwork to back up any claims. They also follow up on anything that is out of the ordinary on your return.

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Some of the requests seem reasonable based on past returns. For example, if you had major dental work done in 2015 and claimed higher than your usual medical expenses as a result, there is a greater chance the CRA will request your receipts. It is part of ensuring Canada's self-assessment system is working.

The request for information is usually tied to higher value tax deductions and credits such as tuition, moving and business expenses and foreign tax credits. Since tax credits for children can also add up, these are also often reviewed. And this means parents are being asked to prove that they are caring for their children. While parents may think it is obvious based on how they spend an average day, the CRA requires more than your word if they ask for proof.

Single parents are allowed to claim the amount for eligible dependant credit which used to be called equivalent to spouse. This results in about $1,700 of federal tax savings so it is a significant tax break for one-parent families. More and more of these parents are being asked to provide proof that their children lived with them during the tax year. This can involve letters from a teacher, doctor, daycare and other sources to say the children live with the parent.

It is not just single parents getting targeted. Two-parent families are also being asked to prove they care for their children in their own home. It may feel intrusive but the enhanced Canada Child Benefit means the CRA wants to know the credit is going to households caring for children. Again, proof can be letters from a teacher, doctor, daycare worker or clergy that supports that you are caring for the children in your home.

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There are extreme cases that become a taxpayer nightmare. One single mother with three children was asked to prove her children were born in Canada and the CRA withheld her Canada Child Tax Benefit until it had sufficient evidence. She provided the CRA with a comprehensive list of documents to prove her case including a letter from the doctor who delivered the children. The CRA still refused to recognize the claim.

Eventually, the case involved the Taxpayers' Ombudsman, who concluded she had provided more than enough evidence to confirm the children's' status. The result was a report called Proving your Status which resulted in changes to the policy for establishing CCTB eligibility.

If the CRA requests proof for your claims, you usually have 30 days to provide the documentation or the taxman will reassess your return without the credits included. This usually means you end up with a tax bill. It does not mean your entire tax return is being reviewed. As long as you have the paperwork to back-up your credit and provide it to the CRA in time, you should have nothing to worry about.

No matter how you file your return, make sure you keep receipts and documentation. And if you are claiming high value credits like moving expenses, be ready to send in the paperwork if the CRA asks. The Canadian tax system relies on the taxpayer self-reporting so the CRA has to have some checks in the system to keep people reporting accurately.
Rawpixel via Getty Images Diverse People Friendship Togetherness Connection Rear View Concept

By Craig and Marc Kielburger

"Go back to your f---ing country," the white man screamed at the non-white man.

This outburst was caught on camera, not in post-Brexit England or post-election America, but on a streetcar in the middle of multicultural Toronto.

Lately, Canadian headlines teem with tales of hate crimes. In Edmonton, a family of Syrian refugees found their car doused in acid. An Ottawa rabbi awoke to find a swastika spray-painted on her door. An east Toronto neighbourhood was plastered with white supremacist recruitment posters.

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Pundits explain this outbreak as a side-effect of the divisive American election, trickling north, the implication being: This kind of thing doesn't happen here. But Canadians must recognize that the problem starts much closer to home.

From the 1970s to the 1990s, Canada saw a massive growth in domestic white supremacist groups, according to Alan Dutton, National Director for the Canadian Anti-Racism Education and Research Society. Dutton has been studying racist organizations and supporting victims of hate crimes for 30 years.

We must take responsibility for our own values, actions and inactions, instead of blaming others.

The tide turned in the 1990s, he says. Canadians, tired of hate groups operating publicly in their cities, protested to shut down the storefronts and meeting rooms where these groups gathered. Human rights legislation criminalized online hate messages. For almost a decade, hate groups withered and attacks dropped.

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But in 2013, hate speech sections were removed from the Canadian Human Rights Act on the grounds they violated freedom of expression. Although a federal court declared the laws don't diminish freedom of speech, they were never reinstated. According to Dutton, this opened the door for hate groups to resume spreading their poison.

And as much as we want to blame America, Dutton adds, Canada's last federal election in 2015 was the real tipping point, with a divisive debate over the niqab. "[These arguments] licensed the expression of hatred in Canada again," Dutton argues.

As a country and as Canadians we must take responsibility for our own values, actions and inactions, instead of blaming others.

So what can you do? Lots.

Intervene. If someone is hurling racist insults, step in. Ignore the attacker and chat with the victim, creating a safe space. Escort the victim to a place of safety if need be.

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Report hateful posts. Repeat until they're removed. Show the tech companies running your feeds that you won't tolerate racism, sexism or homophobia.

File a report at StopRacism.ca if you witness online or in-person attacks, Dutton says. This empowers experts to track hate crime, identify offenders and push authorities to take action.

Support anti-racist groups. There are many groups fighting hate in Canada, like the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and B'nai Brith, that you can support by donating or volunteering.

Stand Up. Organize an anti-hate march or rally. Make a loud, public statement that hate is not welcome in Canada.

Write your member of Parliament to take concrete action with legislation. Dutton suggests starting a conversation about reinstating hate speech laws.

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Since the vitriolic U.S. election, many outsiders have held up Canada as a model for tolerance. Let's make sure we remain role models.

Craig and Marc Kielburger are the co-founders of the WE movement, which includes WE Charity, ME to WE Social Enterprise and WE Day.

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Czarek Sokolowski/AP A military unit from Canada marches during a military parade marking Polish Armed Forces Day, in Warsaw, Poland, Friday, Aug. 15, 2014. Poland is holding its biggest military parade in years with tanks and soldiers moving through central Warsaw and military aircraft flying overhead. The parade comes on the August 15 holiday that honors a stunning Polish victory against Russian Bolsheviks in 1920. A group of Canadian soldiers are taking part in military exercises in Poland.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

There's no way around it. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is crumbling from within. Don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for our soldiers, but over the last week, two troublesome reports paint a disturbing image.

On Sunday, Statistics Canada released the findings of survey that reveals widespread sexual assault in the CAF. More than 960 individuals in the army -- or 1.7 per cent -- reported being sexually assaulted in the last 12 months according to the report.

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When these figures are further analyzed, it includes 570 men and 380 women and the perpetrator often involved an authoritative superior.

It doesn't just end there though. Statistics Canada reveals one-quarter of women have experienced at least one incident of sexual assault during their military careers. Nearly 80 per cent of the Regular Force -- meaning full-timers -- say they've seen, heard or experienced instances of sexual violence around them.

It's horrifying to think that our soldiers are prone to an array of violence on the battlefield, but it's now clear there's widespread violence within the army's own ranks. A cycle of systematic abuse exists and nothing's being done to stop it.

Another somber report was released on Nov. 23 detailing the suicide rates of Canadian soldiers. After combing through the detailed literature, it's clear our soldiers are prone to an array of social issues including mental illness, which drives them to commit suicide.

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The 2016 Report on Suicide Mortality in the Canadian Forces revealed there were 18 reported suicides last year alone. Out of the total figure, several were suffering from depressive episodes, anxiety, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder, with nine of the soldiers had previously attempted to commit suicide.

It's also noted nearly all of the 18 individuals faced at least one work or life stressor before taking their lives. Some of these stressors include a failing relationship, accumulating debt, problems at work or home and legal issues just to name a few.

These figures are absolutely heartbreaking to say the least, and shine a light on a really complex and dark subject. It's clear our soldiers are continuously in battle, even when they return home from an overseas mission.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

It's also apparent our society and our government have failed those who loyally serve and protect our country and our very freedom that we take for granted. We need to divert more resources and care to our armed forces in a bid to curb these rates.

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This means better access to health care professionals who can assess both their physical and psychological needs when they return back to Canada, after deployment. After all, nearly 80 per cent all of the soldiers who committed suicide in 2015 sought mental health services in the year leading up to their death.

Col. Andrew Downes, director of mental health services for the Canadian Forces, said the military's research indicates a higher suicide rate for soldiers who've been deployed to war-torn nations such as Afghanistan, according to a recent interview with CBC News.

Canadian Forces fought in Afghanistan from 2001 until 2014, and 158 soldiers lost their lives during the combat mission. What the Canadian Armed Forces did not tell the public was that 54 soldiers and veterans -- who all served in Afghanistan -- committed suicide after returning home, according to an investigation by The Globe and Mail in August 2016.

The investigation revealed senior government and military members tried to conceal these figures for nearly a year until The Globe obtained the information through the Access to Information Act.

It's also important to note the suicide rate in our national army is quite different compared to other nations, namely the United States. A 2011 investigative report by News21 -- a multimedia initiative for journalism students -- discovered the American army suicide rate was almost twice as high when compared to the civilian rate. Meaning 22 soldiers or veterans were tragically taking their own lives every day, which translates to a suicide every 65 minutes in the U.S.

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Now the two aforementioned reports regarding sexual assault and suicide demonstrate how the Canadian army is in a complete state of disarray. Our soldiers -- who dutifully serve our nation and risk their lives -- are in a constant danger, especially from internal forces.

These problems aren't going to disappear anytime soon, so we must trace the root causes and begin to envision new preventive measures.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

These include working more closely with military families to help them recognize suicidal tendencies in their loved ones, whilst also being able to report any of their concerns to dedicated team of health professionals. Suicide prevention methods must be updated, in order create a greater awareness amongst soldiers, especially right before they're deployed.

It also means establishing a stricter sexual assault policy that includes hefty legal consequences for the perpetrator, while creating secure channels for lower ranking soldiers to report any incidents of misconduct by their superiors, in order to reduce the rate of sexual violence.

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The federal government must also act immediately, for these issues cannot be overlooked. There needs to be a renewed dialogue between Ottawa and the military to ensure some sort of change is implemented. After all, we can't have our soldiers risking their lives on the battlefield, only to return home in a vulnerable state and face even greater risks.

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By Gavin Charles

This week, the international development community is gathering in Nairobi for the Second High Level Meeting (HLM2) of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (GPEDC). The goal of these meetings is to build a better global framework for more effective development -- development that is accountable to all partners, and to the people it is intended to serve.

The GPEDC is a multi-stakeholder platform, bringing together governments from donor and partner countries, civil society organizations (CSOs), international and multilateral organizations, and representatives of the private sector. This makes it one of very few international forums where civil society has a dedicated space to engage directly in development policy discussions as equals -- participating in the panels and plenaries, in negotiating the outcome document, and in delivering these outcomes.

The inclusion of civil society within the GPEDC recognizes that CSOs play diverse and important roles in development. CSOs are often able to reach, support, and empower the poorest and most vulnerable people in ways that governments cannot. They act as service providers, advocates and watchdogs, researchers and policy developers, fundraisers, and innovators. The meaningful and sustained inclusion of civil society in development cooperation is crucial to make sure that the world meets its commitment to implement Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, striving to leave no one behind.

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Five years ago when the GPEDC was founded, and the independent and essential role of civil society was recognized by the international community, CSOs themselves also made their own commitment to enhance their effectiveness as they strive to realize their own vision for development. This vision was encapsulated in eight principles -- the Istanbul Principles -- built around a global commitment by civil society to promote and protect human rights and social justice, gender equality and equity, people's empowerment, environmental sustainability, transparency and accountability, global solidarity, mutual learning, and a commitment to long-term positive change.

As part of the activities this week, a new report was launched that examines the current status of efforts by CSOs to increase their own effectiveness and implement the Istanbul Principles. The report, entitled Istanbul Five Years After: Evidencing Civil Society Development Effectiveness and Accountability, examines the work CSOs in various countries have done and are doing to put the Principles into practice.

The report shows that all over the world, civil society organizations have made strides in improving their effectiveness and accountability in accordance with the Istanbul Principles. The eleven case studies demonstrate a wide variety of initiatives taken by CSOs globally to increase awareness and implementation of the Istanbul Principles, including educational workshops, accountability reporting, transparency mechanisms, and training and capacity development.

The report includes a chapter about the situation in Canada, which shows that Canadian CSOs, like their counterparts around the world, are working hard to observe and inform each other about the Istanbul Principles, and to develop CSO-led initiatives to ensure accountability -- mechanisms like the CCIC Code of Ethics and the Imagine Canada standards program.

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In order to meet their full potential as contributors to global development, however, CSOs also require an enabling environment -- that is, a set of laws, rules, mechanisms, and institutions that allow them to do their work effectively. In Canada, the government's International Development and Humanitarian Assistance Civil Society Partnership Policy explicitly recognizes the "importance of an enabling environment for civil society."

Unfortunately, the Canadian chapter identifies several remaining obstacles to a truly enabling environment in Canada, including strict but vague Canada Revenue Agency restrictions on so-called political activities (i.e. advocacy efforts) by CSOs; reduced and narrow funding windows; and a lack of institutionalized policy dialogue. Similar challenges exist in many of the other countries profiled in the report.

Post-Nairobi, the GPEDC should be a key forum where governments and development providers defend and protect CSOs' ability to advocate for human rights, for marginalized groups, and for greater accountability from all stakeholders in development cooperation. As an incoming member of the GPEDC Steering Committee, Canada can help lead this charge.

This is the right thing to do. It also makes strategic sense from the perspective of governments committed to effectiveness and value in their development investments. CSOs are crucial to the achievement of the goals of the Partnership, and governments have the unique ability to set the legal, regulatory, funding, and dialogue structures to make it possible for CSOs to maximize their contribution.

Working together for a better world: that's what effective development cooperation looks like.

Gavin Charles is Policy Officer at the Canadian Council for International Co-operation. He wrote this post while attending the Second High Level Meeting of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation in Nairobi, Kenya.

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The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of CCIC or its members.
Richard Lautens via Getty Images OTTAWA, ON - JUNE 15: Ottawa, Canada - June 15 - The Supreme Court of Canada.Stock photography of buildings and institutions in Ottawa for future story use. (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

We've been working with Amnesty International Canada in support of the Ktunaxa Nation's fight to keep Jumbo Valley wild. In October, we filed a brief with the court that detailed international case law upholding indigenous rights and examples of how other countries live up to this responsibility.

If this sounds unfamiliar, let's a take step back and recap the issue.

Keeping Jumbo wild

For more than two decades, a developer has tried to build a ski resort in Jumbo Valley. This is an area sacred to the Ktunaxa and known as Qat'muk, home of the Grizzly Bear Sprit.

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Local opposition to the project is fierce. Community efforts to defend Jumbo Valley have included protests, the making of a documentary and legal action. Ecojustice lawyers have been involved along the way, too. Last year we helped put the resort's plans on ice -- albeit somewhat temporarily.

But every time it looks like this project might finally be defeated, the developer finds a way to put it back on the table.

Now the Ktunaxa are looking to the courts to block this project for good. They'll be at the Supreme Court of Canada to argue that developing Jumbo Valley would violate their Charter right to freedom of religion.

The outcome of the Ktunaxa's case will determine whether the Charter protects against state-sponsored desecration of First Nations spiritual sites.

Jumbo Valley (Qat'muk) is essential to the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Ktunaxa people. The Ktunaxa fear that commercial development in the valley would cause the Grizzly Bear Spirit to leave, rendering their beliefs and ceremonies about the spirit meaningless.

The outcome of the Ktunaxa's case will determine whether the Charter protects against state-sponsored desecration of First Nations spiritual sites. If successful, it could trigger a wave of progressive policy that helps other indigenous communities locked in similar land disputes across the country.

While this is the first time the Supreme Court will interpret the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms through the lens of protecting spiritually significant natural places, other countries have already grappled with this very issue.

New Zealand offers a particularly compelling example.

Upholding Maori spiritual beliefs in New Zealand

In Maori cosmology, all natural and physical elements -- mountains, rivers, animals and plants -- of the world are related to one another and are seen as sentient beings. These elements are interwoven in Maori stories, beliefs and rituals.

New Zealand has recognized the Maori's connection to the land for more than three decades. In practical terms this means that decision-makers are required to consult with Maori over the impact of development proposals and in some cases reject them if they interfere with Maori values and spiritual relationships.

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Take, for example, a 1987 court decision that ruled the Maori spiritual relationship with the environment must be considered when making water management decisions -- mixing different rivers diminishes their spiritual life and, in turn, the connection different tribes have with those rivers. In this instance, the Maori weren't just consulted because it was requirement on a checklist. Their beliefs were used to determine the outcome of the court's decision.

That's not the only instance in which New Zealand courts have upheld Maori cosmology.

The Te Urewera is a sacred forest to the Tuhoe people, an indigenous group of the Maori. The forest breathes life into their culture and is considered a living ancestor. The battle over rights to this piece of land eventually went before the courts, which meaningfully considered the role Te Urewera plays in Maori culture and granted the area personhood (through the Te Urewera Act).

These examples demonstrate how Canada's approach to recognizing and fulfilling indigenous rights is increasingly outdated.

As a result, Te Urewera is considered a legal entity with same rights, powers duties and responsibilities as a person -- similar in ways to corporate personhood.

In having the same rights as a person, the 821-square mile forest has a greater protection from exploitation and assurance that customary values and Maori beliefs will be reflected in decisions pertaining to the land.

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These examples lay out the powerful ways New Zealand courts have recognized Maori culture and religion, and demonstrate how Canada's approach to recognizing and fulfilling indigenous rights is increasingly outdated.

What's next?

We will be attending the hearing in Ottawa to watch the case unfold at this final stage.

We've seen countless examples how governments around the world work to uphold and protect indigenous rights. It is time for Canada follow suit.

This piece was written by Ecojustice lawyer Margot Venton. As Canada's only national environmental law charity, Ecojustice is building the case for a better earth. Learn more at ecojustice.ca, or subscribe to receive updates from us via email.

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By Daniel Townsend

As many see the world making a shift to the right, there has been a groundswell of liberal praise for Canada. For many, Canada is viewed as a stable democracy with an educated multicultural population that seemingly all co-exist well. While many societies grapple with an emergence of right-leaning nationalism and cultural exclusivity, we, Canadians, harbor no outward illusions of greatness but are united on a common understanding that inclusiveness, tolerance, sound social and economic policies are the backbone of our strength -- and this does not include the Trudeau factor.

Sensing a rise in our global perception stocks, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has embarked on a broad range of initiatives and actions which if successful would result in Canada having a newly elevated role and position on international political dialogues and policies. Indeed, in some regard this is welcoming news. As the world seemingly enters a new era of polarity, Canada, with our perception of being a champion of diversity, progressive values, and stability, undoubtedly has a role to play in helping to provide balance to our increasingly troubled global world.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the opening of the Fifth Replenishment Conference of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Montreal, Quebec September 16, 2016. REUTERS/Christinne Muschi

One of the issues Mr. Trudeau hopes to provide Canadian leadership on is in global health, which includes having an active role in helping to end the HIV epidemic. Speaking at the recent Global Fund replenishment conference in Montreal, Mr. Trudeau touted that "Canada will continue to lead by example, and show the world what we can accomplish when we unite in pursuit of a larger goal." This statement summed up the optimism of the moment especially when the replenishment conference resulted in over US$12.9 billion mobilized for fighting against the disease.

However, this declaration came at a time when HIV rates have been steadily rising across the country, people with HIV being criminalized for non-disclosure and underfunding for HIV organizations. Notably, in Saskatchewan public health doctors have called for a state of emergency due to rising HIV infections and prevalence.

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Canada must adopt a robust forward-facing approach to health for all and a renewed commitment to eliminating barriers to good health, education, and employment.

Similarly, historically marginalized communities and populations such as, indigenous and minority black and Afro-descendant Canadians have higher infection rates which in some cases are twice than the national average. There is a consensus among researchers and HIV policy makers that these infection rates are due to the social and cultural conditions which these communities face. Historically based forms of social exclusion such as racism, institutional stigma and discrimination and disadvantageous economic policies continue to have a deleterious effect on realities of these Canadians.

For First Nations communities in Saskatchewan, the reality of this socio-economic context could not be any dire. According to 2014 data the province of Saskatchewan saw 71 per cent of new HIV diagnoses being among persons of aboriginal descent. These are alarming rates among the highest in any region in the developed world, and this is happening right here in Canada. They persist only one part of the story of higher rates of illnesses, unemployment, and homelessness.

To stem this trend, Canada must adopt a robust forward-facing approach to health for all and a renewed commitment to eliminating barriers to good health, education, and employment. For Canada, this includes fully making amends with our histories of oppression towards the groups which now manifests in higher rates of HIV and adopted corrective policies connects threats to good health brought by them.

Leadership or Hypocrisy

It has been announced that Mr. Trudeau will travel to Liberia where he will discuss with the President Ellen Sirleaf, several issues including gender equality and health. For Liberia, these are important issues. It is expected that the HIV epidemic would be one of the policy touchstones for this discussion. However, while Mr. Trudeau engages with Liberia on these matters, it is hypocritical that stronger leadership and gestures are not made here in Canada to address disproportionate rates of gender inequality and health statuses.

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If Mr. Trudeau is to make good on Canada playing a role in ending AIDS globally, this must include stronger leadership on the home front. For many, this will come in addressing violence against women, including that faced by aboriginal women, whose dignity in this country is threatened by human trafficking for sex and other types of systematic abuses (the more than 582 missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls speaks to that alone). For other communities such as black and minority populations, more work and policy action is needed to respond to the factors of socio-economic exclusion which result in higher rates of HIV and should be adopted across all levels of government.

Over the last 33 years of the HIV epidemic our societies have had to grapple with watershed challenges created by the disease. Over this time, HIV organizations, community activists and policymakers have had to adopt bold strategies and approaches to fight against the pervasive and aggressive factors fueling the epidemic. The experience of this has taught us that without evidence-based and honest measures about what causes the disease and how it spreads, ending AIDS will never be possible.

For Canada, this means addressing some of the unpleasant truths about ourselves, which if done right, would provide real gains to ending AIDS and fighting against the social conditions contributing to ill-health and social exclusion. In this sense, Mr. Trudeau is correct; it is time for bold Canadian leadership, but it must first start at home.

Daniel Townsend is an associate consultant at Adobe Consulting Services and former Board president of the Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development (ICAD). He divides his time between Toronto and the United Kingdom where he is a health policy candidate at Imperial College London.

This blog is part of the blog series: Barometer Rising: No time to backtrack the fast track to ending HIV as a global health threat by 2030 by the Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development (ICAD) in recognition of World AIDS Day (1 December). The series features a selection of blogs written by our member and partner organizations. Contributors share their broad range of perspectives and insight on what they think needs to be done to strengthen our HIV prevention efforts at home and abroad in order for the world to meet the ambitious target of ending AIDS as an epidemic by 2030.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog series are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ICAD.

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Scenic view of the lake and mountains, Inverpolly, Scotland, United Kingdom

The world has started to take significant steps to combat climate change.

This time last year, I had the opportunity to be a part of the global climate change conversations in Paris when I attended the Sustainable Innovation Forum and the World Climate Summit. It was a historic moment when Canada, together with 196 other countries, signed the first universal and legally-binding global climate deal to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius.

In the last few months, the Canadian government has ratified the Paris Agreement and started to roll out carbon-cutting measures. In Alberta, the government recently introduced the Oil Sands Emissions Limit Act, capping emissions at an annual maximum of 100 megatonnes.

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While Canada is driving its stake into the ground and moving in the right direction to address climate change, I see an opportunity to do much more, and faster.

So, how can Canada meet the ambitious goals we have agreed to?

Unfortunately, time is not on our side, and significantly reducing carbon emissions requires immediate action. I believe the time for cautious, incremental change has passed and that we must take bold steps to achieve our climate goals.

Nowhere is bold action needed more than in the Canadian energy industry. As one of the most important drivers of our economy, the industry is under extreme pressure to do better.

The good news is that we already have the right tools; innovative technologies that are proven and ready to be deployed. After 30 years working in oil and gas, I can speak from experience that the industry has not been standing still. With the advancement of technology, industry has already taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint, and it continues to look for more economical and environmentally sustainable methods to access the resources our society needs. One example of this is the advance from oil sands mining to steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), which unlocked access to resources too deep to mine and reduced the surface footprint of operations. But it isn't a perfect solution, since the process requires a lot of water and a lot of energy.

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SDTC also recognizes Nsolv, which produces heavy oil using a patented warm solvent, rather than steam, using no water and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75 per cent compared to commercial-scale SAGD. This technology has already produced more than 100,000 barrels of oil and is ready to be commercially deployed. This is a next step-change solution that can be quickly implemented at scale.

While it may seem like an obvious solution, unfortunately there are a number of challenges that come with moving from climate change commitment to action. The first is what I call the "first adopter syndrome" within the industry; finding someone to be the first to try a new technology is a significant challenge, but when successful, everyone wants to be second in line. Businesses need to overcome this risk aversion. Beyond the current efforts of STDC and Emissions Reduction Alberta, governments need to play a bigger role in reducing risk and helping promising new technologies achieve commercialization.

This means introducing better mechanisms -- such as tax or monetary incentives -- to help the most promising technologies overcome the largest barriers to commercialization and providing more clarity on the new carbon emission rules. It's encouraging to see Canada moving forward with new policies, but the devil is in the details. Businesses need to know what the new ground rules are.

Every day that innovative, proven technologies are not used at scale, is a lost opportunity to cut emissions, to use less water and to move closer to our climate goals. With the support of the government and the energy industry, we can balance economic prosperity with doing what's right for the environment and necessary to meet these climate change commitments.

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Technology is ready now and we need to seize the moment. Let's take advantage of the movement to create a cleaner, greener, sustainable future and take real action on climate change.

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Hero Images via Getty Images Smiling businesswoman in office

The Millennial Generation has been under a microscope ever since they entered the workforce, approximately 10 years ago. But as that generation ages, and a new cohort of employees starts to enter the work world, there are some surprising differences in how this new "Generation Z" approaches their future, versus the Millennials.

The oldest of Generation Z are now 22, graduating from college and university, and making decisions about their careers with a slightly different lens than their older siblings, the Millennials. Recent research done by Randstad and Morar Consulting Canada has revealed that the largest difference is in the amount of influence that close friends and family have on a Gen Z making a career decision versus a Millennial, at 68% vs 45%.

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One could argue that the Millennials were only slightly impacted by "Helicopter Parented" phenomenon and the influence their parents had on them had both a positive and negative impact on their workplace skills, whereas the Gen Z kids grew up when this style of parenting really took hold. This could account for so many of them relying on their parents to help them with career decisions.

As parents of Gen Z'rs, both those entering the workforce, and those still in high school, how can we help them to better prepare for success, and become the leaders most (62%) of them say they want to be?

One of the key areas of difference between Millennials and Gen Z's came out when the groups were asked about how their education prepared them for their current jobs, specifically in the areas of negotiating and conflict resolution. 32% of Millennials felt they had been prepared for negotiating by their education, while only 20% of Gen Z respondents felt this was true. In the area of conflict resolution 36% of Millennials felt they had this skill when they entered the workforce, while only 22% of Gen Z's felt the same.

"Don't fight every battle for your child. If you are always settling their disagreements both at home with siblings, as well as at school with classmates, or even with teachers, you are not letting them find their own way to resolving conflicts."

As Gen Z's look more to their parents for career advice than their Millennial pals (27% versus 21%, but with friends being their key influencer for both), it would be beneficial for us to use this influence in positive way. Here are some ways you can help your child now, towards building a future career:

1)Conflict Resolution: Don't fight every battle for your child. If you are always settling their disagreements both at home with siblings, as well as at school with classmates, or even with teachers, you are not letting them find their own way to resolving conflicts. It can be tempting to step in when your child is having an issue with someone else, but unless they are veering to the violent or abusive in trying to find resolution, leave them to it. Particularly, don't step in to argue grades with teachers, when they can effectively argue for themselves and/or study harder the next time.

2)Negotiating: Many children don't get the chance to effectively develop their negotiating skills if a) the people they're negotiating with always give in or b) they have others negotiate for them. Need an extension on a school project? That's up to them, not Mom or Dad. Whine, beg and plead for a later bedtime and get it without having to give up something else in return (you're up later? Do the dishes!), that's just called winning all the time. Let them negotiate on real terms for things that are important to them.

3)Speaking in front of a crowd: While kids can and should get plenty of experience doing this, you can help by not speaking for them when you're in a social situation. Expose them to appropriate adult situations and let them voice their opinion, naturally leaving room for them to consider others' opinions, which may result in some conflict resolution and negotiating of stances.

4)Professional Etiquette: In a world of "Hey u", "IKR" and "TTYL" on text messages, etiquette reaches into how we spell, speak, and appear. Insist that your kids spell out words in full, with proper grammar, if they are texting or emailing you, so that it seems more natural in the work force. While the dress code for work and office situations has gotten more casual, it's still not appropriate in most places to turn up in sweat pants. Encourage your kids to dress for school and social situations. People develop a first impression in the first 10 seconds of meeting you. It's important.

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Both Millennials and Gen Z's, contrary to public opinion, believe that in person communication is the most effective way to engage with both coworkers and managers. Make sure you encourage them to do this with their friends, and yourself, instead of always resorting to texting or emailing.

Gen Z's are very uncomfortable with picking up a phone when it comes to talking with their managers; teach them some phone skills by chatting with them by phone while they're away at school.

Almost 60% of Gen Z's report that their Personal Skills are not good and only 3.6% have the confidence to say they are very good. Much of this training comes from home. Once a week, try to have a formal family dinner to show them what good table manners look like, have them come to the table with a current news event they're prepared to present, discuss, and defend. And if you're really feeling it, impose a dress code as well.

*Research was performed by Randstad Canada, a Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services.

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James Harrington via Getty Images Ribbon is for Terence Higgins Trust

In the past 20 years the medical implications of an HIV diagnosis have changed completely, almost miraculously. Antiretroviral drugs allow people living with HIV to have unprotected sex without passing the virus to their partners, to have HIV-negative children and to live healthy lives well into old age.

In fact, in 2016 the stigma surrounding HIV is probably more life-threatening than HIV itself. The fear of being "outed" as HIV positive stops a lot of people from seeking treatment. A delay in treatment allows the virus to spread, and in many cases, leads to death.

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Stigma has many causes, one of which is a genuine fear of contagion. Despite the fact that HIV is now a treatable condition, "educational" messages on HIV prevention are still based on fear, and almost universally exaggerate the risks of HIV infection and its consequences.

Many of us still seem to view HIV as a life-threatening disease rather than a relatively mild condition.

Most people think that HIV is transmitted easily through unprotected sex, though the transmission rate is less than one per cent per act. When a person is taking antiretroviral drugs, the virus is suppressed and transmission is nearly impossible. Many of us still seem to view HIV as a life-threatening disease rather than a relatively mild condition.

In Canada, a person who is diagnosed with HIV and has unprotected sex can be sent to jail for aggravated sexual assault, even if they are taking medication and are virally suppressed. Such criminal convictions are based on and perpetuate misinformation. When it comes to HIV prevention, proper adherence to antiretroviral drugs is actually more effective than condoms.

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What's more, Canadian policy specifically discourages testing and treatment, because a diagnosis makes you criminally responsible. Treatment prevents the spread of HIV, so a policy that criminalizes HIV transmission could actually increase the spread of the virus. Even worse -- high-risk individuals (those who frequently engage in unprotected sex) are the most susceptible to a conviction and therefore the least likely to get tested and treated. In November, the United Nations urged Canada to limit criminalization to cases of intentional transmission.

Misinformation and an inflated fear of HIV infection are widespread.

I study barriers to HIV testing in Malawi, a small country in southern Africa with an HIV infection rate of around 15 per cent. I recently ran a large-scale information experiment to correct a common misconception: most participants didn't know that an HIV-infected person who is taking antiretroviral drugs is not contagious. Providing this information reduced stigma at the community level which caused a significant increase in HIV testing.

While Canada is a long way from Malawi, the social issues surrounding HIV are in some ways similar. Approximately one in five people living with HIV are undiagnosed. Misinformation and an inflated fear of HIV infection are widespread.

In a 2012 survey of Canadians commissioned by the Public Health Agency of Canada, nearly half believed that AIDS was always fatal, and only one-third believed that antiretroviral drugs were very effective. Half of survey respondents were not comfortable drinking from a glass once used by an HIV-infected person.

I understand the instinct to overstate the risks of HIV in order to encourage prevention, but messages that stoke fear and stigmatize HIV come with serious unintended consequences. Antiretroviral drugs are our best hope of ending the HIV epidemic.

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In fact, "treatment as prevention" was a strategy developed right here in Canada, at the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. It has now been embraced by both the UN and the WHO. Rather than pushing prevention through fear, we should mobilize to support people living with HIV.

Good policy should focus not on fear, but on providing accurate information, encouraging HIV testing and providing universal access to life-saving medication.

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Stephanie Keith / Reuters Women march to Backwater Bridge during a protest against plans to pass the Dakota Access pipeline near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, U.S. November 27, 2016. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith

What is going on at Standing Rock is a perfect example of large oil and gas companies taking advantage of marginalized communities in America. These historical protests regarding the right to water, are not receiving adequate news coverage, especially in light of an impending order from the governor to remove protesters from the camp.

The recent announcement of the clearing of protesters came a day after Thanksgiving, a holiday related to the oppression of native communities in America. The truth behind thanksgiving is that in 1637, over 700 men, women, and children were massacred by the English and Dutch colonists. This important part of history not widely accepted in America, the holiday is centered around the false narrative of victory and celebration.

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Regardless if you are for or against this $3.8 billion pipeline, a fact which cannot be disputed is the inhumane treatment of Aboriginal Peoples in Western society throughout history. Americans enjoy their freedoms, including their free-flowing water -- often taken for granted due to easy access. Meanwhile, Native Americans are being beaten, gassed and shot in North Dakota.

The violent crackdowns by law enforcement and private contractors are a violation of human rights. Violence against peaceful protests is usually condemned by the U.S. government when it is taking place in a foreign nation. These violations have prompted a United Nations investigation into the violence that has been taking place at Standing Rock.

Claire Burnish of The Free Thought Project explains that: "for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the peaceful fight to stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline isn't environmental activism; it's preservation of life, protection of a living entity -- the Missouri River and Lake Oahe reservoir -- as real as flesh, or plant, or animal."

The Obama administration has failed to protect peaceful protesters, sacred native lands, and more importantly has failed to protect vital water sources.

With recent advances in clean energy and the huge drop in oil prices, large costly pipelines are unnecessary. They pose a huge risk to the environment, outweighing any monetary gains the big oil companies may see from these pipelines. With recent advancements in wind, solar, hydro, and other types of clean energy, and the recent losses of the oil and gas industry, the U.S. should shift its focus away from oil and gas production.

A recent report has cited 220, "significant" spills just this year alone! With three this month alone, and more than 3,032 since 2006. The same report states that it has cost roughly $4.7 Billion dollars to clean up these spills. Often times these cleanup efforts are ineffective and have lasting damage to ecosystems, habitats, wildlife, drinking water, which endanger the American people. On average after all the cleanup efforts which only partially does the job, roughly 31,000 barrels of oil are not able to be cleaned up per year.

It is costing the American taxpayer around $10 Million for law enforcement at Standing Rock. A recent report states that two law enforcement officials have turned in their badges, in regards to the tactics and violence being used against peaceful protesters. This report cites two police department's refusal to return to Standing Rock, as lawmakers label police actions as "inappropriate."

The tactics being used are unprecedented against peaceful protests in the United States, with over 300 people injured and reportedly 26 people being hospitalized. Meanwhile, there are over 1,000 U.S. veterans mobilizing to continue their duty to protect the American people, as they will deploy to Standing Rock on Dec 4th.

The Obama administration has failed to protect peaceful protesters, sacred native lands, and more importantly has failed to protect vital water sources. Over his two terms, President Obama has spoken on protecting native land; made campaign promises to change the U.S.-native relations, and declared November as Native American Heritage month, such actions mean very little in due to his inaction on this issue.

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Obama needs to take action to de-escalate the situation at Standing Rock, and uphold the rights of the protesters.

In light of the recent election, it is being reported Donald Trump owns a stake in the parent company building the pipeline. Trump faces a number of conflict of interests this being no different, recently the CEO of Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners Kelcy Warren, was quoted telling the Associated Press it is an expectation that Trump will make it easier for such projects to be completed. Warren donated $3,000 to Trump's campaign, $100,000 to a Pro-Trump committee, and $66,800 to the RNC.

The pipeline would almost certainly be completed under a Trump Administration. He has stated publicly that global warming is a ploy by the Chinese, and has expressed support for the oil and gas industry.

A previous plan for the pipeline had the route crossing the Missouri river, the neighbourhoods of Bismark North Dakota spoke out about the damage a leak could cause to their water supply. This just shows the double standard that has always been present in America with some experts referring to this as "environmental racism." This pipeline endangers the main water source for many, with water being a necessity for life, there has been speculation of a possible reroute.

A recent report published states that if the January 1st deadline for completion is not met this could place the entire pipeline in Limbo, as contracts will have to be renegotiated between contractors and investors. Obama needs to take action to de-escalate the situation at Standing Rock, and uphold the rights of the protesters.

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Catherine Delahaye via Getty Images A newborn and his mother at maternity ward

Not one, but two confirmed cases of infants switched and sent home with the wrong family. It sounds like a storyline to be found in Hollywood or on daytime TV, not on the evening news. Yet in August 2016, two men, Leon Swanson and David Tait Jr., held a press conference revealing that DNA testing had confirmed what had long been a joke in their community; they had indeed been switched at birth. They are the second such case out of the same, remote, Manitoba hospital in 1975.

The circumstances that allowed for the switch to occur are unlikely to be repeated today. It has been alleged that Norway House, the small hospital where the men were born, was chronically understaffed and poorly equipped.

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Although many parents today fear taking home the wrong baby, it is thankfully an unfounded fear. In reality, it is exceedingly rare for infants to be switched in the hospital and it becomes even more rare as time goes on. Extensive measures have been put in place in modern hospitals in order to prevent such mix-ups.

Modern-day hospital measures are in place

Staffing levels have been increased and are drastically improved. The standard of care for births is one nurse to a patient. Once baby is born and the family is moved to the postpartum ward, there is usually one nurse per five patients. While under-staffing does occur, it is not to the extent of the past. With such dedicated staffing families can build a rapport with their nursing team and be more involved in the conversations and care they receive.

The most effective tool to prevent babies being given to the wrong family is the elimination of nurseries in many hospitals.

Some hospitals have even begun to take fingerprints or foot prints from each baby for their files. This is another level to a system of checks and balances, which prevents mix-ups. Although not as common in Canada, parents can order their own kit and take prints themselves.

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Each infant also wears a hospital bracelet with the birthing mother's name and hospital ID number written on it. Although bracelets were also used historically, using the parent's name and hospital number is a newer approach to reduce confusion over names and spellings. In an increasingly diverse country where families are drawing on many different cultures and languages to name their children, this is especially relevant, as the infant's name does not go on the hospital band at all.

Finally, the most effective tool to prevent babies being given to the wrong family is the elimination of nurseries in many hospitals. With 'rooming-in' being the standard policy in most Canadian hospitals, infants never leave their parents. All newborn procedures such as weight checks, measurements, first baths, and examinations are done under the watchful eyes of doting parents. Many hospitals encourage a support person to remain overnight with the mother and baby so that there are two adults with the infant during the night.

In the event that a baby needs to be taken to a special care nursery, or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the hospital bracelet becomes even more important as it is checked at each stage of the transfer. Nurses will confirm the bracelet name and number with the parents or paperwork before leaving the birthing room, and they will be checked again once the infant arrives in the NICU and is transferred to that care team. The bracelet is then checked and confirmed before each treatment is performed, just as medical staff would check an adult's identity before performing any medical procedures.

Even pumped breast milk stored at the NICU for a baby is labelled with the same information and the hospital bracelet and milk label are compared and confirmed before feeding the baby the breast milk.

What happened in Manitoba in 1975 is tragic. Regardless of the happiness and health of homes, at least four families are forever altered because of the mistakes that occurred. Thankfully hospital procedure has evolved so that this is one fear new parents can leave to Hollywood.

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December 1st is World AIDS Day. Although much progress has been made in tackling HIV, in 2015, there were over 36 million people living with HIV, and over 2 million people become newly infected with HIV each year.

But the ambition to end HIV is strong. Two years ago, the UNAIDS announced its 90-90-90 Initiative. By 2020, 90 per cent of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status. By 2020, 90 per cent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 90 per cent of all people receiving ART will have viral suppression. A recent analysis of HIV care cascades from 69 countries showed that no country analysed met the 90-90-90 targets. Diagnosis was the greatest break point globally, but the most frequent key break point for individual countries was providing ART to those diagnosed with HIV.

A diagnosis of HIV today is not a death sentence. There are good diagnostic tools, and effective antiretroviral treatments. Despite these tools, about 40 per cent of individuals living with HIV do not know that they are infected. This has to change. Stigma, long waiting time in clinics, perceived discrimination and marginalization prevent people from coming forward to test in health facilities. In this context, HIV self-testing offers an innovative solution.

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Saliva-based HIV self test. Photo by Nitika Pant Pai

What is HIV self-testing? According to WHO, HIV self-testing is a process in which a person collects his or her own specimen (oral fluid or blood) and then performs an HIV test and interprets the result, often in a private setting, either alone or with someone he or she trusts. Results are usually ready within 20 minutes or less, and there are several home tests available on the market (e.g. OraQuick In-home HIV test by OraSure). It is important to note that individuals with positive results on the self-test need to seek confirmatory tests at health centers. A home test alone is not sufficient to confirm HIV.

This week, the World Health Organization released its guidelines and recommendations in support of self-testing. I had the privilege to contribute to this guideline. WHO now recommends that HIV self-testing should be offered as an additional approach to HIV testing services. With this WHO policy, I hope that health ministries in countries deeply impacted by the epidemic will work to accommodate self-testing within their health systems, and make sure HIV home tests are easily accessible.

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However, testing alone is not sufficient to end the HIV epidemic. Linkage to adequate anti-retroviral treatment is an important next step. Many countries impacted by HIV struggle with rapid initiation of ART and retention of patients in care. Innovative technologies and strategies can help overcome such gaps in service delivery.

With innovation, strong partnerships, and continued funding, we can end the AIDS epidemic for good!

The HIVSmart! mobile app works with saliva-based HIV self-tests and is available in many languages. The smartphone and app strategy engages, interprets and links self-testers to counselling and clinical care. The app is used in conjunction with an approved HIV self-test kit, offering a de-stigmatized, private and confidential testing option for individuals who suspect they are infected with HIV. It is currently being evaluated in South Africa, with an international team of scientists from McGill University and the University of Cape Town.

Without diagnosis, medicine is blind. To end the HIV epidemic, we need people with HIV to be diagnosed. This requires a patient-oriented testing strategy, one that is convenient, private, patient-centric, adaptable, and amenable to integration within existing programs of care. Such a strategy will have far greater success than trying to fit patients into the current testing programs that have failed to engage and diagnose people with HIV. As Dr Margaret Chan, the Director General of WHO put it, "HIV self-testing should open the door for many more people to know their HIV status and find out how to get treatment and access prevention services."

I am excited about the new WHO policy on HIV self-testing, and would like to see the policy implemented on the ground, especially in countries devastated by the AIDS epidemic. I am thrilled that Canada is showing great leadership in the fight against HIV, TB and Malaria, and I am very enthusiastic about the potential of using mobile phones, apps, and innovative strategies to exploit the true potential of HIV self-testing. With innovation, strong partnerships, and continued funding, we can end the AIDS epidemic for good!

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Dr Nitika Pant Pai is an Associate Professor of Medicine at McGill University, Montreal, and a researcher at the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre. She has won many awards for her innovative HIV research, including the Accelerating Science Award Program (ASAP) Award, Maude Abbott Award, and Grand Challenges Canada Stars in Global Health Award (@Nikkipantpai).

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monkeybusinessimages via Getty Images Teenage Boy With Problem Talking With Counselor At Home

Why isn't Ontario bringing in psychologists to help solve the crisis over long wait times for therapy for children with severe mental health disorders?

Clearly the call is there.

"This point can never be overstated: psychological/psychotherapy services need to be woven into our public health system," tweeted Knowledge Exchange Manager and youth advocate Christopher Canning of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

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Ontario Auditor General, Bonnie Lysyk recently released her annual report which indicated the number of children and youth hospitalized with mental health concerns increased by 50 per cent since 2009 and that the government spent close to $10 million to send 127 youth to the U.S. for treatment due to a shortage of psychiatrists here.

"There is a risk that the mental health of children and youth can deteriorate while waiting for service, but little is done to monitor wait time trends and their impact," notes Lysyk in her report.

In a statement released by Minister of Children and Youth Services Michael Coteau immediately following the release of the report, the Minister says he is committed to acting on the advice contained within the Auditor General's report and that work is already well underway including "a new funding model for children's mental health services based on need, changes that will hold service providers more accountable to ensure efficient use of government resources, and better use of data to assess agency performance and improve services."

Those are exactly the needs the ministry's Moving on Mental Health program created in 2012 was supposed to address which I wrote about last month and sadly, doesn't even look like it's going to be fully implemented at all according to the Auditor General's report.

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Children's Mental Health Ontario notes there are more than 9,000 children in Ontario with serious mental illnesses waiting up to 1.5 years for treatment in some parts of the province.

"Ontario is turning its back on children and youth in desperate need of mental health services," says Kimberly Moran, CEO of CMHO who is calling on the government for more psychologists and social workers at Ontario's 400 children and youth mental health agencies to help reduce wait times. "They can't keep up with the demand for services."

With an investment of $65 million to the annual budget of children's mental health centres, Moran says the province could prevent up to 40,000 children and youth with often life-threatening mental illnesses from seeking treatment in hospitals this year alone, what would amount to $5 per year per Ontarian while saving up to $145 million in hospital costs.

"Too many children die by suicide and too many children and families suffer silently," says Moran.

Instead of waiting, Susan Elliott of Barrie, Ontario resorted to paying $120 an hour, twice a week for a private psychologist for her 11 year old daughter diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety who was hospitalized for attempting suicide.

"If we had waited to get services, I honestly think she would have killed herself," says Elliott.

Elliott waited a little over a year before her daughter was eligible to receive OHIP-covered therapy but once the community mental health centre found out she had gone the private route, her name was taken off the list because they didn't think she should change therapists.

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"I am in debt in the aftermath of her ordeal," says Elliott. "I refused inaction. My child needed help, and so we went and got it."

There are currently 5000 psychologists in Ontario and their services are covered only if funded institutions such as hospitals and school boards decide to bring a psychologist on board.

"OHIP covered psychological services would increase access to accurate diagnoses and treatment options," says Dr. Diana Velikonja, a neuropsychologist and past-president of the Hospital Psychology Association of Ontario. Dr. Velikonja believes the real reason psychologists aren't covered by OHIP is because the focus is on medical services, ie, medication.

While both psychiatrists and psychologists have doctoral degrees and both are able to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, psychiatrists treat with medication while psychologists provide therapy using cognitive, behavioural and psychotherapeutic strategies.

Psychologists have the ability to prescribe medications in four U.S. states, Guam, the military and in aboriginal communities. In 2012, the Ontario Psychological Association delivered a submission to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care requesting psychologists be expanded to include the ability to prescribe psychotropic medications.

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According to a February 2016 issue brief by the OPA, "granting the controlled act of prescribing to Ontario psychologists would increase access for patients with mental health issues" helping families that are "reliant on psychiatrists who have unmanageable waitlists, and on hospital emergency departments."

Dr. Rudolf Uher of Dalhousie University says in order for the province to bring psychologists under the umbrella of covered mental health service providers, they must be fully qualified in the specific treatment modality, not just in their core profession, be supervised and practice in a transparent way with regular session recording and use of outcome measures.

"There is no excuse in not offering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to children and people with severe anxiety disorders, delay provision with long wait lists or restrict access with expensive private psychotherapy," says Dr. Uher. "For depression, psychological treatment is probably an equally good alternative to medication."

"Psychologists are able to provide the strategies that people need to reduce their medications to the right level so that the side effects that often cause people to go off their medications are reduced and for those addicted to medications or do not need medication at all such as many kids on ADHD drugs, we are able to get them off drugs entirely," says Janet Kasperski

CEO of the Ontario Psychological Association.

Perhaps the right question to ask is why isn't therapy being valued as much as medication?

It's time for Ontario to end the wait list crisis by covering services provided by psychologists so that children and youth with mental health disorders can receive vital therapy.

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Their lives depend on it.
Girl Guides across the world are speaking out against violence (WAGGGS)

Wherever you live in the world, school is meant to be a sanctuary. A safe space where you can learn, make friends and figure out your place in the world and who you want to be. It should be the last place where girls and young women have to live with harassment and the fear of sexual violence.

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But the findings of a new poll by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girls Scouts (WAGGGS) - released to coincide with the UN's 16 Days of Activism Against Violence campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10 - suggests that the fear of gender-based violence is permeating the everyday lives of girls and young women on a frightening scale.

Of the 2,000 young people from 60 countries across the world who took part in our recent poll, over two-thirds said the threat of sexual harassment was a major problem for girls in their school, university or college and more than half said it stopped them from studying or taking part in hobbies.

This is not an issue confined to just one or two countries; it is a global-wide phenomenon that cuts across different cultures, beliefs and societies.

In the UK, a report by the Commons Women and Equalities Committee found that 29% of 16 to 18-year-old girls had experienced unwanted sexual touching at school while 71% of pupils regularly heard girls referred to as "slag" or "slut".

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These statistics back up UK Girl Guides own research into the issue through their Girls' Attitudes Survey, which found that 75% of girls and young women said anxiety about potentially experiencing sexual harassment affects their lives in some way.

In Togo, insight from volunteers at the UN Volunteers Programme (UNVP) suggest that girls being sexually harassed or raped at school is a huge problem with many falling pregnant as a result and dropping out of school, taking away any chance they had of a brighter future.

Girl Guides in Togo are training volunteer teachers on the issue (UNVP)

The UNVP is now working alongside a group of Togolese Girl Guides to train 500 volunteer teachers using the skills and knowledge they have gained from their local guiding group on how to tackle violence. Most teachers are older men who would typically dominate the conversation, but these sessions are providing girls with a safe space to challenge those views.

And in Malaysia, Girl Guide volunteers who are also teachers tell us that although the number of reported cases of dating violence in schools is low, from their own experience in schools they believe that the issue is widespread and affecting girls as young as twelve.

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As a result of this kind of awareness, Girl Guide leaders are doing talks in schools and training teachers on the Voices Against Violence Curriculum - WAGGGS' and UN Women's non-formal education programme, designed to help girls better understand what violence looks like, challenge stereotypes and know their rights

Girls are also encouraged to create posters to put up in schools to engage boys and young men in their work. Next year their ambition is to run roadshows with the police force to help spread the message beyond the school gates.

Girl Guides in India are involving boys in the fight against violence (WAGGGS)

For some who are not actively involved in the Girl Guiding Movement, it may come as a surprise to hear that we are playing such a prominent and vocal role to defend the right of girls and young women to be safe from violence and trying to find solutions to prevent it. I have often found during my time as Chief Executive that people's perception of what Girl Guiding is about can be quite different to the reality.

But as the world's only Movement for every girl and any girl, with 10 million members spanning 146 countries, we are uniquely placed to help tackle issues affecting girls and to work with them to find culturally sensitive solutions at a grassroots level across schools, communities and wider society.

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Violence against girls and young women is not inevitable. But this is not a problem that Girl Guides and their partners across the world can change on their own. Everyone can take action to help end it.

To mark the UN's 16 Days of Activism campaign, WAGGGS is sharing #16ways in #16days, in which young people can tackle gender-based violence around the world.

To mark day seven we are encouraging everyone to speak out to ensure girls and young women are treated equally in their schools, colleges or universities.

If a young girl can challenge the voice of an older male teacher in Togo, we hope you can take a couple of minutes to make your voice heard too.

To find out more about WAGGGS' campaign or to add your voice, please visit www.stoptheviolencecampaign.com or follow us on Twitter @WAGGGS_World or #16ways in #16days

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Elton John AIDS Foundation

In this horrible year, it has been really tempting to despair. From Syria and ISIS to Brexit and Trump, it sometimes feels like we're being tugged together over a cliff. But when I feel that sense of bleakness coming, and I want to give up, I remember something that happened to me, a long time ago now. I want to share it with you, as a small candle in the darkness of 2016.

Eleven years ago, I went with my boss Elton John to a private hospital called McCord's in Durban, South Africa. At the time, a thousand South Africans were dying of AIDS every single day, and day after day. People in the UK could get HIV medicine through the NHS by then, but not patients in Africa. Why? African governments said they couldn't afford the thousands of dollars it would cost to treat each patient, drug companies said they couldn't lower the prices and Western governments said it was too difficult to arrange. Andrew Natsios from the U.S. Agency for International Development, even implied there was no point: the drugs had to be taken at a certain time of day, and Africans couldn't tell the time.

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So Elton and I went to hospices, townships, orphanages and slums and listened to the simple human story of people saying they felt shame, sickness, and resignation. Towards the end of the trip we visited a group of people living with HIV who were paying a small fee to McCord's Hospital to get the drugs that would save their lives: the difference was being covered by campaigning groups like ours. About thirty people were sitting in a big room at the back of the hospital. Over the tables and chairs they had balanced paper lamp shades, cushion covers, necklaces, dolls and the kind of batik shirts Nelson Mandela used to wear, all of which they sold to generate income. All the people in the room looked well. It was the first time on the trip that we'd seen any people whom we knew were infected with HIV who weren't bedridden and dying.

Elton noticed a tall, handsome woman in her early thirties, who I'll call Nakima. He asked her why she had joined the group. "I was diagnosed with HIV when my husband died," she said. "I'm a University lecturer, so I came here to pay for HIV treatment." By her side was a little girl about four years old. "This is my daughter", said the women. "She also has HIV. When I found out I asked the doctors to give my tablets to her, because I couldn't afford two lots of treatment. They told me without medicine I would die. My relatives live far away. They would not take my daughter if I die, because of the stigma of AIDS."

My eyes started to sting. I too had a little daughter. The idea of having to make this kind of choice made the room spin. "Then, I joined this group," the woman said "and now I can just afford treatment for us both". She asked if Elton would like to hear the group sing. Huge tears balanced in his eyes too, as we danced together, these HIV survivors and us.

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The Elton John AIDS Foundation funded the McCord group, and dozens like it, until HIV treatment became available through the South African public health system. We also provided shelter, food, schooling and care for over 300,000 children whose parents didn't survive AIDS. But that's not the candle in the dark I'm talking about. No. As the ground crumbled away from thousands of people beyond our programs, it felt so desperate being able to do so little.

So this July, Elton and I went again to Durban, this time for the International AIDS Conference. On our last day, we visited the KwaZulu Natal Children's Hospital where a group of adolescents were waiting to meet Elton. One by one, the teenagers greeted us. Relaxed and warm, they told us how proud they were to be open about their HIV status. Suddenly one of the doctors stood up. "Excuse me for interrupting" she said, looking at Elton. "I was a nurse at McCord's when you visited there in 2005". Her voice was shaky. "I have to tell you that these amazing children" - she pointed to several of the older teenagers - "were the little ones you met then. "

Since we visited that clinic, when treatment was rare in South Africa, there has been a transformation: now over 3 million people living with HIV are on treatment through the South African health system and HIV transmission from mother to child is under 2% in much of the country. At the Elton John AIDS Foundation we do so much more today than make death less painful, choices less agonizing or orphan hood less frightening. We get people (almost half a million people at last count) onto life saving HIV treatment by making sure patients, doctors, nurses, community workers, activists and people at risk get every ounce of value out of good HIV testing campaigns, truly affordable medicines and stronger, more reliable HIV care. This isn't a dream any more.

We are living in dark times. Ending AIDS is still a huge challenge. But amidst the darkness, some amazing things are happening. For over a decade, I visited hospitals across Africa and Asia where everyone with AIDS was doomed to die. Now, hospitals are surrounded by people getting treatment. It didn't happen because people got pessimistic. It happened because people dared to hope. In 2016 - especially in 2016 - we need to keep hoping, and keep fighting. Nakima didn't give up. Nor should we.
David Yates / Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller / Fantasy / 2016 / 12A / 133mins

Having been one of countless millions raised on the books, the films and that irresistible score, it was safe to say I was always going to enjoy the latest delve into the world of Harry Potter.

Sailing past the Statue of Liberty, magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) arrives in New York with a suitcase full of magical creatures that prove a little too curious. Accidents occur and, naturally, it's up to our plucky hero and his band of misfits to save the day after they get wound up in a drama that could force a terrible war between wizards and muggle-kind.

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Thankfully Fantastic Beasts remains shamelessly devout to all things Potter-ish. Magic aside, there's humour aplenty, the creatures are loveable and cute - the pesky Niffler being a favourite - and there's a clear sense of good versus evil laced with unnerving, dark moments.

Even without JK Rowling's venerable acclaim, Eddie Redmayne was always going to be a (dare I say it) fantastic feat of casting. He fits the bill, bringing a bumbling, unapologetic assortment of Britishness to Newt that I doubt many could achieve. He is his character, and that is always a delight to watch.

Praise runs thin for the rest. Ezra Miller and Colin Farrell were surely the other standouts, but other characters were poorly written. Enter Tina Goldstein: bizarre decision-making extraordinaire. It's unfortunate for the hugely talented Katherine Waterston to play a character whose actions delay the film by a good half an hour.

Which leads me to my next point: although peppered with highlights, there are inconsistent flaws with the script. There are useless subplots (the political one springs to mind); the editing is so condensed that some points seem 'jumpy'; no-maj Kowalski accepts the wizarding world with a LOL YOLO approach that's hardly believable; the monsters' CGI, despite interacting with their environments realistically, will be dated by the end of the decade; and there are some minor wizarding flaws I am sure fans will pick up on.

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Worst of all, I was disappointed with the ending. There's a big reveal and we're made to forget a tragic death - it's alarmingly forgetful and rushed.

David Yates is a timid director - just watch his last flick The Legend of Tarzan and you'll see what I mean - but he is remarkably adept at Harry Potter films, having directed the last four. It was always a safe option to have him at the helm for this prequel spin-off.

I can't deny it - this is a fun film and undoubtedly one of the best blockbusters of the year. It's a loveable, endearing feature that happily expands an iconic universe. However, much like The Force Awakens, that's also the downside - there's a serious manipulation of nostalgia that dupes us to overlook the film's failures.

Remember what the Harry Potter films were like? Fantastic Beasts is marginally better - nothing to be sniffed at. Cue fanfare but heed the warning: this is purely a decent film carried heavily by Eddie Redmayne with a sprinkling of cute CGI.

Film as a Film - 2 / Target Audience - 4 / General Audience - 4

GRADE

B

PS. Johnny Depp's makeup artist... wtf m8

Fantastic Beasts is in cinemas now

For more film & music gossip follow @THEMOVIEGUVNOR on Twitter. Find more at The Movie Guvnor blog.
STEFAN WERMUTH via Getty Images

Like many vegetarians and vegans, I was dismayed to find out that the new 5 note contains tallow - a waste product derived from animal fat. I'm told that tallow is a by-product of animal slaughter, rather than a driver. So we can at least be reassured that there aren't Bank of England funded slaughter houses out there. But as someone who goes to great lengths to avoid consuming dead animals, it's a bit irritating to find out I have been using them to pay for my daily falafels.

On hearing the revelation I reacted in the usual ways. I searched for the inevitable petition, signed it and shared it. I tweeted to the self-validating echo chamber that is my twitter following. Naturally, I attacked the trolls who were insensitively (if slightly amusingly) telling distraught vegetarians "they shouldn't be eating 5 notes anyway". I reflected on how the whole thing underlined the way animals are exploited for human greed.

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Longer term, my thoughts raced ahead to my weekly shop. Should I pursue 'restaurant tactics', and ask for the 'vegetarian option' at the check-out, I wondered? Maybe not. Asking my Morrisons cashier if the bank notes have been prepared in vegetable fat is unlikely to end well. And I'm not convinced it would be easily communicated in my local corner shop - it recently took me and Google Translate five minutes to explain what quinoa is (they didn't have any).

I could perhaps ask for my change in 'fat-free coins'. This act of defiance would remain loyal to my principles, but I am doubtful whether the crusade would spread to the upper echelons of the Royal Mint. If the cashier in Morrisons mentions it at all, it will likely only go as far as the canteen, no doubt supported by choice words such as 'knob head'. I decided that at the very least I would avoid using cash and pay by card as much as possible. But that still leaves 'Whites' the dry cleaners (who is cash only) and the 'Russian Roulette' of the ATM.

So what to do? Well, rather than terrorising the shopkeepers of Brentford High Street, I accepted that I would inevitably receive the odd tallow-infested fiver. But, when I do, I will donate the value to the Vegetarian Society. (At least, for the next month anyway).

As a member of the Vegetarian Society for 2 years I have been continually impressed by their advocacy and support at all stages of the vegetarian journey. They are always fighting the vegetarian's corner, ensuring products are correctly labelled and that restaurants are doing all they can to meet our needs. Donating 5 may help them convince the nice people in the Royal Mint to change their ingredients. They'll certainly be more effective than the cashier in Morrisons anyway.

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To my loved ones worrying that this will impoverish me and affect the quality of their Christmas presents. Worry not, I don't expect to come across more than a few fivers - the card strategy will still be in the place, and I only use the dry cleaner twice a month.

To the meat-fanatics desperate to point out that this is akin to donating the Vegetarian Society a leg of lamb. It's not - but I'm sure we'll discuss this at length in the comments. See you there.

To those who think this is a great idea and want to join in. You can donate to the Vegetarian Society here. I've just returned from the dry cleaners, so there's 5 in there already. Reference is 'Fat Free Fivers'. Feel free to add to it!
After many meetings and debates, the Chicago delegation succeeded in working with the New York United Federation of Teachers, Local 2 (UFT) to push the AFT to take stronger stands on charter school accountability and school closings  though many delegates from Chicago would have liked the language to have been even stronger.

Generally speaking, the New York delegation represented organizing charters as the best model for handling their role in reshaping unions, despite the fact that according to many reports few charter schools in New York have been organized as is the case in Chicago. This logic is the same touted by the Progressive Caucus of the AFT. The few that have been organized are a part of the UFT local though they have separate contracts negotiated with the help of UFT. The Chicago delegation reflection the mindset that allowing new charters to continue to proliferate while attempting to organize existing charters is an end game in which public schools and the union lose.



Jen Johnson, CTU, Local 1 in Substance


It is entirely possible that sometime in the next month or so you might venture into a church. It may be a concert that tempts you or a carol service or, perhaps, a last-minute somewhat tipsy decision to go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve but, whatever the reason, it's handy to have a vague clue as to what might be going on.

So here are ten things that the secular church-visitor may find useful to know about churches, Christianity and Christmas.

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Christianity is a religion based on the teachings of a guy who emphasised simple living, loving kindness and healing. He never asked anyone to worship him, he thought that loading your life up with physical objects that you didn't really need was daft and he was particularly opposed to hypocrisy. Try not to notice that his birthday appears to be celebrated by worshipping him, spending more money than we can afford on woolly jumpers with tinsel snowmen, gadgets and state-of-the-art products and passing the actual day with folk we often don't even really like and even try to avoid for the rest of the year.

There will be a crib. This is a model of the Nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, some shepherds, some kings and probably an angel. There will be a baby in the crib. Some churches put the baby in the manger at the beginning of December; others put it in the manger at midnight on Christmas Eve. Either way, the baby is about the size of an eight-year-old. Even if you can't get your head around the original Christmas story of the Archangel Gabriel and the virgin birth, this alone will make you go 'woah!' and understand that giving birth to a child that size had to be a genuine miracle.

Please do explain the crib to your children. Many a vicar's Christmas has been ruined by an unaware child staring in horror at the enormous baby Jesus and exclaimng loudly, 'Why's Santa got no clothes on?'--and the police just don't need the hassle.

There will be a children's nativity or concert where some youngsters will get to act out the roles of the Biblical characters of Mary, Joseph, the angel, the shepherds and kings, and the others will be dressed up as some sort of animal. You won't find a reference to even a donkey being there in the Bible but everyone has to have a part. Despite Love Actually, lobsters would be unlikely to turn up because Jewish folk don't eat them so, for crustaceans, Jesus' arrival was seriously bad news.

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'Christ' is not Jesus' surname and Jesus wasn't a Christian. However, it's not tactful to start any conversations with church-goers on either topic. If they happen to ask you whether you've found Jesus, try not to answer, 'Why, where did you leave him this time?'

Despite what you'll see in the stained glass windows, Jesus was neither white nor blond. He was born in the Middle East and, even without that ethnicity, he started his ministry with 40 days in the desert without shades, sunblock or a hat: the guy was brown.

Christianity is the only religion where it is virtually obligatory to celebrate festivals and events with wine, chocolate and cake. For this it must be forgiven much.

It's entirely possible that Christianity stole much of Christmas (and Easter) from the Pagans--the evergreens, the date being four days after the Winter Solstice, partying, Yule Logs, eggs, festivals of rebirth, etc. However, modern Paganism nicked vast amounts of Judaic mysticism so what goes around comes around. And, hey, if it's a festival that's got chocolate and cake, why worry?

It's all about the return of the light--the Son/Sun. It's a powerful metaphysical story about a new start, new life, new hope. We all need those. Most religions teach something similar because the story works. The story is for and about us. Whenever you hear a religious narrative that is miraculous, impossible, holy and mysterious, try applying the following phrase: 'I don't know if it happened and I don't know if it didn't happen, but I know that the story is true.'

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If any Christians insist that you have to worship Jesus or that you have to be 'born again' in order to be saved, remember that it's what they've been taught and they truly believe it. They are honestly trying to save your soul. Trouble is, they may not have read the Gospels themselves in a while so they could have missed a few vital parts of the plot, including the bits about the unconditional love of God. 'Unconditional' means that there are no conditions.

Probably also not tactful to remind them that Jesus was Jewish and the Jews have no concept of original sin. Just smile kindly, answer 'yes' and pass the mince pies.
Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

Theresa May was the longest-serving Home Secretary since 1892. She proudly presided over some of the most draconian and divisive home affairs policies the UK has ever seen.

But as leaked letters revealed today, behind closed doors she wanted to go even further.

The Cabinet letters uncover a battle that took place in the summer of 2015 between Mrs May and the Department for Education over her plans to push the children of illegal migrants to the back of the queue for school places. She wanted schools to demand passports from prospective pupils and withdraw places if their parents were found to be in the country without the proper papers. The right of children to an education was disregarded.

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But the plans were too mean-spirited even for her former colleagues. Then-Education Secretary Nicky Morgan warned that the proposals could jeopardise efforts to tackle segregation and lead to safeguarding risks. To the Home Secretary's fury, the idea was dropped.

But just over a year later, with Theresa May in Number 10, a watered-down version of this policy has already crept quietly into our classrooms.

Since September, the Department for Education (DfE) has been compiling lists of foreign-born children - lists that could be used by the Home Office to deport families.

For those of us who are British, revealing our nationality is something we do without a thought - and there's often an implicit trust that schools and ministers have the best of intentions.

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But for some, particularly in the wake of a rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric and a surge in hate crime, this information is exposing. As we come to the end of an exceptionally divisive year, drawing attention to differences between children will do nothing to heal our communities.

Nicky Morgan's warning about the dangers of last year's plans - that some children might be kept away from school altogether because their parents' fear of deportation - applies equally to these new foreign children lists.

Ministers insist the list won't be passed to other departments. But the facts tell a different story. Figures made public by Education Minister Nick Gibb in October revealed the Home Office requested DfE data relating to more than 2,462 individuals between July 2015 and September 2016. Parents without the proper immigration papers have real reason to be fearful.

Children have a right to an education regardless of their family's circumstances - they should not be demonised, punished or alienated for the actions of their parents. To go against this principle is to abandon the values we share as a nation.

This policy of data collection is symptomatic of a Government that wants the tentacles of border control to take hold in every aspect of life. As one source put it to the BBC, Theresa May wants every government department to have its hands "dipped in blood".

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It might sound extreme to use innocent children to track down and deport undocumented families - but it's a logical next step for a government that long ago crossed a line when it comes to controlling immigration, deploying authoritarian tactics that are as unfair as they are discriminatory.

For some time now, bank clerks, landlords and employers have been tasked with checking people have a right to be in the country. The potential for discrimination is crystal clear - anyone with a foreign-sounding name or accent, or anyone who doesn't have a white face, is likely to be targeted. Schools were one of the only borderless places left.

But there is a ray of hope for our children, and our society. In October, the House of Lords passed a motion of regret against the policy of forcing schools to collect nationality data - sending a strong signal to ministers that they have overstepped the mark. The Government's response was a minor concession - it backed down on its plans to extend the collection to children as young as two.

In January's school census, parents have the chance to take a stand against the division being sown in our schools by refusing to hand over their children's information, and requesting that data gathered previously be withdrawn.

If enough parents boycott - regardless of where their children were born - the Government won't be able to collect enough data to justify continuing to harvest it. A united action will send a strong message to Ministers bent on embedding division and suspicion in the next generation.

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ActionAid

I've supported ActionAid for 31 years, and had the joy of sponsoring several children in that time. A tiny offering from me has had an enormous impact on their lives, and mine.

In 2010 I had the privilege of visiting the West Bank with ActionAid.

I went to the village of Susiya, perched on the hills of South Hebron, where I met a mother, Islam, and her young children who were struggling to survive. It's really tough for them living without basic services like schools, doctors or decent sanitation. I was shocked to see just how little they had. It was perhaps one of the bleakest places I have ever visited in my life.

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The occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) consists of the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip. It has been occupied by Israel since 1967. Three wars have been fought in Gaza since 2008, leaving an estimated 3,662 dead and many more injured and homeless.*

Since 2007, Gaza has been living under a blockade, meaning people and goods are prevented from freely entering and leaving Gaza by land, sea or air. This severely limits basic necessities like food, medicine and building materials from getting into Gaza. Half the population in Gaza and the West Bank are children. Years of conflict have left many of them traumatized and living in poverty. Then in 2014, conflict hit again.

And it's always the children who suffer most from the impact of war. Their trauma can last a lifetime. Years after witnessing bloodshed and destruction, many children still show signs of severe emotional distress, such as bed wetting and nightmares.

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Hundreds of schools have also been destroyed, removing a safe place where children could learn, play and channel some of this trauma.

But there is hope. Through ActionAid, it's now possible to sponsor a child in the West Bank and Gaza. Your sponsorship would give a child enough food to eat, an education, and the support they need to recover from trauma. You could give them a chance to thrive and fulfil their potential: the whole family benefits.

I am now sponsoring six-year-old Malak, who lives with her family in Gaza. The country has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the world so her parents do the best they can to provide for Malak and her siblings.

Fortunately Malak goes to school but classes are crowded and school buildings are in a bad state and lack many resources. Children have to walk an average of 2-3km to school, along busy and badly-maintained roads with no street lighting. Sadly, older children are more likely to drop out of school to help support the family.

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However, Malak is one of the lucky ones.

Millions of girls around the world live and work on the streets as a direct result of poverty. They are surviving with next to nothing, denied their basic rights, vulnerable, scared and alone. Many, having left home to escape abuse, are also now at greater risk of sexual abuse, sex trafficking and prostitution. Marginalised within society, they are invisible and amongst the hardest to reach and protect.

This Christmas, ActionAid is asking the public to sponsor a girl and protect them from a life on the streets and keep them safe from harm.

You can provide the foundations they need to change their lives for good. It is wonderful to feel that my contribution has made life better for the children I have sponsored over the last 3 decades. I've seen the huge difference that sponsorship can make to the lives of so many. It costs so little. For just 65p a day you too can make an enormous difference.

For information on how you can sponsor a child go to: actionaid.org.uk/safefromharm
The 21 September 2016 was a landmark day for the global healthcare community. 193 member states of the United Nations (UN) simultaneously agreed to sign a declaration to fight antimicrobial resistance. It was only the fourth time in the 70 year history of the UN that a health topic had been debated, placing antimicrobial resistance alongside HIV and Ebola for the gravity of the threat it poses to human health. Antibiotics are the mainstay of modern medicine; they are lifesaving, life extending and life enhancing medicines that underpin the treatment of cancers, joint and organ replacement therapies and many common infections.

Antimicrobial resistance is, first and foremost, an evolutionary process that reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics as microbes become resistant to the effects of medication previously used to treat them; it is the expected collateral damage caused by their mere use. But antimicrobial resistance is accelerated by misuse, inappropriate and overuse of antibiotics. We have, since their discovery by Alexander Fleming in 1928, squandered their use in human and animal medicine, and in recent decades more widely across agriculture and the environment. This squandering has contributed in no small part to the emergence of multi-drug resistant infections for which there are increasingly few, and now sometimes, no cures. It is a health crisis that will, if not addressed, lead to the most unimaginable consequences. The UK government commissioned The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance led by Lord O'Neill reports that antimicrobial resistance will be directly responsible for over 10 million deaths by 2050, more than deaths from cancer or deaths from diabetes, road traffic accidents and cholera combined. Without effective antibiotics much of global healthcare provision as we know it will cease to exist.

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The final report by Lord O'Neill's group has been instrumental, in one document, in capturing the key global issues and potential solutions to fighting antimicrobial resistance, and placed education of healthcare professionals to become responsible prescribers of antibiotics at the forefront of solutions. Whilst this and likewise reports have been in preparation, and whilst the landmark UN declaration on antimicrobial resistance was being agreed significant activity in the UK aimed at addressing the global problem through education was already taking place.

With a consolidated aim of providing education to all healthcare professionals, regardless of location, economy or infrastructure the University of Dundee and British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy [BSAC] developed and delivered the first open access global educational course on antimicrobial stewardship (Massive Open Online Course on Antimicrobial Stewardship https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/antimicrobial-stewardship). Hosted by FutureLearn, the e-learning arm of the Open University, the MOOC offers free education on prescribing of antibiotics to all health economies internationally. Antimicrobial stewardship comprises a series of pragmatic, low-cost, achievable actions and interventions that when, consistently employed and applied lead to the effective use of antibiotics by practitioners and consequent improvements in patient outcomes and containment or reduction in antimicrobial resistance rates.

The six week course offers approximately 20 hours tuition delivered in an interactive, multi-media format in addition to traditional learning materials. Learners learn at their own pace, can choose to participate in facilitated discussions and share their views, experiences and expertise online. The MOOC provides a truly global learning space and furnishes learners with a range of evidence, skills and expertise that are pragmatic and can be easily adapted and applied for local use.

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This low-cost and free at the point of access, high impact education tool has seen significant success, attracting almost 33,000 registered learners since its launch in September 2015. Already translations are underway to enable provision of the MOOC in Chinese and Spanish in early 2017. Interestingly, whilst aimed primarily at hospital based healthcare practitioners working in infection management the course has attracted interest from a wide range of individuals working in the community and also members of the public.
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Si or no? That's the question Italians are being asked as they go to the polls this Sunday. Italy's Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, has gambled his political future on citizens voting yes to his package of major constitutional reforms, which include curtailing the powers of the Senate, Italy's equivalent of the House of Lords. Those campaigning for a yes vote argue that this is Italy's chance to bring greater stability to its political system, deal with corruption, limit costs and increase fairness, transparency and equal opportunity. But those lobbying for a no vote argue that it will result in the governing party having too much power and not enough accountability.

The main opposition to Renzi's government is Beppe Grillo's Five-Star Movement. Grillo, a comedian turned politican, has previously called for a referendum on whether Italy should keep the euro and to reconsider the country's role in the European Union. Prime Minister Renzi, leader of the country's centre-left Democratic party, has said he will resign if the vote doesn't go his way. Sound familiar? On Monday, Italy could be the latest country to deliver political shockwaves through 2016. If Brexit was the first film in the franchise and Trump, the sequel, the Italian referendum might yet turn it into a trilogy.

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The consequences of the result will reach much further than Italy's shores. Which is why, when my ballot papers dropped through the letterbox a few weeks ago, I felt a weight of responsibility as well as a moral conundrum. I wasn't born in Italy and I have never lived there. Lovely as it would be to retire to a life of olives and red wine, I don't plan on moving there in the future and I wasn't able to decipher my voting papers without a big helping hand from Google translate. So why can I vote in this referendum? I am eligible because having an Italian parent grants me automatic citizenship by birth. But putting the significant and far reaching consequences of this vote aside, is this right or wrong in principle? Should I have a say in the future of a country where I have never lived and one I am not planning to reside in?

Whether different groups of people are eligible to vote varies from election to election and from country to country. Most recently in the EU referendum, British citizens, qualifying Commonwealth citizens and citizens of the Republic of Ireland were all eligible to vote, providing they were registered to do so and resident in the UK. And yet in Scotland's independence referendum, EU nationals were able to cast their votes due to the fact that eligibility was based on residency and not solely on citizenship. So in an unhappy twist, Scots living outside Scotland were unable to have a say. In England and Wales, you must be 16 in order to register to vote, although you can't cast your ballot until you are 18. But the Scottish independence referendum gave 16 and 17 year olds their first ever opportunity to vote in the UK and a record 3.6 million turned out to do so.

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The lowering of the voting age to 16 is the subject of continued campaigning and Votes at 16, a coalition involving the NUS and the British Youth Council, alongside other supportive organisations and politicians, argue that the case for this is now stronger than ever. They have a point. Why should you be excluded from voting when you are expected to pay tax and national insurance and when you can legally take on the responsibility of marriage and joining the armed forces? The exclusion of 16 and 17 year olds from the EU referendum was heavily criticised and the howl of protest from this group at the leave result was particularly loud, given that they are likely to endure the consequences of the result for longer than everyone else. Some surveys even indicated that had this age-group been eligible to vote, the final result would have swung the other way.

Britain is the only western European country with a blanket ban on prisoner voting, ignoring successive court judgments on this issue. This debate has been the subject of legal challenge and much political rhetoric in recent years. Prison reform campaigners argue that inmates being able to engage with issues through the ballot box is an important way of encouraging responsibility ahead of a safe return to the community. But former Prime Minister David Cameron proclaimed that having to contemplate giving anyone in prison the vote made him feel "physically ill'. To me, prisoners being able to vote as part of their path to rehabilitation seems an odd thing to induce nausea, when there are so many other options to make you feel green around the gills (how about children dying needlessly as the bombs rain down on Aleppo or refugees left to rot in squalid camps?) But Cameron, always the populist, knew when his comments were hitting the right mark. I'm not sure whether the idea ever really made him throw up but I'm pretty sure he knew that pushing for voting rights for prisoners would never be a vote winner.

These issues do not make up the full picture. There are other groups of people who, while legally eligible, feel disenfranchised, disconnected or face other obstacles and this needs tackling too. But when it comes to voting, attitudes continue to shift, resulting in the enfranchisement of more and more people. Electoral reform campaigners have high hopes of achieving their aim of extending the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, Perhaps this democratic deficit will be addressed by the time my children reach that age. And yet, I still find it hard to believe that only 100 years ago, women were still prohibited from voting in parliamentary elections in the UK and that in Saudi Arabia, women were allowed to vote in municipal elections for the first time less than a year ago. So with the postal deadline for the Italian referendum looming, I weigh up the moral question of to vote or not to vote. And as I do, I will remember that unlike many others, at least I have a choice.

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With continuing political machinations on both sides of the Atlantic, it's not surprising the Richmond by-election hasn't made too many headlines. But this is no ordinary election. Tomorrow's result could help shape the debate about the UK's place in Europe for the next four years. While former Tory MP Zac Goldsmith might want to make this a vote on Heathrow expansion, he is not getting his way: today's vote is a referendum on Brexit. If the Lib Dems win, it will send a strong message to Westminster: the 48% will not let their voices be dimmed.

Five months after the EU referendum result, something is starting to happen in and around Westminster. The Remain camp is finally starting to get its voice heard and those MPs who reluctantly conceded that Parliament should listen to the voice of the British people in the wake of the result, are already feeling a little more emboldened. Whether it's through the courts - currently two legal challenges to Brexit are being heard - or in Westminster where around 70 MPs could vote down the triggering of Article 50 without a referendum to approve the terms of the UK's exit. If we wake up on Friday to a Lib Dem victory in Richmond it will give a little more credence to the notion that our elected politicians can challenge the Government on Brexit without being pilloried as out of touch with the electorate.

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Granted, in the referendum vote no less than 72% of Richmond residents voted to stay in the EU - this is a Remain heartland. But if the electorate returns the relatively unknown first-time Lib Dem candidate who only joined her party last year, overturning the might of the Goldsmith machine, then Westminster - and just as importantly the media - will have to sit up and take note.

Tim Farron has enjoyed a relatively quiet start to his Party's leadership. But, as with most party leaders, success or failure is often determined by how they respond to factors outside of their control. Farron has played a deft hand on Brexit. By demanding a referendum on the result of our renegotiation he is able to stay on the side of the British people at the same time as offering the prospect - albeit slim - that the country could vote down the terms of our exit.

His proposal has already won strong cross-party support and - in the absence of any strong leadership from Jeremy Corbyn - the Lib Dems are offering a credible political home for the 48%. Now imagine the Lib Dems win. The addition of an extra MP doesn't count for a great deal but it will in one fell swoop change the Brexit narrative. Farron will - for all he's worth - tell the country on Friday and for as long as people will listen, that this is a ringing endorsement for MPs to re-think Parliament's approach to how much it consults MPs and the public on the terms of our exit. Let's not also forget that that much of the mainstream media is desperate to find a new narrative around the UK's exit. It would offer a legitimate opportunity to shift the spotlight. Combined with the Government's high court defeat in recent weeks and the prospect of further legal challenges about the UK's status as an EEA member, is easy to see how this could happen.

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What's more, most MPs are Remainers. Many of them - especially those representing constituencies where the Remain / Brexit vote was relatively evenly split - are looking for exactly this kind of political cover to challenge Brexit, particularly if the terms of our exit are difficult to swallow.

Lib Dem candidate Sarah Olney has also been emboldened by support from the 'More United' campaign initiative whose members voted to make a significant donation to her campaign. If this new project is able to feed off and grow as a result of a Lib Dem victory in Richmond, it should offer serious encouragement to other pro-Remain candidates in future by-elections this parliament, who should legitimately expect support for their campaigns.
REUTERS

The latest immigration figures include some great news. Over the past year 4,162 Syrian families were resettled in the UK.

David Cameron made the commitment last summer to bring 20,000 Syrian refugees to Britain by 2020 in response to huge public concern about the worsening refugee crisis and strong support from MPs of all parties. This pledge is becoming a reality as communities all over the country are choosing to welcome refugees to their areas.

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But the appalling events unfolding in Aleppo are a brutal reminder that there is no end in sight to the war in Syria or the immense suffering of children and civilians caught up in the violence.

The latest Government statistics are also an important and sobering reminder that Britain's compassion and support must embrace those fleeing long-running conflicts and chronic instability in many other parts of the world. They also highlight that Britain's role in supporting refugees is very modest by the standards of many other countries; the UK is ranked 16th in the EU in terms of asylum applications per head of resident population, behind Germany, Italy and France.

This is the world's worst refugee crisis in more than 60 years. Families continue to be torn apart and forced to flee the violence. More than 4,800 applications for asylum in Britain came from people from Iran, 3,127 from Iraq and 2,567 from Afghanistan over the past year. We have a moral and a legal duty to offer sanctuary to more refugees from Syria and other war-torn, unsafe countries.

Refugee Action supports refugees and asylum seekers in Britain to start rebuilding their lives and contributing to their new communities.

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We believe passionately that every refugee, regardless of how they arrive or where they're from, should be able to successfully rebuild their life once here. Too often that's not the case. This is a waste of the talents of refugees, leaving people isolated and unemployed when they could be participating as valued members of our society.

As a recent report by the Sussex Centre for Migration Research finds, learning English is a key indicator of wellbeing and successful integration.

Refugees tell us that they are determined to learn English, but continue to face huge barriers from a lack local provision to long waiting lists.

Refugee Action launched its Let Refugees Learn campaign in May, urging the Government to invest in English language lessons.

We were delighted when, in response, the Government announced a 10million investment, spread over the next five years, to enable Syrian refugees being resettled in England to access English language courses.

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This is a positive step forward, but there is still a long way to go. This funding does nothing to end the scandal of refugees resettled here from other war-torn countries or those who arrive through the asylum route being denied the opportunity to learn.

We estimate that there remains a shortfall in funding for English language lessons for all refugees of more than 40million a year. This shortfall is preventing refugees from successfully rebuilding their lives, and it's bad for Britain too. The cost of two years' of language lessons is effectively reimbursed to the taxpayer after an individual's first eight months of employment at the national average wage. It's incredibly hard for refugees to find work if they have been unable to learn English.

Our research shows that 73% of Brits agree that learning English is not only beneficial to refugees - it also benefits Britain. If they are to make friends, find work and start contributing to their communities, all refugees must have full and equal access to English language lessons.
Hailed by The New York Times as 'London's most theatrical salon' and by The Huffington Post as '..the most exciting literary movement in London, crackling with energy, ideas and excitement', Polari is a real success story. Each event I have attended has always been packed out and the Polari audience is always appreciative and welcoming. Just as importantly, Polari also provides a platform for showcasing established and emerging LGBT+ authors, poets and spoken-word performers. The Polari First Book Prize, held each year and awarded to a writer whose first book explores the LGBT experience, also helps to give new writers who show promise and talent a higher profile.

Last Friday's Polari was also part of the Southbank Centre's Being A Man (BAM) festival which celebrates boys and men and addresses the pressures of masculine identity in the twenty first century. To the backdrop of The Houses of Parliament and The London Eye, and accompanied by Paul Michaels sign language interpretation, each writer who took to the stage had their own very unique take on queer masculinity. Stuart Feather kicked off the proceedings with an extract from Blowing The Lid: Gay Liberation, Sexual Revolution and Radical Queens, a political memoir set in the 1970's about The Gay Liberation Front. Feather gave a witty and insightful account of a radical and, at times anarchic, political organisation and, in doing so, documented an important part of gay history. Matthew Todd, former editor of Attitude magazine and author of the play Blowing Whistles, read from Straight Jacket: How To Be Gay And Happy. This timely and meticulously researched book published this year, explores how the trauma and shame of growing up gay in a homophobic society can set the conditions for poor mental and emotional health later in life. V G Lee, sporting a black feathered hat, was on top form as a consummate storyteller as she read an extract from her new novel Mr Oliver's Object of Desire, a very funny and tender portrayal of a middle-aged man adrift in the mid-seventies. And Jake Arnott, whose work includes The Long Firm, which was adapted as a BAFTA-winning drama for BBC2, treated us to an extract from his new novel The Fatal Tree. But for me it was Dean Atta's poems about love and identity from his debut poetry collection I Am Nobody's Nigger that stole the show. In the words of Benjamin Zephaniah, 'Dean Atta's poetry is as honest as truth itself.' (See the link to one of my favourite poems below)
Ohio State University Islamic terrorist Abdul Razak Ali Artan is the latest so-called "lone wolf" radical Islamic terrorists to strike the homeland. The Somali-born, Pakistani-raised student rammed his car - Nice, France-ISIS style - into a group of people on the campus, and then - Palestinian-terrorist style, proceeded to slash his victims with a butcher's knife he purchased earlier that day.

The Obama Administration refuses to acknowledge the OBVIOUS - that this was yet another act of radical Islamic terror against innocent Americans. Surprised? Not I! This is the same Administration that can't muster the character to forcefully call out Russia for interfering in our national elections, or shed anything but crocodile tears for the slaughter in Aleppo. How about returning that undeserved Nobel Prize?

According to press reports Artan's terror rampage was memorialized in a Facebook posting in which the terrorist cited ISIS as his motivation, and the YouTube sermons of Anwar al-Awlaki as his inspiration. Hours after the attack, the New York Times reported that the encrypted Telegram channels run by Islamic State supporters referred to the assailant as "brother" and used an Arabic hashtag that translates #OhioAttack.

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Last June (in the wake of over 12 actual homeland terrorist attacks inspired by al-Awlaki) I issued an urgent call to action in the HuffPost for Google/YouTube to pro-actively remove from its platform the vile, vindictive radical Islamic sermons of al-Awlaki which are directly complicit in the murder of innocent Americans. Virtually every time the FBI has investigated lone wolf attacks and other radical Islamic terror conspiracies almost ALL were directly or indirectly linked to the on-line radicalization inspired by al-Awlaki's sermons which Google/YouTube knowingly acknowledges are available to any would-be lone wolf at a click.

The New York Times' Scott Shane wrote on August 27, 2015 (one of the nation's leading authorities on al-Awlaki) that while most of those sermons bring up the earnest, smiling face preaching what makes a good marriage, or the nature of paradise, the same queue contains a digital legacy of invective against Americans explaining why, exactly, it is every Muslim's religious duty to kill Americans.

Since I issued my plea, Google's management has cordially engaged in a thoughtful dialogue with me about its unacceptable refusal to act in the best interests of Americans and proactively remove the most egregious al-Awlaki content which directly advocates the rampant murder of any and all Americans.

Inexplicably, it remains Google's position that it will only act if third parties, such as myself, police its content and flag radical Islamic claptrap - even when the technology exists for Google to preemptively act on the very content it itself acknowledges has contributed to the radicalization of terrorism by low-lifes such as Artan. Meanwhile, as we painfully witnessed at Ohio State, at Orlando, at San Bernadino, Islamic extremists have hijacked and weaponized the internet.

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How many more Americans will die because Anwar al-Awlaki is able to hauntingly reach from his grave courtesy of Google/YouTube which provides him a Broadway stage to do his sinister brainwashing? Just type "Anwar al-Awlaki" into YouTube's search bar and one is able to review 64,700 hits - including hundreds of recorded sermons preaching death to Americans. I, myself, flagged five of those sermons in which al-Awlaki preached death of Americans, and within five days, Google removed them. That is what we call a Pyrrhic victory. I do not have the manual capacity to review 64,000 YouTube videos.

What if I also told you that as impertinent as Google's conduct is, it is also earning ad revenue from al-Awlaki's sermons - whether knowingly or unknowingly, since ads are impersonally hitched to highly-reviewed sites such as those of Anwar al-Awlaki. Is that trafficking in death, or what?

I wrote YouTube's CEO, Susan Wojcicki, on August 22, 2016:



"YouTube is shamelessly turning a blind eye to the worsening record of

Homeland terrorism even if current law shields it from content liability...At

what point...can the corporate leadership of YouTube assert with a

straight face that it has no duty and responsibility to the American

people to scrub (and to continue to use its best efforts to scrub) its

platform of the worst of al-Awlaki's sermons."

Ostensibly, any effort to monitor and delete content runs the risk of raising First Amendment considerations. The challenge is to ensure a rule of objective reason prevails. It may come as a shock to many that Google/YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter self-censor content based on their own respective content policies. Twitter takes down accounts it considers unacceptable. So, too, does Facebook. And I can flag a video I consider offensive and if YouTube's management considers that video a violation of YouTube's policies, it will be deleted. Pure and simple, and no one else has a say in that decision. There is no unfettered First Amendment right on the internet, Anyone who believes otherwise would be shocked how much content is deleted on their own volition on a regular basis by the "Big Three" content platforms. At that is not at the instigation of any U.S. government authority!

What can a Trump Administration practically do as part of a comprehensive military engagement against ISIS?

1. Cybersecurity Recommendations:

Amend the Communications Decency Act to Compel "Best Efforts" to Remove Radical Islamic Incitement. President Trump should request Congress to amend the Communications Decency Act of 1996 (CDA) (passed long before the threat of cyber-inspired terrorism) to compel internet service providers (ISPs) and content platforms to require them to use "best efforts" to monitor and delete content directly inspiring acts of terror and radical Islamic inspiration promoting harm and hatred of Americans.

Acquire New Software to Scrub Radical Islamic Content. Whether via amendment to the CDA or by stand-alone law or regulation, require ISPs and content providers to utilize new technological solutions which will proactively remove extremist content from their platforms. Online Jihadi activity is not the sole purview of Anwar al-Awlaki...whether it be ISIS or Al Qaeda, or any other goofy-sounding "martyrs brigade" with the word "Jihad" or Islamic" in it, every internet platform has been polluted for recruitment and incitement, martyrdom and glorification of attacks, and the exposition of violent attacks to create terror fear and admiration for terrorism.

The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) - headed by former Amb. Mark Wallace - has supported the development of "eGlyph" technology, software developed by Dr. Harry Farid of Dartmouth College - which uses "robust hashing" across all social media platforms to analyze images, videos and audio, to flag - very quickly and accurately - radical Islamic extremist content.

Create A National Office for Reporting Extremism. "See Something/Say Something!" What can average Americans do to help combat radical Islamic? What can our government do better that the FBI cannot do alone to help combat radical Islam? The Congress should authorize the creation of a National Office for Monitoring Extremism (an important recommendation of the CEP), which will house a database of extremist content to be shared with ISPs and content platforms to support their best efforts to identify and remove extremist content.

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Mandatory Reporting of Social Media Terrorist Activity. Senator Diane Feinstein has introduced legislation compelling ISPs and content platforms to report actual activity relating to terrorist activity to federal law enforcement authorities.

Get Technologically Ahead of ISIS on Social Platforms. ISIS and other radical Islamic terror groups have weaponized the internet into their own social media battleground. Jihadis rely on social media technology to survive...it is their battlefield oxygen. Their toolbox is far more sophisticated than American imagine. Using so-called Dark Web illegal server farms in Eastern Europe, and secure browsers, such as TOR, which, along with APPs like Tunnel Bear, which cloak IP addresses and eliminate third-party surveillance, ISIS has been able to thwart uncoordinated western intel. Encrypted communications via Telegram and WhatsApp adds further terror planning and funding capacity. Even our National Security Agency is unable to interdict and decipher all of the data bits that emanate from known ISIS operatives. We must reverse ISIS' technological social media advantage. How? For starters, we have been far too focused on the encryption challenge and not on the illicit server capacity that sustains ISIS networks. Secure browsers serving ISIS are sheltered in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Moldova, and Kosovo. That information is not secret. Our CIA and DIA need more White House support to tackle the foreign policy challenge of staging attacks on those ISIS server operations abroad.

Public Dissemination of ISIS Recruits. The FBI has identified 250 Americans who attempted to join ISIS and 15 Americans who actually joined ISIS in Syria. Their identities are relatively unknown. Most of them do not appear on the FBI's "Most Wanted Terrorists" list. The new administration needs to explore new ways to inform and educate Americans who these recruits are since many may attempt to return to the homeland.

Compulsory Coordination Between the U.S., NATO & Muslim Nations. The State Department's Global Engagement Center (GEC) (another Kerry shortcoming) needs to be revamped from top to bottom. The GEC is supposed to combat ISIS and radical Islamic propaganda digitally and via social media. It has woefully under-performed. To this day, there is inadequate intelligence sharing within NATO, within "friendly" Muslim states, and among them and the U.S. on ISIS on-line activities, coordinating the apprehension of ISIS operatives, or to interdict the financing mechanisms which support acts of terror.

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Facilitate Entrepreneurial Anti-Terrorism Software. Ari Kresch and Keith Altman, of the 1800Law Firm in Chicago, who are the lead plaintiff counsel in Reynaldo Gonzalez vs. Twitter, Inc, Google, Inc. and Facebook, Inc. are working with software technology experts who may be able to identify, IN ADVANCE, social media signals of an impending terror enterprise. Reynaldo Gonzalez, 23, was visiting Paris when he was murdered during the Paris 2015 terror attacks. The Trump Administration may wish to consider organizing an "Entrepreneurial anti-terrorism software/technology summit to explore with U.S. government chief technology officers the latest, breakthrough computer software to better read ISIS on-line and even encrypted "data tea leaves."

2. Proposals for Interdicting ISIS Operatives

Improve Foreign Airport Screening. Support pending Congressional legislation is pending which would expand foreign pre-clearance operations to 38 countries which participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This Travel Facilitation & Safety Act would also require the Director of National Intelligence to share biometric and biographic terrorist information in U.S. databases with countries which are accorded the benefits of the Visa Waiver Program.

Border Inspection Documentation. The Current U.S. Customs Declaration form required to be completed by every incoming traveler (or head of family) merely requests travelers to disclose countries visited. There is no penalty for committing perjury for intentionally failing to list all countries visited (..." oh, I forgot to mention that I was in Pakistan!"). Adding a legal requirement to disclose all countries visited provides a new tool to arrest terror suspects at points of entry/clearance into the U.S. That power does not currently exist under federal law to Customs and Border police.

3. Time to Get Tougher with Gulf States Financing Terrorism.

Although the U.S. Treasury has done a terrific job interdicting terror financing, Arab Gulf states, notably Saudi Arabia, continue to be a source of "charitable donations" to ISIS and its progeny. Saudi Arabia, in particular, remains the primary source of radical Islamic Sunni terror financing. I am well aware of ISIS terrorists, posing as Hajj pilgrims, slipping into Saudi Arabia to set up dummy charities to launder terror financing, while still receiving financing from Saudi-government sanctioned charities. This must cease. The Saudis have used these financing vehicles to convert moderate Muslim Kosovo into a den of ISIS and radical Islamic terror support smack in the middle of Europe. Navigating the Saudi relationship is going to pose a significant challenge for the next Administration for a host of regional reasons. But the relationship has fast become a one-way street, and it is time to get down to fundamentals with the Saudis about America's own strategic interests in the region, not merely the Saudi's entangling us in Sunni vs. Shiite proxy wars.
David A. Ross, ScD

President and Chief Executive Officer

The Task Force for Global Health

Dave Ross, ScD, is president and chief executive officer (CEO) of The Task Force for Global Health. In this role, Dr. Ross provides strategic direction to The Task Force and oversees seven programs focused on neglected tropical diseases, vaccines, field epidemiology, and public health informatics. He assumed leadership of The Task Force on May 1, 2016, after 16 years as director of The Task Force's Public Health Informatics Institute (PHII) and its predecessor All Kids Count.

For more than 35 years, Dr. Ross has led collaborative programs to strengthen information capacity of public health systems in the United States and other countries. In addition to his non-profit experience, he has worked in the public and private sectors on both healthcare delivery and medical informatics.

Dr. Ross launched PHII in 2002 and spearheaded its growth to become internationally recognized in the field of public health informatics, a discipline that focuses on using information to improve health outcomes. Today, PHII has a $7.4-million annual budget with a diverse portfolio of domestic and international programs supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and top-tier national foundations. Most recently, PHII partnered with the Emory Global Health Institute on a major initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help understand and ultimately address the causes of death and serious illness for children under 5 in developing countries. This initiative will last at least 20 years and may commit more than $1 billion in funding to support improved disease surveillance.

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Dr. Ross is a thought leader and one of the pioneers of public health informatics. He was founding director of CDC's first national initiative to improve the information infrastructure of public health in the United States. Dr. Ross also has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and frequently serves on national panels focused on public health informatics. He co-chaired "Data for Health," a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiative that is exploring how information and data on health can be harnessed to help people lead healthier lives.

Before joining The Task Force, Dr. Ross held leadership, administrative, and corporate consultant roles with the U.S. Public Health Service, CDC, a private hospital system in Maryland, and one of the largest health information technology firms.

Dr. Ross holds a doctor of science degree in operations research from The Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado.

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Ann Paisley Chandler: Congratulations on The Task Force for Global Health receiving the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, the world's largest humanitarian award. What did this award mean to you?

Dr. Dave Ross: The Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize - the largest humanitarian prize in the world - is a tribute to the success of our collaborative model, which has allowed us to positively affect a broad range of global health problems over the last 32 years. It also recognizes the commitment of our staff and partners - past and present - who work every day to improve the health of people primarily in developing countries. We expect the Prize will position us to have an even greater impact on global health by giving us the credibility and awareness to move into other areas of global health such as noncommunicable diseases. The Prize also recognizes the significant global health work taking place here in metro Atlanta. The Task Force is the first organization in Georgia to receive the Prize - and we are among a constellation of Atlanta-based organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The Carter Center, and Emory University, that make Atlanta a hub for global health activity.

Chandler: Tell us about The Task Force for Global Health - its goals and mission.

Dr. Ross: We were originally founded to work on a single global health issue - low childhood immunization rates in developing countries. Today, our work focuses on building durable public health systems that serve the needs of all people. We partner with countries to build the infrastructure necessary to control and eliminate infectious diseases. This includes vaccination programs against diseases such as flu, polio, and cholera, and surveillance systems to ensure countries can recognize and respond to disease outbreaks. In our work on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), we mobilize and coordinate the deployment of billions of dollars annually in pharmaceutical resources to eliminate these diseases. We also conduct leading-edge scientific research to overcome barriers to the elimination of NTDs. Finally, we are partners on a major new initiative with Emory Global Health Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called CHAMPS to understand and address the causes of death for children under 5 in developing countries. This is an unprecedented 20-year initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that will ultimately involve 20 sites with high child mortality in Africa and South Asia.

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Chandler: What are the fundraising goals, and how are they set?

Dr. Ross: Due to the success of our programs, we have outgrown our existing headquarters in Atlanta and will be acquiring a larger building in December. In support of the purchase and renovation of this building, we will be launching a $15-million capital campaign. This building will allow us to strengthen our work as a convener of six major global health coalitions. It will also serve as a new center for global health in Atlanta where we can bring together other organizations to work with us. In the coming months, we will also be implementing a new strategic plan that will identify programmatic areas requiring fundraising support. We know that we will be moving into noncommunicable diseases, but there may be other areas of global health for us to consider such as hepatitis B and C. An area in which we have exceled is the development of sophisticated information technologies for tracking health information and mapping diseases. We would like to start an innovation fund that would enable us to develop more of these technologies for global health. In particular, there is a great need for an inexpensive technology that can uniquely identify children in order to track their immunization records. We would like to explore developing a smartphone-based iris scanner that could be used for this purpose.

Chandler: What excites you most about your organization and the impact of your goals?

Dr. Ross: At The Task Force, we talk about the importance of seeing the faces of the people whom we serve. I recently visited Malawi to observe our work with partners to eliminate trachoma. This is a bacterial disease that causes unimaginable suffering and, in the later stages, blindness. During my week in the country, I was amazed to see the progress that has been made not only against this terrible disease, but also to build the infrastructure necessary for a responsive public health system. We visited villages literally at the end of the road where health workers had organized the distribution of antibiotic medication to everyone in the community for the prevention and treatment of trachoma. They tracked everyone who received medicines using meticulous records that they had developed from household surveys. We also had the opportunity to see our mobile data platform called LINKS being used to track people receiving surgery for a condition called trichiasis that is caused by trachoma. This disease should be eliminated in Malawi within a few years, but the systems that they developed for this program - as well as the technology that they are using - will be invaluable for addressing other diseases and health issues in the country. I'm excited to see that we're helping countries lay the foundation for strong public health systems.

Chandler: What do you find the most rewarding aspect of working in philanthropy on a global level?

Dr. Ross: We see health and development as closely intertwined. The diseases that we work on keep people trapped in cycles of poverty. We are helping remove barriers to development for many countries by controlling and eliminating diseases. By building durable public health systems, we're also helping ensure that countries can meet the health needs of their populations over the long term. I'm fortunate to work with some of the best hearts and minds in global health. What we all share is a deep humanitarian commitment to the people whom we serve - and a desire to provide all people with opportunities for healthy, productive lives.
When I last wrote about our East Africa Grantmaking Hub earlier this year, our team of local grant makers had just begun their search for grassroots changemakers across Kenya and Uganda. Since then, this dedicated team has sought out dozens of community projects and awarded seed funding to over 20 of them. Through this program we have been able to support projects that we would have never reached through our online application; people who live in rural areas and do not have access to the Internet, people who cannot read and write, and people who cannot speak English.

Even better, because these grants are made through relationship based 'flow funding', they are about more than just the money. At a team meeting in Nairobi earlier this month, the hub members shared with us how they have been mentoring and supporting the projects that they each funded. They spoke about helping grant recipients with paperwork, teaching them about fundraising, mentoring them on project management, and helping them build connections and networks that would allow them to grow their work in ways they may possibly have ever imagined. They also spoke about the value of the connections that they had made, and how the experience of making these grants had changed them personally.



(Members of the East Africa Hub with facilitators at their team meeting in Nairobi, November 2016)

VIncent Atitwa, leader of the Kenya Team, reflected on his experience so far, saying: "These flow funds allowed us to put something I have dreamed of for many years in my community . . . These recipients of flow fund grants were never in a position to receive any funding, but they have a passion to do something. We flow funds to them so they can plant a seed they dreamed of for many years, and to connect them with other donors and other people - and to learn from that."

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Congratulations to our latest East Africa Flow Fund Grantees!

Arinolah Elizabeth-Nite Omollo, Help Single Women Meet their Financial and Psychological Needs, Rongai, Kenya

As well as financial challenges, many single mothers encounter terribly stressful situations as they raise multiple children alone, face stigmatization, abuse, and, for some, live with HIV/AIDS. Living under such stress wears people down, and contributes to depression and mental health issues. In Rongai, Kenya, Arinolah Omollo is working to support these women by giving them the skills and the platform that will allow them to be the architects of the solutions to the issues that they face.

Bonface Makalasia Khwesa, Mondiawhitei (Mukombela) Production and Process Project, Kakamega -Murhanda Village, Kenya

In an effort to preserve the forest while also serving the communities that live around it, community environmental champion Bonface Khwesa has a plan to train young people on how to domesticate and cultivate the crop on farm plots. Mentored by experienced Agricultural trainer and East Africa Team Leader Vincent Atitwa, who is supporting this program with the flow fund grant.

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David Juma Omanje, Riwruok Eteko Youth Group, Kisumu, Kenya

After witnessing their rural community struggling, the Riwrouk Eteko Youth Group was formed in Obambo Village, Kenya. This group of concerned young changemakers decided to take on the responsibility of finding opportunities for the young people of the village. The grant will support their plan to start a small community-owned carwash business which will generate revenue to sustain training programs and generate income for the young people of the community.

Etam Richard, Opar Pi Kuc (Lets be concerned with peace), Dokolo, Okwarogwen, Uganda

Working as a cooperative, the 12 members of Opar Pi Kuc provide mediation for land issues, domestic violence, and protect the rights of young women who become pregnant at an early age. These issues are all things that disproportionately affect women, and the group strongly advocates for women's rights and the ownership of land by women.

Eunice Achieng Ogilo, Goodnight For Orphans and Widows Self-Help Group, Kisumu, Kenya

For women in rural Western Kenya, widowhood not only means the loss of a loved one, but significant change in status and access to resources. The funds from this grant will provide micro loans to an initial group of 15 women, and the plan is that those funds will then be repaid to a table banking scheme which will allow the project to help others.

Ivy Nyawira Wahito, Using IT for Sexual and Reproductive Rights Awareness for Rural Girls, Machakos County, Kenya

Ivy is a trainer working with young women in Machakos Kenya. The grant will support the center as they train girls to create a critical mass of tech-savvy young women and girls who are also trained on leadership, sexual and reproductive health and rights, peace and security, personal development, and environmental awareness.

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Josiah Oketch and Jacqueline Achieng, Kasarani Alpha Nursery Self Help Project, Kisumu, Kenya

The Kasarani Self-help project helps the orphans and vulnerable children within Obunga slums in Kisumu County, Kenya. The project goal is to provide quality education to disadvantaged children. They have over 200 students from preschool to 6th grade and they expand to the next grade every year. The school also has a farm where they grow and sell vegetables. Because they work with orphans, they often partner with organizations that support people living with HIV/AIDS by offering training and feeding programs to improve nutrition.

Linet Auma Otipi, Trees that Feed the Community, Mumias, Kenya

Only 22 years old, Linet Auma already supports 15 youth farming groups as they grow community woodlots which are used to replant forests which have been devastated by deforestation to grow crops such as sugar cane, and their use as firewood and for construction. Focusing on growing food trees, these groups are both providing much-needed nutrients to the community and restoring the ecological balance in these communities.

Mary Asiko, Kisumu Talent Club Project, Kisumu, Kenya

In Obunga Slum, Kenya, Mary Asiko is using the arts to teach young people about HIV/AIDS, and to give them the tools to be future advocates for their community.

Millicent Atieno Mbero, Jimmy Junior Academy, Kisumu, Kenya

Amidst biting poverty and limited educational resources in rural Kenya, one woman in Kanyawegi Village is making a difference. In a region where many children cannot access education, this grant will enable Millicent to bring education closer to the marginalized children in Kanyawegi village through the construction of two classrooms.

Mirembe Sarah, Mirembe Community Centre Kangulumira, Kangulumira, Kayunga, Uganda

Sarah runs a small startup project which helps young single mothers and women who have dropped out of school develop the practical skills to support and educate themselves. This project has received little outside attention or funding, yet East Africa Hub Member, Fred Batale, spoke passionately about the difficulties faced by these women, and the transformative work done by Sarah - who was forced to drop out of school at a young age herself - to help them break free of the cycle of poverty.

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Pauma Agricultural Group Farming, Palabek-Lamwo, Northern Uganda

In the Lamwo District of Uganda, communities are still rebuilding following 23 years of conflict. Started as a simple project to bring together community members to till and plant each other's land, the Pauma Agricultural Group has quickly expanded to include loan and saving schemes, training on health issues, and creating sustainable sanitation infrastructure for the region.

Odur Justine Peace, Abakadyak Community Market, Padibe, Northern Uganda

In Northern Uganda, a region which has suffered through decades of war, community members founded the Abakadyak community market with a common goal of uplifting their community economically and socially. Capitalizing on the passing trade as people cross the border into nearby South Sudan, the market offers a safe space in which women can sell their goods and grow the small businesses which hold this community together.

Patricia Angoya Otieno, Revaluing Traditional Plants Project, Mumias, Kenya

Patricia Angoya Otieno has a passion for educating farmers on how growing traditional crops using organic methods can benefit them and their communities in the long run. Helping farmers move away from cash crops which damage the health of communities and the soil, she will train farmers on sustainable agriculture techniques and introduce them to crops which are good for the health and for the earth.

Peninah Nthenya Musyimi, Safe Spaces, Nairobi, Kenya

By creating a safe space in which young women are provided with sports, arts, and job skills, Peninah and her team work to empower young female leaders with practical tools and to nurture their ability to imagine a better future.

Vitalis Otieno Oguom, Kanyawegi Pamoja Project, Nairobi, Kenya

In Kenya, a quiet community champion is tirelessly working to support the most vulnerable members of his community. Vitalis grows organic vegetables which he distributes to community members, mediates disputes, connect people to local services authorities, and works with community school.

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Wilson Opemi, Sorghum farming project gives Western women financial might, Mumias, Kenya

Wilson will train farmers on organic cultivation methods, teach them storage and processing techniques, and provide a revolving loan program for tools and materials which will give farmers the ability to form groups and produce sorghum on shared land. By working together and capitalizing on new farming technology, this project has the potential to contribute to the economic and social health of these communities, while serving as a leader in showing how smallholder groups can connect directly to the market in Western Kenya to lift up communities without leaving anyone behind.

Visit our East Africa Hub Team and learn how they are re-defining the way we give grants in East Africa.
[Source: AP, Yonhap News]

By AsiaToday reporter Kim Ye-jin - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe faces some diplomatic challenges.

Abe's diplomacy faces a new test, with South Korean President Park Geun-hye's potential resignation following Donald Trump's US election victory, reported the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on Wednesday.

According to the report, any potential strains in Japan's improved relationship with South Korea could force Japan to readjust ties with China. An official at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope - though not confidence - that Seoul will not start courting Beijing once again.

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China is opposed to the Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). Besides, Beijing and Seoul have teamed up in an international publicity campaign taking Japan to task over the issue of wartime "comfort women." Thus Japan believes that the new regime in Korea is likely to team up with China to attack Tokyo over historical matters. There are opinions in Japan's Foreign Ministry that a potential situation where allocating diplomatic resources to negative historical matters is necessary could make things difficult.

In the Japanese political circles, negative opinions about the implementation of the "Korea-Japan comfort women agreement" are also emerging. Fukushiro Nukaga, Chairman of the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians' Union, said, "The Korean government is not making sure what they are going to do about it." Takeo Kawamura, the Union's Chief Secretary, worriedly said, "It is essential to implement it properly." The Tokyo Shimbun reported that President Park's potential resignation put "dark cloud" over comfort women deal.

Japan is concerned that a pro-Beijing successor to Park could also dent cooperation by Japan, the U.S. and South Korea to curb Chinese maritime expansion moves.

Another variable is Trump's new administration. As Trump has spoken openly of mending ties with Russia, Abe's Russia policy could face a backlash.

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Abe has been focusing to resolve a territorial dispute with Russia over Four Islands - which Russia calls the Southern Kurils and Japan calls the Northern Territories. It has been revealed that Japan and Russia decided to create a joint investment fund worth 100 billion yen, or USD902 million, ahead of a bilateral summit next month in Japan.

However, if the relationship between the U.S. and Russia improves, there's a view that Russia could push back its relation with Japan on the priority list. A source on Russo-Japanese relations said, "Russia could make relations with Tokyo less strategically valuable."
The United Nations Women for Peace Association is an organization dedicated to the mission to stop violence against women and girls. Without the empowerment of women, the world is a mess.

Here we are, traveling on an iron cored spaceship, hurling through the universe. It is inconsistent with the genius of technology, science, and architecture to have situations where women are raped, mutilated, prohibited from education, forced from their homes.

We know the letter "D". "D" is the beginning of the word dependable, delightful, and delicious but it is also the letter that begins the words disgusting, deplorable, and dehumanizing.

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At this point the world is dyspeptic. Viscerally miserable and that is intolerable.

The United Nations Women for Peace Association welcomes all the agencies, foundations, corporations, and governmental institutions to join with us to make the correction for humanity.

Please join us on our MARCH in March, Sunday March the 12th, 2017 at 11 AM at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza located near the United Nations headquarters of New York on 47th street between 1st and 2nd Avenue. The world is waiting; please help us make this change.

To Sign up to march

UN Women for Peace Association, Inc. is a US non-profit organization registered under US tax ID # 26-3908075

We are an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations

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UN Women for Peace Association, Inc. 410 Park Avenue Suite 1500 - 15th Floor New York, NY 10022 contact@unwomenforpeace.org

www.unwomenforpeace.org

The United Nations Women for Peace Association has created this editorial as a universal call to action. Your feedback is important to us; we are paying attention to your voice. We value your comment on this issue and participation. Please share with us what you think by emailing our Board of Directors at contact@unwomenforpeace.org. We need to address this terrible scourge in the world.

The UN Women for Peace Association, Inc. was founded in 2008, under the patronage of H.E. Mrs. Ban Soon-taek, the wife of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. We help to advance the goals of academic and charitable organizations that provide opportunities for women to partake in the global peace building process through social, cultural, educational and women empowerment programs.

The UNWFPA is committed to the prevention of violence against women and girls, to the provision of services to those affected by violence, to strengthening the implementation of laws and policies against violence, and to the empowerment of women in countries and societies where they are under-advantaged.

Much of our energy is directed toward raising funds for the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women. The UN Trust Fund, established by the General Assembly in 1996 and managed by UN Women, focuses in particular on developing countries, countries in conflict, and post-conflict settings. Our contributions to the Trust Fund directly fund these efforts

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The UN Women for Peace Association is dedicated to activities that promote tolerance and respect toward the creation of a peaceful world. We envision a world in which women everywhere have the same opportunities:
How much racism is allowed to infect a criminal trial before a court has to step in? That's the question in two Supreme Court cases to be argued this month. One case, Buck v. Davis, deals with an expert witness in a capital murder trial who testified at the sentencing hearing that Black defendants are overrepresented in the criminal justice system and that the defendant's race increases the likelihood of his committing more violent crimes in the future, which is one of the factors a capital sentencing jury considers. In the other case, Pena-Rodriguez v. Colorado, during jury deliberations over the guilt of a Mexican-American defendant charged with sexual assault on a white woman, one of the jurors - a former police officer - is alleged to have stated: "I think he did it because he's Mexican, and Mexican men take whatever they want." He also said that the jury should disbelieve the defendant's alibi witness because he is Hispanic. It would be hard to find a criminal trial featuring such blatant racism.



Not surprisingly, race and racism have for the past sixty years been at the center of the Supreme Court's jurisprudence about the meaning of equality in the Constitution. The Court, probably more than any other institution, has struggled with issues of race in education, housing, employment, and criminal law, and its rulings are marked by confusion and discord. One of the most vexing questions is the Court's disagreement over how much racial progress the country has made since slavery, segregation, and the more recent disparate treatment of minorities. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority in Shelby County v. Holder, the voting rights case, said that the country has come very far beyond its racist past, so far that the "extraordinary measures" in the Voting Rights Act to protect minorities from discrimination are no longer necessary. Contrast Justice Roberts's discourse on racial progress with Justice Sonia Sotomayor's dark commentary last term in Utah v. Streiff in which she described how people of color are disproportionately scrutinized, especially by police, and how black parents routinely give their children "the talk" about how to behave "out of fear that an officer with a gun will react to them."



While the impact of a person's race in the criminal justice system is the subject of intense debate among courts and commentators, there is no dispute that the race of a person investigated or accused of crime matters. It is well-documented that racial disparities are noticeable in police stops and frisks, prosecutorial charging, and court's bail and sentencing decisions. And that the most tragic examples may be the disproportionate killings of black men by police. But the appearance of overt racism in a public trial before a judge and jury is rare and most often seen in racial discrimination in the selection of juries and occasionally racial remarks by prosecutors in summations. But the racial issues in the pending Supreme Court cases are at least unusual, and for the Supreme Court should be treated a unprecedented.
So, you thought personal retreats were reserved for lithe yoga bunnies and spirituality seekers? Think again. In our search for a slightly more rugged option, we found Shane Hobel, a wilderness survival expert who is frequently called upon by state and federal search and rescue teams for his superb tracking and primitive living skills. As founder of the Mountain Scout Survival School, Shane takes city-slickers out of their comfort zone and teaches them the skills to survive comfortably without the luxuries of our modern world.

WATCH our interview with Shane Hobel, wilderness survival expert



Tell us about Mountain Scout and some survival getaway options for somebody who wants to learn more about surviving outdoors without the modern day conveniences we're all used to.

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Mountain Scout has teaching locations in and around New York City as well in the Hudson Valley. We're actually the only school that teaches both urban survival, as well as wilderness survival, and we're the only school allowed to teach in Central Park. We offer the urban programs in NYC, and some of the wilderness and urban programs in Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Westchester, and up here in Putnam, as well as Dutchess counties.

The wilderness survival side is about connecting to our ancestors' skills, and understanding ones relationship out here in the world. On corporate retreats, private groups and getaways, we give students that fun day or team building day. Everyone's goal of what they want to achieve at the end of the day is different. It really depends on what they're looking for, but everybody walks away with a bit of that relationship, of knowing what they can do out here in the vast world.

Think of it this way: what would happen if I took away all the things that are a part of your life: your car, your apartment, the refrigerator, the cable TV, electronic devices, etc. Take away all these things and what do we have left? You soon realize what's important in the world and in life. It's shelter, water, fire, food, tracking, awareness, and movement. This just scratches the surface, but it's a tremendous experience.



It must be very empowering. Anyone who's been through the Boy Scouts probably has a lot of these skills but today, kids seem to just want to bury their head in their iPhones and iPad. Say something extreme did happen, what would one do? What's the first step?

You know, 95% of my clients are actually adults coming out of the city primarily. They want to know what to do in the event of...? We don't talk about Armageddon or any of that nonsense because there's enough of that on television. People want to know, "What do I do if a fireman can't get there, a police officer, any other EMS personnel?" People understand that being prepared is being responsible, nothing more, nothing less. What do you expect to do? The first thing to do is to determine, "Hey, is this a safe place to be? If not, how far and how fast do I need to go?"

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In this new modern era we really have two types of survival, which is very unique. Our ancestors called it living skills and today we call it survival skills. I call myself a survival school, but I actually teach living skills. I want to get students away from this idea of survival as being that razor's edge of not quite making it. Living skills are really the discovery of self; I want students to be comfortable as they progress. I want them to move through the landscape know every little edible and medicinal plant, and feel confident that they can make fire, just by collecting those certain bits and pieces.

The number one step that you need to take when you know you're in a safe place is to find shelter. Then, it's finding water. I know that I need to boil water, so I need to make fire. There's a symbiotic relationship between the two. After water and fire comes finding food and when you think about it, there are only two types of food on the planet: plants and animals, which need to be washed with our water and cooked with our fire.



I imagine that folks who sign on to your school walk away with not only these unique skills but a refreshing perspective that hopefully they take with them back to their families and their friends, right?

Absolutely. The thing about these skills is, you discover yourself. When do we sit down in the middle of the woods and pick up a log and start carving it to create fire? These skills not only are physical but you have to learn how to use them. Movement is one of the last life skills on the list. Shelter, water, fire, food, tracking, awareness, movement are the seven cardinal paths, or arrows, as it's known, that all of these skills fall under. Movement is movement with a knife and the safety of the knife. The movement path also includes movement through the forest, when you should be loud, when you should be silent, and when you should move in complete silence like that of a shadow.

There's no gray area. You have to know that you can do these skills. I always warn students that there's no correct order to practice these skills; you always jump around and some skills will come more easily than others. Do a little fire making, do a little tracking, do a little shelter, do this, do that, and you get good all the way across the board. Don't be good at just one thing and terrible at other things. It's got to be a spectrum, like a jack-of-all-trades on some level.

First aid is something that everyone can do right now for others and for yourself. You have to be able to render yourself first aid so you can help someone else next to you. Having first aid skills is an invaluable community skill. But coming into the class and going through these skills, the students discover themselves first through the perception of looking at the skill. And then they discover themselves through the approach of how they develop and learn each skill. For instance, my julienning skills in the kitchen don't really work with carving wood so I need to learn a new way of holding and using a knife.

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Some people might be surprised that just in the group dynamic alone, if you have wonderful people skills and a wonderful, calming demeanor, how invaluable that is in a crisis situation or in an emergency. So who cares if you can't make a fire or shelter; your calm attitude when faced with a crisis is why I want you on my team. I want that guy who, regardless of what's going on around him, has the attitude of, "This is great! You can get a day off tomorrow. "

The world is under drastic change and people have no choice but to learn these skills. They have to relearn this relationship with nature in order to take care of themselves and to pass this on to their children. Once again, the children will grow and understand this relationship between us and nature and the responsibility and reverence that comes along with this relationship.



How many people do you teach at these weekend outings?

It's a good question and I get that question a lot. Some people are good with big group dynamics, some people not so much. The beautiful thing is that you get the combination of both, and it's important to have that because you are amongst large groups during that time of need and crisis. So you have to deal with it anyway in real life. We have classes that run intimate, small private groups, so it's up to you. One on one, to as many as you want at the private level. That includes the corporate world and school classes.

But for the general public, we open it up so lecture time could be forty to fifty people. But when it comes down to the skills, you're on the landscape and it's now up to you. You aren't waiting in line, you aren't looking over somebody's shoulder, you're not amongst a crowd. No one is there to get in your way. People are there to help guide you and so on but you have that sense of space and freedom.

What are some of the reactions that you get from your students at the end of this journey? What do they say that has really changed them?

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The honest truth is I'll get the students that go, "Whoa, this is a lot of work. Let's see if I can do this." And I won't see them. And some of them will understand, "If something happens, yeah, I'll probably be the one eaten by the zombies. I'm not going to make it." They're honest and I appreciate that. Then I get the ones that are extreme. They are the preppers and the serious ones. They're actually being more responsible than most, which is actually really good.

Who is attending these training retreats - Are women doing it?

Single moms will bring the kids with them, that's a big trend now, which I'm really happy to see. We are seeing families participating together; Corporate people who are rolling up their sleeves and going, "Wow! This is what it means to get dirty." And they are enjoying living life again and they are starting to discover that this is what they are supposed to be doing. This is normal behavior. They discover this other child in them and walk away with a brand new look on life and a whole new view on the world. They have better communication at home, better communication at work. They're efficient; they're starting to gain confidence because they are starting to discover, "Wait a second! I'm a single mom and I'm doing this. I don't go to the gym and do these things, but I can make fire." That's awesome and it's empowering.

Tell us about the new school you're opening up.

I've been teaching in the Hudson Valley for twenty-three years and slowly we've been looking for a home site to open up the big umbrella of Mountain Scout Earth School and we're looking right here in the Putnam/Southern Dutchess region. We plan on breaking ground in the springtime; this is how fast and furious we are doing this.
If you're wondering exactly what really happened at the end of last season on Showtime's The Affair, here's a tip: Keep wondering.

"It doesn't really matter," says Sarah Treem, who co-created the drama with Hagai Levy. "Our show is about perspective, how the characters respond to what they perceive happened."

That doesn't mean we don't have some general sense of the events that shape The Affair, whose third season debuts Sunday at 10 p.m. ET.

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Novelist Noah Solloway (Dominic West), who was married to Helen Solloway (Maura Tierney), kicked things off at the beginning by starting an affair with Alison Lockhart (Ruth Wilson), who was married to Cole Lockhart (Joshua Jackson).

While the marriages eventually broke up, Noah and Alison did not live happily ever after. In a series of turns that often owed both to soap opera and psychology, we saw all four had serious problems that continued from relationship to relationship.

As the show has moved between New York and a small town out on Long Island, all four also began to encounter other characters, notably including Cole's troubled brother Scott (Colin Donnell), an aspiring and not especially competent hustler.

Unfortunately for Scott, he got run over by a car and after many allusions to how that occurred and the consequences it wrought, we finally saw the actual accident at the end of season two.

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We saw it in Affair style, however, which means we saw it through the eyes of several characters, whose perceptions differed in critical details. Scott always ended up dead, but as for exactly who did what in the moments, hours and years before that happened, we had our choice of several scenarios - or some combination that mashed them up together.

Treem says the bottom line is both simple and nebulous.

"All of them share responsibility" for Scott's death, she says. "Their reaction, how they're living with the lies, is what drives the show."

Season three takes a three-year leap into the future, Treem says, moving the characters past the immediate consequences of the accident and the subsequent criminal trial.

We will see in flashbacks what some of those consequences were, and where they took the characters. We will also meet at least one new major character, Juliette Le Gall (Irene Jacob) (above), who comes into Noah's life.

We know she's important because Treem says she will be getting her own half-hour of perspective.

All Affair episodes are divided into two parts, with both parts recounting many of the same events from the perspective of two characters.

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In the first season, that was only Noah and Alison, as their affair began and we saw that even then they had very different perceptions on matters like who was the aggressor and who did what when.

In the second season, Cole's and Helen's viewpoints were added.

Le Gall will be added in the third season and Treem says that down the line a third male character could also be included.

That may depend on how long The Affair runs, which Treem says it an open question at the moment.

"I always saw it running three years," she says. "But that's yet to be seen. I don't have a definite idea right now where the characters will end up when we do finish. I did have some ideas that have already changed."

The Affair has had some soap opera twists, particularly in the characters' romantic lives, but Treem says, "We try to be as honest as possible. We want these to be things that could happen in these lives."

The fact everything stems from the original affair, she says, gives the show a universal foundation.

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"It could be set anywhere, because affairs happen everywhere," she says. "Has this happened to someone we all know? Most certainly. I just found out that friends of my parents are getting divorced at the age of 65. I was shocked."

The Affair doesn't exist entirely in a world of angst and gloom.

"Humor is important because life is also very funny at times," says Treem. "Sometimes it's absurd."

Also, she suggests the characters protect themselves from "the dark side" by tailoring memories.

That's the major point of the show, she says, that belief and faith can be the most important factors in shaping our feelings and actions.

So don't expect The Affair ever to add some neutral third party who explains exactly what did happen with, say, that fatal accident.
Here's a recent joke. A man says, "A Bernie Sanders supporter warned me that if I voted for Hillary Clinton, the next cabinet will have Goldman Sachs people on it. By golly, he was right. I voted for Hillary, and the next cabinet DOES have Goldman Sachs people on it."

While that quip is mildly funny--funny enough to elicit a wry smile, or an appreciative grunt, or perhaps an ironic smirk--it's not funny enough be considered for induction into the Joke Hall of Fame (which doesn't exist, but if it did, would be located not in Cooperstown, but in the actual town of Sweet Lips, Tennessee).

Now imagine this scenario. Imagine hearing that identical quip being spoken, word for word, but at its conclusion having someone instantaneously turn on a tape-recorder playing the sound of people laughing. By virtue of hearing these make-believe people laughing in the background, does the joke automatically become "funnier"?

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But that's the premise on which TV producers rely when they inject laugh-tracks into sitcoms. That's not only the premise, it's the gold standard, a device that goes all the way back to the "canned laugher" of radio comedy shows, and a device that ultimately raised its ugly head as background to TV's "I Love Lucy."

When a TV audience hears fake people laughing at the material, they're going to think the material is funnier than it is, and that they themselves should be laughing. And if enough viewers laugh, and enough people tune in, the show's ratings will climb, the sponsors will be happy, and we got ourselves a big-assed hit.

This dubious premise is based partly on "monkey see, monkey do," and partly on the dynamics of group psychology (our deep-seated longing for "approval"). At a dinner party, when people go around the table gushing in praise of the wine being served, no one wants to break rank by saying something like, "Call me fussy, but it reminds me of horse piss." Instead, we do what others do.

An actor once told me I shouldn't be so critical. He advised me to regard canned laughter the way I regard the plangent violin music played in a TV movie where the estranged mother and daughter finally reconcile, or where a previously crippled child takes his first able-bodied steps across the stage to receive his high school diploma.

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No one objects to sentimental music being played during emotional moments in a drama, do they? So why object to a laugh-track in a comedy? Why object to fake laughter when a man slips on a banana peel, or has his hat blow off in a wind storm, or my favorite, when a silly man does a double-take with an overly exaggerated stupid look frozen on his face--eyes bulging, tongue hanging out, and a fake audience howling with laughter?

All of which makes us pine for those hilarious, back to back to back Thursday night NBC shows--The Office, 30 Rock, and Parks and Recreation--where, as truly funny as the lines were, we weren't subjected to so much as a single manufactured chuckle.
A Texas federal judge's recent order -- that the attorneys general of Massachusetts and New York must submit to questioning by lawyers for ExxonMobil about why they are investigating the company -- is highly unusual and unwarranted, as is the underlying lawsuit brought by ExxonMobil against the prosecutors. If upheld, this approach could turn the legal system upside down, allowing wrongdoers possessing sufficient resources to file lawsuits that paralyze law enforcement efforts aimed at protecting the public.

Although the Texas judge stated that he found sufficient grounds for ExxonMobil to investigate whether the two AGs had acted in bad faith, in fact the AGs have been engaged in activities that are commonplace and entirely appropriate for state prosecutors: (1) cooperating with AGs from other states, (2) consulting with experts about possible unlawful activity, (3) seeking documents to investigate that activity, and (4) speaking in public about the matters under review.

Summary

Dallas-based United States District Judge Ed Kinkeade has granted permission to oil and gas giant ExxonMobil to question under oath Massachusetts' attorney general, Maura Healey, and New York's attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, as to their motivations for investigations of the company. Issuing orders in a lawsuit filed by ExxonMobil, a case aimed at stopping Healey from going forward with her investigation, Judge Kinkeade has directed the two AGs to come to Dallas on December 13 to face depositions from ExxonMobil's high-powered legal team.

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Buoyed by the judge's ruling, and possessing seemingly-limitless resources to engage in litigation, ExxonMobil also now has issued subpoenas in the case to non-profit environmental groups and private lawyers that provided advice and information to the two attorneys general.

Healey has said she will "vigorously oppose" Judge Kinkeade's order for her to come to Texas and be deposed. "Our position in this ligation is that the authorities in Texas, and specifically the federal court down there, has no jurisdiction over state attorneys general and the work of their offices," Healey told reporters in Boston on November 21. "It's been disappointing to see Exxon fight the request for basic information. Our job as attorneys general is to be able to ask questions."

Healey has filed a motion asking the judge to reconsider his ruling, and has indicated that, if necessary, she will seek to appeal the judge's order to the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.

Schneiderman, as well as the outside groups and lawyers, are also opposing Exxon's efforts to take discovery in the Texas case. (Disclosure: I have advised some of the groups.)

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The AGs and outside groups are on firm legal ground objecting to Judge Kinkeade's highly unusual and unwarranted rulings. ExxonMobil's lawsuit is a virtually unprecedented effort by a corporation to sue and investigate state prosecutors who are conducting an investigation of that corporation. If the case goes forward, it would give a green light to wealthy corporations of all kinds to seek out sympathetic federal judges and pursue expensive legal proceedings aimed at derailing state law enforcement investigations. Such a development would create new layers of lawsuits surrounding every dispute, force taxpayers to spend more to sustain state prosecutors' offices, and make it much more difficult for attorneys general to protect the public against investor and consumer fraud, unsafe products, environmental harms, and other abuses.

To the extent that ExxonMobil has substantive and procedural objections to the attorneys general demands for information, it has every right to raise those objections in the Massachusetts and New York state courts, and indeed ExxonMobil is already doing just that.

Douglas Gansler, who was the attorney general of Maryland from 2007 to 2015, told Bloomberg that "he's never heard of an instance where a company under investigation by a state sues and wins permission to question law-enforcement officers." Gansler said: "Not only is it unusual, it's unprecedented... It's completely inconsistent with the law and the functioning of our government."

Gansler expanded on that point in remarks yesterday at an event at the Center for American Progress. At the same event, entitled "The Battle for Climate Change Accountability," Georgia State University law professor Neil Kinkopf said that there was nothing unusual or unwarranted about the Massachusetts and New York probes, that forcing depositions of the AGs would violate the Constitution, and that "I cannot even begin to fathom" the consequences of allowing such depositions to go forward.

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Background of the dispute

The Texas suit by ExxonMobil is part of an aggressive legal strategy to block investigations by the attorneys general, investigations that focus on whether Exxon misled consumers and investors about the dangers of global warming and the potential impact of those dangers on the company's bottom line. Investigative reporting in the past year showed that Exxon scientists have known and told Exxon management for decades that burning fossil fuels was heating up the planet, but rather than educate the public on the dangers and change its business strategy, Exxon instead spent millions supporting efforts to question and deny the science of climate change. The state AGs are also investigating whether ExxonMobil has properly accounted for its oil reserves in the wake of global price drops and evidence of global warming.

ExxonMobil contends there is no legitimate basis for the AG probes, and that the First Amendment shields the company from scrutiny for its public statements, a claim that leading constitutional law experts sharply dispute, because it is a settled legal principle that the First Amendment doesn't protect fraud.

ExxonMobil, headquartered in Irving, Texas, filed its lawsuit in nearby Dallas against Healey alone, but after Kinkeade ruled on October 13 that ExxonMobil could pursue discovery against the Massachusetts AG, ExxonMobil added Schneiderman as a defendant in the case.

Schneiderman issued a subpoena to ExxonMobil in November 2015, and Healey issued a civil investigative demand (CID) to the company in April 2016. Exxon already has produced more than 700,000 pages of documents to Schneiderman in response to his subpoena; on October 26, a New York judge ordered ExxonMobil and its auditor, PwC, to comply with a subpoena issued by Schneiderman seeking additional information regarding PwC's auditing of the oil company.

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ExxonMobil now also faces an investigation from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, initiated in August 2016, examining a similar set of issues. In addition, in March 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice, responding to a congressional request to investigate ExxonMobil, referred the matter to the FBI.

Meanwhile, U.S. Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX), chairman of the House Science Committee, has subpoenaed documents from Healey, Schneiderman, and other state attorneys general. lawyers, and outside groups connected to the ExxonMobil matter. Over the summer, Smith held a committee hearing regarding his demands. For the most part, the AGs, groups, and lawyers have declined to comply.

ExxonMobil's claims and Judge Kinkeade's order

Judge Kinkeade's order that the state attorneys general must face discovery is possibly unprecedented, and that's because federal law, as established in the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Younger v. Harris, generally prohibits a federal court from interfering in a criminal, civil, or administrative investigation or proceeding brought by state officials; instead legal complaints about such matters belong in the state courts where the state officials are located.

ExxonMobil argued to Judge Kinkeade that Healey's conduct -- meeting with non-profit groups and other attorneys general, speaking out publicly regarding ExxonMobil's conduct, and issuing a CID to the company -- fell within the Supreme Court's exception to the general rule of Younger: A federal court does not have to abstain from hearing such a case where a prosecutor is acting in bad faith or with the purpose of harassing the target.

As evidence of such bad faith, Exxon cited Healey's participation in a March 29, 2016, press conference in New York with the so-called "Green 20" group of attorneys general, following a meeting that included attorneys general and outside experts from non-profit groups and law firms. Speakers at their press conference, under the banner "AGs United for Clean Power," were attorneys general Healey, Schneiderman, William Sorrell of Vermont, George Jepsen of Connecticut, Brian Frosh of Maryland, Mark Herring of Virginia, and Claude Walker of the US Virgin Islands, along with former Vice President Al Gore.

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In its September 8, 2016, filing with the court, ExxonMobil complained that at the New York press conference "Attorney General Healey declared that 'certain companies' needed to be 'held accountable' for expressing a viewpoint on climate change that she disfavored. After acknowledging that 'public perception' was her principal concern, she condemned her targets for not sharing her beliefs on 'the catastrophic nature of' climate change. Attorney General Healey then pledged to take 'quick, aggressive action' to 'address climate change' by investigating ExxonMobil. Prejudging the investigation's results, she told the public she had already found a 'troubling disconnect between what Exxon knew, what industry folks knew, and what the company and industry chose to share with investors and with the American public.'" (Healey's full statement is here.)

ExxonMobil in its court papers also attacked the motivation behind Healey's CID to the company, which sought communications between Exxon and non-profit groups engaging in denying or questioning the science of climate change: "The focus of the CID on entities the Attorney General perceives to be antagonistic to her policy preferences underscores the improper motivation for issuing the CID in the first place--namely, to silence perceived political opponents."

ExxonMobil's papers also note that in April and May 2016, seventeen attorneys general, including Healey and Schneiderman, signed a "Common Interest Agreement" to share information and expressing as a goal "limiting climate change and ensuring the dissemination of accurate information about climate change." Exxon Mobil contended that the existence of such an agreement "shows that the purpose of the Attorney General's investigation is entirely political, pertaining to the promotion of preferred climate change policies."

ExxonMobil told the court that this course of conduct by Healey proves that she "is engaging in unapologetic viewpoint discrimination, conducting an unlawful fishing expedition, directing a biased investigation with preordained results, and she is seeking to regulate speech and conduct occurring well beyond the borders of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."

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Judge Kinkeade has not ruled that Exxon is entitled to the injunction it seeks stopping Healey's investigation. But he did, on October 13, issue an order permitting Exxon to take limited discovery regarding whether he should dismiss the case under the Youngerabstention doctrine. He ruled that ExxonMobil can examine "Attorney General Healey's comments and actions before she issued the CID," and whether AG Healey served the CID in bad faith.

In a written opinion, Judge Kinkeade cited, as cause for deposing Healey, all the factors raised by ExxonMobil: the New York AGs United for Clean Power meeting and press conference, the presence of outside experts and lawyers at the meeting, Healey's remarks at the press conference, and Healey's issuance of the CID to the company. Kinkeade declared "the allegations about Attorney General Healey and the anticipatory nature of Attorney General Healey's remarks about the outcome of the Exxon investigation to be concerning to this Court." The allegations, he wrote, "if true, may constitute bad faith in issuing the CID which would preclude Younger abstention."

Armed with this ruling, ExxonMobil, on October 24, served on attorney general Healey more than a hundred discovery requests. On November 4, ExxonMobil sought depositions of Healey, Schneiderman, and two assistant attorneys general in each of their offices.

On November 10, Exxon filed an amended complaint adding Schneiderman as a defendant; the complaint charged that Schneiderman had given "unprecedented briefings to the press on the status of his 'investigation' of ExxonMobil and announced his expectation that a 'massive securities fraud' will be uncovered." The company further charged that the demands for documents by Healey and Schneiderman "were issued in bad faith to deter ExxonMobil from participating in ongoing public deliberations about climate change and to fish through decades of ExxonMobil's documents in the hope of finding some ammunition to enhance the coalition's, and its climate activist confederates', position in the policy debate over climate change."

On November 17, Judge Kinkeade ordered Healey to appear in Dallas for a deposition on December 13 and also directed Schneiderman to be available in Dallas that day. (ExxonMobil itself actually had noticed Healey to appear for a deposition in Boston, where her offices are located.) Judge Kinkeade also ordered Healey to fulfill ExxonMobil's written discovery requests within 10 days of receiving them.

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On November 26, Healey filed a motion with Judge Kinkeade to set aside his order for a deposition and to stay the discovery against her.

Why the Judge's order is unwarranted

Such written discovery and depositions are an unwarranted intrusion on the legitimate work of a state attorney general. Healey's and Schneiderman's actions were entirely consistent with the kinds of actions taken regularly by attorneys general and other prosecutors in the course of their work: consulting with outside experts, collaborating with attorneys general from other states, demanding information, and speaking out to educate the public on matters of concern, often prior to filing a formal enforcement action.

Judge Kinkeade's finding of possible bad faith and bias is misguided. Attorneys general are not judges, charged with remaining impartial as a case proceeds. Attorneys general are advocates for the public. As public officials, state AGs have a duty to gather relevant information -- and to educate the public about potential wrongdoing. They are not obligated to wait for a jury verdict, or even the filing of a lawsuit, before publicly addressing possible misconduct.

As Healey argues in an October 31 filing with the Texas court, her statements at the March 29 press conference, which Exxon claims prove that Healey has prejudged the outcome of her investigation, are entirely consistent with her duty to investigate violations of law. The statements, her legal team writes, "merely show that Attorney General Healey holds a belief that Exxon has or is engaged in conduct prohibited by the Massachusetts consumer protection statute... This is not an 'unconstitutional prejudg[ment],' as Exxon suggests.... Rather, it is a state law directive. Specifically, Massachusetts law requires the Attorney General to believe there has been a violation of Massachusetts law prior to issuing a CID." (Healey additionally argues that the Texas federal court lacks personal jurisdiction over her, that the circumstances do not warrant the unusual step of deposing a top executive branch official, and that the matter, under federal law, is not yet ripe for decision.)

An amicus brief filed with Judge Kinkeade in August by the attorneys general of twelve states explains that it is standard procedure for state attorneys general, including Texas's own attorney general, in seeking to protect their own citizens, to issue investigative demands to companies headquartered in other states, and for attorneys general in multiple states to coordinate efforts to investigate unlawful activities, for example with respect to tobacco companies, mortgage foreclosure abuses, sham cancer charities, and Volkswagen's deceptions about vehicle emissions.

There are, in fact, numerous examples of attorneys general collaborating on investigations and speaking out against targets in advance of filing a case. Here are a few:

In 1988, a coalition of attorneys general from Alabama, Arizona, California, New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and West Virginia sued major insurance companies for allegedly conspiring to sell stripped-down liability policies to municipalities and schools.

In 1991, Michigan attorney general Frank Kelley issued a notice of intended action against Nu Skin International, a Utah based personal-care products business. Kelley issued a public statement charging that the company was ''operating an illegal pyramid marketing scheme.'' He added, "Such practices are defined as pyramid schemes and are in clear violation of Michigan law."

In 1994, Maryland's attorney general office issued three dozen subpoenas as part of an investigation of an alleged pyramid scheme. An assistant attorney general told a reporter, "What we have is a lot of people who have been pressured. That's exactly why this is open to fraud. ("Maryland Officials Are Trying to Find Out Who Is Running Game," Washington Post, Dec. 13, 1994.

A group of eighteen state attorneys general and the Department of Justice pursued a case against Microsoft, which resulted in a 2001 settlement.

In 2007, the attorneys general of 28 states sent a letter to the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau warning of potentially fraudulent marketing of "energy drinks" that combined alcohol and caffeine. In connection with the initiative, Oregon attorney general Hardy Myers said, "Nonalcoholic energy drinks are very popular with today's youth...Beverage companies are unconscionably appealing to young drinkers with claims about the stimulating properties of alcoholic energy drinks." Maine attorney general Steven Rowe added, "I am deeply concerned that alcoholic energy drinks will lead to even more aggressive binge drinking than we are already seeing."

In 2008, New York attorney general Andrew Cuomo subpoenaed United HealthGroup, the nation's largest health care insurer and other large insurers, along with a notification of intent to sue the companies over assertions that they used "rigged data to manipulate the reimbursement rate to their customers who filed claims." In a statement, Cuomo said, "When insurers like United create convoluted and dishonest systems for determining the rate of reimbursement, real people get stuck with excessive bills and are less likely to seek the care they need."

In 2010, the attorneys general of all 50 states and the District of Columbia joined together to investigate mortgage foreclosure practices and determine whether some banks had illegally forced borrowers from their homes. Patrick Madigan, an Iowa assistant attorney general, told a reporter, "'We'll contact the loan servicers, hear their stories, and then let the facts lead us where they will... We'd already been working with 13 other states on loan-servicing issues, but this new coalition is a law-enforcement action. This isn't just policy review anymore; this is about lenders breaking the law.' ("Foreclosure Crisis: Officials in 50 states, D.C. Launch Probe," San Jose Mercury News , Oct. 13, 2010)

Following the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, five state attorneys general formed the Gulf State Coalition in order to coordinate their legal efforts with respect to the oil spill. Attorneys general from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida met in Mobile, Ala., to plan to jointly to protect their states' natural resources and coastal businesses.

In recent years, 37 state attorneys general formed a national working group to aimed at, as stated by the office of then-attorney general of Kentucky Jack Conway, "reviewing the troubling practices of some for-profit colleges." Numerous state attorneys general have issued demands for information and filed lawsuits against for-profit colleges allegedly engaged in fraud or deceptive business practices. The attorneys general engaged in these efforts have spoken out publicly on numerous occasions about abuses in the for-profit college industry. In a 2015 press release, Conway praised efforts by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) to protect students and added, "It is time that the Department of Education publicly recognizes the serious threat for-profit colleges pose to all students and work toward protecting students against future harm." In 2012, Conway and attorneys General Lisa Madigan (IL) and Beau Biden (DE) appeared at a Washington press conference alongside Durbin and three other senators to announce a settlement between 20 state AGs and an online lead generation company, QuinStreet, that was luring veterans to for-profit colleges through a website, GIBill.com, which looked to many like an official government site. The senators and attorneys general criticized QuinStreet but also addressed critical comments at the for-profit college industry with, for example, Conway saying, "These are public companies taking tax dollars, and they are, in many instances, not doing what we need them to do."

Nor is an attorney general consulting with, or pursuing the same targets as, outside organizations and lawyers, any indication of misconduct; rather it is a common practice. Interest groups regularly petition prosecutors to take action and provide information that assists prosecutors in determining whether such action is in the public interest, and outside lawyers and experts regularly provide advice and support.

A few examples:

Months of pressure from members of the public, elected representatives, and advocates led to federal intervention in the investigation of a slaying of a rabbinical student in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, in 1991.

By the time that the attorneys general of 46 states reached a landmark 1998 settlement agreement with four of the largest tobacco companies over smoking and health issues, various state AGs had been advised and assisted by a number of private law firms in the matter.

In October 2011, a coalition of businesses and groups asked state attorneys general to investigate Google for possible antitrust violations.

This past summer, after a string of high-profile police killings of unarmed African-Americans, members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) sought meetings with U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and FBI Director James Comey, and stood in front of the Department of Justice and demanded that Lynch initiate civil rights investigations.

Without attorneys general working together, and consulting with outside experts, lawyers, and elected officials, it would be more difficult to detect, deter, and punish violations of law, especially those by politically powerful interests.

If other judges issued rulings like Judge Kinkeade's, corporate targets of investigations could tie down state law enforcement agencies in endless legal proceedings where prosecutors would be required to defend themselves.

Imagine if the tobacco companies could have spent years deposing the attorneys general investigating deceptions in the marketing of cigarettes, simply because AGs had declared tobacco harmful or accused the tobacco companies of deceptive acts, or because the AGs consulted with experts on smoking and health, or because the AGs worked together.

Imagine if each of the dozens of for-profit college companies now under investigation by state AGs sued those officials in federal courts, asking numerous federal judges to oversee discovery into whether the state AGs were biased against them or had prejudged their cases.

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Perhaps drug lords and organized crime syndicates could attempt similar efforts to sue and depose state AGs in order to block investigations of their offenses.

Or perhaps Judge Kinkeade's decision could be used by citizens groups to sue, say, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton for joining a lawsuit to stop federal environmental regulations. Should attorneys for such groups be able to depose the Texas AG regarding his motives for bringing the case, to see if he acted in bad faith? After all, it's documented that the Texas AG and other Republican attorneys general opposed to the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan and other climate change regulations have banded together, publicly spoken out against Obama environmental policies, and met behind closed doors with oil and gas industry lobbyists.

There is, in fact, nothing unusual or oppressive about the actions of the Massachusetts and New York attorneys general in the ExxonMobil matter. Judge Kinkeade's ruling threatens to open a Pandora's box of efforts by corporations and others to evade responsibility for misconduct. A world in which targets of law enforcement probes can engage in court-approved investigations of their investigators is unsustainable.

UPDATE 12/12/16:

A Wall Street Journal story today added this perspective:

Typically, the "bad faith standard" is reserved for a situation in which a judge observes "a level of personal aggrandizement," said James Tierney, program director of the National State Attorneys General Program and the former attorney general of Maine. He cited as an example a hypothetical scenario in which a prosecutor is seen as pursuing a probe of someone who dated the prosecutor's sister, and had a bad break-up. "The implications of this are really, really serious," said Mr. Tierney, a Democrat who has worked with attorneys general of both political parties, noting that he believes the effect is that it "chills all legitimate investigations. This isn't about Exxon. This is about an attempt to chill government's ability to investigate malfeasance."
What does a well-lived life mean to you?

Is it a life that gives you freedom to be yourself and express yourself?

Is it a life that is filled with meaningful moments from having a balanced life?

Is it a life that is surrounded by family and friends?

No matter what your answer is, I'm sure that your version of a well-lived life is not filled with sorrow or regrets. While it's not easy to live a life with no regrets, there are ways to lessen them so that you can live a quality life. As a nurse of over 25 years in a major hospital in Boston, I've taken care of my share of terminally ill patients. Patients who were given months, weeks, or sometimes days to live from disease or complications from their underlying issues.

Patients

From time-to-time, I witnessed patients who were fortunate enough to be surrounded by people they loved. Loved ones who took turns making sure that they were never alone. Then there were other end-of-life patients who laid quietly on their hospital beds with no family or friends visiting them. Their last moments on this earth were spent with strangers who took care of them shift to shift. I often wondered what went through their minds. As they laid on their last bed not knowing what ever happened to their loved ones and probably wondering when did their series of unfortunate events began. Did these dying patients have regrets? If so, what were they?

Regrets

Bronnie Ware, a palliative nurse wrote a book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. In the book, she wrote about the most common regrets of the dying. Based on her findings the core issues with the dying had to do with the lack of courage to be who they were, to express themselves in front of others, too much time spent on career and not enough time spent connecting with friends and nurturing their own happiness.

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Happiness Soothes

I have discovered personally and professionally that happiness skills can help us become the best version of ourselves. There are many practices in the field of Positive Psychology, the science of happiness and optimum human performance, that boost courage, increase mindful work-life balance, and enhance connection with those who (and what) matters most in life. In fact, purposely applying simple happiness skills can soothe negative feelings into positive ones.

Regret-Free

In my book, The Happiness Result, More time, More health, More love, More success, I covered seven A.W.E.S.O.M.E. (Authenticity, Wonderment, Empowerment, Self-Compassion, Optimism, Mindfulness, & Enjoyment) pillars to create an awesome and well-lived life. To get you started on your journey to a wonderful life there are some practices you can begin to gain the quality of life that you deserve. Adding these simple exercises into your life can make your life regret-free.

They are:

Courage Boosters: Take Risks. Do something new thing every week. This can be big or small. Doing this will exercise your courage muscles and add more excitement into your life. Look at your bucket list of "What I want to do" and get started. Start with something small then build into bigger ones. The more you do this the bolder you will be in all areas of your life. Just as negative emotions impact your life, so do positive ones. The more positive experiences you have the happier your life will be overall.

Mindful Work-Life: Use happiness as your balancing scale. Notice when stress is building up and use relaxation techniques to help you feel better. Take deep breaths when unexpected challenges "knock the wind" out of you. While work-life balance is never a 50-50 equation, be mindful of what is tipping your scales. Honor your happiness and use it to measure what is most important to you. Doing this will offer you healthier choices to add more happiness to your day.

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Connection Enhancers: Initiate connection with friends. Don't wait to hear for them to ask you to connect. A nice thing to do is invite a friend to do a week long (or longer) happiness practice with you. Doing this fun practice will ensure that you both connect. Start by sending each other a daily text message that says "breathe" or "smile". Notice how these simple reminders help you build a stronger relationship with your friend and make your day so much brighter.

Quality of Life

While there are so many scientifically proven self-help techniques available to us, they will not work unless we decide to commit to practicing them. A happy and meaningful life starts from within. It is our life's work to live the best way we can with the "cards that we were dealt." Life is not perfect but we can have micro-moments of perfection by taking simple actions that add more love, laughs, and meaning to life.

Mantras to Live By

Here are helpful mantras to live by. Pick one or more to help you create a regret-free life.

"I am free to be me."

"I am safe to speak from the heart."

"Happiness adds quality in all areas of my life."

"I have fun with my friends."

"I deserve to be happy."



More Results

Learn more ways to cultivate a happy and regret-free life and get The Happiness Result, More time, More health, More love, More success.

Great news! Coming at the beginning of December 2016 is The Happiness Result's companion journal that will help you manifesting your goals by helping you stay focused and motivated. It's called, The Happiness Result, Goals, Gratitude, and Success Journal. Both books will help you gain the happiness result you are looking for.
Bertha Knemeyer served Elko as an educator for 30 years, and became the first woman in the state to be appointed deputy state superintendent of public instruction.

Knemeyer was born in Carson City on October 30, 1885, to German immigrants and grew up in the Carson Valley with her brother and sister. Her aptitude for math and learning prompted her family to hire a tutor to prepare her for enrollment at the University of Nevada in Reno.

Tutored by Dr. G.E. Leavitt, Bertha learned math, Latin, science and German. In 1902, she was accepted by the university without a formal high school diploma. She majored in mathematics and was a member of Delta Rho sorority and Phi Kappa Phi academic honor society.

Bertha graduated in 1906 at the age of 20, one of the youngest in her class. Her first job was a teaching position at Elko County High School, where she instructed in math, German, Latin, science, and physical education. Two years later she was named vice principal and dean of girls.

In 1916, Knemeyer was appointed the deputy state superintendent of public instruction, the first woman in the state to hold that position. For three years, she drove to the schools in her district in her Model T Ford before resigning and working as a teaching principal at Metropolis High School for a year.

Bertha returned to Elko as the new principal of ECHS. Along with her administrative duties, she taught higher mathematics classes. The school also grew in enrollment and added a dormitory for out-of-town students.

During the summer, she worked on her masters degree at several universities. Knemeyer also served as a vice president of the National Education Association and was a delegate to the Convention of the World Federation of Education Associations held in Geneva, Switzerland.

She was also active in the community as a member of PEO Sisterhood, a past matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, and one of the founding members of the Twentieth Century Club. She also arranged special lectures and Chautauqua events.

In 1936, Knemeyer retired from the school district after 30 years of service, including 16 years as principal in Elko. She traveled and worked on her Ph.D. at Columbia University.

Knemeyer resumed teaching at private schools in California until 1950, when she retired again and focused on lecturing teaching methods for mathematics and geometry.
During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump pledged not to touch Medicare. Now, it appears President-elect Trump is set to kill Medicare and, in the process, deny older adults and people with disabilities needed health care. House Speaker Paul Ryan plans for Congress to gut Medicare at the same time that Congress repeals the Affordable Care Act. And, there's no doubt that Congressman Tom Price, whom Trump has just picked to head the Department of Health and Human Services, is totally aligned with Ryan's agenda.

To be clear, killing Medicare means destroying traditional Medicare. Of all the health care plans in America, traditional Medicare is most effective at ensuring people get needed care. Unlike private insurance, which increasingly rations care based on people's ability to pay, traditional Medicare treats people equitably, regardless of health, geography or income and gives people a meaningful choice of doctors and hospitals throughout the country.

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How does traditional Medicare work? Traditional Medicare is designed to cover whatever care people need. Whether you need a lot of care or a little care, you can get it, from almost any doctor or hospital, and you are covered. And, you pay the same premium* and have the same out-of-pocket costs. (*Six percent of people with Medicare with incomes above $85,000 pay a higher premium than everyone else.) Medicare protects people with complex conditions from exorbitant costs; it ensures they can afford their care, so long as they have supplemental coverage. With traditional Medicare and supplemental coverage, unlike with a commercial Medicare Advantage plan, people do not pay more when they need more care. That's why people in Medicare Advantage plans often switch to traditional Medicare when they need costly care.

How does traditional Medicare keep costs down? The government uses its negotiating leverage to set doctor and hospital rates for people with traditional Medicare. Commercial insurers that contract with Medicare to offer Medicare benefits, like United Health and Aetna--Medicare Advantage plans--are unable to exert the leverage Medicare does to keep rates down and therefore generally pay hospitals and doctors higher rates. That raises people's premiums and health care costs. The commercial Medicare health plans and their enrollees currently benefit from traditional Medicare's rates, which drive competition in the Medicare marketplace and help to keep costs down. But, these commercial health plans also have high administrative costs. Overall, Medicare is more efficient than commercial insurance.

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How does traditional Medicare allow for innovation? Health policy researchers rely on traditional Medicare to understand what's working and not working in our health care system. Without traditional Medicare, these researchers would be at a loss to understand our health care system as deeply or broadly as they do because Medicare's data is publicly available to study. Commercial insurers treat their data as proprietary and usually are not willing to share it. They do not want to be accountable to anyone other than their shareholders and, for the most part, they are not obligated to be.

How does traditional Medicare improve our health care system? Traditional Medicare's transparency and public accountability enable government to drive health care system improvements. Commercial insurers are financially incentivized to help themselves and their shareholders, not to serve the public good. They generally take advantage of traditional Medicare's innovations.

If you do not want Congress to destroy traditional Medicare, sign this petition, call House Speaker Paul Ryan, and visit your Senators and let them know.

Congressman Ryan and Republicans in Congress intend to weaken and destroy traditional Medicare. We don't know exactly how, but here's how it could happen:

The Republican Congress will pass a law that stops Medicare from paying for all the care older adults and people with disabilities need. Instead, the new "Medicare" will pay a limited amount of people's health care costs, capping government spending.

Medicare will give older adults and people with disabilities a fixed amount toward the cost of their care--a voucher--driving up their costs and effectively denying them needed health care.

Traditional Medicare will attract people with the greatest health care needs, premiums will soar, and it will become unaffordable to all but the wealthiest Americans. Over time, it will be phased out.

To afford health insurance, most people will have no choice but to join a commercial Medicare Advantage plan with a narrow provider network, undermining their choice of doctors and hospitals, and threatening their continuity of care and access to specialty care. Commercial Medicare Advantage plans also will increasingly exclude from their formularies drugs that people with costly conditions need.

that people with costly conditions need. Once traditional Medicare is weakened, the commercial Medicare Advantage plans will lose their ability to use traditional Medicare rates as leverage to keep down the amounts they pay network doctors and hospitals; instead, Medicare Advantage plans will be forced to pay higher provider rates, driving up people's health care costs further.

People in Medicare Advantage plans will struggle to afford the high deductibles and coinsurance for in-network care, let alone the even higher cost of out-of-network care.
Malawi is a small country in southern-central Africa. Stationed there, Amanda Lee Salb, DVM, is the nation's first resident wildlife veterinarian. She began her work about three years ago, when she first came to the country to work for the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT) as the veterinarian at their rescue and rehabilitation wildlife center.

As part of her journey towards becoming a veterinarian, Amanda earned the following academic credentials: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biological Sciences from Mount Holyoke College; then a Masters of Science (MSc) in Medical Science from the University of Calgary (where her research focused on Wildlife Epidemiology). Finally, she became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) through Louisiana State University.

After learning about her childhood, I'm not surprised by her career choice--who doesn't yearn to be engaged in a career they love? Amanda always enjoyed science and exploring nature as a child. It was typical for her to be out and about, playing in ponds, climbing trees, or catching frogs and insects for closer inspection. By the time she was in elementary school, she had memorized field guides for birds and mammals; by high school, her insect collecting paid off when she developed a prize-winning insect collection.

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When it came time for college, Dr. Salb opted for her undergraduate alma mater, Mount Holyoke College, for several reasons. A strong Biology program (her first choice for a major), extensive opportunities for exploring different disciplines, and a supportive learning environment were all very compelling factors in her decision. "It was comforting and empowering being in an environment where a lot of women were interested in science and it was considered almost normal to pick up that cool bug and collect fall leaves in your textbooks."

Amanda first began considering a veterinary career while attending Mount Holyoke College. Initially she thought about becoming a physician, but after a period spent shadowing her grandfather (a medical doctor), she decided not to follow in his footsteps.

Prior to applying to veterinary school, Amanda decided to pursue a career in wildlife medicine. This specialization was confirmed as she gained more experience in veterinary school tending to wildlife and exotic animals.

In her role, Amanda wears many hats. Today, Dr. Amanda Lee Salb oversees the Wildlife Emergency Response Unit (WERU), a joint partnership between the LWT and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW.) In addition, she manages the veterinary activities at LWT's Wildlife Center. Her official title is LWT Head Veterinarian and WERU Project Manager. Recently, her role at the LWT expanded to also include Head of Wildlife Rescue and Welfare. In this role, Amanda is responsible for developing the LWT's new national wildlife rescue service. The rescue service is all about improving the welfare of wildlife across Malawi through rescues of wildlife in trouble, implementing animal confiscations, and providing education.

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I was fascinated by the Wildlife Emergency Response Unit and wanted to learn more. I discovered that the Unit was created to assist wildlife injured by poachers -- most often, this means treating snare wounds. All wildlife are potentially a victim to poachers, but thanks to Amanda and the many other dedicated individuals who assist in these rescue efforts, many animals are able to heal and return to nature...where they can continue to thrive. When asked what kind of animals she treats, Dr. Salb replied:



"Some of the wildlife who were being found injured from snares included endangered species like black rhinos, and flagship species like African elephants. Some of the animals I've treated as the veterinarian at the LWC include vervet monkeys, yellow baboons, common duiker, python, African lions, serval cats, side-striped jackals, African pygmy hedgehogs, chameleons, hingeback tortoises, and a variety of owls. Animals I've treated while in the field or at small reserves while running WERU include black rhinos, elephants, zebra, spotted hyena, waterbuck, and one really huge crocodile. Basically, I help out any wild animal that needs medical care."

Injured animal reports are forwarded from DNPW to Amanda. Often, injured animal sightings are first reported by park rangers or tourists. Amanda then coordinates the treatment mission with the Park Manager, and scouts to find and treat the animal. Treatment usually takes place in the field where it's more conducive to the injured animal's safety and comfort

For those thinking about this career path, Dr. Salb offers these insights for future wildlife veterinarians:

"While I had training and experience in zoo/wildlife/exotic animal medicine in the States, working with wildlife in the field is something else entirely. When you're in the field, there sometimes isn't anything between you and your patient, your patient is likely to run off if you aren't quick/quiet enough, and you usually don't get a second chance (at least not right away!).



To be effective in my job, I need to be flexible and imaginative; wild animals rarely want to follow MY plans and often have their own plans, to which I must adjust. Being very organized is also necessary so I can capture an animal, deliver the treatment efficiently, and then get out of there quickly so the animal experiences as little stress as possible. Having a sense of adventure helps as well; occasionally I have had to sneak up on black rhinos and elephants on foot in order to deliver medications. In those instances I am very excited and sometimes a bit nervous, but I have to focus in order to get the job done safely.

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As a wildlife veterinarian, I love being able to work outside, get dirty, and appreciate the weird and wonderful fauna, big and small. Science and medicine has given us enough answers to be able to help these wild animals, while still sparking those countless questions that keep me thinking, learning, discovering every single day."

I'm so appreciative of individuals like Amanda Lee Salb who have dedicated their lives to this mission. I'm also thankful to the organizations that make this work possible. Africa's magnificent animals are a true gift to the world; I so enjoy seeing their beauty and splendor as they thrive in their natural environment.
Ruth Nemzoff wrote this article with Helen Berger, both are Resident Scholars at Brandeis Women's Studies Research Center

The Prince Charming myth is alive and well and living in America. The myth, you will recall, is a knight who rides in on his white horse and saves Cinderella or in some other lassie in similar poor circumstances. The modern day version is a knight who flies in on a white jet with lovely leather seats and drinks awaiting. This prince, however, has become an equal opportunity fantasy. He will save not only damsels in distress, but dudes as well. He will, they believe, make all their economic and social woes disappear. Trump is the Prince Charming of the twenty-first century America. The media or at least some outlets and reporters have helped us see his flaws but also it has also spreads his message -- this rich man who can save us -- well at least if you are white. Unlike the perfect prince, he is a flawed knight in dented armor. Both the press and his voters admit that. Nonetheless, like the prince of our bedtime stories, he assures us that he will magically cure all.

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Fortunately Disney has updated the object of the prince's love. She now has agency, that is, the ability to effect her own fate as we saw in Beauty and the Beast, Ariel, and Frozen among others. Sisterhood was powerful in this election, but not powerful enough. The majority of white women did not support Hillary. Was it the jealousy of the stepmother of "mirror, mirror on the wall", or was it the genuine belief in the character flaws of the woman being disqualifying while worse ones slid off the prince. We can't know for sure. But we do know, it is now up to the 53% percentage of white women who voted for Trump to protect women's rights.

Trump is beholden to you. You helped him win by not voting for Hillary. Now when your health bills go up because your company is no longer required to pay for your birth control, you must complain. Before Zika arrives full force in our country and you must bear the lifetime cost of that serious ill baby, you must complain. Before the rate of STD's grows you must insist on good public health measures which means the ready access to birth control. Before abortion rates rise, you must work for the two measures which we know limit abortion, birth control and sex education (and not the raunchy kind we find in the media of politicians who filander and then cite moral reasons for limiting birth control).

The Republican party wants you, needs you, and might even listen to you. If they don't fulfill their promise to you to give child care subsidies, then, you must be the squeaky wheel and speak out. If your moral and religious freedom is impinged when you get pregnant, and your pregnancy might risk your own life, you might rattle the sabers. With your vote came an obligation to all women, an obligation to protect their rights, an obligation to allow women to take care of their own health, an obligation to stop sexual harassment in the workplace and an obligation to women of color that they not experience additional discrimination.

If you men who voted for Trump become disillusioned because "ON DAY ONE" no wall goes up, Obamacare is still around, and no new factories come to your town, we hope you won't throw in the towel and give up on democracy. No, we hope you will not give up on politics but get involved in fixing what a Trump presidency promises to destroy. Your vote too came with an obligation.

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The poor and the well-educated "rich" voted for Hillary. What we normally call the middle class voted for Trump. It has always been women with few options and many hopes who dreamed of Prince Charming that is, those who wanted out of a dead end job and possibly dead end life. They and many of us dreamed that some man would find us; choose us; and make us the queen. Now men are hoping for that same rescue. However, like many women who married Prince Charming only to see him turn into a frog, they may find that there is no one to rescue them. You, who voted for Trump, must rescue us all.

The dream of Trump's ability to go back to the future and give women and men what they or their parents had -- a pleasant American 1950s style middle class lifestyle is probably not going to happen. Perhaps it is not surprising that New Englanders did not vote for him; the textile factories never came back to us. We still have shells of towns with empty stores on Main st. We don't don't believe in magic.

Too often, we see our children burdened with heavy debt from college loans,living in our basements to survive. We, also, have our own debt from medical bills or from just trying to make ends meet. We liked the detailed boring plans of someone who promised to help us manage. Boring isn't sexy, but we know that is how the work happens.
As a working mother, I know how hard it can be to delegate your time between work and family. Many find themselves leaving careers that they loved deeply because it just wasn't practical while raising young children. Arathi Narasimhan found herself in the same boat after she because a mother. Despite the obstacles she ran into, she co-founded SkillQuo, a business dedicated to helping other businesses online. She is now able to follow her dreams while parenting at the same time.

Inspired by her passion and success, I was lucky enough to get an interview with her to pick her brain a little.



Welcome, so it looks like your catching on the wave of 'on demand' companies... tell us about your platform/what is SkillQuo.com?



We are more than just a virtual technology platform - we are a community in the truest sense, and this is what sets us apart from the competition. We bring together the highest caliber of business minds with the businesses that need them the most, businesses of all sizes from bootstrapping startups to mid-size multimillion dollar companies.



The backbone of our American economy is entrepreneurship comprised small- to mid-sized business. These companies are overlooked by traditional consulting firms that tend to overwhelmingly work with clients, whose revenues are at least $1B. At Skillquo, we have recruited ex-employees from these exclusive consulting firms (McKinsey, Deloitte, Bain), and have made their incredible talent, brainpower, and experience accessible to businesses of all sizes.



It also benefits our consultants, because they embrace the challenge of working on intellectually challenging business problems, without the heavy Mon-Thursday travel - and with the freedom and flexibility of being their own boss.



What makes you different from the competition?



We bring prestige, pride, and a sense of community to freelancing. With many of our competitive online freelance platforms, it tends to be a race to the bottom. $20 business plans anyone? It tends to be a price war where the lowest bidder wins, where quality and satisfaction are sacrificed. We protect our consultants and businesses alike, by focusing on quality, value, and a 100% satisfaction rate. We feel we have the 'Goldilocks' formula where we neither cater to the bottom feeders, nor do we charge the $350 per hour with 200% mark-ups that is typical of the traditional top 5 consulting firms. Our consultants take great pride in their work and their professional trajectories, and we encourage them to set prices that reflect the value they offer.



Also, SkillQuo's unique competitive edge derives from our truly collaborative spirit. Unlike other online workplace websites, we have worked diligently to build a distinct corporate culture among our consultants, with SkillQuoCares.com

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Oftentimes, especially for individuals who are new to the freelance world, working independently can feel isolating. This is why we feel it is of utmost importance to create a sense of belonging. Here, a consultant can access insightful articles and white papers relevant to the freelance management consulting industry. We also proudly feature consultants who have tackled a particularly difficult project, or have received rave reviews from his or her client. Sweepstakes or other rewards are posted here as well. Additionally, SkillQuoCares.com hosts forums, polls, webinars, videos, and chat rooms where consultants can freely connect with one another.



What made you come up with this idea?



We saw a need in the American and Global economy, for businesses and consultants alike. Small-to-mid sized businesses, that comprise the backbone of our nation's prosperity and sense of entrepreneurship, were underserved by top 5 consulting firms, due to their revenue minimums.



It also arose from a sense of vulnerability, that Corporate America did not have a place for someone who was in my particular stage of life. As a working parent, it becomes increasingly hard to travel, especially in our children's formative years. My co-founders and I have client-facing, consulting backgrounds. In varying degrees, our jobs are laden with travel. One of our co-founders, also a parent to a young child, traveled every week, Monday-Thursday, and occasionally two weeks at a time to international clients.



After taking time off to be a mother, I wanted to re-enter the work force. However, the companies that took a deep interest in me, also required that I travel at least 35-40%. As a mother to a then one-year-old, I found this unworkable. And, I was not alone. Many mothers and fathers feel an intense and obvious need to be present for the children on a daily basis. So, we came up with an idea that empowered individuals like us, who were weary of living out of hotel rooms and airports, but still wanted to put their incredible talents and experience to use.



I've focused on parenthood because I am a parent. However, we recognized that there are so many other changes in life that would make traveling or even a rigid local work-schedule, unsustainable. SkillQuo was created to provide employment for those individuals.



Who are your clients?



Our clients range from boot-strapping individuals to mid-sized companies whose revenues are in the multi-millions. Our client post a range of projects from business plan creations, pitch decks, digital marketing strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions management, pricing strategy, competitive analysis, market research, and so on. Our clients span an array of industries from the online music industry to brick-and-mortar retail-stores to financial services.



Do you really think you can solve complex business projects fully online?



Thanks to the speed-of-light advancements in technology, we are able to shop online, socialize online, and even educate ourselves online. We are fully utilizing online collaboration tools like our instant chat, instant messaging, interviewing, email, project-milestone tracking, and secure online payment. On SkillQuo.com, a business owner can easily post projects, interview, hire, and work with their chosen consultant.



What are you most proud of?


With more than one million customers in less than two years, digital banking business WB21 seems to be the fastest growing FinTech since PayPal's launch in 1999.

This past September, WB21 announced reaching the milestone of its one millionth customer and disclosed in a Forbes interview a $2.2 Billion USD valuation. The valuation of the business was prompted during talks about a $200M private placement deal WB21 is preparing with a leading US Investment Bank.



Taking into account that WB21 had its public launch in December 2015, these numbers would be considered a perfect success for every FinTech Startup. However, the response in the media was controversial, to say the least.

The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Business Insider reported how founder and CEO Michael Gastauer and his team built this Unicorn in less than two years, calling Gastauer a "Mogul."

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Some local German magazines questioned whether or not this kind of hyper growth is plausible. WB21 replied with publishing their latest Google Analytics web statistics showing over 10.1M users in the past three months. Local Berlin based FinTech papers went so far as to go off subject and use the platform to host a "gossip magazine reporting style" digging up ten year old stories from Gastauer`s past with the intention to taint the company.

For sure, WB21's growth is quite unique, being the kind of startup you see every few decades. It is human nature to be skeptical about anything that sounds "too good to be true." However, the greatest inventions in history have always been ahead of their time, with stories that many people found hard to believe. When Wilhelm Roentgen discovered X-Ray, a German Magazine wrote "X-Ray will prove to be a hoax."



What sets visionary entrepreneurs like Michael Gastauer, Elon Musk or Bill Gates apart from others is their ability to find a solution for a global problem and change the standards of an entire industry. They create a solution in an industry when most of their contemporary peers are unable to envision beyond status quo.

One thing is for certain. WB21 is solving a global problem in the banking industry. A problem that is twofold and grows every day. Traditional banks are less and less willing to provide accounts for businesses or private individuals from other countries.



Sending large amounts of money across borders is subject to excruciating scrutiny every day. Most banks make it difficult for their customers to send wires to "exotic" countries.



With ongoing globalization and the use of the Internet and Smartphones, the world is more connected than ever before. WB21 addresses the problem of global retail banking and cross border payments, a $22 trillion USD market. The solution that WB21 provides is revolutionary.

To solve the problem that most Bank have to identify their customers, WB21 addressed the problem and developed a proprietary software called GlobalKYC. The software allows WB21 to identify customers from 180 countries in real time and to provide them with checking accounts in 22 currencies. Based on the real time identification process, the opening of a business or private account takes less than 8 minutes and can be done remotely over the Internet or on a Smartphone.



When WB21 did a live demo last month at Money 20/20 in Vegas, industry experts of the banking and finance community witnessed first-hand the Uber potential GlobalKYC has to change the KYC procedures in the banking world. Whereas traditional banks need days or weeks to open an account for an international customer, WB21 takes minutes.

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Dr. Theodore Karasik and Cinzia Miotto co-authored this article.

In late August and early September, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman led a Saudi delegation to Tokyo to meet with Japan's political leadership and business elite. The visit underscored not only Saudi Arabia's interest in seeking Japanese investment in Vision 2030, but also Riyadh's view of Japan as a country with a historically close relationship with the kingdom. At this juncture, the leaders of both Saudi Arabia and Japan view their bilateral ties as crucial for protecting each others' short- and long-term interests. From Riyadh's perspective, the potential for Vision 2030 to successfully diversify the kingdom's economy beyond its traditional oil sector will depend on the world's wealthiest and most technologically advanced nations investing in Saudi Arabia. Japan, a powerhouse with the fourth largest economy in the world and no historical baggage in the Arab world, naturally fits into Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030. As Japan's top supplier of crude oil, Saudi Arabia's long-term stability is significant for Tokyo, which wants to ensure undisrupted flows of oil continue to fuel its economy. Thus, it is in Japan's interest to ensure Riyadh's Vision 2030 is a success, and the kingdom is able to maintain economic stability into the 21st century.

Japan's Growing Interest in the Middle East

While exploiting niche opportunities in the Middle East, Japan has played a historically passive role in the region based on its cultural orientation. Tokyo's priority in the Middle East has been securing a steady flow of hydrocarbon resources to power its economy while maintaining neutrality in regional wars and desiring to pursue positive relations with all state actors.

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Today, however, as seemingly endless conflicts continue to rage across the Arab world, Japanese officials have taken stock of how the Middle East's geopolitical instability threatens their country's national interests. Indeed, Japan's interdependence with the Middle East and its vulnerability to turmoil in the region is not new. The Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988) created major challenges for Japan's Middle East foreign policy, which focused on guarding its trade and investment interests with Persian Gulf countries, including Iran (where Japan had its largest private overseas investment at the time of the Shah's ouster), while maintaining neutrality in local conflicts and supporting U.N.-backed peace initiatives. For decades, Japan's post-war constitution prohibited the country's military from engaging in offensive actions. Tokyo's military footprint in the region was primarily limited to the deployment of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (J.S.D.F.) on humanitarian, reconstruction, and peacekeeping missions such as in Iraq and the Golan Heights.

At this juncture, however, Japan is signaling an increased interest in using its military power to protect the country's access to energy supplies from the Arabian Peninsula and greater Middle East. In late 2008, Japan deployed a military reconnaissance battalion for operations off the coasts of Djibouti, Kenya, Oman, and Yemen. In 2011, Japan established a military base in Djibouti--Japan's first on foreign soil since World War II, which Tokyo officials decided last year to make permanent. Approximately 600 J.S.D.F. members currently use the African country's ports to operate naval vessels and a land facility. Given that roughly 10 percent of the ships which transit the Bab-el-Mandeb (the strait situated between Djibouti, Eritrea, and Yemen linking the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea) are Japanese, it was logical for Japan to extend its military presence to a country strategically situated at the Red Sea's southern gate.

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In 2012, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda spoke about Japan's need to deploy the J.S.D.F. to the Strait of Hormuz for minesweeping and escort operations in case the key shipping route closes. Last July, Japan passed a law permitting the J.S.D.F. to engage in military operations targeting foreign combatants, which raises important questions about the future role of its military outside of its own neighborhood, most importantly in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. Within the context of extremists such as ISIS and al-Qaeda, which have killed several Japanese nationals over the years, and continue to threaten Japan's interests in the Middle East and Africa, Tokyo is likely to turn to its security relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (G.C.C.) members to ensure security of strategically vital straits. To encourage such stability and protect busy trade routes, Japan seeks to assert a more active role in the region as a promoter of conflict resolution. Unquestionably, Japan, which sources much of its oil from Riyadh, has high stakes in Saudi Arabia maintaining stability and achieving its goals as laid out in Vision 2030.

This article was originally published by the Middle East Institute in Washington, DC

*Giorgio Cafiero is the CEO of Gulf State Analytics (@GulfStateAnalyt), a Washington, DC-based geopolitical risk consultancy.

*Daniel Wagner is Managing Director of Risk Solutions at Risk Cooperative, a Washington, D.C.-based specialty strategy, risk and capital management firm.

*Dr. Theodore Karasik is Dr. Karasik is a Senior Advisor to Gulf State Analytics. He was an adjunct lecturer at the Dubai School of Government where he taught graduate-level international relations. Dr. Karasik was a senior political scientist in the International Policy and Security Group at RAND Corporation. From 2002-2003, he served as director of research for the RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy.

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The UN estimates over 150 children have been killed in Aleppo over the past two weeks. Each child had a mother. These women, and countless others, hold scars from a brutal war now in its sixth year. But for all the scars Syrian women bear, there is immeasurable resilience. Women are enablers, protectors, and the cornerstone of community. It is only with women that Syria will find a successful political transition and path to peace.

In Aleppo, Syrian women are ensuring the soul of the city lives on despite Assad's bombs. Women are leading efforts to provide education, food and healthcare to Syria's second largest city and across Syria. Women underpin together Syrian society and are essential for democracy and rebuilding a post-conflict Syria.

As members of the Syrian opposition's High Negotiation Committee (HNC), we met last month with 50 women from some of the most active Syrian civil society groups. This was just a snapshot of the leading role Syrian women are undertaking. We heard about the efforts of Syrian women on the ground to keep their local communities running despite the tremendous challenges they face. They articulated to us legitimate demands on how we can reach a political transition for Syria. The women made clear to us how they want - and need - to play a greater role for a future Syria. It is our job to empower them. This is why we are pressing our international allies to ensure Syrian women's equal participation and full involvement in all efforts to secure a sustainable peace as mandated by UNSCR 1325 (2000).

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But for any political process - and women's participation in that effort - we need to stop the greatest obstacle: the indiscriminate attacks against civilians. Even US Secretary of State John Kerry admitted this last month to the UN Security Council. He called for the grounding of Assad regime and Russian aircraft over Syria.

The horrendous crimes perpetrated by the Assad regime against innocent civilians have made prospects for Geneva talks and a political process impossible. While we, along with the women of Syria, discuss how we want to start rebuilding our country, our efforts are blocked because the Assad regime and its ally Russia are targeting and starving civilians in Aleppo and across Syria. The regime continues to refuse aid access in order to subjugate the population - at least 1 million Syrians are currently living under siege. The Assad regime is also causing demographic change in its bid to oversee the displacements of opposition fighters from areas it has regained control over. This forced displacement of the population has the greatest adverse effects on the women and children left behind.

However despite the daily horrors of life in Syria, our women compatriots are not losing hope. We see the resilience in Syrian women as they work to restore schools, hospitals, and communities. Even their intensive engagement with us in the HNC is proof that Syrians are not giving up on peace or on the role of women in the peace process. While Assad drops bombs on civilians in Aleppo and across all of Syria to destroy the future of our country, Syrians work tirelessly to rebuild it.

According to some media, the US Administration is now taking into consideration airstrikes against Syrian military positions as retaliation for attacks on civilians in Aleppo, in the form of a so-called "no-bomb zone". Similar arguments are being made at the UK Parliament. The HNC and a vast array of Syrians from across civil society, human rights defenders and civilian activists have argued in favour of a "no-bomb zone" as the only way to effectively protect civilians in Syria and we welcome the news that the international community is discussing it as a credible option.

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But words are not enough. The international community must act now to ensure that civilians are protected and no longer targeted.

The international community - and in particular our European partners - must recognise and join these efforts. All of us are in debt to the scores of innocent children who lost their lives or were victims of war crimes in Aleppo and across Syria. We owe their mothers, fathers, and communities our efforts to end the conflict and ensure that those responsible will be brought to justice. We know the women of Syria are increasingly participating in this effort. It's time the international community empowers and protects them too.

HNC Women
FURNISH: There's a real incompatibility between Islam and Western-style government democracy. There just is.

BOYLES: It doesn't work! They don't work!

FURNISH: They don't work together. This incompatibility is not extremist. It is intrinsic to Islam.

BOYLES: Agreed.

FURNISH: ... Islam has never come to terms with, as they say, modernity. Islam has never come to terms with the idea of a secular state that has not imposed a religion --even the majority religion--on people. Because at the heart of Islam--going back to Mohammed himself, the Quran, the Hadith, so-called sayings of Mohammed, and 1400 years of Islamic practice-- is that where there is a majority of Muslims, Islamic Law must be instituted. And where there is a minority of Muslims, they should fight - at first, maybe peacefully and then later through jihad - for the imposition of Islamic Law. This tension will not go away.

BOYLES: Yeah, it's, "First - first--".

FURNISH: And you cannot make Western democracy work with Islamic ideals. They are incompatible.

BOYLES: "First we crawl, then we walk, then we run."

FURNISH: Right.

BOYLES: That's why -- I mean, it's happening before your very eyes. Hillary Clinton got all twisted up about all of the stuff, and went after Trump. Trump is telling the truth.
"I'm sure at Colorado Christian University, there are a lot of safe spaces right now," said KLZ radio's Dan Meurer in introducing an interview segment with guest host Jenna Ellis, an assistant professor of legal studies and leadership at CCU.

"No, there are not, and if any of my students wear a safety pin and ask for a safe space, I will tear it off them and fail them in my class," replied Ellis, with a partial laugh. "And they know it too. We have no snowflakes on campus."

"I love Colorado Christian University," responded Meurer, who's a longtime voice on the conservative station.

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Ellis declined a request to explain or discuss her radio comments.

CCU is a private Christian University in Lakewood. It houses the Centennial Institute, a conservative think tank.

Ellis joined CCU last year as affiliate faculty, while still practicing law, and this year she became "full faculty," as she develops CCU's "Legal Studies Program, geared to best prepare students for success and ministry in law school and legal practice," according to the CCU website.

The university website describes Ellis as a "Christian attorney," who has "endeavored to contribute to the biblical worldview of law, specifically Constitutional law."

"As a professor of legal studies and leadership courses, Dr. Ellis's view is that biblical Truth is where we begin, and integrate the learning of law and leadership into our Christian worldview," states the CCU website.

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Ellis is the author of The Legal Basis for a Moral Constitution: A Guide for Christians to Understand America's Constitutional Crisis, a book that "discusses why all law is inherently moral and the legal reasons that Christians can advocate for biblical morals within Constitutional law," according to the CCU website.
Arriving at the Khartoum airport near midnight, as I did a few weeks before the American presidential election, one is struck by the lineup of aircraft parked near the terminal. There is not a single Western airline among them, though one sees several from across the Arab world and parts of Africa. And there is a veritable fleet of plain-white aircraft bearing simply two letters: UN.

Welcome to Sudan, a country under strict financial sanctions by Washington -- renewed this month for yet another year -- because of its government's alleged support for terrorism and harsh abuses of human rights. The beating heart of Islam in black Africa, Sudan is cut off from Western companies, Western banks, Western credit cards and cash cards. The Western world surfaces only indirectly, through the humanitarian aid delivered by United Nations agencies to Sudanese and refugees in the country from elsewhere in Africa.

To be sure, Sudanese are riveted by the West. Young men tell the visitor of the perilous "underground railroad" that swarms of migrants from Sudan and the Horn of Africa dream of following across the Sahara to Libya's coast and across the Mediterranean to Italy -- from which I had just flown in a matter of hours. They pay far more for their voyage than I did for my air ticket, with far less certainty of reaching their destination. And while my aim was to visit Unesco's World Heritage sites in Sudan, the least of the priorities of migrants seeking to slip into Italy is to visit its heritage wonders.

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It is, by chance, an Italian company that operates the relatively comfortable desert accommodations close to Sudan's two Unesco heritage sites and that organizes, in high season, exotic tour groups there. Lovers of antiquities who dread the crowds and lines at places like Rome's Colosseum or Giza's Pyramids will find no crowds -- indeed, in October, no other visitors at all -- but plenty of pyramids at Sudan's heritage sites.

The collection of admission fees to these sites is haphazard, which may or may not be related to the seemingly modest investment that is made in maintaining these antiquities. Extensive restoration work has reassembled what had been shattered ancient temples, but it appears to have predated the sanctions; the Lion Temple at Musawwarat bears a plaque crediting the German Democratic Republic--that's right, communist East Germany--for the temple's preservation way back in 1969, a moment when Sudan's government was cozying up to the Soviet bloc.

The sanctions do crimp Sudan's modest tourism potential a bit. The foreigner, cut off from the international banking system, must bring cash to cover all his expenses. Sudan's security state also imposes restrictions that can be vexing to the visitor. Khartoum sits at the confluence of the White and the Blue Nile, but a tourist's photograph of the juncture of the two mighty rivers will land him in the police station. Travelers must register with the local police station within three days of their arrival in Sudan, and they will encounter dozens of security checkpoints along the roads leading north through the desert to the ancient Nubian heritage sites.

The sanctions may have a salutary impact in strengthening South-South trade: a bank director welcomed me to his office as he met with Indians seeking financing to export the food stabilizer gum arabic, of which Sudan is the world's largest producer, to South Asia. The Indians' local partner observed that the largest foreign economic presence in Sudan today is actually China's, but the Chinese are seen as no less exploitative than old Western investors had been, with frostier interpersonal relations.

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Sudanese do have access to international information media. A modest guesthouse in Khartoum screens BBC World News day and night, providing fodder for conversation among visitors and locals. There was, at the time of my visit, a fascination with the American presidential campaign and incredulity at the candidacy of Donald Trump; as he laced into Hillary Clinton during the second debate, a startled Sudanese watching the feed asked: "This is your election? This is what democracy means?" (Not to worry about the outcome, however: Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, professes to find in the victor someone who will be "much easier to deal with" than Barack Obama.)

However, this intense interest in politics among Sudanese seems only to start at the desert's far edge. No one I met in a week of encounters with many Sudanese volunteered a word about Sudan's current internal politics, and I was too discreet to ask. But in a country where the internal security organs lurk everywhere and omerta is the watchword of the prudent resident, Sudanese across all walks of life -- even policemen -- volunteered with startling unanimity a nostalgia for the days of Ga'afar an-Nimeiry, who ruled Sudan for nearly two decades before he was ousted by an Islamist coup in 1985, which brought the current leadership circles to power.

Or draw an inference from another vignette, of a Sudanese driver who hangs a token of a miniature Kalashnikov from his rearview mirror, along with a real Kalashnikov bullet. This is not out of sympathy for those waging jihad, but a reminder of what he had endured, thanks to the world of politics. Over a decade ago, as a teenager, he had been pulled off a bus and conscripted on the spot into the Sudanese army and was sent to Juba to fight the rebels challenging Khartoum's authority, where he took this bullet in his side. He has nothing critical to say about the regime that sent him there -- he just hangs the bullet that had been taken out of him as a plea for "war no more."

Those same South Sudanese that my interlocutor was fighting are now streaming into the north, fleeing their own new state's downward spiral into ethnic war. One South Sudanese family had just become squatters in a vacant yard under my hotel window in the capital here in Khartoum. Other refugees from Eritrea and Ethiopia put their language skills to work in restaurants and hotels, while praying to avoid government roundups while they wait for the UN high commissioner for refugees to accept their applications for asylum.

Syrians come to Khartoum as the one Arab country that has not yet put up visa barriers as they flee their own country's civil war. The range of foreigners flocking to Sudan from across East Africa's conflict zones was on display in the capital's lone Catholic church.

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I think good spy movies are hard to pull off for Hollywood. While I enjoyed Allied it wasnt as good as I was hoping.

The movie begins in 1942 with a beautiful shot of a British intelligence officer parachuting into North Africa. Brad Pitt portrays the officer, Max Vatan, and dont worry he doesnt try to pull off a British accent since his character is Canadian.

Max meets up with a female French Resistance spy in Casablanca. Marion Cotillard plays the French spy Marianne Beausejour.

They pretend to be husband and wife and along the way seem to fall in love. After a spectacular mission, they go to London and Max marries Marianne.

When British intelligence questions if Marianne is a double-agent, Max has to decide if he will protect or kill the mother of his child.

I dont think I have spoiled any of the movie, since you can glean this much from the trailer.

Director Robert Zemeckis keeps the pace of the movie moving along well and I cared for this couple hoping they would find a happy ending.

I enjoyed the love story and the action scenes and spy antics, but I really wanted more twists in the plot. I thought the movie would end one of two ways and it did. Unfortunately the filmmakers couldnt come up with an unexpected third option to surprise the audience.

Both Pitt and Cotillard are wonderful in their roles and do a fine job acting, but I didnt leave the theater wanting to see it again.

The best parts of the film were Mariannes clothes. Max had some wonderful suits, but nothing compared to the leading ladys gorgeous dresses.

The movie was enjoyable and will make you hope that their love can endure, but it wasnt spectacular. While I was watching the film, I just kept hoping for more.

Allied is rated R for violence, some sexuality and nudity, language and brief drug use. The movie is 124 minutes long.

Rating for Allied: 2 popcorns out of 5
New York, NY USA - July 16, 2016: Donald Trump speaks during introduction Governor Mike Pence as running for vice president at Hilton hotel Midtown Manhattan

I've made it through an entire election season without a peep. Not a Facebook share, not a Tweet, not a friggin' blog post about anything political. Divisiveness destroys us, and after our choice of candidates plummeted to a decision between a would-be felon and a butt-grabbing egomaniac, I checked out. But even the strongest powers of denial have their limits, and after witnessing the irrational spewage of hate and crazy on social media this week, specifically from born again Christians, I fold.

Maybe it was the Christian mommy blogger vowing to disallow her children to play with other Trump-supporting Christians' kids - "I don't even know if we can worship in the same church," lamented one writer. Or maybe it was a Christian public figure claiming she was barely able to crawl out of the bathroom post-Election day, because she was literally vomiting , weeping and keeping her children home from school, in the wake of this "disaster." Yup, I think that one did it.

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It's not the ignorant claims or dramatic verbiage that astounds me. Complaining and spewing out half -truths sold from a biased media are par for the course on social media, and politics is the best fuel for ignorance. What absolutely amazes me, however, is the show of fear, outrage, and loss of faith shown by born again Christians at a time when our light should shine brightest.

Christians, where is our faith? Where is the strength, and the peace that surpasses all understanding we claim to possess because of the cross? Where is our ability to remain confident in God in a world living without the knowledge of Him? It sure isn't on Facebook. Yes we've elected a borderline sociopath to the office of Presidency, but he's not vowing to pull our children from their beds to murder them in the streets.

No, that's happening in Mosul and other Middle Eastern countries. Right now...where the real problems are. Last year more than 7,100 Christians were killed for their faith, at a time when 27 million adults and 13 million children around the world are currently victims of human trafficking. Meanwhile here we sit in a warm, comfy, spoon fed cocoon we call home, where Christians are losing their supper and claiming to be afraid because the democratic election didn't go their way.

The fact that Christians are losing their minds on Twitter, keeping their kids home from school, and urging parents to hide the citizenship papers for their legally adopted children in fire proof boxes is so much more upsetting to me than the number of rear-ends our President-elect has eyeballed.

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He's not a Christian, people. The man put dollar bills atop communion bread, thinking it was a tithing plate, for Pete's sake. We're not electing a moral leader, and yes, it would be nice if our future commander in chief didn't make fun of fat people. I hear ya. But even if every policy so many people ignorantly believe will occur under Trump's reign, we'd still be living in the greatest, safest, most abundant land on the planet. Middle Eastern women are being enslaved by the thousands, Christians are increasingly persecuted, nations are starving and yet here we are, spirit-filled, born again Christians attacking each other and our leadership, spewing angry, desperate rhetoric like the rest of the world. Time to wake up.

It's easy to claim we trust in the Lord while living our normal, structured, familiar lives, until the carpet is ripped out from under us, or in this case, a pageant-loving border builder comes into power. From where does our strength and peace come now?

Seeing Christians crumble and cry over the election reminds me of my stint with poison ivy this spring. No one likes body welts and face rashes, but it rocked my world way more than it should have. It wasn't so much the incessant itching and desire to kill my own cat for giving it to me (lookin' at you, Logan) - it was how consumed and bothered I was with how ugly I looked. Not to mention the life-gripping panic I felt after gaining weight from the steroid-based medication I took to help. The amount of drama and self -pity I exuded was pathetic. I really think God was trying to show me how much I valued and depended on my outward appearance, and how vanity had become my source of strength and confidence.

I see Trump as a poison ivy outbreak on America, with God showing us Christians how quickly we crumble, complain, fear and lose faith in times of struggle. Surely, our God is bigger than this.

Anyone who's vaguely acquainted themselves with Revelation knows it's going to get way worse than Trump and his pin-up bride. Are we really so surprised at the state of our political system, and the moral decay of our country? 2 Timothy 3:2 says "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy." It's only going to get worse. Now is the time to be a light, and to shine. To show the world supernatural peace, because our hope doesn't come from protected borders, low taxes and or job security. It comes from the Lord. Governments will rise and fall, and this world will fade away, but we're called to stand firm on Jesus, and the knowledge we have of our true place eternity.

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I've seen so many "how would Jesus vote?" posts. Who knows. But I'd bet he'd accept the results with grace and respect. He'd never lose hope, he'd pray for those in leadership and, just a hunch here-he'd even say to respect whom has been given authority. Romans 8:13 says "For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you." If we're living according to God's will and purposes, what are we afraid of? Why the terror? Is there any man, government or force of nature whom can't overcome, or even change? When did we become so weak and make our God so small? Hasn't God carried us through so far? Is anything impossible for God? I wonder if every Christian said just one prayer for Trump, instead of continually erupting with worry and disgust, if God might move, even now.

We weren't only warned there would be strife, uncertainty and troubles in this life. We were guaranteed it. This is not heaven. 2 Corinthians 4:8 tells us "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." Does this aptly describe our behavior this election season?
"He won't listen to me, I'll call him but you need to call him". The voice on the other end of the phone was stern, with a "wait until your father gets home" tone, fraught with worry and activated concern and coming from 6ft blonde, stunningly beautiful former Fox News anchor, Laurie Dhue. She was talking about our son, our black son, who had just posted an incendiary comment about the latest young black man gunned down by police. Laurie wanted the post down, and really so did I, and not because we thought Andrew did anything wrong but because it causes us more

worry than it should and that worry is real. Our kid is taking an interest in politics and social change and as a Jesuit educated young man, he is supposed to do that and have a commitment to social justice. When you're black in America, the stakes are higher and when you have white parents enjoying white privileges, the whole thing can get muddled into a big family drama. "I don't disagree, yes, black lives do matter, why do you think we have made so many efforts for your black life"? I found myself saying to Andrew. To a college freshman, being told by your parents to take something off Facebook is met with eye rolling and ridicule, typical and appropriate late adolescent behaviors but is it crazy to ask when nearly 200 young black men have been killed by police in 2016?

Student protest is nothing new, it's something I fully support, standing up and being heard, working to right wrongs, and striving for social justice are all values instilled by the Jesuit education with which Andrew has been blessed. His participation in activism is what he is educated to do. I never realized that part of white privilege is sending your kid off to an elite university without worrying about them being shot. Of course all parents worry and parents of freshmen worry acutely with the newness of a child stepping into the world but suburban white people don't have to worry about their suburban white son being shot by police walking back to his dorm carrying "something" that "looked like a gun". White parents don't worry about their white son being tagged as a "militant" for participating in campus politics. White parents of white children don't have the achievement of elite university acceptance tarnished by the unspoken assumption that he was admitted to fill some quota. "oh, well, sure he got in" with the unspoken "because he's black". Of course elite universities are looking for black students but the 4.0 and AP courses don't hurt either. White parents do have to worry about drunk and inappropriate sexual activity but not at the same level as parents of a black boys. Any misstep and the consequences can be life altering. I sent Andrew and app called "we consent" it documents that any sexual activity was consensual. I was relieved when he said "I downloaded the app". "Good, use it" was my reply. A big believer in generational boundaries I don't want to hear any dorm gossip of who is sleeping with whom but I want to do what I can to negotiate these early days free of exploding land mines. All parents should worry about the binge drinking blurry boundary undergrad culture that can lead to severe consequences but I promise, suburban white parents don't have the the same stakes Laurie and I have with Andrew. When you're black in America, you don't have to actually do anything to be found guilty of something. All that has to happen is a white person has to say you're guilty. Take a look at "To Kill a Mockingbird" for an example.

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Here's The Paranoid liberal problem, clashing with realistic concern

Maybe I'm a paranoid liberal? It's possible. I'm a walking cliche, I live in Brooklyn, I'm divorced, I write a blog, I live among hipsters and they cheer me on at soul cycle like they would their own dad. We dwell among cold brew coffee and artisanal crafted everything. When Andrew first came into our lives, I made big bold statements about racism and social justice at his his high school, St. Francis Xavier in NYC. A wise Jesuit priest said "let's worry about algebra for now". For some reason, I didn't worry too much about Andrew in NYC. For 12 hours a day he was at Xavier, a rigorous boys Catholic School comprised of more than 1/2 non white boys, more than 1/2 non Catholic and the first Catholic school to offer the "gay/straight alliance" as one of the student organizations. Xavier is as diverse as NYC and as committed to an egalitarian environment as there can be. Our limousine liberal Brooklyn neighborhood tapped into my ego with constant congratulatory adulation at our eclectic family. Andrew's admission to Georgetown was the crowning achievement that made a powerball odds idea, a reality. Then we are left with the current climate of race relations in America.

When blow hard boorish embodiment of American stupidity, Donald Trump, speaks about black people, white privilege allows for easy tune out of his comments. Not so when you think "hey that hooker-marrying-spray-tanned wing nut is talking about my kid". Trumps rhetoric is made more insulting by his "show us your papers, boy" mission to find Barack Obamas birth certificate. Mitt Romneys family was deeply involved in a fundamentalist sect of Mormonism in Mexico and yet, no call for Romney's birth certificate from Trump. Do any of us really know where Romney was born? Why didn't Trump investigate? Listening to Trump talk about black people in a room full of white people leads me to want to scream "9/10 of the poorest, most welfare dependent states with highest rates of gun violence vote for YOU!" Why is there no mention of social problems among white communities? We love talking about "the inner city". While ignoring that white communities have similar problems as some black communities. Where is the "inner city" anyway?

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Study abroad is now firmly entrenched as a signature element of the Centre brand, and the College rightly deserves its place of national prominence for the unique form of educational adventure we offer.

But it wasn't always the case.

Study abroad at Centre as we now know it began in 1990 with a fledgling residential program in London involving 22 students. A year later Strasbourg debuted. We now proudly celebrate a quarter-century of the College's first residential program in a non-English-speaking country.

Like London, the Strasbourg program had modest beginnings when it launched in 1991. Twenty students traveled to France for the first fall semester. The following year we had a total of 41.

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By contrast, fast forward to 2016-17.

A record 433 Centre students are scheduled to study abroad this year, according to Milton Reigelman, director of the Center for Global Citizenship, whose leadership I credit for our program's national prominence. Twenty Centre faculty will direct programs abroad.

Many students will be in our semester programs, not just in Strasbourg and London but also in China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Spain. Others will be spread across the globe during January's CentreTerm in Austria, Belgium, Cuba, England, France, China, Israel, Italy, Jordan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Thailand. Centre professors will also direct summer programs in Borneo, Costa Rica, and France.

Over the decades, Reigelman likes to note, both our students and faculty have been internationalized in ways that we could not have foreseen. (He writes eloquently about his Strasbourg experiences here, sentiments echoed by Professor Mark Rasmussen.)

Previously, it was hard work convincing students to leave Danville for part of their education. Today, students are attracted to Centre because of study abroad, and they matriculate already having decided which foreign programs they want to pursue. (Senior Madison Stuart writes about her Strasbourg experience here.)

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Likewise, many on our faculty were somewhat ambivalent about study abroad at first, but today job candidates consider Centre because of our international programs. In fact, faculty competition to lead programs abroad is now sometimes intense.

And though we have not directly used our foreign programs to recruit international students, simply having them must be an attractive sign. In 1991, when Strasbourg launched, we had a total of four international students enrolled. We opened this academic year with 100, 25 times as many as 25 years ago. This past May we graduated a record 19 international students.

It has been my privilege to visit not just Strasbourg but all of our residential abroad programs with my wife, Susie--several more than once--during my 18 years as president. I come away with several observations.

First, beyond simply reading about distant lands in books, study abroad offers our students the opportunity to become global citizens firsthand. Second, this form of education is truly an adventure. Thousands of miles away from home, students become capable of navigating what is often different and new. Third, being abroad is helpful in eventually seeking employment and acceptance into programs of advanced study.

On this last point, I'm even more convinced that while it's true that most students will never live abroad, their lives of work and service will be of global proportion regardless of their career choice.

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I spent a great part of today reflecting on our first anniversary for Twomentor, LLC. Our Entrepreneurial Road Trip is about elevating women in STEM and helping companies build mentoring cultures to better retain Millennials. Our journey is well underway.

I love top 10 lists and I love 'lessons learned', so I put down a few reflection points on highlights for the year trailblazing a new company. I don't want to sugarcoat the entrepreneurial process and say it was a breeze. In fact, it has been one of the hardest thing I have ever done professionally. Along with the road trip analogy, there was car sickness, winds that could have pushed us off the road, a few flat tires for sure. There were also open roads of creativity, strong coffee and gorgeous skyline views. I am filled with gratitude and awe in each new part of the entrepreneurial process. To lay a framework of who we are, here is some updated info on what we actually do and what clients & others are saying about us.

10] What Was I Thinking? Yes, it was brave and arguably a bit crazy to "jump off a cliff" and start a business, giving up paycheck and many benefits, but the driving force was a clear vision of social impact and a personal dream for an entrepreneurial future. I have always believed that entrepreneurship is the future and that entrepreneurship is freedom on many levels. That we each are artists of the economy and that if we can, we should build. I am passionate, we are passionate to see more women thrive in the workforce and to better mentor Millennials for stronger engagement and retention (75% of Millennials say that being mentored is crucial to their professional success and often, corporate culture can leave them feeling like a car without a clean windshield to see out of). No regrets overall -- but also I must acknowledge the support of good friends who talked me off of a ledge (more than once) and the overall financial strain it put on my family. Reshma Saujani (Girls Who Code) in her TED talk spoke of the importance of teaching girls to be brave, not perfect. This talk had a profound influence on me and I am glad that I hit the engine hard, even if we had to run on fumes for a few more months than planned.

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9] Clients, Clients, Clients. Don't want to run on fumes? You need clients to fuel the engine and occasionally pay a speeding ticket. You really don't have a business without clients, and we now have had fabulous clients that we serve on some of the most important issues facing the country and our workforce. Our clients and stakeholders took us from India (a Leadership Conference), to Silicon Valley, to keynote an InfoComm International (Women in the audio visual industry) in Las Vegas, to an awesome Government Diversity Summit, and to work and chair a major upcoming Global Women in STEM conference in Dubai! We have had meetings in the Pentagon, run flash mentoring sessions (think speed dating) for Leadership Greater Washington, Women in Stone, run official Mentor Roadtrip Trainings, and customized mentor action guides. However, If I were to look back, this area was probably the biggest mistake I made with the company. Though we had a litany of wonderful opportunities for exposure, it took 8x more work than I thought it would to secure our first clients. So for other aspiring entrepreneurs, please make sure you have a 6-12 month financial runway before beginning your new venture's operations (Rome wasn't built in one day and neither was Facebook or BirchBox).

8] How do you build a social impact company that adds value to the world, every day? Do you crash and burn trying? I always loved the famous quote by race car driver Mario Andretti, "If I seem like I am in control, I am probably going too slow." We knew we needed to get out there and were on a passionate crusade to teach companies the business case for mentoring. That it's not just "good to do", it's good for business). Although so many corporations have good intentions, many have had a failure to launch story when it comes to mentoring. The word 'skittish' is not inaccurate -- despite legions of research that mentoring is one of your most low-cost retention strategies. Part of this strategy is having a designated staff and a need for metrics to assess return on investment (ROI). Thanks to Ray Chambers and his team at the Amelior Foundation, we were invited to blog for The Huffington Post in 2012 as a key platform to share intensive learning on these issues with dozens of blogs to date and a book in the works. Key topics included: mentoring your interns this past summer, how to build a sponsorship (advocate/championing) relationship, 11 steps to launching a corporate mentoring program, STEM global diversity, and the place where entrepreneurship meets STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math + Arts). We spoke at fourteen conferences such as Women in Technology International (Silicon Valley), had 327 calls with global executives, and also were featured on Technical.ly, Diversity Insight Magazine selected us for 100 Women in STEM, Entrepreneur Magazine, SmartCEO, SCORE Palm Beach, B2B Nation Podcast, AT& T Women Who Inspire Series, and more.

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7] Driving to New Heights at the UN. One of the great peaks of our first year was the opportunity to speak at the United Nations and present to 400 Millennials from 85 countries through World Merit in a 7 minute TedX style speech. The participants inspired us with their projects to change the world as they pursue social entrepreneurship, and I encourage all of our readers to learn more about this great organization. We realized that Twomentor, LLC's social impact work falls under three of the UN sustainability goals in particular: Gender Equity (SDG5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8) and Reduce Inequalities (SDG10). To honor my father's legacy of being a refugee and getting political asylum in the US in 1956, I shared parts of his story and why being an entrepreneur matters so much to me. I understand now that entrepreneurship is about building and freedom, and that my father escaped from Hungary to build and to be free.

6] A Bluejay Few Into the Office One Day. Out of the blue came a wonderful call from Debbie Kaplan, the COO of Leadership Greater Washington, asking me if I would co-chair this year's class with CEO Doug Duncan. It was the opportunity of a lifetime to work with 63 diverse leaders (1600 graduates) on the big issues impacting the region and see them grow. I am a graduate (class of 2000) so when Debbie first invited me, I wondered how could I possibly take on this big responsibility with my new company, and told her I would get back to her. I stared at my empty coffee cup in dismay. But as soon as I hung up the phone I knew I would absolutely regret this opportunity if I didn't throw the car into drive and JUST SAY YES! The ride is off to a great start -- we had our opening retreat last Thursday & Friday and I reconnected with the program as well as the realization that leaders can leave their egos at the door, connect at deep levels, and commence a journey that is transformational to them and their peers for a greater good. All I can say is that there were a lot of hugs the last day. I am so excited for a powerful year ahead as well as Twomentor is investing, with a front row seat, in seeing others self-actualize. After all, this also what mentoring is really about... a bounce up from Maslow's hierarchy of needs!

5] You Cannot Build Something Great Alone. I am stubborn, I am driven, I can be both an introvert and an extrovert, but having interns and people help me pave the unchartered trail has been both humbling and rewarding. Thank you to my associate Bridget McKeough for being the first collaborating partner in building Twomentor. Thank you Febin Belami, Lauren Bolduc, Matt Curry and Delia Borboune who all remind me what an honor and privilege it is to work with our Millennial generation. Thanks also to Ana Atarodian, Amber C., Gail Zoppo, Erin Cooper for your work. We mentor our Associates and they have been indispensable taking on tough stretch assignments and bringing so much light and laughter to the office. I'm also appreciative of Naomi, our 11 pound white (with just a little butter mixed in) Havanese mascot who joins us at the office everyday and sometimes gets renamed 'Puppy Prozac.'

4] Our Advisors. Twomentor is blessed with some rockstar big brother and big sister 'external' mentors and sponsors that have been generous with both guidance and connections. Tien Wong, Steve Bucherati, Marissa Levin, Sheryl Sleeva, Howard Ross, Frank Howard, Mary Kraft, Jenn Crenshaw, Mario Soncini, Jenna Gebel, Dr. Andrea Hendricks, Dan Goodman and Patty Alper have each helped in a way that has made sense (you can read much more about them HERE). BTW: I want to make sure our readers know the difference between a mentor and a sponsor, as this is a game-changer. A mentor is someone who speaks to you, advises you. A sponsor is someone who champions you, speaks well of you behind closed doors to people in positions of influence. We train people to both mentor and sponsor. If you plan to launch a business or launch your career-in-the-fast-lane, build sponsorship relationships sooner rather than later if you want to get to your destination better, faster, and smarter. An article about our advisors role was published in SmartCEO Magazine thanks to Marissa Levin.

3] The Doors that Opened. So many meaningful connections and deep discussions almost every day. I have never publicly thanked a software before, but I am going to sincerely thank Linkedin for being our technology BFF these past eleven months and helping us train over 120 executives to optimize their Linkedin use (don't wait till you need a job, use it now). Most great leaders we spoke to from hundreds of the top companies and NGO's in the country had another key person they wanted us to meet in 90% of our calls. We do not take that lightly! The power of building and strengthening your network is, well, everything.

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2] It Takes Two! We are proud of our name Twomentor. Let me explain why. The performing artist Rob Base is right, It does take 'two' to make things go right and it does takes two to mentor. But most importantly, we found perhaps the only way, to make the word MENtor more inclusive by adding tWOMENtor. Need I say more? You want more women recruited-and-retained in STEM, it's absolutely going to take both men and women stepping up as mentors to create a more diverse pipeline for our future.

1] At one we are walking, talking and still stumbling here and there. We pivot, we burn the midnight oil, we feel energized and ignited in purpose. We hope that we can join you, or you can join us to drive the next miles of a worthy journey -- because sometimes 1+1 does not equal 2, it equals 200+ when we come together.
Business people practicing yoga in park

The day was full of excitement and anxiety. I was hoping for nothing out of the ordinary--only smooth sailing, and drama free. But as anyone who works in TV production or has ALS knows, that's wishful thinking.

I was on location at a local yoga studio, shooting a promo video for our national Yoga Day for ALS campaign. The entire concept, 25 yogi volunteers, film crew and one caregiver were collected on a warm muggy Saturday afternoon to help me execute a creative vision.

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The previous month emailing with the director, yoga instructor/studio owner had felt great. I love producing; it's usually equal parts creative mind and logistics. What's more, I'd organized the entire production via emails I wrote with my eyes!

If you think that's impressive, just wait until you hear what happened next...

Right before leaving my house, my feeding tube appeared to be clogged. It worked with no issue earlier when I consumed a breakfast smoothie. However, when it came time for morning medications of crushed pills, nothing would go into my stomach.

This had happened before and usually resolved itself so I wasn't very concerned. But to be safe, I texted a close friend whose husband, Paul, is a GI department physician's assistant at a local hospital. Coincidentally, that close friend was also going to be at the video shoot, and her husband met me at the yoga studio.

While 20 yogis stood in place in the studio and the crew organized shots, I was in the lobby getting a tune up. Paul, the PA was like Anthony Edwards character on the TV drama ER, only shorter and with more hair.

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A quick side note about my feeding tube. It's called a Mic Key button. It is nearly flush with my stomach. Think of a gas cap on your car--that is one end of the tube, and the other is about three inches long and goes directly into my stomach. The tube fits perfectly into a track in my stomach sort of like the Holland tunnel of my tummy.

The only tricky thing about this little gastric gadget is there's a tiny water balloon on end that acts as an anchor so it doesn't pop out. Paul confidently explained he was going to deflate the balloon to determine the problem. Since I was sidetracked and thinking about the shoot, I agreed without realizing how CRAZY it sounded.

Before I knew what happened, Paul was holding my feeding tube in front of my face! This meant I had an open tunnel in my stomach. He explained as long as we got it back in within 15-20 minutes, it was not a problem!

Paul quickly found the clog, and fixed it with a paper clip and water. The problem occurred when it was time to get the feeding tube back into my body. Picture trying to get a piece of cooked spaghetti into a keyhole... Paul asked our mutual nurse friend to run to the store and buy some KY jelly!

I'm ghost white at this point. Oh, and all the yogis are on a break. Nothing to see here!

Soon enough, the lube was in the building to help! The real help was Paul using a blow pop from the yoga studio reception desk to give the feeding tube some stiffness. With that, as easy as Paul removed it, my feeding tube was back in business!

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Ohhhh yeah, the video shoot, unlike my body went perfectly, well take a look for yourself!

Watch the finished product:
I've always wondered why people use the term "feeling blue" when they are sad. The color that clouded my horizons after Peter died was most certainly gray, not blue. I felt I was in a bad British mystery movie, in the midst of a gray, hazy, dense fog and I couldn't find my way through the mist. I felt a heavy grey cloud looming overhead about to rain on my soul with even more sadness. My moods were thick with gray, slightly tinged with a touch of red anger, railing at my tragedy. I know that since Peter died, I have many moments when I "feel blue," but I can't fault my favorite color for my mood.

Recent research published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, showed that sadness and emotion could influence various visual processes that are involved in perceiving color. In this study the results demonstrated that participants who watched a sad video clip were less accurate in identifying colors on the blue-yellow spectrum than participants who watched funny clips. Could this be the causative factor in the expression 'feeling blue?'

Some say the word "feeling blue" comes from the tradition of ships flying blue flags and bearing a painted blue band when a captain or another officer died. Another origin of "the blues," is derived from mysticism involving blue indigo, which was used by many West African cultures in death and bereavement ceremonies where all the mourners' garments would have been dyed indigo blue to indicate suffering. This mystical association toward the indigo plant, translated to the US and the slaves who worked on cotton in the Southern plantations, often singing dirge-like songs referred to as "the blues."

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The word "blue" was first used by Chaucer in about 1385, in his poem, Complaint of Mars. Washington Irving is credited with having first used the term "the blues" in 1807, as a synonym for sadness: "He conducted his harangue with a sigh, and I saw he was still under the influence of a whole legion of the blues." Irving was shortening the phrase "blue devils" which was a synonym dating back to Elizabethan time to describe a menacing presence. "The Blues" as a musical form, featuring flattened thirds and sevenths, may have originated around 1895, although officially in W.C. Handy's Memphis Blues.

For me, blue represents tranquility, harmony, peace, and relaxation. My house is decorated in blue and white. I don't find sadness in blue. Blue is also associated with the fifth chakra, located at the throat and therefore connected to communication. Someone who speaks the truth is "true blue." I like the color blue. It makes me see clearly and find my way in the world in a calm and coherent manner. I have vowed to continue to look at the blue horizon and avoid the grey clouds of sadness to find solace and comfort in my journey towards restoration.

"Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up." -- Allen Klein
By Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40, Ani Dasgupta, Global Director of WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, and Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation and Director of Corporate Citizenship at Citi



There's been much discussion about the historic adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals in September 2015, the Paris Agreement on climate change in December 2015, and the New Urban Agenda in Quito in October 2016. They share one thing in common: the key role of mayors in delivering the local action necessary to achieve ambitious global outcomes. Yet, as was highlighted by the Call for Action on Municipal Infrastructure Finance, launched by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) with the supported by 28 organisations, mayors face many challenges in delivering sustainable urban development, particularly acute financing challenges. In an environment of constrained municipal budgets, we need to unlock additional funding and finance to deliver sustainable services to the growing urban population.

That's why C40, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, and the Citi Foundation have joined with over 65 cities for the C40 Mayors Summit in Mexico City to emphasize the critical role of finance in delivering a truly sustainable future. It is time to focus on how local and national governments, financial institutions, and the private sector can work together to mobilize the trillions of dollars of investment needed to turn ambition into action.

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Representatives of Financing Sustainable Cities Initiative partners, from left: James Alexander, C40; Val Smith, Citi; Helio Lima Magalhaes, Citi Brazil; Rodrigo Rosa, C40 and City of Rio de Janeiro; and Toni Lindau, WRI Brasil Sustainable Cities.



The emerging discourse on sustainable urban finance hinges on four key questions: what to invest in, how to pay for it, how to mobilize investment capital, and how to structure contracts and institutional frameworks. To best answer these questions, we must continue building a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities for unlocking funding, financing, and the delivery mechanisms for sustainable investments in cities.

The Financing Sustainable Cities Initiative (FSCI) is helping to do just that.

A joint effort from C40, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, and the Citi Foundation, the FSCI is helping accelerate and scale up investment in sustainable urban solutions. By identifying the ingredients of successful sustainable urban projects around the world, this groundbreaking partnership is helping city governments and investors develop business models that enable all stakeholders to bridge quickly from innovation to implementation and help cities to reach their full potential. It's not just about finding more money; investors and city decision-makers need new ways of seeing eye-to-eye on what makes urban investment a sustainable and a financially viable solution.

Over the last 12 months, the FSCI has held a series of technical workshops and a Financing Sustainable Cities Forum, collectively convening more than 300 senior officials and technical staff from government, financial institutions, and the private sector to collaborate on business models for sustainable urban solutions.

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Our most recent workshop in South Africa brought together city government urban planners, transport officials, economists, and Chief Financial Officers who each play an instrumental role in determining the development path of their cities. This was the first time these key players in South Africa's four largest cities had come together to collaborate with each other and external finance experts on creating transit-oriented cities and reducing urban sprawl.

In India and Brazil, we are working with public and private actors to explore how to adapt global business models for transit-oriented development to their national context. The transformative potential of capacity development and informed dialogue is becoming particularly powerful in Cali, Colombia, where a coalition is emerging for Colombia's first investment specifically focused on transit-oriented development.

Over the next 18 months, we will continue to work closely with cities across the globe and will be sharing the results through a series of events, publications and an online platform. This platform will make our findings on business models for sustainable solutions freely available to cities, investors, solution providers, and partner organizations. In doing so, we aim to support the growing ecosystem of people working to implement the New Urban Agenda, Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Agreement to create more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable cities.
On Nov. 16, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement condemning a series of massive attacks on five hospitals in Syria -- three in Aleppo, the country's largest city, and two in the town of Idleb -- that had occurred during the preceding three days. These most recent hospital bombings represent a shocking escalation in an already horrifying systematic military campaign against health care infrastructure in Syria throughout 2016.

While the WHO avoided identifying the parties responsible for these most recent attacks, several news organizations, including The New York Times, CNN and the BBC, pinned the blame for these atrocities squarely on Syrian government forces.

Two of the Aleppo hospitals targeted by government forces were major trauma centers that provided surgical care to thousands of critically injured patients. One of the two hospitals hit in Idleb was a key referral hospital for comprehensive emergency obstetric care, where more than 200 major surgeries and 600 deliveries occurred each month.

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Particularly disturbing were government airstrikes with barrel bombs against Aleppo's only children's hospital and a nearby central blood bank. Dr. Hatem, director of the children's hospital and one of its three remaining pediatricians, told CNN that medical staff and all patients were forced to seek shelter during the bombing in one room in the facility's basement.

In its Nov. 16 statement, the WHO asserted that the "pattern of attacks indicates that health care is being deliberately targeted in the Syrian conflict - this is a major violation of international law and a tragic disregard of our common humanity. ... The attack of five hospitals and a mobile clinic in less than 48 hours is an outrage that puts many more lives in danger in Syria and deprives the most vulnerable - including children and pregnant women - of their right to health services, just at the time when they need them most."

Intentionally directing attacks against hospitals and places where the sick and wounded are collected is considered a war crime under the Statute of the International Criminal Court, which took effect in 2002. As the preamble to the statute states, "such grave crimes threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world."

The senior leadership of Syria -- including President Bashar al-Assad, who is himself a physician -- must be brought before the International Criminal Court, headquartered at The Hague in the Netherlands, and prosecuted for their war crimes against the country's civilian population.

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From the world's most environmentally recycled paper to cutting-edge water shortage solutions, sustainable healthcare, energy conservation and the green construction and infrastructure of the future, Israel continues to make strides in sustainable innovation, living up to its status as the world's top innovator in the field of clean technologies by the Global Cleantech 100 Index.

Israel has a wealth of experience and expertise in fields like advanced agriculture, water technologies, drip irrigation, renewable energy and high-tech, but it is also a tiny country, with limited resources. So how has it emerged as a leader in sustainable innovation?

First and foremost, Israel's surge within environmental innovation stemmed from a need; a need for a solution to problems like drinking water shortages or agricultural solutions in the Negev desert. It was out of this necessity to innovate that Israel has pioneered its way to the forefront of environmental sustainability.

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Take Mekorot for example, the national water company of Israel and the country's top agency for water management. In the face of one of Israel's most significant environmental and security challenges, the organization now provides a steady flow of clean water to a rapidly growing population despite the region's limited freshwater resources, amid climate and difficult geopolitical realities. The problem of drinking water shortages in Israel has in fact been solved and the organization is even working with companies in Southern California, India, Cyprus and Uganda to spread its desalination practices to similar climates to help them recycle water most effectively.

Or take Netafim, an Israeli pioneer of drip and micro-irrigation products for agriculture, greenhouse, landscape and mining applications. From its roots as a kibbutz company experimenting with ways to save water to its current status as a worldwide innovator in drip irrigation technology. Simply put, there was a need within Israel to innovate locally. Now we see them going global and it's working because it is an issue many countries are dealing with.

Secondly, Israel is a small country. Counterproductive you might think, but in fact this proved to be a key component in Israel's ability to operate efficiently, tying up the necessary knots together quickly. Size and accessibility make these companies flourish. Networks are very much beginning to materialize because of this. International perspectives and investors come and visit to learn more and look for the solutions here with us. The scale and size of Israel makes it much easier to connect all the dots.

Finally, there's passion. This might seem strange to allude to, but similar to the necessity of producing such innovation, also comes a greater purpose in what Israeli innovators are striving towards. I recall watching a field manager at work during a visit to Mekorot. You could see in his eyes this deep sense of value and purpose to what he was doing - you don't usually find this type of attitude at Government-owned companies. There's an inherent passion within Israelis to create and participate in something that will not only affect the greater good around the world but also be able to see the extent of the value personally.

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Israeli innovation continues to establish links with companies in developing countries themselves, but is still only at the beginning of this process. Indeed, the country has garnered a reputation for itself in recent years as the "Start-up Nation". However, this is an identity born out of innovation in the fields of information and communications technology (ICT), defense and cyberspace. Such networks have yet to be established and collectively focused within the sustainability context.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska  Longtime Barrick Gold Corp. employee Andy Cole appointed at general manager of the Donlin Gold project in Alaska.

Donlin is owned by Barrick and Novagold Resources Inc. The owners expressed their sincere gratitude to Stan Foo, the outgoing general manager, for his service and dedication to Donlin Gold during his 12-year tenure at the project.

Cole has more than 20 years of experience in permitting, building and operating major gold mines in North America. He comes to Donlin Gold from Barrick where he was most recently executive director, U.S.A. responsible for permitting, energy, communications, community relations and corporate social responsibility. Prior to that position, he served in a variety of senior operating roles, including general manager of both the Goldstrike mine, one of Barricks largest operations, and the Ruby Hill mine, both located in Nevada.

Cole is well known for his active involvement in local campus and mining education programs and serves on the advisory boards of a number of university engineering and mining programs. Cole has an engineering degree and a Master of Business Administration. As general manager of Donlin Gold, he will be relocating to Anchorage, Alaska, and will report directly to the board of Donlin Gold LLC, equally represented by the owners, Barrick and Novagold.

Advancing through permitting and preparing for the development of a unique asset like Donlin Gold is a rare opportunity and Im excited to take on this role, said Cole. The project has a track record of engineering excellence and a strong culture of safety, environmental stewardship and community engagement, all values that will remain constant. We believe Donlin Gold can be a model of responsible mine development with the potential to generate meaningful benefits for our Native Corporation partners, Calista Corporation and The Kuskokwim Corporation, and communities throughout Alaska for many decades to come.

Andys extensive experience and expertise make him an ideal candidate to take this project forward, building on the progress we have made under Stan Foos strong leadership at Donlin Gold, President of Barrick Kelvin Dushnisky said. As we advance through the permitting process, we look forward to working with Novagold and Andys team to optimize Donlin Gold, with a focus on maximizing the long-term value of the project for all stakeholders.

Congratulations to Andy Cole on his new appointment and a heartfelt thanks to Stan Foo for the direction he provided in building a solid foundation on which to advance a model project, said Greg Lang, Novagolds president and chief executive officer. As we move through permitting, Donlin Golds path up the value chain will shift toward engineering and, potentially, the development of what is arguably the most important gold project in the world today. My team and I have known and worked with Andy for years, and we cant think of a better person to take this project through the next phases of value maximization. Andys breadth and depth of experience and talent is well suited to unlock the potential of Donlin Gold for its owners, and continue to build on the strong partnerships we enjoy with the Native Corporations and other stakeholders.

The Path Forward

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Donlin Golds lead federal permitting agency, is now reviewing the comment submittals received during the Donlin Gold public comment period for the draft environmental impact statement in preparation for completing the final EIS. Concurrent with these and other permitting activities, the owners are studying ways to further enhance the projects value and lessen initial capital, such as modular construction techniques, more selective mining methods, automation of certain mining activities and additional value accretive scenarios. These studies have identified opportunities that, in combination with changes in prices of most major input costs, have the potential to increase the overall value of Donlin Gold as the owners consider updates to the project feasibility study completed in 2011.

About the Donlin Gold Project

Donlin Gold is one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in the world with an estimated mine life of 27 years and an average gold grade per ton that is more than double the gold industry average. The projects existing gold resources sit on a three-kilometer portion of an eight-kilometer belt of known mineralization, with additional gold targets and exploration upside. As designed to its feasibility study specifications, or in the staged-development scenarios being studied by the owners, Donlin Gold has the potential to be one of the largest gold-producing mines in the industry. The project is located in Alaska, the second largest gold-producing state in the U.S., and enjoys strong support from its native corporation partners, as well as from the state government and its representatives.
Entrepreneurs are everywhere these days, not just in the purely for-profit world but also those looking to create social, as well as financial, gain.

As the international development community grows, entrepreneurial thinking is becoming ever more mainstream, with social enterprises demonstrating how to create businesses that deliver social benefit. As Naveen Jain, technology and spacecraft entrepreneur, once said, "There is not a problem that is large enough that innovation and entrepreneurship can't solve."

Well, if talented social entrepreneurs around the world are looking for a large problem in need of a solution - and given that it is World Toilet Day on Saturday - I would encourage them to look at the sanitation crisis currently gripping the world, and particularly the challenge in cities.

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Urban sanitation: one of the biggest challenges in the Sustainable Development Goals



Here's a quick summary of the sanitation crisis. One in three people around the world lack access to a safe, clean toilet. Diseases attributable to poor sanitation currently kill more children globally than AIDS, malaria and measles put together, and diarrhoea is the single biggest killer of children in Africa.

In cities, the issue is particularly challenging. Most of the one billion people who live in informal urban settlements lack access to a proper toilet, and it is extremely hard to improve sanitation in densely populated, unplanned and poorly constructed urban slums.

In my view, this is one of the biggest challenges contained in the Sustainable Development Goals. There simply isn't a clear pathway as to how we meet the ambitious targets set out by the world.

An entrepreneurial opportunity

So why is all this an opportunity for entrepreneurs? Isn't it the job of utilities to provide sanitation? Aren't citywide institutions better suited to providing citywide services?

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Here's why it is an opportunity.

Firstly, many city utilities need help delivering sanitation services in low-income communities, particularly where sewers - which are the typical way of transporting human waste - do not exist. So there is a huge need that needs plugging.

Second, low-income residents can - and will - pay for sanitation services, just like people do in developed countries: as long as the service is affordable and meets people's needs.

People want to lead dignified and healthy lives, and paying a small amount for a safe, clean toilet is an important part of that. Its certainly a better alternative for people than having to use public toilets (which are often unsafe and unhygienic, and don't come free anyway), or relieving themselves outside i.e. open defecation.

A number of smart entrepreneurs have identified this opportunity, and have been investing in different ways to deliver cheap sanitation services to low-income customers. We've been supporting sanitation businesses for many years, particularly in Bangladesh, Ghana, Mozambique and Zambia - although we're certainly not the only ones, and businesses such as X-runner in Peru, SOIL in Haiti, Pivot Works in Rwanda and Sanivation in Kenya all are developing interesting business models.



Bring on the innovation

The innovation that entrepreneurs can bring is needed in a number of areas. Firstly, in the design of toilets which low-income customers can afford. If a toilet to be shared by a group of families costs $500 to build, but the dirty public toilet costs $0.05 per use, you can guess which one will win - even if the public toilet works out more expensive in the long run. This is particularly true among low-income customers who find it easier to pay small amounts regularly than large one-off amounts.

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Second, in the collection of waste. Without sewers, there needs to be another way to move waste safely from a toilet to a treatment facility. There are different ways to do this, which different businesses are exploring, but we need more efforts to find methods that can be safe, hygienic and affordable.

Third, in the re-use - and sale - of treated waste. Human waste, properly treated, can be re-used but there are obvious health implications if this is not done correctly. And whilst this can be an important revenue generator, we of course need to find ways to overcome natural repulsion to products derived from human waste.

Pivot Works in Rwanda and Sanivation in Kenya are looking at this problem in different ways; the services we have developed in Lusaka, Zambia produce soil fertiliser which can be sold.

Creating the environment for entrepreneurs

There is a complication, though. In many sectors, entrepreneurs are able to create successful products and services without the involvement of other organisations. But not so in the sanitation sector.

Our experience has shown that sanitation entrepreneurs are highly unlikely to develop scalable businesses if they don't receive endorsement and support from the public sector in their city - particularly because a business focusing on the bottom of the pyramid is operating on extremely narrow margins.

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For example: dealing with waste, without access to citywide waste treatment facilities, would be pretty much crippling for a sanitation business. And assistance from the public sector, by giving access to unused assets such as vehicles to transport waste, can significantly reduce start-up costs for an entrepreneur.

Persuading cash-strapped utilities to provide this kind of support is not easy. But through patient relationship building, it can be done - and we've found that the buy-in of city utilities and municipal authorities is an absolutely essential part of making a sanitation business successful.

Public private partnerships in action: SWEEP

If all that sounds too complex to justify entrepreneurs getting excited about sanitation, let me wrap up on a positive note. In 2015, in Bangladesh, we launched a business called SWEEP, which provides septic tank emptying services for low-income customers in Dhaka. At the heart of the business model was a simple lease contract with the Dhaka utility, DWASA, enabling SWEEP to use two vacuum tankers which DWASA was not using.

Some 20 months on, the business has served around 80,000 customers, is making money and we're looking to expand the model to Chittagong, Bangladesh's second city. The model is far from perfect, and there is a lot more that we can do to improve its effectiveness, but its a good start, and it shows how sanitation businesses can bring real social value to urban communities that were previously under-served.

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It's an ordinary sunny summer day in Bavaria. One of those days that get blurred together in one's memory - beautiful, but uneventful. Pleasant, but unremarkable. Simple, yet happy.

Little legs running carelessly through the plush, green grass with knee high white wool socks. Their hard pressed cotton shirts are tucked in neatly inside their brown shorts, with a pair of red suspenders holding them firmly in place. You can see the ripples of the Alpine breeze spreading across their silky blond hair, whirling around like on a golden July wheat field.

The parents are watching from the wooden porch of their terracotta tiled mountain resort in Berchtesgaden. They both exude the elegant quality that we imagine in people from the 30s and 40s. The father is wearing a tailored dark suit, with his amber hair combed strictly to the side; not even one loose hair allowed to stray.

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His smile is chiseled on his cheeks. He is happy. The only cacophony in his impeccable image - the two big green stains on his knees, from his earlier escapades in the grass; medals of fatherhood that he wears with pride. He is a great father. He is a great husband. He is a patriot.

When Eva Brown's home movies were discovered in the early 70s, they were filled with such memories. Nazi officers and their families vacationing in the Alps with Hitler and his mistress, not far from the orchestrated inferno of the concentration camps. This superficial image of benevolence and normalcy is what Hannah Arendt famously described as the banality of evil.

While observing the trial of Adolf Eichmann in Jerusalem in 1961, Arendt pointed out the striking normalcy that often hides behind even the most sinister of deeds. Adolf Eichmann was one of the logistical masterminds of the Holocaust. He was abducted by Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, in cinematic fashion from his refuge in Argentina. Arendt used Eichmann's trial to seek for responses regarding the elusive nature of evil; where does it come from, who and why is capable of committing evil acts? Her epiphany came while listening to the testimony of this quite unremarkable individual; an uninspiring Nazi bureaucrat who could easily even be characterized as stupid.

Stupidity is nuanced, and in this case, is meant to describe a complete lack of thoughtfulness. Eichmann's stupidity was amplified by a catastrophic confidence of serving the right cause. Arendt's legacy to future generations is the revelation of the inextricable relationship between thoughtlessness, conviction, banality and evil. It is this seemingly mundane nature of heinousness that is deceiving. Germany did not one day just wake up to that reality. Hitler's toxic narrative did not exist in the vacuum. He manipulated the preexisting conditions, acclimatizing the German public to his new normal.

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In hindsight, it's inexplicable how easily mislead our collective conscience has been in the past. However, the subtle incremental desensitizations that take place can be almost undetectable. Evil is a process and the very first yards of the slippery slope leading to it are paved with thoughtlessness and misguided confidence. This slope has a name, it is called radicalization.

It is easy to discuss radicalization when it comes to the atrocities of DAESH. This kind of evil is veridical and its most horrendous acts are documented and shared in an instance in our hyperconnected reality. It is easy to spot as a distant observer. The challenge lies in identifying the intangible first elements of the deceptive rise of radicalization in our neighbor, in our father, in ourselves. Those elements often hide in plain sight and if we have already started descending down that slippery slope ourselves, then they are empowering. The slope gets steeper as we rationalize as acceptable any direct and indirect forms of violence. Our descent is fueled by the flawed justifications we espouse in order to protect our self-respect when we violate our own moral code. Unfortunately, this trend is now ubiquitous.

Last week, a video went viral on social media of an enraged driver in Queens cursing at an Uber driver for the mere fact that he was Muslim. "Trump is president, [expletive]! So you can kiss your [expletive] visa goodbye, scumbag. They'll deport you soon. Don't worry, you [expletive] terrorist," the man said. The level of hatred and animosity in that video is disturbing. The only restraints for someone in such a radicalized state are the legal and civic consequences. If we solely depend on potential punishment in order to maintain order and civility, then we could be heading for the bottom of the slope.

One could argue that the apparent omnipresence of these incidents is fabricated by the media. This would be an appropriate criticism for the role of the media in general. After all, capitalizing on the sensationalistic impact of random incidents has been media's contribution in this quagmire. However, this is not the case right now. There are numerous examples that substantiate an established trend.

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On November 29th, the Southern Poverty Law Center announced that it has received more than 800 reports of hateful harassment and intimidation incidents since the elections. A week earlier, on November 21st, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave a press conference for the creation of a special police unit to fight the uptick of hate crimes. According to New York Police Department Commissioner James O'Neill, there is a documented 31 percent spike in such crimes since last year, specifically against Muslims. Couple days before Cuomo's announcement, on November 19th, the National Policy Institute (NPI), a small Virginia-based white nationalist think tank masked under the misleading label of alt-right, organized a conference promoting what they call "peaceful ethnic cleansing." In the same conference, there were references to original Nazi propaganda, to the point of saluting the President-Elect with "Hail Trump, hail our people, hail victory!" Trump condemned NPI but failed to reflect on his role mainstreaming the narrative that empowers groups such as NPI. Pseudo-intellectual nationalists take advantage of the systemic lack of civic education for the promotion of their toxic agenda. Nationalism and exceptionalism are the grease that makes the slope slippery. This is what next door radicalization looks like.

Unfortunately, the US is now facing this emerging new normal. But this did not happen overnight. Racial tensions, a complex web of protracted grievances, and a disconnected, extremely polarized Congress, composed a causal mosaic. For the past ten years, Congressional job approval ratings have been fluctuating between 10 and 20 percent, with few exceptions, according to Gallup. After more than a decade of wars overseas, the American public got tired of not feeling in their pocket the mathematical improvement of the economy. When their problems at home remained, they lost interest in the world around them. When the DC establishment failed to detect the growing resentment, a vacuum was formed.

According to PEW Research, US public support for America's global role fell to a historical 40 year low in 2013. 52 percent of the respondents had supported that the U.S. should "mind its own business internationally." Public fatigue in the international role of the U.S. was also portrayed in a 2014 polling by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, one of America's leading international relations think tanks. The percentage of participants wanting the US to "stay out" of global affairs that year jumped to 41 percent, a historical high since 1947. The same report framed its findings as "Public continues to support an "active part" of the United States in world affairs," just because the "stay active" percentage was still a majority, albeit rapidly declining. It failed to point out the significance of the trend in their own data of the "stay out of world affairs" percentage rising steadily from 25 percent in 2002 to the all-time high of 2014. The early warnings of isolationism and resentment went widely unnoticed by politicians and experts alike, except from Trump.

The political elites and the media have been in a state of willful blindness. This disconnect fostered the growing dark feeling of disfranchisement that Trump capitalized on. Trump is just the vehicle for the legitimate grievances of a big portion of the American people against the establishment - political and media. No one else was able to appropriately channel the accumulating resentment of this specific demographic. He sensed this trend but viewed it as a business opportunity, rather than a civic duty. He capitalized on those well-founded concerns and worries, and chose the comfort and appeal of reckless populism, prioritizing his personal benefit over the public. He pushed people down the treacherous slope in order to boost his campaign. He has been playing with fire and he is not alone.

Exceptionalism and isolationism are on the rise all over Europe. Brexit proved to be the opening act for Trump's victory and perhaps for what's to come in France, Germany, and Austria. The Greek neo-Nazi party of Golden Dawn rode the wave of the financial and migration crises to rise to 8 percent, from being almost obsolete a few years ago. Isolationist, power-hungry politicians, on both sides of the Atlantic, foster a misguided radicalizing conviction to guarantee their dominance. They, like Trump, have zero regard for the unintended consequences of their actions. Trump, however, has no ideological agenda, other than the promotion of his own brand. His claims for greatness are irrelevant and self-serving.
Fidel Castro left on the night of November 25th.

Where did he go?

After watching the deluge of lachrymose obituaries and jubilant parties throughout the world, paradise and hell seem to be the two most popular destinations waiting, after a nine-day commemorative pilgrimage from Havana to the Santa Ifigenia cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, for the ashes of the 90-year old leader of the Cuban revolution.

Paradise or hell? His followers and his opponents used to argue against each other from their respective podiums. Whether in Havana's Revolution Square or in Miami's Cuban restaurant Versailles, their deafening noises have triumphed over any possibility of a clear and productive reasoning.

Paradise or hell, or paradise and hell, it doesn't matter after all.

For me, what is really important right now are the survivors: a multitude of Cubans of all ages, races, cultures, political and religious beliefs scattered over five continents, surrounded by voices from all over the world who claim to be equally affected by Fidel Castro's demise.

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When current Cuban president Raul Castro announced his death, I didn't know how to react. I wasn't truly sad or glad, not even indifferent. Most certainly, I wasn't surprised. Fidel Castro's absence from the political arena since 2006, when he ceded the presidency to his brother, progressively swept him off Cubans' everyday life. He had become a specter from a past era, buried by the State controlled economic liberalization and by the notorious increase of social, economic and racial inequalities. Also, after two decades living in Europe and the United States, I have personally managed to limit his influence in my day-to-day routine. Absolute oblivion, however, has been impossible. Born in Havana in the 1970s, and having spent my first 20 years on the island, I cannot pretend now to be totally free from Fidel Castro's impact in my being. Call it the memory of the flesh. For better or worse, for our enjoyment or pain, he has shaped our lives. He worked hard to be identified as Cuba, as its totality, and, alas, we maybe have to credit him for his success: for almost half a century, Fidel Castro ruled the island and systematically found ways to interfere in our intimate existence, his presence has been constant in everything we do, everywhere we go, what we eat, what we study, how we dress and decorate our homes, how and whom we love or hate, he burst even into our dreams and nightmares. And now, in the first days of his afterlife, he's still haunting us.

Such firm hold on human beings obligates us to closely examine the existential dimensions of his controversial and manifold legacy, which goes beyond the political realm. It's embedded in our deepest emotions and personal experiences. What I gather from the current brouhaha lamenting or celebrating this death is that everyone keeps his or her own Fidel Castro in the flesh. Each experience seems unique and non-transferrable. The poor and illiterate countrywoman converted in college student in the 1960s and 70s, the cousin of this very same countrywoman whose father -allegedly a counter-revolutionary conspirator- was executed by a firing squad, the Black Cuban that earned a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering in Moscow, and the homosexual and practitioner of the Yoruba-rooted religion Santeria or Regla de Ocha confined to the infamous rehabilitation camps known as UMAP; they all experienced differently Fidel Castro's power. The kid from Luanda that was able to complete his basic education thanks to a Cuban teacher, the Chilean student who escaped in extremis Augusto Pinochet's secret police and enjoyed decades of comfortable life in Havana, the Haitian woman rescued by a Cuban doctor, that African American man that will be always moved by the pictures of Fidel Castro meeting Malcolm X at the Hotel Theresa in Harlem in 1960, even those Latin American or European leftists in urgent need of a myth strong enough to save their political choices, have personal reasons to grieve over Castro's death.

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I understand and respect the sadness of all the wretched of the Earth who have seen Fidel Castro as their savior and consequently mourn his death.

As a Black Cuban, I have always been particularly concerned with the fate of the African nations. However, every time I hear or read a praise of Fidel Castro's role in the African emancipatory movements, I can't help it but to travel back in time and return to the body of the little girl I was in the 1980s. The one who never knew when her father, fighting a war she couldn't understand in a country she couldn't imagine, would return home, or if he would ever come back. Yes, my father was a Cuban warrior in Angola. Eventually, he came back. He was never the same person that he used to be before his war experiences in Africa and my family has been broken since then. Still, I was fortunate. Many others -an estimate of 10,000 Cubans- died in Angola. Their return, inside solemn coffins covered by the Cuban flag, was devastating. That was a real, nationwide funeral. 1989! The actual end of an era.

These scars remain in our Cuban flesh. They are part of our national trauma, and even though nobody can endure the other's pain, we must at least respect it.

Now, can the world respect the right of all Cubans, those who live on the island and abroad, to react to Fidel Castro's death as they please? Why should judges that can only see, in Fidel Castro, the iconic revolutionary figure, criticize our internal differences as Cubans? Why do some of them even seem to take pleasure in stirring our conflicts, throwing invectives against either islander Cubans or the exiled ones?

Solidarity should not travel in only one direction.

For those who in the past benefited from Cuba's internationalism, probably the best gesture of solidarity toward the human beings that fought their fights, built their roads, taught their kids, and healed their people, those who actually accomplished the desires of Fidel Castro, might be to restrain themselves from attacking Cubans for the different ways in which they respond to the passing of the man who determined their fate.

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These days, he has been publicly called the Father of all revolutionaries and a Super Hero, or a brutal dictator, even a Devil; always a mythical figure, unreachable, something bigger than us, his survivors. His death was coincidentally announced the same day, November 25th, that the yacht "Granma" departed from Mexico in 1956, carrying the guerrilleros commanded by Castro, ready to restart the revolution. Funeral rituals last nine days -as the novena traditionally observed by Catholics- during which his ashes will travel through the island following in reverse the same itinerary of the revolutionary forces in 1958, which culminated with the triumphal entry in Havana. Last but not least, his ashes will be buried on December 4th, when Catholics celebrate Santa Barbara, which is even more venerated by Cubans as its Yoruba equivalent, Shango, identified as the god of virility, royalty, ferocity, and courage.

Overwhelmed by this puzzling profusion of speeches, gun salutes, grandiloquent poems, religious and historical rituals, it might be difficult to see what is hidden behind the myth.

Oh! These are the Cubans. And we are humans, not symbols. We are alive, while the ex-president's ashes are on their way to a terminus: neither paradise nor hell. Just plain earth.

We, the survivors, have no legitimate reasons to continue insulting and fighting against each other. Instead, we should start listening what each of us has to say.

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This is a great opportunity for us to learn how to exist without our old good and bad faux-certainties, just by ourselves, with our very own bodies, breath after breath.

Meanwhile, those who cannot live without myths are cordially invited to take the icon with them. Leave us the ashes. Their journey is coming to an end, anyway.
Donald Trump is now presumptive President-elect despite having never released his tax returns. It's important to not let his example be cited by future candidates to not release theirs. Congress should pass legislation requiring future Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees to disclose ten years of their personal tax returns within two weeks of receiving their Party's nomination.

In the interim newspaper publishers should adopt a proposal shared with me by Walter Dellinger, former acting Solicitor General in the Clinton administration. Dellinger proposes newspaper publishers agree on their own candidates for President who don't release their tax returns will not be interviewed by their editorial boards or considered for endorsement.

This proposal could be moved forward by the News Media Alliance who according to their website "is a nonprofit organization representing 2,000 newspapers and their multi platform businesses in the United States and Canada."



While not being endorsed by the vast majority of the nation's top 100 newspapers didn't impede Trump's ability to win, it is a policy publishers should adopt before the 2020 Presidential election.

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The refusal of Trump to release his returns was the first time since the 1970's a major Presidential candidate hasn't released them. A history of when candidates began releasing their returns is on the website of the Tax History Project. They report "Presidential candidates began releasing their returns consistently starting in the early 1970's and in 1978 all presidential and vice presidential candidates were required to release certain financial documents as a result of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, which required candidates running for office of President of the United States to file a Public Financial Disclosure Report with the Federal Election Commission."

The question for both the media and voters is what can be learned from a candidate's tax returns and whether the information is crucial to determining whether they merit support? We know what our own tax returns show. Most of us aren't wealthy enough to have any great details disclosed however they do show if we have mortgages and who we may owe money too. They may contain a list our stock trades and charity donations, if any. Tax returns provide a window into an individual's life. While Trump used the excuse of his returns being audited to not release them, nothing legally precluded his doing so, he also suggested everything we need to know about his finances could be found in his required financial disclosure form.

The Sunlight Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit advocating for open government globally and the use of technology to make government more accountable to all, disagrees. They developed a list of the information we can get from both tax returns and financial disclosure forms. From tax returns they say we learn about a candidates; "Yearly income, how much the candidate paid in taxes and the tax rate, what deductions and tax credits they claimed, real estate taxes and abatements, investments, how much the candidate gave to charity (which could shed light on their values and priorities), to whom the candidate owes money , who are the candidates in business with and the financial positions of those companies (whether they have had gains or losses) and they may indicate if money is being held offshore."

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From their financial disclosure forms we learn about: "Outside Income, gifts, assets/property owned, specific investments/trusts, possible conflicts of interest, certain transactions/agreements made with businesses and people, positions held at different companies outside of the government and liabilities." Taken together we get a fuller picture of the person asking us to elect them President, Commander-in-Chief, and leader of the free world. The Sunlight Foundation adds "It's important to remember that unlike Congress, presidents are exempt from conflict-of-interest laws." This fact is something President-elect Trump has already suggested he will use to excuse his mixing business interests with the interests of the nation.

The chance to vote for President every four years is one of the great privileges and responsibilities Americans have in our democracy and one of the most important things we do. By exercising our vote we determine the direction of our democracy.

The United States has both the strongest economy and the strongest military in the world. The consequence is the world watches our elections closely knowing our President becomes the de-facto 'leader of the free world'. That makes it imperative we gain as much information as possible on the candidates before we vote.
A perennial question facing scientists is when -- and how -- to participate in public communication and policy debates around issues of social concern. This is not a new question: as long as scientists have seen a connection between their work and major challenges facing society, some have acted on a sense of responsibility to contribute to debates about how science can be harnessed to improve the world. Scientists have little political power: they are small in numbers, rarely sufficiently financially wealthy to use money as a political tool, and often politically naive or poorly networked.

A common approach has been for groups of scientists to reach out to policymakers and the public in open letters, expressing concerns about a wide array of public policies, suggesting priorities for governments, and calling for actions around specific issues. Two early examples include the petition to the President of the United States in July 1945 from 70 scientists at the Manhattan Project calling on Truman to refrain from deploying the newly created atomic bomb, and the famous Russell-Einstein Manifesto, which called on world governments to banish war as a way to settle disputes because of the risks of global annihilation from nuclear weapons. That letter, signed by some of the most well-known scientists in modern history, stated:

"... There lies before us, if we choose, continual progress in happiness, knowledge, and wisdom. Shall we, instead, choose death, because we cannot forget our quarrels? We appeal as human beings to human beings: Remember your humanity, and forget the rest. If you can do so, the way lies open to a new Paradise; if you cannot, there lies before you the risk of universal death.

Resolution:

We invite this Congress, and through it the scientists of the world and the general public, to subscribe to the following resolution:

"In view of the fact that in any future world war nuclear weapons will certainly be employed, and that such weapons threaten the continued existence of mankind, we urge the governments of the world to realize, and to acknowledge publicly, that their purpose cannot be furthered by a world war, and we urge them, consequently, to find peaceful means for the settlement of all matters of dispute between them."

In the last few years such letters have proliferated for three reasons: (1) the open hostility of some politically powerful groups to science and scientific findings is ringing alarm bells in the scientific community that cannot be ignored, (2) scientists now recognize that the dramatic and rapid alteration of the Earth's very climate poses the second massive threat to the planet after nuclear annihilation, and (3) the ability to mobilize and collect signatures from scientists has greatly improved as networks of scientists have formed and social media tools have made it easier to organize around specific issues.



Here, from just the past few years, are some key letters prepared by scientists and sent to policymakers on issues around scientific integrity, policy, and climate change:

Climate Change and the Integrity of Science, 2010

An early key letter on the issue of climate change and the integrity of science was published in Science magazine in mid-2010, signed by 255 members of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences calling for action to reduce the risks of climate change and an end to harassment of scientists by politicians.

"For a problem as potentially catastrophic as climate change, taking no action poses a dangerous risk for our planet... We urge our policy-makers and the public to move forward immediately to address the causes of climate change, including the unrestrained burning of fossil fuels. We also call for an end to McCarthy-like threats of criminal prosecution against our colleagues based on innuendo and guilt by association, the harassment of scientists by politicians seeking distractions to avoid taking action, and the outright lies being spread about them. Society has two choices: We can ignore the science and hide our heads in the sand and hope we are lucky, or we can act in the public interest to reduce the threat of global climate change quickly and substantively. The good news is that smart and effective actions are possible. But delay must not be an option."

Letter from Leading Climate Scientists in the Wall Street Journal, 2012

On February 1, 2012, 38 world leading climate scientists published a letter in the Wall Street Journal rejecting an earlier WSJ op-ed on climate as dangerously misleading and misinformed.

Letter to Congress from U.S. Scientific Societies on the Scientific Consensus on Climate Change. 2016

In June 2016, a partnership of 31 leading nonpartisan scientific associations sent a

that reaffirmed the reality of human-caused climate change, noting that greenhouse gas emissions "must be substantially reduced" to minimize negative impacts on the global economy, natural resources, and human health. These scientific organization represent practically the entirety of the geosciences expertise of the nation, including:

American Association for the Advancement of Science

American Chemical Society

American Geophysical Union

American Institute of Biological Sciences

American Meteorological Society

American Public Health Association

American Society of Agronomy

American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists

American Society of Naturalists

American Society of Plant Biologists

American Statistical Association

Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography

Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation

Association of Ecosystem Research Centers

BioQUEST Curriculum Consortium

Botanical Society of America

Consortium for Ocean Leadership

Crop Science Society of America

Ecological Society of America

Entomological Society of America

Geological Society of America

National Association of Marine Laboratories

Natural Science Collections Alliance

Organization of Biological Field Stations

Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics

Society for Mathematical Biology

Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles

Society of Nematologists

Society of Systematic Biologists

Soil Science Society of America

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

Letter from Leading Australian Scientists to the Australian Government on Climate Change, 2016

In August 2016, 154 of Australia's leading university and government scientists sent a letter to the Australian government stating "governments worldwide are presiding over a large-scale demise of the planetary ecosystems, which threatens to leave large parts of Earth uninhabitable." The letter calls on the Australian government "to tackle the root causes of an unfolding climate tragedy and do what is required to protect future generations and nature, including meaningful reductions of Australia's peak carbon emissions and coal exports, while there is still time. There is no Planet B."

An Open Letter on Climate Change From Concerned Members of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, 2016

On September 20, 2016, 376 members of the National Academy of Sciences, including 30 Nobel laureates, published an open letter to draw attention to the serious risks of climate change. The letter warns that the consequences of opting out of the Paris agreement would be severe and long-lasting for our planet's climate and for the international credibility of the United States.

Letter of Concern about the Views of Donald Trump on Scientific Reality, 2016

A letter from a broad coalition of scientists was released in fall 2016 expressing concern that presidential candidate Donald Trump's stated views on many topics are at odds with scientific reality and represent a dangerous rejection of scientific thinking.

Letter to President-Elect Trump and the 115th Congress, 2016

Thousands of scientists joined an open letter in November 2016 calling on the incoming Trump administration and 115th Congress to ensure that science continues to play a strong role in protecting public health and well-being and that scientists be protected from political interference in their work. The letter has been signed by thousands of scientists, including 22 Nobel Prize winners.

An Open Letter from Women of Science, 2016



In November 2016, over 10,000 women of science signed an open letter noting that science plays a foundation role in "a progressive society, fuels innovation, and touches the lives of every person on this planet." The letter expressed deep concern that

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"anti-knowledge and anti-science sentiments expressed repeatedly during the U.S. presidential election threaten the very foundations of our society. Our work as scientists and our values as human beings are under attack. We fear that the scientific progress and momentum in tackling our biggest challenges, including staving off the worst impacts of climate change, will be severely hindered under this next U.S. administration. Our planet cannot afford to lose any time."

The letter reaffirmed a commitment to build a more inclusive society and scientific enterprise, reject hateful rhetoric targeted at minority groups, women, LGBTQIA, immigrants, and people with disabilities, and attempts to discredit the role of science in our society. The signers also set out a series of scientific, training, support, and policy pledges.


John Cleese and Eric Idle (PHOTO: John Cleese Eric Idle)

There is probably nothing more annoying than being an icon. You're tweeted at, buzzed for selfies, held to impossible standards and rarely drive yourself so can't use it for getting out of tickets. Oh, wait, you can also be bothered constantly at restaurants.

But on evenings like Friday last at the Pasadena Civic Center you can still use it to shock and surprise your deeply devoted fan base who still shows up through hell and high water to hear new ways you've decided to amuse yourselves.

And here we learn that John Cleese, and Eric Idle, who bemusedly call their current tour "Together Again At Last, For The Very First Time," backed their way accidentally into becoming comic superstars, merely because, as John Cleese stated several times during the evening "we got very lucky, can you imagine!"

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The evening was splendid anecdotal history of their comic adventures and body of work, some of which has become embedded in the molecules of generations who have enjoyed their comedy from Python, to The Rutles, to Fawlty Towers, to the Python Movies and most recently to Broadway with Spamalot and their last live show at 02 in London which was an international success. Their story telling about how it all came about is as funny as their achievements.

But it started long before that as Cambridge University students performing in the Cambridge Footlights Review, and then for Cleese performing that successful review on the West End, and from there writing and performing mostly on BBC TV. Idle's trajectory was similar, performing the same Cambridge review a year later without Cleese and then into writing and performing on the BBC as well. The Cambridge students revealed they first crossed paths at school when Cleese saw Idle, an underclassman, performing Cleese's own material on stage. "And doing it well," Cleese acknowledged half heartedly.

The troupe that would become Monty Python and affect comedy as profoundly as the Beatles affected popular music, worked separately on different BBC shows until coming together on the David Frost Show.



Some sketches they unearthed and performed from these early TV appearances have been lost to time and can no longer be found. Others from their Cambridge University days Cleese shared a tidbit of, which was the news from the BBC:BC as his 'anchorman' related:

Moses reports he's still in negations with God. Good news; he's got him down to ten. Bad news; adultery is still in.

The roar of laughter from the audience does reveal a truth we've all known since Monty Python hit the airwaves in England in the 60s, and America in the 70s, that these irreverent goons, as Eric Idle said praising John Cleese and Graham Chapman 'had perfected the three minute sketch." And perfect it the Monty Python troupe had. They are the comedy gold standard for absurdist comic brilliance which has never been duplicated or surpassed. Their albums, books and feature film successes spread their lunacy even further across the globe and it's safe to say many across the world know some of their best lines from "I'm not dead yet," to "It's just a flesh wound," to "I'd like to buy and argument" as well as the department of Silly Walks.

"We were lucky with Python, because by then we were really just doing what we wanted," Cleese said sharing a story about the origin days of their first show all together. They had a meeting with the head of programming at the BBC, a meeting Cleese described the troupe as being terribly unprepared for. They pitched their show (coming off their comic success on the David Frost Show and Do Not Adjust Your Set), as essentially being along the lines of: "It will be a show...where we'll be doing things...that we think are funny." An undue pause in the room was followed by an approval for 13 episodes and they were off and running, worried that they got the job and now had to come up with something.

Earlier restrictions on writing content on their other BBC shows inspired them to be sillier than ever, as no one was there to tell them not to. When they started cracking each other up, they were inspired to go even sillier and they never looked back.

Humble and kind to each other throughout the evening, the two larger than life figures made pains to prove that they were really just normal human beings who liked to poke fun and shock people. They shared stories, performed a few old and now lost sketches (as Cleese shared the early tapes at the BBC were re-used every week and the previous week's programming erased!) "Can you imagine?" he protested. Idle performed several of his most famous songs including "The Galaxy Song" as well as "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life," and sang two new songs, "F*$K Selfies" as well as "F*$k Christmas," and Cleese performed the eulogy he gave to his best friend, writing partner, the too early departed Graham Chapman, which was so inappropriate and offensive at the time it has also now gone viral on the internet. Cleese pointed out that nothing would have delighted 'old Graham' more and he was sure it made him happy.

For those of you whose lives have been touched by these two merry makers and their colleagues' lunacy, you are no doubt better for it and to see them in person is a delight. We can only hope that the bothersome mantel of Icon is not too heavy a burden to bear for the hours of carefully orchestrated thoughtlessness that they have gifted us, an unparalleled comedy legacy.

So the next time, probably in the next five minutes, when they are approached by yet another stranger who treats them if they are old friends, I hope they can be at peace knowing it's really just their own fault for making us love them that much, by shattering our defenses by causing helpless laughter for which we will forever hold them in our hearts.
When I first met Vinita Sharma Bakshi at a New Delhi luxury hotel in October 2015, I spent the first few minutes absorbing her breathtaking beauty. She seemed to have walked straight out of the pages of one of those magazines that are forever praising the sturdy build, large expressive eyes and chiseled visages of many Punjabi women. Vinita wore exquisitely flowing North Indian attire of salwar-khameez, and her entirely unassuming mannerisms were highlighted by soft and steady laughter.

She had come as the guest of my dear friend, the television anchor and women's activist, Rakhee Bakshee, herself a celebrated beauty from the eastern Indian state of Bihar, who'd been scheduled to dine with me. The two women are not related, although they have similar sounding surnames.

Rakhee had brought Vinita along because she'd thought I would enjoy meeting her. It wasn't a romantic introduction, not the least because Vinita was married to one of the government's most powerful officials, Vijay Bakshi, the Chief Income Tax Commissioner. Vijay joined us when we were well into our savory vegetarian dinner, and he turned out to be immensely likable, with an understated sense of humor.

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He and Vinita are currently the toast of the town in New Delhi. That's because, barely a few weeks after the wedding of their daughter Jugnu on October 4 to a New Yorker named Rajat Jain, Vinita launched her first book.

To rave reviews and promising sales, the novel, "31 Miles: Can We Ever Win Against Ourselves?" has been characterized as an astonishing work of literature by someone who had never published a book before. Vinita asks: "What prompts people to begin online relationships? Can there be commitment and bonding in such relationships?"

She further explains: "Mansa has the perfect family life--a husband, two daughters and a big house. But she feels that something is missing. She decides to step out and seek a career. While enjoying the new-found freedom and confidence, she completely immerses herself in her work and her new life. Till one fateful day when she finds herself embroiled in a passionate affair--with an online lover. And then everything falls apart! Will she give it all up for the elusive mirage created by the stranger? What turn will her life take next?"

Vinita's publisher, Kapish Mehra of Rupa, says that "31 Miles" explores how the onslaught of technology into our most personal and intimate spaces will impact human relationships and the dynamics in established intuitions like marriage.

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The book has received advance praise from international journalists, senior media personalities, filmmakers and people from different spectra of life. The book is available worldwide on Amazon and Flipkart and all the leading bookstores across India, and will be at bookstores abroad shortly - especially since Rupa is Asia's largest publisher.

Not withstanding the splendid reception to her novel, Vinita remains unaffected by the praise. Besides the fact that she was raised not to be boastful, there's the fact that writing must remain, at least for now, a vocation.

That's because Vinita holds down a day job, albeit an influential one: she's Director of the prestigious National Institute of Jewellery. Indian jewelry generated $40 billion in exports in 2015, making it an increasingly expanding contributor to the $2 trillion GDP of the country of 1.3 billion. Only petroleum products generated more income, but jewelry exports are slated to soon be Number One.

According to the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, "The gems and jewelry sector plays a significant role in the Indian economy, contributing around 6-7 percent of the country's GDP. One of the fastest growing sectors, it is extremely export oriented and labour intensive.

"Based on its potential for growth and value addition, the Government of India has declared the Gems and Jewellery sector as a focus area for export promotion. The Government has recently undertaken various measures to promote investments and to upgrade technology and skills to promote 'Brand India' in the international market.

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"India is deemed to be the hub of the global jewellery market because of its low costs and availability of high-skilled labour. India is the world's largest cutting and polishing centre for diamonds, with the cutting and polishing industry being well supported by government policies.

"Moreover, India exports 95 per cent of the world's diamonds, as per statistics from the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The industry has generated US$ 38.6 billion of revenue from exports in 2015-16, making it the second largest exporter after petrochemicals.

"India's Gems and Jewellery sector has been contributing in a big way to the country's foreign exchange earnings (FEEs). The Government of India has viewed the sector as a thrust area for export promotion. The Indian government presently allows 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector through the automatic route.

"The gems and jewellery market in India is home to more than 500,000 players, with the majority being small players. India is one of the largest exporters of gems and jewellery and the industry is considered to play a vital role in the Indian economy as it contributes a major chunk to the total foreign reserves of the country. UAE, US, Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Latin America and China are the biggest importers of Indian jewellery."

So the question of spurring India's economic growth constitutes a significant part of Vinita's daily professional life.

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But what about writing? She quietly says that she's already crafting a sequel to "31 Miles."

I, for one, believes that any book Vinita Sharma Bakshi writes is destined for bestseller charts.

Why does she write? It's not for the money. It's because Vinita loves being able to stitch words together. And such embroidery yields literature of the most enjoyable kind.
UNITED STATES - NOVEMBER 30: Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., speaks to reporters following the House Democrats' leadership elections in the Longworth House Office Building on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

My mom, Clida, taught my four brothers and me about her father's work to organize Black voters in rural Louisiana in the 1950's. We carried her dad's legacy of activism with us. The Civil Rights Movement was present in the daily life of my family in Detroit in the 1970's.

I'll never forget working to get my college, Wayne State University, to divest from the government in South Africa. This was the beginning of my activism, and the fight for social and economic justice has been a constant thread in my life. My activism led me to toss my hat in the ring for DNC Chair, where I will work to reclaim our history as the Party that stands with working people.

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Unfortunately, some political opponents continue to distort my record based on an old right wing smear campaign -- not my work in Congress, or my vision for the future of the Democratic Party.

Go back 25 years to 1991. Cameras recorded the brutal beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles police. Unemployment for African Americans was 13 percent and the war on drugs was driving up incarceration rates. I was working with young people in my neighborhood of North Minneapolis and saw the challenges they experienced while looking for a job or trying to rent an apartment. I was a young lawyer hoping to bring more fairness to the criminal justice system. And I was trying to help folks in the community organize for a better quality of life.

I saw the Million Man March as a positive effort and I helped to organize a group from Minneapolis to attend. Like many young African-American men at the time, including President Obama, I hoped the March would promote change in our communities, and I was proud to be part of it. Civil rights leaders, ranging from Rosa Parks to Jesse Jackson, and artists like Stevie Wonder and Maya Angelou, supported and spoke at the event. Of course, a huge number of Black men -- some counts as high as one million -- showed up as well.



In my effort to pursue justice for the African-American community, I neglected to scrutinize the words of others.



My values -- going back to my childhood -- were always based on respect for all people and rejection of bigotry and racism. When I first heard criticism about Louis Farrakhan, the leader of Million Man March, I felt the March's message of empowering young African Americans was being attacked.

But I clearly didn't go deep enough. I defended the organizer of the March in writing, but I glossed over the hurtful and divisive language he directed at other communities. In my effort to pursue justice for the African-American community, I neglected to scrutinize the words of those like Khalid Muhammed and Farrakhan who mixed a message of African American empowerment with scapegoating of other communities. These men organize by sowing hatred and division, including, anti-Semitism, homophobia and a chauvinistic model of manhood. I disavowed them long ago, condemned their views, and apologized.

After the March I remembered something my father said to me. He said "any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one."

He was right. I should have listened more and talked less.

I have always lived a politics defined by respecting differences, rejecting all forms of racism and anti-Semitism. A politics based on inclusion, and diverse communities organizing together for economic justice for everyone.



If we are going to move the country forward, we need an agenda that brings working Americans together -- not one that scapegoats our neighbors.



I started listening a lot more. Throughout my work as a state legislator and Member of Congress since 2002, I have worked as hard as I could to build bridges. I've worked to combat anti-Semitism and confront Holocaust denial. I've organized dozens of meetings to promote interfaith dialogue and joint projects. I've stood up for religious freedom and human rights for people of all faiths. I have built coalitions to increase accountability for hate crimes against all communities.

If we are going to move the country forward, we need an agenda that brings working Americans together -- not one that scapegoats our neighbors because they pray to a different God or their skin is a different color.

My early work as an organizer helps me connect with today's activists and helps them see that electoral politics is a vehicle for change, not a system to be shunned. As Democrats we want the millions of young activists -- the Dreamers, Black Lives Matter, young labor organizers, environmentalists and everyone -- to see the Democratic party as the place where they can organize for a better future for their families and neighborhoods. Their vision and energy is essential for our future.

In the face of a President-elect who seeks to pit working people against each other, we need a movement that unites Americans behind a core set of goals. We can stand for better wages, fairer trade laws, and dignity in retirement, without demonizing religious or ethnic minorities.

That's why over 100 Democratic leaders -- including Senator Chuck Schumer, Representative John Conyers, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Mayors, State legislators and State Party Chairs -- have joined this campaign to renew and build an inclusive Democratic Party for the future. In order for our party to heal the wounds of this past election, we have to energize working people across this country.

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Growing up, I loved to read Christian fiction. In high school the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins was one of my favorites. One of the themes I recall in the series was that the evil powers of darkness would manifest in an enemy of Christ who would try to take over the world. I knew the books were about "the end times," but at that time, I didn't know any big theological terms like premillennial dispensationalism or the fundamental theological beliefs on eschatology (study of the end times) that informed the series.

For dispensationalists, biblical prophecies provide a map by which current world events can be deciphered and understood. Premillennial dispensationalism uses these prophecies as justification for backing of the State of Israel and support on behalf of Jewish restoration to the land. The Left Behind books rested heavily on this theological backdrop. While they were great stories, they scared me to death as I read about the anti-Christ and how the world might (fictionally) come to an end.

As an adult, I still love a good story, but I am a bit more grounded about the subtle agendas, often weak theology, and limitations of Christian fiction. (Although there are still some wonderful gems in Christian fiction, don't let my appraisal deter you!)

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If you haven't read the series or it has been a while, the summary of the second book published in the Left Behind series, Tribulation Force, sums up this major story line:

"Rayford Steele and Cameron "Buck" Williams find themselves pressed into service for the man they believe could be the Antichrist. Nicolae Carpathia takes over the United Nations, signs a peace treaty with Israel, and begins to lure the nations of earth together to form one global village. As believers band together following the Rapture, their peaceful world is destroyed again when global war erupts."



The United Nations Logo

Nicolae Carpathia is believed to be the anti-Christ; and the United Nations is the world body that manifests this evil incarnate. Thus reveals one of the biases of the series, and many who hold to similar beliefs about the end times: The United Nations is evil and acts against the will of God.

While there are many positions and actions of the United Nations that I do not fully endorse, I absolutely do not buy into the vitriolic assumption that the world body of global leaders is evil. I take to heart the words of Scripture in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

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On October 14, 2016, two courageous Jewish voices each gave important and historic speeches before the United Nations Security Council on the issue of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt): Hagai El-Ad, executive director of Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem, and Lara Friedman, director of policy and government relations for Americans for Peace Now (APN). The issue they were addressing is the building of Jewish Israeli homes (settlements) on land in East Jerusalem and the West Bank - territories designated to be the future place of a Palestinian state. Even the United States, which has incredibly favorable policies towards and is an ally of the state of Israel, identifies this land on which the settlements are built as occupied Palestinian territory.

Since the peace agreement called the Oslo Accords were signed in 1993, the settler population in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has more than doubled and over 50,000 new settlement units have been built, 11,000 of them between 2009 and 2015. The New York Times reported last year that the settlement population in the West Bank alone had exceeded 350,000. Nearly 200,000 additional settlers live in East Jerusalem; which Palestinians believe should be the capitol of their future state, but Israel has annexed and identified as its capitol. No country in the world, including the United States, has its embassy in Jerusalem; indicating the global contention around the annexation of Jerusalem.

The damage and devastating effects of the settlement enterprise are well documented. In addition, US policy dating back to the 1970s has called on Israel to leave the land in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza for the Palestinians.



Inside the United Nations

Lara Friedman is an ardent supporter of the state of Israel. In her statement delivered to the United Nations Security Council at the Arria-formula meeting on settlements, she addressed how difficult it was for her to speak critically of Israel by calling to the world's attention their human rights violations and their current policies for settlement expansion and encroachment. Friedman asserted that these settlement policies "undermine the chances of peace." She concludes:



"Whether a peace agreement is possible at this time or any time soon can be debated endlessly. What cannot be debated is the fact that Israel is a vibrant democracy that has achieved great things in its short existence, and that has the potential for a great future. And what cannot be debated, likewise, is that the settlement policies of the Israeli government are undermining that democracy, distorting the noble Jewish values articulated in its Declaration of Independence, harming Israel's relations with the world, violating the rights of the Palestinians, and killing the chances of ever achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace in the future."

As an Israeli human rights activist, Hagai El-Ad implored the United Nations to "take action" and hoped that his statement would "move" the international body toward greater activity in responding to the almost 50 year occupation of the Palestinians. He spoke about daily life living under military rule. El-Ad summarized his critique:

"Israel has systematically legalized human rights violations in the occupied territories through the establishment of permanent settlements, punitive home demolitions, a biased building and planning mechanism, taking over Palestinian land and much, much more."

His statement was moving and disturbing. El-Ad emphasized the urgency of his plea:

"The realization of human rights need not wait any longer. Palestinians have the right to life and dignity, the right to determine their own future. These have all been delayed for far too long - and justice delayed is justice denied."

After facing severe critique within Israel, El-Ad wrote an op-Ed in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz explaining why he spoke out against the occupation of the Palestinians. He said, "I spoke... against the occupation because I am striving to be a human being. And human beings, when they take responsibility for an injustice against other human beings, have a moral obligation to take action." Such is El-Ad's call for justice.

In Christian tradition, one of the most well-known Scripture passages is Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

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Repairing a social and political rift.

It hardly matters whether Donald Trump's latest provocation signifies psychosis or merely the sorest winner ever. The President-elect tweeted on November 27, "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."

As I wrote before seeing that brazenly false and reckless tweet, I do not think most Trump supporters are bigots. The trouble, given his vicious, violence-inciting campaign, is that so many otherwise decent people considered his racism, xenophobia, and misogyny no more disqualifying than his unhinged statements. Indifference can be as destructive as hatred.

Mark Lilla wrote in The New York Times on November 18 about "white, rural, religious Americans" who see themselves as disadvantaged: "[T]hey are reacting against the omnipresent rhetoric of identity, which is what they mean by 'political correctness.' Liberals should bear in mind that the first identity movement in American politics was the Ku Klux Klan, which still exists. Those who play the identity game should be prepared to lose it."

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Lilla's scolding turns the truth on its head. If the Klan is America's oldest identity movement, how can liberals be blamed for defending against it? Hostility toward historically marginalized populations is how plutocrats divide the citizenry by getting us to fight one another instead of defending our common interests against their rapacious practices. Know them by their fruits.

It is easier to blame bogeymen for taking your job than adapt to the reality of a changed economy. And what to make of it when a white woman who voted for Trump says she hopes she can keep the health plan that her chosen candidate vowed to repeal? Misdirected resentment rewards those who want to cut healthcare and job protections, while punishing those who work to address the challenges of economic change.

Leadership and diversity consultant Robert Naylor criticizes Lilla: "It is easy for him to suggest that we should pretend there are no differences rather than celebrate them. Those of us who are called racial and ethnic slurs, or b*tch, or f*gg*t while walking the streets or who are treated differently in professional and social settings don't have the luxury of putting our identities aside. Those who can do that are hell-bent on putting the burden on us. When they stop noticing the differences and using them against us when they choose while insisting that we forget the differences when it benefits them, then our cultural identities will matter less." Naylor traces his ancestors in America back to the Sixteenth Century.

Some demand that we accept the election results in a way Republicans never did after 2008. We are told how unpopular Hillary Clinton was, when she received more votes than any candidate in history except Barack Obama, including over two million more than Trump. We are supposed to forget vote suppression, FBI interference, and Kremlin cyber warfare, even as Trump's pick for national security advisor is Gen. Michael Flynn, who believes Sharia law threatens America and that we should join forces with Vladimir Putin and other despots. I agree with Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings: we have more to fear from homegrown white shooters than Syrian refugees.

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Trump's capriciousness last week in alternately insulting and flattering the Times recalls Forest Whitaker's portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin: charming one minute, violent the next. It is easier to shed problematic policy positions (on torture, climate change, jailing opponents) than one's character. The flaws Trump rode to victory will follow him into the Situation Room.

If we would build bridges rather than walls, as Pope Francis urges, we must appeal to one another's better angels. The alternative is a descent into fratricide. Our national institutions and traditions may see us through, but they require our involvement. Peaceful resistance must be joined by vigilance, creativity, and a willingness to engage across battle lines for the common good.

Poison merchants like Richard Spencer lurk among us, exploiting a "post-truth" media. Nazi salutes at a Washington conference should warn us that white nationalism under a more palatable "alt-right" label is just as deadly. Facts ignored will yet assert themselves like the encroaching sea. We must awaken our fellow citizens before we are overrun.

This piece originally appeared in the Washington Blade and Bay Windows.
Jerusexit or Jersualexit or Jextit? Could that describe the bitter ethnic factions and eventual break of the early Christian Church from Jerusalem and Judaism. As bible scholar Ben Witherington puts it: "If we were to understand what is happening in the 1st century AD, Paul's way of presenting the true faith in the Jewish Messiah is a vote against keeping the status quo. And according to fellow scholar John Barclay: James's stance was "to keep the boundaries of the nation secure...no mixing of the races...keeping the Jewish tradition undiluted."



Most casual Christians or even those who rely on their understanding of scripture from the pulpit remain in the dark about Christianity's conflict-ridden pre-history. Even seminaries and colleges are cloudy on the issues. The actual on the ground human conflicts and clashes are glossed over and the real story has become solely one of the spiritual. Ignored are the role of the collection, the role of the honor code in Roman society, and Christianity's break from Judaism, which was at heart a conflict of race or in the currently overused term ethnicity. Fear of "the other," did not originate in Britain 2016.



With a canon that reorders the Bible not according to strict chronology, (i.e Paul's letters before the Gospels and Acts), but for purposes of theology, it made the best case to a Roman audience that the early Church was a seamless transition from God to Jesus to the Apostles including Paul and then to the whole world. In fact, Christianity might have been dead on arrival had the assassination attempt on Paul's life as he delivered the collection succeeded.



Traditionally these conflicts have been dismissed in two ways: 1) to say that the issues were merely quibbles over theological pointers, such as the nature of Jesus as Messiah, the Resurrection, the end times etc, issues that would make for academic debate, and 2) the issues were of a ceremonial or ritualistic nature, how you lighted a candle, the meat you ate, and who you ate with or the nature of circumcision and who was circumcised or not.



On the first point, we must not forget that these ancient cultures,in particular Judaism, like modern Islam, did not believe in separation of church and state. As a matter of fact, that concept itself would not have even been understood. A Jewish Messiah was not just a King of the Church but a King of the Political World. The Kingdom of God like a Caliphate meant earthly rule, so theological issues were political issues. Of course, in ancient times Judaism was defending its borders of belief from outsiders; today Britain and the president elect of the U.S. are trying to shield their countries from Muslims they consider dangerous to their way of life.



As for the rituals being benign, that would be true if the rituals were symbolic in nature and not the reality, the symbol of bread of the sacrament but not really the Christ inside. The physical manifestation of the teaching without the sacred truth or miracle. But even this distinction misses the gravity of the point. Circumcision seen at a public pool and not eating meat from pagan sacrifices served also as ethnic boundary markers. Public meetings in which cultures mixed served as lines not to be crossed. The ethnic group could be identified and kept undefiled.



Enter Paul's collection and the Jerusalem Council. When these issues and conflicts surfaced tin the early movement, there were no simple solutions. Most Jews believed that the embrace of Gentiles as God's final outreach to a world that was coming to an end was acceptable, but not as ongoing Church policy. Only a Jew could properly worship the God of Israel. Paul, after his encounter with Jesus, had a different idea and proclaimed that these Jewish followers of Jesus including his brother James were missing the real mission. That he alone was told by Jesus that a new day was coming without these older, divisive categories of Jew and Greek.



Paul was trying to get the collection deal done, but as long as the Jews did not cooperate, Paul had no ability to raise funds across state lines, raising funds would have been a crime if not linked to the Jewish faith. Israel had the only exception because of the money brought as part of the Temple tax in yearly pilgrimages to Jerusalem. So he agreed with James to a compromise (Galations 2:10), a collection from Gentiles given to the Jews as support for the poor but also as a symbol of unity. Paul's final mission, to deliver the collection in AD 58, would see if in the end if the art of compromise worked.



James did not accept the offering. Instead he informed Paul that his brethren were furious with his new message, because it sold the Greco Roman world "Moses light" and that he should consider taking his money and donating it to other Jews willing to take a Nazarite vows, as one scholar put it, to "legitimize the funds." Paul reached the Temple to discover there was a coup waiting for him and was mobbed ; he would have been killed had he not been bailed out by the Roman Army when he proclaimed his Roman Citizenship.



Like Edward Snowden, after backing up his message that powerful forces of his world could be brought to account, Paul spent the remainder of his days in the court of public opinions. On one side were Jewish authorities with their corrupt legal entities and assassins sworn to kill Paul if given a moment of daylight. On the other side, corrupt politicians, one admittedly hoping to receive a bribe from Paul for his release, and Nero's Roman army obligated to escort him from Jerusalem, to Caeserea where there was a Roman base and then on to Rome, where he would stand before Caesar. Had Paul not been kept safe, it could have turned into a scandal of Benghazi-like proportions.



At the center of the young Christian movement was an issue of race, who is in and who is out? Can you be a Christian believer and not be an ethnic Jew. Well , Paul would say of course, Jesus has shown me this fact in a vision. James and his followers saying in the end and an adamant no. Paul had come to represent "the other." John Barclay reinforces this point: Paul's position is that in the death and resurrection of Christ, the ethnic distinction between Jew and Gentile was broken down, that they were united in one community. That was very radical to very threatening to someone like James."



In light of Brexit and the U.S. Election, have things truly changed? All those millennia ago, could the Jews be called racists in wanting to defend their people and rich heritage from outsiders? Could Paul be called a dangerous globalist in wanting to unite the world through his message of harmony and solidarity in Christ? The questions unanswered then remain our questions today: what is the fair point at which individual and national identity should be sacrificed for the global aspirations off the world. Unfortunately, this discussion has just begun, so we can expect more violence and Brexits.
JACKSON, Miss. Not-Yet-President-Elect Donald J. Trump has been bitter in his condemnation of the cast of the Broadway musical Hamilton, but the man for whom the play is named and the cast that surrounded him at the time of the nation's founding could pose a far bigger problem for the Mad Tweeter. Call it the case of Hamilton v. Trump.

"Nothing was more to be desired" in devising the Constitution's plan for choosing a President through an Electoral College, Alexander Hamilton wrote in The Federalist No. 68 in 1788, "than that every practicable obstacle should be opposed to . . . the desire in foreign powers to gain an improper ascendant in our councils. How could they better gratify this, than by raising a creature of their own to the chief magistracy of the Union?"

The Muscovite Candidate

There is now growing evidence that a hostile foreign power has done that of which Mr. Hamilton warned: the Russians apparently used a massive, sophisticated cyber campaign to spread via social media fake "news" directed at undermining Hillary Clinton and aiding their chosen candidate, Mr. Trump, along with selectively hacking and having Julian Assange publish emails intended to defame Mrs. Clinton. We are left with a man the media keep incorrectly calling the "President-Elect" (there will be no President-Elect until and unless a majority of the Electors select one when they meet on December 19), a man who lost the election by well over two million votes (a fact that is only very infrequently even mentioned in the media), who was assisted immeasurably by Russian agents, and has chosen a man, Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, who has close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin--as National Security Advisor! It is a plot so fantastic that a publisher would have rejected it as absurd had it been floated by John le Carre.

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During the campaign, Mr. Trump asserted that Mrs. Clinton's e-mail "scandal" was "bigger than Watergate." Most of what came to be subsumed under the name "Watergate" was a multifaceted attempt to assure that the 1972 Democratic presidential nominee would be someone that President Richard M. Nixon could defeat. Mrs. Clinton's emails were never on remotely that level, but the Russian intervention in the 2016 Election--not to mention the truly extraordinary extent of lying in which Mr. Trump engaged during the campaign (he has already jettisoned the bulk of the "promises" that most animated his supporters)--appears actually to be far worse than Watergate. That scandal involved an American President using illicit means to try to stay in office; this one involves a hostile foreign power "raising a creature of their own to the chief magistracy of the Union."

Where is the outrage? When the enormity of Watergate and its direct threat to the American system of government became clear, many Republicans joined with Democrats in denouncing Mr. Nixon and "All the President's Men." Yet now, as we face an even graver threat to our institutions--must we term it "Putingate"?--even most Democrats, let alone Republicans, seem to lack the courage and patriotism to stand up to the forces that threaten to invalidate the will of the voters, violate the clear intent of the Founding Fathers, and undermine the Republic they established.

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A Last Chance to Save America: Faithful Electors

We have less than three weeks to save America. The Framers of the Constitution provided us with the means to do so. Almost everyone is accepting that the Electoral College is a prison from which the American people cannot escape. It is not, and was never meant to be. The Founders clearly intended it to be a fire extinguisher to be used in a time such as this to prevent an unscrupulous demagogue with, in Hamilton's words, "talents for low intrigue, and the little arts of popularity" from becoming President. There is in the Constitution absolutely no requirement that Electors vote for the person who carried their state. That is a complete perversion of the Framers' intent.

Many Republicans are as terrified by a Trump Presidency as are most Democrats. Can they really see this man as President of the United States? Given the general disarray of the Trump campaign during the primaries, it is likely that a good number of the people chosen as Republican Electors in states that he carried are not particularly loyal to him. Only 37 Electors from states Mr. Trump won would have to vote for someone else to deny him the Electoral College majority. Is that too much to ask to save the nation from the disaster of a President who, as Eugene Robinson has said with complete accuracy, "lies the way other people breathe," a White House filled with white supremacists, conspiracy theorists, misogynists, and their ilk--and a President and National Security Advisor who are cozy with Russia's authoritarian ruler?

Whenever anyone suggests that Electors not vote for the candidate who carried their state, the media refer to it as a "Faithless Elector" plan. In fact, it is the opposite. In voting for someone other than a person who is unfit for office and was helped to his electoral vote lead by a foreign power, such Electors would be faithful to the intent of the Framers. Call them "Faithful Electors."

Where's Walter?

Failure by officeholders of both parties and the mainstream media to stand up and scream about what is happening and demand that the Electors do what the Framers intended for them to do makes them complicit in the demise of American democracy and the values for which our nation has, at its best, has stood. Where is Walter Cronkite when we so desperately need him?

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Just imagine the decibel level of the outcry from Mr. Trump and Republicans if he had won the election by more than two million votes and there was strong evidence that his opponent had been massively aided by clandestine Russian attacks on the Republican nominee, but the Electoral College was poised to make her President. Yet, with the shoe on the other foot as our nation is hurtling towards an abyss deeper than the Mariana Trench, pusillanimous Democrats and people in the media do nothing but wring their hands.

The Silenced Majority

The way the electoral vote is being used has produced a Silenced Majority. The Electors choosing the person who won the election, Mrs. Clinton, would be both democratic and totally in keeping with the Founders' intent.

There can be no serious question that if the Founders were the jurors in Hamilton v. Trump, they would (once they got over the hurdle of accepting a (gasp!) woman as President) find overwhelmingly for Mr. Hamilton and elect the highly qualified winner of the election over her very dangerous, unqualified opponent.

Failing that, there is another way the Electors could go to fulfill their duty as envisioned by the Founders and to save the nation from disaster. If 37 Electors from states the Republican nominee carried can be persuaded to defend America by voting for someone else, they can deny the Muscovite Candidate an Electoral College majority.

The Compromise of 2017

That could open the way for patriots from both parties to come together and formulate a modern version of the Compromise of 1877 that would create a National Unity Government, for which the state delegations in the House of Representatives would be urged to vote in January. Such a Compromise of 2017 might include a President of one party and a Vice President of the other, both of whom meet the Framers' goal of being competent and not beholden to a foreign power (perhaps Hillary Clinton and John Kasich, or Mr. Kasich and Joe Biden), a pledge by both not to run in 2020, a division of Cabinet posts between the parties, and agreement on certain policies to be enacted, including some of those that attracted voters to Mr. Trump, such as a massive infrastructure program to provide jobs and "draining the swamp" of influence peddling in Washington (which Mr. Trump plainly is not doing).

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That way lies the opportunity to transform what otherwise may be the demise of American liberty into a rebirth of the Republic in a bipartisan way--exactly that for which an overwhelming majority of Americans yearn.

A Lifejacket, Not a Straitjacket

The Founding Fathers must be spinning in their graves at the prospect of the institution they devised to block from the office of chief magistrate an incompetent demagogue or someone placed there by a hostile foreign power being utilized instead to put in that position someone who is both.

That is certainly not what our ancestors and contemporaries fought, bled and died for, from Lexington to Mosul. Will we dishonor them, the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the Framers of the Constitution by lying down passively and allowing "the last best hope of earth" to die with scarcely a whimper from the American people, their elected representatives, and the putatively independent news media?

This is the United States of America, damn it! We pride ourselves on being a "can do" people. "The difficult I'll do right now," sang Billie Holiday in 1949, "the impossible will take a little while." That's the American attitude. We still have a little while--until December 19--to do the seemingly impossible thing that is essential to the future of the United States and the world.

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Before it's too late, Democrats, Republicans, people in the media, and the general public need to screw up some courage and speak out forcefully to have the Electors do as Hamilton and the Founders would have them do: realize that the Electoral College was made to be a lifejacket to save the American Republic, not a straitjacket to drown it, and act accordingly.

December 19, from Valley Forge to the Electoral College

In this fast-approaching dark winter that so threatens our nation, a winter in which the fate of America hangs in the balance as much as it did 239 years ago, on another December 19, when Gen. George Washington and his nearly-beaten army arrived at Valley Forge, let us update Thomas Paine's immortal words: "THESE are the times that try a nation's soul. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he and she that stand by it now, deserve the love and thanks of man and woman." Those who fail to stand by their country now will have to explain to themselves and to posterity why they were so cowardly in this time of such obvious need for action.
PROCESSION: The Art of Norman Lewis, is showcasing at the Chicago Cultural Center. The late Norman Lewis was a Harlem resident and part of the Harlem Renaissance. Some of his earlier works remind me of Jacob Lawrence, his contemporary. Yet, it was Norman Lewis' shift to abstract art that gave him critical acclaim.

As I entered the gallery, one of the first pieces I encountered was titled Police Beating from 1943. Norman Lewis wrote of this piece: "I was constantly being investigated...when we picketed, being harassed by the police...[white picketers] being bothered by the police was entirely different from the black cat being beaten by the police. It almost seems that the police had more license to beat [black picketers] up...The hostility, they almost singled you out to beat you."

I majored in Political Science. Normally, I should be writing like a mad hatter during election cycle. However, this election season has me utterly depressed, disheartened, and at a loss for words. People are acting like police brutality is something new. Like the sudden surprise of "where did all these racists come from?" Racism and police brutality has existed since the birth of this nation. It just took different forms and became covert until the advent of technology.

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"The more things change, the more they stay the same."

Just as the church world questioned Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., so too today's Christians are hesitant to acknowledge the suffering of black lives via the Black Lives Matter movement. You do not have to agree with their methods to acknowledge a problem exists. Yet, Christian apathy and/or hypocrisy runs deep when it comes to civil rights and civil liberties. During WWII, Protestant pastor Martin Neimoller summarized it best in his writing, First They Came for the Socialists. America made a historic step after the election of its first African-American president. Eight years later, we have taken a giant leap back as we descend in the mire of racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and every other phobia that has plagued this election cycle.

It seems a regular occurrence on the news that another black life is shot or murdered. Videos are posted. Victims are vilified. The brutality is justified. Ava Duvernay's movie 13th is out on Netflix exploring slavery and racism of the US criminal justice system and incarceration policies via the 13th Amendment. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, "Now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of human dignity." That Colin Kaepernick is vilified I guess is a common thread of American history repeating itself. Senator Margaret Chase Smith's statement bears repeating, "Those of us who shout the loudest about Americanism in making character assassinations are all too frequently those who, by our own words and acts, ignore some of the basic principles of Americanism - the right to criticize; the right to hold unpopular beliefs; the right to protest; the right of independent thought."

"I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect in harmony." No, this election cycle thrives on discord, chaos, vitriol and divisiveness at a level I thought existed only during the Civil Rights movement. History will not look kindly on this generation - Brexit, refugee crisis, and all the other clusterf**ks happening around the world. A globally interdependent world is clinging to nationalism and a return to Cold War-esque politics. Einstein said it best, "Nationalism is an infantile disease, the measles of mankind."

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Hegel summed up humanity's history problem when he said, "What history teaches is that men have never learned anything from it." Therefore, George Santayana declared, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Like victims of Davy Jones' locker, we are doomed as politicians here and abroad embrace a fallacy of making America/Britain/Russia/[insert nation] great and shipwreck our future.
After long months of political and legal wrangling, Tunisia's Truth and Dignity Commission has finally managed to establish itself as one of the most important transitional justice institutions in the country born out of its 2014 constitution.

Earlier this month, the commission held the first round of public hearings of the victims of state oppression since the country's independence in 1956. They started with the "Youssefist" trend of Salah Ben Youssef, secretary-general of the New Doustrouri Party, whose followers suffered persecution and torture at the hands of Tunisia's new rulers under independence leader Habib Bourguiba.

A glimpse of this early wave of repression was given by the octogenarian national independence fighter Hamadi Ghars, who narrated painful details of the assassinations, kidnappings and imprisonment of the Youssefists. They rejected the internal independence document that gave the French jurisdiction over the country's security forces, instead insisting on continuing the common struggle for the full liberation of Maghreb countries (Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco) from French colonial rule.

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The brutality unleashed against the old comrades in arms is still known in Tunisian history (written by Ben Yussef's rival and arch-enemy, Bourguiba, who emerged victorious out of the schism and served as the country's first president) as "the eradication of the Youssefist sedition".

Colonial legacy

The testimony of Gilbert Naccache, the prominent left-wing intellectual who had been arrested and tortured in the 1960s, exposed the gruesome details of the second wave of oppression waged this time against left-wing activists and trade unionists.

Naccache stressed the similarity of patterns of persecution in pre and post-independence Tunisia, as the new ruling elite inherited the same methods and mechanisms of persecution used by the French during their occupation of the country. From being deployed by the colonizers to subjugate the native populations, they were now used by their successors against political dissidents.

The new ruling elite inherited the same methods and mechanisms of persecution used by the French during their occupation of the country. But by far the most brutal era and harshest on the souls and bodies of political opponents has been that of General Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, who overthrew the senile Bourguiba in November 1987 and ruled the country with an iron fist for 23 years. During his rule, arrests and torture assumed a systematic nature, used not only to persecute political opponents, but to terrorize the whole population and impose discipline.

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"The jailor placed a cloth on an iron rod, dipped it in a very toxic fluid and shoved it into my brother's anus as he was suspended from the ceiling, his hands and feet tied together in a position notoriously known as "roast chicken", his skin peeled off from three days of beating and suspension," Jamel Baraket, the brother of Faisal Barakat who died from torture in 1991, testified.

"Then the jailor brought the iron rod out amidst my brother's cries. The cells were burnt, the blood vessels exploded and he started to bleed heavily from his rectum...This the jailor did repeatedly amidst the laughter of his colleagues, and in full view of other detainees..."

A machine of repression

These live testimonies with the gruesome details they narrated have been profoundly shocking to Tunisians and outside observers.

They exposed the other hidden face of pre-revolution Tunisia, long concealed behind carefully constructed facades, of the golden sandy beaches, manicured lawns and fancy resorts of glossy tourist brochures, and the fake jargon of modernity and human rights long exploited by the regime and its apologists.

As one victim after another narrated their experiences in the terrifying torture chambers of Tunisia's gulags, where prisoners were stripped naked, raped, starved, and tortured for days, often to death, it became evident that their tragedies were not products of individual violations by this or that official or prison guard, but part of the core structure of the state itself.

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The truth that became more apparent with every testimony was that the pre-2011 Tunisian state was no more than a machine of force used to break dissidents mentally and physically and terrorize society into silence and submission.

The Truth and Dignity Commission has provided the framework for the principle of transitional justice established in the new Tunisian constitution. It gave a voice to the thousands of victims and their families, suppressed for decades by consecutive regimes. They bitterly recounted their painful stories of persecution and repression.

But the tears shed were not only theirs, but also those of the millions in Tunisia and abroad who witnessed the public hearings broadcast live on Tunisian national TV.

Freeing the victim and the jailor

Through these testimonies, the stories of oppression assumed their rightful place within collective memory, no longer mere accounts of individual trauma and suffering. The voice of the victim as she delves in the depths of the past, exposing crimes and horrors perpetrated behind high walls, in the dark dungeons of dictatorship, becomes more potent than the jailor's whip and torture weapons.

The aim of transitional justice is not to avenge the victims, but to liberate both victim and jailor, through exposure of the horrors meted on the one and confession of the crimes committed by the other. The purpose is to finally heal long-festering wounds and mend old cracks, in the hope of drawing a line of closure under the dark chapters of totalitarianism in Tunisia's modern history.

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Indeed, the revolution should free both victim and jailor, the victim whose body was subjected to all forms of abuse and violation, and the jailor who was used as the instrument of subjugation and terror by a system founded on repression.

Generation after generation of Tunisian activists and dissidents have suffered the horrors of torture, imprisonment and forced exile. Many have gone to their graves without seeing their dream of a homeland free of injustice, persecution, arbitrary arrests and violation of human dignity realized.

Today, their voices, the sighs of those crushed by decades of state repression, Youssefists, nationalists, trade unionists, leftists and Islamists, echo in the victims' public testimonies.
I often find students in my classes who want more than just a course. They're eager, sharp, apparently more energized than their classmates. For years I've tried to get a handle on what makes them different from their peers who, for the most part, are smart but largely without ambition. This is an old mystery and professors tend to wax philosophical about it. Whatever subject we teach we're prone to saying: "if I reach 20 percent of my students, I'm doing pretty well."

Around ten years ago I started calling this the "20 percent cop out" because I'd overheard too many faculty bemoan the inadequacies of undergraduates as if they were stale muffins or defective lawn ornaments. It's easy. It's the pedagogical equivalent of shooting snakes from a truck--a dubious sport but it sure takes your mind off of work.

I'd just turned fifty. I was the stepfather of two kids who were having a hard time with high school. They didn't have huge issues--they just felt the familiar teenage angst of not fitting in.

Natalia Panzer

It was a Holden Caulfield thing: adults are phony, society is hypocritical, and as Philip Larkin would say, "books are a load of crap."

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Cynicism is to ambition as sea water is to farming. Fair enough. But what lies behind ambition? What's good and what's bad about it? How can it be encouraged? Shouldn't it be better understood by educators and students alike? By my half century mark I'd grown uneasy teaching without understanding what was in the petrie dish.

The word is revealing. It arrived in English by way of Middle French and of course Latin. It originally meant "going around" especially in search of votes or favors--ambulatory covetousness if you will. By the time it entered British and American usage ambition was largely a pejorative term, so much so that Benjamin Franklin wrote in his "Last Will and Testament" that he thanked God for "such a Mind, with moderate Passions, freed early from "Ambition.""

Even hard driving Franklin distrusted the meanness, the pestilence of the "A" word as did most 18th century thinkers. Many educated people in the American colonies owned Robert Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy which said ambition was: "a canker of the soul, an hidden plague ... a secret poison, the father of livor, and mother of hypocrisy, the moth of holiness, and cause of madness, crucifying and disquieting all that it takes hold of."

Burton's use of "livor" means jealousy. Before the 19th century ambition was thought to be essentially a sin, a condition worthy of inclusion in the Ten Commandments. What happened? How did a putative transgression become a virtue--so much so that it's uncontested as a figure for respectability?

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Back to my college students. I noticed most if not all of my "go getters" were happy to acquire knowledge. The cliche--the oft-stated bromide that ambitious students are formatively centered or have already chosen careers or graduate school, was largely untrue. I didn't need to collect data to learn this. All I really had to do was hold lots of office hours. Moreover I made it a condition of each course I taught that every student must come to office hours at least twice. One discovers quickly that undergraduates are eager to learn but often flummoxed by what a curriculum or major really means (or doesn't mean) and even at 20 many still struggle with "ghosted ideas" a la Holden Caulfield. They're not without avidity. They just have an 18th century view of ambition. It's possible while you're still an adolescent to suspect that ambition may not be cool. Faculty who hope to exceed the 20 percent cop out need to know this.

In his excellent book Ambition, A History, William Casey King traces the development of ambition and follows its transformation from an 18th century sin to a modern academic and business shibboleth. This shift (as you'd likely guess) had to do with land. The colonization of North America required settlers, lots of them, and not just mere travelers but emigrants who believed they'd get their piece of the rock at long last. The unseemly values associated with "wanting" had to be reformed if men and women--whole families--were to risk the high seas in the name of ownership. Where once the King owned all the land now commoners might have a stake. It became a patriotic duty to make a claim. As William Casey King puts it, ambition went from being a "Christian sin to a problematic virtue." Ambition was effectively harnessed. Each colonist became a knight with virtue painted on his shield. The American Revolution would be the ultimate signature of the new ambition.
The Dead of Winter - A Piper Blackwell Mystery

By Jean Rabe

Imajin Books| 2016 | 216 pages

Paperback $15.99

Ebook $4.99

The Times Square Ball has dropped in New York, viewed on televisions throughout Spencer County, Indiana. The well-wishing "Happy New Years!" are still reverberating throughout Spencer County. The sheriff receives a phone call. And fifty-eight minutes into her first, and possibly only, term as sheriff of Spencer County--it's murder.

This is the scene set by seasoned novelist Jean Rabe in her first murder mystery, The Dead of Winter. If there is any justice at all, not just in murder mysteries, but in the real world, it won't be her last.

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The new sheriff is Piper Blackwell, twenty-three years old, following in the footsteps, and trying to fill the shoes, of her father, Paul Blackwell, the retired four-term sheriff of Spencer County, who had encouraged her to run for his office. She has had no civil policing experience, although she was an MP in the military. She had loved the military, serving two tours in Iraq. She had "found herself" in the military. But she left the military and came home to Spencer County because her father was fighting the good fight against cancer. She was surprised to have won the election, especially given that she ran against the experienced deputy sheriff, Oren Rosenberg. She was unsure whether when people voted for P. Blackwell they were voting for her or for her father. Sheriff Paul Blackwell had been well-known and loved. Sheriff Piper Blackwell is unknown and not even much liked. But how hard could the job be? This is "sleepy Spencer County," where the number one offense is DUIs. It is more Mayberry RFD than Mosul, Iraq.

Rabe has defined The Dead of Winter as a "police procedural cozy," not only a contradiction in terms, but seemingly a conflict of sub-genres. And yet it is completely apt. She brings elements from both sub-genres to her novel in a--I won't call it a mash-up because that sounds much too messy--in a smooth melding, creating an integrated whole of mystery, thrills, personal conflicts, professional jealousies, hints of love to come, and petty, if vicious and violent, vengeance.

Rabe writes with the keen eye of observation, a fine-tuned ear for dialogue, and a most telling felicity of description. The Dead of Winter is not just a story and a mystery (although the mystery dissipates towards the end as suspense takes over), it is also a work of character studies as Rabe takes us into the minds of Piper Blackwell (her self-doubt is no less than the doubt of others), chief deputy Oren Rosenberg (did he lose the election because he's Jewish?), detective Randy Gerald (catch a murderer; advance a career), and the killer--the Christmas Card Killer. And she takes us into Spencer County, showing us the smallness of it, despite being four hundred square miles, and the closeness of it, with both positive and negative aspects of that emphasized. She portrays how Middle America, or, better said, the Middle Class, celebrates Christmas with yard displays and twinkling lights; beloved artificial trees and ceramic depictions of nostalgic Christmases of the past; snowmen (real ones, if the climate cooperates), reindeer pulling sleighs, and, of course, Santa Claus. There is even a town in the county named Santa Claus. And, of particular and gruesome importance to her story: cheerful Christmas mugs in the proper holiday colors and Christmas cards, many, many Christmas cards.

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The murders--the Christmas Card Killer is a serial killer, as all good fictional killers are these days--are bizarrely witty while still being shocking. The investigation into those murders in sleepy Spencer County is incompetent at worst, improvisational at best, muddied by self-doubt, bitterness, and personal ambition, but ultimately--when footings become secure--successful.
Nigeria has made considerable gains in HIV control though it still carries the third highest burden of the disease globally. More than three million people in the country are living with HIV. In 2013 the national HIV prevalence was 3.6%; prevalence was slightly higher in rural than in urban areas.

Decentralising health care has been mooted as a mechanism to achieve universal coverage of HIV treatment services. Effectively decentralising the HIV and AIDS treatment services should result in less bureaucracy, a separation of functions and better matching of services to local preferences.

HIV and AIDS treatment in Nigeria is largely centralised in tertiary health facilities. These are mostly located in the urban city centres. As a result there are both geographic and socio-economic inequities to access.

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Part of the government's efforts to strengthen primary health care facilities is to decentralise services. But getting this implemented is fraught with difficulties.

Our study looked at how politics and institutional factors influenced policymakers, politicians, HIV programme managers and health facility managers on the decentralisation question.

We studied health facilities offering antiretroviral treatment services in urban and rural areas in three states. Adamawa is in the north east, Abia's in the south east and Cross River is in the country's south-south region. All are at different points of decentralising their HIV treatment services.

We found that from a political perspective, there was a concern that people would lose their power. They were worried that they would no longer be able to employ staff or monitor services.

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From a practical perspective, health care workers were more concerned that the state facilities would not have the capacity to manage or roll out antiretroviral services. And the states that had started to decentralise antiretorviral services did not have facilities in rural areas. This limited access.

Decentralisation of antiretroviral services in Nigeria could be made effective if these issues were addressed.

How the system works

HIV treatment is Nigeria is complicated by the fact that government agencies make policies, but donors provide most of the funding for prevention and treatment services.

An added complexity is that policies and guidelines for HIV treatment are formulated by government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Health. At the national level the National Agency for Control of AIDS coordinates HIV and AIDS activities. The state AIDS agencies and the local government AIDS agencies coordinate activities at their respective levels.

Implementation decisions are made at all three levels of government. But local governments form the weakest link in the treatment chain because they have the fewest resources. Their hands are tied because they are almost totally dependent on the state governments.

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Donors work closely with implementing partners to provide the necessary HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services. National and state agencies also play a crucial role as implementing partners. They provide advice to the funders on where, when and how resources will be needed. And they support the states in programme planning, resource allocation and capacity building for service providers and implementation.

Those for and against

At the time of the study Cross River state had functional HIV control units at its local government health departments. HIV control units oversee programmes in the local government but are located at the State Ministry of Health. HIV/AIDS treatment services were being provided at primary care facilities. Abia and Adamawa states had their HIV control units at the State Ministry of Health. Abia state had plans to start providing treatment services at primary care facilities. Adamawa state had no plans to decentralise treatment.

Both political and institutional factors influence where officials stand on the decentralisation question.

Political factors include the local and global agenda for health, political tenure and party affiliations. Institutional factors include the consolidation of decision-making power and concerns about careers.

Some health workers said they supported reform because it would ease their workload, improve access for clients, decongest facilities, improve the quality of care and reduce bureaucratic processes in getting services.

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Some national and state level role players said they supported decentralisation because it would:

clarify roles and responsibilities at the different levels of implementation;

preserve control over staff employment and deployment;

provide clearer mechanisms for local accountability, and

ensure continuous oversight and monitoring of local activities by state and central role players.

The cons of decentralisation

Notwithstanding the high level of support for decentralisation there were some concerns.

Some participants were worried about the capacity. Would local level facilities be able to manage and account for resources that would come to the primary health care level? They were also concerned about the poor state of primary health care facilities.

Health workers appeared more concerned about technical issues. In particular they were worried that changes could hinder the way they perform their work. This included the capacity of the state or local governments to manage the resources and build and improve staff capacity. Decentralisation, they suggested, should be limited to providing services at primary health care facilities and some decision making. But all financial issues should be left to central control.

Some argued that HIV-infected people may not support decentralisation because of stigmatisation. They would fear being identified when they received treatment. Others were of the view that government officials sidelined by the reform may express their disinterest by an outright withdrawal of support.

Answers to the challenges

To address concerns around staff welfare, government should ensure that primary care facilities have adequate staff capacity to take on any additional roles. Alternatively, there should be incentives for those taking on additional roles.

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And efforts should be made to strengthen the capacity of roleplayers at the local level to manage and implement HIV control activities. States and implementing partners should also provide support for those implementing the system at primary care level.

Finally, careful attention should be given to inter-agency cooperation. Competition for control of resources and agendas also needs to be managed carefully.

Chinyere Mbachu, Lecturer in the Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria and Obinna Onwujekwe, Professor of Health Economics and Policy and Pharmaco-economics/pharmaco-epidemiology in the Departments of Health Administration & Management and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria
Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro in 1999. Reuters

We can't be surprised when a 90-year-old man dies after a visible illness and long decline. Gone, the incendiary speeches and fierce guerrilla fighter: Fidel Castro had become an old man with a weak voice and little strength, making his way toward the destiny that awaits us all. The only invincible soldier, after all, is death.

Fidel is a mythical figure in Venezuela. Along with the late former president Hugo Chavez, Castro is the symbolic representation and heroic image of "21st Century Socialism". But the people and the government differ on how to mark the Cuban revolutionary's death.

President Nicolas Maduro declared a national day of mourning. State-run media is suffused with images of Commander Castro as if he were our own national hero, dedicating hours of television to his life.

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But in real life in the streets, nobody is demonstrating. Not for, and not against, the dead Cuban leader.

The Cuban model in Venezuela

Citizens know they've little to thank him for.

Castro's influence on contemporary Venezuela is undeniable. He captured Chavez's attention when the Venezuelan was jailed for an attempted a coup in 1992. Chavez was received with state honours in Havana after his 1994 release. The relationship strengthened after Chavez was nearly overthrown in 2002.

In all, Castro influenced the Venezuelan president's thinking and political decision-making for almost 30 years, until Chavez's death in March 2013.

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Cuba is the source of Venezuela's economic model. State control of the economy, currency manipulation, seizure of private firms - all of these policies destroyed domestic production, which impoverished the nation even more quickly than it had Cuba.

Chavez likewise based the organisation of Venezuelan society on Cuba's example: a strong state that regulates citizens' lives and limits individual freedom.

Our state-run media, also a clear import from Cuba, has tried to paint Castro as a Venezuelan hero. But people don't seem to be buying it. The "21st Century Socialist Revolution" has left the country with a lot of suffering and few tangible achievements.

Chavez's vision did starkly highlight national problems such as social exclusion and poverty, and through clientalism managed to incorporate the masses into politics. But most policies did little to address the root causes of Venezuela's issues. Leaving aside the grandiloquent speeches, mass public assemblies, and a certain aesthetic of power, people are worse off today than they were before the revolution.

As in Cuba, official discourse in Venezuela jumps between the past and the future, between the heroic gestures of liberators - Chavez, Castro and their like - and possibilities of revolutions to come. Here, as in Cuba, no one talks about the present. We have learned that lesson.

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Remnant from the past

Castro was a remnant of the Cold War. But that doesn't negate his knack for political positioning, his ability to survive global changes, nor the mastery with which he influenced younger leaders.

He has left an indelible stamp on Latin American politics. Here was a man willing to resist the Cold War onslaught, who lead a revolution, and in doing so inspired a generation of anti-imperialist revolutionaries in the region, ready for their adventure in politics.

Among those inspired by his legacy is not just the late Hugo Chavez but also his successor, Nicolas Maduro. It's said that the young Maduro received his revolutionary training as a young left-wing militant in Cuba, which led him to adopt Cuban management style, organising methods and even nomenclature.

Maduro has always been close to the Cuban hierarchy, and its officials have always trusted him.

Recall that Chavez chose his successor in Havana, while undergoing cancer treatment in 2011 (medical care being another strong connection between Cuba and Venezuela). From there, the agreement was made, and Maduro was declared "the son of Hugo Chavez" by party leaders. The Cuba-Chavez triangle discourse helped Maduro attain and keep power.

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Castro's death won't necessarily weaken the Venezuelan government. The frequent trips to Havana to seek counsel will surely end, but Maduro and his men have been basking in power for years and they're clearly inclined to stay put.

But it does deliver a hard blow to the adminsitration's revolutionary morale. With two losses in a relatively short period - Hugo Chavez and now Fidel Castro - el Chavismo will need some time to recover its strength.

Whether it can keep moving the chess pieces forward using the same tricks that got it this far in Venezuela's subtle political game will depend on how much Maduro actually learned from Cuba. Does he have Castro's ability to survive amid a morass of destruction he created?

Only time will tell whether Fidel was just an old man living out his last years or a revolutionary idea that will endure. In the meantime, the Venezuela of his making - Cuba's Venezuela - awaits silently, fixated on its own worries.
The following is an excerpt from Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In By Bernie Sanders

When we began our race for the presidency in April 2015, we were considered by the political establishment and the media to be a "fringe" campaign, something not to be taken seriously. After all, I was a senator from a small state with very little name recognition. Our campaign had no money, no political organization, and we were taking on the entire Democratic Party establishment. And, by the way, we were also running against the most powerful political operation in the country. The Clinton machine had won the presidency for Bill Clinton twice and almost won the Democratic presidential nomination for Hillary Clinton in 2008.

When our campaign finally came to a close in July 2016, it turned out that the pundits had got it wrong -- big-time. We had made history and run one of the most consequential campaigns in the modern history of the countrya campaign that would, in a very profound way, change America.

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We received more than 13 million votes in primaries and caucuses throughout the country. We won twenty-two states, more than a few by landslide proportions. We won 1,846 pledged delegates to the Democratic Convention, 46 percent of the total.

Importantly, in virtually every state, we won a strong majority of younger peoplethe future of America. We won large percentages of the vote from white, black, Latino, Asian-American, and Native American youth. We set the agenda for the America of tomorrow.

On April 25, 2016, The Washington Post reported on a poll conducted by the Harvard Institute of Politics. "'The data, collected by researchers at Harvard University, suggest that not only has Sanders's campaign made for an unexpectedly competitive Democratic primary, he has also changed the way millennials think about politics,' said polling director John Della Volpe. 'He's not moving a party to the left. He's moving a generation to the left,' Della Volpe said of the senator from Vermont. 'Whether or not he's winning or losing, it's really that he's impacting the way in which a generationthe largest generation in the history of Americathinks about politics.'"

At a time when political apathy is high, voter turnout is abysmally low, and millions of Americans are giving up on the political process, our campaign attracted the energetic support of hundreds of thousands of volunteers in every state in the country. We had the largest rallies of the campaign and, in total, more than 1.4 million people attended our public meetings.

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As a result of our victories in a number of states, there are now at least five new chairs of state Democratic parties who were elected as part of the political revolution. Further, there are a number of progressive candidates, energized and supported by our campaign, running for office for everything from school board to the U.S. Congressand many of them will win. New blood. New energy in the political process.

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And we showedin a way that can change politics in America foreverthat you can run a competitive national grassroots campaign without begging millionaires and billionaires for campaign contributions. We, proudly, were the only campaign not to have a super PAC. In a manner unprecedented in American history, we received some 8 million individual campaign contributions. The average contribution was $27. These donations came from 2.5 million Americans, the vast majority of whom were low- or moderate-income people.

During the campaign, we forced discussion on issues the establishment had swept under the rug for far too long. We brought attention to the grotesque level of income and wealth inequality in this country and the importance of breaking up the large banks that brought our economy to the brink of collapse. We exposed our horrendous trade policies, our broken criminal justice system, and our people's lack of access to affordable health care and higher education. We addressed the global crisis of climate change, the need for real comprehensive immigration reform, the importance of developing a foreign policy that values diplomacy over war, and so much more.

Importantly, the support that we won showed that our ideas were not outside of the mainstream. We showed that millions of Americans want a bold, progressive agenda that takes on the billionaire class and creates a government that works for all of us and not just for big campaign donors.

The widespread and popular support we received for our agenda helped transform the Democratic Party and forced Secretary Clinton to move her position closer to ours in a number of areas. She began the campaign as a supporter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Keystone Pipeline. She ended up being in opposition to both. As a result of negotiations between the two camps after the campaign ended, Secretary Clinton adopted bold positions on higher education and health care that moved her closer to what we had advocated.

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Our campaign also had a huge impact on the writing of the most progressive platform, by far, in the history of the Democratic Party. Despite being in the minority, our supporters ended up shaping much of that platform. Here is some of what the Democratic Party of 2016 stands for:

A $15-an-hour federal minimum wage, the expansion of Social Security benefits, and the creation of millions of new jobs that will be needed to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure.

The breaking up of too-big-to-fail banks and the creation of a twenty-first-century Glass-Steagall Act.

The closing of loopholes that allow multinational corporations to avoid federal taxes by stashing their cash in offshore tax havens.

The combating of climate change by putting a price on carbon and transforming our energy system away from fossil fuels.

Major criminal justice reform, including the abolition of the death penalty, the ending of private prisons, and the establishment of a path toward the legalization of marijuana.

The passage of comprehensive immigration reform.

The most expansive agenda ever for protecting Native American rights.

During the fifteen months of the campaign there was one central point that I made over and over again, and let me repeat it here: This campaign was never just about electing a president of the United Statesas enormously important as that was. This campaign was about transforming America. It was about the understanding that real change never takes place from the top on down. It always takes place from the bottom on up. It takes place when ordinary people, by the millions, are prepared to stand up and fight for justice.

That's what the history of the trade union movement is about. That's what the history of the women's movement is about. That's what the history of the civil rights movement is about. That's what the history of the gay rights movement is about. That's what the history of the environmental movement is about. That's what any serious movement for justice is about.

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That's what the political revolution is about.

I ended this campaign far more optimistic about the future of our country than when I began. How could it be otherwise? In fields in California, I spoke to thousands of working people from every conceivable background who came together determined to transform our country. They were farmworkers, environmentalists, gay activists, and students. They know, and I know, that we are stronger when we stand together and do not allow demagogues to divide us up by race, gender, sexual orientation, or where we were born.

In Portland, Maine, on a cold day, my staff watched people wait outside on long lines for hours, determined to cast their votes at the caucus there. In Arizona, it took some people five hours to cast a votebut they stayed and voted. All across this country, people are fighting back to create the vibrant democracy that we desperately need and to stop our drift toward oligarchy.

In New York City, I walked the picket line with striking workers at Verizon who were determined not to see the company cut benefits and outsource jobs. They stood up against outrageous corporate greed. They stood together as a proud union. And they won.

In Washington, D.C., I marched with low-wage workers who told the world that they cannot survive on the starvation minimum wage that currently exists. That we need to raise the minimum wage to a living wage. Their message and their fight is reverberating all across the country.

This book describes the history-making campaign that we ran. But more important, it looks to the future. It lays out a new path for America based on principles of economic, social, racial, and environmental justice. On behalf of our children and grandchildren, it is a path that must be followed and a fight that must be won.

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The struggle continues.



Copyright  2016 by Bernie Sanders

BERNIE SANDERS ran as a Democratic candidate for President of the United States in 2015 and 2016. He served as mayor of Burlington, Vermont's largest city, for eight years before defeating an incumbent Republican to be the sole congressperson for the state in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1991. He was elected to the Senate in 2007 and is now in his second term, making him the longest-serving independent in the history of the Congress. He lives in Burlington, Vermont, with his wife, Jane, and has four children and seven grandchildren.
U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump smiles after making what he said was a major announcement, that he'd abide by the election results if he won, to supporters at a campaign rally in Delaware, Ohio, U.S. October 20, 2016. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Was 11/8 a New 9/11?

Cross-posted with TomDispatch.com

For decades, Washington had a habit of using the Central Intelligence Agency to deep-six governments of the people, by the people, and for the people that werent to its taste and replacing them with governments of the [take your choice: military junta, shah, autocrat, dictator] across the planet. There was the infamous 1953 CIA- and British-organized coup that toppled the democratic Iranian government of Mohammad Mosadegh and put the Shah (and his secret police, the SAVAK) in power. There was the 1954 CIA coup against the government of Jacobo Arbenz in Guatemala that installed the military dictatorship of Carlos Castillo Armas; there was the CIAs move to make Ngo Dinh Diem the head of South Vietnam, also in 1954, and the CIA-Belgian plot to assassinate the Congos first elected prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, in 1961 that led, in the end, to the military dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko; there was the 1964 CIA-backed military coup in Brazil that overthrew elected president Jango Goulart and brought to power a military junta; and, of course, the first 9/11 (September 11, 1973) when the democratically elected socialist president of Chile, Salvador Allende, was overthrown and killed in a U.S.-backed military coup. Well, you get the idea.

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In this way, Washington repeatedly worked its will as the leader of what was then called the Free World. Although such operations were carried out on the sly, when they were revealed, Americans, proud of their own democratic traditions, generally remained unfazed by what the CIA had done to democracies (and other kinds of governments) abroad in their name. If Washington repeatedly empowered regimes of a sort Americans would have found unacceptable for ourselves, it wasnt something that most of us spent a whole lot of time fretting about in the context of the Cold War.

At least those acts remained largely covert, undoubtedly reflecting a sense that this wasnt the sort of thing you should proudly broadcast in the light of day. In the early years of the twenty-first century, however, a new mindset emerged. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, regime change became the phrase du jour. As a course of action, there was no longer anything to be covert about. Instead, the process was debated openly and carried out in the full glare of media attention.

No longer would Washington set the CIA plotting in the shadows to rid it of detested governments and put in their place more malleable client states. Instead, as the sole superpower of Planet Earth, with a military believed to be beyond compare or challenge, the Bush administration would claim the right to dislodge governments it disdained directly, bluntly, and openly with the straightforward use of military force. Later, the Obama administration would take the same tack under the rubric of humanitarian intervention or R2P (responsibility to protect). In this sense, regime change and R2P would become shorthand for Washingtons right to topple governments in the full light of day by cruise missile, drone, and Apache helicopter, not to mention troops, if needed. (Saddam Husseins Iraq would, of course, be exhibit A in this process and Muammar Gaddafis Libya, exhibit B.)

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With this history in mind and in the wake of the recent election, a question came to me recently: In 2016, did the American people leave the CIA in a ditch and potentially do to themselves what the Agency (and more recently the U.S. military) had done to others? In other words, in the strangest election of our lifetimes, have we just seen something like a slow-motion democratic coup d'etat or some form of domestic regime change?

Only time will tell, but one sign of that possibility: for the first time, part of the national security state directly intervened in an American election. In this case, not the CIA, but our leading domestic investigative outfit, the FBI. Inside it, as we now know, fulminating and plotting had been ongoing against one of the two candidates for president before its director, James Comey, openly, even brazenly, entered the fray with 11 days to go. He did so on grounds that, even at the time, seemed shaky at best, if not simply bogus, and ran against firm department traditions for such election periods. In the process, his intervention may indeed have changed the trajectory of the election, a commonplace in the rest of the world, but a unique moment in this country.

Donald Trumps administration, now filling up with racists, Islamophobes, Iranophobes, and assorted fellow billionaires, already has the feel of an increasingly militarized, autocratic government-in-the-making, favoring short-tempered, militaristic white guys who dont take criticism lightly or react to speed bumps well. In addition, on January 20th, they will find themselves with immense repressive powers of every sort at their fingertips, powers ranging from torture to surveillance that were institutionalized in remarkable ways in the post-9/11 years with the rise of the national security state as a fourth branch of government, powers which some of them are clearly eager to test out.

Blowback and Blowforward as the History of Our Times

It took 22 years -- in the wake of Washingtons 1979 decision to use the CIA to arm, fund, and train the most extreme Afghan (and other) Muslim fundamentalists and so give the Soviet Union a Vietnam-style bloody nose -- for the initial American investment in radical Islam to come home big time. On that blowback path, there would be American military housing in Saudi Arabia blown sky high, two U.S. embassies bombed in Africa, and a U.S. destroyer ripped apart in a harbor in Aden. But it was 9/11 that truly put blowback on the map in this country (and, appropriately enough, turned Chalmers Johnsons book with that title, published in 2000, into a bestseller). Those al-Qaeda attacks, estimated to cost only $400,000, were aimed at three iconic structures: the World Trade Center in Manhattan (representing American financial power), the Pentagon in Washington (military power), and assumedly either the White House or the Capitol (political power) -- as United Airlines Flight 93 was undoubtedly headed there when it crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Those strikes by 19 mainly Saudi hijackers were meant to deliver a devastating blow to American amour propre, and so they did.

In response, the Bush administration launched the Global War on Terror, or GWOT (one of the worst acronyms ever), also known to its rabid promoters as the Long War or World War IV. Think of that war, including the invasions and occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq, as a kind of blowforward, or a second vast, long-term investment of time, money, and lives in Islamic extremism that only entrenched the phenomenon further in our world, helped recruit more supporters for it, and spread it ever more widely.

In other words, Osama bin Ladens relatively modest $400,000 investment would lead Washington to squander literally trillions more dollars in ever-expanding wars and insurgencies, and on the targeting of growing, morphing terror outfits in the Greater Middle East and Africa. The resulting years of military effort that spiraled out of control and into disaster in that vast region led to what Ive called an empire of chaos and set a new kind of blowback on a path home, blowback that would change and distort the nature of American governance and society.

Now, 37 years after the first Afghan intervention and 15 years after the second one, in the wake of an American election, blowback from the war on terror -- its generals, its mindset, its manias, its urge to militarize everything -- has come home in a significant way. In fact, we just held what may someday be seen as our first 9/11-style election. And with it, with the various mad proposals to ban or register Muslims and the like, the literal war on terror is threatening to come home big time, too. Based on the last decade and a half of results in distant lands, that cant be good news. (According to the latest report, for instance, fears of persecution are growing even among Muslims in the Pentagon, the CIA, and the Department of Homeland Security, and with Islamophobic sentiments already rampant inside the newly forming Trump administration, you can conclude that this wont end well either.)

Historys Deal-Breaker?

On September 12, 2001, you would have been hard put to guess just how the shock of the attacks of the previous day would play out in the U.S. and the world, so perhaps its idle to speculate on what the events of 11/8/16 will lead to in the years to come. Predictions a dicey business in the best of times, and the future ordinarily is a black hole. But one thing does seem likely amid the murk: with the generals (and other officials) who ran Americas failed wars these last years potentially dominating the national security structure of a future Trump administration, our empire of chaos (including perhaps regime change) will indeed have come home. Its reasonable to think of the victory of Donald Trump and his brand of right-wing corporatist or billionaire populism and of the rising tide of white racism that has accompanied it as a 9/11-style shock to the body politic, even if it proves a slo-mo version of the original event.

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As with 9/11, a long, blowback-ridden history preceded 11/8 and Donald Trumps triumph. That history included the institutionalization of permanent war as a way of life in Washington, the growing independent power and preeminence of the national security state, the accompanying growth and institutionalization of the most oppressive powers of that state, including intrusive surveillance of almost every imaginable sort, the return from distant battlefields of the technology and mindset of permanent war, and the ability to assassinate whomever the White House chooses to kill (even an American citizen). In addition, in blowback terms, domestically you would need to include the results of the Supreme Courts Citizens United decision of 2010, which helped release staggering amounts of corporate and 1%er funds from the engorged top of an increasingly unequal society into the political system (without which a billionaire running for president and a cabinet of billionaires and multimillionaires would have been inconceivable).

As I wrote in early October, a significant part of the white working class... feels as if, whether economically or psychologically, its back is up against the wall and theres nowhere left to go... many of these voters have evidently decided that theyre ready to send a literal loose cannon into the White House; theyre willing, that is, to take a chance on the roof collapsing, even if it collapses on them. Think of Donald Trumps election, then, as the victory of the suicide bomber the white working class dispatched to the Oval Office to, as people now say politely, shake things up.

In a moment that, in so many senses, is filling with extremism and in which the jihadists of the national security state are clearly going to be riding high, its at least possible that election 2016 will prove the equivalent of a slow-motion coup in America. Donald Trump, like right-wing populists before him, has a temperament that could lend itself not only to demagoguery (as in the recent election campaign), but to an American version of authoritarianism, especially since in recent years, in terms of a loss of rights and the strengthening of government powers, the country has already moved in an autocratic direction, even if thats been a little noted reality.

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Whatever Americans may have ushered in with the events of 11/8, one thing is increasingly certain about the country that Donald Trump will govern. Forget Vladimir Putin and his rickety petro-state: the most dangerous nation on the planet will now be ours. Led by a man who knows remarkably little, other than how to manipulate the media (on which hes a natural-born genius) and, at least in part, by the frustrated generals from Americas war on terror, the United States is likely to be more extreme, belligerent, irrational, filled with manias, and heavily armed, its military funded to even greater levels no other country could come close to, and with staggering powers to intervene, interfere, and repress.

Its not a pretty picture. And yet its just a lead-in to what, undoubtedly, should be considered the ultimate question in Donald Trumps America: With both the CIAs coup-making and the militarys regime-change traditions in mind, could the United States also overthrow a planet? If, as the head of what's already the worlds second largest greenhouse gas emitter, Trump carries out the future energy policies he promised during the election campaign -- climate-science funding torn up, climate agreements denounced or ignored, alternative energy development downplayed, pipelines green-lighted, fracking and other forms of fossil-fuel extraction further encouraged, and the U.S. fully reimagined as the Saudi Arabia of North America -- he will, in effect, be launching a regime-change action against Planet Earth.

All the rest of what a Trump administration might do, including ushering in a period of American autocracy, would be just part and parcel of human history. Autocracies come and go. Autocrats rise and die. Rebellions break out and fail. Democracies work and then dont. Life goes on. Climate change is, however, none of that. It may be part of planetary history, but not of human history. It is instead historys potential deal-breaker. What the Trump administration does to us in the years to come could prove a grim period to live through but a passing matter, at least when compared to the possible full-scale destabilization of life on Earth and of history as weve known it these last thousands of years.

This would, of course, put 9/11 in the shade. The election victory of 11/8 might ultimately prove the shock of a lifetime, of any lifetime, for eons to come. Thats the danger weve faced since 11/8, and make no mistake, it could be devastating.
President-elect Trump says hes uniquely qualified to drain the swamp in Washington, D.C. He can do it, he said at one debate, because as a businessman, he understands American cronyism. With Hillary Clinton, I said, Be at my wedding, and she came to my wedding. You know why? She had no choice because I gave.

He said thats why he gives money to politicians from both parties. When they call, I give. And when I need something from them two years later, three years later, I call them. They are there for me!

Thats crony capitalism. Ideally, laws are applied equally; no one gets a special break because he gives money. But todays complex government allows the politically connected to corrupt ... most everything.

Even parts of the government swamp designed to protect consumers, like Dodd-Frank banking rules, get corrupted. Banks watch little changes in rules far more closely than you ever will. Then they exploit them. Bank lobbyists make money off complex laws like Dodd-Frank. They fight tooth and nail to keep them, not abolish them.

Congress recently almost got rid of one obvious example of crony capitalism, the Export-Import Bank. To encourage exports of American products, bureaucrats give loans to Boeing and other big companies.

Some principled Republicans tried to eliminate this corporate welfare, but Ex-Im loans were voted back in during the final hours of budget negotiations.

Government programs almost never die.

Businesses in cozy relationships with government dont die either. Jeff Deist, president of the free-market Mises Institute, says when the housing bubble burst, banks should have been allowed to fail and put through the bankruptcy and liquidation process.

Investors would have lost big, but thats OK, says Deist. Thats the difference between free-market capitalism and state capitalism. With state capitalism, there are upsides for the parties involved  but no downsides.

In the swamp, no one but taxpayers pays for their mistakes.

Politicians routinely promise to change this culture, but once they get to D.C., they lose interest, says Trump.

They go to Washington, something happensthey become weak. ... I promise this is not going to happen to me.

I want to believe him. But even if he were an utterly principled man  and I await evidence of that  its tough to constantly say no to people.

When youre in Congress, people ask you for money all day. I need a grant for my charity  we do so much good! My business needs a subsidy/protective tariff  we employ so many people  in your state! So it goes, week after week.

Few people bother to go to Washington to ask for spending cuts. Even though America is heading toward bankruptcy, 90 percent of congressional testimony comes from people who want more stuff.

Politicians cronies get more stuff. Solyndra got half a billion dollars from President Obama. The company went bankrupt, which shouldnt be a surprise. Government has no way of knowing which ideas will succeed.

But its well worth it for companies to invest in lobbyists and fixers who dive into the swamp to extract subsidies.

For taxpayers? Not so much. While the benefits to lobbyists are concentrated, taxpayer costs are diffuse. Solyndra cost each of us a couple bucks. Will you go to Washington to pester your congressman about that? Probably not.

I want to believe Trump when he says hell drain the swamp. But its easier to believe Thomas Jefferson who, with greater eloquence, said, Its the natural progress of things for government to gain ground, and liberty to yield.

Draining the swamp would mean not just taking freebies away from corporations  or needy citizens  but eliminating complex handouts like Obamacare. Candidate Trump said he would repeal Obamacare. Will he? Hes already backed off of that promise, saying he likes two parts of the law  the most expensive parts.

Every word in the register of federal regulations and laws has a special friend, a lobbyist (or 20) who will defend it, fight hard to make sure everything stays the same.

Good luck draining that swamp, President Trump. I hope youll succeed, if thats really your goal.

But I wont count on it.
Crossposted from UN Women.

A survivor at Association for Womens Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD) with her child. Photo: Womankind Worldwide/Maheder Tadese

After I came to this shelter, it was like a new beginning. I am back in school and I am a good student. I want to help other girls who are survivors of violence, shares Tigist Getachew who lives in the Association for Womens Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD), a shelter for survivors of violence located in an unmarked, confidential location in the center of Adama town, Ethiopia.

Tigist, 16, worked as a domestic worker in Chiro town before she came to AWSAD eight months ago. Since her grandmothers death, she had no one who could give her a home. Tigist was raped by a friend of her employer and the case was reported to the police, who referred her to the AWSAD shelter.

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A large proportion of women in Ethiopia have come to accept domestic and sexual violence as an inevitable part of their lives. A national survey in 2011 showed that 41 per cent of Ethiopian women aged 20-24 were married before they reached 18 years of age, and 8 per cent of those aged 15-19 years were married before their 15th birthday [1]. Harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, abduction and early marriages affected 25 per cent of Ethiopian girls [2]. A 2010 survey by the Population Council and UNFPA revealed that 25 percent of Ethiopian women experienced their first sexual experiences under coercion and there is widespread acceptance of violence against women and girls, among both men and women [3]

This violence is further driven by an acute lack of services for survivors, particularly, shelters that can provide housing, reintegration and rehabilitation support. As a member of the Federal Police Commission explained, the shelters we have are so few that it is better to say we do not have shelters in this country, given the demand we have. There are an estimated 12 shelters operating in Ethiopia, hardly enough to respond to the scale of violence faced by women across all regions.

In 2015, UN Women Ethiopia Country Office partnered with the Association for Womens Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD) to establish the largest shelter in the country in Oromia region, as part of the Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Women and Girls in Ethiopia programme, funded by the Governments of Ireland and Denmark, under UN Womens flagship programme initiative. With a 50 bed-capacity, the shelter has hosted more than 143 women and their 54 children since May 2015, providing them holistic rehabilitation and reintegration services, including transitional housing, food, medical services, counselling, legal support and professional skills training.

Hiwot Abebaw, also a survivor, shared how the shelter helped her overcome the trauma: I used to want to be alone all the time when I first came here. But not anymore. With counselling and support, Abebaw has regained hope and dignity.

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It is not about high numbers but about turning around the lives of these women and girls, in a way that impacts the generations to come, said Ms. Funmi Balogun, UN Women Deputy Representative in Ethiopia.

Ms. Maria Munir, Executive Director of AWSAD added: Safe houses take a lot of efforts, from supporting women and girls to build back their self-esteem and providing them with medical and psychosocial support to ensuring that they gain skills to be economically independent and working with the police and health officials to preserve evidence to get justice. As a critical response mechanism, shelters require adequate and sustained resources.

Ending violence against women needs multi-pronged approaches at different levels. Working with partners and communities, the programme combines prevention, increasing womens access to justice and providing life-saving services through the shelter. For example, a training of more than 300 religious leaders has led to the prevention of almost 470 child marriages in Gozamen and Sinan districts in Amhara region.

The programme is also building the capacity of police officers, prosecutors, judges and community leaders to ensure an effective investigation, prosecution and adjudication of cases. Following successful collaboration between UN Women and the Ethiopian Government, the Central Statistics Agency of Ethiopia has committed to register data on violence every five years.

Notes

[1] Central Statistical Agency [Ethiopia]. Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey, 2011.

[2] Ibid.
World AIDS Day

Crossposted from UN Women.

Natalia Minayeva. Photo: UN Women Multi Country Office in Kazakhstan

When I discovered that I was HIV-positive 20 years ago, my first thought was that I was going to die. There wasnt much information about HIV, just unconfirmed rumors and misinformation. Even worse, there was no respect for those living with HIV.

Two years after my diagnosis, I ended up in prison in the so-called AIDS barracksa place where they sent prisoners with HIV. We were separated from other prisoners and seen as the walking dead. The staff were afraid to talk to us. Even today, such behavior is common.

My life turned around when I met Elena Bilokon, director of the Kazakhstan Network of Women Living with HIV, who came to our prison and told us about her network. She offered me a job after I was released. I started out as an outreach officer. I studied to become a legal advocate, received training in leadership and public speaking.

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Now, as a street lawyer*, I help women in prison and those who have been released. I advise them, help them reintegrate into society and approach relevant state bodies on their behalf to provide social support. We refer these women to the AIDS centre and job centres, and help them in applying for benefits. I am one of the two street lawyers in our country.

This work is the meaning of my life. It gives me strength and Im able to help women who are in a difficult situation, as I once was.

Natalia Minayeva, 47, participated in a training under UN Womens Gender Equality within the HIV and AIDS response project that helped her enhance her knowledge and gain public speaking and leadership skills. She now works as a street lawyerswhich means legal advocate in Kazakhstanwith Eurasian Harm Reduction Network, helping women with legal issues and referring drug users to substitution therapy. With her work, Ms. Minayeva contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, and its target on ending the AIDS epidemic.

*Street lawyer is a term used in Kazakhstan for legal advocates who are trained to provide some legal coordination, advice and support survivors in court accompaniments and other matters.

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The exhibition Robert Rauschenberg at Tate Modern in London is the first posthumous retrospective and the most comprehensive survey of the American artist's work for 20 years. The exhibition covers all chapters of the career of Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008), from his early experiments at Black Mountain College to his late works. Among the works on display are his iconic Combines (hybrids between painting and sculpture), his transfer drawings and silkscreens, and the Cardboard and Glut works. Some of the highlights are Rauschenberg's Oracle (1962-65), a multi-part sculpture made from scrap-metal parts that he created in collaboration with the engineer Billy Kluver; and the piece Mud Muse (1968-71), an installation that consists of a large metal tank that contains bentonite clay mixed with water, which bubbles and spurts as air is released in response to the sound levels created by the mud bubbling.
This is the second in a series of posts exploring some of the things that must change in government and society to fix America.

Republican leaders in Congress and conservative think tanks are drawing up their lists of federal regulations they want President Trump to help them kill once he takes office. Judging by his campaign platform Trump is eager to cooperate. He has promised to "reform the entire regulatory code" and to issue a moratorium on new government rules that are not required by law.

Trump believes that government regulations "force jobs out of our communities" and punish Americans for doing business in the United States. "We will no longer regulate our companies and our jobs out of existence," he has said.

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Are there unnecessary or unnecessarily burdensome regulations? Undoubtedly. Do we want government controlling our lives? No. But some regulations are necessary to save our lives. Many actually create jobs, are wanted by business, advance important national goals and are necessary to protect the American people from the bad actors in our society.

The benefits of good government rules have been obvious for generations. Without laws like the Clean Air Act of 1970 and the Clean Water Act two years later, and without the regulations that implemented them, we would have a much dirtier and sicker country. Rivers would still be catching fire, more oil spills would be killing oceans, fish would be inedible because of toxins in their flesh, many more of our children would get sick or die from asthma caused by air pollution, cancer would be as common as the common cold, our water would be unsafe to drink and every day would be a bad-air day.

Before President Trump begins killing regulations (almost as complicated as creating them), he should weigh their benefits and costs case by case. Here are a few things he should consider specifically in regard to regulations on business and industry, the most common source of complaints that the government handcuffs job creation.

First, to put things in context, there are more than 22.6 million businesses in the United States. Nearly three of every four are small enterprises, the biggest source of new jobs but also the firms that because of limited resources may have the hardest time complying with government rules. Depending on the nature of their enterprises, they must deal with rules that range from worker safety to the quality of our food. It's fair to say that relatively few companies are knowingly engaged in practices that hurt people or the environment.

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But not all companies are good corporate citizens. Many regulations, including most of those involving environmental protection, are a result of industries failing to regulate themselves.

Industries could monitor their "own adherence to legal, ethical, or safety standards, rather than have an outside, independent agency such as a third-party entity monitor and enforce those standards." But history is filled with examples of corporations that put social responsibility far down their priority lists, if it is on their lists at all. Their first priorities of course are profit, shareholder returns and competitive advantage. But in pursuit of those goals, some companies engage in practices that are socially irresponsible, if not dangerous.

Prominent examples today are the powerful companies that produce and burn fossil fuels. We now know that the pollution from fossil fuel combustion has saturated the atmosphere to the point that the Earth's climate is changing in seriously dangerous ways. Oil and gas companies could be making the transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy not only to limit climate change, but also to become leaders in the rapidly growing clean energy sector. Instead and in general, the oil and gas industry is sticking to its old business model of pulling as much product out of the ground as possible. While the companies profit, millions of Americans already are being hurt by climate change and countless generations to come will continue to bear the cost of drought, fire, floods and other disasters.

In a perfect society, companies, like doctors, would commit to doing no harm. Their business model would be to profit from activities that are consistent with the public good. There are many companies that adhere to a kind of corporate hypocratic oath. More than 200 corporate CEOs representing 19 million employees worldwide are members of the World Council on Sustainable Development, for example. One of their projects is to have businesses use fuels that contain 50% less carbon, a strategy to grow the global market for clean and sustainable energy. More than 80 U.S. companies, including many of our largest, have promised to switch to 100% renewable energy.

Smart corporate leaders actually welcome reasonable regulation, although they may not admit it in public. Regulations ensure that each company and its competitors operate on the proverbial level playing field. Otherwise, clean companies that pay for pollution prevention would not be able to compete with dirty companies that don't.

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Regulations prevent bad actors from damaging the reputation of their industries and jeopardizing their "social license to operate". Several of the regulations that reportedly are on the chopping block are focused on the natural gas industry, a sector whose production is booming at the same time some of its practices - fracking and methane leaks for example - are controversial. The Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) at Colorado State University has held annual conferences with leaders of the oil and gas industry to discuss issues like these. CNEE reports that:

Reasonable and effective regulation is important to natural gas producers because it creates business planning certainty; screens out the "bad actors"; reduces the chances that companies within the energy sector will obtain unfair advantage by engaging in irresponsible practices; and strengthens the industry's "social license to operate" - i.e., public trust that energy is being produced in ways that are consistent with public health, welfare and quality of life.

The National Petroleum Council (NPC) concurs:

Achieving the economic, environmental and energy security benefits of North American natural gas and oil supplies requires responsible approaches to resource production and delivery...(I)n all locales and conditions, the critical path to sustained and expanded resource development in North America includes effective regulation and a commitment of industry and regulators to continuous improvement in practices to eliminate or minimize environmental risk.

Second, federal regulations are not created by fiat. There is no secret back room in which federal control freaks plot to regulate business. Most rules are the result of laws passed by the people's representatives in Congress. Each proposed new rule must go through an arduous process of public and legal review before it can become final. Proposed rules are scrutinized for their costs and benefits to the American people. Once they are finalized, they are routinely challenged by lawsuits that further test their legality.

Third, regulations can create jobs. For example, federal rules that require companies to repair environmental damage have resulted in a "restoration industry" in the United States. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have determined that these rules support more than 220,000 jobs and $25 billion in economic activity. This restoration economy provides more direct jobs today than coal mining, logging or steel production.

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Finally, most Americans support environmental regulation. The Pew Research Center reported earlier this year that while opinions vary from state to state, 59% of American adults nationwide say that stricter environmental regulations are worth the cost.

That's not to say that conservatives and progressive all agree. Weeks before the election, Pew found a deep divide between Trump and Clinton supporters when it came to regulating carbon pollution.


By Daniel Wesley

For introverted business owners like me, taking a company to the next level often means leaving your comfort zone. In the beginning, building a business relies heavily on what you know. But as your business grows, who you know becomes more and more important.

When I first ventured into business ownership, it was in a webmaster role that required mostly online communication. But with success came the need to meet affiliates, vendors, and contractors face to face on a regular basis. I began attending conferences not only to listen and learn, but to meet and talk with as many people as possible. I had to learn to initiate conversations with strangers and turn the small talk I dreaded into meaningful connections.

While I'll never feel completely at ease in these situations, the more I networked, the less intimidating it became. Here are three hard-won tips to make the most out of your next conference -- especially if networking doesn't come naturally.

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1. Start before you go.

Before you leave, take as much hassle out of the equation as possible. Map out a plan that makes you feel comfortable. For example, I don't love flying, so I minimize stress by booking direct flights whenever possible. That way, there are fewer chances of delay and only one takeoff and landing to worry about.

Similarly, where you stay matters. While it may be tempting to save money by not staying at the conference hotel, taking an elevator to a meeting instead of traveling across town during rush hour can really cut down on stress. For a recent conference in New York City, I split the difference, opting for a hotel within easy walking distance of the conference. Without complicated transportation logistics to navigate, I was able to control my schedule and save some money.

When it comes to travel, especially for business, organization is key. I recommend using travel apps to keep important information at your fingertips, and connectivity apps to make outreach and schedule management easier once you arrive.

2. Practice talking to strangers.

In the same way you can improve at anything with practice, initiating conversations with people you don't know gets easier the more you do it. Fortunately, everyday life offers plenty of opportunities to practice. This is where my grade-school-age son becomes my role model: He starts genuine conversations with everyone, from pro athletes to the person working at the theme park with relative ease. It's a skill I admire and seek to emulate in my day-to-day interactions and business networking.

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As an added bonus, talking to strangers a habit builds more than just confidence. Research shows that chatting it up with strangers can have a positive impact on mood and health.

3. Prepare to execute.

When I decide to attend a conference, I go all in on preparation. I read up on the event, the speakers, and who's attending. Then, I brainstorm with my team to determine how our business will benefit and how to optimize my time at the conference. From there, it's about reaching out well in advance to schedule time with the people I need to meet.

Setting a realistic schedule and deciding who to meet (and when) is a bit of an art. I've found that lunch breaks are a good time to catch up with current partners. Typically, lunch meetings are relaxed and fairly casual -- exactly how you want conversations with partners to feel. I save dinner meetings for when there are more detailed matters to discuss. While steaks and wine make for a more formal atmosphere, dinner meetings feel less crunched for time.

At the end of a conference, everybody's goal is to walk away with relationships that will serve their businesses. You just never know which contact may spark an exciting new opportunity or an idea that you haven't considered. Put together a plan that optimizes your networking opportunities so you don't miss a thing.
Real life social scores are no longer a thing reserved for Black Mirror episodes. China has announced plans to create an Orwellian social scoring system. The system, just like that creepy Black Mirror episode, will track financial, personal, and social information. The goal of tracking all this data? To control access to services, from travel and education to loans and insurance cover. Certain professions like lawyers and journalists will allegedly be more closely monitored.

Data collection is nothing new. Every time you're agreeing to a company's Terms of Service you're willingly handing over huge batches of personal data. As South Park taught us nobody reads those Terms of Service, despite how much they ask of you. The United States already has vague laws like the Patriot Act where they can easily collect your information without your consent.

We know that we're already being surveilled, we know that our data is being collected, but leveraging data is something completely new. China's plans will dramatically alter the way their citizens live their lives. It will allow our digital footprints to create real world repercussions. Not a good sign for the trolls.

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This was inevitable. We're becoming more attached to our digital selves. However, tracking data around a person's life and cutting them off from opportunities based on a social scoring system is a drastic step that values the image we're trying to portray more than our actual worth as individuals. A social scoring system will push people to live heightened and false lives in an attempt to create more opportunity. It's the world we're already living in taken to the extreme.

It doesn't seem like that much of a reach to assume that social scoring systems will be part of the future. However, ensuring that those scores aren't compromised is a huge undertaking. Leveraging those massive amounts of data would require an incredible amount of manpower, storage space, and encryption.

If such a service is introduced, it should be done so to increase the quality of life for all those using it. But who decides on the morals of a social score? Could it be "worth more" to be straight rather than gay? What about the type of media you consume? What about your religion? Will these scores be used to enforce warped ideals taken to extremes in a way to encourage certain "normal" types of behavior?
Well, let's get one thing out of the way, Pence becomes the President if Trump dies, resigns, or is removed from office. That's standard procedure and it's happened a few times over history (Anyone remember Dick Nixon?). The Vice President doesn't have many formal duties. In fact, they really only have one: presiding over the senate but they can't debate, address, or vote. They're essentially around to break tie votes. That's it.

However, the more informal responsibilities of the Vice President are far reaching. It's unclear how much they influence policy but if you look at Obama and Biden it's almost impossible to deny their chemistry. Years ago, Al Gore was instrumental in influencing Bill Clinton's environmental and foreign policy. More recently, people have argued that V.P. Dick Cheney was actually the acting President, and Bush was nothing more than a puppet. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.

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The family of a man who died after being shot by police have told of their devastation, saying they have "a lot of unanswered questions" over his death.

Father-of-one Lewis Skelton, 31, who is understood to have had mental health problems, was Tasered and shot in Francis Street, off Freetown Way in the city centre, on Tuesday morning. Witnesses say he had been carrying and waving an axe when police opened fire. He later died of his injuries in Hull Royal Infirmary.

Today, as the focus of the independent inquiry into the shooting shifted to Durham Street, off Holderness Road, where Mr Skelton lived, his sister Laura Skelton told the Mail: "We're devastated. Absolutely heartbroken. We're shocked. No words can really describe how we are feeling right now.

"We don't know if it was the right decision to shoot Lewis. We feel he did not deserve it."

Mr Skelton, was was unemployed due to his poor mental health, had reportedly been waving an axe in the street minutes before he was shot and police had earlier been called to the Holderness Road area after reports of a man with an axe in the street.

Miss Skelton said: "It was so out-of-character. He was not himself that day. He would never hurt a fly. He had mental health problems We have a lot of unanswered questions for the police investigation."

Immediately after the shooting, Humberside Police referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). This is standard practice when police fire weapons.

Miss Skelton described her brother as "kind and caring".

She added: "Lewis was just a genuine guy who cared a lot about other people. He was a big animal-lover and loved his dogs. His friends thought a lot of him.

"If you speak to anyone who knew him you'd struggle to find anyone who had a bad word to say about him."

Meanwhile, Mr Skelton's neighbours described him as a "polite man who kept himself to himself" and who doted on his two Staffordshire bull terriers, Blue and Chopper.

They said he had recently started having regular visits from the Mormons, the religious group, and said what happened seemed "out of character."

Paul Mitton, who lived in the flat above Mr Skelton's home, said: "I have known him for a couple of years since he moved in. Me and him got on really well and we just used to stand outside the flat talking, having a cigarette and I did not have a bad word to say about the lad.

"He was a bubbly lad who was polite and kept himself to himself. He would always say hello to people and doted on his animals. He loved them."

Armed police were initially called to near the post office in Holderness Road at 9.20am after reports of a man with an axe. Fifteen minutes later they found Mr Skelton in Francis Street, where they Tasered him before having to shoot him more than once.

Residents in Durham Street told the Mail police had asked them on Wednesday afternoon whether they had seen Mr Skelton running up and down the street the previous morning.

Mr Mitton said: "When I found out I just started crying. I was shocked, totally shocked. I heard nothing until the police told me. I didn't realise it was him until before that.

"He was the nicest lad. We got on really well, like best buds. He was like a brother to me the last couple of years."

Police at Lewis Skelton's home in east Hull

Asha Rimmer, 22, lives a few doors away from Mr Skelton's flat.

"He seemed to be a perfectly reasonable young lad," she said. "You would always see him walking his two dogs and he would say hello. We don't know what's happened but something has obviously knocked the lad over the edge. He didn't seem dangerous to us at all though.

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said police had been positioned outside the house since Tuesday night, with around half a dozen officers searching the flat.

"I just knew him to talk to," he said. "I had no bother with him at all. He was quiet and I just used to see him and say hello. He kept himself to himself and didn't strike me as dangerous at all.

The IPCC has confirmed its investigators are conducting a search of Mr Skelton's flat.

An IPCC Spokesperson said: "As part of an ongoing IPCC investigation we are carrying out investigations at an address on Durham Street, which will be ongoing this afternoon."

Humberside Police said armed officers had been sent to the Holderness Road area at about 9.20am following reports of a man carrying an axe. It said it had been responding to calls from members of the public.

More news: KCOM blames 'cyber attack' for thousands losing internet access in Hull
In one of the more bizarre twists in this incredibly bizarre year, Donald Trump now questions the legitimacy of ballots cast in an election that he won.

Faced with a recount in Michigan that he opposes, but that is almost certain to confirm his victory, Trump has once again taken to Twitter to rail about a rigged system  though apparently its rigged only in the states he lost.

What he really seems to be responding to is the fact that, though he is the president-elect, Hillary Clinton bested him by more than 2 million votes in the popular tally. That fact has Democrats responding as well, arguing that the Electoral College system should, as Sen. Barbara Boxer proposes, be abolished, or as Sen. Bernie Sanders proposes, be re-examined.

We beg to differ.

Suppose presidential candidates engaged in a national election instead of one focused on the outcome in each state: The airwaves would be even more inundated with ads in a campaign waged almost entirely in the media. As it is now, candidates have to learn about and respond to whats going on in the vastly diverse states of the nation, and in their vastly diverse populations.

Its no accident that the last time Congress debated abolishing the Electoral College, after the nail-biter 1968 election, some of the strongest voices of opposition came from the few African-American House members and from Jewish organizations lobbying from the outside. Though Jews make up only 2 percent of the American population, an insignificant number on a nationwide ballot, the number climbs to 5 percent in all-important Florida  enough to swing the state.

That story is replicated in state after state with different groups. African-Americans might be only 13 percent of the population, but their votes gave Barack Obama his 2012 margin of victory in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Michigan. Georgia, now considered solidly Republican, might soon be in play because of the 29 percent of the voters there who are black.

The growing political clout of Latinos has been much heralded, but they are still only 12 percent of eligible voters nationwide. Its their strength in states like Nevada and Colorado that made them a force to be reckoned with in this election, a force that could turn Arizona and Texas from red to purple the next time around.

That fluidity is another characteristic of the Electoral College system. Battleground states in one or two campaign cycles can become safe states for one party or the other in later contests.

Look at bright-blue California  it voted Democratic only once between 1952 and 1988. Or vivid-red West Virginia, which was one of the handful of states to go for the Democratic nominee in 1980 and 1988. And Hillary Clintons solid blue wall crumbled this time around. The ups and downs of the system are such that both parties have, at different times, been alleged to hold an Electoral College lock.

Its because of the Electoral College that shifting demographics result in shifting outcomes. Its the ultimate defense against the tyranny of the majority that the Founders feared. Designed to protect small states against domination by large ones, it has come to protect smaller population groups from larger ones.

Thats not just true in terms of people, its also true in terms of policy. Had the 2016 campaign been waged only in the densely populated coastal states that can determine the popular vote, would the aggrieved voices of the out-of-work and out-of-sorts voters of the rust belt been heard? Donald Trump is right that he paid attention to their pain while Hillary Clinton took those voters for granted, ignoring them while focusing on turning out minorities and young people.

In 2000, when Al Gore won the popular vote but lost the election, then-senator-elect Clinton called for the abolition of the Electoral College, adding: We are a very different country than we were 200 years ago. Thats certainly true. But its also true that as Alexander Hamilton wrote then of the system devised to choose a president, If the manner of it be not perfect, it is at least excellent ... It was also particularly desirable to afford as little opportunity as possible to tumult and disorder.

This year weve had enough tumult and disorder. We dont need to tinker with the method of electing our presidents to give us more, even if the winner calls it a rigged system.
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The man who died after being shot by armed police has been named as Hull dad Lewis Skelton.

Mr Skelton's family and friends have confirmed he was the victim of the fatal shooting, which happened in Francis Street, city centre, on Tuesday.

He later died in hospital.

Mr Skelton has been described as "good lad" who "would do anything for anybody".

He had previously served a jail sentence in 2008.

It remains unclear why he was seen "waving an axe" in the street minutes before he was shot.

The dramatic events unfolded close to Mr Skelton's city centre home when police were called to Holderness Road, near the Post Office, at 9.20am. He was later tracked down by police near Freetown Way, where he was seen with an axe.

Mr Skelton was Tasered by police but it is understood he continued to approach officers before they opened fire.

Mr Skelton, 31, is thought to have visited the Post Office at about 9am on Tuesday to collect his JobSeekers Allowance. He was alone and it is still unclear why he had an axe with him.

Friends have expressed their shock at his death, describing him as a "lovely kid".

Eddy Barby, 29 said: "I've been friends with Lewis for years and this kid is a calm-natured, chilled, good lad. He would not hurt anybody. He did not go to attack anybody.

"He would do anything for anybody. He was not an angry person. At school he was never a fighter, always quiet.

"He will be remembered for the way he laughed, and the fact he would always do right by others.

"There's been problems but he is a good kid. He has had mental problems in the past. He needed help, not shooting.

"It's just so sad. When I found out it was him I was gutted. I got in my car and I lost it."

Other friends have taken to social media to share their tributes.

Jamie Clark said: "RIP Lewis. You was a top lad. I Hope you are at peace now. Thoughts go out to your family. Fly high mate."

Danielle Rush said: "I can't believe what I've just read. RIP Lewis. Such a lovely kid."

Mr Barby said he is convinced the Lewis he knew would not have hurt anybody.

He said: "People have been saying he robbed the Post Office - that isn't even true.

"He was just walking. I know they were doing their job but it shouldn't have come to this. They classed him as a terrorist.

"I cannot believe it was Lewis who ended up in this situation. The outcome was wrong. He honestly wasn't a bad lad."

It is the second time in the history of Humberside Police that an officer has killed someone. Simon Murden was shot on March 22, 2005 after driving his car the wrong way along the A63.

Today the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will continue their investigation, which is expected to take months. It will aim to determine what happened and if more could have been done to resolve the incident peacefully.

Mr Skelton was jailed for two years in 2008.
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The first completed "Made in Hull" turbine blade is being unveiled today at thecity's Siemens offshore wind factory.

The 75-metre blade is due to be unveiled by business and energy secretary Greg Clark during a visit to the 310m Green Port Hull development.

It will be the first of hundreds to be manufactured in Hull every year and marks a major milestone at the facility.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Clark said: "Hull has established itself as an important manufacturing and engineering centre for this innovative and exciting new industry.

"In the coming years the new offshore wind projects that this factory will supply could generate enough clean electricity to power over three million homes and businesses all with wind turbine blades produced by the dedicated and highly skilled Siemens workforce right here in Hull."

Around 700 people already work at the site with 96 per cent living within a 30-mile radius of Hull.

Among them is 23-year-old Jamie Purdue, a packing operative from east Hull.

He said: "It's a great place to work and I feel very proud to be part of the team here.

"It's good for Hull to be known as the place where these blades are being made. It shows what the city can do."

Finbarr Dowling, Siemens' Hull project director, said: "Most of the people here are actually from Hull itself which is fantastic.

"We now have a world-class product being made in Hull by Hull people."

The blades are made from balsa wood and fibre glass reinforced with epoxy resign.

"It's really art and craft on a massive scale," said Mr Dowling.

Along with blades starting to roll off the production line, the waterfront at Alexandra Dock is also being transformed with the assembly of huge 90-metre tall wind turbine towers destined for the North Sea.

Siemens' UK chief executive Juergen Maier said: "Here in Hull we are witnessing probably the best example of industrial strategy in action we have in the UK today creating new, local, skilled jobs, sustainable growth and the latest renewable technology, benefiting the UK economy and our society."

"One of the greatest challenges we have is to increase productivity in the UK and generate growth while de-carbonising our energy supply and reducing emissions to achieve a sustainable energy mix.

Mr Maier said he hoped the new Hull plant would be "a catalyst for further significant investments by our suppliers, customers and the industry at large".

He said: "Most of all this new factory signals a positive future for manufacturing in this country. This is a world-class facility that generates real value for the local community and the UK economy."

City council leader Steve Brady said: "With this world-class facility coming fully into production, Hull will be firmly at the centre of a new industrial era.

"Importantly, hundreds of local people will have high-quality employment within a company with a global reputation for manufacturing and technological excellence."

Siemens Hull blade facts
Panasonic breaks ground on electric vehicle battery plant in Kansas

Panasonic, a company from Japan, broke ground in De Soto, Kansas, on a new electric vehicle battery plant touted by Gov. Laura Kelly as a job creator.
Conservationists say they're ready to take federal wildlife officials back to court in a three-year-long fight over endangered species protection for a rare wildflower in Nevada. Thiem's buckwheat only exists at the site of a proposed lithium mine. The Fish and Wildlife Service concluded last October that the wildflower was at risk of extinction and proposed declaring it endangered. It had one year to finalize the listing but missed that Oct. 7 deadline. The Center for Biological Diversity sent the agency a formal notice this week of its intent to sue. The center won a court order forcing the agency to expedite its review two years ago.
Spotify Could Be Profitable As Early As Next Year, Says Prominent Board Member, Investor

Music streaming services have traditionally been huge money losers, based on recent financial filings. But Spotify may be closer to profitability than thought, based on comments from a prominent Spotify board member and investor.

___________________________________

Spotify is increasingly focused on profitability and could become profitable as early as next year, according to a prominent Spotify board member who was also one of the music streamer's first investors.

"Up until now, I think it's been growth, growth growth," Par-Jorgen Parson, a Spotify board member and partner at venture firm Northzone told Reuters during the tech conference Slush in Helsinki. "Maybe profitability will start to become a priority too."

When asked it profitability could come as early as next year, Parson answered, "Absolutely, yes." Northzone first invested in Spotify in 2008, and remains its second biggest shareholder after the company's founders.

Tough Label Negotiations vs Big IPO

Predictions of profitability come at a delicate time for Spotify. For months. they have been locked in tough negotiations with the major record labels, who want to extract more income from the music streamer.

But Parson's sights may be set on a broader horizon  a rumored 2017 IPO. "As an investor  and I've been in the company now for almost 10 years  we're looking forward to an IPO at some point in time," said Parson, who declined to be more specific.

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Illinois school Streator Elementary will adopt a new lower cost health insurance plan for its employees following the unanimous approval of the school board.The school will start open enrolment soon despite the absence of approval from the school districts labor union.An online report by The Times also said that the school board moved to approve the new plan in an effort to circumvent potential cuts in programming, which would have resulted in the termination of building secretaries and the removal of the art, music, band, and chorus programs.Streator expects to save $750,000 under the new plan next year. Still, the Blue Cross Blue Shield policy will provide the same benefits, copay and deductibles and allows $72 savings for those who pay family contributions.The publication also said that the school union did not approve the plan previously because it was holding out for concessions - among them written guarantees that there will be no further reductions at the school, and that support staff hired more than 10 years ago would be reinstated to full time status, which means they would qualify for insurance again.Streator superintendent Matt Wilkinson explained to The Times that the school was unable to commit to these concessions because the state board may steer it in a different direction, depending on the states performance goals.Open enrolment is set to commence upon the approval of the insurance committee.

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A Third Circuit Court in Nebraska has overturned a ruling against Applied Underwriters Captive Risk Assurance Company, compelling arbitration between it and the South Jersey Sanitation Company.Originally, a trial court had told the insurance company the contested issue required a court battle because state law in Nebraska prohibits the dispute resolution process for insurance cases.But the latest ruling in this saga stated its up to the arbitrator to determine whether the reinsurance participation contract fell under an exception in Nebraska law.The South Jersey Sanitation Company claims their contract with Applied Underwriters Captive Risk Assurance Company was procured based on fraud.The Third Circuit Court ruled that the contention was related to the contract as a whole, and that means the arbitrator must decide if the case falls under a Nebraska legal exception.That exception would determine if the case could go forward.It is now up to the trial court to find a location for arbitration.

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Further, The Daily Cardinal said that Segal Consulting has told the state Group Insurance Board that trimming down the current 18 health insurance plans to just one or two could save Wisconsin $42 million annually. The report also said that Governor Scott Walker has earmarked the potential savings for public education.

However, Jack OMeara, head lobbyist for the Public Representation Organization of the Faculty Senate, said that his organization, which lobbies on behalf of University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty, will most likely block any move towards self-insurance.

OMeara added that instead of squirreling away more savings as a result of self-insurance, the government is more likely to lose around $18 million.

Gov. Walkers administration has been exploring self-insurance as far back as 2013; however, his government has yet to take concrete steps to adopt it. Segal Consultants is encouraging insurers to conduct market research that would expedite the transition to self-insurance, targeting a 2018 deadline.

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New Mexico auditor wants re-examination of health insurers tax filings

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Authors Note: Insurance Business America recently left a few questions in Joseph Padudas inbox to get his views on medical marijuana, as this form of treatment becomes more common and raises more questions about proper use.Joseph Paduda is a principal of Health Strategy Associates, and is a nationally recognized expert on managed care in group health and workers compensation. He has a Masters of Science Degree in Health Management from American University.JP: At this point the only state where payers have seen significant activity is New Mexico, where payers are required to reimburse patients for prescriptions for marijuana. The inherent conflict between marijuanas legal status in individual states and its federal status as a Schedule I (illegal) drug makes it very difficult for an insurer or employer to cover the cost for a marijuana prescription. Were a payer to pay for an illegal drug, there may well be legal consequences on the federal level.JP: That depends on the state. For example, in New Mexico where medical marijuana is legal, workers comp payers typically reimburse patients for prescriptions. As of this summer, no other states required reimbursement for medical marijuana. I would expect other states will embrace reimbursement over time, especially given the industrys recent success in legalization for recreational purposes.JP: There are no clear-cut rules, standards, or parameters as this issue is very new. This is a truly knotty issue, one that each employer will have to address separately. Factors such as the location of the worksite, health status of the worker, job tasks of the worker, potential risks and hazards, validity of drug testing, validity of any methods used to determine impairment, and the legal appetite of the employer itself are all in play. I expect court decisions will play a major role going forward; as a result employers likely wont have clarity for some years.JP: Other states are carefully watching developments in New Mexico to determine what, if any, repercussions come for payers reimbursing for marijuana purchases. I would expect other states to delay legislation or regulation addressing the issue until there is some clarity around federal law enforcement and other relevant agencies actions or lack thereof.JP: In Ohio, the medical marijuana legalization bill specifically allows employers to discharge, discipline, or otherwise take action against an employer using medical marijuana, and the affected employee cant get unemployment compensation if discharged. In Wisconsin, benefits can be eliminated for workers injured while under the influence of an intoxicant if the employer can show that the worker a) violated the employers policy on drug use and b) the drug use caused the injury. Clearly, legislators are careful to protect the employer in these and other states from actions of workers who are impaired.JP: That depends on definition of abuse. As noted above, employers in several states that have legalized medical marijuana have specific protections for employers where the drug is part of an adverse event. Employees would be well-advised to take that into consideration before using marijuana, and undoubtedly most users would do so.JP: No. Theres no serious evidence that the gateway drug effect even exists.JP: I dont see these as related at all. Considering the research we have today, theres no question opioids are inherently much more dangerous than marijuana. Anecdotally, some patients report better pain management with fewer side effects with marijuana than with opioids. If that is the case, this could be helpful indeed for those with chronic pain. However, much more research is needed, but until and unless the drug is de-Scheduled from a I (illegal) that research will not happen.

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Drury to Perform Manilow's 'Copacabana'

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The Drury High School Performing Arts Center will bring Barry Manilow's "Copacabana" to the Drury auditorium this week.

More than 65 students in the Drury arts wing will take their audience to where "music and passion were always the fashion" when they perform the musical based on Manilow's 1978 hit song this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

"No one around here has really done 'Copacabana.' It is unique and is one of the first jukebox musicals," Technical Director Jamie Choquette said. "Also, it fits well with the groups of students that we have  we could visualize the parts right away."

The musical, that will be directed by Drury Stage Company Director Kate Caton, is about an aspiring songwriter writing about Lola who travels from Tulsa to New York City to break into showbiz. She meets Tony, a bartender, and composer, who falls in love with her and helps her become a Copa girl.

Lola then attracts the attention of club owner Rico who abducts her and takes her to his rival nightclub in Havana.

Tony and the whole Copacabana crew then set off to rescue Lola.

Choquette said after performing the musical "Amadeus" last year, they decided to do something a little more upbeat.

"We did 'Amadeus' and it was huge but it was really dark and long and I think that the kids just wanted to have fun and 'Copacabana' is just a lot of fun," he said. "It has more color and flair  and we have pretty deep resources for technical stuff here and were able to be more creative with audio and lighting."

He said the musical utilizes the entire department including the band and the Drury Performing Arts Management class. He said students also helped design the set.

Also, because the musical has a lot of dancing, they could bring in other students who may not have participated in a DPAC production before.

"We brought in a lot of kids who were just doing dance privately," he said. "Some students out there on the stage would never have been if it was just singing and acting. Those students are feeling more welcomed and we hope to get them more involved."

Choquette said the show opens Thursday at 7 p.m. There are also shows at the same time Friday and Saturday. There will be a matinee Saturday at 2. Tickets will be sold at the door.

"I think Drury offers something very unique and special in the arts  that I just dont think you usually see at the high school level," Choquette said. "I think our community owes it to themselves to see what their students are doing."

"I think that there has always been a struggle to get the community up the hill and whatever we can do to get them up to see it we will do," he said. "We rarely get anyone that is disappointed."
Superintendent Jason McCandless discusses the conversations regarding ESSA during his report to the School Committee on Wednesday night.

Pittsfield Super Tracking Impacts of Federal Education Act

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Superintendent Jason McCandless said he is watching closely what the federal replacement to No Child Left Behind will ultimately mean for the district.

Last year, the federal government adopted the Every Student Succeeds Act that was signed into law on Dec. 10. The program replaces No Child Left Behind but it does retain some of those provisions.

When it comes to the local level, the largest changes would be regarding the ranking system.

"We continue in Massachusetts to work through was ESSA actually means for us," McCandless said told the School Committee Wednesday night.

The act does continue to keep standardized testing, requiring every state to have a student assessment. Massachusetts is already in the middle of making changes to that statewide exam.

For years, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System was the test. A few years ago, the state piloted the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers exam  Pittsfield being one of the districts to join the pilot. And next year the state will roll out what has been dubbed "MCAS 2.0."

The state does call for a 95 percent participation rate in those exams, and some schools had been docked in their rankings because they had failed to reach that threshold.

"There were schools in Berkshire County that were dropped a level  generally from Level 1 to Level 2  because they did not reach that 95 percent testing participation rate," McCandless said, calling it a "serious move" to harm a district because of decisions parents have to opt the children out of the exam.

But, McCandless says the participation rate in Pittsfield schools is 99-100 percent, so that isn't so much of a concern. The exam will continue as the state has been moving and those exams are what dictate school rankings.

ESSA continues the requirement that the states rank schools. But, it does give flexibility to states and encouragement to craft ambitious and flexible ways to make that assessment. The focus will remain on closing achievement gaps, McCandless said.

"The gap in scores that exist behind very high scoring students and students who are struggling," McCandless said.

The various concepts being kicked around by education officials in the state are "fascinating," McCandless said. ESSA provides lists of focuses for the state to design their programs. One welcomed idea, McCandless said, is that graduation rates begin to differentiate four-year graduates and five-year graduates.

"For some students, high school is a four-year thing. For others, it is simply not," McCandless said.

Other concepts include using student achievement for the following years after graduation as a reflection in school rankings, an idea McCandless isn't too enthused about.

"That to me is a real challenge to be accountable for students who have moved on," he said.

He said school climate surveys could be included, and the state is looking at ways to assess school's ability to provide a broad range of curriculum  classes and opportunities outside of the four major subject areas. There are concepts looking at chronic absenteeism.

Two bright spots for Pittsfield is that ensuring English Language Learners make progress toward proficiency and providing advanced coursework such as AP classes could also become part of the assessments - two areas of strength for the city.

"This is really fascinating work," McCandless said.

But, the picture isn't really clear right now and earlier this month a new president was elected, and with that new education leaders. The entire program could be changed, or even replaced, soon and the impacts of ESSA are still unclear.
McCann Tech graduated 15 new licensed practical nurses on Wednesday night. See more photos here. PreviousNext

McCann Pinning Ceremony Launches 15 on Nursing Career

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  It was very much a passing of the torch  or really the lamp  on Wednesday as most of the newly graduated licensed practical nurses were pinned by colleagues and friends, parents and siblings.



"The pin signifies the end of all your formal studies and the beginning of your nursing career," main speaker Lorraine Mancuso told the graduates at McCann Technical School. "There are technical skills to master and work environments to adapt to, but the most important application of your skill set will not be the expertise with which you apply them but with the sensitivity and the compassion you show patients under your care."



Mancuso, a registered nurse and education specialist at Berkshire Health Systems who also held several nursing management positions at the former North Adams Regional Hospital, said nursing has been a rewarding career over her 40 years.



"Nurses are ranked year after year as one of the most trusted professions," she said, and seen as the most honest and ethical because of their compassion and advocacy for their patients, who are at their most vulnerable. "Your ability to connect with your patients and their families is crucial."



The practical nursing program's Coordinator Susan Watson said they could look forward to a "wonderful future in health care" with opportunities across a number of fields and institutions.



"There is a constant need for trained nurses," she said. "These fine men and women have bright futures before them and will be successful because of their education, hard work, and dedication."



Watson said she had watched them grow during their year at McCann and was confident they were ready for their professional health-care journey.

"All of you have a special place in my heart," she said, and also called out their families for the "love and encouragement" that had helped them succeed.



Principal Justin Kratz called the graduates to be pinned; Superintendent James Brosnan and School Committee Chairman Thomas R. Mahar presented the diplomas and certificates. Bob Davis, who retired at the end of the year, came back to provide the music.



The Fay Ellen Fosser Memorial Scholarship, in memory of the Clarksburg native and McCann graduate, was presented to Mandy Newton and Jacqueline Connor. The Highest Academic Achievement Award went to Monique Misiuk and Lynn Pinsonneault while four students were presented the Clinical Excellence Award: Misiuk, Newton, Kimberly Scott, and Connor. Perfect Attendance went to James Koomson and Anita Ofori.



The ceremonies in the McCann gymnasium ended with bouquets, applause and bows as the graduates greeted their families.



"You have entered into a really noble profession, one in which you can relly make a difference," Mancuso had told them. "Whatever path you choose know that this is a rewarding profession and one in which each and everyone of you can make a difference."

The graduates are:

Adams: Monique Misiuk



Cheshire: Alexandria Rousseau and Natasha Wicks



Clarksburg: Arica Ouimet



Dalton: Mandy Newton

Florida: Erynn Durant

Hancock: Wendy Kipp

North Adams: Jenna Peck, Kimberly Scott and Darla Senecal

Pittsfield: Jacqueline Connor, James Koomson, Anita Ofori and Andrew Rapkowicz

Savoy: Lynn Pinsonneault
We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector
Spains minority government, headed by the Popular Party (PP) conservatives, is sitting down with the main opposition Socialists to hammer out the details of the budget plan that Brussels is expecting to see in the coming weeks. Spain needs to list ways it will bring down the public deficit from 4.6% to 3.1% of GDP in 2017.

Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro. Sergio Barrenechea (EFE)

This entails an adjustment of around 15 billion, but the government is hoping to minimize the need for further austerity measures in a country that only recently emerged from a protracted economic crisis.

Instead, the PP is banking on sustained economic growth to drive down the excessive deficit figure. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is forecasting that the Spanish economy will grow 3.1% this year and 2.2% in 2017.

Cash payments will be limited to 1,000, down from 2,500

But the state is also planning to collect an additional 8 billion next year, mostly from a hike in corporate tax (5 billion). A further 2 billion will pour into state coffers through higher duty on tobacco and alcohol, and a new levy on sugary drinks. These types of taxes target what experts call negative externalities, or the costs suffered by a third party via consumption of taxed items, in this case because of detrimental effects on health.

Authorities hope to claim back another billion euros by cracking down on tax fraud, particularly on value-added tax (known as IVA in Spain). The Tax Agency is planning to introduce a mechanism that will force large companies to automatically file information regarding all transactions subject to VAT.

Cash payments will also be limited to 1,000, down from the ceiling of 2,500 set in 2012, and tax authorities will tighten eligibility rules for payment deferments. The state is currently owed over 10 billion in deferred taxes.

EU Economy Commissioner Pierre Moscovici is expecting Spain to list ways in which it will reduce the deficit in the coming months. EFE

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro also announced a plan to overhaul the administrative machinery over the 2017-2019 period, a move that is expected to save 900 million next year.

The package of measures will get green-lighted by the Cabinet on Friday, together with the spending ceiling. This will allow authorities to start working out the regional budgets and deficit levels for next year.

English version by Susana Urra.
Two men are chatting online. Both claim they are Islamic fundamentalists. Both work for Germanys secret service. When one of the men hands over confidential information, the other  an informant  denounces him. This is how German authorities unmasked Roque M., a 51-year-old Spanish-born German citizen whose conversion to Islam had been kept secret even from his family.

German secret services chief Hans-Georg Maaen (left) and Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere. Oliver Dietze (AP)

But the story doesnt end there. According to US newspaper The Washington Post, a search of the suspects home on November 16 took an unexpected turn with agents turning up films in which the alleged jihadist had starred as a gay porn actor before becoming radicalized.

Officials ran a check and found the alias used by the man during Islamic chats was the same as one he had used as recently as 2011 as a stage name for his roles in the adult film industry.

It worries me to think the suspects detention could have been a question of luck Greens Deputy Konstantin von Notz

It is unclear at this stage whether the suspect is a confirmed jihadist or whether he has an unstable personality: either way, his actions are a bitter pill to swallow for German authorities, who have been criticized over the security leak.

What we have here is a case of a person who has become radicalized without anyone in his inner circle realizing, said Hans-Georg Maaen, President of Germanys Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the agency responsible for the countrys secret services, on Wednesday.

Roque M., a former bank employee born in Spains Almeria province, began working for Germanys intelligence services in April, managing to keep a very low profile until his arrest. Maaen said the agency would now carry out investigations to ascertain whether the suspect had carried out any other illegal activities while in the secret service.

The suspect  with a Spanish first name and a German surname  lived with his wife and four children in a town in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germanys west, sources close to the investigation told EL PAIS. He is thought to have converted to Islam without telling his family.

The man planned to attack secret services HQ in Cologne, Der Spiegel reports

The content of the messages he exchanged with the secret service informant leave few doubts about his radicalism. Using a false name, he said he was a BfV employee and handed over classified information as well as suggesting the organization of violent acts against the infidels, something he said would please Allah.

We have to be prepared to help our brothers, he added according to prosecutors in Dusseldorf.

The Spanish-German mole has admitted his objective was to infiltrate Germanys intelligence services and warn Muslim brothers about investigations against them. German newspaper Der Speigel also reported the suspect intended to gather information in preparation for a possible attack against BfV headquarters in Cologne, although there has been no official confirmation of this.

The infiltration of a suspected terrorist in an agency charged with stopping terrorism is a new blow to German secret services coming only a month after Syrian refugee Jaber Albkr committed suicide in prison after being detained for allegedly working on the final preparations for a large-scale terrorist attack in Berlin. Despite these failures in security, Germany has not suffered terrorist attacks in recent months, in contrast to its neighbors France and Belgium.

The Spanish-born man allegedly used the same alias for jihadists chats as he did when he acted in gay porn films

But Germanys opposition parties have demanded explanations as to how the suspect could have been hired by the BfV despite all the security controls, as Social Democratic Party of Germany interior spokeperson Burkhard Lischka put it.

It worries me to think the suspects detention could have been a question of luck, said Greens deputy Konstantin von Notz.

However an Interior Ministry spokesperson downplayed the incident noting the BfV itself had detected the presence of the mole.

English version by George Mills.
Spain is six years in arrears to the Global Fund , the 50-nation organization that pays for research into HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Madrid stopped contributing in 2011 , saying the Fund was riddled with corruption. At the organizations September conference in Montreal, the Spanish government said that it intended to resume donations, but gave no details of the amount or when it would do so.

Dr. Wole Daini, who has AIDS, at his surgery in Lagos. AP

Any contribution would depend on the 2017 budget, which will not be announced until the first weeks of the new year. The draft budget should be presented before Congress by the end of January, which will then take around two months to approve it. Sources at Spains AECID overseas development agency say that it did not expect any money to be set aside in the budget for the Fund.

AECID says that while the Spanish government is not contributing to the Fund financially, it is working with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Cameroon on a number of debt cancellations in return for investment in health, totaling some 18 million.

Between 2003 and 2010 Spain donated some 630 million to the Global Fund

In any event, Spain will have a second opportunity later in 2017 to contribute funding to priority areas that were not covered by the amount announced at the end of the September conference.

Last week in Congress, all parties, including the governing Popular Party, unanimously approved a non-binding bill calling on the government to set aside 100 million over the next three years.

The AECID described the move as positive, but added: Without a negotiated budget it is hard to assess the bill, as future contributions depend on there being enough in the budget for this end.

Between 2003 and 2010 Spain donated some 630 million to the Global Fund, becoming its biggest donor in the process. In accumulative terms, Spain is still the 12th-largest donor to the Fund, which raises some 3.5 billion a year to finance some 1,000 projects to tackle AIDS and other pandemics. At present, it is helping almost half the 18 million people with access to retroviral drugs and has saved more than 17 million lives since it was set up in 2002, according to its own figures.

English version by Nick Lyne.
Edward Price Non-Resident Senior Fellow NYU Center for Global Affairs Contact email

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Edward Price, a former British economic official, teaches international political economy, financial systems and international relations at NYUas Center for Global Affairs. He is also an economic advisor for BritishAmerican Business (BAB). Educated at the London School of Economics (LSE), Edward holds an MSc in Finance and Economic Policy and an MA in German History. He has worked in both the British and European parliaments, was Americas editor at IFLR and has worked in the City of London. He speaks German, gets by in Italian and is a member of the Economic Club of New York (ECNY).
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California and Netherlands Renew Commitment on Climate Smart Agriculture

Washington, DC - CDFA Secretary Karen Ross met with Netherlands Minster for Agriculture Martijn van Dam on Monday to discuss their ongoing commitment to collaborate on variety of agricultural issues. Secretary Ross traveled to the Netherlands last year and signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) between California and the Netherlands to steer this effort.

Minister van Dam is in California this week leading a business delegation focusing on agricultural technology, food and innovation. Delegation members are attending a Climate Smart Agriculture Seminar at UC Davis and the video below is Welcoming Remarks from Secretary Ross and Minister van Dam.
Assistant Secretary Thomas-Greenfield to Travel to France, Mali, and Ghana

Washington, DC - Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield will travel to France, Mali, and Ghana from November 30 to December 9.

In Paris on November 30, the Assistant Secretary, along with Department of Defense colleagues, will attend a quarterly P3 Africa Meeting with France and the United Kingdom that will focus on the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Horn of Africa, and Central Africa.

In Bamako, Mali from December 1-2, the Assistant Secretary will participate in meetings with the goal of advancing the countrys peace process. On December 3, the Assistant Secretary will travel to Timbuktu, where she will meet with United Nations officials, local officials, and youth and women leaders.
Secretary of State John Kerry Calls With President Mahama and Nana Akufo Addo

Washington, DC - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry today spoke with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, and New Patriotic Party presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in advance of Ghanas elections on December 7.

The Secretary underscored to both candidates the need to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process and post-election period, including by publicly pledging to reject violence and address any issues through the judicial system and calling on all of their supporters to do the same.

He also encouraged both candidates to attend the December 1 Peace Summit in Accra.

Secretary Kerry cited Ghanas position as a leading democracy in Africa and recognized the long history of close relations between the United States and Ghana. He stressed our desire to continue to advance our shared priorities with whoever prevails in Ghanas election.
Secretary of State John Kerry To Travel to Rome, Italy

Washington, DC - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Rome, Italy, and Vatican City on December 2-3 for bilateral meetings and to participate in the Rome Mediterranean Dialogues.

In Rome, the Secretary will meet with Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni to discuss cooperation on a range of regional and global issues, including Libya, Syria, Iraq, and the enduring strength of the Transatlantic Alliance.

At the Rome Mediterranean Dialogues, Secretary Kerry will work with other senior leaders to deepen cooperation on a range of challenges and opportunities across the Mediterranean region, including advancing the Dialogues vision of a positive agenda in areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges.

In Vatican City, the Secretary will meet with Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to discuss international issues and peace efforts, including the humanitarian crisis in Syria, violence in Ukraine, and the ongoing dialogue in Venezuela.

The United States deeply appreciates the efforts of His Holiness Pope Francis and the Holy See to focus attention on the plight of vulnerable migrants, call for action on climate change, prevent further persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in conflict areas, and support peaceful conflict resolution around the world.
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With The Peony Pavilion, the National Ballet of China sets out to blend eastern and western cultures. Fei Bos production retells a classic Chinese love story in ballet technique, to a score that blends Debussy and Kunqu opera. The stage pictures are often beautiful, full of fluttering silk and falling petals, but its emotionally remote.

Asleep in the peony pavilion, the heroine Du Liniang dreams of an ideal lover, Liu Mengmei. Awaking without him, she pines and dies. In the afterlife, the infernal judge is moved by her plight, and reunites the lovers in marriage.

The Peony Pavilion was first performed as a Kunqu opera in 1598  an epic tale that takes more than 20 hours to perform. The ballet cuts that down to just under two, but still feels leisurely.

Directed by Li Liuyi, with choreography by Fei Bo, its a highly stylised production, dwelling on dreamlike imagery. The opening scene introduces Du Liniang and her two alter egos. The human heroine is danced by Zhu Yan, dressed in white. Circling around her is her Flower Goddess self, representing her sensuality, danced by Zhang Jian in clinging red. Theres also a Kunqu Liniang, representing her caution and restraint, performed by guest Kunqu performer Jia Pengfei in elaborate blue opera robes.

Guo Wenjings score is a patchwork of western classical music, with traditional Chinese styles sidling through it. The high-pitched croon of Kunqu opera singing cuts across edited chunks of Lapres-midi dun faune, both amplified. Debussy and other composers get pulled about, undermining the shape of the music.

In the ballets most striking moment, Liu Mengmei, danced by Ma Xiodong, takes off Liniangs pointe shoes, admiring her arched feet. Shes flirtatious about letting him take the second shoe, dancing with one bare foot. It emphasises how much stress ballet puts on the feet, on pointework; later, Liu Mengmei has visions of multiple Liniangs, each wearing one scarlet shoe.

Its a distinctive detail in a ballet that needs more of them. References to traditional Kunqu opera  Pengfeis gliding walk, the infernal judges elaborate face paint and beard  underline how stripped-down and bare the rest of the staging is. The corps of spirits float through classical steps, but the choreography is thin, with little contrast. The National Ballet of China dance with fluid lines and secure technique, but this production gives them little chance to show their individuality.
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The current smartwatch market is confusing and full of economic jeopardy when it comes to finding a dud. For every Apple Watch, there are three rotten alternatives.

Happily, however, the top end of the market has become established, to the point that there are a few safe bets. Even at the lower end, there are brands that are making names for themselves for producing reliable, smart(ish) watches.

Your choice depends entirely on your focus. Even the top watches in this category may not be able to track your monster fitness sessions in the way you want  be sure to select a sports-specific model over a more general-purpose product if youre undertaking an ultramarathon, for instance. For most of us theres a balance to be found between the fitness-focused and general-use wearables: one thats simultaneously becoming simpler to achieve and more difficult to commit to with every new release.

How we tested

We tried to test each of our contenders in a range of settings and under the strain of different demands. Could we go from a slow jog to the shower and straight out to dinner without the smartwatch buckling under the pressure?

Look and comfort were also vital considerations: a smartwatch is an accessory, after all. Could we wear each watch the entire day, or longer?

Read more:

Finally, we tested the more nuanced features of each, from mindfulness apps and sleep tracking to automatic exercise detection and 24/7 heart monitoring. While weve tried to come up with a definitive list of the best smartwatches, one things for sure after all this testing: we need a rest.

The best smartwatches for 2022 are:

Best overall  Apple Watch series 7: 399, Currys.co.uk

 Apple Watch series 7: 399, Currys.co.uk Best Android smartwatch  Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: 249, Samsung.com

 Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: 249, Samsung.com Best Fitbit smartwatch  Fitbit sense: 279, Currys.co.uk

 Fitbit sense: 279, Currys.co.uk Best newcomer  Huawei Watch 3: 279, Huawei.com

 Huawei Watch 3: 279, Huawei.com Best analogue smartwatch  Withings scanwatch: 249.95, Withings.com

 Withings scanwatch: 249.95, Withings.com Best sports smartwatch  Garmin venu 2 : 262.49, Garmin.com

 Garmin venu 2 262.49, Garmin.com Best budget sports smartwatch  Honor magic watch 2: 89.99, Hihonor.com

 Honor magic watch 2: 89.99, Hihonor.com Best higher-end budget smartwatch  Xiaomi mi watch: 119.99, Mi.com

 Xiaomi mi watch: 119.99, Mi.com Best budget smartwatch  Realme watch: 49.99, Realme.com

Apple Watch series 7 Best: Overall Rating: 9/10 Display size: 41mm/45mm (case size; display is smaller)

41mm/45mm (case size; display is smaller) Battery life : Up to 18 hours

: Up to 18 hours Water-resistance: 50m water resistant

50m water resistant Health tracking: ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, irregular heart rhythm notification, mindfulness app Apple has become the highest-selling watch company in the world, outstripping even traditional watchmakers to become the leader in wearable timepieces  at least by volume. The series 7 is the latest smartwatch that proves Apple means business in the sector. Its a beauty: a bright, clear, comfortable watch that gives its user pretty much everything you could want from a smartwatch, including ECG and blood oxygen monitors and the (more expensive) option of a data plan, meaning you can leave your phone at home. There are definite improvements when compared to the series 6. You can most clearly see the difference in the screen: the borders have been reduced, increasing screen size by about 20 per cent over the series 6, and 50 per cent more than the series 3. The extra space is used well, giving you more information at a glance and the opportunity to type your messages with a diminutive keyboard. The screen is also one of the clearest on the market, remaining bright without the bleed you sometimes see when brightness is turned up in other products. If you have the series 6, it might be worth holding onto it for a little longer, as the differences are admittedly slight. However, theres a noticeable direction of development that means the series 7 is by no means a case of slapping a new label on the front of the box (besides the characteristically poor battery). Consistency is key, and refinement is the name of the game here: the series 7 is the best all-round smartwatch you can buy. Be aware, however, that its only compatible with iPhones. Buy now 399 Currys.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Best: Android smartwatch Rating: 8.5/10 Display size: 30.4mm

30.4mm Battery life: Up to 40 hours

Up to 40 hours Water-resistance: 50m water resistant

50m water resistant Health tracking: ECG, accelerometer, geomagnetic sensor The Galaxy Watch 4 builds on Samsungs laudable wearable history, ending up as the latest of its products to lead the pack. The Watch 4s overall offering is the best Android option around: the breadth of features once again makes a Samsung smartwatch the smartest Android watch weve tested. Its also unbelievably sleek, with a unique silhouette and design ethos, and like the series 7, Samsung has included the option of a dedicated 4G data plan. The AMOLED screen is exceptional, the fit is comfortable, and connectivity is seamless. Samsung has decided to get rid of the rotating bezel, which is a shame as this was one of the Watch 3s highlights, and the lack of iPhone compatibility is a misstep, but this is still the best Android smartwatch you can buy. Buy now 249 Samsung.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Fitbit sense Best: Fitbit smartwatch Rating: 8/10 Display size: 40.5mm

40.5mm Battery life: Up to six days

Up to six days Water-resistance: 50m water resistant

50m water resistant Health tracking: ECG sensor, EDA scanner, SpO2 tracker, skin temperature sensor, guided mindfulness and breathing sessions, sleep tracker, menstrual health tracking It wouldnt be a wearables round-up without Fitbit making an appearance. The tracker superbrand has a strong range of options, from the classic charge series to the fashion-conscious (and high-tech) luxe, but when it comes to the smartwatch market, the Fitbit sense is king: in fact, its among the most versatile smartwatches available. Health still comes first with the sense: it offers one of the widest skillsets in the industry, putting you in as much control as possible. Many of the tools necessitate a Fitbit premium account, but each sense comes with six months free, giving you a little try before you buy. The sense also serves as a great companion to your smartphone, offering the usual notifications and controls, along with an impressive array of watch faces and supremely comfortable strap. Its a classic smartwatch from a brand that continues to find its place at the head of the pack. Buy now 279 Currys.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Huawei Watch 3 Best: Newcomer Rating: 8/10 Display size: 36.3mm

36.3mm Battery life: Up to three days, 14 days in ultra-long battery life mode

Up to three days, 14 days in ultra-long battery life mode Water-resistance: 50m water resistant

50m water resistant Health tracking: 24/7 heart and blood oxygen monitors, 100+ sports modes, skin temperature detector Huawei has improved on its promising Watch 2 with the straightforwardly named Watch 3. Its the first smartwatch to use Huaweis HarmonyOS, and it really takes advantage of this, providing a clean experience and smooth performance. The AMOLED display is crisp and bright, and fitness options are pretty comprehensive. Its not yet on a par with the very best wearables due to a slight lack of apps, but these are surely coming soon in future updates and the potential is huge. A real contender for Android users. Buy now 279 Huawei.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Withings scanwatch Best: Analogue smartwatch Rating: 9/10 Face size: 38.4mm/42mm

38.4mm/42mm Battery life: Up to 30 days normal usage, with an extra 20 days in power reserve mode

Up to 30 days normal usage, with an extra 20 days in power reserve mode Water-resistance: 50m water resistant

50m water resistant Health tracking: Heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, step counter, elevation tracker Just because you want the benefits of a smartwatch, doesnt necessarily mean you want the neon colouring, fake watch faces and modern stylings that sometimes come with them. Enter Withings and its French eye for style. The scanwatch does much of what the best health trackers can achieve, with an impressive partner app that gives users clear information, ranging from oxygen saturation to heart rate. Mental health is a focus of the app, with useful tips and tricks for reducing stress, and even a stress tracker. To look at the scanwatch, you wouldnt expect there to be smarts underneath the face: during testing, multiple people noted their surprise that this was a smartwatch, thanks to the small smart screen switching off when not in use. This is the watch that brilliantly bridges the gap between the beauty of traditional timepieces and the usability of a smartwatch. Buy now 249.95 Withings.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Garmin venu 2 Best: Sports smartwatch Rating: 8.5/10 Display size: 33m

33m Battery life: Up to 11 days, up to 12 days in battery saver mode

Up to 11 days, up to 12 days in battery saver mode Water-resistance: 50m water resistant

50m water resistant Health tracking: Heart rate, blood oxygen, fitness age, body battery energy monitor, stress, sleep, hydration, womens health While Garmin might have the rugged subsection of the wearables market pretty wrapped up, it also offers some great prettier watches for when youre not on your ultramarathon training runs. The best smartwatch the brand currently produces is the venu 2, an all-powerful sports watch that doubles as a very good smartwatch. Garmins class-leading GPS is on show, along with the brands classic almost-indestructibility. The screen is fantastic, and manages to cram in a phenomenal amount of information. It also looks fantastic, fitting in nicely with the more delicate rivals in this list. Its the smartwatch that would continue being useful at the end of the world. Itll outlive us all. Buy now 262.49 Garmin.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Honor magic watch 2 Best: Budget sports smartwatch Rating: 8/10 Display size: 35.3mm

35.3mm Battery life: Up to 14 days

Up to 14 days Water-resistance: Splash- and waterproof

Splash- and waterproof Health tracking: Heart rate and blood oxygen monitors, stress monitoring, 15 fitness modes Honors improved magic watch 2 manages to look the part of a proper watch, designed with a traditional slant while providing a good-sized screen and bright display. The design is particularly reminiscent of some of Huaweis previous-generation smartwatches, with comparable dimensions and a light feel on the wrist. Its fitness package is impressive, giving athletes  and you  everything needed for professional tracking. Its range of more lifestyle-led apps isnt the widest on this list, but for anyone who wants to focus on health and fitness while benefiting from a decent level of smartwatch features, the magic watch 2 is great value. Buy now 89.99 Hihonor.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Xiaomi mi watch Best: Higher-end budget smartwatch Rating: 7.5/10 Display : Size: 35.3mm

: Size: 35.3mm Battery life: Up to 16 days, up to 22 days in power saving mode

Up to 16 days, up to 22 days in power saving mode Water-resistance : 50m water resistant

: 50m water resistant Health tracking: Heart rate, 24-hour heart rate monitor, blood oxygen, breathing, stress, sleep Xiaomi continues to produce good-quality tech at enviable prices. The Mi watch is a solid option for a lower budget: it looks the part, taking design influence from some of the bigger hitters, and delivers a clean user experience. It certainly focuses on health  in-built GPS and 117 workout modes will do that for you  but with extras such as music control and message notifications, along with a big screen, it works well as a no-nonsense smartwatch. Buy now 119 Mi.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}
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At what feels like the cusp of a new historical era - with the rise of political populism and extremism - now is a wise moment to look back and try to understand what happened behind the Berlin Wall.

Which makes the re-release of Australian writer Anna Funder's award-winning book Stasiland, first published 15 years ago in 2001, with photography by the author poignant in a way she could not have possibly predicted. She could not have known that 2016 would be as divisive, and some may argue frightening, as it has been.

Funder went to Berlin in the mid-1990s to write a novel. Instead, in Stasiland, she documented the stories of those in East Germany who had resisted the regime, but also the former members of the Stasi - the secret policy in East Germany.

The real-life characters she meets include the man who painted the line on which the Berlin Wall was built, a rock star known as "Mik Jegger" who was told by the authorities that he "no longer exists", spies, and former members of the Stasi awaiting the next revolution.

Scroll through the gallery below to see the new images from the reissue of Funder's book

Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall - In pictures Show all 7 1 /7 Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall - In pictures Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall - In pictures Trabi at intersection, Berlin 1997 Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall - In pictures Same intersection. Under Malboro Country; graffiti: Mao More than ever. Berlin, 1997. Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall - In pictures By the Berlin Wall on the western side, Winter 1987. Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall - In pictures Workers desk at Project Manual Reconstruction of the Stasi File Authority, Zirndorf, 2000 Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall - In pictures Frau Paul, a former Eastern European political prisoner, outside the Hohenschonhausen Prison, Berlin,2006 Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall - In pictures Klaus Renft, a musician, in his apartment in Berlin 2000 Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall - In pictures Herr Christian showing Funder the petrol station where he used to spy in disguise.

What do you think the images will add to the book?

Writing creates a spell, a skein of words which bring things alive in the mind. I was worried pictures might break that spell. But Im very happy with these images. I hope it tethers the work to the people it represents, because it is a work of witness as much as a work of literature.

What was it like sifting through the images to choose which ones to include. Was it an emotional experience?

It was very emotionally difficult in ways I could not see clearly when I was doing it, and which expressed themselves in a generalised miasma of inertia.

Is there a particular image that resonates with you?

The two frontispiece images make me chuckle. The first is a pale blue Trabi going through a still very East German looking intersection behind which you can just see a Marlboro Country billboard. The next one is the same intersection closer up, so you can see the Marlboro Country advert on the right, and two very nonplussed women on the left. Between them is a large graffito: MAO MORE THAN EVER.

I also like the one of my desk in the Veteranenstrasse apartment where I started the book. Out the window in the park the drunks would gather with Professor Mushroom. It reminds me that when you start something you have both less and more of an idea of where you think youre going. Consciously, you have no idea, but you are following an inner red thread.

Do you think the book has new significance in the current political climate?

Governments and corporations can know everything about us, be in our diaries, our letters, our bank accounts, our homes and workplaces. People have jettisoned respect for authorial or journalistic or professional authority and responsibility, as well as personal privacy, in the name of democratisation of the internet and for the convenience of tailored advertising. We have not yet paid the price for this, but we will.

We are seeing a rise in "anti-elite" populism and of authoritarianism around the world. Writing Stasiland and also All That I Am taught me about the seduction involved in giving up the responsibilities of freedom and democratic thinking in favour of blind faith, love, obedience to an unfailing, all saving figure. We see all kinds of dangerous worship  of Putin, Steve Jobs, Google, Trump today.

Anna Funder, who documented the lives of people who lived behind the Berlin Wall (Schwerdtfeger)

What do you hope readers will take away from the book?

Id hope this book contributes to remembering people who resisted the regime out of sheer courage and conscience, people I call heroes. There appears to be a 20 year black hole of public memory about terrible regimes. After the Third Reich it took till the 1960s for a general recognition of what had happeneda recognition involving memory, responsibility and a moral reckoning to occur in German society. Similarly with the 1990s conflicts in the Balkans and Rwandathere are many other examples.

Also, I'd hope they take a sense of joy in the extraordinariness of human naturethe courage and conscience of regular people. And a warning: some people under that regime said, "I dont mind if the government knows everything about me. Ive got nothing to hide!" But that means nothing: a master government or corporation will create a master narrative about you to incriminate you using whatever "facts" it can find, and those it cant find, it will invent. Innocence is no defence.

Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Belin Wall by Anna Funder, re-issued by the Folio Society, is out now.
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Citigroup is considering moving some of its London-based equity and interest-rate derivatives traders to Frankfurt after Brexit is triggered, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The US firm is already in discussions with the German financial regulator BaFin about getting the necessary approvals, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. Citigroups plans could change depending on how the negotiations between the UK and European Union develop, one of the people said.

Citigroups efforts show banks are shifting from warning about moving jobs from Britain to firming up plans to do so by picking specific destinations. The US bank expects to have desks up and running across the region before the end of the expected two-year negotiation period and is in discussions with the European Central Bank and regulators in EU nations including Ireland about relocating other parts of its operations, one of the people said.

Recommended Theresa May in new clash with Mark Carney over Brexit

We are evaluating our options as negotiations between the EU and UK continue, Edwina Frawley-Gangahar, a Citigroup spokeswoman, said in an e-mailed statement. Considerable uncertainty remains over the nature of the UKs eventual exit from the EU, and therefore we have not taken any decisions at this point. London is, and will remain, our EMEA headquarters and a global hub for many of our businesses.

Spokesmen for BaFin and the ECB declined to comment.

Executives from banks including Citigroup, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley have said they will move staff from London if the UK is stripped of so-called passporting rights. The problem is particularly acute for Wall Street firms, who have a majority of their European employees in London. Eighty-seven percent of US investment banks EU staff are located in the UK, which is also home to 78 per cent of the regions capital markets activity, according to New Financial, a think tank.

Officials from a host of European locales, such as Paris and Luxembourg, have been courting London-based investment banks ever since the UK voted to leave the EU on 23 June.

Germanys financial capital has an asset in BaFin, one of the few regulators in the region with experience overseeing complicated derivatives trading businesses. Thats not the case in Dublin, often touted as a likely destination for U.S. banks given language and cultural ties. Irelands financial regulator has made it clear that it would not be comfortable with the nation housing derivatives operations, one of the people said.

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

One of Londons historic advantages over Frankfurt has been German labour laws, which make it harder for banks to fire staff in a downturn. In a bid to make Frankfurt more attractive, the regional Hesse government is exploring ways to loosen those rules.

The head of the Frankfurt Main Finance trade body, Hubertus Vath, said last month that he expects as many as 10,000 jobs could move to Frankfurt from London over the next five years. Hesse Economy Minister Tarek Al Wazir said this week that he expected the Frankfurt region to draw several thousand jobs and noted that a Korean bank had already chosen the area over London, potentially meaning the hiring of as many as 15 people.

Bloomberg
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Ireland's central bank has been receiving applications for licences from UK authorised financial firms seeking to relocate from London in the wake of the UK vote to leave the EU, a top official said on Thursday.

Cyril Roux, the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, said that several UK based firms have started the application process to be authorised in Ireland.

"We're seeing applications throughout the whole spectrum. We have applications for new business, the licensing of firms who are not present here but we also see very significant indications from regulated firms that are small today but want to be big tomorrow," Mr Roux told reporters.

Recommended David Davis says UK could pay money to EU for single market access

"We see the whole gamut of firms inquiring for establishing or growing in Ireland, it is MIFID (markets in financial instruments directive) firms, insurance companies, CSDs (central securities depositories), payments institutions," he added.

His comments come as Brexit Secretary David Davis on Wednesday revealed the Government is potentially willing to pay the EU in return for the UK gaining access to the single market.

It is the first time any minister has admitted Theresa Mays administration is open to the idea of paying Brussels to secure access to the trading bloc for British businesses and immediately led to a surge in the pound.

The disclosure comes as the Government comes under increasing pressure to give more clarity over what kind of deal the UK could seek when it leaves the EU.

Central Bank deputy governor Cyril Roux said several UK financial services companies have moved into the pre-application or application phase (Reuters)

Dublin is among a number of European cities seeking to woo firms considering a move away from London to maintain their access to EU markets, and faces competition from Paris, Frankfurt, Berlin and Luxembourg, among others.

UK banks fear that a hard Brexit will result in the UK leaving Europes single market and therefore the loss of crucial passporting rights, which allow them to sell their services freely across the rest of the EU and give firms based in Europe unfettered access to Britain.

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

The loss of these rights could be devastating to the City of London as nearly 5,500 firms registered in the UK use passporting rights to operate in other countries.

Last month, James Bardrick, the UK head of US bank Citi, said the main questions businesses have to answer is how quickly they need to act on contingency plans aimed at protecting their businesses should the UK leave the single market.

Rob Rooney, the chief executive of Morgan Stanley, gave a blunt warning that jobs would have to move back into the EU if Britain was shut out of the single market.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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Nestle, the company behind Kitkat and Aero, claims it can make your favourite chocolate bar taste just as good, but with much less sugar.

The Swiss food giant said it had made a scientific breakthrough that has the potential to reduce sugar in its treats by up to 40 per cent, without affecting the taste.

Nestle said it was securing a patent for its innovation, and it would start using the new sugar across its range from 2018.

Stefan Catsicas, the companys chief technology officer, said: "Our scientists have discovered a completely new way to use a traditional, natural ingredient."

Using only natural ingredients, Nestle said its researchers had found a way to structure sugar differently, so that less sugar can be used in its chocolate.

If the new sugar lives up to its billing, it would represent a milestone in the food businesss never-ending quest for more healthly ways to sweeten products.

Professor Julian Cooper, an independent food technology consultant, told the BBC that Nestle's development was important: This is good science. A lot of people have been looking at sugar trying to reduce the amount.

Nestles breakthrough follows PepsiCos recent commitment to spend billions of dollars creating new snacks and beverages, and reformulating existing ones to cut salt, sugar and fat content.

Earlier this year, Coca-Cola changed its Coke Zero recipe and renamed it Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in the UK to make it taste more and look more like the original one, the company said.

The move to replace Coke Zero was supported by a 10m campaign.

The amounts of sugar in food and drink Show all 6 1 /6 The amounts of sugar in food and drink The amounts of sugar in food and drink Minstrels A 42g bag contains 28.9g of sugar The amounts of sugar in food and drink Dairy Milk A 49g bar contains 26.8g of sugar The amounts of sugar in food and drink Skittles 45g of Skittles (about a quarter of a large 174g pouch) contains 40.4g of sugar The amounts of sugar in food and drink Ribena A 500ml bottle of Blackcurrant Ribena contains 23g of sugar, down from 50g/500ml after it was reformulated to avoid the government's tax on sugary drinks The amounts of sugar in food and drink Coca Cola A 330ml can of Coca Cola contains 35g of sugar The amounts of sugar in food and drink Innocent Smoothies A 250ml bottle of strawberries & bananas Innocent Smoothie (the middle size) contains 26g of sugar

The company said it wants to encourage people to reduce their sugar intake without sacrificing the taste of Coca-Cola, which involves nine teaspoons of sugar in a 330ml can.

Nestle, move comes as the UK and some cities in the US implement sugar taxes to help fight childhood obesity and diabetes, which affects four times as many people now than in 1980.

The World Health Organisation previously said increasing the price of sugary drinks by 20 per cent would reduce sugar consumption by a fifth.
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CCTV footage shows the moment a man snatched a bucket of gold worth nearly $1.6 million from an unattended lorry in broad daylight.

The theft occurred in Manhattan, New York on 29 September, as the middle-aged man made off with a bucket containing 86 pounds of gold flakes.

One of the simplest heists imaginable, the thief can be seen assessing the situation befopre swiping the bucket of gold as two guards were in a nearby building for a pickup, according to police.

The truck was parked on West 48th Street and is operated by Loomis International, a company that transports valuables.

Police state the suspect most likely did not know what was in the five-gallon bucket, with footage showing him walking away swiftly and putting the bucket down a little way up the street, taking a brief break from carrying it.

86 pounds is equivalent to just under 40 kilograms of the precious metal.

The thief reportedly took an hour to travel what is usually a ten-minute walk away from the crime scene.

The suspect, who is now said to be hiding in Florida, is estimated to be about five foot six inches tall, weighing around 150 pounds and in his 50s.
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Fawlty Towers star Andrew Sachs has died at the age of 86 following a four-year battle with dementia.

The actor, who was best known for his portrayal of put-upon Spanish waiter Manuel in the 1970s sitcom, died in a care home last week and was buried on Thursday.

His wife of 56 years who cared for him in his later years, Melody, told the Daily Mail: "My heart has been broken every day for a long time".

Ms Sachs said he had first been diagnosed with dementia in 2012 but had continued to work for a further two years before his illness became too much.

She revealed she had suffered from acute stress while caring for him and was briefly admitted to hospital but said they remained happily married until the end.

She said: "It wasnt all doom and gloom, he still worked for two years.

"We were happy, we were always laughing, we never had a dull moment. He had dementia for four years and we didnt really notice it at first until the memory started going.

"It didnt get really bad until quite near the end. I nursed Andrew, I was there for every moment of it."

She said "dementia is the most awful illness" that "sneaks in in the night when you least expect it".

Sachs, who was born in Berlin in 1930 to a Roman Catholic mother and a Jewish father, had a long and successful career in British TV.

He started out performing in radio productions for the BBC in the late 1950s before making his screen debut in the 1959 film The Night We Dropped a Clanger.

People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015.

The actor, who came in Britain with his family in 1938 after escaping Nazi persecution, was best known for his work as Manuel in the sitcom starring John Cleese as the hapless owner of a fictional hotel in Torquay.

He later found success with starring roles in Coronation Street and as a narrator on many TV documentaries.

Sachs was unwittingly embroiled in a major controversy in 2008 when presenters Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross left messages on his answer machine where Brand boasted he had had sex with his granddaughter, a burlesque dancer, which was later broadcast on his BBC Radio 2 show.

In the furore that followed, Brand and the Controller of Radio 2, Lesley Douglas, resigned from the BBC. Ross was suspended without pay for 12 weeks.

The BBC was later fined 150,000 by Ofcom and the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown called it "clearly inappropriate and unacceptable".
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Kanye West has reportedly been released from hospital just over a week after being admitted for exhaustion.

The rapper was taken to a Los Angeles clinic with a medical emergency on 21 November shortly after police responded to calls of a disturbance.

Various reports suggested he was being treated for exhaustion and would be undergoing psychiatric tests.

Kanye West premieres The Life of Pablo Show all 7 1 /7 Kanye West premieres The Life of Pablo Kanye West premieres The Life of Pablo Hold positions until the end of the show Getty Images Kanye West premieres The Life of Pablo Concentrate, focus Getty Images Kanye West premieres The Life of Pablo Behave as if no one was in the room Getty Images Kanye West premieres The Life of Pablo Be calm, be strong, be neutral Getty Images Kanye West premieres The Life of Pablo No sexy posing Getty Images Kanye West premieres The Life of Pablo Alternate between attention and ease Getty Images Kanye West premieres The Life of Pablo Do not ever look at the jumbatron Getty Images

The 39-year-old was kept in for just over a week, including over Thanksgiving, but was released on Wednesday, according to reports. He is now recuperating at home with his wife Kim Kardashian West and their young children North and Saint, reports TMZ.

His admission to hospital followed a series of bizarre on-stage antics including a 45-minute speech where he said he would have voted for Donald Trump and a show in Sacramento where he performed three songs before walking off stage. Days later he cancelled the remainder of his Saint Pablo tour.

Since his admission, West has received numerous messages of support from fans and celebrities as speculation has grown over his mental health.

Kardashian West has reportedly been at his side throughout his hospital stay. His health episode follows a torturous time for the couple after the reality TV star was the victim of an armed robbery in Paris in October.

A representative for West did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Noam Chomsky has branded Donald Trump an ignorant, megalomaniac with no clear positions whose election has energised neo-Nazis around the world.

Speaking to Al-Jazeera, the celebrated American philosopher and linguist delivered a scathing assessment of Mr Tumps ability to lead America and gave a bleak outlook on the turbulence and instability the future will hold after his ascendency to power.

Chomsky dismissed the President-elect as off the spectrum, a showman and unlike any other candidate to hold political office, a man whose most predictable attribute is his fundamental unpredictability. Mr Trump has no clearly identified positions other than his plans to strengthen the military, says Chomsky. Any stated positions he does give are often subject to sudden and erratic about-turns.

Its extremely hazardous to have an ignorant, thin-skinned megalomaniac who fires off angry 3am tweets in control of the nuclear codes, he added.

President Donald Trump life in pictures Show all 16 1 /16 President Donald Trump life in pictures President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump poses in a rocking chair once used by President John F. Kennedy at his New York City residence Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Developer Donald Trump with his new bride Marla Maples after their wedding at the Plaza hotel in New York Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Celina Midelfart watch the match between Conchita Martinez and Amanda Coetzer during U.S. Open. She was the date whom Donald Trump was with when he met his current wife Melania at a party in 1996 Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas serving as the grand marshal for the Daytona 500, speaks to Donald Trump and Melania Knauss on the starting grid at the Daytona International Speedwa Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Developer Donald Trump talks with his former wife Ivana Trump during the men's final at the U.S. Open Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and his friend Melania Knauss pose for photographers as they arrive at the New York premiere of Star Wars Episode : 'The Phantom Menace,' Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire real estate developer Donald Trump talks with host Larry King. Trump told King that he was moving toward a possible bid for the United States presidency with the formation of a presidential exploratory committee Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump answers questions as Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura looks on in Brooklyn Park. Trump said on Friday he 'very well might' make a run for president under the Reform Party banner but had not made a final decision Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire Donald Trump makes a face at a friend as he sits next to Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso before the start of the 2003 Miss Universe pageant in Panama City Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Entrepreneur Donald Trump is greeted by a Marilyn Monroe character look-a-alike, as he arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood to attend the an open casting call for his NBC television network reality series 'The Apprentice.' Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Simon Cowell present an Emmy during the 56th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Megan Mullally perform at the 57th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump, poses with his children, son Donald Trump, Jr., and daughters Tiffany and Ivanka Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire Donald Trump told Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner on Tuesday she would be given a second chance after reported misbehavior Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump holds a replica of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as his wife Melania holds their son Barron in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures U.S. property mogul Donald Trump stands next to a bagpiper during a media event on the sand dunes of the Menie estate, the site for Trump's proposed golf resort, near Aberdeen, north east Scotland Reuters

Mr Trump has cranked up the volume of his Twitter tirades in the last 48 hours, targeting CNN when one of their reporters challenged his baseless claims electoral fraud took place during the election. On Wednesday, he suggested flag burning should be punishable by revoking citizenship despite being protected under the US constitution and on Thursday shared a misleading tweet claiming the Somali immigrant student who launched an attack on Ohio State University should not have been in the country, wrongly implying he was an illegal immigrant.

I wouldnt compare it with Weimar Germany," Chomsky continued. "Hitler was a sincere, dedicated ideologue. Trump isnt. He has no known ideology other than me.

He said Mr Trumps election was energising neo-Nazis not just in the US, but globally. If you look at the European reaction, every far-right, ultra-nationalist neo-Nazi was greatly encouraged and excited by his victory and thought it helped them. Whether he will go in that direction we dont know.

But there were aspects of the US election Chomsky does feel encouraged by. Bernie Sanders has an overwhelming majority among young people which he says could be a positive portent for the future, he continued.

Chomsky has been a vocal critic of Mr Trump and declared the Republican party the most dangerous organisation in world history with him at the helm. The party is dedicated to racing as rapidly as possible to destruction of organised human life," he said in October. "There is no historical precedent for such a stand."
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Model Maria Borges has spoken of her happiness that two other black models followed her lead in wearing their hair natural in this year's Victorias Secret show.

The annual fashion event took place in Paris on Wednesday evening with veterans of the show like Adrianna Lima, Alessandra Ambrosia and Lily Aldridge returning to the catwalk.

Those familiar with the event are likely to characterise the parade of models who walk as super slim and tall with long, flowing, tousled hair. However, last year model Maria Borges challenged this by shaving her hair and wearing it in her natural short afro, making history in the process.

Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Show all 14 1 /14 Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Alessandra Ambrosio Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Joan Smalls Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Gigi Hadid Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Lady Gaga performs Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Kendall Jenner Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Jourdana Phillips walks while The Weeknd performs Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Maria Borges Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Lily Donaldson Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Bella Hadid Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Jasmine Tookes in the fantasy bra Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 The finale of the 2016 Victoria's Secret show Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Ming Xi Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Lameka Fox and Bruno Mars Lameka Fox and Bruno Mars Getty Victoria's Secret Show 2016 Irina Shayk Getty

Borges returned to the show this year and described one of her outfits which was one of the most vibrant and outlandish of all the pieces on the catwalk, as a love letter to my beloved continent Africa.

The Angolan model told Teen Vogue earlier this month wearing her hair natural was the sexiest moment of my life. I was very excited to share [my hair] with the world.

This year, two other women joined her in the form of Herieth Paul and Jourdana Phillips.

[Last year] was such a great opportunity to showcase this natural Afro, Borges told W magazine. This year, I feel happy still because I see two other girls with short hair and they are beautiful.

The three women posed for a backstage photo together which has been praised online for showcasing black womens natural hair.

In the picture, shared on Pauls account, she hashtags melanin in a nod to their race and culture.

Other models including Dilone and Alana Arrington also showcased natural, shorter styles at the show.

Dilone, who acknowleged Borges "broke a lot of barriers" in wearing her hair natural told W: I didnt think they would ask me to put hair extensions in. Theres a few other girls here with short hair and Im glad they are not trying to add extensions to them. I think theyre bringing more diversity this year.

Ahead of the show, on Tuesday, the Victoria Secrets hairstylist said there would be a range of styles in this year's show telling Refinery 29 she wanted to embrace everyones natural beauty.

While models such as Borges, Paul and Elizabeth might be helping brands like Victorias Secret pave the way in adopting a more diverse approach, non-white models still face enormous disparity in the fashion world.

In the highest-paid models list of 2016, only three non-white women featured. The three women, Liu Wen, Joan Smalls and Jasmine Tookes, all took part in Wednesday nights show with Tookes wearing the standout fantasy bra which is worth $3 million.
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Global warming is beyond the point of no return, according to the lead scientist behind a ground-breaking climate change study.

The full impact of climate change has been underestimated because scientists haven't taken into account a major source of carbon in the environment.

Dr Thomas Crowthers report has concluded that carbon emitted from soil was speeding up global warming.

The findings, which say temperatures will increase by 1C by 2050, are already being adopted by the United Nations.

Dr Thomas Crowther explaining the study NIOO KNAW (NIOO KNAW)

Dr Crowther, speaking to The Independent, branded Donald Trumps sceptical stance on climate change as catastrophic for humanity.

Its fair to say we have passed the point of no return on global warming and we cant reverse the effects, but certainly we can dampen them, said the biodiversity expert.

Climate change may be considerably more rapid than we thought it was.

IPCC report: The financial markets are the only hope in the race to stop global warming Show all 3 1 /3 IPCC report: The financial markets are the only hope in the race to stop global warming IPCC report: The financial markets are the only hope in the race to stop global warming rex-glacier.jpg REX/Paul Goldstein/Exodus IPCC report: The financial markets are the only hope in the race to stop global warming 10-polarbear-rx.jpg REX/Image Broker IPCC report: The financial markets are the only hope in the race to stop global warming climate-change.jpg Getty Images

The report, by an exhaustive list of researchers and published in the Nature journal, assembled data from 49 field experiments over the last 20 years in North America, Europe and Asia.

It found that the majority of the Earths terrestrial store of carbon was in soil, and that as the atmosphere warms up, increasing amounts are emitted in what is a vicious cycle of positive feedbacks.

The study found that 55bn tonnes in carbon, not previously accounted for by scientists, will be emitted into the atmosphere by 2050.

As the climate warms, those organisms become more active and the more active they become, the more the soil respires  exactly the same as human beings," said Dr Crowther, who headed up the study at Yale Climate & Energy Institute, but is now a Marie Curie fellow at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology.

Our study shows that this major feedback has already certainly started, and it will have a significant impact on the climate in the coming decades. This information will be critical as we strive to understand how the climate is going to change in the future. And it will also be critical if we are to generate meaningful strategies to fight against it.

Dr Crowther, a 30-year-old Cardiff University Phd graduate originally from North Wales, predicts climate change will lead to widespread migrations and antagonism among communities.

These effects of climate change will certainly be felt disproportionately by poorer people, particularly the billions of people whose livelihoods are intrinsically linked to the land, he added.

But the impacts on sea-level rise, ocean currents and the health of natural ecosystems are equally devastating for a vast multitude of reasons.

During his presidential campaign, Mr Trump described climate change as a total hoax and said it was a concept created by the Chinese to manipulate US markets.

Recommended Ministers suppressed damaging fracking report until after crucial vote

The billionaire tycoon also tweeted in 2014: Its late in July and it is really cold outside in New York. Where the hell is GLOBAL WARMING???

White House chief of staff Reince Preibus has since said the 70-year-old will have an open mind but Mr Trumps threat to pull out of the 2015 Paris climate deal still lingers.

The increasingly popular right-wing Breitbart News website's reporting has repeatedly poured scorn on climate change theories.

I think this is catastrophic for humanity, said Dr Crowther.

Uncertainty is nothing like a reason enough to suggest climate change isnt happening. Theres a nice analogy; if you step in front of an oncoming bus, no doctor in the world can tell you how damaging the impact is going to be.

But we do know the damage is going to be huge. This alone should be enough information to persuade us to avoid the bus.

 Climate change: It's "game over" for planet earth

 What's the effect of global warming on our seasons?

The last two decades of the 20th century were the hottest in 400 years.

He added: Sceptics often say that scientists are just saying that climate change is real so that they can keep their jobs.

I would just like to stress that I could get a hell of a lot more money than academia offers me if I were to do a study that suggests that climate change is not real."

Prof Ivan Janssens, seen as one of the godfathers in the global change ecology field, said the research had provided essential data to the climate change model.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), established by the UN and World Meteorological Organisation, is incorporating the study's data.

 How soil carbon loss could accelerate global warming

This study is very important, because the response of soil carbon stocks to the ongoing warming, is one of the largest sources of uncertainty in our climate models, said Prof Janssens, of the University of Antwerp.

Im an optimist and still believe that it is not too late, but we urgently need to develop a global economy driven by sustainable energy sources and start using CO2, as a substrate, instead of a waste product.

If this happens by 2050, then we can avoid warming above 2C. If not, we will reach a point of no return and will probably exceed 5C.
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A man with advanced prostate cancer that didnt seem to be treated has been cured by a new experimental therapy.

The new treatment involved shocking tumours to death using testosterone.

Other very ill men involved in the trial saw astonishing results, with tumours being seen to shrink and the progress of the disease stopping in its tracks.

Overall, most of the people involved in the trial seemed to undergo positive results. Scientists tested that by looking at levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), a blood marker used to monitor prostate cancer  and found that it fell in most of the 47 people involved in the study.

Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary

And one individual had so little of the market in his body  and no trace of the disease  that doctors said he appears to be cured after 22 cycles of the treatment.

The trial saw the men complete at least three cycles of what is called bipolar androgen therapy, or BAT. That sees their bodies get flooded with testosterone and then starved of it.

Until now, the male hormone had thought to help spur prostate cancer on. And so scientists have traditionally looked to treat it by cutting off the supply of testosterone.

But the new study comes off the back of lab experiments that have seen cancer cells get suppressed or even killed by blasts of the same hormone.

Professor Sam Denmeade, from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, US, who led the new study, said: "We think the results are unexpected and exciting.

"We are still in the early stages of figuring out how this works and how to incorporate it into the treatment paradigm for prostate cancer.

"Thus far we have observed dramatic PSA response in a subset of men; PSA levels declined in about 40% of men and in about 30% of men levels fell by more than 50%.

"Some men also have objective responses with a decrease in the size of measurable disease, mostly in lymph nodes. Many of the men have stable disease that has not progressed for more than 12 months.

"I think we may have cured one man whose PSA dropped to zero after three months and has remained so now for 22 cycles. His disease has all disappeared."

Early findings from the on-going Restore study were presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Munich, Germany.

All the patients had spreading cancer that was resistant to treatment with two of the latest hormone therapy drugs, abiraterone and enzalutamide.

The men received high dose injections of testosterone once every 28 days. At the same time, they were given a drug that stopped testosterone being produced naturally by the testicles.

"Our goal is to shock the cancer cells by exposing them rapidly to very high followed by very low levels of testosterone in the blood," said Prof Denmeade.

Six of the men tested positive for a protein called AR-V7 that may be associated with resistance to enzalutamide.

After BAT treatment, no sign of the protein was seen in the blood of all six. Two of the men had declines in PSA level of 50% or more.

The therapy appears to be well-tolerated by the patients, one man experiencing an increase in pain and another having a problem with urine retention.

Prof Denmeade said it was still not clear how the treatment worked, but it appeared to involve cell signalling and part of the process of cell division. Large doses of testosterone also seemed to cause prostate cancer cells to make breaks in their DNA.

Cancer cells stopped dividing and turned "senescent", meaning they "become like old men who sit around and tell stories but don't make much trouble", said the professor.

He cautioned that the therapy was still highly experimental and only suitable for men not suffering painful symptoms.

"Testosterone treatment can definitely worsen pain in men with prostate cancer who have pain from their disease," he said.

A multi-centre randomised US trial called Transformer is now comparing BAT with enzalutamide in men who have become resistant to abiraterone. It aims to recruit a total of 180 participants.

Prof Denmeade said: "If we find testosterone is superior then we would hope to move on to larger trials. Our problem is this is not a drug that is owned by a pharmaceutical company; it is generic testosterone. So moving forward is going to be difficult due to issues with finding funds to run a bigger trial."

Each year around 47,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK and 11,000 die from the disease.

Dr Matt Hobbs, deputy director of research at the charity Prostate Cancer UK, said: "Drugs that reduce the levels of testosterone (androgen deprivation therapy) are an effective treatment for thousands of men with advanced prostate cancer.

"However, at some point the cancer evolves and those drugs stop working. This research is intriguing because it offers a hint that - somewhat unexpectedly - for some men whose cancers have reached that 'hormone-resistant' stage it may be possible to kill or stop growth of the cancer cells by actually overloading them with testosterone.

"Many exciting new lines of attack against prostate cancer are emerging of which this is one.

"However, this is early stage research and further studies are needed in order to understand exactly how intriguing developments like this work and to test the findings more robustly in large clinical trials."

Additional reporting by Press Association
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An unmanned Russian cargo ship loaded with supplies for the International Space Station broke apart about six minutes after lift-off.

The Soyuz rocket, carrying a Progress capsule containing two and a half tonnes of food and supplies, blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan just before 10am local time on Thursday.

But the ground control teams soon lost radio contact with the rocket, Russian space agency Roscosmos said in a statement.

The capsule was last confirmed flying at an altitude of about 190km (118 miles) over an unpopulated region of the Republic of Tyva on Thursday.

The cause of the accident is currently under investigation but Nasa said the six-member crew aboard the ISS is not in any danger and has enough supplies for several months.

But the launch was the fourth failed attempt to send supplies to the ISS in the past two years, including one previous Progress failure.

The accident comes at a critical time because SpaceX, one of two U.S. companies flying supplies to the station for NASA, has not yet returned to flight following a 1 September launch pad accident.

SpaceX's journey through the Solar System Show all 6 1 /6 SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System SpaceX's journey through the Solar System

SpaceX is awaiting approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees U.S. commercial space transportation, to fly as early as Dec. 16 with 10 satellites owned by Iridium Communications Inc.

SpaceX's next cargo flight for NASA is targeted for January. Orbital ATK and Japan's space agency also fly supplies to the station, a $100 billion (79 billion) laboratory that flies about 418 km (250 miles) above Earth.

A Japanese cargo ship is scheduled for launch on 9 December.

Additional reporting by agencies
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The Scottish Government is set to increase the age of criminal responsibility to 12, after calls from opposition parties for increased protections for vulnerable children.

The current age of criminal responsibility, when a child is deemed capable of committing a crime and old enough to face any subsequent trial and conviction, is eight in Scotland, the lowest in Europe, and 10 in the rest of the United Kingdom.

A report published in 2015 by a Government-appointed advisory group recommended the age of responsibility be increased to 12, in line with UN recommendations.

The case for change is clear and compelling. Having the lowest minimum age of criminal responsibility in Europe does not match with our progressive approach to youth justice and ambitions to give children the best start in life, SNP's Early Years Minister Mark McDonald said.

Raising the age of criminal responsibility will mean people no longer face potentially damaging and life-altering consequences, such as a criminal record, for events that took place when they were a young child.

I recognise that in exceptional cases appropriate safeguards are needed. Therefore we will ensure police powers to investigate harmful behaviour by under 12s, while there will be risk management and monitoring measures for those who need it.

In 2015, Liberal Democrat MSP Alison McInnes pushed for amendments to the criminal justice bill, however they were voted down at committee level.

However, earlier this year, a Scottish Government consultation found 95 per cent of respondents supported an increase to 12 or above.

Mr McDonald thanked Ms McInnes for her efforts in pressing the issue.

"The thing that we've got to remember in all of this is that a child who offends is himself a victim. That's a child that we're talking about who's been let down. It may be parenting, it may be mental health services, it may be social services, Leading QC Derek Ogg told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland.

"The vast majority of children - and I'm talking about children until 16 - the vast majority of children who come into contact with criminal authorities and criminal courts are from profoundly abusive backgrounds, whether it's sexual abuse, criminal abuse or poverty.

Recommended Theresa May planned to put immigrant children to bottom of school list

"So we have to bear in mind that we are dealing with very vulnerable children when they come into contact with the criminal justice system."

However, Conservative MSP Douglas Ross questioned whether Holyrood could instil public confidence in the change.

Scottish Labour gave its support , with MSP Claire Baker saying the argument had been persuasively made.

Other opposition parties including the Scottish Greens also backed the move, with John Finnie describing the change to bring the policy in line with UN recommendations very welcome.

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur said the current age of responsibility allowing for eight-year-olds to be treated as criminals was a "national embarrassment".

The amendments to the bill will be implemented in time for Scotlands Year of Young People in 2018.
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A 15-year-old has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a Polish man in Harlow, Essex.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised Essex Police to charge the teenager, who cannot be named due to his age.

Arkadiusz Jozwik, a 40-year-old factory worker, was assaulted in August outside a takeaway.

Six teenagers were arrested following the attack and Mr Jozwick died of serious head injuries two days after the incident.

Another 43-year-old man, believed to be a friend of Mr Jozwicks, was also taken to hospital after the attack, IBTimes reported.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Danny Stoten, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: The Crown Prosecution Service has now authorised Essex Police to charge a teenager with manslaughter in connection with the death of Mr Jozwik.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Youth Court on 6 January 2017.
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A convicted rapist who escaped from prison agreed to hand himself in to police after two university students gave him food and listened to hip hop music with him.

Tom Phillips and Aidan Byrne, two third year students from the University of Bristol, said they found convicted rapist Admi Headley lying on the pavement outside their house with his clothes drenched in beer on the night of November 16.

The pair thought Headley was homeless and invited him into their living room to get warm.They gave him soup, pasta and chicken Kiev to eat and listened as Headley told them about his life. Headley meanwhile said he was a fan of rap music and the trio listened to songs by Jay Z and Snoop Dogg.

After an hour, Headley admitted he was jailed 10 years ago on rape charges. He had escaped from HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire on November 13 with two other prisoners and had been on the run ever since.

Mr Phillips said Headley broke down in tears while talking about his 12-year-old son, and said neither he nor Mr Byrne ever felt threatened, even after the convict relayed his past crimes. The pair even allowed Headley to call his son and apologise for not being there for him.

"We don't know what happened all those years ago and we didn't discuss it that night, Mr Phillips told Gloucestershire Live.

Any crime of that nature is horrific, however all we could see was the person in front of us. The person that I saw was someone who I felt needed food and water, and that is what we gave him.

He was an interesting guy. He came from a culture that was completely different to ours. We didn't feel like we were in danger at all. We were waiting for him to sober up.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters 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 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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

Now that I've reflected, I would like to thank him because he trusted us and he was honest with us and he gave in a very short time a huge amount to us.

Headley reportedly told the pair they could call the police but Mr Phillips said he declined in order to keep the situation under control.

After three hours, the students agreed to accompany Headley to the local police station where the convict turned himself in to the authorities, Avon and Somerset Constabulary confirmed.

Meanwhile, the two men Headley escaped with, Wayne Maycock and Paul Bromwich, were arrested around the same time and taken into custody.

Local police issued a warning at the time of the trios escape, suggesting the men could pose a danger to the public
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Boris Johnson has been accused of "beating the drum for his own book sales" during an official visit to Serbia as Foreign Secretary.

During the visit last month he met Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and talked up joint efforts to tackle organised crime.

But at a stop in a Belgrade bookshop Mr Johnson discussed his book, The Churchill Factor, and even signed a number of copies, it has emerged.

The Guardian reported that Mr Johnson was "embarrassed" by the nature of the event and had asked for it not to be about the book, which was published last summer. The Foreign Office said press freedom was the planned subject of the talk.

Serbian media had nevertheless previewed the event as a discussion about the work, while its Serbian publisher tweeted about Mr Johnson's "brilliant remarks" during the bookshop visit.

Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, a shadow minister, said: "Boris Johnsons responsibility is to lead the Foreign Office, not beating the drum for his own book sales.

"The Tories should focus on delivering for the country, sadly theyre more interested in furthering their own ends."

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "This was absolutely not a promotional event. The Foreign Secretary was invited to talk about freedom of the press at the oldest known bookstore in Belgrade.

"The store chose to welcome him by putting some of his books on display and some local people asked him to sign their books."

The spokeswoman later added that the bookshop was closed at the time of Mr Johnson's visit, and that he had spoken with a small number of journalists on the subject of press freedom.

Recommended Claims Boris Johnson supports freedom of movement denied

It comes as Mr Johnson's proposed amnesty for illegal immigrants - which would allow them to stay if they have lived in the UK for 10 years - was shot down by Number 10 after he raised it during a Cabinet committee meeting.

Sources close to the Foreign Secretary were also forced to deny he had told at least four EU ambassadors that he privately supported freedom of movement, despite it not being part of the Government's Brexit policy.

The sources said the report was a "lie".

On Wednesday, Mr Johnson visited Cyprus, where he said that Brexit would not affect the UK's "deep historic ties" to the island. He also spent time with UN peacekeepers in the buffer zone in Nicosia.
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Claims that Boris Johnson told at least four EU ambassadors that he supports freedom of movement have been dismissed as a total lie by sources close to the Foreign Secretary.

Several high-ranking diplomats said Mr Johnson had indicated he was personally in favour of allowing free work and travel for all EU citizens  despite indications that the Government plans to opt for a "hard Brexit".

One ambassador told Sky News: He did say he was personally in favour of free movement, as it corresponds to his own beliefs. But he said it wasn't Government policy.

 Boris Johnson says free movement of people as a founding principle of EU is 'bollocks'

Another diplomat, who claimed Mr Johnson had also told him about being in favour of open borders, said he was shocked at the Governments dysfunctional diplomacy.

But sources dismissed the claims as a lie and said the politician never said anything of the sort.

Reacting to the news, former deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Nick Clegg accused Mr Johnson of treating the voters like fools.

He said: "If these reports are to be believed then Boris Johnson, the figurehead of the Brexit campaign, is treating voters like fools. It now appears he never even believed in the central message of the Brexit campaign  to end freedom of movement.

"With every passing day the cracks in the Government's Brexit position are widening into gaping holes.

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. 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If they still cannot agree amongst themselves what Brexit means after five months, how do they expect to successfully negotiate a good deal for the British people?"

Similarly, shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer said: Boris may find his own running commentary amusing, but this is no way to approach the most serious set of challenges Britain has faced for generations.

Recommended Why Boris Johnson will make a mess of Brexit

Day by day more inconsistent fragments of the Government's non-strategy for Brexit are slipping out. The Prime Minister needs to get a grip, end this confusion and publish a clear plan and strategy of Brexit.

Otherwise we'll see the continuation of this fiasco for the next two years.

A spokesman for Mr Johnson said: Boris said what he has said many times before  he is pro immigration but wants to take back control to limit numbers.

He did not say he supported freedom of movement and challenges anyone to show proof that he ever said that.

It comes after the Government was embarrassed by secret notes written by a senior Conservative party official and photographed outside Downing Street which appeared to suggested the Government wanted to have its cake and eat it.

The note, scrawled by the chief of staff to Conservative Party vice-chairman Mark Field, suggested that the government had already given up on staying in the single market as EU negotiators will allow them to restrict immigration at the same time.

It suggested the Government wanted to have a Canada plus trade deal rather than remain a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) but negotiating over services, especially the financial sector, is likely to be difficult.

Downing Street denied the notes reflected official policy on Brexit negotiations, saying they were individual notes (which) do not belong to a Government official or special adviser.

Additional reporting by PA
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David Davis has surprised MPs by revealing the Government is potentially willing to pay the EU in return for the UK gaining access to the single market.

It is the first time any minister has admitted Theresa Mays administration is open to the idea of paying Brussels to secure access to the trading bloc for British businesses and immediately led to a surge in the pound.

The disclosure comes as the Government comes under increasing pressure at home and on the continent to give more certainty over what it wants in any Brexit deal.

Taking questions in the Commons, Mr Davis was asked if the Government would consider making any contribution, in any shape or form, for access to the single market.

Mr Davis said: "The simple answer we have given to this before is, and it's very important because there is a distinction between picking off an individual policy and setting out a major criteria, and the major criteria here is that we get the best possible access for goods and services to the European market.

"If that is included in what you are talking about then of course we would consider it."

So far Ms May and other ministers have doggedly stuck to the line of only saying the Government will aim to secure the "best possible deal".

Labour former shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander claimed the Government had made no progress in forming its plans in the last five months.

Hilary Benn, the Labour chairman of the Commons Brexit Committee, urged the Government to publish more detail on its negotiating plans as he said MPs were "fed up".

He told the Commons: "In a week in which it has been reported that the Foreign Secretary has told EU ambassadors that he doesn't agree with the Government's policy on freedom of movement and that a Dutch member of parliament attended a briefing in Downing Street on the Government's plans for Brexit, does the Secretary of State understand why the House is getting a little fed up with being told nothing?

"If he does, can he tell us when the Government will come forward with its plans for Brexit including on what will happen as regards any future contributions to the European Union after we have left?"

Mr Davis said he is due to appear before the Brexit committee in December and that members of the committee had visited the Department for Exiting the EU.

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

He said: "But you also know full well as a previous international development secretary, as a previous cabinet minister, that the approach to this, the probable success of the negotiations depend very greatly on us being able to manage the information and keep what needs to be secret, until the last minute secret.

"In terms of the other things you talked about this week, frankly, this is all based on a presumption that a scribbled note in Downing Street actually is anything like Government policy. It wasn't."

Following the remarks sterling was up 1 per cent against the dollar at 1.26, its highest level in three weeks. Against the euro, the pound surged 0.63 per cent to 1.18 euros, aided also by the eurozone currency's struggles in the face of the Italian referendum on Sunday.

Neil Wilson, senior market analyst at ETX Capital, said: "Sterling is on the tear this morning on hopes for a soft Brexit.

"David Davis said the UK could contribute to the EU budget in return for access to markets and that has fuelled a rally for the pound."

Earlier this week a note being carried by an aide into Downing Street was photographed, suggesting the Government wanted to "have its cake and eat it".

It said that Britain is likely to pursue a "Canada plus" trade deal with the European Union, adding that remaining a member of the European Economic Area would be "not good".

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney piled pressure on the government by calling for businesses to have more certainty about the Governments Brexit goals.
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Prominent Labour MP Dan Jarvis has urged leaders from all parties to ditch damaging tactical politics if they want to avoid trashing the UKs international standing after Brexit.

Writing exclusively for The Independent, Mr Jarvis said that if Westminster parties, including his own, do not work to enhance Britains overseas reputation, they risk condemning the UK to a decade of ill-considered decline.

His article focuses on Theresa Mays government, but in some quarters will be read as a veiled swipe at Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn too.

Mr Jarvis, himself tipped as a future Labour leader, praised the strategic approach of former prime minister Gordon Brown, a figure Mr Corbyn has distanced himself from.

The Barnsley Central MP then goes on to say: As we negotiate our departure from the EU, politicians from all parties need to bring an end to a decade of tactical politics and demonstrate an ability to think strategically.

Our leaders must strain every sinew to enhance rather than undermine our international standing.

Being outside the EU will reduce the UKs ability to act as a bridge between North America and Europe; to mitigate this we need to both maintain our relationship with the rest of the world and complement it through a new one with the EU. Foreign policy is about much more than just immigration and trade. It is also about common values and collective risk.

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

In contrast, Mr Corbyn has questioned the UKs current approach to collective security, calling for Europes border with Russia to be demilitarised by Nato, an organisation he has opposed.

Meanwhile, shadow Chancellor John McDonnell used a speech on the economy recently to urge his colleagues to be positive about the enormous opportunities for Brexit.

Addressing how the Conservatives should approach Brexit, Mr Jarvis wrote: For too long the UK has drifted, with no clear goal, ambition or strategy.

May must become a leader in more than name only, end the poor decision making of the Cameron government and prevent further damage to our economy, our influence, and our international reputation. Failure to do so will further mark this decade as one of expedient politics and ill-considered decline.
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A new, centralised EU fund for defence could be spent on developing weapons for authoritarian regimes, prompting tens of thousands of people to sign a petition against its creation.

The budget for the European Defence Fund was approved in Brussels on Thursday, meaning arms companies will receive money to develop weapons directly from the European Union, in a significant departure from the EUs founding mission as a preserver of peace.

Countries contributing to the fund, which will is currently only at trial stage, but may eventually hold billions of euros, would be able to offset their contributions against their overall payments to the EU budget.

But the proposals also recommend a lifting of a ban on the EU using its budget to pay for research and development into military technology, an undertaking that national armed forces have previously done by themselves. It means that military hardware developed in collaboration between different EU states could then be sold to other regimes with dubious human rights records.

64,000 people have signed a petition against the fund, which says that The goal of these subsidies is to preserve the competitiveness of the arms industry and its capacity to export abroad, including to countries contributing to instability and taking part in deadly conflicts.

According to Andrew Smith from pressure group Campaign Against the Arms Trade: "The EU was founded as a peace project and that's what it should be. It should not be using public money to fund research for those that profit from war and conflict. This proposal could mean taking funds from other projects for something that would only benefit arms companies. When taken alongside the move towards a shared defence fund it is clear that we are seeing a consious militarisation of Europe.

Earlier this year the European Parliament voted to support an arms embargo against Saudi Arabia, now it must stand up against public funding for the kind of companies that are profiting from the bombing. The EU should be working for peaceful solutions to conflict, not handling over millions of pounds to arms companies."

Leading EU figures believe a centralised defence fund and pooled spending on development will improve Europes security. On launching the proposals, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: To guarantee our collective security, we must invest in the common development of technologies and equipment of strategic importance  from land, air, sea and space capabilities to cyber security. It requires more cooperation between Member States and greater pooling of national resources. If Europe does not take care of its own security, nobody else will do it for us. A strong, competitive and innovative defence industrial base is what will give us strategic autonomy."

The EU has previously deployed peacekeeping forces before, and also coordinated a militarised response to piracy in Somalia.

A spokesperson for the EU Commission said: There is nothing new in EU defence cooperation, it makes sense to work together more closely and the objective is precisely to help preserve peace, not only in Europe and its neighbourhood but far beyond.
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The number of European citizens seeking permanent residence in the UK has tripled in a year, as EU nationals seek to guarantee their status in the wake of growing uncertainty around their future.

The amount of applications being processed stood at 37,618 in June 2015. In July 2016 it was almost 100,000.

European citizens still have the right to live and work in the UK, and will do for as long as the country is a member of the European Union.

But EU nationals still require permanent residence cards to guarantee certain rights, particularly settlement rights for non-EU family members.

Theresa May has pointedly refused to guarantee the rights of EU nationals currently living and working in Britain after the UK leaves the EU, which has formed the centre of serious diplomatic row between Britain and EU officials.

Applications for Irish passports from British nationals have also reached a record high.

The shadow Brexit Secretary, Sir Keir Starmer, has said Theresa May must reassure EU nationals of their right to remain in the UK.

Its becoming increasingly apparent to me from my discussions in Brussels with those that are likely to be involved in the negotiations that they are very concerned about the fact that we are not giving comfort and status to their citizens, he told The Guardian.

They have said to me, pretty well in terms, the UK should sort this out before March and that would ensure that the Article 50 negotiations got off to a much better start than they will otherwise do so.
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Theresa May has been accused of trying to blame children for her failure to reduce immigration, after leaked letters exposed how as Home Secretary she backed draconian plans to push the sons and daughters of illegal immigrants down to the bottom of the list for school places.

Ms Mays department even suggested schools could withdraw an offer of a place to a young child if their families were found to be in the country unlawfully, leading to warnings that the plans would promote segregation and extremism.

The documents paint a grim picture of a Home Secretary desperately trying to rope other Whitehall departments into a single-minded drive to force down immigration, at a time when the Mediterranean crisis was at its peak and the Government was failing miserably to hit its own migration targets.

The embarrassing leak comes as the latest official data is set to show net migration running at levels consistently above Ms Mays adopted target of tens of thousands.

The letters leaked to the BBC shine a light on the internal rows in David Camerons Government in the summer of 2015, with Ms May going head-to-head with ex-education secretary Nicky Morgan over the plan for illegal immigrants children.

Ms Morgan wrote twice to Mr Cameron with profound concerns about the Home Offices plan, which would also have seen schools carrying out immigration checks, such as seeing passports before accepting new pupils.

The former education secretary wrote: I have concerns about the practical and presentational issues of applying our strong position on illegal migrants to the emotive issue of childrens education.

 Theresa May on immigration in conference speech

These cover deprioritising illegal migrants in the schools admissions process, and carrying out immigration checks through schools.

The Department for Education was also concerned about how immigration checks would disrupt the school admissions process.

Ms Morgan wrote that the checks would need to be processed and verified in time to make any changes (ie withdrawing a place from an illegal migrant and giving that place to another child) before the start of the school term.

The letters warned that the overall effect of deprioritising the children would be to concentrate children of illegal migrants in the least popular schools in any area, jeopardising our increasingly important focus on tackling both segregation and extremism.

 George Osborne rejects Theresa May's claim that immigration causes unemployment

The measures were eventually dropped from the Immigration Bill, with Ms May reported to have been furious about being snubbed.

Labours shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner said: Denying innocent children, because of the circumstances of their parents, the right to a good education is disgusting. Its not a British value that we have.

One in eight UK nationals dont have a passport either so its completely impractical.

Rather than deal with the problems in her own department Theresa May was trying to offload the failings of her department and blame children, innocent children, in that.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: There is just so much wrong with this grubby little idea, not least that schools are not a second line border force, they are for education. This shows how Theresa May's Home Office was trying everything to forage around in the gutter for a few votes and couple of cheap headlines.

A Government spokesperson said she would not comment on leaked documents. But added: It is only right that any government looks at a range of options when considering policy options, but ultimately it is for ministers to decide which policies are taken forward.

We are building an immigration system that works in the best interests of the British people and ensures that only those with a right to be in the UK can live and work here.
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Gambia has shut down the internet and blocked all international phone calls as the nation goes to the polls for its presidential elections.

Analysts say there is a chance the people of the small west African nation will vote out the regime of President Yahya Jammeh, who came to power in a military coup in 1994 and later amended the constitution to remove presidential term limits.

Up against Mr Jammeh is the former London security guard Adama Barrow, who is supported by an alliance of eight opposition parties clamouring for regime change. He is not going to be re-elected - his era is finished, Mr Barrow said on Thursday.

But the sitting government has not made things easy. Phone and internet services to the countrys 1.9 million people were cut in the hours before polling stations opened, in an apparent bid to prevent the unified opposition from mobilising - though officials said it was to reduce the risk of unrest.

President Yahya Jammeh came to power by overthrowing Gambias first president, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, in 1994 (AP)

In a Human Rights Watch report released last month, activists said Mr Jammeh had used state resources and dominated state media to ensure a political advantage in the election, while authorities threatened, arbitrarily arrested, jailed, and tortured members of opposition political parties.

The report said that from April to November, more than 90 opposition activists were arrested for participating in peaceful protests, 30 of whom were sentenced to three-year prison terms. It added that two opposition activists have died in custody.

Such activities had all but extinguish[ed] hopes for a fair election, said Babatunde Olugboji, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch.

Mr Jammeh and the Gambian government - who did not respond to the Human Rights Watch report - have denied all similar allegations in the past.

Recommended Gambia goalkeeper drowned in Mediterranean trying to reach Europe

As the polls opened on Thursday, voters made their choice by placing marbles into green, silver or purple drums. The third option in the election was former ruling party deputy Mama Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress, the only opposition party not in the coalition.

The African Union has sent a handful of observers to the country, but not nearly enough to oversee a representative sample of stations from across the country. There were no observers present from the EU or the West African regional bloc Ecowas.

The President remains the favourite to win, and has himself said that his victory is all but assured by divine intervention.

This will be the biggest landslide in the history of the country, Mr Jammeh said after voting with his wife in the capital.

He was met with cheers as he walked toward his car and refused to comment when asked whether he would concede in the event of defeat.

Either way, he has vowed not to allow any protests when the result is announced. He described public demonstrations as loopholes that are used to destabilise African governments.

Omar Amadou Jallow, leader of the coalition member the People's Progressive Party, said he believed the opposition could still win despite the clampdown.

For 22 years we have realised that Gambia has been turned into a prison; the arrests, the detentions, the torture, and many of our people have gone into exile ... That shows the tyranny of the regime," he said.

We are going to give people their freedoms, their liberties. That is more important than anything else.

But others still support the countrys long-time President, and said they cannot imagine an opposition victory. "He has built the airport, schools, medical facilities and buildings," said 50-year-old Pinta Manneh. She added: He will be angry if he loses.
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Libya's coastal cities are making up to 325m (272m) in revenue each year from people smuggling, the commander of a EU military task force in the Mediterranean Sea says in a confidential report.

In a report to the EU's 28 nations, Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino warns "migrant smuggling, originating far beyond Libyan borders, remains a major source of income among locals in Libyan coastal cities".

The report, which was issued to EU member nations on Wednesday and seen by The Associated Press, provides no details as to how the figure was calculated.

Tens of thousands of refugees leaving Libya in unseaworthy boats have been picked up in the Mediterranean this year, often telling aid workers of the hundreds or thousands of euros they had to pay smugglers.

Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily.

The report assesses the work of Operation Sophia, a naval mission intended to stop the flow of refugees to Europe

Mr Credendino also notes that Islamic extremist groups are among those involved in the smuggling business, which sometimes begins far south in Africa's Sahel zone.

"Al-Qaida and al-Qaida AQIM [al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb], aligned with the Tuareg tribe in southwestern Libya, are assessed to be financially exploiting these smuggling routes," he says.

However, he adds that there was no evidence extremists were trying to enter Europe via the dangerous Central Mediterranean route that passes from Libya to Italy.

Before risking their lives to cross the sea, refugees and migrants are frequently kidnapped by gangs and forced into "modern slavery".

Others are detained in labour camps or forced into prostitution until they can pay their way out.

With routes out of Libya controlled by militias and many borders closed, the only option open for escape open to refugees are the flimsy rubber boats sent into the Mediterranean Sea by smugglers.

 A day rescuing refugees from the Mediterranean Sea

The treacherous passage across the Mediterranean Sea from Libya to Italy has become the dominant route after the controversial EU-Turkey deal aimed to close the shorter and comparatively safer path across the Aegean Sea.

It has claimed the vast majority of over 4,600 lives of refugees lost in attempted sea crossings so far this year  making 2016 the deadliest year for refugees trying to reach Europe.

Charities have also raised concerns over reports of partner authorities in Libya intercepting migrant boats, shooting refugees and beating and torturing those detained.

Libya's internationally recognised government has pledged to tackle people smuggling in the Mediterranean.

Last week, authorities in Italy they had recorded a record number of arrivals by sea this year, with one month still to go in 2016.

Over 171,000 migrants have arrived, which beats the previous annual record of 170,100 from 2014.

Additional reporting by agencies
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While the likes of Tomi Lahren and Meghan McCain are warming up the Donald Trump bandwagon, one prominent woman supporter appears increasingly frustrated with the President-elect.

Ann Coulter, the author and commentator who made her name by pushing a hardline anti-immigration stance and who praised Mr Trumps June 2015 speech accusing Mexicans of being rapists, has taken to social media to warn Mr Trump to stick to his campaign pledges of immigration reforms. That includes temporarily banning Muslims, building the wall along the Mexican border and stopping the so-called influx of Syrian refugees.

There is only one man who could complete these tasks as the head of the Department of Homeland Security, according to Ms Coulter. That is Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach.

The frontrunner for the role believes that immigrants should be deported if they commit "any felony". He also wants to outlaw sanctuary cities and agrees with Mr Trump's incorrect assertion that three million people voted "illegally".

In Ms Coulter's latest blog, called "How Trump could ruin his presidency", Ms Coulter said that Mr Trump's views on immigration were the only reason that supporters stuck with him through his attack of Arizona senator and war hero John McCain, his "lazy" first debate performance and the leaked 2005 Access Hollywood tape which showed him bragging about grabbing womens genitals.

"But if he breaks a major campaign promise, his supporters will turn on him with a blind ferocity, dwarfing their rage toward Jeb! because Trump's is the more exquisite con. He will have duped them. And he will never, ever, ever get them back," she said.

 Ann Coulter defends Trump

As Mr Trump arrived in Indiana to meet with the bosses at air manufacturing plant Carrier to announced his deal to save less than half the jobs from moving to Mexico, Ms Coulter re-tweeted people who had warned him not to "betray" them and asked him to move on from Indiana and start working on immigration.

"If Trump betrays voters on immigration, he can have as many rallies as he wants, but Americans will say, Been there, done that  you screwed us. He will never escape the stink of broken campaign promises," she wrote.

Her words mark a strong turnaround from the title of her latest book, released in August, called In Trump We Trust, a diehard loyalists guide to Trumpism and his brand of "Make America Great Again". In the last few months, however, the President-elect has flirted with a more moderate view on immigration to get votes and appease critics.

Mr Trump has already irked some supporters by revealing during a meeting with the New York Times that he "no longer felt so strongly" about prosecuting Hillary Clinton and her alleged misuse of her personal email server - just one month after he promised to appoint a special prosecutor and investigate the Democrat.

If Mr Trump does not carry out his campaign pledges, it might not reflect well on Ms Coulter - although she has never said she liked the Republican as a person, describing him as "coarse" and "tasteless" - but it will help her to continue to sell books. She can continue to bemoan the state of the nation becoming "shorter" and "browner", and never have to defend a situation where her Trumpist ideals are implemented and yet might still fail to achieve her dreams of "whiter" America.
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A beaver was found browsing Christmas decorations after wandering in to a dollar store.

The furry water-dwelling rodent was spotted rummaging through the aisles and flicking through decorations on the shelves at American Dollar General.

Police were called, but when it tried to flee, an animal control officer reportedly apprehended it.

Officers say the animal was later released to a wildlife rehabilitator.

As a law enforcement officer, you just never know what your next call might be, said the sheriffs department.

Following the incident in Charlotte Hall, Maryland, the St Marys County Sheriffs Office tweeted: The beaver tweet may go viral! All joking aside, the beaver was safely rescued by animal control and was released to a wildlife rehabilitator.

WJLA-TV said witnesses saw the beaver attempting to select the perfect Christmas tree.

Hes going to be in trouble with the wife when he goes home without the Christmas tree, one Facebook user said.

This would be a great advertisement for that tree company, another added. Our trees look so real even the beavers go after them.

It comes after London Zoo gorilla Kumbuka drank five litres of undiluted squash when it escaped its enclosure in October.
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Bernie Sanders has slammed Donald Trumps "job-saving" deal with Carrier as it demonstrates other companies could receve similar benefits for outsourcing jobs.

In an op-ed for The Washington Post, the former presidential candidate said Mr Trump had promised to save all US-based jobs at the air conditioning plant from moving to Mexico, and to make parent company United Technologies "pay a damn tax". Instead, Mr Trump saved less than half of the 2,100 jobs and is reportedly offering the company a tax cut.

"Lets be clear: It is not good enough to save some of these jobs," wrote Mr Sanders.

"Trump made a promise that he would save all of these jobs, and we cannot rest until an ironclad contract is signed to ensure that all of these workers are able to continue working in Indiana without having their pay or benefits slashed."

The president-elect previously threatened to make companies pay big tariffs for leaving the country and selling foreign-made products back to the US. He tweeted on Thursday morning that he was traveling to Indiana to meet the hard working and wonderful people at the company.

"In essence, United Technologies took Trump hostage and won. And that should send a shock wave of fear through all workers across the country," said Mr Sanders, adding that Mr Trump might exchange more jobs being sent offshore for business-friendly tax incentives.

Mr Sanders said he will introduce the Outsourcing Prevention Act to prevent future deals.

United Technologies made a profit of $7.6 billion in 2015 and received more than $6 billion in defense contracts, he said. Former chief executive Louis Chenevert was awarded $172 million, and the companys five highest-paid executives were given more than $50 million.

"Does that sound like a company that deserves more corporate welfare from our government? Trumps Band-Aid solution is only making the problem of wealth inequality in America even worse," the Vermont senator wrote.

Mr Sanders proposed that companies pay an outsourcing tax equal to the amount of money it would save by moving factories to Mexico or other low-wage countries, and should not receive federal contracts or "corporate welfare" from the US government.

He also spoke against rewarding executives with stock options and bonuses, using company money to inflate their stock price - as Carrier spent billions of dollars doing - or paying large sums to employees for outsourcing to low-wage countries.

"If Donald Trump wont stand up for Americas working class, we must," wrote Mr Sanders.

The president-elect previously said he had "worked hard" to prevent Ford from moving its production plant to Mexico.

The car manufacturer later clarified that it had only considered moving one production line south of the border, and had no intention of leaving.
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An armed burglar was told he would serve extra prison time after he called a judge a "cowardly b***h".

Steven Burns, 25, was part of a trio who beat and robbed an elderly couple in their home in Lafayette, Indiana.

The gang threatened the homeowners, hit the 76-year-old husband in the head with a gun and escaped with credit cards, cash and valuable items, WLFI reported.

The items, including a watch and a ring, were later recovered after a standoff with police.

Burns was found guilty in November on 14 of 15 counts relating to the burglary and was sentenced to 70 years in prison on Tuesday.

But his venomous outburst to Tippecanoe County's Judge Steven Meyer earned him an extra 180 days behind bars for contempt of court.
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A doctor who used a racial slur against Michelle Obama on social media has been temporarily banned from seeing patients.

Michelle Herren, an anesthesiologist and assistant professor at Colorado University School of Medicine in Denver, posted a photo of the First Lady on social media and wrote: "doesn't seem to be speaking too eloquently here, thank god we can't hear her! Harvard??? That's a place for entitled; folks said all the liberals!"

Ms Herren added she was just "calling it like it is".

Recommended Official resigns after post calls Michelle Obama an ape in heels

"Monkey face and poor ebonic English!!! There! I feel better and am still not racist!!! Just calling it like it is!"

A complaint by fellow Facebook user Joann Nieto was sent to the Colorado University Board of Regents.

"Hiding behind the excuse that you're not racist doesn't negate the fact that you are being racist," Ms Nieto told KMGH news.

 Michelle Obama laughs at 'run for president' heckle

Ms Herren told the same news channel that her comments had been taken out of context and she had not realised the word "monkey" was racist.

Her comment and her Facebook page have since been taken down.

As reported by the Denver Post, Ms Herren was no longer seeing patients at the medical centre, but it was unclear if she had been formally suspended.

The medical centre said in a statement: "Until further notice, Michelle Herren, MD, will not be seeing patients or providing anesthesia services at Denver Health."

The statement was a turnaround to an earlier statement, which said the centre was appalled by her remarks but as a public entity, they could not terminate her employment based on her "off-duty" remarks, "regardless of how offensive" they might be.

The news comes shortly after Beverly Whaling resigned as mayor of Clay in West Virigina after she described Ms Obama as an "ape in heels".
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An mother has described her horror after discovering photos of her terminally ill son had been made into an internet meme.

Jenny Smith, whose three-year-old son Grayson Kole was born with a number of life-threatening illnesses including occipital encephalocele, craniosynostosis, and micrognathia, created a Facebook page to document his progress after he defied doctors predictions by surviving past a few weeks.

Shortly after the page's inception, Ms Smith, from Alabama, began to notice memes featuring her son being widely circulated online, accompanied by the tagline: That face you make when your parents are actually cousins.

I just cant believe that there are people out there who would use a child, especially anyone who has been ruled terminally disabled, like that, Ms Smith told WREG.

Some people think its funny, but I dont find humour in hurting someone else for a laugh. Honestly, Im just so ashamed that people actually find it to be entertaining. Its disgusting.

She said she initially wanted to delete Grayson's Facebook page and "hide under a rock". However, she told how her son, who has had to undergo more than 24 surgeries to improve his quality of life, has a resilient spirit and would fight back against bullies.

We have to stick together and fight back, she said. Were not the first family thats been through this and were not going to be the last.

Grayson pictured with his father Kendyl (Facebook/Grayson's Story)

Writing on Facebook after the memes first surfaced, the mother-of-four said: Grayson is his own little star that shines so bright and you have just made our day by giving him the blessing for this opportunity to share with more people about his special life and help spread awareness for him and other special children and families like him and us!

Ms Smith contacted every page she could find that had published the meme and urged them to remove it, with many complying.

Grayson's Story Facebook page had more than 15,500 followers at the time of writing, and gives regular updates on the now three-and-a-half-year-old's progress.

In the about section, Ms Smith described how she and her husband Kendyl realised something was wrong immediately after Grayson was born in 2013.

As I got a glimpse of his hand as the doctor handed him to the nurse to put him in the warmer, I said 'my gosh his thumb is broken'. I kept asking 'what is wrong with my baby. Is he ok?' Why is he not crying? Ms Smith wrote on Facebook.

"I knew something was terribly wrong. his face was severely swollen. His eyes bulgy, and he didn't look quite normal to me. I asked my doctor what is wrong with him. She responded I do not know right now."

Just hours after being born, Grayson was rushed to a children's hospital in Atlanta, two hours' drive away, where doctors told his parents they did not expect him to survive.

Grayson was diagnosed with an occipital encephalocele, craniosynostosis, micrognathia, thumb hypoplasia, cleft palate, hypospadias, congenital anomalies of the lower limbs, ASD of the heart, apnea, along with hearing and sight problems.
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For the first time since being elected president three weeks ago, Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared to acknowledge major concerns about potential conflicts of interest between his presidency and his vast business empire.

In a series of tweets, Trump didn't provide much detail about his plans except to say that he'll hold a news conference - with his children alongside him, importantly - on December 15, and that legal documents are being crafted which take me completely out of business operations.

But what could possibly be in those documents that would put to rest the myriad concerns about conflicts of interest marring his administration?

Experts I spoke to say any arrangement in which Trump continues to involve his children in his finances - the plan previously put forward by Trump's campaign - will fail to accomplish that task. Trump has compounded conflict concerns of late by moving to put his children in charge his fortune while still involving them in his soon-to-be presidency in a significant - and even unprecedented - way.

These experts commend Trump for recognising how troubling the potential conflicts could be. But they say that short of a true blind trust and divesting his foreign assets, these legal documents are unlikely to amount to much.

On the bright side, at least hes now acknowledged that his involvement in the Trump Organisation creates conflicts of interest - or at the very least the appearance of conflicts, said Paul S. Ryan, a political law expert at the watchdog group Common Cause. For now, well just have to pop some popcorn and wait for the December 15 episode of our nations most serious and important new reality show - the Trump Presidency - when were provided with the details regarding what his tweets this morning meant.

Ryan added that nothing short of Trump removing himself from the ownership of his companies will fully put these concerns to rest. If he maintains ownership, his personal financial interest in the Trump Organisation will continue to conflict with the publics interest in how our federal government is run, he said.

Meredith McGehee, a strategic adviser at the Campaign Legal Center, said Trump could also take a major step toward reducing conflicts by divesting his foreign interests - which he could ostensibly do even with his children in charge. But she said that a true blind trust is a must-have. (Trump's lawyer has described his children running his business as a blind trust, but it doesn't meet the definition.)

We don't know if he in effect turns over operational control to his kids what those firewalls will look like, she said. Theres pretty widespread agreement that turning this over to his kids would not solve the conflict of interest problem. She added: The blind trust is really the key. Anything else, and hes going to spend four years of his administration getting distracted by these accusations rather than policy.

The US Office of Government Ethics, meanwhile, pushed Trump to embrace a total divestiture in an uncharacteristic (for a government institution) tweetstorm Wednesday that pretended as if Trump had already committed to doing so.

But if we're reading between the lines of Trump's tweets, it seems likely that he still plans to hand the business to his children. They will be at the news conference, after all, and this would technically satisfy his promise to take himself completely out of business operations.

And Trump still sounds defiant. He emphasises, after all, that he doesn't have to do this. And the tweets follow on the heels of him telling the New York Times last week that the president can't have a conflict of interest. It sounds a lot like a guy who is preparing to make an argument that giving the business to his kids is good enough.

But taking himself out of his business operations doesn't mean there's a firewall between the presidency and his business. A true blind trust involves an independent party making decisions about assets to which the subject of the blind trust isn't privy. If the subject of the blind trust is speaking frequently with those running his business and even involving them in official US government business, that opens the door to all kinds of questions about just how separate Trump's presidential business is from his private business.

Trump's finances and far-reaching foreign interests are problematic in and of themselves, given they are unprecedented for a US president. The likelihood that any one decision he makes will affect his own fortune is exponentially higher than basically any other president.

On top of that, Trump's lawyer has said since his election that the Trump Organisation will be put in the hands of Trump's three oldest children - Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric Trump. And on top of that, reports indicate that Trump may try to shoehorn Ivanka Trump's husband, Jared Kushner, into the White House despite anti-nepotism laws. Adding another layer, Kushner and Ivanka Trump were both present at a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier this month - a move that suggests they'll be involved in high-level presidential business and that there won't be much of a firewall between them and the president-elect, even as Ivanka and her two brothers are supposed to be running his finances independently of him.

President Donald Trump life in pictures Show all 16 1 /16 President Donald Trump life in pictures President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump poses in a rocking chair once used by President John F. Kennedy at his New York City residence Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Developer Donald Trump with his new bride Marla Maples after their wedding at the Plaza hotel in New York Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Celina Midelfart watch the match between Conchita Martinez and Amanda Coetzer during U.S. Open. She was the date whom Donald Trump was with when he met his current wife Melania at a party in 1996 Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas serving as the grand marshal for the Daytona 500, speaks to Donald Trump and Melania Knauss on the starting grid at the Daytona International Speedwa Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Developer Donald Trump talks with his former wife Ivana Trump during the men's final at the U.S. Open Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and his friend Melania Knauss pose for photographers as they arrive at the New York premiere of Star Wars Episode : 'The Phantom Menace,' Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire real estate developer Donald Trump talks with host Larry King. Trump told King that he was moving toward a possible bid for the United States presidency with the formation of a presidential exploratory committee Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump answers questions as Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura looks on in Brooklyn Park. Trump said on Friday he 'very well might' make a run for president under the Reform Party banner but had not made a final decision Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire Donald Trump makes a face at a friend as he sits next to Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso before the start of the 2003 Miss Universe pageant in Panama City Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Entrepreneur Donald Trump is greeted by a Marilyn Monroe character look-a-alike, as he arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood to attend the an open casting call for his NBC television network reality series 'The Apprentice.' Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Simon Cowell present an Emmy during the 56th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Megan Mullally perform at the 57th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump, poses with his children, son Donald Trump, Jr., and daughters Tiffany and Ivanka Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire Donald Trump told Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner on Tuesday she would be given a second chance after reported misbehavior Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump holds a replica of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as his wife Melania holds their son Barron in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures U.S. property mogul Donald Trump stands next to a bagpiper during a media event on the sand dunes of the Menie estate, the site for Trump's proposed golf resort, near Aberdeen, north east Scotland Reuters

The Fix's Philip Bump recently ran down other potential conflicts that have emerged in the past few weeks, including Trump projects in the countries of Georgia and Argentina moving forward following his election and, as The Post reported, foreign diplomats apparently using the new Trump hotel in Washington as a way to curry favor with the president-elect.

It remains to be seen what kind of arrangement Trump will produce on December 15. But, Trump's tweets don't change much of anything. The good news is that he's holding a news conference for the first time in more than four months.

We'll see if he submits to questions about the business handover. There are certainly a lot of them right now.

The Washington Post
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Several more mosques across the US have reported receiving a hate-filled letter from California that warns Muslims to leave the country or face genocide.

The identical letters postmarked from the Los Angeles area have now shown up at mosques throughout California and in Ohio, Michigan, Rhode Island, Indiana, Colorado and Georgia.

Los Angeles police have been investigating the letters addressed to the children of Satan as a hate incident, but not a crime because it does not contain a specific threat.

The letters appeared to be photocopies of a handwritten note referring to Muslims as vile and filthy people and saying that President-elect Donald Trump would do to Muslims what Hitler did to Jews.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations has asked the FBI to investigate.

The FBI said the threats, while inflammatory and awful, do not pose a threat specific enough to investigate at this point, but they're monitoring the situation and urged anyone to report such incidents.

Police in Providence, Rhode Island, said they would increase patrols after one of the letters was received at Masjid Al-Kareem.

Faissal Elansari of the Islamic Center of Rhode Island said he feels a wave of hate at his doorstep, WPRI-TV reported.

Envelopes have had a return address in the city the letter was sent - often 331 Oak St. - but are postmarked in Los Angeles or Santa Clarita, a suburb about 30 miles north.

The name above the return address is Reza Khan, said Shehadeh Abdelkarim, president of the Islamic Center of Cleveland, which received one of the letters. He noted that's a Muslim name.

The person obviously knows a little about Muslim culture, Abdelkarim said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. 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Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. 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Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. 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 name is bogus, said Sgt. Mike Abdeen of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, which is assisting LAPD.

Letters have been received at six mosques in California, including Los Angeles, Fresno and San Jose, according to police and Islamic groups. Elsewhere, they have also turned up at mosques in Denver, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Savannah, Georgia, and a school affiliated with an Indianapolis mosque.

Trump's spokespeople have not responded to a request for comment. The president-elect told 60 Minutes that if his supporters were harassing others, they should stop it.

AP
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A man who worked on Donald Trumps campaign in Michigan has been found guilty on 10 counts of election fraud.

Brandon Hall, a political activist, forged signatures on petition forms in 2012 and now faces up to five years in prison.

The 27-year-old from Grand Haven, along with his friend Zachary Savage, forged signatures in support of judicial candidate Chris Houtaling.

Mr Savage received immunity from charges by the Attorney Generals Office in exchange for his testimony in this case, according to Grand Haven Tribune.

The High Court overturned the Michigan Court of Appeals and Hall was charged with felony, despite his defence arguing he should face misdemeanour charges due to a statement printed on the petitions.

 Trump ally says recount ups prosecution odds for Clinton

Hall and Mr Houtaling met when they were members of the Grand Haven school board, but Hall was forced to resign from the position after being convicted of stealing from a school fundraiser.

He also ran for the state House earlier this year for the 89th District seat but was defeated in the Republican primary in August.

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

In a statement, Progress Michigan, a group that holds public officials to account, said Halls conviction was proof that a recount of the votes cast in the US presidential election was needed in the state.

Donald Trump has made claim after claim calling the integrity of the election into question, but his Michigan campaign had no problem hiring a staff member facing election law charges, executive director Lonnie Scott said, Grand Haven Tribune reported.

The fact that the Trump campaign and the Michigan Republican Party embraced Brandon Hall is just one more reason to recount and audit the vote in Michigan.
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Donald Trump has admitted the presidency is "a bigger job than I thought", a leading Republican has revealed.

After meeting the President-elect last week, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich told USA Today the billionaire businessman was starting to appreciate the burden of the Oval Office.

Mr Gingrich said: "He commented, 'This is really a bigger job than I thought.' Which is good. He should think that."

As President of the United States, Mr Gingrich added: "you have war and peace, you have enormous powers...and it all comes down to the Oval Office and it all comes down to you."

 Donald Trump's controversial cabinet

After President Barack Obama met his successor at an official meeting in the Oval Office, sources inside the White House told The Wall Street Journal that Mr Trump "seemed surprised by the scope" of responsibilities the job entails.

The newspaper also reported Mr Trump had been unaware he would have to replace the entire Presidential staff upon taking office.

In the run-up to his inauguration on January 20, Mr Trump is preparing a "thank you tour" of rallies across all the states he won, starting with a large event in Cincinnati, Ohio.

His transition has continued to be controversial, not only for his choices for major cabinet and White House positions, but also the role his children have had in the process and his ongoing relationship with his business empire.

Mr Trump's unconventional activities on Twitter have also prompted a series of headlines.

His posts includes a condemnation of the cast of Hamilton the Musical for "harassing" Vice President-elect Mike Pence after a performance, criticism of the New York Times and a false claim he won the popular vote if you ignore the millions of illegal votes .

Mr Gingrich criticised the President-elect for his unfounded assertion regarding illegal voting, saying: "The president of the United States can't randomly tweet without having somebody check it out.

"It makes you wonder about whatever else he's doing. It undermines much more than a single tweet."
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One male suspect is in custody after 11 people were taken hostage at a bank in Jacksonville, Florida.

The hostages were detained for several hours, while members of a SWAT team were at the scene.

They were released just after 11am ET from the Community First Credit Union, according to Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Melissa Bujeda.

She said an initial 911 call just after 9am indicated someone may have been shot, but later confirmed that no one had been injured.

Sheriff Mike Williams said at a press conference that an armed individual entered the bank with his dog and talked with police "a little bit".

The suspect is facing potential charges of bank robbery, armed kidnapping, multiple cases of aggravated assault, he said.

The sheriff spelt out the wrong name of the suspect - a young, black man who lived locally - then his department later tweeted they had given the wrong name.

The mother of the false suspect said her son had been at home with her during the incident.

The sheriff said the suspect "made different demands, requesting family members to be at the scene, that type of thing. He did, through negotiations - again, this was not really a long incident - but he did through negotiations release a couple of the hostages but he also continued to threaten people inside the bank.

"He threatened to kill hostages multiple times. We had verifiable information that he was actually putting the gun to the back of the hostages heads at a couple points.

"Based on that, those threats and that activity escalated this event, it became more and more intense event."

He said two people, who were hiding in the bank unknown to the hostage-taker, fled the building and distracted the suspect.

The swat team then burst in, placing themselves between the suspect and the hostages. He was then taken into custody, he said.

John Hirabayashi, the bank CEO and president, said he was extremely relieved. He said the swat team did a fine job in resolving the incident and said his thoughts and prayers were with the families and membership affected.

As you can imagine they [the hostages] are shaken up, added the sheriff.
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A judicial committee is calling for the removal of a Canadian judge who asked an alleged rape victim why she could not keep her knees together.

Justice Robin Camp's comments, including that pain and sex sometimes go together in a 2014 rape trial, were strongly condemned by sexual assault victims and advocates.

Albertas minister of justice complained to the national judicial council.

Mr Camp acquitted the accused, but the verdict was overturned and a new rape trail was ordered. The verdict is expected in January.

The committee called for an inquiry into the controversial comments towards the 19-year-old plaintiff, who Mr Camp mistakenly referred to as "the accused" several times during the trial.

She was allegedly raped on a bathroom sink, and he had told her that she could have prevented her attack "by sinking her bottom down into the basin".

The woman said she had thought about suicide as a result.

"He made me hate myself," she said.

Thousands march against sexism Show all 5 1 /5 Thousands march against sexism Thousands march against sexism 614132.bin JASON ALDEN Thousands march against sexism 614131.bin JASON ALDEN Thousands march against sexism 614130.bin JASON ALDEN Thousands march against sexism 614129.bin JASON ALDEN Thousands march against sexism 614128.bin JASON ALDEN

The judicial committees report said: "We conclude that Justice Camps conduct  was so manifestly and profoundly destructive of the concept of the impartiality, integrity and independence of the judicial role that public confidence is sufficiently undermined to render the judge incapable of executing the judicial office."

"Accordingly, the inquiry committee expresses the unanimous view that a recommendation by council for Justice Camps removal is warranted."

During the inquiry, Mr Camp said he had undergone sensitivity training and counseling with a superior court judge, a psychologist and an expert in sexual assault law.

"I was not the good judge I thought I was," he said, adding he had been rude and facetious.

"I didn't realise the implication came with those words," he said.

His lawyer described him as a remorseful and complex human being, and removing him from the bench would send the wrong impression to other judges who sought to better themselves.

The committee acknowledged that Mr Camp had expressed remorse and had made a significant effort to repair his ways, but public confidence had been so damaged that he could not return to his position as a provincial court judge in Calgary.

Mr Camp will be able to make written submissions in his defense before the final decision is announced.

Only two judges have been removed from the bench by the council since it was created in 1971.
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Students will legally be allowed to take cannabis in school after a towns landmark legislation change.

Schools in Ridgefield Park, a district in New Jersey, USA, will permit parents and guardians to administer medical marijuana to pupils while on school grounds, on a school bus or at school-sponsored events.

It is the latest development in the US gradual adoption of medical marijuana laws.

The states where it is legal to smoke marijuana (Statista)

Twenty eight states permit medical marijuana usage and four states, including New Jersey, Colorado, Maine and Washington, have legislation for schools.

We received the mandate fairly recently, said Ridgefield Parks Superintendent of Schools Eric Koenig, as quoted by NorthJersey.com.

Recommended Marijuana legalisation is the biggest winner of the 2016 election

The medicinal marijuana legislation for New Jersey requires that, in schools: students must have a valid medical recommendation; marijuana must not be administered by smoking in the school grounds; only primary caregivers administer and; students cannot be punished for the marijuana usage.

Under the 2010 ammended New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, medicinal marijuana can be taken by people with debilitating conditions - diagnosed by a physician - including cancer, glaucoma and severe nausea.

There are no restrictions in the legislation on how marijuana has to be ingested to qualify it for medicinal purposes, but it cannot be smoked on public transportation, in a private vehicle, in school grounds, in any correctional facility, in a public park or in any place where smoking is prohibited.

Parents will need to submit written requests to the principal, and the principal, school nurse and superintendent will review each request.

The UK governments medicines and healthcare regulatory agency this year found Cannabidiol had a restoring effect.

 USA: Sanders calls for an end to federal marijuana prohibition

A US think-tank earlier this year claimed federal government was strangling medical marijuana research.

Cannabis was partially legalised in Nevada, California and Massachusetts on election night last month.
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A Californian woman was kidnapped, then branded, chained up and tortured before her captors dumped her at the side of a road on Thanksgiving.

Sherri Papini, 34, went missing on November 2 after going for a jog. Her husband Keith feared the worst when he found only her phone, earbuds and strands of her hair about a mile from their house.

After visiting her in hospital Mr Papini released graphic details of his wife's condition including that she suffered repeated beatings and a broken nose, and had even been branded during her three-week ordeal.

"Nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to see upon my arrival at the hospital, nor the details of the true hell I was about to hear," he told Good Morning America.

He revealed that she weighed just 39kg and added: "My first sight was my wife in a hospital bed, her face covered in bruises ranging from yellow to black because of repeated beatings, the bridge of her nose broken.

"Her signature long blond hair had been chopped off. She has been branded, and I could feel the rise of her scabs under my fingers.

"She was thrown from a vehicle with a chain around her waist, attached to her wrists and a bag over her head. The same bag she used to flag someone down once she was able to free one of her hands."

Mrs Papini was found some 250km away from where she was kidnapped.

The details of her injuries were confirmed by Shasta County sheriff Tom Bosenko. The branding may have been "some sort of either an exertion of power and control and/or maybe some type of message", he told ABC News.

Mr Papini said an "exhausting" wave of rumours about his wife's kidnapping had included suggestions it was a hoax, but called them "preposterous".

He said: "We are not going to allow those people to take away our spirit, love or rejoice in our girl found alive and home where she belongs.

"I understand people want the story, pictures, proof that this was not some sort of hoax, plan to gain money or some fabricated race war.

"I do not see a purpose in addressing each preposterous lie."

Mr Bosenko said the kidnappers were described as two Hispanic women who spoke in Spanish most of the time. His department has not been able to establish a motive for the abduction, it was reported.
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More than 2,000 US military veterans plan to form a human shield to protect protesters against a pipeline project near a Native American reservation in North Dakota, organisers said.

Meanwhile, North Dakota law enforcement will not make spot checks on vehicles headed to the camp where activists are based, the governor's office said on Wednesday, backing away from a previous plan.

Activists have spent months protesting plans to route the $3.8 billion (3 billion) Dakota Access Pipeline beneath a lake near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, saying it poses a threat to water resources and sacred Native-American sites.

The 1,172-mile (1,885 km) pipeline project, owned by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners LP, is mostly complete, except for a segment planned to run under Lake Oahe, a reservoir formed by a dam on the Missouri River.

I figured this was more important than anything else I could be doing, Guy Dull Knife, 69, a Vietnam War Army veteran, told Reuters at the main camp.

Dull Knife, a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe from the Pine Ridge Reservation of South Dakota, said he has been camping at the protest site for months.

Veterans Stand for Standing Rock, a contingent of more than 2,000 US military veterans, intends to go to North Dakota and form a human wall in front of police, protest organisers said on a Facebook page. Organisers could not immediately be reached to comment.

Morton County Sheriff's Office spokesman Rob Keller said in an email his agency was aware of the veterans' plans, but would not comment further on how law enforcement will deal with demonstrators.

Former US Marine Michael A. Wood Jr is leading the effort along with Wesley Clark Jr, a writer whose father is retired US Army General Wesley Clark.

US Representative Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat from Hawaii and a major in the Hawaii Army National Guard, has said on Twitter she will join the protesters on Sunday.

The veterans will bolster the thousands of people protesting at camps located on US Army Corps of Engineers land, north of the Cannonball River in Cannon Ball, North Dakota.

The Army Corps, citing safety concerns, has ordered the evacuation of the primary protest camp by 5 December, but said it would not forcibly remove people from the land.

Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota Show all 15 1 /15 Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota A person pours a pepper spray antidote into a protester's eyes during a protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota People swim across a river to where the police officers are standing guard during a protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota A man holds up a ceremonial object while police officers look down from a hill during a protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota, U.S Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota People protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota November Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota Two people stand in the water of a river while police officers guard the shore during a protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota A man stands on a makeshift bridge over a river while police officers stand on the opposite shore during a protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota, U.S Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota Police use pepper spray against protesters in a boat during a protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota, U.S Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota Police use pepper spray against protesters in a boat during a protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota, U.S Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota Police use pepper spray against protesters in a boat during a protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota, U.S Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota Tonya Stands recovers after being pepper sprayed by police after swimming across a creek with other protesters hoping to build a new camp to block construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, near Cannon Ball, Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota Dakota Access Pipeline protesters stand in the foreground and in the waist-deep water of the Cantapeta Creek, northeast of the Oceti Sakowin Camp, near Cannon Ball, N.D., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Officers in riot gear clashed again Wednesday with protesters near the Dakota Access pipeline, hitting dozens with pepper spray as they waded through waist-deep water in an attempt to reach property owned by the pipeline's developer. Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota Dakota Access Pipeline protesters stand in the foreground and in the waist-deep water of the Cantapeta Creek, northeast of the Oceti Sakowin Camp, near Cannon Ball, N.D., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Officers in riot gear clashed again Wednesday with protesters near the Dakota Access pipeline, hitting dozens with pepper spray as they waded through waist-deep water in an attempt to reach property owned by the pipeline's developer. Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota People who were tear gassed return to the shore during a protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota, Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota People yell at police officers standing on the opposite shore of a river during a protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota, U.S Reuters Protesters occupy Standing Rock reservation, North Dakota Police use pepper spray against protesters in a boat during a protest against the building of a pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannonball, North Dakota, U.S Reuters

The state's latest decision to avoid making spot checks on cars entering the protest site indicates local officials will not actively enforce Monday's emergency order to evacuate the camp issued by Governor Jack Dalrymple, who had cited a coming blizzard.

Local law enforcement said on Tuesday they planned a blockade of the camp, but local and state officials later retreated, saying they would only check vehicles for certain prohibited supplies like propane, and possibly issue fines.

The governor has said there will be no checkpoints, no stopping of vehicles, said Jeff Zent, a spokesman for Dalrymple.

Reuters
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A teenage member of the electoral college will be the seventh person to break ranks by not voting for Donald Trump, adding to a small but growing pool of so-called "faithless electors".

Washington state member, 19-year-old Levi Guerra, has said she will join the Hamilton electors, named after Alexander Hamilton, a renegade group that believes the 538 electors have a moral responsibility to prevent demagogues from entering the White House.

"I promised those that elected me that I might do the whole lot I might to make sure Trump didnt grow to be our president. To maintain this promise, I consider I need to forged my vote for an alternate Republican," she said at a press conference.

Recommended Donald Trump could still theoretically not become president

Ms Guerra is one of 12 electors in the state who will have been mandated to vote for Hillary Clinton, who won in their state on 8 November.

Ms Clinton has a lead of at least 2.5 million votes in the popular count but the electoral college system, starting with the Founding Fathers, guarantees a winner takes all system in each state.

The Democrat won 53 per cent of the vote in Washington compared to Mr Trumps 37 per cent.

 Electoral College voting: How the United States decides its president

But instead of voting for Ms Clinton, the teenager plans to cast her vote for a more moderate Republican, hoping other party members will follow suit. She has not named which Republican that will be.

Ms Guerra is now the third faithless elector in her state who is demonstrating a protest vote against Mr Trump. They join four electors in Colorado who have vowed to vote in the same way. Art Sisneros from Texas, a Republican elector, said he would also defect as it would bring dishonour to God to vote for Mr Trump.

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 co-founder of the Hamilton electors in Washington, Bret Chiafolo, faces a $1,000 fine from the state for not following party ranks. He is reportedly considering filing a lawsuit to challenge the fine, arguing that any attempt to force electoral college members to vote against their conscience was unconstitutional.

 Electoral College voting: How the United States decides its president

The group acknowledged that their effort to unseat Mr Trump was a long shot, but they felt obligated to take a moral stand.

The last time more than one elector broke ranks in Washington was in 1912, when the Republican vice presidential candidate had died before the vote took place.

A separate petition, which has been signed by more than 4.6 million people, urged faithless electors to break ranks with Mr Trump and vote for Ms Clinton instead, hoping enough of them could overturn the result.
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After months of fierce opposition from abortion rights advocates and the medical community, Texas will require fetal remains to be cremated or buried instead of disposed in sanitary landfills.

On Monday, health officials finalised the new rules prohibiting hospitals, abortion clinics and other health care facilities from disposing of fetal remains - regardless of the period of gestation. The rules will take effect December 19, according to state health officials, the Texas Tribune reported.

Following criticism from medical providers, the states Health and Human Services Commission clarified that the requirement does not apply to miscarriages or abortions that take place at home. It also does not require birth or death certificates to be filed, to maintain confidentiality.

The move comes after months of public comment periods, hearings and more than 35,000 comments submitted to health officials since the rules were first proposed in early July. With little notice, Governor Greg Abbott (R) approved the proposal, saying that he does not believe fetal remains should be treated like medical waste and disposed of in landfills, the Texas Tribune reported.

The health commission has said the rules will result in enhanced protection of the health and safety of the public. Meanwhile, reproductive rights activists say the rules are unnecessary and make it more difficult for a woman to get a safe, legal abortion in the state.

The rules target physicians that provide abortions and the hospitals that care for patients, said Blake Rocap, legislative counsel for advocacy group NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, the Dallas Morning News reported. Its so transparent that what theyre really trying to do is denying access to abortion. The group rallied outside the Department of State Health Services in late October and delivered more than 5,500 signatures from individuals in opposition to the proposal.

Others in the medical and funeral industries criticised the costs that would be associated with cremating or burying fetal remains - a process that can cost hospitals and abortion providers several thousands dollars in each case. But department spokeswoman Carrie Williams said the cost shouldnt be a concern.

What we found through our research is that the proposed rules wont increase total costs for healthcare facilities, Williams said in an email, the Dallas Morning News reported. While the methods described in the new rules may have a cost, that cost is expected to be offset by costs currently being spent by facilities on disposition for transportation, storage, incineration, steam disinfection and/or landfill disposal.

Abortion providers generally use third-party special waste services to dispose of fetal remains. Previous rules allowed fetal remains, along with other medical tissue, to be ground up and discharged into a sewer system, incinerated, or handled by some other approved process before being disposed of in a landfill.

David Brown, senior staff attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights, on Monday said the rule was an unnecessary burden and an intrusion on a womans personal beliefs. These new restrictions reveal the callous indifference that Texas politicians have toward women, Brown said, the Texas Tribune reported.

Stephanie Toti, senior counsel for the center, said in a statement, Texas politicians are at it again, inserting their personal beliefs into the health care decisions of Texas women.

Meanwhile, several Republican lawmakers in the state have expressed support for the proposed rule.

For far too long, Texas has allowed the most innocent among us to be thrown out with the daily waste, state Sen. Don Huffines (R-Dallas) said in a packed public hearing on the proposed rule in August, the Austin American-Statesman reported. Life begins at conception.

Women who attended the hearing in August provided testimonials with mixed responses and personal details. One woman said she felt a great deal of closure burying a fetus after she had a miscarriage. Another said she had an abortion after she was raped, and that if she had been forced to bury the fetus it would have essentially been the state of Texas rubbing my face in my own rape.

Some groups, like the Center for Reproductive Rights, have said they would likely challenge the new rules in court. Because the rules fall under the rulemaking authority of the state health department, they do not need legislative approval. But Republican lawmakers have already filed legislation to write the rules into statutory law when the legislature reconvenes in January, the Texas Tribune reported.

Other states have passed restrictions on the use of fetal remains. South Dakota made it illegal to use aborted fetal tissue in research. In Idaho and Alabama it is illegal to buy, sell, donate or experiment on such remains.

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. 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In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. 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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. 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A law in Indiana, among other things, also called for abortion providers to bury or cremate fetal tissue. Additionally, it would have prohibited abortions sought solely because a fetus had been potentially diagnosed with a disability such as Down syndrome. But in June, a federal judge suspended the law from going into effect, finding that it violated US Supreme Court precedents protecting a womans right to choose an abortion and the right to privacy in making that decision, the Indianapolis Star reported.

As Emma Green wrote in the Atlantic, legal guidelines for organ and tissue use are somewhat of a murky area. Tanya Marsh, a law professor at Wake Forest University, said, The question of what we own of ourselves - what is the legal status of biological material thats been removed from us - theres very little law about that, except to say that its not ours.

And for fetuses, such questions become even more complex, she added.

Thats an area in between people born alive and a part of a person that had no capability of independent existence, Marsh said. These are deep philosophical, religious, and legal questions that weve punted.

The Washington Post
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Donald Trumps newly appointed attorney general said laws designed to help disabled children were to blame for a "decline in civility and discipline" in classrooms.

In May 2000, Senator Jeff Sessions argued against federal protections for students with disabilities as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - citing efforts to place disabled pupils in mainstream classrooms as the reason for bad behaviour in the US public school system.

We have created a complex system of federal regulations and laws that have created lawsuit after lawsuit, special treatment for certain children, and that are a big factor in accelerating the decline in civility and discipline in classrooms all over America. I say that very sincerely, Mr Sessions argued to the Senate floor.

The 1975 law was designed to offer disabled children protections from school administrators, requiring schools to grant students with disabilities access to education in a general classroom where possible.

The legislation, which has since been reformed numerous times, has been credited with helping millions of children receive mainstream access to public schooling.

Education advocates and disability rights campaigners strongly condemned Mr Sessions' comments, which have added to growing fears that disability rights will not be a top priority for the President-elect - fears that increased after he mocked a reporter with physical disabilities during his campaign for office.

Candace Aylor, Texas health commissions Behavioral Health Advisory Committee appointee, called the remarks heartless and misguided.

If he doesnt recognise the need for schools to be required to provide a free and appropriate public education to all students regardless of disability what kind of society does he intend for us to live in? she told the Huffington Post.

What should we do? Should we put them in asylums again? How far back in history should we go? Are they not worthy? Are they defective in his mind?

Mr Sessions became one of the first members of Congress to endorse Mr Trump in February, and became an adviser on almost every major decision and policy proposal made during his election campaign.

The Republican's nomination of the senator as the countrys top law officer earlier in December was met with concern over a string of controversial comments and inflammatory takes on social policy linked to the senator since the 1970s.

In 1981, he was reportedly rejected as a federal judge for allegedly calling an Alabama official a n****r.

The senator was said to have used the term to refer to the first black man to be elected as a county commissioner in Mobile, where Mr Sessions was a Republican official and federal prosecutor.

He is also said to have claimed that virtually no one immigrating to the US from the Dominican Republic added value to American society, and referred to the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP), the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other civil rights groups as un-American and Communist-inspired".

Joe Biden challenged the senator on his alleged use of the word 'n*****r' in 1986, during Senate hearings on his judgeship nomination.

It is suggested that you stated to Mr Wiley at the conclusion of a particularly contentious hearing back in 1981, Do not worry, or do not be too happy  he could not remember the precise phrase  Jon, meaning Archer, will be watching you and the n****r, said Mr Biden.

Mr Sessions denied this, saying: Senator, I did not. That is an absolute false statement.

He has also denied that he was racist and appears to have the support of many current officials for his attorney general nomination.

Mr Trump's spokesperson has been contacted for comment.
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Abdul Razak Ali Artan, the Somali-born student accused of carrying out a car-and-knife attack at Ohio State University this week, reportedly protested on his Facebook page about the killing of minority Muslims in Burma.

Muslim Rohingya face discrimination and violence from the Buddhist majority in the country, also called Myanmar. Their plight generally goes unnoticed by the world at large, even though some rights activists say their persecution amounts to ethnic cleansing.

Here are several things to know about the group.

'The most friendless people in the world'

Although Rohingya - a Muslim ethnic minority of about 1 million among Burma's predominantly Buddhist 52 million people - have lived in Burma for generations, most people view them as foreign intruders from neighboring Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, which hosts many Rohingya refugees, also refuses to recognise them as citizens.

The Rohingya are probably the most friendless people in the world. They just have no one advocating for them at all, Kitty McKinsey, a spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said in 2009.

Border attacks led to latest outbreak of violence

Almost all Rohingya live in western Burma's Rakhine state, where the military has stepped up operations since November, when nine police officers were killed in attacks on posts along the border with Bangladesh.

The identity of the perpetrators remains unclear.

Rohingya villagers armed with homemade weapons resisted troops and an unknown number of villagers died, along with a handful of soldiers and officials.

Rohingya solidarity groups say several hundred civilians have been killed since October.

In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Show all 5 1 /5 In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Burma Buddhist nationalists demonstrate against the UN and the return of Rohingya Muslims in Yangon In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Burma Hard-line Buddhist monks lead a demonstration against Rohingya migrants who were resettled in Rakhine state after being found at sea while fleeing Burma following anti-Muslim violence EPA In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Burma Buddhist monks demonstrate against the UN and the return of Rohingya Muslims in Yangon In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Burma Buddhist nationalists demonstrate against the UN and the return of Rohingya Muslims In pictures: Burma protests against Rohingya Muslims Burma Radical Buddhist nationalists protest the international pressure on Myanmar to accept the repatriation of persecuted Rohingya boat refugees

The New York-based group Human Rights Watch says satellite imagery shows 1,250 houses and other structures have been burned down.

In 2012, violence between Rohingya and the Buddhist community killed hundreds and forced about 140,000 people - predominantly Rohingya - to flee their homes to camps for the internally displaced.

About 100,000 remain in the squalid camps and dependent on charity.

Disappointment with Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi speaks during an official dinner function at the Istana on November 30 2016 in Singapore (Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty)

There has been great disappointment that Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose political party took power in Burma this year after decades of military rule, has failed to ease the plight of Rohingya despite her reputation as a fighter for human rights.

Speaking out for Rohingya rights is an unpopular political position. However, Suu Kyi's government in August appointed former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to head an advisory panel aimed at finding lasting solutions to the conflict in Rakhine state.

He is scheduled to visit Rakhine on Friday.

The UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide, Adama Dieng, on Tuesday expressed concern about reports of excessive use of force and other serious human rights violations against civilians, particularly Rohingya, including allegations of extrajudicial executions, torture, rape and the destruction of religious property.

AP
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A Chinese "pet lover" routinely killed 100 cats a night at a slaughterhouse 12 miles from his home, to sell on to food traders as "rabbit meat".

Neighbours believed Huang Pingfu was a model animal lover who lavished his more than 20 luxury-breed cats and kept them cool with air-conditioning during hot summers, however his double life as a prolific cat trader was revealed when police received a tip-off from animal rights campaigners.

The Chengdu Aizhijia Animal Rescue Centre became suspicious when Mr Huang joined an online chat group for animal lovers, and urged members to bring him stray cats to adopt.

The trader from south-west Chengdu city, who said he enjoyed eating cat either hot or cold, dressed in sauce, or stir-fried with hot sauce, spring onions and preserved vegetables, made over 50,000 a year selling cat meat to restaurants by pretending it was rabbit.

Animal protection activists strongly condemned the mans actions and called for greater efforts by Chinese authorities to protect domestic animals.

No animal should face the cruelty and terrible conditions of being crammed into small cages or be brutally killed for meat, as these allegations show, a spokesperson for World Animal Protection told The Independent.

"The authorities must respond to prevent this situation happening. There is a growing global outrage about the eating of dog meat. Cats and dogs are domestic animals and they need to be protected from such inhumane acts."

Gruesome images of the raid were shared by local media, with only 49 cats found alive in metal cages.

Mounds of cat carcasses were also recovered by police and some cats were found floating dead in the pools used to drown them.

Others were still inside a spinning machine used to strip them of their fur.

This is not illegal, whats wrong with me buying and selling cats? Mr Huang told Chengdu Business Daily.

While Mr Huang did mislead vendors and restaurants into buying cat meat, he is unlikely to face criminal charges for his treatment of the cats due to Chinas lax animal cruelty laws.

After you chop off their heads and cut them into parts, nobody can tell if the meat is cat or rabbit, he reportedly said.

On Tuesday, a Hong Kong magistrate fined a mainland Chinese couple after they cooked a cat to feed to their dog.

This is perhaps the difference between Hong Kong and the mainland, said Kelly Shui.

We still respect our cats and dogs. Animals in Hong Kong are protected. They are friends of humans, she said.
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A right-wing website has declared war on American multinational Kelloggs after the cereal company pulled advertising.

This week, Kellogg's announced it is discontinuing advertising on Breitbart.com after a review of sites that arent aligned with our values as a company.

The conservative commentary website has reacted ferociously and is urging readers to boycott all the food firms products.

Breitbart has enjoyed global attention and scrutiny since its former chair, Steve Bannon, was made Donald Trumps campaign chief and later his chief White House strategist.

Steve Bannon has been accused of supporting white nationalist views Getty (Getty)

The media baron has branded Breitbart the platform for the alt-right, the new extreme right-wing movement with links to white supremacist ideology.

We regularly work with our media-buying partners to ensure our ads do not appear on sites that arent aligned with our values as a company, said Kelloggs spokeswoman Kris Charles, in a statement given to Bloomberg.

We recently reviewed the list of sites where our ads can be placed and decided to discontinue advertising on Breitbart.com.

Breitbart's reporting, although defended as satire, has been branded misogynistic and racist

We are working to remove our ads from that site.

Ms Charles said Breitbart was blacklisted after customers, who saw Frosted Flakes and Frosted Mini Wheats ads, contacted Kelloggs.

The Michigan-based foods giant also makes Nutri-Grain, Rice Krispies, Pop-Tarts, Corn Flakes, Krave and Froot Loops among others.

Digital advertising service AppNexus Inc., Allstate insurance, dial-up service Earthlink, eye expert Warby Parker and Social Finance have all either said they will, or have, barred Breitbart  according to Digiday.com. The Independent has contacted all five of these firms for confirmation.

An AppNexus spokesman said: "AppNexus has blacklisted Breitbart on its digital advertising exchange because the site violates our hate speech rules."

It follows Danish multinational Lego pulling Daily Mail advertising because the newspaper promoted hatred, discrimination and demonisation.

An article on Breitbart said: Kelloggs offered no examples of how Breitbarts 45 million monthly readers fail to align with the breakfast makers values.

 Milo Yiannopoulos defends Breitbart headlines as 'satire'

Indeed, the move appears to be one more example of an out-of-touch corporation embracing false left-wing narratives.

According to the Pew Research Centre, nine per cent of the general news audience in the US visits the site.

Breitbart editor-in-chief Alexander Marlow, who claims Breitbart is the largest platform for pro-family content, said: "For Kelloggs, an American brand, to blacklist Breitbart News in order to placate left-wing totalitarians, is a disgraceful act of cowardice.

They insult our incredibly diverse staff and spit in the face of our 45,000,000 highly engaged, highly perceptive, highly loyal readers, many of whom are Kelloggs customers.

Boycotting Breitbart News for presenting mainstream American ideas is an act of discrimination and intense prejudice.

If you serve Kelloggs products to your family, you are serving up bigotry at your breakfast table.

Breitbart is now trying to push a #DumpKelloggs petition.

Breitbarts headlines, defended as satire, include: Birth control makes women unattractive and crazy"; Data: Young Muslims in the West are a ticking time-bomb and; Would you rather your child had feminism or cancer?

Breitbart president and chief executive Larry Solov said: The only sensible response is to join together and boycott Kelloggs products in protest.

A Kelloggs press officer confirmed the news to The Independent, and the company has been asked for further comment.

Breitbart's UK editor-in-chief Raheem Kassam told The Independent: "Big corporates are entitled to do as they please, and in return, our readers are entitled to know about their political games and act accordingly. That's freedom."
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A German spy arrested after posting in a chat room for Islamist militants was also a gay porn actor, it has emerged.

The 51-year-old was a full-time employee of the German equivalent of MI5 when he allegedly started using extremist chat websites. Security sources said he was planning a bomb attack in the name of Allah on the intelligence agencys headquarters in Cologne until he was discovered by an informer.

The family man's role in pornographic films was uncovered when agents ran a check on his chat alias following his arrest, and found it had also been his stage name as recently as 2011, the Washington Post reported.

Bild reported that copies of the films turned up during a search of his apartment.

The worker, a German citizen of Spanish descent and a married father of four, was caught out when suspicious agents began chatting to him privately having seen his offers to help Islamists infiltrate the organisation.

He gave away so many details of his work that they were able to arrest him the next day.

He confessed to having converted secretly to Islam in 2014 and was arrested on suspicion of preparing to commit a violent act and for violating state secrecy laws.

Hans-Christian Strobele, a member of the German Parliament's intelligence oversight committee, told the Post: "It's not only a rather bizarre, but also a quite scary, story that an agency, whose central role it is to engage in counter-espionage, hired an Islamist who potentially had access to classified information".

Officials at the agency, the Bundesamtes fur Verfassungsschutz, said the man had undergone its vetting process before he was hired in April.

Recommended Donald Trump is deceiving everyone with his latest tweet about Isis

It was revealed in November that a teenage Isis supporter had scouted out some of Germany's most iconic buildings and monuments for a prospective attack.

The 19-year-old Syrian man was arrested in March for suspected links to Isis after the alleged plans were uncovered.

The Federal Court of Justice said the suspect had scouted out sites including the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag parliament building and Alexanderplatz square for potential attacks over several months.
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Ireland has for the first time compensated a woman who was forced to travel to Britain to have an abortion.

The government agreed on Wednesday to offer Amanda Mellet 30,000 (25,000 ) in compensation after she was forced to fly to England to terminate her pregnancy in 2011 when she was told at 21-weeks pregnant her baby carried a fatal foetal impairment and would not survive outside the womb.

Abortion is illegal in the Republic of Ireland unless the pregnancy endangers the life of the woman, and it carries a sentence of up to life in prison.

Because the Eighth Amendment in the constitution gives a foetus equal rights to the woman carrying it, there is no exception for a woman who has been raped or who is carrying a foetus so severely disabled that it has no chance of surviving outside the womb.

As a result of the law, thousands of Irish women travel to Britain for abortions every year.

In 2013, Ms Mellet called on the UN Human Rights Committee asking them to condemn the countrys abortion ban.

In June, the UN Committee ruled that Irelands abortion laws subjected Ms Mellet to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and discrimination, in violation of Articles 7 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

It also said the law had subjected Ms Mellet to intense physical and mental suffering.

Minister for Health Simon Harris met with Ms Mellet and her husband on Tuesday to outline Irelands response to the UN ruling.

Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights Show all 5 1 /5 Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS

He said he found Ms Mellets case deeply upsetting and confirmed in a statement that the government had offered her an ex gratia sum of 30,000 and access to all appropriate psychological services.

Mr Harris said: In their conclusion of Ms Mellets case, the UNHR Committee requested the State to amend its law on termination of pregnancy, to ensure that health-care providers are in a position to supply full information on safe abortion services, and to provide Ms Mellet with adequate compensation and to make available to her any psychological treatment she requires."

Ireland has until next Tuesday to respond to the UN committee ruling with regard to amending its abortion laws.

The Irish government would not be able to commit to changing Ireland's abortion laws as it would require a constitutional amendment passed in a referendum before a legal change could take place, the Irish Times reports.

I informed Ms Mellet that our response to the UN Committee sets out the current legislative position in Ireland for termination of pregnancy where the unborn is protected by Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution," Mr Harris said.

In a statement reported by The Journal, Ms Mellet said the compensation and Mr Harris apology "goes a long way towards closure for what was the most painful chapter of my life".

I am hopeful that ensuring the legal change outlined by the UN Committee will now be the governments next step, she added.

Amnesty International Ireland welcomed the decision. Executive Director Colm OGorman said: We are heartened that the government has accepted the UN Committees findings, by offering compensation and counselling for the harm Ms Mellet suffered. This response acknowledges the harm caused to women by the current law. The government must now comply with the Committees ruling that Ireland reform its laws to ensure that no woman or girl will ever face similar human rights violations."
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The government in Slovakia has approved a law effectively preventing Islam being registered as a state religion for a number of years.

The bill was proposed by the Slovak National Party (SNS), and requires a religion to have at least 50,000 followers before it qualifies for state subsidies.

According to the most recent census, there are currently around 2,000 Muslim people living in Slovakia out of a population of 5.4million, and there are no registered mosques.

The law was approved by a two-thirds majority in parliament comprising both ruling and opposition parties, and a proposal to increase the threshold to 250,000 was blocked.

The SNS claimedthe new law was meant to prevent speculative registrations of churches, such as the satirical Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, which has amassed followers worldwide.

"Islamisation starts with a kebab and it's already under way in Bratislava, let's realise what we will face in five to 10 years," SNS chairman Andrej Danko told Reuters after the legislation was passed.

We must do everything we can so that no mosque is built in the future.

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico (Getty)

In May, Slovakias prime minister Robert Fico said Islam has no place in the country shortly after regaining the premiership for the third time.

I think it is the duty of politicians to talk about these things very clearly and openly. I do not wish there were tens of thousands of Muslims. They are changing the character of the countries [they come to].

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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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

Over 62 per cent of people in Slovakia are said to be Roman Catholic, and the former Soviet satellite state has resisted allowing refugees into the country since the European crisis began.

In July, the Slovakian government defied the European Parliament by refusing to accept refugees from refugee camps in Turkey.
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Russian president Vladimir Putin has dismissed reports of aggression from Moscow as "myths" and said he is "ready for cooperation" with US president-elect Donald Trump.

Mr Putin admitted the Russian government "needs friends" while warning foreign nations not to infringe upon Moscow's "interests", during a state-of-the-nation address in the capital.

Last week the EU parliament voted on a resolution aimed at countering disinformation and hostile propaganda from Moscow, in a move criticised by the Russian president.

"We don't want confrontation with anyone. Unlike our foreign colleagues who are seeing Russia as an enemy, we have never been looking for enemies, we need friends," Mr Putin told officials at the Kremlin.

"We won't allow any infringement on our interests and neglect of them. In the last few years. we have faced attempts of foreign pressure with all tools involved  from the myths about Russian aggression, allegations of meddling in elections to the hounding of our athletes.

"We are ready for cooperation with the new American administration. It's important to normalize and develop our bilateral ties on an equal and mutually beneficial basis.

"We share responsibility for ensuring global security and stability and strengthening the non-proliferation regime."

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

Tensions between Russia and the US have increased in recent times over the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the war in Syria. In October the German foreign minister said the current situation was "more dangerous" than during the Cold War.

Following the election of Mr Trump, both he and Mr Putin appear to be willing to cooperate on world affairs and are due to meet in the coming months.

Mr Putin meanwhile pointed out the Russian economy has begun to recover following a 3.7 per cent slump in 2015, and announced agricultural exports from Russia now exceed weapons exports.
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Wobbling left, then right, the two-ton animal stumbles and starts to fall. Twelve pairs of hands are there to ease it toward the dusty orange earth. A man wearing a blue work suit quickly straps an eye mask over the now-sedated beast; another slips in a pair of massive earplugs. A few measurements are taken, and then the reciprocating saw comes out. A worker turns it on and presses the whirring blade against the base of the rhinos nubby horn, and white chips go flying.

Within a couple of minutes, the horn cleanly pops off, leaving behind a teardrop-shaped pattern of pink, white and black keratin  a biological material also found in hair and nails. Mission completed, Michelle Otto, a wildlife veterinarian, gives the rhino an injection  an antidote to the sedative she darted it with 10 minutes earlier. The team scrambles into two pickup trucks, and the rhino  its nose now sporting a stubby plateau rather than a peak  stumbles to its feet and trots off.

This procedure might strike an outsider as strange, but for workers here its nothing exceptional. Located 100 miles outside of Johannesburg in South Africa, the nearly 20,000-acre property, owned by a man named John Hume, is the worlds largest rhino ranch. Along with giraffes, sables and other animals, more than 1,400 rhinos call Humes Buffalo Dream Ranch home. Every 18 months, Humes animals undergo a painless procedure like the one performed today (it takes about that long for the horns to grow back). An average 13 dehornings take place two or three days a week. The horns are immediately microchipped and delivered by an armed escort to an undisclosed off-property location guarded by a private security company. Over the years, Hume has amassed some five tons of horn, which sits in his vault, and an additional ton is added each year. Someday soon, he hopes to be able to sell it all.

Rangers and farm workers de-horn a rhino by trimming part of his horn at John Hume's Rhino Ranch in Klerksdorp, in the North Western Province of South Africa (Getty)

South Africa is home to approximately 80 per cent of the worlds rhinos. A third of those 20,000 animals belong to private owners such as Hume. Whether they live in a national park or on a private reserve, however, all rhinos are under siege by increasingly sophisticated and militarised poachers eager to get their hands on their lucrative horns. Unlike the rhinos dehorned on Humes ranch, those that cross paths with poachers do not walk away. Faces hacked off, they are left to die.

The horn is often smuggled to Vietnam or China, where it is highly prized by some. A wealthy individual may wear rhino horn jewellery, serve guests from cups made from the material, or prominently display an illegal rhino horn at home or work. Others use it as a purported cure for cancer, a party drug, or in traditional Chinese medicine. Though it is illegal to sell rhino horn both internationally and domestically in Vietnam and China, demand remains high, and as a result, the animals continue to be slaughtered. South Africa lost 1,175 rhinos last year and more than 6,000 since 2009. The government has received financial assistance from the US and anti-poaching donations in the millions from the likes of Warren Buffetts son, but private rhino owners such as Hume bear the costs for protecting their animals. A burly, big-bellied 74-year-old with a bushy white beard, Hume says he stupidly fell in love with rhinos in 1993, when he purchased his first animal to kick-start his dream of spending retirement running a ranch. I became aware of what wonderful natures they have but also that theyre facing extinction, he says. I thought the best way to make a difference is to breed them, and as a result, I have slowly but surely gotten myself into one hell of a corner.

Hume spends around $175,000 (140,000) per month on anti-poaching operations. He hasnt lost a rhino in nine months, but he says the spending involved in achieving that success is not sustainable. Owning rhinos also puts him and his family in a vulnerable position. Private rhino owners and staff have been raped, stabbed and attacked by poachers trying to steal stockpiled horns. While 330 South Africans still keep rhinos on their property, 70 others have given up their animals in the past two years. As the difficulty and expense of keeping rhinos intensify, 85 per cent of the private owners  in addition to some conservationists, academics and government experts  have come to believe that legalising the rhino horn trade is the only way to save the species from extinction.

Anti-poaching rhino unit patrols at John Hume's Rhino Ranch in Klerksdorp, in the North Western Province of South Africa (Getty)

South Africa has a stash of more than 30 tons of horn, some of it intercepted from the black market, according to the Private Rhino Owners Association (PROA), a non-governmental group in South Africa (a 2014 study by South Africas Department of Environmental Affairs put the countrys total figure at 3.6 tons, however). Trade proponents argue that legalising rhino horn would satiate demand and collapse black markets while simultaneously providing much-needed funds for anti-poaching efforts and rhino conservation. Private breeders say they could collectively produce around 10 tons per year. But conservationists point to a hole in this logic: theres no proof that poachers will stop killing rhinos. Many owners agree that legalisation wont provide all of the answers. Strict law enforcement is also important, they say. None of us bought rhino because we wanted to get into the rhino horn trade; we bought rhino because were rhino conservationists, says Pelham Jones, chairman of PROA. But if we can take pressure away from wild populations by selling off stockpiles, that will give us key years to secure populations and start to achieve some degree of market control.

Selling rhino horn was once legal in South Africa. In 2006, for example, Hume sold 185 pounds for $83,250. But in 2009, the government put a moratorium on the trade, a move that some say harmed the animals it was meant to protect. If demand is increasing, as it has over the last 10 years, and you dont supply the market, then someone else is going to supply the market, says Michael t Sas-Rolfes, a conservation economist and doctoral candidate at the University of Oxford. Thats why weve seen a radical increase in poaching and illegal trade.

The moratorium may end soon. Many rhino owners assert that it violates South Africas constitution because the government did not follow due process and because the moratorium blocks owners rights to sustainable use of wildlife. In 2012, Hume and another rhino owner brought a lawsuit against the government on these grounds, and so far the courts have ruled in their favour. A decision on an appeal is expected any day. I have 100 sets of horns that I hope to have on auction within six weeks after a favourable result, Hume says. The price, he guesses, would be about $4,500 per pound  10 times what it was in 2006. Others vehemently argue that South Africa is incapable of controlling legal rhino horn trade. The corruption here is absolutely enormous: Weve got pilots, rangers, policemen, government officials and veterinarians involved [in poaching and illegal trade], says Allison Thompson, director of the nonprofit Outraged South African Citizens Against Rhino Poaching. Crawford Allan, senior director of TRAFFIC (a wildlife trade-monitoring network) at the World Wildlife Fund, says legally-sold horns would create a smokescreen for poached horns. The systems are not in place to secure the sales or supply, and the cost of poaching and trafficking is always going to be far cheaper than the sale of legal horn, he says. Rhino keepers pay for land, veterinarians and protection; poachers pay for a few days of manpower and a vehicle. Thus, the price of an illegal horn would always be lower than a legal one, he says. Were not dismissing all trade in rhino horn forever, but right now it would be a disaster to legalise it.

A rhino is captured to have its horn trimmed at John Hume's Rhino Ranch in Klerksdorp, in the North Western Province of South Africa. John Hume is a private rhino owner/breeder in South Africa, who strongly advocates for legalising trade. His private game ranch, started in 1992, has approximately 1000 rhinos, all of whom have been dehorned (Getty)

One of the biggest concerns, Allan continues, is growing the consumer base. Legalising rhino horn would send the message that it is a socially acceptable product, causing the market to expand to include those who can afford and do want rhino horn but refrain from buying it because they do not want to break the law. Research conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council in 2014 on consumer preferences in China confirmed this is a threat. Im not at all opposed to trade under the right conditions, but I can tell you that the latent demand in China for rhino horn is much higher than what could be produced by farms and other available supply, says Alexandra Kennaugh, the studys principal investigator. Dex Kotze, founder of the South Africa-based nonprofit Youth 4 African Wildlife, agrees that the numbers do not add up. If one per cent of people in China, Vietnam and Thailand use 1 gram of rhino horn per year, then the demand is nearly 15 tons, he says. If its 5 per cent, then its 372 tons  its massive. He adds that those calculations do not take into account possible dormant markets in Japan, Singapore, the Middle East and other places where rhino horn was historically used.

How legal trade in South Africa would logistically work is still being discussed. Some have proposed opening rhino horn clinics that cater to Asian tourists and expatriates; others of developing a carving industry. That some or even most of the rhino horn legally sold in South Africa would likely make its way illegally to Asia  and that the very criminals currently behind the killing of rhinos may be involved  is not a deal breaker. Morally, it is a huge concern to work with those individuals, but if we have to do business with the devil to ensure species survival, then so be it, Jones says. He adds that it is the governments responsibility to stop horn from leaking out of the country. It remains illegal to sell rhino horn internationally or to import it into any of the 183 countries that are signatories to a treaty called the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Anti-poaching rhino unit patrols at John Hume's Rhino Ranch in Klerksdorp, in the North Western Province of South Africa (Getty)

Ultimately, it is impossible to predict how things will play out should the rhino owners win their suit, but what little evidence does exist is not reassuring. In 2008, CITES allowed several African countries to conduct a one-time sale of over 100 tons of ivory  another wildlife product banned from international trade  to China and Japan. Anecdotal evidence, recently supported by a working paper published by economists in the US, indicated that the sale exacerbated the killing of elephants, likely because it stimulated demand and provided an easy means for laundering. Immediately after the sale was announced, poaching increased by 66 per cent and smuggling by 71 per cent, according to the analysis. While the ivory findings are not directly applicable to rhino horn, the papers lead author, Solomon Hsiang, chancellors associate professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley, thinks there are some potential takeaways, including that meeting demand for rhino horn without stimulating poaching could be even more challenging than ivory. Unlike ivory, rhino horn is often consumed, so more is needed on a rolling basis. Once these large stashes of rhino horn are gone, youd have to be ready to do mass production  which I dont think we are ready for  or else other suppliers are going to come in and poach, Hsiang says. Such uncertainties do not sit well with many conservationists. As Allan says, We cant experiment with rhinos, because there are too few of them left.

But whether he and others like it or not, a large-scale, real-world experiment is looming. Hume and others are unwavering in their belief that this seemingly unavoidable experiment will prove them right. Im telling you, I am not wrong, he says. And knowing rhinos, I am convinced that they would be very happy to make this small sacrifice to steer their species away from extinction.

 Newsweek
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A social worker who dressed up as a clown to cheer up traumatised children in Aleppo has been killed by an air strike.

Anas al-Basha was killed in a presumed Russian or Syrian government missile strike on the Mashhad area in the east of the city.

The 24-year-old was the director of Space for Hope  one of the dwindling number of local initiatives supporting the besieged residents of the city.

The charity supports 12 schools and four psycho-social support centres in eastern Aleppo where they provide counselling and financial support for at least 365 children who have lost one or both their parents in the fighting.

Mr Bashas parents left the city before the Assad government sealed off its siege of the city last summer but he chose to remain and sent his salary to the their new residence in the countryside.

He is survived by his wife, whom he only married two months ago.

His supervisor, Samar Hijazi, paid tribute to him, saying she will remember him as a friend who loved to work with children.

In pictures: Aleppo bombing Show all 14 1 /14 In pictures: Aleppo bombing In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Smoke rises after airstrikes on the rebel-held al-Sakhour neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family runs for cover amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Al-Qatarji in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man reacts as he stands on blood stains at a site hit by airstrikes in the rebel held area of Aleppo's al-Fardous district, Syria, April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damage of the airstrikes in the rebel-held area of Aleppo on April 28 Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damaged the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)-backed al-Quds hospital after it was hit by airstrikes, in a rebel-held area of Syria's Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians evacuate an injured man amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following an air strike on a rebel-held of Aleppo on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo People inspect the damage at a site hit by airstrikes, in the rebel-held area of Aleppo's Bustan al-Qasr AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man leads a woman in tears and child out of the scene after airstrikes hit Aleppo AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Civil defence members search for survivors after an airstrike at a field hospital in the rebel held area of al-Sukari district of Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian boy is comforted as he cries next to the body of a relative who died in a reported air strike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Soukour in the northern city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family walks amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike in the Bustan al-Qasr rebel-held district of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers and rescuers remove a baby from under the rubble of a destroyed building following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Kalasa in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians help a wounded youth following an air strike on the Fardous rebel held neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers evacuate people from a damaged building following a reported airstrike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of Tareeq al-Bab in the northern city of Aleppo

She said: He would act out skits for the children to break the walls between them.

Space for Hope has now suspended its operations for the time being as the men and women responsible for caring for Aleppos children, many of whom had learned on the job during five years of civil war, have been left exhausted.

Ms Hijazi said: All of us in this field [of childcare] are exhausted, and we have to find strength to provide psychological support and continue with our work.

Mr Bashas death comes as the Syrian regime recaptured two major districts of eastern Aleppo after intensified bombing campaign.

On Wednesday, Stephen OBrien, the Under Secretary General for humanitarian affairs, said Aleppo risked becoming one giant graveyard if the bombing campaign continued.

The Syrian Army, and their allies from Iran, Russia and Hezbollah, have seized control of around 40 per cent of territory that has been under rebel control since 2014, meaning an estimated 5,000 citizens have fled their homes in the past week.

He said: For the sake of humanity, we call on, we plead, with the parties, and those with influence, to do everything in their power to protect civilians and enable access to the besieged part of eastern Aleppo before it becomes one giant graveyard.

There are no limits or red lines left to cross. The rules of war  sacrosanct notions borne out of generations of costly and painful lessons and set more than 150 years ago in the First Geneva Convention - have been systematically disregarded in Syria."

Additional reporting by agencies
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Rebel-held Aleppo risks becoming one giant graveyard, a United Nations humanitarian chief has warned as Syrian government troops continue a bloody advance backed by air strikes.

Representatives of Bashar al-Assads regime and Russia clashed with British and American delegates at a heated emergency Security Council meeting as battles continued in the city on Wednesday.

Stephen OBrien, the Under-Secretary-General for humanitarian affairs, said international law had been systematically disregarded in the ongoing civil war, with Aleppo becoming the apex of a growing catalogue of horrors.

 At least 45 Syrian refugees killed by regime missile while trying to flee Aleppo

For the sake of humanity, we call on, we plead, with the parties, and those with influence, to do everything in their power to protect civilians and enable access to the besieged part of eastern Aleppo before it becomes one giant graveyard, he said. There are no limits or red lines left to cross. The rules of war - sacrosanct notions borne out of generations of costly and painful lessons and set more than 150 year ago in the First Geneva Convention - have been systematically disregarded in Syria."

Mr OBrien accused warring parties of showing they were willing to take any action to secure military advantage, even if it meant killing, maiming or besieging civilians.

Harrowing footage published by the White Helmets volunteer rescue group showed a street littered with corpses and body parts after civilians fleeing eastern Aleppo were reportedly hit by artillery fire. Shoes, clothing, suitcases and bags could be seen among puddles of blood and flesh.

A 10-year-old girl was reported to be among those killed by shelling on Wednesday, with UK-based Syrian Observatory saying more than 300 civilians, including 33 children, had been killed since government operations intensified on 15 November.

Syrian forces and allies from Iran, Russia and Hezbollah have seized control of around 40 per cent of territory that has been under rebel control since 2014, causing an estimated 50,000 civilians to flee.

Those reaching regime forces have been put under arbitrary arrest on suspicion of links to opposition groups, with hundreds of men from east Aleppo reported to have disappeared.

In pictures: Aleppo bombing Show all 14 1 /14 In pictures: Aleppo bombing In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Smoke rises after airstrikes on the rebel-held al-Sakhour neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family runs for cover amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Al-Qatarji in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man reacts as he stands on blood stains at a site hit by airstrikes in the rebel held area of Aleppo's al-Fardous district, Syria, April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damage of the airstrikes in the rebel-held area of Aleppo on April 28 Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damaged the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)-backed al-Quds hospital after it was hit by airstrikes, in a rebel-held area of Syria's Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians evacuate an injured man amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following an air strike on a rebel-held of Aleppo on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo People inspect the damage at a site hit by airstrikes, in the rebel-held area of Aleppo's Bustan al-Qasr AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man leads a woman in tears and child out of the scene after airstrikes hit Aleppo AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Civil defence members search for survivors after an airstrike at a field hospital in the rebel held area of al-Sukari district of Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian boy is comforted as he cries next to the body of a relative who died in a reported air strike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Soukour in the northern city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family walks amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike in the Bustan al-Qasr rebel-held district of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers and rescuers remove a baby from under the rubble of a destroyed building following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Kalasa in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians help a wounded youth following an air strike on the Fardous rebel held neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers evacuate people from a damaged building following a reported airstrike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of Tareeq al-Bab in the northern city of Aleppo

Residents of rebel-controlled districts  where 100,000 children are among those trapped - have been under siege for nearly 150 days, with access to clean water scarce, humanitarian food stocks exhausted and medicine in desperately short supply.

The UN says only one trauma unit remains in opposition areas after all hospitals were hit by multiple air strikes.

While Syrian and Russian media hailed the liberation and stabilisation of eastern Aleppo, Staffan de Mistura, the UNs Syria envoy, said that tens of thousands of civilians were living under constant threat in opposition-controlled areas.

He said that although the UN had received reliable reports that rebel groups were preventing civilians from leaving their territory, residents in eastern Aleppo should be allowed to unconditionally receive aid.

Another 700,000 people are trapped in other besieged areas across the country, mostly in rural Damascus, Mr de Mistura said, adding: It may be too late for many of the people of eastern Aleppo, but surely this Council can come together, stop the brutality and also prevent a similar fate doesnt befall other Syrians.

British and French delegations called the Security meeting to discuss the urgent humanitarian situation in Aleppo but hopes for a ceasefire allowing civilians to flee or access aid looked no closer after almost three hours of talks.

Matthew Rycroft, the UKs Permanent Representative to the UN, said the Security Council had completely failed to act through five years of bloodshed in Syria because of Russias vetoes in favour of its ally  President Assad.

(Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP)

History may show that it is perhaps the most horrific conflict of our lifetimes, he told delegates.

The Syrian regime and Russia have been executing a plan that has now laid one million people under siege.

And executing is an all too appropriate word. Because without a change in policy, without a change of heart, thats exactly what this is - the slow, painful, bitter execution of a million Syrians, cut off from aid convoys, cut off from the world.

Mr Rycroft said UN proposals to allow aid convoys access to besieged areas were denied permission because of a succession of excuses by the Russian and Syrian governments.

Whats the excuse for employing the medieval tactic of siege? he asked.

Whats the excuse for the continued bombardment? For dropping bombs at a disturbing rate over the homes of children and families? Whats the excuse for the continued endorsement of war crimes?

American representative Samantha Power echoed his comments blaming Russia for blocking UN action, criticising Vladimir Putins government and his Syrian allies for claiming images of the horror in eastern Aleppo were fake when they had significant expertise in making things up themselves.

Members of Syrian government forces assist families fleeing from east Aleppo heading to the government-controlled west side of the city on November 29, 2016 (Getty)

Vitaly Churkin, Russias representative to the Security Council, hit back by repeating claims his country was combating terrorism and that Syrias moderate opposition had joined jihadi groups.

He accused the UK and France of attempting to use terrorists to oust President Assad, accusing the UN Security Council meeting of being to save them from inevitable destruction.

Syrias delegate, Bashar Jaafari, condemned Egypt, Spain and New Zealand for drafting a resolution calling for a 10 day ceasefire in Aleppo without his governments input.

It is high time to end this political theatre, he said, blaming Isis and al-Qaedas former affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra for violations.

As the war of words continued, the advance by Assads forces and supporters on eastern Aleppo showed no sign of slowing amid a hail of shelling, air strikes and reported chemical attacks.

The ancient city of Aleppo, as we know it, is on the verge of being wiped from the face of the earth, Mr Rycroft warned.

Today, we speak of reaching those who remain. Tomorrow, there may not be an Aleppo to reach.
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Israels parliament has banned politicians, other employees and visitors from wearing miniskirts and short dresses.

The revised dress code at the Knesset applies immediately to everyone entering the building, officials said on Wednesday.

Entrance to the Knesset is permitted only in appropriate attire, stated a notice on the official Knesset website. It stipulates there should be no tank tops or spaghetti tops, cropped tops, shorts or three-quarter length trousers, ripped trousers, shirts with political slogans, short skirts or short dresses, flip-flops or open-back clogs, were to be worn in parliament, by "adults and youth aged 14 and over.

A Knesset spokesman said the dress code had already existed, but it was ambiguous and poorly enforced.

This a not a new code but, rather, a revision of a previous dress code, which circulated several weeks ago, and is intended to clarify, as much as possible, the ambiguity that existed in the past  while expressing sensitivity and attempting not to hurt the feelings of our visitors and guests, Yotam Yakir told the Times of Israel.

The banning of short skirts and short dresses, however, was said to be a new addition to the old guidelines by a parliament source.

The source told the Marker the new rule had not caused any issues in the Knesset so far.

In the few weeks since the additional regulations, we have only had one incident where we had to ask a visitor to change her clothing, which she complied with and accepted completely, the source said.

They added that Knesset security had been instructed to only enforce the rules on people of the same gender.

We have decided that female guards will comment on womens dress and male guards will comment on mens dress, the source said.

33 of the Knessets 120 lawmakers are currently women, a record number in the country. But despite progress, many have complained of discriminatory treatment.

Earlier this month a new synagogue was opened on the site, causing the Knesset to come under fire when it was discovered the tiny women's section could only fit about half the female MPs inside and had no room for the hundreds of other women who work in the building everyday.

In spring 2016, a survey by an Israeli television channel found a number of the female MPs had been sexually harassed or assaulted in the past, and at least two said those experiences had occurred in the Knesset itself.

Sexism and the state of Israel Show all 3 1 /3 Sexism and the state of Israel Sexism and the state of Israel Pg-26-israeli-ap.jpg AP Sexism and the state of Israel Pg-26-israeli2-ap.jpg AP Sexism and the state of Israel Pg-26-israeli4-afp.jpg AFP

Even today, the fact that Im a single woman in the Knesset puts me in unpleasant situations, Merav Ben Ari, a Knesset member from the centrist Kulanu political party, told Israeli Channel 2. Sometimes people make comments," she said. "I dont want to elaborate, but there was a situation recently in the Knesset, and I took care of it.

Rachel Azaria, also of Kulanu, said she had several bad experiences in her time as a Jerusalem City Council member.

There was an incident that repeated itself in the planning and building committee, of which I was a member, Ms Azaria said. Another city councilor would make remarks of a sexual nature regarding things that I said, and the whole room would burst out laughing. I consulted with the legal adviser and other officials, and they all said there was nothing to be done. It interfered with my ability to function, and I was very distressed.
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Saudi Arabia's terrorist rehabilitation centre is actually a "hidden radicalisation programme," an accused al-Qaeda bomb-maker detained at Guantanamo Bay has claimed.

Saudi prisoner Ghassan Abdullah al-Sharbi told a Gitmo parole board: You guys want to send me back to Saudi Arabia because you believe there is a de-radicalisation programme on the surface, true.

"You are 100 per cent right, there is a strong de-radicalisation programme, but make no mistake, underneath there is a hidden radicalisation programme."

Al-Sharbi made the comments to the Periodic Review Board, which assesses whether Guantanamo prisoners can be released, in June, according to recently declassified documents.

Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay Show all 6 1 /6 Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304009.bin AFP / GETTY IMAGES Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304021.bin Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304022.bin Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304023.bin Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304024.bin Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304025.bin

The Prince Mohammed Bin Naif Counselling and Care Centre in Riyadh aims to de-radicalise jihadists through a 12-step programme, which is said to help them reintegrate with society.

Activities include art therapy and sports, and detainees have access to psychologists and religious scholars who teach religion with a focus on rejecting violence, the Wall Street Journal reports.

However, al-Sharbi has claimed the centre is actually a front to train jihadists to "fight under their cloak - under the royal Saudi cloak, under the religious establishment cloak".

He added: "They want it all like whenever they choose the time, they choose the location, and as a Muslim I see that no, this is not in the cuase of Allah.

"This is in a cause of a king. This is not a true jihad."

They'll tell you 'okay, go fight in Yemen. Go fight in Syria,' and I will have no choice' al-Sharbi says (AP)

Later, he claims: "They [Saudi Arabia] are poking their nose here and here and there and they're recruiting more jihadists.

"They'll tell you 'okay, go fight in Yemen. Go fight in Syria,' and I will have no choice."

Al-Sharbi is one of 61 terror suspects still being held in Guantanamo Bay.

During the conversation, al-Sharbi appears to be struggling with illness. He tells the board he had just come from the detainee hospital, is "really exhausted, and nauseous and lethargic," and uses what is described as a "manual breathing device".

He also claimed an unnamed member of the Saudi royal family was part of an effort to recruit him for extremist acts before the September 11 attacks.

He said a religious figure in Saudi Arabia used the term "your highness" during a telephone conversation with a man, just before urging al-Sharbi to return to the US and take part in a plot against the US that would involve learning to fly a plane.

The September 11 commission found there was no evidence to indicate the Saudi government as an institution or Saudi senior officials individually had supported the attacks, and the kingdom's government has consistently denied it had any role in the plot.

In July, the review board declined to approve al-Sharbi's release from Guantanamo.

The Independent has contacted the Saudi embassy in London for comment.
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Social media users in Saudi Arabia rushed to the defence of a woman who faced death threats for being pictured in public wihout an abaya or hijab.

Some Twitter users reacted with outrage after the emergence of the image allegedly taken in capital city Riyadh, with one person demanding: Kill her and throw her corpse to the dogs.

The photo was reportedly first posted by an account under the name of Malak Al Shehri, which has since been deleted, reports the International Business Times.

An unnamed student who reposted the image told the website that Ms Al Shehri had announced she was going out to breakfast without either a hijab or abaya; a traditional Saudi body covering.

The student said she started receiving death threats after posting proof in response to followers who had asked to see a photo.

 Saudi Arabia executes prince accused of killing man in brawl

"So many people retweeted it and what she did reached extremists, so she got threats, the student said. She deleted her tweets but they didn't stop, so she deleted her account."

One user wrote we propose blood", while another demanded a "harsh punishment for the heinous situation".

Despite the outrage, far more users in the country came out in support of the womans actions.

The controversy comes amid an escalating row over ending a ban on women driving in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is the only country on the planet that still bans female drivers, but a member of the royal family has proposed changing the decades-old rule.
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The major risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft has compiled a list of countries with the highest risk of violent crime  essentially, a roundup of some of the world's most dangerous countries.

The consultancy's Criminality Index focuses on countries where there is a widespread prevalence of drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, robbery, and other activities that involve or lead to violence.

Each country is given a numerical risk figure, ranging from 10 (low risk) t0 0 (high risk). Verisk Maplecroft also splits the countries it assesses into several risk profiles, ranging from low to extreme. The consultancy does not, however, give away its exact methodology.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most dangerous nations are in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, where economies are generally less developed and political systems are more volatile. This environment helps to create a climate where violence is prevalent. Latin America is a particular risk area thanks to its role in the global drug trade.

Verisk Maplecroft classes 13 countries of having an extreme risk of violent crime. Check them out below:

13. Nigeria: 2.37  Africa's largest economy has made big strides in recent years, but with the prevalence of the terrorist group Boko Haram and insurgents like the Niger Delta Avengers, the threat of violence in Nigeria remains extreme.

12. Colombia: 2.31  Colombia is one of the gateways to drug-trafficking routes into the US, with the nation producing a substantial portion of the world's cocaine. The prevalence of drug gangs makes the nation extremely dangerous.

11. Libya: 2.30  Since the destruction of Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, a power vacuum has emerged in Libya, and the nation has become a hotbed of ISIS activity.

Forces loyal to Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) hold a position amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Sirte's Al-Giza Al-Bahriya district (Getty)

10. Pakistan: 1.98  Political and religious tensions are widespread in Pakistan, and the country is frequently plagued by terrorist atrocities. As recently as Monday, a militant group attacked an army base in the Kashmir region of the country.

9. Somalia: 1.75  Somalia is one of the world's most unstable nations and is by some criteria a failed state. Somalia is the centre of the piracy epidemic that hit the Indian Ocean in recent years and is also home to the terrorist group al-Shabab.

8. El Salvador: 1.55  Located in the heart of Central America, El Salvador is plagued by gang violence and drug trafficking. It is less than a quarter of a century since the end of a brutal 12-year civil war in the country.

City of San Miguel, El Salvador (House109/Creative Commons ) (House109/Creative Commons)

7. Venezuela: 1.46  Like Colombia, Venezuela is one of the gateways to drug-trafficking routes into the US. The country's economy has virtually collapsed since the price of oil fell in 2014, leading to widespread food shortages and a lack of basic amenities for many people. This, in turn, has led to growing violence.

6. Honduras: 1.44  In 2015, Honduras had a homicide rate of 60 per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the highest in the world. The country is dominated by violent street gangs, including the two most powerful in the country, Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18.

T-4. Syria: 1.19  Torn apart by a horrific and devastating war between rebel forces and the government of President Bashar Assad, Syria is facing an enormous humanitarian crisis. In major cities, airstrikes are a near permanent fixture, killing thousands. Almost half a million people have died since the Syrian conflict began in 2011. ISIS' huge presence in the nation makes the situation even worse.

T-4. Iraq: 1.19  More than a decade after the beginning of the Iraq War, the Middle-Eastern nation is still haunted by the conflict. Iraq may now have a Western-backed government, but ISIS is rampant in some regions and violence predominates in much of the country.

Displaced people fleeing from Islamic State militants in Tahrir neighborhood, walk in Mosul, Iraq (Reuters)

3. Mexico: 1.17  As the hub for trafficking drugs between South America and North America, Mexico has a significant problem with violence. "With the security forces facing budget cuts, a deterioration in the overall security environment is likely, leaving investors exposed to risks such as extortion, theft, and potentially the kidnapping of personnel," Verisk's Mexico analyst Grant Sunderland says.

2. Guatemala: 0.72  Like El Salvador and Honduras, Guatemala is a Central American nation plagued by the drug-trafficking industry. In 2015, Guatemala reported an average of 91 murders a week.

1. Afghanistan: 0.71  The country where violent crime is by far the most likely, according to Verisk Maplecroft, is Afghanistan. The country is still ravaged by the Islamic fundamentalist group the Taliban, while the heroin trade is also rampant, adding to violence.

Read more:

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Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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The first thing you notice when you step off the plane in Bangkok is the large screens playing out scenes from the countrys past  a happier time when its late king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, reigned.

The few tourists who didn't get the memo that this is a country plunged into a deep period of mourning stick out like sore thumbs amidst a sea of black. Most, Thai locals and tourists alike, are dressed in dark clothing  a symbol of respect for the dead king and those still reeling from his loss.

It has been 50 days since the king died on 13 October  but whereas some world leaders are mourned over a period of days or weeks, Thailands mourning period will last an entire year. Nowhere is the countrys loss more deeply felt than outside the Grand Palace, where thousands of mourners line up outside the gates, many holding up posters of their beloved king, waiting for the chance to pay their respects and offer their prayers outside the building where his remains lay.

Thousands of mourners show up to the Grand Palace each day to mourn

Recommended Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn prepares to become king

They come in the morning and they wait for 10 hours," tour guide Chuthathip Chairungruksa tells me. Everyone is very sad. We love the king. He helped the people ... He donated so much money to the people.

The adulation the Thai people have for their late king, the worlds longest reigning monarch, is sincere  a reverence born out of true admiration, rather than civic duty alone. King Bhumibol was viewed by many in the majority Buddhist nation as a bodhisattva, or a holy being who delays reaching nirvana in order to come to the aid of the human race.

In Bangkok, posters and monuments honouring the late king seem to line nearly every street in the Thai city

In his 70 years in power, Adulyadej steered the South-east Asian country through violent upheavals at home and communist insurgencies in neighbouring countries, while working to upend the country's corrupt military elite in his bid to defend democracy.

Most newspapers and magazines in Thailand are still printing King Bhumibols image on their front covers more than a month after his death

When I approach one woman standing outside the Grand Palace with her family and ask her if she would be willing to talk about the king, her eyes light up.

I love the king, Kanyarat Butbrom says. He really worked for the people of Thailand.

But when I question her on her feelings toward the incoming king, Adulayadej's son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, her face darkens.

He is the only one son of the king ... so I hope he will be as good.

The king's only son has been criticised for living a playboy lifestyle (Reuters)

Dot Suppakijjanusorn, a young man who has also come to the Grand Palace to pay his respects, seems equally troubled when I ask him about the Crown Prince.

I think that's in the future... he says, waving his hand.  I don't know.

Kanyarat Butbrom, third from the left, came to the Grand Palace with her family to honour the beloved king

Thailand's parliament formally invited the 64-year-old Crown Prince on Tuesday to become the next king. He has been named the successor to his father's throne for more than four decades. But whether or not Vajiralongkorn will be able to inspire the same level of adoration that the people of Thailand seem to genuinely feel for his father remains to be seen.

King Bhumibol reigned as the worlds longest-serving monarch

A certified pilot, Vajiralongkorn has spent much of his time outside the kingdom he has been destined to rule for decades, living in southern Germany where he owns property. A military source told AFP the prince was still in Germany on Tuesday, when he received his invitation to the throne.

Those I ask about the future king seem wary  and rightfully so. In Thailand, royalty is protected by strict defamation rules known as lese-majeste (injured majesty) under which anyone convicted of insulting the king, queen, heir or regent can face up to 15 years in prison on each count. And since generals seized power in 2014, convictions for defamation have skyrocketed.

Mourners hold posters of the late king as they walk, taking photos beside a mural depicting his work and passion for the arts

Despite the potential consequences, one Thai tour guide does not hold back. She slides two fingers across her throat, when I bring up the royal heir.

No, we don't like him. Rumours of his private life and the fact that he has had three high-profile divorces have made many question whether he is fit to be king.

The Thai government asks that residents and visitors either wear black, or wear pins, as seen here, honouring the king

The crown prince is widely seen as lacking the kind of public popularity his father inspired, which has raised fears of a power struggle in the country. In fact, some would prefer to see the Crown Prince's younger sister, Princess Maha Cahkri Sirindhorn take the throne in his place, but Thai law forbids the possibility of a female monarch.

As he inherits one of the world's richest monarchies, the world will be watching to see just what kind of leader Vajiralongkorn will be. And the answer to that question, undoubtedly on every Thai citizen's mind, could prove critical.

Whether the new king will be able to gain the same level of adoration as his father remains to be seen

Over the last decade, Thailand has seen widespread political protests, with concerns over the country's future growing as the kings health continued to deteriorate, forcing him to make fewer public appearances.

It will be up to Vajiralongkorn to assuage the anxieties of a nation that is still finding its feet after a devastating loss and prove that he is up to the task.
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Why go now?

Seeing as a visit to Vegas traditionally means frittering away wads of cash (the house always wins, people), Norwegians (norwegian.com) launch in October of the UKs cheapest direct flight to Sin City could come in handy. Norwegian has been quietly establishing itself as a surprisingly brilliant budget long-haul airline, and Vegas is the latest addition to its ridiculously cheap transatlantic stable, with one-way fares starting at 179. The route niftily flies on Thursdays and Mondays  perfect for a weekend blowout.

But if youre curious about more than a big one on the Strip, its also a fascinating time to visit the Downtown area, which is shrugging off decades as a prohibitively dodgy neighbourhood to emerge as a hip, cultural alternative to the Strips bawdy brash and flash.

Get your bearings

Mind-blowing fact alert: it's estimated that around half of visitors never stray from the Strip  the 4.2-mile concentration of famous hotels and casinos on Las Vegas Boulevard  which means theyve never actually visited the city of Las Vegas. The Strip, in fact, lies south of the Las Vegas city limits, and within the city of Paradise, Clark County.

The Las Vegas Strips mega-resorts at dusk

Though many are content to stick to this neon-lit stretch of naughtiness, keep heading north and youll find the historic centre of the actual Las Vegas around Fremont Street in Downtown. The Arts District, just south-west of Downtown, is also an area of rejuvenation, where a new crop of galleries and arts festivals strive to tempt visitors into the city proper.

For the perfect 48 hours, then, spend a day in each area. Well start with the must-dos of the Strip and then head into less familiar territory.

Currently 1 = approximately US$1.25.

Day one

Take a hike

As a parched railroad town stranded in the Nevada desert and thirsting for tourism, in 1931 plucky little Las Vegas realised providing a hub for gambling and quickie marriages would do the trick. Its been a magnet for those looking to escape humdrum reality and let loose ever since. To get a good feel for the Strips hedonistic pull, walking a few miles along this audacious artery provides an instant immersion into its anything goes, alternate universe.

The fantasy land that is Vegas is embodied by its themed hotels; you can take a round-the-world trip in a few paces. Start at the Luxor hotel and casino (1) at the south end, a giant Egyptian pyramid that, at night, shines the worlds strongest beam of light into the sky (it can be seen by aircraft at cruising altitude). Walk north past Excalibur (2) (decked out like a medieval castle), which brings you to the Statue of Liberty  or, rather, New York New York (3), a hotel built to resemble a mini Manhattan. Along with the torch-bearing icon, theres a rollercoaster looping around the Empire State and the Chrysler, a teeny Brooklyn Bridge and, adjacent to the casino, a replica of Greenwich Village.

New New New York Hotel & Casino imitates the Big Apples skyline

If the hotels werent boggling enough, the people-watching along this route should entertain  expect the likes of painted naked ladies hustling you to pose for photos, deliriously happy tourists toting half-yards of booze, and silver-painted performers dancing to Enya.

The next big stop is Paris (4)  with its mock Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe  and after that, The Venetian (5), where youll spot the Rialto Bridge and canals paddled by stripy-T-shirt-clad gondoliers. If theres enough room on your camera roll after this lot, and it happens to be night time, continue on to The Mirage (6). At 8pm and 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays, the ominous beat of jungle drums strikes up, heralding the eruption of the resident volcano.

Lunch on the run

Youll be hard pushed to find an authentic locals favourite on the Strip, but its definitely worth dipping into The Venetian (5) to seek out the Southern-style fare at Yardbird. The fried chicken with honey hot sauce and the five-cheese mac and cheese are outstanding; wash it all down with a dangerously gluggable Southern Peach cocktail (with bourbon, Aperol, sweet tea and thyme).

The High Roller is the world's tallest observation wheel

Take a view

Theyve nicked the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower, so why not the London Eye? The 550ft-tall High Roller (7), which opened in 2014, is the worlds tallest observation wheel. This being Vegas, you can book the Happy Half Hour option, wherein your pod includes a straight-talkin bar wench wholl ply you with shots for the rotations duration. By day, the vista of the red-streaked Spring Mountains that surround the bizarre mirage that is Las Vegas is really quite something.

Just won big? A 15-minute flight over the Strip with Maverick Helicopters (8) gives an unforgettable birds eye view of the biggest and brightest mega-resorts.

Those who do well at the casinos might want to splash out on a helicopter ride

Window shopping

Youll never be stuck for a mall in Vegas, but for 540,000 square feet of bargain designer goods, head to Las Vegas Premium Outlets North (9). Here, brands including Saks Fifth Avenue, Armani and Kate Spade ply their wares at (relatively) affordable prices.

Want something a bit quirkier? Head Downtown to Retro Vegas (10), an antique store selling impossibly cool wares from the citys Fifties heyday  think entire pastel-pink kitchens and vintage dinettes.

An aperitif

If youre gunning for something glamorous, the Skyfall Lounge at the Delano (11) gives the best view of the Strip weve seen anywhere, and mixes a mean espresso martini. Or try The Chandelier bar at The Cosmopolitan (12), a three-floor poser wrapped inside glittering beaded curtains. Its just as ridiculous as it sounds  making it a must-stop  and offers the verbena cocktail with buzz button flower garnish, sure to set your tongue a-tingle.

If youd rather a laugh with the locals, swerve off-Strip to the Golden Tiki (13), an enjoyably garish, 24-hour tropical paradise serving all manner of rum-bunctious concoctions.

The three-storey Chandelier bar encased in beaded curtains (Laura Chubb)

Dine with the locals

The latest outpost of Londons high-end Chinese eatery Mr Chow (14) opened in Caesars Palace late last year. If youre celebrating a big win, this is the spot  with its decadent champagne trolley and outrageous prices, theres no better place to show off. Most interesting is the bizarre, spaceship-esque art installation that springs to life every hour or so  were told Mr Chow had become obsessed with Close Encounters of the Third Kind when he devised it.

For something more authentic, old-school Vickie's Diner (15), heading north towards Downtown (just past the Stratosphere), is much-loved for its classic red booths and fuss-free, 24-hour food  think corned beef hash with three eggs for $8.95.

The Downtown Container Park proffers hip food and fashion

Day two

Sunday morning: out to brunch

Bid farewell to the Strip with great views and even better food at Giada (16), a bright and chic little spot owned by Italian-born Food Network chef Giada De Laurentiis. The bottomless mimosas go great alongside a strawberry polenta waffle with pineapple and Nutella, or if youre more of a savoury bruncher, lobster hash with bacon and eggs.

A walk in the park

Time to head Downtown. For an instant vibe shift, have a wander around the Downtown Container Park (17), a hipster-by-numbers complex of shipping containers offering everything from art and fashion boutiques to upmarket hot dogs and filthy loaded fries at Cheffinis. And hey, its Vegas, so theres even a wedding chapel. Not to be outdone by the Strip, in the evenings a giant praying mantis sculpture starts dancing to disco music and breathing fire.

Desperate for some actual nature? The Springs Preserve (18), three miles west of Downtown, offers nature walks and a butterfly house.

Loaded fries from Cheffinis at Downtown Container Park (Laura Chubb)

Cultural afternoon

Just five minutes on foot from the container park, housed in the former, 1930s-era Las Vegas Post Office and Courthouse, The Mob Museum (19) is an utterly fascinating  and impressively thorough  account of not only how the mafia ran Vegas in the Thirties and Forties, but the history of organised crime itself. To get the most out of it, you need about three hours. General admission from $23.95.

Find another brilliant bit of Vegas history at the Neon Museum (20), where youll wander around an outdoor exhibition (the Neon Boneyard) of more than 200 rescued signs from the citys earliest hotels and casinos. As our guide put it, this is the citys native art form, and there are loads of little nuggets to learn here  the original sign from Liberaces favourite dry cleaners led to the story of how they would remove all the rhinestones from his outfits before cleaning, and then painstakingly reattach them. Guided tours only, from $19.

The original sign from Fifties casino Stardust at the Neon Boneyard (Laura Chubb)

The shirt once advertised Liberaces favourite dry cleaners (Laura Chubb)

Time for one more? Back towards the Strip in Paradise, the National Atomic Testing Museum (21), admission $22, explores the story of the Nevada Test Site, where nuclear weapons were  and still are  developed. In the early Fifties, the huge mushroom clouds that billowed from the site became a tourist attraction  afterwards, swing by Downtowns Atomic Liquors bar (22), where people would come to watch explosions from the roof while sipping an atomic cocktail. All red light and black leather, its enjoyably seedy, and the smoked melon beer cocktail (with mescal and habanero) is a winner.

The Atomic Liquors bar was popular with tourists who came to Nevada to watch nuclear explosions (Laura Chubb)

Take a ride

Fremont Street is where Las Vegas started, and today the Fremont Street Experience (23) offers a sort of charmingly downmarket version of the Strip  lined with old-school casinos like the Golden Nugget, only in America restaurants such as the Heart Attack Grill (where staff spank you if you fail to finish your ticker-testing meal), and bars selling super-sized cups of beer. The best view of it all is undoubtedly from SlotZilla (24)  a zip-wire ride that takes off from a giant slot machine and, if you opt for the higher, 114ft option, whizzes you along the entire length of the Experience.

The Fremont Street Experience lies at the historical heart of the city

The SlotZilla zip line takes off from a giant slot machine  obviously

The icing on the cake

This depends on which day you liked most. If the Strip is your thing, find more Las Vegas pizzazz at a show. Cirque du Soleil has seven different themed extravaganzas on the Strip at the moment, or for something more intimate, BAZ at The Venetian (5) is a glittery, musical mash-up of Baz Luhrmann movies.

More into Downtown culture? First Friday in the Arts District (25), on the first Friday of every month, offers free art shows and live music, with food trucks supplying the sustenance. If you want to see more art, take a car south of Paradise to find Seven Magic Mountains (26), a trippy art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, where towers of colourful boulders have been stacked in the lonely Nevada desert. Unveiled in May, it will stay put for two years.

Getting there

Touch down is at McCarran airport (27), which is just a 15-minute cab ride from the Strip. According to the Nevada Taxicab Authority, it should cost around $21.95 to reach the Bellagio, which is roughly the mid-point of the Strip. Bus 108 from Terminal 1 runs to Downtown in about half an hour for $2.

The RTCSNV runs the Deuce bus between Fremont Street and Mandalay Bay at the south of the Strip 24/7. Tickets cost $6 for two hours, $8 for 24 hours and $20 for three days. It also operates the SDX bus which, with fewer stops, is a quicker way to get from the Strip to Downtown and also swings by the Arts District. It runs 9am to midnight and fares are the same.

Staying there

Vegas is known for its mega-resorts, so The Cromwells (28) claim to be a boutique hotel should be taken relatively  it has 188 rooms, compared with 3,976 at Caesars Palace. Theres a smattering of a decadent Parisian theme  sultry rooms decked out in purple and black  and at around $148 a night (inclusive of tax and resort fee), and smack-bang in the middle of the Strip, its a deal.

Party poseurs will love The Cosmopolitan (12), which has massive, apartment-style rooms (theres even a microwave for late-night snacking) and great views of the Strip. Milk and cookies at bedtime is a nice touch. Starting rates from $246 per night, including tax and resort fee.

For something more sophisticated, the Mandarin Oriental (29) is without doubt the classiest broad in Vegas. Its Asian-accented, non-gaming environment provides a Zen oasis away from all those bright lights and slot machines, and rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows proffering knockout views  even in the toilet (fret not, theres a sheer modesty blind to keep your bathroom activities private). Rooms from $300 per night, including tax and resort fee.

More information

lasvegas.com/uk

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Rival carriers, such as easyJet, Jet2 and Monarch, have offered packages for some years.

Kenny Jacobs, Ryanairs marketing director, said: We want to be an Amazon of travel. We want people to come to Ryanair to buy more than flights.

Consumers have been paying too much for package holidays for years.

Initially travellers from the UK, Ireland and Germany will be able to assemble Ryanair package holidays, both to traditional Mediterranean destinations as well as cities such as Berlin, Amsterdam and Barcelona. The new venture is selling a four-night trip to Lisbon in March for 76, including flights and accommodation. Next May, a trip to Mallorca is available for 142 for a week.

The firm has teamed up with a Spanish tour operator, Logitravel, and the bed bank, World2Meet, to arrange the holidays. Holidays will be ATOL-bonded, for which passengers will pay 2.50.

Mr Jacobs said that accommodation in Spain would be in short supply in the summer of 2017. The country saw its highest number of visitors ever this summer, as holidaymakers from the UK and Germany moved away from countries regarded as dangerous, such as Turkey and Egypt.

Spanish Mediterranean hotels are 30 per cent more booked for next summer than they were at this time last year, he said.

Ryanair has also announced that flights will be sold only to people who are registered with the airline through its My Ryanair portal. Mr Jacobs said: Were against screenscrapers who try to mislead travellers.

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In the past fortnight, I have been out on the doorsteps of Basildon and Barnsley, and in both towns peoples anxieties are the same. They are concerned about the pace of change and the complexity of the challenges we face. They are worried about how their children will secure meaningful employment and get on the housing ladder. They are fearful of the future and see only entrenched austerity and years of struggle ahead.

Not since Gordon Browns response to the global economic crisis in 2008 has the UK had the strategic leadership it needs, and not since Clement Attlee reconstructed Britain after the Second World War has the country had such a need for leadership.

With the vote for Brexit, the election of Donald Trump, the advent of post-truth populism, and the rise of the far-right across Europe, our country needs that leadership more than ever.

As we negotiate our departure from the EU, politicians from all parties need to bring an end to a decade of tactical politics and demonstrate an ability to think strategically. Our leaders must strain every sinew to enhance rather than undermine our international standing.

Being outside the EU will reduce the UKs ability to act as a bridge between North America and Europe; to mitigate this we need to both maintain our relationship with the rest of the world and complement it through a new one with the EU. Foreign policy is about much more than just immigration and trade. It is also about common values and collective risk.

David Davis must protect the co-operative approach we have to shared security threats; Boris Johnson must not let Brexit undermine our commitment to the UN and Nato; and Theresa May must defend multilateralism in the face of populism, nationalism and the appeal of demagoguery and strong-man politics.

Our international reputation is at stake. Those who successfully campaigned to leave the EU must now end the constant criticism of the EUs existence. Johnson and his fellow Cabinet ministers must stop offending our neighbours and insisting that the EU is doomed to fail. Instead  just as we ask European neighbours to respect our decision  we must respect their commitment to maintaining the union.

Recommended These six elections are set to change Europe forever

It is in our strategic interests that the EU endures, and it is in our national interest to work with our European partners long after Johnson, Davis and Liam Fox have gone. International strategy should be premised on decades not days.

The most important test of the Governments Brexit strategy will likely be its impact on jobs, the economy and living standards.

For six years Cameron and Osborne repeatedly employed only short-term political tactics. Now, five months into Theresa Mays Government, it is becoming clear the country is at risk of the same happening again.

To steer us safely through the next four years  and set the conditions for what is beyond  May, Philip Hammond, Johnson and Davies must look beyond in-fighting, egos, micro-management and misplaced soundbites and instead place the UK back on a strategic footing. Failure to do so will diminish us further.

If the financial sector fled the EU it would be a major reason for Leave voters to switch to Remain (PA)

George Osbornes long-term economic plan was always more soundbite than strategy. Instead of the much-promised economic recovery, it has produced a low-wage, low-investment, high-debt economy in which productivity is stagnating. This is a product of years of under-investment.

Yet instead of the promised reset, Hammond has again offered only austerity  indicating the same lack of long-term strategy that has seen the Government fail to invest in the future and served only to undermine our public services and increase our national debt.

 Donald Trump's controversial cabinet

May and Hammond must now develop a plan to prepare for life after the EU, and no longer try to cut their way to a stronger economy and a fairer society.

To do this, a new economic strategy is needed: one that understands the need to eliminate the deficit on current spending and to reduce national debt, but is also prepared to invest in the future, through the skills, industry, innovation and infrastructure needed to rebalance and prepare our economy for life outside of the EU.

For too long the UK has drifted, with no clear goal, ambition or strategy. May must become a leader in more than name only, end the poor decision-making of the Cameron government and prevent further damage to our economy, our influence and our international reputation. Failure to do so will further mark this decade as one of expedient politics and ill-considered decline.

That would do nothing to address the fears or improve the futures of the people of Barnsley, Basildon and the rest of the Britain.

Dan Jarvis is Labour MP for Barnsley Central
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As far-right groups across Europe become normalised and more popular than at any time since the end of the Second World War, a series of votes set to be held across the continent could spell doom for the European Union by this time next year. They could even make Brexit irrelevant if far-right parties succeed in restricting freedom of movement of people in the EU, holding back migration to Europe and hastening the break-up of the eurozone.

Inspired by Donald Trump, the right, in all its varieties, is on the march. The left is being routed. Here are the key election results to look out for.

4 December 2016: Italian referendum and the rerun of the Austrian presidential election

Most attention this weekend will be focused on the Italian referendum, which seeks to make Italy easier to govern and reform. But the Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, has made the cardinal error of threatening to resign if his proposed changes are rejected. Meanwhile, the far-right Five Star Movement (Movimento 5 Stelle, or M5S), led by a former comedian, has campaigned vigorously against the proposed changes.

Before a ban on publishing opinion polls a few weeks ago, the No camp was ahead. If that turns out to be the result, and Italy is plunged into a fresh political crisis, then her fragile banks could suffer yet another crisis of confidence.

If that continues then it would be beyond the means of the Italian state to save them; indeed the Italian Treasury would be unlikely to be able to sell its bonds to the domestic banks and be forced to go to the EU and the European Central Bank for a Greek-style rescue package.

Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Show all 12 1 /12 Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A woman poses with a home-made European Union flag as Remain supporters gather on Park Lane in London to show their support for the EU in the wake of Brexit PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Remain supporters demonstrate in Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Tens of thousands of people gathered to protest the result of the EU referendum PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A majority of people in the capital voted to remain in the European Union Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Protesters chanted: What do we want to do? Stay in the EU PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The march follows a similar rally in Trafalgar Square that was cancelled due to heavy rain  but which tens of thousands of people turned up to anyway Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum by 52 per cent to 48 per cent Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London But support for the Leave campaign in urban areas and among young people was significantly lower Rex features Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Marchers gathered at Park Lane at 11am and marched towards Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Some protesters held up baguettes in a display of affection for our continental neighbours PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The disparity between different parts of the country has promoted a four million signature petition calling for a second referendum and even a renewed push for Scotland to cede from the UK PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The events organiser, Kings College graduate Kieran MacDermott, wrote: We can prevent Brexit by refusing to accept the referendum as the final say and take our finger off the self-destruct button" Reuters

Trouble is, the eurozones solvent members  Germany, the Netherlands and Finland  are running out of the financial means and the political willpower to subsidise their southern neighbours. With a 4 trillion banking system, and with a GDP not far off the UKs, Italy is a nation that is both too big to save and too big to fail  and big enough to wreck the euro.

The Austrian presidental election is a rerun occasioned by some technical failings in the first poll in May. The result then was extremely tight between the Green candiate Alexander Van der Bellen, just ahead on 50.3 per cent, and the candidate of the far-right Freedom Party, Norbert Hofer, on 49.7 per cent.

Though only a ceremonial post, a Hofer victory would represent an even more significant result for the anti-migrant Eurosceptic right in a eurozone and EU member state  the first time a representative of the far right had been elected head of state or government since the Second World War. By contrast, the once dominant Social Democrats trailed on 11 per cent in the May election. Hofer is the favourite to prevail next week.

15 March 2017: Dutch general election

Once merely a noisy and unpleasant fringe grouping, the Party for Freedom (Partij voor de Vrijheid, or PVV), led by Geert Wilders, is just about leading the polls in the Netherlands. Because the Dutch party system is so fragmented, the PVV can do this with just 28 per cent support, a point or two ahead of the conservative governing party, the VVD.

The elections will be contested on the grounds of the economy, migration and the healthcare system. Always a mildly Eurosceptic nation, the Netherlands looks set to tilt further in that direction. Expect less support for the Eurozones weaker members, more pressure to restrict migration and more pressure on minorities.

4 May 2017: British local elections

These are unlikely to make much of a cross-continental impact and, ironically, might see a little recovery by the now leading pro-European mainstream party, the Liberal Democrats. Still, the Conservatives and Ukip seem likely to have a good showing, and will take the results as a confirmation of the Brexit referendum vote. A poor showing by Labour would also add to the chances of a Tory win at an early general election, again which would in effect endorse Brexit.

 Italy referendum: Renzi says there is 'extraordinary desire for change'

7 May: French presidential election

Polls suggest the conservative Francois Fillon will trump the Front Nationals Marine Le Pen, but after recent upsets many are nervous. Even if Le Pen doesnt win, if one in three French voters decided to back her it would be an extraordinary result, and one unthinkable not so long ago. Again, it will add to the anti-European, anti-euro, anti-migrant mood sweeping the West.

22 October 2017: German elections

This is the last date for the contests, which could be held as early as 27 August. Either way, Angela Merkel looks likely to embark on another term in office. But the far right Alternativ fur Deutschland (AfD) is polling at 13 per cent  easily sufficient to secure seats in the Bundestag and be a constant source of agitation against the EU on issues such as subsidies to Greece and Italy and, of course, migration.

Even Chancellor Merkel would have to bow to changing popular opinion, both in her own political grouping  the Bavarian wing of the Christian Democrats are more hostile to migration, for example  and in the nation as a whole.
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As populist movements gain strength across the world, attention has turned to Italy, where the government faces pressure from a group known as the Five Star Movement (M5s). Since its inception in 2009, the M5s has risen to become one of the most voted-for parties in Italy. But as the group eyes power, there are questions about whether it would actually be capable of running the country.

The M5s was started in 2009 by comedian Beppe Grillo and web strategist Gianroberto Casaleggio, who had the intuition that the internet could be used as the basis for a new kind of party  one without organisation, money, ideology or headquarters. This encouraged Grillo to use his blog and the social networking site, Meetup.com, to bring people together to campaign on local issues and then field candidates for elections.

The Movement drew initial strength from the twin ideas of a new form of direct democracy and popular disgust with the political elites. Its policies have always been an eclectic mix of the anti-establishment, environmentalist, anti-globalist and eurosceptic, and its supporters have always come from across the political spetrum.

 Italy referendum: Renzi says there is 'extraordinary desire for change'

At the 2013 general election, the M5s came from nowhere to become the second most voted for party. Through ups and downs, its poll ratings have stood at around 30 per cent ever since, generally ahead of the centre right and only just behind the centre-left Democratic Party.

The M5s does not seem to have suffered from outcries about how Virginia Raggi, the recently elected mayor of Rome, is running her administration. Nor have allegations that activists have been involved in falsifying signatures on the nomination papers of candidates for elections in Bologna and Palermo dented its progress.

These incidents seem to fly in the face of the M5s claim to stand for a new, more honest politics. But people vote for it because it represents something different from a political class in whom vast swathes have virtually no confidence.

The problem with power

Since the M5s draws support from all parts of the political spectrum, the fear among sceptics is that it would sweep the board in a run-off ballot against one of the two biggest political parties in Italy. It would inevitably attract votes from two sources  its own supporters and those opposed to whichever of the parties, the Democratic Party or the centre right, it found itself up against.

However, the profile of M5s activists and supporters casts doubt on whether it would be able to govern effectively if it did win an election. A vote for the M5s is a straightforward protest vote. Despite being united in their desire to shake up the status quo, M5s activists and supporters are divided across the whole range of issues separating left and right. They dont necessarily share a position on the EU, taxation or migration  in fact M5s voters are more or less split down the middle.

It is doubtful that such a party can remain cohesive when faced with the pressures of governing. The M5s would probably crumble under the weight of the responsibility for making choices that can only benefit some while hurting others.

Experience both in parliament and in local government confirms that protest parties railing against the system are as likely to find themselves being absorbed by it as they are to transform it once in office. Faced with the day-to-day pressure, they are doomed to become a party just like all the others.

Since the 2013 general election, 18 of M5s 109 representatives in the Chamber of Deputies (17 per cent of the total) have defected to a different group. Italian parliamentarians are notorious for jumping from one group to another during the course of a legislature  indeed 24 per cent of the house has moved during the current one  but the M5s defectors have clashed with the leadership in a way that reflects what has been a fundamental problem for the movement.

Many have left because they came into conflict with pressures to behave as mere party delegates, rather than as representatives, exercising their own judgement. Grillo claims to espouse the ideology of direct, bottom-up democracy but has sought to impose party discipline from the top down. He deals with rebels by threatening to withdraw their right to use the movements brand, of which he is the exclusive owner.

So while its possible that the movement could do well if the Italian government calls an election in 2017 or 2018, it would find itself uniquely badly placed to withstand the enormous threats to its unity that would come with being in office. The greatest concern would be the market pressures, including capital flight and economic turmoil, that would be caused by the promise of a referendum on euro membership.

And even if it were able to withstand such pressures, it might then find it difficult, if not impossible, to hold such a referendum in the first place. For one thing, the Italian constitution prohibits referendums on the abrogation of laws ratifying international treaties, and the jurisprudence that has developed over the years has extended the prohibition to the laws that give effect to such treaties.

That means that in order to hold a euro membership referendum, it would probably first be necessary to secure a revision of the constitution, and for that to be possible, it would be necessary to win two positive votes in each chamber of parliament at intervals of not less than three months. Without that support, the M5s would almost certainly need to hold a confirmatory referendum for the constitutional revision.

So there might have to be two referendums before an exit from the euro could take place. And then, of course, those referendums would have to be won. In order to achieve that, M5s would have to overcome its current uncertainty about what it would replace euro membership with. And it would have to find a way of persuading the 67 per cent of respondents who currently say they favour continued membership.

Of course, we live in rapidly changing times. But if forced to place a bet on it, I would put my money on there not being a euro exit any time soon  or at least not one engineered by the M5s.

This article first appeared in The Conversation.
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The Aleppo room comes from a Christian home in the northern Syrian city; built in around 1600 it is probably the oldest surviving painted panelled room from the Ottoman empire. It is a blaze of red and ochre and crimson and inlaid doors. Hundreds of years later, the Beit al Wakil would become a hotel and this reception room was, like most ancient Syrian homes, built around a courtyard. It was a divan, a place where guests removed their shoes and sat on low cushions amid opulent furnishings, a unique memory of the greatest civilisation of an equally unique empire.

And what a moment, as Aleppos tragedy is being played out to the end, to walk around this extraordinary place. The fact that the Aleppo room belonged to a Christian family  then, as now, a minority in this great and tortured city  makes it especially valuable. Painted on the wall panels are Jesus as a child, the Last Supper, Salome dancing before Herod and Abrahams sacrifice of Isaac  a scene familiar to Muslims and Jews as well as Christians  and there are five illustrations of the Virgin Mary. But there are Islamic motifs as well as wrestlers and dragons and a mythical Persian bird, tulips and hyacinths and the animals of the Creation.

Of course, if the Aleppo room was still in Aleppo, it might well have been destroyed, burned in the indulgence of fire which consumed much of the old city two years ago when even the great mosque and minaret of the Omayad crashed to the ground. But in 1912, the old Syrian Wakil family sold their Aleppo room to the Kaisers Museum of Islamic Art in Berlin  wood panelling was by then regarded as passe  and so this magnificent structure, a symbol of Christian-Muslim culture and probably painted by a Persian, moved to the capital of the Reich.

 Aftermath of airstrike in Aleppo

Was this a blessing, a prescient saving grace that allowed this small divinity to travel thousands of kilometres to Germany and thus spare its immolation today? The massive Pergamon museum in present-day Berlin does not specifically says so  but archly implies just that. For outside the room, on the wall, the curators have affixed an aerial photograph of the ruins of the old city of Aleppo taken only last year. It shows bomb craters and roofless houses, and on the photograph is the very location of where the Aleppo Room would have stood  or not have stood  had it not been removed just over a century ago and sent to the sanctuary of civilised western Europe. Its a perspective that is well worth dwelling upon.

For me, there was a special irony when I presented my museum ticket to the Berlin official whose job was to let me through the main door. He was not German, as I had guessed at once. I asked him in Arabic where he was from and his face lit up and he said: Syria. I am from Qamishleh. Ah yes, Qamishleh, cut off by pro-Syrian Kurds to the east, a hostile Turkey to the north, Isis to the south around Hassakeh, defended by a Syrian army tank unit and a parachute regiment, a mixed Sunni-Christian town where once, in the 1920s, at about the time the Wakils sold the Aleppo Room to Berlin, a certain General de Gaulle was based as a young officer in the French mandate.

But needless to say, my wicked mind had already framed the lesson of this brief encounter; a Syrian had been hired to check visitors  including me  to the European museum which had nicked his countrys antiquities in one of the biggest cultural heists of modern history. Well, hold on, you might say. The Aleppo Room was sold to the Germans  true  and many of the massive artifacts in the Pergamon would have been lost forever or destroyed in situ had they not been originally excavated at great cost by 19th- and early 20th-century Germany archaeologists. The Ishtar Gate and Processional Way  yes, you can actually see the very 6th century BC brick gate and walls painted with lions and bulls and dragons through which Nebuchadnezzar II himself must have walked  was brought in tiny fragments to Berlin after their discovery in 1902 and pieced together over many years. The Ishtar Gate comes from Babylon in modern-day Iraq. Would it have survived the 1991 war on Iraq? Or the 2003 invasion? Or the looters of 2004 and 2005 and 2006 who have gutted so much of Iraqs southern archaeological heritage?

In pictures: Aleppo bombing Show all 14 1 /14 In pictures: Aleppo bombing In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Smoke rises after airstrikes on the rebel-held al-Sakhour neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family runs for cover amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Al-Qatarji in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man reacts as he stands on blood stains at a site hit by airstrikes in the rebel held area of Aleppo's al-Fardous district, Syria, April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damage of the airstrikes in the rebel-held area of Aleppo on April 28 Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damaged the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)-backed al-Quds hospital after it was hit by airstrikes, in a rebel-held area of Syria's Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians evacuate an injured man amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following an air strike on a rebel-held of Aleppo on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo People inspect the damage at a site hit by airstrikes, in the rebel-held area of Aleppo's Bustan al-Qasr AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man leads a woman in tears and child out of the scene after airstrikes hit Aleppo AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Civil defence members search for survivors after an airstrike at a field hospital in the rebel held area of al-Sukari district of Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian boy is comforted as he cries next to the body of a relative who died in a reported air strike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Soukour in the northern city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family walks amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike in the Bustan al-Qasr rebel-held district of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers and rescuers remove a baby from under the rubble of a destroyed building following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Kalasa in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians help a wounded youth following an air strike on the Fardous rebel held neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers evacuate people from a damaged building following a reported airstrike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of Tareeq al-Bab in the northern city of Aleppo

Yes, there is a special obscenity in merely discussing physical artefacts when Syrias tragedy and Iraqs tragedy approaches such horrific human dimensions of pain and death. But it remains a bleak fact that our artefacts outlive us and should exist for future generations, especially for the children of those who die in wars. So back to the Pergamon.

There are statues from the plain of Ninevah which surely would not have survived the cult-like iconoclasm of Isis  certainly not in the past two years. The vast Mshatta Palace facade is a massive 8th century Umayyad construction with a delicate weave of animals, acanthus leaves and grapevines and geometrical designs which spreads across a whole floor of the Pergamon and comes from the Syrian-Jordanian desert. It was a gift from Sultan Abdul Hamid II to Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1902. Suffice it to say that despite his artistic generosity, Abdul Hamid was the Sultan who gave his name to the Hamidian massacres of at least 80,000 Armenians less than a decade earlier  and Wilhelm was the chap who lost the First World War and helped to doom the very Ottoman Empire which so admired him.

But behind both the artifacts and their history lies, as I said, this dark suspicion of racist supremacy: that we civilised western folk are far better qualified to look after these magnificent relics than the locals who keep fighting each other and overturning their regimes. Look at the Egyptian treasures stolen during Mubaraks overthrow. If the Germans had saved Palmyras Temple of Bel and Triumphal Arch in the 19th or early 20th century, we would still be able to see them  albeit in Berlin  rather than finger their explosive-blasted slivers of stone as I did a few weeks ago in Palmyra. I suppose Isis would have blown up a colonnade instead.

But its not just Germany we are talking about here. We Brits have clung on to the Parthenon frieze  from a Parthenon used as a gunpowder store in the 17th century and subsequently blown up  because Lord Elgin grabbed the sculptures in the 19th century and sent them back to England, again with the indulgence and permission of the Ottomans. We could never send them back because the Greeks had nowhere to put them. And when the Greeks did build just such a museum, we still didnt send them back. The French still keep the Rosetta Stone; after all, it was M Champollion who deciphered its hieroglyphs, not the local Egyptians. And museums as far away as Belfast have their clusters of Egyptian mummies.

So do we not have a right to these treasures, if only to spare them the destruction at the hands of their own descendants in faraway wars? Well, theres a few telling moments in Berlins own history books and theres a revealing page in the Pergamons own guidebook which shows the state of the great museum after the RAF had staged their thousand-bomber raids on Berlin. The roof has collapsed. The great Mshatta Palace facade had to be reassembled and restored all over again after bombs had smashed it apart. Perhaps the most impressive of all architectural remains in the Pergamon  the Roman Miletus Market Gate, standing well over 50 feet tall with intricate tracery and columns  was smashed to pieces in one RAF raid and had to be restored all over again  which must have taken quite a bit of imaginative recreation given a photograph taken after the destruction. Then the East Germans made a botch of some of the restoration  and the whole thing had to be restored once more!

So Im not so sure than the civilised West really has the right to claim a safe reception area for the worlds treasures. London couldnt protect its Wren churches from the Nazis, Warsaws great archives and museums were dynamited by the SS. The Germans squirrelled away a lot of their museum masterpieces in the Second World War  that which they could physically move  and kept them safe (along with a mass of looted treasures from other peoples museums) but thats no guarantee. And when it comes to Ottoman artefacts, we couldnt stop the Croat army destroying the magnificent bridge linking Muslim to Christian districts in the Bosnian city of Mostar in 1993. And that was in Europe, not the Middle East.

But walking round the Aleppo room, I wonder. Would we really want to send this masterpiece back to a rebuilt Aleppo? Would we risk it? Syrian Muslims and Christians can still see it in Berlin, you may say  yes, but only if they have a visa. I suppose last years million refugees can go and see it. But does it belong to us? Or are we merely its gatekeepers, its temporary  yes, colonial  protectors until the Middle East proves it can behave itself and we lordly westerners can hand it back before we go to war with each other again. No, I dont think the Arabs of the Levant are in any shape to build new museums right now. But even if Putin is an art lover, I dont think Mr Trump would care much about the heritage of Aleppo  unless, I suppose, he could install it in Trump Tower. We have our wars too.

An unhappy ending to such thoughts; right now, I fear wed better keep what we have and leave their future ownership open. In one sense, they all belong to us, Europeans and Arabs alike. Maybe we can one day decide whose wars destroy more treasures than the others. In the meanwhile, yes, we must admit. At least the Aleppo room is safe.
Denis O'Brien arrives at the Four Courts in Dublin

One of Ireland's richest men has asked the High Court to rule that a line was crossed when two elected representatives disclosed details of his banking affairs in parliament.

In a case which strikes at the separation of State powers, telecoms and media tycoon Denis O'Brien is suing the entire Oireachtas after remarks made under parliamentary privilege last year.

In a rare public appearance, the billionaire who controls a sizeable section of Irish media outlets was cross-examined for an hour and 20 minutes about his claim that two TDs acted "recklessly and maliciously" in disclosing his affairs by using parliamentary privilege to "usurp" a High Court order barring publication.

He also referred to death threats made against him and his family around the time of the affair.

"As a citizen, I went into court to get an order that was deliberately unravelled by two members of the Oireachtas," he said, adding he expected the High Court order to be watertight.

"Instead it was completely porous because of members of the Oireachtas."

There was standing room only in the packed court 29 in Dublin Four Courts for the hearing, which had drawn a small band of disparate protesters who later heckled the businessman as he left.

Last year, Mr O'Brien sought an injunction preventing State broadcaster RTE from reporting on what he claims are stolen files of his banking records with the State-owned IBRC, formerly rogue lender Anglo Irish Bank.

The Dubliner, who lives in Malta, said two TDs - Independent Catherine Murphy and Sinn Fein's Pearse Doherty - knew exactly what they were doing when they later read details of the file into the public record.

"One deputy was tweeting and speaking at the same time," he said, comparing personal banking details to medical records in terms of confidentiality.

Dressed in a dark suit, pale blue shirt and blue tie, he told the court: "I am here today to see if there is a way for this to never happen again for any citizen."

Barrister Michael Collins SC, for the Oireachtas, said the order never applied to the parliament.

"I subsequently learned that," accepted Mr O'Brien.

"But at the time I thought that the High Court order would not be unravelled by another arm of the State - in this case, the Oireachtas.

"I would have thought that Dail deputies and members of the Oireachtas would have respected an order of the High Court."

At the time, Mr O'Brien wrote to a number of media outlets telling them they could not publish the remarks made under parliamentary privilege because of the High Court order.

His barrister Michael Cush SC has referred to the resulting confusion and "constitutional crisis".

Under questioning, Mr O'Brien agreed he was asking the High Court to express its disapproval of the Oireachtas for allowing the disclosures to be made and make an adverse finding against the two TDs involved.

Furthermore, he agreed he wanted the High Court to find "a line had been crossed" and for a "judicial condemnation" to be issued to the parliament.

"Hopefully, if I am successful it will never happen again," he said.

"It will change things for the future."

In one reference to his written testimony, Mr O'Brien - the sole witness in the case which is expected to last a week - said he had received two death threats on May 31 last year around the time of the disclosures.

The testimony refers to one unnamed person referring to a "chilling fantasy ... about slitting my throat".

The individual alleged he was a former member of the French Foreign Legion and said: "I'm pretty good with a sniper rifle and this c***'s got a big head."

Mr O'Brien agreed he was not suggesting the threats came from anyone connected with the case.

He reported the incidents to the gardai on June 5.

Asked why he would not individually sue the two TDs at the centre of the case, Mr O'Brien said he had taken legal advice on the matter and could not answer the question.

Asked if he would sue them if he could, he replied that he did not know, but later said it was unlikely when pressed if his current High Court case was about preparing a path in that direction.

The case continues.
Ryanair said holidaymakers have been overcharged "for years" and claimed Ryanair Holidays will "transform" the travel industry

Ryanair has launched a package holiday service which it claims will be the best value for travellers.

The Dublin-based airline said holidaymakers have been overcharged for years and Ryanair Holidays will transform the travel industry.

Customers can book seats on Ryanair flights along with a choice of more than 330,000 hotels throughout the Mediterranean and major European cities.

Ryanair has formed a partnership with Spanish tour operator Logitravel and accommodation provider World2Meet.

Kenny Jacobs, Ryanair's chief marketing officer, claimed the service will be "a great success" and said the company would forgo its commission to increase sales.

He told a press conference in London: "If you're looking at a package holiday on Ryanair Holidays you will see that typically our customers will save at least 40 on every single seat that they're booking.

"If you take those flight savings that you make versus any other airline and apply those to a package holiday, a mum, dad and two kids will save at least 10% on a package holiday.

"We are also willing to invest our part of the commission to drive conversion of this and it's a market which has a huge amount of commission, so we're confident this will be the best value for European consumers in the market."

The service has been launched in the UK, Ireland and Germany with a dedicated website. Other markets will follow next year.

Holidaymakers who book through the firm will be protected under the Atol scheme, which ensures consumers are refunded if a travel firm collapses.

Mr Jacobs went on: " Customers have been paying too much for package holidays for years and more and more want to put their own packages together themselves.

"Ryanair customers already enjoy the biggest route network in Europe and with Ryanair Holidays can choose from a fantastic range of three, four and five star hotels throughout the Mediterranean and Europe's capital cities, ideal for last-minute getaways, summer family holidays, winter sun or city breaks."
1 Undershaft is set to be the tallest tower in the City of London

The City of London has approved plans for what will be the tallest tower in the financial district.

The 73-storey building, which will include a public viewing gallery and restaurant at the top, as well as enough workspace for 10,000 people, was approved at a vote on Monday. The tower will be constructed by Aroland Holdings Ltd, a closely-held company based in Singapore.

The new building at 1 Undershaft, a plot of land between the skyscrapers known as the Cheesegrater and the Gherkin, will have about 90,000 sq m (970,000 sq ft) of mostly office space. It will replace a tower in which insurer Aviva Plc is the biggest tenant.

Britain's vote to leave the European Union has discouraged companies from building new office space in the capital because of concerns about a potential drop in demand. New London office construction starts fell 42pc in the six months through September compared with a year earlier, Deloitte LLP said in a November 15 report.

Berlin Hyp AG, for its part, has delayed plans to open an office in London after the Brexit vote, providing evidence how the uncertainty created by the June referendum is impacting banks' investment plans.

"We have postponed the creation of an office in London until the modalities of the UK's exit from the European Union have become clear and can be assessed," the Pfandbrief bank said by e-mail. Berlin Hyp had 27.8bn of assets at the end of September compared with 28.5bn at the end of last year.

Some German lenders which have used their nation's Pfandbrief legislation to offer cheap credit for British commercial mortgages, may see activity derailed by Brexit as the law limits loans to properties in the EU and European Economic Area. About 17pc of UK commercial property loans in the first half of the year were advanced by German lenders, according to a survey by Leicester-based De Montfort University.

Many banks with European operations in London are reviewing their presence because they stand to lose their EU passporting rights, according to UBS Group AG's head Stefan Winter, who also leads the country's association of foreign banks.

International businesses may shift as many as 100,000 jobs away from London within two years of the UK officially starting a process to leave the EU because businesses risk losing their passporting rights, according to Jefferies Group LLC analyst Mike Prew. Rents could fall 8-10 pc over the next 24 months, he said.

(Bloomberg)
A joint venture company, formed by Kepak Group and Oliver Carty, has agreed terms to acquire a majority shareholding in Greene Farm Foods, Ballygarvey, Rathowen, Co. Westmeath.

The planned acquisition is subject to normal due diligence and the statutory approval of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The move comes just week's after Kepak announced plans to acquire John Kelly Meats in Clare.

Greene Farm Foods processes and markets a range of high quality cooked convenience meats into the retail and foodservice distribution channels, predominantly in Ireland.

Oliver Carty processes and markets a wide and varied range of pork and bacon products also predominantly into the Irish retail and foodservice distribution channels.

Kepak Group is a significant primary and added value processor of Irish beef, lamb and pork; it also has a significant portfolio of own brand and branded convenience foods. It has an EU and international sales reach to a diverse range of retail and foodservice customers.

Mr John Horgan, Kepak Group MD said "This joint venture collaboration and investment by Kepak Group and Oliver Carty in Greene Farm Foods will unlock significant commercial and operational synergies for all the shareholders and for the supply chain stakeholders. Kepak looks forward to collaborating with Oliver Carty to develop win-win outcomes for all parties."

Mr. Ted Carty, MD, Oliver Carty, said he was excited by the joint venture partnership opportunities presented by this planned investment in Greene Farm Foods. It represents a logical strategic development for Oliver Carty; our heritage is in consumer focused innovation for our customers. This investment, with our partner Kepak Group, will enable us to accelerate the launch of new product ranges.

Mr Ken Greene, MD, Greene Farm Foods said I am excited by the new horizons afforded by this Kepak-Oliver Carty investment in Greene Farm Foods. We will continue to be specialist producers of premium sliced cooked meats, and in particular we will continue to develop the Greene Farm Brand. It will also bring a new developmental dynamic to our site.

This investment will bring very significant new commercial opportunities for my company and it represents a great boost for all the staff at our flagship facility at Ballygarvey, Rathowen. I am particularly pleased that our new partners are committed to the further development of our product and customer portfolio. Greene Farm Foods can plan for the future with greater confidence and ambition."
The 83-year-old farmer who died in a quad bike accident this week was from a family steeped in history and carried the Irish flag at a recent commemorative event.

Tom Hales died on Tuesday when the quad bike he was on overturned near his home in Carrigroe, Enniskeane, Cork.

Tom was the son of former Fianna Fail TD Tom Hales, who fought in both the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War. Tom was also the nephew of Sean Hales TD, who was shot in December 1922 during the Civil War.

Tom was heavily involved in the local historical societies and was pictured just two weeks ago when he carried an Irish flag at the commemorations of the Kilmichael Ambush of 1920.

Expand Close Tom driving his Lanz Bulldog vintage tractor. Pic: Ahiohill & District Classic & Vintage Club. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Tom driving his Lanz Bulldog vintage tractor. Pic: Ahiohill & District Classic & Vintage Club.

He was also involved in vintage machinery and was a founding member of Ahiohill and District Classing and Vintage Club.

One club member described Tom as "a man who always turned out with his machinery regardless of the weather. He had great time for anyone involved in or interested in machinery."

Tom himself kept a number of vintage machines, including a German-built Lanz Bulldog tractor.

His death is the second to hit the Cork farming community this year and brings to 18 the total number of farm fatalities in Ireland this year.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, TD, today confirmed that the next instalment of payments under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme and Greening will commence as scheduled on December 1.

Since mid-October my Department has been issuing 70% advance payments to farmers under the Basic Payment Scheme.

From December 1, balancing payments will begin issuing to farmers.

These payments are an important boost for farmers in terms of addressing cash flow issues, Minister Creed said.

The rollout of balancing payments brings the total paid under the Basic Payment Scheme to 1.12bn and 121,000 farmers have received a payment to date.

In addition, over 87,000 farmers have been paid a total of 188m under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme to date.

The Minister stated payments under the Basic Payments Scheme and the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme over the last few months represent a total payment of over 1.3bn to farmers.

This is a very significant financial boost for both individual farmers and the wider rural economy, and represents an important investment in the continued growth of our Agri-food sector.

The Minister confirmed that his Department is continuing to prioritise the processing of outstanding cases under both schemes, saying "I can confirm that every effort continues to be made to clear for payment the small percentage of outstanding cases.

Regular pay runs will continue to be run in December in order to process cases as quickly as possible. I am particularly pleased that we have continued to process payments at a rate that compares very favourably to the systems in place in other Member States.

The Minister concluded by urging farmers who may have outstanding queries from his Department to respond as soon as possible.

In this way I can ensure the quickest turnaround of cases for payment" the Minister said, and it remains my firm intention to ensure that everything possible will continue to be done to ensure that farmers payments are processed as efficiently as possible. With this in mind, my Department will continue to roll out online application for BPS to all farmers over the next two years.
A new pesticides row has broken out in Brussels following a landmark decision by the EUs highest court.

Environmental activists, including Greenpeace and a Dutch bee-protection association, have won the right to access documents on pesticides authorisation by EU and Dutch authorities.

The European Court of Justice said this week that the authorities cant block access to documents just because they might contain commercially sensitive information.

In one case, Greenpeace and the Pesticides Action Network Europe asked the Commission for files on glyphosate, the controversial weedkiller that the World Health Organization has linked to cancer in humans.

In a separate case, German pharmaceutical giant Bayer refused to hand over documents that it claimed would infringe copyright and confidentiality.

EU rules provide for public access to environmental information, including details on pesticide emissions into the air, water, soil and on to plants, the court said. Meanwhile, EU parliamentarians want to stop another weedkiller, Bentazone, from being renewed for use in the bloc after its authorisation expires next June.

The European Commission wants to renew it for a further 15 years, the maximum allowed under EU law, but MEPs say the chemical may be dangerous.

The European Food Safety Authority, in a report last year, said the chemical was suspected of damaging the unborn child.

It also said key information was missing on the potential for the chemical to leak into groundwater.

In a non-binding vote last week, MEPs said the Commission should request and assess the missing information before deciding to renew the chemical.

The vote will add to the European Commissions ongoing woes over glyphosate.

EU countries couldnt agree on whether to reauthorise it, forcing the Commission to step in and give it the green.
Property tycoon Nick Candy with his wife, former Neighbours star Holly Valance. Candy is being sued by a former friend

Up to 27m of assets controlled by two Irish companies have come into focus in a high-profile 132m (155m) UK court case being taken by against the Candy brothers by a former friend.

Mark Holyoake is suing the property moguls via a company owned by him in Jersey, called Hotblack, in relation to a soured London development project.

Christian and Nick Candy, and other defendants, made an application for security of costs in the case, amid claims that an Ibiza villa owned by Mr Holyoake via an Irish company is worth almost 19m.

The defendants claimed in a London court that Hotblack would be unable to pay their costs if it was ultimately ordered to do so. The judge has determined that the likely legal costs for the defendants could come to 5.5m (6.5m) - less than the 8.4m estimated by the defendants themselves.

It was not disputed in court that Hotblack itself did not have sufficient assets to cover such costs.

However, it was debated whether Mr Holyoake, as a co-claimant in the case, would be a so-called 'good mark' for any costs that might arise in favour of the defendants.

Hotblack has already secured a 4m insurance policy it was claimed would be sufficient to cover the defendants' costs.

But the defendants argued that 4m would be too low an amount, and that additional security would be required.

The judge's 5.5m estimate still left a 1.5m shortfall in the security that would have to be provided by Hotblack. It was proposed that Mr Holyoake could provide for that shortfall, based on assets he owns, including property in Ibiza.

Representatives for Mr Holyoake said that his villa in Ibiza is owned by an Irish company called Hollywell. Two plots of land beside it are owned by another Irish firm, Blue Valley. The Irish firms are owned by Mr Holyoake and his wife.

The most recent valuation placed on those assets was 18.8m for the villa, and a total of 8.8m for the two plots of land. But the judge noted that if the villa was sold, ABN might be entitled to proceeds of a sale to recoup debts of 13m attached to the property.

The judge also said that selling the villa quickly enough to meet an order of costs could be problematic, and so declined to accept it as additional cost security.

"I cannot conclude on the material before me that Mr Holyoake's ownership through the Irish companies of the property means that he will be able to meet an order for costs in favour of the defendants within anything like the normal timescale," he said.

He ordered that 5.5m of security be provided in the case by the claimants, and that agreement should be reached by the parties as to how the 1.5m shortfall should be provided for.
Two more Irish firms owned by US investment firm Cerberus have revealed minuscule tax liabilities here despite making a combined 26m (30m) in profits.

One of the firms, Promontoria Ram, was used to buy distressed loans from Ulster Bank and UIster Bank Ireland in May last year.

It paid just 1,846 (2,168) tax on 16.6m (19.5m) in profits that were generated in a six-month period from May to December last year, newly-filed accounts for the firm show.

Promontoria Ram was established last year as a special purpose vehicle to buy the loans from Ulster Bank.

"The assets purchased were non-performing commercial and real estate loans and related hedging instruments secured on property in Ireland and the United Kingdom," the accounts note. Collections on the loans in the six-month reporting period last year totalled 66.5m (78.1m).

Newly-filed accounts for Promontoria Chestnut show that it generated profits of nearly 9.8m (11.5m) in 2015, but paid just 1,638 (1,977) in tax here. It collected 181.2m in payments on loans from borrowers in 2015.

The loans in the Chestnut portfolio are almost entirely attached to property in Britain.

The 'Irish Times' reported earlier this week that another Irish Cerberus firm, Promontoria Eagle, paid just 1,900 tax on 77m in profits it generated last year. The company was used to acquire 1.6bn of Nama's Northern Ireland loans.

The Comptroller and Auditor General has found that the sale to Cerberus of those loans could have lost the Irish taxpayer up to 200m.

The Promontoria firms established by Cerberus have legally availed of a special tax break - commonly known as a section 110 - that enabled some special purpose vehicles to offset loans used to acquire assets against their own tax bill.

In September, Finance Minister Michael Noonan introduced an amendment to the relevant tax act that closes a loophole that has enabled vulture funds to avoid taxes on profits made off acquired loans attached to Irish property assets.

Cerberus Global Investments is chaired by former US vice president Dan Quayle. It is one of a number of international investment firms that swooped on distressed Irish property assets during the economic downturn, later making huge profits.
Taosieach Enda Kenny will today meet Apple boss Tim Cook to discuss the European Commission's ruling that tax arrangements with the tech giant amounted to illegal State aid.

Mr Kenny is on a three-day trip to the United States where he will meet influential business people on both coasts.

While it is understood that contact has been made with the office of US president-elect Donald Trump, no meeting has yet been scheduled for when Mr Kenny will be in New York tomorrow.

The European ruling that the State must seek 13bn in back taxes from Apple came in August.

The Government is appealing the decision.

It insisted that the firm - which employs more than 5,000 people in Ireland - did not get special treatment from the Revenue.

Mr Kenny is to meet Mr Cook in Apple's 'Infinite Loop' headquarters in Cupertino, California.

A spokesman said that the pair were "expected to take stock of developments relating to the European Commission's decision regarding Apple's tax liability, including the State and the company's appeals."

Apple has until the end of the year to lodge its own appeal. Mr Cook has already indicated that the company will do so.

He previously dismissed Brussels' tax accusations as "political crap" and suggested Ireland was being "picked on" by the commission.

Mr Kenny's spokesman said another item on the agenda was Apple's current and planned investment and operations in Ireland, including the planned Athenry data centre.

Mr Kenny will also visit the offices of Facebook where he will deliver an address to the San Francisco Bay Area Economic Council which includes Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg among its board of trustees.
Ulster Bank won't end up on the auction block after its British parent failed a Bank of England stress test, but the Irish arm will come under pressure to deliver more capital back to the UK faster, according to analysts.

Ulster Bank insisted yesterday that it is not directly affected, after its UK taxpayer-controlled owner Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) said it will cut costs and sell assets to boost capital, after failing a Bank of England stress test.

The Irish bank is regulated as a stand-alone entity by the Central Bank here. Its UK parent, which was bailed out to the tune of 45bn after the banking crises, rushed out a statement yesterday after the test results saying it will take a range of actions to make up the capital shortfall identified, amounting to about 2bn.

Investec analyst Owen Callan said the news will increase the pressure on Ulster Bank to "stand on its own two feet" and distribute capital back to its parent.

"Ulster Bank is no longer a problem for RBS. They had to put a lot of capital into it during the crisis and now they have been able to take some of it out.

"They will, I'm sure, gladly take more and more of that out if Ulster Bank can continue on the strong profitability that it has shown," Mr Callan told the Irish Independent.

Goodbody's John Cronin said it is "extremely unlikely" that RBS will push major strategy changes at Ulster Bank as a result of the failed stress test. The Irish bank is already cutting costs and has sold off a swathe of problem loans.

Ulster Bank's return to profit last year means the bank is no longer a drain on its UK parent. The Irish arm is hugely well capitalised. Yesterday, Ulster Bank was due to pay 1.5bn to RBS, the first major dividend paid out of any lender here since the Crash, after the bank had secured permission from the Central Bank to reduce capital.

A sale of Ulster Bank is seen as unlikely, even after RBS said yesterday that it will make asset disposals.

"The market just isn't there for it [Ulster Bank] at the moment. European banks aren't being particularly expansionary in general, there isn't too much M&A going on.

"There are no other banks looking to expand forcefully into new markets, some are bolting on bits and pieces on existing markets but there's no big foreign player in the Irish market that could take on Ulster Bank," he said.

Shares in RBS, which was bailed out by UK taxpayers eight years ago, fell as much as 4.6pc.

The failed test underlines a litany of problems RBS is grappling with, including a mounting legal bill for misconduct before the Crash and difficulties selling assets such as its Williams & Glyn business.

The Bank of England (BoE) approved RBS's new capital plan on Tuesday night.

"Its challenge is that it still has legacy issues ... .There's misconduct costs. There's impaired assets. They're still working through the so-called non-core assets, on which they have made progress," BoE Governor Mark Carney told reporters.

"They are not talking about raising capital. The magnitude of their plan is much bigger than the size of the shortfall in the stress test."

Asset sales avoid the embarrassment of a rights issue, that would mean putting in more taxpayer money. (Additional reporting Reuters)
Here are the main business stories from this morning's papers:

Irish Independent

* Ulster Bank won't end up on the auction block after its British parent failed a Bank of England stress test, but the Irish arm will come under pressure to deliver more capital back to the UK faster, according to analysts.

Ulster Bank insisted yesterday that it is not directly affected, after its UK taxpayer-controlled owner Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) said it will cut costs and sell assets to boost capital, after failing a Bank of England stress test.

* The cost of renting a home has again shot up, but there are tentative signs that the rate of increase is easing off.

Experts said rent rises were slowing because landlords now realised that tenants couldn't afford to pay more for their accommodation.

* Two more Irish firms owned by US investment firm Cerberus have revealed minuscule tax liabilities here despite making a combined 26m (30m) in profits.

One of the firms, Promontoria Ram, was used to buy distressed loans from Ulster Bank and UIster Bank Ireland in May last year.

The Irish Times

* Former Irish Nationwide Building Society boss Michael Fingleton has sought for a Central Bank enquiry into his management of the business to be postponed well into next year.

The ex-INBS chief executive told a panel of three yesterday that he was nearing 80 and that his health was under supervision.

* Dropping America's corporation tax is a priority for the Trump administration, the country's new treasury secretary Steven Mnuichin has said.

The move will pose major challenges for Ireland in attracting inward investment from the US.

* The head of Britvic Ireland Kevin Donnelly has said his company is prepared for the introduction of the sugar tax, and that Ireland adopts a similar to the UK, more than half of the company's drinks will be exempt from the charge.

The company posted a 9.4pc increase in revenue to 131.7m last year as the Ballygowan brand continued to outperform the market.

Irish Examiner

* Irish people are amongst the world's most-prominent smartphone users, 13pc ahead of the European average, new research has shown.

According to the Google Consumer Barometer just under 80pc of Irish people now use a smartphone.

* Pre-tax profits at business technology provider MJ Flood last year increased by 13.5pc to 8.32m.

This follows revenues at MJ Flood Group last year increasing by 4pc from 82.75m to 86m.
A number of redundancies will be "unavoidable" following TV3 owner Virgin Media's acquisition of UTV Ireland.

Some 40 vacancies have been made available at TV3 following today's announcement.

It is understood that some of the 61 permanent staff currently employed at UTV Ireland will fill these vacancies.

Staff are to be offered redeployment opportunities under a restructuring programme that will consolidate the two businesses into one.

From December 5, the company will enter into a 30 day consultation period - and the plan is expected to be completed by January 2017.

UTV Ireland, which is currently based in Macken House, will move to TV3s headquarters in Ballymount.

Read More

The UTV Ireland channel will rebrand over the coming weeks and will join TV3s existing group of channels, TV3 and 3e.

"The combined TV3 Group business is now better equipped to compete against significant local and international broadcasters," Managing Director of TV3 Pat Kiely said.

The company also confirmed it will have three free-to-air TV channels operating under the TV3 Group.

"I am confident that our new three channel structure will drive the future potential and long term growth of the business, said Mr Kiely.
An average of 3,100 people were approved for a mortgage each month since the summer. Photo: Reuters

There was a strong rise in the number of people approved for a mortgage in October, as the home-loan market continues to improve.

And there are expectations that home-lending will pick up further due to the Governments help-to-buy scheme and changes to Central Bank rules.

An average of 3,100 people were approved for a mortgage each month since the summer.

Half of these were first-time buyers, according to new figures from the Irish Banking and Payments Federation.

The figures show the value of mortgage approvals in October rose by 29pc compared with the same month a year ago.

But this was a slow-down on the even stronger mortgage approval rises in September and August.

First-time buyers account for the biggest share of approvals. Close to 47pc of those approved for a mortgage were first-time buyers.

However, approvals for movers are now growing at a faster pace than those for new buyers.

Those moving house accounted for a third of people being approved for a home loan. Some 1,080 people were approved for a mortgage to move home in October, a rise of 31pc on the same month last year.

Economist with Davy Stockbrokers David McNamara said the figures show mortgage approvals softening in October.

He said: New loans worth 621m were approved in the month compared to 663m in September and a peak of 692m in July. This might be in part due to seasonality as the housing market winds down towards the year-end.

Alan McQuaid of Merrion Stockbrokers said that with the Central Bank easing its lending restrictions for first-time home buyers, mortgage approvals should pick up in the coming months.

However, that will likely keep upward pressure on house prices in the short-term until the supply issue is sorted out.

Goodbodys economic analyst Dermot OLeary said both the Governments buyer-support scheme and the Central Banks easing of its lending rules would boost demand.

He said: Both of these policy developments will support mortgage demand.

But he added that mortgage demand was already picking up in advance of these policy developments.

He said the brokerage was forecasting new lending growth of 19pc in 2017.
Mark Little is to step down as head of Twitter in Ireland just months after assuming the role.

The unexpected move comes as a result of an ongoing company-wide restructuring effort in Twitter as it seeks to turn a profit and grow its user base.

Little is a former RTE television anchor and founder of Storyful.

No replacement has been announced for the role.

For several months, Twitter has been considering changes to its media partnerships team, which I led in Europe, said Little today.

In October, the decision was made to restructure the team and locate its leadership roles in the United States. I was asked to consider a possible return to the US, where I was living when I joined Twitter, or building on my role as Twitters managing director in Dublin. I decided that neither would be the right fit for me - or Twitter Dublin - and opted for a mutually agreed exit from the company.

A spokesman for Twitter added: Mark Little will step down in his dual role as MD of Twitter Dublin and vice president of media in Europe. We want to express our gratitude for his exemplary stewardship of Twitter Dublin and for leading our European media team over the past 12 months.

"From building his own company, to reporting on world events across the globe, Mark brought his wealth of professional experience to bear on our media partnerships efforts across the continent. We wish him all the best for the future.

Twitter recently announced its intention to lay off 9pc of its workforce around the world, or roughly 350 people.

It is unclear how many Irish staff will be let go. Twitter employs over 200 people at its Dublin-based international headquarters.

We announced a restructuring and reduction in force affecting approximately 9pc of Twitters positions globally, said the company in its most recently quarterly earnings statement. The restructuring, which focuses primarily on reorganising our sales, partnerships and marketing efforts, is intended to create greater efficiency as we move toward our goal of driving toward profitability in 2017.

Twitter has endured a difficult period over the last 18 months with modest user growth compared to rivals such as Facebook and Snapchat.

The company recently had to abandon a sales process with potential bidders such as Google and Salesforce walking away from an acquisition of the social network.

The restructuring allows us to continue to fully fund our highest priorities, while eliminating investment in non-core areas and driving greater efficiency. Over time, we will look to invest in additional areas, as justified by expected returns and business results. We expect to recognise most of the pre-tax workforce restructuring charges in Q4.
Are there some areas where phones should be off-limits?

Last week, as I sat watching a great production of Martin McDonagh's 'The Lonesome West' in a small Dublin theatre, I noticed a beam of light repeatedly coming from the audience a few rows ahead of me.

Peering over, I saw that a young woman was keeping up with various social media and messaging sites on her phone.

At the interval, I confronted the lady and asked whether she might stop doing it.

"Why? I have it on silent," was her offended reply.

The young woman isn't alone. Across theatres, cinemas and other places traditionally given to periods of mandated attention, a growing number of people feel no social trespass in using phones whenever they want.

The evidence isn't just anecdotal.

The latest survey of 940 Irish people by Deloitte shows that over one in five Irish people now routinely use a smartphone while eating in a restaurant with friends or family. (The percentage is even higher for using a phone during dinner time at home.)

Similarly, 35pc of us now routinely take out and use the phone when "meeting friends on a night out".

And almost one in 10 of us admit to regularly using the phone while driving.

Of course, none of this will come as any big surprise to anyone alive in the year 2016. There is scarcely such a thing as a gathering of young people in a cafe without smartphones out, on and engaged.

And to be fair, phones can bring some extra laughs to a friendly gathering. We've all seen a funny photo or an exchange we'd like to share in person.

But the extent to our smartphones' physical omnipresence is starting to make us upset with each other. The same Deloitte survey shows that over 40pc of adults between the ages of 24 and 44 now routinely have "disagreements with their partner due to their mobile phone usage". Indeed, one in five us have a row about it at least once a fortnight, according to the research.

With this in mind, perhaps it's time to refresh our sense of social etiquette when it comes to using phones in public and among ourselves. Maybe we're forgetting our manners a bit. So I'd gently suggest these three rules.

1. Don't keep checking phones in dark places like theatres and cinemas. It's utterly ignorant. Everyone around you - sometimes including the actors on stage - can see the bright beam of light shoot up into the air. It's a significant distraction.

I'd even add some plane journeys to the list of venues, by the way: if you're on an overnight flight and someone keeps switching their high lumens screen on and off casually, it's simply annoying.

2. If you must check your phone in a dark place, do fellow attendees or passengers the courtesy of turning the screen's brightness to a minimum and using the phone discreetly. (If you don't know how to do this, just swipe down from the top on an Android phone and drag the brightness bar to the left; on an iPhone, swipe up from the bottom and do the same thing.)

3. Try to keep your ringtones and notification volumes commensurate to where you are. At work or in a restaurant, it's simply polite to have your phone's tones at a level that you can hear but that don't pierce everyone else's focus. The same principle goes for letting your phone ring out: if you must do that, hit the mute button on the phone for the remainder of the ringing. (If you don't know how to do this, just hit the 'volume down' button on an iPhone or Android phone.)

Readers will have umpteen other examples of etiquette and manners related to phones. (Send me in a few if you like.)

They might point out the general observation that keeping your phone casually in your hand when sitting down with someone is a pretty crude signal that you're open to casual distraction at any time.

But that's entirely up to you and your own sense of propriety: it doesn't directly interfere with the tranquillity of those around you.

What should be more pressing is when your smartphone use crosses over into disturbance for others.

It's the digital equivalent of the person who sits beside you on a bus seat hocking up phlegm - or even spitting it out - without appearing to acknowledge any kind of social behavioural duty to fellow passengers.

Don't get me wrong: I love phones. I use them most of the day, every day. And I've never had any time for those who preach rubbish such as "your Facebook friends aren't your real friends".

But there's too much thoughtlessness going on with phones. And I'd really, really like to attend a play without taking part in someone's Snapchat conversation.
Dan Kiely has changed his mind about filing for an IPO. Up until recently, the Voxpro co-founder had a plan to float his tech outsourcing company as soon as it made 100m in annual revenue.

Now that this cash target is in sight, he and co-founder wife Linda have decided to hold off. "I've revised my thinking on all of that," says the Cork entrepreneur. "We're going to hit the 100m mark sooner rather than later. In my view, we need to be a much bigger company before we consider the IPO route now. It is still something that we aspire to but at much bigger revenues than 100m."

This week, Kiely laid out some of that aspiration. Voxpro opened a new office in Dublin's Silicon Docks and announced a fresh recruitment drive of 400 people. With over 2,000 people already employed taking high-end tech support calls for Google, Airbnb and others, the husband and wife team have decided to double down on scale.

"We want to become the first Irish outsourcing company to become global," he says. "And I mean truly global. That means a presence in the four corners of the world."

Scale means a new push into Asia, he says. It also means some serious funding to fuel expansion. Kiely says that "tens of millions" is what the company may now seek. "I'm very much open to that now," he says. "Because to achieve the level of scale we're looking at over the next 12 to 18 months, you need deep pockets. Especially to do it quickly. We also need it to buy the best talent available globally." Kiely and his wife own Voxpro outright. Since its beginning in Cork 20 years ago, the company has built up expertise in high-end support for some of the world's fastest growing tech companies.

"With Airbnb, we started with a team of six but are now in the hundreds, both in the US and in Dublin," he says. "Our story has been an ability to throw our arms around them when they're growing and to provide support to small teams as they start to scale globally."

Perhaps it's hanging around with companies like this that is giving the Kielys the push to scale up themselves?

"Possibly," he says. "We're working with some of the most iconic, scaling brands in the world like Airbnb and Google. Their trajectory in terms of the next three years is phenomenal. So we'll be growing alongside them."

Voxpro has recently been signing up other up-and-comers in Silicon Valley, such as the 60m-funded stock-trading app Robinhood.

But aren't 'outsourcing' and 'support' just posh words for call centres? What does Voxpro do to differentiate itself?

"The word 'call centre' offends me," says Kiely. "We describe ourselves as a centre of excellence. What I mean by that is that we're the best performing partner for any of our clients in the world."

This, again, might sound a little buzzword-ish. But Kiely says that the proof is in the graduates they're attracting and in the offices they have constructed, including a plush new facility next to Yahoo in Dublin's Point Village. "If you can guess what we do when you walk through our door, you'd be doing well," he says. "We build out spaces that encourage people to think 'what do they do'? It could be a marketing space, a tech startup or a PR company. When people walk through the door, they say 'wow'."

Still, call centres - or "centres of excellence", in the adjusted parlance - traditionally suffer from problems such as high churn. Is that an issue at Voxpro?

"It depends," says Kiely. "On the Google contract, our retention is very high. Then you have something that's more seasonal which will have higher attrition. Recently, we were making contingencies on an account for attrition but we had to abandon them because there was no attrition at all."

Voxpro employs close to 2,000 people in Ireland and almost 3,000 worldwide. But outsourced support is sometimes seen as a business activity for developing nations instead of than top-tier ones. As Ireland climbs the industrial value chain, is it the right place to continue hosting 'centres of excellence'?

"Yes it is," he says. "If you're positioning yourself as a top-level premium player, anyway. If you're trying to compete on cost, forget it. We recruit graduates. It's premium, high-end activity. There are many partners who will pay for that."

Perhaps the biggest single issue hovering over outsourced services and customer support is robotisation and artificial intelligence. Some of the world's biggest call centres are starting to replace humans en masse with robots and beefed-up online chatbots. Will this happen to Voxpro? And if so, what happens to all those jobs?

"Automation is affecting the industry," says Kiely. "We're already looking at robotics and artificial intelligence. But I think the robots will replace the very basic transactions and interactions. The more complex technical interactions will not be replaced. In the next five years, you're still going to be dealing with a person rather than a robot."

So Voxpro will still employ more humans at its centres in five years' time?

"Oh absolutely. A lot more. I don't see graduates from universities with high-end IT skills being replaced by robots in the next five years. Certainly not by us. Complex technical support and high-end customer experience will always require a human interaction in my view."

While he waits on the robot revolution to gather pace, the Kielys are mulling over the best way to raise money. Despite the need for new capital, he is cautious about its sourcing. "There's no shortage of private capital out there," he says. "But the bottom line is you have to choose someone that's a fit for you. If we were to go down the route of raising private equity, and I'm open to it, we'd never go to the highest bidder. It would have to be with someone who we feel we can work with, someone who gets us and our team. They're far more important than multiples of Ebitda."

For now, Kiely is content to push on with his new state-of-the-art office in the Silicon Docks. He says that Voxpro is beating its rivals in the tech sector because of its "agility". "We can pivot very quickly and we're flexible," he says. "There's no appreciable bureaucracy. If one of our partners wants something, we can react almost immediately. We do things differently."
Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih arrives for a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has agreed its first oil output cuts since 2008, according to a source.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) was close to clinching a deal to limit oil output, adding Riyadh was prepared to accept "a big hit" on its own production and agree to arch-rival Iran freezing output at pre-sanctions levels.

The comments could be seen as a compromise by Riyadh, which in recent weeks insisted that Iran fully participate in any cut.

Brent crude futures jumped by 7pc, reaching nearly $50 a barrel. Opec started a closed-door session at around 10am.

Falih also said Opec was focusing on reducing output to a ceiling of 32.5 million barrels per day, or cutting by more than a million bpd, and hoped Russia and other non-Opec members would contribute a cut of another 0.6 million bpd.

"It will mean that we take a big cut and a big hit from our current production and from our forecast for 2017.

"So we will not do it unless we make sure that there is consensus and an agreement to meet all of the principles," Falih said.

But he added that even if Opec failed to reach a deal, the market would slowly recover "We believe that non-OPEC growth has reversed and also most of the Opec growth we've seen is already behind us," he said.

"If we can't come to an agreement, then the other scenario of rolling over and waiting for the market to recover on its own is not a bad outcome." Clashes between Saudi Arabia and Iran have dominated many previous Opec meetings.

On Tuesday, Iran wrote to Opec saying it wanted Saudi Arabia to cut production by as much as 1 million bpd, more than Riyadh was willing to offer, Opec sources who saw the letter told Reuters.

But the tone changed yesterday. "I'm optimistic," said Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh, adding there had been no request for Iran to cut output. He also said Russia was ready to reduce output.

"Moscow have agreed to reduce their production and cut after our decision," Zanganeh said.

The 14-country Opec, which accounts for a third of global oil production, made a preliminary agreement in Algiers in September to cap output at around 32.5-33 million bpd versus the current 33.64 million bpd to prop up oil prices, which have halved since mid-2014.

Opec said it would exempt Iran, Libya and Nigeria from cuts as their output has been hit by unrest and sanctions.

The September deal was seen as a victory for Iran, which wants to raise production to regain market share lost under Western sanctions. (Reuters)
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group has become more cautious about lending to apartment developers and buyers due to concerns that parts of the market are oversupplied and household incomes have stagnated.

Shayne Elliott, CEO of Australia's third-largest bank by market value, told Reuters in an interview the bank had gone "quiet" in funding new developments in Melbourne's central business district and that there had been overbuilding in Brisbane.

"The second thing is to actually provide mortgages for people who are going to buy those apartments... again we haven't really been aggressive in that sector," he said.

The news will have uncomfortable echoes for Irish people who set up home in Australia after the property crash.

Approvals to build new Australian homes sank a shocking 12.6pc in October from a month earlier, confounding forecasts of a 1.5pc rise and marking the biggest drop since mid-2012.

Asked about overall market conditions, Elliott said: "It doesn't mean it's a calamity or a disaster but it does mean we should be cautious."

He said it wasn't clear if a potential decline in values for small inner-city units being built in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and often favoured by foreign buyers would have a contagion effect on other sections of the market.

ANZ could cope with property price falls of up to 40pc and a near-doubling of unemployment - the worst case scenario it runs as part of its stress-testing.

"It doesn't mean profitability would stay but in terms of soundness and survival, capital ratios, the ability to lend look okay," he said.

Elliott also said he was concerned that wage growth in Australia had stagnated. At a Reuters Newsmaker event earlier in the day, he cited the example of a Western Australian worker who was paid A$200,000 (140,000) a year during the resources boom but had his wages cut to A$80,000 (56,000) after the rout in commodity prices. (Reuters)
Old Moore's Almanac has predicted what's in store for 2017.

The magazine holds onto its position as having one of the highest circulations of any indigenous magazine in the country. With a print run of 47,000 copies, it has enjoyed a revival in recent years due to its accurate predictions and its love of futurism.

So what will be happening in the world in 2017?

Here are some of the predictions for the year ahead:

-2017 is the year of the global economic downturn. This is the year to hang on to your wallet.

-The geopolitical future of Europe will become right wing.

-A robotic android interactive sex partner will hit the news. Yes, people will be able to order an iLover.

-Australia and New Zealand will have property crashes.

-Several plane incidents in 2017, two major, one minor. Risk of two planes crashing. Plane being shot down or a near miss is likely. Turbulence due to global warming is in the news, especially in Asia.

-There is more talk of Northern Ireland and the Republic becoming united within the EU.

-Virtual currencies become very attractive.

-A coffee shortage makes news.

Video of the Day

- Dublin will win the Gaelic Football final and Tipperary will win the Hurling final.

-The Middle East is losing its religion, following the West. Upheaval from this will cause conflict.

-Declarations of not being aligned to any house of worship will rise, especially from politicians.

-Scientists will crack some reverse aging techniques.

-The idea of collaborative government rises, meaning no politicians, just boards of citizens ruling cities.

-World-wide population control gets discussed.

-A hotel attack makes international news.

-Big quake for Asia and the USA in 2017.

-In celebrity news, Amy Huberman uncharacteristically loses her cool, but shes right to do so. Will Smiths family is headed for controversy. crisis. Pippa Middletons wedding might be held up, or not go off as planned.

-Things calm down in Syria and migrants talk of returning to rebuild.

-Ireland is in danger of a lone-wolf style attack.

-The coalition government has trouble holding together as a team, with a risk of a new election.

-Irish economic growth stalls in 2017, with accusations of the government cooking the books.

-Eurovision sees us in with a chance.

-Everything computing will be done on the cloud. Soon there will be no need for hard drives.

-Mobile workforces are a new trend, meaning working in offices is dying.

-Turkey will see very troubled times.

-Inland flooding is a big topic worldwide in 2017.

-Cars with virtual dashboards.

-Marriage falls out of favour, out with spouse and in with partner.

-Kim Jong-un loses his marbles. His assassination risk is high. Possible reunification of Koreas.

-There will be cyber hacking on an unprecedented scale in 2017. This includes financial institutions/supermarket chains or other big business.
The Government's Chief Whip has questioned why Gerry Adams allowed senior party figures to run in the General Election if he believed they may have information in relation to the murder of Austin Stack.

Meath East TD Regina Doherty became the latest senior political figure to pile pressure on the Sinn Fein President after it emerged he tied three serving politicians and a suspected former IRA boss to the 1983 killing.

Sinn Fein sources said Mr Adams was due to return to Ireland today and would be asked to explain why he included the names in an email to Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan three days before the General Election.

As revealed by the Irish Independent, three of the men are well-known serving politicians.

The fourth man held a very senior role in the IRA at the time of the killing of detective garda Jerry McCabe.

Mr Adams's claims that he received the names from the Stack family have been contradicted by Austin Stack, the son of the murdered prison officer.

Expand Close Meath East TD Regina Doherty became the latest senior political figure to pile pressure on the Sinn Fein President. Photo: Fergal Phillips. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Meath East TD Regina Doherty became the latest senior political figure to pile pressure on the Sinn Fein President. Photo: Fergal Phillips.

And last night, Ms Doherty said it was incredible Mr Adams had yet to speak to all those named.

"I think he needs to explain where he got the names from if Austin Stack was not the source and also if he saw fit to report to the Garda Commissioner days before the General Election to remove any uncertainty around the men," she said.

"Why did he see fit to run them as candidates with uncertainty around them?"

As reported this week, one of the politicians named by Mr Adams in the email - which has been passed over to investigating officers - insisted he had nothing to do with the killing.

He also said that Mr Adams did not tell him he was planning to name him in the email.

Read more: Micheal Martin asks Taoiseach to meet Gerry Adams over IRA murder suspects letter

In the email, sent on February 23, Mr Adams said that in "recent days elements of the media and other politicians claim that I am withholding information relevant to the case".

"I have no information," he said in the email.

"He (Austin Stack) told me that he had been given these names by Garda and journalistic sources.

"Austin asked me if I would ask these individuals if they would meet with him to ascertain if they had any information that might assist the family.

"I am sending these names to you in order to remove any uncertainty about this. Is mise Gerry Adams TD."

Brian Stack, who was the chief prison officer at Portlaoise, was shot in the back of the neck by the IRA in Dublin in 1983. He died from brain injuries 18 months later.

In 2013, the IRA admitted to the murder during a meeting with the Stack family at an undisclosed location close to the Border.

The meeting was arranged by Mr Adams.

The controversy resurfaced during the election campaign after Austin Stack claimed to have been given credible information that two senior members of Sinn Fein were involved in the murder.

The victim's widow, Sheila Stack, has called on Mr Adams to come clean with the truth.

During Sinn Fein's final press conference before polling day, Mr Adams claimed to have spoken to two individuals whose names he said were given to him by Austin Stack.

At that time, Mr Stack denied he gave the names to Mr Adams and stands over this position. Mr Adams said he asked the two individuals to meet with the Stack family but they refused.
Galway TD Eamon O Cuiv has called for the government to take action on the Inis Mor ferry crisis which currently grips the island.

Galway TD Eamon O Cuiv has called for the government to take action on the Inis Mor ferry crisis.

The private company, Island Ferries Teoranta, which normally provide a ferry to and from the island has ceased its service, with a dispute over per passenger levies at the heart of the problem.

.@eamonocuiv quizzes Tanaiste on withdrawal of vital ferry service at Inis Mor. #dail pic.twitter.com/KEMHyVfbpO  Fianna Fail (@fiannafailparty) December 1, 2016

After talks with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, it was hoped that a favourable arrangement could be reached. However, this was not the case and the last service until March left the island at 6pm on Wednesday evening.

Fianna Fail TD O Cuiv brought this issue before the Dail this afternoon, calling the levy on islanders an unfair tax.

He said: The actual genesis of this problem arose because both the county council and the department took a view that the islanders would have to pay 0.80 to land on a pier on their own island.

That is the equivalent to asking somebody with free travel to pay 0.80 in Pearse Station to use the platform. Do you think thats fair? The genesis of this is in the hands of the government and also in the hands of the County Council who tried to put an unfair tax on islanders.

Mr O Cuiv also questioned what actions were taken to solve the problem in recent weeks.

What I want to know from you is this: when were the navy first contacted about providing an alternative service, because it has been well known for well over a month that there was a threat, he added.

He also queried whether other providers have been contacted by the government, asking can you tell me specifically when and how many other operators have been contacted in the past two, three weeks in relation to dealing with a contingency that has now arisen? 

Without any viable ferry service, O Cuiv said that the islanders should be able to use the air service at an affordable cost of 10 return for adults, 5 return for young people and zero cost for those who have free travel.
The Church of Ireland have issued a statement following the alleged sexual assault of a 13- year old boy at a prestigious private school.

"Following news of an alleged sexual assault at [the school], we express our sincere concern and offer our thoughts and prayers for the child and family at the centre of this incident," read the statement from Archbishop Richard Clarke, Archbishop Michael Jackson and Bishop Pat Storey.

"We trust that the process of investigation by the statutory authorities will bring about a just outcome, and we also pray for the wellbeing of the pupils and staff of the school at this difficult time."

Gardai have launched an investigation following the sexual assault allegation at the Dublin school.

In the statement issued to media, the Church of Ireland confirmed the concerned school to be the King's Hospital School.

It is believed up to eight other pupils were involved in the alleged incident, which took place last Thursday.

Gardai and child and family agency Tusla have begun investigations into the matter.

The school is understood to have suspended the eight pupils allegedly involved in the incident, pending the outcome of investigations.

However, the victim of the assault has remained in the school after his parents agreed that he should continue his studies.

Board members of the school have agreed to meet to discuss the allegation.

The board have declined to comment on the case.

Under child protection guidelines, any suspicion of abuse against a child must be reported without delay.

It is a requirement that reports be made directly to gardai if it is believed the child remains in risk of danger.

In matters of child abuse, an employee or volunteer should never promise to keep secret, any information which is divulged.

The young person should be informed only those who need to know will be told.

If you have been affected by this story please call the ISPCC here
Businessman Denis O'Brien arrives at the Four Courts in Dublin. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

BUSINESSMAN Denis OBrien has told the High Court threats were made to his and his familys lives after a TD spoke about his banking arrangements with the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in the Dail.

The telecoms and media businessman was giving evidence this morning in his legal action alleging comments in the Dail by two TDs interfered with a court case he was involved in with RTE.

Mr OBrien confirmed to the court that while he had often received nasty comments, the threats on his life were probably the worst.

His barrister, Michael Cush SC, asked Mr OBrien about personally upsetting threats to your life and the lives of your family.

These threats were received from two different people in on May 31 last year, just three weeks after Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy disclosed his banking arrangement in the Dail.

He later reported the threats to gardai, the court heard.

You had often received nasty comments but nothing of this nature before, Mr Cush said.

I thought this was probably the most serious, he replied.

The court heard the threats were made by two people, but Mr OBrien was not suggesting TDs were in any way involved.

He was giving evidence in an action arising out of statements by Ms Murphy and Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty in the Dail in May and June 2015 about his banking affairs.

At the time, Mr OBrien was involved in injunction proceedings against RTE, to stop the station from broadcasting banking information.

But the court had heard Dail statements made by the two TDs had the effect of putting all of the information at issue in the injunction proceedings into the public domain.

If you are a long standing customer or even a customer for a week with a bank, you are discussing your private business matters there is nothing more confidential than banking details except maybe medical records, Mr OBrien said.

He told the court it would be a pretty extraordinary situation if every citizen of the State had their banking details disclosed and their privacy invaded.

I sought a court order against RTE to stop that, for privacy reasons, he said.

In this situation, my solicitors sought an injunction, a court order and that was granted. In parallel, two miles away in the houses of the Oireachtas, information that was part of that order was being disclosed, Mr OBrien continued.

Asked about the importance of this, Mr OBrien said it meant nobody would have any protection that any court order could be broken by a member of the Oireachtas.

It would be a very bad thing, I believe, for a country to have a situation where people could rely on the courts and get an order from the courts, for that to be unravelled by a different section of the country, Mr OBrien continued.

He told the court he believed that, in terms of someone looking to invest in Ireland, that would be on a checklist and it would be considered a considerable weakness.

Mr OBrien entered Court 29 in the Four Courts at 10.56am, shortly before proceedings before Ms Justice Una Ni Raifeartaigh began.

Wearing a navy suit with a pale blue shirt and dark blue tie, and holding a red folder he took a seat in the public gallery alongside his communications advisor James Morrissey.

The small courtroom was packed with media, lawyers and members of the public.

Mr OBrien has not sued the two TDs.

Instead his action is against the Clerk of the Dail, the State and a Dail committee which cleared the two TDs of any wrongdoing.

Under cross examination by Michael Collins SC, for the committee, he said he felt that having details of his banking details being ventilated in the Dail was wrong.

If a persons banking files were stolen, as they were in this case, and given to a member of the Oireachtas, the Oireachtas should have given them to the guards instead of reading it out in the Oireachtas, he said.

I am here today to see if there is a way for this to never happen again, for any citizen.

Mr OBrien agreed with Mr Collins that his lawyers had sent a letter of complaint to Deputy Murphy on May 28 that year expressing deep concern that she had knowingly breached a High Court injunction.

The businessman agreed it was his belief this was a calculated effort to breach the court order and to usurp the court.

Mr OBrien said that as a result of the intervention of the TDs, his legal team had to keep going back to the court to alter the terms of the injunction against RTE.

I thought that if you went to the High Court and got an order of the High Court, I thought that could not be unravelled by another arm of the State, in this case the Oireachtas, he said.

Mr OBrien added that he thought members of the Oireachtas would have respected the order made by Mr Justice Donald Binchy in the RTE case.

To his mind the actions of the TDs was a flagrant breach.

He said there was Tweeting and debate in the Dail, which had the effect of unravelling his injunction.

Mr OBrien said he appreciated his legal action over the TDs comments was unique.

I think we were in new territory. I asked my lawyers if this had happened before and they knew of no similar case, he said.

Mr OBrien is the only witness in the case, which began on Tuesday.

Lawyers for Mr OBrien have previously claimed the TDs were guilty of an unwarranted interference in RTE case, and had disregarded the constitutional separation of powers between parliament and the courts.

Mr OBrien is not seeking damages, but wants a declaration his rights were breached.

He also wants declarations that the courts had the exclusive right to determine the outcome of the proceedings with RTE, that the substantial effect of the TDs comments was to decide the outcome of that case, and that their interference was unwarranted.

Mr OBrien also wants the court to declare that the Dail Committee on Procedures and Privileges made an error when it cleared the TDs of any wrongdoing.

The claims are denied by the defendants, who are expected to begin their defence later today or tomorrow.
The defence for the Committee of Parliamentary Privilege (CPP) has begun in Denis O'Brien's High Court legal challenge.

This afternoon, Mr Cush closed Mr OBriens case and Michael Collins SC, began the defence case for the CPP.

He said there were a number of discreet issues for decision by the judge which could be considered in a fairly straightforward manner.

He argued that Section 15 (3) of the Constitution covering Oireachtas privilege was an ouster of jurisdiction regarding any attempt to hold members amenable to the courts for what was said before the house.

He said Mr Cush had said he was not seeking to make the two TDs amenable to the court.

I say it is almost self-evident that what is being sought to be done in the declarations does in fact seek to make the Dail amenable to the court, Mr Collins said.

I say there is no jurisdiction in the courts to intervene in the process of the freedom of speech on he floor of the house, Mr Collins said.

He argued that Mr Cushs overarching theory had no application in relation to Section 15 (13) of the Constitution.

He said even if the judge was against him on this point and she agreed that there was a form of overarching or residual jurisdiction, she would have to decide that the facts of this case warranted invoking it.

Are these such exceptional circumstances that the court would be moved to cross that line between the judiciary and other branches of government, to cross that separation of powers? Mr Collins asked, adding that he would be saying they were not.

He said the court did not have the power to intervene in the Dail committee.

Mr Cush said Mr OBrien had a right that the committees decision should be made properly but where is Mr OBriens Constitutional right to that, in terms of the Dails internal process of enquiring into its own affairs? Mr Collins asked.

He said the committees findings did not interfere with (Mr OBriens court action against RTE) in any shape or form.

He gave evidence today that even if the committee had reprimanded the deputies, that would have made no difference because he would still have proceeded with these proceedings, Mr Collins said.

The case against the committee disappears in a puff of irrelevancy, he said, because the "circumstances were not such to justify" the court exercising whatever jurisdiction it might have.

This is not some sort of Constitutional right vested in the Dail or the deputies freedom of expression, he said of parliamentary privilege.

We are not referring to Constitutional rights that can be put in the balance and weighed against other competing rights. It is an ouster of jurisdiction. It is something that is absolutely integral to the separation of powers.

Mr OBrien is the only witness in the case, which began on Tuesday.

Mr O'Brien gave evidence earlier today.

The businessman told the High Court threats were made to his and his familys lives after a TD spoke about his banking arrangements with the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in the Dail.

The telecoms and media businessman was giving evidence this morning in his legal action alleging comments in the Dail by two TDs interfered - Social Democrats' Catherine Murphy and Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty - with a court case he was involved in with RTE.

Mr OBrien confirmed to the court that while he had often received nasty comments, the threats on his life were probably the most serious.

His barrister, Michael Cush SC, asked Mr OBrien about personally upsetting threats to your life and the lives of your family.

These threats were received from two different people in on May 31 last year, just three weeks after Ms Murphy disclosed his banking arrangement in the Dail.

He later reported the threats to gardai, the court heard.

You had often received nasty comments but nothing of this nature before, Mr Cush said.

I thought this was probably the most serious, he replied.

The court heard the threats were made by two people, but Mr OBrien was not suggesting TDs were in any way involved.

He was giving evidence in an action arising out of statements by Ms Murphy and Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty in the Dail in May and June 2015 about his banking affairs.

At the time, Mr OBrien was involved in injunction proceedings against RTE, to stop the station from broadcasting banking information.

But the court had heard Dail statements made by the two TDs had the effect of putting all of the information at issue in the injunction proceedings into the public domain.

If you are a long standing customer or even a customer for a week with a bank, you are discussing your private business matters there is nothing more confidential than banking details except maybe medical records, Mr OBrien said.

He told the court it would be a pretty extraordinary situation if every citizen of the State had their banking details disclosed and their privacy invaded.

I sought a court order against RTE to stop that, for privacy reasons, he said.

In this situation, my solicitors sought an injunction, a court order and that was granted. In parallel, two miles away in the houses of the Oireachtas, information that was part of that order was being disclosed, Mr OBrien continued.

Asked about the importance of this, Mr OBrien said it meant nobody would have any protection that any court order could be broken by a member of the Oireachtas.

It would be a very bad thing, I believe, for a country to have a situation where people could rely on the courts and get an order from the courts, for that to be unravelled by a different section of the country, Mr OBrien continued.

He told the court he believed that, in terms of someone looking to invest in Ireland, that would be on a checklist and it would be considered a considerable weakness.

Lawyers for Mr OBrien have previously claimed the TDs were guilty of an unwarranted interference in RTE case, and had disregarded the constitutional separation of powers between parliament and the courts.

Mr OBrien is not seeking damages, but wants a declaration his rights were breached.

He also wants declarations that the courts had the exclusive right to determine the outcome of the proceedings with RTE, that the substantial effect of the TDs comments was to decide the outcome of that case, and that their interference was unwarranted.

Mr OBrien also wants the court to declare that the Dail Committee on Procedures and Privileges made an error when it cleared the TDs of any wrongdoing.

The claims are denied by the defendants.
Gerard Walsh, who now lives in Rathcormac, Co Cork pictured leaving the Four Courts after the court approved a 250,000 settlement in his High Court Garda Compensation hearing. Pic: Collins Courts

Gerard Walsh, who now lives in Rathcormac, Co Cork pictured leaving the Four Courts after the court approved a 250,000 settlement in his High Court Garda Compensation hearing. Pic: Collins Courts

A 56-year-old former Garda, who was forced to retire on medical grounds after he suffered injuries following a vicious and terrifying assault, has settled a claim for compensation against the Minister for Finance.

The High Court today heard that the Minister had agreed to pay 250,000 compensation to Gerard Walsh, who thought he would die in the assault.

Walsh had told the court that in June 1992 he was stationed in Tramore, Co Waterford.

He and colleagues had been clearing a pub in Portlaw, Co Waterford, when he suddenly received a blow from behind to his right temple.

Walsh told his barrister, Bruce Antoniotti SC, that he failed to grab his assailants hands. The man, who the court heard was a martial arts champion, had then hit and kicked him repeatedly.

Mr Antoniotti, who appeared with barrister David Richardson, said that after his client, Mr Walsh, had fallen, his assailant grabbed him from behind and tried to choke him by putting his thigh and lower leg around his neck.

Expand Close Gerard Walsh, who now lives in Rathcormac, Co Cork pictured leaving the Four Courts after the court approved a 250,000 settlement in his High Court Garda Compensation hearing. Pic: Collins Courts / Facebook

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Whatsapp Gerard Walsh, who now lives in Rathcormac, Co Cork pictured leaving the Four Courts after the court approved a 250,000 settlement in his High Court Garda Compensation hearing. Pic: Collins Courts

Walsh told Mr Justice Bernard Barton that he had been choking and gasping and thought he would lose consciousness. He had been terrified and fearful for his life and had felt he was blacking out.

The court heard that Mr Walshs colleagues intervened and put an end to the vicious assault. He had been unable to stand due to pain in his left knee. His colleagues had carried him to a lounge area.

Walsh said he was later taken by ambulance to a hospital. He had suffered bruising on his face, a swollen knee and soft tissue injuries to his body. The court heard he had strangulation marks.

He told the court he suffered headaches for weeks and his neck had been sore for several years.

He had suffered a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee for which he had later needed to undergo surgery. Walsh said he had ongoing pain in his knee and had restricted movement.

He had lost his confidence following the assault and had later developed Psoriatic Arthritis, a form of arthritis that affects the skin and the joints, in his feet, elbow and shoulders.

He claimed his arthritis had been triggered by the assault. He had later developed depression symptoms and had been unable to return to full Garda duties.

Walsh, who now lives in Rathcormac, Co Cork, had been informed in 2001 that he was being retired on medical grounds, because of infirmity of his mind and body.

He sued the Minister for compensation for his injuries and also for loss of earnings and loss of pension.

Michael J Durack SC, for the Minister, had argued that Mr Walshs arthritis condition was not linked to the assault.

Following an adjournment, Mr Richardson told Judge Barton that the case had settled.

The judge approved a settlement agreement between the parties and ordered that 250,000 compensation be paid to Mr Walsh, along with his legal costs.
Queen Elizabeth in Cork during her state visit here in 2011

An incendiary device was found on a passenger bus amid bomb threats made during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth five years ago, the Special Criminal Court was told.

Donal Billings (66), with an address at St Bridget's Court, Drumlish, Co Longford, was found guilty last month of the unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16, 2011. He was also found guilty of four further offences under the Criminal Law Act of 1976.

Billings was convicted of making a false report within the State on May 16, 2011, that bombs had been placed at Busaras in Dublin and at Sinn Fein's headquarters.

He was also convicted of making false reports on May 18 that two mortars were set for Dublin Castle, and on May 20 that two bombs had been placed in the toilets at Cork Airport.

At a sentence hearing yesterday, Detective Inspector Pat Finlay, of Longford Garda Station, told the court how a caller said that there was a bomb on a Dublin-bound Corduff Travel passenger bus, a second bomb on a bus at Busaras, and a third bomb at Sinn Fein headquarters in Dublin.

The Corduff Travel bus was stopped on Station Road, Maynooth, and searched by gardai who found a suspicious object in the luggage compartment.

The device, a combination of gunpowder and a two-litre bottle containing petrol, had the potential for "great destruction", the court heard.

Gardai also searched the Sinn Fein offices and the other bus. Nothing was found.

A further phone call was made on May 18, threatening two mortars were set at Dublin Castle - coinciding with a state banquet for Queen Elizabeth.

The caller said: "This is for the queen of blood and war of Iraq."

Gardai traced the shop where the SIM card used to make the calls was bought. They also used CCTV to identify Billings as a suspect.

Billings was remanded in custody until December 15, when he will be sentenced.
A 17,000 award made to a rapist for an assault on him while he was in prison is to be held in a solicitor's bank account pending the outcome of an action by his victim against him, the High Court heard.

It means an application by the victim, who was 23 when she was attacked in Galway 11 years ago, for a freezing order on the award will not now proceed.

The application related to an award made to Darius Savickis, a Lithuanian national who orally raped the woman as she walked home from work on November 28, 2005.

He pleaded guilty to the rape and was sentenced to six years imprisonment in 2009. While serving that sentence in Castlerea prison he was assaulted by a prison officer.

A High Court jury gave him just 225 for what happened to him in that incident, but the Court of Appeal found he had been assaulted and increased it to 17,225.

His victim then applied to the High Court for a freezing order on that award pending determination of her own civil action seeking damages against him for what he did to her.

The freezing order was sought over concerns Savickis may dissipate the award and to frustrate efforts by his victim to enforce any judgment she may get against him.

Savickis, it was also claimed, was refusing to supply an address on grounds of maintaining his privacy.

Savickis' lawyers had opposed the application.

The application returned before Mr Justice Tony O'Connor Thursday when he was told the freezing order was no longer being pursued and could be struck out.

It had been agreed that the award would held on deposit by Savickis' solicitors pending the outcome of the woman's action.
A Dublin woman told staff at a hotel that they were "ruining her f***ing holiday" after she was asked to leave following an allegation of a damaged carpet.

The woman's 'atrocious behaviour' at a Bray Hotel earned her a fine of 350 at Bray District Court.

Gwen Heffernan (29), from Newmarket Square, Dublin 8, was charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at the Bray Head Hotel on August 14, 2016, while she was on holidays in the town.

Garda Glenn McLoughlin told last Thursday's court sitting that he was called to the hotel just after 11 a.m. having received a report of a dispute.

Staff said that Heffernan had been asked to leave following an allegation of a damaged carpet. She became abusive, Garda McLoughlin told the court.

'She said that I ruined her f***ing holiday, and "I can't believe youse are f***ing throwing me out."'

He said that she was on the landing and continued to shout abuse and obscenities. 'She attempted to scream out the window at passers by,' said Garda McLoughlin, who said that there were members of the public present.

Eoin Gallagher, BL, asked Garda McLoughlin if he could confirm that Heffernan was there with her partner and children; he said she was. He did not know if one of the children was unwell, he said.

'I told him loads of times,' Heffernan called out in court.

Mr Gallagher said that one of Heffernan's children requires feeding from a tube at regular intervals. He said that there was no heating in her room and she asked for a heater. It was this heater, he said, which caused damage to the carpet. 'They never told her how to turn it on,' he said.

He said that his client was in the process of leaving and packing her bags when gardai arrived.

Mr Gallagher told Garda McLoughlin that his client would say she was arrested in her room. 'No, it was on the landing,' said the garda.

'No, you threw me onto the bed,' Heffernan called out before Judge Kennedy warned her that if she made further outbursts he would put her in the cells.

Mr Gallagher said that the use of vulgar language was not sufficient grounds for a charge of 'threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.'

'The word "f**k" is very commonly used,' said Mr Gallagher. 'Maybe it shouldn't be, but it's neither threatening, nor abusive.'

Judge Kennedy said that the incident was plainly a breach of the peace. 'This is the sort of behaviour that the act is designed to legislate against,' he said.

Heffernan told the court that her son has a hole in his heart and he must be fed through a tube. She said she was never told that the hotel didn't have heating and she paid 90.

'The hotel is used for Romanian homeless and I didn't know that. There's partying all the time and the hotel is mental. There's no functioning lifts. The whole hotel is practically shut down.' she said.

Heffernan said she asked for a heater and didn't know how to use it.

'After the carpet was damaged, the woman asked us to leave.

'She rang the gardai and 10 minutes later he arrested me in front of the kids. He threw me onto the bed,' she said.

'I don't even curse. I've two kids and I refrained from cursing a long time ago. I'm a respectable person and I got tore out of a hotel on the first night of my holiday. I was locked up in the Joy and it was days before I got back to my family.

'The owner of the hotel regretted ringing the gardai after the way it turned out.'

Mr Gallagher said that the language used, if used at all, was not satisfactory for the prosecution's case. 'You've heard evidence that this occurred in her room. That contradicts directly the garda evidence. There is no evidence from the state to prove otherwise.'

Judge David Kennedy said that he was happy with the garda evidence. 'This was atrocious behaviour in a public place,' he said. He handed down a fine of 350.
Words and illustrations from Across an Open Field

Words and illustrations from Across an Open Field

Words and illustrations from Across an Open Field

A new history book, with a spotlight on events in the 1912-1922 era, has been written and illustrated by children themselves.

'Across an Open Field' arises from a two-year project, involving 300 pupils from 10 schools in counties Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Dublin, Monaghan, Tyrone, Antrim and Down.

Through its full colour 100 pages, it covers a spectrum from global and national happenings to local events and family stories, told from the perspective of eight to 12 year-olds.

Among the storytellers are sisters, Amy (11) and Eva (9) Lawless, from Lisnafunchin NS, Co Kilkenny, who discovered that their great-grandmother hid guns and bullets in her shop on Grafton Street during the 1916 Rising.

Linda O'Sullivan, a teacher at St Joseph's BNS, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan says the project allowed children to develop "a wonderful sense of how history can leap off the page and come alive for them".

One of those St Joseph's pupils, 12-year-old Fionan Carolan, said when the project started, he asked his dad if he had any relations in the war or anything to do with the Easter Rising.

"I didn't expect to have any connection. It was very interesting to find out how they lived. I've become passionate about history, the Rising, the War, Michael Collins, the Titanic and the Lusitania," says Fionan.

Paul Fields, director of Kilkenny Education Centre, says the book offered a platform "for historical discussion about our nation, our people, and how our children understand its evolution, development, emergence and identity".

'Across an Open Field' is published by Kids' Own Publishing Partnership, a children's arts organisation, in association with Kilkenny Education Centre, representing the Association of Teacher Education Centres in Ireland, and the Education Authority, Northern Ireland.

It was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund as a Decade of Centenaries initiative.
In this column last week we focused on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and in particular, Level 7 and Level 8, on the framework. Leaving Certificate students may also apply for courses at Level 6 and Level 5.

Level 6

Level 6 qualifications are also known as higher certificates. They are generally two years in duration. This level can be accessed both by making a CAO application - for someone wishing to study in an institute of technology or a private college - and by applying for certain courses in further education colleges.

Students opting for the CAO route will proceed directly into a Level 6 course. Leaving Cert students need to achieve the minimum entry requirements, in terms of grades and essential subjects, and then compete with other applicants on CAO points. Minimum entry requirements are a "pass" in five ordinary level subjects or above, i.e. five H7/O6. CAO points for Level 6 courses in 2016 covered a range from AQA (all qualified applicants) to approximately 360 points.

A student going to a further education college will study at Level 5 for the first year and at Level 6 for year two.

Level 5

Level 5 courses are generally available at further education colleges. They are also commonly referred to as FETAC or PLC courses. These are normally one-year courses and are available in a wide range of disciplines, both academic and practical. Students are mostly required to have passes in five Leaving Cert subjects, and foundation, ordinary, and higher level will be considered. Students are normally invited for interview and, as these colleges are not part of the CAO system, no points are required.

PLC courses offer students the opportunity to train and qualify in a specific area, so are a fantastic option for young people who feel that a four-year academic course is not for them, but recognise the need for an additional qualification in order to enter the workforce.

Additionally, CAO applicants can gain a place on a level 6, 7 or 8 programme through the qualification they earned on a PLC. While some CAO courses require applicants to hold a specific Level 5 award for entry, there are, currently, more than 600 courses in the CAO system that will accept 'any' PLC Level 5 award for entry.

So, what does all this mean for students? Firstly, it means that students may make an application for a wide variety of courses with a wide range of entry requirements. This means there are opportunities for further study for every student after Leaving Cert.

Secondly, because this system can be considered a type of ladder, it means that, irrespective of the step on which a student enters, it is possible to climb right to the top.

Students may apply for up to 10 Level 8 courses on their CAO form. They may also apply for another 10 courses at levels 7 and 6.

Separately, students may apply for Level 5 courses by making direct application to further education colleges.

If students use all of these options fully, there is no reason why they should not have a course to move on to after Leaving Cert. It is often the students who do not fully investigate their level 5, 6 and 7 options who receive no offer in August.

Offers can only be made if a student has applied for the course. So, it is important to utilise options fully just in case things do not go as hoped in August.

Aoife Walsh is a guidance counsellor in Malahide Community School, Co Dublin

Important dates

Today

Open Day - National College of Art and Design

Product Design Sample Entrance Portfolios - National College of Art and Design

Open Evening UCD Agriculture and Food Science - Clarion Hotel Cork

Tomorrow

We are going Dutch Event (EUNICAS) - Westwood Hotel Galway

NUI Galway information Evening K - Osprey Hotel, Kildare

December 2

Open Day - Dublin Business School

Open Day (2 days) - Dublin Institute of Technology

December 3

Open Day - DIT Conservatory of Music

December 6

Open Evening - Dublin Business School

Q. I wanted to make the most of sixth year and get into a good routine early, but it hasnt worked out. I am spending a lot of time on homework, but cant seem to get any revision done.

A. All Leaving Cert students feel the same. I can hear that this is causing you stress as you are aware of the need to begin revision. However, if you are having trouble managing your own revision, then homework and class tests may be your best friend.

Teachers pile on work to ensure courses are completed in good time. As the year progresses, you will find that the balance of new work versus revision gradually shifts more towards the revision end of the spectrum. In the meantime, try not to feel that spending time on homework is a waste. All this work is examinable, and rushing through homework in order to move on to revision just means you will have to spend more time on it later in the year.

Think of homework as revision the teacher tells you to do, and do it to the best of your ability the first time round. It will save you time in the long run.
At the moment EU rules mean that all electronic publications have VAT (valued added tax) of 23pc levied on them at the point of sale.

New rules being proposed by the European Commission could see an end to high taxes on electronic school books.

At the moment EU rules mean that all electronic publications have VAT (valued added tax) of 23pc levied on them at the point of sale.

But there has been a long-standing practice in this country that VAT is zero rated on traditional school books.

Thousands of school children now use iPads and tablets instead of hardback text books.

Downloading the e-text books should be much cheaper than buying an old-style textbook, but the imposition of VAT at 23pc wipes out much of the gain.

The European Commission wants the VAT rules for e-commerce across the trading bloc.

As part of this, governments could impose the same VAT rate on electronic publications as print publications.

A spokeswoman for the Commission said: E-books and other online publications would be charged the same reduced VAT rates as print publications.

Educational publishers say that e-book costs are 30pc cheaper than print publications. But the lower prices are being cancelled out by a 23pc VAT rate which is not applied to traditional schoolbooks.

Up to 100 schools are understood to use e-books.

The European Commission proposed changes would mean equal rules for taxing e-books, e-newspapers and their printed equivalents.

Current rules allow member states to tax printed publications such as books and newspapers at reduced rates or, in some cases, super-reduced or zero rates.

The same rules exclude e-publications, meaning that these products must be taxed at the standard rate. Once agreed by all member states, the new set-up will allow  but not oblige  member states to align the rates on e-publications to those on printed publications.

The Department of Finance has long blamed EU rules for the fact that it has to impose VAT on e-textbooks, even though there is a zero rate on print textbooks.

Dublin MEP Brian Hayes said there would now be pressure on the Government, if the rules are adopted, to reduce the VAT rate to zero on e-textbooks.

The Commission has proposed simplifying VAT requirements for a host of online transactions, the final piece in a series of measures to boost Internet commerce across the European Union.

The Commission has already published plans to make parcel deliveries more affordable, protect consumers when they buy online and to limit geo-blocking, the practice of barring consumers in one country from buying from a provider in another.

The Commissions vice-president for digital affairs Andrus Ansip said: We are delivering on our promises to unlock e-commerce in Europe ... Now we simplify VAT rules: the last piece in the puzzle.

The Irish Educational Publication Association, whose members publish 95pc of Irish schoolbooks, said it has written a number of times to the Minister for Finance seeking its removal or reduction of VAT on e-textbooks.
The proposed introduction of a new Education about Religions and Beliefs and Ethics (ERBE) curriculum has become a topic of much discussion. It may be tempting to reject this development as something we neither need nor want. And while the latter may be true, whether or not we need it requires more careful consideration.

At the minute, the curriculum makes no provision for children to learn about other religions. Consequently, in the absence of direct contact with peers from different religions in their school community, the images children have of particular groups can be solely reliant on how they are portrayed in the media.

How can we expect children (or indeed adults) to respect Muslims if the only thing they learn about them is that the incoming President of America wants to ban them from his country? We don't leave their reading comprehension skills or mathematical competence to chance, so why would we do so with something as important as accurate understanding of the world around them?

Some might argue that learning about other religions could confuse children about their own faith.

However, in reality, studying other religions allows children the opportunity to discover the similarities between their own faith system and the beliefs of others, for example the parallel between Lent followed by the celebration of Easter and Ramadan, followed by the celebration of Eid, or indeed Yom Kippur being followed by Sukkot.

This can prompt more critical and reflective thought and, if anything, will allow children to understand their own faith more deeply while appreciating the common ways in which humans can choose to come together as a community to celebrate special days, mark sad ones, and thoughtfully reflect on their own behaviour at particular times of the year.

At a time when the world seems more divisive, a development that allows us to focus on our common humanity must surely be welcome.

Consideration should also be given for children who are attending schools whose belief system does not match their own religious (or indeed non-religious) belief. What must it be like to go through your entire school life without any acknowledgement of your beliefs being recognised or explored in the classroom? What kind of message does this send about who really belongs to our society? And more importantly, how is this affecting our country into the future?

The other aspect of the new curriculum is that of ethics. How can anyone look at the recent behaviour of high-profile leaders in charities or, indeed, politicians in the past and argue against the introduction of ethics in our schools? Yet, did we ever give them the chance to really think about and develop their own values as they went through our education system?

If there is one thing we should ask of our future leaders, it is that they will make moral decisions for the betterment of society. Again, we can't leave this to chance, we have to teach them how.

Yes, change can be scary and change can be difficult. Nobody is saying this is going to be easy. It requires open-mindedness from all stakeholders in our education system. It requires a willingness to learn. It requires the ability to step back and focus on the bigger picture.

Education systems are complex places; there are no easy decisions. There are, however, good decisions. We may not all want this new addition to the primary school curriculum but, like it or not, we do need it.

Even with ERBE, the Irish primary sector would still need an extensive divestment programme. Parents and teachers (especially LGBT teachers) continue to require much greater choice of schools (especially outside of the Dublin region). This point cannot be made strongly enough.

Cecelia Gavigan is a primary school teacher in Balbriggan, Co Dublin
Fracking involves drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure mixture of water and chemicals is used to shatter shale rock to release natural gas. Photo: GETTY

A ban on fracking should remain in place to protect the environment, after a major report found it presented risks to water quality.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that, although fracking was possible, there was a widespread risk and further study was required before it was allowed.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Denis Naughten said the report's findings justified the continued ban on fracking in Ireland, which has been in place since 2013. The Dail has recently agreed to a permanent ban in principle.

"I believe the report's findings justify the continuing prohibition on the licensing of hydraulic fracturing," he said.

"I am on record as having raised concerns with regard to the use of hydraulic fracturing. I am pleased that these matters of concern have been addressed in the report."

Fracking involves drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure mixture of water and chemicals is used to shatter shale rock to release natural gas.

Deposits of shale gas are believed to be available in Leitrim, Clare and Fermanagh, but no exploration has been allowed until the research programme from the EPA was complete.

The Joint Research Programme on Environmental Impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction (UGEE) looked at the impact of fracking on water, seismicity and air quality, as well as a review of operational practices around the world.

The work was commissioned and funded by the governments in the North and the Republic.

The EPA noted that the work was being carried out in the context that Ireland had committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and eliminating use of oil and gas over time.

It found there was a lack of data or international experience which "did not permit" a "reliable" assessment of consequences. These included concern about groundwater aquifers being polluted if wells failed, with cracking in rocks potentially allowing pollutants and gas to flow into water.

There was also a concern about gas escaping, even after wells were capped. These issues needed to be resolved prior to any fracking being allowed.

But the Green Party said the EPA had "entirely missed the point" and failed to take into account the need to tackle climate change and called for a "wider debate" on the use of fossil fuels.
A woman who is to receive 30,000 compensation from the Government after complaining to the United Nations about Ireland's abortion laws has said it will go a long way towards bringing closure for the "most painful chapter of my life".

The ex-gratia payment is being made to Amanda Mellet who, in testimony to a UN Human Rights committee, spoke of the trauma of having to terminate her pregnancy after being told her baby would not survive. Ms Mellet will also receive an apology.

Health Minister Simon Harris said he met and sympathised with Ms Mellet and found her experience very upsetting.

The UNHR Committee had ruled she was subjected to discrimination and cruel and inhuman treatment.

It requested that the State should amend its law on termination of pregnancy, to ensure that healthcare providers were in a position to supply full information on safe abortion services.

Referendum

It also asked for adequate compensation for Ms Mellet and to make any psychological treatment she required available to her.

However, the Government said it would not give a commitment to change the abortion law when it appeared before the committee next week to deliver a response.

It will outline the process in place in advance of any constitutional referendum.

The Government has set up a Citizens' Assembly which will inform how the country should proceed in relation to the Eighth Amendment.

"I am immensely grateful to Minister Harris for his personal apology to me and offer of compensation and counselling," Ms Mellet said last night.

As the payment was ex-gratia it would have no knock-on implications for other women who were in a similar situation. TFMR Ireland, representing other bereaved parents, praised Ms Mellet's courage but said that other women were also affected.
In the early hours of 15 March (time code is one hour fast) Louis Maguire wearing a different jacket buying cigarettes. This was after he murdered Eamonn but before he made the 999 call. Detectives believe Maguire destroyed the blue jacket because it was stained with Eamonns blood.

This is the 999 call made by a killer just moments after a brutal murder.

Two men were sentenced on Wednesday for their part in the murder of Eamonn Ferguson almost three years ago.

Ferguson was found dead in a house at Ardoyne Place, north Belfast in the early hours of Saturday, March 15, 2014 after being beaten with a hammer.

Last month 28-year-old Louis Maguire was convicted of his murder and 33-year-old Christopher Power was acquitted of murder by a jury but found guilty of assisting an offender.

Expand Close Louis Maguire, wearing a blue jacket, and Christopher Power buying mixers after they had been in Belfast city centre with Eamonn and were returning to Maguires house for drinks. Eamonn was waiting outside. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Louis Maguire, wearing a blue jacket, and Christopher Power buying mixers after they had been in Belfast city centre with Eamonn and were returning to Maguires house for drinks. Eamonn was waiting outside.

Maguire was told he must serve 17 years in prison before he can be considered for parole.

Power was sentenced to five years and four months.

Officers said the convictions show what can be achieved when communities and police work together.

Police have issued a recording of a 999 call which Maguire made in the early hours of March 15, 2014 claiming to police that hed been away and returned home and found Eamonn Ferguson in his house.

Maguire tells the call handler there is a lot of blood and is heard asking Power to check if Eamonn is dead.

The jury decided that all three had been drinking the previous day and that Maguire had attacked Eamonn with a hammer in the house while Power was asleep.

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Maguire then went out to buy cigarettes before returning and making the 999 call.

These convictions are an example of what can be achieved in the criminal justice system when communities and police work in partnership. I would also like to acknowledge the work of the Major Investigation Teams, the Public Prosecution Service and senior prosecution counsel. This was a collective effort which hopefully has brought some comfort to Eamonns family.

Detectives also issued mugshots of the two defendants and a new image of Eamonn.

DCI Galloway said: Eamonn deserves to be remembered as someone who is more than a victim.

In a statement to the court, Eamonns mother Mrs Pat Ferguson, said: Eamonn was a loving son, brother and uncle. He had worked as a painter and decorator and liked to play the guitar. He was intelligent and enjoyed reading. He loved to laugh and to make people laugh. Now, there is not a minute of the day when I dont think of him. His death has impacted on every part of our familys lives, lives which have been turned upside down, never to be the same again.
Gardai have appealed for help locating a woman who went missing from a hospital on Wednesday.

Mandy Bermingham (46) was last seen in Cork University Hospital.

She is described as being 54, medium build with long brown hair and blue eyes. When last seen she was wearing a blue denim dress and grey cardigan.

Gardai say that both they and Ms Bermingham's family have serious concerns for her safety and well being.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Togher Garda Station on 021-4947120.
TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has met Apple boss Tim Cook at the tech giant's California headquarters.

The pair discussed the European Commission's ruling that Ireland must seek 13bn in back taxes from Apple.

Mr Kenny emphasised Ireland's rejection of the Commission's decision last summer that Apple's tax arrangements amounted to illegal state aid.

Mr Kenny outlined how Ireland has already lodged its appeal of the ruling in a European court. Apple has previously indicated it intends to appeal as well.

The Taoiseach said they also discussed the companies expansion in Cork and its data storage centre being developed in Athenry, Co Galway.

Mr Kenny has said he has no concerns that the Commission's ruling may threaten the tech giant's future in Ireland saying: "Apple are very happy in Cork."

Mr Kenny is on a three-day visit to the United States where his message is that Ireland is very much open for business.

He referred to US president-elect Donald Trump who has indicated that he will lower American corporation tax rates with a view to bringing businesses back to the States.

He said that Mr Trump's administration "will decide its own view about its level of corporate tax and that is a matter for the American administration."

"I have pointed out that Ireland, no more than any other European Union country, has competence in respect of compensation.

"Our rate is 12.5 per cent and will remain at 12.5 per cent," he said.

Mr Kenny added: "I reassured Apple that Ireland would be remaining as a member of the European Union and obviously when negotiations on Brexit start we will negotiate from that perspective."

Mr Kenny said that during his visit to the US he is telling buisnesspeople: "we're a country that is very attractive location for investment from abroad, particularly based on the quality of our young people, our flexibility and education system to be able to move and meet the challenges that are up ahead.

Mr Kenny is this evening addressing members of the San Francisco Bay Area Economic Council at Facebook's Silicon Valley headquarters. He also met several Irish staff members that work for the social media firm.

Mr Kenny has a series of engagements scheduled with business people in New York tomorrow.
Mr Kenny said his message for US firms is that Ireland is open for business Photo: Collins

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has not ruled out refunds for households who paid their water charges.

He said he didn't want to commit to anything until the Oireachtas committee examining the Expert Commission's report on water has carried out their deliberations.

Meanwhile, he declined to say if he agreed with housing minister Simon Coveney who is opposed to refunds.

Mr Coveney is coming under pressure from within Fine Gael to agree to refunds after the Expert Commission recommended that normal water usage be paid for through general taxation.

Asked if households who paid their bills should get refunds, Mr Kenny replied: The first thing we have to do here is let the committee do its work.

The Commission have reported so the committee will analyse the proposals and the findings and the recommendations.

Mr Kenny was asked if he agreed with Mr Coveney's position on refunds.

He didn't respond directly, instead reiterating that the Oireachtas committee will be examining the Commission's report.

Asked if he would rule out refunds Mr Kenny said: I don't want to commit to anything now until such time as the committee is allowed to do its work.

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He pointed out that Fine Gael's position during the negotiations to form a government was that there would be a national public utility for water, metering to determine usage and to find leaks, and a fair and affordable charging regime.

He said the Expert Commission was established after the talks with Fianna Fail and that the Oireachtas committee will now examine the Commission's work.

We'll let them do their work and see what recommendations they put forward and the vote will take place in the Dail on that in March, Mr Kenny added.

He was speaking ahead of an Enterprise Ireland business networking event in Palo Alto, California.

Mr Kenny said his message for US firms is that Ireland is open for business.

He spoke of Ireland's economic recovery and how, in the context of Brexit, the country remains a committed member of the European Union.

He will meet Apple boss Tim Cook later today and will also address another business event at Facebook headquarters.

Mr Kenny said he wasn't concerned about Apple's future in Ireland in the wake of the European Commission's ruling that the State must seek 13bn in back taxes from the tech giant. The government rejects the finding that Apple was provided illegal state aid and is appealing the decision.

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Mr Kenny pointed out that Apple has announced a major expansion of its Cork base and is also developing another site in Athenry, Co Galway.

Tim Cook himself has been publicly and privately very strongly in support and very happy with... their investment in Ireland over very many years, he said.

Last night Mr Kenny also met with George and Jackie Donohoe, the parents of Ashley Donohoe, the Irish-American student who died along with five other Irish students in last year's horrific balcony collapse in nearby Berkeley

The Taoiseach met with the families of the victims along with some survivors in government buildings last week.
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern pictured speaking about his possible return to the Fianna Fail Cumman. Picture Credit: Frank Mc Grath 1/12/16

Bertie Ahern is considering rejoining Fianna Fail but ruled out becoming a TD or future President.

The former Taoiseach has been invited back into the party by his colleagues in the Dublin Central Constituency.

He confirmed to Independent.ie this morning that he has not ruled out rejoining the cumann but has no intention of trying to return to the Dail or even run for the Presidency in 2018.

What theyre talking about is rejoining the local cumann and helping out, thats all.

Yesterday people were stopping me and saying delighted youre coming back as a TD.

Ive no intention of coming back as a TD. All the local organisation said was theyre inviting me back to join the local cumann to help out.

Its just the context of it. Youre talking about a cumann member. Ill think about it but I mean it has to be in the context of what people are talking about.

Ive huge regard for the people who run Dublin Central. They are a good organisation.

Expand Close Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern pictured speaking about his possible return to the Fianna Fail Cumman. Picture Credit: Frank Mc Grath 1/12/16 / Facebook

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Whatsapp Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern pictured speaking about his possible return to the Fianna Fail Cumman. Picture Credit: Frank Mc Grath 1/12/16

Ive worked with them, and canvassed with them for 40 years. They are good people and what they are trying to do - they havent got a seat, the neighbouring constituency in Dublin North West haven't got a seat, and what they are trying to do is revamp the organisation, build it up and win back the seats in the next general election, when ever that is, next year, the year after, the year after.

He quit the party in 2012 following the publication of the Mahon Tribunal report.

Asked would he consider running for the Aras and run against possible candidate RTE broadcaster Miriam OCallaghan, Mr Ahern said, No, I think the President (Michael D Higgins) is going to stay there.

Shes (Miriam) running against Michael D.

My friend Michael D. Michael D is my friend, Ive great time for the President. Hes a good man, Mr Ahern said.

Asked is the Presidency an office he would be interested in, Mr Ahern (65) said President Higgins has another two years, and if he stays Id be ancient.

I hope Im still alive. Of course all these new leaders like Donald Trump is five years older than me, he said.

He admitted he felt huge loyalty to Fianna Fail and supports party leader Micheal Martin.

I support the leader, I support the party, of course I do. My father joined the party 90 years ago. My brother Maurice is in it, Noel is in it, Eileen is in it.

He admitted he may be able to bring support back to Fianna Fail and the Dublin Central constituency.

Their point is between myself and my brother Noel we have given 50 years in those two constituencies and we had 25,000 votes plus, so our involvement would help.

Noel is still involved in North West and theyd like me to be. I wasnt involved in the last election.

All theyre talking about is me helping out in the constituency by joining the local cumann and trying to win a seat back, like Noel is trying to do in the neighbouring constituency. Thats all.

Ive huge respect for people in the constituency. I ran ten general elections.

Noels constituency is the first one I ran and got two out of three.

I ran nine in Central and headed the pole in them all, got three out of five, two out of four and we had a fantastic organisation and theyre now in a position where theyve got none, he outlined.

When asked was the reason Fianna Fail had no seat in Dublin Central due to the decisions he and Brian Cowen made, Mr Ahern said he was gone when the recession occurred. He stepped down in 2008 when the financial turmoil was well underway.

The international recession. Im just back from Eastern Europe and theyre still feeling the effects of the recession of 2008 there. Watching the American election you can still feel the effects of 2008.

Unfortunately, with the world recession I would have loved if we could have avoided it in Ireland, even though I was gone when it happened, but Im afraid my abilities to stop a world recession - I wasnt that good.

Reacting to the Fianna Fail develoments in Dublin Central, Micheal Martin has said he does not see any prospect of Mr Ahern returning to the party.

While stopping short of saying he would block such a move, Mr Martin said Mr Ahern has effectively retired from politics.

He said the party has been rebuilding in Dublin and has moved on generally.

I dont anticipate Bertie Ahern coming back into the party, Mr Martin told Tipp FM.

 I dont see any prospect of that, he added.

Mr Martin said nothing has changed since four years ago when he as party leader was preparing to expel Mr Ahern following the publication of the report. Mr Ahern resigned before this happened.

Asked would he actively seek to block Mr Aherns attempts to rejoin, Mr Martin replied:

I dont think its a prospect. The fours I articulated four years ago still stands.
Micheal Martin and Bertie Ahern pictured together in 2001

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has said he does not see any prospect of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern returning to the party.

While stopping short of saying he would block such a move, Mr Martin said Mr Ahern has effectively retired from politics.

He said the party has been rebuilding in Dublin and has moved on generally.

I dont anticipate Bertie Ahern coming back into the party, Mr Martin told Tipp FM.

 I dont see any prospect of that, he added.

Mr Martin said nothing has changed since four years ago when he as party leader was preparing to expel Mr Ahern following the publication of the report. Mr Ahern resigned before this happened.

Asked would he actively seek to block Mr Aherns attempts to rejoin, Mr Martin replied:

I dont think its a prospect. The fours I articulated four years ago still stands.

Mr Martin made the comments during an interview on the Tipp Today programme.
A "sound lad" and a "good man" or someone you couldn't back if he was "the last man alive".

Suffice to say that news of a potential return for Bertie Ahern into the Fianna Fail fold brought a mixed reaction from his former constituents.

Karen Domicam, who operates a dog grooming service in East Wall, said she "didn't have a good word to say about him" and Fianna Fail should "leave him where he is".

Laura King from Drumcondra said: "I don't think he did any good for anyone."

But Vincent Kelly, who co-runs an estate agent in Mr Ahern's old constituency office, said he had "no problem with him coming back" and "that he's done so much for the area".

Mary O'Connor, a pensioner from Carlingford Road, said: "He was bad but he wasn't as bad as this shower."

Expand Close Willie Byrne said 'no way' to the prospect of Mr Aherns comeback. Photo: Gerry Mooney / Facebook

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However, Paul O'Brien from Drumcondra, said: "My father used to say if it wasn't for Fianna Fail the elderly wouldn't have got anything.

"He's a good man but he's the type of man who needs attention. The situation has moved on and it is too serious so we can't have that again."

Pat Doyle, from Drumcondra, said "it wouldn't bother me" if Mr Ahern was brought back into Fianna Fail.

"He's a sound lad," he added.

Some people were less forgiving however. Willie Byrne, a referee from Dublin city, said "no way" to the prospect of Mr Ahern's comeback.

"I wouldn't back him if he was the last man alive."
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has revealed that a senior republican figure who carried out the shooting of prison officer Brian Stack was disciplined by the IRA.

Mr Adams said the 1983 killing was not authorised by the IRA leadership which has since apologised to the Stack family and taken disciplinary action against the individual responsible.

The Louth TD also confirmed the revelations this week by the Irish Independent that he passed on the names of four individuals who may have information in relation to the murder to Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan.

He said this was his responsibility as a public representative  but insisted he does not know whether the party colleagues he names are suspects in the murder.

In an interview on his local radio station LMFM, Mr Adams said he is deeply concerned how the details of the email made their way into the public domain.

He also revealed that he has passed other information onto the gardai in relation to criminality.

I have passed information on to them over the years about criminal activity along the border, I have given the names of those who are suspected of being involved, I have given them other information, thats my duty as both a citizen and a public servant, Mr Adams told broadcaster Michael Reade.

Brian Stacks son Austin insisted that he never gave the names of the individuals to Mr Adams. However, the Sinn Fein leader insists that he did.

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On three occasions during the interview, Mr Adams said he was basing his comments on his recollection of events as he did not have any notes in his possession. He is currently in Cuba where he is attending the funeral of dictator Fidel Castro.

Mr Adams gave fresh details in relation to a meeting organised along the border between Austin Stack, his brother Oliver, and a senior IRA boss in 2013. The meeting was organised by Mr Adams, who has always maintained that he was not in the IRA.

Also in the course of all of that, a former senior IRA volunteer who had carried out an investigation into all of this met with the Stack brothers, apologised for the shooting of their father, said it had not been authorised by the IRA leadership at that time, explained how difficult it was to get all of this necessary information because by that stage the IRA had left the field and was no longer intact, he said.

People had gone their own ways and some people had died and so on and so forth.

"But he [Senior IRA volunteer] acknowledged that a senior IRA person had authorised the shooting , apologised for that and said that that person had been subsequently disciplined and he put on record his regrets. All of that became a matter of public news in and around the time.

Mr Adams says the names of the individuals were sent in an email to the Commissioner before the election.

Expand Close Austin Stack believes Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams is in regular contact with his fathers killers. Pic Frank Mc Grath / Facebook

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He said he notified most of those named before the email was sent.

Im not making any comment at all on the names of the people involved. Thats not my business to point the finger.
Should people who paid their water charges be given refunds, or alternatively, should those who didn't pay, be chased down for the money?

Click here subscribe to the Floating Voter on iTunes.

This was just one of the topics on this week's Floating Voter with Kevin Doyle, Philip Ryan and Niall O'Connor, as they discussed the week in Irish politics.

"I dont mind paying for water but you knew it was going to be abolished so why bother in the first place?" asked Philip Ryan.

"But the law of the land must be adhered to," said Niall OConnor. "There is a chasm between those who paid and those who didnt and the government has to try and figure out how to deal with it."

"What about the one million people who obeyed the law at the time? I can go to sleep at night knowing I did the right thing in paying for water. There must be equity and fairness."

And what about the re-appearance of Bertie Ahern with Fianna Fail in Dublin Central? Should he be welcomed back with open arms?

"It will be a step back for Fianna Fail and is not what they want or need to move on from the dark days of the Galway tent," said Ryan.

Finally on this week's show, the panel raised the issue of Gerry Adams' email to the Garda Commissioner in February with the names of three Sinn Fein politicians in relation to the murder of Brian Stack in 1983.

Since one of those named by Adams says he never knew his name was in the email, the panel asks about the reverberations being felt within Sinn Fein.

Each week on the Floating Voter, INM's political team discuss the main issues affecting Irish politics bursting the bubble around Leinster House.

New episodes on Independent.ie every Thursday.
A young Irish man has been found dead from a suspected drugs overdose - just months after his father died in similar circumstances.

Graham 'Speedy' Larsen from north Belfast became a father for the first time in August.

The 19-year-old's death comes just six months after his dad Mark 'Gutsy' Campbell, who was implicated by a 'supergrass' in the sectarian murders of two Catholic workmen, was found dead from an overdose.

Friends and family of the teenager, who is father to five-month-old Joshua, posted tributes following his sudden death on Tuesday.

Many described the Belfast man as "one of a kind" and a "gentleman" who had a heart of gold.

A JustGiving website has been set up to help with the funeral costs and raised more than 1,000 in less than 24 hours.

The online organiser said they wanted to help Graham's family including his mother, Julie Larsen.

It said: "We would like people to come together at this sad time to help Julie, a single parent, who's had a lot of tragedies lately, losing her youngest son, Speedy.

"We want to raise money for his funeral costs. Many thanks to everyone that will help her during this devastating time for her and the family."

The teenager's dad, who was originally from Canning Place in north Belfast, had been living in Islandmagee in Co Antrim when he was found dead in April, after a fall-out with other loyalists in the Tigers Bay area.

Police at the time said no crime was suspected in the 46-year-old's death.

Campbell was one of two men charged with murdering Gary Convie and Eamon Fox in north Belfast in May 1994.

Mr Convie (24) and his 44-year-old workmate were gunned down as they sat eating lunch in a car at a building site in North Queen Street.

Mr Fox, from Maghery, Co Armagh, was married with six children.

Mr Convie, from Milltown, was a father-of-one. Campbell was charged along with James Smyth (50) on the basis of evidence provided by supergrass Gary Haggarty.

Haggarty has admitted to having the Sten sub-machine gun used in the attack.

Campbell was alleged to have driven the getaway van used to take the gunman from the scene.

Earlier this year the charges against Campbell and Smyth were withdrawn by the Public Prosecution Service.

The court was told the murder case could be delayed by up to two years due to the reliance on evidence from Haggarty.

A death notice in today's Belfast Telegraph states that Graham Larsen's funeral will take place tomorrow.

His funeral service will be at the Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle while burial will take place at the Carnmoney Cemetery.

His mother Julie said in the death notice: "To my little Baby Bear. May God hold you in the palms of his hand and love you as much as you loved us. Love Mummy Bear."
The Hawe family home in Cavan (Inset: mum Clodagh, dad Alan, and their three young sons)

The mother and sister of murdered mum Clodagh Hawe have vowed to honour her life by preventing other families from suffering the same devastation they have.

Clodagh (39) was brutally murdered, along with her three young sons, by husband and father Alan Hawe in a frenzied attack inside the family home.

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Alan Hawe, who worked as a vice principal, killed them all using knives and a hatchet before taking his own life.

The three boys, Liam, Niall and Ryan were all in their pyjamas when they were tragically killed.

Now, Clodaghs sister Jacqueline Connolly, and her mother Mary Coll, are urging victims of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence.

Jacqueline and Mary from Virginia, Co Cavan, are calling on other families living with silent, secretive abuse to look for the dangers and seek help.

Speaking to the Irish Daily Mirror, Jacqueline said: We strongly believe that we must now be the voices for Clodagh and our wonderful boys.

In time we will work to highlight domestic violence, especially the silent type where there are no obvious warning signs, just like Clodaghs situation.

Expand Close Alan Hawe with his wife Clodagh and their children Liam, 13, Niall, 11 and Ryan, six Credit: Hawes/Coll families/PA Wire / Facebook

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She had no idea she was in danger. If she had known she would have acted to prevent it and safeguard the boys and herself.

While Clodagh was planning their future, he was planning her end. While she had thoughts of sunshine and fun, he had murder on his mind.

Clodagh never stood a chance and so the boys never stood a chance. Not once in their lives had they been vulnerable or in danger because Clodagh was just the best mother.

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Remembering her sister, Jacqueline said that she was someone who she always respected and looked up to.

She was their mam, their friend and protector, their guide, counsellor and teacher. She was everything to our wonderful boys and an example to everyone who knew and loved her.

I always looked up to my sister and she always looked after me. Clodagh was one of Marys beautiful children and mother to her beautiful grandchildren. Clodagh was one of her mothers best friends.

If Clodagh had known for one second that she or the boys were in danger shed have acted without hesitation, she added.

Jacqueline said it is now up to her and her mother to act on behalf of Clodagh to try and prevent other women and children from suffering a similar brutal fate.

Clodaghs voice was taken from her in the most brutal way by a man she shouldve been able to trust with her life. So now Mam and I will be her voice, we have to be and neither Clodagh nor we will be silenced again.

We need to learn to recognise where dangers lie in the home, see how the desire for control can get out of control and act before it is too late.

Alan Hawe killed his wife and their three children in a murder-suicide.

He left a note on the back door of their Castlerahan home warning anyone who came by to call gardai

A number of notes were also left by the mass murderer to explain his actions, but Jacqueline says it was all a bid to prevent the fall off his pedestal.

If Alan Hawe had had any decency, he would have killed all of us. But no, instead he killed Clodagh and the boys and given us a life sentence.

He was about to fall off his pedestal and we know why. But he couldnt face it so he murdered my sister, Mams precious daughter and murdered my nephews, Mams precious grandchildren, to save face.

He has stolen all of their Christmases and ours. In a few weeks time they shouldve been opening their presents and sharing Christmas dinner with me and Mam and Gary.

But instead the four of them are lying in their grave and their killer is lying right beside them.

Alan Hawe had fooled us all, he had everyone fooled. We had no idea what wed been dealing with, who Clodagh and the boys had been living with. A wolf in sheeps clothing.

Finally, in her interview with the Irish Mirror, Jacqueline said they will be haunted for the rest of their lives by what happened that day in August.

Clodaghs last thoughts would have been for her boys, her last words would have been for her boys, her last hope on this earth would have been for her boys. We are haunted for the rest of our lives with thoughts of her begging for her life and for the lives of her children.

We feel sure her last words to Alan Hawe were: Do not kill me or our boys, and we hope those words haunt that man for eternity.
Housing Minister Simon Coveney is coming under massive pressure to refund almost one million householders who paid water charges despite warning it would set "a dangerous precedent".

Mr Coveney wants a payment plan put in place for hundreds of thousands of people who owe money to Irish Water.

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"A lot of people who paid water charges aren't expecting refunds. What they want is fairness and equity to ensure that if they pay what they owe, others do the same," Mr Coveney told the Irish Independent.

He said he "won't stand over a situation where people who paid are made a fool of because they did the right thing".

However, a Fine Gael party meeting was last night dominated by the issue, with TDs expressing fears that they would never be forgiven if refunds were not issued.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan said the party has lost votes over water and it was time to "get this dead cat off the field".

He said that the 120m a year required to pay for water charges is "not significant" given that the State's budget is 58bn.

The split came as Fianna Fail's Barry Cowen described Mr Coveney's reaction to the Expert Commission on Water's report as "rushed" and "a bit irrational".

His party now wants an assessment carried out to see if it would cost more to issue refunds - which would average 165 per household - or to pursue those who haven't paid.

Some 989,000 households did pay some or all of the money owed, with the utility collecting a total of 162.5m.

This means more than 500,000 people ignored all five bills received from Irish Water before charges were suspended in May.

The Irish Independent has learned that no effort has been made to encourage or force these people to settle their debts since the formation of the Government.

"Irish Water has not communicated directly with customers regarding their bills since the suspension of domestic charging," a spokesperson confirmed.

Labour Party TD Willie Penrose is set to table legislation that if passed by the Oireachtas would force Irish Water to give billpayers their money back.

Failing that, Mr Penrose, who is a barrister, is prepared to put together a legal team that would lead a class action in the courts.

"It's important that a situation is not created where compliant taxpayers are left feeling mugged," he said.

Mr Coveney said the way forward would have to be decided by the Oireachtas Committee which would study the Expert Commission report.

"If you have a charge or a tax that is national policy and the law then I think it's a very dangerous precedent to simply set that aside because it's an awkward political issue.

"People who didn't pay should be asked to pay. We need to design a system that can allow them to do that over time and that doesn't put anybody under financial pressure," he said.

But at last night's meeting junior minister Catherine Byrne was said to have become emotional as she demanded that refunds be paid.

Dublin Fingal TD Alan Farrell warned the party would lose votes if it did not issue refunds.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are also assessing how to react to a section of the report which states that people in group water schemes and with private wells need to be compensated.

"Equity with the proposed arrangements for consumers on public supplies must be maintained for those who are not served by public water supplies," it stated.

Mr Coveney suggested that Brendan O'Mahony, who is chair of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and was on the Expert Commission, should be invited to appear before the special Oireachtas committee on water.

"Many people in rural Ireland have always paid for water and the infrastructure they might need. Let's see what the committee come up with on that," he said.
The EIB says it is ready to fund water upgrades in Ireland  once the Government decides what to do about charges. Stock Image

The European Investment Bank says it is ready to fund water upgrades in Ireland - once the Government decides what to do about charges.

EIB vice-president Andrew McDowell said that "assuming Ireland comes to a consensus on the best way to fund water infrastructure, if that involves looking for EIB financing to help address the infrastructure deficit through Irish Water, we're certainly happy to work with the Irish authorities".

Mr McDowell, a former economic adviser to Taoiseach Enda Kenny, was speaking to the Irish Independent after the water commission advised that households should pay only for "wasteful usage" and not regular water consumption.

But it remains to be seen whether the system the Government chooses will comply with EU rules.

A spokesman for environment commissioner Karmenu Vella said the European Commission "has made its position clear" in its official submission to the report - which said that "disapplying" water charges would breach the EU's water framework directive.

"We will now have to evaluate the report, in light of the recommendations of the Expert Commission," the spokesman said.

He said he "notes the Irish Parliamentary Committee established to examine the report will now start its work with a view to concluding by March of 2017".

Meanwhile Mr McDowell, who took up his role with the bank in September, didn't express an opinion on water charges, but said it was "an awful lot easier" to deal with Irish Water than the previous decentralised set-up.

"Previously, trying to discuss water investment with 34 different local authorities was just not feasible," he said.

"Now we have a single national utility that we can talk with, and discuss their overall investment programme, and what role we can play in financing that."

The EIB, the EU's long-term lender, has approved 200m in loans to Irish Water since 2012, half of which was never drawn down, given the controversy over water charges.

The bank has also announced a bid to step up lending in Ireland post-Brexit.

"We are looking to develop a new, stronger institutional relationship between the EIB and the Irish authorities," said Mr McDowell.

"The best thing the EIB can do to support Ireland and to help protect its economic recovery against the uncertainty that's been generated by the UK referendum outcome is to increase our levels of lending into Ireland."

He said the bank wanted to help Ireland address "infrastructure deficits" and improve financing conditions for companies impacted by the drop in the value of the pound.

"There's a whole range of mitigants that I'm sure the Irish authorities will be looking for from Europe, in the context of the Brexit negotiations, and obviously the EIB has a role in that," added Mr McDowell.

He made the comments as diplomats were meeting with the European Commission's lead Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, to discuss "the issues at stake" in future divorce proceedings with the UK.

A Commission spokesman said this would "contribute to building a common understanding of the process to come".
Ranae Von Meding and Audrey Rooney had their daughter through reciprocal IVF  a form of IVF where one partner donates the eggs and the other carries the child.

A gay woman, whose family featured on the cover of national magazine 'Mums and Tots', has shared the emotional story of how they had their child.

Ranae Von Meding and Audrey Rooney had their daughter through reciprocal IVF  a form of IVF where one partner donates the eggs and the other carries the child.

We felt that for us if we did IVF this way, she would really be a part of us both, Ranae told Independent.ie.

"Although no matter what way we had had her, she would have been ours no matter what, because it takes more than just DNA or biology to make a parent", she added.

Expand Close Ranae Von Meding and Audrey Rooney had their daughter through reciprocal IVF  a form of IVF where one partner donates the eggs and the other carries the child. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Ranae Von Meding and Audrey Rooney had their daughter through reciprocal IVF  a form of IVF where one partner donates the eggs and the other carries the child.

The couple went to Spain last year to access reciprocal IVF, which Ireland does not have.

Initially we would have loved to do it in Ireland, but we were told they cant do reciprocal IVF because its still considered a form of surrogacy; its a grey area.

It turns out that its very common in Spain. So we found a clinic, and they were just so helpful, she continued. We spent a month in Barcelona in September 2015; we were lucky to be able to take that time off work.

Their first try was unsuccessful, but they had saved eggs and were able to try again. Ranae took the second trip to Spain alone and became pregnant in October 2015.

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Whatsapp Ranae Von Meding and Audrey Rooney had their daughter through reciprocal IVF  a form of IVF where one partner donates the eggs and the other carries the child.

Their second try was successful and their daughter Ava is now four months old.

Its been amazing, Ranae said. Life has changed a lot.

We both would have spent a lot of time with our nieces and nephews  we have 17 between us! But I dont think anything prepares you for how you feel. And for the lack of sleep! she laughed.

Although Ranae and Audrey are married, the legal status of their family is still a concern for them and they have called for more clarity on IVF and surrogacy laws.

Technically Audrey is not a parent under Irish law, Ranae said. I doubt thered be a hospital or school who would prevent her from coming in, but technically that could happen.

A baby needs love, support and safety, regardless of whether that comes from two parents, one parent, grandparents or whoever else. Every family needs to be given respect.

Ranae, Audrey and Ava feature on the cover of the current issue of Mums & Tots magazine, one of Irelands most popular maternity publications and the visibility of their story means a lot to these new parents.

Were really happy because when we were doing it, we didnt know anyone else who had, Ranae said.

We got in touch with one couple who told us, There are loads of families! We found a Facebook page for Dublin LGBT families, and now we have tonnes of people, she said.

The cover story makes us happy that other people that are going through what we went through might see our story.
Looking for a Christmas gift that could help with a holiday? Pol O Conghaile has a selection box of travel gifts.

2017 with Irelands Blue Book

Ireland's Blue Book has launched its 2017 edition, with 50 members now including The Tannery, Belleek Castle and Hilton Park House. Vouchers start from 100 (irelands-blue-book.ie), and they go surprisingly far off-season.

The Tannery has B&B with dinner from 100pp midweek, for example.

Fly away with airline vouchers

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Aer Lingus (aerlingus.com) does flight vouchers in euros, dollars and sterling with denominations from 25-500. Ryanair (Ryanair.com) sells vouchers from 25, and WOW air (wowair.ie), which is set to fly directly from Cork to Iceland from 59.99 each way next year, has gift vouchers for any amount.

Afternoon tea treats

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Afternoon tea offers the atmosphere of a top hotel without the expense of an overnight stay... for a few hours at least.

The Park Hotel (parkkenmare.com) in Kenmare has afternoon tea for two from 79, for instance, while Dublins five-star Merrion Hotel (merrionhotel.com) has an art tea based on its art collection from 45pp.

For an afternoon tea with a difference, try Vintage Tea Tours (above) - which serves its tiered-tray treats over the course of a Dublin city tour on a 1961 Routemaster bus! Treats range from Guinness brownies to Vanilla Panna Cotta with forest berry compote, and tours cost from 40pp (vintageteatours.ie).

The Westbury Hotel (doylecollection.com) has a festive afternoon tea from 47pp. Twists on traditional Christmas flavours include a winter berry parfait with meringue snow, and Mandarin Tart with a Mulled Wine Ganache.

Tour operator travel vouchers

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Most Irish tour operators and travel agents do gift vouchers, and a good one-stop shop for special offers is itaa.ie/offers.

For something a little different:

ClickandGo.com is offering free bonus vouchers for every voucher over 100 purchased. If you buy a 100 voucher before December 23, you get a free bonus voucher worth 25. The amounts rise to 50 (for a spend of 150-299), 75 (300-999) and 100 (1,000+). See clickandgo.com/xmasvouchers.

Budget Travel (budgettravel.ie) has discounts on its vouchers for Christmas  40pc off 50 and 100 vouchers (i.e. costing 30 and 60). The vouchers need to be redeemed against a 2017 package holiday worth 799 or more.

Doodle London

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Instead of snapping selfies, why not sketch your way around a city break? Rob Merrett's Doodle London has 100 landmarks and is packed with imaginative ideas to sketch out your own take on the city. marksandspencer.com; 13.50.

Spa treatments

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Spa and beauty treatments can start from as little as 25, and most hotels and beauty rooms will offer vouchers for varying amounts.

In Wexford, Monarts detox programme is its most popular use of Christmas vouchers (monart.ie). Its three-day Monart Life version includes all food, treatments ranging from massages and sauna rituals, individual evaluations and a personal trainer from 479pp. A five-day version is priced at 1,095pp. Its all about working towards inch loss, apparently.

Hayfield Manor (hayfieldmanor.ie) has a Revival Day Package including a choice of two treatments and afternoon tea from Sunday-Friday from 159pp.

The Radisson Farnham Estate in Cavan (farnhamestate.ie) has a half-day pamper package from 95pp. It includes a 30-minute treatment, your choice of a dry flotation, hydrotherapy bath or Serail mud chamber and access to the health spa, its pools and relaxation rooms, with a light lunch included.

Gift vouchers with irelandhotels.com range from 25 to 1,000, offering recipients the pick of 700 hotels and guesthouses around Ireland.

Captain Cillian's Wild Atlantic Way

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Heard of Captain Cillian? Created by husband and wife team Carina Ginty and John O'Connor, he's the swashbuckling star of a series of bi-lingual (English and Irish) books set along the Wild Atlantic Way. Four titles are now available (O'Brien Press; 6.99), and they're suitable for children aged 3-9. Ocean facts, puzzles, key words and more make it ideal bedtime reading for parents and kids, too. captaincillian.com.

Cool travel cosmetics

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Monaghan-based Cloud 10 Beauty (cloud10beauty.com) does everything from niche brands to celebrity faves, with travel sets including an Anatomicals Jet Set Saviours First Class Must Haves pack with body wash, lotion, hand sanitiser, lip balm and other goodies from 17.95. A Jack Black Jet Set Traveller pack including three daily skin care products for men costs 27.50.

Lonely Planets 12 Days of Christmas

The travel publisher has a 12-day sale with a different offer each day  25pc off all titles, for instance, or buy one book and get another free. It runs November 28 to December 10. See lonelyplanet.com/Christmas.

Reliable rucksacks

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Pickpockets can be a pest for travellers. RiutBags (89/98; riut.co.uk) offer some peace of mind, however, in that they zip up completely. They're new, they look good, and the zips are hidden... making work a lot harder for thieves.

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John Downing Opinion New British prime minister Rishi Sunaks succession proves an important milestone in British political inclusivity

There is an old saying in British politics that goes: The right looks for converts while the left seeks out traitors. It comes to mind when one reflects upon the election of Rishi Sunak as the UKs first non-white prime minister in a party traditionally seen as most opposed to mass immigration and the dilution of national identity via multiculturalism.
Medicinal cannabis has become a fast-growing, multi-billion dollar global industry. A new survey shows that 92pc of us here in Ireland support the use of the drug for medical purposes, but should we legalise it now?

Stateside, they're way ahead of us. Almost half of America's 50 states have legalised medical marijuana. The latest information comes from an Irish opinion poll which was carried out by Red C Research.

A Medical Cannabis Bill proposed by Brid Smith and Gino Kenny will be debated in the Dail today.

I'm fairly libertarian about drugs. I think informed adults should be able to take what they like, unless, like with irresponsible use of antibiotics, they might actually harm the entire species along with themselves. But in an ideal world, with organic pot at shoppers' disposal, would a healthy person be healthier if she/he used marijuana? Probably not.

The medicinal benefits of weed require further exploration and studies are more scarce than they ought to be (presumably because it's illegal in most countries), but research does show that marijuana's power to relieve pain and muscle spasms is considerable. A study published by the 'Canadian Medical Association Journal' showed that when patients with chronic pain smoked weed, it relieved discomfort, improved sleep and improved their mood.

Anyone who has listened to those who use cannabis as pain relief probably thinks that their arguments for legalisation are very persuasive. But cannabis is a psychoactive substance. In other words, it affects the brain. It's no news flash that marijuana use affects co-ordination, time perception and memory.

It also affects other parts of our body. It increases pulse rate, decreases blood pressure, causes bloodshot eyes and increases appetite. The drug has a mild sedative effect but the experience very much depends on individual mood at the time it is taken. Some people get the giggles, others become withdrawn.

Every cannabis user knows how quickly a switch can be flicked to go from crying with laughter to standing in the kitchen having a panic attack.

Cannabis doesn't produce physical dependency, but some people who use it regularly can become psychologically dependent on it. By scanning the brains of people who regularly smoked strong 'skunk' cannabis, researchers at King's College London observed subtle differences in the white matter that connects the left and right hemispheres and carries signals from one side of the brain to the other. People who did not use cannabis or who used low-potency cannabis didn't show these differences. While the scientists are unable to say what these changes might mean for the individual cannabis user, the study does suggest it leads to a 'less efficient' transfer of information in the brain (I know, that's probably stating the obvious).

Scarily, smoking particularly strong weed has been linked to nearly a quarter of new psychosis cases, and the risk of psychosis is three times higher for 'skunk-like' weed smokers than non-smokers.

Psychosis, in case you're not aware, involves the delusions or hallucinations that those suffering certain psychiatric illnesses - such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder - suffer from.

Well designed epilepsy studies are badly needed. Despite some sensational and very emotive news stories and widespread speculation on the internet, the use of cannabis to reduce epileptic seizures is supported more by research in mice than in people. In people, the evidence is much less clear.

One of the most important arguments here is: Do you put a potentially dangerous product into the hands of criminals who have no interest in your welfare at all, or do you seek to regulate it? Certainly, we need to do better with medicinal cannabis than the current illegal black market semi-controlled by drug barons. Legalising it would mean that health protection could be provided too.

But so often the polarised nature of the 'legalise cannabis' debate means that any suggestion that cannabis can be bad for you is met with knee-jerk dismissal.

Admitting that cannabis has many, many downsides is an important step towards adding nuance to a discussion that affects the well-being of humans. This debate is far from over.

We all need to understand more about the nature of addiction, how cannabis can tap into that, and if the benefits actually outweigh the side-effects before we give pot the thumbs up.

Alcohol and tobacco are worse, yes, but I'm not entirely convinced that cannabis is a miracle cure.
The Report on Funding of Domestic Public Water Services in Ireland has essentially recommended that we take all the mistakes made in the past - and repeat them.

Up until the establishment of Irish Water, the national domestic water supply was funded out of general taxation.

Now it is recommended that we take a step back to this failed system which saw the infrastructure decline so badly that 50pc of the underground pipes were leaking - the international standard is about 5pc - and thousands of households around the country were on boil-water notices.

This came about because, like anything funded centrally, the maintenance of the water supply was subject to the availability of money and the priorities of the government of the day. So there was never enough funding made available for a consistent and dependable supply of drinking water nationally.

With the arrival of Irish Water, we switched to water charges and a system which was supposed to see a necessary allowance of water to the consumer for "personal washing, toilet flushing, drinking, cooking, clothes washing, dish washing, waste disposal and house cleaning". But it didn't happen.

Average domestic consumption per person per day is 123 litres, but Irish Water offered only 82 litres a day. After that we would have to pay.

How much we paid was determined by water meters. We were told initially that water charges would not be introduced until water meters were installed nationally.

That too turned out not to be true. To date, 873,000 out of a total target of 1.4 million meters have been installed.

Initially, we were told the whole exercise was about conserving water but that also turned out to be a lie. It became a money-gathering exercise only.

If we want to get back to the original conservation ideal, it would seem to make sense to finish the programme of water meter installation. That would also help ensure fairness in making those who waste this precious resource pay for their excesses. But the report recommends instead that the programme be abandoned and areas not so far covered should instead have only "district meters, metering of buildings in the case of multi-occupancy, or metering of households on request". This would clearly be unfair to those already metered.

The greatest example of unfairness in this whole sorry mess is the fact that half of all consumers have already paid water charges and half have not.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney has an answer to this - he will pursue all those who have not paid. But if that was going to happen, it would have happened by now.

And if the Government does not want to see the return of marchers on the streets - the AAA-PBP has already called on its supporters to "polish up their marching boots" - it will not go down that route.

So give us back our money now and make a fresh start in March when the current suspension of water charges runs out.

In putting forward the idea of paying for what will admittedly only be a proportion of the water we use from general taxation, the expert group seems to be trying very hard to sustain the fiction that Irish Water is somehow separate from the State and any borrowings by that institution would not be State borrowings.

Instead the State would be just another customer billed by Irish Water for the cost of our individual allowances of 'free' water.

And when the State pays that bill it will not be a subsidy. Good luck with that.

Hard to swallow too is the idea that only a relatively small proportion of consumers will pay water charges - the alternative is to find a minimum of a billion euro a year from taxation.

Certainly it seems that Fianna Fail's Barry Cowen might have been a little premature in declaring water charges "dead and won't be returning". He is of course in line with the current thinking of a majority in the Dail.

The most vocal critics of water charges would much prefer general taxation to pick up the tab on the basis that their support comes from those who either pay little tax or none at all.

There is one useful suggestion in the report.

There should be a referendum to permanently prohibit the privatisation of Irish Water.

That at least would go some way to assuage our fears about fluctuations in the level of water charges and\or allowances.

Because if accountability for our water supply is ever taken out of the public domain then all bets really are off.
The first images of Dame Zaha Hadid's Brits statuette have been unveiled.

The British architect began working on the project three months before her sudden death in March this year.

Hadid, whose buildings included the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games, died aged 65 in Miami following a heart attack.

Brits chairman Jason Iley said: "We are delighted with the finished statues. Like Zaha, they are innovative and original and have gone well beyond our expectations to create something special that will progress the award into the future."

He has previously told how the Iraqi-born architect told him: "I know exactly how I want to do it. I have a vision for it."

Zaha Hadid Design director Maha Kutay worked on Hadid's original ideas, saying: " Our design expresses Zaha's unwavering belief in progress and optimism for the future and a break from the norm."

A family of five statues - which represent "diversity" - have been revealed - but only one - an abstract image of a woman with her hips to the side - will be given out on the night.

Previous designers of the statuette have included artists Damien Hirst and Sir Peter Blake and fashion designer Pam Hogg.

Hosted by Michael Buble, the Brit Awards 2017 with Mastercard take place on February 22 and will be broadcast live on ITV from London's O2 Arena.

The Critics' Choice shortlist will be revealed on Friday and the winner will be announced on Thursday December 8.
Melania Trump (L) and Ivanka Trump look on as Republican presidential elect Donald Trump speaks during election night at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York on November 9, 2016. / AFP / JIM WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

Donald and Melania Trump at a gala at New York'sMetropolitan Museum of Art in 2011

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump (L) and his wife Melania Trump arrive for a campaign rally the Air Wilmington Hangar located at Wilmington International Airport November 5, 2016 in Wilmington, North Carolina. With less than a week before Election Day in the United States, Trump and his opponent, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, are campaigning in key battleground states that each must win to take the White House. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump acknowledge the crowd on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Melania Trump attends Trump Invitational Grand Prix Mar-a-Lago Club at The Mar-a-Largo Club on January 4, 2015 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)

The fashion world is revolting against incoming US First Lady Melania Trump.

Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs have joined the list of influential powerhouses who are boycotting dressing her as she prepares to take on the role of First Lady in January.

After Sophie Theallet, who dressed Michelle Obama on a number of occasions during her time in White House, sparked a new dialogue when she said she would refuse to dress Trump, citing her husband's "rhetoric of racism, sexism, and xenophobia" as the reason.

When a panel of designers were asked by WWD their thoughts on dressing the former model, Jacobs had no qualms about sharing his feelings.

Expand Close Melania Trump, wife of Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, waves to the crowd after delivering a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Melania Trump, wife of Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, waves to the crowd after delivering a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

"I have no interest whatsoever in dressing Melania Trump. I didn't see [Sophie Theallet's] letter. Personally, I'd rather put my energy into helping out those who will be hurt by [Donald] Trump and his supporters," he said.

Designer Derek Lam gave an honest answer in which he reflects on being slated on social media for sharing his personal opinions.

"Having been duly warned, my response is, while I have incredible respect for our countrys political institutions, I find it challenging to be personally involved in dressing the new first lady," he begam.

"I would rather concentrate my energies on efforts towards a more just, honorable and a mutually respectful world. I dont know Melania Trump personally, so I dont wish my comments to seem I am prejudging her personal values, but I really dont see myself getting involved with the Trump presidency."

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Meanwhile, Tom Ford said he refused to dress Trump even before her husband's campaign, recalling the incident on US talk show The View.

"I was asked to dress [Melania Trump] quite a few years ago and I declined," he explained. "She's not necessarily my image."

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"The first lady  other than the fact that I'm a Democrat and voted for Hillary [Clinton] and am very sad and disappointed that shes not in office  even had Hillary won, she shouldn't be wearing my clothes. They're too expensive."
Donald Trump is making a "Thank You Tour" to honour the supporters in states that gave him his victory (AP)

Donald Trump saluted workers, owners and himself on Thursday at a Carrier plant in Indiana, declaring that a deal to keep a local plant open instead of moving operations to Mexico was only the first of many business victories to come in the US with him as president.

Mr Trump's stop at the heating and air conditioning giant's plant, his first major public appearance since the election more than two weeks ago, marked the opening of a victory tour to states that helped him win. He was appearing at a big rally in Cincinnati on Thursday night.

His speaking style, while calmer than on the campaign trail, was similar in some ways to the seemingly stream-of-conscious efforts of the past year.

While focusing on the hundreds of jobs he said he had saved from moving to Mexico, he also found time to talk about his election performance, former Indiana University basketball coach Bob Knight and the wall he has promised to build along the US-Mexico border.

Some questions remain about the extent of the victory at Carrier, which announced this week that it will keep an Indianapolis plant open. In February, the heating and air conditioning company said that it would shut the plant and send jobs to Mexico, and video of angry workers being informed about the decision soon went viral.

"We're going to build the wall," Mr Trump said, repeating his vow to construct an impenetrable southern border.

"Trust me: We're going to build that wall."

In other recent remarks, he has suggested that he might actually go for a fence along some portions of the border.

"The Rust Belt is so incredible but we're losing companies, it's unbelievable. Just one after the other," Mr Trump said to workers at the Indianapolis plant.

"Companies are not going to leave the United States any more without consequences. It's not going to happen. It's simply not going to happen."

During the campaign, he had often pointed to the Indiana plant's moving plans and a major result of poor Obama administration policies, and he pledged to revive US manufacturing. Officials said this week that Carrier had agreed to keep some 800 union jobs at the plant but Mr Trump suggested Thursday that it could exceed 1,100.

A call to a Carrier spokesman to clarify was not immediately returned. Earlier Thursday, Seth Martin, a spokesman for Carrier, said that Indiana offered the air conditioning and furnace manufacturer seven million US dollars in tax incentives after negotiations with Mr Trump's team to keep some jobs in the state.

The company's decision is something of a reversal, since earlier offers from the state had failed to sway Carrier.

Trump said he personally called Greg Hayes, the chief executive of United Technologies, Carrier's parent, to seal the deal, jokingly asking Mr Hayes: "If I lost would you have picked up the phone?"

The president-elect threatened during the campaign to impose sharp tariffs on any company that shifted its factories to Mexico. And his advisers have promoted lower corporate tax rates as a means of keeping jobs in the US.

Mr Trump repeated both ideas on Thursday.

He toured the factory with his running mate Mike Pence - who, as the outgoing governor of Indiana, was well-situated to aid negotiations - and shook hands with several workers whose jobs would be preserved. Mr Trump pointed to one and yelled at reporters: "He's going to have a good Christmas."

Though hundreds may keep their jobs, others apparently will not, since roughly 1,400 workers were slated to be laid off.

Mr Trump's deal with Carrier may be a public relations success for the incoming president but also suggests that he has unveiled a new presidential economic approach: actively choosing individual corporate winners and losers - or at least winners.

To critics who see other Indiana factories on the verge of closing, deals like the one at Carrier are unlikely to stem the job losses caused by automation and cheap foreign competition, and the prospect that the White House might directly intervene is also a concern to some economists.

The other victory Mr Trump is celebrating is far more clear-cut: his own on Election Day.

Mr Trump, who has long spoken of feeding off the energy of his raucous crowds, first floated the idea of a victory tour just days after winning the election but has instead prioritised filling some Cabinet positions.

The rally in Cincinnati, which Mr Pence also will attend, will take place in the same sports arena where Mr Trump appeared in late October and drew about 15,000 people in what was one of his loudest - and most hostile to the media - crowds of the campaign.

Mr Trump, who convincingly won Ohio, is also expected to hold rallies in battleground states including Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina and Michigan in the coming weeks, though details have yet to be announced.

AP
Comic actor Andrew Sachs, best known for playing Spanish waiter Manuel in Fawlty Towers, has died.

The German-born performer was said to have battled vascular dementia for four years before his death at 86, at a care home and was buried on Thursday, according to reports.

His wife of 57 years, Melody Sachs, told the Daily Mail: "It wasn't all doom and gloom, he still worked for two years (after his diagnosis in 2012). We were happy, we were always laughing we never had a dull moment.

"He had dementia for four years and it wasn't very pleasant. We didn't really notice it at first until the memory started going.

"It didn't get really bad until quite near the end. I nursed Andrew, I was there for every moment of it."

She said the father-of-three, a native German speaker whose parents fled the Nazis in 1938, refused to complain about his deteriorating health.

Mrs Sachs, also 86, told the Mail her husband lost his ability to speak and write during his final few weeks, and he was unable to feed himself or eat during his final days.

Sachs became a household name as the hapless Manuel in the 1970s sitcom.

He would go on to play Ramsay Clegg in Coronation Street in 2009 - a year after the Sachsgate scandal in which Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand made a prank call to the actor on the radio about his granddaughter. But he slipped from public life as his illness took hold.
AirBnB and the city of Amsterdam said they have struck a deal capping the number of days residents may offer their apartments on the service to 60 per year.

The deal is a compromise between those who say AirBnB is a boon to homeowners and tourists alike, and those who oppose it, including hotel owners who complain about the competition.

Many residents of the Dutch capital complain tourists wandering side streets with rolling suitcases and noisy groups who come to Amsterdam to party are making the centre unliveable.

In addition, AirBnB is increasingly cited as one reason for an ongoing spike in housing prices.

Under the deal, AirBnB will install a 'day counter' on Amsterdam listings, and block any bookings that go beyond the limit.

Amsterdam will also introduce a 24-hour hotline for complaints.

The new deal follows a 2014 agreement, one of the first AirBnB made in Europe, in which the San Francisco-based company agreed to collect taxes from its users on behalf of the city.
French president Francois Hollande has announced he will not stand for re-election.

Francois Hollande will not seek a second term as France's president, he announced on Thursday.

Mr Hollande, who made the announcement in a TV address, was facing a tough fight to even make the second round of voting in next year's contest, with the centre-right resurgent under newly-selected candidate Francois Fillon and the far-right Front National having made large strides under leader Marine Le Pen.

His decision not to seek re-election means the Socialist Party will now go forward under a new candidate five years after Mr Hollande ended the centre-right's 17-year stranglehold on the French presidency.

The Socialist Party will select its candidate for the Elysee Palace in primaries in January.

"I have decided not to be a candidate to the renewal of my mandate," said Mr Hollande, who will hand over to his successor in May.

"In the months to come my sole duty will be to continue to lead the state, the mandate for which you elected me in 2012."
Francois Hollande said he had 'decided not to be a candidate in the presidential election' (AP)

French President Francois Hollande has announced he will not seek a second term in next year's presidential election.

The 62-year-old said he hoped to give his Socialist party a chance to win "against conservatism and extremism" by stepping aside.

"I have decided not to be a candidate in the presidential election," Mr Hollande said in a sombre address on French television that recapped his achievements since taking office in 2012.

The country's least popular leader since the Second World War said he was "conscious of the risks" entailed in him running, alluding to his historic lack of support since coming to power.

The Socialist party has been deeply divided over Mr Hollande's policies, with rebels within the party openly criticising his pro-business strategy and calling for more left-leaning policies.

Two of his former cabinet ministers - Arnaud Montebourg and Benoit Hamon - have already announced they would run in next month's Socialist primary, alongside other low-profile candidates.

Mr Hollande had repeatedly said he would seek re-election only if he were able to curb the unemployment rate in France, which for years has hovered around 10%.

The latest figures showed a slight decrease in the jobless numbers but did not seem to quell the criticism.

Thursday's announcement came just a few days after his number two, Prime Minister Manuel Valls, said he was "ready" to compete in the Socialist primary.

Mr Valls, who polled slightly higher than Mr Hollande, is widely expected to jump into the primary field.

Whoever is chosen by the Socialists will face former prime minister Francois Fillon, who won France's first-ever conservative presidential primary on Sunday after promising drastic free-market reforms, along with a crackdown on immigration and Islamic extremism.

Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Front party, is expected to be a major competitor in the two-round presidential election in April and May.

AP

Mr Valls praised Mr Hollande's "tough, mature, serious choice" without saying if he would run for presidency in a written statement on Thursday night.

"That's the choice of a statesman," he said.

He said Mr Hollande had led France with a "constant concern" for the protection of the French people, in an implicit reference to several attacks by Islamic extremists in the country in recent years.

"I want to tell Francois Hollande my emotion, my respect, my loyalty and my affection," he added.

In his address, Mr Hollande avoided saying if he would support Mr Valls - or any other candidate.

The president's office - denying rumours of an internal battle - said the two men had their weekly working lunch on Monday at the Elysee Palace in a "cordial and studious atmosphere".

An at times emotional Mr Hollande said during his televised remarks that he was standing aside so the Socialists would have a better chance of holding on to power, which he said was for the "interest of the country".

"As a life-long Socialist, I cannot allow the dissipation of the left, its breaking-up, because it would rid us of any hope of winning in the face of conservatism or, worse still, extremism," he added.

AP
A woman shouts slogans during a protest against the new peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrilla, outside the Colombian Congress in Bogota. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

A man holds a banner that reads "Yes to Peace" during a demonstration to demand the immediate endorsement of the new peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrilla outside the Colombian Congress in Bogota. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Colombia's Congress approved a new peace deal with FARC rebels late on Wednesday, despite objections from former President and now Senator Alvaro Uribe, who said it was still too lenient on the insurgents who have battled the government for 52 years.

The agreement was approved in the lower house by 130-0, a day after the Senate ratified it 75-0. Lawmakers from Uribe's Democratic Centre party left the floors of both houses in protest just before voting began.

The ratification - and signing last week - begins a six-month countdown for the 7,000-strong FARC, which started as a rebellion fighting rural poverty, to abandon weapons and form a political party.

President Juan Manuel Santos and rebel leader Rodrigo Londono signed the revised accord last week in a sober ceremony after the first deal was rejected in a national plebiscite.

Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in October for his peace efforts, wants to get the deal implemented as quickly as possible to maintain a fragile ceasefire.

Uribe's supporters argued the deal offered too many concessions to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, and did not serve as a deterrent for other groups involved in crime.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close View of the Colombian Congress' house of Representatives during a session to endorse the new peace agreement signed between the government and the FARC, in Bogota. Photo: AFP/Getty Images Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos, left, and FARC Commander Timoleon Jimenez shake hands in Havana, Cuba (AP) Supporters of "Si" vote cries after the nation voted "No" in a referendum on a peace deal between the government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, ain Bogota, Colombia, October 2, 2016. REUTERS/John Vizcaino Supporters of "No" vote celebrate after the nation voted "No" in a referendum on a peace deal between the government and FARC rebels, in Bogota, Colombia. Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel leader Rodrigo Londono watches a live transmission of the referendum on a peace deal, in Havana, Cuba October 2, 2016. REUTERS/Enrique de la Osa Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) negotiator Pastor Alape (C) watchs a live transmission of the referendum on a peace deal, in Havana, Cuba October 2, 2016. REUTERS/Enrique de la Osa Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel leader Rodrigo Londono smokes a Cohiba cigar while watching a live transmission of the referendum on a peace deal, in Havana, Cuba October 2, 2016. REUTERS/Enrique de la Osa Opposition Senator and former President Alvaro Uribe reads a statement at his house in Rionegro, Colombia, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016. (AP Photo/Luis Benavides) Colombia's former President Alvaro Uribe during a press conference after the nation voted "No" in a referendum on a peace deal between the government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, in Rionegro, Colombia, October 2, 2016. REUTERS/Fredy Builes Colombia's former President Alvaro Uribe during a press conference after the nation voted "No" in a referendum on a peace deal between the government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, in Rionegro, Colombia, October 2, 2016. REUTERS/Fredy Builes Patricia, a member of the 51st Front of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), poses for a picture at a camp in Cordillera Oriental, Colombia, August 16, 2016. Picture taken August 16, 2016 Leftist rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) patrol by a roadway near to San Vicente de Caguan January 9, 1999 / Facebook

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"Let's not forget what we are doing today, we're trying to end more than 50 years of war," government negotiator Sergio Jaramillo said.

The new agreement to end Latin America's longest insurgency was put together in just over a month after the original pact - which allowed the rebels to hold public office and skip jail - was narrowly and unexpectedly defeated in an Oct. 2 referendum.

While the government says the accord includes most of the proposals put forward by those who rejected it, the new document did not alter those two key provisions. That angered many among Colombia's largely conservative population, who are also furious that Santos decided to ratify the deal in Congress instead of holding another plebiscite.

The government and FARC worked together in Cuba for four years to negotiate an end to the region's longest-running conflict that has killed more than 220,000 and displaced millions in the Andean nation.

An end to the war with FARC is unlikely to end violence in Colombia as the lucrative cocaine business has given rise to criminal gangs and traffickers.
Aleppo is experiencing a "descent into hell" amid warnings the city could witness one of the biggest massacres since World War II as President Bashar al-Assad's troops continue their brutal offensive.

After four months of siege and a bombing campaign which has brought rebel-held east Aleppo to its knees, civilians are fleeing across the front line in their thousands to escape Mr Assad's attempts to crush the city's rebels for good.

A sweeping advance by the Russian-backed Syrian army and allied militias has displaced thousands of people, the UN said, leaving residents unsure where to turn to for safety as the frontline fighting rapidly moves and rebels struggle to maintain control of key neighbourhoods. The true figure once those who have fled to government areas is included is likely to be much higher.

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on the humanitarian crisis in New York yesterday.

"France and its partners cannot remain silent in the face of what could be one of the biggest massacres of civilian population since World War II," the French UN ambassador, Francois Delattre, said ahead of that meeting.

Russia, meanwhile, claimed the air strikes and ground assault on east Aleppo have managed to "liberate" the area.

"Half of the territory in parts of eastern Aleppo occupied by militants in recent years has been completely freed," Russian defence ministry spokesman Maj Gen Igor Konashenkov said.

"Most importantly, more than 80,000 Syrians have been liberated, tens of thousands children. Many received for the first time water, food, medical care from Russian humanitarian centres.

"Our Western counterparts are showing surprising blindness when it is time to assess the real situation in Aleppo."

Activists on the ground, for their part, have condemned what they see as a continued silence from Western politicians in the face of what a World Food Programme spokesperson described as the city's "slow descent into hell".

Doctor Abdul, working out of a makeshift facility, said that the decimated medical services - east Aleppo has approximately 30 doctors left - were struggling to cope.

Another sent pictures to 'The Independent' of what he said were the bodies of casualties from overnight still lying on the streets.

Wissam Zarqa, a teacher and rebel activist, also sent WhatsApp recordings to journalists saying that while the opposition has managed to accommodate hundreds of fleeing families, tripling the occupancy of some buildings, the fate of many of those who crossed into government-held areas or stayed put as the Syrian army retook their neighbourhoods is unknown.

He is worried about two people he knows well who have been arrested. "Hopefully they will be OK but I am not optimistic about that now," he said.

Fear of arrest and interrogation by the army or Syria's infamous mukhabarat, or secret police, has long been one of the major factors stopping the 250,000 people trapped inside east Aleppo from leaving, despite regime and Russia exhortations it is safe do so.

Approximately 400,000 people have died in the Syrian conflict to date, the UN estimates, with more than half of the country's population driven from their homes. ( Independent News Service)
Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that forbids women drivers. Photo: GETTY

One of Saudi Arabia's wealthiest princes has called for Saudi women to be allowed to drive, saying the kingdom's ban was an "unjust act by a traditional society".

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has no official position in the government but with a net worth estimated at $18.4bn (17.3bn) he is one of the world's richest men and an influential figure in Saudi Arabia.

The prince tweeted "Stop the debate: time for women to drive" and released a long statement arguing a moral and pragmatic case for allowing women to drive.

"Preventing a woman from driving a car is today an issue of rights similar to the one that forbade her from receiving an education or having an independent identity," he said.

Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that forbids women drivers and female citizens face many other restrictions, including travelling alone without a male chaperone.

"They are all unjust acts by a traditional society, far more restrictive than what is lawfully allowed by the precepts of religion," he said.

He also argued the ban on female drivers meant many families were spending around $1,000 (942) a month on a hired driver - usually a non-Saudi who sent their wages back home.

As the economy grapples with the low price of oil, Prince Alwaleed said replacing foreign male drivers with Saudi women would boost the domestic economy.

But the prince's endorsement of women driving was not without caveats. To provide for "an element of moderation" he suggested a number of restrictions, including preventing women from driving outside cities and driving trucks, vans or other vehicles larger than a car.

He also suggested bringing female officers into the police's traffic unit "who will deal with women in the event of their being involved in accidents or traffic violations".

A slow expansion of women's rights began under the late King Abdullah, who in 2013 named them to the Shura Council which advises cabinet. He also announced women could for the first time vote and run in municipal elections. ( Daily Telegraph London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
In an exit interview with Rolling Stone magazine, President Obama said that marijuana use should be treated as a public-health issue similar to tobacco or alcohol and called the current patchwork of state and federal laws regarding the drug untenable.

Look, Ive been very clear about my belief that we should try to discourage substance abuse, Mr Obama said. And I am not somebody who believes that legalisation is a panacea. But I do believe that treating this as a public-health issue, the same way we do with cigarettes or alcohol, is the much smarter way to deal with it.

Mr Obama has made comments to this effect before. In a 2014 interview with the New Yorker magazine he said that marijuana was less dangerous than alcohol in terms of its impact on the individual consumer. More recently, he told TV host Bill Maher, I think we're going to have to have a more serious conversation about how we are treating marijuana and our drug laws generally.

In the Rolling Stone interview published this week, Mr Obama also reiterated his long-standing position that changing federal marijuana laws is not something the president can do unilaterally. Typically how these classifications are changed are not done by presidential edict, he said, but are done either legislatively or through the DEA. As you might imagine, the DEA, whose job it is historically to enforce drug laws, is not always going to be on the cutting edge about these issues.

The Drug Enforcement Administration recently turned down a petition to lessen federal restrictions on marijuana, citing the drug's lack of accepted medical use and its high potential for abuse. Congress could resolve the conflict between state and federal marijuana laws by amending the federal Controlled Substances Act, but it has declined to do so.

Marijuana legalisation advocates have been frustrated at what they see as Mr Obama's unwillingness to use his bully pulpit to advocate for their cause. It would have been very helpful if he had taken more concrete positive action on this issue before it was almost time to vacate the Oval Office, Tom Angell of the pro-legalisation group Marijuana Majority said in a statement. That this president didnt apply pressure on the DEA to reschedule marijuana this year will likely go down as one of the biggest disappointments of the Obama era.

There is little disagreement on either side of the legalisation debate that personal marijuana use should be treated primarily as a public-health issue. Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), the nation's leading anti-legalisation group, says that it seeks to establish a rational policy for marijuana use and possession that no longer relies only on the criminal justice system to address people whose only crime is smoking or possessing a small amount of marijuana.

But there is vehement disagreement over what such a rational policy would look like. SAM advocates for a policy of decriminalisation of marijuana use, but not full-scale commercial legalisation. Groups like the Marijuana Policy Project, on the other hand, are pushing for the creation of Colorado-style commercial marketplaces where it is completely legal to buy, sell and consume marijuana.

Expand Close President-elect Donald Trump meets with President Barack Obama at the White House Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp President-elect Donald Trump meets with President Barack Obama at the White House Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

Mr Obama has been hesitant throughout his second term to push for one approach or the other. His Justice Department has created a policy explicitly allowing states to legalise marijuana as they see fit, but he has made no effort to alter the strict federal prohibition on marijuana that complicates any effort to create a legal nationwide marijuana industry.

Pro-legalisation advocates are worried that the current Justice Department policy of noninterference on marijuana legalisation could be reversed by an incoming Trump administration stocked with harsh critics of such legalisation. Donald Trump himself has said that the matter should be left up to the states.

In the Rolling Stone interview, Mr Obama hinted that he may be more vocal on the issue once he leaves office. I will have the opportunity as a private citizen to describe where I think we need to go on marijuana, he said.
The Canadian judge who asked a rape complainant why she could not "just keep your knees together" should be removed from the bench, a committee of inquiry recommended on Wednesday.

Alberta Justice Robin Camp committed misconduct during the 2014 rape trail, relying on "discredited myths and stereotypes about women and victim-blaming," the five-member panel established by the Canadian Judicial Council, which oversees federal judges, said in its unanimous recommendation.

The full council will now consider whether to recommend Camp's ouster to Canadian Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, who in turn would then decide whether to ask Parliament to vote to remove Camp from the bench.

Camp made his comments during the 2014 trial of a man accused of raping a 19-year-old woman who said she was sexually assaulted over a bathroom sink during a house party. Among other remarks, Camp asked the woman, "Why didn't you just sink your bottom into the basin so he couldn't penetrate you?"

He also repeatedly called the woman "the accused," and told her that "sex and pain sometimes go together."

"There's no talk of real force here," Camp said in his reason for acquitting the accused man. "There's no talk of fear. That doesn't mean that there's consent. It just means that the accused hasn't explained why she allowed the sex to happen if she didn't want it."

Alberta's Court of Appeal overturned the acquittal, saying the judge's conduct and reasons for judgment disclosed errors of law, and ordered a new trial.

Camp's conduct "was so manifestly and profoundly destructive of the concept of the impartiality, integrity and independence of the judicial role that public confidence is sufficiently undermined to render the Judge incapable of executing the judicial office," the committee said in its report.

Four law professors last year filed a formal complaint about the judge's conduct. Alberta's attorney-general also filed a complaint.

Amid the uproar over his comments, Camp apologized and said he realized his statements "caused deep and significant pain to many people." He asked to remain in his position, saying he would educate himself and attend gender-sensitivity counseling.

The committee said that would not be enough, saying education "cannot adequately repair the damage caused to public confidence through his conduct."

Camp can make written submissions before a formal recommendation is made by the council to Wilson-Raybould.

The judicial council has only ever recommended removing two judges since its creation in 1971. Both those judges resigned before the recommendations made it to Canada's Parliament.
Jim Delligatti: The inventor of the Big Mac has died aged 98. Credit: AP

Michael "Jim" Delligatti, the man who invented the iconic Big Mac, has died aged 98.

Mr Delligatti, who created arguably the best-known fast-food sandwich in the world nearly 50 years ago, died at his home in Pittsburgh on November 28.

McDonalds posted a tribute to the Big Mac creator, tweeting: Today, we celebrate the 98 inspirational years of Big Mac inventor, Michael Jim Delligatti. Jim, we thank and will forever remember you.

They shared a photo of him proudly holding two Big Macs in the air and his quote: I would never have dreamed that my creation would turn into a piece of Americana.

Mr Delligatti came up with the idea of putting two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun in 1967, responding to a demand for a bigger burger.

He ate at least one 540-calorie Big Mac a week for decades, according to the fast-food fans son.

"He was often asked why he named it the Big Mac, and he said because Big Mc sounded too funny," his son Michael Delligatti said.

McDonald's has sold billions of Big Macs worldwide, an estimated 550 million Big Macs a year, or roughly 17 every second.

"Jim Delligatti was a legendary franchisee within McDonald's system who made a lasting impression on our brand," the Illinois-based company said in a statement.

"We will remember Jim as an insightful franchisee, a knowledgeable businessman, and an honourable gentleman who left a legacy of four generations of family members running great restaurants in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

The Big Mac "has become an iconic sandwich enjoyed by many around the world", they added.

In an interview with Reuters in 2007, Mr Delligatti said: The first day we just used the regular bun, we didnt have any centre slice.

Today, we celebrate the 98 inspirational years of Big Mac inventor, Michael "Jim" Delligatti. Jim, we thank and will forever remember you. pic.twitter.com/wmEFrmazdn  McDonald's (@McDonalds) November 30, 2016

"Making it that way made it very sloppy. The next day we put the centre slice in, and today it looks the same."

Take a look inside the extraordinary floating McDonalds restaurant left abandoned for 30 years.

Meanwhile, a woman addicted to McDonalds who lost 16st has shared a photo of her dramatic transformation.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Police in New York are hunting for man who grabbed a bucket of gold he spotted on the back of an armoured truck in the city's Diamond District.

The man managed to swipe the bucket - worth $1.6m (1.5m) - full of gold flakes within a 20 second window.

It is thought one of two guards was busy making a pickup while the other was at the front of the Loomis truck using his mobile phone.

I think he just saw an opportunity, took the pail and walked off, New York Police Department Detective Martin Pastor, who is overseeing the investigation, told WNBC.

Surveillance footage viewable above was released by the NYPD and shows the robbery from several angles.

Police said it is unlikely he knew what the pot contained.
President-elect Donald Trump said that he was leaving his business empire to focus on being the nation's 45th president, bowing to pressure to avoid potential conflicts of interest between governing and profiting in the private sector.

"I will be leaving my great business in total in order to fully focus on running the country in order to make America great again," he said on twitter.

"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."

He said legal documents were "being crafted which take me completely out of business operations," he said, adding the presidency is "a far more important task!"

Meanwhile, former Goldman Sachs executive Steven Mnuchin, Trump's former campaign finance director, confirmed that Trump had picked him as treasury secretary and that billionaire investor Wilbur Ross had been chosen for commerce secretary.

Trump called on conservatives with deep ties to Washington and Wall Street to fill out key Cabinet roles as he continued to deliberate over his secretary of state.

He also held lengthy discussions with Mitt Romney over a dinner of sauteed frog legs in a restaurant in one of his Trump hotels. The choice of Jean-Georges, a three-starred Michelin restaurant overlooking Central Park popular with New York high society, was the clearest indication yet that Mr Trump may select Mr Romney as his chief diplomat.

After the dinner, Mr Romney offered words of praise for Mr Trump that contrasted sharply with his past criticisms, saying he had been "impressed" by his acceptance speech and subsequent preparations for office, calling it "a wonderful evening".

"I think you're going to see America continue to lead the world in this century," Romney said, adding he had "increasing hope that president-elect Trump is the very man who can lead us to that better future".

The former Republican nominee and the brash real estate tycoon were joined by the latter's incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus.

It was the second face-to-face meeting in 10 days between Trump and the 69-year-old former Massachusetts governor, who savaged him as a "conman" and a "fraud" during the election campaign.

Mr Trump's secretary of state will be America's public face to the world who could face the delicate task of reassuring foreign allies alarmed by the president-elect's rhetoric on the campaign trail.

Mr Romney's distrust of Russia - at odds with a president-elect who has spoken admiringly of Vladimir Putin - and the respect he generally commands have been touted as qualities by establishment Americans.

It remains unclear how influential the secretary of state would be on crafting foreign policy with Mr Trump loyalist and retired general Michael Flynn already nominated as national security adviser.

Besides Mr Romney, other potential candidates are celebrated general yet scandal-clad former CIA director David Petraeus, Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Earlier Mr Trump met Corker (64), who said that he thought Trump had narrowed the choice "to a very small group of people" and it was important that he selected somebody on the same wave length.

Mr Petraeus, who met the president-elect on Monday, has by far the most foreign policy experience, but he was forced to resign from the CIA after showing classified material to his mistress Paula Broadwell.

Helping Mr Trump claim success on his election pledge to save American jobs from going overseas, Indiana air-conditioning company, Carrier Corp, announced it had reached a deal with Trump and vice president-elect Mike Pence "to keep close to 1,000 jobs".

Mr Trump had tweeted on America's Thanksgiving holiday last week that he was seeking to persuade the company to stay in the United States.
Police in Utah responded after a school student was disarmed in a hallway

Two fast-acting parents disarmed their own 15-year-old son at a Utah middle school on Thursday after the teenager brought the family's shotgun and handgun to school, and fired at least one round without injuring anyone.

Police chief Tom Ross said the boy's mother and father became concerned about their son on Thursday morning.

They went to Mueller Park Junior High in the northern Utah city of Bountiful when they noticed their weapons were missing.

Mr Ross said the parents confronted their son in a school hallway and disarmed him.

Police were still trying to learn whether the student intentionally fired the gun or if the weapon went off accidentally while the parents intervened.

Mr Ross did not immediately have details about whether anyone else was around but he says students were in classes nearby.

A teacher called 911 and a police officer who happened to be down the street arrived and took custody of the student soon after, police said.

Police recovered a handgun and a shotgun from the student, Mr Ross said. He did not have details on which weapon fired.

Davis School District spokesman Chris Williams praised the parents, saying: "It's all of our jobs to keep kids safe."

Mr Williams had no immediate information about the student or whether he had any history of trouble or incidents at the school.

Mr Ross said the student was in custody on Thursday morning but he did not know if he was still being questioned at the school or in another location.

The school, about 11 miles north of Salt Lake City, remained on lockdown while more than 100 officers went room-by-room through the building to ensure it was safe.

The incident comes about two weeks after another Utah student stabbed five random high-school classmates and himself before he was cornered by school workers, according to police.

The victims and the 16-year-old suspect survived the wounds. The teen has been charged with five counts of attempted murder in connection with the November 15 rampage at a school in Orem, about 50 miles south of Mueller Park Junior High.

AP
Sometimes, women need a little pampering.

No, not needdeserve.

Dr. Sharon Allison-Ottey preaches womens health across the country, emphasizing mental and emotional health right along with the physical. Self esteem and confidence, she said, lie at the core of a persons well-being, and women in particular occasionally need help reminding themselves that they matter.

Youre an auntie, youre a mother, youre all of those things, Allison-Ottey said. The last thing on your list is you. Part of the conference is to be over the top, just a day of luxury for women to really learn to be empowered but also a go-girl conference for women of all ages, races and all points of their lives because we need that.

Allison-Ottey brings her Beautiful Woman Inside and Out national empowerment conference to Charlotte on Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, two days of learning, celebrating and discussing beauty, health and spirituality for women.

What we do is combine all of the things that make women women, said Allison-Ottey, a nationally recognized author, speaker, physician and health advocate. Health, we combine fashion, we combine makeup, motivation, nutrition and bring it together in a real empowerment conference. We do this several times a year around the country.

The doctor facilitates talks on womens health all around the country, but each year she makes sure to bring the convention to her home state of North Carolina, right near where she grew up.

Im just Sharon Allison, the little girl that grew up in Kannapolis and went to Jackson Park and cheered for the Wonders, she said. Im very fortunate that my life has taken me all over the country, but I still am fundamentally that little girl, and thats why Im still committed to bringing this conference back to North Carolina because North Carolina is my roots.

What it is

Beautiful Woman Inside and Out draws hundreds of women and teenagers for a conference of national experts on health, wellness, fitness, fashion, beauty and more. The event, held at the Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park Hotel, will begin Friday, Dec. 2, with an afternoon session followed by a Girls Night filled with pampering sessions, music, food and fun for registered attendees.

Saturday, Dec. 3, will bring the main conference into full swing, with the teen event focusing on girls ages 12 to 17 going on simultaneously.

The concept of positive body image and self esteem hit Allison-Ottey early on in childhood. She said she grew up as the smart girl, the daughter of a deacon with unruly hair and extra pounds. Medical school at East Carolina University gave her a feeling of accomplishment butgiven the long nights spent pouring over textbooks or cadaversdidnt quite make her feel feminine.

As the years have passed, however, she said she realized that inner beauty matters more than whats on the outside.

As a young girl growing up in a small city not always feeling like a model, knowing I didnt look like the models and being insecure about my appearance and those things, and I think that really is a misnomer, she said. It really is you are beautiful, no matter who you are, no matter what you look like, first and foremost.

The conference seeks to instill that message, emphasizing that everyone has worth.

It really attacks self esteem, Allison-Ottey said. Twelve to 17-year-old girls and gets them young to say you are worthwhile. You are beautiful. Yes we can switch some things, but lets not just look at what the world sees. Lets develop whats on the inside and bring it all together.

Why it matters

Self-esteem follows through life, Allison-Ottey said. Teaching young girls early on their value and worth could translate into a more confident woman down the road.

"If you get a young girl, and you infuse self-esteem into a young girl, a teenager, a 20-some-year-old, they will avoid a lot of the mistakes that a lot of us older women have gone through," she said. "If we can just capture some girls and tell them and let them know that they are great and they are beautiful, we don't have to wait for a man to do that in the back of a pickup truck. If we can get a 50-year-old woman, she can break the mold and not think that she's not good enough."

Reaching adults is just as important as teens, the doctor said. So many body image and self worth programs target young girls but often forget the older women struggling with self-esteem themselves.

"What has happened is that 12-year-old little girl who had poor self-esteem, she has grown up into a 67-year-old woman who still has poor self-esteem, and that has driving her to poor decisions in her life," Allison-Ottey said. "Many of us have kind of stuffed down some of the things that we had as a young child."

Bottom line, the doctor said, is she believes women must first know themselves then love themselves, value themselves. And that is exactly what her conference promotes.

"Don't let society tell us what we should be, should do," she said. "It really is looking at your qualities and appreciating that, yes, I have a wonderful smile or a kind heart or I'm smart. All of us have things to work on but picking out that one piece of you that you have value in and learning what you like and who you are, that self-discovery piece. I love Sharon as well as all the flaws, included all the flaws."
North Carolinas Low Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIEAP, made a difference in more than 1,750 Cabarrus County households last year, providing a total of $474,900 in aid to qualified residents.

The program, administered locally by Cabarrus County Human Services, is once again taking applications for one-time annual vendor payment to help with heating bills.

Between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31, the program targets households with a member age 60 or older and households in which one member is determined disabled by the Social Security or Veterans Administration and is receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services. The program opens to all other households between Jan. 1 and March 31 of 2017.

Eligibility for the program is based on household income, the number of people who live in the home, and residency, need and resource guidelines. Food and nutrition recipients no longer automatically receive energy assistancethey must apply during the application period.

Households determined eligible for Low Income Energy Assistance do not receive a check. All payments are made directly to the vendor.

For more information or to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, visit the Cabarrus County Human Services office, located at 1303 S. Cannon Blvd. in Kannapolis, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call 704-920-1400.
GREENSBORO  Steve Shelton knew when his phone rang at 1:30 a.m. that something was wrong back home.

He was on a business trip in Chicago on Oct. 13 when he received a frantic phone call from his oldest son.

He said, Caleb is dead,? Shelton said Wednesday at the Greensboro Public Safety Training Facility.

Caleb Shelton was 27 years old.

As of Wednesday, paramedics have responded to 180 suspected opioid overdoses in Greensboro this year, including the one that claimed Caleb Sheltons life, according to Guilford County Emergency Medical Services statistics. Thats up from 129 such responses in all of 2015.

The Greensboro Police Department announced this week that officers will begin training to use Narcan, a nasal spray containing the drug naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

Guilford County EMS has already trained six officers, who will train the others.

The police department received 300 free Narcan nasal kits through the nonprofit organization Project Lazarus. The department will pay for additional kits at $75 each through its operating budget. Each patrol car will have two 4 milligram doses of Narcan, according to a police news release. Paramedics have four to six minutes to inject naloxone during an opioid-induced overdose before irreversible brain damage to the victim can occur.

Shelton said his wife found Caleb on the hallway floor of their Greensboro home. He was unresponsive.

When paramedics arrived, they worked on the former Western Guilford High and N.C. A&T left-handed pitcher but were unable to revive him. Caleb, the father of a 2-year-old son, was dead.

Shelton said his son had used prescription drugs after two shoulder surgeries and surgery on a leg he injured in a motorcycle wreck. He said he believes his son started using heroin within the past 18 months after looking for a cheaper, more readily available solution to his pain.

We think he suffered from depression and some mental illness issues, Shelton said. He would use heroin to escape those issues.

Shelton and police hope another family doesnt go through the tragedy of losing a loved one to a heroin overdose.

Earlier this year, the police department started looking into how it could get Narcan into officers hands, spokeswoman Susan Danielsen said.

Greensboro is not unlike other communities throughout the country.

More than 25 million people worldwide and aAbout 2.1 million in the U.S. suffer from opioid addiction, according to a 2012 report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioids, according to the report, include heroin, fentanyl, morphine and prescription pain relievers.

Danielsen said police have noticed an increase in reports of heroin overdoses in Greensboro. However, unlike the High Point Police Department, Greensboro doesnt keep specific statistics on the number of heroin overdoses and responses.

Danielsen said the department hopes to have each officer trained to use Narcan by the beginning of 2017. Officers must go through the training before they are allowed to administer the drug.

Officers new knowledge could save lives.

We also saw more times when officers were arriving on the scene before the fire department and paramedics, Danielsen said.

Robert Childs, the executive director of the N.C. Harm Reduction Coalition, said 141 law enforcement agencies throughout North Carolina carry Narcan, now including three in Guilford County  the sheriffs office, High Point and Greensboro.

Childs said having Greensboro joining those agencies is a big step, but he isnt sure of the effect it will have.

This measure will ensure more people will possibly survive overdoses if police arrive at a scene before EMS, he said.

Saving lives is exactly why Guilford County EMS Training Supervisor Kerry Cross wants Narcan in the hands of all first responders.

Besides heroin overdoses, some of what paramedics see are people who have been prescribed opioids for pain management and have too much of the drug in them. Giving Narcan nasally could take three to five minutes to work. The drug, Cross said, is used to open the airways of people experiencing an opioid overdose.

Narcan will only work with opioid overdoses.

We dont give them Narcan to wake them up, Cross said. We give it to them so they can breathe.

Calebs death was Gods will, Shelton said. He and his wife have relied on their faith and counseling to help them cope with the death of their son. His sons death was a calling, Shelton believes, to honor Caleb by educating people on opioid addiction, use and overdoses.

They truly lose the ability to know right from wrong, he said. Its a tragedy for us.
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 | 02-11-2022 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... November 02, 2022 | 02-11-2022 3:23 pm

Airtel crosses 1 million customers on it 5G network Bharti Airtel on Wednesday has announced that it has crossed the 1 million unique 5G user mark on its network. The company achieved this milestone in less than 30 days of its commercial la... November 02, 2022 | 02-11-2022 2:50 pm

Rupee declines 12 paise against the dollar In morning trade on Wednesday, the rupee lost 12 paise to 82.71 against the US dollar due to a flat trend in domestic stocks. Forex traders reported that the rupee started the day flat before t... November 02, 2022 | 02-11-2022 2:45 pm

Markets near day's low with Nifty below 18,100 Domestic benchmark indices trading in the red after a gap-down opening on Wednesday. Both the Sensex and Nifty benchmarks are marginally lower in the afternoon market session. Moreover, globall... November 02, 2022 | 02-11-2022 2:00 pm
Most of us are so busy in our daily activities that we hardly get time to take care of our finances. We also find it difficult to submit our income-tax returns before the due date. In order to meet the deadline of filing our income-tax return, most of us hire the services of a chartered accountant or tax consultant. However, no one knows your finances and income better than you - so why let anyone else file your tax returns?



Individuals prefer to file their tax return through experienced accountants or professionals due to lack of knowledge or the fear of making mistakes. The below article provides the basics of electronic tax return filing that could help you complete the process on your own.



Register yourself

Filing of income tax returns online is very easy and free, especially for salaried people. First-time users need to register their permanent account number (PAN) in the tax website to do the filing. For registration, please have the PAN card handy, log-on to www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in , click register yourself and submit your basic details.



Fill the right IT return form

The Form ITR-1, also known as Sahaj, is a simple form for individuals who have income from salaries plus one house property and other sources. Choose the appropriate form depending on your source of income. Generally, you need a copy of the Form 16 from your employer, Form 16A from bank, investment and proofs for deduction (if you have not exhausted your deduction limit and not claimed in your Form 16) besides bank account details (account number and IFSC code of the bank).



You have two options for filing the tax return - it could either be in a quick filing mode or the normal longer process. Quick e-file option requires no download of software/form and can be filled like any online registration form.



In the normal longer process, you can download the pre-filled applicable return form, complete the remaining required fields, validate the data and verify the tax calculation using the inbuilt options.

Click XML generate and save the XML on your desktop.

Log onto the website, click e-file menu and select upload return.

You will get an acknowledgement (ITR-V) for filing the tax return.



Send your ITR-V

Sign the ITR-V in blue ink and send it to CPC Bangalore through ordinary or speed post so as to reach them within 120 days of filing. The I-T Department does not accept forms sent through registered post or courier.



Send the signed ITR-V to:

Income Tax Department-CPC

Post Bag No-1

Electronic City Post Office

Bangalore-560100

Karnataka



After few days, you will receive an email from the CPC that would acknowledge the receipt of your ITR-V form. This makes the e-filing of I-T returns complete.



Read More: Importance of receiving ITR-V acknowledgement
Law enforcement officers unrolled miles of concertina wire around the base of Turtle Island, where Missouri River tributary water laps against the shore and around the top of the bluff that constitutes the island. Photo courtesy Ryan Vizzions



Army announces shut-down of access to spirit camp

Tribe summons public to pressure ObamaBy Talli NaumanNative Sun News TodayHealth & Environment Editor

FT. YATES, N.D.  The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and allies summoned public pressure on U.S. President Barack Obama to halt construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on Nov. 25, when the Army Corps of Engineers announced plans to close access to the Oceti Sakowin spirit camp sheltering thousands of pipeline resisters.

We ask that everyone who can appeal to President Obama and the Army Corps of Engineers to consider the future of our people and rescind all permits, and deny the easement to cross the Missouri River just north of our reservation and straight through our treaty lands, Tribal Chair Dave Archambault II said in a written statement.

The tribe received a letter from the Army announcing the closure of all lands under its jurisdiction north of the Cannonball River beginning Dec. 5, due to inability to assure public safety near the place where the Obama Administration has suspended pipeline permitting in accord with the tribes lawsuit to stop the project.

I am closing the portion of the Corps-managed federal property north of the Cannonball River to all public use and access effective Dec. 5, 2016, Army Col. John Henderson wrote in a letter to Archambault. This decision is necessary to protect the general public from the violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement officials that have occurred in this area, and to prevent death, illness, or serious injury to inhabitants of encampments due to the harsh North Dakota winter conditions, he said.

He submitted the letter in the aftermath of a Nov. 20-21 police put-down of pipeline resisters from the camp that resulted in at least 300 injuries, more than in any other confrontation since August, when North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple called out the National Guard to suppress civil disobedience.

Read the rest of the story on the Native Sun News Today website: Army announces shut-down of access to spirit camp

(Contact Talli Nauman at talli.nauman@gmail.com)

Copyright permission Native Sun News

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Winter has set in on the #NoDAPL encampment in North Dakota. Photo from Sacred Stone Camp



The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is preparing to welcome as many as 2,000 veterans to the #NoDAPL encampment amid a time of uncertainty in North Dakota.

With their determination to act as human shields, the participants in Veterans Stand For Standing Rock are re-focusing national attention on the brutalities suffered at the hands of the state. Hundreds of people who are opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline have been arrested and have suffered injuries as authorities remain intent on clearing them from land just north of the reservation.

But in a return to social media, Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier is already pushing back on the mission. His office is suggesting that the veterans who are coming to Oceti Sakowin Seven Council Fires ) and the other #NoDAPL camps might be engaging in "unlawful" activities

"Veterans within the state of North Dakota, we really question that -- as to where their cause truly is because we all took the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States," Raymond Morell said in a video released by Kirchmeier's office on Thursday.

Morton County Sheriff's Department on YouTube: Veteran Speaks Out



The Veterans Stand For Standing Rock group began organizing the large deployment before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it was closing public land to Oceti Sakowin, the largest #NoDAPL site. The December 5 deadline opens up hundreds and perhaps even thousands to prosecution and persecution by county and state authorities.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R), who has never visited the camps, quickly asserted authority at the site and signed an "emergency" evacuation order on Monday. But with thousands of veterans on their way to Standing Rock, he is denying suggestions that authorities will prevent food, supplies and people from getting there.

"We are not going to be stopping people, Dalrymple said at a press conference on Wednesday after questions were raised about the state's intentions. It would be a huge mistake from a humanitarian standpoint.

Still, the tribe and the residents of the camps are worried about threats posed by the state, giving recent events. Chairman Dave Archambault II issued a proclamation on Wednesday that supports the continued presence of Oceti Sakowin on public land.

"This week is the anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre," Archambault said, referring to the November 29, 1864, incident in which hundreds of peaceful women, children and elderly were killed at the hands of a state militia in Colorado. "Its time for the United States to end its legacy of abuses against Native Americans. We call on the United Nations and President Barack Obama to take immediate action to prohibit North Dakota from engaging in its retaliatory actions and practices."

"Gov. Darlymple had a chance today to condemn the violence and unlawful acts of state and local governments, but failed to do so," Archambault added.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on YouTube: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls For Immediate Halt to Dakota Access Pipeline



Some veterans have already started making their way to North Dakota for the December 4-7 mission. The event is organized by veterans Michael Wood Jr. and Wesley Clark Jr., and the official spokesperson is veteran Loreal Black Shawl, who is Oglala Sioux and Northern Arapaho.

A contingent from the Navajo Nation will be among those joining the more than 2,000 veterans who have signed up. The Dine' Warriors for Standing Rock are scheduled to fly out of of New Mexico on Saturday, according to organizer Duane "Chili" Yazzie , who serves as president of the Shiprock Chapter on the reservation.

With authorities in North Dakota still blocking roads north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, the veterans are planning to meet on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota before they head to the front lines. Organizers are establishing an assembly area in Eagle Butte, the headquarters of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) has confirmed that she will be joining the effort. She spoke on the floor of the House on Thursday morning in opposition to the controversial project that spurred the #NoDAPL movement.

"The Dakota Access Pipeline is a threat to the great balance of life," said Gabbard, who served in the war in Iraq and remains on active duty.

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Oceti Sakowin, or Seven Council Fires, is the largest #NoDAPL encampment in North Dakota. Photo from Facebook



Sacred Fire Burns Bright

By Vi WalnLakota Country Times Columnist

Our Lakota ancestors had unwavering faith in the Seventh Generation. Their prayers were from the heart. The prayers they offered long ago were intended for those of us here today. As a people whose lives are based in prayer, we understand that once our prayer is made, we ride on the faith that it will manifest.

The unwavering faith we have in our prayer was inherited from our powerful ancestors. Their long-ago prayers were for the Seventh Generation to come back stronger than they were. Their prayer was made knowing they would not see it manifest during their lifetime. They prayed anyway.

The 19th century Lakota had little choice when they were forced into the concentration camps on the land we now call home. There were two options: accept life on the reservation or die. Ever mindful of the children and the unborn, our ancestors reluctantly relinquished their freedom for the confinement of the reservation.

Before we were forced onto the reservation, our people were defined by a central fire that was cared for by a designated individual. This fire was tended around the clock. When the Oceti Sakowin moved to a different area, coals were carefully placed in a buffalo horn and carried to where the new camp was established.

The fire was the heart of our ancestors. The coals signified that life would continue, no matter how far the people moved. Yet, as we all know, the coming of the wasicu changed all of that and the main campfire of our people flickered out at some point. Accounts passed down by Lakota elders say the Oceti Sakowin flame last warmed the camps sometime during the mid-19th century.

When our people were forced onto the reservations, the prayer for the Seventh Generation was always remembered. The intent of the wasicu was to wipe us off the face of the planet, yet the faith of our ancestors prayer has carried us into the world we live in today. The ancestral prayer for the Seventh Generation to mend the broken hoop of our nation has always been alive.

On November 5, 2016, a ceremonial fire was lit at the Oceti Sakowin Camp near Cannon Ball, North Dakota. This fire was lit for the seven bands of the Titonwan Lakota, so our children will live. Tipis representing the Oglala, Sicangu, Hunkpapa, Mnicoujou, Sihasapa, Oohenunpa and Itazipco are once again surround the central fire of our ancestors. Our Dakota and Nakota relatives are also represented by this fire.

This fire is very important. It represents the faith that went into all of our ancestors prayers. This fire was also lit for all of the Indigenous people of Mother Earth. How fitting that it be rekindled during the fight to protect our Mni Wiconi.

I realize there are many of you who dont care that the flame of the Oceti Sakowin is burning again. Colonization has taken a great toll among our people. We all have free will and can make our own decision on whether or not to embrace our Lakota heritage.

Today, I hear many Lakota people say I didnt grow up that way or I wasnt raised traditionally. When you utter those phrases, you are embracing your assimilation. Furthermore, you are actually discarding the faith your ancestors put into their prayer for the Seventh Generation.

Still, its perfectly okay to embrace assimilation because you do have the free will to make that choice. We only ask that you continue to pray for your Lakota relatives whove embraced the faith our ancestors had in the power of the Seventh Generation. The Lakota people who have embraced the spiritual path of our ancestors, offer daily prayers for all to have a better world to live in. So, no matter what faith you are affiliated with, please remember your Lakota relatives in your prayer.

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I was very honored to visit the sacred fire recently to offer cedar and tobacco. I believe the prayers I said at the fire were much like the ones uttered by my ancestors. I want my unborn generations to live healthy in a world where their basic needs are met. I prayed for them to always have enough clean water, food, clothing and shelter.

The fact that the central fire of the Oceti Sakowin is burning at the big camp near the Cannon Ball River gives me hope for our people, humanity and all of our unborn generations. Keep praying.

(Vi Waln is an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation and is a nationally published journalist.)

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The LGBT community has been at the receiving end of social stigma for a long time now. This has led to them being isolated and deprived of basic rights. But the recent series of dialogues between the community and city police has acted as an ice-breaker to relieve the strain and awkwardness by helping the latter understand basic concepts and ways to tackle certain problems.

ALSO READ: Why An Inclusive Workplace Is The First Step Towards Gender Equality

Deccan Chronicle

The Pune-based Samapathik Trust which works for the better ment of the LGBT community, with help from Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI), recently inter acted with police personnel from over 30 police stations in the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, including rural, jurisdiction.

These sessions were held before or after the duty hours of police and dur ing a time when most of the police staffers were available.

Starting with introduction, the sessions covered basic concepts, including the definition of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender, thereby giving the police more clarity about the issues pertaining to the community.

"Most of the times, the police are not aware about difference between gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender. The introduction during the dialogue cleared their doubts helping them differentiate and deal with them in case of legal and other issues," said activist Bindumadhav Khire from Samapathik Trust.

On the other hand, the police too face problems while dealing with the community, especially transgenders, if they are found engaging in anti-social activities.

ALSO READ: The Truth About How Hijras Are Made In India

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Lack of basic knowledge was a big hindrance for the police but following the sessions, they have become more aware.

"Basic problems like whether a transgender person should be kept in the male or female lock-up or what legal action should be taken in such a case, were posing obstacles during law and order situations. The dialogue helped in giving answers to these questions," informed Omkar from the LGBT community, who was involved in the sessions.

ALSO READ: India Has Some Very Shocking Ideas On Curing Homosexuality

Following the sessions, the police personnel are also happy because majority of their questions were answered.

"The dialogue between our staff and the LGBT community helped us understand the issues faced by them. Also, at times, we are unsure of how to deal with accused or victims from the community. But, the inputs from Samapathik Trust have definitely been helpful," informed Rekha Salunkhe, senior police inspector from Faraskhana police station.

Salunkhe added that this has helped authorities in rehabilitation of victims from the community and provide legal help.

"The staff was also sensitised through this activity," she informed.

India West

There are many cases of blackmailing and extortion involving victims from the LGBT community . Because most people are still closeted, people take advantage of the situation and exploit them. Such cases go unreported though. Khire feels that despite incidences where people from the community have been taken advantage of, the careless approach continues.

"While approaching unknown people via the internet or through dating applications, people from the LGBT community must be cautious and should not reveal their identity until the other person's background is known," Khire opined.
In a court of law, the least that is required of a judge is his/her impartiality  to look at the case in hand with objectivity. So when a Canadian judge asked an alleged rape victim why she couldnt keep her knees together it wasnt surprising that it angered sexual assault victims and lawyers.

Justice Camp

During the 2014 rape trial, Justice Robin Camp told the victim that pain and sex sometimes go together. Albertas (a Canadian province) minister of justice filed a complaint to the national judicial council.

Since then the committee has called for an inquiry to investigate his comments towards the 19-year-old defendant. Mr Camp acquitted the accused but the verdict was overturned and a new rape trial has been ordered.

Representational image/Helga Webber/Flickr

The committee called for an inquiry into the controversial comments towards the 19-year-old plaintiff, who Mr Camp mistakenly referred to as "the accused" several times during the trial.

The victim was allegedly raped on a bathroom and Justice Camp told her that she could have stopped the rape by sinking her bottom down into the basin. As a result the victim came to self-loathe and said, He made me hate myself.

The judicial committees report concluded that his conduct was so manifestly and profoundly destructive of the concept of impartiality, integrity and independence of the judicial role that the public is no longer confident he is capable of executing the judicial office.

During the inquiry Mr Camp said, I was not the good judge I thought I was, and admitted he had been rude and facetious.

Cover image is representational only
A cyclonic storm named Nada, building up in the Bay of Bengal, is expected to touch the coast of Tamil Nadu coast on Friday, the Met department has said. It is expected make landfall close to Cuddalore, around 185 km from Chennai, between Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Currently, the cyclone is about 710 km south-east of the Tamil Nadu Capital and is expected to move west and intensify.

Indian Metereological Department

The entire south-east coast can expect heavy to moderate showers accompanied by strong winds as the depression in the Bay of Bengal nears the eastern coast. In Chennai, the rains are expected to intensify gradually as the cyclone edges closer to the coast, S Balachandran, director of the Area Cyclone Warning Centre said.

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy has instructed the district administration and the chief secretary to be "on full alert".

"We have put flags along the coastline and de-silted the drains to avoid flooding in the heavy rain," the Puducherry chief minister has said.

BCCL

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member Lt General N C Marwah reviewed the preparedness of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to withstand the impact of the storm. The impact of the cyclone will be felt in parts of Kerala as well.
While the Congress party is trying to regather its resources for the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, there seems to be something really wrong with its social media management. Last night, would have at least brought some sleepless hours for party Vice President, Rahul Gandhi, whose official twitter handle was hacked.

If this was not enough, the rest of the party leaders woke up to a cold early December morning only to find that the party's official twitter handle was hacked and some unpleasant and unparliamentary tweets were posted.

And while the Congress leaders were waiting for the sky to get clear, there were threats of possible email hacks that would expose some 'internal matter'.

Five hacks, that too in a matter of a few hours, has infuriated the Indian National Congress and the party took the fight to the parliament on Thursday.

YouTube/ File

The government has ordered a probe into the alleged breach and have sought the details of users who have logged on to the accounts in the past week.

"As soon as I heard it last night, I spoke to the IT person in charge," said Telecom Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Delhi Police has registered an FIR into the hacking of Gandhis Twitter account on the basis of a complaint filed Wednesday. The police said an investigation has been initiated and are looking at all aspects regarding cyber crime.

Five accounts, namely Rahul Gandhi's and Congress's twitter accounts, Rahul's email account, Congress website and servers had faced cyberattacks since Wednesday.

The two twitter accounts were reportedly not hacked, but compromised due to the breach of the email.

While the two accounts were flooded with abusive tweets, attacking the Rahul personally the party has a bigger worry - a supposed warning on the Congress's twitter account on thursday which threatened to post a "full dump" of Congress emails.

BCCL

Since it is confirmed that the email account was hacked, Congress should be concerned as they know that the internal conversions have been leaked to potentially dangerous hands.

The hackers have threatened to release them as "Christmas special" a possible indication to the end of this month.

Even though no one knows what the content of the emails are, it could be something like what happened with the Democratic Party in the US a couple of months ago.

Thousands of emails from the DNC and Hillary Clinton's campaign manager John Podesta had ended up with Julian Assange and his whistleblowing website Wikileaks after what was believed to the handiwork of some Russian hackers, with supposed links to Vladimir Putin.

The hacks had exposed that the DNC had favoured 'establishment candidate' Mrs Clinton over her then rival Bernie Sanders. The party had to apologise and a senior officer bearer was sacked as its fallout. It had also revealed that Mrs Clinton had 'double standards' when it came to a number of policy issues, ie, she took a certain position on a particular issue while was took a different stand on the same when she spoke to her donors.

As of now no one except Congress leaders know what could be the possible contents of the emails, the promised timing of the expose is significant - ahead of crucial elections in Punjab, UP and Goa.

PTI/ File

It is also worthwhile to note how off-guard the Congress social media team were on Wednesday night when the first hack surfaced. In stead of resetting the password or temporarily suspending the account, they were busy deleting the abusive tweets posted on the account. The same was repeated all over on Thursday morning with the INC account.

The major breach was undoubtedly an embarrassment for the Congress but it also handed them a strong weapon to attack the government.

The congress's attack was focused on online security - at a time when the government is encouraging online payments, plastic currency and e-wallets following the demonetisation.

Those forcing country to adopt online payment overnight,have they taken steps to ensure a/c of ordinary ppl will be immune from hacking? Congress leader Ahmed Patel asked on twitter.

Hacking of@OfficeofRG proves lack of Digital safety around each one of us. Every digital info can be accessed, altered, morphed & modified, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch 83 satellites at one go, in January 2017, the Lok Sabha informed everyone on Wednesday.



Making it a one-of-its-kind project, 80 satellites, weighing 500 kg, in this project will belong to foreign countries - Israel, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Switzerland and the US.

ISRO to launch 83 satellites in one go in Jan. 2017 #WOW     (@BUnlimted) December 1, 2016

#ISRO to Launch 83 Satellites In One Go In January 2017 thats a big news. Wish you all the best for your mission @isro  Sanjib Narzary (@SanjibNarzary) November 30, 2016

( Also read: SCATSAT-1 PSLV-C35 Successful - ISRO Places Satellites In Two Different Orbits Using One Rocket!)

Indian Space Research Organisation will launch a record 83 satellites from one rocket in 2017. https://t.co/Xqdkrk4MuM #MakeInIndia #ISRO  Anu (@anupamsharma96) November 13, 2016

Our ISRO will launch 83 satellites. 80 of them being foreign. Kudos @isro. It will be the first of its kind mission in ISRO's space history.  Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) November 30, 2016

These international customer satellites are being launched as part of the commercial arrangement between them and Antrix Corporation Ltd, the commercial arm and PSU under the ISRO, Jitendra Singh, minister of state in the PMO said in a written reply. The Department of Space comes under the PMO.

Cartosat-2 series weighing 730 kg as primary payload, INS-IA and INS-1B will be the 3 Indian satellites in this project, weighing 30 kg in total.

Prior to this, India has launched 86 Indian satellites of many types since its first in 1975.

( Also read: ISRO All Set To Launch 10 'Scientific Balloon Flights' With Tata's Fundamental Research)
Recoveries from the six suicide attackers, killed in Nagrota encounter, include a note written in Urdu saying that the attack was to avenge the hanging of 2001 Parliament attack accused Afzal Guru, in what points to the possible involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammad's 'Afzal Guru Squad'.

AFP

The squad is suspected to have carried out the Pathankot terror attack as well, having left a similar note behind in the car used to access the airbase.

"The note prima facie points to the involvement of Jaish, subject to further investigation," said a senior intelligence functionary.

Intelligence agencies believe that the six attackers who targeted the Nagrota Army camp crossed over from Pakistan the night before the attack. Nagrota is barely 40km from the international border, which is manned by the BSF. The terrorists cut the barbed perimeter wire to enter the camp undetected. A senior intelligence officer said just as in the Uri attack, the terrorists crossed the border hours prior to the attack to minimise chances of detection/interception.

ALSO READ: Samba Terrorists Used Tunnel To Come To India. Their Plan Was Carry Out Attack Like Uri

AFP

"It is surely a worrying trend as border vigil is at a high in the wake of the surgical strikes. Also, the forces are stationed in good numbers in all vulnerable areas close to the borders. If the terrorists still managed to infiltrate and gain access inside an Army installation, it points to need for a higher border vigil as well as revamp of perimeter security at the security camps," said a top functionary of the security establishment.

According to sources, intelligence inputs point to the presence of around 200-300 terrorists close to the launching pads near the IB/LoC at any given time since the surgical strikes, waiting for an opportunity to cross over. "The strategy of the fidayeen appears to be to hit the nearest security installation after a successful infiltration attempt," said an officer.

"There is a clear need to step up border vigil as it is crucial to preventing attacks on security and Army installations, which in case of Uri cost 18 lives and seven in Nagrota. Our assessment says that infiltration, which is double of levels seen last year, will remain high in the winter as well, given the current scenario of hostilities with Pakistan," according to the officer.

ALSO READ: Repeated Attacks Leave Army Bases Vulnerable. What Are We Doing To Strengthen Their Security?

AFP

Yet another thing that is worrying the security establishment is the ease with which terrorists could breach the perimeter at Pathankot, Uri as well as Nagrota. In Nagrota, they cut the barbed wire along the rear boundary of the camp to get in undetected. "This points to gaps in deployment along the perimeter," said an intelligence functionary.

Intelligence agencies feel that though audit of security camps held in the wake of Pathankot attack earlier this year had identified gaps, necessary action on the ground to fill these gaps has been rather slow.

"Often, there are permissions and procedures involved in getting the additional security measures in place at the camps. This may be responsible for slow implementation of the recommendations made in the security audit," said an officer.
The outgoing Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General, DS Hooda, addressed the media on his last day in office. He has stated that there is no easy solution to the Kashmir conflict situation and it will require a "long-term approach" which will see a "long war".

His comments add an element of drama to the ongoing campaign by the government alleging that the conflict with home-grown militants will end soon.

The Commander spoke for the first time after the Nagrota strike and said that he did not see the situation cooling down anytime soon.

India Today

I wish we could have prevented the Nagrota strike but some setbacks have to be acceptedand we learn our lessons. We have to move on, rather than let one incident set the discourse for overall national security, he said.

Sixty soldiers have died in Jammu and Kashmir this year. Hooda said the army was ruthless about finding ways to minimise casualties.

We understand this more than anyone else because our lives depend on it.

On the alleged lapses that may have led to the attack, he said, Two officers deliberately put themselves in the line of fire to rescue women and children. Let us respect that rather than sitting in peaceful areas and mouthing criticism.

He added that alleging lapses before carrying out a detailed analysis dilutes what soldiers are doing on the ground.

Hooda said the army moved swiftly to kill the militants who attacked the Nagrota base or else it could have been worse than the Uri attack in which 19 soldiers were killed.

He rubbished reports about actionable intelligence being available on the Nagrota attack. We launch hundreds of operations in J-K daily on the basis of intelligence inputs. In this case, we had no specific inputs.

He said there was an urgent need to tap smart technologies for perimeter protection of military bases to complement human effort.

India Today

Hooda added that soldiers were at the highest alert level but there were limits to human endurance.

On the situation worsening after the September 29 surgical strikes, he said: If we look at everything from a two-month perspective, we will end up adopting a short-term view. That will be counter-productive in terms of dealing with Pakistan.
In a bid to ensure border security, India will have a patrol-free, multi-layer smart fence along its borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh by the later part of 2017 even as 20 big global firms are undertaking a technical evaluation for the same, Director General of BSF KK Sharma said on Wednesday.

Sharma said the force, after getting sanctions from the Union home ministry, is working to implement a Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) where the security of these two sensitive and difficult terrain borders will shift from the regular troops patrolling system to a quick reaction team pattern where guards strike once they notice a blip of infiltration on their surveillance radars.

AFP

"We are taking some concerted efforts to modernise our border fence. Twenty big companies are currently undertaking a technical evaluation for the CIBMS. It is expected that it would be on ground by the second half of next year.

"In this regard few pilot projects are already on ... two in Jammu and one each in Punjab and Gujarat where we have marshy areas. One project will be done in Assam's Dhubri," the director general said.

He said the effort of the country's largest border guarding force, with about 2.5 lakh personnel in its ranks, is "to modernise itself" as humans have inherent weaknesses and equipment and gadgets act as force multipliers.

ALSO READ: India Activates A Dozen Laser Walls Along Border With Pakistan To Stop Terrorist Infiltration

AFP

The DG explained once the CIBMS goes functional, aided by laser fence, surveillance radars, satellite imagery and thermal gadgets, the troops on ground will respond when there is an alarm of a infiltration bid in the multi-tier security ring comprising the regular fence and laser walls.

He said in cases where the force detects hidden tunnels running across the IB, like in yesterday's case near the Chamliyal border post in Samba, it is looking for gadgets and technical support and it is also in touch with countries like Israel and elite Indian technology institutes like IITs to procure the right technology.

"We are in the process to plug breaches by technical solutions at both Pakistan and Bangladesh borders," Sharma said.

AFP

The DG also said all intrusions in Jammu and Kashmir this year have taken place from the Line of Control, which is guarded by the Army.

"We do our best to stop (infiltrators/militants). To a very large extent we are successful. This year whatever intrusions have taken place, I can assure you, have been from the Line of Control. I take guarantee that we will not allow these attempts to succeed from the IB which I (BSF) guard," he said.
The Supreme Court has dismissed the Central Government's appeal, challenging an Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) order asking it to consider granting permanent commission to Lt Col Mitali Madhumita, the only woman officer who has won a gallantry award.

A bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and justices D Y Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao rejected the plea of the Centre filed against the verdict of the AFT delivered on February 5, 2015.

A Permanent Commission means a career in the Army till retirement.

BCCL

The Centre had rejected the AFT order as Madhumita had initially expressed unwillingness to the grant of Permanent Commission and later sought to withdraw the communication. The Centre had taken a view that as she herself had expressed unwillingness to the permanent commission and hence, she cannot be granted the commission.

The AFT quashed the communication dated January 10, 2014, by which the Centre had rejected Madhumita's application for withdrawal of her earlier unwillingness for grant of permanent commission was rejected.

The woman officer, represented by lawyer Aishwarya Bhati, opposed the plea of the Centre and said she has not been given her pay and allowances for the last 17 months.

The Tribunal had examined the circumstances of the case, including the fact that Madhumita had shown unwillingness to be considered for grant of permanent commission when she was posted in Afghanistan and facing "acute and adverse matrimonial problems".

The tribunal had directed the Centre that she shall be given her pay and allowances till her case for permanent commission was decided. The apex court, which initially had stayed the AFT's decision favouring the woman officer on August 3 last year, today dismissed the appeal of the Centre.
Time travel is as interesting a theory as it is confusing. While for those on earth, time is said to be linear, there are theories that suggest it may not be so. One of the reasons we relate to time the way we do could have to do with our three-dimensional world, as opposed to a universe that exists in four, even five dimensions. But that, again, is only speculation.

A lot has been written on the subject but questions still remain. Can one really bend space and time and travel through time? At what speed does one time travel? Are we going forward or backward? Do tunnels or wormholes exist?

The following image is an artist's rendition of a wormhole.

Dailymail

According to Einstein's theory of special relativity (SR), space and time coexist and constitute "the same thing: space-time. There's a speed limit of 300,000 kilometers per second for anything that travels through space-time, and light always travels the speed limit through empty space," reads a piece on time travel on spaceplace.nasa.gov.

"Special Relativity also says that a surprising thing happens when you move through space-time, especially when your speed relative to other objects is close to the speed of light. Time goes slower for you than for the people you left behind. You won't notice this effect until you return to those stationary people."

Pic2.me

There's another angle yet. According to physicist Stephen Hawking, time travel to the future may be conceivable but any time travel to the past is bound to throw up paradoxes. Interestingly, if you were to somehow find yourself indulging in a bit of time travel, you'd better move at the speed of light if you want to avoid getting sucked into a wormhole. You can thank the 'cosmic speed limit' for this. But before we fall off the trajectory, let's reel it in.

Of all that's been written and said on the subject, there also exist certain cases, some involving 'time travellers' that suggest it's as real as it gets. Like Hawking once asked, if time travel is real, why haven't we met them yet? May be we have and totally missed it. Either way, whether it's real or just a conspiracy, is something you need to decide for yourself.

1. The curious case of John Titor

Between 2000 and 2001, an internet user by the name of John Titor posted the following on a forum.

"Greetings. I am a time traveller from the year 2036. I am on my way home after getting an IBM 5100 computer system from the year 1975.

My time machine is a stationary mass, temporal displacement unit manufactured by General Electric. The unit is powered by two top-spin dual-positive singularities that produce a standard off-set Tipler sinusoid.

I will be happy to post pictures of the unit."

The alleged time machine.

telegraph.co.uk

He claimed he was on the way to 1975 with a 'stopover' in the year 2000. Allegedly from a military outfit, he was on a mission to retrieve items from the past that would help society. He went on to answer the many questions his 'followers' had for him until he dropped off the grid entirely. In his wake, he left the internet with websites like these.

2. The self-proclaimed time traveller

Before It

It was on 28th January, 2003, that a man named Andrew Carlssin was arrested for alleged insider trading. After investing just $800 in businesses, Carlssin managed to make $350 million in just two weeks. According to the police, his gig was up. It was while they had detained him for questioning that Carlssin admitted to having travelled to the year 2003 from the year 2256. Not one person bought this theory, and he soon found himself in jail. But his stay didn't extend beyond a month thanks to a mystery man who paid $1 million in bail money. Carlssin disappeared soon after and has been impossible to trace even after authorities searched for possible aliases.

3. The lady on the phone

This one's been on the internet for quite some time now. A scene from Charlie Chaplain's movie The Circus shows a woman in the background walking while talking on what looks like a mobile phone. Time check: the year the movie came out was 1928. Some think she's shielding her face from the sun but a closer shot makes it look like the lady is having a conversation with someone. It is this scene from the film that got internet users clacking away their keyboards wondering whether the lady in question was indeed a time traveller. What do you think?

4. The 'hipster' time traveller

snopes

This one is allegedly a fake but deserves a spot on the list purely because it stirred waters at one time and got people wondering about the big 'what if?' Barlorne-Pioneer Museum's exhibit titled "Their Past Lives Here" opened to the public in 2004 and featured a collection of images including this one from 1941. The images were then digitised and finally published online in 2010. It was then that the image kicked up a storm for featuring a man in attire too 'modern' for a man from the '40s. If this one's been debunked, there's no better explanation than this.

5. The Philadelphia Experiment

Wikipedia

The Philadelphia Experiment was allegedly a military experiment where the US Navy destroyer USS Eldridge was subjected to experiments that were unconventional in nature. Time travel was one such experiment where the ship is said to have travelled back in time. The US Navy, of course, denied this ever happened and this why some think it to be a hoax although the story retains its buoyancy with conspiracy theory groups.
A woman in Russia has been banned from teaching after she had sex with one of her students. The court gave Rumia Husainova, 24, a three-year suspended sentence and a six year teaching ban.

She had sex with one of her students, 15, that resulted in profuse bleeding.

Pinknews

They waited to call the doctor but when the bleeding didnt stop, the student was rushed to the hospital, where the doctors stitched up her wounds.

Rumia said it was the student who initiated the sexual relationship in the first place during the summer and refused to end it. She said, She wanted this and she asked me to do it.

She had never had a boyfriend. I dont know why she needed it.

I told that she would find some nice guy, but she did not want to hear this. The student said she was contemplating suicide if Rumia stopped seeing her.

She told me that if I parted with her, she would commit suicide, so I did not do this.

The relationship was going on for two months before the student had to be taken to the hospital, which resulted in authorities finding out.
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In Osun State, Governor Rauf Aregbesola have been paying workers half their monthly salary because of the precarious financial situation the state has found itself. While the governor scrambles to get some projects completed so as to ensure he has more than just beautiful schools to show for his eight years in power, workers have been bearing the brunt. Mrs Oladepo is one of such workers. She was paid her August salary (half) mid-November, after which she joined other workers who have kept their fingers crossed waiting for the next half salary. Things have been this bad in Osun for more than a year.

Last week, a local government worker in the state stole a gallon of vegetable oil and some other food stuffs from the same woman who have been selling to him on credit. As though he stole from the woman to punish her for being an Aregbesola loyalist despite the governors perceived insensitivity to the plight of the people of the state, he stole the food stuffs knowing he would be caught.

Feeding is a daily struggle for many families in Osun. Some have died in their sorrow and hopelessness, while the strong are holding on, counting down to the end of Aregbesolas reign.

It was in this hardship that the parents of Ifedolapo Olapade paid for her education, hoping that some day, they would look back and have no regrets running into debts to train her. But now, shes gone. Some have blamed her death on the defective system we have in our country, while others called it destiny. Whichever was responsible is not important right now to her parents who are in grief in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, and her church where the wedding ceremony of another young lady was celebrated just days ago. If she couldnt attend, Mrs Olapade must have thought about her daughter and pictured how her own wedding day would look like when they spoke of the wedding ceremony in her church. But she will never see Ifedolapo again, as she passed away at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp in Kano where she was posted to serve her fatherland.

According to reports, Ifedolapo died after she was forced to partake in some camp activities after she asked to be excused because she was ill.

They (officials) assumed she was pretending to be sick in order to dodge parade, so they refused to treat her until the situation got complicated, a lady at the orientation camp was quoted to have said.

As investigations continue into what led to Ifedolapos death, her family and friends in Osun mourn. They ask for nothing but peace at this trying time.
The Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Command, Ikoyi, Lagos, has rounded up over 150 suspected fraudsters and reprimanded them in Kirikiri prisons. The State Commissioner of Police, Anthony Ogbizi has said.

Ogbizi told newsmen that the operatives of the command apprehended 20 suspected bank fraudsters while attempting to defraud a bank of between N2billion and N3billion in 2015 and 2016.

According to him, They confessed to being specialists in cyber bank crimes and they have been charged to court and being reprimanded in Kirikiri Prisons in Lagos.

Our Diplomatic Unit has been in synergy and cooperative with heads of foreign embassies to rid the society of visa racketeers, forged and fake document vendors.

The unit arrested over 75 suspects for offences like conspiracy, forgery and obtaining money under fake pretenses. The officer in charge of the section, Audu Lawal, with his officers tracked down some criminals who were involved in the forging of documents in different embassies.

The cases reported by the American, British, Canadian and Italian embassies were handled professionally which recorded a high percentage of forged and fake applications from prospective applicants who are mostly Nigerians.

Some of the suspects are facing trials at the Federal High Court.

Nobody is appointed to act as agent to the embassies. Those who present themselves as agents for visa procurement are nothing but visa racketeers and vendors. Their activities amount to conspiracy, forgery and obtaining money under false pretense. Nigerians should desist from patronizing them.

I have warned his officers to shun corruption and that bail is free. This is what the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, has been campaigning in the force that, change starts with me. We should also imbibe the attitude of community policing. Police should have good relationship with the public.

He claimed that no suspect was arrested and detained illegally, adding that the detectives are working in line with human rights laws.

There is no suspect being detained illegally in the cell more than 24hours. The IGP has given directives to work with human rights activists together in the ambit of law and in police law procedure.

The command has trained and retrained its officers on how to apply professional skills when they are conducting investigations or when they are carrying out their duties.

In the past year, 25 officers went for training and re-training workshop conducted by Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

We also arrested over 20 suspected baby factory operators in Lagos. They were arrested on the case of obtaining money based on false pretense and were reported by the America embassy. They are being prosecuted by the Federal High Court, Ikoyi.

Source: Dailypost
A 20-year-old man, one Cephas Appaf, has been arrested by the police in Edo State for allegedly hacking a motorcyclist to death in the Ovia South-West Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that Appaf, a rubber tapper who hails from Benue State, had asked the victim, identified as Aniete Okon, to give him a ride to Benin, the state capital on November 3, 2016.

It was gathered that the suspect had told his unsuspecting victim to make a stopover on the way, where he picked up a cutlass and dealt him severe blows in the neck, before fleeing on the motorcycle.

However, he was said to have run out of luck when he put up the motorcycle for sale. One of his potential buyers was said to have suspected his claim of ownership of the property.

He was later said to have been arrested by some security operatives attached to an agro-allied firm and handed over to the police in the area.

But Appaf, who spoke to PUNCH Metro when he was paraded along with other suspected criminals by the Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, on Tuesday, denied any intention to kill the man and blamed his action on poverty.

He said, He (victim) took me on his motorcycle, and on our way from Benin, I saw a cutlass at a rubber plantation. Then I told him to stop, take the cutlass and cut him in the neck.

I did not plan to kill him; it was because of poverty. I took the motorcycle to another community to sell. But I could not sell it; it was identified as a stolen motorcycle.

The residents of the community said the motorcycle was stolen and that they would follow me to where I reside to verify the ownership of the motorcycle.

As we were going, some security men stopped us and the residents explained to the security men that they suspected the motorcycle I was riding did not belong to me. So, I was taken to a police station. I regret what I have done.

The police commissioner said the case was still under investigation.

Gwandu also noted that the matter would be charged to court.

Source: Punch
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja said his administration remained committed to realizing the key priorities of securing the country, fighting corruption, and salvaging the economy in spite of current challenges.

Receiving the Letter of Credence of the new United States Ambassador to Nigeria, William Symington, at the State House, President Buhari said the security situation in the North East had improved significantly following support in training of the military and supply of hardware after the G-7 meeting in Germany in 2015.

When I was invited to the G-7 meeting after my inauguration on May 29, 2015, I thought I was going to be an observer at the meeting, but without prompting, I was asked to brief the leaders on the security situation in Nigeria, and I did. Since then, we have received support in training and military hardware, and I hope we have not disappointed, he said.

The president said the target of reversing the culture of corruption in the country had received support from Nigerians, with many realizing the depth of damage done by some previous administrations from the ongoing investigations and prosecutions.

The corruption we met at personal and institutional levels was unbelievable. Corruption was turning into a culture. After we came in, people started realizing the truth, he added.

President Buhari told the U. S ambassador that his administration is still determined to continue investigations and prosecution of corrupt persons in the country as Nigeria will either kill corruption or corruption will kill Nigeria in the long run.

Mr. Buhari noted that the years of mishandling of the economy at a period of financial prosperity, affected the economy, making it more challenging to create employment for the youth and improve the livelihood of many Nigerians.

It has not been easy for another party to come in and get things done properly, especially with the new economic reality of $37 per barrel of oil, against the $100 for the period, and there was no savings, no infrastructure on ground, he said.

President Buhari said the timely intervention of the United States, with a visit of the Secretary of State, John Kerry to Nigeria, before the 2015 elections helped in ensuring peace and stability in the country.

In his remarks, the U.S ambassador said the interest in the well-being of Nigeria was of mutual benefit.

We do it not only for Nigeria, but for ourselves. We did it because it was right for us and right for our people, he said.

Mr. Symington said he would work hard to further strengthen the relationship between his country and Nigeria, assuring that President-elect Donald Trump would also be interested in the well-being of Nigeria.

President Buhari also received Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Moha Ouali Tagma, assuring him of Nigerias willingness to improve bilateral relations between the countries.
Nigerian comediam, Basketmouth will be heading to Switzerland this weekend to perform at the Montreux Comedy Festival.

The show is the biggest comedy festival in Europe and will be headlined by top comedians including Adrien Arnoux, Jason Goliath, Mike Ward, Ronny Chieng and our very own Basketmouth.
The newly elected governor of Ondo State, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu has cleared the air over the omission of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, in his victory speech on Sunday.

Akeredolu in an interview with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after he and his deputy Mr. Agboola Ajayi, met with President Muhammadu Buhari said having acknowledged the president who is the recognized national leader of the party and the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, it invariably means he had acknowledged all the partys leaders.

He explained that theres no love lost between him and Tinubu and that they both maintain a cordial relationship, but, if he had mentioned his name, he would have been obligated to mention the names of about 37 other leaders of the party

On the names that were mentioned in my speech when expressing gratitude and that I didnt specifically thank Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I thanked the President and the leader of our party profusely for the leadership which he showed leading to this election.

I also thanked our indefatigable chairman for standing by the truth and for his position on this matter that led to this election. I have no reason to do otherwise, he said.

Party structure, to the best of my knowledge, is very clear. You have the leadership of the party and that is represented by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

After an election, a chief executive emerges, he becomes a leader of the party, you dont have to personalize and be looking for leaders all over the place.

If we have to do that, then I will have to mention 36 or 37 leaders. So, I believe the leadership as represented by the President covers all leaders and that tells me it would include Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it would include even Baba Akande, (Ogbonnaya) Onu, and so many leaders.

But President Buhari is the leader of the party. So, that is my position there.

Akeredolu, however, added that Tinubu remained one of the leaders of the party, noting that he (Tinubu) had since sent congratulatory message to him after he won the election.

For me, as a person, I believe he is one of the leaders of the party and I dont see any strained relationship between us. And you would observe that he has sent in his congratulatory message after the election, so what else do you expect? he queried.
While Nigerians were shocked to hear that President Muhammadu Buhari has postponed the planned high profile wedding between his daughter, Zahra Buhari and Ahmed Indimi, the son of an oil magnate from Borno State, Mohammed Indimi, many were not aware of the messy fight that made the president take such decision.



According to Thisday, the marriage may have been deferred following the physical altercation that trailed the delivery of several stacked dowry boxes valued at N44 million (using the official exchange rate) to the first family.

Trouble started on November 18, during the traditional introduction ceremony, when the sister of the groom, Yataka Indimi, insisted on taking her mobile phone into the Presidential Villa, Abuja, contrary to security protocol.

THISDAY gathered that Yataka wanted to record all the proceedings, including the delivery of the boxes made by the French luxury brand, Louis Vuitton, with her mobile phone, despite the fact it was against standard security protocol in the villa.

In line with the Hausa/Fulani tradition, the boxes, according to sources, contained cash, jewelry, clothes, bags, shoes and other gifts valued at several millions of naira for Zahra and the first family.

However, a struggle ensued between Yataka and the security officials who tried to compel her to comply with protocol, only for her to resist. The incident attracted the attention of other dignitaries who tried to stop the scuffle.

According to a reliable family source, the argument degenerated to a scuffle, compelling the wife of the Nasarawa State governor, Mrs. Tanko Almakura, to step in to stop the altercation from getting out of hand and may have injured her arm in the process.

As of today, we learnt that the Nasarawa first lady is still nursing her wounds and is being treated for a dislocation, the source said.

THISDAY learnt that the incident was so embarrassing that it incurred the wrath of the president over the behaviour of the Indimis.

Indeed, Buhari was reported to have threatened to return the boxes and stop the marriage ceremony that had been scheduled to climax on Sunday, December 4.

We learnt that the president who was displeased with the development and behaviour exhibited by the Indimi family, vowed to return the boxes and not approve of the marriage.

The president was also of the view that the gifts were too expensive and incompatible with his modest lifestyle and has asked the Indimis to take the boxes back.

I think we must give it to the president for taking this stand, and cementing his reputation for not tolerating indiscipline, a source close to the presidency said.

However, elders close to the Buhari and Indimi families are at the moment trying to prevail on the president not to return the boxes, as he would be bucking tradition.

They are also working on resolving the tension that has arisen since the altercation, so that the wedding could go ahead as planned, if not this weekend, then as soon as possible.

Further findings revealed that while Buhari might not be favourably disposed to the idea of marrying out his daughter to a wealthy suitor, the wife of the president and her daughters, who are more liberal, are rooting for the marriage.
A 35 year old legal practitioner Akaniyene Cletus has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Uyo for allegedly assaulting a female journalist Blessing Ambrose.

The case, which is between the Commissioner of Police v Cletus came up for hearing before Chief Magistrate Usukuma Akpabio.

Blessing who is a broadcaster with Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation AKBC, told the court that the accused had beaten her up and inflicted injuries on her on May 29, 2016.

She said Cletus, who was her co-tenant at No. 6 Umana Uko Lane, off Atiku Abubakar Road in Uyo demanded for a drink when she brought a sewing machine to the compound.

She claimed that the accused beat her up when she refused to provide the drink.

My Lord I reported the matter to my landlord who intervened and said that he does not want any trouble in the compound.

Few days later Cletus house help came to tell me that my friend that visited does not know how to use the sewing machine.

Cletus who was inside his house shouted that I should take the machine out of the veranda immediately.

He later came out and used his legs and pusht the sewing machine.

When I demanded to know why he should hit my sewing machine, he slapped me, pushing me down and beat me up.

I sustained injuries on my knee, eyes, arms and face. When my brother tried to stop him, he beat him up too. People from the compound later came and took me away, Ambrose said.

She said she informed the landlord of what transpired, and that he cautioned Cletus to learn to live peacefully with other tenants or move out.

The complainant further said that on August. 7, 2016, Cletus intimidated her with a machete, a situation which made her to immediately report the matter to the C Division of the Police at Aka Etinan, in Uyo.
A newly-wed, Sunday King, and a tricycle rider, Chinedu Egwin, have been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for allegedly smuggling heroin worth N575m into the country.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the suspects were apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos with 6.4 kilogrammes of the drug.

It was learnt that Egwin had trafficked heroin weighing 3.9kg from Kigali via a Rwand Airline flight, while King was caught with 2.5kg of the drug during outward screening of passengers from Nairobi, Kenya.

Thirty-eight-year old King, a trader in Abuja, told the NDLEA investigators that he agreed to smuggle the drug because he needed money for his honeymoon.

He said, I erroneously took the decision to smuggle the drug barely four days after my marriage. I was in need of money for my honeymoon. But I should not have involved myself in drug trafficking. My thinking was that I could smuggle the drug from Nairobi in two days without my wife knowing that I travelled out of the country.

Egwin, 32, said he was to be given N400,000 after the botched operation, adding that he wanted to use part of the money to repair his tricycle.

I am a commercial tricycle rider in Imo State. The engine of my tricycle, which is my only source of livelihood, is bad. While I was looking for money to fix it, I was introduced to the man that promised to pay me N400,000 on the condition that I will bring the drug from Kigali.

I accepted the offer because nobody was willing to help me. Apart from the repairs, my rent is due and my landlord has been asking for his money, he said.

The agencys Commander at the airport, Mr. Ahmadu Garba, confirmed the arrest and recovery of the drug.

The suspects were arrested in connection with unlawful importation of 6.4kg of substances that tested positive for heroin. The drug with an estimated street value of N575m, was hidden in their luggage, he added.

The NDLEA Chairman, Col Muhammad Abdallah (retd.), expressed satisfaction with the arrest, noting that drug traffickers now smuggled heroin produced in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Thailand into the country.

He said, The agency successfully foiled their plan with the seizure of the drugs and the arrest of the suspects. Drug cartels thought it would be easy to smuggle the drugs into the country, but I am happy that we are thinking far ahead of them. The NDLEA will continue to maintain this lead until drug barons are completely dislodged.

Abdallah added that the suspects would soon be charged to court.

Source: Punch
The population of Hausa speakers in Nigeria has reached about 120 million, a colloquium has said. This was contained in a communique issued on Thursday at the end of a one-day colloquium organised by the Department of African Languages and Cultures, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria Kaduna State.

The communique, which was signed by Dr Balarabe Danladi and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said numerical strength, was a major consideration in which language becomes official.

This is because, it has speakers all over the world and the speakers are grouped into native and non-native speakers.

In Nigeria, native Hausa speakers exceed 70 million and non-native speakers who use Hausa as second language are likely to be between 40 and 50 million on a conservative estimate, it added.

The communique said it had also been observed that more than one-third of the total population of Nigeria, understood Hausa language, and that for being widely spread, within and outside Nigeria had established the fact that Hausa is a lingua-franca in Nigeria.

This position has made it easier for Government to promote Hausa to the level of an official language in Nigeria. The argument is that a language that acquires lingua-franca status demands little effort from the government and scholars to qualify as an official language, it noted.

It said Hausa language is used in Mosques, Churches, business transactions and a host of other social and political activities. The communique said Hausa language had international recognition which served as a good index to initiate the process of making it an official one.

It said Hausa had been recognized internationally in various spheres such as Microsoft, foreign universities, international media, Face book and other international works, and that adoption of indigenous language, particularly Hausa, would facilitate national growth and development.
50 days after the death King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand has named Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn as their King after he accepted a formal invitation from the Parliament. 64-year-old King Vajiralongkorn becomes the 10th monarch of the Chakri dynasty.

His father, King Bhumibol, the worlds longest-reigning monarch, died on 13 October and the Crown Prince initially said he would need some time to mourn his father.
One year ago, 14 people were killed and 22 injured by a husband-and-wife pair of domestic terrorists who attacked a training session of government employees in San Bernardino, Calif. Although the perpetrators were killed in a gun battle with law enforcement within hours of the attack, the FBIs interest in one terrorists iPhone precipitated a public standoff with Apple that captured its own share of national headlines.

The FBI argued that Apple must cooperate in circumventing security features built into Syed Rizwan Farooks employer-issued iPhone 5C, while Apple said that this would unreasonably compromise the security of its devices and place other users at risk. Hours before a scheduled hearing on whether Apple could be compelled to write code that compromises its own smartphones, the FBI backed off, saying that it had enlisted outside experts to get into Farooks phone, though it provided few details.

There has been one well-publicized attempt to tilt the law in the direction favored by the FBI, post-San Bernardino - the bill introduced by senators Diane Feinstein and Richard Burr shortly after the end of the FBIs standoff with Apple. Burr-Feinstein would have, in effect, required tech companies to insert exploitable back doors into all of their products, just in case the government wanted a look at some of the data within.

Yet Burr-Feinstein, despite a favorable climate in the wake of the San Bernardino attacks, went nowhere. Nor have there been any more serious attempts to undermine commercial encryption in the U.S., and experts say that the law around smartphones and privacy hasnt materially changed since last year.

+ ALSO ON NETWORK WORLD: Amazon will literally truck your data into its cloud + Finlands largest airline inks iOS deal with Apple and IBM +

If anything, according Holmes Wilson, who co-founded the digital privacy rights group Fight for the Future, the privacy climate is actually getting better, thanks in large part to advancing technology.

Encryption has become the default on many Android phones since San Bernardino, he told Network World. Generally phone privacy is improving, not degrading. (Apples iOS has supported full encryption since iOS 8 in 2014.)

What will President-elect Trump do?

That could change, however, with the advent of the new administration in January, according to experts. Nate Cardozo, an attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, pointed out that President-elect Trumps pick of Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions  a leading critic of Apple during its spat with the Justice Department  to be the next attorney general could signal a willingness to go after encrypted devices, although it wasnt immediately clear what form that would take.

A Sessions-led DOJ could indeed try to pressure companies to weaken encryption, but how exactly is anyones guess, he said.

The hints, however, are already out there: A report from JustSecurity editor and Cato Institute senior fellow Julian Sanchez said that a revised version of none other than Burr-Feinstein may yet be under consideration.

And Wilson highlights that, despite positive trends, many smartphones sold in the U.S. are still easily compromised by both law enforcement and other actors.

The biggest missing piece now is that many Android phones are still sold without the latest security updates, or they become out of date soon after purchase, he said. To protect user data, we simply dont allow our employees to use most Android phones. No company should. If its not a recent, Google-brand Android phone or an iPhone, dont trust it.

Of course, there are plenty who support the Justice Departments assertion that strong encryption on personal devices poses a serious national security threat. Pace University professor and computer forensics expert Darren Hayes argued just that point in an editorial for the Guardians website at the time.

Many mobile forensics examiners, including myself, know that what is at stake is not just the San Bernardino case but a growing backlog of criminal cases  some involving suspected child abusers or terrorists  that cannot proceed because of Apples defiance in assisting law enforcement, he said.

Its worth noting also that then-candidate Trump himself publicly called for a boycott of Apple over the San Bernardino case, putting him squarely in the FBIs corner on the issue  and potentially putting the technology world on notice.

This story, "A year after terrorist attacks, phone privacy laws unchanged  but watch out for Trump" was originally published by Network World .
Expanded Limit Bounce for Midweek Cotton Barchart - 1 hour ago Front month cotton futures extended their bounce on Wednesday, with 4 cent gains through the May 23 contract. December gapped higher to start the day, and failed to close the gap. The online cotton... CTZ22 : 79.00s (+5.33%) CTH23 : 78.64s (+5.36%) CTK23 : 78.85s (+5.34%)

Cattle Close Mixed on Feeder Strength Barchart - 1 hour ago Feeder cattle futures ended the day with triple digit gains capturing some of the weakness in the corn market. Fats bled 7 to 55 cents weaker on Wednesday, though August 23 ended the day up by 12 cents.... LEZ22 : 151.400s (-0.36%) LEG23 : 154.900s (-0.23%) LEJ23 : 158.500s (-0.24%) GFX22 : 178.925s (+1.13%) GFF23 : 180.000s (+1.01%)

Hog Futures Fall on Wednesday Barchart - 1 hour ago Lean hog futures closed the midweek session with $0.42 to $1.90 losses on the day. December was down the most on the day with a 2.2% loss to the lowest since 10/17. The USDA National Average Base Hog Price... HEZ22 : 83.300s (-2.23%) HEJ23 : 92.650s (-1.01%) KMZ22 : 93.850s (-1.60%)

Soy Futures Close Mixed Barchart - 1 hour ago Soymeal futures ended the session off the lows but still down by $0.30 to $1.20/ton. Soy oil was the leader on the day, having rallied +3% on the crude oil strength. Beans themselves found balance from... ZSX22 : 1440-0s (+0.30%) ZSPAUS.CM : 14.1311 (+0.60%) ZSF23 : 1454-0s (+0.43%) ZSH23 : 1461-4s (+0.50%)

Hard Losses for Midweek Wheat Barchart - 1 hour ago Russia re-entering participation for the Black Sea grain export corridors dropped the market back to last weeks levels. CBT SRW gave back 4.5% to 6.2% on the day and mostly erased the gains to start... ZWZ22 : 846-0s (-6.26%) ZWH23 : 865-0s (-5.88%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.7768 (-6.65%) KEZ22 : 940-2s (-5.03%) KEPAWS.CM : 8.9804 (-5.26%) MWZ22 : 949-2s (-4.09%)

Corn Markets Close Red Barchart - 1 hour ago Corn futures ended the day off their lows, but still gave back 5 3/4 to 10 1/4 cents on the day. December printed a wide 17 1/4 cent range. Analysts project corn bookings were between 250k MT and 600k... ZCZ22 : 687-4s (-1.47%) ZCPAUS.CM : 6.8342 (-1.34%) ZCH23 : 692-6s (-1.39%) ZCK23 : 692-4s (-1.32%)
A trio of finance and economics professors from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University and the University of Hamburg concluded in a paper published in 2012 that retail investors really do need fiduciaries to shield them from poor financial advice. They finally got some protection in the Department of Labors so-called fiduciary rule, set to take effect in April 2017  but the future of that rule now hangs in the balance, just as these researchers have produced fresh findings reinforcing their original conclusions.

The rule was created to protect retirement plan participants from the kinds of conflicts of interest that arise when high-commission financial products are sold to investors by stockbrokers and insurance salespeople. With the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States, the rule is in danger, as various senior advisers to Trumps campaign have vowed to block its implementation.

That is an alarming prospect for Antoinette Schoar, professor of finance at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Schoar  along with her co-authors, finance and economics professors Sendhil Mullainathan of Harvard University and Markus Noth at the University of Hamburg  published The Market for Financial Advice: An Audit Study in 2012. Their conclusion: the less informed that clients seemed, the worse the advice they got from their financial advisers, who adjusted the recommendations they gave to clients based on their own self-interest. The passage of time has not changed their original conclusions: Their results were supported by a second round of research, conducted in 2014 and 2015 and slated to be published early next year, Schoar tells Institutional Investor.

The original study took shape after Schoar had read a report from the Investment Company Institute, a trade association of investment firms, estimating that more than 70 percent of Americans rely on financial advisers to help them make retirement asset allocation decisions. Schoar and her co-authors, with the help of Ph.D. graduate students, set out to discover the effects of this advice on retail consumers investment outcomes.

For the study, the professors targeted a representative cross-section of financial institutions in Boston and New York City, from the largest banks and broker-dealers to small, registered investment advisers (RIAs) and independent broker-dealers. To ensure professional staffing for the field research, the professors engaged a financial audit firm that specializes in identifying and training auditors  a high-level version of the mystery shopper. Schoars team trained the auditors to present themselves to advisers as investors seeking advice on their portfolios.

The researchers purposely constructed these portfolios with a variety of flaws, such as return-chasing or having too much of an employers stock, to see if the financial advisers would catch these problems and offer advice on how to fix them. After some 680 separate visits for the original study  followed by an additional 450 visits in 2014 and 2015  Schoar and her team concluded that advisers provide different advice to different individuals, even when presented with a similar portfolio.

Instead of giving a client textbook advice, says Schoar, advisers adjusted to the biases presented by each client. The variation in the advice depended to a large extent on the type of bias and level of financial literacy the faux investor had. The evidence suggested that adviser self-interest played an important role in generating advice that was not in the best interest of the clients.

We found that advisers were much more likely to recommend actively managed funds with high fees versus index funds, says Schoar. They were also likely to encourage clients behavioral biases  such as chasing past returns that help brokers sell products. It is a good bias for brokers, because they can continue to sell and churn a portfolio and make fees, Schoar adds.

Not all client biases were encouraged by the advisers. Biases were aligned, for example, when an auditor posing as a client presented a portfolio heavy with an employers company stock. In those cases the broker would move them toward diversification, since company stock doesnt pay a commission to the broker. It is not that brokers are malicious, observes Schoar. Its just that they are motivated to give advice in their own best interest.

Significantly, the professors also found that fiduciary advisers  RIAs and others  engaged much less in this behavior than did stockbrokers, leading Schoar and her team to conclude that something like the Department of Labor fiduciary standard would be beneficial to investors.

It would be very unhelpful if this fiduciary rule is rolled back, says Schoar.
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Inflation remains the primary concern for the worlds central banks, which have engaged in the broadest and fastest tightening regime in history, according to Alejandra Grindal, chief economist at Ned Davis Research.
Earlier this week, ASIC announced that Sydney-based firm Group Underwriters & Managers (GUM) had a received a three month suspension of its Australian Financial Services license for failing to lodge financial statements, auditor reports and auditor opinions for three years.Les Jones, managing director of GUM, explained that while the insurance firm had supplied the documents needed to an auditor, the lack of response from their chosen service provider had left them facing a Catch-22.Jones told Insurance Business that despite numerous attempts to speed along the process with the auditor, GUM had been let down time and again and warned brokers of the importance of picking the right service providers for their business.The outstanding advice is dont hesitate - act, Jones said.We probably made the mistake because we had other business relationships with this particular firm and we wanted to give them the opportunity to rectify their behaviour and we just gave them too much rope which got us into this Catch-22.If you have a service provider that has failed to deliver on a timely basis, dont give them a second chance - just seek a new service provider.You just get to the point where, because of the regulations, it is nearly impossible to change someone because the auditor actually gets you into a trap where you are so far behind on their work that you cant change them until they do their work.They have basically got you on a string until, as has happened in our case, ASIC say stop business until you sort this out.Jones said that the business has lodged a formal complaint against the auditor with ASIC as GUM has done everything in its power to remain compliant.We have been to ASIC, lodged a formal complaint and I have met with ASIC at a tribunal but we have done everything that we should have done as business managers, Jones said.When our license was under threat we restructured our business so that we have never been under any breach from a compliance perspective. But it has cost us a lot of money, time and effort just to rectify it.Jones confirmed that the business had sent a formal request to ASIC to cancel the questioned AFSL before the notice of suspension was given - but the business was unable to do so until lodgement of financial statements.Jones noted that while ASIC had been fair throughout his dealings with the regulator, more flexibility may be needed when it comes to the use of third parties.I think there seems to be a lack of recognition that is not just the AFSL managers who have complete control over the timing of financial statements, it is often the auditors and external suppliers which control that, Jones continued.It is extremely difficult to replace those, particularly if you have missed lodgement deadlines.Jones confirmed he expects GUM to meet an ASIC imposed deadline, of February 16, to supply the outstanding documentation.
A federal judge has temporarily reinstated a teenager at an elite New Hampshire prep school after his mother said he was wrongfully expelled after having sex with another student.

The Portsmouth Herald reports Judge Joseph Laplante said Tuesday that the boy, referred to as John Doe, would return to Phillips Exeter Academy in early December. A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2017, to determine if he would experience unwarranted harm by not being permanently reinstated.

The boy had sex with a female student in January. Both were 15. She reported the encounter to the campus health center. Exeter investigated and decided he had violated their sexual misconduct policy. A lawsuit filed by his mother alleged Exeter first said the boy would be placed on leave, but could return after seeking therapy.

A jury found Exeter liable for breach of contract.

Information from: Portsmouth Herald

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics New Hampshire
Vienna Insurance Group announced it has completed the purchase of AXAs Serbian companies.

In July 2016 Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) signed a share purchase agreement for acquisition of the non-life company AXA Nezivotno Osiguranje a.d.o. Beograd and life company AXA Zivotno Osiguranje a.d.o. Beograd.

The final regulatory approval for the share purchase agreement was granted, and the transaction was closed on Nov. 30, 2016, VIG said in a statement. The parties agreed not to disclose the terms and conditions of the transaction.

VIG said the acquisition increase its market share in Serbia to around 12 percent

Based on the positive economic forecasts, Serbia is a clear growth and investment market for VIG. We aimed at increasing our market share to at least 10 percent over the medium term and are very satisfied, having already achieved this goal, commented Peter Hofinger, member of the managing board of VIG, responsible for the Serbian market.

The two AXA companies generated slightly more than 12 million euros ($12.8 million) in premiums in the financial year 2015, said VIG, noting that the companies range of products comprise casualty, motor, household and life insurance business.

Through its existing company, Wiener Stadtische Osiguranje, VIG is already very successfully present on the Serbian market, the company said.

Source: Vienna Insurance Group and AXA

Related:

Topics AXA XL
Aon announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Admix, a leading health and benefits brokerage and solutions firm in Brazil.

Financial terms of the agreement, which was announced on Nov. 25, were not disclosed and the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

The private health insurance market in Brazil has shown steady growth in recent years despite challenging macroeconomic conditions. We expect growth in this sector to accelerate as economic conditions improve and employers continue to look for ways to attract and retain key talent, said John Zern, CEO, Aon Health & Benefits.

Admix complements Aons existing industry-leading capabilities, more than doubles our presence in Brazil and also expands our ability to serve clients in Latin America, and around the world, added Zern.

In a statement, Aon said that Admix is a recognized pioneer and innovator in health and benefits brokerage and solutions in Brazil that has been serving clients for more than 25 years.

Admix has more than 1.4 million beneficiaries across approximately 6,700 companies of all industries and sizes and places approximately $2 billion Brazilian real ($584 million) in health and benefits premiums each year.

We have been exploring opportunities to enhance our capabilities in Brazil and the Latin America region, and the acquisition of Admix provides us with expanded offerings in a sector that is of growing importance to employers, the countrys economy and consumers in Brazil, said Fernando Pereira, CEO, Aon Risk Solutions Latin America. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities that our union with Admix will deliver to our clients, broker partners and colleagues.

Admixs broker partners and clients will continue to realize financial and operational benefits from a scaled operating platform as well as enhanced data & analytics capabilities, said Cesar Antunes, founder and owner of Admix. We are excited about Aons vision for the future of health and benefits in Brazil as evidenced by this investment to create a combined firm with the highest quality people and solutions in the industry.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies Aon
Chinese insurers may boost outbound investment by about $100 billion over the next three years, as they seek to diversify risks through buying more overseas securities, private equity and real estate, BNP Paribas said on Thursday, citing a survey.

This reflects insurers long-term strategy, and is driven mainly by a desire to deliver stable and sustainable returns, rather than a response to a weakening yuan, said Philippe Benoit, head of Asia Pacific at BNP Paribas securities services.

These are long-term investment decisions  not based on what youre reading in the press, he said, adding that hedging yuan exposure played a minor role in the insurers decision-making.

Chinese insurers are allowed to invest up to 15 percent of their assets overseas, but currently, just 2 percent has been allocated abroad, suggesting its a long-term trend.

The survey was published at a time when Beijing is stepping up efforts to stem capital outflows that adds depreciation pressure on the yuan. The Chinese currency has fallen to more than eight-year lows against a surging U.S. dollar.

This week, China intensified scrutiny over outbound investment, and also tightened rules on overseas yuan loans in a battle to curb outflows.

Benoit said Chinese insurers, who have a long-term mindset, are still in the early stages of foreign investing, and such an aspiration will be unlikely deterred by short-term factors.

Acquisitive Chinese insurers including Ping An Insurance Group of China and Anbang Insurance Group have been shopping overseas for the past few years, snapping up foreign companies and properties.

At the end of 2015, Chinese insurers held overseas assets worth $36.7 billion, a 51 percent jump from a year earlier, but still accounted for just 2 percent of industry assets totalling 12 trillion yuan ($1.74 trillion).

BNP Paribas estimate was based on a recent survey with Chinas top 20 insurers, which showed that over half of the respondents plan to increase the percentage of their assets overseas to 5-10 percent, according to the French bank.

The United States and Europe are the most popular investment destinations for Chinese insurers, partly because of the size and the depth of the two markets, according to the survey.

Most insurers participating in the survey say they prefer to invest in foreign stocks, bonds, private equity and real estate.

Chinese insurers face a series of challenges overseas, including identifying investment opportunities and managing risks, creating business opportunities for Western banks such as BNP Paribas, which can act as custodian and advisor for Chinese insurers, Benoit said.

($1 = 6.8929 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Editing by David Evans)

Topics Carriers China
A female student contends in a court filing that Kansas State Universitys failure to investigate the rape of another woman allowed the same alleged assailant to sexually assault her.

The accusations were levied in court documents seeking to add the woman, Crystal Stroup, to a lawsuit already filed against the university by Sara Weckhorst, citing what it calls the universitys deliberate indifference to reports of student sexual violence off campus. The policy enables potential serial rapists to freely prey on unsuspecting students, the lawsuit alleges.

The Associated Press typically does not name alleged rape victims, but their attorney said both woman wanted to be publicly identified.

This case is precisely why a schools responsibility to investigate rape reports is so important  giving an assailant a free pass leaves other students like Crystal at risk, said Cari Simon, the attorney representing the women.

University spokesman Jeff Morris that the university is reviewing the documents to determine its response, adding that it expects these issues will be resolved within the legal system.

Stroup alleges she was raped in October 2015, while Weckhorst said she was attacked in April 2014 when they were extremely incapacitated from consuming a large amount of alcohol. If the court agrees to add Stroup to the lawsuit, she will be the third woman to sue Kansas State University this year over allegations that the university has refused to investigate their rapes and other sexual assaults at off-campus fraternity houses.

Jared Ralph Gihring is charged with rape and sodomy in connection with the alleged sexual assault against Stroup, and with rape in the alleged assault of Weckhorst, court documents show.

His attorney Brenda Jordan declined to comment about either case while the criminal charges are pending.

Gihring posted $25,000 bond in August. His next court appearance in the criminal case is scheduled for Dec. 19 in Riley County District Court.

After Gihrings arrest, Kansas State University conducted a threat assessment and expelled him from the university, according to a court filing in the civil case.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Education Kansas Universities
Indianapolis-based MJ Insurance has hired Kylie Miller as a talent acquisition specialist on its Learning & Development team.

Miller will partner with the hiring managers and business leaders to anticipate and meet MJs evolving workforce needs while delivering the best talent in the hiring process. Throughout this process, Miller will utilize effective targeted sourcing strategies to screen potential candidates, while ensuring a consistently positive and professional experience for each applicant.

Miller comes to MJ Insurance with nearly four years of experience in the human resources field. Most recently, Miller worked as a staffing specialist for Thats Good HR Inc.

MJ Insurance is a property-casualty and employee benefits agency that, since 1964, has grown from a two-person start-up to an agency with more than 140 employees in both Phoenix and Indianapolis.

MJ Insurance specializes in a diverse selection of unique service lines including construction, energy, transportation, real estate, manufacturing, sororities and mining. MJ also offers complete employee benefits programs including major medical, group disability, group life and onsite employer clinics. MJ Insurance currently has clients in 16 countries and in every U.S. state.

Source: MJ Insurance

Topics Talent
In a recent online poll, almost half of respondents with auto injury claims hired attorneys to help settle those claims. But most who hired attorneys were not upset with how their claim was being handled, according to the insurance industrys Insurance Research Council (IRC). Only 15 percent of auto injury claimants who talked to an attorney said that they did so because of delays in getting the claim settled, and 10 percent said it was because they were unhappy with the settlement amount offered.

In other words, the most common reasons for talking to attorney did not involve dissatisfaction with the claim process.

Then why do claimants hire attorneys?

Instead, it was more common for respondents to say that they talked with an attorney because it was suggested to them, either by someone they know (33 percent) or by their doctor (16 percent), according to IRC.

Another common reason was that they wanted to get the highest settlement possible, cited by 22 percent of respondents.

The survey conducted for IRC by an outside firm found additional evidence that claim settlement problems are not the primary motivation for attorney involvement. Nearly two-thirds of claimants who contacted an attorney in relation to an auto injury claim did so at the very beginning of the claim, within one week of the accident. In addition, even among respondents who reported satisfaction with the insurance companys handling of the claim, one in three claimants hired attorneys.

It is a myth that most attorney involvement in auto injury claims arises because a claimant has difficulties settling a claim. Many consumers start the process believing that they cannot navigate the claim without legal representation, a perception perpetuated by many ads for attorney services, said Elizabeth Sprinkel, senior vice president of the IRC. This widespread perception has important implications, given the fact that attorney involvement can add significant costs and delays both for the system and for claimants.

Rising Participation

IRC looked at the cost of attorney involvement in auto insurance claims in a report based on 2012 data that was released in 2014. That study found attorney involvement in auto insurance claims was on the rise.

The percentage of auto injury claimants represented by attorneys rose to 36 percent of personal injury protection (PIP) claimants in 2012, up from 31 percent in 2007 and more than double the rate found in a similar study in 1977, the 2014 IRC report found.

The rate of attorney involvement among bodily injury claimants rose slightly, to 50 percent in 2012.

The 2014 IRC study also examined the factors associated with attorney involvement and found that represented claimants:

Were much more likely than those without representation to receive treatment in a pain clinic and to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for similar injuries

Were more likely to be involved in apparent claim abuse

Received, on average, lower net payments (total payments adjusted for claimed economic expenses and applicable legal fees) than those who did not hire attorneys

Waited longer for payment of claims

The rate of attorney involvement varied significantly by state. The highest rate among no-fault states was in Florida, where more than half of PIP claimants hired attorneys in 2012. The lowest rate was in Kansas, where just 12 percent of PIP claimants hired attorneys.

The new report on why claimants hire attorneys, Motivation for Attorney Involvement in Auto Injury Claims, is based on an online survey conducted by GfK Public Affairs & Corporate Communications on behalf of IRC. A total of 27,126 online interviews were conducted in June and July 2016, with follow-up questions asked of 505 respondents identified as auto injury claimants who hired attorneys. Survey data were weighted to the U.S. population of adults aged 18 and above.

The IRC is a division of the American Institute For Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (The Institutes).

Source: IRC

Related:

Topics Auto
Elaine Chaos record as secretary of labor suggests shed have a light hand when it comes to safety regulation as head of the Transportation Department and would seek to shift responsibility from the federal government to states where possible.

President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Chao was his choice for the Cabinet post. Secretary Chaos extensive record of strong leadership and her expertise are invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner, Trump said in a statement released by his campaign.

Chao said Trump has outlined a clear vision to transform our countrys infrastructure, accelerate economic growth and productivity, and create good paying jobs across the country.

Chao, 63, was labor secretary under President George W. Bush and the first Asian-American woman to serve in a presidents Cabinet. She also is the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, which might be of some help if Trump is to fulfill his promise of generating $1 trillion in infrastructure spending.

Chaos record suggests shed be skeptical of new safety regulations and may attempt to roll back existing regulations. Under Chao, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration at Labor didnt issue a single significant new safety regulation for four years, and the departments mine safety inspectors were cut and inspections reduced, said Thomas McGarity, a University of Texas law professor and author of Freedom to Harm, a book about the Labor Department that includes Chaos tenure there.

Among the pressing issues facing the next transportation secretary will be how to boost the nations aging infrastructure so that it can accommodate population growth and not become a drag on the economy, modernizing the nations air traffic control system, ensuring that new transportation technologies are adopted in a safe manner and responding to a surge in traffic fatalities.

Whether its integrating drones into the national airspace, deploying self-driving cars or some other new technology, shes not going to be especially inclined to second-guess the industry when they say that this will be safe, McGarity said.

As labor secretary, Chaos job was to protect the nations workforce, including setting safety standards and addressing issues related to wages and retirement. She updated overtime regulations for white-collar workers and rules intended to force unions to disclose more details on their financial condition to members.

Chao is a strong advocate of letting the markets function as they will, not intervening into private sector arrangements, McGarity said.

Mitch Bainwol, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, applauded Trumps selection of Chao as a superb choice.

Big issues await, he said. The traditional regulatory approach is increasingly challenged to keep pace with the rapid rate of innovation in our sector.

More recently, Chao had been on the board of directors for Bloomberg Philanthropies, run by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. She resigned last year after learning the organization planned to expand an environmental initiative to shutter coal-fired power plants. Almost 90 percent of Kentuckys electricity comes from coal, and her ties to the organization were used against McConnell in his Senate race.

Chao came to the United States from Taiwan with her family at age 8. Her family settled in New York, where her father, James Si-Cheng Chao, became a wealthy shipping magnate.

Chao received her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard. She went on to become head of the Peace Corps and deputy secretary at the Transportation Department. She was head of the United Way of America and worked at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington think tank, before becoming labor secretary.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation
Lawyers for Louisianas governor and attorney general clashed in court on Nov. 29, in a struggle about the limits of the statewide elected officials authority and Gov. John Bel Edwards executive order aimed at protecting LGBT rights.

Baton Rouge Judge Todd Hernandez heard a full day of witness testimony and legal arguments in the latest in a series of disputes between the Democratic Gov. Edwards and Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry.

But the state district court judge didnt rule on Landrys request to block Edwards from enforcing his executive order prohibiting discrimination in government and state contracts based on sexual orientation and gender identity. He also didnt rule on Edwards request to spell out the boundaries of the attorney generals authority.

Instead, Hernandez asked for follow-up written arguments by Dec. 2 and said hed make a decision quickly thereafter.

Theres an awful lot of testimonial evidence submitted to the court to decipher, he said.

Edwards says his LGBT-rights protection order, issued in April with an exception for contractors that are religious organizations, is a statement that Louisiana doesnt discriminate.

Landry, seen as a possible challenger to Edwards in the 2019 governors race, calls the order executive overreach  arguing its unconstitutional because it seeks to establish a new protected class of people that doesnt exist in law and that lawmakers refused to add.

The attorney general has stalled legal contracts that contain the anti-discrimination language, a move the governor says exceeds Landrys authority.

Scott Johnson, general counsel for Edwards Division of Administration, estimated up to 100 contracts for state agencies and boards to pay outside lawyers are in dispute, leaving the entities either unable to compensate lawyers doing the work or unable to hire the lawyers at all.

Theres a lot of anxiety out there, testified Rick McGimsey, another top lawyer in the Division of Administration. Its been a daily issue.

House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, who supports Landrys position, described his committees refusal to approve health insurance contracts for 10,000 state employees, retirees and family members that contained the anti-discrimination language. Henry said he believes the governor is trying to create law through executive order.

But even if the judge rules the anti-discrimination order is constitutional, Henry told Edwards lawyer Matthew Block that wont change his vote against the contracts if they contain the LGBT-rights language.

No objections about the anti-discrimination language have been lodged from agencies or vendors outside of Landrys office, Johnson said.

Theres no reason that anybody would come to you to complain about the executive order, replied Elizabeth Murrill, an attorney for Landry. You didnt issue the executive order.

Lawyers for the governor and the attorney general traded accusations about who was at fault for the held-up contracts, why $18 million hadnt been transferred from an agency overseen by Edwards to Landrys office and why Landry wanted to pay one lawyer a rate well above the maximum rate typically paid to contract attorneys.

Landrys office said the only language at issue with Edwards executive order is the term gender identity, a provision that protects transgender people. The attorney generals office argued the term isnt defined and could create legal problems and ambiguity for employers.

Block detailed other contracts that have been approved by the attorney generals office that include language complying with a federal executive order barring discrimination based on gender identity. He also said the attorney generals office has refused to sign off on some contracts that contain anti-discrimination language based on sexual orientation.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Louisiana
California is taking its fight against global warming to the farm. The nations leading agricultural state is now targeting greenhouse gases produced by dairy cows and other livestock.

Despite strong opposition from farmers, Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation in September that for the first time regulates heat-trapping gases from livestock operations and landfills.

Cattle and other farm animals are major sources of methane, a greenhouse gas many times more potent than carbon dioxide as a heat-trapping gas. Methane is released when they belch, pass gas and make manure.

If we can reduce emissions of methane, we can really help to slow global warming, said Ryan McCarthy, a science advisor for the California Air Resources Board, which is drawing up rules to implement the new law.

Livestock are responsible for 14.5 percent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, with beef and dairy production accounting for the bulk of it, according to a 2013 United Nations report.

Since the passage of its landmark global warming law in 2006, California has been reducing carbon emissions from cars, trucks, homes and factories, while boosting production of renewable energy.

In the nations largest milk-producing state, the new law requires dairies and other livestock operations to reduce methane emissions 40 percent below 2013 levels by 2030. State officials are developing the regulations, which take effect in 2024.

We expect that this package  and everything were doing on climate, does show an effective model forward for others, McCarthy said.

But dairy farmers say the new regulations will drive up costs when theyre already struggling with five years of drought, low milk prices and rising labor costs. Theyre also concerned about a newly signed law that will boost overtime pay for farmworkers.

It just makes it more challenging. Were continuing to lose dairies. Dairies are moving out of state to places where these costs dont exist, said Paul Sousa, director of environmental services for Western United Dairymen.

The dairy industry could be forced to move production to states and countries with fewer regulations, leading to higher emissions globally, Sousa said.

We think its very foolish for the state of California to be taking this position, said Rob Vandenheuvel, general manager for the Milk Producers Council. A single state like California is not going to make a meaningful impact on the climate.

Regulators are looking for ways to reduce so-called enteric emissions, methane from the bodily functions of cows. That could eventually require changes to what cattle eat.

But the biggest target is dairy manure, which accounts for about a quarter of the states methane emissions.

State regulators want more farmers to reduce emissions with methane digesters, which capture methane from manure in large storage tanks and convert the gas into electricity.

The state has set aside $50 million to help dairies set up digesters, but farmers say thats not nearly enough to equip the states roughly 1,500 dairies.

New Hope Dairy, which has 1,500 cows in Sacramento County, installed a $4 million methane digester in 2013, thanks to state grants and a partnership with the local utility, which operates the system to generate renewable power for the grid.

But co-owner Arlin Van Groningen, a third-generation farmer, says he couldnt afford one if he had to buy and run it himself.

The bottom line is its going to negatively impact the economics of the California dairy industry, Van Groningen said of the new law. In the dairy business, the margins are so slim that something like this will force us out of state.

State officials say theyre committed to making sure the new regulations work for farmers and the environment.

Theres a real opportunity here to get very significant emissions reductions at fairly low cost, and actually in a way that can bring economic benefits to farmers, Ryan said.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California Legislation Agribusiness Climate Change
The average premium for workers compensation coverage in Washington will go up less than 1 percent in 2017, according to the Department of Labor & Industries.

LL&I announced today the rate will rise by an average of 0.7 percent next year.

The 2017 increase will cost employers on average about $10 more a year per employee. Most workers will not see an increase in what they pay.

Weve improved the support we provide to injured workers, and Im pleased to say were seeing tangible, positive results, L&I Director Joel Sacks said in a statement. Injured workers are able to stay at work or return to work faster, and the number of workers on long-term disability is dropping. Thats good for employees and employers, and it helps us hold down costs.

L&I sets rates each fall for the following year. Over the past six years, the average annual workers comp rate increase has been just over 1 percent.

In September, L&I proposed the 0.7 percent rate increase and then took public input on the plan. The agency held public hearings around the state and also took comments online and by mail before making the final decision.

The new rates take effect Jan 1.

L&I is the states primary workers comp insurance provider, and covers roughly 2.6 million workers and more than 170,000 employers.

Related:

Topics Trends Workers' Compensation Washington Pricing Trends
Utah state medical examiners have an autopsy caseload thats twice the recommended maximum, but the state still has a months-long delay in death investigations thats affecting homicide investigations, insurance payouts and organ donations.

The Standard-Examiner reported that Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Erik Christensen that despite exceeding the recommended annual maximum workload of 325 death cases per pathologist, his office still has a massive backlog.

Christensen says Utahs high population growth rate combined with a high rate of suicide and drug overdose deaths make it nearly impossible to keep up with death investigations at his current staffing levels.

This year the Utah Legislature increased the offices budget by 25 percent, funding more pathologists and bringing the staff up to eight but Christensen says its still not enough.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
An employee with the Cirque du Soleil Luzia show died after being injured this week in what was termed an industrial accident, San Francisco police said.

Officer Carlos Manfredi confirmed the death, and Cirque du Soleil said in a later statement that the fatal injury occurred during the pre-set of the show.

Police responded to the area near AT&T Park after receiving a report of an industrial accident at the Cirque du Soleil Luzia tent, officer Grace Gatpandan said. The employee died at a hospital.

It is with immense sadness that we report a fatal accident, Cirque du Soleil said in the news release. One of our employees, a technician on the show, was struck by a lift and passed away from his injuries.

The company did not release the employees name or provided any other details of the incident or how it occurred.

Police said officers with San Francisco Police Department Traffic Collision Investigation Unit and investigators with the states workplace safety regulator, Cal/OSHA, were investigating.

The Tuesday night show was canceled.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
This story has been updated with comment from Zenefits.

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler ordered Zenefits to cease free distribution of its employee benefits software, saying the tactic violates state insurance law against inducements.

Washington is the first state to take action against the company for violating inducement laws, according to Kreidler.

Under an agreement with Kreidler, Zenefits can challenge the order within 90 days.

California-based Zenefits began operations in Washington in 2014, selling online human resources services to businesses.

As part of its free software offer, Zenefits provided certain features with a paid commission. To access these premium features, the company required the client to designate Zenefits as its broker of record, then collected the commissions associated with the insurance product sold.

The inducement law in Washington is clear, Kreidler said. Everyone has to play by the same rules.

The law permits a licensed producer to offer no more than $100 per person during a consecutive period of 12 months.

Zenefits markets softwares value at $29,100 to $45,000 per year. The company will determine what fee to charge its Washington customers starting Jan. 1, 2017, in accordance with the order.

Zenefits said on its website it will charge all Washington state customers $5 per employee per month for it core HR product.

A statement on the companys site reads:

This agreement arises from OICs interpretation of its anti-rebating statute, which prohibits brokers from refunding part of their commission back to clients. These anti-rebating statutes are designed to protect consumers from discriminatory pricing. Unfortunately, the Washington commissioner seeks to use a consumer protection statute to raise prices for Washington consumers, a counter-intuitive decision that we disagree with.

A spokesman for Zenefits provided further comments, saying that calling the software illegal is misleading.

Zenefits will continue to operate in the state, the spokesman said via email. We entered into an agreement so that there is no disruption of service for our customers. The issue here is a narrow one of statutory interpretation. Does the offering of free HR apps constitute an inducement under Washingtons rebating statute? We believe that it doesnt because theres no requirement to make us your broker in order to use Zenefits. Anyone can sign up and start using the Zenefits platform regardless of whether they make us their broker.

Kreidler also fined Zenefits $100,000 in October 2016 for employing unlicensed producers to sell insurance in Washington. The company allowed unlicensed employees to complete 179 insurance transactions between Jan. 1, 2014 and Nov. 30, 2015, according to the commissioners office.

Washington is among a handful of states, most recently California, to fine Zenefits for allowing unlicensed producers to sell insurance.

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones this week levied $7 million in penalties against online benefits broker Zenefits for multiple license violations. However, that settlement provides that half of the total $7 million in monetary penalties are suspended due to remedial actions by Zenefits.

Both Washington actions resulted from a two-year investigation of Zenefits by Kreidlers office.

Kreidlers investigation also found that Zenefits offered individual clients up to $2,000 in cash for referring companies through a program called Friends with Zenefits, that Zenefits paid at least one individual $250 for two referrals and that at least 25 state residents chose Zenefits as thier insurance broker after a demonstration of the companys software.

Related:

Topics California Agencies Washington Human Resources
A group of multimillionaire residents of the San Francisco Bay Area have filed a lawsuit against their town claiming drought rules and penalties intended to keep people from over-watering their lawns are illegal.

The East Bay Times reported that nine residents of the small town of Hillsborough are challenging the towns tiered water rates and $30 penalty for each unit of water used over the allotted amount.

The residents argue that water officials have violated a state law that makes it illegal for government to charge more for a service than it costs to provide.

Hillsborough attorney Kelly Salt says the water rates comply with state law despite encouraging people to conserve water.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits California
Nella capitale vicini Michetti e Gualtieri. A Siena e a Roma si vota anche per le elezioni suppletive alla Camera dei deputati

Si sono chiusi alle 15 i seggi per le consultazioni elettorali che si sono tenute domenica 3 e lunedi 4 ottobre, che hanno chiamato a esprimersi oltre 12 milioni di elettori. Si e votato per il rinnovo di 1.192 amministrazioni comunali, per le suppletive della Camera dei deputati nella XII circoscrizione Toscana, collegio uninominale 12  Siena e nella circoscrizione XV Lazio 1, collegio uninominale 11  Roma  Quartiere Primavalle, e per le regionali in Calabria. Alle 15, con 621 comuni campionati su un totale di 1.153, il Viminale rende noto che laffluenza e pari al 59,79%, quando nel 2016 il dato era stato 65,98%, anche se in quelloccasione si era votato un solo giorno. Ecco i primi exit poll effettuati dal consorzio Opinio Italia per la Rai.

Roma

A Roma il candidato del centrodestra Enrico Michetti raggiunge una forchetta del 27-31%, seguito dallex ministro Roberto Gualtieri, candidato del centrosinistra, con il 26,5-30,5%. In una forchetta tra il 16,5 e il 20,5% Carlo Calenda e la sindaca uscente Virginia Raggi.

Milano

Alle comunali a Milano il candidato del centrosinistra e sindaco uscente Giuseppe Sala raggiunge una forchetta del 54-58%, dietro di lui Luca Bernardo (centrodestra) con il 32-36%, mentre Layla Pavone e Gianluigi Paragone in una forchetta tra il 2 e il 4%.

Napoli

Calo dellaffluenza nel capoluogo campano, con il dato definitivo al 47,19%, quando alla tornata del 2016  ma in quelloccasione si votava in un solo giorno  al primo turno si reco il 54,12%. In base al primo exit poll del consorzio Opinio Italia per la Rai, il candidato del centrosinistra e Movimento 5 Stella Gaetano Manfredi raggiunge una forchetta del 57-61%. Dietro lui Catello Maresca (centrodestra) con il 19-23%; Antonio Bassolino (9-13%) e Alessandra Clemente (5,5-7,5%).

Torino

Affluenza sotto il 50% a Torino, dove si e presentato alle urne il 48,06% degli aventi diritto: peggior risultato della storia nel capoluogo piemontese. Il candidato del centrosinistra Stefano Lo Russo raggiunge una forchetta del 44-48%, seguito da Paolo Damilano del centrodestra con il 36,5-40,5%, Valentina Sganga, tra il 7 e il 9%, e Angelo DOrsi (1,5-3,5%).

Trieste

A Trieste il candidato Roberto Dipiazza, del centrodestra, raggiunge una forchetta del 46-50%, seguito da Francesco Russo del centrosinistra tra il 29 e il 33%. Poi Riccardo Laterza (9-13%) e Alessandra Richetti (2-4%).

Notizia in aggiornamento
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A Boat-full of Potential - Renewed Interest in the Cruise Industry Bolsters Luxury Markets (OTC: MASN) (NYSE: CCL) (NYSE: CUK) (NYSE: RCL) (NYSE: NCLH)

Vancouver, Kelowna, Delta, BC - November 2, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Investorideas.com, a leading investor news resource covering luxury goods and cruise ship stocks releases a special report featuring Maison Luxe, Inc. (OTC: MASN), a company that offers luxury retail consumer items.

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Breaking AI Stock News: Intellagents, a FatBrain AI (OTCQB: LZGI) Company, Announces Hiring of Insurtech Industry Veteran as Chief Revenue Officer

NEW YORK, NY - November 2, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, announces the hiring of Euan King, an experienced and respected Insurtech industry leader as Chief Revenue Officer for insurance technology-focused subsidiary Intellagents.

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Health and Wellness Stock News - Endexx (OTCBB: EDXC) Secures $3.8M Order for Non-Nicotine Vape Product HYLA from Italy

CAVE CREEK, Az. - November 2, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Endexx Corporation (OTCBB:EDXC), a provider of innovative, plant-based, and sustainable health and skincare products, today announces it has secured a new $3.8 million USD order for its newly acquired, non-nicotine based vape product, HYLA from customers in Italy.

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BREA, Calif. - October 31, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, announces today that the Mullen FIVE has received overwhelmingly positive reactions from members of the public, reservation holders and Mullen investors who were able to ride in the vehicle for the very first time on the "Strikingly Different" tour which kicked off last week in Pasadena, California.

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I dont know about you, but Ive been desperately in need of a solid email client on my Mac for years. The Mail app that comes preinstalled with macOS Sierra or earlier just doesnt do it for me, and Ive been using Airmail for a couple years too. Its an improvement over the stock offering, but for the price it never felt like it reached its potential. At long last, my favorite mail app for iPhone and iPad has arrived on the Mac: Spark.

Spark by Readdle (the makers of PDF Expert 5 and Scanner Pro) calls itself the smart email client that solves a problem of an overwhelmed inbox. In my one week of beta testing the Mac app plus about a year using the iOS app, I can declare it lives up to the mantra.

Sparks Smart Inbox Tidies Up the Mess

Sparks signature feature is its Smart Inbox. While traditional email clients just present all your new emails at once, Spark sorts through the new stuff and organizes them into cards. New, personal emails are at the top, followed by notifications, newsletters, your pinned read emails and the rest of your inbox. This alone dramatically saves me time as I can quickly click and swipe through emails this way. Plus, the emails come from all linked accounts.

Spark has quick action gestures that are completely customizable in the Preferences. By default, a left swipe lets you mark an item as unread or archive it (long left swipe) and a right swipe lets you delete or pin it (long right swipe.) So in just a few gestures I can clear through all my newsletters without even thinking about it.

Like the now defunct Mailbox, Spark also has a snooze feature. It lets you deal with emails later on so that they reappear in your inbox when the timing is more appropriate. By default you can snooze an email for later today (in three hours), tomorrow morning, next week or pick any date. Choose Someday and the email wont have an assigned date, itll just stay in the Snoozed folder. Again, all of these time and date options are customizable.

Other Key Features

While Smart Inbox plus gestures and snooze are highlights, they arent the only features Spark has going for it. Smart notifications cleverly omit strangers and automated messages from your notifications, leaving only the important senders. These are enabled on a per-account basis, so some accounts can have smart notifications, some can have all notifications and others can have none. Its up to you.

Another useful feature though limited in its functionality is quick replies. These are basically quick actions you can take on an email to essentially respond without, well, responding. Click the Quick Reply button at the bottom of an email to send a small message with a relevant emoticon. Examples are Thank you! with a check mark or George liked this email! with a thumbs up. Theyre like Facebook reactions. People who dont use Spark dont get the full effect including the nice UI and image though. Luckily, with the release of the Mac version in addition to the iPhone and iPad apps, the number of users should be growing.

Speaking of the iOS version, arguably my favorite feature of all is iCloud sync. Not only does Spark sync your accounts across all your devices, but it syncs your settings too. That means all of your swiping customizations, smart notification settings, even snoozes and quick replies show up instantly wherever you have Spark installed. It worked beautifully when the iPad app debuted, automatically importing all my accounts and settings, so Im sure itll be an even greater delight here.

Email Support

The cherry on top of the cake is that Spark works with just about any email address. You can sign in with your Microsoft Exchange account, Google Gmail, Yahoo, Microsoft Outlook or iCloud. Otherwise, with your server settings on hand, you can also use Spark with any IMAP email server.

Spark Delivers on Its Promise

In pretty much every way, Spark has helped ease the stress over checking and responding to emails. Best of all, it comes packaged in a fantastic design  the best design ever in a Mac email app, Id argue. Its lightweight yet powerful. The UI fits in nicely with macOS Sierra while still adding some personality of its own.

You cant beat the price either. Spark is zero dollars and zero cents  free  on iPhone, iPad, and now Mac starting today. Apple and Airmail really have a lot of catching up to do.

 Download Spark in Mac App Store (free)
star Kenya Moore accused her on-again, off-again boyfriend Matt Jordan of damaging her property Moore Manor. According to a police report obtained byfrom the Sandy Springs Police Department, Moore suspected that her then-ex-boyfriend damaged her glass garage door, garage door, outdoor security camera and Range Rover on August 15, 2016.There was obvious damage to the middle (of three) glass garage door, the incident report read. Three of the glass panels had been shattered. A vehicle was parked on the other side of the glass garage door that was damaged. Through one of the broken glass panels, the rear window of the vehicle had been shattered.As the officer walked around the residence with Moores cousin Che to locate any further damage, he noticed a shattered glass door that leads into the side of the garage.Kenya advised she could not see out of some of the [security] cameras, the officer wrote, as he spoke to Moore over the phone since she was in California at the time. Four of the cameras had obviously been spray painted with a black substance. A ladder was still propped against the residence under two of the lower cameras that has been spray painted with obvious overspray on the side of the wall.Moore explained how she witnessed the suspect on the security cameras before the spray painting occurred. She confirmed the suspect did not enter her residence and no alarm had been triggered at the time.I asked Kenya about the suspect, she believed it was Matt Jordan, the report read. Jordan is an ex-boyfriend, they had been together for about a year and had broken up in the past week. Kenya believed the vandalism was related to the breakup.She also told police that Jordan texted her saying shell regret it if she contacts authorities regarding the damage. Moore then asked the officer about obtaining a restraining order against Jordan.However, this isn't the first time the cops were called over to Moore Manor due to their tumultuous relationship. According to a police report obtained by, cops were called to Moore Manor on May 31, 2016 because of a domestic dispute between the couple.I arrived and found a suitcase in the driveway that was thrown down from the top with clothes everywhere, the report obtained from the Sandy Springs Police Department read. I met Kenya Moore who had called 911 about a dispute with her former boyfriend.Moore explained to the reporting officer how they fought while on vacation in Mexico.Kenya stated she had just gotten back home when Matthew showed up and started a verbal argument, the narrative read. Kenya stated there was no physical contact and I did not see any marks on her.The Real Housewives of Atlanta star called police because she feared the dispute would escalate.Matt left her after she called 911, but threw her bag down the steep driveway from his vehicle, the report ended.Moore and Jordan broke up in June before getting back together in November.I decided to move forward with Matt because he is really a good person, she toldof their reconciliation. Hes a great guy, but hes really emotionally reactive and a little immature. He definitely is not damaging windows anymore or taking it out on my house!What are your thoughts? Sound off in the comment section below!Photo Credit: Bravo
Update 4.30pm: Lawyers for the Dail have begun their defence of a legal action taken by Denis OBrien over remarks made by two deputies about his banking affairs.

The businessman claims they trespassed into the judicial domain by revealing information that was protected by a High Court order.

Michael Collins, who is representing the Dail, told Judge Una Ni Raifeartaigh that she was being asked to examine the statements made by Deputies Catherine Murphy and Pearse Doherty  something he claims is one of the fundamental things the court cannot do.

He also said there was no power to force deputies to explain utterances made under privilege.

Before Mr Collins began his defence, the court heard from Denis OBrien  who spent an hour and 20 minutes in the witness box.

He said it was important for court orders to be obeyed and accused Deputy Murphy of flagrantly breaching an injunction preventing the reporting of his banking affairs with the IBRC and described it as an abuse of privilege.

He said it would be a pretty extraordinary situation if every citizen was subject to having their confidential details disclosed in such a way.

The hearing will resume tomorrow.

Update 3pm: Denis OBrien has accused Deputies Catherine Murphy and Pearse Doherty of disrespecting the High Court by unravelling a court-imposed injunction.

He made the comment while giving evidence at his legal action against the Dail over comments the TDs made in the chamber last year.

Denis OBrien claims comments made by Deputies Murphy and Doherty in May and June last year effectively determined the outcome of a case he was taking against RTE about his personal banking affairs.

During his direct evidence, he outlined the importance of obeying a court order, but said it was even more important that it not be interfered with through the public release of information in the Oireachtas two miles away.

He said he received death threats after the details were released, and while he often received nasty communications, he said they were never anything of that nature.

Under cross-examination, he described the deputies' remarks as a flagrant breach of the injunction and said the use of debate time to open up information that had been stolen from him and ventilate the way they did was an abuse of the absolute privilege enjoyed by politicians on the floor of the Dail.

As a citizen, he said he just wanted to know whether one can rely on a court order or whether someone can get up in the Dail and unravel it.

The hearing continues.

Earlier:

Denis O'Brien claims he and his family received death threats after details of his banking affairs with the IBRC were revealed in the Dail last year.

The businessman has been giving evidence on the third day of his legal action against the Dail and its Committee on Procedures and Privilege.

He is seeking a number of declarations after Deputies Catherine Murphy and Pearse Doherty disclosed the information while a court order was in place.

He claims the injunction, restricting RTE from broadcasting the details, should have been upheld by the TDs.

Under cross-examination, he said he took this legal action to ensure this never happens again  to him or any Irish citizen.

By revealing his personal banking affairs with IBRC, he claims they trespassed on the judicial domain and effectively determined the outcome of legal proceedings against RTE.

From the stand, he said this case was important for the country as a whole and compared a persons bank details with their medical records.

He described threats to his life and those of his family after the revelations were made.

Under cross-examination, he said he just wants the court to determine whether one can rely on a court order, or whether someone can get up in the Dail and deliberately unravel that.

The hearing is expected to go on for another four or five days.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has controversially claimed a damaging row between him and the son of a provisional IRA murder victim is being "twisted" by "reckless" media reports on the stand-off, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith, Political Correspondent.

The opposition TD made the remark as he continued to insist he received the names of four individuals who may have information about the 1983 murder of prison officer Brian Stack from his son Austin - a claim repeatedly rejected by his family.

Speaking on Louth radio station LMFM from Havana, Cuba, where he is attending the funeral of Fidel Castro, Mr Adams continued to contradict the murder victims son over how the names came to light.

Earlier this week, it emerged Mr Adams wrote an email at the start of this year to garda commissioner Noirin O Sullivan naming four Sinn Fein members who may have information about what happened.

While the email stated the names were supplied by Brian Stacks son Austin, this was rejected by Austin as being completely untrue, leading to fresh questions over how Mr Adams became aware of the names of people allegedly involved in the 1983 shooting.

However, responding to the controversy today, Mr Adams continued to insist the family of Mr Stack is giving an incorrect version of events and said the situation is being "twisted" by "reckless" media reports.

"I have to say Im very disappointed. I went out to help the Stack family [when he met them to help confirm the murder was by the provisional IRA]. They did suffer a grievous injustice.

"They gave me some names of people. It is a matter of regret for me that this unfortunate man was shot and his family have suffered. But it is also a matter of disappointment that these matters have taken the twist they have taken.

"I have a very clear recollection [of how and when he was given the names]. This information was leaked (and) there has been reckless public commentary," he said.

During the same interview, Mr Adams admitted the individual who ordered the shooting was "disciplined" by the provisional IRA at the time.

However, he refused to make any comment on the four individuals he named in the email to Ms O Sullivan and whether two of them are sitting TDs.

During a Dail leaders questions debate on Tuesday, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin raised serious concerns about the murder and questioned where Mr Adams obtained the names of those who may have been involved.

"The IRA know who did it, they know who committed the murder and they should come clean," Mr Martin said at the time.
The Minister for Finance has tonight raised the possibility that water bills could be refunded for those who have already paid.

Michael Noonan told a meeting of Fine Gael TDs and senators that Exchequer returns for November would be 280m ahead of expectations.
Italian police have arrested the fugitive boss of a powerful 'Ndrangheta clan who ran illegal operations from the southern Calabria region north to Lombardy.

Police video shows an unarmed Marcello Pesce being taken into custody before dawn on Thursday in the bedroom of a home where he had been in hiding in the clan's stronghold of Rosarno.
Crude oil prices jumped as much as 8.8%.

Opec will reduce output to 32.5m barrels a day, Iranian oil minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh told reporters in Vienna following a ministerial meeting yesterday.

The breakthrough deal, effective in January, showed an acceptance by Saudi Arabia that Iran, as a special case, can still raise production.

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries is ditching a pump-at-will policy introduced in 2014 to resume its traditional role as price fixer.

The shift  aimed at draining a crude glut thats pushed down prices for two years  will help revive the tattered finances of oil-producing countries and will reverberate in markets around the world, from the Canadian dollar to Nigerian bonds to US shale equities.

This should be a wake-up call for sceptics who have argued the death of Opec, said Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at Energy Aspects.

The group wants to push inventories down, the analyst said.

After weeks of often tense negotiations, the eventual alignment of Opecs biggest producers points to the increasing dominance of Iran among the groups top ranks.

Its allowed to raise output to about 3.8m barrels a day, a victory for a country thats long sought special treatment as it recovers from sanctions.

Saudi Arabia previously proposed its regional rival limit output to over 3.7m barrels a day, delegates said.

The agreement, which also calls for a reduction of about 600,000 barrels a day by non-Opec countries, pushed up Brent crude by as much as $4.08 to $50.46 (47.65) a barrel. Still, prices remain at half their level of mid-2014.

The economics of the deal are incredibly appealing, Jeff Currie, global head of commodities research at Goldman Sachs, said.

The main aim of the cuts is inventory normalisation, he said. Saudi Arabia, which raised oil production to a record this year, will reduce output by 486,000 barrels a day to 10.05m a day, an Opec document shows.

Iraq, Opecs second-largest producer, agreed to cut by 210,000 barrels a day from October levels. The country had previously pushed for special consideration, citing the urgency of its offensive against Islamic State.

The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait will reduce output by 139,000 barrels a day and 131,000 a day respectively.

Non-member Russia, also pumping at a post-Soviet record, will cut by as much as 300,000 barrels a day conditional on its technical abilities, energy minister Alexander Novak said.

What was announced so far is bullish, but January is still far away, Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS said.

December will still see ongoing record production, but market participants might ignore it. It does seem as though Russia will cut, which if implemented is also positive.

Russia, the biggest producer outside the bloc, had previously resisted calls to trim its production. Opec plans to hold talks with non-0pec producers next week in Doha.

The strength of the deal will depend on whether all parties deliver on their commitment. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies the UAE and Kuwait have traditionally stuck to their cuts, but some others have not.

Any doubt in the market could once again see prices come under pressure. The last two years have been painful for Opec: The group will earn $341bn (321.4bn) from oil exports this year, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

Thats down from $753bn in 2014 before prices crashed, and a record $920bn in 2012.

The group will meet again on May 25 next year, at which point it intends to extend the cuts by another six months, Qatari energy minister Mohammed Al Sada told reporters in Vienna. Indonesia requested a freeze of its Opec membership.

Its suspension wont affect the size of the groups production cut, one delegate said.

Bloomberg
Underlining the regulatory pressures facing the tobacco industry, a British court also yesterday rejected an appeal against new rules prohibiting the use of marketing such as logos or colours on cigarette packs.

The British governments victory could spur other countries to follow suit, highlighting the need for tobacco companies to develop alternatives to cigarettes to respond to health concerns that are leading more people to quit the habit.

Executives from Philip Morris, which sells Marlboros everywhere except the US, said their ultimate goal was to phase out cigarettes.

We certainly see a future where Philip Morris no longer will be selling cigarettes in the market, Martin Inkster, managing director of Philip Morris UK and Ireland, told Reuters.

He said that would take many years and require the help of governments and regulators. Philip Morris still produces more than 870 billion cigarettes each year.

The result of a decade of research and $3bn (2.8bn) of investment, the company said its new IQOS product was a step toward a smokeless future.

The device, already on sale in over a dozen markets including Japan, Switzerland and Italy, heats tobacco enough to produce a vapour without burning it.

The company says the vapour has less than 10% of the amount of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

Philip Morris was the only one of the big four tobacco companies not to challenge a previous UK court ruling upholding the governments plain packaging law, saying it preferred to focus on lower-risk products, which are a tiny market now but should grow in coming years.

It expects to have IQOS in 20 markets by the end of this year, and up to 35 by the end of next year.

Japan Tobacco International and British American Tobacco have their own tobacco-based products and are pushing hard to catch up.

Imperial Brands has so far stuck with ecigarettes, which use nicotine-laced liquid. The other companies also sell e-cigarettes, as do many independent start-ups.

Philip Morris says its products should have a more authentic feel and appeal to smokers who find it hard to stick with ecigarettes. n Reuters
By then, the UK will probably have left the EU.

However, the plan indicates that one of the sectors most ambitious targets is to send more exports to Germany, at the heart of the EU.

Incidentally, Ireland doesnt get a mention in the plan, despite it being a major trading partner of the UK.

But the plan for strong economic links with EU neighbours indicates the UK is far from turning its back on us, which could, of course, be disastrous for our food and drink sector.

Things are bad enough already, with recent trade figures, for up to August, indicating that the value of Irish food exports to the UK fell by 8.1% in annual terms, but by 14.5% for the two months since the Brexit referendum.

The slump hit all food categories.

General merchandise exports to UK fell by almost 4% since the Brexit referendum.

With such ominous signals, it wasnt surprising that Fianna Fail Spokesman on Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, TD, said recently was absurd that the Government refused to review Food Wise 2025, our current ten-year strategy for our agri-food sector.

The government has acknowledged that the food industry is very exposed to the predicted 4% loss of national Irish Gross domestic produce due to Brexit.

But Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has said he sees no compelling reason at this point to review the strategy.

He said Food Wise 2025 was going well, with 28% of the 330 detailed actions which were due to commence in 2015 or 2016, achieved, or substantial action undertaken, and a further 67% commenced and are progressing well.

Referring to Brexit, he said, It is clear that ensuring action is taken on the Food Wise recommendations, particularly those related to market development, competitiveness and innovation, assumes even greater importance in the light of the UK decision.

He added: It is important whilst we keep the measures and actions for the sector in FoodWise under review, we do not allow the ambition for the agri-food industry to be undermined.

In contrast, Fianna Fail says that Brexit demands an urgent review of Food Wise 2025, a plan based on the assumption that the UK remains within the EU, as Irelands number one agri-food export destination, taking over 50% of our beef exports and 33% of our dairy exports.

Surely Fianna Fails call for a comprehensive review of Food Wise 2025 to take into account Brexit threats is valid, bearing in mind the governments analysis of the effect ten years after a UK exit from the EU, which indicates Irish GDP could be almost 4% below a no-Brexit scenario, with most of the negative GDP impact coming in the first five years.

The level of employment, relative to a no-Brexit world, is expected to be 2% lower in the same scenario, and unemployment two percentage points higher, assuming no Brexit policy change by the Irish government.

The same analysis shows that those most exposed to the UK are indigenous enterprises, small in scale, concentrated in food and manufacturing industries, with relatively low profit levels, and a disproportionate concentration of employment in regional and rural labour markets.

Minister Creed says Budget 2017 has policies targeted at these exposed sectors  retention of the 9% VAT rate, extension of foreign earnings deduction, the special assignee relief programme, increased spending under the Rural Development Programme for 2017, the adjustment to the farmers income averaging system, increased PRSI benefits for the self-employed, an increase in farmers flat-rate VAT addition, and extra funding for Bord Bia.

People in the industry would find it more reassuring if the government didnt appear to be slow to prepare for Brexit.

At least Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said he is interested in the possibility of developing an export guarantee arrangement for vulnerable Irish industries, and hopes to make an announcement on that before Christmas. But even he attributes reduction in business confidence to uncertainty.

While admitting some impact on exposed horticultural industries, such as the mushroom industry, he seeks to comfort food exporters by noting that the UK does not seem to have many alternative sources of supply if it is to replace its considerable agri-food imports from Ireland.

That may be so, but such hopes and aspirations are not near enough to reduce the uncertainty plaguing the industry, more than two years ahead of the UKs expected farewell to the EU.
The Taoiseach is to meet with Apple CEO Tim Cook at Infinite Loop in Cupertino today after travelling to the United States on a four-day trip.

He is also due to travel to New York and although a meeting with President-Elect Donald Trump is yet to be confirmed, it is understood that contact has been made with his team to arrange a meeting if schedules permit.

The Taoiseach and Mr Cook will discuss Apples current and planned investment and operations in Ireland, including the planned Athenry data centre.

However, it is expected that much of the meeting will focus on the EU Commissions landmark ruling.

Following a three-year investigation, the EU ruled that the technology giant Apple owes Ireland 13bn in unpaid taxes over the past decade.

A spokesman for the Taoiseach said they would take stock of developments relating to the European Commissions decision regarding Apples tax liability, including the State and the companys appeals.

The Dail voted to appeal the multi-billion euro ruling in September.

Apple have not yet lodged an appeal to the EU Commission ruling but it has until the end of the year to do so.

The Taoiseach will then travel to Facebook headquarters later this morning where in advance of his engagement with the Bay Area economic council, he will have the opportunity to meet with management and staff at the social media company.

Mr Kenny will spend tomorrow in New York where he will meet with and address business groups including the Partnership for New York City and a meeting of key business leaders hosted by Peter Grauer, chairman of Bloomberg.

He will meet a number of existing and potential investors in Ireland and attend the signing of a partnership between Enterprise Ireland and Northwell Healthcare Group, a leading US healthcare company.

Ahead of the trip Mr Kenny said: My visit to the United States is a timely opportunity to engage with key business leaders to promote Ireland and highlight our strengths as a gateway for US firms into Europe and other global markets.

In all engagements I will highlight our highly skilled workforce, our competitive tax offering and our focus on innovation as well as our strong commitment to EU membership.
Its 23-member standing committee met all day yesterday to consider the documents finalised this week on pay and conditions issues and junior cycle reform after three weeks of talks at the Teachers Conciliation Council. However, it made no decisions ahead of a meeting called for Saturday of the unions 180-member central executive council (CEC).

During the talks, the ASTI deferred a series of one-day strikes and the withdrawal from supervision duties by its 17,500 members, actions which forced around 500 schools to close for three days in the past month.

The two eight-page documents will now be considered by the CEC, which may decide to ballot members whether to accept the deal, and if so whether or not to recommend accepting it. But it could also reject the proposals and extend industrial action if the deal is not seen to sufficiently address various concerns.

While the deal offers little beyond what was already on the table resulting from a deal agreed by Education Minister Richard Brutons officials with two other teacher unions in September, it is described as the final position from the Government side.

There are no additional moves, for example, to claw back equal pay to teachers who joined the profession since 2011. Instead, it said, this issue may be dealt with by the wider talks to be held under the Public Service Pay Commission and within the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement, which the ASTI rejected last year.

There is also no additional flexibility on the use of disputed Croke Park hours, 33 extra hours each year which the ASTI stopped doing this school year. The document offers only the increased freedom around the use of eight of those hours this school year and 10 hours a year from 2017, which was already agreed with the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI).

It was the ASTIs refusal to do these 33 hours that prompted the department to withhold salary increases from its members. That, in turn, triggered the withdrawal from supervision and substitution work before the conciliation talks started, which had threatened to close over half all second-level schools indefinitely.

One of the few pay concessions agreed is that teachers who miss part of a school day due to illness would no longer be marked absent for the full day.

On junior cycle reforms, the deadline for classroom-based assessment in English for third-year students will be reset so those taught by ASTI members would not potentially lose out on 10% of marks in Junior Certificate English for a related task.

The assessment was due to have been undertaken in schools next week but ASTI members have not been trained on it or students prepared for the work due to separate industrial action. If ASTI accept the new proposals, catch-up training would be provided for its members.

The document includes Department of Education assurances it does not plan to phase out final written Junior Certificate exams set and marked by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), but it has stood firm on other issues like moving to common-level exams in all subjects except English, Irish and maths.

It also states that oral tests for Junior Certificate language subjects would not be carried out by the SEC, despite ASTI and TUI requests that they would.
The EPA asserted a number of issues about fracking had to be resolved before it could approve the use of the controversial measure in Ireland.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process of drilling down into rock before shattering the shale rock below with a high-pressure water mixture to extract gases. The EPA has published the findings of a research programme which examined the potential impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction, or fracking, on water, seismicity and air quality.
However, NWCI also said the Government needs to set a date for a referendum on the Eight Amendment, instead of just continuing to compensate women.

Health Minister Simon Harris said the Government was offering a payment of 30,000 and appropriate psychological services to Amanda Mellet.

Ms Mellet filed a case with the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) at the end of 2013, after she was forced to travel to Liverpool for an abortion when her foetus was diagnosed with a fatal foetal abnormality on its 21-week scan in November 2011.

The UN committee ruled last June that Ms Mellet had been subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment as a result of Irelands abortion ban. It made three recommendations: that Ms Mellet be compensated, offered rehabilitation and that the law be reformed.

The actions by the minister today have a wider significance. Its an admission that the Government is failing women in Ireland in a horrendous manner and subjecting them to what is now recognised as inhumane and degrading treatment, Orla OConnor, director of NWCI said. The NWCI is calling on the Government to announce a date for a referendum (on the Eight Amendment).

The Eight Amendment, which amended Article 40 of the Constitution in 1983, acknowledges the right to life of the unborn, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother.

Leah Proctor, who is the regional director for Europe at the Centre for Reproductive Rights and who represented Ms Mellet, told the Irish Examiner the UN committee will continue to monitor Irelands legal regime.

In our view, it is likely the committee will continue to scrutinise and monitor the Governments compliance and implementation of this decision until the law reform has been completed, Ms Proctor said.

She said the Government implemented only two of the committees three recommendations in its finding against the State.

It had 180 days from last June to implement the three recommendations of law reform and rehabilitation and compensation for Ms Mellet.

The State is due to report back to the UN committee on December 6.

Mr Harris, in his statement, cited the ongoing Citizens Assembly in terms of the States legislative response to the UN committee.

The Government has established a Citizens Assembly, in line with its Programme for Partnership Government commitment to consider a number of matters including constitutional reform, he said. Under the Assemblys terms of reference they are directed to first consider the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution (Article 40.3.3) and their conclusions on the matter will be submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas for further debate by Parliament.

The offer of compensation to Ms Mellet was welcomed widely by various groups yesterday, including the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA), Coalition to Repeal the Eight Amendment and Amnesty International.
The concern came just hours after there were a number of new appointments of senior Garda staff in the city and county.

However, there was no appointment of a super- intendent to run the Mallow district.

In November, the district was considerably enlarged, subsuming most of the neighbouring Kanturk district.

Gardai in the Mallow district now have to patrol an area stretching from Rathduff, close to Cork City, northwards to Charleville and from Killavullen, near Fermoy, to Rockchapel close to the borders of Kerry and Limerick.

Cllr Ian Doyle, chairman of the county councils northern division, said middle-management in the Mallow area were doing a very good job, but it was unfair that such a huge district had not had a resident superintendent for months on end.

Cllr Bernard Moynihan, chairman of the Kanturk/Mallow municipal district said he was also concerned by the situation.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Chief Superintendent Michael Finn has been appointed to the rank of assistant commissioner and will move to Dublin to take charge of the countrys traffic corps.

Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin is to move back from Naas, Co Kildare, to take over the running of policing in Cork City and will be based in Anglesea Street.

Chief Superintendent Con Cadogan is to take charge of the Cork West Garda Division.

Tom Myres, a Scott Medal bravery award winner, has also been promoted and will move from Cork City to become chief superintendent in charge of Kerry.

His place as superintendent in Cork city centre is to be filled by Superintendent John Quilter, who will be moving from his current posting in Midleton.

The Midleton district, which also now covers Cobh, will be given to newly promoted Superintendent Eamonn ONeill. He has served for many years as detective inspector based in Limerick.

Togher-based Billy Duane it to become superintendent in Bruff, Co Limerick.
This is according to the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) State of the Environment report, published every four years.

In Ireland, the agriculture sector was directly responsible for 32.2% of national GHG emissions in 2014, mainly methane from livestock, and nitrous oxide due to the use of nitrogen fertiliser and manure management, stated the EPA.

This figure is released as a documentary produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret, continues to gain popularity around the world.

Seen as the follow-up to Al Gores An Inconvenient Truth, the documentary examines if animal agriculture is the biggest cause of climate change.

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, water consumption and pollution, is responsible for more greenhouse gases than the transportation industry, and is a primary driver of rainforest destruction, species extinction, habitat loss, topsoil erosion, ocean dead zones, and virtually every other environmental ill.

Yet it goes on, almost entirely unchallenged, reads the documentarys website.

The feature-length film was released exclusively on Netflix in September 2015.

From an Irish point of view, these GHG emissions from the agricultural sector are included in our EU target agreement to reduce overall emissions and are therefore not treated separately.

These direct emissions are accountable under the Effort Sharing Decision and are included in Irelands targets for 2020 emissions reduction, states the EPA.

The Effort Sharing Decision establishes binding annual GHG targets for EU member states for the period 20132020. However, the EPA said Ireland is struggling to meet these targets.

The recent bulletin on GHG Emissions Projections to 2020 noted that the challenges associated with implementing these measures (to lower emissions) should not be underestimated.

Increasing agricultural emissions at a time when Ireland is struggling to meet 2020 and 2030 emissions reduction targets may place a burden on the wider economy, the EPA said.
William Gilsenan, 24, of The Green, Larch Hill, Oscar Traynor Road, Santry, Dublin 17, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 29-year-old Edward Fitzgerald in a car park outside his home on October 17, 2014.

On the opening day of the trial yesterday, Dillon Mahady told prosecuting counsel Orla Crowe SC that Edward Fitzgerald was his best friend and like my big brother.

On October 17 he went with Mr Fitzgerald to the estate where they knew Mr Gilsenan lived. He said the accused owed Mr Fitzgerald 100 for marijuana and he wanted his money.

They didnt know which apartment Mr Gilsenan lived in and they didnt really expect to find him, he said, so they sat in the car and smoked a joint. But when Mr Gilsenan and another man arrived in a taxi behind them, Mr Fitzgerald got out of the car to confront him and they had an argument.

After the argument Mr Gilsenan walked towards the apartments at The Green. They finished the joint but as they were preparing to leave Mr Gilsenan emerged again and Mr Fitzgerald shouted at him from the drivers seat of the car: Whats the story?

Mr Gilsenan approached the car and another argument flared up with the accused man standing at the open passenger side window, Mr Mahady in the passenger seat and Mr Fitzgerald in the drivers seat. Mr Mahady said: Willy just snapped.

Eddie was trying to open the door and Willy was swinging what I thought were punches until I saw a blade in his hand.

He described it as a kitchen knife with a black handle. He said he then saw the accused wipe the knife and throw it away in a green area beside the car park.

The trial continues tomorrow before Justice Paul Butler and a jury of seven women and five men.
Bombonel Rostas, 22, with an address at Laboure Cross, Douglas Road, Cork, was caught causing an obstruction by begging at 5.30pm on Saturday afternoon, November 26, at Patrick Street, Cork.

Inspector Ronan Kennelly said the accused had a cup in front of him. He had gathered 131 by begging that day. This money was seized.
A spokesperson for Mr Martin, the party itself, and senior frontbenchers Michael McGrath and Barry Cowen either failed to respond or declined to comment on the issue yesterday as opposition parties hit out at the potential move.

On Tuesday night, the Dublin Central branch of Fianna Fail voted unanimously to formally ask Mr Ahern to return as a member.

The unanimous decision to ask Mr Ahern  who was forced out by Mr Martin after the Mahon tribunal findings  to return was made by 30 local members.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner yesterday Dublin Central branch chairman Brian Mohan said while the former taoiseach is controversial in some peoples eyes he should return as he deserves a second chance.

Mr Mohan said the decision to ask Mr Ahern to become a Fianna Fail member again was because the party needs strategic help on how to win back seats in the constituency, but admitted when asked that no other former TD has been asked to become involved again.

Weve tried everything [to win back seats], we were just thinking this is the only option left, he said, before later telling RTE Radio the local party needs to tap into previous knowledge.

.@Mickcliff: Bertie Ahern is the comeback kid in perfect time https://t.co/KZSUN9qIy6 (RM) pic.twitter.com/4Cg9lKArHa  Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 30, 2016

In regards to the tribunal findings I know he was deeply disgusted with the findings, but this [membership request] is purely from a political point of view, he said.

As a result of the branch decision, Mr Mohan notified Fianna Fail headquarters yesterday to inform them of what happened, in addition to writing to Mr Ahern  who was due to fly back into Ireland from a conflict management issue abroad last night  to ask him to return.

The move has caused significant concern among Fianna Fail members who are worried about the impact of Mr Aherns potential return to politics.

However, the party has so far refused to comment on the issue as no membership request from Mr Ahern has been received  with a spokesperson for Mr Martin failing to respond, while a party spokesperson and senior frontbenchers Michael McGrath and Barry Cowen declined to comment.

Mr Martins silence has gained particular attention, as he said in a statement after the Mahon Tribunal findings that Mr Ahern was involved in conduct unbecoming of a party member and should be expelled.

Asked about the revelations in his own constituency yesterday, Dublin Central Fine Gael TD and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe took aim at Fianna Fail, saying: My understanding of where Fianna Fail were going is that they were looking to put the past behind them. That doesnt seem to be happening.
Jean Charbonnier of 7 Coppingers View, Popes Quay, Cork, is accused of assault causing harm on Julie Clermont, 24, at an apartment in Cork city.

Judge Leo Malone asked for an outline of the allegations in the case to see if he would accept jurisdiction to hear the case.

Inspector Ronan Kennelly said the case arose from an investigation of a complaint made in relation to alleged incidents after a house party in Cork on June 19.

The injured party was at a party in a friends apartment and fell asleep in a bedroom at around 2am.

It is alleged that Jean Charbonnier entered the room and is alleged to have caught her around the throat and started squeezing.

She was caught for breath and could not scream. She is unsure if she lost consciousness.

Mr Charbonnier is alleged to have threatened the injured party with a knife before other party goers came in to the bedroom and broke up the incident.

The injured party had bruising around her neck and was brought to Mercy University Hospital for treatment, Insp Kennelly said.

Judge Leo Malone asked to see the medical report on the complainant. Insp Kennelly said the gardai had requested a medical report and had told the hospital of the urgency of the matter.

However, so far the medical report had not been furnished.

Judge Malone said it would be important to ascertain if there had been any consequences for the injured party particularly given the allegation that there had been a loss of consciousness.

The judge said he would not accept jurisdiction in the absence of a medical report. The case was adjourned until December 21 to allow time for the medical report to be made available.
Owen Travers, head of AIBs hospitality division says the bank isvery supportive of the Irish hospitality sector.

He describes hospitality as a vital sector for the Irish economy and one of the key driving forces behind employment growth and the Irish economic recovery.

Business activities in the sector which AIB helps fund include acquisition, business expansion and capital reinvestment.

In a measure of how far the Irish hospitality sector has come over the years since the crash, Travers says the bank is now providing significant funding for select new hotel development projects.

Dublin city centre has been earmarked as an area with significant capacity for expansion due to bed-night undersupply: demand has been created by ongoing economic recovery, plus continued growth in international visitor numbers to the capital city, and across Ireland to a lesser extent.

Prior to last weekends National Tourism Forum in Killarney on Friday, AIB confirmed it would be the funding partner for a new 198 bedroom Holiday Inn Express in Dublin.

This is the first large scale new build hotel to open in Dublin in over three years. AIB estimates that it will be funding the provision of up to 30 new hotels providing 1,000 extra hotel bedrooms in Ireland over the coming 18 months.

It has also funded the expansion of the MHL Hotel Collection with a 66 bedroom extension to Dublins Trinity City hotel and financing for the acquisition of the InterContinental hotel in Ballsbridge (formerly the Four Seasons).
Is there really an international wave of a hard-right populism? Are the masses rising up around the world to topple corrupt elites?

Or is talk of this colossal political shift just jargon, guff and cocktail chatter concocted by analysts searching for patterns when the victories of Donald Trump in the US presidential election and Britains decision to leave the EU  to name the two most significant results in the West  could just be unconnected blips?

A year ago, the evidence for a global phenomenon was weak. Some midsize European countries, Hungary and Poland, had elected rightist, anti- globalization governments, and France, the Netherlands, Sweden and a few other European nations had parties that were beginning, maybe, to look like electoral contenders.

The UK was heading for a vote on its EU membership, but few people thought the majority would vote for Brexit. At that point, Trump seemed to be just a whacky sideshow in a Republican primary.

T he evidence of an international populist surge has grown since then. Trumps victory has made it harder for centrists to close their eyes and hope nationalism will just disappear.

His triumph was a shock in many ways, but one of the most sobering aspects of it is his warmth toward prominent authoritarian leaders and foreign politicians with alarming views. Trumps counterparts in Europe, long confined to the margins of politics, will watch with admiration as Trump, soon to be the worlds most powerful person, takes office on January 20.

President-elect Trump to leave all business commitments for Presidency https://t.co/4YA9DMHYGc pic.twitter.com/RxERYdtKaR  Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 30, 2016

The 45th US president will have a growing number of like-minded company at marquee meetings like the G-20 and the UN General Assembly, where the power players have, in recent years, been centrists like US president Barack Obama and German chancellor Angela Merkel.

If the National Fronts Marine Le Pen wins the French presidential election in May, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council would be led by Trump, Le Pen, Russias Vladimir Putin, Chinas Xi Jinping and Britains Theresa May, who is ushering the UK out of the EU (even though she campaigned, tepidly, for it to remain).

With the possible exception of May, none seem thrilled about how the world has worked since the end of the Cold War.

Here, we examine at whats happening in Eastern and Western Europe to try to understand whats behind this populist revolt.

The last time the world saw a spike in nationalism  the early 1990s  the cause was clear: The end of the Cold War had allowed many long-suppressed national desires to violently erupt, often along ethnic lines.

So whats behind the current tumult? No single political upheaval has shaken the world  and by many measures, people are generally richer, healthier, better educated and living in less violent societies than ever before.

Marine le Pen is hoping the tide of populist sentiment will carry her to the presidency in France next year. Picture: AP Photo/Christophe Ena

But the world today is also far more divided between rich and poor than it was a quarter-century ago: The 10 wealthiest people on the planet collectively hold 500 billion, more than most countries produce every year, according to Forbes.

Theres also an increased sense that the very rich buy political influence, perhaps more than ever. Increased migration has revealed how many in the West remain hostile to outsiders  from Syrian refugees to Polish or Honduran immigrants; champions of globalisation had assumed that sort of animus had waned.

And social media and information technology have accelerated our ability to form closed, like-minded groups and to get very angry at one another in public without apparent consequence.

As defined, populism  ideas intended to give ordinary people what they want  seems beneficent. But is what the people want now as violent as their leaders rhetoric? And with insurgencies mounting from east and west to throw out the elites in cosmopolitan cities like Paris and Amsterdam, which side will prevail?

The Next Brexit

Six days after Donald Trumps victory in the US presidential election, social media users in Britain awoke to a photograph of the president-elect standing beside another familiar face - Nigel Farage, then leader of the UK Independence Party.

The two men, who both pitch themselves as champions of ordinary people, stood beaming before a glittering, gold-plated elevator door in Trumps $100m New York City penthouse.

The image wasnt just a sign of a budding bromance; it was evidence of a wider convergence. Like-minded figures from the populist hard right are looking across borders and celebrating one anothers successes.

They saw Brexit as an inspiration for their campaign, a triumphant Farage says. If you look at the last weeks of the Trump campaign, every single night at every single rally, he said this is going to be bigger than Brexit.

Farage has travelled some way to reach the golden pinnacle of Trump Tower. It was only two and a half years ago that I waited in the freezing rain to watch him speak in a faded hall in the coastal city of Portsmouth on Englands southern edge.

It was a spit-and-sawdust affair, with an eccentric merchandise stand selling comedy tea towels that described thenEuropean Council president Herman Van Rompuy as a damp rag. Now, Farage and other politicians in Europe with similar views think the movement has moved from the fringe to the centre.

In June, the British masses surprised the experts and voted to leave the EU; then came Trumps victory. As news of that sunk in, Florian Philippot, vice president of Frances hard-right National Front, tweeted his delight: Their world is collapsing. Ours is being built. That may be an exaggeration, but across western Europe, right-wing populists are preparing for battles against nervous progressive or centrist politicians.

Marine Le Pen has said there's not a 'hair's breadth' between her policies and Ukip's https://t.co/zz0jipHSIh pic.twitter.com/oSy31zKOEx  Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 13, 2016

In Austria, which faces a rerun of its presidential election on December 4, Norbert Hofer, the candidate of the far-right Freedom Party, might win the largely symbolic but still important office. That would make him the first hard-right head of state in the EU.

In March, the Netherlands will hold parliamentary elections in which the anti-Islam Freedom Party is set for a tight race against the incumbent center-right government.

Later, Frances National Front also has a chance at victory in the presidential election.

In Germany, which will have a federal election early in the second half of 2017, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a new anti-immigration and anti-Islam party, is likely to win its first seats in the national parliament.

Yet its far from certain that the hard right will prevail in all these contests. The Austrian presidential election is too close to call. Marine Le Pen, the National Fronts presidential candidate, is polling around 30%, enough to get her to the second round of voting in France, but a long way below the 50% shell need to win the Elysee Palace.

In the Netherlands, the Freedom Party and prime minister Mark Ruttes centre-right Peoples Party swing between first and second place. None of that means moderates are safe.

If you had told me a year ago, In one years time, youll be living in Brexit Britain while Trump is elected, I would have said, Oh, but the likelihood is really low, says Daphne Halikiopoulou, an analyst of the European far right at the UKs University of Reading. Where we are now, I wouldnt put anything past anyone.

These parties are not identical, but they have all positioned themselves between the starched shirts of the centre right and the swivel-eyed thugs of the extreme right.

They all share a put us first! flavour of nationalism plainly visible in their slogans, from Farages we want our country back to the Austrian Freedom Partys guiding principle, Austria first, to Trumps swaggering promise to make America great again.

Opposition to immigration is a cornerstone of their appeal, but where some give explicitly cultural or racial reasons for this, others couch it in more practical terms.

The leading hard-right parties in Germany, France, Austria and the Netherlands are explicitly anti-Islam, for example, while Geert Wilders is happy to refer to the Netherlands mega Moroccan problem. (Unlike its right-wing counterparts elsewhere in Europe, UKIP has focused more on immigration to Britain from other EU states.)

These parties all draw some support from working-class communities, often in post-industrial areas, and are happy to take up causes like economic protectionism and even nationalisation, which have been more associated in recent decades with the left than the right. But their support cannot be reduced to purely economic concerns.

Everything you need to know about Donald Trump and Nigel Farage's special relationship https://t.co/DpHMYm984a pic.twitter.com/Hd2canh7Jj  Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 22, 2016

Relationships between the rightist movements arent always warm; some of these populists are rapacious opportunists with fractious personalities. Farage has sought to distance himself from Le Pens party, for instance, which he has accused of anti-Semitism.

This denunciation helped him be seen as a legitimate political voice on British television and in the countrys established newspapers. If some of these parties win power, its not hard to imagine the friction as a collection of put us first! governments slug it out. But this is a criticism the parties dismiss. Farage sums up their reasoning with a disarming cliche: Good fences make good neighbors.

The personal links between these parties and movements are only deepening. Farage is linked to Trumps White House via his former adviser and close ally, Raheem Kassam, editor of the London branch of the hard-right news site Breitbart.

Kassam is a protege of Breitbarts former chairman Steve Bannon, whom Trump just appointed as his chief strategist, and whom Farage has known, as he puts it, for some years.

Meanwhile, in 2015, the Dutch and Austrian Freedom parties, the National Front and others created a group in the European Parliament called Europe of Nations and Freedom; the parties will back one another in their upcoming contests. Farage says he does not rule out supporting these parties.

Some may soon share a sympathetic media outlet too; Breitbart, whose abrasive and sometimes racist or Islamophobic content was lapped up by Trump supporters and has been unfalteringly pro-UKIP, is set to expand into France and Germany, potentially boosting Le Pen and the AfD.

In some ways, says Halikiopoulou, the analyst of the far right, its not so important whether these parties agree on every detail; their chances of electoral success will improve simply by projecting a shared sense of purpose.

They can put forward a facade that emphasises that their aims, their goals are the same.

Each electoral success for one member of the group  and especially Trumps in America  adds legitimacy and momentum to the others. Theyre saying, Look, weve been right all along, says Halikiopoulou.

If they win national elections, the insurgent populist parties of Western Europe could align on some issues with Hungary and Poland, both governed by populists of the religious right  Fidesz in Hungary and Law and Justice in Poland.

These parties do not advocate withdrawing from the EU, but they are often opposed to European interference in areas like immigration and refugee policy.

Meanwhile, in Italy, the populist Five Star Movement  less nationalist but similarly anti-establishment  stands to gain if prime minister Matteo Renzi loses a December 4 referendum over constitutional reform on which he has staked his job.

Wilders and Le Pen both want to hold EU referendums if they win. (Hofer would not have that power if he prevails.) They want to leave the EU and create a new system in which nations work together in a much looser structure. Brussels is keenly aware of the threat: We need to turn this painful awakening into a political wake-up call, Pierre Moscovici, the European commissioner for economic and financial affairs, said in a speech after Trumps victory.

But few EU leaders can agree on a strategy to push back. For European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, the solution is more cross-border cooperation. There is not enough Europe in this Union, and there is not enough union in this Union, he said in September.

Others think the EU should retreat from controversial areas like asylum policy and stick to functions like promoting competitiveness in business. The common thread is that all these parties complain that they have lost control over their own fate, says Pieter Cleppe, head of the Brussels office at the think tank Open Europe. The EU is definitely part of that; the anonymous bureaucrats in Brussels taking very important decisions.

Farage, Le Pen and others like them arent making the big decisions just yet. Rutte and former prime minister Alain Juppe in France could easily win the Dutch and French elections respectively. Both are centre-right moderates with deep experience, calm temperaments and international outlooks.

But what both Trump and Brexit have demonstrated is that a promise of unfettered independence for a nation and cultural or racial homogeneity for its people can prove extremely compelling. As the tide of nationalism rises, centrists must find a way to make the opposite case better  or find themselves drowning beneath it.

Putin Power

Falling dominoes: Thats what US President Dwight Eisenhower called countries coming under Communist control in the 1950s, while warning that aggressive Soviet expansion would cause the disintegration of the free world.

Over the next four decades, thousands died in proxy wars from Vietnam to Afghanistan, as the US and its allies fought to contain Moscows influence.

In November, dominoes began falling once again in a contest between Europe, which is struggling to maintain its unity, and a recently assertive Russia.

In the EU member state of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev  a pro-Russian former air force general with no political experience  beat a candidate from the centre-right political establishment in the countrys presidential elections.

On the same day in Moldova, once part of the USSR, a pro-Moscow political outsider, Igor Dodon, won the presidency, defeating a pro-Western former World Bank economist.

Russia is trying to destabilise Europe, warned outgoing Bulgarian president Rosen Plevneliev. In Moscow, the news was greeted with glee.

Suddenly, the world seems to be going Vladimir Putins way. Moldova and Bulgaria are just the latest wins in a series of electoral gains for groups that support the Kremlins attempts to divide Europe and weaken NATO. From the Netherlands rejection of a treaty between the EU and Ukraine in April, to Brexit and Donald Trump more recently, Putin is likely to remember this year with great fondness.

Bulgarias Radev ran on a ticket of lifting EU sanctions on Russia imposed in the wake of Moscows 2014 annexation of Crimea; he said Europe should be pragmatic about punishing Putin for violating international law.

In Moldova, Dodons position was even more radical  to scrap an agreement signed in 2014 setting out free trade and integration with the EU and instead join the Moscow-dominated Eurasian Economic Union.

Bulgarias economy is suffering, partly because of a slump in the number of Russian tourists since Western sanctions were introduced, while its agricultural sector has been badly hit by a tit-for-tat ban imposed by Russia on the import of all foodstuffs from the EU.

Moldova, meanwhile, has been hammered by sanctions on wine and produce, implemented by Moscow supposedly for health and safety reasons  but put into effect right after Moldova signed its trade deal with the EU.

The nations of eastern Europe havent seen any benefit from NATO expansion, from the Middle East conflict, from sanctions against Russia, says Russian senator Oleg Morozov, a member of the Federation Councils Committee on International Affairs.

What we are seeing today is a global revolt against elites. A new crop of politicians are coming to power all over Europe. Some are openly pro-Russian, some less so  but they will all be necessarily more pragmatic, which will be good news for Russia.

Putin has become a kind of Che Guevara for the anti-establishment right, says Brian Whitmore, author of Radio Free Europes influential Power Vertical blog. Europes ultra-left seems to admire him too.

In Greece, for instance, senior members of the socialist Syriza party  including Nikos Kotzias, the current foreign minister  have close links with Alexander Dugin, a Russian Orthodox ultranationalist ideologue now favored by the Kremlin.

What were seeing is the breakdown of traditional party systems and the rise of protest parties all over Europe, says Dmitry Abzalov, vice president of the Moscow-based think tank the Centre for Strategic Communications.

Left-wing candidates are taking the positions of the right wing  on immigration, for instance.

Russia has deployed a diverse arsenal to back up its allies in Europe. Economic carrots have included a large loan offered by the Kremlin in 2014 to Greece during its euro crisis and cut-price gas supplies offered to Hungary and Bulgaria. Sticks include sanctions imposed on countries like Moldova that have dared to sign agreements with Brussels.

Getting the EU to scrap sanctions, up for review at the end of January, is Moscows main goal. The other is to divide NATO. Trump has already alarmed the Baltic states by calling the alliance obsolete and suggesting that the US would respond to a Russian attack only after determining whether the victims have fulfilled their obligations to us.

Novembers US election results dont, so far, mark a deep split inside NATO. Bulgarias president-elect Radev  a fighter pilot who once studied at the U.S. Air War College in Alabama  pledged to maintain his countrys place in the alliance.

Being pro-European doesnt mean being anti-Russian, he says.

Russias influence is on the rise at the same time that voters faith in the EU is waning.

In Moldova  Europes battleground state, tugged by both Moscow and Brussels  66.6% of respondents in a recent survey by Moldovas Institute for Public Policy said they trusted Putin, compared with just 28.3% who had faith in Angela Merkel.

As the hard right continues to push westward and support for a united Europe teeters under the weight of a stagnant economy and persistent refugee crisis, it may be just a matter of time before more dominoes fall Putins way.
LIFE isnt all about having two cars, announced a Cuban man to me after a long visit to Ireland.

Godammit, I replied, Have we taught you nothing? When my friend married him he didnt want to move to Ireland so she moved to Cuba. She explained why she loved it from her porch in the countryside: Think of the Ring of Kerry fused with Monument Valley in technicolour People are well mannered and respectful. Education is valued and people are proud of their country. They are resilent and good-natured as a whole. There is a low crime rate, a low infant mortality rate, and human life is valued above all else. I love how everybody still loves and admires Fidel. I love how the revolution has brought a sense of pride to Cubans. I listen to her more than to commentators, even those as esteemed as Michael Clifford and Gerard Howlin, because she has lived in Cuba, as a Cuban, for several years. And also because she is apolitical, or at least not parti-pris like most visitors to Cuba.

Her husband, who grew to maturity during the so-called Special Period after the old Soviet Unions pay-outs to Cuba stopped, was upset last Saturday when Fidel died. He describes himself as a Fidelista not a Socialista and says his allegiance was gained by the provision of healthcare and education.

Cubans line streets as Fidel Castro's ashes begin final journey https://t.co/uLxc1iZJhr pic.twitter.com/vTbSZjHQBE  Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 30, 2016

His family, small-scale farmers, remember the horrors of Fulgencio Battistas reign of terror. As my friends father likes to comment, That Battista must have been some bastard, given how easily Cubans put up with the deprivations they face now.

Many of these deprivations represent a gap between them and Western society but are not in themselves serious. My friends hilarious blog often chronicled her efforts to bridge that gap. She said she missed Skittles and Lidl. When a friend visited and casually threw a Balisto bar to the dog she said she considered going head to head with the mutt to get it back.

Her trips to the hairdresser were among our favourite stories: The view from the chair is a cave dug out of the marl with a pig sleeping in it, a mango with most of its roots exposed and an open shed also dug out of the clay with a makeshift roof. The shed houses an open fire where black pots bubble and chickens jump up and try to pick at whatever is cooking. The patio is covered in chickens, not elegant gallos finos like ours, but large half baldy, scraggy creatures.

As my hair dye was being prepared, one hopped up onto the table for a better view and ran off with the plastic glove. Yanita took off after him and retrieved the glove as another chicken had eaten a glove and choked on it. It is, she sums up, A far cry from Peter Marks. Who would choose it, though? Thats the central question. Even if the country offers its citizens enough simple food and shelter, enough education and healthcare  even if they are better-off than other Central Americans  they are 90 miles from Florida and will compare themselves with more developed economies.

World leaders have honoured Fidel Castro at Havana rally https://t.co/Wu8mDDcBf0 pic.twitter.com/nhqkiRCPRY  Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 30, 2016

The successes of Fidels revolution in 1959 teaches us many things and that is why we are obsessing about it. Cuba stood up to the US, their close neighbour and the most powerful country in the world. Despite constant threats, an invasion in 1961 and a full economic blockade since 1962 which even prevented US citizens travelling to Cuba, Fidel developed a country which had the best living conditions in Central America.

He built a society which has noticeably more racial equality than the US. I noticed this suddenly in a small village barbers on my one visit there and it was a shock because it made me realise that in our countries black people always have about them an awareness of their otherness  even of their relative disadvantage.

Because of these achievements President Higgins spoke for me and for many Irish people in his lament for Fidel last Saturday. Without a doubt Castro was responsible for human rights abuses. But his alliance with the Soviet Union and Soviet-style repression was a function of Cubas strategic importance to a very aggressive neighbour which is still responsible for the main human rights abuses occurring on Cuban soil, in Guantanamo Bay.

My father Jack White wrote from Havana in 1960 in an article I discovered by chance yesterday: I am not yet convinced that the leaders of Cuba want to surrender their independence for the sake of a marriage with Moscow. They have been led dangerously far along this road, I feel, by an excess of anti-Americanism, just as some Irishmen would have adopted Germany as an ally against Britain. His hope was that Americas economic sanctions against Cuba would be found to be illegal because their aim was political change and America would withdraw them. What has happened instead is that the US has ignored the criticism of the UN and has continued the embargo.

Huge crowds turn out to pay tribute to former Cuban leader Fidel Castro https://t.co/Vnq5loQrJl pic.twitter.com/1KiPymkNW2  Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 29, 2016

The resulting reliance on the Eastern Bloc was exposed when the Bloc collapsed, leaving Cuba isolated and struggling to survive. While Fidels successes teach us many things, so do his failures. They teach us that no country is an island in more than geographical terms. No country can survive on its own but must find allies and trading partners. The smaller a country is the more it needs others.

This is as true for Ireland as it is for Cuba and it means there are no easy answers. It is the reason for the many compromises Ireland has had to make to stay in the euro, for instance, much decried by Irelands many megaphone Fidelistas currently dusting off their Bolshevik boots for a winter of discontent over a small charge for wasting water.

Left on its own after the collapse of the Eastern Bloc Cuba threw open its doors to euros and Canadian dollars in the form of tourism and this has unhinged the economy. You only have to sit for a while on the terrace of one of Havanas old colonial hotels,where once the Mafia which ran Cuba as a money-laundering outfit, before you are approached by a Cuban offering you his body and soul for a few euro.

This relative disadvantage demeans Cuba and the Cubans. What Cuba needs in the wake of Fidels death, is the restoration of trade with the US and the withdrawal of the US from its soil. Cubans deserve democracy as much as the rest of us but we all deserve free healthcare and education and a more equal society living within its means and those of the planet. Before we lambast Fidel we would do well to remember that Cubans may look across the Florida Straits at orange hair and wonder if democracys all its cracked up to be.
Asia Indonesia Protests Awaken Fears for Minority Chinese

Members of Muslim groups walk in front of a banner referring to Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama by his nickname during a protest against the governor in Jakarta, Indonesia. The banner reads, Hang Ahok here. / Beawiharta / Reuters

JAKARTA  The capital of Muslim-majority Indonesia is on edge ahead of what is expected to be a second massive protest by conservative Muslims against its Christian governor and no group more so than its Chinese minority.

They have reason to be concerned. The movement against the governor, who is being prosecuted for allegedly insulting the Quran, has overflowed with racial slurs against his Chinese ancestry, an unnerving sign in a country with a history of lashing out violently against the ethnic minority that makes up 1 percent of its 250 million people.

The first major protest against Gov Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama on Nov. 4 drew more than 100,000 people to Jakartas streets. Some held up banners calling for Ahok to be killed or decrying Chinese influence. It ended in violence, with one death and dozens injured after hard-liners attacked police. A separate mob tried to invade the apartment complex where Ahok lives in the north of the city and vandalized property in the area, which is home to many Chinese.

Hard-line organizers of the protest, who were unsatisfied by a police decision earlier this month to formally name Ahok as a suspect in the blasphemy case instead of arresting him, are promising another giant rally on Friday. After police pressure, they have agreed to concentrate the rally around a national monument in central Jakarta and insist it will be peaceful.

The furor over Ahok, sparked by his criticism of detractors who argued the Quran prohibits Muslims from having a non-Muslim leader, has highlighted religious and racial fault lines in Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim nation, and the growing challenge from proponents of Shariah law to its secular system of government.

For Chinese Indonesians, the controversy has awakened painful memories of the mass protests that ousted late dictator Suharto during the 1998 Asian financial crisis. Boiling resentment against immigrant Chinese tycoons who profited from ties to Suharto and his famously corrupt family spilled over into mob attacks on Chinese property and people, killing many. Nearly two decades later, Jakartas Chinatown is still scarred by the burned out shells of buildings torched in the chaos.

Certainly as Chinese descendants, we are still traumatized by the riots in 1998, said Clement Alexander, a grocery store owner in a narrow lane of the bustling Petak Sembilan market in Chinatown. We heard that horrible event may happen again if the government fails to control the protests. Its scared us, but we cannot do anything except pray, he said.

For rich ethnic Chinese, they could flee to Singapore or to other countries, but for lower-class people like me it is rather difficult, we just survive and depend on the government for protection.

When Ahok in 2012 became the first Chinese to be elected deputy governor of Jakarta, and the first Christian in half a century, it was seen as a sign of the pluralistic tolerance fostered by the moderate form of Islam practiced in Indonesia.

But his rise to governor in 2014 to replace political ally Joko Jokowi Widodo after his election as president was unpalatable to hard-liners. With the support of moderates that hope to gain from Ahoks fall, they have elevated their agenda to the national stage, and revealed that intolerant interpretations of Islam adapted from the Middle East have made greater inroads than believed.

Ahok is running for a second term as governor in elections due in February but since the blasphemy accusations erupted in September, his sky-high popularity in opinion polls has melted away. A pro-tolerance rally in Jakarta on Nov. 19 attracted less than 10,000 people. A military-organized event in the city on Wednesday meant to showcase respect for all of Indonesias six officially recognized religions was mainly populated by soldiers, schoolchildren, and police, who had no choice about attending.

For the Nov. 4 protest, the normally clogged streets of Jakarta were nearly emptied of cars, embassies closed, countries such as Australia issued advisories against travel to the city, and many businesses shuttered for the day, particularly in Chinatown.

We are afraid the riots in 1998 would be repeated. But I dont want to talk about that horrible event, said Jhony Tan, owner of a store selling Buddhist worship paraphernalia.

I hope the government can handle this issue, so theres no negative impact to any other community, especially to ethnic Chinese here. If they fail, Indonesia will be ruined, he said. Im sure the majority of Indonesian people are willing to see that this problem has nothing to do with us.

Christianto Wibisono, an ethnic Chinese businessman and former government adviser whose home was burned in the 1998 riots, said that despite communal tensions, he is hopeful the government will maintain calm during Fridays protest and beyond.

The governments approach needs to sap the momentum of a vocal and highly motivated minority but faces challenges: the moderate, silent majority is intimidated by the hard-liners tactics and months of campaigning for the Jakarta gubernatorial election as well as Ahoks blasphemy trial will keep divisive issues in the spotlight.

Now is really the crucial test for Indonesia to maintain the countrys secular philosophy rather than be run over by Shariah groups. That would affect the whole world, if Indonesia became like the Middle East, he said. We should not import Middle East extremism. We should export our moderate Islamic philosophy and pluralism.
Asia Nepal Proposes Constitution Amendment to Meet Ethnic Demands

Nepals Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. / Navesh Chitrakar / Reuters

KATHMANDU  Nepals government proposed amending its new constitution to carve out a new state to meet the demands of an ethnic group whose protests for a bigger federal state last year left more than 50 people dead.

The government registered the bill in parliament late Tuesday that proposes a second state in southern Nepal where there is large presence of Madhesi ethnic community.

Hridesh Tripati of the Terai Madhes Democratic Party said Wednesday it was welcome progress but still inadequate.

It is one step forward and a good progress but it is still not enough. This new proposal does not cover the districts we have been demanding to be included in Madhesi state, Tripati said, adding an alliance of Madhesi parties would meet to decide if it was going to accept and support the government initiative.

The Madhesi ethnic groups are unhappy with the constitution that was adopted last year in parliament. They were dissatisfied with the territory assigned to them in the new federal states in the constitution.

Protests that lasted for months last year left more than 50 people killed and paralyzed southern Nepal. Border points with India were blocked, causing severe shortages of fuel, medicine, and other supplies in Nepal.

A new government that took over power in August promised the Madhesi groups they would look into their demands, and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal also got their support in a parliament vote for his position.

The Madhesi community says they have always been discriminated against, and do not get equal opportunities in government, employment, education, and other rights.

Police reported small protests Wednesday in southwest Nepal opposing the government plans, but there were no reports of violence.

The proposal will be debated in parliament next week. The government needs the support of two-thirds of parliament to approve the change. The main opposition Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) has not said yet if it will support the bill, and passing it would be difficult without their support.
Burma Arakan State Youths Tell Commission They Want Peace

Chairman of the Arakan State Advisory Commission Kofi Annan leaves a closed-door meeting with Buddhist and Muslim youth at the Center for Diversity & National Harmony in Rangoon on Thursday. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  The chair of Arakan State Advisory Commission, former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, conducted a closed-door meeting with Buddhist and Muslim youths from Arakan State at the Center for Diversity and National Harmony (CDNH) in Rangoons Sanchaung Township on Thursday morning.

Six youths from Arakan capital Sittwe met with Kofi Annan and his eight commission colleagues according to commission member Al Haj U Aye Lwin who spoke to The Irrawaddy outside the meeting. He said the key point that the youth made was peace.

Arakanese and Muslims want peace and to end [conflict] because it harms everyone; having hatred and hostility towards each other cause deterioration both physically and mentally, he said. The youths have already learnt that this has given grief to their societies, he added.

Kofi Annan and his commission members believe trust between the Buddhist and Muslim communities is still low due to a lack of social interaction, despite communication in the business world.

Kofi Annan encouraged the representatives at the meeting to accelerate the connection between the two societies by working together on community projects to build trust, said Al Haj U Aye Lwin.

U Aye Lwin added that enforcing social engagement between two societies was insufficient to diminish distrustthe two sides must reconsider behaviors which could create negative sentiments with the other side.

After the meeting with the Kofi Annan, the three Buddhists and three Muslims sat at the same table to eat lunch. That was a good step, said U Aye Lwin.

The Irrawaddy had a short conversation with Daw Saw Khin Tin who is a Buddhist Arakanese representative in the Kofi-Annan led commission.

She requested that commission members not ignore the humanitarian situation in Maungdaw Township but to encourage international relief organizations in Arakan State to act neutrally and without bias.

She confirmed that the nine-member commission would be travelling to Maungdaw on Saturday and have scheduled tours of some villages in northern Maungdaw.

The commission will spend three days there and visit four townships in northern Arakan StateMaungdaw, Buthidaung, Minbya and Mrauk-U.

Kofi Annan left the CDNH at about 12 p.m. for a discussion with Muslim politicians at the Sule Shangri La Hotel.

The Irrawaddy contacted several people who attended the meeting but could not reach them by the time of publication.
Burma Authorities Ramp up Security Measures at Tourist Sites

A Buddhist pilgrim walks on the terrace of the Shwedagon pagoda on an overcast day in September. / Kyaw Phyo Tha / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  Authorities are ramping up their security efforts around high-traffic tourist attractions in Rangoon and Mandalay, to include pagodas and crowded public spaces, after a series of small explosions struck four locations in Rangoon last month.

At Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Burmas most-visited tourist attractions, visitors are no longer allowed to bring water bottles or energy drink bottles into the pagoda.

The Rangoon bombs were created by putting explosive liquids inside glass bottles, said U Tun Aung Ngwe, a Shwedagon Pagoda trustee. So we are working to prevent a similar attack at the pagoda, like what happened in the bombing at the Rangoon divisional government office. Weve started to improve our security measures.

Staff at the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, one of the most famous religious sites in Mandalay, are boosting its security as well.

We have received instructions from the divisional police, and we are enacting stricter security measures at the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, said U Soe Lin, chairman of the pagodas board of trustees.

Also, some of our staff members are receiving extra security training from the local police. We have discussed with our staff members about monitoring those areas where we are responsible, said U Soe Lin.

Local police were also providing security around the pagoda compound, which is located in an urban section of Mandalay.

The latest in the series of attacksFridays bomb blast at the Rangoon divisional government officecaused no casualties, and nor did any of the previous bombings. But the lack of statements from the authorities has left the public concerned and fearful.

People will feel they are no longer secure, said lawmaker U Nay Phone Latt, of the Rangoon divisional parliament, after Fridays attack.

He also urged authorities to provide an explanation for the explosions.

It shouldnt have happened, said the lawmaker. This is an act meant to mock our security. Plus, it highlights how loose security is here.
Burma Fleeing Shan State Conflict, 400 Villagers Take Refuge in Namtu Town

Conflict between ethnic armed groups, including the TNLA and SSA-S, displaces villagers in northern Shan State.

LASHIO, Shan State  About 400 internally displaced people (IDPs) have fled their homes in Namtu and Mongton townships and taken shelter in Namtu town, according to local sources, following the latest clashes between the Burma Army and the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan State.

Yesterday, 177 people arrived. They were from Nam Hai village in Mongton township, said Nang San Hown, a lawmaker from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) in Namtu Township.

Last week, between Nov. 24-26, Nang San Hown counted another 196 IDPs arriving in Namtu town. Those people were fleeing the conflict in Mong Tat, Mong Zin, Nar La, and Pang War villages, in Namtu and Mongton townships.

Since Nov. 20, a coalition of four ethnic armed groups has carried out a military offensive against the Burma Army in northern Shan State. The ethnic armed groups include the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Arakan Army (AA), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).

The State Counselors Office has reported 14 people killed and 50 wounded in attacks by ethnic armed groups since the start of the conflict. Thousands more civilians have been displaced within Shan State or fled across the border into Chinas Yunnan province.

In Namtu town, some of the nearly 400 IDPs are living in a monastery, churches, and religious buildings while they wait out the conflict.

There were six wounded people in the group that arrived on Nov. 26. Four of the wounded were men, and two were women, said Nang San Hown.

The local Namtu people donated food for the IDPs when they arrived the first day. But these donations have not been enough to feed everyone, said the lawmaker. For shelter, the local people have also donated bamboo to construct small sleeping huts. Thats all we could do. We are unable to provide all of them proper buildings for living in.

The Shan State government and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement also are helping to provide food and shelter, she said.

There have been numerous clashes in Namtu and Mongton townships over the past week.

On Nov. 23, the TNLA attacked and seized some army positions from the Shan State ArmySouth (SSAS). Shortly afterward, the Burma Army launched its own offensive against the TNLA and tried to recapture those bases that were lost by the SSA-S, according to a statement from the TNLA News and Information Department.

Days later, on Nov. 26, a battle erupted at Pang War village, lasting at least five hours. In that instance, the TNLA accused the Burma Army of firing artillery shells into civilian areas. Villagers reported being afraid and running away from their homes, according to the TNLA News and Information Department.

On Nov. 29, more clashes broke out at Khong Mong and Khong Nyaung villages in Mongton Township. Fighting restarted in Mongton on Thursday morning.
Burma Judge Sentences Father to 20 Years for Raping Own Daughter

Myaungmya District Court. / Salai Thant Zin / The Irrawaddy

PATHEIN, Irrawaddy Division  A local court in Irrawaddy Division sentenced a father to 20 years in prison on Wednesday after he was found guilty of raping his own daughter on several occasions.

Myaungmya District Court found the defendant, U Han Ngway of Wakema Township, guilty of raping his 19-year-old daughter. Beginning in June 2015, that father used to take his daughter out on a fishing boat, and on several evenings he raped her on the boat, according to the police investigation. The victim kept silent about the rape, she said, because her father had threatened to kill her.

The crime came to light when the victims sister discovered the victim was five months pregnant.

The girls mother has already died, and her father has married again, so she was living together with her step-mother. The girls sister had been living in Rangoon, and when she came back home for her wedding reception, she found out that her sister was impregnated by their father, police Sub-Lt Khin Maung Than told The Irrawaddy.

The victim then filed a complaint against her father at the local police station. Police arrested him and brought him to trial at Myaungmya District Court. Following five months of court proceedings, the man was found guilty. On Wednesday, the trial judge sentenced him to 20 years in prison, which is the maximum penalty for rape under Burmas Penal Code.

The victim has already given birth to a baby girl, according to the police.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Pegu Woman Charged With Defaming State Counselor on Social Media

Ma Sandy Myint Aung appears outside a Pegu court on Wednesday after being arrested under Article 66(d) of Burmas Telecommunications Law. / Sandi Myint Aung / Facebook

RANGOON  Pegu Division police have arrested a woman charged with defamation under Article 66 (d) of Burmas Telecommunications Law for sharing online posts deemed to be insulting to State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Ma Sandi Myint Aung was taken into police custody on Tuesday evening and remanded on Wednesday. Her court hearing is set for Dec. 7.

Ma Lin Lei Lei Hlaing, a Pegu local, filed a complaint against Ma Sandi Myint Aung, a staunch supporter of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), on Oct. 28 for sharing posts that were said to include foul language against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who leads the National League for Democracy government.

The Irrawaddy tracked her posts, but it appeared that many had been removed, including any that could be deemed insulting to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. But according to several screen shots of social media posts shared by netizens, Ma Sandi Myint Aung has criticized Daw Aung San Suu Kyi satirically and is also vocal in her support for the Burma Army.

A Facebook post which was shared on September 25 called Daw Aung San Suu Kyi an old lady and satirically wished for her death as the State Counselor appeared unwell after a trip to the US and EU earlier that month. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify if those posts were shared by Ma Sandi Myint Aung herself.

After receiving the complaint, police sent the evidence to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to check Ma Sandi Myint Aungs Facebook account, according to inspector U Than Tun of Pegus township police force.

CID replied that the photos and account match. And the court said she should be sued. So, we arrested her, he told The Irrawaddy.

Ma Sandi Myint Aung is a first year geography student at Pegu University.

According to a telecommunications research team working on the case of Maung Saungkha, a writer and activist in Rangoon, there have been 40 lawsuit cases filed under Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law as of Wednesday, under the new government. Individuals in three of those cases have been sentenced, while 13 have been detained, Maung Saungkha posted on his Facebook page.

The team said there were seven such cases under former President U Thein Seins term and five received sentencing.

Maung Saungkha was among those sentenced to prison under the defamation law during former President U Thein Seins term.

He was sentenced to six months in prison for defaming U Thein Sein after posting a poem on his Facebook account saying that the presidents image was tattooed on his penis.
Thursday, December 1st, 2016 (3:17 pm) - Score 758

Mobile operator EE has introduced the Travel Data Pass to replace their old Euro Data Pass for Pay Monthly customers, which makes it cheaper to use Mobile Broadband while roaming around an additional 11 countries (including several outside of the EU, such as Australia, UAE, USA, Canada and Thailand).

Under the new Pass customers will receive 500MB (MegaBytes) of data each and every day for the duration of their trip, although how much you pay will depend upon precisely where youre going and if you actually use the data connection. Current users of the Euro Data Pass will be automatically transferred over to Travel Data Pass.

Travel Data Pass Pricing 3 per day 500MB available each day across Europe 4 per day 500MB available each day across United States and Canada 5 per day 500MB available each day in Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, India, Thailand, Mexico, South Africa & China

Customers can opt-in to the Pass by simply texting the word TRAVEL to 150 using their phone and they will automatically be enrolled for the duration of their contract. Users will only be charged on the days they use mobile data abroad in an included country, so make sure to disable your Mobile Data if youre not planning to use it on a particular day.

Elsewhere EE also said they would boost the data allowances for customers visiting International Zones B, C and D, which reflects pretty much everywhere other than the countries / regions listed above. See their website for details.
Nguyen Xuan Anh receives Bounthong Divixay. (Photo: VNA)

Receiving the delegation, Nguyen Xuan Anh, Party Central Committee member, Secretary of the Da Nang city Party Committee and Chairman of the city Peoples Council, gave an overview of what Da Nang city has achieved, as well as the cooperation results between the two localities.

Over the past year, Da Nang city and Champasak province exchanged delegations from the two authorities and among departments, especially in education and culture. The two authorities signed 2 memorandums of understanding and working minutes as foundations for cooperation. In the 2010  2012, Da Nang city assisted Champasak province in 11 projects with nearly VND7.6 billion.

So far the projects have been fully carried out. From 2013 to 2017, a lighting system was completed in Pakse town with VND1.27 billion. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese city sent 2 teachers to teach Vietnamese language to Champasak province; gave consultancy and planning contributions to upgrade Pakse town into a city; and granted 5 scholarships worth nearly VND1.5 billion to Lao students and post-graduates between 2013 and 2015.

Da Nang citys export to Laos reached USD18.7 million in the first 9 months of this year. So far, 4 companies of the Vietnamese city are investing in Laos with a capital of USD52.3 million. It has completed the upgrade of the Khongsedone school to a exemplary school for the friendly relations, using VND7.5 billion. Meanwhile, since 2002, the University of Da Nang has received nearly 750 Lao students studying the Vietnamese language, or pedagogic and economic majors.

By 2017, the city plans to give 43 scholarships to students coming from southern Laos, while there is an increasing number of Lao students going to Da Nang city for study by themselves./.
Thursday, December 1st, 2016 (2:49 pm) - Score 407

Last month Virgin Media announced that their ultrafast cable broadband and TV network would be extended to 360,000 extra premises in Scotland. Today the operator has built on that by signing a partnership with the Scottish Property Federation, which will help to reach more new build homes.

The agreement is similar to Virgin Medias other recent partnerships with the Home Builders Federation (here), Redrow (here) and Bloor Homes (here). New build home-owners should also benefit from exclusive discounts under this scheme.

Developers of all sizes are also being encouraged to register their construction plans via a special portal (here), which offers essential technical guidance that can help to prepare for Virgins infrastructure (view the technical document). All of this benefits the operators 3bn Project Lightning network expansion, not least because its always cheaper to deploy the cables before you put concrete and tarmac down.

David Melhuish, Director at Scottish Property Federation, said: We are pleased to be working with Virgin Media to help house builders deliver ultrafast broadband services to homes across Scotland. House buyers, as well as businesses, expect the best services and there is concern about the quality of broadband in new homes. Our new partnership will help SPF members create communities that are equipped for the 21st century.

Virgin Media is currently in the process of expanding their network to an additional 4 million UK premises by 2019, half of which will be catered for by Fibre-to-the-Premise (FTTP) broadband technology.
8 Web App Security Best Practices to Fight Off Bot Intrusions

One of the biggest stories of the year is the Mirai botnet. Indeed, it is a big deal in both the security and Internet of Things (IoT) sectors. Mirai, malware that plants itself on poorly or unsecured IoT devices, was responsible this fall for a major internet brownout and even took down a country (Liberia), though that was not quite as big an accomplishment as it seems.

The bad news is that Mirai hasnt gone away. In fact, it seems to have burrowed itself more deeply into the internet. This week, Flashpoint reported that a new Mirai variant had involvement in a recent Deutsche Telekom outage. The firm provides technical background on its suspicions and says that the infected devices were found in Germany, Brazil and the United Kingdom.

One of the scarier elements of Flashpoints announcement is the reality that Mirai is changing  and no doubt in a way that its progenitors likely think makes it more dangerous:

While the original Mirai propagated over TCP/23 (Telnet) and TCP/2323 and leveraged default usernames and passwords, this new variant of Mirai utilizes the TR-064 and TR-069 protocols over port 7547 and exploits a known vulnerability to gain control of devices.

It gets worse. CSO Online today reported that the source code for Mirai, which is the equivalent to the blueprints for a house, was released on Hackforums. The malware so far has reached 164 countries.

The interesting report quotes the message the poster at Hackforums left and says that researchers have found that it is programmed to avoid searching for vulnerable devices at institutions such as the U.S. Post Office, GE, the Department of Defense, HP and the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). No possible reason was offered for avoiding those sites. There are signs of Russian involvement, according to the story.

Along the same lines, Bleeping Computer reports that two hackers claim to have control of a 400,000-device botnet. It is available, like a timeshare, for rental.

There is a tremendous amount of uncertainty in the hazy world of hacking. Malware with one name  in this case, Mirai  generally consists of families with different characteristics. Claims, such as the availability of botnets for rental, cant be confirmed. Its a shady world for a reason: The people involved in it are criminals.

That said, there is a lot of which to be afraid. The scariest elements are that Mirai relies on consumer IoT devices. People in general show little interest in taking even the most rudimentary security steps, such as changing passwords. The number of such devices is exploding. The formula is smart: ambitious criminals, a careless public, and proliferating paths of attack. That should be enough to frighten anyone.

Carl Weinschenk covers telecom for IT Business Edge. He writes about wireless technology, disaster recovery/business continuity, cellular services, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communications and other emerging technologies and platforms. He also covers net neutrality and related regulatory issues. Weinschenk has written about the phone companies, cable operators and related companies for decades and is senior editor of Broadband Technology Report. He can be reached at [email protected] and via twitter at @DailyMusicBrk.
Many reports are suggesting that Samsung is planning to add a front-facing camera with auto-focus to the upcoming Galaxy S8. It would be the first of its kind if ever. As of now the only available feature like the auto-focus on selfie mode camera is the optical image stabilization (OIS) to improve selfie photos. Auto-focus would allow the camera to focus on a specific area and, as we know from Samsungs current crop of smartphones, the company is great at helping to create some of the fastest auto-focusing mobile cameras in the business.

Samsung Galaxy S8 To Have An Auto Focus On The Selfie Camera

According to Business Insider, most front-facing cameras use fixed-focus lenses. In other words, theres no focus on one specific object, just the entire scene at once. Improved focus could help add a bit of a bokeh effect and allow front-facing selfies to look better, perhaps even as good as those shot by the rear-facing camera.

Galaxy S8 auto-focus selfie camera could help the phone stand out smartphone makers have long tried to improve the front-facing cameras with standout features. The aforementioned OIS option was added to devices like the HTC 10 this year. Over the past few years, wide-angle lenses also grew in popularity, allowing consumers to capture more of the scene, or snap group-selfie photos. Auto-focus may build on that trend.

The report of GSM Arena said that the future camera will use an encoder type of focusing mechanism, as opposed to the prevailing voice coil motor. In this type of design, the focusing actuator is mounted on the side of the lens instead of in the middle of it, thus making for a camera module with a lower depth.

People are starting to take more selfies and number of demands for cameras that take selfies with higher qualities is increasing, an industry representative was quoted as saying. It is heard that Samsung Electronics has decided to install front actuators for Galaxy S8 in order to differentiate its flagship Smartphone.
It has recently been confirmed that Royal Prince Harry is dating "Suits" actress, Meghan Markle. However, reports have claimed that the Royal Family may not be in full approval of Prince Harry dating a Hollywood actress, after reportedly ditching a Royal Holiday Tradition to be with his girlfriend.

Prince Harry Wants His Girlfriend Meghan Markle To Join Royal Family's Holiday Tradition In The Estate Of The Queen

The Royal Family are certainly big on family traditions, especially during the holidays when the whole family would gather at the real estate of Queen Elizabeth II in Norfolk, England. The rules are extremely strict, specifying that only family could join. However, reports have claimed that Prince Harry is pushing his Hollywood actress girlfriend to join the three-day celebration. This request was of course debunked, causing Prince Harry to be upset. He among all people should understand the rules of being in the Royal Family, and the Queen of England is in no interest in bending any of those for the prince.

Moreover, the Prince is allegedly upset and is planning to ditch the holiday tradition to spend time with his girlfriend, Meghan Markle. The two have hardly spent any time together since they were rumored to be dating, since the actress is currently filming for her series "Suits" in Canada while Prince Harry is travelling all over the globe. The holidays may be the only time for them to be able to spend time together. However, it is still unlikely that the actress could join the event, especially when now Duchess Kate Middleton wasn't able to join also until she was married to Prince William.

Prince William Does Not Condone Prince Harry Blurting Out Relationship With The Actress

Speaking of whom, reports have claimed that Prince William is not supportive of how Prince Harry decided to blurt out and announce that she was dating the "Suits" actress. He understood where his younger brother was coming from, for calling out the press to stop harassing the actress and her family. However, it may not be a good call since now that they have admitted their relationship, instead of backing off, the press would all the more follow the couple around and confirm some spending time together. All in all, it looks like the relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have more obstacles than they have anticipated.
Ryan Reynolds has been one of the most iconic Marvel superheroes these days, after portraying the lead role in the Marvel Universe movie "Deadpool." However, the actor opened up to having gone through rejections at a time, after having been criticized in his previous superhero movie.

Ryan Reynolds Shares Failed Auditions After Having Portrayed Main Superhero Role In The 2011 "Green Lantern" Movie

"Deadpool" has been ranked as one of the highest-grossing films of 2016, and it has been a good year for actor Ryan Reynolds having been a part of it. However, it can be recalled that the actor has also suffered through terrible criticism when he played the protagonist and the DC superhero in the 2011 movie, "Green Lantern." The movie has become a basis of terrible DC movies alike which has been the subject of movie critics for a while now. Thus, his portrayal in such has also resulted to failing some of his auditions.

According to the actor, as he calls it, he was "unhireable" due to his portrayal as Green Lantern in the movie of the same title. Thus, when he auditioned for a film by Taraji P. Henson, he said "I auditioned and failed for the Coen brothers." He shared that after portraying the protagonist in "Green Lantern," he felt that he had a hard time in getting back out there since the movie was criticized so much and he was a part of it. Nevertheless, "Deadpool" was indeed a big break for the actor after having gone through failed auditions.

Sequel To "Deadpool" Currently Being Worked Out; Upcoming Film To Be Under New Director

Reynolds did not specify what Henson movie he auditioned for, but it was highly speculated that it could have been the movie entitled "Hail, Caesar!" The main role of the movie was given to Channing Tatum, who successfully portrayed and all-singing and all-dancing role in the film. Reynolds is now most likely working on the sequel of "Deadpool," to which the release date is yet to be announced. It was previously speculated that he and the director Tim Miller had differences while filming, and it is most likely true since Miller is now confirmed to be replaced as director in the sequel, "Deadpool 2."
Jim Parsons has been very-well love and praised in his portrayal as Sheldon Cooper in the hit American sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory." On top of that, the actor is now working on another sitcom, produced by the actor himself.

Jim Parsons Producing A New Comedy Single-Camera Show To Be Entitled "Lance 2.0"

The hit American sitcom entitled "The Big Bang Theory" is now currently running its 10th season and is still one of the highly rated shows of today. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that the actors have a great career ahead of them in their belongingness to the show. However, Jim Parsons who plays Sheldon Cooper on the series has managed to find a way to succeed in other circumstances. He is now making his way to the greatness of television, by producing his own show, to be entitled "Lance 2.0" and it seems like it is going to be a hit.

The upcoming sitcom will be a single-camera comedy that will center on a couple who struggle in dealing with the aftermath of an accident they get involved in wherein the man gets a change in his personality. The accident will cause him to lose his impulse control, to which the storyline of the series will be centered on. The show will be co-produced by Jim Parsons, alongside Todd Spiewak and Alex McAulay who also wrote it. As it happened, Parsons has a lot in his hands with all the projects he has been currently committed to, on top of "The Big Bang Theory" and co-producing a new comedy show.

Will Jim Parsons Have The Need To Exit "The Big Bang Theory" Due To So Many Commitments?

43-year-old Jim Parsons is now currently the executive producer of a hospital comedy series entitled "Lakeside VA" under ABC, "The Terranauts" which is under CW, and "The Monarchy Is Going To Sh*t." Now that "The Big Bang Theory" has reportedly been renewed for season 11, rumor has it that Parsons will no longer be a part of the series for all the work that he is currently taking up his schedule. It has been speculated that for the next season, one main character won't be coming back, and the fans are now waiting for confirmation as to who that will be.

Nevertheless, "The Big Bang Theory" is currently on its 10th season and the 11th season will air sometime in September 2017.
After months of intense resistance regarding the abortion rights advocates and the medical community, Texas will now require fetal remains to be cremated or buried instead of disposed of in sanitary landfills. Texas approved new rules this week requiring all hospitals and health care facilities that perform abortions to bury the fetal remains instead of disposing of them in a sanitary landfill like other forms of biological medical waste.

Texas Will Require Aborted Fetuses To Be Buried Or Cremated

According to NY Times, the newly approved rule, which go into effect on December 19, mandate that aborted fetal tissue must be buried regardless of how long it has been gestating. The rules also state that it can either be buried directly after an abortion has been performed or it can be buried or scattered after it has been incinerated. Fetal remains can also be steam disinfected before burial, according to the released guideline.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, an American lawyer and politician in Texas, suggested the burial requirements earlier this year, and at his request, health officials proposed a draft of the rules in July. I believe it is imperative to establish higher standards that reflect our respect for the sanctity of life, he said in a summer fundraising email. This is why Texas will require clinics and hospitals to bury or cremate human and fetal remains.

Many activists claimed the rules were a completely unnecessary regulation that would further burden women already faced with difficult decisions about their pregnancies, as per Daily News. The first version of the rules did not include language about miscarriages  prompting women to ask why state officials would pile regulations onto grieving mothers and motivating the legislation writers to add in the execution.

What Is Abortion?

Abortion or miscarriage is the ending of a pregnancy by removing a fetus or embryo before it can survive outside the uterus. As explained by BPAS, there are two types of abortion treatment, 'Medical' and 'Surgical' abortion. The medical abortion considered by women as the natural process at it just uses pills to abort. Surgical abortion involves a quick, minor operation. It can be through vacuum aspiration or dilatation and evacuation.
C. J. Hardin toured Iraq and Afghanistan three times, which gave him post-traumatic stress disorder. He had tried almost all acceptable treatments for PTSD.

"Nothing worked for me, so I put aside the idea that I could get better. I just pretty much became a hermit in my cabin and never went out," Hardin said.

In 2013, he joined a small drug testing trial for Methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) as PTSD treatment, and Hardin said the trial helped him. "It changed my life. It allowed me to see my trauma without fear or hesitation and finally process things and move forward."

FDA Approved Clinical Trial To Test MDMA Effectiveness On PTSD

Illegal party drug Methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA), better known as ecstasy, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial to treat people with PTSD, based on the result story of people like Hardin. If the trial is successful, it could mean a final step for the possible approval of Ecstasy as a prescription drug.

Research has shown that ecstasy uses causes the brain to flood hormones and neurotransmitters that evoke feelings of trust and well-being, while muting fear and negative emotions. Patients said using ecstasy during the trial gave them clarity and the ability to address their problems.

Dr. Charles R. Marmar, the head of psychiatry at New York University's Langone School of Medicine, a leading PTSD researcher who was not involved in the study, said: "I'm cautious but hopeful. If they can keep getting good results, it will be of great use. PTSD can be very hard to treat. Our best therapies right now don't help 30 to 40 percent of people. So we need more options."

Some Experts Raise Concerns Over The Approval

Othe scientists worry that FDA's move could encourage people to use the drug recreationally, even in controlled circumstances. Andrew Parrott, a psychologist at Swansea University in Wales who has studied the brains of chronic Ecstasy users said: "It sends the message that this drug will help you solve your problems, when often it just creates problems. This is a messy drug we know can do damage."

The clinical trial for ecstasy will involve at least 230 patients, and if the results continue to be promising, the drug could be used for PTSD treatment in 2021.
"Fifty Shades Darker" premiere date is still a couple of months away, but its lead stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson continue to be hounded by endless rumors. From an alleged affair to pregnancy rumors and even an ongoing feud between them, it seems the rumor mill won't stop for the on-screen couple anytime soon.

Due to the popularity of the erotic "Fifty Shades" franchise, both the book and the film series, it cannot be helped that the lead stars of the movies will be subject to countless rumors and fan speculations. Among the most widely picked up issues by media outlets is the alleged affair of Dornan, who plays Christian Grey, and his co-star Johnson, who portrays Anastasia "Ana" Steel.

Apparently, the pair showed a sparkling onscreen chemistry on "Fifty Shades of Grey" that their tandem quickly attracted a zealous fanbase. While it is normal for on-screen couples to attract a lot of fans who will later on speculate on their real-life relationship status, for Dornan and Johnson, this won't work as the actor is already a happily married man. Dornan, 34, and his wife Amelia Warner, 34, have been married for three years now and even share two kids together.

On the other hand, Johnson, 27, may be single now but she has been in serious relationships as well. She previously dated musician Noah Gersh then actor Jordan Masterson. Her latest beau was musician and model Matthew Hitt, with whom she dated for two years. Even before her split with Hitt, the actress had constantly been speculated to be dating her "Fifty Shades of Grey" co-star.

It is not only dating rumors that have hounded the two, however, as recent speculations suggest that Dornan and Johnson have even secretly tied the knot. As if these rumors couldn't get any worse, the actress was even hit by pregnancy rumors. As per reports, Johnson was said to be carrying her first child with Dornan following their secret marriage.

Johnson's pregnancy rumors though remain just that - rumors. While the co-stars' off-screen relationship status has constantly been the subject of speculations, there has never been any positive confirmation from either camp. While anything can be possible in the world of Hollywood, fans should take note that Dornan repeatedly affirmed his commitment to his wife and their kids. Thus, the secret affair and pregnancy rumors are far-fetched for now as the Christian Grey actor already seems contented with his idyllic family life. He together with Warner and their daughters are living in rural England.

"We can see sheep and lambs outside my front door," Dornan said in a previous interview. "I love my life. It's brilliant. I'm surrounded by a household full of girls. It's mad, actually. I wouldn't have it any other way," he added.

As for his alleged feud with Johnson, Dornan's positive statements toward his co-star - though not in a romantic way - should be enough to debunk the rumors. Latest reports even indicated that Dornan and Johnson's strained relationship will affect the filming of "Fifty Shades Freed." Interestingly, the last two installments in the franchise were filmed back-to-back, and the actor himself confirmed that both were already completed.

In the same interview, the "Fifty Shades Darker" actor heaped praises for his female lead. "Dakota and I get along well together," Dornan shared. "Only I know what she's going through, and only she knows what I'm going through. I'm thankful for that and that we have respect for each other - and we're great friends."
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh

The visits aim to confirm Vietnams consistent policy of attaching great importance to developing the comprehensive partnership of Vietnam with Australia and New Zealand.

This is a chance for Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand to increase bilateral cooperation in all areas, including the cooperation among Foreign Ministries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh also discussed with the Australian and New Zealand sides regional and international issues of common concern.

In terms of economic cooperation, the Vietnam - Australia bilateral trade turnover continuously increased by 6% annually in the 2005-2015 period. Australia is now the 7th largest partner of Vietnam, while Vietnam is the 15th largest partner of Australia.

So far, Australia has invested USD1.61 billion in FDI in Vietnam, ranking 20th among 115 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

Australia is also the largest partner in training cooperation of Vietnam.

The Vietnam  New Zealand comprehensive partnership has developed widely and effectively by carrying out the action plans set for the 2013-2016 period.

The two-way trade turnover grew rapidly, reaching USD705 million in 2015 and seeing an average increase of nearly 20% over the past years.

In terms of investment, New Zealand has 27 valid projects in Vietnam with a registered capital of some USD96 million.

Vietnam and New Zealand have also cooperated well at regional and international forums./.
Famed fashion designer and film director Tom Ford vehemently declined to dress Melania Trump and Hillary Clinton. What could be the reasons of the top designer? Check the details below.

During his guesting on The View on Wednesday, Ford gave an honest answer when asked if he would be willing to create clothes for the soon to be First Lady of America. Melania will assume her crucial role on January 20, 2017.

"She's not necessarily my image. I was asked to dress her quite a few years ago. I declined," Ford revealed.

The designer clarified that its not Melania and her position that led him to his decision of joining Sophie Theallet as one of the couturiers who will not be outfitting Donald Trumps wife. Even as a Democrat who supported Clinton in the recent US presidential election, he refused to design clothes for the former First Lady.

"Even had Hillary won, she shouldnt be wearing my clothes. Theyre too expensive. And I dont mean that in a bad way  theyre not artificially expensive, its the cost to make these things," he explained.

Following Trumps shocking victory in the presidential race, Melanias old naked photos resurfaced in the web and were feasted by the press. The provocative snaps were from GQ magazine dated in 2000. Rumors have it that her leaked revealing images are out to destroy Trumps image as a president.

Ford's luxurious dresses are every celebritys dream. Michelle Obama, known for her impeccable style in dressing had worn one of his designs in 2011.

"Michelle I dressed once when she was going to Buckingham Palace for dinner with the queen and I thought that was appropriate. I live in London so that made sense. And it was an honor," Ford acknowledged.
Motorola is possibly planning on following Lenovo's steps and utilize the augmented reality technology of Google known as Tango.

Aymar de Lencquesaing, chairman and president of Motorola, dropped some hints of a possible Tango Moto Mod during a press event held in Nov. 30.

"The tablet folks did a phablet and worked with Google, the Tango team, to come out with a Tango phablet. Going forward, we'll have to address as a group how do we reconcile the products that are at the fringe? We're likely to have a Tango module to basically enable the Z to have Tango functionality."

Lenovo released the first ever device with the Google Tango technology in the Phab 2 Pro early last month. Motorola, which was acquired by Lenovo in 2014, is likely to follow suit.

If this proves true, the Tango will not be integrated in Motorola's devices unlike what Lenovo did with its phablet. The Moto Z will likely support Tango with the help of a Moto Mod.

The Moto Z, which currently sells for around $499.99, makes use of Moto Mods to perform or improve tasks. The Hasselblad True Zoom mod turns the Z into a high-quality camera while it also becomes a mini projector with the help of the Moto Insta-Share Projector mod. The JBL SoundBoost is a speaker mod while the Incipio offGRID Power Pack provides up to 22 hours of battery life. Another Moto Mod, the Moto Style Shell, turns the Moto Z into a stylish wood-designed phone.

The Tango technology utilizes a number of cameras that help get measurements of depth and motion. A set of sensors is also necessary to provide the device the ability to understand its location and the scene in front of it. All the data gathered will be used for augmented reality, 3D mapping, indoor navigation, and other fun and useful tasks such as creating virtual toys, pets and even furniture.

Turning the Google's Tango tech into a Moto Mod is brilliant.

The Phab 2 Pro has been met with mixed reactions especially with regards to the Tango tech. Engadget describes phablet's depth-sensing ability as "sketchy at best". Plus, the tech had to be squeezed in one device which made the Phab 2 Pro bulky and a bit awkward to use. Despite all these, the Tango's potential is exciting.

The Moto Z and its rumored Tango Moto Mod already looks better than the Phab 2 Pro. The Z figures to remain thin since no Tango tech will be jammed into it. And before the Moto Mod is unveiled and released, Google will likely have figured out how to fix the issues it encountered with the Lenovo phablet.
When the Galaxy Note 7 was first released into the market, it was poised to take the trophy for best smartphone of the year. But then various individuals started to claim that their units were exploding - and the claims were quickly proven. The blame was and still is on the battery of the device, but the Korean tech giant is holding out on a full and final explanation until the end of the year.

According to Fortune, Samsung will share the results of their investigation by the end of 2016. The investigation surrounds the exploding cases of the Galaxy Note 7, which occurred during both releases of the device. During the official release of the smartphone, it was figured out that the fault was in the battery. Afterward, Samsung decided to recall the first batch of releases and promised to quickly replace the units. However, it was the same with the second batch.

As BGR notes, Samsung launched a new round of investigations on November 11, in partnership with product safety authorities and experts from both Korea and the United States. Depending on the results of the investigation, it will be determined whether or not the returned and stocked units of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 are safe to use. That is, if - even with the formal explanations - members of the public are still willing to take it.

If the investigation finds that the units are safe, it could save Samsung plenty of money. Reportedly, the company is suffering from a 96 percent plunge in their third quarter earnings as of last month. The authority to redistribute the returned Galaxy Note 7 units will soften the blow of the loss.

Since the issue, Samsung has been on total damage control and has primarily been relying on sales from its S7 and S7 Edge units. Surely, the numbers have not been good for the tech giant. As much as 4.3 million devices are estimated to have been sold and then recalled since the release.
Apple's rumored iPhone 8 is said to be more powerful than the latest iPhone 7, which is definitely a given. But some newly leaked details have revealed the possible extent of this power-leap. Apple is going to incorporate the iPhone 8 with some super-powerful A11 chips that are developed using a brand-new manufacturing technology. That is according to a new report which claims that Apple has turned to Taiwanese chip producer TSMC for its next generation of iPhone processors.

The new process can go two ways

According to reports, TSMC will be the one to build the iPhone 8's A11 chip on a 10nm manufacturing process, which is more efficient than the 16nm process used for the iPhone 7's A10 chip. With the move to 10nm, more functionalities can be placed onto a single chip, which means we will see either an increase in performance or a reduced power consumption.

The iPhone 8 could bolster its longevity

If Apple is to consider battery life with the A11 chip, it would definitely soothe the woes of many -if not all -iPhone 7 critics that are left unimpressed by the smartphone's longevity. However, battery life is going to be dependent on several factors, which includes the efficiency of the chip, the types of display used, and how well optimized the software is.

All remains a speculation

Either way, the move from 16nm to 10nm has long been rumored for Apple's iPhone 8, so fans could be expecting to see some big things from the new processor. But it's also important to take every information, as of now, with due caution. This is because there are still no verifications with regards to the information, which means there's a chance it could be completely false.

Projected release date

Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhone in September of 2017, with the handset rumored to have a major design overhaul. But we will see phones featuring Qualcomm's new chip far earlier, with the first Snapdragon 835 handsets already scheduled to arrive very early next year.
"The Walking Dead" season 7, episode 7 spoilers reveal that Rick could start a war against Negan and The Saviors. After the violent villain took over Alexandria, Rick has already started brewing an uprising against Negan. Would Rick take a desperate move and set Alexandria on fire?

War Is Brewing

The official preview of "The Walking Dead" season 7, episode 7 titled "Sing Me a Song" hints at a war waiting to break out based on the angry look of Rick (Andrew Lincoln). On the other hand, Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) has prepared The Saviors for the possible hostilities. Spoilers reveal that Rick could have kept massive weaponry even without the knowledge of his allies. This is the time that Alexandria's leader will lead his people to revolt against Negan's rule.

Rick Sets Alexandria Safe-Zone On Fire?

Previous spoilers for "The Walking Dead" season 7, episode 7 already revealed that Rick might set Alexandria Safe-Zone on fire if the episode will be derived from the Issue 120 of the comic book. This is not impossible as the series approaches the midseason finale where the Hilltop Colony, Ezekiel's Kingdom and possibly the Oceanside community will join forces.

Episode 6: "Swear" Recap

Episode 6 titled "Swear" mainly focused on Tara (Alanna Masterson) tale in the course of their longest supply run with Heath (Corey Hawkins). Tara was led to the river after escaping from the zombies where a killing young girl saw her there, while Heath just vanished into thin air. Fortunately, the girl's overseer named Cindy decided to spare Tara. Afterwards, she was brought into the village where girls are taught to kill people on sight, and no man can be seen around.

Convincing the all-female village that she can do no harm to them, Tara persuaded her abductors to forge a partnership with Alexandria. Later on, she managed to run away, but still was caught in the chase. Tara then had known that The Saviors killed all the men in the village, including boys aged 10 and above to prevent them from rising up against Negan's rule. Letting the victim out could lead The Saviors back to them. Tara convinced them that Alexandria already had taken out The Saviors. Little did she know that Negan's empire is way bigger than she thought. Will Tara be spared once again after her attempt?

"The Walking Dead" season 7, episode 7 airs Sunday, Dec. 4 at 9:00 p.m. ET on AMC.
Oricon has released the rankings of this year's best-selling manga series. In the data gathered from Nov. 23, 2015 to Nov. 20, 2016 sales, Eiichiro Oda's "One Piece" sold more than 12 million copies which is followed by "Assassination Classroom" with more than 6 million copies sold. Also in the top five are "Kingdom," "Attack on Titan" and "Haikyuu!!"

"One Piece" is in first place once again with 12,314,326 estimated sales, according to Anime News Network. The fantasy-adventure manga, which started in 1997, is considered the best-selling manga series in history. It holds the Guinness World Record as the comic book series made by a single author with most copies published.

Oda earns at least 3.1 billion yen (US$26 million) with "One Piece," factoring the royalties from series merchandise and international licensing. In a previous report, editor Suguru Sugita said the manga is 70 percent complete. "One Piece" volumes 80-83 also topped the list of manga series sold per volume with more than 2 million copies sold each.

In second place is Yusei Matsu's "Assassination Classroom." The series had 6,887,192 copies sold and was in second place even though it ended its four-year run last March. Yasuhisa Hara's historical manga, "Kingdom," came in third place with 6,595,968. It has a total of 44 volumes since its release in 2006.

"Attack on Titan" with 6,544,081 copies sold this year came in fourth place. Its sales figures are expected to rise in 2017 with the release of the anime's second installment. "Attack on Titan" was close to topping "One Piece" in 2014. It surpassed Oda's manga in the first half of 2014 with more than 8 million sales while "One Piece" only had more than 4 million, but "One Piece" still ranked first at the end of the year.

Volleyball manga "Haikyuu!!" is in fifth place with 6,474,394 copies sold. The manga is currently starting its Spring Inter-High arc so its sales might rise in the upcoming months. "The Seven Deadly Sins" and "My Hero Academia" -- which are both airing a second season for its anime adaptation next year -- are in sixth and seventh spots with 5,115,573 and 5,114,916 copies sold, respectively.

"Tokyo Ghoul: re," the sequel to Sui Ishida's "Tokyo Ghoul" manga series is in eighth place with 4,278,599 copies sold. While superhero parody manga, "One-Punch Man" is in number nine with 3,979,760 copies sold. In 10th place is "Food Wars: Shokugeki no Souma" with 3,477,128.

Other manga series in the 2016 top-selling list include:

11. "Chihayafuru" (Kodansha) - 3,019,944

12. "Terra Formars" (Shueisha)- 3,013,816

13. "Fairy Tail" (Kodansha)- 2,719,478

14. "Detective Conan" (Shogakukan)- 2,622,350

15. "Erased" (Kadokawa)- 2,507,468

16. "Prison School" (Kodansha)- 2,449,593

17. "Bleach" (Shueisha)- 2,253,028

18. "World Trigger" (Shueisha)- 2,234,851

19. "Gintama" (Shueisha)- 2,231,751

20. "Magi" (Shogakukan)- 2,215,458

21. "Ace of Diamond Act II" (Kodansha)- 2,034,806

22. "Kimi ni Todoke" (Shueisha)- 2,021,612

23. "DAYS" (Kodansha)- 1,986,335

24. "Nisekoi" (Shueisha)- 1,914,613

25. "Bungo Stray Dogs" (Kadokawa)- 1,879,623

26. "Golden Kamuy" (Shueisha)- 1,835,668

27. "Major 2nd" (Shogakukan)- 1,816,669

28. "Orange" (Futabasha)- 1,809,055

29. "Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign" (Shueisha)- 1,735,680

30. "Ajin" (Kodansha)- 1,679,180
Shopping is still not common on social media, and social sites are unlikely to become major destinations for buying any time soon. Social media has clear potential for facilitating purchases, but the major platforms havent invested seriously in shopping, and users dont seem particularly interested in spending on social networks, according to analysts.

Social media intersects with commerce to varying degrees on certain sites and at various stages of the purchase process, but users today simply dont finalize purchases on social sites, according to Jessica Liu, a senior analyst with Forrester Research. The firm mapped the customer life cycle into six stages, and the buy stage is the least active on social, she says.

Users are much more likely to discover and explore brands, products or services on social media than they are to buy, Liu says. Social networks and brands have a long hill to climb before users become accustomed to transacting directly on social media.

[Related: Facebook now lets you order dinner and buy movie tickets]

Ecommerce accounts for 8.1 percent of all U.S. retail sales, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But social medias percentage of those online sales is minimal and has decreased since 2014, according to Ed Terpening, an analyst at Altimeter Group. Consumers see social as a tool to express themselves and connect with others, he says. Brands can absolutely play a successful role in that, but to expect consumers to buy when it was not their intention in signing on, is a stretch.

Challenges endure for social commerce

Few major technical hurdles exist that preclude social commerce success, but its still wrong to think about social media as a shopping destination, according to Jan Dawson, chief analyst and founder of tech research firm Jackdaw. Instead, social media will be a place where people incidentally end up making purchases while there for other reasons.

Dawson compares socials role to that of television  a marketing vehicle with related opportunities to encourage purchasing decisions. No one watches TV in order to figure out what to buy, but seeing ads while watching might drive you to want to buy something, he says.

A lack of integration between social media channels and the services that provide support throughout the buying process is a sticking point that puts the medium at a disadvantage compared to email marketing, search and other common ecommerce systems, according to Raul Castanon-Martinez, senior analyst at 451 Research. Most companies provide an inconsistent experience across channels, which reflects the complexities of integrating the point of sale with marketing automation, content management, CRM and other critical sales tools, he says. Adding new digital channels such as social media is not a simple task for IT.

Social commerce must also contend with user expectations and legacy sales practices that miss the mark on social, according to Terpening. For users, the social media context is connecting and expressing with others, he says. Its about connecting with each other, not products. It has influence, but its not a great closer.

WeChat users can book hotel rooms in China, and Facebook Messenger users can order lunch from fast-food restaurants in the United States, but few shining examples exist of social commerce living up to its true potential, Terpening says. Even with all the false starts weve had in social commerce  we are still in the very early days.

Facebook, social commerce and chatbots

Facebook and its subsidiaries have perhaps been the most active in social commerce. During the past two months, the company introduced Marketplace to enable sales between users, and Instagram revealed a new ad product that links to retailers preferred points of sale. Facebook also continues to invest in Messenger for social commerce, with conversational bots powered by AI at the center of its strategy for the future shopping experience.

Chatbots are still relatively new, but they show potential to improve social commerce, according to Terpening. However, consumers will likely be turned off by how poorly early chatbots perform, stop using them and therefore deprive the AI engine the learning it needs to get better, he says.

[Related: Facebook wants to sway your purchases  but not your politics]

Castanon-Martinez says customer-engagement bots will also help social media providers more effectively track conversions and achieve other business goals. Facebook sees bots as a tool for conversational commerce, for example, while Twitter is investing in bots for new customer service features, according to Castanon-Martinez. These bot-building platforms continue to make progress with deeper integration between digital channels and payments, he says.

Social sites may never realize promise of social

Despite advances, many challenges will continue to make social commerce a difficult proposition. Managing the supply chain, payments, offers and support are just some of the problems social companies interested in ecommerce face, according to Terpening. If the consumer buys through a social tool, do they expect service, delivery notification and returns through social? he says. Brands need to be concerned about disintermediation. How far should they go in giving over control of the pre- and post-buying experience to a third party social network?

The biggest setback of all could be a lack of effort from the social media sites that have the resources to turn social commerce into a real opportunity, according to Dawson. Facebook and Twitter and others have all played around with these ideas, but they havent pushed hard and have instead focused on other features and sources of revenue.
Android ar has had a rough year. at started with a promising announcement of Android ar 2.0 at I/O has ended with a delayed launch, an utter lack of new models now, a disillusioned manufacturer. In an interview with the Verge, Shakil Barkat, Motorolas head of global product development, said in no uncertain terms that the company has soured on smartwatches doesnt see enough pull in the market to release a new model anytime soon.

It wasnt too long ago when the Moto 360 was one of the hottest smartphones on the market. An early adopter of s platform, it was Androids foil to the Apple tch: a sleek, affordable bracelet with an classic circular display traditional charm. But with disappointing battery life poor performance, the Moto 360 became lost in a sea of similar gadgets. A second generation of the watch was released late last year brought some much-needed improvements, it was assumed the third generation would arrive at or around the time released Android ar 2.0 to the public.

Now thats not happening. As Barkat told the Verge, arables do not have broad enough appeal for us to continue to build on it year after year, a harsh indictment for sure, but one that still keeps the door open for future products. That leaves Huawei to carry the flag for Android ar puts a little more pressure on the platform to stay relevant in the face of stiff competition from Apple, Samsung , reportedly, Fitbit.

The impact on you at home: st a year ago it seemed like smartwatches were the next big thing, a young platform with loads of potential. Now, who knows? th VR taking over, the smartwatchs 15 minutes may be up, as people wrestle with their reasons for buying one it struggles to find mainstream appeal. And unless releases the rumored xel tch next year, Android ar might be on its last legs, too. Android ar 2.0 needs to l with a big splash must-have hardware that makes it feel like a true next generation smartwatch, not merely an incremental improvement.
National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and President of Cuban National Assembly

of People's Power Esteban Lazo (Source: VNA)



The Vietnamese top legislator leads a delegation of the Vietnamese Party and State to attend the official funeral of Cuban leader Fidel Castro set for December 4th.

Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan asked E. Lazo to convey the deepest sympathies of leaders and former leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State, and people to President Raul Castro, Party and State leaders and people of Cuba, as well as Fidels family.

Generations of Vietnamese have always kept in mind the fraternal solidarity and the whole-hearted and valuable support of Fidel for Vietnam over the past half a century, she said.

The chief legislator said she believes that under the leadership of Raul Castro, the Cuban Party, State and people will successfully realise Fidels thought in national construction and defence.

The Vietnamese Party and State will hold a special ceremony in tribute to the Cuban historic and eminent revolutionary leader, who is also a close comrade and brother of Vietnamese leaders and people.

For his part, E.Lazo said the Vietnamese delegation was the first foreign delegation to arrive in Cuba and pay tribute to Fidel on November 28th, which demonstrates the special solidarity between the two countries leaders and people.

He noted that Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang was the final foreign head of State to visit Fidel on November 15th, just 10 days before he passed away.

E.Lazo expressed his admiration for great and comprehensive achievements Vietnam has recorded over the past three decades, saying Cuba treasures Vietnams experience in national construction and defence, and is resolved to promote the traditional and special fraternity between the two Parties, States and peoples.

Host and guest held that the visit to Cuba by President Tran Dai Quang from November 15th-17th is a success, contributing to consolidating the special bilateral relationship, especially in politics, national defence, security and external affairs, while creating a new momentum for economic, trade and investment ties between the two countries.

They also agreed on measures to improve the efficiency of legislative cooperation between the two countries.

On November 29th night (Havana time), a ceremony was held at the Revolution Square in Havana in memory of Fidel, with the participation of Cuban Party and State leaders, about 60 delegations of foreign leaders and representatives from international and regional organisations, and more than one million Cuban people. This was the largest official activity in tribute to the late leader in Havana.

Being one of foreign leaders invited to speak at the event, NA Chairwoman Ngan said the Cuban Party, State and people have lost a historic and legendary leader. The international revolutionary and communist movements have lost a courageous, unyielding and experienced leader. The Vietnamese Party, State and people have lost a faithful comrade and a close brother.

Generations of Vietnamese will always bear in their heart Fidels saying that For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed its blood, she said, reiterating the solidarity of Vietnamese leaders and people with Cuban communists and people.

She noted her belief that Fidel will live forever in Cubas revolutionary cause as well as in the heart of fraternal nations worldwide.

Fidel will be interred in a cemetery in Santiago city on December 4th./.
A MONTH-LONG campaign starts this week to help prevent the destruction caused by drink and drug driving.

Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police have teamed up as part of Operation Holly, and will be conducting operations throughout December across the Island, Hampshire, and Thames Valley.

Every driver involved in a collision will be breathalysed by police, and officers will make extra patrols based on intelligence about suspected offenders.

The tactics are designed to be a deterrent to any driver thinking about driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Last year, 7,606 people were breathalysed across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, and 215 people were arrested.

Officers can carry out roadside drug tests when they have reasonable grounds to suspect a driver may have a trace amount of an illegal drug in their body.

If a trace is amount is detected, a motorist can be arrested and a blood sample taken.

Those caught can lose their drivers licence as a consequence.

Hampshire Constabularys road safety lead, Sergeant Rob Heard said: "Think about the pain and misery you could inflict on innocent road users by a reckless decision to drive or ride after consuming alcohol or taking drugs.

"Being caught in control of any motor vehicle under the influence of drink or drugs can destroy your own life.

"Motorists breaking the law can face a criminal conviction, a prison sentence, driving ban, and the loss of your job.

"I ask people to remember particularly that it is not possible specifically to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit.

"The way alcohol affects you varies depending on your personal characteristics."

Sgt Heard said the morning after drinking was a crucial time and warned that alcohol can stay in a person's body for hours.

"After just four pints of lager, you may not be safe to drive for up to 13 hours, so whether you are drinking in the afternoon, at a work Christmas party, or going out for a few drinks in the evening, make sure you are safe to drive," he said.

"Just because you havent had a drink for a few hours, it doesnt mean all the alcohol has left your system and you can drive, you are still likely to be over the limit."

Police are urging people to report drivers who they suspect are under the influence of drink or drugs, by calling 101 or texting 80999 with details of the vehicle, driver, location and times.

If callers want to remain anonymous, they can phone the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.


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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and New Zealands Speaker of the

House of Representatives David Carter (Source: VNA)



The official made the proposal during his meetings with New Zealands Speaker of the House of Representatives David Carter, and Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Finance Minister Bill English in Wellington on December 1st.

He called on the two countries to increase connectivity and cooperation between their businesses while seeking collaboration in new areas like banking, services and renewable energy, especially wind power which is the strength of New Zealand.

Minh spoke highly of New Zealands economic achievements, which, he said, have helped New Zealand become one of the ten economies of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recording the fastest and stable economic growth rate.

At the meetings, the two sides noted with pleasure the strong development of the Vietnam-New Zealand relationship, especially since the two countries established a comprehensive partnership in 2009 and issued a joint statement in March 2015, under which they agreed to enhance the comprehensive partnership towards a strategic partnership.

The regular exchange of high-ranking delegations, particularly in 2015 which marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1975-1945), has helped intensify mutual understanding between Vietnam and New Zealand, they said.

Two-way trade expanded by 20 percent annually over the past five years, exceeding USD800 million in 2015, the officials stressed, commenting on the effective and pragmatic bilateral collaboration in national defence and security, agriculture, labour, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

The New Zealand side promised to join hands with Vietnam in speeding up the assessment of risks to Vietnamese agricultural products, thus facilitating their penetration into the New Zealand market.

Talking about the latest developments relating to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement to which Vietnam and New Zealand are signatories, they described free trade and integration as an irreversible trend.

The two sides pledged to continue their coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums to which they are members, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

The New Zealand side affirmed its backing for Vietnam as the host of the APEC Year in 2017.

David Carter said Vietnam is one of the priority partners with which New Zealand has early established the comprehensive partnership.

While expressing his delight at the thriving legislative ties and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, the speaker said the two sides should maintain the direct air route between Vietnams Ho Chi Minh City and Auckland city of New Zealand in a bid to boost trade, tourism and delegation exchanges.

For his part, Bill English highly valued Vietnams encouraging achievements in economic restructuring and growth model reform, saying New Zealand wants to cooperate with Vietnam in economy, finance, banking and State-owned enterprise restructuring.

New Zealand will continue to support Vietnams development by providing official development assistance to the country, he said.

Later the same day, Deputy PM and FM Minh visited the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand./.
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Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (L) and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh at the signing ceremony of the Vietnam-Australia Plan of Action 2016-2019 (Photo: VNA)



At the talks, Minh, who is on an official visit to Australia from November 29th to December 1st, said his country wants to enhance intensive and effective cooperation with Australia in all fields for the sake of the two peoples.

Both sides expressed their delight at the flourishing relations between their countries and between the two foreign ministries, especially since Vietnam and Australia set up the comprehensive partnership in 2009 and signed a declaration on enhancing the comprehensive partnership in 2015.

The countries have regularly organised high-level visits and meetings and brought into full play bilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the high-level consultation on development assistance, the joint committee on scientific and technological cooperation, the foreign affairs-defence strategic dialogue, and the agricultural forum.

Australia is currently the eighth largest trade partner of Vietnam and also accommodates the biggest number of Vietnamese students. Meanwhile, the Southeast Asian nation has received a large number of Australian students and apprentices under the New Colombo Plan.

Australias development assistance for Vietnam has been used effectively, thus practically contributing to local socio-economic development, the two FMs noted.

With regard to measures to solidify bilateral relations, Australia pledged to facilitate Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products entrance to its market. It affirmed that Vietnam is an important economic partner in the region, and it will continue prioritising ODA provision for Vietnam in the fields listed in the Vietnam-Australia Plan of Action 2016-2019.

The two sides will coordinate to optimise opportunities and interests generated by the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and the ASEAN Economic Community. They will also promote the ratification and implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and the finalisation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

At the talks, the foreign ministers also discussed the regional and international situation and agreed on closer coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums.

Julie Bishop said Australia supports Vietnams hosting of the APEC Summit in 2017, along with ASEANs solidarity, unity and central role in the regional architecture.

She reiterated her countrys consistent viewpoint on the East Sea issue, highlighting the need for ensured peace, stability, safety, security and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea and unimpeded trade. Australia advocates the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, respect to diplomatic and legal processes, adherence to international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and avoidance of force or threat to use force.

After the talks, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Minh and Minister Bishop signed the Vietnam-Australia Plan of Action 2016-2019, which details the targets and measures in spheres of bilateral and multilateral cooperation so as to bolster the countries enhanced comprehensive partnership.

Also on November 30th, the Vietnamese official met with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who applauded the signing of the plan of action and noted that the plan will create a comprehensive and detailed framework for the effective and substantive development of bilateral ties.

Turnbull said Australia always considers Vietnam as an important and trustworthy Asian-Pacific partner in both politics and economy, and supports the ASEAN nations higher role and stature in the region.

Minh rejoiced at the vigorous and comprehensive expansion of Vietnamese-Australian relations, particularly in trade, investment, ODA provision, education, tourism and people-to-people links.

The two countries hold numerous advantages and potential to intensify relations. Australia should facilitate the import of Vietnams strong products, especially tropical fruits. Vietnam is also ready to purchase high-quality agricultural products, coal and liquefied gas from Australia, he added.

The Australian PM repeated that his country prioritises close cooperation with Vietnam to successfully organise the APEC Year 2017 and accelerate the ratification and enforcement of the TPP. It will keep working closely with Vietnam at regional and international forums, as well as in security and strategic matters in the region such as the East Sea issue.

The same day, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Minh had a meeting with President of Australias Senate Stephen Parry, who asked Minh to convey his invitation to visit Australia to National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. They agreed to increase exchanging experience between the two countries parliaments./.
Ambassador Le Linh Lan recorded a funeral book when commemorating Cuban leader Fidel Castro (Photo: VNA)

In a solemn atmosphere, representatives of the Overseas Vietnamese Community living and working in Mexico respectfully bowed before the photo of the beloved Cuban leader, a great friend of the Vietnamese people and progressive nations in the world.

In the funeral book, Vietnamese Ambassador in Mexico Le Linh Lan expressed her deep sorrow when hearing the sad news of the death of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro of Cuba, a great friend of the leaders and people of Vietnam.

She also believed the communists and the Cuban people would continue firmly moving forwards under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba while promoting the legacy of Fidel Castro. The life and career of Fidel Castro have become an immortal revolutionary symbol of peoples and progressive movements around in the world, as well as those fighting for peace, national independence, freedom and equality. He was also a bright example of internationalism among Latin American, African and Asian people.

The Vietnam  Cuba friendly traditional relationship was officially established on December 2nd 1960 and fostered by President Ho Chi Minh and President Fidel Castro. During more than five decades, Fidel Castro had been always beside and shared with Vietnam in the struggle for national liberation and reconstruction of the country.

In the depth of the hearts of millions of Vietnamese people, they always preserve noble sentiments for the precious help of Commander Fidel Castro with his immortal words: "For Vietnam, we are willing to devote our blood."

Generations of leaders and people of both countries have constantly strengthened to develop and expand solidarity relationships, comprehensive cooperation and mutual trust between the Parties, States and peoples of the two countries for over half a century./.
Social media is slowly becoming the replacement for TV. Social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter have spread misinformation without proper sources are encouraging "lazy discourse". Discourse based on information lacking evidence makes social media an inefficient source of news and research data.

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Technology Review, social media is slowly killing discourse. Writing for MIT's column, Iranian-Canadian Media Analyst and Performance Artist Hossein Derakhshan said social network Facebook has algorithms that keep hoax stories at bay-- a feature yet to work perfectly. Derakhshan wrote that before the Iranian government imprisoned him for his online activism in Iran six years ago, the internet was "decentralized, text-centered and abundant with hyperlinks to source material."

He said the domination of social media had created "centralized and image-centered" content "embedded in pictures without links." This encourages "more feeling than thinking" according to Derakhshan.

The 2016 US Election is proof of Derakhshan's statement. According to BuzzFeed, Facebook's copying of Twitter's "fast news cycle" had created "confirmation bias and set the stage for fake news." BuzzFeed News Reporter Alex Kantrowitz said Facebook "allowed political-meme-makers, sensationalists, and fake news purveyors to thrive." Kantrowitz presupposed that it possibly had influenced the US election's outcome.

Social media as a platform allows people to share their ideas and insights. For many, social media has become an "echo chamber"-- a place where people with similar ideas as you confirm your bias. No one in the network will contrast an idea of the other. If someone contrasts anyone in the "echo chamber" and with evidence, people in the "echo chamber" could show evidence of cognitive dissonance -- believing something to be true without any evidence -- upon reaction.

Everyone is reminded that social media is a tool for connecting with your friends, colleagues and your family. Be careful about what you share in social media as well.

It will never be an accurate source of information. Search engines, blogs with factual content and news websites will always be best sources of information that would aid any discourse.
The exploding problem of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will come to an end. Samsung set another investigation on why the smartphone became explosive.

Customers are warned in using Samsung Galaxy Note 7 because of the alarming news; it may explode while using, charging, or even when you are not using it, as reported by Jobs & Hire.

After the release of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 last August, different news spread around the world. Issues regarding the smartphone like: defective, overheating issues, and faulty batteries - the primary causes of explosion.

So the company decided to terminate the production and distribution of the item. For those who bought the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung gave them a choice to replace or refund the device. Around 4.3 million Galaxy Note 7 were sold since it was launched.

Samsung is trying to look what really the problem is, but it seems like a puzzle that is hard to solve. The company even changed the battery provider, (which is thought to be the major reason of explosion) but there are still complaints with same issue. It seems like there are other factors that causes the device to be on fire.

But the problem of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be ending soon. According to Ubergizmo, by the end of the year, Samsung will reveal about the investigation of the said device and they will show the result in public.

Samsung Company, safety authorities, as well as the expert from US and Korea set a new round of investigation last November 11. They are still looking from another angle on why the device became explosive, and other heat related problems, reported by The Korea Herald.

Samsung Galaxy brands are affected by this incident, that's why the company will reveal the investigation to the public before year ends. And this coming 2017, Samsung will release Galaxy S8.
Rumors of an engagement between a commoner and a royal blood are circulating lately. Prince Harry and his current lady love Meghan Markle is already engaged and are contemplating of tying the knot as per reports.

However, it will not be a traditional royal wedding because the loved-up pair is reportedly getting married either at the Big Sur or at the Catalina Island on the West Coast.

Morning News USA reported that the Queen has reportedly given her go signal for the unconventional wedding. Has the British monarchy revised its protocol on royal marriages?

Meghan Markle reportedly wants a wedding in California and the Prince who is so in love with her will give her what she wants. Will Prince Harry fly the entire royal family abroad to attend his wedding?

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are reportedly against his lady love because she is a commoner. Camilla Shand (formerly Parker Bowles) does not want another in the commoner in the family. Kate Middleton is enough and the palace will not allow one like her.

The Duchess of Cambridge claimed that Markle's humanitarian acts are merely for publicity according to the Duchess of Cambridge. She said that she was not known for her charities before she became the royal girlfriend. Now that Prince Harry's name is attached to her name, her works are media-magnified.

Prince William was silent regarding all the rumors concerning the palace. His father, heir apparent to the British throne is also not giving comments about his son's affair with the "Suits" actress.

A reporter surfaced and debunked the engagement; the wedding and the permission of the Queen to have her grandson marry outside of the palace. The palace insider said that all the proliferating rumors about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding plans are fabricated. Stay tuned for the truth and more updates about the loved-up pair.
A Scene performed at the event (Photo: VNA)



For 15 years, VNLSE has been an important bridge, connecting not only overseas Vietnamese students, but also Vietnamese people living and working in the UK.With the theme Blood Bond, VNLSE Show 2016 told a touching story about the twists of fate in the lives of two sisters, who have to stumble an errant path and become pillagers due to circumstance. They plotted to kidnap a wealthy young master to blackmail.However, when implementing the plot, the younger sister falls in love with the wealthy young master and they love each other sincerely and passionately.

The drama "Blood Bond" conveys a strong message about family sentiment and romantic love, which can help people overcome the storms of life.

The art program continues to leave deep impressions on audience members. This is one reason why the annual VNLSE Show is always one of the most expected events by the overseas Vietnamese student community in the UK./.
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Vietnam's kiosk at the fair (Photo: baotintuc.vn)



This is an annual activity organized by the Diplomatic Spouses' Association (DSA) in the Czech Republic to raise funds for charity.

First Lady of the Czech Republic Ivana Zemanova cut the ribbon to open the event and sent greetings to all countries participating in the fair.

Barbara Blaznik, spouse of Slovenian Ambassador in the Czech Republic, Head of the DSA and Head of the Organizing Committee of the fair, said from 2000 to now, DSA has hosted this event.

This year, the fair has 49 booths by 40 countries to exhibit and sell the characteristic products of each country.

All proceeds from this event will be given to charitable organizations of the Czech Republic to implement charitable programs.

Pham Ngoc Tram, spouse of Vietnamese Ambassador in the Czech Republic and former Head of DSA 2015, said the International Christmas Fair had great significance and was appreciated by the host.

From 2000 to 2014, the fair sent more than CZK60 million to centres for orphans and disabled people of the Czech Republic.

On May 2nd, DSA presented CZK2.85 million to 34 charitable organizations to help orphans and disabled people in the local country.

Over the past time, the Vietnamese Embassy and the overseas Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic have actively participated in international Christmas fairs, importantly contributing to the success of "charitable diplomatic" activity from foreign embassies in Prague.

This year, Vietnam's booth was decorated prominently at the fair with handicrafts and some traditional cuisine such as tea, coffee and spring rolls.

Officials, staff, spouses of the embassy and many Vietnamese businesses in the Czech Republic contributed materials and directly made national dishes, and presented handicraft products to sell to raise funds for charity of DSA./.




This has been a major event among Athens-based foreign embassies for nearly the past 20 years. This year, the charitable fair, with the participation of nearly 40 embassies and some Greek organizations in Athens, attracted a great number of Greek people and international guests.

Apart from stalls exhibiting cultural and handicraft products as well as tourism publications, the fair saw unique art performances coming from many parts of the world, bringing a joyful atmosphere to the fair.

This was the 3rd time the Vietnamese Embassy in Greece attended the event, showing publications, DVDs and pictures introducing the Vietnamese country, people, tourism and cultural festivals, as well as cooking recipes for typical Vietnamese dishes in the English language. In addition, some Vietnamese traditional dishes and typical handicraft products were also on display.

As the present Chair of the ASEAN member country Committee in Greece, the Vietnamese Embassy in Greece worked with ASEAN member country Embassies in Greece to actively participate in the event.



After the fair, it handed over a majority of the cash coming from selling Vietnamese typical products to the organization The Friends of the Child to help disadvantaged Greek children./.
Most of the tumultuous election season is in the past. But now, many remain unhappy with the result of the presidential election. Many of the rest of us are looking hard for ways to move on. That effort begins on the local level.

One enduring tradition will remain strong here in our area, that of caring for our needy neighbors, be they near or far. That was readily apparent in a story that Jenny Drabble wrote recently in Journal West.

Ed Thutt, a teacher at Reagan High School who graduated from Kinston High School in 1995, knew he had to do something after Hurricane Matthews flooding hit his Eastern North Carolina homeland last month. His very high school served as a refuge for flood victims.

I have very fond memories of my high school, Thutt told Journal West. So if there was something I could do to give back to the community, I wanted to do it.

Just as many others in our area have done, including emergency response workers, Thutt took action.

With the approval of Reagan Principal Brad Royal, he started a donation drive for students and families driven from their homes by the storm.

Journal West reported:

Within a week, Thutt received enough donations to turn his modestly sized classroom into a bustling storage facility with skyscrapers of notebooks, a heap of 50 backpacks and toothbrushes sprouting from every corner. The thousands of items, mostly toiletries and school supplies, were compacted into 40 boxes and several large trash bags. Thutt, and his father, Tom, a Kinston resident, hand-delivered the items to Kinston High School.

Thutt, who teaches anatomy and earth and environmental science, told Journal West, My students kept asking what they could do to help. They could see how it important it was to me. The support and the donations were overwhelming.

Other teachers, offering extra credit for bringing in supplies, kicked in. And the students, driven by the idea of helping others, rose to the occasion. It makes us feel really good to give back to people who need it, senior Kelsey Jackson told Journal West. Im from the area, so it really hit home for me.

Thutt could identify. In 1999, when Hurricane Floyds flooding devastated Eastern North Carolina, he was a student at UNC Chapel Hill. Now, he knew he had to help his homeland.

Journal West reported, Other local schools have also gotten behind the effort. West Forsyth High School is currently collecting monetary donations for the students of Lumberton High School.

Eds father, Tom Thutt, told Journal West: This response is exactly what we needed, he said. Its fantastic. Kids looking after other kids.

Indeed. Caring begins at home, no matter how much we might disagree on election results. Caring and unity are our bedrocks. They will and must endure, long after the big divisions of today are but a memory.
TOM RAIF, Lewisville

The 2017 Millennial Olympics

The events will be as follows:

1. The Put-Shot: Put away as many Whiskey Fireball shots as possible during the pub crawl.

2. The Helicopter Relay: The parents of the contestants will actually run this event for them.

3. The Java-Lean: Drink $7 coffees while discussing why your one poli-sci class makes you more politically savvy than the unemployed steel worker who is trying to feed his family.

4. Da Clap-Along: Clap in solidarity for your causes. Peace drums are welcome.

5. Emotional Strength: Try to venture away from your safe zones until you can no longer hold back the tears.

The awards ceremony will be held at the intersection of Silas Creek Parkway and I-40 during morning rush (because our wants are more important than your needs) where everyone will get a participation gold medal. Please go to our GoFundMe account to donate.

******

ARCH EMBLER, Winston-Salem

Senseless killing

The turn of events that resulted in the senseless killing of a blind yellow lab on leash, in the 5900 Block of Odenton Lane on Sunday, makes us wish there was a felony criminal charge for such an act (More charges in dogs killing, Nov. 22).

So this blind yellow lab was being peacefully walked on leash until the unrestrained terrier owned by Rusty Hale attacked. The blind lab merely defended himself and ended up being shot by Hale because Hale brought a pistol to a dog fight.

I want to know why Hale didnt restrain his animal, which caused all of this. Why he didnt have some pepper spray on hand, a spray bottle of household ammonia or for Gods sake a stick. This is not like law enforcement versus someone on the street who has the ability to kill you. Lethal force is so unnecessary and cruel, especially when an animal is innocent, blind and obeying its handler. Hales animal attacked, and then he shot the victim, as if he were a rat going through Hales garbage.

I commend District Attorney Jim ONeill for the misdemeanor charges, and hope for the maximum from a judge when Hale has his day in court. Until laws are changed to reflect dogs status as more than mere property, to something more indicative of their real worth as beloved animal companions, we will continue to see them treated with cruelty and disrespect.

******

MARY LINDA KNOX, Winston-Salem

Community pride

I dont mean to be sarcastic when I say that I sympathize with the view of the writer of the Nov. 21 letter Archway. Aesthetics are always subjective, and if your major concerns are low taxes and getting from here to there, then anything of a creative nature on a roadway is likely to be seen as frivolous.

I have a different view, though. I take pride in my community. I dont want Winston-Salem to be a bland, cookie-cutter city and Im willing to have my tax money spent to make our bridges and other amenities more appealing. It may lead to more families and businesses moving here and contributing to our community.

Even if they dont like em on a subjective level, I hope the letter writer and those like him can at least appreciate the arches as an investment that will likely pay dividends.

******

BLAIR CANNON, Winston-Salem

A love of food and family

As a recent transplant to Winston-Salem, I am pleased to experience a vibrant push within the community to embrace the farm-to-table and local food movement. Growing up in a family that enjoyed cooking and baking while utilizing the local farmers market offerings sparked a love of food, family and ultimately my culinary career.

The local farms in the Triad are ripe with products that are readily available direct from the farms or the many farmers markets and co-ops in the area.

The benefits of locally sourcing food are substantial. In addition to increasing the economic impact on local farmers and ranchers, improving ones health/well-being, and enjoying the most flavorful fare, it can also begin a movement within the younger generations to become engaged with food and help lead the change for growing, cooking and eating, a more likely reality for the next generation. Increasing the overall sales for these local farmers also compiles more growth to help expand their business and sustain their current customers with consistent standing orders.

I look forward to living and working here as well as helping advocate and educate for an increased presence of the local foods movement.

Cannon is the executive sous chef at Forsyth Country Club.  the editor

GINNY TOBIASSEN, Winston-Salem

The right for felons to vote

One of the articles under the headline Forsyth GOP Official Files Protest (Nov. 18) may lead readers to believe that a felony conviction forever removes the right to vote in North Carolina. This is not the case.

A convicted felon who has completed all parts of his or her sentence (or has been pardoned) is restored to all rights of citizenship (NC General Statute 13-1). He or she is therefore eligible to vote in North Carolina.

He or she must register again. A document available from the releasing officer, called a Certificate of Restoration of Forfeited Rights of Citizenship, can make the process easier. However, this document is not required to re-register or vote.

Thank you for publishing this point of state law to keep the public informed.

******

MARY BILLINGSLEY, Winston-Salem

Democracy in practice

I have heard it said that the protesters of the recent presidential election are protesting democracy. I dare to differ. I would say that they are protesting in favor of democracy. Merriam-Webster defines democracy as government by the people; especially: rule of the majority. Hillary Clinton received the majority of votes in the election  one to two million more votes than Donald Trump. If we lived in a true democracy, she would be the president-elect.

It would be nice if everyones vote were of equal value. However, I am sure that the loser would insist there was fraud (much as Gov. Pat McCrory is presently doing) and insist on a recount (which McCrory has done and which will be very expensive). Therefore, I would suggest that maybe an easier solution would be to do away with the winner take all electoral-votes method that is presently used in most states and divide them by the percentage of the votes that each presidential candidate receives.

******

JUDITH DANCY, Winston-Salem

A lasting legacy

Political pundits and cartoonists (am I redundant?) are earning their keep with dire predictions that President Obamas legacy will be demolished by President-elect Donald Trumps administration.

Horsefeathers! The truest legacy President Obama leaves for the American people has less to do with his political achievements, many of which I hope will stand, than with his character. A hundred future presidents cannot erase the facts of his and First Lady Michelle Obamas grace under the unprecedented pressure they faced not only because of their race, but also their insistence that government of the people and for the people really means all the people.

They have been mocked and ridiculed not only by some in the media, but also by elected officials who have refused their own constitutional duties as a means of limiting President Obamas influence. The president and first lady have maintained their dignity and shown their respect not only for the American people, but for the offices they have held. The content of their character, to remember the Rev. Martin Luther Kings dream, is unassailable.

Despite the changes that are coming whether I want them or not, the legacy of the Obamas will not be erased. Because of how theyve conducted themselves, we have an example to follow into whats next.

Politics does not trump character. Nothing after the inauguration will forbid our being kind, showing respect and handling adversity with grace. Its our choice.

Once again the pundits have it wrong.

RUDY DIAMOND, Lewisville

Reflections

As I reflected over the recent election and its aftermath, the following thoughts came to mind:

Fifty-three percent of the Americans who voted did not vote for Donald Trump. The president-elect has no mandate.

I believe white supremacist racists have become emboldened because of Trumps rhetoric during the campaign and because of the appointment of Steve Bannon as chief strategic advisor. The Southern Poverty Law Center has reported over 700 hate crimes since the election. Conservative radio host Glenn Beck called Bannon terrifying because his website, Breitbart.com, provided a home for white supremacists, sexists and anti-Semites.

The worldview of chosen national security advisor Gen. Michael Flynn is bothersome. Flynn believes that Islam is a cancer and a political ideology hiding behind a religion. Osama bin Laden is smiling in his grave because his goal was to instigate a war among civilizations; Muslims against the West. Flynns beliefs will only help the recruiting efforts of ISIS and other terrorist groups.

Myron Ebell, a non-scientist climate-change denier, was picked to oversee the transition of the Environmental Protection Agency. This bothers me because the EPA is one agency that should not only help protect our planet from the ravages of climate change but protect the air we breathe and the water we drink.

The leaders of the Democratic Party did not say that our no. 1 priority is to make Donald Trump a one-term president. I hope that sets an example Republicans follow when Democrats regain the White House in 2020.

CASS N. BACOT, Boone

Just the facts

Factual presidential history shows that when a current administration does poorly or has more failures than successes, the other party will win election.

For example: Jimmy Carter led to Ronald Reagan.

President Obama and his administration had many more failures than successes. Disliked and unconstitutional executive actions, weak leadership in many areas, especially foreign policy, terrible negotiations (Iran, China, Russia, Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl) failing domestic policies  the Affordable Care Act is crumbling apart, with very few successes.

When a majority of Americans didnt like where we were or where we were heading, it is because of his administration, no denying that fact. Time for a change.

Couple that with the Democrats running a very flawed candidate, one that many in her own party didnt like or trust or even vote for, led to a change being made.

Sounds simple, right? Its just the facts.

When You Write

The Journal encourages readers comments. To participate in The Readers Forum, please submit letters online to Letters@wsjournal.com. Please write The Readers Forum in the subject line and include your full name, address and a daytime telephone number. Or you may mail letters to: The Readers Forum, P.O. Box 3159, Winston-Salem, NC 27102. Letters are subject to editing and may be published on journalnow.com. Letters are limited to 250 words. Letter writers are allowed one letter every 30 days.

If you would like a photo of yourself included with your letter, send it to us as a .jpg file.

For more guidelines and advice on writing letters, go to journalnow.com/opinion/submit_a_letter.

The Journal welcomes original submissions for guest columns on local, regional and statewide topics. Essay length should not exceed 750 words. The writer should have some authority for writing about his or her subject. Our email address is: Letters@wsjournal.com. Essays may also be mailed to: The Readers Forum, P.O. Box 3159, Winston-Salem, NC 27102. Please include your name and address and a daytime telephone number.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  A bank robbery suspect held several people hostage Thursday morning at a credit union in the north Florida city of Jacksonville, authorities said.

About 11 a.m. the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said 11 hostages were freed and the suspect was in custody.

No one was injured in the incident at the Community First Credit Union, authorities said.

An initial 911 call reporting a bank robbery came in at 9:06 a.m. A short time later, another call indicated that someone may have been shot, sheriff's office spokeswoman Melissa Bujeda said. That call turned out to be unfounded.

Police negotiators responded and streets surrounding the bank were blocked by police.

The bank is located in a northwest Jacksonville commercial district surrounded by a storage facility and a dollar store.

LaTarsha Shuman told the Florida Times-Union that her 18-year-old son, DeAndre, was inside the credit union, but he has texted her that he is safe.

I am just relieved right now. Hes not far from my mind and Im thanking God that hes OK, she said. He didnt say anything. He just said, Mom Im safe.

She said she has been praying for him and just wants to see him again. She said she cannot believe this is happening. And the first thing she will do when she sees her son again?

He knows what Im going to do. Im going to kiss him, she said.
It looks like France may be getting its slot back on the Formula 1 calendar with soon to be released news that the Circuit Paul Ricard will be hosting the French GP starting in 2018.

A five-year contract binding the French organizers to FOM has apparently been agreed and should be announced at a press conference scheduled at the headquarters of the Automobile Club de France in Paris next Monday.

It is understood that a group linked to the PACA Regional Council of France (Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur) led by its President, Christian Estrosi, has been actively working in the past year on bringing the race to Southern France's historic motorsport venue.

It is said that McLaren racing director Eric Boullier was consulted by the group which also included Paul Ricard manager Stephane Clair.

No date has yet been allocated for the race, obviously, but it looks set to be scheduled towards the end of August, between the Belgian and Italian Grand Prix.

As a reminder, the Circuit Paul Ricard, located about 40km north of Marseilles, hosted the French GP fourteen times between 1971 and 1990.

The track was sold to Bernie Ecclestone in 1999, and rebuilt into an advanced testing facility thereafter.

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Educators have reported an increase in students using racial slurs, verbally harassing their classmates and writing white nationalist graffiti.

The Trump effect is already taking a heavy toll across the United States just weeks after the presidential election with a disturbing spike in racist incidents, including in the nations schools, according to a pair of new reported from the Southern Poverty Law Center.

In just ten days after president-elect Donald Trump locked in a win in the Nov. 8 election after a campaign rife with bigotry, misogyny and racism seen as emboldening far-right extremists and white supremacist groups, the SPLC documented a staggering 867 bias-related incidents, including racial harassment invoking Jim Crow-era segregation.

The report titled Ten Days After, released Tuesday, details the slew of hate-inspired incidents reported from almost every state across the country and spread across different spaces including in schools, workplaces, and other public and private places. A minority of incidents, 16, took place at places of worship.

The majority of cases were racially motivated, with 280 expressing anti-immigrant sentiments and 187 targeting Black people. Another 100 were anti-Jewish and 49 were anti-Muslim, while dozens more were white nationalist in nature and generally supportive of Trump rhetoric. Forty anti-women and 95 anti-LGBTQ incidents were also reported. One hate crime perpetrator pulled a 75-year-old gay man out of his vehicle in Florida and beat him, saying, You know my new president says we can kill all you faggots now.

Many analysts predicted a surge in hate crimes would follow the U.S. election. Whether Trump was ultimately elected or not, his campaign alone pushed the ideas of white nationalists and other right-wing hate groups into the mainstream with more visibility than such groups have seen in years, empowering them with a high-profile voice.

Mr. Trump claims hes surprised his election has unleashed a barrage of hate across the country, said SPLC President Richard Cohen in a statement Tuesday. But he shouldnt be. Its the predictable result of the campaign he waged.

The SPLC released a report back in March, early on in the campaign, warning that Trumps incendiary rhetoric could be fueling a rise in violent extremism. The election and its aftermath proved those predictions right.

Alongside Ten Days After, the organization also released a second report specifically detailing the impact the so-called Trump effect has had in schools across the United States, and the findings are chilling. A survey of 10,000 teachers, school counselors, administrators and other education workers revealed that the election results are having a profoundly negative impact on schools and students, the report explains.

A whopping 90 percent of educators reported that the environment in schools has been negatively affected and expect that outcome to be long lasting. Meanwhile, 80 percent reported heightened anxiety and concern among students who are fearful about the fate of their families under a Trump presidency.

White males have been overheard saying, screw womens rights, fag lover liberal, build the wall, lock her up, one high school teacher from Michigan told the SPLC as part of the survey. The rebel flag is draped on the truck of a popular student, and the p-word has been used very casually, citing Trump as the excuse.

Teachers reported a notable uptick in cases of verbal harassment in schools, the use of slurs, and disturbing incidents involving swastikas, Nazi salutes and Confederate flags, according to the SPLC. Some teachers reported seeing graffiti of swastikas for the first time after years-long teaching careers. Over 2,500 educators who responded to the survey described specific incidents of bigotry and harassment that can be directly traced to election rhetoric.

Trump won a surprise victory over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 presidential election. Cornerstone promises of his campaign included plans to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants, create a registry of Muslim people, and erect a massive border wall with Mexico. He was also embroiled in a scandal after tapes surfaced featuring him bragging about sexually assaulting women.

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Arab human rights organization resists Israeli plans to construct 1,600 settlement units, and expropriate 25,000 acres of Syrian land in the occupied Golan.

Al-Marsad: Arab Human Rights Center in the Golan announced, in a press release, that it has written to the European Union, European governments and the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council regarding Israels plans to expand Katrzin settlement and establish Hermon National Park in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

The Israeli Finance Ministry approved plans to build 1,600 additional settlement units in Katzrin in October. About 8,000 settlers live in Katzrin atop the destroyed Syrian villages of Qasrin, Shqef and Sanawber. It is the largest settlement in the occupied Syrian Golan.

This will be the largest expansion of an illegal Israeli settlement in the Occupied Syrian Golan since the 1980s, a letter from Al-Marsad to the Delegation of the European Union to Israel reads.

Illegal settlements and demolished villages in the occupied Syrian Golan.



See: http://golan-marsad.org/en/map/Illegal settlements and demolished villages in the occupied Syrian Golan.

Al-Marsad also calls attention to a second Israeli plan for the occupied Syrian Golan, called Hermon National Park. The park depends on appropriating 25,000 acres (more than 82,000 dunams) of agricultural land used by residents of Majd al-Shams and Ein Qynia.

Majd al-Shams stands to be particularly devastated by the plan: the park would surround the village from the north and west, thus prohibiting any future expansion of it and essentially besieging it. According to Al-Marsad, about 800 families living in Majd al-Shams are in urgent need of housing, but cannot secure an Israeli construction permit to build.

In hopes of disrupting the plans, Al-Marsad calls on:

The international community to strongly condemn plans for the construction of 1,600 settlement units in the illegal settlement of Katzrin and the planned expropriation of Syrian land under the guise of the Hermon National Park plan; and obtain binding commitments from Israel that it will stop these activities.

The organization also invites foreign governments and international organizations to send fact-finding missions to the Occupied Syrian Golan to witness, firsthand, the deteriorating human rights situation.

Israel forcibly transferred 130,000 Syrians from the Golan and destroyed 300 of its towns and villages in 1967 to clear the way for its ongoing illegal occupation.

11/29/16 Alternative Information Center (AIC)

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Category: Press Releases



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 30, 2016

Nonpartisan Religious Development Group Honors Chairman Spencer Bachus for Debt Relief Efforts

Washington DC - The nonpartisan religious development group Jubilee USA honored House Financial Services Committee Chairman Emeritus Spencer Bachus (R-AL) at a November 10 evening event in the US Capitol. Bachus was a key architect of bipartisan legislation and policies that resulted in international debt relief that has been used to improve living conditions and promote civil stability in poor countries.

"Spencer Bachus saw an opportunity to make the financial system work better for even the poorest of people," stated Eric LeCompte, executive director of Jubilee USA, the group that organized the event. "Across Africa, millions of kids are in school and millions more are alive because of his efforts."



Bachus played a key role in passing landmark legislation supporting the Heavily Indebted Poor Country Initiative and Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative. These global efforts reduced or cancelled debts that had often been incurred by former dictators who squandered the original loans. Countries were subsequently able to invest in better health care and education for their citizens so long as they met new international accountability standards.

The World Bank reports that infant mortality rates declined in every country that received debt relief. World Bank President Jim Kim noted in 2014 that the Jubilee debt relief initiative was one of the two most important factors fueling unexpected economic growth in Africa. The rock star Bono said, "As a result of debt relief, there are millions of children attending schools today, there are millions of children who have received vaccinations."

In introducing Mr. Bachus at the event, David Beckmann, President of the Christian anti-hunger group Bread for the World, said, "His leadership forges alliances, alliances that were essential to advancing policies that end hunger and reduce poverty."



Rep. Bachus retired at the end of his term in 2014, completing a 22 year record of service in the U.S. House. His colleagues named him Chairman Emeritus of the House Financial Services Committee, where he served a six-year leadership term that included his Chairmanship from 2011-2012.



Read more about the event honoring Chairman Spencer Bachus

Read Chairman Bachus' speech on the floor of Congress calling for debt relief for poor countries

Read more about Jubilee USA

Jubilee USA Network is an alliance of 75 organizations and 650 faith communities. Jubilee USA builds an economy that serves, protects and promotes the participation of the most vulnerable. Jubilee USA wins critical global financial reforms and won more than $130 billion in debt relief to benefit the world's poorest people. www.jubileeusa.org
JURIST Guest Columnist Fuad Rafidi of Valparaiso University School of Law, Class of 2018, discusses safe spaces on college campuses

Do safe places belong on college campuses? On November 22, 2016, Yue Zhang wrote a critical piece about colleges not having safe spaces. Yue personally believes safe spaces only spoils kids and makes them more fragile. Although there might be some basis on Yues conclusion, that is not the purpose of safe spaces. The purpose of safe spaces is to protect college students and listeners from sensitive topics like sexual assault. Colleges should have an area where students can get away if they need to. The best example is when a college brings a speaker about sexual assault. In March 2015, Brown University in Rhode Island brought speakers to speak about sexual assault. The safe spaces initial purpose was to protect students or listeners from being traumatized of past memories. This is a laudable purpose and an important reason to force universities to have safe spaces. These types of topics affect the students and leaves them at a disadvantage because past memories impact on how well these students perform in school. Also, topics like sexual assault place students at risk of mental disorders like depression. It is important to protect the universities free speech, but it is also important to protect the students health and safety.

In August 2016, Rae Pickett wrote an article about how all universities should protect the students right to feel safe. That article was based on the University of Chicago and the decision to eliminate safe spaces from the college campus. This decision was based on the theory that students can leave on their own freedom. However, maybe there are students who want to listen to a topic, but the topic takes a mental toll on the students. If safe spaces are eliminated from the college campus, that mental toll on the students would discourage the students from attending similar topics in the future. According to Clemson Universitys 2013 Status of Bullying in School report, 160,000 children are bullied every day and 31 percent are multiracial. When an African American compares themselves to white peers, self-esteem levels drop. Thus, safe spaces would help empower students or any listener to speak up on the topic in the future. Self-esteem is important when attending university held speakers because confidence helps build arguments and knowledge on a particular topic. Safe spaces would help build that self-esteem.

According to Clifford Maloney Jr., colleges are attacked by a plethora of free speech restrictions. For example, men at the University of Delaware were halted by campus police for their activities of rolling an inflated free speech ball around campus. Furthermore, a Young Americans for Liberty leader at Fairmont State University in West Virginia was confronted by security when he attempted to speak with other students about the ideas he believes in.

Yes, freedom of speech is a right that is protected by our Constitution. The freedom of speech clause states that Congress shall not abridge the freedom of speech. The freedom of speech is a fundamental right that is critical to our society. It is critical because it is our societys way of giving different viewpoints in our political, social, educational and community status. According to Maloney, debates are discussions between people which they express different viewpoints. Yes, this is the very fundamental right our Constitution is designed to protect. College campuses should be more open to allow speakers to speak their minds. The Supreme Court has already limited what types of speech is not protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution. This type of speech involves: fighting words, obscene or criminal solicitation. As long as the speech used in the event is protected speech, Maloney argues that students should be allowed to participate in an open free market of ideas.

We must be open to topics, but not all topics are meant to be heard in a public setting. Freedom of speech is limited to a reasonable time, place and manner. The manner must not promote threats amongst each other to encourage violence. Also, the manner is not to discourage another person from giving a different perspective on a particular topic. Even in class discussions about a particular topic, these topics may take a mental toll on students. Universities should help promote the health and safety of the students because a healthy and safe student helps promote confidence and encourages that student to give different perspective to topics. College campuses are not forums meant to incite war amongst its students, it is a forum meant to educate. Rolling an inflated free speech ball around college would be something that students should be allowed to do. In fact, it is a new, creative way to promoting free speech no one else would have thought about. However, that does not mean a college should not provide safe spaces because these safe spaces would help empower students to speak up by providing them space and time until these students are ready to give their opinion and educate themselves on a topic.

The truth is, freedom of speech has two sides and whichever side you fall on, you may need a place to get away. Colleges should not ban students from expressing themselves, but colleges should have an area where students can get away if they need to. The best example is when a college brings a speaker about sexual assault or bullying. Now, invoking safety as an excuse to ban opposing perspectives is counterproductive. However, sexual assault is an offense that women are sensitive to. Students on college campuses all have different backgrounds and experiences. Just because one student has a right to hear and learn from a view, such as sexual assault, does not mean no student needs to seek a place of safety. This is the whole purpose of safe places. Safe spaces are supposed to be places where students seek care.

Safe places are useful, but not all students are entitled to have safe spaces. Students may be taking advantage of safe spaces, but as the University of Chicago had mentioned, students have the right to get away from the topic and be free from uninvited ideas. However, this does not mean campuses should not provide safe spaces. Instead, campuses should be encouraged to have them because safe spaces help vulnerable students and empowers them to speak up on particular topics and protects their health and safety from any mental tolls.

Fuad Rafidi is a second year law student at Valparaiso University School of Law. He is a member of the Trial Court and Moot Court teams and was a 1L Student Board Association representative.

Suggested citation: Fuad Rafidi, Safe Spaces and First Amendment Rights: Do Safe Spaces Belong on College Campuses?, JURIST  Dateline, Dec. 1, 2016, Fuad_Rafidi_safe_college

This article was prepared for publication by Alix Ware, an assistant Editor for JURIST Commentary. Please direct any questions or comments to her at commentary@jurist.org
[JURIST] Bahraini authorities charged human rights lawyer Mohamed al-Tajer on Thursday with insulting government institutions. In addition, Al-Tajer, who previously defended human rights advocates, is facing two other charges [HRW report]: inciting hatred of a religious sect and misusing a telecommunications appliance. Prosecutors are investigating [Reuters report] a WhatsApp voice message in which al-Tajer accused the Bahraini government of spying on citizens. The trial date has not yet been set, but Al-Tajer could face more than five years in prison if convicted of all three charges.

There has been ongoing criticism of Bahrains human rights since the 2011 uprising. In November Amnesty International (AI) declared [JURIST report] Bahrains human rights reforms inadequate. In September 2015 the UN Human Rights Council released a report [JURIST report] on Bahrains human rights record. AI released a previous report [JURIST report] in April 2015 declaring that reforms had failed to end human rights violations. In February 2015 a Bahraini court found [JURIST report] 11 Shiites guilty of an attack carried out against police in 2013, and three Shiites were sentenced to death. The other eight defendants were sentenced to life in prison, and their citizenship was stripped. Also in February 2015, Bahrains Ministry of Interior initiated a criminal investigation into alleged criminal content [JURIST report] posted by the countrys main opposition group, the Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society.
[JURIST] A judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of California [official website] ruled [order, PDF] Wednesday that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [official website] can serve a John Doe summons to digital-currency-services company Coinbase [corporate website] seeking detailed information on their customers 2013-2015 transactions. The summons will allow the IRS to have access to the names of all taxpayers in a particular category. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley concluded:

there is a reasonable basis for believing that such group or class of persons has failed or may have failed to comply with any provision of any internal revenue laws, and that the information sought to be obtained from the examination of the records or testimony (and the identities of the persons with respect to whose liability the summons is issued) are not readily available from other sources.

Caroline Ciraolo, head of the Department of Justice Tax Division [official website], commented [press release] that the John Doe summons sends a clear message to US taxpayers that whatever form of currency they useBitcoin or traditional dollars and centswe will work to ensure that they are fully reporting their income and paying their fair share of taxes. Because Bitcoin transactions are difficult to trace, it is possible that taxpayers are using Coinbase to hide income from the IRS. Coinbase responded [WSJ report] to the John Doe summons stating: We look forward to opposing the DOJs request in court after Coinbase is served with a subpoena  we remain concerned with our US customers legitimate privacy rights in the face of the governments sweeping request.

The creation and use of digital currencies have been a contentious issue across the globe. The popularity of digital currencies stems from the fact that they can be transferred anonymously, unlike most hard currencies created by governments. In October 2015 the Court of Justice of the European Union [official website] ruled [JURIST report] that converting cash into Bitcoin should be exempt from value added tax (VAT) [Swedish government backgrounder] within the 28-country bloc. In April 2014 then-US Attorney General Eric Holder expressed concern [JURIST report] before the US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee [official website] with respect to the proliferation of virtual currencies [CNBC backgrounder], which, he asserts, have created new avenues for money laundering, drug trafficking and other illegal activity. There are nearly a thousand virtual currencies, but the most widely known and commonly used is Bitcoin. The virtual currency, which exists only in electronic format, is generated and stored via computer and traded among holders for goods and services. In 2014 Tokyo-based digital currency exchange Mt. Gox [corporate website, in Japanese] collapsed after announcing the loss of more than USD $500 million worth of bitcoins to hackers. The loss marked the impetus [WSJ report] for federal investigators to carefully examine digital currencies, which remain largely unregulated by US and international banking and currency laws.
A judge for the Cuyahoga County Probate Court [official website] in Ohio approved a settlement [text] on Wednesday in which the city of Cleveland [official website] will pay $6 million [Cleveland.com report] to the family of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old black child who was shot and killed by a white police officer in a recreation center in November 2014. The parties reached the settlement in April, but it required the approval of a probate judge. The police officer, Timothy Loehmann, and his partner Frank Garmback were dispatched to investigate an emergency call about a guy with a gun. Last December, a grand jury failed to indict [JURIST report] the officers. Under the terms of the settlement, the city made no admission of wrongdoing.

Over the last several years, there has been a growing concern over police shootings of unarmed black citizens in the US. A Minnesota police officer was charged last month in the shooting death of Philando Castile, the same day the city of Cleveland submitted [JURIST reports] a revised use-of-force policy to the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, which is overseeing an agreement by the city to reform their police department. Also in November, a Cincinnati trial judge declared [JURIST report] a mistrial after the jury declared it was unable to reach a unanimous verdict in a case involving the shooting of an unarmed black man, Samuel DuBose, by Officer Raymond Tensing in July. Local groups and the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] in July against the Baton Rouge Police Department for violating the First Amendment rights of protesters who were peacefully protesting the police killing of Alton Sterling. The US Department of Justice released a statement [JURIST report] in October outlining plans to collect data on the use of force by police officers from across the nation.
Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other womens groups filed suits Wednesday challenging abortion laws in Alaska [complaint], Missouri and North Carolina [complaints, PDF]. Citing 42 USC  1983 [text], which provides a means of attaining injunctive relief for constitutional violations, the cases specifically attack a restriction in Alaska banning abortions at outpatient centers, a standard for surgical center abortion clinics in Missouri that closely resembles one struck down by the Supreme Court [JURIST report] in June, and a law in a North Carolina that prevents doctors from performing abortions after the twentieth week of pregnancy.

While the suits do not list a reason for the timing of the filing, the actions come as President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to fight abortion rights [WSJ report], nears inauguration in January. Though federal courts have consistently upheld abortion rights in the recent past, with rulings in Arkansas, Florida and Indiana [JURIST reports], the future of abortion law [JURIST op-ed] may be shaped by the incoming presidents Supreme Court nominee [NYT report]. Reproductive rights organizations worry that a conservative Supreme Court nominee could significantly alter [WP report] abortion rights in America.
The US Supreme Court [official website] on Wednesday heard oral arguments [day call, PDF] in an immigration case that will determine the permissible length of detention before a bond hearing is necessary, if one is required at all. Jennings v. Rodriguez [SCOTUSblog materials] is a class-action lawsuit challenging immigration detention procedures. Alejandro Rodriguez, a permanent resident that was detained for three years before being allowed to remain in the US, and the rest of the class argue [transcript, PDF] that the government must provide bond hearings for opportunity of release to detainees rather than holding them for extended periods of time with no showing of necessity. The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit [official website] held in October 2015 that the government must provide bond hearings [JURIST report] at least every sixth months, and the government must show clear and convincing evidence to continue holding a person. However, the government argued to the Supreme Court that the language of 8 USC  1225 and 1226 [text] shows the policy interests of Congress, and a challenge to individual detention is properly done through a habeas corpus claim. The government added to this that the Supreme Court cannot rewrite a statute in order to avoid constitutional questions, and Chief Justice Roberts seemed to agree [WP report]. The justices seemed split on whether they could affirm the ruling. Since a decision would be expected early in the new presidents term, the case may be held until a ninth justice is appointed [LAT report].

US immigration law [JURIST backgrounder] continues to be a controversial and heavily politicized area of law at both the state and federal levels. In October the Supreme Court denied a petition to rehear [JURIST report] United States v. Texas [SCOTUSblog materials], a case challenging the Obama administrations policies supporting deferred action which would permit around 4 million immigrants to legally remain and continue working in the US. In September the Ninth Circuit ruled that children facing deportation proceedings may not file a class action suit [JURIST report] to determine whether they are entitled to an attorney as a due process right. In September 2015 the US Commission on Civil Rights issued a report criticizing [JURIST report] the Obama administrations immigration detention facilities, stating that some are not fully complying with detention standards regarding medical care, legal information and other basic standards of treatment. In August 2015 a California judge upheld her July decision [JURIST reports] and ordered the government to release immigrant children held in family detention centers, without necessary delay.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein on Wednesday expressed concern [text] for global human rights. The commissioner urged the promotion of human rights and dignity in an informal briefing to the human rights council after completing an international tour. The briefing served as an announcement of a global public information campaign to counteract the mistrust of international organizations and the increase of xenophobic and racist assaults are creating a potential Western human rights crisis. Additionally, Zeid said ongoing extrajudicial killings and conflict need a united international response. The commissioner pointed to the lack of participation in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action [text, PDF] sessions among the delegations in a time where their work is necessary in ensuring the safety and protections of millions of individuals around the globe.

I have been struck by a recent erosion of consensus upholding many of the international institutions and laws which help to maintain social cohesion within States, and peaceful, constructive relations between them. The international institutions set up by States are imperfect, but they are a bulwark against worse chaos. To erode their legitimacy and impede their action threatens essential forces for moderation and progress  at a time of heightened risk. Global instability, which is fed by inequalities, oppression, deprivation and exploitation, affects all your people, rich and poor alike. Your States have established international institutions because these threats cannot possibly be resolved by any one State alone.

The commissioner called on states to prevent the destabilization of human rights by working collectively to promote the common good.

Ongoing conflict and social unrest continue to create a need for international organizations to promote human rights.

A UN human rights expert provided a report [JURIST report] to an international conference in Thailand on Wednesday regarding discrimination of the lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community. A spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern [JURIST report] Tuesday about possible crimes against humanity committed against Myanmars Rohingya Muslim minority. US Central Command concluded [JURIST report] on Wednesday that airstrikes carried out by the US-led coalition near Dayr az Zawr, Syria, in September did not violate international law
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Deficit of current account of Ukraine's balance of payment declines to $234 million in Oct

The deficit of the current account of Ukraine's balance of payment totaled $234 million in October 2016 and it was 3.8 times better than in September 2016 and 1.8 times better than in October 2015, the National Bank of Ukraine reported on Wednesday.

"The main factor of the deficit decline was the return of the surplus for the primary income account after settling scheduled payments of interest under restructured eurobonds in September," the central bank said.

The NBU said that exports and imports mainly did not change compared to September 2016.

The deficit of the balance of trade improved in October only by 9.5% compared to September, to $546 million, while the deficit of the balance of trade with goods even grew by 3.3%, to $667 million. Exports of goods rose by 4.2%, to $3.02 billion, while imports  by 4%, to $3.69 billion.

The central bank said that in October grain exports traditionally grew, first of all corn exports. Sugar exports were boosted thanks to entering new markets. Supplies of gas turbine engines to India and Russia increased.

"However, due to temporary difficulties with raw materials shipments and overhauls by some metal plants exports of metal products fell in October. Vegetable oil exports were less than last month," the NBU said.

Net inflow to the financial account totaled $311 million in October and this was 77.3% down on September 2016.

"The pivotal factor for the financial account was the reduction of off-bank cash currency, as in September. Other factor was net inflow of debt capital. Compared to the previous months, it arrived both to the real economic and banking sectors," the NBU said.

Payment for government domestic loan bonds pegged to foreign currency held by nonresidents resulted in a fall in liabilities of the public sector to $298 million.

With the completion of the recapitalization programs for largest banks with foreign capital foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow fell from $444 million to $45 million. They were injected only in the real economic sector.

In general, the surplus of the balance of payment in October was $91 million and this was 80.8% worse than in September 2016 and 60% worse than in October 2015.

In January-October the deficit of the current account was $2.5 billion and this was 88.1% worse than a year ago.

"The deficit of the current account was compensated by net inflows to the financial account," the central bank said. The surplus of the consolidated balance of payment in January-October 2016 was around $1 billion and this is 4.8 times better than a year ago.
Philippines-based canned food group Century Pacific Food saw its earnings jump 44% in the first nine months of 2016, with the company pointed to growth from its branded business.

The group, which markets products including Century canned tuna and Argentina canned meat, posted net income of PHP2.16bn (US$43.3m) for the period to the end of September.

The company said favourable input costs, improved efficiency and higher sales drove the growth in its profits. Revenues were up 22% at PHP21bn.

Our branded businesses have maintained double-digit growth owing to our various sales and marketing initiatives, coupled with sustained consumer spending. Increasing demand for convenient, healthy, and affordable staples has benefitted our core offerings as well as recent product innovations, Century Pacific Food CFO Oscar Pobre said.

Century Pacific Foods international presence includes operations in China, as well as exports to North America and the Middle East. In October, the company acquired the North American licence to shrimp paste brand Kamayan. Century Pacific Foods said Kamayan was sold in leading Asian food stores across the West and East coast, catering primarily to large Filipino communities there.
The existing healthcare system is a source of financial catastrophe for Ukrainian families if family members get ill, Deputy Health Minister Pavlo Kovtoniuk has said.

"The existing healthcare system is a source of financial catastrophe for Ukrainian families if a disease is found. Annually 640,000 Ukrainian families have large spending if a family member gets ill. The funds provided for healthcare are sent to maintain infrastructure, not treatment. This stimulates the system to increase the number of healthcare institutions, not to increase the quality of services," he said, presenting the concept for reforming the healthcare system at a government meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Kovtoniuk said that the package of legislative acts proposed by the Health Ministry says that the national medical insurance system will be created. This will be a state-run insurer of the National Health Service that would order medical services.

The funds for the national medical insurance system will be sent thanks to indirect taxes paid by everyone  VAT and excise duties, he said.

"The National Health Service will monitor the efficiency of fund spending. We should install meters in the healthcare system as in the utilities segment to spend money effectively," he said.

Kovtoniuk also said that the important element of the reform will be the guaranteed package of medical services that would be provided free of charge to everyone. It is planned to use private medical insurance and legal fee schemes to attract additional funds to the healthcare system.

He said that the switch to medical insurance will be gradual. The first phase will be its introduction in the primary care segment.

"In 2017 we will stick to the new system at the primary level. The hospital segment will prepare for it. It will switch [to the new rules] in 2018 via the creation of hospital districts and calculating the cost of medical services," he said.

He said that the reform should be approved in legislation.

"We would need a law. It is not enough the work of the government. Lawmakers and local communities should support us," he said.
Employers' federation to ask government, EC not to annul moratorium on round timber exports

The Federation of Employers of Ukraine intends to ask Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers and the European Commission (EC) not to annul a moratorium on round timber exports until the moment when Ukraine properly regulates the market, in particular, via adoption of a separate law on the unprocessed wood market.

"The moratorium is not a goal, but a tool to regulate the market. Of course, there are other tools  exports duty, preferences for domestic producers and processors or direct contracts for honest companies. Today the unprocessed wood market is not regulated. However, neither government nor Agricultural Policy and Food Ministry and State Forest Agency have made any steps to discuss the situation with producers," Director of the Federation's department Serhiy Salivon said at a press conference on Wednesday.

He said that the bill drawn up by the Economic Development and Trade Ministry (under the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement) was not discussed with wood processors. It creates new problems related to corruption," Salivon said.

"It [the bill] was not approved by anyone. It does not settle any problem. With annulling the moratorium it creates new problems linked to corruption," he said.

A representative of the Ukrainian Organization of Wood Processing Industry Liudmyla Hurina said that the ministry's bill creates additional red tape obstacles instead of protecting domestic producers.

Representatives of wood processing associations said that the introduction of the moratorium helped to attract investment in the sector and create new production facilities.

A representative of the Ukrainian Association of Wood Processing Companies Dmytro Artemchuk said that the annulment of the moratorium could result in appearance of some offshore companies using which wood will be sold.

"Officials would open these offshore companies abroad and will sell unprocessed wood. This would increase the shortage of unprocessed wood and cause price hikes. We would not be able to compete," he said.

The press conference participants back drawing up measures to regulate the market.
Public joint-stock company State Food-Grain Corporation has initiated the reduction of the rate under a government-secured loan of $1.5 billion issued to the corporation in 2012 by Export-Import Bank of China

"Today we are working on the important issue  the reduction of the credit rate. It is a large burden for the corporation, while the financial markets sank," acting Board Chairman Oleksandr Hryhorovych said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

He said that today's rate is 4.5%.

"As far as I know, the Cabinet of Ministers has instructed the Finance Ministry and Foreign Ministry to consider a letter with a proposal to change the conditions of the loan agreement. We hope that the issue would not be delayed," he said.

The corporation hopes that the rate would be decreased to 3%.

"China in the person of CCEC understands our proposal," he said.

Hryhorovych said that the corporation placed some funds of the Chinese loan at Ukreximbank at 4% per annum.

"The deposit expired and the rate was 0.25% for the past two months," he said.

He added that the corporation is looking for a chance to transfer the deposit to another bank.

"We have managed to place a small amount at 6.17%. There are no more banks interested in these funds. There are no projects where we could invest now," he said.

Hryhorovych said that from November 14 representatives of China's CCEC have been working in Ukraine. The results of cooperation will be presented on December 6.

Hryhorovych said that the corporation seeks to stir up cooperation with CCEC in trade with plant protection agents, mineral fertilizers and implementation of some infrastructure projects.
Ukrainian missile firing exercises have been launched in the Kherson region, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force's 'South' Air Command Volodymyr Kryzhanovsky said. "The firing exercises have already begun. Everything is going according to plan. There has been no reaction from the Russian Federation. The Ukrainian military is ready for any scenario," he told the 112.Ukraine TV channel . Crews operating combat and transport airplanes of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Air Force, units of the air defense and liaison forces, as well as the Ukrainian Armed Forces' drone aviation will take part in the exercises, he said. S-300 surface-to-air missile systems will participate in them as well. Ukraine is not committing any violations by holding such live-fire exercises and is not posing any threat to the Crimean peninsula, Kryzhanovsky said. "Ukraine is not violating anything. If one looks at the trajectory and the designated district and draws an imaginary line from the peninsula, where the systems will be stationed, to Bulgaria, it will be possible to see that the outermost line will pass quite far from the coast of the Crimean peninsula. The missiles' closest approach can be no more than 30 kilometers," Kryzhanovsky said.
Ukrainian army positions in Donbas came under 30 attacks by militants in the past 24 hours, the anti-terrorist operation press center said on Facebook on Thursday morning.

The attacks conducted in the Mariupol sector employed 122mm artillery, and 120mm and 82mm mortars. Shyrokyne, Krasnohorivka, Slavne, Hnutove, Maryinka, Talakivka, Pavlopil and Novohryhorivka were shelled, and a tank fired on Shyrokyne, the report said.

Hostiles fired grenade launchers on Stanytsia Luhanska in the Luhansk sector.

Grenade launchers of various types, heavy machineguns and other small arms were fired on Ukrainian army positions near Avdiyivka and Luhanske in the Donetsk sector.
No one can stop us, drills fully comply with norms of international law - Poroshenko on Russian threats over missile drills

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has said that Ukraine will conduct all planned drills, despite threats from the Russian Federation.

"Right now our mutual responsibility is to build air defense for Kyiv and the whole Ukraine. No one can stop us, and we will act in accordance with the interests of the Ukrainian people's security and the Ukrainian state, he said at the presentation ceremony of the standard to the battalion of the operational use of the military unit 3066 of the Northern operational and territorial association of the National Guard of Ukraine in Kyiv on Thursday.
Ukraine to test-fire missiles, no one can stop it - Poroshenko

Ukraine will conduct every test it has planned "despite the threats coming from the Russian Federation," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said.

"It is our responsibility to build air defense for Kyiv and entire Ukraine and no one can stop us, we will be acting in the interests of security of the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian state," he said in Kyiv on Thursday.

This activity is fully consistent with Ukrainian and international laws, the president said.

"I'd like to emphasize that the launches are performed in Ukrainian airspace, over the open seas, in strict compliance with international law. The launches are taking place irrespective of any statements made by Moscow," Poroshenko said.

"The only reason why we are holding these drills is the need to be constantly prepared for a full-scale invasion by our aggressive neighbor," he said.
MP Onyschenko claims to have turned over kompromat on Poroshenko to U.S. agencies

Verkhovna Rada deputy Oleksandr Onyschenko claims to have turned over compromising materials on Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to the U.S. government.

In an article appearing in the Internet Ukrayinska Pravda publication Onyschenko said Ukrainian Security Services (SBU) charges against him [for treason], are a response to information published on the Strana.ru Internet resource on Wednesday, in which Onyschenko accuses the Poroshenko administration of "buying" votes in parliament against him and other MPs.

Onyschenko claims to have recorded his conversations with Poroshenko on a digital recording device fitted in his watch.

"You will hear the voice of the guarantor of [Ukraine's] Constitution and all your illusions about love for the Ukrainian state, the Ukrainian people will disappear. I have hung around with [Poroshenko] for two years and know him well," Onyschenko was quoted as saying.

Onyschenko said the information refutes myths about the "gas scandal" he is implicated in.

The MP, who is located outside of Ukraine, said he gave the kompromat to U.S. spy agencies on November 29.

"[U.S.] agents flew to my location in Europe," he said and showed a copy of a letter from U.S. prosecutors.

The deputy denied being a citizen of the Russian Federation.

As earlier reported, during a briefing on Thursday the head of the main investigation bureau of the SBU Hryhoriy Ostafiychuk said the pretrial investigation of Onyschenko for treason had been launched. He said Onyschenko had agreed to work with Russian authorities in order to escape responsibility [for criminal activities] he is suspected of committing in Ukraine. Onyschenko "is preparing a massive information attack on [Ukrainian] authorities as part of a strategy developed by the Russian side," he said.

Onyschenko is suspected of organizing a criminal scheme to embezzle funds for the extraction and sale of natural gas involving activities of PJC Ukrgazvydobyvannia, resulting in the loss of UAH 3 billion. He is suspected of committing crimes pursuant to Part 1 of Article 255, Part 4 of Article 28, Part 5 of Article 191, Part 4 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 205, Part 4 of Article 278, Part 3 of Article 209, Part 4 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 264-1 and Part 2 of Article 366 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Ukraine's parliament voted to bring Onyschenko to justice, as well as to detain and arrest him. However, on the eve of the vote, Onyschenko fled Ukraine. He was put in the wanted list on August 8.
After attacking the North American Free Trade Agreement repeatedly during his campaign, Donald Trump notably failed to include NAFTA on his agenda for his first day in the Oval Office. Perhaps he has learned that the Constitution prevents the president from terminating our trade agreements by himself.

Like all modern trade pacts, NAFTA is a congressional-executive agreement created by statute, not treaty. Trump cannot terminate it  or even renegotiate it  without the approval of Congress.

The Constitution grants to the president the power to make treaties, subject to approval by two-thirds of the Senate. Our nations most significant obligations take this form, such as the treaty that created NATO and the San Francisco Treaty that ended World War II in the Pacific. Presidents also have made some limited international compacts all on their own, though the U.S. Constitution doesnt acknowledge this power. President Obama concluded the Paris climate accords and the Iran nuclear deal without the approval of the Senate or House of Representatives. Because Congress never cemented these deals into law, Trump can reverse them with the stroke of a pen.

Trade deals are different, because under the Commerce Clause, only Congress may alter our tariff, tax and customs laws. Congress first authorizes the president to reach a trade agreement with certain countries within limited parameters. Once the deal is struck, the president sends it to Congress for enactment into U.S. domestic law. No trade agreement goes into force until Congress passes the statutes that carry out the trade deals obligations.

The upshot is that President Trump cannot on his own terminate U.S. participation in NAFTA or, for that matter, in the World Trade Organization. Congress enacted both agreements as statutes. This constitutional balance of power effectively means that NAFTA and the WTO are here to stay. Both houses of Congress are more friendly to free trade. In the Senate, a minority of just 40 senators could successfully filibuster any effort to terminate NAFTA. Trump is unlikely to persuade a new Congress to thoughtlessly throw the U.S. into recession and spark retaliatory trade sanctions against American products.

If Trump simply announced that the United States was pulling out of NAFTA, all the U.S. laws that implemented it would remain unchanged. Trump would have effectively freed Mexico and Canada to impose trade barriers against our products while leaving in place our preferential treatment of theirs  the worst trade deal in American history.

Even if Trump wants to merely renegotiate NAFTA, he is required to first seek congressional approval. No nation will even discuss trade agreements with the United States unless Congress is already on board. Moreover, a unilateral Trump decision to leave NAFTA would almost certainly be challenged in federal court immediately. In 1980, the Supreme Court avoided deciding a legal challenge to President Carters termination of a defense treaty with Taiwan because no one had the proper standing to bring a case.

The Constitution still preserves presidential initiative in foreign affairs. Trump can refuse to negotiate or sign new trade agreements, which is why the Trans Pacific Partnership is probably dead on arrival under the new administration. But the Constitution makes undoing a trade agreement, once enacted into law, as difficult as it was to make it in the first place.

Julian Ku is a law professor at Hofstra University Law School in New York City. John Yoo is a law professor at the University of California at Berkeley.
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Ukrainian Deputy Minister for Temporarily Occupied Territories and Displaced Persons Heorhiy Tuka has said that as of December 1, the water supply to certain areas beyond Kyivs control of Luhansk region (ORDLO) are voluntarily carried out by the Ukrainian side.

"Today water is supplied without the agreement and this is the goodwill of the Ukrainian side," the deputy minister told the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Thursday.
KYIV. Dec 1 (Interfax-Ukraine)  The Notary Chamber of Ukraine has opposed the abolition of the Ukrainian president's decree dated July 10, 1998 on the regulation of charging fees for notarial acts, which will lead to the abolition of the minimum payment for notary services.

"The Notary Chamber of Ukraine supports the authorities' initiatives in the issues of deregulation and simplification of doing business, but it must be noted that notaries are not entrepreneurs and cannot do anything else other than their direct activities. We'd like to pay your attention to the fact that the cancellation of the presidential decree is possible only under the condition when a bill on this subject is developed," President of the Notary Chamber of Ukraine Volodymyr Marchenko said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine.

The matter concerns the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of November 23, 2016 on the abolition of the minimum payment for notarial services, set by the presidential decree at the level of 1%. Now another decree should be drafted to cancel that decree and signed by the president.

Vice President of the Notary Chamber of Ukraine Olha Onyschuk said such a decision could lead to the destruction of public notaries in Ukraine that will affect the lives of citizens, entail the reduction of jobs created by notaries, the growth of corruption risks in the field of registration of rights to immovable property.
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When I was heading to a retreat held by the physician who started the ideal medical care movement, Dr. Pamela Wible, I expected an orderly and structured program on how to improve the current culture of medicine. I knew, with about 40 physicians and 10 other medical students, there would be a lot of Type A personalities since thats typically the sort of people that go into medicine. While I did receive the systematic instruction that I had hoped, I learned so much more than I ever expected.

When I got to the hot springs retreat in Oregon, I wasnt quite sure what I had gotten myself into. It was the complete opposite of what I had expected. Type A personalities seemed like they lived many, many miles away. There were hippies everywhere, clothing was optional and all of the meals were vegetarian. It felt so unlike the conservative pace of the Midwest. The thing that I found the most astounding was the abundance of clean air and the feeling of being one with nature. Having grown up in a small town with frequent trips to the nearby river and opportunities to hike in trails nearby, I felt right at home.

It felt as though I had left all of the hierarchy and protocols that come along with medical education behind. For example, when I had been in therapy, I often felt as though I was talking to a clipboard. While my counselor was great at giving me specific structure on how to proceed with my life, I wondered if following the protocol would really work for me. I went inconsistently to therapy or to talk to another professional about my mental health issues because I felt that it was useless. I was battling regret about my past, anxiety about my future and feeling hopeless in between. The stress of medical school and a failed relationship with someone whom I once thought I would be spending my life with didnt help. I didnt want to be on another medication, but I didnt know how to address the issues I was battling. I felt like I was going to explode.

Having a history of some social anxiety, I never thought that I would befriend an outgoing couple in the middle of nowhere. I entered a hot tub on my last night in Oregon with two people that I initially thought were physicians that were attending the same retreat. I quickly realized that their voices were strange and that they werent part of the retreat. I got over my fears and began opening up to them, which was unlike my norm of being guarded with strangers. I told them about my worry of being forced to practice medicine in a way that I wasnt okay with. I told them fears of becoming someone my parents dont approve of. I revealed to them some of my biggest regrets and fears.

They owed me nothing, they didnt even know me before that night. Yet they were kind and sincere to me in a way that I hadnt experienced in a long while. They calmly listened and gave me advice in a nurturing and encouraging manner. They drew upon their own experiences and related with me. We had a genuine conversation, and I gave them advice on turning their skills into a business to help other people like myself. No one was worried about the time or taking notes. It was one of most therapeutic nights in my life. I have a feeling that I will never forget the guidance and courage they gave me that night.

I definitely never thought that Eli and Dylan would help me gain more insight on things I had been struggling with than the professional I had seen a couple of times in the Midwest. I have made more progress towards a healthy mindset with the advice that I had received from them than the advice Ive gotten from anyone else. I am nowhere near close to solving all of my mental health issues, but Im at a better place than I was before. I still have days that I have battles with myself, but I notice that these days are more and more infrequent. For the first time in a while, I feel in control of my life and my future.

Eli and Dylan taught me that you dont need to have a degree or title to be a healer. They also taught me that those with degrees and titles arent necessarily the kind-hearted people we expect to encounter sometimes. It feels far too often that I meet physicians who have lost some humanity from all of the protocols that they have been forced to comply with. I came to find a new perspective on mental health and well-being from two healers that came from backgrounds so unlike my own. They were not following algorithms or protocols in treating patients, they were just being themselves  kind and sincere individuals that genuinely wanted to help others.

I want to thank Eli and Dylan for teaching me that sometimes the best medicine is a genuine conversation. I hope I can find the compassion that you two have and convey it to my future patients. Thank you, guys.

The author is an anonymous medical student who blogs at Naked Medicine.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Minster for Education and Skills, Richard Burton visited Kilkenny Education Centre (KEC) on Friday to open an extension there.

On arrival he was greeted by the 60 strong Gaelscoil Osrai choir with two songs.

The Minister also launched a childrens publication about the Decade of Commemoration, involving Lisnafunchin NS, Castlecomer, and nine other primary schools both North and South of the border.

The book is a collaborative initiative between ten schools in the South and North of Ireland. What is particularly striking and exciting about the publication is that the writing has all be carried out by the children. In the telling of history from a childs perspective there are many historical treasures and pieces of historical information that illuminate the book.

Speaking at the launch, Paul Fields, Director of Kilkenny Educatione Centre, said , When we think of the life in Ireland over the past 100 years, there can be a tendency to focus on the fighting of the 1916 Easter Rising, the War of Independence, and the Treaty. There are many rich historical insights offered in the publication about Kilmainham Gaol, the GPO and the people involved in the various roles of engagement and support.

Eithne McKenna, Chairperson of Kilkenny Education Centre, praised the students for their involvement in this project, and said the book, Across an Open Field, demonstrated many nuggets, all written from a local history perspective. Their historical accounts, offer great insights, but by collecting the stories of the past from ten groups in primary schools we have a much broader understanding of life over the past one hundred years.

Minister Bruton praised the children from Lisnafunchin NS, Castlecomer, for their interest in the project. He sad the epublication demonstrates the commonality, humanity and concerns of our nation, all written and drawn by children. This book offers a platform for historical discussion about our nation, our people, and how our children understand its evolution, emergence and identity.

The publication offers a rich tapestry of history, written from the eyes, ears and imagination of children.

It reminds us how life at the time was full of conflict, and how the EU took on a role in bringing peace, he said.

He then officially opened the school extension.
BUENOS AIRES, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Argentina's Senate on Wednesday approved the 2017 budget proposed by the new center-right government, paving the way for a lower fiscal deficit once President Mauricio Macri signs the bill into law.

The budget, little changed from the government's proposal, calls for cutting the deficit to 4.2 percent of gross domestic product from 4.8 percent currently and predicts the economy will emerge from recession and grow 3.5 percent next year.

The Senate passed the bill 59-8, a sign Macri still has support in Congress even though his party does not having a majority and the economy has yet to return to growth.

"It implies an economic adjustment that we understand as excessive," said Juan Manuel Abal Medina, opposition senator and president of the Legislative Budget Committee, who nevertheless voted in favor of the budget to collaborate with the government.

Macri faces mid-term congressional elections next year, a test of how his austerity push is faring with voters after 12 years of leftist rule.

Macri had originally promised to reduce the deficit to 3.3 percent of GDP, but his government now plans to wait until subsequent years to make further reductions, fearing cutting too aggressively would stall economic recovery. Economic activity data in September fell from the previous year as well as from August. (Reporting by Maximiliano Rizzi and Caroline Stauffer; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
SEOUL, Dec 1 (Reuters) - South Korea's crude oil imports rose 9.6 percent in November from a year earlier to 89.6 million barrels, preliminary data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy showed on Thursday.

Final data will be released later this month by state-run Korea National Oil Corp (KNOC).

Details of preliminary imports and previous actual figures are as follows:

(In millions of barrels)

November 2016 October 2016* November 2015* Crude Oil 89.6 84.6 81.7

* Actual import figures

Note: The ministry did not break down imports by country of origin. South Korea's total crude imports in October edged up 0.9 percent to 84.6 million barrels year-on-year, according to KNOC data last month. (Reporting by Jane Chung; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
HANOI, Dec 1 (Reuters) - NapshtHere's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official market and indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi at 0052 GMT.

Dec 1 Nov 30 USD/VND mid-point 22,127 22,118

USD/VND interbank 22,640/22,680 22,670/22,680 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.62/35.84 35.62/35.84

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank quotes are indicative bid/ask prices.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co, the gold manufacturer.

Interbank offered rates are indicative, quoted from market sources.

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
HANOI, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0401 GMT.

Dec 1 Nov 30 USD/VND mid-point 22,127 22,118 USD/VND interbank 22,685/22,690 22,670/22,680 USD/VND unofficial 22,850/22,900 22,800/22,830 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.56/35.78 35.62/35.84

Interbank offered rates Overnight 2.8-3.7 2.2-3.0

1 week 3.2-3.8 2.8-3.4

1 month 3.8-4.2 3.5-4.0

3 months 4.4-5.0 4.4-5.0

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
(Kitco News) -Initial weekly U.S. jobless claims rose by 17,000 to a seasonally adjusted 268,000 in the week to Saturday, the Labor Department said Thursday. Gold moved little in the few minutes immediately after the data.

Consensus expectations compiled by various news organizations called for initial claims to be around 250,000 to 253,000. The government left the prior weeks tally at the previously reported 251,000.

As of 8:38 a.m. EST, Comex February was trading down $2.30 for the day to $1,171.60. The contract had been at $1,171.30 three minutes before the report.

There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims, the Labor Department said.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average for new claims  often viewed as a more reliable measure of the labor market since it smoothens out week-to-week volatility  was up by 500 claims to 251,500.

Continuing jobless claims, the number of people already receiving benefits and reported with a one-week delay, increased 38,000 to a seasonally adjusted 2,081,000 during the week ending Nov. 19, the government said. The four-week moving average rose 12,750 to 2,037,500.

Traders monitor jobs data closely to gauge how aggressively the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee alters monetary policy. Claims recently have been near multi-decade lows and pointing to a healthy labor market. On Friday, the Labor Department is scheduled to issue its monthly report on nonfarm payrolls, with economists currently forecasting a November rise of around 170,000 to 180,000 new jobs.



By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Follow @KitcoNewsNOW
* Charterers in no rush to fix cargoes - broker

* But firm fuel, iron ore prices support capesize rates

* Panamax rates hit two-year high

By Keith Wallis

SINGAPORE, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Freight rates for large capesize dry cargo ships on key Asian routes could drop next week as charterers hold back cargo although higher prices of fuel and iron ore may support current rates, brokers said.

Iron ore and coal are staple cargoes for 180,000-deadweight tonne capesize and smaller panamax ships.

"It seems to be a war of attrition - a waiting game - between owners and charterers," said a Singapore-based capesize broker. "Owners are trying to be brave in holding rates up, but charterers are watching and waiting (for rates to fall)."

Rates from Western Australia to China are around $6-$6.20 a tonne.

"If charterers go quiet rates are probably heading under $6 a tonne next week," the broker said.

"Next week is probably the last hurrah for a pre-Christmas rally. I give it until Dec. 14 before it collapses because then people start to go on holiday," the broker added.

Charter rates are still higher than a year ago at around $6.25 per tonne from Australia to China and $13 from Brazil to China, the broker said. That compared with about $4.75 per tonne on the Australia route and $9.80 per tonne from Brazil on Dec. 1, 2015.

Vessel operators, keen to recharter vessels hired earlier, mainly drove chartering activity this week although major miners such as Vale and Fortescue Metals Group were offering cargoes on Thursday.

"Vale said if there are vessels available for loading in mid-December then it can try to charter those ships, but otherwise it is not actively looking," said a Shanghai-based capesize ship broker.

Rates for coal cargoes from eastern Australia were unchanged from a week ago at around $8.50 per tonne, the broker said.

Charter rates for iron ore cargoes from Western Australia-China fell to $6.26 per tonne on Wednesday from $6.93 a week ago.

Freight rates from Brazil to China climbed to $13.01 per tonne from $12.87 during the same period.

Charter rates for smaller panamax vessels for a north Pacific round-trip voyage surged to $8,594 per day on Wednesday, the highest since December 2014, from $8,460 last week.

Freight rates in the Far East for smaller supramax vessels held steady on positive sentiment with owners achieving around $7,000 per day for Indonesian coal cargoes to China, brokers said.

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell to 1,204 on Wednesday from 1,224 last week.

(Reporting by Keith Wallis; Editing by Manolo Serapio Jr.)
Dec 1 (Reuters) - Indonesian rupiah leads the Asian currencies on Sharpe ratio this year followed by Taiwan dollar, Thai baht and Indian rupee.

Indonesian rupiah's Sharpe ratio stands at 2.1 , followed by Taiwan dollar's 1.4. Chinese yuan is the worst performer with a ratio of -3.5.

Click to see the graphic: Context:

A currency's Sharpe ratio measures returns from borrowing in dollars to invest in the currency adjusted for price swings.

(Reporting By Patturaja Murugaboopathy and Gaurav Dogra)
* Italy's net liabilities at record high

* Money leaves country for 8th straight month

By Francesco Canepa

FRANKFURT, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Money flowed out of Italy for the eighth straight month in October, data from the euro zone's payment system showed on Thursday, highlighting concerns among investors as Italians vote in a referendum on Sunday that could bring down the prime minister.

Italy's net liabilities towards the Target 2 payment system of euro zone central banks rose by 1.5 billion euros in Oct. to 355.5 billion euros, the highest level on European Central Bank records dating back to 2008.

Target 2 balances, which measure flows of money in and out of euro zone countries, are watched by investors for signals that capital is leaving an economy, as happened to Greece, Italy and Spain during the 2010-12 debt crisis.

Italian government bonds have sold off more sharply than their euro zone peers in recent weeks as investors worried that the Dec. 4 referendum could unseat Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and plunge the euro zone's largest debtor into political turmoil.

The ECB has said the recent flow of money out of countries such as Italy and Spain, coupled with inflows in Germany, is due to national central banks' purchases of bonds from German-based foreign investors as part of the ECB's own stimulus programme.

But the fact that the money then sits in Germany illustrates that the euro zone remains fragmented and investors and banks are reluctant to invest in weaker economies despite higher bond yields and rates on the inter-bank lending market.

While the flow of money out of Italy slowed in October it has been steadier and more pronounced that Spain's since March.

Comparing it to the size of Italy's gross domestic product, Harvard economists Carmen Reinhart went as far as calling it a capital flight.

"Italy's Target 2 deficit is above 20 percent of GDP - its worst reading to date," she said in an article published last week. "By some of the standard definitions, these are crisis-level reserve losses."

Speaking to Reuters last week, ECB vice-president Vitor Constancio said the Target 2 imbalances were simply a result of the bond-buying programme and in no way connected with economic flows.
The following Spanish stocks may be affected by newspaper reports and other factors on Thursday. Reuters has not verified the newspaper reports, and cannot vouch for their accuracy:

BANKIA UBS cuts to "neutral" from "buy" with a 0.82 euro per share target price, up from 0.8 euros.

BANCO POPULAR Spain's Banco Popular said on Wednesday the European Central Bank (ECB) had set it a capital requirement under the strictest criteria - its fully-loaded capital ratio - of 7.875 percent for 2017. Separately, Spain's Banco Popular POP.MC is in talks with larger rival BBVA and others on a potential merger, Spanish newspaper Expansion reported on Thursday without citing sources REPSOL Repsol says to pay interim dividend of 0.35 euros per share for 2016 [nE8N18A00E

OHL OHL said on Wednesday that Grupo Villar Mir has renewed its contract with Tyrus on OHL shareholding. FCC FCC said on Wednesday that it has received a positive verdict from Barcelona court on a challenge that was placed by a group of creditors over the homologation of a decree from Jan. 15, 2015 related to refinancing from Nov. 2014 For today's European market outlook double click on .

For real-time moves on the Spanish blue-chip index IBEX please double click on For IBEX constituent stocks highlight .IBEX in the command box and press the F3 button on your keyboard

For latest news on Spanish stock moves double click For Spanish language market report double click on For latest Eurostocks report please double click on
A skeleton was recently found in a remote area of northern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Police believe the remains had likely been there for more than 50 years, and that they may belong to a male geologist.

The remains were uncovered in an unpopulated area near Lop Nor, where no human had passed in decades, police said. Initial investigations suggest that the deceased was a male working in Xinjiang. Police couldnt say exactly how he died, but speculate that he may have gotten lost in the remote area.

According to a newspaper and several letters found near the skeleton, experts believe he was a geologist named Deng Xueguang, originally from Sichuan. Police have contacted their colleagues in Sichuan to ask for relevant information, hoping to find Deng's relatives or friends.
(Adds quote from NSW treasurer, background and fixes type in para 1)

SYDNEY, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Australia's New South Wales state will begin the sale process for a majority stake in electricity network Endeavour Energy on Friday, its treasurer said, a transaction expected to be worth about A$4 billion ($2.96 billion).

The sale is the last of three power grid sales by the state government, following the A$16.2 billion sale of Ausgrid in October to a consortium of Australian pension funds and the sale of TransGrid to an international consortium of funds for A$10.26 billion in November 2015. The Ausgrid deal was agreed at a price lower than bids made by Chinese and Hong Kong suitors after Australia's treasurer Scott Morrison blocked the foreign bids, citing national security concerns, a move that frustrated the bidders and spooked foreign investors. Australia's federal government "has indicated it is now in a position to give clear guidance to potential bidders regarding the foreign investment review process," New South Wales treasurer Gladys Berejiklian said in a statement.

A spokeswoman for Australia's treasurer was not immediately available.

On Wednesday, Western Australia state announced that its power grid, Western Power, would be sold by public float to mostly Australian investors in order to address any national security concerns about foreign ownership. Bidding for Endeavour Energy will be open until January 16, 2017, Berejiklian said, adding that proceeds will be spent on infrastructure. ($1 = 1.3493 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
* Iceland court says experts can probe decision to freeze bonds

* U.S. fund Autonomy welcomes move, says will continue pursuing govt

* Iceland finance ministry says unsurprised by court move

(Adds quotes from lawyer for U.S. fund Autonomy, detail, background)

REYKJAVIK/LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - A Reykjavik court will appoint independent experts to look at Iceland's decision to freeze more than a billion dollars worth of bonds owned by foreign investment funds earlier this year as part of its capital controls.

The ruling is the latest stage of an ongoing battle between the funds and the government over how to unfreeze the assets.

"As requested by Autonomy Capital LP, Autonomy Master Fund Limited, GAM Trading (No.37) and Autonomy Iceland Two S.a.r.l, the expert appraisers will be appointed," the Reykjavik District Court said in a Nov. 30 decision.

Iceland, which has had capital controls in place since 2008 when a banking collapse brought its economy to its knees, froze the funds' bonds in a special low-interest account in May.

The move was designed to avoid a sudden rush of money out of the country as it started the delicate process of removing the controls but has angered the funds that claim it was unnecessary.

GAM Trading is part of U.S.-based Autonomy Capital which has taken the lead in challenging Iceland's government over its actions.

The lawyer representing Autonomy, Petur Orn Sverrisson, said the timeline for the process was not yet known and could vary significantly depending on circumstances.

Last month the funds, which also include Boston-based Eaton Vance, Loomis Sayles and Discovery Capital Management, saw a parallel complaint rejected by the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority. "We are pleased that the court has ruled in favour of our motion," Sverrisson said.

"We will continue to pursue all avenues to resolve the issue until the government of Iceland decides to justly resolve capital controls for all investors."

Once identified, the experts are expected to look at the premise and the economic rationale of the government's move to effectively freeze the funds' bonds as it was preparing to take the first step in removing its capital controls.

The Iceland finance ministry responded on Thursday saying: "Generally the courts accept that appraisers are appointed and as such the conclusion of the District Court is not a surprise."

"The Icelandic government has stated from the beginning that the owners of off shore kronur will not be subjected to limitations any longer than necessary and nothing has changed in that respect."

It reiterated that it would make a new assessment of when to take the next step in removing the restrictions early next year.

(Reporting by Marc Jones in London and Ragnhildur Sigurdadottir in Reykjavik; Writing by Daniel Dickson; Editing by Alistair Scrutton/Keith Weir)
(Recasts to add comments from Merck CEO on drug imports)

By Ransdell Pierson

Dec 1 (Reuters) - The top executives at two of the largest U.S. drugmakers weighed in on Thursday for the first time on possible changes for the industry next year under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Since he was elected, Trump, who has said he wants to repeal Obamacare and reform Medicare and Medicaid, has not addressed the sharp drug price increases that dominated the Presidential campaign.

Pharma companies are breathing a sigh of relief, but Trump could be more critical of drugmakers and their price increases than the industry expects, Allergan Inc Chief Executive Brent Saunders said on Thursday.

Saunders, speaking at the annual Forbes Healthcare Summit in New York, predicted Trump could be a "more vicious tweeter" against the drug industry than his former Democratic rival Hillary Clinton had been during the campaign.

Clinton's tweets committing to a crackdown on exorbitant price increases have weighed heavily on pharmaceutical shares since her first tweet last September about an HIV drug sold by Turing Pharmaceuticals. Biotech stocks took another hit on Aug. 24, when she tweeted about Mylan NV's EpiPen increases.

Pharma shares jumped in the days after Trump's election as Clinton's proposed price controls fell off the table. They have since given up most of those gains.

Saunders said Americans are rightly angry about price increases, and the industry needs to police itself or face government repercussions.

"I worry today that the pharmaceutical industry has a very false sense of security because of the Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress," Saunders said.

Separately, Merck & Co CEO Ken Frazier said he thought one of Trump's proposed healthcare reform policies - allowing the imports of drugs from other countries - will not work. The U.S. pays more than any other country for medicines, and Trump has suggested that people be allowed to import them from countries where they are cheaper. U.S. law currently forbids this in most cases.

"I don't think it's going to be made possible," said Frazier, who spoke on CNBC after an appearance at the Forbes conference. "Every time we've tried to do that no FDA commissioner has ever been willing to certify the safety of those drugs."

(Reporting by Ransdell Pierson, Bill Berkrot and Caroline Humer; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Chris Reese)
Commissioners weigh banning gun shows at Fairgrounds

The city of Bremerton earlier this year made an agreement with the operator of its conference center to discontinue shows there as well.
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Doctor Yin Zuluan works at a clinic in Guangsong Village, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Oct. 17, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua]

For almost 20 years, 43 year old rural doctor Yin Zuluan, has been on the frontline of the battle to control the spread of AIDS in Guangyi village, southwest China's Yunnan province.

The village borders the notorious Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. It's one of the most extensive opium-producing areas of Asia. Most of the world's heroin came from the Golden Triangle until the early 21st century when Afghanistan replaced it as the world's largest producer.

In 2005, Guangyi was designated an experimental village for the prevention and treatment of AIDS, aiming to provide education, consultations and simple treatments for the disease.

From the beginning, Yin was put in charge of the prevention and control of the disease, but few were willing to get tested, and she was frequently threatened. She was also once almost bitten by a villager's dog.

She recalls one tricky moment, when an infected needle accidentally stuck into her leg when she fell from her motorbike on a slippery mountain road. By taking preventative medicine for a whole month, she successfully avoided being infected herself.

Her family wants her to quit the job but Yin Zuluan decides to continue. Thanks to her efforts, no new patients from the village have presented themselves. Yin also made sure that everyone in the village has been taught about HIV infection and AIDS.

Now 90 percent of villagers between the ages of 15 and 49 years self-test their blood, with patients receiving medical check-ups once a month.

Children orphaned because of AIDS have gone on to college and have even majored in medicine, with others growing up, getting married, and living normal lives.

Her achievements in controlling HIV, have given her more time to tackle heart diseases, mental illness and high blood pressure.

Yin Zuluan has been honored by the nation many times. She has been offered the opportunity to work in bigger counties, but still prefers to remain in the poor village, trying her best to fight against the disease, and help over 3,000 villagers.
Skeleton children of Mosul: Shocking images shows emaciated babies left in the rubble of the bombed-out ISIS battleground

A mother has described the heartbreak of watching her two starving sons who are 'dead already' after days without food in the ISIS-held city of Mosul in Iraq.

The boys were already emaciated when they arrived at the Hasansham refugee camp near Mosul this week and they do not seem to be responding to treatment by UNICEF, who run the camp.

Their mother told BBC Radio 5 live reporter Anna Foster: 'It's so difficult for me, for my husband, for them. I can see that they are dead already. I cannot believe that they are alive.'

One of the children is aged two and his brother is nine, although he is so thin that he looks half that age.

The boys - who have not been identified - are described as their mother as 'dead already'

The boys' thin bodies can be seen lying on a mattress, their ribs and knee joints protruding.

The mother, who is not identified for her own safety, said she pleaded with ISIS leaders in the besieged city to let her take the children out of the city earlier.

She is thought to have eventually escaped the city with her husband and the boys after ISIS lost control of the district where they lived.

The two little boys lie on a thin mattress in the refugee camp. Their limbs are as thin as twigs

But she has complained of shortages in the camp and said: 'I've been here for four days and we have no food, we have not received clothes, as you can see they're wearing girl's dresses.'

Around 47,000 people have arrived at the camp, pushed out of their homes in and around Mosul by heavy fighting between Iraqi special forces and ISIS.

The number rises by 3,000 every day and the new arrivals queue to collect food, soap and toothpaste.

The mother of the boys said she was amazed they were still alive. They are being cared for by UNICEF at their camp in Hasansham, along with dozens of other children (pictured)
This year marks the 50th birthday of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which was established to help developing nations industrialize after their seats doubled in the UN thanks to the progress of the decolonization movement.

As a staunch partner and supporter of UNIDO, China has cooperated with the organization in a wide range of fields, including technology and intellectual property transfer, vocational training, construction of systems, trade and investment promotion, resource utilization, production and management of clean energy. These projects have all played significant roles in China's economic and social development.

UNIDO had offered a helpful hand to China in the early days of Chinas reform and opening-up campaign. Back then, it was difficult for China to gain experience from other nations, especially Western countries, because of limited international cooperation.

Using its unique internalized network, UNIDO provided assistance to Chinese delegations for overseas studies in those days. Such studies played a key role for policymakers when making decisions on the establishment of special economic zones.

Nowadays, many developing countries hope to replicate the success of China while testing the waters in special economic zones and industrial parks.

Moreover, UNIDO also assisted China in fulfilling its obligations stipulated in the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, Minamata Convention on Mercury and other major multilateral environment agreements (MEAs).

The programs under these MEAs accelerated the transition of China's industries toward an environmentally friendly model. Up to now, the volume of ozone-depleting substances cut by China accounts for a surprising 55 percent of the world's total.

In September 2015, the UN Sustainable Development Summit adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Since then, cooperation between China and the UNIDO has entered a new era.

China's determination to achieve the SDGs has been verified by its 13th Five-Year Plan. In addition, the concepts of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development proposed during the 5th Session of the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee in October will also help accelerate the nation's sustainable development.

UNIDO supports China's sustainable development plans, and hopes to play a significant role in the process. The organization will focus on an inclusive and sustainable industrial development strategy, shoring up China's efforts in realizing its Made in China 2025 initiative.

China made great contributions to the signing of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2015. This year, China has held the presidency of the G20, vowing to help promote the industrialization and New Industrial Revolution of Africa and of the least developed countries. UNIDO has been and will always be supportive to China's efforts in this field. China is believed to be creating new opportunities for cooperation between itself and UNIDO.

(The author is the director general of UNIDO.)

(Source: Peoples Daily)
Tennessee Lawyers offer legal assistance to Gatlinburg wildfire victims

DECEMBER 1, 2016 at 4:06 p.m.





NASHVILLE  In response to the devastating wildfires in Gatlinburg and Sevier County, the Tennessee Bar Association is partnering with the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS), Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) and the Tennessee Supreme Courts Access to Justice Commission to help those affected with their legal needs.



Anyone in need of legal assistance can call the TALS legal helpline at 844-HELP4TN, or can go online to www.help4tn.org for resources and access to TN Free Legal Answers. Victims facing losses after the fire can have experienced attorneys answer their questions for free.



Legal clinics are being planned for those impacted by the fires and updated information will be available on www.help4tn.org as it becomes available.



Attorneys are needed across the state who can help these efforts. Lawyers in East Tennessee who can volunteer in-person at a legal clinic should contact Kathryn Ellis with LAET at kellis@laet.org or 865-637-0484.



For those who want to help all across the state, there are additional options. Attorneys are needed to volunteer to answer emailed questions on the TN Free Legal Answers website or respond to calls and messages received on the HELP4TN legal helpline. Lawyers interested in volunteering with TN Free Legal Answers can sign up directly on the website at https://tn.freelegalanswers.org/. Others willing to respond to calls from the HELP4TN legal helpline can sign up via the Disaster Legal Assistance Volunteer Form online at www.tba.org/volunteer-for-disaster-legal-assistance.



Training resources and other materials for attorney volunteers are available on the TBAs Disaster Legal Assistance web page at http://www.tba.org/info/disaster-relief-assistance. The TBAs Young Lawyers Division Disaster Relief Committee has also been activated, and will be assisting with volunteer recruitment and coordination efforts. To volunteer, complete the Disaster Legal Assistance Volunteer Form online at www.tba.org/volunteer-for-disaster-legal-assistance. Published December 1, 2016










TDCI opens community resource center in Pigeon Forge

NOVEMBER 30, 2016 at 8:01 p.m.





PIGEON FORGE  In an effort to assist Tennesseans affected by the Gatlinburg wildfires, the Tennessee State Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) has established a Community Resource Center (CSC) in Pigeon Forge. It will open on Thursday, Dec. 1, in the former Boyds Bear building parking lot located at 149 Cates Lane in Pigeon Forge.



The damage created by the wildfires was heartbreaking, said TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. In an effort to help consumers begin rebuilding and restoring their lives, we worked with Pigeon Forge officials to open the Community Resource Center. Were thankful for all our local partners who have shown such inspiring courage this week in the face of tragedy.



The Community Resource Center will have:

 Numerous insurance carriers on-site with mobile emergency teams.

 Representatives from the Tennessee Department of Labor available to help facilitate the unemployment filing process.  TDCI Consumer Insurance team members who can help answer questions and provide information.

 Officials to provide forms to apply for building permits and provide guidance for that process for both residential and commercial buildings.



The Community Resource Center will be staffed Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.



If you have been affected by the wildfires and are filing a claim, remember these tips:



 If your home has been damaged or destroyed by fire, call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible. Cooperate fully with the insurance company, and ask what documents, forms and data you will need.

 Take photographs/video of the damage. Make an inventory of the items that have been lost.

 Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (i.e., cover broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls).

 Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.

 Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy.

 If your home is damaged to the extent that you cannot live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses incurred while repairs are being made. Save all receipts to document these costs.

 If you have a dispute with your insurer about the amount or terms of the claim settlement, you can contact TDCI for assistance. Click here to visit our website.



To protect yourself, only hire licensed contractors. Visit verify.tn.gov to ensure that a contractor is properly licensed to work in the State of Tennessee. Different types of work or work with a higher cost may require different licensure.



Before you hire a contractor, make sure the contractor is properly licensed. Write down the license number and verify that it is legitimate by visiting http://verify.tn.gov.



 Get several bids. Its best to get at least three bids and check references.

 Get a written contract that includes the companys name, address, and telephone number. The contract should also include an anticipated start and completion date.

 Never pay more than one-third down and do not let the payments get ahead of the work.

 Make sure the contractor is insured to cover workers compensation, damage and general liability insurance.



When hiring a contractor, avoid:

 A person going door-to-door selling their services.

 A person who offers services for a short time only, which makes consumers feel rushed and unable to research the contractor.

 Unmarked trucks or vans, or a refusal or reluctance to set out complete and specific contract terms in writing.

 Being pressured to pay for more than half of the cost upfront.



To file a complaint about a contractor with the Board for Licensing Contractors, visit tn.gov/commerce/article/cont-file-a-complaint or call 800-544-7693. Published November 30, 2016










[File photo]

A research team in Shanghai has stirred up far-reaching controversy after releasing a paper indicating that computers can tell if a person will become a criminal based merely on his or her facial features.

In the paper, titled Automated Inference on Criminality using Face Image, Wu Xiaolin and Zhang Xi, two researchers from Shanghai Jiaotong University, say they ran computer tests using 1,856 images of real people. According to Wu and Xi, the tests revealed "some discriminating structural features for predicting criminality, such as lip curvature and inner-eye corner distance. They believe that the tests have produced evidence for "the validity of automated face-induced inference on criminality, despite the historical controversy surrounding the topic.

The article soon went viral online, with many researchers criticizing the findings as discriminatory and irresponsible.

We were unlucky to release our paper around the time when Trump won the [U.S. presidential] election. Some emails from the U.S. criticized us, saying that the U.S. already has enough trouble and we should not add fuel to the fire. Some Chinese netizens, on the other hand, suggested that we help the Commission of Discipline Inspection [to catch corrupt officials], Wu told Thepaper.cn during an interview.

Denouncing criticism of the research as discrimination based on phrenology, Wu stressed that he has no intention of supporting discrimination based solely on facial features.

We simply found some correlation between facial features and certain social behaviors. I myself am against discrimination based on facial features  Our research can also serve as evidence to fight discrimination, Wu added.

According to Wu, the teams current goal is to deepen the research, though they have no plans to put it to use in the field of criminology.

The relationship between ethics and scientific development is hard to explain. Should nuclear physicists be responsible for damage caused by nuclear bombs? Wu mused.
Diageo Korea CEO Cho Kil-soo, left, poses with Korea National Red Cross (KNRC) President Jae Ta-yong after receiving the highest honor for the firm's volunteer activities over the years, at the KNRC headquarters in Seoul, Wednesday.

/ Courtesy of Diageo Korea



By Lee Hyo-sik

Diageo Korea has received the highest honor from the Korea National Red Cross (KNRC) for its active social responsibility programs, the Korean unit of the world's largest premium whisky producer said Thursday.

The award is given to companies that have donated more than 500 million won ($427,000) in total to the KNRC and other charities. On Wednesday, Diageo received the award for having donated more than 1 billion won for people in need through a range of volunteer activities, such as delivering daily necessities for senior citizens living alone.

On the same day, company CEO Cho Kil-soo and 50 other employees, as well as 20 KNRC volunteers, took part in a kimchi-making event and delivered the pickled cabbage to 1,000 multiracial families.

Diageo Korea has been organizing the event since 2007 to help the underprivileged get through the winter.

"The kimchi-making event marks its 10th anniversary this year, enabling us to spread the spirit of sharing with our neighbors," Cho said. "This year, we delivered kimchi to multiracial families headed by single parents. Diageo Korea will continue to support our less-privileged neighbors through this and other volunteer programs."

KNRC President Jae Ta-yong said, "The Red Cross always appreciates Diageo Korea employees for holding this event every year to help people in need get through the winter."

In September 2013, Diageo Korea established the Heart to Heart Foundation with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, donating a total of 4 billion won, including 83 homes for single mothers.
BAT Korea CEO Tony Hayward speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in southern Seoul, Thursday. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



By Lee Hyo-sik

British American Tobacco (BAT) will nurture Korea into its export hub in the Asia-Pacific region, the head of its Korean unit said Thursday.

In an interview with The Korea Times, BAT Korea CEO Tony Hayward said the company will continue to expand its production capacity and hire more workers, as well as implement more give-back programs to become a more responsible corporate citizen.

"It has been a tough year, but BAT Korea has done a great job, given the current unfavorable business environment," said Hayward, who came to Korea in September to replace his predecessor Erik Stoel. "Even though I have been here for only three months, I am confident to say that our employees have shown relentless efforts and outstanding performance this year, providing the best quality products to our Korean consumers."

The cigarette maker plans to complete the expansion of its plant in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, by next February, according to the British national, who said the expansion has increased the number of production workers on its payroll by 100 to 330.

"Our production volumes will more than double to 35 billion sticks from the current 17 billion when our second and third plants go into operation," the CEO said. "In 2017, we expect to earn more than $260 million by exporting Dunhill, Rothmans and other cigarette brands, up from $100 million this year. This means BAT Korea will export about 70 percent of its production, up from the current 43 percent."

The Sacheon factory is one of the best BAT factories, Hayward said, stressing that among 44 production facilities in 41 countries around the world, it is rated No. 1 for its outstanding performance in productivity, product quality, cost-savings and other barometers.

"Korean employees work hard to produce the best quality products in a consistent manner," he said. "Thanks to their hard work and dedication, the Sacheon plant has recorded the highest level of equipment effectiveness and the lowest level of wrapping material wastage among BAT's 44 plants. This is why the company decided to produce more cigarettes in Korea. BAT will also put the Sacheon factory on the top of its list when it needs to increase production."

To become a more trusted corporate citizen, BAT Korea, founded in 1990, will continue to expand its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, the CEO said. "We are part of the Korean community and as a member, we would like to do more to help people in need the best way we can. We would like to bolster our corporate awareness because we are here to stay and grow together with our business partners and members of the local community."



BAT suffers unfair treatment'

When asked about the ongoing controversy over BAT Korea's alleged hoarding and tax evasion following a tobacco price hike in January last year, Hayward dismissed the allegations, stressing that the company has never broken the law.

In September, the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) concluded that BAT Korea evaded 39.2 billion won in taxes after illegally realizing undue "inventory profits." The BAI also said that the company, along with Philip Morris International (PMI) Korea, violated Korea's law that governs hoarding, asking the Ministry of the Interior and the National Tax Service to file a complaint with the prosecution against the two.

"I often struggle to understand how things are in Korea. As for the BAI's audit, we did not artificially raise our inventories, prior to the cigarette price hike. At the time, BAT Korea did what it had always done in the past," the CEO said. "Another thing I can't understand is that KT&G did exactly the same thing. But it is not subject to the BAI audit or the prosecution's investigation. Korea needs to level the playing field for all businesses, regardless of their origins."

Hayward also pointed out that the regulators are too lenient toward KT&G, stressing they should strictly enforce the law against Korea's largest tobacco maker, which accounts for about 60 percent of the local market.

"In 2015, the Fair Trade Commission fined KT&G for violating the anti-trust law by forcing retailers to sell its products only in places such as highway service areas. But its dubious practice continues anyway and the regulator takes no further action against the company. I struggle to understand how this sort of thing can happen," he said.

The British national has been with the company for 17 years since he joined as a financial accounting manager in the Southampton factory in 1999.



Since he became the firm's Africa financial manager in London in 2001, he has been making a substantial contribution to its financial strategies while covering numerous markets around the world, such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Romania and Poland.



Hayward then moved back to BAT headquarters in Britain to head a global human resources project. He then went to the American Continent to serve as a regional manager, developing his managerial skills before assuming his last role there as regional head of finance of BAT Americas.
(Xinhua) 14:31, December 01, 2016

KIEV, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- China's Bohai Commodity Exchange Co., Ltd. (BOCE) purchased the Ukrainian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (UBRD), local authorities said Wednesday.

The Tianjin-based company paid 3.3 million U.S. dollars for the state-owned bank, which was auctioned off in Kiev under Ukraine's privatization program, the State Property Fund (SPF) of Ukraine said in a statement.

To resume the bank's operation that was suspended for lack of funds, the Chinese company should invest at least 100,000 dollars in the financial institution, the statement said.

SPF head Igor Bilous said he wished the new owner will make the UBRD a bridge connecting the businesses of China and Ukraine.

Bilous also invited more Chinese investors to join Ukraine's privatization program, under which the East European country planned to sell more than 300 state-owned enterprises.

The Ukrainian government launched its major privatization program in recent years to fill the cash-strapped budget and enhance the efficiency of state enterprises, nearly half of which have halted their businesses in short of investment.

Established in 2009, the BOCE links private Chinese investors and several state-owned companies and handles about 1 trillion dollars in trade annually.
Korea Deposit Insurance Corp. (KDIC) Chairman Gwak Bum-gook, fifth from left, shakes hands with the heads of seven major shareholders of Woori Bank after they signed contracts to buy part of the KDIC's stake in the bank at the corporation's headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, Thursday. From left are Mirae Asset Global Investment President Choi Gyeong-joo, Hanwha Life Insurance Executive Director Kwon Hee-Back, Kiwoom Securities CEO Kwon Yong-won, IMM Private Equity CEO Song In-jun, Gwak, Korea Investment & Securities CEO Yoo Sang-ho, Tong Yang Life Insurance CEO Koo Han-suh and Eugene Asset Management CEO Cho Cheol-hee. / Courtesy of KDIC



By Nam Hyun-woo

The Korea Deposit Insurance Corp. (KDIC) has signed contracts with seven entities to sell 29.7 percent of its stake in Woori Bank, as part of its plan to privatize the bank.

The KDIC struck the deals, which will bring the corporation about 2.4 trillion won, at its headquarters in central Seoul.

Mirae Asset Global investments bought a 3.7 percent stake and IMM Private Equity purchased 6 percent. Tong Yang Life Insurance, Eugene Asset Management, Kiwoom Securities, Korea Investment & Securities and Hanwha Life Insurance each purchased 4 percent.

With the 2.4 trillion won, the government has reclaimed 83.4 percent of public funds worth 12.8 trillion poured into Woori Bank as part of a bailout amid the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s. Before the deals, the ratio was 64.9 percent.

Following the signings, stakeholders will participate in the management of Woori Bank by recommending outside directors. KDIC will also support a board reshuffle and minimize its influence in the bank, so it can be fully privatized.

"Given the fact that all of the investors here are proven to have expertise in their financial sectors, Woori Bank's corporate structure will be very balanced in terms of creating synergy," said KDIC Chairman Gwak Bum-gook.

"The KDIC has suggested corporate governance by a major shareholder as the new model for Woori Bank's successful privatization. As we have seen in the successful case of Swedbank, I believe this will be a stable corporate structure for the bank."

Swedbank, one of Sweden's largest, is run by its 10 largest shareholders.

The government had four botched attempts to sell its stake in the bank. This time, the government decided to sell 30 percent of the 51 percent the government has by splitting it into 4 percent to 8 percent lots in a competitive auction.

The minimum bidding volume was 4 percent, including the percentage of shares bought previously.

After the bidding, eight investors were shortlisted and seven won the right to purchase a stake.

Gwak said the KDIC will push forward with the sale of its remaining stake in Woori Bank.
Florist Margie Lindsay has been in charge of the Grand Hyatt Seoul's Christmas decorations for 26 years.

/ Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Seoul



By Kim Se-jeong

Grand Hyatt Seoul is renowned for both its luxury and warmth, but also among the elements that contribute to its success is the hotel's attention to detail, a good example of which is how the hotel decorates its Christmas tree.

Margie Lindsay, a florist from Adelaide, Australia, has been flying to Seoul for the past 26 years to decorate the hotel's Christmas tree.

She spent the last two weeks, decorating the 10-meter-high tree with glass baubles, glass and crystal snowflakes and stars crystal, porcelain reindeers, wooden Christmas birds and lights. Besides, she also adorned the hotel's lobby, deli shop and flower shop with Christmas decorations, including tiny fresh trees, candles, seasonal ornaments made with dogwood branches and magnolia leaves.

"I try to have individuality to each place (hotel property)," Lindsay said during an interview, adding that "I take into account the environment (of the hotel and the city)."



Grand Hyatt Seoul's Christmas tree



Her more than two decades of traveling to Seoul means she already knows the hotel's and the city's atmosphere very well, which enables her to start preparing for decorating projects as early as possible. "I start planning for Christmas nearly 10 months before."



In decorating Grand Hyatt Seoul, for instance, she had taken into account the hotel's new look post renovation. "The hotel is beautiful and warm. The new renovation was exquisite and we kept the old lovely feeling."

Her preparation starts in Australia, where she selects ornaments and places orders for them with the suppliers. All the ornaments arrive with her at the Seoul hotel.

The first thing she does after she arrives at the hotel is to look for fresh flowers and trees. She goes to the flower markets in southern Seoul and turns to a regular supplier for the main tree at the lobby. The tree is delivered fresh and on time to the hotel, making her and her team's jobs easier.

She works with Grand Hyatt Seoul's permanent florist team for the decoration, supervising and directing the team members.

As an experienced and well-regarded florist, she supervises decorations for Hyatt hotels mainly in the Asia Pacific region. Her previous project was with Hyatt Regency Hangzhou in China. She said on average she travels to four cities a year to help clients with their Christmas decorations, but she also travels to decorate new properties or newly renovated properties.

Lindsay's connection with Hyatt Hotels began in 1987 in Australia. At the time, she already had a reputation for successful restaurant and wine shop floral decoration projects, and the hotel contacted her for a collaboration. In 1990, the hotel asked her to work for it full-time.

The florist said she loves her job. "I meet new people and new friends," she said, adding that through her job, she learned about different cultures and how to work with people from different backgrounds.

One downside of her job is being away from her family for a long time. "Sometimes, I spent six months away from my family in a year," said Lindsay who is a mother to three grown-up daughters who now also have their own children.

She left for Australia on Wednesday to spend the Christmas season with her family. "I will decorate my Christmas tree with my grandchildren," she said.


By Park Si-soo



The prosecution has labeled President Park Geun-hye an "accomplice" and "criminal suspect" following a sweeping probe into the corruption scandal involving her long-time friend Choi Soon-sil, although her spokesman has strongly denied all allegations.

Investigators last Sunday revealed charges that could be imposed on the scandalized head of state, but they have remained tight-lipped about details.

But the strategic silence shows signs of breaking as Park's approval rating plunged to an all-time low of 4 percent, which has loosened her grip on law enforcement.

A prosecutor involved in the case recently told reporters that "only 10 seconds of an audio file would be long enough for people to storm the streets with torches, instead of candles." The prosecutor was referring to nearly 50 audio files found on two confiscated smartphones of Jung Ho-sung, Park's close aide, who was arrested recently for allegedly leaking confidential presidential documents to Choi.

The files are believed to contain sensitive dialogue between the President and Jung. Reports have it that the buttoned-up aide admitted his alleged wrongdoings after prosecutors came out with the files.












A group of lawmakers from the ruling Saenuri Party that has been supportive of President Park Geun-hye's ouster said Thursday the president should resign by the end of April, while criticizing the opposition for refusing to negotiate options other than impeachment.

The group also said it still has secured a sufficient number of lawmakers from the ruling Saenuri Party to pass the impeachment motion, which requires approval by at least 200 lawmakers from the 300-seat National Assembly.

The lawmakers prefer Park stepping down voluntarily for the time being, urging the president to come up with detailed plans for her retreat.

Earlier this week, Park said she would leave her fate as president in the hands of parliament, while not providing details on her future path.

"We think Park should step down no later than April 30. We sincerely urge the president to express her stance promptly," Rep. Hwang Young-cheul, the spokesman of the group said.

Opposition parties, however, plan to put the impeachment motion up for a vote no later than next week, ruling out the possibility of holding talks with the ruling party to cut short Park's term in office. (Yonhap)
Firefighters extinguish the remains of the fire at Daegu Seomun Market on Thursday morning. / Yonhap



By Ko Dong-hwan

Daegu's biggest traditional market, which caught fire early Wednesday morning, was still burning the next day after more than 31 hours.

The fire started in Seomun Market's zone four building, where inflammable materials like clothes, bedding units and curtains were sold in most of 839 stores inside.

Firefighters struggled to extinguish the fire because it was difficult to put it out completely amid such materials. They extinguished the major blaze about six hours after the fire began, but continued to douse areas that were still burning and smoking.

As of Thursday morning, a quarter of the building had collapsed and the city's emergency task force confirmed that 679 stores had been destroyed.

The city government has asked the central government to designate the destroyed site as a "special disaster area" and provide financial aid.

Daegu Jungbu Police Station is investigating the cause of the blaze by searching security camera video feeds around the building. On Thursday morning, they expanded the site search with the National Forensic Service, Korea Electrical Safety Corporation and the Korea Gas Safety Corporation.
Some of the leaked classified presidential documents in November 2014. The documents, obtained by Segye Ilbo daily, revealed the shadowy link between President Park Geun-hye and her longtime confidants, including Choi Soon-sil and her husband Chung Yoon-hoi. The daily's former CEO says he has eight more documents, which if made public, would deal a devastating blow to Park's faltering leadership. / Korea Times file



By Lee Han-soo, Park Si-soo





Cho Han-gyu

How far will the scandal go?

Cho Han-gyu, former CEO of Segye Ilbo daily, said recently he has eight confidential presidential documents, which  if made public  would deal a "finishing blow" to embattled President Park Geun-hye.

But he has refused to publish them, saying "I'm afraid these documents would shake not only the President but also the country's legislation, judiciary and administration to their roots."

He made the disclosure during an online talk show on Nov. 21. Cho said he would not reveal more because"Her (Park's) criminal acts stipulated in the documents are grave enough to be considered a sort of rebellion."

The former journalist added, "If the documents are revealed to the public, the country's democracy will be under a cloud internationally."
By Choi Ha-young



A super bacterium resistant to the strongest antibiotics that exist was found in humans in Korea for the first time, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Thursday.



According to the CDC, the gene mobile colistin resistance-1 (MCR-1) has been found in three intestinal bacteria samples out of 9,300 collected at local hospitals since 2011.



The center found the gene in animals in August, but it's the first time the gene was found in bacteria in a human body. MCR-1 was discovered in China last year and previously in the United States, Europe, Africa and other parts of Asia.



The CDC said the gene is resistant to colistin and carbapenem, two antibiotics that are used to treat patients with multidrug-resistant infections as a last resort.



"If they are tolerant to colistin, it means options are considerably limited," Lee Gwang-jun, an infectious disease researcher from the National Research Institute of Health, told journalists.



The CDC warned the MCR-1 bacteria are highly contagious. "MCR-1 exists in a cell's plasmid, which makes it easy to infect across different species," it said in a statement.



The CDC started a project to observe superbugs more closely, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.



Experts have warned the public about overusing antibiotics which gives rise to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. "Not just Koreans. This is becoming a global phenomenon. And we need to raise awareness," Britain's chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies told The Korea Times, last year.




The birthplace of President Park Geun-hye's father is partially burned down on Thursday in a fire that police are investigating as a possible arson. / Yonhap



By Park Si-soo



A fire broke out at the birthplace of President Park Geun-hye's father in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, Thursday.

The fire, reported at 3:15 p.m., was extinguished in 10 minutes, according to police and the fire department. Firefighters said the fire destroyed the memorial hall that displayed the late President's portrait.













Police have apprehended a suspected arsonist found in the area who is presumed to be responsible for setting alight a memorial of another president, Roh Tae-woo, in 2012.



Park's father, Park Chung-hee, seized power in a 1961 military coup. He ruled with an iron fist until 1979 when his spy chief shot him dead.
Former Saenuri Party Chairman Kim Moo-sung, left, and the party's former floor leader Yoo Seong-min attend a meeting of the party's anti-Park faction at the National Assembly, Thursday. The participants called on President Park Geun-hye to clarify when she would step down, saying they will join forces with opposition parties to impeach her. / Yonhap



By Jun Ji-hye

A group of lawmakers from the ruling Saenuri Party who do not support President Park Geun-hye called on her, Thursday, to clarify when she will step down as her ambiguity over the timing of her resignation is fueling chaos in the political circle.

Their request came after Park said Tuesday that she will let the National Assembly decide on the timing and method of her resignation, triggering criticism from the opposition parties that this was a plot to obstruct their move to impeach the scandal-ridden leader.

The anti-Park lawmakers, who have been at odds with the pro-Park faction controlling the ruling party, hold the key to the passage of an impeachment motion against the President, if put to a vote by the opposition bloc.

They said the proper timing for Park's resignation would be around April 30 next year, and, in that case, the presidential election, which is originally scheduled for December next year, should be rescheduled to as early as June.

"We think the appropriate time is April 30," Rep. Hwang Young-cheul told reporters after a meeting with the lawmakers at the Assembly. "We urge Park to promptly clarify her position about our proposal."

Cheong Wa Dae refused to give a direct answer.












All assistant counsel candidates to be recommended this week



By Jung Min-ho



Park Young-soo, the special prosecutor appointed to investigate the scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her friend Choi Soon-sil, said Thursday he will waste no time getting things started.



Speaking to reporters near his office in southern Seoul, Park said he will recommend all eight assistant independent counsel candidates by the end of the week. Four of them will later be chosen by the President for a role as the bridge between Park Young-soo and 100 special investigators, including 20 current prosecutors.



The law allows the team to have 20 days to prepare its investigation of the influence-peddling case and up to 100 days to carry it out.



"I'm not going to spend 20 days only for preparation. I will finish that as soon as possible," he said. "The law enacted for the special investigation does not say the team cannot investigate the case during the preparation period."



The independent counsel requested the justice ministry to dispatch Yoon Seok-yeol, a senior prosecutor who led an investigation into the National Intelligence Service's alleged interference in the 2012 presidential election, to the investigation team as one of the assistant counsels.



Yoon was dismissed from that investigation in 2013 for unclear reasons after revealing that people above him applied pressure to influence the probe.



Former prosecutors who are close to park, including Oh Kwang-soo and Yang Jae-sik, have also been on the lips of many, but the independent counsel made it clear that candidates do not have to be his friends to work with him.



"The position requires great sacrifice, which makes me cautious about who to recommend. Candidates should be able to lead prosecutors well and have a keen sense of observation and analytical skills," Park said. "Also, they need to be tenacious and work with a clear sense of mission."



He will soon meet with Lee Young-ryeol, who has led the investigation so far as head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, to be briefed about the current situation of the probe. After forming his special investigation team, Park said he will review this with all its members.



"The most urgent task for us is to review what has been found so far," he said. "We should set the right direction after talking with the prosecution."



After graduating from Seoul National University with a religious studies degree in 1975, Park started working as a prosecutor at Seoul Northern District Prosecutor's Office in 1983 after passing the bar exam.



His early career was built largely on cases involving gang members, but his fame came more from corruption cases involving the owners of major firms, including Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-koo and SK Chairman Chey Tae-won.



Both of them were arrested in 2002 and 2005, respectively, as a result of his investigations.



The special team's most important mission is to find out whether the President played a key role in "donations" major companies gave to Choi, as widely suspected, through questioning her.



Another important task is to uncover whether any prosecutors have also been part of Choi's corruption chain.



He is known to be close to Woo Byung-woo, a former prosecutor and presidential aide who is now being investigated for intentionally disregarding Choi's illegal activities, and Choi Jae-kyung, the incumbent senior presidential secretary for civil affairs.



When asked about concerns over this, Park Young-soo said his personal relationship won't affect his work. "I will ensure that my investigation makes sense to everyone," he said.




Large areas of steel wire fences have divided the Dongting Lake into sections, leaving distinct "cages." (Photo/thePaper.cn)

Dongting Lake, China's second largest freshwater lake, serves as the main flood basin of the Yangtze River. It is also one of the most significant wetlands in the world. However, according to local environmental protection volunteers, large stretches of steel wire fencing currently divide the lake into individual "cages," Thepaper.cn reported on Nov. 30.

Dongting Lake is in its dry season. The 6-meter-high steel wire fence has turned the lake into a kind of maze. Local fishermen revealed that when the fences emerged from the water at the start of the dry season, many fish were trapped in the fenced-off compartments. The fences have severely affected fishing resources, according to the fishermen.

Large areas of steel wire fences have divided the Dongting Lake into sections, leaving distinct "cages." (Photo/thePaper.cn)

A villager in Nandashan County in Hunan province noted that the highest water level of Dongting Lake was lower in 2016 than in 1966, yet it took more time for the flood to retreat because of the fences, meaning that farmers lost out on part of the growing season.

A local official surnamed Wang told a reporter that the fences have stood in the lake for at least six years.

"The lake was originally contracted to individuals for cutting reeds. When the reed business began to shrink, contractors turned to building fences for aquaculture." When asked why no one had stopped them, the official replied, "The municipal government ordered that the fences be demolished in March of this year. We are required to finish demolition by Dec. 15."

Large areas of steel wire fences have divided the Dongting Lake into sections, leaving distinct "cages." (Photo/thePaper.cn)

He Daming, head of an ecological protection association for eastern Dongting Lake, said that the fences are a common feature around the entire body of water. Fences in the eastern and western sections of the lake are mainly small and made of bamboo, however; the steel wire fences in the southern section are far more numerous and large-scale.

Wang Xuguang, an official with the Animal Husbandry and Fishery Bureau of Hunan province, pointed out that the fences in the lake are actually illegal.

Large areas of steel wire fences have divided the Dongting Lake into sections, leaving distinct "cages." (Photo/thePaper.cn)

"The demolition of fences spans the fishing, water and environment protection industries. The work cannot be done immediately, though we have made more efforts this year," he said.

According to the bureau's website, a meeting about the comprehensive treatment of aquaculture in Dongting Lake was held on Nov. 25. The provincial government will soon take special actions for pollution control and fence demolition in the lake.

Large areas of steel wire fences have divided the Dongting Lake into sections, leaving distinct "cages." (Photo/thePaper.cn)
By Kim Bo-eun



A military nurse who was working at Cheong Wa Dae when the Sewol ferry sank over two years ago said she did not see President Park Geun-hye on the day of the incident.



The nurse surnamed Cho is currently based in San Antonio, Texas, where she is on a training course. Her remarks were made in an interview Thursday with Korean news correspondents based in the U.S.



"The President didn't receive any medical treatment on that day," Cho said.



Her comment ruled out allegations raised by media outlets that the President  who allegedly often receives injections for beauty treatments  underwent another cosmetic procedure on the day of the disaster and that kept her in her residence during the critical seven hours after the start of the disaster. Cheong Wa Dae had earlier dismissed the allegations as groundless.



Military nurses came under scrutiny after Kim Sang-man, the President's medical adviser and her former doctor at an anti-aging clinic, said they were in charge of giving intravenous shots to the President.



A day earlier, Cho's colleague surnamed Shin also said she had not treated the President on the day of the disaster.



Asked whether she provided the President various fatigue-relieving and cosmetic injections during the two years she worked at Cheong Wa Dae from early 2014, Cho refused to answer.



"I cannot provide an answer because it would go against the medical law which mandates doctor-patient confidentiality," she was cited as saying.



Meanwhile, regarding a controversy that Cheong Wa Dae purchased over 1,000 pills classified as narcotics, the presidential office said Thursday they were used as sleep inducers for the President's entourage.



"The medications were prescribed short term, in limited amounts for presidential aides who have trouble with jet lag after returning from the President's overseas trips," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Jung Youn-kuk said.



A day earlier, Rep. Kim Han-jung of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) disclosed Cheong Wa Dae purchased 1,100 pills of Xanax, Stilnox and Halcion in 2013, of which 836 pills had been taken as of Oct. 31 this year, according to data from the presidential office.



Earlier, Cheong Wa Dae had to explain why it purchased more than 300 Viagra pills. It said they were for treating altitude sickness in presidential aides.




Hyun Ki-hwan, sitting in a wheelchair, heads to the Busan District Court on Thursday morning for a court hearing that will decide his pre-trial detention. Hyun has attempted suicide Wednesday before an investigation into his alleged bribery. / Yonhap



By Hong Dam-young

A former presidential secretary attempted suicide Wednesday in the face of mounting pressure over an investigation into his alleged bribery.

Hyun Ki-hwan, 57, former presidential secretary for political affairs, slit his left wrist with a razor in a hotel room in Busan at 6:30 p.m.

Hyun's assistant found him bleeding in a water-filled bathtub.

He was taken to a hospital, where he is in stable condition, according to police.

Hyun was President Park Geun-hye's senior secretary for political affairs between July 2015 and June this year.

He tried to kill himself one day before a court hearing that decides his pre-trial detention. He attended the hearing sitting in a wheelchair at the Busan District Court on Thursday morning. Hyun was arrested Thursday afternoon.

Hyun is suspected of having received bribes from a construction firm's chief manager in return for giving the latter favors to build a luxury residential skyscraper near Busan's scenic Haeundae beach.


Non-mainstreamers put brake on impeachment

By Jun Ji-hye

Lawmakers of the ruling Saenuri Party unanimously agreed Thursday to push for President Park Geun-hye's voluntary resignation by the end of April and an early presidential election in June. The move overshadowed the opposition bloc's attempt to impeach the scandal-ridden President.

The opposition parties initially planned an impeachment vote against Park, Friday, in cooperation with a group of anti-Park members of the ruling party, who had also vowed to vote for impeachment. However, the group retracted their earlier position after the President asked political parties Tuesday to decide on when she should step down.

The unanimous agreement by the Saenuri Party lawmakers virtually means that the opposition's move to impeach the President has failed because the anti-Park members hold the key to the passage of the impeachment motion.

However, the group left open the possibility of joining forces with the opposition, saying that if Park fails to clarify when she will resign next week, they will support impeaching her.

Park's term is scheduled to end in February 2018 and the next presidential election is currently scheduled for December 2017.
President Park Geun-hye looks around Seomun Market in her hometown of Daegu, Thursday, after part of it was burned to the ground by a huge fire a day earlier. The visit is Park's first scheduled outing in 35 days, following the eruption of an influence-peddling scandal surrounding her and her friend Choi Soon-sil. / Yonhap



By Kim Bo-eun



President Park Geun-hye visited the fire-ravaged traditional market in her hometown of Daegu, Thursday, in her first outside activity in over a month, following the eruption of the massive influence-peddling scandal.

Park paid a visit to a building in section four of Seomun Market, which caught fire early Wednesday and burned for over eight hours, injuring two firefighters and gutting the entire building housing 840 shops.

The visit was low-profile  the President was not accompanied by a crowd of reporters and only a minimal entourage  considering public opinion, which has hit record lows.

According to Yonhap News Agency, her visit was no more than 15 minutes.

She spoke with victims at the site, who thanked her for the visit. Park didn't drop by the situation room where local authorities were working to contain the situation. Supporters cheered for Park, but some expressed their disapproval.












Firefighters remove burned straw used to cover the roof of a memorial building, the birthplace of President Park Chung-hee, in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province,Thursday. The fire broke out around 3:15 p.m and was extinguished in 10 minutes, with no casualties reported. Police said arson is suspected, and detained a suspect, surnamed Baek, 48, for further questioning. / Yonhap



By Lee Kyung-min

Police detained an arson suspect, Thursday, whom they believe set fire to the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee, the father of President Park Geun-hye, in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province.

Police said the man, surnamed Baek, 48, did so out of anger against the incumbent for her involvement in the influence-peddling scandal surrounding her confidant Choi Soon-sil.

"In my opinion, Park should either resign or commit suicide. As she is choosing neither, I set the fire," Baek told police.

According to a guest book secured by police minutes after the fire broke out, Baek wrote "Kill yourself, Park Geun-hye. Stop disgracing your father."

According to firefighters, the fire broke out around 3:15 p.m., and was extinguished within 10 minutes, with no casualties reported. A one-story memorial building where portraits of Park Chung-hee and former first lady Yuk Young-soo were kept was completely gutted inside.

Police said Baek also set fire to the birthplace of former President Roh Tae-woo in Daegu, in December 2013. He used paint thinners to start the fires on both occasions, police added.

The fire in 2013 was put out without major damage and Baek was later sentenced to 18 months in prison suspended for three years.

At the time, Baek wrote a two-page letter in which he criticized Roh for allegedly creating a slush fund while in office and receiving bribes from major conglomerates.

Police will determine later whether to seek an arrest warrant for Baek.

Park Chung-hee ruled the country for 18 years after seizing power in a military coup in 1961. He was assassinated in 1979 by his intelligence chief. Detractors revile him for suppressing democracy and human rights but supporters credit him with bringing about South Korea's rapid economic growth.

The incident comes as the current President Park is facing the greatest crisis of her political career from the influence-peddling scandal as the opposition parties are pushing for her impeachment.
By Yi Whan-woo



South Korea will announce its own sanctions against North Korea, Friday, in a follow-up move to the U.N. Security Council's (UNSC) adoption of a fresh resolution on Pyongyang over its nuclear ambitions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.



The United States and Japan are also expected to unveil their own measures against North Korea this week.



"Our new sanctions will be announced at 10 a.m. at the government complex in downtown Seoul," a ministry official said.



Some officials said the government may blacklist a score of individuals and entities that are suspected of having engaged in illegal financial activities to fund North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.



The government is also expected to bolster control over North Korea's maritime shipping and request Seoul's allies to restrict North Korean authorities from entering their respective countries.



The exchange of goods between the two Koreas is also likely to be restricted further.



The three allies' pressure against the Kim Jong-un regime is in line with the UNSC's approval of Resolution 2321, Wednesday.



The new resolution is aimed at closing loopholes in the UNSC's last resolution  2270  by slashing North Korea's exports of coal by 60 percent while tightening control over Pyongyang's financial transactions and shipping activities abroad.



"It is expected that South Korea, the U.S. and Japan will announce their own independent sanctions almost simultaneously," Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said.



He said the three allies will try to maximize the effectiveness of their sanctions, claiming that "such measures have always been a step ahead of the UNSC resolutions in terms of level of harshness."



"They can hurt North Koreans more than the UNSC sanctions," Yun added.



The U.S. is anticipated to blacklist companies in third countries that are suspected of supplying goods being used to develop nuclear weapons as well as other weapons of mass destruction, according to diplomatic sources.



Japanese media reported Thursday that their government will convene a National Security Council meeting today to discuss how to slap sanctions on North Korea.



The possible measures may ban North Korean sympathizers in Japan, including ethnic Koreans, from entering the country after they've traveled abroad and visited North Korea in the past and had a record of helping Pyongyang's nuclear technology.



Tokyo may also include Chinese companies on the list of individuals and entities that are subject to asset freezing due to their relation to North Korea's nuclear program.



South Korea previously imposed sanctions against North Korea, March 8, after the UNSC approved Resolution 2270, March 2, in response to Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January.



The UNSC passed Resolution 2321 in response to the fifth North Korean nuclear test, Sept. 9.




An anti-President rally in downtown Seoul on Nov. 8. / Korea Times file



By Jon Dunbar



Foreigners participating in the protests against President Park Geun-hye may carry legal complications  theoretically.

"As legal counsel I would say not to go to the rallies, as there are some articles in law that in principle prohibit foreigners from attending rallies," said Nam Won-chul, a lawyer with Hwang Mok Park law firm.

According to the Immigration Control Act, "No foreigner sojourning in the Republic of Korea shall engage in any political activity with the exception of cases provided by this Act or other statutes." The act empowers the Ministry of Justice to order a violator "in writing to suspend such activity" or "take other necessary measures."

This may include deportation or a ban on visa renewal, according to one source familiar with the matter.

The law applies to all foreigners regardless of visa type, Nam says. "According to the text of the article, I think all foreigners are uniformly prohibited from political activities."

Hwang Pill-kyu, a lawyer affiliated with GongGam Human Rights Law Foundation and Minbyun, a social organization of progressive lawyers, echoes Nam.

Hwang, who works with migrant worker groups, says, "If it's for their own rights, there won't be any problems."

But domestic political protests are different, he says, citing a human rights committee session in 2005. "The government position is joining political parties and direct participation is illegal, but having assembly is okay."

Many foreigners sighted at rallies may not have intended to join in. This happened to Evan, an Australian who wished to hide his identity. "I accidentally found myself in a protest a year back after a police checkpoint funneled me into the heart of it whilst trying to pass around it to Seochon," he said.












Experts on North Korea-related issues participate in a forum hosted by North Korea Intellectuals Solidarity, a defector-led civic group, at the Korea Press Center in downtown Seoul, Nov. 15. / Yonhap



By Yi Whan-woo



With the number of North Korean defectors surpassing 30,000, South Korea is stepping up efforts to better integrate them into the society.

The Ministry of Unification, which deals with inter-Korean affairs, has been pushing to introduce measures aimed at helping defectors break social barriers that prevent them from mingling with South Koreans.

It said the possible measures could be expanding job and education opportunities, bolstering community activities and starting a public awareness campaign on television with support from the central and local governments and well as from the private sector.

The move comes amid a steady increase in the number of defectors and growing calls to take measures accordingly.

The cumulative number of defectors exceeded 10,000 in February and 20,000 in November 2010. It hit 29,830 in September before marking 30,005, according to data released by the unification ministry on Nov. 13.

Women accounted for 71 percent of the defectors and this is expected to rise to 80 percent by the end of this year, the data indicate.

By age, people in their 20s and 30s at the time of defection accounted for 58 percent of the total.

The government mainly focused on offering financial assistance. For instance, defectors receive 7 million won ($5,900) as a "settlement fund" and an apartment is offered for low-income households, after a 12-week orientation at Hanawon, a government-run settlement center.

"The new goal will be to reduce prejudice and stereotypes toward the defectors while helping them become self-reliant and independent in their living," a unification ministry official said.





Passersby take a look at photos showing Pyongyang's dire human rights record during an exhibition run by North Korean defectors in Europe at Trocadero Square in Paris, Nov. 16. / Yonhap

Analysts said the government's new approach to defector-related policies was "on the right track." They pointed out that the government has been encouraging more North Koreans to come to the South recently.

The experts also noted that more North Koreans from various social backgrounds have been fleeing amid leader Kim Jong-un's reign of terror. Among them are several high-profile people, such as senior diplomats and intelligence officials who were in charge of monitoring citizens on behalf of the tyrannical regime.

"The more defectors come to the South, the higher possibility for the people here to encounter them," said Paik Hak-soon, a senior researcher at the Sejong Institute. "In that sense, it will be important to form a favorable environment for the defectors to get along with the South Koreans."

A defector said the government's efforts to better embrace defectors would "open doors for North Koreans to enter and live here without discrimination and prejudice."

"I'd say it is a gesture to greet people in the North at any time," said Choi Dong-uck, a North Korean restaurant owner who also leads a defectors' social club in Seoul.

Park Sang-hak, who leads an anti-Pyongyang campaign group in Seoul, speculated that Seoul's steps, and its encouragement of more people to escape, could ultimately contribute to the North Koreans' well-being.

According to Park, North Koreans relied on family members who escaped to South Korea to learn about the outside world.

"There will be a higher chance for the reclusive state to collapse and let the North Koreans become free if more people defect to the South," he said.

Some defectors said they are stepping up their own efforts to make their voices heard concerning the government's policies, including foreign affairs and issues related to North Korean human rights.

On Nov. 15, the North Korea Intellectuals Solidarity, a civic group founded by defector-turned-scholar Kim Heung-kwang, held a forum to discuss how South Korea should cope with a Donald Trump presidency and its North Korea-related policies.

On Nov. 16, a group of North Korean defectors in Europe exhibited photos showing Pyongyang's dire human rights record. The display was at Trocadero Square in Paris.

The defectors said they appreciated the government's establishment of a research center on North Korean human rights on Sept. 28.

"The center will help the South Koreans get a better understanding of Pyongyang, and consequently, the defectors," a defector said.

The center, under the wing of the unification ministry, focuses on the repressive state's human rights conditions based on defectors' testimonies. It also oversees and supports projects against Pyongyang's state-perpetrated crimes against humanity.

The research center gathers data for an archive set up under the Ministry of Justice.

The data will be used to study the state's human rights conditions based on North Korean defectors' testimonies.

The justice ministry may use the data to refer the North Korean leader and his aides to the International Criminal Court or file an independent suit against them if the two Koreas are united, according to government sources.
By Jose Antonio Ocampom, Edmund Fitzgerald



NEW YORK  The World Bank Group has just released Doing Business 2017: Equal Opportunity for All, the latest version of its flagship report. According to the Bank, the annual report is one of the world's most influential policy publications, as it encourages countries to reduce the regulatory burden on the private sector. But there is a serious flaw in the report's formula: the way it treats corporate taxation.



Doing Business reports rate 11 areas of business regulation in 190 countries, using data on compliance burdens collected by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The Bank then formulates an overall score that supposedly reflects the ease of conducting commercial activities, and ranks countries according to that score. The lower the regulatory burden on businesses, the higher a country ranks.



The problem is that "regulatory burden," according to Doing Business, includes the collection of taxes that are necessary to fund public infrastructure and basic social services  both of which are critical to enhance growth and employment. Even the report recognizes that, for most economies, taxes are the main source of the government revenues needed to fund "projects related to health care, education, public transport, and unemployment benefits, among others."



Beyond promoting budget-straining tax competition among countries, Doing Business exaggerates the tax burden on companies. For one thing, it considers all the kinds of taxes firms might pay  not just corporate income tax.



Specifically, the report's estimates for "total tax rate as a proportion of profits" include taxes for employees' health insurance and pensions; property and property transfers; dividends, capital gains, and financial transactions; and public services like waste collection and infrastructure. Those are taxes that should be categorized as social contributions or service charges.



Augmenting estimates further, Doing Business does not measure only expected tax payments. It considers the cost (in staff time) of activities like filing returns, making claims, and, beginning this year, post-filing processes, to be part of the tax burden on businesses.



In reality, corporate-tax payments, as a share of gross profits, are quite low. According to Doing Business' own data, the world average amounts to just 16%, with the European Union coming in at 13%, the United States at 19%, and Latin America, Asia, and Africa at 16%.



But even those figures are probably too high, because of another reality that Doing Business overlooks: tax avoidance and evasion. Whatever a country's official corporate-tax rate might be, the reality is that few companies actually pay the full amount.



Indeed, while a small manufacturer for the domestic market might adhere to the official rate, the large domestic and multinational firms that account for most production and exports worldwide are well-positioned to take advantage of tax avoidance schemes. And they typically do not hesitate to do so.



The OECD has estimated that tax avoidance by multinationals averages $200 billion per year  a figure that far exceeds total international development assistance. PwC itself is in a good position to enlighten the Bank on this issue. As the famous "LuxLeaks" of 2014 revealed, from 2002 to 2010, the firm assisted its multinational clients in obtaining at least 548 tax rulings in Luxembourg, enabling them to avoid corporate income tax globally. All of this places smaller local firms at a substantial competitive disadvantage.



This may sound like an argument for overhauling Doing Business' "paying taxes" indicator. But what is really needed is for Doing Business to drop that indicator altogether, because the assumption underpinning it  that low corporate taxation promotes growth  does not withstand scrutiny. Research conducted by the International Monetary Fund and others indicates that tax competition does not promote productive investment worldwide.



In assuming the opposite, Doing Business becomes riddled with contradictions. It recognizes that "higher income inequality is associated with a smaller tax base and therefore lower tax collection." Yet it advocates giving corporations a respite from taxes, thereby undermining tax collection in a way that, by potentially promoting inequality, could intensify that impact.



The report praises countries like the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Peru, Portugal, Senegal, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan for reducing their corporate-tax rates, while scolding Greece for increasing it  ignoring the need for government revenues and public investment in those countries. It also supports reduced labor protection and overlooks environmental externalities  stances that controvert the Bank's own commitments.



This year's Doing Business report made some positive changes, adding indicators for women in business and public procurement. But, when it comes to the paying taxes indicator, the report has things all wrong. Indeed, it runs counter to the global consensus on the need for effective international cooperation to ensure equitable collection of tax revenues, including measures to limit tax avoidance by multinationals and other private firms.



A race to the bottom in corporate taxation will only hurt poor people and poor countries. If Doing Business is to live up to its own slogan, "equal opportunity for all," it should abandon the tax indicator altogether.



Jose Antonio Ocampo, a professor at Columbia University is chair of the Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation. Edmund Fitzgerald is emeritus professor at Oxford University. Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate.




A 7-month-old infant in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, died on Nov. 30 after being swaddled in too much bedding.

Born in May, the baby's arrival brought infinite joy to his family. Unfortunately, he was found cold and lifeless in his bed on Wednesday morning. His mother, surnamed Zhu, immediately called an ambulance. However, the medical personnel was unable to save the infant's life. A doctor said the baby had no vital signs when he arrived at the hospital.

Babies can overheat because of too much bedding or clothing, and overheating increases the risk of sudden unexpected death of infants (SUDI), which is most likely to occur in winter or spring in the first year of a baby's life. Infants should not sleep with too much bedding or other wrappings. Instead, parents are advised to choose loose and soft clothes. Doctors suggest that babies sleep in a cot beside parents' beds, where it is easier to look after them.
By Andrei Lankov





A new U.S. President has been elected, and this time the world's most powerful job went to, should we say, a rather unconventional person. Indeed, a former real estate tycoon and TV celebrity is not the type of individual we expect to see in the Oval Office. But such was the will of the people, and the outside world must adjust to this new era.

To what extent Donald Trump's domestic and foreign policies will follow the rather wild promises he generously delivered on the campaign trail remains unknown. Some economist friends are optimistic that some of Trumps' proposals may work well. We will have to wait and see. Inhabitants of this rather small peninsula in Northeast Asia, however, have good reason to feel uneasy about the next four, perhaps eight years.

What little is known about Donald Trump and his world view does not bode well for stability on the Korean Peninsula. During his campaign, Trump offered clues about his approach to North Korea. First, he said in an interview, rather casually, that he would not mind talking to Kim Jong-un  or, to be more precise, to meet the North Korean leader over a hamburger (but not at a state dinner). Second, the real estate mogul argued that China should be somehow forced to "make that [North Korean] problem disappear." Third, he expressed his admiration for Kim Jong-un's skills in taking and maintaining power against tremendous odds. And, of course, Mr. Trump has expressed his belief that South Korea is, to an extent, a free rider in the U.S.-ROK alliance and may be better off with a nuclear arsenal instead of 28,000 US soldiers.

These are rather discombobulated signals, which might indicate a willingness to talk and search for compromise, but at the same time a desire to leave things as they are (that is, to continue President Obama's "strategic patience"). Both options are certainly possible, but so is, unfortunately in equal parts, a dangerous escalation of hostilities and instability on the Korean Peninsula.

The central problem is that Kim Jong-un and his circle remain determined to acquire the capability to strike the lower 48 states with a nuclear warhead. At present there only two countries capable of this (excluding longtime U.S. allies)  Russia and China. North Korean may join this group soon and, judging by the speed of its advances, it might happen while Donald Trump resides in the White House.

This will be the foremost national security challenge of his administration, and one can only wonder how President Trump will react to it. In the past, dramatic revelations of North Korea's nuclear advancement were likely to provoke illicit conciliatory action from the international community with some additional (not particularly effective) diplomatic gestures or pressure. However, the unpredictable Donald Trump may well consider something that has been taboo since, at least, the early 1990s  an offensive preventive strike against North Korean nuclear and missile facilities.

Similar actions, undertaken by the Israelis against historical enemies Iraq and Syria, have been successful  at least, both countries never again approached comparable nuclear technology after their facilities were wiped out by the Israeli air force. There is some reason to believe a similar scheme may work in North Korea: one well-planned strike could theoretically halt North Korea's advancement for many years.

Such options have been similarly dismissed by U.S. central command (even when South Korea wanted to mount some sort of counterattack, as was the case following the Cheonan sinking in 2010).The conventional wisdom is that any attack on the North would spill in to an all-out war, straining U.S. alliances and threatening international stability.

North Korea is highly unlikely to retaliate against the U.S. directly following an attack on their nuclear facilities. This is simply beyond their capabilities, and they will hardly wish for more airstrikes from a vastly superior air power that would target the Kim family compound and those of Pyongyang power brokers. However, that doesn't mean North Korea wouldn't do anything. The vast majority of Northern firepower lies at or near the DMZ and is pointed directly at Seoul, less than 60km away and home to nearly half of South Korea's 51 million people. Until now the tremendous risk of civilian causalities has tabled any serious discussion on strikes against North Korea. But will President Trump and his advisers make the same considerations? He has said himself the United States should be "unpredictable." Alliances  military and economic alike  seem to be arbitrarily dismissed one day and embraced the next.

Admittedly, this is treading towards a worst-case scenario. A lot of things will have to happen to get us to that point. And many actors will have to be involved  the incoming administration has over 4,300 positions to fill. There are entrenched D.C. elites and a vast Asia-focused bureaucracy to navigate and overcome, should Trump depart radically from the current path. A lot will depend on those close to him, his diplomats, security advisers and the like. We have no way to know whether he is serious about his earlier promises. Nonetheless, an unpredictable Trump White House forces us to consider once-taboo policy scenarios.





Andrei Lankov was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and teaches at Kookmin University in Seoul. Reach him at anlankov@yahoo.com.
North Korea's mission to the United Nations rejected the latest U.N. sanctions on the communist nation as "discriminatory" and "unfair," repeating the country's long-running claims that its nuclear program is for self-defense.

"We do not recognize this discriminatory, double-standard, unilateral and unfair resolution," a North Korean diplomat said at the U.N. headquarters after the Security Council adopted Resolution 2321 with a focus on choking off the North's revenue sources to punish the regime for its fifth nuclear test in September.

"Our position is clear and consistent," the North's diplomat said. "There is a root cause for the Korean Peninsula problem ... This resolution is not designed to address the root cause."

The North has long blamed what it calls the U.S. "hostile policy" as the root cause behind its nuclear program.

"All our actions are for self-defense and are related to survival," the North's diplomat said, claiming that the country is only trying to defend itself, not threaten others.












A North Korean delegation paid tribute to former Cuban leader Fidel Castro by delivering a wreath sent by the North's leader, Pyongyang's state media said Thursday.

The delegation led by Choe Ryong-hae, a vice chairman of the ruling party's central committee, expressed condolences over Castro's death Tuesday in Havana, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The delegation laid the wreath sent by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the place of mourning at Cuba's national theater. Castro died at the age of 90 last week.

North Korea sent its high-ranking official Choe to Havana on Monday to attend Castro's memorial services in a move seen as showing its close ties with the Caribbean nation. It called Castro a "close friend and comrade" of North Koreans.

Pyongyang honored Castro by setting a three-day mourning period from Monday to Wednesday. It hoisted flags at half-staff at major organizations and designated places. (Yonhap)
South Korea's unilateral action aimed at punishing North Korea for its recent nuclear test will be an expanded version of Seoul's existing sanctions designed to get Pyongyang to give up its nuclear and missile development programs, a government official said Thursday.

Seoul is set to announce a fresh set of sanctions on Friday, just two days after the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) adopted a new package to penalize the reclusive state for moving forward with its fifth nuclear test in September.

The announcement will be made by the prime minister's office.

An official at Seoul's unification ministry declined to reveal details, but he said that the upcoming punitive steps will be an updated version of the unilateral sanctions imposed in March.

On March 8, South Korea unveiled its own sanctions, including an entry ban at South Korean ports of vessels that have visited the North, about a week after the UNSC slapped its toughest-ever sanctions on Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile provocations early this year.

It also blacklisted scores of key North Korean officials and organizations suspected of being involved in the development of its nuclear and missile programs. But the North's leader Kim Jong-un and his younger sister Kim Yo-jong were not included on the list.

Touching on the latest U.N. sanctions, the official said that the resolution reflected efforts to close loopholes found in the previous resolution.

On Wednesday, the UNSC decided to impose a significant cap on Pyongyang's exports of coal and slap on other restrictions in a bid to cut off major sources of hard currency for the regime.

Under the March resolution, North Korea's coal exports for "livelihood" purposes were allowed, an exception that has been exploited by the country.

The government official said North Korea's trade with China rose by a smaller-than-expected pace this year from a year earlier, possibly affected by a set of U.N. sanctions.

North Korea's trade with China rose 2.7 percent on-year to US$3.33 billion in the April-October period, the official said, citing data by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). (Yonhap)
By Park Moo-jong

While the people have been fed up with bad news about President Park Keun-hye for more than a month, good news about the proposed Yongsan Park in Seoul early this week was a consolation.

The good news featured the government's decision to make the park a history- and ecology-friendly resting place for citizens by scrapping an earlier plan to build eight "big" structures in the park precincts as demanded by various ministries.

Until the early 1980s, "ordinary" Koreans had little knowledge of Central Park in New York City, an oasis that functions as the city's "green lung."

It was in September 1981 when New York City's proud and historical landmark got to draw the interest of Koreans thanks to American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, who held a free benefit concert there in front of more than 500,000 people.

Eleven years later in 1992, Central Park was again introduced to Koreans as well as global moviegoers by the American Christmas comedy film, "Home Alone 2," as the lead character Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, encountered a homeless woman tending to pigeons there.

Watching the pair's performance before such a "big crowd" at the park on TV, many Koreans, including myself, were envious of such a fantastic green place in the middle of Manhattan.

I had a chance to "see" Central Park in September 1985, recalling the 1981 Simon & Garfunkel concert, on my way to Ottawa, Canada to cover the then IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union) session and to have an exclusive interview with the then Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

Walking in the park in front of the Plaza early in the autumnal morning with one of my friends living in New Jersey, I could not but be impressed by the fresh air in the park in such a big city.

And I thought of the Hyde Park in London, Stanley Park in Vancouver, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco and Ueno Park in Tokyo.

My friend asked, "Why don't we have such parks in Seoul?

I joked, "Don't worry. Though we don't have such big parks, we have millions of Parks here, there and everywhere. Don't we?"

The site of Yongsan Park is very special historically for Koreans since it has been occupied by foreign troops as a strategic point leading to the heart of the capital city. In the 13th century, the Mongolian army used it as its logistics base during its invasion of the Goryo Kingdom (918-1392). During the Japanese colonial rule of Korea (1910-1945), the site was the base of Japanese Army headquarters.

Since the ceasefire of the Korean War (1950-1953), the Eighth U.S. Army has been using the location as its headquarters

After numerous rounds of talks stretching decades, South Korea and the U.S. agreed in 2004 to move the U.S. military headquarters to Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province and six years later they decided to complete the relocation by 2017.



Seoul City Hall plans to start construction work to create a park there from next year following the withdrawal of American troops and to complete it by 2027.

What a gift to Seoul citizens who have no such a park like Central Park, so far!

With regard to the government's decision not to build new structures in the projected Yongsan Park they temporarily named it "Yongsan State Park," and for this Seoul City Hall deserves kudos.

Ten years ago in 2006, City Hall vowed to turn the Yongsan base area into a park larger than London's Hyde Park when U.S. troops move out.

But they faced an unexpected difficulty in pushing ahead with the initial plan to fully use the 3.58 square kilometers of land due to ministries' "greed" to use some of the land.

With the full support of citizens and experts, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon strongly demanded in June that the ministries give up their plan to utilize space on the site.

Not to speak of Park's remarks and experts' opinion, the projected Yongsan Park should be a nature- and ecological-friendly place and a city landmark like Central Park, which was designated in 1962 as a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior.

Stanley Park in Vancouver could be a good example as Yongsan Park borders downtown of Seoul and can be a green oasis in the mega city of 10 million population.



One of the most important values of Yongsan Park is its role as a green lung for citizens. It is a fortune for Seoul citizens to have such a vast green zone in the "concrete jungle" like that of Central Park for New Yorkers in Manhattan.

Another important point the landscape architects and city officials have to keep in mind during the construction work is how to preserve the historical value of the Yongsan area.



There are a number of historical and cultural resources in the region, including facilities the Japanese and U.S. military had used, many of which can be candidates for world cultural heritage of UNESCO, like Wisu Prison operated by the Japanese military police during the Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula.

It will be something like teaching a fish to swim to say that Yongsan Park should be made with a farsighted view.

It's just pleasant for me to imagine the kind of Simon & Garfunkel concert not in a stadium or gym, but in Yongsan Park in 2027 and thereafter.

Park Moo-jong is the Korea Times advisor. He served as the president-publisher of the nation's first English newspaper from 2004 to 2014 after he worked as a reporter of the daily since 1974. He can be reached at moojong@ktimes.com or emjei29@gmial.com
by John J. Metzler



UNITED NATIONS  It' s not often a senior UN official leaves a prepared and rigid script to emotionally describe a situation to delegates in the Security Council. But when Humanitarian Chief Stephen O'Brien told diplomats, "I am more or less at my wit's end as a human being" in describing and cataloguing the horrors of Syria's civl war, he was stating the painful truth.



As this column has stressed on many occasions, Syria has descended into Dante's Inferno. During more than five years of conflict, 500,000 people have been killed and millions rendered homeless or displaced as refugees. The ongoing Syrian conflict has been viewed by many with shameful indifference. Echoes of Bosnia a generation ago.



Aleppo, and the ongoing siege by Assad government forces remains the epicenter of the conflict;



this proud once thriving city has been reduced to swaths of rubble, a jagged patchwork of control by terrorist factions, regime loyalists, and militias. Starvation stalks the land while regime helicopters indiscriminately drop hideous "barrel bombs" and Russian jets pound presumably rebel positions. UN humanitarian aid waits in suspended animation as shells fall.



"Humanitarian conditions in eastern Aleppo have gone from terrible to terrifying and now barely survivable by human beings," Stephen O'Brien asserted. There's limited food and medicine for a beleaguered civilian population caught in the crossfire. He called on countries to use their influence to "put an end to the slaughterhouse that is Aleppo," and to allow humanitarian access.



A pattern of medieval style sieges affect Aleppo and other towns: a brutal but effective way to isolate the opposition. O'Brien stated that, at this time last year, 374,000 civilians were besieged; six months ago the number stood at 487,000, and today a total of 974,000, "Nearly one million Syrians are living tonight under siege." He adds, "There is nothing subtle or complicated about the practice of besiegementit is a deliberate tactic of cruelty to compound a people's suffering for political, military and in some cases economic gain."



Undersecretary General O'Brien added that, "attacks on civilian infrastructure, most notably hospitals and schools have become so commonplace it takes your breath away." Pre-war Syria had one of the most advanced health care systems in the world according to a World Health Organization official.



Thus as Syria enters the labyrinth deeper into Hell, UN humanitarian efforts continue in aiding nearly six million people across the country. Nonetheless O'Brien begged all concerned countries to respect UN Security Council resolutions to lift sieges and allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the embattled land.



A fractious Council debate followed with American Ambassador Samantha Power stating that the Syrian government was following a "starve, get bombed or surrender" strategy. Amb. Power conceded that while "atrocities committed by terrorist organizations must be acknowledged," she stressed the deadly role of the "government and Russian terror" in the civil war.



British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft stated forcefully, "Russia has the power to allow the aid so desperately needed into the city, if it does not, the world will hold it to account for the barbarous resultI urge the Russian Federation to persuade the Syrian regime to let the UN do its job and get aid into Aleppo." Regarding Russian air strikes on hospitals in rebel areas Amb. Rycroft added, "We all want to counter terrorism in Syria, but attacks on schools and hospitals are not counter terrorist operations."



Russia's delegate Vladimir Safronkov denied the charges and went so far as to claim his government was assisting UN humanitarian aid in Syria and facilitating political efforts towards solving the expanding conflict.



Focusing on both the humanitarian and political side, Egypt's Ambassador Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta emphasized there "was no military solution" and that a comprehensive political settlement was needed. Indeed so, but how to reach that near impossible consensus goal?



Syria's Ambassador Bashar Jaafari decried the terrorism plaguing his country. "The terrorists were the tafiris that were influenced by Saudi Wahhabi teachings. They came from all over the world." He emphasized, "It was the same terrorism that was being fought in Mosul with support by the international coalition." He asked why there was a double standard on fighting them in his country? ISIL, Al-Nusra and other radical Islamic groups are dangerously entrenched.



Again we return to Undersecretary General O'Brien who warns, "There is no amount of military operations that will see an end to the conflict. The only solution, as has been said countless times before, is a political solution."



Finding an elusive political solution challenges diplomacy, morality, and indifference. Solve Syria now!



John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamics: The Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea. China." Contact jjmcolumn@earthlink.net








President Park Geun-hye appointed Park Young-soo, one of two candidates that the opposition parties recommended, as independent counsel to probe the influence-peddling scandal that has instigated an impeachment crisis. The independent counsel has 120 days to investigate the case and can bring charges.



The former head of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office has a strong background in uncovering business corruption. He now takes on an unprecedented case where Korea's sitting president faces investigation by an independent counsel for the first time.



Ultimately, the independent counsel should aim to respond to the people's call to get to the bottom of the Choi scandal that has brought immeasurable shame to the country. It is also imperative that he is not swayed by politics and remains solely focused on a fair probe.



The need for a special investigation is all the more obvious when considering the loose investigation by state prosecutors so far, which has only fueled public rage.



After an earlier investigation, the prosecution determined that Park conspired with Choi, who has been charged with abuse of power. All eyes will be on whether the President will cooperate with the independent counsel's investigation.



In her public apology on Nov. 4, Park said she would submit to a full-fledged investigation by state prosecutors or special counsel if necessary, but she then refused to be questioned by the prosecution.



Cheong Wa Dae questioned the fairness of the prosecution's probe and even mocked it by saying the investigation results were based on "imagination." The presidential office also refused to recognize any of the prosecution's assertions of Park's involvement in the scandal.



During a third public apology this week, the President reiterated that she has only worked for the national interest and had never sought personal gain. But such an explanation does little to clear the suspicions many people have about her dealings with conglomerates.



Park should stop making excuses to gloss over her presidency and deliver a truthful account of her role in the Choi scandal during the special probe.




Opposition must respond to Saenuri's overture



The opposition's plan to impeach President Park Geun-hye on Friday appears off the table as the minor opposition People's Party rejected a request to vote on the impeachment.



"Our goal is to impeach Park rather than offer the impeachment motion itself, although the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) plans to propose the motion Friday," a People's Party spokesman said. The splinter party's decision makes sense, considering that the motion is unlikely to be passed because anti-Park lawmakers from the governing Saenuri Party want to continue discussions on Park's "orderly departure."



The three opposition parties and liberal independents occupy only 172 seats, falling short of the 200 votes, or two-thirds of the 300-member National Assembly, needed to pass the impeachment motion. This means that the opposition must recruit at least 28 votes from the ruling party.



But Saenuri Party lawmakers who supported the impeachment backed down after Park offered to resign before her term ends according to a schedule and legal procedures agreed on in the Assembly. In this respect, the DPK's blind pursuit of impeachment is obviously unrealistic.



The largest opposition party and its leader Choo Mi-ae have been urging the scandal-ridden President to step down immediately and unconditionally. But this demand is also unrealistic, given that the next presidential election must be held within 60 days after Park's resignation  too pressing a schedule for all parties to prepare.



Impeaching President Park is surely a hot potato.



If the Assembly votes down the impeachment motion, the candlelit protests could spread further and might turn violent, with accusations directed at the legislature. The looming political chaos might deal a fatal blow to the already-moribund economy and national security as Park will have no reason to step down legally.



Even in the event of the impeachment motion passing the Assembly, confusion will continue until the Constitutional Court decides on the motion amid the acute split in public opinion.



Impeachment is a legal means but does more harm than good. True, Park's intention to resign seems dubious, but the point is that she announced her willingness to step down. That's what the opposition parties eagerly wanted until recently.



One cannot help but call into question why the opposition  especially the DPK  even refuses to talk with the Saenuri Party over Park's orderly departure. It is encouraging in this regard that the ruling party unanimously decided to have Park step down before April 30 and hold the next presidential election in June in its gathering of lawmakers, Thursday.



The opposition should respond to the governing party's overture to end political uncertainty as soon as possible. Of course, the impeachment procedure needs to go on while the parties are engaged in negotiations to determine Park's fate.




By Lee Min-hyung

The nation's top-tier research university has signed a partnership with the Mongolian government over expanding smart farms for the East Asian country.

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said Thursday the partnership will help the country to reduce its heavy reliance on foods imports, as the intelligent farming platforms will enable local residents there to harvest vegetables during extremely unfriendly climate conditions.

As the country's temperature in a winter season  which runs from October to April  drops to some -40 degrees, it has been almost impossible for Mongolian people to harvest any vegetables or fruits, the KAIST said.

But the recent partnership will help the country dramatically enhance its self-sufficiency for vegetables, as the Internet of Things (IoT)-converged farm management systems are expected to help users manage and keep track of harvest information in real-time.

"We hope this technological collaboration expands smart farms all across Mongolia," KAIST professor Choi Moon-ki said in a statement. "KAIST believes our smart farm project to help drive up the country's economic growth."

For the project, KAIST will also join hands with the Seoul-based electronics research body, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) over co-developing various greenhouse management systems.
Samsung Electronics Co. said Thursday it has retrieved about 67 percent of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones sold in South Korea about three months after it conducted a global recall of the smartphones over a safety risk.

Taking into consideration that some owners of the Note 7 had applied to swap their Note 7s for other smartphones via online reservations, the return rate could be 83 percent as of Wednesday, said an official at Samsung.

Samsung started selling the Note 7 in South Korea on Aug. 19, but halted sales and conducted a global recall in early September following reports of some of the devices catching fire while being charged.

On Wednesday, Samsung completed a replacement program in South Korea that encouraged the Note 7 owners to replace their smartphones with others from Samsung's Galaxy family, including the Galaxy S7 or the Galaxy S7 Edge.

Those who still have the Note 7 smartphones can get a full refund or swap their devices for other smartphones by the end of this year. (Yonhap)
(File photo)

By September, the number of HIV carriers and HIV-positive patients in China stood at 654,000, while 201,000 people have died of the disease, Chinas disease prevention and control center said prior to World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

According to the Chinas Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some 94.2 percent of new cases between January and September were transmitted sexually. The number of HIV carriers and patients in China by the end of 2015 was about 850,000. The total infection rate was 0.06 percent, putting the disease at a low epidemic rate in the nation, Xinhua reported.

Wang Guoqiang, deputy director of the National Commission of Health and Family Planning, announced that Chinas AIDS prevention campaign has proven effective, as transmission of the disease via blood, injection and from mother to child has been sucessfully curtailed, according to Xinhua.

However, Wang Yu, director of the CDC, warned that the situation of HIV/AIDS in China remains severe, and disease control and prevention still face many challenges. As more than 90 percent of new carriers were infected sexually, the virus is spreading from sensitive populations into the general public.

In addition, up to one-third of carriers and patients may be unaware of their own infections, Wang noted.
SBS' Monday and Tuesday night drama "Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim" breached the 20% mark on its viewer ratings in its fourth week. The drama has captivated audiences with its great story and plot. On top of that, the stellar performance of its cast members is amazing.

In the fourth week of "Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim" airing, the drama has captivated the audience and scored very high ratings. Its rating surpassed the 20% benchmark in the AGB Nielsen for its Episode 8 to reach 21.7% and ranked 1st with 2.9 million audiences. In the TnMS rating, it scored 19.5% and ranked 2nd.

"Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim" Episode 7 shows a good acting performance by Yoo Yeon-Seok and Seo Hyun-Jin as reported by Seoul Daily News. They both can show a good chemistry as two young doctors who worked under Teacher Kim.

While in Episode 8, conspiracy to defame Teacher Kim was being developed according to the official release from SBS. Moreover with the appearance of a gangster in the hospital that tried to kill a patient has given Teacher Kim's former colleague Yoon-Wan the opportunity to take over Doldam Hospital.

Yoon-Wan was the one who framed Teacher Kim by using Hyun-Chul to perform surgery on Teacher Kim's student. The student died on the operating table; all people conspired to falsely blame Teacher Kim as the surgeon who performed the operation.

This time, Yoon-Wan will try again to defame Teacher Kim. It is because of the owner of Geodae Hospital, chairman Shin selected Teacher Kim instead of the doctor from Geodae Hospital, to perform his cardiac surgery. Yoon-Wan, who is now the director of the Geodae Hospital did everything he could to bring down Teacher Kim.

Teacher Kim who was previously known as doctor Boo Yong-joo is the doctor who had nickname "the Hand of God" due to his expertise in surgery. He is the only doctor with triple board certification in General surgery, cardiac surgery, and neurosurgery.

Watch the preview of the "Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim" Episode 8, when the police barged into the hospital below:
A robot fish inspects a pipeline. (Chinanews.com/Liu Yutao)

A team at Lanzhou Petrochemical Polytechnic has invented a smart "robot fish" that can explore underwater realms, Chinanews.com reported on Nov. 30.

The robotic fish utilizes many advanced technologies, including mechanical electronics, sensors and artificial intelligence. It can be used for pipeline detection, hydrology, water quality monitoring, underwater rescue and more. The robot has won a number of prizes for its sophisticated craftsmanship and advanced technology.

According to Hong Zirong, supervisor of the team that built the robot, the majority of water pollution and logging problems are caused by pipeline ruptures or leakage. Research indicates that current pipeline detection technology has poor accuracy. This situation inspired Professor Hong and his students to develop a new technology that, unlike earlier technology, is able to examine pipelines from the inside.

The robot fish has high detection accuracy and sensitivity, but costs under 100,000 RMB. It can be controlled via both computer and mobile phone.

A student controls the robot fish with a mobile phone. (Chinanews.com/Liu Yutao)

Ding Jiahui, one of the team's members, said that their professor's encouragement was very empowering. Gao Bo, head of the college, pointed out that the vocational education has overcome many of the shortcomings of traditional undergraduate education. Once the students enter the school, teachers guide them to grasp professional skills with a worker's attitude. Colleges then get feedback about students' post-graduation performance two to three years out, which supports a chain of quality education.

The college plans to introduce more technical teachers in the future to facilitate an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship, said Gao.
(Xinhua) 19:47, December 01, 2016

GAZA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A United Nations official on Thursday slammed what he described as the international community's silence toward the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

"The world has closed its eyes and ears about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza," Pierre Krahenbuhl, commissioner general for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), told a news briefing in Gaza.

"It's not acceptable at all to keep the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people ongoing due to wars that the Gaza Strip witnessed and the hard daily living situation facing people there," said Krahenbuhl.

The Gaza Strip's population of two million has been under an Israeli blockade since the Islamic Hamas movement's violent takeover of the coastal enclave in the summer of 2007.

In addition to the negative impact of the blockade on economy and daily life, Israel waged three large-scale military offensives against the Gaza Strip to rein in Hamas-led militant groups and prevent them from waging attacks against Israel.

"The world should be even more concerned about the humanitarian cost of 50 years of occupation and 10 years of an endless blockade imposed on Gaza," said Krahenbuhl.

"If the world continues to simply watch what happens in Gaza," Krahenbuhl warned, "the situation will never improve in the coming years, which means increased suffering of children, senior citizens and women."

He also noted that over 65 percent of students studying at UNRWA schools can't find employment due to the harsh living conditions and increasing poverty and unemployment rates.

"Some 90 percent of UNRWA's schoolchildren have never been out of Gaza ever since they were born," said Krahenbuhl.

Krahenbuhl said Gaza's internationally-backed construction plan has completely stopped and that in May 2016, he provided Israel with a list of 400 people's names whose homes needed reconstruction.

"We have the money to rebuild these homes, but until now the Israeli side has not given any positive or negative response to our request," said Krahenbuhl.
A judge ruled Wednesday that a defense-hired psychologist will be able to testify at the trial of a man charged with killing his girlfriends mother last year. Nicholas Godejohn is scheduled to be tried without a jury on Feb. 6.

Godejohn, 27, of Big Bend, Wisc., is charged with first-degree murder for the stabbing death of Clauddine Dee Dee Blancharde, 48, in June 2015 at her home just north of Springfield. Blanchardes daughter, Gypsy, 25, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last July and received a 10-year prison sentence.

Investigators believe Gypsy Blancharde and Godejohn met online and communicated secretly for three years before he came to Springfield at her request. They think Godejohn killed Dee Dee, took several thousand dollars from her house, mailed the murder knife to his home, and returned to Wisconsin with Gypsy by bus. Police arrested them at Godejohns home a few days after the murder.

Psychologist Kent Franks of Springfield told Circuit Judge Calvin Holden at a hearing on Wednesday that he did two mental evaluations of Godejohn at the Greene County jail. He said the murder suspect thought he was doing the right thing when he killed Blancharde, because he wanted to rescue Gypsy from her mother.

The Blanchardes relatives believe Dee Dee Blanchard required her daughter to act as if she was sick, and pretend to be younger than she is, so they could get sympathy and aid from charities and social service agencies. People who knew them thought Gypsy couldnt walk and possibly was fatally ill.

The Blanchardes moved to Springfield in 2006 from Louisiana after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. After they moved, they used the last name Blancharde instead of Blanchard as the rest of their family does.

Franks said Godejohn is on the autism spectrum and spent most of his time on the internet and playing video games. The psychologist described the murder suspect as more like a child than an adult. He said his IQ is 82 and he functions at the level of a 10- or 11-year-old person.

The psychologists findings could result in Godejohn being found guilty of a lesser charge than first-degree murder, which requires someone to deliberate before killing another person.

The judge said he would allow Franks testimony over objections of prosecutors, who argued Franks isnt qualified to be an expert witness.

Godejohn waived his right to a trial by jury.
(Xinhua) 21:04, December 01, 2016

BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Back in his native Britain, Jack Jones was an aimless drifter, a "Jack of all trades" who had stints working on a fishing trawler, in a sugar beet factory, as a potato digger and a speedway rider. This all changed when he registered as a wartime conscientious objector, colloquially known as a "conshie," in the Friends Ambulance Unit (FAU) set up by the Quakers, and after months of rigorous training, landed in China in 1945.

Suddenly, Jack found himself with a mission and a passion as he hit the ground running, providing desperately needed medical relief mainly from the FAU transport depot in Chongqing, during a critical and turbulent time in China's history.

Andrew Hicks chronicles the story of Jack's experiences and those of other FAU volunteers from 1945 to 1951 in his recent book "Jack Jones: A True Friend to China," an edited collection of Jack's weekly "China Convoy" newsletter contributions that were distributed throughout the country. As Hicks pointed out, being a "conshie" was not an easy way out of military service, as the foreign volunteers who worked in China's FAU were subjected to an "experience high on culture shock," austere living conditions, ever-present danger, deadly diseases and sword-wielding bandits.

"The FAU distributed about 80 percent of all medical supplies in China during the war years and saved many lives over a ten-year period, a massive humanitarian achievement," Hicks, both a lawyer and writer who comes from Britain, told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview.

He said the wartime contributions of the Flying Tigers, whom FAU members would have encountered occasionally in and around the southeastern Chinese city of Kunming whose air base was the entry point for arriving FAU members and medical supplies, are still remembered and celebrated in China. Yet the same can't be said about the FAU. "Sadly the FAU, a fine Anglo-American project, is as good as forgotten both in China and the West," Hicks said, who sought to change this with his book.

FOREIGN WOMEN VOLUNTEERS

Another interesting aspect to the book is its mention of foreign women volunteers in the FAU. During wartime, the FAU initially only posted men to China, Hicks said, but that changed when there was a great demand for nurses.

"In June 1944, three British nurses were sent out and worked in appalling conditions at a field hospital at Paoshan (Baoshan) trying to save the shattered Chinese soldiers, battling on the Salween front to eject the Japanese invaders from Yunnan. From then on women, both foreign and Chinese, became key players in the project," he said.

Hicks mentioned the example of Margaret Stanley, an American nurse who worked in an FAU surgical project in the caves at Mao's headquarters in Yan'an in northwest China and was on the run with other members of the FAU's medical team when the Nationalist soldiers arrived. "They were unaccounted for during many months, moving their operating theater from place to place and continuing to operate in extraordinary conditions," Hicks said, adding that one foreign FAU team member even gave birth while they were fleeing and carried her newborn with her.

Just as remarkable is the story of Fleda Jones, a young African-American laboratory technician who joined Jack's medical work in Chongqing in northwest China in November 1949 just days before the communists took over.

"As a petite young woman, unable to speak the language, of a racial minority that made her a constant curiosity, it really took guts to fly alone into an imminent war zone. Fleda performed fine service in Jack's clinic, carrying a massive work load in appalling conditions and her full story, with a near tragic twist, is dramatically told in my book," Hicks said.

WHO WAS JACK JONES?

As the time and place Hicks' book deals with are remote to many today, Hicks believed a film might bring his work closer to contemporary audiences.

"Nothing would make it more accessible than a movie, which Jack's story certainly deserves. China of the forties is a world away and the context of Jack's stories does take some effort for readers to grasp," Hicks said. "I really do believe though that for an assiduous reader, Jack's collected writings do make a great adventure story at many levels, despite the difficulty of grasping the context."

So how did Hicks first stumble upon Jack's story? The author told Xinhua that when he was teaching at the University of Hong Kong in the 1970s, he worked as a fundraising volunteer in his spare time for Oxfam, the British NGO that supplies global development aid. There, Hicks befriended two Oxfam directors who used to work in the FAU.

Three decades later found Hicks in Thailand, having published a popular backpacker novel called "Thai Girl." When Hicks' novel was frequently compared to Jack Reynolds' 1956 worldwide bestseller "A Woman of Bangkok," he felt there was something he needed to pursue.

"Nobody in Bangkok knew who this author was so I started digging. It turned out that Jack Jones (his real surname) had been in China with the FAU and by coincidence was a close personal friend of my Hong Kong Oxfam friends and had later settled in Thailand in 1951, working as a transport officer for UNICEF. I then traced his family in Bangkok and met several of his friends, so when I returned to live in the UK, I wanted to learn more about him," Hicks said.

Hicks' quest for Jack Jones ("Reynolds" was a pen name Jack had used for his books) and the FAU led him on a research odyssey to the Friends (Quaker) archives on both sides of the Atlantic and included tracking down several surviving FAU members.

"I started this process about six years ago, since when I have met about eleven survivors who were actually there and exchanged emails with another four. In total I have shared information with perhaps fifty families," Hicks said about his arduous research. For example, he said it took him years to track down the daughters of John Peter, the longest-serving of all FAU members who had escaped the Japanese invasion of Rangoon and finally left China in 1951.

Sharing his findings about their father with Peter's daughters has been one of the most rewarding of his discoveries, Hicks said. Another great discovery was finding eight of Jack's illustrations in Seattle, which Hicks plans to include in a reprint of his book. "There have been many Holy Grail moments like these but they have been hard won," he said.

LABOR OF LOVE

Yet for Hicks it was a labor of love, and he felt compelled to share Jack's story with the world. "Jack's long articles told of the day-to-day work of the transport unit in Chongqing and I just fell in love with his writings. Somehow this sparkling writer, bashing the keys in the heat and humidity of Chongqing, one of China's 'four furnaces,' crafted anecdotes that were more evocative and immediate than any formal history written much later could ever be. I just had to collect, transcribe and edit this mass of material into a story of China at a terrible time in history telling of the dedication and commitment of Jack and the many principled young foreigners of the FAU who really did want to make a difference," the author said.

Hicks' curiosity drove him to seek out the transport depot in Chongqing where Jack wrote his blog-like newsletter articles. Today, on the former site of the depot, which Hicks described as "a messy collection of low buildings with trucks packed into a small yard," stands a school.

"The Chongqing 110 Middle School is now a bright and friendly place and when we showed the children some photos from the forties of the depot and the surrounding countryside, they could not believe their eyes. I'd love them all to be able to learn more of the epic struggle of the FAU to distribute medicines in such terrible times that took place right there under their feet in so different a world that is just still within living memory," Hicks said.

In some respects, Hicks and Jack are kindred spirits that transcend time and space. "Jack wrote a single novel about a young Englishman falling in love in Thailand and so did I. We both love the English language and writing it, we both relish the special stimulus of living in a foreign culture that makes each moment of every day special, we share a love of Southeast Asia and of China, and, like him, I have the urge to do something worthwhile with my life," Hicks said.

MULTIPLE LEGACIES

When asked about Jack's greatest legacy, Hicks suggested that his legacies are manifold. If one takes popular appeal as a yardstick, he cited Jack's novel, "A Woman of Bangkok," which is still in print 60 years later and praised for its accurate portrayal of a "Thai lady of the night."

Yet Hicks pointed out that in a published interview, Jack said that among his works, his personal favorite was "Daughters of an Ancient Race" (1974), a story collection about the plights of Chinese women who sought out the medical services of the FAU in Chongqing and whom Jack knew personally.

"Jack would hardly have recognized the term, feminist, but that is the book's approach to the predicament of Chinese women, an oppressed group over long millennia of China's history," Hicks said.

To Hicks, Jack's legacy transcends one man and his written works. "For me though his most important legacy is a collective one, shared with the four hundred or so foreign FAU volunteers who served together in China throughout the forties, and that is their monumental dedication to the people of China," he said.

"Jack of course was a key chronicler of the FAU, he wrote ephemeral pieces that have proved to be enduring, and I hope I have now done my bit in rescuing from oblivion and securing that legacy," Hicks said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.1



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



Ukraine has imported 740 tons of propane-butane mixture (LPG) from Azerbaijan in the beginning of the third decade of November, according to UPECO consulting company.



The company said that Ukraine hasnt previously received liquefied gas from Azerbaijan.



The importers are Ukrainian Nadezhda company and SOCAR Energy Ukraine (subsidiary of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR), which contracted for 530 tons and 210 tons of LPG, respectively. Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery is the producer of LPG, said the message from UPECO.



The LPG was imported to Ukraine via the railway from City Gas terminal which is located in Romanias Galati Free Trade Zone, said UPECO. The propane-butane mixture was delivered to the terminal in Romania with a tanker from Batumi Sea Port.



The company said that the import of LPG from Azerbaijan to Ukraine is fragmentary, as the terminal in Galati receives liquefied gas from various sources, including Russia, Kazakhstan, as well as Black and Mediterranean Sea countries.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:

Its a dirty job, but someones got to do it. Truth be told, the folks at Chimney Sweeps, Inc. want to do it  clean your chimney, that is, and according to Julian Margo, the lead contractor in this established family business, the jobs not as dirty as you may think.

The sweep does not go down into the chimney to clean it, Margo emphasized. If the sweep went into the chimney wed never see him again. Theyre not designed for a human being to go down inside. When you see people in Mary Poppins jumping in and sliding out, thats definitely not the case.

So get those images of Dick Van Dyke, covered from head to toe in soot, as Bert the chimney sweep out of your head. It is a cliche, said Margo with a chuckle. We get it a lot and we have to embrace it. Theres definitely no fighting it.

Chimney Sweeps, Inc. was founded in 1985 by master sweep Steven Carter, and today his enterprising company includes his wife Valerie, sister Georgia and two sons, Ariel and Julian. The half-dozen sweeps in the field, who show up at your home in traditional English top hats and tails, by the way, do more than clean chimneys. They are licensed contractors who do inspections and make repairs as well.

About now you may be thinking This is San Diego, where its 70 degrees year-round. Who uses their chimney, even if they have a chimney?

Margo explained: A large majority of the clients we service never use their chimney. The idea that weve always promoted is that your chimney is part of your home, and it gets neglected. People dont even think about it.

The reason that we do this in San Diego so much is because people care about protecting their investment. If they use their chimney they want to keep it safe. If they dont, they want to keep it in good condition because its just like the driveway or the roof, one of those things in a home that should be looked at regularly.

As an analogy, Lets say you buy a brand-new BMW in 1999. You park it on the side of the road and you dont touch it for 20 years. Then you decide to hop in and get out on the freeway. That car isnt necessarily staying in good condition.

The cost of a Chimney Sweeps, Inc. inspection hasnt gone up much over the years. It was $39 in 1987, Margo said, and $49 today. A cleaning goes for $99, in which case the inspection fee is waived.

The companys customer base numbers over 30,000, with clients from South Bay to North County. We are a very popular bunch in our top hats, Margo said. Very much in demand. No more so than at this time of year. Margo said that early fall is among the sweeps busiest times.

 Chimney Sweeps, Inc., 10036 Maine Ave., Lakeside. (619) 593-4020. chimneysweepsinc.com

 The Business Spotlight features commercial enterprises that support the La Jolla Light.
Claire Scheper said she began taking voice lessons about five years ago because she loved to sing, but never dreamed that would lead to performing on stage. I never expected to be in musical theater, she said. As soon as my voice teacher, Karyn Overstreet, sent me to my first audition, I fell in love with musical theater.

Now a seventh-grader at the School of the Madeleine in San Diego, Scheper, the daughter of J. Scott and Susan Scheper, is building quite a resume with her roles. She appeared as Baby Louise in Cygnets Gypsy, Nellie in Annie Get Your Gun at San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT), Dorothy in Wizard of Oz at Christian Youth Theatre (CYT), Annie at California Youth Conservatory (CYC), and Young Cosette in Les Miserables at Christian Community Theatre, (CCT). Currently Scheper is appearing in SDMTs White Christmas.

I wanted to be in White Christmas because the music is incredible and the role of Susan Waverly reminded me of myself, she said. Susan falls in love with theater just like I did in real life. The most important thing to remember about this story is the message to count your blessings. There will always be things you wish you had, but you have to be thankful for what you have and not take your family and friends for granted.

Based on the beloved, timeless film, the plot tells the story of WW II veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who have a successful song-and-dance act. With romance in mind, the pair follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phils former army commander. The dazzling score features 17 songs by Irving Berlin, including Blue Skies, How Deep Is the Ocean and White Christmas.

To maintain her musical stage skills, Scheper said she takes weekly voice lessons and dance classes, and has attended workshops and camps that focus on singing, acting and dancing. Success can meet a lot of sacrifices, and Scheper has been down those roads. There are times when I cannot go to birthday parties or other fun events because I have to go to rehearsals or the shows, she said. But I would not trade those times for performing. My family is so supportive of me doing musical theater  even my brother, Luke. Regardless of his disinterest in musical theater, he comes to every single one of my shows to support me.

One of Schepers pleasures is living in La Jolla. La Jolla has the most beautiful beaches in all of San Diego, she said. Its the first place we take family and friends from out of town to visit. Meanwhile, its my dream to go to Broadway and make performing my main career.

Scheper said she has two favorite scenes in White Christmas and hopes families come to see the show. One is at the beginning of Act 2 when Susan  who is usually very studious  is bitten by the theater bug and comes out in a pink boa, pearls and a crown. She begs to be in the show. My other favorite is my song-and-dance number. It is an amazing experience to sing with a 22-piece orchestra!

IF YOU GO: San Diego Musical Theatres White Christmas, plays through Dec. 4 at Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, downtown. Tickets from $21. (858) 560-5740.
Plans for the new Cove Pavilion restroom facility at Scripps Park, now in the Citys hands, have not changed much since several community reviews took place in 2014. But changes that have already been identified were discussed at the Nov. 28 La Jolla Parks & Beaches (LJP&B) advisory group meeting at La Jolla Rec Center.

City project managers and architects from Mosher Drew presented the schematic designs, which are considered 30 percent complete, and will report again at future LJP&B meetings as updates are available. Although project managers would like to begin construction at some point in 2018, a formal timeline or pricetag could not be provided.

LJP&B member Judy Adams Halter introduced the idea to replace The Cove restroom facility in early 2014, and started raising private funds so it could be carried out as a public-private partnership. Soon after, Halter and a sub-committee contracted architects Safdie Rabines to draft concept designs. In November 2014, the San Diego Regional Park Improvement Fund committee voted to fund the entire construction process, and dedicated at least $1.5 million for the pavilion, with the possibility of more funding coming from grants.

Several community meetings were then held to gather community input for the facility, which Safdie Rabines incorporated into their design. Once completed, plans were handed over to the City for implementation.

After you all met with Safdie Rabines and came up with all your needs and desires that led to the conceptual design  the City hired Mosher Drew to handle the schematic designs and then construction. Weve met with Safdie Rabines to make sure all the concepts are understood and we are capturing everything, explained City Project Manager Elizabeth Schroth-Nichols. We just completed the 30 percent design submittal, so  were going to take that submittal to the Citys Development Services Department to start the environmental review process and see whats needed for this project environmentally and permit-wise, and that will dictate what else is needed for the project.

Based on input from the Citys Department of Park & Rec, changes to the design include the facilitys orientation in the park, the amount of space dedicated to trash facilities, the removal and replacement of some of the surrounding trees, materials that would be used and aesthetic elements.

Mosher Drew architect Bill Magnuson said, Weve rotated the facility slightly to assist views from the park and from Coast Boulevard. Before, you would look right into the main toilet area, the rotation minimizes that. Police can still see it for security reasons, but it is not the main view.

Additionally, it was determined that more space would be needed for dumpsters and other trash facilities, so the amount of square footage given to the trash corral increased, and taken from an attached storage facility.

It was also decided that to address an issue with existing trees around the facility, some would be removed and replaced.

Schroth-Nichols said issues with the trees that made them undesirable to preserve and prompted the decision to replace them include roots that are uplifting the pavement, and an irritant to peoples skin that falls from some trees. When it comes to demolishing the existing structure and rebuilding the new one, a substantial amount of work would have to be done to preserve the trees that are there, and its questionable whether they would survive the construction, she said. The idea is to replace them with trees that will grow and mature beautifully. Thats the direction weve received from Park & Rec.

The design for the roof has not changed, and will still be a sloped butterfly roof that would preserve views and assist with rainwater collection, but the color of the roof materials has not been finalized.

Weve selected translucent plastic panels so it has a trellis-like feel to it, but is weather protected, Magnuson said. The plastic panels are projected to withstand the sea air, but have yet to be used on an ocean-side facility. We havent used it close to the ocean, but weve used it on a lot of places, he said. The panels are not reflective, so there would not be glare to surrounding residences, but he said they have a little bit of sheen through it. The current roofline is lower than the existing facility, and would not exceed 14 feet.

Cable rail would also be installed between the wall and the roof to keep large birds out.

For the facility itself, a sandstone color is proposed for the upper portion, but project managers are looking for a darker-toned concrete in the abuse zone, where people run their bikes into it and so on, as well as some texture, possibly a blue wave design across the bottom. A graffiti-resistant coating would be applied to keep spray paint from sticking to the walls.

The toilet rooms are individual gender-neutral stalls, and there are larger toilet rooms that are ADA-compliant, along with ADA-accessible shower and changing rooms that could also be used by families with small children. There are also 10 outdoor showers, with six up high and four that are lower.

Project managers have not determined which, if any, additional measures would be taken to ensure smooth plumbing, to avoid the back-up issues that caused the nearby Childrens Pool Lifeguard Tower restrooms to be closed almost immediately after they opened to the public in June.

City project manager George Freiha said, We havent reached that stage of planning yet, but we are using the current Park & Rec guidelines for comfort stations (restroom facilities). We will try to look for a different approach, maybe making bigger pipes. ... Weve reached out to plumbers with experience on this to see what we can learn from them. But were going to look into that further.

Freiha and other presenters agreed to return to future LJP&B meetings to provide updates. LJP&B will not convene in December, so the next meeting will be 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23 at La Jolla Rec Center, 615 Prospect St. lajollaparksandbeaches.org
Historic ties of north Meck span throughout region Though the north Mecklenburg area didnt see significant population growth until a few decades ago, its rich history dates back to the Revolutionary War. That was the basis of...

An easier-than-expected first mammogram experience HUNTERSVILLE  Scheduling a cancer screening probably ranks somewhere on your to-do list between "clean out the garage" and "donate those clothes that don't fit." Sure, you'll get to it at...
Details added (first version posted on 14:47)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Armenia avoids the negotiations on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said.

Mammadyarov made remarks at a briefing in Baku Dec. 1.

"Yerevan has not yet responded to the Frances proposal to hold the 3+2 format meeting (three co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group and Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers) in Hamburg, he said. It means that Armenia avoids the negotiations, rendering no support for the peace process."

Earlier, Mammadyarov said that Baku supports Frances proposal to hold the expected 3+2 format meeting on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in Hamburg.

While commenting on the statements of the Armenian side that Nagorno-Karabakh must be either independent or annexed to Armenia, Mammadyarov said that such statements play a negative role in the negotiation process, if Azerbaijan and Armenia talk about peace negotiations.



The minister said it is not a secret that the negotiations are held on the basis of the document which, first of all, points out that the Armenian armed forces must be gradually withdrawn from the occupied Azerbaijani territories.

As for the status of Nagorno-Karabakh region, Mammadyarov said that the Azerbaijani community must return to its native lands to determine the status.

"The status must not be discussed without the participation of the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh," 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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

After the agreement on simplification of visa regime with the EU is successfully implemented, Azerbaijan will request an action plan for a visa-free regime with Europe, Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev told Trend Dec. 1.

He said that Azerbaijan and the EU are successfully implementing the agreement on simplification of the visa regime.

Agreement on simplification of the visa regime between EU and Azerbaijan entered into force Sept. 1, 2014.

Azerbaijan and the EU signed two agreements on visa facilitation and readmission, and as far as I know, Azerbaijan has no serious violations, said the deputy foreign minister. There are very few migrants in the EU from Azerbaijan, at least in comparison with other countries. If all goes well, the next stage of the implementation of the visa-free regime between the EU and Azerbaijan will begin.

He said that the most important thing for Azerbaijan is the exact fulfillment of all obligations under the agreement, in order to have arguments to request an action plan for implementation of the next stage of the agreement.

The deputy foreign minister noted that currently, the visa-free regime between Azerbaijan and the EU is applied only those with diplomatic passports.

Mammad-Guliyev went on to add that the Brexit wont affect future negotiations between the EU and Azerbaijan on a new strategic agreement.
The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary

Read more
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina discussed the further development of bilateral cooperation, said Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.

He made the remarks during a briefing following the negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovinas Foreign Minister Igor Crnadak.

Priority spheres of cooperation between the two countries are the cooperation in the energy sphere, implementation of transportation project on the Great Silk Road route, said the Azerbaijani minister.

There are good opportunities for cooperation in the education sphere, noted Mammadyarov, adding that the two countries intend to expand and strengthen the contractual and legal base.

Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina amounted to $227,600 in ten months of 2016 that is by 43.9 percent less than in the same period of 2015.
PRESS RELEASE

French Foreign Minister Announces Meeting in Paris To Oppose Syrian Government Success Against Terrorists

Nov. 30, 2016 (EIRNS)French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault today announced that on Dec. 10 he will be convening a meeting of countries refusing the "logic of total war" in Syria in Paris.

"I will be meeting on Dec. 10 in Paris, with the European countries, the Arab countries, and the United States, which support a political solution in Syria and refuse this logic of total war,"

Ayrault said to reporters as he left the weekly meeting of Frances Council of Ministers, reported Anadolu. "It is time for the international community to wake up, because, before our eyes, a tragedy is taking place," he added. "We are not the accomplices of [Syrian leader] Bashar al-Assad; we are not complacent to him," Ayrault continued.

The list of invitees for Dec. 10the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Britain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordanreflect that Ayrault is acting as an accomplice of the terrorist groups in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria that have been waging war against the Syrian government. Those groups have been directly supported by Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while the United States, France and Britain are supporters of regime change in Syria.

Ayrault today also met and held a joint press conference with Brita Hagi Hasan, described as the president of Aleppos local council, which appears to operate only in the jihadi-controlled section of the city. Hasan told the news conference that 250,000 civilians living in Aleppo, "could be killed." Ayrault and Hasan called on the international community and the government in Damascus to open up a "safe corridor" so that civilians can leave the city. "We ask that civilians be allowed to leave eastern Aleppo."

Ayrault first announced on Nov. 23 his intention to hold a meeting such as that now set for Dec. 10. At the time, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Ayraults initiative would hinder the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions, particularly with regard to restarting Syrian-Syrian talks. He had indicated that the Western countries were supporting the "opposition" groups by all possible means and directing false charges to the Syrian Government without depending on any information or evidence in a way that would hinder the implementation of the resolutions of the Syria Support Group "SSG" and the Security Council.
PRESS RELEASE

President Putin Addresses U.S.-Russia Relations, Other Vital Strategic Issues, at Primakov Readings International Forum

Nov. 30, 2016 (EIRNS)In a speech today before the second annual Primakov Readings International Forum in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin recalled the brilliant diplomatic skills and strategic thinking of the "original thinker" Yevgeny Primakov, who served Russia in many capacities throughout his long career, to address crucial issues facing Russia, and the world, today. High on the agenda was the subject of U.S.-Russia relations.

The gathering, which was established to honor Primakovs legacyhe died 18 months agowas hosted by the Institute of the World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO), the flagship social sciences institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, of which Primakov was deputy director in the 1970s and director from 1985-89.

On U.S.-Russia relations, Putin pointed to Primakovs belief that "without a serious partnership between Russia and the United States," it would be difficult to address the worlds "big challenges." While U.S.-Russian relations have deteriorated badly over the past few years, he said, now that a new President will soon enter the White House,

"we hope that this will create an opportunity to improve these relations, which are so important not only for our two peoples, but also for ensuring international stability and security."

He noted that in his recent phone conversations with President-elect Trump, the two agreed that "something must certainly be done about the current unsatisfactory state of bilateral relations."

Putin took on the issue of regime-change by referencing Primakovs authority on Mideastern affairs. Even prior to the "Arab Spring," he said, Primakov had warned "about the disaster that would ensue" if secular Middle Eastern regimes were toppled. His words proved true, sadly, Putin intoned, and then, "the Middle East was plunged into the series of bloody conflicts and has become a hotbed of terrorism and religious extremism."

This is why, Putin insisted, cooperation among "all the concerned influential international players is an essential conditions for normalizing the situation in the Middle East." It is in this context, "that our initiative to form a broad front for fighting terrorism should be made reality." Unfortunately, he added, this hasnt yet happened, "but there is no alternative."

Primakov understood the need for compromise and peaceful resolution of conflicts in international affairs, as well as "the inadmissibility of intervening in the affairs of sovereign states by bypassing the United Nations Charter," the Russian President asserted. He had the "truly strategic vision" that allowed him to "look into the future and see how unviable and one-sided" was the model of a unipolar world. It was Primakov, Putin said, who first advocated trilateral cooperation among Russia, China and India which then evolved into the BRICS, "which is gaining weight and influence in the world." Moreover, Primakovs insistence on maintaining close ties with partners in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS),
PRESS RELEASE

Woolsey Has Kind Words for China, with a Clear Anti-Russia Thrust

Nov. 30, 2016 (EIRNS)Former CIA Chief and neo-con James Woolsey, who is slated to have some role in the coming Trump Administration, spoke briefly today at the conclusion of a Silk Road conference in Washington organized by the Asia Society and the China Energy Fund Committee of Hong Kong. He was introduced by Bud McFarlane, who waxed warm about his meetings with Deng Xiaoping during the early years of Nixons opening to China.

Woolsey was keen on wooing China.

A friendly cooperative relationship between the U.S. and China can and ought to occur, Woolsey said.

Both are commercial nations. They have a sense that prosperity and happiness is possible and plausible, based on friendly commercial relations. China has generally not been an aggressor nation. Its general history and approach has generally not been aggressive.

Not the case with Russia, however, Woolsey continued. Quoting a saying from Lincoln regarding a farmer he knew, who had said, I dont need much land, except when it adjoins mine, Woolsey portrayed Russia as a predator.

Any weakness shown which leads them to feel that they can assert power, we will have to react to, he said. It makes it difficult to work with them.

He then went on to praise Chinas One Belt, One Road, saying that the United States shouldnt avoid using railroads built by China. We can work with China on trade and other issues, he said. While he felt Chinas actions in the South China Sea were troubling, he felt these issues could be resolved. He then said the United States should work with China to develop ethanol in order to become less dependent on oil, in particular, Iranian and Russian oil.

States dependent on oil production like Norway will not be happy, but neither will Russia and Iran, he said.

Woolsey said to the Chinese participants that they could probably work with the new Trump administration on infrastructure, growth, and developments in fuels.
PRESS RELEASE

South African President Zuma Defeats Regime-Change Coup Attempt against the BRICS, Run within His Party

Nov. 29, 2016 (EIRNS)South African President Zuma defeated an Obama regime-change "coup" attempt activated when one of his cabinet ministers proposed that he resign as President of South Africa, at a three-day meeting of the ruling African National Congresss National Executive Committee (NEC). The attempt against Zuma is aimed to tear South Africa out of the BRICS and turn it into a chaotic wasteland in the name of "clean government."

Zuma said he would not resign, because that would mean handing himself over to "the enemy."

"The President told us these attempts come from far and that if he was the problem, he would consider stepping down. But [the scandals around] Nkandla, corruption charges, and the spy tapes were created by the enemy,"

said a source in the meeting, according to News24.

Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom made the proposal that Zuma resign, and was supported by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, and ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu. Zumas supporters were on "fire defending him," according to the News24 source. Notable among cabinet members defending him were two associated with the BRICS cause, Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Water Affairs Minister Nomvula Mokonyane.

The regime-changers asked that the 80-member NEC vote on the question (democracy, dont you know?). Since the NEC has never voted and has always reached decisions by discussion, the proposal was defeated. The meeting, planned for Saturday and Sunday, continued until about 1 a.m. today, Tuesday, local time, because of the prolonged conflict.

ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe announced, at a press conference later in the day, "The fact that we have not asked the president to step aside means we affirm him as president of the republic."

According to the hostile Times Live on Sunday, Nov. 27, President Zuma "recently upped his personal close-protection team of bodyguards to 88. At any one time he has 22 goons at hand." On Monday, it returned to this new security-stripping theme under the headline, "Paranoid No. 1 Sees Enemies Everywhere." One can now expect to see this issue of Zumas supposed "excessive security expenditures" raised in Parliament.

The Presidents best protection is the national tour he has already begun, to rally the ruling party around the ideas of the BRICS.
Picture books

Refuge Anne Booth and Sam Usher Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $15.99 An illustrated story of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus searching for safety in the desert. Part of the books proceeds support refugees via the UNHCR. (ages 4-8)

Undercover Bastien Contraire Phaidon, $18.95 No words, just images: A turtle in a field of hats, a sausage lined up among vegetables, all in a stencil prints in combinations of pink and green. (ages 3-6)

This Is Me Jamie Lee Curtis, illustrated by Laura Cornell Workman, $16.95 Inspired by stories of immigration, this book asks children to imagine what they would bring to a new place to represent themselves. Includes a pop-up suitcase. (ages 4-8)

Moana and the Ocean Heather Knowles, illustrated by Annette Moarnat Disney Press, $16.99 This picture book is a companion to the Disney film "Moana," about a teenage Polynesian princess who takes the ocean in search of a demigod. (ages 3-5)

Under Water, Under Earth Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski Big Picture Press, $35 This oversized, illustrated book  14 inches wide  goes under the sea when read from one side, then under the earth from the other cover. (ages 7-9)

The Tale of Kitty-In-Boots Beatrix Potter, illustrated by Quentin Blake Warne, $20 This lost, never-before published Peter Rabbit book was written before World War I. Now it has new illustrations and includes a CD read by Helen Mirren. (ages 3-7)

Frozen: A Pop-Up Adventure Matthew Reinhart Disney Editions, $40 Let it go and dive into this intricately designed pop-up book that tells the story of Elsa and Anna and their reindeer and snowman companions. (ages 5-8)

Mister Pip Thereza Rowe Tate, $16.95 If Mister Pip the cat likes one thing more than dinner, its a nice nap  but a noisy house means hes having trouble finding a quiet place to snooze. (ages 2 and up)

Dragons Love Tacos (book and toy set) Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri Dial, $17.99 This book from the hit series comes with a plush toy. Everyone loves tacos, especially dragons  just make sure the salsas not too spicy, or youll regret it. (ages 3-7)

Baby Loves Quarks Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan Charlesbridge Publishing, $8.95 The newest installment in the "Baby Loves Science" board book series provides an age-appropriate introduction to particle physics for tiny aspiring scientists. (ages 1-3)

Ideas Are All Around Philip C. Stead Roaring Brook Press, $18.99 The Caldecott Medal winner teaches kids about the importance of ideas with this book about a writers leisurely walk with his dog. (ages 4-8)

Sun Moon Star Kurt Vonnegut , illustrated by Ivan Chermayeff Triangle Square, $22.95 Out of print since 1980, Vonneguts foray into childrens literature is told, with abstract visuals, from the point of view of the newborn Jesus. (5-9)

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Books that Fidel Castro and Bill Clinton gave to Gabriel Garcia Marquez will sit side by side on shelves in Texas.

The Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, which is home to a preeminent collection of 20th century author archives, has procured a collection of books, many of them inscribed by their authors, belonging to Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the legendary Colombian novelist who died in 2014.

The collection, includes books given to Garcia Marquez from at least five fellow winners of the Nobel Prize in literature  Toni Morrison, Orhan Pamuk, Pablo Neruda, Mario Vargas Llosa and Nadine Gordimer, as well as political leaders Castro and Clinton. Clintons book is his memoir My Life  he gave Garcia Marquez the Spanish version, Mi Vida. Castro, who died Nov. 25, was a longtime friend of Garcia Marquez, and wrote a long note in the front his 2010 book La victoria estrategica: Por todos los caminos de la Sierra, with the salutation, fraternalmente  fraternally.

One of the most unusual items in the collection may have wound up in Garcia Marquezs hands by mistake. Castros 1973 book La historia me absolvera included a few of the Cuban leaders monogrammed handkerchiefs.

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Although it is the words that authors inscribed to Garcia Marquez that make these items of interest to historians and literary researchers, a collection of books like this is special because they are tangible objects. Some are worn, the covers smudged. Some might contain surprises, like a world leaders homey monogrammed handkerchief.

The books will join the late novelists literary archive, which the university museum acquired two years ago.

Garcia Marquez is widely considered one the worlds greatest novelists. Born in the Colombian town of Aracataca in 1927, he gained worldwide fame with his novel One Hundred Years of Solitude, which ushered in the era of magic realism.

After finding success with novels such as Autumn of the Patriarch and Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Garcia Marquez was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1982.

As with many Latin American novelists writing in the 20th century, Garcia Marquez both engaged political movements and was affected by them. He worked internationally as a journalist before finding success as a novelist, and settled in Mexico, where he lived for many years. It was there that he died, in 2014.

But Colombia was at the heart of many of his fictions. Like Faulkner, Garcia Marquez built a fictional world around a place he invented, Macondo, that was constructed from imagination and memory.

In May, his ashes were interred in Cartagena, Colombia, where he attended college and began his career as a journalist.

Many of the more than 180 books in Garcia Marquezs library reflect the authors worldwide reputation as a literary celebrity.

Clinton had a special relationship with the writer. Shortly after he began his presidency in 1993, Clinton ended the travel ban against the author, which had been instituted because of the socialist novelists criticism of American foreign policy. Clinton signed his book to Garcia Marquez: To my friend Gabriel Garcia Marquez, with thanks for your life, your imagination and your kindness to all.

Clinton, a longtime fan of One Hundred Years of Solitude, also referred to Garcia Marquez as the most important writer of fiction in any language since William Faulkner died.

Among the books is Vargas Llosas La Casa Verde, inscribed to Garcia Marquez. This was in 1965, when the two writers were close friends  and Garcia Marquez apparently remembered that time fondly enough to keep the book, even after their relationship devolved into one of the worlds most famous literary feuds. In February 1976, the two writers were leaving a movie theater and Vargas Llosa punched Garcia Marquez in the eye, and, according to legend, they never spoke again.

Other friendships were less volatile. The Garcia Marquez collection also includes a signed copy of Morrisons Paradise, which the author dedicated to Garcia Marquez using his nickname, Gabo.

For Gabo, with always increasing love and respect, Morrison wrote on the novels title page. Thank you for the outrageously wonderful visit.

Other writers whose books are included in the collection are Alvaro Mutis, Milan Kundera and Isabel Allende.

Allende signed a copy of her novel The House of the Spirits, with an inscription in Spanish that translates to: For Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the true teacher of all who want to write in the Spanish language, with a tight hug and the desire to meet you personally someday.

The library also includes some of Garcia Marquezs own books, annotated by the novelist.

The collection, along with Garcia Marquezs literary archive, will be available for research at the Ransom Center, whose holdings include manuscripts and literary archives of James Joyce, Norman Mailer, Anne Sexton, David Foster Wallace and Don DeLillo.
Levis jeans might remind you of cowboys  that is, after all, one of the companys signature cuts of denim  but you wont likely find anyone with a six-shooter in one of the companys stores.

Levi Strauss & Co. Chief Executive Chip Bergh posted an open letter Wednesday requesting that shoppers not carry guns, even with a permit, into any Levis location.

The CEO of the San Francisco company said a customer recently carried a firearm into one of its stores, where it inadvertently fired, injuring its carrier. He did not specify where this occurred.

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So, while we understand the heartfelt and strongly-held opinions on both sides of the gun debate, it is with the safety and security of our employees and customers in mind that we respectfully ask people not to bring firearms into our stores, offices or facilities, even in states where its permitted by law, Berghs letter said. Of course, authorized members of law enforcement are an exception.

In particular, Bergh noted that the company has stores in Paris; Nice, France; and Orlando, Fla.; and has European headquarters in Brussels. All of these cities have recently been affected by mass attacks that left many dead.

In Orlando, Paris and Brussels, firearms were used to compound the carnage. In June, for example, a man in Orlando killed 49 people with an assault-style rifle; it was the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Bergh did not technically ban guns in Levis stores: He called it a request not a mandate.

We sincerely hope responsible gun owners will respect our position, he said.

The note was posted as 2016 wraps up en route to surpass last years record number of checks on prospective gun buyers by the FBIs National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which Fortune called a good proxy for gun sales. According to the FBI, there have been 22,206,233 background checks this year through October, compared with a total of 23,141,970 for all of 2015.

Levis isnt the first large company to request its customers leave their firearms at home. Whataburger, Chipotle and Panera have all made similar requests.

Most notable was Starbucks. After the coffee company made that request in 2013, gun rights advocates began threatening to boycott its brew. For this reason, Bergh told Fortune, he sought counsel from Starbucks before publishing his own request. His conclusion was that most boycott threats around this topic ultimately blow over.

Bergh said he knows the brand could lose some customers, but he was seeking to be respectful to all.

That hasnt stopped people from voicing their anger on Twitter.

Several users made references to masculinity to insult the brand. More than one tweet, including language that isnt fit for publication here, were anti-Semitic. More than one said, Avoid these Jew jeans.

In the end, Bergh said, the request is about safety, not politics.

Its not an anti-2nd Amendment thing, Bergh told Fortune. You dont need a gun to try on a pair of jeans.

Andrews writes for the Washington Post.

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President-elect Donald Trumps naming of veteran Wall Street banker and hedge-fund manager Steve Mnuchin to be the next Treasury secretary quickly turned into a polarizing appointment on Wednesday as financiers cheered the selection while watchdog groups warned that it could lead to rollbacks of crucial post-crisis regulations.

Mnuchin, who was a Goldman Sachs partner before starting Dune Capital Management and later running Pasadena lender OneWest Bank, confirmed the appointment in an early morning appearance on CNBC. He appeared alongside billionaire investor Wilbur Ross, who was named Commerce secretary.

Mnuchin said his top priorities would be to hasten economic growth and job creation through tax cuts and a loosening of post-crisis financial regulations.

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Were really going to be focused on economic growth and creating jobs, said Mnuchin, 53, whose appointment must be confirmed by the Senate. Our most important priority is sustained economic growth.

He boldly predicted the economy could sustain an annual growth rate of as high as 4%, about twice as fast as the economy has grown since 2009.

Mnuchin, who served as Trumps campaign finance chairman, had long been considered a top contender for the Treasury post, though his selection runs counter to the the anti-establishment rhetoric of the Trump campaign.

Throughout this years presidential campaign, Trump criticized Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for being too cozy with Wall Street.

A Trump ad that aired during the final days of the campaign called hedge fund manger George Soros  a Clinton supporter who is a business associate of Mnuchin  someone who controls the levers of power in Washington.

It also implied that Goldman Sachs, where Mnuchins father also was a partner, has been the beneficiary of policies that have robbed our working class. The ad featured footage of Goldman Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein at a Clinton Global Initiative event.

Mnuchin spent 17 years at Goldman before leaving in 2002 to work with Soros. Later, he started Dune Capital, a hedge fund that was his entree to Hollywood. An offshoot of Dune Capital financed Hollywood blockbusters including American Sniper and Mad Max: Fury Road.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a leading financial industry critic, called Mnuchin the Forrest Gump of the financial crisis because he managed to participate in all the worst practices on Wall Street during his lengthy career.

His selection as Treasury secretary should send shivers down the spine of every American who got hit hard by the financial crisis, and is the latest sign that Donald Trump has no intention of draining the swamp and every intention of running Washington to benefit himself and his rich buddies, she said.

Dennis Kelleher, chief executive of Better Markets, a nonprofit that advocates for tighter Wall Street regulation, called Trumps Treasury pick and promises of looser financial rules a flip-flop of historic proportion.

We had candidate Trump who got elected promising to drain the swamp of special interests, Kelleher said. Now we have President-elect Trump promoting the biggest swamp-dwellers into his administration.

But those establishment credentials dont worry some Trump supporters, including Tim Donnelly, a hard-right conservative who served two terms in the California Assembly and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2014.

During that campaign, he pilloried fellow Republican candidate Neel Kashkari  currently serving as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis  for his role in overseeing the federal bank bailout program in 2008 and 2009.

If [Trump] picked someone like Jamie Dimon or Blankfein or one of those guys from the old guard, that would be the establishment, Donnelly said Wednesday. Were counting on him putting successful people in charge of executing. The execution is more important than the purity.

The president-elects transition team was reportedly considering other candidates, including Dimon, chief executive of JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

Any of those choices probably would have been cheered by Wall Street  Dimon is one of the banking industrys top executives and Hensarling has called for rolling back financial regulation.

Though Mnuchin is less well known, his selection drew praise from Tim Pawlenty, head of the Financial Services Roundtable, a Washington organization that represents the nations largest banking and financial services companies.

Steve is a seasoned and results-oriented leader who is really smart, interested in public policy and understands the urgent need to boost economic growth and opportunity, said Pawlenty, a former Republican governor of Minnesota.

But how Mnuchin might seek to boost growth has consumer advocates and Wall Street critics nervous.

During the campaign, Trump said he would seek to dismantle much of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, a sweeping 2010 bill that sought to rein in big banks and prevent another financial crisis.

Mnuchin said on CNBC that he does not want a wholesale repeal, but does want to make substantial changes.

We want to strip back parts of Dodd-Frank that restrict banks from lending, Mnuchin said. The No. 1 priority will be to make sure banks lend.

Kelleher said that Mnuchin should instead subject more financial firms to the kind of strict scrutiny now reserved for the largest banks. He noted that as Treasury secretary, Mnuchin would serve as chairman of a federal financial committee that has oversight of large nonbank firms such as insurance companies.

If you have a Treasury secretary who doesnt think that type of regulation is appropriate, the country is going to end up in a disastrous situation. The American people will once again be surprised with the equivalent of another AIG, Kelleher said, referring to the massive insurance company that had to be bailed out in 2008.

For Democrats and consumer advocates, hearing Mnuchin talk about a rollback of Dodd-Frank is troubling given his recent history in the banking business. Mnuchin in 2009 led a group of wealthy investors  including Soros and Michael Dell  who bought failed Pasadena mortgage lender IndyMac and turned it into OneWest Bank.

Mnuchins group netted billions thanks in large part to a much-criticized deal that allowed the investors to buy the bank at a big discount while passing off as much as 75% of its loan losses on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Mnuchin and his group paid about $1.6 billion for the bank and sold it last year to New Jersey lender CIT Group for $3.4 billion.

Between the sale price and hefty dividends paid out from 2011 to 2015, Mnuchin and his group made a profit of more than $4 billion. Its not clear how much of a profit Mnuchin personally made, because his stake in OneWest was undisclosed.

Despite its secure financial footing, OneWest had a history of problems with regulators over its foreclosure practices and lending and has been accused of being unwilling to work with borrowers seeking mortgage loan modifications despite promises to do so. Community groups have accused the bank of being particularly aggressive about foreclosing on properties in minority neighborhoods.

In 2011, dozens of activists protested the practices on the lawn of Mnuchins 22,000-square-foot Bel-Air mansion. That same year, the federal Office of Thrift Supervision hit the bank with a regulatory order saying it had failed to follow procedures when foreclosing on homeowners.

Similar complaints nearly derailed the CIT deal last year and continue to dog the now-combined institutions. Two California advocacy groups this month asked the federal Housing and Urban Development Department to investigate OneWest and CIT, accusing them of failing to make mortgage loans or locate branches in minority communities, and not properly maintaining foreclosed homes in those communities. HUD is already investigating OneWests reverse-mortgage business.

Steve Mnuchin ran a foreclosure machine, said Paulina Gonzalez, executive director of the California Reinvestment Coalition, which fought the CIT-OneWest deal and is one of the groups asking HUD to investigate the banks for discrimination.

Mnuchin, a divorced father of three who graduated from Yale, defended OneWest on Wednesday.

We bought the worst mortgage portfolio in the history of time, he said of IndyMac, adding that the bad loans that led to the foreclosures had been originated before his purchase of the bank.

We saved a lot of jobs and we created a lot of opportunities for corporate loans, he said.

james.koren@latimes.com

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com

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Details added (first version posted on 12:20)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at the US Department of Commerce Michael Lally Dec. 1.

US ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta, who also participated in the meeting, pointed to economic relations between the two countries, hailing the successful bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

Noting the importance of the first Azerbaijan-US business forum being held in Baku, the ambassador said that the event creates good opportunities for establishing business relations between the two countries. One of the key objectives of the forum is to discuss ways of addressing the challenges facing Azerbaijan, the ambassador said.

Cekuta emphasized that sharp changes in oil prices around the world have affected the economic situation too. Saying 25 years have passed since the restoration of state independence of Azerbaijan, the ambassador described the country as a strong partner for the US. He said his country welcomes all the positive changes taking place in Azerbaijan.

Pointing to Azerbaijan-US economic relations, President Aliyev hailed the successful development of cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector as well as rapid implementation of key energy projects.

He stressed the importance of focusing on cooperation in non-oil sector, as well as Azerbaijan's more active collaboration with the US in this area.

The president underlined Azerbaijan's interest in the US increasing investment in the country's non-oil sector and stressed the importance of getting greater practical results.

President Aliyev praised the significance of organizing presentations aimed at promoting Azerbaijan among U.S. medium and small companies engaged in entrepreneurship.

Lally recalled with pleasure the years when he worked at the US Embassy in Azerbaijan.

Lally extended greetings of the United States Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker to President Aliyev, saying he highly values the Azerbaijani president`s support for Azerbaijan-US business relations.

He also described the meeting between President Aliyev and Pritzker as very constructive.
SpaceX could return to flight in about two weeks, pending Federal Aviation Administration approval, after an explosion that destroyed one of its rockets, satellite launch customer Iridium Communications Inc. said Thursday.

The tentative date comes three months after one of SpaceXs Falcon 9 rockets exploded on a launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, destroying a commercial communications satellite that was to be managed by Israeli satellite operator Spacecom.

The fiery failure caused delays in SpaceXs launch schedule and led to criticism from some members of Congress of the companys role in leading the investigation.

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SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk has described the cause of the explosion as something that has never been encountered before in the history of rocketry.

Iridium, a McLean, Va., satellite communications company, said 10 of its satellites could launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket Dec. 16 at 12:36 p.m. Pacific time from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Iridium said it expected to be SpaceXs first launch customer since the explosion.

We have remained confident in SpaceXs ability as a launch partner throughout the Falcon 9 investigation, Iridium Chief Executive Matt Desch said in a statement. We are grateful for their transparency and hard work to plan for their return to flight.

Under federal law, SpaceX is allowed to conduct its own investigation with FAA oversight. SpaceXs accident investigation team for this incident includes NASA, the Air Force and other industry experts.

Before a launch operator can return to flight after a mishap, the FAA must approve that the recommended fix addresses the cause of the problem. It also must give approval of the launch, which is standard for all launches that occur.

In September, 10 Republican members of Congress sent a letter to the heads of the Air Force, NASA and the FAA questioning whether SpaceX should be allowed to lead its own investigation into the explosion. Many of the congressmen who signed the letter represent states where SpaceX competitor United Launch Alliance has operations.

In the Iridium statement, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said the Hawthorne company, whose full name is Space Exploration Technologies Corp., is looking forward to return to flight with the Iridium launch.

Musk said last month that the company could start launching again in mid-December.

In an interview on CNBC, Musk said SpaceX thought it had gotten to the bottom of the problem.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion is still ongoing, though the company has narrowed its focus to one of three composite-overwrapped pressure vessels that hold helium in the rockets second-stage liquid oxygen tank.

In October, SpaceX said it could re-create a failure in the vessel entirely through helium loading conditions, suggesting this could be a cause of the explosion.

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

For more business news, follow me @smasunaga

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12:45 p.m.: This article was updated with additional context about the SpaceX explosion.

This article was originally published at 8:55 a.m.
Financial services and insurance company Transamerica said Thursday that it will close its office in Los Angeles, cutting about 315 jobs.

The Baltimore company will also close its office in Folsom, where 30 employees will be affected. Transamerica will no longer have operations in California, though the company still owns the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco and will continue to serve customers in California.

Transamerica said it will also close its office in West Chester, Ohio. All the office closures will occur next year.

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Nationwide, Transamerica will eliminate about 800 positions, including job cuts in other locations.

Transamerica said the job cuts and office closures will accelerate the companys efforts to reduce expenses and operational efficiencies.

Improving efficiencies helps ensure we can invest in the technology and capabilities necessary to constantly adapt as customer needs change, Transamerica said in a statement.

The company said it will offer separation benefits, including outplacement services, for affected employees.

Transamerica has roots in California. Amadeo Giannini, founder of Bank of America, acquired major insurance firm Occidental Life Insurance in 1930 through a holding company he called Transamerica. The company was long based in San Francisco.

In 1999, Dutch insurer Aegon acquired Transamerica for $9.7 billion.

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

For more business news, follow me @smasunaga

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Dec. 2, 9:41 a.m.: This article was updated to clarify that Transamerica will still serve customers in California.

This article was originally published on Dec. 1. at 3:15 p.m.
John M. Miller, a painter of rigorous perceptual abstractions whose work was featured in a special exhibition at the J. Paul Getty Museum in 2000, died Wednesday after a brief illness.

Miller was stricken Friday during appointments at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Los Angeles, according to Lisa Lyons, an independent curator and longtime friend of the artist. He was 77.

Miller was a painter of meticulous abstract geometries. His painstaking canvases built on a tradition of secular spirituality that is a hallmark of 20th century nonfigurative painting.

For the Getty Museums acclaimed exhibition Departures, Lyons invited 11 artists to make work in response to anything they selected from the permanent collection of ancient, medieval, Renaissance, old master and early modern European art. Miller chose a 500-year-old prayer book.

Facing pages of Jean Fouquets richly illuminated Hours of Simon de Varie, made in France in 1455, juxtapose a kneeling portrait of a young nobleman, newly installed at the royal treasury under Charles VII, with a regal Virgin Mary and infant Jesus, who are seated on an imposing throne. In response, Miller made three large abstract paintings: Prophecy, Sanctum and Atonement.

Inspiration, a place of solitude and humility  the titles of Millers deeply contemplative canvases identify the profound abstract qualities his work shares with Fouquets figurative imagery.

Notable deaths of 2016 

Central to Millers concerns was the intimacy of the encounter between a viewer and a work of art. Fouquets small paintings adorn a private book used for individual prayer, while also depicting De Varies personal devotion to the Virgin and Child. Millers three large works, each assembled from multiple panels, were installed on three long walls of a large gallery. The environment evoked a traditional triptych format used for centuries in spiritually minded, publicly displayed Western European paintings  albeit without their aristocratic or religious subject matter.

Millers abstract paintings, always geometric, partake of the Minimalist virtues of balance, precision and order, standard for that art in the 1960s and early 1970s. Yet, while embracing those brisk qualities, they also entertain such contradictory elements as idiosyncrasy, irrationality and visual repose.

The paintings are composed on raw canvas. Single rows of angled bars of uniform acrylic color alternate with double rows of shorter, angled bars.

Miller first worked out questions of scale in studies and informal sketches sometimes drawn on his studio wall or, later, using a rudimentary computer program. The size of the bars and the spaces between them were adjusted to the planned size of the painting, and a specific monochrome hue was determined. The pattern was then drawn in pencil on canvas stretched over board and, finally, each color bar painted by hand.

The process was laborious and time-consuming. Prophecy, the painting that the Getty acquired from the Departures exhibition, is 7 feet tall and 11 feet wide.

Often, what seems to be dense black in a Miller painting slowly reveals itself to be tinted a deep, rich green, red or blue. The color, sensed as much as seen, emerges from the darkness as ones eyes gradually adjust to the light. White and a warm, golden ochre were also favorite hues.

On the surface of canvases constructed on a 90-degree axis, the color bars are painted on diagonals just slightly off from 60 or 30 degrees. As with the hues, the eye cannot readily see the minute difference, but the totality of a viewers perceptual apparatus can sense it. What appears at first to be buzzy and chaotic soon settles into a crisp, vibrant visual hum. The dynamic pattern creates a vivid tension.

Miller developed his works basic composition in 1973, and he stuck with it for the next four decades. Endless subtle variety marks the established format.

A quintessential artists artist, Miller cared more for the integrity of his work than for the spotlight of popular acclaim. The late Mike Kelley, an internationally acclaimed Los Angeles artist whose abject mixed-media sculptures and video installations could not be more different, was among his admirers.

The paintings, sometimes mischaracterized as related to the optical trickery familiar in 1960s Op art, instead represent a second generation of the pioneering 1950s geometric abstractions of John McLaughlin, subject of a current painting retrospective at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art . Millers work shares qualities found in a loosely related group of Los Angeles Minimalist painters that includes Perry Araeipour, James Hayward, Scot Heywood, Carol Kaufman and Alan Wayne.

Miller was born in Lebanon, Penn., in 1939. After a stint in the United States Air Force, he studied at San Diego State University and Claremont Graduate University, where he received a masters degree in 1972. Miller taught at Minneapolis College of Art and Design from 1981 to 1983 and at UCLA from 1987 to 1991.

His first solo exhibition was in 1976 at Westwoods Broxton Gallery (now Larry Gagosian Gallery), followed by a two-person show with Hayward at Sidney Janis Gallery in New York. Miller showed regularly in Southern California with Fred Hoffman, Patricia Faure and Margo Leavin galleries and, most recently, Peter Blake Gallery. In addition to the Getty, his paintings are in the collections of LACMA, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh and other American museums.

Miller is survived by his sisters, Shirley Thompson and Barbara Springborn, both in Pennsylvania. No services are planned.

christopher.knight@latimes.com

Twitter: @KnightLAT

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L.A.s backyard alternative to Miamis Art Basel. Art that weaves together drawing and the election. And a look at historic images of American Indians. Plus: Surrealist fistfights, an important 60s art gallery, and SoCals most important postwar artist. Here are nine exhibitions and events to check out in the coming week:

Art Basil LA. The art herd may be stampeding on the Miami art fairs to pick up some merch (and, quite possibly, a case of Zika), but the real cognoscenti head to Van Nuys for the second annual iteration of Art Basil, held in performance artist John Kilduffs backyard  where a series of miniature booths feature work by more than 20 artists and galleries. (See my report from the debut event last year.) Naturally, there will be ironic drinking and air kissing. Sublime! Opens tonight with a VIP party at 6 p.m. and runs daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday. RSVP to mrletspaint@gmail.com for location, Van Nuys, artbasilla.tumblr.com.

The miniature booth of Mexico gallery Ladrn at Art Basil, a mock fair organized in performance artist John Kilduffs yard. (John Kilduff / Art Basil)

The Contenders, at the Hammer Museum. The Hammer is once again teaming with New Yorks Museum of Modern Art to showcase the most innovative films of the last year. The series kicks off today with a screening of Loving at 7:30 p.m., featuring a Q&A with director Jeff Nichols and actor Joel Edgerton. Through Dec. 13. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, Los Angeles, hammer.ucla.edu.

Judith Stein talk and book signing for Eye of the Sixties: Richard Bellamy and the Transformation of Modern Art, at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel. The author presents her book on the life of Richard Bellamy, the founder of New Yorks Green Gallery, known for exhibiting the works of a list of fabled artists that included Mark di Suvero, Claes Oldenburg, James Rosenquist and Donald Judd. Bellamy was as comfortable partying with the Beats as he was at museum opening galas. 4 p.m. Saturday at 901 E. 3rd St., downtown Los Angeles, hauserwirthschimmel.com.

John McLaughlin Paintings: Total Abstraction, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. One of the most important artists of SoCals postwar period, McLaughlin is known for quiet, minimalist works that explore total abstraction: geometries and lines that explore ideas of shape and space, but not representation. This exhibition gathers 52 paintings and a selection of collages and drawings  representing the first major museum retrospective of the artists work. Times critic Christopher Knight says this is the show he has been waiting 40 years to see. Do not miss. Opens Sunday and runs through April 16. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, lacma.org.

Installation view of John McLaughlin Paintings: Total Abstraction at LACMA. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Michael Lift, Sidereal Lift, at Craig Krull Gallery. In his latest solo exhibition at the gallery, the artist is exploring the Southern California landscape from above  featuring a series of prints that capture L.A. in ways that are geometric and a bit magical. Also on view will be Pamela Kendall Schiffers images of Yellowstone and Jeff Brouws stereoscopic images of an old copper mining pit in Montana. Opens at 5 p.m. Saturday. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., B-3, Santa Monica, craigkrullygallery.com.

Jeffrey Vallance, Now More Than Ever, at Edward Cella Art & Architecture. An artist known for drawing from a wide array of media that brings together both painting and performance, Vallances latest exhibition takes on the election, among other subjects, in collages that feature political placards along with the artists expressive drawings. These are visceral assemblages that wryly comment on the nature of bureaucracy, corruption, politics and society  in ways that are way more fun than CNN. Through Dec. 31. 2754 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, edwardcella.com.

The Octopus of Life, 2016, by Jeffrey Vallance at Edward Cella in Culver City. (Gene Ogami / Edward Cella Art + Architecture)

Rediscovering Genius: The Works of Edward S. Curtis, at the Depart Foundation. Curator Bruce Kapson has brought together a rare selection of important, historical works by the legendary photographer, known for chronicling North American Indian cultures during the early days of the 20th century, most famously in his expansive volume, The North American Indian. This includes original photography, as well as the artists little-seen and never published proofs and photogravure printing plates. Through Jan. 5. 9105 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, departfoundation.com.

The Average Mysterious and the Shirt Off Its Back: A Performance by Shana Lutker, at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel. A play by Shana Lutker stitches together film, live action and news reports of the 1920s to chronicle a famous fistfight by surrealist artists  part of an ongoing exploration of surrealist fistfights by the artist. Next Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. 901 E. Third St., downtown Los Angeles, hauserwirthschimmel.com.

In Real Life: 100 Days of Film and Performance, at the Hammer Museum. This 4 1/2-month program is bringing a series of screenings, performances, film and video to the museum during a remodel. This weekends line-up features a series of performances, staged over two days, directed by Gina Young and presented by the performance collective Sorority. Through Jan. 25. Check the schedule for events and times. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, hammer.ucla.edu.

LAST CHANCE

American Mosaic: Picturing Modern Art Through the Eye of Duncan Phillips, at the Orange County Museum of Art. In the early 20th century, at a time when many U.S. moguls were focusing on amassing European masters, banking and steel scion Duncan Phillips focused his collecting efforts on American art, acquiring canvases by now venerated painters such as Thomas Eakins, Marsden Hartley, Winslow Homer, Georgia OKeeffe and Helen Frankenthaler. This exhibition brings together more than five dozen works from his collection. Through Sunday. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, ocma.net.

Red Sun, 1935, by Arthur Dove  on view at the Orange County Museum of Art as part of an exhibit about the Duncan Phillips Collection. (The Phillips Collection) (The Phillips Collection)

The Origin of Species, at Noysky Projects. Touching on the theme of immigration, this group show at this relatively new gallery space in Hollywood presents the work of 10 immigrant artists dealing with issues related to identity, acceptance and discrimination. Through Saturday. 6727 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, noyskyprojects.com.

A Generosity of Spirit: Celebrating the Gift of Eugene Rogolsky, at the Fisher Museum. The Angeleno acquired an eclectic range of works over the course of his years as a patron, including photography and paintings. One of the highlights: The significant number of works by prominent Chicano painter Carlos Almaraz. Through Saturday. USC, 823 W. Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, Los Angeles, fisher.usc.edu.

Philipp Kremer, at Nicodim Gallery. In the loose, spare brush strokes of the German artist, you are as liable to find a mournful figure in tears as you are the exuberant limbs of a pack of humans in the middle of an orgy. This is an artist who makes a lot out of a little bit of paint. Through Saturday. 571 S. Anderson St., Suite 2, Boyle Heights, nicodimgallery.com.

The Spun Universe: Wixarika (Huichol) Yarn Paintings, at the Fowler Museum. A new show gathers the brightly woven yarn paintings of Wixarika artist Ramon Medina Silva, known for his elaborate compositions depicting astral figures, holy plants and important ritual objects, all crafted with brilliant threads. Through Sunday. UCLA, 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., Westwood, Los Angeles, fowler.ucla.edu.

ONGOING EXHIBITIONS

China: Through the Lens of John Thomson, at CSUN Art Galleries. In the late 19th century, photographer and travel writer John Thomson traveled through China, taking plenty of pictures along the way. These are now the subject of an exhibition that showcases his eye as an astute travel photographer. Through Dec. 10. Cal State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, csun.edu.

Austin Lee, Pretty Pictures, at UTA Artist Space. Lee makes drawings on a digital tablet, then translates them into oversized canvases using an airbrush fluorescent paint. The work is analog, but vibrates with the pulse of an illuminated pixel. Through Dec. 10. 670 S. Anderson St., Boyle Heights, facebook.com/UTAArtistSpace.

Jud Fine and Barbara McCarren, AND/OR, at the University Art Museum. A survey exhibition includes works old and new by the L.A.-based art-making couple. This features a number of pieces related to such topics as offshore banking and the nature of currency, and a new installation, Continental Edge Dwellers (CED), that explores the coast  that blurry line between land and water. Its a good subject to marinate in at a time when Californias coast is subject to struggles over development. Through Dec. 11. Cal State Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, web.csulb.edu/org/uam.

A view of The Laboratory of Futile Efforts (LOFE), by Jud Fine and Barbara McCarren at the University Art Museum in Long Beach. (Jud Fine and Barbara McCarren) (Jud Fine and Barbara McCarren )

Yulya Dukhovny, Fishermans Dream: The World in Miniature, at Grand Central Art Center. Inspired by the traditional paper theaters of 19th century Europe, the artist has created her own version of the form, but uses it to stage narratives with a contemporary twists. The installation includes sets and video  as well as regular theatrical performances that feature unique musical compositions. Through Dec. 11. 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, grandcentralartcenter.com.

Betye Saar, Black White, at Roberts & Tilton. The grand dame of L.A. assemblage art (who is about to open a one-woman show at the Prada Foundation in Milan) is showing four decades worth of sculptures and wall pieces in the gallerys project space  transformed to reflect both the colors and politics of black and white. Also on view will be the abstract paintings of Evan Nesbit. Through Dec. 17. 5801 Washington Blvd., Culver City, robertsandtilton.com.

Charles Gaines, Numbers and Trees: Central Park Series II, at Susanne Vielmetter Los Angeles Projects. For roughly four decades, the L.A.-based conceptual artist has produced works inspired by equations and other logical systems that he displays on large grids covered in Plexiglas. In this exhibition at Vielmetter, he presents a series of monumental works inspired by the trees in Central Park  as well as eight new ink-and-paper drawings that take these concepts into a new medium. Through Dec. 17. 6006 Washington Blvd., Culver City, vielmetter.com.

Carlos Rolon/Dzine and Enoc Perez, at Chimento Contemporary. Rolon, better known as Dzine, and Perez have teamed up for a show that explores immigration, aspiration and identity (partly inspired by the artists shared roots in Puerto Rico). Perez has created a series of small oil paintings that depict ideas of home; Rolon has created the frames  out of reclaimed wood and other bits of ephemera that confer notions of American-ness. Through Dec. 17. 622 S. Anderson St., Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, chimentocontemporary.net.

410 Calle Apeninos, San Juan, PR 00920, 2016, by Enoc Perez and Carlos Dzine Roln at Chimento Contemporary. (Perez/Roln / Chimento Contemporary)

Thomas Hirschhorn: Stand-alone, at the Mistake Room. In his first solo installation in L.A., the Swiss artist has transformed the gallery into a chaotic, immersive environment crafted from cardboard, old armchairs and sofas and stocked with a carefully chosen selection of books. The artist is known for re-conceiving the idea of monuments into often humbly crafted installations (think: duct tape) that require the participation of a viewer to complete. Through Dec. 17. 1811 E. 20th St., downtown Los Angeles, tmr.la.

Deborah Brown, Careful What You Wish For, at Jason Vass. The artists first exhibition in the U.S. since 1996 brings together photography, installation and sculpture created over the last decade  much of it riffing, in humorous, empowering ways, on female sexuality. Through Dec. 17. 1452 E. Sixth St., downtown Los Angeles, jasonvass.com.

Sleep, David Adamo: Untitled and Devin Farrand: Heft, at Ibid Gallery. The gallery debuts its new space in Boyle Heights this weekend with several new exhibitions, including a group show that riffs on the idea of sleep, as well as a pair of solos devoted to the work of sculptor David Adamo and the abstractions of Devin Farrand. Through Oct. 29. Adamos exhibition and Sleep are on view through Dec. 17. 670 S. Anderson St., Boyle Heights, ibidgallery.com.

Paul Sietsema, at Matthew Marks Gallery. The artists first solo exhibition in L.A. in more than a dozen years includes new paintings and drawings, as well as two recent films. The show is partly built around the color green, featuring one work of pure abstraction and another made with euro banknotes. The film Abstract composition, in the meantime, animates phrases from online auction sites. Through Dec. 23. 1062 N. Orange Grove, West Hollywood, matthewmarks.com.

25th Anniversary Show, at Kopeikin Gallery. Over the last 25 years, the Culver City gallery has staged more than 200 exhibitions of photography featuring work by masters such as Helen Levitt and Sally Mann. This exhibition gathers images by those important figures as well as many contemporary ones. Through Dec. 23. 2766 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, kopeikingallery.com.

Lena Daly, Night Bell, at Various Small Fires. It is the debut solo show for the Los Angeles artist, who makes installations that involve sculpture and video  all with the phosphorescent cast of a nightclub bathroom. Through Dec. 23. 812 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, vsf.la.

Battery No. 1, 2016, by Lena Daly, at Various Small Fires (Lena Delay / Various Small Fires)

Wolfgang Tillmans, at Regen Projects. The German photographer, renowned for a varied photography practice that spans still life, people and forces of nature, is having his seventh exhibition at Regen with a gathering of new and old works. This includes images from his Freischwimmer/Greifbar series, abstract pieces that are the result of light exposed onto color photographic paper. Through Dec. 23. 6750 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, regenprojects.com.

Maria Lassnig, A Painting Survey, 1950-2007, at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel. This is the first Los Angeles solo exhibition for the late Austrian artist, known for her inventively weird figurative paintings. The show traces the artists journey over a nearly six-decade period, from her early abstractions to the mildly distorted, even cartoonish, paintings of people and settings that are more about capturing psychological states of being than rendering exact figures. Through Dec. 31. 901 E. 3rd St., downtown Los Angeles, hauserwirthschimmel.com.

Isa Genzken, I Love Michael Asher, at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel. This is the German artists first solo exhibition in California  featuring a new body of work (teetering assemblages crafted from bits of architectural and other detritus). It also pays tribute to an artist by whom she was moved and inspired: California-born conceptualist Michael Asher, who was known for architectural interventions that reconfigured physical and social ideas of space. The gallery also has a traveling exhibition titled Schwitters Miro Arp, that brings together works by renowned European Dadaists Kurt Schwitters, Joan Miro and Hans Arp. Sounds pretty boss. Through Dec. 31. 901 E. Third St., downtown Los Angeles, hauserwirthschimmel.com.

MOLAA at Twenty: 1996-2016, at the Museum of Latin American Art. The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach is celebrating two decades in existence with a show that draws from the museums permanent collection of more than 1,600 objects. These include works by renowned Modernists Joaqiun Torres-Garcia and Wifredo Lam, Argentine conceptualist Len Ferrari as well as contemporary figures such as Alexandre Arrechea and Patssi Valdez. Through Jan. 1. 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, molaa.org.

The Art of Alchemy, at the Getty Museum. An exhibition at the Getty examines the art of alchemy  an area of study described as science tinged with spirituality and infused with a spritz of artistic spirit  dating from its origins in Greco-Roman antiquity to the Industrial Age. Alchemy was also closely tied to the production of pigments and colored inks, serving an important role in the production of art. Thats the subject of the related show: The Alchemy of Color on Medieval Manuscripts, takes on. Through Jan. 1. Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, Los Angeles, getty.edu.

Drawing: The Art of Change, at the Getty Museum. An exhibition of drawings from the Gettys permanent collection looks at the ways in which artists employ revision and change in their works. Through Jan. 1. Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood, Los Angeles, getty.edu.

Ernesto Yerena Montejano, Espejismo/Cicatriz, at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes. A series of intensely detailed, layered collages by the Los Angeles-based artist explore issues of identity in the Latino community. Through Jan. 1. 501 N. Main St., downtown Los Angeles, lapca.org.

Senses of Time: Video and Film-Based Works of Africa, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. For one of its long-term installations, the museum has gathered works of video or film by contemporary African artists that explore the body and the looping nature of time. This includes pieces by figures such as Yinka Shonibare, Sammy Baloji, Berni Searle, Moatax Nasr and Theo Eshetu. Through Jan. 2. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, lacma.org.

The Serial Impulse at Gemini G.E.L., at LACMA. Over the course of five decades, the innovative Los Angeles print studio has produced historic limited edition works for renowned artists such as Richard Serra, Claes Oldenburg, Vija Celmins, David Hockney and Robert Rauschenberg. Now the museum, in conjunction with the National Gallery of Art, brings together some of the most exquisite examples of work produced at the famed West Hollywood shop, including Rauschenbergs 1967 print, Booster, a 6-foot-tall print that in its day was the largest art print ever made. Do not miss Oldenburgs pieces, which ruminate on the nature of Los Angeles. Through Jan. 2. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

The Rat Bastard Protective Association, at the Landing. The Rat Bastard Protective Association was a close-knit group of now well-known California artists  including Bruce Conner, Jay DeFeo, Wallace Berman and Joan Brown  that worked together in a building dubbed Painterland in San Francisco. Anastasia Aukeman, who wrote a book on the group  Welcome to Painterland: Bruce Conner and the Rat Bastard Protective Association  has organized an exhibition that brings the groups works together for the first time since the late 1950s. Through Jan. 7. 5118 W. Jefferson Blvd., West Adams, thelandinggallery.com.

A detail from Joan Browns Three Figures, painted about 1965, part of a group show of Bay Area artists at the Landing. (The Landing / Los Angeles) (The Landing, Los Angeles)

Jay DeFeo, Paintings on Paper, 1986-1987, at Marc Selwyn Fine Art. Over a four-decade career, the Bay Area-based artist was known for a diverse range of stark abstract works that included paintings, collages and monumental wall sculpture. This show at Selwyn gathers drawings from her Samurai series, paintings on heavy paper that were influenced by the artists 1985 trip to Japan, as well as an exhibition of Japanese helmets. Through Jan. 7. 9953 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, marcselwynfineart.com.

Steven Steinman, Sparks & Showers, and Klea McKenna, Automatic Earth, at Von Lintel Gallery. The gallery has a pair of shows: a series of unusual photographic rubbings by McKenna, who hails from the Bay Area, and the monochromatic paintings of the L.A.-based Steinman, who imbues bold monochromatic paintings with texture and undulating patterns. Through Jan. 7. 2685 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, vonlintel.com.

S/Election, at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery. Because too much election is never enough, the L.A. Municipal Art Gallery has put together a broad group show that examines issues of citizenship, identity, immigration and criminal justice. The show includes work by such socially and politically minded artists such as Jennifer Moon, Charles Gaines, Olga Koumoundouros and Ruben Ortiz-Torres. Through Jan. 8. 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, lamag.org.

Kay Sekimachi, Simple Complexity, at the Craft & Folk Art Museum. The museum has gathered a lifetimes worth of work  from the 1960s to today  of this innovative Bay Area fiber artist. Through Jan. 8. 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, cafam.org.

The Drawing Show, at the A+D Architecture and Design Museum. A new exhibition gathers drawings by architects who use the medium as an exploratory tool in their design practices. This includes images that channel everything from geometric abstraction to the weirdly biomorphic. Architects featured include figures such as Pritzker Prize-winner Thom Mayne , as well as Kyle Miller, Anthony Morey and Bryan Cantley. Through Jan. 8. 900 E. Fourth St., downtown Los Angeles, aplusd.org.

Radio Imagination: Artists in the Archive of Octavia E. Butler, at the Armory Center for the Arts. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the death of sci-fi writer Octavia Butler. As part of this exhibition, which is organized by Clockshop, seven contemporary artists have created work inspired by the items in Butlers archive, held by the Huntington Library. The new pieces include drawings, a sound installation, sculpture and even a musical work, which will premiere at the exhibitions opening. Also on view will be an exhibition of sculptures and video by Harry Dodge  making this a most excellent two-fer. Through Jan. 8. 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, armoryarts.org.

Doug Aitken, Electric Earth, at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The L.A. artists first North American museum survey features an array of collage, photographic and video installation works from throughout his career  including the cinematic Song 1, from 2012, screening on a massive circular screen, and Electric Earth, the 1999 video installation that earned him the International Prize at the Venice Biennale. Through Jan. 15. Geffen Contemporary , 152 N. Central Ave., downtown Los Angeles, moca.org.

Truc Anh: Vacuphilia, at Varola. The first exhibition by the Vietnamese-French artist features paintings and installations that feature bodies and body parts inhabiting an abstracted world of black and white. Through Jan. 20. Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., Ste. B256, West Hollywood, helenvarola.com.

Black With a Drop of Red: Contemporary Cuban Poster Work, at the Fowler Museum. A group show brings together poster designs by 18 graphic artists who have created broadsides for everything from Cuban cultural happenings to U.S. movies  all in stark shades of white, black and red. Through Jan. 22. 308 Charles E. Young Dr. N., Westwood, Los Angeles, fowler.ucla.edu.

Beatriz Cortez, Nomad World, at the Vincent Price Art Museum. The L.A.-based artist and cultural critic has transformed the gallery space at the museum into an arcade that picks apart global capitalism. A fortune-telling booth, a pinball machine and a jukebox have been pulled apart and put back together, in ways that grapple with issues such as migration, economics and identity. Through Jan. 28. East Los Angeles College, 1301 Cesar Chavez Ave., Monterey Park, vincentpriceartmuseum.org.

Virgin of Guadalupe: Images in Colonial Mexico, at the Bowers Museum. This exhibition looks at the extraordinary impact of the Virgin of Guadalupe on Mexican culture, history and iconography through more than 60 artworks, including objects from the virgins basilica in Mexico City, as well as a sacred reliquary that contains a portion of the garment worn by Juan Diego, the indigenous peasant who first saw the virgin in an apparition. Through Jan. 29. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, bowers.org

California Wood Artists, at the Maloof Foundation. A group show gathers wooden objects created by nearly 40 California wood artists, from one-of-a-kind furnishing to elaborate marquetry inspired by Google searches. Through Feb. 11. 5131 Carnelian St., Alta Loma, malooffoundation.org.

La consagracion II (The Consecration II), 1991, by Belkis Ayon at the Fowler Museum. (The Fowler Museum at UCLA) (Test)

Nkame: A Retrospective of Cuban Printmaker Belkis Ayon, at the Fowler Museum. The Cuban visual artist was known for powerful pieces inspired by the visual iconography of the founding myths of Abakua, an Afro-Cuban fraternal society. Over her short life (she died at age 32 in 1999), she produced a voluminous number of prints and collages in shades of black and white that convey scenes that are both magical and enigmatic. Through Feb. 12. UCLA, 308 Charles Young Drive North, Westwood, Los Angeles, fowler.ucla.edu.

States of Mind: Picasso Lithographs, 1945-1960, at the Norton Simon Museum. Drawn from the museums holdings of more than 700 Picasso prints, this exhibition gathers works made in the immediate postwar years, many of which sequentially depict the artists process as he made changes and revisions. Moreover, many of the works are being seen for the first time in 40 years. Through Feb. 13. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, nortonsimon.org.

In the Land of Sunshine: Imaging the California Coast World, at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. Covering a period that begins in the mid-19th century and spans to today, this exhibition covers beach culture up and down our states more than 800-mile coast  from playful abstractions of the shoreline to expressive watercolors that will make you practically taste the salt air. Through Feb. 19. 490 E. Union St., Pasadena, pmcaonline.org.

Ease of Fiction, at the California African American Museum. The museum has launched a new slate of shows. This includes Ease of Fiction, a group exhibition that features work by four African artists exploring the fine line between the invented and the real and the debut museum exhibition of Los Angeles artist Genevieve Gagnard, whose photographs question notions of blackness and whiteness. There is also a beguiling room-sized installation by Hank Willis Thomas that recasts the symbols of the Confederate flag in the colors of black nationalism  and projects them in tune with a soundtrack of spoken-word audio. Through Feb. 19. 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles, caamuseum.org.

Tastemakers and Earthshakers: Notes on Los Angeles Youth Culture, 1943-2016, at Vincent Price Art Museum. A multimedia exhibition organized by the museums new director, Pilar Tompkins Rivas, looks at eight decades of youth culture  from the pachucos and pachucas of the 40s, to the connections between Los Angeles and British youth culture, to the emergence of social spaces geared at youth. In addition to work by more than 35 area artists, the exhibition also features documentary photography, video and other cultural ephemera. Through Feb. 25. East Los Angeles College, 1301 Cesar Chavez Ave., Monterey Park, vincentpriceartmuseum.org.

Still from Sr. Tereshkova, 1975, by Humberto Sandoval  part of the group show Tastemakers and Earthshakers at the Vincent Price Art Museum. (Humberto Sandoval / VPAM) (Humberto Sandoval / VPAM)

Pop for the People: Roy Lichtenstein in Los Angeles, at the Skirball Cultural Center. A new exhibition of the pop artist looks at more than 70 works spanning four decades, many of which are connected to Los Angeles and the artists collaboration with important print studios here  including Gemini G.E.L. and Tamarind Lithography Workshop. Through March 12. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood, Los Angeles, skirball.org.

Toba Khedoori, at the L.A. County Museum of Art. This is the first major museum survey of the L.A.-based artist, known for her painstaking draftsmanship and enigmatic drawings and paintings. Her works often feature architectural elements, landscape, smoke and flame in ways that play with negative space and toy with meaning. Through March 19. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

Becoming America: Highlights from the Jonathan and Karin Fielding Collection, at the Huntington Library. The Huntington has just redone its American art galleries and now features a new expansion by architects at Frederick Fisher and Partners that adds eight rooms for display. Up first will be an exhibition devoted to the Fielding Collection, featuring more than 200 works of 18th and early 19th century American art, including paintings, furnishings and decorative art. While youre at the museum, pop in to see the show Real American Places: Edward Weston & Leaves of Grass, which features the portfolio of photographs that Weston made to accompany Walt Whitmans seminal poem. Becoming America runs indefinitely; Weston runs through March 20. 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, huntington.org.

Non Fiction, at the Underground Museum. An emotionally charged exhibition curated by the late Noah Davis in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles brings together works that explore issues of race and violence. This includes important works from MOCAs permanent collection by artists such as Robert Gober, Kara Walker, Henry Taylor and David Hammons. Through March. 3508 W. Washington Blvd., Arlington Heights, Los Angeles, theunderground-museum.org.

L.A. Exuberance: New Gifts by Artists, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This exhibition brings together more than 60 works of art donated by artists to the museum, including pieces by photographer Catherine Opie, light and space master Larry Bell, multimedia artist Analia Saban, photographer James Welling and conceptualist Mario Ybarra Jr. Through April 2. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

Islamic Art Now: Part 2 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Contemporary works from LACMAs permanent collection by 20 artists who live in or have roots in the Middle East look at questions of society, gender and identity. Runs indefinitely. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, lacma.org.

Loris Greaud, Sculpt, at the L.A. County Museum of Art. The entire theater has been taken over by the European artist for a film that screens to only one person at a time. The nonlinear picture follows a man about whom we know very little, who seems to be constantly developing the concept of what experiencing beauty, thought, or obsession can be, according the write-up. Times critic Christopher Knight describes it as pretentious and uninvolving. A good hate-watch, maybe? On view through a yet to be determined date. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

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Its that signature moment in a movie. Its the scene that brings all the dramatic elements together thematically or allows the story to unfurl organically. The Envelope spoke to several directors whose films span the globe from as far-off locales as India, Romania and West Texas, but they frankly admit that if these particular moments didnt soar, their movies wouldnt either.

So what scenes were key to the films?

Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea

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The key scene is a flashback sequence, which happens about 40 minutes in. Thats the cornerstone of the whole movie. That said, there are many other scenes without which the film would collapse. If Lee didnt have a happy marriage before this happened, theres no story; if his brother hadnt tried to take care of him, there would be less of a story. The story in its crudest terms is Lees been told to take care of his nephew but he cant stay in the town. And once you take away one thing, everything else falls apart.

Jeff Nichols, Loving

I very much knew where I wanted to end the film, but there was really a question of what the climax was going to be. And it wasnt until I found a quote from Mildred [Loving], shortly before she died, that I included at the end of the film, that said, I miss him. He took care of me. I was inspired by that to go back into the back third of the film and include a scene where Richard comes home from the bar after being challenged by a friend that he should just divorce her. And he comes home and tells Mildred that he can take care of her. And he repeats it over and over again. That really for me became the emotional climax of the whole film. You have a man telling his wife that he can take care of her at a point where we understand that thats really not the case.

Garth Davis, Lion

Little Saroo [Sunny Pawar] trapped on that train had to be really powerful or wed never have a second half of the movie. I decided we would make that the last scene we shot in India because I wanted him to have as much experience on set and build his confidence to that point. So, I never ever, ever wanted to do any trick performances with Sunny. I always wanted to do it ethically and responsibly. To get that performance a lot of it was literally that I would have to do it [myself]. I would show him how loud he had to scream. I would show him how to pull on the bars. I had to make him feel like it was OK and that anyone could do it. He loved the physicality. I got really lucky with him.

Tom Ford, Nocturnal Animals

Its the scene of the abduction on the highway. You get six actors and theyre all, No, if she were my daughter I would come over here and I would stand in-between. Yeah, but if you did that then I would come over here and I would go over there. It was absolute mayhem so I finally just said, Guys, you just all have to go away. Just go away. Then when we got there, set up the cars, blocked it out with them, we got it to a place where it felt natural for them. We also shot it handheld so it could be a lot looser, its meant to be visceral and raw and not so posed and so framed. Its very long and it was the most complex to shoot. Its 17 minutes on screen.

David Mackenzie, Hell or High Water

The center of the film in all sorts of ways to me is the scene in which Marcus [Jeff Bridges] and Alberto [Gil Birmingham] are sitting on the porch outside the T-Bone cafe and Gil talks about how 150 years ago this was his peoples land. And there is a moment of resonance about the whole sort of narrative about the West being reclaimed by financial institutions and multinational corporations. There is that moment of insight talking about that and it sums up some of the themes of the film. And that kind of makes it a double porch scene with Toby [Chris Pine] and Tanner [Ben Foster] on their porch the last day before things kind of come to a head [coming immediately after]. Its the heart and soul of the film. And you sort of feel the connection between both sets of characters that have taken different sides of the law, but effectively doing the same thing in the same sunset.

Maren Ade, Toni Erdmann

Sandra Hullers character singing Whitney Houstons The Greatest Love of All, which was an interesting shooting day. It was really hard to shoot that scene; we did that song eight times and it was very boring. So, we watched together and Sandra said, Its completely boring. And then I showed her this version she did during rehearsal. We called [that one] Las Vegas. It was a very expressive version. And she said, OK, Im doing this Vegas thing now but Im doing it only one time! The sound guy almost killed me because he was trying to get it recorded properly and it was so loud suddenly and so dramatic. I remember the woman who was doing the makeup was really crying.

Mike Mills, 20th Century Women

Its a sequence that starts with the boy [Lucas Jade Zumann] reading to his mom [Annette Bening] the essay It Hurts to Be Alive and Obsolete by Zoe Moss. Its from The Sisterhood Is Powerful book that Greta Gerwigs character gives him. It has a bunch of little elements that are kind of like the DNA of my favorite parts of my films. Its this really kind of impossible attempt for this mother and son to understand each other across this particularly big generation gap. And the boy, the 15-year-old, is really trying to understand his middle-aged mother who was born in the 20s who went through the Depression and WW II and is now a raising him in the 70s. It does nothing but unnerve her so it doesnt work out, but I find it a really beautiful attempt from him to try and see her. Then there is a beautiful little montage of moments from her life and their life together while hes reading.

Rebecca Miller, Maggies Plan

The very last scene of the movie  the one that had to work or the whole film would fail. We put the entire crew and most of the cast on ice. If Julianne Moore broke an arm, if the sun set before we were done, our goose was cooked. Just as the shadows grew long and the light changed, we came to the end of our shot list. The final close-up, of Greta Gerwig realizing at last that she is in love, was heartbreaking, and she was so lovely I could hardly bear it. And the minimal shots I had planned worked out, and the camera didnt fall on the ice. Nothing bonds people like potential disaster. We now had the confidence to go on and make a film with a tough schedule.

Theodore Melfi, Hidden Figures

The scene between Octavia Spencer and Kirsten Dunst in the bathroom was key for me. For the first time in NASAs history the bathrooms are desegregated and a black woman and a white woman are sharing a bathroom. Octavia says a line that sums up the whole film for me and about racism of the times. Kirsten says, I know you dont think I have anything against yall and Octavia says, I know you dont think that. [Pointing out] the unconscious bias of then and today.

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From the beaches of Miami to the L.A. freeways, this years cinematography contenders find magic in the mundane. Heres how they got the shots that make the whole world sing.

Linus Sandgren, La La Land

The scene: Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling go from mockery to a romantic pas de deux as they search for her car after a party in Griffith Park.

Shot significance: As the incipient lovebirds barbed banter gives way to outright flirtation, they slip from conversation into song and from searching for their cars to dancing with each other. The back-and-forth between mundane reality and musical fantasy mirrors the delicate negotiations that precede a first kiss and the way when it finally happens, the whole world shifts.

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Birth of the shot: Drawing inspiration from the social-realist musicals of Jacques Demy (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg), director Damien Chazelle builds many of the films fantastical musical numbers around the mundane realities of Los Angeles life; the opening Another Day of Sun breaks out during a traffic jam on the 110. But for A Lovely Night, says Sandgren, they wanted to capture the magic-hour moment when the colors of the setting sun are so heightened it seemed almost fake.

Making it work: Stone and Gosling spent weeks learning the choreography in a cramped dance studio, with Sandgren and his team trying out camera angles with iPhones, and then moved rehearsal to the real outdoor location, where a slope in the road added another degree of difficulty. But that paled beside the decision to shoot the entire number in a single take, an elaborately choreographed crane shot in which the camera becomes a third partner in the dance. Sandgren and Chazelle agreed that they wanted to respect classical Hollywood techniques, which meant no digitally painting out shadows or light stands. By the time theyd put the whole thing together, the camera had to hit 27 different marks in one unbroken six-minute shot  which in turn had to be accomplished during the 15 minutes of the day when the light was just right.

It was very hard to nail it, Sandgren says. Every time we rehearsed, there was something wrong with the take. But when we started shooting, everything came together. I find thats always so interesting with doing these kinds of things. Nothing works until it works, and when it works, its magic.

James Laxton, Moonlight

The scene: Chiron (Ashton Sanders), a gay Miami teenager, has his first sexual encounter on a darkened beach.

Shot significance: You never forget your first time, but in Chirons case, its especially fraught. In the housing projects of the 1980s, being openly gay is dangerous, and its not clear even Chiron knows where the evening is going until his friend Kevin leads the way. Its a private moment, says Laxton, shared with two people on a beach and no one around to judge.

Birth of the shot: Although Moonlight was shot digitally, Laxton and director Barry Jenkins used lookup tables (a digital file that color codes an image) to emulate a different film stock for each of the movies three chapters: Fuji for the first, Kodak for the last, and Agfa for Chirons teenage years. It has more of a pastel tendency, Laxton explains. The colors seem to mix in interesting ways that we just felt was appropriate for the story. They also decided to shoot with a long, narrow anamorphic frame in order to enhance the movies cinematic qualities. It places an importance on the images, Laxton says, and gives them value in a way that stories like this sometimes dont get.

Although the scene doesnt require any elaborate camera moves, it proved to be the most difficult in the film. Nighttime beaches pose a very physical challenge to cinema, generally speaking, Laxton says. One question we ask ourselves in any scene is Where is the light coming from? When youre doing a scene that takes place in complete darkness, thats a difficult question to answer.

Making it work: Without betraying the realism of the scene, Laxton created a soft overhead pool around the characters, which serves as an oasis in the middle of the darkened widescreen frame. It required careful adjustments to render the actors facial expressions visible while keeping the light confined to their little corner of the world, an oasis both isolated and protective. When the camera is facing the ocean, Laxton notes that you cant see anything but a black expanse, but the lack of light on the waves only underlines the sense that, for this moment and for these two young men, nothing else exists. Its sort of an abyss behind them, he says, but I think we accept that as an audience. It doesnt appear to be realistic on some level, but were so interested and engaged with this very personal moment that these characters are feeling.

Stephane Fontaine, Jackie

The scene: In a moment of quiet aboard Air Force One, Jackie Kennedy allows the shock of JFKs assassination to sink in. As Lyndon Johnson takes the oath of office, the apparatus of government moves to restore normalcy, but Jackie resists the suggestion that she change into an outfit thats not stained with her husbands blood: Let them see what theyve done.

Shot significance: Jackie, which was written by Noah Oppenheim and directed by Pablo Larrain, casts the first lady as the nations image-maker-in-chief, a woman whose understanding of visual power goes far beyond her status as a fashion icon. Weve already seen her leading a camera crew through the White House for the first time, a tour that ends with a staged appearance by her husband that restores her to her place as the worlds most powerful housewife. But after his death, she becomes the guardian of his legacy, the creator of Camelot, and it all begins with that fateful moment.

Birth of the shot: For much of the shoot, Jackie took what cinematographer Fontaine calls a cubist approach to storytelling. Using 16 millimeter to emulate the feel of period footage  apart from the White House tour, which was shot with vintage video cameras  they filmed the same scenes in multiple locations and intercut the results, using wide-angle lenses and improvisation to give Natalie Portman freedom to move and react in character. We wanted to stay close to her but not lose the background, Fontaine explains. Natalie would walk pretty much where she wanted to, stay far, come close. Im not even sure she would know herself what she was about to do or say. It was like a ballet between her and the camera.

On Air Force One, though, that freedom comes to an abrupt end. For this specific moment, Fontaine says, nothing else could really matter. After trying to hold the fragments of her husbands shattered skull together as they sped down the Dallas freeway, Jackie is at her most helpless, and the scenes distinct staging need to reflect that.

Making it work: Much of the film plays out in close-ups of Portmans face, but on Air Force One, Fontaine chose to use a long lens for the only time on the shoot. Instead of being in documentary-style focus, the world around her becomes a blur. It tells us and it tells Jackie as well that everything that we had before is gone forever, and from then on, she will be in a different world, Fontaine explains. The world she knew before is gone.

Although the scene wasnt shot on a real plane, Fontaine and Larrain chose to stick as close to reality as they could. Although we were shooting in studio, we didnt want to benefit from any of the advantages of being in a studio, Fontaine says. They did, he admits, lengthen Air Force One by a few feet, but Portman was still physically confined by the size of the set and hemmed in by history. I think every word was written. The dialogue was very precise. Despite the strictures and the emotional intensity, he says, Portman kept things flowing smoothly. She has this amazing quality of staying focused and being at the same time totally easygoing during takes, very laid back, he says. It should be more common among actors, I think.

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This years awards contenders feature scenes of foul language, drug addiction and underage gay sex (Moonlight), nudity (Nocturnal Animals, Toni Erdmann), sexual violence (Elle) as well as graphic violence (Hacksaw Ridge, Nocturnal Animals). The stage for such images on the big screen may have been set 50 years ago when movie audiences witnessed full-frontal female nudity in a mainstream studio film, Blow-Up, as well as strong language in Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and controversial topics in Alfie.

Though sweeping epics such as A Man for All Seasons and The Sand Pebbles were still in the forefront, several small British films and their stars made an impact in 1966, including Michael Caine (Alfie), Lynn Redgrave (Georgy Girl) and Vanessa Redgrave (Morgan).

It turned out to be a watershed year for cinema and also for the 39th Academy Awards.

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Not only was Hollywoods studio system on its last legs, so was the Production Code, which held filmmakers in a vice-like grip of censorship for more than three decades. The rules and regulations didnt reflect the 60s and the decades fight for civil rights for African Americans, the growing anti-Vietnam War sentiment and the sexual revolution.

The loosening of the code, said author-film historian Joseph McBride (Searching for John Ford, What Ever Happened to Orson Welles?), was reflected in the Oscars. He cited Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, the acclaimed adaptation of Edward Albees Broadway play and director Mike Nichols directorial debut, as the film that ended the code. The language was really controversial and influential at the time  suddenly the floodgates opened to language.

Virginia Woolf, which starred Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and George Segal, dominated the Oscar nominations in 1967 earning a staggering 13, including film, director, actor for Burton and supporting actor for Segal and won five  including Taylor for lead actress, Sandy Dennis for supporting and black-and-white cinematography for Haskell Wexler.

McBride noted that the nomination slate reflected that Hollywood had its feet in both the shifting mores of the present and the less challenging past. Besides Virginia Woolf, best picture nominees included the frank British drama Alfie, which featured a devastating abortion scene involving supporting actress nominee Vivien Merchant (and brought Caine his first Oscar nomination); the sweet Cold War comedy The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming, starring Alan Arkin in his film bow as a Russian sub captain; and two traditional epics: Robert Wises The Sand Pebbles, set in China in the 1920s, and Fred Zinnemanns historical drama, A Man for All Seasons.

It was the stately, intelligent Man for All Seasons that won the top prize as well as five other Academy Awards.

They gave Oscars to films like that, said McBride. They were obviously weighty subjects based on a distinguished play, directed by a revered Hollywood veteran who was not flashy and all of that, but its a very well-crafted film, beautifully acted.

Still, the offerings of 1966 showed that studios were no longer afraid to release a film without a Production Code seal. Italian director Michelangelo Antonionis British murder-mystery Blow-Up, for instance, failed to receive approval from the Production Code because it contained full-frontal nudity, so MGM unveiled it without a code. Blow-Up went on to receive two Oscar nominations  for Antonionis direction and for screenplay, which he co-wrote.

Blow-Up was a huge influence, said McBride. Heres an art-house film made by a Hollywood company. Its a very avant-garde film.

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To Kieran Fitzgerald, co-writer of Snowden, one of the most humanizing moments in the Oliver Stone-directed movie comes when Edward Snowden is at his most broken.

Literally: In real life, as in the movie, Snowden broke both legs jumping out of a bunk bed in boot camp, which ultimately set him down a very different career path. It makes you cringe, because you feel bad for this guy who couldnt make it out of basic training, says Fitzgerald, who wrote the screenplay with Stone. Its humanizing because its specific. Its not always about showing serious flaws.

Flaws are important when telling the story of real-life heroes. By the time someone has done something that warrants a two-hour-plus major motion picture about his or her life and accomplishments, its easy for filmmakers to gravitate toward brushing any dark, fragile moments under the rug. But such uncritical retellings are usually buried on basic cable as movies of the week.

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 A trailer for Hidden Figures, starring Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer.

A film released in awards season, on the other hand, has to have the bar set higher  which presents a challenge for screenwriters. With such movies as Hidden Figures, The Birth of a Nation, Hacksaw Ridge, Sully and Loving, writers must walk the fine line of explaining why this person or people were worthy heroes  while reminding us that they are not demigods.

Keeping the rose-colored glasses on, says Todd Komarnicki, Sully screenwriter, would be boring. It wouldnt resonate with the audience. In this day and age, everyone has skeletons. Everyone has scars. Were all under a social media X-ray, and it does remind us that were all human, and we all suffer.

In the case of Sully, Komarnicki had a particular challenge in that little, if anything, has been negatively said about Chesley Sullenberger, who piloted a disabled jetliner full of passengers onto the Hudson River safely. Inventing an antagonist to keep a movie about him interesting meant the script portrayed the NTSB investigation into the crash as the bad guy.

But by doing that, it put pressure on Sully the character, much as it did in real life. What we end up seeing in the movie is self-doubt from a person whos been in control his whole life, he says. How he navigated his post-crash life is very human and complicated.

Then theres a soldier like Hacksaw Ridges Desmond Doss, who saved 75 men from the battlefield, single-handedly hauling each to a cliffs edge where he lowered them down to safety  all without ever carrying a gun.

 Hacksaw Ridge features Teresa Palmer, Andrew Garfield, Hugo Weaving, Sam Worthington and Vince Vaughn.

It was important to me from the get-go to focus on the very human qualities, as opposed to a comic book superhero, says Robert Schenkkan, who co-wrote the screenplay with Andrew Knight and delved into the psychology behind the conscientious objectors decision to go unarmed into battle. Desmonds rejection of the gun is directly related to his painful awareness of his own limitations, his anger and desire for vengeance.

Not every version of heroism involves grand gestures, and the quieter ones present another layer of challenges to writers, who then must write character-rich scenes that underscore the heroic elements of their real-life protagonists.

For Hidden Figures, Allison Schroeder needed to tell the stories of three African American women scientists who helped launch the space program  but who couldnt be seen as flawed while at work.

For me it was about showing how painful it was to put on this facade for the bosses, but the moment [the women are] alone together, you get to hear their problems, says Schroeder. Katherine straight up admits, Im not up to the task; Mary struggles in her marriage. Theyre not perfect. Theyre nuanced characters  but they hid it from the world and showed it to each other.

Gentle heroism from people who just want to live their lives also echoes in Loving, in which a rural couple is thrust into the Supreme Court spotlight when their interracial marriage is challenged by the state.

For director/screenwriter Jeff Nichols, The cause was their nature  they were a threat to society by their nature.

He wrote a scene taken from real life in which the newlywed Mildred and Richard Loving are rousted from their bed and carted off to jail. One producer came up to me and said, Should [Richard] resist more? He seems so weak. And that was kind of my point  in a lot of movies, youd grab a weapon and start fighting, but he understood the lack of power he had, and acquiesced to it. Its really easy to dive into dramatic embellishment, but I was more interested in how things really went down.

Ultimately, though, screenwriters tend not to be interested in evenhandedness in their portrayals: They were hired to highlight the hero or heroine, flaws included, but not to make some kind of case for the other side.

At the end of the day I was writing the script for Oliver Stone, and nobody accuses him of being a journalist.  Snowden co-writer Kieran Fitzgerald

At the end of the day I was writing the script for Oliver Stone, and nobody accuses him of being a journalist, says Fitzgerald. Hes a man whos interested in a point of view  mainly his. So to the extent that Oliver admired Edward Snowden, its in the movie. But I wrote a script that I believed fit the [Snowden] that I met  and Im very comfortable with that.

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The biggest con that Anonymous features isnt any of the identity theft, credit card forgery or upending of the global financial systems its unlikable characters commit; instead, its the wool pulled over the eyes of an unsuspecting audience. Director Akan Satayevs hacker thriller looks gorgeous, featuring locations around the world shot with crisp cinematography by Pasha Patriki. However, the script from Sanzhar Sultan is poorly structured and silly, revealing the emptiness beneath the shiny facade.

After emigrating from Ukraine to Canada as a child, teenage Alex (Callan McAuliffe) watches his parents struggle to make a living. He compensates by earning money in online schemes and hacking, which he soon brings into the real world. He meets Toronto con man Sye (Daniel Eric Gold) and mysterious beauty Kira (Lorraine Nicholson) as he aims to win the favor of reclusive and renowned hacker Zed (Clifton Collins Jr.), though he also attracts unwanted attention from the FBI.

Anonymous likely intends to be thought-provoking, but it only invited questions about the illogical choices of both the characters and the filmmakers. The only tension present in the thriller is when it will be over.

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Anonymous

Rating: R, language throughout including some sexual references, and a bloody image

Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Playing: Atlantic Times Square 14, Los Angeles
In this era of the activist documentary, youd think wed have more rebuttal movies, the documentary equivalent to answer songs. Considering the shocked reaction to The Cove, for instance -- Louis Psihoyos Oscar-winning agitprop smash exposing mass dolphin killings in the Japanese fishing village of Taiji  a response from a country with a longstanding fishing history seemed only appropriate. Japanese filmmaker Keiko Yagis Behind The Cove is one such attempt, cobbling together a defense that not only attacks the movies one-sidedness, but throws in allegations of cultural racism, interviews with aggrieved whalers and experts, complaints about rude activists descending on Taiji, and confusing deep dives into global politics.

With so much to cover, its a regrettably amateurish effort in tone, style and pacing, as if her first cut were her final cut. Its too scattershot to be persuasive, even if occasionally it sparks thought about issues of cultural tradition, unfair international agreements, and nationalistic defensiveness. Yagi struggles when folding the questionable efforts of U.S.-based animal rights groups into her physician-heal-thyself critique of American history overall (from Commodore Perry to Vietnam to beef-eating), and while Behind The Cove defends Japanese whaling as a cultural custom, Yagi ignores the earlier documentarys advocacy against the indefensible enslavement of dolphins for human amusement. Its anyones guess, though, if shes trying to whet or squelch appetites with that long, loving shot of a fishmongers pile of ruby-red whale meat.

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Behind The Cove

In English and Japanese with English subtitles

1 hour, 45 minutes

Not rated

Playing at Laemmle Music Hall
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

The Republic of Peru intends to open its embassy in Azerbaijan, according to a note from Perus Foreign Ministry sent to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend that the opening of the diplomatic mission is aimed at development and further strengthening of bilateral cooperation in all spheres.

Azerbaijan welcomes the decision of the Peruvian government and hopes that this decision will contribute to the development of comprehensive cooperation between Peru and Azerbaijan.
Jackie Burke, the 67-year-old funnyman played with a wink and a scowl by Robert De Niro in The Comedian, originally came to fame as the star of a hugely popular, thoroughly dreadful sitcom called Eddies Home. Everywhere he goes, Jackie is greeted by nostalgic fans (Eddie! Eddie!) who demand that he do his Honeymooners-style signature line (Ar-LEEEENE!). And he invariably responds with the grimly resigned smile of a battered industry veteran who views his greatest claim to fame with more resentment than gratitude, and who knows that its kind will never come his way again.

While De Niro has often been slammed for falling short of his own storied career highs, it would be presumptuous to speculate about how closely he identifies with this particular alter ego. Widely loved though he may be, Eddie is not exactly the prime-time TV equivalent of Vito Corleone, Travis Bickle or Jake LaMotta. For that matter, Jackie doesnt much resemble Rupert Pupkin, the sociopathic celebrity wannabe De Niro played in Martin Scorseses great, savage 1983 satire, The King of Comedy.

There are, to be sure, a few superficial similarities between these two fictional funnymen, both of whom benefit from the live-wire unpredictability that De Niro reliably brings to his best and worst material. (The Comedian falls squarely in the middle.) Both men, too, wind up committing acts of violence that land them behind bars  Rupert for kidnapping a talk-show host, Jackie for punching a particularly noxious heckler.

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That assault takes place early in The Comedian, on a rainy night at a Long Island comedy club  the latest stop on Jackies long, low-paying journey to Hollywood oblivion. The crude jokes he tells onstage are unsurprisingly laced with bitterness and self-loathing, but at times they are balanced by an unmistakable streak of good humor. Later, when Jackie is performing his court-ordered community service at a soup kitchen  dropping expletives left and right, likening a few visitors to the cast of Duck Dynasty  he seems to be having the time of his life.

Things even start to look up when Jackie meets a fellow parolee named Harmony Schiltz, played with brittle radiance by Leslie Mann. Similarly fed up with life after a bad break-up, Harmony isnt looking to jump into another relationship, let alone one with a washed-up celebrity a few decades her senior. But against her better judgment, she finds herself charmed and intrigued by this most improbable suitor.

Before a third-act twist sends it lurching in a bizarre, melodramatic direction, The Comedian largely consists of Jackie and Harmony laughing and swearing their way from one disastrous social occasion to another, propelled across a cold and slushy New York backdrop to the jazzy accompaniment of Terence Blanchards score. After Jackie turns up at a family wedding, shocking his brother (Danny DeVito) and enraging his sister-in-law (a scene-stealing Patti LuPone), he and Harmony have an ill-advised dinner with her rude, overbearing father (Harvey Keitel).

All these barbed encounters provide a better showcase for Jackies off-color talents than most of the gigs procured by his long-suffering manager (Edie Falco), doing her best to ensure her clients relevance in a meme-obsessed, reality TV-addicted industry. They also allow for a few affectionate callbacks to De Niros own career highlights, the modest pleasures of which Ill leave it to the viewer to discover. Suffice it to say that its delightful to see Keitel and De Niro paying subliminal homage to their old routines from Mean Streets and Taxi Driver, this time sans weapons and under a bright ray of Florida sunshine.

Working from a sharp-tongued, soft-bellied script by four writers (including Jeff Ross, master of the celebrity roast), the director Taylor Hackford (Ray) aims for the kind of knowing, insider-ish portrait of a milieu previously depicted in movies like Mike Birbiglias Sleepwalk With Me and Dont Think Twice, or Judd Apatows Funny People (which also featured Mann in a key supporting role). To that end, The Comedian comes stacked with cameos by real-life stand-up regulars, including Brett Butler, Jessica Kirson and Hannibal Buress, bringing welcome jolts of humor and verisimilitude to what often feels like a succession of forced audience reaction shots.

De Niro, for his part, has always had an instinctive gift for comedy, as amply demonstrated in movies as different as Brazil, Wag the Dog, Analyze This and Meet the Parents. And if his recent pre-election video is any indication, he has the makings of a great, take-no-prisoners insult artist  a role for which The Comedian sometimes feels like an amusing but not entirely successful test run.

Its possible to like Jackie Burke and enjoy his foul-mouthed company without fully believing in him  or the stage version of him, anyway. De Niros scenes with Mann glow with warmth and wit, but something in his performance clenches up whenever Jackie gets behind a microphone and starts railing about masturbation, incontinence and other below-the-waist targets. Theres a canned quality to these zingers that doesnt suggest an authentic expression of a comics juvenile edginess so much as a screenwriters idea of it.

De Niro may have given one of the defining performances of his career as a talentless comedian, but theres no doubt he could play a talented one superbly. But it would take a sharper, nervier movie than The Comedian, whose promising setup and shambling rhythms are ultimately deflated by a soggy final punchline, to see that promise realized.

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The Comedian

MPAA rating: R, for crude sexual references and language throughout

Running time: 1 hour, 59 minutes

Playing: AMC Century City 15, Century City
The Eyes of My Mother, Nicolas Pesces hypnotically eerie debut feature, builds calmly and quietly to one of the most appalling sequences Ive seen in a film this year. Ill keep the details vague; anyone inclined to seek out this movies dread-soaked pleasures may as well take their poison straight. Suffice to say that the scene involves a frightened woman, a screaming child and the sort of remote Midwestern abode that, over the course of a swift, indelible 71 minutes, becomes a veritable charnel house of bloody terrors.

What makes this particular tableau so disturbing is that it echoes an earlier encounter in the film  the suggestion being that evil, left to its own devices, will inevitably repeat the same chilling patterns from one generation to the next. In the most literal sense, those devices include scalpels, hacksaws and heavy chains, all of which are wielded here with a level of skill matched by Pesces own exquisite technical mastery.

His sense of horror craftsmanship is at once meticulous and oblique. Working with the cinematographer Zach Kuperstein, he has absorbed a crucial lesson from Alfred Hitchcocks Psycho, filming in lustrous black-and-white images in which shadows are as dark and inky as bloodstains. The editing scheme is similarly restrained, often cutting abruptly from the buildup of a violent scene to its grisly aftermath, and leaving the worst of the carnage to our tortured imaginations.

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At the center of the movie is Francisca (Kika Magalhaes), a lonely young woman who, its perversely suggested at the outset, may have been named after St. Francis of Assisi  one of several religious references that loom incongruously over the story. A cross can be seen hanging on the wall of the farmhouse, and Francisca herself spends much of her time in prayer, though not to any god who might care to listen.

Pesces deftly sutured screenplay is structured in three chapters (titled Mother, Father and Family), each one adding a fresh wrinkle to a disquieting psychological history. Over a time span of several years, the house bears witness to a series of unfortunate visitors  some of them wholly innocent, like the girl (Clara Wong) who accompanies Francisca home one night. Not so innocent is the leering home invader (Will Brill) who, in one terrifyingly framed interior shot, seems designed to bring back memories of Robert Mitchum in Charles Laughtons The Night of the Hunter (1955).

The Eyes of My Mother feels indebted to that lyrical horror masterpiece in more ways than one, with its monochrome cinematography, its rural American setting and its rigorous adherence to a childlike perspective. Adults are frighteningly absent from Franciscas hushed, secluded world. Her father (Paul Nazak) is a stiff, nearly catatonic presence. Her mother (Diana Agostini) is a more compassionate figure who, as we learn early on, once worked as an ocular surgeon in her native Portugal. She trained her daughter depressingly well.

At once briskly and deliberately paced, sustaining a precise narrative clarity even as it seems to flow with the logic of a nightmare, The Eyes of My Mother confounds expectations and defies easy categorization. Is it a high-art Texas Chainsaw Massacre? A feminist rethink of the Ed Gein story? All of the above, perhaps, though it also turns out to be about something much more universal, which is a childs instinctive desire for companionship  a need that will ultimately be met, and by any means necessary.

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The Eyes of My Mother

English and Portuguese dialogue with English subtitles

MPAA rating: R, for disturbing violent content and behavior and brief nudity

Running time: 1 hour, 11 minutes

Playing: Nuart Theatre, West Los Angeles
Legacy documentaries about historys gifted writers can sometimes be tough going if the filmmaker hasnt figured out how to convey the life and the literature on screen in a way that commands your attention without making you just want to quit watching and read the subjects words yourself.

There are times in David Novacks documentary Finding Babel  about Isaac Babel, the esteemed chronicler of a nascent Soviet Union  when Liev Schreibers mellifluous baritone reading excerpts from the writers book of war stories, Red Cavalry, is both an asset (that prose, that voice) and a taunt (is there a bookstore open?). And yet, paired with impressionistic images of horses or a peasant woman or water or bees  whatever the Odessa-born Babel is describing  the effect of these narrated moments is occasionally that of a highbrow educational film you might see in lit class.

But theres a more deeply involving structure to Novacks film than introducing the uninitiated to  or reminding the devotee of  Babels convulsively poetic reportage from inside a revolution only beginning. Its also a travelogue of an elusive artists journey, led by his grandson Andrei Malaev-Babel, a Florida-based acting teacher, and marked by emotional stops at places that informed and influenced a man juggling his Jewish, Russian and Soviet identities.

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These include the Ukraine  what was then Cossack-ravaged Poland, where Babel was an embedded correspondent  and Paris, which animated his sensual side. His colorful hometown inspired the crime-inflected zest of Odessa Tales, while in Moscow a celebrated writer found love (with Malaev-Babels grandmother Antonina Pirozhkova, interviewed by the filmmaker a few years before her death) and his fate, as a purge-mad Stalin sent the secret police to arrest Babel in 1939. Forced into a fake confession, one of the centurys greatest writers was executed the following year.

When its merely a guided tour marked by sites and talking historians, Finding Babel can feel a little color-by-numbers. (Which may explain the Schreiber-read interludes.) But there are excursions that feel invigorating, as when Malaev-Babel enlists actors in Paris to read from his grandfathers subversive 1935 play Maria, their discussions about Babels political critiques of a nation turned upside down spliced with snippets of energetic performance. He also sits down with Marina Vlady, star of Jean-Luc Godards 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her and former wife of dissident Soviet poet Vladimir Vysotsky. Asked what truth-tellers like Babel and her husband have in common, she says They burn faster.

At a monastery that was once a prison that briefly housed Babel, a priest tells Malaev-Babel that his grandfathers writings opened his eyes to a regimes cruelty, but that he also believes, All of this might return. Trying to visit the duchy  now in a gated area  where Babel was arrested, his grandson is pushed around by security thugs. Meeting with author Vitaly Shentalinsky, who first viewed Babels case file after the security archives opened, the question arises of whether the disease of evil that infiltrated Soviet Russia will ever be cured. (In one casually chilling moment in which you can see the past morphing before your eyes, a woman tosses off a remark to Malaev-Babel that at least the Soviets respected writers.)

The movie ends on a poignant note, as Malaev-Babels grandmother  a noted civil engineer  struggles to describe the painful memory of her husbands last day with her. But she also testifies to the mix of sadness and humor that made him the writer he was, and who Finding Babel honors with intelligence and plenty of feeling.

===

Finding Babel

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 28 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Town Center 5, Encino
Director Dito Montiel gets points for aiming beyond his usual New York-set crime dramas, but the final product of Man Down never reaches its ambitions.

The thriller spans three time periods, features a score from Darren Aronofsky favorite Clint Mansell and boasts a cast that includes Shia LaBeouf, Gary Oldman, Kate Mara and Clifton Collins Jr. However, all that talent and effort amounts to a messy movie that has a powerful message but struggles to communicate it with clarity and without an excess of sentimentality.

Man Down begins in a post-apocalyptic America where Marine Gabriel Drummer (LaBeouf, rising above the material) searches for his missing wife (Mara) and son (Charlie Shotwell). Joined by his longtime friend and fellow soldier Devin Roberts (Jai Courtney), he scours burned-out buildings against a smoke-filled sky. The story flashes back to an inquiry about an unnamed incident that finds Drummer interviewed by a counselor (Oldman), as well as to Drummers time before and during his deployment to Afghanistan.

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Montiels film gives the trauma of modern war its just due, and LaBeouf ably shares his characters pain and continuing struggle. Meanwhile, both the scenes set in war and in the smoking husk of Drummers home suffer from poor CGI that dull their effects on the audience, even while the cast tries their best. Both they and the cause of veterans returning home deserve better.

===

Man Down

Rating: R, for some disturbing violence and language throughout.

Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Playing: In general release
About 10 minutes into One More Time with Feeling, when Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds begin playing the first of an albums worth of songs, a wave of sadness surges, bone-deep and breathtaking. The craftsmanship and beauty of the track, Jesus Alone, is undeniable, but something else, something ineffable, is unfolding in the moment, as it will throughout this haunting film about creativity and loss.

The details of the loss that shattered Cave and his family are never spelled out in Andrew Dominiks documentary. For those not aware that one of Caves sons, 15-year-old Arthur, died last year from injuries suffered in a fall from a cliff, it might seem that the movie teases out the heart of the matter at unnecessary length. But it becomes powerfully clear that the directors strategy echoes the instinctive response of Cave and his wife, Susie, to the unspeakable: The devastating, unchangeable truth is at the center of everything, affecting everything yet discrete, sealed off, beyond reason, explanation or understanding.

Dominik, whose feature The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford was scored by Cave and his longtime collaborator Warren Ellis, moves between studio performances of the songs from Skeleton Tree  the album that Cave and the band were recording at the time of Arthurs death  and interviews with Cave. The filmmakers questions are sensitive yet penetrating, the musicians responses thoughtful, eloquent and pained. Caves voiceover commentary punctuates the onscreen proceedings, his musings forming an overlay of (dis)harmony, syncopated and questioning.

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Its no surprise that Cave, a master of the dirge whose body of work has largely been concerned with anxiety, dread and anguish, as he himself sums it up, takes no comfort in platitudes. The word grief is spoken only once in the film as it circles the trauma that has led Cave  a novelist and screenwriter as well as a songwriter  to repudiate the idea of narrative, with its structure and wrap-up and morals. Life, he insists, is not a story. Rather than a beginning, middle and end, he sees, or wants to see, the simultaneity of past, present and future (an idea explored in the recently released Arrival, which also involves the death of a child).

Using a specially built camera, Dominick and cinematographers Alwin W. Kuchler and Benoit Debie have shot the documentary in the rare combination of 3D and black-and-white. The added dimension has the paradoxical effect of enhancing the sense of intimacy while inserting a level of distancing artifice. The aesthetic that Dominik has crafted is a pitch-perfect expression of Caves grappling with matters of time and space. Its gorgeous and ghostly.

In the reflective surface of a piano or the emptiness of a hotel room mirror, the shimmering monochromatic palette suggests the unseen and the barely glimpsed. The notion of something spectral behind moments fixed in memory is amplified in snapshots by Czech photographer Miroslav Tichy, an outsider artist whose work Cave admires.

One More Time with Feeling is as much about the creative process, including the making of the film itself, as it is about heartache. Dominik includes time-outs to recalibrate and focus the 3D image, and shows the bulky camera on a track circling Cave as he performs. Whether theyre roving through and beyond the studio or gazing out in stillness from the mixing console, the cameras are attuned to the connections that remain, just as the Rasputin-bearded Ellis is constantly, lovingly alert to Caves mood.

Superstition and magical thinking inevitably arise  how could they not when youre longing for the impossible, for the reversal of brutal fact? Susie, poignantly, is vexed by the black frame around a childhood drawing of Arthurs. She welcomes the busyness of her work as a clothing designer, while her husband feels his creativity damaged. Yet Skeleton Tree and the film about its making offer proof that his talent as one of rock n rolls premier symbolist poets is undiminished.

With this album, Cave says, he let go of his usual fastidiousness about lyrics, giving priority to a more improvisational energy. The songs document the collective emotional state of the musicians, all of whom knew Arthur. When Caves son Earl visits the studio, hes all smiles and exuberance. Hes also a boy who has lost his twin. The ghosts are everywhere in Dominiks exquisitely tender film, and when Cave sings With my voice I am calling you, he turns a simple line into a timeless lament.

===

One More Time with Feeling

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 52 minutes

Playing: Downtown Independent, Los Angeles; Laemmles Ahrya Fine Arts Theater, Beverly Hills; Laemmles Playhouse 7, Pasadena; Laemmles NoHo 7, North Hollywood; Laemmles Monica Film Center, Santa Monica; Landmark Regent, West Los Angeles; Art Theater, Long Beach; Laemmles Claremont 5, Claremont; Frida Cinema, Santa Ana
The superb French actress Isabelle Huppert has appeared in more than 100 films in a career that began a decade before writer-director Mia Hansen-Lve, who has made five, was even born.

Yet their strong joint commitment to emotional truth above all else has produced the quietly wonderful Things to Come, a film whose subtle satisfactions very much sneak up on you.

Hansen-Love (whose work here won Berlins Silver Bear for direction) is a writer-director known for confident, personal films like Father of My Children and Goodbye First Love.

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Shes someone with the gift of bringing both conviction and concern to her work, of being able, as she does here, to illuminate existence in all its conundrums and complexities.

She wrote Things to Come specifically for Huppert, who is indisputably having an American moment with this film and Paul Verhoevens Elle on screens at the same time.

But if that film has Huppert in the defiantly extreme role of a woman who has a very particular response to being raped, Things to Come offers the opposite challenge, of bringing to exceptional life a woman going through a crisis of a very different sort.

Inspired by Hansen-Loves mother, Hupperts Nathalie is a competent, confident woman who knows what she is about. She not only teaches philosophy at a Paris high school, quoting Rousseau, Adorno and Pascal, she believes in the discipline body and soul, telling her students to never, ever give up on the life of the mind.

Married to a fellow teacher, the rumpled Heinz (Andre Marcon) and the mother to two grown children, Nathalie is introduced juggling a busy, intellectually stimulating life, even confronting radical strikers in front of her school to ensure her students get into the classroom.

This ability to deal with multiple crises, to be perennially putting out fires, is one of the things that characterizes Nathalie, and Things to Come, in no rush to declare itself, shows us all the elements she is accustomed to juggling.

Taking up the most time is her impossible mother, Yvette. Played by the legendary Edith Scob, who starred in Georges Franjus 1960 Eyes Without a Face, Yvette is an aging drama queen who has had so many late-night anxiety attacks that the fire department responders are threatening to stop showing up.

A believer in passing on her knowledge, Nathalie is the author of a philosophy textbook, but her publisher is rethinking how it is presented, suggesting a pedagogical makeover to make it more user-friendly that Nathalie considers horrible beyond belief.

Then there is her former student and protege Fabien (Roman Kolinka), who is rethinking his commitment to philosophy and teaching and considering a life that would focus on activism and even anarchy.

Though Nathalie and Heinz have moments of discord (Spare me your sarcasm is a typical retort), their marriage seems solid. Only it isnt. Really out of the blue, Heinz tells Nathalie he has become involved with another woman and is leaving their home to move in with her.

Though this is a common-enough scenario in reality, rarely do films deal with what it means to get a new life after the old one shatters, with adjusting to what Nathalie calls, with anticipation as well as trepidation, total freedom.

Because Huppert is such a formidable performer with, in Hansen-Lves words, the hint of ferocity always present in her work, and because the writer-director has the ability to make reality come alive, Things to Come holds us completely. A life is unfolding here, under our eyes, and we never lose sight of how special that is.

Things to Come

Not rated

In French with English subtitles

Running time: 1 hour, 43 minutes

Playing: Laemmles Royal, West Los Angeles
Just as the nation continues a peaceful transition of power with President-elect Donald Trump taking the reins of the federal government, so too does network television, which played its own role on Trumps road to the White House.

The Celebrity Apprentice, the business-tilted unscripted game show where Trump reigned for 14 seasons on NBC (including its earlier incarnation as The Apprentice), named Arnold Schwarzenegger the new host of the competition last fall. Today brings the announcement of six new boardroom advisors for Schwarzenegger, whose tenure as the series next telegenic font of business acumen kicks off with the shows premiere of back-to-back episodes Jan. 2.

Award-winning chef Rocco DiSpirito will be joined by previous Celebrity Apprentice winner Leeza Gibbons in the boardroom, along with Extra co-host Tracey Edmonds, Justine iJustine Ezarik, Gemma Godfrey and Bob Harper. These are in addition to previously announced advisors Warren Buffett, Steve Ballmer, Tyra Banks, Jessica Alba and Schwarzeneggers nephew, Patrick Knapp Schwarzenegger

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Rebranded as The New Celebrity Apprentice with the departure of Trump in 2015, the show will shift from its former central location at Trump Tower in Manhattan to L.A.s Silicon Beach, not far from where Schwarzeneggers career began as a bodybuilder at a gym in Venice.

There is some celebrity symmetry at work with the networks choice of a host to take over for Trump on Celebrity Apprentice. Schwarzenegger memorably rode his celebrity status into politics with a successful 2003 run for governor of California in a campaign that was also dogged by allegations of sexual misconduct.

Both of them are very skilled at using their celebrity to attract public and media attention, Dan Schnur, director of USCs Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics told The Times in 2015 when asked to compare the political ambitions of both stars.

The difference is Schwarzenegger used his celebrity to leverage interest in his policy agenda. Schnur said. Trump, on the other hand, uses outlandish policy statements to leverage interest in himself.

Competitors for the eighth season of Celebrity Apprentice include former L.A. Ram Eric Dickerson, Laila Ali, Brooke Burke-Charvet, Boy George, Matt Iseman, Carrie Keagan, Carson Kressley, Lisa Leslie, Jon Lovitz, Vince Neil, Nicole Snooki Polizzi, Kyle Richards, Chael Sonnen, Porsha Williams, Ricky Williams and Carnie Wilson.

Donald Trump remains credited as an executive producer on the show.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

chris.barton@latimes.com

Follow me over here @chrisbarton.

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Pierre Cardin practically upstaged his big 70th anniversary show here by declaring that his fashion house, founded in 1950 and synonymous with Space Age chic, is on the block.

Of course, its for sale. You know my age, the 94-year-old couturier told a scrum of reporters gathered at the Institut de France, home to the Academie Francaise that governs the language, plus four other academies.

Pressed for specifics, Cardin was elusive, as is his custom. Come see me in my office next week, he teased.

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Besides, its not the first time the designer has said his business was for sale  Cardin has been preaching as much for almost the last decade and once insisted he would want at least one billion euro for his empire.

But putting a valuation on his closely held business would be difficult, and it could be a tough sell given Cardins waning influence  and a business model that runs counter to most European fashion houses today.

A pioneer in licensing since the Sixties, the designer had amassed some 840 deals in the early Nineties, generating $125 million in 1992, WWD reported at the time. These have been whittled back to about 350, mainly by eliminating overlapping categories, he said.

During a recent interview, Cardin insisted his business is growing, estimating worldwide retail sales of his products at $2 billion.

Wednesdays show, which Cardin had characterized as the biggest honor of his career, was billed as presentation of living sculptures combining new and archival designs.

Im the first designer to have presented a fashion show at the academy in its 300 years of existence. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected such an homage, he said. Fashion is also social, cultural, moral, with its own psychologies and philosophies.

Lauding the designers effervescence, Erik Desmazieres, president of the Academy of Fine Arts, called Cardin a man of the world and reiterated it was the first time the academy had received the works of a couturier within these walls.

He is the academys sole fashion designer member. We are 45 in total and the rest are sculptors, engravers, or come from the world of cinema, photography or art, Desmazieres said. Its impressive. He is active in so many domains, he staged hundreds of major plays and shows at lEspace Cardin, including plays by Bob Wilson and Marcel Marceau, and hosts an annual cultural festival at the Chateau du Marquis de Sade. Pierre Cardin always said he would have liked to have tried his hand at everything, and he has tried everything.

The runway spectacle, still at the leisurely pace of the Fifties and Sixties, was preceded by a slick video montage of Cardins colorful career  here with Nelson Mandela, there wearing Buzz Aldrins astronaut suit  which underlined that this was an homage to a long career, rather than a fresh fashion statement. Indeed, many of the looks, which paraded through the grand meeting rooms of the Academy of Fine Arts amid busts of Henri Etienne and Jean Mabilllon, were shown last July when Cardin staged a show in Lacoste, France, and last September in the Yellow River Stone Forest in northwest China with its otherworldly mountains.

To be sure, the lengthy show demonstrated the designers range, from a demure swing coat that winked to his early days working with Christian Dior to a gleaming gold dress with discs at the wrist the size of a roadhouse waitress tray. Mens wear, too, pinged from wacky leather jackets with shoulder protrusions, accessorized with menacing face helmets, to boxy business suits in jersey with pant legs that quivered like Jell-O.

In between were countless shift dresses, the shapes clean and gently flaring, the embellishments varied and demonstrative: discs of patent leather, undulating ruffles, gleaming bows or sprays of satin pleats. Heart-shaped pockets added a sweet touch to narrow double-knit dresses.

Pure fantasy numbers included a green Tinkerbell dress, and the same silver and white Disney princess gown that closed his Lacoste show.

For his bow, Cardin donned his elaborately embroidered academician jacket, which he designed as a tailcoat, and lingered amidst the standing ovation.

He brought a lot to fashion, said Azzedine Alaia, taking in his first Cardin show.

Bianca Brandolini was there, too, eager to witness the work of a designer she described as one of the greats, and among the last of his kind. If you look at his work from years ago, its still modern, she said, noting her grandmother, Cristiana, a sister of the late Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli, wore Cardin.

By coincidence, she ran into the designer recently at the airport in Venice and they shared a long chat. He told Brandolini what drives him to keep designing clothes, furniture and stage costumes: If you stop creating, there will be no trace of civilization.

Brandolini said she has been conscripted by a brand synonymous with the Seventies: Loris Azzaro. She and Eugenie Niarchos are trawling through its archives and revisiting some of its iconic designs. They are to present the collection in January during couture week in Paris.

Its so funny that things made so long ago are exactly what one wants to wear today, she mused.

Katya Foreman contributed to this story.
The night before the election, and two days after it, visiting chef Tunde Wey cooked the food of his native Nigeria in two L.A. restaurants as part of his traveling Blackness in America dinner series. If you missed the dinners, which were curated both for food and for open discussion, Wey has more planned, albeit in North Carolina and Minneapolis rather than here in Southern California.

But you might consider holding a dinner of your own, with or without overt political discussion  the point of Weys dinners being to promote conversation even when he is not the one guiding the kitchen or the dialogue. If so, Wey gave us his recipe for frejon, a comforting Nigerian dish of black beans loaded with garlic, cloves and coconut milk.

Frejon, a Nigerian black bean dish, topped with crumbled white gari. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times )

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Recipe: Frejon 

I grew up Catholic, in Lagos, said Wey a few days ago. On Good Friday, Yoruba Catholics would eat frejon with fried fish and plantains and red pepper stew, and gari (processed manioc). My mom would make a whole bunch and send it out to family and friends. The dish is thought to have originated from Brazil and brought back to Lagos by repatriated, formerly enslaved Yorubas. I cant verify this.

So maybe fry or grill some fish, make a pot of this thoroughly comforting stuff, and settle in for a December dinner. There is, of course, plenty to talk about.

Im going to keep doing the dinners but moving with a greater sense of doubt, said Wey about how his dinners and his project have changed in the last few weeks. Hes going to be investing more in a pessimistic pragmatism, which he said would likely evolve to focus on using my dinners to more directly support the emotional labor of black folks working around racial justice  by feeding and celebrating them. They need support, and this is how I know to do.

Chef Tunde Wey outside Good Girl Dinette. (Mariah Tauger / For the Times )

Wey, who recently hosted dinners in Los Angeles and in San Francisco, has tentative dinners planned this month in North Carolina and in Minnesota in early January, after which hes hosting more events in New Orleans, the city where he ran a food stall before closing it to host his traveling pop-up series.

As for the future, Wey has always planned on a permanent restaurant. Part of the evolution of my dinner series is getting a permanent brick-and-mortar location, where these conversations can be explored with more vigor and I can develop a pedagogy around food and power discourse.

Here in L.A., chef Farid Zadi, whose Revolutionario taqueria hosted Weys second Los Angeles dinner  Diep Trans Good Girl Dinette in Highland Park hosted the first  has started his own dinner series. Called Blackness First Wednesdays, they are not affiliated with Weys project and are ticketed events happening the first Wednesday of every month, beginning Dec. 7, which will feature a dinner of Ugandan dishes.

For more information about Tunde Weys Blackness in America series and future projects, go to Weys website fromlagos.com.

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Carrie Jean Melvin and her boyfriend were walking to a Thai restaurant in their bustling Hollywood neighborhood one July evening last year when they heard footsteps behind them.

When they turned to look, a man in dark, baggy clothing raised a black pistol-grip shotgun. Without a word, he fired one round into her face from about 10 feet away and fled.

On Wednesday, a prosecutor told a downtown Los Angeles jury that the mysterious gunman was Ezeoma Obioha, a security guard at a marijuana dispensary and the owner of a clothing line who owed Melvin money for marketing his business on social media and had developed a romantic interest in her. Days before the killing, Dist. Atty. Michele Hanisee told jurors, Obioha had been notified that Melvin filed a claim with the state Labor Commission after his $1,620 check  for 87 hours of work she did  bounced.

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After the attack, detectives interviewed Melvins boyfriend, Anyimalik Howell. They asked whether anyone had a beef with Melvin.

The first person who came to Howells mind was someone hed never met, a man he knew as EZ who had stiffed her out of wages, Hanisee said. Weeks later, he fingered Obioha from a six-man photographic lineup as the gunman, the prosecutor said.

Howell had a visceral reaction when he saw Obiohas photograph, Hanisee said during opening statements in the murder trial.

But Obiohas defense attorney said his client had paid Melvin for her work, and he showed the jury a receipt for a $1,740 cash payment.

A father of two who ran track at Beverly Hills High School before serving in the U.S. Army and attending Morehouse College, Obioha, 32, had no motive to kill Melvin, said attorney Jamon Hicks. Obioha was an entrepreneur whose sisters attended Ivy League schools, he said.

Thats the cloth that hes cut from, Hicks said. Thats who he is.

Sitting at the defense table wearing a suit, Obioha nodded.

The defense lawyer attacked the credibility of the identification made by the victims boyfriend. On the night of the attack, Hicks said, Howell told police he couldnt see the shooter over the gun barrel. Melvins boyfriend had three weeks to find out who EZ was and what he looked like before picking him from the lineup, Hicks said.

The prosecutor said there was other evidence that pointed to Obioha. At the scene of the killing, Hanisee said, police recovered an unusual shotgun shell, one thats hard to find on sale in Los Angeles: a white Rio Royal Grand 12-gauge 00-buck shell with a head stamp that reads globalshot.com.

The following morning, a boy playing on the beach in Malibu found a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun under a rock near Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard, a spot in the ocean that Hanisee suggested was a simple journey from the crime scene about 18 miles away.

If you drive right down Sunset to PCH, thats where you end up, she said.

A serial number on the weapon revealed it was registered to Obioha, Hanisee said. Records show he purchased it from a gun shop in Georgia and never reported it stolen, she told jurors.

Lying an arms length away from the gun, she said, was a white Rio Royal shot shell that matched the type found at the crime scene. Stamped on the shell was globalshot.com.

According to Hanisee, phone records show that Obioha was active on his cellphone the night before and after the shooting. But the night of?

Nada, nothing. No data usage, Hanisee said. Huge anomaly.

Hicks, who said he plans to call Obiohas mother as an alibi witness, said the gun found at the beach was not the murder weapon. Tests conducted to link the gun to the shooting came back inconclusive.

They talk about this gun as if thats it. Smoking gun, Hicks said. By the end of this case, youll see this gun is not smoking at all.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @AleneTchek

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will pay a working visit to Azerbaijan December 3, a source told Trend Dec. 1.

During the visit, Cavusoglu is expected to hold talks with Azerbaijani officials and discuss the prospects of relations in all spheres, the source said.

Cavusoglu and Azerbaijani officials will also exchange views on the situation in the region, including the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts settlement.

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.
About 200 people streamed down a small hill in Boyle Heights on Wednesday to mourn more than 1,400 of Los Angeles Countys unclaimed dead.

Each year the county buries the cremated remains of those left at the cemetery for more than two years.

To think 1,400 can go unclaimed is mind-boggling, said Rita Hall, who attended the event. Nobody misses you or searches for you, thats sad.

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This year more than 900 of those buried were men. About 400 were women. More than 120 were babies.

The large crowd circled a single mass gravesite above the intersection of 1st and Lorena streets. Teal sheets surrounded the fresh earth and flowers stood at one end like the headboard of a bed. Nearby, other communal graves were marked by a simple plaque, about the size of a hand, that was engraved with their year of their cremation.

Some graves are decorated with flowers; others with colorful glass stones and toys. Families add these ornaments after learning that their loved ones are buried in a mass grave at the cemetery.

Brihanna Adkins was buried this year. She was 10 months and 26 days old when she died of a methadone overdose. Her death was ruled a homicide. Theres also Isaiah Dean, only 1 month and 13 days, when he died of diarrhea in a hospital. Terrance McKenna died at 45 of an overdose in a stairwell. Joseph Gerber, 26, hanged himself in jail in July 2013. The list goes on.

The county has buried its indigent dead since 1896.

Albert Gaskin, a cemetery caretaker, said that one woman comes to the cemetery once a month to decorate a plot with flowers. Toy trucks stand over another plot. Gaskin says a family began placing toys on the plot after finding out that children were buried there.

Before the start of the ceremony, Gaskin stepped forward to place flowers on the grave. Music and the odor of incense filled the air as the ceremony began.

We gather to honor, to pause, to be still, to sing, Father Chris Ponnet said. We pause in this sacred space. Following Ponnets remarks, various interfaith spiritual leaders took time to honor the dead. There was a Jewish and Christian prayer, Hindu and Buddhist chant, Native blessing and a reading of Maya Angelous Still I Rise.

Were not religious people, Abraham Kinney said. We come to pay respects to people who mightve been forgotten and give one last goodbye to people whove fallen through the cracks. Kinney, who attended last years ceremony, plans to make the event a yearly tradition for his family, including his 2 1/2-year-old daughter, Simone. We want to teach her at an early age to respect human lives, he said.

Abraham Kinney, right, with his daughter Simone Kinney, attend Wednesdays ceremony. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times )

After planning to attend the event for the last seven years, Gordon Dawson finally attended the ceremony for the first time Wednesday. When you get to my age, you know theres a window thats closing, he said. Dawson, 67, is studying to become an alcohol and drug counselor. I also do a lot of hiking with the Griffith Park Rangers and they believe in not leaving anyone behind. We all have value.

Retiring County Supervisor Don Knabe has attended the ceremony the last 20 years.

I think here you get a sense of family, he said. The fact is that these people have taken the time to be here to celebrate these individuals who have no one.

Times reporter Maloy Moore contributed to this report.

makeda.easter@latimes.com

jon.schleuss@latimes.com
Las Vegas is a great place to ring in 2017. Revelers can dance the night  er, year  away at one of the Strips extravagant nightclubs, as many will be hosting New Years Eve parties featuring appearances by some of the music industrys hottest stars.

One of the worlds top deejays will be performing at one of Las Vegas most popular nightclubs, as Calvin Harris will once again be hosting the New Years Eve festivities inside Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace (omnianightclub.com). Doors open at 8 p.m., with pre-sale general admission tickets priced at $200 for men and $125 for women. VIP Bar Card packages are available, too, that include a credit at the bar.

The new Jewel Nightclub inside Aria Resort & Casino will also be celebrating its first New Years Eve with one of the top electro house deejays performing today, Steve Aoki (jewelnightclub.com). Doors open at 9 p.m., with pre-sale general admission tickets priced at $50 for men and $30 for women.

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Over at Wynn Las Vegas, the Diplo-led trio Major Lazer will be headlining at XS, while DJ Snake, whose hit Let Me Love You featuring Justin Bieber recently reached No. 1 on Billboards digital sales chart, headlines at Surrender (wynnsocial.com). Doors open at 10 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively, with general admission tickets costing $100 for men at XS and $75 for men at Surrender; women pay only $50.

If electronic music isnt really your thing, some of hip hops biggest names will be in town hosting New Years Eve parties of their own. Drake will be at Hakkasan Nightclub inside MGM Grand (hakkasanlv.com), with doors opening at 8 p.m. Pre-sale general admission tickets cost $200 for men and $125 for women, with VIP Bar Card packages also available. Ludacris, meanwhile, will be at Light Nightclub inside Mandalay Bay (thelightvegas.com), with early bird tickets costing $75 for men and $40 for women. Doors open at 9 p.m.

French Montana is scheduled to perform his hits inside Tao Nightclub at the Venetian (taolasvegas.com). Doors open at 9 p.m., with general admission tickets priced at $100.92 for men and $50.46 for women.

Whichever party you decide on, be sure to buy your tickets in advance, as space is limited and prices are subject to change.

 Heather Turk, LA Times Custom Publishing
Love is in the air and on your mind. If youre looking tie the knot on Valentines Day, you have plenty of romantic options in the Marriage Capital of the World. A Vegas wedding means you can tie the knot anytime, and just about any place. From quickie weddings like Stu and Jades in The Hangover to saying I do in your fantasy wedding at a five-star resort, Vegas makes it easy for couples to get married.

The Marriage Bureau is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. until midnight. A marriage certificate costs $77 with no blood test or waiting period. Here are some romantic ideas to get you down the aisle.

Popular wedding venues

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The Wedding Chapel at Aria Resort & Casino

This five-star hotel is right on the Las Vegas Strip and its in-house floral department can create custom flower arrangements from sweet and simple to over-the-top. The package includes two wedding consultants and a live piano player. Brides can get ready in the beautiful Bridal Suite. The Grooms Suite has a pool table. Friends and family unable to attend can share the experience live online. Packages from $1,500 to $20,000.

The Neon Museum

Light up your love. Get married under the stars and feel the warm glow of twinkling lights and neon from classic signs that once lit up the city. The museum is home to more than 200 old signs that have been rescued from demolished hotels and businesses. Prices vary depending on dates and size of party.

Madame Tussauds Wedding Chapel

Let the Wolf Pack witness your wedding. The famous wax museum located adjacent to the Venetian created a chapel inspired by the hit comedy The Hangover. The Hangover Experience package includes a minister, seating for up to 30 guests, Alan and Phil as your witnesses, shots of Jagermeister and four tickets to the attraction. You also get to hang out in the replica hotel suite. Packages from $1,500 to $8,500.

Vegas Weddings Chapel

This quaint stone chapel in downtown Las Vegas has the look and feel of an old church and is conveniently located a block away from the Marriage License Bureau. They offer affordable and elegant weddings. The main wedding chapel seats up to 100 guests while the Terrace Gazebo on the rooftop seats up to 30 guests. Packages from $99.

The perfect proposal

The engagement ring is the ultimate symbol of love and commitment. No one knows that better than world-renowned jeweler Tiffany & Co. The high-end retailer is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its iconic six-prong diamond engagement ring known as the Ring of Rings. Founder Charles Tiffany introduced the Tiffany Setting in 1886.

After you say I do to the ring, Tiffanys makes popping the question easy. The company has a private room and proposal balcony inside the Shops at Crystals on the Strip at City Center.

Other romantic proposal spots include the fountains of Bellagio, the sky bar on the 23rd floor at Mandarin Oriental and the night sky during Sundance Helicopters City of Lights Tour.

 Dao Vu, LA Times Custom Publishing
Authorities say a city employee was fatally shot while painting over graffiti in San Franciscos Potrero Hill neighborhood.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports Jermaine Jackson Jr. was shot Wednesday and taken to a hospital where he died.

Police say no one has been arrested and a motive in the shooting is unclear.

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The 27-year-old father of two young children was an apprentice in the public works department and was set to graduate next year.

Mayor Ed Lee says Jackson worked hard to build a good life for himself and his children.

Family and friends say Jackson had run-ins with gangs years ago but that he left that behind after his first child was born.

His grandmother, Juanita Befford, says he showed everyone he could turn his life around.
After more than a week of hospitalization following an encounter with Los Angeles police, rapper Kanye West left UCLA Medical Center on Wednesday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Its unclear whether West was going to one of his homes or another location, the source said.

Little is known about his hospitalization.

It took two hours for authorities and friends to persuade West to go to a hospital after receiving a call that the rapper was acting erratically last week at the residence of his personal trainer, two sources involved in the case said.

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Police and paramedics were called to the home around 1:20 p.m. Nov. 21 after a report of some kind of disturbance involving West and someone else in the house. The source said it was a physical altercation but did not provide details.

Authorities talked with West for some time, hoping he would voluntarily seek medical attention. He eventually did, and was taken by paramedics to UCLA Medical Center, said the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The incident comes during a turbulent period for West, who walked off the stage three songs into his Nov. 19 concert in Sacramento and canceled his Nov. 20 performance at the Forum three hours before showtime.

On Nov. 19, West ranted about a few longtime friends and acquaintances, including Jay Z, Beyonce and Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg.

Ive been sent here to give yall my truth, even at the risk of my own life, West said. At the risk of my own success. Ill give yall the truth. Jay Z, call me, you still aint called me . Jay Z, I know you got killers. Please dont send them at my head. Just call me. Talk to me like a man.

During his concert in San Jose, West editorialized about racism and the Black Lives Matter movement before praising President-elect Donald Trump.

West, who is married to Kim Kardashian West, has indicated that he may run for president in 2020.

richard.winton@latimes.com

Twitter: @lacrimes

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Days after a mountain lion known as P-45 is believed to have killed 10 alpacas at a ranch in the Malibu hills, a team of wildlife advocates Wednesday installed a battery of powerful LED lamps to keep the big cat out of the crosshairs of a hunter with a state permit to kill him.

To deter the 5-year-old male lion from returning to feed on the carcasses, the group flooded the area with intense, multicolored beams.

We call this action Lights of Life,  said Fauna Tomlinson, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit Project Coyote. Thats because were trying to save the lives of big cats, livestock and pets, all at once.

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The wildlife advocates are on a race against the clock. On Monday, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a so-called depredation permit for P-45, which allows for the lion to be killed within 10 days.

The permit was issued to Victoria Vaughn-Perling, the owner of the 10 dead alpacas. She has been living in fear of being attacked herself by the lion, according to her attorney, Reid Breitman.

She wants that lion out of her life, Breitman said. Her main wish is to have it trapped and relocated. If thats not possible, however, her only alternative is to kill it.

This latest in a series of mountain lion attacks over the last year  and the highly publicized effort to hunt down the culpable cougar  has pitted neighbor against neighbor, disrupting the rhythms of life for humans and wild predators alike in the rural communities tucked in the Santa Monica Mountains.

P-45 is a threat to every creature on four legs. Now, as a result, people are scared and liable to do irrational things.  Wendell Phillips, attorney

The tensions play out at community gatherings and homeowner meetings, on social media forums and in these secluded leafy enclaves where some children no longer play outdoors after sundown.

Neighbors even whisper of illegal schemes to put bounties on the heads of some of the 10 to 15 lions estimated to roam the 275 square miles around the Santa Monica Mountains.

Its come to this: We are about one attack away from mountain lions being shot on sight, said Wendell Phillips, 67, an attorney who lives near Vaughn-Perling who added that he has lost half a dozen of his own alpacas to P-45 over the last year.

P-45 is a threat to every creature on four legs, Phillips said. Now, as a result, people are scared and liable to do irrational things.

Phillips said he has obtained two depredation permits in the last year and recalled a recent confrontation with a cougar he believes was P-45: I waited three nights in a row before P-45 showed up. He was taking another bite out of one of my alpacas when I took a shot and the bullet bounced off his head.

The lion survived and took refuge in the surrounding hills.

Vaughn-Perling, who has largely stayed out of public view, is haunted by P-45s frequent raids on local livestock. Over the last eight months, the same puma is believed to have killed an estimated 65 captive animals in an area west of Mulholland Highway, her attorney said.

1 / 5 Alpacas are secured in a fenced area of a property along Mulholland Highway in Malibu where mountain lion P-45 is suspected of carrying out his weekend attacks. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 5 The property along Mulholland Highway in Malibu where P-45 is suspected of killing 11 alpacas. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 5 Fauna Tomlinson holds up an LED device designed to deter mountain lions. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 5 Fauna Tomlinson installs an LED device designed to deter mountain lions. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 5 A dead alpaca on the property along Mulholland Highway in Malibu where mountain lion P-45 is suspected of attacking. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

It is only a matter of time when someone will get a kill permit, and successfully kill P-45, Vaughn-Perling said late Wednesday.

Last year, the state issued 265 permits to kill mountain lions that posed a threat to humans or livestock, resulting in 107 of the predators being taken.

Yet Ruth Gomez, who raised alpacas at her eight-acre Malibu ranch for nearly two decades before selling her last one this week, said she never had lions invade. To ward off predators, she used larger llamas as guardians, along with a pack of loud, powerful dogs and motion-sensing lights.

We know that the cougars like to hunt in stealth, so we made it noisy and bright, Gomez, 73, said. We would never kill a cougar. Thats stupid.

Some said they were less troubled by the cougars weekend spree -- which left a total of 11 alpacas and a goat dead on two ranches  than by the human response.

Were on edge about the people who may have a hunting license and could shoot at people, said Mollie Helfand, who has lived in her Agoura home for more than 20 years. That scares everybody more than an elusive mountain lion.

Helfand said she knows mountain lions traverse her property from the GPS data generated by collars on the local lions. Its not uncommon to also see deer and bobcats.

We live in nature  thats our choice, said Helfand, 55. Were supposed to understand and respect where we live.

To spare P-45s life and bring the hunt to an end, a coalition of wildlife groups including the National Wildlife Federation, the Mountain Lion Foundation and Project Coyote struggled Wednesday to reach a compromise. The groups offered to pay for upgrades that would make Vaughn-Perlings alpaca enclosures lion-proof and for a guardian dog trained to ward off nocturnal predators.

Its a moral obligation for people who love wildlife, said Lynn Cullens, executive director of the Mountain Lion Foundation, to also show compassion to people who have lost cherished animals and now live in fear themselves.

As Phillips gazed out at the lights illuminating the rolling hills, he said that with a week left on the kill permit, he also hoped a solution could be reached soon.

After all, the shooter faced a daunting decision: whether to pull the trigger on the big cat, now one of only three breeding male lions in all of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Phillips acknowledged that Vaughn-Perling had asked him to dispatch P-45.

The hunter, in this particular case, he said, weighing his words carefully, really does not want to take that shot.

louis.sahagun@latimes.com

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

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A 5-year-old boy was killed early Thursday when an intoxicated driver plowed into a South Los Angeles apartment and seriously injured his family members, police said.

The 24-year-old driver was headed north on South Central Avenue at about 12:16 a.m. when she swerved and crashed into an apartment in the 2800 block, Los Angeles Police Lt. Nate Williams told reporters at the scene.

The boy and four family members  his parents and two other children  were inside the apartment.

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When the womans vehicle rammed into the apartment and through a bedroom, the boys father was trapped beneath the vehicle, he said. The boy was pinned under his father.

Two girls were also injured.

Los Angeles firefighters worked to rescue the boy and his father, who were under the vehicle and mounds of debris, according to Brian Humphrey, an L.A. Fire Department spokesman.

The 5-year-old was most severely trapped, he said in a statement.

The boy and his father were freed from the wreckage and taken to an area hospital. The boy later died.

Humphrey said the driver was in fair condition.

The driver told police she swerved because a vehicle cut her off, but investigators later discovered she was driving under the influence and took her into custody, Williams said. Police were looking into whether a second vehicle was involved in the crash and fled the scene, he said.

Investigators were still sifting through the apartment early Thursday.

Police told KCBS-TV the boy had written a note to Santa Claus, asking for a bicycle for Christmas.

The note was strewn among wreckage from the crash.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
A fugitive Jamaican gang member suspected of killing four people in a bloody gunbattle at a popular South L.A. Jamaican restaurant was added to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list Thursday.

Deidre L. Fike, the FBIs assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles office, revealed that Marlon Jones is believed to be the suspect in the bloody shooting with rival gang members that also left 10 people wounded at an Oct. 15 party at a Caribbean restaurant inside a home.

The crimes allegedly committed by Marlon Jones are extreme, earning him a place on the FBIs Top Ten list, Fike said, noting he should be considered armed and dangerous.

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The FBI announced it is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Jones, who is the 510th fugitive to be named to the list. He was charged with four counts of murder and a federal warrant issued for his arrest after being charged with unlawful flight from prosecution, Pike said.

According to LAPD investigators, Jones has a lengthy history of violence and belongs to a Jamaican criminal gang that operates on the U.S. East Coast. Investigators say the group is involved in the large-scale distribution of drugs, and Jones and other members may have come to L.A. to settle a dispute with rivals. Jones, who is a Jamaican national, had been living in New York. He was in the U.S. illegally, authorities say.

Jones is known to use a variety of aliases including Rasheen Brantley, Floyd Evans Jr. and Junior. He operates in New Jersey, Connecticut, Tennessee and California, as well as the Caribbean.

The deadly gunbattle exploded between two groups at a birthday party in the 2900 block of Rimpau Boulevard. The house where the killings occurred serves as a popular underground Jamaican eatery called Dillys Kitchen.

Jones and a second person, who police said fired into a crowd, fled before police arrived.

LAPD arrested two Jamaican nationals on suspicion of murder in connection with the shooting: Mowayne McKay, 33, and Diego Reid, 25. They were found at hospitals where they were being treated for gunshot wounds, Whittingham said.

In the wake of the gunbattle, Mayor Eric Garcetti said the West Adams shooting was the latest example of a senseless gun violence epidemic that causes so much pain and sorrow in our city and across the nation.

The FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list was established in March 1950. Since then, 478 fugitives have been apprehended or located, FBI officials said.

Jones is described as 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10, 170 pounds with brown hair and eyes.

Anyone with information concerning Jones should immediately contact the nearest FBI office or local law enforcement agency. The FBIs Los Angeles field office can be reached 24 hours a day at 888 226-8443).

richard.winton@latimes.com

Follow @lacrimes on Twitter

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Kanye West 911 call: Hes definitely going to need to be hospitalized
When a 911 call came in, apparently from Kanye Wests doctor, about an incident involving the rapper at a Los Angeles home, the dispatcher advised, Dont let him get any weapons.

The details of the 911 call made from a home in the 900 block of North Laurel Avenue, released Thursday to The Times in accordance with public records laws, provide new insight into what led to the rappers hospitalization for more than a week.

The phone call recording, which does not specifically identify West or include Wests voice, indicates a level of concern by those around him that he seek professional help.

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A man who identified himself to a dispatcher as one of his doctors quickly requested police backup as well as paramedics.

I think hes definitely going to need to be hospitalized, the caller said. I wouldnt just do the police by itself.

 The original version of this 911 call provided to the Times by the L.A. Fire Department included redacted portions to prevent the release of confidential health information. This condenses audible portions of the publicly released recording to remov

A dispatcher later asks, What is the medical condition hes having, sir? In the publicly released tape there is no response. Los Angeles fire officials said portions of the tape were redacted in order to prevent the disclosure of confidential health information.

The full tape runs more than five minutes, but only a few snippets of dialogue  sometimes indistinguishable  are heard.

I think hes definitely going to need to be hospitalized.  Caller to 911

In a second portion of the call, the voice of a person identifying himself as a physician said, No other weapons, presumably in response to a dispatcher query.

It took two hours for authorities and friends to persuade West to go to a hospital after receiving a call that the rapper was acting erratically last week at the residence of his personal trainer, two sources involved in the case said.

Police and paramedics were called to the home around 1:20 p.m. Nov. 21 after a report of an unspecified disturbance involving West and someone else in the house. The source said it was a physical altercation but did not provide details.

Authorities talked with West for some time, hoping he would voluntarily seek medical attention. He eventually did and was taken by paramedics to UCLA Medical Center, said the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The call ends with the dispatcher asking the caller to keep an eye on him, adding: Dont let him get any  any weapons or anything like that. If anything changes, if he does become physically combative between now and when police and/or paramedics get there, call us back immediately at 911.

Will do, thank you so much, the caller replies.

West was released from the hospital Wednesday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. It was unclear whether he was going to one of his homes or another location.

The incident comes amid a turbulent period for West, who walked off the stage three songs into his Nov. 19 concert in Sacramento and canceled his Nov. 20 concert at the Los Angeles Forum three hours before showtime.

At the Nov. 19 show, West ranted about a few longtime friends and acquaintances, including Jay Z, Beyonce and Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg.

Ive been sent here to give yall my truth, even at the risk of my own life, West said. At the risk of my own success. Ill give yall the truth. Jay Z, call me, you still aint called me . Jay Z, I know you got killers. Please dont send them at my head. Just call me. Talk to me like a man.

During a concert the week before in San Jose, West editorialized about racism and the Black Lives Matter movement before praising President-elect Donald Trump.

West, who is married to Kim Kardashian West, has indicated that he may run for president in 2020.

Times staff writer Richard Winton contributed to this report.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno.

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A close friend of pop star Justin Bieber was sentenced to a year in county jail and three years probation Wednesday after beating a former Nickelodeon star who tossed him out of a house party in the Miracle Mile.

Lil Twist, whose real name is Christopher Lynn Moore, pleaded no contest to first-degree residential burglary; assault; assault with a deadly weapon; grand theft; and first-degree robbery, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

Moore, 23, entered his plea in open court without a deal with prosecutors. After pleading no contest, he was sentenced.

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After Wednesdays hearing, Moore tweeted, Just left court. TMZ bout to break the news Im sho!! Its over but not really, GOD got me !!

Moore is expected to turn himself in at a restitution hearing Feb. 3.

Moore attended a party at Nickelodeon star Christopher Masseys penthouse in the 300 block of Hauser Boulevard on Nov. 7, 2014. At some point, Moore was asked to leave the party. Thats when prosecutors say Moore slammed Massey in the face.

Thirty minutes later, according to the district attorneys office, Moore returned with four others who jumped Massey and held him down. Moore then kicked Massey, prosecutors said.

Brass knuckles were used during the attack, prosecutors said.

At some point during the fight, some of Masseys belongings were stolen.

Massey starred in Zoey 101 with Britney Spears younger sister, Jamie Lynn Spears.

After the attack, the actor and his family issued a statement, saying he was defending himself from Moore and four others who broke into his penthouse and robbed him.

A year before the attack, Moore was arrested on suspicion of driving while high, police said. He was driving Biebers chrome Fisker Karma when police pulled him over for speeding in a Calabasas neighborhood near the pop stars home.

But prosecutors declined to file charges against him because of insufficient evidence.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

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Details added (first version posted at 19:31)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

Trend:

Russias Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin held consultations in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, said a message posted on the website of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Dec. 1.

The consultations were held as part of Karasins working visit to Azerbaijan, the ministry said.

Karasin had talks with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov.

He discussed the pressing issues of bilateral and international agenda during the talks with Azerbaijani partners.

Karasin added that the further efforts aimed at speedy settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict will be made and effective measures on the conflict settlement will be supported, the ministry told Trend.

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.
In a rare intervention, county health officials Thursday ordered two Paramount metal-processing plants to stop emissions of hexavalent chromium or shut down operations contributing to high levels of the cancer-causing air pollutant.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health directed Aerocraft Heat Treating Co. and Anaplex Corp. to immediately take all necessary actions to eliminate the current nuisance endangering the health of the public, which may include full or partial suspension of operations.

The orders come two days after the facilities in the city southeast of Los Angeles were targeted with enforcement action by air quality regulators. The South Coast Air Quality Management District filed Tuesday for an administrative order to force the facilities to halt their emissions or shut down, accusing them of exposing Paramount residents to high cancer risks.

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Taken together, the moves mark a significant escalation by agencies that have been criticized by residents for slow and weak action in addressing longstanding health concerns over pollution from metal plants operating close to homes and schools.

Regulators began studying metal pollution in the working-class community several years ago but have not delivered on promises of new emissions rules to protect residents. And until recently, most efforts had focused on only one metal plant in a city with dozens.

Then in late October, air monitoring found a hot spot of hexavalent chromium at more than 350 times normal levels  among the highest concentrations recorded in the region. Hexavalent chromium, also called Chromium 6, is a known human carcinogen linked to lung cancer.

It was a troubling validation for residents in the mostly Latino city of 55,000, who have complained for years about harsh metallic fumes. The city is home to an array of metal platers, finishing shops and forges that service aerospace, defense and other industries.

The alarming measurements forced air quality officials to expand their investigation. They pledged to find and fix problems, calling it their highest priority. In the weeks that followed, inspectors from several agencies joined forces, fanning across some two dozen facilities in the the citys industrial spine in search of companies that were responsible.

The directives hand-delivered Thursday by the county give Aerocraft and Anaplex 24 hours to notify the health department of their intent to comply and submit a list of actions taken and proposed to stop the threat to the public.

The orders seek to bring the facilities into compliance or shut down the processes that are responsible for the excess emissions, said Angelo Bellomo, a deputy director for the health department.

Anaplex spokesman Adan Ortega said Thursday that the company had reviewed the health departments directive and will respond.

Anaplex takes these allegations very seriously and is looking to make corrective actions wherever necessary, Ortega said.

Aerocraft did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

In previous comments, however, an Aerocraft spokeswoman has said the company is reviewing its processes, cooperating with investigators and will take necessary actions to resolve any issues.

Such directives are rarely used.

The last one issued by the department was in response to the Aliso Canyon gas leak in the fall of 2015, which ordered Southern California Gas Co. to stop the gas release and relocate thousands of Porter Ranch residents.

Bellomo said the health department has not decided whether relocation will be necessary in Paramount, where residents live as close as a block from where the hexavalent chromium hot spot was detected.

Both facilities targeted this week have operated in the city for decades  and Anaplex has been in trouble before.

The air district cited Anaplex in April for violations involving the use of primers containing chromium, records show.

Last year, Anaplex agreed to pay a $142,200 penalty to settle hazardous waste and water pollution violations stemming from a years-long investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A 2010 inspection by the agency found the company failed to treat its wastewater for toxic metals, including cadmium, chromium and nickel.

Ortega, the Anaplex spokesman, said that previous complaints from local and federal pollution regulators had been resolved, and that the latest air quality issues were brought to our attention only after an inspection in mid-November.

Bellomo said officials do not want pollution problems in Paramount to linger as they have elsewhere, citing lots of cases where non-compliant operators have continued to operate for years and decades.

So this is going to be a full-court press  AQMD and public health together bringing a rapid abatement of this hazard, he said.

The recent orders were welcomed by community groups and environmentalists who have fought for more aggressive action on metal pollution in Paramount.

We are encouraged, said Robina Suwol, who directs the environmental health advocacy group California Safe Schools. But there is still much to be done to protect this extremely vulnerable community.

tony.barboza@latimes.com

Twitter: @tonybarboza

UPDATES:

8:25 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details and with new comments from an Anaplex spokesman and environmentalists.

3:24 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details on Anaplex and with previous comments from that company and Aerocraft.

This article was originally published at 2:45 p.m
A 72-year-old convicted rapist was sentenced this week to 520 years to life in prison for sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl, whom he babysat for six months, prosecutors said.

John Adam Whitsell was convicted on Oct. 12 of nine sexual offenses, including lewd acts on a child, following a six-day trial, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

He was babysitting the girl, who was also a relative, between Jan. 1, 2015, and June 30, 2015, according to the district attorneys office.

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During that time, Whitsell sexually assaulted her at a home in Canyon Country, prosecutors said.

In 1971, Whitsell was convicted of aggravated rape in two separate cases in Louisiana, according to the district attorneys office.

He served seven years in prison for those convictions and had been listed on the California Department of Justices sex offender database.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
After a heavily armed San Bernardino County employee and his wife attacked a county holiday event last Dec. 2, killing 14 people and wounding 22, county leaders sounded a clear message of support for their workers.

The events of that day could have torn us asunder. They have not. They have drawn us closer together and rebounded our commitment to take care of one another, Board of Supervisors Chairman James Ramos said at a memorial in January.

But a year later, some county employees who were victims of the attack, including witnesses and those who were physically injured, say such pledges ring hollow.

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In interviews and at a recent public meeting, employees described struggling to cope with a callous county bureaucracy that provided little comfort as they tried to heal. Instead, they were left scrambling for help and tangling with a county-administered workers compensation program that has led to delays and denials of needed medication and treatment, the employees said.

Ray Britain was in the room on Dec. 2 when two heavily armed terrorists opened fire, killing 14 people and wounding 22 others. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Theres a level of secondary trauma that has occurred to all of us, said Ray Britain, who was interim division chief for the countys Division of Environmental Health Services on the day of the attack. We were abandoned and betrayed by a co-worker, and when we asked our employer for help, a lot of us were abandoned and betrayed by them.

Several employees said they have struggled to cope with constant uncertainty about whether treatment or medication will be approved. In some cases, they said they were made to repeatedly argue and appeal when treatment was denied.

County spokesman David Wert said caring for those affected by the terrorist attack has been a top priority of the county.

Workers compensation requires many parties to do their respective parts, and it doesnt always run as smoothly as it should, he said in a written response to questions. The county has always acted in the best interests of the wounded, improving practices along the way, and will continue to do so.

Some of the problems appear inherent to Californias workers compensation programs, which can be difficult to navigate and often rely on precise guidelines for treatment approval. But the county also has latitude to affect the process.

Christine Baker, director of the California Department of Industrial Relations, said she reminded the county this week that it has full discretion to provide medical care even after a review of the guidelines.

Weve told the county these are unusual circumstances and theyve got to take extraordinary steps to take on these issues, she added.

After county workers recently began to air their concerns publicly, county officials said Monday they would hire a firm dedicated solely to helping process paperwork for those affected.

But that has been little comfort to victims who have struggled for the past year.

I dont feel like they have had any compassion for us, Sally Cardinale, 35, a program specialist, said of the county. We were victims when it was convenient for them.

Hanan Megalla, 48, was shot four times on Dec. 2, in the head, arm and chest.

She suffered nerve damage and bone fractures. She lost function in one arm, has difficulty sleeping and is frequently in pain.

Her doctors keep asking for physical therapy. They keep asking for medication, said her husband, Osama Megalla, 51. Each time the doctor writes a prescription  they shoot it down.

After pushing back, he said, some of her medications have been approved.

But, he added, they keep telling you its only approved for one time only. Which means that every month we have to go through this refill drama again. Its unbearable.

Britain, 48, who supervised most of the workers in the room on Dec. 2, was seated at a table when the shooters entered the room.

I sat at the head of the table and watched it all happen, he recalled recently. I froze as he entered, and I think I was just in shock and disbelief at what I was seeing.

Though he escaped physically uninjured, he soon realized he would need psychological treatment.

When he sought it, he said, county officials made us feel ashamed that we even needed help if you werent physically injured.

Everything has been a fight, Britain said. I had to fight to get into the workmans comp process. Once in the workmans comp process, you realize thats a flawed system.  Every month youre wondering if your medication is going to be approved, whats going to be denied, whats going to be delayed.

1 / 106 Friends and relatives of Sierra Clayborn gather for her funeral at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in South Los Angeles. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 106 A memorial service was held for Nicholas Thalasinos on Saturday morning at the Shiloh Messianic Congregation in Calimesa. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 106 A Shabbat service was part of the memorial for Nicholas Thalasinos at Shiloh Messianic Congregation in Calimesa, where Thalasinos and his wife, Jennifer, were integral parts of the congregation. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 106 A hired mover carries out personal items from the home of San Bernardino shooters Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 106 Residents turn out to greet President Obamas motorcade in San Bernardino. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 106 President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet San Bernardino Mayor R. Carey Davis, center, and Supervisor James Ramos outside Air Force One at the San Bernardino airport on Friday night. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 106 President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama leave in a motorcade, after arriving at San Bernardino International Airport, to meet privately with the families of the victims of the San Bernardino terrorist attack. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 106 President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama depart Air Force One at San Bernardino International Airport. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 106 San Bernardino residents Ashrie Matthews, left, Leah Brown and James Matthews line the street to cheer the presidents motorcade. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 106 President Obama stopped in San Bernardino on Friday evening to privately visit with the families of some of the victims of the Dec. 2 terrorist attack. Ashrie Matthews, left, Leah Brown and James Matthews joined others to cheer as the presidents motorcade passed. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 106 Anti-Obama protester Deann DLean, right, holds some of the many signs she brought to a small protest. In the background, Paul Rodriguez, Jr., with America First Latinos holds a bullhorn. Protesters were out on some San Bernardino street corners voicing their opposition to the president and Islamic State. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 106 People continue to visit the memorial just down the street from where the terrorist attack occurred. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 106 Family members and friends pay their respects to Robert Adams, one of the 14 victims killed in the San Bernardino shooting, during his graveside funeral service at Montecito Memorial Park in Colton. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 106 Summer Adams, center, grieves at the graveside ceremony for her husband, Robert Adams, at Montecito Memorial Park in Colton. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 106 A mourner sits on the curb with her head in her hands during the graveside ceremony for San Bernardino shooting victim Robert Adams at Montecito Memorial Park in Colton. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 106 Mourners embrace at the funeral for Aurora Godoy at Calvary Chapel in Gardena on Wednesday. Godoy was one of 14 killed in the attack in San Bernardino on Dec. 2. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 106 Mourners embrace at the funeral for Aurora Godoy at Calvary Chapel in Gardena on Wednesday. Godoy was one of 14 killed in the attack in San Bernardino on Dec. 2. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 106 Mourners arrive for the funeral for San Bernardino shooting victim Aurora Godoy at Calvary Chapel in Gardena on Wednesday. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 106 Shemiran Betbadal, mother of Bennetta Betbadal, is hugged by family after funeral services at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rancho Cucamonga. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 106 Pallbearers carry the casket of Bennetta Bet-Badal during funeral services Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rancho Cucamonga. Bet-Badal was one of the 14 people killed in the San Barnardino shooting rampage. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 106 The husband and children of Bennetta Bet-Badal hug Monday following her funeral services at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rancho Cucamonga. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 106 Funeral services were held for Bennetta Bet-Badal, one of the 14 people killed in the San Barnardino shooting rampage, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rancho Cucamonga. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 106 Funeral services were held for Bennetta Bet-Badal at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rancho Cucamonga. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 106 Funeral services were held for Bennetta Bet-Badal at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rancho Cucamonga. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 106 Twelve days after the mass shooting attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino the flowers are beginning to wilt but hugs and paryers are still in abundance. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 106 Gwen Rodgers, assistant pastor at the Church of Living God, hugs Cindy Quinones, cousin of the slain Aurora Godoy, during a vigil at the makeshift memorial for the victims of the terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 106 Visitors arrive to pay their respects at the makeshift memorial outside the fenced off Inland Regional Center, in the background, the site of the deadly terrorist attacks, in San Bernardino, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 106 San Trinh, the longtime boyfriend of Tin Nguyen, 31, one of the victims of the San Bernardino terrorist attack, is consoled by family members as Nguyens casket is loaded into a hearse at St. Barbaras Catholic Church in Santa Ana. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 106 Cousins of Tin Nguyen -- Trang Le, left, Tram Le and Krystal Le -- hold onto some of her personal items and cry as they watch her casket being lowered into the ground at her funeral at the Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 106 Pallbearers stand guard over the casket of the Tin Nguyen, a Cal State Fullerton graduate, at the start of her memorial service at St. Barbaras Catholic Church in Santa Ana. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 106 Van Thanh Nguyen shouts her daughters name during her funeral at the Good Shepherd Cemetary in Huntington Beach. Tin Nguyen was 31. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 106 Family members and friends write messages on the side of the Tin Nguyens burial vault. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 106 Van Thanh Nguyen places her hand on her daughters casket while surrounded by friends and family. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 106 The casket of San Bernardino shooting victim Isaac Amanios leaves the St. Minas Orthodox Church during his funeral service in Colton. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 106 Two women cry during Isaac Amanios funeral service at the St. Minas Orthodox Church in Colton. Amanios, 60, is survived by his wife and three children. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 106 Funeral goers cry during Isaac Amanios service. Amanios had shared a cubicle with the male shooter at the San Bernardino County Public Health Department. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 106 Frineds and family stand during the funeral service for Isaac Amanios. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 106 Trenna Meins, center with daughters after the funeral for her husband Damian Meins at St. Catherine Of Alexandria in Riverside. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 106 Pallbearers escort the casket of Damian Meins at St. Catherine of Alexandria church in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 106 Mourners gather at St. Catherine Of Alexandria in Riverside on Friday morning for the funeral of Damian Meins, one of 14 people killed in the San Bernardino shooting. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 106 Trenna Meins places a cross on her husbands coffin. Damien Meins was killed in a terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 106 Mourners gather for the funeral of Damian Meins. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 106 Community members sing Amazing Grace during a candlelight vigil for Nicholas Thalasinos and the 13 other San Bernardino shooting victims at Fleming Park in Colton, Calif. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 106 COLTON, CA - DECEMBER 10, 2015: Jennifer Thalasinos,middle, fights back tears during a candlelight vigil for her slain husband Nicholas Thalasinos and the 13 other San Bernardino shooting victims at Fleming Park on December 10, 2015 in Colton, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 106 A portrait of Yvette Velasco, one of the victims of the deadly San Bernardino terrorist attacks, is placed at her funeral service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in Covina, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 106 Robert Velasco, father of Yvette Velasco, consoles a family member during Yvettes funeral service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in Covina, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 106 COVINA, CALIF.--December 10, 2015 - The coffin of San Bernardino shooting victim, Yvette Velasco, is carried to the hearse following a private viewing for family at Forest Lawn Mortuary in Covina, Calif. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 106 An FBI dive team searches a lake located about two miles north of the Inland Regional Center in connection with last weeks terrorist attack and shootout that left the two attackers and 14 victims dead. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 106 An FBI dive team searches a lake near the Inland Regional Center in connection with last weeks terrorist attack. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 106 A memorial to victims of the terrorist attack in San Bernardino continues to grow near the Inland Regional Center, where the attack took place during a holiday party. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 106 One week after the mass shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, the public is posting signs of gratitude and thanks like this one found at the San Bernardino Police Department. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 52 / 106 Family members and survivors paid their respects with a moment of silence at 11 a.m., exactly one week after the shooting occured at the Inland Regional Center. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 53 / 106 Customers wait for the doors to open at Turners Outdoorsman in San Bernardino Wednesday morning. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 54 / 106 Speaking during a Dec. 8 news conference, dispatcher Michelle Rodriguez of the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department becomes emotional as she recounts the events of the deadly San Bernardino attack. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 55 / 106 Trenna Meins, right, of Riverside, hugs friends and family during a vigil t the Riverside County Health Complex for her husband, Damian Meins, and 13 others killed in the San Bernardino shooting rampage. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 56 / 106 On Dec. 8, people bring flowers, candles and remembrances to a memorial to the San Bernardino shooting victims near the Inland Regional Center, the scene of the attack. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 57 / 106 Frank Cobet of the Get Loaded gun store in Grand Terrace shows a customer an AR-15 rifle on Dec. 8. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 58 / 106 Monica Gonzales relights candles Tuesday morning at a memorial for victims of the shooting rampage in San Bernardino. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 59 / 106 Community members and students gather for a Dec. 7 vigil on the Cal State San Bernardino campus to remember the victims of the deadly attack in the city. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 60 / 106 Patricia Corona of Colton, Calif., holds her children, Dejah Salvato, 7, and Brandon Salvato, 9, as they attend a Dec. 7 vigil at the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors headquarters to pay tribute to the victims of the citys recent mass shootings. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 61 / 106 A prayer is said at the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors headquarters to honor the victms of the citys recent mass shootings. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 62 / 106 FBI agents put up a screen to block the view of onlookers as they investigate the building at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) 63 / 106 Syed Farook, father of the suspect in the San Bernardino mass shooting, Syed Rizwan Farook, arrives at his home to a swarm of reporters in Corona, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 64 / 106 Roses are laid at the entrance to San Bernardino County headquarters as thousands of employees returned to work Monday, five days after Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik opened fire on a gathering of his co-workers, killing 14 people and wounding 21. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 65 / 106 Trudy Raymundo, director the the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, is surrounded by San Bernardino County supervisors as she addresses the media during a press conference Monday. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 66 / 106 John Ramos of Riverside pays his respects Monday at a makeshift memorial site honoring Wednesdays shooting victims in San Bernardino. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press) 67 / 106 Claudia Zaragoza writes a message on a banner at the ever-growing memorial site to the victims of the recent mass shootings near the Inland Regional Center. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 68 / 106 Caroline Campbell, from left, Jessie Campbell and Rylee Ponce embrace as they pay their respects at the ever-growing memorial site for the victims of the recent mass shootings. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 69 / 106 Caroline Campbell embraces her son, David Malijan, 6, as they pay their respects at the ever-growing memorial site to the victims of the recent mass shootings near the Inland Regional Center. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 70 / 106 The Zafarullah family of Chino, originally of Pakistan, watches Obamas address. Arshia, at left, is holding her 18-month-old nephew, Sohail Ahmed. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 71 / 106 One of several signs supporting the city of San Bernardino hang above the 215 Freeway on Sunday evening. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 72 / 106 Members of the Muslim community, such as Khadija Zadeh, lit candles and wrote messages to the families of victims of the San Bernardino shooting rampage during a memorial service at the Islamic Community Center of Redlands in Loma Linda. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 73 / 106 Ajarat Bada prays during a memorial service at the Islamic Community Center of Redlands in Loma Linda to remember the victims of the San Bernardino shooting rampage. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 74 / 106 Alaa Alsafadi, center, holds her son, Yousef, 4, during a memorial service at the Islamic Community Center of Redlands in Loma Linda. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 75 / 106 Riders from the Christian Motorcycle Association in San Bernardino pray at a growing makeshift memorial for San Bernardino shooting victims near the Inland Regional Center. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 76 / 106 A candlelight vigil dubbed United We Stand, took place at Granada Hills Charter High School on Saturday evening. The event was organized by Muslim Youth Los Angeles and Devonshire Area in Partnership. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 77 / 106 Ryan Reyes, boyfriend of San Bernardino shooting victim Larry Daniel Kaufman, hugs members of Dar Al Uloom Al Islamiyah of America mosque who brought roses to a memorial at the Sante Fe Dam on Saturday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 78 / 106 A bullet hole in the window of a pick up truck where the shootout took place on San Bernardino Avenue. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 79 / 106 A composite photo of the 14 victims of the San Bernardino shooting rampage. (Courtesy of family / Los Angeles Times) 80 / 106 People kneel in prayer for victims of the recent mass shootings at the Inland Regional Center, in San Bernardino. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 81 / 106 After sunset, people continue to arrive at the memorial site for the victims of the recent mass shootings at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 82 / 106 The scene after landlord Doyle Miller opened the doors and allowed the news media inside the Redlands town home where Syed Rizwan Farook and Tafsheen Malik, suspects of the deadly the recent mass shootings in San Bernardino, lived. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 83 / 106 Josie Ramirez-Herndon, center, and her daughter, Chelsie Ramirez, bottom left, join other community members as they pray during a candlelight vigil. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 84 / 106 Fabio Ahumada, a San Bernardino EMT, attends a vigil at San Manuel Stadium (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 85 / 106 A couple embrace at the candlelight vigil to honor the victims of the mass shootings at the Inland Regional Center. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 86 / 106 Angel Meler-Baumgartner 11, who was a member of the Inland Regional Center, where the shooting occurred, attends a vigil at San Manuel Stadium for the victims. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 87 / 106 The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA held a press conference and prayer vigil at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino. The group denounced the massacre. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times) 88 / 106 Amy Mahmood, right, holds hands with a woman named Shenaz during the vigil at San Manuel Stadium. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 89 / 106 Ryan Reyes, center, breaks down after finding out his boyfriend of three years, Daniel Kaufman, 42, was one of those killed during Wednesdays mass shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 90 / 106 Ryan Reyes holds an image of his boyfriend Daniel Kaufman who was confirmed as one of the 14 victims of Wednesdays mass shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 91 / 106 Larry Jones, left, pastor of Crossover Outreach Church; Dr. Jeannetta Million, pastor of Victorias Believers Church; and Arnold Morales, pastor of King of Glory Church, pray for the victims and those involved in the mass shooting in San Bernardino. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 92 / 106 A coalition of church leaders comes together to pray for the victims and those involved in the San Bernardino shootings. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 93 / 106 FBI investigators inside the suspects Redlands home on Thursday morning. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 94 / 106 The investigation continues Thursday morning on San Bernardino Avenue, where two suspects in the mass shooting at the Inland Regional Center died in a shootout with police. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 95 / 106 Law enforcement stands guard at a police line as investigators work at a Redlands home after the San Bernardino attack. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 96 / 106 A SWAT team stands guard with a rifle pointed at a home that is being investigated by police after todays San Bernardinos mass shootings. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 97 / 106 Farhan Khan, second from right, who was identified as the brother-in-law of San Bernardino shooting suspect Syed Rizwan Farook, joins religious leaders during a news conference at the Council of American Islamic Relations in Anaheim. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 98 / 106 San Bernardino County sheriffs deputies draw guns behind a minivan on Richardson St. during a search for suspects involved in the mass shooting of 14 people at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 99 / 106 Marie Cabrera, Sonya Gonzalez and Christine Duran, all of San Bernardino, pray after the mass shooting in San Bernardino. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 100 / 106 A woman and a man enter the Rudy C Hernandez Community Center after they and other people, who were at the scene of a mass shooting, arrived by bus to be reunited with their familys. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 101 / 106 Emergency personnel bring in a wounded person into Loma University Medical Center after the shooting in San Bernardino on Wednesday. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 102 / 106 A SWAT unit is on the move in San Bernardino. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 103 / 106 A member of the San Manual Fire Department takes the names of people evacuated from the scene of a mass shooting in San Bernardino before they are loaded onto buses and taken away from the area. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 104 / 106 Sheriffs department SWAT members deploy on Richardson Street in San Bernardino on Wednesday. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 105 / 106 Sheriffs department SWAT members deploy near San Bernardino Avenue and Richardson Street in San Bernardino on Wednesday. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 106 / 106 Evacuated workers join in a circle to pray on the San Bernardino Golf Course across the street from where a shooting occurred at the Inland Regional Center. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The policies and procedures required under workers compensation, which was never tailored for victims of terror attacks, can be daunting.

Workers must first submit a request to a county adjuster. If that person cannot approve it, the request is forwarded to utilization review, conducted by doctors at a firm hired by the county.

Baker, of the Department of Industrial Relations, said state officials have told the county that some treatments being submitted for higher review could be approved at the county level.

Often, employees and their family members said they have found themselves stymied each step of the process.

But many have been particularly frustrated by decisions made during the review process by faraway doctors who do not treat the patient.

In one case reviewed by The Times, a woman who had been shot asked for authorization to consult with a psychologist.

Five months after the attack, she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and was having crying spells. She was unable to sleep and haunted by nightmares, according to records.

The utilization review doctor denied the request because psychological evaluation and treatment has already been performed, according to the records.

The county could change decisions made in utilization review, said county spokesman Wert, but he argued that doing so would be wrong.

In cases of prescriptions and medical treatment it would be wrong for the county, which is not a doctor, to overrule a decision made by a doctor. It could harm the patient, make the county liable for anything that goes wrong and result in cancellation of the countys insurance.

The utilization review decision can also be appealed to the state for independent review.

Attorney Geraldine Ly, who represents nine of the victims, said that in her experience those appeals for treatment are overwhelmingly denied.

Wert said delays have often stemmed from employees doctors not submitting proper documentation to approve treatment.

For some patients, a number of treatments and medications recommended by their doctors were submitted with detailed documentation but denied because reviewing doctors determined that the recommended treatments did not meet their guidelines, records show.

Cardinale, the program specialist, was in a bathroom when the shooting started. She and three others hid in a stall, standing on a toilet so their feet would not show under the door.

She has wanted to go back to work  and did so for almost six months  but has suffered from anxiety and panic attacks.

In November, she received notice that her anxiety medication, antidepressants and others would not be approved.

The claimant should have already been completely weaned from this medication, the determination read, even though Cardinales own doctor had prescribed it.

The same report noted that she suffered from PTSD and that her symptoms had been exacerbated by the anniversary of 9/11.

My psychiatrist believes that I need to be on the medication. Thats why he wrote the prescription, Cardinale said.

Cardinale and others said they were reluctant to raise their concerns publicly because talking about the attack and its aftermath is exceedingly painful.

But in recent weeks they decided to come forward, feeling that they were out of options.

On Monday, victims and their supporters spoke out at a Board of Supervisors meeting.

Julie Swann-Paez, who was shot, voiced her frustration at county supervisors for the way employees had been treated over the past year.

We dont feel as if were being treated as the county family, she said. More like the ugly stepkids, who if we were just out of the picture, it would make everything run more smoothly.

paloma.esquivel@latimes.com

Twitter: @palomaesquivel

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In a year of relentless violence, Chicago this week hit another gruesome milestone, exceeding 700 homicides for the first time in nearly two decades, according to Police Department records.

The 700-mark was reached when a 25-year-old man was fatally shot about 6:20 a.m. Wednesday in the Burnside neighborhood, said Frank Giancamilli, a police spokesman. Then at about 8 p.m., a 24-year-old man was shot and killed in the South Shore neighborhood.

The year got off to a violent start with 50 homicides in January and rarely let up even after the end of the summer  the peak season for shootings.

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The numbers are simply off the charts. The 701 homicides through Wednesday marked a nearly 56% jump from the 450 killings a year earlier. With one month to go, that represents the most homicides since 704 in 1998.

Police Department statistics do not include killings on area expressways, police-involved shootings, other justifiable homicides or death investigations that could later be reclassified as homicides. A fatal shooting also took place early Thursday, but an autopsy hasnt confirmed that the death was a homicide.

Nearly 4,050 people have been shot, a 50% jump from 2,699 victims a year earlier, according to department statistics. Shooting incidents rose by comparable figures, to 3,315, up 49% from 2,224 a year earlier.

The surge in violence has come at a time of upheaval for the Police Department amid an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Justice Department in the fallout over the video showing the fatal shooting of black teenager Laquan McDonald by an officer in October 2014.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, who was a surprise appointment in March after the citys top cop was fired over the handling of the McDonald shooting, said his department is doing all it can to combat violence rooted in poverty and hopelessness.

On Tuesday, following a speech to the Union League Club, Johnson called this years homicide totals unacceptable, blaming what he called a a small subsection of citizens for the violence.

The police are doing their job, he told reporters. What we need help in is holding these repeat gun offenders accountable for this gun violence, and until we do that, were going to continue to see the cycle of violence.

Month after month this year, homicides in Chicago have soared to levels not seen since the 1990s. The 92 homicides in August marked the most in the city for a single month since July 1993.

The citys violence continues to outpace New York and Los Angeles, whose populations far exceed Chicago. According to official statistics through about Nov. 20, New York and Los Angeles had a combined 565 homicides. In addition, both cities recorded a combined 2,117 shootings.

Crime experts caution about making year-to-year comparisons of homicides, arguing that long-term trends give a better understanding of how the level of violence in a city has changed over time.

Police officials have blamed much of Chicagos violence on the flow of illegal firearms through dangerous neighborhoods and an intractable gang problem. The gangs, once highly structured and hierarchical, have fractured into small factions. Petty disagreements and personal disputes can quickly turn violent with social media, crime experts have said.

Another factor contributing to the violence could be a drop in morale among Chicago police officers because of heightened scrutiny in the fallout over the McDonald shooting as well as a new law requiring detailed reports be filled out for every street stop because of concerns over racial profiling. In interviews, officers recently told the Chicago Tribune that they had taken a more cautious approach to their work, concerned they could end up in a viral Internet video, sued or fired.

The bulk of the violence has been concentrated in neighborhoods on the South and West sides that have been plagued by decades of poverty, entrenched segregation, gangs, rampant narcotics sales and other social ills.

Two of the citys historically most violent police districts  Harrison and Englewood  account for close to one-fourth of the homicides and shooting incidents.

Harrison, which includes the community of West Garfield Park, has recorded the most homicides in the city, with 84 through Nov. 20, an 87% increase over last year. The Rev. Marshall Hatch, pastor of the New Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church in West Garfield Park, said he talks to young people in the community about staying in school and earning a legitimate living. But he knows its not easy for them.

Its really a culture of death, he said. Theres a lot of fear and a lot of assumption that theyre not going to live long. Theyre going to get sucked up and killed.

Gorner writes for the Chicago Tribune.

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The House overwhelmingly backed broad legislation Tuesday to increase federal support for medical research, advancing a long-anticipated bill that is expected to clear the Senate soon and get President Obamas signature.

The $6.3-billion bill  known as the 21st Century Cures Act  attracted strong bipartisan support, with 218 Republicans and 174 Democrats voting for it, despite warnings from some consumer groups that the hastily assembled bill would jeopardize patient safety.

For the record: An earlier version of this article referred to the Friends of Cancer Research founder as Ellen Sigel. Her name is Ellen Sigal.

The 392-26 House vote also rewarded years of lobbying by patient advocates and powerful industries, including drug manufacturers.

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Millions of cancer patients, survivors and their families are one step closer to accelerated progress in new diagnostic tools and improved cancer treatments, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network President Chris Hansen said after the vote.

The bill would provide $4.8 billion to the National Institutes of Health to support research efforts, such as the so-called Cancer Moonshot initiative championed by Vice President Joe Biden.

And it would give the Food and Drug Administration an additional $500 million to streamline its review of new drug therapies.

The sprawling legislation also includes provisions that would advance federal initiatives that have languished over the last several years, including new funding to combat the opioid epidemic, which public health departments have been crying out for all year.

Other parts of the bill would support steps designed to strengthen the nations mental health system, including better coordinating research into treatment and supporting community efforts to reduce homelessness and keep mentally ill patients out of the criminal justice system.

Advocates have been urging many of these steps for years, though they also say substantial new funding is needed. The bill passed Wednesday would not provide that.

The legislation has also generated concerns among many consumer advocates, who have warned that provisions that would speed federal regulatory review of new drugs and medical devices could expose patients to new risks.

While many harmful provisions have been improved or removed  there are still many provisions in the renegotiated bill that remain problematic for public health, Public Citizen noted in a statement.

Several leading liberal lawmakers have also blasted the legislation for including what Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) this week called corporate giveaways that will make drug companies even richer.

At a time when Americans pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs, this bill provides absolutely no relief for soaring drug prices, he said.

The White House acknowledged that it has issues with parts of the legislation, but Obama nonetheless plans to sign it.

As with any piece of legislation that is passed by a Republican Congress and signed into law by a Democratic president, its going to require some compromise, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Wednesday.

Other healthcare industries, including hospitals and insurance companies, successfully lobbied for the bill to include arcane provisions that would shield them from cuts in what the federal Medicare program pays them.

Another provision favored by industry would exempt some payments that physicians receive from drug and device makers from federal reporting requirements designed to alert patients to potential conflicts of interest.

On the right, the conservative activist group Heritage Action for America opposed the bill for adding to federal spending.

But many experts believe the addition of new funding for medical research and regulatory review will speed the development of pathbreaking cures to diseases such as cancer.

The bill translates recent progress in scientific understanding of disease mechanisms, data integration and analysis, and patient engagement to streamline and speed the development of medical treatments, while enabling a deeper understanding about their safety and effectiveness for particular patients, former FDA commissioner Dr. Mark McClellan and Friends of Cancer Research founder Ellen Sigal wrote in a recent op-ed.

The bills hefty price tag is offset with cuts in Medicare payments for drug therapies and medical equipment, other spending reductions and the sale of 25 million barrels of oil from the nations strategic petroleum reserve.

The Senate is expected to take up the bill as soon as next week.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has called the bill the most important legislation Congress will consider this year.

noam.levey@latimes.com

Twitter: @noamlevey

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Eleven hostages held at gunpoint by a robbery suspect in a north Florida credit union were freed two hours after their ordeal began Thursday, authorities said.

The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office tweeted that We have 11 hostages out about two hours after the robbery of the Community First Credit Union started. The suspect was in custody, according to the sheriffs office.

No hostages were shot, and early reports saying otherwise were not true, the sheriffs office said.

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An initial 911 call reporting a bank robbery came in at 9:06 a.m.

SWAT team members and police negotiators arrived at the scene a short time later, said Melissa Bujeda, a sheriffs office spokeswoman.

Streets surrounding the bank were blocked by police, and Bujeda urged those unable to get to work during the ordeal to be patient.

Situations like these sometimes can be short and sometimes can be long, she said.

Bujeda also had urged local TV reporters not to show their positions around the credit union during the hostages ordeal because that could pose a danger to officers as well as the individuals in the bank.

The bank is located in a northwest Jacksonville commercial district.

ALSO

Trump promised to repeal Obamacare, but it turns out Americans like most of it, a poll finds

Supreme Court weighs rules for jailing immigrants who are fighting deportation

Lawmakers reach a compromise to help California soldiers ordered to repay enlistment bonuses

UPDATES:

9:02 a.m.: Updated with information that the hostages have been freed and the suspect is in custody.

This story was originally posted at 7:40 a.m.
Democrats draw sharper battle lines in tug of war over party leadership By Chris Megerian Even as Democrats try to move past last years defeats, their internal fault lines show signs of deepening in the campaign for the partys leadership. The latest evidence came Wednesday when former Vice President Joe Biden endorsed Thomas E. Perez, who served as President Obamas Labor secretary, to chair the Democratic National Committee. We have a lot of good people vying for this important job, Biden said in a statement. But I do think for this moment and in this time, Tom Perez is our best bet to help bring the party back. The endorsement was seen as more evidence that key members of the recently departed Obama administration were backing Perez. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) with Sen. Bernie Sanders. (Alex Wong / Getty Images) It was followed by a statement from Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont reiterating his support for Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), another leading candidate in the race. Although Sanders lost to Hillary Clinton in the presidential primary, he has continued to try to pull Democrats to the left, and he has emphasized the need to create a grass-roots party. Obama left office with strong poll numbers, but under his watch, Democrats lost power not only in Washington but in states around the country, something Sanders and his allies have stressed in the fight over the party chairmanship. The question is simple: Do we stay with a failed status-quo approach or do we go forward with a fundamental restructuring of the Democratic Party? Sanders said. Read More Facebook

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Border Patrol chief is abruptly out after being brought in as a reformer By Brian Bennett The chief of the Border Patrol will leave his post at the end of the month, likely the result of a change in direction by the Trump administration and a reflection of the new power of the agencys union. Mark Morgan, the agencys head, was hired from the FBI in June to reform the force after a series of corruption allegations and problems with excessive force. He will leave the Border Patrol abruptly after seven months on the job, according to a person familiar with the decision who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Morgans departure was first reported by the Associated Press. Morgan spent 20 years at the FBI and was first brought to Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrols parent agency, in 2014 to overhaul its internal affairs division. After a subsequent stint running the FBIs training academy, he started the top job at the Border Patrol in June. The Border Patrols union had opposed Morgans appointment, preferring a candidate who had risen through the ranks of the agency. The union endorsed President Trump in the election, breaking with its practice of remaining neutral in elections. News of Morgans departure comes a day after Trump announced he would build a border wall and hire 5,000 more Border Patrol agents, bringing the total force to 26,000. Trump said the Border Patrol union would have a lot of clout in department decisions. Facebook

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Trump was silent on new U.S. sanctions against Russia, but he praises Putins response By Michael A. Memoli After President Obama on Thursday announced retaliatory measures against the Russian government for what the U.S. has concluded were efforts to interfere in the election, President-elect Donald Trumps response was terse and dismissive, saying it was time to move on to bigger and better things. But after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that he would not respond in kind to the U.S. actions  preferring to wait until the new administration takes office  Trump weighed in with high praise. Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 30, 2016 Trumps tweet did not appear to be off the cuff. As if to underscore his sentiment, Trump affixed the tweet to the top of his Twitter feed. And he posted an Instagram photo shortly after, quoting himself. View Instagram post Trumps effusive words were particularly striking given the bipartisan view of Putin as more adversary than ally. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said they supported the Obama administrations move to expel Russian diplomats and block access to two properties owned by its government. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) is expected to call a hearing on Russias cyber activities when the new Congress convenes next week. A Trump transition spokesman was asked earlier Friday whether Trump had spoken or planned to speak with Putin before his inauguration. The priority right now is for the president[-elect] to get an update next week from the intelligence community, Sean Spicer said. Trumps praise did get tacit approval from some quarters. The Russian embassy in Washington retweeted it. Facebook

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Most popular White House petitions included requests to label a hate group and deport Justin Bieber By Colleen Shalby Over the past five years, Americans have produced and signed nearly 5,000 petitions through the White Houses We the People site. How could we ever forget the effort to get the Obama administration on board with building a Death Star? Some, like that one and a petition to deport Justin Bieber, resulted only in conversation. But others made an impact. The Pew Research Center analyzed the petitions in a recent report. They ranged from serious, like an effort to ban gay conversion therapy at a state level that led the president in 2015 to support states bans, to playful. A request for Obama to appear on a previously unvisited talk show, for example, prompted him to appear on Real Time with Bill Maher in January 2016. In 2015, 106-year-old Virginia McLaurin requested a meeting with the first black president, something she never thought shed live to see. Her petition garnered only 19 signatures. But it nonetheless resulted in one of first couples most memorable meetings, this dance party: The petitioning system, launched in 2011, was part of Obamas open-government initiative. The most common topics for petitioning included healthcare, veterans issues and requests to honor individuals, such as Yogi Berra, and create or officially recognize holidays, like Talk Like a Pirate Day. While not every petition made a change or elicited a response from the White House, many captured a momentary pulse of the nation. Here are the five most popular: Legally recognize the Westboro Baptist Church as a hate group, posted Dec. 14, 2012; 367,180 signatures. Establish justice and prevent a great catastrophe, posted April 4, 2016; 331,914 signatures. File charges against the 47 U.S. senators in violation of the Logan Act in attempting to undermine a nuclear agreement, posted March 9, 2015; gained 322,117 signatures. Ask President Obama to appear on HBOs Real Time with Bill Maher,  posted Jan. 15, 2016; 314,226 signatures. Deport Justin Bieber and revoke his green card, posted Jan. 23, 2014; 273,698 signatures. Facebook

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Obama slaps Russia with sanctions for meddling in the U.S. election By Christi Parsons In the most sweeping retaliation against Russia in decades, President Obama slapped the country with new penalties Thursday for meddling in the U.S. presidential election, kicking out dozens of suspected spies and imposing banking restrictions on five people and four organizations the administration says were involved. All Americans should be alarmed by Russias actions, Obama said in a statement. Such activities have consequences. Read More Facebook

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How Trump and an Obamacare rollback could affect the growing gig economy By Chicago Tribune Gabby Golub of Chicago does chalkboard art for bars and restaurants in addition to driving for Lyft and working part time at her old high school. (Kristan Lieb / Chicago Tribune) A growing share of the U.S. workforce is reyling on alternative work arrangements, which include on-demand gigs through online platforms like Lyft or Uber as well as work through temporary help agencies, freelance assignments and independent contracts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics plans to conduct a comprehensive survey of these so-called contingent workers next year, its first since 2005, helping policymakers understand the size and makeup of a workforce not covered by many labor protections or privy to the benefits that come with a traditional employer relationship. Whether policy will catch up to the labor shifts is a question experts will watch in 2017. A major conversation point has been how to develop portable benefits that give gig economy workers access to retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid sick leave even as they move from job to job. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts plans by Sprint and OneWeb to create 8,000 U.S. jobs By Jim Puzzanghera (Don Emmert / AFP/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday touted plans by telecom company Sprint and technology start-up OneWeb to hire a total of 8,000 workers in the U.S. in what he said was very good news for the economy. He appeared to be highlighting previously made jobs announcements. OneWeb, which is building a network of satellites to deliver high-speed Internet access, said on Dec. 19 that it expected to create nearly 3,000 jobs in the U.S. over the next four years after securing $1.2 billion in funding, mostly from Japans SoftBank Group Corp. And the head of SoftBank, which owns Sprint, said on Dec. 6 that the company had agreed to invest $50 billion in the U.S. and create 50,000 jobs here. The announcement by SoftBank Chief Executive Masayoshi Son came after he met with Trump at Trump Tower in New York City. Trump touted it that day. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Wednesday, Trump said Sprint was going to be bringing 5,000 jobs back to the United States. They have taken them from other countries. They are bringing them back to the United States, Trump said. Sprint, though, said in a statement that the jobs would be a mixture of new positions and others that were reinstated. It wasnt clear whether those jobs were part of the 50,000 that were mentioned earlier in the month at Trump Tower. We are excited to work with President-Elect Trump and his administration to do our part to drive economic growth and create jobs in the U.S., said Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure. We believe it is critical for business and government to partner together to create more job opportunities in the U.S. and ensure prosperity for all Americans. Trump also said the OneWeb hiring is very exciting. OneWeb did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 3:25 p.m.: This story was updated with comment from Sprint. Facebook

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Kerry offers fierce defense of Obamas support for Israel, urges resumption of Mideast peace talks By Laura King Secretary of State John Kerry outlines his proposals for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Zach Gibson / Getty Images) With President-elect Donald Trump tweeting from the sidelines, Secretary of State John F. Kerry on Wednesday outlined broad principles for reviving the moribund Israel-Palestinian peace process -- calls that quickly ignited a new burst of Israeli anger against the Obama administration. Kerrys lengthy and impassioned address, delivered at the State Department, marked the latest chapter in an unusually bitter public clash between the United States and Israel -- and the even more extraordinary spectacle of a president-elect again inserting himself into a sensitive diplomatic matter before taking office. In a speech lasting more than an hour, Kerry appealed for a hiatus in Jewish settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, called on Palestinian leaders to explicitly denounce terrorist attacks against Israelis, and warned repeatedly that the prospects for a two-state solution, with Israel and a Palestinian state existing side-by-side, were in jeopardy. We cannot in good conscience do nothing, and say nothing, when we see the hope of peace slipping away, he said. Read More Facebook

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Former California lieutenant governor will meet with Trump to discuss running Agriculture department By Michael A. Memoli Abel Maldonado. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times) President-elect Donald Trump is considering former California Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado to lead the Agriculture department, a move that would bring greater diversity to the Republicans Cabinet. Maldonado will meet with Trump on Wednesday at his Palm Beach, Fla., estate. Trump spokesman Sean Spicer noted that Maldonado, owner of Runway Vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley, comes from three generations of farmers and has strong roots in the agriculture industry of California. Trump will also meet with Dr. Elsa Murano, the former president of Texas A&M University and a former Agriculture undersecretary for food safety, in connection to the post, one of the few Cabinet positions yet unfilled. Maldonado, 49, was once considered to be the kind of Republican who could break through the partys struggle to attract widespread Latino support. A Santa Barbara County farmer whose parents were Mexican farmworker immigrants, he served as mayor of Santa Maria before being elected to the state Assembly in 1998. Perhaps Maldonados most notable political moment came when he worked with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to force Democrats to embrace the top-two primary system for California during negotiations on the state budget crisis in 2009. Schwarzenegger rewarded Maldonado with the appointment to the then-vacant post of lieutenant governor in 2010. But Maldonados role in helping push the nonpartisan primary system made him a pariah among many conservative Republicans, and he failed in subsequent races for Congress in 2012 and a brief flirtation with a run for governor in 2014. If nominated and confirmed, Maldonado would be the sole Latino in Trumps Cabinet. Facebook

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Trump attacks Obama over Israel just ahead of Kerrys speech on the Mideast By Michael A. Memoli The detente between President Obama and President-elect Donald Trump, as both aimed to portray a smooth transition of power, appears in jeopardy. Trump condemned the Obama administrations foreign policy on Wednesday, tweeting he was doing his best to overlook inflammatory Obama moves, while engaging in 1990s-style sarcasm. Doing my best to disregard the many inflammatory President O statements and roadblocks.Thought it was going to be a smooth transition - NOT!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 28, 2016 Last week, Obama decided to have the U.S. abstain from a United Nations Security Council vote on a resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity, which allowed the measure to pass. The vote angered Israeli leaders, who accused senior U.S. officials of complicity in drafting the resolution, a claim disputed by the U.S. We cannot continue to let Israel be treated with such total disdain and disrespect. They used to have a great friend in the U.S., but.......  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 28, 2016 not anymore. The beginning of the end was the horrible Iran deal, and now this (U.N.)! Stay strong Israel, January 20th is fast approaching!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 28, 2016 Trumps postings came just before Secretary of State John F. Kerry delivered a major address on U.S. foreign policy that included a rebuttal to Israeli government criticisms of the Obama administration. Trumps statement of support for Israel was welcomed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long had a tense relationship with Obama. President-elect Trump, thank you for your warm friendship and your clear-cut support for Israel! @IvankaTrump @DonaldJTrumpJr https://t.co/lURPimG0wS  Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) December 28, 2016 Trump transition spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters that the president-elects tweets speak for themselves, very clearly. He also stressed that White House officials have been helpful and generous with their time, at least in terms of the mechanics of the transition. In a brief statement to reporters Wednesday night, Trump said he had a general conversation with Obama during the day. Very, very nice, was how the president-elect described the chat, which he said Obama initiated. A White House spokesman confirmed the call and characterized it as positive. When asked whether he thinks the U.S. should exit the U.N., Trump repeated his earlier comments that the global body is not living up to its potential. When do you see the United Nations solving problems? he asked. They dont, they cause problems, so if it lives up to its potential its a great thing, if it doesnt its a waste of time. The U.N. seemed to respond to Trump on Monday, in a message pinned to the top of its Twitter feed: Here's a list of 10 ways the UN makes a difference in the lives of millions every day.



See what else we do: https://t.co/MGT7G5uPFL pic.twitter.com/nMxHV0rvkf  United Nations (@UN) December 26, 2016 Times staff writer Christi Parsons in Honolulu contributed to this report. 5:10 p.m.: This story was updated with White House comment. 2:45 p.m.: This story was updated with Trumps comments. Facebook

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John Kerry, tireless in his diplomatic efforts, often came up empty-handed By Tracy Wilkinson John F. Kerry is nothing if not indefatigable, traveling to all corners of the world as Americas top diplomat over the last four years. But as he prepares to leave office, he confronts a mixed legacy: a handful of successes coupled with searing defeats, especially in the Middle East. His inability to halt the carnage in Syria, or to block Russias growing influence, ranks as the most serious blot on his record. But he also got nowhere trying to end the Israeli-Palestinian standoff, or to stop Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally, from bombing civilians in Yemen. Kerrys greatest success was the historic accord to curtail Irans nuclear development program and a landmark climate change treaty to limit greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming. Read More Facebook

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At Pearl Harbor, Obama says we must resist the urge to demonize those who are different By Christi Parsons Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Obama. (Marco Garcia / Associated Press) President Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe scattered petals together on the waters of Pearl Harbor on Tuesday in a symbolic act aimed at laying to rest the enmity of the Japanese attack 75 years ago that drew the U.S. into World War II. In a moment consumed with history, both leaders were fixed on the future. They expressed concern that the lessons of the war might be forgotten amid a shifting world order and the anti-internationalist sentiment that has swept over politics around the globe, most notably with the ascendance of President-elect Donald Trump. Read More Facebook

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Obama and Japans Abe to visit Pearl Harbor amid renewed talk of nuclear concerns By Christi Parsons Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu on Monday. (AFP/Getty Images) President Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are scheduled to honor the war dead at Pearl Harbor on Tuesday, marking the 75th anniversary of the attack that thrust the U.S. into World War II. The visit was planned as a coda to Obamas visit to Hiroshima in May, where Abe hosted him as the first sitting president to visit the site where the U.S. dropped one of two nuclear bombs in 1945 to end the war, the only instances of nuclear attacks in history. But the visit has taken on a new meaning. President-elect Donald Trump reawakened old fears of a nuclear arms race last week by declaring his commitment to strengthen and expand U.S. nuclear capability. In his remarks at Pearl Harbor, Obama will have an opportunity to address those renewed anxieties and to lay out the dangers of an arms race. Obama has fought to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons and to secure existing caches. The visit is meant to highlight the strength of the relationship between the U.S. and Japan, an administration official said. Several Japanese prime ministers before Abe have visited the Pearl Harbor site. But Abe is the first to go to the memorial at the resting place of the battleship Arizona, where 1,177 American military personnel died in the Japanese aerial attack on Dec. 7, 1941. Facebook

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Will the Feds Janet Yellen take away the punch bowl after Trump takes office? By Don Lee After three years of almost single-handedly juicing up the slow-growing economy, Janet L. Yellen and the Federal Reserve should be looking at easier days ahead. Yellen, in what will probably be her last full year as Fed chair, may finally get help from somewhere else in Washington. Tax cuts and infrastructure spending planned by President-elect Donald Trump, if backed by the Republican-controlled Congress, would lighten the load for a Fed whose easy-money policies have been the primary economic support for the nation. She is already breathing easier on the Feds employment mandate; the jobless rate has fallen to a nine-year low of 4.6%. Inflation, too, is under control and, by all accounts, creeping toward the central banks optimal level of 2%. And yet, Yellen may come under as much economic and political pressure as ever, on both the Feds policy and the independence of the institution. Read More Facebook

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Obama says he could have beaten Trump By Tracy Wilkinson (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press) President Obama says he could have defeated Donald Trump in last months election by recapturing the same vision of hope that twice carried him to the presidency. Obama also was mildly critical of the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, saying her campaign didnt do enough to get her message out. The remarks were notable because Obama has been careful since the election to avoid criticizing Trump, or to deliver a post-mortem on Clintons failed bid. Obama spoke in a wide-ranging interview with former senior advisor and now CNN commentator David Axelrod for the Democratic political operatives Axe Files podcast. The interview was released by CNN on Monday. You know, I am confident in this vision because Im confident that if I -- if I had run again and articulated it, I think I couldve mobilized a majority of the American people to rally behind it, Obama said. His comments were part of a wider discussion of what he called ugly sentiments of racism and xenophobia that surfaced during the 2016 campaign. Obama repeated his assertion that Clinton faced a double standard as a woman, which put her at a disadvantage. But he also said a kind of complacency set in that made the Clinton campaign too cautious and thus unable to get its message out sufficiently. If you think youre winning, then you have a tendency, just like in sports, maybe to play it safer, Obama said. During the interview, Obama also spoke of his family, the strength hed gotten from wife Michelle and the improbability of his own political career. And the president said the spirit that his candidacy originally inspired, especially among young people, was never snuffed out despite the last eight years of turmoil. The idealism and the dedication stayed with the staff and got us through some really hard times, he said. Trump later responded to the remarks on Twitter. UPDATE 2:07 p.m.: This article was updated with Trumps response. This article was originally published at 12:28 p.m. Facebook

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Obama personally authorized U.S. abstention from U.N. vote on Israeli settlements By Michael A. Memoli President Obama personally directed Friday that the U.S. abstain from a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity, seeing the escalation of settlement building as an increasing threat to the viability of a two-state solution to the regions problems. Ahead of the expected vote, Obama, who is vacationing with his family in Hawaii, convened a discussion Thursday with Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John F. Kerry and other top national security officials. The vote was postponed, but U.S. officials continued to monitor discussions over the Egyptian-authored resolution until Friday. Obama spoke with national security advisor Susan Rice on Friday to issue his final decision. President-elect Donald Trumps intervention in the discussions, which included a conversation with Egypts president Thursday that preceded the delay in the planned vote, did not affect Obamas calculations, deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes told reporters.. Theres one president at a time, he said. The decision to allow the resolution to pass, rather than cast a veto to block it is consistent with long-standing, bipartisan U.S. policy opposing Israeli settlement activity, Rhodes said. One of the administrations great concerns was that such activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has accelerated significantly since 2011, when the U.S. last vetoed a comparable resolution. U.S. officials also have been concerned about continued incitements of violence by Palestinians, and Rhodes said the resolution voted on Friday included greater balance to reflect that than past resolutions. Weve been very concerned that these accelerating trends are putting the very viability of the two-state solution at risk, Rhodes said. In that context, we therefore thought that we could not in good conscience veto a resolution that expressed concerns about the very trends that are eroding the foundation for a two-state solution. He also underscored what he called Obamas iron-clad commitment to Israel and its security, noting that the administration recently concluded a major military assistance package. The U.S. did not vote for the resolution because of continued concerns about the United Nations as a venue for Middle East peace discussions, Rhodes said. He also responded to what he called strident comments of Israeli officials criticizing the U.S. move. It seems like the Israeli government wants the conversation to be about anything other than the settlement activity, he said. Facebook

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Trump team seeks to ease fears on womens programs at State Department By Tracy Wilkinson ( Andrew Harnik / Associated Press) Donald Trumps transition team said Friday its requests to the State Department for details on positions and funding for global womens programs were part of an effort to ensure and protect gender equality. The statement appeared to be an attempt to allay concerns that Trump might seek to cancel or roll back gender-focused programs at the State Department following a request by the transition team on Wednesday for information about them. Most were created or championed by Trumps campaign rival, Hillary Clinton, when she served as secretary of State during President Obamas first term. The transition team statement Friday did not outline Trumps plans for the programs, which seek to promote equality, education and vocational training for women around the world as well as combat gender-based violence. President-elect Trump will ensure the rights of women across the world are valued and protected, the statement said. To help fulfill this promise, the transition team inquired about existing programs at the State Department that helps [sic] foster gender equality, ends gender-based violence, and promotes economic and political participation  finding ways to improve them. The statement said the inquiry was one of hundreds of requests it sent to federal departments as part of the transition effort. Facebook

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Trump team asks State Department for details on programs aimed at helping women By Tracy Wilkinson Donald Trumps transition team has asked the State Department for details on programs aimed at benefiting women around the world, including identifying staff members who worked to reduce gender-based violence and promote women in the workplace. In an email sent to numerous State Department offices Wednesday, the president-elects transition team asked for urgent response to its inquiries about gender-related staffing, programming and funding. Many of the programs were begun or were championed by Hillary Clinton, who was secretary of State during President Obamas first term and who lost to Trump in November. The unusual request to the State Department follows a similar email to the Department of Energy. There the transition team asked for names of staff members who had worked on efforts to combat climate change, which Trump has dismissed as a hoax. Several Obama administration officials called that query chilling. The Trump team withdrew the request after it was widely criticized. The latest email suggests the incoming Trump administration will attempt to roll back some of the State Departments most innovative programs and may seek to penalize people who worked on them. People are freaked out, said a senior State Department official who was not authorized to speak publicly. The email asked the State Department to deliver issue papers from bureaus and offices (one paper max per bureau/office) outlining existing programs and activities to promote gender equality, such as ending gender-based violence, promoting womens participation in economic and political spheres, entrepreneurship, etc. It said the issue papers should note jobs whose primary functions are to promote such issues, as well as money allocated for those activities and programs in fiscal year 2017. While at State, Clinton made womens issues a top priority. An office was created to deal exclusively with global womens issues, and money was allocated for programs that promote education of girls, train women in marketable skills and offer microloans. Read More Facebook

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Trump taps seasoned Republican operative Sean Spicer as White House press secretary By Lisa Mascaro President-elect Donald Trump named Sean Spicer as his new press secretary, tapping a seasoned Republican operative as the public face of the new White House. Spicer, a top Republican National Committee strategist who brought a measure of establishment Washington to Trumps operation, is known for his combative but engaging approach to communications. He will likely take over the press podium as the top spokesman at the incoming White House. Two other veterans of the Trump campaigns press operation also will get White House jobs: Jason Miller, who had been Trumps communications chief after moving from the campaign of Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, will stay in that role as communications director at the White House. Hope Hicks, who was Trumps spokesperson on the campaign trail and one of his earliest campaign aides, will be assistant to the president and director of strategic communications, and Dan Scavino will serve as director of social media. Sean, Hope, Jason and Dan have been key members of my team during the campaign and transition. I am excited they will be leading the team that will communicate my agenda that will Make America Great Again, Trump said in a statement. Facebook

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Obama eliminates post-9/11 registry for foreigners, making it harder for Trump to restart it By Brian Bennett (Don Emmert / AFP/Getty Images) The Obama administration is taking apart a controversial, dormant national registry program that tracked visitors from countries with active terrorist groups for several years following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. A final rule eliminating the program will be published in the federal register on Friday. The move would make it more difficult for President-elect Donald Trump to revive the registry, which hasnt been used since 2011. The Department of Homeland Security determined it was ineffective and didnt improve security. Civil rights advocates have long said the program was discriminatory. On the campaign trail, Trump promised to track Muslims coming to the U.S. and require them to register. He later changed his stance to say he would bar people from countries with a record of Islamist extremism. Trumps policy advisors have been looking closely at ways to jump start the registry, called the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, after he takes office at the end of January. With the program being officially dismantled on Friday, Trumps team would have to issue new federal rules to restart it, a process that could take several months and would require a period for soliciting comments from the public, which likely would be contentious. The Trump transition team is preparing several executive actions for the incoming president, Trump spokesman Jason Miller told reporters Thursday morning when asked about Obama dismantling the registry. Stopping radical Islamic terrorists from entering the U.S. is of paramount importance, Miller said. He didnt say directly if Trump would rebuild the visitor registry. The American people strongly support tough measures to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of our country, and President-elect Trump has made clear that we will suspend admissions of those from countries with high terrorism rates and apply a strict vetting procedure for those seeking entry in order to protect American lives, he said. When asked on Wednesday if he would set up a registry for Muslims or impose a ban on Muslim immigrants in the wake of the truck attack on a Christmas market in Berlin, Trump said simply: You know my plans. Democratic lawmakers and civil liberties advocates have demanded in recent weeks that Obama dismantle the registry. Theyve cited a 2012 inspector general report that said Homeland Security databases collecting traveler fingerprints, flight manifests and intelligence information on foreigners are more effective at preventing terrorist attacks. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) praised the Homeland Security Departments decision to strip away dead-letter regulations no longer in use. These regulations symbolized an ineffective program based on religious and ethnic profiling, rather than individualized suspicion  a program based on fear, rather than reason, Leahy said in a statement. That has no place in this great country, under any administration. Facebook

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Trump is unwinding some foreign deals but many potential conflicts remain By Joseph Tanfani The Trump hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan, would be among the finest in the world, Donald Trump promised two years ago, another example of our involvement in only the best global development projects. But the dream of a world-class Trump Baku died this month, with Trump saying he was backing out of the deal because of delays and blown deadlines caused by the developer, a 34-year-old with close family connections to the countrys government. The demise of Trump Baku is not an isolated decision. With his inauguration less than a month away, President-elect Trumps company has pulled out of a few international business deals that might have created especially sticky conflicts and controversies for his administration. Read More Facebook

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Trump names UC Irvine professor and fierce China critic to new White House Trade Council By Don Lee Peter Navarro, left, and China expert Gordon Chang attend a screening of Death By China, the film adaptation of Navarros book, in New York in 2012. (Andy Kropa / Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump, signaling that he intends to follow through on his tough talk on trade, is establishing a new White House-based trade council to be headed by a vehement critic of Chinas economic policies. Trump on Wednesday named Peter Navarro, a Harvard-trained business professor at UC Irvine, as director of trade and industrial policy and head of the newly created White House National Trade Council. The move sends a strong message: The Trump administration will take a much more aggressive posture to shrink the nations large trade deficit and combat what the president-elect and Navarro believe are forces behind Americas manufacturing woes  unfair and mercantilist practices on the part of China and other trading partners. Read More Facebook

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The issue of race has hung over Sen. Jeff Sessions like a shadow. Heres why By Del Quentin Wilber (Scott Olson / AFP/Getty Images) Jeff Sessions uneasy history with race can be traced back to the long, winding country roads that cut through the pine forests and farm land in this deep corner of the Deep South. As a boy, Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III began each day before dawn, boarding a segregated bus to his all-white school. En route he and his classmates passed the bus ferrying black students in the opposite direction. The day ended when he sat down to dinner each night with his father, an avowed segregationist until the end of his life. Reflecting on those years, Sessions acknowledged recently that he knew back then that segregation was morally wrong and regretted standing by passively as civil rights leaders in the 1960s struggled and died in the fight for equality. I should have stepped forward more and been a leader and more positive force, Sessions said in February while participating in a ceremony honoring the Selma foot soldiers. Read More Facebook

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Kellyanne Conway will join Trump in the White House By Evan Halper (Gerald Herber / Associated Press) Donald Trump has named his media-savvy campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, to advise him in the White House in the role of counselor, his transition team announced early Thursday morning. The move comes after Conway sought to put to rest speculation that she would continue to serve as the public face of the Trump team. But the new job is sure to keep her profile high. Conway will will work with senior leadership to effectively message and execute the administrations legislative priorities and actions, according to a statement from the Trump transition team. Kellyanne Conway has been a trusted advisor and strategist who played a crucial role in my victory, Trump said in the statement. She is a tireless and tenacious advocate of my agenda and has amazing insights on how to effectively communicate our message. The appointment would boost diversity in a Trump inner circle made up mostly of older white men. It also sets up another potentially competing power center on a White House staff that already will have several, including Reince Priebus, the chief of staff; Stephen K. Bannon, the chief strategist; and Stephen Miller, the policy chief. Conway had previously turned down other proposals for White House jobs, telling reporters late last month that she did not want to spend long hours away from her children. At that point, Conway said she thought she could best help Trump by forming an outside organization to support his policies. But that role appears to have gone to Brad Parscale, who ran Trumps online operations during the campaign. Conway joined Trumps campaign during the summer when it was beset with infighting and disarray. She is widely credited with helping bring message discipline and professionalism to an operation in desperate need of it. In the run-up to the election and the weeks that followed, Conway was a ubiquitous presence on cable news networks, capably moving through her talking points in tough interview settings  often on the firing line and held to account for the exaggerations and incendiary remarks Trump was prone to make on the campaign trail and Twitter. I am humbled and honored to play a role in helping transform the movement he has led into a real agenda of action and results, Conway said in the statement. She is the founder and owner of the Polling Company, inc./WomanTrend, a GOP firm that has been advising candidates for two decades. Trump has not yet chosen a press secretary. But he is believed to be considering several candidates. Sean Spicer, former communications chief of the Republican Party who has served in a spokesman role for Trump through the transition, has been a prominent possibility, although Trump reportedly has considered several women, including conservative talk radio star Laura Ingraham and Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle. Facebook

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Trump Hotel employees in Las Vegas get a union contract By Kurtis Lee (Mike Nelson / Getty Images) Its owned by President-elect Donald Trump and is among a handful of hotels on the Las Vegas Strip to not be unionized. But that will change soon. For more than a year, Trump and his staff at the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas have fought efforts by employees and the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 to negotiate a contract. But a four-year contract announced by the union on Wednesday will offer Trump employees annual wage increases, a pension and family healthcare, among other benefits. In Nevada, the culinary union is the states largest and most powerful, representing nearly 55,000 workers who serve cocktails and prepare food at hotels throughout the state. A majority of the unions members are Latino. Read More Facebook

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Wait! Dont cancel that Air Force One order just yet By Evan Halper Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2016 After Donald Trump scolded Boeing earlier this month for the escalating cost of building a new Air Force One, the companys CEO projected confidence that Trump wouldnt be following through with his threat to cancel order! The two men met together at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Wednesday. Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said they spoke about a range of issues. The Air Force One project, which Trump complained would cost taxpayers more than $4 billion, invariably arose. Were going to get it done for less than that, and were committed to working together to make sure that happens, Muilenberg said. The company had previously noted that the project did not yet have a firm price tag. I was able to give the president-elect my personal commitment on behalf of the Boeing Company. This is a business thats important to us. We work on Air Force One because its important to our country, and were going to make sure that he gets the best capability and that its done affordably, Muilenberg added. He called the conversation terrific and Trump a good man who is doing the right thing. The presidential aircraft remains a long way from takeoff  a new plane wont be ready for use in the next four years. Even if Trump is reelected, he might not get to use the plane, as the earliest projected date for completion is 2024. Boeing is currently doing early development work on the plane  a modified 747  that will likely be outfitted with such gadgetry as top-secret communications equipment, countermeasures to foil missile attacks, and aerial refueling capability that would enable it to remain airborne for days at a time if necessary. The timing of delivery was among the topics that came up at Trumps meeting with the Boeing CEO. Thats what were going to work on together, Muilenberg said. We have an active 747 production line, and were eager to get started on the program. We havent actually started the build of the airplane yet, but once we finalize the requirements and make sure that its affordable, well launch on building the aircraft. Weve got a hot production line and were ready to go. The government actually has two planes outfitted to serve as Air Force One, which is the designation given to whichever plane is carrying the president. The current planes, which were put into service during the Reagan administration, are nearing the end of their design life. Facebook

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Fierce China critic and UC Irvine professor to head Trumps new trade council By Don Lee (Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times) President-elect Donald Trump is establishing a new White House-based trade office that will be headed by a UC Irvine professor known for his fierce criticisms of Chinese trade and economic practices. In appointing Peter Navarro as director of trade and industrial policy and the head of the new National Trade Council inside the White House, Trump is signaling that he wants to follow through on his tough campaign rhetoric in which he blamed the Chinese for the large U.S. trade deficit and manufacturing woes. During the campaign,Trump threatened to slap a 45% tariff on Chinese imports. Navarro, a Harvard-trained economist who advised Trump during the campaign, is the author of the book Death by China: Confronting the Dragon  a Global Call to Action. Trump endorsed the 2011 book as well as Navarros film version of the polemical work. I read one of Peters books on Americas trade problems years ago and was impressed by the clarity of his arguments and thoroughness of his research, Trump said Wednesday in a statement announcing the appointment. He will fulfill an essential role in my administration as a trade advisor. Trump said the new trade office would develop policies to shrink the nations trade deficit and curb the off-shoring of jobs, as well as to lead initiatives such as the Buy America, Hire America program. Navarro, in a statement, said he would be honored to serve Trump and the nation and to advise on policies to re-balance our trade, rebuild our industrial base, and restore Americas comprehensive national power by making America great again. Facebook

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Trump stops the drain the swamp talk as new alligators emerge By Evan Halper Newt Gingrich. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press) It made for a great slogan during the campaign, but now that hes won, Donald Trump is finding that maybe he doesnt actually want to drain the swamp. In fact, the alligators seem to be doing quite well. Former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski on Wednesday boasted about his access and proximity to Trump in announcing a new consulting firm he plans to open with former Trump campaign advisor Barry Bennett. The firms offices will be one block from the White House. Clients who pony up what are sure to be hefty fees for the firms services are being assured by Lewandowski in his marketing materials that he turned down multiple opportunities within the administration so he can serve them. The pitch implies Lewandowski will remain a de facto surrogate for Trump  with all the access that implies  as he bills those seeking to influence the Trump administration for his services. So perhaps the time is ripe for Trump to stop using the drain the swamp phrase. And that is what Trump has decided to do, according to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who describes himself as an outside advisor to the president-elect. Im told he now just disclaims that, Gingrich said in an interview on National Public Radio, referring to the slogan Trump used in the final phase of his campaign to crystallize his promise to cleanse Washington of insiders and self-dealers. He now says it was cute, but he doesnt want to use it anymore, Gingrich said, adding that perhaps all this swamp draining talk isnt presidential. Hes in a different role now and maybe he feels that as president, as the next president of the United States, that he should be marginally more dignified than talking about alligators in swamps, Gingrich said. I personally have, as a sense of humor, like the alligator and swamp language, he added. I think it vividly illustrates the problem, because all the people in this city who are the alligators are going to hate the swamp being drained. And theres going to be constant fighting over it. But, you know, he is my leader, and if he decides to drop the swamp and the alligator, I will drop the swamp and the alligator. Lewandowski, for his part, made no mention of swamps or alligators in announcing his new consulting firm would be open for business. Proud to launch our new venture today to support @realDonaldTrump achieve his agenda in Washington D.C. pic.twitter.com/ZEot6IrvJ4  Corey R. Lewandowski (@CLewandowski_) December 21, 2016 Facebook

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Death penalty in steep decline, but not in Los Angeles County By David Savage Lonnie Franklin Jr. was tried and convicted of 10 counts of murder. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles County and the state of California again recorded the most new death sentences this year, amid a sharp decline across the nation in both executions and new death sentences. Judges and juries in Los Angeles County imposed a death sentence on four murderers during 2016, including Lonnie Franklin Jr., the so-called Grim Sleeper, who was convicted of killing 10 women. No other county had more than one death sentence, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Since 2010, Los Angeles County has recorded 36 new death sentences, more than any county in the nation. This year marked the first time in more than 40 years where no state recorded 10 or more new death sentences, the group said in its year-end report. California had the most with nine, followed by Ohio (five), Texas (four), Alabama (three) and Florida (two). California has by far the nations largest death row, with 750 condemned inmates, but it has not carried out an execution in the past decade. Overall, the report documented the steep decline for capital punishment over the past two decades. The number of new death sentences had fallen by 90%, from 315 in 1996 to only 30 this year. And the number of executions has fallen from a high of 98 in 1999 to 20 this year. Georgia (nine) and Texas (seven) accounted for most of the executions. The only other states to put inmates to death were Alabama (two), Missouri (one) and Florida (one). Robert Dunham, the groups executive director, says the nation is clearly turning away from capital punishment. Whether its concerns about innocence, costs and discrimination, availability of life without parole as a safe alternative, or the questionable way in which states are attempting to carry out executions, the public grows increasingly uncomfortable with the death penalty each year, he said. But his report noted that Californias voters, by a 53%-47% margin, rejected a ballot measure to abolish the death penalty, and narrowly approved a measure, by a 51%-49% margin, to limit appeals and expedite executions. Facebook

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New survey finds less optimistic Democrats seeking many paths to their future success By Cathleen Decker (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press) Since Hillary Clintons November defeat, Democrats have squabbled over how to return to prominence. Should they continue to court ascendant voter groups in the country, such as women, minorities and young people? Or should they turn to those who have long been in their camp but abandoned the party nominee this year, such as rural and non-college-educated voters. The answer, according to a Pew Research poll published Tuesday: Democrats want to walk both paths, simultaneously. The poll asked Democrats and Republicans whether their parties had spent too much, too little or just the right amount of time meeting the interests and concerns of specific groups of voters. Among Democrats, 64% said the party had spent too little time talking to rural voters, and 58% said the same about non-college voters. Almost two-thirds of Democrats said low-income voters had not gotten enough of the partys attention, and 58% said middle-class voters had been ignored to some extent. But Democratic voters did not want to let up on the partys outreach to its stronger supporters this year. About half said that the concerns of women and African American voters had gotten too little attention, while 43% said the same about Latinos. In the case of women, African Americans, Latinos, low-income voters, rural residents and younger voters, Democrats were substantially more likely than Republicans to say their party had not put enough emphasis on the groups concerns. The poll suggested far more confidence by Republicans than Democrats in their partys current positioning. Much of that may simply be the flood of confidence that accompanies a presidential victory. When the pollsters asked before the election about their view of their party, 61% of Republicans said they were optimistic, as did 77% of Democrats about their own party. After the election those figures reversed, with 79% of Republicans optimistic compared with 61% of Democrats. A key to Trumps success also was evident in the poll: a chameleon-like ability to make the different ideological groups in the party think he was one of them. Almost 3 in 5 conservatives said that Trumps views were conservative. And among moderates, 52% said that Trumps ideology was a mix of conservative and liberal, echoing their own posture. But queries about the new presidents impact on his party drew sharply partisan responses. More than two-thirds of all voters said that Trump had forced major changes on his party. Yet 72% of Democrats cast those changes as bad ones, while 83% of Republicans cast the changes as good ones. Facebook

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The artist and the senator: One built a desert masterpiece, the other a Nevada legacy By Lisa Mascaro When Sen. Harry Reid heard about a reclusive artist building a massive land sculpture across desolate acres in the Nevada desert, he knew they should meet. Its not just that Reid enjoys eccentrics and fighters, which he does. Michael Heizer had found an unusual way to express the majesty  and artistry  of the same lonely Nevada landscape that formed Reids childhood, when he would escape the dismal, rugged conditions of tiny Searchlight to play in the deserts hidden springs and abandoned fortresses. Both men discovered in Nevada what many outsiders miss. Far from seeing a nuclear wasteland, a dumping site or even a playground for gamblers, they drew inspiration from Nevadas quiet beauty. Heizer created an American masterpiece  a milelong complex of dirt, rock and cement rising from the desert floor like modern-day pyramids or the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. For Reid, his appreciation for Nevadas unique landscape became a cornerstone of one of the most lasting yet less-familiar pieces of his political legacy. Read More Artist Michael Heizer and Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) speak in the Capitol. (Lisa Mascaro / Los Angeles Times) Facebook

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With 304 votes, electoral college seals Donald Trumps election as president  despite more desertions than ever By Michael Finnegan They convened amid unusual scrutiny, widespread protests and rafts of speculation about efforts to alter the outcome, but, in the end, the nations 538 presidential electors mostly stuck to the script Monday, formally sealing Donald Trumps victory with 304 votes in the electoral college, well above what he needed to capture the White House. After all the efforts to lobby Republican electors to desert Trump, only two did  a pair from Texas, one of whom voted for former Texas Rep. Ron Paul and the other for Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Indeed, instead of an uprising against Trump, the days voting was punctuated more by small, but persistent, gestures of Democratic discontent with Hillary Clinton. A handful of electors deserted her and a few more tried to, but were deterred by state faithless elector laws. Some of the Democratic dissenters were supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who lost the primaries to Clinton but galvanized the partys left wing. Others were backers of an abortive effort that had tried to recruit Democrats and Republicans to unite behind a third candidate other than Clinton or Trump. In the end, seven electors voted for a person other than the candidate who won their states  the largest number of electoral college desertions in a presidential contest in U.S. history, eclipsing a record set in 1808. Read More Facebook

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As electoral college meetings end in Hawaii, Bernie Sanders gets a vote that will stick By Michael A. Memoli David Mulinix, Hawaii elector who voted for Sanders, said Clinton wasn't qualified. Also said @POTUS wasn't progressive, but "conservative" pic.twitter.com/miCnZ6PzXI  Mike Memoli (@mikememoli) December 20, 2016 The last of the 50 states gave Bernie Sanders his first electoral college vote that counted. Hillary Clinton received three of the states four electoral votes after winning 60% of the popular vote here last month. But one elector, David Mulinix, said he cast his vote for the Vermont senator because he was the most qualified candidate. They can call me faithless, but the point is if we dont think someones qualified  and Hillary Clinton I do not feel is qualified, he said. Hawaiis electors are chosen by the major parties at their state conventions. Mulinix said he joined the party only this election cycle to support Sanders, who he said would have been elected president had he been the Democratic nominee. He had previously told the Associated Press he would cast his vote for Clinton, but said he changed his mind at the last minute. She did not lose the vote to Russian hackers; she lost the vote right there at the convention, he said, referring to the Democratic National Convention, where he said Sanders backers were treated unfairly. They robbed us, and the millennials know it. Mulinix, who, like his fellow electors, wore a lei made of green jade flowers, arrived for the vote with a list of candidates who had received votes in other electoral college meetings across the country. He was aware that an elector in Maine had tried to vote for Sanders but that his vote had been invalidated. An election official said the vote for Sanders here would count. The brief proceedings here in a nondescript conference room on the state Capitols third floor began with another elector, John Bickel, asking whether there was any penalty for electors who cast their ballots for someone other than the winner of the statewide vote. He said later that he had asked because he suspected someone might stray. The electoral college is outdated. If any election has proved the electoral college is outdated, its this one, Bickel said. Dolly Strazar, another elector and the vice chair of the state Democratic Party, said she had long supported the electoral college because it ensured some degree of competition between large states and small ones like Hawaii. It really seems in our times, its thoroughly outdated, she said. Janice Bond, the fourth elector, said she would have voted for Sanders but did not believe she was able to. She also expressed regret that President Obama, who was born in Hawaii and is vacationing here with his family, did not attend the meeting. To have him be on our island and not show face was disappointing, she said. Facebook

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No fireworks as Nevada electors cast votes for Clinton By David Montero Nevadas six electors cast their votes for Hillary Clinton on Monday afternoon in Carson City, reflecting her victory in the swing state despite losing the overall electoral college vote to President-elect Donald Trump. Clinton won Nevada by almost 3 points over Trump, and the swing state was one of her few bright spots on election day. The six electors  five from northern Nevada and one from Las Vegas  cast their ballots before about 75 people who had packed into the Old Assembly Chambers of the state Capitol. A few brought signs in support of Clinton, and there was some applause when the votes were cast. It all took place in less than a half-hour. No fireworks, said Wayne Thorley, deputy secretary of state for elections. He said about 40 people showed up in front of the state Capitol in the morning in sub-freezing temperatures to also show support for Clinton. Thorley said he hadnt anticipated a lot of controversy as the electors were required to sign a pledge before voting that said they wouldnt deviate from Nevadas Nov. 8 election results. Facebook

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In solemn ceremony, California electors cast votes for Hillary Clinton By Melanie Mason Casting my electoral vote for President and Vice President of the United States of .... https://t.co/jI2FGFCrVg pic.twitter.com/qufSJUM5WF  Susan Eggman (@SusanEggman) December 19, 2016 In a proceeding long on formalities and short on speeches, Californias 55 electors cast their vote for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Monday, a ceremony that coincided almost exactly with Republican Donald Trump clinching the national electoral college win. Contrasting with the spirited protests outside the state Capitol, the mood in the state Assembly chambers was muted, even a bit glum, as electors, tapped by the states Democratic establishment, convened to cast their votes for Clinton. California, which overwhelmingly backed Clinton in the presidential contest, requires all 55 electors to back the states winner. Todays solemnity and formality reminds us that in our nation, American greatness and American independence, rests on a foundation of law, said Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Cordova), who presided over the event. As written ballots were distributed, the room was completely silent, save for the clicking of camera shutters. Just moments before voting began, Trump, Clintons rival, had secured the electoral college win, with Texas, Californias perennial rival, putting him over the top. His victory went unacknowledged in the ceremony. Among the electors were current elected officials, such as Assemblywomen Susan Talamantes Eggman of Stockton and Shirley Weber of San Diego. Others included Christine Pelosi, daughter of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Laphonza Butler, leader of the powerful labor union SEIU in California. Electors did not make individual speeches during the main ceremony, and Trumps name was hardly mentioned. But there were subtle references to the rancorous political season: Rev. Bob Oshita, the Assembly chaplain and former reverend of the Sacramento Buddhist Church, urged leaders to engage in calming self-reflection in an opening prayer. The tone grew considerably sharper at the end of the gathering, when Pelosi offered a motion calling for an investigation into Russian efforts to influence the election outcome. I move that as an Electoral College, we do not normalize this election. We do not accept Russian interference in our election, Pelosi said. Her motion was adopted by electors, with applause. View Twitter post This post was updated at 3:32 p.m. with comments from Christine Pelosi. It was originally published at 3:12 p.m. Facebook

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All of Floridas electoral votes go to Trump By Gray Rohrer Floridas electors applaud as the vote for Donald Trump is announced at the state Capitol in Tallahassee on Monday. (Steve Cannon / Associated Press) Donald Trump officially won all 29 of Floridas electoral college votes on Monday during a ceremony held at the Capitol in Tallahassee, despite pleas from protesters to electors to change their vote at the last minute. About 100 protesters gathered outside the Florida Senate chambers before the vote, chanting love trumps hate and flip the vote and holding signs that read Vote Your Conscience, Dont Make Russia Great Again! The electors, made up of Republican Party of Florida members and high-ranking elected officials like state Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi, Senate President Joe Negron and state party chairman Blaise Ingoglia, did their best to ignore the protesters. Read More Facebook

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Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim was a Trump nemesis. Now the president-elect says hes wonderful By Evan Halper Donald Trump has decided that Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, one of his favorite villains during the presidential election, might not be so bad after all. Hes even wonderful, Trump now says. The two dined together Saturday at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, after which Trump had only nice things to say about Slim, according to a report in the Washington Post. Trump described the interaction with his erstwhile nemesis as a lovely dinner with a wonderful man. This is not how Trump talked about Slim, one of the worlds richest men, during the election. The Mexican billionaire was a regular target of the then-GOP nominee because of his large ownership stake in the New York Times. Add to that Slims generous contributions to the Clinton Foundation and his citizenship in the country Trump reveled in attacking, and he made for good fodder at Trump rallies. When Trump objected to the New York Times coverage of his campaign  and its reporting on the allegations by multiple women of past inappropriate sexual advances by Trump  he alleged it was all part of a conspiracy cooked up by Slim. Trump called the outlets reporters corporate lobbyists for Carlos Slim and for Hillary Clinton. The New York Times called Trumps charges a fabrication, saying Slim had never inserted himself in editorial decision making there. And Trump offered no evidence to the contrary. A spokesman for Slim said at the time the two had never met, and the Mexican businessman had no interest in involving himself in the U.S. election. Now theyve met. The takeaway from the meeting, though, is murky. Maybe it indicates Trump is softening his posture toward Mexico  or maybe it just indicates billionaires enjoy the company of other billionaires. Facebook

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Meet the California electors By Liam Dillon Among the electors are Janine Bera, the wife of Rep. Ami Bera of Elk Grove; Christine Pelosi, the daughter of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and chairwoman of the state partys womens caucus; Eileen Feinstein Mariano, granddaughter of Sen. Dianne Feinstein; and Olivia Reyes-Becerra, daughter of Rep. Xavier Becerra of Los Angeles. State Assemblywomen Susan Eggman of Stockton and Shirley Weber of San Diego, former state Sen. Christine Kehoe of San Diego, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nury Martinez and Laphonza Butler, president of the Service Employees International Union chapter that represents home care employees, also are on the list. Read More Facebook

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Three Washington state Democratic electors vote for Gen. Colin Powell, one for Faith Spotted Eagle By Rick Anderson (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press) Despite a statute binding the 12 members of the electoral college to vote for the winner of the states 2016 presidential election popular vote, four Washington electors made history and risked a $1,000 fine by voting for someone else Monday. But it wasnt Donald Trump. Hillary Clinton, supported by 57% of the states voters, wound up with eight of the 12 electoral votes at a session held in the State Capitol building here. Gen. Colin Powell received three votes. And Faith Spotted Eagle, an elder of the Yankton Sioux, received one. Read More Facebook

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Colorado elector says he was oppressed by state law into voting for Clinton By David Kelly In Denver, all nine electors voted for Hillary Clinton, after one was replaced for casting his ballot for Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich instead. A boisterous crowd packed the state Capitol and booed when elector Michael Baca was dismissed and another sworn in to take his place. Vote your conscience! someone cried. The new elector voted for Clinton. Hecklers screamed Resign! Resign! at Secretary of State Wayne Williams after he shooed Bacas lawyer off the podium. Suspense had been building for weeks over how the electors would vote. Two courts blocked their attempts to vote for someone other than Clinton. State law here says electors must support the candidate who won the popular vote. On Sunday night they went to court again, this time asking a judge to reject a new oath drawn up by the secretary of state requiring electors to pledge to support the winner of the popular vote. Their motion was denied. As they waited, the crowd sang This Land is Your Land and America the Beautiful. But once the electors filed in, it was over quickly. Elector Robert Nemanich said he was oppressed by state law into voting for Clinton and would go to the U.S. Supreme Court. He did not elaborate. Lance Armstrong, 68, stood outside with an American flag. Im glad some of the electors made a point today, he said. Any point is better than none. Facebook

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Trump officially gets 270th electoral vote, sealing his election as president By Julie Westfall Donald Trump has obtained the required 270 electoral votes to become president. Although electors in dozens of states still have to vote, the electoral balloting in Texas put Trump over the majority threshold, according to a state-by-state tally by the Associated Press. Thirty-six of the states electors voted for Trump, one for John Kasich and one for Ron Paul. The next, and last, official step in the electoral process is for Congress to count the votes. Under the procedure set out by the 12th Amendment to the Constitution, that formal process is scheduled for Jan. 6. Some anti-Trump activists had hoped against hope that they could persuade electors in states that voted for Trump to defect, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Electors are nearly all party loyalists. Additionally, they faced more than two centuries of tradition and, in some states, legal obligations that called for them to cast their ballots according to which candidate won the popular vote in their states. No defectors have ever changed the result of a presidential election. Four electors today successfully defected in Washington state. Instead of voting for Hillary Clinton, who won the states popular vote, three electors voted for former secretary of State Colin Powell and one voted for Faith Spotted Eagle, an environmental activist. Electors in two other states who tried to vote against the states winner were replaced with alternates. There may be additional defections in the remaining states, but since Trump now has a majority of the electoral votes, those would not be enough to change the result. Facebook

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Emotions high in Maryland as electors unanimously vote for Clinton By Erin Cox (Erin Cox/Baltimore Sun) As Marylands 10 electors unanimously cast votes for Democrat Hillary Clinton for president Monday, several said they were privileged to vote for the countys first female presidential nominee. Outside, hundreds of anti-Trump protesters cheered as the solemn ceremony unfolded on live-stream television. A state delegate, who had the ceremonial task of handing the electors votes to another official, wept while executing her duty. This is an emotional moment for many, many women in this country and in this state, said Del. Maggie McIntosh, a Baltimore Democrat. She added later: I guess I didnt cry enough on Nov. 8. Marylands electors were bound by state law to vote for the winner of Marylands popular vote, which Clinton secured with more than 60% of the ballots cast. About 100 protesters who had been chanting and singing around the historic State House grounds for at least four hours before the vote said they came in solidarity with protesters in Republican state capitols, pleading with electors not to endorse President-elect Donald Trump. This is appalling and unacceptable, and Im hoping the Republicans, in particular, rise above and do the right thing, said Cheryl Kreiser, a retired teacher from the Washington, D.C., suburb of Silver Spring. For an hour every day for the last 21 days, Kreiser has protested Trumps win on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It was the only way I could cope with the disappointment, she said. Marylands Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who wrote in his fathers name rather than vote for Trump on election day, opened Marylands 58th electoral college meeting but left the room before electors were sworn in. Each elector had been appointed by the Maryland Democratic Party state chair, Bruce Poole, who reminded the crowd the United States is not a direct democracy ruled by the popular vote. A lot of people lose sight of the fact that were a republic. Were not a democracy, Poole said. The whole idea was that the president would not be chosen just by the whims of the moment, but instead there would be an opportunity for people who were thoughtful, who had judgment, who had integrity to take a step back from the moment of emotion and consider what would be in the best interest of the country. Here is "the old book" where Maryland has recorded its Electoral College electors every year since 1789. pic.twitter.com/GlsaJd3F3X  Erin Cox (@ErinatThePost) December 19, 2016 Before he introduced Marylands electors, Poole lamented the state of political discourse in the country. We live in the age of information. It is not necessarily the age of wisdom or age of judgment, he said. People on both sides, on all sides, make decisions at the snap of a finger. Maryland was both the model for creating the electoral college and the first state in the country to vote to bypass it. Framers modeled todays system after the way the Maryland House of Delegates selected Maryland senators, a process the state later abandoned after it was considered undemocratic, according to a history of the electoral college written by staff at the Maryland Board of Elections. Hogan noted the state is one of six to have participated every year since 1789. In 2007, Maryland was the first state to vote to sign the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, a promise designed to award the electoral college to the winner of the national popular vote. It required enough states to comprise 270 votes to sign on for it to take effect. So far, only 10 states  including California  with a combined 165 votes have signed the compact. The president of Marylands electors, Courtney Watson, also co-chaired Clintons campaign in Maryland. She said she thought changes to the electoral college should be considered and described Monday as a poignant moment for Maryland residents. Its a very emotional time, she said. Many of us have worked long and hard, and for the first woman candidate. The point, though, is that people are still moved and even more engaged. And thats what I find promising for our future and the future of women. Facebook

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Christine Pelosi, daughter of Nancy Pelosi and California elector, demands to know the truth about Russian influence By Jazmine Ulloa Elector @sfpelosi: We won't stand down. #caleg pic.twitter.com/4cM3cE4Wb6  Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) December 19, 2016 California elector Christine Pelosi on Monday told crowds gathered outside the Capitol that she has been part of a chorus of people demanding to know the truth about Russian interference in the November presidential election. Pelosi, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosis daughter, is leading 10 other electors in a call for an intelligence briefing on Russian influence. Shouting into a microphone Monday, she said Russian hackers aim to turn the American people against each other and had marginalized her and others for speaking out. They trespass on servers, she said. They receive stolen emails. They pump out stories that day after day focus on scandal rather than policy, rather than talking about climate and immigration and human rights. Californias meeting of electors is about to get underway in the state Capitol. Facebook

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After prayer for national unity, Georgia electors vote for Trump By Jenny Jarvie Outside the Georgia Capitol today, some may have held a flicker of hope that a GOP elector would refuse to cast a ballot for Donald Trump as 45th president of the United States. Yet among the inner circle of Republicans who gathered inside the cozy, wood-paneled Senate chamber, there was little doubt about what would unfold. One by one, all 16 electors - dressed in formal business suits and red dresses, bow ties and blazers -- cast their ballots for the contentious Republican candidate. It was a short ceremony, with little opportunity for disruption. Security guards prevented the public from entering the chamber, cordoning off the hallway outside the room with a red rope and locking the main door before proceedings began. The electors chosen by Georgias Republican Party included well-connected attorneys and real estate agents, a high school teacher and a farmer. As they waited for the gathering to begin, many snapped selfies and waved at loved ones above in the upper gallery. After a call to order by the Georgia Republican Party chair, the electors bowed their heads, and Rachel Little, an elector and grass-roots Republican organizer, delivered an invocation. Lord, we know we are a divided country right now, she said. We pray that you will unite us.  We pray that [those who oppose Trump] will see our conservatism lived out in a gracious way. In a short speech, Gov. Nathan Deal hit out at activists who had bombarded electors with emails, letters and phone calls in an effort to sway their votes. You have been the subject of harassment by those who perhaps are not as dedicated to the proposition of what this body is supposed to do as they are agitated by the fact that the people didnt do what they wanted them to do. I have every confidence you will not succumb to that, Deal told the electors. My words to you: Do your job. Shortly before the electors cast their ballots, Rep. Barry Loudermilk, a Republican who represents Georgias 11th District, took to the podium to present a short history of the electoral college. Our founders actually despised the idea of democracy because mob rule often results in a decision made out of pure emotion, Loudermilk told the electors, after referencing the noise of protesters outside. It does not result in good government. In fact, our founders often cited the historic trial of Jesus as how mob rule does not work. The electoral college was devised to protect the integrity of government, Loudermilk said. To protect those who live in the rural areas of America, those who work, those who are part of the farming communities and part of the industrial communities, those who live and work every day, that their interests are protected as well of those who make their living on Wall Street. For a moment earlier this year, there was an inkling of a Republican revolt against Trump in Georgia. In August, Baoky Vu, a GOP elector based in Decatur, Ga., admitted he might not cast his ballot for Trump if he won. Within hours, however, he was forced to resign. Trump went on to win 51% of Georgias popular vote. On Monday, Vu did not show up at the Capitol, and he was formally replaced by a solid Trump backer, John Padgett, the chairman of the Georgia Republican party. There seems little chance that Georgia legislators might vote to overhaul the electoral college. Earlier this year, Republican legislators authored two bipartisan pieces of legislation in Georgias House and Senate that would have made Georgias electoral votes based solely on the outcome of the national popular vote. Yet both bills stalled, and Republicans say there is little momentum to revive the debate. The system prevents the tyranny of the majority, said Kirk Shook, an elector who is a high school teacher in rural Oconee County. He scoffed at those who, since the election, had sought to overhaul the electoral college system. Theres all this weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, Shook said of those who opposed Trumps win. And rightly so. Theres going to be a Republican president, a Republican Congress and a Republican Supreme Court. With the stroke of a pen, 90 percent of what Obama considered his legacy will be gone. Facebook

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Four Washington state electors defect from Clinton; one chooses Faith Spotted Eagle instead By Associated Press (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press) Four members of the electoral college in Washington state cast their votes for a candidate other than Democrat Hillary Clinton, who won the states popular vote. Its the first time in four decades the states electors have broken from the popular vote for president. Washingtons 12 electors met Monday afternoon in the state Capitol to complete the constitutional formality. Clinton got eight votes while other candidates got the remaining four. Elector Bret Chiafalo, who earlier in the day said he planned to vote for Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich, said that he ultimately changed his vote to former Secretary of State Colin Powell after conversations with other Washington electors. The exact breakdown of the other four votes wasnt immediately known, although at least one vote was cast for Faith Spotted Eagle. In last months election, Republican Donald Trump won 306 electoral votes to Clintons 232, though Clintons tally will now be lower. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win. The last time an elector broke from the popular vote in Washington was in 1976, when Mike Padden, who is currently a Republican state senator, voted for Ronald Reagan instead of Gerald Ford, who had won the state. Facebook

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Hundreds protest the electoral college at Capitol building in Sacramento By Jazmine Ulloa Protesters are now chanting, "hey hey ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go" pic.twitter.com/4nNyTMroI5  Marcus Yam  (@yamphoto) December 19, 2016 Cheers and chants of U.S.A and Keep him out filled the air Monday, as dozens of protestors gathered outside the California Capitol in a last ditch attempt to sway the electoral college from voting for president-elect Donald Trump. Speakers called Trump a celebrity and authoritarian unfit for the presidency. And they urged Congress to do away with the electoral college process, which they described as an outdated and broken system susceptible to foreign influence and manipulation. This is a secret system of voting where we are not allowed to see where the votes are actually coming from or how they are counted, Brent Turner, with the movement organization Democracy Spring, shouted into a microphone. John Franco, 52, says the electoral college is an outdated system that can be manipulated with or without hackers. #caleg pic.twitter.com/fs2L2W2HKp  Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) December 19, 2016 John Franco, a 52-year-old business owner visiting Sacramento from New Orleans, said he came to the demonstration with his family to protest that secret process. We dont feel a system that can be manipulated represents the interests of the people who voted for Hillary Clinton, he said. Rochelle Towers was among hundreds to protest at the CA Capitol today: "I'll take any shot that there is. #caleg https://t.co/QcOhWklrpx pic.twitter.com/mtx76NjdEW  Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) December 20, 2016 Rochelle Towers, 68, said she drove in from Oakland in an attempt to persuade the electoral college from voting for Trump. She said she would not have to live through a lot of what its decision would set in motion. But my children and grandchildren will, she said. Even though this is a real long shot, Ill take any shot that there is. Facebook

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Colorado elector removed after refusing to vote for Clinton By David Kelly A new elector is sworn in in Colorado after one refused to vote for Hillary Clinton. (David Kelly / Los Angeles Times) Eight of nine Colorado electors have voted for Hillary Clinton. One elector, Michael Baca, refused to vote for Clinton and was immediately replaced with an alternate, who was sworn in on the spot. As the crowd jeered, the new elector promptly voted for Clinton. Shouts of Resign! followed Secretary of State Wayne Williams announcement of the results. Protesters at the state capitol in Colorado. (David Kelly/Los Angeles Times) Facebook

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Electors say they have been barraged with emails By Nigel Duara View Twitter post Arizona elector J. Foster Morgan said he had received several letters protesting the election of Donald Trump, but experienced nothing on the scale of some his fellow Arizona electors whose email addresses were distributed to protest lists. They heard the worst thing imaginable, Morgan said. I just got a few letters. Despite protests outside the meeting, Morgan said, the vote went fine. Eleven votes for Donald Trump. Facebook

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Democratic electors in Minnesota and Maine try to vote for Bernie Sanders By Associated Press (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) A second elector  this one in Minnesota  has refused to cast a vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton in Mondays electoral college tally. It wasnt immediately clear why Muhammad Abdurrahman didnt vote for Clinton, but he was a delegate for Bernie Sanders at the Democratic National Convention. The electors are pledged to cast Minnesotas 10 electoral votes for Clinton since she won the state. Abdurrahman was immediately replaced by an alternate who later voted for Clinton. Earlier in the day, a so-called faithless elector in Maine cast his vote for Sanders, who lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Clinton. David Bright said on his Facebook page that he cast his vote for Sanders because voting for Clinton would not have helped her win. But he ultimately voted for Clinton on a second vote after being ruled out of order. Facebook

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Utah voting goes off without incident  six for Trump By David Montero A protest sign outside the gathering of Utah electors (Rick Bowmer / Associated Press) Despite chants of vote your conscience and the whole world is watching from more than 100 protesters, Utahs six electors cast their votes for President-elect Donald Trump today in Salt Lake City. Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox announced the official results within minutes of the votes being cast, but he was drowned out by jeers of Shame on you by the protesters. I hope you know this is what our country is all about, Cox said. I hope all of us here are sincerely grateful we live in a country where we have the opportunity to express ourselves. The six electors -- two small-business owners, a custom metal worker, a farmer, a Brigham Young University professor and a Republican activist -- quickly introduced themselves before casting their ballots. The votes were largely a formality, as the state requires electors to vote for the winner. Trump defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton by getting 45%t of the vote. He also withstood a challenge from Evan McMullin, who garnered 21% in what was largely a protest vote from those, many of them Mormons, who felt uncomfortable casting a ballot for Trump. Cox said the turnout for this years electoral vote was a far cry from 2012, when four people and one camera crew showed up. Im a big fan of the electoral college, Cox said to the restless crowd. You dont have to boo me now. You can boo me later. About 200 protesters and Trump supporters arrived in the rotunda of the state Capitol about three hours before the votes were cast shortly after noon. The room where the votes were cast was too small to accommodate everyone, and the fire marshal sought to limit occupancy to about 130 people. Interest was high, and the vote even drew Hawthorn Elementary School students, who helped lead the room in the Pledge of Allegiance. Cox thanked them for coming and told them they were getting an experience youll never forget. Facebook

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Clinton elector balks in Minnesota One of 10 Minnesota electors has decided not cast a vote, Muhammad Abdurrahan. An alternate is now being sworn in. #ElectoralCollege pic.twitter.com/4eN1PIrZdO  Dylan Wohlenhaus (@DylanWohlenhaus) December 19, 2016 In Minnesota, where the 10 electors had all pledged their votes to Hillary Clinton, one of them refused to go through with it. Elector Muhammad Abdurrahman opted not to vote. He was replaced by an alternate, who cast a vote for Clinton. Facebook

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As Pennsylvania went unanimously for Trump, a voice from the back: Thank you By Steve Esack Electors sworn in in Pennsylvania (Matt Rourke/Associated Press) In Pennsylvanias capital of Harrisburg, the states 20 electoral college voters selected Trump today in a ceremony marked by traditional pomp and bellowing protests. Trump won the popular vote in Pennsylvania by 44,292 votes  the first Republican presidential candidate to do so since 1988. It earned him the states 20 electoral college votes. When the result was announced shortly before 1 p.m. inside the gilded, ornate House chamber, protesters jeered and supporters cheered. Shame on you, a womans voice called down from the public balcony. Thank you, a male voters voice responded back from the floor. Facebook

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How some electors have reacted to all the mail from voters Facebook

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Protesters outside Florida Senate chambers: Trump is dangerous By Gray Rohrer Protesters gather outside the Florida Senate chambers ahead of the electoral college voting ceremony. (Gray Rohrer / Orlando Sentinel) A group of about 100 protesters huddled outside the Florida Senate chambers Monday morning as Floridas 29 electors prepared to cast their votes for Donald Trump in the formal electoral eollege vote ceremony later in the day. The protesters held signs that read You can fix this, keep America free, What would Hamilton do? and Electors: Protect Us, Trump is Dangerous, pleading for electors to change their minds and not vote for Trump, who beat Hillary Clinton by 112,911 votes in Florida, about 1.2%t of all votes cast in the state. Tallahassee resident Bonnie McCluskey held a sign reading Send it to the House. If enough electors across the country do not vote for Trump, hell fall short of the 270 electoral votes required to win the presidency, sending the matter to the U.S. House. The reason Im here is because I dont trust [Trump]) and I think he will harm the United States, McCluskey said. My grandmothers were suffragettes; their ancestors were willing to be traitors to the British crown to create this democracy and I dont want to see it end. And that sounds awfully dramatic but thats how Im feeling. She said that part of the reason she doesnt trust Trump is because he didnt pay a company she worked for that did promotional videos for his buildings in 1998. They were basically given the opportunity to take 10 percent or go to court. Back then I didnt realize that was his business plan, McCluskey said. I didnt make the deal with him I was just one of the people who saw a company go bankrupt. Despite the pleas from protesters, all of Floridas electors are expected to vote for Trump. Some, such as Florida Senate President Joe Negron, have posted pictures of hundreds of letters theyve received asking them to change their vote but declaring theyll be voting for the Republican candidate. Facebook

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Colorado electors make last-ditch plea to switch votes By David Kelly Crowds await the electoral college vote at the Colorado Capitol in Denver. (David Kelly / For The Times) Colorado electors are trying a last-chance legal appeal to avoid voting for Hillary Clinton, and instead vote for an alternative candidate to replace Donald Trump. A week ago, a district court judge told them they had to vote for Clinton, who won the popular vote in Colorado. A few days ago, a federal appeals court upheld that decision. But just hours before the vote today, two electors filed suit to stop the Colorado secretary of state from requiring them to swear to vote for the candidate supported by the electorate. Their effort is part of a loose national scheme to defeat Trump by persuading Republican electors to join with Democrats, such as those in Colorado, and coalesce around an alternative candidate. There has been no decision so far. Facebook

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Chants of Shame! erupt as Wisconsin electors cast ballots for Trump By Bill Ruthhart Demonstrators erupt after Wisconsin's 10 presidential electors cast their #ElectoralCollege ballots for Republican Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/A0GrASaIbY  Bill Ruthhart (@BillRuthhart) December 19, 2016 Wisconsins 10 presidential electors unanimously cast their ballots for Republican Donald Trump as expected Wednesday, but the vote still drew chants of Shame from dozens of demonstrators who had pleaded for them to back away from the president-elect. The typically procedural vote in a fourth-floor conference room in the Wisconsin State Capitol was anything but routine as about 150 protesters greeted the 10 electors with signs pleading for them to vote your conscience not your pledge. In a short 15-minute meeting, the electors quickly cast their ballots for Trump. They did not address the controversial nature of the election and no speeches were made before the 
More than 30 years ago, as the AIDS epidemic exploded, the nations blood banks banned donations from men who had sex with other men.

The logic was sound at the time. Tests of the era couldnt adequately detect HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. As a result, thousands of people unwittingly contracted HIV from tainted blood during transfusions. Banning donations from gay men was a drastic step, but necessary to protect the nations blood supply.

Things have changed in the intervening three decades, though  including the science of blood testing, which gets better virtually every year. Tests are now so accurate and rapid that blood banks can tell with near certainty if blood has been infected with HIV even if the donor had been exposed to the virus just 10 days previously. Today, the risk of contracting HIV from blood in the United States is only about 1 in 1.5 million.

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Advances in testing mean that a blanket blood donor ban on gay and bisexual men is no longer necessary.

The advances in testing mean that a blanket blood donor ban on gay and bisexual men is no longer necessary. With that in mind, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration studied relaxing the ban and last last year it wisely acceded to calls  from this page, among others  to update its blood donation recommendations and stop calling for a lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men. The FDA continued to recommend a ban on donations from commercial sex workers and intravenous drug abusers. Although the agencys recommendations do not have the force of law, blood banks typically adopt rules at least as stringent for liability reasons.

The recommendations adopted in December were not much of an improvement, however. Men could donate blood only if they hadnt had sex with another man for 12 months. Why 12 months? Good question. Theres no science that supports a yearlong donor deferral for gay and bisexual men. It seems the FDA chose a 12-month waiting period not because that span of time is demonstrably safer but because thats what other countries (including Britain and Australia) have done.

But a year without sex is a de facto ban for sexually active men, making the new rules just as senselessly discriminatory as the old ones. This became clear to the public in June after the deadliest shooting in the nations history, when a gunman opened fire at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., killing 49 people and wounding 53 others. When members of the local LGBT community turned out to give blood to help those injured in the shooting, many were barred from doing so.

The incident prompted 24 U.S. senators to sign a letter to the FDA, asking the agency to develop better blood donor deferral rules that are grounded in science, based on individual risk factors, dont unfairly single out one group of individuals, and allow all healthy Americans to donate.

The FDA agreed to reconsider its call for a 12-month restriction. Instead, it said it would look at the feasibility of a system that evaluates potential male donors based on the risk posed by their individual behavior. This process is supported by gay rights advocates, some public health experts and the American Medical Assn., which say it makes more sense than a ban that discriminates against people who may be perfectly safe blood donors. We agree. The waiting period should be shortened to a more reasonable length and donors should be evaluated based on their behavior, not their sexuality.

This approach would rely on an extended pre-donation screening process in which donors would answer questions about things that might increase their risk of infection. People could lie, of course, but they can lie under the existing system as well. Theres no background check for blood donors.

But health experts say people who volunteer to give blood are typically healthier than their counterparts in the general population. Furthermore, the nations blood banks have always relied on the honesty of donors. For the most part, that has been sufficient, because people are not donating for money or other personal gain, but voluntarily to help others. Besides, every pint of donated blood is tested, and with testing accuracy improving all the time, theres no scientific reason for waiting a whole year.

Its time to end to restrictions that are based on fear rather than science. The FDA should shorten the recommended waiting period to a more practicable length and work toward developing a risk assessment model.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.1

By Elena Kosolapova - Trend:

It is planned to resume the direct flight between Baku and Barcelona in the summer of 2017, Jose Luis Diez Juarez, Charge d'Affaires of Spain to Azerbaijan told Trend in an interview.

In 2015 it was the first time a direct flight between Baku and Barcelona was launched. It operated from May to October. In 2016 it was a little shorter due to crisis  from June to September, Diez said.

He noted that for the moment the demand for this destination is not enough to justify a flight all year long, but if the demand increases Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), which serves this route, could consider to extend the period of direct flights.

Diez noted that earlier Spanish air company Vueling also wanted to launch a direct flight between Barcelona and Baku and its representatives were negotiating on this issue with Azerbaijan. He said the decision eventually was not reached, and currently no negotiations are held on the issue.

He also said that currently there are no plans to launch direct flight from Baku to any other Spanish city.

The main destination for Azerbaijani tourists is Barcelona, so it is more profitable and reasonable to have a flight to Barcelona, charge d'affaires said.

According to Diez, a tourist flow from Azerbaijan to Spain has been increasing constantly in recent years to about 7,000- 10,000 tourists per year.

It is difficult to calculate because some tourists do not go directly to Spain, they maybe go to France and then to Spain. Some of them stay long  not just have a visit of two-three days to Barcelona, they stay for a week two weeks at our beaches, he said.

Diez did say that there was a decrease in tourist flow from Azerbaijan due to crisis this year. He also said that more and more tourists from Spain come to visit Azerbaijan.

Some travel agencies tell me that they engage interpreters of Spanish for the tourists they are receiving. I dont know the numbers, but apparently it has increased already, Diez said.

Spanish diplomat also reminded that Spanish Tourism Agency had a stand at the tourism exhibition in Baku last year, adding that Spain plans to participate in the tourism exhibition in Baku next year as well.

Azerbaijan also participates in the tourism exhibition in Madrid, he said.

Answering the question on possibility of opening of Spanish Consulate in Baku, charge d'affaires noted that this issue was blocked due to acting government which Spain had for about a year. The new government was formed just a couple of weeks ago and the new team could consider this issue, he said. Meanwhile he noted that visas for visits to Spain could be obtained from French consulate in Baku within the existing intergovernmental agreement between Spain and France.

Follow the author on Twitter:@E_Kosolapova
Hollywood High is short on Advanced Placement textbooks and state-of-the-art equipment for its New Media Academy magnet. Suddenly, a billboard company comes along offering  free money! Just let us put an electronic billboard  or two or three  on your well-located campus, the company says.

It mustve seemed like a gift from the heavens. So the school approached the L.A. Unified school board, asking for permission to erect a billboard on campus at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Highland Avenue. The billboard would display two signs facing the street (and none toward the school); no alcohol or tobacco advertising would be allowed. Money would flow in.

Sounds good, doesnt it? The benefits are clear. Yet the L.A. Unified school board should cast a wary eye on this proposal.

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Ultimately, the real villain in these marketing-run-amok situations isnt so much Coke, Pepsi or M&Ms but the chronically insufficient funding of education.

Marketing on school campuses has had a checkered career. Schools have taken money in the past to provide exclusive access to one soda company or another  thus encouraging the consumption of large amounts of sugar by students as well as loyalty to a particular brand. One school in Georgia even suspended a student for wearing a Pepsi shirt on Coke Day, when the school was seeking to win a contest sponsored by Coca-Cola Co. In another case, ads for psychics, websites offering sexual content and other questionable material were shown to students by the Channel One company in return for educational programming that was otherwise free. A school in Laguna Beach used menus featuring pictures of smiling M&Ms to tout healthful eating.

Ultimately, the real villain in these marketing-run-amok situations isnt so much Coke, Pepsi or M&Ms but the chronically insufficient funding of education, which gives schools incentives to pander to big companies and wealthy advertisers. Campuses shouldnt have to erect billboards in order for kids to get textbooks. L.A. Unified may not be wise about how it spends every penny, but at the same time, Californias per-pupil spending is about half that of New York state.

Its tempting to say that given the low level of funding, L.A. Unified should just approve the ads and get students what they need. And there might be circumstances under which a well-scrutinized advertising deal is the best choice among less-than-perfect options.

But there are special concerns about the billboard proposal, including questions about what would be banned other than ads for tobacco and alcohol. Would R-rated movies be appropriate content? (Remember that students coming in and out of the school would be major viewers of the ads regardless of which way the signs face.) How about strip clubs? Surely the district, which has put tremendous effort into serving more nutritious meals, shouldnt allow ads for junk food or fast food. Gambling would presumably be out. A district panel would have approval rights over the billboards, but if it says no to everything, the signs wont make money.

Depending on how many billboards the district allows, how big they are and where theyre placed at Hollywood High, the deal could bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Thats great, unless the school comes to rely on the money for basic equipment and services. If that happened, the company could demand more inappropriate ads or bigger signs and could threaten to take its business elsewhere if it were refused  and school officials would find themselves under pressure to yield.

Meanwhile, not only does the school district have a rule prohibiting most advertisements on school property (which would have to be suspended for this deal to move forward), but the city of Los Angeles has imposed a moratorium for the moment on any additional digital billboards within city limits while officials develop permanent rules for when and how they should be allowed. L.A. Unified, which acts as its own permitting agency, is refusing to answer whether it would submit to the citys stipulations and honor the moratorium, saying only that it would consult with the city. It should go further than that and promise to abide by city rules.

The district also would have to figure out a way to spread the revenue equitably. If billboard advertising is extended to other schools, it would be unfair for some schools, by virtue of the corner on which they happen to be located, to swim in extra money while other schools are still not able to find the money for textbooks.

The school board is a long way from resolving these issues satisfactorily and shouldnt rush its decision just because one company has made an offer to one school. Meanwhile, the states legislative analyst is predicting an increase in school funding next year that should amount to several hundred dollars per student. The board should direct as much of that money as possible to students needs, including perhaps those textbooks at Hollywood High, while it takes its time considering the serious issue of cutting deals with billboard companies.

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Do students love a flag aflame? At Hampshire College, in western Massachusetts, a student burned a flag to express opposition to the president-elect. At American University, in our nations capital, flags were burned as students unleashed obscenity-laced chants against the United States. At the University of Missouri at Columbia, students are alleged to have burned a flag, and at Brown University in Rhode Island, some students removed flags placed on a campus quadrangle to mark Veterans Day.

But if students (a small number, anyway) love flag desecration, conservatives love it, too. Theyre always eager to whip the sad, broken-down mule of flag-burning panic, happy to ruthlessly drive that tired beast a few yards farther down the road.

A perfect example, from Tuesday: Flag burners should be punished with perhaps loss of citizenship or [a] year in jail! wrote President-elect Donald Trump, or whatever being controls his Twitter account. Since 1989, when the Supreme Court protected flag burning as a form of political speech, pseudo-patriots have hyped every rare episode with the intensity they bring to fighting their imaginary war on Christmas. They propose anti-flag-burning bills that dont get passed, and they get pusillanimous liberals  like Sen. Hillary Clinton, in 2005  to cosponsor or vote for their pointless legislation.

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If were going to look for influence, good or bad, it makes far more sense to focus on faculty research... rather than student mores or student activism.

For this very stupid debate  about a rare activity that is constitutionally protected and that need not offend anyone who chooses to look away  there is blame to go around. We can blame the students, who have chosen a crude, symbolic rebellion that, one suspects, doesnt actually convey their message. (They dont really hate the United States, at least not under President Obama.) We can surely blame hypocritical, conservative retailers of false outrage, most of whom, if they were being honest, would agree with Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who wrote in 2006 that flag burners pose little harm to our country. But tinkering with our First Amendment might.

We can also blame the vast majority of Americans, including those of us in the media, who pay far too much attention to what happens on college campuses.

The current flag-burning outrage is entirely sparked by the actions of a tiny number of young people, possibly only three or four. And in this time of global disruption  the refugee crisis, terrorism, climate change  journalists still report obsessively on campus hookup culture (Hooking Up Is Easy to Do  But Pretty Complicated, in New York magazine last year, is one of dozens of recent examples), drinking culture (you could read, for example, Why Colleges Havent Stopped Binge Drinking in The New York Times), and, of course, political correctness. Mockery of safe spaces is largely driven by campus stories, as is a huge amount of writing about the inadequacies of over-parented, incapable millennials.

Colleges and universities do matter. They help produce the ideas  about literature, history, computers, physics  that the rest of us live by. They are full-time thought incubators. Their best ideas result in supercomputers, the preservation of dying languages, vaccines. Their worst ideas can over-jump their walls to infect the world outside. The current spike in anti-Semitism, for example, began about 20 years ago as a left-wing phenomenon on campuses, where sometimes it has been confusingly intertwined with principled anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel.

But if were going to look for influence, good or bad, it makes far more sense to focus on faculty research  which, to be clear, is often valuable, is badly underappreciated and is woefully underfunded  rather than student mores or student activism.

Only 40% of 18- to 24-year-olds are in college; one third of college students are in two-year schools; many students at four-year schools are commuters or older students; and most students who are at such schools are pretty indifferent to politics  the most popular major, by far, is not womens studies or Chicano literature, but business. In other words, the cohort that so fascinates us, those four-year residential students who have time to party, read Karl Marx and protest the government, are atypical specimens.

Besides, in the 21st century, students are not, properly speaking, adult actors. Fifty years ago, students were likely to marry within five years of graduating  if the men didnt get sent to Vietnam first. Todays students have no draft and are in little danger of imminent marriage. Many cant even legally drink until their senior year. We have infantilized them, and they have acquiesced.

Radical, safe-space-obsessed students are a minority within a minority, and its time for politicians, and the rest of us, to cease writing, or legislating, about what they drink, whom they bed and what they do to their American flags.

Mark Oppenheimer, a contributing writer to Opinion, is the author of three books, most recently Wisenheimer: A Childhood Subject to Debate. He is the host of the podcast Unorthodox.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook

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Dont believe Trump  he didnt win in a landslide
Opinion polls tell us that 70%, 80% and even 90% of Americans believe our political system is broken and theres nothing we can do about it. People think that a few progressive states like California and Massachusetts may enact isolated reforms, but the rest of America is mostly hopeless because billionaires, corporations and special interests have gained too much of a lock on power.

This year, however, the supposedly impossible happened in South Dakota, a solidly red state where the political deck is heavily stacked against political reform. A grass-roots citizens movement scored an improbable victory to make South Dakota the first state in a decade to adopt public funding of future political campaigns.

It was a David versus Goliath fight that pitted a citizens group called TakeitBack.org against Americans for Prosperity, the richly financed political organ of conservative Kansas billionaires Charles and David Koch, as well as the states Republican Party establishment.

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Fundamental reform can be won, even in red states, if people organize well at the grass roots.

The revolt was launched by Rick Weiland, who ran for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat in 2014 and lost, and his friend, Drey Samuelson, a veteran of 28 years as Capitol Hill chief of staff for former Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson. Samuelson gave up on Washington and came home to push for reform.

It is not possible to change the system in Washington, Samuelson told me. Theres too much anger, theres too much hyper-partisanship. The only way were going to change Congress, in my opinion, is by changing the states and forcing Congress to change.

Weiland and Samuelson are prairie populists whose campaign is a handbook for reformers. They spent 18 months carefully stitching together a coalition of Democrats, independents and Republicans intent on reengaging South Dakotans in direct democracy. Local and national good government groups  including the South Dakota Farmers Union, Represent.us and the League of Women Voters helped TakeItBack.org collect 100,000 signatures to put three reform measures on the ballot.

One initiative proposed a nonpartisan primary system to give voice to South Dakotas 115,000 political independents (22% of the voters). A second measure called for gerrymander reform to break the partisan, GOP Legislatures monopoly on mapping legislative districts. (Democrats do it too in other states.) TakeItBack proposed an independent commission  three Republicans, three Democrats, three independents.

The most sweeping proposal, Initiated Measure 22, proposed a package of reforms: establishing a South Dakota ethics commission, lowering limits on PAC contributions in state elections, increasing transparency on state campaign donations and empowering average voters by setting up a $12 million state fund to give voters $100 each in democracy vouchers to donate to candidates of their choice.

You actually get to take your tax dollars back and invest them in candidates that you think are going to do your bidding in the state capital  make the person running for office less dependent on the $1,000 check writer, Weiland said. It levels the playing field.

Inevitably, the reform package kicked up a storm. Americans for Prosperity, rallying political allies including the South Dakota Farm Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce, warned voters in waves of radio ads and direct mail that scheming politicians want to use our tax dollars to pay for their political campaigns.

South Dakotas Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard and the states two Republican senators, John Thune and Mike Rounds, derided the reformers as disgruntled Democrats trying to change the political rules because they kept losing elections.

But TakeItBack.orgs traditional shoe-leather, retail politics gave it grass-roots appeal. It had its mailers and radio ads, but it also sent a team of college and graduate students door-to-door. Weiland visited small and medium-sized towns, stirring up local media coverage and endorsements as he worked small groups in Main Street cafes, diners and stores.

Social media was critical. One Facebook post that reached 68,000 viewers showed 28-year-old Army veteran Justin Otoski telling how he came back from duty in Afghanistan and was disgusted by the partisan warfare in U.S. politics.

I feel like I came back from a combat war zone to a political war zone, and its just frustrating, Otoski said. Our politicians care more about winning for the party, winning for themselves, rather than winning for America, doing whats best for their constituents.

On election day, the two simpler proposals  for gerrymander reform and a nonpartisan primary  were defeated. But the big ticket item, IM 22 won a slim 52% majority. That put South Dakota into a special group with four other states that have robust systems of public funding for election campaigns  Arizona, Connecticut, Maine and Minnesota.

The next test is whether other states  especially the 26 that give citizens the power of ballot initiatives  learn South Dakotas lesson: Fundamental reform can be won, even in red states, if people organize well at the grass roots.

I believe this victory sends a message to the rest of the country that they dont have to put up with the business-as-usual crowd, says Weiland.

What South Dakota shows is that politics is too precious to be left to the politicians.

Hedrick Smith is former Washington bureau chief of the New York Times, author of Who Stole the American Dream? and executive editor of reclaimtheamericandream.org.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Californias wily governor just pulled a fast one with his announcement Thursday that he was appointing U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra of Los Angeles to replace Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris when she moves to the U.S. Senate next month.

No one saw this coming. Apparently, not even Becerra, who told a Sacramento Bee reporter that it was a whirlwind.

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The names of possible appointees had been circulating among political circles for months. Becerras wasnt among them. The candidates were primarily men and women (happily, in equal shares) with law enforcement, political and policy backgrounds and the ability and temperament to jump into the job wholeheartedly  not just keep the seat warm until the 2018 election.

But in retrospect, it shouldnt have been such a big surprise. Becerra, who represents the 34th Congressional District stretching from Eagle Rock to downtown, certainly has the right credentials. Hes been a U.S. representative for nearly a quarter of a century, but is also a former deputy attorney general with a law degree from Stanford.

Its been a solid career, if not terribly remarkable. And Becerra will probably be a reliable and loyal attorney general at the side of Brown as they fight off attacks from the federal government on the states climate change policy and immigrant rights.

Browns announcement Thursday suggests as much: Im confident he will be a champion for all Californians and help our state aggressively combat climate change.

Rather than choosing a caretaker or a firebrand who might go off on his own path, Brown found a candidate who is neither, but somewhere in between.

mariel.garza@latimes.com

Follow me @marielgarzaLAT
Donald Trump is about to become the biggest alligator in Washington, so it should be no surprise that he has lost interest in draining the swamp.

Thanks to constant repetition by the candidate, one of the campaign applause lines that Trump fans learned by heart and loudly repeated whenever their hero gave the signal was drain the swamp! Trump unambiguously insisted that, if he were in charge, all the political hacks, corporate lobbyists and money-chasing senators and Congress members inside the beltway would be facing a populist administration filled with new blood and fresh ideas.

Now that Trump is assembling his Cabinet, though, the outsiders are scarce. Instead, his team, so far, is composed of billionaires, veteran Republican politicians and a cohort of Goldman Sachs alums.

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His choice for secretary of the Treasury is Steve Mnuchin, a hedge fund whiz who made a killing during the crash of the housing market in 2008 by buying up failed mortgages. For Commerce secretary, Trump wants his billionaire buddy Wilbur Ross. Ross will face a Senate grilling over the deaths of 12 workers in an unsafe West Virginia mine that was one of his many industrial properties. Mnuchin and Ross can be relied upon to make the bankers and financiers happy  Goldman Sachs stock soared when Mnuchins appointment was announced  but all those blue-collar white guys who voted for Trump may not get the attention they expected.

For attorney general, Trump has turned to Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, who has said nice people never smoke marijuana. And for secretary of Health and Human Services, he has named Georgia Rep. Tom Price, who does not believe birth control should be covered by healthcare plans. The common folk who put their trust in Trump may not object to these two insiders  at least not until Price starts pushing his scheme to turn Medicare into a voucher system.

Elaine Chao, a veteran of both Bush presidencies, will be back, this time as Transportation secretary. She may not be the ultimate insider, but she is married to him. Her husband is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The pick to run the Department of Education, Betty DeVos, comes from outside the education establishment but likely knows the inside of a country club. The billionaire is a champion of charter schools, wife of an Amway heir and sister of the man who founded the highly controversial private security firm Blackwater.

1 / 51 la-1491523602-y7ephyarj1-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 51 la-1491368625-0bgh58ihw8-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los angeles Times) 6 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 51 Trump inspires millions to take to the streets -- to oppose him. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 51 Cartoon caption contest winner at the DENT conference in Sun Valley, Idaho: Jon Duval, executive director of the Ketchum Community Development Corporation. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 51 Old radicals and big media descend on Selma (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 51 Horsey imagined the creation of the Ann Coulter phenomenon in this cartoon from 2007. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 51 This David Horsey drawing is a reconfiguration of a cartoon he first published in 2006. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 51 Donald Sterling, owner of the L.A. Clippers, should give Cliven Bundy a call. After Sterling loses his NBA franchise and the deadbeat Nevada rancher loses his cattle, the two old racists will both need a buddy. Maybe they can team up together and open an all-white rodeo. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 51 Besides sending a chill up the spine of the international community, Vladimir Putin has accomplished one other thing by seizing Crimea and threatening the rest of Ukraine: Putin has brought back the bear. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 51 The right-wing insurrection at the Bundy ranch in Bunkerville, Nev., has taken another weird turn with new revelations about the family history of Cliven Bundy. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 51 David Horsey / Los Angeles Times (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times)

Still to come is Trumps decision on who will be secretary of State. Tuesday night, he was sharing a plate of frog legs at one of his hotels with one eager candidate for the job, Mitt Romney. The 2012 GOP standard-bearer delivered a searing speech of condemnation against Trump during the campaign, but now is sucking up big time. Also on the list for this position is Gen. David Petraeus, who was convicted of compromising national security secrets  the same crime that Trump accused Hillary Clinton of perpetrating.

Former vice presidential candidate and Tina Fey impersonator Sarah Palin is on the list of possible Cabinet appointments. So is neurosurgeon and somnolent presidential candidate Ben Carson. Palin and Carson would both be more unusual choices, if only for the fact that they lack qualifications for any of the possible openings. Still, unlike Mnuchin and Ross, Palin and Carson have something in common with the voters who believed Trump would be a champion of the common man: They do not let facts get in the way of naive belief.

David.Horsey@latimes.com

Follow me at @davidhorsey on Twitter
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.
Donald Trumps trip to Indiana on Thursday showcased him as the president he promised hed be, a benevolent billionaire working successfully to salvage almost 1,000 American jobs that had been destined to move to Mexico before he interceded.

Trump has honed that image daily with his effervescent use of social media. But his energetic efforts have also obscured some of the conversation about the administration he is building, and whether it plays against his populist posture.

Joy over the cancellation of a plan by the Carrier air conditioning and heating firm to move its jobs outpaced questions about the costs of saving them, including the millions in taxpayer money that went to the company.

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Similarly, Trumps tweeting about persuading Carrier, and about separating himself from his namesake real estate company, overshadowed developments such as picking a Goldman Sachs veteran as his Treasury secretary and stocking his Cabinet with officials who have pledged to do away with programs relied on by some Trump voters. And particularly with the business announcement, Trump put off mounting questions by promising to address them later, delaying specifics while ensuring future attention on whatever he decides.

All presidents work to cast events in their best possible light. In past administrations, such image-making would have been orchestrated by message experts, speechwriters and video teams.

Trump has so far accomplished it mostly with two thumbs and his Twitter account. Thursdays trip to Indianapolis marked his first significant public appearance since his visit to the White House two days after the election.

What Trump seems to have figured out is the same audience thats willing to accept a message in 140 characters in every other aspect of their lives is also willing to accept it when it comes to politics, said Dan Schnur, a presidential campaign veteran who now directs USCs Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics. He seems to have decided that the best way to avoid a controversy is to create another controversy.

Trumps transition has emphasized approach over policy. The policy will inevitably flow once his Cabinet and administration are fully stocked, but it seems unlikely that he will dramatically change his own bent.

After appearing in Indiana, Trump headed to a rally in Cincinnati, the first of several in states that flipped from Democratic to Republican in 2016, delivering him the presidency.

For more on politics 

Trump has something of a luxury to crisscross the country. Unlike during the last presidential transition, the economy is not cratering, uneven though it may be. The nearly 1,000 jobs Trump credited to himself and Vice President-elect Mike Pence, while hugely important to the workers and the surrounding communities, are a smidge of the 11 million gained under President Obamas nearly eight-year tenure.

The decision by Carrier followed its talks with Trump and Pence, the Indiana governor. To hear Trump tell it Thursday, he didnt remember promising to save the jobs until he recently watched a television news clip of a worker relating his pledge. Most of the time, Carrier had simply been a campaign target, its officials cast as greedy outsourcers of the sort he would deal with harshly after he became president.

The company appeared to have canceled some of the planned job shifts because of the combination of tax breaks and fears by its parent company, United Technologies, that its federal government contracts might be at risk.

The targeting of one company is precisely the criticism that Republicans have long made of Obama, whom they regarded as picking economic winners and losers based on ideology.

Trumps plans regarding his role in his own company wont be known until a Dec. 15 news conference.

He first said he will be leaving my great business in total to in no way have a conflict of interest with my various businesses.

But then he said he was preparing legal documents which take me completely out of business operations  suggesting that his children would run the company, but that he could retain his ownership interest.

Already the Trump children have been heavily involved in the transition, and they and he have conducted meetings that commingled their business ambitions with his presidential plans.

Aides to Trump declined to answer when asked whether Trump would sell his stake in the company. Stay tuned, spokesman Jason Miller said.

The Carrier and Trump Organization announcements took the focus off actions that flew in the face of the harshly anti-Wall Street campaign rhetoric that so entranced his supporters.

At campaign rallies, thousands jeered his contention that Hillary Clinton was in the pocket of Goldman Sachs. A late-campaign ad showed a picture of Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein as the narrator declared that it was one of a handful of corporations that robbed our working class.

But this week, Trump named Goldman veteran  and campaign finance chairman  Steven Mnuchin as his choice for Treasury secretary. Another former Goldman employee, Stephen K. Bannon, will be Trumps chief strategist. The companys president, Gary Cohn, visited Trump Tower amid word that he might head Trumps budget office.

Its not unusual for executives from Goldman or similar companies to take high-ranking government jobs, but it was bracing coming from a candidate whose election was powered by antipathy toward elites.

Both Mnuchin and prospective Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross are expected to face congressional scrutiny over past deals that either cost jobs or, in Mnuchins case, led to tens of thousands of foreclosures during the housing crisis.

Trump spokesman Miller brushed aside any dissonance.

The president-elect has done a fantastic job of putting together a Cabinet of winners, he said.

Neither selection is expected to stumble, given Republican control over the nomination process.

Trump does seem to have some room for maneuvering given the enthusiasm of his supporters. He also has a record of ignoring or upending the conventions of a campaign, and now those of a transition.

Since his election, he has cast aside the typical mode in which sober, private reflection leads to a formal announcement of appointments. In its stead is a freewheeling, Twitter-driven grab bag in which few are quite sure if policies are holding or changing, or if hes inviting people in for vetting, for advising or to display contrition. The transition has been as much reality show as staid government.

Trump has decided that talking about these things in public doesnt look indecisive but it builds suspense, Schnur said.

In the political world, that is absolutely revolutionary. On the other hand, its exactly what they do on American Idol. Hes just building interest in next weeks show.

cathleen.decker@latimes.com

Twitter: @cathleendecker

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2:25 p.m.: This story was updated with Trumps trip to Carrier.

9:55 a.m.: This story was updated with background.

This story was originally published at 7 a.m.
In a move that suggests a sharp battle to come with the administration of President-elect Donald Trump and upends conventional wisdom about who will emerge as the next generation of statewide elected officials, Gov. Jerry Brown picked House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles) on Thursday to be Californias next attorney general.

If confirmed by both houses of the Legislature, he will succeed Kamala Harris, who was elected to the U.S. Senate in November.

Becerra, 58, has served 12 terms in Congress. Just days before the appointment, he had announced a bid to become the ranking Democrat on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

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Its a phenomenal opportunity, Becerra said. It means I get to be home a lot more.

Few statewide offices are as powerful, or prominent, as that of attorney general. The role has often been referred to as the states top lawyer and its top law enforcement officer, a nod to the breadth of responsibilities vested in the office and its leadership of the California Department of Justice.

Attorneys general not only must pursue cases of criminal and civil wrongdoing, they oversee criminal forensic work for most counties and make the final choice about defending state laws  even crafting the language that summarizes ballot measures for voters.

Becerra was beaming during an interview in his House office Thursday morning shortly after Brown offered him the job.

Im still processing, Becerra said with a laugh. I didnt expect it.

Becerra would be the states first Latino attorney general. The son of Mexican immigrants, he was the first member of his family to attend college, earning a law degree from Stanford Law School and a bachelors degree in economics from Stanford University. Elected to a two-year term in the state Assembly and then to the House in 1992, he rose through the ranks to become the highest-ranking Latino in Congress.

Becerra worked in the civil division of the state attorney generals office, writing advisory opinions for former Gov. George Deukmejian, a Republican, and defending the states constitutional officers from 1987 to 1990 before entering the Assembly. He said he had always wanted to return to the office.

It was a great place to be, he said.

Browns pick was so sudden that Becerra has not yet had time to reactivate his state law license, though he would not be the first attorney general to have to do so. Inactive status allows attorneys to hold on to their licenses when they are not actively practicing law.

Becerra would also be the first attorney general appointed by a governor since Thomas Lynch, who was chosen by former Gov. Pat Brown in 1964. Few political appointments are likely to be as personal to the current governor as this one, given his own four-year stint as attorney general starting in 2006 and the fact that his father used the office as a steppingstone to governor more than five decades ago.

Xavier has been an outstanding public servant  in the state Legislature, the U.S. Congress and as a deputy attorney general, Brown said in a statement. Im confident he will be a champion for all Californians and help our state aggressively combat climate change.

The choice sent political shock waves through California, in large part because Becerra was not on any of the widely circulated lists of potential picks. Brown had offered no details on whom he would pick or when.

Many suspected that he might choose a caretaker, perhaps even a career staffer who would simply carry out the offices functions through the 2018 election. Virtually no Democrats who heard the news on Thursday believed that Becerra would be that kind of officeholder.

He has the smarts, political experience and ambitions to run and win reelection, said state Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), a former top political adviser to Brown.

If Becerra serves less than two years of Harris existing term, he could be eligible to run for up to two additional terms  eight years  as attorney general. Harris has said she plans to hold the position until she is sworn in to the Senate on Jan. 3, and at that point Brown could officially nominate Becerra.

Becerra said Thursday hes thinking about the confirmation process at this point and not whether hell run for a full term as attorney general or another office in 2018. He must be confirmed by the state Senate and Assembly, both controlled by Democrats. Becerra said he hasnt been told when a confirmation vote might happen.

Earlier, Becerra had flirted with a bid for U.S. Senate when Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) announced plans to retire, but Harris quick entry into the race kept him and other California Democrats from running.

Holding such a prominent statewide post would raise Becerras profile as the Golden States foil to Trump, potentially setting him up to run for governor or U.S. Senate in the future. The attorney general, by virtue of the offices broad power, will likely be a key player alongside Brown in pushing back against Trumps proposed efforts on issues important to California, including immigration and climate change. In Texas, a state that has its own experience fighting the federal government, attorneys general have been a major force in the battle over states rights.

He has great tenacity and he respects the rights of all Californians  much-needed qualities for an attorney general given the troubling times ahead, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said Thursday.

Several congressional colleagues echoed that sentiment.

Many of the values that we stand by in California will be under attack in the next few years, and Chairman Becerra is the fighter I want in our corner, Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Los Angeles) said in a statement.

Becerra said that with Trump headed to the White House, hes prepared to protect Californias progressive policies on immigration, the Affordable Care Act, energy and criminal justice. As California politicians embrace their roles in guarding the state against Trumps policies, Becerra threw down his own gauntlet Thursday.

If you want to take on a forward-leaning state that is prepared to defend its rights and interests, then come at us, Becerra said.

A vocal advocate for Hillary Clintons presidential bid, Becerra was briefly floated as a potential pick for vice president or a Cabinet position. With Clintons loss Nov. 8 and no upward mobility available in House leadership, Becerras future political career was unclear.

Hed reached the time limit on serving as caucus chairman, the fourth highest-ranking House Democratic leadership position, and with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and the other two Democrats above him in leadership staying put, there was no path up the ladder headed into the next Congress.

Becerra serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, and made a play as recently as Tuesday to be the committees ranking Democrat. He was quickly endorsed by the current ranking member, Rep. Sandy Levin (D-Mich.), who said in a statement Thursday that he respects that Becerra feels a special responsibility during these difficult times to look after vital legal interests in his home state.

Democrats across California reacted Thursday with effusive praise for Becerra. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom called him a thoughtful and effective leader, with a keen legal mind and a passion for giving a voice to the voiceless.

In particular, some pointed out the importance of elevating a Latino politician to statewide office, alongside both Latino leaders of the Legislature and Secretary of State Alex Padilla.

Its good for the states future, said Bill Lockyer, who served as attorney general from 1999 to 2007.

The announcement also meant early guessing as to who would replace Becerra in representing downtown Los Angeles and communities to the west and north in Congress. Becerra won reelection in November in the solidly Democratic district. A special election to fill the seat would probably take place in late spring of 2017, though the law gives Brown wide discretion on the precise schedule.

John A. Perez, the former Assembly speaker and current University of California regent, announced his bid less than an hour after Browns announcement, and more contenders may follow.

sarah.wire@latimes.com; john.myers@latimes.com

Follow @sarahdwire and @johnmyers on Twitter

Read more about the 55 members of Californias delegation at latimes.com/politics

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Levis jeans might remind you of cowboys  that is, after all, one of the companys signature cuts of denim  but you wont likely find anyone with a six-shooter in one of the companys stores.

Levi Strauss & Co. Chief Executive Chip Bergh posted an open letter Wednesday requesting that shoppers not carry guns, even with a permit, into any Levis location.

The CEO of the San Francisco company said a customer recently carried a firearm into one of its stores, where it inadvertently fired, injuring its carrier. He did not specify where this occurred.

Anuncio

So, while we understand the heartfelt and strongly-held opinions on both sides of the gun debate, it is with the safety and security of our employees and customers in mind that we respectfully ask people not to bring firearms into our stores, offices or facilities, even in states where its permitted by law, Berghs letter said. Of course, authorized members of law enforcement are an exception.

In particular, Bergh noted that the company has stores in Paris; Nice, France; and Orlando, Fla.; and has European headquarters in Brussels. All of these cities have recently been affected by mass attacks that left many dead.

In Orlando, Paris and Brussels, firearms were used to compound the carnage. In June, for example, a man in Orlando killed 49 people with an assault-style rifle; it was the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Bergh did not technically ban guns in Levis stores: He called it a request not a mandate.

We sincerely hope responsible gun owners will respect our position, he said.

The note was posted as 2016 wraps up en route to surpass last years record number of checks on prospective gun buyers by the FBIs National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which Fortune called a good proxy for gun sales. According to the FBI, there have been 22,206,233 background checks this year through October, compared with a total of 23,141,970 for all of 2015.

Levis isnt the first large company to request its customers leave their firearms at home. Whataburger, Chipotle and Panera have all made similar requests.

Most notable was Starbucks. After the coffee company made that request in 2013, gun rights advocates began threatening to boycott its brew. For this reason, Bergh told Fortune, he sought counsel from Starbucks before publishing his own request. His conclusion was that most boycott threats around this topic ultimately blow over.

Bergh said he knows the brand could lose some customers, but he was seeking to be respectful to all.

That hasnt stopped people from voicing their anger on Twitter.

Several users made references to masculinity to insult the brand. More than one tweet, including language that isnt fit for publication here, were anti-Semitic. More than one said, Avoid these Jew jeans.

In the end, Bergh said, the request is about safety, not politics.

Its not an anti-2nd Amendment thing, Bergh told Fortune. You dont need a gun to try on a pair of jeans.

Andrews writes for the Washington Post.

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Preparing for SAT and ACT exams has become the norm for college-bound high schoolers, but within the Newport-Mesa Unified School District educators take differing routes to help their students through the process.

Newport Harbor and Estancia high schools offer a free option through ePrep, an online study program in which schools, tutors and families can enroll children.

The program allows students to take a full-length practice test, review their results, assess which areas they can improve upon, watch pre-recorded videos from professional tutors on how to approach specific questions and then re-take the practice exam.

Its not a test thats intuitive, so for any student, some kind of prep is important, said Kathryn Favaro, college counselor and owner of academic planning service California College Prep. That can cause a disadvantage for lower-income students who dont have access to that and a lot of their peers are paying a decent amount for professional one-on-one prep.

Newport Harbor and Estancia cover the price of ePreps courses for SAT and ACT exams, which would normally cost students $249 for 12 months of access.

The Estancia & TeWinkle Schools Foundation purchases the licenses to use ePrep at Estancia.

Juniors and seniors sign up for the program through the school counseling office.

The students meet once a week during school hours with an ePrep representative to check in on their progress. They can complete the rest of the course on their own time.

We have students who are busy, whether theyre involved with sports, drama or music, Estancia counselor Mindy Savage said. But ePrep is available to them at all hours of the day as long as they have access to a computer.

The program at Estancia runs January through December, but students can continue to join up throughout the year.

Newport Harbor High Schools general site budget covers the cost of ePrep for its students. Students may sign up through the counseling office on a rolling basis during the year.

We have most students using the program in summer, Newport Harbor college counselor Mary Glenn said. There are test dates throughout the year, so students can choose when they want to start ePrep based on that.

The picture is a little different at Costa Mesa and Corona del Mar high schools. Neither of the schools offer a school-wide prep course for students.

I like to think that our students prepare for the SATs every day with what they learn in class, especially with the infusion of the Common Core curriculum, Corona del Mar Principal Kathy Scott said.

Both schools have counseling offices that provide resources for SAT and ACT information, such as a list of test dates, registration deadlines, links to free practice tests and online tutorials and a list comparing the SAT and ACTs test format, scoring, content covered and popularity.

Because not all students have access to private tutors and pricey SAT prep courses, some colleges are starting to consider SAT scores with a critical eye, according to Rachel Baker, UC Irvine assistant professor of educational policy.

Were seeing that there isnt equal representation of students in more selective colleges, so why are we seeing that? It traces back to the opportunities students from different backgrounds have and whats available at public schools.

She added, If a student has prep, is engaged in prep and that increases their score, then is the SAT a measurement of a students probability in succeeding in college or is it a measurement of socio-economic background?

Back Bay, a continuation high school in Costa Mesa, does not offer prep programs or courses for the scholastic exam.

Students in Early College High Schools Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID, program have preparation for the college-entry exams built into their school day courses.

About two-thirds of our students are in AVID, and they do have a form of SAT prep within their respective AVID classes they are enrolled in on our campus, Early College Principal David Martinez said.

The most important thing with SAT and ACT prep is to start early and practice, Favaro said. The more you expose yourself, the better. And in the end, these scores are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to your college application.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

An event on the occasion of Great Union Day of Romania was held in Baku Dec. 1.

Romanian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dan Iancu greeted the guests of the event, and said that he is pleased that Romania was the second country which recognized the independence of Azerbaijan in 1991.

Romania and Azerbaijan are cooperating in various spheres, namely, policy and economy, he said.

The diplomat said that the Azerbaijan-Romania relations are based on friendship and stability.

He added that Romania is a partner of Azerbaijan on international arena.

In turn, Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev, Azerbaijani deputy minister of foreign affairs, congratulated Romanian people on the holiday on behalf of the Azerbaijani government.

Mammad-Guliyev added that the Romania-Azerbaijan relations are of strategic nature.

Azerbaijan and Romania have a plan of joint work on international arena, Mammad-Guliyev said, expressing hope that the plan will be implemented soon.

He stressed the importance of work of the bilateral intergovernmental commission and added that Azerbaijan and Romania will discuss economic and energy cooperation at the next meeting.

Mammad-Guliyev expressed his gratitude to Romania as a EU member for its support.
Irvine residents and commuters who use the 405 Freeway on an 8-mile stretch through the city had a first look at a proposed freeway widening project that could take 10 years to get started.

The Orange County Transportation Authority and the California Department of Transportation offered a three-hour information session Tuesday night at Irvines University Community Park. Dozens of local residents and others interested in the project attended.

The project would add one or two lanes to both the northbound and southbound 405 between the 55 Freeway and the 5 Freeway interchange near the Irvine Spectrum Center.

What is the time schedule, when do they plan to do this? Carolyn Lundberg, 59, of Irvine wanted to know. And can they justify the need for it in the zone theyre prospecting?

Lundberg, who lives on the north side of the 405 where there is no sound wall, said she is concerned about traffic noise and wonders when construction will take place if the project is approved.

The last time OCTA and Caltrans did a project out there, they worked from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the better part of every night for three months, Lundberg said. When are those of us that work in daylight supposed to be able to sleep?

Organizers staged the meeting room with 10 stations addressing the projects purpose and scope. An OCTA spokesman pointed out that the freeway widening is only in the proposal stage, and he said inviting the community to participate is a key component to what will ultimately be a Caltrans decision on whether the project moves forward.

We have a current need to improve our freeways, and we certainly are forecasting a future need and we have to address that, said OCTA community relations officer Fernando Chavarria. Were studying options on how to best do that and to do it with minimal impact to the community.

Irvine Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Lalloway, who also is chairman of the OCTA board, said: Caltrans owns these roads and so is ultimately responsible for approving our choice with whatever we do on the 405. We have to look at all the stakeholders to make sure everyone is on the same page and agrees with what were doing. Ultimately were trying to improve transportation for the residents of Orange County.

Lundberg said that along with her concerns about freeway noise and construction, she is looking at the bigger picture of transportation throughout the county. She said she would like to see OCTA explore all options, including expanding the Metrolink commuter rail schedule to encourage more people to ride the train.

Of course, the more cars you have out there, the more pollution we have. Theres no getting around that, said Lundberg, an ergonomics consultant. We just dont need to be making more roads to encourage people to put more cars on the highway.

Lalloway replied that converting people from driving in their cars to taking a train, here in Southern California, is always a difficult proposition. People here love to ride in their cars, and we need to improve all forms of transportation.

Some of the funding for the project would come from the Measure M initiative, a half-cent sales tax for transportation projects passed by county voters in 2006. Other funding could come from federal Department of Transportation grants.

The only phase that is currently funded is the environmental phase. We have no funding for design, nor is there funding for construction, Chavarria said. Its a long-term project. This (environmental) process is two years. Construction probably wouldnt start any sooner than 2023 or 2025.
Its been six years since the South Coast Water District board approved a plan to repair a 2-mile-long, deteriorating sewer tunnel in South Laguna.

After gaining necessary approval from the city and California Coastal Commission, and holding more than 30 community meetings  as residents concerns over potential noise and dust from the project surfaced  the district is ready to break ground in late January.

The project will enlarge the existing tunnel from Three Arch Bay north to Aliso Beach Park and replace the sewer pipe within it.

The current tunnel, made of earth and rock and shored up in a few areas with timber beams, houses a 2-foot-wide sewer line that carries more than 1 million gallons of wastewater per day from South Laguna and north Dana Point to the coastal treatment plant in Aliso Canyon.

District representatives say the 62-year-old tunnel is undersized, making it difficult for workers to access some portions for needed repairs. Rotting wood beams and loose rock inside the tunnel create safety hazards for workers, according to South Coasts website.

At a Nov. 17 meeting, the districts board unanimously agreed to pay Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring Inc. $7.1 million to oversee construction of the first of four project phases.

Laguna Beach sewer tunnel pipeline (Steve Greenberg / Times Community News)

Its been a long road to get to this point, South Coast board member Rick Erkeneff said during the meeting. I know South Laguna has been pretty much on pins and needles. In the meetings Ive been in, staff is fully aware of the sensitivities of the community.

In response to resident concerns about trucks entering and exiting the Fourth Avenue lot, the district erected sound walls around three sides of the property to help muffle any noise.

The first phase of construction calls for the digging of a 104-foot-long access shaft, 20 feet in diameter, from a district-owned lot at Fourth Avenue and South Coast Highway. This will allow workers and equipment to access the tunnel and pipeline.

Crews will then dig a new 310-foot-long tunnel under South Coast Highway that will connect to the existing tunnel under the coastal bluffs.

Workers will encase 300 feet of the existing sewer pipeline in concrete, according to a district staff report, and eventually stabilize and enlarge the tunnel in that section.

The first phase will take about a year to complete, after which work will begin on other sections of the tunnel and pipeline, district General Manager Andy Brunhart wrote in an email.

Two sections of the tunnel will be realigned farther away from the ocean to lessen the chance that a spill would reach the water, Brunhart said. The portions include a 740-foot span under the bluffs at Three Arch Bay and a 150-foot section under the bluffs north of Thousand Steps Beach, he added.

The entire project is expected to take five years and cost about $70 million, according to the districts website.

Brunhart attributed the difference between this estimate and an earlier $78-million figure to the district determining the tunnel did not need to be enlarged as much as originally thought.

Initial projections called for enlarging the tunnel to 9 feet high and 9 feet wide. The revised dimensions will be 6.5 feet by 7 feet, Brunhart said.

On average, the current tunnel is 6-feet wide and tall, but it narrows in many places, according to a 2013 Coastline Pilot story.

The district will hold an informal public meet-and-greet with staff and contractors from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at South Coasts office, 31592 West St. in Laguna Beach.

For more information on the project, visit South Coasts website, scwd.org.

bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce
A Fountain Valley doctor is leading the first study of a drug that could eliminate the hallucinations that plague certain dementia patients.

Daniel Truong, a neurologist specializing in Parkinsons disease, has hope that the new drug, called nelotanserin, will help eliminate the illusions that people with Lewy body dementia experience.

LBD, the most common form of dementia after Alzheimers, was brought to the publics attention after comedian Robin Williams wife, Susan Schneider, said her husband had been struggling with the illness in the months before his suicide in 2014.

According to the Lewy Body Dementia Assn., LBD affects an estimated 1.4 million people and their families in the U.S. but goes underdiagnosed because symptoms can closely resemble Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases.

Truong said this is why the disease was unknown for so many years.

Symptoms have to be tracked for at least a year before an LBD diagnosis can be made, according to the association.

Furthermore, Truong said there is nearly nothing available to treat the disease.

The study, which commenced about two months ago, is backed by Axovant Sciences, a Bermuda-based, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that focuses on dementia and related neurological disorders.

The study is also being conducted in Florida, Nebraska, Ohio and North Carolina. Truongs Fountain Valley site is the only West Coast research center involved. The results will be combined and analyzed.

Truong had been working in the field of Parkinsons for about 20 years when he started to focus his attention on LBD.

He began noticing that some patients reported seeing things that he could only qualify as hallucinations. The doctor said people with LBD may mistakenly see a child when what they are actually viewing is a flower pot or see an armchair transform into a snake.

Many of the hallucinations seem to occur in the dark but disappear in the light, he said.

Truong said he often wonders if the centuries-old stories about Dracula sightings  people catching a brief glimpse of a haunting figure before it vanishes in the light  were visions influenced by LBD.

Its not scientific, he said. But I wonder.

Truong believes nelotanserin could be the answer to the hallucinatory woes of the LBD sufferer. The medicine acts on the same receptors in the brain that cause hallucinations, he said.

Michael Wexler, who has met with Truong and plans to enroll in the study, was diagnosed with Parkinsons about four years ago and then LBD after about another year. This is often the progression of the disease, Truong said.

Wexler said he experiences confusion, lacks concentration and notices declining motor skills along with hallucinations.

Wexler said he has awakened to what he thought were snakes in his bed before realizing he was hallucinating.

To me, they seem real, he said, pointing out that the images can be frightening.

Wexler has taken a few medications over the years but said nothing has worked well enough. He hopes that nelotanserin will be his miracle drug.

It would be huge if the drug worked, Wexler said. It would change my life and give me hope that good things are about to happen.

Truong is still actively recruiting more patients for the study, which he hopes to wrap up within four months.

Anyone interested in participating can contact Truong at (714) 378-5062.

benjamin.brazil@latimes.com

Twitter: @benbrazilpilot
A group of Laguna Beach residents is asking an Orange County court to overturn the citys ban on new short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.

BEACH Vacation Coalition, whose acronym stands for Backing Everyones Access to Coastal Housing, filed a Superior Court lawsuit Nov. 14 against the city of Laguna Beach and the California Coastal Commission, alleging they are violating land-use laws by prohibiting new short-term lodging permits in residential areas. Short-term lodging is defined as a rental lasting 30 days or less.

The Coastal Commission, which oversees development and land use in coastal areas, has not yet weighed in on the citys action. The commission is scheduled to take a first look at the ordinance in December.

Commission staff plans to ask the panel for up to a one-year extension to allow it to coordinate with city staff and prepare a recommendation. The item could be scheduled for a commission meeting in Southern California in the spring.

This lawsuit seems premature since the commission has not taken any recent action on the situation in Laguna Beach, said Coastal Commission spokeswoman Noaki Schwartz.

The lawsuit claims the city violated the California Environmental Quality Act, which requires all public agencies to prepare an environmental impact report whenever a project may have significant adverse effects on the environment.

The City Council voted in August to prohibit additional short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods, limiting the practice to commercial zones. An EIR was not conducted before the vote.

Laguna Beach City Attorney Phil Kohn said Wednesday that the city had not been served with the lawsuit but is aware of the complaints regarding CEQA because they were brought up during the council hearing when the issue was discussed.

The city is confident that the requirements of CEQA were followed, but ultimately it will be up to a judge to decide, Kohn said.

Laguna has not issued any new short-term lodging permits since May 2015 amid mounting complaints of loud parties and littered sidewalks and streets, problems that some residents have attributed to the renters.

Thirty-six permits issued before the ban would be grandfathered in under the new ordinance.

The coalitions lawsuit alleges the citys action violates one of the main goals of the states Coastal Act, which aims to protect and encourage low-cost visitor and recreational facilities near the beach.

The group stated in court papers that property owners for decades have been able to rent their units to provide low- and moderate-income people who couldnt otherwise afford to vacation in Laguna Beach an opportunity to visit.

However, a few outspoken Laguna residents do not want to share their city with visiting and vacationing persons and families of very low, low and moderate income and began prodding the city to ban the short-term rental units these persons and families can afford, the lawsuit states.

Beach communities and other vacation destinations across the country have been trying to get a handle on short-term rentals, which have exploded in popularity in recent years, partly because of the convenience of online listing platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner).

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
As people who live and work in Laguna Beach, we are concerned about the safety of our fellow humans in town. While most of your readers experience Laguna as a friendly place that has no room for hate and bigotry, unfortunately, it is not always friendly to everyone.

In the weeks since the election, we have seen an increase in violence throughout the country, including the use of Nazi symbols, racist language or images, as well as harassment of and violent attacks on individuals because of their racial, ethnic, religious, sexual or gender identity.

Our place has not been spared. A member of our community shared her personal story of strangers directing hate speech at her (and, sadly, it has to be assumed that this was not the only incident). People passing by made statements, such as go back to where you came from.

We know that the majority of people, who live and work in town, find this type of hurtful, threatening behavior unacceptable and would agree that each individual, who lives, works or visits has the right to be safe in Laguna Beach.

And yet, no one intervened during this incident. The community member, who had the courage to come forward and talk about the experience of being harassed, specifically said that it would have meant a lot to her to have fellow citizens stand with her.

We therefore appeal to everyones sense of justice and human decency to treat each other with kindness and respect and to step in in case you witness harassment, discrimination or a violent attack.

We also suggest that the city, the business community, churches and other groups active in the community take a public stance against bigotry and violence.

One model to adopt could be the Joint Statement from California Legislative Leaders from Nov. 9, which states that California is  and must always be  a refuge of justice and opportunity for people of all walks, talks, ages and aspirations  regardless of how you look, where you live, what language you speak, or who you love.

We leave it to your kind and creative spirits to come up with ideas to keep this place livable for all of us. In civil society, silence cannot be an option. Lets stand up against discrimination and work together for true peace, equality and community in Laguna Beach  and beyond.

Annette Schlichter, Robin Pierson, Yasuko Bush, John Bush, Scott Alan

Laguna Beach

Ad misrepresented my position on Museum House proposal

I woke up Sunday morning a supporter of the Museum House.

Since Ive spent the last year as a vociferous opponent to the Museum House, I was more surprised than anyone.

But there I was: the marquee name in the middle of a full-page ad of supporters of the Museum House, saying that I thought it was a beautiful project.

How could this be? Perhaps it was opposite day?

If so, I would read the Daily Pilot to find that our City Council had decided to honor Greenlight and call for a citywide vote after all. I scanned the paper, but no such news.

A tiny memory peeked through. Last summer, I had spoken at a meeting in which I commented that the architecture was beautiful but that the building was huge, didnt belong in Newport Center and that I opposed the project.

The developer had used surgical precision to extract a few words from my quote and splash me across his ad.

Yikes! Imagine what else I might have said that could be taken out of context and used against me. I can only hope that the karma of the universe rains down upon the developer in the form of huge referendum petitions and that he forgives me, his marquee supporter, for working like a madwoman to defeat his project.

Susan Skinner

Newport Beach
On Nov. 16, Harbor Council PTA celebrated student creativity by hosting its annual PTA Reflections Art Exhibition and Reception at the Newport-Mesa School District.

PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. Students of all grades and abilities participate and explore the arts based on this years theme: What is Your Story?

Eighty-four students from 12 PTA-sponsored schools have uniquely translated their stories onto paper, canvas or through film production, music composition and dance choreography to illuminate their interpretations of reality.

Of the 87 total entries, 26 received an Award of Excellence and will be advancing to the next level of judging consideration at the Fourth District PTA in Santa Ana in January.

Awards of Excellence

Visual Arts

John Alanouf: Primary/Davis Magnet

Shay Nussbaum: Intermediate/Eastbluff Elementary

Pengzhi Zhao: Middle/Corona del Mar High School

Gabrielle Lau: High/CdMHS

Photography

Milo Price: Primary/Newport Elementary

Charlie Olson: Intermediate/Andersen Elementary

Angela Andreas: Middle/TeWinkle Intermediate

JT Russell: High/CdMHS

Film Production

Sloan Malone: Primary/Davis Magnet

Carter Day: Intermediate/Newport Coast Elementary

Darla Wright: Middle/Lincoln Elementary

Music Composition

Katharine Stone: Primary/Newport Elementary

Isaac Stone: Intermediate/Newport Elementary

Jacob Roytman: Middle/Corona del Mar Middle School

Brandon Getter: High/CdMHS

Dance Choreography

Priscilla Barker: Intermediate/Newport Coast Elementary

Allyson Lobel: High/CdMHS

Literature

Emmy Jacobson: Primary/Newport Elementary

Logan Hykes: Intermediate/Andersen Elementary

Savanna Ortiz: Middle/TeWinkle Intermediate

Jasper Ying: High/CdMHS

Special Artists

Zarrar Zubair: Photography, Visual Arts, Film Production/Adams Elementary

Charlie Bradshaw: Literature/Newport Elementary

Margaret Ann Musey: 3D Visual Arts/Lincoln Elementary

CYNTHIA STRASMANN is Harbor Council PTA, 1st vice president, programs & events/Reflections chair.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke to a sold-out crowd of 1,400 Tuesday night in Glendale, trying to help supporters grapple with the election of Donald Trump and chart a path forward.

Opening her conversation with Sanders at the Alex Theatre, comedian Sarah Silverman posed a question with a four-letter word she said has been on everybodys mind since the election.

What the [expletive]? Silverman said to laughter and applause. Is that the entire question? Sanders responded, before warning that the Democratic Party cannot be the party of the liberal elite.

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Sanders says he's having a hard time calling Trump the president-elect pic.twitter.com/Re0Be4O8bV  Christine Mai-Duc (@cmaiduc) November 30, 2016

Sanders told the audience that it would be a mistake to assume that the only reason Trump won was because his supporters are racists, sexists and homophobes.

What he touched on in many, many parts of this country is a pain and a level of despair that you never, ever see on television, Sanders said. A lot of people are suffering, a lot of people are hurting and they need a party which brings them into the process.

Sanders continued to de-emphasize identity politics, a move hes made in several media outlets in recent days, saying it isnt enough to support a candidate because shes a Latina or a woman. Democrats, Sanders said, need to stand against racism and discrimination, but also emphasize progressive values such as fighting Wall Street and drug companies.

As Silverman takes stage, both cheers and loud boos, and a couple people shouting "You're ridiculous, Sarah!" pic.twitter.com/GSXPoY7sTs  Christine Mai-Duc (@cmaiduc) November 30, 2016

He repeated his belief that the overwhelming share of Americans support his progressive ideals, including a desire for clean air and water, free college tuition and greater pay equality for women, all topics that drew sustained applause from the audience.

As we try to figure out how best to deal with a President Trump, and Im as reluctant as you to say that phrase ... please do not believe that members of Congress can do this alone. We need a mass movement of millions of people who are engaged, Sanders said.

Mai-Duc covers California politics and breaking news for the Los Angeles Times. Follow her on Twitter: @cmaiduc
The Montrose Shopping Park has been hit with a string of thefts over the last few months but, instead of stores being robbed of merchandise, thieves have been targeting Christmas lights.

Unknown people have been stealing the Christmas lights that adorn many of the trees at the shopping park between the 2200 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue. Dale Dawson, business administrator for the shopping park, said the cost of the thefts and replacing the lights has been over $2,000.

He said its the first time he can recall anything like this has happened.

We havent got a clue as to who is doing it and we cant really pin down a specific location because they hit various areas, he said.

Dawson suspects that whoever has been stealing the lights has been selling them and that some of the thefts may have occurred in the daylight as lights that were present in the afternoon are gone by the evening.

Its a heads-cratcher that someone could be so bold, he said.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

Tahnee Lightfoot, Glendale police spokesperson, said the department was only notified of the thefts several days ago. Businesses have already been told to provide any relevant security footage to the department while citizens have been asked to keep a lookout for any suspicious activity.

We have a community thats upset about this because everybody loves going down to Montrose and go shopping or to dinnerits always been a really beautiful place during the holidays, she said.

Despite the continued thefts, Dawson said that the shopping park will continue to replace any of the lights during the holiday season. A $250 reward is even being offered to help catch the person or persons responsible.

Its just worth it to maintain the lights for the community and merchants, he said. Its something thats just iconic here.

Saturday marks the return of the Montrose Christmas Parade, which will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. The parade  which takes place along Honolulu, between Rosemont Avenue and Verdugo Road  begins at 6 p.m. and will feature more than 1,000 participants, with up to 25,000 spectators.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police at (818) 548-4911.

--

Andy Nguyen, andy.nguyen@latimes.com

Twitter: @Andy_Truc
Glendale educators will undergo additional training in order to better instruct students about the Armenian Genocide and other atrocities as part of the school districts focus on genocide education.

In Glendale schools, students currently learn about genocide in their history classes in the seventh and 10th grades.

As part of an upcoming two-day workshop in January, school officials will bring genocide experts to work with about 25 teachers of history or literature courses.

The training will largely focus on the Ottoman Turks massacre of 1.5 million Armenians beginning in 1915.

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The teachers will learn about the literature and oral history as its related to the Armenian Genocide, said Jacqueline Perez, assistant superintendent of Glendale Unified.

This has very strong implications for our community, and we definitely want to be the leader in ensuring our teachers are well prepared to deliver this instruction, Perez said.

Beginning in 2013, Glendale school officials have given both students and teachers the day off on April 24, the date recognized around the world to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.

Earlier this year, Glendale school officials took a unanimous vote to designate April 24 on district calendars as Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day."

Armina Gharpetian, president of the Glendale Unified School Board, said the school district was the first in the country to both close school on April 24 and designate that day on the districts calendars.

Now, its only fitting that the school district also take steps to provide training for teachers, she said.

I think we should take the lead on this, she said.

--

Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @kellymcorrigan
For her lifelong community service and support of La Canada schools and students, Deborah Weirick has been selected to receive the La Canada Flintridge Educational Foundations prestigious Spirit of Outstanding Service Award, foundation officials recently announced.

Bestowed at the nonprofit organizations annual spring gala in March, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a commitment to educational excellence and have consistently served schools and the community at large through a variety of volunteer positions. LCFEF Executive Director Marilyn Yang said in an interview Tuesday Weirick was an obvious choice.

This year was really a no-brainer, Yang said of the mother of two, who served four years as the foundations executive director before her and also volunteered as a board member and board president. Shes so efficient, and shes a people person  she has talents in every direction.

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Weirick moved to La Canada with husband Brent 14 years ago and soon became involved with LCFEF and local schools, serving in the La Canada Elementary School car line and PTA and volunteering as a room representative and working the schools Halloween Haunt fundraiser.

Now that son Jack and daughter Emily attend La Canada High School, Weirick has shifted her focus to groups like the LCHS Choral Parents Assn. board and serves on school district ad hoc committees, including the Challenge Success and Facilities Master Plan committees. She is co-vice president of the National Charity League, Glendale, and actively volunteers with Pasadenas Union Station Homeless Services and Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services.

Her professional experience in nonprofit communications and development has allowed her to further contribute to organizations like YMCA of the Foothills and the Los Angeles-based Children Affected by AIDS Foundation. Weirick currently works as a special project manager for USC Verdugo Hills Hospitals Community Relations department.

Still, despite her many ongoing commitments, Weirick said Tuesday she was surprised to get a call from LCFEF President Josh Epstein informing her shed been selected to receive the Spirit of Outstanding Service Award.

Ive made those calls before. It felt very surreal to be on the receiving end of it, she said. Obviously this is an organization thats very close to my heart, so Im humbled but excited and happy to accept the honor.

Epstein showed his appreciation for Weiricks many contributions in a statement issued this week.

We are all so lucky to have a talented and generous person such as Deborah doing so much, for so long, for all of our students, Epstein said.

--

The 26th Annual LCFEF Spring Gala, themed Moonlight in Morocco, will be held March 4 at the Langham Huntington Pasadena to raise funds for the La Canada Unified School District. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit lcfef.org.

--

Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com

Twitter: @SaraCardine
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

The US has rendered financial support of $1.3 billion to Azerbaijan over the 25 years of the countrys independence, said the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta.

Cekuta made the remarks during the Azerbaijan-US business forum titled Trade and Investment Opportunities in Post-Oil Era in Baku Dec. 1.

The diplomat praised the role of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) in the development of relations with the countrys local business.

Over the 25 years, the US helped Azerbaijan to build a stable, prosperous, democratic country, he noted.

Cekuta went on to say that the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the US amounted to $984.4 million in 2015.

He added that Azerbaijan and the US will continue to expand economic ties.
The annals of international relations are filled with mundane readouts of conversations between world leaders, the language shorn of sharp edges and massaged into shapeless lumps of diplomatic-speak.

The report of a telephone call between Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was more interesting than that.

You are a terrific guy, Trump told Sharif, according to a readout Sharifs office released of his call to the president-elect on Wednesday. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way.

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Many Pakistanis might not recognize that characterization of their embattled prime minister, who has been buffeted by corruption allegations, but Trump told Sharif that he felt like he was speaking to an old friend. He added that he would love to visit Pakistan  a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people.

Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people.  President-elect Donald Trump

Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, Trump said. At another point, he said: Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people.

One could almost visualize a secretary in Sharifs office transcribing furiously, trying to keep pace with the adjectives.

A senior official in the prime ministers office said Thursday that the statement accurately reflected the conversation.

We have not added anything in it, said the official, who asked not to be named because he wasnt authorized to speak to the media.

Hours after Sharifs office issued its release, Trumps transition team put out a brief, more measured statement saying the two had a productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future.

Sharifs two-paragraph statement went viral not only for Trumps fulsome language toward an often difficult U.S. ally  an American president hasnt visited Pakistan since 2006  but also because it seemed sharply at odds with the anti-Muslim rhetoric of his presidential campaign. The exceptional people Trump referred to wouldnt be able to enter the U.S. under his threat to ban Muslim immigrants.

This readout of the conversation between PM Nawaz Sharif & @realDonaldTrump is indescribable. pic.twitter.com/DgFF4ddYsx  Rezaul Hasan Laskar (@Rezhasan) November 30, 2016

In Pakistan, an overwhelmingly Muslim nation of 180 million people, the conversation raised hopes of better ties with the United States, which has accused Pakistan of not reining in Islamist groups attacking U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

If Trump was concerned about Pakistans counter-terrorism policies  which led Congress this year to withhold $300 million in funding for the Pakistani army and deny sales of U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets at subsidized prices  he did not let on.

The first ever telephone conversation between Donald Trump and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif suggests the U.S. president-elect may prove to be Islamabads good friend, opened a report Thursday in the Express Tribune, a leading Pakistani daily.

But the call also raised eyebrows in India, Pakistans blood rival, which sees a potentially strong ally in Trump.

Trump said he was ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems, according to Sharifs office.

There was no context or elaboration, but Trump could have been referring to Pakistans seven-decade feud with India over the countries disputed border in the Himalayan territory of Kashmir. Hostilities have flared since September, when India blamed Pakistan-based militants for a raid on an army base that killed 19 soldiers.

War between the two nuclear-armed nations is one of the gravest scenarios envisaged by U.S. strategic planners. While Pakistan has sought to raise the Kashmir dispute in international forums, India opposes mediation by a third party and has sought to isolate Pakistan diplomatically since the army base attack.

Former Indian diplomats said that New Delhi was looking at Trumps comments closely but played down their importance, owing in part to the former reality TV hosts penchant for speaking off the cuff.

These remarks are in the nature of exchanges of congratulatory messages, and such effusive remarks are customary, sad Lalit Mansingh, a former Indian ambassador to Washington. And Mr. Trump being Mr. Trump, we didnt read too much into what he said.

Mansingh added that Trumps language was vague and did not signal a shift in U.S. policy toward South Asia, which in recent years has more closely embraced India.

Nothing Mr. Trump has said leads India to think he wants anything but a close partnership, Mansingh said. One expects that given his tough views on terrorism, he will put pressure on Pakistan much more than President Obama did.

Mr. Trump being Mr. Trump, we didnt read too much into what he said.  Lalit Mansingh, former Indian ambassador to the United States

Pakistani analysts said the statement was a clumsy attempt to show that the weak prime minister had a powerful foreign ally.

This statement does not reflect the policy of the new American administration towards Pakistan, said Hassan Askari, an expert on international relations in Lahore, Pakistan. We should try avoiding issuing such statements at this point in time. And official statements should always be precise.

It could also reflect fears that Trump has appointed top advisers who would advocate tougher measures against Pakistan. Trumps national security adviser, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, has accused Pakistan of playing a double game in Afghanistan, supporting Taliban insurgents fighting U.S. and Afghan forces.

Special correspondent Sahi reported from Islamabad and staff writer Bengali from Mumbai, India.

shashank.bengali@latimes.com

Follow @SBengali on Twitter for more news from South Asia

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A Saudi prince has issued a public call for women to be allowed to drive in the conservative kingdom.

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal made the call on Twitter, tweeting in Arabic and English: Stop the debate: Time for women to drive. His tweet late Tuesday included links to an opinion article arguing for the change that cited economic, social and religious considerations.

Alwaleed does not hold a formal position in the Saudi government. The billionaire leads the Riyadh-based investment firm Kingdom Holding Company, which holds stakes in several Western companies, including Twitter.

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Saudi Arabia follows an ultraconservative interpretation of Islam. It is the only country in the world that does not allow women to drive, and womens rights activists have been detained for defying the ban.

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Colombias Congress passed an amended peace accord with the countrys largest rebel group late Wednesday, nearly two months after voters rejected an earlier version of the deal in a national referendum.

The passage is a victory for President Juan Manuel Santos and signals the end of the continents longest-running civil conflict, but opponents who wanted the deal submitted to a national plebiscite are raising objections.

Santos negotiators worked out the deal with representatives of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, during nearly four years of talks in Havana. But Santos faces challenges in executing and financing terms of the accord now that he has bypassed voters to push it through.

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Tomorrow a new era begins, an era of peace with this adversary we have had for 52 years, Santos said Wednesday during a graduation ceremony for officers at the nations largest military academy.

The House of Representatives voted 130 to 0 to accept the deal a day after the Senate voted unanimously for it. Opposition legislators in the Democratic Center party led by former President Alvaro Uribe, a fierce critic of the deal, boycotted the vote in both chambers. Nineteen representatives abstained in the House.

Voters narrowly rejected the original version of the accord in a nationwide plebiscite Oct. 2. Many thought terms of the deal were too generous to the FARC, which has been at war with the state since 1964.

Santos nevertheless was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize days later for his efforts to end the conflict.

After several meetings with Uribe and his allies following the plebiscite, government negotiators returned to Havana and incorporated 50 changes into the deal.

Among the changes were clauses placing greater restrictions on rebels movements and requiring the rebels to disclose drug trafficking routes. They must also give inventories of their assets to be used in paying reparations to war victims.

But Uribe and other critics said the accord signed by the government and the FARC on Nov. 24 was still too lenient. Rebels are guaranteed access to congressional seats and will be given minimum house arrest terms for war crimes.

Even with a peace deal finally passed, the path ahead may not be as smooth as Santos and the FARC would like. They await a crucial constitutional court decision, expected in the coming days, on whether Congress can use fast track authority in passing 30 or more enabling laws to implement the deal.

If such authority is given, the disarmament process should begin by New Years and end in four to six months, said Adam Isacson, a Colombia expert at the Washington Office on Latin America think tank.

But the court could deny such authority because the revised peace deal was not put to another nationwide vote. In that case, Santos would have two options: hold another plebiscite to obtain the accelerated legislative powers, or submit the enabling laws to the normal legislative process, which could take up to a year and half.

Among the enabling laws to be passed are those needed to set up transitional justice tribunals, restitution procedures and land reform.

At the top of the peace accords legislative agenda is an amnesty law that would absolve FARC members of the crime of rebellion. They have said they will not begin moving to 27 specially designated relocation zones until such a law is in place to guarantee they wont be arrested, Isacson said.

A cease-fire has been in effect since July 2015, but observers fear it may not hold if implementation bogs down.

About 300 United Nations monitors are in Colombia and prepared to oversee the relocation of rebels and their disarmament. They will collect and store the rebels weapons in locked cargo containers until the accord is fully implemented.

Isacson said passage of the deal could raise the curtain on a new era of peace. Conversely, the political divisions in Colombian society could make it difficult for Santos to get the billions of dollars in funding he needs to implement the deal.

A perennial worry is whether the Colombian government has the ability to implement this accord, [a concern that is] compounded by the lack of money right now, Isacson said, referring to recent budget shortfalls caused by the decline in export revenues from coal and oil.

Kraul is a special correspondent.

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UPDATES:

7:45 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details and context about the amended peace deal.

This article was originally published at 6:15 p.m.
A white helicopter circling above the central Plaza of Liberty signaled that the long-awaited moment was imminent.

Onlookers who had been waiting for hours were lined three and four deep along the narrow streets, straining for a glimpse at this historic cortege. They hoisted children on their shoulders. Everyone seemed to have a Cuban flag or a portrait of the bearded man.

Revolutionary banners hung from the colonial-era buildings flanking the plaza in this agricultural outpost about 50 miles east of the capital, Havana.

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Finally, several police motorcycles leading a convoy of vehicles rumbled down the main drag, which had been cleared of traffic.

Photographers and camera operators riding in a flatbed truck focused their lenses on the crowd. A military jeep pulled a trailer bearing the precious cargo, encased in glass, flanked by white flowers: the ashes of Fidel Castro.

Yo soy Fidel! came the cry from the assembled multitudes. I am Fidel.

The Cuban leader was cremated Saturday, a day after his death at age 90. Dubbed the Caravan of Liberty by Cuban authorities, this was his final swing through a homeland that he presided over for the better part of half a century. The Cuban state went out of its way to make it a big deal.

Keen to preserve Castros message, officials came up with a novel plan: Ferry the ashes in a public procession from Havana to the southeastern city of Santiago, nearly 475 miles away, where the remains are to be interred Sunday, the final step in a series of mega-events that marked a nine-day official mourning period.

State television and radio have talked up the caravan for days. In Havana, people began lining the streets just after sunrise to witness the 7 a.m. start.

Matanzas, a port city of 150,000 people, was the first major population center on the caravans trek from Havana. People seemed excited about the event, though in Cuba it can be hard to discern genuine enthusiasm from a sense of duty. Some of the onlookers were in tears.

Once a sugar cane hub, Matanzas doesnt feel especially prosperous these days. At least one abandoned sugar cane refinery was visible along the coastal road snaking from the capital, its smokestacks forlorn in the distance. A plaque in the central square recalls a 19th century rendition developed here of the danzon, the lively Cuban national dance and musical genre. But music and booze have been banned for the mourning of Castro.

Posters hailed Castros July 26th movement, as his guerrilla group was known as it attacked military posts in Cuba during the revolutionary period. Matanzas still boasts veterans of the campaign, and loyal residents like to call the town the crib of the revolution.

Elderly Cubans seemed most anxious to praise Castro, who is officially revered here as a champion of the poor  even while reviled among Cuban exiles in Miami as a brutal dictator who dispatched Cuba into a dark era from which it has yet to emerge.

If it wasnt for El Comandante Castro my life would never have changed, said Maria Elena Navarro, 65, who was among the hundreds lining the streets here, hoping for a glimpse of the urn holding the ashes. Our comandante fought for our rights and we have a lot to thank him for.

Maria Elena Navarro (Ceclia Sanchez / For The Times )

I recognize that some things are bad, but thats the fault of the infamous blockade, she said, echoing the official line blaming Cubas woes on the more-than-half-century-long U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. The young people shouldnt forget that we have to continue. The revolution cannot be allowed to die. Many died so that we can all enjoy a better life.

Indeed, much of the official extolling of Castro as a revolutionary example seems intended to persuade Cubas sometimes skeptical younger generation of how good they have it. Young people tend to ask awkward questions about the lack of jobs, opportunities and Internet on the island. Castros barbudos, or bearded ones, as the revolutionary cadres were known, are mostly grainy black-and-white images on TV.

I dont know whats going to happen now, said Bernardo Gonzalez, 27, expressing a general uncertainty in a world without Fidel Castro.

His absence creates a void both for supporters and detractors.

Changes have been very slow, Gonzalez said. I dont have much hope there will be rapid changes. It will take a long time.

Reminding Cubans of the revolution is a key aim of the state apparatus in these days. The entire mourning exercise is freighted with symbolism.

In 1959, after seizing power from Fulgencio Batista, the U.S.-backed dictator, Castro and his bearded colleagues traveled from Santiago to Havana. For many Cubans, it was the first time they had seen their new leader and his bedraggled guerrilla army.

In black-and-white clips now ubiquitous on state television, the rebels of yesteryear project an image of youthful idealism and energy. Its a far cry from the current Cuban state, which critics call sclerotic and outdated, despite its achievements in providing free education and healthcare to the masses.

For this weeks caravan, the route of 1959 was reversed. The tour seemed to have the desired effect of whipping up support for Castros legacy and the current government, headed by Raul Castro, Fidels brother, who is 85 and has vowed to retire in two years.

In the plaza here in Matanzas, schoolchildren scrawled graffiti in white chalk. The messages were all demonstrably politically correct.

Fidel, you are in the heart of all Cuban youth! read one, with a stylized heart in the middle.

Another message read: Eternal Fidel!

No public protests have been seen during the mourning period. A heavy police presence accompanied all events, including the caravan.

The convoy whizzed by Matanzas at relatively high speed. Many never saw the urn carrying Castros remains. But that didnt seem to dim the enthusiasm.

We are all Fidel! came the chant as the crowd began to disperse, some hangers-on waiting to see whether there was more to come.

But the caravan continued its journey east along the coast, carrying the remains of the man who has inspired intense affection and bitter loathing, and whose passing seems to leave behind more questions than answers for the Cuban people.

Special correspondent Cecilia Sanchez contributed to this report.
Unable to find work and terrified by the street gangs that brazenly roamed the streets, Karen Zaldivar was one of tens of thousands of young people who fled Honduras in 2014.

Caught trying to slip across the U.S.-Mexico border, she was promptly deported.

Last year, Zaldivar set out again, but with a new destination: Mexico. She now lives in a small city just north of the Guatemalan border along with growing numbers of other Central Americans who have concluded that if they cant reach the United States, the next best thing is Mexico.

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I decided to make a life here, she said at a small open-air restaurant in Tenosique, where she works in the kitchen, frying fish. Its calmer, and safer.

Estimates of how many Central Americans are living in Mexico are hard to come by, in part because some, like Zaldivar, have obtained forged Mexican identity documents. But statistics show more and more are staying legally by seeking political asylum or humanitarian visas.

Asylum applications in Mexico nearly tripled over three years, hitting 3,424 in 2015. Asylum requests this year are poised to be twice that, human rights advocates say, with most filed by Hondurans and Salvadorans.

I decided to make a life here. Its calmer, and safer.  Karen Zaldivar, Honduran immigrant in Mexico

The number of migrants seeking to stay in Mexico pales in comparison to the droves heading to the U.S.  more than 400,000 people were apprehended at the U.S. southern border in the fiscal year that ended in September, most of them from Central America.

But the burden on Mexico and other countries is likely to increase if President-elect Donald Trump makes good on his promises to beef up border security and deport up to 3 million people living in the U.S. illegally.

Jaime Rivas Castillo, a professor at Don Bosco University in El Salvador who has studied the Central American diaspora, said faltering economies, as well as fear, drive migrants from their homelands. There arent jobs for everybody, and people fear for their life, Rivas said. So they go look for other places to live, if not in the U.S. then in Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica or Nicaragua.

Yessica Alvarado, 20, said she fled El Salvador last month after she was attacked on her way to nursing school by gang members angry that her grandparents had refused to pay an extortion fee.

Its hard getting to Mexico, but not as hard as getting to the U.S., Alvarado said.

On a recent afternoon, she sat on a sunny patio at a crowded Catholic migrant shelter in Tenosique chatting with a new acquaintance, a 27-year-old woman who escaped Honduras after her gang-member boyfriend beat her and threatened to kill her children. The shelter, La 72, was named for the 2010 massacre of 72 migrants in northeastern Mexico by members of a drug cartel.

Even with its long-running drug war and a sliding peso, Mexico boasts a degree of safety and economic stability not seen in Honduras and El Salvador, which are among the poorest and most dangerous nations in the world. The roots of the violence there can be traced in part to the mass deportation of Los Angeles gang members to Central America in the 1990s. Experts say those countries arent prepared to reintegrate large numbers of new deportees.

Javier Eduardo Ferrera, 23, was deported to Honduras from North Carolina in September after police discovered cocaine in the car that he was driving.

Six days after he was released in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, Ferrera left for Tenosique. He didnt feel safe in Honduras, but he also didnt want to risk ending up in prison if he was caught illegally crossing the U.S. border. Immigrants who have been previously deported and are discovered again in the U.S. can be charged with a federal crime punishable by up to two years in prison  a sentence Trump has threatened to increase to five years once he is in the White House.

Lets wait and see whether Trump accomplishes his goals, said Ferrera, as he unfolded a crinkled document that gives him the right to temporarily stay in Mexico while his request for a humanitarian visa is processed. If I cant be there, Id rather be here.

Javier Eduardo Ferrera, 23, who was deported to Honduras from North Carolina in September, shows off a document giving him the right to temporarily stay in Mexico while his request for a humanitarian visa is processed. (Kate Linthicum / Los Angeles Times )

A sleepy city built along a muddy river in the oil-rich state of Tabasco, Tenosique has long been a way station for migrants heading north. La Bestia, the infamous cargo train that has taken the limbs and lives of many migrants clinging to its roof on their way north, rolls through town.

In the past, immigrants would spend only a few days in Tenosique, resting and waiting for the train, said teacher Gaspar Geronimo Gonzalez. Now, many stay, he said. Some families live in cinder-block shacks near the train station, while others sleep near the river. The towns schools enroll well over 100 children from Honduras, who can be distinguished by their accents and Central American slang.

The migrants are staying despite Mexicos own crackdown on illegal immigration.

After tens of thousands of Central American children started streaming to the U.S. border in 2014, generating headlines, President Obama responded by requesting money from Congress to help improve conditions in Honduras and El Salvador. More quietly, his administration pressured Mexico to dramatically step up its own border enforcement.

Parts of the southern states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Tabasco now resemble border communities of Arizona and South Texas, with an influx of federal agents, militarized highway checkpoints and raids on hotels frequented by migrants.

The result?

Mexican authorities deported close to 200,000 people last year, and between October 2014 and May 2015, they detained more Central American migrants than the U.S. Border Patrol. Human rights advocates expect 2016 to be the year with the highest number of detentions and deportations yet.

Advocates have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants by Mexican immigration authorities, citing cases of extortion and abuse. They have also called on the Mexican government to slow deportations and approve more asylum requests. Last year, only 1,207 out of 3,486 were granted.

They say gang violence makes the current exodus from Honduras and El Salvador far different than previous waves of economic migration, and insist the U.S. and Mexico should recognize immigrants from those countries as refugees.

What we need right now is a humanitarian response to the situation in Central America that recognizes an essential truth: that seeking refuge or asylum is not illegal, said Geoff Thale, director of programs at an advocacy group called the Washington Office on Latin America. It is a fundamental human right.

Some in Mexico have questioned whether the country has the capacity to help Central Americans when it already is struggling to integrate hundreds of thousands of Mexican nationals deported from the U.S. in recent years. Many of them arrive in the country of their birth with little Spanish and face bureaucratic barriers to attending school and finding work.

Teofila Montejo De La Cruz, a 72-year-old woman in Tenosique, worries her Los Angeles-based son will be deported under Trump, and wonders if he will be able to find a job in Mexico if he has to come back.

Montejo has become known as a guardian angel for the Central American immigrants in Tenosique, giving them work in her restaurant and letting them sleep on the floor of her snack shop. But even she doesnt believe large numbers of Central Americans should be able to stay permanently in Mexico.

At some point, they have to go back to their own land, she said.

Wilmer Mauricio Lopez, 19, right, and Christian Rauldales, 24, play soccer outside a migrant shelter in Tenosique, Mexico, while they wait for the arrival of the train they will try to ride north to the U.S. (Kate Linthicum / Los Angeles Times )

For now, most people who pass through her shop have eyes only for America. Like Wilmer Mauricio Lopez, 19, and his two friends.

Lopez worked as a bus driver in Honduras but grew tired of being threatened by gang members strapped with guns like policemen who would corner him and say: Youre either with us or well kill you. He fled to Mexico.

On a recent day, word spread through the shelter where he and his friends were staying that a northbound train was headed towards Tenosique. He said he knew that even if he reached the U.S., immigration agents might catch and deport him. But I want to go and see what happens, he said. Only God really knows.

He and his friends grabbed their few possessions and set off toward the tracks.

kate.linthicum@latimes.com

Twitter: @katelinthicum

Click here for a Spanish version of this story

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He was a committed activist, as well as a real funny guy, according to his colleagues on the front lines in northern Syria. To his comrades in arms, he was a good fighter, one who said he feared cameras more than bullets.

And to friends at home in Northern California, Michael Israel was loving, humble and just a good person.

Hes the finest young man, human being, Ive ever had the privilege of knowing, said Mary Lou Molina, a resident of Pine Grove in Amador County who said she had known Israel since 2012.

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Israel, 27, an American volunteer with the Syrian Kurdish militia known as the Peoples Protection Units, or YPG, was killed last week in a Turkish airstrike, a Kurdish faction and its commanders said Thursday.

Israel, who had taken the Kurdish nom de guerre Robin Agiri, joined the YPG in June, its officials said. The group is the main component of the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, a loose alliance of Syrian Arab and Kurdish factions that has emerged as the U.S.s main proxy force to battle Islamic State in Syria.

Although the U.S. has embedded special forces units with the YPG, the faction has also attracted a number of American volunteers who consider its fight against Islamic State as a prelude to the establishment of what the fighters call Rojava, an independent Kurdish state on Syrian territory.

Turkey counts the YPG as a branch of the restive Kurdish separatists it is fighting on its own soil and has waged a large-scale air campaign against it, even while supporting other Syrian rebel factions to claw back territory from Islamic State.

He was one of the rare people who really came here to work. You could count people like that on the fingers of one hand.  Michael Israels former commander, who declined to give her name

Sherwan Darwish, spokesman of the SDF-aligned Manbij Military Council, said in an interview that Israel, along with a German national, Anton Leschek, and 10 others, had been killed last Thursday when Turkish jets struck their position near the front line against Islamic State.

He said they were near Arima, a village 13 miles northeast of the Islamic State-held city of Bab.

They didnt expect to be attacked since they werent in a front line against the Turkish-backed rebels but against Daesh, so they had not taken precautions against airstrikes, said Darwish in a conversation via Facebook, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

Robin Agiri ... [was one] of the first international volunteers who stood along Manbij people defying Turkish army and affiliated terrorists, said the Manbij Military Council in a statement issued Thursday.

There were contradictory reports as to whether Israel was killed immediately or died from his wounds two days later.

The Marines wouldnt take him. So Levi Shirley went to war on his own 

It was Israels second trip to northern Syria to fight with the YPG.

His friends  in Syria and at home in California  paid tribute to his memory in the hours after the announcement of his death, calling him a hero.

The Manbij Military Council circulated a video of a bashful Israel speaking to the camera and declaring he was here to defend the Peoples Revolution of Rojava and fight for the struggle here.

He was one of the rare people who really came here to work. You could count people like that on the fingers of one hand, those who were totally committed, said Israels former commander in a phone interview. The commander, who oversees Western volunteers, declined to give her name, citing security.

And he had a good heart: I dont remember a day where Michael had offended anyone, she said.

Israel was born in Lodi and later moved with his family to Amador County, in the mother lode country east of Sacramento, according to Valarie Roddy, who said she had known Israel since he met her son, David, in middle school. The two were best friends, she said.

Israel had been politically involved since high school, even missing his graduation to trek from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., as part of a march to protest the Iraq war, she recalled.

Israel was also a labor activist and organizer, Roddy said.

He was very much in favor of the working man and very much fighting for better working conditions for Americans, she said.

When he heard about this fight [in Syria] ... he just felt very, very strongly that this was like a cornerstone of fighting for democracy, she added. He felt very strongly and very much in tune with these people.

His soul was there, said David Roddy, now a Sacramento resident. Thats where he found peace, with those people and that struggle.

Molina, the Pine Grove woman, said she met Israel during a march for womens healthcare choices and rights.

Molina described him as good, gentle, brilliant and kind. She recalled seeing him in Jackson when he was on a trip home from Syria.

Among many things that he said, and I cant remember them all, is he loved the people, Molina said. I kind of felt in my heart that he would go back, but I hoped that he wouldnt.

In August, after returning for a second time to Syria, Israel wrote on his Facebook page: The Rojava struggle is the most dynamic and groundbreaking revolutionary movement of our time.

I am determined that it is the job of leftist allies and internationalists to rally behind this movement, to help build it up and learn from it.

He also spoke of more prosaic hopes.

Someday, he wrote, my wish will be granted and Ill join a village like this and spend my days chasing sheep across Syrias hills.

Valarie Roddy said she was devastated by news of Israels death.

I think everybody that knew Michael is pretty devastated, she said. He was very loving, very humble. He was always thinking of others. I dont know that he ever even thought about himself. I think he just was here for others.

Special correspondent Bulos reported from Amman and Times staff writer Mejia from Los Angeles. Special correspondent Umar Farooq in Istanbul, Turkey, contributed to this report.

ALSO

In phone call with leader, Trump lavishes praise on Pakistan, fantastic place of fantastic people

Civilians in Syria and Iraq, already facing deprivation and danger, confront new threats

Pentagon says human errors led to mistaken bombing of Syrian-backed forces

UPDATES:

1:40 p.m.: This article has been updated with comments from Israels friends in California.

This article was originally posted at 11 a.m.
Former Cuba's President, leader of the communist revolution and one of the most iconic leaders Fidel Castro, who brought the cold war to the Western Hemisphere in 1959 has died at the age of 90 on Friday. His death has ended the era of Cuba's "Revolutionary Leader."

The Historical figure Castro dominated Cuba with strength and symbolism. He had held on to power longer than any other living national leader except Queen Elizabeth 11.

After 30 years of leadership, his brother Raul Castro took the charge and became president in 2008 after a string of illnesses. After that, the historic figures withdraw from the public eye, New York Times reported.

The revolutionary politician was last seen in the public figure in April at the bidding farewell to the Cuban Communist Party. From that platform, he announced Cuban people "will be Victorious."

Castro supporters respected him as a man who had given Cuba back to the people. Though, he was accused by his opponents for brutal suppressing opposition.

According to The Guardian, the historic figure politician lived long enough to see a historic thaw in relations between Cuba and the U.S. The former President Barack Obama has urged the U.S. congress to lift the 52-year-old economic embargo and announced that the US would re-strategic diplomatic plan with Cuba.

According to the former security advisor to President Jimmy Carter, Robert Pastor, "There are very few individuals in the 20th century who had a more profound impact on a single country than Fidel Castro had in Cuba."

Castro reshaped Cuba in his image for both bad and good. Cuba will be acknowledged in history because he lived and died in this country.

According to Wayne Smith, US diplomat in Cuba from 1979 to 1982, "Cuba hadn't counted much in the scale of politics and history until Castro."

Castro was acknowledged his advanced age and gave rare speech in April at Communist Party Congress, wherein he said that "Soon I'll be like all the others, to all our turn must come."

Castro was famous enough for his name and history.
Texas reported a probable local transmission of the Zika virus. The Department of State Health Services is on the lookout for more people infected with the Zika virus in Texas.

The infected patient is a woman who lives in Brownsville, on the Gulf Coast near the Mexican border. State health officials have confirmed by lab tests that the woman was infected with the Zika virus.

According to El Paso Proud, until now, more than 250 cases of Zika have been reported so far in Texas, all of those cases are related to travel.

According to a statement during the infection, the woman was not pregnant, bringing relief to CDC officials because an infection during pregnancy can lead to a serious brain defects in fetuses. The virus was detected in her urine but her blood test was negative, which means that the virus has not fully affected her body, The New York Times reported.

The Zika virus sprung last year through several Latin American Countries, including Brazil, Columbia, and Honduras. According to U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention, by an infected Aedes Aegypti species mosquito generally Zika virus is contaminated, but can also spread through sex by an infected person.

There were no other cases of suspected local transmission. The maximum use of air conditioners and window screens, among other factors, would probably prevent the virus from becoming widespread in Texas, said by a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Service Van Deusen.

"We knew it was going to happen at some point, of course, we want to limit its spread as much as we can," Van Deusen added.

According to a statement released by CDC, an environment assessment had been conducted at the patient's home and mosquitoes were being tested for the finding results. Health workers would also visit every people's door and patient's neighborhood to collect urine samples in search for other infection. They would also help people to detect mosquito breeding sites on their property.

State Health Department assures that no need to panic but people needs to be aware and vigilant.
On Tuesday, Microsoft Corporation announced that its HoloLens will be available for pre-order in Japan starting December 2. It will be available from the Microsoft Store in Japan, and shipping will begin in early 2017.

Microsoft HoloLens is the world's first self-contained holographic computing that runs on Windows 10. It was first announced in January 2015 and has been shipped to developers and commercial partners in both US and Canada on March 31 this year.

PR Newswire reported that the announcement was made six weeks after Microsoft HoloLens Dev Edition and Microsoft HoloLens Commercial Suite expanded globally. It is now available in Canada, Australia, France, Ireland, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, UK and US. .

Alex Kipman, technical staff of Microsoft Windows and Devices Group, said, "Our Mission at Microsoft is to bring a mixed reality to every person and organization on the planet". Mr. Kipman went on, "We continue to be inspired by the work developers and customers are doing with HoloLens across the globe."

Kipman also added that people in Microsoft have been hard at work since January 2015 to bring the vision of mixed reality to life. They can't wait to see what everyone in Japan creates when they get their hands on HoloLens, as reported by Kit Guru.

Microsoft HoloLens is part of a handful of products that include Magic's Leap Headset. These headset offers a very different take on virtual works than VR headsets do, as they have good visual details with unique components added in them.

There are many companies that are using HoloLens, and it is used by Japan Airlines in Japan right now. The market revenue in 2016 for the augmented reality and virtual reality market is USD 5.2 billion, which can reach up to more than a whopping USD 162 billion in 2020.

In 2017, Windows 10 will be updated to include Windows Holographic which is a platform that powers the mixed-reality experiences to give a virtual feel to the world.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

Trend:

The US will host the second Trans-Caspian East-West Trade and Transit Corridor (Modern Silk Road) Forum in May 2017, Azerbaijans Ambassador to US Elin Suleymanov said.

He made the remarks Dec. 1 during the first Azerbaijan-US business forum Trade and investment opportunities in post-oil era being held in Baku.

He said that the first Trans-Caspian East-West Trade and Transit Corridor Forum was held quite successfully in 2016.

Representatives of not only Azerbaijan, but also Turkmenistan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Georgia and even Afghanistan will take part in the second forum, he added.
When New York City lawyer Sachin Gadh started his law practice, he wanted to be there for his clients when they needed him. In fact, he wanted to put himself right on their mobile phones. So he developed an app to do just that. He calls it Gadh.

Gadh is an app for iPhones that gives clients direct, ongoing access to Gadh the lawyer. (Ill call the human Gadh by his first name, Sachin.) Anyone can download the app and get one question answered free. But if they choose to pay a $19.99 monthly retainer and become Gadhs clients, then they can use the app for:

Unlimited chat with Sachin. He will answer texts within 2-24 hours.

One 15-minute call or video call per month. The call can be scheduled and conducted via the app.

Evidence upload, for sending Sachin documents, images and videos.

In addition, if a client should need immediate, on-site help, the apps My Lawyer is Coming feature lets the client send a GPS location and request immediate help. For the lawyers physical visit, the client will be charged $100. (Sachin says he does not handle DUIs or include those in this service.)

The app can be downloaded from the iTunes store. An Android version is in development. The Gadh App website provides more details about the app and how it works.

For now, the app is proprietary to Sachins practice. However, he plans eventually to market custom versions of the app to other lawyers to use in their practices. Before he does that, he wants to use it for awhile himself and make sure everything is running smoothly.

I always thought the lawyer/client relationship was archaic, always emails and phone calls, Sachin told me. This puts the lawyer on an app for the client, and it makes it simpler for the lawyer too, because its all on one device.

Sachin believes the target users for this app are lower- to middle-income people who do not have access to a retained lawyer. There are a lot of people making $50-$80 grand who have questions but no one to give them answers.

Sachin released the app Nov. 15 and said it has been downloaded by more than 60 people so far, some of whom are now paying the monthly retainer.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

US companies are interested in such sectors of the Azerbaijani economy as agriculture, IT, as well as transportation and logistics, Natavan Mammadova, executive director of AmCham, told reporters Dec. 1 in Baku.



These spheres are priority for Azerbaijan, and we are happy that the American businessmen are also interested in these sectors of the Azerbaijani economy, noted Mammadova.



She said that AmCham will continue to organize business forums between Azerbaijan and the US in the future.



This is the first Azerbaijan-US business forum, organized by AmCham, but we plan to hold it annually, added the executive director. We even plan to organize the visit of our companies to the US in order to analyze mutual relations.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the US amounted to $478.96 million in January-October 2016, $401.26 million of which accounted for import of the US products.
(Details added, first version posted at 13:26)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

US companies are interested in such sectors of the Azerbaijani economy as agriculture, IT, as well as transportation and logistics, Natavan Mammadova, executive director of AmCham, told reporters Dec. 1 in Baku.



These spheres are priority for Azerbaijan, and we are happy that the American businessmen are also interested in these sectors of the Azerbaijani economy, noted Mammadova.



She said that AmCham will continue to organize business forums between Azerbaijan and the US in the future.



This is the first Azerbaijan-US business forum, organized by AmCham, but we plan to hold it annually, added the executive director. We even plan to organize the visit of our companies to the US in order to analyze mutual relations.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the US amounted to $478.96 million in January-October 2016, $401.26 million of which accounted for import of the US products.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijan will start accepting applications from investors wishing to work in its free trade zone (FTZ) in March 2017, said Eugene Seah, chief operating officer of the Baku International Sea Trade Port.

He made the remarks during the Azerbaijan-US business forum titled Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Post-Oil Era in Baku Dec. 1.

Preparation is now underway in the run-up to the start of accepting applications from companies interested to operate in the FTZ, according to him.

Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree March 17, 2016, on measures to create a free trade zone type special economic area covering the territory of the Baku International Sea Trade Port in the Alat township of Bakus Garadagh District.

In September 2016, the Azerbaijani government and Dubai Port World (DP World), one of the worlds major port operators, signed an agreement on provision of consulting services for the creation of the free trade zone in the Alat township.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
Hotel Bethlehem on Main Street in the Christmas City is a focal point for holiday decor this time of year.

Professional designers Robert Averill and Gary Burger decorated the hotel to truly turn it into a magical experience for guests, according to press release.

They create displays throughout the hotel that "wow" guests year after year, making it a must see when family and friends are visiting Bethlehem for Christmas. All are welcome to come and view the decorations.

New this year, the hotel picked a theme of "Let There Be Peace on Earth."

This Christmas season, the Hotel Bethlehem has partnered with Mary's Shelter. They are a local organization for young mothers and newborns in the Lehigh Valley.

The Bethlehem Hotel will be collecting donations every Monday to make one large donation at the end of the year to Mary's Shelter. See below for the type of donations the hotel will accept:

Diapers 1-6, Baby Wash, Shampoo, Lotion, Baby Wipes, Vaseline, Diaper Cream, Q-Tips, Baby Brushes, Baby Nail Clippers, Pacifiers, Crib Sheets, Humidifiers, Baby Bottles, Bottle Drying Racks, Baby Bottle Brushes, Bibs, Onesies, Receiving Blankets, Baby Towel Sets, Breast Pads, Baby Medical Kits, Infant Car Seats, Light Weight Strollers, Universal Stroller Frame, Bouncers, Plastic Rain Covers for Strollers and Car Seats, Sippy Cups

Along with many other Christmas activities taking place in the hotel, Santa Claus makes an appearance at the Musical Sunday Brunch each Sunday in December leading up to Christmas between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Sue Beyer may be reached at sbeyer@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sbeyer_photo. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
A Bethlehem firefighter led police on a chase through seven miles of city streets while possessing a loaded handgun, police said.

Brian Padilla (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

Charged is Brian Padilla, 44, of the 1900 block of Eighth Street, Bethlehem.

Police were dispatched at 11:30 p.m. Oct. 27 to a home in the 400 block of East Garrison Street for a report of a missing man. A couple at the home told police Padilla was sending them texts indicating he wanted to take his own life.

The text messages included photos of an open liquor bottle and Glock semi-automatic handgun, according to police.

Officers found Padilla in a 2010 Jeep Wrangler at the Bieber Park and Ride, 1900 Silvex Road, in the city. When officers used emergency lights, sirens and commands over a loud speaker, police said Padilla refused to stop.

A Bethlehem police officer then called Padilla and he told the officer he had "no intention of complying with the orders" to stop. Patrols chased Padilla for seven miles through city streets, in which he disregarded the safety of others, police said.

Padilla eventually turned himself in to the same officer who called him in the parking lot of Ahart's Market, 410 Montclair Avenue. Police seized the Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun with two loaded magazines and an open container of Crown Royal Apple Whiskey.

A blood test later determined Padilla's BAC level was was 0.17; penalties for most drivers in Pennsylvania start at 0.08. The blood draw was taken when he arrived at the hospital after the incident, court records state.

Padilla is charged with DUI of alcohol, DUI (highest rate of alcohol), eluding police, having a firearm without a license, and other related offenses. He was arraigned Nov. 15 before Senior District Judge Joseph Barner, who set bail at $10,000 unsecured.

Padilla has been a firefighter with the city since 2006, Mayor Robert Donchez told The Morning Call newspaper.

In 2010, Padilla became instrumental in

selling T-shirts to raise money for cancer care. The fire department then took part

in the national Pink Heals Tour cancer fundraising effort.

The program drives a pink firetruck all across the country to raise money and awareness about cancer, and Padilla became motivated to do a similar effort locally.

In 2012, the department reached a milestone, raising $13,000 for the

St. Luke's Cancer Center.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Bethlehem man on parole for intimidating a witness is accused of driving into his girlfriend with a car, and later kicking her in the face, police said.

Allen Callender, of the 700 block of Cherokee Street, was arraigned in the last of three cases on Wednesday and is now being held in jail in lieu of $27,500 bail total.

On Oct. 15, Whitehall Township police were called to the McDonald's on MacArthur Road for a couple arguing in the parking lot. While driving to the restaurant, police learned the woman had been struck by a car.

When officers arrived, they found the victim face-down in the parking lot and her boyfriend, Callender, had driven off, police said.

The woman said Callender hit her with the car, and she complained of head and hip injuries, police said.

Multiple witnesses reported the couple was arguing when Callender got into a white Chevy Malibu and started backing out of a parking spot while the driver's side door was open.

The 23-year-old Callender drove into his girlfriend, and then kept driving without stopping, according to police. It was the victim's car, police said, and she did not give Callender permission to drive it.

Police issued a warrant for Callender on charges of aggravated assault, accidents involving injury, reckless endangerment, simple assault, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving without a license.

Ten days later, Callender was involved in an accident in Bethlehem, court records show. On Nov. 14, police filed two counts of accidents involving injury and a single count of driving without a license against Callender; he was arraigned Saturday in that case.

Then, on the morning of Nov. 22, Bethlehem police were called to RJ Mini-Mart for a report of a woman being assaulted.

After a brief search, officers found the victim, the same woman from the McDonald's incident. The victim had marks, bruises, scratches and cuts on her neck and face, police said.

The woman reportedly told officers her boyfriend kicked her in the face, but she did not identify him for officers.

Bethlehem police got a description of the attacker from a witness, and an officer viewing surveillance footage of the attack recognized Callender, police said.

When police went to serve Callender a warrant on an unrelated matter, he identified the victim as his girlfriend and gave police a phone number that matched the victim's phone number, police said.

Callender is charged with simple assault and harassment in the Bethlehem incident.

Threatened to shoot a 'snitch'

Callender was paroled in May, after serving more than three years in state prison for

threatening to shoot a South Side Bethlehem restaurant owner he considered a snitch.

Callender was 19 when he was sentenced to two to five years in state prison in October 2012 for intimidating a witness and carrying a firearm without a license.

The victim in that case had told police Callender was involved in a fight with a woman on the 100 block of East Fourth Street, and Callender called the man a snitch.

The man called police after Callender threatened to shoot him, and Callender was found a few blocks away; a silver handgun was found abandoned in a nearby yard, police said.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Smoking will soon be banned in all federally-funded public housing nationwide, affecting 63,000 tenants living in 38,600 rental units throughout New Jersey.

The change, announced Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will go into effect in 18 months.

The ban will prohibit lit tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars or pipes) in all living units, indoor common areas, administrative offices and all outdoor areas within 25 feet of housing and administrative office buildings.

Vaping is not included - but might be added in the future, according to officials. While e-cigarettes don't include tobacco, they do produce smoke, impacting those people near the smoker, HUD Secretary Julian Castro said.

"Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy home free from harmful second-hand cigarette smoke," Castro said. Nearly 40 percent of residents of public housing are children, for whom second-hand smoke has been linked to Sudden Infant Death as well as asthma, he said.

"It's absolutely going to save lives," Castro said.

In addition to benefitting children's health, the smoking ban will save money, the agency said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the change will save public housing agencies $153 million every year in repairs and preventable fires, including $94 million in secondhand smoke-related health care, $43 million in renovation of smoking-permitted units, and $16 million in smoking-related fire losses.

Some housing projects had already converted voluntarily to be smoke-free. The HUD new rule makes it mandatory.

In Boston, where the city housing authority made all its properties smoke-free in 2008, no resident has ever been evicted because of the change, according to city officials. Most smokers adjust to the ban after getting warnings, city officials said.

Castro said he is convinced that the public health benefits are so compelling that the Trump administration will not undo the change once it takes over.

"I"m not concerned about this thing being rolled back," he said.

Kathleen O'Brien may be reached at kobrien@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @OBrienLedger. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
MORRISTOWN -- A New Jersey man who previously served as the leader of a church youth group in the Easton area admitted Wednesday to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in his home in 2014, the Daily Record reported.

Christopher Remaly, 30, of the Long Valley section of Washington Township, Morris County, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault, the newspaper reported.

Remaly, who was married and the father of two children, reportedly told the court he met the girl through the youth group in the Easton area. The church was not identified.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office has recommended a sentence of seven years, the report said.

Remaly was previously charged with aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, criminal sexual contact and child endangerment, according to a previous report by NJ Advance Media.

Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
It has taken nearly 50 years, but the city of Easton -- with the expectation that a Da Vinci "Science City" museum/aquarium will replace an aging downtown hotel in decline -- may finally realize the "redevelopment" vision city fathers were reaching for in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Just as the downtown's vibrant Lebanese community was displaced a half-century ago in a federally-funded wave of demolition and rebuilding in the area south of Ferry Street, today nearly all of the replacement properties of that era are gone, too.

The new City Hall/parking deck/bus terminal has reshaped the block, along with a Social Security building. The one-time crown jewel of the redevelopment era -- a Sheraton hotel and restaurant -- gave way to other franchises. The current Days Inn, the site of a grisly murder last year, has been a reminder of the unfulfilled promises of the urban renewal movement, one of a few remaining downtown properties untapped for its development potential in a real estate boom.

Until now.

The Da Vinci plan wouldn't simply fill the space, if it succeeds. It would be the keystone of the downtown's resurgence, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors, creating jobs, inspiring school kids, even letting people see sharks close-up. It would raise the city's profile as a regional destination, building upon the State Theatre, The Crayola Experience, a restaurant revival and numerous residential and commercial restorations.

Like most public-private partnerships, this is a calculated risk, requiring a taxpayer-backed loan of $30 million -- the city's share of a $130 million budget to build the facility. The Da Vinci board plans to raise $100 million through government grants, corporate gifts and other sources.

Here's how Da Vinci officials describe the plan:

"Da Vinci Science City will feature a state-of-the-art science center with permanent and traveling exhibit galleries, the largest public aquarium in Pennsylvania, a Creativity Studio public workshop space, an immersive giant screen theater, and a destination aquarium restaurant and event center. Distinctive hands-on experiences will promote curiosity, creativity, innovation, and the integration of art and design with traditional STEM concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Da Vinci Science City is projected to attract over 600,000 visitors annually; create 200 permanent full-time equivalent jobs with an emphasis on hiring Easton residents; and produce $45 million in direct economic activity and $100 million in total economic activity each year."

This is a bold project for a city of 27,000. The Da Vinci organization, which has demonstrated success with its science center in Allentown, looked at 15 sites in the Lehigh Valley's three cities before deciding Easton had the winning location and financial package.

Still, it's far from a done deal. The city has agreed to buy the Days Inn property for $5.9 million. City officials and the Da Vinci board have signed a one-year "memorandum of understanding" to allow for a feasibility study and securing fundraising commitments. Next December both parties will make a go/no-go decision. If the numbers don't add up, the city's backup plan is to forgo the $30 million loan and sell the hotel property to a local developer to recoup the purchase price, Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said.

That's an important provision. So is Panto's projection that the city will repay a $30 million loan over 20 years through a combination of parking fees, amusement tax and earned income tax generated by the museum. It's critical that this investment not create pressures to raise property taxes or the earned income tax. The city needs an independent third-party analysis that confirms this pay-as-you-go proposal before moving ahead.

Two other concerns:

Traffic in Downtown Easton is badly congested at times. The Third Street-Larry Holmes Drive intersection is the busiest in the city. Major improvements will be needed if 600,000 new visitors are coming. Who pays?

In the same spirit that the Da Vinci museum seeks to help "underserved" kids, the city should divert a share of the proceeds from this development to the underserved people of the city -- notably the residential neighborhoods that continue to decline while the downtown reaps the benefit of public/private investment. Panto says he'd like to carve out part of the revenue stream for social services, the State Theatre, and other beneficiaries.

Da Vinci's "Science City," like another famous Easton institution, has the potential to be a knockout. It's an exciting proposal at an opportune time. The next step is the hard work of fundraising and making sure the taxpayers' investment pays off for them, as well as the downtown, in the long run.
Drying roads Dec. 1, 2016

After two days of sometimes heavy rain, the streets of Easton were drying the morning of Dec. 1, 2016, in the city's Centre Square. (Tony Rhodin | For lehjighvalleylive.com)

Streets were drying on Thursday morning in the Lehigh Valley and northwest New Jersey after two days of sometimes soaking rain.

Wednesday's total of 1.05 inches at Lehigh Valley International Airport, combined with Tuesday's 1.66 inches and Thursday morning's 0.10 of an inch, gives the region a needed shot of 2.81 inches of rain, according to National Weather Service figures.

The precipitation deficit for 2016, which was nearing 10 inches earlier in the week, has dropped to 7.38 inches as of Thursday morning.

The Delaware River had risen from 1.14 feet early Tuesday at the gauge at the toll bridge in Easton to 2.65 feet by 6 a.m. Thursday, according to the weather service. It's expected to hit 6.2 feet by 6 a.m. Friday, which is much higher than it's been by still about 16 feet below flood stage.

The river was so low on Wednesday that a Phillipsburg fire official said the department's rescue boat couldn't venture north of the toll bridge.

The next chance of rain is Sunday night, according to weather service forecasters.

Between now and then, skies should be mostly clear and, after a warm start of Thursday, temperatures should return to seasonal as December begins.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.


Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.1



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



The deal for the sale of 66 percent stake in Greek gas grid operator DESFA eventually did not go through, according to the statement from the Greek energy ministry.



The message said the talks to sell the share to Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR did not conclude successfully.



In the last months, the government has been in ongoing talks with representatives of SOCAR and Snam for the sale of 66 percent of DESFA. The atmosphere was constructive. Nevertheless, the offer submitted on the part of the prospective buyers regarding the reduction of the sale price (repayment in installments) was legally impossible and would have invalidated the tender, the Greek energy ministry said on its website.



SOCAR won a tender in 2013 on the purchase of a 66-percent stake in DESFA for 400 million euros.



The Azerbaijani company will obtain a 31-percent stake from the Greek government and will buy a 35-percent stake in the Hellenic Petroleum.



It is expected that the deal will be closed only after the purchase of at least a 17-percent stake out of SOCARs 66-percent by Italys Snam.
Sean Keane will bring his concert tour to The Heritage in Killenard on Friday, Dec ember 2.

Sean Keane is well known for his distinctive voice that is uniquely Irish and is loved at home.

He is also equally loved around the world for his unique interpretation of songs like, "Isle of Hope Isle of Tears", "From Galway to Gracelands", " Home away from Home" and many more.

Sean will be performing songs from his new album "New Day Dawning" including the popular, "One More Hour."

Sean's three CD box set Never Alone continues to be popular with his fans, new and old.

When he plays The Heritage, Killenary on Friday, December 2, Sean will be joined on stage by children from Killenard N.S. to perform some songs from His "Christmas by the Hearth" album.

Sean plays five instruments on stage during the concert, and is joined by Pat Coyne, Stephen Doherty.

Sean appeared in the RTE production "Centenary" to celebrate the 1916 rising.

You can follow him on Facebook and www.seankeane.com
A Transition Year student celebrated his 16th birthday with a solo flight in a twin seater aircraft at Weston Airport.

Kevin Singleton, a Naas CBS student from Dun na Riogh, took to the skies above the National Flight Centre at Weston for a short duration.

While sixteenth birthday solos arent unheard of, theyre uncommon and as far as I know I was the first to do one. It lasted about five or ten minutes. I cant remember how long exactly, I was focussed on flying the aircraft. While soloing earlier than planned was always a possibility, I never really expected it. Kevin told the Leader.

At the start of the flight Kevin was accompanied by an instructor who left the aircraft after two circuits of the airfield.

He then ran into the terminal to tell my Dad to get his camera (his Mum missed the first flight because of work commitments).

Having been cleared by the tower via radio he taxied on to the runway and my nerves disappeared.

Before that, though, he had to halt while another aircraft landed.

This was the hardest part of the solo; because there is no handbrake in a plan I had to keep my toes on the foot brake, which was difficult because my legs were shaking.

Once the Cessna 152 twin seater was identified by the tower and he got the go ahead. Kevin pushed the throttle fully forward and left the ground for the first time as captain of the aircraft.

He landed again in front of the terminal building.

Kevins interest in flying was sparked by a floatplane ride in Canada.
Yes, its election time again, as the ALDE Party elects different positions in alternate years, the Presidency and some Vice-Presidents in odd-numbered years, the Treasurer and a few more Vice-Presidents in even-numbered years.

This year, there is no British interest, with Ros Scott having been safely elected as a Vice-President last year. As for the Treasurer, it looks as though there will be a intra-Slovene handover, with outgoing Treasurer, Roman Jakic, expected to be replaced by the sole candidate, Gasper Koprivsek from SMC (Modern Centre Party).

There are five candidates for three Vice-Presidential slots;

Henrik Bach Mortensen, from Venstre (Denmark), has an impressive CV, and is Chair of the Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy, their equivalent of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. He is notably endorsed by the leader of Denmarks other member party, Radikale Venstre, and by EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. The fact that he came to London recently to campaign in Richmond Park will, doubtless, have no influence on how the Liberal Democrat delegation vote.

Luis Garicano is the candidate of the new kids on the block, Ciudadanos (Spain). He is a Professor of Economics and Strategy at the London School of Economics and spoke most eloquently at a fringe meeting at our Federal Conference in Brighton a few months ago. In his manifesto, he highlights the need to defend free trade and to take a pro-market, as opposed to pro-business, stance.

Mats Lofstrom is a member of the Finnish Parliament, representing the Swedish Peoples Party. Endorsed by the Finnish Prime Minister, who leads the Centre Party there (another ALDE member party), as well as by the leader of the Swedish Centre Party, Annie Loof, he wants to strengthen the role of the national Parliaments in the European project.

Angelika Mlinar is the only serving Vice-President up for re-election, and represents NEOS (Austria) in the European Parliament. Her goals, if elected, include strengthening liberalism by building the capacity of the member parties, empowering women and the promotion of our liberal values in the European Parliament. She has, in support of her campaign, produced a unique video

And finally, Urmas Paet is the Estonian candidate, from the Reform Party. Foreign Minister for ten years and a former Minister of Culture in a country that takes its culture very seriously, he was elected to the European Parliament in 2014. If elected, he will bring a strong profile on defence and security issues, especially important given the fluid situation following the election of Donald Trump as U.S. President.

Theyre all credible candidates, and it isnt easy to envisage who might be successful. Regional alliances, perceptions of social liberals versus economic ones, quality of campaign, all of these will have an influence, but with voting due to start on Saturday morning, the results will be announced on Saturday evening, just before the close of the Congress.

* By the time you read this, Mark Valladares will probably be the Returning Officer for these elections
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev can participate in OPECs Dec. 9 meeting with non-OPEC countries, Energy Ministry has said in a message.

Aliyev will take part in the meeting in case a relevant invitation is received and it is decided that participation is expedient.

I believe the meeting will determine volume of production cut by non-OPEC countries. Azerbaijan is ready to accept suggestions that will be put forward and give momentum for increasing the oil prices, the minister said commenting on the issue, according to the message.

The second meeting of the OPEC High-level Committee with non-OPEC oil producing countries, which was scheduled for Nov. 28, did not take place because of Saudi Arabias refusal to participate in it.

Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev was also expected to take part in that meeting.

Six non-OPEC countries participated in the technical meeting on October 29, including Azerbaijan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Oman and Russia.
THE consumption of drugs and/or alcohol over a protracted period of time affected the judgement of four men who were involved in a fatal boating accident on the River Shannon earlier this year, an official report has found.

In the early hours of Thursday, February 4, 2016, four young men took a boat from Castleconnell Boat Club and launched it into the River Shannon. According to a report on the incident, published this week by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB), the men had been taking drugs and/or drinking alcohol since the previous afternoon.

The casualties were in the water for approximately two and a half hours struggling with the assistance of the rescue services to keep their heads above the surface of the water in a very fast flowing river, the report states.

It is possible that they may not have been aware of their limitations in ability to handle a boat and the assessment of the dangerous water conditions, the report adds.

The narrative of the report states that four young men, aged between 25 and 32 years, met up together at a mutual friends house in Castleconnell at approximately 11pm on the night of Wednesday, February 3 last and remained there until 3am the following morning.

The four men had been drinking and/or taking drugs to varying degrees during the day. At approximately 03.30 hrs the four men, excluding the friend whose house they had visited, decided to walk along the river bank to a location known as Worlds End, a remote area which was well known to the men, the report states.

The Castleconnell Boat Club is also located in this area, and on arrival the group spotted a small aluminium boat ashore, loosely tied to the railings outside the club. Although none of the men knew anything about boating or had any experience of boat handling, they decided to take the boat out onto the river, according to the report.

As the men lacked any experience of boats and boat handling and given the poor visibility and the amount of drugs and alcohol consumed they did not notice that the drain plug was missing in the transom which resulted in the ingress of water, it documents.

Investigators established that once the boat capsized, the men had no safety equipment, for example flotation devices, to assist them for the two and half hours that they were in the water. In addition they were only wearing ordinary outdoor clothing.

Once the boat had capsized two of the group were trapped, one by the boat and one by branches underwater after his footing slipped, the report states.

The man trapped by the branches needed assistance to keep his head above the water level. One of the men was washed away and the remaining man focused on assisting his friends. Although his mobile phone was not protected in any way from the water, this man managed to raise the alarm by phoning 999.

Due to the nature of the location, the level and speed of the river, the fact that one of the casualties was trapped with his head at water level and with very low light conditions, the rescue of the men from the river took considerable time.

In its conclusions, the report states that given the conditions and the cold, the actions of the rescue services and the two firemen who remained in the water for over two and a half hours, was highly courageous.

Despite the best efforts of all concerned, the man whose foot had become entangled in the undergrowth was later pronounced dead. The death of Noel Quinlivan, 27, Castleconnell, the report states, was due to drowning.
MAYOR of Limerick Kieran OHanlon and three councillors will travel to New York to take part in next years St Patricks Day parade at a cost of over 11,000.

The reason for such a delegation, councillors were told at Mondays meeting of Limerick City and County Council, was because Limerickman Michael Dowling was to be the parades Grand Marshal.

Mr Dowling is from Knockaderry in West Limerick, Christy OConnor, senior executive told councillors but is chief executive and president of Northwell Health, one of the largest integrated health care systems in the US. He has also been named as one of the top 25 healthcare executives in the US.

This is a great honour for Michael and indeed for his native parish and for Limerick, Mr OConnor said.

There is therefore an ideal opportunity for this council to build on this high profile announcement to develop linkages for Limerick during the St Patricks Day period at a variety of events that will be taking place in New York.

Is it necessary to send the Mayor and three councillors?, asked Cllr Paul Keller, AAA, pointing to the cost of the undertaking and proposing instead that the Mayor and one councillors should be sufficient but this proposal was defeated.

We have three different groups here, Mayor Kieran OHanlon said. It was about marketing Limerick city and county, he argued, and he felt it was reasonable out of a council of 40 to send three.

Cllr John Loftus, then argued against a separate proposal to send the Metropolitan Mayor, Cllr Michael Hourigan to Queens for St Patricks Day, saying his sister lived there and there was no parade.

That is quite amazing, Mayor OHanlon said.

As a city councillor and city mayor he had gone to Queens on three occasions, he told Cllr Loftus.

I am 3,000 miles away and I know about it. said Cllr O'Hanlon, as councillors agreed to send Cllr Hourigan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

BP Azerbaijan company plans to suspend gas output at the Shah Deniz platform in 2017 due to technical-preventive, repair and adjustment work at the Sangachal terminal, Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, communications, external affairs, strategy & region vice president at BP Azerbaijan, told reporters Dec. 1.

In 2017, it is planned to carry out repair and adjustment work on a section of the Sangachal terminal, which receives products from the Shah Deniz, the existing installations and connection of new installations as part of the second stage of the fields development, said Aslanbayli.

The period of the suspension will be determined later. We try to conduct preventive measures at all our facilities once in two years, he added.

The work will affect the terminals part that is connected to the South Caucasus pipeline, due to which the gas export to Georgia and Turkey will be suspended, said the vice president.

He also said that it will be included in the plan of actions and budget for 2017, which is to be approved.

The suspension wont affect the annual volume of output at the Shah Deniz, noted Aslanbayli.

The tendency of output increase is being observed at the field, he said adding that in 2016, gas output will be slightly higher than in 2015.

The company believes that there definitely wont be any decline in 2017, he noted.

Aslanbayli went on to say that preventive measures havent been planned yet for 2017 at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block of oil and gas fields in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea.

BP is the operator of development projects of the Shah Deniz and ACG.

The contract for development of the Shah Deniz offshore field was signed on June 4, 1996.

The fields reserve is estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic meters of gas.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.1



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has received an honorary award from the Central Macedonia Fire Brigade.



On Nov.22, TAP received the award for its contribution, via the donation of specialized equipment worth 59,000 euros, to the maintenance and full operational restoration of the fire-fighting fleet of the Central Macedonia Fire Brigade, said the message on TAPs website.



The Chief of the Central Macedonia Fire Brigade Konstantinos Poultidis commended TAP for its social solidarity and commitment to corporate social responsibility.



Macedonian Prefect Tzitzikostas pointed out that TAP will position Central Macedonia on the global energy map and create thousands of jobs.



Country Manager for Greece Rikard Scoufias, for his part, stressed that the health and safety of the 130 communities hosting the pipeline is TAPs number one and non-negotiable priority.



We eagerly responded to the Prefectures request, exactly because we want to stand by the local communities and societies that host the project, contributing to activities that advance their welfare, he added.



TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the EU.



TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries.



The 870-kilometer pipeline will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south.
(Details added, first version posted at 18:51)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Azerbaijans state oil company SOCARs termination of the deal with Greeces government on acquiring a 66-percent stake in the Greek national gas transmission system operator DESFA will not affect SOCAR's further investments in this country and region, SOCAR said in a message Dec. 1.

SOCAR, Snam [Italian natural gas infrastructure company] and Greeces government have been holding intensive talks for the last few months against the background of changes in legislation that affected DESFAs financial position and market value.

The talks were held in a friendly atmosphere and the Greek government has always favored the agreement, said the message.

However, the parties were unable to reach an understanding and consequently, the deal was terminated Nov. 30, according to the SOCAR message.

SOCAR won a tender in 2013 on the purchase of a 66-percent stake in DESFA for 400 million euros.

The Azerbaijani company intended to obtain a 31-percent stake from the Greek government and to buy a 35-percent stake in the Hellenic Petroleum.

It was expected that the deal will be closed only after the purchase of at least a 17-percent stake out of SOCARs 66-percent by Italys Snam.

SOCAR extended the term of a letter of guarantee on the tender to buy DESFAs stake for another month in September and October. A letter of guarantee expired on November 30.

In late November, Greeces Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) again requested from Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR to extend the term of a letter of guarantee on a tender on SOCARs acquiring a 66-percent stake in the Greek national gas transmission system operator DESFA until Dec. 23

The HRADF appealed to SOCAR with the aim of proper execution of the DESFA privatization contract.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

Commissioning of the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway (TASIM) will increase the welfare of its member countries, Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications of Turkey Ahmet Arslan said in an exclusive interview with Trend Nov. 29.

He said that the fiber optic infrastructure connects the participating countries of TASIM via information highways.

"Turkey is cooperating with Azerbaijan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Georgia and other countries in this area, and TASIM consortium has been set up to create continuous fiber optic highway from China to Europe with a length of over 15,000 kilometers," the minister said.

"Turkey has sufficient experience in this field and it is ready to make its contribution," Arslan said.

"The construction of the information super highway will contribute to the development of economy and trade of the countries participating in the project," the minister said.

The construction of the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway (TASIM) envisages the creation of a major transit link from Frankfurt to Hong Kong, which will bring together the largest information exchange centers of Europe and Asia.

TASIM project has been supported by the UN and as a whole it is of particular importance for the development of the region.

Russia (Rostelecom), Kazakhstan (KazTransCom), Turkey (TurkTelecom) and China (China Telecom) are also involved in TASIM project.

Azerbaijan is represented in the project by AzInTelecom Ltd of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Communications and High Technologies.

TASIM project is intended to bring together a total of 20 countries. Its implementation will eliminate the "information gap" among the countries of Western Europe and the Pacific Basin.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev held a phone conversation with US president-elect Donald Trump, the Kazakh presidential press-service said.

Nazarbayev congratulated Trump on his victory in the presidential election and wished him success.

In turn, the next US president congratulated Nazarbayev on the 25th anniversary of Kazakhstans Independence. He noted that Kazakhstan achieved fantastic success over the years of Independence under the leadership of Nazarbayev.

The parties exchanged views on the issues of strengthening stability and security in the world and in Central Asia in particular.

The sides expressed readiness to raise friendly Kazakhstan-US relations to a new level, including cooperation in trade and economic spheres. Trump expressed interest for organizing a meeting between the two leaders in the near future.

Trump also informed Kazakh president that he had held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed its optimism about the prospects of development of cooperation between Washington and Moscow.

Follow the author on Twitter:@E_Kosolapova
Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev said that he will leave his position in a year and the power will change in the country, RIA Novosti reported.

Atambayev was elected the president of Kyrgyzstan in 2011, and the term of his powers on this position expires in late 2017.

There are many people who are willing to take on the presidency, and their number will only increase, he said. Im glad that we wont have a successor, and this means we were able to build a democratic country I think the presidential election should be held in October 2017 if the legislation allows.

Atambayev noted that it will be great if two powerful parties are formed in Kyrgyzstan by 2020, and if these two parties are able to succeed each other in the countrys parliament.

The Kyrgyz president added that this move will prevent marginal politicians from coming to power.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

Trend:

Russia will remain as Kyrgyzstans strategic partner, but in military terms the republic must rely on its own power, said Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev during a press conference on the results of 2016, RIA Novosti reported Dec. 1.

I think that we did absolutely right thing with regard to the Hansi base (the US air base at the international airport of Kyrgyzstans capital was withdrawn under the decision of President Atambayev), noted Kyrgyz President. Five years have passed and time has shown that this was the right decision.

Kyrgyzstan must rely only on its own power in the future, he said, adding that it also concerns the Russian base.

Atambayev also noted that after the expiry of the agreement on the Russian base, it will have to leave the territory of Kyrgyzstan.

He added that the Russian leadership responded with understanding in this regard.

Joint Russian military base is based in Kazakhstans territory. Under the bilateral Kyrgyz-Russian agreements, there are four military facilities of Russia in Kyrgyzstan. In 2009, the term of the agreement was extended for 49 years with the possibility of its automatic extension for 25-year periods.
A 2016 study in the journal PLOS has found that a black carbon-based substance found abord the opulent, 7th-century ship burial found at Sutton Hoo in England was actually bitumen, an asphalt-like petroleum material found in the Middle East.

An Anglo-Saxon ship buried on the banks of an English river in honor of a seventh-century king carried a rare, tar-like substance from the Middle East on board.

The ship burial and other burial mounds, located at a site called Sutton Hoo, were found nearly 80 years ago along the River Deben in modern-day England. The ship was carrying a type of bitumen, a naturally occurring petroleum-based asphalt, that is found only in the Middle East. [Shipwrecks Gallery: Secrets of the Deep]

"The discovery provides further evidence of prestigious goods travelling over long distances in the early Medieval world before being brought together in this burial," study author Rebecca Stacey, a scientist at the British Museum, wrote in an email to Live Science.

This Middle Eastern petroleum product, however, wasn't Sutton Hoo's only evidence of contact with regions far and wide: An Egyptian bowl, a Middle Eastern textile and silverware from the Eastern Mediterranean were also found on the ship.

However, it's unlikely the Sutton Hoo ship ever raised its sails in the Red Sea. Instead, these precious objects may have changed hands many times before reaching the shores of East Anglia.

"This intercontinental network was mostly likely one of exchange, with items traded or passed as diplomatic gifts between high-status leaders or rulers, maybe passing between several sets of hands before arriving in the East Anglian Kingdom," Stacey said.

Surprising find

Sutton Hoo, which was first unearthed in 1939, was one of the most magnificent burial settings ever uncovered in Britain. The 90-foot long (27.3-meters) ship was part of a huge complex of 18 separate burial mounds near modern-day Suffolk, and the ship itself was laden with opulent treasures, including gold and garnet jewelry, silverware, coins and armor. Many scholars believe the ship was buried to honor King Raedwald of East Anglia, who died in A.D. 624 or 625, according to the study researchers. If the king's body was buried on the ship, archaeologists think it must've been completely eaten away by the acidic soil over the centuries, the researchers wrote in the study.

Throughout the ship, archaeologists found bits of black carbonaceous material, long thought to be Stockholm Tar, a substance used to waterproof ships. The boat itself showed evidence of wear and tear and had likely navigated narrow rivers and shallow coastlines. For the burial, people likely dragged the Sutton Hoo hundreds of feet inland from the Deben, the researchers reported today (Nov. 30) in the journal PLOS ONE.

Stacey and colleagues stumbled upon the new find while researching tars in many different ancient European shipwrecks. They referred back to the original chemical analysis of the tar from the 1960s, and they realized analytic techniques had improved dramatically since then.

So the team members did their own investigation using an array of newer tools and techniques, including separating the material into layers, using reflecting light waves to identify its chemical makeup, and measuring the fraction of carbon isotopes, or versions of carbon with different numbers of neutrons, in the material.

The team was in for a surprise: The tar-like substance on the Anglo-Saxon ship was actually bitumen with origins in the Middle East. Though it's not clear exactly what it was used for, the bitumen may have originally been attached to some other object, such as leather or wood, that has since worn away, the authors wrote in the paper.

"There are intriguing faint concentric lines on the surface of some of the bitumen pieces that might indicate where something turned was adhered, or possibly that the bitumen itself was turned to shape it into an object," Stacey said.

However, bitumen was also prized as a medicinal tonic, so even lumps of rough bitumen may have been seen as valuable, Stacey added.

Though Vikings are perhaps the most famous people to have buried their high-status society members in ships, ship burials were common throughout Northern Europe for many centuries. Memorials also indirectly honored the seafaring culture. For instance, as far back as 3,000 years ago, people in the Baltics built stone ships to honor their ocean-voyaging lifestyle.

Original article on LiveScience.
Men who use prescription testosterone may face an increased risk of blood clots in the first six months of using the hormone, a new study from the United Kingdom finds.

The researchers analyzed information from more than 19,000 men in the U.K. who were diagnosed with a blood clot between 2001 and 2013. For comparison, the study also included more than 900,000 men in the U.K. who had not been diagnosed with a blood clot during that time period.

The results showed that the men using testosterone had a 63 percent higher risk of blood clots in the first six months of therapy than the men who had never used testosterone. But after six months, this increase in risk disappeared, the researchers found.

Although some previous studies have suggested that testosterone treatments increase the risk of "venous thromboembolism," or blood clots, other studies have failed to find a link. The reason for the discrepancy could be that the previous studies didn't look at the timing and duration of testosterone therapy, the new study's researchers said. [5 Myths About the Male Body]

"Our study suggests a transient increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism that peaks during the first three to six months and declines gradually thereafter," the researchers wrote in the Nov. 30 issue of the journal The BMJ. "Overlooking the timing and duration of testosterone use in previous studies could have masked the association" between testosterone use and blood clots, they said.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in testosterone prescriptions, including a 10-fold increase in the United States and a 40-fold increase in Canada from 2000 to 2011, the researchers said. This rise is likely due to an increase in testosterone prescriptions to treat sexual dysfunction or low energy, they said. Such treatments for "low T" are controversial.

In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and its Canadian equivalent, Health Canada, started requiring testosterone products to carry warnings about the risk of blood clots. The new findings provide support for these warnings, but also show that the increased risk of blood clots is temporary, the researchers said. Earlier this year, the FDA announced that prescription testosterone will also carry a warning about the risk of seriousside effects linked with the abuse of testosterone, such as heart attacks, strokes and depression.

The researchers noted that the absolute risk of a blood clot in the men in the study who were using testosterone was still relatively small: There were about 10 extra cases of blood clots per 10,000 men per year linked to testosterone. In the general male U.K. population, there are normally about 16 cases per 10,000 people per year.

In addition, the study found only an association, not a cause-and-effect relationship, between testosterone use and an increased risk of blood clots; it does not prove that the testosterone causes blood clots. Future research is needed to confirm the findings, the researchers said.

Original article on Live Science.
Did you wash your hands? Did you use soap?

Children everywhere are grossly familiar with those questions, but it's for a good reason: Washing with soap is essential for preventing the spread of germs that make us sick.

Germs, or microbes, are everywhere. Literally, everywhere. In the air, soil, water and on every surface, including your body. Most microbes are harmless and some are important for human health, like the ones that live in our gut. But there are several germs that cause problems, and these are the ones we prefer not to have on or in our bodies. Our first line of defense against those harmful germs is soap.

What is soap?

Soap is a mixture of fat or oil, water, and an alkali, or basic salt.

The ancient Babylonians are credited with being the first people to make soap. Their recipe for animal fats, wood ash and water has been found carved into clay containers dating back to 2800 B.C., according to soaphistory.net. They likely used the concoction for washing wool and cotton so the materials could be woven into cloth and not so much for cleaning their bodies.

The ancient Egyptians developed a similar recipe for soap, which they used for treating sores, skin diseases and personal washing. The Romans also made soap, but it wasn't until the later centuries of the Roman era that soap was used for personal hygiene; prior to that, soap was a physician's tool for treating diseases.

The basic recipe for soap hasn't changed for thousands of years. It's still a combination of fat or oils with an alkali  basic ionic salt  and water. When those ingredients combine in the proper proportions, they go through a chemical process called saponification, which results in soap. Today, there are two techniques that people use to make soap: the cold process and the hot process.

In the cold process, a room-temperature lye solution (sodium hydroxide in water) is mixed with animal or vegetable oil. As the ingredients react with one another, the mixture thickens and heats up. Before it gets too thick, the mixture is poured into a mold where it solidifies, and the saponification process is complete. The last step is to let the soap sit, or cure for a few weeks, which allows excess water in the mixture to evaporate. This makes a harder soap, according to the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild.

The hot process is the more traditional and ancient way to make soap and requires an outside source of heat. The ingredients are heated as they're mixed, which increases the speed of the saponification process. The soap is in a liquid form when it's poured into molds and it's ready for use as soon as it's solidified. Hot-process soap can be cured in a way that's similar to the cold-process soap, but it's not usually needed, according to the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild.

How soap works

Soap doesn't kill germs on our hands, it removes them.

Germs stick to the oils and grease on our hands (sounds yucky, but it's totally normal). Water alone won't remove much of the germs on our hands because water and oil don't like each other, so they won't mix. But soap likes both water and oil. That's because soap molecules are a type of surfactant, which means they have one end that's water loving, or hydrophilic, and one end that's oil loving, or hydrophobic.

When you wash your hands with soap, the soap molecules act as a mediator between the water and oil molecules, and bind with both of them at the same time. Then when you rinse everything off, the soap carries away the germs with the water.

For the most effective hand washing, you must use soap and you must be thorough. Work up a lather because the friction helps lift dirt and oils from your skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How long you should scrub depends on how dirty your hands are, but most health authorities recommend at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. And don't forget to scrape underneath your fingernails. That area is prime real estate for germs.

Once you've washed, be sure to air-dry or towel-dry. There's no agreed-upon best practice for drying, but wet hands are more likely to spread germs than dry ones, the CDC says.

Is antibacterial soap even better? Nope.

Antibacterial soaps have added ingredients like triclosan or triclocarban, which are hydrophobic molecules that can penetrate bacterial cell membranes and kill the bacteria. Sounds impressive, but studies have shown that antibacterial soaps are no more effective than regular soaps at removing bacteria.

In 2016, the FDA issued a rule that antibacterial soaps were no longer allowed to be marketed to the public.

"Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water," Dr. Janet Woodcock, the director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), said in a statement. "In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long term."

What about hand sanitizer?

The CDC recommends cleaning hands with soap and water, but if that's not an option, then hand sanitizer is a good backup. Studies have found that hand sanitizers with alcohol concentrations of 60-95% are more effective at killing germs than nonalcohol or low-alcohol sanitizers.

Related: Hand sanitizer sold out? Here's how to make your own.

The alcohol kills some bacteria and viruses by breaking down their protective membranes, which basically makes them fall apart. But it doesn't work for all germs, such as norovirus, Clostridium difficile, which can cause life-threatening diarrhea, or Cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes a diarrheal disease called cryptosporidiosis, the CDC says. Hand sanitizers also likely don't remove harmful chemicals like pesticides or heavy metals, nor does hand sanitizer work well on super dirty or greasy hands.

Hand washing with soap is, by far, the most effective way to keep harmful germs at bay.

Additional resources:
This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

For centuries, humans have dreamed of harnessing the power of the sun to energize our lives here on Earth. But we want to go beyond collecting solar energy, and one day generate our own from a mini-sun. If we're able to solve an extremely complex set of scientific and engineering problems, fusion energy promises a green, safe, unlimited source of energy. From just one kilogram of deuterium extracted from water per day could come enough electricity to power hundreds of thousands of homes.

Since the 1950s, scientific and engineering research has generated enormous progress toward forcing hydrogen atoms to fuse together in a self-sustaining reaction  as well as a small but demonstrable amount of fusion energy. Skeptics and proponents alike note the two most important remaining challenges: maintaining the reactions over long periods of time and devising a material structure to harness the fusion power for electricity.

As fusion researchers at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, we know that realistically, the first commercial fusion power plant is still at least 25 years away. But the potential for its outsize benefits to arrive in the second half of this century means we must keep working. Major demonstrations of fusions feasibility can be accomplished earlier  and must, so that fusion power can be incorporated into planning for our energy future.

Unlike other forms of electrical generation, such as solar, natural gas and nuclear fission, fusion cannot be developed in miniature and then be simply scaled up. The experimental steps are large and take time to build. But the problem of abundant, clean energy will be a major calling for humankind for the next century and beyond. It would be foolhardy not to exploit fully this most promising of energy sources.

Why fusion power?

In fusion, two nuclei of the hydrogen atom (deuterium and tritium isotopes) fuse together. This is relatively difficult to do: Both nuclei are positively charged, and therefore repel each other. Only if they are moving extremely fast when they collide will they smash together, fuse and thereby release the energy we're after.

This happens naturally in the sun. Here on Earth, we use powerful magnets to contain an extremely hot gas of electrically charged deuterium and tritium nuclei and electrons. This hot, charged gas is called a plasma.

The plasma is so hot  more than 100 million degrees Celsius  that the positively charged nuclei move fast enough to overcome their electrical repulsion and fuse. When the nuclei fuse, they form two energetic particles  an alpha particle (the nucleus of the helium atom) and a neutron.

Heating the plasma to such a high temperature takes a large amount of energy  which must be put into the reactor before fusion can begin. But once it gets going, fusion has the potential to generate enough energy to maintain its own heat, allowing us to draw off excess heat to turn into usable electricity.

Fuel for fusion power is abundant in nature. Deuterium is plentiful in water, and the reactor itself can make tritium from lithium. And it is available to all nations, mostly independent of local natural resources.

Fusion power is clean. It emits no greenhouse gases, and produces only helium and a neutron.

It is safe. There is no possibility for a runaway reaction, like a nuclear-fission "meltdown." Rather, if there is any malfunction, the plasma cools, and the fusion reactions cease.

All these attributes have motivated research for decades, and have become even more attractive over time. But the positives are matched by the significant scientific challenge of fusion.

The progress in fusion can be measured in two ways. The first is the tremendous advance in basic understanding of high-temperature plasmas. Scientists had to develop a new field of physics  plasma physics  to conceive of methods to confine the plasma in strong magnetic fields, and then evolve the abilities to heat, stabilize, control turbulence in and measure the properties of the superhot plasma.

Related technology has also progressed enormously. We have pushed the frontiers in magnets, and electromagnetic wave sources and particle beams to contain and heat the plasma. We have also developed techniques so that materials can withstand the intense heat of the plasma in current experiments.

It is easy to convey the practical metrics that track fusion's march to commercialization. Chief among them is the fusion power that has been generated in the laboratory: Fusion power generation escalated from milliwatts for microseconds in the 1970s to 10 megawatts of fusion power (at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory) and 16 megawatts for one second (at the Joint European Torus in England) in the 1990s.

A new chapter in research

Now the international scientific community is working in unity to construct a massive fusion research facility in France. Called ITER (Latin for "the way"), this plant will generate about 500 megawatts of thermal fusion power for about eight minutes at a time. If this power were converted to electricity, it could power about 150,000 homes. As an experiment, it will allow us to test key science and engineering issues in preparation for fusion power plants that will function continuously.

ITER employs the design known as the "tokamak," originally a Russian acronym. It involves a doughnut-shaped plasma, confined in a very strong magnetic field, which is partly created by electrical current that flows in the plasma itself.

Though it is designed as a research project, and not intended to be a net producer of electric energy, ITER will produce 10 times more fusion energy than the 50 megawatts needed to heat the plasma. This is a huge scientific step, creating the first "burning plasma," in which most of the energy used to heat the plasma comes from the fusion reaction itself.

ITER is supported by governments representing half the worlds population: China, the European Union, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the U.S. It is a strong international statement about the need for, and promise of, fusion energy.

The road forward

From here, the remaining path toward fusion power has two components. First, we must continue research on the tokamak. This means advancing physics and engineering so that we can sustain the plasma in a steady state for months at a time. We will need to develop materials that can withstand an amount of heat equal to one-fifth the heat flux on the surface of the sun for long periods. And we must develop materials that will blanket the reactor core to absorb the neutrons and breed tritium.

The second component on the path to fusion is to develop ideas that enhance fusion's attractiveness. Four such ideas are:

1) Using computers, optimize fusion reactor designs within the constraints of physics and engineering. Beyond what humans can calculate, these optimized designs produce twisted doughnut shapes that are highly stable and can operate automatically for months on end. They are called "stellarators" in the fusion business.

2) Developing new high-temperature superconducting magnets that can be stronger and smaller than todays best. That will allow us to build smaller, and likely cheaper, fusion reactors.

3) Using liquid metal, rather than a solid, as the material surrounding the plasma. Liquid metals do not break, offering a possible solution to the immense challenge how a surrounding material might behave when it contacts the plasma.

4) Building systems that contain doughnut-shaped plasmas with no hole in the center, forming a plasma shaped almost like a sphere. Some of these approaches could also function with a weaker magnetic field. These "compact tori" and "low-field" approaches also offer the possibility of reduced size and cost.

Government-sponsored research programs around the world are at work on the elements of both components  and will result in findings that benefit all approaches to fusion energy (as well as our understanding of plasmas in the cosmos and industry). In the past 10 to 15 years, privately funded companies have also joined the effort, particularly in search of compact tori and low-field breakthroughs. Progress is coming and it will bring abundant, clean, safe energy with it.

Stewart Prager, Professor of Astrophysical Science, former director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University and Michael C. Zarnstorff, Deputy Director for Research, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Yellow-faced bees, like this one (<em>Hylaeus hyalinatus</em>), are endangered. Invasive ants are partly to blame for the dwindling numbers.

In late September 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) added seven of Hawaii's yellow-faced bee species to the Endangered Species List  the first time any bee has been declared endangered. What do we know about their sex lives and could this information be the key to saving these rare bees?

In Hawaii, there are more than 60 species of yellow-faced bee (genus Hylaeus), a solitary type of bee that lives in a wide range of habitats, from coastal areas to high-elevation forests. These bees are the primary pollinators of a common Hawaii shrub called naupaka, which blooms half-flowers and is the focus of a Hawaiian story about star-crossed lovers who are fated to be forever separated.

Though scientists have long been aware of the bees and their importance, "there's virtually nothing known about the mating behaviors of yellow-faced bees," said Sheldon Plentovich, the Pacific Islands Coastal Program Coordinator for USFWS.

That is to say, there have been no rigorous scientific studies on the bees' reproductive behaviors, so everything scientists currently understand about this topic is based on anecdotal observations.

Ambiguous mating game

Yellow-faced bees are active throughout the year, though they do seem to have peaks and lulls between seasons. "There are a couple months in the winter where their activity declines," said Jason Graham, a University of Hawaii entomologist whose research focuses on the species H. anthracinus. "You can still find adults, but not nearly as many."

Unlike with honeybees, which form large colonies ruled by a single reproductive queen, all yellow-faced bee adults are reproductively active. Additionally, while honeybees mate in air, yellow-faced bees mate on a substrate (the surface of something), such a plant leaf or flower.

The mating game begins with a female bee sitting on a plant, generally naupaka or heliotrope, where she may be foraging for nectar or pollen. Up to 10 male bees  which have eponymous yellow markings on their faces, as opposed to the pure black faces of females  will begin hovering in a kind of cloud and flying in erratic, circular motions 6 inches to a foot above the female.

A male from the hovering group will then touch down on the female for less than a second before flying back up to the group; other males will follow suit. It's unclear the purpose of this behavior, but the males may be trying to see if the female is receptive to mating, Graham said, adding that the female "doesn't really pay them any mind."

Eventually, one male will land on the female's back and stay for a while, tapping his antennae against her attennae and the side of her head. Again, it's unclear what function this behavior serves.

After about a minute, and if the female doesn't fly away, the male will reposition himself, moving back a little to curl his abdomen under the female's, allowing him to insert his aedeagus (reproductive organ) into her vagina for insemination. Graham has seen copulations last anywhere between 5 seconds and 6 minutes, while Plentovich has observed the act lasting for up to 20 minutes.

In some cases, a second male may land on the copulating pair before being shaken off. "It's almost like a frenzy in some situations," Plentovich said. Males in the 'cloud' may also try to mount each other in air  Graham suspects this mounting is a form of male-male competition  or "bash" against each other while on a plant, according to Plentovich.

Artificial nests

After mating, the male will fly away, while the female will go about her business.

Females prefer to build their nests in holes in coral rocks washed ashore or in the hollow stems of naupaka or other coastal plants. The nest cells are made of packed pollen and a kind of waterproof cellophane material the female produces  each nest cell contains just a single egg.

"That is one of the reasons why solitary bees tend to be more threatened than social bees, which lay tons of eggs," Graham said.

To help protect yellow-faced bee nests from invasive ants, which are playing a major role in the bees' dwindling numbers, Graham developed artificial nests. Each nest is a wooden box with pre-drilled holes, which is hung from a branch via a cord that's covered in a sticky material to prevent ants from getting to the eggs.

The bees are successfully using the artificial nests in their natural habitat and the researchers hope to someday use them to reestablish yellow-faced bee populations in areas they once lived.

Original article on Live Science.
Should you buy organic? Or avoid foods made with genetically modified ingredients? Americans are divided in their thinking on whether such choices are beneficial for their health, a new survey finds.

Just over half of all Americans, or 55 percent, consider organic produce to be healthier than conventionally grown produce, and 39 percent of Americans think that foods with GM ingredients are less healthy than those without such ingredients, according to the survey.

On the other hand, 41 percent of Americans think that organic produce is neither better nor worse for one's health than conventionally grown produce, and 48 percent of Americans think the same about GM foods, according to the nationally representative survey, published today (Dec. 1) by the Pew Research Center. [10 New Ways to Eat Well]

"The data suggest that people's divisions are linked to their interest in food issues and how they think food consumption ties to their well-being," Cary Funk, the associate director of research at Pew Research Center and the lead author of the report on the survey, said in a statement.

Based on the survey respondents' answers to other questions, the researchers also concluded that people's views on food "are not driven by their political attitudes, their level of education, their household income or where they live," Funk said.

For example, roughly equal shares of Republicans and Democrats think that GM foods are worse for a person's health than foods that don't have GM ingredients, according to the survey. And 50 percent of Republicans and 60 percent of Democrats think that organic foods have health benefits beyond those of conventionally grown foods.

Age, however, did appear to play a role in people's views: Adults under 50 were more likely than older adults to say that organic produce is healthier than conventionally grown produce, the researchers found. And 48 percent of adults ages 18 to 29 thought that GM foods are worse for health than non-GM foods, compared with 29 percent of adults over 65 who think this, according to the survey.

Is there anything Americans agree on?

Americans aren't completely divided, the researchers found. Indeed, 72 percent of Americans said that healthy eating habits are very important for a long and healthy life, and 71 percent said that getting enough exercise is very important for a long and healthy life, according to the survey.

But the majority of Americans feel like they aren't meeting their healthy-eating goals: 58 percent said that on most days, they feel like they should eat healthier, the researchers found. [6 Easy Ways to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables]

In addition, depending on a person's level of science knowledge, it may be difficult to know how to eat healthy, the researchers found. For example, among those with low science knowledge, half said "the core ideas of eating healthy are pretty well understood," while 47 percent said that conflicting information from news reports made it difficult to know how to eat healthy.

Among those with high science knowledge, however, 92 percent said that the core ideas of healthy eating were well understood, the researchers found.

Can food scientists help?

The researchers also looked into how Americans view food scientists.

They found "that Americans have limited trust in scientists connected with GM food," Funk said. Only 19 percent of Americans think that scientists understand the health effects of GM foods "very well," the survey found. Another 44 percent said they think that scientists understand these health effects "fairly well," and 35 percent think that scientists either do not understand these effects at all or "not too well."

However, although only 35 percent of Americans said that they trust scientists to give the public complete and accurate information about the health effects of GM foods, 60 percent say they think scientists should play a major role in food-policy issues, the survey found.

The findings were based on surveys completed by 1,480 adults in all 50 states and the District of Columbia between May 10 and June 6, 2016. Surveys were either mailed or emailed to the participants.

Originally published on Live Science.
Four new chemical elements now have official names and symbols, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) announced this week.

After a five-month review, IUPAC chemists have approved the four names for superheavy elements 113, 115, 117 and 118 proposed by the elements' discoverers. Such superheavy elements, whose atomic numbers indicate how many protons reside in each nucleus, don't occur naturally in nature, so they must be created in labs.

Following tradition, the names needed to honor a place, geographic region or scientist, with the name endings following specific protocols related to each element's placement on the periodic table of elements.

Here are the new names:

Element 113: nihonium (Nh)

Element 115: moscovium (Mc)

Element 117: tennessine (Ts)

Element 118: oganesson (Og)

The IUPAC announced in January that the four elements would land on the periodic table, though the elements remained nameless. Then, in June, the IUPAC announced the new names, which had yet to be finalized. [Elementary, My Dear: 8 Elements You've Never Heard Of]

The five-month window was meant to give the public a chance to make suggestions or raise concerns about the element names, considering these names will be used around the world, in many languages, Cleveland Evans, a professor of psychology who studies names and naming at Bellevue University in Nebraska and chairs the Name of the Year committee for the American Name Society, told Live Science in June.

The proposed names seem to have sailed through unscathed, though that doesn't mean interest was lacking.

"Overall, it was a real pleasure to realize that so many people are interested in the naming of the new elements, including high-school students, making essays about possible names and telling how proud they were to have been able to participate in the discussions," Jan Reedijk, president of the IUPAC's Inorganic Chemistry Division, said in a statement. "It is a long process from initial discovery to the final naming, and IUPAC is thankful for the cooperation of everyone involved. For now, we can all cherish our periodic table completed down to the seventh row."

Scientists with Japan's RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science proposed the element name nihonium, which is one way to say "Japan" in Japanese and means "the land of the rising sun," according to the IUPAC. Kosuke Morita and his colleagues created the elusive element on Aug. 12, 2012, after colliding zinc nuclei together in a thin layer of bismuth.

Like other superheavy elements, after 113 was created, it quickly decayed, ultimately turning element 113 into 111, and then 109, 107, 105, 103 and finally into element 101, according to Morita.

Names for elements 115 and 117 were proposed by their discoverers at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia; the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee; Vanderbilt University in Tennessee; and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. Both element names, moscovium and tennessine, honor regions where experiments linked to creating the elements took place.

The name oganesson, for element 118, honors Yuri Oganessian "for his pioneering contributions to transactinide elements research," IUPAC officials said, referring to elements with atomic numbers 104 through 120. "His many achievements include the discovery of super-heavy elements and significant advances in the nuclear physics of super-heavy nuclei, including experimental evidence for the 'island of stability,'" an idea suggesting that super-heavy elements can become stable at some point in their existence.

Though there is no certain limit for the number of protons that can be stuffed into an atomic nucleus, the higher the number, the more unstable the element, chemists say. Now that the seventh row (called a period) of the periodic table has been completed with element 118, according to the IUPAC, chemists will continue to search for heavier elements beyond that.

Original article on Live Science.
University of Cincinnati geologist Andrew Czaja points to a section of black chert in Northern Cape province, South Africa, where microscopic fossils that may be the oldest known sulfur oxidizers were found. The bacteria lived 2.52 billion years ago.

Fossils of what may be the oldest sulfur-eating bacteria ever found have been discovered in rocks dating back a staggering 2.52 billion years.

The fossils don't represent the oldest life on Earth by any stretch  there are fossils of microbes that are at least a billion years older  but they are the oldest of their type. They also illuminate a mysterious phase of geologic history, when there was hardly any oxygen in the air and photosynthesis  the process that would eventually oxygenate the atmosphere  had just evolved, said study leader Andrew Czaja, a geologist at the University of Cincinnati.

Rather than using oxygen to survive, these bacteria would have turned hydrogen sulfide into sulfate (the oxidized form of sulfur), using the energy from that chemical reaction to grow, Czaja said.

"There's still a lot we don't know about the early history of Earth," simply because few fossil-containing rocks still survive from that time, Czaja told Live Science. And yet the era between 3.5 billion and 2.5 billion years ago was crucial for life on the planet.

"Everything was evolving; all these different bacterial metabolisms were evolving," Czaja said. [7 Wild Theories on the Origin of Life]

Deep dive

But until now, most of what researchers knew about this eon, called the Archean, has been based on a handful of fossils from shallow-water environments. Czaja and his colleagues wanted to know what might have been lurking in much deeper parts of the sea. They hunted for fossils in two areas of South Africa's Northern Cape province, looking for signs of ancient life in the Gamohaan Formation. A section of rock called black chert in this formation formed from sediment in the deep ocean, Czaja said, probably at least 300 feet (100 meters) down.

"It's only one of a couple places you can go" to find rocks so old, Czaja said.

The researchers collected samples and brought them to the lab, where they sliced them into thin, stained-glass-like sections that could be examined under a light microscope. Immediately upon looking at the section, Czaja noticed elliptical structures, wrinkled like partially deflated beach balls, embedded in the chert.

"As soon as I saw them in the rock, I thought, 'That looks biological,'" he said.

A geochemical analysis revealed that the structures were made of organic carbon, a hallmark of fossilized life. But the cells were about 100 to 200 microns in diameter, too big to be cyanobacteria, the type of ocean-dwelling bacteria that use photosynthesis to survive. (A micron is one-millionth of a meter; a human hair has a diameter of about 50 microns.) Czaja considered that the cells might be eukaryotic plankton, or plankton with cell walls, but the bacteria lacked the molecular structures seen on the surface of these organisms. What they resembled most was sulfur-oxidizing bacteria that live in deep ocean sediments today, Czaja found.

A pre-oxygen ecosystem

Other ancient sulfur eaters have been found, Czaja said, but they were a few hundred million years younger and shaped like stringy filaments. This is the first evidence of spherically shaped sulfur oxidizers, he said.

If the identification is right, the smooshed little spheres might fill in an ecological gap, Czaja said. The chemistry of rocks from this time period have suggested that for at least 3.5 billion years of history, organisms that reduce sulfate into hydrogen sulfide have existed on Earth. These bacteria turn sulfate into hydrogen sulfide in order to capture and harness the energy from the reaction.

But there was very little oxygen in the atmosphere to create oxidized sulfur before about 2.3 billion years ago, when photosynthetic organisms permanently altered the atmosphere with their oxygen emissions. The newly discovered sulfur oxidizers could be a source of the oxidized sulfur that sulfate reducers of the era needed for fuel, Czaja said.

"These organisms that I discovered could potentially help close that loop by being the organisms that take reduced sulfur and convert it to oxidized sulfur," he said.

In modern-day deep ocean sediments, bacteria do just that, he added: Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria often live right on top of sulfur-reducing bacteria in the sediments, and the two recycle each other's waste products.

Czaja and his colleagues plan to further analyze the chemistry of the fossils to find out more about their metabolism.

"I want to get back to South Africa and try to search for more," Czaja said.

The researchers reported their findings in the December issue of the journal Geology.

Original article on Live Science.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Recent statement of Kyrgyzstans President Almazbek Atambayev that in future Russias military base in the Kyrgyz city of Kant must be removed doesnt imply a change in the countrys political course and doesnt mean that the base will actually be closed, said Andrei Grozin, head of the Central Asia and Kazakhstan Department at the Institute of CIS Countries.

I would not attach great importance to this statement. It would be pointless to look for a cunning plan of Kremlin in this and for an attempt to reorient the foreign policy, Grozin told Trend by phone Dec. 1.

During an end-of-year press conference Dec. 1, President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev said that after expiration of the contract on the Russian base, the base will have to leave the territory of Kyrgyzstan.

The Kyrgyzstan-Russia agreement on the use of the base was extended for 49 years in 2009 with the possibility of automatic prolongation for 25-year periods.

Atambayevs statement came in the context of the fact that the US transit center was removed from Kyrgyzstan, while the Russian base is left, and Kyrgyzstan should be able to defend itself on its own, said Grozin.

The analyst noted that the Russian base in Kant is an air force component of the Collective Rapid Reaction Force of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which includes Kyrgyzstan.

This is why it is hard to imagine such a situation that Kyrgyzstan, being a member of the CSTO, will take some real steps to deprive the CSTO of one of the main instruments of response to possible regional conflicts, said Grozin.

If Bishkek wants to terminate the agreements on the Kant base, it will either need to withdraw from the CSTO, or to negotiate not only with Moscow, but also with other members of the organization, he added.

Grozin also stressed that the Kyrgyz army is greatly dependent on cooperation with Russia.

He recalled that the Russian Defense Ministry has been making great efforts to modernize the Kyrgyz army for several years through bilateral relations and partnership in the CSTO.

In particular, a lot of military equipment, weaponry is supplied to Kyrgyzstan free of charge, for example, the last batch of armored personnel carriers was supplied to Kyrgyzstan a few months ago, he said.

Kyrgyzstans army is weak and is capable of handling only local tasks within the country, the expert said. The Kyrgyz army lacks combat aviation and is supported by Russia through the Kant Air Base.

Russia is interested in keeping the Kant Air Base as the integrity of the structure ensuring military-technical and military-political stability in Central Asia, which has been formed during the last 10 years, will be incomplete without it, Grozin added.

There are other Russian military facilities in the region, the expert said, adding that however they will be insufficient for tackling hostilities in mountains if they occur.

Syrias experience shows that it is difficult to solve some serious issues in the mountainous and urban areas without strong air support, he said. It will be very difficult to solve any issues in the region, if required, without the Kant Air Base.

---

Follow the author on Twitter:@E_Kosolapova
Years of drought and over-irrigation have caused Utah's Great Salt Lake to shrink at an alarming rate, recent satellite photos show.

After the Great Lakes, Utah's Great Salt Lake is the largest body of water (by area) in the United States. Back in the middle of the 19th century, when pioneers first arrived in the area, the lake spread across roughly 1,600 square miles (4,100 square kilometers). Now, the lake covers an area of only about 1,050 square miles (2,700 square km), new satellite photos from NASA reveal. In October, the Great Salt Lake reached its lowest level in recorded history, with the waters surface elevation at only 4,191 feet (1,277 meters).

These dramatic declines in water levels come from years of human activity  namely, diverting river water, which would normally fill the lake, for agriculture and industry, according to NASA. The agency estimates that about 40 percent of the river's water is diverted from the lake. These activities, along with the ongoing drought in the West, have drained the historic lake. [Gallery: Rainbow of Life in Great Salt Lake]

The NASA images show changes in the Farmington Bay basin of Great Salt Lake, an area that is home to many diverse wildlife, including migratory birds. Decreasing water levels in the Bay not only affect the ecology of the area, but could divert the bird populations who migrate to the basin for food.

"Farmington Bay has been nearly desiccated as the result of the combined effects of drought and water withdrawals from the rivers feeding the lake," Wayne Wurtsbaugh, a watershed sciences researcher at Utah State University, said in a statement. "Farmington Bay is an immensely important feeding area for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. Even at the low level we have now, it is still important, but the greatly reduced size has diminished its value."

The NASA satellite images show changes in the Farmington Bay basin from 2011 to 2016. Scientists estimate that more than three-quarters of the lake bed is now exposed in the bay, significantly diminishing the food available for wildlife.

In February, Wurtsbaugh and his colleagues released a white paper on how water development has impacted the Great Salt Lake. Their study found that river flow into the basin has been reduced by 39 percent since the middle of the 19th century. Reversing this trend would involve more conservation efforts, especially for agricultural irrigation, which accounts for approximately 63 percent of water usage in Utah, Wurtsbaugh said.

Even with conservation efforts and more ecologically conscious development, the lake could continue to diminish due to climate change, the researchers said.

"A wild card for the fate of the lake is what global climate change may do to the basin, Wurtsbaugh said. "Warmer air temperatures are projected to lower runoff, but our data shown in the white paper suggests there haven't been climate change effects on the runoff yet."

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story stated the lakes lowest level was 4,191 feet deep. The story has been updated to reflect the correct measurement was 4,191 feet of elevation above sea level.

Original article on Live Science.
Some dinosaurs may not have been restricted to life on the ground and instead could have launched into the air for quick flights, researchers have found.

As long as the creature's wing size, weight and muscles met certain criteria, it could likely fly. But these feathery creatures would be no match for today's birds, which can fly long distances.

"They probably could not sustain flight for long or go very far," said study lead researcher Michael Habib, an assistant professor of cell and neurobiology at the University of Southern California. [Images: Dinosaurs That Learned to Fly]

Feathery dimensions

Birds are the descendants of theropods  dinosaurs that walked on two legs and mostly ate meat, including Velociraptor and Tyrannosaurus rex. Many small theropods sported feathered arms, as did early birds that lived during the dinosaur age, Habib said. But despite the vast fossil record, it was unclear whether these creatures could fly, he said.

An Archaeopteryx fossil discovered in Germany (Image credit: Humboldt Museum fur Naturkunde Berlin)

To investigate, Habib and his colleagues examined 51 fossilized specimens from 37 bird-like dinosaurs and early bird genuses (also known as genera) that lived before the asteroid smashed into Earth 65.5 million years ago.

The analysis revealed that the bird-like dinosaurs Microraptor, Rahonavis (which is sometimes referred to as an early bird), and five avian genuses  Archaeopteryx, Sapeornis, Jeholornis, Eoconfuciusornis and Confuciusornis  would have been able to launch from the ground (without running) and initiate flight.

The researchers also looked at fossils representing different stages of life to see if molting and egg retention would have affected takeoff and flight.

"Of the [latter] two, molting shows the most significant effects," the researchers wrote in their abstract. "Reducing the wing area via molting would make takeoff in Microraptor difficult, though not impossible."

Flying metrics

Powerful leg muscles, big wings and a relatively small body size were instrumental for takeoff and flight in ancient birds and bird-like dinosaurs, but big flight muscles were not as critical, Habib said.

Body weight and wing size figure into a metric called "wing loading," or the ratio of body mass to wing area, the researchers found.

"In living, flying birds, for every 2.5 grams of body mass, you need at least 1 square centimeter of wing [0.6 ounces of mass per square inches of wing]," in order to both lift off the ground and remain airborne for any time, Habib told Live Science. High-speed flying birds must be lighter  probably closer to 2 grams per square centimeters (0.5 ounces per square inch of wing area), he said.

Moreover, leg muscles helped with takeoff, as did flight muscles, though to a lesser extent, Habib said.

"You don't need a lot of flight muscle [for liftoff and flight]," he said. "You need a lot of flight muscle to do the really acrobatic, really sophisticated stuff, like if you're going to take off from the ground and launch straight up." But a bird-like dinosaur or early bird didn't need extraordinarily powerful flight muscles to flap up to reach a tree branch, he said.

"So much more power comes from the hind limb to begin with," Habib said. "The flight muscle power really only comes into play at the end of that, in terms of how steeply you can take off or how far you can fly." [Photos: Birds Evolved from Dinosaurs, Museum Exhibit Shows]

No trees needed

In addition, the researchers found that it's unlikely that birds began flying by falling out of trees, he said.

"No flying animal alive today actually takes off that way," Habib said. "Not one."

He explained that neither animals nor planes launch by falling. "The reason is pretty simple: From a physics standpoint, that would be a really awful way to take off, because you're accelerating one gravity down [which is is 9.8 meters per second squared, or about 32 feet per second squared], and you want to be accelerating two, preferably three gravity up," Habib said.

However, it's impossible to say for certain whether trees were part of early flight, he said.

"What we can say is that you don't have to have trees involved," he said.

The study, which has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, was presented in October at the 2016 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology meeting in Salt Lake City.

Original article on Live Science.
Maersk Line has reached an agreement with the Oetker Group for the worlds largest container line to acquire Hamburg Sud, the worlds seventh largest container line and a leader in the North-South trades, subject to final agreement and regulatory approvals.

The deal reflects Maersk Lines new strategy, announced on 22 September, to grow market share organically and through acquisitions, rather than through the purchase of new vessels. It also reflects a recognition by the owners and management of Hamburg Sud that active participation in the consolidation process of the sector currently taking place would entail an even higher capital requirement that would make the balancing of risk within the Oetker Group business portfolio more cumbersome, Hamburg Suds owners said.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in key markets including China, Korea, Australia, Brazil, the United States and the EU. Maersk Line expects the regulatory process to last until the end of 2017. Until then, Hamburg Sud and Maersk Line will continue business as usual.

Hamburg Sud operates 130 container vessels with a container capacity of 625,000 TEU. It has 5,960 employees in more than 250 offices across the world, marketing its services through the Hamburg Sud, CCNI (based in Chile) and Alianca (based in Brazil) brands. In 2015, Hamburg Sud had a turnover of US$6.73 billion, of which US$6.26 billion stems from its container line activities.

With the acquisition, Maersk Line will have container capacity of around 3.8 million TEU compared with 3.1 million TEU currently, and an 18.6% global capacity share, up from 15.7% now. The combined fleet will consist of 741 container vessels with an average age of 8.7 years, compared with 9.2 years currently.

Commenting on the deal, Maersk Line and Maersk Group CEO Sren Skou said: Today is a new milestone in Maersk Lines history. Hamburg Sud is a very well-run and highly respected company with strong brands, dedicated employees and loyal customers. Hamburg Sud complements Maersk Line and together we can offer our customers the best of two worlds, first of all in the North-South trades.

In the combined network, he said Hamburg Sud and Maersk Lines customers will have access to the dedicated end-to-end services provided by Hamburg Sud in the North-South trades as well as the flexibility and reach provided in Maersk Lines global network. Furthermore, the combined network will enable Maersk Line to develop new products with more direct port calls and shorter transit times.

Our combined network will provide exciting opportunities to develop new products and exploit operational synergies, said Skou. Hamburg Sud and Maersk Line customers will benefit from more choice and better products.

He said the acquisition was in line with our growth strategy and will increase the volumes of both Maersk Line and APM Terminals. But Skou said Hamburg Sud and Alianca will continue as separate brands and continue to serve customers through their local offices.

Hamburg Sud and Alianca have competitive and attractive customer value propositions, which we want to preserve and protect, he explained. We wish to maintain the personal touch and engagement they offer their customers. In short, Hamburg Sud and Alianca customers will also be Hamburg Sud and Alianca customers in the future.

Maersk parent group A.P. Mller-Mrsk said the acquisition would have no impact on A.P. Mller-Mrsks outlook for 2016.

Maersk Line said it expected to communicate further details following the approval of the sales and purchase agreement expected early in the second quarter of 2017. Maersk Line expects to close the transaction end 2017.

Ottmar Gast, chairman of the executive board of the Hamburg Sud Group, commented: We are proud to join the global market leader Maersk Line. While gaining access to a superior network and systems, we will continue the Hamburg Sud brand and business model offering personalized solutions to our shippers and consignees.

By joining forces, both Maersk and Hamburg Sud will strengthen their product portfolio and cost position to the benefit of their customers.

August Oetker, chairman of the advisory board of Dr. August Oetker KG, the management holding company of the Oetker Group, commented: Giving up our engagement in shipping after an 80 year-long ownership in Hamburg Sud was not an easy decision for my family. We are very confident, though, to have chosen the best of all possible partners.

Maersk will preserve and grow Hamburg Sud and what the brand and the whole organization and a highly dedicated workforce stand for: reliable and high quality logistical services to our customers.

He confirmed that the Oetker Group would be divesting its entire shipping division, selling Hamburg Sud with all its activities, subsidiaries and principal assets.

In a statement today, the Oetker Group said: Following intensive talks with several interested parties, an agreement has been signed with Maersk Line, which is subject to proper due diligence and the negotiation of a Sale and Purchase Agreement as well as the notification to various regulatory authorities. It is to be assumed that the transaction will be closed in late 2017 at the earliest, once the necessary approvals have been obtained.

Global container liner shipping has been generating losses for years in the face of rising overcapacity. Nevertheless, Hamburg Sud has performed well compared with its competitors. It has grown clearly in excess of the market and has financed the expansion of its network as well as the ship and container fleet largely from its own cash flow.

The owners and management of Hamburg Sud must, however, recognize that active participation in the consolidation process of the sector currently taking place would entail an even higher capital requirement. This would, in addition, make the balancing of risk within the Oetker Group business portfolio more cumbersome.

The owners of the Oetker Group have, therefore, decided to put Hamburg Sud in the hands of new owners. The global market leader Maersk is, in their view, the ideal partner to preserve and further develop the shipping companys successful business model.

The shipping company, with revenues of around 6.1 billion (US$6.5 billion), contributed just under 50% to the total sales of the Oetker Group in 2015. That compares with annual revenue for Maersk Line of more than $20 billion.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec. 1

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Ashgabat will host the next session of the Energy Charter Conference in 2017, the Turkmen state news agency said in a message.

The Turkmen capital is becoming an international discussion platform, which addresses the most important issues of development of the global energy resources market, development and introduction of the latest technologies, and the ways of development of oil and gas industry, the message said.

Turkmenistan was declared to chair the Energy Charter Conference at its 27th session in Tokyo.

Secretary General of the Energy Charter Secretariat Urban Rusnak said that Turkmenistan, possessing one of the world's largest energy potential, is seeking to build a sustainable architecture of global energy security based on the principles of justice, respect for the balance of interests of both producer countries and transit countries, as well as consumers.

Turkmenistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of the volume of natural gas reserve.

The country's recoverable reserves are estimated at 17.5 trillion cubic meters of gas, or 9 percent of the total world reserve, according to BP.
A water main in the heart of Ballymahon town must be included in the Water Rehabilitation Programme 2017, a recent municipal district meeting heard.

The calls came following a notice of motion submitted by Cllr Paul Ross (FG) who said the matter had now reached a state of urgency.

He said the main was persistently bursting and leaving debris and dirt along the towns main thoroughfare in its wake.

This situation is to the constant ire of the people of Ballymahon, he added.

A residue of muck and dirt is being left behind all the time.

The meeting went on to hear that the main burst 11 times this year and that despite a local delegation meeting with Irish Water to discuss the matter last month, nothing had been done to ease the problem.

Irish Water says they cant do anything about it, but the reality is that it is a serious matter now and needs to be addressed immediately, fumed Cllr Ross.

That water main at Main Street in Ballymahon must be included in the Water Rehabilitation Programme for 2017 as a matter of urgency.

And with Center Parcs set to begin its development of Longford Forest at Newcastle Wood in Ballymahon in just a couple of months time, the local authority is under pressure to ensure that infrastructural works are up to standard in the south Longford town.

Center Parcs CEO, Martin Dalby has made no bones about the fact that the company is committed to Ballymahon, so local area representatives say that they too, are committed to ensuring that Ballymahon is ready for one of the biggest investments the country has seen in recent years.

The meeting also heard that the situation is having a negative impact on a number of businesses in the town including O'Hanlon's Pharmacy which sees a decrease in its customer base when the main bursts because patrons are not able to get into the store with the flooding and debris.

Meanwhile, local area representative in Ballymahon, Cllr Pat OToole (FF) told the meeting that he fully supported Cllr Ross notice of motion on the matter.

Basically the water pressure is too strong and when the main bursts, it leaves muck and dirt behind, he added.

The main street is left in a terrible state afterwards and something does need to be done as a matter of urgency, definitely.

Irish Water has agreed to meet with us on a monthly basis in relation to this so hopefully something can be achieved.

Irish Water has agreed to meet with us on a monthly basis in relation to this so hopefully something can be achieved.

I acknowledge that it is a major job and will probably have to go to tender if and when it is addressed.
Calls for safety improvement works along a road at Toome, Ballymahon garnered much attention during a meeting of Ballymahons Municipal District last week.

It was Cllr Pat OToole (FF) who initially raised the issue through his notice of motion when he said that people living in the vicinity of Toome Crossroads has requested that Longford County Council bring to the attention of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) - formerly the National Roads Authority (NRA) - the need to improve the sight-lines at this junction.

It needs particular attention on the approach routes from the Barry and Edgeworthstown directions, continued Cllr OToole who then pointed out that a concealed entrance sign was also necessary further along the road.

This sign would need to be erected close to the Kenny residence at Antley which is located on a dangerous bend along the Edgeworthstown Road approach.

With the imminent start of construction work at Center Parcs, the volume of traffic on this road is likely to increase considerably.

Center Parcs is expected to begin its development of Longford Forest at Newcastle Wood in Ballymahon in the Spring of 2017 - just a few short months away.

Addressing Cllr OTooles request, Area Engineer Alan Slattery acknowledged the difficulties at Toome.

You are taking your life into your own hands there all right, he added.

We spoke to the TII about considering a realignment there, but that request was declined.

The meeting went on to hear that Longford County Council had carried out some works in the area, but it was not enough.

To do anything on a larger scale would need the authorisation of the TII, explained Mr Slattery.

Councillors agreed to place the matter on the agenda for a meeting with the TII. A delegation is also expected to meet with the TII later this week.
Plans to develop a major visitor interpretative centre in Granard has moved a step closer this week thanks to a 200,000 cash injection.

The six figure sum was rolled out by Arts and Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys' department on Monday.

Members from Granard Motte Community Enterprise have spent the best part of two years trying to bring the project closer to fruition.

The group, who secured a 15 acre site together with two commercial units in early 2015, have embarked on a major fundraising effort locally to help finance the project.

Local politicians have been quick to voice their support.

Longford Westmeath TDs Peter Burke and Robert Troy both intimated the funding , made under the Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) initiative, will go a long way towards making those plans a distinct reality.

Local Cllr PJ Reilly echoed those thoughts, stating the announcement was very much in recognition of the diligence and hard work of local committee members.

Two other local projects-a walking route in Corlea and plans to develop a walking loop on the top of Corn Hill between Drumlish and Ballinalee - received 150,000 between them.

It will allow Longford County Council to progress ahead with its plans for the Mid Shannon Wilderness Park and to significantly increase tourism in the area, said Cllr Colm Murray in relation to the 100,000 Corlea funding boost.

His party colleague, Cllr Micheal Carrigy was just as enthused about the possibilities which could be in store at Corn Hill.

This is a project myself and Cllr Paraic Brady have been working on for some time, he told the Leader.

Cllr Carrigy said talks have already taken place with state forestry agency Coillte and RTN, a subsidiary of RTE who own a transmitter at its peak.

To get 50,000 is very welcome and it means we can now look forward over the next 12 months and deliver a project to what is one of the most scenic viewpoints anywhere in Ireland, he said.
Its that time of year again when the St Mels Visitation Conference of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) makes its annual appeal for funds.

This year, like most others, there have been serious demands on the services provided by the organisation locally, and nationally the Society launched its Christmas Appeal last week.

President, St Mels Visitation Conference, Kathleen Mimnagh told the Leader that calls for help had increased significantly during the course of 2016, and there were many people throughout Longford town and beyond experiencing hardship because of the ever-increasing cost of living.

As the festive season approaches, SVP is reaching out to all its supporters in the hope that the momentum of the many generous donations already received will continue.

Locally, SVP provided a lot of support this year to families when children returned to school back in September and there was also help provided by way of food, assistance with electricity costs and household fuel.

More and more people are looking for help to put food on the table - that is the reality now for many people, added Ms Mimnagh.

The local president also pointed out that while the installation of electricity meters had lessened the demands for help with bills, fuel poverty was still rife, with many people sitting in the cold because they could not afford to buy necessary fuel.

Help and support for Back to School was also very high this year, especially for school uniforms and books, she continued, before pointing out that those involved in SVP locally could receive up to 40 calls on the helpline every week.

Each request, she confirmed, is then followed up by a visitation.

At the moment we are busy organising the Christmas hampers and the Lions Club hold a Christmas Food Appeal for us every year, which is very much appreciated, Ms Mimnagh added.

We appreciate everything we get and are appealing to the people of Longford for help once again this year.

Meanwhile, John-Mark McCafferty, SVPs Head of Social Justice and Policy, said that housing is becoming a more serious matter with each passing day.

We need swift action on social housing to meet the needs of these families, he said.

Since August 2015 in Dublin alone, the number of families living in homeless accommodation has jumped from 607 to 998 and the number of children in those families has gone from 1,275 to 2,012.

In addition, average rents nationwide have risen by 40% since 2012.

Meanwhile, SVP volunteers in Longford and further afield continue to assist with practical support including financial assistance and referral to relevant agencies.

SVP also provides social housing and emergency accommodation and is therefore at the heart of the housing and homelessness issue, he added.

We want to see real progress on the targets for 2016 set out in Rebuilding Ireland - the Government action plan for housing.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Dec. 1

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Delegations of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan held talks in the city of Dushanbe on organizational, legal and economic aspects of further cooperation in the aviation sphere, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said in a message posted on its website.

Following the talks, the sides signed a protocol on the resumption of flights, according to the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

The protocol is the main document based on which the sides will sign an agreement to start the flights.

Under the protocol, the Dushanbe-Tashkent-Dushanbe flight will be carried out twice a week by the Somon Air and Uzbekistan Airways. It is expected that these airlines will begin the flights in early January 2017.

Meanwhile, the Uzbekistan Airways has already carried out the Tashkent-Dushanbe-Tashkent charter flight Dec. 1.

No flights have been carried out between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan since the autumn of 1992.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Iran is negotiating with four European countries to finance airplane purchase from aviation companies, Ali Abedzadeh, head of Iran Civil Aviation Organization, said.

He said that Iran has held talks with Germany, Italy, Ireland and France on the issue, Mehr news agency reported Dec. 1.

He further said that leasing talks with foreign firms have been intensified.

Iran earlier confirmed that it has reached a deal with a foreign leasing company to finance purchase of 77 Airbus jets.

The deal removes a significant hurdle to securing the first tranche of jets, following uncertainty over financing and political opposition in the United States and Iran, though the sources caution months of talks have thrown up new potential hurdles.

Earlier in September, the US removed a final hurdle for Western aircraft manufacturers to sell planes to the Islamic Republic.

Iran plans to buy about 500 aircraft in 10 years to refurbish its ageing fleet. Iranian airliners average 25 in age.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1



By Dalga Khatinoglu, Umid Niayesh  Trend:



OPEC has currently embarked upon its strategic apparatus to carry out its objectives, Fereydoun Barkeshli, president of Vienna Energy Research Group in Austria and the National Iranian Oil Companys former general manager for OPEC and international affairs, told Trend Dec. 1.



During the Vienna meeting held Nov.30, OPEC members decided to implement a new OPEC-14 production target of 32.5mb/d, said the cartels website.



The decision was made in order to accelerate the ongoing drawdown of the stock overhang and bring the oil market rebalancing forward.



This conference reminded me of OPEC Conferences during 1980's and 1990's - tough, long and extensive, Barkeshli said, adding that members of the organization had earlier met at ministerial levels two times in Doha, once in Algiers and a last time in Istanbul.



In the meantime several high level and senior experts had met many times in OPEC Secretariat and in each other capitals, he added.



The 14 OPEC members finally decided to cut down production to 32.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) from Jan. 1, 2017, which means the members will cut production by 1.2 mbpd, Barkeshli said.



In the meantime, although Russia did not take part in 171st OPEC Ministerial Conference in Vienna, but remotely agreed to cut 300,000 bpd, he added.



Members of organization decided to monitor the market closely and evaluate it.



The ministers decided that they will form a permanent market monitoring committee supported by OPEC Secretariat to make sure that members of the organization will abide by decided quota allocation, he said, explaining the decisions of the yesterday OPEC meeting.



Barkeshli further said that Saudi Arabia agreed to undergo the biggest slice of production cut of some 700,000 bpd.



Nevertheless, three members of the organization; namely, Iran, Libya and Nigeria still have no allocated quota and their production policy will be decided later in 2017, he added.



As such, OPEC now seems to be returning to carrying out its objectives and policies, Barkeshli said.



However, OPEC wants to make it crystal clear that major non-OPEC producers need to cooperate in order to manage the market," he added.

to cooperate in order to manage the market.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1



By Farhad Daneshvar - Trend:



The recent decision by OPEC to curb the level of output may be the dawn of a new power play in the oil market over the next few years, an Iranian expert believes.



Mehrdad Emadi, consultant at the UK-based Betamatrix International Consultancy, told Trend that OPEC's decision to impose a ceiling on output below the existing level of production by the member countries may be considered the most significant agreement since 2006 reached by the organization.



According to Emadi, the new agreement was reached only after all member countries agreed that Iran will be exempted from the voluntary cuts and/or freeze on the production levels. He said the decision will enable Iran to regaining its footprint in the crude oil market after losing its market share due to the sanctions.



Iran is back, lobbying fails



It is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia and Algeria, prior to the announcement, had insisted that Iran should abide by the cuts or at least freeze its output.



By expanding its market share and increasing its output, Iran sent an important message to the energy suppliers inside and outside the cartel [OPEC] that it was back and it is determined to pursue its interests with renewed rigor and the country will neither bow to lobbying nor to intimidating threats, Emadi stated.



In my view, this actually may benefit the organization in that the willingness of the other OPEC members to accommodate Iran in return for a united voice in the energy market and acknowledging the role of Iran as a key producer will make it much more likely to see the reemergence of a more disciplined OPEC that will put unity and long term interests ahead of regional bickering and short terms gains. Such a unity will generate a new level of political and economic credence to the organization in the global energy market," Emadi believes.



Language of constructive dialogue returns to region



Given the current differences between Iran on the one side and the Saudis as well as Kuwait on the other side concerning the best course of action on how to resolve the conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, the fact that an agreement could be arrived at without making swipes at any member country or making any negative comments about the challenge of attaining the agreement may signal the return to the language of constructive dialogue instead of solely relying on the instruments of hard power.



This can only benefit the region in that it reduces the space and the need for intervention by other countries including the US and Russia as power brokers.



It is my assessment that this will benefit all the members and those in the region and encourage economic growth and investment in the area.



Impact on investment in Irans energy projects



Iran's ability to persuade the OPEC members to recognize its right to regain its pre-sanctions capabilities to produce oil will significantly enhance the promise of better returns to investment in its energy projects by the West, Japanese and Korean firms that have shown interests in developing new projects in the energy sector in Iran but have somewhat remained wary because of the implicit and explicit threats of new sanctions by the new administration in Washington.



By increasing its exports, economic ties between the EU, Japan, Korea and Iran will deepen making it more difficult for Washington to recruit support for new measures against Iran.



In this context, I expect a new impetus in the West to invest in the energy projects in Iran. I expect within couple of years we may see a tripled foreign investment in new projects in Iran. In my private discussions with one of the leading European oil companies I have heard the desire to help Iran reach the target of 6.2-6.6 million barrels per day (mbd) as its output before 2020. This requires an investment if more than $100 billion in less than four years in the country by foreign investors, Emadi said.



Return on investment in Iran higher than the average for world



Although the rapid developments in the alternative energies and their improved commercial competitiveness together with the decline in the projected global growth rate have slowed down investment in upstream projects in the industry, the impact on Iran may be less than other countries since the potential return on investment in the country is higher than the average for the region and indeed globally, he noted.



This is primarily due to under developed opportunities due to sanctions and a very inefficient commercial management of investment projects in the last 10-12 years. To this end, there are still many projects that when developed upon their completion will see attractive returns to the initial capital outlay once the technological know-how and managerial skills are transferred to the country, Emadi concluded.
Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed two attacks that occurred yesterday which targeted the airports of Timbuktu and Gao in northern Mali. The jihadist group claimed a suicide attack in Gao, while a rocket barrage targeted a French base at the Timbuktu airport.

In Gao, a suicide car bomb detonated at a checkpoint close to UN facilities at the airport. No one was killed in the blast, but nearby UN buildings were badly damaged. According to Reuters, the car bomb was able to make it past checkpoints at the entrance of the airport. A U.N. security source said that the attackers had passed through the regular checkpoints by using vehicles with a U.N. label, the wire news service reported.

Al Murabitoon, a battalion of AQIM which has been led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar, was quick to claim the assault on social media. The last successful suicide bombing in Mali was on May 31, also in Gao perpetrated by Murabitoon. In that assault, one Chinese peacekeeper was killed. The assault began with a suicide bombing by a local Malian fighter, while three others, identified by AQIM as two locals and one foreigner, then breached the perimeter killing three other people. [See FDDs Long War Journal report, Al Qaeda has launched more than 100 attacks in West Africa in 2016.]

Recent reporting has suggested that Belmokhtar was recently killed by a French airstrike in southern Libya. This has not been confirmed by either independent reporting or a statement from AQIM. If it is confirmed, then the suicide bombing in Gao shows that Murabitoon still has the capabilities to coordinate attacks.

In Timbuktu, grad rockets were fired at the French military base at the airport. It is unclear if any rockets actually landed in the perimeter of the base, but AQIM did release several photos of the incident on social media. The photos show the jihadists setting up and firing the rockets in the Malian desert. AQIM has conducted several rocket or mortar attacks on military bases in the Timbuktu Region. Last month, several mortars were fired into the UN camp in Ber. Last year, AQIM claimed an extensive rocket barrage that also targeted the Ber camp.

Elsewhere in Mali, Ansar Dine, which is a largely Tuareg front group for AQIM, claimed an IED attack on French forces near Abeibara in the Kidal Region on Nov 27. The jihadist group has claimed at least a dozen other similar strikes in Abeibara on French forces this year. Additionally in Kidal, a vehicle from the nominally pro-Bamako militia GATIA struck an IED near Kidal city earlier today. At least five members were killed in the blast that is suspected to be the work of Ansar Dine.

So far in 2016, Mali and the wider West African region have seen at least 228 al Qaeda-linked attacks. Much of these have occurred in Malis north, but over 40 have been in the southern part of the country. At least 19 incidents have occurred in neighboring states such as Niger, Burkina Faso, Algeria, and even the Ivory Coast. This represents a significant increase in the al Qaeda-led insurgency in northern Mali since last year, which has also spilled over the borders more frequently than the prior two years.

Photos released by AQIM showing the Grad rocket barrage in Timbuktu:

Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.

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When the Taliban assaulted the district of Ghorak in Kandahar last month, it seized a number of US-made weapons that were supplied to the Afghan security forces from a base that was overrun. Additionally, a number of Afghan soldiers were killed during a nighttime assault that was captured on video.

The Taliban released a video, entitled The Conquest of Ghorak on its propaganda website, Voice of Jihad, on Nov. 29. The jihadist group claimed it overran Ghoraks district center on Nov. 19 however this has not been confirmed in the Afghan press. The video gives credence to the Talibans claim.

The Taliban assaulted a base outside of the town of Ghorak that appears to have been manned by a company of Afghan troops during the night of Nov. 18. After heavy fighting, which was captured on a video at a distance through a night vision camera, Taliban fighters entered the base. The bodies of dozens of Afghan troops are seen laying on the ground throughout the base.

After the battle, the Taliban displayed M-16 rifles, some with grenade launchers mounted, M-249 light machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. Additionally, the Taliban walked away with crates filled with RPG rounds and ammunition for the rifles and machine guns. Several Taliban fighters were also spotted wearing night vision goggles; it is unclear if the devices were taken from Afghan troops during the assault, or if the fighters used them during the attack.

Ghorak is situated along a belt of Taliban-controlled or contested districts in southern Afghanistan that spans the provinces of Farah, Helmand, Uruzgan and Kandahar. The Taliban has used this southern safe haven to directly threaten the capitals of Farah, Helmand, and Uruzgan. Afghan forces, backed by US advisers and airstrikes, have struggled to stave off Taliban offensives against the capitals of these three provinces.

Images from the The Conquest of Ghorak

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

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Last Thursday an attack struck Turkish positions near the Islamic State-held city of al-Bab in northern Syria, killing three soldiers and wounding 10. Centered between Turkish and rebel forces in the north, the Kurds in the east and west, and the Syrian regime forces in the south, al-Bab is the point of convergence for the three competing interests in northern Syria. Conflicting reports on the perpetrators of Thursdays attack are indicative of the complex situation with a variety of hostile actors concentrated only miles apart, with inevitable clashes among them looking closer than ever. Whether the perpetrator of Thursdays attack will prove to be the Islamic State (ISIS) or Russian-backed Syrian regime forces, Turkey is on a collision course that it may not be prepared for.

Immediately following the attack, Turkish sources blamed the Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF) and issued a media ban to block inquiries into the situation. Falling on the first anniversary of Turkeys downing of a Russian jet  an incident which caused a nine month diplomatic spat between Ankara and Moscow  the attack prompted speculation of retaliation by Russia  or by the Russian-backed SyAAF. Indeed, back and forth phone calls between the Turkish and Russian Presidents in the 48 hours following the incident strengthened such suspicions. In the meantime, however, other reports emerged indicating the attack could have been a suicide bombing by the Islamic State.

Whoever the perpetrator, the assault should serve as a wake-up call for Turkey as it advances towards al-Bab, challenging each of its many adversaries on the ground head on. With each side committed to its own gameplan, a military confrontation between the Turkish-led Euphrates Shield and pro-regime forces appear inescapable. More generally, Thursdays attack should be an acute reminder that tensions between Ankara and Moscow are a mere spark away from reigniting the flames of only a year ago.

Since launching its intervention in Syria in August, Turkish forces partnering with Free Syrian Army (FSA) branded units have advanced south into ISIS-held territory, increasingly close to regime forces besieging Aleppo in the southwest. While the stated goal of the operation was to push the Islamic State away from the Turkish border, Ankaras other  and all the more important  aim has been to block Kurdish territorial expansion through the Aleppo Governorate. The successful capture of ISIS-held Manbij by the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Force (SDF) in early August, combined with advances by the Kurds from the Afrin Canton in the west, was cause for alarm for Turkish leaders. Ankara has been engaged in a bloody war with the Kurdish-separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) at home for four decades, and does not differentiate between the group and its Syrian affiliate, the Peoples Protection Unity (YPG). Since 2014, the YPGs fight against ISIS has allowed the Kurds to extend their territorial control in northern Syria. With the liberation of Manbij, they came close to controlling a nearly 400-miles of Turkeys 500-mile border with Syria.

Further compounding the complexity is the US-led Coalitions support for YPG advances in Syria, reluctantly seeing the Kurdish group and its SDF allies as the only effective local partner to destroy ISIS. This pragmatic partnership has been a major source of tension between Ankara and Washington for over a year, and the reason why Turkey launched operation Euphrates Shield without coordination with the anti-ISIS Coalition. While the US and Turkey did temporarily come to an agreement for the US to support Euphrates Shields southward advance, poor coordination and a lack of trust between the two NATO allies has resulted in the US pulling its air assets and special forces from participating in the effort to seize al-Bab.

Without U.S. air cover, Turkish forces are particularly vulnerable to SyAAF or Russian airstrikes if al-Bab is indeed a red line for the regime as reports suggest. The Turkish Air Force (TAF) is desperately low on pilots in the wake of Julys coup attempt and the subsequent purges of the militarys officer corps (reports indicate more than 350 pilots, including many of the forces most experienced, were dismissed). Even if fully staffed, the TAF would struggle to penetrate Syrian air space because of the formidable Russian air defense bubble over western Syria  which extends to al-Bab and deep into Turkey.

Yet, Turkey appears undeterred, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan declaring that Turkeys intervention is to end the rule of the cruel Assad. Moreover, the FSA branded factions fighting alongside Turkish troops are determined to advance through al-Bab and towards regime lines to help relieve their besieged comrades in Aleppo. Once al-Bab falls, whether to Turkish and FSA forces or pro-regime elements, the buffer that now separates Euphrates Shield and the regimes eastern flank around Aleppo will be too small to prevent clashes. Such a scenario risks pulling the United States further into the Syrian theater  not to strengthen the fight against ISIS, but to defend an incorrigible NATO ally.

Patrick Megahan is a research analyst on military affairs at Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where Merve Tahiroglu is a research associate focused on Turkey. Follow them on Twitter: @PatMegahan and @MerveTahiroglu

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Irans Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh has forecast that the prices of oil will surpass $50 per barrel in near future.

I assume the oil prices will firmly stand at above $50 per barrel with the cooperation of the non-OPEC [producers], Zanganed said during a televised interview on Dec. 1, aired by Iranian state broadcaster.

Speaking about the OPECs recent decision to curb the level of its output, the oil minister touched upon the existing disagreements between Iran and Saudi Arabia, saying the outcome of the OPEC meeting showed that despite the political differences it is possible to cooperate and interact.

He further said that a recent phone conversation between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin also contributed to the OPEC decision.

According to the minister, Russia agreed to cut its daily production by 300,000 barrels per day after the discussion between the two presidents.

Saying that Iran is currently capable of producing about 3.9 million barrels of oil per day, he added that the country needs to increase its oil production capacity.

Oil soared more than 10 percent on Wednesday to over $50 per barrel as some of the world's largest producers agreed to curb production for the first time since 2008 in a bid to support the prices, Reuters reported.
On Oct. 28, 2011, during a routine route clearance patrol in Afghanistan, an explosive ordnance disposal unit was hit by a series of improvised explosive devices. The unit was there in support of Marine and Army RCPs along with rapid IED response.

We were doing route clearance which clears roads for other convoys coming through, because we find a lot of bombs, Dauck said. Were driving on a route called Route Red, which is a really hot route; we were hitting IEDs left and right. The lead vehicle got hit and radioed us saying, Were alright. The second vehicle responded by pulling up to evacuate the first vehicle where it hit another IED.

Dauck explained, they were in the third vehicle in the convoy and attempted to recover the first two vehicles in the convoy but ended up being hit by an additional IED.

I was in the back of the vehicle when the blast hit us, said Tech. Sgt. Steven Dauck, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team lead. It wasnt directly underneath, but I was there to catch a lot of it. In our vehicle, we were all dazed and had a little headache, but none of us had any severe noticeable injuries.

Dauck and his RCP were casualty evacuated back to Camp Leatherneck and seen by Navy corpsmen who set up bunks for them for the night.

The next morning when I went to get out of my bed my legs didnt work, Dauck said. I actually fell to my knees.

He knew something was actually wrong so he went back to the doctor. He explained the pain came from his back and sciatic nerve. After three weeks things were not getting better so Dauck was taken off regular operator duties for the remainder of his deployment. He was one of the most experienced members of his team.

Dauck continues to stay active despite his injuries through modified workouts including running in particular to relieve pressure in his back.

So many guys I work with have had some sort of injury from a deployment, Dauck said. The reason I continue doing this job is for the man next to me; we do it for each other.

For his actions, he was awarded a Purple Heart from Brig. Gen. Brooke Leonard, 56th Fighter Wing commander. According to Daucks coworkers, this award was well deserved.

He brings deployment experience to our young guys, said Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Hunter, 944th CES explosive ordnance disposal program manager. Hes a highly respected role model to our Airmen.

In the near future, Dauck hopes to have the opportunity to go overseas and continue serving.
Tehran, Iran, Dec. 1

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

While around 80 percent of tiles made in Iran are exported to Iraq, none of it is paid for in dollars, according to the Iranian Tile Production and Sales Union President Mostafa Goudarzi.

The whole export is paid for in the Iranian rial, meaning no dollar comes to Iran for the entire amount of trade, Goudarzi told Trend.

Years of sanctions have kept Iran relatively empty of the dollar currency, which is necessary especially for companies to buy machinery and intermediate goods from abroad.

Goudarzi said as they cannot earn any dollars out of their exports, Iranian tile makers face problems to buy paint, enamel, or modern machines such as digital ceramic printers.

He said the government has offered much cooperation to ease the export of tiles, such as providing producers with tax exemption and creating political adhesion with Iraq in order to prepare the atmosphere for businessmen, but said the currency should change to dollar in order for Iran to benefit fully from the business.

Currently Iraqi businessmen are willing to do business with Iran, thanks to governments efforts, he pointed out.

Goudarzi said another threat to Irans tile market in Iraq is the businessmen from neighboring Turkey.

The Turkish businessmen found monopoly over 80 percent of the tile market in Central Asia where Iranian products used to go. Now they are turning towards Iraq, he said. At some point dumping forced Iranian tile producers to sell at lower prices in the Iraqi market, or to have to cut down their quality. Turkish rivals seized the situation to override them.

According to Goudarzi, Iraq is currently the biggest market for Iran-made tiles. As a result of stagnation in the housing sector in Iran, the domestic market cannot demand more than 20 percent of the current output, he mentioned.

The Iraqi market itself is subject to two factors. One is the Iraqi peoples level of income, which directly influences their activity in the housing sector. The other is security issues, he explained.

Barely on its feet after the downfall of former dictator Saddam Hussein, Iraq saw many years of US military presence in the 2000s up to December 2011. Yet again, in mid-2014 the country faced a vast onslaught by the terrorist group Islamic State (IS, ISIL, ISIS, Daesh), with much damage to the countrys economy.
The great Gold Rush Music Festival returns to the township of Waihi, with the first nuggets of gold dropping for the highly anticipated return of the 2023 festival.
WordsThaw Prize (contest now closed)



This contest is now closed!

To celebrate the WordsThaw Writers Festival in 2018, The Malahat Review is pleased to announce the second-annual WordsThaw Prize. An exciting showcase of emerging talent in Greater Victoria, this contest will award a cash prize of $500 each in two categories: Poetry and Micro Text (either short fiction or creative nonfiction). The entry fee includes a full WordsThaw pass and a one-year subscription to The Malahat Review, starting with the Malahats Winter 2017 issue. The winners will be published on the Malahats WordsThaw website.

Judge: Arleen Pare

Read an interview with Arleen here.

Guidelines

Eligible entrants include:

UVic students and alumni.

Residents of the Capital Regional District (if youre unsure, please confirm you live in the CRD by consulting its residency criteria)

All CRD residents who have yet to publish creative work in book form (excluding self-published books).

Poetry (one poem): maximum length of 30 lines, including stanza breaks.

Micro Text (fiction or creative nonfiction; one piece): maximum length of 400 words.

Entry fee (poem or micro text): $20. You are only allowed to enter poetry or micro text, not both. Only one submission will be accepted in either genre.

Entrants receive a full pass to WordsThaw (excluding the March 18, 2018 Master Class), plus a one-year print subscription to The Malahat Review for themselves or a friend. Digital subscriptions or digital/print bundle subscriptions are not available through this contest.

Entrants may only submit once.

Entries already published, accepted, or submitted elsewhere are ineligible.

Entrants anonymity is preserved throughout the judging. Contact information (including an email address) must not appear on the submission, but on a separate page, along with the entrys title (see below).

Only shortlisted authors and winners will be notified about the judges decisions.

A shortlist of finalists will be announced on March 1, 2018.

The winners will be announced at a reading of the shortlisted authors on March 8, 2018, at the downtown branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library.

The winner in each category will receive a prize of $500; their winning entries will be published in the Martlet, the University of Victorias student newspaper.

Any Questions?

Enter by Email

Send entries as an attachment to wtprize@uvic.ca

Acceptable file formats: Word (.doc and .docx) or PDF

No entries will be accepted by regular mail.

The subject line must contain the entrant's full name, genre(s), and method of payment. e.g., "Jane Tucker, micro fiction, credit online," "John Smith, poetry, cheque" or "Jane Doe, micro creative nonfiction, credit mail-in."

Send two separate documents: 1) the entry itself, and 2) the cover sheet

documents: 1) the entry itself, and 2) the cover sheet It is very important you do not include your name in the poem / micro text entry itself! No names in the file title, the header, or the footer.

Entrant's full name

Genre of entry

Title of entry

Word count (400 max.) for micro stories

Line count (30 max.) for poems

Entrant's mailing address

Entrant's email address

Method of payment (see How to Pay below): credit card or cheque *Please DO NOT cite your credit card number, expiry date, or CVV code in your cover letter.*

Indicate whether you wish to be added to our electronic mailing list to receive news on contest calls for entries, prize winners, events, and literary updates in our monthly e-newsletter, Malahat lite

How to Pay

Online Payment Only

After paying by credit card, please print a copy of the receipt for your records.

We will match your payment with your entry by your name. If there is any doubt, we will contact you to confirm your receipt number.

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Cover sheet, sent as a separate attached file, should include:

Previous WordsThaw Prize Winners 2017
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1



By Fatih Karimov  Trend:



An Iranian military plane crashed in Saravan city in south eastern Sistan and Balouchestan province of Iran, killing the pilot, DANA news agency reported.



The incident occurred on Dec. 1, at 9:30 local time (GMT+3:30), when the ultra-light gyroplane belonging to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force crashed in Saravan airport.



The cause of the incident is under investigation.



In October 2016, a similar incident occurred in Iranshahr city, Sistan and Baluchestan province, killing the pilot and co-pilot.



The gyroplane was returning from a reconnaissance mission, when the incident occurred near the Iran-Pakistan border. Early reports said the plane had hit a power cable.
Colombias parliament has ratified a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia  People's Army (FARC), Colombias Vice Interior Minister Luis Ernesto Gomez said, Soutnik reported.

"Endorsed the #AcuerdoDePaz [peace agreement] in the house of representatives with 130 votes in favour, 0 votes against. Came the peace!" Gomez wrote on Twitter.

The agreement was approved by the country's senate earlier this week.
Blockchain Technology  What Is It and How Will It Change Your Life?

Blockchain technology  What is it?

Latest developments  Royal Mint Gold & CME, Goldman Sachs and Santander

Why do we need it? Its about value

Blockchain is an extension of economics

Blockchain allows us reduce uncertainty and risk

How will it change your life?

By ;@Skoylesy . Editor ;@MarkTOByrne

For those of you who follow anything to do with blockchain and blockchain technology, you will know that the space has had its ups and downs in the last couple of weeks.

The exciting news is that two major players in the gold market, the Royal Mint and CME Group have announced a blockchain-backed gold project, and the surprising news is that the R3CEV consortium is apparently under threat.

Making a mint on the blockchain

The Royal Mint and CME Group have announced that they are working on a blockchain project together. The project will see the creation of Royal Mint Gold (RMG) digital tokens which will each be backed by 1g gold.

We will look at the Royal Mints announcement in more detail shortly, particularly at how they expect the implementation of a blockchain-backed platform to mean that they are able to remove storage fees.

But the focus of todays research note is to look at why blockchain is grabbing everyones attention.

The use of blockchain technology in the gold space is nothing new, it is something we discussed recently in regard to changes in the gold market and the risks posed to the London gold market.

However, the move by the worlds oldest gold organisation is an illustration of just how complimentary the technology that was first known for backing digital gold (bitcoin) and the longest surviving money, really are.

Goldman Sachs and Santander Drop Out of R3 Consortium

In recent weeks, both Goldman Sachs and Santander have dropped out of the R3CEV consortium, whilst a further five (including Morgan Stanley and National Australia Bank) are also rumoured to be about to leave.

R3 is a blockchain company formed of a consortium of near 70 banks and financial institutions (including those focused on insurance). It leads research and development in distributed ledger technology, and is currently raising $150m.

However the move by those mentioned above is a positive sign, and one that shows the blockchain (or distributed ledger technology) industry is maturing. Shake-outs are inevitable in new technology industries as institutions, governments and regulators negotiate their way through new developments and working out what it means for them.

Those companies that are set to leave the consortium are still committed to the ground-breaking technology. Goldman Sachs and Santander are both, for example, still shareholders in Blythe Masters Digital Asset Holdings. The former co-led a $60 million investment into the business alongside IBM.

Even CME Group, as mentioned earlier, are involved in multiple blockchain projects, as a member of the industry body Post Trade Distributed Ledger Group (PTDL) (fellow members include the London Stock Exchange, Euroclear and HSBC) and the Hyperledger project.

But what is it about this technology that is so groundbreaking and has the likes of Goldman Sachs investing millions and ex-senior JP Morgan banker, Blythe Masters breaking rank and joining a (well-funded) start-up?

Why are established gold-market participants deciding this is the technology they need to bring the space into the 21st century?

Uncertain about blockchain?

Bettina Warburg, presented a TED Talk over the summer in one of the best explanations we have seen for a long-time, that will help you to understand the power of blockchain technology.

Ultimately blockchains genius comes down to its ability to reduce uncertainty in the transfer of value  whether that value is information, a digital asset, a contract note, an agreement or a deed  you name something that is effectively information and it has value.

The exchange of value is something we have sought for millennia to reduce the uncertainty of, and it has resulted in the formal and informal institutions and systems we have today.

Ranging from regulators, to oversized banks like Goldman Sachs, to lawyers, to barter systems.

What is blockchain?

So what is the blockchain? Warburg explains it well:

Blockchain technology is a decentralized database that stores a registry of assets and transactions across a peer-to-peer network. Its basically a public registry of who owns what and who transacts what. The transactions are secured through cryptography, and over time, that transaction history gets locked in blocks of data that are then cryptographically linked together and secured. This creates an immutable, unforgettable record of all of the transactions across this network. This record is replicated on every computer that uses the network.

Never seen before

The concept of blockchain, something that can be decentralised, can operate autonomously, is auditable and apparently immutable is something that is difficult to get our heads around. The closest description Warburg can provide is Wikipedia.

We can see everything on Wikipedia. Its a composite view thats constantly changing and being updated. We can also track those changes over time on Wikipedia, and we can create our own wikis, because at their core, theyre just a data infrastructure. On Wikipedia, its an open platform that stores words and images and the changes to that data over time.

There are of course further technical details to blockchain, but at its core it is a very similar concept.

On the blockchain, you can think of it as an open infrastructure that stores many kinds of assets. It stores the history of custodianship, ownership and location for assets like the digital currency Bitcoin, other digital assets like a title of ownership of IP. It could be a certificate, a contract, real world objects, even personal identifiable information.Its this public registry that stores transactions in a network and is replicated so that its very secure and hard to tamper with.

This is where much of the attraction comes for the gold market. In itself gold is an immutable form of money, it cannot be edited, multiplied and in many ways it is an autonomous currency.

However the market that drives the prices is none of these things. By placing gold on a blockchain, we may get the first steps to a truly autonomous gold market that is about price discovery rather than price creation.

Why do we need it? Its about value

Bettina points out that much of human behaviour comes down to how we exchange value. This has lead to a huge number of industries developing that are, at their core, about value.

They are about how we attribute value to items, how we exchange value and how we maintain value.

Blockchain will fundamentally change how we exchange value.

Why is this? Because the blockchain has a capability that no human-managed organisation has yet managed to master  the removal of uncertainty through technology.

Blockchain is an extension of economics

It still surprises me the number of people who havent heard of bitcoin, and even those who have heard of bitcoin are unaware of blockchain. Blockchain is the technology that underpins bitcoin, but it is so much more than the ledger of a cryptocurrency.

Blockchain means that we may no longer have to use the layers of bureaucracy in order to reduce uncertainty. Warburg sees the potential of blockchain as an extension of Nobel Prize winning economist Douglass Norths New Institutional Economics.

Institutions, in this context, are just the rules (and organisations, whether informal or formal) that implement them e.g. the law or just bribery.

As Douglass North saw it, institutions are a tool to lower uncertainty so that we can connect and exchange all kinds of value in society. And I believe we are now entering a further and radical evolution of how we interact and trade, because for the first time, we can lower uncertainty not just with political and economic institutions, like our banks, our corporations, our governments, but we can do it with technology alone.

Knowing that these organisations exist form the rail on which we operate our lives, our businesses and our economies. In the future blockchain will act as the rails that reduce uncertainty, on top of which we will exchange value through digital assets.

The uncertainties of life

Blockchains give us the technological capability of creating a record of human exchange, of exchange of currency, of all kinds of digital and physical assets, even of our own personal attributes, in a totally new way. So in some ways, they become a technological institution that has a lot of the benefits of the traditional institutions were used to using in society, but it does this in a decentralized way. It does this by converting a lot of our uncertainties into certainties.

For Warburg there are three uncertainties when it comes to transferring value:

1) Not knowing who you are dealing with

2) Degrees of transparency in complex transactions and supply chains

3) Reneging on an agreement  no recourse if it goes wrong

The uncertainty of the unknown party

Today, with many of the transactions we are able to take part in, the uncertainty is reduced thanks to verification. Whether this be by receiving a bank transfer from someone who has been verified by their own (also verified bank) or if it is booking AirBnb which you trust thanks to social verification, GoldCore customer reviews on Ekomi, personal reviews and links to Facebook profiles.

Warburg points out this is a very fragmented system. I have bank accounts in the UK, but if I want to open an additional one in the same country I have to be verified all over again. One verification does not determine the next. Think about how many profiles you have, says Warburg.

Blockchains allow for us to create an open, global platform on which to store any attestation about any individual from any source. This allows us to create a user-controlled portable identity. More than a profile, it means you can selectively reveal the different attributes about you that help facilitate trade or interaction, for instance that a government issued you an ID, or that youre over 21, by revealing the cryptographic proof that these details exist and are signed off on. Having this kind of portable identity around the physical world and the digital world means we can do all kinds of human trade in a totally new way.

In the project announced by the Royal Mint and CME Group there is expected to be transparency over the ownership records  to those who have access to the permissioned ledger.

Degree of transparency

At the moment there is very little transparency and accountability when it comes to the London Gold Market and its over-the-counter (OTC) trading. This can be difficult to contend with given so much physical gold demand is, in its simplest from, based on transparency and trust. Yet as gold product providers such as ETFs and digital gold providers grow in power we appear to forget why we trust gold in the first place.

For many one of the key issues with the way gold products are traded is a lack of transparency over the underlying asset or currency  physical gold.

However, blockchain can potentially be used to bring some of the much-missed transparency to the gold market. This is when we start to use the phrase trustless which is a bit of a mind-upset for those who are new to bitcoin and blockchain.

A trustless transaction is where the participants do not need to trust one another, as instead a blockchain (which is verified, immutable and decentralised) is used to monitor and validate the information in a supply chain. Imagine what this could mean in a network of goods and data that currently can be tampered with  medicines, technology, designer items.

This means that in theory it should not matter when you are dealing with a multi-party horizontal supply chain, which each have different infrastructures, about whether you can trust them or not as there is one single truth.

This is something we have not had before  we have an unbelievable lack of transparency, which currently we rely on layers of verification agents (lawyers, compliance, personal trust) to provide visibility.

We can create a decentralized database that has the same efficiency of a monopoly without actually creating that central authority. So all of these vendors, all sorts of companies, can interact using the same database without trusting one another. It means for consumers, we can have a lot more transparency. As a real-world object travels along, we can see its digital certificate or token move on the blockchain, adding value as it goes. This is a whole new world in terms of our visibility.

Reneging  no going back with blockchain

The ability to solve this uncertainty is the application of blockchain that really put it on the map. Smart-contracts are where we are seeing some serious innovation. Currently we rely on legal entities and processes to guarantee our transactions.

Supply finance is one particularly complicated area that is built on layers of organisations and timings in order to facilitate deals. A more familiar example is the process of buying a house  something that is inordinately lengthy, time-consuming and expensive for what is basically the exchange of a good (too often) financed with debt.

Both of these examples rely on third parties to create trust within a transaction, to enforce it because of the checks that are put in place. But blockchain now enables us to do away with the bureaucracy and red tape, as the code acts as the enforcer.

Warburg uses the example of purchasing a smart-phone online:

Blockchains allow us to write code, binding contracts, between individuals and then guarantee that those contracts will bear out without a third party enforcer. So if we look at the smartphone example, you could think about escrow. You are financing that phone, but you dont need to release the funds until you can verify that all the conditions have been met. You got the phone.

And this, I agree with Warburg, is one of the most exciting things about blockchains ability to lower our uncertainties:

because it means to some degree we can collapse institutions and their enforcement. It means a lot of human economic activity can get collateralized and automated, and push a lot of human intervention to the edges, the places where information moves from the real world to the blockchain.

Will it change my life?

The reason blockchain is so groundbreaking is because it is both a technological disruption and economic evolution. It has combined the human need to reduce uncertainty with mathematics and technology. Its end result is a system free of layers.

the very thing that keeps the blockchain secure and verified, is our mutual distrust. So rather than all of our uncertainties slowing us down and requiring institutions like banks, our governments, our corporations, we can actually harness all of that collective uncertainty and use it to collaborate and exchange more and faster and more open.

It is difficult to see how it wont change our lives.

The implications for a world that is affected from the top to the bottom by institutions that are required to manage our mutual distrust, is unfathomable.

But this is where many will take issue. Why would an institution be it government, bank, legal entity, regulator or compliance company decide to invest in and implement a system that is, at its core, designed to do their job?

Why embrace a blockchain that could expose unethical, illegal practices?

Why operate on a blockchain that removes the need for expensive lawyers, compliance officers etc.

In truth the concept of blockchain in practice is far more complex than it initially appears. There can be multiple blockchains. Some operate privately between a select network, some are public (such as the bitcoin blockchain) and others a hybrid of the two.

Blockchains can be implemented to do an inordinate number of processes that we are hardly aware of, the whole time keeping the current status-quo just more efficient. And this is why everyone is looking into using the technology.

That may seem depressing but it will lead to many, many positive developments in terms of ethical behaviours, regulated activities, efficiencies in deal-making and even reducing payment costs.

For many the discussion is beyond this, its not will or how but when?

The short-answer is not for a while. Unless you are an avid bitcoin user, trader or enjoy taking part in initial coin offerings. In the long-term it probably will affect your life, but the masses may barely know about it.

At the moment there are few applications (other than bitcoin) that are up and running in the real world. But the possibilities really do appear to be infinite and it is with this in mind that regulators are launching incubators, insurance companies are hosting hackathons, banks are investing in blockchain tech projects and venture capitalists (VCs) are snapping up anything that merely mentions the phrase decentralised ledger.

For Warburg, we will soon see a world where blockchain technology and distributed, autonomous organisations will have quite a significant role.

We concur.

Watch Warburg Blockchain Ted Talk

Read Blockchain Promises To Be As Disruptive A Technology As Internet

This update can be found on the GoldCore blog here.

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America, is it Finally time for us to say Goodbye?

few months ago my wife and I made a trip into the city from our small rural community for an evening of dining and visiting with some of her old childhood friends. We started our date with just the two of us at a well known vegetarian restaurant. Later we met up with the rest of the crew at a local park near the beach to watch some skits and some dancing while the sun went down over English Bay. It was a beautiful sunset in an amazing setting.

While were sitting and chatting in the bleachers of the small amphitheatre my wifes friend asks us at which restaurant we ate. We told her and with a raised eyebrow she replies: Really, Francis actually ate in a vegetarian restaurant? Wow. That must have been quite an experience for you!

I guess I dont have a reputation amongst her city dwelling friends as being very cultured. But the truth is I like lots of things that arent redneck staples. Even vegetarian and vegan food. Hell, I just like to eat and so long as its quality it doesnt much matter to me whether theres meat on the plate or not. At the end of the meal I am concerned with three things: did I get enough, was it prepared properly and was the service more than adequate? Simple.

But that off the cuff comment set the tone for the evening and it was obvious by the end of it, that with the exception of chit chat about the old days, that I didnt have much to say to these folks nor they to me. Not that theyre bad people but from my perspective their lives are narrow, kinda fake and frankly, completely out of touch with reality. They rarely leave the city unless it is to hop on a plane to another country or another major metropolitan area and in all the years that we have lived a short one and a half hour drive down the road from them they have never come to visit that I can recall. In fact, when we see them in the city (for me no more than once every two or three years now) the conversation inevitably ends up with them wondering how we can live so remotely. Were an hour and half drive from the city for Petes sake. And they figure thats remote?

What I came to realize from the visit that evening and from others in the past is that our nations have truly begun to polarize themselves culturally along geopolitical lines. We have become nations divided. And its not something thats likely to change. Ever.

Indeed, where there is heavy urban population the social and political culture is highly liberal. In the hinterlands where there is no economy to speak of and the government is the primary employer, well, guess who gets the votes?

2016 Election Results By County

2015 Election Results by Riding (Blue Conservative/Red Liberal/Yellow NDP [socialist])

This is a pattern that has been repeating itself with more and more frequency all cross the western world over a period of decades. The liberals and the elites that grow up around these patterns of decadence and dependency are a different breed than those of use from the conservative and normally productive heartlands of our nations. Indeed, I wonder, what do people like this, a product of liberal moral nihilism living in a densely populated urban enclave have in common with the rest of us these days? And they have the nerve to call those of us in flyover country deplorable?

Now thats not to say that there arent exceptions to all these patterns, of course there are, but as a rule of thumb the trend has been one of division and distancing ourselves from one another along the lines of both philosophy and geography for at least the last 50 years or more. The last two elections, both south and north of the 49th parallel, prove it.

And as time goes on we are beginning to see just how deep those geographical and cultural divisions truly are. Makes you sort of wonder: Why are we fighting it? Maybe, like a marriage gone sideways, its time to admit that wed be better off living separately than together. Maybe its time to say farewell? As a person with a family living in the toe of the conservative heartland of Canada I can tell you I think our posterity would be better off for it.

Moreover, I think the time is approaching when we will have to address this issue one way or the other whether we want to or not. It would be nice to think we can do it peacefully and in a civilized manner. But as the links above show, Im not real clear on just how civilized the guys on team liberal can act. Frankly, Im unclear as to whether or not the word is even in their vocabulary. I suppose time will tell.

But whether we want to address it or not the reality is our societies are evenly and very clearly divided. The purpose of elections has now become a contest to see which political ideology can wield the hammer of state so that it can subjugate one side to the other. So perhaps instead of spending the next four to eight years in both countries trying to shore up our defenses so that when the other side wins back the hammer it is harder for them to beat us with it maybe we should just start drawing up the framework to go our separate ways? From my perspective, particularly in the US at this stage, it is better for conservatives of all stripes to begin this dialogue from a position of political power. Not because you wield the hammer of state but because the dialogue right now can be viewed as more honest. Under the current circumstances you cant be accused of leaving because you are a sore loser and in the case of those liberal enclaves who might like to leave you can even appear magnanimous.

On the North side of the line separatist movements are nothing new in either the East or the West. For Canada, our status as a nation has been tenuous for a very long time, with the West occasionally grumbling about leaving on and off since the 80s and in the East where Quebec nearly made it a reality. Truthfully, many of us wish theyd been successful.

Of course the other option is we can keep doing the same thing over and over again and hope for better results. But we all know how that story ends now, dont we?

At any rate, these two say it better than I can:

And they say Im not cultured

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.




Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov will hold negotiations in the Turkish city of Alanya, said a message from the Turkish Foreign Ministry Dec. 1.

Following the meeting, the fifth session of the Turkish-Russian Joint Strategic Planning Group will be held.

Joint press conference of the two foreign ministers is also expected.

It was previously reported that during the meeting of the two foreign ministers, it is expected to discuss regional, international and bilateral issues, situation in the South Caucasus.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

Turkey aims to completely clear Syria up from the Islamic State (IS, aka ISIS, ISIL or Daesh) terrorist group, TRT Haber reports citing the countrys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Cavusoglu made the remarks at the joint press conference with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The Turkish army is currently is Syria for this purpose, according to Cavusoglu.

"It is not possible to completely remove the terrorist threat in Syria without securing political stability. We see the future restoration of the political stability in Syria without Assad's reign, and this is the main difference in our views with Russia, he said.

However, such divergence in positions on a number of issues is quite normal, Cavusoglu added.

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.
MARTINSVILLE  The federal government is providing $6 million for a new regional program intended to increase the number of people qualified to work in high-demand career fields.

The Americas Promise Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will be used toward a four-year project called Pathways to the American Dream, which is intended to provide Southwest Virginia workers skills they need for jobs in industries critical to growing the regions economy, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Wednesday.

According to a release from the governors office, the project is designed to:

@ Increase opportunities for unemployed and underemployed adults to develop skills or earn credentials for jobs requiring medium to high levels of skills;

@ Develop strategies for increasing training and educational opportunities for disadvantaged people;

@ Create a regional workforce strategy to develop partnerships among the health care, manufacturing and information technology sectors; and

@ Help state lawmakers develop and adopt policies for sustaining and innovative sector partnership training programs.

An alliance of workforce development programs, education and training providers and nonprofit organizations in the region is involved in Pathways. That includes the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board (WIB), which operates the Virginia Workforce Center on Commonwealth Boulevard in Martinsville and provides various services for employers and job-seekers in Martinsville, Danville and Henry, Patrick and Pittsylvania counties.

The Virginia Community College System also will be involved, the release shows.

WIB Executive Director Lisa Fultz said she did not yet know full details of the program or how it will work because memorandums of understanding with the labor department have not yet been signed.

We werent the primary applicant, Fultz said.

The New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board, based in Radford, is leading the program.

However, Fultz said she anticipates the program will help people learn skills they need to do financially self-sustaining jobs for which companies in the region have vacancies.

She is hoping, she said, that money will be provided to help people overcome barriers to employment and participating in training programs, such as not being able to afford day care services for their children.

Patrick Henry Community College officials could not be reached for comment.

Pathways will emphasize employers helping to design education and training programs and leveraging private resources to improve existing programs, state Commerce and Trade Secretary Todd Haymore said in the release.

This approach is consistent with the work we have been moving forward since Gov. McAuliffe took office, he said.

Haymore said an unprecedented amount of regional collaboration has been involved in the initiative.

McAuliffe said in the release that Pathways is one of 23 programs nationwide to be funded with an Americas Promise Grant.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that he discussed the issue of further lifting of economic restrictions on Turkey with the countrys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

We stressed the importance to continue our efforts to overcome the negative trends in the trade and economic sphere, where our trade turnover is still decreasing, Lavrov said. We put emphasis on the energy sphere, just like Russian and Turkish presidents had agreed earlier. We believe that the interaction regarding all these issues will be extending within the mixed intergovernmental commission for trade and economic cooperation.

The relations between Moscow and Ankara deteriorated sharply in late 2015 when Turkey shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber with two pilots on board.

Following the incident, Russia's President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on taking measures for ensuring the country's national security and special economic measures against Turkey.

In June 2016, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter of condolences to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the death of a Su-24 pilot and expressed regret over the incident.
Residents of the Italian town of Sannazzaro de' Burgondi, near Pavia, are being ordered to stay indoors following a massive explosion at one of the countrys largest oil refineries, Sputnik International reported.

Officials are currently assessing the situation to determine if an evacuation is necessary, as a toxic cloud of black smoke looms over the the area. There is so much smoke, and it is so dark, that it can reportedly be seen from over six miles away.

There are now fears that the tens of thousands of tonnes of oil may ignite, the Daily Mail reported, as firefighters continued to work to battle the blaze.

"The fire occurred inside refinery Italian ENI energy company occurred around 15:40 (local time), causing a large fireball of tens of meters, the Italian Department of Civil Protection in the province of Alessandria said in a statement.

Residents who witnessed the explosion quickly posted photos and videos to social media. No injuries have been reported, according to a statement from the Italian oil company.



The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 1

Trend:

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in the resort of Alanya on Dec. 1, TASS agency reports.

Russias Foreign Ministry said Nov. 30 that the cooperation between Moscow and Ankara in the fight against terrorism in Syria will be in the spotlight during the visit by Russias top diplomat.

Sergey Lavrov and Mevlut Cavusoglu are taking part in a meeting of the Joint Strategic Planning Group.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the main issues on the agenda will be the fight against terrorism in Syria, the situation in Central Asia, the Trans-Caucasus region, Ukraine and cooperation within international organizations.

Lavrov and Cavusoglu will also discuss preparations for the upcoming visit of Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim to Russia in early December and a meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council scheduled for the first half of 2017.

The meeting is held amid Recep Tayyip Erdogans earlier statement that Turkeys Shield of Euphrates operation in Syria, which began on Aug. 24, 2016, is aimed at ousting Bashar Assad.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday had a phone conversation, according to a presidential source, Anadolu reported.

The two leaders exchanged views on Cyprus peace talks and discussed the latest developments in Syria, especially the conflict-hit city Aleppo, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

During the conversation, Erdogan said that Turkey wanted a fair, lasting, and comprehensive solution that protected both sides' rights in the island.

Reunification discussions resumed in May 2015, and both sides repeatedly expressed optimism that a solution could be found by the end of 2016.

In addition, the Turkish president said that European Union must fulfill its obligations about the refugees and expected Merkel to put forward a more active fight against terrorist PKK and Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) in Germany.

Led by U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen, FETO is accused of orchestrating Turkeys July 15 coup plot as well as being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through infiltrating Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and the judiciary. The July 15 defeated coup left 248 martyred and nearly 2,200 wounded.

On Aleppo, the two leaders stressed to speed up efforts for delivery of humanitarian aid to Aleppo.

Located 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Turkish border, Aleppo is Syrias second-largest city that used to be home to around three million people, mainly Arabs, including 400,000 Turkmens and 200,000 Kurds.

A year after the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011, opposition forces took control of the citys eastern districts.

In 2013, the Assad regime began a campaign of indiscriminate bombardment on the city that has triggered a humanitarian crisis in the war-battered city.
2016-12-13 19:00:00

DoubleTree Hilton Hotel

Contact: https://www.montanaworldaffairs.org

Join the Montana World Affairs Council for a community discussion featuring John Limbert, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iran in the State Departments Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. He was held hostage in the American Embassy in Iran during the 1979 Crisis.

December 13th at 7:00 pm at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, Missoula.
Hey all going to be adding some Bozeman employees next year. I know the Montana state fund exists. Are there any private agents any of you use that you like?

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IIMs have introduced key changes in CAT 2022 percentile calculation process along with the revised CAT exam structure with overall and sectional CAT exam pattern. MBAUniverse.com has launched an aspirant friendly, easy to use free CAT Percentile Predictor to predict your nearest CAT exam 2022 percentile that will guide you with the prospects for MBA admission in IIMs and other top B-schools.

The MBAUniverse.com CAT 2022 Percentile Predictor prepared by experts is to help you judge your performance and your chances to get shortlisted by IIMs as per their cut offs. In the past more than 50,000 CAT takers have used this CAT percentile predictor to get the accurate assessment of their performance in CAT exam. The percentile predictor will be live immediately after the CAT exam is over and is available free to check your nearest CAT 2022.

This year the CAT percentile score normalization process for IIM admission 2023 will be equated for three slots as the CAT 2022 is scheduled on November 27, 2022 in three shifts of Morning, Afternoon and evening sessions like last year. But before going deep to know how to calculate and check your nearest CAT percentile 2022, let us understand what is CAT percentile predictor; what are the factors impacting its calculation, what is the required CAT percentile by top IIMs. So read on and use the CAT percentile predictor tool immediately after your CAT exam slot is over

So, are you ready! Fill the form below and get your CAT Score and %.

Register Now for CAT 2022 Percentile Predictor

Table of Contents

What is CAT Percentile Predictor? CAT 2022 Percentile Calculation: Key Factors CAT 2022 Percentile Required for Admission 2023 in Top IIMs How IIMs calculate CAT Percentile? Process of Conversion MBAUniverse.com CAT Percentile Predictor with Similar Methodology CAT Score for 99 Percentile: Sample Calculation CAT Score for 95 Percentile: Sample Calculation CAT Score for 90 Percentile: Sample Calculation CAT Percentile Prediction: Help is at Hand How to check your CAT 2022 Percentile: 5 Steps Guidelines to Use CAT Percentile Predictor & Get Accurate Percentile Input Data as Required for CAT 2022 Percentile Predictor: How to Proceed? Benefits of Using CAT 2022 Percentile Predictor How does the CAT percentile predictor work? Occurrence of Changes in CAT Percentile Predictions CAT Percentile Predictor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is CAT Percentile Predictor?

This tool of CAT Percentile predictor is created by MBAUniverse.com experts as per the revised CAT exam and scoring pattern. The MBAUniverse.com CAT percentile predictor helps you to check your nearest CAT percentile online based on your performance in CAT exam. However, you need to input your CAT performance as accurately as possible to arrive at the best result by using this CAT percentile predictor developed by MBAUniverse.com. You can use this CAT percentile predictor free on your computer, laptop, mobile, tabs. Read details below how to use the CAT percentile predictor



2. CAT 2022 Percentile Calculation: Key Factors & Process

The CAT 2022 percentile calculation method is released by IIMs, much before the CAT exam date. CAT percentile is arrived at after converting your raw CAT score to scaled score and then to CAT percentile score. Accordingly, the CAT percentile in your score card, is calculated as a relative score and indicates your rank among the total number of candidates who have appeared in the CAT exam. If a candidate gets 100 percentile at any raw/scaled score, it implies he has performed among the best top candidates in CAT exam and if his/her CAT percentile 95+, it shows that he/she has better performed than 95% of the total candidates who have appeared in CAT exam.

CAT percentile calculation is based on the following key factors to predict your CAT percentile 2022 after taking your CAT 2022 exam:

Total number of candidates who have taken the CAT exam in all the slots;

Highest to Lowest scaled score;

Difficulty level in each test slot

3. CAT 2022 Percentile Required for Admission 2023 in Top IIMs

Before you know what CAT percentile is required by top B-schools to consider your candidature, please note that you can get higher percentile even at lower CAT score, if you do not make more mistakes. CAT Percentile calculation is a centralized process and is done by CAT exam centre instead of individual IIM. Below is shared the minimum CAT percentile prediction for admission 2023 at top IIMs and other top B-schools accepting CAT score:

B-school Minimum overall CAT 2022 Percentile requirement Minimum sectional CAT 2022 Percentile Requirement IIM Ahmedabad 80 70 IIM Bangalore 85 75-80 IIM Calcutta 85 75-80 IIM Kozhikode 85 75 IIM Lucknow 90 85 SPJIMR Mumbai 85 75

Read More

4. How IIMs calculate CAT Percentile? Process of Conversion

The methodology adopted by IIMs for calculation of percentile score of a candidate is as per the steps described below. They are followed to calculate the CAT 2022 overall and sectional percentile scores obtained by a candidate. While illustrating the percentile score calculation process, QA section is chosen as an example. Similar process is followed for the overall percentile score calculation and for calculation of percentile in the other two sections, i.e. DILR and VARC in CAT 2022.

Step 1: Calculate the total number of candidates (N) who appeared for CAT (i.e. including morning, afternoon and evening sessions)

Calculate the total number of candidates (N) who appeared for CAT (i.e. including morning, afternoon and evening sessions) Step 2: Assign a rank (r), based on the scaled scores obtained in the QA section, to all candidates who appeared for CAT. In the case of two or more candidates obtaining identical scaled scores in the QA section, assign identical ranks to all those candidates. As an illustration suppose exactly two candidates obtain the highest scaled score in the QA section, then both of those candidates are assigned a rank of 1. Moreover, the candidate(s) obtaining the second highest scaled score in the QA section are assigned a rank of 3 and so on.

Assign a rank (r), based on the scaled scores obtained in the QA section, to all candidates who appeared for CAT. In the case of two or more candidates obtaining identical scaled scores in the QA section, assign identical ranks to all those candidates. As an illustration suppose exactly two candidates obtain the highest scaled score in the QA section, then both of those candidates are assigned a rank of 1. Moreover, the candidate(s) obtaining the second highest scaled score in the QA section are assigned a rank of 3 and so on. Step 3: Calculate the percentile score (P) of a candidate with rank (r) in the QA section as: p = ( ( N - r ) N ) x 100.

Calculate the percentile score (P) of a candidate with rank (r) in the QA section as: p = ( ( N - r ) N ) x 100. Step 4: Round off the calculated percentile score (P) of a candidate up to two decimal points. For example, all percentile scores greater than or equal to 99.995 are rounded off to 100, all percentile scores greater than or equal to 99.985 but strictly less than 99.995 are rounded off to 99.99 and so on.

A methodology similar to the above is used for the computation of the overall CAT percentile scores and for the percentile scores of other sections.

5. MBAUniverse.com CAT Percentile Predictor with Similar Methodology

Similar Methodology is used at MBAUniverse.com to Arrive at CAT Percentile Slot-Wise. For the computation of Slot-1, Slot-2 and Slot-3 overall CAT percentile scores and sectional percentile scores a methodology very similar, as used by IIMs is applied at MBAUniverse.com. CAT 2022 exam like last year, is scheduled in three slots with reduced number of questions and reduced maximum marks. The process of CAT percentile calculation with raw score to percentile, in different percentile range is shared below:

6. CAT Score for 99 Percentile: Sample Calculation

The table below displays the likely Raw score and Scaled Score, good attempts in CAT slot-1 with Accuracy level needed for 99 percentile range:

Section in CAT exam Good Attempts Accuracy Level Raw Score Scaled Score CAT percentile Score Section-1: VARC 16-18 85 40-46 45-55 99 Section-2: DILR 13-15 90 35-41 40-46 99 Section-3: QA 16-18 85 40-46 45-54 99 Overall 45-51 85 115-133 131-155 99

7. CAT Score for 95 Percentile: Sample Calculation

The table below displays the likely required good attempts in CAT with Accuracy level needed for 95 percentile range

Section in CAT exam Good Attempts Accuracy Level Raw Score Scaled Score CAT percentile Score Section-1: VARC 13-15 85 35-41 40-46 95 Section-2: DILR 9-11 90 23-29 28-35 95 Section-3: QA 14-16 85 36-42 40-46 95 Overall 36-42 85 94-112 108-127 95

8. CAT Score for 90 Percentile: Sample Calculation

The table below displays the required good attempts in CAT with Accuracy level needed for 90 percentile range:

Section in CAT exam Good Attempts Accuracy Level Raw Score Scaled Score CAT Percentile Score Section-1: VARC 11-13 90 29-35 36-40 90 Section-2: DILR 7-9 90 17-22 22-28 90 Section-3: QA 10-12 85 26-32 32-48 90 Overall 28-34 85 72-89 90-116 90

9. CAT Percentile Prediction: Help is at Hand

You will be anxious to know your CAT percentile and your chances to get into one of the top 3-4 IIMs  IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow or other top MBA colleges like FMS, SPJIMR, MDI among others. The help is at hand with the accurate CAT 2022 percentile predictor available at MBAUniverse.com.

10. How to check your CAT 2022 Percentile: 5 Steps

You can check your nearest CAT 2022 Percentile by taking simple steps in 5 minutes immediately after taking your CAT exam 2022:

11. Guidelines to Use CAT Percentile Predictor & Get Accurate Percentile

The guidelines to get the best and accurate CAT percentile predictions are shared below:

Assess your CAT Performance: To get the accurate CAT Percentile Calculation through CAT 2022 percentile predictor, the best way is to use it immediately after your CAT exam is over before your memory begins to fade

Check Your Performance Level: You are required to enter your section wise attempts as well as correct answers for both type of questions  MCQs and Non-MCQs separately in VARC, DILR and Quant sections. This will result in more accurate CAT percentile prediction  overall as well as section wise. Please note the more accurate you are, the nearer is the CAT percentile prediction

Review Your CAT 2022 Performance: Section wise percentile prediction in CAT 2022 is more important than only overall percentile to know your chances of shortlisting by IIMs. It is not suffice to gauge only your overall performance in CAT 2022. The accurate inputs in the percentile predictor format will let you know where you stand and how much are your chances to get shortlisted by top IIMs.



12. Input Data as Required for CAT 2022 Percentile Predictor: How to Proceed?

Step 1 - Register: Register for CAT 2022 Percentile Predictor by filling your Name, Email ID, Contact Number in Form below. This is completely free.

Register for CAT 2022 Percentile Predictor by filling your Name, Email ID, Contact Number in Form below. This is completely free. Step 2  Input your CAT Performance: After registration, you will be taken to next page where you should submit your CAT 2022 Performance, immediately after taking your CAT exam. This is easy as after coming out of the CAT exam centre you are fresh with your memory and can input the performance with exact number of correct and incorrect answers that you marked in the exam

After registration, you will be taken to next page where you should submit your CAT 2022 Performance, immediately after taking your CAT exam. This is easy as after coming out of the CAT exam centre you are fresh with your memory and can input the performance with exact number of correct and incorrect answers that you marked in the exam Step 3  Check your Score, Percentile: Once you have submitted your CAT performance, you will get your Score & likely Percentile in 10 seconds!

So, Fill the form below, and get your CAT Score and %ile on the CAT exam day

The format to input data in CAT 2022 percentile predictor for your CAT 2022 performance is shared below. Make sure that you enter the correct data after your exam is over. For example, if there are 34 total questions in VARC and out of them 10 are non-MCQs, without any penalty of negative marking for wrong answers, your attempts for MCQs and Non-MCQs should not exceed the number of questions for the respective type of questions:

Name of Section Number of total MCQs Attempted Number of correct answers for MCQs Number of total Non-MCQs Attempted Number of Correct answers for Non-MCQs Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Ability (QA)

13. Benefits of Using CAT 2022 Percentile Predictor

CAT Percentile predictor can let you know your expected percentile score in CAT 2022 exam. The best CAT percentile predictor should give you the nearest CAT percentile calculation so that you may decide which IIM or top MBA college you could get based on your CAT 2022 predictions on your percentile score.

14. How does the CAT percentile predictor work?

The process how to arrive at the accurate CAT percentile calculation involves your net score awarded in CAT 2022, the calculated scaled score and finally the conversion of CAT scaled score to the CAT 2022 percentile score  sectional as well as overall.

IIMs will declare the CAT 2022 result alongwith your CAT 2022 Percentile based on 4 parameters:

Total number of candidates appeared in CAT 2022 exam,

Your performance relative to your peers;

Slot wise Difficulty level in CAT 2022 Exam

Section-wise difficulty level in CAT exam 2022

Based on this principle, the CAT Percentile Predictor 2022 prepared by MBAUniverse.com, works to help you know about CAT 2022 score and percentile you are likely to get. The more accurate you are in understanding your total number of attempts and correct answers for each of the CAT sections, the nearer you are to predict your CAT 2022 percentile.

Read more about the Score Normalization process of IIMs



15. Occurrence of Changes in CAT Percentile Predictions

Please note that depending upon the increase/decrease in number of candidates, their relative performance in the exam, the percentile calculation result through the CAT percentile predictor 2022 may change as also happens before final CAT result is declared

Apart from a high CAT 2022 Percentile, you need a balanced sectional percentile in CAT 2022 as the basic criterion to remain eligible for shortlisting by IIMs. Although, the qualifying sectional percentile scores have been lowered by top IIMs, for example IIM Ahmedabad needs only 70 sectional and 80 overall percentile; IIM Calcutta requires 80 sectional and 90 overall percentile as the qualifying scores in CAT 2022 for shortlisting, the actual CAT percentile at the top IIMs may go much higher.

16. CAT Percentile Predictor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What method IIMs use to calculate CAT percentile?

Ans. The methodology adopted by IIMs to calculate CAT percentile is to first calculate the total number of candidates, then a rank based on scaled score is assigned to arrive at the right calculation of section wise percentile score.

Q. Is the CAT percentile predicted in decimal points?

Ans. Yes, more than 2 lakh candidates appear in CAT exam so the percentile prediction after due calculation goes upto 4-5 decimal points. However, IIMs while declaring the CAT percentile rounds it off upto two decimal points.

Q. How can I predict CAT Percentile after the exam?

Ans. Yes, by using a good CAT percentile predictor, you may arrive at nearest CAT percentile.

Q. What are the important inputs I will need to get my CAT percentile predicted?

Ans. You should be aware about the total section wise attempts, correct and incorrect answers section wise as well as for MCQs and Non-MCQs to know your nearest CAT percentile

Q. When should I use the CAT percentile predictor?

Ans. The best time to use the CAT percentile predictor is immediately after your CAT exam is over as at that time you can recall your performance in CAT exam.


online gambling (Photo : Google)

China's Foreign Ministry on Monday expressed concern over the detention of more than a thousand Chinese nationals in the Philippines during a crackdown on online gambling, a move which could put a damper to the increasingly warm relationship between the two countries in recent months.



The Philippine immigration bureau last week arrested about 1,200 Chinese working at call center-like facilities suspected of running online gambling operations at Clark Field, a former U.S. airbase north of Manila, according to Reuters.



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The arrests marked the Philippine government's biggest round-up of Chinese nationals in the country, many of which are suspected to be working there illegally.



Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had requested the Philippines "appropriately make arrangements" for individuals who have been detained and quickly release those who have "legal identification."



"At the same time, China expresses concern over the large number of Chinese citizens detained by the Philippines," Geng told reporters at a media briefing, adding that China always reminds its citizens travelling abroad to comply with local laws.



It remains unclear if the Chinese nationals are being detained for gambling offences or for visa and immigration violations, although around 900 were brought to the immigration detention center in Manila, according to a report from local police.



China has expressed support for the Philippines' other law enforcement efforts, including President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drug campaign, which has sparked criticism from Western countries over fears of extrajudicial killings.



In a complete reversal to the previous Philippine government's adversarial relationship with China, Duterte has made efforts to improve ties with China, which has been plagued by territorial disputes in the South China Sea.



Before leaving for an Asia-Pacific in Lima, Peru earlier this month, Duterte said that should Russia and China decide to create a "new order" in the world, his administration would be the first to join.


U.N. Secretary-General-designate Antonio Guterres (L) meets China's President Xi Jinping at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Nov. 28, 2016, in Beijing, China. (Photo : Getty Images)

China will continue to participate in and support in the affairs of the United Nations, President Xi JInping told U.N. Secretary-General designate Antonio Guterres on Monday.



Xi added that the U.N. should implement the 2030 sustainable development agenda and Paris climate agreement, and look after the interests of developing nations while at the same time help them voice their opinions and aid them.



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The Chinese president also noted that 2016 marks the 45th anniversary of the restoration of China's seat at the U.N. assembly.



In turn, Guterres thanked China for supporting the U.N.



The U.N. is willing to cooperate closely with China and promote world peace, security, and prosperity, he told reporters.



Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who had a separate meeting with Guterres, said China is willing to increase its cooperation with other nations to maintain the authority of the U.N., improve its ability to tackle emergencies, and facilitate sustainable and inclusive development.



The 67-year-old Guterres served as prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002.



He served as U.N. high commissioner for refugees from 2005 to 2015 before being elected to succeed Ban Ki-Moon as U.N. secretary-general. He will assume the post at the start of 2017.



Guterres visited Russia and Kazakhstan before making his first visit to China since becoming the secretary-general designate in October.



In another meeting on Monday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Guterres praised China for initiating new global instruments such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Belt and Road Initiative to help other nations achieve sustainable development through cooperation. He also cited China's efforts in bringing together nations in conflict to resolve issues through dialogue.



"China is a solid pillar for multilateralism," Guterres added.



Guterres's words elicited positive remarks in China, with local academicians noting the U.N. as an effective platform for China to exercise its leadership and bring nations together to tackle global issues.



No country can succeed in solving global issues alone, said Shen Yongxin, an expert in world history studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told China Daily.


Five Beijing police officers are accused for dereliction of duty that has led to the death of a man during an anti-prostitution raid. (Photo : Getty Images)

Beijing prosecutors on Tuesday have recommended the filing of charges against five police officers in connection with the death of a man during a raid at a foot massage parlor earlier in May.



Lei Yang, a 29-year-old environmentalist, died in police custody during a raid at a foot massage parlor suspected as a brothel in Beijing's Changping district in May, leading to intense public outcry and raised suspicions of police brutality and abuse of power.



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The Fourth People's Procuratorate of Beijing has completed its investigation of the five suspects for of duty and transferred them to public prosecution departments for review, four of whom were granted bail, the procuratorate posted on its official Sina Weibo account on Tuesday.



Beijing prosecutors pointed to an officer named Xing, who currently serves as the deputy head of the Dongxiaokou police station in Changping, and an auxiliary officer surnamed Zhou for being primarily responsible for the incident.



The prosecutors said Lei, who worked for the China Association of Circular Economy, a government-affiliated environmental organization, died from choking on his own vomit.



However, the police said Lei had a heart attack while being detained and was brought to the hospital where he was declared dead, according to local media reports.



Lei's family also told the state-owned Xinhua News Agency that bruises were found on his arms and head, which the police explained as the result of Lei stumbling after trying to escape from a police car.



Chinese social media is rife with speculation as to why Lei, whose wife gave birth to their first child in April, was doing in a foot massage parlor--which in China is also known as a euphemism for a brothel--and his death has attracted huge attention.



On Wednesday, the state-owned People's Daily newspaper pushed back against allegations of police brutality with a detailed interview with police officers involved in what is described by Chinese authorities as an anti-prostitution raid.



Xing Yongrui, the officer in charge of the case, told the People's Daily that Lei had tried to escape twice and that the police had not used excessive force during the arrest.


Lee Min Ho attends a press conference for a commercial event on September 11, 2014 in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo : Getty Images/Ashley Pon)

SBS's new fantasy-drama "Legend of the Blue Sea" has finally hit the TV screens as it aired their first episode last Nov. 16, 2016.



The show stars Lee Min Ho who plays as a conman, and Jun Ji Hyun as the last surviving mermaid. Positive that the series will be a blockbuster, Lee Min Ho is hopeful that the fantasy-drama will be as equally good if not surpass the hit series "Descendants of the Sun." Lee Min Ho's partnership with Jun Ji Hyun is also as perfect as the Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo duo was a big hit.



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While fans are excited, a lot of the viewers pointed out similarities of the show with the British series "Sherlock." Netizens indicated that Lee Min Ho's role as a conman who is good with profiling people is said to be too similar with the British TV series "Sherlock." While in "Sherlock," Benedict Cumberbatch who plays as Sherlock Holmes is a detective and is also good at profiling people.



Furthermore, netizens claimed that while profiling people, the use of text overlays on different parts of a person's body is too similar with the British TV series as well. Some netizens also saw that the scene must have been "Sherlock" parody, according to allkpop.



Writer Park Ji Eun has been previously accused of plagiarizing foreign drama before. "You Who Come from the Stars" which aired in 2014 was also said to be too similar with American TV series "New Amsterdam" which aired back in 2004. Park Ji Eun has yet to comment on the said issue.



More on the "Legend of the Blue Sea," Soompi reported that the drama producers are spending so much on the film, as the Lee-Jun tandem will go to Palau and Spain for their beach scenes. Since the show's story revolves around on a mermaid, the scenes are mostly done on exotic beaches abroad.



"Legend of the Blue Sea" will be the last drama of Lee Min Ho before he sets off to do his military service. He is optimistic that the show will be a hit, and that this will leave his fans contented while he is away.






A THAAD battery launches an ABM interceptor. (Photo : US Army)

China has hit the reset button and hopes to improve its strained military ties with the next United States administration under Donald Trump.



Already on the defensive because of Trump's avowed anti-China economic views, China is moving to the military end of the bilateral relationship spectrum by "building of a new type of major country relations."



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China's Ministry of National Defense said it's willing to promote military ties with the U.S. Department of Defense and its next Secretary. Trump has said he'll reveal his pick for Defense Secretary this week.



Washington insiders say the job could go to any of three men: retired U.S. Marine General Jim "Mad Dog" Mattis; former Republican senator Jim Talent from Montana and former Republican senator Jon Kyl from Arizona.



The outspoken and hawkish Mattis is widely considered the front runner because of Trump's publicly stated preference for having a military man in charge of defense. Despite this advantage, Mattis isn't a shoo-in and some Republicans are wary about his aggressiveness.



Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Yang Yujun said recent years saw the further development of China-U.S. military ties thanks to the joint efforts of China and the outgoing Obama administration.



He said China and the United States have conducted effective cooperation on high-level visits; mechanisms of consultation; exchanges between military colleges; joint drills and training, as well as positive communication.



He noted that China and the U.S. have tried to strengthen strategic and action-level dialogue and control of differences and risks. Both are building what Yang called "a new type of major country relations between the two sides."



"China is willing to make joint efforts with the defense department of the next administration of the United States in a bid to promote the healthy and stable development of relations between the two militaries," said Yang.



He noted some deep-seated contradictions and obstacles lie in China-U.S. military relations, and hoped the United States will respect China's core interests and major concerns, as well as China's sovereignty and rights.



Yang urged the United States to implement the consensus reached by President Barack Obama and President Xi JInping, and take the smooth and healthy China-U.S. relations to the new administration.


Sami Zayn confronts Mick Foley in the this week's episode of Monday Night Raw. (Photo : YouTube/WWE)

After the brand split, SmackDown Live has been the more consistent wrestling show while Monday Night Raw has failed to fulfill the promise of prioritizing superstars. A possible shakeup between the two brands is rumored to be happening as one Raw superstar might get traded to SmackDown soon.



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As recapped by WWE.com, Sami Zayn was once again at the end of a beating from Braun Strowman when Raw GM Mick Foley stepped in to stop it. However, it led to a verbal confrontation between Zayn and Foley that got really intense.



It was so intense and emotional that Foley's bottom false teeth popped out of his mouth. This has led to a lot of speculations regarding a possible trade between Raw and SmackDown Live. It should be noted that SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan has been trying to sign Zayn since the brand split.



Bryan has expressed his interest in booking the Canadian star much better wherein he will be used properly. It is unlike on Raw where Zayn gets beat up by a monster that has not been wrestling for two years.



According to Nick Schwartz of FOX Sports, the storyline between Zayn and Foley can lead to a big trade soon. One of the suggested swaps is Zayn working on Tuesday nights while Baron Corbin heads to Monday Night Raw.



"Zayn seems like he'd be a perfect fit for SmackDown, where he could flourish in feuds with The Miz or Dolph Ziggler, or even move up into the WWE World title picture with AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose," Schwartz reported.



"A move to SmackDown would give Zayn a fresh start, and if Raw needs someone in return, Baron Corbin has been trying to get himself fired by Daniel Bryan for a while," he added.



Corbin, who has become stagnant since winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, also needs a fresh start. In his storyline, he has been getting on the skin of Bryan due to his actions like costing SmackDown Live the cruiserweight division at Survivor Series.



Zayn is not the only superstar Bryan is trying to lure to the blue brand. Cesaro has been on his radar for some time now but The Swiss Superman is thriving on his uncanny partnership with Sheamus. The team Cesaro and Sheamus are looking like the ones that will end the reign of The New Day as champions.



Check out the video below to watch the verbal confrontation between Zayn and Foley on Raw.




by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, December 1, 2016

In a race to widen their respective developer networks, Amazon and Google have released separate self-service tools to help inventors create apps based on machine learning that will ultimately make it easier for brands to work with the technology.

Amazon has made three of its artificial intelligence tools available to developers within its Web Services group, marking the first time that the company has allowed outside inventors to build apps and services on its technology.

Building AI capabilities into apps requires access to large amounts of data and expertise in machine learning and neural networks. The deep and machine-learning algorithms require access to automatic speech recognition, natural-language understanding and classification to collect and train the networks to recognize phrases, speech inflections, objects, and keywords.

The group, Amazon AI, features three services: Amazon Lex, Amazon Polly, and Amazon Rekognition. Lex, the technology that powers Amazon Alexa, allows any developer to build conversational experiences for Web, mobile and connected devices. Capital One, OhioHealth, HubSpot and Twillo have used Amazon Lex to build out chatbots for their respective companies.

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The Washington Post and GoAnimate used Amazon Polly to turn text into speech, enabling their respective apps to talk with 47 lifelike voices in multiple languages.

The third tool, Rekognition -- which Redfin, and SmugMug applied to apps -- allows app users to sort through images. The application uses deep learning-based image and face recognition.

Google also has been pushing self-serve tools, trying hard to convince developers to adopt technology that allows them to create bots for Google Assistant through Actions on Google, which the company should release earlier this month. Venture Beat reported in October that a software development kit (SDK) that brings Google Assistant into device not made by Google should become available next year.

In addition, there is also G Suite, a collection of Web-based productivity tools formerly known as Google Apps.

The new offering that Google App Maker announced this week rolls out as part of G Suite for Business. It's a browser-based platform that pushes the ability to build internal business apps without the need to write code. It aims to offer easy integration with Gmail, Drive and Docs, as well as machine learning capabilities, but not on the scale of Amazon AI.

Google App Maker offers developer tools to build apps that Google says can make every day processes simple and easier to manage through the cloud without worrying about servers, capacity planning and infrastructure security.
by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, December 1, 2016

Russias attempts to influence U.S. politics during the 2016 presidential election extended beyond hacking and leaking sensitive documents and emails from organizations like the Democratic National Committee, according to Bloomberg: Russian spooks also used social media to help spread stories based on this hacked material as well as a variety of misinformation, Bloomberg reports, citing cyber-security firm FireEye.

FireEye analyzed thousands of social media posts during the election and detected evidence of an online social media influence strategy similar to Russias past cyber-warfare efforts, including previous cyber-attacks against foes in Ukraine, Estonia and Georgia. However, the scale of these efforts during the U.S. election was unprecedented, FireEye chairman David DeWalt tells Bloomberg: Weve seen what I believe is the most historical event maybe in American democracy history in terms of the Russian campaign.

FireEye identified social media campaigns linked to hacktivist personas believed to have been created by Russian intelligence, including Guccifer 2.0, DC Leaks and Anonymous Poland.

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In the lead-up to the election, U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that the hacking operation against the DNC bore the signs of other Russian intelligence operations, all of which had the ultimate goal of influencing public opinion.

Separately, Buzzfeed reports that U.S. intelligence officials also believe Russia helped spread fake news and propaganda as part of an attempt to influence public opinion during the U.S. presidential election  a revelation sure to stoke fresh concern about the impact of bogus news stories on social media on American politics.

On that note, Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee are asking for the White House to declassify information about Russian intelligence efforts to influence the presidential election. The FBI is still investigating the hack of the DNC email servers, followed by the publication of discrediting emails by Wikileaks, earlier this year.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, December 1, 2016

Will Apple's push to collect mapping data with drones help build out and support an ad-targeting network?

The iPhone maker will reportedly use drone technology to accelerate data collection and improve the accuracy of locations. There are some parallels to Google Wave, but rather than using human intervention to report on changing road conditions, Apple will do it with drones to examine street signs, track changes to roads and monitor whether areas are under construction. The drones would transmit the information to Apple's Map team, who would update information to users.

The new Maps platform will offer the ability to view inside buildings and have improved car navigation features. The report from Bloomberg comes with information about Apple's September 2015 filing with the Federal Aviation Administration, asking permission to fly drones for commercial purposes. In a response dated March 2016, the FAA granted Apple approval to operate an unmanned craft to collect data, and take still photos and video.

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The issue for mapmakers is to keep map coverage up to date, said Mike Dobson, president at telemapics.com, which he founded after working at Rand McNally as chief technologist for more than a dozen years. Very accurate data is required to improve ad targeting platforms with the ability to identify exact locations of streets, buildings, transportation targets and more, Dobson said.

Having extremely current mapping data, similar to what drones can offer, could certainly help Apple with ad revenue, but Apple and ad revenue do not seem synonymous to Dobson. He said it seems more realistic to think about how the data will help Apple catch up with Google's Mapping platform.

"The mere consequence of the friction of distance limits how frequently and how much information companies can gather from diverse geographic areas to update maps more quickly," he said.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, December 1, 2016

Online classifieds company Backpage is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to let stand a decision dismissing a lawsuit against the company by a group of sex-trafficking victims.

Backpage argues in papers filed this week that a trial judge and appellate panel correctly ruled that the Communications Decency Act, a 20-year-old federal law, immunizes the company from liability for crimes by users.

Backpage's argument comes in response to a request by the teens to revive their 2014 lawsuit accusing the company of encouraging sex trafficking through the design of its Web site. The teens, who said that pimps posted ads about them in Backpage's escort section, argued that the company created an online marketplace "devoted to facilitating the sale of children for sex."

A trial judge in Boston dismissed the case last year, ruling that Backpage was protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. A three-judge panel of the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling earlier this year. "Congress did not sound an uncertain trumpet when it enacted the CDA, and it chose to grant broad protections to internet publishers," the appellate judges wrote in a unanimous decision.

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Lawyers for the teens then asked the Supreme Court to hear the case.

On Wednesday, Backpage officially opposed that request. Among other arguments, Backpage says the earlier decisions are consistent with numerous other decisions dismissing lawsuits against Web companies.

"It is undisputed that the online ads giving rise to petitioners claims were created, developed and posted by third-party users, not Backpage.com," the company says. "As courts have observed for 20 years, Section 230 was intended to prevent the 'obvious chilling effect' that would occur if websites were held liable for third-party content, given the enormous amounts of such content posted online every day."

The Supreme Court has never ruled on whether Section 230 immunizes Web companies when users post unlawful material. But numerous other courts have sided with Web companies on that question.

The first major federal appellate decision in the area, which was issued in 1997, involved a lawsuit against AOL. In that case, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals said AOL wasn't liable for defamatory statements posted to its message boards. Tech companies including Craigslist,MySpace, Google and Facebook have since prevailed in lawsuits by people who sought to hold the sites responsible for crimes or other activity by users.

Regardless of whether the Supreme Court agrees to hear the teens' appeal, Backpage faces other legal issues. Three company executives were recently charged in California with "pimping." A judge said recently that he is likely to dismiss those charges, but hasn't officially done so yet.

Also, the U.S. Senate recently held Backpage in contempt for refusing to turn over materials to a subcommittee investigating online sex trafficking.
In this article, we look at the common herbs and supplements with links to the treatment of depression and discuss their safety and effectiveness.

Medications and counseling are conventional ways to alleviate the symptoms of depression . However, some herbs and supplements may also help.

The most recent data from the National Institute of Mental Health suggest that in the United States, 6.7 percent of people experienced a major depressive episode in 2016.

Depression is a serious mood disorder with symptoms that range from mild to debilitating and potentially life-threatening. Some people look to manage depression with herbal remedies, rather than with medication a doctor prescribes.

Share on Pinterest Some herbs, essential oils, and supplements have shown promising effects for people with depression.

The use of complementary therapies continues to gain popularity, as people look for more natural methods of managing their health.

However, herbal does not always mean safe or effective, and knowing which products to choose can save a lot of time and money.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not monitor herbs in the same way as food and drugs. As a result, manufacturers are not always 100 percent clear about the quality or purity of their product.

Research suggests promise for some supplements in treating mild-to-moderate depression. These are some of the supplements that people most widely use:

1. St. Johns wort

St. Johns wort is also known as Hypericum perforatum. This plant has been a common herbal mental health treatment for hundreds of years. However, people must use caution if they chose to try it as a potential treatment for depression.

A 2016 systematic review found that St. Johns wort was more effective than a placebo for treating mild to moderate depression and worked almost as well as antidepressant medications.

However, this review of eligible studies did not find research on the long-term effects of St. Johns wort on severe depression.

The authors also advised caution against accepting the results wholesale, as the herb has adverse effects that many of the studies did not consider.

St Johns wort can also interfere with the effects of antidepressant medication, meaning that it may make symptoms worse or reduce the effectiveness of conventional treatment.

While St. Johns wort might help some people, it does not show consistently beneficial effects.

For these reasons, people should not use St. Johns wort instead of conventional treatment. Neither should they try St. Johns wort to treat moderate to severe depression.

2. Ginseng

This supplement comes from the gnarled root of the American or Asian ginseng plant. Siberian, Asian, and Eleuthero ginseng are different plants with different active ingredients.

Practitioners of Chinese medicine have used ginseng for thousands of years to help people improve mental clarity and energy and reduce the effects of stress.

Some people associate these properties of ginseng with potential solutions for the low energy and motivation that can occur with depression.

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) advise that none of the many studies that people have conducted on ginseng have been of sufficient quality to form health recommendations.

3. Chamomile

A study in 2012 reviewed data about chamomile, which comes from the Matricaria recutita plant, and its role in helping to manage depression and anxiety.

The results show that chamomile produced more significant relief from depressive symptoms than a placebo. However, further studies are necessary to confirm the health benefits of chamomile in treating depressive symptoms.

4. Lavender

Lavender oil is a popular essential oil. People typically use lavender oil for relaxation and reducing anxiety and mood disturbances.

A 2013 review of various studies suggested that lavender might have significant potential in reducing anxiety and improving sleep.

Lavender has mixed results in studies that assess its impact on anxiety. However, its effectiveness as a treatment for ongoing depression has little high-quality evidence in support at the current time.

5. Saffron

Some studies cite using saffron as a safe and effective measure for controlling the symptoms of depression, such as this non-systematic review from 2018 .

However, more research would help confirm the possible benefits of saffron for people with depression. Scientists also need to understand any possible adverse effects better.

6. SAMe

Share on Pinterest Some supplements have shown promising effects on depression symptoms. However, many investigations confirming their benefits are low quality.

SAMe is short for S-adenosyl methionine. It is a synthetic form of a chemical that occurs naturally in the body.

In 2016, researchers reviewed all the randomized controlled trials on record for the use of SAMe to treat depression in adults. They found no significant difference between the effects of SAMe on depression symptoms and those of a placebo.

However, they also found that SAMe had about the same effectiveness as the common antidepressants imipramine or escitalopram. Furthermore, it was better than a placebo when the researchers mixed SAMe with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications.

As with many other studies into herbs and supplements, the investigations into the safety and efficacy of SAMe are of low quality. More research is necessary to determine its exact effect.

People use the supplement in Europe as a prescription antidepressant. However, the FDA have not yet approved this for use in the U.S.

7. Omega-3 fatty acids

In a 2015 systematic review , researchers concluded that omega-3 fatty acid supplements are not useful across the board as a depression treatment.

While the study authors reported no serious side effects from the supplement, they also advised that it would only be an effective measure in treatment for depression that was due to omega-3 deficiency.

8. 5-HTP

Also known as 5-hydroxytryptophan, this supplement may be useful in regulating and improving levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that affects a persons mood.

5-HTP has undergone a number of animal studies, and some, such as this review from 2016 , cite its potential as an antidepressant therapy. However, evidence of its effects in human subjects is limited.

5-HTP is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement in the U.S. but may require a prescription in other countries.

More research is necessary, especially regarding concerns that it may cause serotonin syndrome, a serious neurological complication if a person takes 5-HTP in excess.

Supplement manufacturers do not have to prove that their product is consistent. The dose on the bottle may also be inaccurate.

People should ensure they purchase herbs and supplements from a trusted manufacturer.
Orndorffs experimental writing began when he discovered a way to take his reading automaticity (effectively used for over thirty years of grading senior students many expository essays and research papers) and use the automaticity in his writing. The errors produced add to his sense of humility that I find refreshing. He preached the rules of General Manuscript Specifications his whole career and now finds he cant live up to them himself. He may not see the humor in this, but his many former students and colleagues might sense a secret delight in his lightly buried misery of my conditional. I would not be here but for his determination and humility to see this experimental and self-imposed writing project through. Humanity is my standard in orndorff's writing, not GMS perfection.  Amorella
Some musicians are better at sight-reading than playing by ear. Are their brains processing information in different ways? Researcher Eriko Aiba set out to answer this difficult question, but the answer is not forthcoming.

Share on Pinterest Music is as mysterious as it is prevalent.

Music is almost as ancient as humankind. It is emotive and pleasurable, but, beyond that, music seems to be important in virtually all known cultures.

In 2008, a flute carved from a vulture bone was found in a cave in Germany. It dates back 40,000 years.

Although we will probably never know exactly how music started, it has clearly always been important to human society.

Beyond its cultural meanings and implications, the ability to play music comes with a raft of difficult-to-answer, science-based questions.

For instance, a musical aficionado can make the dots and squiggles on a page into a living, breathing piece of audio pleasure. How is this possible?

The processes involved in reading and playing music are almost unbelievably complex, and we are nowhere near understanding how our brains manage such a feat.

Erika Aiba is an assistant professor in the Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering at the University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo, Japan; she hopes to shed some light on these processes.

When considering a human brain as a computer, playing a musical instrument requires the brain to process a huge amount and variety of information in parallel. For example, pianists need to read a score, plan the music, search for the keys to be played while planning the motions of their fingers and feet, and control their fingers and feet. They must also adjust the sound intensity and usage of the sustaining pedal according to the output sound. Erika Aiba

This type of processing would be too advanced for a computer, so how do our brains cope?
The prescription of testosterone replacement therapy has increased dramatically in the last decade, with more and more men aged 40 and older trying to avoid the hormonal effects of aging. However, some researchers warn there may be risks to the treatment. A new study suggests it may increase the risk of serious blood clots.

Share on Pinterest Testosterone therapy may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, study suggests.

To counter the negative effects of aging, many men seek androgen hormone replacement therapy, usually in the form of testosterone.

Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for masculine growth and development during puberty. Testosterone levels naturally decrease with age.

After the age of 40, many men are diagnosed with hypogonadism, a condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone. As a result, men may experience symptoms similar to that of the female menopause.

Testosterone is commonly prescribed in hypogonadism, as it can improve muscle strength and sex drive. An increasing number of men have been seeking the treatment, with studies showing that the number of testosterone therapy prescriptions in the first decade of this century has nearly tripled .

But there are caveats. In June 2014, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  in partnership with Health Canada  required that testosterone products carry a warning about the risk of developing blood clots, or venous thromboembolism (VTE).
A WSU research team has successfully used a mild electric current to take on and beat drug-resistant bacterial infections, a technology that may eventually be used to treat chronic wound infections.

The researchers report on their work in the online edition of npj Biofilms and Microbiomes.

Led by Haluk Beyenal, Paul Hohenschuh Distinguished Professor in the Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, the research team used an antibiotic in combination with the electric current to kill all of the highly persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 bacteria in their samples. The bacteria is responsible for chronic and serious infections in people with lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, and in chronic wounds. It also often causes pneumonia for people who are on ventilators and infections in burn victims.

"I didn't believe it. Killing most of the persister cells was unexpected," said Beyenal, when he first saw the results. "Then we replicated it many, many times."

Bacterial resistance is a growing problem around the world. While antibiotics were a miracle drug of the 20th century, their widespread use has led to drug-resistant strains. In the U.S. at least two million infections and 23,000 deaths are now attributable to antibiotic-resistant bacteria each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

When doctors use antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection, many of the bacteria die. Bacteria that form a slime layer (called a biofilm), however, are more difficult to kill because antibiotics only partially penetrate this protective layer. Subpopulations of "persister" cells survive treatment and are able to grow and multiply, resulting in chronic infections.

In the new study, the researchers used an "e-scaffold," a sort of electronic band-aid made out of conductive carbon fabric, along with an antibiotic to specifically tackle these persister cells. The e-scaffold creates an electrical current that produces a low and constant concentration of hydrogen peroxide, an effective disinfectant, at the e-scaffold surface. The hydrogen peroxide disrupts the biofilm matrix, damages the bacterial cell walls and DNA, allowing better antibiotic penetration and efficacy against the bacteria.

"It turns out the hydrogen peroxide is really hard on biofilms,'' said Doug Call, a professor in the Paul Allen School of Global Animal Health and co-author on the paper.

Researchers have tried electrical stimulation as a method to kill bacteria for more than a century but with only mixed results. Beyenal's team determined the conditions necessary for the electrochemical reaction to produce hydrogen peroxide. The current has to be carefully controlled, however, to assure the correct reaction at an exact rate. Their method also does not damage surrounding tissue, and the bacteria are unable to develop resistance to such an electrochemical treatment.

"We pushed past the observation and got to the mechanism,'' said Call. "If you can explain why it works, then you can move forward, describe the limitations, and hopefully augment the effect."

The researchers have filed a patent application and are working to commercialize the process. Already several companies have contacted WSU to discuss commercialization. They also hope to begin conducting clinical tests.

Similar to the way that penicillin was discovered by accident, the research to develop the e-scaffold actually came out of Beyenal's group's failed attempt to improve fuel cells, he said. When the researchers figured out they could only produce a small amount of electric current for their fuel cell cathode, they decided to see if they could use the process for a different purpose.

"As engineers, we are always trying to find solutions to a problem, so we decided to use bad cathodes to control biofilm growth, and it worked. Our inspiration came from the fundamental work to understand its mechanism" he said.
Child care personnel properly clean their hands less than a quarter of the times they are supposed to, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control, the official journal of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

A new study from the University of Arkansas used video cameras to record handwashing habits and compliance among child care workers at an early childhood center in northwest Arkansas. The researchers found that personnel and parents at the facility on average followed proper handwashing procedures only 22 percent of the time before and/or after tasks such as wiping noses, emptying garbage cans, preparing food, changing diapers, or using their cell phones. Caregivers washed 30 percent of the time it was called for, with paraprofessional aides at 11 percent, and parents at 4 percent.

"Handwashing is an important component of reducing illness transmission among children in early childhood centers, especially for the adults in charge of their care," said lead study author Jennifer Henk, PhD. "As we seek to improve overall quality in early childhood settings, our study shows the need to adopt creative strategies to increase handwashing compliance and efficacy."

Surveillance cameras were used to randomly record 25 hours of handwashing compliance in ten different classrooms. The center was aware of the cameras, but not alerted to the primary purpose of the study. There were a total of 349 handwashing opportunities in the 25 hours; 78 corresponding handwashing events took place for an overall compliance rate of 22 percent. Handwashing opportunities and events were based on guidelines for early child care established by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The guidelines outline sequential handwashing steps that need to be followed, including use of warm water, soap, paper towels, and continuing for 20 seconds. This study confirms the results of previous studies in this area that there is a need for funding of education and training about proper hand hygiene.

"Hand hygiene in early childhood centers is especially important because children under five years of age have only partially developed immune systems, increasing their susceptibility to communicable diseases," said Susan Dolan, RN, MS, CIC, FAPIC, president of APIC. "Studies have shown that children who spend time in an early childhood care center are two to three times more likely to acquire infections than children cared for in the home, with respiratory and gastrointestinal infections posing the highest risks."

Handwashing can prevent about 30 percent of diarrhea-related sicknesses and about 20 percent of respiratory infection in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Visit www.apic.org/infectionpreventionchildcare to access APIC's new infographic and more information about preventing infections in child care facilities.

Article: An observational study of handwashing compliance in a child care facility, Jeffrey Clark, BS, Jennifer K. Henk, PhD, Philip G. Crandall, PhD, Mardel A. Crandall, MS, Corliss A. O'Bryan, PhD, American Journal of Infection Control, doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2016.08.006, published December 2016.
A recent discovery by researchers from the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) may lead to a new treatment strategy for an aggressive ovarian cancer subtype.

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecological cancer and it is the seventh most common cancer in women worldwide. Most women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at the advanced stage, which is more difficult to treat.

In a study led by Dr Ruby Huang, Principal Investigator at CSI Singapore, researchers identified a molecule called AXL which is found to trigger the spread of an aggressive form of ovarian cancer called the Mes subtype. This is one of two aggressive subtypes of ovarian cancer - the other subtype is called Stem-A - that was identified by Dr Huang's group in an earlier study. These two subtypes of ovarian cancers have a higher ability to undergo Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT is the process by which epithelial cells transform into mesenchymal cells, which have been associated with aggressive metastatic cancer.

By carrying out experiments on Mes subtype ovarian cancer cells, Dr Huang and her team found that AXL, when activated, was able to interact with other proteins in the cell to form a cellular pathway that contributes to the aggressive spread of ovarian cancer cells. Results from this study were published in the journal Science Signaling.

New hope for treating advanced ovarian cancer

Currently, there is no specific treatment for the Mes ovarian cancer subtype, and the findings from this study suggest that blocking AXL could be an effective treatment option for these patients.

"Though earlier studies have suggested the role of AXL in contributing to the spreading of ovarian cancer cells, no study has investigated the AXL function in ovarian cancer with different molecular backgrounds. This study builds upon our previous efforts in understanding the biology among different ovarian cancer subtypes, and the current finding represents an advancement into novel roles of AXL in ovarian cancer and brings another layer of sophistication in ovarian cancer treatment," said Dr Huang.

The research team from CSI Singapore is collaborating with several pharmaceutical companies to develop anti-AXL drugs, in order to bring the discovery from bench to bedside for ovarian cancer treatment. Dr David Tan, who holds dual appointments with CSI Singapore and National University Cancer Institute, will be leading the clinical development of the anti-AXL treatment.

This study was carried out in collaboration with clinicians from the National University Hospital as well as scientists from Imperial College London, and supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore, Singapore Ministry of Education, and National Medical Research Council. The first author of the paper, Dr Jane Antony, had recently graduated from the joint PhD programme between NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering as well as Imperial College London.
The development of the embryo during pregnancy is one of the most complex processes in life. Genes are strongly activated, and developmental pathways must do their job in a highly accurate and precisely timed manner. So-called Hox-genes play an important regulatory role in this process. Although remaining detectable in stem cells of adult tissues throughout life, after birth they are only rarely active,. Now, however, researchers from the Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena, Germany have shown that, in old age, one of these Hox-genes (Hoxa9) is strongly re-activated in murine muscle stem cells after injury; leading to a decline in the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle. Interestingly, when this faulty gene re-activation was inhibited by chemical compounds, muscle regeneration was improved in aging mice, thus suggesting novel therapeutic approaches aimed at improving muscle regeneration in old age. The study is published in the renowned scientific journal Nature.

Activation of embryonic genes in aging stem cells - a new course of stem cell and tissue aging

The biggest surprise from the current study is that the re-activation of Hoxa9 after muscle injury in old age impairs the functionality of muscle stem cells - instead of improving it. Dr. Stefan Tumpel, co-corresponding author and postdoc at the FLI, explains - "Originally, Hoxa9-induced developmental pathways are responsible for the proper development of body axes p for example, during development of the fingers of a hand". Dr. Julia von Maltzahn is leading the research group on muscle stem cells at the FLI. She adds that - "A decline in stem cell functionality leads to an unavoidable decrease in the regenerative capacity of the whole skeletal muscle. With age, this may weaken the muscular strength after injury." The courses of stem cell and tissue aging are yet to be completely understood. It has already been recognized that signals which control the development of the embryo become activated in aging stem cells. However, the regulator-genes controlling these signals have not yet been analyzed in aging. "From an evolutionary perspective, Hox-genes are very old. They regulate organ development across almost the entire animal kingdom - from flies up to humans. It is a huge surprise that the faulty re-activation of these genes leads to stem cell aging in muscle. This finding will fundamentally influence our understanding of the courses of aging", expects Prof. K. Lenhard Rudolph, Scientific Director at the FLI.

Altered epigenetic stress response

The activation of developmental genes in an embryo must be timed very precisely, in order to ensure faultless tissue formation and organ development. This fragile process is regulated by alterations of the epigenome - i.e. chemical modifications of the DNA. In collaboration with Dr. Christian Feller and Prof. Dr. Ruedi Aebersold from ETH Zurich, a new methodological approach was applied to identify the epigenetic changes that occur in muscle stem cells after injury, as putative causes for the re-activation of Hox-genes in old age. Simon Schworer is a PhD Student at the FLI and first author of the paper. He describes how, "Surprisingly, old muscle stem cells did not show a faulty activation of the epigenome in quiescence - the resting stage in non-injured muscle. Only in response to a muscle injury, do the stem cells display an abnormal epigenetic stress response, which leads to the opening of DNA and, thus, to the activation of developmental pathways." Working alongside scientists from Jena und Zurich were collaborators from Ulm, Heidelberg, Los Angeles and Rochester; all of whom contributed significantly to the astonishing results.

Future perspectives: Regenerative medicine

In collaboration with the University Hospital Jena (UKJ), Prof. K. Lenhard Rudolph plans to investigate, "...whether a similar re-activation of embryonic genes is also causative for the loss of muscle maintenance in aging humans." The Nature study proves already that medical compounds that limit alterations in the epigenome, may improve the regenerative capacity of muscles in old mice. Thus far, this approach is too unspecific and affects the modification of genes in several cells and tissues. For this reason, a collaborative study with the "Jena Center for Soft Matters" (Dr. Anja Trager) is primed to investigate whether a nanoparticle-induced, target-specific inhibition of Hox-genes in muscle stem cells is feasible and, if so, would it be sufficient to improve muscle regeneration and maintenance.
UNAIDS has honoured the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, for his unfaltering commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic and for acting as a voice for the voiceless to ensure access to HIV services for the key populations most affected by HIV.

Under the leadership of the Secretary-General, the world reached the AIDS targets of Millennium Development Goal 6 and moved to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Exceptional progress has also been made towards a shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

"Together, we have worked for a world where more people than ever are on treatment. Half as many children are infected through mother-to-child transmission. And double the number of people have access to medicines. I am calling for action to get on the Fast-Track to our target of 30 million people on treatment by 2020," said Mr Ban.

Mr Ban has consistently spoken out on behalf of gay men and other men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, prisoners and transgender people in order to ensure that they have access to life-saving HIV prevention and treatment services. He has been a longstanding supporter of an evidence-informed approach to the epidemic that puts people's needs at the centre of the response to HIV.

"We are motivated to fight AIDS because we know that every child deserves care, every person deserves treatment and all vulnerable groups deserve protection from stigma and abuse," said Mr Ban. "Tolerance and awareness help stop AIDS. Speaking out protects life."

Mr Ban was presented with the Award for Leadership by the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibe, at a special World AIDS Day event held in his honour at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States of America, on the eve of World AIDS Day 2016.

"The progress the world has made in reducing the impact of HIV and expanding access to health for millions of people would not have been possible without the determined leadership of my friend, Ban Ki-moon," said Mr Sidibe. "He has been consistent in his support for the most vulnerable in the world and remains a staunch human rights defender for the people most affected by the epidemic. His sense of service, commitment and compassion will continue to be a source of inspiration."

Mr Ban has strongly supported the ambitious targets set by UNAIDS and its partners. In 2011, he participated in the launch of the Global Plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children by 2015 and keeping their mothers alive, which prioritized more than 20 countries that, in 2009, accounted for 90% of the global number of pregnant women living with HIV who were in need of services to prevent mother-to-child transmission. New HIV infections among children in the 21 countries most affected by the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa decreased from 270 000 [230 000 - 330 000] in 2009 to 110 000 [78 000 - 150 000] in 2015. AIDS-related deaths among children in the priority countries fell by 53% in those six years as their access to treatment tripled.

In July 2015, Mr Ban participated in an event in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to mark the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal 6 target of 15 million people gaining access to life-saving antiretroviral medicines. The "15 by 15" target set in 2011 and championed by Mr Ban was achieved several months ahead of schedule. Access to antiretroviral treatment continues to expand, to 18.2 million [16.1 million - 19.0 million] people as of June 2016. Treatment access has grown six fold since Mr Ban took up office in 2007.

His bold and visionary leadership will continue to inspire the world to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The "valuable and significant" work of a University of Leicester heart professor has won him recognition as one of the world's most influential scientists.

Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, who is Director of the NIHR Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit (BRU) at Glenfield Hospital, has been named on an annual list which recognises global leading researchers in the sciences and social sciences.

This year the Highly Cited Researchers from the Intellectual Property (IP) and Science business of Thomson Reuters focused on contemporary research achievement.

Vin Caraher, who was the Chief Executive Officer and President of Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Science when the list was compiled, said Professor Samani had been selected because his work had been "identified as being among the most valuable and significant in the field".

The list recognises approximately 3,000 researchers whose peer-reviewed papers have been frequently cited in academic literature.

Among his many research achievements, Professor Samani has greatly advanced the understanding of how DNA affects the risk of coronary heart disease, which is now guiding researchers towards finding more effective ways of its prevention and treatments.

Professor Samani, who is also Professor of Cardiology at the University of Leicester, and a Consultant Cardiologist at Glenfield Hospital said: "It is a tremendous honour to have been recognised among some of the world's greatest researchers.

"It is an enormous privilege to have the opportunity to work in cardiovascular research. Although there has been great progress, cardiovascular diseases still remain the number one killer and a growing problem in many parts of the world.

"Whatever we can do to improve our understanding of the causes of heart disease is important and I plan to continue my work in helping to reduce the devastating burden of heart disease on families and individuals."

Mr Caraher added: "Very few researchers earn this distinction - writing the greatest number of reports, officially designated by Essential Science Indicators as Highly Cited Papers.

"In addition, these reports rank among the top 1 per cent most cited works for their subject field and year of publication, earning them the mark of exceptional impact."

In September Professor Samani was also appointed as the Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation (BHF), where he will oversee the 100 million that the BHF spends on research.

Last year Professor Samani was knighted for services to medicine and medical research.


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Esther M. Beraha. et al. Efficacy and safety of high-dose baclofen for the treatment of alcohol dependence: A multicentre, randomised, double-blind controlled trial. European Neuropsychopharmacology ; (2016) http:dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.10.006

A research team from Netherlands studied the largest randomised controlled trial (RCT) on baclofen for alcoholism.The report study published in the journalindicated the drug to have little effect when provided with psychosocial treatment.Baclofen use for alcohol dependence actually originated from 'The end of my addiction', written by the French physician Olivier Ameisen, who asserted to have cured alcohol dependence by administering a high dose of baclofen.The research study was conducted for 16 weeks on 151 alcoholic patients. Out of which 58 patients received high-dose baclofen (starting with a low dose to 150mg/day), 31 patients low dose baclofen and 62 received placebo.The research findings at the end of the trial found, no difference in recurrence rate between the two groups. About 25% of people were found to drink alcohol even after treatment.Reinout Wiers, Professor, University of Amsterdam, said, "This came as a surprise to us. In August 2015 a small German RCT** had indicated that high dose baclofen showed good results, but their control group did not receive any treatment, whereas all our patients, including the placebo group, received psychosocial treatment. Together these studies indicate that baclofen may be as effective as psychosocial care, but does not seem to increase effectiveness further. This means that we may have to further study the effectiveness of baclofen before we can recommend it for use. For example, perhaps it can help a subgroup of alcohol-dependent patients who do not respond to psychosocial treatment. We believe that prescribing baclofen widely, as currently happens in France, might be premature and should be reconsidered"."We are planning a new RCT, where we will test high dose Baclofen, up to 330 mg per day, in alcohol-dependent patients who have not responded to regular psychological treatment. For comparison, the maximum recommended adult dose of baclofen for its normal (spasticity) use is 80 mg/day. We need to consider safety and side-effects. We are not closing the door on baclofen, but we are saying that we need more research," he added.According to the Professor Jonathan Chick, Medical Director, Castle Craige Hospital, Edinburg, Scotland, baclofen was found to show promise in patients from Italian liver clinics who did not receive psychosocial treatment. A new dutch study which was based on a 12 step model, patients were recruited from 4 to 6 weeks residential program. The study results found better outcome than the usual European study, Psychosocial treatment was found to provide good results and additional effects of baclofen will not have any notable effects in a group of this size.It is therefore important that doctors reconsider prescribing baclofen for alcohol dependence.Source: Medindia
Tuesday was a devils deal in disguise when misfortune rained in Nagrota. Four army men lost their lives when terrorists dressed up as policemen tossed grenades and opened fire in the area. People were held as hostages as well, and out of the Army men who lost their lives, two of them were Army Majors.

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Major Akshay Girish Kumar and Gosavi Kunal Munnadir were two of the brave souls who laid their lived down, fighting for the nation. All of 31 years, Akshay was the son of the IAF pilot, Girish Kumar. He had been married for four years to Sangeetha Ravindran and had a three year old daughter, who was in Nagrota when the attack happened. According to a Times Of India report, Akshays mother wanted his daughter Naina to be inspired by the eight year old Kashmiri kickboxer, Tajamul Islam.

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Hundreds of people paying homage to Martyr Major Akshay Kumar at His Residence in Sadahalli #Bengaluru #nagrotaattack pic.twitter.com/nm3ZzNm0x6  Manjunath Naglikar (@manjunathn2) December 1, 2016

His friends say that while most people were still confused about what they wanted to do in their lives, Akshay was determined to join the army at a very young age. Kunal had just returned from duty in Jammu with his family on Monday, a day before the attack happened.

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He joined the Indian Army in 2006 and was a graduate of the Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce in Pune. He is now survived by his wife, his three-year-old daughter, his parents and two brothers.

VIDEO: Saluting Major Gosavi Kunal Mannadir, who was martyred in the Nagrota Attack pic.twitter.com/PFspqhsAaa  TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 1, 2016

Mortal remains of #Nagrota martyr Major Gosavi Kunal Mannadir arrives at his hometown in Maharashtra's Pandharpur, reports ANI pic.twitter.com/CXW3weqI52  Times of India (@timesofindia) December 1, 2016

Every day, our brave Indian Army men risk their lives so the nation can sleep in peace. The wrath of enemies leave permanent scars on our land and the cost of the bloodshed cannot be measured in any way. We salute the spirit of these and unwavering men and cannot thank them enough for protecting us, every single day.
Sonam Gupta, internets latest obsession has raised a LOT of questions. We tried finding some stuff up about her and here are 5 facts that the internet really needs to know about her.

1. Director Dharmesh Darshan made a film on Sonam Gupta 11 years ago and signed Akshay Kumar to play her jilted lover. Even though neither Akshay nor Darshan ever publicly admitted that film was based on her, this song was a BIG giveaway.

2. She was also the inspiration behind Shabbir Hussains most popular work till date. Its true. Heart break brings out the artist in you.

3. Several attempts have been made by filmmakers to tell the story of Sonam Gupta but none of them got an approval from CBFC. Some leaked images of the original movie poster of Sanam Bewafa prove that the film was in fact, based on a true story. Now we know why Salman Khan has been so tight lipped about Sonam Guptas controversy till now.

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4. Queen Elizabeth II met Sonam Gupta in a private gathering in England and while she had only one thing to say.

PROUD MOMENT FOR INDIA:



Queen of England declares Sonam Gupta as "International Bewafa" ! pic.twitter.com/QWNxcyUS97  Finger of India (@IndiaFinger) November 14, 2016

5. This world saw the biggest Supermoon in the last 70 years this November and thanks to NASA, her Bewafai finally became a celestial truth for the whole universe.

NASA releases images of shocking text on the #SuperMoon pic.twitter.com/YLirEMK2sm  Yash Bhardwaj (@theyashbhardwaj) November 14, 2016

Guess Sonam Gupta really is a Grade A Bewafa.

Disclaimer - If you actually believed all of that, youre not supposed to be on the internet.
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Humans, animals and the environment  our health is all connected

Why the One Health approach is important now more than ever
The 25-30 parliamentary bloc has called on President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi not to ratify the NGO law approved by the house on Tuesday, and asked the president to return it to parliament for further discussion, Al-Ahram's Arabic website reported.

A press statement issued by the opposition grouping on Wednesday said that "the parliament made changes [to the bill] hastily and without giving enough time to MPs to read the draft or to express their opinions during the discussion session."

The opposition bloc said it welcomed some of the parliament's final amendments which took into consideration some of their observations, but said that other articles in the draft which it perceives as restrictive to civil society were not amended, without giving further details about its proposed changes.

On Tuesday, two-thirds of Egypt's MPs approved the new 89-article law which will regulate the operations of NGOs in the country.

The 25-30 bloc's statement expressed the group's appreciation of fears regarding questions of national security and stated their opposition to any foreign intervention in domestic affairs.

However, the bloc said the approved law will turn hundreds of thousands of civil society workers into "suspects."

The bloc warned that provisions as they stand would impact negatively on the willingness of individuals to participate in serious civil work that develops society, raises awareness, and serves wide sectors which are out of the reach of state services.

Therefore, to be able to draft a law that pushes civil, local, and voluntary work forward and not backward, the bloc called on the president not to approve the NGO law.

MP Haitham El-Hariri, a member of the 25-30 coalition, also issued a statement on his official Facebook page on Tuesday asking President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi not to ratify the law.

El-Hariri has been a vocal critic of the bill.

The law stipulates that the president will be empowered to name the secretary-general of the National Foreign NGOs Regulation Apparatus which will regulate the operations of foreign NGOs in Egypt and monitoring all their sources of funding.

The new body will also supervise all forms of foreign funding dispersed to local NGOs.

The Ministry of Social Solidarity opposed the creation of the new body, arguing that the ministry itself can perform regulatory activities "since it has long experience in this field," but MPs rejected its request.

A government-drafted NGO law was approved by the cabinet at the end of October and referred to parliament on 2 November, but has not been discussed, and all amendments to the parliamentary committee-drafted law by the government were rejected by the committee.

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Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias will receive the EUs Chief Negotiator in charge of the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiations with the United Kingdom under Article 50 of the Treaty of the EU, Michel Barnier, at 11:30 tomorrow, Thursday, 1 December, at the Foreign Ministry.
Entering the Holy Church of Saint George, in Phanar, Istanbul, for the celebration of the Thronal feast, Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Amanatidis made the following statement:



Todays Thronal feast of Saint Andrew coincides with the 25th anniversary of the presence of the Ecumenical Patriarch at the helm of Orthodoxy.



It is an opportunity for us to reflect on this long course and draw lessons, especially at a time when humanism and pluralism are under threat.



We support the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople as a religious and spiritual centre of global standing and range. Its timeless contribution surpasses national and linguistic borders, supporting universal and immutable values through the ages.



Within the framework of his visit to Istanbul, the Deputy Foreign Minister yesterday attended the opening of the photographic exhibition of Nikolaos Manginas marking the 25th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomews enthronement, at the Sismanoglio Cultural Centre of the Greek Consulate General, in the presence of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Consul General E. Sekeris. The exhibition reflects the brilliant work and austere spiritual life of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
FM Sameh Shoukry delivered a message from President Sisi emphasising hope for good relations with the US president-elect and his vice president

Egypts foreign minister Sameh Shoukry met on Wednesday US vice president-elect Mike Pence, and delivered greetings and a message from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to the new US administration, the Egyptian foreign ministry announced.

According to a statement issued by the Egyptian foreign ministry, President El-Sisi's message to both Pence and US president-elect Donald Trump emphasised the importance of Egyptian-US strategic relations.

Shoukry relayed that Egypt was looking forward to working with the new US administration.

The message stressed that the United States can fully depend on Egypt as a partner that supports stability and contributes effectively to solving crises in the Middle East and combating terrorism.

According to foreign ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid , Pence also listened to Shoukry's explanation of Cairo's ongoing economic and social reforms.

The VP-elect said that president-elect Trump was looking forward to working with Egypt and to supporting its efforts to enforce peace in the Middle East.

This is the first meeting between Mike Pence and an Arab official after the election of Trump in November.

President El-Sisi was the first foreign leader to congratulate Trump personally over the phone on his victory in the elections.

FM Sameh Shoukry is currently visiting Washington for several days where he will meet US Secretary of State John Kerry and several congressmen and senators.

According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, Shoukry will hold interviews with CNN and PBS TV channels, as well as the Wall Street Journal.

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Egypt is the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to sign such a bilateral agreement with the United States

Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry signed on Wednesday a cultural property agreement to prevent the illicit import, export and ownership transfer of antiquities between the US and Egypt, with counterpart US Secretary of State John Kerry, in Washington.

"This agreement is the first one in the Middle East or North Africa regarding the protection of antiquities," Kerry said, in brief comments following the signing.

Kerry added that antiquities protected by the agreement are priceless treasures that do not belong to traffickers, and "should not be sold illegally and bought by wealthy people to hide away somewhere."

The Egyptian foreign minister said the agreement was important for Egyptians and humanity in general.

"This is a common heritage that we share and it is important to protect and maintain peoples understanding of the commonality that binds us together," Shoukry said.

Egypt and the United States are among 115 signatories to a 1970 UNESCO convention on the means of prohibiting and preventing the illicit import, export and transfer of ownership of cultural property.

The convention on cultural property implementation act the US law that allows it to implement the UNESCO convention  enables the US department of State to consider a request from any country party to the 1970 UNESCO convention to impose import restrictions on cultural materials.

The United States has bilateral cultural property agreements with 15 countries in addition to Egypt.

Minister Shoukry is currently on a visit to Washington, where he will meet a number of US officials in the Obama administration as well president-elect Donald Trump's transition team, and a number of congressmen and senators.

The minister will hold interviews with several US news outlets.

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The defendant was charged with murder, robbery, and the possession of melee arms

Egypt's general prosecution referred on Thursday the defendant in the murder case of Abu-Dhabi's Islamic Bank Egyptian CEO Nevine Loutfy to criminal court.

The defendant, Abdel-Aty Saber, was charged with murder, robbery, and the possession of melee arms, according to a statement issued today by the prosecution.

Last week, police arrested Saber one day after Loutfy was found murdered inside her home in 6 October City.

The 49-year-old Saber had previously worked as a security guard for a year-and-a-half in the compound where Loutfy resided, prosecutors said.

The prosecution said Saber was found with Loutfy's iPad, mobile phone and 5,000 UAE Dirhams.

According to an earlier statement issued by the ministry of interior, Saber knew that the CEO lived alone and was able to disable surveillance cameras.

The ministry added that Saber had previously been previously accused in cases involving possession of arms and drugs, and was once sentenced to three months in jail on robbery charges.

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50 CEOs of China's largest companies discuss larger investments in the Egypt, saying 'the country's market is large and ripe for growth'

The Egyptian-Chinese Economic Cooperation Forum kicked off Thursday in Cairo to discuss investment oppurtunities in Egypt, Ahram Arabic news website reported.

The Chinese delegation is headed by Wu Baocai, vice-president of the China Economic Cooperation Centre, Sui Zhengjiang, vice-mayor of Beijing, and Song Aiguo, ambassador of China in Egypt.

The forum is organised by the Egypt's General Authority for Investment (GAFI) in cooperation with the Egyptian Businessmen Association.

The Chinese business delegation, which is comprised of 50 CEOs of the largest Chinese companies, will explore with the Egyptian side about potential investment opportunities the fields of transportation, agriculture, tourism, and petrochemicals.

Members of the Chinese delegation represent 22 of the country's provinces.

The Egyptian side at the forum included prominent Egyptian officials and public figures such as Mohamed Khodeir, the head of Egypt's General Authority for Investment, former PM Essam Sharaf, and the Chairman of Al-Ahram organization Ahmed El-Sayyed El-Naggar.

Khodier explained in the meeting latest economic reform policies adopted by the Egyptian government to improve the investment environment in the country.

El-Naggar, an economic writer, praised Beijing's international economic policies, describing China as the most powerful economy in the world at the present. He also said the 2013 "Belt and Road" initiative launched by the Chinese president represents a great opportunity to end the dollar's dominance over the global market.

The vice-president of the China Economic Cooperation Centre expressed his country's keenness to increase investments in Egypt during the upcoming period, saying Egypt has a large-scale market full of business opportunities.

Egypt and China have forged strong economic and political ties since the election of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in 2014.

The Chinese official highlighted during discussions at the forum the participation of major Chinese companies in the execution of mega projects in Egypt such as the new administrative capital, the 1.5 million feddan agricultural reclamation projct as well the Suez Canal Axis development project.

In October, Egypt signed a framework agreement with China Fortune Land Development (CFLD) to complete the second and third phase of construction in the new administrative capital mega project east of Cairo with an investment of $20 billion.

The construction in the first phase of the new capital project started in April by local construction companies and is expected to be completed in 2018.

On Sunday, Egypt's Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) issued a report on trade exchange between Egypt and East Asian countries for 2015, showing China led all of Cairo's East Asian trade partners in exports to Egypt at EGP 74.8 billion.

Electrical equipment, machinery, mechanical appliances and spare parts were the top imported items by Egypt from China in 2015.

There are 1,300 Chinese companies currently operating in Egypt with nearly half a billion dollars worth of investments, according to Ahram Arabic news website.

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Israel's new ambassador to Turkey has arrived in Ankara as the two countries seek to mend relations that soured after a deadly Israeli naval raid on a Turkish ship headed for Gaza.

Eitan Naeh arrived Thursday morning in the Turkish capital as part of a reconciliation deal clinched in June, ending six years of animosity.

Naeh, quoted by Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, noted that Turkey and Israel "have a history of helping each other in times of need."

Turkey was among the nations to offer assistance to Israel in battling a series of wildfires that raged across the country last month.

Israeli-Turkish ties declined after now-President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose party has roots in Turkey's Islamist movement, became prime minister in 2003.

Relations imploded in 2010 after a confrontation between Israeli commandos and a Turkish flotilla trying to breach the blockade of Gaza.

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Scheurer Hospital will be hosting:

 The Scheurer Hospital I Can Cope Cancer Support Group will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 in the Wilson Education Center at Scheurer Hospital. The group will enjoy the annual Christmas Party. Light refreshments served. For more information, call 989-453-5222.

 Scheurer Hospital will host an American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR class at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 in the Birch Room. Pre-registration and pre-payment or $25 required. Register online at www.scheurer.org.

 The Scheurer Hospital Caregiver Connection Support Group will meet at noon Thursday, Dec. 8 in the Wilson Education Center at Scheurer Hospital. The group will enjoy the annual Christmas Party. Lunch will be served. RSVP to 989-453-5222. Reservations appreciated.
Russia will continue its operations in eastern Aleppo and will rescue the Syrian city from terrorists, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday during a visit to Turkey.

Speaking at a joint press conference after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in the Mediterranean town of Alanya, Lavrov said Russia would continue efforts to allow humanitarian aid into Aleppo, according to a Turkish translation of his comments.

Cavusoglu said he and Lavrov had agreed on the need for a ceasefire in Aleppo and the rest of Syria, although he said Turkey's stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was clear.

Russia is a main backer of Assad, while Turkey supports the rebels fighting to oust him. The rebels have come under siege in eastern Aleppo after rapid advances by Syrian government forces, bringing them to the brink of a major defeat.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says his country and Russia want a cease-fire in Syria, where the two nations support opposing camps in the conflict.

Cavusloglu said "we are in agreement that a cease-fire is needed so that the tragedy can come to an end."

The conflict has played out tragically in the divided city of Aleppo, where tens of thousands, mostly women and children, have been displaced from their homes in rebel areas since Saturday.

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BT Group plc provides communications services worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells telephones, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi extenders through high street retailers, online BT Shop, and Website BT.com; and offers home phone, copper and fiber broadband, TV, and mobile services in various packages. The company's EE segment offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network services; broadband, fixed-voice, and TV services; and postpaid and prepaid plans, and emergency services network. This segment also sells 4G mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and mobile broadband devices from various manufacturers. Its Business and Public Sector segment provides fixed voice, mobility, fiber and connectivity, and networked IT services to retailers, utilities, public sector, healthcare, sports, construction, finance, and educational sectors. The company's Global Services segment offers business communications and ICT services comprising BT Connect, BT Security, BT One, BT Contact, BT Compute, BT Advise, and BT for financial markets. This segment serves approximately 5,500 customers in 180 countries. Its Wholesale and Ventures segment enables communications providers and other organizations to provide fixed or mobile phone services. Its ventures provide mass-market services, such as directory enquiries and payphones; and enterprise services comprising BT Fleet and BT Redcare. This segment also provides broadband and Ethernet, voice, hosted communication, mobile virtual network operator, managed solutions, machine-to-machine, roaming, and media services. The company's Openreach segment engages in the provision of services over the local access network; and installation and maintenance of fiber and copper communications networks that connect homes and businesses. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
Dollar General Corporation, a discount retailer, provides various merchandise products in the southern, southwestern, Midwestern, and eastern United States. It offers consumable products, including paper and cleaning products, such as paper towels, bath tissues, paper dinnerware, trash and storage bags, disinfectants, and laundry products; packaged food comprising cereals, pasta, canned soups, fruits and vegetables, condiments, spices, sugar, and flour; and perishables that include milk, eggs, bread, refrigerated and frozen food, beer, and wine. The company's consumable products also comprise snacks, such as candies, cookies, crackers, salty snacks, and carbonated beverages; health and beauty products, including over-the-counter medicines and personal care products, such as soaps, body washes, shampoos, cosmetics, and dental hygiene and foot care products; pet supplies and pet food; and tobacco products. In addition, it offers seasonal products comprising holiday items, toys, batteries, small electronics, greeting cards, stationery, prepaid phones and accessories, gardening supplies, hardware, and automotive and home office supplies; and home products that include kitchen supplies, cookware, small appliances, light bulbs, storage containers, frames, candles, craft supplies and kitchen, and bed and bath soft goods. Further, the company provides apparel, which comprise casual everyday apparel for infants, toddlers, girls, boys, women, and men, as well as socks, underwear, disposable diapers, shoes, and accessories. As of February 25, 2022, it operated 18,190 stores in 47 states in the United States. The company was formerly known as J.L. Turner & Son, Inc. and changed its name to Dollar General Corporation in 1968. Dollar General Corporation was founded in 1939 and is based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
In early June, two Iranian-backed Shia militias under the nominal control of the Iraqi government stormed into an Iraqi military airbase north of Baghdad. Driving armoured vehicles and wielding rocket launchers, they took over a building on the base.

The Iraqi commander at the base, near the town of Balad, asked the militiamen to leave. But the men ignored him as well as orders from the central government in Baghdad, according to two army officers in the Salahuddin Operation Command, the regional military headquarters.

The June standoff grounded four Iraqi F-16 fighter jets and pushed more than a dozen U.S. contractors - there to help local pilots bomb Islamic State militants - to flee, according to the army officers and an Iraqi military intelligence source.

It also underscored one of the biggest challenges ahead for Iraq.

Baghdad is currently battling to prise hardline Sunni group Islamic State group from the northern city of Mosul. In that struggle, government troops are fighting alongside the country's Shia militias, as well as Kurdish and U.S. forces.

But the government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi knows that even if it defeats Islamic State group it needs to bring the Shi'ite militias under greater control. Iraqi and Western officials alike say episodes like the one in Balad raise serious questions about Abadi's ability to do that.

The militias came together in 2014 after Islamic State group seized a third of the country. Officially, the militias form a government-backed popular fighting force called the Hashid Shaabi, which has been instrumental in protecting Baghdad and pushing back Islamic State group.

But the militias have also created headaches for the government. Many of them have ties to Iran and have amassed vast military and political influence. Sunni Iraqis and human rights groups have accused some of them of rights violations, torture and murder.

The militias deny the charges of abuse, torture and murder, and say they are simply battling Islamic State militants.

At the Balad airbase in June, Iraqi army troops dealt with the rogue fighters by walling off the section of the base they had seized. The fighters eventually agreed to leave for a local farm after the intervention of their boss, Qais al-Khazali. He leads Asaib Ahl al-Haq, one of Iraq's fiercest Shia militias.

Abadi came to power in 2014, promising to mend wounds between Iraq's Shia majority and Sunni minority. The latter dominated the country during Saddam Hussein's iron-fisted rule and have chafed under Shia governments since his toppling in 2003.

To promote national unity, Abadi has promised to rein in the militias. Technically, the Hashid Shaabi reports to the prime minister through long-time national security advisor Falah Fayyad. Other Hashid leaders hold official positions. Spokesman Ahmed al-Assadi, for example, is a lawmaker. As well, Baghdad allocates salaries for about 110,000 Hashid members.

But Western diplomats say money for Shi'a fighters is regularly dispensed through commanders, giving them de facto control of the purse strings. And the Hashid routinely presents itself as loyal to the Iraqi people rather than the state. Fayad's deputy Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes - many militia members see him as the Hashid's real leader - is a veteran commander with long-standing ties to Iran.

Iraqi and Western officials say Abadi is too weak to take on the militias directly. When he first came to power, the prime minister tried to integrate the Hashid Shaabi into the regular security forces but that plan quickly died.

Now he is pursuing a softer approach. In February he issued an executive order meant to nudge militias into accepting government control. Diwan Order 91 directs the Hashid Shaabi to become "an independent military formation, part of the Iraqi armed forces and linked to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces ... on the current model of the counter-terrorism service."

In November, parliament passed a law to that effect which also calls on fighters to cut party affiliations and refrain from practising politics.

There are signs of progress. After leading the fight against Islamic State group in 2014 and 2015, the Hashid has mostly played a supporting role in recent government advances.

Reuters has seen a memo Mohandes sent in June that directed fighters to eliminate factional flags and chants.

But the militias remain outside the control of the defence ministry. They dominate in and around Baghdad, throughout eastern Diyala province and in large parts of Salahuddin province further north. And they still raise religious banners that portray Shia imams and logos of partisan groups.

The militias also control at least half a dozen of their own prisons, according to local officials, police and army sources. One is located in Jurf al-Sakhar, a town south of Baghdad that was captured by security forces and militia fighters in 2014.

According to one national security official, the town and surrounding area is still controlled by Kataib Hezbollah, one of the most secretive of the Shi'ite militias in the Hashid Shaabi. The U.S. Treasury calls the group a terrorist organisation.

"More than a year ago, the Kataib group set up their own detention centres and turned multiple former government buildings and large houses into tightly secured detention centres," said the official. "All we know is that hundreds of prisoners from Anbar (province) are detained ... The group is conducting its own investigations ... and security forces have made no contribution at all to these procedures."

A senior local official confirmed Kataib ran its own prisons and said many of the inmates were Sunnis who had been detained at a checkpoint in Razzaza, a desert area separating western Anbar province from Shia shrines in the south.

Ahmed Salmani, a lawmaker from the nearby Sunni town of Qaim, said around 2,200 people are being held there. He said he had discussed their fate, including incidents of torture, with the defence and interior ministries as well as Abadi.

One local said he had three sons who were rounded up at the Razzaza checkpoint. One was killed, he said. "I lost my three sons in front of my eyes at that ominous checkpoint," said the man, who paid $20,000 to have three of them returned. But "the oldest one, Omar, had been tortured to death."

Kataib Hezbollah spokesmen Jaafar Hussaini said reports of secret prisons were "baseless and a shameless attempt to distort the image of Kataib." He said the group was operating alongside the army, police and counter-terrorism forces to keep Islamic State group out of the area.

Western diplomats say the Hashid's ranks could be halved if Iraq manages to defeat Islamic State group. But they also fear a hardcore could evolve into something resembling Iran's elite

Revolutionary Guard. That would help cement the influence Tehran has gained in Iraq since Saddam's fall.

But according to one senior diplomat in Baghdad, Iranian officials have expressed their unwillingness to treat Iraq like a protectorate. "They keep telling us they can't manage a client state," the diplomat said. Senior Iraqi security officials also reject any further increase in Iranian influence.

The Iranian embassy in Baghdad did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Militia leaders themselves are split, with some suggesting they will not lay down their arms even if Islamic State group is defeated.

Jawad Talabani, a commander in Asaib Ahl al-Haq, said groups like his see no need to join the official Iraqi security forces. He said his militia would only lay down its weapons once all Sunni groups are defeated, and will resist forced disarmament.

"The role of the security forces is to protect the Iraqi people and we will support the security forces if that is requested from us," he told Reuters.

Kareem Alewi al-Mohamadawi, a spokesman for the Badr Organisation, the single biggest Shia militia, said the group would revert instead to its pre-2014 status, with some members serving in the police and others operating independently.

But the big groups are less of a concern to Iraqi officials and Western diplomats than smaller, more radical ones that take more direct support from Iran.

Earlier this year, Baghdad began working with the United Nations to establish a demobilisation programme for Hashid members who consent to give up their arms. Senior Iraqi security officials say the aim is to cut the size of the Hashid significantly. But with the fight against Islamic State group not yet over, the programme has not started.

Rebuilding the regular military, which was crippled by corruption and sectarianism and then overrun by Islamic State group in 2014, will take time, according to officials.

In June, when black-clad commandos from the government's elite counter-terrorism service marched in Baghdad with army and police units to celebrate the restoration of Falluja,

Hashid forces marched beside them. Abadi looked on, saluting from a viewing platform.

A colonel in the police command of Tikrit, a Sunni town now adorned with Shi'ite militia banners and pictures of Iran's Supreme Leader, put it this way: "We don't have any authority over them (the militias). They are a state inside a state."

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CA, Inc., doing business as CA technologies, develops, markets, delivers, and licenses software products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Mainframe Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, and Services. The Mainframe Solutions segment offers solutions for the IBM z Systems platform, which runs various mission critical business applications. Its mainframe solutions enable customers enhance economics by increasing throughput and lowering cost per transaction; increasing business agility through DevOps tooling and processes; increasing reliability and availability of operations through machine intelligence and automation solutions; and protecting enterprise data with security and compliance. The Enterprise Solutions segment provides a range of software planning, development, and management tools for mobile, cloud, and distributed computing environments. It primarily provides customers secure application development, infrastructure management, automation, and identity-centric security solutions. The Services segment offers various services, such as consulting, implementation, application management, education, and support services to commercial and government customers for implementation and adoption of its software solutions. The company serves banks, insurance companies, other financial services providers, government agencies, information technology service providers, telecommunication providers, transportation companies, manufacturers, technology companies, retailers, educational organizations, and health care institutions. It sells its products through direct sales force, as well as through various partner channels comprising resellers, service providers, system integrators, managed service providers, and technology partners. The company was formerly known as Computer Associates International, Inc. and changed its name to CA, Inc. in 2006. CA, Inc. was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
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.
The UN envoy to Yemen and President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi met Thursday in the southern city of Aden to discuss a new bid to end the country's conflict, a government official said.

Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who flew in from Riyadh, held several hours of talks with Hadi at the hilltop Al-Maashiq palace, where several members of his government are also staying, before leaving Aden, the official said.

The government-run sabanew.net website said Hadi handed the envoy a letter reiterating the government's rejection of a roadmap presented by Ould Cheikh Ahmed in October, which would see the president eased out of power.

The contents of the peace roadmap have not been made public.

But informed sources say it calls for agreement on naming a new vice president after the rebels withdraw from the capital Sanaa and other cities and hand over heavy weapons to a third party.

Hadi would then transfer power to the vice president who would appoint a new prime minister to form a government in which the north and south of Yemen would have equal representation.

Late last month, Ould Cheikh Ahmed said he has been preparing "for a new round" of peace talks, after a previous round held in Kuwait collapsed in August.

More than 7,000 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 wounded since Yemen's conflict escalated since a Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened militarily in March last year in support of Hadi.

Aden has been serving as Yemen's temporary capital since loyalists with coalition support recaptured it from the Iran-backed Shia Houthi rebels last year.

Hadi, who has been spending most of his time in Riyadh since the conflict broke out, flew to Aden last Saturday for a surprise visit to the port city.

Thursday's meeting was the first between the president and the UN envoy to take place in Aden.

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SEACOR Holdings Inc. engages in transportation and logistics, risk management consultancy, and other businesses in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Ocean Transportation & Logistics Services, Inland Transportation & Logistics Services, Witt O'Brien's, and Other segments. The Ocean Transportation & Logistics Services segment owns and operates a fleet of bulk transportation, port and infrastructure, and logistics assets. It operates carriers for the United States coastwise for trade of crude oil, petroleum, and chemical products; and dry bulk vessels. This segment provides deep-sea vessels docking, ocean towing, and oil terminal support and bunkering services; liner, short-sea, rail car, and project cargo transportation and logistics solutions; door-to-door solutions; and technical ship management services, as well as operates pure car/truck carriers. The Inland Transportation & Logistics Services segment offers river transportation equipment for moving agricultural and industrial commodities and containers, and petroleum products; and owns and operates multi-modal terminal locations. It also provides management services related to barge and towboat operations. The Witt O'Brien's segment provides crisis and emergency management services for the public and private sectors. It serves markets in the areas of critical national infrastructure, including government, energy, transportation, healthcare, and education. The Other segment designs, develops, and maintains alternative energy and power solutions; and offers liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas fuel supply and logistics to commercial, industrial, agricultural, and transportation customers. This segment also engages in the selling, storage, and maintenance of aviation; agricultural commodity trading and logistics businesses; and trading and merchandising of sugar and other commodities. SEACOR Holdings Inc. was incorporated in 1989 and is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The following companies are subsidiares of Sonoco Products: Associated Packaging Technologies Inc., Can Packaging, Clear Lam Packaging Inc., Clear Pack Co., Conitex Sonoco (BVI) Ltd., Corenso Holdings America Inc., CorrFlex Graphics LLC, Demolli Industria Cartaria S.p.A., Engraph Inc., Graffo Paranaense de Embalagens S/A, Hayes Manufacturing Group, Highland Packaging Solutions, Laminar Medica, Matrix Packaging Inc., PT Conitex Sonoco, PT Papcor Asia Pacific, PT Papertech Indonesia, PT Sonoco Indonesia, PenPack LLC, Peninsula Packaging Company, Peninsula Packaging LLC, Penpack S. de R.L. de C.V., Phoenix Packaging Corp., Plastique Holdings LTD, SMB GmbH, SPC Capital Management Inc, SPC Liquidation LLC, SPC Management LLC, SPC Resources Inc, SR Holdings of the Carolinas LLC, Sebro Plastics Inx, Sonoco (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Sonoco (Taicang) Packaging Co. Ltd, Sonoco (Weifang) Packaging Company Ltd, Sonoco Absorbent Technologies LLC, Sonoco Absorbent Technologies Limited, Sonoco Alcore - Demolli S.r.l., Sonoco Alcore AB, Sonoco Alcore GmbH, Sonoco Alcore N.V., Sonoco Alcore Nederland B.V., Sonoco Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Sonoco Asia Holding S.a.r.l., Sonoco Asia LLC, Sonoco Asia Management Company LLC, Sonoco Australia Pty Ltd, Sonoco Board Mills Limited, Sonoco Bonmati S.A.U., Sonoco Canada Corporation, Sonoco Capseals Liners Limited, Sonoco Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco Consumer Products Dordrecht B.V. (fka Dorpak B.V.), Sonoco Consumer Products Europe GmbH (fka Weidenhammer Packaging Group GmbH), Sonoco Consumer Products Hellas S.A. (fka Weidenhammer Hellas S.A.), Sonoco Consumer Products Limited, Sonoco Consumer Products Mechelen BVBA (fka Weidenhammer Belgium BVBA), Sonoco Consumer Products Montanay SAS (fka Neuvibox SAS), Sonoco Consumer Products Poland Sp. Z.O.O., Sonoco Consumer Products SAS, Sonoco Consumer Products South Africa (PTY) Ltd., Sonoco Consumer Products Zwenkau GmbH (fka fka Weidenhammer Plastice Packaging GmbH), Sonoco Cores and Paper Limited, Sonoco Deutschland GmbH, Sonoco Deutschland Holdings GmbH, Sonoco Development Inc, Sonoco Elk Grove Inc, Sonoco Embalagens Ltda. (fka Sonoco Embalagens S.A.), Sonoco Flexible Packaging Canada Corporation, Sonoco Flexible Packaging Co. Inc, Sonoco Graphics India Private Limited, Sonoco Hickory Inc, Sonoco Holdings Inc, Sonoco Holdings UK Limited, Sonoco Hutchinson LLC, Sonoco IPD France SAS, Sonoco Iberia S.L.U., Sonoco International Holdings GmbH, Sonoco JV GmbH & Co. KG, Sonoco Kaiping Packaging Co. Ltd., Sonoco Limited, Sonoco Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Sonoco Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Sonoco Milnrow, Sonoco Netherlands Holding II BV, Sonoco Netherlands Holding III BV, Sonoco New Zealand Limited, Sonoco Operadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco Packaging Limited, Sonoco Packaging Tapes Limited, Sonoco Paper Mill & IPD Hellas SA, Sonoco Paperboard Group LLC, Sonoco Partitions Inc, Sonoco Phoenix LLC, Sonoco Pina S.A.U., Sonoco Plastics B.V., Sonoco Plastics Canada ULC, Sonoco Plastics Germany GmbH, Sonoco Plastics Inc, Sonoco Poland Holdings B.V., Sonoco Polysack A/S Inc, Sonoco Polysack Limited, Sonoco Products Company UK, Sonoco Products Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Sonoco Protective Solutions Inc, Sonoco Recycling - International Trade Group LLC, Sonoco Recycling LLC, Sonoco Reels Limited, Sonoco Retail Packaging S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco S.A. de C.V., Sonoco SAS, Sonoco Saudi Limited Company, Sonoco Services LLC, Sonoco Singapore Pte. Ltd., Sonoco TEQ Holdings Ltd, Sonoco TEQ LLC, Sonoco TEQ Ltd, Sonoco TEQ Sp. Z.o.o, Sonoco Taiwan Ltd, Sonoco Thailand Ltd, Sonoco UK Leasing Limited, Sonoco Venezolana C.A., Sonoco Venture International Holdings GmbH, Sonoco Ventures UK Limited, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Core Plant LLC, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Inc, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Paper Mill LLC, Sonoco Yatai Pinghu Packaging Co Ltd, Sonoco de Colombia Ltda, Sonoco do Brasil Participacoes Ltda, Sonoco do Brazil Ltda, Sonoco of Puerto Rico Inc, Sonoco-Alcore AS, Sonoco-Alcore Oy, Sonoco-Alcore S.a.r.l., Sonoco-Alcore Sp. Z.O.O., Sonoco-Engraph Puerto Rico Inc, TPT Limited, Tegrant Alloyd Brands Inc, Tegrant Corporation, Tegrant International Inc, Tegrant Property Holdings LLC, Tegrant de Mexico S.A. de C.V., ThermoSafe Brands Asia PTE LTD, ThermoSafe Brands Europe Ltd., Thermoform Engineered Quality LLC, Trident Graphics Canada Corporation, Trident Graphics NA LLC, Tubo-Tec Nordeste Industria, U.S. Paper Mills Corp., Weidenhammer Chile Ltda., Weidenhammer Packaging Group, Weidenhammer UK Ltd., and Wisenberg U.S. Inc.

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Harley-Davidson, Inc. manufactures and sells motorcycles. The company operates in two segments, Motorcycles and Related Products and Financial Services. The Motorcycles and Related Products segment designs, manufactures, and sells Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including cruiser, touring, standard, sportbike, and dual models, as well as motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and related services. This segment sells its products to retail customers through a network of independent dealers, as well as e-commerce channels in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. The Financial Services segment provides wholesale financing services, such as floorplan and open account financing of motorcycles, and parts and accessories; and retail financing services, including installment lending for the purchase of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles, as well as point-of-sale protection products comprising motorcycle insurance, extended service contracts, and motorcycle maintenance protection. This segment also licenses third-party financial institutions that issue credit cards bearing the Harley-Davidson brand. Harley-Davidson, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Stewart Information Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides title insurance and real estate transaction related services. The company operates in two segments, Title, and Ancillary Services and Corporate. The Title segment is involved in searching, examining, closing, and insuring the condition of the title to real property. This segment also offers home and personal insurance services; services for tax-deferred exchanges; and digital customer engagement platform services. The Ancillary Services and Corporate segment provides appraisal management, online notarization and closing, credit and real estate information, and search and valuation services to the mortgage industry. The company offers its products and services through its directly owned policy-issuing offices, network of independent agencies, and other businesses within the company. It serves homebuyers and sellers, residential and commercial real estate professionals, title agencies, real estate attorneys and investors, and home builders, as well as mortgage lenders, servicers, brokers, and investors. The company operates in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Stewart Information Services Corporation was founded in 1893 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., E2M Production B.V.., E2M Technologies B.V.., E2M Technologies Inc.., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO Holding AG, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, Exhibit 21, FEG Investments L.L.C., Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Filtertek SAS, GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech Taicang Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Belgium B.V., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart International Singapore Pte. Ltd., Hobart Japan K.K., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components Chongqing Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components Langfang Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium B.V., ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS UK Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW China Investment Company Limited, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Construction Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Services Manila Inc., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Contamination Control Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Deutschland GmbH, ITW Diagraph GmbH, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW EU Holdings Ltd., ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.L., ITW European Finance Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Thailand Ltd., ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France Luxembourg S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW Materials Technology Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Ningbo Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology China Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion Shenzhen Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Illinois Tool Works Chile Limitada, Illinois Tool Works ITW Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, Instron Shanghai Ltd., Instron Thailand Limited, International Leasing Company LLC, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., Itw Spraytec, KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems Canada Inc., Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MTS 2 LLC., MTS 3 LLC., MTS China Holdings LLC, MTS Europe Holdings LLC, MTS Holdings France S.a.r.l., MTS Japan Ltd.., MTS Korea Inc.., MTS Systems China Co. Ltd., MTS Systems Corporation, MTS Systems Danmark ApS., MTS Systems Europe B.V., MTS Systems Finance C.V.., MTS Systems Germany GmbH, MTS Systems Holding B.V.., MTS Systems Hong Kong Incorporated, MTS Systems Limited, MTS Systems Norden Aktiebolag, MTS Systems S.r.l, MTS Systems., MTS Systems.., MTS Sytems Do Brazil, MTS Testing Solutions India Private Limited., MTS Testing Systems Canada Ltd., Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited Enping, Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners Shanghai Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., R&D Engineering A/S., R&D Prague s.r.o., R&D Steel ApS., R&D Test Systems A/S., R&D Tools and Structures A/S., RDGDK Engineering Private Limited, Ramset Fasteners Hong Kong Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco Japan Inc., Simco Nederland B.V., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes B.V., Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Hong Kong Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Shanghai Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stokvis Tapes Taiwan Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Tianjin Co. Ltd., Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Subsidiaries, Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek China Limited, Teknek Japan Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Kunshan Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta Global Limited, Vesta Guangzhou Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil South Africa Pty Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, and Zip-Pak International B.V..

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Valener Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the natural gas business in Canada and the United States. Its Energy Distribution segment engages in the natural gas distribution activities in Quebec and Vermont, as well as electricity distribution activities in Vermont to 205,000 customers through a pipeline network of approximately 11,000 kilometers in Quebec, as well as 50,000 customers in residential, commercial, and industrial markets through a network of 1,500 kilometers. This segment is also involved in the distribution, transportation, production, purchase, and sale of electricity to 265,000 customers through 16,300 kilometers of overhead distribution lines; 2,000 kilometers of underground distribution lines; and 2,700 kilometers of overhead transmission lines. It operates 2 wind farms with an installed capacity of 69 megawatts, as well as 21 solar farms with an installed capacity of 25 megawatts in Vermont; and 44 hydroelectric generating stations in New England. The company's Natural Gas Transportation segment operates 2 pipelines totaling 98 kilometers in northwest Quebec; 575- kilometers pipeline in Quebec; and 489- kilometers pipeline from the Quebec border to the suburbs of Boston. Its Electricity Production segment develops and owns solar power generation projects in the United States; and 3 wind farms with a total installed capacity of 340 megawatts on the private lands of Seigneurie de Beaupre. The company's Energy Services, Storage and Other segment engages in the sale of liquefied natural gas as a fuel or energy product; electric power generation and transmission from a thermal power plant, as well as the sale, leasing, and maintenance of natural gas appliances; and underground natural gas storage activities in Quebec. Valener Inc. was incorporated in 2010 and is based in Montreal, Canada.
U.S. lawmakers have negotiated a defense bill that calls for a 2.1 percent pay raise for troops next year and scrapping a proposal to reduce housing allowances for military couples, among other personnel changes.

The provisions were finalized this week as part of a compromise version of the fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, which sets policy and spending targets for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1.

The massive $619 billion defense bill would provide "the full 2.1% pay raise for our troops, as required by law," states a summary document posted Wednesday to the House Armed Services Committee website. The panel is headed by Rep. William "Mac" Thornberry, a Republican from Texas.

The legislation, which still must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by President Barack Obama before becoming law, also calls for "no changes to housing allowance, including for dual military families." The bill also would drop a proposal requiring women to register for the draft and include a compromise to forgive the debt of Guardsmen ordered to pay back bonuses.

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the legislation Friday, and the Senate expected to follow suit next week. It wasn't immediately clear whether the president plans to veto the bill. Obama and members of his cabinet, including Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, have previously threatened to reject the measure over the level of war funding, among other areas of disagreements.

Pay Raise

House negotiators successfully convinced their Senate counterparts to agree to a higher pay raise for service members in 2017.

The Senate had agreed with the White House to increase troop pay next year by 1.6 percent, which supporters of the proposal noted was the highest level in four years.

The House, however, pushed for a 2.1 percent increase in pay in keeping with private-sector wage growth. Lawmakers in the lower chamber noted the alternative would have marked the fourth straight year troops would have seen a lower-than-expected raise.

By law, military pay hikes are supposed to track wage growth in the private sector as measured by the government's Employment Cost Index (ECI). The basic pay hike in 2016 was capped at 1.3 percent, a full percentage point below the level pegged by the ECI; and in both 2014 and 2015 at 1 percent when 1.8 percent was needed to match wage hikes nationwide.

For an E-5 with four years of service, the higher raise next year would translate into an extra $48 a month, for a total of $2,315 in basic pay; for an O-3, it would mean another $117 a month, for a total of $5,683 in monthly pay, according to a basic calculation using 2016 pay tables from the Pentagon's Defense Finance and Accounting Services.

Housing Allowances

House negotiators also persuaded their Senate colleagues to keep intact the housing allowance benefit.

The Senate's version of the bill would have curbed the Basic Allowance for Housing for new entrants beginning in 2018 by covering only what they actually pay in rent. In addition, it would have reduced the combined value of the benefit received by military couples or roommates.

Some senators have called BAH "bloated and ripe for abuse."

The upper chamber's previous language called for the allowance to be set at "the actual monthly cost of housing" or an amount "based on the costs of adequate housing" for each military housing area, and for two or more service members occupying the same housing to split the benefit.

But lawmakers were ultimately convinced to retain the current form of the benefit, which advocates argue is part of regular military compensation designed to retain and recruit talented people into the military.

In addition, Congress is already supporting a Pentagon plan to slow the growth of Basic Allowance for Housing over five years so service members on average pay 2 percent of their housing costs this year, 3 percent in 2017, 4 percent in 2018 and 5 percent in 2019 and thereafter. Troops won't see a modification in the allowance until they change duty stations.

-- Brendan McGarry can be reached at brendan.mcgarry@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Brendan_McGarry.
Elite Syrian troops moved into east Aleppo Thursday ahead of a push into the most densely populated areas, as regime ally Russia called for corridors to bring in aid and evacuate wounded.

Despite global criticism including the UN warning Aleppo risked becoming a "giant graveyard", government forces have pressed an assault to retake control of the divided city.

The offensive -- backed by artillery -- has spurred an exodus of tens of thousands of residents from the rebel-held east.

It has left Aleppo's streets strewn with the bodies of men, women and children, many lying next to the suitcases they had packed to escape.

Artillery fire continued on Thursday but subsided as heavy rainfall hit the city.

The assault has seen President Bashar al-Assad's forces make significant gains in the last week.

After overrunning the city's northeast, they were in control of 40 percent of the territory once held by opposition forces in Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"The regime is tightening the noose on the remaining section of east Aleppo under rebel control," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

He said hundreds of fighters from the elite Republican Guard and Fourth Division arrived in Aleppo on Thursday "in preparation for street battles" in the densely populated southeast.

"They are moving in on the ground, but they are afraid of ambushes because of the density of both residents and fighters," he said.

The violence in Aleppo has sparked widespread outrage at the regime, but also at its steadfast supporter Moscow.

On Thursday, Russia proposed setting up four humanitarian corridors into east Aleppo to bring in aid and evacuate severely wounded people.

Russia announced "they want to sit down in Aleppo with our people there to discuss how we can use the four (humanitarian) corridors to evacuate people out," Jan Egeland, head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, told reporters in Geneva.

He said Russia has pledged to respect the corridors, and that "we (the UN) now feel confident that the armed opposition groups will do the same."

Moscow has announced several humanitarian pauses in Aleppo to allow civilians to flee, but until the recent military escalation, only a handful did so.

In Turkey on Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow had used every opportunity to help civilians, but accused rebels of threatening "to prevent passage of humanitarian convoys and fire on them."

Russia was criticised at Wednesday's UN Security Council meeting on Syria, with British ambassador Matthew Rycroft accusing Moscow of supporting "a deliberate act of starvation and a deliberate withholding of medical care."

Since Saturday more than 50,000 people have poured out of east Aleppo into territory controlled by government forces or local Kurdish authorities, according to the Observatory.

Thousands more have sought refuge in the remaining rebel-held neighbourhoods in southeastern Aleppo, arriving with overpacked suitcases or sometimes just the clothes on their backs.

The loss of east Aleppo -- a rebel stronghold since 2012 -- would be the biggest blow to Syria's opposition in more than five years.

The city became a powerful symbol of Syria's uprising, producing some of the war's most iconic images including of Omran, the shell-shocked toddler in an ambulance.

Syrian aircraft have been pounding east Aleppo with air strikes for months -- often using crude munitions like barrel bombs -- but as the ground advance has gathered pace the army has instead turned to more precise artillery.

The effect has been no less devastating.

On Thursday, four children from a single family were killed in artillery fire by regime forces on the rebel-held Maadi neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to the Observatory.

The government's offensive has left 42 children dead, among a total of more than 300 civilians killed since November 15.

Retaliatory rocket fire by the rebels on government-held areas has killed 48 civilians, according to the Britain-based Observatory, which has a wide network of sources on the ground.

Speaking to a special Security Council session on Wednesday, UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien made an urgent appeal.

"For the sake of humanity we call on -- we plead -- with the parties and those with influence to do everything in their power to protect civilians and enable access to the besieged part of eastern Aleppo before it becomes one giant graveyard," he said.

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Tricare enrollment costs and use fees for currently serving troops and existing retirees escaped congressional reform efforts unchanged, according to the final draft of an annual defense bill unveiled Wednesday.

But future retirees who join the military in 2018 or thereafter will pay higher fees for all Tricare plans.

Tricare reforms proposed over the last year had included a parade of fee increases, many of which put the greatest burden on military retirees. But after months of negotiations, lawmakers produced a toned-down set of reforms that focuses change on the incoming military force instead of those who entered service under current health care plans.

For those currently in the Tricare system, including Tricare Reserve Select and Tricare for Life users, reform focuses primarily on program title change, back end management and limited expansions.

For example, the law eliminates the "Tricare Standard" and "Tricare Extra" options, swapping them out with the newly minted "Tricare Select." But for those who serve before 2018, nothing about the cost structure under the new plan differs from what users pay today under Standard or Extra.

Under expansions in the legislation, Tricare Prime users will be able to access civilian-based urgent care without prior authorization, a program that is currently capped at two visits per year. Military treatment facilities also will expand their primary care business hours and implement a standard appointment scheduling system across all services and facilities nationwide while increasing the number of available appointments.

The legislation also allows the Defense Department to sell durable medical equipment, such as hearing aids, to beneficiaries at cost. Currently, Tricare does not cover hearing aids for retirees.

Those new to the military in 2018, however, will see new cost structures once they hit retirement, including annual enrollment fees of at least $900 per family for the new "Tricare Select" option and $700 for Tricare Prime. Active-duty family users new to the force in 2018 or after will be charged fees for the "Select" plan similar to those charged for active-duty families on Standard today, according to the legislation.

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the legislation Friday, and the Senate expected to follow suit next week. It wasn't immediately clear whether the president plans to veto the bill. President Obama and members of his cabinet, including Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, have previously threatened to reject the measure over the level of war funding, among other areas of disagreements.

-- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com.
The U.S. Air Force would add 4,000 more airmen to its ranks next year -- but no extra warplanes to its arsenal -- under a compromise version of the defense authorization bill.

The move would boost the Air Force's authorized end-strength for the active component to 321,000 airmen, according to a summary document released this week on the negotiated fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.

The $619 billion bill must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by President Barack Obama before becoming law. The House may vote on the measure Friday and the Senate may do the same next week.

The Air Force in September had about 311,000 airmen serving on active duty, according to Pentagon personnel statistics. Amid the U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the size of the service peaked in 2004 at nearly 377,000 airmen before beginning a steady drawdown. Last year, the service was authorized to add more airmen for the first time in six years.

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James in recent months has pushed for 4,000 to 8,000 more airmen, in part to address a shortage of fighter pilots and maintainers in the force.

"I am absolutely certain that we need somewhere on the order of 321,000 to 325,000 active-duty airmen," she said in an interview with Air Force Times in August.

During his Senate confirmation hearing, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein this summer said 4,000 maintainers were needed to adequately keep aircraft ready for a "fight tonight" scenario.

"If we're successful this year at getting to 317,000 and we see the kind of recruiting numbers we are looking for, we will likely come back to this committee and ask you to reprogram money to allow us to get to our authorization of 321,000," Goldfein said in June. "The bulk of those airmen that we are going to bring on are going to be maintainers."

Other critical fields, such as cyber, nuclear missile and remotely piloted aircraft airmen, also could funnel in more servicemen and women in the newly agreed upon legislation.

At least for now, lawmakers appear to have prioritized funding for more service members rather than aircraft. They omitted a provision to add more F-35 Joint Strike Fighters made by Lockheed Martin Corp. and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets made by Boeing Co.

In their previous version of the bill, House lawmakers had supported funding for 11 more F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and a total of 14 F-18E/F Super Hornets "to address a critical fighter shortage," according to language from earlier this year. But their counterparts in the Senate didn't sign off on the plan.

The legislation also would seek to study a new way to manage the nearly $400 billion F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program -- the Pentagon's largest acquisition effort -- and for auditors with the Government Accountability Office -- the investigative arm of Congress -- to provide more reporting on the potentially $55 billion B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber, or LRSB, program.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
The commander of U.S. Central Command said Wednesday he doesn't want American troop levels in Afghanistan to drop anytime soon -- and that the decision to keep more in country sent a "strong message."

Army Gen. Joseph Votel praised President Barack Obama's decision in July to keep American troop levels in Afghanistan at 8,400 instead of going down to 5,500.

"The decision to stay as opposed to going down to 5,500, which is where we would generally be right now, and keeping it at a much higher level -- around 8,400 -- I think was a very wise move," Votel told an audience at the Foreign Policy Initiative's 2016 forum, "An Era of Consequences."

"I think it sent a very strong message to the coalition; I certainly think it sent a strong message the Afghan forces and the people of Afghanistan  so I am very keen to keep that going into the future.

"I think Afghanistan is a country worth fighting for. As a military member who went with the first wave of forces in October 2001, I remain very hopeful about it."

The forum, held at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., focused on a number of topics ranging from the strategy to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria to broader challenges in the Middle East.

Votel also spoke about the current operation to recapture Mosul from ISIS forces.

"We are trying to present the Islamic state with a lot of dilemmas that they have to deal with simultaneously, and that strategy in very broad terms the military strategy is working," Votel said. "It is beginning to expose the cracks, and I think it is helping us with reducing the physical size of the caliphate."

In Mosul, Iraqi security forces working with the Kurdish regional government forces are on track but face a fight that will likely last into next year, Votel said.

"It will be a long fight in Mosul," Votel said. "This is a huge, huge urban area, and the Islamic State has had a couple of years to prepare their defenses, so it is not going to be a cakewalk."

Votel said he didn't want to speculate on a timeframe but said the operation could take "a couple more months."

"The Islamic state is fighting hard right now, but again I think you have to look at the wear and tear that they are absorbing with this  the continued strikes, the continued pressure we are putting on them, the inability to move forces  ultimately I think that will have an accelerated effect and allow us to move a little bit faster," Votel said.

"But I am not in the business of giving dates, we are going to move at the pace of our partners."

Votel also talked about his concerns about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.

"It's not necessarily my job to monitor that, but I think that it is being implemented appropriately and I think it has addressed one of the threats we need to be concerned about," Votel said.

"The bigger concern for me is that the JCPOA has not has not really changed Iranian behavior; it certainly hasn't changed the regime's behavior in terms of the things they are doing."

President-Elect Trump criticized the Iran deal while campaigning and threatened to walk away from it if elected.

"The other concerns that we have about the broader Iranian threat problem remain  whether it's their cyber activity, whether it's their use of surrogates, whether it's their facilitation of lethal aid whether it's their buildup of missile capability and other anti-access capabilities in the region or whether it's their unprofessional and aggressive activities in the Persian Gulf," Votel said.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
The Marine Corps will get funding for 3,000 additional troops in the fiscal 2017 defense budget, according to a compromise version of the bill released this week.

The fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act would allow the service to grow from 182,000 to 185,000, even as it reorganizes the top leadership structure. The 3,000 additional troops would represent the first plus-up in years for the Marine Corps, which has been tasked with drawing down from a wartime high of 202,000 since 2011, and would return the service to a pre-war end strength.

The additional troops, if the bill is approved by the president and funded by an appropriations measure, likely would be used to bulk up the Corps' cyber, information warfare and electronic warfare communities -- a key growth area that senior service leaders have repeatedly emphasized over the past year.

In March, Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh, commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command, told an audience in Washington, D.C., that he wanted to grow those fields by 1,000 to 3,000 troops as the service braced for a future fight, potentially against a sophisticated near-peer competitor. At the time, he suggested the service would tighten other areas to find the needed growth.

"We're going to have to trade capabilities within the [Marine air-ground task force] to be able to grow those capabilities," he said. "We're going to grow in that area of Marines; that is going to have to come from within the force to be able to make this a more capable 21st century force."

In a later interview, Walsh told Military.com that internal analysis had revealed an ideal force size of 190,000, which he said would allow troops to spend more time at home between deployments, shore up the service's intelligence community, and rebuild Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters.

As the service grows, the leadership structure may also get a minor shake-up.

The NDAA authorizes a 25 percent cut to the number of general and flag officers on active duty in all services by the end of 2022, a measure designed to eliminate the trend of "bloated headquarters and staffs" while keeping enough positions for generals and admirals to safely lead and oversee rank-and-file troops.

The Marine Corps, however, is authorized to remain at roughly its current level of general officers, with some mandatory reorganization. As of February, the service had 83 general officers on active duty in all assignments, according to a Marine Corps Concepts and Programs document. The NDAA would allow the Marine Corps to keep 62 generals in positions within the service, and another 21 in the joint pool, which covers positions on the joint staff, combatant commands and other joint posts.

A special provision in the bill requires the Corps to increase the number of generals in the two ranks above major general from 15 to 17, to decrease the number of major generals by one from 23 to 22, and to increase the number of deputy commandant positions within the Marine Corps from six to seven, possibly to create a position for the new higher-ranking general.

Currently, the three-star deputy commandants, who answer to the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, oversee Manpower and Reserve Affairs; Plans, Policies and Operations; Aviation; Programs and Resources; Installations and Logistics; and Combat Development and Integration. It's not yet clear what the seventh deputy commandant would be tasked to oversee.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck.
Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis, a front-runner for defense secretary in a Trump administration, could face stormy Senate confirmation hearings over his views on women in combat, post-traumatic stress, Iran, and other issues.

Mattis also would bring with him a bottom-up leadership style honed in command positions from the rifle platoon level to U.S. Central Command that seemingly would be at odds with President-elect Donald Trump's top-down management philosophy and the by-the-book bureaucracy of the Pentagon.

In his writings, speeches and think-tank comments since retiring in 2013 as a revered figure in the Marine Corps, Mattis has been characteristically blunt on a range of issues from the role of women in the military and post-traumatic stress to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Iran.

Mattis also has praised the Mideast diplomacy efforts of Secretary of State John Kerry, who was often mocked by Trump during the campaign, but Trump has kept Mattis at the top of his short list for the Pentagon post.

The general has apparently cleared his calendar in anticipation of a Trump decision.

Mattis canceled a Dec. 14 speaking engagement at a Jamestown Foundation conference on terrorism, according to The Hill newspaper's Kristina Wong. He has discussed the possibility of his selection as defense secretary with the leadership of the Center for a New American Security, where he is a board member, the Hill said.

Others believed to be under consideration for the defense post are Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican and former Army captain; Stephen Hadley, the National Security Adviser in the administration of President George W. Bush; and former Sen. Jim Talent, a Missouri Republican.

Trump met with Mattis before Thanksgiving and later called him the "real deal" and a "generals' general" who rated ample consideration for the defense nomination. Trump also said he was "surprised" when Mattis told him he could get more out of a terrorism suspect's interrogation with a few beers and a pack of cigarettes than he could with waterboarding and torture.

Trump later spoke at length with The New York Times about the potential choice of Mattis and other matters, but did not touch on the roles of women in the military or Defense Secretary Ashton Carter's historic decision last March to open up all military occupational specialties to women who qualify.

Women in Combat

Mattis, now a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution in California, has questioned whether women are suited for what he called the "intimate killing" of close combat, and whether male commanders would balk at sending women into such situations.

Mattis also said he was concerned about "Eros" in the trenches when young men and women live in close quarters in the "atavistic" atmosphere of combat. "I don't care if you go anywhere in history where you would find that this has worked," he said of putting "healthy young men and women together and we expect them to act like little saints."

In periodic speeches to the Marines' Memorial Club in San Francisco, Mattis said that the U.S. military is a "national treasure," and it is inevitable that women would want to serve in every MOS.

"The problem is that in the atavistic primate world" of close-quarters combat, "the idea of putting women in there is not setting them up for success," Mattis said. He stressed that he was not talking about whether women could perform the required amounts of pushups, pullups and other physical requirements -- "that's not the point."

Commanders must consider "what makes us most combat effective when you jump into that room and you're doing what we call intimate killing," he said. "It would only be someone who never crossed the line of departure into close encounters fighting that would ever even promote such an idea" as putting women into close combat.

If nominated, Mattis would almost certainly be challenged on women in combat in confirmation hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee, which has six women on the panel.

One of them is Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican who retired as a lieutenant colonel after 23 years in the Army Reserves and Iowa National Guard. Ernst, who served a deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom and is the first female veteran in the Senate, has applauded the opportunity for women who meet the standards to serve in the combat arms.

Opponents of women in combat have said that the next defense secretary could easily reverse the current rules opening up all billets to women.

Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness, told Military Times, "Those policies have to be rolled back. Right now, the policy is that women can and will be assigned to ground combat units. That pronouncement can indeed be changed by a future secretary of defense."

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of "Ashley's War: The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield," said the argument is misguided since women have already proven their worth in combat.

The rules could be changed by the next administration, but "the record of service speaks for itself," Lemmon said. Even when regulations banned women from combat, "They were there. They were there because special ops needed them there," she said.

"I have never thought this was about political correctness or a feminist agenda," Lemmon said of the issue of women in combat, "but rather about military readiness and having the right people in the right jobs. In some ways, it is remarkable to me that we have Americans who want to say that even if you meet the standard, you cannot be there."

Post-Traumatic Stress

Mattis has also differed with current thinking on post-traumatic stress and its treatment in the military and in the Department of Veterans Affairs, where the leadership has labored to remove the "stigma" against seeking help.

"We have such a fixation on disease and disorder that troops coming home have to be told, actually have to be told, 'You don't have to be messed up,' " Mattis said. "What's the message we're sending them?"

"My concern is we've got so many people who think they're messed up now, or think they should be, that the ones who really need help are being submerged in the broader population and so the ones who need the help the most aren't getting the attention they need to be getting," he said.

"There's no room for woe-is-me, for self-pity, or for cynicism" in the military, Mattis said. "Further, there is no room for military people, including our veterans, to see themselves as victims even if so many of our countrymen are prone to relish that role. In the military, we make choices. We're not victims."

The misperception about war and its aftermath is that "somehow we're damaged by this. I'm on record that it didn't traumatize me to do away with some people slapping women around," Mattis said, but there was a growing acceptance that "we're all post-traumatic stressed out" and that veterans were "somehow damaged goods. I don't buy it."

Iran Deal

Mattis stepped down as commander of U.S. Central Command in 2013, reportedly after clashing with the White House on Iran. Now, his views on the threat posed by Iran appear to line up with those of Trump.

"Among the many challenges the Mideast faces, I think Iran is foremost," Mattis said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies last April.

"The Iranian regime, in my mind, is the single most enduring threat to peace and stability in the Mideast," and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action worked out by Secretary Kerry and others to rein in Iran's nuclear programs has not altered the threat, he said.

During the campaign, Trump called the Iran pact a "terrible deal" and suggested he would renegotiate it or possibly scrap it, but Mattis is against that course of action.

"It was not a mistake to engage on the nuclear issue" with Iran, he said, adding that the deal "was not without some merit" and "there's no going back, absent a clear violation" of the agreement.

Kerry has been pilloried by Trump on his overall performance as secretary of state, but Mattis lauded his efforts in the Mideast, particularly on his thus-far fruitless attempts to bring about a two-state solution between the Israelis and the Palestinians. However, the two sides must want peace "as bad as the secretary of state. I admire and salute Secretary Kerry's efforts," he said.

Leadership Style

Should Mattis get the nomination, he would take to the Pentagon a unique leadership style that relies on feedback from the ranks. "Generals get a lot of credit but very little of it is earned by their own blood, sweat and tears," he has said, adding that the credit should go to the front-line troops.

"There are two kinds of generals -- one gets briefed, the other briefs his staff," and Mattis made clear that he was the second type of general. "I found it faster if I would go out and spend most of my time with the lead elements" in an effort "to get a sense if the lads thought we were winning. We didn't use command and control, we used command and feedback."

"Wandering around like that really unleashed a lot of combat power," said Mattis, whose nickname was "Mad Dog" and who had the radio call sign "Chaos."

When asked about the most important trait for a leader, he said, "It comes down to building trust."

Leaders must be able to make those in their command "feel your passion for excellence. If they believe you care about them, you can speak to them bluntly and they're ready to go back into the brawl," he said.

If he were to be confirmed by the Senate, Mattis would be the first recently retired general to hold the defense secretary's post since Gen. George C. Marshall, the Army chief of staff during World War II. Marshall was named secretary of defense by President Harry Truman in 1950.

The choice of Mattis would for the first time put two Marines in the top uniformed and civilian posts at the Pentagon. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford served under Mattis as a colonel in command of the 5th Marine Regiment during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Senate confirmation would be the second hurdle for Mattis. He first would need a waiver from Congress to get around the rule barring military officers from accepting posts requiring Senate confirmation for seven years after retirement. Mattis left the military in 2013.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
A bill expanding Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's power will be submitted to parliament next week, just months after he survived a coup attempt that led to a massive crackdown on his opponents.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), co-founded by Erdogan, proposes to change Turkey's parliamentary system to create an executive-style presidency, like that of the United States or France.

"We will submit our proposal for constitutional reform to the Turkish national assembly next week," Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told journalists in Ankara on Thursday, without giving a precise date.

Turkey is still reeling from the failed July coup blamed on US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen that has been followed by a relentless purge of his alleged supporters from all state institutions.

Gulen denies the accusations and the United States has so far rejected Turkish calls for his extradition.

Yildirim said the constitutional changes would be put to the people in a referendum in the early summer if "everything goes well" and it is approved by parliament.

Erdogan became Muslim-majority Turkey's first directly elected president in August 2014, having been prime minister since 2003.

During his time as president, he has dramatically transformed what was usually a more ceremonial post, concentrating powers in what opponents have said is a violation of the existing constitution.

Although Erdogan rallied for the Islamist-leaning AKP during the last elections in November 2015, the constitution does not allow the president to be tied to a party.

But Yildirim suggested the new constitution -- aimed at replacing the basic law drawn up by the then junta after the 1980 coup -- would allow Erdogan to maintain party links.

Officials often say the bill would legalise what has become a de facto situation while Yildirim said it would provide for "Turkey's stability".

But critics fear that an even more powerful president will crack down harder on the opposition and critical media outlets.

Since the attempted putsch during which a rogue military faction tried to oust Erdogan, over 100,000 people have been detained, dismissed or suspended from the judiciary, military, police, media and the education sector.

The Turkish currency headed lower after Yildirim's comments, heading towards 3.5 lira to the US dollar, raising concerns that the constitutional changes will create more instability for the already fragile economy.

The changes to the constitution require 330 votes, or two thirds of the 550-seat assembly, to be put to a public vote.

While a so-called super-majority of 367 votes is needed to approve the changes without public consultation, the government has repeatedly said it would hold a referendum even if it has the required support in parliament.

The AKP currently commands 317 seats in the house, including the speaker Ismail Kahraman.

To make up its shortfall, it has been chasing the support of the fourth-largest Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which has 40 MPs.

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) have repeatedly said they would oppose the reforms but MHP support would be enough.

Some commentators suggest that the AKP's determination to go to a referendum reflected its confidence that the bill would win public support.

Yildirim said he was hoping for a "good decision" from the Turkish people.

He was speaking at a press conference with MHP leader Devlet Bahceli after the two men met to discuss the changes.

Bahceli told reporters their 90-minute meeting had gone "positively", suggesting the MHP could give enough votes for the bill to pass.

"This proposal will surely be a text that has been agreed with or negotiated and then come to be agreed on with the MHP," Yildirim added.

Bahceli's influence is a significant change for the once-embattled leader who only a few months ago was facing the threat of being ousted as MHP leader, a post he has held since 1997.

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ROCKFORD, MI - A contaminated old paper mill known as "The Green Monster" by locals does not seem like a great building spot for a growing church.

But Pastor Ron Aulbach of Bridgeway Community Church said they looked past the Superfund status of the former Rockford Paper Mill when they accepted the property in 2011, ten years after it was shut down.

After years of fund-raising and a cleanup funded by a $260,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, the church recently began a $2 million rebuilding project designed to transform the old factory into a church.

The 17-acre site at 7734 Childsdale Avenue NE, is located along 1,300 feet of the Rogue River, which flows from Rockford to the north into the Grand River.

Aulbach said they intend to install access points in the river for canoes and kayaks. The property also is located near the popular White Pine Trail.

"We are looking to redeem this eyesore and reclaim it for the use of the Rockford community," said Aulbach, whose 250-member church met at East Rockford Middle School for 13 years before moving into a sanctuary at 6175 Northland Drive NE.

Prior to its closing in 2001, the riverfront property was used as a paperboard production facility dating back to the 1860s, when Henry Baxter Childs set up a saw mill and then a paper board mill near a dam in the river. A small town called Childsdale sprang up around it.

Over the years, the paper mill was added on and parts were replaced as fires hit the business. The paper mill finally closed in 2001 after a succession of owners failed to overcome the challenges associated with the site and toughening environmental standards.

Rather than leveling the property and starting fresh, Aulbach said they decided to remodel parts of the existing paper mill. "We thought it was much better stewardship to re-use and redeem what was already there," he said.

"Wouldn't it be great if this site could be a safe place for the youth of our community to come, hang out, do homework, be listened to, be heard, be seen?, Aulbach said in a news release.

"We have had a long legacy of supporting the Rockford Public Schools - we believe we can use this site and space as an asset to continue that legacy."
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Six months after being sold to a Florida private equity firm, 170 Admiral convenience stores and discount tobacco stores in Michigan and Indiana were sold again, this time to GPM Investments LLC, which operates more than 1,000 convenience stores in 18 states.

GPM will continue to operate the stores under the Admiral brand names, according to a Nov. 15 announcement by the Richmond, Virginia-based company. GPM acquired the chain from Sun Capital Partners Inc., a giant private equity firm based in Boca Raton, Florida.

"The Admiral store employees have served customers with dedication and enthusiasm. We are eager to remain on the same path of service with passion and commitment," said GPM Chief Operating Officer Chris Giacobone in a statement.

"Bringing the Admiral employees into the GPM family was very important to our leadership team and we look forward to our continued growth with these new stores," Giacobone said.

The Coopersville-based chain includes 161 Admiral-branded, 33 Admiral discount tobacco shops and nine Lemmen Oil. Co. stores in Michigan and Indiana.

Until it was acquired by Sun Capital last spring, Admiral had been family owned since it was founded in Greenville in 1956. The company moved its headquarters to Coopersville in 1987. It began its chain of strip mall-based discount tobacco stores in 1995.

The chain was an early pioneer in the trend to add milk, bread and eggs to gas stations, now commonplace in the gasoline retailing business. The company employs about 1,400.

Now with more than 1,000 stores, GPM Investments, together with its subsidiaries, is the largest privately-owned company in the convenience store business.

GPM operates or supplies fuel to stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Terms of the sale were not announced. Sun Capital bought the chain and installed new management.

"During its brief but successful ownership of Admiral, Sun Capital installed a seasoned management team with a track record of success within the industry," according to a statement from Sun Capital.

"The team worked with Sun Capital to focus on operational improvement initiatives to streamline Admiral's core sales, distribution and merchandising strategies, expand service offerings, implement a fuel pricing program, and professionalize its cash management, finance, inventory management, and merchandising functions."
The US-led coalition bombing the Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria and Iraq said Thursday that 54 civilians had been "inadvertently killed" in seven air strikes between March and October.

"Although the coalition makes extraordinary efforts to strike military targets in a manner that minimizes the risk of civilian casualties, in some cases casualties are unavoidable," the coalition said in a statement.

A July 18 strike that killed 100 IS militants also killed as many as 24 civilians, the statement added.

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Ann Arbor Township assault with intent to murder.PNG

Two surveillance images and a booking photo of Michael Tyson, 25, of Ypsilanti show suspects police believe were involved in a shooting at a car on Nov. 6, 2016, in Ann Arbor Township.

(Courtesy of WCSO)

ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP, MI - Police want help identifying two men sought in connection with an incident in which shots were fired earlier this month in the Ann Arbor area.

Police were called about 11:15 p.m. Nov. 6 to the area of Clark and Hogback roads in Ann Arbor Township for a report of shots fired at a vehicle, said Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Detective Lt. Jim Anuszkiewicz.

A woman told police she was driving westbound on Clark Road towards Hogback with one passenger in her vehicle when she came to a stop at the intersection stoplight, Anuszkiewicz said. Three to four shots then rang out from the area of a driver seat in the vehicle stopped next to her.

"It's frankly a miracle that the driver and passenger weren't struck," Anuszkiewicz said.

One bullet was lodged in the rear passenger headrest, he said, and several other bullets struck the vehicle.

It was not immediately clear who fired the shots - three people were believed to be in the suspect vehicle - or why, Anuszkiewicz said. Police are investigating whether the incident may have been related to road rage.

The female driver and her passenger were able to provide police with the license plate number of the vehicle involved in the incident, Anuszkiewicz said. Police were then able to find the vehicle's registered owner, who stated that Michael Tyson of Ypsilanti, who was 24 years old at the time of the incident, had driven the vehicle that night. Tyson was arrested on Nov. 11.

Anuszkiewicz said Tyson admitted to driving the vehicle described in the shots-fired incident that night, but was not forthcoming with other details.

Now, police have released surveillance images from Good Time Charley's in Ann Arbor, where authorities believe Tyson and two other men went after the incident. They are seeking the identity of the other two men.

Tyson is charged with two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, carrying a concealed weapon, possessing a firearm as a felon, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, lying to a peace officer, and driving while his license was suspended, revoked or denied, according to online court records.

He is being held at the Washtenaw County Jail on a $25,000 cash or surety bond and is scheduled for a preliminary examination on Dec. 13.

Online court records show Tyson previously pleaded guilty in 2010 to aggravated assault and larceny from a person in one case, and larceny from a person in a separate case.

Those with information on the recent shots-fired incident are asked to contact Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Detective Nancy Hansen at 734-794-2118, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office confidential tip line at 734-973-7711, or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 1-800-SPEAKUP (1-800-773-2587).
ANN ARBOR, MI - The Ann Arbor City Council spent more than three hours earlier this week interviewing seven applicants vying for a 1st Ward seat on council, a seat being vacated by Sabra Briere.

The interviews, which were conducted in public and recorded by CTN, are now available to watch online.

Watch them here

Taha Hussain interviews for a 1st Ward seat on the Ann Arbor City Council on Nov. 28, 2016.

The candidates, in the order they appear, are:

K.C. Lopata

Jason Frenzel

Jeff Hayner

Roman Moya

Charles Bultman

Brent Eliason

Taha Hussain

For technical reasons, the application for Hussain, a Ford Motor Co. engineer who lives on Redland Court, was not originally included in the council packet, but it was later added, and he did participate in the interviews.

The City Council is expected to decide which of the seven men to appoint on Monday, Dec. 5, which happens to be Briere's last meeting. Briere is stepping down as she plans to move to California in January.

The person appointed will serve out the remainder of Briere's term through November 2017 and will have to compete in next year's election cycle for a chance to continue serving after that. Briere was reelected to a two-year term in 2015 and decided recently to make the move to California to be near her son, something she had been considering for a while.

Members of the public who want to give input on who they think should be appointed can email the mayor and council at CityCouncil@a2gov.org.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Taxes are inevitable, even for the dream home on Ann Arbor's west side one lucky person will soon win through HGTV's 2016 Urban Oasis sweepstakes.

The winner, who will be randomly selected on Friday, Dec. 2, may want to consider the cost of accepting the free house at 730 Spring St. in Ann Arbor's Water Hill neighborhood. Property taxes will likely be around $17,000 a year for the new owner, said Matt Miller, an associate broker with Reinhart Realtors.

Sponsors of the Urban Oasis sweepstakes say the "approximate retail value" of the renovated, 1,500-square-foot, two-story bungalow is $715,805, which includes the home furnishings. The window to enter the sweepstakes closed Nov. 22.

Based on the contest sponsors' valuation of the house and the current millage rate in the City of Ann Arbor, the Urban Oasis owner could expect to pay around $17,000 a year - or $1,416 a month - in property taxes. Someone who doesn't use the house as a primary residence would pay even more - almost $22,000 a year, Miller said.

"Those are pretty big figures," said Miller, who is president of the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors. "Part of projecting the property taxes is trying to project what the assessor thinks the property is worth."

That hasn't been done yet.

The city's assessor will not factor in personal property like the home furnishings and appliances that are included in HGTV's retail value estimate, Miller noted, so the assessed cash value of the property will likely be lower than $715,805.

In 2016, before factoring in HGTV's transformation of the previously 840-square-foot, single-story house, the property had a taxable value of $122,300, according to city tax records.

The city assessor will complete a new assessment of the property by the end of January 2017, and the assessor's office does not want to speculate on the value or expected property taxes in the meantime.

When purchasing any house, Miller recommends buyers factor property taxes into their budget. The city assessor's office and a Realtor can help calculate that estimate.

"I would advise to dig deeper to try to project what the property taxes might be for them, should they decide to purchase a home," Miller said. "Property taxes in Michigan change every year, and they often change the most after a property is sold."

He also suggested potential homebuyers come up with a monthly payment they could comfortably afford and then work backward from there with a lender to determine an appropriate amount for a home loan.

"Buyers will often qualify for more than what would actually be comfortable for them financially," Miller added.

If the HGTV sweepstakes winner isn't interested in owning the Urban Oasis house, there's an option to accept a $350,000 cash prize instead.

Both the house and the cash prize come with an additional $50,000 prize courtesy of Quicken Loans. The winner also will pay income tax on the total value of the prizes.
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Eastern Michigan University student Demajae Muray addresses the crowd during the day-long "Know Justice, Know Peace" teach-in held inside McKenney Hall, which touched on issues of racism, diversity and inclusion. Martin Slagter l The Ann Arbor News

YPSILANTI, MI - Four students involved in a sit-in at the student center on the Eastern Michigan University campus have received their punishments from the university.

EMU has issued formal reprimands to two students and deferred suspensions to two others for their actions during a sit-in at the university's student center Nov. 2, according to The Detroit Free Press.

EMU Spokesman Geoff Larcom acknowledged there were punishments but said the university could not discuss specifics. The Free Press report quotes one of the students who was disciplined.

"While the University is not able to discuss specifics of any conduct situation due to federal privacy laws, we are able to note that there are no sanctions that have been issued that include expulsion, nor has any action been taken that would delay or deny students' progress toward their degrees," Larcom told The Ann Arbor News.

"Sanctions for violations are designed to be fair and progressive. They take into account the nature of the conduct that occurred and, importantly, the record of the student's past violations. A first offense for most kinds of conduct will not result in an expulsion or any other removal from campus. A second offense won't either. It is only when it becomes clear that after repeated attempts to help the student understand community expectations that a student will be removed from campus."

Larcom noted in an email that the university is continuing its review of possible Student Code violations for other students who refused to leave the student center after it had closed for the day.

The protest and sit-in at issue began at the EMU student dormitories and went into the early hours of the morning with students sitting inside the center until about 6 a.m. on Nov. 2.

Students assembled around 10 p.m., marching and chanting in protest of recent incidents of racist vandalism on campus, making their way through several dormitories before arriving at the student center shortly after midnight, according to EMU senior Demajae Muray, who was still with a group of approximately 60 students inside the student center at 4:30 a.m. Students indicated they were leaving the student center shortly before 6 a.m. via social media.

At around 12:45 a.m., Muray said EMU Police informed students they needed to vacate the building at 1 a.m. when the student center closed, but many students refused to leave. While no students were arrested, police warned students at around 2:15 a.m. that they could face punishment from the school for being in the building past its open hours.

There were an estimated eight to 12 officers inside the student center at that time and around 200 students, said Muray, who also was disciplined as a result of the sit-in.

Officers and students dwindled into the early hours of the morning, with another approximately 30 students standing outside the student center in support of the sit-in.

According to the EMU Student Code of Conduct, the sanction of suspension may be placed in deferred status provided that the student completes other assigned sanctions by the specified deadline dates.

"Failure to complete all sanctions and provide proof of completion by the deadline date(s) will result in the automatic enactment of the suspension without charges or hearing. If a student is found responsible for another violation of the Student Conduct Code during the period of deferred suspension, the student may be permanently dismissed from the University," the code states.

A formal reprimand, on the other hand, is an "official written statement of the University's disapproval of a student's actions and a warning that any future violation(s) will be dealt with more severely," the code states.

Faculty members met with EMU Associate Vice President Calvin Phillips on Friday, Nov. 18, requesting charges against the student protesters be dropped.

Students have protested on numerous occasions in recent months, following the discoveries of racist vandalism and have been critical of the university's course of action to find those responsible for it. Their list of demands is a 10-point plan students recommended a little more than a year ago at an Institutional Racism in Higher Education conference.

In mid-November, both Muray and EMU senior Michael Wood provided perspectives on how the university has handled the now seven incidents of racist vandalism on campus and how it has impacted black students during a day-long teach-in panel.

Students on the panel expressed frustration of the perceived chasm between EMU administration and black students, based on how these types of incidents have been dealt with.

"Students have told me they've lost weight, that they can't sleep," said Wood, who is one of the four students receiving punishment for the sit-in. "I personally am struggling with all of my classes and I know a lot of other students are, as well. This has taken a mental, physical and emotional toll on us.

"This is not just about me, it's a threat to the whole black community and every human that decides they want to protest peacefully," he added. "It's about every single student that decided they wanted to go out and say this is not OK."

Larcom noted of that no students were "targeted" by EMU in the wake of the sit-in. Rather, students who engaged in the same conduct will be treated consistently according to the Student Code.



"EMU Police and the Conduct Office are continuing to investigate the matter," Larcom said in an email. "Also, the information that we have EIDs for all attendees of the protest is not accurate. Many of the students who stayed in the building refused to provide their names or IDs. As additional identifications are established, they also will be subject to the student conduct process.

"This issue has never been about the students right to demonstrate or protest," he added. "We have supported and encouraged those efforts throughout. We do not allow any group to occupy our buildings and, in turn, force our employees to work overtime to keep control of the work areas to and for which they are assigned.The issue here is violating a student conduct policy that specifically references occupying and refusing to leave a closed building. That is the only point at issue in this situation."

Despite criticism from EMU students on the handling of the protests, the EMU administration has taken a number of steps to create a safer campus environment since the first act of racist vandalism was found on Sept. 20 on the wall inside the courtyard of King Hall.

On Nov. 1, EMU President James Smith announced the creation of a new commission he hopes can address issues of diversity and inclusion.

EMU has doubled the reward leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for the incidents of vandalism from $5,000 to $10,000 and have invested another $200,000 toward the installation of new surveillance cameras and lights to increase visibility on campus.
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(Mischa Lopiano | MLive.com)

The Washtenaw County Public Health Department's restaurant inspections for October, 2016 are in. Of the 206 restaurants and food service facilities inspected in October, 30 had two or more priority violations, which are the most serious violations that are most likely to lead to food-borne illness.

Twelve restaurants this month had three or more priority violations, five restaurants had four or more, and one restaurant had five priority violations.

This month, 122 restaurants had zero priority violations, and 33 restaurants and institutions - mostly schools and churches - had no violations at all.

Below is a searchable table of October 2016 inspection results. You can search by restaurant name or city, or you can click the search button without selecting either restaurant name or city to get a list of all results. Each of the columns in the table is sortable by clicking on the column header.

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You can follow this link to search the Washtenaw County Public Health Department's restaurant inspection reports to see specific details about the violations noted by the inspectors. A description of the different types of violations can be found at the end of this post.

Here are excerpts from the October restaurant inspection reports, with a focus on the restaurants with the largest number of priority violations:

Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel (3200 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor) had the most priority violations with 5 in the October report, and the most total violations with 14.

Found time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food, a large, covered plastic container of tortilla soup 62 f, which was made the previous day not cooled properly. PIC corrected by discarding soup, and has been instructed to monitor and ensure TCS food is cooled properly.

Found the pop nozzles and diffusers in the pop machine in the waitstation soiled with heavy accumulation. Found the diffuser in the pop gun nozzle in the bar soiled with accumulation. To correct follow manufacturer's directions and clean pop nozzles and diffusers, and clean on a more frequent schedule. ,

Used a chlorine test kit and found the glass washer in the bar not chlorine sanitizing glasses. To correct call or repair and temporarily use the kitchen dishwashing machine to wash glasses.

Found fish, salmon that can be order raw or undercooked on the menu, not meeting parasite destruction requirements. To correct either provide written documentation that salmon meets parasite destruction requirements, or fully cook salmon, that is do not allow customers to order salmon raw or undercooked.

Found cold time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food, liquid egg 45 f, and liquid egg whites 45 f in the 1 door under the counter cooler in the cooking station area. PIC corrected by discarding eggs and has been instructed not to use this cooler to hold TCS food, until repaired/replaced to hold TCS food at 41 f. Found TCS food, a glass pour bottle of roasted garlic and oil at room temperature on the counter top by the cooking line. Employee corrected by discarding garlic and oil, and has been instructed to keep any future prepared garlic and oil in cooler at 41 f. Cold hold violation has repeated 3 of 5 routine inspections, and a risk control plan must be submitted and an administrative conference notice has been issued. Found hot TCS food, oatmeal and soups 120 f in an hot water bath on the grill. PIC corrected by reheating hot TCS food to 165 for 15 seconds and has been instructed to keep at 135 f and above.



Mark's Midtown Coney Island (3586 Plymouth Road) had nine total violations, four of which were priority violations.

Observed no chlorine sanitizer reading at dishmachine, which was in use. To correct - provide proper chlorine sanitizer concentration at dishmachine. Monitor daily prior to use. Correct - sanitizer bucket empty. Staff changed sanitizer bucket which provided proper sanitizer levels (~200ppm).

Observed staff handling lettuce and carrots with bare hands while preparing bulk salad. Staff observed placing on gloves after my arrival. To correct - use cleaned, gloved hands or utensil when handling ready-to-eat food. Train staff on proper methods at all times of prep. Corrected - PIC instructed staff on the required to use gloved hands.

Observed in use, a container of cottage cheese with expired manufacture date of 10/17/2016 . To correct - do not use expired food unless customers are notified that you are serving them that expired food. Corrected - PIC discarded cottage cheese.

Several times observed staff crack eggs then handle ready-to-eat food (pita and toast) with same gloved hands without washing hands and changing gloves. To correct - if handling raw animal food with gloved hands, hands must be washed and gloves changed before handling ready-to-eat food. Educational handout provided. Corrected - by detailed hand washing instruction to cooks by this sanitarian. PIC agrees to provide further hand washing training to all necessary staff.



Franks Restaurant (334 Maynard, Ann Arbor) had eight total violations. Four were priority violations.

Observed can of residential pesticide in establishment. Only pesticides approved for use in a food service establishment may be used. PIC corrected at time of inspection by discarding.

Observed a reusable cotton cloth used to absorb grease from bacon and sausage after cooking and prior to service. Only single-service and single-use articles should be used for contact with food for this purpose. PIC corrected at time of inspection by replacing cloth with paper towel and educating employee to utilize this practice from now on.

Observed single serve half and half creamers in glass display cooler to have a temperature of 54f. These creamers stated that refrigeration was necessary. PIC corrected by moving bowl of creamers to another cooler that was holding foods below 41f.

Observed pans of RTE gravy, soup, meat loaf and greens beans in front prep area steam table with internal food temperatures of 115-130f. According to kitchen chef, all above mentioned food items were heated on stovetop to approximately 120-140f before placing on table. All phf must be rapidly reheated to 165f or greater within 2 hours before placement in steam table. PIC corrected by reheating gravy, soup, meat loaf and green beans to 165f at time of inspection. Violation corrected. ============================================================== note: this is a repeat violation from previous report and requires a risk control plan to be submitted to our office. A risk control plan form was provided at inspection.



No Thai! (1745 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor) had five total violations. Four were priority violations.

Observed staff not setting up 3 compt sink correctly for manual ware washing. Wash and sanitize compartments were mixed up and sanitize compt was discharging to the grease trap. To correct, please train all dishwashing staff to set up the wash compt so it discharges to the grease trap and the sanitize compt needs to discharge to the air gapped floor drain. Temporarily corrected by setting up 3 compt sink correctly at time of inspection and will train all staff on proper set up as needed. Violation corrected.

Mop sink observed to be connected to a hose with a spray nozzle (flow control device) downstream of atmospheric vacuum breaker. Flow control devices are prohibited downstream of atmospheric vacuum breakers because the line is under pressure. Temporarily corrected by PIC using quick disconnect on mop sink. ******************************risk control plan required****************************** this is the 2nd inspection in a row that this violation has been cited, therefore a risk control plan is required. Risk control plan must be submitted within 2 weeks. Failure to comply can result in additional enforcement.

Observed raw chicken at 48 f in a container on the prep cart in the walk-in cooler. Potentially hazardous cold foods shall be stored at 41 f or less to prevent potential bacterial growth. To correct, discard raw chicken and maintain potentially hazardous cold food at 41 f.

Observed two containers of potatoes that were 10/5/16 and expired 10/11/16. Observed 5 containers of brown sauce that were prepared between 9/27/16 - 10/5/16 and expired between 10/2/16 and 10/11/16. Date marking is required for all potentially hazardous ready to eat foods with a maximum consume by date of 7 days including the date the food was prepared/date package/container was opened. Temporarily corrected by PIC discarding food that was past the expiration date. ******************************risk control plan required****************************** this is the 2nd inspection in a row that this violation has been cited, therefore a risk control plan is required. Risk control plan must be submitted within 2 weeks. Failure to comply can result in additional enforcement.



Aubree's Pizzeria & Grill (8031 Main St. Suite 100, Dexter) had four violations in total. All were priority violations.

Observed spray nozzle (flow control device) downstream of avb at the mop sink. Flow control devices are prohibited downstream of atmospheric vacuum breakers because the line is under pressure. To correct, install vented-t on mop sink faucet.

Observed cooked mushroom sauce in a container on a steam bath at 90 f on the griddle. Hot food shall be kept at 135 f or above. Corrected at time of inspection: PIC reheated mushroom sauce to 165 f.

Observed cut romaine lettuce at 46 f and spring mix at 55 f in the cold holding portion of the pizza buffet station. Observed cut romaine lettuce between 46 f to 50 f on the top cold holding well of the salad station prep cooler. Corrected at time of inspection: PIC discarded cut romaine lettuce and spring mix at the pizza buffet. PIC discarded cut romaine lettuce at the salad station prep cooler.

Observed condensate line from the walk-in cooler that drains into the salad prep sink. Condensate drain lines must be plumbed via an air gap into the sewer system. To correct, reroute as indicated above.

Where can I see the inspection results?

Washtenaw County posts links to all inspection reports for restaurants, University of Michigan foodservice establishments and facilities inspected by the State of Michigan, such as grocery stores, food processing plants and convenience stores.

Click here for access to all Washtenaw County food service inspections!

What do the violations in the reports mean?

Washtenaw County Public Health's Environmental Health Division is responsible for inspecting all food service establishment operations in Washtenaw County. These food service establishments are regulated under the State of Michigan's Food Law and Michigan Modified Food Code.

* Priority violations are the most serious. Correcting these eliminates or reduces a problem directly associated with foodborne illness. Examples include improper food temperatures and lack of hand washing.

* Priority foundation violations are problems that can lead to a priority violation. Correcting these problems may keep priority violations from occurring. Examples include not having an appropriate food thermometer, not having sanitizer test strips and not having soap or paper towel at a hand sink.

* Core violations are related to general sanitation and facility maintenance. Examples include dirty floors and improper facility lighting.

Priority and priority foundation violations must be corrected immediately at the time of inspection or within 10 days. Core violations must be corrected within 90 days of the inspection.

How frequent are inspections?

Routine inspections take place twice per year (or once per year if the business is only open seasonally). Routine inspections are typically unannounced. Each inspection is a snapshot in time, and conditions found at the restaurant are not necessarily the conditions that could be found in the restaurant at other times. Sanitarians (otherwise known as health inspectors) ask many questions about the menu, operations and procedures to get the best possible idea of the day-to-day conditions of the restaurant. Environmental Health conducts additional inspections if a foodborne illness or other complaint is reported.

What if I have a complaint?

Environmental Health responds to general restaurant complaints as well as foodborne illness complaints. Please call our office at 734-222-3800 to file a complaint or to report a suspected foodborne illness.

Washtenaw County Public Health promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Visit us online at http://publichealth.ewashtenaw.org.
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Six people have applied to fill a vacancy on the Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education. Candidate interviews will be held Dec. 9, 2016, and the board will appoint the new member at a meeting on Dec. 14.

(The Ann Arbor News file)

ANN ARBOR, MI - Three people who ran unsuccessfully for the Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education in November, including the current board president, will again attempt to secure an open seat on the board in December.

AAPS announced Wednesday, Nov. 30, that six people submitted applications to be considered for the seat left vacant when Donna Lasinski resigned on Nov. 16 after being elected to the state House of Representatives.

The school board candidates are Rebecca Jacobsen; Jessica Kelly; Rebecca Lazarus, who ran in the November election; Deb Mexicotte, who ran in the November election; Steve Norton; and Hunter Van Valkenburgh, who ran in the November election.

Whoever is appointed would serve the remainder of Lasinski's term, which ends in 2018.

Mexicotte is in a unique position as a candidate for the vacant seat because she is currently the school board president. Her current term ends on Dec. 31, and she has served on the board for 13 years.

The current school board members will conduct interviews with the six candidates during a special board meeting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, at the Courtyard Marriott, 3205 Boardwalk Drive. The public is welcome to attend.

Mexicotte will participate in that meeting as a candidate, not a current board member, said Simone Lightfoot, parliamentarian for the AAPS board, and she will not be part of developing the interview questions in advance.

At a meeting on Dec. 14, the board candidates will be invited to make brief statements, and then the current board will vote to determine who fills the vacant seat, effective immediately.

Mexicotte also will abstain from that vote, Lightfoot said. A four-member majority will need to vote in favor of one candidate in order to appoint the new board member, said Brad Banasik, legal counsel for the Michigan Association of School Boards.

"There's nothing under law that says the board member would have to (abstain from that vote or the candidate interviews), the way I interpret the conflict of interest laws. But it's probably best practices," Banasik said.

Lightfoot said the AAPS board wanted to separate Mexicotte as a current board member from the process of filling the vacant seat.

"She will sit and participate as a candidate only," Lightfoot said.

In the event Mexicotte is selected, she would resign her current board seat before accepting the new one. The AAPS board of education would then operate with six members for two weeks until the newly-elected members begin their terms in January.

Voters elected Jeff Gaynor (who received 16.03 percent of the vote), Simone Lightfoot (15.47 percent) and Harmony Mitchell (14.77 percent) to the board in the Nov. 8 election.

Mexicotte received 14.06 percent of the vote in the Nov. 8 election, Van Valkenburgh received 12.65 percent, and Lazarus received 11.39 percent.

Heather MacPhail, whose children graduated from and attend AAPS, thinks Mexicotte's application for the vacant board seat goes against the voters' wishes. MacPhail campaigned for Gaynor, Mitchell and Van Valkenburgh, who ran together in the November election.

"That ethically just doesn't sit right," MacPhail said. "She was not re-elected to the position, which says to me after (13) years of service that people are interested in a change direction."

Mexicotte said she thinks she has more to offer the school board, and she would like to continue the work she's been a part of as a board member in recent years.

"I think I still have a lot to offer the district. I have long experience, I have a passion for public education and especially for public education in Ann Arbor," Mexicotte said. "I sought re-election because I wanted to continue the work we've done on the board around student achievement, graduation rate, student discipline, to continue to improve our programs and further stabilize the district financially."

She also emphasized that she will not be involved in the board's process of filling the vacant seat.

"I am recused from all work that the board is doing around the selection. That's an absolute," Mexicotte said. "I appreciate the board's consideration. Whoever they choose to fill this open seat I'm sure will bring a great deal of value to the board. I trust the board to make the best decision on behalf of the district."

Below is a schedule of the board candidate interviews on Dec. 9:

9 a.m. - Hunter Van Valkenburgh

9:35 a.m. - Rebecca Jacobsen

10:10 a.m. - Jessica Kelly

10:40 to 11 a.m. - break

11 a.m. - Steve Norton

11:35 a.m. - Rebecca Lazarus

12:10 p.m. - Deb Mexicotte

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the meeting.
UPDATE: Slain Bay City man stabbed repeatedly before house set on fire, police say

BAY CITY, MI -- Police have made two arrests in connection with the Thanksgiving morning killing of a 59-year-old Bay City man.

Bay City Public Safety officers arrested one suspect the night of Wednesday, Nov. 30, and the second early Thursday, Dec. 1. The suspects are both males, ages 20 and 16.

The suspects are expected to be arraigned in Bay County District Court either Thursday afternoon or Friday. Their names are being withheld pending arraignment.

Police did not disclose what led them to these suspects. The department did thank additional agencies that assisted in the investigation, including the Bay County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, Bay County Prosecutor's Office, Michigan Department of Corrections Parole and Probation, and the FBI.

The body of Steven Alan Bouza was found by firefighters inside his home at 205 18th St. in the city's South End at about 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24. Bouza's identity was confirmed Tuesday morning via dental records, police report.

The fire at his home was discovered at about 7 a.m. by McLaren Bay Ambulance personnel, who had smelled smoke and were driving around looking for its source, Bay City Public Safety Director Michael J. Cecchini has said. Police believe Bouza was killed and then the responsible parties set his house on fire in an attempt to conceal their crime, Cecchini has said.

Bouza retired from Consumers Energy in June, according to a company spokeswoman.

Police have not disclosed how Bouza was killed. Bouza's family declined to speak on the matter when contacted by The Bay City Times/MLive.

Missing from Bouza's home were his two vehicles. Police recovered one elsewhere in Bay City on Thursday. His burgundy 2013 GMC Sierra was missing until Tuesday, Nov. 28, when police found it abandoned in Bay City.
Bay City homicide victim 'a gentle man with a heart of gold'

BAY CITY, MI -- A 59-year-old Bay City man was stabbed multiple times before his house was set on fire Thanksgiving morning, police said.

Bay City Public Safety Director Michael J. Cecchini held a press conference at the Bay County Law Enforcement Center Thursday, Dec. 1, addressing the media about the arrests of two suspects in the slaying of Steven A. Bouza.

Officers arrested a 20-year-old man Wednesday, Nov. 30, and a 16-year-old male the following morning on murder and arson charges, Cecchini said. Both suspects are Bay City residents, he added.

"The investigation is ongoing and there are going to be some further interviews, but we are 100 percent sure these are the suspects," he said. "There are no further suspects at large."

Cecchini said the crime was not random, the suspects having been acquaintances of Bouza.

"I know the victim was known to be a very kind and generous individual who helped a lot of people out, and I think that was the relationship that they had," Cecchini said. "They were acquaintances where he had helped them out in the past."

It was determined that Bouza was stabbed multiple times, Cecchini said.

Investigators do not believe the suspects' primary motive was to kill Bouza, but that they set the house on fire to cover up the slaying, he added.

"That's all yet to be determined, the intricacies of what happened and why they did what they did," he said.

The suspects have made statements to detectives, but Cecchini did not specify whether they confessed to the crime.

Firefighters at about 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24, found Bouza's body inside his home at 205 18th St. in the city's South End. The fire was discovered about 7 a.m. by McLaren Bay Ambulance personnel, who had smelled smoke and were driving around looking for its source.

Investigators thought the fire was suspicious, as both of Bouza's vehicles were missing. A Michigan State Police K-9 unit responded to the scene and the dog hit on spots in the house where accelerants had been used, Cecchini said.

Police recovered one of the vehicles the same day and recovered the second one Tuesday, Nov. 29.

The director said several other agencies aided in the investigation, including the Bay County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, Bay County Prosecutor's Office, Michigan Department of Corrections Parole and Probation, and the FBI. He declined to comment what led investigators to the suspects.

The 21-year-old suspect has a criminal record and is on probation, Cecchini said.

Bay County Prosecutor Kurt C. Asbury said after the press conference that he expects the suspects to be arraigned in Bay County District Court on Friday, Dec. 2. He could not comment on if the 16-year-old will be charged as an adult or petitioned as a juvenile. Their names are being withheld pending arraignment.

Bouza's family has declined to speak on the matter when contacted by The Bay City Times/MLive.

Bouza lived alone in the South End home. He retired from Consumers Energy in June, according to a company spokeswoman.

Ambrose and Squires Funeral Homes are handling Bouza's funeral arrangements, the specifics of which have not been published.
A river of blue-and-red flashing lights formed outside a church in St. Clair Shores Thursday.

Police vehicles from Michigan, Canada, New York, Virginia and across the nation parked in rows occupying four lanes and stretching as far as the eye could see north on Greater Mack outside St. Joan of Arc Church.

The American flag hung from the extended ladder of St. Clair Shores fire truck.

An estimated 3,000 people, mostly police, in an impressive show of solidarity, attended the funeral for 29-year-old Wayne State Police Officer Collin Rose.

Even more attended Rose's visitation held at Ford Field Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Pews filled to capacity; standing room in the foyer, too. Parishioners offered Communion to attendees who stayed outside, some of them K-9 officers, like Rose, with their leashed police dogs at their sides.

Rose's newest canine partner, Wolverine, a German short-haired pointer, was even in attendance.

In a tragic coincidence, Rose, who was shot in the head by a suspect while patrolling near the Wayne State campus last week, named his dog after Detroit Police Officer Patrick Hill, who died of a gunshot he suffered in the line of duty in 2013. Wolverine was Hill's nickname.

Across the street from the church were dozens of people, some waving flags, who came to show support for law enforcement and witness the solemn pageantry.

Collin Rose Funeral procession Hundreds gather for the funeral procession of slain Wayne State University Police Officer Collin Rose. Posted by MLive.com on Thursday, December 1, 2016

Before the funeral, Detroit Police Chief James Craig called these "troubling times," referencing the recent number of attacks on police and increasing anti-police rhetoric across the nation.

Twice in the last 24 hours, he says officers were ambushed by suspects opening fire on them, but luckily uninjured.

His department has lost two officers -- one to a shotgun blast and another to a hit-and-run -- in line-of-duty deaths since September. There have been 132 police officers killed this year, surpassing the 130 recorded in 2015 with a month still o go in 2016.

Before the funeral began, pictures cataloging Rose's short but full life flashed on an overhead screen.

In one, Rose and his brother, Curtis, both toddlers, sat in the laps of their parents, Randy and Karen Rose, overlooking a scenic vista. Perhaps in middle school, Rose stood behind the helm of a boat wearing a Phoenix Suns T-shirt in another.

Various dogs, an animal for which Rose held deep affinity, appear in numerous photos: One is of him eating cereal as a boy; his dog sitting atop the table feet away, looking on jealously. And there's one of Rose holding the hand of his fiancee, Nicole Salgot, in a big, green field. Their other hands hold leashes attached to five dogs before them.

Themes repeated as various people spoke about Rose during the ceremony. He helped people, he lifted spirits, had an infectious smile, cared for those less fortunate and served selflessly.

And those traits Rose carried throughout his life, the monsignor said, referencing a story about how Rose protected his special-needs classmates as early as 5th-grade.

"As I look around the church today, I'm reminded how remarkable it is that a man such as Collin Rose has such and influence on so many people ... " said Wayne State Police Chief Anthony Holt, who hired Rose from the the Village of Richland Police Department five years ago. " ... Collin was known by members of our community as an officer willing to do things police are trained to do, but he was was also known for his compassion, for that big smile he had and his willingness to help people in need."

Rose was posthumously promoted to sergeant and issued a Citation of Valor. Just one credit short of obtaining a master's degree in dispute resolution at Wayne State University, University President M.Roy Wilson said he'll be issues an honor degree during commencements in coming weeks. A scholarship was also created in the officer's name.

German shepherds and their handlers looked on as Rose's flag-draped casket was loaded into the hearse. Some dogs fidgeted, others lay on their bellies. They yelped, barked and whined until being drowned out by accordions as the coffin slid into the hearse.

Before the countless police vehicles proceeded to the cemetery, Leonard Watkins, a 66-year-old student at Wayne State who's pursuing a social work degree, looked on with a Wayne State University Flag propped on his shoulder.

"This has been happening a lot lately ... " He said. "It's not the way to go.

"It's not the way to solve any problems."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig on Thursday morning attended his third funeral for a police officer killed in the line of duty since September.

"These are troubling times, he said before entering the rear of St. Joan of Arc Church in St. Clair Shores for the funeral of Wayne State University Police Officer Collin Rose, who was shot in the head and killed while on patrol near the school's campus last week.

"I've never seen a time like this," Craig said. " ... I want the public to know the dangers that our heroes are facing."

There were two police shootings within 24 hours of Rose's 11 a.m. Thursday funeral in Detroit. No officers were injured in the two separate shootings.

Rose, a 29-year-old K-9 handler and five-year veteran, on Nov. 22 was patrolling an off-campus neighborhood adjacent to Wayne State University where there had been a recent uptick in larcenies from vehicles when he attempted to stop 31-year-old DeAngelo Davis, according to police.

Rose called for backup before making contact, but it's believed Davis, who's had prior convictions for resisting and assaulting police, shot the officer in the head before assistance could arrive.

Rose is the third Detroit police officer to die in the line of duty since September.

Detroit Police Officer Myron Jarrett was fatally injured by a hit-and-run driver Oct. 28; and Detroit Police Officer Kenneth Steil died unexpectedly Sept. 17 of a medical complication resulting from a gunshot wound he suffered to his right shoulder while chasing a suspect Sept. 12.

Rose's funeral is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

He is a 2006 graduate of Gull Lake High School in Richland and is the son of Randy and Karen Rose. He was engaged to Nicole Salgot.

MLive will be providing coverage via a live feed offered to media outside the church.

Check back for more photos, video and coverage once the funeral begins.

Go to the MLive Facebook page for a live stream of the procession leaving the church when the ceremony concludes.
For all the concerns raised in the presidential campaign about Donald Trump's fitness to command America's nuclear arsenal, the immediate questions he's likely to face as president aren't about launching these weapons, but modernizing them.

He'll have to make politically fraught decisions about a U.S. nuclear arsenal that in some ways has become decrepit.

Among the open questions: Can the U.S. get by with fewer nuclear weapons? Is it time to take some off hair-trigger alert?

Trump's transition website says he "recognizes the uniquely catastrophic threats posed by nuclear weapons and cyberattacks. And it says he will modernize the nuclear arsenal "to ensure it continues to be an effective deterrent."

The questions left unanswered: How much modernization is enough?

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Detroit Police Car door.jpg

(Tanya Moutzalias | MLive file)

A man was shot and wounded by police after he opened fire on officers early Thursday morning, Dec. 1 on Detroit's east side.

No Detroit Police officers were wounded in the 1 a.m. Thursday shooting, the Associated Press reports. One officer did suffer a foot injury in a proceeding foot chase, according to A.P.

Detroit Police chief James Craig will address the shooting at a 9:30 a.m. press conference.

Police tell the Detroit News that the man who allegedly opened fire on the officers was shot several times.

This shooting comes about 12 hours removed from an incident where two officers were shot at near a drug house. The Detroit Free Press reports a man opened fire on the officers in a marked patrol car with an "assault style weapon" in an "ambush" shooting.

Neither of the officers in this shooting were injured. A.P. reports that police do not believe the shootings are related.

These two police shootings come 24 hours before Wayne State University officer Collin Rose's 11 a.m. Thursday funeral.

Rose, 29, died last week, one day after he was shot in the head while working in the Woodbridge neighborhood a few blocks from the Wayne State University campus in Midtown Detroit.
DEARBORN - Thirty University of Michigan-Dearborn students have been selected to participate in a car-sharing study.

The study, called MDrive, will seek out what technologies may be needed in car-share vehicles of the future, DENSO International America announced Thursday.

The global automotive supplier, which is regionally headquartered in Southfield, said in a release that the UM-Dearborn students will provide feedback about car sharing and offer insights on helpful or unnecessary features in current car models.

The 30 students, all living on campus, will have unlimited access to a set of three Ford Focus Electric vehicles, which they will be able to reserve using a custom third-party reservation app.

They can use the vehicles to travel anywhere within the continental U.S. and on-board diagnostics equipment and cameras will provide real-time data and video of the user experience while the car is running.

Participants will complete short surveys after each trip, and must take part in weekly discussion boards to provide suggestions for ways to improve future car-sharing vehicles.

"DENSO is helping drive the future of mobility solutions through this research and testing in a real-world environment," Michael Bima, a lead engineer at DENSO's North American Research and Engineering Center, said. "This will help us collect user feedback to design products for the car sharing market."

Phase one of the study is to focus on car-sharing with a small group of users at one location where the vehicles are returned to a set location -- three parking spots with charging stations installed by DENSO at The Union at Dearborn, in this instance.

The study's focus on these technologies for people who live, work and frequent one location is a branching out of the car-sharing programs currently available to the general public, which typically only allow for one-way trips.

Detroit-based NextEnergy, an accelerator of advanced energy and mobility technologies, will help with data collection and other tasks, and DENSO says it will present the study's results at the 2017 SAE World Congress in April in Detroit.
FLINT, MI - A one-page harassment complaint by a Flint police captain against Chief Tim Johnson details some of the alleged mistreatment that led to a lawsuit against the chief and the city.

Capt. Leigh Golden filed the complaint with the city of Flint's Department of Human Resources on Aug. 31.

The one-page, handwritten form was obtained by MLive-The Flint Journal through a Freedom of Information Act request.

"Chief Johnson misquoted me from previous staff meeting on 8/24/16 (which he was not present for) then went on a 5-minute tirade against me in the open meeting, was disrespectful, demeaning and this is a continual form of harassment by the chief towards me since he began his employment in March 2016," Golden wrote.

The incident allegedly took place in the roll call room at the Flint Police Department and 16 other people were there during the incident along with Johnson, the complaint said.

The Flint Journal could not reach Johnson for comment on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Golden, a captain who had served as the former public information officer, filed a civil lawsuit Oct. 21 in Genesee Circuit Court against Johnson and the city of Flint.

She claims she was discriminated against because she is a woman, transferred out of her patrol position, verbally abused and retaliated against when she reported illegal activity.

The city of Flint has denied the allegations in its response to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit claims Golden observed that Johnson treated herself and other female employees much harsher than male employees and she complained to Johnson and other about the treatment.

After Johnson was appointed chief in February, Golden said in the lawsuit she became aware that Johnson and other male employees were engaged in acts and behavior that Golden thought was a violation of law, rule or regulation.

Because of those violations, Golden reported the activities of Johnson to a public body, the lawsuit said. She also participated in a subsequent investigation.

The lawsuit does not specify what law or regulation Golden suspected of being violated and also does not say what public body Golden participated in an investigation with.

Johnson allegedly retaliated against Golden by removing her as a patrol captain and public information officer, according to court documents.

She had her computer and building access limited and her city vehicle was also taken away and given to the newly promoted, male provisional captain, the lawsuit claims.

Golden also claims in her lawsuit that she was denied training, but a male employee was able to obtain the same training.

The lawsuit claims Johnson tried to eliminate Golden's position in August and September, but he didn't proceed with the plan when he learned Golden would be bumped back to lieutenant rather than get fired.

Golden alleges Johnson has also launched investigations into her work performance and history with city, which allegedly led to multiple false transgressions.

The lawsuit claims those actions violated Michigan's Whistleblower Protection Act and Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The case also includes a claim for wrongful discharge.

Golden, who has worked for the police department for 20 years, was serving as a Flint police patrol captain, public information officer and also cleaned out the property room on Saturday afternoons, according to court documents.

She sent out an email on Sept. 25 to members of the media saying she was no longer assigned as public information officer for the Flint Police Department and said Capt. Devon Bernritter would be taking over the position.

Golden authored the department's operational plan for the recent Democratic presidential in Flint and occasionally attended meetings of the South Side Steering Committee as part of a department grant, the lawsuit said.

Attorneys for both the city and Golden declined comment to MLive-The Flint Journal on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Former Flint police internal affairs investigator also filed a lawsuit against Johnson and the city of Flint claiming they violated the state's Whistleblower Protection Act when he reported possible mistreatment of another officer.

Rodney Williams claims Johnson retaliated against him by demoting him after Williams allegedly corroborated the gender discrimination claims brought by Golden, according to Williams' lawsuit.

Johnson previously denied any wrongdoing.

Williams, who spent 29 years with the department and the last 18 as a sergeant, claims he was asked to meet with an assistant city attorney to provide a statement about the investigation into discrimination complaints Golden made with the city about Johnson.

Williams's lawsuit claims he confirmed information provided by Golden about the harassment, discrimination and retaliation Golden received from Johnson.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The Gerald R. Ford International Airport will soon welcome a new leader in Jim Gill, who was selected this week as the airport authority's new president and chief executive officer.

After a unanimous vote by the airport authority's board on Wednesday, Nov. 30, in favor of hiring him, Gill said he hopes to "build on the success of the past" while simultaneously looking toward the facility's future.

"Certainly it's a great opportunity," he said. "It's a great facility and it's been well-run."

In particular, Gill said, he was impressed to learn about the level of support the airport enjoys from the local business community and from Kent County residents.

"It's got a community that really enjoys the airport and supports the airport," he said.

Gill replaces former executive director Brian Ryks, who announced his resignation in March and started work as executive director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission in Minneapolis/St. Paul earlier this year.

Gill's will earn a $255,000 salary as the Gerald R. Ford International Airport's president and CEO, according to authority staff.

A search committee, headed by authority board member Floyd Wilson and Chairman Roger Morgan, chose Gill as the finalist for the position.

Morgan said in a statement the board is excited to welcome Gill to West Michigan.

"Jim will continue to spark our growth as we invest in customer service, technology and construction projects, and serve as a catalyst for West Michigan's economic progress," Morgan said.

Gill currently serves as chief financial and chief operating officer at the Allegheny County Airport Authority in Pittsburgh, where he has worked for the last 13 years. He plans to finish out 2016 in Pittsburgh before stepping into his new role in Grand Rapids on Jan. 9

A newcomer

As he plans a move to the Grand Rapids area and begins the transition into his new position with the airport authority, Gill expressed gratitude for the work done by his predecessors.

"I'm very fortunate to be walking into a situation that, like I said, has been very well-run," he said.

Though he has visited Michigan on occasion, Gill said he will be a relative newcomer to West Michigan. But previous visits to the Grand Rapids area in particular, he said, convinced him it will be a great place to live and work.

"Grand Rapids is just a great place to live," Gill said. "It's difficult to not see all the positive things going on."

Years of experience

Gill has served as chief financial officer at the Pittsburgh airport authority since 2007, adding chief operating officer to his title in 2015. For the years prior, he served as its interim executive director. Gill also served six years as deputy airport director and chief financial officer at Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority.

Prior to his tenure at the North Carolina airport, Gill served as director of finance and later as deputy director of finance and administration at the Allegheny County Airport Authority.

He expects that breadth of experience played a role in the authority's decision to hire him in Grand Rapids.

"I have a lot of years of experience," Gill said. "I would hope they would feel I would be well-rounded."

He also highlighted his experience helping Pittsburg transition into an airport authority model in the late 1990s, something he expects could come in handy in Kent County. The local airport, previously a division of the county government, began operating as an authority after legislation permitting the change was enacted in 2015.

From decline to growth

Though Pittsburgh International Airport saw more than three times more passengers through its doors in 2015 than Kent County's airport, Gill pointed out the smaller facility has also shown more of a growth trajectory.

Pittsburgh declined from more than 14 million passengers annually in 2003 to about 8 million currently, partially due to the decline in U.S. Airways' use of Pittsburgh as a hub.

"It was a large hub airport that kind of reinvented itself as a origination or destination airport," Gill said.

Grand Rapids, on the other hand, has grown steadily since 2009, breaking its own record with 2.5 million passengers in 2015. It was named the top airport of its size in the region in 2015 by Airports Council International.

Gill said he is excited to be part of the airport's continued growth.

Growth in all directions

As he prepares to take the helm, the new CEO said he expects to oversee expansion in terms of passenger service and freight and other business-centered areas of the airport's operations.

"I wouldn't restrict that growth to be focused on any one thing in particular," Gill said. "There's certainly air service opportunities to grow."

He pointed to the area's recent successes, pointing out that "as business in the region grows, the airport grows." Gill also hinted at an exciting new development expected soon, though he admitted he deserves no credit for it.

"There will be some positive air service news early next week," he said.

Improvements underway

Ongoing projects at the airport illustrate the encouraging growth trajectory of the facility and surrounding region, Gill said.

The airport's future plans include opening the Airport Viewing Park this spring. Additionally, the Gateway Transformation Project is scheduled to complete Phase One in summer 2017.

From little perks like free WiFi in the terminal to the big upgrades coming with the $45 million project, Gill said he believes the airport needs to continue to better itself.

"Continuing to go down that path of customer amenities and those services is important," he said.

Strong business, community support

One of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport's greatest strengths, Gill said, is the collaboration and support it enjoys from the surrounding community.

"There's a lot of collaboration and cooperation that goes on that makes it a really unique and a great opportunity," he said.

Gill mentioned existing partnerships with The Right Place Inc. and Experience GR as examples of that collaboration.

"They want to be part of the airport," he said. "They see the airport as an asset, as a critical part of the economic engine of the region."
An Ethiopian opposition leader has been arrested following his return from Europe where he had spoken about a state of emergency imposed last month to quell anti-government protests, his coalition said Thursday.

Merera Gudina, the 60-year-old chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) was arrested at his home in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Wednesday and is being held in an unknown location with three others, said Beyenne Petros, president of the Medrek opposition alliance of which the OFC is a member.

"This is the first time they are targeting the highest level of leadership. I don't fully understand. Merera has always done things peacefully and played by the rules," Petros said of the veteran political leader.

Earlier this month Gudina had addressed the European Parliament in Brussels, alongside Olympic silver medallist runner and fellow member of the Oromo tribe, Feyisa Lilesa.

Lilesa drew attention to an Oromo anti-government movement by crossing his wrists above his head -- a gesture that has become a symbol of the protests -- at the Rio games and has been in self-imposed exile since then.

Berhanu Nega, an opposition activist sentenced to death in absentia, had attended the same meeting in Brussels.

At home in Ethiopia, Gudina has strongly criticised repression of the unprecedented protests that have posed the biggest challenge to the quarter-century rule of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).

Hundreds have been killed in a government crackdown since the unrest began about a year ago, according to human rights groups.

A state of emergency was announced in October, a week after more than 50 people died in a stampede in the Oromia region when security forces teargassed a religious festival where protesters were chanting anti-government slogans.

Since then official figures show over 11,000 people have been arrested in the Oromia, Amhara and Addis Ababa regions where protests had been centred.

Among those arrested are leaders of small opposition parties, journalists and at least two bloggers.

Ethiopian authorities said last month that 2,000 of those detained had been released after undergoing a "re-education" and "counseling" programme.

A key complaint of the protesters is a political system which has seen the ruling party hold all 546 seats in parliament.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn in October promised electoral reforms, but Gudina said this was "too little, too late."

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Two Iranians and their Kenyan driver, who worked for the Iranian embassy in Nairobi, were charged on Thursday with collecting information for a terrorist act after filming the Israeli embassy, lawyers said.



Sayed Nasrollah Ebrahimi, Abdolhosein Ghola Safafe and driver Moses Keyah Mmboga "were found taking video clips of the Israeli embassy ... for the use in the commission of a terrorist act", according to a charge sheet produced in court.



The three men were in a car belonging to the Iranian embassy when they were arrested on Tuesday, the court papers said. The diplomatic status of the two Iranians was unclear.



The Iranian embassy did not respond to requests for comment.



"My clients pleaded not guilty and have been detained by the ATPU (Kenya's Anti Terrorism Police Unit) for further interrogation," defence lawyer Cohen Amanya told Reuters after the men's court appearance.



Prosecutor Duncan Ondimu said the two Iranians were visiting Kenya but gave no further details.



Kenya has suffered repeated militant attacks in recent years but those were mainly carried out by ethnically Somali militants who would be hostile to Iran because of sectarian differences.



In 2002, 15 people died when an Israeli-owned hotel was bombed in the coastal town of Mombasa at the same time two missiles were fired at an Israeli jet, narrowly missing it.



In 2013, a Kenyan court jailed two Iranians for life on terrorism-related charges, including possessing explosives. The sentence was reduced to 15 years on appeal.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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[November 30, 2016]

Rising Media and 3DR Holdings Reveal the Full Program and Exhibitor List for the Inaugural Inside Fintech event in Seoul, in Association with KINTEX

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising Media, Inc. and 3DR Holdings announced the complete list of speakers and sessions for the upcoming Inside Fintech Conference & Expo launch event in Seoul, South Korea, taking place on December 8-9, 2016 in association with the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX).

The two-day conference program, which features 25 keynote talks and breakout sessions, focuses on innovative technologies that enhance and develop the global financial ecosystem. Topics include blockchain technology, remittances, identification and authentication, regulation, digital and decentralized currencies, such as Bitcoin, and more. More than 32 speakers from around the world are confirmed to speak at Inside Fintech Seoul, including keynote speakers Jun-Seong Han, Hana Financial Group; Roger Ver, Bitcoin.com; and Hyo Jeong Kim, Shinhan Card.

"Inside Fintech Seoul is poised to be a success -- it will be an amazing gathering of the leaders in fintech innovation. This event will become the must-attend fintech event in the global calendar," said Christoph Rowen, Managing Director -- APAC, Rising Media.

To view the full conference program for Inside Fintech Seoul, visit insidefintechconference.com/seoul.







In addition to the two-day conference program, the event features an exhibit hall with more than 25 sponsors and exhibitors. Confirmed exhibitors include Diamond Sponsor, LC Company; Gold Sponsors, Industrial Bank of Korea and NEM; and Silver Sponsors, Bluepan and Genesis Mining.

Also confirmed to exhibit at Inside Fintech Seoul are:

CoinPay

Coinplug

ezidox

Korea Funding

Australian Embassy (Austrade)

PayGate

AIZEN

Brilliant card (BPAY)

FINFUNDING

Holla

IVYSOLUTIONS

Kemoim

Korbit

KoSAC

Tortoise

Midrate

Mouda

MoneyQ

OKLink

Tendermint / COSMOS

Prices for Inside Fintech Seoul increase on-site, so register in advance to save. For more information and to register, visit insidefintechconference.com/seoul.

Rising Media and 3DR Holdings also announced the first five sponsors and exhibitors confirmed for the event, including, Diamond Sponsor LC COMPANY; Silver Sponsors Bluepan and Genesis Mining; and Exhibitors Australian Embassy (Austrade) and Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK).

If your company is interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at Inside Fintech Seoul or an upcoming event, please contact [email protected]. For inquiries in Asia, contact [email protected].

Inside Fintech Seoul is produced by Rising Media, KINTEX, and 3DR Holdings. The event is sponsored by and co-produced by Bitcoin.com.

Inside Fintech Seoul is also supported by Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN) and Global Fintech Research Institute (GFIN).

About Rising Media

Rising Media is a global events and media producer excelling in Internet and technology-related events and content. Events include Inside 3D Printing, RoboUniverse, Virtual Reality Summit, Frontier Tech Forum, Inside Fintech, Data Driven Business, Building Business Capability, Predictive Analytics World, Text Analytics World, eMetrics Summit, Conversion Conference, Email Innovations Summit, AllFacebook Marketing Conference, Search Marketing Expo, Affiliate Management Days, Influencer Marketing Days and Web Effectiveness Conference in the USA, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, India, China, Korea, Singapore, Australia.

For more information, please visit www.risingmedia.com.

For press inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Christoph Rowen

+852 9190 4412

[email protected]
Airborne units represent an army's rapid deployment forces, trained to parachute into distant strategic locations, taking and holding military posts until reinforcements arrive.

The significance of airborne units became especially apparent after the WWII allied invasion of Normandy, which encouraged Egyptian armed forces (EAF) to send a delegation to England in 1951 to train on airborne techniques.

In 1954, the EAF founded the paratroopers' school, to become the first army with airborne forces in the Arab region and Middle East.

Since their establishment, the airborne forces have been a focus of Egyptian army development, a key component of success across a broad range of missions.

The paratrooper as an individual is a pillar of advanced training inside the unit. The role has exacting physical and psychological requirements, as the paratrooper's success can make or break a mission.

On the training field, soldiers are taught how to parachute jump, conduct raids, engage and evict enemy forces, control the combat yard, preserve military posts, and handle unforeseen crises that may arise.

The Egyptian airborne forces have earned a respectable reputation among international counterparts, signified by joint exercises with top modern armies, and recently the Egyptian-Russian Protectors of Friendship joint training, held in Egypt in October.

A new recruit joining the airborne infantry units of the Egyptian army becomes part of an extensive 45 day program, in which he is trained to abandon civilian life and become a professional soldier.

Paratroopers are carefully assigned to their units, to work effectively with other soldiers and military college graduates.

Preparing for the initial parachute jump involves intense daily training.

To preserve their safety, new fighters joining the airborne unit are trained using flight and jump simulators, overseen by well-trained officers.

Corporal Mohamed Saeed says his main duty in the airborne unit is to train soldiers physically to perform their duties and respect military orders, in an atmosphere of mutual respect between soldiers and commanding officers.

Paratroopers attend periodic meetings on psychological warfare tactics, to maintain a high state of awareness against rumors targeting the army or the nation. To enrich their knowledge of the field and military history, the airborne unit contains a scientific library, and a museum documenting the history of the Egyptian armed

forces.

Paratrooper Ahmed Saeed says that discipline and commitment are the most important principles he has learned since he joined the airborne units.

Another soldier, Mahmoud Ibrahim, says that joining the military taught him many important principles such as respect, discipline, commitment, self-improvement, and above all, the sacred duty of protecting the homeland against any threat.

"Joining the Armed Forces is the highest honor any Egyptian can achieve; we are the finest soldiers on Earth," he concludes.



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Whereas in the past leaders always carried certain characteristics, standing out with grace and decorum, now it is a different matter, in all but a few instances

The president was predominantly male, not that I would have issues with a female one but thats how the stereotypical template went. With vast political experience, he had served his country in other official posts, maybe even in uniform. He carried himself with dignity and decorum while exuding a special aura. Age endowed him with vision and, in most cases, the wisdom and foreign affairs knowhow to take appropriate actions for the sake of his country.

This bygone president was expected to come free of baggage  no scandals, no wrongdoings. Not overly handsome, he was a family man at heart, with a supportive wife and an approximate of two smart-looking offspring, and he remained married to one spouse.

He had his speeches written for him by qualified advisors; impromptu speeches or the concept of winging it wasnt the norm. In fact, his quotes are often remembered for decades. Kennedys Ask not what your country can do for you  ask what you can do for your country, and Nassers If we are forced to fight, we will never be forced to surrender are etched deeply in our minds.

Our expectations of a leader encompassed leadership, perception and guidance. That is besides an ability to convincingly communicate a message with evidence and proof. More importantly, he would not descend to name calling, false accusations, or libel or slander.

But recently the world has been hit by many anomalies to this formula.

One of the many reasons why Muammar Gaddafi was regarded with disdain was his inability to fit into the template. Gaddafi blabbered unabashed, lived in a tent, and was surrounded by female security guards. The norm? Absolutely not.

We come to today and wonder how current and incoming leaders fare against this image, and lo and behold, we are taken aback. Lets look at some examples.

Ill start off with a uniquely positive example, even if it doesnt fit the template. Dashingly handsome, Justin Trudeau, Canadas prime minister, was only 43 when he was elected, having been an actor and a boxer earlier. Being the heartthrob that he is, women swoon when he enters the room. Multiculturally inclined, he displays an indigenous Haida-design tattoo on his bare left shoulder and enjoys swinging to the beat of an East Indian dance while wearing a white kurta-pyjama.

As prime-minister-designate, he showed up at a Montreal metro station the day after the elections to thank voters and take selfies with them. Again, the norm? Absolutely not.

Lets flip the coin.

When Bojo, Boris Johnson, the ex-mayor of London, became foreign minister of Britain, the world reeled. He had unleashed his offences at Papua New Guineans by calling them cannibals, at Africans by calling them piccaninnies (a derogatory word for a small black child), and at Hillary Clinton whom he considered a "sadistic nurse in a mental hospital.

Furthermore, he won a thousand pounds for a poem he wrote about President Erdogan where Erdogan had sex with a goat. His hateful rhetoric made him an unlikely candidate for such a prestigious position, and yet he was chosen. Call me old fashioned, but after all this malicious name calling, how can Johnson meet and greet foreign leaders and dignitaries?

President Mohamed Morsi was neither regal nor dignified. He belted out his speeches in a high-pitched voice filled with incomprehensible innuendos. His inarticulate quotes will resonate for years. "Our dear martyrs, my sincere wishes for success, Gas and alcohol dont mix, Some go to constricted alleys to err and Only 6, 7, 3, 8 protested are a mere few of his many bloopers.

The photo of the on-the-floor meal with buddies went viral and will never be forgotten. He was a family man, but his wifes attire and his childrens comments relative to political matters did not exude the expected prestige.

Ive saved the best for last. Donald Trumps lack in political exposure and diplomatic tact allowed him to lash out at several ethnic groups and admonish presidential nominees, presidents, journalists, and laypersons. His sweeping statements had his team disallow him from accessing his Twitter account late in the presidential race.

From the marital status side, he has married three times, more than any other US president. He has children from each previous marriage. His youngest child is only 10 years old while Trump is hitting 70.

We have also come a long way since Princess Diana was gawked at for her strapless dress. Now Melania Trumps revealing outfits and naked photos dont seem to matter much. The classy White House family look is non-existent in this case.

It does seem as though the world has turned on its head, voting in the atypical.

The reason? People are so fed up with the status quo that they are willing to go out of their comfort zone for change. They are turning a blind eye for the sake of achieving change. They may err in their choices, but that is besides the point.

We must also blame social media. The speed by which events are brought to the limelight is a factor. Sharing and retweeting turns all into avid critics who equate vital information with less important facts, while probing nothing. Photos that surface remain ingrained in our memories. Everything is out in the open, discussed ad nauseam, only to soon afterwards be forgotten to give room for other events.

A word in the ears of Egyptians. Arent you relieved that your president does not fall  and will never fall  inyo the above unorthodox group? Not only does he speak from the heart, an unusual asset, but he delivers his message in a low-pitched but earnest voice. Never has he insulted anyone, even his harshest enemies. His humbleness, his treatment of all Egyptians equally and with the same respect, is unrivalled amidst other leaders, even Egyptian ones.

Most of his popular phrases are now classics: You are the light of our eyes"; "May our hands be cut before we harm one of you"; "I should be the one condoled for these are my children.

As time goes by, the leaders blueprint will keep changing on us as standards continue to fall, for leaders as well as everything else.

The writer is author of Cairo Rewind: The First Two Years of Egypt's Revolution.

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business Jio Happy New Year Offer: Experts discuss impact on incumbents Prakash Diwan, Altamount Capital Management is more impressed with the announcement of JioMoney Merchant application and the aim of bringing around 10 million small retailers and merchants under the net.
business Won't be ethical for pharmas to bring back banned drugs: Expert The government had banned the FDC medicines including popular names like Corex cough syrup, Vicks and D-cold on March 10 terming them a 'risk' to humans.
business Over Rs 11 lakh crore back into banking system: Sources Over Rs 11 lakh crore has been brought into banking system till November 30, people close to the governments demonetisation drive told CNBC-TV18. The government had declared as invalid Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes worth about Rs 14 lakh crore.
Dec. 5

Caixin Services PMI for November released.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect officially launches.

Dec. 8

PBOC launches trial for bills-of-exchange trading platform.

Dec. 9

China releases Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) for November.

Dec. 10

Beijing Railway Bureau launches special trains carrying private cars to the southeastern island of Hainan.

Dec. 11

Construction begins on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics' main stadium.

Terms of China's Protocol of Accession to the World Trade Organization specifying China's "non-market economy" status automatically expire.
(Beijing)  China's official manufacturing indicator rose to a nearly two-and-half-year high in November, as industrial firms continued to benefit from higher producer prices and a recovery in exports.

The official Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), published by the National Statistics Bureau, stood at 51.7 last month, up from 51.2 in October, driven mainly by large and midsize enterprises in heavy industries. The reading was the highest since July 2014, when it also stood at 51.7.

After a rocky start for the year, China's manufacturing sector has picked up recently, with the official PMI readings touching above 50 since August. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while anything below that points to contraction.

The continued improvement in the PMI in November was boosted by a leap in the subindex for purchasing prices, which jumped to 68.3 from 62.6 in October, the highest since March 2011.

Rising global commodity prices and a housing boom earlier this year have pushed up prices of building materials. Although the momentum in coal prices moderated in the second half of last month, prices for other commodities such as steel, cement and aluminum continued to rise, China International Capital Corp. said in a report to Caixin. New export orders also showed signs of recovery as the subindex jumped by 1.1 to 50.3.

"We believe the improving momentum is associated with the renminbi devaluation during the past months," said Zhao Yang, chief China economist at Nomura. Analysts at Nomura expect the yuan to continue depreciating in the future, which will bode well for China's export outlook next year, Zhao added.

The central bank on Nov. 25 set the central parity rate's midpoint at 6.9168 yuan per dollar, the currency's weakest level since June 2008.

The Caixin General Manufacturing PMI, which is compiled by Markit and focuses on light industries, edged down to 50.9 from the 27-month high of 51.2 in October. But it still marked the fifth straight month of expansion.

The official non-manufacturing PMI rose for the third straight month to 54.7 in November, the strongest reading since June 2014.

Contact reporter Chen Na (nachen@caixin.com); editor Ken Howe (kennethhowe@caixin.com)
(Beijing)  German luxury-car maker Audi said it will suspend talks on a new sales license for SAIC Motor Corp., its second partner in China, after existing dealers complained that many were already losing money as the brand's growth stalls.

Audi China announced the decision on Thursday after meeting with representatives from its 431 dealers nationwide, all of which sell cars manufactured by a joint venture between Audi and its original Chinese partner, FAW Group Corp.

The dealers' protests began three weeks ago after Audi signed a production joint venture deal with SAIC, breaking FAW's previous monopoly on the market. Dealers threatened to stop increasing their stocks if Audi didn't provide a satisfactory response to their concerns by Thursday this week, a dealer representative told Caixin, speaking on condition of anonymity.

As a result, Audi, a unit of Germany's Volkswagen AG, said it will resume talks with SAIC at a later date only if it could ensure long-term stable profitability for existing dealers. The latest decision made no mention on any effect on new Audi car production from the SAIC joint venture.

China is Audi's largest global market, with sales totaling 570,889 cars last year. But that figure was down 1.4 percent from a year earlier, marking the first decline in Audi's 26-year history in China. The drop came as the company faced growing competition from German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which both posted gains for the year.

Audi's dealers, who set up their alliance days after announcement of the SAIC joint venture, have since met with the German automaker's executives three times to state their objections to the deal.

During the second meeting on Nov. 21, in Foshan, Guangdong province, dealer representatives complained that the current sales network is already too large, resulting in losses for the majority of them. It will take two months to sell off current Audi cars still in stock, a dealer in Beijing told Caixin.

So far, FAW hasn't publicly talked about the issue, though a source previously told Caixin that company officials were also unhappy about the SAIC joint venture. FAW might join Audi's negotiation with SAIC if necessary, according to Audi statement.

Contact reporter Coco Feng (renkefeng@caixin.com); editor Doug Young (dougyoung@caixin.com)
Thanks for helping the community

The Live Oak High School Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) thanks the community for its generous support of the Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive for the 125 underprivileged families in the Morgan Hill Unified School District. Through your efforts, they were able to have a happier Thanksgiving.

It all began when you donated money and cans to the students who stood in front of the two Safeway stores in town Nov. 12 and 13 and asked for your contributions. In addition, cans and non-perishables were collected in the classrooms at Live Oak throughout the monthover 3,700 items. A small group at Martin Murphy Middle School also helped toward the cause. A former FBLA member who has scoured her neighborhood for over 10 years brought in over 500 items. The names of the families were acquired from each of the schools in the district.

All of the sorting and packing into the huge apple boxes and a large grocery bag for each family was completed Nov. 21 and 22. On Nov. 23, the pickups, vans and cars were loaded and the deliveries were made to each of the 125 families with the help of the Morgan Hill and San Martin Lions Club members as drivers who took two students with each of them.

Each of the 125 families received a huge apple box (approximately 60-70 pounds); a large grocery bag full of potatoes, rice, beans, tortillas and non-perishables; a loaf of bread; a turkey; and laundry detergent. Over 400 man-hours were spent for this successful endeavor!

Kiki Nakauchi, FBLA Advisor

Morgan Hill

Take care of teachers

I think its about time our teachers are taken care of.

Time and time again, education is the first to get cut one way or another, and its upsetting. It is known information that a teachers salary is rather low in comparison to other professions, which can be discouraging for those who are innately qualified to teach our children.

As a result, our children lose out. Offering low cost housing to educators will certainly relieve them of some stress, and will surely give them a reason to stay. Less stress often equates to happier life, and a happier person tends to perform better at work. This means that the children will have better education.

My family is part of a different district and I hope this sets the bar for other districts within the county to start taking care of the people who give so much to create leaders.

Claudia Cortez

San Jose
The Exploring Joara Foundation is commemorating a momentous anniversary that played a huge part in the history and culture of the United States on Saturday in Morganton.

This December will mark the 450th anniversary of the establishment of Fort San Juan, the first inland European settlement in the United States, and the encounter of Juan Pardo with Native Americans.

The Berry Site is an active archaeological research and excavation zone that was discovered to have been the settlement of 16th century Native Americans and Spanish explorers, according to a previous News Herald article.

It forever changed our history as an American country because had the natives not tak en the action they did and burned down the fort , we would probably all be speaking Spanish, said Marie Palacios, executive director of the foundation.

On Saturday from 2:30- 5:30 p.m., the foundation will host keynote speaker Dr. J. Michael Francis, a leading expert on Spanish colonial experience in Florida at Silver Fork Winery , located at 5000 Patton Road in Morganton.

He is also a well - known author and there will also be artifacts on display from the Berry Site, Palacios said.

Juan Pardo would have arrived in Morganton at the Berry Site in December exactly 450 years ago.

The reason for the event is to raise awareness of the anniversary and to raise funds for the first professional museum exhibit that focuses on the Berry Site discoveries of Fort San Juan, she said.

This is the kickoff commemorating an internationally important event that happened here in our back yard, Palacios said.

They have a goal to raise $50,000 to go toward the exhibit, she said.

It will be housed at the History Museum of Burke and we will be debuting that exhibit on March 18, Palacios said. We feel like this museum exhibit is telling the story of the first European colonial settlement inside the United States and that it is part of our community and part of our story.

This open house in March is a free event open to the public.

She believes this exhibit also will attract visitors to Burke County for cultural heritage reasons.

They have professional museum curators designing the exhibit , which will include Spanish and native artifacts from the site.

It will be the first time many of these are viewed in a public exhibit, she said. If (people) really want to see the exhibit to come to Morganton we really need to make this final push and get sponsorship and support so this important exhibit can be housed here.

Palacios says there is a possibility, if the exhibit is displayed at the museum for a few years, it might have the chance to travel around the state or even the country.

The Exploring Joara Foundation is partnering with the History Museum of Burke County, t he city of Morganton and Burke Tourism to help bring together the exhibit opening in March.

They are all key players in making sure this happens so that our community gets this amazing exhibit, Palacios said.

Tickets for Saturday's event are $50, which includes, wine from the Silver Fork Winery, non-alcoholic beverages and Spanish tapas and the program events. The foundation will be looking for sponsors to help in funding the exhibit during the event.

There also will be a Juan Pardo reenactor at the event on Saturday. Those planning to attend can dress in business casual attire, she said.

For more information about the event, visit www.exploringjoara.org, call 828 - 439-2463 or email ed@exploringjoara.org.
LINCOLNTON  Police say they need help from the public in trying to find a Vale woman who went missing Wednesday.

Lincoln County Sheriffs deputies were dispatched to 6460 Sandburg Trail, Vale, around 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday after the womans husband called to report her missing, according to a release from the sheriffs office.

Shelia Carver, 34, was reportedly at the residence around 7 p.m. when her husband and his two children went to Wal-mart in Cherryville. She was gone when they returned from shopping, the release said.

Detective Dan Snellings said Carver, who was born in the Philippines and speaks limited English, is described as 5-feet tall and weighing 90 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black and white jacket and carrying a large gray pocketbook, according to the release.

Carver may have friends in Statesville, Lincolnton and the Charlotte area, the release said.

Anyone with information about Carvers whereabouts is asked to call the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office at 704-732-9050, the Lincoln County Communications Center at 704-735-8202 or Lincolnton/Lincoln County Crime Stoppers at 704-736-8909.
(Beijing)  China is suffering from a major shortage of trains to transport coal, a situation that follows a pause in construction of new rail cars and the scrapping of many old ones due to oversupply and weak demand over the past three years.

Beijing has embarked on a campaign to eliminate excess capacity in a number of industrial sectors, with coal and iron both set for sharp reductions. Much of the excess was built to feed China's hungry economy during years of breakneck growth, when annual expansion routinely reached 10% or more.

But a new phase of slower growth, sluggish demand and trade barriers overseas have prompted Beijing to reduce capacity in a bid to shore up sagging prices. Coal prices have jumped sharply as a result of those reductions, compounded by strong demand for electricity during the cold winter months.

As a result of those factors, the country now faces a shortage of about 100,000 rail cars for coal transportation, according Guo Yuhua, a senior official at China Railway, operator of the country's passenger and freight rail systems. He said that with a few exceptions, freight capacity is now being completely utilized on most of China's rail lines, creating a transportation crisis.

To address the shortage, China Railway has deployed 20,000 flatbed rail cars, and another 20,000 open cars, Guo said.

China Railway shipped 170 million tons of coal in October, up 6.6% from a year earlier. Beijing has set a reference shipping price of 15.51 fen (2.25 U.S. cents) per ton of coal, and the operator can charge up to 10% more than that rate based on demand.

The Bohai-Rim Steam-Coal Price Index, which measures domestic thermal coal prices, has risen more than 60% from the beginning of the year after the government ordered mines to cut production to trim overcapacity and fight pollution. This has led to a coal shortage heading into winter when demand typically peaks.

Contact reporter Doug Young (dougyoung@caixin.com); editor Kerry Nelson (kerry@caixin.com)
Mining company Glencore has announced plans to resume paying dividends to shareholders with an expected $1 billion payout in 2017. And according to Chris Beauchamp from online trading platform IG Group, the firm will not be the last. He predicts miners dividends are poised to return in 2017, supported by an ongoing rally in commodities prices.

The commodities sector has suffered over the past five years. Major miners scrapped their dividends one after another because of concerns about their profits and cash flows. However, a rally in commodities prices since February could lead to a dividend comeback among mining companies.

I do not think the rally of the past eight months has come to an end just yet. Miners remain a good opportunity for 2017, Beauchamp, said in a press roundtable in London this week.

Miners seem to have got through the worst of it. Glencore (GLEN) has talked dividends, and Goldman Sachs upgraded their commodities outlook last week as well.

Companies like BHP Billiton (BLT) and Rio Tinto (RIO) are also cheap by historical standard and there is nothing wrong buying things that are cheap, said Beauchamp.

Beauchamp believes the outlook for commodities demands in the US and China remain robust. Mining companies have their balance sheets improved and Beauchamp agreed that miners dividends look sustainable coming forward.

Mathew Hodge, senior equity analyst for Morningstar echoes Beauchamps views, saying that the market is now upbeat at the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency, particularly for commodities and commodity producers.

The most important Trump policy for commodity producers is the promise to invest $1 trillion on infrastructure in the next 10 years, said Hodge.

Adding that US-based steelmakers are likely to benefit as Trump says he wants steel to be the backbone of American infrastructure.

China, with roughly half of global demand for key commodities such as steel, aluminium and copper, is still the driving force for demand, Hodge added.

Outlook for Gold Less Promising

IGs Beauchamp forecast the precious metals outlook for 2017 to be less promising; he expects gold prices to be drop below $1,000 per ounce by the end of the year. He suggests investor buy base metal over the precious metal for the time being.

Companies like Rio Tinto and Glencore mine a broad variety of minerals worldwide, and they have attractive dividend yields, Beauchamp said.

Rio Tinto scrapping its progressive dividend policy in 2016 was a step in the right direction, said Hodge. It improved the company's flexibility to allocate free cash flow and maintain a strong balance sheet.

Rio Tinto is one of the direct beneficiaries of China's increasing appetite for natural resources. Hodge added that the companys cash flow base is somewhat diversified, and is less susceptible to the vagaries of the market than single-commodity producers. Rio Tinto is up 54.9% year to date and it is rated two-star by Morningstar analysts, meaning that analysts believe the stock is trading above its shares fair estimate values.

Meanwhile, Glencore ranks among the most diversified of the global megaminers. As China is the key demand driver for nearly everything Glencore digs out of the ground, diversification benefits are limited, said David Wang, equity analyst with Morningstar. Glencore is up 210% year to date and it is rated one-star by Morningstar analysts, also meaning that analysts believe the stock is trading above its shares fair estimate values.

The UK-based miner Anglo American (AAL) has taken steps to improve its financial position by slashing capital expenditures and suspending the dividend, profitability at many of its mines will remain challenged, said Wang. The company's planned asset sales should help shore up its balance sheet, Wang added. The stock is up 96.7% year to date and it is rated one-star by Morningstar analysts.

UK dividends were down 2.9% in the third quarter of 2016, owning to deep cuts at large mining companies listed in the UK, such as Glencore, according to the latest Henderson Global Dividend Index report.

However, the report also suggested that the level of UK dividend payments will boost thanks to the sterling weakness, given the fact that 40% of UK dividends are paid in US dollars.

Oil Producers Up on OPEC Deals

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries reached a deal to cut oil production in its meeting yesterday. The oil price rose 8% on Wednesday to $50.84 per barrel at the London stock market close. Brent crude oil trades above $52 per barrel in todays early trading.

OPEC has agreed to reduce its oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day from January 2017, the first deal that has been signed to limit supply in eight years.

OPEC said the cut will "be subject to" non-OPEC countries cutting production by 600,000 barrels per day, including a 300,000 barrel per day cut from Russia. Previously, Russia was only agreeing to freeze production levels.

Oil producers BP (BP.) and Royal Dutch Shell (RDSB) rose 3.8% and 4.3% to the end of Wednesday, leading the FTSE 100. IGs Beauchamp said it looks like these oil firms will be at the forefront of further bullishness, and a stabilisation in oil prices will help keep fears about a dividend cut on the back burner.

Dominic Rossi, global chief investment officer equities for Fidelity International warned investors should not chase this oil price rally too hard.

I would not get too excited by the OPEC cut. Compliance will be a problem, and the Russians will pump more gas instead. In the meantime, the long-run marginal cost of US shale continues to fall, said Rossi.
(Beijing)  China's central government will give fixed rebates on value-added taxes (VATs) to local governments beginning this year  a bid to beef up the local governments' fiscal strength while tightening rules to hold them responsible for debt obligations amid slowing growth.

Previously, the central government handed 30% of annual increases in revenues from VATs back to local authorities, which critics say has failed to narrow regional income gaps because more-developed regions usually had faster VAT growth and therefore enjoyed larger rebates.

Starting this year, though, a fixed amount will be returned, according to a statement from a meeting of the State Council, China's cabinet, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday.

The statement, posted on the central government's website on Wednesday, also vowed to "appropriately resolve the problem of fiscal shortfalls in poor regions and gradually improve local government's fiscal capabilities" while Beijing allocates subsidies and other fiscal resources to different areas.

The move is part of Beijing's ambitious overhaul to convert business tax to VATs to reduce burdens on companies and boost the service industry and economic growth.

The tax reform, which was broadened in May to cover all industries by including the construction, real estate, consumer and financial sectors, actually led to a decline in income for some local governments, and the fixed rebate could help compensate for that, Feng Qiaobin, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Governance, told Caixin.

"Part of the reason behind (the new policy) is to ensure the fiscal strength of local governments will not be undermined by the business-tax-to-VAT reform," she said.

The reform is estimated to have increased central government fiscal revenues by 178 billion yuan ($25.8 billion) this year, which will be returned to local governments, Liu Kun, a vice minister of finance, said in October.

Fiscal revenue growth of some local governments has weakened sharply this year with slower expansion of the Chinese economy.

Meanwhile, local authorities have come under rising pressure to deal with their massive debts  accumulated through years of sometimes reckless borrowing to fund infrastructure projects to spur gross domestic product growth  as Beijing has said that it will no longer offer bailouts when defaults occur.

Under China's new budget law, local governments have been banned from using fundraising channels other than bond issuance in an attempt to increase transparency and contain risks.

Contact reporter Fran Wang at (fangwang@caixin.com): editor Kerry Nelson (kerry@caixin.com)
UDAAP and Title Webinars; Allied Found Guilty; Lender Rankings

Numbers can be deceiving. U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julian Castro announced that public housing developments in the U.S. will now be required to provide a smoke-free environment for their residents. Secretary Castro said HUDs new rule will provide resources and support to more than 3,100 Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to implement required smoke-free policies over the next 18 months.

In legal news du jour, since this often helps shape the public's opinion of our industry, a jury found Allied Home Mortgage and CEO Jim C. Hodge liable for civil mortgage fraud, and awarded the United States over $92 million in damages. They are, "liable for violating the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 in connection with over a decade of fraudulent misconduct related to ALLIED's participation in the Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance program."

Moving on to the general industry, many companies are in the middle of forecasting their 2017 volumes. Is it, "Tell me where rates will be, and I'll tell you where volumes will be!"? I hope not. But people like volume lists and rankings, and it is very informative to check on the top 25 residential lenders so far this year. The source most turn to is Guy Cecala, CEO and Publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance. IMF pieces together the results of surveys turned in by companies that report their results in a survey where lenders are asked to report their 1-4 family residential mortgage originations. Wholesale lending, including loans closed by correspondents, is included.

Sources include the IMF lender survey, bank, thrift and credit union call reports, SEC filings, company earnings and agency MBS data. For the first 9 months of 2016 IMF produced its overall top originator ranking, which counts all first lien mortgages closed regardless of whether they are sourced from retail, direct to consumer (call centers), broker or correspondent. (Separately, IMF does rankings by channel - retail, broker and correspondent, as well as rankings by product type: Fannie, Freddie, FHA, VA, jumbo, etc. - check with Guy for details.)

So how's it going in 2016? My untrained eye detected 16 of the top 25 that are NOT banks. And you can also see, of those 16, which are owned by venture capital or money management firms versus those that are individual or employee-owned. Here you go: #1 Wells Fargo, Chase, Quicken Loans, Bank of America, PennyMac, US Bank, Freedom Mortgage, PHH Mortgage, Caliber Home Loans, #10 - loanDepot.com, Flagstar, Amerihome Mortgage, Citi, SunTrust, Stearns Lending, Guaranteed Rate, United Wholesale, Nationstar, BB&T, #20 - Ditech Financial, Franklin American, Fairway Independent, Guild Mortgage, PrimeLending, and #25 Pacific Union Financial.

And as we move into more of a purchase lending market, congrats to Fairway Independent. HUD data shows that for the month of October 2016 Fairway was the number one originator of FHA purchase loans in the country. Fairway has been in the top 10 and top 5 most of the last 24 months, but congratulations on snagging the #1 spot helping borrower's purchases.

Speaking of the FHA program, thank you to Jennifer W. who points out that the FHA isn't taxpayer supported or funded - it runs entirely on the insurance fund itself. "The FHA is the only government agency that operates entirely from its self-generated income and costs the taxpayers nothing. The proceeds from the mortgage insurance paid by the homeowners are captured in an account that is used to operate the program entirely."

It's been a good year to be in financial services. The nearly 6,000 banks the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insures reported total third-quarter income of $45.6 billion, a $5.2 billion jump over the same period the previous year. "The banking industry reported another positive quarter," FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg said. To say the least.

Yet bank mergers and acquisitions keep on keepin' on. SNL reports that Through Nov. 15, there have been 220 deal announcements in the banking sector in 2016. Just in the last week or so the industry learned that in the Sunshine State CenterState Banks, Inc. has agreed to acquire Gateway Financial Holdings of Florida, Inc. Capital One Financial ($383B, VA) will acquire World's Foremost Bank ($5.7B, NE) for about $200mm in cash. World's Foremost is the operator of Cabela's cobranded credit card program and Cabela's in turn is being acquired by Bass Pro Group. Independent Bank ($5.7B, TX) will acquire the parent company of Northstar Bank of Texas ($1.7B, TX) and Northstar Bank of Colorado ($609mm, CO) for about $434mm in cash (3%) and stock (97%). Centennial Bank ($9.8B, AR) will acquire The Bank of Commerce ($196mm, FL) for $3.8mm in cash. Two-bank holding company, Peoples Independent Bancshares, Inc. ($279mm, AL) will acquire Horizon Bank ($96.2mm, AL) in cash. ACNB Bank ($1.2B, PA) will acquire New Windsor State Bank ($311mm, MD) for about $33.3mm in cash (15%) and stock (85%).

Shifting to the capital markets, a note about a paragraph I had in yesterday's commentary regarding nonprime securitization, and FirstKey Mortgage & New Residential Investment potentially issuing nonprime MBS deals backed by seasoned loans. The credit for the information is due to IMF's Brandon Ivey who detailed the information. ("FirstKey Mortgage, an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, is planning to issue the $550.28 million... New Residential Investment is preparing New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2016-4, a $263.91 million deal...")

And Matt Scully reports that "Lone Star Funds is preparing to sell bonds backed by home loans to borrowers with tarnished credit for the third time this year...Caliber Home Loans Inc., a Lone Star unit, filed papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday in connection with the new mortgage-backed bond offering."

Rates went up - again - Wednesday after the ADP employment numbers suggested - again - that the employment picture in the United States is pretty rosy. Unless one needs hundreds of thousands of road pavers, in which its going to be tough. Steven Mnuchin is set to be Donald Trump's nominee for Treasury Secretary and he said that the priorities for the new administration will be corporate tax reform and deregulation. He will consider issuing debt with maturities longer than 30 years.

We have another spate of economic news today. The stuff just doesn't end! We've already had the November Challenger Job Cuts (-27k, the 2nd lowest level in 15 years!) and Initial Jobless Claims (+17k to 268k, best streak since the 1970s). Coming up are October Construction Spending and the November ISM Manufacturing Index.

Keep in mind that mortgage rates are set by supply and demand, not by the government. That's the reason that investors are very tuned in to applications, prepayments, how much the Fed and banks are buying every week, and so on. There is no one out there saying volumes are going up, which means that if demand continues to be strong, well agency MBS prices should go up, and rates should go down - relative to Treasuries. Like yesterday when the 10-year worsened .5 in price (closing at 2.37%) but MBS prices only dropped by about .250.

After the first round of economic news this morning the 10-year is yielding 2.41% with agency MBS prices worse .125 compared to last night.



Training & parties... tis the season!

"Work hard, play harder! NMP's Holiday Networking Parties kick off this coming Tuesday, December 6 in Irvine, CA. The party continues on Thursday, December 8 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, then they wrap things up on Thursday, December 15 in Long Island, NY. If you are local to one of these areas, these parties are the can't-miss events of the holiday season. There will be free workshops, music, food, prizes and much more. You can register for one of these parties here; just click on the party you would like to attend. The events are free for anyone in the mortgage industry, just enter code CHRISMAN in the NMLS number field of the registration form. Remember, the only thing better than a closed loan is a free party!

What lies ahead in 2017 for the mortgage industry? Stay ahead of industry trends in this free exclusive Vantage Production webinar with Sue Woodard, president/CEO of Vantage Production, and...me. The outlook will cover, "The Political Arena and What It Means for the Industry, When the Fed meets December 13 and 14 - then what? The Digital Mortgage Movement, and Housing Market Trends."Sign up here.

Franklin American just published its December Wholesale "Monthly Customer Training Calendar." This month's calendar offers a variety of training opportunities such as "Analyzing Appraisals", "Selling to Millennials", "Goal Setting 2017", "Self-Employed Borrowers" and "Detecting and Avoiding Fraud Schemes", to name a few. To access our Wholesale "Monthly Customer Training Calendar" click here (be sure to scroll to the December calendar to view our new courses).

Celebrate 2016 with the Colorado Association of Mortgage Professionals for its annual holiday party and dinner on Friday December 9th from 4:30pm-8:30pm at C.B & Potts in the tech center. Beginning with the last board meeting of 2016, happy hour will follow with an open bar and appetizers and its private holiday dinner buffet at 6PM. The presentation will include an annual overview from our President, a government affairs committee chair update, and an awards ceremony recognizing the outstanding service of several the organization's volunteers and affiliates.

October Research's Dodd Frank Update publication is offering a 90 minute UDAAP webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 2-3PM ET. Designed to help banks, mortgage lenders and financial services providers better understand, identify and mitigate potential UDAAP risks. Registration is open for October Research's "Decoding UDAAP" webinar.

With some lenders not requiring any specific vendor oversight requirements to others mandating third-party certifications, it is essential title agents have useful tools to evaluate where they stand regarding compliance. ALTA's next free Title Topics webinar Evolution of ALTA's Best Practices will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 3-4PM ET. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. It's recommended you perform a system check before logging on. You may need to download software to access the webinar.



Jobs and Announcements

Prospect Mortgage recently announced the hiring of 23 loan officers in the first 15 days following the signing of a definitive agreement under which HomeBridge Financial Services will purchase the Company's operating assets. Chief Talent Officer Dan Nieto, who leads Prospect's recruiting efforts, summed up why LOs continue to join Prospect. "We've had a successful hiring year because we have so many tools to offer Originators to grow their purchase business. Since the Nov. 1 announcement, there's even more excitement in the market place about joining our Company." Interested candidates can send their confidential resumes to Dan Nieto.

Established in 2008, "New Penn Financial quickly became a major player in today's mortgage marketplace, gaining a national presence for all the right reasons- remarkable customer service, healthy lending practices, and strong relationships with industry partners. As part of the Shellpoint Partners family, we offer a wide range of loan programs. New Penn has been recognized by industry publications (Scotsman Guide) and general business organizations (Inc. 500/5000 lists, Philadelphia 100) for its growth and success. Our own employees voted New Penn to Mortgage Executive Magazine's List of 50 Best Companies to Work For. We are currently sourcing proven and experienced Wholesale Account Executives nationwide for both Inside and Outside opportunities! Contact Aubrie Cusumano if you are interested in joining company that cares about your success and will help take your career to the next level."

A national independent mortgage lender is hiring two new positions to help build its portfolio of loan solutions. The company is looking for a Renovation Products Program Manager, who will responsible for devising and implementing strategies to increase the company's renovation loan business. The company is also hiring a Reverse Products Program Manager, who will be responsible for developing and executing tactics to increase the company's reverse mortgage business. Both positions will be heavily involved in assisting originators across the country in utilizing these products to meet their homebuyers' specific lending needs. Please email me directly, including your resume, if you are interested in either of these positions and specify the opportunity.
Daytons first fast casual Korean inspired restaurant will open its doors to the public tomorrow with a free lunch for all from 11am  2pm at Bibibop Asian Grill on Brown Street.

Not being familiar with Korean food is not a problem, as the experience is similar to that of Chipotle or Rapid Fired Pizza, where you stroll down the line picking your ingredients and end up with a meal. While this is Daytons first Bibibop, there are a dozen more in Columbus and Cincinnati. The concept has been quickly embraced and has double-digit same-store sales growth and plans for almost 20 more stores in the next t wo years.

You start by choosing a bowl, salad or roll (a wrap that is rolled). I chose the purple rice, which I learned is really white rice steamed with black rice that when steam together the black rice naturally dyes into the white rice and makes it purple and gives it a slight nutty flavor. There is no artificially coloring or flavoring involved! And the black rice makes it healthier being filled with antioxidants, fiber, and tons of other healthy vitamins! Then I added some black beans, leaving the sauteed potatoes and sprouts for another visit.

Then you get to pick your protein from diced grilled chicken, spicy chicken, steak or tofu or a combination of these. I went for the spicy chicken and steak for a real meat lovers mea.

Next you add your vegetable toppings, selecting from chopped cucumber, lettuce, carrots dre ssed with sesame oil, pickled daikon, corn for a sweet crunch, cheese, chopped egg or sprouts. Have a few or do them all, which I did.

Then you can pick your sauce, a spicy sriracha, a Korean red sauce that was a little sweet, teriyaki or yum yum. I chose to go for 1/2 spicy sriracha 1/2 yum yum, which I was later told by the marketing team is the most popular.

There are also a handful of sides you order, including miso soup, edamame, fresh cut pineapple and spicy Korean Kimchi (a fermented cabbage).

After grabbing your meal, you head to the self service beverage station, stocked with Coke products, Izze Sparkling juices and various teas. You can also help yourself to additional sauces.

Korean Bibimbap, (mixed rice) is the inspiration for this restaurant, created by Charley Shin 3 years ago in Columbus and inspired by family recipes. Westernizing the name and menu, Shin wanted to offer something healthy and adventurous. He thinks the Bibibop name is fun to say and eating there makes people feel good. With a mix of community tables and booths, the sleek white and orange decor seems young and hip. Designed to appeal to millennials, Shin feels that they are more adventurous and like to try new things. His desire to appeal to the younger generation was part of the Brown street site selection by the University. According to Dori North, who handles Bibibops real estate, they concept likes to cluster their eateries in a city and they are currently in negotiation for 2 more sights, with expectation to open one by fall and another in early 2018.

Visit Bibibop Asian Grill at 1200 Brown Street, open seven days a week from 11am  9pm.
Luo Er, the father of the 5-year-old girl with leukemia who received an estimated 2.7 million yuan ($392,000) in donations via online donations, responds to questions on Wednesday about the fundraising. Photo: Huo Jianbin/Visual China/Nanfang Metropolis Daily

(Beijing)  A "technical glitch" in WeChat, China's most widely used messaging app, allowed a family in the southern city of Shenzhen to raise over 2 million yuan ($290,000) in donations within 80 minutes.

The money poured in between just after midnight and 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, said Tencent Holdings Group, which operates the app.

But the family needed only just over 36,000 yuan for out-of-pocket treatment expenses to date for their 5-year old daughter, who has leukemia, said a representative at Shenzhen Children's Hospital, where the girl has been admitted three times since September. The balance of the medical bills was covered by the government-run medical insurance program.

Tencent said individuals are allowed to receive only up to 50,000 yuan in money transfers via its app each day, but its system failed to flag and stop the large amounts of donations pouring into the account of a man named Luo Er, who had been posting stories about his family's struggle to cover medical bills of their daughter. Luo claimed the child was admitted to the intensive care unit, and therefore her treatment was not covered by insurance. But the hospital said that wasn't true.

After the incident caused a stir on Chinese social media, Luo made a public statement promising to only keep only 36,000 yuan and return the rest to donors. The Shenzhen government said it had dropped its investigation into the case after the man promised to return the money.

Luo said he started posting funding appeals on the WhatsApp-like social media service after his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia on Sept. 8.

Luo said he had collected about 30,000 yuan by Monday morning through small online donations from netizens who had read his stories. He had then asked a friend running an internet finance company to repost his articles. It was this that led to the unexpected outpouring of public sympathy.

The friend, Liu Xiafeng, said in a statement that he had helped Luo raise 400,000 yuan on Monday alone, getting donations from people who had seen the articles on his personal account and on his company's corporate WeChat account.

Luo himself received over 2 million yuan by lunchtime on Wednesday, pushing up the total amount of donations raised to well over 2.7 million yuan, Tencent said.

WeChat allows readers to donate small sums to authors of articles they "like." It also allows the transfer of money by allowing users to link their bank account to the messaging app.

Chinese internet users started to criticize Luo after they learned that he owned three homes in the southern province of Guangdong. Luo told The Beijing News that he did not yet have the title deeds for the two homes in Dongguan, and therefore he was unable to sell them to raise money for his daughter's treatment.

The online debate also raised concerns about the lack of ways to verify the authenticity of funding appeals launched online, or how to track how recipients spend the money.

Tencent also runs a specialized microdonation service, Tencent Gongyi, which encourages individuals to launch funding appeals through a State Council-approved charity. Luo did not raise funds through this service.

China's top four online donation platforms, led by Tencent, saw a 127% rise in small-scale donations made through them, state-backed China Charity Alliance (CCA) said on Tuesday.

Companies running these donating platforms and other online services that can be used to receive money should have better oversight on who is allowed to raise funds and have caps on how much is raised, said Jia Xijin, a Tsinghua University professor who is researching non-government organizations.

This is because individuals who donate small amounts online do not usually care where their money goes and how it is used, Wang Zhenyao, head of the China Philanthropy Research Institute at Beijing Normal University, told The Beijing News.

Contact reporter Li Rongde (rongdeli@caixin.com); editor Poornima Weerasekara (poornima@caixin.com)
Opening accounts without consent

Misrepresenting the benefits of products

Steering customers toward less favorable terms or products

In the wake of the Wells Fargo phony-account scandal, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is warning financial institutions against creating unrealistic incentive goals for employees.Wells Fargo came under fire in October when it was revealed that bank employees had opened 2 million customer accounts without those customers knowledge or consent. According to reports, the banks high-pressure sales goals created an environment that encouraged employees to commit fraud simply to stay ahead of the curve.The CFPB has released a bulletin warning companies that connecting bonuses or employment status to unrealistic sales goals or to the terms of transactions may intentionally or unintentionally encourage illegal practices  including unauthorized account openings, opting customers into services without their knowledge or steering them toward products that arent right for them.Tying bonuses and job security to business goals that are unrealistic or not properly monitored can lead to illegal practices like unauthorized account openings and deceptive sales tactics, said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. The CFPB is warning companies to make sure that their incentives operate to reward quality customer service, not fraud and abuse.While the CFPB said that reasonable incentives can benefit customers, incentives that arent carefully managed can end up rewarding bad behavior. According to the CFPB these dangerous incentive programs are relatively common in both the banking and mortgage industries. The CFPB cited specific examples of problem behaviors encouraged by some incentive programs, including:The CFPB has already taken action against credit card companies and banks whose incentive programs encouraged fraud. In October, the agency issued Wells Fargo a $100 million fine for its sales practices.
Aim Bank debuted in Midland in late 2012 in a plaza on the corner of Andrews Highway and Midkiff Road, but now the West Texas-based bank has a home it can call its own.

Aim officially opens for business today at its new building at 1111 W. Wall St., a move Midland President David Shipman says will help his bank have a professional presence in the community and continue to grow.

Aim Bank first entered this part of the Permian Basin by opening an Odessa branch in 2010. The bank has looked to expand to the Midland market, but an oil boom made finding the right spot difficult.

When we opened our (Midland) bank in September 2012, it was our desire to build a location that we were really excited about, Shipman told the Reporter-Telegram. It was quite a challenge to find land during the boom, and we were able to finally secure this location at the end of 2014. We started construction in January of this year.

Technology is rapidly changing the banking industry. People can handle traditional banking services such as depositing checks, transferring funds and applying for loans on their smartphones and computers. In response, some banking institutions are closing locations and modernizing branches with self-serve kiosks.

Aim Bank is keeping traditional teller lines. We did not adopt the kiosk approach. That works well in large cities, but as a community bank, we still want to be able to provide people in the bank who know you, Shipman said.

The branch will also feature drive-up lanes that include an ATM and commercial lane. It will also have a night drop.

The old chestnut in Midland is that the Tall City has more oil companies, dry cleaners and banks per capita than any other town, and while indeed there are plenty of all three, Shipman said Aim Bank separates itself from the competition through efficiency.

When we came into the market, we tried to differentiate ourselves by being very efficient, he said. We were speedy when dealing with loan requests for businesses, for example.

Getting new customers happens largely through good experiences shared by word-of-mouth, but Aim Bank has also created a marketing plan specific to the Permian Basin that includes print advertising and billboards to get the word out, particularly about the move. Shipman said Aim Bank also sent letters about the location change to all existing customers months ago, per regulatory requirements.

He said some customers have struggled during the downturn. Part of our job is to help them, whether times are good or bad and help them make decisions that are in their best interest.

Shipman called the oil and gas industry very dynamic and complex, and while Aim Bank makes loans to businesses in the industry, the downturn hasnt affected his bank much because of its diverse dealings throughout West Texas. Having significant commercial real estate and agriculture portfolios helps reduce the risk his bank encounters in an oil and gas downturn, he said.

Aim Bank hired one new position for its new location, and Shipman said he suspects more positions will be added in the future, particularly for retail bankers, who handle small consumer lending and new accounts.

All in all, Shipman said it will be beneficial for the bank and its customers to have a location that the branch owns. And whether its handling big business loans, home mortgages or small deposits into a childs savings account, Our customers are partners in business. Thats what makes the biggest difference, he said.

Like Trevor on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at @HowdyHawes.
Since September, Permian Basin producers had ridden the oil price roller coaster fueled by: Would OPEC reach a production cut deal? Would OPEC not reach a production cut deal?

The definitive answer arrived Wednesday when the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries announced an agreement to cut 1.2 million barrels of production, accompanied by Russias announcement it would cut 300,000 barrels of output.

I woke up at 4 a.m. this morning to follow the developments on the meeting in Vienna, Joseph Castillo, president of Bold Energy III, told the Reporter-Telegram by email.

I was very encouraged to see that OPEC had agreed to cut 1.2 million barrels a day of output and that Russia had made overtures to cut an additional 300,000 barrels a day from their output. Given the rise in global demand of approximately 800,000 barrels per day over the last year, along with the roughly 875,000 barrels per day decline in U.S. domestic output, supply and demand were already forecast to come into balance sometime in 2017. So, with the OPEC announcement, we will be in balance much sooner and could expect oil prices to be in a range of $55 to $65 next year, he said.

This will be good for Midland, for oilfield jobs, and for our local economy, Castillo said. The lurking issue now will be the degree to which OPEC members comply with what they have agreed to do. If certain members cheat, then this agreement will fall apart and we will be back in the $40-$45 range. What gives me hope on this is that OPEC cannot afford to be in a $40-$45 environment. They are collectively going broke, and they know that cheating will lead to their own demise.

Steve Pruitt, president and chief executive officer of Elevation Resources, agreed that OPEC has no choice but to take action.

The Saudis had to do it for their national budget and the pending IPO of Saudi Aramco, but I am impressed they managed to get Russia to chip in with a 300,000 barrel per day cut, he told the Reporter-Telegram by email.

Like Castillo, Pruitt said the news will benefit the Permian Basin.

It has huge implications for rig count and employment in the Permian Basin, where most of the public companies had announced rig count increases for 2017, he said. Weve already seen almost 100 rigs added from the 130 rig bottom in May of this year. If the 1.2 million barrel per day OPEC curtailment along with 600,000 barrel per day cut from non-OPEC producers materializes, we should see $50 oil prices by the end of this year and $60 by the end of next year, assuming the cuts show up in reduced global oil inventories. The market will be closely watching for compliance with the announced agreement.

Alexandre Andlauer, head of the energy sector for Paris-based Alpha Value, who has made several trips to the Permian Basin, told the Reporter-Telegram he believes OPEC will stick to the agreement.

At least for a big part, he said by email from Vienna, where he had been speaking with participants close to the meeting. Oil can reach $60 a barrel, but more importantly should stay above $50 a barrel in the coming month, he said.

The deal could have a bit more far-reaching impact than his company originally thought, he said, and will move the markets rebalancing forward by a couple of months. Still, he said it would not change his companys outlook of $50 to $55 oil prices in 2017 and $60 to $65 in 2018.
OPEC clinched a deal to curtail oil supply, confounding skeptics as the need to clear a record global crude glut -- and prove the group's credibility -- brought its first cuts in eight years. Crude rose as much as 8.8 percent in London.

OPEC will reduce output to 32.5 million barrels a day, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh told reporters in Vienna following a ministerial meeting on Wednesday. The breakthrough deal, effective January, showed an acceptance by Saudi Arabia that Iran, as a special case, can still raise production.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries is ditching a pump-at-will policy introduced in 2014 to resume its traditional role as price fixer. The shift -- aimed at draining a crude glut that's pushed down prices for two years -- will help revive the tattered finances of oil-producing countries and will reverberate in markets around the world, from the Canadian dollar to Nigerian bonds to U.S. shale equities.

"This should be a wake-up call for skeptics who have argued the death of OPEC," said Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at Energy Aspects. "The group wants to push inventories down."

After weeks of often tense negotiations, the eventual alignment of OPEC's biggest producers points to the increasing dominance of Iran among the group's top ranks. It's allowed to raise output to about 3.8 million barrels a day, a victory for a country that's long sought special treatment as it recovers from sanctions. Saudi Arabia previously proposed that its regional rival limit output to 3.707 million barrels a day, delegates said.

The agreement, which also calls for a reduction of about 600,000 barrels a day by non-OPEC countries, pushed up Brent crude by as much as $4.08 to $50.46 a barrel. Still, prices remain at half their level of mid-2014.

The economics of the deal are "incredibly appealing," Jeff Currie, global head of commodities research at Goldman Sachs, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. The main aim of the cuts is "inventory normalization," he said.

Saudi Arabia, which raised oil production to a record this year, will reduce output by 486,000 barrels a day to 10.058 million a day, an OPEC document shows. Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer, agreed to cut by 210,000 barrels a day from October levels. The country had previously pushed for special consideration, citing the urgency of its offensive against Islamic State.

The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait will reduce output by 139,000 barrels a day and 131,000 a day respectively, the document shows. Non-member Russia, also pumping at a post-Soviet record, will cut by as much as 300,000 barrels a day, "conditional on its technical abilities," Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in Moscow.

"What was announced so far is bullish, but January is still far away," said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS Group. "December will still see ongoing record production, but market participants might ignore it. It does seem as though Russia will cut, which if implemented is also positive."

Russia, the biggest producer outside the bloc, had previously resisted calls to trim its production, insisting it would only consider a freeze. OPEC plans to hold talks with non-0PEC producers next week in Doha.

The strength of the deal will depend on whether all parties deliver on their commitment. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies the U.A.E. and Kuwait have traditionally stuck to their cuts, but some others haven't, particularly when prices are low. Any doubt in the market could once again see prices come under pressure.

The last two years have been painful for OPEC: The group will earn $341 billion from oil exports this year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That's down from $753 billion in 2014 before prices crashed, and a record $920 billion in 2012.

The group will meet again on May 25 next year, at which point it intends to extend the cuts by another six months, Qatari Energy Minister Mohammed Al Sada told reporters in Vienna.

Indonesia requested a freeze of its OPEC membership. Its suspension won't affect the size of the group's production cut, one delegate said.
What started out as three art students selling prints to attend a workshop turned into a collaborative friendship of art. Callie Deming, Cynna Guerrero and Andrea Valencia met while studying at University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Now, they are all showing in a new exhibition at Kamiposi.

Weve been working together for almost three years now, Deming, 26, said. Its easier to do it together and to get motivated.

While they are partners in art, they all have vastly different perspectives.

Demings art centers on delicate and intricate paintings of animals on blocks. She describes them as sweet but leaning more toward a realistic depiction. She said she doesnt have the shock value of the other two.

WANT TO GO: First Friday featuring works by artists Cynna Guerrero, Callie Deming and Andrea Valencia. 6 p.m. at Kamiposi, 510 S. Big Spring St. facebook.com/kamiposi. See More Collapse

My prints are focused on nudes and gore. There is lots of personality in mind but also a lot of different things going on, Guerrero, 24, said.

Valencia, 24, takes a more psychological approach to her work.

Id say mine are more interpretations of life events and according to how I handle them, she said.

Her latest work was inspired by the death of her cat.

As they prepare for their Friday opening, the women are looking forward to presenting something beyond the usual, which is par for the course for the contemporary art space.

Midland culture is heavily based on the oilfields, and there is a lot of that reflected in art here, Valencia said. The world is so much bigger than that, and we dont need to be stuck in those images.

Guerrero sums up what people can expect in a show that consists of paintings, prints and sculptural elements.

They are going to see something unique from each of us, she said. Our works are so different from each others. Itll be nice to see the weird things we have all together. People dont get to see a lot of that here.
Perhaps no event in human history has affected our modern world more than World War II. With the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Wednesday comes feelings of gratitude for the Greatest Generation. Those men and women who sacrificed so much for their country both in the war and here at home will never be forgotten.

To commemorate the anniversary, first and foremost, thank every veteran you can for his or her service to this country. Once youve done that, sit back and see how Hollywood has paid tribute over the years.

Some of the greatest films ever made have been set just before, during, or just after World War II. Some of the worst -- yes, we mean you, Pearl Harbor -- have also been foisted upon us, but were sticking with the best for this list.

Seven best picture Oscars have gone to films set during the war, so lets start with those.

Casablanca (1941) This is just one of the greatest films of all time, regardless of genre.

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) The toll of war on its returning veterans has never been told with the same style and dignity found in this film. It won eight Academy Awards, two of which went to Harold Russell, who lost both arms during the war. A 2006 remake, Home of the Brave, changed the setting to Iraq but it -- nor any other war film -- holds a candle to this classic.

From Here to Eternity (1953) Although the film has lost a little luster over the years -- the beach kiss was considered racy for its time -- the performances and overall message still hold up wonderfully.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) Before he played Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, Alec Guinness gave a best actor performance in this classic film, which won seven Academy Awards overall.

Patton (1970) George C. Scotts Oscar-winning turn as the famous general was spot on according to those who knew him. Infamy also came from Scotts performance when he refused to accept his Oscar on philosophical grounds.

Schindlers List (1983) Steven Spielbergs homage to the man who saved more than 1,000 lives during the Holocaust is heart-wrenching and unforgettable.

The English Patient (1996) Although largely forgotten, this stunning film deserves a resurrection.

Next comes a few heralded films that may not have gotten the glory of a best picture nod, but many of them certainly deserved it.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) Academy politics kept this from the glory it deserved. Can you even name the film that beat it out for the years best? This Steven Spielberg film is his crowning achievement.

A Bridge Too Far (1977) This star-studded classic was panned by critics at the time, but has risen above it all to become a testament to the character of those fighting the war.

Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) One of the few films on the list to actually focus on the Pearl Harbor attack, this was a joint effort between the U.S. and Japan. As great as this film is, one cant help but wonder what it would have been like if the original man hired for the Japanese segments, Akira Kurosawa, had been allowed to finish what he started.

The Great Escape (1963) One of the first films to be designated a blockbuster, this wonderful film will literally make you stand and cheer.

Das Boot (1981) This film takes a look at the war from the German perspective, although its approach is to humanize the sailors living in a submarine.

Letters From Iwo Jima and Flags of Our Fathers (2006) Of these two films from Clint Eastwood, Letters is the better film, but watch both to get the full story of the war told from both the U.S. side and the Japanese side.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988) This classic animated film tells the story from the Japanese perspective but its viewpoint is universal.

The Thin Red Line (1998) Director Terrence Malicks take on the battle at Guadalcanal is impeccable.

The Railway Man (2013) The lists newest entry is based on a true story. It is a stunner and gives a startling look at the Japanese abuse of British POWs.

Next, lets have a little fun. These films werent on many Top 10 lists but they deserve a look.

Inglourious Basterds (2009) Quentin Tarantinos tribute to WWII introduced the world to Christoph Waltz, whose evil Nazi is one of the most horrible villains ever to grace the screen.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) Its portrayal of the war is a little skewed, but what list would be complete without a superhero?

To Hell and Back (1955) Its an average war film, and this little gem might not have made the list if it werent for one thing: its main character, Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of World War II, was actually played by Murphy.

Swing Shift (1984) The life of a Rosie the Riveter is told onscreen, but this film also marks the start of the romance between Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.

The Final Countdown (1980) This sci-fi cult film takes a modern day aircraft carrier and magically transports it back in time to Hawaii a few hours before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Its super-ridiculous and a whole lot of fun.

1941 (1979) Steven Spielbergs third film on this list was a comedy that was thoroughly trounced by critics when it came out, but fans adored it. See it from the fans perspective.
The Republican Party received great news Thursday as House Democrats re-elected Nancy Pelosi as their leader.

Democrats, in backing the liberal California lawmaker, again showed preference for the failing policies of the Pelosi/Barack Obama wing of the party that was soundly defeated in Novembers general election.

Republicans saw this and hoped for another term of Pelosi leadership, which was a reason the National Republican Congressional Committee actually threw its support behind Pelosi in her election against Tim Ryan of Ohio.

The NRCC would like to offer its full support to the embattled former speaker of the House, a release said. Under Nancy Pelosis leadership, House Democrats squandered their majority by forcing through unpopular legislation like Obamacare.

These are not good times for Democrats, who have seen their electoral map basically limited to areas on the east and west coasts and some urban centers. The partys sprint to the far left means its leaders are out of touch with fly-over country, the Rust Belt and other once-dependable Democratic Party strongholds.

The Democrat Party has traded the support of the working class for a more socially progressive voter. And it has no problem moving forward with little in its back pocket except the blind allegiance of minority voters, who have gotten little from party leaders in Austin and Washington.

We have written here before that Republicans under a Donald Trump presidency have an opportunity to expand their dominance over Democrats for a generation.

If we see more political victories -- such as Wednesdays announcement that Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence convinced Carrier to keep jobs in the United States -- a permanent Republican majority wont seem so far-fetched. We wonder what kept President Obama from being able to broker such a deal.

We understand it must be a tough time to be a Democrat in Midland. It has been decades since that party has been relevant in state politics and the re-election of Pelosi means the status quo of a dysfunctional party will continue in the D.C. swamp.

A few months ago it appeared that the Republican Party was facing uncertain times. How things have changed.
Appier Raises Asia Growth Funds

Taiwan-based cross-screen ad technology company Appier has closed a $19.5m Series B round of funding, which it will use to drive artificial intelligence-based product research and development, and to continue with recruitment and market expansion in Asia.



Appier offers cross-screen, right-time targeting solutions to help optimize advertising ROI. The firm is currently launching a pilot of its Aixon Platform in Taiwan, Japan and Singapore, to enable businesses to collect and analyze user data, and generate insights to inform their marketing decisions.



New funding comes from Pavilion Capital International, WI Harper Group, FirstFloor Capital and Qualgro, and brings Appier's Series B total to $42.5m, and total funding to date to $49.5m. Chih-han Yu (pictured), Appier co-founder and CEO, comments: 'This funding will enable us to continue to invest in AI-driven business products that help solve some of the problems facing industry today'.



Web site: www.appier.com .




Too Faced White Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Plette ($26) is one of two, limited edition eyeshadow palettes that launched exclusively at Too Faced and Sephora for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Yesterday, I reviewed the Too Faced Matte Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Palette for you and today I thought Id give you a review and swatches of the White Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Palette.

Here are my thoughts.

There a lot of drama surrounding the Too Faced White Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Palette due to the fact most people felt there was no alert telling them about the release of both the limited edition palettes. Most of the rants Im hearing are there wasnt an e-mail telling anyone about these two releases. Theres also drama about the palettes selling out fast, etcetc.

This particular palette is available exclusively at Sephora.com and apparently itll return on December 14th. I was able to get it quickly enough early in the morning when it released. I might be nuts but it looked like it was in stock a while before selling out. Too Faced didnt send out a mass e-mail but if you have access to Instagram they promoted it quite a bit on Instagram. This is unfortunately why social media is a must if you want to catch these exclusive releases.

Some people have said both of these palettes will be back for Spring 2017 but I had mentioned in my Too Faced Matte Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Palette Review I had my thoughts about that because the brand has plans to release Spring 2017 on December 26th and this is a peach themed release. In February, they are doing a Kat Von D Better Together Collection. Im not sure how chocolate anything would fit into these two new collections but I could be completely wrong. If these come back I suspect theyll come back permanently OR they might come back for December only.

The Too Faced White Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Palette is too cute. Its a very tiny palette thats a little bigger than a credit card with a generous mirror tucked inside along with 11 shades of eyeshadow. As cute as it is, it isnt exactly a value. Its 0.22 oz of total product for $26 where as some of the original Chocolate Bar Palettes are $49 and contain 0.62 oz of product. Youre pretty much paying $26 for a quarter of the eyeshadows that come in the full-size palette. The good news? This is super travel friendly, easy to store, and it wont overwhelm you with too much trouble. The bad news? Its a lot of money for a little amount of eyeshadow.

Sadly, I felt the eyeshadows in the Matte Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Palette were dense and dry and not a lot canges with the quality of the White Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Palette. Heres the good news.the mattes are a lot softer in this palette and silkier and not near as dry or dense as the Matte Chocolate Chip ones. However, they are also sheerer and barely there on my skin tone. The shimmers had a velvety texture but they were very flaky and and powdery but not dry. The shimmers wont adhere well to lids at all so primer or glitter primer is key to keep them in place. They are also quite sheer. The shades are cooler and almost pastel toned and I personally found it very difficult to create a look using them since there is no depth of contrast to be had. Funny, if you use both of the palettes together you can get a complete eye look but when youre using the White Chocolate Chip Palette alone it proves challenging to get a complete eye look. These shades are very washed out and will look chalky on medium or darker skin tones. One thing to note is the chocolate scent of this palette seemed stronger than the Matte Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Palette.

For those interesting the palette state that the bulk was made in the USA and assembled in the Dominican Republic.

Eyeshadows:

Glaze

Ambrosia

Exotica

Pearl Candy

Raspberry Rose (Repromote from Too Faced Chocolate Shop Eyeshadow Palette)

Indulge

Guilt-Free

Cake Batter (Repromote from Too Faced Chocolate Shop Eyeshadow Palette)

Cookie Dough (Repromote from Too Faced Joy to the Girls Eyeshadow Palette)

Sugared Raisin (Repromote from Too Faced Joy to the Girls Eyeshadow Palette)

Black Sugar

The Too Faced White Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Palette was disappointing in my opinion. Most reviews Ive read so far are saying that if it was an either/or situation theyd choose the Too Faced White Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Palette as the better of the two palettes but personally neither was all that great. And they are certainly not deserving of all the crazy hype they are currently getting.

Do you own it?

Share your thoughts.

The Too Faced White Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Palette is available now at sephora.com.
New members inducted into Institute of ...
A initiative aims to reduce arrest rates  and hopefully re-arrest rates  for teens across Orange and Osceola counties.

Groups: Civil citations reduce chance once-jailed teens will relapse

League of Women Voters, law enforcement agencies working together



Study: Orange County agencies arrest more kids 5-12 than other counties

INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC: Juvenile civil citations up 

A coalition of law enforcement agencies, the League of Women Voters of Orange County, and community leaders like Bishop Kelvin Cobaris of the African American Council of Christian Clergy, wants agencies to hand out civil citations to first time offenders, rather than arresting them.

For the past 20 years, Cobaris has worked closely with at-risk youth.

"It takes all of us collectively to try to work together, to try to proactively get to young people," Cobaris said.

A study by the Caruthers Institute, a nonpartisan think tank on youth issues, found that both Orange and Osceola counties are giving out more civil citations to teens  instead of arresting them  for minor offenses such as shoplifting. The citations are often coupled with community service.

"This is getting to the young people who might make mistakes or do things that are criminal acts early on," Cobaris said.

On Wednesday, the League of Women Voters and Cobaris joined representatives from Orlando Police, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Apopka Police, the State Attorney's office and the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court to talk about their progress.

For example, in all Orange County law enforcement cases in which a civil citation could be issued instead of an arrest for fiscal year 2014-2015, the study found that civil citations were issued only 17 percent of the time.

In the 2015-2016 fiscal year, that rate was 39 percent.

Orlando Police issued 46 juvenile civil citations in 2015. This year it had issued 165, according to Mina.

In Osceola County, law enforcement agencies issued civil citations instead of arrests 21 percent of the time. This year, it was a quarter of the time.

Statewide, those numbers are 43 percent last year and 51 percent this year.

"This (initiative) diverts the juvenile from the criminal justice system," Orlando Police Chief John Mina said. ""It keeps them out of the system. It keeps them from having a criminal record."



Bishop Kelvin Cobaris of the African American Council of Christian Clergy speaks Wednesday about efforts to increase the use of civil citations for some juveniles. (News 13)

Not all was good news. For the second year now, Orange County arrested more kids between the ages of 5 and 12 than any other county in the state. Additionally, in not every instance can an officer issue a civil citation to a teen. Offenses involving a gang, weapon or violence-related offenses are not eligible.

But the groups said giving teens a second chance lowers recidivism rates, or the rate at which a person relapses back to jail. According to the study, civil citations are at least twice as effective at reducing recidivism in seven of the nine most common offenses.



"We didn't get into this profession to arrest kids. That's now why we became police officers," Mina said. "We became police officers to help people."
Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin is recovering at a hospital in New Zealand after being medically evacuated from the South Pole.



Buzz Aldrin medically evacuated from South Pole

Statement" Aldrin being treated for fluid in his lungs



In 1969, Aldrin became 2nd man to walk on the moon

Aldrin, who is a Brevard County resident, was visiting the South Pole as part of a tourist group. White Desert, the tour company, said in a statement that Aldrins condition deterioriated during the tour.

Aldrin, who will turn 87 on Jan. 20, was evacuated on the first available flight out of the South Pole to McMurdo Station, the U.S. Antarctic research center.

Aldrin's Twitter team tweeted a picture of the former astronaut in the hospital.

Official statement about Buzz and his evacuation from the South Pole. He's recovering well in NZ. Full statement https://t.co/OacRI4577Z pic.twitter.com/QdrEaHuQHq  Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) December 1, 2016

Aldrin's team posted this statement on his website, which was temporarily shut down because traffic was so heavy.

"The evacuation flight for Buzz Aldrin has successfully landed at Christchurch, New Zealand and he has been transferred to hospital for examination. He is currently has fluid in his lungs but is responding well to antibiotics and being kept in overnight for observation. His condition is stable and his manager, who is currently with him, described him being in good spirits.

"We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the team at the American National Science Foundation for accommodating Buzz and his manager on one of their flights from the South Pole to New Zealand via McMurdo."

This week, Aldrin posted several pictures of himself preparing for his trip to the South Pole.

One post included the caption, I could be a little underdressed for Antarctica. Although I tend to be hot blooded.

I could be a little underdressed for Antarctica. Although I tend to be hot blooded. pic.twitter.com/iuCozGptxw  Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) November 27, 2016

In 1969, Buzz Aldrin became the second man to walk on the moon as part of Apollo 11 mission.

Katie Eastman of TWC News contributed to this report.


Wayland Baptist University hosted the 14th annual McCoy Lectures Series on Wednesday with pastor Jerome Farris from Detroit, Mich., serving as the guest speaker.

The McCoy Lectures Series was developed by First Baptist with an estate gift from the late Dr. Dorothy McCoy, a longtime math professor at Wayland who died in 2001. McCoy had a great interest in missions and the church wanted to honor her memory.

Farris is pastor of the Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church in Detroit, located in the midst of the largest Muslim population in the United States. Each year, Dr. Richard Shaw takes a group of students to Detroit and Dearborn during spring break in association with the Wayland Mission Center. While there, they work with Pastor Farris with whom Shaw has been acquainted for a number of years.

On Wednesday, Farris spoke at chapel as well as participated in a luncheon discussion and spoke at First Baptist Church in Happy where Dr. Shaw is the pastor. Knowing that his chapel audience didnt consist only of Christians, Farris sought to deliver a message of encouragement and inspiration. He did so through the simple focus of Gods love for all. Farris referenced John 3:16 and Acts 10:34 as he challenged students to ask if there were any limits to Gods love.

Im so glad he dont just love good people, Farris said. All of us have fallen short of Gods glory. All of us have fallen short of Gods grace.

Farris even said that if Dr. Shaw knew all the things he had done in his life, he would not have been invited to speak.

Quoting from Ephesians 2, Farris spoke of Gods grace and what it meant for mankind. He asked students if God would still love him if her were a liar, killer, suicidal, confused about his gender, or confused about his sexual orientation.

Would he still love me? Would he still forgive me? Would he still save me? Would he still dare to use me, Farris asked. The answer is Yes! In spite of my baggage, he loves me. There is nothing I would do that he is not willing to forgive.

Farris challenged the assumption that Christianity and the existence of God is not real. He asked what would happen if one lived by that assumption, then upon death discovered that everything that had been said in chapel throughout the years was true.

I stand before you knowing in every fiber of my being that Christ has risen from the dead, Farris said. I serve a risen savior.

Speaking to the non-Christians Farris asked what they had to gain by accepting Jesus.

You have life, joy, peace, eternal life, life more abundant today and in the life to come, Farris said. Accept him because of the truth that Jesus loves me.
WASHINGTON (AP)  House Democrats re-elected Nancy Pelosi as their leader Wednesday, ratifying the status quo in a changing Washington despite widespread frustration over the partys direction. That disenchantment manifested itself in 63 lawmakers supporting Pelosis opponent, Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, in the secret-ballot vote. That was by far the largest defection Pelosi has suffered since she began leading House Democrats in 2002.



Still, the California lawmaker had declared ahead of time that more than two-thirds of the caucus was supporting her, and she won almost exactly two-thirds with 134 votes. It was a testament to her vote-counting skills and to her ability to hang onto power even in dark days for Democrats, as they confront a capital that will be fully controlled by the GOP next year.



Supporters said the 76-year-old Pelosi was their best bet to confront a President Donald Trump from a defensive crouch in the minority after Democrats picked up only a half-dozen seats in the House, far fewer than anticipated. Republicans are on track to hold at least 240 seats in the House next year, while Democrats will have 194.



Pelosi herself, appearing elated after her victory, pledged that Democrats have won elections before and would do so again, even though theyve been in the minority in the House since 2010.



I have a special spring in my step today because this opportunity is a special one, to lead the House Democrats, bring everyone together as we go forward, Pelosi said.



Of Trump, she said: Where we can engage, we will. Where we need to oppose, we will.



And Pelosi disputed the suggestion that she might be concerned about the defections she suffered. They werent defections, I had two-thirds of the vote, Pelosi said, repeating two-thirds, two-thirds to a group of assembled reporters.



For their part, Ryan and his backers insisted after the vote that they had won a victory in sending a message to Pelosi about the significant desire for change among House Democrats.



Somebody had to do something, said Ryan, a seven-term lawmaker who before now had been largely a back-bencher. Our prospects have improved just because of this conversation.



Yet Democrats marginalized status was evident as Ryan struggled to answer a question about who would lead the party forward, before concluding: Were all going to participate in leading the party.



Leadership elections were originally scheduled to be held before Thanksgiving but were delayed to give Democrats more time to discuss and process the election results and consider a path forward.



Pelosis victory came only after she promised some changes to assuage concerns in her caucus, including adding a member of the freshmen class to her leadership team and creating a handful of other titled positions. But her proposals do little to ensure new blood at the very top or change the seniority system that has key committees led by lawmakers in their 80s at a moment when the party needs to be defending President Barack Obamas health care law and other initiatives.



Pelosis top two lieutenants, who have served by her side for years, were also re-elected, both by acclimation. Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, 77, will continue to serve as Democratic whip, and South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, 76, will continue in the No. 3 spot as assistant leader.



We need someone who is battle-tested, Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., told fellow Democrats in nominating Pelosi. We need our leader to be seasoned, tough.



But some House Democrats did not hide their disappointment at the outcome.



I am deeply disappointed today as the House Democratic Caucus has decided to double down on its failed strategy of recent years, said Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. It is obvious the current strategy doesnt work; millions of Americans dont feel that our party represents them anymore and theyve said so, loudly, in multiple elections.







Associated Presss Matthew Daly and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.






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A four-vehicle crash in San Francisco Thursday injured five people, including two who left with possible life-threatening injuries, and created major street closures until the late afternoon near the Palace of Fine Arts, officials said.

Reports of a collision on Divisadero and Lombard streets came in around noon, said Officer Giselle Talkoff of the San Francisco Police Department.
Oaklands city auditor on Tuesday raised strong objections to a nonprofit contractors request for $150,000 in extra city funding, saying it could set a dangerous precedent.

In a letter to the City Council and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, City Auditor Brenda Roberts called the demand from the nonprofit Oakland Private Industry Council extraordinary and urged city officials to consider its potential impact. The City Council was scheduled to vote Tuesday night on the payment to the Private Industry Council, but Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan postponed the vote indefinitely after Roberts distributed the letter.

The Private Industry Council holds a $1 million annual contract with the city to provide job-training programs and had already asked for tens of thousands of dollars in extra funding.

Under the direction of the City Council, Assistant City Administrator Claudia Cappio recommended that the city pay the Private Industry Council the $150,000 to fend off a lawsuit threat from the groups executive, Gay Plair Cobb, who claims that money is a penalty the city must pay for late grant payments it made to the group between July 2010 and March 2013.

Cobb justified the demand by citing the citys prompt- payment ordinance, which was enacted in 2008 to require the city to pay vendors on time for goods and services. The ordinance was amended in 2014 to include grant recipients.

Although city staff denied Cobbs request for about $161,000 in penalties last year, officials reversed course after Cobb threatened to pursue legal remedies. In a Nov. 15 staff report, Cappio recommended settling the matter on condition that the group release the city from all future claims.

The proposed settlement drew concern from Roberts, who said in her letter that she feared the law had been misinterpreted. She said the Private Industry Council should not be eligible for prompt payment fees because the law didnt apply to grantees until 2014  a year after the period under consideration. Roberts noted, further, that the group had drastically inflated the amount the city owed.

The law defines the penalty as 10 percent of the original payment if it is delinquent for an entire year. The Private Industry Council indicated in its request that the payments under consideration were between one and 35 days late, but it asked for a 10 percent penalty on all of them. In reality, the total reimbursement due would have amounted to between $8,400 and $9,800, Roberts said.

I urge the City Council to consider the impact of this settlement and the precedent it may establish for potential similar prompt payment complaints, Roberts wrote. She said that if the settlement were approved, the city may need to set aside funds as a liability reserve in anticipation of other such requests for payouts of interest penalty reimbursements.

Cobb argued in her own letter to the city administrator that the original 2008 ordinance contains no language which would exclude grant-funded programs from its coverage. She was not immediately available for comment on how her group had calculated the proposed penalties.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @rachelswan
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has won its 12th consecutive Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year award from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

The award was given by the PRCA in Las Vegas late Wednesday, the day before the start of the National Finals Rodeo, according to a news release.
How do you honor a father whose passions were divided between his family and the life of a vagabond who rides the rails of Mexico and the United States to write about the people he encounters on his journeys?

You write a book like Amado Muro and Me, no matter how long it takes.

As Robert L. Seltzer, who serves the Express-News as its public editor, notes early on in his beautifully written memoir, this is a book he resurrected from a much earlier attempt to profile his relationship with his father, decades ago.

Given the layers of personal and public stories embedded in that relationship, such a delay is understandable. Some insights only come fully into realization later in life.

Through crafting richly vivid scenes of domestic and school life with terse, emotionally evocative dialogue, the son eloquently lays bare his difficulties in relating both to his father and himself, especially as a young boy at the age of 10 in Bakersfield, California.

It was there and then he had his first brutal encounter at the local Catholic school with racism and bullying, in the person of an initially overpowering Anglo classmate whom he names Randy Reed.

It is a tale of deception because the author reveals the many ways in which he deceived both himself, his father and even priests in confession, in the course of confronting his classmate.

More Information Amado Muro and Me: A Tale of Honesty and Deception By Robert L. Seltzer TCU Press, $22.95 See More Collapse

It is a tale of honesty in that he recounts the ways his father, grandfather, mother and grandmother ultimately helped him find the wisdom and courage he needed to be true to himself and overcome fear of his attacker.

As Larry McMurtry noted in his 1982 New York Times review of The Collected Stories of Amado Muro  published in Austin by Thorp Springs Press  Chester Seltzer was much more than a promising young Chicano author, which his pen name led some readers, editors and professors to believe he might be.

The son of famed Cleveland newspaper editor Louis B. Seltzer, Chester was a Kenyon College-educated conscientious objector who served time in prison during World War II and later raised his family as a newspaper reporter in El Paso and Bakersfield.

During the years when Chicano literature began to be studied and anthologized, his work was greatly appreciated, as it still is, but not without causing some controversy as to the question of its authenticity.

San Antonio poet and writer Naomi Shihab Nye addresses those questions well in her foreword to this book, asserting: Amado Muro had the same right to otherness as any artist does.

Robert Seltzers mother, Amada Muro, was in fact the source of his fathers pen name, which he notes was both a tribute to her and to the people and land of her native Chihuahua, Mexico.

Written in short chapters that provide vignettes of the authors early life in his native El Paso and later in Bakersfield, where he was labeled a beaner, Robert Seltzers book gradually draws the reader into the mind and heart of a child traumatized by physical attacks he could not confess to his father.

The author also reveals how he was saved by the discovery, through overhearing a nighttime conversation between his father and mother, that his father had the courage to go to prison for his belief that it was wrong to kill others, even during war.

A couple of short stories by Amado Muro also provide testimony to Chester Seltzers gifts for vividly recounting village life in Chihuahua as well as encounters with men riding the rails, capturing the essence of people in places with a journalists eye and the heart of a fiction writer.

They are gifts his son has clearly inherited and applied with considerable skill in this remarkable book.

It goes without saying that the lessons Robert Seltzer learned about confronting racism and bullying are as relevant today as they were during his own childhood.

Ed Conroy is a San Antonio writer and critic. Reach him at econroy53@gmail.com.
Most of the cast of the frenetic childrens musical in Francine Proses new novel, Mister Monkey, loathe the eponymous play and its ludicrous dance numbers.

The author of the childrens book the play is based on loathes it.

Even Mario, the theater-loving waiter whos seen the show multiple times, has to admit to himself that the plot  a love story arising from a court case to defend an unjustly accused chimpanzee  is imbecilic. I

In fact, one of the books most appealing characters, dinosaur-loving kindergartner Edward, asks at an unfortunately quiet moment in the performance, Grandpa, are you interested in this?

Prose said in an NPR interview that her own granddaughter asked her this question at a different childrens play. Having answered, Yes, I am, she then felt the need to write the novel so as not to have been lying.

The author of more than two dozen works of fiction and nonfiction, including the novel Lovers at the Chameleon Club, Paris 1932, Prose has expanded this one moment into an imaginative, satirical and melancholy portrait of a group of New Yorkers loosely connected through the play.

Prose pursues the idea of what it means to be interested in various forms through the books intersecting chapters, which move from character to character, intimately inhabiting each persons consciousness and concerns.

Margot, who plays the chimpanzees lawyer, Portia, mourns the shame and waste of her once-promising career. Adam, the adolescent playing Mister Monkey, finds himself possessed by mischievous urges that lead to the unraveling of the other actors performances. Eleanor, the villain of the musical  an emergency-room nurse in her day job  prays constantly, trying to keep from giving way to irritation and judgment even as she performs surprising acts of charity.

More Information Mister Monkey By Francine Prose Harper, $26.99 See More Collapse

On the surface, the novel makes highly entertaining theater out of the characters lives and the increasingly disastrous performances of the play.

Underneath, the book is as serious as the characters are about their obsessive concerns: climate change, evolution and disintegration, failure and loneliness.

The characters grapple with mortality  their own prospective deaths, the imagined or actual deaths of their parents, and the even more dire sense of the oncoming end of the world.

Uncle Vanya, the Chekhov play that unites environmental despair with failures of love and connection, threads through the novel, though ironically the main plot twist arising from its inclusion in Mister Monkey leads to love rather than patient acquiescence.

As in Uncle Vanya, Mister Monkeys central characters find themselves drawn into extended agonizing moments, awkward, wonderfully funny, theatrical and sometimes life-changing eruptions.

In this novel, the imminent end of the world feels as inevitable as the end of a particular life. Mister Monkey itself, though, is gripping and engaging all the way through, the characters miseries as moving as their fierce attachments to hope and the possibility of unexpected mercies.
In a little more than a year, a self-proclaimed "millennial" has become the queen of the conservative commentator circuit, racking up the social media views and controversy along her route.

Tomi Lahren, 24, launched her blistering, speed-talking broadcast career in 2014 as an anchor for One America News Network, an independent cable news outlet. Her most talked-about screed came in July 2015 when she criticized Obama's response to the Chatanooga attack that killed five members of the U.S. military.
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GREENWICH  Romaldo Giurgola, the former chairman of the architecture program at Columbia University, and designer of the home at 25 Windrose Way, was once asked to judge a competition for architects to plan a new parliament building in Australia.

Giurgola, a native of Galatina, Italy, who died this past May, declined the offer, then entered and won the competition himself, according to his obituary in the New York Times.

The building was completed in 1988. Three years later came the lone monument of the famed architect in Greenwich, the house near the tip of Mead Point, the peninsula that isolates Indian Harbor from its much larger neighbor, Cos Cob Harbor.

We tried to keep the look of the house the same, said Nadya Podolsky, who has owned the home for the last 21/2 years. Even the light fixtures were picked by the architect.

One of the changes Podolsky has made was to make the house more energy efficient. Finding efficient bulbs to fit some of those uniquely shaped light fixtures was a challenge. But Podolsky said it was worth the effort.

She has valued the house for the wealth of features that make it good for displaying art, she said.

The front door opens straight into a 100-foot-long gallery, with large, blank white walls broken up only by tall, narrow windows.

In the winter, you can see the ocean right there, Podolsky said.

The gallery comfortably fits 40 to 50 pieces, she said, but the whole home has space for closer to 100 works, including larger ones.

You can change your art on a monthly basis, Podolsky said.

Leslie McElwreath, the listing agent for the house, said many homes these days face a conflict this ultramodern design avoids.

As open living spaces have become more popular with buyers, so has displaying large pieces of contemporary art. But more open space often means less wall space on which to hang artworks.

This house looks like no other house in Greenwich, McElwreath said.

We had paintings everywhere, but it doesnt look like too much because the house is so spacious, Podolsky said.

Illumination from skylights and fixtures is directed onto the walls so art will always be displayed favorably.

Every room is designed to let in the maximum amount of light, McElwreath said.

Last year Podolsky, who is from Ukraine, threw a Russian-Ukranian charity event, in which local Russian-speaking artists brought in their work to display on the walls.

She plans on holding the event again this year, with the money raised benefitting Greenwich Hospitals oncology unit.

The home is listed for $6,995,000 with McElwreath of Sothebys International Realty.

pfrissell@hearstmediact.com; @PeregrineFriss
Albany

The winner of the Fourth Judicial District contest between Schenectady County Family Court Judge Mark Powers and Clinton County Family Court Judge Timothy Lawliss will likely be officially declared sometime after noon Thursday.

That's when the state Board of Elections commissioners are scheduled to meet in Albany to the certify the results, according to John Conklin, a spokesman for the agency.

He said in an email Thursday that the agency was still awaiting the final vote tally for Clinton, Essex and Saratoga counties, three of the 11 counties in the district.

After election night results and before nearly 32,000 absentee ballots were counted, Powers led by 1,415 votes.

Neither Lawliss, a Republican, or Powers, a Democrat, returned a call Thursday seeking comment.

In Lawliss' home turf of Clinton County, he had Thursday unofficially amassed 19,941 votes to Powers' 10,383, according to Greg Campbell, the Republican commissioner.

In Schenectady County, where Powers lives, elections commissioners said Thursday that he had outpointed Lawliss, 40,115 to 21,524, results which were certified last week. The winner will succeed retiring Appellate Justice John Lahtinen, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Powers, 61, of Schenectady, was elected to Family Court in 2001 and has been an acting Supreme Court justice since 2004.

Lawliss, 56, of Peru, has been a Family Court judge since 1999 and an acting Supreme Court justice since 2003, his campaign website says. Lawliss was a Clinton County legislator before his election to the bench in 1999, has been in private practice in New York, was an adjunct lecturer at SUNY and worked in computer systems design in Boston from 1982 to 1987.
BRIDGEPORT  Last winter, an angry city resident entered the Margaret E. Morton Government Center and threatened to shoot Mayor Joe Ganim, whose office is on the second floor.

Over the summer, that same downtown building was on lockdown after another man claimed he was heading there with a rifle.

In September, a young man gained access to the rooftop parking lot, stole one of Ganims sport utility vehicles, and drove it to Kentucky.

Those and other incidents have lead the administration to bolster security at both the Morton building  which also houses several key department heads  and the actual City Hall on Lyon Terrace.

The latters halls are well-traveled by the public visiting the tax collector, tax assessor, zoning, building and fire marshals offices, the city and town clerks and the Board of Education. The citys labor relations and civil service departments are also located there.

We took a serious look at security were providing for employees and safety environment for anybody coming into our buildings, said John Gomes, Ganims chief administrative officer.

The changes are most evident on Lyon Terrace. Earlier this year, a guard was stationed at the front entrance  replacing the civilian greeter  and cameras were installed on all three floors.

And over the last few weeks more security enhancements were added as part of a restructuring of parking.

Public parking that was spread out in a side lot has been moved to a lot across Lyon Terrace. That side lot is now gated and solely dedicated to employees, who have access through a pass card.

A side entrance to City Hall from that lot had already been restricted to city workers, with the public required to enter through the front. But Gomes said members of the public were still able to sneak in through the side. Now that parking lot is also entirely surrounded by a fence.

On-street public parking spaces directly in front of City Hall have also been eliminated. The curb is now dotted with fire lane signs.

Thats just a precaution, given the situation going on in the world, Gomes said.

Gomes could not provide a detailed expense breakdown, but estimated the changes cost around $20,000. He said more security cameras are being installed at the government center downtown, and he is looking at purchasing technology that would issue visitors temporary photo IDs. Visitors currently sign in at a reception desk, which is manned by a guard and a greeter.

From our standpoint, we have to make all the necessary steps, Gomes said. God forbid later on you say, We should have... 

The administration has also revamped and clarified internal policies for public safety emergencies, with additional training and the publication of a user-friendly manual distributed to every department. The manual has color-coded tabs with instructions on what to do when there is an active shooter, a bomb threat, a suspicious package, an assault, a fire and other emergencies.

Curiously tucked among those crises  between Severe Weather and Utility Failure/Power Outage  are instructions on what to do if members of the press are witnessed roaming about, logged under Dealing With The Media.

Ganim, in running for mayor last year, pledged to run a more transparent and open government. His opponent, then incumbent Bill Finch, and Finchs staff worked hard to control the press and prevent leaks of information.

If any news media personnel are observed on city grounds, reads the order from the Ganim administration, notify the department head/supervisor immediately.

The journalists are then to be directed to the mayors communications staff.
Contributed photo

TRUMBULL  Two St. Joseph High teachers are in El Salvador as part of a mission trip that includes honoring the memory of several American priests, nuns and dependents who were killed during that countrys bloody civil war in the 1980s.

Maureen Anderson and Meghan Piatak participated this week in a U.S. delegation to El Salvador to help commemorate a dark chapter in the history of that country that included a civil war that killed tens of thousands and brutal persecution of the Catholic Church, St. Joseph High principal James Keane said.
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NORWALK  A $150,000 economic impact analysis aimed at shedding light on future possible uses of the NRG Energy power plant site on Manresa Island could get started early next year.

The Planning Committee has to vote to send it to the Common Council, said Charlie Taney, president of the Manresa Association. If we get a green light by the Common Council in December we should be under way by late January and we should have the results by mid-2017.

The Manresa Association, a community organization seeking resolution of the use of the dormant power plant, and the city are co-funding the analysis with each contributing $75,000.

The city is in partnership with the Manresa Association to look at all the potential uses and do an economic analysis for that piece of property, going from keeping it open space to the biggest build-out that zoning would allow, Mayor Harry W. Rilling said Thursday afternoon.

On Thursday evening, the Common Councils Planning Committee discussed the request for the citys $75,000 portion and also hiring Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc., to prepare the analysis.

Fitzgerald & Halliday, a planning and environmental analysis firm, was one of six companies to respond to the citys request for proposals. Taney said a steering committee comprising himself, Manresa Association Vice President John Moeling, Common Council members John Igneri and Thomas Livingston as well as representatives of the citys Purchasing, Planning and Zoning and Economic Development offices reviewed the proposals.

He said the recommended firm has very strong credentials and an interesting approach to the economic impact analysis.

Sharon Conners, purchasing officer in the Norwalk Purchasing Department, laid out the scope of the proposed work in a memorandum provided to the Planning Committee.

The Master Plan will incorporate a concept plan for approximately 125 acres that consider and addresses land uses, utilities, natural resources, parks, schools, essential public services, transportation, and a phasing plan intended to inform the City of the most orderly and efficient redevelopment of the site, Conners wrote.

If the council approves expenditure and contract, Fitzgerald & Halliday will begin work early next year and engage the public throughout the process by holding a kickoff meeting as well as several other public meetings, Taney said.

We want to hear what peoples ideas and issues are, Taney said. What are they concerned about? What are their ideas for the property? We want to hear all that. Its all the pluses and minuses economically of each option.

Taney said he doesnt know if Fitzgerald & Halliday would be given access to the property by NRG Energy. Regardless, enough information is available to complete the analysis, he said.

Theres so much information about the property and contamination issues, Taney said. All of it is public information.

The Manresa Association (http://www.manresaassociation.org/) held its inaugural meeting Oct. 10, 2013, and now comprises 10 neighborhood organizations totaling more than 800 households.

The association formed to keep residents abreast of the power plant property after NRG Energy began deactivating the 54-year-old facility in June 2013.

The New Jersey-based company has ruled out developing a new or replacement power generation project at the site and retired all permits that would be required for power generation.

David Gaier, senior communications director for NRG Energys East Region, said the company has no specific plans in hand at this time for the redevelopment of the closed Norwalk Harbor station.

Obviously, theres a wide range of possibilities that well consider as we move forward, and well provide information to the community at the appropriate time, Gaier said. We continue to focus on keeping the site safe and secure.

At the Manresa Associations annual meeting in June, NRG Energy provided a statement saying it was not actively marketing the property and remained focused on keeping the site secure, safe, and working with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop remediation plans.

Connecticut Light & Power Co., the original operator of the plant, converted it from coal to oil operation in 1972, Taney said.

From 1960 to 1972, they burned coal at the plant and the coal ash was dumped on the property, Taney said. The DEEP and EPA have jointly been having the owners do a tremendous amount of research to understand the contamination issues on the property and potential remediation solutions.

Wastes on the property include halogenated chemicals, acids and bases. A land disposal unit on-site was closed. The facility stopped power generation in 2014, according to the EPA.

Taney said the economic impact analysis, if approved, will address remediation costs.

Those are the kinds of things were going to look at  the estimated costs of the remediation, the estimated costs of taking the plant down, Taney said. Its a very comprehensive study.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder has, by far, the worst treatment outcomes compared to those of other learning disabilities and cognitive impairments children in the region face, according to Christi Owens.

Gaps and duplications in services, lack of communication among professionals and multiple entry points have resulted in dismally poor outcomes in treating the lifelong developmental disorder in the area.

Our region mirrors what was found across the state, said Owens, supervisor of special education at the Midland County Educational Service Agency. So obviously what weve been doing hasnt been working well.

An improved approach is needed, she added.

That was the thought process when Midland County Educational Service Agency in September submitted a grant application to the state. It was approved in October, for $34,750, to establish the Pediatric Center of Mid-Michigan and improve access, cost efficiencies and quality of care for children with ASD.

The center will run out of the Longview Early Childhood Center, at 337 Lemke St., and serve Midland, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Bay, Gratiot and Roscommon counties.

What we found is, in our region, the hospital and (community mental health services) are providing services for over 8,000 children that would be potential clientele for such an agency, Owens said.

Basically, it will be a one-stop shop for kids and families that have autism and other related types of disabilities, she said.

In the 2015-16 school year, 18,746 students diagnosed with ASD were enrolled in Michigan schools, according to the states Department of Education. About 50,000 Michiganders have ASD. Its the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S., according to Autism Speaks, an advocacy organization.

Locally, the MCESA worked with agencies that support kids, including community mental health services, MidMichigan Health and Central Michigan Universitys Department of Psychology.

It started with just sitting down, collaborating, talking about what each of us do, Owens said.

What became apparent was a shortage of professionals to help administer service. Theres also no good system by which all entities involved communicate with each other. And, professionals recognized the burdens parents face.

Youre driving all over trying to be the case manager for your child, it can be really messy, she said.

The ultimate goal is to untangle that mess, by housing all agencies under one roof: all things educational, medical, behavioral and therapeutic that factor into ASD treatment. Right here in Midland.

Our biggest problem right now is were running out of space, Owens said.

MCESA plans to raise funds to build a new wing to the early childhood center and write another grant to get a modular for extra space to pull in the medical arm to treat ASD.

The early childhood center at Longview is already a hub for all things pediatric, where many kids receive services, Owens said. MCESA this week had a soft launch for its Pediatric Center of Mid-Michigan, but the full-scale model is still a couple of years out.

When it does become operational, those seeking help will be able to get an initial medical diagnosis evaluation, ongoing medical care including pharmacology, education coordination and training, various types of therapy, counseling and speech and language and occupational services.

That is our dream, she said.

The $34,750 grant covers expenses for education and training for regional medical professionals, including nurses, therapists, first responders and police, and to get the centers website up and running. The goal is also to treat those with Down syndrome and other physical impairments to learning.
LUBBOCK -- An article released by The Washington Post, entitled A Horrifying Look into The Mind of 9/11s Mastermind, in His Own Words details the day James E. Mitchell questioned the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, Khalid Sheik Mohammed.

In the article, Mohammed states that he was unable to carry out a second wave of attacks because of the ferocity and swiftness of George W. Bushs response. Additionally, Khalid Mohammed stated, How was I supposed to know that cowboy Bush would announce he wanted us dead or alive and then invade Afghanistan to hunt us down?
CARO  A woman who police say falsely reported that she was abducted and raped was arraigned Wednesday in Tuscola County District Court.

Valerie Marie Lesoski, 38, of Caro, if convicted, faces up to four years in prison for false report of a felony.
Washington

A seemingly divided Supreme Court tried to figure out Wednesday whether the government can detain immigrants indefinitely without providing hearings.

The justices heard argument in a class-action lawsuit brought by immigrants who have spent long periods in custody, including many who are legal residents of the United States or are seeking asylum.

The issue for the court is whether people the government has detained while it is considering deporting them can make their case to a judge that they should be released.

The case pits the Obama administration against immigration advocates, and the court hearing comes as President-elect Donald Trump has said he will step up deportations.

Even as the current administration has pushed for comprehensive immigration reform and tried to help longtime U.S. residents who are in the country illegally, it has moved aggressively to deport more recent immigrants and those who have been convicted of crimes.

The number of people in detention awaiting deportation has ballooned to more than 40,000, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing the immigrants in the Supreme Court.

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled for the immigrants, including Mexican immigrant Alejandro Rodriguez, who was detained for more than three years without a bond hearing.

Rodriguez is a legal U.S. resident who was brought to the country as an infant. The Homeland Security Department detained him when it began deportation proceedings because Rodriguez had been convicted of possession of a controlled substance and driving a stolen vehicle, according to the appeals court. He spent no time in jail for those criminal convictions.

In another case, an Ethiopian asylum-seeker was kept in detention partly because a DHS officer wrongly labeled him a Somali, the ACLU said.

The 9th Circuit ruled that immigrants generally should get bond hearings after six months in detention, and then every six months if they continue to be held. The government must show why they should remain locked up, the court said.

Justice Stephen Breyer, voicing a sentiment that appeared to be shared by other liberal justices, said it seemed unfair that the law would, for example, allow an immigrant released after a four-year prison term to be held the same amount of time by U.S. immigration authorities. "How can they be punished for four more years?" he asked.

Acting Solicitor General Ian Gershengorn defended the law, saying Congress clearly gave the Homeland Security Department considerable power to hold people in custody while determining whether to deport them. People who are held for unusually long periods can file individual lawsuits, Gershengorn said.

Justice Elena Kagan said that approach would result in haphazard rulings. "Well, wouldn't it be better to set some guideposts that everybody in the country would know to follow, rather than having one suit pop up here and one suit pop up here? ... That does not seem like a good immigration system," Kagan said.
Hamam Al-Alil, Iraq

The battle was over in Hamam al-Alil, an old spa resort town that the country's security forces had wrested from the Islamic State a few days ago, but one Iraqi soldier was still on a very personal mission.

The soldier, Zaman Mijwal, was looking for his older brother, Munther, a former policeman he described as "a quiet man, a poor man," who lived in a nearby village but hadn't been heard from in weeks.

Mijwal's circuit had taken him to a stretch of road flanked by two dirt fields. He pointed to one side, where decaying, headless corpses were lying in heaps of trash on a barren plot of land that had once been a shooting range for the Iraqi army.

"He may be there," he said.

He pointed to the other side of the road, just an expanse of earth that looked freshly moved.

"Or he may be there."

With every mile of territory the Iraqi security forces retake from the Islamic State, it seems another mass grave is uncovered. It has become nearly ritual, and despairingly regular.

The legacy of the mass grave in Iraq is long, stretching back further than the Islamic State to the times of Saddam Hussein's industrial-scale killings. It is the horrible symbol of what has been for decades a gut-wrenching constant of Iraqi life: the disappearance of loved ones into the machinery of despotism.

To Iraqis, the Islamic State, for which the mass grave is as much a part of the group's infrastructure as makeshift prisons and slaveholding houses, is just a new form of tyranny with direct links to Hussein's regime. Many former Baathist officers from Hussein's security forces populate the top ranks of the Islamic State, mimicking the former dictator's tactics.

Lately, with the Islamic State under pressure from Iraqi security forces, the group's cruelty has gone into overdrive: Many of the mass graves recently uncovered, the biggest of which was in Hamam al-Alil, contain the bodies of local men. Most of the buried were former members of the security forces who were executed only in recent weeks, after the campaign for Mosul began.

There are those, like Jamal Abul Younis, who count themselves as lucky. Younis is a former policeman from Hamam al-Alil who was also marked for execution, but survived by hiding in a hole in the ground, obscured by an air cooler, in his dirt-floor house. Of his time hiding out, he said, "Each one hour was like one year."

He is now one of just a few surviving witnesses to the Islamic State's killings in Hamam al-Alil.
FAIRFIELD  Though no formal plans had been submitted to town officials, a proposal for a private, Catholic K-12 school for a Greenfield Hill property has been withdrawn.

The proposal from the Sisters of the Company of the Savior for 28 acres at 4900 Congress St. prompted the creation of a new neighborhood group, Neighbors for Fairfield Preservation.

On Monday, attorney John Fallon said the Congress Street property was no longer under consideration by the order.

We have been engaged in a comprehensive due diligence process of a property on Congress Street in Fairfield County in order to access its suitability as a location for a school, a release from the order said. After careful consideration and professional advice, we have determined that the various engineering challenges regarding the Congress Street property makes development of the contemplated school on that site unfeasible.

The proposal would have required an inland wetlands permit, as well as a special exception permit from Town Plan and Zoning.

The nuns, who have been providing education for girls through the Mater Salvatoris private college preparatory schools, said they will continue to look for a suitable Fairfield County location for the school. According to the orders website, the nuns teach in some Bridgeport Diocesan schools.

A release sent earlier this month from from the neighborhood group said opposition wasnt against the school itself.

The overwhelming sentiment of everyone that weve heard from is that its not what it is, but where it is, said NFFP President Liz Zarrilli.

According to Vision Government Solutions, the property has 3 homes on it, and is appraised at $4.76 million. It was purchased in 2010 for $6.6 million and is owned by trustees Konrad Sonnenfeld and Melissa B. Papageorge.

greilly@ctpost.com; @GreillyPost
The United Nations announced Wednesday that the conflict in Afghanistan has internally displaced more than a half million people in 2016, the highest number on record.

The figure surpasses last year's record of 471,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and is around 15 percent more than the figure at this time last year, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Afghanistan.

"More of Afghanistan is also affected, with a record 198 out of 399 districts reporting conflict-induced displacement so far this year, and for the first time, all 34 provinces are now hosting IDPs," it added.


NORWALK  The school district has plans to transform Ponus Ridge Middle School from an ordinary middle school into a full-fledged pre-kindergarten through eighth grade STEM-themed magnet school campus.

The changes come as the school district runs roughly 750 seats short and is expected to grow to over 1,000 by 2025. Nearly 400 kids are also currently stationed in 15 portable trailers that are nearing the end of their designed lifespan.

The big thing about Ponus is there is so much land there, said Mike Barbis, vice chair of the Board of Education and chair of its Facilities Committee. I think the site is over 40 acres. That's our single biggest piece of property ... So it was a natural.

The idea  approved by the Facilities Committee but not yet by the full board  is to add on to the school building and make alterations to the campus. The plans would expand the school from 104,365 square feet to roughly 130,734 square feet and boost enrollment to 1,050 total students.

Part of the addition would create extra classroom space, allowing for the development of a lower, K-5, school housed on the first floor and upper school, 6-8, housed on the second floor.

Besides more classroom space, the addition would also include a cafeteria (separate from the gym), a library and additional administrative space.

Separate and distinct bus and parent drop offs would also be constructed. There would also be separate parent drop offs for the lower and upper schools. The schools softball field would also be relocated to make room for the changes.

The transformation is part of the master plan to expand the districts facilities to meet its growing student population  which runs contrary to dropping public school district enrollments across the state.

The expansion would coincide with a somewhat controversial plan in South Norwalk to build a school at the Nathaniel Ely campus and renovate the current Columbus Magnet School.

Administrators there are trying to determine whether to make the school at the Nathaniel Ely site a K-5 or K-8 school, if it should be a magnet or neighborhood school and, if it is to be a magnet, whether it should be a new magnet school or if Columbus Magnet should be moved there and that building turned into a neighborhood school.

Regardless, administrators said students would have to be moved out of the current Columbus Magnet School building and into the new building while it is renovated as new.

A similar move would be made at Ponus.

The idea, Barbis said, is for the expanded Ponus schools elementary grade space to be used as swing space for Jefferson Science Magnet School students while that school is renovated as new as well.

Once that is done, Barbis said those students would be moved back to Jefferson and then students would be moved into the Ponus schools elementary space.

With that switch, Jefferson would return to being a neighborhood school and be stripped of its science magnet school status, which would be taken up by the Ponus school, Barbis said.

We always thought all along of Jefferson as this science magnet school, Barbis said. We would want to continue that. That's why it (the new Ponus school) is becoming STEM.

As a part of becoming a STEM school, there would be a range of age-appropriate labs for students in each grade. Those would range from Lego labs for the youngest in the school to engineering labs for older students.

Teaching in general would be orientated toward a more experiential approach, with math and science infused into other areas of study.

However, all those changes would take time.

By the time this all gets done, it's like five years, Barbis said. But you have to start somewhere.

Right now, Barbis said, the board needs to flush out and approve the concept. The Facilities Committee approved the plans at a meeting last month, he said.

The Board of Education will bring the plans to a full vote Jan. 17, Barbis said, with full presentation of those plans given at the Dec. 20 meeting.

The changes would also come with a large price tag. The total cost for Ponus infrastructure changes would be $37,957,300. The city would pay $27,056,196, with the state picking up the rest of the tab.

KSchultz@thehour.com; 203-354-1049; @kevinedschultz
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STAMFORD  The Stamford High student who had a sexual relationship with his teacher in the 2013-14 year  igniting a scandal that plunged the school district into chaos  changed part of his story, according to Donna Valentines lawsuit filed last week against the Board of Education.

And the students group-home counselor backed him up.

The two testified last year before a state hearing officer charged with recommending whether Valentine, who was arrested for failing to report the relationship, should be fired.

Their testimony was a factor in the hearing officers conclusion that Valentine be terminated. The Board of Education then followed through with the termination, a decision her lawsuit appeals.

Valentines claim that the stories changed will be difficult for the Board of Education to refute, let alone explain.

It begins with the student, who told the hearing officer he went to Valentines office, upset and crying, in December 2013 and told her he was having sex with his English teacher, Danielle Watkins. Its significant because the relationship was not reported until June 2014, and the law requires reporting within 12 hours.

According to a transcript of the hearing, Valentines attorney, Ryan ONeill, asked the student how the subject of sex came up during his meeting with the former principal.

I mean, it was just like, yo, I know whats going on, the student testified in July 2015. I know youre having sex with your teacher. I know youre driving her car. We know whats going on. Yo, keep doing what youre doing, just try to pass English and were going to graduate you, point-blank.

But when police interviewed the student  on video and with his lawyer present  a year earlier, in June 2014, he said he never told any adult at Stamford High about what was going on with Watkins. According to the police report, the student said he was asked once to speak to Valentine, but he never did.

A few months after the police interview, the student had another opportunity to testify that he told Valentine about the relationship. He was interviewed by investigators with Pullman & Comley, a law firm hired by the city to investigate the Stamford High case out of concern that then-Superintendent Winifred Hamilton could not be objective in doing so on her own.

But the student did not tell Pullman & Comley investigators about his tearful discussion with Valentine. Retired Judge Robert Holzberg, who headed the 2014 Pullman & Comley investigation, testified during the state hearing that hed found no evidence the student ever met with Valentine.

Counselors testimony

The students counselor, Joshua Brown, also did not tell police or Pullman & Comley about the emotional meeting with Valentine, according to reports.

Yet Brown testified during the state hearing that the student told him about the conversation and he then reported it to police and Pullman & Comley investigators. The hearing transcript shows how Brown was questioned by Valentines attorney.

ONeill: And so it would be a surprise to you if Sgt. Scanlans report did not contain any mention of 

Brown: Yeah, it would probably be a surprise to me. Yeah.

ONeill: And by the way, you didnt tell the judge, Judge Holzberg of the Pullman Comley report, about this supposed conversation?

Brown: I dont recall. I think I did, yes.

ONeill asked Brown whether he read the Pullman & Comley report. Brown said he did.

ONeill: And do you recall seeing that at all in the report?

Brown:   I mean I cant give you the full report detail by detail, line by line, but Im pretty sure its in there.

Its not, Holzberg testified.

School chiefs witnesses

In her lawsuit, Valentine makes an issue of how Brown and the student came to testify against her in the hearing. Hamilton called them as witnesses, the lawsuit states.

It charges that Hamilton knew or should have known the student and Brown would provide statements that were divergent from previous sworn testimony.

Once the statements were made, Hamilton still did nothing to correct them, the lawsuit states. Hamilton also did not notify Valentines attorneys that she would call the witnesses, so they could not prepare a defense, it states.

The damning testimony was allowed to stand, and weighed into the hearing officers conclusion, the lawsuit states.

Its not known why the student wouldnt tell police from the start about a face-to-face tearful meeting at which he told his principal that he was sexually involved with a teacher, and her response was to just graduate and not worry about it.

Its not known why the conversation wouldnt have been one of the first things his counselor told police.

Both had second opportunities to tell Pullman & Comley investigators, but neither did. It wasnt until Hamiltons attorney called them as witnesses that they related the story of the meeting in Valentines office.

Brown testified during the hearing that he has a longstanding relationship with Hamilton, who was his mentor when he was a student at Dolan Middle School and she was the principal.

In the lawsuit, Valentine also alleges that, after her 2014 arrest, Hamilton threatened to ruin her name and career in a phone call

Far-reaching effects

The case changed the school district.

Hamilton left Dec. 31, citing a lack of trust in her leadership. Watkins is in prison. The student settled a lawsuit against the city for $750,000. A number of school board members stepped down. Problems with management, training and discipline were revealed.

Valentine served two years of probation, which ended last week. She has admitted she failed to report what she knew about the relationship between Watkins and the student, but questions why others who knew about it were not disciplined in the same way. They include an assistant superintendent, the director of human resources, assistant principals, teachers, a school resource officer, a security guard, and an attorney.

The school district also cited Valentine for poor leadership and inadequate performance, which the former principal disputes in her lawsuit.

She makes other legal claims  that the hearing officers report contained factual errors and opinion, and that the school board failed to follow its own procedures in acting against her.

They signal that, even after two years, much about the case remains unresolved.

angela.carella@scni.com; 203-964-2296; stamfordadvocate.com/angelacarella
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A widowed mother of eight claims that the Corinthian Point Municipal Utility District #2 wrongly cut off her water when she refused to pay an "inflated" bill.

Cheryl Thibodeaux, 36, said her family spent the past 15 days, including Thanksgiving, without access to clean water and sanitary sewer services.

In June and July, the company billed Thibodeaux for 33,000 and 34,000 gallons of water, respectively. In August, the usage increased to 141,000, representing five times the average monthly usage, according to the $1,500 bill provided in court documents.

An inspector hired by Thibodeaux concluded there were no water leaks on the property and discovered the meter had been completely buried in mud - making the "severely scratched and clouded" meter impossible to read, an original court petition states.

Thibodeaux sent a written complaint to the MUD; however, she said the district responded by sending a representative to cut off the water instead. She initially tried to file a civil suit in Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Wayne Mack's court, but JPs do not have jurisdiction over MUDs, she said.

Volunteer attorney for Lone Star Legal Aid Dawn E. Norman is representing Thibodeaux pro bono and filed a subsequent petition in the 284th state District Court of Judge Cara Wood, according to documents in the District Clerk's Office.

Monetary relief is not being sought, according to Thibodeaux.

"All I'm seeking is for them to restore water service for children and rectify the bill," she said.

The court issued an order to Corinthian Point to immediately return service, according to a court document. However, Thibodeaux said, as of Wednesday her water had yet to be restored after 24 hours. She said she has reached out to law enforcement regarding the matter, but they were unable to assist.

Court records show the MUD's president was sent notice Nov. 23 to appear for a court hearing Dec. 7.

Norman was unable to be reached for comment.

Thibodeaux, a former volunteer chaplain, said she suffers from a heart condition and depends on fixed survivor benefits for income to provide for her children, ages 16 months to 18 years old, as well as her aging mother who is in declining health, at her home in Willis. She also has taken in a mother and her 16-year-old who needed a place to stay.

Since receiving the bill, Thibodeaux said she has reached out to the Corinthian Point MUD, which falls under water district management, to correct what she claims is an "inaccurate reading" on the bill. However, the MUD refused to work with her and threatened to shut off the water if she did not pay the full bill immediately, she said.

"They wouldn't even work with me knowing I have eight kids," she said in tears. "I don't think people understand how horrible that is to have that many kids under a roof and not have running water. It makes me feel like I have failed as a parent. "

"I have to be the calm in the eye of the storm. I'm the only one that can do anything about it and I keep running into road blocks."

Corinthian Point Municipal Utility District #2 referred The Courier to its legal assistant, Maria Parker, with SK Law based in Houston, for comment.

"My client in this case with the customer followed the procedures that are set forth in their rate order," said Parker, who said the bill may include late fees. "My client did offer to allow the customer to pay the bill in installments. There was an offer for that."

Thibodeaux said she has paid every bill on time for the past 13 years, but this time she is taking a stand, not only for herself but for other residents who may have been incorrectly charged.

"Even if I did have the money, I wouldn't want to pay," Thibodeaux said. "It's wrong. They probably do it all the time. Because no one raises issue, they get away with it."
The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday urged U.S. president-elect Donald Trump to warn North Korea off any attempt at histrionics during the chaos in South Korea over President Park Geun-hye's ouster.

In an editorial titled "Seoul's Political Crisis Deepens," the paper said, "An orderly resignation could calm some of the uncertainty caused by the corruption scandal... But however it plays out, a key U.S. ally will be in turmoil for months."

"Seoul's upheaval may tempt North Korea to take advantage, especially as the U.S. is also in the middle of a political transition," it added.

"A public statement from the presidential transition, perhaps in league with the Obama Administration, is in order," the daily added.
The number of Chinese trawlers fishing illegally in the West Sea has dropped to less than half after a tougher and widely publicized response by Korean coast guards.

The Ministry of Public Safety and Security on Wednesday said 1,712 Chinese trawlers fished illegally in Korean waters in November, down 57 percent from 3,953 in the same month last year.

Coast guards were authorized in October to use to use live ammunition after a Chinese trawler rammed and sank a coast guard speedboat. They fired them shortly afterwards at a fleet of trawlers that were violently resisting capture.
In her latest address to the nation on Tuesday, President Park Geun-hye said she is willing to step down but wants to leave it to the National Assembly to decide the timing and method of her resignation.

The move has led to even more chaos. The opposition parties are now refusing to negotiate with the ruling party, and the Saenuri Party is divided in its interpretation of Park's request. This has led to predictions that the impeachment process could be delayed, which may be exactly what Park's advisers had in mind.

Lawmakers who support Park may think that their ploy has been successful and have already started talking about revising the Constitution so as to shorten the official term of the president. Discussions to devolve some of the president's regal powers must continue, but they cannot be allowed to deteriorate into giving Park a face-saving way out of office.

It is at any rate too late for Park to seek an honorable exit. She has no honor left. If her die-hard supporters, who should be bowing their heads in shame right now, try to pursue the impossible, the problems will only grow worse.

A Cheong Wa Dae official has already said that Park is willing to follow the National Assembly "with or without a constitutional revision." But there are too many ifs. Perhaps her aim was pure and she was only trying to show that she is leaving her fate in the hands of the National Assembly and does not intend to extend her time in office. If so, she can immediately rectify at least this small problem by immediately announcing a date for her exit.

But there are troubling signs that Park hopes that the forces supporting her impeachment can be divided and weakened. If the National Assembly vote on an impeachment bill is delayed past Dec. 9, the nation could face an even worse crisis. Park's judgement has been shown to be poor at best, but even she must know the consequences of that scenario.

Saenuri Party lawmakers who do not support Park hold the key to impeachment, and have clearly said they want her gone before the end of April of next year. They even pledged to vote against impeachment if she agrees. That puts the ball firmly back in Park's court. She can render the nation one last service by not extending the chaos she has brought on it.


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A Friendswood police officer fatally shot a man who allegedly stole a can of beer after he threatened the lawman with a box cutter, officials said.

Police Chief Robert Wieners on Wednesday identified the dead man as Toby Cummins, 55, of California.

"We've got queries about where he was staying, how long he has been here and what his purpose was in being in the downtown area," Wieners said. "We believe he is a transient."

Any information about Cummins, who was shot on Tuesday, remains confidential because of the ongoing investigation, he said.

Wieners said the man threatened the officer. "The box cutter had the blade extended, and the officer was in fear of his life," he said.

Friendswood police confirmed that officers wear body cameras, although it was unclear whether the officer in the shooting was using one. The Houston Chronicle has made a public information request for any police videos of the incident.

Wieners declined to release the officer's name until he is notified that the Chronicle had requested his name. He said the officer's name would be released. "We want to be as transparent as possible," he said. "I think what you will find is that at the 72-hour mark we will have a comprehensive statement."

The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of three independent investigations, Wieners said.

Police are conducting a criminal investigation into Cummins's actions; the police internal affairs division is determining whether the officer violated police policy, and the Galveston County District Attorney's Office is probing whether the officer violated the law.

The district attorney's office automatically investigates shooting deaths by officers and will present its findings to a grand jury, said James Haugh, who heads the district attorney's public integrity division. "Regardless of what the investigation reveals, this will go before a grand jury," Haugh said.

Determining whether an officer was justified in the use of deadly force can be difficult, said Kevin Buckler, associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Houston Downtown.

"It's really kind of subjective in terms of what the officer perceives and the reaction to it," Buckler said. "

An autopsy was completed on Cummins, police spokeswoman Lisa Price said, but the results were withheld by police.

The events leading to Cummins's death began when he walked into a convenience store at a Shell Service Station on the southeast corner of FM 2351 and South Friendswood Drive, said station owner Mehran "Ron" Jadidi.

Cummins asked Jadidi's employee if he could have a beer and pay for it the next day, Jadidi said. The employee refused.

Cummins was calm, never raised his voice or became belligerent, Jadidi said. "He said, 'I have to have a beer or I'll have to take it from you,' " Jadidi said.

The employee replied. "I'll have to call the cops," Jadidi said. Cummins replied, "You do what you have to do."

Cummins took a beer from the cool case and walked out of the store, Jadidi said. Jadidi called police about 3:10 p.m.

As Cummins walked south on South Friendswood Drive, he walked past David Beil, owner of Tri County Irrigation of Mexia, and Tomas Molina, Beil's employee, as they worked on a landscaping project.

"He didn't look out of the ordinary," Beil said Wednesday. Cummins wasn't running and they saw nothing in his hands, he said.

Attorney Alton C. Todd was in his office on the southwest corner of South Friendship Drive and Willowick, about four blocks from the Shell station, when he heard three gunshots. Todd looked out the window and saw an officer with his gun drawn standing in the street.

Cummins had been shot near the front door of a corner building on the law office property.

Beil and Molina were about a half-block away when they heard the shots and ran to the scene, where they saw Cummins crumpled on the sidewalk and two officers with drawn pistols. "He wasn't moving," Beil said. "He was gone."

Wieners said police had interviewed about a dozen people and urged anyone with information to call 281-996-3300.
Secession talk in Texas is nothing new, with the most recent round coming in the wake of the United Kingdom's vote this year to leave the European Union.

The hashtag #Brexit, convenient shorthand for Britain's exit, quickly morphed into #Texit to describe the Lone Star State's faction that yearns for independence.
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Hours after his arrest, Michael Scott Quinn told a San Antonio police homicide detective that he killed Albert Guerra because Guerra had hit his love, Connie Yanez  then told the officer conducting the interview to shoot him because he didnt want to go to prison.

Just shoot me and get it over with, Quinn told Detective Timm Angell in an interview prosecutors played as evidence in Quinns murder trial Wednesday. I cant stand prison.

Guerra, 56, was beaten to death May 4, 2013, and his legs were then severed above the thigh and his body set on fire. Guerra and Yanez had just ended a relationship, and Quinn said Guerra was killed because he punched her (Yanez) in the face.

Witnesses testified Tuesday that Yanez and Quinn had gone to Guerras house that day to get her property.

When Angell asked Quinn to tell him what happened, Quinn at first said, I helped the world. When pressed, he said, We fought. I hit him with a hammer. He took it away from me twice.

When asked who dismembered Guerra, Quinn replied, I did. I was going to take him with me, but he was too big. Quinn then said he went to Guerras garage to find something to help start a fire.

Jurors were shown close-up photographs of Guerras body  which was in pieces, a gouge wound on the back of his bloody head  a circular saw covered in soot and the singed fiberglass handle and 16-inch blade of a tree-trimming saw.

San Antonio firefighters found Guerras remains when they put out two separate fires at the victims North Side home on Wonder Parkway.

Quinn, now 53, asked numerous times to see Yanez, now 40, during the interview with Angell. He said she was scared and had nothing to do with it.

I loved her to death, Quinn said. I did what I did for her.

Angell testified that Yanez was being interviewed in another room at the same time, initially as a potential witness, then as a person of interest.

But in an unusual twist, Angell said Yanez also admitted killing Guerra.

They both pointed at themselves, that the other didnt do it, Angell told the jury.

Prosecutors have alleged they both participated. Yanez was charged with murder, but prosecutor Jason Goss told the judge Wednesday that she had reached a plea deal to serve 15 years for burglary of a habitation.

Jurors also heard testimony from Lyndsey Patten, a crime scene investigator who collected evidence from the scene, and from Albert Guerra Jr., the victims son, who identified his father from an old photograph taken in the mid-1980s and a photo of his dead father provided by the medical examiner.

Guerra Jr., who lives in Houston, said his father had been in the Navy and had worked in a shipyard, at Retama Polo Center, at Fort Sam Houston as a cook and then at Central Market in San Antonio.

Testimony is expected to resume Thursday morning in the 437th state District Court.

ezavala@express-news.net

Twitter: @elizabeth2863
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Franklin Palacios Paz, a troubled Honduran immigrant, worked at a tire shop in Edinburg, earning around $80 a week in an environment that state investigators have depicted as rife with tension, according to an affidavit.

On the evening of March 16, 2015, his headless body was fished out of the waters off South Padre Island.

When authorities broke the news of Palacios death to his wife, she threw herself on her bed, yelling, Frankie, Frankie, why? She had filed a missing person report after Palacios stopped responding to phone calls and text messages, but it was her 13-year-old son who provided investigators with the most revealing details about the victim.

Palacios had confided his affiliation with the Gulf Cartel, a drug trafficking organization based across the border in Tamaulipas, Mexico, the teenager said, according to the arrest affidavit for Border Patrol Agent Joel Luna. Palacios and the men at the tire shop boasted of chopping off heads, the boy told investigators. And he had seen drugs hidden in video game machines, along with stacks of dollars brought over from Reynosa, Mexico, the affidavit states.

In an interview with a girlfriend of Palacios, the affidavit continues, the victim had admitted crossing illegals for the cartel.

By November, Cameron County investigators had arrested five men, including Luna, in connection with the grisly killing. According to the affidavit, the men killed Palacios to stop him from revealing their activities as drug smugglers with ties to the cartel.

Aaron Rodriguez Medellin, 23; Nestor Manuel Leal, 19; Eduardo Luna Rodriguez, 25; and Fernando Luna Rodriguez, 35; as well as Joel Luna, 30; all face capital murder and other charges. Joel, Eduardo and Fernando Luna are brothers. All five men pleaded not guilty to the charges in February.

The Cameron County district attorneys office, which is prosecuting the case, has said it wont seek the death penalty.

Cameron County sheriffs investigators, with assistance from Edinburg police, learned that Palacios had filed a police report alleging an assault in January 2015, though it is unclear what came of the report.

Palacios co-workers Medellin, Leal and Eduardo Luna denied having previous altercations with Palacios, telling authorities instead that the victims frequent marital spats were to blame for his troubles.

Authorities soon uncovered damaging messages sent March 9 from Fernando Luna, the affidavit states. One message read in Spanish, Franky and his brother are saying who is selling drugs. Another read, this Franky is a (expletive) traitor, and yet another read, at any moment he is going to put the finger on you.

The next day, investigators brought Fernando Luna in for questioning.

Using global positioning locations from cellphone towers, investigators tracked the phones of Eduardo Luna and Leal from San Juan in Hidalgo County to Port Isabel, near South Padre, then back to San Juan. Meanwhile, records show Palacios cellphone went offline the afternoon of March 10 somewhere near the Edinburg tire shop.

But investigators were thwarted in their attempt to review the tire shop surveillance recordings for the day of March 10. The recording was missing, according to the affidavit.

State District Judge Rose Reyna in Hidalgo County signed a search warrant in April to search the shop. Once inside, investigators found a pattern of blood stains on the walls. A DNA profile would later identify the blood as Palacios.

His body was discovered floating in the Laguna Madre during a busy week of Spring Break, and a Cameron County sheriffs deputy was dispatched to South Padre Island to investigate.

Earlier that day, a group of friends, including children, had been out for a cruise when they found the body. Now the deputy was staring at the gruesome remains, lying in a pool of blood in a body bag.

It appeared that the head had been cut off in a single motion with a sharp cutting instrument, the deputy reported. There were two small puncture wounds in the upper chest, and a deep, wide laceration along the front of the body, exposing internal organs.

Fingerprints run through a government database identified Palacios as the victim. He was 33.

Rodriguez, Leal, Eduardo Luna and Fernando Luna were arrested in June and charged with capital murder, but Joel Luna wasnt taken into custody until much later.

The affidavit leaps over several months and resumes with the testimony of a sister-in-law of Joel Luna, who for six years had been a Border Patrol agent assigned to a checkpoint in Hebbronville.

Luna requested that his sister-in-law open a bank account, in which he deposited $42,000 for the purpose of buying a house, she told authorities, adding that he also kept a stash of money at her mothers house.

A search of the San Juan home found a black safe containing 3 pounds of cocaine, half an ounce of methamphetamine, $89,560 in cash, a 1911 engraved pistol, a .22-caliber pistol, a Border Patrol commemorative badge, plastic baggies, a scale, and a ledger documenting the sale of narcotics, firearms and ammunition, the affidavit shows.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed an immigration detainer on Luna at the Cameron County Jail after it was revealed that he has two birth certificates: one from Mexico and one from Texas.

Lunas attorney, Carlos A. Garcia, said that although his client was born in Texas, his parents also had registered his birth in Mexico so he could go to school there, a common practice along the border.

This is a complex case with many moving parts, Garcia said. It is important that everyone reserve judgment until the appropriate time. My client has pleaded not guilty, and we look forward to the process as it proceeds.

Neither the Cameron County district attorney nor the attorneys for the other four men could not be reached for comment.

A status hearing is scheduled for June.

anelsen@express-news.net

Twitter: @amnelsen
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A man accused in two separate cold cases in which two women were killed was arrested Wednesday after authorities reviewed new developments.

Jose Joe Baldomero Flores III, 36, faces two counts of capital murder in the deaths of Heather Ann Willms on Feb. 21, 2005, and Esmeralda Herrera on March 2, 2011. He has also been charged with arson of a habitation.

Leon Valley Police Department Chief Joseph Salvaggio said an examination and retesting of evidence using new DNA technology led to a developed picture of Flores, who was 25 when the incidents occurred, as a suspect in Willms case.

RELATED: Convicted killer gets life in stabbing death of San Antonio jogger

Mr. Flores was a purported friend of Heathers, having gone to high school with her and staying in touch with her afterwards, Salvaggio said. He was one of the last to see her alive.

Willms was found dead in her bedroom in the Shadow Valley apartments, 5650 Grissom Road.

She was last seen leaving a friends apartment before midnight the night before her death, police said. The next day, at around 5 a.m, neighbors told police they heard the woman arguing with a male, followed by shuffling sounds then silence.

Friends of Willms contacted police after being unable to contact her the following day.

READ MORE: Accused S.A. serial killer indicted in gruesome slayings of 4 women

The friends entered her apartment through a sliding glass door and everyones worst fears were realized, as they found Heathers body in her bedroom, Salvaggio said.

Officials said Willms was the victim of a possible sexual assault.

The assailant tried burning her clothing in an attempt to destroy evidence, investigators said. A suspect was interviewed in 2005 but released, according to authorities.

Flores was previously arrested in the death of Herrera, who was strangled and bludgeoned on March 2, 2011, according to an affidavit.

Herrera was found tied to a bed in her Southwest Side apartment after firefighters extinguished a blaze at the complex, according to previous reports. Investigators said Flores had set the fire in multiple parts of the complex in an unsuccessful attempt to destroy evidence, according to previous reports.

Flores was arrested and charged with Herreras death that year on April 27. He was released May 26 and charges were dropped, according to previous reports.

The Bexar County district attorneys office said in a statement that the case was rejected for further investigation in May 2011 but re-opened in 2015 by Nico LaHoods administration.

An arrest warrant was filed for Flores and he was apprehended Wednesday morning by the Lone Start Fugitive Task Force with in a collaborative effort with the Leon Valley Police Department, DPS Texas Rangers, the Bexar County DAs office, FBI and other agencies.

The DAs office noted that because the matter is still pending, they are not commenting further at this time.

It was not specified what exactly led the office to take another look at Flores in Herreras death.

Officials said that because both homicides were alleged to have been committed in the course of a sexual assault, Flores charges were elevated to capital murder.

Flores could face death or life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of capital murder. The arson charge is also a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, the DAs office noted.

Although many years have passed, the family hasnt forgotten and neither have we. Advances in technology have greatly assisted this department with efforts in bringing this case to an arrest, Salvaggio said Wednesday at a news conference, surrounded by Willms family.

The brutality of this tragedy has left many on my department with vivid nightmares as to how Heather was treated, he said. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family who were left behind to deal with the aftermath. No parent should ever have to bury a child.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye

jbeltran@express-news.net

Twitter: @JBfromSA
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Austin police added a new charge to a 53-year-old man's rap sheet after he accidentally admitted to stealing three guitars signed by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Nelson and members of Los Lonely Boys, among other merchandise, in April.

Esequiel Martinez, 53, was charged with theft by appropriation, a state jail felony, Nov. 29 after Austin police connected him to an incident in April.

Martinez is accused of stealing a turquoise and white Fender Stratocaster guitar signed by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jeff Beck, a black bass guitar signed by members of Los Lonely Boys and an acoustic guitar signed by Willie Nelson, along with seven laptops, an electronic skateboard, a remote control airplane and a 65-inch television from Discount Electronics in South Austin, according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by mySA.com.

The loot has a combined value of $15,500.

RELATED: Video shows flash robbery with armed teens in S.A., police search for suspects

Police said on April 22 Discount Electronics was broken into in the middle of the night and the guitars were stolen. The next day, police received a call from a pawn shop employee who said two men tried to sell the store three guitars he believed to be stolen.

On April 24, Discount Electronics received a phone call from a blocked number. The person on the phone, later identified as Martinez, told an employee they would return the guitars for a fee of $2,500. If Martinez did not receive proper payment, he planned to destroy the guitars, the affidavit said. Rick Culleton, the owner of Discount Electronics, agreed to meet Martinez.

Later that day, Culleton and Martinez met in a Petsmart parking lot in North Austin. Culleton gave Martinez $2,500 and got his guitars back. Martinez told Culleton he bought the guitars from a white boy that was addicted to methamphetamine, the affidavit states.

Culleton recorded the exchange and posted it on Facebook.

Austin police reviewed Culletons footage and were able to identify Martinez as the suspect.

During a phone call with police on May 2, Martinez said he purchased the stolen guitars at a flea market on Riverside Drive in Austin days before he made the anonymous call to Discount Electronics. He said he purchased the guitars for $150 and thought it was a good deal, the affidavit stated. Then, Martinez said he tried to sell the guitars at a pawn shop where he told an employee there he received the guitars in exchange for a tattoo.

RELATED: Capital murder arrest made in two cold cases in San Antonio

Martinez said he was told the guitars were legit and figured they belonged to someone.

At the end of the call, Martinez told police he was with his son that day he tried to pawn off the guitars.

Thats all I know, Im not in Austin anymore, he said, nervously ending the phone call, according to police.

But the officer could still hear Martinez  he had not properly hung up. Martinez could be heard speaking with someone saying F--- the police ha.

RELATED: Mother charged in drunken driving crash that killed her 11-year-old daughter

He then described the April burglary and said he wouldnt be caught because there was no cameras or alarm system.

Martinez was arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity months later. Police have since added the theft charge and he is being held in the Travis County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
A man is in critical but stable condition after being struck in a drive-by shooting Wednesday evening just outside an East Side home.

The 25-year-old pulled into the driveway of the home in the 1400 block of Hicks Avenue at about 8:30 p.m. and was still in the drivers seat when he was shot at several times, according to the San Antonio Police Department.
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The forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy of homicide victim Albert Guerra testified Thursday in the murder trial of Michael Scott Quinn that Guerra was hit so violently with a blunt object that brain matter seeped out of holes left in his skull.

Using photographs, Dr. Kimberley Molina, the Bexar County deputy chief medical examiner, showed the jury lacerations, indentations and holes on Guerras head, parts of his skull exposed. She said the autopsy found Guerra was hit 19 times and had a significant amount of fractures on his head.

Guerra was already dead when his legs were amputated  one at the knee and another above the thigh  and that the wounds on his legs were ragged, not cut with a smooth edge.

Prosecutors believe Guerra, 56, was asleep when he was attacked by Quinn and struck on the back of the head with a hammer. His dismembered remains were set on fire.

San Antonio firefighters found him May 4, 2013, when they put out two separate fires at the victims North Side home on Wonder Parkway. Prosecutors said Quinn used a circular saw and a tree-trimming saw  Guerras own tools  to dismember him and doused the victim with a flammable liquid to destroy evidence in a fire.

Jurors the past two days have seen similar gruesome photographs. They also heard a videotaped interview of Quinn, now 53, telling investigators that he hit Guerra with a hammer, then cut him up, and that he killed Guerra because he had hit Connie Yanez, now 40, with whom both had a relationship.

Yanez was at the house when Guerra was killed. Both she and Quinn were charged with murder, but prosecutors have said they have negotiated a possible plea agreement that would get her a 15-year sentence on a reduced charge of burglary of a habitation. Yanez is awaiting trial.

Before the state rested its case, another forensic pathologist testified that DNA taken from strands of hair found in Guerras left hand matched that of Quinn.

In his opening statement, Quinns defense attorney, Bob M. Hicks, told the jury they would hear from another forensic expert who could challenge DNA testing Bexar County did on gloves taken from the scene, which prompted objections from prosecutors who said the defense had not given them enough notice to prepare for such testimony.

Testimony is expected to resume this afternoon in the 437th District Court.

If convicted, Quinn faces a maximum of life in prison.
Social media united yesterday to honor a 61-year-old Army veteran who died without any known family members to attend his Central Texas funeral.

Galen Bruce Pearson, a 23-year Army vet, was buried at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, about 2 hours north of San Antonio, on Wednesday, according to the Killeen Daily Herald.
Sometimes history doesnt have to wait to judge  and when it comes to dictators, even dead ones, we shouldnt either.

With news of Fidel Castros death  finalmente  world leaders began offering eulogies, some of which were so vapid or willfully ignorant that Castro might have written them himself. It would appear in any case that the 20th-centurys quintessential Big Brother managed to infect a few world leaders with an Orwellian strain of mushy-mouthed aphasia.

Apparently bereft of the right words, they treated Castros brutality as polite unmentionables, serving up platitudes as though just another important figure had passed on to his maker. Did they miss the screams?

Growing up in Florida during the Cuban missile crisis, running bomb shelter drills and hearing the stories of refugees who became lifelong friends, I somehow managed to evade the charms of the revolutionary rogue, who merely replaced one dictatorship with another far worse. Theres nothing sentimental about a ruthless dictator who once held the world hostage to a possible nuclear Armageddon.

Its one thing to be respectful of the Cuban people  and Im not suggesting we celebrate anyones death. But it is another to sidestep the historical horrors of a murderous, 60-year military regime and strike a pose of diplomatic equanimity that assuages only gluttons of insincerity.

No wonder so many of them chose to express themselves through Twitter  a communication format well-suited to the small and shallow. Justin Trudeau, Canadas happy-boy prime minister, called Castro a remarkable leader, who made significant improvements to Cuba, presumably by taking over all private possessions and culling the island of the middle class. Atta boy.

Its true that Cuba boasts a high-level of literacy and a health care system free to all. Then again, you dont see many people from industrialized nations lining up for heart surgery in Havana.

And then theres Jimmy Carter, under whose watch Castro emptied his prisons and mental institutions, sending 125,000 inmates as well as other lesser desiraebles to our shores.

Although many have lauded Castros political acumen, Ive yet to read about his flair for irony. Carter, for whom irony apparently is what the maid does to his dress shirts, remembered Castro fondly.

President Obamas remarks, though eloquent, were carefully meaningless. Steering clear of specifics, he noted that Cubans are filled with emotions, recalling the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation.

Yes, death, torture, oppression, imprisonment, a state-controlled media and a miserable, state-run economy will flat-out alter a persons course. Obama then grabbed historys tail and gave it a yank, saying, History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him.

Aw, come on, lets beat history to it. One of the worst dictators in modern history has mercifully died. It doesnt matter that in 2008 he ceded control of the government to his brother Raul. Symbolically, his death liberates the psyches of at least three generations of Cubans and Cuban-Americans.

History will strain little in judging Castro or in sorting out his effect on the world. Now that Obama has eased the decades-long U.S. embargo, wisely in my view, as well as restrictions on travel, the tiny nation has a shot at reinvention. Raul has made changes allowing for limited market socialism, meaning that small businesses and individuals may conduct commerce for profit. The once subterranean dollar economy that has kept many Cubans financially afloat thanks to Cuban-American relatives sending money, is now being openly encouraged by Raul.

President-elect Donald Trump would do well to stay in this lane rather than threaten to reinstate the embargo. He should understand that Castro loved the embargo more than anyone because, as ever, he could blame the U.S. for his failures. For Trump to fall into this same trap would be a post-mortem gift to Castro and breathe new life into a cruel legacy  the dictators final triumph over America and the several U.S. presidents who could never quite bury him.

kathleenparker@washpost.com
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Residents who want to make City College of San Francisco admission-free celebrated Wednesday, as legislation to allocate the needed money passed a major hurdle when a Board of Supervisors committee unexpectedly forwarded the bill to the full board.

The bill appears to have the votes needed to pass, given that it has six co-sponsors on the 11-member board.

The proposal to make City College free  at a cost of $9 million this year  has become controversial in recent weeks, as the city is suddenly facing serious financial constraints because of the loss of a sales tax measure on the November ballot that would have generated around $150 million annually.

The sales tax revenue would have gone to transportation and homeless services. Mayor Ed Lee and the supervisors are scrambling to figure out if and how to backfill those funds, in particular for homeless services.

I dont know that the people of San Francisco want City College over homeless services, said Supervisor Mark Farrell, chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, which heard the legislation Wednesday. It is simply irresponsible to deal with issues on a one-off basis. We need to talk about them together.

But Supervisor Jane Kim, who is not a member of the committee, said the city should follow through on its commitment to making City College free  in July, the Board of Supervisors passed a nonbinding resolution agreeing to allocate $13 million a year to fulfill that goal. The legislation up for debate now is for $9 million, as it pays only for the fall 2017 semester. Kim was the ideas main proponent.

We made a commitment to fund free City College regardless of any factors except for the passage of Proposition W, Kim said, referring to the transfer tax that passed in November and will generate around $45 million annually.

Kim said voters passed Prop. W because they associated it with a free City College  a sentiment echoed by committee member Supervisor Norman Yee.

It is clear to me why we supported Prop. W, and I will not back off of that, Yee said.

The legislation nearly stalled in the three-member committee, as Supervisors Katy Tang, the third member, and Farrell both supported the idea of delaying a vote until the mayors office proposes a rebalanced budget.

Had that happened, the legislation would not have been heard by the full board until January, when a batch of new supervisors takes office. With a newly constituted board, Kim may not have had the votes to get the legislation passed.

But Yee pointed out that if the vote were delayed until January, it may already be too late to take effect for City Colleges fall semester  an assertion backed by interim Chancellor Susan Lamb. Tang then agreed to forward the bill to the full board without recommendation.

Roughly 36,000 students took courses for credit at City College last year. Of those students, about 16,000 were eligible to have the $46-per-unit fee waived, state records show. For them, the college is already free. Its also free for the roughly 27,000 students taking noncredit classes.

Kims proposal is to make City College free for any resident or worker employed at least half-time in the city.

Emily Green is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: egreen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @emilytgreen
Men and women who work for the railroads are frequently exposed to dangerous hazards, including cancer-causing chemicals and materials.

Railroad Cancer Lawsuits Growing

Workers who suffered from injuries while working for the railroad are required to file lawsuits under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA gives injured workers the right to sue railroad companies for negligence that causes injuries, including the exposure to toxic, cancer-causing substances.

In addition, there is no cap on damages in FELA lawsuits due to the often serious or deadly nature of railroad-related injuries.

In 1982, a jury awarded $58 million to 47 railroad workers due to an exposure to a cancer-causing toxin. The workers were exposed to dioxin, a carcinogenic chemical that can cause cancer in amounts as little as 5 parts per trillion, according to The New York Times.

A multiple-decade study showed that railroad workers that operated trains were at a 40% higher risk of developing lung cancer than those that did not operate trains. Diesel exhaust produces a carcinogenic chemical, benzene, which can cause lung cancer.

About Railroad-related Cancers and Injuries

Hundreds of workers sustain injuries or die due to railroad hazards each year. Railroad companies are required to provide a safe workplace to all of their employees. This includes necessary safety equipment, tools, training, and enforcement of safety regulations.

There are many cancers related to railroad work, including:

Bladder cancer

Bone Cancer

Kidney Cancer

Leukemia

Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma

Skin Cancer

Contact an Experienced Workplace Accident Attorney

Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys fight to protect the rights of workplace injury victims. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed on the job, contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys. The goal of our offices is to not only protect your rights, but to send a message so the same tragedy does not happen again. We represent clients/victims all over the country.

Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.
The Texas Department of Transportation Laredo District will host a public meeting in Laredo to present the proposed US 59 Loop Upgrade Project.

The meeting will be held an open-house format with no formal presentation will take place on Thursday, December 1, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Texas A&M International Universitys Zaffirini Student Success Center located in room #101.
Jerri-Lynn here: This post reminds us that while weve all been fixating on US pipeline policy, both current e.g. DAPL  and future under president-elect Trump, the US has no monopoly on poor pipeline decisions that in the long-run will only exacerbate climate change. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus decision to approve a major expansion of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline has major international implications, as author Kevin Grandia spells out below.

And, just as the Standing Rock Sioux tribe is spearheading anti-DAPL efforts in the United States, so Grandia suggests that Canadian First Nations communities which strongly oppose the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline will follow through with anti-pipeline initiatives, including court proceedings.

Note that I provide only a short version of Grandias complete biography below. Interested readers can find a more complete version here.

By Kevin Grandia, who is a contributor and strategic adviser to DeSmogBlog and DeSmog Canada. He runs the digital marketing agency Spake Media House. Named a Green Hero by Rolling Stone Magazine and one of the Top 50 Tweeters on climate change and environment issues, Kevin has appeared in major news media outlets around the world. He was Senior Advisor to the Minister of State for Multiculturalism and a Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Asia Pacific, Foreign Affairs for the Government of Canada. Kevin also worked in various roles in the British Columbia provincial government in the Office of the Premier and the Ministry of Health. Follow him on Twitter @kgrandia. Originally published at DeSmogBlog.

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeaus decision this week to approve a major expansion of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline has negative implications that go well beyond the borders of the Great White North.

Canada is currently the largest importer of oil to the United States. We import more oil than Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Mexico combined. We are a secure, stable and reliable trading partner with the US for a product that can make or break their economy.

Right now, Canada has almost zero ability to transport its oil to anywhere other than the United States. There is no big spigot off of our east, west or north coasts that allows for overseas export to other markets, particularly in Asia.

Approving the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline expansion changes all of that, and for the first time Canada might be capable of shipping significant amounts of oil to markets other than the United States (assuming the project is actually completed  a big question mark given ongoing First Nations legal challenges and resistance from British Columbians).

This fact has got to have the attention of the US government. Their stable, reliable and secure oil supply is now, for the first time in history, under threat of going to other markets.

What is President-elect Donald Trump Thinking About This?

I would bet this announcement is on President-elect Trumps radar. Trump has promised to renegotiate or even terminate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. Trump has also promised to restart the process of building the Keystone XL pipeline that would significantly expand transport capacity for tar sands oil from Canada to the United States and foreign export markets via the Gulf of Mexico.

While there is no doubt a benefit to Canada diversifying the customer base for its oil products, it may come at the expense of ticking off our biggest customer to the south. In the complicated world of geopolitics and oil, who knows where this could lead.

Trudeau Just Knocked Over the First Domino



Here is a graph showing the largest proposed oil and gas projects in the world, along with the carbon emissions they will put into our atmosphere:

According to a report earlier this year by Oil Change International, if these projects are built, we are toast. Burnt toast that is.

It is crucial to the earths climate that the projects represented in this graph are never built. Canada is in that top five as you can see, and you can also see that some not-too-cooperative countries are also in the top five, including Russia and Iran.

What kind of message does Trudeaus approval of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline project send to these other countries like Russia, Iran and Qatar?

I dont think it is much of a stretch to say that if there was any inkling of hesitation amongst these other countries to not proceed with building their own new pipelines, that has all been thrown out the window with Trudeaus decision.

In fact, it is most likely that many of the countries in this graph will speed up their timelines, so as to maintain a competitive edge in the oil market over us Canadians.

Oceans Have No Borders

The Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion will increase oil tanker traffic from around 60 tankers per year to more than 400. So instead of a massive oil tanker coming through Vancouvers waterfront and the Burrard Inlet on average every couple of weeks, we will now see on average one a day.

Experts have always said that when it comes to oil tankers, spills are not a question of if, but when. We have been relatively lucky so far that the only major spill from the existing Trans Mountain pipeline happened on land. And no matter how prepared we could be for a spill in our Inner Harbor here in Vancouver (which history has shown not to be the case), the problem is likely not containable within our own borders.

According to media reports last year, the neighboring Washington State government is worried about Canadas ability to respond to oil spills. And they should be considering that the US-Canada ocean border is only a few miles from where all these oil tankers would travel through. The US San Juan islands for instance is a major tourism destination and home to diverse marine life, and is in serious risk from any spill that happens just up the coast.

Image credit: Wilderness Committee

First Nations communities on both sides of the border are tied together in the Salish Sea, which predates any borders. The Coast Salish nations, along with many other First Nations communities, are strongly opposed to this pipeline and so we will see mounting opposition and court proceedings, with implications that will likely reach across the Canada-US border.

Our friends in the US take on a lot of risk from a potential oil spill, but see none of the economic benefits of Canadas expanded oil export capabilities.

All risk and no reward is likely something that is not sitting too well with Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, who is a very vocal supporter of action on climate change.

What About the Paris Agreement?

The Paris Agreement, negotiated late last year by 195 countries, commits the vast majority of world leaders to dealing with the issue of climate change by committing to significantly reducing their countrys greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decades.

At the time, newly-elected Prime Minister Trudeau and his Environment Minister Catherine McKenna were a breath of fresh air at the Paris climate talks. As much as we are a small country (by population), Canada is a significant player at these climate negotiations because per-capita we are historically a large emitter of greenhouse gas pollution. We also hold massive amounts of greenhouse gas reserves in our oil sands and other fossil fuel deposits. So to see Trudeau and McKenna step up at the Paris climate talks was a big deal.

The Paris Agreement is both a functional document and a symbolic one, and in many ways its symbolism is the more powerful of the two.

The Paris Agreement sent a resounding message to the world that business-as-usual is no longer acceptable. It made clear to the global business community that the days of paying lip service to concerns about climate change is no longer acceptable, and markets have reacted.

Speaking of lip service, did you hear about Prime Minister Trudeau approving a new expansion in oil sands pipelines that will lock in massive new amounts of carbon being pumped into our atmosphere?

Somehow Trudeau and his government think they can reconcile a commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change with the construction of a new pipeline that will greatly increase emissions of the very thing the agreement is trying to reduce.

On paper Trudeau might be able to make that case, but he is missing the real point of the Paris Agreement and that is the signal it sends out to the world.

With Trudeau approving the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion, he and his government have just thrown a big bucket of sloppy crude onto that clear and resounding signal the Paris Agreement sent out to the world.

Between domestic unrest and the international ramifications, this pipeline decision will likely come to define much of Trudeaus time in government, which quite honestly I think is something this Prime Minister really didnt think through that well.
This is Naked Capitalisms special fundraiser, to fight a McCarthtyite attack against this site and 200 others by funding legal expenses and other site support. For more background on how the Washington Post smeared Naked Capitalism along with other established, well-regarded independent news sites, and why this is such a dangerous development, see this article by Ben Norton and Greenwald and this piece by Matt Taibbi. Our post gives more detail on how we plan to fight back. 357 donors have already supported this campaign. Please join us and participate via our Tip Jar, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal.

By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She now spends most of her time in Asia researching a book about textile artisans. She also writes regularly about legal, political economy, and regulatory topics for various consulting clients and publications, as well as scribbles occasional travel pieces for The National.

President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday announced on Twitter that he would hold a news conference on December 15 to discuss the fact that I will be leaving my great business in total in order to fully focus on running the country in order to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! (his emphasis).

Trump further tweeted:

Hence, legal documents are being crafted which take me completely out of business operations. The Presidency is a far more important task!

Trump faces real difficulties as he seeks to turn over what I assume will be temporary control over his assets while he serves as President. In the past, when affluent people have held public office, they placed their assets in a so-called blind trust. (How blind these trusts actually were is a question I defer to another day.) It was possible to do this because most of the assets held were paper assets e.g., shares and bonds which were largely liquid, and which had an easily determinable market value. Such assets could be passively managed throughout an individuals tenure in public service.

By contrast, most of Trumps assets are in real property or other non-paper assets. They require more active management. Further, many (most, all no one knows for sure as Ive yet to see any comprehensive statement of Trumps holdings) are illiquid. This means that even if Trump wished to divest himself of these assets, it would be difficult to do so.

Recently, a veritable journalistic cottage industry has developed to discuss the conflicts of interest created by Trumps extensive ownership of assets and his upcoming role as President of the United States. Articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, the New York Times and Politico that spell out some of the legal, political, and practical problems arising from potential conflicts between Trump as an owner of a business empire and Trump as President.

In this post, Ill address what several sources have highlighted as the most serious potential problem: the emoluments clause of the United States Constitution. Article 1, Section 9 of that document states that No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, 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.

Over to the New York Times to tease out some of the potential problems:

Mr. Trumps companies do business with entities controlled by foreign governments and people with ties to them. The ventures include multimillion-dollar real estate arrangements  with Mr. Trumps companies either as a full owner or a branding partner  in Ireland and Uruguay. The Bank of China is a tenant in Trump Tower and a lender for another building in Midtown Manhattan where Mr. Trump has a significant partnership interest. Experts in legal ethics say those kinds of arrangements could easily run afoul of the Emoluments Clause if they continue after Mr. Trump takes office. The founders very clearly intended that officers of the United States, including the president, not accept presents from foreign sovereigns, said Norman Eisen, who was the chief White House ethics lawyer for Mr. Obama from 2009 to 2011. Whenever Mr. Trump receives anything from a foreign sovereign, to the extent that its not an arms-length transaction, Mr. Eisen said, every dollar in excess that they pay over the fair market price will be a dollar paid in violation of the Emoluments Clause and will be a present to Mr. Trump. The Supreme Court has never squarely considered the scope of the clause, and there are no historical analogies to help understand how it should apply to a president who owns a sprawling international business empire. Earlier presidents worked hard to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest involving a foreign power, said Zephyr Teachout, a law professor at Fordham who ran for Congress in New York this year as a Democrat and lost. The reason we dont really have a lot of precedent here is that presidents in the past have gone out of their way to avoid getting even close to the Emoluments Clause, she said. (Jerri-Lynn here: Ive omitted all citations in this extended quotation; interested readers are directed to the original article to find these).

Now, at this point, I should bring up a rather elementary point. Just because somethings unconstitutional, doesnt mean that any such unconstitutional activity will necessarily be prevented, precluded, or punished. Much of what Im about to discuss applies a pretty basic common sense test (but I believe would stand up to more serious scrutiny by lawyers or others with specialized knowledge).

For starters, there are some who claim the clause doesnt apply to the President, as the New York Times and Fox News have reported. I dont think thats a sound position, but if you disagree, you can stop reading here.

Yet while I agree with the Wall Street Journal that: U.S. law exempts presidents and vice presidents from conflict-of-interest rules, which require many federal employees to recuse themselves from decisions involving their financial interests, and although I havent made an exhaustive search, I also assume one of many existing anti-corruption or anti-bribery statutes might conceivably apply to the President. Some of these even may rest on authority provided in the emoluments clause. Is it possible that President Trump in some way might fall afoul of some such statute? Lets assume yes.

But, heres the problem: who enforces these statutes? The Answer: The Attorney General of the United States. Yup, thats the same Attorney General who serves at the pleasure of the President, and can be removed for any whim or reason. Does anyone honestly think that an Attorney General is going to seek to prosecute President Trump for violating an anti-bribery statute? Good I didnt think so.

Next issue: Can any third party an aggrieved private citizen, for example, or more interestingly, a business competitor, successfully sue the President for violating the emoluments clause? Ill take these issues in turn, starting first with our aggrieved private citizen.

This often comes as a surprise to non-lawyers, but the reality is that the US legal system strictly limits who can sue. Persons must have standing in order to bring a suit (as compared to some countries, such as India, and US states, such as California (but only for state law violations), where it is possible to bring a public interest litigation to right an obvious wrong). In US federal court, the authority for bringing a suit comes from Article III of the Constitution. To summarize very broadly an extremely complicated area of the law, to have standing to sue, plaintiffs must be involved in an actual case or controversy meaning that one cannot bring a case just to determine what a court MIGHT decide. Further, a long series of cases has also established that plaintiffs must have suffered a particularized injury in order to prevail in a lawsuit. This provision prevents someone from bringing a suit arguing, hypothetically, that as a taxpayer, s/he has been harmed by a general policy of the US government.

What does this mean? Well, I would suggest that no one should spend hard-earned money and try to find a lawyer to bring a suit alleging that President Trump has violated the emoluments clause or any other federal anti-corruption or anti-bribery statute, for that matter anytime soon. That matter would almost certainly be dismissed on the basis that the plaintiff lacked standing to sue.

A more interesting issue is raised by the notion that a business competitor might have standing to sue. That might mean in the present context that some business competitor of Trumps Hilton Hotels, to pluck an example from the air might choose to contest the award of some particular contract or more ambiguously, a particular policy decision.

In contrast to Politico, which calls the notion of competitor standing a controversial legal theory, I suggest that such a basis for standing is quite common in suits disputing the award of government contracts. Where I concur with the Politico analysis is in what the remedy might be: a rescission of a particular contract award, or maybe, a rollback of a policy. But no court is likely to look to make a decision that invokes the emoluments clause, and as a result tells Trump: Youre fired! Sorry, DNC, better luck in 2020.

Impeachment

Given that legal remedies are unlikely to enforce the emoluments clause, that leaves impeachment as the only remedy for addressing the conflicts of interest between Trumps business interests and his role as President.

Now, I have seen too many otherwise sane and sensible people suggesting this is a possibility.

Really?

Lets review the basics of impeachment.

Article II, Section 4, says:

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

So that means as those whove paid attention to recent US history know that the President may be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanours. Removal from office following impeachment has never occurred for any President in US history.

Lets also cover the procedural aspects of impeachment:

Article I, Section 2 says:

The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker and other officers; and shall have the sole power of impeachment.

So, the House of Representatives is responsible for drawing up articles of impeachment. What does that mean in the present, hypothetical case? The 2016 election had Republicans capturing 241 seats, compared to 194 Democrats: a clear Republican majority.

Does anyone seriously believe that the new Republican-majority House will vote to impeach Trump for conflicts of interest that may either have arisen or between his business empire and his role as President?

Now, even though I stand by what I just wrote, just for the sake of argument, what would happen if the House did vote to impeach Trump?

Well, again, turning to the US Constitution, Article I, Section 3 provides:

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present. Judgment in Cases of Impeachments shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust, or Profit under the United States, but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment, and Punishment, according to Law.

What does this mean? The Senate would be responsible for trying the case of impeachment a Senate, let me remind you, that when seated in January 2017, will also have a Republican majority. Does anyone honestly think that the necessary 2/3 concurrence of all members present can be found in a Republican-majority Senate? Believe what you choose to believe: I certainly dont think so.

Please, can we lay to rest the idea that Trump would be impeached for ANYTHING. Or, if youre not willing to follow me that far, at least defer further impeachment discussions until after the 2018 mid-term elections.

Relax, readers. There are plenty of things to worry about concerning the incoming Trump administration. This isnt one of them.
A cleaner, more efficient car? Researchers design new material to better store hydrogen fuel (Nanowerk News) A Florida State University researcher has designed new materials that could be used to store hydrogen fuel more efficiently in vehicles or other devices that use clean energy.

Jose Mendoza-Cortes, an assistant professor in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, describes his proposed solution and designs for these new materials in an article in the Journal of the American Chemical Society ("Design Principles for High H 2 Storage Using Chelation of Abundant Transition Metals in Covalent Organic Frameworks for 0700 bar at 298 K").

Mendoza-Cortes designed 270 compounds through these simulations and then tested their performance for hydrogen storage. ( ACS)

There will be many proposals to solve energy issues, and this may be one option, Mendoza-Cortes said. We wanted to find the most effective way to store hydrogen so that perhaps in the future, cars could use this to run longer distances and more efficiently.

Scientists had already discovered that they needed to pressurize hydrogen to compact it and make it usable as a fuel for cars. But Mendoza-Cortes wanted to take it one step further and make the process more efficient and economically viable.

We still want to pressurize it, but we want to do it more efficiently, he said. Right now, its extremely costly to do this.

Using complex mathematical equations and computer simulations, Mendoza-Cortes designed porous materials of transition metals  compounds involving cobalt, iron or nickel  that cause hydrogen to bond with it. This next-generation design could then be placed in a tank of a car that uses hydrogen for fuel. These new materials are made of Earth abundant elements and therefore are easily available.

Mendoza-Cortes designed 270 compounds through these simulations and then tested their performance for hydrogen storage.

The idea is that since hydrogen will bind to the actual device, more hydrogen could be packed in and condensed into a tank. Because the hydrogen easily sticks to the device, the tank would never actually reach empty. Additionally, he found it would take a smaller energy expenditure to fill up the tank.

In other words, more hydrogen can be stored at lower pressures and room temperature, making some of these materials good for practical use, Mendoza-Cortes said.

As of 2016, three companies have produced hydrogen fuel cars  Toyota, Hyundai and Honda.

Currently, hydrogen can be made into liquid at 1 bar  bar is the unit of measurement for atmospheric pressure  and 20 degrees Kelvin or -423.67 Fahrenheit. At that rate, hydrogen can be stored at 71 grams per liter. While at 700 bar and 298 degrees Kelvin or 76.73 Fahrenheit, hydrogen can be stored at 37 grams per liter.

With Mendoza-Cortes proposed new materials, hydrogen could be stored at less than 200 bar to fill up the same tank at room temperature, creating a far more efficient system.
Mystery of biological plastic synthesis machinery unveiled

(Nanowerk News) Plastics and other polymers are used every day. These polymers are mostly made from fossil resources through petrochemical refinery process. On the other hand, many microorganisms naturally synthesize polyesters known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as distinct granules inside the cell. PHAs are a family of microbial polyesters that have attracted much attention as biodegradable and biocompatible plastics and elastomers that can substitute petrochemical counterparts.

There have been numerous papers and patents on gene cloning and metabolic engineering of PHA biosynthetic machineries, biochemical studies, and production of PHAs; simple Google search with "polyhydroxyalkanoates" returns with 223,000 document pages. PHAs have always been considered an amazing example of biological polymer synthesis.

It is astounding to see PHAs of 500 kDa to sometimes as high as 10,000 kDa can be synthesized in vivo by PHA synthase, the key polymerizing enzyme in PHA biosynthesis.

Thus, there has been great interest in determining the crystal structure of PHA synthase over the last 30 years, but unfortunately without success. Thus, the characteristics and molecular mechanisms of PHA synthase have so far been under a dark veil.

In two papers published back-to-back in Biotechnology Journal ("Crystal structure of Ralstonia eutropha polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase C-terminal domain and reaction mechanisms" and "Structure and function of the N-terminal domain of Ralstonia eutropha polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, and the proposed structure and mechanisms of the whole enzyme"), a Korean research team led by Professor Kyung-Jin Kim at Kyungpook National University and Distinguished Professor Sang Yup Lee at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) reported the crystal structure of PHA synthase from Ralstonia eutropha, the best studied bacterium for PHA production.

The research team also reported the structural basis for the detailed molecular mechanisms of PHA biosynthesis. The crystal structure has been deposited to Protein Data Bank in February 2016.

After deciphering the crystal structure of the catalytic domain of PHA synthase in addition to other structural studies on whole enzyme and related proteins, the team performed experiments to elucidate mechanisms of the enzyme reaction, validating detailed structures, enzyme engineering, and N-terminal domain studies among others.

Through several biochemical studies based on crystal structure, authors show that PHA synthase exists as a dimer and is divided into two distinct domains, the N-terminal domain (RePhaC1ND) and the C-terminal domain (RePhaC1CD). The RePhaC1CD catalyzes the polymerization reaction via a non-processive ping-pong mechanism using a Cys-His-Asp catalytic triad. The two catalytic sites of the RePhaC1CD dimer are positioned 33.4 A apart, suggesting that the polymerization reaction occurs independently at each site.

This study also presents the structure-based mechanisms for substrate specificities of various PHA synthases from different classes.
Perovskite solar cells - a true alternative to silicon?

(Nanowerk Spotlight) The growing need for green energy sources combined with silicon solar cells stagnating power conversion efficiencies have lead to a keen search for an alternative to silicon that would bring about a major change. Perovskite solar cell technology, boasting potential for high efficiency, low-cost scalable photovoltaic solar cells, may just be a suitable contender in this race.

Perovskites, a class of materials that share a similar structure, display a myriad of exciting properties that position them as attractive candidates for enabling low-cost, efficient photovoltaics (PV) that could even be sprayed onto rooftops and various other surfaces.

Perovskite. (Image: Rob Lavinsky, Wikimedia, CC-BY-SA-3.0) (click on image to enlarge)

Perovskite solar cells have made enormous advancements in the last few years. In 2009, perovskite solar cells converted around 3.8% of sunlight into usable electric power, but constant advancements have brought its efficiency to about 20% by the year 2014 and work is still vigorously taking place.

Nowadays, they are regarded as the rising star of the photovoltaics world and of huge interest to the academic community. Perovskites are also predicted to play a role in next-gen electric vehicle batteries, sensors, lasers and much more.

What is a perovskite solar cell?

A perovskite solar cell is a type of solar cell, which includes a perovskite structured compound, most commonly a hybrid organic-inorganic lead or tin halide-based material, as the light-harvesting active layer. Perovskite materials are usually cheap to produce and relatively simple to manufacture. Perovskites possess intrinsic properties like broad absorption spectrum, fast charge separation, long transport distance of electrons and holes, long carrier separation lifetime, and more, that make them very promising materials for solid-state solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells are causing excitement within the solar power industry with their ability to absorb light across almost all visible wavelengths, exceptional power conversion efficiencies already exceeding 20% in the lab, and relative ease of fabrication. Perovskite solar cells still face several challenge, but much work is put into facing them and some companies are already talking about commercializing them in the near future.

Ssynthetic perovskites are being explored as foundation materials for the manufacture of high-efficiency commercial photovoltaic devices. Diagram showing (left) the device configuration and (right) energy levels of each layer in the device. Al, Aluminium; BCP, bathocuproine; C 60 , fullerene; PEDOT:PSS, Conducting polymer. (Image: Christopher J. Rhodes; from doi:10.3184/003685014X14098307810589) (click on image to enlarge)

What are the advantages of Perovskite solar cells?

Put simply, perovskite solar cells aim to increase the efficiency and lower the cost of solar energy. Perovskite PVs indeed hold promise for high efficiencies, as well as low potential material & reduced processing costs. A big advantage perovskite PVs have over conventional solar technology is that they can react to various different wavelengths of light, which allows them to convert more of the sunlight that reaches them into electricity.

Perovskite PV essentially started with the breakthrough research of 2012, and in the space of a few years they have managed to achieve power conversion efficiencies comparable to technologies and materials that have been around for nearly 40 years. The dramatic rise in efficiency is significant and impressive, and seems to be continuing in labs around the world.

Another key advantage is energy utilization, or how much of a photons energy is lost in the conversion process from light to electricity. For standard excitonic-based, organic-based solar cells this loss can be as high as 50% of the absorbed energy. However, perovskite-based solar cells demonstrate a loss that is far lower. Perovskite-based PVs are rapidly approaching the same level of photon energy utilization as the current leading monolithic crystalline technologies like silicon and GaAs. Furthermore, they also have the potential for much lower processing costs.

Moreover, perovskite-based solar cells offer flexibility, semi-transparency, tailored form factors, light-weight and more. Naturally, electronics designers and researchers are certain that such characteristics will open up many more applications for solar cells.

What is holding perovskite PVs back?

Despite its great potential, perovskite solar cell technology is still in the early stages of commercialization compared with other mature solar technologies as there are a number of concerns remaining.

One problem is their overall cost (for several reasons, mainly since currently the most common electrode material in perovskite solar cells is gold), and another is that cheaper perovskite solar cells have a short lifespan. Perovskite PVs also deteriorate rapidly in the presence of moisture and the decay products attack metal electrodes. Heavy encapsulation to protect perovskite can add to the cell cost and weight.

Scaling up is another issue  reported high efficiency ratings have been achieved using small cells, which is great for lab testing, but too small to be used in an actual solar panel.

A major issue is toxicity  a substance called PbI is one of the breakdown products of perovskite. This is known to be toxic and there are concerns that it may be carcinogenic (although this is still an unproven point). Also, many perovskite cells use lead, a massive pollutant. Researchers are constantly seeking substitutions, and have already made working cells using tin instead. (with efficiency at only 6%, but improvements will surely follow).

Whats next?

While major challenges indeed exist, perovskite solar cells are still touted as the PV technology of the future, and much development work and research are put into making this a reality. Scientists and companies are working towards increasing efficiency and stability, prolonging lifetime and replacing toxic materials with safer ones.

Researchers are also looking at the benefits of combining perovskites with other technologies, like silicon for example, to create what is referred to as tandem cells in which the advantages of two different technologies are used to create better performing cells.

Commercial activity in the field of perovskite PV

Perovskite solar cells have yet to reach the market, but progress towards commercialization seems promising, and many analysts believe that in 2-3 years perovskite PVs will emerge as a true alternative to silicon-based panels.

In November 2016, UK-based Oxford PV acquired the former thin-film production site of Bosch Solar in Germany, to establish a fab with pilot-scale capacity for perovskite wafers. The plan is to ramp up Oxford PVs perovskite technology to industry-standard wafer size.

In September 2015, Australia-based organic PV and perovskite solar cell (PSC) developer Dyesol declared a major breakthrough in perovskite stability for solar applications. Dyesol claims to have made a significant breakthrough on small perovskite solar cells, with meaningful numbers of 10% efficient strip cells exhibiting less than 10% relative degradation when exposed to continuous light soaking for over 1000 hours. Dyesol was also awarded a $0.5 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to commercialize an innovative, very high efficiency perovskite solar cell.

Also in 2015, Saule Technologies signed an investment deal with Hideo Sawada, a Japanese investment company. Saule aims to combine perovskite solar cells with other currently available products, and this investment agreement came only a year after the company was launched.

By Roni Peleg, senior editor of Perovskite-info
Five primary schools in Tipperary town are campaigning to be included in the DEIS action plan to combat educational inequality.

DEIS, the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools, is an action plan focused on addressing the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities; from pre-school through second-level education (3 to 18 years).

The Tipperary Local Education Stakeholders Network, in association with RAPID Tipperary and LIT Tipperary, compiled a document entitled Addressing Educational Inequality in Tipperary Town to support the DEIS application.

This document was presented recently to politicians, interested groups and the education partners in Tipperary town to highlight the need for additional resources for education in Tipperary town.

Deirdre Mullens O'Dwyer (SICAP Development Worker, STDC) said Tipperary town is a RAPID town with so many people unemployed and we need extra resources to break this cycle. The DEIS support programme will make a difference for disadvantaged families and families that fail in education.

The primary schools in Tipperary town are campaigning to be included in the revised DEIS action plan at the end of the year. DEIS schools are granted a better pupil/teacher ratio, additional supports for vulnerable groups, targeted measures to tackle literacy and numeracy and additional funding.

Louise Tobin , St. Josephs Principall, said - Tipperary town is a RAPID town for a reason and the RAPID map shows the whole town as disadvantaged. All the primary schools in Tipperary town now need to be included in the DEIS programme.

Deirbhile Nic Craith, Asst. General Secretary of the Irish National Teachers Organisation,Donal Kerins Irish Primary Principals Network and Terry OConnor, Thee Drives Family Resource Centre backed the case.
The funeral takes place in Dublin this Thursday of Sean Hogan, son of legendary Tipperary revolutionary leader, Sean Hogan.

He died on Tuesday. His remains are reposing at Simpson's Hospital, Dundrum, Dublin, on Thursday afternoon, from 4pm until 6pm. Removal on Friday morning to St. Attracta's Oratory, Meadowbrook, Ballinteer, D.16. arriving for 10am Requiem Mass. Funeral thereafter to St. Fintan's Cemetery, Sutton.

His father, Sean Hogan, was a leader of the 3rd Tipperary Brigade old IRA and of the Irish Republican Army during the War of Independence.

Sean Hogan, along with Dan Breen, Sean Treacy, Seamus Robinson, Tadhg Crowe, Patrick McCormack, Patrick O'Dwyer and Michael Ryan helped to ignite the conflict that was to become the Irish War of Independence.

They shot dead two members of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) - Constables McDonell and OConnell - during the Soloheadbeg Ambush in County Tipperary.

The RIC men were transporting gelignite explosives, when they were called on to surrender they took up firing positions but were shot dead by the ambush party.

As a result of the action, South Tipperary was placed under martial law and declared a Special Military Area under the Defence of the Realm Act. Treacy, Breen and Hogan took the cart and hid the explosives and immediately 'went on the run'.

A large police and military manhunt was launched to find them. A thousand-pound reward was offered for information leading to their capture, this was later raised to ten thousand pounds.

He died aged sixty-seven on Christmas Eve 1968. He was buried with full military honours in the family grave at St. Michaels Cemetery Tipperary town.
Pictured above - Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin with staff of South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel when he visited the hospital on Thursday morning. Also included are Deputy Jackie Cahill and Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose.

The overcrowding at South Tipperary General Hospital is "out of control" and needs to be tackled urgently, according to Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin.

Speaking during his visit to South Tipperary this morning, Thursday, Deputy Martin said that the number of patients on trolleys - which stood at 41 the previous Tuesday, more than any other hospital in the country - wasn't acceptable.

He said there had to be additional capacity in the hospital itself, whether that was through modular buildings or whatever mechanism that was high quality and safe, and this should be prioritised.

"In Cashel, depending on the conditions, any capacity in the system should be utilised to alleviate the pressures in Clonmel.

Having people in A&E departments for long hours is damaging to their health, particularly elderly people or people with respiratory issues. They don't need to be in emergency departments for that length of time and this has to be tackled with urgency".

Deputy Martin said that the South Hospital Group and its executive were very clear that South Tipperary General Hospital, of all the hospitals in the region, merited urgent attention in terms of capital investment.

He said he had made this case to the Health Minister Simon Harris and the upper echelons of the HSE.

"(Former Health Ministers) James Reilly and Leo Varadkar combined had a disastrous reign in health. Notwithstanding the challenges they got rid of the Treatment Purchase Fund and things went from bad to worse.

I'm stunned at the numbers of people now waiting for operations across the country and particularly in this region".

He also said there was a high turnover of theatre nurses in hospitals because of the pressures they were working under.

He said that doctors, nurses and care staff wanted to do a good job.

"It upsets them, genuinely, when they see that's not happening, through no fault of their own, due to the severe pressures. They actually feel that we as a hospital could be doing more for this patient but because of a lack of beds and capacity we just cannot do it".

Deputy Jackie Cahill, who accompanied Deputy Martin on his visit, said that when he visited South Tipperary in October Health Minister Simon Harris "promised us the sun, moon and stars but we have had no progress since.

Capital investment is urgently needed for Clonmel", said Deputy Cahill.

"I think this modular or pre-fab structure that some people told us we would have in place for this winter was never going to happen.

To me that could get in the way of the capital investment in Clonmel. Cashel is a ready-made solution while you're waiting for capital investment in Clonmel".
Bank of America has conditionally completed 97% of the $7 billion in consumer relief it agreed to provide as part of its 2014 settlement with the Department of Justice and six states, the agreement's independent monitor reported.

The settlement's monitor, Eric Green, conditionally approved roughly $450 million of consumer-relief credit in his seventh report on Bank of America's adherence to the agreement, reflecting requests made by the bank in July and August. Altogether, the amount of consumer relief credited to Bank of America has conditionally reached $6.8 billion, according to a news release Wednesday.

"Based on credit testing that is underway, it appears that Bank of America is on target to fulfill its obligations under the settlement agreement this year, well ahead of the four-year deadline," Green said in the release.

Green also reported that 53% of the loan modifications made to fulfill the settlement's consumer relief target have occurred in Department of Housing and Urban Development-designated "Hardest Hit Areas," which have a high concentration of distressed or foreclosed properties. Many of the modifications have targeted VA- or FHA-guaranteed loans.

Additionally, the modifications made for first-lien principal reductions, which constitute the largest category for consumer relief, have reduced the financial burden for consumers who receive them. Green's report noted that the average principal reduction on modifications to date is more than 50% and the average loan-to-value ratio has fallen from 176% to 75%. The average monthly payment has also dropped 37%, or by $599 per month.
The debate over housing finance reform appears to have new life as both Democrats and the next administration appear ready to take up the issue.

"I am very open to figuring out how we do this. I am just not sure where the [Trump] administration is," said Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio., on Thursday while referencing comments Treasury Secretary-designate Steve Mnuchin made a day earlier.

Mnuchin said that the issue was on his top 10 list of things to deal with, pledging to "get it done reasonably fast."

Any legislative proposal to reform the housing finance system will likely originate in the Senate Banking Committee and may depend on how well Brown  the top Democrat on the panel  and Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho., who is expected to chair the committee, work together.

Brown sounded optimistic in his comments at the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders' Policy and Practice Conference.

"It will be a better day with Sen. Crapo. I say it's a better day because he actually realizes that the name of our committee isn't Banking Committee. It is Banking, Housing and Urban Development Committee," said Brown.

Brown said he favored exploring new ways to expand affordable housing which would likely require government support and face opposition from Republicans.

"I think we started by asking the wrong questions," said Brown, pointing to past efforts to restructure the government-sponsored enterprises. "We were talking less about people and accessible mortgages and all of that and more about Fannie and Freddie and I think the conversation was a bit upside down."

Brown said the Obama administration "didn't push it real hard" after National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling left.

While Brown was skeptical of whether President-elect Donald Trump has a housing finance reform plan yet, he did believe affordable housing could be included in an infrastructure bill.

"Trump really does want to build I think," said Brown.

"Republicans have blocked us in the past because they don't want to raise revenue. We did last year with funny money. We took money out of the Federal Reserve which was not as much as it looked like and it was a bad precedent," Brown said, referring to provisions that funneled funds from a dividend that the Federal Reserve Board pays to banks to pay for infrastructure spending.
President-elect Donald Trump has named Quicken Loans Executive Vice President Shawn Krause to the team that will direct the transition at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Krause leads Quicken's government relations work and recently added overseeing the company's state- and local-level efforts to the work she did lobbying at the federal level. She joined Quicken in 1991 as a loan processor and has held leadership roles within the capital markets, operations and technology teams.

Quicken Loans Chief Executive Bill Emerson welcomed Krause's appointment, calling it "a great move for HUD."

"She has done everything you can practically do in this industry," Emerson told National Mortgage News. "You have someone who truly understands housing. You couldn't ask for someone better for a HUD transition than that."

Emerson said that Quicken had not yet determined how Krause's appointment to the transition team will affect the company's operations. Krause leads a team of roughly 20 employees.

"We have to see what is involved and how much time is spent," he said. "If her time is pulled away doing this, we'll obviously work through it."

A company spokesman confirmed that Krause deregistered as a lobbyist earlier this year, noting that the company does not plan to "backfill with another registered lobbyist."

Emerson also said Krause's appointment is not expected to have any impact on the ongoing lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against Quicken. The case alleged that Quicken improperly underwrote hundreds of loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration in violation of the False Claims Act.

A federal judge agreed earlier in November to move the case to Detroit from Washington, D.C., which the company had wanted.

Along with Krause, Trump also selected Jimmy Kemp, son of former HUD Secretary Jack Kemp and president of the Jack Kemp Foundation, for the transition team. Previously, Trump had picked John Bravacos, an attorney and former HUD regional director, and Elvis Solivan, an employee of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, for the team.

Last week, Trump said in a post on Twitter that he was considering former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson for HUD Secretary.

Trump has also named housing and financial services veterans to other transition team slots. Alex Pollock, the former president and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and current financial systems studies director at the think tank R Street, was named to the transition teams for the Financial Stability Oversight Council and the Federal Trade Commission.

Additionally, former Securities and Exchange Commission General Counsel Ralph Ferrara is on the team for the Federal Reserve Board, and former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Bitsberger is on the Federal Housing Finance Agency transition team.
John Allison, former chairman and chief executive officer of BB&T Corp., speaks during a news conference in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, March 2, 2012. A poll analysis by Job Creators Alliance stated 57% of adults believe tax and regulatory burden on businesses are slowing job creation. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** John Allison Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

President-elect Donald Trump recognizes that full repeal of the Dodd-Frank Act is unlikely, though he supports a House effort to make significant changes, according to a former banker who was on the shortlist to be Treasury secretary.

John Allison, who recently met with Trump and several advisers while being vetted for the Treasury post, said the incoming administration is inclined to back the proposed Choice Act even though they would like to go further in altering Dodd-Frank.

Allison also had a generally positive view of Steven Mnuchin, who was officially tapped Wednesday to become the next Treasury secretary, noting that the former banker has a grasp on how restrictive regulation has been for the financial services sector due to his experience in resurrecting the failed IndyMac Bank. Allison also met with Mnuchin as part of the interview process.

While Allison, a libertarian and adherent to Ayn Rand's objectivism, acknowledged that he didn't see eye to eye with Trump on several issues outside of banking, he does appreciate how the president-elect is approaching the formation of his new administration.

Trump "is really committed to getting competent people from outside the D.C. circles," Allison said. "He also understands that the working class elected him, so he wants to make things better thereAnd even if you disagree with their philosophies, he is surrounding himself with smart people."

Trump also believes the U.S. economy can grow at a 4%-5% rate over the next four to five years before settling into a 3% growth rate, Allison said, if the president-elect can implement tax reform and ease regulation.

Allison shed more light on how his name surfaced in the Treasury search. He was contacted by Vice President-elect Mike Pence, whom he already knew. Allison spent a total of 1.5 hours meeting Trump, Pence, Mnuchin and others. The incoming administration had also researched Allison extensively.

"They did their homework," he said. "The process ran pretty much like a corporate job interview."

As for how Trump will work with Mnuchin and other appointees, Allison surmised that the president-elect will be involved with the big decisions but "doesn't show an inclination to micromanage."

Finally, Allison said he discussed other positions with Trump and his advisers but received no offers. The former BB&T chief executive, who once expressed an interest joining the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors despite being a staunch opponent of the central bank, said hed still find that post intriguing.

"I would certainly be a contrarian," Allison said, adding that he'd make himself available if Trump wanted more advice on the banking sector. "Then again, I'm also happy to stay out of Washington after spending several years there" while running the Cato Institute.
Arch Capital Group plans to offer $950 million of senior notes, using the proceeds to fund a portion of its acquisition of United Guaranty Corp. and AIG United Guaranty Insurance (Asia) Ltd. from American International Group.

Arch will offer two sets of notes, the company described in a news release Tuesday. The offering is expected to close Dec. 8.

The first offering has an aggregate principal amount of $500 million in the form of 4.011% senior notes due 2026. The second offering totals $450 million in principal and will feature senior notes carrying a 5.031% coupon due 2046.

The debt offering's closing will not be contingent on the closing of the United Guaranty deal, Arch said. In addition to paying for a portion of the cash consideration of the acquisition, the debt offering will also pay related costs and expenses and for Arch's anticipated growth in its mortgage and other business lines.

In late September, Arch planned a $450 million secondary public stock offering to raise funds for the United Guaranty deal.
David "Dave" Stevens, president and chief executive officer of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), sits for a photograph following an interview in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Democratic and Republican lawmakers have been pushing for changes at the FHA since a November actuarial report said its reserve fund for bad loans may require a taxpayer subsidy of as much as $16.3 billion in fiscal-year 2013, the first time in its 79-year history that it wouldn't be self-supporting. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** Dave Stevens Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

Removing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from government control, as Treasury Secretary-designate Steven Mnuchin would like to, could mean the two entities will do more to compete for lenders' loans.

"Private companies can be more innovative and they can compete more for customer service, potentially, if we do this right," said Mortgage Bankers Association CEO David Stevens.

But there could be downsides for lenders who sell to the two government-controlled secondary mortgage market giants as well, depending on how privatization occurred.

It has long been a concern that removing the government-related guarantee that global investors rely on in the large and liquid to-be-announced mortgage-backed securities market could disrupt a key source of funding.

If the TBA market were disrupted by the removal of that guarantee, it could cause home mortgage rates to skyrocket and constrain the range of borrowers that could find affordable loans.

"Privatization at its worst could mean private companies without a guarantee at all, but I'm not necessarily reading that in to what he said," said Stevens. "There's a pretty large battle ahead if he wants to go to pure privatization."

The Treasury Secretary-designate would take steps to ensure Fannie and Freddie would be "absolutely safe so they don't get taken over again" as they did during the last economic downturn.

One likely route through which privatization could occur without creating risk for the government could involve a broadening of existing risk sharing with the private sector and capitalization, while maintaining some form of government guarantee acceptable to key investors on the agencies' MBS.

If this occurs in such a way that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac find they could more broadly share their risk with the private market and become more adequately capitalized than they could under conservatorship, some think the two agencies could potentially buy a broader range of mortgages.

"The hope is with private capital they [the GSEs] could get back to buying more loans," said Scott Olson, executive director of the Community Home Lenders Association. "That's a positive thing that could result."

Fannie and Freddie could buy more loans if semi-privatized with additional buy-in from private investors while the government retains a smaller, majority stake, said Rick Roque, managing director of Menlo, a mergers and acquisitions firm in Boston that facilitates mortgage banking retail development.

"It'll open the product box [for lenders] and it will open up the credit box for consumers," said Roque. He thinks private investors will be eager to invest in Fannie and Freddie given their recent profitability.

But Fannie and Freddie's loan buying is unlikely to return to the levels seen precrisis, according to Stevens.

"You [the government] would perhaps restrict some of the hedge fund activities they [Fannie and Freddie] engaged in prior to conservatorship," he said.

Another possible implication of privatization, depending on how it is executed, is that it could create advantages for larger players.

Community lenders rely on certain guarantee-fee and other government-related pricing controls to maintain parity between large and small lenders in loan purchases, so if privatization removed these, the pricing advantages bigger lenders had pre-conservatorship could return.

"G-fee or other pricing differentials based on volume would favor big institutions," Olson said.

But Mnuchin has expressed interest in being supportive of small- and medium-sized businesses, which could suggest that he would be interested in preserving a level playing field.
President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Steven Mnuchin as Treasury secretary set off a flurry of angry responses from foreclosed homeowners that are likely to haunt the former CEO of OneWest Bank at his confirmation hearing next year.

James Beekman, an Air Force veteran who owns a car wash in Florida, and has battled OneWest for years in court, denounced Mnuchin on Twitter, calling him "a liar and a crook."

Teena Colebrook, whose Hawthorne, Calif., home was foreclosed on in 2015, was shocked that Mnuchin was named to the Treasury post. She alleges the bank never gave her a proper accounting of her loan and refused to offer a loan modification.

"Why would they put someone like Mnuchin in charge at Treasury when the bank he ran could not even get the figures right on my mortgage?" said Colebrook. "How can somebody like that be in charge of the Treasury?"

The two are part of a cadre of troubled homeowners who are voicing their stories on social media and in the press. While the accusations alone are unlikely to sink Mnuchin's nomination, they are poised to politically weaken the Treasury secretary-designate before he even takes office and allow Democrats to tag the Trump administration with the sins of the financial crisis.

Yet there are open questions about whether Mnuchin is responsible for the foreclosures, with some arguing that his bank properly followed federal guidelines to determine who would receive a loan modification.

At issue is Mnuchin's involvement with a group of hedge fund billionaires that included George Soros and John Paulson, now a Trump policy advisor. In 2009, the group bought the assets of failed mortgage lender IndyMac from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. for just $1.5 billion. The FDIC has valued IndyMac's assets at $22.7 billion.

The agency seized IndyMac in 2008 and was desperate to find a buyer for the failed thrift. It created a lucrative loss-sharing agreement whereby the FDIC absorbed the first 80% of losses on a portion of IndyMac's loans. OneWest turned a profit of $1.6 billion just a year after taking over IndyMac and the FDIC deal was credited with delivering its outsized earnings.

A complication for OneWest borrowers was that even though the bank was required to offer loan modifications, only 25% of the former IndyMac's loans were covered under the loss-share agreement. The thrift sold off a majority to private investors, who had no requirement to modify.

The FDIC created a modification program specifically for OneWest borrowers that later became a model for the Treasury Department 's Home Affordable Modification Program, known as HAMP. That program was first introduced in 2009 but was not adopted by most servicers until the government beefed up incentives to help borrowers avoid foreclosure.

"The big effort was to try to determine when it was appropriate to foreclose or do a loan modification on a net present value basis and which option provided the greater return," said John Bovenzi, the former FDIC chief operating officer who was IndyMac's CEO during receivership and is now a partner at Oliver Wyman.

Laurence Platt, a partner at Mayer Brown, said the FDIC essentially controlled the way that OneWest considered borrowers for loss mitigation before foreclosing.

"In virtually all circumstances, the Munchin-owned [OneWest Bank] followed federal guidelines for loss mitigation and foreclosures," Platt said. "If there were foreclosures under his watch, it was because the federal government guidelines found that there were no reasonable alternatives to foreclosure."

But some foreclosed borrowers have alleged in lawsuits that OneWest under Mnuchin used bait-and-switch tactics, in which the bank promised to give loan mods to borrowers but only if they defaulted. Those borrowers claim that after they defaulted, OneWest denied them loan modifications and instead filed for foreclosure, causing thousands to lose their homes and equity, which for some amounted to their entire life savings.

"Most of us just wanted to keep our homes and get the same help the banks were getting from taxpayers," said Colebrook, 59, who alleges OneWest told her to default and then refused to restructure her loan. "Instead, they labeled us [homeowners] as deadbeats and stole our homes."

Beekman has a stack of legal documents from a years-long legal battle with OneWest despite winning a 2013 trial against the bank.

"Even though a judge ordered OneWest to modify my mortgage and awarded me all my legal fees, which was a total shocker, OneWest never fixed the errors or gave me an accurate accounting, and they hired more lawyers to try to steal my house," said Beekman, who has filed three lawsuits against OneWest for fraud and racketeering.

In 2013, Colebrook, Beekman and dozens of other homeowners, many of whom now know each other through their shared experiences, sent an open letter to Congress complaining of OneWest's "deceitful, immoral, illegal, criminal and fraudulent practices." Both borrowers said no lawmakers have ever contacted them.

Seniors also have complained that OneWest refused to modify reverse mortgage loans that were in default even though the loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a unit of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"In all these different scenarios, Mnuchin's businesses made a lot of money at the expense of real people," said Alys Cohen, a staff attorney at National Consumer Law Center. "OneWest made a business decision not to let anyone save their home once they went into foreclosure."

To be sure, OneWest was the only bank that completed the Independent Foreclosure Review, an initiative by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Reserve that stemmed from a 2011 consent order that alleged 14 servicers engaged in bad servicing and foreclosure practices.

The review found that OneWest had an error rate of 5.6%. Of the bank's total 192,000 pending foreclosures and foreclosure sales in 2009 and 2010, just 10,781 loans had errors and almost all of the errors were in the lowest category, the OCC said.

Borrowers who were harmed by a multitude of foreclosure errors received a wide range of payments under the review, from as little as $1,000 to a maximum of $125,000. OneWest was one of four banks, including Bank of America, Citigroup and PNC, that did not pay any penalty to federal regulators because they completed corrective actions under the consent order.

But the statistics from the foreclosure review do not provide much solace to foreclosed borrowers.

One Marin County homeowner, who is a banker and did not want his name used because he works in the industry, said he was angry that Mnuchin was named Treasury secretary because OneWest reneged on its promises to modify his waterfront home that had a $680,000 mortgage in 2010. He made $30,000 in payments under a forbearance plan, but OneWest ultimately foreclosed and sold the home a year later for $1.4 billion, he said.

"I really felt that being a banker when they told me I had a modification, there was credibility there," he said. "They gave me three different modifications that I could have made easily and reneged on every one of them."

Despite opposition from foreclosed homeowners, seniors and consumer groups, regulators last year approved the sale of OneWest to Cit Group for $3.4 billion. The deal was one of the most protested mergers, with 21,000 people and 100 groups registering opposition, said Kevin Stein, deputy director of the California Reinvestment Coalition. The group estimated that CIT and OneWest received roughly $5 billion combined in government subsidies while borrowers got little.

Last month, two consumer advocacy groups filed a redlining complaint against CIT Group's OneWest Bank for making few mortgages to minority borrowers and operating branches in predominantly white neighborhoods.

"The merger should not have been allowed or stronger conditions should have been imposed," Stein said.
2,700 percent price hike for medicine that treats severe lead poisoning

Patent monopolies restrict competition that could bring down the price of life saving drugs

(NaturalNews) During the Flint city water crisis, as children's brains were being poisoned by lead coming from their tap water, one pharmaceutical company was caught cashing in, in the greediest way. Valeant Pharmaceuticals hiked the price of an important medicine that treats severe lead poisoning. They hiked the price by a stunning 2,700 percent between 2013 and 2015, severely restricting the medicine's availability at a time when children in Flint, Michigan needed it the most.For over two years, residents of Flint, Michigan were poisoned by extreme levels of lead in their tap water. When Flint city officials switched the source of the city's drinking water from Lake Huron to Flint River, proper water treatment protocols were not followed. As residents complained about the water, city officials continued to claim the water was safe to drink. When the issue was finally brought to light by heavy metal testing, residents found out they were drinking what the EPA considers hazardous waste. When Virginia Tech University tested 300 water samples from Flint, Michigan, lead levels were consistently greater than the EPA's limit of 15ppb. One sample was as high as 13,200ppb!The lead poisoning problems in Flint, Michigan have shed light on the toxicity of water supplies across the Nation. Corrosive pipes silently poison the population, delivering lead to people's taps, ultimately destroying the brains of the next generation.Instead of making solutions widely available, pharmaceutical companies seek to cash in on the crisis. During the Flint water crisis, Valeant Pharmaceuticals acquired a medicine that has been used to treat lead poisoning for decades. Instead of making this medicine available to the victims of Flint, Michigan, Valeant Pharmaceuticals raised the price of the medicine by 2,700 percent. The medicine is an intravenous treatment called Calcium EDTA. It is used for life threatening cases of lead poisoning. Its price has remained stable for decades, but as the crisis in Flint raged on, Valeant acquired the drug and jacked up the price from $950 a vial to $26,927!Dr. Michael Kosnett, an associate clinical professor in the division of clinical pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Colorado's School of Medicine says, "This is a drug that has long been a standard of care, and until recently it was widely accessible at an affordable price There's no justification for the astronomical price increases by Valeant, which limit availability of the drug to children with life-threatening lead poisoning ."When questioned, Valeant Pharmaceuticals backed up their inordinate price hikes. A company spokesman said that Valeant can only make this medicine consistently available through higher prices because they only make 200 to 300 vials per year. In 2015, Valeant hiked the price of several long standing drugs by 66 percent on average. Their price hikes are five times greater than other pharmaceutical companies.Like all other pharmaceutical companies, Valeant is able to jack up prices because they know insurance companies and government programs will shield patients from the rising costs. However, health insurance premiums continue to go up to cover the ever increasing cost of this rigged, greed-based system that doesn't allow for competition. Generic forms of drugs are not allowed to compete in the US healthcare market for many years, until the patent on the original drug expires.This competition is essential and desperately needed for driving down costs of medicines such as Calcium EDTA. The drug companies enjoy their patent monopolies which prevent competitors from offering more affordable choices. Doctors and hospitals can take their case to their respective states, but it's the government that has rigged the system from the top down.
Western medicine must stop ignoring a real threat to our children

Stressed out kids lead to sick adults

(NaturalNews) Vaccines linked with autism and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); environmental toxins; processed foods loaded with preservatives, sugar and GMOs - when it comes to protecting the health of our kids, it's no wonder that parents can feel overwhelmed.Sadly, Western medicine - along with government agencies - continue to minimize (or ignore) many avoidable health threats, while potentially contributing to them by overprescribing antibiotics for minor childhood ailments. It's time for a better way.. On the next NaturalNews Talk Hour, Jonathan Landsman and Dr. Heather Wolfson talk about a science-based, holistic plan to protect the health of our families. This is a rare opportunity to hear about family health news rarely discussed in public - including breastfeeding, co-sleeping plus many other important issues. visit http://www.naturalhealth365.com/free-shows and enter your email address for show details plus some great gifts!According to Dr. Wolfson, environmental toxins and poor nutrition cause the vast majority of all illnesses. Unlike conventionally-trained doctors - who often fail to address the root cause of disease - Wolfson takes a "whole patient" approach, focusing on natural strategies such as organic foods, natural supplements, detoxification and testing for food allergies and heavy metal toxicity.: one out of every three children in the United States is currently overweight or obese; seven out of ten are deficient in vitamin D and the tragic health statistics go on and on. To correct poor nutrition, it all begins with a recognition that something is very wrong, needs to be changed immediately and a strong desire to change those negative aspects of our life.When it comes to nutrition for babies, breastfeeding is essential. Not only does the infant gain immunity against disease and receive the "perfect food," but the mother benefits as well. Breastfeeding encourages bonding, lowers the risk of osteoporosis and autoimmune disease, reduces the incidence of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers, aids weight loss, decreases stress and promotes better quality sleep.To learn more about don't miss the next NaturalNews Talk Hour with Jonathan Landsman and Dr. Heather Wolfson. visit http://www.naturalhealth365.com/free-shows and enter your email address for show details plus some great gifts!Scientists tell us that chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which occurs under stress, can cause poor immune function, high blood pressure and cholesterol abnormalities. And these can take a permanent toll - in a study spanning almost 60 years, participants who suffered childhood stress had a much higher risk of heart disease as adults.Dr. Heather Wolfson, along with her husband  cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson, caution people about vaccines, which natural health experts point out have been. Keep in mind, all of these vaccinations are filled with toxic additives like, formaldehyde, mercury, aluminum and ethylene glycol  to name a few unwanted ingredients. Bottom line, there is a better way to raise our kids and this information needs to get out to more and more people  before it's too late.Join us for a detailed conversation about how to protect the health of our children, and come away with many life-changing strategies for optimal health - free of toxins and drugs.: Dr. Heather Wolfson, chiropractic physician, natural health advocate and educator- Sun. Dec. 4Dr. Heather Wolfson, who provides chiropractic and nutritional care to adults and children, has lectured extensively on children's health and nutrition. She is married to holistic cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson, who founded Wolfson Integrated Cardiology and wrote "The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health."In addition to her practice as one half of The Doctors Wolfson, she is active in animal rights and environmental safety. visit http://www.naturalhealth365.com/free-shows and enter your email address for show details plus some great gifts!
Is it ever morally right to take someone else's life, even with consent?

(NaturalNews) A bill that would allow doctors in the District of Columbia to kill their patients "compassionately"  a medical "procedure" known as physician-assisted suicide  has been given the green light by D.C.'s City Council. Reports indicate that, pending a signature by Mayor Muriel Bowser , the bill will soon become law, making D.C. the sixth jurisdiction in the nation to legally sanction euthanasia for patients who opt for it with the blessing of their physicians.In an overwhelming vote of 112, the D.C. Council, led by councilwoman Mary Cheh, voted to pass the "Death With Dignity Act," which advocates say is desperately needed to help those with debilitating illnesses pass in peace. Cheh is quoted as saying that there is an "urgent need" to allow patients to commit suicide with the help of their doctors, and that this "end-of-life care option" is a matter of personal freedom "This law is designed to keep the government from taking away people's freedom and liberty to make these fundamentally personal decisions in consultation with their family, physician and spiritual advisors," Cheh said in a statement.The 112 vote is so overwhelming that not even Mayor Bowser has the option to veto it, and reports indicate that once passed it will go to Congress for review. Mayor Bowser never really stated whether or not she planned to veto the bill, but she did indicate that she expected it to eventually become law, according toCouncilman Kenyan R. McDuffie, one of the Death With Dignity Act's supporters, had an emotional outburst during a recent hearing on the bill. Having lost his own father to what he says was an excruciating downward health spiral that resulted in his horrible death, McDuffie told an audience of both supporters and opponents of the bill that he "wouldn't wish that on anyone else."Other council members told of how they experienced considerable turmoil, both morally and as a matter of their respective religious beliefs, when trying to decide how to vote on the bill. On the one hand, it would seem cruel to allow someone in terrible pain and misery to keep on suffering against his or her will. But on the other, who are we to decide whether or not it's the right time for a person to die?Councilwoman Anita Bonds stated that, despite her strong feelings in opposition to physician-assisted suicide , she ultimately decided to support the bill because, in her own words, "I do not have the authority to impose my views on others." Others in the council shared varying degrees of this same sentiment.Opponents of the bill share the same conviction, but from a different perspective  they feel as though they don't have the authority to decide to take someone else's life, even if that person says he or she no longer wants to live. There are also concerns that the provisions of the new law would make it easier for critically ill or disabled patients to be steered towards premature death, advancing an agenda of sinister eugenics rather than "compassionate" euthanasia "Much as the proponents protest over and over again that there are adequate safeguards, they are in no way adequate," says Marilyn Golden, a senior policy analyst at the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, about the tenets of the bill. "We really want to share with Congress why this bill is so dangerous, that if they want to look at overturning it, they really need to understand what the problems are."
#DumpKelloggs already trending... 120,000 sign the Breitbart petition

Now both progressives and conservatives have good reasons to boycott Kellogg's

(NaturalNews) Breitbart.com, with a massive reader base of 45 million fans, has just announced a massive boycott of all Kellogg's brands It's not over GMOs, however. Breitbart.com doesn't focus on food, herbicides or genetic engineering. Their focus is politics, and over the last two years, they've risen to become the No. 1 most credible political news publisher in America (while the lying mainstream media collapses in both credibility and readership). But Kellogg's corporatist snowflakes -- who are clearly behaving as intolerant, politically correct "safe space" protectionists -- have decided thatKellogg's, in other words, has becomeAnd that's freaking hilarious, because it's progressives who are the most concerned about GMOs in the first place. If anyone is scientifically ignorant enough to eat Kellogg's products, you'd think it would be a certain subgroup of conservatives who tend to know nothing about the dangers of agricultural chemicals, glyphosate, genetic pollution and GMOs. But nope! Now Kellogg's has decided it doesn't like conservative viewpoints -- such as supporting freedom, liberty and the U.S. Constitution -- so it's going toBreitbart.com reports:The petition is found at this link Interestingly, Natural News readers boycotted Kellogg's over a year ago for the company funneling money into state legislative efforts to defeat GMO labeling. Kellogg's was one of the many food giants that handed money over to the money-laundering GMA (Grocery Manufacturers of American) , which knowingly and deliberate violate state laws in Washington to defeat a GMO labeling bill there. The Washington State Attorney General later fined the GMA $18 million for its willful violation of campaign finance laws.Kellogg's took part in all that, making it. Apparently, that sort of behavior reflects Kellogg's "company values" most of all. Kellogg's would rather do business with a criminal money laundering GMA than provide advertising support to a liberty-oriented, pro-America news publisher like Breitbart. That tells you a lot about the "values" of the Kellogg's company, doesn't it?By pulling its ads from Breitbart, Kellogg's is engaging in "an act of discrimination and intense prejudice," says the Breitbart.com petition:With Kellogg's, you're also serving up a huge heap of GMOs, pesticides, herbicides and other toxic agricultural chemicals found in numerous Kellogg's products. Yes, this is true even with "Kashi" branded products, which are positioned to make them falsely appear to be incredibly healthy when, in reality, they're just more "junk cereal" products offered by a dishonest, intolerant, America-hating corporation rooting in delusional leftism.The upshot of all this is that informed progressives are boycotting Kellogg's due to GMOs and collusion with the GMA, while informed conservatives are boycotting Kellogg's due to the Breitbart.com situation. Now, people on both sides of the political aisle have good reason to boycott Kellogg's.Which brings us all to the question: Who, then, is still buying and eating Kellogg's products?. Kellogg's, in other words, has become "breakfast cereal for morons."Seriously, the next time you're in line at the grocery store, and you see someone buying a bunch of Kellogg's products, just(if you dare), and try to guesstimate just how low their IQ is. You almost can't guess low enough...Some of Kellogg's brands to boycott include:Kellogg's Frosted FlakesKellogg's Nutri-GrainPop-TartsRice KrispiesCheez-ItKashiEggoFrosted Mini-WheatsCocoa KrispiesMorningstar FarmsFamous AmosKellogg's Corn FlakesKellogg's Honey Smacks cerealCorn PopsMother's CookiesKeebler CompanySmart StartFroot LoopsKellogg's Raisin BranLow Fat GranolaFruit Flavored SnacksApple JacksCracklin' Oat BranMueslixSmart StartSmorzKellogg's Raisin BranKraveCrispixAll-BranApple JacksCrunchmania
(Natural News) By all accounts, Officer Alan Horujko is a hero. Acting quickly and efficiently, Horujko certainly saved numerous lives by shooting and killing attacker Abdul Razak Ali Artan. During a day and age when police officers frequently find themselves being criticized by the public  admittedly for good reason, in some instances  it is extremely refreshing to see good cops actually trying to make the world a safer place for American citizens.

Fox News reports, Officer Alan Horujko, who had only joined the department in January 2015, was responding to reports of a nearby gas leak when the suspect jumped a curb on campus at around 9:52 a.m. Horujko ordered the attacker, later identified as Abdul Razak Ali Artan, to drop the butchers knife and then shot him when he didnt obey the command, university president Michael Drake said.

Sadly, it took the Regressive Left mere minutes to begin questioning whether or not Horujko had done the right thing. Because, in the leftist mind, allowing people to die is more appropriate than using a firearm. That is how insane these people have become in recent years. Instead of praising an actual hero for saving peoples lives, the mainstream media has found a way to turn a positive into a negative and, in turn, push the belief that police officers are evil, no matter what.

Thankfully, Americans all over the country have a very different view of the situation, and have expressed their support of the heroic young man who has left the nation as a whole inspired. The manner in which he rose to the occasion and acted quickly in order to protect people who, in that instance, could not protect themselves, is something that should put a smile on the faces of everyone who cares about the freedoms we celebrate in this country.

One of the greatest side effects of this horrific ordeal is how the American people, as a whole, have gathered around Horujko and his department in support of his commitment to protect and serve. With all of the negativity in the world today, it is always nice to see good people supporting other good people, which is what is happening here. It is a shame that Horujko was forced to kill anyone, but Artans reign of terror had to come to an end, and it is important that everyone recognize that.

Our lives matter to them, so blue lives should matter to us.

Sources:

Fox29.com

CNN.com

FoxNews.com
Suppression of the cAMP pathway is a common feature across different cancers

Intrigued by the observation that decreased cAMP signaling underlies the susceptibility of glial cells to oncogenic transformation by NF1 heterozygosity,11, 12 we utilized gene expression data sets from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to investigate the activation status of the cAMP pathway in several common cancers. Five data sets comprising a total of 2571 cancer samples and 173 tissue-specific non-tumor control samples were analyzed using Gene Set Variation Analysis for pathways differentially expressed between cancer and control samples (Figure 1a). Analysis of glioblastoma, lung adenocarcinoma, bladder urothelial carcinoma and uterine endometrial carcinoma as well as stomach and esophageal carcinoma data sets revealed that all five cancers showed suppression of the cAMP signaling pathway compared with non-tumor controls (Figure 1a). Notably, the cAMP pathway was the only pathway that was consistently enriched in the non-tumor tissues examined.

Figure 1 Suppression of the cAMP pathway is a common event in tumorigenesis. (a) Five-way Venn diagram displaying overlapping signaling pathways, significantly suppressed in five cancer gene expression data sets, derived from gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The top 10 suppressed pathways per cancer indicated were used to generate the Venn diagram (using online software at http://bioinformatics.psb.ugent.be/webtools/Venn/). The analysis shows that one pathway, the cAMP pathway, was suppressed in all cancers, as indicated by the central overlapping region (*). (b) Enrichment score of cAMP pathway in individual samples from a set of five TCGA data sets shows that the cAMP pathway is suppressed in almost all patient tumors in the data sets. Scores were normalized to tissue-specific control samples, where zero represents the control score Full size image

Analysis of cAMP signaling in individual cancer cases (patient tumors) revealed that suppression of cAMP signaling occurred in 97.8498.99% across all cancers analyzed (Figure 1b). Bladder carcinoma (average difference 18.9 S.D. from non-tumor) and GBM (average difference of 7.3 S.D. from non-tumor) data sets demonstrated the greatest difference in pathway enrichment compared with non-tumor tissue.

To validate the findings that the cAMP signaling is suppressed in these cancers, we used The Human Protein Atlas14 to investigate the expression of protein kinase-A (PKA) catalytic subunit (PRKACA), a key kinase of the cAMP pathway that mediates phosphorylation of multiple downstream cAMP pathway substrates, comparing tumor samples to non-tumor controls (Supplementary Figure S1). In non-tumor tissue, a variable level of expression was seen among the different tissues. Brain cortex and stomach showed the highest PRKACA expression, evidenced by the widespread, intense staining within cytoplasmic regions across the tissue. Bladder and lung showed variable levels of PRKACA expression, while uterine tissue showed weak PRKACA expression. Across all organs examined, tumor tissue exhibited uniformly low expression compared with non-tumor tissue. We did not examine the specific cell types expressing PRKACA across the tissues, but in non-tumor brain cortex, the PRKACA expression was strongest in neurons. Bioinformatic analysis of two independent GBM patient cohort gene expression and survival data shows an association between cAMP pathway activation and survival of GBM patients, where a low cAMP activity expression signature correlates with shorter survival (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Low cAMP pathway activation signature in GBM correlates with longer survival. Two independent GBM patient cohorts were used. TCGA and REpository for Molecular BRAin Neoplasia DaTa (Rembrandt) gene expression data and corresponding patient survival data was used to generate KaplanMeier graphs. TCGA data show non-significant improved median survival as indicated (P=0.161) and Rembrandt data show significantly improved survival in cAMP high GBM (P=0.0325) Full size image

cAMP agonists inhibit growth and trigger apoptosis of GBM cells

Given the recent evidence demonstrating that cAMP agonists can inhibit mouse glioma growth in vivo10 and the observation that cAMP pathway suppression was a consistent feature across multiple cancers, we investigated the molecular and cellular functions of this pathway in four GBM cells lines, which represent a diverse range of malignant GBM mutational landscapes. To test the response of cells to cAMP activation, forskolin (Fsk), an adenylate cyclase activator, and the PDE inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) were used (Figure 3a). As expected, all GBM cell lines examined showed increased phospho-cAMP-response element-binding (CREB) protein (pCREB) expression following exposure to FskIBMX (Figure 3b). Moreover, all cell lines exhibited striking growth differences in response to FskIBMX treatment using a Resazurin-based cell viability assay. FskIBMX inhibited proliferation/viability of T98G cells to the greatest extent (2.3-fold fewer cells; P=0.0022; Figure 3c) followed by A172 cells (2.0-fold fewer cells; P=2.1  105; Figure 3e) and U118 cells (1.66-fold fewer cells; P=0.0019; Figure 3d). U373 cells showed no growth inhibition in response to cAMP stimulation and instead showed a slight increase in cell number after 4 days, compared with control (Figure 3f). All GBM cell lines, including a further two lines tested (LN18 and D270), showed similar effects in response to FskIBMX using an LDH-dependent cell growth/viability assay (Supplementary Figure S2a). Comparing the effect of FskIBMX to various concentrations of the standard GBM chemotherapeutic temozolomide (TMZ) at 96 h exposure to drugs, we observed an equivalent or greater reduction of cell viability by FskIBMX (Supplementary Figure S2b) on T98G, U118 and A172 cells. By contrast, U373 cells were resistant to FskIBMX but sensitive to TMZ, even at the maximum TMZ concentration used (200 M). Combining FskIBMX and TMZ led to an inhibition of cell growth in three of the four cells lines, with T98G and A172 showing the largest effect, followed by U118. U373 cells did not show a drug-dependent change in growth over 96 h (Figure 3g).

Figure 3 cAMP agonists suppress GBM cell proliferation. (a) Schema depicting the molecular targeting of the cAMP pathway and the actions of cAMP-activating compounds Fsk and IBMX, which led to the activation of PKA via cAMP or inhibition of PDEs. (b) Western blotting showing the phosphorylation of the PKA substrate, CREB, by Fsk (25 M) and IBMX (100 M) in GBM cell lines. (c) Dose-independent decrease in cell proliferation/viability by FskIBMX in GBM cell lines T98G and A172 (e) but not in U118 (d) or U373 (f) over 96 h. (g) Cells were incubated in the presence of Fsk (25 M) and IBMX (50 M), with or without TMZ (200 M) for 96 h, and the cell number was measured at 48 and 96 h using a Resazurin assay. Results are shown as the ratio of cell number relative to vehicle (DMSO) treatment Full size image

cAMP agonists induce apoptosis and expression of proapoptotic BIM

A number of studies have demonstrated that cAMP-mediated cell growth inhibition can be accounted for, in part, by enhanced apoptosis.9, 15, 16 Using FACS analysis to measure AnnexinV expression, an early marker of apoptosis, we found that 25 M FskIBMX treatment induced an increase in apoptotic cell number in T98G cells (4.223.7% AnnexinV+; P=4.52  105) and A172 cells (5.118.3% AnnexinV+; P=1.20  104) (Figure 4a). By contrast, U118 cells (3.96.34% AnnexinV+; P=0.33) and U373 cells (2.93.1% AnnexinV+; P=0.88) did not show significant differences in apoptotic cell number following exposure to FskIBMX, demonstrating a selective response to cAMP-induced cell death among the four GBM cell lines examined (Figure 4a).

Figure 4 cAMP agonists induce apoptosis in T98G and A172 GBM cells via upregulation of BIM expression but not in U118 and U373 cells. (a) AnnexinV FACS quantification comparing vehicle-treated (DMSO) to FskIBMX -treated GBM cells (n=3). (b) Quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes (n=2). (c) Western blotting showing BIM expression in cells treated with DMSO or FskIBMX and (d) quantification of BIM protein upregulation (n=3). Error bars are S.E.M. Full size image

We then investigated the ability of FskIBMX to regulate the transcription of several proapoptotic genes. In the two cell lines responsive to Fsk (T98G and A172; Figure 4a), FskIBMX treatment resulted in the upregulation of BIM mRNA expression (P=0.044 and P=0.0013) but did not affect the expression of NOXA, CTNBB1 or BCL2 (Figure 4b). By contrast, U118 and U373 cells, which exhibited no increased apoptosis in response to FskIBMX treatment, showed no change in BIM expression (Figure 4b). Consistent with the qRT-PCR results, western blotting analysis demonstrated an increase in BIM protein expression in T98G and A172 cells but not in U118 and U373 cells (Figures 4c and d). Together, these results suggest that the cAMP pathway stimulates the expression of the proapoptotic factor BIM mRNA and protein but not NOXA, CTNBB1 or BCL2 expression. Thus the upregulation of BIM could contribute to enhanced cell death and the observed reduction in cell number.

Inhibition of MAPK is necessary for cAMP-mediated BIM upregulation and apoptosis

Having identified a role for BIM in cAMP-mediated apoptosis in T98G and A172 GBM cells, we investigated the mechanism underlying the resistance of U118 and U373 cell lines to cAMP-induced apoptosis (Figure 4a). Examination of the transcriptional regulation of BIM showed that the archetypal cAMP-induced transcription factors, CREB and stress-responsive STAT3 do not significantly contribute to FskIBMX mediated apoptosis (Supplementary Figure S3). We further investigated another major cell signaling factor and potent regulator of BIM, the MAPK. Once activated by phosphorylation, MAPK can regulate transcription of BIM mRNA via a 3UTR-mediated mechanism,17 as well as regulating the stability of the BIM protein via phosphorylation, which targets the BIM protein for ubiquitin-mediated degradation.18 In addition, MAPK activity/phosphorylation can be modulated by the cAMP/PKA pathway.19, 20 Phospho-MAPK (pMAPK) expression in all GBM cell lines correlated to sensitivity to FskIBMX (Figure 5 and Supplementary Figure S4), suggesting a key role for MAPK signaling in BIM expression regulation and apoptosis.

Figure 5 Inhibition of pMAPK is necessary for cAMP-mediated apoptosis. (a) Western blotting showing the effect of FskIBMX treatment on pMAPK expression. (b) AnnexinV-positive cells showing the extent of apoptosis triggered by combinations of FskIBMX and U0126 in GBM cell lines T98G, U118, A172 and U373 (n>4). Top right in each panel shows BIM expression in GBM cells treated with FskIBMX and/or U0126. Lower right graph in each panel shows the effect of FskIBMX and/or U0126 on cell number over 4 days (n=2). Error bars are S.E.M. Full size image

To investigate the contribution of MAPK signaling to cAMP-mediated apoptosis, we first determined the effect of FskIBMX treatment on MAPK activity (Figure 5a). In T98G and A172 cells, which we previously determined to be sensitive to FskIBMX, we show that FskIBMX treatment causes inhibition of pMAPK expression. Interestingly, inhibition of pMAPK was not dose dependent, mirroring the dose-independent decrease in cell growth/viability observed in these cell lines (Figures 3c and e). By contrast, U118 and U373 cells, which are insensitive to FskIBMX, did not exhibit a decrease in pMAPK expression, consistent with no change in BIM expression and reduced cell viability and increased AnnexinV expression (Figures 4b and c).

We used the MAPK inhibitor, U0126, to determine the contribution of MAPK to cAMP-mediated apoptosis resistance. As previously observed, treatment of T98G and A172 cells with 25 M FskIBMX-induced apoptosis. When combined with a low concentration of U0126 (10 M; Figure 5b), we observed enhanced apoptosis in both T98G (20.1944.31%; P=0.0031) and A172 (28.98 versus 59.22%; P=0.0019) cells; a difference reflected by an increase in BIM protein expression. In the cAMP-resistant cells U118 and U373, FskIBMX treatment alone did not increase apoptosis compared with vehicle-treated cells. However, when U0126 was used in combination with FskIBMX, a significant increase in apoptosis was observed in both U118 (FskIBMX 8.78% versus FskIBMXU0126 71.77%; P=3.37  105) and U373 (FskIBMX 2.25% versus FskIBMXU0126 48.35%; P=1.92  108) cells. Once again, the difference in apoptosis was mirrored in the change in BIM expression where combined treatment led to an increase in BIM expression from undetectable to detectable. Analysis of each treatment condition on cell number over 4 days revealed a decrease in cells treated with both U0126 and FskIBMX, compared with either treatment alone. These results indicate a key role for MAPK in determining resistance to cAMP-mediated apoptosis.

RAF isoform dominance determines MAPK-dependent selectivity of cAMP-induced apoptosis

The results presented thus far demonstrate a key role for MAPK activity in regulating BIM expression and consequent apoptosis. However, a difference in the ability of FskIBMX to inhibit MAPK activation in GBM cell lines underlies the selective sensitivity to cAMP-induced apoptosis. The cAMP pathway has been reported to differentially regulate RAF isoform dominance, inhibiting CRAF19, 21 but activating BRAF,20, 22 thereby modulating MAPK signaling. Notably, prior studies have established that RAF isoform dominance in cells is dictated by the expression of PDE factors,23 where cells with high expression of PDE, therefore suppressed cAMP-activation, exhibit CRAF isoform dominance, while cells with low PDE expression are BRAF dominant (Figures 6a and b). Therefore, PDE expression level could be used as a surrogate marker for RAF isoform dominance. Importantly, this model provides a rationale for the selective ability of FskIBMX inhibition of MAPK in specific cell lines. We tested this by investigating the expression of PDE family factors in GBM cell lines to determine whether differences in RAF isoform dominance may dictate apoptotic response to cAMP activation.

Figure 6 Selective inhibition of pMAPK by cAMP agonists is dependent on RAF isoform dominance. Schema showing the mechanism of RAF isoform-dependent effects in relation to cAMP activation, MAPK pathway activity and BIM expression (modified from Marquette et al.23). (a) In cells where CRAF dominates, cAMP pathway activation can inhibit CRAF, downregulate MAPK activity and increase BIM expression. (b) In cells where BRAF dominates, BRAF is unaffected by cAMP signaling, so MAPK activity is high, which in turn inhibits BIM expression. (c) Volcano plot generated by gene expression analysis of the relative PDE expression comparing the cAMP-sensitive (T98G, A172) and -resistant (U118, U373) GBM cell lines. (d) The four PDEs showing the greatest differential expression between the cAMP-sensitive and -resistant GBM cell lines. (e) Co-expression analysis of CRAF phosphorylation and PDE subtype expression in GBM tumors shows that CRAF protein phosphorylation (phosphorylated at Ser338) is high in tumors with high PDE mRNA expression for 13 PDE subtypes examined. CRAF protein phosphorylation data was derived from TCGA reverse phase protein array (RPPA) data sets for GBM and PDE expression from TCGA GBM mRNA expression data sets Full size image

Using microarray gene expression data from GBM cell lines,24 transcriptome analysis of all four GBM cell lines used in our study revealed overexpression of three key PDE family members (PDE2A, PDE5A, PDE10A; Figures 6c and d) in the cAMP agonist-sensitive cells, T98G and A172.

Corroborating the link between PDE overexpression and CRAF dominance, analysis of reverse phase protein lysate microarrays from the TCGA data set revealed that the three PDE family members overexpressed in T98G and A172 cells correlate with CRAF activation (Figure 6e). Taken together, the data presented here suggest that the selective ability of FskIBMX to inhibit MAPK in T98G and A172 cells is due to CRAF isoform dominance, resulting in BIM upregulation and apoptosis. Conversely, FskIBMX is unable to inhibit MAPK in U118 and U373 cell lines, as they are dependent on BRAF, an RAF isoform that is not inhibited by cAMP signaling, therefore insensitive to cAMP agonists.

CD44 correlates with low pMAPK expression and is a putative biomarker of sensitivity to cAMP-induced apoptosis in GBM

A key aspect of cancer treatment when utilizing therapies directed toward a specific pathway or factor is the identification of patients who will likely respond to a specific treatment. Our results establish the MAPK pathway as a key regulator of BIM and key determinant of FskIBMX sensitivity in cancer cells. Furthermore, previous data demonstrate that the kinase activity of the different RAF isoforms varies with BRAF more efficiently activating MAPK, compared with CRAF.25 This suggests that cells with lower MAPK activity are dependent on CRAF and are therefore sensitive to FskIBMX treatment. Analysis of MAPK activity in sensitive (T98G and A172) and resistant (U118 and U373) GBM cell lines revealed striking differences in pMAPK expression (Figure 7a). Compared with the most sensitive cell line T98G, the expression of pMAPK was higher in both U118 (4.9-fold greater) and U373 (8.9-fold greater) cells. A172 pMAPK expression was closer (1.9-fold greater) to that observed in T98G cells, indicating an inverse correlation between pMAPK expression and sensitivity to FskIBMX-induced apoptosis (Figure 7b).

Figure 7 CD44 correlates with low pMAPK expression and is a putative biomarker of sensitivity to cAMP-induced apoptosis in GBM. (a) Comparison of pMAPK expression in GBM cell lines (n=3). (b) Correlation of pMAPK expression and apoptosis upon treatment with FskIBMX (n=6). (c) Immunohistochemical analysis of a representative GBM specimen showing inverse correlation between pMAPK and CD44. (d) FACS analysis of GBM cell lines showing CD44 expression in all sensitive cells and no expression in resistant cells (n=3). (e) Western blot showing expression of CD44 in the GBM cell lines. Error bars are S.E.M. Full size image

In the context of GBM, MAPK is preferentially activated in some subtypes,26 suggesting that the use of biomarkers previously implicated in tumor subtype identity may be relevant to the identification of patients with drug-specific sensitive tumors. To this end, we investigated a panel of subtype-relevant markers, including CD44 and Olig2.27, 28, 29 Using immunohistochemical analysis, we established that pMAPK expression was heterogeneously expressed within GBM tumors and was inversely associated with CD44 expression (Figure 7c). In tumor regions where pMAPK was highly expressed, CD44 was either absent or expressed at a low level (Figure 7c). By contrast, in regions which expressed low pMAPK, CD44 was highly expressed, suggesting that CD44-expressing cells may be sensitive to FskIBMX treatment. To validate the ability of CD44 in identifying cells that are preferentially sensitive to cAMP reactivation, we analyzed the GBM cell lines for the expression of CD44 (Figure 7d). Expression analysis by FACS and western blottiing confirmed the predictive power of CD44 and cAMP-induced apoptotic sensitivity, as the cell lines which were most sensitive to FskIBMX, T98G and A172 were uniformly CD44 positive. By contrast, U118 and U373 cells, which are resistant to Fsk/IBMX and exhibit higher basal pMAPK expression, were uniformly CD44 negative (Figures 7d and e). To consolidate the inverse association between pMAPK expression, CD44 expression and sensitivity to cAMP agonists, we used two further cell lines with distinct CD44 expression profiles. Comparing GBM cell lines LN18 and D270, we observed that LN18 exhibited low pMAPK, high CD44 expression and sensitivity to FskIBMX treatment, whereas D270 showed the opposite characteristics, consistent with the other GBM cell lines analyzed herein (Supplementary Figure S4).
India will be home to the world's largest solar power plant. This means India is set to be the third biggest solar market as early as 2017.



According to Al-Jazeera, the site of the new solar power plant is located in Kamuthi, Tamil Nadu, and has the capacity of 648MW. It covers an area of a whopping 10 square kilometers, making it the largest solar power plant in a single location. This takes away the title from the Topaz Solar Farm in California, which has the capacity of 550MW.



What's more impressive is that the power plant was only built in a span of eight months. It's also cleaned every day by a robust robotic system and is even charged by its own solar panels.



According to Popular Mechanics, if the power plant uses its full power, it can provide enough electricity to at least 150,00 homes. This is worthwhile for a project that has 2.5 million individual solar modules that cost $679 million to build.



The new power plant also helped nudge India towards its total installed solar capacity toward the 10 GW mark. According to Al Jazeera, research firm Bridge to India said the country is one of very few to be able to meet such a threshold.



If India continues this move towards solar power, it would be the third-biggest solar market worldwide. This is after China and the United States, which are both aggressively taking a stance towards climate change.



Still, despite being the fastest-growing solar power industry today, India will have to increase its take-up of solar panels if it wants to achieve the country's rather ambitious goals. It currently wants to power 60 million homes by 2022, a part of the government's goal to produce 40-percent of its power from non-fossil fuels by 2030.



This aim has been praised by a lot of environmental groups. This will also help reduce the country's problem with air quality, as the pollution level in capital New Delhi has reached its worst in 17 years.
The matter of aging has been an age-old problem, pun not intended. Scientists and medical practitioners have been struggling for centuries how to interpret and understand problems related to health and mortality.



However, a lot of scientists are starting to reconsider their stance on aging as a naturally occurring phenomenon. British biologist Aubrey de Grey first proposed the idea that aging may be a disease and was met with criticism, and a lot of scientists are now starting to support his idea.



According to Futurism, it's important to consider that the matter of pathologizing aging in itself has already been gaining attention through the years. According to Reuters, some consider aging as just "damage" that the body has sustained throughout life. Meaning at some point, this can be stopped.



De Grey's hypothesis is that aging is the result of the accumulation of "garbage" material that cells cannot break down. De Grey and his team opted to look into the phase after "death" for a solution to sustain life and youth, which is decomposition.



Decomposition is the process where bacteria break everything in the human body, including things we cannot break down on our own.



In 2012, they identified that there really are bacteria that releases enzymes that can effectively and completely break down 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC), a substance responsible for cardiovascular disease. By modifying the genes of these bacteria, they successfully protected the body from the substance.



This means scientists may finally be one step closer to finally stopping cardiovascular disease on its roots. A lot of scientists are now beginning to share this view that will eventually lead to an amazing paradigm shift.



Futurism added that there's an ongoing clinical trial where blood plasma from young people are successful in improving the physical performance and cognitive functions of Alzheimer's patients.



Meanwhile, Mutaz Musa at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine said that the matter of pathologizing aging is largely "semantic," and he also agreed in his opinion piece in the Scientist that it should be treated as a disease.
Scientists have broken the stereotype that winter is an off-season for lake plants, animals, and algae. Freshwater systems around the planet are incredibly active and much more complex, especially in recent times since climate change is warming lakes around the planet.

"As ice seasons are getting shorter around the world, we are losing ice without a deep understanding of what we are losing," said Stephanie Hampton, referring to the study published in the journal Ecology Letters. The lead author of the research and a Washington State University professor, Hampton asserted, "Food for fish, the chemical processes that affect their oxygen and greenhouse gas emissions will shift as ice recedes."

"While winter's lower temperatures and light levels may force lake life into a slower mode, algae and zooplankton are still abundant," stated Dr. Elizabeth R. Blood, the program director of the National Science Foundation's Division of Environmental Biology. An independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering, The National Science Foundation funded the research.

Blood supports the idea that bodies of water are far from inactive during winter. "What will happen if lake ice cover decreases in warming temperatures? These results are a significant step in understanding what may be far-reaching changes for lake ecosystems."

With lakes that allow a lot of sunlight to permeate its depths, the growth of growth of algae and zooplankton on the underside of the ice is stimulated, providing food sources for fish at the start of their growing season and creating an ecological impact that will last for the rest of the year.

"In some lakes where the ice is really clear and there's not very much snow cover, there can be a lot of photosynthesis and a lot of productivity," according to Hampton. After considerable time studying Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake found in Russia, Hampton revealed a surprising fact. "There were some lakes in this study where the productivity in winter actually exceeded the productivity you would see in summer."

Hampton and her Russian team have also discovered "a unique little microecosystem" under the ice, with filaments hanging down from the subsurface. "Russian researchers who spend a lot of time on Baikal remind us that when you get ice, now you've got a new habitat. It can be a vast habitat extending across the entire lake."
Researchers have found a way to turn nuclear waste into nuclear-powered batteries using diamond, offering longer battery life and solving the issue of clean energy.

A team of chemists and physicists from Bristol University presented their discovery at a lecture entitled "Ideas to Change the World" in Cabot Institute. The researchers have grown a man-made diamond that generated a small electrical current when placed in a radioactive field.

"There are no moving parts involved, no emissions generated and no maintenance required, just direct electricity generation. By encapsulating radioactive material inside diamonds, we turn a long-term problem of nuclear waste into a nuclear-powered battery and a long-term supply of clean energy," Tom Scott, Professor in Materials in the University's Interface Analysis Centre and a member of the Cabot Institute stated in a report provided by the University of Bristol.

The majority of the existing electricity generation methods use energy to move a magnet through a coil of wire to generate current, the new method allows the diamond to produce a charge simply by being placed near a radioactive source.

Numerous studies have shown nuclear energy as a reliable source of energy since it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, it produces tons of hazardous waste material which are hard to repurpose. In an article by GreenPeace.org, numerous studies have shown the different effects of this radioactive waste including cancers, birth defects, genetic damage, and lowered immunity to diseases in humans. Accordingly, it is estimated that due to atmospheric testing alone, 430,000 fatal human cancers had been produced by the year 2000 and that eventually, the total will be 2.4 million.

In the research, the so-called "diamond battery" used a Nickel-63 as the source of radiation.

Dr. Neil Fox from the School of Chemistry said that the carbon-14 was chosen as a source material because it emits a short-range radiation, which is absorbed fast by any solid material. The radioactive carbon-14 can remove the greater part of the radioactive material. Then, the extracted carbon-14 was fused into a diamond to produce a nuclear-powered battery.

"We envision these batteries to be used in situations where it is not feasible to charge or replace conventional batteries. Obvious applications would be in low-power electrical devices where long life of the energy source is needed, such as pacemakers, satellites, high-altitude drones or even spacecraft," Scott added.
A machine will help monitor the muscles of astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS). The Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System or MARES is a muscle measurement machine on the ISS -- similar in appearance to an exercise bench -- that will observe the crew's muscles as they work out.

During spaceflight, astronauts' muscle strength typically drops. Scientists are working to determine why this occurs in order to prepare for long-duration missions and safe space tourism. According to Phys.org, looking at muscle contraction in a single movement could yield little information. But MARES will provide information about how muscles behave in space, giving a full overview of muscle speed and force for every bend of an elbow or a knee joint.

This week, astronaut Thomas Pesquet from the European Space Agency (ESA) will set up MARES in the European Columbus laboratory and he will be the first test subject for scientists on Earth, ESA said in a blog. Pesquet will spend multiple days unpacking and setting up the complex machine.

On Earth, the CADMOS (Center for the Development of Microgravity Applications and Space Operations Plans) - a ground laboratory that organizes and keeps track of microgravity science experiments in space located in Toulouse, France - will support the operations. Ground user operators will answer any questions the astronauts have and suggest solutions to problems they may encounter during the experiment, ESA said.

Before Pesquet, ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti conducted an initial test-run during her mission to the ISS in 2015. While she did not become an experiment subject, Cristoforetti set up the machine and checked that the motors were functional.

While Pesquet will be the first test subject whose data will be used by researchers, Andreas Mogensen, another ESA astronaut, was the first astronaut to use MARES to take measurements in space on himself. Mogensen performed a second part of the MARES commissioning during his 2015 mission by deploying the machine in its "Ankle Configuration" to get data on his ankle movements. The test validated the machine's capability to be used in more scientific experiments in the future.
In 2013, Google Earth Timelapse released its most comprehensive picture of the Earth's changing surface, working closely with TIME, NASA, and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to compile satellite imagery from 1984 to 2012.

On Nov. 29, Google Earth updated the feature with four additional years of imagery and new data, showing a sharper view of the Earth from 1984 to 2016, Google said in a press release.

Using the same techniques in the improved versions of Google Maps and Google Earth, the new Timelapse shows a sharper, more detailed view of the planet, with more accurate colors and fewer distracting artifacts.

Google also sifted through 5 million satellite images and took three quadrillion pixels to create 33 images of the Earth, one for each year between 1984 and 2016. The update includes petabytes of high-resolution imagery from two new satellites: Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2.

The resulting data allows viewers to watch the effects of climate change as they happen. Vivid imagery of activities on Earth could be seen, such as effects of carbon emissions and other factors including the rise in sea levels, glacial movements, urban growth, forest gain and loss, and development of infrastructures. Images also show the glaciers retreating in Antarctica, the expansion of tar sand mining in Canada, and rerouting rivers in Tibet, Engadget reports.

According to Popular Science, the updated version also shows the rapid recession of the Exit Glacier in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, which has been receding over the past 30 years. Even coastal areas of Louisiana show the effects of hurricanes and other natural disasters. The update also illustrates the water crisis in Nebraska, where Lake McConaughy in the northern part of the Ogallala Aquifer - which supplies nearly one-third of U.S.'s irrigation water - is gradually depleting.

The new Timelapse feature can be viewed on the Earth Engine Website.
Even when American astronauts leave Earth for space missions, there is still one thing they would not need to leave behind: a hearty Thanksgiving dinner.

This year, commander of the ISS crew Shane Kimbrough and Peggy Whitson of NASA enjoyed their Thanksgiving meal of dehydrated cornbread dressing, strawberries, tea with sugar, as-flown cranberry sauce spread and smoked turkey. But instead of the food being served in platters and jugs, the meals came in prepackaged pouches. Since alcohol is prohibited in the space station, the crew instead enjoyed pouches of sweet tea, Space.com reports.

According to NASA, taste and nutrition are among the key challenges scientists face as they work to develop foods for astronauts to eat in space. But scientists are now developing ways to extend the shelf life of foods for up to seven years, which is about triple the amount of time foods consumed by ISS crew are considered usable, said Vickie Kloeris, manager of NASA's Space Food Systems Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center in Texas, said in an interview with Seeker.

The extended expiration date could be used for long missions NASA's "Journey to Mars," wherein food will be included in the cargo to be flown to the Red Planet ahead of the crew.

While some astronaut food may appear indestructible, many do not retain their nutrition or palatability for even a year, Michele Perchonok, manager of NASA's advanced food technology program, told Wired. Perchonok added that food-nutrient losses are a serious matter for astronauts, and that stocking a spacecraft for Mars travel could be problematic.

For this purpose, NASA scientists and military researchers are both looking at technologies that could make this happen. The first method is high-pressure processing, which is similar to how canned goods are prepared today, but with less heat and more pressure. According to Kloeris, the method allows for higher initial food quality, which could give the food longer shelf life.

The second is microwave sterilization, which works by quickly heating and cooling foods. The heat is applied over a shorter period of time, which would also give the food higher initial quality and longer expiration date.

"Food is important on lots of levels," former astronaut Sandy Magnus told Seeker. "Human beings gather around food for social purposes. Think of all the times you meet friends at restaurants or bars and share a meal and get caught up over food."
In the case of the latest science fiction films where extraterrestrials battle it out with humans in outer space, it is likely the same could happen in the future. However, rather than a space war with aliens, it could happen between countries namely the United States, Russia, and China.

According to reports, the US military is gearing up for a warfare in space which involve destructive lasers and kamikaze satellites. This scenario could most likely begin with a cyberattack which would disable satellites which would then lead to communication loss. All this was predicted in the documentary, "War in Space: The Next Battlefield."

"As humans go out there, there has always been conflict," stated Gen. John Hyten to CNN, who is the head of US Strategic Command, adding, "Conflict in the Wild West as we move in the West ... conflict in Europe for its horrible world wars. So, every time humans actually physically move into that, there's conflict, and in that case, we'll have to be prepared for that."

In the final frontier, US could be facing off with China and Russia, both of whom are chief adversaries. Russia has already deployed a supposed kamikaze satellite by the name of "Kosmos 2499." Even China has had their version of offensive space gear, the "Shiyan" satellites, that can easily pluck satellites from their orbit. In 2013, the Shiyan-7 satellite was one of three mysterious satellites launched by the country.

Due to the alleged "threats" from other countries, the US is gearing up as well. But could a space war be prevented? Officials at the Pentagon are reportedly creating space laws, specifically for when a satellite is destroyed.

"Much like the maritime laws that we have, they established over time by safe and responsible behaviors and patterns of life," stated Rear Admiral Brian Brown, adding, "That is something we are pushing for in a lot of different areas, so we don't have miscalculations in space."

Even the United Nations had set an Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which bans all orbital or moon-based weapons of destruction. The treaty also lays down the principle that no country could claim any celestial body found in space as their own. Such agreement has helped a foundation of peaceful cooperation for decades.

Yet, updated space laws could help in an international cooperation when it comes to space exploration and missions. Such updated space laws could greatly prevent a space war in the future.
A bacteria fossil, which dates back to almost 2.5 billion years, has been discovered in one rock formation in Gamohaan, South Africa. Scientists are impressed as it is not like many of the bacteria and microorganisms found on Earth which thrive on the presence of oxygen, a proof that it is a microorganism that existed prior the "Great Oxidation Event" in which massive amounts of oxygen dissolved into the atmosphere.

This, for many scientists, is an impressive find. A study from Science Alert has shown that the ability of this microorganism to thrive without oxygen and use oxidized sulfur is a good thing. It is actually an indication that there are organisms that can survive in the event that the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere decreases at a significantly low amount.

One of the scientific theories about biodiversity before what is known as the "Great Oxidation Event" is that oceans are filled with bacteria that can create food with neither sunlight nor oxygen. The discovery of this fossilized bacteria may be one evidence to prove that this theory may actually be true.

A study from the University of California explained that the sample was located and photographed by light microscopy and laser scanning microscopy, and they discovered that the size of the bacteria is larger than most of those present today. The size and shape gave the scientists a clue to what kind of bacteria this might be, as most sulfur-oxidizing bacteria are larger in diameter.

According to a study performed by the University of Cincinnati, the fossilized sample was dug up from a layer of hard, silica-rich rock found in the Kaapvaal Craton. This find is one in a million as it has been uncovered in one of the two places where Earth's crust from billions of years ago is still well preserved.
Ripley's Aquarium's animals left behind the property due to the Gatlinburg Wildfire are safe and taken care of.

In a Facebook post of Ripley's Aquarium, the management said:

"For the safety of our employees and guests, all of our Attractions will remain closed until the evacuation has lifted. We have a team of Marine Biologists and Life Support Experts inside the Aquarium and are happy to report that the animals are safe."

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies General Manager Ryan DeSear expressed appreciation to all the employees and the first responders on the site.

"First and foremost we would like to thank the first responders for risking their lives to save our community. We would also like to thank our dedicated Aquarium team that stayed as late as possible before being forced to evacuate when fires approached the back of our building. We are grateful to have had the police escort our emergency team back into the Aquarium early this morning to check on the well-being of our animals," DeSear said in a blog on the Ripley's Aquarium website.

Last Nov. 28, reports of a fast-spreading wildfire in Tennessee broke the internet. Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller says in all 12 people have been injured in the wildfires in the Gatlinburg area. To make matters worse, aquarium officials disclosed that employees were forced to evacuate Ripley's Aquarium which houses more than 10,000 of fish, penguins, and other living creatures.

In a report from WBIR.com, DeSear said that the "raging fire" was about 50 yards away from the aquarium when the employees were evacuated. DeSear was confident that the animals were safe since the aquarium's live web camera was still active.

"As long as we have fuel in our generators, that aquarium can run on its own," DeSear said.

Miller disclosed that no reports of missing people were filed. The wildfire spread Monday night by winds that exceeded 87 miles per hour.
The California mother who was held captive for three weeks is unable to fully describe her two female abductors because their faces were covered most of the time, a California sheriff said at a press conference Wednesday.

Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said Wednesday that the Spanish-speaking suspects also kept 34-year-old Sherri Papini's head covered during much of her ordeal. Bosenko added that Papini was branded by the suspects.

Papini went missing Nov. 2 while jogging near her home in Redding. She was dropped along Interstate 5 near Sacramento on Thanksgiving.

Bosenko said authorities are trying to produce sketches of the suspects based on Papini's limited recollections.

Papini told investigators one of the women had long curly hair, thin eyebrows, pierced ears, and a thick accent. The older suspect had straight black hair and thick eyebrows.

Bosenko urged anyone with information on the case to come forward and told residents to stay cautious until the suspects are identified.
A 5-year-old boy died and many more were injured after a woman who was allegedly driving under the influence crashed her car into an apartment building early Thursday morning in South Los Angeles.

The crash was reported at around 12:17 a.m. in the 2800 block of South Central Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

La Puente woman Vrenda Moreno, 23, told officials that her vehicle slammed into the ground floor of the apartment building because she swerved to avoid a driver who cut her off, said Nate Williams of the LAPD Central Traffic Division. Police said she smelled of alcohol.

The sedan crashed into the wall of a family's bedroom and a man and his 5-year-old child were pinned underneath the vehicle, Williams said. The mother was pinned under debris. Two girls, a 13 or 14-year-old and a 6-year-old, were also inside the apartment and suffered minor injuries. They were all taken to the hospital, Williams said.

The father tried to protect the boy by holding him close to his abdomen, but the 5-year-old later died in the hospital from his injuries, Williams said. The coroner later identified the boy as Luis Sanchez.

A note the little boy had written to Santa Claus, asking for a bike this Christmas, was found in the debris.

Fire officials initially said Sanchez was 5, but the mother kept asking police for her 4-year-old son at the scene, said Sgt. Rafael Quesada of the LAPD Newton Division. Around 10 a.m. Thursday, the coroner's office confirmed Sanchez was 5-years-old.

Moreno was handcuffed and taken to the hospital. She was later booked for vehicular manslaughter  under the influence, according to the LAPD. Her bail was set at $100,000.

Investigators were also searching for another vehicle possibly involved in the crash.
An ocean conservancy effort by Bay Area youth is trying to get other kids involved  with inspiration from Ghostbusters.

The group of 10- to 13-year-olds just started their project and have been finding quirky ways to get people excited about it, such as donning full Ghosbusters' outfits for their visit to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California.

The Heirs to Our Oceans (HTOO) project is hosted by the nonprofit Via Senti, which has partnered with the production company Spine Films, to show how young people are learning about ocean conservation.

The group is currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area and will be focusing their research on Northern California and the nation of Palau in Micronesia.

However, they hope the documentary will be a call to action to others.

Charley Peebler, a young activist who goes by the name "Whale Warrior" in the "Heirs to Our Oceans documentary" teaser, talked about their vision at a Sharktober celebration held by the Pacifica Beach Coalition in October.

Were saving our oceans through a movement and a movie, Peebler said. We really need kids all over the nation to help with this project.

Shes not only excited for this to happen for the others taking part, but said she enjoys seeing the excitement among adults watching their efforts.

The trailer follows Peebler as well as other Heirs such as Arjuan, the "Debris Destroyer," Cambria, the "Sea Keeper" and more members learning about the issues ranging from marine animal protection to botanicals.

In one scene, Dakota, or "Doctor Sea Otter," was filmed on a visit to Dr Melissa Miller, a Department of Fish and Wildlife veterinarian, examining a dead sea otter to find out the cause of death.

It follows the group's advocacy efforts as well, with scenes of them clearing plastics and other waste from beaches as well as holding signs on the side of the road.

The group is still raising money for more filming, but has an inside look of the project on its website and is encouraging youth "to take matters into their own hands by acting as scientific investigators in their own areas."

They also call on adults to be encouraging of efforts by youth and to be supportive in sharing their findings.

Heirs to Our Oceans' documentary is expected to be released late next year or in early 2018, according to HTOO Executive Director April Peebler.
A Bay Area quartet loaded a Toyota 4-Runner with nearly $3,000 worth of gear, drove halfway across the country and landed at the Standing Rock Native American Reservation on Thanksgiving not knowing what to expect.

That is until they arrived at the gates of Oceti Sakowin, a self-described peace camp located at the epicenter of the ongoing Dakota Access oil pipeline feud.

"We were welcomed warmly," Joe Finkel of San Francisco said. "The only question at the gate was if we had proper cold weather gear."

That they did. The Bay Area team, which consisted of Finkel and fellow San Franciscan Eric Ruud along with Oakland dwellers Kelsi Seid and Geri Keh, gathered cold-weather supplies such as wool blankets, Arctic-grade ski gloves and solar lanterns before journeying roughly 1,600 miles to hand-deliver the items to those staging a protest against the nearly-finished pipeline, which is currently in a holding pattern courtesy of a court directive. It was the group's way of speaking out against the hotly-contested pipeline.

Eric Ruud

At the heart of the battle, the argument is this: Native American tribes believe that the 1,200-mile-long pipeline will infringe upon clean drinking water supplies and cultural sites. Energy Transfer Partners, the pipelines developer, has countered those claims. They say the pipeline, which will run from the Dakotas to Illinois, is safe and protections will be put in place to combat any potential leaks.

While the bitter dispute rages on, the Bay Area troop wanted to understand the ongoing struggle for themselves. With open minds, they nestled into the protests hotbed and soaked in as much as they could in a two-day period.

"I had heard that the prayer camp was peaceful and organized, but I was particularly struck by the level of coordination and hard work going on every waking hour to prepare the prayer camp for winter, even among those who had just arrived the day before," Ruud said. "We saw reinforced winter housing go up in the span of hours, meals for thousands being prepared in multiple kitchens across the camp, and much more."

Various tents within the camp are tasked with, among other things, orienting arriving protesters about the history of the land and its people via film, spreading the movements updates on social media, or providing medical assistance to those braving near-freezing temperatures. Not to be overshadowed, but those tents pale in comparison to a prayer circle, the camps central hub.

With an open mic at their disposal, tribal elders frequent the circle, which is highlighted by a small fire, and use the stage to chant prayer songs or voice their opinions about the value of what theyre primarily fighting to protect: water.

"The message many of (the tribal elders) had for us was that this wasn't just about their land and their water," Finkel said. "This was about protecting water for all of us."

Making that message a reality rests in halting the construction of the pipeline entirely, protest leaders told the Bay Area crew.

In order to accomplish that goal, those leading the way at Oceti Sakowin promote non-violence.

"Most people at the camp are not actively engaging in the front lines of the protest," Finkel said. "The purpose of the camp is to engage in peaceful prayer."

Despite the peaceful intent, the fight has been marred by physical struggle in recent weeks. Police have used rubber bullets and freezing water to subdue protesters, who they say have been "aggressive" during midnight brawls.

Seid, who was shown video footage of law enforcement personnel pepper-spraying people while they were praying, was stunned by the protesters commitment to unshakable resilience.

"Even when faced with militarized aggression from the police, the movement is rooted in prayer," she said.

Ruud was also taken aback to find those at Oceti Sakowin brewing some sympathy for those they are clashing against.

"They are also mournful for the uniformed men and women on the other side of the river who felt locked into the path they are on," he said.

As the tension churns, strong and, at times, roller coaster like emotions continue to flood those speaking out against the pipeline.

"I would describe the mood within the camp as resolute and hopeful, drawing power from unity, but at times very mournful for the sacred land that has already been destroyed, mournful for the violence and destruction being carried out," Ruud said.

Eric Ruud

Protesters are now faced with combatting the latest development in the ongoing tilt: possible removal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, citing "safety concerns," notified tribes and demonstrators last week that those hunkered down on federal lands north of the Cannonball River, which includes the Oceti Sakowin encampment, will be asked to vacate the area on Dec. 5.

In the announcement, the Corps voiced concern for the impending winter as well ongoing conflict between protesters and law enforcement officials as reasons for penning the decree. Anyone who fails to leave the property could face trespassing charges and subsequent prosecution.

Those heading the protest vow to stay put, but the thought of eviction still makes Finkel uneasy.

"Were incredibly concerned for the well-being of the thousands of peaceful people we saw there, elders and women and children," he said "They're prepared for the winter and have an outpouring of support from across the country, but a forced evacuation of the camp is awful to contemplate."

Only time will tell what transpires next Monday. After that date, the next decision regarding the pipelines construction status is not expected to be handed down by a judge until January at the earliest.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Seid originally stated that "Seeing people praying while being pepper-sprayed by police was heartbreaking, confusing and powerful," but she later clarified and said that "Seeing video footage of people praying while being pepper-sprayed by police was heartbreaking, confusing and powerful."
Public health advocates and physicians caution parents and caregivers to buy toys carefully this holiday season, and keep toys with small parts out of the reach of small children.

Dr. Kevan McCarten-Gibbs, Childrens Hospital Emergency Medicine Director, said Wednesday that he worries most about button batteries and magnets which small children can swallow.

Even spent batteries release a charge as they travel through the digestive tract and can burn a childs gastrointestinal lining.

To illustrate this for reporters and pediatric residents, McCarten-Gibbs sliced open a hot dog and stuffed it with three small batteries. Within a couple of hours, the beef around the batteries turned black as the electrical charge burnt the meat.

The California Public Interest Research Group demonstrated toys that had been recalled but were still available for sale online at a press conference at UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital on Wednesday.

Parents and caregivers should watch out for recalled toys in their homes as well as in online stores, said Jason Pfeifle, a public health advocate with CALPIRG.

Pfeifle showed off a mini drone that had been recalled because the USB charger overheated dangerously, and a pacifier clip that could break and release small parts that could be ingested by a baby. He said the toys were still available for sale online and might still be in use in homes.

Each year the organization releases an annual Trouble in Toyland report. The Toy Industry Association responded by saying the report doesnt indicate any trouble at all.

Many of the products listed in the report arent really toys, the statement read. Instead, the report covers juvenile products like hoverboards, childrens jewelry, and pacifier clips, and shouldnt be included in a toy safety report. Toy safety rules in the U.S. are among the strictest in the world.

McCarten-Gibbs said most small objects that kids swallow, like Legos, pass through without causing damage. But multiple small magnets can bind together in the stomach and create a blockage.

Emergency room doctors take cases of swallowed magnets and batteris seriously. The usual procedure is to take an X-ray to locate the foreign objects, and sometimes surgically remove the object.

Parents who suspect that a child has swallowed something inedible should consult a pediatrician and count the remaining objects to see how many are have been ingested.

McCarten-Gibbs said new Christmas toys present new challenges, especially when a toddler discovers an older childs toy in the middle of the chaos that often accompanies the holidays.

He advised parents to keep an eye on musical greeting cards, television remotes, and toys to make sure curious children cant take them apart and ingest batteries or small parts.
The technician who died during the set-up of the Cirque du Soleil show "Luzia" in San Francisco was identified Wednesday by the company as the son of one of the company's founders.

In a statement, the Montreal-based company said it was "deeply saddened" about the death of Olivier Rochette of Montreal, Quebec, whose father, Gilles Ste-Croix, helped found the company in 1984, which bills itself as "largest theatrical producer in the world."

Cirque du Soleil performers wow and awe throughout the word with seemingly inhuman acrobatics, dancing and theatrics. Rochette's Facebook page shows what appears to be him standing on top of a huge cliff, his arms outspread to the sky earlier this month.

"I am heartbroken," Cirque du Soleil CEO Daniel Lamarre said in a statement. "Olivier has always been a member of our tight-knit family and a truly beloved colleague."

Just how Rochette died hasn't been fully explained, only that he was struck by a lift about 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday at the AT&T Park show in Lot A at Mission Rock and Third Street.

Wednesday and Thursday shows were canceled, the company said, as was Tuesday night's.

Cal-OSHA officials were at the scene early Wednesday morning. They have up to six months to complete their investigation, which will study whether the company followed mandatory safety procedures. Cal-OSHA's investigation consists of checks and tests on safety equipment and work equipment as well as ensuring workplace conditions met all safety standards.

"The Cal-OSHA investigation is a very thorough process involving collection of evidence on scene ... as well as multiple interviews with witnesses, employees and managers," said Julia Bernstein, agency spokeswoman.

Rochette's was the third death in the Cirque du Soleil family since 2009, according to federal work records and news reports.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration records, Cirque du Soleil has four violations, including one death, cited in the last five years within the United States.

The most notable was on June 29, 2013, when Sarah Guillot-Guyard died during a show in Las Vegas. She had fallen 94 feet in front of spectators after the wire attached to her safety harness shredded during the production of "Ka." She was the second death during a Cirque show.

The first person to die on Cirque's watch was in 2009, the Guardian reported, when Ukrainian acrobat Oleksandr Zhurov, 24, died during a Montreal, Quebec rehearsal.

And just three days ago in Brisbane, Australia, acrobat Lisa Skinner was hospitalized, when she lost her grip on a ring during a "Kooza" performance, according to Courier Mail.

The other U.S. violations OSHA has on record occurred in Florida in October, and two others in Nevada, in 2013 and 2014.



Cirque du Soleil had zero violations in California over the last five years, according to OSHA records.

Emilia Flockhart was supposed to have attended Tuesday night's show, but couldn't because of the death. She told NBC Bay Area that "people were of course disappointed, but the atmosphere was generally OK and met with understanding."
After hearing several hours of emotional pleas from tenants on the brink of losing their homes, Concords City Council on Tuesday voted down a proposed moratorium banning rent hikes above 3 percent and no-cause evictions.

The urgency ordinance required a supermajority of four votes, but it could only muster two. Council member Dan Helix and Edi Birsan supported the motion, while Mayor Laura Hoffmeister and council members Tim Grayson and Ron Leone voted it down, arguing that a 45-day moratorium would do little to ease the burdens facing the community.

Grayson  who will soon leave the city council after winning a seat in the state assembly  noted that it was a difficult decision and conceded that Concords rental market is changing.

There is no doubt, no question that Concord is experiencing growing pains. Its not the same Concord we were in even 10 years ago Grayson said. Its not easy. He added that the council was being asked to intrude on a private industry in such a way that would have negative repercussions for small landlords who are not raising rents dramatically.

Rent control has been a hot topic across the Bay Area, a region struggling with gentrification now spreading into its lower-income cities. Richmonds city council failed to pass a similar moratorium, but voters approved rent control during the November election, as did Oakland, Mountain View and Berkeley. Burlingame and San Mateo, meanwhile, rejected forms of rent control policies. Economists and housing specialists remain divided on whether rent control is ultimately an effective method to combat displacement.

Mayor Laura Hoffmeister said the data for the city of Concord didnt support a need for an emergency ordinance.

I cant, in my heart, find the urgency citywide, she said.

In Concord, renters have a median household income of about $45,400. Data from a city staff report shows that the average monthly rent in 2016 hovered round $1,700 in 2016, a 34.6 percent increase since 2012.

Although the overall tenor of the six-hour meeting was somber, with many tearful pleas from residents, deliberations were punctuated with brief moments of levity from both Helix and Birsan.

I feel like a pregnant elephant thats in labor, and Im going to deliver a mouse, he said, referring to the nine-plus months the council has been hearing about the need for rent control and the subsequent lack of results.

Helix, who will be retiring from the city council after working for the city on-and-off since 1968, had issues with the lack of detail in a staff report on the citys housing situation.

Data is like a womens bathing suit, he said, quoting a UC Berkeley professor he knew. What it shows is suggestive, but what it conceals is crucial.

It was also Helix who arguably expressed the most sympathy for the residents during the meeting. He said the city needs more affordable housing.

I know we have people who have to rent,  he said. But being a renter is no fun. Its a nervous way to live. To me, its the antithesis of the American dreamI didnt really think a moratorium was such a big deal. I thought we could have one for the holiday season. Its a small ray of hope for a lot of people.

Many of the tenants who addressed the council wore Santa hats, in an attempt to remind the council that those being evicted would likely be scrambling for housing during the holiday season.

Through a translator and tears, Yolanda Negrete told the council that she cares for her sick husband and that 80 percent of the money they make goes toward rent. She said she fears her family, which includes small children, will be forced out onto the streets if her rent rises. If she is evicted, she wont be able to come up with the costs of moving to a new place, including a security deposit and other associated expenses, she said.

After paying rent, we dont have enough left to cover food. She said, through the translator. Where will we go?

Landlords also spoke to the council, often arguing that rent control policies would prevent them from updating and renovating buildings.

Rent control restricts the maintenance of the buildings, said John Desouza, a Concord landlord. When rents are low, theres no money to be made. Its a simple fact.

According to tenant advocacy groups, demonstrations supporting rent control will continue throughout the month despite the moratorium failing. They say they are not giving up.

This movements not going away, said Kristi Laughlin, a campaign director for the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy. This is going to be an ongoing problem, so people will continue to be active in asking council to step in, or well have to take it to the people.

Gillian Edevane covers Contra Costa County for NBC Bay Area. Contact her at Gillian.Edevane@NBCuni.com or give her a call at (669) 263-2895.
California Gov. Jerry Brown has chosen U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA) to succeed Kamala Harris as state attorney general.

Becerra is the current representative for California's 34th congressional district in Los Angeles County.

Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate last month.

The governor announced the choice Thursday, noting Becerra's service not only in Congress but in the state Legislature and as a deputy attorney general.

"Governor Brown has presented me with an opportunity I cannot refuse  to serve as Attorney General of my home state," Becerra wrote in a statement Thursday. "As a former deputy attorney general, I relished the chance to be our state's chief law enforcement officer to protect consumers, advance criminal justice reform and, of course, keep our families safe."

"I have accepted Governor Brown's nomination," Becerra added. "I never thought as a child that Id have the privilege to even walk through the halls of Congress, let alone travel to Washington."

Becerra has served in the House since 1992.

The nomination is subject to confirmation by the state Assembly and Senate. It will be officially submitted after Harris resigns.

Harris made a statement about the selection Thursday

"Congressman Xavier Becerra is a dedicated public servant who has fought tirelessly for Californias immigrants, homeowners, and working families," the statement read. "The next Attorney General of California will be tasked with upholding our mission to protect and serve the people as the states chief law officer, fight for our constitutional values of fairness, equality, and justice, and protect the most vulnerable among us. I look forward to working with the Congressman and am fully committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition"
One of a handful of proposed sites for a new South Bay substation is receiving backlash from a number of community members who believe the project could endanger natural resources.

As part of its South County Power Connect Project, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has proposed eight sites for a new substation that will serve an estimated 43,000 customers in Morgan Hill, Gilroy and southern Santa Clara County. The company says for months studies have been conducted to find locations best suited for connecting transmission lines in order to serve a growing population.

The wine trail is growing, said Nicole Liebelt, spokesperson for PG&E. "We want to be able to provide safe and reliable service to residents in the area and make sure the right infrastructure is in place."

The proposed substation is expected to be roughly six acres in size and will be located on 8-10 acres of property, according to PG&E. The entire project is estimated to cost $35 to $45 million, and paid for by customers statewide at a bill increase of $0.01 per month.

One of the proposed sites, located at Redwood Retreat Road and Watsonville Road in Gilroy, has received fierce opposition from community members. The location is close to wildlife habitat, and some residents believe building a plant would be detrimental to the animals.

Herman Garcia lives just miles away from the site and is the leader of Coastal Habitat Education & Environment Restoration (CHEER), an environmental group in Gilroy. He says the area near the proposed site includes Little Arthur Creek. Roughly seventy percent of the fish in the creek, according to Garcia, are steel head trout which is a threatened species. Red-legged frogs, tiger salamanders and western pond turtles also inhabit the area.

Now PG&E wants to come in and disrupt that? I dont think so! said Garcia.

Garcia says there are also American Bald eagles which nest a mile away from the site at Uvas Creek. He and hundreds of other community members spoke out at a community meeting hosted by PG&E back in October.

Members of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band also expressed their grievances during a private meeting with PG&E. The Native American tribe, indigenous to the area near Uvas Canyon, has twenty historic cultural sites very close to the location of the plant. Tribal leadership is very concerned a new facility could potentially destroy burial, ceremonial and other sites that have existed for thousands of years.

Our people have been in the area for 10 or 12,000 years or more, more than 1,000 generations of people have been there, said Valentin Lopez, chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. Were really hoping PG&E will not put it at Uvas Canyon so we can protect our sites.

PG&E has been hosting community meetings since July 2015 to gather input on the proposed sites and welcomes any comments about the proposed substation.

"As part of our due diligence we have to continue to consider all the sites that are being proposed," said Liebelt. "That's why we are here. We are taking that very seriously."

A final location will be proposed Summer 2017, when PG&E will submit plans to the California Public Utilities Commission(CPUC). CPUC will then perform and environmental review, allow for public comment and ultimately decide the location of the project.
The post-election fear is so great in one South Bay school district, the superintendent is now having to make home visits to put families at ease.

Many of the students in the Alum Rock School District are U.S. citizens, but some of their parents are undocumented immigrants. And several of those families are pulling their kids from school for fear of being deported.

The district did not provide concrete data on absences yet, but administrators know some kids are staying home.

Lee Matthson Middle School is where much of the post-election fear is being seen. School counselors there said a student shared a heartbreakng story on Nov. 9.

District Superintendent Hilaria Bauer said the student told counselors, "My parents are packing. Were leaving."

"So their lives from one moment to the next changed," Bauer said.

The superintendent said the fear of deportation under a Donald Trump administration is widespread. Unable to persuade parents to come to campuses for immigration worskshops, Bauer said she will now go to them. She will begin conducting home visits during the holidays to assure them the schools are safe places.

"These visits are not going to be broadcast," Bauer said. this is a confidential, personal mater.

Bertha Razo, a parent leader in Alum Rock, has offered up her home as a safe place where the district can hold one of its informal gatherings with parents.

Bauer said schools had to give middle schoolers a crash course in civics so they could better understand how an election works and how laws are passed. Now, the superintendent said, it's about educating the parents.

The school district receives $10,000 per year per student, but Bauer said it's not about money. It's about keeping kids in school, learning. And feeling safe.
President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he's leaving his business empire to focus on being the nation's 45th president, bowing to pressure to avoid potential conflicts of interest between governing and profiting in the private sector.

"I will be leaving my great business in total in order to fully focus on running the country in order to make America great again," he tweeted in a series of missives sent before dawn. "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."

He said legal documents are "being crafted which take me completely out of business operations," he added, saying the presidency is "a far more important task!"

He says he'll hold a news conference with his children on the subject on Dec. 15. It's been 126 days since his last formal news conference.

Trump's announcement comes two days after 17 Democratic members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee called on the panels chairman, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), to begin reviewing [Trumps] financial arrangements in order to identify and protect against conflicts of interest."

The letter asked Chaffetz to request copies of Trumps income tax returns, which Trump has refused to release, and to invite Trump aides to brief lawmakers on their plans for protecting against conflicts of interest.

"The relevant question is whether he will follow the model set by his predecessors to mitigate these conflicts by liquidating his assets and placing them in a blind trust," the letter said. "If he refuses, then Congress must fulfill our own responsibilities by closely examining the Constitutional and statutory provisions that govern Mr. Trumps actions, determining whether his approach meets these standards, and proposing appropriate reforms to address any problems we identify."

The New York Times published an article over the weekend referencing Trump's business interests in at least 20 countries, focusing on potential conflicts of interest in Brazil, India, Turkey, the Philippines, Ireland and Scotland.

Chaffetz said Tuesday the Democrats' concerns were premature.

Were going to do vigorous oversight, but it doesnt mean that were going to start an investigation for somebody who hasnt even taken office yet, Chaffetz said, according to The Hill.

In an interview with Politico Wednesday, Chaffetz welcomed Trump's pledge via Twitter that he'll be handing over his businesses.

"He's moving in the right direction. And he needs to instill the confidence that he's more than arm's length away," said Chaffetz.

The editorial page of the Wall Street Journal has called for Trump to liquidate his stake in the Trump Organization and Republican speechwriter Peggy Noonan wrote in the newspaper last week that Trump "cant help the family business as president. He cant help his children make a living as president. Both advocated for the move in part because it will be a constant source of controversy from Democrats and the press.

Asked about Trump's announcement on separating himself from his business empire, Reince Priebus, Trump's incoming White House chief of staff, said Wednesday "that'll all be worked out."

Priebus said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," that "he's got the best people in America working on it." Priebus demurred when asked if Trump planned to put his businesses in a blind trust or leave them in the hands of his adult children.

"I'm, not ready to reveal that really," he said.

Priebus added that Trump's business acumen and the many business interests he has as a result of it is "nothing to be ashamed about." He said Trump is "taking seriously" the issue of possible conflicts of interest.

"We're making sure that all those conflicts are taken care of," Priebus said. He said the applicable rules and regulations "are very vague" and that's Trump's people are "doing the best job we can."

Priebus said the country hasn't seen a president of such business acumen before and that the rules and regulations "don't contemplate this scenario."

The Office of Government Ethics on Wednesday applauded Trump's announcement in a flurry of nine tweets, while ignoring the fact that it lacked details.

"We can't repeat enough how good this total divestiture will be," one message said.

"Brilliant! Divestiture is good for you, very good for America!" it went on to add.

OGE later released a statement to clarify its tweets.

"Like everyone else, we were excited this morning to read the President-elect's twitter feed indicating that he wants to be free of conflicts of interest," OGE Spokesperson Seth Jaffe said in a statement.

Trump had been under criticism for exposing himself to potential conflicts if he kept a role in his global business while being president. He has insisted he will build a wall between his White House and his company by placing his holdings into a blind trust, with his children as its trustees. Federal requirements are that independent outsiders run such trusts.

"We are in the process of vetting various structures with the goal of the immediate transfer of management of The Trump Organization and its portfolio of businesses to Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric Trump as well as a team of highly skilled executives," Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks said earlier this month. She said the structure "will comply with all applicable rules and regulations."

Trump's children have been heavily involved in shaping the new administration. They've sat in on meetings and taken late night calls from their father. They advocated for making Reince Priebus, the Republican National Committee chairman, the White House chief of staff. They counseled against bringing back Corey Lewandowski, Trump's first campaign manager, who was fired in June on their advice.

Trump's company would be the largest business portfolio to belong to a modern sitting president. Federal ethics rules would allow Trump to run his business interests from the White House, or, perhaps more likely, influence decisions made by his children.

That raises conflict of interest concerns. For example, Trump could set domestic policy while making deals abroad that could affect his corporation, even if it were technically in his children's hands.

Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser, has disputed the idea that the Trump children's involvement in the transition could lead to a breach of trust.

"You're presuming that they are doing certain things that they should not be doing," Conway said. "They are his children. And they've been his business colleagues for a long period of time. They obviously will support their father as president."

Congress passed an anti-nepotism law in 1967 that prohibits the president from appointing a family member to work in the office or agency they oversee. The measure was passed as a reaction to President John F. Kennedy appointing his brother Robert as attorney general.

But the law does not appear to prevent the children - or Kushner, who is one of Trump's closest aides and is said to be weighing a White House role - from serving as unpaid advisers or providing informal counsel.
A former Massachusetts police officer has been indicted on rape charges.

Brian Butler, a veteran officer and the husband of the city's police chief, Mary Butler, is accused of raping a young man who was in police custody on Halloween. He resigned after charges were brought against him.

Wednesday, the Essex County District Attorney's Office confirmed the 56-year-old suspect had been indicted by a grand jury.

"Like many in our community, I am surprised and deeply saddened by the allegations made against Officer Brian Butler," Mayor Kimberly Driscoll said in a statement after the accusations came to light. "While the incident is still under review, there is no doubt that this is a serious issue involving his conduct as a police officer while on duty."

Prosecutors say Butler took a drunk man in his 20s into custody after flooding a Salem hotel room with water. That man was not arrested, but kept in a booking area.

The victim told police he was afraid to say no because he was in protective custody.

Mary Butler said she was saddened by the allegations and would be taking some personal time off.

Brian Butler is due to be arraigned on rape and indecent assault and battery charges at Salem Superior Court on Dec. 15.
Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a $215 million funding bill for Chicago Public Schools Thursday, claiming Democratic leaders backed out of a deal to pass comprehensive pension reform by the end of the current General Assembly.

During a Thursday press conference, Senate President John Cullerton denied that there was ever an agreement and urged Rauner to sign the CPS funding bill.

The governor just indicated that he wasnt gonna sign [the CPS funding bill] because of his desire to have some kind of pension reform, Cullerton told reporters. It was very vague, there was never any agreement by us as to what that might be.

The country's third-largest school district has a "junk" status from credit agencies and was counting on the money to pay the employer's contribution to teachers' pensions.

But shortly after Cullertons comments, Rauner vetoed the bill. His decision will stand unless the General Assembly is able to override the veto.

President Cullerton suddenly denied that the leaders had agreed that this bill would depend upon first enacting comprehensive pension reform, Rauner wrote in his veto message. Breaking our agreement undermines our effort to end the budget impasse and enact reforms with bipartisan support.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel called the decision "reckless and irresponsible."

"Make no mistake, its our children who will pay the price," he said in a statement. "The governor is lashing out, imperiling the system-wide gains earned by Chicago students and teachers, and proving just the latest example of his willingness to put the burden of his failures on the backs of the states most vulnerable citizens, whether its schoolchildren, college students, seniors, or those living with disabilities. This is no way to run a state.

CPS CEO Forrest Claypool also said Rauner "acted impusively and recklessly" and that he "has put us right back to where we started."

"Governor Rauners actions threaten the progress of nearly 400,000 innocent children," Claypool said in a press conference Thursday afternoon. "Children who have nothing to do with the governors legislative standoff in Springfield, children who did not do anything to create the dysfunction in Springfield, children who simply want to receive their fair share of resources to complete the school year."

His comments were echoed by the Chicago Teachers Union, which said the veto should be "a wake-up call" to Emanuel.

Chicagos public schools have suffered from irreparable cuts, including cuts to essential special education funding," the CTU said in a statement. "Todays veto should be a wake-up call to Mayor Rahm Emanuel to denounce the governor and use his influence with the financial sector to make good on promises to fund our schools. It is unacceptable for both the governor and the mayor to allow our district to languish at such a great cost to our communities and the services and institutions they depend on."

This perhaps is the latest example of the political gamesmanship playing out in Springfield. Despite meeting throughout the veto session, Rauner and the states top leaders are still miles apart on a budget compromise.

The election is over, Rauner wrote. Despite my repeated request for daily negotiations and hope to reach a comprehensive agreement by the end of the week, we are no closer to ending the impasse or enacting pension reform.

Throughout negotiations, House Speaker Michael Madigan has championed the budget framework thats been used on seven budgets over the past two years. In response, Rauner and Republicans claim those budgets were out of balance and incomplete.

The governor released a Facebook video Thursday explaining that he would only consider another stopgap funding compromise if the General Assembly passes elements of his turnaround agenda, like term limits and a permanent property tax freeze.

A year ago the speaker said he wants to raise our income tax back up to at least five percent, without reforms, Rauner said in the video. "Now he wants to delay that plan and instead simply wants to pass another stopgap budget, ignoring reforms and plunging our state even further into debt.

This is unacceptable, he added.

During a press conference following Thursdays leaders meeting, Madigan scoffed at Rauners word choice.

Dont use the word stopgap budget, Madigan told reporters Thursday. The first time that stopgap budget was used was by governor rauner at the end of May when he requested the stopgap budget. The word stopgap was never used in the prior six budget-makings.

Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno criticized Madigan Thursday for pushing to once again use the same framework that led to seven unbalanced budgets.

The speaker continues to refer to the past seven budgets that were not balanced, Radogno told reporters. Its all semantics, whether you call it an unbalanced budget, a stopgap budget. What we need and what were committed to continue to work on is a balanced budget that will contain reforms

Leaders explained that they will continue to meet to discuss the budget, possibly through the weekend. The states current stopgap funding compromise is set to expire at the end of the year.
The Illinois Senate has voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of a $215 million funding bill for Chicago Public Schools that would aid the financially struggling district with teacher pensions, but the Illinois House adjourned Thursday evening without voting on the measure.

The Illinois Senate voted 36-16 to override the veto Thursday. The Illinois House adjourned Thursday after voting on a large energy bill. The body will reconvene in January of next year.

Rauner had earlier vetoed the bill, claiming Democratic leaders backed out of a deal to pass comprehensive pension reform by the end of the current General Assembly.

During a Thursday press conference, Senate President John Cullerton denied that there was ever an agreement and urged Rauner to sign the CPS funding bill.

The governor just indicated that he wasnt gonna sign [the CPS funding bill] because of his desire to have some kind of pension reform, Cullerton told reporters. It was very vague, there was never any agreement by us as to what that might be.

The country's third-largest school district has a "junk" status from credit agencies and was counting on the money to pay the employer's contribution to teachers' pensions.

But shortly after Cullertons comments, Rauner vetoed the bill. His decision will stand unless the General Assembly is able to override the veto.

President Cullerton suddenly denied that the leaders had agreed that this bill would depend upon first enacting comprehensive pension reform, Rauner wrote in his veto message. Breaking our agreement undermines our effort to end the budget impasse and enact reforms with bipartisan support.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel called the decision "reckless and irresponsible."

"Make no mistake, its our children who will pay the price," he said in a statement. "The governor is lashing out, imperiling the system-wide gains earned by Chicago students and teachers, and proving just the latest example of his willingness to put the burden of his failures on the backs of the states most vulnerable citizens, whether its schoolchildren, college students, seniors, or those living with disabilities. This is no way to run a state.

This perhaps is the latest example of the political gamesmanship playing out in Springfield. Despite meeting throughout the veto session, Rauner and the states top leaders are still miles apart on a budget compromise.

The election is over, Rauner wrote. Despite my repeated request for daily negotiations and hope to reach a comprehensive agreement by the end of the week, we are no closer to ending the impasse or enacting pension reform.

Throughout negotiations, House Speaker Michael Madigan has championed the budget framework thats been used on seven budgets over the past two years. In response, Rauner and Republicans claim those budgets were out of balance and incomplete.

The governor released a Facebook video Thursday explaining that he would only consider another stopgap funding compromise if the General Assembly passes elements of his turnaround agenda, like term limits and a permanent property tax freeze.

A year ago the speaker said he wants to raise our income tax back up to at least five percent, without reforms, Rauner said in the video. "Now he wants to delay that plan and instead simply wants to pass another stopgap budget, ignoring reforms and plunging our state even further into debt.

This is unacceptable, he added.

During a press conference following Thursdays leaders meeting, Madigan scoffed at Rauners word choice.

Dont use the word stopgap budget, Madigan told reporters Thursday. The first time that stopgap budget was used was by governor rauner at the end of May when he requested the stopgap budget. The word stopgap was never used in the prior six budget-makings.

Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno criticized Madigan Thursday for pushing to once again use the same framework that led to seven unbalanced budgets.

The speaker continues to refer to the past seven budgets that were not balanced, Radogno told reporters. Its all semantics, whether you call it an unbalanced budget, a stopgap budget. What we need and what were committed to continue to work on is a balanced budget that will contain reforms

Leaders explained that they will continue to meet to discuss the budget, possibly through the weekend. The states current stopgap funding compromise is set to expire at the end of the year.
Police have announced an arrest warrant for a man wanted in connection with the murder of a railroad security guard in south suburban Harvey over the weekend.

A warrant was issued for 24-year-old Rashad Williams, who is accused of first-degree murder and is considered to be "armed and dangerous," authorities announced Thursday.

Security guard Tyrone Hardin, who was working at the Canadian Railroad Complex in Harvey, was fatally shot on the job Saturday evening.

Around 7 p.m., a woman called police to report a man stealing her car, according to Harvey spokesperson Sean Howard. She was able to get in another car and followed the man while on the phone with police.

After hearing sirens and realizing he was being followed, the suspect crashed the stolen car into a viaduct near 159th Street and Park Avenue. He then ran on top of the viaduct onto Canadian National Railroad property, according to Howard.

He saw a contracted security guard inside his vehicle and opened fire, authorities said, with witnesses reporting nearly 15 shots fired. The guard was shot in the abdomen and taken to South Suburban Hospital where he was pronounced dead, officials said.

The guard was later identified as 38-year-old Tyrone Hardin from Riverdale, according to police and the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.

The suspect then stole Hardin's vehicle before abandoning it in the 100 block 171st Street in East Hazel Crest, Howard said.

Harvey police and multiple other agencies were searching in an active manhunt that began overnight in the three communities connected by the railroad, including East Hazel Crest, Hazel Crest and Markham.

"Unfortunately for us this is a wide area, and 171st Street is a wide area and it's going to take a lot of manpower to accomplish this task," Howard said Saturday night.

The suspect is described as having a medium build and was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt and blue jeans, said Howard.

From evidence recovered, police said the shooter does not live in Harvey. Residents are encouraged to stay aware and remain indoors or travel in pairs.

Authorities are requesting that the suspect turn himself in, but if anyone has information about this incident they are asked to contact police.
Two reputed gang members have been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at a man and an undercover Chicago Police sergeant in the midst of an undercover sting operation on the Southwest Side this week, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Neither the officer nor the other man were injured about 9:30 a.m. Monday in the 6100 block of South Kolmar.

The undercover deal was part of an ongoing investigation of gun sales by Chicago Police and the FBI.

The man who was first targeted had just given 21-year-old Jose Guzman $1,500 in exchange for the three weapons they had discussed days before, Assistant Cook County States Attorney Lorraine Scaduto during two of the suspects bond hearings Wednesday.

Guzman had just left the mans car to retrieve the guns, when Jose Gurumendi emerged from a nearby gangway and fired at the civilian three times, Scaduto said.

Officers conducting the surveillance then saw Guzman and Gurumendi flee and jump into the back of a waiting car. So they tried to box in the car at 61st Street, Scaduto said.

One officer even drew his gun, but the car drove around him and the others and sped away, Scaduto said.

The sergeant continued to pursue Guzman and Gurumendi in his undercover vehicle, Scaduto said.

In the 6300 block of South Keeler, Guzman allegedly pointed his gun out of the car and fired two shots toward the sergeant.

Guzman, who was wearing an orange construction vest, and Gurumendi jumped out of the car as it went south on Kenneth, Scaduto said.

Guzman was found hiding near a pool shortly after, Scaduto said.

Gurumendi, 21, was also arrested after he offered a witness $10 to not call police, Scaduto said.

A .380-caliber gun and a revolver were recovered Tuesday on one of the streets used in the chase, Scaduto said.

Guzman, of the 5600 block of South Kostner, and Gurumendi, of the 5500 block of South Kenneth, were ordered held on $400,000 bail by Judge Laura Sullivan.

At least two other suspects were involved, authorities said.

Guzman is a member of the Latin Kings, and Gurumendi is a member of the Maniac Latin Disciples, according to police reports.
Federal officials are warning about fraudulent phone calls that have already scammed millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims across the US, as complaints continue to rise.

It happens to thousands of Americans every year. The phone rings and on the other end is a thief posing as a telemarketer who dupes consumers into believing theyve won millions of dollars or a brand new car. Winners need only pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties or taxes before they can claim their prizes. It is a scheme so prevalent, the Federal Trade Commission has a name for it: The Jamaican Sweepstakes Scam, which received the designation because the calls most often originate from Jamaica area code 876.

"Its a huge problem, according to FTC Director Todd Kossow. They are professional gangs who do this full time and are making a lot of money on it.

Last year, scammers bilked $38 million from unsuspecting consumers in the U.S. Thats up from $32 million the year before. Complaints are on the rise too, soaring from 25,000 in 2010 to 59,000 in 2015.

Khrystal Bowdry has been on the receiving end of these bogus calls for months. While the South Side senior did not fall victim to the scam, she said she wants to put an end to it.

Ive been getting these phone calls that Im a multi-million dollar winner for months now, Bowdry said. It needs to stop. It really is harassment. And Im sure there are some people who fall for some of these things.

And when they do, the results can be devastating. Published reports tell the story of a New Jersey woman who reportedly committed suicide after losing $128,000, which was her entire life savings.

While there is so far no one solution to stop this scam, there has been some progress made in cases against the alleged callers. The FTC and other agencies have teamed up with Jamaican authorities to fight back with a task force called Project Jolt, short for Jamaican Operations Linked to Telemarketing.

So far, they say the results have been promising. The FTC reports there have been federal prosecutions of Jamaican sweepstakes scammers in a number of states, including North Dakota, Florida, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, and Texas. These include prosecutions of Jamaican nationals as well as prosecutions of mules in the U.S. who assisted with getting consumers funds. In the North Dakota case, one person is currently in prison, and his alleged co-conspirators in Jamaica were just arrested and charged in that case. The Department of Justice is now trying to extradite them to the U.S.

The FTC encourages consumers to protect themselves from Jamaican Sweepstakes scammers by investigating call blocking technologies.

So on your landline, the first thing we advise you to do is talk to telephone carrier and see what sort of blocking options it provides, Kossow told NBC 5 Responds. Smartphone apps are another option. The benefit of the app is a lot of them will have a database of scam numbers associated with them.

But despite its name, officials say the Do Not Call List wont help prevent these calls.

"Unfortunately it's not going to work with the 876 calls because these are basically criminals who are not going to comply with the Do Not Call List rules," Kossow said.
Despite meeting Tuesday for budget negotiations, a compromise remains elusive as Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan continue to spar over the terms of a deal.

Following the meeting, Madigan called for a vote on Republican Rep. David McSweeney's resolution opposing a "Rauner lame duck tax increase." The non-binding resolution ultimately passed the House Wednesday with overwhelming support, likely ending any chance of a vote on an income tax hike during next month's lame duck session.

Madigan also continued to champion the budget format used on seven successful occasions over the last two years."

In response to Madigans insistence on a short-term budget, Rauner reportedly made it clear Wednesday that he would only consider a stopgap if the legislature first approves elements of his turnaround agenda, like term limits and a permanent property tax freeze, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Madigan missed Tuesday's leaders meeting due to a scheduling conflict. Shortly thereafter, the Illinois Republican Party launched a blog slamming the powerful speaker.

In response to the criticism, Madigan claimed he had been available earlier this month when Gov. Bruce Rauner and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno were unable to meet. However, he didnt respond to a question about the Illinois Republican Partys Boss Madigan" website.

Shortly after Madigan spoke to the press, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin claimed progress on a budget deal had all but stalled, faulting Madigan for not considering reforms, like workers compensation and pension reform.

Unfortunately, the speakers not interested in working on any reforms with Republicans and that is very disappointing, Durkin said. Reforms is something that weve been working on, his members have been working, for the past two years with working groups and, as of today, I see no interest on behalf of the speaker to incorporate reforms into finding a way to break the budget impasse and thats very disappointing.

State Rep. Greg Harris, who was appointed by Madigan earlier this month to lead the House Democrats new budget negotiating team, told reporters Wednesday that he sent a letter to the three other caucuses recommending that the working groups be reconstituted to update their budget recommendations.

An interesting inconsistency that I found is that while [Madigan] wants to go back to working groups, the fact of the matter is, the working groups did do some good work last year, Radogno said. Yes, it does need to be updated, but those working group discussions on the budget presuppose that we would have reforms.

The speaker again is saying he wants to do what hes done for seven times already, which is an unbalanced, putting-the-fire-out kind of a budget rather than returning our state to long-term financial health, she added.

The states current stopgap funding compromise expires at the end of the year. Rauner has repeatedly pushed for a full, balanced budget, dismissing the prospect of another short-term fix. The governor will continue meeting with party leaders through the end of the week.
It burns.

Local hot sauce purveyor Soothsayer, and the team behind Chicagos arguably most infamous liqueur, Jeppsons Malort, are teaming up for a limited release of a cantankerous condiment known as Malort Face. The curious creation will be sampled and sold at the upcoming show of local math rock band Space Blood.

Malort is a bitter, wormwood-based, Swedish schnapps, according to its website, created during medieval times for medicinal benefits. It is both revered and feared by Chicago imbibers as a whistle-whetting way to prove you're a localor just test how well you hold your hooch.

The sauce is made with yellow ghost peppers, grapefruit juice, and a banana pepper base, Kyle Janis, of Soothsayer Hot Sauce, said Wednesday. The flavor of the sauce starts out with a sweet grapefruit kick that transitions into a slight bitter taste of Malort on the back of your tongue, which is then washed away by the heat of the ghost peppers.

Labeling the sauce as one of the most interesting hes ever had, Janis also aimed to assuage the fears of those who might be timid toward Malorts dubious reputation.

[Its] certainly approachable even for those who shy away from Malort, he said. That was one of our main goals and the reason this has spent over a year in development.

The Carl Jeppson Company, producer of Malort, didnt immediately respond to request for comment on the collaboration.

Space Blood will sell any leftover bottles of the sauce on its website, but Janis says he doesnt think thats going to happen.

So far we've received hold or preorder requests for over 100 bottles, double what this run is going to be, he said. We are currently working with Jeppsons to establish a partnership on an official, full run of the product. Hoping to have that out in early 2017.

Soothsayer has released 15 different kinds of hot sauces over the past year-and-a-half, all of which have been collaborations with various punk and metal bands. One such combination, with local band Typesetter, saw hot sauce bottles with download codes for the bands latest EP printed on the labels. The company also released a hot sauce last summer with Floridian ska band Less Than Jake.

So much has already been done in the hot sauce market, Janis said. We're looking to try out some new ideas to differentiate from the same boring flavors or excessive heat of challenge style hot sauces.

Malort Face goes on sale for $8 at Coles bar on Dec. 17. at the Space Blood show in Chicagos Logan Square neighborhood.

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke says there should be a fifth star on the iconic Chicago flagand shes asked Mayor Rahm Emanuel to make it happen. NBC 5s Dick Johnson reports.
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals has announced plans to end its small molecule discovery functions in Ridgefield and lay off 180 employees in Connecticut.

Boehringer Ingelheim spokesman Erin Crew confirmed the company plans to cut 120 employees in small molecule Discovery Research and 60 other functions in Connecticut.

Following a careful examination of our human pharmaceuticals business, we made the difficult decision to reduce approximately 244 additional headcount nationwide since July 1. This includes approximately 120 in small molecule Discovery Research and 60 in other functions located in Connecticut. We have also reduced the size of our sales force by an additional approximately 64 headcount nationwide, the company said in a statement.

The layoffs are part of a larger restructuring plan the German company has been working on since July. In the statement the company said it plans to increase investments in oncology with a focus on cancer immunology, and that it intends to form a new group beginning in 2017 that will result in 35 new jobs in Connecticut.

We are sympathetic to the impact this decision will have on Boehringer Ingelheim employees and their families. We are committed to treating all employees with dignity, respect and sensitivity. We will support affected employees in a number of ways, including severance, outplacement services, and identifying other employment opportunities within the Boehringer Ingelheim network, as appropriate, the statement read.

A notice on the state Department of Labor website says the layoffs in Ridgefield will happen between Feb. 1 and Aug. 1.

In 2015, the company laid off Connecticut workers in reaction to a sales decline and other issues.
Second place isn't so bad.

Connecticut slid in to the number two spot of "America's Best States to Live" report put out by 24/7 Wall Street.

The report ranks states by taking a look at population growth, unemployment rates, poverty, crime, household incomes and life expectancy.

"Quality of life in the United States is heavily dependent on financial status," the report reads. "As a consequence, the nation's best states to live in often report very high incomes."

Connecticut's median household annual income is $71,346, making it the fifth highest out of all the states, 24/7 Wall Street reports.

The report says Connecticut is also relatively safe compared to other states, with 219 violent crimes reported for every 100,000 state residents in 2015.

In July, a different report called Connecticut the fourth most "like America". The same report said New Haven was considered the most "normal" city in the country.

Connecticut wasn't the only New England state to make the list. Massachusetts was ranked as number one.

The 24/7 Wall Street report for best states to live:

5) New Jersey

4) Minnesota

3) New Hampshire

2) Connecticut

1) Massachusetts
Planned Parenthood of Southern New England will offer free HIV tests at three locations in Connecticut in recognition of World AIDS Day.

Dec. 1 marks World Aids Day, which is a global health day designed to show support for those living with HIV and to remember those who have died. Globally, Over 35 million people have died from the disease since the early-1980s and there are an estimated 34 million living with the disease.

In the US, certain communities are disproportionally affected by the virus and the problem is compounded by social issues such as poverty, gender inequality, discrimination, lack of education and violence. According to PPSNE, more than 10,500 in Connecticut are currently living with HIV. On Dec. 8 the organization will offer free rapid HIV tests at the following locations:

Bridgeport Health Center

211 State Street

Bridgeport, CT 06604

11 AM  6:30 PM

Hartford Health Center

1229 Albany Avenue

Hartford, CT 06112

8:30 AM  6:45 PM

New Haven Health Center

345 Whitney Avenue

New Haven, CT 06511

9 AM  5:30 PM

Appointments are not required and results are available in as little as 20 minutes. For more information visit PPSNEs website.

For more information on World AIDS Day click here.
A Bridgeport, Connecticut man who is accused of killing his mother and father in October 2015 after they threatened to cut him out of their wills has been given another month to decide whether to take a plea deal.

Kyle Navin's case returned to state court in Bridgeport on Thursday and Judge Robert Devlin extended the deadline to decide on the plea bargain to Jan. 12.

Kyle Navin, 28, of Bridgeport, is accused of shooting and killing his parents, Jeffrey and Jeanette Navin, of Easton, and terms of the plea deal and the reason Navin was given more time to decide were not disclosed.

He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder.

Navin's parents were reported missing on Aug. 4, 2015 and their bodies were found four months later in the yard of a vacant home in neighboring Weston, which their son had visited before, the property owner told police.

Jeffrey Navin, 56, was president of J&J Refuse in Westport, and Jeannette Navin, 55, was a school aide in Weston.

Kyle Navin is accused of shooting his mother inside his truck and shooting his father in the basement of the Bridgeport home his parents bought him.

The warrant for his arrest says police received an anonymous tip on Aug. 20, days after Kyle Navin's parents disappeared, that he had been thrown out of a back-pain treatment program because he was using heroin, which police confirmed with the pain clinic.

A confidential witness later told investigators that Kyle Navin had been buying $140 worth of heroin a day, and between $300 and $600 a day in the weeks prior.

Police have said they believe Kyle Navin killed his parents for money.

A few days before she vanished, Jeanette Navin told a friend the couple planned to cut Kyle Navin out of their will, sell their trash-hauling business and leave their son without any financial support from the family, according to an affidavit from police.

Jeanette Navin told a longtime acquaintance her relationship with her son had been "very tempestuous" and she suspected him of abusing drugs, according to the affidavit. She also confided that she and her husband had bought Kyle Navin a house, but he was failing to pay the mortgage and taxes.

In May 2015, Kyle Navin allegedly discussed his intentions in text messages with his girlfriend, who has also been charged in connection with the case.

According to the warrant for his arrest, Kyle Navin said they needed to "figure out the best way to take (his parents) down whether it is get some money out of them somehow (expletive) him at the business the house something."

Then, in July 2015, he mentioned a plan to "solve every single problem and give us a wealthy amazing life," according to the warrant. Later in the conversation, he allegedly wrote, "Wipe out the infection and get $ for life. It's perfect plan."

Kyle Navin's text messages also came into play the day his parents disappeared.

According to police, Jeffrey Navin texted his son on Aug. 4, 2015  right before he vanished  saying he would not go home until he knew his wife was OK. He also allegedly asked if Kyle Navin hurt his mother.

"No absolutely not. Why would you think," Kyle Navin responded, according to the affidavit.

"I go home and get framed for murder," Jeffrey Navin replied.

"Oh stop," Kyle Navin texted back.

Soon after the exchange, the couple's cellphones went inactive. Five days later, authorities found their pickup with a shattered window in a Westport commuter lot.

Police interviewed the couple's younger son, Taylor, as part of the investigation.

When they told him Kyle Navin was a person of interest, Taylor Navin, who lives in Mississippi, allegedly responded, "When I heard my parents were missing I thought to myself, 'They either went on vacation, or my brother did something to them,'" according to the warrant.

Kyle Navin, who had been in federal prison since an arrest on a separate weapons violation charge on Sept. 8, was charged with two counts of murder and one count of murder with special circumstances.

Kyle Navin also pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

During a prior court appearance for an arraignment, Kyle Navin's attorney, Eugene Riccio, asked the public to reserve judgment.

"It's not a trial, and I think experience has taught all of us that we have reserve our judgment about these situations until all of the facts are known, and I'm asking that that be done," Riccio said.

Kyle Navin, who had been in federal prison since an arrest on a separate weapons violation charge on Sept. 8, 2015, was charged with two counts of murder and one count of murder with special circumstances.

Kyle Navin also pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

During a prior court appearance for an arraignment, Kyle Navin's attorney, Eugene Riccio, asked the public to reserve judgment.

"It's not a trial, and I think experience has taught all of us that we have reserve our judgment about these situations until all of the facts are known, and I'm asking that that be done," Riccio said.
The deficit awaiting lawmakers in January is projected at $1.45 billion, and with some of the biggest issues being fixed costs like pensions and benefits, there isnt much room to move money around or cut without drastically hurting state services.

"This could be devastating," said Rep. Toni Walker, D - New Haven, the House Chair of the Appropriations Committee.

Officials from the nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis and the governor's Office of Policy and Management provided their analyses on the state's fiscal situation and both concluded that fixed costs are strangling the state's coffers.

"The costs of state government are going up at unacceptably high rates and we have to rein that in," said Sen. Scott Frantz, R - Greenwich.

Rep. Walker said she can't rule out searching for new sources of revenue to pay for state government, but stopped short of outright endorsing tax increases.

"I'm not saying it's one kind of revenue," she said. "I'm saying there are options out there and perhaps we can direct those funds to cover our pension obligations."

There are $1.5 billion alone set aside this fiscal year to pay for pensions and retiree benefits.

Sen. Frantz says the state needs to figure out policies that lead to more growth in the state, but did acknowledge that options are limited when it comes to avoiding steep cuts before the end of the fiscal year on July 1.

"We have to hope for some better than expected economic activity."

Office of Policy and Management Secretary Benjamin Barnes said he doesn't expect growth to surpass 2 percent in Connecticut or anywhere for that matter. Even though his estimate differed slightly from the Office of Fiscal Analysis when it came to some balances and estimates, Barnes quipped, "At the end of the day we're both pretty pessimistic."
A Connecticut state trooper was injured when he lost control of his cruiser on Route 25 north in Bridgeport late Wednesday night and he was taken to the hospital.

Police said Trooper Matthew Losh, 33, lost control on wet roads at 11:50 p.m., went into the median north of exit 5, hit the guardrail and rolled his 2013 Ford Interceptor several times.

Loshs right hand was cut in the crash and he was taken to St. Vincents Hospital and has been released, according to a news release from state police.

Police said the cruiser was damaged and towed to a garage.
Jacksonville sheriff's deputies say they took a bank robbery and hostage-taking suspect into custody at an area bank they'd surrounded Thursday morning.

SWAT crews responded to the Community First Credit Union shortly after 9 a.m. Authorities told local news stations a robber was inside and that the person appeared to have taken hostages.

A Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Twitter account said about 11 a.m. ET that the situation was "very active," then that 11 hostages were out of the bank.

About 10 minutes later, deputies tweeted that the suspect was in custody. No one was shot, authorities said, but it wasn't clear what the suspect's condition was.

The suspect was later identified as 23-year-old Nicholas Daquan Humphrey. It's unknown what exact charges he'll face.

Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Melissa Bujeda had said "numerous" people were being held hostage. She said that an initial 911 call indicated that someone may have been shot during the robbery, but the sheriff's office wasn't immediately able to confirm that. The Twitter account later indicated that no one was shot during the incident.

Various reports said a local elementary school was placed on lockdown, but local NBC affiliate WTLV said that was not the case.

Stay tuned to NBC 6 on air and online for updates.
Dozens of die-hard Dallas Cowboys fans flew out Wednesday to Minneapolis to see Thursday night's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

The team took off in an American Airlines plane at about 2 p.m., in pursuit of their 11th straight win.

Right across the street at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, fans decked out in Cowboys gear were catching their own flights.

For Dawn Douglas, it's a bit of a homecoming  and a house divided.

She grew up in Minneapolis as a Vikings fan. But living in Dallas for 21 years has converted her.

"Why wouldn't you be a Cowboys fan? C'mon!" Douglas said, laughing. "There's a huge rivalry there."

She and John Castro didn't think twice about taking the trip.

"It's one of those things if you don't do it, you're going to miss it, so we got invited and we took them up on it!" Castro said.

Scott Pittman's family has had Cowboys season tickets every year since 1969. He goes to every home game and one away game.

"Been planning this for about six months," Pittman said, about going to Minneapolis. "It's like the Cowboys of the 90s. It's fun like it used to be."

Fun whether you're in the stands  or on the field.

"It's awesome. I've never been a part of a team that has chemistry like this one. It's definitely exciting just looking forward to the future," said Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley.

You can catch the Cowboys play the Vikings on NBC 5. Kickoff is at 7:25 p.m.
Some suburban school districts continue to support Dallas County Schools, the agency providing busing services to many North Texas school districts, despite tardiness complaints and safety concerns including an increase in bus crashes and drivers recorded running red lights.

The reason why may be money.

In an letter obtained by NBC 5 Investigates, Coppell Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip said bus services could cost up to $1 million a year more if theyre forced to use another bus provider.

At the Dallas Independent School District, Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is already considering options to replace DCS if the troubled bus provider cant improve, but in 12 other school districts that use the same service many superintendents have stayed silent on the issue.

Certainly we need to have our kids to school on time and safely. Whatever it takes, that's what we will consider so all options will be on the table, said Hinojosa.

But just up the road in Coppell, Waldrip doesnt want to talk publicly about his districts relationship with DCS. At Mondays school board meeting Waldrip refused to answer a question about whether the district was sacrificing safety to save money, and would only say, I don't have comment on that at this time.

Emails obtained by NBC 5 Investigates show in recent months Coppell parents have complained of serious safety concerns.

In August and September, parents reported students sat on the bus floor between seats because buses were so overcrowded. In another email, one parent complained, it appears the district is trying to cover up the situation and is putting the students at risk by allowing this to continue. Other parents have reported buses running 30-40 minutes late, causing kids to miss class.

One Coppell parent told NBC 5, Its a problem that should be taken seriously. If they have options like changing the vendor, they should.

Waldrip sent an email to parents in November asking for patience during what he described as a "trying time" with the bus situation. But behind the scenes, he wrote another letter that suggests he has no plans to look for a different bus company.

In October, Waldrip wrote to Texas Sen. Don Huffines (R-Dallas), who believes the legislature should shut down the troubled bus agency. In the letter, Waldrip writes, our best estimates indicate we would pay $800,000 to $1 million more per year for transportation services if we move away from Dallas County Schools  we strongly request you reconsider you recommendation to abolish Dallas County Schools.

For weeks, NBC 5 Investigates has requested an on-camera interview with Waldrip. His office declined, so NBC 5 caught up with him at Mondays school board meeting and asked if he was sacrificing safety to save money.

Still, Waldrip would only say that he had no comment.

Guys, we don't have any comment on that right now, Waldrip said.

When asked if they were going to explore alternative transportation options like the Dallas ISD, Waldrip again said he had no comment.

Coppell parent Todd Dillenbeck said hes frustrated the district wont make a change.

My kids are my life, said Dillenbeck. That bothers me you're continuing to put my kids safety on the line because of a contract. I don't like that.

DCS is cheaper than private bus companies in part because its taxpayer subsidized, funded by Dallas County taxpayers.

Waldrips letter argues state laws make it harder for wealthier school districts like Coppell to get additional state funding for buses, but when it comes to safety concerns, Waldrips not talking.

Whatever is going on with Dallas County Schools, I don't want to play it out in the media. We are working with Dallas County Schools, so I don't have comment on it at this time, said Waldrip.

Dillenbeck said hes making his own change after witnessing a crash involving a DCS bus and buses repeatedly making his son late for class.

His mom takes him to school now. We're not relying on the bus anymore, said Dillenbeck.

NBC 5 Investigates has been in contact with the other 11 school districts that use DCS buses.

On Wednesday, Cedar Hill ISD said it has also had concerns with DCS for a while and is exploring other options. Some districts like Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD said theyre handling concerns internally and do not want to speak publicly. Two smaller districts, Aledo and Highland Park said they are satisfied with the service or have had very few complaints.

Some districts have not responded at all.

As for DCS, the bus provider told NBC 5 Investigates it is currently re-evaluating all aspects of its safety program and just replaced its transportation director last week. DCS says a shortage of drivers in Coppell and an increase in the number of students riding buses there has contributed to problems in that district.

In a statement released Wednesday, DCS said:

"Dallas County Schools is unaware of any complaints of children in the aisles on any of our routes. This behavior is unacceptable and against district policy and we encourage parents to call 214-944-4511 to report any issues so we can act on it. We can't act if we don't know."
The Texas Department of State Health Services is investigating two outbreaks of mumps in North Texas.

The first involves four adult cases in Dallas County, while the other involves 10 confirmed cases in Johnson County, most of them children in the Keene Independent School District and Cleburne Independent School District.[[403861156,R]]

Six students at Keene Elementary School have tested positive for mumps, along with one student at Keene High School, officials say.

In the Cleburne ISD, there is one case at the high school, and another at the middle school.

"Some of these students have traveled to Arkansas, and so there may be an Arkansas connection as well," said Dr. Elvin Adams, with the Johnson County Health Authority.

Currently, there is a large outbreak of mumps in Arkansas.

"Some of them are relatives, but the most common thing is that they are students in the same school. This is what is a concern to us," Adams said.

The Keene ISD has 1,100 students, and right now, 34 may be at risk because they are not immunized against the virus that causes mumps.

Officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services will be at two Johnson County schools to vaccinate students against mumps Thursday morning.

"Starting tomorrow (Thursday) they won't be allowed back in school for 26 days, long incubation period for mumps," said Keene ISD Superintendent Ricky Stephens. "We're fortunate the Christmas break is here, which is only going to make them miss 12 days of school."

Students say their parents are concerned.

Shes just really worried because even in the past, when my sister came to this high school and I was in elementary, people got the flu and there was a really bad case, she didnt want to take me and my sister to school, said Miguel Cruz, a student at Keene High School.

Mumps can be spread through the air from coughs and sneezes, and it is highly contagious. Symptoms include swollen salivary glands below the ears, fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite, DSHS said.

There is no treatment for mumps, and the illness can take up to 25 days for symptoms to appear.

The MMR vaccine, which also protects against measles and rubella, is the best way to protect yourself from mumps, officials said.

Thursday morning, the district's three schools will offer vaccines for those who want one, allowing them to return to class.

Officials are working to find anyone who came into contact with the people exhibiting symptoms of mumps.
There are two truths youll learn about Mr. Jack Bradshaw. One of them, he says, is that he's been lucky most of his life. The second is that he absolutely loves flying airplanes.

Im 96 now and I flew up till I was 88, said Bradshaw, while sitting in his Dallas home.

At just 8-years-old he told his dad about secretly going on his first flight.

I said, Hey, guess what? I flew in an airplane today, and he thought, Youre crazy. What are you talking about? And I told him, he said with a huge smile.

That joy from flying has lasted his lifetime, but hes had some turbulence.

First was when he learned about Pearl Harbor. He said he tried to fly for the U.S. military, but he got denied.

[They] said, go back to school. You have to have two years of college at that time to get into flight training,'" said Bradshaw.

But then he heard from his college roommate that the British Royal Air Force was letting in high school graduates if they could pass their tests.

Read the first line on the chart, letters about that high you know, Bradshaw said, while referencing a width four inches big.

Less than a week later, he got accepted into flight school and moved to Miami, Oklahoma, which was one of five British flying schools in the U.S. at that time.

I trained with 100 British cadets, said Bradshaw, while looking at pictures of his flight school crew.

He said he was one of two Americans in the Miami flight school at the time, but the only American in the group to graduate the program.

He flew all over the world for the Royal Air Force until 1944, thats when the handsome fella fell in love with a pretty girl from England.

Beautiful girl, yeah, said Bradshaw.

It was time to adjust course.

I decided that I wasnt making enough money to keep my wife happy, so I put in for my transfer to the U.S. Air Force and made about four times as much, said Bradshaw.

He also got to name his plane.

"Well, I named it Yorkshire Lass because my wife was from Yorkshire, said Bradshaw.

And her name brought him luck.

Oh man, I was lucky. Youre not kidding, said Bradshaw.

He was especially lucky when the Yorkshire Lass got hit by friendly fire.

Everything turned black, and I got hit in the engine and the engine oil just was black, but the engine kept running and I was able to get all the way to an emergency field in Belgium where I bellied it in. [I] walked away from it. In fact, I didnt total the airplane, said Bradshaw.

Yorkshire Lass got fixed and he kept flying her.

This is the Air Force achievement medal, Bradshaw said, while pointing to a certificate framed on the wall. And it was for landing that airplane when I got shot down.

In all, he flew 136 combat missions. Now, his home is full of various honors.

I just enjoyed flying, said Bradshaw.

And in November, he was flown to Washington D.C. to be honored again, this time, by the head of the British Royal Air Force.

So he came over in his full uniform, all his medals and everything, he was outstanding and he knelt down beside me and we chit-chatted, said Bradshaw, with a wide grin.

At 96-years-old, hes accomplished a lot.

Yeah, its been over a long period of time! said Bradshaw with a laugh.

Hes lived a life filled with love for his bride and his airplanes, and both are thanks to the British Royal Air Force .... and that other thing.

Luck! said Bradshaw. Yes, a great deal of luck. I got some excellent training, but I had a bunch of luck.
Foster families and a rescue group on Wednesday helped save 19 dogs' lives in Fort Worth by sending them to New Jersey.

And they're just the latest to make the trip.

They gathered on the front lawn of the Chuck Silcox Animal Care and Control Center for a special goodbye. One by one, they were loaded into the back of a heated trailer.

The dogs are headed to Saddlebrook, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City.

In Fort Worth, the shelter is at capacity. Some 17,000 dogs a year fill the cages. Some have to be euthanized.

But in the Northeast, there's a big demand for dogs.

"We have a line, said Kay Wlodarek, who formed Tall Tales Animal Rescue and Transport 20 years ago. "It's just my passion. I don't think a healthy dog should be euthanized for space."

Last year alone, she transported 3,000 dogs from Texas to New Jersey and Washington state. She drives a large trailer about 120,000 miles a year, she said.

Before the dogs go to the rescue group, they stay with foster families after leaving the shelter to make sure they are well-adjusted and in good health.

The foster families help alleviate overcrowding at the shelter and buy the animals more time to be placed with permanent families.

This is really about the community coming together, said Dr. Tim Morton, a veterinarian at the shelter. It's not what the Fort Worth animal shelter is doing. It's what we're doing with our partners in the community."

Cristina Davis and her husband, Marshall, temporarily adopted their dog Charlie about a month ago.

"I just wonder if he is going to miss us. I know we are going to miss him, Cristina Davis said. "It's bittersweet. But we can't keep them all or we would have a farm."

Even for foster parents, saying so long can be tough.

"Pretty emotional, a lot more emotional than I thought I would, said Becky Phifer, another foster mother.

Fort Worths animal shelter found homes for 87 percent of its dogs last year. The goal is 90 percent. Morton said the city hopes to find more foster families so more dogs can be saved.

Anyone interested can call the shelter for more information.
Grilled or fried, white or dark, chopped or whole, the popularity of "pollo" is growing in North Texas.

Pollo means chicken in Spanish. Drive around North Texas and you may see new signs for four restaurant chains popping up. Those chains are Pollo Campero, Pollo Regio, Pollo Tropical and El Pollo Loco, the newest entry into the DFW market.

Walk into each brightly-colored restaurant and you're bound to smell chicken cooking and the sound of Latin music. But that's where the similarities end.

El Pollo Loco grills its citrus-marinated chicken directly behind the check-out counter for an hour before serving.

In 1975, the chain started in the state of Sinaloa in Mexico. It spread to California in 1980. El Pollo Loco arrived in North Texas in 2016 after first establishing locations in Houston and San Antonio. There are 450 locations nationwide.

"Texas has been good to us," said Carlos Ortiz, franchise business director at El Pollo Loco. "Since our menu is based on original Mexican recipes, I think people relate a lot to the food."

Ortiz prefers not to call El Pollo Loco "fast food."

"We make it fresh everyday," said Ortiz. "We cook it as you order and we prepare it as you order it."

There's a very different flavor at Pollo Campero. It started in Guatemala in 1971, arriving in California in 2002 followed by Dallas in 2004. It offers two types of chicken.

"We are the only ones in that platform that can give you a fried and grilled chicken option that you can pair with a Latin side," said Rodolfo Bianchi, vice-president of operation services.

Bianchi said the Guatemalan way of making fried chicken is a little different than the southern United States tradition.

"Our technique that we use for cooking is that we use a light coating that doesn't feel greasy at all," said Bianchi.

Dishes of chicken are often served with Yucca fries or sweet plantains. Or customers can go with more "traditional" American sides of salad or rice.

In 2004, Pollo Campero debuted in several Hispanic neighborhoods around Dallas. But it's new Lewisville location is part of a new business strategy.

"[Lewisville has] a lot of diversity in terms of the demographics we're looking for," said Bianchi. "Now we are appealing to a broader customer base."

Florida-based Pollo Tropical opened 16 stores with Dallas/Fort Worth within the past year, though a recent report by the Star-Telegram reported eight of those locations were slated to close. The chain's grilled chicken recipe is inspired by Caribbean flavors.

Pollo Regio specializes in chicken grilled over charcoal. It started in Austin but Dallas/Fort Worth is its largest market.

These outlets help feed an American appetite for meat that has recently switch a preference from beef to chicken. According to Marketplace.com, Americans eat a yearly average of 89 pounds of chicken versus 54 pounds of beef and 50 pounds of pork.

Although the Latin restaurant theme is growing at the same time as the Hispanic population is also growing, NBC 5 crews observed workers and customers of all ethnic/racial backgrounds eating the food.

Bianchi said the popularity of pollo is part of Americans' wishes to engage diversity with food and experiences.

"We are all coming from different places in the world," said Bianchi. "You can go to a Vietnamese place. You can go to a Japanese place."

"But in our Latin world, being able to bring you flavors, bring you the freshness, bring you the sabor [flavors]... not only from a theoretical perspective but also from the smiles, from the culture... I think it's a great thing."
Federal immigration officials will set up a second temporary holding facility on the Texas border to deal with a surge in arrivals of families and unaccompanied children fleeing violence and poverty in Central America.

The temporary shelters at the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge in the Rio Grande Valley city of Donna will hold up to 500 people, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Wednesday.

The federal government has struggled to manage a surge in immigrants from the troubled nations of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala that began in 2014.

Volunteers who work with migrants along the border say the upsurge in Central American arrivals began long before Donald Trump's Nov. 8 victory.

Many migrant families are released after initial processing and charities help them reach relatives living in the U.S.

NBC 5 visited a respite center in downtown McAllen, where in the two and a half years it's been operating, volunteers have helped more than 60,000 men, women and children who've crossed the border.

Sister Norma Pimentel, of Catholic Charities Rio Grande Valley, runs the center.

"They actually turn themselves into Border Patrol when they cross the river. Border patrol will process them and they give them permission to travel," Pimentel said. "They give them temporary permission to be in the United States so that they can continue their procedures elsewhere and they can go before a judge and determine whether they have a right to be here in the country or not."

"In the meantime, a family member bought their bus ticket and they're able to travel to there. So before they get on the bus, we invite them here and ask them to take a shower, get cleaned, see a doctor, eat some soup, get clean clothing, call their family and we put them back on the bus," she said.

Pimental said they help between 250 to 350 migrants every day.

Neli Tejada is five-months pregnant and just arrived at the center with her 4-year-old son.

It took them 37 days to travel from Honduras, a country many escape out of fear of gang violence and poverty conditions.

"They fear for their lives and the lives of their children," Pimentel said.

"We will continue to be here as long as families continue to come and as long as volunteers and donations keep coming, so that we can serve the families," she adds.

According to Catholic Charities of Dallas, Homeland Security and the U.S. Border Patrol have reached out to regarding the recent surge of people fleeing Central America through Mexico and into Brownsville.

In a statement from CCD, the federal agencies have asked CCD to assist with temporary humanitarian respite care should the need arise.

"Catholic Charities' core mission has been - and always will be - to help those in need; to feed the hungry, provide clothing to those without, to assist the elderly, children and families and welcome the strangers in the community, which is why CCD is prepared to partner with The St. Vincent de Paul Society and other agencies to help.

"The CCD president and CEO said Catholic Charities of Dallas stands ready to assist in this humanitarian effort."
Rogelio Chavez, one of two California inmates who escaped from the Santa Clara County Main Jail on Thanksgiving Eve, was taken into custody late Wednesday, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies and a SWAT team were searching a home near Coy Park in San Jose when Chavez was nabbed, which comes a day after U.S. Marshals captured 26-year-old Laron Desean Campbell in Antioch.

The SWAT team was called in after detectives noticed a person trying to conceal themselves in the attic of the home. Chavez's arrest came at 8:25 p.m., Sheriff Laurie Smith said during a news conference Wednesday night.

Smith added that Chavez was found in possession of narcotics and was under the influence at the time of his arrest. He was transported to a hospital, she said.

A female resident at the home, Karla Fernandez, also was arrested by detectives for resisting and obstructing an investigation, being a felon in possession of a firearm and an accessory to Chavez's escape, Smith said. The investigation is ongoing, and there may be addtional arrests of people who harbored Chavez while he was on the loose, Smith said.

The afternoon search comes after U.S. Marshals on Tuesday night captured 26-year-old Laron Desean Campbell in Antioch.

Both Campbell and Chavez made national news on Nov. 23 about 11 p.m., when they made a daring escape from Santa Clara County Main Jail, using bedsheets to rappel down their second-story jail cell window. Campbell had been held since February 2015 on various charges including robbery, false imprisonment, criminal threats and firearms violations.

Chavez has the letter B tattooed on the left side of his neck and a wavy line tattooed over his left eye. Chavez had been in jail since Aug. 17 on various charges including burglary, extortion, false imprisonment, resisting arrest, and firearms violations.The afternoon search comes after U.S. Marshals on Tuesday night captured 26-year-old Laron Desean Campbell in Antioch.

Both Campbell and Chavez made national news on Nov. 23 about 11 p.m., when they made a daring escape from Santa Clara County Main Jail, using bedsheets to rappel down their second-story jail cell window.

Sources tell NBC Bay Area the search on Coy Road was at the home of a "known associate" of Chavez. Sources also said tear gas was used during the search.

The capture of Campbell on Tuesday night came hours after Santa Clara County sheriff's deputies swarmed an east San Jose neighborhood in the afternoon looking for one of the inmates it wasn't immediately clear if that search was for Campbell or Chavez. On Sunday, deputies swarmed a Gilroy Days Inn, hoping to find Chavez, which they didn't.

Campbell had been held since February 2015 on various charges including robbery, false imprisonment, criminal threats and firearms violations.

Chavez had been in jail since Aug. 17 on various charges including burglary, extortion, false imprisonment, resisting arrest, and firearms violations.
The U.S. Military is honoring a California woman who sent more than 7,200 care packages to troops and soldiers overseas.

Wednesday, Maxine Russell was presented with an American Flag that flew in Afghanistan, along with a proclamation, during a ceremony at the First Marine Division Headquarters at Camp Pendleton.

Russell has been making personalized packages with snacks, drinks, personal items and letters for more than 25 years.

It's very special because we have a lot of military in our family and the Marines have been so kind," said Russell, who told NBC 7 she does not like to be in the spotlight.

It just validates what I'm doing, even though it's a small part, that makes a big difference, she said.

That flag also means a lot to Russell, as many of the packages she has sent over the last decade and a half were delivered by a helicopter drop there.

Many of the soldiers under retired Army Lt. Colonel David Kramers command received the packages.

It's a piece of home, and you miss that, it makes you feel a little more human for a little while, while you open up the package, Kramer said.

The care packages all started when Russell's husband was deployed during Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990's.

Since then, her home has been filled with snack, personal items, and goodies - all ready to go.

The most popular items, she says, are healthy things like unsalted almonds and protein drinks.

The Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division, Major General Daniel O'Donohue, said the deliveries mean more than just getting something to munch on. The packages, especially the letters that come with them, mean so much more.

You know that you're fighting for something, you understand freedom and it's got a face to it, and that's been Maxine for us, O'Donohue said.

Russells mission only became more meaningful a decade ago, when tragically, she lost her son.

Darren was a San Diego State graduate who had been teaching in China when he suddenly died. She says Darren used to help her put the packages together in the early years of the project.

Today, she says making the packages helps her connect with him.

"It keeps his memory alive in a positive way, she said.

Care in the form of packages isnt the only thing Russell, a therapist and grief counselor, does for the military. She also cares for the troops as a volunteer counseling the military, veterans, and families, as well as giving support to those with Post Traumatic Stress.

She is a woman on a mission to help the military, here at home and while they are deployed many miles away.
Two San Francisco dog owners accused of forcing their pets to attack wild animals were arrested last week, police said.

Kelvin Johnson, 28, and Jasmine Marshall, 23, face felony animal cruelty charges after various social media posts reveal the tandem's dogs killing racoons, squirrels, rats, rabbits, an egret and a seagull, police said.

Discovered footage also depicts the pair training their canines to commit harm, police said.

Both suspects were booked into San Francisco County Jail, police said. In addition to the felony animal cruelty charge, Johnson and Marshall both face a felony conspiracy charge. Johnson was also apprehended for a probation violation.

The investigation into the animal cruelty case began on Oct. 5, police said.
A teenage boy who suffered disfiguring burns as an infant in Africa celebrated the end of a yearlong process of recovery and reconstructive surgeries on Wednesday in Torrance.

Jespa Awomah, 17, made the trip from a tiny, rural village in Cameroon to Southern California for reconstructive surgical treatment.

Awomah was injured as an infant when he fell into a fire inside his familys hut home. His severe burns were treated with a few bandages at a local clinic. He lost the use of his right arm and eye.

The trip was made possible thanks to a Facebook post and financial help from the Childrens Burn Foundation. The foundation sponsored Awomahs surgeries and recovery at a discounted cost by Torrance Memorials Burn Center.

His medical treatment has included a prosthetic eye, new eyelid, and hand and arm reconstruction. He also received a tattooing treatment to even out his complexion.

Torrance Medical Center held a celebration on Wednesday with Awomah and the doctors who were "instrumental in his care and journey."

"I feel so happy  I appreciate it. I just want to say thank you," Awomah told NBC4 at the celebration on Wednesday.

To donate to cover the cost of Awomahs living expenses, visit gofundme.com/2k2g3myk.
A top security company warns about a new cyber attack that is infecting about 13,000 mobile devices every day.

So far this hack has taken control of over 1 million Google accounts since August.

Downloading apps and opening unknown email that contains malware is what allows hackers to take over your Google account.

The most recent malware attack campaign for Google account holders is known as Gooligan. Tech analysts say it's the largest breach of Google accounts to date, with more than a million accounts compromised.

The Gooligan hack primarily infects older Android phones, which still account for about 74 percent of the market.

The problem is caused by malware often hidden in free apps, which entice people to download them rather than paying fees to use Google Play apps that are considered more secure. The malware can also infect your account by clicking on links to apps in e-mail messages, known as phishing.

Once the app is downloaded it can access all your Google accounts, bombarding you with advertising and increasing the rank of other legitimate games on Google Play.

The director of security for Google says the purpose of Gooligan hacks is promoting apps, not stealing information.

So how do you protect your Google accounts?

First, make sure you have the latest operating software from Google.

You can also reinstall your operating software. If you don't know how to do that, take your phone or tablet to a retailer that sells Androids and a technician should be able to help you.

You can also check your device by going to gooligan.checkpoint.com and entering the email address associated with your Android.
Thanks to the generosity of the surrounding community, wheelchairs worth thousands of dollars destined for disabled adults and children overseas that were once stolen from a nonprofits Van Nuys warehouse will soon be replaced.

Global Mobility, a humanitarian nonprofit that provides custom wheelchairs for free to those in need, reached out to NBC4 after discovering thieves had broken in Tuesday night and stolen 80 wheelchairs.

The wheelchairs cost an approximate $12,000 total, the nonprofit said.

They were going to be loaded into a shipping container heading for Yogyakarta, Indonesia, when they were stolen in the night. Staff at Global Mobility said they were left to fill the void of the stolen chairs.

"It breaks my heart to consider that many children and adults will be denied the gift of mobility because of this brazen act," president and founder of Global Mobility David Richard said in a statement.

A police report was filed, and the nonprofit was asking the community for help in finding the stolen wheelchairs.

Their story caught the eye of state assemblyman Matt Dababneh, who tweeted NBC4 hoping to replace the wheelchairs. He said he raised over $15,000 as of Wednesday night and is expecting more donations to pour in.

"I was just horrified," Dababneh said. "How could someone be this callous to steal those wheelchairs?"

The nonprofit was thankful for Dababneh's generosity and told NBC4 80 new wheelchairs will be shipped to Indonesia on Friday.
Steven Mnuchin, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be the nation's 77th Treasury secretary, has had a long history as a successful financial executive and a shorter but significant period in a job that ushered him into Trump's inner circle: head of Trump's campaign finance operation.

When Mnuchin, 53, was chosen by Trump as his national finance director in May, he told The Associated Press that the two men had been friends for 15 years. Through his work as finance chairman, Mnuchin is close to Trump's children and son-in-law, Jared Kushner  a top adviser to Trump  and worked with them on fundraising events.

The campaign raised at least $169 million, in addition to the $66 million that Trump spent out of his own pocket. Though that was far short of what Hillary Clinton raised, it represented an impressive haul given that Trump didn't begin fundraising in earnest until the end of May.

Mnuchin and Wilbur Ross, Trump's pick to be Commerce secretary, said in a joint interview Wednesday on CNBC that they were looking forward to working together as the new administration pursues policies to boost economic growth and jobs.

"Our Number One priority is tax reform," Mnuchin said. "This will be the largest tax change since Reagan. ... We are going to cut corporate taxes which will bring huge amounts of jobs back to the United States."

If approved by the Senate, Mnuchin would follow in the tradition of two previous Treasury secretaries  Robert Rubin in the Clinton administration and Henry Paulson in George W. Bush's. All had vast Wall Street experience gained from years spent working at powerhouse Goldman Sachs.

Yet unlike Rubin and Paulson and unlike President Barack Obama's two Treasury secretaries, Timothy Geithner and Jacob Lew, Mnuchin would bring no government experience to Treasury, something that could prove a hurdle in navigating the tricky politics of Washington.

After graduating from Yale in 1985, Mnuchin worked for Goldman Sachs for 17 years. His father, Robert Mnuchin, had himself worked for Goldman for three decades, becoming a partner in charge of equity trading.

The younger Mnuchin amassed his own fortune at the firm and then left in 2002. He worked briefly for Soros Fund Management, a hedge fund led by George Soros, before starting his own investment firm, Dune Capital Management.

As head of this firm, Mnuchin and other investors participated in the purchase of failed mortgage lender IndyMac in 2009 and renamed it OneWest. The failure of IndyMac in 2008 with $32 billion in assets was one of the biggest casualties of the housing bust.

Mnuchin became chairman of OneWest, which was sold to CIT Group in 2015. Before the sale, OneWest faced a string of lawsuits over its home foreclosure practices.

This month, housing advocates filed a complaint asking the Department of Housing and Urban Development to investigate OneWest for possible violations of the Fair Housing Act. The lender failed to place branches in minority communities, provided few mortgages to black homebuyers and preserved foreclosed properties in white neighborhoods while allowing similar homes in minority communities to fall into disrepair, according to the California Reinvestment Coalition and Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California.

CIT declined to respond directly to the complaint but stressed in a statement that it is "committed to fair lending and works hard to meet the credit needs of all communities and neighborhoods we serve."

In his CNBC interview on Wednesday, Mnuchin defended his actions in buying IndyMac.

"One of the most proud aspects of my career was buying IndyMac during the financial crisis. We (bought) it from the government ... and we saved a lot of jobs and created a lot of opportunities for corporate loans."

Mnuchin also became a major investor in Hollywood, helping finance a number of movies, including the 2009 blockbuster "Avatar."

As Treasury secretary, Mnuchin would be the administration's chief economic spokesman, serving as a liaison not only to Wall Street but also to global investors, a critical role given the trillions of dollars in Treasury bonds owned by foreigners. In addition, it would be his job to sell the new administration's economic program to Congress.

Mnuchin will also oversee a sprawling bureaucracy that includes the Internal Revenue Service and the agency that issues millions of Social Security and other benefit checks each month. Treasury also runs the agency that wages the financial war on terrorism.

Even before his nomination was announced, he was being attacked for his ties to Wall Street.

"It's difficult to think of a nominee who better embodies the culture of Wall Street greed than the former Goldman Sachs partner," the Communications Workers of America, a labor union, said in a statement. "Naming Mnuchin as Treasury secretary would be a slap in the face of millions of working families who will be victimized by this Wall Street-rigged economy."

During the campaign, Trump complained about the Dodd-Frank Act, passed in 2010 in response to the 2008 financial crisis and intended to prevent another crisis by tightening financial regulations. He called the increased regulations on banks a "disaster."

Mnuchin told CNBC Wednesday that he believed Dodd-Frank was "way too complicated and it cuts back lending, so we want to strip back parts of Dodd-Frank that prevent banks from lending." He called making changes to Dodd-Frank "the Number One priority on the regulatory side."
Turns out President-elect Donald Trump isn't the only person with a Muslim dilemma.

Showrunners from some of the most popular shows on television, including ABC's "Quantico," and Showtime's "Homeland," said the negative hysteria surrounding the Muslim population following the presidential election has made their storytelling more difficult, as they attempt to weave intricate plots while steering clear of fueling anti-Muslim hysteria.

The plot lines of both shows often center around attempted terrorists attacks against the United States.

Approximately two weeks after Election Day, The New York Times gathered a select group of showrunners together to discuss Muslim representation on television. The roundtable included Howard Gordon, creator of both 24 and Homeland, and Joshua Safran creator of "Quantico," an ABC series about F.B.I. operatives.

Jimmy Fallon and Priyanka Chopra celebrate the fall season by taking turns to see who can grab the most apples using only their mouths.

For his part, Safran vowed he'd never depict a Muslim as a terrorist on the show.

"For me, it was important to not ever put a Muslim terrorist on our show," Safran said. "There hasnt been one. This year we have the appearance of one  which is a spoiler. But its not true."

Gordon, also created "24," a show that often depicted Muslims as terrorists. When asked if he had any concerns about the storylines on "Homeland" being used as fodder to fuel anti-Muslim sentiment, Gordon responded, "The short answer is, absolutely, yes. On "Homeland," its an ongoing and very important conversation."

The roundtable discussed the necessity of bringing in diverse voices to the process. "If you bring in writers with different experiences, you get different stories, " said Zarqa Nawaz, creator of the Canadian series Little Mosque on the Prairie.

"I have great hope for the future," Nawaz told the Times. "I pitched a show to one of the networks about a Muslim family, and I was told by the executive, 'There is no way an American network is going to have a Muslim woman with a hijab on television. Get her out. We will not do it.' And then I watch 'Quantico' [which has a main character in a hijab]. Im like, 'Oh my god. Ive been vindicated.'"
After over a decade of tense relations between the United States and Cuba, recent changes have allowed for somewhat of a thawing  and an increase in travel between the nations, including the first commercial flights since the late Fidel Castro took over.

Now, thanks to a weakened demand and the unknown future of possible changes in relations under President-elect Donald Trump, one airliner is already cutting the number of flights between the neighboring counties.

American Airlines will reduce the number of round trip flights from 13 to 10 starting in February  as well as flying smaller planes for certain routes. The airline said demand was the reason for the move.

Other airlines have said they will keep their schedule as is, but that could change in the coming weeks.

American was one of eight airlines that bid for the rights to fly between the U.S. and Cuba when President Obama announced plans to begin restoring travel between the counties. Flights started from South Florida on August 31st  with service to Havana added just this week.

A spokesman for the airline told the Miami Herald that the the move had nothing to do with comments made from Trump regarding a possible ending of the restoring push  however, some experts say travelers are growing worried and are in a wait-and-see mode for future plans regarding travel between the countries.
Authorities say a north Florida man is facing charges after throwing his dog into traffic.

The Ocala Star-Banner reports that 55-year-old Michael Lee Britton was arrested Tuesday on charges of aggravated animal cruelty, assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest without violence.

Police responded after a woman called to report that a man had thrown a dog at her moving car. Britton told the Star-Banner that he did it because the dog had been pierced by an arrow. Police found no such wound.

According to the Ocala State Banner, the dog was hit twice by vehicles but survived.

Humane Society of Marion County volunteer Brenda Hall says the Australian shepherd has no broken bones, but he does have fluids in his abdomen, which suggest he might have internal bleeding. Hall says she and police officers have donated to cover vet bills.

Britton was being held on $4,000 bail.
South Florida based rapper Kodak Black is a free man again after being released from jail in South Carolina.

He posted $100,000 bond for a criminal sexual conduct charge.

Kodak Black, whose real name is Dieuson Octave, posted a photo to his official Instagram account, sharing his release. The rapper is seen smiling as he walks out of a building which appears to be the jail in Florence County, SC.

In the caption, Kodak Black writes, "I'm happy to finally be going home to my family and friends. I look forward to clearing up my name in the very near future."

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports the Atlantic Records artist was set to be released from jail in August after pleading no contest to robbery and other counts. But authorities found outstanding warrants on a drug charge in Florida and the South Carolina case.

The Sentinel reports the 19-year-old Pompano Beach native was sent to South Carolina last week after serving time in the drug case. The charge stems from an incident in February.

Kodak Black signed a deal with Atlantic Records in 2015 and has been featured with several top hip hop artists, including Drake and French Montana.
Police say a Philadelphia assistant city solicitor was involved in anti-Donald Trump graffiti that was spray-painted on a grocery store in the Chestnut Hill section of Philly.

On Nov. 25 at 12:10 a.m. two men were captured on surveillance video vandalizing the Fresh Market at 8200 Germantown Avenue. The video shows one of the men spray-painting the words F*** Trump on the building while the other appears to take pictures or video. One of the men in the surveillance video also holds a glass of wine.

The two men then left the area on foot on Germantown Avenue. Investigators say the estimated damage the vandalism caused is between $3,000 and $10,000.

Police say Duncan Lloyd, an assistant city solicitor in the city of Philadelphia Law Department, is one of the men in the video though they have not yet confirmed whether he was the man who spray-painted the building or the man who recorded the vandalism.

We received a variety of tips, said Northwest Detectives Captain Malachi Jones. Were talking to a variety of people and trying to bring this thing to rest.

Craig Straw, the First Deputy City Solicitor, told NBC10 the Law Department is aware of what their employee is accused of doing.

To my knowledge, Mr. Lloyd has already contacted the Philadelphia police and is cooperating with them, Straw wrote in a statement. We will decide on a course of action once we obtain more information about the investigation. We do not condone this type of behavior from our employees.

Joe DeFelice, the chairman of the Philadelphia Republican Party, said that Lloyd should be fired for his actions.

If the image of an upper-middle class city attorney clad in a blazer and sipping wine while vandalizing an upscale grocery store with an anti-Trump message strikes you as perhaps the most bourgeois sight imaginable, thats because it is, DeFelice wrote. Nothing can better represent the hysterical pearl-clutching of the 'progressive' elite in response to this earth-shattering election, when residents of Chestnut Hill and similar neighborhoods across the country discovered  gasp  that other people have a voice too. The assistant city solicitor in question had ostensibly taken the law into his own hands, since a democratic election didnt yield his preferred outcome.

For somebody with extensive legal training to feel entitled to vandalize a newly opened super-market strikes us at the Philadelphia Republican Party as an astonishing feat of idiocy. Did the extra glass of Shiraz give him some sort of delusional confidence that there are no cameras on Germantown Ave? The taxpayers should be entrusting exactly none of our faith into this man. He should be fired from our citys law department immediately.

Police continue to investigate the incident. If you have any information, please call the Northwest Detective Division at 215-686-3353/3354.




What to Know The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lit up on Wednesday night, kicking off the holiday season in midtown Manhattan

President-elect Donald Trump will head to Indiana and Ohio on Thursday as part of a Midwest victory tour

Wildfires and deadly storms have killed at least a dozen people in the South this week

Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here.

30 Rock Tree Lights up the Season

Thousands of rain-drenched revelers gathered in midtown Manhattan Wednesday night to watch the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. Mayor Bill de Blasio and actors Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon helped flip the switch to illuminate the 94-foot tall, 14-ton Norway spruce with 50,000 multicolored lights. The holiday tradition started in 1931. This year's tree came from the backyard of Angie and Graig Eichler in Oneonta in the northern foothills of New York's Catskill mountain range. Check out more Rockefeller Center Christmas trees from years past.

This is #BayRidge, not #TimesSquare

Meanwhile in Brooklyn, drivers in one neighborhood are turning redder than Rudolph's nose over a month of daily parking restrictions so buses can take sightseers on a tour of the area's extravagant holiday displays. Bright pink signs were recently posted on 86th Street in Dyker Heights between 10th and 14th avenues barring parking from 3 p.m. to midnight until Jan. 3. "It's nice (for people to come see the lights) but all the residents here are flipping out," said John Dileo, one driver who had to move his car on Wednesday.

Trumps Midwest Victory Tour

President-elect Donald Trump is poised to take a victory lap on Thursday, appearing first in Indiana to salute workers at a factory that he made a campaign promise to save and then in Ohio on the first stop of a "Thank You Tour" to honor the supporters in states that gave him his stunning victory. The Midwest swing will be the first time Trump, who has shown an early inclination to revel in the role of showman-in-chief, has barnstormed across the country since the campaign. Meanwhile, Sarah Palin has been in touch with Trump transition officials about a role with the incoming administration, according to sources close to the former Alaska governor. While there is no confirmation what specific position she might be interested in, her son-in-law has dropped a hint.

Deadly Wildfires, Tornadoes in South

After nearly 24 hours of drenching rain helped quench a series of devastating wildfires in eastern Tennessee, local officials turned to cleanup and recovery efforts even as they battled their own personal crises. Three more bodies were found in the ruins of wildfires that torched hundreds of homes and businesses in the Great Smoky Mountains area, raising the death toll to seven. More than 14,000 people were evacuated from Gatlinburg on Monday night, and many of them are still nervously awaiting word of when they can get back in the city to see if they still have homes. Meanwhile, severe storms killed five people as tornadoes touched down in Alabama and Tennessee.

Protests in North Carolina

Protesters marched through the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina, Wednesday night, angered by the news that the officer who fatally shot a black man will not face charges. Prosecutors announced Wednesday that they would not charge officer Brentley Vinson in the fatal shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, 43, in September. Warnings of powerful thunderstorms in the area did not deter protesters, who gathered outside of the city's police headquarters. Flanked by officers on bicycle patrol, nearly a hundred people marched through the streets of Uptown Charlotte chanting "No Justice, No Peace!" and "Tell the truth and stop the lies, Keith Scott didn't have to die."

Kanye Released From Hospital

Rapper Kanye West has been released from the hospital following a more than week-long stay, E! News confirmed. He was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital Nov. 21 for exhaustion. The admission followed a week of bizarre incidents during which the provocative rapper publicly railed against fellow music stars Beyonce and Jay Z and retroactively endorsed President-elect Donald Trump.

Beaver Spotted Holiday Shopping

A beaver was spotted going through pre-lit Christmas trees and other holiday items at a dollar store in Maryland. Police were called after the little critter damaged some of the merchandise. In other unusual animal news, a six-month-old goat from New Jersey is only able to deal with its anxiety when it puts on a fluffy duck onesie. Polly the goat, who is partially blind and has other neurological issues, has several other costumes, like a unicorn onesie and a peapod onesie. And in Pennsylvania, a Penn State college senior dubbed the Squirrel Whisperer is still dressing up the critters four years after she became an internet sensation.
It's scheduled to wrap up its decade-long run on Broadway this January, but the drama depicted on stage in the Tony-winning musical "Jersey Boys" is nothing compared to what happened Monday behind the scenes.

A federal jury in Nevada found the show's writers, director and producers liable for copyright infringement, attributing 10 percent of the musical's success to an unpublished biography by author Rex Woodard, NBC 4 New York confirmed.

The book was about Four Seasons band member Tommy DeVito, whose story -- along with the story of band-members Frankie Valli, Bob Guadio and Nick Massi -- is depicted in the documentary-style musical.

In the show, each of the Four Seasons gets his own turn at telling how the 1960s-era supergroup came together, and the secrets behind hits like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man" and "December, 1963."

Its writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice told The Washington Post in 2009 that they individually interviewed each band member when crafting the musical, including Devito, who they said told them "Don't listen to those guys. I'll tell you what really happened."

But the Nevada court appears to have felt differently. While the jury did not indicate which parts of the autobiography were copied, Forbes reported Judge Robert C. Jones did identify 11 similarities between Woodard's manuscript and Brickman and Elice's book. That included dialogue between songs, character development and some scene descriptions.

Woodward had been hired by DeVito in 1988 to ghostwrite his still-unpublished memoir, "Tommy DeVito -- Then and Now." The two men had agreed to split profits for the book, but Woodward died in May 1991 of lung cancer before lining up an agent and publisher.

After "Jersey Boys" opened on Broadway in November 2005, Woodward's widow, Donna Cortbello, hired lawyers to look into publishing her late-husband's manuscript, Forbes reported. The copyright for the material was registered to DeVito in January 1991, though she was able to amend the registration to have Woodward listed with DeVito as a co-author.

She then opened suit on the "Jersey Boys" team for developing the derivative work. The suit included "Jersey Boys" scribes Brickman and Elice, as well as director Des McAnuff and producers from Dodger Theatricals.

Daniel M. Mayeda, co-counsel for the defendants, maintained his client's innocence to The Wall Street Journal.

"You cant own historical events," he said. "A lot of things that are similar are facts, names and characteristics of personalities I f you are talking about the same subject matter, they are going to have similarities."

A spokesman for the show told NBC 4 New York, "'Jersey Boys' certainly plans to appeal the decision, and has no further comment at this time."

The damages have not been determined. According to numbers provided by the Broadway League, "Jersey Boys" has grossed more than $549 million on Broadway since its opening.

The musical plays its final performance on Jan. 15 after 4,642 shows at the August Wilson Theatre. It is the 12th-longest running show in Broadway history, has also toured the country and was adapted into a 2014 film by director Clint Eastwood.
Police are searching for the robbers who violently beat two men on a Queens subway train and stole their iPhones.

The two victims, ages 25 and 27, were on a northbound E train last Friday morning when they were approached by the suspects as the train was nearing the Jamaica Center subway station around 3 a.m.

The two suspects then attacked the men, beating their faces. The 25-year-old victim suffered a fractured eye socket, a broken nose and bruises across his face. The 27-year-old victim had a laceration to his lip and swelling and bruising to his face.

The suspects grabbed the victims iPhones and ran out of the train when it entered the station.

Police released images of the suspects on Thursday morning. They said they believe theyre in their late teens or early 20s.
What to Know New York State senators revealed the dirtiest public school cafeterias throughout the city Thursday afternoon

Inspectors found 442 violations for mice at over 300 public school cafeterias

31 schools would have received a "C" grade based on the city's restaurant grading system

Healthy eating isn't the only reason to start packing a lunch for your kids  mice droppings, fruit flies and roaches are some of the vermin mingling alongside the food in New York City's public school cafeterias.

A new investigative report by the state senate and school advocates reveals 31 schools throughout the five boroughs that would have received a "C" under the city's restaurant letter grading system.

In addition to the schools listed are the number of violations and the types of vermin found during the inspections, which took place at 61 schools over a three-year period.

The grading system awards a certain number of points based on the violation of a regulation; 28 or more points constitutes a "C" grade, thus, the less points, the better.

Inspectors found 442 total violations for mice at more than 300 cafeterias in the city's public schools. Senator Jeffrey D. Klein suggests that the city adopt a grading system for its school cafeterias similar to the one used for restaurants.

"It's common sense that we would have a letter grade system for cafeterias," said Mona Davis, president of the New York City Parents Union. "If we are going to protect adults in restaurants, we need to also protect kids at school."

The schools with the highest number of violations were P.S./I.S. 192 in

Brooklyn with 15 violations, as well as Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in Brooklyn and In-Tech Academy M.S./H.S. 368 in the Bronx with 14 violations each. Vermin found at the three schools range from filth and fruit flies to mice.

Despite the report, the Department of Health says school cafeterias outperform health inspections, with 86 percent earning the equivalent of an "A" grade on inspections compared to 59 percent of restuarants.

"The Health Department and DOE work closely together to correct violations quickly," health officials said. "Students can be confident that schools are serving food that is safe for them to eat."

P.S./M.S. 147 received a 48 inspection score, the worst on the list. The school incurred eight violations during an April 2016 inspection, which uncovered drain flies and mice at the Queens school.

Roaches are crawling through the cafeterias of I.S. 211 in Brooklyn, PS. 16 on Staten Island, P.S. 214 in Queens and P.S. 33 in Chelsea.

The Department of Education says that it will work to improve public accessibility to the cafeteria reports.

"We are dedicated to providing students with nutritious meals in cafeterias that are clean and safe, and will work with the Department of Health to make the reports more easily accessible to the public," said Department of Education Spokeswoman Toya Holness.

Public schools are a smorgasbord: roughly 55 percent of the city's dirtiest cafeterias are infested with mice. Inspectors found 400 mouse droppings in one visit at the Sixth Avenue Elementary School's cafeteria, which racked up 41 points for 12 violations.
What to Know The Obama administration has banned smoking in NYCHA buildings and public housing developments nationwide

The new rule requires NYCHA and 3,100 other public housing agencies implement smoke-free policies over the next 18 months

Roughly 400,000 NYCHA residents will be affected by the ban, NYC Smoke-Free estimates

Smoking in NYCHA residences will soon go to ashes: a new mandate passed by the Obama administration has banned smoking in NYCHA dwellings and public housing developments throughout the country.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development's new mandate requires that NYCHA and roughly 3,100 other public housing agencies nationwide put smoke-free policies into effect over the next 18 months.

Childhood asthma was a primary reason behind the ban, HUD Secretary Julian Castro announced Wednesday in Boston.

Under the ban, cigarettes, cigars and pipes can't be lit in NYCHA apartments, indoor common areas, administrative offices or within 25 feet of public housing buildings. Before the ban, smoking was only forbidden in NYCHA building lobbies, hallways and stairwells.

Roughly 400,000 New Yorkers will be affected by the new mandate, according to NYC Smoke-Free. One-third of NYCHA residents reported having at least one child with asthma, according to the New York-based nonprofit organization's findings.

A 2012 survey conducted by NYCHA found that 75 percent of its residents prefer to live in smoke-free buildings.
As Seen On

As seen on News 4
Country music icon Dolly Parton is pitching in to help the victims of the Great Smoky Mountain wildfires in Sevier County, Tennessee, where she grew up.

The fires have killed at least seven people and another six are still missing, NBC News reported.

Ive always believed that charity begins at home, Parton said in a video, announcing that she will provide $1,000 a month for six months to displaced families affected by the deadly fires in the area. Her Dollywood Foundation has established the My People Fund and she invited fans to donate to it online.

I know its been a trying time for my people, and this assistance will help, she added.

Approximately 300 buildings have been destroyed in Gatlinburg and 14,000 people had been forced to flee their homes, according to The Associated Press.

Many families are still separated and have not heard from their loved ones. Wolf McLellan, who was staying at a nearby motel, lost his dog, Kylie, to the disaster.

"She was too scared to move with the smoke and sirens and she just stood there. I didn't want to drag her. I couldn't drag her," he told the AP. "I figured the humane thing to do would be to just cut her loose."

Meanwhile, first responders, some of whom have been personally affected by the fires, are conducting a search and rescue mission. While theyve found bodies, theyve also been able to rescue people who were initially unable to evacuate.

Parton lauded organizations like the Red Cross for their efforts in Gatlinburg this week. The support, as always, has been overwhelming, she said.
Dec. 1 marks World AIDS Day. It's a time to remember over 35 million people who have died from the disease since the early-1980s and show support for those who are struggling with it now. It's also a chance for health organizations and charities to raise awareness about testing and treatment.

In the United Kingdom, activists are spreading the message that HIV stigma is not retro, just wrong. The U.S. World AIDS Day theme for 2016 is Leadership. Commitment. Impact, and the United Nations launched the Hands up for #HIVprevention awareness campaign, emphasizing the importance of protecting at-risk demographics like young women and girls.

[[404045866, C]]

Across the globe, approximately 34 million people suffer from HIV/AIDS, including more than 1.2 million who live in the United States.

A red ribbon is a universal symbol of support and solidarity for those living with HIV or AIDS. Here's how organizations are raising awareness and money to help combat AIDS:

World Health Organization

For World AIDS Day, the UN agency is advocating that health organizations should make self-testing equipment more readily available. About 14 million people around the world dont know they have the disease -- one in eight AIDS survivors in the U.S. goes undiagnosed.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More

Self-testing allows individuals to check their HIV/AIDS status. If they do get a positive test result, they can then explore much-needed medical resources that will improve their standard of living and protect others from infection.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are two types of self-HIV tests: the Home Access HIV-1 Test System and the OraQuick In-home HIV test. You can buy a self-testing kit at drug stores like Walgreens and Rite Aid.

(RED)

When U2s Bono and activist Bobby Shriver founded (RED) in 2006, they were bent on eradicating HIV/AIDS in Africa. Since then, theyve raised $365 million for grants to provide survivors with anti-retroviral treatments that can cost as little as 30 cents a day, but that still arent accessible to about 18 million people suffering from the disease.

This World AIDS Day, (RED) has partnered with companies to raise money for the Global Fund to Help Fight AIDS. For every handcrafted holiday drink purchased today, Starbucks will donate 25 cents to the cause. Profits from 20 Apple games sold on the iTunes app store are also going toward AIDS prevention, and New Yorkers can swing by the (BANK OF AMERICA)RED pop-up in Bryant Park to buy holiday gifts through Dec. 4.

According to (RED)s website, Bank of America will donate $1 for every purchase made with a Bank of America card using Apple Pay, up to $1M beginning on Dec. 1. This contribution will be doubled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has promised to match the money raised by (RED) this year, up to $78 million.

AIDS.gov

This World AIDS Day, the websites team is asking Americans to educate themselves about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and how it manifests in the U.S. Theyve put together a resource page for readers to peruse, including links to the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, a timeline of HIV/AIDS, and information about the Affordable Care Act, which has provided coverage to survivors who couldnt find insurance before because of their pre-existing condition.
Nearly three moths after a gunman killed a man at popular Atlantic City outlets then turned the gun on himself, a grand jury indicted the suspected gunman on new weapons charges.

Luis Maisonet, 55, already faced first-degree murder, aggravated assault and weapons charges for the Sept. 1 shooting of Christopher Romero. On Wednesday, unlawful weapons charges and pointing a gun at another person charges were added, said the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

Police said Maisonet entered the Zumiez clothing store at the Tanger Outlets' The Walk at 2010 Christopher Columbus Boulevard in Atlantic City Sept. 1. He then allegedly took out a gun and shot store manager Romero, 26. He then walked across Arkansas Avenue to White House Black Market and turned the gun on himself after being confronted by an off-duty police officer from out of town, law enforcement sources said.

Police arrived at Zumiez at noon after receiving multiple 911 calls. Both Romero and Maisonet were taken to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center - City Division. Romero was pronounced dead at the hospital while Maisonet was in critical condition.

Law enforcement sources told NBC10 Jersey Shore Bureau reporter Ted Greenberg it appeared Romero was dating Maisonet's ex-girlfriend.

Romero's co-workers expressed shock over the deadly shooting.

"I immediately started crying," Anthony Acosta, a Zumiez employee said. "We're all a family here so basically one goes down, we all go down. It's very upsetting."

Stores in the area were locked down, leaving shoppers sheltered inside for at least 20 minutes, as police determined the scope of the shooting.

Maisonet was jailed on $1 million bail.

SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP: The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.




Federal authorities say a California methamphetamine dealer charged in the murder of a Pittsburgh-area motel owner this past spring is still on the loose.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports an affidavit filed Wednesday states that federal officials have probable cause to believe that Derrick "Chino" Gallaway has fled Pennsylvania and is on the run to avoid prosecution.

The 60-year-old has been charged with homicide, robbery and other offenses in connection with the May 27 fatal shooting of Dehnad Taiedi at a Jefferson Hills motel.

Authorities say Gallaway was renting a room from Taiedi to traffic meth.

Gallaway allegedly shot the 78-year-old motel owner after he confronted him about his illegal dealings and tried to evict him.

Allegheny County officials say they plan to extradite Gallaway from wherever he's apprehended.
A woman died after suspects who were fleeing from police crashed into multiple vehicles in West Philadelphia Wednesday night, said investigators.

Police responded to gunshots at 48th Street and Westminster Avenue at 7:13 p.m. When they arrived they tried to stop two men who allegedly fled in a gray Nissan. Investigators said the two men then crashed into four cars at 52nd and Locust streets.

A woman inside one of the four vehicles struck was taken to Presbyterian Hospital. Doctors pronounced her dead a short time later.

The two suspects, who police have not yet identified, were arrested. Police also said they recovered a gun.

"There was a 9mm extended magazine in the Nissan," Philadelphia Police Lt. Ray Evers. "The Nissan has strike marks. So we know [there was a] gun battle. Gun fight."

NBC10 obtained exclusive surveillance video of the aftermath of the crash. In the video a man emerges from the smoke and takes off his jacket. An officer then rushes in and pins him against a truck. Another officer then moves the man to the ground and appears to place handcuffs on him. More officers join and the man is led away. [[403915746, C]]

"I just can't begin to tell you how saddened we are by the loss of life," said Police Commissioner Richard Ross.

Ross said the department would review the incident and he said it appeared the officers did the right thing by calling in the pursuit.

Police continued to search for a second, white car that they believe was involved in the shootout that started the chase. If you have any information, please call Philadelphia Police.
Peter Gerbert, a Blue Bell resident, took to the podium Thursday after a handful of students and workers at the Montgomery County Community College spoke about a proposed funding increase for their school.

One of the students had said the college "doesn't make you feel like a number" in lauding the school experience.

Gerbert said the feeling he got these days as a county taxpayer was the exact opposite.

"Unfortunately, as taxpayers, if everyone feels as much as me, I feel like a number," he told the county commissioners during a public hearing on the 2017 proposed budget that would raise taxes 11 percent. "It's fiscal insanity to raise taxes 21 percent in two years."

Most of the residents who spoke assailed the proposed $409 million spending plan that comes on the heels of a 2016 budget that raised taxes nearly 10 percent.

But the audience gathered to address Commissioners Val Arkoosh, Joe Gale and Josh Shapiro also included a contingent of about 25 advocates for the county college. In the budget is $22 million for a separate fund to the college -- an increase of about $4 million over its current funding from county coffers.

Democrats Arkoosh and Shapiro, who is resigning this month to become Pennsylvania Attorney General, have touted the college funding as an important piece of the budget. The increase would stave off increases to tuition in the near future and bring the county close to an even share of financial support with state funding and revenue from classes and operations, Arkoosh has said.

Student Quinton Gibson, a Willow Grove resident, was among those in the audience that thanked the commissioners for the proposed funding.

"I'm not from this area and there's a reason I moved here," Gibson said. The college is a "very significant reason."

Republican Gale has railed against the overall budget because of the accompanying tax increase.

Before the public hearing, Shapiro and Arkoosh squared off with Gale in a meeting with reporters.

Gale called for an "across the board" cut to county department budgets, but when he couldn't identify any cuts, Arkoosh accused Gale of having "not been engaged in the work" of building the budget.

"Commissioner Gale is not in the office that often, so he may not be aware of the hours and hours of work put in," she said.

Gale denied the notion that he isn't in the office or a part of the budget process.

Shapiro said of Gale that "it is easy to sit here and pontificate and make up things."

But the numbers show, Shapiro said, that "the (county) government is smaller than it was the day we walked in here."

The bitter tone between the Democrats and the Republican has built through the summer and early fall. Gale often used commissioners' meetings to question Shapiro's record and political connections. Then, more recently, Gale ran a political advertisement leading up to the November election that attacked Shapiro, who at the time was running against Republican candidate John Rafferty, a state senator from Montgomery County.

On Thursday, Shapiro called Gale's actions "unethical," considering Gale is a member of the county Elections Board.

Shapiro prodded Gale to introduce his own budget that would not increase taxes and Shapiro would happily debate that proposed budget. The Republican declined to say whether he would take Shapiro up on the offer.

Gale did say, without providing specific examples, "I find it ridiculous that we have an over $400 million budget and there is no waste in our government."

The commissioners have scheduled a final vote on the budget for Dec. 15. The tax increase would fund $18 million in new spending, as the 2017 budget would increase to $409 million from $391 million last year. The owner of a property at the county average assessment of $169,000 would pay $66 more in taxes.

Arkoosh said the commissioners would listen to taxpayers who spoke at the public hearing and weigh their opinions about spending.

Bruce Enwisle, a businessman from Ambler, opposed the tax increase. He said he didn't appreciate how the debate has been framed about the county paying "its fair share" to the county college.

"Half of my productivity goes to the government," he said of his income. "Enough!"

The proposed 2017 budget as well as the current budget is available on the Montgomery County website. Click HERE for a direct link to the county's finance page.
A 14-year-old boy is accused of shooting his mother and 8-year-old brother once each in the forehead as they slept and calling 911 to insinuate his father did it, Pennsylvania state police said Thursday.



Jacob Remaley called 911 just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, saying his mom and younger brother were dead and his father placed a gun in his bed before leaving the house, State Police Trooper Stephen Limani said at a news conference.



The boy later told officers he took a gun from atop the refrigerator, loaded it and then shot Dana and Caleb Remaley after his father went to work, police said. The boy also allegedly told police he would have shot his father, too, had he been at the home, about 25 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.



An ambulance was first to arrive on the scene Wednesday. Workers gave the teen a blanket and started to question him when he went back inside the home to get the firearm, Limani said. Since the workers aren't trained to deal with someone with a gun, they retreated from the home until troopers responded.



During the time before troopers arrived, the boy apparently retrieved the gun and was walking down the street carrying it when he encountered a neighbor, police said. That neighbor engaged the boy in conversation, leading him to discard the gun and approach officers, Limani said.



"That neighbor did a very good job in de-escalating the situation," Limani said. "The last thing we want to do is approach a 14-year-old with a firearm."



The only indication of a motive is that the teen and his parents weren't getting along lately, Limani said. However, his relationship with his little brother was seemingly good, especially considering their age difference, he said.



A friend of the family described the boy as a polite, kind, straight-A student who was involved in sports and in church.



Anita Stoner told WTAE-TV her son is a good friend of the boy's, and she was friends with the dead woman.



"He's such a good kid," she said. "If you could pick a friend for your kid it would be (him)."[[287977901, C]]



She said the mother was generous and always willing to lend a hand.



"I don't know what I'm going to do without her," she said. "She was always there for me."



Jacob Remaley was still being medically treated Thursday, and mental health evaluations were pending, Limani said. He is awaiting arraignment on two counts each of criminal homicide and first-degree murder, charged as an adult. No attorney information is available.
A senior Delaware firefighter hurt battling a blaze that claimed the lives of two firefighters lost her battle to recovery Thursday as Ardy Hope died.

Wilmington Fire Chief Anthony Goode announced Hope died of her injuries sustained in a deadly arson back in September.

Chief Goode tweeted the Line of Duty Death announcement around 4:30 p.m. Thursday. [[404107946, C]]

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. A public viewing will begin at 10 a.m. and go until noon followed by a public funeral and memorial to begin at 1 p.m.

On Friday, Goode addressed reporters about the 23-year veteran's battle following severe injuries sustained in a suspected September arson in Wilmington's Canby Park neighborhood. The fire already claimed Lt. Christopher Leach and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes.

Hope was the first female firefighter and second African-American firefighter to die in the history of the Wilmington Fire Department.

Goode said Hope, a single mother of 3, had come to him just weeks before the deadly fire to announce her plans to retire from the fire department to pursue a nursing career.

"She is a wonderful mother and woman," said Goode.

She overcame a brain tumor to become a prosperous firefighter, said Goode.

The department planned to give Hope a full honors funeral.

A fourth firefighter, Brad Speakman, was treated for injuries sustained in the fire and released from the hospital.

On Oct. 13, Crozer-Chester Medical Center spokesman Grant Gegwich told The News Journal of Wilmington that Hope was downgraded to critical condition at the Upland, Pennsylvania hospital, where she was taken after the Sept. 24 fire.

She had been listed in critical but stable condition prior to that. Gegwich didn't disclose what caused the change.[[395299111, C]]

Police said 27-year-old Beatrice Fana-Ruiz is charged with arson and murder for intentionally setting the fire. She could face futher charges in Hope's death.
Liquor investigation

From:Shanghai Daily | 2016-12-01 03:46

A shop owner is under investigation for allegedly selling cheap liquor to customers after bottling the alcohol into branded containers. Qingpu District police said they had found a shop located on Chengzhong N. Road had been selling fake Chinese white spirits of Moutai and Wuliangye.

The shop owner, surnamed Lu, was detained after 20 box of fake products were found, with a market price of 170,000 yuan (US$24,600) had they been genuine, police said.
About 2.5 million dehumidifiers were recalled following reports of 450 fires and $19 million in property damage, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday.

The recall by manufacturer Gree involves several models of dehumidifiers under 13 different brands, including Frigidaire, GE, and Kenmore.

The recall was first announced in September 2013, updated in October 2013 and expanded in January 2014. The company announced it again Tuesday morning.

This recall involves 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 65 and 70-pint dehumidifiers with brand names Danby, DeLonghi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, GE, Gree, Kenmore, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir and SuperClima.

A full list of recalled model numbers and date codes are available here.

The dehumidifiers were sold at AAFES, HH Gregg, Home Depot, Kmart, Lowes, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Sams Club, Sears, Walmart and other stores nationwide and in Canada, and online at Amazon.com and Ebay.com, from January 2005 through August 2013 for between $110 and $400.

The brand name and the pint capacity are printed on the front of the dehumidifier. The model number and date code are printed on a sticker that could be found on the back, front or side of the unit.

The dehumidifiers are white, beige, gray or black plastic and measure between 19 and 24 inches tall, 13 and 15 inches wide, and 9 and 11 inches deep.

CPSC urged customers who have one of these units to immediately unplug and stop using it, and contact Gree for a full refund at 866-853-2802 or online at www.greeusa.com.
The suspect in the fatal shooting of a Tacoma officer has been shot and killed by police after a lengthy barricade situation, authorities said early Thursday.

Pierce County Sheriff's Department spokesman Ed Troyer says the suspect was shot at approximately 3:30 a.m. Thursday, ending an 11-hour standoff. The suspect has not been identified.

Troyer says a girl and a boy, found unharmed, have been taken from the house. He says officers found multiple weapons in the house.

Earlier, the neighborhood had been locked down while officers from multiple agencies worked to bring about a peaceful resolution.

Before the standoff began, a Tacoma officer was shot multiple times while answering a domestic violence call Wednesday. The officer has not been identified.

Tacoma police spokeswoman Loretta Cool said the officer was pronounced dead at the hospital after nightfall.

"We've suffered a great loss and I think the community has suffered a great loss. I don't know how to put that into words," Cool said.

After the death of the officer, a procession of law enforcement officers from around the region escorted the body from the hospital to the county medical examiner's office.

Cool said police responded to the home Wednesday afternoon in the 400 block of East 52nd Street and that shortly after arriving, officers called for backup.

Reacting to shots fired, arriving officers entered the home and managed to get the wounded officer outside and to a hospital, Cool said. She had said the officer had been undergoing surgery before the death was announced.

It wasn't immediately clear what led up to the shooting.

In a statement, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said he and his wife Trudi were sending their thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of the officer.

"All of Washington grieves with Tacoma, which tonight lost one of their finest. Our hearts are with the men and women of the Tacoma Police Department, their families, and their brothers and sisters in law enforcement across Washington."
Balboa Park December Nights, billed as the nations premiere holiday festival, will take place for the 39th consecutive year this Friday and Saturday. But what does it take to make such a large-scale event happen?

This is the largest free community festival in San Diego. It takes a massive numbers of things and people to put on, and attracts hundreds of thousands to Balboa Park.

With that in mind, here is December Nights by the numbers:

350,000 visitors over the two days

7 Santa Clauses

700 poinsettias

9 stages

105 musical and holiday performances

2 huge Christmas Trees

9 different restaurants

75 food vendors

163 volunteers

39 consecutive years December Nights has occurred

34 International cottages participating with holiday programs

29 participating institutions

And after all those large numbers, we must also pass this numerical fact along. There are very few parking spaces.

Tomas Herrera-Mishler, the President of the Balboa Conservancy, recommends this: Come early and consider parking remotely. We have a free shuttle running to the park from a parking structure on Ash Street between 4th and 5th.

Maybe the most important numbers about December Nights involve when it takes place: December Nights is Dec. 2, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Dec. 3, from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
A San Diego County doctor pleads guilty to illegally and fraudulently prescribing painkillers to some patients who did not have a medical need for them, the U.S. Attorney's office announced on Wednesday.

Dr. Naga Raja Thota, M.D., 62, was arrested at the Pain Management Center in El Cajon. He was accused of attempting to hook patients onto painkillers and prescribing the pills in exchange for sex once those patients were addicted.

According to a press release by the U.S. Attorney, Laura Duffys office, Thota pleaded guilty to seven counts of, superseding information. He admitted to illegally prescribing patients with oxycodone and hydrocodone tablets, sometimes writing the prescription under the names of a brother and father of one patient.

One of the patients had been a sex partner, Thota admitted in his plea agreement.

According to Tom Lenox of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the federal investigation into Thota dates back several years, involving three patients who were prescribed painkillers by him and developed sexual relationships.

After Thotas arrest more than two dozen people had come forward, accusing him of prescribing painkillers to them in exchange for sex, according to Amy Roderick with the DEA, who spoke with NBC 7 in September.

This defendant abused his power to prescribe and exploited the desperation of his opioid-addicted patients when abuse and overdose are at crisis levels. We are going after doctors who are not worthy of a patients trust, said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy.
A San Diego brewery is tapping into its rare reserve to drive donations for locals in need, offering a special beer at a deep discount to those who give to others.

Societe Brewing Company, located at 8262 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., is running its Holiday Food Drive now through Dec. 31 to benefit the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. The brewery is offering this sweet deal to all who donate: a bottle of The Urchin, a red wine barrel-aged, cranberry-infused sour ale for just $5 a pop.

The sour ale is described as a dry, balanced beer with a subtle cranberry tartness leveled out by tannins extracted from the wood of the wine barrels in which it matured. The deep crimson ale is light on the palate and finishes with a touch of tinder-box spice.

Normally, the brewery sells the rare beer for $50 per 500-millimeter bottle. Now, its serving as an incentive for locals to donate food that will be distributed to families in need.

And so far, the perk is working.

Societe Brewing Company

Lorah Smith, events manager & director of charitable giving at Societe Brewing Company, said that in the first week of the food drive, the brewery has already collected nearly 8,000 pounds of donations for the San Diego Food Bank  far surpassing last years total donations for the Holiday Food Drive.

Its pretty exciting, Smith told NBC 7 on Wednesday. Its an incredible feeling to be able to help out our community  the people who live around us.

Smith first spearheaded the brewerys food drive in 2013. That first year, Societe Brewing Company collected about 250 pounds of food. In 2014, Smith said they gathered 500 pounds of food donations.

Last year, they were able to collect just under 5,000 pounds of food, and the growth of the food drive fueled Smiths drive to go even bigger this year.

This year, were pulling out all the stops including offering this incentive, she explained. We want to be able to give back to our community.

Smith said she believes San Diegans have giving hearts and the brewerys food drive has given them an outlet to donate.

Its amazing to watch one person walk through the door with 200, 300, 400 pounds of food, she said. Its bringing out the best in people, and were happy to help facilitate that in any way that we can.

The food donations are accepted at Societes Clairemont tasting room. When cutomers walk in, their donations are weighed out on a giant homemade food scale. When it balances out to 50 pounds, the customer gets the deal on The Urchin.

Smith said some patrons come into the tasting room with smaller donations, unaware of the beer-for-food deal. Once they see the scale and learn the details, some patrons leave to buy more food and return with the donations and to buy the $5 bottle of beer.

And, while patrons are very pleased to snag special sour, Smith said most people are just happy to be able to pay it forward through the food drive.

Its more about helping others than about the bottle of beer  but that is kind of a cool perk, she added.

Smith and her husband, Societe Brewing co-founder and brewmaster Travis Smith, personally weigh the food donations on the homemade scale at the tasting room and later deliver the donations to the San Diego Food Bank.

The most needed food items this year include canned meats and tuna, canned soups, rice, spaghetti, peanut butter and infant formula.

Those who dont quite make it to the 50 pounds on the scale will still get a kickback for donating: anyone who gives items from the most needed items list will get $1 off each full beer purchased at the tasting room on the day of their visit.

Travis Smith said Societes specialty beers are highly-anticipated by their customers, and hes glad to be able to use the arrival of The Urchin as a tool to give back to the community.

We hope connecting it to our food drive helps boost donations and make a positive impact on families in need of a helping hand, he added.

Societe Brewing Company was founded in 2012. It's craft beer offerings include hoppy Out West ales, Belgian-inspired Old World ales and lagers and Stygian ales, as well as its maturing stock of Feral barrel-aged sours.
A U.S. Marine veteran was waiting for his colleagues Wednesday when an armed carjacking suspect attempted to carjack him at a parking lot in Temecula.

David Lebedeff was waiting for his vanpool when a car pulled up next to his truck and a suspect wearing a bandana over his face got out.

The man approached Lebedeff and tried to open his truck door but Lebedeff said he slammed it shut, knocking the suspect off balance.

The suspect had been carrying a shotgun.

Unknown to Lebedeff at the time, the suspect along with the driver of the car and a woman riding in the backseat had been involved in a crime spree that spanned two Southern California counties.

The three suspects first fired shots at a tow truck diver in the area of Gopher Canyon road and East Vista Way around 4 a.m., the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO) said. The tow truck driver, fearing for his life, drove off and the suspects crashed their vehicle while attempting to pursue him.

When another driver pulled over to help them, the three suspects carjacked her 2005 Grey Doge Neon and drove off.

Just after 5 a.m., the suspects encountered Lebedeff at the parking lot of The Promenade in Temecula.

"He wanted me out of my truck," said Lebedeff. "I wasn't going to get out."

"It pissed me off. You throw a shot gun in my face, hell. At 23-years in United States Marine Corps, it just pissed me off," he added.

Instead of backing off, Lebedeff said he drove his truck into side of the car and the suspect fired at him. The bullets hit his truck.

It just made me mad that someone was going to come into my town and basically try to take something away from me, from the community that I live in," he told NBC 7, adding that Temecula was usually a safe city.

Lebedeff said he wasn't scared but has just one regret.

Thinking back on it, would I have done anything different? Probably notI just wish that I would have hit him twice and just got a hold of them.

As of Wednesday night, the woman and two men involved in the incident are still outstanding, SDSO said.

One of the suspects is described to be in his mid-20s, 5-feet 10-inches tall with a medium build, light complexion and facial hair on his chin.
Cate Kingston's parents call her the Warrior Princess.

Watching the first grader run around the playground this November is a little like watching a Christmas past, her parents say. That's because, Kingston's parent's say, up until a little over a year ago, she had as much energy as ever.

That was part of the reason it was easy for them to see when something was wrong, they said.

"She would say, I'm tired, and sit down," her father, Brian, said.

"She would have a couple episodes of night sweats. She wouldn't be able to move her arms or her legs," her mom, Stephanie, recalled. "So, automatically you're thinking that something is very, very wrong."

The blood tests confirmed what no parent wants to imagine. Cate was diagnosed with Leukemia.

"You're devastated," Stephanie said. "It's just the most paralyzing feeling I've ever felt."

She lost her hair and her entire year of kindergarten.

"It made me feel sad a little," Cate said. "It kinda hurted a little when I kinda brushed it a little, my hair."

Cate has been through seven in-patient stays and she will be going on her 35th round of chemotherapy soon. They are on day 470.

While it's a grueling time that any adult patient would have a hard time handling, Cate's parents say she is no ordinary patient.

"She understands. She knows what's going on and she couldn't be a better patient," her father said.

"I think just innately she has a resilient spirit. I don't think even we knew how strong her will could be until this happened," Stephanie said.

They call her their warrior princess, and credit the staff at Rady Children's hospital as being her soldiers in this battle.

The family says they are so grateful for the treatment they have received.

"To have strolling musicians come into your room, or therapy dogs, I mean the therapy dogs are huge," Stephanie said. "Cate is especially close to our dog, Sam."

While there's still almost a year of chemotherapy left, some days, life is starting to look a little like it used to.

"Well, I don't have to wear a hat that much. I don't like wearing hats that much," Cate said.

Her hair is back, and her spirit never left.

"We're just incredibly blessed that she's as tough as she is, incredibly proud of her," Stephanie said.

Cate and her family will be at Liberty Station Wednesday night for the Fantasy on Ice tree lighting.

The event starts at 5 p.m. and the tree will be lit at 6 p.m. All of the proceeds to benefit Rady Children's Hospital.
Escondido Police have arrested a woman accused of embezzling $500,000 from her employer, on multiple felony charges.

Sheila Jo Jackson, a 46-year-old resident of Temecula, has been booked into the Vista Detention Facility on a breadth of serious felony charges including embezzlement by employee, forgery, grand theft and identity theft, said Escondido Police Lieutenant Ed Varso.

The employer notified Escondido Police when she discovered suspicious activity on her account that spanned several years, according to Lt. Varso.

Police detectives worked with the employer for their investigation, which connected Jackson to the theft.

Jackson is currently being held on a bail of $1.1 million, according to Escondido Police.
Military veterans plan to gather at the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota next week to show their support for those camped in protest of the four-state Dakota Access pipeline.

Veterans Stand for Standing Rock says 2,000 veterans will gather Sunday in Fort Yates, which is on the reservation. The organization says they'll be bused to the protesters' main camp on Monday and spend most of Tuesday and Wednesday on the front lines.

The group has set up a page at GoFundMe.com to raise money for food, transportation and supplies. As of Wednesday afternoon, it had raised nearly $700,000 of its $1 million goal.

North Dakota's governor said via a spokesperson Tuesday that an evacuation order he issued to those protesting the Dakota Access oil pipeline was "misconstrued" and that he has no intention of blocking food and supplies from those gathered at the encampment 50 miles south of Bismarck.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple issued Monday a "mandatory evacuation" for the camp "to safeguard against harsh winter conditions." But the order didn't specify any action to be taken against protesters who don't comply, and state Emergency Services spokeswoman Cecily Fong later said no action would be taken to enforce it.

Standing Rock Sioux tribal leader Dave Archambault called Dalrymple's order "a menacing action meant to cause fear, and is a blatant attempt by the state and local officials to usurp and circumvent federal authority."

Dalrymple's order was not the first attempt from officials to clear the camp of protesters: The Army Corps of Engineers issued a letter last week stating that all federal lands north of the Cannonball River will be closed to the public for "safety concerns" starting Dec. 5. That order includes the encampment called Oceti Sakowin, or Seven Council Fires camp.

A North Dakota sheriff on Monday dismissed the Dec. 5 deadline as a meaningless move aimed only at reducing the government's legal responsibility for hundreds of demonstrators.

The Corps "is basically kicking the can down the road, and all it is doing is taking the liability from the Corps and putting it on" the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier said.

The agency had cited North Dakota's oncoming winter and increasingly contentious clashes between protesters and police as reasons for the evacuation date.

But in a statement issued late Sunday, the Corps said it "has no plans for forcible removal." Anyone on land north of the river, including the main protest camp, after the deadline may be prosecuted for trespassing.

Before issuing his own order, Dalrymple had called the Corps' position "very puzzling."

"When you put out a pronouncement that people must leave your land by a certain date, I think you take on a responsibility to somehow bring that about," Dalrymple said. "Clearly the responsibility of clearing that land now lies primarily with the Corps."

The 1,172-mile pipeline is nearly complete except for a small section beneath a Missouri River reservoir near the encampment, which is about 50 miles south of Bismarck.
A barricade situation at a home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Wednesday, left some residents blocked off from their homes for hours.

Prince George's County police were called to a single-family home in the 9800 block of Westphalia Rd. about 2:40 p.m. about someone breaking into the home.

When officers arrived, they had information that the suspect might be inside. A few hours later, police went in the home and the suspect was gone.

Just before 6 p.m. police said they believed the suspect fled on foot and began to search for the suspect on the ground and with a helicopter.

Police have found a man they said is a person of interest. The man has not been identified and police said they are questioning him.

Westphalia Rd. between D'Arcy Rd. and Matapeake Dr. was closed for about six hours.
Portugal's economic growth reaches 1.6 pct year-on-year in Q3

2016-12-01 15:46

LISBON, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese economy grew 1.6percent in the third quarter this year compared to thecorresponding period of 2015, and 0.8 percent compared to theprevious quarter, the Portuguese National Institute of Statisticsrevealed Wednesday.

The more intense gross domestic product (GDP) growth reflected a"rise in net external demand, which went from 0.1 percentage pointsin the second quarter to 0.7 percentage points as a result of asharper acceleration in exports of goods and services compared toimports of goods and services," according to the statisticsinstitute.

The state budget for 2017 was passed in parliament on Tuesday,with the prime minister saying the country was ready for a"confidence boost" next year.

However, the Portuguese economy is expected to grow by just 0.9percent this year, according to the European Commission's autumnforecasts, which point to fragile and vulnerable investment.

While the economy grew in the third quarter, the government cutits economic outlook when it presented its budget for next year.The country is still dealing with bad loans at banks and thecountry's debt remains high, at around 129 percent of GDP.

Portugal exited a 78-billion-euro (82.44 billion U.S. dollar)bailout program in 2014, which it signed with international lendersin 2011 when the country was on the verge of bankruptcy.

The Socialist government led by Antonio Costa has promised toreverse austerity while complying with EU fiscal rules. Theunemployment rate in the third quarter fell to 10.5 percent.Enditem
A Safeway grocery store in Adams Morgan has reopened after inspectors found mouse droppings in several areas, including under the hot food bar, plus several other issues, according to the D.C. Department of Health.

The department ordered the store at 1747 Columbia Road NW to close Wednesday. Safeway said about 5:45 p.m. Thursday it has reopened after a "successful" follow-up inspection by the health department.

A notice posted to the store's door on Wedensday said the store violated "the District of Columbia food code regulations, which presents an imminent health hazard to the public."

According to a D.C. Department of Health report dated Wednesday, the store was out of compliance in two areas involving the risk of food-borne illness. The store did not have cleaned and sanitized food-contact surfaces, and was not using proper holding temperatures for cold foods, the report said.

In addition, the store was not complying with seven "good retail practices," the report said.

In total, the store was out of compliance in the following areas, according to the report:

A walk-in produce unit contained standing water, shelving inside the deli walk-in unit contained debris, and a machine used to seal packaging was dirty.

The store was not using proper cold holding temperatures; salads were in a deli display case at a temperature above 41 degrees.

There was no visible thermometer in the reach-in refrigerator.

Mice droppings were found beneath the hot food bar display case and downstairs in the basement behind the shelving.

Wet cloths were not properly stored inside a sanitizer.

Single-service items were stored on the floor or less than 6 inches above the floor, and were not stored in plastic sleeves.

Cabinet spaces behind the deli line contained dried food particles, trash and mice droppings.

Floors in the seafood and deli section contained trash and debris, and floors, the downstairs and under-shelf areas had trash debris and mice droppings.

The produce walk-in refrigerator condenser was leaking.

There was insufficient lighting (blown bulb) in the meat walk-in unit.

Safeway released the following statement after the store reopened:

"Store cleanliness is of the utmost importance to us, and the issues found yesterday at this store did not meet our companys standards. Our team worked hard overnight and throughout the day to ensure the issues were fully addressed, and all areas have been cleaned an sanitized. We apologize for the inconvenience to our customers, and commit to doing our best to ensure this issue does not reoccur."
A Maryland homeowner woke up Wednesday to swastikas and the word Racist spray-painted on three family cars, the Montgomery County Police Department said.

Police responded to a report of vandalism at the home in the 3000 block of Spencerville Road in Burtonsville about 6:25 a.m.

Other derogatory words were painted multiple times across the familys three cars parked in the driveway, police said. A photo shows Trump painted on the hood of one vehicle.

Police believe the homeowners political affiliation may have been the motive for vandalism.

There is up to a $10,000 reward for anyone with information about the vandalism leading to an arrest. Tips can be reported to the Third District Investigative Section at 240-773-6870 or anonymously to Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 1-866-411-8477.
Ill take a Cantina Kale Salad, hold the human interaction.

A new restaurant in downtown D.C. lets customers order and pay without ever speaking with anyone.

The process is weird though," one customer said. "Im so used to interacting with people.

Eatsa opened its first location in D.C. Tuesday, at 16th and K streets NW. The automated restaurant serves quinoa-based vegetarian meals that are delivered through LCD-lit cubbies.

That is brilliant, customer Genevieve Hanson said. It almost seems like a Japanese or European concept.

Customers order from in-store iPads or straight from their phones and then pick up the meals through "pure magic."

It was amazing, Christina Curic, another diner, said. It was very new age, very different from anything else Ive experienced.

The Eatsa model is reminiscent of automat dining.

Horn & Hardart Automats served meals through coin-operated, chrome-and-glass machines that dispensed coffee, hot dishes, dessert and more starting in 1902 in Philadelphia and 1912 in Manhattan, Smithsonian Magazine reported.

Actor Gregory Peck reportedly loved the Automats.

I have always thought that the Automat in New York has the best scrambled eggs in the world," he is quoted as saying in the 2002 book "The Automat: The History, Recipes, and Allure of Horn & Hardart's Masterpiece."

Dick Clark reportedly was a fan, too.

I lived at the Automat. They had the greatest chocolate milk. When I moved to Philadelphia, I apportioned less than two dollars a day to eat on, and the Automat was the only place I could do it," the book quotes him as saying.

The authors of the book, Lorraine Diehl and Marianne Hardart, spoke in a segment on NY1 News about why they loved the restaurants.

The last Automat closed in New York in 1991, according to Smithsonian magazine.

Eatsa offers a kind of high-tech version of this experience.

The meal offerings all are under 800 calories and include the Smokehouse Salad with toasted red quinoa, and a bento bowl with portobello and edamame.

Its pretty good, Hanson said. I think you need to add a lot of sauce to it.

All bowls are priced at $6.95 or less. No cash is accepted.

The D.C. restaurant is the chains fifth location and first on the East Coast.
A Prince George's County police officer's weapon discharged while the officer tried to arrest a suspect who struck a police cruiser, police say.

Police said the incident started when police received a call about a man shooting a weapon in the area of Urn St. and Nova Ave. in Capitol Heights, Maryland.

When officers tried to pull over a suspect, the suspect led police on a brief pursuit into D.C. before stopping and reversing into the police cruiser in the 5200 block of Southern Ave. SE.

As the officers approached the suspect's car, they saw a gun in the suspect's lap, police said. An officer's weapon "was discharged" while they tried to arrest the suspect. It is not known at this time whether or not the officer purposely fired the weapon.

No one was injured, Prince George's County police said.

The suspect is in custody and D.C. police are investigating.

Stay with News4 and NBCWashington.com for more information.
The longest-serving law enforcement officer in Maryland has retired at age 84.

Lt. Thomas B. Jacocks completed his last tour of duty Wednesday after more than 61 years on the job. The Montgomery County Police Department thanked him with a retirement party attended by many retired police officers.

"I'm honored to present to you your retired badge for 61 years of service. Congratulations," Police Chief Tom Manger said to applause.

84yo Montgomery County Police Lt Jacocks is presented with his retirement badge after 61 years on the force. pic.twitter.com/Bo0Sf6WVi4  Kristin Wright (@kristinywright) November 30, 2016

Jacocks joined the department in July 1955 and rose through the ranks, working in the 2nd District, 3rd District, 4th District, Juvenile Aid Bureau and Warrant and Fugitive Bureau, plus as a court liaison officer.

He said his favorite job was working on the fugitive squad.

Former Police Chief Donald Brooks said he was not surprised that Jacocks worked for so long.

"When I retired, I had 42 years on and he accused me of bailing out early," Brooks said.

Jacocks was born in D.C. in 1932 and said when he was 6 years old that he wanted to be an officer, according to family members. He graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in 1951 and enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military tour ended, he became and officer.

The father of five dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Maryland Special Olympics program.

Jacocks has seen great changes in the police department and Montgomery County in the course of his career. On his first day, he was one of 180 officers serving a population of about 200,000, police said. As he retired, he was one of more than 1,200 officers serving a population of more than 1 million.

Jacocks retired, but he is not leaving the police department, according to his wife, Peggy Jacocks.

"He will be coming back as a volunteer to finish the detail that they assigned him to," she said.
A 41-year-old man fatally shot in Alexandria, Virginia, Wednesday was listed as a federal prison system escapee.

Officers were called to the 1200 block of Colonial Avenue at 9:24 p.m. Wednesday for a report of shots fired. When they arrived, they found a man shot to death next to the tennis courts in Powhatan Park, behind the town house where he used to live years ago.

Police identifed the victim as Colby Dielle McClennon of San Diego.

Police do not believe it was a random shooting. Police were patrolling the area because of a robbery the night before, but they do not believe the shooting is connected to the robbery.

The investigation is ongoing.

McClennon was on escape status as of Nov. 17 after failing to report ot a residential reentry center, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He was convicted of possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm.

This is the seventh homicide in Alexandria this year -- after four in 2015 -- and the third in northeast Old Town since June. Police do not believe Wednesday's homicide is linked to any of the others.

Assaults and robberies are down, Alexandria's acting police chief noted.

Anyone with information that can help police is asked to call 703-746-6689.
A woman who was intentionally set on fire last week has died, and Fairfax County police say they have found the man who did it.

Police believe Delores Williams and Lewis Edward Reeder got into an argument Nov. 19 at their home in the Alexandria section of the county. Police say Reeder then set Williams on fire.

Williams, 64, was taken to the hospital, where she died nearly two weeks later.

Reeder has been captured Thursday night near Richmond, Virginia, police said about 7 p.m.

He was wanted for aggravated malicious wounding, but police say additional charges are possible.

Stay with News4 and NBCWashington.com for more information.
Their attempt was ambitious, but when 4,000 rabbis took the so-called "mannequin challenge," the result was something less than statuesque.

The rabbis had gathered at their groups headquarters in Brooklyn for their annual Chabad-Lubavitch conference, also known as kinus.

While taking the time to pose for their annual class portrait on Sunday, the group also filmed the thousands of rabbis attempting to do the #MannequinChallenge by standing completely still and in silence.

"It's hard to get thousands of rabbis to stay still, but we went for it," the organization said in a caption for the video.

While most participants followed instructions, not everyone complied. One man is seen sitting down in the beginning of the video while several others turn their heads or wave.

Stop moving! Hes moving! one man is heard yelling in the video, which can be seen on the Instagram account @chabadorg.

NYPD officers working security at the event also participated.

The gathering of Lubavitch rabbis has tried its hands at social media in years prior. Two years ago, the group took what they claimed to be the worlds biggest selfie using a large camera extender and fish-eye lens.

The rabbis work as emissaries of the Lubavitch organization in over 80 countries around the world, returning to Crown Heights every year for the conference.
Tokyo, December 1, 2016 - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) and NEC de Colombia S.A. provided the Peruvian National Police with NeoFace Watch facial recognition software at the 2016 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week in Lima, Peru. The software was deployed to enhance video surveillance at the venues where national leaders gathered and related events took place from November 7 - 20.

NEC's NeoFace Watch demonstrated by

Carlos Tuse Lloclla, General PNP, Executive Director of Integrated Security, State Security Department of the Peruvian National Police

APEC is a 21 member economic forum established to accelerate regional economic integration throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The 24th Economic Leaders' meeting attracted hundreds of leading entrepreneurs and political leaders.



NEC's NeoFace Watch solution is specifically designed to integrate with existing video surveillance systems by identifying facial characteristics from footage in real time and matching them against a watch list of preregistered individuals. When the system identifies an individual of interest from a watch list, it raises an alert, so appropriate actions can be taken by authorities to rapidly reduce the risk of public safety threats.



Cameras that are connected to NeoFace Watch were installed in select areas of the APEC events in order to provide surveillance of access control points, thereby reinforcing the overall security of the events.



"We consider it an honor that Peru was chosen for a second time to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Week," said Carlos Tuse Lloclla, General PNP, Executive Director of Integrated Security, State Security Department of the Peruvian National Police. "This additional layer of security provided by NEC's facial recognition technologies demonstrated our commitment to ensuring another successful summit that would benefit all participants."



"NEC's facial recognition technologies have been adopted to ensure the safe operation of national ID programs, international airports and large-scale facilities all across the world," said Cesar Gallegos Chavez, Peru Office Director, NEC de Colombia S.A. "We are proud to have contributed to the safety and security of so many leading members of the global business and political communities at the 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Week."



NeoFace Watch is supported by NEC facial recognition technology that has achieved the highest performance evaluation in vendor tests carried out by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)*. NEC's fingerprint and facial recognition technologies are used by more than 700 customers in over 70 countries worldwide.

***
Days before an 18-year-old man plowed his car into pedestrians and stabbed people on the Ohio State University campus, he visited Washington, D.C., and bought a knife, sources tell NBC News and NBC 4 New York.

Abdul Razak Ali Artan visited D.C. late last week and bought a knife at a Home Depot store there, law enforcement officials said.

Investigators said they do not know if Artan was planning an attack in D.C.

"It's a mystery at this point. Was he planning to do something here? Was it something else? We simply don't know," one official said.

D.C. has one Home Depot store, located on the 900 block of Rhode Island Avenue NE. A man there who said he was a manager said he had not been contacted by law enforcement officials.

Officials have said Artan bought another knife at a Walmart store in Columbus Monday morning, before he began the attack at Ohio State shortly before 10 a.m.

Officials said they do not know which knife he used in the attack that injured 11 people.

The FBI said Wednesday that it "appears" Artan was inspired by radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, but cautioned that that conclusion was based on a Facebook post he wrote.

"We don't yet know if he watched propaganda videos," one official said.

The effort to go through Artan's social media pages and electronic devices is in the early stages.

Stay with News4 for more details this developing story.
Premier Li orders AIDS battle to maintain low prevalence

2016-12-01 02:46

BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has ordered more initiatives to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS to limit prevalence of the disease.

In a written instruction to a meeting on prevention and control of major diseases held in Beijing Tuesday, Li said the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS.

While commending "marked progress" made in prevention and control of HIV and AIDS during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), Li ordered more efforts to target challenges in controlling the spread of HIV and AIDS during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020).

Intervention needs to be more efficient, testing and counseling services more accessible, public education more targeted and follow-up services improved, Li said.

The premier also ordered "across-the-board implementation" of testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, medical assistance and other policy measures.

Li guaranteed prevention and control funds, drug research and development, international cooperation and greater roles for social organizations and volunteers.

Vice Premier Liu Yandong said at the meeting that the prevention and treatment capacity of major and communicable disease should be comprehensively enhanced.
Police are searching for two people who ditched a vehicle after it hit a police cruiser in Brockton, Massachusetts early Thursday morning.

Officers were called about gunfire on Ford Street around 12:30 a.m.

When an officer arrived, they say a car with two people inside left the scene, hitting an officer's cruiser.

The suspects' vehicle was later found abandoned. No shell casings were found on Ford Street.

The officer was not injured.

No arrests have been made.
A former cook has been charged with larceny and conspiracy, after being accused of stealing food and other items at the Carver Council on Aging in Carver, Massachusetts.

David Lavoie, of Plymouth, was arraigned on the charges Nov. 22 in Wareham District Court.

Police said an investigation began back in September after they were tipped off that items like prime rib were being ordered by Lavoie at the Carver Council on Aging, but not being served to the patrons.

"Prime rib started the whole investigation and then other food items," said Carver Police Chief Marc Duphily.

Police said they set up surveillance and caught Lavoie stealing large quantities of food. At least two times, he was caught after hours.

Also charged was Lavoie's girlfriend Tracey Archer and her daughter, Kimberly Parkman, both of Plymouth.

"They used his key to have access to the building on weekends, when nobody was around," Duphily said.

During paint night at the center on Wednesday, seniors said they were shocked.

"I just couldn't believe it you know, he was a working man, a hard working man. And I just never thought he would do anything like that," said Jim Collins.

Other food allegedly stolen include canned and boxed goods from the food pantry as well as buffalo wings.

"One of the things that became very suspicious to us, the fact that he had ordered buffalo chicken wings, a hot spicy item that is not normally served to an elderly population," said Duphily.

Lavoie was put on leave by the town after the allegations surfaced. He has since resigned from the job that he held for 6 and a half years.

Police said they are unclear how long the alleged theft had been going on.

Lavoie, Archer and Parkman are all due back in court on Jan. 9.
As President-elect Donald Trump remains focused on securing the Mexican border, senators from Maine say the northern border New England shares with Canada is being neglected.

There are concerns about staffing levels and about available technology,Senator Angus King (I-Maine) said . How do you patrol a border of that magnitude?

The Canadian border is about 5,500 miles long and has around 5,700 border patrol agents and other officers monitoring it.

It is so porous, particularly compared to the highly fortified southern border, Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) said.

The two Senators have worked across the aisle to sponsor bipartisan legislation, called the Northern Border Security Review Act. The $1 million bill, which has passed unanimously in the House and Senate, calls for a comprehensive review of the Canadian borders staffing, resources, and potential threats.

We are not as well guarded as we should be, Collins said.

Coming off of a classified security briefing about the northern border, King said the biggest concerns include drugs, guns and terrorists.

It was rather sobering, he said.

Both Collins and King expect President Barack Obama to sign the legislation and start the process of studying and stepping up security to the north.
Federal authorities say a member of an international street gang has pleaded guilty to attempted murder in the stabbing of a rival gang member last year.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says 31-year-old Jose Hernandez-Miguel on Monday admitted under a plea deal that he and other MS-13 members stabbed a rival gang member near Highland Park in Chelsea on May 12, 2015.

The Boston Globe reports prosecutors say Hernandez-Miguel also pleaded guilty to cocaine distribution. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 21.

The office says Hernandez-Miguel was one of 61 individuals named in an August indictment targeting the alleged criminal activity of MS-13 gang members in the state.

MS-13 has over 6,000 members in the U.S. and over 30,000 members internationally, mainly in El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala.
Authorities say a Vermont couple who bought drugs Massachusetts overdosed in an idling car with their children inside.

Twenty-seven-year-old Jacob Davis and 32-year-old Tamara Bruce, both of Manchester Center, were arraigned Monday. Davis was charged with operating under the influence of drugs and Bruce was charged with two counts of reckless endangerment of a child.

Police in Lawrence told The Eagle-Tribune a person walking by saw them in the idling car and thought they were dead over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The children were placed in the custody of the state's child welfare agency.

Davis and Bruce were ordered to be held on $2,500 bail.

Their next court date is Dec. 29 for a pre-trial hearing. It's unclear if they have attorneys.
A Portland, Maine, landlord has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for a misdemeanor fire code violation at his Noyes Street apartment building, where six people died in a fire in November of 2014.

Landlord Gregory Nibset will also have to pay a $1,000 fine.

"I, myself, mourn and cry daily," Nisbet told a judge during his sentencing Thursday.

He was acquitted of six counts of manslaughter, for the six people killed in his building. He could have faced 180 days in jail for the fire code violation conviction.

The fire on Noyes Street started accidentally, from a cigarette. But prosecutors argued that Nisbet did not have the building up to code, and did not provide adequate means of escape.

They called the building a "death trap," and said the tenants living upstairs had no way to survive the fire, because of the condition of the building.

Family members gave victim impact statements during the sentencing, and asked the judge to impose the maximum jail time. Nisbet received half of that: 90 days. He can appeal the sentence.

It was the first time in Maine state history that a landlord was charged for the death of a tenant, and the judge called it the most difficult sentence he has ever had to decide.

"We wanted to the maximum jail sentence," said Ashley Summers, wife of victim Steven Summers. "We have to deal with this every day. [Nisbet] is going to have a short disruption in his life."
A Wethersfield elementary school principal who is accused of following young girls around a Hartford Wal-Mart and sneaking photos of them has resigned.

John Bean, the 46-year-old principal of Highcrest Elementary School, was placed on administrative leave during the ongoing investigation in October.

Bean was arrested after police responded to the Wal-Mart on Flatbush Avenue in September and store staff members said he was following children in the store and attempting to surreptitiously photograph them, especially when they were not with their parents, the incident report says.

One witness said the children were girls between 6 and 8 years old and Wal-Mart staff members said Bean, who has three children of his own, was holding a small toy and using it to hide his iPhone.

The police officer who responded to the scene asked Bean what he was doing and he responded that he was shopping, but he did not have a shopping cart, according to police.

When the officer asked Bean if hed been taking photos and following children, Bean diverted his eyes, tried to walk away as police said they were detaining him and he tried to resist arrest, according to the incident report.

The report says Bean never asked what was happening, but asked if he was under arrest and said he did not do anything.

During questioning, police asked Bean to unlock his phone so they could clear things up, but Bean refused, according to police. Authorities seized the SIM card and send the phone to a lab to check what's on it.

Police also reviewed surveillance from the store and said it appeared Bean was looking more at the aisles and people than the store merchandise.

The principal was charged with interfering with an officer for resisting arrest and second-degree breach of peace, according to police.

Police said they immediately notified the Wethersfield Police Chief, as well as security for the Wethersfield Board of Education when they started to investigate and the board of education took immediate action.
School officials and the state Department of Children and Families are investigating after a 4-year-old girl walked home alone from school after she was sent to the office to be picked up early.

The little girl was going to be picked up early Tuesday, but she was sent to the office at the Thirman Milner School in Hartford prematurely, according to police.

When she didn't see her mother, the little girl walked around half a mile to her Bedford Street home.

Guillermina Ruiz, a resident who saw the girl walking, followed her to ensure she got home safely, according to police.

Ruiz said she was stopping at the store when she saw the girl crossing the street.

"She said, 'The school sent me home," Ruiz said. "I said, 'I can't believe the school sent you home. You probably walked out of school."

The little girl was crying and soaked from the rain, Ruiz said/

"I'm shocked that 4-year-old little girl took me to her house," Ruiz said. "I'm a stranger to her and she left with me. Imagine with who else she could have left with."

The girl's mother, Keishla Rodriguez, was greated by her daughter and Ruiz when she was getting ready to go to the school.

"How did nobody see a 4-year-old pass by through the main office and go out to the door?" Rodriguez asked.

Parents normally have to sign out their children when picking them up early.

"The school didn't know nothing until I called," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said her daughter will not be going back to the school.

"I feel like she's not safe," Rodriguez said.

No criminal action was taken, according to police, but the school is conducting an internal investigation and the school social worker and police called DCF, which will also investigate.

Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, assistant superintendent for instructional learning for Hartford Public Schools, said they have started to revise procedures for all schools.

"The procedures differ in our schools," she said. "Some of our schools have IDs, some don't, so we are reviewing all our policies to make sure all students remain safe."
The water main break that paralyzed Boston's Chinatown neighborhood may be over, but the repairs and cleanup efforts were still underway Thursday.

Several businesses lost boxes and boxes of food, ruined as the flood waters invaded their store fronts.

After being forced to shut down due to air quality issues, Boston Kitchen Pizza owner Ziad Odeh estimates he lost $3,000-$4,000 of business Wednesday, and he even had to turn away some business Thursday morning.

"We waited for the inspectors to come in," Odeh said. "They came in, they looked at everything, they checked everything out, everything worked out fine. They gave me the OK about 9:30 to open up and we're trying to catch up."

Part of the problem Thursday is the repair work made it very difficult to get to the Chinatown section of the city.

Traffic was clogged as several lanes remained closed during the cleanup. Kneeland Street remained closed between Washington Street and Harrison Street in the morning as Eversource crews worked.

"I got off the expressway and I've been about a half an hour to get here," said Jennifer Rudolph, who was stuck in traffic.

"I'm frustrated, but I'm trying to keep myself nice and calm," added Anthony Garcia, who was also stuck in traffic.

Odeh and other business owners hope once the streets reopen, their customers will return.

"It looks like they all thought maybe we were closed that's why you see the whole place is empty," Odeh said. "Hopefully they'll figure that we're open and everybody will come back."




New worship album produced in Norfolk New worship album produced in Norfolk

Christian ministry group Prophetic Lighthouse has just released a worship CD called Love Song which is now available to purchase. Tony Rothe reports.
One year ago, 14 people were killed and 22 injured by a husband-and-wife pair of domestic terrorists who attacked a training session of government employees in San Bernardino, Calif. Although the perpetrators were killed in a gun battle with law enforcement within hours of the attack, the FBIs interest in one terrorists iPhone precipitated a public standoff with Apple that captured its own share of national headlines.

The FBI argued that Apple must cooperate in circumventing security features built into Syed Rizwan Farooks employer-issued iPhone 5C, while Apple said that this would unreasonably compromise the security of its devices and place other users at risk. Hours before a scheduled hearing on whether Apple could be compelled to write code that compromises its own smartphones, the FBI backed off, saying that it had enlisted outside experts to get into Farooks phone, though it provided few details.

+ ALSO ON NETWORK WORLD: Amazon will literally truck your data into its cloud + Finland's largest airline inks iOS deal with Apple and IBM +

There has been one well-publicized attempt to tilt the law in the direction favored by the FBI, post-San Bernardino - the bill introduced by senators Diane Feinstein and Richard Burr shortly after the end of the FBIs standoff with Apple. Burr-Feinstein would have, in effect, required tech companies to insert exploitable back doors into all of their products, just in case the government wanted a look at some of the data within.

Yet Burr-Feinstein, despite a favorable climate in the wake of the San Bernardino attacks, went nowhere. Nor have there been any more serious attempts to undermine commercial encryption in the U.S., and experts say that the law around smartphones and privacy hasnt materially changed since last year.

If anything, according Holmes Wilson, who co-founded the digital privacy rights group Fight for the Future, the privacy climate is actually getting better, thanks in large part to advancing technology.

Encryption has become the default on many Android phones since San Bernardino, he told Network World. Generally phone privacy is improving, not degrading. (Apples iOS has supported full encryption since iOS 8 in 2014.)

What will President-elect Trump do?

That could change, however, with the advent of the new administration in January, according to experts. Nate Cardozo, an attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, pointed out that President-elect Trumps pick of Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions  a leading critic of Apple during its spat with the Justice Department  to be the next attorney general could signal a willingness to go after encrypted devices, although it wasnt immediately clear what form that would take.

A Sessions-led DOJ could indeed try to pressure companies to weaken encryption, but how exactly is anyone's guess, he said.

The hints, however, are already out there: A report from JustSecurity editor and Cato Institute senior fellow Julian Sanchez said that a revised version of none other than Burr-Feinstein may yet be under consideration.

And Wilson highlights that, despite positive trends, many smartphones sold in the U.S. are still easily compromised by both law enforcement and other actors.

The biggest missing piece now is that many Android phones are still sold without the latest security updates, or they become out of date soon after purchase, he said. To protect user data, we simply dont allow our employees to use most Android phones. No company should. If its not a recent, Google-brand Android phone or an iPhone, dont trust it.

Of course, there are plenty who support the Justice Departments assertion that strong encryption on personal devices poses a serious national security threat. Pace University professor and computer forensics expert Darren Hayes argued just that point in an editorial for the Guardians website at the time.

Many mobile forensics examiners, including myself, know that what is at stake is not just the San Bernardino case but a growing backlog of criminal cases  some involving suspected child abusers or terrorists  that cannot proceed because of Apples defiance in assisting law enforcement, he said.

Its worth noting also that then-candidate Trump himself publicly called for a boycott of Apple over the San Bernardino case, putting him squarely in the FBIs corner on the issue  and potentially putting the technology world on notice.

This story, "A year after terrorist attacks, phone privacy laws unchanged  but watch out for Trump" was originally published by Network World .
The fact that Amazon Web Services announced three new machine learning services this week shouldnt come as a surprise. Machine learning, artificial intelligence and cognitive computing are hot buzzwords for cloud vendors and the world was waiting to see how AWS would address it at its re:Invent conference in Las Vegas.

What may be surprising is how Amazon is positioning these new machine learning tools.

+MORE AT NETOWRK WORLD: A peek inside Amazons cloud  from global scale to custom silicon | +

Until recently, machine learning was considered somewhat of a moon-shot technology. ML experts have spent their careers mastering the art of coding algorithms and training computers to learn. Cloud vendors from Google to Microsoft and IBM have all developed machine learning platforms on their clouds to attract these workloads.

Amazons announcement of these three products  and two of them in particular with Polly and Rekognition - are aimed specifically at application developers though, not PhDs.

Amazon Polly is a tool that allows developers to input text into it and the app will provide an audio stream of the words. Developers can input text manually or through an API. There are 47 voices in 24 languages, making it fairly easy to add voice dictation to a plethora of apps.

Image Rekognition is a simple platform for finding trends in images uploaded to Amazons cloud. Images that are in Amazons Simple Storage Service can be queried by the Rekognition platform, which in turn will analyze the images and categorize traits such as vehicles, pets or furniture. It can also analyze faces so it can identify photos that have certain people in them.

The functionality of these applications is fairly limited. Theyre not meant for machine learning experts who want to write their own artificial intelligence applications. But what they are meant for are developers who are familiar with the AWS platform who want to add text-to-speech and image recognition functionality to their apps.

For all the Machine Learning PhDs, Amazon has other tools, most notably the Amazon Machine Learning platform, that is geared for more programmatic Machine Learning functions. By announcing these new capabilities this week Amazon is rounding out its ML capabilities and offering customers a wider range of ML options for folks who are just getting started with this exciting technology.
In the wake of reports about Russian involvement in fake news and hacks against political targets leading up to the recent presidential election, scholars and security experts are calling for federal action.

As of Sunday, 158 scholars have signed an open letter calling for a congressional investigation.

"Our country needs a thorough, public Congressional investigation into the role that foreign powers played in the months leading up to November," the letter said.

Democrats in Congress have also called for an investigation, and were recently joined by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.

[ MORE SPECULATION ON HACKING: Q&A: The myths and realities of hacking an election ]

Eric Schmidt, the executive chairman of Google's parent company Alphabet, has said he's most worried about Russia when it comes to cyber attacks.

"If you look at their actions over the last few months, they've done a number of very publicized invasions, attacks, and alterations," he said in an interview on Bloomberg Television.

According to a survey of U.S. adults released this morning by Alertsec, the general public agrees that Russia poses the biggest threat. Of those who said that they were worried about hacker groups, the largest number (24 percent) said that they worry most about Russia. Anonymous was in second place with 21 percent, followed by petty thieves at 19 percent, and China at 18 percent. Wikileaks and "neighborhood nerds" tied for last place, at 10 percent each.

What makes Russian cybercriminals different is the high skill level of the individuals involved, and the breadth of the underground economy that they participate in.

"They have been evolving and honing their skills for the better part of 15 years," said Ed Cabrera, chief cybersecurity officer at Trend Micro.

The Russian underground economy is most mature, he added.

"It has truly been the rising tide that lifts the skill sets of all Russian cyber criminals," he said.

In a report about the Russian Underground that Trend Micro released last year, the security firm also identified two types of politically motivated cyberattackers. First, these are people who have a strong political belief and volunteer their time and skills on behalf of causes, groups, or governments.

Then there are the cyber mercenaries, who work for political groups or governments for money.

Knowing where the criminals are coming from does make a difference, Cabrera said.

"You can not develop a sound resilient cybersecurity strategy without having a deep understanding of the threats you face and the vulnerabilities you have," he said. "To quote Sun Tzu, 'If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.'

Russian hackers also have one other advantage -- it can be easier for them to hide from law authorities in other countries.

"Prosecuting any hacker in a country other than our own can be a process that's legally fraught with jurisdictional and extradition issues, so not an easy undertaking," said Joseph Opacki, vice president of threat research at PhishLabs. "For these reasons, hackers tend to hide in countries well-known within the cybercrime ecosystem."

Some call for offensive countermeasures, not just investigations

The combined offensive power of the Russian criminal underground and the Russian government itself might be too much for individual enterprises to defend against on their own.

"We need to help fund both private and public sector efforts if we want to reduce the risk to our country of a major cyber event," said Michael Lipinski, CISO and chief security strategist at Securonix. "Our corporate entities are not financially equipped to combat endless state sponsored actor attacks."

For example, the United States could fund projects that improve not just defensive capabilities, but offensive ones as well.

"Counter strikes may be necessary depending on the situation but there needs to be great clarity before taking this action," he said. "There is risk of hitting the wrong target and risk of collateral damage. That said, I also believe, just like in standard warfare, that a strong arsenal is a great deterrent."

A formal security officer at the federal level to coordinate investment and prioritization efforts would also be helpful, he said.

"Cyber defense is a priority for both private and military entities, and the government must create a coordinated framework that includes both," agreed Ebba Blitz, CEO at Alertsec. "This work is of great importance and the United States should appoint a chief of cyber security."

This story, "Scholars, infosec experts call for action on Russian hacking" was originally published by CSO .
Offensive white zone flyers reported to police

RACIST posters advocating 'white zones' have been discovered in Newbury.

Thames Valley Police said that the offensive flyers were discovered in Chestnut Crescent and the A4 underpass leading to Almond Avenue on Monday, November 28.

Sergeant Holly Nicholls, of Newbury Police Station, said: "Thames Valley Police has received a complaint from a member of the public.

"The offensive nature of the 'white zone' posters, in addition to the fact that they were fly-posted, led to the removal of the posters."

The posters are linked to National Action, a neo-Nazi British nationalist youth movement, and were posted in Glasgow shortly after the Brexit vote in June.

Officers are asking for people to come forward with any information as to who may have placed these stickers. Residents should also call Thames Valley Police on 101 to report sightings of the posters and stickers.

"If you witnessed anyone hanging these posters, see any posters of concern or have information that will help our investigation, please call Thames Valley Police on 101 citing reference number 43160334514."

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Government today said it has opposed capping of aviation emissions at 2020 level as such a mechanism would adversely affect the growth of the sector in developing countries.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly in Montreal had on October 7 this year passed a resolution, resolving to implement the world's first global regime for combating carbon emissions from aircraft.

The global market-based mechanism (GMBM) are aimed at making essential contributions towards aviation sector's goal of carbon neutral growth from 2020 onward.

While the airline industry agreed on this framework for reducing its carbon footprint to tackle climate change, India along with China and Russia expressed reservation over the resolution.

India's reservation primarily emanated from the Paris agreement, which recognized that the developing countries would take longer to reach peak emission, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

"The Ministry of Civil Aviation, with the approval of Union Cabinet, expressed its reservations on capping of aviation emissions at 2020 level during the 39th session of ICAO's Assembly. India's reservation primarily emanated from the Paris agreement, which recognised that the developing countries will take longer to reach peak emission," Sinha said.

He said India "opposed the global market-based mechanism as it will adversely affect the growth of aviation sector in developing nations".

In reply to another question, the Minister said the estimated emission from Indian scheduled airline operators for the year 2015 were around 14.6 million tonnes.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation has taken various proactive initiatives to offset the higher aviation related emissions and CAR (Civil Aviation Requirement) in this regard is issued (from) time to time.

In September 2013, ICAO took a decision to develop a GMBM scheme to limit CO2 emissions in the aviation sector by way of participants offsetting their carbon emission above an agreed level by emission trading.

NEW DELHI: Government today said it has opposed capping of aviation emissions at 2020 level as such a mechanism would adversely affect the growth of the sector in developing countries. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly in Montreal had on October 7 this year passed a resolution, resolving to implement the world's first global regime for combating carbon emissions from aircraft. The global market-based mechanism (GMBM) are aimed at making essential contributions towards aviation sector's goal of carbon neutral growth from 2020 onward. While the airline industry agreed on this framework for reducing its carbon footprint to tackle climate change, India along with China and Russia expressed reservation over the resolution. India's reservation primarily emanated from the Paris agreement, which recognized that the developing countries would take longer to reach peak emission, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said in a written reply in Lok Sabha. "The Ministry of Civil Aviation, with the approval of Union Cabinet, expressed its reservations on capping of aviation emissions at 2020 level during the 39th session of ICAO's Assembly. India's reservation primarily emanated from the Paris agreement, which recognised that the developing countries will take longer to reach peak emission," Sinha said. He said India "opposed the global market-based mechanism as it will adversely affect the growth of aviation sector in developing nations". In reply to another question, the Minister said the estimated emission from Indian scheduled airline operators for the year 2015 were around 14.6 million tonnes. Directorate General of Civil Aviation has taken various proactive initiatives to offset the higher aviation related emissions and CAR (Civil Aviation Requirement) in this regard is issued (from) time to time. In September 2013, ICAO took a decision to develop a GMBM scheme to limit CO2 emissions in the aviation sector by way of participants offsetting their carbon emission above an agreed level by emission trading.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created a 'new normal' for the country's economy by breaking all the stereotypes of the past through his demonetisation move.

"Earlier, it was so much in cash and so much in cheque. This was the Indian normal. The Prime Minister redefined the new normal though his bold initiative of demonetisation of high currency notes. Now there will be less cash transaction and increase in digital currency," Jaitley said to a gathering of intellectuals.

Speaking on "Indian economy: The new normal" in the aftermath of demonetisation, Jaitley said for the first time such a decision came which was difficult to implement because one has to confront with many challenges. The Prime Minister had the temerity to take such a hard decision to fight black money and corruption.

Attacking on the Congress and other political parties opposing demonitisation, the Union Finance Minister said that corruption was all pervasive during the UPA government. Though half of the term of the NDA government is over nobody is talking about corruption any more.

"Implementing such a decision is not only difficult but painful which we are experiencing. Replacing 86 percent of the currency in circulation is a challenging task because of the huge logistics involves

and secrecy need to be maintained at all level," he said.

Despite all odds, the people of the country have accepted this reality with enthusiasm and have shown greater maturity. Attempts by some political parties and a section of the media to provoke

the people against the government have proved futile, Jaitley said.

"Two categories of people have not changed - politicians and media people. The Congress and Left parties are still asking when things will change while a section of the media are showing only the

negative aspects of the demonetisation. However, they don't realise the country has already changed and people have accepted the move of the Government," he remarked.

For the first time honest people of the country have started realising the benefit to be honest, Jaitely said.

The Union Finance Minister said what surprised him the most was when he was informed by the banks that 80 crore credit and debit cards are in circulation while 45 crore of these cards are active.

Besides, crores of people have resorted to the e-wallet system which started only 15 months back.

"We don't realise how fast the the economic scenario is changing. Once remonetisation is complete and transaction is made on digital platform, the future of the country will be bright," he said.

Earlier, the country was unified politically but not economically. Economic integration of the country will happen after implementation of the GST, he said.

"I believe that the two initiatives - GST and demonetisation - would eventually benefit the whole country which wil be one big market," he said.

Tax evasion would be increasingly difficult because at some point of transaction - from inception to the end - the whole process of manufacture would be captured on the IT backbone that is being

developed.

BHUBANESWAR: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created a 'new normal' for the country's economy by breaking all the stereotypes of the past through his demonetisation move. "Earlier, it was so much in cash and so much in cheque. This was the Indian normal. The Prime Minister redefined the new normal though his bold initiative of demonetisation of high currency notes. Now there will be less cash transaction and increase in digital currency," Jaitley said to a gathering of intellectuals. Speaking on "Indian economy: The new normal" in the aftermath of demonetisation, Jaitley said for the first time such a decision came which was difficult to implement because one has to confront with many challenges. The Prime Minister had the temerity to take such a hard decision to fight black money and corruption. Attacking on the Congress and other political parties opposing demonitisation, the Union Finance Minister said that corruption was all pervasive during the UPA government. Though half of the term of the NDA government is over nobody is talking about corruption any more. "Implementing such a decision is not only difficult but painful which we are experiencing. Replacing 86 percent of the currency in circulation is a challenging task because of the huge logistics involves and secrecy need to be maintained at all level," he said. Despite all odds, the people of the country have accepted this reality with enthusiasm and have shown greater maturity. Attempts by some political parties and a section of the media to provoke the people against the government have proved futile, Jaitley said. "Two categories of people have not changed - politicians and media people. The Congress and Left parties are still asking when things will change while a section of the media are showing only the negative aspects of the demonetisation. However, they don't realise the country has already changed and people have accepted the move of the Government," he remarked. For the first time honest people of the country have started realising the benefit to be honest, Jaitely said. The Union Finance Minister said what surprised him the most was when he was informed by the banks that 80 crore credit and debit cards are in circulation while 45 crore of these cards are active. Besides, crores of people have resorted to the e-wallet system which started only 15 months back. "We don't realise how fast the the economic scenario is changing. Once remonetisation is complete and transaction is made on digital platform, the future of the country will be bright," he said. Earlier, the country was unified politically but not economically. Economic integration of the country will happen after implementation of the GST, he said. "I believe that the two initiatives - GST and demonetisation - would eventually benefit the whole country which wil be one big market," he said. Tax evasion would be increasingly difficult because at some point of transaction - from inception to the end - the whole process of manufacture would be captured on the IT backbone that is being developed.
Hemant Kumar Rout By

Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: State Bank of India (SBI) is going to launch a new wallet having easier payment options for normal feature phones in the country shortly, SBI chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya said

here on the sidelines of Make-in-Odisha conclave on Thursday.

As of now we have a wallet called SBI buddy and it has been launched in 13 languages. We are working with BSNL to develop a new wallet for the feature phones since many people do not use smart

phones. This wallet yet to be named is expected by December 15, she told at a press conference.

Apart from the wallet, the SBI is flooded with demands for Point of Sale (PoS) machines. While already over 40,000 machines have been handed over across the country, an order for manufacturing 1.5 lakh more machines have been placed, she informed.

On the scope of investment in Odisha, the SBI chief said the eastern state has not only great potential but the amount that can be invested here will have an impact on the core industries. The policies formulated by the State Government are pro-industries and pro-growth. In the recent past the growth of the State is very much encouraging and is above the average, she said.

Odisha has three Ms - mines, minerals and manpower and the banks are keen to provide the fourth M - money in order to ensure that new projects are set up and people get employment. SBI has already given around Rs 53,000 crore as advances in the State, she maintained.

According to Bhattacharya there has been immense potential in agriculture sector which can actually do very well in Odisha. People here are usually taking up mono-crop and paddy is the mostly

cultivated crop. The farmers should be encouraged for multi-crops which will not only double their income but help in reducing poverty, she hoped.

I had a discussion with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who was asking how to carry forward the business correspondents to ensure that the people in remote corners of the State are given uninterrupted banking services. I have requested him to connect us with the Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) through which self help groups can be roped in to carry out the activities. We intend to do it quite intensively. From a smallest man to a largest corporate, we are there for all, she said.

Speaking on surge in deposits in Jan Dhan accounts, she informed in Odisha there has been 288.4 per cent surge in Jan Dhan deposits in around 46.80 lakh accounts post demonetisation. As many as Rs 878.94 crore has been deposited in the last 21 days.

On future plans of the largest PSU bank, Bhattacharya said the focus is now on the merger of SBI with its associate banks besides the resolution of large stressed assets and complete digitisation of banking operation. The formalities for the merger is on and it is up to the government to take the final call, she added.

BHUBANESWAR: State Bank of India (SBI) is going to launch a new wallet having easier payment options for normal feature phones in the country shortly, SBI chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya said here on the sidelines of Make-in-Odisha conclave on Thursday. As of now we have a wallet called SBI buddy and it has been launched in 13 languages. We are working with BSNL to develop a new wallet for the feature phones since many people do not use smart phones. This wallet yet to be named is expected by December 15, she told at a press conference. Apart from the wallet, the SBI is flooded with demands for Point of Sale (PoS) machines. While already over 40,000 machines have been handed over across the country, an order for manufacturing 1.5 lakh more machines have been placed, she informed. On the scope of investment in Odisha, the SBI chief said the eastern state has not only great potential but the amount that can be invested here will have an impact on the core industries. The policies formulated by the State Government are pro-industries and pro-growth. In the recent past the growth of the State is very much encouraging and is above the average, she said. Odisha has three Ms - mines, minerals and manpower and the banks are keen to provide the fourth M - money in order to ensure that new projects are set up and people get employment. SBI has already given around Rs 53,000 crore as advances in the State, she maintained. According to Bhattacharya there has been immense potential in agriculture sector which can actually do very well in Odisha. People here are usually taking up mono-crop and paddy is the mostly cultivated crop. The farmers should be encouraged for multi-crops which will not only double their income but help in reducing poverty, she hoped. I had a discussion with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who was asking how to carry forward the business correspondents to ensure that the people in remote corners of the State are given uninterrupted banking services. I have requested him to connect us with the Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) through which self help groups can be roped in to carry out the activities. We intend to do it quite intensively. From a smallest man to a largest corporate, we are there for all, she said. Speaking on surge in deposits in Jan Dhan accounts, she informed in Odisha there has been 288.4 per cent surge in Jan Dhan deposits in around 46.80 lakh accounts post demonetisation. As many as Rs 878.94 crore has been deposited in the last 21 days. On future plans of the largest PSU bank, Bhattacharya said the focus is now on the merger of SBI with its associate banks besides the resolution of large stressed assets and complete digitisation of banking operation. The formalities for the merger is on and it is up to the government to take the final call, she added.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Tata Sons today told the Delhi High Court that it has every intention of paying the arbitral award of USD 1.17 billion in favour of Japanese telecom major NTT Docomo, but has been unable to do so due to lack of permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Even as Tata Sons made the submission before Justice S Muralidhar, RBI contended in the court that the shareholding agreement between the two companies permitting transfer of funds abroad was illegal as it violated Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) Regulations.

"It is not a question of permission, it is prohibition," the lawyer for RBI said while seeking intervention by the central bank of India. However, Tata Sons said its agreement with Docomo was perfectly consistent with Indian laws.

The court, thereafter, issued a notice to Docomo and Tata on RBI's plea seeking intervention and listed the matter for hearing on December 21.

The issue pertains to the exit of Docomo from the two companies' joint venture, Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTSL), for alleged breach of agreement by Tata and enforcement of the damages awarded by the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) in favour of the Japanese company for the same.

The matter had gone to arbitration as Tata was unable to find a buyer for Docomo's 26.5 per cent stake in TTSL for 50 per cent of the acquisition price, which came to around Rs 58.45 per share, and the Japanese company was not willing to accept the "fair market value", of Rs 23.44, that the Indian company was willing to pay as per the shareholding agreement.

Under the agreement, either Tata had to find a buyer for Docomo's shares at 50 per cent of acquisition price or buy its shares at fair market value, both leading to transfer of funds outside India which RBI has termed as illegal.

During the hearing, Tata said it wants to make payment as its reputation is at stake but at the same time does not want to "fall foul" of FEMA regulations. It also said that it has deposited the entire amount with the court which shows it was willing to pay it.

The court, however, wondered why Tata did not challenge the refusal by RBI if its reputation was at stake and said it was the obligation of the Indian company to explore some alternative structure to ensure payment to Docomo.

"Otherwise, it would mean if you invest money in India, you cannot take it back," the court said when Tata said one alternative solution was to pay the money in India instead of transferring it out of the country. Tata said that before going to arbitration, it had sought RBI's permission for paying an amount equal to 50 per cent of acquisition price and while the central bank had initially agreed, the Ministry of Finance had asked RBI to stick to its extant regulations and not give any special permission.

Thereafter, on award of damages, which was the same amount as was to be paid if the shares were bought at 50 per cent of acquisition price, it had again approached RBI for permission and the central bank had refused, the Indian company said.

Docomo, however, questioned the need for Tata going to RBI for permission before arbitration and contended that it was done so as to tell LCIA that it cannot go ahead with transfer of funds abroad. Tata disputed the contention.

In November 2009, Docomo had acquired 26.5 per cent stake in TTSL for about Rs 12,740 crore. The two had also agreed that in case Docomo exits the venture within five years, it will be paid a minimum 50 per cent of the acquisition price through purchase of its shares the by a buyer who would be found by Tata.

The another option was Tata purchasing the shares at fair market value.

LCIA had awarded damages of USD 1.17 billion in favour of Docomo for Tata's alleged breach of the agreement regarding buying of the Japanese company's stake on its exit.

Docomo moved the Delhi High Court for enforcement of the award after Tata cited refusal of permission by RBI to make the payment.

Docomo, in a recent affidavit, had said that RBI's permission was not required for paying the damages.

NEW DELHI: Tata Sons today told the Delhi High Court that it has every intention of paying the arbitral award of USD 1.17 billion in favour of Japanese telecom major NTT Docomo, but has been unable to do so due to lack of permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Even as Tata Sons made the submission before Justice S Muralidhar, RBI contended in the court that the shareholding agreement between the two companies permitting transfer of funds abroad was illegal as it violated Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) Regulations. "It is not a question of permission, it is prohibition," the lawyer for RBI said while seeking intervention by the central bank of India. However, Tata Sons said its agreement with Docomo was perfectly consistent with Indian laws. The court, thereafter, issued a notice to Docomo and Tata on RBI's plea seeking intervention and listed the matter for hearing on December 21. The issue pertains to the exit of Docomo from the two companies' joint venture, Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTSL), for alleged breach of agreement by Tata and enforcement of the damages awarded by the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) in favour of the Japanese company for the same. The matter had gone to arbitration as Tata was unable to find a buyer for Docomo's 26.5 per cent stake in TTSL for 50 per cent of the acquisition price, which came to around Rs 58.45 per share, and the Japanese company was not willing to accept the "fair market value", of Rs 23.44, that the Indian company was willing to pay as per the shareholding agreement. Under the agreement, either Tata had to find a buyer for Docomo's shares at 50 per cent of acquisition price or buy its shares at fair market value, both leading to transfer of funds outside India which RBI has termed as illegal. During the hearing, Tata said it wants to make payment as its reputation is at stake but at the same time does not want to "fall foul" of FEMA regulations. It also said that it has deposited the entire amount with the court which shows it was willing to pay it. The court, however, wondered why Tata did not challenge the refusal by RBI if its reputation was at stake and said it was the obligation of the Indian company to explore some alternative structure to ensure payment to Docomo. "Otherwise, it would mean if you invest money in India, you cannot take it back," the court said when Tata said one alternative solution was to pay the money in India instead of transferring it out of the country. Tata said that before going to arbitration, it had sought RBI's permission for paying an amount equal to 50 per cent of acquisition price and while the central bank had initially agreed, the Ministry of Finance had asked RBI to stick to its extant regulations and not give any special permission. Thereafter, on award of damages, which was the same amount as was to be paid if the shares were bought at 50 per cent of acquisition price, it had again approached RBI for permission and the central bank had refused, the Indian company said. Docomo, however, questioned the need for Tata going to RBI for permission before arbitration and contended that it was done so as to tell LCIA that it cannot go ahead with transfer of funds abroad. Tata disputed the contention. In November 2009, Docomo had acquired 26.5 per cent stake in TTSL for about Rs 12,740 crore. The two had also agreed that in case Docomo exits the venture within five years, it will be paid a minimum 50 per cent of the acquisition price through purchase of its shares the by a buyer who would be found by Tata. The another option was Tata purchasing the shares at fair market value. LCIA had awarded damages of USD 1.17 billion in favour of Docomo for Tata's alleged breach of the agreement regarding buying of the Japanese company's stake on its exit. Docomo moved the Delhi High Court for enforcement of the award after Tata cited refusal of permission by RBI to make the payment. Docomo, in a recent affidavit, had said that RBI's permission was not required for paying the damages.
By IANS

NEW DELHI: The main reason given by the government for demonetising high denomination notes was to curb black money. Various estimates have been made of the quantum of such money -- which is not expected to be deposited in banks -- ranging from Rs 3 lakh crore to Rs 5 lakh crore.

But if one goes by the deposit trends so far and the projections, the black money expected to be purged may be much less. The Narendra Modi government may thus be in for a shock.

On Tuesday, in a reply in Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Finance, Arjun Ram Meghwal, said that there were 17,165 million pieces of Rs 500 notes and 6,858 million pieces of Rs 1,000 notes in circulation on November 8, 2016, the day Modi made the announcement of demonetising the two high denomination notes.

The total amount of high denomination currency circulating in the system on that day was, thus, Rs 15.44 lakh crore (Rs 8.58 lakh crore in Rs 500 notes and Rs 6.86 lakh crore in Rs 1,000).

On November 28th, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that Rs 8.45 lakh crore (Rs 8,44,962 crore) in the banned high denomination notes had been deposited in the banks between November 10 and November 27. Banks were closed on November 9.

This was the value of banned notes deposited in the banks in 18 days, out of the 50 days that the government has permitted bank customers to do so. That too, when huge queues outside banks detered many people from putting money into their accounts.

Further, all commercial banks in India have to maintain a portion of their deposits with the RBI known as cash reserve ratio (CRR). The RBI uses this to manage liquidity in the system.

On November 8, the total amount of actual cash with the RBI as CRR was Rs 4.06 lakh crore (Rs 4,06,900 crore), according to the weekly bulletin of the central bank. This is cash, sent mostly in large currency notes according to bankers, by the banks on any incremental deposit that they have, thus adding to their CRR deposit held with the RBI.

Additionally, banks retain money with themselves to manage day-to-day affair and to provide money on demand by customers. According to the RBI, the average cash-to-deposit ratio of banks in India is 4.69. If four percentage points from this goes as CRR to RBI, amounting to Rs 4.06 lakh crore (on Nov 8, say), the cash with banks would average around Rs 70,000 crore. This would include all denominations, of course.

So, if we take the money deposited in 20 days and add the November 8 CRR to it, that amounts to Rs 12.50 lakh crore. If we further add a portion of the cash-in-hand on November 8, say Rs 50,000 crore, the total amount of money which is not with public in old notes is Rs 13 lakh crore.

There are still 30 days left to deposit banned currency notes. At the rate at which money is being deposited, it stands to reason that Rs 2 lakh crore or more would come into the system till December 30, thus throwing to the winds all calculation of the government to tackle black money.

Either the black money is not in high denomination notes or those who have such money may already have put it back into the banking system.



NEW DELHI: The main reason given by the government for demonetising high denomination notes was to curb black money. Various estimates have been made of the quantum of such money -- which is not expected to be deposited in banks -- ranging from Rs 3 lakh crore to Rs 5 lakh crore. But if one goes by the deposit trends so far and the projections, the black money expected to be purged may be much less. The Narendra Modi government may thus be in for a shock. On Tuesday, in a reply in Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Finance, Arjun Ram Meghwal, said that there were 17,165 million pieces of Rs 500 notes and 6,858 million pieces of Rs 1,000 notes in circulation on November 8, 2016, the day Modi made the announcement of demonetising the two high denomination notes. The total amount of high denomination currency circulating in the system on that day was, thus, Rs 15.44 lakh crore (Rs 8.58 lakh crore in Rs 500 notes and Rs 6.86 lakh crore in Rs 1,000). On November 28th, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that Rs 8.45 lakh crore (Rs 8,44,962 crore) in the banned high denomination notes had been deposited in the banks between November 10 and November 27. Banks were closed on November 9. This was the value of banned notes deposited in the banks in 18 days, out of the 50 days that the government has permitted bank customers to do so. That too, when huge queues outside banks detered many people from putting money into their accounts. Further, all commercial banks in India have to maintain a portion of their deposits with the RBI known as cash reserve ratio (CRR). The RBI uses this to manage liquidity in the system. On November 8, the total amount of actual cash with the RBI as CRR was Rs 4.06 lakh crore (Rs 4,06,900 crore), according to the weekly bulletin of the central bank. This is cash, sent mostly in large currency notes according to bankers, by the banks on any incremental deposit that they have, thus adding to their CRR deposit held with the RBI. Additionally, banks retain money with themselves to manage day-to-day affair and to provide money on demand by customers. According to the RBI, the average cash-to-deposit ratio of banks in India is 4.69. If four percentage points from this goes as CRR to RBI, amounting to Rs 4.06 lakh crore (on Nov 8, say), the cash with banks would average around Rs 70,000 crore. This would include all denominations, of course. So, if we take the money deposited in 20 days and add the November 8 CRR to it, that amounts to Rs 12.50 lakh crore. If we further add a portion of the cash-in-hand on November 8, say Rs 50,000 crore, the total amount of money which is not with public in old notes is Rs 13 lakh crore. There are still 30 days left to deposit banned currency notes. At the rate at which money is being deposited, it stands to reason that Rs 2 lakh crore or more would come into the system till December 30, thus throwing to the winds all calculation of the government to tackle black money. Either the black money is not in high denomination notes or those who have such money may already have put it back into the banking system.
Rashmi Belur By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Children find sweet strawberry candies too tempting to resist. With rumours of mafia targeting schoolchildren with chocolate drugs doing the rounds, children having a sweet tooth has suddenly become a matter of serious concern for several city schools. Drug mafia is allegedly targeting schoolchildren with a chocolate drug known as Strawberry Quick. They intend to make them quickly addicted to drugs at an early age. This has sent several school authorities into a tizzy. Some of them have even issued circulars in this regard, cautioning children and parents about the possible threats of buying sweet candies from unknown persons outside school premises.

A circular put up at a South Bengaluru school, which is owned by a minister in the state, states: The new drug known as STRAWBERRY QUICK. It is a very scary thing which is going on in the schools right now, we all need to be aware. There is a type of meth going around that looks like STRAWBERRY POP ROCKS (The candy that sizzles and pops in your mouth.) It smells like strawberry and its being handed out to kids in schoolyards. They are calling it Strawberry Meth or Strawberry Quick. (sic).

Kids are ingesting it thinking that it is a candy and being rushed off to the hospitals in dire conditions. It also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange. Please instruct your children not to accept candy from strangers,(sic)the circular adds.

Some schools, however, chose not to issue any circular to avoid panic-like situation. They have decided to spread awareness regarding the same. I am also shocked to know about chocolate drugs. Issuing a circular, however, may trigger panic among parents. Hence we have decided to tell kids directly not to eat anything given by strangers outside school premises, said B Gayethri Devi, principal of Little Flower Public School, Banashankari 2nd stage.

Mansoor Ali Khan, a board member of Delhi Public School, said, We always advise students not to eat or buy anything from outside school premises. Parents should also avoid giving enough money to children, when they go to school. Such mafia may find kids as soft targets. Even if one student gets addicted to such things, chances of their friends falling prey to the same habit cannot be ruled out.

Some schools have, however, decided to ignore the rumours. D Shashikumar, General Secretary of Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka said, Rumours on chocolate drug have been circulating on WhatsApp for last 3-4 months. We are not sure about its authenticity. Even we would like to know whether there is any truth in it. State Health department must conduct an inquiry into the whole episode.

Chocolate drug is a candy kind of chocolate induced with drugs mainly in strawberry flavour.

BENGALURU: Children find sweet strawberry candies too tempting to resist. With rumours of mafia targeting schoolchildren with chocolate drugs doing the rounds, children having a sweet tooth has suddenly become a matter of serious concern for several city schools. Drug mafia is allegedly targeting schoolchildren with a chocolate drug known as Strawberry Quick. They intend to make them quickly addicted to drugs at an early age. This has sent several school authorities into a tizzy. Some of them have even issued circulars in this regard, cautioning children and parents about the possible threats of buying sweet candies from unknown persons outside school premises. A circular put up at a South Bengaluru school, which is owned by a minister in the state, states: The new drug known as STRAWBERRY QUICK. It is a very scary thing which is going on in the schools right now, we all need to be aware. There is a type of meth going around that looks like STRAWBERRY POP ROCKS (The candy that sizzles and pops in your mouth.) It smells like strawberry and its being handed out to kids in schoolyards. They are calling it Strawberry Meth or Strawberry Quick. (sic). Kids are ingesting it thinking that it is a candy and being rushed off to the hospitals in dire conditions. It also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange. Please instruct your children not to accept candy from strangers,(sic)the circular adds. Some schools, however, chose not to issue any circular to avoid panic-like situation. They have decided to spread awareness regarding the same. I am also shocked to know about chocolate drugs. Issuing a circular, however, may trigger panic among parents. Hence we have decided to tell kids directly not to eat anything given by strangers outside school premises, said B Gayethri Devi, principal of Little Flower Public School, Banashankari 2nd stage. Mansoor Ali Khan, a board member of Delhi Public School, said, We always advise students not to eat or buy anything from outside school premises. Parents should also avoid giving enough money to children, when they go to school. Such mafia may find kids as soft targets. Even if one student gets addicted to such things, chances of their friends falling prey to the same habit cannot be ruled out. Some schools have, however, decided to ignore the rumours. D Shashikumar, General Secretary of Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka said, Rumours on chocolate drug have been circulating on WhatsApp for last 3-4 months. We are not sure about its authenticity. Even we would like to know whether there is any truth in it. State Health department must conduct an inquiry into the whole episode. Chocolate drug is a candy kind of chocolate induced with drugs mainly in strawberry flavour.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Slain major Akshay Girish saved many families in the base camp before he was gunned down by militants in Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.



Army sources said, "Akshay Girish belonged to 51st regiment of Bengal Sappers and was part of the Quick Response Team in Base camp. There were many families staying in base camp including Akshay Girish's wife Sangeetha and daughter Naina. The officials usually take turns to guard the base camp. It was Akshay's turn when he died," the sources said.



Amulya Kashyap who was a classmate of Akshay in Jain College in the city posted, "While we talk about all our brave men at our borders and we expect and hope that they'll be alright, I lost a very good friend of mine to our fight with Pakistan today and not in a million years would have I thought it happening. Akshay Girish, you pursued your life's goals and gave yourself up for our land, I am hurt that you had to leave us. I'll miss you and thank you for everything you did.



"I hate that I missed that last talk with you. I cannot see you anymore. Hard to not get replies from you but I'll keep sending you messages so you can read from where you are. RIP Major Akshay," the post said.



Sandhya Gopalkrishna who was Akshays classmate in Jain College posted, "I was going to message him on his birthday. He would have celebrated it on 6th Dec... Oh man, I can't believe this!!!"



Akshay married Sangeeta in 2011 and were blessed with baby girl in 2013.

The last remains of Major Akshay Girish Kumar were brought to Yelahanka Air Force Base in Bengaluru.

Major Akshay laid down his life, fighting terrorists at Nagrota in Jammu on Tuesday. Five more officer jawans were also martyred in this attack.

BENGALURU: Slain major Akshay Girish saved many families in the base camp before he was gunned down by militants in Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Army sources said, "Akshay Girish belonged to 51st regiment of Bengal Sappers and was part of the Quick Response Team in Base camp. There were many families staying in base camp including Akshay Girish's wife Sangeetha and daughter Naina. The officials usually take turns to guard the base camp. It was Akshay's turn when he died," the sources said. Amulya Kashyap who was a classmate of Akshay in Jain College in the city posted, "While we talk about all our brave men at our borders and we expect and hope that they'll be alright, I lost a very good friend of mine to our fight with Pakistan today and not in a million years would have I thought it happening. Akshay Girish, you pursued your life's goals and gave yourself up for our land, I am hurt that you had to leave us. I'll miss you and thank you for everything you did. "I hate that I missed that last talk with you. I cannot see you anymore. Hard to not get replies from you but I'll keep sending you messages so you can read from where you are. RIP Major Akshay," the post said. Sandhya Gopalkrishna who was Akshays classmate in Jain College posted, "I was going to message him on his birthday. He would have celebrated it on 6th Dec... Oh man, I can't believe this!!!" Akshay married Sangeeta in 2011 and were blessed with baby girl in 2013. The last remains of Major Akshay Girish Kumar were brought to Yelahanka Air Force Base in Bengaluru. Major Akshay laid down his life, fighting terrorists at Nagrota in Jammu on Tuesday. Five more officer jawans were also martyred in this attack.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: All nationalised banks across the state have made arrangements for disbursing salaries and pensions to government employees, as per directions issued by the state government.

On Tuesday, the government announced that Rs 10,000 from the salaries of the government staff and pensions for retired employees would be paid in cash.

State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH), State Bank of India (SBI), Andhra Bank and other nationalised banks have made arrangements for disbursing the salaries as per the order. They are setting up special counters for government employees and pensioners in their respective branches.

SBH Hanamkonda branch senior officials told Express that the bank is making special arrangements for disbursing salaries to government employees in cash up to Rs 10,000. We have enough cash to disburse to government employees and pensioners. We informed all our branches to create special counters for government employees and pensioners. We are confident that everything will go smoothly and there will not be any problem, an officer said. The employees could withdraw through withdrawal form or cheque, he said.

In Karimnagar, Khammam and Adilabad districts the nationalised banks have directed their branch managers to set up special counters for government employees and pensioners.

SBH Karimnagar branch manager K Nageshwara Rao said, as per the direction from RBI, the bank is making arrangements for providing salaries to government employees and pensioners in cash. We are prepared for the disbursement of salaries. I do not see any problem in doing so, he said.

He said even Aasara pensioners need not worry as they would be paid in smaller denominations. Already SBI had distributed Asara pension funds to respective banks so there is no need to worry. They will also get their pensions in time without any delay or difficulty, he said.

We are expecting heavy rush tomorrow. We are making arrangements accordingly, SBH Bhadrachalam branch manager Prabhkar Rao said. The banks are making security arrangement for the disbursement of salaries. Most of the banks have approached local police stations for deputing security personnel at their banks on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Warangal (Urban) Collector Amrapali Kata has requested the bankers to make special arrangements for disbursement of salaries to government employees. She reportedly called all the nationalised bank managers and requested them to keep sufficient cash for providing salaries. She even urged the banks to function for extra hours so that every employee gets salary.

On the payment of salaries of private companies, bank officials said they would be paid through cheques or withdrawal form as per the direction of RBI. They would be allowed to withdraw up to Rs 10,000 over the counter. Since private employers credit their employees salaries at different dates there would not be much problem as by that time there would be enough cash with the bank, a banker said.

HYDERABAD: All nationalised banks across the state have made arrangements for disbursing salaries and pensions to government employees, as per directions issued by the state government. On Tuesday, the government announced that Rs 10,000 from the salaries of the government staff and pensions for retired employees would be paid in cash. State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH), State Bank of India (SBI), Andhra Bank and other nationalised banks have made arrangements for disbursing the salaries as per the order. They are setting up special counters for government employees and pensioners in their respective branches. SBH Hanamkonda branch senior officials told Express that the bank is making special arrangements for disbursing salaries to government employees in cash up to Rs 10,000. We have enough cash to disburse to government employees and pensioners. We informed all our branches to create special counters for government employees and pensioners. We are confident that everything will go smoothly and there will not be any problem, an officer said. The employees could withdraw through withdrawal form or cheque, he said. In Karimnagar, Khammam and Adilabad districts the nationalised banks have directed their branch managers to set up special counters for government employees and pensioners. SBH Karimnagar branch manager K Nageshwara Rao said, as per the direction from RBI, the bank is making arrangements for providing salaries to government employees and pensioners in cash. We are prepared for the disbursement of salaries. I do not see any problem in doing so, he said. He said even Aasara pensioners need not worry as they would be paid in smaller denominations. Already SBI had distributed Asara pension funds to respective banks so there is no need to worry. They will also get their pensions in time without any delay or difficulty, he said. We are expecting heavy rush tomorrow. We are making arrangements accordingly, SBH Bhadrachalam branch manager Prabhkar Rao said. The banks are making security arrangement for the disbursement of salaries. Most of the banks have approached local police stations for deputing security personnel at their banks on Thursday. Meanwhile, Warangal (Urban) Collector Amrapali Kata has requested the bankers to make special arrangements for disbursement of salaries to government employees. She reportedly called all the nationalised bank managers and requested them to keep sufficient cash for providing salaries. She even urged the banks to function for extra hours so that every employee gets salary. On the payment of salaries of private companies, bank officials said they would be paid through cheques or withdrawal form as per the direction of RBI. They would be allowed to withdraw up to Rs 10,000 over the counter. Since private employers credit their employees salaries at different dates there would not be much problem as by that time there would be enough cash with the bank, a banker said.
By Express News Service

KOLKATA/ NEW DELHI: Three army officers died and a junior commissioned officer was critically injured when a Cheetah helicopter crashed inside the Sukna military base in West Bengals Darjeeling district on Wednesday, said a defence ministry spokesman.



The crash occurred around 10.30 am near the helipad inside the Sukna military base.



The deceased are Major Sanjeev Lathar, Major Arvind Bazala and Lt Col Rajneesh Kumar, the spokesman said. Major Lathar was the pilot and Major Bazala the co-pilot of the ill-fated chopper. Lt Col Kumar was a passenger. It was a routine mission operating from Sukna and the crash happened when the chopper was coming in to land, according to the spokesman. The ill-fated helicopter was following another helicopter with a senior official of 33 Corps. A court of inquiry has been ordered.



Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday mourned the death of the Army officers.



Saddened by the death of three army officers in Sukna due to tragic chopper crash. Words are never enough. My condolences to bereaved families, tweeted the Trinamool Congress supremo.

KOLKATA/ NEW DELHI: Three army officers died and a junior commissioned officer was critically injured when a Cheetah helicopter crashed inside the Sukna military base in West Bengals Darjeeling district on Wednesday, said a defence ministry spokesman. The crash occurred around 10.30 am near the helipad inside the Sukna military base. The deceased are Major Sanjeev Lathar, Major Arvind Bazala and Lt Col Rajneesh Kumar, the spokesman said. Major Lathar was the pilot and Major Bazala the co-pilot of the ill-fated chopper. Lt Col Kumar was a passenger. It was a routine mission operating from Sukna and the crash happened when the chopper was coming in to land, according to the spokesman. The ill-fated helicopter was following another helicopter with a senior official of 33 Corps. A court of inquiry has been ordered. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday mourned the death of the Army officers. Saddened by the death of three army officers in Sukna due to tragic chopper crash. Words are never enough. My condolences to bereaved families, tweeted the Trinamool Congress supremo.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Legion shall prevail, justice shall strike! and Coming to shred you sort of ominous tweets were pinned on @INCIndia, the Indian National Congress official twitter handle, just a day after Rahul Gandhi, the party vice presidents account was hacked with a slew of racist and homophobic obscenities.

According to INCs official twitter-handler-at-large, the hackers first cracked Rahuls email ID and through it accessed his twitter handle and the partys thereafter. If profanities were piled on

Rahuls handle, the hacker(s) lobbed threats at the INC. The Congress which has its server in Bengaluru lodged a complaint with Delhi Police cyber cell, which registered an FIR on Thursday. But the party leaders who feared their @INC accounts have been compromised, lamented not much action was initiated in the last 24 hours. Union IT/Tech Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad did assure the upset Congress party, Ahmed Patel to be precise, that the matter would be duly probed and told the media that the government disapproves of hacking. Not that it needed stating.

Prasads assurance came after Rahul pointedly told ANI that the incident of hacking raised a huge question mark on digital security. As one of the positives of the demonetisation move, a push

towards digitisation of the economy, has been cited by the government.

By linking the hacking of his twitter handle to the larger questions of digital security, Rahul was obviously trying to draw attention to the pitfalls ahead, of shifting all financial transactions online where the possibility of hacking of accounts looms large. The crux of the abusive tweets, removed from the Congress handle was: Coming up is a full dump of inc.in congress emails, stay tuned for Christmas special. We have enough info to drop your party down to shreds. After the @INC handle was restored, within 30 minutes, the first official tweet was rather loaded:

Hello everyone! We are back. The tweets in the morning lacked wit, evidently. Anyway, Mr Modi, back to peoples questions, care to answer? To the old and new social media, Congress media chief Randeep Singh Surjewala said the act of hacking was unscrupulous, unethical and roguish and blamed Internet trolls and the prevalent fascist culture.

Rahuls twitter handle was hacked around 8.45 pm on Wednesday. After a struggle of a few hours, his official social media team restored his account, which changed from Rahul Gandhi to retard.

A new truce tweet surfaced on Thursday morning on Rahuls account: To every one of you haters out there. I love you all. You are beautiful. Your hatred just does not let you see it yet.

Though there was no confirmation, this was deemed to be a personal tweet from Rahul to the hackers. But the latter proved to be not just obscene but obstinate as well  they went ahead and hacked his partys handle right away, almost as a reply to the seemingly Gandhian message.

Surjewala added, the hacker of both the accounts could have used a potential backdoor (malware) present on the computer system on which both the accounts might have been simultaneously accessed or it could be a long persistent and targeted attack  called, spear phishing.

Reiterating Lucideus CEO Saket Modis views, the Congress leader feared that either way there could be more data in the hands of hackers than just account access that might be released in due course of time.

Along with Rahul and INCs accounts, Congress chief social communication handler Rachit Seths twitter handle too was hacked.

NEW DELHI: Legion shall prevail, justice shall strike! and Coming to shred you sort of ominous tweets were pinned on @INCIndia, the Indian National Congress official twitter handle, just a day after Rahul Gandhi, the party vice presidents account was hacked with a slew of racist and homophobic obscenities. According to INCs official twitter-handler-at-large, the hackers first cracked Rahuls email ID and through it accessed his twitter handle and the partys thereafter. If profanities were piled on Rahuls handle, the hacker(s) lobbed threats at the INC. The Congress which has its server in Bengaluru lodged a complaint with Delhi Police cyber cell, which registered an FIR on Thursday. But the party leaders who feared their @INC accounts have been compromised, lamented not much action was initiated in the last 24 hours. Union IT/Tech Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad did assure the upset Congress party, Ahmed Patel to be precise, that the matter would be duly probed and told the media that the government disapproves of hacking. Not that it needed stating. Prasads assurance came after Rahul pointedly told ANI that the incident of hacking raised a huge question mark on digital security. As one of the positives of the demonetisation move, a push towards digitisation of the economy, has been cited by the government. By linking the hacking of his twitter handle to the larger questions of digital security, Rahul was obviously trying to draw attention to the pitfalls ahead, of shifting all financial transactions online where the possibility of hacking of accounts looms large. The crux of the abusive tweets, removed from the Congress handle was: Coming up is a full dump of inc.in congress emails, stay tuned for Christmas special. We have enough info to drop your party down to shreds. After the @INC handle was restored, within 30 minutes, the first official tweet was rather loaded: Hello everyone! We are back. The tweets in the morning lacked wit, evidently. Anyway, Mr Modi, back to peoples questions, care to answer? To the old and new social media, Congress media chief Randeep Singh Surjewala said the act of hacking was unscrupulous, unethical and roguish and blamed Internet trolls and the prevalent fascist culture. Rahuls twitter handle was hacked around 8.45 pm on Wednesday. After a struggle of a few hours, his official social media team restored his account, which changed from Rahul Gandhi to retard. A new truce tweet surfaced on Thursday morning on Rahuls account: To every one of you haters out there. I love you all. You are beautiful. Your hatred just does not let you see it yet. Though there was no confirmation, this was deemed to be a personal tweet from Rahul to the hackers. But the latter proved to be not just obscene but obstinate as well  they went ahead and hacked his partys handle right away, almost as a reply to the seemingly Gandhian message. Surjewala added, the hacker of both the accounts could have used a potential backdoor (malware) present on the computer system on which both the accounts might have been simultaneously accessed or it could be a long persistent and targeted attack  called, spear phishing. Reiterating Lucideus CEO Saket Modis views, the Congress leader feared that either way there could be more data in the hands of hackers than just account access that might be released in due course of time. Along with Rahul and INCs accounts, Congress chief social communication handler Rachit Seths twitter handle too was hacked.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: BJP today hit out at Congress for pointing fingers at it and its supporters over hacking of Congress' and Rahul Gandhi's Twitter accounts, saying this shows the Opposition party's mental bankruptcy as it blames the saffron outfit for everything going against it.

"We absolutely reject the charge. It only shows Congress' bankruptcy that it blames BJP for everything. When court asked their leaders to appear, it blamed BJP when summons were issued later it still blamed BJP and now it is blaming BJP for something completely unrelated to the party," BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

He demanded that Congress tender an apology for making such a "baseless" allegation. Noting that Congress often credits late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for ushering in digitisation in India, he said its vice president Rahul Gandhi questions the concept of digital India, a flagship programme of the Modi government.

Congress should answer who of the two leaders is right, he said. Blaming "fascist" forces for the hacking, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said it reflects the extremities of an intolerant culture that resorts to abuse when cornered. Senior party leader Digvijay Singh pointed fingers at "followers of the government" for this.

Sharma said the government's IT department has taken the matter seriously and police have also launched a probe.

NEW DELHI: BJP today hit out at Congress for pointing fingers at it and its supporters over hacking of Congress' and Rahul Gandhi's Twitter accounts, saying this shows the Opposition party's mental bankruptcy as it blames the saffron outfit for everything going against it. "We absolutely reject the charge. It only shows Congress' bankruptcy that it blames BJP for everything. When court asked their leaders to appear, it blamed BJP when summons were issued later it still blamed BJP and now it is blaming BJP for something completely unrelated to the party," BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said. He demanded that Congress tender an apology for making such a "baseless" allegation. Noting that Congress often credits late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for ushering in digitisation in India, he said its vice president Rahul Gandhi questions the concept of digital India, a flagship programme of the Modi government. Congress should answer who of the two leaders is right, he said. Blaming "fascist" forces for the hacking, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said it reflects the extremities of an intolerant culture that resorts to abuse when cornered. Senior party leader Digvijay Singh pointed fingers at "followers of the government" for this. Sharma said the government's IT department has taken the matter seriously and police have also launched a probe.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Government has urged China to reverse its technical hold on India's request, which is co- sponsored by several prominent countries, to get Masood Azhar designated as terrorist by the UN, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said today.



In a written reply in a question in the Rajya Sabha, Akbar said China has often repeated its concern on spread of terrorism and their desire to cooperate with India on this issue.



On several occasions, China has reiterated with India their resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with "zero tolerance", and has agreed that there is no justification for terrorism.



"Government has consistently highlighted to China regarding the threat of cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and affecting the region, including India.



"Specifically, we have emphasised forcefully that while the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed has been proscribed by the UNSC Sanctions Committee...for its well known terror activities and links to the Al Qaeda, the designation of JeM s main leader, financier and motivator Azhar has been repeatedly put on a technical hold.



"Accordingly, we have urged China to reverse its technical hold on India's request to list Azhar under 1267 provisions. India's request is co-sponsored by several prominent countries," the Minister added.

NEW DELHI: Government has urged China to reverse its technical hold on India's request, which is co- sponsored by several prominent countries, to get Masood Azhar designated as terrorist by the UN, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said today. In a written reply in a question in the Rajya Sabha, Akbar said China has often repeated its concern on spread of terrorism and their desire to cooperate with India on this issue. On several occasions, China has reiterated with India their resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with "zero tolerance", and has agreed that there is no justification for terrorism. "Government has consistently highlighted to China regarding the threat of cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and affecting the region, including India. "Specifically, we have emphasised forcefully that while the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed has been proscribed by the UNSC Sanctions Committee...for its well known terror activities and links to the Al Qaeda, the designation of JeM s main leader, financier and motivator Azhar has been repeatedly put on a technical hold. "Accordingly, we have urged China to reverse its technical hold on India's request to list Azhar under 1267 provisions. India's request is co-sponsored by several prominent countries," the Minister added.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Even as debate rages over the positive and negative impacts of demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the next big challenge is here for banks, government and most important of all - people. With first week of the month being the time salaries are deposited and withdrawn to pay bills, millions of working class people across the country are evidently tense, thanks to the currency crunch.



So are banks, bracing to face a huge rush in the coming days. With a large number of ATMs still remaining dry, the overall scenario looks grim and might continue to be so for the next few days. The All India Bank Employees Association has sought police protection for bank branches for the next 10 days, said its general secretary CH Venkatachalam. Already people who are frustrated are locking branches from outside in places like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Tamil Nadu, he said in an interview to Bloomberg.



Meanwhile, the central bank and Finance Ministry have swung into action, though at the eleventh hour, to help banks face the payday crisis by introducing a slew of new measures. Accordingly, the Reserve Bank of India claimed it would pump more money into the banks from Wednesday evening.

The Finance Ministry said the cash crunch over the last two days was the result of a deliberate tightening of supply to ensure there is enough to meet the payday demand. This increase in cash supply, according to the government, would continue till December 7. In a welcome move, the currency printing presses of the central bank have moved to print the much-in-demand `500 notes to ease the supply. They were earlier printing only Rs 2,000 notes, which found few takers. The presses, however, would continue to print Rs 2,000 notes intermittently.



The central bank also said that it would increase cash supply to banks with salary or pension accounts by 20 to 30 per cent. News reports also claimed banks have asked large companies to provide prepaid payment cards to staff in lieu of cash.

Naidu to head six-CM panel

The Centre has announced the setting up of a 13-member panel, to make an action plan on expanding the use of digital payments. AP CM Chandrababu Naidu would head the panel which also includes Naveen Patnaik, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Pawan Kumar Chamling, V Narayanasamy and Devendra Fadnavis.

Bank unions demand more cash

Bank unions have demanded RBI to increase cash supply to meet the demand. There are rumours that branches are hoarding cash but it is far from the truth as cash received by banks is being passed on to the customers, RSS backed National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW) said in a statement.

NEW DELHI: Even as debate rages over the positive and negative impacts of demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the next big challenge is here for banks, government and most important of all - people. With first week of the month being the time salaries are deposited and withdrawn to pay bills, millions of working class people across the country are evidently tense, thanks to the currency crunch. So are banks, bracing to face a huge rush in the coming days. With a large number of ATMs still remaining dry, the overall scenario looks grim and might continue to be so for the next few days. The All India Bank Employees Association has sought police protection for bank branches for the next 10 days, said its general secretary CH Venkatachalam. Already people who are frustrated are locking branches from outside in places like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Tamil Nadu, he said in an interview to Bloomberg. Meanwhile, the central bank and Finance Ministry have swung into action, though at the eleventh hour, to help banks face the payday crisis by introducing a slew of new measures. Accordingly, the Reserve Bank of India claimed it would pump more money into the banks from Wednesday evening. The Finance Ministry said the cash crunch over the last two days was the result of a deliberate tightening of supply to ensure there is enough to meet the payday demand. This increase in cash supply, according to the government, would continue till December 7. In a welcome move, the currency printing presses of the central bank have moved to print the much-in-demand `500 notes to ease the supply. They were earlier printing only Rs 2,000 notes, which found few takers. The presses, however, would continue to print Rs 2,000 notes intermittently. The central bank also said that it would increase cash supply to banks with salary or pension accounts by 20 to 30 per cent. News reports also claimed banks have asked large companies to provide prepaid payment cards to staff in lieu of cash. Naidu to head six-CM panel The Centre has announced the setting up of a 13-member panel, to make an action plan on expanding the use of digital payments. AP CM Chandrababu Naidu would head the panel which also includes Naveen Patnaik, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Pawan Kumar Chamling, V Narayanasamy and Devendra Fadnavis. Bank unions demand more cash Bank unions have demanded RBI to increase cash supply to meet the demand. There are rumours that branches are hoarding cash but it is far from the truth as cash received by banks is being passed on to the customers, RSS backed National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW) said in a statement.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Multiplicity of authorities, lack of assistance from state governments and dearth of monitoring has led to the failure of cleaning Ganga, a consortium of seven IITs told the National Green Tribunal today.



The consortium's submission came in response to a query raised by a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar which had asked the expert body about the reasons for failure of Ganga Action Plan-I and II.



The consortium of IITs in Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Roorkee, was entrusted with the task of finalising a holistic Ganga River Basin Management (GRBM) programme.



"Namami Gange programme should be run by knowledge and not perception. There are a number of authorities at state and national levels, causing multiplicity. There is lack of administrative intent and coordination among various wings of government," Professor Vinod Tare of IIT Kanpur, the coordinator of consortium, told a bench which also had Justice U D Salvi.



When NGT asked whether the consortium had "collected or prepared" any data on pollution in Ganga independently, Tare said most information was taken from various state bodies and 80-90 per cent data was "distilled" by the experts' body.



To this, the bench asked "did you verify any data which was taken from different sources, whether it is correct or not? Because our experience has been that the data changes with the authority. Did you verify the data even on a single stretch of Ganga?"



When the professor replied in negative, the green panel observed "Government data is often ill-founded and there is hardly any nexus with the reality on the ground, so you should always cross-check."



He further told the bench that there is always "pressure" on officials and bureaucrats associated with Ganga rejuvenation to perform and implement the projects, as their tenures are limited.



Elaborating on the reasons for the failure of Ganga Action Plans I and II, Professor A K Gosain of IIT-Delhi held the state governments responsible for lack of assistance and alleged that every time they sought information, the expert members were asked to go through the files.



"There is always one-way interaction. We give suggestions and recommendations to the ministries but there is no feedback. We never get to know what happened to our views which we had submitted," Gosain told the bench.

NEW DELHI: Multiplicity of authorities, lack of assistance from state governments and dearth of monitoring has led to the failure of cleaning Ganga, a consortium of seven IITs told the National Green Tribunal today. The consortium's submission came in response to a query raised by a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar which had asked the expert body about the reasons for failure of Ganga Action Plan-I and II. The consortium of IITs in Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Roorkee, was entrusted with the task of finalising a holistic Ganga River Basin Management (GRBM) programme. "Namami Gange programme should be run by knowledge and not perception. There are a number of authorities at state and national levels, causing multiplicity. There is lack of administrative intent and coordination among various wings of government," Professor Vinod Tare of IIT Kanpur, the coordinator of consortium, told a bench which also had Justice U D Salvi. When NGT asked whether the consortium had "collected or prepared" any data on pollution in Ganga independently, Tare said most information was taken from various state bodies and 80-90 per cent data was "distilled" by the experts' body. To this, the bench asked "did you verify any data which was taken from different sources, whether it is correct or not? Because our experience has been that the data changes with the authority. Did you verify the data even on a single stretch of Ganga?" When the professor replied in negative, the green panel observed "Government data is often ill-founded and there is hardly any nexus with the reality on the ground, so you should always cross-check." He further told the bench that there is always "pressure" on officials and bureaucrats associated with Ganga rejuvenation to perform and implement the projects, as their tenures are limited. Elaborating on the reasons for the failure of Ganga Action Plans I and II, Professor A K Gosain of IIT-Delhi held the state governments responsible for lack of assistance and alleged that every time they sought information, the expert members were asked to go through the files. "There is always one-way interaction. We give suggestions and recommendations to the ministries but there is no feedback. We never get to know what happened to our views which we had submitted," Gosain told the bench.
Anand ST Das By

Express News Service

PATNA: The grand alliance government in Bihar has started investigating the purchase of several land parcels in 23 district of the state by BJP leaders in weeks leading up to the demonetisation move announced by PM Narendra Modi on November 8.

We have called for all documents related to these land purchases from the registry offices in the districts. We have already received documents from seven districts. A review of all these land deals will take place before appropriate action is taken, said Abdul Jalil Mastan, the minister for registration, excise and prohibition on Thursday.

JD(U), the party of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the three-party alliance government, had levelled grave allegations against BJP leaders over the land deals worth several crores of rupees that were transacted between September and the first week of November. JD(U) leaders had displayed some land deal documents to allege that cash payments were made in many of the deals and that the saffron party had taken illegal advantage of the demonetisation exercise.

After the registration department looks at the land deal documents and prepares a note, the revenue and land reforms department will take further action, said Madan Mohan Jha, Bihars revenue and land reforms minister. Prima facie it looks like the land deals have not been done as per the law, he added.

BJP leaders, who assert that the land parcels were purchased in order to build the partys offices in Bihars district headquarters towns and other towns, have claimed that all rules were followed in the deals. Most of the land was purchased in the name of BJP national president Amit Shah. Leaders of the three ruling parties  JD(U), RJD and Congress  have been alleging that BJP leaders had prior information about demonetisation and that they bought the land in order to make their black money white. JD(U) has demanded a probe by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC).

Youth Congress leaders, who began a 48-hour demonstration demanding a judicial probe into the land deals by BJP leaders, on Thursday ended their protest when the two ministers assured of a probe already running.

Although BJP says the registered value for the land parcels was paid through bank transfer, property documents of some plots indicate that the amounts were paid in nakad or cash, said sources in the registration department. A high-level probe is already underway. An official statement regarding the wrongdoing in all these transactions would be made once all the land deal documents are received and reviewed, said a senior official familiar with the ongoing probe.

PATNA: The grand alliance government in Bihar has started investigating the purchase of several land parcels in 23 district of the state by BJP leaders in weeks leading up to the demonetisation move announced by PM Narendra Modi on November 8. We have called for all documents related to these land purchases from the registry offices in the districts. We have already received documents from seven districts. A review of all these land deals will take place before appropriate action is taken, said Abdul Jalil Mastan, the minister for registration, excise and prohibition on Thursday. JD(U), the party of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the three-party alliance government, had levelled grave allegations against BJP leaders over the land deals worth several crores of rupees that were transacted between September and the first week of November. JD(U) leaders had displayed some land deal documents to allege that cash payments were made in many of the deals and that the saffron party had taken illegal advantage of the demonetisation exercise. After the registration department looks at the land deal documents and prepares a note, the revenue and land reforms department will take further action, said Madan Mohan Jha, Bihars revenue and land reforms minister. Prima facie it looks like the land deals have not been done as per the law, he added. BJP leaders, who assert that the land parcels were purchased in order to build the partys offices in Bihars district headquarters towns and other towns, have claimed that all rules were followed in the deals. Most of the land was purchased in the name of BJP national president Amit Shah. Leaders of the three ruling parties  JD(U), RJD and Congress  have been alleging that BJP leaders had prior information about demonetisation and that they bought the land in order to make their black money white. JD(U) has demanded a probe by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC). Youth Congress leaders, who began a 48-hour demonstration demanding a judicial probe into the land deals by BJP leaders, on Thursday ended their protest when the two ministers assured of a probe already running. Although BJP says the registered value for the land parcels was paid through bank transfer, property documents of some plots indicate that the amounts were paid in nakad or cash, said sources in the registration department. A high-level probe is already underway. An official statement regarding the wrongdoing in all these transactions would be made once all the land deal documents are received and reviewed, said a senior official familiar with the ongoing probe.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Ruled out any bilateral talks with Pakistan on the margins of the Heart of Asia Conference in Amritsar, India on Thursday stated that continued terror cannot be new normal in bilateral ties.

Terror attacks mounted by the Pakistan-sponsored terrorists beginning with the Pathankot attack on an Indian Air Force base in January this year till the Nagrota terror attack on an Army base this week have been triggered the downward trajectory of bilateral ties.

India has always been open to talks but obviously it cannot be that talks take place in an atmosphere of continued terrorism. India will never accept continued terrorism as the new normal in the bilateral relationship,"

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said two days ahead of the conference in Amritsar that will be attended by Advisor to Pakistans Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaz Aziz.

Despite Azizs public announcements about willingness to hold talks with India, the MEA has not received any official request yet from Islamabad.

Swarup also rejected criticism that the publicly accepted surgical strikes have done little to combat terrorism abetted from across the border. The MEA Spokesperson contended that the aim of the surgical strikes was to neutralise the imminent threat from the armed terrorists."This imminent threat was successfully neutralised through the surgical strikes. We should not look only at what happened but also at what did not happen, what was prevented through successful neutralisation of terrorists," Swarup added.

He also called Pakistans offer of a joint probe in the Uri attack in September that claimed lives of 19 soldiers "pure propaganda ploys". "Pakistan called for an international inquiry; we said we are happy even with their domestic inquiry. When we are giving you fingerprints, DNA of the terrorists who we believe came from Pakistan why Pakistan cannot match this with its national database? Swarup told reporters here.

Over the years, India has suffered many heinous terrorist attacks which have been supported and sponsored by Pakistan and this has been a calculated strategy on its part for many years. He referred to terror attacks on Indian Parliament, the Kaluchak massacre, 2005 Delhi bombings, strike on the CRPF camp in Rampur in 2008, 26/11 Mumbai attack, besides the assaults on Pathankot air base and the army camp in Uri.

NEW DELHI: Ruled out any bilateral talks with Pakistan on the margins of the Heart of Asia Conference in Amritsar, India on Thursday stated that continued terror cannot be new normal in bilateral ties. Terror attacks mounted by the Pakistan-sponsored terrorists beginning with the Pathankot attack on an Indian Air Force base in January this year till the Nagrota terror attack on an Army base this week have been triggered the downward trajectory of bilateral ties. India has always been open to talks but obviously it cannot be that talks take place in an atmosphere of continued terrorism. India will never accept continued terrorism as the new normal in the bilateral relationship," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said two days ahead of the conference in Amritsar that will be attended by Advisor to Pakistans Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaz Aziz. Despite Azizs public announcements about willingness to hold talks with India, the MEA has not received any official request yet from Islamabad. Swarup also rejected criticism that the publicly accepted surgical strikes have done little to combat terrorism abetted from across the border. The MEA Spokesperson contended that the aim of the surgical strikes was to neutralise the imminent threat from the armed terrorists."This imminent threat was successfully neutralised through the surgical strikes. We should not look only at what happened but also at what did not happen, what was prevented through successful neutralisation of terrorists," Swarup added. He also called Pakistans offer of a joint probe in the Uri attack in September that claimed lives of 19 soldiers "pure propaganda ploys". "Pakistan called for an international inquiry; we said we are happy even with their domestic inquiry. When we are giving you fingerprints, DNA of the terrorists who we believe came from Pakistan why Pakistan cannot match this with its national database? Swarup told reporters here. Over the years, India has suffered many heinous terrorist attacks which have been supported and sponsored by Pakistan and this has been a calculated strategy on its part for many years. He referred to terror attacks on Indian Parliament, the Kaluchak massacre, 2005 Delhi bombings, strike on the CRPF camp in Rampur in 2008, 26/11 Mumbai attack, besides the assaults on Pathankot air base and the army camp in Uri.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Backing the view of West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra, senior Congress leader and former minister Veerappa Moily on Thursday said the time was not right for pushing through the enabling legislations needed to roll out Goods and Services Tax by April 1, this Winter session.

Citing the devastating effect the so-called demonetisation move has wrecked on the economy, Moily said he fully supported Mitras view on the matter. We are not against GST, but the government does not appear to be keen to push through GST  otherwise why would it spring this (demonetisation) on the people.

Asked what the Opposition can do, if the government pushed the two pending GST legislation as money bill, Moily retorted, This is a democracy and we sit in Parliament  do you think a taxation reform of the scale of GST can be rammed through and implemented without consensus?

Political rhetoric apart, the fact that a majority of the State assemblies have approved the constitutional amendment bill passed by Parliament, paving the way for GST, the Opposition can really do little.

In a series of TV interviews, the West Bengal FM, on Wednesday, raised concern that State revenues will be deeply impacted by demonetisation and therefore cannot be expected to go for GST now.

Pointing out that the governments decision to demonetise high-value banknotes has already impacted State finances, Mitra said Indias federal structure may not be prepared for a double whammy as implementation of GST could further hurt State finances.

We must do GST but do it at a time when it is feasible, successful, when states revenues do not decline significantly, Centre is able to compensate the states and federal polity of India is preserved. I do not see that at this time, Mitra, who is also chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers, said in an interview.

We expected a huge destabilisation of the fiscal architecture of the country with GST. State taxes will fall significantly, and that is why we sought that the Centre compensate us for five years, Mitra said.

We all supported GST under the premise that this would be the only destabilisation factor. We did not know that there will be a much bigger destabilisation in the form of demonetisation that will be let loose on the country.

Mitra also pointed out that states are reporting a huge fall in revenues as demonetisation hits tax collections from sectors like hotels, transportation and small manufacturers. He said he will take up the issue with other State finance ministers.

NEW DELHI: Backing the view of West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra, senior Congress leader and former minister Veerappa Moily on Thursday said the time was not right for pushing through the enabling legislations needed to roll out Goods and Services Tax by April 1, this Winter session. Citing the devastating effect the so-called demonetisation move has wrecked on the economy, Moily said he fully supported Mitras view on the matter. We are not against GST, but the government does not appear to be keen to push through GST  otherwise why would it spring this (demonetisation) on the people. Asked what the Opposition can do, if the government pushed the two pending GST legislation as money bill, Moily retorted, This is a democracy and we sit in Parliament  do you think a taxation reform of the scale of GST can be rammed through and implemented without consensus? Political rhetoric apart, the fact that a majority of the State assemblies have approved the constitutional amendment bill passed by Parliament, paving the way for GST, the Opposition can really do little. In a series of TV interviews, the West Bengal FM, on Wednesday, raised concern that State revenues will be deeply impacted by demonetisation and therefore cannot be expected to go for GST now. Pointing out that the governments decision to demonetise high-value banknotes has already impacted State finances, Mitra said Indias federal structure may not be prepared for a double whammy as implementation of GST could further hurt State finances. We must do GST but do it at a time when it is feasible, successful, when states revenues do not decline significantly, Centre is able to compensate the states and federal polity of India is preserved. I do not see that at this time, Mitra, who is also chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers, said in an interview. We expected a huge destabilisation of the fiscal architecture of the country with GST. State taxes will fall significantly, and that is why we sought that the Centre compensate us for five years, Mitra said. We all supported GST under the premise that this would be the only destabilisation factor. We did not know that there will be a much bigger destabilisation in the form of demonetisation that will be let loose on the country. Mitra also pointed out that states are reporting a huge fall in revenues as demonetisation hits tax collections from sectors like hotels, transportation and small manufacturers. He said he will take up the issue with other State finance ministers.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: A group of cooperative societies from Udupi district moved the Karnataka High Court against fixing of the cash withdrawal limit of cash per week by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), saying it has crippled their autonomous functioning guaranteed by the constitution and thrown them into financial crisis.



Hearing the petition, Justice Ashok B Hinchigeri issued notice to the Union Government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and South Canara District Central Co-operative Bank. The next hearing will be held on Thursday.



The petitioners have challenged the clause-VI of the demonetisation notification which fixes the withdrawal limit at `24,000 per week from savings account and Rs 50,000 from current accounts. They appealed the court to issue a direction to the Union government and the RBI to allow them to withdraw money according to their needs.

In their petition, Badagabettu Credit Co-operative Society Limited and nine other societies from Udupi contended that they are engaged in the business of providing credit facilities and other essential services to thousands in rural and semi-urban areas. They used to withdraw cash on a day-to-day basis from their bank accounts based on their needs. At this juncture, the RBI restriction has handicapped their autonomous functioning, they claimed.



The societies also contended that providing minimum service to their members is violation of Article 43-B and Article 243-ZO of the Constitution. The restrictions are unreasonable and virtually amount to totally denying them the right to carry out their businesses, , they contended.



The petitioners also requested the court to issue directions to the RBI to order the District Cooperative Banks, Nationalised and Commercial Banks to compensate the petitioners by granting a suitable rate of interest for retaining their huge funds in current accounts.

The importance of cooperatives

Cooperative societies cover memberships of about 29.7 crore of the population in India. In Karnataka alone, 2.58 crore people are members of cooperative societies. The quantum of credit provided by the cooperatives to the agriculture and allied sector in the country amounts to about `31,890 lakh crore as against a sum of `69,353 crore in Karnataka.

BENGALURU: A group of cooperative societies from Udupi district moved the Karnataka High Court against fixing of the cash withdrawal limit of cash per week by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), saying it has crippled their autonomous functioning guaranteed by the constitution and thrown them into financial crisis. Hearing the petition, Justice Ashok B Hinchigeri issued notice to the Union Government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and South Canara District Central Co-operative Bank. The next hearing will be held on Thursday. The petitioners have challenged the clause-VI of the demonetisation notification which fixes the withdrawal limit at `24,000 per week from savings account and Rs 50,000 from current accounts. They appealed the court to issue a direction to the Union government and the RBI to allow them to withdraw money according to their needs. In their petition, Badagabettu Credit Co-operative Society Limited and nine other societies from Udupi contended that they are engaged in the business of providing credit facilities and other essential services to thousands in rural and semi-urban areas. They used to withdraw cash on a day-to-day basis from their bank accounts based on their needs. At this juncture, the RBI restriction has handicapped their autonomous functioning, they claimed. The societies also contended that providing minimum service to their members is violation of Article 43-B and Article 243-ZO of the Constitution. The restrictions are unreasonable and virtually amount to totally denying them the right to carry out their businesses, , they contended. The petitioners also requested the court to issue directions to the RBI to order the District Cooperative Banks, Nationalised and Commercial Banks to compensate the petitioners by granting a suitable rate of interest for retaining their huge funds in current accounts. The importance of cooperatives Cooperative societies cover memberships of about 29.7 crore of the population in India. In Karnataka alone, 2.58 crore people are members of cooperative societies. The quantum of credit provided by the cooperatives to the agriculture and allied sector in the country amounts to about `31,890 lakh crore as against a sum of `69,353 crore in Karnataka.
By Express News Service

On its first pay day post-demonetisation, Kerala is facing a deep financial crisis due to shortage of currency with banks and treasuries. As against its assurance to supply Rs 500 crore, Reserve Bank could allot only Rs 153 crore to the Treasuries Department. Of this, only Rs 75 crore was received until noon.

Of the total 222 treasuries, 42 treasuries were not supplied with the money until noon. Thus, only a few payments were made in these centres, with the cash balance of previous day.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Moderate to heavy rush was witnessed at 25 treasuries in the State capital, mainly at Kattakkada and treasuries at Kilimanoor as well as Parassala. Major treasuries started token distribution at 7 AM. Technical snag hit payments in all treasuries in the State for a brief time starting at 10.30 AM. In contrast to other districts, treasuries in Thiruvananthapuram by and large received requisite amounts to meet the days demands. The worst affected in the capital was the Kilimanoor treasury which received Rs 10 lakh against a demand of Rs one core. The Neyyattinkara treasury placed a request for Rs 1.50 crore but received only Rs 40 lakh.

KOLLAM: The district treasury, sub-treasuries and banks witnessed heavy rush in Kollam district. Though pension amount were disbursed to the pensioners from the district treasury, most of them raised complaints as they were paid in Rs 2000. State Bank of India which was entrusted to supply the required funds to the sub-treasuries in Chathanoor, Paravoor, Karunagapally, Pooyapally and Chadayamangalam, failed to provide the same.

ALAPPUZHA: The salary distribution was disrupted in the district except at Ambalappuzha due to shortage of currency. Only Rs 3.05 crore was allocated when the actual need was Rs 7.25 crore in the district.

KOTTAYAM: At Kottayam sub-treasury office, despite queuing up since morning, the pensioners received only Rs 16000 each due to the fund crunch.

IDUKKI: In Thodupuzha, a long queue of pensioners was witnessed before the sub-treasury office. Extensive measures were taken by the police to manage the crowd.

ERNAKULAM: In view of the rush, treasury authorities made elaborate arrangements and opened six counters, which started functioning at 10.30 AM. There were no issues in connection with distribution of pensions till 3 PM. However, the people were found generally unhappy over the currency notes of Rs 2000 denomination. The counter remained open till 6 PM.

The district treasury that functions at civil station, Kakkanad witnessed no heavy rush in comparison with the other sub-treasuries. As per the latest information, around Rs 65 lakh was disbursed out of Rs 1 crore that they had received. Though the officials requested the police assistance, they were sent back as the rush subsided eventually. According to sources, a total of 320 cheques were cleared from the treasury.

THRISSUR: Only Rs 4000 was disbursed per person from the treasuries in the district. District treasury was supplied with only Rs 50 lakhs, when it had requested for Rs 2 crore for the payday. Network problem also affected the pension distribution in the district.



PALAKKAD: There was insufficient amount for disbursal at the district treasury as RBI had only provided Rs 40 lakh in place of the needed Rs 75 lakh per day. In Vadakkencherry, though a sum of Rs 10 lakh was needed, no cash was provided. In Cherpalassery, a sum of Rs 20 lakh was received in place of Rs 35 lakh. Besides the shortage, Rs 18 lakh was received in denominations of Rs 2,000 in Cherpalassery. Due to the insufficient cash, the treasury disbursed Rs 10,000 per person, against the Rs 24, 000 that the government had previously decided.

MALAPPURAM: People queued up at the treasury compound since 5 AM in the district. However, the district treasury faced cash crunch as it received only Rs 40 lakh instead of Rs 1 crore.

KOZHIKODE: Hundreds thronged the treasuries in the city to avail their salary and pension. Serpentine queues were formed in front of sub-treasury and district treasury office since morning. We had requested for Rs 1.2 crore from the State Bank of India. But we received only Rs 15 lakh. At present, we have a total of Rs 30 lakh, with which we would be able to give the pension only to 150 people.  said Kozhikode sub-treasury officer Anil Kumar.

KANNUR: Pensioners and government employees who reached early morning to receive their pension from treasury had a disappointing day. Despite the long wait in the serpentine queue in front of the treasury, a majority had to return back empty handed as the cash could be disbursed only to 180 people. Kannur sub-treasury distributed pension to 8800 pensioners and 5000 government employees. Though the treasury required about Rs1.8crore, the treasury distributed only 40lakhs.

KASARGOD: The sub-treasuries and the district treasury of Kasargod received only 65% of the requested cash forcing many pensioners to return empty handed. The treasuries were supplied Rs 1.97 crore against the requirement of Rs 3.10 crore on Thursday.

Kasargod and Nileshwaram sub-treasuries received very less forcing one of them to restrict disbursal. Kasargod sub-treasury received Rs 21 lakh against its requirement of Rs 90 lakh from its chest bank State Bank of Travancore.

"We got the money in tranches of Rs 11 lakh and Rs 10 lakh," said an official. Because of paucity of fund, the sub-treasury disbursed only the minimum pension. We were forced to restrict the disbursal to Rs 9,600. So many had to turn back without money," he said.



On its first pay day post-demonetisation, Kerala is facing a deep financial crisis due to shortage of currency with banks and treasuries. As against its assurance to supply Rs 500 crore, Reserve Bank could allot only Rs 153 crore to the Treasuries Department. Of this, only Rs 75 crore was received until noon. Of the total 222 treasuries, 42 treasuries were not supplied with the money until noon. Thus, only a few payments were made in these centres, with the cash balance of previous day. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Moderate to heavy rush was witnessed at 25 treasuries in the State capital, mainly at Kattakkada and treasuries at Kilimanoor as well as Parassala. Major treasuries started token distribution at 7 AM. Technical snag hit payments in all treasuries in the State for a brief time starting at 10.30 AM. In contrast to other districts, treasuries in Thiruvananthapuram by and large received requisite amounts to meet the days demands. The worst affected in the capital was the Kilimanoor treasury which received Rs 10 lakh against a demand of Rs one core. The Neyyattinkara treasury placed a request for Rs 1.50 crore but received only Rs 40 lakh. KOLLAM: The district treasury, sub-treasuries and banks witnessed heavy rush in Kollam district. Though pension amount were disbursed to the pensioners from the district treasury, most of them raised complaints as they were paid in Rs 2000. State Bank of India which was entrusted to supply the required funds to the sub-treasuries in Chathanoor, Paravoor, Karunagapally, Pooyapally and Chadayamangalam, failed to provide the same. ALAPPUZHA: The salary distribution was disrupted in the district except at Ambalappuzha due to shortage of currency. Only Rs 3.05 crore was allocated when the actual need was Rs 7.25 crore in the district. KOTTAYAM: At Kottayam sub-treasury office, despite queuing up since morning, the pensioners received only Rs 16000 each due to the fund crunch. IDUKKI: In Thodupuzha, a long queue of pensioners was witnessed before the sub-treasury office. Extensive measures were taken by the police to manage the crowd. ERNAKULAM: In view of the rush, treasury authorities made elaborate arrangements and opened six counters, which started functioning at 10.30 AM. There were no issues in connection with distribution of pensions till 3 PM. However, the people were found generally unhappy over the currency notes of Rs 2000 denomination. The counter remained open till 6 PM. The district treasury that functions at civil station, Kakkanad witnessed no heavy rush in comparison with the other sub-treasuries. As per the latest information, around Rs 65 lakh was disbursed out of Rs 1 crore that they had received. Though the officials requested the police assistance, they were sent back as the rush subsided eventually. According to sources, a total of 320 cheques were cleared from the treasury. THRISSUR: Only Rs 4000 was disbursed per person from the treasuries in the district. District treasury was supplied with only Rs 50 lakhs, when it had requested for Rs 2 crore for the payday. Network problem also affected the pension distribution in the district. PALAKKAD: There was insufficient amount for disbursal at the district treasury as RBI had only provided Rs 40 lakh in place of the needed Rs 75 lakh per day. In Vadakkencherry, though a sum of Rs 10 lakh was needed, no cash was provided. In Cherpalassery, a sum of Rs 20 lakh was received in place of Rs 35 lakh. Besides the shortage, Rs 18 lakh was received in denominations of Rs 2,000 in Cherpalassery. Due to the insufficient cash, the treasury disbursed Rs 10,000 per person, against the Rs 24, 000 that the government had previously decided. MALAPPURAM: People queued up at the treasury compound since 5 AM in the district. However, the district treasury faced cash crunch as it received only Rs 40 lakh instead of Rs 1 crore. KOZHIKODE: Hundreds thronged the treasuries in the city to avail their salary and pension. Serpentine queues were formed in front of sub-treasury and district treasury office since morning. We had requested for Rs 1.2 crore from the State Bank of India. But we received only Rs 15 lakh. At present, we have a total of Rs 30 lakh, with which we would be able to give the pension only to 150 people.  said Kozhikode sub-treasury officer Anil Kumar. KANNUR: Pensioners and government employees who reached early morning to receive their pension from treasury had a disappointing day. Despite the long wait in the serpentine queue in front of the treasury, a majority had to return back empty handed as the cash could be disbursed only to 180 people. Kannur sub-treasury distributed pension to 8800 pensioners and 5000 government employees. Though the treasury required about Rs1.8crore, the treasury distributed only 40lakhs. KASARGOD: The sub-treasuries and the district treasury of Kasargod received only 65% of the requested cash forcing many pensioners to return empty handed. The treasuries were supplied Rs 1.97 crore against the requirement of Rs 3.10 crore on Thursday. Kasargod and Nileshwaram sub-treasuries received very less forcing one of them to restrict disbursal. Kasargod sub-treasury received Rs 21 lakh against its requirement of Rs 90 lakh from its chest bank State Bank of Travancore. "We got the money in tranches of Rs 11 lakh and Rs 10 lakh," said an official. Because of paucity of fund, the sub-treasury disbursed only the minimum pension. We were forced to restrict the disbursal to Rs 9,600. So many had to turn back without money," he said.
Shafeeq Alinga l By

Express News Service

KOZHIKODE: Strained relations between India and Pakistan have come as a bolt from the blue for a group of farmers at Tirur in Malappuram district.

Known as Tirur Lanka Paan, betel leaves from Tirur are of great demand in Pakistan. With diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan touching a new low, tension has been mounting among betel farmers here, for their livelihood depends solely on export orders from Pakistan. Around 60 per cent of the betel leaves, cultivated in Tirur municipality and surrounding panchayats of Valavannur, Kalpakanchery, Thalakkad, Athavanad, Ponmundam, Tanalur, Ozhur and Tirunavaya, are exported to Karachi and Lahore, from where they reach local paan mandis across Pakistan. The Pathankot attack had a devastating impact on the farmers here as betel leaf exports plummeted by 40 per cent.

With the diplomatic relations turning worse, Pakistan has slapped an additional 15 pc tax on betel leaves from India. This has affected exports from here, said Mohammed Mooppan, a betel grower in Tirur. Indias surgical strike on terror launchpads in Pakistan has compounded the woes of the farmers. According to betel leaves traders in Tirur, the exports have dropped to 3 tonnes a day from 5 tonnes a day. Lack of air and rail connectivity between the two countries is another hurdle, said Kamaludheen U an exporter at Pan Bazar, the exclusive betel market here.

Betel leaves from the hundred-year-old Pan Bazar in Tirur are taken to Dubai through Calicut International Airport, from where they are flown to Pakistan. We are dependant on Dubai as the air and rail connectivity to Pakistan was snapped post Mumbai terror attacks in 2002. This leads to additional expense on transportation, rued Kamaludheen. Betel leaves from Tirur are of high demand in Pakistan due to its distinctive flavour. They are in great demand at wedding parties, gatherings and religious functions in Pakistan. Tirur betel leaves have market in north Indian cities.Around 2-3 tonnes of betel leaves are sent to New Delhi by train, from where they are taken to local markets in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Only half a tonne is sold in the local market.

Accord ing to Mohammed Mooppan, the consumption in Kerala goes up only during the festival season. When transportation to Pakistan was smooth and no tax was imposed, a pack of 100 betel leaves used to fetch `100 for the traders. But now the price has come down to `60. Abdulla Thallassery, another farmer, said several farmers have stopped growing betel in recent years due to drop in demand.

Many farmers have migrated to other crops as there has been a steep decline in demand for Tirur betel leaves due to countinued tension between India and Pakistan, he added. Less tham 1,000 farmers are involved in betel cultivation in Tirur taluk now. Pan Bazar also shares a similar story of waning glory as it has lost more than 30 shops and hundreds of employees in the last 15 years. It is tough time for betel farmers in Tirur as they cant survive on the domestic market.

There is a steady decline in consumption of betel leaves among Keralites as betel is perceived as injurious to health, said Prof CR Elsy, member of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) cell at the Kerala Agricultural University. According to Elsy, market value of betel leaves could increase if they are used for medicinal and cosmetic needs. Betel juice is used by Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala to prepare certain medicines. We should promote more research in this field to explore its medicinal value, she said.

KOZHIKODE: Strained relations between India and Pakistan have come as a bolt from the blue for a group of farmers at Tirur in Malappuram district. Known as Tirur Lanka Paan, betel leaves from Tirur are of great demand in Pakistan. With diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan touching a new low, tension has been mounting among betel farmers here, for their livelihood depends solely on export orders from Pakistan. Around 60 per cent of the betel leaves, cultivated in Tirur municipality and surrounding panchayats of Valavannur, Kalpakanchery, Thalakkad, Athavanad, Ponmundam, Tanalur, Ozhur and Tirunavaya, are exported to Karachi and Lahore, from where they reach local paan mandis across Pakistan. The Pathankot attack had a devastating impact on the farmers here as betel leaf exports plummeted by 40 per cent. With the diplomatic relations turning worse, Pakistan has slapped an additional 15 pc tax on betel leaves from India. This has affected exports from here, said Mohammed Mooppan, a betel grower in Tirur. Indias surgical strike on terror launchpads in Pakistan has compounded the woes of the farmers. According to betel leaves traders in Tirur, the exports have dropped to 3 tonnes a day from 5 tonnes a day. Lack of air and rail connectivity between the two countries is another hurdle, said Kamaludheen U an exporter at Pan Bazar, the exclusive betel market here. Betel leaves from the hundred-year-old Pan Bazar in Tirur are taken to Dubai through Calicut International Airport, from where they are flown to Pakistan. We are dependant on Dubai as the air and rail connectivity to Pakistan was snapped post Mumbai terror attacks in 2002. This leads to additional expense on transportation, rued Kamaludheen. Betel leaves from Tirur are of high demand in Pakistan due to its distinctive flavour. They are in great demand at wedding parties, gatherings and religious functions in Pakistan. Tirur betel leaves have market in north Indian cities.Around 2-3 tonnes of betel leaves are sent to New Delhi by train, from where they are taken to local markets in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Only half a tonne is sold in the local market. Accord ing to Mohammed Mooppan, the consumption in Kerala goes up only during the festival season. When transportation to Pakistan was smooth and no tax was imposed, a pack of 100 betel leaves used to fetch `100 for the traders. But now the price has come down to `60. Abdulla Thallassery, another farmer, said several farmers have stopped growing betel in recent years due to drop in demand. Many farmers have migrated to other crops as there has been a steep decline in demand for Tirur betel leaves due to countinued tension between India and Pakistan, he added. Less tham 1,000 farmers are involved in betel cultivation in Tirur taluk now. Pan Bazar also shares a similar story of waning glory as it has lost more than 30 shops and hundreds of employees in the last 15 years. It is tough time for betel farmers in Tirur as they cant survive on the domestic market. There is a steady decline in consumption of betel leaves among Keralites as betel is perceived as injurious to health, said Prof CR Elsy, member of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) cell at the Kerala Agricultural University. According to Elsy, market value of betel leaves could increase if they are used for medicinal and cosmetic needs. Betel juice is used by Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala to prepare certain medicines. We should promote more research in this field to explore its medicinal value, she said.
Dhinesh Kallungal By

Express News Service

KOCHI: Even as various West Asia countries reduce spending to cope with low oil prices leading to more job cuts, which hit the Keralites badly as they account for half of the total Indian diaspora there, various airline companies operating between Kerala and West Asia are shifting their attention to South Asian countries to stay afloat in the competitive sector. The Kochi headquartered Air India Express, which was formed to cater to Keralites across Gulf nations, has started two new services connecting Singapore and Dhaka with various south Indian cities. Besides, the airline services to destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, Bangkok and Colombo from Kochi have almost tripled from those of three years ago.

According to the authorities of Cochin International Airport, the main transit hub from Kerala to various Far East destinations, there are around 60 flights to various South East Asian destinations and Colombo from Kochi per week, whereas it was only a handful of services to these destinations from Kochi a couple of years ago.

Traffic to these destinations shows a steady and robust growth over the years and companies like Air Asia Berhad, Malindo Air, Silk Air, Sri Lankan Air, Tiger Airways and Thai Air Asia reap the benefits, they said. A senior official attached to Air Indian Express, which operates around 235 services to Gulf Countries from various cities in the country and especially from Kerala, told Express that traffic to Far East destinations is showing a steady growth from the south Indian cities and the Air India Express has started a Chennai-Singapore flight (four days in a week) and another Kolkata-Singapore-Dhaka flight (four times a week).

The AIE has already a daily flight to Trichy-Singapore flight and another Tichy- Chennai-Kuala Lumpur flight (four times a week). It seems that we have to tap the potential of other routes as well in order to stay afloat in the market as the traffic to various Middle East destinations is getting saturated and there would be a slump in the market if the other West Asia Countries go for Emiratisation, he said. It is a fact that there is some crisis in the West Asia countries. But the recent traffic flow to Far East destination is mainly because of the thriving tourism markets in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Tourists can relish the luxuries of these destinations if they are ready to spend a sum of Rs 30,000-35,000 for a fiveday trip, whereas one has to spend anywhere between Rs 8,000 -15,000 to get a ticket to Delhi or vice versa from Kerala. Charges for accommodation, food and other amenities are extra. That is why the traffic to these destinations is showing a steady growth over the years, Biji Eapen, national president, IATA Agents Association of India, said. Demonetisation has affected the airline companies to some extent.

But once the market becomes steady, the traffic flow to various destinations would be multiplied. The Thai AirAsia has alone carried about 35,000 guests from Kochi to Bangkok since its launch in this year to till this August and the airline company took a total of over 260,000 guests from India to Thailand from 2014 till August, said the spokesperson of the Thai AirAsia.

KOCHI: Even as various West Asia countries reduce spending to cope with low oil prices leading to more job cuts, which hit the Keralites badly as they account for half of the total Indian diaspora there, various airline companies operating between Kerala and West Asia are shifting their attention to South Asian countries to stay afloat in the competitive sector. The Kochi headquartered Air India Express, which was formed to cater to Keralites across Gulf nations, has started two new services connecting Singapore and Dhaka with various south Indian cities. Besides, the airline services to destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, Bangkok and Colombo from Kochi have almost tripled from those of three years ago. According to the authorities of Cochin International Airport, the main transit hub from Kerala to various Far East destinations, there are around 60 flights to various South East Asian destinations and Colombo from Kochi per week, whereas it was only a handful of services to these destinations from Kochi a couple of years ago. Traffic to these destinations shows a steady and robust growth over the years and companies like Air Asia Berhad, Malindo Air, Silk Air, Sri Lankan Air, Tiger Airways and Thai Air Asia reap the benefits, they said. A senior official attached to Air Indian Express, which operates around 235 services to Gulf Countries from various cities in the country and especially from Kerala, told Express that traffic to Far East destinations is showing a steady growth from the south Indian cities and the Air India Express has started a Chennai-Singapore flight (four days in a week) and another Kolkata-Singapore-Dhaka flight (four times a week). The AIE has already a daily flight to Trichy-Singapore flight and another Tichy- Chennai-Kuala Lumpur flight (four times a week). It seems that we have to tap the potential of other routes as well in order to stay afloat in the market as the traffic to various Middle East destinations is getting saturated and there would be a slump in the market if the other West Asia Countries go for Emiratisation, he said. It is a fact that there is some crisis in the West Asia countries. But the recent traffic flow to Far East destination is mainly because of the thriving tourism markets in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Tourists can relish the luxuries of these destinations if they are ready to spend a sum of Rs 30,000-35,000 for a fiveday trip, whereas one has to spend anywhere between Rs 8,000 -15,000 to get a ticket to Delhi or vice versa from Kerala. Charges for accommodation, food and other amenities are extra. That is why the traffic to these destinations is showing a steady growth over the years, Biji Eapen, national president, IATA Agents Association of India, said. Demonetisation has affected the airline companies to some extent. But once the market becomes steady, the traffic flow to various destinations would be multiplied. The Thai AirAsia has alone carried about 35,000 guests from Kochi to Bangkok since its launch in this year to till this August and the airline company took a total of over 260,000 guests from India to Thailand from 2014 till August, said the spokesperson of the Thai AirAsia.
By Express News Service

KHURDA: In about a year and a half after getting the State Governments approval for a food park and a five-star hotel, ITC Limited, a multi-business conglomerate unveiled the projects at Khurda here on Thursday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik attended the ground breaking ceremony of the projects which will be setup with an estimated capital of over Rs 800 crore.

The integrated consumer goods manufacturing facility will be built over 16 acre land. The facility will manufacture ITCs food brands such as Aashirvaad, Bingo, Sunfeast and YiPPee!. The food manufacturing unit will be built with an investment of Rs 675 crore and ITC would develop and source raw material within the catchments area of the factory subject to the agro-climatic conditions. The company will absorb graduates from technical institutes in and around Khurda district and other parts of the State, sources said.

Addressing the occasion, Naveen said, the presence of ITC, one of Indias largest and most diversified conglomerates will be a landmark to the food processing sector in Odisha and generate employment for over 1100 persons. "Over time I expect that ITC would further expand its unit and make it the largest manufacturing unit in country and transform Khurda unit into the distribution centre for Eastern and North-eastern India, Naveen said.

Construction for the hotel has already started and the food processing plant will start by January 2017. Both the facilities will come up in two and a half year time, Chief Operating Officer, ITC Ltd Sanjiv Puri said. The hotel project has been estimated at Rs 135 crore. Odisha has immense tourism and business potential which can be well complemented by the upcoming five-star facility of ITCs Welcome brand in Bhubaneswar, he added.

ITC's FMCG businesses support livelihoods for over 7 lakh people in the State. The company has been supporting farmers to try new table potato varieties by providing agronomy support and supplying early generation seed potato and in Cuttack, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Balasore, Puri and Koraput districts, Puri added.

Social Agro-Forestry Project:

There is a proposed bridge from Motu to Kota in Chhattisgarh which will make Malkangiri district a catchment area for raw material (pulpwood) for ITC's paperboard factory in Bhadrachalam in Telengana.

In anticipation of the bridge coming up, ITC has piloted a project of social agro-forestry in Malkangiri by distributing fast-growing Eucalyptus saplings to farmers. Currently, the saplings are planted over 60 acres land. The company has plans to scale up the existing agro and social forestry programme to 250 acres by the end of 2017.

Over the years the project would expand upto 10,000 hectares and every year 4000 hectares will be added. The 4000 hectares will create two million man-days of employment and it is going to multiply farmer incomes by four to six times as the area is rain fed, ITC sources projected.(



KHURDA: In about a year and a half after getting the State Governments approval for a food park and a five-star hotel, ITC Limited, a multi-business conglomerate unveiled the projects at Khurda here on Thursday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik attended the ground breaking ceremony of the projects which will be setup with an estimated capital of over Rs 800 crore. The integrated consumer goods manufacturing facility will be built over 16 acre land. The facility will manufacture ITCs food brands such as Aashirvaad, Bingo, Sunfeast and YiPPee!. The food manufacturing unit will be built with an investment of Rs 675 crore and ITC would develop and source raw material within the catchments area of the factory subject to the agro-climatic conditions. The company will absorb graduates from technical institutes in and around Khurda district and other parts of the State, sources said. Addressing the occasion, Naveen said, the presence of ITC, one of Indias largest and most diversified conglomerates will be a landmark to the food processing sector in Odisha and generate employment for over 1100 persons. "Over time I expect that ITC would further expand its unit and make it the largest manufacturing unit in country and transform Khurda unit into the distribution centre for Eastern and North-eastern India, Naveen said. Construction for the hotel has already started and the food processing plant will start by January 2017. Both the facilities will come up in two and a half year time, Chief Operating Officer, ITC Ltd Sanjiv Puri said. The hotel project has been estimated at Rs 135 crore. Odisha has immense tourism and business potential which can be well complemented by the upcoming five-star facility of ITCs Welcome brand in Bhubaneswar, he added. ITC's FMCG businesses support livelihoods for over 7 lakh people in the State. The company has been supporting farmers to try new table potato varieties by providing agronomy support and supplying early generation seed potato and in Cuttack, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Balasore, Puri and Koraput districts, Puri added. Social Agro-Forestry Project: There is a proposed bridge from Motu to Kota in Chhattisgarh which will make Malkangiri district a catchment area for raw material (pulpwood) for ITC's paperboard factory in Bhadrachalam in Telengana. In anticipation of the bridge coming up, ITC has piloted a project of social agro-forestry in Malkangiri by distributing fast-growing Eucalyptus saplings to farmers. Currently, the saplings are planted over 60 acres land. The company has plans to scale up the existing agro and social forestry programme to 250 acres by the end of 2017. Over the years the project would expand upto 10,000 hectares and every year 4000 hectares will be added. The 4000 hectares will create two million man-days of employment and it is going to multiply farmer incomes by four to six times as the area is rain fed, ITC sources projected.(
By Express News Service

TIRUCHY : At least 18 staff of an explosives factory are feared to have died after a blast at their workplace in T Murungapatti, near Thuraiyur, 84 km from Tiruchy, on Thursday. An explosion was heard from Vetrivel Explosives Private Limited around 7 am and residents within a seven-km radius felt the impact of the blast.

At the site, dismembered bodies were scattered across 100 acres. Almost all seven buildings of the factory had cracked, with one crumbling completely, giving Fire and Rescue Services personnel a tough time sifting through the debris to retrieve the bodies beneath.

Work at the factory, which supplied explosives and chemicals to companies involved in mining, began at 6 am, with about 40 staff reporting for duty. Nearly 300 people work at the factory during each of the three shifts in a day.

At least four workers, who were mixing explosives at the time of the blast, had their bodies blown to bits, while others were trapped under the debris. Though seven ambulances were deployed at the site, there was little aid the medical staff could provide. A senior medical staff said it was nearly impossible to identify the dead, with dismembered hands, legs and other body parts strewn across the vicinity. The accident site was cordoned off as rescue workers sprayed water to control pollution caused by chemicals, one of which was believed to be nitric acid.

Demanding that the factory be permanently shut, villagers alleged that discharge from the factory polluted groundwater in the area. Minister for Tourism Vellamandi N Natarajan assured them that the factory would be sealed, and Collector K S Palanisamy said an investigation would be launched.

Vetrivel Explosives factory (By arrangement)

The explosives manufacturing factory, Vetrivel Explosives, has been functioning for the past 16 years and the nearby villages of Kompanpatti, Thappanpatti and Murungapatti work here in shifts.

The factory's clients include Neyveli Lignite Corporation, where explosives are used for breaking up the Lignite quarries, and other companies in Kerala.

According to sources, at least seven ambulances have been deployed to clear the bodies have been sent to Tiruchy Government Hospital.

Police investigate the site and rescue the trapped survivors. | EPS

TIRUCHY : At least 18 staff of an explosives factory are feared to have died after a blast at their workplace in T Murungapatti, near Thuraiyur, 84 km from Tiruchy, on Thursday. An explosion was heard from Vetrivel Explosives Private Limited around 7 am and residents within a seven-km radius felt the impact of the blast. At the site, dismembered bodies were scattered across 100 acres. Almost all seven buildings of the factory had cracked, with one crumbling completely, giving Fire and Rescue Services personnel a tough time sifting through the debris to retrieve the bodies beneath. Work at the factory, which supplied explosives and chemicals to companies involved in mining, began at 6 am, with about 40 staff reporting for duty. Nearly 300 people work at the factory during each of the three shifts in a day. At least four workers, who were mixing explosives at the time of the blast, had their bodies blown to bits, while others were trapped under the debris. Though seven ambulances were deployed at the site, there was little aid the medical staff could provide. A senior medical staff said it was nearly impossible to identify the dead, with dismembered hands, legs and other body parts strewn across the vicinity. The accident site was cordoned off as rescue workers sprayed water to control pollution caused by chemicals, one of which was believed to be nitric acid. Demanding that the factory be permanently shut, villagers alleged that discharge from the factory polluted groundwater in the area. Minister for Tourism Vellamandi N Natarajan assured them that the factory would be sealed, and Collector K S Palanisamy said an investigation would be launched. Vetrivel Explosives factory (By arrangement)The explosives manufacturing factory, Vetrivel Explosives, has been functioning for the past 16 years and the nearby villages of Kompanpatti, Thappanpatti and Murungapatti work here in shifts. The factory's clients include Neyveli Lignite Corporation, where explosives are used for breaking up the Lignite quarries, and other companies in Kerala. According to sources, at least seven ambulances have been deployed to clear the bodies have been sent to Tiruchy Government Hospital. Police investigate the site and rescue the trapped survivors. | EPS
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: After suffering from drug allergy and remaining indoors for more than a month, DMK chief M Karunanidhi was hospitalised today here in Chennai. He was admitted at Kauvery Hospital in Alwarpet just before 6 AM in the morning, sources said.

According to a bulletin issued by the hospital, he was admitted for optimisation of nutrition and hydration. DMK president and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Kalaignar M Karunanidhi has been admitted for optimisation of nutrition and hydration, said the bulletin issued a little while after the DMK patriarch was admitted.

The hospital stated the condition of the 92-year-old leader is stable and was advised to stay in hospital for a few more days. He is stable and being treated by a team of doctors. He will be in the hospital for few days, the bulletin informed.

Top leaders including DMK treasurer and his son MK Stalin, daughter and MP Kanimozhi and MLA K Ponmudi were with the leader at the hospital. Senior leader and deputy general secretary of DMK VP Duraisamy said the condition of his party leader is stable.

Our leader is in a stable condition, he told reporters outside the hospital where a large number of party cadre gathered.

Duraisamy further stated that Karunanidhi was taken to the Kauvery Hospital because the doctors from the same hospital have been attending to him already.

Worried party men have been thronging the hospital with anxiety to know the health condition of their beloved leader.

The five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu suffered drug allergy in October and was confined to his residence since then. He avoided visitors and did not appear in the public platform.

CHENNAI: After suffering from drug allergy and remaining indoors for more than a month, DMK chief M Karunanidhi was hospitalised today here in Chennai. He was admitted at Kauvery Hospital in Alwarpet just before 6 AM in the morning, sources said. According to a bulletin issued by the hospital, he was admitted for optimisation of nutrition and hydration. DMK president and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Kalaignar M Karunanidhi has been admitted for optimisation of nutrition and hydration, said the bulletin issued a little while after the DMK patriarch was admitted. The hospital stated the condition of the 92-year-old leader is stable and was advised to stay in hospital for a few more days. He is stable and being treated by a team of doctors. He will be in the hospital for few days, the bulletin informed. Top leaders including DMK treasurer and his son MK Stalin, daughter and MP Kanimozhi and MLA K Ponmudi were with the leader at the hospital. Senior leader and deputy general secretary of DMK VP Duraisamy said the condition of his party leader is stable. Our leader is in a stable condition, he told reporters outside the hospital where a large number of party cadre gathered. Duraisamy further stated that Karunanidhi was taken to the Kauvery Hospital because the doctors from the same hospital have been attending to him already. Worried party men have been thronging the hospital with anxiety to know the health condition of their beloved leader. The five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu suffered drug allergy in October and was confined to his residence since then. He avoided visitors and did not appear in the public platform.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Chief Secretary (CS) R Pradeep Chandra said development and resolving the pending issues of AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 would be at the top of his list of priorities.

Pradeep Chandra took charge on Wednesday as the second CS of Telangana from Rajiv Sharma. Chandra said the administration would work for implemention of the CMs assurances and emphasised on development of newly formed districts and resolving the pending issues of AP Reorganisation Act. Some issues like the IX and X Schedule of AP Reorganisation Act are not resolved. The bifurcation of employees is yet to be completed. I will focus on these issues, he said adding that some of these issues were pending in Courts. On demonetisation, the new CS said the State would recognise the currency requirements and transactions of rural people. We will see that there is no problem for rural aggregators due to cashless transactions, Chandra said.

Pradeep Chandra, a 1982 batch IAS officer, said that his father Chandraiah inspired him to serve the people. Earlier, a farewell was arranged for outgoing Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. The CM appreciated the new CS Chandras efforts in preparing TS-iPASS which was responsible for bringing huge investments to the state.

Talks with RBI

Ther incoming CS said that the administration was negotiating with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials for payment of part of the salary of Rs 10,000 in cash for around 3.5 lakh govt employees. Though the state decided to give Rs 10,000 cash to its employees on Tuesday, the RBI said it was unable to give huge amounts of cash to the state. Chandra said that efforts were under way to acquire parts of the salary in cash.

HYDERABAD: Chief Secretary (CS) R Pradeep Chandra said development and resolving the pending issues of AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 would be at the top of his list of priorities. Pradeep Chandra took charge on Wednesday as the second CS of Telangana from Rajiv Sharma. Chandra said the administration would work for implemention of the CMs assurances and emphasised on development of newly formed districts and resolving the pending issues of AP Reorganisation Act. Some issues like the IX and X Schedule of AP Reorganisation Act are not resolved. The bifurcation of employees is yet to be completed. I will focus on these issues, he said adding that some of these issues were pending in Courts. On demonetisation, the new CS said the State would recognise the currency requirements and transactions of rural people. We will see that there is no problem for rural aggregators due to cashless transactions, Chandra said. Pradeep Chandra, a 1982 batch IAS officer, said that his father Chandraiah inspired him to serve the people. Earlier, a farewell was arranged for outgoing Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. The CM appreciated the new CS Chandras efforts in preparing TS-iPASS which was responsible for bringing huge investments to the state. Talks with RBI Ther incoming CS said that the administration was negotiating with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials for payment of part of the salary of Rs 10,000 in cash for around 3.5 lakh govt employees. Though the state decided to give Rs 10,000 cash to its employees on Tuesday, the RBI said it was unable to give huge amounts of cash to the state. Chandra said that efforts were under way to acquire parts of the salary in cash.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: Steven Mnuchin, US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Treasury Secretary, played a key role in organising the 'Aab Ki baar Trump Sarkar' ad campaign close to the election, a Republican Hindu organisation said.



Indian-American Shalabh Kumar, founder and president of the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC), met with Trump in July at the residence of Mnuchin in Southampton, New York where he discussed his vision for the campaign.



"Trump agreed to participate," RHC said in a statement.



Kumar, who played a leading role in mobilising Hindus for Trump has been appointed to the Transition Finance and Inauguration teams, the media release said.



"I am honoured to accept these positions with the transition team and the inauguration committee," Kumar said in a statement in which he congratulated Mnuchin, on his nomination as Treasury Secretary.



"Without Mnuchin key support and assistance, the 'Ab ki bar Trump Sarkar' campaign would not have gotten off the ground. Thanks to what we did together, Trump received a net gain of 1.7 million Hindu votes," Kumar said.



"I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and working together with Mnuchin and the other members of the Trump administration to Make America Great Again," he said.



RHC said Mnuchin and Kumar collaborated on Humanity United Against Terror event in New Jersey on October 15, and on other events during the campaign, including a meet and greet between Donald Trump and Hindu leaders in Orlando just days before the election, as well as a visit by Eric Trump to a Hindu Temple.

WASHINGTON: Steven Mnuchin, US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Treasury Secretary, played a key role in organising the 'Aab Ki baar Trump Sarkar' ad campaign close to the election, a Republican Hindu organisation said. Indian-American Shalabh Kumar, founder and president of the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC), met with Trump in July at the residence of Mnuchin in Southampton, New York where he discussed his vision for the campaign. "Trump agreed to participate," RHC said in a statement. Kumar, who played a leading role in mobilising Hindus for Trump has been appointed to the Transition Finance and Inauguration teams, the media release said. "I am honoured to accept these positions with the transition team and the inauguration committee," Kumar said in a statement in which he congratulated Mnuchin, on his nomination as Treasury Secretary. "Without Mnuchin key support and assistance, the 'Ab ki bar Trump Sarkar' campaign would not have gotten off the ground. Thanks to what we did together, Trump received a net gain of 1.7 million Hindu votes," Kumar said. "I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and working together with Mnuchin and the other members of the Trump administration to Make America Great Again," he said. RHC said Mnuchin and Kumar collaborated on Humanity United Against Terror event in New Jersey on October 15, and on other events during the campaign, including a meet and greet between Donald Trump and Hindu leaders in Orlando just days before the election, as well as a visit by Eric Trump to a Hindu Temple.
By Associated Press

LOS ANGELES: Several more mosques nationwide have reported receiving a hate-filled letter from California that warns Muslims to leave the country or face genocide.

The identical letters postmarked from the Los Angeles area have now shown up at mosques throughout California and in Ohio, Michigan, Rhode Island, Indiana, Colorado and Georgia.

Los Angeles police have been investigating the letters addressed to "the children of Satan" as a hate incident, but not a crime because it does not contain a specific threat.

The letters appeared to be photocopies of a handwritten note referring to Muslims as "vile and filthy people" and saying that President-elect Donald Trump would do to Muslims what Hitler did to Jews.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations has asked the FBI to investigate.

The FBI said the threats, while inflammatory and awful, do not pose a threat specific enough to investigate at this point, but they're monitoring the situation and urged anyone to report such incidents.

Police in Providence, Rhode Island, said they would increase patrols after one of the letters was received at Masjid Al-Kareem.

Faissal Elansari of the Islamic Center of Rhode Island said he feels a wave of hate at his doorstep, WPRI-TV reported.

Envelopes have had a return address in the city the letter was sent  often 331 Oak St.  but are postmarked in Los Angeles or Santa Clarita, a suburb about 30 miles north.

The name above the return address is Reza Khan, said Shehadeh Abdelkarim, president of the Islamic Center of Cleveland, which received one of the letters. He noted that's a Muslim name.

"The person obviously knows a little about Muslim culture," Abdelkarim said.

The name is bogus, said Sgt. Mike Abdeen of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, which is assisting LAPD.

Letters have been received at six mosques in California, including Los Angeles, Fresno and San Jose, according to police and Islamic groups. Elsewhere, they have also turned up at mosques in Denver, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Savannah, Georgia, and a school affiliated with an Indianapolis mosque.

Trump's spokespeople have not responded to a request for comment. The president-elect told "60 Minutes" that if his supporters were harassing others, they should "stop it."

LOS ANGELES: Several more mosques nationwide have reported receiving a hate-filled letter from California that warns Muslims to leave the country or face genocide. The identical letters postmarked from the Los Angeles area have now shown up at mosques throughout California and in Ohio, Michigan, Rhode Island, Indiana, Colorado and Georgia. Los Angeles police have been investigating the letters addressed to "the children of Satan" as a hate incident, but not a crime because it does not contain a specific threat. The letters appeared to be photocopies of a handwritten note referring to Muslims as "vile and filthy people" and saying that President-elect Donald Trump would do to Muslims what Hitler did to Jews. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has asked the FBI to investigate. The FBI said the threats, while inflammatory and awful, do not pose a threat specific enough to investigate at this point, but they're monitoring the situation and urged anyone to report such incidents. Police in Providence, Rhode Island, said they would increase patrols after one of the letters was received at Masjid Al-Kareem. Faissal Elansari of the Islamic Center of Rhode Island said he feels a wave of hate at his doorstep, WPRI-TV reported. Envelopes have had a return address in the city the letter was sent  often 331 Oak St.  but are postmarked in Los Angeles or Santa Clarita, a suburb about 30 miles north. The name above the return address is Reza Khan, said Shehadeh Abdelkarim, president of the Islamic Center of Cleveland, which received one of the letters. He noted that's a Muslim name. "The person obviously knows a little about Muslim culture," Abdelkarim said. The name is bogus, said Sgt. Mike Abdeen of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, which is assisting LAPD. Letters have been received at six mosques in California, including Los Angeles, Fresno and San Jose, according to police and Islamic groups. Elsewhere, they have also turned up at mosques in Denver, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Savannah, Georgia, and a school affiliated with an Indianapolis mosque. Trump's spokespeople have not responded to a request for comment. The president-elect told "60 Minutes" that if his supporters were harassing others, they should "stop it."
By AFP

SEOUL: South Korea's ruling party on Thursday urged scandal-hit President Park Geun-Hye to step down in April next year, giving her a week to accept their ultimatum or risk impeachment.

Park this week said she would be willing to step down early after coming under huge pressure to quit over an influence peddling scandal that has drawn more than a million people onto the streets in protest.

The ruling Saenuri Party's 128 lawmakers unanimously agreed to demand Park resign in late April and called for a presidential election to be held in June, six months earlier than scheduled.

"All the lawmakers of the party unanimously approved this timetable", parliamentary floor leader Chung Jin-Suk was quoted as saying by the Yonhap news agency after a crucial party meeting.

The party considered the timetable the most appropriate to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, maintain stability and give political parties time to prepare for the presidential election, Chung said.

Park said Tuesday she would let parliament decide her fate following accusations that she colluded with Choi Soon-Sil -- a secretive confidante dubbed "Korea's Rasputin" -- to coerce firms to "donate" tens of millions of dollars to foundations which were used for Choi's personal gain.

Park has been named as a suspect in the investigation, making her the first sitting president to be subject to a criminal probe while in office.

And although Park's announcement reduced the momentum of calls for her impeachment, the main opposition Democratic Party insisted that Park should be stripped of office by the end of January.

"All South Koreans want Park to leave as soon as possible... they don't want her to stick around so long," its leader Choo Mi-Ae said.

Four month deadline

Lawmakers from Park's own party had backed the opposition-led move to impeach her as early as this Friday.

But one of them, former Saenuri Party head Kim Moo-Sung, said they were now willing to give Park four months to leave office.

"If the president agrees to step down on April 30, there is no need to push through with impeachment", Kim said.

The party would give Park until Thursday next week to accept their demand.

"Otherwise, we would have no other option but to take part in the vote for an impeachment motion Friday next week", said Kim, who is leading the anti-Park group within the ruling party.

While she retains the presidency, Park cannot be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason, but she could be charged once she steps down.

Massive weekly protests have been intensifying over the past month, with up to 1.5 million people braving freezing temperatures in Seoul on Saturday to demand Park's resignation, according to organisers.

Activists called for a sixth weekly protest on Saturday in central Seoul, despite Park saying she would be willing to cede power.

Park on Wednesday approved a lawyer recommended by the opposition-controlled parliament as an independent prosecutor to carry out a new probe into the scandal.

The special prosecutor will interview Park and be given 120 days to follow up on the findings of state investigators.

She has backtracked on earlier promises to make herself available for questioning in a judicial probe.

SEOUL: South Korea's ruling party on Thursday urged scandal-hit President Park Geun-Hye to step down in April next year, giving her a week to accept their ultimatum or risk impeachment. Park this week said she would be willing to step down early after coming under huge pressure to quit over an influence peddling scandal that has drawn more than a million people onto the streets in protest. The ruling Saenuri Party's 128 lawmakers unanimously agreed to demand Park resign in late April and called for a presidential election to be held in June, six months earlier than scheduled. "All the lawmakers of the party unanimously approved this timetable", parliamentary floor leader Chung Jin-Suk was quoted as saying by the Yonhap news agency after a crucial party meeting. The party considered the timetable the most appropriate to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, maintain stability and give political parties time to prepare for the presidential election, Chung said. Park said Tuesday she would let parliament decide her fate following accusations that she colluded with Choi Soon-Sil -- a secretive confidante dubbed "Korea's Rasputin" -- to coerce firms to "donate" tens of millions of dollars to foundations which were used for Choi's personal gain. Park has been named as a suspect in the investigation, making her the first sitting president to be subject to a criminal probe while in office. And although Park's announcement reduced the momentum of calls for her impeachment, the main opposition Democratic Party insisted that Park should be stripped of office by the end of January. "All South Koreans want Park to leave as soon as possible... they don't want her to stick around so long," its leader Choo Mi-Ae said. Four month deadline Lawmakers from Park's own party had backed the opposition-led move to impeach her as early as this Friday. But one of them, former Saenuri Party head Kim Moo-Sung, said they were now willing to give Park four months to leave office. "If the president agrees to step down on April 30, there is no need to push through with impeachment", Kim said. The party would give Park until Thursday next week to accept their demand. "Otherwise, we would have no other option but to take part in the vote for an impeachment motion Friday next week", said Kim, who is leading the anti-Park group within the ruling party. While she retains the presidency, Park cannot be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason, but she could be charged once she steps down. Massive weekly protests have been intensifying over the past month, with up to 1.5 million people braving freezing temperatures in Seoul on Saturday to demand Park's resignation, according to organisers. Activists called for a sixth weekly protest on Saturday in central Seoul, despite Park saying she would be willing to cede power. Park on Wednesday approved a lawyer recommended by the opposition-controlled parliament as an independent prosecutor to carry out a new probe into the scandal. The special prosecutor will interview Park and be given 120 days to follow up on the findings of state investigators. She has backtracked on earlier promises to make herself available for questioning in a judicial probe.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: US President-elect Donald Trump has told Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that he is willing to play any role that Pakistan wants to address and find solutions to the country's outstanding problems. Trump made the remarks when Sharif called him last night to congratulate him as the two leaders discussed various issues. "I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems.

It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Trump told Sharif, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office here. Trump also told Prime Minister Sharif that he has a "very good reputation", the statement said. "You (Sharif) are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon.

As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," Trump was quoted as telling Sharif. Trump said Pakistan is an "amazing" country with "tremendous opportunities", the statement said. "Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," the President-elect said. Sharif also invited Trump to visit Pakistan. In his reply, Trump said, "he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people." "Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people," said Trump.

ISLAMABAD: US President-elect Donald Trump has told Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that he is willing to play any role that Pakistan wants to address and find solutions to the country's outstanding problems. Trump made the remarks when Sharif called him last night to congratulate him as the two leaders discussed various issues. "I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Trump told Sharif, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office here. Trump also told Prime Minister Sharif that he has a "very good reputation", the statement said. "You (Sharif) are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," Trump was quoted as telling Sharif. Trump said Pakistan is an "amazing" country with "tremendous opportunities", the statement said. "Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," the President-elect said. Sharif also invited Trump to visit Pakistan. In his reply, Trump said, "he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people." "Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people," said Trump.
By AFP

NEW YORK: Donald Trump embarks on a victory lap of Indiana and Ohio Thursday to celebrate his election victory and apparent success in brokering an agreement to keep 1,000 jobs in the Rust Belt.

The maverick tycoon, who upended the US establishment and the world by defeating Hillary Clinton on November 8, made guaranteeing jobs for blue collar American workers a key plank of his presidential campaign.

Casting aside job interviews for senior cabinet positions yet to be filled, the president-elect will visit an air conditioning plant in Indiana which he repeatedly leaned on in public not to ship a planned 2,000 jobs to Mexico.

Carrier announced Wednesday that it had agreed to preserve more than 1,000 jobs and would continue to manufacture gas furnaces in Indianapolis, as well as retain engineering and headquarters staff in the Midwestern city.

Trump will be accompanied by his vice president-elect Mike Pence, who is winding down his official duties as governor of Indiana ahead of the January 20 inauguration, and who also helped to broker the deal.

The announcement was "possible because the incoming Trump-Pence administration has emphasized to us its commitment to support the business community and create an improved, more competitive US business climate," it said.

"The incentives offered by the state were an important consideration," it added.

Anthony Scaramucci, an entrepreneur and member of the Trump transition team's executive committee, told reporters Wednesday that he hoped more companies would follow suit.

"The whole purpose" of the incoming administration's business platform would be to slash corporate tax rates to make it more competitive for American companies to allocate their capital at home.

"I'm hoping that every CEO in America is getting that beacon signal from the new Trump administration that we're open for business here in the United States, and we've got to get American people back working in American jobs."

Republican Indiana Senator Dan Coats, who met Trump in New York on Wednesday, said he hoped the Carrier announcement symbolized more to come and that he believed other companies would pay attention.

"Obviously the private sector has issues relative to staying competitive in the world," he said.

"What it will do is open the door to more thought and perhaps more creative ways of addressing questions like this."

From Indiana, Trump and Pence are to travel to Ohio to lead a post-election rally in Cincinnati. Trump was the first Republican nominee for president to win the state since 2004.

The evening event at the home of the Cincinnati Cyclones, which can host a crowd of more than 17,000, is expected to be similar to those that drew enthusiastic crowds of thousands during the campaign.

The transition team has dubbed it a "thank you tour."

While such rallies are untraditional for a US president-elect, Trump often spoke of the thrill of addressing such enormous crowds during the campaign.

NEW YORK: Donald Trump embarks on a victory lap of Indiana and Ohio Thursday to celebrate his election victory and apparent success in brokering an agreement to keep 1,000 jobs in the Rust Belt. The maverick tycoon, who upended the US establishment and the world by defeating Hillary Clinton on November 8, made guaranteeing jobs for blue collar American workers a key plank of his presidential campaign. Casting aside job interviews for senior cabinet positions yet to be filled, the president-elect will visit an air conditioning plant in Indiana which he repeatedly leaned on in public not to ship a planned 2,000 jobs to Mexico. Carrier announced Wednesday that it had agreed to preserve more than 1,000 jobs and would continue to manufacture gas furnaces in Indianapolis, as well as retain engineering and headquarters staff in the Midwestern city. Trump will be accompanied by his vice president-elect Mike Pence, who is winding down his official duties as governor of Indiana ahead of the January 20 inauguration, and who also helped to broker the deal. The announcement was "possible because the incoming Trump-Pence administration has emphasized to us its commitment to support the business community and create an improved, more competitive US business climate," it said. "The incentives offered by the state were an important consideration," it added. Anthony Scaramucci, an entrepreneur and member of the Trump transition team's executive committee, told reporters Wednesday that he hoped more companies would follow suit. "The whole purpose" of the incoming administration's business platform would be to slash corporate tax rates to make it more competitive for American companies to allocate their capital at home. "I'm hoping that every CEO in America is getting that beacon signal from the new Trump administration that we're open for business here in the United States, and we've got to get American people back working in American jobs." Republican Indiana Senator Dan Coats, who met Trump in New York on Wednesday, said he hoped the Carrier announcement symbolized more to come and that he believed other companies would pay attention. "Obviously the private sector has issues relative to staying competitive in the world," he said. "What it will do is open the door to more thought and perhaps more creative ways of addressing questions like this." From Indiana, Trump and Pence are to travel to Ohio to lead a post-election rally in Cincinnati. Trump was the first Republican nominee for president to win the state since 2004. The evening event at the home of the Cincinnati Cyclones, which can host a crowd of more than 17,000, is expected to be similar to those that drew enthusiastic crowds of thousands during the campaign. The transition team has dubbed it a "thank you tour." While such rallies are untraditional for a US president-elect, Trump often spoke of the thrill of addressing such enormous crowds during the campaign.
Israelis voted on Tuesday for an unprecedented fifth time in four years to break the political impasse that has paralysed the country.
Princess Tessy of Luxembourg and Princess Martha Louise of Norway attended the Gala Dinner of "Royal Bridges" exhibition held at Ritz-Carlton on November 30, 2016 in Dubai. On her Instagram account, Princess Tessy shared two photos taken together with Princess Martha Louise during that visit. There is also a short- and brilliant- video that was shot during that gala on Princess Tessy's Instagram account. Here: Tessy
One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021
Scientists at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health developed a computer model to predict the onset, duration, and magnitude of influenza outbreaks for New York City boroughs and neighborhoods. They found the model effective in a test using data from 2008-2013; results appear in the journal PLOS Computational Biology.

The researchers are the first to successfully forecast influenza with this level of geographic granularity. "Much like weather forecasts, flu forecasts are most useful at the local level," says lead author Wan Yang, associate research scientist in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences. "Our goal is to provide information so individuals and public health authorities can take measures to prevent illness."

Yang and senior investigator Jeffrey Shaman, associate professor of Environmental Health Sciences, have previously demonstrated success forecasting the flu on the state and city level. In this study, they tested a new method to provide more localized predictions using data on incidence of influenza-like illness from 52 city emergency departments provided by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene combined with lab-verified regional flu levels from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By incorporating information on daily population movement within the city (the paper uses the technical term, "network connectivity"), they report they were able to forecast influenza activity at a much more localized geographic scale.

"By adding information on the city's commuter patterns, we were able to boost signal, providing a much clearer picture on when outbreaks would take place, how long they would last, and how severe they might be," says Shaman. Like a weather forecast, flu predictions are made with varying degrees of certainty (for instance, an 80 percent change of a flu outbreak in the Bronx).

The model was able to predict a small uptick in flu activity one week in advance 82 percent of the time; it predicted larger spikes with less accuracy. For severe and ongoing outbreaks, it predicted outbreak duration with 77 percent accuracy. It could correctly estimate an outbreak's magnitude up to 54 percent of the time.

The researchers observed flu outbreaks occurring simultaneously in all five boroughs, including the 2009 pandemic, which was many times more intense than the other outbreaks during the six-year period. For reasons not understood, outbreaks were slightly more severe in Queens. Outbreaks in Staten Island were less intense; however, according to the researchers, this was an artifact as influenza-like illness in the borough was only recorded when a patient was hospitalized.

Among 42 neighborhoods corresponding to local hospital use, the researchers observed greater geographic variation in outbreak intensity and timing -- sometimes weeks apart (video illustrating neighborhood-level outbreaks is available along with the published paper). Adding network connectivity at this level degraded neighborhood forecast accuracy -- something the researchers say reflects the fact that connection between neighborhoods does not match with commuter flows. Ongoing work is exploring alternate data sources to refine neighborhood-level forecasts.

As of now, the researchers are not providing borough and neighborhood-level forecasts in real time. For real-time forecasts on the city level, visit the Columbia Prediction of Infectious Disease website, which reports weekly forecasts during the active flu season (as of November 30, 2016, activity remained low).
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is widespread globally with almost half a million cases documented in 2014. Although rare in European countries, the risks posed by the current migrant crisis makes MDR-TB an important and urgent public health priority.

A study just published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection documents that the rate of infection with MDR-TB is higher among migrants than in the general population, particularly in those born outside Europe and in those forced to leave their home country as asylum seekers and refugees.

The data reviewed by Hargreaves et al. shows that 100% of the MDR-TB cases diagnosed in Austria, The Netherlands and Norway occurred in migrants to those countries. A high proportion of MDR-TB cases were also apparent in migrants to other European states  90% in the UK, 89% in France, 87% in Italy and 94% in Germany.

Migrants are at higher risk of contracting MDR-TB both in their country of origin, because of the breakdown of their own healthcare system, and after arriving in Europe, because of destitution, homelessness, overcrowding in refugee camps or incarceration. A significant proportion of MDR-TB cases in migrants result from reactivation of latent infection.

Screening, diagnosis and treatment is available for all forms of TB, including active MDR-TB. However, this is rarely accessed by migrants due to restrictions set by healthcare systems or to fear on the part of the migrants that becoming known to the authorities might result in deportation back to the violence they have fled.

Although there is evidence that transmission of TB from migrants to the general population is low  it predominantly occurs between migrants  there is a risk of transmission for both migrants and the native population, notes Professor Jon S. Friedland of the International Health Unit, Infectious Diseases & Immunity, Imperial College London, UK, who is senior author of the study. There is a human rights obligation to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of MDR-TB in migrants.

So what needs to be done?

After analysing the content of several studies on MDR-TB, the paper recommends a multi-faceted strategy to improve access to services, more consistent pan-European protocols for screening and treatment, and further research to document the level of MDR-TB infection in the European migrant population.

Detailed recommendations include:

Changing healthcare policies so that there are fewer barriers to migrants with respect to TB screening, diagnosis and treatment. This would not be granting favours to migrants; it would be a sound public health policy to reduce the risk of MDR-TB transmission to other migrants and the wider population.

Providing better healthcare generally to migrant populations in individual host countries.

Developing financial and social support mechanisms for migrants who are diagnosed with MDR-TB.

Drawing up and adopting pan-European evidence-based guidelines for screening methods and how to implement them in the migrant populations.

Research is also required to develop a reliable diagnostic test that can detect latent MDR-TB and to predict the risk of disease re-activation.

We also need more evidence that can be used to develop guidelines on how to manage MDR-TB more effectively in migrant populations across Europe.

Friedland highlights that we have a serious lack of data on effective screening strategies for MDR-TB or how routine practice should be adapted across diverse health systems in Europe to improve treatment outcomes in migrants at risk of low adherence to TB treatment or with MDR-TB.
The Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) announced the launch of the DigniCap scalp cooling system, which was recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce the likelihood of chemotherapy-induced hair loss in women with breast cancer, in three of its cancer center locations. Mount Sinai is also the first and only health system in New York to currently offer breast cancer patients the Dignicap, which is now available at the Dubin Breast Center of The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Downtown-Chelsea, and Mount Sinai West. In the FDA clinical trials completed in the United States, 7 out of 10 patients with early-stage breast cancer kept at least 50 percent of their hair.

"We are extremely excited to be able to offer patients the Dignicap scalp cooling system during chemotherapy, which allows them to retain normalcy and privacy in their lives," said Paula Klein, MD, Associate Professor of Oncology and Hematology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, who studied the Dignicap system as part of a multi-center clinical trial which eventually led to FDA clearance in December 2015. "Losing hair is one of the more distressing side effects of chemotherapy, and this is a game changer for so many patients."

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The DigniCap scalp cooling system, made by the Swedish company Dignitana AB, with U.S. headquarters in Dallas, Texas, features a patented tight-fitting silicone cooling cap that is placed directly on the head and an outer neoprene cap that insulates and secures the silicone cap. The cooling cap is connected to a cooling and control unit with touch-screen prompts. A liquid coolant circulates throughout the silicone cap, delivering consistent and controlled cooling to all areas of the scalp. The cap is fitted to the head, and the temperature of the scalp is lowered, resulting in vasoconstriction with reduced delivery of chemotherapy to the scalp, as well as reduced cellular uptake of drugs due to decreased intrafollicular metabolic rate. These factors together reduce the risk of chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

"Time and time again, I have heard so many of my female patients with breast cancer tell me that hair loss was the worst part of their chemotherapy," said Charles Shapiro, MD, Director of Translational Breast Cancer and Research, and Director of Cancer Survivorship at The Tisch Cancer Institute. "But now there is a treatment to mitigate this side effect and help to improve a patient's experience during a very difficult time in their life."

"Mount Sinai was an important partner for Dignitana as we clinically tested the DigniCap system to ensure safety and efficacy," said Bill Cronin, CEO of Dignitana, Inc. "To be able now to offer women throughout the entire Mount Sinai system an alternative to chemotherapy-induced hair loss is a major step forward in our vision to make what for many is an emotionally traumatic side effect, a thing of the past."
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They say sky is the limit, so Audi decided to aim higher than the limit. The German auto giant is developing a lunar rover, with an aim to safely land it on the moon and explore the surroundings.The project is part of Google Lunar XPRIZE space travel competition, in which Audi is providing technical support to a group of 35 engineers called 'Part-Time Scientists'.Audi is assisting the team, especially with lightweight construction, electric mobility, permanent four-wheel drive and piloted driving. Collaboration with the team also means Audi will cooperate in testing and trials, and finally validating the finished rover.Audi Concept Design Munich is assisting the engineers for the designing the rover, which will be known as the 'Audi Lunar Quattro'.The lunar rover has so far gone through several test loops. It features components like an adjustable solar panel that absorbs the suns rays and converts it to energy to a lithium-ion battery that supplies power to four electric wheel-hub motors.The Audi Lunar Quattro will be the fastest rover on the moon with a top speed 3.6 km/h. But, on the Moon its not speed that matters but mechanism capable of helping the rover move about on the very uneven surfaces and its ability to navigate reliably.The rovers that have been designed so far, including the one us Earthlings left behind on the Moon, were short sighted. The Audi rover however will have three mounted cameras. Two out of these will be stereoscopic and one scientific. The latter is for material testing.So far during the tests that have been carried out, heat has been a big hurdle in the rover's development. The engines struggled with the high temperatures when they tested it in the Gulf desert - which is on Earth.Now let's compare it to conditions on the Moon. The temperature of the lunar surface is 120C. The sun radiates 1,400 watts of power per square metre from above, and the ambient temperature of space is 270C. And on top of that on Earth, air circulation transports heat away, which does not happen in the perfect vacuum on the moon.It's a tall order challenge but, we hope the rover turns out how Audi expect it to be. We reserve faith in the world-renowned German engineering. It would be quite a thing to look at a picture taken by the Audi Lunar Quattro of the Moon buggy that was left behind by the Apollo 17 mission in 1969. That should shut the conspiracy theorists up.The Google Lunar XPRIZE is a space travel competition aimed at engineers and entrepreneurs from all over the world. To win, a private team must land a rover on the Moon, then get it to travel at least 500 metres and transmit high-resolution pictures and videos. The landing craft carrying the Audi lunar quattro is scheduled to embark on its mission to the Moon on board a launch vehicle by 2017.In doing so, they could be in with a chance of winning Google's $30m (23 million) Lunar X prize.
After a successful feedback from customers for its popular V15, Bajaj Auto are no set to launch the V12, a 125cc motorcycle based on the original V that has metal from the decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.It will be launched at a price of Rs 56,200 (ex-showroom Delhi), as told by Eric Vas, President (Motorcycle Business), Bajaj Auto at the launch event of ' Invincible Indians '.Like its elder sibling the V15, the new Bajaj V12 commuter will also have metal from INS Vikrant. The metal only be symbolic and will make a small part of the V12's body. It is already on the production line and will be launched in December 2016.The V12 will powered by a 125cc long-stroke engine, which is a downsized version of the 150cc unit on the V15. It will be styled similar to the V15, with a slight change. It will not have the seat cowl like the V15, and will come with different alloy wheels.Bajaj decided to come up with the V12 considering the healthy response the V15 received in the market. The V15 was designed to pay homage to the decommissioned INS Vikrant, the only Indian aircraft carrier to have seen active duty in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.A third model may be added to the 'V' line up in the future.Bajaj are also launching a 400cc motorcycle, the Dominar, in December. Read all about it
Mumbai: India's overseas purchases of gold could halve this month after jumping to the highest level in 11 months in November because retail demand has faltered due to the government's move to scrap high-value currency notes, industry officials told Reuters.



Lower imports by the world's second-biggest consumer of gold could weigh on global prices that are already trading near their lowest level in 10 months, although it would likely help the South Asian country trim its trade deficit.



"In December gold imports could fall below 50 tonnes. Retail demand is very weak due to the cash crunch," Bachhraj Bamalwa, director of the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation, told Reuters.



The November imports jumped to around 100 tonnes, highest since December 2015, Bamalwa said, as people with unaccounted wealth rushed to buy bullion following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's shock withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 banknotes to fight graft and "black money".



The government has also put strict limits on the amount of money people can withdraw from banks, although a larger sum, Rs 2,50,000 rupees, is allowed for weddings  a big driver of demand for gold  as long as participants can prove that the marriage is genuine.



Anticipating curbs on gold imports, banks and other nominated agencies ramped up overseas purchases in mid-November, but demand plunged by the third week of the month due to the shortfall of currency notes, dealers said.



"A significant chunk of November imports are still unsold. Import requirement for December is limited," said Sudheesh Nambiath, a senior analyst at metals consultancy GFMS, a division of Thomson Reuters.



Indian jewellers rely on the wedding season for an uptick in demand during winter months after the end of key festivals such as Diwali. Weddings accounts for more than half of the country's annual demand for gold, according to GFMS.



But the difficulties of getting enough cash have hit wedding demand hard and forced many consumers to exchange old jewellery for new, says Kumar Jain, vice president of the Mumbai Jewellers Association.



"The demand will remain low for the next few months. It will take time to recover."




What this means is that people who cannot explain how they financed the gold purchases will have to pay taxes as specified in the Income Tax Act of 1961.

Indians are known for their love for gold, but this surge in imports of the yellow metal in November cannot be explained by just that... A staggering 100 tons of gold were imported during the month that demonetisation was announced, lending credence to the theory that there was a rush for converting black money to gold in the days post the note ban.Bachhraj Bamalwa, director of the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation, told News18 that gold imports in November are estimated to be around 100 tons  the most this year, and about a fifth of the 500 tons of the precious metal imported in 2016.Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the withdrawal of high denomination bank notes of 500 and 1,000 rupee denomination on November 8, a step that he said will rein in black money. An analyst News18 spoke to said some of it may have already been converted to gold.In the four hours between the Prime Ministers announcement and midnight on November 8, gold was selling in the informal markets at Rs 50,000 to 55,000 per 10 grams when the normal price is around Rs 30,000, Dr Ravi Singh, Research Head at SMC Commodities Trade, said. This price, along with the level of imports is an indication that black money was being converted, he added.Singh said that this was possibly the reason why the government has come out with a clarification on gold. A press release issued by the Finance Ministry today stated: "The jewellery/gold purchased out of disclosed income or out of exempted income like agricultural income or out of reasonable household savings or legally inherited which has been acquired out of explained sources is neither chargeable to tax under the existing provisions nor under the proposed amended provisions."The Ministry further clarified that the Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016 which has been passed by the Lok Sabha and is under consideration with Rajya Sabha has not introduced any new provisions. Thus, legitimate holding of jewellery up to any extent is fully protected.There were apprehensions in certain quarters about a new crackdown on gold as part of the war on blackmoney promised by Prime Minister Modi. This was fuelled by the lines in the release which state that During the search operations, no seizure of gold jewellery and ornaments to the extent of 500 grams per married lady, 250 grams per unmarried lady and 100 grams per male member of the family shall be made.This has sparked fears of a government witch hunt. However, Dr. Ravi Singh said that these provisions were there in the old act and that the government probably wants to check gold purchases against the money that was used to finance them to rule out black money, keeping in mind the volume of gold imports.
New Delhi: BJP on Thursday accused Congress of being "devoid of logic and facts" amid the Opposition protest in Parliament against the demonetisation move, even as Congress stuck to its demand of an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.



"(Even after the presence of Prime Minister in the House on Thursday), the Congress party came to the Well and did not allow the discussion on the important issue. The Congress has neither fact nor logic. The party is badly stuck in its own web of cleverness," Union Minister Mukhtaar Abbas Naqvi said outside the Parliament.



Both the parties got into a verbal duel with BJP saying that Congress used to get "hit wicket" every day when it was in government, and now in Opposition were delivering "no ball", prompting Congress to allege that the Prime Minister wanted to play in a field with "no umpire or players". "Jab yeh sarkar main thay toh har din yeh hit wicket hote thay, aur jab vipaksh main hain toh har ball no ball kar rahe hain (when they were in government, they used to get 'hit wicket' every day and when in Opposition, they are serving every ball as 'no ball'," Naqvi said.



Reacting to the comments, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said until Modi apologised for his alleged comment that 'Opposition stands with black money holders', the Oppostion would not allow the discussion in the Parliament. "The language the Prime Minister has used outside the Parliament saying Opposition stands with black money holders, ..we had already said that until he apologise inside the House, then only the House can function further.



"The House does not need a certificate of honesty from the Prime Minister. Modi wants to play game, when there is no umpire in the field nor any players," he said. Meanwhile, Naqvi reiterated that the government was ready for discussion on demonetisation for "any number of days the Opposition wants".



He alleged that the Opposition was "continuously" trying to create ruckus and interrupt the House because they have "neither any fact nor logic".



"The Congress is struggling with brankruptcy of logic and creating an image of the party that it was pained due to demonetisation...in fact it is pained due to a hit on black money holders...the party has been finding new excuses every day," he said.



On the Opposition demand of Modi's apology in the House, the Union Minister said, "We want to know why should the Prime Minister apologise? Because the 'Kubers' of black money have become poor? Those who were corrupt and enjoyed a free run during Congress regime have been destroyed (post demonetisation). Or is it because the poor are going to be happy due to the move?"



"We think the Congress is somewhere confused or is deliberately trying to confuse the country," he said. Naqvi added it was Congress which needed to apologise for "committing the sin of depriving the poor the light of development".
New Delhi: The newly amended Income Tax law will not tax ancestral jewellery and gold that has been purchased out of disclosed income, said government on Thursday.

No seizure of gold jewellery up to 500 gm per from married women, 250 gm per from unmarried and 100 gm from men in I-T searches.

Reliance Industry Limiteds Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani on Thursday gave Prime Minister Narendra Modis demonetisation policy a thumbs up during an event celebrating Reliance Jio crossing the 50 million subscriber mark in just 83 days.

He said, with this historic step he has given strongest possible push to digitally enabled economy. He further said that Jio is working to empower Indian merchants by building a digital retail ecosystem which will be called Jio Money Merchant Solutions.

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, who had implemented a Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (VDS) to unearth black money during his tenure, on Thursday said the present government had carried out demonetisation in a haphazard manner causing unimaginable sufferings to the people.

Government has cut short the deadline of using old Rs 500 notes at petrol pumps and for buying airline tickets at airports till December 2 instead of December 15 announced earlier.

A day after Pay day, more chaos was witnessed outside bank offices with a large number of people queuing up to withdraw their money.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here.
New Delhi: Delhi woke up to a foggy morning for the second consecutive day on Thursday which resulted in an extremely low visibility that delayed many flights and trains.

As per the Northern Railways, around 50 trains bound to Delhi have been delayed due to dense fog and poor visibility.

Media reports suggest that operations at the Delhi Airport have been temporarily suspended as dense fog brought the visibility below 50 meters.

Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here.
Samba (J&K): Tunnel that was used for infiltration by terrorists found near International border. pic.twitter.com/YspUPYhafM  ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016

This a rat hole-like tunnel and is usually used only once as it is in the open: BSF IG DK Upadhyaya pic.twitter.com/GkAhiHYwR4  ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016

A toll booth left unmanned because of the note ban, a guard who left his post, and four terrorists hiding in plain sight. These and many more lapses helped the terrorists launch the attack on the Nagrota Army base with devastating effect.Information available with CNN-News18 two days after the attack shows the terrorists may have had an easy run as they travelled undetected 85 km by road and then scaled the perimeter wall at the camp with a rope.The toll booth four km before the XVI CORPS HQ was left unmanned and its CCTV was not working because toll collection had stopped post the Centres demonetisation announcement.Once in Nagrota, the terrorists camped in the jungle behind the camp through Monday, closely observing the mess and the quarters. The terrorists then entered the 166th Artillery Regiment mess from the rear of the camp, scaling the perimeter wall using a rope without getting spotted as the guard on duty had left his LMG at the post and gone to take a leak.An LMG post is usually manned by two men. The question is where was the other guard?Once inside, the terrorists split up, two went to the mess, one made a beeline to the tower while one remained at the rear and waited for the guard to come back.Once he spotted him, the terrorist pinned the guard down with the LMG he left behind signaling the start of the 12-hour long encounter. Twelve hours of horror that endangered the lives not just of soldiers but also their families present inside.The terrorist who had stayed back at the rear end, crossed over to the other end of the perimeter wall and started firing from there to confuse the troops. The firing continued intermittently for a long time, one or two shots fired at a time.By the time the battle was over, three terrorists had been gunned down, seven army men had been martyred. The fate of the fourth terrorist is unknown.The toll would have been higher had it not been for the remarkable presence of mind shown by two officers wives in the block where the terrorists were holed up in. They locked themselves in their rooms and fortified it with household items, thus making it very difficult for the terrorists to get to them. They also gave their babies cough syrup and put them to sleep so that they didn't cry and alert the attackers.Forty eight hours on, the mood at the Nagrota Army camp is one of anguish and anger. Anguish at losing seven of their comrades and anger at the complacency that had led to the attack.
: When Hrishikesh Bhatia, a former Central Government Employee, woke up on Thursday morning, all he had with him was a Rs10 coin and letters from the local creditors who had demanded to be paid by the evening.Bhatia, like several other pensioners across the city, was hoping to be able to withdraw some money from the bank during the first payday post demonetisation.But he returning home dejected after being pushed aside in queues or being told that the bank had run out of cash as early as 11 am."Look at the cunning smile on the bankers face; I am sure they are saving up to pay their favored customers. I think I will die in the bank itself (sic)," he said. Bhatia gets Rs 23,000 as monthly pension and has to sustain a family of four including two physically challenged daughters.Fuming, Bhatia, who along with his three other pensioner friends were standing in the queue in front of the Bank of Baroda branch at Jungpura since 5 am anticipating a huge rush, did not hold back on blaming the government for this 'chaos.'"We are too patient, and if this decision was in any other country, there would have been riots. Do you think I have black money? I have to pay my bills, the medical store has been calling me up since the last three days asking me to clear the dues, but I simply have no cash," said Manohar Srivastava, a retired senior professor at the Delhi University who was accompanying Bhatia."Whenever I am here at the bank I have to fight for my space along with the young customers who inch us out. Do you think I am carrying black money? Ministers are having weddings for crores and we are fighting here, which bank is giving them the money?" He asked.For octogenarian pensioners like Wafa Mehmood, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for going cashless and urging citizens to start having digital wallets, sounds nothing but 'gibberish'. Mehmood had pinned her hopes on the Canara Bank branch located on Bhogal road, but soon realized 'it was not her day'."Forget separate lines, the bank has stairs and we have to stand on each of the step for at least 30 minutes. I live alone and have been coming to the banks since the last days continuously to withdraw cash but have been unsuccessful," said Mehmood, who had fallen on the bank stairs last week in a bid to withdraw cash. "Today I have to withdraw a part of my pension, else what will I even eat?" the determined pensioner said.Chandni Chowk junction has the largest branch of State Bank of India in Delhi and boasts of having '6 ATM machines inside', but the weary pensioners gathered there tell a different tale.Abhay Wadhawan, a former employee at Udyog Bhawan in his 70s, says he smells :something is fishy in these banks which is delaying the cash disbursal". "I have myself seen people coming late evening to the banks and handing them cheques specifying the amount they need and casually collect it the next day. The entire system is corrupt, and you say black money is trying to be weeded out (sic)," he said.DN Sharma, a former Northern Railway official, who had travelled from Dwarka to the Karol Bagh branch of Punjab National Bank was dejected after being told the cash is over and was clueless about "whether at all to return home". "I am standing here since the last 5 hours. This is the bank which has a large number of pensioners; hence I thought we will be given preference, but nothing at all. The bank says they have 2 lakh in cash, but they have transactions worth crores. Is the bank lying or the government?" he said.Another pensioner, Zaroon Shaikh, a former rail superintendent, believed it is the government which is at fault and that banks are mere victims. "Yesterday I saw that the bank had requested for Rs 1 crore, but had been sanctioned only 25 lakh. How will they cater to this mad demand, especially on the 1st of the month?" he asked.According to a survey conducted by the Bharat Pensioners Samaj, there are about 54 lakh Central Government pensioners, 89 lakh state government pensioners, 44 lakh in the EPS-95 category, and after counting pensioners from the industrial sector, it totals to around 8 crore pensioners. S.C. Maheshwari, General Secretary of Bharat Pensioners Samaj, told News18 that 'currency trading' and 'inadequate cash' was making life difficult for the pensioners."A regular pension holder has medical bills, ration and gas receipts to pay and also a lump sum amount at home which would save them from travelling to the banks daily. But the new currency is being sold in the black markets by the banks itself and even the companies who have been entrusted with the job to fill up the ATMs. With crores of pensioners, how will the demand be met?" he said.
New Delhi: Stepping up its attack on the government over Income Tax Amendment Bill, a united opposition on Thursday petitioned President Pranab Mukherjee against it, alleging the legislation was hurriedly passed in the Lok Sabha bypassing parliamentary rules and procedures.



As many as 16 opposition parties, including Congress, arch rivals TMC and the Left, SP and BSP, besides DMK, JMM, NCP and others met the President at Rashtrapati Bhawan this evening and handed over a memorandum, which alleged a "brute and authoritarian" government was "stifling" the democratic process.



The JD-U, whose president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has supported demonetisation, however, was not part of the delegation.



"We appeal to you as the custodian and protector of the Constitution to intervene at this juncture as the democratic rights are being trampled upon by a brute and authoritarian government that is hell bent upon stifling the democratic and legislative process of our Parliament," the memorandum said. It said the mandatory provisions of Constitution and Rules of Procedure were "totally violated" in passing the

Bill.



The memorandum said though Lok Sabha members raised these issues in the House, their democratic rights were denied on the plea that there was no time to wait for the President's assent as the bill was very important.



"This is not permissible in law and amounts to undermining the authority of the President of India," the memorandum said.



Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who was part of the delegation, alleged that Parliamentary procedure was not followed in the passing of the legislation and voice of people was being "suppressed blatantly" now in Parliament too.



"We met the President because of the Bill that was passed without allowing any discussion. There is a sense in the country that the voice of the people is being suppressed and

crushed.



"This was being done across the country and now it is being done in Parliament blatantly. This is not the way to run parliamentary democracy. That is why we have come to meet the President here," he said.



The opposition memorandum said it is mandatory under Rule 82 that the Minister shall inform the House in writing whether the recommendation of the President for moving amendments has been given, withheld or rejected.



It said any legislation, especially the one like IT Amendment Bill, which not only relates to taxation but also involves the issue of eliminating the scourge of black money, calls for a detailed discussion in both Houses of Parliament.



"The government, for reasons beyond our comprehension, passed this Bill without affording opportnity and depriving us of our democratic rights and privileges as Members of the Houses, a travesty to the principles of democracy," the memorandum said.



TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said as many as 16 opposition parties got together and explained to the President how the Income Tax Amendment Bill was taken up and passed.



"We are all aggrieved about how the democratic system and Parliamentary rules and procedures are being violated. So we made a fervent appeal to the President to intervene and see to it that the bills are passed according to rules and procedures. We hope we will get positive results," he said.



Bandyopadhyay said the opposition was united on the issue and hoped it will remain so. "If all opposition parties are united, we can do so many things," he said.



Incidently, the last time TMC leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met the President demanding roll back of demonetisation, the Congress and some leading opposition parties were not present.



Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said, "This is a big blow to democracy and there is an attempt being made by this government to trample democracy in the country."



He said the Prime Minister spoke more outside Parliament than inside which was causing problems.
New Delhi: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said that despite the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained seated in the Rajya Sabha, Opposition didn't cooperate and created an uproar.



Naidu said the Congress party didn't want any debate to take place, they are shying away from it.



PM Modi remained seated in the Rajya Sabha even during an adjournment of 15 minutes as members from various political parties, including some from the Opposition, were seen going to his seat to exchange pleasantries or for a chit-chat.



Amid Opposition demand for the presence of Modi through the debate on demonetisation, the Prime Minister reached the Upper House shortly before the Question Hour at 1200 hours. Questions relating to Prime Minister's Office were listed to be taken up on Thursday.



However, the House was adjourned after about 15 minutes till 1229 hours.



Cinestar-turned politician Jaya Bachchan (SP) went to the Prime Minister and was seen exchanging pleasantries. She was followed by AIADMK members and a Left MP.



Renowned boxer and member Mary Kom was also seen discussing certain things with Modi.



As members kept meeting him, there were some lighter moments too, as the Prime Minister was seen smiling at times.
Amid the judiciary-government tussle, Chief Justice of India TS Thakur on Thursday asserted the process of appointment of judges cannot be "hijacked" and judiciary needs to be independent as it plays a role in the eventuality of a "tyrannical regime".He also made it clear that judiciary cannot depend on executive in choosing judges.He said judiciary must be independent regarding internal matters of judicial administration, including assignment of cases to the judges within the court, as unless there is an independent judiciary, the rights which are conferred by the Constitution would be "meaningless".The remarks, made by the CJI while delivering the 37th Bhimsen Sachar memorial lecture here on 'Independent Judiciary - Bastion of Democracy', assume importance in the wake of mounting tension between the judiciary and executive over the appointment of judges for higher judiciary as both the organs of the State have been blaming each other for the increasing vacancies of judges and to remain within a 'lakshmanrekha' Justice Thakur, who will be demitting office of CJI on January 3 next year, said the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act 2014, which was struck down last year by the Supreme Court, was an attempt which would have affected the independence of judiciary.He added the "powerful and assertive Parliament" tries to assert for a greater say in the matter of judicial appointments.Asserting that independence of judiciary was paramount for a democracy, he said judiciary cannot depend on the executive for discharging its duties and since the government was the "biggest litigant", one cannot say that executive can choose the judges to hear a case.Referring to the NJAC verdict by a five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice J S Khehar who will succeed him as the CJI, Justice Thakur said, "The recent decision by the constitution bench striking down constitutional amendment by which NJAC was supposed to be set up also goes into all these aspects.""It discusses how the court cannot have a situation where independence of judiciary gets affected by reason of appointment process being hijacked. If you have the Law minister and two nominees of the government in the panel that is going to appoint judges, the court saw this as an attempt to affect the independence of judiciary," he said."The powerful and assertive Parliament tries to assert for a greater say in the matter of judicial appointments. An attempt to take away from judiciary the power to appoint judges was seen by the judiciary as an attempt to affect the independence of judiciary."Constitutional amendment seeking to set up NJAC was one such attempt. It was seen as an attempt that would affect the independence of judiciary," he said.
This World AIDS Day brings a mixed bag for Indias HIV Positive community as theres cheer that the country has managed to put a million infected on anti-retroviral treatment (ART) but worries mount over an important legislation that borders on the ambiguous with regard to the governments commitment to tackle the deadly disease.



India has the third largest number of HIV cases worldwide, with an estimated 21 lakh people living with HIV. Of these, around 15 lakh have been diagnosed and 10 lakh are on ART. According to a Lancet study, 1.96 lakh new cases emerged in 2015, and the number of people who died of AIDS-related complications is 1.3 lakh.



Civil society organisations complain that the government  especially the finance ministry  has failed to comprehend that in HIV/AIDS the treatment is prevention. They fear that stock outs of vital medicines and testing kits will force vulnerable people off their regimen, dissuade them from regular trips to far off hospitals and allow the virus to proliferate, possibly leading India back to the dark days when the epidemic struck first.



However, a larger cause of concern is the HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill 2014, slated to be taken up by the Rajya Sabha in the current session.



Activists say that a line  As far as possible  inserted in Section 13 of the bill casts a shadow over the government's responsibility to provide diagnostic facilities relating to HIV or AIDS, anti-retroviral and opportunistic infections management to people living with HIV (PLHIV) or AIDS.



Lawyers who helped draft the bill and public health workers fear this ambiguity will provide the government with an escape route whenever they have to be held accountable for the lack of necessary health care.



The Lawyers Collective was tasked with drafting the bill in 2002 and, since then, it has gone through rigorous scrutiny, say health professionals, with consultations from the PLHIV communities, grassroot health workers and organisations, state AIDS control boards, and also the government of India.



Already the countrys anti-HIV supply chain has been affected by funds not reaching state aids control societies on time. The situation in the national capital itself is alarming giving a glimpse to what could be happening in rural areas.



As the Delhi Network of Positive People (DNP+) listed out in an email to the National AIDS Control Organisation on November 17, hospitals across Delhi have run out of HIV testing kit 3, the highly accurate test used to diagnose infection in patients who have no symptoms but could be at risk. The email, according to the network came after a meeting with National Aids Control Programmes (NACO) Director (Finance) Ajay Singh Chauhan on November 10, where he was apprised of the situation.



In Chhattisgarh, 24 children with HIV have died because of lack of medicines this year, said activists from the state.



The anti-retroviral treatment (ART) centres and the integrated counselling and testing centres (ICTC) are the backbone of Indias AIDS control programme and a lifeline for the many who live with either HIV or AIDS related complications.



Yet, these centres have found themselves in regular short supply of drugs and testing kits, as seen by DNP+ and other civil society bodies working with affected or at risk people. Media reports from the past two years have also question whether Indias internationally hailed AIDS programme is falling apart at the grassroot level, with stock outs recurring frequently from 2014.



The communities fear only an escalation of this, and shirking of responsibility from the governments side.



More worryingly, an interruption of a few days from the strict 12 hourly drug schedule leads to drug resistance. It renders the first line treatment ineffective and pushes the patient to the 2nd line, for which medicines are harder to procure.



At the an award ceremony for HIV community leaders by HIV India Alliance, Wednesday night, one grassroot leader Daxa Patel, directly addressed Dr. CV Dharma Rao, joint Secretary NACO, to ask the government to remove this phrase from the Bill.



The head of the NACO said there could be financial difficulties with the Bill, said Paul Lhungdim, from the DNP+, recounting his conversation with NC Kang, Director General of NACO. He gave us an example, that if someday there is a drug that costs Rs 300,000, how will the government buy that for all patients? According to Llungdim, NACO feared that the Ministry of Finance would not agree to the Bill without its current phrasing.



Leena Menghaney, lawyer and health activist, said the government never had to worry about procuring expensive drugs, as the countrys health activists and civil society steadily fought against patents on crucial medicines, allowing the generic pharmaceutical industry to create cheaper versions of drugs. She argued that the government, instead of pre-emptively fearing an expensive medicine, should encourage competition in Indias highly capable generic industry, so as to keep the prices down.



But a generic company may not want to produce a drug which has a small market, say the 15-20,000 people on 2nd line treatment or the 200 people on third line, said Dr. R Gangakhedkar, Director In Charge of the National Aids Research Institute, Pune, offering a counter argument. He cautioned against alarm, saying that the government was aware of its responsibility and as far as possible did not dilute the right to life, as the community feared.



However, he too agreed that inefficient management of the supply chain and unprofessional handling of transport had created many blockages in getting drugs and kits to the people in dire need.



DNP+ records of their daily monitoring of Delhis ART centres show shows the urgency of the situation, as the teams report from November 17 shows that the ICTCS in Ambedkar hospital, Safdarjung hospital, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and the National Institute of Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases do not have kit 3 and the staff does not know when they will be restocked. The email also lists eight different times DNP+ has tried reaching different authorities in 2016 itself, over the kit 3 stockout.
: With a resolve to "end AIDS" by 2030, the US Embassy on Wednesday held a panel discussion on the auto-immune disease at the American Center Library here.Mary Kay Carlson, deputy chief of Mission at US Embassy, said India saw a decline of 32 per cent in number of new infections of AIDS virus in 2015 compared to 2007.C.V. Dharma Rao, Joint Secretary of National Aids Control Organisation (NACO), said the fight against AIDS started in India way back in 1992."In the last 25 years, the AIDS control programme has grown and the number of new infections have been brought down by 32 per cent and AIDS related deaths by over 50 per cent."No other country in the world has been able to achieve that," he said.Rao added that still more than one million people suspected to be infected by AIDS are undiagnosed."People need to come forward and get themselves tested so early treatment could be provided," he said.Titled Ending AIDS by 2030: Test and Start treatment, the event was organised in collaboration with the India team of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).Public health specialist Sukarma Tanwar said there were new technologies like antiretroviral drugs which lower viral load in patients so that the disease does not get transmitted."However, HIV prevention should be delivered as a comprehensive package including bio-medical interventions, behavioural interventions and infrastructural interventions to effectively deal with AIDS," he added.Simran Shaikh from India HIV/AIDS Alliance said that there is a need to implement early testing and for reducing the stigma attached to HIV treatment.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the Centre of creating a situation "worse than Emergency" by deploying army personnel at two toll plazas on a national highway without informing her government.Talking to reporters at the state secretariat, she alleged army was deployed at two toll plazas at Palsit and Dankuni on NH 2."Army has been deployed at two toll plazas without informing the state government. This is a very serious situation worse than Emergency," she said."It is an attack on the federal structure. We want to know the details. The Chief Secretary is writing to the Centre. Given an opportunity I will talk to the President on the issue. Has Emergency been imposed in the country without declaration?" she asked."Army is our asset. We are proud of them. We requisition army in times of major disaster or communal flare up."I don't know what has actually happened. Even if there is mock-trial, state government is informed," she said. Banerjee claimed people got panicky due to the deployment of army at the toll plazas.When contacted, a defence spokesperson said the army conducts bi-annual exercise throughout the country to get statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the force in case of a contingency."There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders," Wing Commander S S Birdi said.The exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing through a certain area that could be tapped during operations, he said.
New Delhi: A TMC MP on Wednesday compared party chief Mamata Banerjee to national icons like Rabindranath Tagore, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi and said the West Bengal Chief Minister's photograph should be kept in every household in the country.



TMC MP from West Bengal's Basirhat, Idris Ali, on Wednesday came to Parliament sporting an orange kurta, specially created and designed in College Street in Kolkata, with the face of Banerjee drawn on it.



Ali told PTI the photograph of the West Bengal Chief Minister is kept in almost all the households of the state nowadays.



"Just like people keep the photograph of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, I think, her (Banerjee's) picture should also be hung in every household across the country," he said.



He said she is a very popular leader who has lead from the front to oppose the government's demonetisation decision from the very first day.



He said Banerjee leads a very simple life and she has also taken up the cause of the poor. Many leaders from various parties also greeted him after they saw the kurta in Parliament, he added.
The Congress on Thursday deactivated 200 Twitter accounts of its leaders after the official handles of the party and its vice president Rahul Gandhi were hacked multiple times in the last 24 hours.Party sources said official email IDs of many of leaders too have been hacked, and the emails would not be operated until the issue is sorted out.The Indian National Congress internal email server is under a sustained hacking attack because of which some of our Twitter accounts were compromised. Twitter has restored access for some of them and is working with us in keeping the accounts safe. We are taking necessary measures to stop this hack in the earnest, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a statement.Earlier, the party had filed a police complaint against the hackings alleging criminal conspiracy.However, the party stayed away from raising the issue in Parliament as it wanted the houses focus to remain on demonetization. Opposition leader of the party in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, told media persons that Rahul Gandhi had himself directed them not to raise the issue in Parliament.Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said he suspected the role of followers of the government behind hacking of Twitter accounts of the party and its vice president.We suspect some of the government's followers only have hacked the official account of Congress. Congress' account is being hacked, why not of BJP's? Rahul Gandhi's account is being hacked, why not that of Narendra Modi or Amit Shah? This should be probed, Singh told reporters on Parliament premises.Hitting back, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Congress will blame BJP even if its leaders experience stomach ache. Naqvi, though said the government will take "relevant" steps when Congress files complaints.However, sources in Twitter said there was no security breach at their end, but the accounts may have been compromised through breach of e-mail.
If your intent is clean, write off the loans of our farmers, those who have taken loans for cars and houses. Please stop writing off loans of Adani and Ambani. If you do not do that next time, then ask Adani and Ambani for votes, janta will not give you votes, added Kejriwal.

AAP will go to the people against demonetisation and will appeal to the people of Uttar Pradesh not to vote for BJP. The impact of this will be felt in the upcoming elections here, added Sanjay Singh.



Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday slammed demonetization scheme during a rally in Meerut and exhorted people to vote anyone but BJP.Kejriwal took time out of his busy schedule to address a rally in Meerut in poll bound Uttar Pradesh where AAP is not contesting elections.This is the first of the six rallies that the AAP chief plans to address against demonetisation; one each in Varanasi and Lucknow in UP, one in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, one in Jaipur, Rajasthan and the last one in Ranchi, Jharkhand.MP, Rajasthan and Jharkhand are BJP ruled states. It is significant that Kejriwal has chosen to invest time and energy in states where AAP does not have a direct stake in elections, even as it is gearing up to fight hard battles in Punjab and Goa.Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses a rally in Meerut. (CNN-News18)Kejriwal is the second chief minister to have visited Uttar Pradesh after Mamata Banerjee. He like the West Bengal Chief Minister, has taken the campaign against demonetisation out of his home turf.The road to the rally venue at Gokulpur village, barely few kilometers from Meerut, was dotted with hoarding of AAP leaders.The rally ground, too, saw a robust footfall of people, primarily AAP supporters, youth and members of the minority community including women.The entire cabinet of AAP government barring Satyendra Jain was on stage and so was DDC vice chairman Ashish Khetan.Arvind Kejriwal had his audience responding and cheering repeatedly in the course of his nearly half an hour speech, the message of which was simplevote for any party but not for the BJP.Kejriwal began by saying, Today, I have not come to ask for votes, if I had to ask for votes, I would have gone to Punjab or Goa where our party is contesting elections. Today I have come to beg you to save this country ( aaj mein aap ke samne is desh ko bachane ki bhik mangne aya hun).The chief minister then built a carefully constructed argument to build his case on why demonetisation is, Independent Indias biggest scam worth Rs 8,00000 crores.Taking on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kejriwal said, Kal pradhan mantra ne ailan kiya parsonki jinke paas kala dhan hai unko chinta karne ki xaroorat nahi, fifty-fifty kar lo, adha tum rakh lo, adha Modi ji ko de do badi khatarnak scheme hain doston (Yesterday the prime minister announced that those having black money neednt worry  half of it will remain with you and half will go to Modi.. this is a very dangerous scheme friends.Kejriwal questioned the taxation amendment passed recently in Parliament saying, No questions will be asked about the source of the black money, whether it has been generated through terrorism, drugs, extortion, tax evasion.Modi ji is saying you have ten crore rupees of black money, give me five crores, the other five crores will be white money.  If this had to be done, then why demonetisation, he questioned.Further slamming the Centre for writing off loans of corporates to the tune of Rs 1,14,000 crore and alleging harassment to farmers, middle class with notices being served to them, Kejriwal said, I want to ask Modi ji, how many bouncers, how many notices did you send to the houses of those people whose Rs 1,14,000 crore loan you have written off, how many of their bank accounts did you freeze, how much of their land did you mortgage.Kejriwal alleged that demonetisation is a big conspiracy hatched by the BJP, Amit Shah and Modiji so people deposits their hard earned money and loans worth 8,00000 Cr will be written off.If the intent was to crackdown on black money, the Prime Minister should have arrested the 648 people who have accounts in the Swiss banks, AAP chief added.Pointing to the Rs 6,000 crore loan of Vijay Mallya being written off, Kejriwal asked the audience,  Kitne log mante hai ki Modi ji beimaan hai, zara haath khade karo? to which the people responded by raising their hand in unison."Many people told me, they will avenge every minute they had to spend standing in queue due to demonetisation," Kejriwal said taking a dig at the demonetisation scheme.It is the same rhetoric that is likely to be in play in Kejriwals Varanasi, Lucknow, Bhopal, Jaipur and Ranchi rallies in the coming days.Unlike Mamata Banerjees rally in Lucknow which saw the attendance of Samajwadi Party leaders, there were no leaders from any other party on AAP stage.Sanjay Singh, AAP PAC Member and UP-In Charge said, We have our own party cadre and structure, why should we seek the support of any other party?AAP is not yet clear on the role its cadre in Uttar Pradesh will play in the 2017 Assembly elections.No party which aims to have a national footprint can afford to ignore Uttar Pradesh, which has given eight of Indias fourteen Prime Ministers, the 15th Prime Minister, Narendra Modi represents Varanasi.Uttar Pradesh has 80 parliamentary seats and 404 assembly seats.During 2014 polls, AAP leader Kumar Vishwas had taken on Rahul Gandhi and Smriti Irani and finished fourth.Arvind Kejriwal had resigned as Delhi Chief Minister, challenged Narendra Modi from Varanasi and finished second.AAP currently does not have the bandwidth to contest elections in UP, but Kejriwal is making his presence felt by pitching himself as the prime opponent to Narendra Modi.
New Delhi: THE Congress has vehemently denied reports that the hacking of Rahul Gandhis Twitter account was an insider job and said that it should open the eyes of Modiji towards the vulnerability of digital platforms in India.



The BJP meanwhile sought to downplay the hacking of the Twitter account of the main Opposition partys national vice-president by saying no one took the Congress party or Rahul seriously.



"Is Rahul Gandhis Twitter account SPG protected? quipped Rajyavardhan Rathore, Minister of state for information and broadcasting, when News18 asked for his comment on the incident.



Earlier, sources in the Congress party had said they suspected a disgruntled employees hands behind the embarrassing multiple hackings. Rahuls official handle @OfficeOfRG was hacked on Thursday morning as well as the official account of the party @INCIndia. This is the second time in less than 24 hours that Rahul's account has been hacked.



"There are no disgruntled employees and its not an insider job. Moreover, the posts were retweeted by Bhakts," spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.



"First @OfficeOfRG & now @INCIndia hacked by lumpen fascists. Free speech & right to disagree in India is under attack by licensed trolls. Such despotic and vulgar attempts reflect the extremities of an intolerant culture that resorts to abuse when cornered and left answer less. Indian National Congress has fought such hatred & animosity with Gandhian compassion & tolerance," he said in a series of tweets.



Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has sought a report on Rahul's Twitter activity over the last one week and said the Centre will find out how the account got hacked.



Meanwhile, after the account was restored today morning, Rahul sent out a tweet where he said, "To every one of you haters out there. I love all of you. You're beautiful. Your hatred just doesn't let you see it yet."



The Congress party now plans to use the hacking as a tool to hit the government with saying the whole digitisation drive of the Narendra Modi government that has been put on the fast track with post demonetization has exposed the countrys inability to handle threats to digital security. If even the handle of a top Opposition leader is not safe from hackers, whats the hope for the common citizen moving to the online world for all kind of transactions, they ask.



"There are big international crimes which have been committed by hackers and this is a concern, said party leader Kapil Sibal.



Rahul Gandhi himself has already raised doubts about digital security in the country.



Countering Rahul's claim, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said: Rahul has angered a lot of people. This could have been done from someone on the inside.



Earlier, the hacker had sent out a series of tweets threatening to dump partys internal emails into the public domain.
: Parliament began on a stormy note on Thursday after Trinamool Congress MPs claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's flight on Wednesday wasnt allowed to land despite being short on fuel putting her and other passengers at risk.The party has sought an enquiry from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the matter and hinted at a conspiracy even as the Centre ordered a probe on the matter.TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay raised the issue in the Lok Sabha and said that the incident put a huge risk on the life of the CM and the other passengers involved.In the Rajya Sabha, party MP Derek O'Brien said that the life of the CM and passengers were put at risk on the Wednesday flight."When pilot seeks landing and short on fuel, why was he denied?" Derek asked.Congress Leader Rajiv Shukla too attacked the government and asked, "If the plane was short on fuel then why was the plane allowed to take off. The DGCA needs to give an answer. The civil aviation ministry should answer if this has got anything to do with shortage of money."The airline however issued a statement and called it a misunderstanding between the ATC and the pilot."IndiGo flight 6E 342 from Patna and Kolkata made a normal landing at the Kolkata airport on Wednesday, November 30. The flight was kept on hold for landing due to air traffic congestion at Kolkata. The pilot operating 6E-342 had advised the ATC that he has 8 mins of extra holding fuel over Kolkata (Destination) before commencing diversion to the planned alternate," the statement read."The fuel on arrival was more than the minimum diversion fuel. There has been no violation or breech of any regulatory requirement in the above mentioned scenario.IndiGo has responded to the queries made by the regulator," the statement added.Speaking to CNN-News 18 Jayant Sinha, MoS Civil Aviation said that Three aircrafts one from spice jet, one from IndiGo and one more had reported low fuel."DGCA says IndiGo flight hovered only for 13 minutes but we have still ordered a full enquiry," Sinha added.Reports on Wednesday night said that Mamata's IndiGo flight from Patna was low on fuel and it circled over Kolkata for nearly half an hour.On landing at Kolkata airport, the plane was immediately surrounded by fire engines and ambulances.
Reliance Industries Ltd Chairman Mukesh Ambani has announced that data and voice services on the Jio mobile platform will remain free until March 31, 2017, up from an earlier deadline of December 31, 2016.In an official announcement on Thursday, Ambani called this the "Jio Happy New Year Offer" which he said will automatically be activated on all existing Jio SIM cards.He said in flat three months, Reliance Jio has become the fastest growing technology company, ahead of Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype.The service now completely supports mobile number portability - the ability to seamlessly migrate from one mobile service provider to the other without changing the number. However, Ambani said around 900 crore calls from Jio to 3 other large telecom operators were blocked for lack of support from existing telecom companies.Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "bold and historic decision to demonetise old currency," Ambani said the PM has brought unproductive money into productive use in one move.Calling demonetisation the strongest push yet towards a digital economy, he said with Jio Money every Indian will now have a digital ATM in their hands.Aadhar based eKYC activation. There are 2 lakh eKYC outlets across the country. This is nearly equal to the total number of ATMS in India. The number to be doubled soon.Voice Interconnect issue: Call block rates come down from 90% to nearly 20 percent. Jio now fully supports MNP.Jio has recently introduced home delivery of Jio SIMs. The service will be available in top 100 cities by December 31, 2016.Network speed: 8 percent Jio towers experienced congestion. 92 percent experiencing high data speeds. Jio is working to decongest these 8% towers.Starting December 5, every merchant can download Jio Money Merchant Solutions. Merchants can also make supplier payments, transfer money to bank accounts and also use digital petty cash.(Disclosure: News18.com is part of Network18 Media & Investment Limited which is owned by Reliance Industries Limited that also owns Reliance Jio.)
Reliance Industry Limiteds Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani will address employees and stakeholders on Thursday, 1.30 PM. It is expected that there will be a major announcement for telecom venture Reliance Jio. The company will stream the event live on its social media channels.Mukesh Ambani-promoted Reliance Jio has crossed the 50 million subscriber mark in less than three months after its full-fledged 4G services launch to emerge as the largest broadband operator in the country.Jio  setting a new record  has acquired 1,000 customers per minute (since September 05) and 6 lakh per day. Airtel reached the same milestone of notching 50 million subscribers in 12 years, Vodafone and Idea took 13 years each, said a PTI report.The company commercially launched its services on September 5. Jio has introduced Aadhaar-based paper-less Jio SIM activation across 3,100 cities and towns.Jio connection offers users unlimited access to HD voice calls (on Jio eligible VoLTE phones), messaging, video calls, high-speed data as well as access to Jio's suite of apps till December 31.With the Reliance Jio Infocomm (Jio) giving free 4G SIM cards and launching affordable 4G-enabled smartphones to connect the next billion, India is set to lead the 4G revolution, the International Data Corporation (IDC) said (Disclosure: News18.com is part of Network18 Media & Investment Limited which is owned by Reliance Industries Limited that also owns Reliance Jio.)
Moscow: An unmanned cargo ship travelling to the International Space Station burned up in the atmosphere shortly after launching Thursday, the Russian space agency said.



"According to preliminary information, as a result of an abnormal situation, the cargo ship's loss occurred some 190 kilometres above the remote, unpopulated mountainous territory of (Russia's) Tuva region, and most fragments burned up in dense layers of the atmosphere," Roscosmos said in a statement.



The ship, which was scheduled to arrive at the ISS on Saturday, was carrying 2.4 tonnes of fuel, food and equipment, Roscosmos said.



A Progress cargo ship launch failed in April 2015. The failure, which Russia blamed on a problem in a Soyuz rocket, saw the ship disintegrate as it plummeted to Earth.



The incident forced Russia to put all space travel on hold for nearly three months.



Last month Frenchman Thomas Pesquet, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky and American astronaut Peggy Whitson launched to the ISS for a six-month mission.




London: A record 284,000 EU citizens arrived in Britain in the year to June when the Brexit referendum was held, with a particularly high number coming from Romania and Bulgaria, official data showed on Thursday.



There has also been a sharp increase in applications for citizenship by EU migrants since the Brexit vote, while Ireland said there had been a spike in Britons with Irish ancestry getting passports.



Net migration to Britain -- the total of all migrant arrivals minus departures -- was at a near-record of 335,000, far above the government's target of 100,000.



The period covered by the data goes to only a few days after the June 23 vote meaning it was "too early to say what effect, if any, the EU referendum has had," said Nicola White, head of international migration at the Office for National Statistics.



"Immigration levels are now among the highest estimates recorded," she said, adding that Romania was the most common country of previous residence in 2015, making up for 10 per cent of the total.



The influx of workers from Eastern Europe over the past decade was a key driving factor behind the Brexit vote and Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to cut down on EU immigration.



May has also said she wants an "early agreement" to guarantee the status of the estimated three million EU citizens currently living in Britain once exit negotiations with the EU begin but will make this conditional on a deal for Britons living in the EU.



Thursday's data also showed a surge in citizenship applications by some of the EU nationals in Britain. The number of outstanding applications from European citizens to secure residency in Britain rose to almost 100,000 in early July 2016 from 37,618 in June 2015, the Guardian newspaper reported.



Britons concerned about their ability live in other parts of the European Union after Brexit have meanwhile been applying for Irish citizenship.



Ireland earlier this week said that requests for passports from Britain totalled 1187,058 between January and October, a 34-per cent increase from the same period a year earlier.



In this on November 23 file photo, demonstrators supporting Brexit protest outside of the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain. (Photo: Reuters/Toby Melville)
Islamabad: An elderly man, who was pleading for extension in tenure of former army chief General Raheel Sharif, committed suicide, his son claimed on Wednesday.



Latif Shibli was on hunger strike at Karachi Press Club for the last one month as wanted the former army chief to change his decision to retire at the end of his term, Pakistan Today reported.



"Don't go, General Raheel Sharif," his campaign banner read.



According to Latif Shibli's son, his father died on Wednesday after consuming poison as he was heartbroken over the general's decision.




Damascus: Syria's Foreign Ministry lashed out at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the remarks he recently made against the Syrian government, branding the Turkish leader as "tyrant."



"Syria will not allow this tyrant to intervene in its internal affairs and will cut off the hands that try to harm it," Xinhua news agency quoted a statement by the ministry on Wednesday.



The statement came after Erdogan said on Tuesday that the aim of his intervention in Syria is to end the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.



"The remarks of Erdogan reflect the real intentions behind the Turkish aggression on Syria and that's a result of his greed and illusions that feed the the thoughts of this extremist tyrant," the ministry said.



Meanwhile, the ministry urged the international community to put an end to the "Erdogan's meddling in the affairs of the regional countries" as it poses a threat to international peace.



The Turkish army has recently intervened in northern Syria to back rebel groups under a campaign called 'Euphrates Shield', declaring to fight Islamic State (IS) group and prevent Kurdish militias from taking over key areas in the region.



Following Turkish intervention, the Syrian government made it clear that it will deal with the Turkish forces as a force of occupation.



A couple of weeks ago, three Turkish soldiers were killed near the Syrian northern city of al-Bab, which is controlled by the IS.
Sen. William M. Stanley Jr., R-Franklin County, is considering a run for attorney general in 2017.

Im giving it serious consideration, the lawmaker told government reporters from around Virginia gathering in Richmond Thursday for the annual Virginia Press Association Day at the Capital, held at the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Stanley, a criminal defense attorney serving his second term in the Virginia Senate, would join a GOP field that includes Richmond attorney John Adams and Hampton Roads attorney Chuck Smith. Republicans will decide their statewide ticket for 2017 next spring at a party convention.

Last month Del. Rob Bell, R-Albemarle, unexpectedly ended his campaign for attorney general, citing family considerations. Bell's announcement left Republicans with two candidates for the office who have little statewide name recognition. Bell was the only elected GOP officeholder in the field seeking to take on Democratic Attorney General Mark R. Herring next year.

Herring surprised many in Virginia politics when he announced in September 2015 that he would seek another term as attorney general, rather than run for governor. His decision left Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam as the Democrats' presumptive nominee for governor next year.

This year Stanley toyed with the idea of running for Congress to succeed retiring Rep. Robert Hurt, R-5th. He opted not to run, and fellow Sen. Thomas A. Garrett, R-Buckingham emerged from a contested convention to win the GOP nomination and win election to Congress Nov. 8.

Stanley, who has three young children, said family considerations would play a role in his decision, which he said he would make in the near future.

I have a job, I like what I do now, Stanley said.

But he also expressed confidence that he could secure the GOP nomination.

I believe I can become the nominee its whether I have the time to do it, he said. I love being a father and a husband.
The Golden Age, the Silver Age, and beyond: the different eras of comic book history explained

What do people mean when they refer to the Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, and beyond?
TT strengthening diplomatic ties

In a recent meeting with Swedish Ambassador to TT Claes Hammar, Moses was informed that the Kingdom of Sweden is working on establishing an Honorary Consul in Tobago.

Hammar thanked TT for the mutual support demonstrated in international fora and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Technical Cooperation between foreign ministers of Caricom and the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Hammar also expressed the Swedens interest in partnering with Caricom in the areas of climate change and renewable energy.

TT and Sweden have had diplomatic relations since July 1966.

In another meeting, Moses congratulated Polish Ambassador to TT, Piotr Kaszuba, on Polands independence day which was celebrated on November 23. Moses told Kaszuba this country was eager to explore bilateral cooperation with Poland in areas such as energy, trade and investment with a view to deepening relations between both countries which have had diplomatic ties since August 1988.

Kaszuba indicated that Poland was interested in cooperation with TT areas such as energy, trade and aviation.

TT Honorary Consul to Poland, David Lewis received the Officers Cross of the Order of Merit of Poland for outstanding achievements in the promotion of the bilateral relations between TT and Poland.

In a courtesy call on Moses on November 26, Lebanon Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil discussed areas of mutual interest. These areas included the deepening of trade relations between the two countries as well as multilateral cooperation. Minister Moses also alluded to the shared values of both countries which included the preservation of democracy and the defense of human rights. Bassil stated that he had met with Lebanese nationals of Lebanon living in TT and thanked this country for hosting them
Sowing seeds of Hope for Haiti

To ensure the execution of the project, e TecK partnered with Is There Not A Cause (ITNAC), the locally based non-profit organisation that gives relief to Haiti and other nations in need of aid.

The e TecKs employees were put to the challenge to donate non-perishable food items, over-the-counter medication and household linen for the hurricane victims. Staff showed no hesitation to lend assistance and items were donated daily and there was an eagerness to help as much as possible. Although e TecKs members pioneered with the Sowing Seeds of Hope project, they werent the sole contributors.

V&S Pharmaceuticals Ltd, one of e TecKs Frederick Settlement Business Park tenants, donated pharmaceutical supplies. The company was more than elated to be a part of the collaborative effort and support the cause, said a media release. Varune Persad, the companys managing director stated: As a company we are always willing to assist those in distress whenever the need should arise. E TecKs Corporate Social Response (CSR ) programmes overarching goal is to enable positive, meaningful change and ultimately sustainable development in many communities and in this instance the people of Haiti, the release said.

Co-ordinator of the Sowing Seeds of Hope project and e TecKs marketing and communications assistant, Melanie-Joy Anthony said: Our priority with this project is to plant hope in the hearts of the Haitians touched by this initiative and to shine some light as they cultivate their future.
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(Newser)  Snowden did not try to mask his identity, or lie to the FBI. He knew he would pay a personal price. As he has, 15 former staff members of the Church Committee write in an 8-page letter to President Obama. The Church Committee investigated illegal activity by intelligence agencies in the 1970s, and now its experts are asking for leniency for Edward Snowden, the Guardian reports. According to the Intercept, the group argues that Snowden, acting selflessly, "stimulated reform" through his actions. The letter writers say that without Snowden, Americans may still not know what intelligence agencies acting in our name had been up to," TechCrunch reports.

The letter gives more weight to the movement to get Snowden pardoned, though the members of the Church Committee don't go that far; they want Snowden to strike a deal with the government. There is no question that Snowden broke the law," they write. "But previous cases in which others violated the same law suggest leniency." They point to former CIA director David Petraeus, currently being considered by Donald Trump for secretary of State. He leaked confidential information in violation of national security but received no jail time after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor. In contrast, Snowden is facing a sentence of 30 years if he returns to the US from Russia, where he has been living in exile. (Read more Edward Snowden stories.)
(Newser)  Lori Kavitz's 24-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute meth has been called "idiotic, arbitrary, unduly harsh, and grossly unfair"by the very man who imposed it. US District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett is one of thousands asking President Obama to pardon Kavitz, whose "major mistake was being involved with her boyfriend, who she assisted in the methamphetamine operation, out of a misguided sense of loyalty and love," he says. In a post at candoclemency, Kavitz writes that her judgment was "horribly skewed" by the trauma of her husband's recent suicide and her "desperation to provide for my sons" when she started dating a new man. He sold meth out of the couple's home, and when police arrived, they cast Kavitz as his accomplice, reports the Washington Post. She's been in jail about 15 years now.

Her boyfriend got 20 years, while Kavitz got 24, and son Collin says it's because the boyfriend falsely blamed her. It "was a gross miscarriage of justice" and "I was embarrassed and ashamed to be  imposing such an unfair sentence," judge Bennett writes in a letter to the Justice Department. He says he had no choice because of sentencing guidelines. While Kavitz says she was led "to choices that I will always regret," Collinwho lives more than 1,000 miles from the Florida prison where his mother resides and hasn't seen her in more than 10 years because the trip is too expensivenotes she was "a first time nonviolent drug offender." Now "she's got children who are grown and grandchildren she's never met," a friend adds, per TruthOut. (This woman is in jail for her boyfriend's abuse.)
(Newser)  Three more bodies were found in the ruins of wildfires that torched hundreds of homes and businesses in the Great Smoky Mountains area of Tennessee, raising the death toll to seven, the AP reports. Search-and-rescue missions continued, and Sevier County mayor Larry Waters said they had found three people who had been trapped since the fires started spreading wildly in high winds on Monday night. The mayor said the three were OK. "That is some good, positive news for a change," he said. The mayor said authorities are still working to identify the dead and did not release any details about how they were killed. State law enforcement set up a hotline for people to report missing friends and family. Officials have not said how many people they believe are missing.

Three brothers being treated at a Nashville hospital said they had not heard from their parents since they were separated while fleeing the fiery scene during their vacation. Gatlinburg police chief Randall Brackins said they have searched about 30% or less of the city so far. More than 14,000 people were evacuated from Gatlinburg on Monday night, and many of them are still nervously awaiting word of when they can get back in the city to see if they still have homes. Storms moved through the area Wednesday. Officials in the Gatlinburg welcomed the rain but were worried about mudslides, rock slides, and high winds knocking trees onto power lines, perhaps creating new fires similar to the deadly ones that sparked Monday night. (Read more wildfires stories.)
(Newser)  Does Donald Trump have a big job lined up for loyal supporter Sarah Palin? The former Alaska governor is a candidate to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, a Palin aide and a Trump transition team official tell ABC News, which notes that the VA is the largest government agency, with more than 300,000 employees. USA Today reports that Palin appears to be very keen: In a Facebook post Wednesday, she praised Trump as a "commander-in-chief who will champion our vets." She also shared a video from her SarahPAC political action committee on her ideas to fix the agency's problems, along with an endorsement from son-in-law Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Chicago Tribune reports.

A spokesman for Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan tells Alaska Dispatch News that the senator would like to see Palin get the job. "Alaska has more veterans per capita than any other state, making this position critically important for our state," he says. Palin would be the first non-veteran in the role, though son Track Palin is an Iraq veteran. ABC notes that former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, who spent 35 years in the Army National Guard, is also being considered for the post and, unlike Palin, has visited Trump Tower for meetings. Rep. Jeff Miller and Gen. Keith Kellogg have also been mentioned in connection to the role. (Read more Sarah Palin stories.)
(Newser)  It's a victory for international agreement, but not for consumers: OPEC nations and Russia have managed to overcome their differences because of their common desire to drive up oil prices, Reuters reports. They have agreed on their first joint output cut since 2001, a move that sent the price of crude oil up around 10% on Wednesday. The Russians and Saudis announced a deal earlier this year, but skeptics found it hard to believe fellow OPEC members Iran and Iraq would come on board. They did, though they'll be giving up less than other cartel members. In total, OPEC says it will cut its output by 1.2 million barrels a day, while the Russians say they'll cut theirs by 300,000. A roundup of coverage:



The AP reports that even with the cuts, there's likely to be more supply than demand, meaning that the return of $100-a-barrel oil is not on the horizon, though US consumers may see small rises soon. "The average Joe filling up his tank may notice in the next week or two that gas prices move higher by 5 to 15 cents a gallon just on the psyche of the deal," says GasBuddy analyst Patrick DeHaan.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the deal will cut world oil production by around 1% if all parties stick to the agreementand that is a big if. Enforcement of the agreement is expected to be a big problem, and analysts say the Russians in particular might not cut or even freeze production, especially not if prices keep going up.

Analyst Chris Weafer tells CNBC that the announcement of the deal was "very weak in detail," and it appears that Russia will be able to simply reduce its stated 2017 production targets and pass it off as a cut.

Shares in US shale oil producers soared after the deal was announced, reports Fortune, which notes that the agreement "will effectively end the price war started by Saudi Arabia two years ago in its efforts to wrest market share back from US."

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said before a deal was reached that the country was willing to take a "big hit" on production. "I think it is a good day for the oil markets, it is a good day for the industry," he told reporters Wednesday, per Reuters. "It should be a good day for the global economy. I think it will be a boost to global economic growth."

An editorial in the Independent says the deal "may have done the world a good turn" by bringing historic enemies Saudi Arabia and Iran together, and by giving the renewable energy industry a boost.

The Financial Times reports that the future now looks brighter for US shale producers, who could end up being the biggest winners from the deal. Other winners include brokers who benefited from "frenzied" trading in oil futures after the agreement was announced.

(Read more OPEC stories.)
(Newser)  A phone call between Donald Trump and Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif took place on Monday, and Pakistan's press office took a most unusual step afterward: It released on Wednesday what appears to be a transcript of what Trump said, the Washington Post reports. "Appears" comes into play because the dialogue certainly seems to be in Trump's distinct voice, but there are no quotation marks included. Per the news office, Trump called Sharif "a terrific guy" who's "doing amazing work," said "Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," and mentioned he'd love to visit such a "fantastic country." He also reportedly said, "I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play." Trump's office didn't confirm with CNN whether that interpretation was accurate, putting out a statement that simply said the parties "had a productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future."

But experts in these types of calls say they're usually more formal, and CNN's David Gergen notes the president would usually have a press aide and/or national security advisers by his side during the callprobably important with a president who's blasted Pakistan in the past. Time calls the alleged conversation "reckless and bizarre," laying out the complex, tense relationship between nuclear powers Pakistan and neighboring India. "The  President-elect's ill-considered words could have serious regional and global consequences," it notes. Forbes agrees, stating the conversation illustrates "he shows no awareness of the issues." And the New Republic rails on Trump for continuing "to speak to foreign leaders on a personal line and without preparation," adding, "With one phone call, Donald Trump might have upturned America's relationship with both Pakistan and India." (Gingrich thinks Trump's tweets need oversight.)
(Newser)  Sherri Papini's captors put a bag over her head and kept her chained up any time she was in a vehicle, husband Keith Papini says. "She was bound" and "had a metal chain around her waist," the California woman's husband says in an interview with ABC's 20/20 that will air in full on Friday. He says his wife has told him that 22 days after she was kidnapped, she was in a vehicle when her captors stopped, cut something that was holding her, and pushed her out into the road. Papini was found Thanksgiving Day by the side of a road in Yolo County, 150 miles from her home. Her husband disclosed Wednesday that she had been physically and mentally abused and weighed just 87 pounds when she was found.

In a statement released Wednesday, Keith Papini slammed online sleuths who have been expressing doubts about the case, the AP reports. "Rumors, assumptions, lies and hate have been both exhausting and disgusting," he said. Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko says investigators are working on producing a sketch of the two Hispanic women Papini says she was kidnapped by. He says police haven't found any reasons to doubt her story. The sheriff told reporters Wednesday that Papini's captors branded her with "some kind of message." He says the mother of two children is still traumatized by her ordeal, but is doing her best to work with investigators, reports the Record Searchlight. The Redding newspaper reports that residents are organizing a rally to support Papini and welcome her home on Saturday. (Read more Sherri Papini stories.)
(Newser)  Colombia's Congress formally ratified a revised peace agreement with Colombia's biggest leftist rebel group Wednesday night, capping a torturous four years of negotiations, a stunning referendum rejection, last-minute compromises, and two signing ceremonies. The initial pact was narrowly rejected by voters last month, and President Juan Manuel Santos decided to skip a referendum on the new version and go directly to congress, where the deal's supporters hold a majority. Opponents, led by former President Alvaro Uribe, boycotted the legislative votes, which resulted in unanimous approval by the Senate on Tuesday and by the lower house late Wednesday, the AP reports.

The new accord with FARC rebels introduced 50 changes to the initial deal in an attempt to assuage opponents as the government seeks to end a 52-year conflict that has killed more than 220,000 people and driven almost 8 million from their homes. The modifications include a commitment from the rebels to forfeit assets, some amassed through drug trafficking, to help compensate victims. Santos said ratification will set in motion the start of a six-month process in which the FARC's 8,000-plus guerrillas will concentrate in some 20 rural areas and turn over their weapons to United Nations monitors. But the rebels insist their troops won't start demobilizing until lawmakers pass an amnesty law freeing some 2,000 rebels in jail. (Santos won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end the conflict.)
(Newser)  A fugitive inmate who escaped last week from a county jail in California by rappelling down with a bedsheet was re-arrested Wednesday night after a seven-hour standoff with police. Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith says Rogelio Chavez was taken into custody at the house of an associate in San Jose, the AP reports. Video of the scene showed a man in handcuffs being led out of the house by at least six officers. Detectives were trying to search the home of Karla Fernandez when they noticed someone was hiding in the attic and requested backup from the SWAT team, Smith said. A SWAT team shot tear gas canisters into the home at least twice during the standoff. Authorities say Chavez was taken to a hospital because he was suspected of being under the influence of crack cocaine and marijuana.

Fernandez, who's on probation, was also arrested and is facing charges of resisting and obstructing an investigation, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being an accessory to an escaped inmate. The other fugitive, 26-year-old Laron Campbell, was arrested at his sister's home in Antioch late Tuesday. He was tracked to the home on Monday, and authorities with the US Marshals Service and Antioch Police launched a stakeout. Campbell fled into the home's attic when authorities burst into the house Tuesday night, police say. But he came crashing down through the flimsy ceiling shortly after and was taken into custody without further incident. The sister, 24-year-old Marcaysha Alexander, was arrested on suspicion of harboring a fugitive. (Read more prison break stories.)
(Newser)  Lindsay Norris has a lot to say to the cancer patients she's helped in her role as an oncology nurse, but in a recent blog post she penned after finding out she has cancer herself, the prevailing theme is: "I didn't get it." Per People, Norris was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal adenocarcinoma in September, and that diagnosis has been an eye-opener for the 33-year-old mom from Kansas. In her note, Norris apologizes to her past cancer patients, noting how much pride she had previously taken in her rapport with them: "I really thought I got it ... what it felt like to go through this journey. I didn't," she says. What she didn't understand, more specifically: what it felt like to hear the diagnosis, how difficult the waiting is, how weird it feels to tell other people or to endure the "sad looks," or how tired, confused, guilty, suspicious, and even "crazy" a patient can feel.

And she says she didn't realize how important her own role was. "I didn't get how much you hung on to every word I said to you," she says. "I used to tell you that cancer will be just a phase in your life. Just like high school or something  I'm sorry if this made you feel marginalizedit is not a phase." She also notes she didn't understand how tough it is to let others help, something she tells Us she's had to do herself, especially leaning on her husband, Camden, who's taken on more of the duties of caring for their 3-year-old son and 7-month-old daughter. Norris has been undergoing radiation and chemo and will have a follow-up checkup after Christmas. "I just hope that I was still able to give you a little guidance and strength to help you get through your cancer treatment. Even if I didn't get it," she writes. Her full post here. (Read a widower's note to hospital staff who cared for his wife.)
(Newser)  Some troubling news about an American adventurer: 86-year-old Buzz Aldrinthe second man to walk on the moonneeds to be evacuated from the South Pole because of a medical issue. It's not clear what's wrong, but the National Science Foundation announced Thursday that it was sending a plane to retrieve Aldrin. The only details it provided about his condition was to say that he's "ailing." So what's Aldrin doing at the South Pole? That's not clear either, but the Washington Post notes that the request to the NSF came from a private tourism company in South Africa called the Antarctic Company.

Aldrin had been in fine form before leaving for Antarctica on Tuesday, reports the South African website Times Live. He'd spent a few days in Cape Town before the journey to the South Pole, and had been tweeting images of his preparation all the while. "South Pole here I come!" he wrote on one. The Antarctic Company organizes adventure trips to the South Pole of up to 10 days, though Aldrin's role with the company wasn't spelled out. Aldrin made history in 1969 when he and Neil Armstrong planted a flag on the moon. (Read more Buzz Aldrin stories.)
(Newser)  "We certainly did not see this horrific ending that this case has come to," says a deputy after a mother and her two sons were found dead in Colorado on Wednesday, some 12 hours after they were reported missing. Authorities say Jennifer Laber took her two children out of school in Highlands Ranch around 2pm Tuesday and drove off in her minivan, reports the Denver Post. After Laber's husband reported the three missing around 8pm, authorities circulated photos of the family and a description of Laber's vehicle, which a passerby spotted parked at a vacant store in Lone Tree around 8am Wednesday. Inside, Laber, 36; Ethan, 5; and Adam, 3, were dead.

Autopsies are scheduled for Thursday morning, but authorities say they aren't looking for suspectsLaber's husband is cooperating with police, and is not considered a suspectand there is no threat to the community, per the Denver Channel. According to a neighbor, Laber suffered from depression, but "none of us saw this coming, not even [her husband]." "We do not have a lot of answers," says a rep for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, noting no Amber Alert was issued before the bodies were found because "there were no red flags." He adds authorities are now trying to "piece this together and give this father the answers he so desperately is going to need as he faces this real hollow time in his life," per KDVR. (Read more Colorado stories.)
(Newser)  It started with the fatal shooting of a police officer and ended almost 12 hours later with the death of a suspect in Washington state. Authorities say a 45-year-old officer was shot multiple times while responding to a domestic violence call in Tacoma around 4pm Wednesday. He was taken to a hospital for surgery, but later died, reports KING5. Meanwhile, officers surrounded the home where the suspect was holed up with weapons and several people, including an 11-year-old boy and 8-year-old girl he was using as a shield, police tell KIRO. One child was still with the suspect when a SWAT officer fired a single shot through a window that killed the man around 3:30am Thursday, police say. All others in the home were found safe.

A landlord who allowed a couple and their two children to live at the residence says she was there when the officer was shot but was able to escape. "I do not want to hear anything about the police officers being inhumane and shooting people [unnecessarily] or any of those things," she tells the News Tribune. "The Tacoma Police Department handled this matter with such professionalism despite their own being shot." She adds she previously had no concerns about the couple. "I'm caught off guard just like everybody else." Police haven't released the name of the officer killed but say he was a 17-year veteran. In a statement late Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee said "all of Washington grieves with Tacoma, which tonight lost one of their finest." (Read more police shooting stories.)
(Newser)  A mandatory meeting decked out with a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations may have sparked last year's deadly shooting at an office building in San Bernardino, Calif., reports ABC News. Police say that Syed Farook's wife, Tashfeen Malik, was that upset her husband had to attend, based on emails between the two. She "didn't think that a Muslim should have to participate in a non-Muslim holiday or event," says San Bernardino police chief Jarrod Burguan. Not long after Farook posed for a photo with others in front of the tree, he and his wife went on a shooting spree that left 14 people dead.

Though authorities have gathered more than 500 pieces of evidence, per the Los Angeles Times, the message "is one over the very, very few pieces of potential evidence" that offers a clue as to why Farook and Malik opened fire on the meeting before being killed by police, Burguan says. Another nugget: Cops think the pair circled the neighborhood after the shooting in their vehicle in an unsuccessful attempt to detonate bombs via remote control. The details were revealed on ABC's Nightline on Wednesday. (Farook and Malik left behind a 6-month-old child, now in a sad limbo.)
(Newser)  We arent looking for enemies," Vladimir Putin said Thursday during his annual state-of-the-nation speech. "We need friends." He says he's hoping one of those friends is the US under President-elect Donald Trump, who Putin wants to work with as equals, Bloomberg reports. "We are ready for cooperation with the new American administration," Al Jazeera quotes Putin as saying. The Guardian notes Putin was gentler toward the US than he had been in recent years, perhaps because Trump has said it would be "nice" to work with Russia.

Russia's middle class is being decimated by a recession, and getting the sanctions placed on the country by the US in the wake of incidents in Crimea and Ukraine lifted is one of Putin's few hopes. Trump has said he may be willing to do so. He has also offered to work with Russia in Syriawhere Russia is backing the government against US-supported rebelsto fight the Islamic State. "I am counting on joining forces with the United States in the fight with the real, not made-up, threat of international terrorism, Putin said during his speech Thursday. (Read more Vladimir Putin stories.)
(Newser)  Authorities say a 28-year-old man home for Thanksgiving killed his parents, then tried to dissolve their bodies in an "acid-based solution" of bleach and sewer cleaners, WBIR reports. According to the Kingsport Times-News, authorities discovered the crime scene inside a Tennessee home on Mondayat least two days after the killingsafter the couple's employer and family grew concerned. "It would be described as horrific, a very gruesome crime scene," Maj. Michael MacLean with the Knox County Sheriff's Office tells the Knoxville News Sentinel. "Both suffered multiple, vicious stab wounds as well as dismemberment," he tells WBIR. The couple may have been tortured first, and their remains were spread around the house for unexplained reasons.

Authorities arrested the couple's son, Joel Guy Jr., outside his Louisiana apartment on charges of first-degree murder on Tuesday. A motive hasn't been given, but authorities say Guy was unemployed and his parents planned to talk to him about cutting off his financial support while he was home. Family members say Guy had been in college for nine years, studying to become a plastic surgeon, and his parents had been supporting him the whole time. But they had recently sold their house and were ready to retire. Guy's three sisters say everything appeared normal during Thanksgiving dinner, and Guy has no prior criminal history. "It's one thing to stab someone, but to do everything that he did, to dismember his parents' bodies?" Guy's aunt tells the Times-News. (Read more murder stories.)
The latest Android operating system has been released to Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge users last August. Right now, Samsung is about to release a newer version of the operating system for the said models.

This is the third Android 7.0 Nougat Beta released by the company. It has now been released in the United Kingdom and is set to arrive in selected Samsung gadgets worldwide soon. According to Phone Arena, those users who have not registered back in August can do so this time. Samsung has made it limited that's why it's not that available to all users.

Those who want to have the Android 7.0 Nougat Beta 3 should move fast as the company did not announce any deadline nor the number of slots that are still available for grabs. The latest Android Nougat update is geared towards bug fixes and enhancements. Aside from this, it also has enhanced its quick panel feature which leads users to set button grid menu, brightness color menu and 4x3 button layout.

Aside from these tweaks, Android 7.0 Nougat Beta 3's clock look also changed. There are also notable changes found in the notification bar, lock screen and multi-window. Reports have also noted some of the issues which the latest android operating system has not yet fixed.

Among these are issues on the screen which turns on without any movement from the user and the sudden wifi disconnection. Because these are not yet resolved, it is very possible that the company will release another improved versions of the Android 7.0 Nougat Beta.

For a user to get enrolled for the Android 7.0 Nougat Beta, one needs to get the Galaxy Beta Program App. Through this, the user must sign up and fill out the form provided in the registration menu. However, it is also important to note that this not an assurance that users will really get the update as the numbers change real time.
Just recently, Belgium and Netherlands have recently agreed to a swapping of land, making Belgium smaller now and Netherlands bigger. They may have an exchange of lands but so it appears, it is not an equal trade in terms of size.

Border Along The River Meuse Created To Separate Netherlands And Belgium Back In History

The size of Belgium is now about to get smaller as a swapping of lands will occur between them and Netherlands, which is not an equal trade in terms of size. It can be recalled in history that Belgium gained its independence from the Netherlands back in 1830 to which a border was created along the river Meuse. No, after years of negotiation between two countries, they have finally been able to settle the dispute in a civil manner. They have both agreed to change their borders.

Netherlands To Have A Bigger Land Area After Treaty; Belgium Becomes Smaller

The deal was made due to straightening out the borders along the river of Meuse around the 1960s. Now, in exchange, Netherlands will be gaining around 25 hectares of land while Belgium will only be getting around five hectares. The borderline has caused dispute to both parties wherein the Dutch police takes no jurisdiction over the land that was left to Belgium and the latter's police force has not access to the area which has been known to be used for drug works. They will have to pass through Netherlands to get to the portion of the land that was theirs and it has aused extreme difficulty and inconvenience. Thus, in line with this, they have come into a settlement that proves disputes can be settled without proclaiming war.

Agreement Between Netherlands And Belgium Signed Earlier This Week; Disputes Settled In Civil Manner

The talks about moving the border has been discussed way back in 2012 but the treaty and agreement wasn't signed until last Monday, and it will be soon implemented in the works on 2018. This will finally mark the end of small differences between two countries, and proved that some disputes can in fact be settled without a bloody war ahead of them. Nonetheless, despite an uneven trade, both countries are civil and have agreed upon it.
The US military force is always prepared for battle, however, there is an impending war that is beyond the territories of America. An "out of this world" war is a threat that makes America work hard in preparing for all the possible attacks.

According to a Daily Mail report, the US Defense chiefs are outing warnings on America that any moment a war in space may occur. Following news of Russia and China developing modern, high-technology weapons to be launched in space, the US Defense fear that they can easily attack and destroy America's key satellites. These satellites installed in space are relatively vulnerable and old compared to that of Russia and China's.

Even before the Earth could magnet wars with other worlds, the US is already on alert for a space war against fellow humans. And although it may look fair, setting foot on the same ground, it still isn't. A space war brought about by other Earth countries could be even dangerous since humans have the abilities to plan and think. People know what people are capable and incapable of. Meaning, they know how to destroy even the Earth, too.

The head of the US Strategic Command, Gen. John Hyten, told CNN in an interview that whenever humans go to a certain place, conflicts usually happen. And since Russia and China's decision to launch their space weapons, there is a huge possibility for an even bigger conflict.

What Gen. Hyten implies was if the weapons to be launched by Russia and China are purposed to do a massive cyber attack on the US' satellites, doom will follow. If these satellites are to be destroyed, an entire blackout could happen to Earth. Blank TV screens, cut internet connections, and monopoly with communication lines would happen if the space war pushes through. And whatever implications would spurt out from that state, no one could seem to imagine.

Meanwhile, The Inquisitr reported on what could be expected following a space war with weapons that can be used for mass destructions. This won't be a simple colonization, like what some countries have experienced in earlier history. A space war could breed a more destructive world domination that could cause the lives and freedom of everything and everyone that reside on it.

However, there's still no confirmation on these attacks. The US Defense hopes that whatever Russia and China are planning will be done in good faith and for the betterment of all.
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers developing after midnight. Low 9F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 40%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..

Tonight

Cloudy with snow showers developing after midnight. Low 9F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 40%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
New Delhi:

Heavy rush at banks and ATMs is expected to enter round 2 as lakhs of employees across India struggle to deposit or withdraw their salaries. The Pay Day, on December 1, comes with fresh bag of challenges for the Union Government, bank employees, central bank and the people.A

With several ATMs still remaining dry, managing the salary rush is going to be a true litmus test for Indian banking system. The government and banks, reports say, have been preparing for this day.

People queue up outside ATMs in Delhi on the first payday after #DeMonetisation (visuals from Parliament street) pic.twitter.com/8LJ0H9zGdH a ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016

Here are the few steps taken by the Finance Ministry to help banks manage the cash crunch in next one week:



#Reserve Bank of India has started pumping more money into the banks from Wednesday evening to ensure enough cash flow for salaries. This increase in cash supply, according to the government, would continue till December 7.



#According to reports, the government has been holding back on cash flow for past two days to ensure enough currency to ingest into the system post pay day.A

A

#Currency printing presses are working round the clock to mint new notes. "We have asked 4 printing press to work on three shifts, even lunch breaks have been cut to ensure that we meet the current demand in the market for the new notes," a top official in finance ministry told India Today.



#The currency printing presses of the central bank have moved to print the much-in-demand `500 notes to ease the supply. aAt least 30,000 notes are being printed daily," said a senior official in finance ministry.A



#According to the sources, banks require an average of Rs 123 crore worth of currency, but currently less than 40 per cent is reaching their doorstep. To ease the problem army choppers are ebing used for cash supply. "Even at a distance of 4 kilometers from the minting press, we are not opting for transport via road. The idea is to ensure faster turnaround time for refuelling, especially in north-eastern states," said an official working closely with the RBI.



#The central bank also said that it would increase cash supply to banks with salary or pension accounts by 20 to 30 per cent.A



#News reports also claimed banks have asked large companies to provide prepaid payment cards to staff in lieu of cash.



#The government has asked banks to encourage the online banking and e-wallets. Even though, the digital push is not likely to wipe out need for cash anytime soon, but it will ease the pressure on the government.A A

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Washington:

US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday told Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that he is willing to play any role that Pakistan wants to find solutions to its outstanding problems.

Trump made these remarks as Sharif called him to congratulate on his recent victory.

I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time, even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office, Trump was quoted as saying in a statement released by the Prime Ministers Office.

During the telephone conversation, Trump also praised Sharif and expressed his desire to meet the prime minister soon, Radio Pakistan reported.

Also Read: Tom Price gets nominated as Health and Human Services Secretary by Trump

Sharif invited Trump to visit Pakistan.

In his reply, Trump said he would love to visit the country and meet its people.

Earlier, Trump had said that if elected, he would like to mediate between India and Pakistan. But like the Obama administration, Trump also said that he would only mediate if both countries asked him to do so.

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Greater Noida:

Upset over the lack of money at banks even after 22 days of demonetisation, villagers at Bilaspur on Wednesday blocked the Noida-Sikandrabad road, affecting traffic for more than an hour.

Reportedly the banks at Mandi Shyam Nagar in Dankaur displayed a 'no cash' notice and when the villagers reached there they were left agitated.

Locals said the villagers then closed the banks' gates from outside and held protest even as some of them blocked traffic on the Noida-Sikandrabad road.

For one and half hour traffic was affected. Senior police officers reached site and pacified the villagers after which the blockade was lifted.

"For the last three days I have been visiting the bank to withdraw Rs 2,000 but am unable to get the money. Banks claim they are not getting cash.

The ATMs too are without cash," said one of the villagers, Dharam Bhati. Another villager, Raje, alleged, "Bank officials give money to their known persons out of turn while the common man after standing in queue for hours was told there was no cash and was sent back."

At Udyog Bandhu meeting held today at DM camp office in Noida, some industrialists raised the problems emerging due to demonetisation before the district magistrate N P Singh.

"Small industries' production was affected. Though the government has allowed withdrawal of Rs 50,000 from current accounts but bank officials are refusing such withdrawals, saying there was no cash at banks," they claimed.

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New Delhi:

A grief-stricken nation on Thursday bid adieu to the soldiers who laid their lives for India in the terror attack on Nagrota army camp on Tuesday.A

The bodies of the two army officers and five soldiers were flown to their respective homes on Wednesday and their last rites will be performed on Thursday. A A



Links with Jaish-e-Mohammed



Meanwhile, the police has started probe into the attack and is looking at the possible links with Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group.A



A note written in Urdu bearing the name of JeMas Afzal Guru Squad (AGS) has been recovered from three slain terrorists, a senior official informed media on Wednesday.



aWe are working on these links. We are going into all details, and investigation has started (into the links of JeM with Nagrota terror attack after recovery of notes in Urdu),a Director General Of Police (DGP) K Rajendra Kumar said.

Updates from Last Rites:A

Bengaluru: Mortal remains of Major Akshay Girish Kumar, who lost his life in #NagrotaAttack, brought to his hometown. pic.twitter.com/S2RVMgLvE7 a ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016A

Maharashtra: Visuals from Major Gosavi Kunal Mannadir's hometown Pandharpur, the army man lost his life in Nagrota terror attack. pic.twitter.com/Rw2KB5SxG3 a ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016

Combing operations resume for the third day in #Nagrota, J&K (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/mbaIz9gNeR a ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016A

Bengaluru: Mortal remains of Major Akshay Girish Kumar, who lost his life in #nagrotaattack brought to Yelahanka Air Force Station pic.twitter.com/BJPKZ5gVDM a ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016

Last rites of #nagrotaattack martyrs : Mortal remains of Shaheed Major Akshay reach Bangalore pic.twitter.com/zxLvUzyuHQ a News Nation (@NewsNationTV) December 1, 2016A

Maha: Mortal remains of Major Gosavi Kunal Mannadir (who lost his life in Nagrota terror attack) brought to his hometown in Pandharpur pic.twitter.com/Pj6CIv0MJR a ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016



List of Martyrs:

On Wednesday, Army has released list of six martyrs. The details of the seventh solider were not given by the army saying his family was yet to be informed.



Major Gosavi Kunal Mannadir, aged 33 years hailed from Village Pandharpur, Distt Solapur, Maharashtra. He is survived by his wife, Smt Uma K Gosavi.



Major Akshay Girish Kumar, aged 31 years, hails from Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka. He is survived by his wife Smt Sangeeta Ravinderan.



Havildar Sukhraj Singh, aged 32 years, hailed fromVillage Maan Nagar, PO Batala, District Gurdaspur, Punjab. He is survived by his wife Smt Harmeet Kaur.



Lance Naik Kadam Sambhaji Yeshwantro aged 32 yrs, hailed from Village Janapuri, Post Office Wadepuri, Tehsil Loha, District Nanded, Maharashtra. He is survived by his wife, Smt Sheetal.



Grenadier Raghvendra Singh, aged 28 years, is survived by his wife, Smt Anjana Sikaewal. The martyr hailed from Village Gadijatar, Tehsil Raja Khera, District Dholpur, Rajasthan.



Rifleman Asim Rai, aged 32 years, hailed from Village Ratanchha, PO Khotang, Nepal. He is survived by his wife, Smt Madhu Kala Rai.

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New Delhi:

Parliament again failed to transact any business as the opposition parties on Thursday created uproar demanding obituary references to the soldiers killed in terror attack in Nagrota on Wednesday as well as those who died due to harassment after demonetisation.

The entire Winter Session of Parliament has seen little to no work done due to continued demands of Prime Ministers clarification over demonetisation in the House along with his apology for black money remark on opposition parties.

The opposition on Thursday is also likely to cause ruckus over Nagrota attacks on Tuesday.

Also read full coverage of : Day 11 of Winter Session | Nation preapres to bid adieu to Nagrota martyrs | Salary Day cash rush

Here are the live updates:

#Ruckus over demonetisation in Rajya Sabha (2:04pm)

#Rajya Sabha to reconvene at 2pm (12:30pm)

#Lok Sabha adjourned till Dec 2 amid demands of Pm Modi's presence in the House

#LokSabha : Chair Sumrita Mahajan disallows any papers for adjournment motion (12:01pm)

Rajya Sabha on Black money

#Opposition demands PM's presence during demonetisation debate, house adjourned till 12:29pm (12:15pm)

#Gulam Nabi Azad requests PM Modi's presence during debate on demonetisation

Rajya Sabha on Tax bill

#Any tax bill is money bill and can be passed in Lok Sabha, says Law Min (11:55am)

#SP leader Naresh Aggarwal demands discussion on IT law amendment bill (11:35am)

Jayant Sinha, MoS Civil Aviation Minister (11:25am)

#DGCA enquiry has been ordered in the fuel shortage complaints by AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet planes on Wednesday

#All safety and security standards were appropriately mainatianed in the flight

#Govt: Flight hovered for only 13 mins, not 30 mins

#Govt assures all security measures were followed to ensure Mamata Banerjee's security



Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raj (11:05am)

#Security of Mamata Banerjee and other passengers is of serious concern, we are serious about it: Union Minister Ananth Kumar in Lok Sabha

#When there is no fuel, its the duty of ATC to have allowed landing of Mamata Banerjee's flight, her life is in danger

#DGCA has ordered enquiry to check as to how the three flights reported low fuel

#Wrong to say that the IndiGo flight was made to hover for 30-40 minutes

#IAF chief, Air Marshal Arup Raha arrives in Parliament to meet PM Modi

#IndiGo Flight With WB CM on Board was short on Fuel, Sudip Bandyopadhyay of the TMC raises issue in Lok Sabha; Civil aviation minister replying

#Opposition leaders' meeting in the Parliament ends (10:35pm)

#Opposition to raise the issue of hacking of verified twitter accounts of Rahul Gandhi and Congress, in both the houses. (10:25am) (Read full story here)

#Twitter accounts of Rahul Gandhi and Congress appeared to be hacked again (10:15am)

#Will take this up in the Parliament, investigation needed: Sudip Bandyopadhyay, TMC says IndiGo Flight With WB CM on Board was short on Fuel

#Opposition party leaders' meeting underway in the Parliament (10:00am)

#Congress to hold Lok Sabha strategy meet at 10:30am

#Opposition parties to meet at 9:30 am in Parliament

live-updates-on-parliament-winter-session-day-12-ruckus-in-ls-rs-over-nagrota-attack-demonetisation

Parliament live, Day 12 | Limbo over demonetisation, Nagrota attacks continues in LS, RS

Parliament Live Day 12 updates, Winter Session Day 12 live updates, Live debate on Currency ban in Lok Sabha, Live debate on demonetisation in Rajya Sabha, PM Modi on currency ban, Parliament news, Winter Session debates, India news

Both Houses of Parliament on Thursday are likely to witness ruckus over Oppositions dissent on passage of IT law amendment bill with a voice vote, demonetisation and Nagrota attack.

Opposition parties are scheduled to have a strategy meeting at 9:30am in the Parliament. A meeting with the President is also scheduled for 7:15pm over the passage of IT law amendment bill in Lok Sabha.

The entire Winter Session of Parliament has seen little to no work done due to continued demands of Prime Ministers clarification over demonetisation in the House along with his apology for black money remark on opposition parties.

The opposition on Thursday is also likely to cause ruckus over Nagrota attacks on Tuesday.

Here are the live updates:

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Kolkata:

A day after a commercial plane carrying Mamata Banerjee made an emergency landing, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister's life is in danger.

The IndiGo flight in which Mamata was traveling in from Patna to Kolkata reportedly went short of fuel and hovered around the airport for nearly 30 minutes as it waited for clearance to land.

On touching down, fire engines and ambulances surrounded it as a standard protocol for emergencies.

"The plane was about to crash... we want to bring to notice that life of Mamata Banerjee is in danger," Sudip Bandyopadhyay from TMC said in Parliament.

According to sources, as the flight was an hour late to take off from Patna, it was in line of planes waiting to land. Thus, congestion was the main reason behind the delay, said sources.

ALSO READ | Demonetisation: In a veiled attack on Nitish Kumar, Mamata says traitors wont be spared

However, her party says the plane should have been prioritised as the Chief Minister was on the flight.

Meanwhile, IndiGo said in a statement that the flight made a normal landing and it was kept on hold due to air traffic congestion. It also clarified that IndiGo Captain at no stage declared a fuel priority or an emergency.

Over the past few weeks, Mamata has been protesting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move.

The TMC appears to link her delayed plane landing incident with her clashes with the government.

ALSO READ | Mamata Banerjee dares PM Modi to declare his bank accounts details

"Is there more to this than meets the eye?" asked Derek O'Brien, also of the Trinamool. There is a school of thought that this is a conspiracy," he said in the Rajya Sabha.

An inquiry has been ordered to find out why the plane did not have required fuel, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said.



"There was no conspiracy against the Chief Minister," the eastern chief of the Airports Authority of India, Sanjay Jain, said.

ALSO READ | Mamata threatens to demonstrate outside PM's residence, vowing to dislodge him from his seat over demonetisation

Full statement of IndiGo:

"This is to inform that IndiGo flight 6E 342 from Patna and Kolkata made a normal landing at the Kolkata airport on Wednesday, November 30.

The flight was kept on hold for landing due to air traffic congestion at Kolkata. The pilot operating 6E-342 had advised the ATC that he has 8 mins of extra holding fuel over Kolkata (Destination) before commencing diversion to the planned alternate."

"However, this information was misunderstood by the Air Traffic Controller who assumed that the aircraft had only 8 mins of total fuel left.

The misinterpretation of the information by ATC controller led ATC to instruct fire engines and ambulances to be stationed at Kolkata airport. We would like to clarify  IndiGo Captain at no stage declared a fuel priority or an emergency."

ALSO READ | Complaint filed against Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee for protesting against demonetisation in Delhi

"Subsequently, the airplane made a normal landing at Kolkata airport at 8 40 PM (Delayed by an hour due to congestion). The fuel on arrival was more than the minimum diversion fuel. There has been no violation or breach of any regulatory requirement in the above-mentioned scenario."

"IndiGo has responded to the queries made by the regulator. At IndiGo, safety of passengers, crew and the aircraft is the utmost priority and at no stage it can be compromised."

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New Delhi:

Reliance Industry Limiteds Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Thursday addressed employees and stakeholders and said Reliance Jio crossed the 50-million subscriber mark in less than three months after its full-fledged 4G services launch to emerge as the largest broadband operator in the country.



Here is the highlights of what Mukesh Ambani said during his speech on Thursday.



Jio  setting a new record  has acquired 1,000 customers per minute (since September 05) and 6 lakh per day. Airtel reached the same milestone of notching 50 million subscribers in 12 years, Vodafone and Idea took 13 years each, said a PTI report.



The company commercially launched its services on September 5. Jio has introduced Aadhaar-based paper-less Jio SIM activation across 3,100 cities and towns.



Jio connection offers users unlimited access to HD voice calls (on Jio eligible VoLTE phones), messaging, video calls, high-speed data as well as access to Jio's suite of apps till December 31.



With the Reliance Jio Infocomm (Jio) giving free 4G SIM cards and launching affordable 4G-enabled smartphones to connect the next billion, India is set to lead the 4G revolution, the International Data Corporation (IDC) said.





#Thank youfor trying Jio, using Jio, improving Jio and loving Jio. We hope that with Jio, your Digital Life is beautiful: Mukesh Ambani

#In 3 months, Jio and India have crossed important milestones and are well on our way to achieving global digital leadership: Mukesh Ambani



#This will enable digital transactions of all types, whether they be at Mandis, Small shops, Restaurants, Railway ticket counters, for Bus and mass transit and even for person-to-person money transfers: Mukesh Ambani



#To fuel their transactions, Jio is working to empower Indian merchants by building a digital retail ecosystem which we are calling JioMoney Merchant Solutions



#To enable low-value, high-volume transactions, merchants, especially small merchants, are important component of economy: Mukesh Ambani

#One of the key drivers for adoption of Digital Money and the Cashless way of living is peoples ability to convert physical Cash into Digital Cash and vice-versa To make this possible, JioMoney is expanding its reach to millions of touch points where micro-ATMs will be deployed: Mukesh Ambani



#Today, thanks to solutions like JioMoney, every Indian has the ability to have a Digital ATM in their pocket: Mukesh Ambani

#I believe that common people will be the biggest beneficiaries of this change: Mukesh Ambani



#Digitally-enabling transactions will boost economic growth, while bringing unprecedented transparency and accountability: Mukesh Ambani



#By doing this, our Priem Minister has given the strongest push to growth of digitally-enabled, optimal-cash economy in India: Mukesh Ambani



#Today, I would like to congratulate Prime Minister @narendramodi ji's bold and historic decision to demonetize old currency: Mukesh Ambani

#Under Jio Happy New Year Offer, customers will get 30 times the average usage on other networks FREE till 31 March 2017: Mukesh Ambani

#In this period Jio customers will also be able to test-drive digital recharge, billing experience, using JioMoney wallet: Mukesh Ambani

#In Jio Happy New Year Offer, we have fine-tuned our fair usage policy to ensure all users get fair share of network capacity: Mukesh Ambani

#80% of Jio users consume less than 1 GB of data daily. 1 GB per day is 30 times the average usage on other networks: Mukesh Ambani

#All existing Jio customers will get extended benefits of Jio Happy New Year offer till 31 March 2017 on current SIMs: Mukesh Ambani

#Starting 4 December 2016, every new Jio user will get Jios Data, Voice, Video and the full bouquet of Jio applications absolutely FREE, till 31 March 2017, We are calling this the JIO HAPPY NEW YEAR OFFER: Mukesh Ambani

#Major announcement: Reliance Jio welcome offer extended till March 31, 2017; SIM to be home delivered

#JIO is, and will remain, a customer-obsessed organization: Mukesh Ambani

#This is being progressively launched across India through MyJio and will be available in top 100 cities by 31 December 2016: Mukesh Ambani



#We have recently introduced home delivery of #Jio SIMs. Get a Jio SIM home-delivered and activated in 5 minutes through eKYC: Mukesh Ambani



#I am happy to inform that Jio now fully supports mobile number portabilityand all customers can retain their existing number when they migrate to Jio: Mukesh Ambani



#I want to reiterate that #Jio is committed to ensuring that all domestic voice calls by Jio customers will be #freeforever: Mukesh Ambani

#Over the past months, the call block rate has come down from over 90% to nearly 20% as of yesterday: Mukesh Ambani



#Through all this, #Jio has been a tireless champion for Indian customers and their right to #freevoice services: Mukesh Ambani



#Benefits of #Jios superior technology have been denied to customers due to anti-competitive behaviour of incumbent operators: Mukesh Ambani

#Good afternoon India, over 52 million #Jio customers and our entire larger Jio Family: Mukesh Ambani

#On 1 September, I shared with you my belief that Jio is a game-changing network for India and for Indians: Mukesh Ambani



#Jio is the fastest-growing technology company, not only in India, but in the world: Mukesh Ambani

#On average, a Jio customer is using 25 times more data than the average Indian broadband user: Mukesh Ambani



#In 83 days, Jio has added 50 million customers on its 4G LTE all-IP wireless broadband network: Mukesh Ambani



#Jio is the fastest-growing technology company, not only in India, but in the world: Mukesh Ambani



#In the first 3 months, Jio has grown faster than Facebook, WhatsApp or Skype: Mukesh Ambani

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Kathmandu:

Nepal's Madhesi Front has refused to back the Constitution amendment bill, saying it was not acceptable in its current discriminatory form, in a blow to Prime Minister Prachanda's efforts to achieve reconciliation with groups agitating over the new statute.

The United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and the Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal (FSF-N) stated that they cannot accept the Constitution amendment bill which has been registered in Parliament by Nepal's government despite opposition from CPN-UML.

"We cannot accept the Constitution amendment bill, which was unilaterally registered in the Parliament by the government because the bill does not address the issues raised by Madhesis, Janajatis and deprived communities," the UDMF said in a statement on Thursday.

The statement was jointly issued by UDMF leaders, including Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal Chair Upendra Yadav, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Chair Mahantha Thakur and Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party-Nepal Chair Mahendra Prasad Yadav.

"The three major parties want to continue to discriminate against Janajatis, Madhesis and other deprived communities," said FSF-N Chair Yadav. He stated that the UDMF was primarily concerned about the struggle and would think about elections only in future.

Yadav, earlier issued a statement, saying that the government committed a blunder by registering a Constitution amendment bill that did not address the demands of indigenous nationalities, Tharus, Khas, Muslims, women, Dalits and Madhesi movement.

Yadav said the provincial autonomy and 10-province model were still being treated as disputed issues and the concerns over five Tarai districts Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Kailali and Kanchanpur were yet to be addressed.

He argued that the Constitution amendment bill had made no mention of proportional representation on the basis of the population of ethnic groups and recognition of national identity. "The Federal Alliance has been demanding representation based on population. If the Constitution is amended as per the bill's proposal, Madhesis would never be in majority in the Upper House," Yadav said.

Other issues of concern cited by him were recognition of all mother tongues and the issue naturalised citizenship. The agitating forces demand that women who acquire naturalised citizenship on the basis of matrimony should be treated as citizens by descent but the bill implied that these women would never hold top Constitutional posts.

Federal Alliance is a grouping of Madhesi parties and ethnic groups that have been demanding more rights and representation for the marginalised people. The bill, registered at the Parliament Secretariat after the Council of Ministers passed its draft on Tuesday, proposes to address three other key issues citizenship, representation in the Upper House and recognition of languages spoken in various parts of the country.

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Washington:

Pakistan's missions in Washington and New York were targeted by fake twitter accounts which alleged that the two consulates were raided by US law enforcement agencies in connection with the Ohio terror attack by a Somalian refugee who had reportedly lived in Pakistan.

The two twitter accounts, in particularly Pakistan Embassy UN (@PakEmbassyUN) appeared that it was being handled personally by Maleeha Lodhi, the Pakistani Ambassador to the UN.

In the fake tweet, Lodhi alleged that the Ohio Police, a day earlier raided the Pakistani Embassy in Washington in connection with the terrorist attack carried by Abdul Razak Ali Artan.

Artan, a Somalian refugee who reportedly lived in Pakistan for a few years before coming to the US, injured as many as 11 people early this week before he was shot and killed by the Ohio Police.

In this fake account Lodhi alleged that the federal police is now raiding the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN in New York. "Shame that after Ohio Police raid on Thursday on Pakistan Embassy, Washington DC their Twitter account is also suspended by FBI.

#OhioStateAttack," the fake twitter account said. "Federal police have confiscated some documents of our Embassy in New York regarding #OhioStateAttack," said the second tweet from the same account.

"We have bent our flag at Embassy as a protest to the raid regarding #OhioStateAttack. Embassy in New York will remain closed on Thursday," said another tweet, which had a picture of Lodhi. Later in the day, both the Pak Embassy in Washington and its Permanent Mission to the UN in New York issued statements, saying that these are fake accounts and have taken up the matter with Twitter.

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Islamabad:

A 64-year-old die-hard fan of former Pakistan army chief Raheel Sharif has committed suicide by consuming poison, protesting the government's decision not to give an extension to the just-retired General.

Lutf Amim Shibli, who once served as chairman of the Progressive Workers Union at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), had begun his protest on November 1 outside Karachi Press Club (KPC), threatening that he would commit suicide if Raheel was not given an extension in service.

"Raheel Sharif is a messiah. I am his fan. Only he can save the country from terrorism and social ills," read the posters and banners set up around his camp.

According to doctors, the man took his life by consuming poison a few days ago. "He attempted suicide on November 27 after the ISPR [Inter-Services Public Relations] announced the retirement plan of Gen Raheel.

We took him to Jinnah hospital from where he was referred to Aga Khan University Hospital. He was initially on ventilator, but later died," said Shibli's sister-in-law Nooren.

"Before consuming poison, he wrote a letter to his wife, saying that his funeral prayers must be held in front of the KPC," she was quoted as saying by the 'Express Tribune'. Police surgeon Eijaz Ahmed said that Shibli's post-mortem had not yet been conducted but it looked he died of poisoning.

Shibli's family originally belonged to Jalandhar, India, but they had migrated to Pakistan after independence and he joined the KPT. He had married thrice and his first wife, Gulzari Begum, also a trade union leader of the Pakistan Steel Mills Progressive Workers Union, was killed a few years ago.

He is survived by five children from his first spouse and two children from another wife, who lives in Gizri. One of his close friends, while requesting anonymity, said the deceased was not mentally fit and would become aggressive on different issues confronted by Pakistan.

"He was frustrated and used to talk about committing suicide. Finally, he did it," he said. Nasir Mansoor, deputy general secretary of the National Trade Union Federation, said Shibli was a leftist leader and his decision to support the army bewildered many of his colleagues.

"We have never supported any general. I don't know how Shibi, who had once played a great role for the rights of labourers, became a fan of Raheel Sharif, which was unusual for left-oriented comrades," he said.

60-year-old Raheel retired on November 29 after a three-year tenure. General Bajwa, 57, took over the command of the army on Tuesday at a ceremony in Rawalpindi from him.

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New York:

Donald Trump lavished praise on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and offered to play any role in helping Pakistan address its problems, a Pakistani statement said, even as the US President-elect's transition team just described their discussion as productive. He even called Pakistan as an amazing country with "tremendous opportunities", the statement said.

Sharif called Trump last night to congratulate him as the two leaders discussed various issues.

"I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Trump told Sharif, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office.

Trump also told Prime Minister Sharif that he has a "very good reputation", the statement said.

"You (Sharif) are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," Trump was quoted as telling Sharif.

Trump said Pakistan is an amazing country with "tremendous opportunities", the statement said. "Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," the President-elect said. Sharif also invited Trump to visit Pakistan. In his reply, Trump said, "he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people."

"Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people," said Trump. However, Trump's lavish praise for Sharif and his offer to play a role in addressing Pakistan's problems found no mention in the readout of the conversation between the two leaders issued by Trump's transition team.

"President-elect Trump and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif spoke today and had a productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future," the transition team said.

"President-elect Trump also noted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif," the transition team said.

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New Delhi:

A Panipat court acquitted suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative Abdul Kareem on Thursday in a bomb blast case that hit the city in 1997.

Tunda, an LeT bomb expert, was produced in the court in connection with blast in a private bus at a roadways bus stand in the city that left a 10-year-old boy killed and several others injured.

A day before the hearing, the LeT bomb specialist was allegedly attacked in Karnal jail by two inmates.

"The inmates allegedly tried to strangulate him but he was rescued by alert jail staff. He was taken to the local hospital for medical check-up under heavy police security. He is fine," said SP Karnal Pankaj Nain.

"A case under relevant sections of IPC, including murder has been registered against the two accused," a police officer at Karnal Sadar police station said.

A resident of Pikhuwa in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district, Tunda was arrested by the Delhi Police from Indo-Nepal border in 2013.

The CBI had charged him with organising LeT's major terror attacks outside Jammu and Kashmir. He is accused in over 40 bomb blasts in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Rohtak and Jalandhar in which over 20 persons were killed and over 400 injured.

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New Delhi:

Tata Sons on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that it has every intention of paying the arbitral award of $1.17 billion to Japanese telecom major NTT Docomo, but has been unable to do so due to lack of permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The court has further issued notice to Docomo and Tata on RBI's plea seeking intervention and listed the matter for hearing on December 21.

Even as Tata Sons made the submission before Justice S Muralidhar, RBI contended in the court that the shareholding agreement between the two companies permitting transfer of funds abroad was illegal as it violated Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) Regulations.

"It is not a question of permission, it is prohibition," the lawyer for RBI said while seeking intervention by the central bank of India. However, Tata Sons said its agreement with Docomo was perfectly consistent with Indian laws.

During the hearing, Tata said it wants to make payment as its reputation is at stake but at the same time does not want to "fall foul" of FEMA regulations. It also said that it has deposited the entire amount with the court which shows it was willing to pay it.

The court, however, wondered why Tata did not challenge the refusal by RBI if its reputation was at stake and said it was the obligation of the Indian company to explore some alternative structure to ensure payment to Docomo.

"Otherwise, it would mean if you invest money in India, you cannot take it back," the court said when Tata said one alternative solution was to pay the money in India instead of transferring it out of the country.

The issue pertains to the exit of Docomo from the two companies' joint venture, Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTSL), for alleged breach of agreement by Tata and enforcement of the damages awarded by the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) in favour of the Japanese company for the same.

The matter had gone to arbitration as Tata was unable to find a buyer for Docomo's 26.5 per cent stake in TTSL for 50 per cent of the acquisition price, which came to around Rs 58.45 per share, and the Japanese company was not willing to accept the "fair market value", of Rs 23.44, that the Indian company was willing to pay as per the shareholding agreement.

Under the agreement, either Tata had to find a buyer for Docomo's shares at 50 per cent of acquisition price or buy its shares at fair market value, both leading to transfer of funds outside India which RBI has termed as illegal.
Bengaluru:

The mortal remains of martyr Major Akshay Girish Kumar, killed during the terror strike on Nagrota Army camp in Jammu, were cremated with full military honours in Bengaluru on Thursday.

The body of 31-year old Kumar was brought from New Delhi in an IAF aircraft and kept at the Yelahanka Air Force station where the Army and IAF officials and dignitaries paid their last respects to the martyr.

Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra and Bengaluru Mayor Padmvathi laid wreaths on the body of Kumar, who was part of the Quick Reponse Team that swung into action soon after the terror strike on Tuesday.

Jayachandra announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh to the family of Kumar, who was among the seven armymen, including two officers, killed in the terror attack.

Kumar is survived by wife Sangeetha and two and a half year old daughter Naina.

The mortal remains of martyr Major Akshay Girish Kumar, killed during the terror strike on Nagrota Army camp in Jammu, were cremated with full military honours in Bengaluru on Thursday.

The body of 31-year old Kumar was brought from New Delhi in an IAF aircraft and kept at the Yelahanka Air Force station where the Army and IAF officials and dignitaries paid their last respects to the martyr.

Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra and Bengaluru Mayor Padmvathi laid wreaths on the body of Kumar, who was part of the Quick Reponse Team that swung into action soon after the terror strike on Tuesday.

Jayachandra announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh to the family of Kumar, who was among the seven armymen, including two officers, killed in the terror attack.

Kumar is survived by wife Sangeetha and two and a half year old daughter Naina.

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Beijing:

India has issued a travel advisory to Chinese travelling to India to carry sufficiently funded international credit and debit cards in view of demonetisation of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes.

Travellers to India may please note that Indian currency notes of denominations of Rs.500/- and Rs. 1000/- issued prior to November 8, 2016 are no longer valid as legal tender, an advisory posted on the Indian Embassy website said.

For their convenience, therefore, all travellers to India are advised to carry with them sufficiently funded international credit/debit cards for use while in India, it said.

The advisory followed concerns among the Chinese travellers over how to go about using currency in India post demonetisation as cards like as Chinese mostly uses Union Pay credit cards unlike Visa or Mastercard accepted in India.

Also travel by Chinese businessmen to India is on the increase of late to explore investment opportunities.

Also Read: Cash drought at ATMs to ease soon with supply of new currency notes

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New Delhi:

Congress president Sonia Gandhi is likely to address her party MPs at the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting in New Delhi on Friday.

This is the first meeting of the CPP during the ongoing Winter session. The meeting assumes significance as it is being held in the wake of opposition offensive against the government's move to demonetise high value denomination currency notes.

The Congress, along with other opposition parties, has attacked the demonetisation move and has been demanding presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in both Houses of Parliament to discuss the issue. Congress has alleged that note ban has hit the common man hard and is seeking to raise the concerns of the people, in Parliament.

Gandhi had been unwell and has just returned from hospital following a viral infection.

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RIDGEFIELD  Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals announced Thursday it is laying off 120 people as it closes its small molecule discovery functions at its facility that straddles Ridgefield and Danbury.

The employees were notified Thursday morning. Since July, when the company announced a restructuring, it has eliminated 244 positions with about 180 coming from the Ridgefield site. BI is one of the areas largest employers with about 2,500 people at its Ridgefield facility.

The actions we are taking now will help us reinvent the way we serve the needs of our patients, and enable us to continue to identify new medical breakthroughs, Erin Crew, spokeswoman for BI, said.

A new group focusing on oncology will be formed next year in Ridgefield and employ about 35 people, Crew added.

It was the second major layoff announcement from a local company on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Danbury-based FuelCell Energy announced it was laying off 96 people, about 17 percent of its global workforce, in a company restructuring.

More Business Danbury-based FuelCell Energy announces 96 layoffs

Crew said BI will create a leaner global Discovery Research organization by consolidating small molecule discovery to two sites in Biberach, Germany, and Vienna, Austria. Small molecule discovery functions in Ridgefield and Milan, Italy, will close.

The leaner Discovery Research organization will allow for increased investments in oncology, with a focus on cancer immunology, Crew said.

The ability to modulate the bodys own immune system has opened new exciting ways to treat cancer, Crew said. A new group will be formed, and led out of Ridgefield beginning in 2017 that will focus on cancer immunology discovery research.

Crew said the company will support the impacted employees with severance, outplacement services and identifying other employment opportunities with Boehringer Ingelheim.

We are sympathetic to the impact this decision will have on Boehringer Ingelheim employees and their families, Crew said. We are committed to treating all employees with dignity, respect and sensitivity.

Boehringer Ingelheim has a 300-acre campus that straddles the Ridgefield/Danbury line. It is based in Germany.

Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi said the town is available to help the families in any way we can, but also said he understands the fiduciary responsibilities the company has. He said the company told him that no physical changes or reduction in square footage will take place at the campus.

Were always concerned when layoffs happen at a major employer in the community, especially this time of year, Marconi said. Boehringer Ingelheim has made its decision and is refocusing.

cbosak@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3338
DANBURY - Female federal inmates temporarily imprisoned in substandard conditions in a Brooklyn detention center will return to an enhanced new womens facility at the federal prison here, perhaps before Christmas.

The Department of Justice announced this week that the long-delayed $25 million womens facility at the Danbury Federal Correctional Institution is complete and will begin accepting female inmates this month, three years after they were transferred out.

Connecticuts senators, who have pressed the government and Attorney General Loretta Lynch to speed the inmates return to Danbury, praised the announcement on Thursday.

This long-awaited decision to reinstate female beds at the federal prison in Danbury is welcome news not only for the women who will be housed there, but for their families, who are now spared the grim prospect of seeing their loved ones moved thousands of miles away, Sen. Richard Blumenthal said in a prepared statement. Our nations incarceration policies should focus on keeping families together instead of needlessly tearing them apart, and on rehabilitation and not revenge.

More News The real Orange is the New Black

The Federal Bureau of Prisons transferred 1,100 women from Danbury to other states in 2013 as part of a plan to make the Pembroke Road site an all-male facility. The move provoked a backlash because Danbury is the only federal womens prison in the northeast.

The good news is that lawmakers convinced the prisons bureau to build a new facility for women in Danbury. But while the construction project dragged on, 110 women held temporarily in Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center were denied adequate recreation, medical care and treatment programs, according to a judges report.

The explanation for the substandard conditions was that the detention center was meant for prisoners awaiting sentencing and was not equipped for treatment programs or outdoor exercise. That excuse was not good enough for a group of women judges who visited the female inmates in June; they called the conditions there unconscionable.

Blumenthal and Sen. Chris Murphy pressured the government not only to hasten the completion of the womens facility in Danbury, but to provide enhanced services.

As a result, the Danbury prison will feature a state-of-the-art treatment facility for women, the government said.

[T]he Danbury facility will house BOPs first-ever integrated treatment facility for female inmates, which will feature a mental health unit and a womens residential drug abuse program, the agencys most intensive substance abuse treatment course, the justice department said in statement on Wednesday.

Murphy said Thursday the mental illness and substance abuse programs at the new womens prison in Danbury are important elements that will help inmates to go back to their families after their sentence, with less risk of being arrested again.

Securing these fully-integrated services was a priority I discussed with Attorney General Lynch and officials at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and I was proud to work alongside Senator Blumenthal to make it happen, Murphy said in a prepared statement.

The Danbury prison has had several notable inmates, including Watergate conspirator G. Gordon Liddy, and Piper Kerman, whose memoir about her 11-month stay became the basis of the Netflix series, Orange is the New Black.

The reopening of Danbury FCI is important, especially for the young children who were completely separated from their mothers during their period of incarceration, Murphy said. Keeping mothers close to their kids is the right thing to do, and it saves us money due the decreased chance of recidivism.
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DANBURY  Police have launched an internal investigation into an off-duty officers high-speed pursuit of a stolen car that led to a spectacular crash Thursday on Mountainville Road.

The driver and passenger of the fleeing car were severely injured. Wreckage from the crash was strewn across a homeowners yard and closed the road for several hours.

Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour cut short an out-of-town training program to visit the accident scene. Ridenhour said State Police would handle the crash investigation but the Danbury Police Departments internal investigation unit would review the matter as well.

The chase began around 10:30 a.m. Thursday when an off-duty officer, who police have not identified, was working at a construction site on Center Street, police said. The officer spotted a Ford Explorer police said had been reported stolen, and when he approached the vehicle to investigate, the driver sped off. The officer jumped into his own car and gave chase.

The pursuit continued for about two miles to Mountainview Road. A witness, who was driving in the opposite direction, said an SUV came at her at a really high rate of speed, lost control as it was going around a turn, crashed through a fence and a mailbox, went up a driveway, went airborne and flipped over many times.

The witness said she thought the Explorer might run into the house at 13 Mountainville Road. Debris from the Explorer littered the front yard, including a plastic cartop sign from Papa Johns pizza. A manager at the local Papa Johns said none of its employees had reported a car stolen.

Police said the male driver and a female passenger, who were not identified, were ejected from the Explorer. Officials said Thursday said their conditions were extremely serious.

The off-duty officer who pursued them was not injured, Ridenhour said.

Danbury Lt. Chris Carroccio said the officer was wearing a vest clearly identifying him as a police officer.

Troopers in at least five police cruisers from the State Police Collision, Analysis and Reconstruction Squad arrived more than two hours after the accident to begin their investigation.

Mountainville Road, a narrow and winding street in southern Danbury near Rogers Park Middle School, was shut down well into the evening from Southern Boulevard in Danbury to Reservoir Street in Bethel.

Most departments in the area have policies governing high-speed pursuits, including when to break off the chase.

Such decisions center on public safety and take into account such variables as traffic conditions, the reason for the pursuit, the number of pedestrians in the area and the proximity of schools.

Of course its not OK to evade the police, but you have to balance the potential harm to the public, John Salvatore, chief of the Monroe Police Department and vice president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, said in an interview this summer. Every situation is different.

dperrefort@newstimes.com
This story originally appeared on Esquire.

While on tour in San Francisco, Anthony Bourdain was interrupted by a protester claiming he eats dog meat. For the record, Bourdain has repeatedly and publicly drawn the line at eating dog or cat meat on his travels, despite its culinary standing in certain parts of the world. Bourdain calmly denied the accusation, saying, "I like dogs. But how much worse can they be than, like, kale?" Fair question.

The protester continued protesting, however, and Bourdain ditched (relative) politeness to say, "One more second of this and I'm going out and shooting a puppy in the fing head." The crowd went wild, which likely makes Bourdain the only person on Earth able to get people cheering over shooting a puppy in the head.

After more hecklingmostly from the crowd directed at the protesterBourdain ended with: "Thank you for your sincerely expressed opinion... Would you be kind enough now to f off?" And she did, but mostly because security made her. For his part, Bourdain continued to publicly not eat dog meatjust as he has done for years.

This story originally appeared on Esquire.
Austria passes bill to sieze Hitler's home

United States,Immigration/Law/Rights,Politics, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Vienna, Dec 1 (IANS) The internal committee of the Austrian National Council gave approval for the expropriation of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler's birth home from its current owner, media reports said.

Representatives from both parties of the coalition government as well as the Greens and NEOS parties gave their approval on Wednesday, for the bill put forward by interior minister Wolfgang Sobotka.

The decision moves government plans a step closer to make the building in Braunau am Inn in the state of Upper Austria "unrecognizable", Xinhua news agency reported.

Local media reported that the interior ministry now planned to consult both the governor of Upper Austria and the mayor of Braunau am Inn concerning the future use of the building.

The minister had already announced it would be open to plans from architectural firms as to how to transform the outward appearance of the building.

The primary goal is to prevent it from being a pilgrimage site for Neo-Nazis and the architectural changes intend to alter it from being a place of remembrance.

--IANS

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Trump discusses ties between US, Pakistan with Sharif

United States,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics,Diplomacy, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New York, Dec 1 (IANS) US President-elect Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday discussed how their countries can develop "a strong working relationship", according to Trump's transition team.

The two leaders "had a productive conversation about how the US and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future", the transition team said in a statement.

Trump told Sharif in a telephonic conversation that "he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship" with him, it added.

Although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump had spoken when Modi called him to congratulate him on his victory soon after the election results were announced, the conversation with Sharif was the first with a South Asian leader after the beginning of the transition process.

The tenor of Trump's outreach to Pakistan might surprise some who had expected him to take a strong line against Islamabad because of his criticism of that country and vehement opposition to Islamist terrorism during the campaign.

But the friendlier tone he has taken was in keeping with other assertions he made acknowledging the special risks Pakistan posed with its nuclear weapons and its "semi-stable state".

Because of that, he said in a TV interview during the campaign: "We have a little bit of a good relationship. I think I'd try and keep it."

Pakistani media reports said that during the conversation with Sharif, Trump had offered to play any role he could to help Islamabad find solutions to its problems.

Trump also told Sharif that he looked forward to visiting Pakistan and meeting him, according to Samaa News.

Last month, in an interview to The Hindustan Times, Trump had called the situation between India and Pakistan "very, very hot tinderbox" and offered to "mediate or arbitrate", if asked to.

India opposes any third party involvement in its bilateral disputes with Pakistan.

During his campaign, Trump criticised Pakistan for allowing some terrorist groups to operate from its soil.

He ridiculed President Barack Obama's administration for not being able to help the jailed doctor who helped the US track down and kill Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was sheltering in Pakistan.

After Trump's election, Islamabad's foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz said his country was willing to work with him in fighting terrorism.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)

--IANS

al/ahm/dg
First cargo train from China leaves for Karachi

Pakistan,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Business/Economy,Diplomacy, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Islamabad/Beijing, Dec 1 (IANS) China and Pakistan have launched a direct rail and sea freight service, with the first cargo train departing from Yunnan, an inland province in southwest China.

A cargo train loaded with 500 tonnes of commodities left Kunming, capital of Yunnan, for Karachi on Wednesday, marking the opening of the new route, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

"The route helps locals businesses connect with the world market," a representative from the New Silk Road Yunnan Limited said.

The new rail, sea freight will cut logistics cost, including that of transport, by 50 per cent compared to past services, the news agency reported.

The service is part of China's Maritime Silk Road initiative, of which the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project is an extension.

Pakistan and China kicked off first trade activities under CPEC in October as over a hundred Chinese containers arrived at the Sust port in Hunza, following clearance from customs. The containers were headed to Gwadar sea port, in Balochistan province of Pakistan.

--IANS

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Khaleda Zia ordered to appear in court

Bangladesh,Immigration/Law/Rights,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

Dhaka, Dec 1 (IANS) A court in Dhaka on Thursday ordered ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to appear before it on January 9.

In line with the order issued by Judge Kamrul Hossain Mollah of Metropolitan Sessions Judges Court, Zia's bail will be cancelled if she fails to appear before the court on that day, Xinhua reported.

Zainul Abedin Meshbah, a counsel for Khaleda, told reporters that December 1 was fixed for framing charges against Zia, also chairperson of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in nine cases filed under explosives control act and special powers act and one for treason.

"Madam (Khaleda Zia) could not attend the court in these cases as she had to appear before another court today," said Mesbah.

Against this backdrop, Judge Hossain ordered Zia to appear before the court on January 9.

Zia appeared before Judge Abu Ahmed Jomader of the Special Judge Court-3 on Thursday and placed her self-defence statement in two trust graft cases.

Zia and five others, including her elder son Tarique Rahman, were accused of embezzling over 20 million taka ($253,164) from an orphanage trust during her 2001-2006 tenure.

In 2011, the anti-graft body sued Khaleda and three others for pocketing 31.5 million taka ($397,435) of the Zia Charitable Trust in the name of her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.

--IANS

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Minister hails BSF on Raising Day

Delhi,National,Politics,Defence/Security, Thu, 01 Dec 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) The BSF showed "tremendous bravery" in foiling numerous infiltration bids and responding effectively to ceasefire violations by Pakistan at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Hansraj Ahir said on Thursday.

Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir was the chief guest at the Raising Day celebrations of the force held at BSF campus, Chhawla.

The Border Security Force, with around 2,50,000 personnel, is considered the world's largest guard force and completed 51 years of its existence on December 1. The force is responsible for securing Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders.

Assuring government support, the Minister said: "Finding solution for the challenges faced by you is our first priority."

He praised the BSF for celebrating 2016 as the 'Divyang Yodha Varsh' or disabled soldier year.

The celebration for the Raising Day was marked by a parade by BSF troops from different frontiers including a women contingent. The parade was led by Commandant Ashwini K. Singh.

The highlight of the day was the Malkhamb display by the soldiers from Maharashtra.

The Minister also inaugurated a Divyang skill development centre at the BSF Camp. The centre will provide training to the disabled soldiers for alternative living.

The event saw five BSF men, including two officers, being awarded the President's Police Medal for Gallantry.

--IANS

rs/lok/bg
Thai crown prince formally proclaimed king

Thailand,Politics, Fri, 02 Dec 2016 IANS

Bangkok, Dec 2 (IANS) Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was formally proclaimed king in a televised ceremony, two days after the Parliament invited him to ascend to the throne following the death of his father Rama IX, media reports said.

"In accordance with the Palace Law and the constitution, I accept the invitation (to become king) for the sake of (the late King) His Majesty and for all the Thai people," Xinhua news agency quoted Vajiralongkorn as saying in a televised statement.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's said "we have a new king now" in his televised address following the proclamation.

The Crown Prince will now assume the regal name 'Rama X'.

Since Vajiralongkorn accepted the invitation, he will now assume the regal name 'Rama X', or the 10th king of the Chakri dynasty founded in 1782.

He succeeds his father, revered late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died aged 88 on October 13.

King Vajiralongkorn's formal coronation will not happen before his father's royal cremation later in 2017.

Born on July 28, 1952 in Bangkok, the 64-year-old king is the second of four children of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, and their only son.

In 1972, Vajiralongkorn was designated as crown prince by his father at the age of 20.

He started primary education in 1956 and then went to the United Kingdom and Australia for further education before undergoing military training in Austria for several years.

According to his official biography, King Vajiralongkorn is a qualified helicopter and fighter pilot. He holds high ranks in the Thai defence forces.

--IANS

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Won't run for re-election as president, says Hollande

France,Politics, Fri, 02 Dec 2016 IANS

Paris, Dec 2 (IANS) French President Francois Hollande said that he would not be putting forward his candidacy to run for re-election in 2017, media reports said.

"Power has never caused me to lose my clarity. Thus, I am aware of the risks I would run in a candidacy that would not rally support. I have decided, therefore, not to be a candidate in the presidential election," he said in a 10-minute televised speech on Thursday.

Hollande, 62, becomes the first French head of state to renounce a chance at re-election, Efe news agency reported.

Hollande offered a defence of his administration, one of France's least popular governments in decades, while decrying protectionism and other proposals of the populist right.

The President's surprise announcement came on the first day to register as a candidate in the Socialist primary.

Representing the party's left wing, former Economy Minister Arnaud Montebourg has already announced his candidacy and Hollande's decision clears the way for Prime Minister Manuel Valls to enter the race.

Polls showed Hollande trailing not only conservative candidate Francois Fillon, but also Marine Le Pen, the standard-bearer of the rightist National Front, as well as leftist hopefuls Emmanuel Macron and Jean-Luc Melenchon.

--IANS

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TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - A delegation of representatives from Toronto's Centennial College is in South Korea with the Ontario Business Mission to strengthen relationships with post-secondary education institutions and help promote Ontario, Canada, as a destination for students who wish to gain transnational skills and rewarding experiences in globalization.

Centennial hosted more than 860 students from South Korea at its four campuses in Toronto last year, and the Asian country is ranked as the third-largest source of international students for Centennial College. One of the college's biggest draws is its Aircraft Technician - Avionics program, which will expand significantly when Centennial opens its $72-million Aerospace Campus adjacent to Bombardier's Toronto manufacturing facility, where it assembles business jets.

Centennial College already enjoys a strong bond with numerous institutions in South Korean, including Yeongnam University, SNUST, Kwangwoon University, Kunkuk University, Induk University, Incheon University, Hanyang Women's University, Gyunggi University, Gacheon University, Duksung Women's University, Dongguk University, Donggang University, Danguk University, Chonbuk University, Chengju University and the Agricultural University.

In addition to strong ties with South Korean universities, the Canadian college opened its Samsung Tech Institute last year, the first such facility in North America. Students earn a unique qualification from Samsung Electronics Canada, which allows them to work as certified Samsung product technicians in the industry.

"Centennial College greatly values the partnerships it has forged with universities and corporations in South Korea, and looks forward to many more opportunities in the future," says Ann Buller, President and CEO of Centennial College. "Students have been enriched by the experiences they have had in Toronto  the world's most diverse city  and I'm delighted to say we are bringing Canadian students to Korea."

Recognized as a leader in international education, Centennial received two gold awards of excellence for internationalization, bestowed by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges and the Canadian Bureau for International Education. Last week, Centennial College won an Ontario Export Award for Services. Approximately one-quarter of Ontario's international students attend Centennial College, generating about $180 million for the local economy.

About Centennial College

Established in 1966, Centennial College is Ontario's first public college primarily serving the eastern portion of the Greater Toronto Area through four campuses.

It has a record of exemplary teaching, innovative programming and extensive partnership building. With enrolments of 20,000 full-time students and 20,000 part-time learners, Centennial is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse post-secondary institutions in Canada. It offers more than 250 diploma, certificate and degree programs in business, media, community and consumer services, engineering technology, health care and transportation.

Website: www.centennialcollege.ca

SOURCE Centennial College

For further information: For international media inquiries please contact: Virginia Macchiavello, Executive Director, International Education, Centennial College, [email protected]; Jin Li, Director, International Education, Recruitment & Special Projects, Centennial College, Telephone 18210861062; [email protected]; Media contact (Canada): Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, Centennial College, 416-289-5000 ext. 7142, [email protected]
Ridership up 5.5%

Passenger Revenues up 10.3%

Capacity up by 9%

MONTREAL, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Continuing on its upward trend, VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) welcomed 56,000 more passengers from July to September 2016 than the same period last year, up by 5.5%. It also grew its revenues for a 10th consecutive quarter. Passenger revenues have increased by 10.3% during the third quarter of 2016. As a result, the Corporation reduced its requirement for government funding for the quarter, compared to the same quarter last year.

"As more travellers are making the smart choice of trading their cars for the safety, comfort and environmental benefits of our trains, we are now in a position to optimistically plan for the long term," said VIA Rail's President and CEO, Yves Desjardins-Siciliano. "This summer, during the months of July and August, we broke performance records and hit record highs for ridership growth, while across the Corporation we benefited from a more engaged workforce, and to top it off, we celebrated landmark station anniversaries. Ottawa station turned 50 in July, and in August, Gare du Palais, our heritage station in Quebec City celebrated its centennial. Milestones like these give us a chance to reflect on how far our company has come and the positive impact we can continue to have on the environmental and economic future of our country."

Why don't you take the train?

On September 2, VIA Rail launched a new marketing campaign. Its objective: to get people to question their own travel habits. The campaign asks one simple question: "Why don't you take the train?" The campaign encourages Canadians residing in the Quebec City  Windsor corridor, with a touch of humour, to pause and reevaluate their habits, and the accompanying website dispels some common myths about train travel, like cost and travel time.

Third Quarter 2016 highlights

Capital investments

Launch of a $20 million renovation project at Ottawa station

renovation project at Ottawa station Announcement of a $34 million federal infrastructure funding allocation for the improvement of two VIA Rail maintenance centres and of various VIA Rail stations along the Quebec City-Windsor corridor

Service improvements

Launch of VIA Rail's enhanced partnership with Maritime Bus adding 47 destinations to the VIA Rail service offering

Addition of Discount Car Rental kiosks and cars to Belleville , Cobourg , Moncton, and Windsor stations

, , Moncton, and Windsor stations New table extensions for Business class passengers

Enhancements to the Canadian service's Prestige class experience

Be an employer of choice





Employee engagement survey achieves a 71 per cent participation rate, surpassing last year's participation rate of 63 per cent. The engagement level also increased to 57 per cent, a 6 percentage point improvement in employee engagement compared to the second quarter of 2015, when the previous survey was conducted.

Improved communications and document management tool for Locomotive Engineers following the deployment of tablets to replace paper copies of the necessary operating and regulatory documents

Recognitions

Yves Desjardins-Siciliano , the President and CEO of VIA Rail, honoured by Women and Boards, a non-for-profit organization that supports the advancement of women in corporate governance.

VIA Rail's 2016 third quarter report is available to download at: viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail/governance-and-reports/quarterly-reports

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail ( viarail.ca ) and its 2,600 employees are mandated to provide safe, efficient and economical passenger transportation service, in both official languages of our country. VIA Rail operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking over 400 communities across Canada, and about 180 more communities through intermodal partnerships, and safely transports nearly four million passengers annually. The Corporation was awarded seven Safety Awards by the Railway Association of Canada over the last eight years. For more information, visit: www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail.

Stay connected with VIA Rail

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VIA : The Blog

SOURCE VIA Rail Canada Inc.

For further information: Mariam Diaby, Senior Advisor, Public Relations, VIA Rail Canada, 514 871-6010, 1 877 393-8787, [email protected], [email protected]
for the Quarter ended 30 September 2016, in US dollars

EASTAMPTON, NJ, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Epicore BioNetworks Inc. (TSXV EBN) reported first quarter revenue of $2.5 million and net income of $0.2 million or $0.009 per share for the period ended September 30, 2016.

(LOGO: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444112LOGO)

First quarter revenue was 20% higher than last year's Q1. Net income was the same as last year. Shrimp diseases such as Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) and a new microsporidian disease called enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) affected several Southeast Asian (SEA) producing regions. In SEA, low prices combined with the risk of disease have resulted in a curtailment in shrimp stocking. Despite this situation, sales resumed to Vietnam and increased in Indonesia and India. Sales were especially strong to newer sales areas like Australia and Singapore and to Africa.

Results versus prior fiscal year quarter one were as follows:

Revenue increased by 20% to $2.5 million

Gross profit increased by 12% to $1.4 million

Operating expenses increased by 5% to $0.9 million

Income before taxes increased 23% to $0.4 million

Net income remained at $0.2 million

EBITDA 1 increased 15% to $0.5 million

increased 15% to Achieved basic earnings per share of $0.009

Increased shareholders' equity to $9.7 million

Year-over-year cash increased 35% to $3.7 million

Year-to-date cash flow from operations of $0.3 million

Gross profit increased 12% in Q1 due to the increase in revenues.

Operating expense increased by 5%.

Higher revenues with relatively higher COGS expenses and a modest increase in operational expense combined to produce earnings on par with Q1 earnings prior year. Taxes were $0.2 compared to prior year's $0.1 because of the lack of equipment tax credits. The following table summarizes the Q1 results (rounded to thousands of US dollars):



For the Quarter ended September 30

2016 2015 Increase (Decrease) Revenue $2,488 $2,079 $409 20% Gross profit $1,389 $1,235 $154 12% Operating expenses $941 $893 $48 5% Net income $230 $231 $(1) - Earnings per share $0.009 $0.009 - - Shareholders' equity $9,653 $8,407 $1,246 15% Cash balance $3,720 $2,753 $967 35%

Epicore continues to generate positive net income from operating activities. In fiscal 2016, working capital increases and investments in plant and equipment decreased cash balances but by Q1 the majority of planned capital spending is completed. Cash at the end of the quarter was $3.7million versus $3.4 million at the end of fiscal 2016.With these funds, expected sales revenue growth and continued relatively low operating costs, management expects there will be sufficient cash to meet the fiscal year's financial requirements, to fund expansion of aquaculture and environmental remediation marketing efforts and to pursue new strategies for enhancing shareholder value.

Over the last two years, Epicore has invested materially in a second building and automated packaging equipment. This added space is critical to our ability to increase production levels. All automated packaging equipment was in place and operational in Q1. The board has approved an ongoing capital program to enhance efficiencies and ensure redundancies in critical applications of our operations.

The financial statements of the company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Epicore BioNetworks Inc. is a public corporation with a registered office in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and with shares listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (symbol EBN). [Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.]

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties. The actual results, performance or achievements of the company might differ materially from the results, performance or achievements of the company expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those regarding the future growth of the Company, that investments now in place and planned for new plant and equipment will result in production efficiencies and increased capacities and the expectation by management that there will be sufficient cash to meet the fiscal year's financial requirements. We can provide no assurance that the expected timing or results of such development will be realized or that the company will be able to generate sufficient cash to meet its obligations. We are subject to various risks, including the uncertainties of product development, markets for our products and regulatory review, our need for additional capital to fund our operations, our reliance on collaborative partners, our history of losses, and other risks inherent in the biotechnology industry.

1EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. For the Company, It is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Management believes that EBITDA is a better indicator of operational performance than net income because it ignores interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

SOURCE Epicore BioNetworks Inc.

Image with caption: "Epicore BioNetworks Inc. (CNW Group/Epicore BioNetworks Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161130_C2175_PHOTO_EN_828426.jpg

For further information: Mr. William P. Long (Chief Executive Officer) USA. Tel: 609-267-9118, Email: [email protected]
Growth attributed to delivery of tailored solutions

TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2016 /CNW/ -- OnX Canada, a part of the leading global technology services and solutions company OnX Enterprise Solutions, saw revenue growth of 19% in fiscal Q2 that ended on Oct. 31 and 20% year over year (YOY) growth for first half of FY 2017. This growth is consistent with the strong performance OnX Canada reported in FY 2016, which saw 19% growth.

OnX attributed its continued growth in Canada to its outcome-oriented approach with clients. OnX collaborates closely with clients to fully understand their challenges and environments, then custom builds and delivers solutions that accelerate clients' business success.

"It's no surprise that OnX Canada is delivering double-digit growth. When we bring our thought leadership, technical talent and range of comprehensive services portfolio to the table and collaborate with clients to address their challenges, we consistently succeed," said Tom Signorello, CEO, OnX Enterprise Solutions. "Our long-standing relationships with clients are testament to the value they place on our client-first approach."

Recently, OnX has successfully collaborated with a number of clients in the Canadian market, particularly in the Atlantic region, to deliver data protection services, including disaster recovery and data backup to the public cloud. OnX also has helped clients improve efficiency and outcomes by providing turnkey managed security and digital experience and application services.

One of the most successful collaborations has been with the city of Mount Pearl in Newfoundland and Labrador. OnX has provided the city with IT solutions for more than 10 years, but recently designed and implemented a Disaster Recovery (DR) solution to protect municipal IT operations and continuity.

"The ability to fix the problem, while articulating the solution in an understandable manner, is the value that OnX brings to the City of Mount Pearl. When a DR strategy was required, OnX was there to bring the experience and best practices to meet our business requirements," said Rick Dunphy, IT Manager, City of Mount Pearl.

"We're proud of our long, successful collaboration with Mount Pearl," said Paul Khawaja, President, OnX Canada. "We are seeing an increasing number of similar opportunities in Atlantic Canada and are excited to invest in this region to ensure we help more clients leverage technology and services to improve their outcomes. We succeed when our clients succeed, and our growth is proof that we are on track."

OnX began serving Atlantic Canada in early 2011 and grew quickly as it added Professional Services and Managed Services offerings. It has more than 30 full-time and contractor staff and offices in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. It successfully delivered more than 100 projects last year and continues to grow. OnX has doubled its revenues and profits in the region annually since 2011 with an average growth rate of 160% year over year.

To learn more about OnX and the solutions it provides, visit www.OnX.com.

About OnX Enterprise Solutions

OnX Enterprise Solutions is a leading technology service and solution provider. The company assesses, designs, builds, secures and manages complete technology environments with specific expertise in cloud and managed services, digital application services and infrastructure solutions. For more than 30 years, OnX has helped clients overcome business challenges and achieve exceptional business results through technology. OnX's team of more than 600 IT professionals work at OnX offices throughout North America and in the U.K., with global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, and U.S. headquarters in New York, N.Y. For more information about OnX and career opportunities, visit www.OnX.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150120/170196LOGO

SOURCE OnX Enterprise Solutions

For further information: For more information, contact: Gayle Pekkola, Vice President of Marketing, OnX Enterprise Solutions, (440) 569-2348, http://www.onx.com
OTTAWA, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Parks Canada presented the Parks Canada National Cultural Tourism Award to Fort William Historical Park at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) Congress held in Gatineau, Quebec. This award recognizes Fort William Historical Park's commitment to visitor satisfaction, its vital role as a regional economic promoter, and for its social impact and legacy in the community.

Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is named as the "world's largest fur trading post" with 57 heritage and modern buildings on 250 acres. This national historical site is devoted to re-creating the days of the North West Company and the Canadian fur trade as life existed in 1815 with costumed guides. Aside from its historical programming, Fort William Historical Park also offers a variety of programs including overnight experiences, education programs, artisan workshops, conferences, banquets, festivals, and recreational opportunities.

The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by TIAC to recognize success, leadership, and innovation in Canada's tourism industry, and to reward those people, places, organizations, and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences.

As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, Parks Canada invites Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our heritage in 2017. Canada's national parks and national historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

Quick Facts

Fort William Historical Park (formerly known as Old Fort William) was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1923 and is managed by the Government of Ontario . It opened to the public on July 3rd, 1973 .

in 1923 and is managed by the Government of . It opened to the public on . As one of Northern Ontario's premier tourism attraction, it has won many awards for its programming including Trip Advisor's 2014 certificate of excellence

premier tourism attraction, it has won many awards for its programming including Trip Advisor's 2014 certificate of excellence The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is the only national organization representing the full cross-section of Canada's $90 billion tourism industry.

(TIAC) is the only national organization representing the full cross-section of tourism industry. The National Cultural Tourism Award recognizes a cultural organization that has demonstrated a commitment to the development and promotion of authentic, innovative, and enriched cultural tourism visitor experiences, or a tourism organization that has demonstrated a commitment to culture as a key aspect of encouraging and promoting tourism growth in their region.

recognizes a cultural organization that has demonstrated a commitment to the development and promotion of authentic, innovative, and enriched cultural tourism visitor experiences, or a tourism organization that has demonstrated a commitment to culture as a key aspect of encouraging and promoting tourism growth in their region. Parks Canada is the largest provider of historic and natural heritage tourism in Canada , and manages a network of 46 national parks, 171 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas.

Quote

"Parks Canada and its team members are custodians of Canada's treasure chest of irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage, and we are pleased to recognize Fort William Historical Park as an important and vibrant part of Ontario's and Canada's cultural richness. Parks Canada is proud to be part of Canada's tourism industry; together we help Canadians celebrate and protect their national treasures, build Canada's reputation as a destination of choice for visitors from around the world, and grow opportunities for sustainable local economies."

Daniel Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

Associated Links

2016 Canadian Tourism Awards

Parks Canada

Fort William Historical Park

SOURCE Parks Canada

For further information: Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected]
Polar plunger prescriptions from the "Courage doctors"

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - With one month to go before dip day, Todd "Dr. Freeze" Courage and Trent "Dr. Thaw" Courage, co-founders of Canada's largest charity polar bear plunge, have released the helpful "5 Training Tips for Polar Bear dips" guide for dippers old and new.

Dip Tip #1: CHILLAX! Don't overthink it, just do it. It's brisk with minimal risk. It's a chance to be a superstar to friends and family and a champion for children at the same time. That's all you need to think about --- so long as a real doctor gives you the thumbs up.

Dip Tip #2: CHOOSE YOUR CHILL. Are you the type to dive right in? Or more of a slow descent? You need to answer that age-old question in advance, not on dip day as you approach the frigid shoreline.

Dip Tip #3: PRACTICE YOUR SCREAM. Sudden exposure to wintry waters can lead to involuntary expletives. Remember this is a family event. Practice screaming in an age-appropriate way. Suggestions might include: "Oh FUDGE! Fudge! Fudge! Fudge!" or "Oh SUGAR! Sugar! Sugar! Sugar!" Practice makes perfect.

Dip Tip #4: WARM YOUR HEART. For many it takes more courage to ask for donations from loved ones than it takes to actually turn yourself into an iced latte. Don't be shy, it's for a very worthy cause.

Dip Tip #5: TAKE BABY PENGUIN STEPS. Polar preppers should slowly build their tolerance to Arctic conditions. Take colder and colder showers and brave the "icy cask of courage" by submerging your feet into a bucket of ice water. You'll turn dip day into a piece of ice cream cake!

QUOTES:

"I received my Canadian passport 15 years ago, but I won't truly be a Canadian until I complete this rite of passage. As a first time dipper, I don't really know what to expect, but I do know that a quick plunge into freezing cold water is worth it, if it means providing clean water for children in Africa. The kids we meet through World Vision endure much worse, and their struggles last longer than just a few minutes."

-First-time dipper Eric Frans, Vice-President, Vision Partners, World Vision Canada

"There really is no better way to celebrate "Canada 150". What could possibly be more Canadian than jumping into icy water on New Year's Day for a great cause? There's going to be wave after wave of Canucks wearing red & white or wearing some true Canadian costumes. You really don't want to miss this. It'll be one of those experiences people tell the grandkids about."

-Todd & Trent Courage, co-founders, Courage Polar Bear Dip for World Vision.

QUICK FACTS:

This year's event will be an extra special celebration of Canada's 150 th birthday with a wave of nearly 1000 dippers encouraged to wear red & white or classic Canadian costumes

150 birthday with a wave of nearly 1000 dippers encouraged to wear red & white or classic Canadian costumes The Courage Polar Bear Dip for World Vison is the largest charity dip in Canada

Todd and Trent Courage founded the Courage Polar Bear Dip as teenagers, 32-years ago

founded the Courage Polar Bear Dip as teenagers, 32-years ago The Dip has raised more than $1.4 million for vital World Vision clean water projects. This year funds raised will go towards water projects in Rwanda , Ghana , Mali and Tanzania

MORE INFO:

Courage Polar Bear Dip photos: HERE

Web links: www.polarbeardip.ca; http://www.worldvision.ca

Social media: @PolarBearDip; #PolarBearDip

World Vision is a relief, development, and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

SOURCE World Vision Canada

Image with caption: "The Courage Polar Bear Dip for World Vision will celebrate Canadas 150th birthday, featuring waves of dippers wearing red & white and classic Canadian costumes. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161201_C8156_PHOTO_EN_829383.jpg

For further information: For interviews contact: Brett Tarver - 647-825-2712 or [email protected]; Rachel Schrader - 289-208-5418 or [email protected]
IS JEB BUSH PICKING TRUMP'S KEY LEADERSHIP PICKS? By Chuck Baldwin

December 1, 2016

NewsWithViews.com Conservatives and Christians who supported Donald Trump need to wake up to the reality that the election is over. The Wicked Witch of the West, Hillary Clinton, lost, and their guy won. What that amounts to is, campaign rhetoric means absolutely NOTHING now. Donald Trump is the President-Elect. From this moment on, we must stop judging Trump on his rhetoric and start judging him on his actions. And the man is busy right now putting his presidential administration together. These are the men and women that are going to be in control of trillions of taxpayer dollars and are going to have their own gigantic sphere of authority and influence over our lives. The kind of people Donald Trump selects for these key leadership posts speaks volumes about the kind of administration he will have. And it is on this exact point that conservatives and Christians greatly contribute to the demise of our liberties: when a Republican is elected President, they tend to go to sleep and refuse to hold the President accountable for his unconstitutional, big-government, neocon decisions and policies. And speaking of going to sleep, did I miss something? I thought Donald Trump, not Jeb Bush, won the election. But looking over the list of people that have been selected to serve in the new administration, I see mostly establishment insiders. The vast majority of people selected by Trump could easily have been (and probably would have been) selected by Jeb Bush. In fact, Trumps newly formed administration is shaping up to be an almost carbon copy of the ultimate neocon administrations of George Bush Sr. and Jr. In other words, the people Trump is appointing have track records that are completely contrary to what Trump told us he was going to do when he was elected President. Lets review what we have so far:  Attorney General: Senator Jeff Sessions Sessions is good on immigration and other issues, but he is terrible on Fourth Amendment issues. From TechDirt.com: He's a huge supporter of increased surveillance, and not a fan of civil liberties. Going back a decade ago, Sessions very publicly supported President George W. Bushs surveillance programs that included warrantless wiretapping of Americans. . . .Just this year, Sessions spoke out against encryption on mobile phones in discussing the legal fights between Apple and the FBI. He's also spoken out vehemently against NSA reform that limits surveillance, complaining about the very modest changes in the USA Freedom Act. On top of that, just recently, Sessions tried to massively expand the surveillance powers of the Justice Department, in an amendment he tried to attach to ECPA (Electronic Communications Privacy Act) Reform. We've been calling for ECPA Reform for many, many years, but to stop warrantless surveillance and data collection. But Sessions' plan was to make it even easier for law enforcement to get data, so long as they declared it was an emergency. See the report: Trump's Picks For AG & CIA Happy To Undermine Civil Liberties, Increase Surveillance  Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): Congressman Mike Pompeo This man is an absolute disaster! He is a major proponent of the surveillance society; he supports unlimited government spying on American citizens. He supports the indefinite detention sections of the NDAA that authorize federal agents or military troops to seize American citizens and hold them indefinitely without a warrant, without providing the person seized with an attorney, and without even the right of Habeas Corpus. He calls government whistleblower Edward Snowden a traitor who should be executed. The Police State has no better friend than Congressman Mike Pompeo. (See the TechDirt.com report above.)  National Security Adviser: General Michael Flynn Flynn is a rabid supporter of the global war on terror. He will enthusiastically expand the global war on terror to levels never before seen. He has totally bought into the anti-Muslim hysteria that has swept through the conservative, Christian, and Republican worlds. It is anti-Muslim hysteria--created by our own CIA, the Israeli Mossad, British MI6, Wahhabi terrorists from Saudi Arabia (most of whom couldnt even find Mecca on a map), and professional agitators from Turkey--which the neocon establishment uses to foment all of these endless wars of aggression that Trump said he opposes on the campaign trail. If Mr. Trump truly wanted to put an end to the perpetual war doctrine created by the Bush family, he would never have chosen General Flynn. Personal Adviser: Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner Jared is the son of Zionist billionaire Charles Kushner, who is a convicted criminal and, I suspect, an integral part of the Jewish mafia. The establishment media is now promoting the idea that it was Jared Kushner who masterminded Trumps election victory. This is a 35-year-old young man that nobody even heard of before election night. Now, Kushner is on the front cover and is the center of the featured article of the current edition of the very influential Forbes Magazine. Let me quote a little bit from this article in Forbes. The title of the article is How Jared Kushner Won Trump The White House. Winners will emerge shortly. But todays focus is on the biggest loser: New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who has just been fired from his role leading the transition, along with most the people associated with him. The episode is being characterized as a knife fight that ends in a Stalinesque purge. The most compelling figure in this intrigue, however, wasnt in Trump Tower. Jared Kushner was three blocks south, high up in his own skyscraper, at 666 Fifth Avenue, where he oversees his familys Kushner Companies real estate empire. . . . The speculation was well-founded, given the storys Shakespearean twist: As a U.S. attorney in 2005, Christie jailed Kushners father on tax evasion, election fraud and witness tampering charges. Revenge theories aside, the buzz around Kushner was directional and indicative. A year ago he had zero experience in politics and about as much interest in it. Suddenly he sits at its global center. Whether he plunged the dagger into Christie . . . is less important than the fact that he easily could have. And that power comes well-earned. See the article: Exclusive Interview: How Jared Kushner Won Trump The White House I suggest that anyone who thinks that the Kushner Empires world headquarters address is mere coincidence is truly not paying attention to how New World Order mystics operate. Numerology may not be a big deal to you, but it is a big deal to THEM. Kushner is a major player in the Zionist/Neocon agenda. And in all likelihood, this young man will be the most influential adviser that Trump will have. NOT GOOD.  Ambassador to The United Nations: South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley Haley was a strong critic of Donald Trump throughout the campaign. She was an avid supporter of neocon globalist Marco Rubio. As governor of South Carolina, she has zero experience in international affairs. The only experience Haley has in international affairs is when she eats breakfast at the International House of Pancakes. Why, then, would Trump select her as Ambassador to the U.N.? The senior senator from South Carolina gave us the answer. High-level neocon globalist Lindsey Graham said that Haley is a strong supporter of Israel, adding that her presence at the U.N. will be reassuring to all of those who are concerned about the increasing hostility of the United Nations toward Israel. (Egad! The United Nations was instrumental in creating the modern State of Israel.) In other words, Nikki Haley is there to promote the interests of Israel--NOT the interests of the United States. Im sure we can already thank Jared Kushner for this appointment.  Secretary of Education: Betsy DeVos On the campaign trail, Donald Trump was emphatic in his opposition to the Department of Education curriculum known as Common Core. Well, ladies and gentlemen, Betsy DeVos is a longstanding advocate of Common Core. Breitbart.com has the report: President-elect Donald Trumps transition team announces the choice of Common Core and charter school supporter Betsy DeVos as U.S. Secretary of Education. Anti-Common Core grassroots groups of parents and teachers urged Trump to abandon DeVos as his choice, citing her support for the education reform policies of pro-Common Core Jeb Bush and her influence through the Great Lakes Education Project (GLEP) in favor of Common Core. DeVos, whose family founded Amway, was an at-large delegate for pro-Common Core Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Kasich received a grade of F at The Pulse 2016 for his support of the controversial standards. Frank Cannon, president of American Principles Project, said in a statement prior to the announcement of DeVos nomination: President-elect Trump rightly slammed Governor Jeb Bush for his support of Common Core on the campaign trail. Betsy DeVos would be a very Jeb-like pick, and the idea that Trump would appoint a Common Core apologist as Secretary of Education seems unlikely. See the report: Donald Trump Announces Pro-Common Core Betsy DeVos As Education Secretary Obviously, Frank Cannon thought he knew Donald Trump better than he does, because Trump did indeed select Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. All of her current backpedaling aside, she is a TERRIBLE appointee to be trusted with the anti-Common Core agenda promised by Trump on the campaign trail. Of course, Jeb Bush gave Trump high praise for selecting DeVos. On November 22, I said this on my Facebook page: "Folks, from this point onward, keep an eye out for how many CFR members Trump appoints. Over the past several decades, both Democrat and GOP administrations have been littered with CFR members. This is one of the BIGGEST reasons that nothing much changes regardless of which person is elected president." See and Like my Facebook page. Well, folks, it didnt take long for Donald Trump to join his presidential predecessors from both parties and start appointing members of the globalist agenda-driven Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) to his administration.  Deputy National Security Adviser: K. T. McFarland McFarland is CFR. AND THE CFR IS THE SWAMP! Let me remind readers of what Rear Admiral Chester Ward warned about the CFR. Admiral Ward was the Judge Advocate General of the Navy from 1956-1960 and a former member of the CFR who pulled out after realizing what they were all about. He warned the American people about the dangers of this and similar organizations (such as the Trilateral Commission). Admiral Ward said, The most powerful clique in these elitist groups have one objective in common--they want to bring about the surrender of the sovereignty and the national independence of the United States. A second clique of international members in the CFR . . . comprises the Wall Street international bankers and their key agents. Primarily, they want the world banking monopoly from whatever power ends up in the control of global government. Admiral Ward also said, The main purpose of the Council on Foreign Relations is promoting the disarmament of U.S. sovereignty and national independence and submergence into an all powerful, one world government. Plus, the short list for Trumps selection to the office of Secretary of State are said to be Rudy Giuliani, John Bolton, Mitt Romney, and General David Petraeus. Each of these men is totally and thoroughly an establishment neocon. And if Trump picks Petraeus, it will be another CFR member picked by Trump. Besides being a globalist CFR member, Petraeus is an anti-Second Amendment gun-grabber and convicted criminal. Petraeus hates guns so much that he teamed up with anti-gun leader Mark Kelly and his wife, Gabrielle Giffords, to co-found the Veterans Coalition for Common Sense, an anti-gun organization devoted to "do[ing] more to prevent gun tragedies" by "urging lawmakers to toughen gun laws." (Source: Gun Owners of America) Petraeus was convicted (and pled guilty) to sharing classified information with his lover, Paula Broadwell. He was fined $100,000 and sentenced to two years on probation. On the campaign trail, Trump used Petraeus as an example of the kind of carelessness and criminality that Hillary Clinton was guilty of as Secretary of State. During the campaign, Trump said that Hillary has to go to jail for what she did. Is Trump really going to turn around and appoint a CFR globalist and a man who was convicted of the same kind of crimes that he accused Hillary Clinton of committing to the very same office? God help us if he does. Its bad enough already. Senator Rand Paul has hinted that he will oppose the nomination of David Petraeus should Trump appoint him. Good for Rand!  Secretary of Transportation: Elaine Chao Chao is another longstanding CFR member. She served in the cabinets of both G.H.W. Bush and G.W. Bush. She is a high-level neocon and globalist. She is a horrible pick! She is also the wife of the Senate Majority Leader, neocon Mitch McConnell. Gee! Why is that not surprising?  Secretary of The Treasury: Steven Mnuchin Talk about a globalist banking elite: no one personifies it more than Mnuchin. He was an Investment Professional with Soros Fund Management LLC and spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs. No single individual is more responsible for the attempted surrender of the United States to global government than George Soros. And no institution on the planet has done more to promote globalism than Goldman. When Mnuchin is confirmed as Treasury Secretary (and he will be), he will be the third Goldman alumnus to hold that position. The other two are Henry Paulson under President G.W. Bush and Robert Rubin under President Bill Clinton. Goldman, JP Morgan, Rothschild, Warburg, Lehman Brothers, Lazard Brothers, Israel Moses Seif, Rockefeller, and Kuhn Loeb control the Federal Reserve; and no institution on the planet is more responsible for the surrender of U.S. sovereignty and independence than the Federal Reserve. Talk about a swamp: the Federal Reserve bankers are the ones who are most financially responsible for filling the swamp. For Donald Trump to say he intends to drain the swamp and to then appoint a Goldman-Sachs partner as Secretary of the Treasury is the height of either simplicity or duplicity. Either way, its BAD for America. If Trump truly wanted to drain the swamp, he would have appointed Ron Paul as Secretary of the Treasury.  Secretary of Commerce: Wilbur Ross Here we go again! Ross worked for Rothschild for twenty-four years. When Trumps three casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, were going bankrupt, it was Wilbur Ross who stepped in and fronted the monies needed to keep them afloat and rebuild his business. Ross also served under President Bill Clinton on the board of the U.S.-Russia Investment Fund. As I said at the beginning of this column: conservatives and Christians who supported Donald Trump need to wake up to the reality that the election is over. Hillary Clinton lost, and their guy won. What that amounts to is, campaign rhetoric means absolutely NOTHING now. Donald Trump is the President-Elect. From this moment on, we must stop judging Trump on his rhetoric and start judging him on his actions. And the man is busy right now putting his presidential administration together. These are the men and women that are going to be in control of trillions of taxpayer dollars and are going to have their own gigantic sphere of authority and influence over our lives. The kind of people Donald Trump selects for these key leadership posts speaks volumes about the kind of administration he will have. And it is on this exact point that conservatives and Christians greatly contribute to the demise of our liberties: when a Republican is elected President, they tend to go to sleep and refuse to hold the President accountable for his unconstitutional, big-government, neocon decisions and policies. What I am seeing right now is another G.W. Bush administration developing. The vast majority of Trumps appointments so far could easily have been selected by either Bush, either Clinton, or Barack Obama. They are the same establishment insiders that have been running the federal government for decades. Even perceived outsider Steve Bannon is a Goldman-Sachs alumnus, so I am very skeptical of exactly what he will bring to the table. And the reason that Republican administrations generally do so much more damage to our liberties than Democratic ones is because once they are in office, they have no meaningful opposition. Christians and conservatives lie down and go to sleep. But if they go to sleep on Donald Trump, they may wake up in an enslaved country. Accordingly, I call on Alex Jones to be honestly objective about Donald Trump. I call on Steve Quayle to be honestly objective about Donald Trump. I call on Bradlee Dean to be honestly objective about Donald Trump. I call on Joseph Farah to be honestly objective about Donald Trump. I call on Ann Coulter to be honestly objective about Donald Trump. I call on the writers on NewsWithViews.com (most of whom I hold in high regard) to be honestly objective about Donald Trump. The fact is, we owe Donald Trump NOTHING. He owes us his fidelity to constitutional government. Therefore, as radio hosts, writers, and opinion makers in the alt-media, we owe it to our country to be as faithful to constitutional government as we expect our civil magistrates to be. When the day comes that we lose our honest objectivity, we also lose our credibility and integrity. I like Trumps stated decision to ban former government office holders and employees from being lobbyists for five years. I like his stated position that America does not need any additional gun control laws and that Americans have an individual right to keep and bear arms. Obviously, he said many things on the campaign trail that sounded good, including investigating and prosecuting Hillary Clinton--a promise he has recanted since being elected. I will happily give Donald Trump all due praise when he acts constitutionally and in the interest of the liberties protected in our Bill of Rights. I give him praise for convincing the Carrier company to keep their manufacturing plant in Indianapolis and not moving it to Mexico. But I will NOT give him a pass simply because he is a Republican or because he said a bunch of good things on the campaign trail. And giving him a pass by comparing him to Hillary Clinton is now moot. Hes not candidate Donald Trump any longer; he is now President Donald Trump. As such, I find it SCARY that Trump would suggest that burning the American flag in protest should result in the loss of citizenship or a year in jail. Thats Hitlerian kind of talk. The freedom to protest--even by burning the flag (as despicable as that is)--is what America is all about. For the government to punish peaceful protest is a huge step down the slippery slope to oppression. This is the kind of thing that has always bothered me about Donald Trump. Again, Donald Trumps campaign rhetoric means nothing now. As President of The United States, he has one main responsibility: to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. And to the people he convinced to vote for him on November 8, he has one major promise to fulfill: to drain the swamp! But he is not going to drain the swamp with the people he is choosing to help him thus far. P.S. We are now shipping THE FREEDOM DOCUMENTS. These are the great historic documents that birthed and built the greatest free nation on earth. We compiled these documents in ONE VOLUME. These documents cannot be found in one volume anywhere else that I know of. In all likelihood, if young people do not get a copy of THE FREEDOM DOCUMENTS, they will grow into adulthood never having read these great documents of our nations history, because most schools of all types are not teaching them. This is a limited printing, and our supply will not last long. Plus, order now so as to be sure and receive them before Christmas. To order THE FREEDOM DOCUMENTS, go here. To read my full description of THE FREEDOM DOCUMENTS, go here: Invite George Washington And Patrick Henry To Your Home This Christmas [If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link.] [I also have many books and DVDs available for purchase online. Go to Chuck Baldwin Live Store]  2016 Chuck Baldwin - All Rights Reserved Share This Article Click Here For Mass E-mailing

Chuck Baldwin is a syndicated columnist, radio broadcaster, author, and pastor dedicated to preserving the historic principles upon which America was founded. He was the 2008 Presidential candidate for the Constitution Party. He and his wife, Connie, have 3 children and 9 grandchildren. Chuck and his family reside in the Flathead Valley of Montana. See Chuck's complete bio here.



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Again, Donald Trumps campaign rhetoric means nothing now. As President of The United States, he has one main responsibility: to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. And to the people he convinced to vote for him on November 8, he has one major promise to fulfill: to drain the swamp! But he is not going to drain the swamp with the people he is choosing to help him thus far.


OPEC struck a long-sought agreement to reduce production by 1.2 million barrels a day. Both U.S. and international crude futures are trading north of $50 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, is up $1.27, or 2.57%, at $50.71. Brent crude, the global benchmark, is up $1.41, or 2.72%, at $53.25 a barrel.

The agreement struck by representatives of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries marked the groups first concerted effort to slash output since 2008 and sent U.S. crude prices up more than 9% Wednesday.

The deal is expected to accelerate the rebalance of supply and demand in the market, which will likely shift to a 500,000-barrel deficit in the first half of next year, Bernstein Research said. It added that the deficit could rise to more than 1 million barrels a day by the second half of next year.

Higher prices, however, are likely to cause more U.S. shale producers to increase production.

The latest production data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed U.S. production increased by 9,000 barrels a day to 8.7 million barrels for the week ended Nov. 25.

OPEC is banking on a reduction from producers outside the bloc of 600,000 barrels a day. Russia has agreed to trim output by as much as 300,000 a day, though Energy Minister Alexander Novak said the cut will be gradual. While Oman committed to a 10 percent reduction, Mexico rebuffed an assertion by Nigeria that it would also play its part. The remainder of the non-OPEC cut is as yet unaccounted for.

One of the key things, and potentially the deal breaker, will be what happens if Nigeria or Libya recovers some of their production, said Spencer Welch, a director at consultants IHS Energy. Will OPEC stick to the 32.5 million maximum, and if so, who will provide the extra cuts?

The bulk of the reduction approved on Wednesday will be shouldered by Saudi Arabia, which agreed to a 486,000-barrel-a-day cut.

SOURCES- Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, Wikipedia
China and Russia have deployed anti-satellite capability. Russia has deployed what could be multiple kamikaze satellites such as Kosmos 2499  designed to sidle up to American satellites and then, if ordered, disable or destroy them.

A technical adviser at the Secure World Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to space sustainability, pointed out earlier this year that the Kosmos 2499 platform bares an incredible resemblance to the Cold War era Russian Naryad, which was an anti-satellite weapon system shelved in the 1980s by the communist nation.

China has launched the Shiyan  equipped with a grappling arm for damaging satellites.

Chinas Shiyan satellites were launched in 2013. Three were launched together and proceeded to engage in orbital corrections, followed by more dramatic maneuvers and finally a rendezvous with a completely different type of Chinese satellite using a prototype manipulator arm. China claimed that these satellites, as well as the others theyve launched since, were designed for use capturing and studying orbiting debris, but Chinas unwillingness to reveal research about the missions with the international community has raised eyebrows and concerns among U.S. officials.

In 2007, China destroyed one of its own  an aging Fengyun-1C weather satellite  via an anti-satellite test.

Gen. John Hyten, head of US Strategic Command, warned that adversaries will soon be able to threaten US satellites in every orbital regime. We have very good surveillance and intelligence capabilities, so we can see the threats that are being built, said Hyten. So were developing capabilities to defend ourselves. Its really that simple.

The US depends on space more than any other nation. In a nightmare scenario, as adversaries launch a massive cyber attack on key infrastructure and disable and destroy our satellites in space, televisions would go blank, mobile networks silent, and the Internet would slow and then stop.

Dependent on time stamps from GPS satellites, everything from stock markets to bank transactions to traffic lights and railroad switches would freeze. Airline pilots would lose contact with the ground, unsure of their position and without weather data to steer around storms.

World leaders couldnt communicate across continents. In the US military, pilots would lose contact with armed drones over the Middle East. Smart bombs would become dumb. Missiles would sit immobile in their silos. The US could lose early warning of nuclear attacks for parts of the Earth.

The US Air Force Space Command was created in 1982 when Earths orbit was less contested, and today has some 38,000 employees, an annual budget of nearly $8.9 billion, and 134 locations around the globe. The broader Pentagon space budget is $22 billion.

The X-37 is operated by the United States Air Force for orbital spaceflight missions intended to demonstrate reusable space technologies.[4] It is a 120%-scaled derivative of the earlier Boeing X-40.

The X-37 began as a NASA project in 1999, before being transferred to the U.S. Department of Defense in 2004. It conducted its first flight as a drop test on 7 April 2006, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The spaceplanes first orbital mission, USA-212, was launched on 22 April 2010 using an Atlas V rocket. Its successful return to Earth on 3 December 2010 was the first test of the vehicles heat shield and hypersonic aerodynamic handling. A second X-37 was launched on 5 March 2011, with the mission designation USA-226; it returned to Earth on 16 June 2012. A third X-37 mission, USA-240, launched on 11 December 2012 and landed at Vandenberg AFB on 17 October 2014. The fourth X-37 mission, USA-261, launched on 20 May 2015 and is in progress.

The X-37 is the smallest and lightest orbital spaceplane flown to date; with a launch mass of around 11,000 pounds (5,000 kg), it is approximately a quarter the size of the Space Shuttle orbiter

The X-37B is probably used used as a spy satellite or to deliver weapons from space
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed the bail applications filed by leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu,...

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed the bail applications filed by leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and three others with whom he is being prosecuted by the Federal Government for offences including treasonable felony and an act preparatory to act of terrorism.Justice Binta Nyako, ruling on the applications filed by the four defendants, held that they were not deserving as most of the charges preferred against were ordinarily not bailable.Earlier, Justice John Tsoho, who was handling the case before Kanu accused him of bias, had earlier refused to grant bail to the accused persons.The case was transferred to Justice Nyako on the account of Kanus allegation and all the accused were re-arraigned before the judge on November 8.The lawyers to the four accused persons subsequently argued their clients bail application on November 17.Ruling on Thursday, Kustice Nyako held that she had no reason to deviate from the earlier findings Justice Tsoho, who had earlier refused to grant bail to the accused before Kanu accused him of bias and the case was later re-assigned to Justice Nyako.Justice Nyako ruled on Thursday that though the case started de novo (afresh) before her, there were no new facts and circumstances that could warrant her to grant bail to the accused as the charges preferred against them were serious offences.She said as alternative to granting bail to the defendants, she prefer to order accelerated hearing of the case.Kanus co-accused who were denied bail on Thursday were the National Coordinator of IPOB member, Mr. Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.They were, in the 11 counts, including treasonable felony, accused of managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods.Onwudiwe was specifically accused in one of the counts of an act preparatory to an act of terrorism.All the counts were in connection with the accused persons alleged broadcasts on Radio Biafra and agitation for the secession from Nigeria, states in the South-East and South-South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue states to constitute a Republic of Biafra.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians against fake 100 banknotes of Hong Kong Dollar (HK$100) in circulation.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians against fake 100 banknotes of Hong Kong Dollar (HK$100) in circulation.This was stated in an official circular issued by CBNs acting Director of Trade & Exchange Department, WD Gotring, to all authorized dealers, Bureau De Change operators and the general public.CBN disclosed that they were alerted by the Hong Kong authorities on the circulation of the fake currency.The circular reads: The fake notes which were printed on normal A4 paper using inkjet printers are of poor quality, lacked embossment and the feel of security features.The silver marks were stuck on the notes to appear like the holographic security thread on real bills.Also the HK$100 numerals failed to turn gold and green when viewed from different angles.For the avoidance of doubt, members of the public are hereby advised that the genuine Hong Kong Dollar banknotes has the following features: the colour and features of the notes shift when viewed at different angles; the holographic windowed thread shows a complete metallic thread when viewed under light, and when rubbed on the surface, the bill gives an embossed feeling.
Literary icon Wole Soyinka on Thursday said he was not surprised that President Muhammadu Buhari has lost popularity just 18 months into...

Literary icon Wole Soyinka on Thursday said he was not surprised that President Muhammadu Buhari has lost popularity just 18 months into office, given the high expectations that weighed on his government.The former military ruler won the 2015 election on an agenda of change, vowing to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency, fight graft, fix broken infrastructure and heal the economy.But since his election, the economy has officially gone into recession and global energy prices have plummeted.A relentless rebel campaign to sabotage the production of oil, the countrys main export, has added to the woes.Theres nothing surprising to me about his losing popularity, it should be expected, said Soyinka, who was a fierce critic of Buharis earlier term as head of state after taking power in a coup in 1983.People wanted change, that word was not just a slogan, it was a promise, Soyinka said in Johannesburg.But when he took over power, Nigeria was sinking.Fulfilling political promises when you take over the reins of power and you have to clean up a lot of mess, its not easy, said the Nobel prize-winning author.The ex-military ruler has seen his approval ratings decline in recent months from 80 percent last year to 41 percent this September, according to analysis firm BMI Research.Soyinka said while Buhari was the better choice of the two candidates in last years vote where he squared off against ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, it was high time the country weaned itself off leaders with military backgrounds.I was not particularly enamoured of the idea of a military person continuing  for heavens sake, its been too long, he said.I feel very passionate that its about time that we eliminated the last vestiges of military control, of military representation. Its as if there are no brains outside the military.Nigeria abandoned military rule in 1999 in favour of multi-party democracy following six military coups after independence from Britain in 1960.AFP
The Peoples Democratic Party Youth Frontier (PDPNYF) has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of inflicting hardships on Nigerians with his...

The Peoples Democratic Party Youth Frontier (PDPNYF) has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of inflicting hardships on Nigerians with his lack of viable economic initiative by his administration.The group also accused the Buhari administration of lacking the commitment and political will to drive the Nation out of recession he plunged Nigeria into.The National Coordinator of the PDP youth body, Comrade Okai Usman, yesterday, accused Buhari of being insensitive towards the plight of Nigerians. He opined that the President has so far demonstrated carelessness to the groaning of the masses.The opposition youth group added that the Buhari-led administration came to power through deceit and falsehood, adding that the government has repeatedly showed that they lack the competence required to successfully move the nation forward.Comrade Okai in a statement added that Buhari Governemnt introduced dubious tariffs since coming to power to deliberately punish Nigerians. From Fuel pump price increment to electricity tariff which was increased by 80%, to the numerous ridiculous Bank Charges, and the planned increment of Phone calls and Data tariff, with aim to inflict hardship on Nigerians.We advise the government to realise that any attempt to further increase taxes and duties will overstretch the lean income of ordinary Nigerians.The group further accused the Buhari led administration of deliberately and gradually inflict intolerable poverty in the land, lamenting that the Naira has lost its value, and the minimum wage is of no value in Nigeria. Comrade Okai further said that Buharis economic policy has led to loss of millions of Jobs, and has magnificently increased poverty in the country.The PDP youth group asks the current administration of Buhari and the APC to show pity on Nigerians and have a rethink in the deliberate act to punish Nigerians. He accused the APC of impoverishing Nigerians in order to buy PVCs in 2019. PDPNYF decried that it was disheartening that the government which promised the people change are now seeking ways to chain the ways and means of the very people that voted them into power.The suffering in Nigeria today is as a result of Buharis poor economic policies and the inability of the President to seek helps where necessary.It is now glaring that the APC is not prepared enough for leadership challenges. The group added it is laughable for the APC to think that the only way out of recession by multi taxing the citizens , Buhari Governemnt hasnt justify the income from the petroleum pump price increase.The Youth groups commended Nigerias Senate for outright rejection of the proposed plans by the APC and Buhari to increase data price services and condemned the Minister of Communication for suggesting such archaic and obsolete policy. They went further to implore the Senate to summon more courage to confront every outdated and obsolete policies of the executive, in line with their constitutional mandate.
Akande Thomas, a Facebook user, has shared his experience as a participant from the popular quick money scheme called Mavrodi Mondial Move...

Akande Thomas, a Facebook user, has shared his experience as a participant from the popular quick money scheme called Mavrodi Mondial Movement (MMM) Nigeria.

The participant claims that God rejected his tithe from MMM earnings and clearly told him that Christians involved in the scheme have had their names removed from the book of life.





The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, recently announced that the organisation is currently investigating the investment scheme.





See posts below:





The Reality of MMM.

(From a participant)

When I was initially introduced to MMM, I went to God in prayer to seek for HIS approval. HE clearly told me that I cannot engage in it because those Christians involved in the scheme have had their names removed from the book of life. I was seriously troubled and at the same time afraid as I prayed passionately. As soon as I finished praying, I thought within myself 'could this voice restraining me be of God?'. Just as I was meditating, another voice came saying; 'It can not be of God but rather from the devil trying to tie you down in perpetual poverty for the rest of your life.' So I quickly neglected the former voice for the latter.

I decided to try the scheme with 250k. At the month end, I was so happy when I saw the return of the investment. Could life had been better than this? God punish the devil that would've restrained me from this 'bumper harvest'. Then I decided to pay my tithe. Just as I was planning to make the withdrawal, God ministered to me - 'I don't have anything to do with such money.' I broke down in tears regretting what I have done in disobeying God. I pleaded for forgiveness of which I know HE has mercifully answered. I closed my MMM account but till now I don't just know what to do with the money God has rejected.

I'm sharing this as a result of the concern for the brethren in this last days. Though some people may decide to be asking rhetoric questions but I believe serious minded Christians will go to God to also hear from HIM








Archbishop George Amu, a former Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has said God has shown him that Nigerian billion...

Archbishop George Amu, a former Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has said God has shown him that Nigerian billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, will one day become the President of NigeriaAmu said God showed him Dangote will surprisingly rise to that position, just like Donald Trump won the United States Presidential election.Amu said just like the emergence of Trump shocked the world, so will Dangotes emergence as Nigerias President shock everyone.The cleric recalled telling newsmen on August 21, on the occasion of his 75th birthday, that Trump would win Americas election.He noted that the same God, who revealed Trumps victory in the US, has also declared His intention to install Dangote as the future President of Nigeria.According to him, the similarity between Trump and Dangote is that both are successful businessmen, rather than politicians, noting that God plans to use them to salvage their countries from problems.Amu according to reports, said that he is however not sure whether Dangote would succeed Buhari or not.
Two men were Wednesday arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for unlawfully importing 6.390kg of subst...

Two men were Wednesday arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for unlawfully importing 6.390kg of substances that tested positive for heroin.The duo, a commercial tricycle rider in Owerri, Imo State, Egwin Chinedu, 32, and an Abuja-based trader, King Sunday, 38, were nabbed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, with an estimated street value of N575 million drug which was hidden in their luggage.In his confession before newsmen, Sunday, who was caught on arrival from Nairobi, Kenya, said he left his wife after four days of marriage on the guise of a business trip.I needed money for my honeymoon and business.I erroneously took the decision to smuggle drugs barely four days after my marriage.I should not have involved myself in drug trafficking. My thinking was that I could smuggle the drug from Nairobi in two days without my wife knowing that I travelled out of the country.All my life, I have been upright in my transactions but this is a huge mistake and I regret my action, he said, pleading to be pardoned.Chinedu, who is not married, said he needed money to repair his commercial tricycle.He was nabbed on arrival from Kigali, Rwanda.According to him, he needed money to change the engine of his tricycle.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday urged those contemplating Nigerias break-up to have a rethink, saying the countrys unity is not...

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday urged those contemplating Nigerias break-up to have a rethink, saying the countrys unity is not negotiable.He said the question of having another country out of Nigeria was misplaced.According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President spoke at a meeting he had with the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.The question of having another country out of Nigeria is going to be very difficult. From 1914, we have more than 200 cultures living with one another. God had endowed this country with natural resources and talented people. We should concentrate on these and be very productive, the President said.Addressing specific issues raised in the address by the traditional rulers, the President gave the assurance that the South-East will also benefit from the new railway architecture being put in place by his administration.On their request for more representation for the South-East in his government, the President said that he was very conscious of the sensitivities of the South East, on account of which, he gave the regions four out of five states senior ranking Ministers in the Federal Cabinet.Buhari used the occasion to appreciate the good work of the ministers from the region in the Federal Government, saying that they are doing very well for the country.He appealed to the traditional rulers from the South East to persuade their people to give his government a chance and to continue to serve as beacons of culture and traditions of their people.The President assured the delegation that kidnapping and cattle rustling, which he described as unfortunate will be the governments next target, now that we have managed to calm down the North-East.In taking note of the commendation for his administrations war against corruption and insecurity by the traditional rulers, Buhari expressed frustration at the endless nature of some ongoing trials, citing some of the cases as going far back to the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has distanced himself from recent media reports which quoted him as recommending the arrest of more judges in furthe...

Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has distanced himself from recent media reports which quoted him as recommending the arrest of more judges in furtherance of the recent clampdown and investigation of some judges over alleged corruption.Mbaka who said he was shocked by the report told correspondents in Enugu that in his sermon during the special Church Service to mark this years legal year organized by the Enugu State Judiciary he prayed for all the judges showering them with blessings and at the same time admonishing them to be upright in the discharge of their duties as the last hope of the common man.For me, Judges should be beyond corruption because they are like God; if they make mistake in sentencing an innocent man the person will die in jail. They can save life, they can destroy life. The judiciary should not be merchandized; nobody should think he can purchase justice.I raised the question about the arrest; are we sure that the judges arrested are guilty of what they are accused of? For me, if judges could be arrested let them be well examined; if found culpable, punishment could be meted out. I suggested strongly that the arrest of judges should not be selective; that the arrest should be 360 degrees coverage. So if the judges were arrested, what about those who gave the money; were they exonerated?While arresting the judges, I suggested that those who gave them the money, if actually they were given money for fraudulent purposes, should equally be arrested. So the arrest should even go to the senators who were found culpable; it should go to the House of Reps, it should even be extended to the executives. People working for Buhari who are corrupt should equally be arrested and that is when the arrest should represent justice, equity and fair play; it should not be only for judges.So I never asked them to arrest more judges because I have no problem with judges and I dont even know why the judges were arrested because I dont speak with the federal government. I dont even have Buharis number; I dont talk with Buhari so how can I urge people who I dont speak with to carry out an assignment I dont know about its origin and intention.I couldnt have said that because many judges are good, many are innocent of what they are being accused of, many are godly; so we lift our caps for those who are good. If there are some who are corrupt, they should repent; and if judges are good it will bring better hope for the common man.The revolution that is going on in Nigeria is an attempt to sweep off corruption in all aspects of our lives; in the entire government structure so we dont make corruption our culture. Revolutions that will exterminate corruption from the tap root because corruption is becoming part and part of our political culture and almost accepted; the war against corruption is a welcome development but should be prosecuted without bias.Those arresting the judges I pray they should look well and not cause unnecessary earthquake in the Judiciary; the executive is safe; the legislature is safe and the judiciary is under attack. People will raise questions, so let there be justice in whatever arrest they are doing; so I dont ask them to arrest more judges.I equally spoke about the economic recession and I strongly believe that President Buhari should employ more people who can help him implement his political agenda. So why we are praising the president for warring against corruption and insurgency, we still pray that he uses whatever he has to war against hunger.
Premier League champions, Leicester City, are in advanced talks with Genk over a 14million deal for versatile Nigerian player, Wilfred Ndidi.Claudio Ranieri is looking to strengthen his squad, following a poor start to the defence of their title and is ready to make Ndidi his first recruit in the January transfer window.According to The Telegraph, negotiations are going on between the two clubs, but Leicester are confident of getting their man in the new year.The deal could eventually rise to 16million after instalments.Ndidi can play in the centre of defence or as a midfielder in front of the back four.His arrival will increase the number of Nigerians at the club to two with winger Ahmed Musa already part of the squad.
Evbouriaria Magistrates Court in Benin City, on Thursday sentenced one Sylvester Livinus, 22, to four months imprisonment for stealing 10...

Evbouriaria Magistrates Court in Benin City, on Thursday sentenced one Sylvester Livinus, 22, to four months imprisonment for stealing 10 catfish.The Chief Magistrate, Mrs C.E. Oghuma, however, gave the convict N 5, 000 option of fine.Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Olatoye Oluwaseun, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Sept. 18, at about 2:45p.m. at No. 1, Toronto St. Benin.Oluwaseun said that the cat fish which belonged to one Noma Okunbor, was valued at N10, 000.He said the offence contravened Section 309 (9) of the Criminal Code.
The Federal Government has said it would support any mechanism to ensure the inclusion of Nigerians abroad in future elections.

The Federal Government has said it would support any mechanism to ensure the inclusion of Nigerians abroad in future elections.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama said this at a seminar on the validation of proposed National Policy on Diaspora Matters in Abuja on Thursday.Onyeama was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye.The minister said there was the need to promote the capacity of Nigerians abroad to achieve the immense potential of the diaspora.He added that enhanced inclusion of Nigerians abroad in the voting process would support their contributions to national development.This is for the socio-political and economic development of the nation.In addition, the empowerment of Nigerians in the Diaspora as change agents for national development should be speedily scaled up.On our part, we deeply support any mechanism for the inclusion of Nigerian Diaspora to participate in future elections, he said.He urged that the challenges impeding the effectiveness of Nigerians abroad should be considered.Many of them (Diaspora) are deeply concerned about the situation in the country and have critical skills and potential that could be harnessed to solving Nigerias sociology-economic challenges.What has been lacking is the mechanism of effective engagement and interface with the government, with a view to ensuring that our country reaps fully the benefits of this engagement.The ministry, therefore, sharpening its in-house resources to effectively harness the potential of Nigerians wherever they are based.The Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu said that the committee was in touch with the Independent National Electoral Committee on Diaspora voting.Sunmonu added that efforts were being made by the committee to promote opportunities for Nigerians abroad to participate in future elections.She reiterated that Nigerians had huge potential if properly harnessed would contribute to the development of the country.The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa also emphasised the need to strengthen the diaspora policy.Dabiri-Erewa said that the development of a viable policy would address the concerns of Nigerians abroad.We cannot ignore our diaspora; when Ireland went into recession they reached out to their diaspora community and one thousand of them saved the country from recession.Now that Nigeria is going through challenges, we cannot have this enormous human resource and not engage with them.We are working on the diaspora policy today; with the document, we have identified a few challenges impeding the effective contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora.We do not have an accurate database of Nigerians in the diaspora; there is the lack of an enabling environment, bilateral agreements on avoidance of double taxation, and integrated framework for Nigerians in the diaspora.Let us have a policy that we will be proud of.She said that a technical committee would be set up to work on the recommendations agreed on and come up with an action plan for implementation.Dabiri-Erewa also emphasised that the passing into law of the Diaspora Commission Bill would facilitate the realisation of a commission that would address diaspora matters.The eighth assembly has taken it up, the house has passed it, we are waiting on the Senate to pass it and it has assured that it will pass.It is going to be a one-stop agency to deal with diaspora matters, domiciled in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she said.
The controversial bleaching cream dealer, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has denied claims by a customer that he scammed he...

Adekoya Timileyin Abiola had accused Bobrisky of blocking her number and failing to deliver a product she paid him for.Bobrisky however denied the claim on Thursday, appealing to his fans not to believe everything published about him.He explained in an Instagram post that he had sent the product to the lady in question, even though she still had an outstanding shipping payment of N17,000 via Fedex and that she probably did not receive it because of a delay on the part of the courier or Customs.He admitted that he had received the N30,000 for a cream, Stretchmark, adding that he had informed the lady that she was supposed to pay an additional N17,000 but decided to send it after she pleaded.Although he was saddened that the claim went viral, Bobrisky, who posted and image of a Fedex receipt as proof of his claim, said he is not angry.Sometimes Fedex delays and its not even their fault, he said, adding, [sic] Anyway am not angry customers are always right but am sad cos dis sh*t went viral.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma has announced that 2017 appropriation bill which will be presented to the ...

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma has announced that 2017 appropriation bill which will be presented to the National Assembly next week is well prepared.He said this after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.Recall that the 2016 Budget witnessed a lot of controversies ranging from unlawful insertions to padding from the Nation's Assembly.But Mr. Udoma said the 2017 fiscal document, of which he gave no details, has been well prepared to avoid the pitfalls that characterised the 2016 budget.The document that we are presenting to the National assembly is a carefully prepared on, Senator Udoma said.
The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu has declared that not until Nigerians resolve ...

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu has declared that not until Nigerians resolve to collectively abhor all forms of corruption, there will be no future for the youths.The EFCC boss, who was speaking on Thursday when he visited the Naval Headquarters in Abuja on a courtesy call, stated that the economic recession currently facing the country was due to the fall out of the corrupt tendencies of leaders.Expressing concerns over the misappropriation of federal, state and local government allocations, he said, If 50 per cent of the allocations at the three tiers of governments are judiciously put to use, we would not be where we are in terms of underdevelopment and infrastructural decay.Magu explained that his visit to the Naval headquarters was in furtherance of the inter-agency collaboration between the EFCC and other government agencies.EFCC alone cannot fight corruption; we need all hands to be on deck. We have come to appreciate you for the robust relationship that exists between the EFCC and the Nigerian Navy, and we want to leverage on that to stem corruption in Nigeria, Magu said.He appealed to the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to help mobilize women in uniform, especially in the Nigerian Navy, to come out on December 7, 2016, to be part of the flag off of the Women Against Corruption programme by the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari.In his response, the CNS pointed out that corruption fuels insecurity and responsible for lack of development. We just cannot afford to continue like that. He however advised the EFCC chairman that more attention should also be paid to corruption in the private sector.Ibas also said that after the flag off of the Women Against Corruption programme, efforts should be made to look seriously in the direction of the children as there is the need to catch them young.In whatever you are doing, be rest assured that we would be there to support you in kill corruption in Nigeria; because like the President said, if we dont kill corruption, corruption will kill us, he said.
The Ondo State governor-elect, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday, said he did not acknowledge a national leader of the All Progressiv...

The Ondo State governor-elect, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday, said he did not acknowledge a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in his victory speech on Sunday because it was not expedient to do so.He said having acknowledged President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the recognised national leader of the party, and the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, it was safe to infer that he had acknowledged all the partys leaders.Akeredolu said this while answering State House correspondents questions shortly after he and his deputy, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, met Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.They were led to the meeting, which was their first after their victory, by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Campaign Council in Ondo State, Governor Simon Lalong.The governor-elect, who said the relationship between him and Tinubu was cordial, explained that mentioning the name of the former Lagos State governor specifically would have amounted to him mentioning the names of about 37 other leaders of the party.He said, On the names that were mentioned in my speech when expressing gratitude and that I didnt specifically thank Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I thanked the President and the leader of our party profusely for the leadership which he showed leading to this election.I also thanked our indefatigable chairman for standing by the truth and for his position on this matter that led to this election. I have no reason to do otherwise.Party structure, to the best of my knowledge, is very clear. You have the leadership of the party and that is represented by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.After an election, a chief executive emerges, he becomes a leader of the party, you dont have to personalise and be looking for leaders all over the place.If we have to do that, then I will have to mention 36 or 37 leaders. So, I believe the leadership as represented by the President covers all leaders and that tells me it would include Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it would include even Baba Akande, (Ogbonnaya) Onu, and so many leaders.But President Buhari is the leader of the party. So, that is my position there.Akeredolu, however, added that Tinubu remained one of the leaders of the party, noting that he (Tinubu) had since sent congratulatory message to him after he won the election.For me, as a person, I believe he is one of the leaders of the party and I dont see any strained relationship between us. And you would observe that he has sent in his congratulatory message after the election, so what else do you expect?I mean all of us see this as a victory for the APC, not for Akeredolu, not for us an individual but for the party as a whole. I believe he is a member of the party. Mr. Femi Adesina had issued a release but you journalists just want to put words into our mouths, he said.Akeredolu also said despite his decision not to probe the administration of the outgoing governor, Olusegun Mimiko, he would not close his eyes if he stumbled upon established cases of wrongdoing in the course of carrying out his responsibilities as governor.He explained that what he said on the matter was that he would not deliberately go out to probe Mimikos administration.He said, At the centre, the government of President Buhari said we must look back in order to move forward, he has been there for over a year now, has he instituted a probe?Looking back is not a probe and I maintain that I will not probe any administration. This is responsible leadership and I am elected to lead the people.The task ahead of us is enormous than for us to start instituting probes. My own is not to institute any probe against the last administration and that is what President Buhari has done.But if we find out that wrongs were committed, we have enough laws of the land to take care of people who have committed wrongs.As we start our work, as we go ahead, if there is any semblance of Dasukigate in the state, the law will take its course. That is different from probing. We will follow what Mr. President is doing at the centre.The governor-elect also promised to implement his manifesto in line with the reality on the ground.That, he said, did not mean that he would not deliver on all the five cardinal programmes he promised the people.On Senator Yele Omogunwa who left the PDP for the APC, Akeredolu said the lawmaker had joined his campaign trail and that he only formalised his defection on the Senate floor on Wednesday.He said it would have been wrong for the lawmaker to remain in a factionalised party like the PDP.Lalong had earlier said that he was in the Presidential Villa to present the governor-elect and his deputy to the President.He said he would also be visiting the national headquarters of the APC to do the same thing to party leaders.The governor-elect again said the APC was not responsible for the confusion over the candidacy of the PDP ahead of the election.He said, It was not the APC that went to court neither was it the APC that gave the judgment, all we saw was friction or conflict between the PDP and the PDP.If that judgment was going to help the APC, so be it. But we were not parties to the case for somebody to even assume that the APC was responsible for denying somebody.The APC is not the court; the court is a separate arm. I am saying that as far as we are concerned, the APC was not responsible for denying anybody the right to contest that election.Meanwhile, Akeredolu on Wednesday pledged his loyalty to Odigie-Oyegun, whom he said he owed a debt of gratitude.Akeredolu said this at the APC national headquarters, Abuja, where he presented his certificate of return to the leadership of the party.Akeredolu also promised to work towards ensuring that the party repeats the same feat during the next governorship election in neighbouring Ekiti State.He said, I owe you, my national chairman, a lot. You have done well, I will be loyal. I remember during my campaigns; I said that immediately we win Ondo, we will move en mass to win Ekiti.Responding, Odigie-Oyegun urged the governor-elect to ensure prompt payment of outstanding workers salaries as soon as he resumes duty.Odigie-Oyegun said, People who work deserve their pay and I hope that would be your first priority.
Senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP have returned to the Senate Chambers for todays plenary session.

Senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP have returned to the Senate Chambers for todays plenary session.This is coming barely twenty-four hours after a rowdy session was witnessed yesterday at the Senate following the dumping of Senator Yele Omogunwa, Ondo South of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC where the PDP Senators staged a walk out.Prior to their entrance to the chambers, there was however a mild drama as the PDP Senators who rose from a meeting this morning decided to enter the chambers as a group.The PDP Senators who waited at the entrance did not enter the chambers until Senate President Bukola Saraki entered at exactly 10.45am with some of the principal officers.The PDP senators waited outside until the first item in the Order Paper which is prayer was taken, even when Senator Kabir Marafa, APC, Zamfara Central came to plead with them to enter as he was prepared to lead them, the PDP Senators shouted saying, Marafa, go inside, go to your seat and soon after the prayer was taken, the PDP Senators led by the Minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio entered.Details later
Hundreds of members of the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria, (IMN), Thursday stormed the National Assembly to protest the continued inca...

Hundreds of members of the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria, (IMN), Thursday stormed the National Assembly to protest the continued incarceration of their leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky by the Federal Government.El-Zakzaky was arrested in Kaduna in December 2015 after some members of his group were killed by soldiers for allegedly blocking the Kaduna-Zaria road.The IMN members were also accused of plotting to kill the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.IMN promptly denied the accusation tagging it a ploy to justify the killing of over 300 of its members by soldiers.The protesters who gathered at the National Assembly gate were led by the secretary of the academic forum in Nigeria, Abdullahi Musa.The protesters said that they came to the National Assembly to ascertain the position of the Senate on the continued detention of El-Zakzaky, their leader.Musa told reporters, This is the third time we are coming here. We submitted a lot of documents to the National Assembly but we are yet to get any response.We submitted the third batch of documents Thursday and we came here today to hear from them.Musa noted that although the Federal Government claimed that El-Zakzaky was kept in protective custody, members of IMN believed that government did not tell the truth.He said, We do not believe in the so called protective custody. We want him freed so that he can go for his treatment. They have inflicted several injuries on him. What we ask for is that justice should prevail.They killed our member and government has been silent. We want to know what their position is.Musa said that members of the movement would continue the protest until their leader was released.Police Divisional Crimes Officer at the National Assembly, Mr. Frances Anebi, who addressed the protesters, asked them to conduct themselves peacefully.On November 14, 2016 eight members of the movement were reported killed in Kano.A police sergeant was also said to have been dead when the police attempted to break a protest mounted by members of the movement.
There was a row in the Senate yesterday, following the defection of Ondo South senator, Yele Omogunwa, from Peoples Democratic Party (PD...

The manner the defection was announced forced PDP senators to stage a walk out when Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, overruled the demand by PDP senators to declare Omogunwas seat vacant.The development may have dealt a blow to the cordial relationship between majority APC senators and their minority counterparts in PDP.Saraki read a letter by Senator Omogunwa to announce his defection from PDP to APC.The letter indicated that Omogunwa wrote the letter before last Saturdays governorship election in Ondo State.Omogunwa staid he was defecting from PDP to support the governorship candidate of the APC in the just concluded election.Saraki dramatised the defection to the disaffection of PDP senators in the chamber.Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio promptly raised a point of order, citing Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules, which empowers a senator to make an explanation on any given subject.Akpabio prayed Saraki to declare the seat of Omogunwa vacant in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended)The Minority leader insisted that the only reason allowed by the constitution for defection was existence of crisis in a party, which led to division or polarisation in the party.Akpabio noted that there was no leadership crisis in PDP following a Supreme Court judgment, which he said acknowledged the Senator Ahmed Makarfis caretaker committee as the authentic leadership of PDP.He insisted there was no division in the party that could provide justification for Omogunwas defection from PDP to APC.Saraki, who seemed unimpressed by Akpabios position, ruled him (Akpabio) out of order. This did not go down well with PDP senators.The submission of Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) seemed to have further provoked PDP senators.Melaye, who justified Omogunwas defection, cited Section 68 (g,h) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).He noted that Omogunwas defection was in order in view of division in PDP.Senator Peter Nwaboshi (Delta North) raised another point of order, claiming Melayes intervention was a breach of procedure, especially since the Senate President had ruled on the issue.The situation degenerated into a row as senators were shouting.Following prolonged altercation, the PDP senators walked out in anger.Akpabio, at a news briefing, said: What happened this morning; you just saw what I may regard as a protest walkout by the PDP caucus of the Senate and the reason is obvious.The essence of both chambers  House of Representatives and Senate  is that we are lawmakers, we cannot be law breakers and we believe in the rule of law.One of our colleagues, Senator Yele Omogunwa, decided to jump ship, maybe out of the excitement of the Ondo (governorship) election, which the PDP is challenging.He did that not take into cognisance the recent Supreme Courts decision settling the issue of the chairmanship of the party, which had been an issue in the last few months.That issue was settled in favour of Senator Makarfis leadership, which was set up at the Port Harcourt convention.The moment that happened, it means the PDP as a family has no division. The Supreme Court does not recognise any division in PDP as of today because the issue has been settled.And then, one of our colleagues decided to walk out. Of course, the constitutional provisions are clear; that where there is no division in a political party and a member of the House of Representatives or a senator decides to jump ship and defect, such person should automatically lose his or her seat.The Senate president or Speaker ought to declare the seat vacant.So, we made a passionate appeal to the Senate president to do the needful; to take the legal step to stop political rascality in Nigeria and for us to have a settled caucus, not just of the PDP but of the APC, so we can face the business that we came here to do.Another colleague of ours stood up to interpret the Supreme Court decision, saying it was on the issue of Ondo election and not on the issue of the chairmanship of the party. The moment the Supreme Court made the pronouncement, it was clear.If the Supreme Court does not recognise the chairman of a party, there is no way the candidate of that chairman would be accepted. It goes with other incidental decisions.We felt that for today, the way we see it, is that maybe our contributions are not wanted and the excitement of the ruling APC is that they can do it on their own. I dont think that will augur well for democracy.So, we have to make our point clear to the nation; that, yes, we do not support political rascality and this is not the right time for somebody to defect, realising that the party is one.If he wishes to go and support his governor-elect, he has the right to resign from the seat and give our seat to us and the legal process will follow and we will fill the vacancy. It is not for him to jump from a corner of the chamber to the other to support his governor-elect; it is not for him to do so.He ought to resign and go there to become a commissioner or a special assistant or adviser; not to trade the seat of the PDP.
President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President Bukola Saraki met on Thursday behind-closed-doors at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Ab...

President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President Bukola Saraki met on Thursday behind-closed-doors at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja over the 2017 budget proposal.Saraki, told Statehouse reporters after the meeting that the 2017 budget document would be presented within the next 10 days.He expressed optimism that with the level of works that had gone into the preparation, the budget would be passed into law by the National Assembly earlier than that of previous ones.He said, I came for consultation with the President on a number of national issues. We are all getting towards the end of the year, getting the budget. Just regular consultation.We are ready, once the document comes to us, we are ready. I think this time around, a lot of works have taken place behind the scene.There is a lot more collaboration and you will see the result of that in the timeframe it will take after the President will have presented it.
The President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria , Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, has identified speculation, hoarding and incre...

The President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria , Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, has identified speculation, hoarding and increasing zero confidence of foreign investors among others as the reason for the continued spike in the exchange rate.The ABCON chief also said that the existence of a Non-Derivable Forward market in London that enjoyed the patronage of Nigerian companies and foreign investors contributed to dollar liquidity challenge.Gwadabe said the NDF market rate hovers around N430 to a dollar.He said, The existence of that market is a challenge to liquidity inflow to our own market.The financial expert explained that Diaspora remittances had recently declined as most of the newly registered International Money Transfers Operators had yet to send inflows.Gwadabe called for a robust and sustainable dialogue between operators in the forex market and the regulator to ensure an urgent solution to the unfortunate situation.He noted that most countries experiencing recession were already getting out of it but wondered why the Nigerian situation was lukewarm.
On the outskirts of the Central Highland city of Da Lat, in the cool clear mornings, roads are lined with wild sunflowers, which also signal the start of the dry season in the area. VNS Photo Tran Hoang Nam Controversial smell: Wild sunflowers decorate villas in Da Lat. VNS Photos Phan Anh Mexican origin: This small flower is a cross between a daisy and sunflower. VNS Photo Phan Anh Natures decor: Water lilies bloom on Yen Stream, 70km southwest of Ha Noi. VNS Photo Hai Ha Controversial smell: Wild sunflowers decorate villas in Da Lat. VNS Photos Phan Anh Mexican origin: This small flower is a cross between a daisy and sunflower. VNS Photo Phan Anh Romantic backdrop: A couple take photos with wild sunflowers in Da Lat. VNS Photo Phan Anh
#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...
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.
Mid-Plains Community College is encouraging families to dine in on Saturday in honor of Family and Consumer Sciences Day.

The day is observed every year by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) in honor of Ellen Richards, the founder of the home economics movement, whose birthday was Dec. 3.

The organization claims families experience better nutrition, improved communication, the development of new traditions and the implementation of life skills, such as meal planning, budgeting and food preparation by dining in.

Eating together is a very ordinary thing that builds extraordinary families when done on a regular basis, said Tyler Esch, MPCC family and consumer sciences instructor. Meals at home are generally less expensive, with greater variety and nutrition than those eaten out.

The AAFCS chose its Dining In for Healthy Families theme for Family and Consumer Sciences Day because of a nationwide obesity epidemic blamed in part on unhealthy eating habits and a lack of food preparation knowledge.

Encouraging families to prepare simple, healthy meals and eat together supports the essence of family and consumer sciences.

The table is where families share their days  celebrating the joys and easing the sorrows, said Esch. Its the one place where they can turn off the rest of the world and focus on the people in front of them.

More than 125,000 people committed to preparing and eating a healthy meal together last year. The AAFCS estimates that number will grow to 200,000 this year.

Families can pledge to dine in on the aafcs.org website. By filling out a simple sign-up form, they become eligible for weekly prize drawings.

I have a quote on my wall that reads, The best memories are made when gathered around the table, said Esch. I really believe that and hope everyone makes eating together a priority on Saturday and throughout the year.
Benefits possible if infrastructure projects approved or if coal restrictions relaxed

OMAHA (AP)  Major U.S. freight railroads expect their business to fare well as long as the economy continues growing despite President-elect Donald Trumps promises to overhaul U.S. trade policy and renegotiate bad deals.

Railroad executives didnt seem worried about major trade changes Wednesday when they spoke at a Credit Suisse investor conference in Palm Beach, Florida. And railroads would benefit if major infrastructure projects are approved or the Trump administration relaxes environmental restrictions on coal.

At this point, we think logic will prevail, Union Pacifics Chief Financial Officer Rob Knight said. If we want to grow our economy, its going to require healthy trade.

All the railroads benefit from international trade because they haul containers of goods that ships bring into port hundreds or thousands of miles inland before trucks carry them to their destinations.

Those intermodal shipments accounted for nearly half of the 31.5 million carloads North American railroads have delivered this year. And Knight said that shipments to and from Mexico account for about 12 percent of Omaha-based Union Pacifics volume.

So Trumps criticism of the North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada would seem troubling for railroads. Trump says NAFTA and deals like it provide incentives for companies to move factory jobs abroad.

But Edward Jones analyst Dan Sherman said that based on the people Trump has picked to join his cabinet, he doesnt expect major changes in trade.

I think were still going to have trade, Sherman said. It just might be on slightly different terms.

And even if international trade suffers, railroads can hope that coal shipments might finally stabilize after several years of decline or that major infrastructure projects requiring many carloads of raw materials will be approved.

The variety of different goods that railroads haul helps them endure a variety of market conditions. But falling demand for coal has been a challenge for railroads because low natural gas prices and tough environmental rules on coal prompted many utilities to switch.

Norfolk Southern Executive Vice President Alan Shaw said its still too early to determine what Trumps policies will mean because the administration is still taking shape. So Shaw said his Norfolk, Virginia-based railroad is focused on market forces like consumer spending, fuel prices and whether cold weather forces utilities to burn more coal.

CSX Corp.s Chief Financial Officer Frank Lonegro said he hopes the administration will be able to balance efforts to restore Americas competitive position with efforts to promote trade. But regardless of where a product is made, railroads will be happy to help deliver it.

If the product is produced in Mexico or overseas it ultimately wants to go to where the people are, and we serve that population, said Lonegro, with the Jacksonville, Florida-based railroad.
Joyce Russell Porter County Reporter Joyce has been a reporter for nearly 40 years, including 23 years with The Times. She's a native of Merrillville, but has lived in Portage for 39 years. She covers municipal and school government in Porter County. Follow Joyce Russell Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

I always wanted to be an adventurer.

A lifetime ago I pictured my life as a roving reporter, traveling to far off places across the globe, writing about people for the curious.

Alas, I moved one county over from where I was born.

I think that frustration has led me to have a certain respect for those who could pack up and move. What adventurers.

Working on my daughter-in-law's genealogy, I found a couple of adventurers, her second great grandfather and grandmother Harvey and Lucinda Wiley.

Both were born in the 1850s, Harvey in Pulaski County and Lucinda a little further south in Boone County. Both were from families of farmers. The couple married in 1878 and began having a family.

Nothing too memorable or outstanding until I found Harvey and Lucinda in 1910 census, living in Spinks County, South Dakota. Some where in the previous decade (1900 census had them still in Indiana) the family, with five children in tow, moved to northeast South Dakota. Harvey, then 55, was a carpenter.

Forward 10 years to the 1920 census. The couple, now in their mid 60s, were farming in Rosebud, Montana, know for a major battle in the Indian wars in 1876. Their children had left the nest.

I am not sure how long they remained in Montana, as a South Dakota state census circa 1925 had them back in the state. A Kansas state census the same year had them living in Kansas, where, at age 70, Harvey was listed as working as a miner.

In the 1930 federal census, Harvey was 75 and working odd jobs as a laborer in - just wait a minute - Minnesota.

Harvey and Lucinda had not yet quit moving.

By 1935 the two moved to Livingston County, Michigan, where they remained until their deaths. Harvey died in 1941 at age 85 and Lucinda died in 1951 at age 93. Between Harvey's and her death, she also lived for a time in East Detroit before returning to Livingston County.

This is one of those stories where I want to know more. While the various censuses lay out their travel and occupations, my mind is screaming why. Why, at age 55, move to, of all places, South Dakota. It had only become a state in 1889. It had to be frontier. And, getting there. Did they go by train, by car or even wagon?

And to keep moving to some very rugged country at the time. Both Harvey and Lucinda must have had vagabond in their souls.

If nothing else, you could look at the data on Harvey and Lucinda and know they were adventurers who didn't let anything stop them.

If you've got adventurer's in your family's history, let me know. Drop me a line at joyce.russell@nwi.com
Great Lakes Basin Transportation has explained the importance of a key interchange at the Kingsbury Industrial Park and of a railport in Manteno, Illinois, that could accommodate trains of up to 15,000 feet in length for its proposed freight rail bypass of Chicago.

The details are included in a letter dated Nov. 30 to the Office of Environmental Analysis of the federal Surface Transportation Board. The agency had requested the information as part of its review of GLBT's plan to build a 260-mile railroad from the LaPorte area through Illinois to Milton, Wisconsin.

For the railroad to be feasible, GLBT told the Surface Transportation Board that the end-to-end travel time would need to be 12 hours at maximum; that a Manteno, Illinois, railport is a crucial aspect of the plan; that a Kingsbury connection near LaPorte would allow the railroad "to interchange traffic with every line haul railroad serving the Chicago Region," and that there are more than a dozen other "anchor points" along the railroad necessary for its business model to work.

Travel time

GLBT notes that end-to-end travel time will vary by train type, traffic level and other scheduling issues, but, "at its simplest" running time would range from 7 hours and 55 minutes for restricted unit trains, which generally operate at 45 mph, to 5 hours and 25 minutes for intermodal trains, which can operate at 70 mph.

That includes a one-hour stop at the Manteno railport that some trains would need to make for fueling and inspection.

According to GLBT, the average time for a freight train to get through Chicago is 33 hours, so "the anticipated GLBT average transit time of 8 hours is one of the critical value elements justifying the investment in this project."

The investment is still worthwhile at a transit time of 12 hours, but at longer times, "the attractiveness of the bypass alternative to the connecting railroads and shippers would be greatly diminished," GLBT wrote.

Railroad officials also note that most trains will be using a segment of the railroad; "relatively few" would operate from end to end.

Manteno Railport

The Manteno Railport would serve as the railroad's headquarters, with an operations building and training facility.

"The Manteno Railport could also offer space for potential future development by third parties, including intermodal facilities that would benefit from a location with nearby interstate highway access."

Initially, it would provide locomotive servicing, train inspections and other operational activities.

GLBT said that it is important for the railport to be near the middle of the rail line, on relatively flat ground, crossing as few watercourses as possible.

"The only site along the proposed railroad's route meeting these criteria ... is the Manteno site," according to GLBT.

Kingsbury connection

GLBT's Kingsbury Branch connection  essentially an eastward spur near the railroad's terminus west of the city of LaPorte  would provide South Shore Freight with access as well as a connection to CSX's Grant Rapids Subdivision near Michigan City.

"We initially considered extending the proposed railroad northward to a direct connection with the Grand Rapids Subdivision," GLBT wrote. "But that proved infeasible due to numerous wetlands, a wildlife sanctuary, dedicated hunting land and what would have been "a difficult connection to the Norfolk Southern Chicago Line."

Anchor points

The Surface Transportation Board  which through its Office of Environmental Analysis is the agency that will publish the draft Environmental Impact Statement necessary for the project to continue  also wanted to know about points along the line, so-called "anchor points," that were necessary for it to work.

The anchor points "define an arc around the Chicago Region" and generally consist of links to other railroads. In LaPorte County, those include interchanges with the Norfolk Southern and CSX. As the railroad moves west and north through Illinois, anchor points also include river crossings.

Wednesday's submission to the STB is the agency's third request for additional information following GLBT's initial description of its project submitted in March.

The new information appears not to have softened opposition of local opponents.

"I still don't see any benefit to Porter County," said County Commissioner Laura Blaney, who represents the southern portion of the county and who owns property along the proposed railroad's route.

"There are no anchors in Porter County," Blaney noted, referring to the anchor points described in this week's submission. "There isn't a whole lot of economic development for Porter County."
Music is definitely something that helps ignite the holiday spirit.

It's almost time again for a concert that Region music lovers look forward to every year. Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra will present its Holiday Pops! concert on Dec. 8.

"This is a real community event. It's always a good way for people to come together," said Kirk Muspratt, the orchestra's conductor and music director.

Muspratt said the annual pops concert draws audience members of all ages. There's always a "special feeling" in the room, he said about the show.

The concert features a blend of songs, from contemporary holiday tunes to classic favorites, solemn pieces and more. In addition to the orchestra, starring at the show, will also be the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, Plum Grove Strings and the Crown Point High School Chorale. Guest soloist will be Sian Davies.

"I always look forward to the young people being on the program," the maestro said, about the school groups that regularly perform.

Among tunes starring on the pops roster will be "And the Glory of the Lord," from "The Messiah," "Sleigh Ride," "What Shall We Give?," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," "When You Believe," and more.

Muspratt said he's honored to be presenting John Williams' "Cadillac of the Skys" (from "Empire of the Sun") on the concert schedule of tunes. he said the musical work is a special piece and Williams was "so gracious" to let the orchestra perform it.

Muspratt said attendees will also have the opportunity to see Santa, who annually makes an appearance.

Fans who attend the concert will get the chance to celebrate the orchestra's 75th anniversary as well. There''ll be a special cake in honor of the anniversary, which is Dec. 7.

FYI: Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra will present its Holiday Pops concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Star Plaza Theatre, Interstate 65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville. Tickets are $29 to $69. Student tickets cost $10. For more information, call (219) 836-0525 or visit NISOrchestra.org.
EAST CHICAGO  Three federal search warrants are being served at three locations in the city Thursday, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office said.

The warrants were to be served at two addresses in the 4900 and 5000 blocks of Melville Street and one address in the 4800 block of Alexander Street, said Ryan Holmes, of the U.S. attorney's office in Hammond.

Holmes declined to comment on the nature of the investigation.

The warrants are not related to a separate indictment unsealed Thursday charging a 25-year-old Danville man with drug conspiracy and use of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime resulting in murder, Holmes said.

Check back at nwi.com for updates as this story develops.
GARY  Police said Thursday they're working to identify two men suspected of seriously injuring a woman last month in a robbery in the city's Horace Mann neighborhood.

The 55-year-old woman was rushed from behind and robbed Nov. 18 in the 2200 block of West 11th Avenue, Gary police said.

The woman suffered internal injuries as a result of the attack, police said.

Police on Thursday released surveillance images from a business the woman left just before she was attacked. The images show two men suspected suspected in the robbery, police said.

Anyone with information about the men's identities is asked to call Detective Sgt. Michael Barnes at (219) 881-1210. To remain anonymous, call (866) CRIME-GP.
VALPARAISO  A Portage man was found not guilty Thursday on allegations of raping a 16-year-old girl three years ago.

Timmy Marshall was acquitted of charges of rape, criminal deviate conduct and a third related charge based on allegations he attacked the girl Dec. 6, 2013.

The girl claims Marshall sexually assaulted and raped her, and then sat on the ground, cried and apologized, according to court records. He also reportedly asked her not to tell anyone or at least wait until after the upcoming Christmas holiday.

Heather Crystal, who works for the Indiana State Police, testified this week that Marshall, 39, cannot be excluded as a contributor of the DNA sample taken from the purported victim.

But neither can his three male children, unless there have been mutations in their DNA, she said.

This lack of certainty was highlighted by defense attorney Clay Patton, who also reiterated for jurors the girl had taken a shower and washed up between the alleged attack and the sexual assault examination done at Porter Regional Hospital.

In response to questioning from Porter County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Matt Frost, Crystal said cleaning up could reduce the amount of DNA evidence but not change the actual DNA.
GARY  A 27-year-old man led police on a high-speed chase and jumped out of a moving vehicle before it hit a parked car, a sheriff's release said.

James R. Youngblood, of Gary, twice escaped from officers after ditching the car Wednesday afternoon, police said.

A Lake County sheriff's officer first talked with Youngblood after the officer saw him speeding in a red 2003 Pontiac Grand Am near Grant Street and 47th Avenue, the release said.

The officer approached Youngblood after he pulled into an apartment complex parking lot, and Youngblood identified himself, police said. The license plate on the car was registered to Youngblood, whose driver's license was suspended.

The officer told Youngblood not to drive the car again, and he agreed, police said.

About 20 minutes later, the same officer spotted the same red car in the area of Harrison Street and 45th Avenue. A man, who appeared to be Youngblood, sped off, police said.

The driver jumped from the car in the area of Grant and 49th Avenue and ran off, despite officers' orders to stop. The red Pontiac hit an unoccupied car before coming to a stop, police said.

Officers lost site of Youngblood in the woods and called out a helicopter and K-9 to search for him, police said. Indiana State Police found him in the 5400 block of Cleveland Street about 30 minutes later, but he ran into a field and wasn't found, the release said.

Sheriff's police are seeking several charges against Youngblood, including resisting law enforcement, driving while suspended, reckless driving and failure of duty.

Youngblood is black, about 6 foot 2 and 200 pounds, police said. Anyone with information on Youngblood's whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff's Department at (800) 750-2746. All callers may remain anonymous.
HAMMOND  Carrying signs reading, Water is Life, Oil is Dead, and Protect Our Mother Earth, about 40 people marched from Harrison Park to Lake County Superior Court Wednesday to show solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes protests over the controversial North Dakota crude oil pipeline project.

When this pipeline does leak, and it will, it will endanger the water for millions downstream, not to mention the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes only access to clean water resources, Jenny Pate-Huffman, of Highland, told the crowd outside the courthouse in Hammond.

Pate-Huffman said she helped organize Wednesday's protest as part of a statewide event backed by the Indiana Native American Affairs Commission.

Clashes between protesters and law enforcement continue at the protesters main camp along the pipeline route in North Dakota. The four-state, $3.8 billion Dakota Access Pipeline project is nearly complete, but protesters since late summer have protested its completion, and recently vowed to stay put despite threats of arrest and prosecution.

As they marched north on Hohman Avenue, protesters chanted phrases such as, Mni Wiconi! Water is life! and Show me what democracy looks like; this is what democracy looks like.

One man wore an American flag as a cape, with NO DAPL written across it in black, bold letters.

Among the protesters Wednesday were Jennifer and Robert Grow, of Munster. The couple said they recently drove from Indiana to the campsite in North Dakota, the family car packed with medical supplies, winter clothing and blankets to aid protesters through the harsh winter months.

Seeing my duster coat being worn by a Native American on horseback was a thrill, Jennifer Grow told the crowd of protesters outside the Lake County Superior Courthouse in Hammond. Seeing the need, and then the results, was worth every second of driving.

Georgia Fox Hatfield, of Lake Station, said local, state and federal governments have violated protesters' human and civil rights through the poor treatment of protesters, along with the threat of arrest and prosecution.

This is not a third-world country. This is not a dictatorship. This is America. We have rights. Lets stand our ground and use our voice. We stand with Standing Rock, Hatfield said.

Indiana police officers were deployed in late October to North Dakota to assist with the protests but began returning home Nov. 7, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. None was expected to return as of Wednesday. North Dakota paid all expenses for the officers during the deployment, officials have said.

A total of 37 Indiana officers, including 11 from Northwest Indiana, traveled to North Dakota in late October and began returning to Indiana on Nov. 7, the department said.

Activists have been leaving comments on social media for several local departments identified by Homeland Security as agencies that sent officers.

The officers were sent under the nationwide Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which has been adopted by all 50 states, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Times Staff Writer Sarah Reese contributed to this report.
GARY  The mother of Tamir Rice will speak Thursday at Indiana University Northwest.

Rice is the 12-year-old boy who was killed in 2014 in Cleveland, Ohio, by a white police officer while the boy was playing in the park with an Airsoft replica gun.

Samaria Rice, during her talk to IUN, will "implore communities of every race and background to unify against racism and work towards justice for other victims of police violence," according to a university news release.

The event is set for 7 p.m. at the Bruce W. Bergland Auditorium in the Savannah Center.

Police shot Tamir Rice within seconds of arriving on the scene, but prosecutors chose not to criminally charge the two officers involved. Since that time, Rice has become a vocal advocate for police transformation, according to the news release.

Since her son's death, Samaria Rice has "committed her life to being on the front lines of justice for victims of violence at the hands of law enforcement in Cleveland and other cities around the nation," according to the release.

The issue of police violence and unjust treatment of black men has been thrust into the spotlight after Tamir's death and other high-profile shootings of black men at the hands of white police officers.

The event is co-sponsored by Showing Up for Racial Justice Northwest Indiana, along with IUN departments' Office of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affiars (ODEM), African-American and African Diaspora Studies, Black Student Union and Minority Studies.

For more information about the IUN event, contact Tierra Jackson at (219) 980-6596.
VALPARAISO  Police are attempting to determine if three downtown home burglaries are related, including two that occurred overnight while the residents were asleep inside.

A home in the 600 block of Washington Street was burglarized during the early morning hours of Nov. 21, police said.

A home in the 500 block of Washington Street was reported burglarized two days later between 8 and 9 p.m., followed by a home in the first block of Willow Street overnight Nov. 25, police said.

There was no forced entry in any of the burglaries, and doors of the homes appear to have been left unlocked in each case, police said.

Items taken included various electronic equipment, alcohol and cash.

Police are calling on residents in the downtown area to be vigilant and report suspicious individuals or activities by immediately calling 911.

Anybody with information regarding the burglaries is asked to call the police department at (219) 462-2135 or text a tip to TIP411 (847-411) by entering Valpo as the first word in your message field prior to sending the tip.
HAMMOND  A 25-year-old man is wanted in connection with a drug and murder investigation, the U.S. attorney's office said.

Lajuan Fitzpatrick, 25, of Danville, was charged in an indictment unsealed Thursday with a drug conspiracy and use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime in which a person was killed, federal officials said.

Fitzpatrick has ties to Gary, Lake Station and Chicago's South Side, according to the U.S. attorney's office in Hammond.

Anyone with information about Fitzpatrick's whereabouts is asked to call the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at (800) ATF-Guns or the FBI at (219) 942-4900. Authorities said Fitzpatrick should be considered armed and dangerous and advised anyone who sees him to immediately call 911 and not approach him.

Agencies involved in the investigation include the ATF, FBI, East Chicago Police Department, Gary Police Department, Hammond Police Department and Lake County Sheriff's Department. Officers and agents working with the Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area also are assisting, federal officials said.

Fitzpatrick's indictment was not related to three search warrants served Thursday in East Chicago, said Ryan Holmes, spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office.

Due to incorrect information provided to The Times, an earlier story incorrectly stated this case was linked to a Latin Kings gang case.
Three local schools will be among more than 24 Indiana high schools and middle schools showcasing their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution Dec. 11-13 in Indianapolis.

Students from Munster High School, two teams from Wilbur Wright Middle School in Munster and two teams from Willowcreek Middle School in Portage will compete.

As part of the "We the People" competition, students will testify before panels of judges in mock congressional hearings that assess their understanding of the Constitution, the government and U.S. history. Students display critical thinking, research, teamwork and public speaking skills as well as content knowledge.

National research shows students of this curriculum vote at higher rates and remain interested and active in civic issues more consistently than peers who did not study with this curriculum. They also are more likely to contact a public official to express their views on an issue.

This year's competition, "We the People: the Citizen & the Constitution competition," eighth- and 12th-grade students compete to represent Indiana at the national finals next spring in Washington, D.C., against other states champions.

Regional competitions were held at various locations around the state in November. For the past 30 years in Indiana and nationwide, the program has educated fifth-, eighth- and 12th-grade students in constitutional principles and civic responsibility.

Guest speakers will include Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush and Justice Steven David. The high school competition will occur on Dec. 11 and 12 at the Crowne Plaza, Union Station, Indianapolis. The middle school competition will follow on Dec. 13.
PORTAGE  Each time teacher Beth Hufford released the pail of sand Tuesday, a collective sigh could be heard from members of the Aylesworth Elementary School STEM Club.

Club members, divided into five groups, had spent the last several weeks building bridges out of nothing more than toothpicks, glue and cardboard. This was the test to determine which group of mostly fifth-graders used their design and engineering capabilities to construct the strongest bridge.

The rounds began with a half-pound of sand in the pail, hung from each bridge. Hufford soon increased the sand  1 pound, 2 pounds, 5 pounds, until the first bridge, constructed by the Phoenix team, broke under the stress of 6 pounds of sand.

On and on they tested. The winning team was the Science Muffins, an all-girl team, whose bridge was able to hold 43 pounds of sand before breaking. Winning team members are Malaiah Kettwig, Cadence Lingenfelter, Sophia Cohron and Ashley Demps.

STEM, standing for science, technology, engineering and math, Club members learn science by doing something fun, Hufford said.

Teacher Angela Crawford said students were taught the differences between truss, arch and suspension bridges and given lessons on effective bridge building.

"It was trial and error for them. They had to use teamwork," said Crawford, adding there were rules, such as the final road had to be flat and had to allow a Matchbox car to cross.

Hufford said students also had to "buy" their supplies with pretend money. The amount of money they spent versus the pounds the bridges withheld determined which was the most cost-effective structure.

The Science Muffins took home that trophy too, building a bridge that cost $33 per pound held. Some of their competitors spent as much as $280 per pound held.

Parents also voted on the best design. The Smartie Tarties team comprised of students Max Shield, Austin Nickos and Emily Mick won that honor.
ANDERSON, Ind.  A new scholarship program seeks to give students money to attend college if they commit to teaching in Indiana for five years after completing their degrees.

The Herald Bulletin (http://bit.ly/2fLCd2K) reports the Indiana Commission for Higher Education's Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship provides up to $7,500 for each year of college. Up to 200 scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement, a teacher nomination and an interview.

The program comes as the state is experiencing an ongoing teacher shortage. The Indiana Department of Education reported a nearly 63 percent drop in the number of licenses issued to first-time teachers in 2015.

Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers says the scholarship is designed to attract Indiana's best students to teaching and prepare them for the profession.

___

Information from: The Herald Bulletin, http://www.theheraldbulletin.com
PORTAGE  Nearly two weeks after Mayor James Snyder was indicted on bribery and obstruction charges, the FBI returned to interview at least one city official.

"Two agents with the local FBI office briefly stopped by the police department this morning to meet with me," Police Chief Troy Williams said in a written statement after being asked by The Times.

"Given the seriousness of their current investigation, I fully expected that they would come by at some point. I cannot expound on all details of our meeting, but they did not serve any subpoenas, search warrants or indictments.

"Additionally, no members of the police department were mentioned as being the subject of their investigation," Williams said.

Snyder pleaded not guilty Nov. 18 to felony bribery, extortion and tax dodging counts, which carry the potential for long prison terms if he is convicted. His trial is expected to begin Jan. 23.

The charges came after more than two years of investigation by the FBI.
INDIANAPOLIS  President-elect Donald Trump claimed Thursday that American workers won a tremendous victory after Carrier Corp. agreed to maintain in Indianapolis some manufacturing jobs the company previously announced would be relocated to Mexico.

The Republican said he persuaded Carrier executives to keep the jobs in Indiana by promising to reduce the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 15 percent, from 35 percent, and make the federal government more business-friendly when he takes office on Jan. 20.

"There's no reason for them to leave, anymore," Trump said. "Your taxes are going to be at the very, very low end, and your unnecessary regulations are going to be gone."

Carrier also is slated to receive as part of the deal up to $7 million in state tax credits over the next 10 years if the company continues to employ 1,069 Hoosier workers.

At the same time, Carrier and its parent company, United Technologies Corp., still are planning to move 1,300 Indiana jobs to Mexico, including 600 from Indianapolis and another 700 from Huntington, Indiana.

Trump did not acknowledge those Hoosier job losses in his 17-minute speech following a tour of the Carrier plant on Indianapolis' west side. He also repeatedly misstated that Carrier makes air conditioners at the factory when it produces gas furnaces.

Trump reiterated his campaign promise to slap high tariffs on products made by U.S. companies that move manufacturing overseas to take advantage of cheap labor.

"Companies are not going to leave the United States anymore without consequences. It's not going to happen," Trump warned.

"They're not going to be taking people's hearts out. They're not going to be announcing, like they did at Carrier, that they're closing up and they're moving to Mexico."

Reached out to CEO

Trump acknowledged that it's unusual for presidents, or presidents-elect, to personally get involved in negotiations to retain a single business facility.

But, he insisted, things are going to be different in his administration.

"We're going to have a lot of phone calls made to companies when they say they're thinking about leaving this country," he said. "Because they're not leaving this country; they're not going to leave this country, and the workers are going to keep their jobs."

Trump made similar pledges throughout his successful campaign for president, but admitted he didn't think about doing anything to aid Carrier workers until he saw one last week on a television news report claiming that Trump promised to save his job.

"I never thought I made that promise. Not for Carrier. I made it for everybody else. I didn't make it really for Carrier," Trump said. "I was talking about Carrier like all other companies from here on in."

Nevertheless, Trump said after seeing that worker on TV he decided to contact United Technologies CEO Greg Hayes to determine if anything could be done.

Hayes said he agreed to keep the Indianapolis Carrier plant open, and invest $16 million in improvements, in light of Trump's promises to bolster business competitiveness in the United States and to take "a more thoughtful approach to regulations."

Neither man mentioned that United Technologies is a major defense contractor and potentially stood to lose a significant share of its business if a Commander-in-Chief Trump decided to redirect U.S. military contracts to other companies.

'Leadership and change'

Trump was demure in his relatively short speech compared to the over-the-top enthusiasm that marked his long, occasionally raucous, campaign rallies.

He said he remains grateful to the people of Indiana for helping him effectively clinch the Republican presidential nomination in May, and giving him a nearly 20 percent margin of victory on Election Day.

"This has been a very special state to us," Trump said. "I just love the people, incredible people."

Trump also thanked Indiana for giving him Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate.

He said he's constantly told that his selection of Pence shows he knows how to make good decisions.

Pence was on hand to cheer the Carrier deal, which he proclaimed has "renewed hope and promise" for Indiana and the nation.

"The simple truth was that policies coming out of our nation's capital were literally driving jobs out of this country," Pence said. "What was missing was leadership and change."

"Well, the American people voted for change last month, and even before taking office our president-elect provided real leadership that makes a difference. ... Today, America won, and we have Donald Trump to thank."
HAMMOND  Janet Venecz has watched every year as participation has steadily grown in the city's National Night Out program that builds relationships between the community and police and promotes public safety.

Hammond was recently selected as a national award winner by the National Association of Town Watch for its outstanding participation in the 33rd annual National Night Out that took place in August. It was one of 32 cities across the country with a population of 50,000 to 100,000 to receive the award.

"I think it's really good for Hammond that so many people participate and we are getting the safety information out to the residents," Venecz said.

Venecz is president of the Hammond City Council, but was involved with the community and crime watch programs well before she took office as the head of the Edison Community Watch group. Currently, president of Hammond Community Watch, Venecz said the city did not have the National Night Out program for a number of years before 2009, when it was at Edison Park. Since that time, Venecz thinks participation in the program has grown by at least 50 people annually. This year, she said, between 450 and 500 people participated in the event at the Wolf Lake Aquatic Play Center.

Venecz credits the participation by the Hammond Police Department in the event, plus the growing number of informational vendors and door prizes to help spur the growth.

"The officers of the Hammond Police Department are always eager to participate in the National Night Out," said Police Chief John Doughty. "We strive to make new friends within the community and the Night Out gives us just one more opportunity to meet with the citizens we serve on common ground."

Each year, organizers of the event also pick a charity to support. This year the charity was Hammond Animal Control and people were asked to bring donations of pet food and blankets along with bleach used for cleaning at the shelter. Those bringing donations were given a voucher for a free hot dog, chips and a pop. The first 250 people attending were also given a backpack containing various safety information.

Venecz said she is very proud of the work done in putting together the National Night Out and also expressed pride in the number of community and crime watch groups throughout Hammond.

"We have groups in virtually every neighborhood in the city," she said.
SCHERERVILLE  The Northwest Regional SWAT Team holds its annual fundraiser Dec. 9 at the Halls of St. George to raise money to buy equipment and provide training for the members.

Donations, including the fundraiser, are the only direct revenue source for the team, whose home departments are required to supply a ballistic vest and rifle and pay for the officer's time on SWAT call-outs. A small amount of funds are also contributed annually from each department of the team.

The Northwest Regional SWAT Team is a multijurisdictional emergency response team comprised of police officers from nine departments in Lake County. They are responsible for the protection of approximately 200,000 residents in an area that is more than 130 square miles.

Their mission is to provide those residents with a tactical response to critical incidents defined as, but not limited to: armed suicidal subjects, armed barricaded subjects, hostage situations, sniper situations, high-risk apprehensions, high-risk warrant services, dignitary protection, civil disturbances, disaster assistance, terrorist attacks, special assignments, and any active shooter type incident.

The agencies who are currently part of the team are Merrillville, Schererville, Crown Point, Dyer, Griffith, Hobart, Lake Station, Munster and St. John. The team was formed in 1992 by the Merrillville Police Department and slowly became multijurisdictional with new agencies joining.

"We are continuing to grow with new agencies each year," said team member Shane Hendron, a corporal with the Dyer Police Department.

The team has 34 police officers who hold different positions including two entry teams, one sniper team, a negotiator team and one breacher team (officers trained in forced entry techniques to defeat structures with fortifications). There is also a medic team that includes one surgeon.

To generate revenue from the fundraiser raffle, Hendron said they contacted many local businesses who have provided items at little or no cost that range from gift certificates, firearms, gun safes, power tools, grills, purses, watches, women's makeup and hair items, cigars, high-end alcohol and home decor. All winners of firearms must complete a background check and be legally able to own a firearm.

"No firearms will leave that night with the winners," Hendron said.

The Chicago Police Department's Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society will be performing at the event.

The Dyer Fraternal Order of Police is hosting the event on behalf of the team. Anyone attending the fundraiser will be eligible for a discounted ticket to the FOP Policeman's Ball on April 1. That event funds the DARE program as well as scholarships provided to local college-bound students.

Tickets for the event, which runs from 5 p.m. to midnight, are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.The cost includes dinner and all-you-can-drink beer. Three Floyds Brewing has donated the beer for the event while other local breweries and liquor stores have also donated craft beer. The team strongly encourages the use of designated drivers and/or Uber services for the event. Parking is limited at the hall.

The Halls of St. George is at 905 E. Joliet St. For more information visit nwregionalswat.com or call team Cmdr. Robert Morgan at (219) 769-3531.
CROWN POINT  The mother of a 17-year-old boy shot to death four years ago at a party in East Chicago wept Wednesday morning at the sentencing for her son's shooter.

Candice Seals told Judge Clarence Murray her son was her baby, and he was senselessly gunned down on Nov. 11, 2012, after an argument with Rashad Selph.

His only fault was to go downstairs, and to be killed for no reason, Seals said about her son, Christian Taylor. It's not fair. It's not fair.

Taylor was fatally shot during the early morning hours on Nov. 11, 2012, at a party in the 4300 block of Baring Avenue, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Witnesses told police Selph and several friends became upset after they were asked to leave the party, and an argument ensued outside the residence, the affidavit states.

A man punched Selph in the face, and he responded by firing two rounds from a handgun, one of which struck Taylor in the chest, according to the affidavit.

Taylor died later that day at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Another man was shot in the arm and treated at a local hospital, the affidavit states.

Selph, 22, of Gary, was charged Jan. 25, 2013, with murder, among three other felony offenses, in the shooting, but he pleaded guilty in October to one count of aggravated battery.

Seals requested at Wednesday's sentencing hearing that Selph serve the maximum 20-year prison sentence for the offense.

You call yourself a killer, but I call you a coward, she told Selph.

Selph apologized to Taylor's family and asked for forgiveness in a statement to the court. He said the tragedy changed him, and he did not believe he was a bad person.

Defense attorney Stephen Scheele said his client had enrolled in school and found a job since he was released from jail in September. He requested Selph be sentenced to time served and probation.

The judge sentenced Selph to 18 years in prison, and lamented the tragic nature of the crime.

Mr. Taylor didn't do anything, Murray said. He went to a party and got swept up in a fight, like a lot of kids did.
A new report says the de Blasio administration can do a lot more to integrate the city's public school system. Our education reporter, Lindsey Christ, has more.

City efforts to desegregate some public schools have touched off battles in some neighborhoods.

Now, a report by the Center for New York City Affairs at the New School says those efforts are not nearly enough.

"We think the Department of Ed can do a lot more than it has been doing to foster integration," said Clara Hemphill, with the Center for New York City Affairs.

That includes ensuring the 82,000 homeless students are not concentrated in a few schools near shelters, as they are now.

The report also recommends the city do more to make pre-kindergarten classes more diverse. In some pre-k programs, poorer children who qualify for federal assistance are in class together, separated from other students.

"The Mayor said you can't do a lot because we have segregated housing and it's true that our housing is very segregated, but it's also true that we have segregated schools even in integrated neighborhoods," Hemphill said. "And we think that's a good place to start."

The de Blasio administration says it plans to release a comprehensive plan by June.

"This is a priority for the chancellor and the mayor because they believe that diverse classrooms and diverse learning environments are better for kids," said Deputy Schools Chancellor Joshua Wallack.

However, the Mayor and Chancellor have been accused of moving too slowly. A report by UCLA two years ago called the city's school system the most segregated in the country. Some neighborhoods have tried to organize desegregation efforts.

Parents on the Lower East Side say the city is standing in the way of them putting their plan in place by September.

"It has been a challenge, to say the least," said one parent.

But in other neighborhoods, parents have resisted changes.

The city says it is just taking the time to make sure integration efforts are done right. Councilman Brad Lander sees signs of progress.

"What we're hearing from the mayor and the chancellor and the deputy chance or today is quite different than two years ago," said Brooklyn Councilman Lander. "They've taken some steps but they also acknowledge those steps are just the start."

The start of what the report calls a long road ahead.
NEW YORK - Chronic pain is now a qualifying condition for the state's medical marijuana program.

However, state health officials say you will still need to meet specific requirements.

Currently there are 11 conditions that can be treated under the program including Cancer, HIV, AIDS and Parkinson's Disease.

The new addition is subject to a 45 day public comment period.

There are two medical mariuana dispensaries currently open here in the city - one in Manhattan and one in the Bronx.
Plans to build a Guggenheim museum in Helsinki were defeated on Wednesday night, when lawmakers in the Finnish city voted down a proposal to pay for the $138 million museum with a mixture of private and public money.

After more than five hours of debate, the 85-member City Council rejected the controversial plan, 53 to 32, meaning that the project to construct an art museum on the banks of the South Harbor of Helsinki will be abandoned, at least for now.

The main objections to the project presented by Council members included the projects excessive cost for the Finnish taxpayer; inadequate private funding; and the proposed site, which was considered too valuable for the project, the Helsinki Council communications department said in a statement issued after the vote.

Plans for the museum hit a major roadblock in September, when one of Finlands three governing parties, the populist Finns, vetoed a request to put forward $53 million for the project.
Season 1, Episode 8: The Results

Almost all television dramas juggle several plots at once, which serve to sharpen one another, create contrasts, switch up the scenery, or leave cliffhangers. Sadly, this weeks Designated Survivor proved unable to maintain this delicate act: It has a riveting A Story, but a labored B Story and an unimportant and mawkish C Story. The resulting episode contains flashes of brilliance, but overall is clumsy and unbalanced.

In the A Story, an enemy slides into focus and sinks its teeth deeper into the American government. Catalans power grows, as he and his impeccably dressed associate jail Jason Atwood, severely constrict Hannah Wells, and continue to push Peter MacLeish into power. And yet, Catalan still finds time to micromanage, as when he personally scopes out Hannah scoping out her anguished boss on a roof. (The dramatic-roof-meeting trope continues to pay dividends, even though Google Maps and drones would seemingly make the roof the last place to hold a classified rendezvous.)

But the episode could have gone deeper into the terrible plight of Jason, who is forced to choose between his son and his entire career. As I noted in the last recap, the kidnapped-kid plot serves as the focal point for nearly a whole gripping season of 24; its an easy and compelling way to manufacture desperation and incorporate family drama into international high jinks. I was ready for an episode centered on Jason flailing and wriggling his way out of an impossible situation. Instead he appears fleetingly, eyes bloodshot, emotionless, speaking only the few words from the kidnappers script as he falsely confesses to killing Majid Nassar.

Instead, the show opts to spend too much time with its ridiculous C Story about the paternity test. While Jasons entire life is being ripped apart by blackmail, the camera keeps cutting back to a father and son deciding whether or not to open an envelope. But while the paternity results themselves are hardly worth discussing, the thread does redeem itself in part by engaging in another worthy exploration of the relationship between president and press. Seth Wright thinks he killed the story by cozying up to the reporter Lisa Jordan and offering her a different morsel, but she has principles: The presidents relationship with the truth means something, she tells him, in a thinly veiled subtweet.
Season 3, Episode 7: What We May Be

You might want to sit down before you read this oh-so-shocking revelation: When Empire put Cookie Lyon at the center of an episode, it got the best episode of its third season so far. Largely pushing Lucious and the constant conflicts he engenders between his sons to the side, this weeks focus was squarely on the queen as she attempted to bring her scatterbrained family together to impress the family of her once-again boyfriend, the New York City mayoral candidate Angelo DuBois. Taraji P. Hensons unerring ability to find the core of Cookies every interaction and mine it for all its worth is the shows greatest renewable resource.

Which is not to say that Cookie, herself, doesnt crumble from time to time: Her self-conception as The Sensible One who gets unceremoniously punctured by the people around her emerges as a recurring and amusing leitmotif. When she misses an important fund-raiser date with Angelo and his imperious mother (played by Phylicia Rashad like a younger, blacker answer to the Dowager Countess on Downton Abbey) she begins her charm offensive by saying, Please dont make me say Im sorry more than once.

Well, let me hear it for the first time before I make up my mind, Angelo peevishly retorts.

Later, when Cookie decides to stage a big family dinner as a make-good, she tells her sons that she shouldnt have to beg for Angelo and his mother to come to it. You didnt beg, you yelled, Hakeem sighs. Psychologically, Cookie is so accustomed to the loud volume of her own thoughts and feelings that she never quite realizes how deafening she can be to others, even when shes trying to play things low and cool.

During the big dinner, disaster mounts with each passing minute. Jamal shows up high from his latest painkiller prescription, courtesy of his boyfriend and producer, D-Money. Mrs. DuBois realizes immediately upon entering the apartment that Cookie redecorated the place just to impress her. The pescetarian menu prepared for Angelos PETA-funding matriarch gets scrapped when he tells Cookie sotto voce that his mom is allergic to shellfish. Hakeem arrives with his screaming baby in tow, at his wits end and desperate for his mom to help him quiet the babys cries. Lucious and Anika  Cookies ex-husband and, as Lucious puts it, my wife and the mother of my grandson (yikes)  arrive in hot pursuit, since Hakeem didnt tell anyone he was leaving the family compound with the baby. (Angelos gobsmacked Oh my Lord when Lucious walks through the door is priceless.)
Mr. Ji and his peers have used these laws to their advantage, buying knockoffs in bulk  the more they turn in, the more they are paid  and filling their storerooms withcounterfeit products. Mr. Jis group, the Jinan Old Ji Anti-Counterfeit Rights Defense Work Studio, has a network of about 20 informers who report suspected fake products. He says his biggest success to date is collecting about $178,000 in compensation from a company that tried to pass off its blankets as pure cashmere.

Chinas e-commerce boom has given counterfeit hunters a new front.

The main purpose of suing them is to ask them to correct themselves, said Yu Fengxing, another counterfeit hunter, who chases merchants who sell fakes on online marketplaces run by the Alibaba Group, Chinas largest e-commerce company. He became an e-commerce counterfeit hunter after he bought an item marketed by a merchant on Alibabas Tmall platform as a foot treatment and discovered that it was probably just makeup. In a statement, Alibaba said it was committed to fighting fakes on its platforms.

Among overseas companies, people like Mr. Ji have fans. A lot of my clients would, in some circumstances, support the activities of these kinds of consumer warriors because ultimately they may be uncovering information that helps us do our job, said Scott Palmer, an intellectual property lawyer at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, which represents American corporations in China.

But government officials complain that the program is increasingly expensive and increasingly abused. Even some foreign business groups complain. Counterfeit hunters often profit from complaints that target minor product labeling errors instead of true quality or safety issues, said James Zimmerman, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, in emailed comments.

Image Lamborghini smartphones falsely labeled as being made in Switzerland. Even as China grows and matures, and moves to protect brands and ideas, it still struggles with how to get rid of fakes. Credit... Gilles Sabrie for The New York Times

Proposed government rules released in August and under official consideration said that payouts for fakes would not be available to those who sought them for commercial purposes.

Mr. Ji, defending his work, says he has to recoup his legal fees, which he incurs when the companies he accuses of selling fakes fight back. He says he makes about $148,000 a year but his take-home pay is only about $30,000 to $44,000 after expenses.
In tiny Sellersburg, Ind., just across the border from Kentucky, Manitowoc Foodservice is in the final stages of closing a factory that makes beverage dispensers and ice machines and is laying off 84 workers.

The company is moving production to Mexico.

Just 100 miles away, President-elect Donald J. Trump will appear on Thursday with workers at Carriers Indianapolis plant to boast of his success in saving at least 1,000 jobs from moving to Mexico.

The truth across the Rust Belt is that there are more Manitowoc Foodservices than Carriers. The layoffs and closing in Sellersburg follow similar shutdowns by Manitowoc in Ohio and Wisconsin.

Ill give Trump his due, but I hope he and the American people and Congress dont forget about all these other jobs going to Mexico, said Chuck Jones, the president of Local 1999 of the United Steelworkers in Indianapolis, which represents Carrier. Down the pike, a lot more are going to be moving out.
In April 1967, hamburger lovers in Uniontown, Pa., south of Pittsburgh, met a newer, bigger burger. Introduced by a local McDonalds, it was called the Big Mac, and for 45 cents it delivered, as a 1970s jingle would have it, two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame-seed bun.

Response was positive. A year later, the Big Mac was on the menu at McDonalds restaurants all over the United States. By 1969, it accounted for 19 percent of the companys total sales. Today, the company sells about 550 million Big Macs annually in the United States alone, and millions more in 100 countries around the world.

Jim Delligatti, the McDonalds franchise owner who invented the Big Mac, died on Monday at his home in Fox Chapel, Pa. He was 98. The death was confirmed by his son Michael.

Mr. Delligatti, who opened the first McDonalds in western Pennsylvania in 1957, owned about a dozen franchises in the Pittsburgh area by the mid-1960s, but he struggled to compete with the Big Boy and Burger King chains.
All the talk over what I wear and how I fix my hair has amused and puzzled me, Jacqueline Kennedy wrote long ago in Campaign Wife, the syndicated weekly newspaper column she wrote during John F. Kennedys 1960 campaign. What does my hair have to do with my husbands ability to be president?

Come again? Mrs. Kennedy was, after all, acutely aware that her highbrow tastes and meticulously orchestrated wardrobe had everything to do with the glamour she wished to project as first lady.

Certainly that is the view of Pablo Larrain, the Chilean-born director of Jackie. No hagiography, Mr. Larrains film, which opens on Friday, presents a Jackie (Natalie Portman) as savvy and exacting in managing her persona as any cinema diva of the day, her fixation on style anticipating the image-drunk culture that was to define the coming decades.
Bomb Trains on the Hudson BOAT MOTORING ON THE HUDSON RIVER TITLE CARD, BOMB TRAINS ON THE HUDSON Roger Downs VO The transport of petroleum products up and down the river to the port of Albany is not new. I mean weve been doing that for the better part of a hundred years. LOWER THIRD, ROGER DOWNS, CONSERVATION DIRECTOR, SIERRA CLUB ATLANTIC CHAPTER Roger Downs VO: What is new that this is a crude product that isnt part of a local economic consumption pattern Scenes from North Dakota oil drilling and rail cars Roger Downs VO: This is bakken crude that is coming from a South DakotaNorth Dakota and is coming by rail. So thats almost 3 billion gallons of oil a year. MAP SHOWING ROUTES FROM BAKKEN SHALE FIELDS IN NORTH DAKOTA TO ALBANY-PHILADELPHIA Roger Downs VO: Bakken crude is different from other crude oil. It has a flashpoint less than 74 degrees. RAIL CARS Roger DOWNS VO: Its shipped in these containers called D-O-T 111s, it is a containment unit meant for liquids not necessarily hazardous materials. Paul Gallay VO: The transportation safety board has said 85% of these cars should not be handling this sort of petroleum. A hundred and twenty cars on some of these trains, 30 thousand gallons of fuel per car, very volatile fuel. When it comes down to it, each of these train cars is like a rolling bomb. LOWER THIRD - PAUL GALLAY, PRESIDENT, HUDSON RIVERKEEPER Ned Sullivan VO: This is the greatest threat to the Hudson Ive experienced in my entire career. These trains that run for almost 50 miles right next to the river carrying highly explosive crude oil in rail cars that were not designed for this, that sheer on impact. LOWER THIRD - NED SULLIVAN, PRESIDENT, SCENIC HUDSON Roger Downs VO: The worst-case scenario is that bomb trains can come off the rails, they could explode and there could be dramatic loss of life. STILL PHOTO, LAC MEGANTIC Roger Downs VO: Weve see some cataclysmic accidents; Lac-Megantic certainly is the poster child for this. VIDEO CLIP, Lac-Megantic EXPLOSION, Credit TK Roger Downs VO: This is a derailment that killed 47 people and a leveled a town. STILL PHOTO, LAC MEGANTIC AERIAL, Credit TK Paul Gallay VO: The risk associated with the crude oil trains is many fold. We could draw the short straw next. STILL PHOTO, ALICEVILLE, ALABAMA ACCIDENT, NOVEMBER 2013, Credit TK STILL PHOTO, Casselton, NORTH DAKOTA, DECEMBER 2013, Credit TK STILL PHOTO, LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA, APRIL 2014, Credit TK STILL PHOTO, PARKERS PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA, MARCH 2013, Credit TK STILL PHOTO, LA SALLE, COLORADO, MAY 2014, Credit TK STILL PHOTO, TIMMINS, ONTARIO, CANADA, FEBRUARY 2015, Credit TK STILL PHOTO, GALENA, ILLINOIS, MARCH 2015, Credit TK STILL PHOTO, GOGAMA, ONTARIO, CANADA, MARCH 2015, Credit TK STILL PHOTO, MOUNT CARBON, WEST VIRGINIA, FEBRUARY 2015, Credit TK Roger Downs VO: When youre talking about the city of Albany where youve got a 100,000 people living, if something like Lac-Megantic happened here, I mean weve got the state capital, weve got major hospitals and government buildings very close to these rail road tracks. It could be quite significant. TEXT CARD: LAST YEAR OVER 400,000 RAILCARS FILLED WITH CRUDE OIL WERE TRANSPORTED TO REFINERIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. TRACKS PASS WITHIN 5 MILES OF MANHATTAN. C/U OF MAP ILLUSTRATING CSX TRAIN ROUTE RUNNIG THROUGH NEW JERSEY ACROSS THE RIVER FROM MANHATTAN Roger Downs VO: But if they go into the river, this is a very difficult crude to clean up Ned Sullivan VO: This has been allowed to occur without having in place the kinds of regulatory constraints, without having spill response plans in place, without having equipment pre-deployed to protect our sensitive resources here in the Hudson valley, theyre not ready for this. They are not ready. Roger Downs VO: We are just collateral damage between point A and point B. We dont see any economic revenue from this. Roger Downs VO: The state and governor have argued, We cant do anything about it. Railroad law trumps everything else. Ned Sullivan VO: Theres no benefit, its passing right through; all were getting here is the risk and risk could be catastrophic. FINAL TEXT CARD: FEDERAL REGULATORS ARE WEIGHING MEASURES TO INCREASE THE SAFETY OF TRAINS CARRYING OIL. ADVOCATES RECOMMEND OPTIONS INCLUDING SHORTER TRAINS, STRONGER RAIL CARS AND LESS EXPLOSIVE MIXTURES OF FUEL.
HACKENSACK, N.J.  A special prosecutor should be appointed in connection with a criminal misconduct complaint against Gov. Chris Christie over the George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal to ensure that he is held to the same standards as everyone else, the man who filed the complaint told a state judge on Wednesday.

Judge Bonnie J. Mizdol of Superior Court heard arguments from William J. Brennan, a Wayne resident and former Teaneck firefighter, who filed the complaint accusing Mr. Christie, a Republican, of failing to order the reopening of bridge access lanes in Fort Lee in September 2013. A different judge ruled in October that there was probable cause to let the complaint proceed. Judge Mizdol said she would issue a written ruling by the end of the week.

Mr. Christie has denied any wrongdoing in the lane-closing matter and has not been charged in what prosecutors say was a political payback scheme to create traffic jams at the bridge, which connects New Jersey and New York and is the worlds busiest. Two of the governors former allies were convicted in a federal trial in the case, and a third pleaded guilty and testified against them. According to testimony by the two of the three, Mr. Christie was told about the lane closings  if not necessarily the motive behind them  both in advance and while they were going on.
Painstaking vote counts. Talk of possible fraud. Suggestions of racism and ageism, and disparaging comments about people with disabilities. And none of it had anything to do with Donald J. Trump.

With the presidential election fast receding into the past, there was still campaign drama unfolding on Wednesday on the South Shore of Long Island, where the race for New York State Senates Eighth District has been contested with the ardor and election board intrigue of the Bush-Gore contest in Florida in 2000.

The race pitted the incumbent, Michael Venditto, a first-term Republican with some family political baggage, against John E. Brooks, a former insurance executive who now seems tantalizingly close to capturing a seat that few Democrats thought was winnable until recently.

By late Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Brooks  a longtime Republican running as a Democrat  had declared victory after a count of absentee and affidavit ballots. With more than 130,000 votes now recorded, Mr. Brooks had a razor-thin lead of 41 votes, according to David J. Gugerty, the Democratic commissioner of elections in Nassau County, which makes up the bulk of the district.
Helicopter travel has remained very rare, Eric F. Phillips, the mayors top spokesman, said in an email, adding that the uptick was not the result of any concerted effort.

Mr. de Blasio has said that the choice of when to travel by air, as opposed to in his police-driven sport utility vehicle, is a matter of logistics and security determined by the Police Department. Mr. de Blasio has compared his travel to that of his predecessors, saying in a television interview on NY1 last month that they tended to use the helicopter a lot more than I have.

Indeed, Mr. de Blasios predecessor, Michael R. Bloomberg, used police helicopters far more frequently. Mr. Bloomberg, a Republican turned independent, took 44 flights during his first year in office, in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, his most in one year, according to police statistics that were provided by City Hall officials on Wednesday. That number tapered to 10 flights or fewer in subsequent years before ballooning again after Hurricane Sandy.

The realities of governing a sprawling city with notorious traffic and unforeseen crises have made helicopter travel a necessity for mayors. Many of Mr. de Blasios trips were to hospitals to be at the bedsides of wounded officers and firefighters or to their funerals. He flew twice to Nassau County, on Long Island, on successive days after the presidential election to attend the wake and funeral of Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo, who was killed in a gunfight in the Bronx.
A New York police detective who was investigated by a grand jury after he shot and killed an unarmed National Guardsman during a 2012 traffic stop in Queens is now part of the unit that flies Mayor Bill de Blasio around the city by helicopter, according to Police Department records.

The detective, Hassan Hamdy, is listed as a co-pilot on three flights taken by the mayor this year, in logs obtained through a Freedom of Information Law request.

Neither Mr. de Blasio nor anyone else at City Hall was aware of Detective Hamdys participation in the flights, said Eric F. Phillips, the mayors press secretary, or his connection to the death of Noel Polanco, a fatal shooting that drew widespread attention and condemnation from activists including the Rev. Al Sharpton.

After the shooting, Mr. Sharpton organized a news conference with members of Mr. Polancos family and several public officials. At the session, the website DNAInfo reported at the time, Mr. de Blasio, then the citys public advocate, said: None of what we have learned in the past two days has justified the tragic death of Noel Polanco. The Queens district attorney is right to investigate. Nothing less than the full truth is acceptable.
Sebastian Leone, who as borough president in the 1970s worked to raise Brooklyns profile long before its current renaissance, died on Nov. 14 in Brooklyn. He was 91.

The cause was complications of pneumonia, his wife, Helene Leone, said.

Mr. Leone, a Democrat, was borough president from 1970 to 1976, when Brooklyn did not enjoy the renown as a cultural center and thriving place to live that it has today. It felt then like a neglected stepchild of Manhattan, as the reporter McCandlish Phillips wrote in The New York Times.

Mr. Leone is believed to have been the first official to install a Welcome to Brooklyn sign at one of the boroughs entry points, as if declaring that Brooklyn was more than the outer-borough backwater some perceived it to be: It was a place that could hold its own.

The sign, seen in the opening montage for the 1970s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, which was set there, celebrated Brooklyn as the 4th Largest City in America.
As early voting exit polls in North Carolina trickled in just before Election Day, state Republican Party officials could hardly contain their glee. They issued a statement hailing early results that suggested the once dynamic Obama Coalition was crumbling and tired. The statement boasted that the percentage of African-Americans voting early had dropped by 8.5 percent below 2012 levels, while white early voting was up by 22.5 percent.

They were optimistic that recent efforts by Republicans to systemically suppress minority voting in a state with a long history of racial discrimination and disenfranchisement of African-Americans appeared to be paying off. Yet, while Donald Trump won North Carolina, Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican, lost his re-election race by a few thousand votes to Attorney General Roy Cooper, a Democrat.

Mr. McCrory, a governor who brought disgrace and financial loss to his state by championing a bill to discriminate against gay and transgender people, demanded a recount and began scouring voting rolls for evidence of fraud. It was a hard-fought, acrimonious election, decided by a slim margin, but as provisional and absentee ballots were added to the tally in recent days, Mr. Coopers lead surpassed the 10,000 threshold that bars Mr. McCrory from requesting a taxpayer-funded recount.
SAN FRANCISCO  Late last year, the Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, said they would donate 99 percent of their Facebook shares toward a new financial vehicle for charitable purposes.

Now, Mr. Zuckerbergs chief lieutenant, Sheryl Sandberg, is making her own philanthropic move.

Ms. Sandberg, Facebooks chief operating officer, plans to transfer nearly $100 million of her Facebook shares to an existing fund, according to a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday. She intends to use the new money in the fund for charitable giving, said a person briefed on the plans who was not authorized to speak publicly about them.

Ms. Sandberg will direct the money to organizations that, among other things, deal with womens empowerment issues, according to the person familiar with her plans. That includes LeanIn.org, a nonprofit group that Ms. Sandberg founded based on her best-selling book about women in the workplace, Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead. Her plans were reported earlier by Recode.

Facebook did not immediately comment on Ms. Sandbergs action.

Ms. Sandberg has a history of charitable donations to groups like LeanIn.org, as well as to anti-poverty efforts in some Bay Area counties.
It has been nearly a month since Donald J. Trump beat Hillary Clinton to win the presidency. But efforts continue in three battleground states to take another look at the election results.

On Thursday, Wisconsin is set to begin the labor-intensive task of reviewing nearly three million ballots in a recount across all of the states 72 counties. Michigan is likely to follow suit starting on Friday. And in Pennsylvania, there are persisting legal challenges to the presidential results as well.

It is extremely unlikely that this attempt  spearheaded by Jill Stein, the Green Party presidential candidate  will prompt any of these states to flip to Mrs. Clinton, as Mr. Trump leads by a combined margin of around 100,000 votes. Mrs. Clinton would need to be declared the winner in all three states to reverse the Electoral College outcome.

In addition to Ms. Steins concerns about vote tampering or hacking, Mr. Trump has levied a baseless claim that he would have won the popular vote had it not been for millions of illegal voters.
CHARLESTON, S.C.  They sat on the same courtroom bench, but worlds apart  the parents of Walter L. Scott, a black man shot to death in 2015, and Michael T. Slager, the white police officer who killed him as he fled after a traffic stop.

And the arguments they heard from lawyers were just as disparate as they pleaded with jurors to settle a bitterly divisive case in their favor: for the government, a rare conviction of a police officer, and for the defense, an acquittal of an officer seen on tape shooting a fleeing man.

Our whole criminal justice system rides on the back of law enforcement, Scarlett A. Wilson, the chief prosecutor for Charleston County, told the jury of 11 white people and a black man. They have to be held accountable when they mess up. It is very, very rare, but it does happen.

But Mr. Slagers lawyer, Andrew J. Savage III, pressed jurors to resist a false narrative  that the officer malevolently opened fire toward Mr. Scotts back on April 4, 2015, when he fled a traffic stop for a broken taillight  and to find that Mr. Slager had acted in self-defense.
RALEIGH, N.C.  Acceding to the wishes of the embattled Gov. Pat McCrory, the North Carolina State Board of Elections on Wednesday ordered a recount of roughly 94,000 votes in Durham County, a move that could help resolve a contested governors race here that remains undecided three weeks after Election Day.

Mr. McCrory, a Republican, has trailed by a thin margin in the unofficial statewide count since the Nov. 8 election. He has declined to concede the race to his opponent, Roy Cooper, a Democrat and the states attorney general.

Mr. McCrorys campaign has raised questions about voting irregularities in dozens of counties, but Democrats have dismissed them as frivolous or inaccurate. Until Wednesday night, many of the rulings of the state elections board and 100 county boards  all of which are controlled by Republicans  have tended to go against Mr. McCrory.

Mr. Coopers campaign and liberal groups have been urging Mr. McCrory to concede.

On Wednesday, the three Republicans on the five-member state board voted to order Durham County, the liberal redoubt that is home to Duke University, to recount votes from five early voting sites and one regular voting site that had been troubled by a software problem that forced election officials there to enter results manually. The ruling kept hope alive for Mr. McCrory, who, by the unofficial state count, trailed by 10,257 votes as of Wednesday night.
Good luck to selling that to the voters in Indiana and Ohio that were Democrats and voted for Trump this time, Senator Sherrod Brown, Democrat of Ohio, said about a Medicare revamp. Theyre going to be fleeing quickly, right?

A Medicare fight is also a potential political lifeline for Democrats in red states who could be in very tough contests in 2018. Ten Senate Democrats face re-election in states carried by Mr. Trump. One of them, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, has already made it clear that he will brook no overhaul of Medicare and that he intends to vote against Mr. Prices nomination to the health care agency.

The nomination of Tom Price would put us on a direct path to end Medicare as we know it, which would raise health care costs and break a fundamental promise to seniors, Mr. Donnelly said in a statement after Mr. Prices nomination was announced this week.

Democrats also noted that Mr. Trump did not campaign on the idea of tinkering with Medicare or its companion entitlement program, Social Security. In fact, his statements about those two cornerstones of American retirement security were that he would not cut them. That difference raises the prospect of a clash with congressional Republicans  particularly House Republicans led by Speaker Paul D. Ryan  who have long pushed for Medicare changes and championed them in House budgets.

Republicans say that significant changes are needed to keep the program financially viable and make it more efficient, stressing that any changes would not impact those who are currently enrolled. They also say that voters are tired of Democratic Medi-scare tactics and can see through them (though Republicans employ them as well.)

Still, as Democrats warnings of an assault on Medicare have intensified, Republicans have grown quieter about their plans for the program in 2017, brushing off questions about their intentions.
Mr. Santoss opponents in the Congress were furious the new accord had been pushed through with what they said was too little time to either comment or review the changes. The president, who has staked his legacy on ending the long conflict with the rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, consulted his opponents shortly after the referendum was defeated, but he has largely kept them in the dark since, they said.

The Congresss vote brings to a close what had become one of the countrys biggest political dramas in decades.

After years of tense talks in Havana, rebel and government negotiators announced in August they had reached a deal to end a half century of war which left more than 200,000 people dead. The next month, the rebels arrived to the port city of Cartagena, where a celebratory signing was held before world leaders and televised to the nation.

Just one piece remained: A popular vote to approve the accord, which polls had shown would be a shoo-in. Instead, it lost by a narrow margin. Then days later, in another twist, Mr. Santos was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In their announcement of the prize, the Norwegian judges acknowledged the referendums defeat but said they hoped that the prize would give him strength to succeed in this demanding task.

Though most voters supported peace with the rebels, many, noting the FARCs long history of kidnappings and killings, felt the deal offered too much leniency, including reduced sentences in exchange for confessions. Yet Mr. Santos also faced a challenge in renegotiating new terms with the rebels, who had been promised new lives as civilians and a clean slate.
It is uncertain whether the two sides can follow through on a unification proposal, or would want to. Hamas stunned Fatah with its victory in legislative elections in the West Bank and Gaza in 2006, and then seized control of Gaza in 2007, driving its rival party out of the strip altogether. A half-dozen reconciliation agreements since then have fallen apart.

Even if they did agree to mend fences, it might only complicate efforts to make peace with Israel, which, along with the United States and other nations, deems Hamas a terrorist organization. President-elect Donald J. Trump could take an even dimmer view of working with Hamas, given his strongly pro-Israel statements during the campaign.

Mr. Abbas said in his speech that Mr. Trump was elected by the American people and, therefore, would be their leader. He added that he did not know Mr. Trump, but that he hoped the president-elect would pursue efforts to fairly resolve the Palestinians conflict with Israel.

Mr. Abbas also used the occasion to defend himself against critics who have accused him of working too closely with Israel. He was assailed in recent weeks first for attending the funeral of Shimon Peres, the former Israeli president and prime minister who helped broker the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, and then for providing firefighters to help Israel put out blazes ravaging its countryside.

I am not sorry that I went to President Peress funeral, Mr. Abbas said. Representatives of 70 nations participated, and why not us? Im also not sorry, and dont need to apologize to anyone, for sending our firefighters to help our neighbors to put out the fire. I feel very strongly as neighbors this is a human obligation.
Twenty-one galleries are making their debut at Art Basel Miami Beach on Thursday, out of some 600 dealers who applied for the fair and 269 who were accepted. The lineup is determined after much debate on the merit of each and how individual galleries contribute to the overall balance of the show. The New York Times asked Noah Horowitz, the fairs director, to highlight several newcomers.

The sprawling fair is divided into multiple sectors, which can help visitors make sense of its size. Galleries is the main event, intended for top dealers from around the world. Nova is for works done in the last three years. Positions displays single-artist projects and is intended to be an incubator for new talent. Survey tackles historical projects, while Public stages outdoor sculptures and installations in Collins Park.

The Box, Los Angeles / Survey

Image Mara McCarthy, owner of the Box, with her mother, Karen, is featuring the work of Barbara T. Smith at Art Basel Miami. Credit... Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for MOCA

Owned by Mara McCarthy, the daughter of the noted contemporary artist Paul McCarthy, this is one of the galleries fueling the rapid ascension of the Los Angeles art scene. Its program, strong in artists of the 1960s and 70s, is part of a trend, Mr. Horowitz said: Younger galleries looking at the past.
Some elements of Art Basel Miami Beach are as constant as the Florida sunshine. But Marc Spiegler, the global head of the event, said this was a year of change for the most important American art fair.

The 269 galleries showing their goods in the fairs 15th edition, which runs Thursday through Sunday at the Miami Beach Convention Center, will try to find the tricky balance between art and commerce, as they do every year. There will be more wares on display than any visitor can reasonably be expected to see in a day.

And the same people who complain all year that the event is too much of a scene will be trolling the aisles, hoping for discoveries and to be spotted by other V.I.P.s.

But the convention center is in the midst of a three-year, $515 million renovation, to be completed at the end of 2017, that will make it slightly larger and modernize its appearance. Its taking a very old convention center and bringing it up-to-date, Mr. Spiegler said.
MIAMI BEACH  The signs were subtle but unmistakable: dealers sitting down in their booths, checking their cellphones, even  could it be?  eating a salad.

In the high-octane art market of recent years, the first hours of the Art Basel Miami Beach art fair have generally been marked by a frenzied stampede at the door followed by fierce competition in the more than 200 booths that fill the convention center. Dealers are barely able to steal a bathroom break.

But at the V.I.P. preview on Wednesday, the mood was decidedly more muted, the aisles noticeably less crowded. (Art Basel said attendance was down by 9.4 percent compared with last year.)

Theres a lot of good art, but its slow, said the New York collector Michael Hort, as he and his wife, Susan, walked through the fair, after buying two sculptures  each for under $20,000. We dont have to decide right away, because when we come back, itll still be there.
Museums of modern and contemporary art like to talk a big game about globalism, and their big-tent discourse challenges the old assumption that artists can be naturally grouped together by geography. Yet the fact remains: Western artists get the solo shows, while audiences usually discover art from beyond the United States and Europe through exhibitions with a geographic focus  which lump together diverse and sometimes unrelated artists under a national or regional banner.

The reason is in small part a matter of habit and in large part financial. While curators and artists may be skeptical of geographic frames, donors love them.

At the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, three recent exhibitions showcased new acquisitions from South and Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, which were harshly criticized in some quarters for eliding differences and segregating non-Western art. (The acquisitions program was paid for by the Swiss bank UBS, which told The New York Times in 2012, we are refocusing our strategy to reach emerging markets, and this project seemed like a perfect fit.)
Slices of cake from royal weddings, locks of hair from famous heads, firecracker wrappers, and artifacts related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. These are among the rarefied obsessions of the collectors I have interviewed in eight years as the Antiques columnist for The New York Times. I tried to shed light on the origins of luxuries created by members of oppressed communities, and the wanderings of belongings of persecuted families driven into exile. I set out to explain why we make what we make and why we buy what we buy, and asked what our possessions express about us, and about the extremes of human folly, greed, experimentation and ambition.

My favorite moments on the job, which ends with todays column, fall into the following categories:

BRUSHES WITH GREATNESS AND TRAGEDY In 2012, the experts at Christies handed me an enormous silver wine cooler that George Washington had given to Alexander Hamilton. I tilted it a few times, holding my breath, and wondered how the spirits iced in that vessel had influenced government decisions, adulterous affairs and urges to fight fatal duels. In 2014, at a preview of an exhibition in Jordanville, N.Y., about the Russian Romanov dynasty, I was near tears when faced with crime-scene evidence from the site of the imperial familys 1918 assassination in Ekaterinburg in 1918. One of Czarina Alexandras pearl-and-diamond earrings was found in the remnants of the carnage; the other is thought to be lost.
Some work is explicitly political. The great Nigerian-born artist George Osodi sets his human subjects in the apocalyptically flaming oil fields of the Niger Delta. Sammy Baloji, who divides his time between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Europe, digitally inserts colonial-era portraits of chained African laborers against more recent vistas of industrial ruin. (Mr. Baloji, in collaboration with the anthropologist Filip De Boeck, is also the subject of a show, Urban Now: City Life in Congo, at Open Society Foundations, 224 West 57th Street, through July 14.) The work of these artists is both culturally locatable and utterly distinctive in a show organized by Joshua I. Cohen, Sandrine Colard and Giulia Paoletti, three young scholar-curators who have produced a valuable catalog for the occasion.

Image George Osodis Ogony Boy, from the series Oil Rich Niger Delta (2007). Credit... Courtesy of the artist and Z Photographic Ltd.

A second exhibition, Recent Histories: New Photography From Africa, at the Walther Collection Project Space in Chelsea stretches portraiture even further. The Nigerian-born Zina Saro-Wiwa takes it into video in films of friends enjoying meals with the camera as their sole and watchful dinner partner. Lebohang Kganye, based in South Africa, digitally overlays her own image with that of her deceased mother to invent a family album thats a study of profound self-identification and, perhaps, reconciliation.

The other three artists might be called landscape, or cityscape, portraitists capturing shifting terrain. Delio Jasse views his birthplace, Luanda, Angola, war-torn when he left as a teenager in the 1990s and now a rich metropolis, through a dreamlike blue screen. The South African artist Simon Gush takes a similarly removed view of another post-colonial boomtown, Maputo, Mozambique, keeping his distance in photographs and coming clinically close up in videos. Only the images of Dawit L. Petros  born in Eritrea, reared in Canada, now in New York  are of landscapes in a traditional sense, but landscapes reflected in mirrors held up by faceless figures standing on a beach or a stretch of desert. Neither the places nor the people are named, yet something called Africa is the identity assigned.
No one would dispute that Miami has put itself on the map of places that matter in the visual arts world, largely because of the 15-year-old fair Art Basel Miami Beach. But what happens when the circus leaves town?

Much more than in the past.

Few cities have come so far and so fast as Miami in terms of creating new, year-round arts institutions. The last three years in particular have been a flurry of activity  indeed, many of the biggest museums and cultural centers werent around before 2013, or they existed in smaller, less ambitious forms.

Buildings designed by acclaimed international architects have been constructed or are underway, fund-raising campaigns have struck gold with a few choice donors, and leaders for the new institutions have flocked to Miami from all over.

Its remarkably robust, said Thomas Collins, now the executive director and president of the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. He lived in Miami for six years, helping to start 2013s Perez Art Museum Miami (known as PAMM, and formerly the Miami Art Museum) and its new facility, designed by the renowned Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron.
The 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut struck the musicians of So Percussion deeply. In response, the quartets members  Eric Cha-Beach, Josh Quillen, Adam Sliwinski and Jason Treuting  together with the director Ain Gordon and the choreographer Emily Johnson, a longtime collaborator, vowed to create a program that would investigate Americas relationship to guns. As they developed the idea, they mined their own childhood memories, took lessons at a shooting range, ordered rifle parts on the web and joined in a hunt.

The result, A Gun Show, had its New York premiere on Wednesday at the Brooklyn Academy of Musics Harvey Theater. The hourlong blend of percussion music, video projections and recited texts is an honorable but frustrating attempt to grapple with complex themes, including politics, communal identity and rites of passage. But it ultimately crumbles under the weight of its own scruples, illuminating the difficulties contemporary music faces in claiming political relevance.

The music itself is good  even thrilling in parts. The four ensemble members and nearly a dozen additional percussionists, some of whom also hum and sing, drew a rich palette of sounds from traditional and unorthodox instruments. An extended sequence dominated by snare drums and bass drums, their sound gradually swelling to oppressive proportions, seemed to reflect the dual military qualities of discipline and violence.

Another scene saw the So players tap out rhythmic mosaics on Russian sniper rifle components. A gong became a target, pummeled and scratched with furious yet futile energy.
BEIJING  A trip to Sun Xuns studio involved clambering  suitcase and all  onto the back of his friends moped in the dusty outskirts of this city. The scooter puttered through Heiqiaocun, or Black Bridge Village, before stopping at the vast industrial space used by Mr. Sun.

The area is outside 798, the district that in the 2000s transformed a cluster of abandoned factories into one of Asias art hot spots. Black Bridge Village, for now, is right on the cusp of that gentrification.

Pi Animation, which Mr. Sun founded in 2006 when he was a new graduate, is at once grungy and high-tech. Upstairs, studio staff members used powerful computers to create two monumental works that took more than a year: Mythological Time (2016), a multimedia piece unveiled Nov. 4 at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and Reconstruction of the Universe, a commission by the luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, which can be seen now at Art Basel Miami Beach.

The Audemars project  a digital film made of tens of thousands of hand-carved woodblocks  used the work of more than 100 assistants, including students working off-site. It is being shown at a pavilion Mr. Sun planned for Miami Beach, with a swooping bamboo roof and short films projected onto glowing spheres.
LONDON  Reza Aramesh had received offers before. Over the years the London-based artist, who was born in Iran, was approached by various Tehran galleries asking if he would like to have his works exhibited. But for a variety of reasons it never felt suitable.

I always wanted to show in Iran, but it was never really the right situation or gallery at the time, said Mr. Aramesh, 42, whose works scrutinize oppression and violence in a global context through mediums including photography, installations and sculpture. I did not show in Iran just for the sake of it because even in London I never did that. With any gallery, it has to make sense.

But a few years ago when the newly founded Ab-Anbar gallery in Tehran approached the artist, who has been featured in shows in countries including South Africa, Israel, China and Argentina, he was intrigued. For one, it was a gut feeling, said Mr. Aramesh, who has a solo show at the Dubai outpost of the Leila Heller Gallery (until Jan. 4) and is featured in a group show Uncertain States: Artistic Strategies in States of Emergency (until Jan. 15) at Berlins Akademie Der Kunste.

Another was that I met Salman Matinfar a number of years ago and was impressed with him and his knowledge of my work. But also what interests me is that as a gallerist I like his ambition.
THE DAILY SHOW (THE BOOK)

An Oral History

By Chris Smith

Illustrated. 459 pp. Grand Central Publishing. $30.

After an election in which facts could be oh so elusive, its instructive to look back to 2003.

Thats when several Daily Show staff members heard a speech from President George W. Bush that directly contradicted things the presidential candidate George W. Bush had said about foreign policy. It dawned on them to pull old tape and set up a mock debate in a split screen: Bush versus Bush.

It was a breakthrough for Jon Stewarts show.

If we, as basically stoner comedy people, could remember it, how was it possible that the actual media couldnt remember it, or didnt care, or didnt think it was important? Ben Karlin, a former producer of the show, says.

Thats one valuable anecdote in this exhaustive oral history, which traces the 16-year sprint that turned The Daily Show from a second-rate cable presentation into a vital institution in American politics and the media.
LET THERE BE LAUGHTER

A Treasury of Great Jewish Humor and What It All Means

By Michael Krasny

279 pp. William Morrow/HarperCollins Publishers. $19.99.

The first part of Michael Krasnys subtitle is hard to argue with: Let There Be Laughter is indeed a treasury of great Jewish humor. The second part is debatable.

Krasny, the host of an interview program on the San Francisco public radio station KQED, explains in his introduction that he has been collecting Jewish jokes for years; dropping two of the numerous names with which he sprinkles his narrative, he recalls that at one point he had amassed so many that the film director Barry Levinson introduced me to Dustin Hoffman as an English professor and public radio talk-show host who knew more Jewish jokes than anyone else. He has been giving talks for years in which he both tells and analyzes these jokes, and in writing this book, he says, he wanted to focus on meaning.

The jokes are mostly very funny. The focus on meaning is mostly a little fuzzy.

Krasny praises the generations of Jews who have found humor in suffering, showing a dogged resilience in the face of dreadful, even lethal adversity. He finds something to admire even in jokes, of which there are many here, whose point is that Jews love money above all else, noting with pride that Jews can celebrate and ridicule the stereotypes that for centuries had been turned against them.
Victoria the Queen, Julia Bairds exquisitely wrought and meticulously researched biography, brushes the dusty myth off this extraordinary monarch. Right out of the gate, the book thrums with authority as Baird builds her portrayal of Victoria. Overturning stereotypes, she rips this queen down to the studs and creates her anew. Yes, there are the familiar biographical landmarks, the wild love for Prince Albert and the bottomless grief at his early death, but Bairds Victoria isnt the woman we expect to meet. Her queen is a pure iconoclast: emotional, demonstrative, sexual and driven. She is a woman who leaps off her throne to embrace her elderly uncle during her coronation, who loves to dance, is fervently opposed to animal cruelty, survives eight assassination attempts and weeps loudly in public. She is also a woman who shocks her doctors with her candid approach to pregnancy and does nothing to hide her frank sexual appetite. When, after her ninth child is born, the royal physicians advise that, at almost 38, this should be her last baby, her first question is Can I have no more fun in bed? This is not the prudish queen of the history books.

Its commonly thought that after Prince Albert died, Victoria sank into her grief and retired from public life, essentially abdicating her responsibilities. Baird offers us a paradox: a queen who uses the stereotypes of her sex to her advantage and, while claiming nervous weakness, withdraws from public view even as she ruthlessly micromanages her political cabinet, often sending her ministers hourly instructions. Baird follows this trajectory of power, tracing its swing from Victoria to Albert and back again. Power provides the vertebrae of the biography.

After she marries Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the queens authority begins to erode. Bairds Albert is a loyal husband and diligent public servant but also a misogynist. He has excellent political instincts, yet he believes that rulership is a male prerogative. Over the course of their 21-year marriage, Albert dismantles his wifes confidence in her own intellect, sensibilities and judgment. It is a marriage that begins with a radical role reversal. Victoria proposes, offers Albert a ring and keeps her maiden name, but as their union proceeds, Albert becomes firmly ensconced in the world of government while Victoria is tethered to the domestic realm, pregnant for a total of 80 months. Bairds Victoria has forgotten her own colossal strength. Its only after Albert dies and her grief begins to subside that she rediscovers her political will.

Baird writes in the round. She constructs a dynamic historical figure, then spins out a spherical world of elegant reference, anchoring the narrative in specific detail and pinning down complex swaths of history that, in less capable hands, would simply blow away. At points, she also pulls back, effectively locating her subject within a broader context. And so, on the day Victoria discovers she is next in line for the throne, Baird offers snapshots of other future pillars of the Victorian world. We see 10-year-old George Eliot at boarding school, 18-year-old Charles Dickens learning shorthand in the reading room of the British Museum and 20-year-old Alfred, Lord Tennyson unhappily studying at Cambridge. Bairds central figures are sculpted from finely grained raw material, enhanced with the kind of detail that lends them nuance and dimension. Once we know that Victoria kicked off the trend for white wedding dresses; popularized the use of chloroform during childbirth (disregarding the established belief that its pain was the payback for original sin); wrote a yearly personal letter to Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man; and placed a sultry portrait of herself inside her husbands coffin, she takes on a specificity of character that brings a warm immediacy to the historical narrative.

In Victoria, Daisy Goodwins lively and effervescent novel, the range of her storytelling is rich but brief. Here we meet a green young queen who has spent her childhood shut up in a moldy palace with an overprotective mother and her mothers adviser, the bullish, ambitious Sir John Conroy. Not permitted to sleep in a room or tackle a flight of stairs alone, Victoria is hungry for independence. The day she ascends the throne, she gains her freedom, and over the next two years she carefully polices the borders of her authority. She is young, motivated primarily by love and instinct.
The list of candidates to take over the top job at Goldman Sachs has shrunk notably in recent weeks.

In the last month, both of the firms vice chairmen have announced plans to retire from the Wall Street firm. Then, this week, the No. 2 executive at the company, Gary D. Cohn, met with President-elect Donald J. Trump to talk about the possibility of a job with the new administration. Mr. Cohn is said to be open to leaving Goldman if he is offered a position by Mr. Trump, according to two people briefed on his thinking.

If Mr. Cohn were to go to work for Mr. Trump, he would be the third Goldman alumnus to join the top ranks of the new administration, along with Steven Mnuchin, a former Goldman partner who was tapped to become Treasury secretary, and Stephen K. Bannon, who worked at Goldman early in his career and is now Mr. Trumps top political strategist.

The concentration of former Goldman employees in the new administration is a rather unexpected outcome from an election in which the firm was a regular punching bag, held up as a prime example of Wall Street greed. The president-elects turn toward Goldman is also surprising because the bank, like other Wall Street firms, has not been eager to work with Mr. Trump as a client.
Robert E. Rubin, co-chairman of Goldman and Treasury secretary

Mr. Rubin amassed a fortune on Wall Street before heading the National Economic Council under President Bill Clinton. In 1994, Mr. Clinton selected him to become Treasury secretary. Mr. Rubin drew criticism just after his arrival in Washington when it was disclosed that he had sent farewell letters to hundreds of Goldman clients saying he was looking forward to working with you in my new capacity. He said that he was merely being polite.

Mr. Rubin played a role in arranging the compromise that led to the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act. After leaving office, he joined a leadership triangle at Citigroup.

Kenneth D. Brody, management committee at Goldman and president of the Export-Import Bank

After running Goldmans real estate division, Mr. Brody was appointed by President Clinton to the once-lethargic Ex-Im Bank. Critics have contended that the banks business is really a form of corporate welfare benefiting mainly giants like Boeing and General Electric.

When he arrived in Washington, he was astounded when an aide, told that it was difficult for the public to reach the agency on the telephone, replied that those who need us know how to get us. Mr. Brody said, I went nuts in response.

Gary Gensler, a partner at Goldman and chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission

After minting a small fortune as one of the youngest partners in Goldmans history, Mr. Gensler was named assistant secretary for financial markets in 1997. At the Treasury Department, he helped enact legislation exempting broad portions of derivatives trading from oversight.

But Mr. Gensler soon developed a reputation for cracking down on Wall Street during his time at the agency. The day in 2010 that the Dodd-Frank financial overhaul became final, he stayed past 4 a.m. to put the finishing touches on the law. His aggressive streak thrust the once-backwater agency into the front lines of reform. The push by Mr. Gensler clashed with the staid culture of an agency once known as the watchdog that didnt bark.

In Europe

Romano Prodi, international adviser to Goldman Sachs and prime minister of Italy

The former economics professor and European Commission president served two terms as prime minister of Italy. In 2008, he lost a confidence vote and submitted his resignation.
A new economic leadership is on its way  and its ranks are heavy with the superwealthy elite.

The men tapped so far by President-elect Donald J. Trump include Steven Mnuchin, the Goldman trader turned hedge fund manager; Wilbur L. Ross Jr., an investor in distressed assets; and Todd Ricketts, the owner of the Chicago Cubs.

Mr. Mnuchin is Mr. Trumps pick for Treasury secretary, while Mr. Ross has been chosen to run the Commerce Department. Mr. Ricketts has been selected as deputy commerce secretary.

Gary D. Cohn, the No. 2 executive at Goldman Sachs has also met with Mr. Trump to talk about the possibility of a job with the new administration. Mr. Cohn is said to be open to leaving Goldman if he is offered a position, according to two people briefed on his thinking.

It is a powerful signal that Mr. Trump is planning policies that will benefit Wall Street.

You might wonder whether this goes against Mr. Trumps populist campaign message. Democrats like Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren certainly think so. Anthony Scaramucci, the hedge fund executive who is also on the transition team, insisted that it did not and that the working class needed to become the aspirational working class.
INDIANAPOLIS  The long-promised call from Donald J. Trump to the heating and cooling giant Carrier came early one morning about a week after the election, when he unexpectedly won the industrial heartland.

The president-elect warned Gregory Hayes, the chief executive of Carriers parent, United Technologies, that he had to find a way to save a substantial share of the jobs it had vowed to move to Mexico, or he would face the wrath of the incoming administration.

On Thursday, as he toured the factory floor here to take credit for saving roughly half of the 2,000 jobs Indiana stood to lose, Mr. Trump sent a message to other businesses as well that he intended to follow through on his pledges to impose stiff tariffs on imports from companies that move production overseas and ship their products back to the United States.

This is the way its going to be, Mr. Trump said in an interview with The New York Times. Corporate America is going to have to understand that we have to take care of our workers also.
Betony, a Midtown Manhattan restaurant that opened to wide acclaim in 2013, will close at the end of the year.

We are saddened to announce that after three and a half years, Betony will close its doors on Dec. 31, Eamon Rockey, the general manager, and the executive chef, Bryce Shuman, said in a statement issued on Thursday. We thank our guests for their loyal support and look forward to welcoming them into the restaurant for the remainder of the year.

Mr. Shuman and Mr. Rockey, communicating through a spokesman, would not elaborate on the reasons for the closing, or indicate any plans for the business or themselves.
We dont want to think about the plants we are wearing when we wear cotton, and we dont want to think about life and death, he said in phone interview from Alaska. He thinks it should be the opposite.

Mr. Williams comes to this belief as part of his birthright, and he expresses it in the form of a pencil skirt. He calls hand-sewing a prayer and says that for him, hunting equals environmentalism equals spirituality. For him, the universal language of fashion is the best vehicle for amplifying the heritage and legacy of his people while at the same time ensuring the future of those people  in part because his staple material is one of the most precious pelts no longer widely available.

Sea otter was once among the most prized skins because of its lush pile: more than a million hairs per square inch. (The Chinese referred to it as soft gold.) By the early 20th century, the animals had been almost hunted out of existence, before they were protected by the Treaty for the Preservation and Protection of Fur Seals in 1911.

But an amendment to the Marine Mammal Act of 1972 exempted Indians, Aleut, and Eskimos (who dwell on the coast of the North Pacific Ocean) from the moratorium on taking provided that taking was conducted for the sake of subsistence or for the purpose of creating and selling authentic native articles of handicraft and clothing.
On a summer morning in 2013, Octavian Mihai entered a softly lit room furnished with a small statue of Buddha, a box of tissues and a single red rose. From an earthenware chalice, he swallowed a capsule of psilocybin, an ingredient found in hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Then he put on an eye mask and headphones and lay down on a couch. Soon, images flew by like shooting stars: a spinning world that looked like a blue-green chessboard; himself on a stretcher in front of a hospital; his parents, gazing at him with aching sadness as he reached out to them, suffused with childlike love.

Psilocybin has been illegal in the United States for more than 40 years. But Mr. Mihai, who had just finished treatment for Stage 3 Hodgkins lymphoma, was participating in a study looking at whether the drug can reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Throughout that eight-hour session, a psychiatrist and a social worker from NYU Langone Medical Center stayed by his side.

Published Thursday, the results from that study, and a similar small, controlled trial, were striking. About 80 percent of cancer patients showed clinically significant reductions in both psychological disorders, a response sustained some seven months after the single dose. Side effects were minimal.
When you get home after school, how much homework will you do? Will it keep you up late at night? Will it cause stress in your family? Or do you have homework under control?

Do your teachers assign too much homework?

In As Students Return to School, Debate About the Amount of Homework Rages, Christine Hauser writes:

How much homework is enough? My daughter, Maya, who is entering second grade, was asked to complete homework six days a week during the summer. For a while, we tried gamely to keep up. But one day she turned to me and said, I hate reading. I put the assignment aside. That was my abrupt introduction to the debate over homework that is bubbling up as students across the United States head back to school. This month, Brandy Young, a second-grade teacher in Godley, Tex., let parents know on Meet the Teacher night that she had no plans to load up her students backpacks. There will be no formally assigned homework this year, Ms. Young wrote in a note that was widely shared on Facebook. Rather, I ask that you spend your evenings doing things that are proven to correlate with student success. Eat dinner as a family, read together, play outside, and get your child to bed early. Other conversations about homework are humming in town halls and online. Some school districts, including one near Phoenix, have taken steps to shorten the summer break, out of concern that too much is forgotten over the summer. But discussions on blogs like GreatSchools.org or StopHomework.com reveal a belief that the workload assigned to students may be too heavy.

When we asked students this same question in 2014, most commenters  but not all  voiced their opinion that homework was stressing them out. Dinah wrote:

In theory, homework seems like a good idea, just a little bit of looking over what was learned in class and answering a few questions to feel more comfortable with the material. In practice, its entirely different. Now Im up till 11:30 p.m. some nights desperately trying to finish three colossal essays.

Eve agreed:

Im an eighth grade student at an American school and my teachers pile on homework, so much where I am staying up until nearly three in the morning. I LOVE school and I truly do have a passion for learning, its just these extra worksheets are not teaching me anything.

And Doug B. wrote:

Im becoming deranged from the excess of homework given to me. I have no time for any interests I have, companions and sleep.

Students: Read the entire article, then tell us:

 Do your teachers assign too much homework? Or do you have just the right amount?

 Does homework cause stress and tension in your family? Or does it create opportunities to work together with your parents or siblings?

 Does it get in the way of sleep or extracurricular activities? Or are you able to manage the right balance?

 How do you usually get your homework done? At home or at school? In a quiet room, or with family or friends around? Do you tend to work alone, or do your parents or friends help?

 Is homework, including projects and writing assignments you do at home, an important part of your learning experience? Or is it not a good use of time, in your opinion? Explain.
Effectively, there are no laws in the Shuafat Refugee Camp, despite its geographical location inside Jerusalem. The Shuafat camps original citizens were moved from the Old City, where they sought asylum in 1948 during the Arab-Israeli War, to the camps boundaries starting in 1965, when the camp was under the control of the Jordanian government, with more arriving, in need of asylum, during and after the war in 1967. Now, 50 years after Israels 1967 boundaries were drawn, even Israeli security experts dont quite know why the Shuafat Refugee Camp was placed inside the Jerusalem municipal boundaries. The population was much smaller then and surrounded by beautiful green, open forestland, which stretched to the land on which the Jewish settlement of Pisgat Zeev was later built. (The forestland is still there, visible beyond the separation wall, but inaccessible to camp residents, on account of the wall.) Perhaps the Israelis were hoping the camps residents could be relocated, because they numbered only a few thousand. Instead, the population of the camp exploded in the following decades into the tens of thousands. In 1980, Israel passed a law declaring Jerusalem the complete and united capital of Israel. In 2004, Israel began erecting the concrete wall around the camp, cutting inside Israels own declared boundaries, as if to stanch and cauterize the camp from united Jerusalem.

If high-rise buildings are not typically conjured by the term refugee camp, neither is an indoor shopping mall, but there is one in the Shuafat camp: two floors and a third that was under construction, an escalator up and down and a store called Fendi, which sells inexpensive womens clothes. The mall owner greeted us with exuberance and pulled Baha aside to ask for advice of some kind. A teenager who worked at a mall ice-cream parlor, a hipster in a hoodie and eyeglass frames without lenses, did a world-class beatbox for me and Moriel Rothman-Zecher, a writer and organizer who had walked me into the camp in order to make introductions between me and Baha and to serve as my Arabic interpreter. Moriel and the teenager from the ice-cream shop took turns. Moriels own beatbox was good but not quite up to the Shuafat Refugee Camp beatbox standard. We met an accountant named Fahed, who had just opened his shop in the mall to prepare taxes for residents. He was stunned to hear English being spoken and eager to use his own. The tax forms are in Hebrew, he explained, so most people in the camp must hire a bilingual accountant to complete them.

Before the separation wall was constructed, the mall was bulldozed twice by the Israeli authorities, but the owner rebuilt both times. Since the wall has gone up, the Israelis have not tried to demolish any large buildings in Shuafat, though they have destroyed individual homes. Armed Palestinian gangsters could take away someones land or apartment at any moment. A fire or earthquake would be catastrophic. There are multiple risks to buying property in the Shuafat camp, but the cost of an apartment there can be less than a tenth of what an apartment would cost on the other side of the separation wall, in East Jerusalem. And living in Shuafat is a way to try to hold onto Jerusalem residency status. Jerusalem residents have a coveted blue ID card, meaning they can enter Israel in order to work and support their families, unlike Palestinians with green, or West Bank ID cards, who need many supporting documents in order to enter Israel  to work or for any other reason, and who also must pass through military checkpoints like Qalandiya, which can require waiting in hourslong lines. Jerusalem residency is, quite simply, a lifeline to employment, a matter of survival.

There are also non-Jerusalemites in the camp. Since the wall went up, it became a sanctuary, a haven. I met people from Gaza, who cannot leave the square kilometer of the camp or they risk arrest, because it is illegal for Gazans to enter Israel or the occupied West Bank except with Israeli permission, which is almost never granted. I met a family of Brazilian Palestinians with long-expired passports who also cannot leave the camp, because they do not have West Bank green IDs nor Jerusalem blue IDs.
Daniel Nearing, a Chicago-based microbudget director, is not the most accessible filmmaker, but with his new feature and his previous one, he has carved out an original and boldly unfashionable niche. His interests are unabashedly literary: Chicago Heights, from 2009, was inspired by Sherwood Andersons Winesburg, Ohio. Now Anderson and Ernest Hemingway appear as supporting characters in Hogtown, the second film in a planned trilogy.

Shot for the most part in shimmering black and white, Hogtown flaunts its cinematic influences as well. A newsreel sequence nods to Citizen Kane, while other shots  and onscreen text that sometimes has the florid formality of silent-film intertitles  would look perfectly at home in a reel from 1919, the year around which the story is set. (Chicagos contemporary skyline, on the other hand, isnt concealed.)

The movie unfolds in loosely connected vignettes, with a mix of narrators and narrative tenses; it can feel as if youre leafing through a collection of poems. The plot revolves around the disappearance and possible murder of a theater-chain magnate, based on a real figure, as well as the personal life of a detective (Herman Wilkins) on the case. But the film also tries to excavate a time and place, evoking the lives of the citys immigrant and marginalized residents and its 1919 race riots as well as its snowfalls, speakeasies and slaughterhouses.

As in the little-seen Chicago Heights, the acting and production values can be creaky, and the more cryptic references cry out for annotation. Yet Mr. Nearings experimentation doesnt squelch the throwback aura. Hogtown plays like a find from a forgotten archive.
On Nov. 25, 1963, three days after becoming the worlds most famous widow, Jacqueline Kennedy slipped on a mourning veil. A diaphanous shroud reaching to her waist, it moved lightly as she walked behind her husbands coffin in the cortege that traveled from the White House to St. Matthews Cathedral. The veil was transparent enough to reveal her pale face, though not entirely, ensuring that she was at once visible and obscured. I dont like to hear people say that I am poised and maintaining a good appearance, she later said. I am not a movie actress.

Intensely affecting and insistently protean, the film Jackie is a reminder that for a time she was bigger than any star, bigger than Marilyn or Liz. She was the Widow  an embodiment of grief, symbol of strength, tower of dignity and, crucially, architect of brilliant political theater. Hers was also a spectacularly reproducible image. Its no wonder that shortly after President John F. Kennedy died, Andy Warhol started on more than 300 portraits of the Widow, juxtaposing photographs of her taken before and after the assassination. She smiles in a few, in others she looks frozen (or is it stoic?); the ones that pop are tight close-ups. They look like frames for an unfinished motion picture.

Jackie doesnt try to complete that impossible, apparently unfinishable movie, the never-ending epic known as The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy and What It Means to History. Instead, set largely after his death, it explores the intersection of the private and the public while ruminating on the transformation of the past into myth. It also pulls off a nice representational coup because it proves that the problem known as the Movie Wife  you know her, the little lady hovering at the edge of both the frame and story  can be solved with thought and good filmmaking. And as in Warhols Jackie portraits, John F. Kennedy is somewhat of a bit player here.
The Russian-born author Vladimir Nabokov more than once complained about the conventions of depicting Russian duels in non-Russian works of art  noblemen with their backs turned to each other, walking 10 paces ahead, and so on. Not how it was done, the great writer insisted. The Duelist, a Russian-made picture about a former nobleman making his living as a proxy in honor-restoring matches of shooting skill, never shows such a duel. In this movie, directed by Aleksey Mizgirev and set in 1860 St. Petersburg, the fighters meet at close range, sometimes stand separated by a screen, and face off in other visually interesting ways. I still dont think Nabokov would have approved  he had better taste in movies.

In the lead role of Yakovlev, Pyotr Fyodorov sometimes resembles a young, sleek Colin Farrell. Mr. Fyodorovs stolid bearing serves him reasonably well, as his characters back story has him enduring extreme pain in the manner of The Revenant or a 90s Mel Gibson movie. You lived among the Aleuts, one character observes of the sharpshooter. They know no mercy.

Yakovlev does other noblemens dirty work while seeking revenge of his own. The array of characters is rather like a Tolstoy novel filtered through a 1980s American prime-time soap. The cliched story line pursues turgidity with a relentless determination. The movie finally achieves that state, and definitively, when Yakovlev sexually assaults a young noblewoman in a carriage. She soon melts under him, accepting his violence as a seduction. Yuck.

The physical world of the movie teems with diverting period detail, which, along with the always interesting looking and sometimes very attractive members of the cast, are well shot by the cinematographer Maksim Osadchiy. Not well enough to redeem the movie, however.
From the very first shot, Nicolas Pesces The Eyes of My Mother unsettles as a broken woman staggers along a deserted country road before collapsing in front of an oncoming truck. It will be a long time before we learn who she is or what has happened to her; meantime, there are more than enough horrors to keep us occupied.

Sliced into three increasingly dismaying sections  abruptly labeled Mother, Father and Family  and shot in liquid black and white, the story (by Mr. Pesce) details the gradual unraveling of Francisca (Kika Magalhaes), a young Portuguese-American woman.

As a child, Francisca coolly absorbed the anatomy lessons that her mother, a former eye surgeon, delivered with the help of animal carcasses. And when a beaming psychopath invades her familys lonely farmhouse, Francisca observes his bloody purpose with the same clinical detachment.

Unfolding with a minimum of dialogue, Franciscas maturation from watcher to doer would be laughable if performed with less nuance or photographed with less originality. Desperately hugging her fathers corpse in clouded bath water, or swabbing inky pools of blood, Ms. Magalhaes, a former dancer, uses her expressive eyes and graceful limbs to bring the intimacy and sensuality of her actions to vivid life.
Ms. Hansen-Love observes the vagaries of Nathalies situation with compassion and lucidity. Her films  this is her fourth feature  often turn on intimate calamities, like a husbands suicide (in Father of My Children) or a painful breakup (in Goodbye First Love). But she is temperamentally allergic to melodrama, and far less interested in the easy shocks and tidy consolations of plot than in the meandering, almost random texture of lived experience. The French title of Things to Come (its also the name of an old British science-fiction movie) is LAvenir, which more literally means the future and which more accurately conveys the films open-ended, exploratory structure.

It also might stand as an admission of the filmmakers personal perspective on the story she is telling. Ms. Hansen-Love is 35, and the future she imagines is in some measure her own. Middle age is a landscape that is especially difficult for young people to picture, and one that they often ignore. It looks so sad, so boring, so scary, and the people who live there tend to be so weird and self-conscious. Ms. Hansen-Love surveys the territory with clear eyes, but also with an unmistakable shading of pity and with ideas, in particular about Nathalies sexuality and the political compromises of her generation, that seem more like assumptions than insights.

If Ms. Hansen-Loves film overcomes these limitations, its because of Ms. Huppert, whose best performances often feel like dialogues  or outright arguments  with her directors. In a recent article in The New Republic, the critic Miriam Bale has described the way Ms. Huppert, in Paul Verhoevens Elle  a film about a Parisian woman of a certain age that is as lurid and aggressive as this one is calm and thoughtful  assumes control over the character and her story. Her performance is a clear case of actress as auteur, Ms. Bale writes, an observation that strikes me as at least partly true in the case of Things to Come.

Traveling from Paris to the countryside (where Fabien and some friends have set up a sort of anarchist commune), Nathalie finds herself both freer than she used to be and constrained by norms and expectations of which she had been only partly aware. Her identity has come unraveled, and she needs to figure out how to put together a new one, at once an ideal and an especially difficult project for a philosopher. It is also, of course, what actors do all the time, but almost never with Ms. Hupperts combination of unbridled instinct and absolute control. Nathalie reinvents herself before our eyes, and we believe what we see because Ms. Huppert is doing it too.
Two Trains Runnin, Sam Pollards compact, resonant documentary  part essay film, part road picture, part musical anthology  is built around an astonishing historical coincidence. On June 21, 1964, two lost giants of the Delta blues, Skip James and Son House, were found by separate crews of obsessed music fans after weeks of amateur sleuthing along the back roads of Mississippi. James and House had each made a handful of recordings in the 30s and 40s, and then faded into obscurity until the folk revival of the early 60s piqued the interest of students and coffeehouse guitar pickers in the college towns of the North.

One car, captained by the guitarist John Fahey, set out from Berkeley, Calif., in search of Skip James. Another left Cambridge, Mass., following a wisp of a clue about where Son House might be. At the same time, other, larger groups of students were preparing to travel to Mississippi for reasons having little to do with music. They were part of Freedom Summer, a campaign organized mainly by the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, to register black voters in the state. On June 21, three of those activists  James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman  disappeared near Philadelphia, Miss. They were killed by the Ku Klux Klan.

With deep historical knowledge and nimble storytelling techniques, Mr. Pollard explores how idealism, horrific brutality and artistic genius converged in a single historical moment. Interviews with survivors, eyewitnesses, scholars and musicians are complemented with archival material, animation (which is fast becoming a staple of modern documentary filmmaking) and the retrospective thoughts of critics, journalists and musicians. Some of these are a little distracting. Its nice to hear Lucinda Williams, Gary Clark Jr. and others testify to (and demonstrate) the enduring influence of James and House, but its infinitely more valuable to hear the men themselves.
Two former advisers to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges stemming from a bribery and bid-rigging scandal that reached into Mr. Cuomos innermost circle of friends and associates.

Six other defendants, executives whose companies had done business with New York State, also pleaded not guilty to charges contained in a federal indictment returned in November in United States District Court in Manhattan.

The former advisers are Joseph Percoco, a close friend of the governors who had served as his executive deputy secretary, and Alain E. Kaloyeros, the former president of the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, who helped to oversee hundreds of millions of dollars in state development funds.

The indictment charges two wide-ranging and overlapping criminal schemes involving bribery, corruption and fraud in the award of hundreds of millions of dollars in New York State contracts and other official benefits.
Mr. Joseph said it was not the first time he had been attacked because of his sexuality in Haiti, where homosexuality is not a crime, but gay men often hide their orientation to avoid being targeted.

A makeup artist for eight years, he had worked at Journal de Loisirs, a celebrity talk show, and often carried a purse and makeup bag to the office. Seven months before the stabbing, Mr. Joseph said, he was kidnapped from his workplace, hooded and taken to an abandoned home, where he was chained to a pole and beaten. Three men threatened to kill him, he said, and called him an embarrassment to his country. They later let him go.

I always felt threatened, he said. And I never said anything back to these people. I was afraid of a violent response. There was always a fear.

After the 2012 attack, Mr. Joseph applied for a tourist visa to the United States, hoping the country would be as welcoming as it was portrayed on the television shows he had watched as a child, he said.

It was always my dream country, Mr. Joseph said. America is where you can make happen the dreams you envision for yourself.

He arrived in April 2013 on a tourist visa and settled in New York City. A few weeks later, he attended his first party since the attack, at the Monster, a piano bar in the West Village. Feeling safe, he took the stage to sing Lumane Casimir, a well-known Haitian song.
The Islamic State and Syria: American forces are engaged in major battles to liberate Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria from the Islamic State and are fighting extremists elsewhere, including Mali. Mr. Trump, who has said, I know more about ISIS than the generals, has not offered any plan beyond I would bomb the [expletive] out of em.

On Syria, he has talked of abandoning American support for rebels trying to oust President Bashar al-Assad and joining the alliance between Mr. Assad and Russia, Mr. Assads partner in bombing Syrian civilians. After 500,000 deaths, theres no end to the five-year civil war, which has created chaos, allowing ISIS to thrive and claim large parts of Syrian territory. A united effort to fight ISIS would require a peace deal between Mr. Assad and the opposition forces. But Secretary of State John Kerry has not been able to get Russia to push Mr. Assad in that direction. Mr. Trump seems confident he can work with Mr. Putin, but its unclear that Russia would accept any deal unless Mr. Assad is allowed to remain in power indefinitely, which the Syrians he has brutalized are unlikely to accept.

Iran: Mr. Trump has vowed to tear up the 2015 deal under which Iran halted its most dangerous nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of most international sanctions. The agreement is working, as many of its critics in Congress and the Middle East acknowledge. Mr. Trump, however, has chosen a national security adviser and a C.I.A. director who are both adamantly opposed to the deal, regardless of the consequences of ending it. If it is jettisoned, Iran would almost certainly resume its nuclear program. Americas partners in the agreement  Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China  will not reimpose sanctions as part of Mr. Trumps quixotic quest for some better deal, and American businesses will be further disadvantaged in the competition for Iranian markets.

This is the kind of self-made crisis a new president cannot afford. Iranian moderates open to engagement with the West are battling for power against anti-Western hard-liners. The hard-liners hope to exploit Mr. Trumps hostility to ensure that President Hassan Rouhani, who negotiated the nuclear deal, is defeated for re-election next year. It should matter to America which side prevails.

Nuclear Proliferation: Mr. Trump will soon command Americas nuclear arsenal. In the campaign, he spoke casually about possibly retaliating against the Islamic State with a nuclear weapon and about Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia possibly developing their own nuclear arsenals instead of relying on defense alliances with the United States. Since World War II, the United States has sought to prevent nuclear war and the expansion of nuclear arsenals. It would be catastrophic if a nuclear weapon is used during Mr. Trumps presidency or if his stance encouraged more countries to acquire such arms.
Presidential recount underway. Whats your take on it?

 This is a plot to distract the country from the stupendous Election-Day fraud in which millions of dead people cast their votes for Hillary Clinton.

 Is it going to get rid of Donald Trump? If it isnt, I dont care. I dont care about anything. Excuse me, Im going back to bed.

Wow, happy holidays.

Yes, its true the postelection nation is still divided, this time between the folks who dont want to believe Trump is going to be president and the ones who dont want to hear that more people actually voted for Hillary.

But about the recount: The star of this show is Jill Stein, the Green Party nominee for president. On Wednesday Steins lawyers filed paperwork to force Michigan to recheck its vote tallies. Shes also getting a recount in Wisconsin and shes working on Pennsylvania.

Since Stein got only 51,463 votes in Michigan to Trumps 2,279,543, this would seem like an exercise in  um, futility? Deeply cynical minds think the real goal might just be to increase her donor database  her recount campaign has drawn more than $6 million. But Stein says she wants to demonstrate the need to reform the nations extremely messy voting system.
Sure, you can buy your uncle a necktie that he wont wear, or your niece an Amazon certificate that shell forget to use. Or you can help remove shrapnel from an injured child in Syria, or assist students at risk of genocide in South Sudan.

The major aid organizations have special catalogs this time of year: You can buy an alpaca for a family for $150 at Heifer International, help educate a girl for $75 at Save the Children or help extend a much-admired microsavings program for $25 at Care. But this year my annual holiday gift list is special. Ive tied some items to the election of Donald Trump, and Ive looked for organizations that you may not have heard of:

 One battle over the coming four years will involve family planning, because of G.O.P. efforts to defund Title X family planning programs and repeal Obamacare, which provides free birth control. So consider a donation to one of the most effective counterforces: the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, thenationalcampaign.org.

The campaign takes no position on abortion (except to note that family planning reduces abortions), and it has bipartisan leadership, so it is more likely to get a hearing in a G.O.P.-controlled Washington.

 As Syria and Russia commit war crimes in Aleppo, heroic physicians from America and other countries are traveling secretly to rebel-held areas of Syria to treat the wounded in underground hospitals and call attention to the carnage. They work through the Syrian American Medical Society, SAMS, sams-usa.net, which supports more than 100 medical facilities in Syria.
To the Editor:

Re If Trump Tweets It, Is It Always News? A Quandary for the News Media (news article, Nov. 30):

So Donald Trump likes to tweet. I get that. But the media needs to stop accepting this as the new normal for receiving and then reporting on information.

Its very one-sided. You cant ask face-to-face questions of a tweet (Mr. Trumps plan all along, Im sure). Journalists and the media just ponder and postulate and chase their tails and regurgitate what Mr. Trump wants us all to hear and accept.

This is not journalism. The media need to start demanding access to this guy on a regular basis.

MELANIE CURRY

Portland, Ore.

To the Editor:

You note that Hope Hicks, a spokeswoman for President-elect Donald Trump, declined to say for now whether Mr. Trump would move his Twitter musings to the White Houses official Twitter account from his own account.
KABUL, Afghanistan  On a recent afternoon, I found myself squeezed into the back seat of a car, one of about 50 vehicles in a procession recklessly speeding through the Afghan capital. The passengers  all men, all members of Afghanistans Shia Muslim minority  were headed toward the Kart-e-Sakhi shrine, where the previous night a suicide attacker loyal to the Islamic State, the radical Sunni group, had killed more than a dozen Shias.

In the front, three men occupied the passenger seat, limbs splaying out of the open door. The cars raced through the streets, forcing traffic to halt and make way. The black-clad men thumped their chests in religious fervor, shouting Ya Hossein in allegiance to the Shias third imam and waving flags depicting children in green headbands that said the mourners belonged to the House of Hussein. The scene had the marks of a sectarian conflict in the making. In fact, that was just what they were determined to prevent.

It was Oct. 12, and Ashura, the holiday when Shias commemorate the martyrdom in 680 A.D. of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and, according to them, his rightful heir. (Shias believe the prophet chose Husseins father, Ali, as his successor; Sunnis believe he picked his own father-in-law, Abu Bakr.) The men I rode with were intent on mourning their fellow faithful the same way they emulate the suffering of their imam: by self-flagellating with fists, chains and knives.

Afghans have lived through decades of conflict but have largely been spared the kind of sectarian war that ravages other countries in the region, such as Iraq and Pakistan. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, has seemed intent on changing that since it surfaced in Afghanistan last year, when pockets of fighters in the eastern part of the country started pledging allegiance to the group.
VIENNA  Sunday will see the culmination of one of the longest, toughest  and flat-out weirdest  elections ever in Austria. Voters will choose between two candidates: Alexander Van der Bellen, the former leader of the small Green Party, and Norbert Hofer, a key figure in the right-wing Freedom Party.

The result will have a symbolic importance far beyond Austria. Is another country about to join the rise of nationalist and far-right populists elsewhere in Europe, and mimic the unexpected success of President-elect Donald J. Trump in the United States?

The pairing of finalists in this contest is odd enough: Both their parties were usually on the fringes of the traditional political establishment, which for decades was dominated by the center-left Social Democrats on one side and the center-right Austrian Peoples Party on the other. Back in April, though, the voters dealt a humiliation to those two parties candidates in the first round of voting, consigning them to fourth and fifth places.

What happened next was a sort of comedy-thriller. By the time of the decisive second-round runoff in May, the country was deeply rived. The liberal, leftish, cosmopolitan, modern and urban part of the electorate coalesced behind the Green candidate, while his right-wing populist rival picked up the votes of all those who are resentful of elites or simply wanted to knock the Green candidate off his perch for being too radical (on grounds that being a Green is still regarded as radical). Imagine Americans being offered the choice between Donald Trump and, say, Ralph Nader; inevitably, a portion of the voters will go for the one they dislike less.
WASHINGTON  DONALD J. TRUMP has never felt compelled to play by conventional rules  neither in business nor in politics  and that iconoclasm has made him a billionaire and president-elect of the United States. But if he thinks he can use his business practices abroad as a model for negotiations with foreign governments, he will be in for a rude awakening, especially with Cuba. Mr. Trumps foreign business deals have been lucrative, but they exemplify just the sort of cronyism and shady dealing that characterized American business practices in Cuba before Fidel Castros revolution  practices that stoked Cuban nationalism, increased Mr. Castros popularity and led to the seizure of over a billion dollars of American property.

In a scene from The Godfather II, Cubas dictator, Fulgencio Batista, shows off a solid gold telephone in the presence of American business leaders who gave it to him as thanks for his business-friendly policies.

The American-owned Cuban telephone company actually did that in 1957. In another scene, the leaders of stateside crime families partying in Havana cut up a cake topped with icing that reads Cuba. That scene was apocryphal, but organized crime did control the Cuban hospitality industry in the 1950s  the hotels, casinos, bars and clubs  along with the associated vices of drugs, gambling and prostitution. The police looked the other way, and Batista got a piece of the take.

To Mr. Castro and many other Cubans, such behavior was an affront to national dignity and sovereignty. In 1963, a French reporter quoted President John F. Kennedy as having said, in an interview, Now, we shall have to pay for those sins.
Mays speeches are reminiscent of the approach of an American Democratic politician who self-consciously resisted identity politics and defied political correctness 25 years ago, Bill Clinton. I suspect Mays staff read through Bill Clintons speeches while preparing her major addresses. On Dec. 12, 1991, two months after formally announcing his bid for the presidency, Clinton famously pointed out that

Taxes were lowered on the wealthiest people whose incomes were rising, and raised on middle class families as their incomes fell. And through it all, millions of decent, ordinary people who worked hard, played by the rules, and took responsibility for their own actions, were falling more and more behind, living a life of struggle without reward or security.

On Oct. 5 this year, May told members of her party:

I want to set our party and our country on the path toward the new center ground of British politics built on the values of fairness and opportunity where everyone plays by the same rules and where every single person  regardless of their background or that of their parents  is given the chance to be all they want to be.

On Oct. 3, 1991, when Bill Clinton declared his candidacy, he said:

In a Clinton Administration, we are going to create opportunity for all. Weve got to grow this economy, not shrink it. We need to give people incentives to make long  term investment in America and reward people who produce goods and services, not those who speculate with other peoples money. Weve got to invest more money in emerging technologies to help keep high-paying jobs here at home.

Two and a half decades later, May said:

We also value something else: the spirit of citizenship. That spirit that means you respect the bonds and obligations that make our society work. That means a commitment to the men and women who live around you, who work for you, who buy the goods and services you sell. That spirit that means recognizing the social contract that says you train up local young people before you take on cheap labor from overseas. That spirit that means you do as others do, and pay your fair share of tax.

A random examination of Obamas speeches during the 2008 campaign reveals his sensitivity to the concerns of the white working class  from which his maternal grandparents, with whom he lived for many years, came. He rarely turned to an explicit identity politics strategy.

Even when speaking before civil rights and womens rights groups, Obama took pains to avoid particularistic appeals.

At the July 14 NAACP Convention, Obama declared:

When any human being is denied a life of dignity and respect, no matter whether they live in Anacostia or Appalachia or a village in Africa; when people are trapped in extreme poverty we know how to curb or suffering from diseases we know how to prevent; when theyre going without the medicines that they so desperately need  we have more work to do. Thats what this election is all about. Its about the responsibilities we all share for the future we hold in common.

Our march is a march for America, Obama said three weeks later at the Urban League Convention.

Not black America or white America. Not rich America or poor America, rural America or urban America, but all America. An America where no childs destiny is determined before shes born  and no ones future is confined to the neighborhood hes born into. An America where hard work is still a ticket to the middle class  and you can make it if you try.

Interestingly, Hillary Clinton, in her major speeches, often tried to use language similar to that of Obama or her husband. When she announced her bid for the presidency in June, she told her supporters:

You see corporations making record profits, with CEOs making record pay, but your paychecks have barely budged. While many of you are working multiple jobs to make ends meet, you see the top 25 hedge fund managers making more than all of Americas kindergarten teachers combined. And, often paying a lower tax rate. So, you have to wonder: "When does my hard work pay off? When does my family get ahead?

The difference in the rhetorical strategy of Hillary Clinton and Theresa May is one of stress and underscoring. While May made sure her identity group stands were secondary to her pronounced commitment to the working men and women of England generally, Clinton frequently placed her focus on identity groups.

Take her speech in Nevada a week before the states caucuses in February:

Not everything is about an economic theory, right? Clinton told a gathering in Henderson:

If we broke up the big banks tomorrow  and I will, if they deserve it, if they pose a systemic risk, I will  would that end racism? No, the audience replied. Would that end sexism? No. Would that end discrimination against the LGBT community? No. Would that make people feel more welcoming to immigrants overnight? No.

Earlier, at a primary debate on CNN, Anderson Cooper asked her: Secretary Clinton, how would you not be a third term of President Obama?

Clinton replied:

Well, I think thats pretty obvious. I think being the first woman president would be quite a change from the presidents weve had up until this point, including President Obama.

Clintons comments at the debate and in Nevada were accurate but told voters nothing about how a Clinton presidency would improve their lives in ways that the Obama presidency had not.

Every campaign seeks to mobilize specific constituencies. Identity politics are, and have always been, a fact of life. The issue is what takes precedence: those constituency-specific appeals or a sustained emphasis on a more encompassing appeal to a broad economic class.
We discuss whats in store for Rudy Giuliani, whether Chris Christie is off the scene entirely, what to make of Kellyanne Conways seemingly scripted going rogue moment and what, generally, we expect from a Trump presidency.

I think the institution of the White House and the physical building has a huge impact on its occupants, Mr. Shear says. Its possible that once they move into that building and once they start flying around on the plane and theyre in the East Room, that some of the tradition, some of the things that normally happen that presidents do, will start happening. It will never be exactly like Obama  it shouldnt be, and it wont be  but I think it may be more normal than people think.

We also talk about Mr. Trumps tweets, and the question of how the media should cover them.

Ive been sort of mystified at the notion that we should somehow ignore what are by most accounts completely unrehearsed, un-poll-tested utterances from the mouth of the person whos about to become president of the United States, Ms. Davis says.

We dont have to retweet them credulously  we shouldnt  we dont have to report them without any context or fact-check element  we shouldnt  but for the most part each one of these things is an important window into the way hes thinking, certainly the way hes communicating with 16 million of his followers, and it contributes to a portrait of him that, frankly, we dont have that many other primary sources to fill out.

Were in the early stages of an unprecedented experiment, Mr. Homans adds. Weve never had this sort of window on any president before. There are a ton of fascinating implications of that, that we havent sorted out. What does the steady stream of kidding-not-kidding utterances mean in terms of how we read more formal statements by Trump or by his administration? How does the rest of the world, in the event of a diplomatic incident, read official proclamations coming from the White House?

We end with a lightning-round question: Is Donald Trump having fun?

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Isaac Mahone and Marcus Arnett, who lived in San Antonio, visited New York often. After you visit the city, Mr. Mahone said, thats where you want to live.

The men, both 34, met as students at the University of Texas at San Antonio. This past summer Mr. Mahone landed a job in Hoboken, N.J., as a transaction coordinator for a real estate company, and they jumped at the chance to relocate. Mr. Arnett, who is employed in the member-relations department of a financial services company, arranged to work from home.

They put the San Antonio house, which had belonged to Mr. Arnetts grandmother, on the market. It was small, but it had a yard. The house, in the Highland Park neighborhood, sold for around $107,000.

For their three dogs, all husky mixes, the couple needed an ultra-pet-friendly building, preferably with outdoor space. They preferred a Midtown or downtown Manhattan location so Mr. Mahone could easily reach his Hoboken office via subway and PATH train.
The move has displeased some, including Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, a member of Parliament who feels that selecting one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in Reykjavik was irrational. The banks should respect that their business is a risky one, he said. And unfortunately the cost of bankruptcy ends usually with taxpayers carrying the cost.

Runar Palmason, a representative for Landsbankinn, noted that the new headquarters consolidated operations, saving the company about $6 million a year. The buildings footprint will be 46 percent smaller than those of the separate offices combined.

One of the largest challenges for all of the East Harbor projects is that legally they are considered one plot because they share underground parking. That means they have to coordinate development and design plans, making for a very complicated ownership structure, said Oli Orn Eiriksson, the head of economic development for the city. You have so many different parties building on the same plot at the same time.

There is also concern about striking a balance between visitors and locals.

The downtown has changed dramatically, said David Mar Sigurdsson, a sales and marketing manager for the Icelandic company TG Verk, which owns the Harbor Square development and has invested $130 million in it. I feel like a foreigner when I go there. There are so many visitors.

While Reykjavik is buzzing with tourism, and construction cranes dot the skyline, it is also feeling the strain of the surge of visitors. The East Harbor developers hope the new offices and apartments will balance out the visitors with locals.
When the curator and art dealer Vito Schnabel decided to open his first permanent gallery space last December, he chose St. Moritz over the art districts of Chai Wan, Chelsea or Wynwood. Hes not alone: Exhibitions in ski resorts have become something of a phenomenon lately. This past summer, the curator Neville Wakefield organized a group show featuring work by Dan Colen, Damien Hirst and Richard Prince in an Aspen ski shop, while in Gstaad, Hauser & Wirth erected an exhibition of monumental Calder sculptures (Calder in the Alps, on view through March 31, 2017), many of which had never been exhibited in Switzerland before.

For Schnabel, the desire to put down roots in the Engadin Valley was inherited. My friend and mentor, Bruno Bischofberger, first opened a gallery in St. Moritz in 1963, and I visited often throughout my childhood, Schnabel says at his gallery, while its winter show of Jeff Elrod paintings is being installed. (It opens Dec. 29.) When he offered me a space on Via Maistra, I knew it was an incredible opportunity to be part of the cultural conversation there.

The Upper Engadin slices through about 35 miles of the southeastern Swiss Alps, where altitudes soar to over two and a half miles above sea level. Despite the tiny population of 16,700 inhabitants and the brevity of the regions high season, which lasts from December through March, there are at least 30 international art galleries between St. Moritz and the municipality of Sent, providing an enlightening alternative for apres-ski. Although Bischofberger  a legendary art dealer who brought American Pop Art to Europe in the 1960s  no longer has a gallery in the area, his legacy is omnipresent.
From seemingly insignificant flourishes like personalized gift-wrapping to media spectacles like in-store fashion shows, so much of what was established early on at Neiman Marcus is now commonplace, even self-evident. If some of these innovations were pure fantasy  the decidedly sui generis Christmas catalog, for instance, published annually since 1926, advertised His and Her submarines and a real-life Noahs ark  their point was the same. Deep in the heart of nowhere, Neiman Marcus made luxury, actual and aspirational, accessible to everyone.

Mr. Stanley himself was Neimans. Its hard to imagine today, when department stores are mostly anonymous caverns of corporate strategy, but his store was as much a cult of personality as a place of conspicuous consumption. Yes, it was an empire of beautiful things  tulle meringues for debutantes, Herend tea sets for their grandmothers, and the designs of Emilio Pucci, Elsa Schiaparelli and Carolina Herrera (all of whom found an early champion in Mr. Stanley). But the store represented something utterly new: an alternate reality at the intersection of commerce and culture, where ordinary women and men learned not what to wear but how to live, a place were they could become, if only for a moment, their best selves.

Herbert Marcus opened Neiman Marcus with his sister and her husband in 1907, and Mr. Stanley, one of four sons, was his natural successor as president in 1950, before becoming chairman of the board in 1972. But unlike his father, Mr. Stanley was more curator than retailer, often discouraging customers from buying a more expensive item if there was a cheaper one that suited them better: The most important thing was that they leave in the ensemble  really, the state of mind  that best corresponded to the person they aspired to be. And he took at least as much pride in the stores considerable art collection as in making a sale. Many have seen their first Picasso or Toulouse-Lautrec at Neiman Marcus, he wrote of his loyal customers, oil executives and schoolteachers alike. Many get their first insights into a foreign country they will never visit.

Born in Dallas in 1905, Stanley Marcus was essentially a character from a 19th-century French novel somehow stranded on the Texas prairie. The epitome of southern soigne, he was a Jew in a gentile beau monde that would never fully accept him. Like Huysmanss Jean des Esseintes, he merely escaped his isolation in the fantastical splendor of an aesthetic universe entirely of his own design, a world of unmitigated fantasy populated with suitably fabulous names. His Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion, established in 1938, lured the likes of Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior to Dallas, where their host would entertain them with bovine-inspired fashion shows, for example, and barbecued meat  something Chanel disliked so much that she scraped it under the table one evening at the Marcus ranch. Unfortunately, Marcus recalled, the contents hit the satin slippers of Elizabeth Arden.

One of the enduring mysteries is why Marcus  an outspoken liberal in a sea of radical conservatives, an active integrationist in a still-segregated south, a Jew who couldnt join elite local country clubs  always insisted on remaining in Dallas. He was under no illusions about the citys darker side, even warning John F. Kennedy not to come in advance of the presidents fateful visit in November 1963. I am apprehensive of the kind of reception hell receive, he told his old friend Lyndon Johnson, by then the vice president.
The Potter producers, who are already overseeing a sold-out production of the play in London, did not describe the New York opening as a certainty. Instead, they said they were in advanced discussions and exclusive talks to open the play. The time frame coincides with the arrival of another expected blockbuster: a Disney stage musical adaptation of Frozen, which is planned for an upgraded St. James Theater.

In an interview on Thursday, the producers, Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender, said they had been looking for a Broadway theater, but had been avoiding the 1,900-seat Lyric because it was too big. But they said that Ambassador expressed a willingness to reimagine the space completely, and that that was persuasive; the shows designer will be allowed to reconfigure the theater and bring it down to 1,500 seats.

Mr. Callender said, ATG was prepared to spend millions of dollars to build us a theater within the theater, designed to meet the specifications of what we were looking for  intimate, but big enough so we can have a considerable number of low-priced seats around the house.

The producers said the Lyric was also appealing because, for a Broadway theater, it has relatively capacious lobby, refreshment and bathroom facilities, which are especially important for a two-part play that many patrons see over the course of one long day at the theater.

All of the major Broadway theater owners have been vying to lure Cursed Child, given the popularity of the source material and the excellent reviews the play received in London.
In most of the United States, anyone poor enough to qualify for Medicaid simply receives whatever care doctors recommend at minimal cost. But many Medicaid enrollees in Indiana cant get full benefits unless they pay monthly premiums, and some who fail to pay can be shut out of coverage entirely for six months. If they go to the emergency room too often, they have to pay a fee.

These provisions were unprecedented departures for the program last year, and they were negotiated with federal health officials by Seema Verma, a consultant, on behalf of Gov. Mike Pence, now the vice president-elect. This week Donald J. Trump chose Ms. Verma to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the influential agency inside the Department of Health and Human Services that oversees Medicare, Medicaid and the Obamacare insurance markets.

It is not clear what Ms. Verma may have planned for Medicare, a fully federal program that covers millions of older Americans and that usually makes up most of the administrators job. Administrators of the agency typically come with some Medicare experience, and Ms. Verma appears to have little.

Her policy priorities for Medicaid are much clearer. Mr. Trump and congressional Republicans have vowed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and to create new systems for providing health insurance to low and middle-income Americans. But even without legislation, the executive branch can do a lot to reshape existing programs by giving states more power. Ms. Vermas nomination suggests that the administration will become much more enthusiastic about approving novel Medicaid policies like those adopted in Indiana.
In the two hours that President-elect Donald J. Trump spent flying to Indiana on Thursday to boast that he saved 1,000 jobs, about 6,000 private-sector jobs in the United States were probably destroyed.

Its a surprising statistic  one that speaks to the constant state of change in the labor market. My calculation is based on government data that shows that every three months roughly 6.7 million private-sector jobs are destroyed, which in an expanding labor market is offset by the creation of nearly 7.2 million jobs.

Over a full presidential term, more than 100 million jobs will be destroyed. Mr. Trump cant expect to stanch much of that flow.

Of course, not all jobs that go away are gone forever: Public beaches need lifeguards every summer, and Macys hires elves around Christmastime. Not that this is necessarily much comfort to a jobless elf in January.
In an era of digital crimes, some thieves are still doing it the old-fashioned way.

When two masked men pulled up outside an A.T.M. in a ShopRite grocery store in Covington Township, Pa., early Tuesday morning, their tools consisted of a stolen dump truck, a long cable and a chain.

A video shows them jumping out of the 2005 Chevrolet  which had a snowplow and a salt spreader attached and had been taken from a country club nearby  and hurrying inside to attach the chain to the A.T.M. in a vestibule on the side of the store.

About 30 seconds later, with precision and impressive aim, they yanked the cash machine outside through the narrow door, shattering the glass and making their getaway.

The A.T.M. had about $14,000 when it was stolen, said Bernie Klocko, the police chief of Covington Township in Lackawanna County. The truck and part of the machine were recovered in the area the same day. But the A.T.M.s cash box was missing.
WASHINGTON  As President-elect Donald J. Trump continues his search for a secretary of state  a conspicuously public effort, in which the fortunes of the candidates rise and fall like characters in a political potboiler  allies of one of those candidates, David H. Petraeus, are mounting a vigorous lobbying campaign on his behalf.

Two influential Republican national security figures  Senators John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina  spoke out publicly in favor of Mr. Petraeus this week, declaring that he was well qualified and saying his confirmation would not be hindered by his having pleaded guilty to mishandling classified material and being forced to resign as director of the C.I.A.

Hes one of the most talented and capable leaders I have ever known, Mr. McCain, who is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in one of the most animated exchanges he has had with reporters since he was re-elected last month.

As for the scandal involving the leaking of classified material  in which Mr. Petraeus resigned after the disclosure that he had given a confidential diary to his biographer and mistress, Paula Broadwell  Mr. McCain said, I think people make mistakes in life and you move on.
Trumps foreign policy: Praise for Kazakhstans strong man, gushing over Pakistan.

President-elect Trump took phone calls Wednesday from Pakistans prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, and President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan. The results were instructive.

According to Kazakhstan, Mr. Trump said that under the leadership of Nursultan Nazarbayev our country over the years of Independence had achieved fantastic success that can be called a miracle.

Through some rather circuitous paths, Mr. Trumps real estate empire has been tied to Kazakhstan in ways a Financial Times investigation labeled dirty. Mr. Nazarbayev has run Kazakhstan since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1989. Last year, he won a fifth consecutive term with 97.7 percent of the vote.

The Pakistani government released its own account of the telephone conversation between and Mr. Trump and Mr. Sharif that sounded, well, Trumpian.

President Trump said: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work, which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you, prime minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing, with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor, and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me anytime, even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office.  On being invited to visit Pakistan by the prime minister, Mr. Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing, and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr. Donald Trump.

While not exactly confirming the content, the Trump transition team did acknowledge both calls.

The White House responds: Please, get help.

The White House has been trying its best not to criticize Mr. Trump, but after those two phone calls, a top administration official suggested that Mr. Trump get some expert help.

Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, noted that the relationship between Pakistan and the United States was quite complicated and got more so after the American raid into Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden. And then Mr. Earnest mentioned where Mr. Trump could get some assistance.

Im just making the observation that there are dedicated experts, public servants at the State Department that have years of experience that they have amassed that theyre prepared to use to advise the incoming president, Mr. Earnest said.
Opponents in Iran have been using the issue in an effort to unseat the moderates backing President Hassan Rouhani, whose government negotiated the pact with the United States, five other nations  Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia  and the European Union. Those five nations and the bloc have largely lifted their sanctions against Iran, including prohibitions on financial transfers and oil purchases.

There will be aggressive posturing by the hard-liners within Iran, Senator Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, said on Thursday. I expect that Secretary Kerry will have to have a very difficult call with Zarif, he added, referring to Secretary of State John Kerry and Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister, who was Mr. Kerrys negotiating partner.

On Friday, the Iranian government described the Senate vote as a violation of the nuclear agreement, and the developments angered officials close to Mr. Rouhani, who has become the face of the deal and Irans outreach to the West.

The Iranian government has interpreted the agreement to mean that there will be no new sanctions as long as the deal is valid, and it regarded the vote as a serious breach of that accord. We have an action plan for any situation, said the Foreign Ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi, and are fully prepared to defend our rights effectively, strongly and wisely in any situation.

While the Obama administration said the vote would not change anything, the extension of the sanctions authorization will give President-elect Donald J. Trump an easy opportunity to shatter the accord if he wishes. Vice President-elect Mike Pence said during the campaign that the deal would be ripped up, though Mr. Trump, in interviews with The New York Times earlier this year, suggested that he would try to renegotiate the terms, not destroy it.
Tabulators, mostly retirees, are being paid $25 for each half day they work, and county officials say they would bring in workers as needed to count the 51,000 ballots in time.

In Wisconsin, recounts are not terribly unusual. Another vast statewide recount happened only four years ago, for a seat on the states Supreme Court. The recount took more than a month.

Michael Cotter, a staff member in the county clerks office, stood on the sidelines on Thursday morning and recalled at least three other recounts that he had taken part in, dating from a countywide do-over for a judicial seat in the spring of 2000.

We had punch ballots back then, so I knew all about pregnant chads and hanging chads before Bush and Gore, he said. They kept falling out of the ballots and they were all over the floor, like confetti.

Election officials here seemed determined to keep the process orderly. Observers were told to stay several feet away from the tabulators, on one side of the room marked off by green tape. Donna Emelity, a tabulator, said she was volunteering out of a sense of civic duty. Wisconsin is run very honest, she said. I think it will prove to people that its an honest election and itll help people have more confidence.

Representatives of the campaigns were allowed to be closer to the process, peering over the shoulders of election officials as they tested machines and used pliers to snip open white plastic sacks of ballots.

Mary Gilding, a volunteer for the Stein campaign who was there to oversee the recount, said that she did not have a dog in this fight, but merely wanted to ensure that the election results were accurate.
TEXT CARD: The route of hashish to Europe drastically changed in 2013. Rukmini: There are two reasons why the drugs are no longer taking the shortest route from Morocco to Spain, through the Straits of Gibraltar. starting in around 2008 the European Union began investing heavily in installing cameras along the southern coast of Spain which has made it easier to intercept these vessels. The most important reason however is in 2011 Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown as the leader of Libya. His country which was formerly sealed off was plunged into chaos and that created an opening for the traffickers. The shipments then went by sea to the coast of Libya where they were unloaded and then and then trafficked overland through Libya Egypt and then back into Europe through the Balkans. TEXT CARD: Boats now sail from Morocco to Libya  less frequently but deliver much higher quantities of drugs. before that the hashish that was smuggled into Europe came in in small quantities small enough to hide in a jet ski in a sailboat in a fishing trawler. Now theyre using cargo ships that are that some of which were worth the length of a soccer field. what we know is that is that Libya is not a country of consumption. So the only reason for it to be passing through Libya is br Its part of the highway to get to Europe where it is sold on the streets to users. TEXT CARD: In Libya, the drugs route goes through the territory controlled by the Islamic state. The inspectors that are that are looking into the shipment of these drugs fear that that that ISIS was involved in the trafficking of these drugs not as users but rather as the authority that is controlling the territory and that is therefore able to exact attacks in return for its passage. the question at the heart of our reporting is the extent to which ISIS is benefiting from this trade An dto be honest, we dont know the extent to which ISIS is taxing this route but that is the element that has most worried investigators So for for decades the drug trafficking in Italy and in other parts of Europe has been controlled by the mafia. And investigators in Sicily told me that they would actually prefer that the Mafia was still in control. They say that because they find the specter of ISIS benefiting from this trade to be even more frightening they told me that ISIS does things that no mafioso would ever consider doing. END
Some students dont have materials, so I pay for them from my own pocket, said Bleou Abel, a 39-year-old primary-school teacher.

Three meals a day are hard to come by, according to Mohammed Badini, a 37-year-old cocoa farmer who relocated to Michelkro. The United Nations said in its most recent assessment that food shortages, if not remedied quickly, could cause social tensions in the region, which was plagued by deadly violence in 2011 in the wake of a disputed national election.

The World Food Program delivered food rations to villages around Mont Peko in the autumn, including Michelkro, but that was a stopgap; advocates have pressed for a more lasting response.

They are also blasting the governments handling of the evictions. The Coalition of Ivorian Human Rights Actors criticized officials for chasing the cocoa farmers out without taking the necessary precautions to ensure that the displaced have access to food, potable water and sanitation.

The government did announce in October that it would allocate more money to reinforce the eviction process around Mont Peko and to relocate non-Ivorians to their country of origin. (Many of the evicted farmers are from neighboring Burkina Faso.) It did not specify how much money was involved or how it would be spent. The World Food Program, in partnership with the Ivorian government, delivered $1.2 million in food aid to the villages around Mont Peko in late November.

Col. Adama Tondossama, the head of the agency that oversees national parks, acknowledged that the government had been slow to get assistance flowing. But he said that officials had been warning the farmers for years that they had to leave the park and that the government had asked humanitarian aid groups for help.

In Michelkro, those evicted from the park are living wherever they can, often in the crowded shacks of other farmers who have moved to the village in recent years. Some of the displaced still ply their trade, laying out to dry however many cocoa beans they managed to salvage as they were leaving.
Mr. Ban goaded countries to make voluntary contributions, or else other means would have to be pursued, which can be interpreted only to be compulsory dues. Eliminating cholera from Haiti, and living up to our moral responsibility to those who have been most directly affected, will require the full commitment of the international community and, crucially, the resources necessary, he said.

The Haitian ambassador to the United Nations, Denis Regis, welcomed Mr. Bans acknowledgment of the organizations role in the cholera outbreak, calling its previous position morally unjustifiable.

Few things have damaged the standing of the United Nations  and Mr. Bans record as its secretary general  as the cholera outbreak and particularly, his response to it.

In a country where few people have access to clean water and proper sanitation, the disease quickly spread in 2010 when United Nations peacekeepers failed to adequately follow protocols for disposing wastewater, while deployed in Haiti. Cholera surged again in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, which hit the nation in October.

One of the reasons the disease spread so widely, public health experts have said, is because it was allowed to; had there been a vigorous response in the first couple of years, it would have been far easier to contain, and fewer people would have died. The death toll stands at an estimated 10,000; some say it could be higher.

In the report issued on Thursday, Mr. Ban blamed perennial underfunding for cholera eradication. Efforts were beset from the start by the challenge of insufficient funding, which has had a dramatic negative impact on the capacity to respond effectively to the disease, he said.

Perhaps most damaging to the United Nations, which regularly presses governments around the world to pursue accountability, Mr. Ban and his aides have all along claimed immunity from prosecution under a longstanding diplomatic treaty. That view was upheld in August by a federal court in Manhattan, in response to a class-action lawsuit by cholera victims.
SITTWE, Myanmar  Satellite images show villages burned to the ground. Human rights groups relay allegations of rape and the slaughter of children. Thousands of refugees have fled across the border to Bangladesh, while aid workers have been prevented from reaching the afflicted.

As the Myanmar Army unleashes a brutal counterinsurgency campaign against the Rohingya in the north, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmars leader, has remained nearly silent, putting her status as an exemplar of democratic values and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in a different light.

Human rights advocates accuse her of condoning a military campaign designed to drive the Rohingya, a Muslim minority in this majority-Buddhist nation, off their land in Rakhine State and out of the country. The United Nations human rights agency has said the abuses may amount to crimes against humanity.
SEOUL, South Korea  The South Korean police arrested a man believed to have set fire on Thursday to the birthplace of the father of President Park Geun-hye, destroying part of a memorial that draws South Koreans who revere the military dictator.

Ms. Parks father, Park Chung-hee, is beloved among older conservatives who credit him with leading the country out of poverty while fending off Communist threats from the North. He came to power in a military coup in 1961 and ruled with an iron fist until he was assassinated by his intelligence chief in 1979.

Many South Koreans have made pilgrimages to the Park birthplace in Gumi, about 125 miles southeast of Seoul, the capital. The compound consists of a small, low-slung, thatched-roof house and a few additional buildings, one of which serves as a memorial hall.

The police in Gumi said the fire was extinguished in 10 minutes, but not before it gutted the memorial hall, including portraits of the dictator and his wife, Yuk Young-soo.
BANGKOK  Thailands crown prince ascended to the throne on Thursday, seven weeks after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died after reigning for seven decades.

In a formal ceremony at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok, the prince, crowned as King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, 64, accepted the invitation to take the throne offered by the National Assembly president.

Afterward, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said in a televised speech that the new monarch would be declared king retroactively to the day his father passed away. He also will be known as King Rama X of the Chakri dynasty.
The root of AIDS in China was the plasma market, which was introduced not only in Henan but in other provinces as well. Henan was severely affected, however. From the late 1980s to early 1990s, the plasma market took off in several parts of Henan. Then Liu Quanxi became director of the Henan Health Department and strongly pushed the policy, which encouraged farmers to sell their blood. From 1992 to 1998, as a result of the administration of [the provincial party secretary] Li Changchun, blood-selling became an established industry. In a few years, blood stations had spread everywhere in Henan. Only about 230 of them were licensed. There were countless illegal ones. The places with the most blood stations then are the places with the most severe AIDS problem now. From 1998 to 2004, under [now Premier] Li Keqiang, who succeeded Li Changchun in Henan, the AIDS incubation period, which is five to eight years, passed, and a great number of people infected with H.I.V. began showing AIDS symptoms and died. AIDS not only killed individuals but destroyed countless families.

This was a man-made catastrophe. Yet the people responsible for it have never been brought to account, nor have they uttered a single word of apology.

I am very angry now. Why? In 2004, the government, which had begun to acknowledge the existence of the AIDS epidemic, sent medical teams to 38 AIDS villages in Henan. Yet there were so many other people in Henan who did not get the needed treatment, not to mention those in other provinces. In 2004, the Chinese government began to register AIDS patients and put out this policy: Those with symptoms would get 200 renminbi each month. Those who didnt yet show symptoms would get 150 renminbi. This came with a condition, however, which was that one must write sexual transmission under cause of infection, because the authorities had ordered that blood transmission not appear in the questionnaire.

They hid the truth from the public. They wouldnt let the victims say it was blood transmission, only homosexual activity or drug use or prostitution. Since the officials suppressed information about the epidemic while cracking down on anyone who tried to report the facts or go to Beijing to file petitions, the epidemic wasnt contained in time but kept getting worse.

On Dec. 18, 2003, Vice Premier Wu Yi met with me and we spent three hours discussing the problem. She said, Someone told me that the main routes of AIDS infection in China are drug use and sex. I said, Thats a lie. If you dont believe me I can call a rickshaw and pull you there myself so you can see whats happening. She finally believed me, but soon the toadies were around her again and telling her homosexuality and sex were the main causes.

Have official attitudes changed under President Xi Jinping?

It must be said that the government indirectly admits the existence of the plasma disaster. I have two pieces of evidence: One is Xi Jinpings wife, Peng Liyuan. In September 2015, in her speech at the United Nations, Peng mentioned a 5-year-old orphan named Gao Jun. He is now 15 and is from Anhui Province. His parents were infected with H.I.V. from selling blood. He was the first person affected by the epidemic Peng had come into contact with after she became the [Health Ministrys] ambassador for H.I.V./AIDS prevention [in 2006].
SYDNEY, Australia  Under a new Australian law, convicted terrorists can be kept in prison years after the completion of their sentences if a court believes they still pose a significant threat to the community.

The law, which cleared its last significant hurdle with approval by the Senate on Thursday, is part of a bundle of counterterrorism measures approved by legislators and aimed at strengthening national security. Another measure, passed last week, allows the police to enforce so-called control orders to monitor children as young as 14 if they were thought to be involved in or planning a terrorist act.

It is a necessary response to the serious threat that terrorism poses to Australia and its people, the attorney general, George Brandis, who introduced both of the bills, told Parliament on Thursday.

Under the law, a court may order prisoners to be held for up to three years after their sentences are completed. After that period, the court can decide to extend them further, and there is no limit to the number of extensions the court may grant.
SYDNEY, Australia  Climate change and the flow of farm chemicals and coastal sediment into the waters that wash over one of Australias most significant nature areas, the Great Barrier Reef, pose the biggest threats to its survival, according to a government report to Unesco released early Friday.

The report was intended to reassure the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization that those risks were well managed and that the reef should not be placed on an in danger list. But it paints a grim picture of the scale of protecting the 1,400-mile-long reef, and may severely understate the cost of doing so.

The report also ignores plans by the Queensland State government to allow the development of one of the worlds biggest coal mines about 200 miles from the reef, and it does not acknowledge the damage to the reef that could flow from the mine.

This week, scientists from the ARC Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies reported that the reef had suffered the worst coral bleaching and die-off ever recorded, with stretches of its northern reaches dead after the coral was bathed in warm summer waters.
Buzz Aldrin, the adventurer, the former astronaut and the second person to walk on the moon, was evacuated from Antarctica on Thursday after falling ill while visiting the South Pole with a tourism group.

The National Science Foundation said in a statement that it had provided a humanitarian medical evacuation for an ailing visitor from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to McMurdo Station, the main research facility on the coast of Antarctica. The statement said Mr. Aldrin, 86, was then flown to Christchurch, New Zealand.

White Desert, the tourism operator, said in an email that Mr. Aldrin, who was taken to a hospital, currently has fluid in his lungs but is responding well to antibiotics and being kept overnight for observation. It described his condition as stable and said he was in good spirits.
BERLIN  The first German edition of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo arrived on newsstands Thursday, nearly two years after an attack on the publications headquarters in Paris killed top editors and contributors. The edition is a response to significant German interest in Charlie Hebdo after the attack, editors said this week.

Its an experiment, Gerard Biard, Charlie Hebdos editor in chief, said on Wednesday. Its an answer to this particular interest, which is not only about what happened and freedom of expression but also about ideas.

Mr. Biard said the paper had been the subject of numerous exhibitions, awards and news coverage in Germany since the attack on Jan. 7, 2015, in which two brothers, Said and Cherif Kouachi, stormed the offices in the 11th Arrondissement of Paris with assault rifles, leaving 12 dead.

With an initial print run of 200,000, the new edition will be available across Germany every Thursday. It will consist mostly of translated material from the French version, but with some original content for its German readers.
BRUSSELS  The prospects for Turkeys eventually joining the European Union narrowed on Thursday when the Netherlands asked other member countries to formally warn the Turkish government that the purges there could lead to the freezing of membership talks.

The Netherlands is the second nation in Europe  Austria was the first  to openly balk over the talks, a response to the firing of tens of thousands of Turkish soldiers, civil servants, police officers, judges and other groups after a failed coup in July.

The warning by the Dutch, made at a meeting of representatives of Europes national governments on Thursday, is likely to anger Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who last week threatened to scrap cooperation with Europe on limiting the flow of refugees.

Mr. Erdogans threat came after the European Parliament passed a nonbinding resolution to halt the talks temporarily.
If you have developed delusions of royal grandeur after binge-watching The Crown  or just want to spend some time with the queen of England in Buckingham Palace  then Prince Harry might have just the gig for you: a Royal Household Hospitality Scholarship.

While in Grenada on Monday during an official visit to the Caribbean, the prince announced nine scholarships. Their recipients will spend six weeks in the royal familys orbit, going to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle and attending Royal Ascot week, an annual elite horse racing and human hobnobbing event in June.

There are a few caveats, however.

First and foremost, the scholarships are only available to residents of the nine British Commonwealth realms in the Caribbean where Queen Elizabeth II serves as the head of state  Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines.

That means Americans, Canadians or anyone else hoping to live out their Disney prince or princess fantasy are not eligible to apply. That may be for the best, however, because a royal scholarship may not exactly be the fairy-tale opportunity that its name might imply.
MOSCOW  After the outpouring of euphoria among Russias political elite over the victory of Donald J. Trump, President Vladimir V. Putin on Thursday gave a more measured response in his annual address to the nation, calling for cooperation but expressing misgivings over some of Mr. Trumps statements about nuclear weapons.



The Russian leader appeared remarkably subdued at what was widely seen as a moment of triumph for him, with his popularity rising on a cresting wave of anti-establishment and often pro-Russian populism in Europe and America.

Speaking to an audience of political and economic barons in the ornate St. Georges Hall of the Great Kremlin Palace, Mr. Putin praised his compatriots for rallying around patriotic values and, counterintuitively, for eschewing the lure of populism.

He lamented that around the world, even in the most seemingly affluent countries and stable regions, more and more fractures and conflicts on political, ethnic, religious and social grounds are rising.
Saudi Arabias aviation agency was attacked last month by an aggressive computer virus intended to disrupt high-profile government targets, officials and experts said on Thursday.

The attack, which experts say emanated from outside the country, used a version of Shamoon, malware used to target the Saudi energy sector four years ago. Similar kinds of data-clearing software were used in 2014 against the Las Vegas Sands and Sony.

The Saudi government confirmed the latest breaches on Thursday, after several cybersecurity firms noted them. Bloomberg News reported that thousands of computers were damaged at the headquarters of the General Authority of Civil Aviation starting in mid-November, erasing critical data and bringing operations there to a halt for several days, although operations at Saudi airports did not appear to be affected.

The state-run Saudi Press Agency, citing a government statement, reported on Thursday that the national cybersecurity department had detected what officials called a systemic attack on crucial government agencies, including in the transportation sector. The attacks were aimed at halting operations, stealing data and planting viruses, the news agency reported.
Saturday

4. Time to Watch, 9 A.M.

Grab some brioches, fruit sodas and coffee from the authentic Italian bakery Mafalda Tavola Calda in the St. Gervais area. Then get your first taste of Swiss watch culture at M.A.D. Gallery (stands for Mechanical Art Devices) on Rue Verdaine, which specializes in and sells artistic pieces of exquisite engineering  many inspired by Swiss watches  from a global base of artists whose works are linked with mechanisms and machinery. Ask any of the friendly staff for a tour of their workshop or to explain the physical craftsmanship behind the artwork that is all the more spellbinding in juxtaposition with our virtual and digital age.

5. The Gran Cru of Chocolate, 11 A.M.

Theres certainly no shortage of chocolate in Geneva, so the question is which place to choose. Try Sweetzerland, an elegant and minimalist shop. Its where Russian tourists come to buy chocolate by the kilo. Heres why: It is organic, made from guaranteed pure cocoa butter with no palm oil or preserving agents. The taste, in other words, is sublime. Sweetzerland makes small batches of truffles that come in exotic flavors like forest honey, bergamot tea, ginger and whiskey. Expect to pay 1.40 francs per truffle; 10 francs for a bar of the real stuff (80 percent cacao).

Carouge, across the Arve River, has Italian architecture, as well as sophisticated shops. Credit Clara Tuma for The New York Times

6. Bottom-to-Top Views, Noon

Start at the bottom of the St. Pierre Cathedral by heading to the Archeological Site, an elaborate museum built on the oldest known spot in the city. Situated amid the actual medieval ruins beneath the cathedral, the museum will guide you through the history of Geneva from Roman times into the Middle Ages. Then, make your way upstairs to the cathedral itself and climb the 150-plus steps into the towers for panoramic views of modern Geneva (16 francs for a combined ticket).

7. Feast of Fondue, 2 P.M.

When locals crave fondue, the Swiss melted cheese delicacy, they go to Cafe du Soleil, a bit away from the main tourist drags. Cafe du Soleil makes its fondue (23.60 francs) with only one kind of cheese: Gruyere, giving it a creamy, consistent flavor. The Gruyere is hand-selected from the village of La Roche. When you are finished with the pot, be sure to ask your waiter to scrape the bottom cheese off for you, known locally as the religieuse. Leave room for dessert, in particular the house-made chocolate mousse (6.90 francs), and the meringue and Gruyere cream (8.90 francs). A meal, including drinks, will cost around 100 francs.

8. History Through Time, 4:30 P.M.

Spread over four floors in a historic building, the Patek Philippe Museum isnt a homage just to the high-end watch maker, but to the history of measuring time. Through the four floors of countless precious specimens, youll see how Geneva became a watch-making center and exported this unique art and science to other countries. The museum displays some of the most complicated watches in the world, not to mention some of the most unusual  like a Garden of Eden watch that has a snake second hand that circles every minute. Free tours in English every Saturday at 2:30 p.m., French at 2 p.m.; 10 francs.

Blackberries and cocoa nibs at the Michelin-starred La Bottega. Credit Clara Tuma for The New York Times

9. Haute, Hipster Cuisine, 7:30 P.M.

If you still think Geneva is staid and passe, your moment of enlightenment has arrived. From an Italian and Argentine pair  Paulo Airaudo and Francesco Gasbarro  comes La Bottega, which opened last year and has already received a Michelin star for its innovative Italian cuisine, some of which is served on bark. The four-course tasting menu is a relative bargain starting at 75 francs (without wine) and includes small but delicious portions of dishes such as veal cappelletti (small dumplings), perfectly cooked hake and pan-seared sea scallops. Desserts are inventive with out-of-the-box flavors like kumquat. Dinner runs around 200 francs, including drinks, for two.

10. Bar Hop, 10 P.M.

On one street, Boulevard Georges-Favon, a lively spot, there are three bars right in a row with something for everyone. LApothicaire Cocktail Club serves elaborate cocktails  try one with ginger  in sumptuous glasses. Barbershop is more of a typical dive bar with beers on tap and a more lively crowd. KYtaly is the most subdued, a wine bar with an extensive selection.
Donald J. Trumps global business empire will create an unprecedented number of conflicts of interest for a United States president, experts in legal ethics say.

Mr. Trump has said he will separate himself from his company before taking the oath of office, but he has not offered any details on how.

Ethics experts warn that if Mr. Trump puts his children in control of operations but continues to own the company, he will remain vulnerable to charges that his actions as president are guided by personal financial interests.

Here are some examples of the potential conflicts:

Trump International Hotel, Washington President-elect

Trump with advice from the Transition Team (which Mr. Trumps children are on), by and his children run Trump Organization the head of which will be appointed, which leases the Old Post Office Building from the General Services Administration President-elect

Trump with advice from the Transition Team (which Mr. Trumps children are on), by and his children run Trump Organization the head of which will be appointed, which leases the Old Post Office Building from the General Services Administration The Trump Organizations contract with the General Services Administration prohibits any elected official of the United States government from being part of the lease or deriving any benefit from it. On Dec. 14, House Democrats said a G.S.A. official confirmed that Mr. Trump would be in breach of the lease agreement unless he fully divests himself of all financial interests in the hotel. Later in the day, the G.S.A. disputed the Democrats claim, saying it is premature to make a definitive statement until the full circumstances surrounding the President-elects business arrangements have been finalized and he has assumed office. Unless the agency ends its lease before the president-elect takes office, Mr. Trump will, in effect, be both the landlord and tenant of the building, according to two government procurement experts, Steven L. Schooner and Daniel I. Gordon. Mr. Schooner and Mr. Gordon wrote that putting Mr. Trumps children in charge of the organization was plainly insufficient to avoid strictly any conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict, particularly where the presidents name will remain as the hotels name, brand, trademark and marquee.

Deutsche Bank President-elect

Trump with advice from the Transition Team (which Mr. Trumps children are on), by and his children run Trump Organization which owes millions of dollars to Deutsche Bank which will be run by an attorney general chosen, which is negotiating a settlement with the Justice Department President-elect

Trump with advice from the Transition Team (which Mr. Trumps children are on), by and his children run Trump Organization which owes millions of dollars to Deutsche Bank which will be run by an attorney general chosen, which is negotiating a settlement with the Justice Department Deutsche Bank, Germanys largest bank, is in negotiations with the Justice Department to settle claims over its handling of mortgage-backed securities before the 2008 financial crisis. Questions remain about the banks ability to pay a large penalty. The Justice Departments opening bid was $14 billion. If the negotiations are not settled by Jan. 20, Mr. Trump will oversee a department that has the potential to make or break the bottom line of one of his biggest lenders.

Internal Revenue Service President-elect

Trump has said his income tax returns are under audit by the an executive agency that, as of Jan. 20, will be overseen by Internal Revenue Service President-elect

Trump an executive agency that, as of Jan. 20, will be overseen by has said his income tax returns are under audit by the Internal Revenue Service The head of the Internal Revenue Service is nominated by the president for a five-year term. Republicans have tried to impeach the current commissioner, John A. Koskinen, whose term ends on Nov. 12, 2017. Mr. Koskinen could resign or be impeached before then, clearing the way for Mr. Trump to nominate a new commissioner.

National Labor Relations Board President-elect

Trump with advice from the Transition Team (which Mr. Trumps children are on), by and his children run Trump Hotels whose members will be appointed, which have occasional disputes brought before the National Labor Relations Board President-elect

Trump with advice from the Transition Team (which Mr. Trumps children are on), by and his children run Trump Hotels whose members will be appointed, which have occasional disputes brought before the National Labor Relations Board The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency responsible for enforcing labor laws and safeguarding employees right to organize. The five members Mr. Trump appoints will be in charge of investigating complaints brought by workers, which could include those at his hotels and other properties. In fact, a week before the election, the board ruled against the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, which Mr. Trump co-owns, for refusing to negotiate with a new culinary workers union. On Dec. 21, the Trump Organization announced an agreement resolving that dispute, and another easing a hurdle to unionization at the Trump hotel in Washington. Ethics experts say these accords do not eliminate the potential for conflicts of interests involving Mr. Trump and the labor board.

Foreign Interests President-elect

Trump Mr. Trumps children and and his children run the Trump Organization, that could affect the bottom line of which has business interests in countries around the world that will be negotiating foreign policy with the Trump administration President-elect

Trump Mr. Trumps children and and his children run the Trump Organization, that could affect the bottom line of which has business interests in countries around the world that will be negotiating foreign policy with the Trump administration At a minimum, ethics experts warn, Mr. Trumps holdings around the globe could give the appearance of tainting his decisions on various foreign issues. In addition, they could also open him up to accusations that he has violated a part of the Constitution known as the emoluments clause, which prohibits government officials from taking payments or gifts from a foreign government or entity. Unless he divests ownership, he will have an interest in the foreign government payments and benefits that flow to his business daily, Norm Eisen, former chief White House ethics lawyer for President Obama, and Richard Painter, former chief White House ethics lawyer for former President George W. Bush, said in a statement on Democracy 21, a group that pushes for government transparency.
Lime Country thinking big with Australian move

Hawkes Bay couple Greg and Jo Griffin are on the move next year.

They have announced plans to relocate their Lime Country Thoroughbreds operation to Think Big Stud in New South Wales.

Think Big Stud in NSW

Established in 2007, Lime Country has emerged as one of New Zealands leading sales consignors of mares, weanlings, yearlings and two-year-olds.

They will continue to offer their current services of sales preparation, broodmare agistment and racehorse spelling at their new location.

Their relocation is the next step in a business model that will see a strong focus in the future on trading mares and weanlings at the top of the market with new and existing business partners.

Their new property at Think Big Stud is owned by successful owner Dato Tan Chin Nam, a close friend of the late Bart Cummings, whose roll of honour includes four Melbourne Cups, three Cox Plates, a Caulfield Cup, three Derbys and two Oaks with outstanding horses such as Think Big, Saintly, So You Think, Viewed, Catalan Opening, Gods Own, Allez Wonder, Wonderful World, Faint Perfume, Norzita and Eurozone.

Nestled on the banks of the Wingecarribee River in the Southern Highlands of NSW, the 300 acre Think Big Stud boasts a state of the art foaling complex, surgery barn, yearling barn, quarantine barn, horse-walker, treadmill and 1200m turf track.

The farm will adopt Lime Country branding and while Think Big currently stands two stallions, they will be retired on the property. The Griffins have no plans to stand stallions in the immediate future.

Good luck, good health and may God bless you as our partners, Dato Tan Chin Nam said.

Lime Country will relocate on February 15 and their launch in the Australian market will be marked by the sale of a number of youngsters at the Australian Easter Yearling Sale in April. They will include the Think Big-bred Redoutes Choice colt out of Faint Perfume.

We are honoured that Dato Tan and his family have entrusted us with their stud and horses that remain at the farm, Greg Griffin said.

There are a staggering number of exceptional horses that have been raised, spelled, pre-trained and prepared at Think Big over the years and it will be fun to share in the future success of So You Think and Eurozone through their progeny with Dato Tans family.

We have spent the last 10 years building our business in New Zealand and this is the next natural step forward for us. We already have some fantastic Australian clients who we will enjoy being closer to and we are keen to provide our clients in New Zealand and Asia and new clients from America and Europe, our services for their Australian interests, too.

We have the yearling sales at Karaka in New Zealand in January ahead of us yet where we have almost 30 yearlings to offer so we are heads down for the next few months. We look forward to welcoming clients, present and future to Lime Country in NSW next year.

Dato is delighted with this outcome after exploring his options for the last few months, Think Big Studs managing director and Dato Tans racing manager Duncan Ramage said.

In this new relationship, Dato Tan will retain ownership of the land which is becoming more precious over time. While at 90 years of age, passing the operations of the stud itself to Greg and Jo Griffin, a young, energetic and ambitious couple, means his horses can remain at the property and continue to be cared for to the highest of standards.

This new partnership also provides job security for a great number of Think Bigs current staff, some of whom have been on the team for years, live as locals and have family and children of their own.

Some existing Lime Country staff will also make the move.

Our staff have played a huge role in our success and its wonderful that some have chosen to move to Australia with us, Griffin said.

We are pleased that some of the existing Think Big staff are staying on and with a number of new appointments, we will have an outstanding team working with us in Australia.
Larry Heamon Hill Larry Heamon Hill, 72, of Auburn passed away on November 29, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. A visitation will be held Friday, December 2, from 1:30-3:00 PM with a memorial service following at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama with Rev. James L. "Butch" Williams officiating. Larry graduated from Shades Valley High School and Howard College (Samford University) in Birmingham, Alabama. He was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. He was active in the Dental Industry as co-owner of Hill Dental Company, chairman of the Board of the American Dental Co-op and the American Dental Trade Association. Larry was a member of Auburn United Methodist Church and was previously a member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. Larry was an avid hunter and fisherman, gaining hunting records all over the world. He was devoted to Auburn University. He greatly loved his family and spent many fun times with his grandchildren who adored their beloved "Papa". Larry was preceded in death by his parents: Alva Lee and Holmes Hill, mother-in-law: Kate Murphree and son: Jeffrey Harris Hill. Larry leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, Janet Murphree Hill. Children: Jennifer Hill and Debbie Hill Coshatt, Son in Law: Alan Coshatt, grandchildren: Kate and Andrew Coshatt, three brothers: Bill (Dottie) Hill, Al (Jan) Hill and Ron (Carla) Hill, one sister: Sandra Hill (Gary) Chapman, one sister-in-law: Susan Murphree (Bishop) Ray, one father-in-law: Boyd Murphree. Larry will also be missed by his large extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully request donations be made to Children's Harbor, 1 Our Children's Highway, Alexander City, Alabama 35010. The family wishes to thank Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care. Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers of Dadeville is handling arrangements. www.alabamafuneral homes.com
IRVINE As holiday music boomed from overhead speakers, more than 200 volunteers poured into a warehouse Wednesday to prepare as many as 1 million gift-filled shoe boxes for children overseas.

The Operation Christmas Child volunteers were split into several dozen groups that took turns opening the green and red shoe boxes, inspecting the contents to make sure they were free of such prohibited items as seeds, money or vitamins, and then taping them shut.

Though she has prepared boxes for years, La Habra resident Jill Stanton came to the processing center for the first time to see how the boxes were shipped. She said its important for prayers to be sent with the shoe boxes.

The prayers are always for the future, she said. We have no idea what these kids are going through.

The Operation Christmas Child program aims to send gifts  dolls, stuffed animals and hygiene products  to children aged 2 to 14. Personal notes and a photo of the family or individual who donated the box are often included.

Created in 1993, the group has sent more than 135 million shoe boxes to more than 150 countries and territories, organizers said. The program is part of Samaritans Purse, an international Christian relief organization run by Franklin Graham, son of the evangelist Billy Graham.

Graham appeared at the processing center to talk about the programs long-term goal of teaching children about Christianity and the Bible. As he thanked volunteers for their efforts, several in the crowd pulled out their cellphones to capture photos and videos of the evangelist.

I want to raise up an army of little Billy Grahams, he said. Children who know how to share their faith.

Graham was joined onstage by volunteer and Harvest Crusade founder Greg Laurie, who led the volunteers in prayer.

Anabel Rosario, 29, received one of those boxes more than two decades ago as a child in the Dominican Republic. Now a Seattle resident, Rosario toured the center and shared her story with volunteers.

Her box had a coloring book, crayons, family photo and a hand-written personal note, she recalled.

It was something very special and amazing, she said.

Rosario returned to the Dominican Republic a few weeks ago and posted to Instagram a photo of the note she received as a child.

I hope you have fun with your gifts, the note read. God bless you.

Retiree and Orange resident Ben Betzer came to lend a hand. He has volunteered with Operation Christmas Child for about a decade.

It shows Gods love in a tangible way, he said.

Were still showing that we love that kid enough that we will take the time to pack that box, he said. When you see the smile thats generated on the kids face, thats what makes it special.

His favorite item to include is a soccer ball.

As long as you put a pump in there, he said, that just ignites the whole village. Its just an amazing gift to have.

Organizers hope about 12 million shoe boxes will be sent as part of this years national campaign.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7844 or snewell@scng.com
LONDON  The director of the CIA has issued a stark warning to President-elect Donald Trump: Tearing up the Iran nuclear deal would be the height of folly and disastrous.

During the election campaign, Trump railed against the deal, calling it a disaster and pledging to dismantle the historic accord, reached in 2015, in which Tehran agreed to limits on its nuclear program in return for the lifting of international oil and financial sanctions.

Mike Pompeo, a Republican whom Trump has chosen to succeed John Brennan as head of the CIA, wrote in mid-November on Twitter, I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism.

But in an interview with the BBC that was published on its website Wednesday, Brennan warned that scrapping the nuclear deal would undermine U.S. foreign policy, embolden hard-liners in Iran and threaten to set off an arms race in the Middle East by encouraging other countries to develop nuclear weapons.

First of all, for one administration to tear up an agreement that a previous administration made would be unprecedented, Brennan said in an interview with the BBC, which the broadcaster said was the first ever by a CIA director with the British media. I think it would be the height of folly if the next administration were to tear up that agreement.

Trump has professed admiration for President Vladimir Putin of Russia, calling him a strong leader, and promised closer relations with Moscow. But Brennan, who was appointed by President Barack Obama and will step down in January after four years, warned that the incoming administration needed to be skeptical about the Kremlin.

I think President Trump and the new administration need to be wary of Russian promises, he told the BBC, reiterating the widely held view that Russia had carried out hacking during the U.S. election and blaming Moscow for the deteriorating situation in Syria.

He said he had spoken with officials in Russia about the hacking accusations and had warned them that such activity would have adverse consequences. The United States should not stoop to their level, he said, even as he stressed that there were other means to make sure Moscow understood unequivocally that the United States would not tolerate such practices.

He characterized the killing of civilians in Syria as outrageous and blamed the government of President Bashar Assad and Moscow for the bloodshed, warning that Moscow had shown that it was willing to protect its interests with a reckless disregard for the people affected by its policies.

Russia is a country that will pursue its national interests, frequently to the detriment of the interests of the peoples of the countries wherein it operates, he said.

Brennan told the broadcaster that the United States should continue to support moderate rebels fighting Assads forces in Syria as a bulwark against the onslaught meted out by the Syrian government and its allies, Russia, Iran and Hezbollah.

Alluding to the ferocious fighting in recent days in the Syrian city of Aleppo, which has seen thousands of civilians flee for their lives, he said Russia had failed to show that it was a dependable negotiating partner and had prolonged the discussion process with the aim of choking the city.

I do not have confidence that the Russians are going to relent until they are able to achieve as much tactical battlefield successes as possible, he said.

Brennan also took a strong stand against waterboarding, which he said had undermined the CIA. The agency came under fierce international criticism after using interrogation methods like waterboarding in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, and Obama has since banned the practice.

During the campaign, Trump pledged to bring back waterboarding and said he was open to unspecified methods he characterized as a hell of a lot worse. And even as he indicated in an interview last week with the The New York Times that he had heard persuasive arguments that torture was not effective, he has left the option open.

Brennan warned that the use of waterboarding would be rejected by most officers at the CIA.

Without a doubt, the CIA really took some body blows as a result of its experiences, he told the BBC. I think the overwhelming majority of CIA officers would not want to get back into that business.

Brennan warned that despite recent setbacks on the battlefield in Iraq and elsewhere, Islamic State operatives responsible for waging attacks against the West remained very active and retained the means to continue their campaign.

He also said the incoming administration should be careful how it characterizes the fight against Islamic extremists, because of the risk of playing into the hands of terrorists. The new team needs to be disciplined in the language that they use, the messages that they send, because if they are not disciplined, their language will be exploited by the terrorists and extremist organizations as a way to portray the United States and the government as being anti-Islamic, and we are not.

Brennan told the BBC that he was ready to sit down with the new administration and to outline the challenges.

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, he said. And so 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.
You can go to Las Brisas for any number of reasons: sun-drenched happy hour, first or anniversary date, birthday, engagement party if youre sure of the outcome (more on this later); or, if not to reduce an out-of-town ex to a puddle of envy, then to make it a spectacularly memorable stop for someone you care about. Because unless your heart is forged in tungsten, at some point the breathtaking view will momentarily stop conversation.

Visitors to Southern California have historically noted not just its climate but its quality of light; for the same reason, the original Laguna Beach art colony trunklined back to the Hudson River School in New York, and before that, the Barbizon School of Manet and southern France.

The cliffside Las Brisas daytime view, seemingly struck from a perch overhanging the Pacific, shows why: The long, crescent shoreline draws the eye all the way south to Dana Point, and the misty air looks like vaporized pearl charged with phosphorescent sunlight. To take it all in is to feel purposefully lucky to be alive.

Oh, did we mention that Las Brisas is a restaurant?

If some of the food has the generic quality of an Acapulco or El Torito menu, its because they were all were founded by the late Larry Cano. The Las Brisas culinary palette is larger and more ambitious, however  the tuna taco is a popular favorite, and the typical range of Yelpster reviews, from grumpy to jubilant, appears happiest with the creviche de pescado (fresh fish and wild Mexican shrimp marinated in fresh orange and lime with tomatoes, chilies and cilantro) and shrimp tampiquenos (spicy, wild Mexican prawns sauteed with shiitake mushrooms, chardonnay and garlic). The halibut is served with tomatillos, fresh tomatoes, capers and garlic, with sauteed seasonal vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes; and the fillet mignon consists of a chunk of Angus beef served with fingerling potatoes, demi-glaze and grilled vegetables.

As with most restaurants that aspire to fine dining these days, the dishes are designed with visual appeal, and that first plunge of your fork into an entree feels a bit like desecrating a small, sculpted postmodern installation. However that strikes you, Barry Garrison, who recently took over as VP of operations, promises more and better.

Theres a lot of cool stuff coming down the pike, he says. We redesigned the menu and added fresh new ingredients. Were about to remodel, to make the views that much more substantial. Were redoing the bar and dining rooms. Were adding a tequila tasting room.

Soon well be hosting a five-course wine dinner every month or quarter, which will have a new customized menu. People are more savvy about dining these days. Theres a great mix of people that come in here. Laguna Beach is a tight-knit community, but we get a lot of people passing through. We offer different options. If you want to wear a suit or just come by for a hamburger on the patio, youll be comfortable and satisfied. Its a 100 percent up-from-scratch kitchen. Nothing comes out of a bag.

If, in an era that links hip with trendy, you prize historic continuity  that is, good stories and someone who can tell them  Dante De La Rosa is your man. He not only points up the link between Las Brisas and the Mexican Riviera ambiance it tries to evoke, he embodies it. At 52, he has the calm demeanor of someone poised between an appreciation of la dolce vita and the good sense not to be too greedy for it. He happily considers himself a throwback to the MGM screen era of Ricardo Montalban and Fernando Lamas, Latin Americans whose good looks were enhanced by considerable charm.

He grew up in Acapulco, an unbelievable place, a tourist world filled with people laughing and drinking. His father was in the restaurant business. The endless promenade of disco-era celebs he saw up close and personal seems like a ghost train today, but there they were: Grace Jones, Farrah Fawcett, Donna Summer, Lee Majors. In Norte America, working at Las Brisas  which was rebuilt in 1979 over the 41-year-old bones of a French restaurant called Victor Hugos  seemed the most natural thing in the world. He hired on as a bartender in 1992, then became a server, and now trains other servers.

Today, as restaurant ambassador without portfolio, hes the only one allowed to break house rules to talk about the beautiful women whove made Las Brisas an in place, and celebs hes served. Magic Johnson (One of the things that makes Magic magic is his smile. He went to every table in the room and asked, Hows your meal? You can see how hes successful in business). Kobe Bryant (If youre constantly on him, hes not a happy person. He was with his wife and children. I gave him room. After, he smiled and said, Thank you for letting me enjoy my meal, and even went back to the kitchen).

There have been harrowing moments as well. Picture a wedding engagement dinner for two.

The guys usually nervous. We do everything to make them comfortable. Flowers. The best view. The highest level of food and service. Its an unforgettable moment. You know if he gets a no, its a crushing experience.

One night, when the man proposed, the woman stood up and walked out of the restaurant. His face went white. He was numb with paralysis.

On another occasion, the entire family of the ex-fiance-to-be was on hand to witness the moment when the hopeful boy knelt for the proposal, only to hear, Its not something I want to do at the moment.

He stayed civilized, De La Rosa recalls. He paid the tab. But everyone in the room knew. It was like a funeral.

Dante De La Rosa wouldnt be Latin if he didnt observe that, in being crazy in love, the young man didnt know hed be the satellite in the relationship; she liked control.

So things probably turned out better off after all. Everybody turns out better off from a little time spent at Las Brisas, it seems. De La Rosa spread his hands to regard the bright, shimmering vista.

Even the sea gulls here are fat and lazy, he said.

Contact the writer: Got a favorite local restaurant thats decades old? Email lrchriston@hotmail.com
WASHINGTON  Thousands of California National Guard troops will not have to repay enlistment bonuses and benefits they received a decade after they signed up to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a deal between House and Senate negotiators.

The agreement is included in a must-pass defense policy bill filed Wednesday and awaiting an expected House vote Friday, followed by action in the Senate next week.

The Pentagon had demanded the money after audits revealed overpayments by the Guard under pressure to fill ranks and hit enlistment goals. But lawmakers are ordering the Pentagon to waive the recoupment of a bonus unless there is evidence that shows service members knew or reasonably should have known that they werent eligible to receive the money.

The Guard offered enlistment bonuses of as much as $15,000 and student loan aid to nearly 10,000 soldiers at the height of the two wars in the 2000s. Members of the California congressional delegation and veterans leaders expressed outrage over the Pentagons decision to force troops who had served overseas to return money when they said the fault lay with military recruiters.

Its clear that the Pentagon had all the right authorities to prevent this mess in the first place, but the benefit now is that Congress is going to keep the individuals overseeing this honest and the process open all the way through, said GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter of California, a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

The deal applies beyond California troops and covers any member of the armed forces. It shifts the burden to Defense Department officials to prove service member were not eligible for a bonus or another type of special pay.

A review board is to examine all the bonuses and student loan repayment contracts awarded between 2004 and 2015 for which the department has reason to believe a recoupment of pay may be warranted, the measure states.

The California National Guard is encouraged by any provision that promotes speedy due process for our soldiers  but does not provide automatic debt forgiveness for all those who received bonuses. An individual review of each soldiers case is the only way to ensure every incident is resolved appropriately, said California National Guard spokesman Brandon Honig.

Any service member determined not to have been eligible for the bonus pay or aid must be contacted by service officials and given the opportunity to submit documentary and other evidence, according to the provision.

The board is directed to determine recoupment of a bonus unwarranted unless the board makes an affirmative determination, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the member knew or reasonably should have known they werent entitled to the money.

The measure requires the Defense Department to reimburse soldiers who already had repaid the government, and to notify credit agencies that a previously reported debt was never valid.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said the legislation will ensure soldiers who were required to pay back bonuses and benefits they received in good faith are not the subject of clawbacks both now or in the future.

Staff writer Susan Goulding contributed to this report.
Through more than five decades of worldwide outreach with Campus Crusade for Christ, Josh McDowell of Dana Point touched millions of lives and became a serious art collector.

An internationally renowned author and speaker, McDowell remains active at age 77. But he says he now is prepared to shed his entire collection to help Mariams Fund, a charity that provides literacy and job skills for Pakistanis rescued from childhood slavery.

On Dec. 10-11, Heritage Christian Fellowship in San Clemente, which operates Mariams Fund, will host a two-day Christmas Market starring the Josh McDowell Private Collection. McDowell, author of 147 books, said he will offer fine ceramics, paintings, jewelry, Christmas decorations and coin and stamp collections from the former Soviet Union, including Soviet military memorabilia.

Much of his collection stems from 25 years of ministry in Russia, starting with the fall of the Iron Curtain. He said he developed a rapport with leaders at the highest level while providing institutional aid through his ministry and helping struggling local artists get started in business.

We asked McDowell about it:

Q. What are some highlights from your collection?

A. Complete sets of St. Catherine the Great Gold Colbalt porcelain  many rare pieces. Fine artwork by Chagall, Miro, Dali, Kinkade, DuBois and Remington. Extensive Baltic amber jewelry. Christmas decorations. Extensive former Soviet stamp and coin collections.

Q. How big is the collection?

A. 20,000 items. We are making entire collection available.

Q. How did you acquire these?

A. Many of the crafts were acquired by encouraging the Russian people to start their own business to support their families. We then would purchase some of their first products to help get them on their feet. Over the years, we collected items knowing that (my wife) Dottie and I would thoroughly enjoy them, (but) they would go up in value and eventually be used in some way to help children.

Q. Why sell them now?

A. When we learned about the girls school in Pakistan, which has rescued 3,000 young women from sex slavery and poverty, we found out they desperately needed a second story on one of their dorms. Dottie and I felt it was time to sell the items to help mariamsfund.org. We always wanted our collection to affect children, especially those affected by sexual exploitation.

Q. What led you to religion?

A. Having come from a very destructive, emotionally devastating background, I set out to write my first book  Evidence That Demands a Verdict  to intellectually silence Christians and Christianity. In my pursuit, I realized that Id lost my case. I placed my trust in Christ as my Savior and Lord. I always wanted to influence young people  middle school through university ages, so I joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru) and it sort of exploded overnight into a worldwide ministry  over 34,000 talks in 129 countries and 147 books.

Q. Which books are most read?

A. More Than a Carpenter  I wrote it in 44 hours to simply answer the question, How in the world can you intellectually believe? Before I became a Christian, I thought only idiots became Christians. More Than a Carpenter is an easy read, an authoritative book that answers so many peoples nagging questions. This little book has been translated into over 100 languages and has transformed millions of lives. New Evidence That Demands a Verdict  people purchase this book to be able to find answers to their nagging doubts. People have confidence in it because it is so well documented.

Q. Why is it critical to help these Pakistani kids?

A. This is an unusual opportunity in a country like Pakistan to legally rescue kids out of sex slavery. Every moment we hesitate, children are lost to sexual exploitation.

Q. How can people help?

A. Purchase incredible collection items for Christmas gifts, knowing that you are not just buying a gift  you are investing in the lives of young girls in Pakistan. Give an investment or donation at the Christmas market or online at mariamsfund.org.

Q. What is your connection with Heritage Christian Fellowship?

A. My marvelous neighbors, Larry and Jennifer Rausch, are active members at Heritage Christian Fellowship. When I shared with them that we were looking to invest to use our collection to help young people in sex slavery, his face broke out into a huge smile and he said, Josh, youve got to see what our church is doing. We need help with Mariams Fund.

Contact the writer: fswegles@scng.com or 949-492-5127
WASHINGTON  With the nation on the cusp of a more assertive immigration policy under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, the Supreme Court on Wednesday considered the rights of people held in immigration detention. Their numbers are likely to swell if Trump follows through on his pledge to deport millions of unauthorized immigrants.

The justices were alert to the potential consequences of their decision.

Were dealing with tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands or millions of people, possibly, Justice Stephen G. Breyer said.

The question in the case was whether immigrants fighting deportation are entitled to periodic hearings to decide whether they may be released on bond while their cases move forward. It can take years to resolve immigration cases, and a lawyer for the immigrants said many detainees posed no risk of flight or danger to public safety.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor said such people deserved a hearing.

If these are people who have been here for decades, lets say, dont you think due process would require some periodic review to ensure that these people are properly being held? she asked Ian H. Gershengorn, the acting solicitor general.

Gershengorn responded that no such hearings were required but that the immigrants could file individual habeas corpus petitions to challenge their detentions.

Ahilan T. Arulanantham, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents the immigrants seeking the hearings, said Gershengorns alternative was unrealistic.

This is a class of mostly unrepresented people who are obviously not familiar with our legal system, Arulanantham said.

He added that habeas petitions could take many months to decide.

As a practical matter, he said, its not a meaningful remedy for prolonged detention.

In 2003, the Supreme Court ruled that immigrants facing possible deportation may be detained for the brief period needed to resolve their cases. Relying on information provided by the Justice Department, the court said the average period of detention for one set of immigrants was about four months.

In August, Gershengorn wrote to the court to say that the earlier data had been wrong. In fact, he said, the average detention period had been more than a year. On Wednesday, Gershengorn expressed regret for the bad information.

The statistics we provided to the court were inaccurate, he said, and we apologize.

The new case, Jennings v. Rodriguez, No. 15-1204, was an appeal from a ruling of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that required bond hearings after six months. Gershengorn said that this one-size-fits-all approach is not the right way to do it.

The appeals court based its ruling on an interpretation of the federal immigration laws. The justices did not seem particularly receptive to that approach Wednesday, with several of them saying that the laws themselves could not be read to provide for the hearings. But some justices said the Constitutions due process clause might require them.

You cant just lock people up without any finding of dangerousness, without any finding of flight risk, for an indefinite period of time, and not run into due process, Justice Elena Kagan said.

Other justices said it mattered that the appeals court decision had turned on statutory interpretation, not on the Constitution.

We do not have the constitutional issue before us, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy said.

Arulanantham said his clients were making a modest request for a hearing in front of a neutral decision-maker for people who have had very, very long periods of incarceration.

By the end of the argument, the court seemed headed for a 4-4 tie or perhaps a compromise ruling that would send the case back to the appeals court for consideration of the constitutional question.

But Kagan said she hoped the Supreme Court would provide concrete guidance.

Wouldnt it be better to set some guideposts that everybody in the country would know to follow rather than having one suit pop up here, and one suit pop up here, and another in another place, and everybody would be treated differently? she asked. That does not seem like a good immigration system.
In the last two decades, the states have forged a promising beginning to an education revolution and has taken the concrete first steps toward a system that empowers parents through choice and competition. Secretary of Education nominee Betsy DeVos and the incoming Trump administration should trust the states to continue to be the cradle of education reform, and seek to rein in Washington where it obstructs state transformation.

Forty-three states (plus the District of Columbia), including California, allow choice within the public system through the authorization of charter schools. Twenty-seven states and the District have enacted at least one form of private educational choice, whether that choice comes through vouchers, tax-credit scholarships or education savings accounts. Education savings accounts, enacted in five states so far, hold particular promise, providing a truly individualized education for every child.

By contrast, the federal education record looks bleak. Since the first major federal incursion into education under President Lyndon Johnson in 1965, interventions designed to help struggling students have shown little academic progress, wasted taxpayer dollars and state man-hours, and crippled real reform. Federal per-pupil expenditures have tripled in the ensuing decades, but promised results  better academic performance, narrower achievement gaps  have remained elusive.

Meanwhile, the average federal bureaucrat working for the Department of Education makes a six-figure salary.

Given this sorry record, school choice champion Betsy DeVos should clear the way for state reform by starting the complex and difficult work of shrinking, and eventually eliminating, the Department of Education.

The administration should roll back prescriptive regulations promulgated by the Obama administration under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Even reformers who championed ESSA as a step toward increased freedom for states to design their own accountability systems recognize that the proposed regulations move it back in the No Child Left Behind prescriptive direction. The incoming administration has a yuge opportunity to reverse that trend and go for the light regulatory touch.

Another positive step the administration should take is to level the playing field between students at traditional and choice schools. Currently, while funds from Title I, the largest pot of money under the behemoth federal education law, flow to students in both traditional public schools and charter schools, they do not follow qualifying students when their families take advantage of state educational choice programs. The administration should work carefully with Congress to make the roughly $15 billion in Title I funds portable, so that students utilizing state choice programs are not penalized, without introducing new mandates on states.

Finally, the administration should work with Congress to advance educational choice in those areas under federal jurisdiction. The well-regarded D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program would be a great place to start, but a truly ambitious move might include universal education savings account proposals for students of the District, who despite recent gains, still attend one of the worst-performing school districts in the country.

Similarly, expanding choice in the Bureau of Indian Education system, an abysmally-performing network of federally-run schools on Native American reservations, would bring reform to a community sorely in need of educational solutions.

While advocates for parental choice are looking at an exciting several years, reform should be driven by the states, not the federal government. The incoming administration should be careful to not create a Choice to the Top, by simply replacing the Obama administrations priorities with conservative ones. While well-intentioned, such efforts would jeopardize the future of state educational choice programs, when inevitably, whether by this administration or the next one, strings and entangling regulation are added to federal guidelines.

While there is room for the states to continue growing (the highest grade awarded in our Education Report Card this year is a B+), the progress they have made over the last 20 years contrasts favorably with the record of federal intervention. The states have proven they can take the reins and drive meaningful education reform.

The best thing the new administration can do for parents and students across the country is to get out of their way.

Inez Feltscher Stepman is the Director of Education and Work Force policy at the American Legislative Exchange Council. Her work can be found at alec.org/task-force/education-and-workforce-development.
The county has agreed to pay $400,000 to the parents of a man who was shot to death by Orange County sheriffs deputies in his home last year after his father called 911 saying the man had threatened to harm himself.

The settlement was finalized in mid-November, six weeks after county supervisors approved it in closed session.

The District Attorneys Office has called the shooting reasonable and justified, concluding that deputies fired on Alec Ouzounian, 40, in self-defense after he had repeatedly stabbed himself in the chest in his bathroom and then lunged at officers while holding a knife.

But his parents have disputed portions of the D.A.s report, saying Ouzounian, a self-employed Armenian-American toymaker with a history of depression, was unarmed when he was shot inside his Rancho Santa Margarita home and that deputies gave no commands to their son before firing.

Both accounts of the incident agree on this much: Ouzounians father called authorities on the afternoon of May 12, 2015, to report his sons threats of self harm; and deputies who arrived on the scene said they lacked probable cause to enter the home until the father entered the residence and communicated with deputies from inside.

What happened next is disputed.

Sheriff deputies interviewed by prosecutors said the father had told authorities his son believed he was a god and that police should expect violence from Ouzounian. After the father went inside his sons home, he called for help, and deputies entered to find the father standing in a large pool of blood in front of a locked bathroom door.

According to the District Attorneys February report, deputies kicked down the door and found Ouzounian naked in a bathtub filled with water and blood, stabbing himself in the torso with a knife. Paramedics later said he had 20 to 30 puncture wounds to his chest, neck, arms and legs.

Officials said deputies ordered Ouzounian to drop the knife, and, after he stood up, to get down. But instead, Ouzounian charged forward, causing one deputy to shoot him in the chest with a pistol and another deputy to shoot him with a bean bag round from a shotgun, according to the report. Ouzounian later died in the hospital.

But Ouzounians father, Raffi, tells it differently.

According to his claim against the county, deputies asked Raffi to enter the home in order to lead the operation in violation of proper protocol, escalating a mental health extraction turned lethal combat operation. Then, once inside, deputies broke down the bathroom door to find Ouzounian bloody, naked and unarmed, and gave him no commands before firing on him, the claim said.

The claim, which was filed in June 2015, accused the county of wrongful death and emotional injuries, among other injuries. Raffi Ouzounian, who received the $400,000 settlement along with his wife Sema, would not answer questions when reached by phone. Instead, he referred inquiries to his attorney, who did not return calls for comment.

County Supervisor Todd Spitzer said the board voted to settle because it did not trust a jury to side with law enforcement.

We are operating in an environment that is very anti-law-enforcement nowadays, so this is a business decision to guard against a runaway jury that could come back with a (decision giving the plaintiff) millions of dollars, said Spitzer, the lone board vote against settling with Ouzounians parents.

Even if you assume the fathers version, so what? Spitzer said. (Ouzounian) had a knife, there was blood everywhere, he was filleting himself, and he stood up and came at the deputies. They didnt have any choice but to shoot him. But we are in a very bad time when it comes to defending officer-involved shooting cases.

Tom Dominguez, president of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, defended the deputies actions as being in the line of duty and said he would have preferred that the county defend the shooting in court.

Our preference is that if deputies did nothing wrong and acted heroically then they should take it to court and should defend the badge, Dominguez said. If it comes down to a business decision, we have no choice but to live with that, but it is frustrating for us to deal with decisions like this. It is disheartening.

Other jurisdictions recently also have paid settlements in cases where the District Attorneys Office found no wrongdoing.

In October, the city of Santa Ana paid $1.7 million to the family of a homeless man who police shot and killed in 2013, even though the District Attorney reported that a witness saw the man lunge at the officer and that the officer likely believed her own life was in danger.

Contact the writer: jgraham@scng.com or 714-796-7960
An experiment at UC Irvine could offer a solution to a problem thats holding back the widespread expansion of clean energy  how to store carbon-free power over long periods.

Sun, wind, the oceans  all produce renewable, clean power that tends to be most available when demand isnt high. Wind energy is often generated at night. Solar power is most potent midday. And options for storing that extra energy  to use summer-generated solar power during the darker winter months, for example  are nonexistent.

Solving that problem could be a breakthrough  maybe even a game changer  in humanitys quest to wean our species off carbon.

Enter the hydrogen battery at UCI.

The details of how the battery works are complex, but the bottom line is this: It converts solar energy, aka sunlight, into hydrogen, a storable form of energy that can be used to power anything from cars to home heating systems.

The battery is the passion and lifetime achievement of Jack Brouwer, a 51-year-old mechanical engineering professor who has worked on renewable energy for 20 years, 19 of those at UCI.

Brouwer has worked with fuel cells and battery storage and explored various types of power generation, from fossil energy conversion to renewable energy.

Ten years ago, Brouwer realized that the idea of turning sunlight into gas could be crucial in the bigger problem of figuring out how to store and reuse renewable power, and he wrote a paper about the concept.

But not everyone was enthralled. Other researchers analyzed its capabilities on one metric alone, saying it didnt hold a candle to traditional batteries in terms of round-trip efficiency.

But there are ways that hydrogen storage outperforms batteries and, over time, hydrogen became widely recognized as key to renewable energy storage.

Today, even as UCI works on its battery, researchers in Germany and Canada are looking to develop similar technologies.

Brouwer sees adoption of power-to-hydrogen as a big step away from fossil fuels. Batteries based on his technology could be used at solar and wind farms statewide, pumping hydrogen into a modernized power grid that would be cheaper, more efficient and, critically, less disruptive to the planet.

It will become the most important technology for enabling a 100 percent renewable future, Brouwer said.

Brouwer leads a six-person team of students and professors working on the project. Hes also tasked with overseeing its implementation in the real world.

And, on a small basis, hes done that.

Over the summer, Brouwers project went live at UCIs on-campus power plant, collecting solar energy, converting it into hydrogen and, finally, streaming the hydrogen through a pipe roughly the size of a No. 2 pencil. The hydrogen is injected into the schools natural gas supply, generating heat thats used in classrooms, labs and dorms.

Brouwers battery also has the attention of some energy experts.

Steven Greenlee, a spokesman for the nonprofit California Independent System Operator, which helps distribute electricity from the existing power grid, points out that energy production in California often peaks during times when demand is low. Especially, he said, solar energy.

The battery at UCI, he added, could solve that problem and dramatically improve the grids overall efficiency.

California, with its ambitious green energy policies, could become the first place in the world for widespread adoption of this technology, Brouwer said.

Others agree but say its use isnt limited to places where environmental rules are viewed as particularly green.

People all across the country are excited about this, said Lisa Larroque Alexander, the vice president of customer solutions and communications for Southern California Gas Co., which is is helping to pay for the project.

What exists now to store excess renewable energy is the electric battery. However, batteries big and powerful enough to store energy created in July for use in January are limited in their capacity, expensive and still in their infancy.

Such batteries also lose their charge, making them a nonsolution for the bigger problem of storing and using renewable energy.

Part of what makes hydrogen desirable is that it can be stored and never lose potency, said Jeff Serfass, executive director of the California Hydrogen Business Council.

Its not an instant fix.

Brouwer and others point out that lawmakers will need to create new regulations to establish standards for the amount of hydrogen to be pumped into the pipeline and its effects on the pipeline studied.

But many point out that in an era when its easier than ever for technology to jump from drawing board to real life, hydrogen batteries might not be far off. Solar panels, for example, were recently experimental; now, theyre on thousands of rooftops across Southern California.

Weve been here before, said Larroque Alexander of SoCalGas. And weve accomplished it.

Contact the writer: lawilliams@scng.com
European Union officials announced plans for a big increase in military spending Wednesday, pledging to take greater responsibility for their security at a time when the U.S. appears to be taking a step back in its role in the world.

The blocs top officials proposed spending 5.5 billion euros, or $5.8 billion, a year to help governments acquire hardware, including helicopters and drones, and to develop military technology.

Wary of concerns about consolidation of power in Brussels as member governments are under pressure from populist forces, officials stressed that the plan was in no way a step toward creating an EU army. Member countries would own the hardware that was purchased, and much of the money would go to European companies.

But the proposal, known as the European Defense Action Plan, follows calls by Donald Trump, the U.S. president-elect, for members of NATO to devote 2 percent of their gross domestic product to military spending. (Of the 28 nations in the EU, 22 are also part of NATO.)

If Europe does not take care of its own security, nobody else will do it for us, said Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU. A strong, competitive and innovative defense industrial base is what will give us strategic autonomy.

Total military spending by EU governments was about 200 billion euros last year, but the union does not currently have a budget for military research or procurement. The plan foresees a pilot phase of 90 million euros, or $95 million, up to 2020  and 500 million euros, or $528 million, a year after that  for research into technologies like drones and for cybersecurity tools.

A second plank of the plan foresees spending 10 times that amount to help governments develop and buy hardware. But rather than drawing on the shared European Union budget, member states would make individual contributions, and some of the money might come from project-related bonds.

Obama administration officials welcomed the increased spending. It is no secret that weve been asking them to do this for years, said one senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss alliance relations. But the official also said it was imperative that Trump reassured allies that his administrations commitment to collective defense of NATO allies would be solid.

During his presidential campaign, Trump questioned whether the U.S. would automatically defend NATO allies if they were attacked, and said U.S. support would depend on the willingness of those countries to pay their fair share for military protection. But since then, a number of Republican lawmakers and foreign policy experts  including those in close contact with Trump since he won the election  have insisted that the American commitment to NATO will remain strong.

EU leaders will discuss the proposal at a summit meeting in December. The member governments still must approve it, and that could be a lengthy process given concerns about sovereignty.

Politicians in countries like Lithuania and Poland, for example, might question whether the additional spending might be better devoted to bolstering NATO as a resurgent Russia is raising alarms in much of Central and Eastern Europe.

Britain could be an obstacle, too. It has long stood in the way of deeper European military cooperation, which London fears could undermine NATO. British voters decided in a June referendum to leave the EU, but the lengthy process of exiting the bloc has not yet legally begun.

European officials know that it will not be easy to carry out the plans, Elzbieta Bienkowska, the EU commissioner for the internal market and industry, said Wednesday. Federica Mogherini, the unions foreign policy chief, said the plans did not amount to competition with NATO.

Agreeing to the spending could help European countries get over a Trump hump created by the president-elects demands, said Nick Witney, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

This spending is very NATO-compatible, and even money from the European budget is a fair basis for a country to claim its chipping more into defense, said Witney, a former chief executive of the European Defense Agency, a forum for EU member states to cooperate on defense initiatives.

On the other hand, the commitment to spending 2 percent on defense is meant to be about the long haul, and about genuinely readjusting national budget priorities, and I dont see this plan as moving European NATO members much closer to that goal, he said, adding that much of the plan was based on debt financing.

Jyrki Katainen, a vice president of the European Commission, said the timing of the plan had nothing to do with American elections since it had been in the works since 2014.

A longstanding goal was to avoid duplication of effort in military procurement, which is mostly done on a national basis, and to improve the compatibility of the various military hardware that European countries acquire, he said.

One example of inefficiency in European defense was the development of the Airbus A400M military aircraft, European officials said. If the proposed plan is adopted, problems that include defining where to place doors for paratroopers  which had contributed to the development of the aircraft taking about a decade longer than necessary  could be more easily resolved, they said.

The officials said more military spending could have a positive effect on the sluggish European economy.

Boosting defense R&D in Europe is crucial to maintain critical competences and technologies! Thumbs up, Dirk Hoke, the chief executive for Airbus Defense and Space, wrote on Twitter.
It is unconscionable to put Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions in charge of federal civil rights and federal environmental enforcement. Sessions repeatedly has shown that he is at the extreme right in these areas and he should not be the attorney general of the United States. Although it would take political courage to stand up to the newly elected president, pressure should be placed on moderate Republicans to join Democratic senators in denying confirmation to Sessions.

Throughout his career, Sessions has made statements that evidence insensitivity with regard to race, or much worse. As a U.S. attorney in Alabama, Sessions did nothing to enforce federal civil rights law, but he did prosecute three black activists for voter fraud, including a former aide to Martin Luther King Jr., Albert Turner. Turner had led marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge during the famous Bloody Sunday march in Selma, Ala., on March 7, 1965. Turner and the other defendants were acquitted, but prosecutions like this one likely had a chilling effect on efforts to facilitate voting by racial minorities.

In 1986, Sessions was nominated to be a federal district court judge. He was denied confirmation by the Senate, with even a senator from his home state of Alabama, Howell Heflin, voting against Sessions. An assistant U.S. attorney who worked for Sessions, Thomas Figures, testified that he was repeatedly called boy by Sessions and was instructed by the Sessions to be careful what you say to white folks after Figures spoke assertively to a co-worker. Sessions has said that the NAACP and the ACLU are un-American and communist-inspired for trying to force civil rights down the throats of people.

As a senator, Sessions has had an abysmal record on civil rights. He was one of nine senators who voted against the bipartisan Detainee Treatment Act of 2005, which prohibits cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment of any prisoner of the United States. How could we entrust upholding the rule of law, the core responsibility of the attorney general, to someone who sees no problem with subjecting prisoners to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment? Sessions voted yes for a constitutional amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage, no on adding sexual orientation to the definition of hate crimes, and no against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice is responsible for enforcing laws prohibiting race discrimination in voting, employment, housing and policing. Nothing in Sessions career offers hope that he would be other than a disaster in doing so.

The Justice Department, through its Environment and Natural Resources Division, plays a key role in enforcing federal environmental laws. Here, too, Sessions has a terrible record. He repeatedly has called into question the relationship between fossil fuels and climate change. In a speech on the floor of the Senate in 2014, he said, I dont know we know enough now to answer this question conclusively either way, but theres been a lot of exaggeration, theres been a lot of hype, and people are feeling the crunch already in their electric bills  in our effort to stop storms that dont seem to be going down, or to stop temperatures that dont seem to be rising. Sessions voted to amend the Clean Air Act to eliminate EPAs authority to regulate greenhouse gases, but the bill failed in the Senate.

Jeff Sessions as the enforcer of federal civil rights and environmental laws is truly an oxymoron. Senators can and should block his confirmation. This has happened previously. For example, in 1989, the Senate rejected the nomination of John Tower to secretary of Defense. In 1987, Ronald Reagan withdrew Robert Gates nomination to be CIA director amid bipartisan opposition because of Gates role in the Iran-Contra affair. In 2009, President Obama withdrew the nomination of former Senate majority leader Tom Daschle to be Health and Human Services Secretary after issues were raised about his unpaid taxes.

Unfortunately, Democrats on their own cannot block Sessions confirmation. The Senate will be 52-48 Republican and the filibuster no longer exists for Cabinet appointments or lower federal court judgeships. To succeed in blocking Sessions, three Republicans will have to join the Democrats. Given Sessions extreme views, this is possible, though not likely.

But if Sessions is not too extreme, it is hard to see who would be the nominee for a Cabinet post that moderate Republicans would reject. President Trump deserves some deference in selecting his Cabinet  but there are limits. The Senate should exercise its power to advise and consent, and reject Jeff Sessions for attorney general.

Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Irvine School of Law.
MIDWAY CITY  Firefighters were battling a two-story house fire in Midway City on Wednesday night, authorities said.

The fire in the 14000 block of Riata Street began around 8:30 p.m. and flames pushed through the roof. An estimated 35 firefighters, including crews from Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and the Orange County Fire Authority were fighting the fire, which was still burning an hour later, Hurdle said.

The fire was extinguished at 9:38 p.m.

Two men who live in the home were taken to Orange County Global Medical Center and treated for smoke inhalation, said OCFA Capt. Steve Hurdle. Both are expected to recover.

There were downed power lines near the home, but those lines did not slow the attack, Hurdle said.

Gas Company and Southern California Edison workers were en route to the scene at 9:40 p.m. to secure the utilities, which had already been turned off at the residence by firefighters, Hurdle said.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, Hurdle said. We have investigators interviewing the patients being treated for smoke inhalation now.

No injuries to firefighters were reported.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7802 or jsudock@scng.com
BEIRUT  A series of artillery rounds lobbed Wednesday on Syrias eastern Aleppo district killed 26 civilians, including seven children, as they fled a government ground offensive in the besieged enclave.

It was the second time the Jub al-Quba neighborhood, in the historic district of the rebel-held eastern side of the city, was struck in as many days.

An airstrike Tuesday blamed by activists on the government killed 25 civilians in the same area. They were also believed to be newly displaced from the government onslaught on the northern parts of eastern Aleppo.

Meanwhile, eight civilians, including two children, were killed in shelling on the government-held western side of the city, according to state media. The government blamed rebels for the attack.

The embattled opposition fighters clashed heavily on the southern edge of the enclave with government-allied troops, who made new gains in the government offensive that has cleaved the rebel-held part of the city.

The Syrian government pushed its way into the 17 square miles rebel-held enclave over the weekend, making its first territorial gain in the area seized by the opposition fighters since 2012.

Government officials say they want to liberate the area, calling the opposition fighters terrorists, and accusing them of holding civilians there hostage.

Despite opening a number of passageways to allow civilians to leave before the offensive, none of the residents took advantage of it, citing fears of being arrested or forcibly conscripted. The passageways were not U.N. supervised.

In New York on Wednesday, Syrias U.N. Ambassador Bashar Jaafari accused the rebels of opening fire on the civilians as they tried to flee eastern Aleppo.

The bodies of the victims of the Jub al-Quba attack Wednesday lined the streets, as their bags and few belongings lied close by their sides, photos showed.

Jawad al-Rifai, who took the pictures for the Aleppo Media Center, said they were civilians  mostly women and children  fleeing shelling and air strikes on other parts of the city.

They were fleeing on foot. They were coming to our side, said Ibrahim Al-Haj, a member of the Syrian Civil Defense teams, explaining that the displaced were heading to what they thought was safer ground. There were children, baby bottles and bags all over.

The neighborhood and others around it in Aleppos centrally-located old city have absorbed thousands of residents displaced by the advance of government troops in the east.

Abdulkafi Alhamdo, a teacher living in the Zabadieh neighborhood in eastern Aleppo, said refugees were filling up his building, most of its flats abandoned because of the war. They had close to nothing, he said, and have asked for the simplest things, including salt.

They knock on my door all the time. They ask for a plate, or some sheets, Alhamdo said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war in Syria through a network of local contacts, said tens more were wounded in Jub al-Quba.

Observatory chief Rami Abdurrahman said he predicts death tolls will rise in east Aleppo as the internal displacement creates more residential density.

The SCD in eastern Aleppo, also known as the White Helmets, put the toll at 45 killed. It blamed the government for the strikes.

Rescue efforts by the group were hampered by the lack of functioning machinery, said Rifai.

Most of their equipment is out of service because of the targeting against their quarters, he added.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in Aleppo as pro-government Syrian forces press on with their campaign to reclaim the divided city.

The Observatory said more than 50,000 out of an estimated quarter-million inhabitants have been displaced by attacks on rebel-held eastern Aleppo over the past 4 days. Many of them fled to safer ground in areas under government or Kurdish control. The International Committee of the Red Cross says around 20,000 people have fled.

The Lebanese Al-Manar TV channel, operated by Hezbollah which has groups fighting on the government side in Syria, reported from the Aleppo countryside that pro-government forces were advancing in the southern portion of the citys rebel enclave.

Syrian state media announced midday Wednesday that its forces had retaken the southern Sheikh Saeed neighborhood, while the Observatory said rebels still held onto a third of the area. The Observatory added that Iraqi militia fighters were playing a central role in the governments advance from the south.

Yasser al-Youssef, a spokesman for rebel group Nour el-Din el-Zinki, said the pro-government fighters were repelled and the opposition had captured at least one of their soldiers. The group posted a video of the captured fighter.

There is regime deployment on the southern edge of the city. They are likely to attempt an assault on the southern front, al-Youssef said.

Residents said meanwhile that after the killing in Jub al-Qubba, there was a respite in government bombing, most likely due to heavy rain.

The rain stopped the bombing, al-Haj said.
Last year, while researching my upcoming book on the winemakers of Paso Robles, I interviewed Dr. Stanley Hoffman, one of the visionaries of the Central Coast wine industry. Now in his mid-90s, Hoffman is frail but still amazingly sharp.

Paso Robles has always been celebrated for its mavericks and visionaries: men and women who saw the vast potential of the place and tapped it, sometimes against overwhelming odds.

Dr. Stanley Hoffman falls squarely into that mold. More than half a century ago, he sensed that the hills west of town could produce world-class wine  a time when the areas grape production was focused on quantity, not quality, and winemakers stuck to the flatlands.

Hoffman was not a winemaker by trade. A successful Los Angeles cardiologist, his lifelong love of the grape began in childhood.

I grew up with wine, said Hoffman. My father made wine in the basement. We lived in Terre Haute, Indiana, then. He bought his grapes from Michigan and had them shipped in. This was during Prohibition, so we could only make enough for ourselves. He remembers sampling his first glass at 5 or 6, mixed with a little bit of water.

Was the wine good?

We thought so, Hoffman said with a chuckle, but added that family winemaking was not a sophisticated operation. My dad was no great winemaker, but he took pride in what he did.

When the grapes arrived, they dumped them on the street in front of the house  a whole truckload of grapes. I helped my dad with crushing; I stomped them myself. He had three or four barrels in the basement. That would last us all year.

Hoffman recalled his father was concerned about keeping the basement winery a semi-secret. We were a respectable Jewish family. Some kids came over to play one time and I said, I cant come out, Im helping my father make wine. And my dad got mad. He said, Stan, dont you ever say that again!

Later, Hoffman found time during his busy medical career to start his own basement winemaking hobby. We made wine for many years when we lived in Beverly Hills, said his wife, Terry.

Hoffman committed some rookie mistakes back then. He remembers one in particular. I had these beautiful barrels, and I thought Id make them even more beautiful, so I varnished them. A wine writer who tasted Stans vintage that year accused him of ruining his taste buds forever.

Hoffmans winemaking became a more substantial pastime when he acquired a large piece of land a few miles west of Paso.

We had a little 10-acre ranch in Thousand Oaks, Terry recalled. We wanted our five kids to know a different life than they knew in Beverly Hills. In 1961, the Hoffmans were presented an opportunity to trade the farm for 1,200 acres of rolling ranchland near Adelaida Road. There were just cattle on it then, Hoffman recalled.

At first, the Hoffmans grew almonds. Then we planted walnuts and grapes. He smiled. I always had grapes in mind.

Soon after he planted his first vineyards in 1963, he hired Napas legendary Andre Tchelistcheff, one of the pioneering giants of California winemaking, to serve as a consultant.

Tchelistcheff warned them of the challenges they faced: sparse water, difficult harvesting conditions. But he thought it had potential, Terry Hoffman said. He told us, Youve got to make your mind up. Is this just going to be a hobby or is it a commercial venture? The question gave Hoffman pause. I was still a doctor full-time.

The Hoffmans took up Tchelistcheffs challenge, traveling to Napa several times at his behest. People there were very helpful in those days, Terry said. There wasnt the competition that there is now.

Still, Hoffmans venture seemed like a long shot to the locals.

There were some zinfandel growers in Paso, but nobody that I know of who wanted to grow French varietals like I did. We were the first. He laughed. People were not encouraging. They said we were crazy, crazy.

But Stans hunch became more of a conviction after a trip to France.

We went to Romanee Conti in France, Terry recalled. (The Cote de Nuits subregion is world-famous for its pinot noir.) They were very gracious. Stan noticed that the soil there was exactly the same as on our land: chalky limestone. That was what made him decide.

Hoffman Mountain Ranch, which released its first wine in 1972, produced pinot at first from a 10-acre vineyard, then added cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. Hoffmans sons were both involved: David was the vineyard manager and Michael was the winemaker.

Our pinot was surprisingly great right away, Hoffman said. Everything seemed to thrive here.

The ranch benefited from a diverse geological and climate profile, Hoffman said, producing good results for pinot, cabernet and chardonnay.

You could have a vineyard close to Peachy Canyon Road, and you could have an area in the south of the ranch, and they produced completely different styles even though they were only within a few miles of each other.

The winerys production ramped up quickly to 15,000-20,000 cases per year. But Hoffman struggled with continuing financial challenges.

There were no investors besides me, Hoffman said. We had to sell because we had borrowed heavily and the terms of the loan changed. We just hoped that if enough people recognized the quality that existed here, wed be all right. Its a risky business.

Hoffman was forced to sell the winery in 1981. It was a bittersweet parting  it closed several years later  but Hoffman is clearly proud of his legacy. We were the first to use stainless steel (tanks) and French oak. Our pinot noir did well; it got everyones attention. So did the cabernet. We sold in Europe and Asia as well as the U.S. and won quite a few awards.

Hoffmans name lives on even if his label doesnt. His influence is acknowledged by the two wineries that now occupy his former vineyards, Daou and Adelaida. In 2012, Georges and Daniel Daou purchased much of the Hoffman Mountain Ranch property and restored his original winery to preserve a vital part of winemaking history on the Central Coast.

What has happened here in the years since I started is amazing, Hoffman said. But it doesnt surprise me. I always knew this was a great place for wine.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7979 or phodgins@scng.com
Homebuying was down in Orange but up in Villa Park this summer.

Heres 15 summertime homebuying trends in and around the two cities from CoreLogics third-quarter report:

1. Homebuying in the five ZIP codes in Orange in the third quarter fell as 380 residences sold vs. 397 a year ago, according to CoreLogic. Thats a sales loss of 4.3 percent.

2. Meanwhile, in Villa Park  ZIP 92861  25 homes sold vs. 15 a year ago. Thats a sales gain of 66.7 percent.

3. Villa Parks median selling price was $1,21 million vs. $1.07 million a year ago, a gain of 13.2 percent.

4. Orange ZIP code 92865  77 homes sold in the period vs. 78 a year ago. Thats a sales loss of -1.3 percent. Median selling price of $590,000 vs. $525,000 a year ago, a gain of 12.4 percent.

5. Orange ZIP 92866  32 homes sold vs. 27 a year ago. Thats a sales gain of 18.5 percent. Median of $630,000 vs. $610,000 a year ago, a gain of 3.3 percent.

6. Orange ZIP 92867  105 homes sold vs. 103 a year ago. Thats a sales gain of 1.9 percent. Median of $642,500 vs. $634,500 a year ago, a gain of 1.3 percent.

7. Orange ZIP 92868  35 homes sold vs. 42 a year ago. Thats a sales loss of -16.7 percent. Median of $503,750 vs. $472,500 a year ago, a gain of 6.6 percent.

8. Orange ZIP 92869  131 homes sold vs. 147 a year ago. Thats a sales loss of -10.9 percent. Median of $650,000 vs. $620,000 a year ago, a gain of 4.8 percent.

And heres some countywide trends of note for the July-to-September period:

9. Orange County median price for the quarter was $643,000  up 4.9 percent or $30,000 in a year!

10. Countywide sales were 10,077  up 0.2 percent in a year!

11. Local single-family home sales totaled 6,111  down 3.9 percent from a year ago. Median selling price was $705,000  up 3.7 percent from a year ago.

12. Resales of O.C. condos were 2,920  down 0.7 percent from a year ago. Median selling price was $450,000  up 5.4 percent from a year ago.

13. Builder sales in the county were 1,046  up 38 percent from a year ago. Median selling price was $820,000  down 0.6 percent from a year ago.

14. In Orange Countys 27 least expensive ZIPs  median sales price at $568,750 and below  2,754 homes sold. Thats down 5.6 percent compared to a year ago.

15. In the 27 priciest ZIPs  median sales price beginning at $705,000  3,147 homes sold. Thats up 8.9 percent compared to a year ago.

DID YOU MISS?

Did one of these bring you here? 9 reasons folks move to California

Census: 1 in 5 of new arrivals to Southern California came from foreign lands

Want affordable housing? Move to Trumpland!
The letter of the law

Re: Top California educators ask Trump to save DACA, the immigrant program [News, Nov. 29]: The Registers article about Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals would have been humorous if it werent sad on so many levels.

University of California President Janet Napolitano recently joined other California educators in sending a letter to President-elect Trump asking him to continue DACA, which essentially commits public funds for the education of illegal immigrants and guarantees them a 2-year deferment from deportment.

We implore you to let them know they are valued members of our community and that they will be allowed to continue to pursue the American Dream, she wrote. These sons and daughters of undocumented workers are as American as any other child across the nation  except in the letter of the law.

Where to begin? Lets start with letter of the law. I vehemently disagree with her contention that illegal immigrants are as American as children with American citizenship. And why should they be allowed (and subsidized with tax funds) to pursue the American Dream if they arent Americans? In particular, I resent the euphemism undocumented being substituted for the correct word  illegal. Its political correctness at its nadir.

I spent many years doing business in Mexico, and my Mexican friends think we are crazy to have the immigration and welfare laws we presently have; I can assure you that its much different in Mexico for non-citizens. Ms. Napolitano seems to forget that we are a sovereign nation who grants rights to our citizens, and that non-citizens dont qualify for those rights. Period.

 Johnny Knox, San Juan Capistrano

Its still illegal

Whether a person came into our country illegally as an adult or as a child, they are still illegal immigrants. However, I am on the fence when it comes to allowing illegal immigrant children to attend our colleges.

With the over-abundance of college applications from citizens, the only way to provide a space for an illegal immigrant is to take that space away from a U.S. citizen, and that is where I draw the line. And the same theory holds true with scholarships.

Charity starts at home, you feed your family first, and U.S. citizens should always be given priority over non-citizen applicants.

 Scott Irwin, Fullerton
NEWPORT BEACH  A 25-year-old Las Vegas woman pleaded guilty and was immediately sentenced to a year in jail Wednesday for creating a fake Facebook profile to set up an Irvine man with bogus claims of stalking, kidnapping and beating her.

Stephani Renae Lawson pleaded guilty to one count of false imprisonment and one count of perjury, both felonies. Three other counts of false imprisonment and one count of attempted false imprisonment were dismissed as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, according to Deputy District Attorney Mark Geller.

Lawson falsely alleged that Tyler Parkervest threatened her. He made his first appearance in that case on Nov. 23 last year, and charges against him were dropped on Oct. 6.

In May of this year, Orange County prosecutors began further investigations of the case against Parkervest.

According to a motion requesting increased bail filed by Orange County District Attorney Investigator Loren Dawson, Parkervest was accused of stalking, threatening, kidnapping and battering Lawson, his ex-girlfriend.

He was also charged with trying to get her to not testify against him in court.

Lawson filed eight police reports alleging he violated a restraining order, stalked her, threatened to kill her and her daughter and would drive by her home when she was standing outside, Dawson reported.

Lawson alleged that the threats came from a Facebook account named Tyler Parker, Dawson said.

Parkervest was arrested four times between September and December 2015, Dawson said. The complaint against him was upgraded twice to reflect further allegations, Dawson added.

Parkervests bail was even increased to $200,000 in December of last year.

Lawson perjured herself in a May preliminary hearing, claiming Parkervest had threatened her in the two days leading up to the hearing, Dawson said. She said the threats came via the Facebook account.

The Facebook messages threatened Lawson from testifying in court and one message stated a friend had fun raping Lawsons daughter, Dawson said.

Authorities issued search warrants for Facebook and T-Mobile records and investigators concluded that Lawson set up the fake profile, Dawson said.

The T-Mobile records showed that Lawson disguised herself as Parkervest with a similar Facebook account, Dawson said. Lawson sent herself numerous criminal threats from the phony Tyler Parker Facebook account and reported to law enforcement that Parkervest sent her the messages. Lawson had Parkervest arrested four times for crimes that he did not commit.

Geller told City News Service that a turning point in the proceedings came during Parkervests preliminary hearing when Lawson showed prosecutors screen grabs of threats she said her ex-boyfriend made against her.

One of my DA colleagues looked at it and said it doesnt look right and that triggered in our mind maybe we need to look into this further, Geller said.

The prosecutor praised Lawson for getting the necessary records from the social media and telecommunications companies.

Loren Dawson worked all summer long on it, he said.

The companies kept kicking back warrants, Geller said.

We had to go around and around with them all summer until we got the documents we needed, Geller said.

Im glad it worked out the way it did because I didnt have any doubt I would have been able to convict this kid Parkervest, Geller said. Fortunately, we were able to uncover the truth and hold her accountable.

Parkervests defense attorney, Glen Sandler, said his client and Lawson had been living together in Parkervests grandparents home for about 10 months.

At one point the two got into a dispute and Lawson knocked (Parkervest) over, prompting grandma to kick her out of the house, Sandler said.

Lawson eventually married someone else, but then sent a text to Parkervest saying she was pregnant and never wanted to talk to him again, Sandler said.

Parkervest assumed they were still dating and wanted to talk about parenting the child, Sandler said.

When he showed up at her residence to talk about it, she got into his car and then two guys jump out from behind a truck with a gun, Sandler said.

The defense attorney suspects the initial plan was to just beat up his client, but Parkervest drove off.

She told the cops, `I invited him over to talk about this kid and he dragged me into the car against my will, drove me down the street, stopped and then let me go, all while keeping a knife to her throat the whole time, Sandler said.

Sandler praised prosecutors for holding Lawson accountable.

This makes us sleep a little better, Sandler said.

Parkervests grandparents would come to every one of his court hearings, but his grandmother died before she could see him cleared, Sandler said.

Parkervest moved to Texas with his grandfather, Sandler said. They couldnt sell the home in Irvine during the criminal proceedings because it was collateral for the bail, he said.
SANTA ANA  Police are investigating a mysterious shooting Wednesday night that left a man critically injured.

Around 9:10 p.m. Santa Ana police received a phone call from personnel at Orange County Coastal Medical Center reporting a man was being treated in the Emergency Room for a gunshot wound to the upper torso, Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.

The people who dropped him off didnt stick around, he added. We would like those who dropped him off to contact us and tell us what they know.

The man was transferred to Orange County Global Medical Center where he underwent surgery and remained in critical condition Thursday morning. He isnt a documented gang member, and police havent determined the circumstances surrounding the shooting, Bertagna said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Santa Ana police homicide investigators at 714-245 8390.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7767 sschwebke@scng.com Twitter @thechalkoutline
As generations of Americans remember the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Laguna Woods resident Gordon Richiusa will be in Hawaii, showcasing a metal bracelet his father crafted from a downed Japanese plane.

Since his father, Salvatore Sam Richiusa, died last year, Richiusa has embarked on a quest to tell the story about a gift his father gave to his mother  a polished silver bracelet made of airplane metal with a band that has two hearts joined together.

As part of his Heroes Hearts campaign, Richiusa, 64, hopes to make replicas of the bracelet  the only known sweetheart souvenir from Pearl Harbor, he said  and screen a documentary, Pieces of Aloha, about the bracelet and his fathers life.

At a Nov. 21 ceremony at Saddleback College, Richiusa recounted the history of the bracelet and presented a plaque to the colleges VETS program for its contributions to the project.

Some veterans worked with the mechanical drafting program to make five exact replicas, two in copper, two in aluminum and one with a 3D printer.

Standing alongside all involved in the project, Richiusa spoke of his father giving him the bracelet before he passed away.

He said, Do something good with it, Richiusa recalled. I didnt know exactly what that meant at the time.

Richiusas father, a corporal in the Marines, had been tasked with visiting the wreckage sites of downed Japanese planes in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attacks when he decided to remove some pieces of metal.

He used one piece to fashion the bracelet for his soon-to-be wife, Flora. The other piece was a small red chunk of metal that Richiusa later used to help identify which of the downed planes he believes the bracelet may have come from.

Over time, Richiusa noticed his mother wearing the bracelet. But he didnt know where it came from until 2001, when he interviewed his father on video to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

A couple of the planes had gone down and I got a piece of one plane and I made Mom a bracelet, Sam Richiusa said in the interview.

Since forming Heroes Hearts, Richiusa has enlisted the help of other Orange County residents, including John Lombardo of Laguna Woods.

It was wild, Lombardo recalled of the first time he saw the 75-year-old bracelet.

Lombardo examined the historical artifact and made some prototypes a few months ago at Laguna Woods Village, helping Richiusa brainstorm what a replica bracelet might look like. Lombardo provided Saddleback College with the bracelets dimensions, helping them create their replicas.

I felt honored that he would take me into this program, Lombardo said. You can almost feel the emotion of what people were going through during that time.

Although the bracelet will make numerous appearances at various Pearl Harbor festivities, including those at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and USS Arizona Memorial, its future hasnt been determined.

Richiusa said hes unsure how many replicas will be made or whether the bracelets will be packaged or stamped for authenticity. Also, he wants to display the bracelet at multiple locations but hasnt decided if it will be donated to a museum for permanent display.

In the meantime, Richiusa called his late fathers gift priceless.

Its starting to really kind of hit me.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7844 or snewell@scng.com
HONG KONG  Three prominent Chinese rights activists appear to have been detained in recent weeks by the police, part of a continuing crackdown on groups operating outside the umbrella of the state, advocacy groups say.

The men, Jiang Tianyong, Huang Qi and Liu Feiyue, disappeared within days of each other in November, each in a different province. The police have charged only Liu with an offense. Rights groups say he was detained Nov. 17 or 18 in the central province of Hubei on suspicion of subverting state power, which can carry a sentence of life in prison.

Jiang, a disbarred lawyer who had famous clients, including the rights defender Chen Guangcheng, was last heard from Nov. 21 when he was about to board a Beijing-bound train in Changsha, the capital of the south-central province of Hunan. His wife, Jin Bianling, who lives in California, said by telephone that he had not been heard from since.

I hope the government could at least tell us, his family, where he is and what crimes he has committed, Jin said. At least we should know his whereabouts.

Huang, who, like Liu, headed a legal rights group, was taken by the police from his home in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan Monday night, according to Chinese Human Rights Defenders, an advocacy group that works out of the U.S. Pu Fei, a volunteer in Huangs organization, is also missing, according to reports by several human rights groups.

Their arrests echo the widespread detentions of rights defenders in July 2015, part of a crackdown on civil society under President Xi Jinping, who has spearheaded a drive to stamp out forces outside the Communist Partys control out of fear they threatened its survival.

Several of those people, mostly lawyers who specialized in defending dissidents as well as ordinary people such as victims of a 2008 tainted baby formula scandal, were given harsh sentences earlier this year. One, Zhou Shifeng, who headed a Beijing law firm that took on such cases, was given a seven-year sentence, also on a charge of subverting state power.

Jiangs disappearance may be related to those arrests, because several of the rights defenders arrested last year still await trial, and he was active in supporting their families, his lawyer, Chen Jinxue, said by telephone. Jiang was visiting the wife of Xie Yang, one of the detained lawyers, and was trying to arrange a visit with Xie when he disappeared, Chen said.

Two of the men had something else in common. Huang and Liu headed rights organizations that have come under scrutiny, and their detentions may be related to the pending implementation of a law on nongovernmental organizations that puts new restrictions on foreign groups operating in China. Such groups will be required to register with the Ministry of Public Security, and the police will have the right to scrutinize their operations, including financing. They must also find a Chinese partner. The law also makes Chinese groups that receive funding from outside the country more vulnerable.

The disappearances of Liu, who leads Civil Rights and Livelihood Watch, and Huang, who runs the 64 Tianwang Human Rights Center, may be a prelude to the laws implementation.

This may show the mindset of the authorities as they come close to implementing the NGO law, William Nee, a researcher for Amnesty International who is based in Hong Kong, said by phone.

The mobile phones of Jiang, Liu and Huang were either turned off or appeared to not be working. A police officer in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, said that Huang had been arrested in Chengdu by officers from the nearby city of Mianyang. The police in Suizhou, Lius hometown, said the city government was handling Lius case but denied any further knowledge. The police in railway stations in Changsha and Beijing, as well as in Jiangs hometown in central China, had no information on his whereabouts.

Chen, Jiangs lawyer, said his client had been moving from place to place in and around Beijing for three years, trying to avoid arrest. He had been detained for months in 2011, amid an earlier crackdown that came in the wake of the movements that swept authoritarian leaders in Tunisia and Egypt from power. China feared the so-called Jasmine Revolution would come to China as well.

Jiang was detained that year for two months, telling rights groups of his abuse at the hands of his interrogators, according to an account of his life on the website of China Change, a group based in the U.S.

If, as is strongly likely, this was an act carried out by state agents, then this would be an enforced disappearance, which is a crime under international law, Nee of Amnesty International said. Jiang Tianyong seems to be placed outside the protection of the law, which makes him at very vulnerable to torture and other human rights violations.
SAN CLEMENTE In one fell swoop, one of the citys most sand-starved beaches is being transformed into what could become one of the citys nicest.

The City Council is spending $626,000 to import 12,000 cubic yards of sand to North Beach, a once-vibrant recreation venue that lost sand to erosion and has been filled with large fields of cobblestone in recent years.

Wright Construction, hired by the city, on Monday began delivering more than 100 truckloads per day of sand that the county dredged from the Santa Ana River channel.

The county has made the sand available for free to cities willing to pay to truck it away.

This sand is pristine, said Aeryn Donnelly-Terrey, the citys park planner and monitor of the project. Its like sugar.

Dee Mavalvala, a nearby resident, has been monitoring the sand delivery daily and posting the results on Facebook.

This is a real blessing for North Beach, Mavalvala said. This beach has been really neglected, and we had some really high storm surf. Its been pretty bad for awhile. It was time.

This week, sand is being piled onto the beach from its north end to a concession stand. Next week, sand will be delivered south of the concession stand, on past a playground to a point where volleyball courts existed in pre-erosion times.

The entire beach will be closed next week to ensure safety, officials said.

Work is going smoothly and should be done by the end of next week, or even sooner, barring weather delays, Donnelly-Terrey said.

People are really happy the project is happening, she said. They are asking, are we going to be taking more sand down closer to the pier? Not with this particular project. We have another sand project coming  with the Army Corps of Engineers.

That grant-funded project could be two years away, awaiting federal budgeting and environmental work. It proposes to deliver 251,000 cubic yards of sand onto 3,400 lineal feet of shoreline between Linda Lane Beach and a restroom south of T-Street Beach.

Meanwhile, the city has a permit from the California Coastal Commission allowing delivery of up to 250,000 cubic yards of opportunistic sand over the next five years from intermittent projects like the Santa Ana River. The city could do more imports like this one, if willing to pay.

The city selected North Beach because of its notorious cobble fields and because sand placed there  if swept out to sea by winter storm surf  would tend to migrate south and could reemerge during summer months on other city beaches in need of sand  Linda Lane, the pier, T-Street, Riviera or Cottons Point.

It makes me a little leery that the winter storms will take it away, local resident Josette Bennett said while watching Wednesdays sand delivery. But I trust that the engineers know what they are doing.

Tom Bonigut, the citys deputy public works director, said that to minimize risks, the contractor is piling the sand high onto the back of the beach, well above the mean high tide line. In the spring, after the storm season, the city will spread out the sand to form a more conventional-looking summer beach.

Donnelly-Terrey said the contractor will flatten the top to provide towel space for winter sunbathing.

In 2005 the city imported 5,000 cubic yards of sand the county dredged from the Santa Ana River and residents complained it was poor quality, riddled with tiny rocks, making it uncomfortable. This time, the city was careful at the dredging end to select only the purest sand, inspected prior to loading on trucks.

Workers also check it upon delivery and have tossed aside a few large rocks. Other than that, a handful of the sand feels silky and clean.

Im really happy with it, Bonigut said.

Local resident Mark McGrath said he is eager to see how it turns out.

We are down here almost every day for our morning coffee, he said. Its very clean-looking. We look forward to a summer evening of fire pits with new sand.

We hope well get the volleyball courts back, said Bennett.

Contact the writer: 949-492-5127 or fswegles@scng.com
Campus police departments will not cooperate with law enforcement agencies looking to arrest those who have broken federal immigration laws, the University of California system announced Wednesday in response to President-elect Donald Trumps pledge to ramp up deportations.

The UCs 10 campuses will protect the privacy and civil rights of undocumented students and will continue to welcome and support students, regardless of their immigration status.

In the statement of its policy regarding undocumented immigrants, the UC system also said its hospitals, which serve the public, will vigorously enforce university nondiscrimination and privacy policies in treating patients.

While we still do not know what policies and practices the incoming federal administration may adopt, given the many public pronouncements made during the presidential campaign and its aftermath, we felt it necessary to reaffirm that UC will act upon its deeply held conviction that all members of our community have the right to work, study and live safely and without fear at all UC locations, UC President Janet Napolitano said in a release.

Anita Casavantes Bradford, who heads UCIs Committee on Equity and Inclusion for Undocumented Students, said she was reassured by Napolitanos statement.

They are among our most talented, motivated and engaged students, she said. They are an important asset to our university and our communities, and Im glad that President Napolitano has shown, through her principled statement and actions, that she also recognizes the contributions that undocumented young people and their families make to our state.

Across the country, a wave of campus protests and petitions are calling for sanctuary campuses and the protection of students brought to the country illegally as children. Trump has pledged to abolish a program created by Obama that offers those students temporary legal residence and a work permit. Napolitano signed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, in 2012 as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Those who oppose illegal immigration were not pleased to hear of the UC systems stand.

Its radical and leftist policies like this UC announcement that caused voters to reject the Democrats on Nov. 8 and put Trump into the White House, said John Berry, cabinet member for the Redlands Tea Party Patriots.

Students here illegally should be deported, he said. If students are illegal, then why are they enrolled in the UC in the first place? Those classroom seats should be saved for people in the U.S. legally.

Karthick Ramakrishnan, a UC Riverside public policy professor, said the UC systems statement giving specifics on what it will not do, is stronger than calling campuses a sanctuary  a concept, he said, that can be interpreted various ways.

Whats interesting in this moment, Ramakrishnan said, is that universities are taking a moral stand about what is important in terms of the educational mission and their duties of providing to students regardless of their immigration status.
Laguna Woods resident Don Goldberg, 89, couldnt wait to join the Navy as a 16 year old to serve his country. He served as a gunner mate striker for a year on two destroyers in the North Atlantic at the end of World War II.

This country has never been as united as then, he said. It was a very patriotic time in the U.S.

On Wednesday, Goldberg and fellow Village-veteran Elmer Shapiro, 95, will be guests of the Navy to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks in Hawaii. They are joining other veterans on a sponsored American Airlines flight to Hawaii on Saturday.

Its very exciting and it will bring back a lot of memories, said Shapiro, who served as an Italian and French interpreter in the Army. He enlisted in 1942 after the attack on Pearl Harbor, where the Imperial Japanese Navy struck the naval base at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, sinking several battleships and causing the United States entry into World War II.

It is very meaningful, Goldberg said of the commemoration. Its the last hurrah, the last time we can stand shoulder to shoulder and feel the camaraderie we felt in World War II.

Its not the first time Shapiro, who guarded Italian prisoners up and down the American East Coast during the war, will participate in a special military trip. In October, he was part of an honors flight to Washington D.C. where volunteers brought 70 World War II veterans around town to see the war memorials of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They also were taken to a naval base in Virginia and Arlington National Cemetery.

Its something I will never forget, Shapiro said. It was an unbelievable trip.

Goldberg said he is happy to be part of the Pearl Harbor anniversary commemoration.

This is a great tribute to a lot of brave guys who really gave their all, he said.

Contact the writer: marieek@hotmail.com
SANTA ANA  Two people who said they were shot at by the son of a former Real Housewives of Orange County star testified Wednesday in a preliminary hearing about the chaos at the shooting scene in Costa Mesa.

When gunfire erupted outside of a home at 2959 Babb St., one of the victims, who lived in a garage there, said, I turned and ran in the other direction toward the main house  That walkway was like a shooting gallery. It was horrible.

One of the victims, Danny Lopez, was shot, but he wasnt sure he was shot or not. It was chaos, testified Jennifer M, whose last name was withheld in court.

When asked how many times the defendant, Joshua Michael Waring, 27, opened fire from a white 2011 BMW X3, Jennifer said, I just knew it was a lot. At least eight. I saw every one of them  the flashing.

The BMW slowly rolled by the house as the gunfire rang out in rapid succession, Jennifer testified. Then the car sped off, she said.

I called the police to let them know someone had been shot, she testified.

When police arrived, they ordered everyone out of the house, but Jennifer testified she was reluctant to leave her bleeding friend as she tended to him. Another friend told police that Jennifer was pregnant at the time.

Jennifer added that about a week after the shooting, I had a miscarriage. I dont know if it was because of this.

Waring, who is acting as his own attorney, attempted to undermine Jennifers testimony as he cross-examined her.

Waring asked her, Is this the first time weve met?

No, weve met before, she replied.

When Waring pressed further, Jennifer said that the defendant was at the Babb Street house once before when they were both there, but she wasnt 100 percent sure they were introduced.

Jennifer acknowledged that police had not conducted a lineup to determine the identity of the shooter.

Jennifer testified there was only one car in front of the house  the BMW  when shots rang out, but Waring produced a police report on the day of the shooting that quoted her as saying there were two cars there. Jennifer today testified there was a blue car trailing the BMW right before the shooting, but it left before the gunfire.

I dont believe I said there were two cars, she testified. I dont know why I would have said that.

When Waring asked her if she had been drinking, she said, No, I dont drink.

When he asked her if she had been high she replied, I was pregnant. No drugs.

The Babb Street home had been a sober-living facility at one point, she acknowledged under Warings questioning, but not anymore.

Another victim  known in court as Ronald D.  said he heard multiple gunshots ring out on the night of the June 20 shooting.

Nine to 10 shots, Ronald testified.

When Senior Deputy District Attorney Aleta Bryant asked him how he felt in the moment, Ronald testified, disbelief, scared  It was all a blur.

The victims heard honking and a revving engine outside the home moments before the 2:20 a.m. shooting, prompting Ronald to investigate the source. Waring was not welcome at the Babb Street home because the defendant had waved a gun in front of a girlfriend a few days before, Ronald testified.

He was unsafe, Ronald testified.

Ronald had pulled open a gate in front of the house to confront Waring when Jennifer grabbed his shirt, saying, Wait, what if he has a gun, Jennifer testified. Then I saw the flash of the gun, the bullets.

About an hour before the shooting, Waring and another woman who lived at the Babb Street house went there to retrieve a phone she left behind, Jennifer testified. Waring was driving the same BMW, she testified.

After Warings arrest, police said the BMW had been reported stolen.

Waring, his companion and Ronald were arguing, Jennifer said. Ronald had thrown the personal effects of Warings companion out on the street, saying, Get your (stuff) and go, Jennifer testified.

Waring took off in the car and Jennifer said she also scrammed because she had an outstanding warrant at the time and the house attracted frequent complaints to police from neighbors and she didnt want to get into trouble.

Around the corner, Jennifer said she and another friend encountered Warings companion and took her to a motel in the area where they thought Waring was staying, she testified.

After the shooting, police found the BMW in question about 10:30 a.m. in Santa Ana and attempted to get the driver to pull over, police said. Waring led police on a chase, crashed the car and then tried to run away, but was finally taken into custody following a brief standoff, police said.

Warings mother, Lauri Peterson, was in court taking notes throughout the hearing. She was a cast member of the Bravo documentary series The Real Housewives of Orange County from its debut in 2006 until 2008, when she left to deal with her sons issues.

Waring is charged with three counts of attempted murder with premeditation and deliberation and could face a life sentence if convicted at trial.
For over 2000 years, the good ol iron horseshoe has remained the only reliable footwear for horses, but an Austrian company is ready to take the horse out of the Iron Age with the worlds first equine running shoes, the Megasus Horserunners.

Charly Forstner, the founder of Megasus, used to work as an animal welfare inspector for horses in Austria. He learned that over 50% of horses that needed to be put down suffered from severe hoof and leg problems. 20 years ago, he decided to dedicate his life to coming up with a better alternative to the iron horseshoe. Over the last two decades, he invented various hoof protection products made of plastic, like the Dynamix or the Easywalker, but he recently unveiled something truly revolutionary  clip-on running shoes for horses. Forstener claims that they combine the qualities of both the common horseshoe and the hoof boot to offer horses the protection and freedom of movement that they require.

While the iron horseshoe is known for its durability and adjustability, it also has some serious flaws  its heavy, restricts movement, has no shock absorption, channels heat and cols to the inner hoof, and the need for nailing can destroy the hoof horn. The hoof boot, on the other hand, has long been the go-to solution for barefoot horse owners, with companies like Cavallo and Easy Boot offering a variety of equine footwear. But finding hoof boots that dont rub on a horses leg and hoof, are easy to put on and remove, and stay on all kinds of terrain can be a real struggle. The Megasus Horserunners claim to incorporate all the qualities of both option, while eliminating the downsides.

The innovative Megasus Horserunners offer many advantages over the traditional products such as they are lightweight (less than half a pound), can be adjusted individually, easy to put on, and offer protection without permanence, a Megasus press release states. It can also stay put in all kinds of terrain including mud and water plus it allows the hoof to be flexible. The product is also designed to protect the sole from bruising, cracking and other injuries by offering shock absorption. It does not accumulate snow, dirt or mud and is easy to clean.

Instead of using dangerous iron nails, the Megasus Horserunners simply clip-on to the horses hooves, thanks to an improved velcro system. Two large strips of strong velcro tape (called Meg-Log Tape) stick on to each hoof, to which the Horserunners clip on with individually adjustable side clips. The Mega-Lock tape remains approximately 3 weeks on the hoof and is protected with a protection foil during the time the hoof goes bare. The foil has a sealing lip similar to swimming goggles, so that the Mega-Lock tape is prevented from water and dirt intrusion, Megasus claims.

The Austrian company ensures horse owners that the clip-on system is so strong that the Horserunners will stay on the hoof in any terrain. While I can see them used in water and rough terrain, it will be interesting to see how they hold out in thick mud. That thing stick to horse hooves like glue. Megasus obviously claims that it wont be a problem.

The time is ripe for healthy and comfortable hoof protection for horses, Charly Forstner said. In 1998, I already proved with a wedge test that the hoof moves on the vertical plane 1-2cm, almost 10 times more than horizontally, and without affecting the overlying joint. This means that the hoof works jointly and compensates for ground irregularities such as stones and ground waves. A rigid fixation of the hoof capsule by a horseshoe is, therefore, very close to plastering it. Horseshoes immobilize ligaments and tendons; hence, it makes the blood flow becomes weaker. Apparently, the Megasus Horserunners change all that.

After successfully testing the prototype for their horse running shoes, Megasus sought to raise some money for production through crowdfunding. They launched a campaign on Kickstarter in October, asking for 100,00, and by the time the campaign ended, they managed to raise 169,136. The first Megasus Horserunners are scheduled to be shipped in July 2017.

Photos: Megasus Horserunners/Facebook
Jose Antonio Garcia has become known as The Pilgrim in his native country of Spain, after spending the last 11 years of his life walking over 100,000 kilometers to various pilgrimage sites on all continents except Oceania. This year, his amazing journey has finally come to an end.

Born in Puerto de Santa Maria, in the Spanish province of Cadiz, Jose Antonio Garcia spent most of his life on water, working as a sailor. He wasnt the most religious person, but after going through a near-death experience, he decided to dedicate his life to an epic pilgrimage to as many holy sites as he could walk to. In 1999, the fishing boat Jose was working on capsized off the coast of Norway, and he was the only survivor out of a crew of 17. He spent hours in the freezing water clinging to the bodies of two fellow sailors, and it was then that he turned to religion, vowing to the Virgen del Carmel, the patron of sailors, that he would walk to all of the worlds holy shrines, if she saved his life.

Miraculously, Jose was found by a rescue team, but had to spend the next eight months in a hyperbaric chamber to recover from his injuries. But even after that long period of time, he was still unable to walk, and doctors were unsure that he would ever be able to use his legs again. Garcia spent the next two years in a wheelchair, and two more after that walking with crutches, but in the end, he was able to walk like a normal person again. And he never forgot the promise he made to the Virgen del Carmen when he was so close to death. As soon as he was back on his feet, he took out his life savings (around 36,000 euros), filled up a backpack with basic travel items, and left his home town to visit as many holy sites as he could.

The first stop on his epic pilgrimage was Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, where he visited the sanctuary of the Virgen Fatima. From there, he walked all the way to Rome, Italy, where he met Pope John Paul II, and dozens of other holy sites throughout the European continent. He then walked into Asia, through Turkey, visiting countries like Israel, Syria, Kazakhstan, Tibet and India. The Pilgrim then walked through Siberia and traversed Russia to pass into the North American continent through Alaska. He walked south, reaching Mexico and eventually passed into South America, stopping at as many religious sites as he could along the way. During the last 11 years, Jose Antonio Garcia walked on all continents except the Oceania region, visiting holy sites of multiple religions, including Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.

Even though he started off with 36,000 euros, he spent all of it during the first stages of his incredible pilgrimage, and ended up relying on the kindness of strangers for food, shelter an directions. In a 2014 interview with Viaje con Escalas, Jose said he was impressed with the generosity of people in poor countries, who know what real hunger feels like and are always willing to share what little food they have with someone in need. Speaking about his most noteworthy experiences on his pilgrimage, Garcia said that he will never forget the six months he spent living in a monastery in Lhasa, Tibet, nor his visit to the Bosnian town of Medjugorje, where the church uses all donations to rebuild the town. He calls it a place where you can really feel the faith.

Regarding how his family feels about him being away for over a decade, Jose Antonio Garcia said that they are very supportive and proud. He thinks its both due to the nature of his journey and the fact that they are used to him being away for long periods of time. Ever since he started working as a sailor, in 1962, he has been away from home for at least six months a year.



After walking over 107,000 kilometers around the world, visiting thousands of holy places and shrines, Jose Antonio Garcia is finally ready to return home, to Puerto de Santa Maria, where his daughter and grandchildren are waiting for him. At 67 year old, The Pilgrim feels that he has fulfilled his promise to the Virgen del Carmen, and is ready to dedicate the rest of his life to helping others.

Sources: Viaje Con Escalas, La Nueva Espana, El Camino de Santiago
Hope Runnion didnt know how she was going to pay Novembers rent.

The 25-year-old mother shares an apartment in Papillion with her fiance and schedules her work hours so she can be at home with her 14-month-old daughter, Daniell.

But last month, complications from an August surgery to remove her appendix combined with pain from her endometriosis. For more than three weeks, Runnion was unable to work.

Her fiance was working, but without her paycheck, his income alone couldnt cover the bills and the rent.

I didnt know who to call and had trouble finding someone or someplace who could quickly help out, she said. Her mind went to the consequences  eviction and moving back in with her parents.

Then Runnion found Heartland Family Service. With emergency assistance funds provided to the agency by Goodfellows, The World-Heralds charity, Runnions landlord was paid $500. Runnion and her fiance were able to scrape together the other $200.

Goodfellows partners with Heartland Family Service, the United Way, Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership and Together Inc., sending about 80 percent of the donations it collects to the agencies to assist people with one-time, urgent needs.

I didnt think Id ever need that help, Runnion said. But so many people do and, because of Goodfellows, they can get it.

Runnion is just a few weeks into a new job at Taco Bell and hopes to work up to a management position.

We work hard, and well be able to keep it up, she said.

Runnion said she now can focus on her health. Her endometriosis has led to 12 abdominal surgeries in the last 10 years. When she was 21, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had a fallopian tube and an ovary removed. Doctors told her she never would have children.

Then, a few years later, she found out she was pregnant. Doctors warned her not to get her hopes up, she said, because, with her medical situation, the baby may not survive.

Daniell was born a healthy 5 pounds, 10 ounces.

Shes my little miracle baby, Runnion said, kissing her daughter on the head before the girl bounded off her lap to dance in a corner of the living room.

For her young family, Runnion said shes hopeful  she has a job and a home and shes looking forward to her wedding, tentatively planned for next fall.

And shes thankful.

My daughter knows this as home, she said. She wouldnt want to be anywhere else. Because of the amazing program Goodfellows, she doesnt have to be.
The $323 million cancer complex going up in Omaha will partner with a cancer hospital in China, the University of Nebraska Medical Center announced Thursday.

The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, a collaboration between UNMC and hospital partner Nebraska Medicine, is expected to open next year. UNMC announced that it signed an agreement last month to work as a sister institution with Hubei Cancer Hospital in Wuhan, China.

The Buffett Cancer Center is being erected near 45th Street and Dewey Avenue.

The agreement includes research collaboration, tissue-bank sharing, faculty and student exchanges, and possible patient referrals to the Buffett Cancer Center, UNMC said.

Last year the Buffett Cancer Center entered a similar agreement with Tianjin Cancer Hospital in Tianjin, China.

UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey Gold said he was pleased to have the relationship with the Hubei hospital.

This is an important partnership for our institution, Gold said through a press release. We are truly honored to make Hubei Cancer Hospital one of our sister institutions.
A Benson High School student has a confirmed case of tuberculosis, the Douglas County Health Department said Wednesday.

An investigation by the health department and school officials indicated that 12 staff members and 193 students may have been exposed to the disease and might be at risk of infection, said Adi Pour, the departments director.

The health department will offer free blood testing at the school next week. Only those who have been identified as having potential exposure will be tested. The disease is not easily spread and requires prolonged and repeated close contact with a person with active tuberculosis, Pour said. Such contact includes being in the same classroom for some time but not brief encounters in a hallway, cafeteria or gym.

We take this situation seriously, but there is no cause for alarm, she said.

Tuberculosis, which is treatable, takes weeks to months to develop, even if it has been transmitted. That gives the department time to investigate and devise a plan.

Time is on our side, because TB takes time to develop even if it has been transmitted, Pour said.

Letters have been sent to the parents and guardians of those identified as having close contact. Separate letters also have been sent to all parents, guardians and staff notifying them of the investigation. An informational meeting for parents will be held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Benson High School auditorium, 5120 Maple St. The department also has notified area health care providers.

The identity of the person with tuberculosis will not be released.

Pour said the ill student was identified by a health care provider, who reported the illness to the health department about 10 days ago as required by law. The student has not returned to school since being identified and will not return until considered no longer infectious, which usually takes several weeks. Treatment, however, usually continues for six to eight months.

The health department is in close contact with the student to make sure that the student is taking the medication correctly and taking the necessary precautions to avoid infecting others.

Pour said the Benson case is absolutely an isolated case and the county does not expect any other schools to be involved. About 15 cases of active tuberculosis are reported in the community each year.

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by airborne bacteria spread through coughing, sneezing or speaking, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It cant be spread through such things as kissing, shaking hands or sharing food and drink, according to the CDC.

Symptoms include a cough lasting for three weeks or longer, pain in the chest and coughing up blood or mucus. Other symptoms include weakness or fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, chills and fever.

Pour said the department worked with school officials to identify those who may have been exposed and consulted with a local infectious disease doctor and with the Heartland National TB Center to make sure it was following best practices. That includes the decision to use blood tests.

Results of the tests will be provided to parents and guardians. A second round of testing will follow in eight to 12 weeks.

Anne OKeefe, the health departments senior epidemiologist, said using a skin test, the other method of testing, would have required more contact  four, instead of two  with students and resulted in more false positives.

Questions can be directed to the Douglas County Health Department at 402-444-7214. Additional information can be found on the health departments web page at http://www.douglascountyhealth.com/disease-a-immunization/tuberculosis-tb
COUNCIL BLUFFS  A mouth swab could save a life.

Three area communities will host donor drives for stem cell and bone marrow transplants on Saturday. A simple mouth swab will place attendees on a registry that could link potential transplant matches.

Its a very simple procedure, said Kay Fast, an organizer. With this, you know youve made a difference.

Three events will take place, all from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Dec. 3: at Zion Congregational Church, 103 E. Main St. in Treynor; the Mills County Engineers Office meeting room, 403 Railroad Ave. in Glenwood; and Southwest Valley Middle School, 406 E. Third St. in Villisca.

Fast is overseeing the Villisca event. Her husband of 39 years, Rich, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma in June of 2015. His hemoglobin and white blood cell counts are too low for chemotherapy, so Fast has undergone two stem cell transplants.

Hell likely need another.

The best option for a patient needing a stem cell transplant is a sibling, according to the Mills County Public Health Department. And his brother was a match.

The first transplant, in November of 2015, rid Fasts body of cancer, but his immune system has been wrecked ever since, his wife said, noting hes highly susceptible to infections and viruses.

In April, doctors performed a second transplant in hopes of rebuilding his immune system, and it was initially successful. Over the summer his white cell and other blood work counts were good.

So good, in fact, he went a while without needing a blood transfusion.

Hes received about 70 units of blood in last year and a half, she said.

But this fall, Fasts blood work bottomed out again, and early this month he spent time in the hospital with an infection.

At this point, down the road he may need another transplant. Best option is a sibling, but theyve tried it twice, Kay Fast said. Right now there are 28 million people on registry, but theres no match for him.

At any of the stem cell and bone marrow events, men and women age 18 to 44 will be able to fill out paperwork and undergo the mouth swab to join the international registry.

Mills County Public Health notes a stem cell or bone marrow transplant is a potentially life-saving treatment for more than 70 different diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma and sickle cell disease. A stem cell transplant is similar to giving blood, though it takes longer.

A bone marrow transplant is an outpatient procedure.

Anyone unable to attend the donor drives can go to bethematch.com to request a donor package. The site also provides a great deal of information about the donor process and also offers an option for those over age 44 to donate.

Anyone with questions about the events can call Kay Fast at (712) 826-8399 in Villisca, Sheri Bowen at (712) 527-9699 in Glenwood and Marcie Lippert at (712) 487-3422 in Treynor.

Treynor and Glenwood are rallying for Treynor High School junior and Mineola resident Annika Vohs. Vohs was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in June.

Organizers are hopeful the event will produce a match for Vohs and Rich Fast. But if not, at least that many more people will be registered.

People are coming to be on the registry. Theyre not coming in for Rich or Annika, theyre coming in for someone that could be a match, Kay Fast said. You could save their life, be their cure.
Last month at the nations largest nursing conference, an award-winning Omaha nurse stood onstage, her image magnified on a huge video screen.

In that very public setting in Orlando, Florida, she recalled a most private moment years before in Omaha: The first time she sat with a woman who had been raped, Anne Boatright said, she lacked the training to support her in the worst moment of her life.

That experience, she told the audience, inspired me to seek formal education and training to become a sexual assault nurse examiner, which has changed the course of my life.

Today, as coordinator of the Methodist Heidi Wilke Forensic Nurse Examiner program, Boatright, 32, has helped transform the way care is provided to victims of sexual and domestic violence in the Omaha area.

And on Oct. 6 at the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Conference, attended by more than 10,000, she received the transformational leadership award as one of five national nurses of the year.

That thrilled none other than Heidi Wilke of Omaha, whose survival of rape nearly 15 years ago led to a $1.7 million fundraising campaign that created the nurse examiner program.

Annie has taken that program to a level I never envisioned, Wilke said. And she has so much compassion.

More than a well-deserved national honor, the award calls attention to advances in the treatment of victims  though Boatright and others say much work remains to change a culture that leads to sexual violence.

Millions have experienced these crimes, Boatright said in an Omaha interview. I hope as a country that we start to create a culture where we support victims. Thats the key to all of this.

In collaboration with other local agencies, Boatright has stayed busy, speaking across the state on a human trafficking task force organized by Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson. The sessions, drawing between 75 and 160 people, were set in Scottsbluff, North Platte, Hastings, Norfolk, Lincoln and Omaha.

The forensic nurse program she leads is at Methodist and Methodist Womens Hospitals. It not only collects evidence for potential prosecutions, but also provides an atmosphere of comfort and care.

That kind of atmosphere is what Wilke found lacking 15 years ago, and what led to creating the unit, sometimes called SANE-SART, for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Sexual Assault Response Team.

The most important thing I wanted to do, Wilke said, was to try to make the hospital experience better for others.

That happened from the start in 2003. Boatright joined the unit in 2009 and later became coordinator, working with other groups, such as the Womens Center for Advancement, the former YWCA, which has long assisted assault victims.

Amy Richardson, the WCAs president and CEO, said Boatright has been a great collaborator, open to ideas that help patients. The unit, for example, has expanded to include victims of domestic violence.

Richardson also suggested that during nights and weekends, her organizations trained advocates be allowed to set up full time at the hospital emergency room. Boatright took the idea to the hospital administration and gained approval.

Its not uncommon across the country for advocates from nonprofit agencies to be called to ERs to help counsel victims, but Richardson said the overnight on-site presence at Methodist is unusual.

Were about a year into it, Richardson said, and its unheard of. You might not find another hospital in the U.S. that allows that.

Said Boatright: Im grateful to work at a place where people support your passion and your dreams and never take the wind out of your sails.

Treatment of survivors is crucial, the two leaders said, but so is educating everyone, including men on college campuses, that they have no right to take advantage of women under any circumstances, including if they have been drinking.

Most perpetrators are known to their victims, and so Wilke was in the minority  she was attacked by a stranger. (He was convicted and sentenced to 30 to 75 years.)

But she is a prime example that rape can happen to anyone.

A great-granddaughter of Henry Doorly, for whom Omahas zoo is named, and a granddaughter of Dr. Richard Young, Wilke is the daughter of Dr. William Hamsa, who was board chairman of Physicians Mutual.

She was in her car leaving a board meeting of the then-Richard Young Hospital at 6 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2002. She was attacked near 25th Avenue and Douglas Street.

That horrible experience, and her determination to help others, led to improvements in the way sexual assault victims are treated  and to national recognition last month for what Omaha is doing.

Joining honoree Boatright in Orlando were her husband, Colin Boatright, and her parents, retired World-Herald photographer Jim Burnett and his wife, Peggy.

All the agencies working to help sexual and domestic violence victims try to make certain that they dont feel they are mere statistics. But collectively, statistics add to the story  and the numbers are up.

At the WCA, for example, calls to the 402-345-7273 crisis hotline went from 4,475 in 2013 to 7,749 last year. They are on pace for 8,600 this year.

The forensic nurse examiner program at Methodist saw 137 patients in 2013, and this year will see more than 400.

Im encouraged that more people know we exist and are coming forward, Boatright said. But this is still one of the most underreported crimes. We know there are a lot more people out there who dont come in and dont have this kind of support.

She notes the irony that the numbers are increasing, though the long-term goal of her work is for far fewer attacks and much lower numbers.

Id love, she said, to work myself out of a job.
VIENNA (AP)  Breaking with years of inaction, OPEC agreed Wednesday to cut its oil output for the first time since 2008. The move effectively scraps its strategy of squeezing U.S. competition through high supply that had backfired by lowering prices and draining the cartels own economies.

The reduction of 1.2 million barrels a day is significant, leaving OPECs daily output at 32.5 million barrels. And OPEC President Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada said non-OPEC nations are expected to pare an additional 600,000 barrels a day off their production.

The combined cut will result, at least in the short term, in somewhat more pricey oil  and, by extension, car fuel, heating and electricity. The international benchmark for crude jumped 8.3 percent, or $3.86, to $50.24 on Wednesday.

In the longer term, however, analysts say its highly unlikely that oil will return to the highs of around $100 a barrel last seen two years ago. Thats partly because of the fact that President-elect Donald Trump has promised to free up more oil drilling in the United States, which would increase global supply. Demand is also not recovering as the world economy sags.

Playing tribute to a historic moment, Al-Sada said Wednesdays move will definitely balance the market and help (in) reducing the stock overhang.

Al-Sada said the OPEC cutback is to take effect Jan. 1, with consultations planned on the exact timing of the non-OPEC reductions. Russia alone is committed to taking 300,000 barrels a day off the market.

OPECs tentative alliance with Russia and other non-OPEC nations may give it  and them  additional clout in future competition for market share with U.S. producers.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Two men wrongfully arrested for a double murder in Murdock, Nebraska, will split a $5 million judgment, according to an order issued Wednesday by a federal judge.

Nick Sampson and Matthew Livers were awarded the sum by U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon as a result of their lawsuits filed against the St. Paul Travelers Cos. The insurance carrier was found to cover former Douglas County crime lab chief David Kofoed  who was convicted of planting blood evidence against them in the slayings  under the countys liability policy.

Kofoed served two years in prison for evidence tampering. Two Wisconsin teenagers later pleaded guilty to killing Wayne and Sharmon Stock in 2006 and were given life sentences.

In 2014, attorneys for Livers and Sampson filed garnishment claims against the insurance company for $6.6 million  the sum they were awarded in a federal civil rights case against Kofoed. Livers and Sampson were jailed for months after the murder of the Stocks, who are Livers aunt and uncle.

The case involved a false confession extracted from Livers during a coercive interrogation in which Livers, who has a learning disability, implicated himself and Sampson, his cousin, in the killings.

Sampson and Livers settled separately with state and county authorities for $2.6 million in 2013. That left only the claims against Kofoed.

In March 2014, Bataillon returned a verdict against Kofoed. Broke, unemployed and living in North Carolina, Kofoed said he had no way of paying the judgment.

So the plaintiffs attorneys sought to tap the countys liability policy that was in place during the investigation.

The settlement with Douglas County released the county from liability, but not its insurers  at least to the extent those insurers may be deemed responsible for payment of a judgment against Kofoed.

The Travelers policy has a coverage limit of $5 million. Bataillon didnt award interest on the judgment, saving the defendant thousands of dollars.

Within 14 days of the date of this order, the plaintiffs shall submit to the court calculations of each plaintiffs proportionate share of the garnishees $5,000,000 liability, Bataillon wrote. The court would then issue an order directing the payment.

Attorney Bob Mullin represents Livers.

We are very happy with the rulings of the court and look forward to the day we can actually collect on the judgment, Mullin said.

The judge also awarded nearly $233,000 in attorney fees. St. Paul Travelers has indicated it will appeal the ruling.

A spokesman for the insurance company said it had no comment on the ruling. An attorney for Sampson didnt immediately return a message seeking comment.
IOWA CITY  Iowas one-year-old wrongful conviction division is getting a new director, following the departure of its first leader this fall.

The State Public Defenders Office told the Associated Press that it has hired Illinois assistant appellate defender Erica Nichols Cook to lead the division.

A Drake law school graduate, Cook is expected to start in December. The division was formed to investigate cases in which Iowa inmates claim they are innocent.

The hiring comes after the previously unannounced September resignation of Director Audrey McGinn, who returned to a job with the California Innocence Project.

The division is investigating more than 100 cases, including dozens from the 1980s and 1990s that may involve discredited hair evidence.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The rate of Oklahoma earthquakes has dropped since late May, when the state limited wastewater injections into energy wells, an Associated Press statistical analysis shows. And a new scientific report says the state is on its way back to calmer times that prevailed before a huge jump in man-made quakes.

For quake-prone parts of Oklahoma, the state ordered what is essentially a 40 percent reduction in injection of the saltwater that scientists generally blame for an increase in quakes. This year, before the new rules took effect May 28, Oklahoma averaged 2.3 quakes a day. Since then the average dropped to 1.3 a day, based on APs analysis of U.S. Geological Survey data of earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or larger.

But some of those post-regulatory quakes have been large and damaging. A quake Sept. 3 in Oklahoma was felt in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.

Definitely the rate of quakes has gone down, said USGS geophysicist Robert Williams. At the same time we had more magnitude 5s this year than ever before historically in Oklahoma. Its good news on one hand. Its heading in the right direction, but troubling to see these large damaging quakes in Pawnee and Cushing.

Over the last couple years, scientists have linked a dramatic increase in earthquakes in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas to the practice of injecting wastewater from hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, back underground after drilling for oil and gas. Higher volumes of injected wastewater are connected to more quakes because the fluids add more pressure to tiny faults.

After Kansas regulated wastewater volume in 2015, a January AP analysis showed that Kansas felt fewer quakes, while less-regulated Oklahoma got more.

In response, Oklahoma announced new rules.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Concerns raised about some processes and practices employed by the Goodwill Omaha board of trustees provide valuable object lessons for members of every nonprofit board.

Such board members play an important role as stewards of not only their donors money but also of their organizations reputation. As such, they must be wary of even the appearance of conflicts of interest.

World-Herald reporter Matthew Hansen found that over the past decade, Goodwill Omaha granted no-bid contracts totaling more than $5 million to two Omaha companies whose executives sit on the nonprofits board. Additionally, several smaller no-bid contracts were awarded to friends and family members of the nonprofits leaders.

Hansen reported that Joe Lempka, the current board chairman, is close to the former Goodwill Omaha CEO, Frank McGree, who departed in the wake of previous World-Herald reporting about hefty executive salaries at the nonprofit. The two men and their wives, for example, recently vacationed together in Europe.

Lempka is an executive with Peter Kiewit Sons Inc. The company has been awarded several no-bid construction contracts for Goodwill facilities since 2006.

The board has also awarded no-bid contracts to RDG Planning & Design, which employs another Goodwill board member, Joe Lang. The architectural firm also employs one of McGrees daughters, Meg McGree Krause, who worked on a Goodwill project.

Lempka and Lang defended the contracts, saying their companies did the work quickly and affordably. Lempka noted that Goodwill and Kiewit had a business relationship for years before any Kiewit executive joined the board.

Lang called McGrees daughter an outstanding employee who was hired on merit.

The board members said the business relationships, family ties and friendships had no impact on their views as they set Frank McGrees salary.

That may very well be accurate. But the lesson all nonprofit board members should take from this situation is that they have an obligation not just to avoid conflicts, but also to avoid the appearance of conflicts. The reputation of a charity, its donors and its board members are all at risk when things dont look right.

Omaha is fortunate to have a spectacular philanthropic community, generating millions of dollars and thousands upon thousands of volunteer hours. Its critical to our future that these charities, these treasures, are preserved for future generations.

Dave Renz, a University of Missouri-Kansas City professor who has advised nearly 200 nonprofit boards over the years, cautioned nonprofits in general against the perception of quid pro quos or any hint that a large gift would result in a nonprofit directing business to a donor.

Many nonprofit boards have taken steps during the past decade to tighten controls involving conflicts of interest, Renz said, as members of the public have become more interested in knowing how their charitable dollars are being spent.

With a longtime nonprofit, he pointed out, relationships and business decisions can develop slowly over the years for reasons that likely seemed logical to the board at the time.

Thats why its important for a board to step back at regular intervals and take a long view at its processes and procedures. Seeking outside reviews and studying best practices by other nonprofits can lead to healthy changes.
Former cop accused of heist, arrested in Bengaluru

Bengaluru

oi-Anusha

Retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Babu Noronha was arrested by Bengaluru police on Wednesday over allegations of kidnap and robbery. The retired cop allegedly masterminded a Rs 80 lakh heist.

Investigation of a robbery case led the J P Nagar police to former cop Noronha and a constable with the city crime branch. The duo along with another accused are being interrogated. Noronha is said to have masterminded the heist misusing the cash crunch situation in the country post demonetisation.

The heist

The former cop and his team allegedly identified realtors or traders with accounted money and offer them a commission of 20 per cent to exchange old unaccounted currency notes with new accounted ones. Realtors Shivaram and Satish approached the police after they were robbed of Rs 80 lakh in new currency notes by men posing as police from the CCB. The duo received a call from a person named Akshay last Thursday asking if they would exchange Rs 1 crore in old currency notes with Rs 80 lakh in new currency with a commission of Rs 20 lakh. The duo, elated over making money agreed. They called Akshay the same evening to convey that Rs 80 lakh in new currency notes was ready.

Akshay visited Satish's residence in J P Nagar to check on the cash and called a couple of his friends to bring the old currency notes. However, the men who came later claimed to be officials of city crime branch and displayed Babu Noronha's ID card and claimed to 'seize' the cash. Satish and his friend was also 'arrested' and were being taken to the CCB office when the vehicle was stopped midway. The complainants were asked to alight from the car after which the culprits sped away with the money.

The south division police who arrested Akshay were led by his statement to former DySP Babu Noronha. The former cop is currently being questioned about his involvement in the case.

OneIndia News
A war of words over specific alerts after every major terror strike

News

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Nagrota, Dec 1 One week after the Intelligence Bureau issued an alert stating that the Lashkar-e-Tayiba was looking to carry out an attack on a high value military installation, the Nagrota attack took place. The army was quick to state that the intelligence alert was not specific in nature, but also said that it was looking into security lapses.

For starters this is nothing new and such an exchange of words do take place after every attack. Intelligence alerts in areas such as Jammu and Kashmir are issued almost everyday. No alert is specific in nature and it only goes on to warn the security personnel about a larger plan.

Security has to be high:

Speaking to some officers in the Intelligence Bureau and also the security establishment, one gets the impression that the first reaction is to shift the blame. The Intelligence Bureau also mentions in the aftermath of an attack that an alert was issued.

The immediate response to this would be that the alert was not specific in nature. When we listen in to intercepts, we are hearing code words. We do the maximum to decipher the conversation which is always in coded form. We get a general impression that the attack is being planned in a particular place or on some installation, the IB officer explains.

In Jammu and Kashmir today every important installation is a potential target, the IB officer explains. In the case of the Nagrota attack the intercepts went on to suggest that a Lashkar-e-Tayiba cell was being activated to carry out an attack on a high value military target. When such an alert is issued it becomes necessary for security to be enhanced across targets. No alert can pin point the exact time or location of the attack the officer adds.

An army official goes on to say that it is a bit difficult since the alert is not specific in nature. There have been a series of alerts that have been issued in the case of Jammu and Kashmir, but none have been specific in nature.

The outgoing Northern Army Command Chief Lt. General D S Hooda said on Wednesday that there were no specific intelligence alerts. Other officers said that such alerts are routine in this part of the country. These alerts are neither specific or actionable in nature, the officers say.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, December 1, 2016, 8:37 [IST]
CUET impact? Only 1 from Kerala board in Hindu College's popular course so far

After hacking, Congress deactivates 200 Twitter accounts

India

oi-Sandra Marina Fernandes

New Delhi, Dec 1: After the Twitter accounts of Congress vice President Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party were hacked, the party said that it had deactivated 200 accounts of its leaders on the micro-blogging site. All accounts which had the words INC in them have been hacked.

This comes after a series of abusive and obscene tweets were sent out from both the accounts after they were hacked.

Congress termed the hacking as a systematic attack on free speech and right to disagree in the country and said that it was a conspiracy. The issue also raised concerns over online security of such accounts.

Gandhi, on he other hand, said that he would only talk about the issue in the meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee.

Also read: How Rahul, Congress Twitter accounts may have been hacked

Meanwhile, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy told ANI said that the account of Rahul Gandhi was hacked by those who knew the code. "This is done by the dissatisfied people with whom Rahul Gandhi has misbehaved. The people already knew the code have done this and not the outsiders ."

Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account was hacked on Wednesday night, whereas the Congress party's account was hacked on Thrusday morning.

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Story first published: Thursday, December 1, 2016, 21:35 [IST]
AgustaWestland: After saying witness may have died, ED cites a little birdie to say he is alive

AgustaWestland: ED wants to make approver Rajiv Saxena an accused now

AgustaWestland: CBI court issues fresh NBW against Christian Michel James

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

New Delhi, Dec 1: A Central Bureu of investigation (CBI) court on Thursday issued fresh non-bailable warrants (NBW) against British national Christian Michel James in connection with the AgustaWestland chopper scam.

The court also issued summons against a company and two other accused in the Rs 3,600 crore deal.

The court said there is prima facie sufficient evidence suggesting the involvement of the accused in the case.

According to reports, the summons were issued to Delhi-based Media Exim Pvt. Ltd. and its Directors R.K. Nanda and former Director J.B. Subramaniyam. The court has fixed the next date of hearing for January 7.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in June filed a fresh charge sheet against James and three others, including the company, in its ongoing money laundering probe in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

Earlier, an Italian court revealed that James was working as consultant in India for AugustaWestland's helicopter deal. Investigators said James is currently staying in Dubai where he has been running his companies.

(With agency inputs)

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Story first published: Thursday, December 1, 2016, 21:01 [IST]
Man rapes 8-year-old to use her blood for removing obstacles to his marriage

Armymen at toll plazas: Has Emergency been imposed, asks Mamata Banerjee

India

oi-PTI

Kolkata, Dec 1: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the Centre of creating a situation "worse than Emergency" by deploying army personnel at two toll plazas on a national highway without informing her government.

Talking to reporters at the state secretariat, she alleged army was deployed at two toll plazas at Palsit and Dankuni on NH 2.

"Army has been deployed at two toll plazas without informing the state government. This is a very serious situation worse than Emergency," she said.

"It is an attack on the federal structure. We want to know the details. The Chief Secretary is writing to the Centre. Given an opportunity I will talk to the President on the issue. Has Emergency been imposed in the country without declaration?" she asked.

Also read: Mamata Banerjee calls Narendra Modi a dictator

"Army is our asset. We are proud of them. We requisition army in times of major disaster or communal flare up. "I don't know what has actually happened. Even if there is mock-trial, state government is informed," she said.

Banerjee claimed people got panicky due to the deployment of army at the toll plazas. When contacted, a defence spokesperson said the army conducts bi-annual exercise throughout the country to get statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the force in case of a contingency.

"There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders," Wing Commander S S Birdi said. The exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing through a certain area that could be tapped during operations, he said.

PTI
BJP demands NIA probe into killings of BJP/RSS activists

India

oi-PTI

Belagavi (Ktk), Nov 30: Seeking a ban on Kerala-based Popular Front of India (PFI), BJP today demanded an NIA probe into the spate of recent killings of activists belonging to the party and the Sangh Parivar in Karnataka.

Hitting out at the Congress government in Karnataka for its "failure" to maintain law and order, the party accused it of going soft on PFI, which it alleged was "transformation" of the banned Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

"14 people belonging to BJP or Sangh Parivar or RSS have been killed, from Prashant Poojary to Rudresh. Eight of them have sustained life threatening attacks," BJP leader and former state Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka said. Initiating a debate on law and order situation in the state, he alleged, "In these incidents, the people with nationalist thoughts were singled out by anti-national forces."

"It is clear and I have no hesitation in saying that KFD (Karnataka Forum for Dignity) and PFI are behind these incidents," he added. A senior PFI functionary was arrested earlier this month in connection with the murder of Rudresh, an RSS worker in Bengaluru. Pointing out that previous governments in Kerala had filed affidavits in the court against PFI, Ashoka said PFI is "transformation" of SIMI.

"When Kerala, which is their (PFI's) base, had taken such steps, our government here withdrew cases against PFI and KFD despite opposition from police department," he added.

Alleging that the law and order situation in Karnataka has deteriorated under the Congress government, Ashoka, who had also served as state Home Minister during BJP rule, said, "The government is behaving as though nothing has happened." He compared the state government to 'Dhritarashtra', a character from Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Quoting National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics to say that Karnataka stands number two in the country for communal violence, Ashoka alleged that crimes against SC/ST, cyber crime and political violence have increased in the state.

Targeting Home Minister G Parameshwara, Ashoka said he was not given a free hand and police department officials did not know whose instructions to follow. BJP's K G Bopaiah, C T Ravi and Narayana Swamy also participated in the discussion. While Ravi criticised the government for putting the farmers behind bars, but not PFI activists, Swamy demanded a whitepaper on law and order situation in the state.

PTI
Cash crisis to hopefully end by Jan 2017: Chandrababu Naidu

India

oi-PTI

Vijayawada, Nov 30: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today hoped the ongoing currency crisis caused by demonetisation would end by January 2017 and stressed the need for all to work collectively to alleviate the problems of people.

Naidu, who has been appointed by the Centre as the Convenor of a 13-member committee to look into all issues related to demonetisation, told a press conference late tonight that December was a "crucial" month in the current scenario.

"December is a crucial month. I hope by January this problem will ease out. By (Sankranti) festival time, things should be normal," he said. "This is a major issue which concerns everyone.

To solve this problem, we have to think collectively. Ultimately, the common man is the sufferer and to end his woes, a collective effort is needed," he said. Asked when the committee was likely to meet, Naidu said they would discuss and decide the date. "There are chief ministers, experts and NITI Aayog members in the committee.

When we all sit, we will discuss what to do and work out ways to go forward," he added. The Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh has already developed certain models for transformation into a digital economy.

"We are in an advanced stage, in terms of technology, mobile penetration and other things. If we can logically take this forward, there will be better results.

Even a backward and illiterate country like Kenya has maximum mobile currency. We have to adopt such best practices," he said. Asked about the Centre's choice in naming him as the head of the committee, he said, "I don't know what they had in mind. But first, we have to come out of this situation. And, we should do good to the country."

PTI
Jharkhand crisis: UPA to stage protest across state on Nov 5 against 'attempts to destabilise govt'

CM to launch "cashless Jharkhand campaign" on Dec 2

India

oi-PTI

Ranchi, Nov 30: Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das will launch "cashless Jharkhand campaign" from Nagadi block of Ranchi district on December 2 which will continue till December 10 in the state, an official release said here today.

Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, met the representatives of mobile companies and asked them to assist in making the cashless programme a success.

Asking them to make consumers aware about the campaign, Kumar said the Chief Minister desired to make the public and the state smart by connecting the cashless economic system, the release said.

The senior official asked the mobile companies to make their consumers aware about the campaign through bulk SMS or voice SMS. Kumar asked the companies to strengthen mobile network and increase the speed of internet in the state and if necessary towers could be increased.

PTI
The Maharashtra twist and an eerie similarity to what Deve Gowda did in 2006

Demonetisation carried out in 'haphazard' manner: Gowda

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Dec 1: Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, who had implemented a Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (VDS) to unearth black money during his tenure, today said the present government had carried out demonetisation in a "haphazard" manner causing "unimaginable sufferings" to the people.

The JD(S) chief said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have spoken on demonetisation in Parliament "so that we could reply".

"The best thing would have been that the Prime Minister should have made a statement in the House on the very first day of the ongoing Winter session" regarding the decision which he had already announced on November 8 when Parliament was not in session, Gowda told PTI here.

"We are not against efforts to curb black money. But in my opinion, the Prime Minister announced demonetisation without any preparation. It was done in a haphazard manner," said the Lok Sabha member who has been waiting to speak on the issue in the House but could not due to its non-functioning.

Gowda said 22 days have already passed since the announcement was made by Modi in a nationally-televised address but people, particularly the farmers and the labourers, continue to go through "unimaginable sufferings".

Noting that the Prime Minister had asked people to "tolerate" the difficulties for 50 days, he questioned, "How long does this government want the people to suffer?" The senior leader from Karnataka said in his state, banks do not have enough cash and they close down as early as noon, leaving people high and dry.

"It was a hasty decision by the Prime Minister without proper assessment which has put the country in an awkward situation," he emphasised.

83-year-old Gowda, who was Prime Minister from June 1996 to April 1997, recalled the VDS implemented by him during his tenure which had unearthed Rs 10,000 crore of undisclosed money.

PTI
Jammu-Srinagar NH 44 to remain shut on all Fridays till November 30 for maintenance work

Muslim man donates his land for temple in UP

Couple killed as their bike hit by speeding vehicle on Delhi-Dehradun highway

Demonetisation: NHAI forgoes toll worth about Rs 1,238 cr

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Dec 1: The National Highway Authority of India would suffer an income loss of Rs 1,238 crore due to suspension of toll collection on highways till December 2 post demonetisation, Parliament was informed today.

Post demonetisation of currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000, government has suspended user fee collection on National Highways with effect from November 9, 2016 (17:30 hrs), Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways P Radhakrishnan said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

NHAI issued necessary instructions to concessionaries, including BOT, OMT operators, and the commuters have been allowed to travel through the user fee plazas without paying any fee from November 9, 2016 (17:30 hrs) to December 2 (midnight), he added.

"The average toll collection per day is Rs 51.59 crore from the fee plazas under NHAI, which is not accruing to the Government with effect from November 9, 2016 (17:30 hrs)," the Minister informed the House.

Toll collection to resume on NH, chaos over change expected

Taking into account exemption till December 2 (midnight), the income loss to NHAI due to suspension of toll collection on highways is be around Rs 1,238 crore.

In a separate reply, Radhakrishnan said: "Government will suitably compensate the toll operators for loss incurred due to suspension of fee collection."

The decision was taken to ensure smooth traffic flow across all National Highways and provide relief to the cash-strapped people lining up outside banks and ATMs after Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were scrapped.

The government had announced its decision to keep the toll collection in abeyance till November 11 mid-night, which was later extended to November 14, 18, 24 and later to December 2.

PTI
Demonetisation strongest push for optimal cash economy: Mukesh Ambani

India

oi-Lisa

Mumbai, Dec 1: Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, on Thursday congratulated and applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his bold decision to demonetise currency.

He was speaking at an event to launched 'Jio Happy New Year' offer for its new and existing customers.

At the event Ambani said, "Today, I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's bold and historic decision to demonetise old currency".

Ambani was of the belief that common people will be the biggest beneficiaries of this change. He further added that by introducing demonetisation our PM has given us a cashless optimal economy; everybody has a digital ATM in hand now.

He further said that, "Digitally-enabling transactions will boost economic growth, while bringing unprecedented transparency and accountability. With this historic step he has given strongest possible push to digitally enabled economy."

"By doing this, our PM has given the strongest push to growth of digitally-enabled, optimal-cash economy in India," said Mukesh Ambani ending his speech.

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Story first published: Thursday, December 1, 2016, 16:20 [IST]
17 feared dead after fire breaks out at fireworks factory in Trichy

India

oi-Madhuri

By Madhuri

Chennai. Nov 30: At least 17 people are feared dead and several injured after fire broke out on Thursday morning following a blast at an explosives factory near Tiruchirappalli gutting two floors of the building.

According to a factory official, around 16 persons were working trapped inside at the time of the accident.

"An explosion was heard at Vetrivel Explosives near Tiruchirappalli (333 km from Chennai) in the morning. The ground and first floors have collapsed," said G. Sathyanarayanan, deputy director-in-charge of Fire and Rescue services (central region), Tamil Nadu.

"The fire is under control, but smoke was still emanating, which is being tackled," Sathyanarayanan said.

Around 25 fire service personnel were at the accident site. Three fire tenders were pressed into service. "Once the debris are cleared, we would know about the number of fatalities, if any," he said.

OneIndia News (with IANS inputs)
A new Trinamool Congress in six months? What we know

Recruitment of primary teachers under TMC regime in Bengal on radar of agencies

Flight scare for Mamata Banerjee- TMC smells a conspiracy

News

oi-Lisa

By Lisa

New Delhi, Dec 1 Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's life is in danger.

TMC added that the Wednesday night incident where an IndiGo flight carrying her was made to hover for over half an hour in Kolkata sky before it landed at the NSCBI Airport was a proof of it.

The incident:

The airport authorities said that the flight carrying Mamata Banerjee had taken off at 7:35 pm from Patna. The flight was an hour behind schedule and it landed in Kolkata shortly before 9 pm. The flight landed after hovering in Kolkata sky for 30 minutes due to technical reasons.

Trinamool Congress on the incident:

Urban Development Minister of West Bengal, Firhad Hakim, who was accompanying Mamata took strong exception that the flight was given a delayed permission from the Air Traffic Control (ATC) to land. He said it was a conspiracy to eliminate the CM.

The minister also alleged that though the pilot had sought permission to land from the ATC as it was short on fuel, ATC kept the flight on hold.

TMC lawmaker Mukul Roy was quoted to saying, "I was told on landing that the pilot had informed the ATC around 8:13 pm that the aircraft was low on fuel. Still the flight landed at 8:45 pm. Which means a flight with West Bengal Chief Minister on board was in air despite being low on fuel."

ATC on the incident:

The ATC is denying that the pilot had informed them that the flight was low on fuel. ATC also further informed that the flight was not kept in the air too long and that when the flight reached Kolkata the weather was bad and there was air traffic congestion. The pilot was asked to circle over Kolkata airspace for around half an hour.

The pilot then had informed ATC that he was low on fuel. ATC then allowed him to land on priority basis. As part of the Standard Operating Procedures, emergency services like fire engines and ambulances were sent when the flight landed.

IndiGo on the incident:

Budget passenger carrier IndiGo also rebutted the allegations by stating that its flight -- 6E 342 -- made a normal landing at Kolkata airport on Wednesday night.

"The flight was kept on hold for landing due to air traffic congestion at Kolkata. The pilot operating 6E-342 had advised the ATC that he has eight minutes of extra holding fuel over Kolkata (destination) before commencing diversion to the planned alternate," the airline said in a statement.

"However, this information was misunderstood by the air traffic controller, who assumed that the aircraft had only eight minutes of total fuel left. The misinterpretation of the information by ATC controller led ATC to instruct fire engines and ambulances to be stationed at Kolkata airport."

"We would like to clarify - IndiGo Captain at no stage declared a fuel priority or an emergency. Subsequently, the airplane made a normal landing at Kolkata airport at 8.40 p.m. (delayed by an hour due to congestion)."

The airline said that the fuel on arrival was more than the required minimum diversion fuel.

"There has been no violation or breach of any regulatory requirement in the above mentioned scenario," the statement added.

"IndiGo has responded to the queries made by the regulator. At IndiGo, safety of passengers, crew and the aircraft is the utmost priority and at no stage it can be compromised."

IndiGo flight from Patna to Kolkata had normal landing at Kolkata airport,flight ws kept on hold due to air traffic-IndiGo on WB CM's flight  ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016

Misinterpretation by ATC controller led him to instruct fire engines&ambulances to be stationed at Kolkata airport: IndiGo on WB CM's flight  ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016

Captain at no stage declared a fuel priority or emergency. Fuel on arrival was more than minimum diversion fuel: IndiGo on WB CM's flight  ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016

Government on the incident:

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that an inquiry will be ordered to determine why three airplanes including the one on which Mamata Banerjee was on board did not have as much fuel as required to be able to withstand a delay in landing.

The chief of eastern Airports Authority of India, Sanjay Jain was quoted to say, "There was no conspiracy against the Chief Minister."

Jayant Sinha Minister of State Civil Aviation on WB CM's flight was quoted saying "Aircraft hovered for 13 minutes which is well under DGCA guidelines". He further added that ministry has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

OneIndia News
How would OPEC production cut affect fuel prices?

News

oi-Lisa

By Lisa

Bengaluru, Dec 1 The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Wednesday approved the first supply cuts in eight years. The aim is to ease record surplus and stabilise global markets.

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh in Vienna said that OPEC has agreed to reduce collective production to 32.5 million barrels a day. He also informed that OPEC will continue with producing 32.5 million barrels a day for six months starting 2017.

Negotiations:

Negotiations to cut down the supply was not easy for OPEC members as when the production cut was first proposed in Algeris in September, investors were worried if an accord could ever be signed.

Right till the agreement was done major obstacles were threatening the signing of the agreement. Tense negotiations for months resulted in three largest oil producing countries - Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran - resolving their differences and agreeing to share the burden of the production cuts.

Saudi Arabia had in the past asked to be given special consideration when it comes to production cut as it needed funds to carry on offensive against Islamic State.

Indonesia had asked that its membership be suspended and it didn't want to be party to the production cuts. Indonesia is a net importer.

What plans OPEC has?

OPEC plans to hold talks with non-OPEC nations who produce oil and ask for production cut. Russia is also set to cut oil production by 300,000 barrels per day during the first six months of 2017. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak held told reporters in Moscow.

What to expect of the production cut?

The price rise is going to be natural outcome of the oil production cut by the OPEC countries. But how much the price rises will depend on two things. First being how well the OPEC nations comply with the agreement. Second being how much the US oil producers fill up the gap left by the OPEC production cut.

US oil producers are making merry since last two years thanks to higher oil prices and lower drilling costs. Many experts believe that OPEC would want oil price to be between $50 and $60 per barrel as any price above it would mean US oil producers will step up the production which would hurt the interests of OPEC.

About OPEC:

OPEC is a permanent, intergovernmental Organisation which aims to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among its member countries to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers.

OPEC also aims an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumer nations. OPEC also aims at providing a fair return on capital to investors in the petroleum industry.

OPEC originally had five member nations: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Nine other nations joined OPEC later. The countries who joined OPEC later are: Qatar, Indonesia, Libya, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Nigeria, Ecuador, Angola, Gabon

OPEC has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, since September 1, 1965.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, December 1, 2016, 13:15 [IST]
Maoists' bid to convert old notes thwarted in Telangana

India

oi-PTI

Hyderabad, Dec 1: Three persons were today arrested as police in Mahabubnagar district claimed to have thwarted an attempt by outlawed CPI (Maoist) to convert old currency notes to new by unlawful means.

Rs 12,01,400 in old denominations and three mobile phones were recovered from the trio, police said.

The SHO of Makhtal police station in the district received a tip off that some persons, suspected to be having links with anti-social elements, were trying to convert old currency into new currency with the help of a post office employee in Manthangode village in Makhtal mandal, Mahabubnagar police stated in a release.

The SHO immediately rushed to the village along with a team and found two persons in the house of Satyanarayana Chary, Branch Post Master with cash bundles of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.

"On questioning, the other two persons revealed their names as Trinadha Rao and Sidharth, but refused to divulge details of the source of the money," it said.

Rao and Sidharth, who work for a Hyderabad-based engineering company at Charla forest area in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district, were allegedly threatened by Maoists.

According to police, they were also made to meet some men in olive green uniform in the forest who demanded money.

"After one month, again one unknown person came and handed over a letter allegedly from the CPI (Maoist) district committee secretary of Khammam. In that letter he (Trinadha Rao) was asked to come alone to Maoist Martyrs Stupa in Bheemavaram village in Chhattisgarh on October 28. It also gave a warning not to reveal the matter to police," as per the release.

Rao was made to pay money, it said. "So, Rao carried the currency in both old and new and went there on (November) 12. Three masked men came with weapons and took the money. (They) also gave him two bags and told to convert money into new currency in denomination of Rs 2000.

"When Rao refused, they convinced him to support the movement and to cooperate with a promise to give a sizable share from that amount. He agreed and came back. The bags had Rs 12 lakh in old denominations," the release said.

Sidharth sought the help of Satyanarayana Chary of Manthangode village for converting the currency, but the attempt was thwarted by police, it said. A case was registered under relevant sections of Telangana State Public Securities Act against the trio. After preliminary investigation, they were arrested by Makhtal police today and being remanded in judicial custody.

PTI
From Yakub Memon to Afzal Guru: Here is what their last wish was before they were hanged

Nagrota- Afzal Guru back, Burhan Wani out

News

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Nagrota, Dec 1 The name of Afzal Guru issue has been raked up again and this time in the Nagrota attack in which 7 army personnel were martyred. While the Intelligence Bureau alert had stated that a cell of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba was looking to strike in a big way, the modus operandi of this attack appears to very Jaish-e-Mohammad like.

It is the Jaish which rakes up the Afzal Guru episode each time an attack is carried out. It did so in Afghanistan, at Pathankot and now a note at Nagrota also mentions the Afzal Guru hanging.

Investigating officers say that anyone can leave a note in the name of Afzal Guru. There is still no clarity on whether the Jaish carried out the attack, but the modus operandi suggests that it was this outfit which carried out the attack.

Jaish or Lashkar-e-Tayiba?

The Lashkar-e-Tayiba normally does not target military installations. The attacks by the Lashkar-e-Tayiba are normally carried out in civilian areas where they target security personnel. In the Mumbai 26/11 attack, the Lashkar-e-Tayiba attacked civilians.

The Jaish-e-Mohammad on the other hand has targeted military installations and also government related buildings. The Jaish made its annoucement with the Indian Parliament attack. It has also targeted an Indian embassy in Afghanistan. The Uri attack was also the handiwork of the Jaish. Going by this pattern and also the raking up of Afzal Guru, the indication is that the Nagrota strike could have also been the handiwork of the Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Burhan our Azfal back:

The note that mentions the name of Afzal Guru at the attack site is another indication that the Jaish wants to rake up this issue yet again. All these days, the Valley was kept on the boil by citing the name of Burhan Wani who was killed in an encounter.

However the seniors in the Jaish or Hizbul Mujahideen would like to immortalise Afzal Guru instead of Wani. They feel that Afzal Guru was a real champion of the Kashmir cause when compared to Wani who was nothing but a social media star.

The note at the Nagrota attack site which speaks about the 'Unjust' hanging of Afzal Guru is another attempt to bring his name back in circulation. Intelligence Bureau officials say that the Jaish in particular has been trying to give Afzal Guru the status that Maqbool Bhat had.

OneIndia News
Salaries of Air India employees to be restored in phases from April

New Wage Code 2022: Your in-hand salary, PF to leaves, here's what will come into effect from July 1

Salaries in India likely to increase by 10.4%: Here is why

Note Ban: Why pay day is no joy day for working class

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Bengaluru, Dec 1: Raju PN, who works as a helper in a small Udupi restaurant in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, eagerly waits for the first day of every month as he gets his salary on the day.

However, this December, Raju wears a forlorn face, as the owner of the eatery had told him and his colleagues that he won't be able to pay them full salaries.

Raju's plight is shared by almost all who work in the informal sector and fall under low income bracket.

Because of Reserve Bank of India's latest rules, following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, several restrictions have been imposed on the amount of money a person can withdraw from banks and ATMs.

"People can withdraw up to Rs. 24,000 per week from banks and Rs. 2,500 from ATMs per day," states the latest RBI rule.

[Also Read:Pay Day chaos: Banks face crunch of Rs 100, Rs 500 notes, customers refuse to accept Rs 2,000 notes]

But most banks have said they cannot disburse more than Rs. 10,000 a person because of the cash crunch.

"I am really distressed. My salary is meagre Rs 10,000. However, because of demonetisation my employer has told me he can't pay me my entire salary. Our salary will be given in several parts over the month," said Raju.

Raju's employer, Mohan Reddy, adds that he is helpless. "I am helpless. Tell me what can I do? I can withdraw only Rs 24,000 a week from banks. That is why I have asked my workers to cooperate. I can understand their plight. This demonetisation has worst effect on the poor people who work hard to earn money."

OneIndia News
Russian embassy takes up with MEA detention of its ship in Cochin

Two Indians missing in Kenya since July; govt in touch with Kenyan authorities: MEA

Pak indulging in propaganda instead of concrete action: MEA

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

New Delhi, Dec 1: India on Thursday said that instead of indulging in propaganda, Islamabad should launch an inquiry into the attacks on Indian soil by Pakistan based terrorist groups.

"So why can't Pakistan match this with its national database? That would be simplest thing to do, but Pakistan instead indulges in propaganda," MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media here.

When asked about the progress made by Pakistan on Uri attack, Swarup said, "Pakistan called for an international inquiry, we said we are happy even with their domestic inquiry, we gave them DNA and fingerprints".

Swarup said MEA is waiting for certain details on Nagrota terrorist attack before deciding on future course of action.

The Army on Wednesday recovered huge quantities of arms, ammunition and other paraphernalia during the combing operations following the attack on an army camp in Nagrota, near Jammu.

The attack, which took place in early hours of Tuesday morning, targetted an army unit located three kilometres from the Corps Headquarters.

Seven soldiers, including two Majors, were killed and three terrorists were gunned down during the operation. The attack is third such big strike after Pathankot and Uri attacks this year.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, December 1, 2016, 20:34 [IST]
People still remember UPA for corruption: Jaitley

India

oi-PTI

Bhubaneswar, Dec 1: Even two-and-a-half years after the NDA came to power, people remember the previous UPA regime for corruption, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said today, asserting that demonetisation would go a long way in curbing black money.

"The Narendra Modi government has completed half its term and people are still enthused. When corruption is discussed they refer to the UPA regime. There is not a single charge of corruption so far against NDA," he said while speaking on 'Indian economy: The new normal' at a function.

Stating that people still feel inspired and enthused under the Modi government, the minister noted that resentment builds up with passage of time after a new dispensation takes over, but "there is no such feeling against the BJP-led regime".

Slamming Congress and Left parties for focusing only on difficulties seen after demonetisation drive, Jaitley said they were completely ignoring the economic and moral objectives behind the move.

A lot of hardship, violence and killings were witnessed during the Independence movement and partition, the BJP leader said, adding had there been TV channels at that time, the difficulties would have been highlighted instead of the freedom.

He emphasised that despite the difficulties being faced after note-ban, people were welcoming the move as "they realised that the Prime Minister has displayed the required courage while taking a tough decision, aimed at curbing black money and getting it implemented."

Stating that the previous UPA regime has left behind a legacy of of "policy paralysis, indecisiveness and no-doing approach", Jaitley said the Prime Minister had taken a very courageous decision as he wanted to transform India.

"The thinking and system that remained the rule for 70 long years was changed and the status quo was given up, as the country is set to move away from being a developing nation to emerge as a developed country," he said, adding that confronting the new 'normal' in India was not easy.

However, the Prime Minister has redefined the "old normal" in India where black money, corruption and cash flow in elections was considered normal, Jaitley said, adding most activities earlier followed the practice of "so much in cash and so much in cheque."

Stating that replacement of around 86 per cent of old currency notes was bound to be a gigantic task involving time and difficulties, the Finance Minister said despite all these, 'honest' people in the country now felt that honesty was finally beneficial.

PTI
Rahul Gandhis Twitter handle hacked, Congress files complaint at cyber cell

India

oi-Madhuri

By Madhuri

New Delhi, Nov 30: The Congress on Thursday filed a complaint with the cyber cell of the Delhi Police after the Twitter account of the party's vice president Rahul Gandhi was hacked.

The official Twitter account of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi appeared to have been hacked on Wednesday evening. A series of abusive tweets were sent out from the handle to its million followers.

The handle seems to have been hacked by a group called 'legion', which they mentioned it in one of their tweets. The first few tweets were deleted shortly after being posted around 8.45pm. But more offensive tweets kept showing up on the Twitter account

every few minutes even after being deleted immediately.

The hackers even changed the twitter handle name from 'Office of Rahul Gandhi' to 'Office of Retard Gandhi'.

Earlier, Congress leader and chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that they will lodge a formal complaint with cyber police.

Late in the evening, Surjewala also tweeted ''Such lowly tactics will never drown the sane voice of reason nor deter Sh. Rahul Gandhi from raising." Such unscrupulous, unethical and roguish conduct of venal trolls to hack Rahul Gandhi's Twitter handle reflects disturbing insecurities of prevalent fascist culture," he added.

OneIndia News
Return of IS-trained terrorists worrying: MEA official

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Dec 1: Battle-hardened youths returning to their home countries to launch terror attacks after being trained and indoctrinated by IS was a major security concern and central Asian countries must act unitedly to combat the menace, a top External Affairs Ministry said today.

Secretary (West) of Ministry of External Affairs Sujata Mehta said the challenge for Central Asian countries was act to ensure that moderate views of assimilation and accommodation prevail amid an "onslaught of extremism".

"Reports suggest that those from Central Asia who have gone to fight for Da'esh (IS) are likely to return to their roots to pursue their sinister agenda back home; there are already signs of Da'esh fighters joining, coordinating and launching terrorist attacks having returned battle-hardened and indoctrinated.

"The challenge for our Central Asian partners is to act to ensure that moderate views of assimilation and accommodation prevail amidst an onslaught of extremism," she said.

She was speaking at the Fourth India-Central Asia Dialogue organised by the Ministry of External Affairs. Mehta also said the rise of terror outfit IS has added another dimension to militancy in Central Asia, adding India's vision for the future cooperation with the countries of the region is "ambitious and at the same time realistic".

"Today, Central Asia faces some persisting, and some new challenges. Regional security is a continuing concern. The situation in neighbouring Afghanistan, which shares a border with three Central Asian countries, is yet to stabilise.

"Drug trafficking and associated criminal activities have been a bane for the people of this region. The rise of Da'esh (IS) has added another dimension to extremism and militancy in the region," she said.

The senior MEA official said the current scenario, regionally and internationally, presents immense challenges but also offers potential for India and Central Asia to qualitatively enhance their engagement.

"Both India and Central Asia are factors of peace, stability, growth and development in the region and the world. Stronger relations between us will contribute to increased security and prosperity of these countries and the world.

"The significance of this region in the foreign policy matrix of India cannot be overemphasised and we believe that the security, stability and prosperity of Central Asia is imperative for peace and economic development in India.

"We are each other's extended neighbourhood and the region has been a priority area of interest for Indian policymakers, practitioners and thinkers," Mehta added.

She said there was much that both sides can achieve in partnership and that this was a good moment to reflect on the major issues as Central Asian countries mark 25 years of their independence.

"12 experts from Central Asian countries are participating in the dialogue. Overall, over 20 speakers, including those from India, will address different sessions over the two days," a senior official said.

PTI
TN: Police seize Rs 20 lakh from BJP youth leader who praised demonetisation

India

oi-Mukul Kumar Mishra

Chennai, Dec 1: The Tamil Nadu police has arrested a BJP functionary with a bag full of new currency notes that amounted to Rs 20.55 lakh.

Reportedly, the State income tax department on Saturday raided houseof J V R Arun who is the Bhartiya Janata Party's youth wing secretary from Salem and recovered 926 notes of Rs 2000 in the cash.

The party has taken a very serious note of this incident and removed from his responsibilities.

Reports suggest that Arun was unable to explain the huge sum of money he had with him. He also failed to produce documents to substantiate the amount.

What black money? Government may be in for shock

It may be recalled that Arun had recently praised Narendra Modi for the decision on demonetisation. For the progress of my country, I am ready to stand in queue, the leader had also posted on his Facebook.

The police say that Arun's car was intercepted at Kumarasamypatti on Saturday night when he was returning home from work.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, December 1, 2016, 12:52 [IST]
Vital clues about Nagrota attackers may have been lost

News

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Nagrota, Dec 1 Vital information about the movement of terrorists who attacked the army camp in Nagrota may have been lost largely because of the absence of CCTV footage. The CCTV cameras at the toll plaza in Jammu and Kashmir were off a couple of weeks back because no toll was being collected after the decision on demonetisation was made.

In the absence of toll being collected, the authorities did not find the need to have the CCTV cameras on and hence 16 of them had been switched off. These cameras which were installed 4 kilometres away from the army camp could have provided vital information about the movement of terrorists.

It is not clear how the terrorists reached the camp. The question is whether they came by foot or were dropped off by a local mole is something that investigators are trying to ascertain.

The investigators are also looking at the role of a local mole. Going by the manner in which the attack took place, it is clear that the terrorists had precise information about the camp.

The manner in which they managed to scale the perimeter of the wall from the back also shows that they even had information about high or low the security was. Their movement within the camp when they carried out the attack is also a clear indication they were fed with ample information about the camp.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, December 1, 2016, 8:42 [IST]
BJP govt has freed investors from red tapism: PM Modi at Invest Karnataka 2022 Summit

Take a look at EWS flats at Kalkaji to be inaugurated by PM Modi [Photos]

Cabinet approves MoU between India, Denmark in field of Water Resources Development and Management

For beneficiaries of EWS flat a gift from PM Modi like none other

PM Modi hands over keys of 3024 EWS flats to beneficiaries under slum rehab plan

Demonetisation: Who will speak first in ParliamentNarendra Modi or Rahul Gandhi?

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, Dec 1: He came; he watched and left without speaking a word on demonetisation in the Parliament.

In spite of the Opposition's repeated demand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is yet to speak on the much-talked demonetisation debate in the Parliament.

He was present in the Parliament on Wednesday, but political uproar erupted over Nagrota terror attack and demonetisation, and both the houses adjourned till Thursday.

However, outside the houses the Prime Minister gave impassioned speeches in public spaces and reiterated the fact that how demonetisation will break the backbone of black money economy in the country.

Modi made fervent appeals to the voters to support his government's move against corruption and black money.

His political opponents, especially Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati and Mamata Banerjee, want the Prime Minister to join the debate in the Parliament.

[Also Read:Dalit woman loves and wants to marry Rahul Gandhi: Will Congress VP relent?]

Few days ago, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Prime Minister will speak on the issue if needed.

It is not just Modi, who is yet to speak in the Parliament.

Even Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, seen as Modi's biggest rival, did not say a word about demonetisation in the Parliament.

The Congress Vice President was heard giving bytes to journalists against demonetisation, as he tried his luck to withdraw money from ATMs on two occasions.

On Thursday, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad asked, "Why does not Rahul Gandhi speak in the House?"

"Why are they running away from the debate? Is he (Congress Vice President) more comfortable reading from a paper? We are willing to listen," he added.

We have to wait and watch to see who speaks first in the Parliament.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, December 1, 2016, 10:06 [IST]
What happened under Hitler is unfolding in India now: Amarinder on CAA

Austria passes bill to sieze Hitler's home

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Vienna, Dec 1 The internal committee of the Austrian National Council gave approval for the expropriation of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler's birth home from its current owner, media reports said.

Representatives from both parties of the coalition government as well as the Greens and NEOS parties gave their approval on Wednesday, for the bill put forward by interior minister Wolfgang Sobotka.

The decision moves government plans a step closer to make the building in Braunau am Inn in the state of Upper Austria "unrecognizable", Xinhua news agency reported.

Local media reported that the interior ministry now planned to consult both the governor of Upper Austria and the mayor of Braunau am Inn concerning the future use of the building.

The minister had already announced it would be open to plans from architectural firms as to how to transform the outward appearance of the building.

The primary goal is to prevent it from being a pilgrimage site for Neo-Nazis and the architectural changes intend to alter it from being a place of remembrance.

IANS
Trump calls Pakistanis intelligent people, Nawaz Sharif a terrific guy

International

oi-Vicky

New York, Dec 1: In a phone call made to the Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, US president elect, Donald Trump, has said that he is ready to play any role to resolve the country's problems.

Trump also praised the people of Pakistan by saying the country is amazing with tremendous opportunities" and "Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people".

The statement that was released by the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office quoted Trump saying, "I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time, even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office."

The statement however did not mention what outstanding problems, Trump was referring to.

The statement also quoted Trump saying, Sharif has a very good reputation and is a terrific guy who is doing amazing work which is visible in every way.

I look forward to meeting you soon, Trump also said.

The remarks are a departure from what Trump had said during his campaign about Pakistan.

He had said that Pakistan was probably the most dangerous country in the world and only India could check Pakistan.

Pakistan is a serious problem because it has nuclear weapons and a lot of them, just like North Korea, he had said.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, December 1, 2016, 6:58 [IST]
US journalist Angad Singh allegedly denied entry into India, deported to New York, claims family

UP man posts wifes obscene pics on FB to get more followers

Zuckerberg down by 119 million: Why are Facebook users losing followers

Facebook COO donates nearly $100 mn to charity

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New York, Dec 1: Facebook Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sheryl Sandberg has transferred nearly $100 million in Facebook stock into a charitable fund, a US Securities and Exchange Commission document has revealed.

According to a report in the technology website Re/code on Wednesday, 880,000 shares were transferred into a donor advised fund which is controlled by Fidelity.

"Sandberg has the chance to steer the money where she wants it," the report added.

The fund includes women's empowerment groups like Lean In (founded by Sandberg), anti-poverty organisations like Second Harvest Food Bank and grief organisations like Kara.

Sandberg has also filed paperwork to rename her current foundation the "Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation" after her late husband who died about 18 months ago.

The non-profit foundation will serve as an umbrella organisation for both LeanIn.org and a new one Sandberg is starting called OptionB.org which is intended to help people cope with loss and hardship.

IANS


J&K: Yet another ATM stolen in South Kashmir

China: Robber sees victim has no more money in her account; returns stolen amount

Thief in Assam caught red-handed after cooking Khichdi in the middle of burglary

Caught months later, man had robbed bank and got a new look

Florida hostage crisis ends: 11 rescued

International

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

A robber, who took hostages at a bank in Jacksonville, Florida, has been taken into custody. All the 11 hostages have been rescued, said Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Community First Credit Union - We have 11 hostages out. #JAX #Jacksonville  Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016

Community First Credit Union - Bank robbery suspect/hostage taker is in police custody. #JAX #Jacksonville  Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016

Community First Credit Union - Nobody was shot. Reports of people shot are inaccurate and untrue. #JAX #Jacksonville  Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 1, 2016

Earlier the SWAT team had to be rushed to tackle the crisis at a Community First Credit Union on Edgewood Avenue West.

The near by area was evacuated while the SWAT team and hostage negotiators arrived at the scene, said reports.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office had urged the media not to show the SWAT team entering the premises.

OneIndia News
Is Donald Trump's new found Pakistan love a concern for India

International

oi-Vicky

At the start of the US election campaign, a senior analyst had said that President Trump and candidate Trump would be two entirely different people. His rhetoric was what was much spoken about and this may have won him the elections ultimately.

[Also Read: Trump calls Pakistanis intelligent people, Nawaz Sharif a terrific guy]

The morning newspapers screamed about a call that Donald Trump made to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. "You are a terrific guy," Trump said according to a statement released by the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office. He also goes on to say that Pakistani people are intelligent and he is ready to play any role to find solutions to outstanding problems.

Trump's words appear to be a complete reversal from what he had said about Pakistan during the campaign. These could be paraphrases, but they do sound very Trump like. Some in the US media have even reached out to Trump's team to confirm whether these were actual quotes or inspired paraphrasing.

A change of heart?

Before getting into the Trump phone call let us recollect a couple of statements Trump had made about Pakistan:

"Get it straight, Pakistan is not our friend. We have given them billions and billions of dollars and what did we get? Betrayal and disrespect- and much worse."

"When will Pakistan apologise to us for providing safe sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden for six years?! Some ally, Trump had said on Twitter.

Get it straight: Pakistan is not our friend. Weve given them billions and billions of dollars, and what (cont) http://t.co/O5S4cQV3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2012

In an interview with a magazine he had gone on to say," Pakistan was probably the most dangerous country in the world and only India could check Pakistan. Pakistan is a serious problem because it has nuclear weapons and a lot of them, just like North Korea, he had said. "

Trump clearly went against State Department protocol to speak with foreign leaders on a personal line and without preparation. The fact of the matter is that Trump has already attracted a lot of attention in India and Pakistan. Indian officials say that they would not read too much into it. They however add that if the quotes released by the Pakistan PMO are indeed correct, then it is a clear shift from what Trump has been saying about Pakistan.

The other question is what did Trump mean when he said outstanding issues. Pakistan has not spelt out what it means. However if Trump means Kashmir, then India would not be too pleased. However Indian officials say that Barrack Obama too had assured to mediate in the Kashmir issue, but did not do so once he came to power. It would be similar in the case of Trump too, Indian officials say.

The official further goes on to add that they would not read too much into this. Let us see what his stand is once he takes over as President. It looks like salesman banter at the moment, the official also adds.

Pro Pakistan anti China:

In the past few years Pakistan has inched closer towards China. The distance with America was clearly visible with Pakistan calling China an all weather ally. The old CIA driven America would clearly prefer having an ally in Pakistan to ensure that it has space in this part of the world so that it could oversee both India, China, Afghanistan and Iran.

When will Pakistan apologize to us for providing safe sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden for 6 years?! Some "ally."  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2012

If one were to analyse the speeches made by Trump during his campaign, it is clear that he had no love for China. Analysts feel that this call to Pakistan may be a way of getting Pakistan on the side of the Americans and distancing China. It could also be a ploy to check the growth of China in the region, analysts would point out.

Indian officials say the picture would be clearer only once he takes over. There could be a strategy in mind. While Indian officials say that one should not read much into Trump's phone call, they also point out that they would be analysing the situation carefully. The officer also adds that they would however wait for an official word from the Trump team on what exactly the conversation was. For now we have to rely on the transcript released by the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office.

Read the entire transcript here as released by Pakistan PMO:

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called President-elect USA Donald Trump and felicitated him on his victory. President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation.

You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities.

Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office.

On being invited to visit Pakistan by the Prime Minister, Mr. Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr. Donald Trump.

OneIndia News
Pak off the FATF grey list doesn't mean it's not under scrutiny anymore: MEA secretary

Pak diplomatic missions in US hit by fake twitter accounts

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Dec 1: Pakistan's missions in Washington and New York were targeted by fake twitter accounts which alleged that the two consulates were raided by US law enforcement agencies in connection with the Ohio terror attack by a Somalian refugee who had reportedly lived in Pakistan.

The two twitter accounts, in particularly Pakistan Embassy UN (@PakEmbassyUN) appeared that it was being handled personally by Maleeha Lodhi, the Pakistani Ambassador to the UN.

In the fake tweet, Lodhi alleged that the Ohio Police, a day earlier raided the Pakistani Embassy in Washington in connection with the terrorist attack carried by Abdul Razak Ali Artan.

Artan, a Somalian refugee who reportedly lived in Pakistan for a few years before coming to the US, injured as many as 11 people early this week before he was shot and killed by the Ohio Police.

In this fake account Lodhi alleged that the federal police is now raiding the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN in New York. "Shame that after Ohio Police raid yesterday on Pakistan Embassy, Washington DC their Twitter account is also suspended by FBI.

How the spy ring in the Pakistan Mission was busted?

#OhioStateAttack," the fake twitter account said. "Federal police have confiscated some documents of our Embassy in New York regarding #OhioStateAttack," said the second tweet from the same account.

"We have bent our flag at Embassy as a protest to the raid regarding #OhioStateAttack. Embassy in New York will remain closed today," said another tweet, which had a picture of Lodhi. Later in the day, both the Pak Embassy in Washington and its Permanent Mission to the UN in New York issued statements, saying that these are fake accounts and have taken up the matter with Twitter.

PTI
South Korea welcomes Security Council's new sanctions

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Seoul, Dec 1 South Korea welcomed a new resolution of UN Security Council on North Korea, adopted in response to Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test in September, media reports said.

Seoul's foreign ministry said in a statement that the fresh resolution was aimed at taking punitive action on North Korea, issuing strong warnings against newly possible provocations and re-declaring a strong will to never accept North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

The statement was announced right after the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution to tighten sanctions on North Korea, Xinhua news agency reported.

The fifth test was carried out just eight months after Pyongyang's fourth nuclear detonation in January, which was followed by the launch of a long-range rocket in February.

South Korean ministry described the new resolution adoption as a "milestone" action, saying it was the toughest-ever and the most comprehensive non-military sanctions in UN history.

South Korea vows to closely cooperate with UN members to thoroughly and completely implement the resolutions.

IANS
US: Ohio State University attacker inspired by ISIS, Al-Qaeda

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New York, Dec 1: The student who attacked a crowd at Ohio State University was inspired by the ISIS terror group and now-deceased al-Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, media reports said.

Abdul Razak Ali Artan, a Somali immigrant, was shot and killed by a police officer on Monday after he had injured 11 people by mowing them down by a car and then slashing bystanders with a butcher knife.

This comes after an analysis of Artan's social media accounts, his electronic devices as well as interviews with his family, friends and co-workers.

Artan described how he was 'at boiling point' and 'just couldn't take it anymore' in a Facebook rant, minutes before launching his brutal attack which is now being investigated as terrorism, the Daily Mail reported.

"I am sick and tired of seeing my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters being killed and tortured EVERYWHERE," he had written. "By Allah, I am willing to kill a billion infidels in retribution for a single disabled Muslim."

In the post, Artan also praised American-born Al Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki, who was killed in a CIA drone strike in 2011 and has been cited as the inspiration for many terror attacks on American soil.

On Tuesday, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, calling Artan one of their 'soldiers'. But there has been no evidence thus far that Artan praised the group.

Born in Somalia, Artan moved to a refugee camp in Pakistan in 2007 with his mother and siblings before getting entry to the US as refugees in 2014.

IANS


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Rumble 12 Mar 2022

Pastor Rick Warren and David Miller discuss how, when and where they met and other things.
Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands; with a population of 907,976 within the city proper, 1,558,755 in the urban area and 2,480,394 in the metropolitan area. Found within the Dutch province of North Holland, Amsterdam is colloquially referred to as the "Venice of the North", due to the large number of canals which form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the wake of Fidel Castro's death, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who is Cuban-American, predicts there will be a "generational..

CBS News 06 Nov 2019
The Sentinel Stoke 02 Nov 2022

She was so moved by his impassioned speech she wrote him a letter
Enrolment of eligible voters in the National Capital District in preparation for the 2017 national election officially commenced today.More than 800 enrolment agents will be out in the 12 wards in the capital city to update the NCD Roll for the next 14 days.City residents are to look out for enrolment teams who will be visiting their areas during this period of time to check their names and details on the Roll and register.All the enrolment agents from the three NCD Open electorates  Moresby North East, Moresby North West and Moresby South  assembled at Jack Pidik Part at Five Mile this morning to receive their final briefing and instructions.At the briefing Electoral Commissioners Delegate John Kalamoroh officially welcomed the 800 plus enrolment agents as temporary electoral workers of the PNG Electoral Commission and strongly urged them to their jobs well.The conduct and success of the 2017 national election depends entirely on you the enrolment agents, he said.Mr. Kalamoroh issued a stern warning that any of the enrolment agents cited for taking part in corrupting the enrolment process and the roll will be held accountable and prosecuted under election laws.He told the agents that there would be citizens who may refuse to enroll or argue with them regarding service delivery.You must make it clear to them that your duty as enrolment agents is not service delivery. Your duty is to get citizens registered so that they have a say in choosing a leader of their choice in 2017 to represent them, Kalamoroh said.It is compulsory by law that all eligible voters must enroll. A voter who is enrolled is eligible to vote in the 2017 national election.There will be static teams who will be based at central locations as well as teams who will do house-to-house enrolment.Mr. Kalamoroh also made it very clear that enrolment agents will have their pays deposited directly into their private bank accounts only after the Commission is satisfied with the outcome of their work.Meanwhile, NCD Election Manager Terence Hetinu said the NCD Electoral Office in conjunction with Boroko police has put in place a security plan which has the blessing of NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Ben Turi.Mr. Hetinu said in the event that enrolment teams encounter potentially dangerous and life-threatening situations in their respective locations, team leaders are to quickly alert his office so that police units would be dispatched to retrieve them.Today was dedicated to awareness on the commencement of roll update in NCD to inform city residents. A convoy of 12 PMV buses loaded with 800 plus enrolments agents from the three NCD Open electorates left Jack Pidik after the briefing on an awareness drive.The convoy drove from Five Mile to Nine Mile in the Moresby North East electorate and onto Gerehu in the Moresby North West electorate via new Gerehu-Nine Mile access road.From Gerehu the convoy took the Gerehu back road to Konedobu via Baruni and Tatatana villages and onto Koki, Badili, Sabama, Kilakila, Manu Auto Port in the Moresby South electorate and ended at the APEX Park in Boroko.
Cloudy Bay Sustainable Forestry Limited (the Company) holds deep concern over documents published in segments of the PNG press which purport to be notices issued by the Acting Managing Director of the National Forest Service.These documents contain various irregularities and are neither endorsed by any proper officer or authority of the National Forest Authority nor were they served on the Company by the Authority.Aside from the factual concerns with respect to the documents, it is profoundly troubling to the Company that these purported notices were disseminated without legal or other authority to media organisations, and not the Company in question.The Company is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the creation of these documents and their dissemination. The Company and its Australian members are also in the process of consulting the Australian High Commission and the proper Authorities with respect to the matter.The Company seeks to reassure its stakeholders, staff and the public that all the necessary processes and safeguards shall be undertaken to protect the Company and its interests.The Company shall continue to work with all facets of both the local and national government and the relevant authorities to ensure the betterment of the local community and application of best practice sustainable forestry.
Playtech's Teddy Sagi Sells 12% of His Shares in the Company

Published December 1, 2016 by Ivan P

Israeli billionaire and Playtech founder Teddy Sagi sold 12% of his share in the company, netting $412 million which he intends to use to diversify his portfolio.

Teddy Sagi, Israeli businessman best-known as the founder of Playtech, one of the leading casino software developers, has turned a profit of $412 million selling 12% of his share in the company. Although Sagi's Brickington Trading Limited initially planned to float just 10% of Playtech, high demand from the investors convinced them to up the offer.

$412 Million Worth Transaction

The initial offer of 32.3 million shares was increased to 38.7 million. The sale was closed at the price of 850 pence per share, netting Teddy Sagi a total of 330 million, which is around $412 million according to current conversion rates.

A keen interest in buying Playtech stock is hardly a surprise considering the company has a very strong market position. The last full financial report, published in February 2016, showed 38% year on year revenue growth, while adjusted EBITDA increased 22%.

Israeli Billionaire Looking to Diversify His Portfolio

The majority shareholder in Playtech, Teddy Sagi decided to offload a portion of his shares in the company as a part of his efforts to diversify his portfolio. The sale gives him a lot of cash to work with and seek opportune investments.

After the sale, Sagi's share in Playtech had dropped to 21.6%. While the billionaire will remain the largest shareholder in the company, with his share dropping below 30%, he will no longer have the power to appoint two directors to Playtech's Board of Directors.

180 Days Freezeout Period

After selling such a big number of shares, Playtech has announced no new sales will be conducted during the following 180 days. After that period expires, however, some analysts predict there will be an increase in the company's ordinary shares offered for sale.

At the same time, Playtech has been doing some shopping of its own. The company has recently acquired 70% in Consolidated Financial Holdings, announcing they expect to purchase the remaining 30% in 2019, respecting the terms of the acquisition agreement.
Pearl Harbor Day today is like Columbus Day 50 years ago. That is to say: most people still believe the hype. The myths are still maintained in their blissful unquestioned state. "New Pearl Harbors" are longed for by war makers, claimed, and exploited. Yet the original Pearl Harbor remains the most popular U.S. argument for all things military, including the long-delayed remilitarization of Japan -- not to mention the WWII internment of Japanese Americans as a model for targeting other groups today. Believers in Pearl Harbor imagine for their mythical event, in contrast to today, a greater U.S. innocence, a purer victimhood, a higher contrast of good and evil, and a total necessity of defensive war making.

The facts do not support the mythology. The United States government did not need to make Japan a junior partner in imperialism, did not need to fuel an arms race, did not need to support Nazism and fascism (as some of the biggest U.S. corporations did right through the war), did not need to provoke Japan, did not need to join the war in Asia or Europe, and was not surprised by the attack on Pearl Harbor. For support of each of these statements, keep reading.

This week I'm testifying at an Iraq Tribunal about the Downing Street Minutes. In U.S. thinking the 2003-2008 period of the decades-long war on Iraq is somehow worse than World War II. But when it comes to lies, bad decisions, and levels of death and destruction, there is just no comparison: World War II stands unchallenged as the worst thing humanity in general and the U.S. government in particular (as well as numerous other governments) have ever done. There's even a parallel to the Downing Street Minutes.

On August 18, 1941, Prime Minister Winston Churchill met with his cabinet at 10 Downing Street. The meeting had some similarity to the July 23, 2002, meeting at the same address, the minutes of which became known as the Downing Street Minutes. Both meetings revealed secret U.S. intentions to go to war. In the 1941 meeting, Churchill told his cabinet, according to the minutes: "The President had said he would wage war but not declare it." In addition, "Everything was to be done to force an incident."

Indeed, everything was done to force an incident, and the incident was Pearl Harbor.

Recent Memories

In May 2005 some friends and I launched AfterDowningStreet.org (now called WarIsACrime.org) to promote awareness of the Downing Street Minutes or Downing Street Memo and related documents.

This was a very useful document that was released in a moment when it could have an important impact.

Like every war ever launched by anyone before or since (at least up until the age of openly blurting out "steal their oil" and "kill their families"), the 2003 stage in the Iraq war had been launched on the basis of lies and had been and still is continued on the basis of other lies.

We ought not to have needed any evidence. It is illegal to attack another country under the UN Charter and under the Kellogg Briand Pact (and arguably under the Hague Convention of 1899). And in this case, as with Afghanistan two years earlier, the UN had specifically rejected war. Launching a war is illegal and immoral no matter what weapons may be in the nation attacked and no matter what crimes that nation has committed. Launching a total assault on civilians to supposedly shock and awe them is illegal even in the understanding of lawyers who ignore the illegality of war. Morally it is one of the worst things ever done. Practically it has never worked.

Even if we accepted that weapons in Iraq or Iraqi crimes could justify a war, the evidence was clear that these were lies. The Iraqi government was opposed to the group it had supposedly collaborated with. In 1995 Saddam Hussein's son-in-law had informed the U.S. and the British that all biological, chemical, missile, and nuclear weapons had been destroyed under his direct supervision. After U.N. inspectors left Iraq in 1998, the lead inspector said they'd come to the same conclusion. In 1999 at a primary debate in New Hampshire, Bush said he'd "take out" Saddam Hussein. "I'm surprised he's still there," he said. In 2001, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and others in the Bush Administration were telling the media that Saddam Hussein had no weapons. They transparently switched their views on command.

So, when the Downing Street Minutes came out on May 1, 2005, we jumped on it, not as new information but as evidence we could use, both to persuade others and to make a case in court or in Congress. These were the minutes of a meeting at Prime Minister Tony Blair's office on July 23, 2002, at which his head of so-called intelligence, just back from Washington, reported (as summarized in the minutes):

"Military action was now seen as inevitable. Bush wanted to remove Saddam, through military action, justified by the conjunction of terrorism and WMD. But the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy."

And so they were, as has been documented in extensive detail. The White House war schemers and their collaborators forged documents, solicited desired claims rejected by their own experts, relied on non-credible witnesses, fed fake evidence to complicit so-called journalists, and tortured desired statements out of victims they'd kidnapped. Bush concocted harebrained schemes to start a war that he publicly claimed to be trying to avoid. See, for example, the White House Memo.

But just the fact that the British had been informed that war was inevitable by July 23, 2002, ought to have been a big story in May 2005. We worked hard to make it such, pressuring a resistant corporate media that claimed either that it couldn't verify a memo that was clearly authentic and not even disputed, or arguing that what it revealed was "old news," even though it was brand new to anyone informed by those media outlets.

We made it into big news through public protests, reenactments in the lobbies of media outlets, floods of letters to editors, and a wide variety of creative actions. But we had an advantage. Democrats in Congress were in the minority and many of them were claiming they would take actions to end the war if given the majority. Key Congress members were supporting our efforts. I believe that we turned many of their encouraging claims into lies by shrinking rather than enlarging and intensifying our movement in January 2007.

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From Columbia Journalism Review

AWARD-WINNING PHOTOJOURNALIST AND FILMMAKER Ed Ou, who has covered the Middle East for over a decade, has worked under threat as a journalist in almost too many countries to count. Authorities in Turkey, Egypt, Somalia, Djibouti, and Bahrain have arrested or detained him at some point in his career. But he always assumed working in the United States would be safe -- until last month.

The story that follows -- first reported in The Washington Posttoday-- is a stark reminder that the US government has eviscerated press freedom and privacy rights at the border. Journalists have been stopped or detained in the past, and thousands of travelers have their electronics confiscated each year.

Ou, a Canadian citizen who is living temporarily in Canada after a long stint in Egypt, travels to the US often. He has friends and family here, and he regularly vacations and attends work events and conferences here. On October 1, he scheduled a routine flight into the country again, he told me in an interview.

He was on assignment with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, working on a long-term project about the health care system for indigenous people in North America. As part of his reporting, he scheduled a trip to cover the protests in Standing Rock, North Dakota, where Native Americans have been protesting the building of an oil pipeline that threatens the water supply on their land.

As Ou attempted to go through security at the Vancouver International Airport for his flight to Bismarck, he was flagged for extra screening by US Customs and Border Patrol. Because he's traveled to various Middle Eastern countries over the years, he says he's often flagged when entering the US, but usually he simply explains he's a journalist and they let him go on his way.

This time was different. It all started, Ou said, when he put his Nexus card into the reader (Nexus is the Canadian equivalent of Global Entry, so he can go through security lines faster; it means he had already been vetted by customs officials.) "I got an immediate flag to go to secondary screening and I got the SSSS on my boarding pass," he told me. SSSS is the dreaded symbol that marks someone as being on some sort of list.

Click Here to Read Whole Article
Reprinted from www.washingtonpost.com

Donald Trump is going to have to toughen up if he wants to serve American workers. (Steven Senne/AP)

Today, about 1,000 Carrier workers and their families should be rejoicing. But the rest of our nation's workers should be very nervous.

President-elect Donald Trump will reportedly announce a deal with United Technologies, the corporation that owns Carrier, that keeps less than 1,000 of the 2100 jobs in America that were previously scheduled to be transferred to Mexico. Let's be clear: It is not good enough to save some of these jobs. Trump made a promise that he would save all of these jobs, and we cannot rest until an ironclad contract is signed to ensure that all of these workers are able to continue working in Indiana without having their pay or benefits slashed.

In exchange for allowing United Technologies to continue to offshore more than 1,000 jobs, Trump will reportedly give the company tax and regulatory favors that the corporation has sought. Just a short few months ago, Trump was pledging to force United Technologies to "pay a damn tax." He was insisting on very steep tariffs for companies like Carrier that left the United States and wanted to sell their foreign-made products back in the United States. Instead of a damn tax, the company will be rewarded with a damn tax cut. Wow! How's that for standing up to corporate greed? How's that for punishing corporations that shut down in the United States and move abroad?

In essence, United Technologies took Trump hostage and won. And that should send a shock wave of fear through all workers across the country.

President-elect Donald Trump and vice president-elect Pence have convinced air conditioning manufacturer Carrier to keep 1,000 jobs at its Indianapolis, Ind. plant instead of moving them to Mexico. This is a major publicity score for Trump who had previously criticized Carrier and other manufacturers on the campaign trail. But putting pressure on individual businesses doesn't make for a winning long term strategy. Wonkblog's Jim Tankersley explains. (Daron Taylor/The Washington Post)

Trump has endangered the jobs of workers who were previously safe in the United States. Why? Because he has signaled to every corporation in America that they can threaten to offshore jobs in exchange for business-friendly tax benefits and incentives. Even corporations that weren't thinking of offshoring jobs will most probably be re-evaluating their stance this morning. And who would pay for the high cost for tax cuts that go to the richest businessmen in America? The working class of America.

Let's be clear. United Technologies is not going broke. Last year, it made a profit of $7.6 billion and received more than $6 billion in defense contracts. It has also received more than $50 million from the Export-Import Bank and very generous tax breaks. In 2014, United Technologies gave its former chief executive Louis Chenevert a golden parachute worth more than $172 million. Last year, the company's five highest-paid executives made more than $50 million. The firm also spent $12 billion to inflate its stock price instead of using that money to invest in new plants and workers.

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From Wallwritings

In his Op-ed column in The New York Times, Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, sent an urgent request to Barack Obama, the 44th President:

"The simple but vital step this administration must take before its term expires on Jan. 20, is to grant American diplomatic recognition to the state of Palestine, as 137 countries have already done, and help it achieve full United Nations membership."

That column appeared on the morning of November 29, seven weeks and three days before President Obama leaves office.

President-elect Donald Trump's attitude toward the Palestinian issue is unclear, though an Israeli right-wing minister believes Trump's election has ended Palestinian hopes for a separate state.

"Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett said Wednesday that the possibility of a Palestinian state being established had ended after the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, calling for an end to the issue that has been at the center of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations for years. "'Trump's victory is an opportunity for Israel to immediately retract the notion of a Palestinian state in the center of the country, which would hurt our security and just cause,' said Bennett, leader of the far-right Jewish Home party."

Jimmy Carter has no way of knowing if what Bennett says may or may not reflect Trump's future plans. Who does?

In any event, as Slim Pickens (in Dr. Strangelove) said about himself, this is not Carter's "first rodeo."

In his Times piece, Carter recalls that in 1978, midway through his administration, he invited Israel's prime minister, Menachem Begin, and Egypt's president, Anwar Sadat, to meet him at Camp David.

He wanted them to reach an agreement that would resolve the conflict between Israel and Egypt and address Israel's occupation of Palestine.

Carter had initially planned on a three-day meeting, but starting on September 5, he doggedly spent 13 days with the two leaders until the three leaders could agree on what became known as the Camp David Accords: First, "A Framework for Peace in the Middle East," which dealt with the West Bank and Gaza, and second, "A Framework for the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty between Egypt and Israel."

The first accord was never fully implemented -- as the last 37 years have continually made clear -- but the second, signed on March 26, 1979, laid the basis for the first peace treaty between Israel and one of its Arab neighbors.

Israel's ongoing refusal to implement the first accord, which was designed to end Israel's occupation of the Palestinian West Bank and Gaza, brings us to this moment in the final weeks of Obama's presidency.

Jimmy Carter strongly believes President Obama needs to act to give Palestinians the security Carter has sought for them since he was President.

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Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"Rob Kall's book is amazing. He's created a real breakthrough, visionary how-to for a sustainable, quality future. Like Saul Alinski's Rules for Radicals, this book is destined to become a classic must-read for all those concerned with social, economic, and environmental justice in today's interconnected world. Story shapes the world and our world needs new stories if we are to survive and thrive. The story of the bottom-up evolution and revolution is one that can change individuals, groups, businesses, religions, and governments for the positive as it shows how bottom-up inclusiveness, connectedness, collaboration, empathy, innovation, and freeform creativity can help unleash the great potentials for good inherent in our very nature. If you want to improve things in your world and the world, first read this book, then apply the suggestions. Change is sure to come."



Pamela Jaye Smith, mythologist and author of InnerDrives, Power of the Dark Side, Symbols* Images* Codes* and award-winning writer-producer-director
It has now been nearly a week since the Washington Post put it's seal of approval on a secretive and sleazy group that has smeared over 200 alternative media websites as Russian propaganda fronts. There is still little known about the neo-McCarthyist website PropOrNot and most importantly who exactly is funding it.

The WAPO's lips are certainly sealed because according to published accounts by those researching it, both the paper as well as "reporter" Craig Timberg aren't divulging anything on this blast furnace hot story that seeks to portray loyal Americans as traitors. Considering the grave charges put forth in the lurid tale of Kremlin sponsored "fake news" one might think that the least the WAPO could do is to run a follow-up with details about PropOrNot as well as an explanation of just what the criteria is for landing on it's burgeoning blacklist.

The longer the Post holds out the more that the paper itself's motives should be called into question. It's well-documented that the Editorial Board under the lamentable stewardship of Fred Hiatt is the foremost shill for war and regime change that currently exists in America. The WAPO regularly promotes the fever dreams of a bloodthirsty neocon-neoliberal alliance that has little use for peace let alone traditional American values but the Timberg piece is so reprehensible that it more fittingly belongs in another era as well as a country steeped in a cruel authoritarianism enabled by propaganda.

Pulitzer Prize winner Glenn Greenwald launched a blistering salvo against the WAPO and it's role in promoting the new plague of neo-McCarthyism that is being championed by a disgraced and discredited media. His pushing back against this vile travesty was published by The Intercept and is entitled "Washington Post Disgracefully Promotes a McCarthyite Blacklist From a New, Hidden and Very Shady Group" and it's a doozy.

A few excerpts from Greenwald's piece:

One of the core functions of PropOrNot appears to be its compilation of a lengthy blacklist of news and political websites that it smears as peddlers of "Russian propaganda." Included on this blacklist of supposed propaganda outlets are prominent independent left-wing news sites such as Truthout, Naked Capitalism, Black Agenda Report, Consortium News, and Truthdig. Also included are popular libertarian hubs such as Zero Hedge, Antiwar.com, and the Ron Paul Institute, along with the hugely influential right-wing website the Drudge Report and the publishing site WikiLeaks. Far-right, virulently anti-Muslim blogs such as Bare Naked Islam are likewise dubbed Kremlin mouthpieces. Basically, everyone who isn't comfortably within the centrist Hillary Clinton/Jeb Bush spectrum is guilty. On its Twitter account, the group announced a new "plugin" that automatically alerts the user that a visited website has been designated by the group to be a Russian propaganda outlet. AND While blacklisting left-wing and libertarian journalists, PropOrNot also denies being McCarthyite. Yet it simultaneously calls for the U.S. government to use the FBI and DOJ to carry out "formal investigations" of these accused websites, "because the kind of folks who make propaganda for brutal authoritarian oligarchies are often involved in a wide range of bad business." The shadowy group even goes so far as to claim that people involved in the blacklisted websites may "have violated the Espionage Act, the Foreign Agent Registration Act, and other related laws." In sum: They're not McCarthyite; perish the thought. They just want multiple U.S. media outlets investigated by the FBI for espionage on behalf of Russia.

Greenwald not only takes a meat axe to the WAPO (which never bothered responding to his requests for comment) but mocks and ridicules PropOrNot as "amateurish" and "laughable" although while excoriating both the paper and the website he misses a critical point in that this is a serious if not existential threat to the alternative media. Mr. Greenwald grabbed his Pulitizer and retreated to First Look Media - a venture of the billionaire Pierre Omidyar, a man who has been known to have his foot in the same camp as the regime changers - and it's not his site that has made the blacklist.

He also minimizes the very serious danger of PropOrNot which while it may indeed be sloppily constructed (possibly a ruse) it is being funded by some very serious people who are looking to permanently shut down dissent to a power structure that has been driven into a maniacal rage over Hillary Clinton's election loss. It's not Greenwald who the growing number of social media followers that PropOrNot will be targeting it's those at OpEdNews and the other sites on an enemies list that will surely be expanded.

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"For American Evangelical Christians there is no more a severe charge than the judgement that one has abandoned the gospel."--Wes Markofski in New Monasticism and the Transformation of Evangelicalism

Too Many Christian Evangelicals becoming Fuzzy Thinking and Moral Relativism in 2016--Better Christian Education (and education for all) Needed!!

by Kevin Stoda, in Oman (but viewing the American Evan gelical landscape)

Some years ago, I met a wonderful Australian missionary whom I shared my concerns for the worrying trends and fates of my militaristic and nationalistic evangelical Christendom friends in my homeland, the USA. The man nodded, sighed, and shared that origininally, i.e. 4 or 5 decades ago, the evangelicals in Asia, the Middle East and Australia had looked to American evangelical christians for leadership, but for many years since, they no longer look toward American evangelical churches for models or even for leadership.

Whether on the progressive sid e or the conservative side of the evangelical christian perspective, christians have been talking about the need to restore logic to the narration that evangelical christians share with the world, especially now in 2016. Until now, the majority of Christian evangelicals in the rank and file have ignored it--as have their TV fare from CBN and their ilk--especially over the past decades, i.e. when it was evangelicals who helped push the non-sensical invasion of Iraq in 2002-2003, even though no just war theory could be used to support such an unwarrented and awful action by a state in the name of a christian people who could not get their president, vice-president and congress to avoid the mess we have been in for so many years. I live in a fragile Middle East--and Islam has not been the sole problem here by any means for people living safer and just lives. Endless wars are what evangelical christians provided in the time of W. Bush and appear to be in vogue again now in the time of Trump and his illogical Cheney-wannabee-Mike Pence.

American Christian Logic for God and the Bible must become the main or current issue in the evangelical in the wake of the fact that 4 in 5 people, who claim to be evangelical christians, voted for Donald Trump this election in th USA in November 2016 .

From this fact alone, it appears that relativistic moral theories on behavior are dominating a sector of the Evangelical Christian Churches in America--- a sector which once upon-a-time used to once pride itself on knowing the Bible. These disciples of Evangelicalism were supposed to train each other as to how to logically live out their faith here and now on Earth. Instead they go to bed at night trying to tell their children that voting for a rapist is good and voting for a woman who raised her daughter well is OK, i.e. now that Post-Modern Relativism Dominates their Muddled and illogical minds.

Upon noting publically--i.e. right after the election of Donald Trump earlier this month--that I was proud to be among the 20% of evangelical christianswho did not follow like little Fuhrer- fanatics the mass media manipulations and messages of this world purporting all the relativist nonsense that all politicians are basically the same.

I proudly voted for a woman for president (Jill Stein) because I felt that the platform of the Green party is more in line with how God expects us to treat our neighbors, women, our environment (or climate )and the world's refugees. Because of non-fuzzy logic, I could say that I was setting a better christian example by voting for her than by voting for more of the evil-sameness of a Hillary Clinton Administration or a Neo-Dick Cheney administration under Donald Trump.

A week later, an evangelical christian Mennonite (former Seminarian from Indiana) whom I have known from my college days, wrote to defend his christian fellowship and the illogical but dominate world view eminating from his supposedly Christian Indiana community that these days that (1) all politicians are liars and not to be trusted anyway.

By stating this, my evangelical friend was implying: (2) It was really no crime nor sin to vote for a man who stood throughout his whole life-style across 5 to 7 decades as a racist, a woman-abuser, an abuser of laborerers, and as someone who tells Christians it is OK to turn their backs on refugees of war--wars that the USA helped created with Christian Coalition help back in 2001-2003.

In short, Christian Evangelical leadership and those living and working in the evangelical movements have fallen badly.

Perhaps this mass-ducking of responsibity in the 2016 election, in terms of really trying to promote christian living (i.e. through voice and vote), is not as bad as the Sodomites who found no crimes in sins of ooutragesou, sex, bad language-- and abandoning the poor, needy or those in refuge. On the other hand, perhaps it is.

Tony Campolo told Bill Clinton's prayer breakfast back in 1997--perhaps such voting in America is sinking to the level of Sodom. American christians were outraged. Since that time, I have seen things only getting worse among the masses of evangelical christian communities I have seen active in big American media (especially the wealthiest Christian media networks) over these past two decades.

Wes Markofski in New Monasticism and the Transformation of Evangelicalism wrote some time ago, "For American Evangelical Christians there is no more a severe charge than the judgement that one has abandoned the gospel."

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Copyrighted Image? DMCA







Being cute or funny doesn't really cut it anymore. We're trapped in an attic, naked, with a bunch of rabid squirrels. Stop.





I have been thinking a lot lately about what I would have done as an aware German when Adolf Hitler came to power. Would I have had the courage to speak out, to protest, to write? Would I have recognized Reich Minister of Propaganda, Joseph Goebbels, as the potentially dangerous individual he was in 1933? Would I have wheat pasted treatises against the looming threat on the brick walls of alleys and side streets? I hope that I would have. And, I am now -- Kellyanne Conway is the Joseph Goebbels of this new pathetic, destructive regime. She has obviously embraced manipulative propaganda. Is she worse than Goebbels? He truly believed the filth that circulated in his rotten mind -- Kellyanne does it for money?





On this past weekends edition of Meet The Press Kellyanne sparred with Chuck Todd over the President Elect's potential conflicts of interest, Mitt Romney and The Media. Then, sitting in her puddle of very skillful bullshit she chose to wax Goebbelesque -- to tell a lie, to tell a lie as the representative of the elected leader of the country. She said that 72% of the country supported Donald Trump. Well, she didn't say it quite like that, she implied that 72% of the country was on the same page as Trump. The truth is that Trump won the election with only 25.5 to 27% of eligible voters. Only ten percent of Germans in Nazi Germany were card carrying Nazis.





Kellyanne Conway has chosen to use obfuscation and lies and in her position and as it was with Goebbels, this is dangerous. "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State," Joseph Goebbels said this as he proudly vomited propaganda on his nation, validating and enabling his Fuhrer's destruction of Europe and the Jews.





Now is not the time to ball up in depression or fall back on trendy cynicism, now is the time to root out the rank perpetrators of civic rape, no matter their stripes. For me and mine I will continue to hollar and howl. Kellyanne Conway is a propagandist, not simply on policy -- she is the chief apologist and hagiographer of a personality and a cult, as was Goebbels. The Trump phenomenon is a cult -- there is nothing and no one of value behind the official curtain.








From Reader Supported News

I grew up in a strongly religious, Greek-American household in a dying steel town in western Pennsylvania. My grandparents visited us every Thursday and we reciprocated every Sunday. It wasn't just a chance for family to get together over a meal; it was also a learning experience that had a lasting impact on me.

My grandmother was an educated woman, rare for a peasant girl born on the Turkish-occupied island of Rhodes in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. She placed a great value on education and she felt it was important for my siblings and me to know our family history, the history of our church, and the proud history of Greece. I also remember her talking with pride about some land she owned in Rhodes, one piece along the beach and one larger parcel perfect for farming on the side of a mountain overlooking her village. She said that the land was a wedding gift to her from her father's employer.

The employer, whose name is now lost to history, was a wealthy Rhodian Jewish businessman who employed her father as a chauffeur. The employer was kind and highly respected, and when my great-grandfather's eldest daughter was engaged to my grandfather, the employer offered this very generous gift. That was 1930. By 1944, my grandmother said, he was dead, a victim of the Holocaust and of the unspeakable cruelty the Germans perpetrated across Europe in their perverted quest to wipe out the continent's Jews.

My grandmother spoke often about this man and about his kindness. But she also spoke about Greek Jews in general, telling me from a very young age that Greek Orthodox Christians and Greek Jews lived as brothers and sisters for two thousand years. They worked together and went to school together, with the only difference being where they chose to worship.

She described letters from her father, who remained in Greece after my grandparents married and moved to the United States in 1931. The letters told of horrors Rhodians had not seen even under more than 400 years of Turkish domination. The case of the Rhodian Jews was particularly sad because they were the last prisoners taken to Auschwitz in the waning days of the war, only three months before German troops withdrew from Greece altogether.

What happened to the Jewish community in Greece during World War II is sickening: of more than 60,000 Greek Jews, fewer than 10,000 survived. Of the 46,091 sent to Auschwitz, only 1,950 returned. The community never recovered, and today there are only 4,500 Jews in Greece. But there was one success story.

The island of Zakynthos is on the southern end of the Ionian archipelago. Its beauty is legendary, with blue seas and sky, white sands, and lush green vegetation. On September 9, 1943, the island's occupation governor, a German major named Berenz, summoned the island's Greek mayor, Loukas Karrer, to demand that he turn over the names and addresses of all Jews living on the island.

A deeply troubled Karrer immediately consulted with the highest-ranking church official on the island, Bishop Chrysostomos Dimitriou, and together they came up with a plan. The next day, they began hiding all 275 Jews on the island in Christian homes. They met with Berenz and told him that it was impossible for them to turn over the information he demanded because, as the bishop explained, "The Jews have lived here in peace and quiet for hundreds of years," and that they were under his personal protection. Berenz responded that there was nothing he could do; his orders had come from the general command in Berlin, and he had to have his list immediately. He told the men that if they didn't comply they would face certain death.

The next day, Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos returned to Berenz's office. They said they had complied with his order, and they handed him their "list," which contained only their own names and addresses. The Bishop told the Nazi: "Here is your list. We are the only Jews on this island."

The Bishop then went further, handing Berenz a letter he had written to Hitler himself, declaring that the Jews of Zakynthos were under his authority and personal protection and vowing never to turn them over. Berenz forwarded the letter to Berlin. Although there is no evidence that Hitler read or even received it, it made an impact on somebody in the German capital, and the order to arrest all of Zakynthos' Jews was rescinded. Thirteen months later, in October 1944, the Nazis withdrew from Zakynthos and from mainland Greece. Every one of Zakynthos' Jews survived, while every other Jewish community in Greece was destroyed. For their actions, Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos were later awarded the title "Righteous Among Nations" by Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority.

Ancient history, right? Not if Donald Trump has his way and forces a registration of all Muslims in the country. It sounds like the 1940s all over again. But the idea is apparently being considered seriously, with Trump adviser and Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach even telling reporters that the World War II internment camps for Japanese-Americans had "set a precedent."

That's sick. It's fascist. And it's exactly the opposite of what we should be doing as Americans. If Trump's registration plan actually comes to pass, we must all stand up. We must all register ourselves as Muslims. We must stand together against hate and prejudice, even if Donald Trump and those around him have not learned the lessons of history.

Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News.
In an intense search of the internet for all the facts I could gather relating to the issue of sanctuary cities in the United States, I became as confused and frustrated as the political minds that are struggling to solve this perplexing problem. In the process of assembling the facts, I have come to two conclusions, and I find that they are best expressed by men far wiser than I.

There are no facts, only interpretations.

Friedrich Nietzsche

If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts.

Albert Einstein

On running across Nietzsche's quote, it suddenly seemed obvious that the very same fact can be used to justify two opposing positions. Facts are subject to interpretation.

Fact: According to the Ohio Jobs & Justice PAC, sanctuary cities protect immigrant rights. They improve relations between local law enforcement and the immigrant community.

Fact: According to USA Today, when officials or citizens refuse to report illegal aliens to ICE, repeat offenders may be released to commit more crimes instead of being detained or deported.

With Einstein's advice to change the facts, the following may suffice to support it:

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The Conjurer by Hieronymus Bosch (circa 1450--1516)

(Image by The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei.) Details DMCA



Neoconservative pundits howled when Yale historian Paul Kennedy suggested in his 1987 study The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers that America and its global Empire, like all empires before it, was in a process of decline. The disintegration of the Soviet Union just a few years later in 1991 seemed to undermine Kennedy's thesis as the United States expanded its influence into the U.S.S.R's former territories and moved on Moscow to bury the former communist economy. However, following the financial crash of 2008 and the chaos caused by Washington's military adventurism in Iraq and Afghanistan, the illusion of American inevitability quickly vanished. Now, 30 years later, the idea that any empire facing unprecedented debt, political gridlock and military failure could somehow sustain itself purely on willpower and social media can only be described as delusional. Yet despite rising opposition to the costs and consequences at home and abroad, Washington's demented imperialists remain committed to Unipower dominance and are desperate to force the incoming Trump administration to obey its ghost.

Understanding the forces that drive Washington's quest for empire may appear on the surface to be limited to money and power. But when it comes to the ultimate objectives of the so called Anglo/American "deep state" the foundations of today's realities may be better explained by looking into the deep past.

The term Anglo/American itself bears within it a complex matrix of races, heterodox religious beliefs, families and family grudges that date back before the Norman Conquest of 1066. The army of Normans and mercenaries that gathered under William the Conqueror to invade England was drawn from across Europe but differed little from the population of Celts, Anglo-Saxons, Danes and Normans that had already migrated there in previous centuries. The battle of Hastings established the nation of Britain as we know it today but what remains unappreciated is the degree to which those original Anglo/Norman warrior families continue to control decision-making and remain at the epicenter of financial and political power nearly 1000 years later.

In its current expanded iteration consisting of the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand; known as the "Five Eyes", the Anglo/American "deep state" came to gain political hegemony over the world following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. However, although popularly known as the "Anglo/Saxon" nations, a more accurate description of the genetic legacy should read Anglo/Norman.

In 2005 when a historian in Wexford Ireland discovered that President George W. Bush was a descendent of the 12th century Anglo/Norman Earl Richard de Clare, "Strongbow" it caused something of a commotion in the British press not to mention our own personal shock. I'd first heard the name Strongbow at the age of ten when my family-historian-aunt told me our branch of the Fitzgerald family had come to Ireland with him. During the 1990s I'd written a novel about his influence on the family and here he was again staring out from the imperial White House of George W. Bush.

As Strongbow's vassals and veterans of the conquest of Wales, the Fitzgeralds had done their share of the dirty work of empire building. After taking part in the Norman conquest of England in 1066, the family and their extended clans had become deeply entwined in Angevin family politics as part of King William I's invasion force of South Wales. The marriage (arranged by Henry I) of the patriarch of the Fitzgerald family , Gerald FitzWalter of Windsor to Princess Nest, daughter of Rhys Ap Tewdwr (Tudor) the last king of the Britons, cemented the Fitzgeralds to an ancient British dynasty of kings and the Arthurian legends surrounding them. But our discovery of an old book titled Strongbow's Conquest of Ireland forced us to realize that the standard historical accounts we were accustomed to have never included the deeper inside forces at work that made a true understanding of the past, possible.

The first Crusade to Jerusalem in 1099 came at a time of deep social unrest in Europe. Muslims occupied Portugal, Spain, Sicily and Southern Italy. Pagans warred with Christian Crusaders throughout Eastern Europe. Pope Urban II's call for a Crusade to the holy land began a movement that would last until the failed Crusade of the Spanish Armada against Elizabeth I's English heretics in 1588. Unlike most dry, bowdlerized accounts of the origins of British history, Strongbow's Conquest offered up a personal account by a family prelate named Gerald de Barry (Gerald of Wales). Gerald was also the personal tutor to the future Angevin King John and offered plenty of insight into dealing with Henry II's internecine warfare with and between his three sons. For us, the family feuds surrounding the conquest of Ireland detailed by Gerald of Wales personalized our understanding of an historical event and the beginnings of British history. Now with the Bush connection to Strongbow came a chance to take those family feuds and track them a thousand years into the future.

Ever since John Fitzgerald Kennedy, tracing a presidential candidate's lineage to Ireland is a common pastime. But the Guardian's description of Strongbow as "a desperate land-grabbing warlord whose calamitous foreign adventure led to the suffering of generations" was a sadly deficient twist on what had really happened. Strongbow was an Anglo-Norman Earl with a long Viking lineage from one of the most powerful Norman/French families in 12th century England. His grandfather Gilbert and great uncle Roger were closely affiliated with William the conqueror's son King William Rufus and were among the few intimates present at his mysterious murder by Walter Tyrell in the New Forest in 1100. The de Clare brothers were never implicated in Rufus's death but along with a select handful of Norman barons gained great wealth and prominence from backing the rise of his successor, Henry I.

Evidence of heretical cult practices swirls around the 11th century court of William Rufus and his ruling nobles. William Rufus regarded himself as divine, was an avowed pagan, openly homosexual and fiercely anti-Christian. He surrounded himself with long haired, clean shaven "effeminati", compared himself to Alexander the Great and acted as a patron to the Troubadours. The conquest of Wales brought him into contact with a Prince of Dyfed named Bledri, author of the original Grail romances who remained friendly to William Rufus throughout the wars against the Welsh. Norman mercenaries who'd fought Muslims in southern Italy were no strangers to dualist life-denying heresies and neither were the courts of France from where the new English royalty drew its political base.

The threat to the Roman Church by these heresies was not a simple challenge. As described by Reverend V.A. Demant, Canon of London's St. Paul's Cathedral in a preface to a 1947 book on the subject titled The Arrow and the Sword, "It was in fact a rival religion and almost succeeded in being a counter-Church with its own rival and ritual system."

By 1170 the struggle for power within that system extended to Strongbow's challenge to the authority of King Henry II's House of Anjou and his threat to set himself up as a rival Norman King of Ireland. Upon his death in 1176 the challenge extended to the Fitzgerald antecedents of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. At the behest of Strongbow a number of Fitzgerald vassals married directly into the de Clare family line shortly after coming to Ireland and to the horror of the Angevin royal court, proceeded to establish themselves as a competing dynasty. With political and military independence and with religious connections to Rome, the Fitzgerald's ambitions were viewed from London as dangerous from the very beginning and as the medieval Catholic Church evolved that danger would grow in bitter hatred.

Strongbow had been a Crusader, served in the Holy Land and was known to be a generous supporter of both the Knights Hospitaller and the infamous Knights Templar, the warrior monks for whom the Cistercian Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux penned De Laude Novae Militiae (In Praise of the new Knighthood) thereby redefining the very nature of murder when done in the name of Christ.

The early Catholic Church was riven with multiple dualist heresies left over from the conversion of the Roman Empire from pagan to Christian. Much has been romanticized in the past decades about the Knights Templar and their supposed dedication to the divine feminine as represented by the Holy Grail. Credited with magical powers of prophecy and divination, popular mythology such as Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code has them guarding the secrets of the Messianic Grail lineage, i.e. the royal descendants of the House of David from the marriage of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene.

Other supposed Templar secrets link them to life-denying Gnostic cults like the Paulicians, Manicheans and Cathars. But less has been said about the Templar's central role as bankers to Europe's royalty and their practice of financing wars between Europe's rival kings and princes.

The Templar Knighthood walked a fine line between two worlds in their role as bankers and "warrior monks" and often failed to maintain a balance between them. The Knights Templar's circular "Temple" in the very center of the city of London still echoes their primary military and financial role as a prototype multinational bank opening trade routes between Europe and the Middle East. But their internecine political rivalries with the other Christian knighthoods, the Knights Hospitaller and the Teutonic Knights and their long string of military defeats causing them to lose Jerusalem, precipitated their downfall.

On Friday October 13, 1307 the French King Philip IV, who was deeply indebted to the Templars, ordered them arrested and charged with heretical practices and on November 22 of that year under pressure from Philip, Pope Clement V issued the papal bull Pastoralis Praeeminentiae instructing all the monarchs of Europe to seize their assets.

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From Philly.com

In the last two years, North Dakota has lost almost half its jobs in the oil and coal industries.

The losses aren't the fault of pesky environmentalists worried about groundwater contamination and global warming. They're the result of collapsing world energy prices.

The story of the North Dakota oil and gas industry captures the absurdity of President-elect Trump's plans to remove environmental restrictions on fossil-fuel production.

Apparently, he wants us to believe a boom in production would lead to massive job growth and plunging energy prices and no negative consequences. But the story of an energy boom just around the corner is an illusion.

As in North Dakota, it's not environmental restrictions that are holding back the U.S. fossil-fuel industry. It's the market. Oil is readily available on world markets for $45 a barrel, less than half its price of three years ago.

At this price, it is not profitable to drill for more oil or gas in most of the areas Trump wants to open up to the fossil-fuel industry. And removing such restrictions would have an unnecessary, negative impact on some of America's most scenic sites.

The industry will always want to drill where it's cheapest. This means that if Trump allows drilling in picturesque, historic areas that are now protected, and such operations prove slightly cheaper than already blighted sites in Texas or North Dakota, then Exxon-Mobil, Shell, and the rest will shift their operations to the lowest-cost area.

If we follow Trump and put a cheap price on preserving nature, then we can be assured there will be less nature to preserve. That will in no way make America great again.

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From Alternet

The billionaire brothers are training political puppets to push their hateful agenda.

When you think of America's great constitutional originators, names like Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton and Franklin come to mind. And, of course, Abbott.

This past January, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, the multimillionaire protege of the Koch brother's Plutocratic Kingdom and American Legislative Exchange Council darling, revealed to a startled nation that he has penned not one but NINE new amendments to the Constitution of the USA.

Forget the Bill of Rights, Abbott is proposing a Bill of Sale, effectively transferring the title of our national government from the People to the Plutocrats. The upshot of his "tweaks" would be outlawing government actions that restrain corporate abuse of workers and consumers, while also preventing future congresses from meeting crucial public needs such as health care, voter rights and restoration of our national infrastructure.

One could call Abbott and his Founding Father pretentious and ludicrous -- which both are -- but he's not the force behind this diabolical, ideological tampering with our Constitution and our people's ideals of fairness and justice. ALEC, at the direction of the Kochs and their corporate cohorts, wrote this Bill of Sale.

Convening an explosive convention, permitted under Article V of the Constitution, is a longtime dream of those elites seeking an American Kochistan, and ALEC is spearheading a hodgepodge of right-wing groups that -- believe it or not -- are alarmingly close to succeeding. An ALEC/Koch affiliate with the cumbersome acronym of BBATF (Balanced Budget Amendment Task Force) came out of the Tea Party maelstrom in 2010 and is now aggressively pushing governors and state legislatures to endorse such an Article V convention. At the convention, they would attempt to rewrite our nation's fundamental governing document by adding a balanced budget amendment, along with Abbott's other eight. Together these changes would enthrone the "moneyed corporations" that Jefferson and other founders abhorred as destroyers of America's democratic possibilities.

Absurd? Of course. Even the late Phyllis Schlafly, who was the head of the right-wing Eagle Forum, called this push "a prescription for political chaos," adding, "Alas, I don't see any George Washingtons, James Madisons, Ben Franklins, or Alexander Hamiltons around who could do as good a job as the Founding Fathers, and I'm worried about the men who think they can."

Well, ALEC and the Kochs sure do think they can. But their diabolical schemes don't stop with Gov. Abbott and changing our Constitution, they want to take over our country's entire political system. Having already spent hundreds of millions of dollars to get their policy pushing puppets like Abbott into office, the Kochs want to bend the will of the people as well. They recently started a new program that they call Grassroots Leadership Academy that gives how-to lessons in everything from mounting successful protest actions to recruiting middle-of-the-road voters.

Using Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals, they are training thousands of people to become organizers and political activists. This so-called "grassroots" outfit has been set up by the gabillionaire Koch boys to train cadres of right-wing corporatists to spread their ideological laissez-fairydust across the land.

The academy is run through Americans for Prosperity, Charlie's and Davie's political wing, which put up $3 million to get it going. About 10,000 people have gone through some of the training sessions in three dozen states. The brothers' grandiose scheme is to take over the Republican Party and use it as their tool to rebuild America itself into a Kochlandia, ruled by the super-rich.

The academy's curriculum is loaded with such corporate nonsense as a course titled "The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels." Attendees are indoctrinated with two overarching lessons:

1) freewheeling corporate power -- unrestrained by labor, environmental or other public protections -- GOOD;

2) Social Security, unemployment benefits, and other social programs--BAAAAAAD!

Koch Kollege for right-wing social engineers is peddling a status quo agenda of corporate elitism and trickle-down ideology, which the vast majority of Americans have openly rebelled against. It's like trying to sell chicken salad made out of chicken manure.
Our willingness to ignore the issue of human sex trafficking in the United States speaks to our ethical and moral values as a country. Having first handedly experienced the realization of how human sex trafficking can be present within our own backyards, while we have no knowledge of it, now is a time to call for change. Prior to transferring to University of Richmond, I was a student at Bucknell University. Unbeknownst to me, Route 81, which is the main road connecting New York City to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania is one of the largest human trafficking routes in the country. A senior came into my Women and Genders class to discuss this issue because it was the topic of her senior seminar and ever since her lecture I have been very interested in how domestic policy addresses this issue. In fact, right behind the Walmart right next to Bucknell, a small store covering as a nail salon turned out to be a major prostitution ring. I am a college educated female student, yet I could have easily fallen victim to the ruse human traffickers perform to obtain new victims. These women are not just victims, they are someone's mother, daughter, granddaughter or sister; they should not be reduced to second-class citizens. These women each have their own story. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that there are between 18,000 and 20,000 people trafficked every year in the United States. While this social issue has long been present in American society, it often gets pushed under the rug and is in fact neglected when discussing domestic policy. While legislators should address this issue and provide support for human trafficking's victims, the victims of these unspeakable crimes are left unheard.

In the United States, sex trafficking is commonly framed as a crime problem. However, in order to address the issue of human trafficking, our government must first examine the issue of prostitution, as the two go hand in hand. Prior to 20th century legislation, the police had little control over prostitution. Prostitution was not criminalized as an act of breaking the law until 1910 with Congress' passage of The Suppression of the White Slave Traffic Act. The act "classified the transportation of women across state lines for prostitution, debauchery or any other immoral purposes is to be processed a federal crime". The explanation to legislature's failure to uphold laws against prostitution lies in the fact that the local enforcement of anti-prostitution laws varied across U.S. states, therefore it was at each states' discretion on how to prosecute these crimes. Approaching the 1980's and 1990's, prostitution law enforcement decreased in priority in many U.S. cities because arrests did little to reduce the number of people engaging in prostitution.

Victims often come from vulnerable communities as runaways or abused children. These victims are frequently lured by false promises of job opportunity, financial stability, education, or a loving relationship. Sex traffickers use violence, threats, lies, debt bondage, and other forms of coercion to compel young adults and children to engage in commercial sex acts against their will. Women are taken to houses designated to get them hooked on drugs and to 'break them in' which means they get raped all day until they become numb to the sex act. All victims of human sex trafficking have one thing in common, the loss of their freedom. In the news, we hear a lot about the European sex slave network. However, we never talk about sex slavery within the U.S., we address the issue as a problem that doesn't apply to us because it cannot exist in a country that prides itself on the values of freedom. The general public is under the impression that it is poor European women being trafficked to the Middle East to work as sex slaves. But sex trafficking is extremely present in America as well. You would think people would pay attention when they see young girls at hotels who do not seem to have parents. These are women who are vulnerable American citizens.

Legislators turn a blind eye towards this national epidemic. The neglect to address this issue is rooted in sexism and misogyny. People justify ignoring human trafficking by assuming the fate that befalls these women just is what it is. Ultimately, the victims inherently are turned into second class citizens by the government as they fail to put a stop to human trafficking. The issue of human trafficking is one that can be found in every state. It has the potential to affect female students of my age who could possibly fall victim to this horrible underground business. This issue must be put at the forefront of our policy-making agenda.
The change of command recently has ushered an avenue of "may or may not" for the likely slot of the coming COAS in Pakistan. It is an undeniable fact that the incidents, having a profound impact on the minds and hearts of the related audience, become norms and values. Therefore, the audiences seek this deep-resulting impact for the desirable furthermost period. With no further detailed opacity, the retiring army chief General Raheel Shareef is causing a test lab for the upcoming chief. Raheel Shareef is believed to be among the bold, outspoken and bravest commanders who have yet steered Pakistan army. In fact, Pakistan seemed to bleed endlessly and mercilessly before his shoulders were given the quagmire like the responsibility of the topmost security position. However, the situation turned from a volcano into stagnation in subject to the control of grimy violence and explosions when this ironman stepped in the high-security avenue.

Pakistan in the absence of this outgoing practical general would seriously require the newly selected replacement to render blood and spirit in the wide array of burdensome tasks. The militancy is planned to be subsided thoroughly from the veins and arteries of the every corner of the country. Given the operation Zerb-I-Azb, the amassed successes require the close vigilance on the ways, the antagonistic sneaky operatives work. It also requires responding intensively. Thus, the prime thrust of security rhetoric, with no flexibility and leniency, should be the western porous borders where the penetration may again take place at the hands of the rivals for the sake of igniting militancy in Baluchistan and letting down the state writ in FATA.

It is evenly vital to keep the CPEC mega project intact and its accomplishment with all the premeditated projects is as necessary as the state's internal stability in the national growth. The counter planes, chalked out against this project, may expedite if the loopholes are observed in the way of ensuring multi-prong security. Therefore, diligently working on the enhancement of the security of CPEC would be demanding task the next army chief is supposed to undergo. Meanwhile, the alarming situation on the eastern horizons is glaring. The soldier-to-soldier confrontation along the LOC is evident. It is giving rise to unrest in the conflict-ridden South Asian region, particularly when an eyeball-to-eyeball phenomenon is being widely observed in the bloody border clashes. The further grave situation is predictable when the head of governments on both sides don't avow to incline towards resilience and are clinging to their unyielding stances. Toppling this eastern border situation and reaching out a workable and rational solution would be another front where the next army chief is destined to work assiduously.

Pakistan is said to be derailed in the subject of socio-political infrastructure in the wake of several military coups. Recently, the two army chiefs Kiani and Shareef have set an exemplary role in making the civil-military relations balanced. This tradition has proved fruitful during the worst kind of crisis Pakistan has ever witnessed during the last one and half decades in terms of security turmoil. The crisis remained manageable mainly because every pillar of national power appears to work within its boundaries. This area of coherence is again a major indicator of the national positive fame and fortune, which requires the next army chief to demonstrate a real patriotism.

To wind up, the said four tasks are the foremost harbingers of rationality the upcoming military leader has to prove. These areas if tackled tactfully would accrue the same prestige, the general Raheel Shareef has done. Accordingly, the nation would get concrete steps in improving stability and prosperity.
From Our Future

Donald Trump's latest cabinet pick endangers the health and well-being of millions of Americans. From tax cuts to surgeons' income, Rep. Tom Price of Georgia -- Trump's choice to run the Department of Health and Human Services -- has repeatedly fought for the wealthy and privileged at the expense of ordinary Americans.

As a trained physician, Price is supposedly bound by the Hippocratic oath: "First, do no harm." Unfortunately, he'll soon be in a position to do a great deal of harm -- and his widely publicized desire to gut Medicare is only part of the problem.

Self-Serving Hard-Right Rhetoric

The New York Times, along with other news outlets, reported that Price's policy positions are "often aligned with the positions of the American Medical Association and the Medical Association of Georgia."

That places him in an old, if hardly illustrious, tradition.

In 1939 the AMA'S executive director wrote an editorial declaring that "all forms of security, compulsory security, even against old age and unemployment ... represent a taking away of individual responsibility, a weakening of national caliber, a definite step toward either communism or totalitarianism."

The editorial's floridly self-serving language used phrases like "peasant medicine" and "medical Soviets" to describe programs like Social Security and Medicare.

Nor did the AMA's far-right proselytizing end with the New Deal. In the early 1960s it hired a fading actor named Ronald Reagan to cut a record entitled "Ronald Reagan Speaks Out Against Socialized Medicine," which was sent to AMA "ladies' auxiliaries" (assumed to be doctors' wives, rather than doctors themselves).

The "ladies" were instructed to "put on the coffeepot," play the record, and then bring out stationery so their friends could pen anti-Medicare letters to Congress.

The recorded Reagan warned that Medicare was "socialized medicine" and intoned that, should it pass, "one of these days you and I are going to spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it once was like in America when men were free."

That campaign, "Operation Coffee Cup," was an early example of the viral marketing -- and fake news -- that brought us President Trump. The record failed to derail Medicare, but launched Reagan's political career.

When it comes to extremist AMA rhetoric, Tom Price is partying like it's 1939. He argued that the Affordable Care Act "removes the very freedom and liberty that our founders fought for at its very core," said that its treatment of doctors represents the "subjugation of " a formerly free citizen," and claimed that it creates "a system where Washington decides what you can get, what kind of treatment you can get for yourself and for your family."

Added Price, in words that would not have seemed out of place in that Depression-era editorial:

"That's not America, that's not the America that you and I love, that's not the America our founders fought for, that's not the America that recognizes that our liberty and our freedom comes from God almighty and not from the federal government."

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Clot Management Devices Market To Witness Growth On Account Of Rising Demand For Effective Thrombectomy/Embolectomy Devices Till 2024: Grand View Research, Inc.

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/clot-management-devices-market

The global clot management market () was valued at USD 1.26 billion in 2015 and is further expected to reach a value of USD 1.88 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.6% owing to the key drivers such as increasing prevalence of stroke, Pulmonary Embolism (PE), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), obesity, growing geriatric population, technological advancements, and improvement in health insurance coverage & availability of emergency medical services.Globally, the number of people impacted by PE and DVT, which are collectively known as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), is much larger than AIDS, cancer, and road traffic accidents combined together.The data published by the U.S. CDC indicates that stroke is amongst the leading cause of disabilities and is the fifth leading cause of deaths in the U.S. According to the estimates of CDC, PE and DVT affect nearly 900,000 people in the U.S. Furthermore, the CDC estimates also suggest the following: Approximately 60,000 to 100,000 Americans die due to VTE and nearly 10% to 30% of the people are expected to die within 1 month of their diagnosis Nearly 33% of the people with VTE will have a recurrence within 10 years In the U.S.,VTE accounts for over USD 10 billion in medical costsThe various risk factors that lead to VTE and stroke are classified as high, medium, and other risks. The high risk factors include hospitalization; spinal, hip, knee, & cancer surgeries; and inactivity for long time due to various reasons, such as postsurgery, sedentary lifestyle, etc. The moderate risk factors include age above 60 years, family history of blood clots, chemotherapy, and excessive use of estrogen-based medications. The other risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and alcohol consumption.The clot management devices market is also anticipated to grow due to technological advancements and the launch of new-generation thrombectomy devices, such as Penumbras AC68 Reperfusion Catheter; Trevo clot retrieval device manufactured by the Concentric Medical, Inc.; and EmboTrap II Revascularization Device manufactured by Neuravi.Further Key Findings from the Study Suggest: In 2015, percutaneous thrombectomy devices accounted for the maximum share of over 35%. However, the neurovascular embolectomy devices segment is expected to register the maximum CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period Hospitals accounted for the maximum share of over 80%, as majority of the stroke, DVT, and PE cases are treated in emergency and critical care units. The demand for low-risk clot removal procedures is anticipated to drive the diagnostic center segment. In 2015, North America held the majority revenue share of over 60.5%. The growing awareness about DVT/PE, access to advanced healthcare facilities, and presence of robust reimbursement and regulatory framework are some of the key reasons attributed to the high market share. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing region with a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. Some of the key players in the clot management devices market include Boston Scientific Corporation; Edwards Lifesciences; Teleflex; Vascular Solutions, Inc.; Straub Medical; LeMaitre Vascular; Medtronic; iVascular; and othersGrand View Research has segmented the clot management devices market by product, end user and region:Clot Management Devices Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2013 - 2024) Neurovascular Embolectomy Devices Embolectomy Balloon Catheters Percutaneous Thrombectomy Devices Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (CDT) devices Inferior VenaCava Filters (IVCF)Clot Management Devices End-User Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2013 - 2024) Hospitals DiagnosticCentersClot Management Devices Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2013 - 2024) North Americao U.S.o Canada Europeo Germanyo UK Asia Pacifico Chinao Japan Latin Americao Mexicoo Brazil MEAo South AfricaAbout Grand View ResearchGrand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.Press ContactSherry James - Corporate Relations Specialist28 2nd Street, Suite 3036San Francisco, CA 94105United StatesPhone: 1-415-349-0058Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com
Medical Device Report On Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd - Product Pipeline Analysis, Research & Development strategies 2016

http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/883486

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http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/

"The Report Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd - Product Pipeline Analysis, 2016 Update provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd (CDS), a subsidiary of Carclo plc is a medical equipment company that develops point-of-Care diagnostic technologies. The company's products include micropoc, micropoc lite, micropoc cat, micropoc pro and capillary agglutination technology. Its micropoc lite is a qualitative device which could be used for blood group testing, theoretically, and allergies, among others. CDS' test result provide a simple, non-electronic mechanism such as yes or no result. The company's micropoc cat is a quantitative device based on capillary agglutination technology with a simple electronic display. Its device could be used for assays such as d-dimer and blood coagulation, among others. Its micropoc pro is a quantitative device used to detect colour change and it may be used to transfer existing assays from an ELISA format to a POC platform. The company's products are used in various applications such as first-response, ambulatory, decentralised and resource- constrained settings. CDS is headquartered in Ossett, the UK.This report is a source for data, analysis, and actionable intelligence on the companys portfolio of pipeline products. The report provides key information about the company, its major products and brands.The report enhances decision making capabilities and help to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage.View Report AtScope:- The report reviews detailed company profile with information on business description, key company facts, major products and services, key competitors, key employees, locations and subsidiaries and recent developments- The report analyzes all pipeline products in development for the company Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd- The report provides pipeline analysis on all pipeline products of the company (by equipment type, by indication, by development stage, and by trial status)- The report covers detailed information on each pipeline product with information on pipeline territory, stage of development, device class, regulatory path, indication(s), application(s) and estimated launch date- The report provides detailed description of products in development, technical specification and functions- The report also covers ongoing clinical trials (wherever applicable) with information on trial name, trial objective, sponsor, trial design , trial status and phase, estimated start and end date.Reasons to Buy:- Develop business strategies by understanding the trends and developments driving the medical devices pipeline and technology landscape- Design and develop your product development, marketing and sales strategies by understanding the competitor portfolio- To formulate effective Research & Development strategies- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies- Exploit in-licensing and out-licensing opportunities by identifying products, most likely to ensure a robust return- Plan mergers and acquisitions effectively by identifying key players of the most promising pipeline- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage- Develop competition strategies by identifying the status and likely launch of the competitors pipeline products through review of the clinical trials, stage and of development, etc- Identify, understand and capitalize the next high-value products that your competitor would add in its portfolioDownload Sample copy of this Report at :Table of ContentsTable of Contents 2List of Tables 3List of Figures 4Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd Company Overview 5Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd Company Snapshot 5Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd Pipeline Products and Clinical Trials Overview 6Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd Pipeline Analysis Overview 8Key Facts 8Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd - Major Products and Services 9Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd Pipeline Products by Development Stage 10Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd Pipeline Products Overview 12Micropoc-CAT 12Micropoc-CAT Product Overview 12Micropoc-CAT - CRP Assay 13Micropoc-CAT - CRP Assay Product Overview 13Micropoc-CAT - Haemostasis Assay 14Micropoc-CAT - Haemostasis Assay Product Overview 14Micropoc-CAT - Haemotology Assay 15Micropoc-CAT - Haemotology Assay Product Overview 15Micropoc-CAT - Infection Assay 16Micropoc-CAT - Infection Assay Product Overview 16Micropoc-CAT - Inflammation Assay 17Micropoc-CAT - Inflammation Assay Product Overview 17Micropoc-Lite 18Micropoc-Lite Product Overview 18Micropoc-Pro 19Micropoc-Pro Product Overview 19Micropoc-Pro - Kidney Injury Marker Assay 20Micropoc-Pro - Kidney Injury Marker Assay Product Overview 20Micropoc-pro - Troponin-I Assay 21Micropoc-pro - Troponin-I Assay Product Overview 21Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd - Key Competitors 22Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd - Key Employees 23Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd - Locations And Subsidiaries 24Head Office 24Recent Developments 25Carclo Diagnostic Solutions Ltd, Recent Developments 25Jul 24, 2014: Carclo Diagnostics Solutions showcases its technologies in 2014 25Jun 10, 2014: New developments for micropoc 25Nov 19, 2013: EKF Diagnostics Acute kidney Injury marker collaboration with Carclo Plc. 26Appendix 27Methodology 27About GlobalData 27Contact Us 27DisclaimerMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Croatia Power Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2030

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"The Report Croatia Power Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2016 - Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"This report elaborates Croatia's power market structure and provides historical and forecast numbers for capacity, generation, and consumption up to 2030. Detailed analysis of the Croatia power markets regulatory structure, import and export trends, competitive landscape, and power projects at various stages of the supply chain is provided. The report also gives a snapshot of the power sector in Croatia on broad parameters of macroeconomics, supply security, generation infrastructure, transmission infrastructure, degree of competition, regulatory scenario, and future potential. Financial performance of the leading power companies is also analyzed in the report.View Report AtScope- Snapshot of the countrys power sector across parameters - macro economics, supply security, generation infrastructure, transmission infrastructure, degree of competition, regulatory scenario and future potential of the power sector.- Statistics for installed capacity, power generation and consumption from 2000 to 2015, forecast for the next 15 years to 2030.- Break-up by technology, including thermal, hydro, renewable and nuclear- Data on leading current and upcoming projects.- Information on grid interconnectivity, transmission and distribution infrastructure and power exports and imports.- Policy and regulatory framework governing the market.- Detailed analysis of top market participant, including market share analysis and SWOT analysis.Reasons to buy- Identify opportunities and plan strategies by having a strong understanding of the investment opportunities in the countrys power sector- Identification of key factors driving investment opportunities in the countrys power sector- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data- Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential- Identify key partners and business development avenues- Identify key strengths and weaknesses of important market participants- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects.Download Sample copy of this Report at :Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 41.1 List of Tables 71.2 List of Figures 82 Introduction 92.1 GlobalData Report Guidance 103 Croatia Power Market, Snapshot 113.1 Croatia, Power Market, Macroeconomic Factors 113.2 Croatia, Power Market, Supply Security 133.3 Croatia, Power Market, Opportunities 143.4 Croatia, Power Market, Challenges 154 Croatia, Power Market, Market Analysis 164.1 Croatia, Power Market, Market Structure 164.2 Croatia, Power Market, Key Market Players 174.3 Croatia, Power Market, Financial Deals 184.3.1 Deal Value and Volume Analysis, 2004-July 2016 184.3.2 Deals by Type, 2015 194.4 Croatia, Power Market, Demand Structure 204.4.1 Power Consumption by Sector, 2015 225 Croatia, Power Market, Regulatory Scenario 235.1 Croatia, Power Market, Development of Renewable Energy 235.1.1 Feed-in Tariffs 245.1.2 Croatia Renewable Electricity Sales Methodology will Change from January 2017 265.2 Croatia, Power Market, Energy Efficiency 265.2.1 Problems with the Implementation of Renewable Energy Plans 276 Croatia, Power Market, Capacity and Generation Overview 286.1 Croatia, Power Market, Cumulative Installed Capacity, 2000-2030 286.1.1 Installed Capacity, Breakdown by Fuel Type, 2015 286.1.2 Cumulative Installed Capacity and Annual Generation, 2000-2030 296.1.3 Cumulative Installed Thermal Power Capacity and Annual Thermal Power Generation, 2000-2030 326.1.4 Cumulative Installed Hydropower Capacity and Annual Hydropower Generation, 2000-2030 366.1.5 Cumulative Installed Non-hydro Renewable Power Capacity and Annual Non-hydro Renewable Power Generation, 2000-2030 40MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Learning to Learn  How the Brain Creates Memory

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The brains hippocampus has several functions, but it is best known for its role in memory. A brain needs the hippocampus to store past memories and to form new ones. Three distinguished experts from the areas of neurophysiology, psychology and cognitive biology will provide insight on how the hippocampus mediates memory formation at the German Center for Research and Innovation New York on December 5, 2016.When we learn facts or store memories about episodes in our lives, one particular brain structure plays a very important role: the hippocampus. This structure is especially important for helping us create complex associative memories. The hippocampus uses information that is detected and made available by different sensory systems. What we hear, see, touch, taste, smell are all used by the hippocampus to create complex and vivid memories.Prof. Denise Manahan-Vaughan holds a professorship in neuroscience and is head of the Department of Neurophysiology within the Medical Faculty of the Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that enable long-term memory storage within brain cells, and especially within our primary memory structure: the hippocampus. Prof. Dr. Raymond Kesner is professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the University of Utah. His major research interests are in the theoretical and applied aspects associated with the neurobiological basis of learning and memory in both animals and humans. Prof. Lucia Jacobs is professor in the Department of Psychology and the Helen Wills Institute of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on the ecology and evolution of navigating choices: how animals make choices about what and where to eat, how to navigate and map new terrains, and how to integrate diverse sources of information to make adaptive decisions in uncertain environments.For more information, visitThe German Center for Research and Innovation provides information and support for the realization of cooperative and collaborative projects between North America and Germany. With the goal of enhancing communication on the critical challenges of the 21st century, GCRI hosts a wide range of events from lectures and exhibitions to workshops and science dinners. Opened in February 2010, GCRI was created as a cornerstone of the German governments initiative to internationalize science and research and is one of five centers worldwide.Edwin LinderkampCommunications OfficerGerman Center for Research and Innovation (GCRI)871 United Nations PlazaNew York, NY 10017USA
Fortune Real Estate Completes Sale Of Whisper Creek RV Resort

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 Fortune Real Estate, the leading facilitator of the purchase and sale of Florida-based commercial real estate properties, announced today the completion of its sale of Whisper Creek RV Resort in LaBelle, FL to Inspire Communities. Now in its 25th season of operation, Whisper Creek RV Resort is a four-star, 55+ recreational vehicle resort consisting of 477 sites. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.Fortune Real Estate negotiated the sale on behalf of the family of Whisper Creeks original developer including Rhonda Allison who will continue to serve as the resorts Community Manager. Lee Meekoms of Parkbridge Capital Group, LLC, and Loraine Leithiser of Florida Choice Realty, Inc. represented Inspire Communities.We are pleased to announce the completion of the sale of one of the Fort Myers-areas premier RV resort, Whisper Creek, to Inspire Communities, a leading owner and operator of manufactured home communities nationwide. We look forward to working with Erik Rollain and the entire Inspire Communities team again on future acquisitions," stated Rob Smith, Fortune Real Estates lead broker on the acquisition.Fortune Real Estate specializes in Florida investment properties, specifically mobile home parks, manufactured home communities, RV parks, campgrounds, and other similar resort or park types of communities. Because of its strong relations within the Florida residential marketplace, buyers from across the country seek the companys expertise for investment opportunities in the area. For additional information, please visit4301 32ND ST W, #EV8BRADENTON, FL 34205
Global Food Packaging Machinery Market 2016- Bosch Packaging Technology, GEA Group, Illinois Tool Works and Multivac.

Food Packaging Machinery

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Global Food Packaging Machinery Industry 2016The Report Covers Major Manufacturers Analysis of Food Packaging Machinery Market 2016- Bosch Packaging Technology, GEA Group, Illinois Tool Works and Multivac With Analysis like- Company Profile, Product Picture and Specifications, Sales Volume, Sales Revenue, Sale Price, Gross Margin and Contact Information.Supported by comprehensive primary as well as secondary research, the report Global Food Packaging Machinery Industry 2016 presents profitable market insights. This market research report has deployed suggestions from numerous industry experts and also presents valuable recommendations from expert and experienced market analysts.The report incorporates restraints, market drivers, opportunities, challenges, investment potential, future roadmap, new innovations, vendor profiles, market trends, and strategies. The report also details market size forecasts for the global and China Food Packaging Machinery market. Additionally, further forecasts have been presented pertaining to the dominant segments of the Food Packaging Machinery market. The report is deployed along with numerous graphs, charts, and graphics for a better and vivid understanding of the market data.Click Here to Request Sample Report @To add on, the report answers some key questions, which are as follows:What are the drivers impacting the market growth of the Food Packaging Machinery market?What will be the estimated Food Packaging Machinery market size and the CAGR at which the market will expand, by the end of the forecast horizon?Which geographical segments (regions) as well as sub-areas will expand at the most elevated rate during the forecast horizon?What are the primary strategies adopted by the emerging organizations in the Food Packaging Machinery market?How will the market dynamics be shaped by the end of the forecasting horizon?A detailed evaluation of the leading vendors in the Food Packaging Machinery market is delivered and a description of how these top companies are focusing at the emerging markets around the world is conferred through this report. In addition to this, recent strategic mergers, partnerships, collaborations, and acquisitions taking place in the global Food Packaging Machinery market have been incorporated in this report.A section demonstrating the key recommendations for established players and new entrants is also exhibited in this study. Strategic recommendations from senior analysts provide a clear perspective with regard to the key strategies to be adopted to get the most benefit from entering the Food Packaging Machinery market.Browse Full Report at @About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651
Global Yacht Coatings Market 2016- AkzoNobel, Jotun, PPG Industries, Hempel and Sherwin-Williams.

Yacht Coatings

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Global Yacht Coatings Industry 2016The Report Covers Major Manufacturers Analysis of Yacht Coatings Market 2016- AkzoNobel, Jotun, PPG Industries, Hempel and Sherwin-Williams With Analysis like- Company Profile, Product Picture and Specifications, Sales Volume, Sales Revenue, Sale Price, Gross Margin and Contact Information.The research report, titled Global Yacht Coatings Industry 2016, presents crucial information and statistical data about the Yacht Coatings market with respect to China as well as the rest of the world. The market report provides an overall analytical study of the Yacht Coatings market, taking growth drivers, restraints, and future prospects into account. The prevalent trends and opportunities are also discussed in this study.The report analyzes the China and global Yacht Coatings market on the basis of various key segments based on the product types, applications, and end users. The regional markets for Yacht Coatings are also considered for the analysis, the results of which are utilized to predict the performance of the Yacht Coatings market in China and across the globe during the period from 2016 to 2021.Click Here to Request Sample Report @Each of the market verticals of the Yacht Coatings industry are qualitatively as well as quantitatively analyzed to present a comparative assessment of the market. Basic information such as the definition, the industry chain feeding the market, and the policies are also discussed in the report.The products available in the market are studied on the basis of their manufacturing chain, product pricing, and the profit they generate. In-depth analysis is then performed on the various regional markets for Yacht Coatings, examining the production volume and efficiency of the Yacht Coatings industry in China and around the world. The demand and supply statistics for Yacht Coatings as well as the growth figures experienced by the Yacht Coatings market are also presented for each regional market in this report.Various analytical tools are applied in the analysis on the Yacht Coatings market to achieve an accurate understanding of the market players into the potential development of this market. These tools include feasibility analysis, investment return analyses, as well as SWOT analysis of the major market players.Browse Full Report at @About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651
Global Motorcycle Shock Absorber Market 2016- KYB, Tenneco, Showa and SKF.

Motorcycle Shock Absorber

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Global Motorcycle Shock Absorber Industry 2016The Report Covers Major Manufacturers Analysis of Motorcycle Shock Absorber Market 2016- KYB, Tenneco, Showa and SKF With Analysis like- Company Profile, Product Picture and Specifications, Sales Volume, Sales Revenue, Sale Price, Gross Margin and Contact Information.The report on the Motorcycle Shock Absorber market is a valuable decision-making and competitive-tracking tool for both new and established companies operating within it. Forecasts for the Motorcycle Shock Absorber market are based on a suite of proprietary databases and data from primary research. Furthermore, the report provides analysis-backed trends and opportunities for each important segment. A clear picture of the market participants, their latest business development strategies, and product portfolio is provided in the Motorcycle Shock Absorber market report.Market shares currently occupied by regional players, market participants, and the other important segments are all provided based on interviews with C-level executives, distributors, and industry segment leaders. The report on the Motorcycle Shock Absorber market also further provides the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in % for each segment and sub-segment, if any.Click Here to Request Sample Report @Furthermore, the report on the Motorcycle Shock Absorber market evaluates factors that would help the market grow, as well as factors that will impede growth over the forecast period of this report. An analysis of the market drivers and restraints also helps analysts identify emerging opportunities that can be harnessed by participants in the Motorcycle Shock Absorber market.Based on their extensive industry experience, the authors of this report provide recommendations for new entrants in the Motorcycle Shock Absorber market. The report concludes with a meticulous assessment of the players operating within the Motorcycle Shock Absorber market based on their revenues and earnings, recent developments, industry partnerships, and future plans.Browse Full Report at @About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651
Concrete Admixtures Market, Size, share, 2015  2020 detailed in new research report

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The report covers forecast and analysis for the Concrete Admixtures market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with a forecast from 2016 to 2021 based on volume and revenue (USD Million). The study includes drivers and restraints for the market along with the impact they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes a study of opportunities available in the Concrete Admixtures market on a global level.Get a copy of free Sample Report @In order to give the users of this report a comprehensive view on the Concrete Admixtures market, we have included a detailed competitive scenario and product portfolio of key vendors. To understand the competitive landscape in the market, an analysis of Porters five forces model for the Concrete Admixtures market has also been included, strategic development along with patents analysis is included in this report. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein type segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.Get in-depth TOC (Table of Contents) with Tables and Figures @All the segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2015 to 2021.The regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa with its further bifurcation into major countries including U.S. Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India, and Brazil.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include BASF SE, Ashland Inc., CEMEX S.A.B DE C.V., Conmix Ltd., Dow Chemical Company, CICO Technologies Ltd., and Pidilite Industries Ltd.Browse detail report @/market-analysis/concrete-admixtures-market.htmlConcrete Admixtures Market: Regional Segment Analysis North Americao U.S. Europeo UKo Franceo Germany Asia Pacifico Chinao Japano India Latin Americao Brazil The Middle East and AfricaAbout US:Syndicate Market Research provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Syndicate Market Research cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with the one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suite #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@SyndicateMarketResearch.comWebsite:
Inventory Tags Market: Global Industry Size, Share and Trends Analysis and Forecast, 2016-2024

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Global Inventory Tags Market: OverviewA tag attached to inventory items to provide the required information about the finished products, raw materials, and others stored elements is called as inventory tag. The inventory tags play a vital role in inventory management, to streamline production, and to maintain and plan the procurement of the raw material. The supply chain facilities are totally dependent on the inventory for identification of product type, specification, and quantities. Implementation of inventory tags has led the end-users reduce their operational time and decrease the cost of unplanned buying. Due to the introduction of various advanced technologies in inventory management, it has increased the overall production as well as it is beneficial for precise tracking of goods in an enormous manufacturing facility.Get a copy of free Sample Report @Global Inventory Tags Market: SegmentationThe inventory tags are produced based on various factors such as materials, technology and printing methods, and application. Further based on the material used in manufacturing, the global market is classified as plastic, vinyl, paper, and metal. In which, the metal-type tags are more durable. Types of metals used are stainless steel and aluminum. Moreover, based on technology, the global market is segmented as the barcode, QR codes, and radio frequency identification device (RFID). The printing medium is classified as digital printing, letter pass printing, flexographic, screen printing, and thermal transfer printing. The end-users of the inventory tags are classified as manufacturing units, logistics, retail, SMEs, and military warehouses.Request for TOC of Report @Global Inventory Tags Market: Growth FactorsRising trend of online shopping and growing e-commerce companies has led the owners to set up the warehouse to maintain the SKUs and to process the data of the inventories based on the order flow; this is a factor responsible for boosting the demand for inventory tags. Increased disposable income in developing countries has led the high demand for retail products, which is indirectly fostering the growth of the inventory tags market. Wide application of inventory tags in logistics or supply chain management system to real-time monitor the item and to avoid fake products is major application upholding the market growth. On the other hand, unawareness of the latest inventory technologies in developing regions is restraining the inventory tags market growth.Global Inventory Tags Market: Regional AnalysisGeographically, Europe is dominating the global inventory tags market and is also anticipated to retain its position in coming future owing to advancement in technologies and simultaneous implementation of the developed products. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a fast pace due to rising industrialization warehouse units and growing retail industry in India and China. Further, North America is making a significant growth due to high use of barcodes in the food industry.Browse detail report @Global Inventory Tags Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the major players contributing to the development of the inventory tags market with their services and innovations are Avery Dennison Corporation, Brady Corporation, Tyco International PLC, Smartrac N.V, Hewlett-Packard Company, 3M Company, Zebra Technologies Corporation, Checkpoint Systems, Inc., Cenveo Inc., and Alien Technology Inc. With certain mergers and expansions in the market, one of the leading players Avery Dennison Corporation has made an announcement of acquiring Mactac from platinum equity at price of 200 million, which is in the final procedure of the acquisition.Global Inventory Tags Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaKnow more before buying this report @What Reports ProvidesFull in-depth analysis of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsSegmentation details of the marketFormer, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and valueAssessment of niche industry developmentsMarket share analysisKey strategies of major playersEmerging segments and regional marketsTestimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the marketAbout UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Industrial Labels Market: Global Industry Size, Share and Trends Analysis and Forecast, 2016-2024

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Global Industrial Labels Market: OverviewIndustrial labels have turn into promising media to transfer essential product-related information to end-users. This label provides information such as product disposal, origin, shelf life, supply chain, and other related information to enhance product visibility. However, industrial labels add elegant features to product attractiveness. Moreover, this label gains an edge over other products of the same category manufactured by competitors. Industrial labels can easily be customized according to shape, range, size, and application in various industries. False information affects the revenue and respective brand image of the company. Hence, it needs to use anti-counterfeiting technologies based on unique codes on labels. This technology will help to tackle the counterfeit issue. It keeps the record of proper tracking of the product.Get a copy of free Sample Report @Global Industrial Labels Market: SegmentationThe global industrial labels market is segmented on the basis of technology as bar codes, radio frequency identification (RFID), and others. Of which, RFID is the dominating technology segment across the globe. Further, the global industrial labels market is categorized based on mechanism as glue-applied, heat-shrink, pressure sensitive, in-mold, and others. In addition, on the basis of end-use applications, the global industrial labels market is divided as consumer durables, automotive, chemicals, construction, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, transportation & logistics, and others. Of which, food & beverage is demanding end-use application worldwide.Request for TOC of Report @Global Industrial Labels Market: Growth FactorsIndustrial labels are widely adopted by various industries, which is expected to boost the global market demand in the near future. True information is needed to reach the customers; hence anti-counterfeiting technologies play a vital role in propelling the market growth. Moreover, increasing industrial network in the developing countries may enhance the market in future. Forged information regarding any product becomes a major challenge for the market to tackle with. This may hinder the market growth in the future.Browse detail report @Global Industrial Labels Market: Regional AnalysisOn the basis of region, the global industrial labels market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America accounted for the largest market share for industrial labels owing to large industrial network. Europe is another region which is witnessing higher growth due to rising awareness in consumer for duplicate products. Asia Pacific is moving at a faster pace to grab larger portion in the global industrial labels market owing to witness increasing industrial development and young workforce. This is anticipated to foster in the global industrial labels market growth in the coming years.Global Industrial Labels Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the key players in the global market are Avery Dennison Corporation, Henkel AG & Company, 3M, Cenveo Inc., Saint Gobain SA, Fuji Seal International, Inc., Brady Corporation, H.B. Fuller Co., Flexcon Company, Inc., and CCL Industries Inc.. Many companies focus on best-suited business strategies to better serve customer. TSC Auto ID has introduced a new Industrial Label Printer in series of MX240P.Know more before buying this report @About UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Systweak Updates Their Flagship Android Cleaner App with New Features

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Systweak Software, has added a few more significant features to its popular Android cleaning app, Systweak Android cleaner. It is now equipped with a fully capable duplicate files cleaner tool that removes duplicate audio and video files, photos, documents and other exact copies of files.Moreover, users can now use the Hibernate mode to temporarily shut down background app activities. Another major change is that the Image Viewer in File Explorer now shows categorized images in their respective folders or according to chronology. Other files can now be previewed directly from the app and can be shared with multiple users at once. Additionally, the developers have also refreshed the app interface with 6 new colorful themes to choose from.Systweak Android Cleaner has been one of our prized apps and has also been highly popular with users. The addition of these new features will not only help users get the best out of their Android phones, but will also make it a one-stop optimization app for Android phones and devices, said Mr. Shrishail Rana, CEO, Systweak Software.The prime motive behind the addition of these new features was to give a complete cleanup and optimization solution to Android users. The duplicate remover tool has also been one of our trusted products and its addition to Systweak Android Cleaner will only give more power to the user for a complete device cleanup, added Mr. Praveen Khanna, Manager, Systweak Android Development Team.Systweak Android Cleaner is an all-inclusive cleanup and optimization tool for Android smartphones. It removes junk files and frees device memory for a smooth and enjoyable Android experience.To Download Systweak Android Cleaner visit:Systweak Software has been developing and distributing Windows, Mac, iOS & Android Apps since last 18 years to improve the average users digital experience. It has recently been featured in 100 Most Promising Microsoft Solution Providers list by the enterprise solutions magazine, CIO Review. Some of the companys flagship apps have been featured on Newswatch, the Discovery Channels tech news bulletin. Systweak Software has a large user-base in North America followed by several countries in Europe and Asia.572 & 573, G-1, Tower B-1 Evolve, IT/ITeS Mahindra World City, Village Kalwara, Taluka Sanganer, Jaipur- 302037, INDIAPhone: +91-141-2243030, 2243031 (5:00 AM to 5:00 PM G.M.T.) FAX: +91-141-2577982
Wind Energy Foundation Market Is Projected To Witness Growth On Account Of Rising Demand For Clean Energy Resources Till 2024: Grand View Research, Inc.

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/wind-energy-foundation-market

The global wind energy foundation market() is expected to reach USD 241.14 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing concerns over depleting petroleum resources has resulted in influencing growing demand for renewable energy. Increasing global population and industrialization have become major factors for moving towards non-conventional resources.Wind energy is gaining momentum over the past few years on account of major capacity additions owing to the declining prices. Recently there have been dramatic reductions in costs on account of increasing research and development. Growing demand for expansion of electricity generation and access is expected to be a major driver for the industry over the forecast period.Climate change and global warming are major factors responsible for the increasing focus on wind power and harnessing this power for the future generations. The demand for wind energy foundation was USD 73.46 billion in 2015.Approximately 100 countries have managed to build several commercial wind farms.Strong government initiatives and subsidies for the development of renewable energy is expected to be crucial factor for growth of the industry over the forecast period. The Paris agreement of 2015 was a major step in moving towards harnessing sustainable and clean energy.Further key findings from the report suggest: Offshore wind energy foundation segment is expected to witness revenue growth at a CAGR of 14.9% from 2016 to 2024. Offshore wind turbines have large power capacities and are now being installed even in deep water. In the offshore category, mono-pile foundation accounted for 35.6% of the global market share in 2015 and it was the largest in offshore category. Increasing need to secure energy security and growing concerns about onshore wind farms is a major factor propelling expansion. Onshore wind energy foundation market was valued at USD 52.01 billion. The onshore category has dominated the foundation market over the past several decades owing to reasonable cost for installation. Asia Pacific market was valued at USD 27.45 billion in 2015 and will witness significant gains over the forecast period on account of continuous increase in installation capacity in countries such as China, India and Japan. North America is a major market for foundations owing to the availability of best wind resources coupled with low prices as compared to other countries. Countries such as Brazil will open present new opportunities for propelling growth over the forecast period.Grand View Research has segmented the global wind energy foundation market by site location and region:Site Location outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) Onshoreo Mono-Pileo Jacket-Pileo Gravityo Suctiono Tripod Offshoreo Rafto Pileo Well Foundationo OthersRegional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) North Americao U.S. Europeo Germanyo UKo France Asia Pacifico Chinao Indiao Japan Latin Americao Brazil Middle East & Africa (MEA)About Grand View ResearchGrand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.Press ContactSherry James - Corporate Relations Specialist28 2nd Street, Suite 3036San Francisco, CA 94105United StatesPhone: 1-415-349-0058Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com
Global Automotive Switch Market: Explores New Growth Opportunities By 2024

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Global Automotive Switch Market: OverviewAutomotive switch is like an electromechanical device that is used to operate an electrical circuit. It is used in vehicles for a wide variety of applications such as infotainment system, HVAC system, and electronic component systems. It helps the driver to control the direction indicators, infotainment, windows, and headlights without getting distracted from driving. There are different types of automotive switches such as rotary, push button, toggle switches, and knobs. Nowadays, Illuminated switches are provided in the vehicles to indicate the actuation about a specific function, thus making it convenient for the user to locate and identify the switch position during low light. Illumination is provided in a number of switches, including rocker switches, push button switches, toggle switches and rotary switches.As new technologies are implemented and accepted, so complexity of electrification in automobiles is increasing. In order to make the automobiles system more reliable and efficient automobile manufacturers are using electronics devices. With the growing control requirements, increased vehicles electrification, and simplified wiring, automotive switches use is inevitable. The global automotive switch market is anticipated to have a modest CAGR in the forecast period.Request for Sample Report:Global Automotive Switch Market: Drivers and RestrainsThe ever increasing global automobile market and the growing adoption of automotive switches in the operating systems of vehicles is the major driving factor for the global automotive switch market. Also the technological advancements in the automobiles in terms of electronics systems and electrifications is making the use of automotive switch more common in vehicles. The ease of operating the different functions during driving through automotive switches, and the illuminating nature of automotive switch that makes it easy to locate are bolstering the growth of global automotive switch market.However, luxury car manufacturers are incorporating screen touch panels in their vehicles for different electronics operations that can hamper the global automotive switch market. Also after a prolonged use of automotive switches their service starts deteriorating and delays the operations that can again slowdown the automotive switch market.Request for Table of content:Global Automotive Switch Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global automotive switch market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Europe is the dominant region in the global automotive switch market owing to the ever increasing automobile market in this region. Asia Pacific is the second major contributor in the automotive switch market due to the automobile giants such as Maruti, Hero and other companies. The companies such as General Motors, Ford are having a significant contribution in the global automobile market making North America a considerable player in the global automotive switch market. Japan is technologically advanced country in terms of automotive markets and so the technology of automotive switches is very common in this country. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage in the automotive switch market but is anticipated to have a modest CAGR in the forecasted period.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Operational Predictive Maintenance Market is Predictable To Observer Major Growth During The Forecast (2016 - 2022)

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Operational predictive maintenance software retrieve multiple data sources in real time to predict quality issues or asset failure. Adoption of these software solutions facilitate organizations to prevent downtime and reduce maintenance costs. Operational predictive software solutions detect failure patterns and minor anomalies to determine the assets and operational processes that are at the greatest risk of failure. Deployment of operation predictive maintenance software boosts equipment uptime and enhance supply chain processes and quality. One of the major factors for the increasing usage of these software solutions is their ability to accurately predict asset failure, enabling enterprises to take the asset out of production ensuing efficient supply chain.Request for Sample Report:The operational predictive maintenance market has been experiencing massive growth in the recent years due to rise in demand for transforming maintenance operations and reducing asset downtime. Moreover, increasing demand for big data and Internet of Things (IoT) and rising focus of organizations on reducing operational cost is further expected to fuel the growth of operational predictive maintenance market during the forecast period. However, lack of training for operators and lack of trust in predictive maintenance technology is hindering the market growth. Increasing demand for real time steaming analytics and increasing demand from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is expected to create huge opportunities for the companies operating in operational predictive maintenance market.The global operational predictive maintenance market is segmented on the basis of components, deployment type, application, and geography. Based on the component, the global operational predictive maintenance market is classified into solutions and services. Further, services segment is further categorized into system integration, training and support, and consulting. Based on the deployment type, the global operational predictive maintenance market is further segmented into cloud-based and on-premise. Among these, cloud based operational predictive maintenance solutions market is expected to show swiftest growth enabling enterprises to reduce their dependence on data mining specialists, data integration and IT. In terms of application, the market is segmented automotive, energy and utilities, healthcare, manufacturing facilities, government and defense and transportation and logistics. Among these, manufacturing facilities are expected to hold the major market share for operational predictive maintenance market due to high deployment rate by manufacturers to reduce the maintenance cost consequently increasing the profitability. On the basis of geography, the global operational predictive maintenance market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Among these, North America is expected to lead the operational predictive maintenance market in 2016. The growing big data market and high adoption of IoT are contributing to the growth for operational predictive maintenance market in the North America region. Moreover, heavy investments made by countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and India in Asia-Pacific to enhance the efficiency of production assets is further expected to offer sufficient growth opportunities for the operational predictive maintenance market in this region.Request for Table of content:Some of the leading companies operating in the global operational predictive maintenance market which are transmuting the market with technology innovation are IBM Corporation, SAS Institute Inc., Software AG, General Electric, Robert Bosch GmbH, Rockwell Automation, Inc., PTC, Inc., Schneider Electric, Svenska Kullagerfabriken AB, and Emaint Enterprises, LLC.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Wireless Surveillance Systems Market: Explores New Growth Opportunities By 2024

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Safety and security from possible threats is essential for every person. Wireless surveillance system is a useful solution which provides efficient and effective security to people as well as other applications such as businesses, malls, and public spaces. Wireless surveillance system are mounted easily anywhere with less space requirement as they does not require wires to power the devices. These system get their power from batteries which makes them flexible. These devices can be set-up for indoor and outdoor use, and can be transported easily. These systems monitor the area, send recorded feed to the server and alarms for informing an unusual activity. A single building or more than one building can be kept under the surveillance with help of wireless systems. These systems also contains motion detector and night vision features which provides effective surveillance at day or night depending on the requirement.Request for Sample Report:Wireless surveillance systems are convenient, reusable, and portable security solutions, available at low cost. These attributes are expected to have positive impact on security applications. Increasing number of theft and burglary issues, and chaos and vandalism resulting in security concerns are expected to drive market for the wireless surveillance systems during the forecast period. However, to keep wireless surveillance systems working, batteries are required to be replaced frequently over the life cycle. Furthermore, as these systems use Wi-Fi network for video transmission, the available bandwidth for transmission is less which affects the video streaming and the quality of the video. Also security issues make this system vulnerable from other users who are connected to the same network. All these factors may restrict the use of wireless surveillance systems and hence impede the market growth.Wireless surveillance system have lucrative growth opportunities in the long term as the businesses, shops, retailers, and others are willing to use wireless surveillance systems to ensure safety and security of their assets. In addition, governments worldwide are providing funding and promoting the use of surveillance systems which will help lessen number of criminal activities. Furthermore, increasing awareness about public safety helps to increase the market demand for these systems. As an alternate to Wi-Fi, use of Internet Protocol (IP) surveillance systems has grown in recent years, due to compressed and better quality surveillance videos captured. Thus, market growth in the long term is expected to be driven by IP based security surveillance systems.Wireless surveillance system market is segmented on the basis of product, technology, application, and geography. By product, wireless surveillance system market is segmented into hidden, outdoor, backup wireless security camera system. By technology, the market is segmented into analog system and digital systems. By application, wireless surveillance systems market is segmented into residential, commercial, and military. By geography, this market is segmented into North-America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Of these regions, North-America and Europe have seen large scale adoption due to increased public safety and security awareness. Asia-pacific, and Middle East and Africa are expected to see healthy growth in the use of wireless security system over the forecast period due to increasing security concerns and technology adoption in long term.Request for Table of content:The prominent players in wireless surveillance system market includes Icontrol Networks, Inc., Funlux, ADT LLC dba ADT Security Services, Vivint, Inc., FLIR Systems, Inc., Zmodo, Annke Security, Inc., Swann Communications Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., VideoSurveillance.com LLC.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Bancassurance Technology Market in Europe with Forecast 2019 and Demand Report

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A Service Report on Technology,with Report Analysis and Growth in it "Bancassurance Technology" on Bigmarketresearch.comBancassurance refers to a distribution channel for insurance products. It is a means for insurance companies to sell their products through banks, which allows the former to cater to a wide customer base. The bancassurance model is very common in many countries across Europe, including France, Spain, and Portugal. There are also several new entrants in the market, intensifying the competition, and encouraging insurance companies to innovate and customize products based on client requirement.Get Sample Copy:With the advent of technology boom worldwide, banks and insurance firms across Europe have increasingly become dependent on computers, Internet and other technology mediums to run their business and drive revenue growth. The technology trend in the banking and insurance sectors will only intensify in the future, leading to a rise in popularity of bancassurance in Europe.The analysts forecast the bancassurance technology market in Europe to grow at a CAGR of 3.94 percent during 2014-2019.Covered in this ReportIn this report, it presents an overview of the bancassurance technology market in Europe. We also include the PEST analysis of the insurance market in Europe and the adoption of third platform technologies, such as cloud, big data and others, by banks and insurance firms.The report, namely Bancassurance Technology Market in Europe 2015-2019, is based on an in-depth market analysis, with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape in Europe and its growth prospects in the coming years. It also includes information about the key vendors operating in the market.Key Vendors Agile Financial Technologies BSB EandY HP IBM OracleOther Prominent Vendors BPC Group FICO Accenture Amazon Web Service Capgemini Cognizant Technology Solutions CSC EMC Genpact Google Informatica Orwell Group NetappGet Discount:Market Driver Streamlining of Transaction Process For a full and detailed list, view our reportMarket Challenge Data Security and Data Privacy Risk For a full and detailed list, view our reportMarket Trend Increased Focus on SaaS Solutions For a full and detailed list, view our reportKey Questions Answered in this Report What will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Get Complete Report:With the arsenal of different search reports, we help you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency.With the window of opportunity getting open and shut at a speed of light, it has become very important to survive in the market and only the fittest and competent enough can do so. So, we try and provide with latest changes in the market that can suit your needs and help you take decision accordingly.5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, 205, Portland, OR 97220 Unite
Asia-Pacific Smartwatch Market to reach $28,596 Million, Globally by 2022

APAC Smartwatch Market

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/asia-pacific-smartwatch-market

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Asia-Pacific Smartwatch Market Report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the Asia-Pacific market is expected to garner $28,596 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 69.8% during the period 2016-2022. Increase in the number of smartphone users, technological advancements, and rise in demand for high-end devices lead the market growth to a significant extent in the Asia-Pacific region.View Detail Summary of this report:"Among the major trends, increase in the usage of fitness apps and budgets of manufacturers for R&D of hi-tech devices govern the market trends for smartwatches. China dominates the overall market, being a manufacturing hub in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, Australia is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period", said Sonia Mutreja, Lead Analyst, High Tech, Enterprise, and Consumer IT at AMRThe smartwatch market has grown at a steady pace. Smartwatch leads the bandwagon for wearable devices that enables a user to easily switch to it replacing traditional watches and providing more usability, functionality, and convergence similar to smartphones, which captured the market around two decades ago.Extension smartwatches dominated the market in 2015, owing to its usage simplicity and multitasking ability. However, classic smartwatch is projected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period.Among the operating systems, Android based smartwatches dominated the market, owing to numerous embedded apps and Android phone users in the Asia-Pacific region. Nevertheless, Windows OS is expected to depict the fastest growth over the forecast period.Get Free Sample :Asia-Pacific Smartwatch Market Key Findings:Extension smartwatch is projected to dominate the Asia-Pacific smartwatch market during the forecast periodBased on the operating systems, the Windows OS is anticipated to hold huge potential during the forecast periodChina is the largest regional market for the sale of smartwatches and is expected to dominate the market space during the forecast periodThe key companies profiled in this report are Apple Inc., Google Inc., Garmin Ltd., Fitbit, Inc., Motorola Mobility LLC., Sony Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Pebble, and Nike, Inc.Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United States+1-800-792-5285
Iron Oxide Market is Projected to reach US$ 2.8 Bn by 2025

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Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the global iron oxide market in its latest report titled, Iron Oxide Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2015-2025. In terms of value, the global iron oxide market is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period, owing to various factors, regarding which FMI offers vital insights in detail in this report.Iron oxides are chemical compounds that, apart from iron ores, find wide application as pigments, catalysts, etc. Construction and paints & coatings are the major end-use industries for iron oxides.Growth in construction industry, supported by rising urbanization, is expected to be among the major drivers for global iron oxide market. Major application of iron oxides in the construction industry is to colour concrete blocks and pavement bricks. Iron oxide pigments are being widely used in paints and coatings industry for their use as primers for automobiles and steel structures.Stringent government regulations are expected to adversely impact global iron oxide market significantly. This is especially the case in China, where, over the last two years, various small- and medium-scale companies have exited the iron oxide market due to high costs involved in ensuring regulatory compliance. The same trend is expected to continue over the near future.Request Free Report Sample@The iron oxide market is segmented on the basis of product type, application and region. On the basis of product type, the global iron oxide market is segmented into red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide, orange iron oxide, brown iron oxide, green iron oxide and other blends. On the basis of application, the global iron oxide market is segmented into construction, paints & coatings, plastics, chemicals, paper & pulp manufacturing, textile, ceramics, leather and others (fertilizers, cosmetics and rubber). Regionally, the global iron oxide market is segmented into Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa and Japan.Among product types, red iron oxide was the largest revenue contributor to the global iron oxide market in 2014. Wide application of red iron oxide across various industries is expected to support growth of the segment over the forecast period.In 2014, the construction industry segment dominated the global market, accounting for around 50% revenue share. Growth of the construction industry is in turn expected to drive growth of the iron oxide market over forecast period. In order to enhance their market share, iron oxide producers are focusing on development of new applications for iron oxides.Send An Enquiry@In 2014, Asia pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) was the largest market for iron oxide, both in terms of production and consumption. In terms of consumption, APEJ was followed by Western Europe and North America, respectively.Key players profiled in this study of the global iron oxide market include LANXESS AG, Huntsman International Inc. Cathay Industries, Alabama Pigments Company LLC, Shenghua Group Deqing Huayuan Pigment Co LTD, TODA KOGYO CORPORATION, Jiangsu Yuxing Industry and Trade Co., Ltd., Hunan Three-ring Pigments Co., Ltd., Yaroslavsky Pigment Company and Tata Pigments Company. LANXESS AG has been estimated to account for the largest share in the global iron oxide market in 2015.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Interactive Whiteboard Market Is Expected To Generate Huge Profits by 2016 - 2026

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According to a new market report published by Future Market Insights, titled Interactive Whiteboard Market - Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016 - 2026, the global interactive whiteboard market was valued at US$ 1,257.3 Mn in 2015 and is expected to register a value CAGR of -17.0% from 2016 to 2026.The global interactive whiteboard market is segmented on the basis of digitising technology, endusers and region.On the basis of digitising technology, the market is segmented into digital vision touch (DViT) technology, infrared digitising technology, electromagnetic digitizing technology and others (LASER, resistive, capacitive, ultrasonic etc.).Among digitising technology segments, DViT technology is the most dominant digitizing technology segment in the market currently. The growth of DViT digitising technology segment is mainly driven by its attractive and sleek design with advanced features capable to enhanced user experience within limited budget.Request Free Report Sample@On the basis of endusers, the market is segmented into education sector and others. Among endusers, education sector is the most dominant segment mainly driven by low price of interactive whiteboard and its benefits to students in teaching applications.This report also covers trends driving each market segment and offers analysis and insights on the potential of the interactive whiteboard market across key regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and the Middle East & Africa. Furthermore, the market is sub-segmented on the basis of the major countries in each region in order to provide a better regional analysis of the global interactive whiteboard market.Interactive Whiteboard Market: Region-wise SegmentationAPAC was the largest market for interactive whiteboard in 2015, wherein it has been estimated to be valued at US$ 761.3 Mn. The North America interactive whiteboard market has been estimated to be valued at US$ 162.1 Mn in 2015 and is expected to decline at a value CAGR of -18.9% during the forecast period. Availability of advanced alternative technologies (portable projectors, interactive flat panel displays and other interactive screens) with more features at no/very less maintenance cost are key reasons for declining growth in the region.Send An Enquiry@Key players identified in the global interactive whiteboard market include SMART Technologies Inc., Promethean World plc., Hitachi, Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, Steelcase Inc., Julong Educational Technology Co., Ltd., Touch IT Technologies Inc., Xiamen Interactive Technology Co., Ltd, TURNING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. and Egan Teamboard. A competitive dashboard is included in the report to provide detailed information about the key market players.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
High Performance Concrete Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Forecast 2016  2024

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The high performance concrete market has been gaining immense popularity in the last few years, owing to the long-term stability, strength, and density it offers. The global market is expected to witness significant growth in the near future, thanks to the rising demand from developing countries across the globe. High performance concrete is considered to be a special combination of uniformity and performance, which cannot be achieved through normal placing, mixing, and curing practices. Thus, despite the high price of high performance concrete, this market is estimated to grow at a progressive rate throughout the forecast period.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with PDF Brochure :The research study offers a detailed analysis of the global high performance concrete market, focusing on information related to the growth prospects, latest trends, and promising opportunities in the market. Moreover, the challenges and limitations faced by the key players operating in the market have been highlighted to offer a clear understanding of the market. With the help of analytical tools, the research study throws light on the competitive scenario of the market, along with a detailed segmentation. The key policies and strategies adopted by the players have been included to guide the new entrants in making effective business decisions.Global High Performance Concrete Market: Drivers and BarriersHigh performance concrete finds application in railway bridges, flyovers, water dams, road bridges, tall buildings, and others. The increasing application base of high performance concrete is one of the primary factors fuelling the growth of the market. The ecological benefits offered by high performance concrete is another factor accelerating the growth of the global market.On the flip side, the increased cost of high performance concrete is the key factor limiting the growth of the global market. Moreover, the lack of awareness regarding the benefits of this concrete in developing countries is anticipated to hamper the growth of the global high performance concrete market in the coming years. Nonetheless, favorable government initiatives and strict regulations for infrastructure development are likely to generate lucrative opportunities for the market players.Browse Market Research Report with ToC & Free Analysis :Global High Performance Concrete Market: Regional OutlookThe high rate of urbanization in emerging countries, especially China and India, is likely to encourage the growth of the high performance concrete market throughout the forecast period. In addition, the growing need for residential space in heavily populated cities across the globe is boosting the demand for skyscrapers. As a result, high performance concrete is considered as a basic necessity to ensure the stability and safety of the structure.On the other hand, the rising demand for high-tech railway network is expected to drive the demand for railway bridges, which is likely to augment the global high performance concrete market in the next few years.Companies Mentioned in the ReportSome of the key players operating in the high performance concrete market across the globe are Heidelbergcement, Ultratech Cement, Votorantim Group, Holcim, Eurocement Group, Italcementi, Cemex S.A.B. de C.V., Lafarge, China National Building Material Company, And Anhui Conch Cement Company. The rising number of players participating in the market is expected to strengthen the competitive scenario in the next few years. In addition, the rising focus of key players on technological advancements is likely to contribute extensively towards the growth of the overall market.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit :
Membrane Separation Market to Rise USD 39.2 Bn in 2019

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Global membrane separation market was valued at USD 19.0 billion in 2012 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% from 2013 to 2019, to reach an estimated value of USD 39.2 billion in 2019.Request Report Sample @Mandatory government regulation and increasing demand for clean processed drinking water is propelling the water processing industry to provide the public with clean processed drinking water free of impurity. Providing growth opportunity for water treatment industry among which, Membrane separation technology is one of the most popular methods used for cleaning water. Mandatory adherence of certain environmental standards by the national government such as the Clean Water Act especially in areas with water scarcity have influenced the demand for better water treatment technology, including membrane separation technology. Shifting from chemical to physical treatments of water is also a major driver as chemical treatments are perceived as an environmentally unclean technology with associated disposal costs. Additional awareness of water scarcity has influenced the demand for water reuse in water stressed areas.Browse Report @Governments and municipal authorities are increasingly waking up to the effects of environmental degradation on the economy. Worldwide industrial expansion and growing population are propelling the demand for better water treatment technology, providing growth opportunity for the global market of membrane separation technology. Additionally, the oil and petroleum industry is well established in the gulf and European countries such as Italy and Germany which involve membrane separation technology for liquid separation. Expansion of such industry is expected to increase the overall demand for membrane separation technology. Membrane separation technology is bifurcated into four major processes, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis. Microfiltration dominates the market with more than 35% global market share in 2012. Whereas water & wastewater dominates the end-user market with 36% global market shares in 2012. The global membrane separation market grew from USD 19.0 billion in 2010 to USD 21.2 billion in 2013.For More Information Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report @European membrane market (largest in 2013) is expected to reach USD 13.8 billion in 2019, growing at a CAGR of 9.6%. In 2012 water & wastewater sector was the major end-user of membrane separation technology and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 11.1% during 2013-19. The membrane separation market is fragmented with several players in the market supplying membrane separation products to the end-users (water and wastewater, industrial and healthcare) in the market. Most of the companies produce different types of membrane products such as microfiltration, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis and sell them globally. Major companies operating globally and manufacturing all four products are Evoqua Water Technologies, Pall Corporation, Koch Membrane Systems Inc., Merck Millipore, Degremont SA, Dow Chemical Company, GEA Filtration, 3M Company, Nitto Denko Corporation and Veolia Environnement.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Cyber Physical System Market Popularity, Elegant Growth Shares and Gross Revenue 2016

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Global Cyber Physical System Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.All recent dynamics that have occurred so far in the global Cyber Physical System market have been accounted for in this all-encompassing report titled Cyber Physical System. A key part of these market dynamics include the player profiles and the markets overall competitive landscape, as players are known to have their fair share of influence over it. Other dynamics of the global Cyber Physical System market reported include drivers, restraints, and key opportunities that affect a majority of the players in it. To completely cover the competitive landscape of the global Cyber Physical System market, a SWOT analysis is jotted down for all players, new and old. This allows for a clearer projection for the global Cyber Physical System market over the coming years. Additional factors included in the player profiles are their financial structures and current strategic planning for all the key players in the global Cyber Physical System market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The global Cyber Physical System market is further analyzed on the basis of its industrial chain, a passage that employs research and data based on the usage and production capabilities present in the market currently. This portion also incorporates the product descriptions and cost structures of the global Cyber Physical System market. The report also followed a detailed analysis route within the global Cyber Physical System market to derive its characteristic traits in terms of upstream and downstream demands for raw materials, as well as the import, and export trends that follow.The report also provides the results of a highly detailed study on the global Cyber Physical System market based on its regional segmentations. For each key region stated, the user is provided with facts and figures on the player pool as well as demand, along with predictions for the same. This can be crucial for regional players trying to expand their horizons in the global Cyber Physical System market.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Cyber Physical System Market Research Report 20211 Cyber Physical System Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Cyber Physical System1.2 Cyber Physical System Segment by Types1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Cyber Physical System by Types in 20151.2.2 Healthcare Services Overview and Price1.2.2.1 Healthcare Services Overview1.2.2.2 Healthcare Services Price List in 2015 and 20161.2.3 Manufacturing Processes and Logistics1.2.3.1 Manufacturing Processes and Logistics Overview1.2.3.2 Manufacturing Processes and Logistics Price List in 2015 and 20161.2.4 Autonomous Vehicles1.2.4.1 Autonomous Vehicles Overview1.2.4.2 Autonomous Vehicles Price List in 2015 and 20161.2.5 Smart Factories1.2.5.1 Smart Factories Overview1.2.5.2 Smart Factories Price List in 2015 and 20161.2.6 Agriculture1.2.6.1 Agriculture Overview1.2.6.2 Agriculture Price List in 2015 and 20161.2.7 Private Security and Public Safety1.2.7.1 Private Security and Public Safety Overview1.2.7.2 Private Security and Public Safety Price List in 2015 and 20161.2.8 Retail Services1.2.8.1 Retail Services Overview1.2.8.2 Retail Services Price List in 2015 and 20161.2.9 Transportation1.2.9.1 Transportation Overview1.2.9.2 Transportation Price List in 2015 and 20161.2.10 Military Services1.2.10.1 Military Services Overview1.2.10.2 Military Services Price List in 2015 and 20161.3 Cyber Physical System Segment by Applications1.3.1 Cyber Physical System Consumption Market Share by Applications in 20151.3.2 Application 1 and Major Clients (Buyers) List1.3.3 Application 2 and Major Clients (Buyers) List1.3.4 Application 3 and Major Clients (Buyers) List1.4 Cyber Physical System Market by Regions1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2011-2020)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2020)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2020)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2020)1.4.5 India Status and Prospect (2011-2020)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2020)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Cyber Physical System (2011-2020)1.5.1 Global Cyber Physical System Sales and Revenue (2011-2020)1.5.2 Global Cyber Physical System Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2020)1.5.3 Global Cyber Physical System Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2020)2 Global Cyber Physical System Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Cyber Physical System Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Cyber Physical System Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Cyber Physical System Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Cyber Physical System Manufacturing Base Distribution and Product Types2.5 Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Expansions2.5.2 New Product Launches2.5.3 Acquisitions2.5.4 Other DevelopmentsFor Market Research Latest Reports Visit @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Hybrid Solar Wind Market size worth $1.47bn by 2024: Global Market Insights, Inc.

U.S. Hybrid Solar Wind Market size, by product, 2013 -2024 (MW)

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https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/hybrid-solar-wind-market

Hybrid Solar Wind Market size is expected to reach USD 1.47 billion by 2024, according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.Decreasing wind and solar component cost associated with increasing clean fuel energy demand will drive the global hybrid solar wind market size. The component manufacturing cost has witnessed a significant price drop since 2012, owing to technological advancement.Request for a sample of this research report @Growing demand for reliable electricity coupled with strict government norms to reduce carbon footprints will further compliment the industry outlook. Developed nations led by the U.S. has introduced various initiatives to promote energy conservation and reduce greenhouse emissions.High initial costs and lack of awareness may restrain industry demand over the next few years. Grid connected hybrid solar wind market size was valued over USD 190 million in 2015 and is predicted to grow at over 10% by 2024. Low installation cost, feed in tariff and net metering are some of the advantages offered by grid connected system.Browse key industry insights spread across 108 pages with 225 market data tables & 14 figures & charts from the report, Hybrid Solar Wind Market Size By Product (Standalone, Grid connected), End Use (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, U.K, Germany, China, India, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Chile, Brazil), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024 in detail along with the table of contents:Key insights from the report include:U.S. hybrid solar wind market size was valued at USD195 million in 2015 and is estimated to reach over USD 300 million by 2024.Government incentives such as tax rebate and increasing emphasis on renewable energy have encouraged regional industry growth.India is set to exceed 30MW in installation by 2024 and is estimated to grow at over 20% CAGR during forecast period. Government initiatives toward rural electrification and initiatives to promote sustainable energy will drive the hybrid solar wind market size.South Africa hybrid solar wind market share was valued at 6MW, which will translate to over USD 12 million revenue through to the forecast timeline. Nigeria hybrid solar wind market size was 0.17 MW in 2015 and in terms of revenue, is estimated to witness gain over 16% from 2016 to 2024. Increasing off grid electricity demand will stimulate industry growth in future.Australia hybrid solar wind market size was over 1 MW in 2015 and is expected to reach over 40 MW by 2024.Increasing investment trend in renewable energy may favor the industry growth. In march 2016, Australian government funded USD 1 billion which will provide equity and debt for clean energy technology.Chile was valued at over 13 MW and is estimated to grow over 11% through, in revenue terms by 2024.Major participants in the industry are Grupo Dragon, ReGen Powertech, Polar Power, Inc, Supernova Technologies Private Limited, Blue Pacific Solar Product, Gamesa, UNITRON, Zenith System, Alternate Energy Company, Alpha Windmills.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.29L Atlantic Avenue,Suite L 105, Ocean View,Delaware 19970United States
Global Cyber Attacks Increase Need for Penetration Testing Services

Penetration Testing Services

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Texas (USA), Canada (Toronto) & India (Business Network)Nov 14, 2016: In one of the latest reports by MarketsandMarkets, the global market of security & penetration testing is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 23.7%, by 2021. In the past 5 years, economies worldwide have suffered major losses due to unforeseen cyber breaches and increasing malware intent. Most businesses are willing to spend some extra funds to arm against security trespassing. Prova Solutions, a leading independent QA testing provider for USA and Europe, tells us why it is mandatory to have penetration testing done:Critical business processes are carried out with the help of an integrated IT infrastructure. Every component of this infrastructure functions as a brick in the wall. Hence, thorough penetration testing becomes important as you will need all your bricks to be sturdy against malware attacksProva offers a range of penetration testing services including:Black box testingOn-going assessments (after every change in the application)Application source code security assessmentWeb application firewall deploymentWith an increase in number of mobile users globally, it is important for companies to ensure supreme security encryptions in their software applications. But dont go for penetration testing because it is becoming the trend of the day. Network security is a make or break feature in your business process. Getting to know how a penetration testing strategy can affect your everyday output is important before signing up for it.Prova provides quarterly, semi-annual or annual penetration testing services to suit varying needs of companies. With latest security intelligence and years of experience in penetration testing services, Prova Solutions has helped organisations upgrade and stabilize their IT security posture. Provas penetration testing services have delivered over 100+ websites from companies across IT & ITES, Banking and Finance as well as popular Government portals.Partnered with Suma Soft, a global ITES & BPO company with 16+ years of experience, Prova provides penetration testing services based on benchmarked frameworks. Experienced Testing professionals at Prova work according to OWASP Top 10 criteria, CWE/SANS TOP 25 Most Dangerous Software Errors and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).About Prova:Headed by a team of talented IT experts with minimum 10+ years of experience in QA testing, Prova Solutions offers certified and affordable QA testing services to companies in Europe and USA.To know more about penetration testing services offered by Prova, click here >>>For more details & information-Name - Richard SmithContact No- +1-281-886-8528Email - info@provasolutions.comIn-house software applications are used to run critical business processes, conduct transactions with suppliers and deliver sophisticated services to customers."SumaCenter", 2nd Floor, Opp. Himali Society, Erandawane, Pune, Maharashtra - 411004
Global Healthcare Cloud Computing Market Poised to Account for US$12,653.4 Million in 2020

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Healthcare cloud computing refers to a process which involves delivering hosted medical services to the clients. These services can be classified into majorly three types: infrastructure-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, and software-as-a-service. A cloud can be public, private, hybrid or community in nature.Request to view Sample Report @According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Healthcare Cloud Computing: Hybrid Clouds to Witness Highest Growth by 2020 the global healthcare cloud computing market was valued at USD 4,216.5 million in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.1% from 2014 to 2020, to reach an estimated value of USD 12,653.4 million in 2020.Globally, the healthcare cloud computing market is witnessing significant growth due to increased government healthcare IT spending and advanced features of cloud computing services In addition, rising demand for better healthcare facilities, increasing in popularity of wireless and cloud technologies are driving the healthcare cloud computing market. However, factors such as high cost involved in the implementation of clinical information systems and lack of security and privacy of patients information restrain the global market for healthcare cloud computing market. In addition, interoperability issues negatively impact the growth of the healthcare cloud computing market. The global healthcare cloud computing market is estimated at USD 4,216.5 million in 2014 and expected to reach USD 12,653.4 million in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 20.1%.North America has the largest market for the global healthcare cloud computing market. This is due to technological advancements in the region. North American market for healthcare cloud computing is estimated at USD 1,857.5 million in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 5,757.7 million in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 20.7%. In terms of deployment model, hybrid clouds are the fastest growing segment. In terms of service model, software-as-a-service (Saas) is the largest segment of healthcare cloud computing market.Request to view Table of content @One of the latest trends that have been observed in the global healthcare cloud computing market includes increasing use of mobile devices for delivering healthcare services.Microsoft Corporation and International Business Machines Corporation are some of the leading players in the global market for healthcare cloud computing market. Some of the other major players in healthcare cloud computing market are Agfa-Gevaert N.V., CareCloud Corporation, Dell Inc, ORACLE CORPORATION, GE Healthcare and Merge Healthcare Incorporated.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
Description

On Thursday, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Chipotle Mexican Grill will host a fundraiser across all Long Island Chipotle locations for ALS Association: Greater New York Chapter. When customers dining at any of these locations mention the fundraiser at the register, Chipotle will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to help find a cure for the progressive neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrigs Disease.

The ALS Association is the only not-for-profit voluntary health agency dedicated solely to the fight against ALS.
Magnetic Sensors Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019

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Magnetic sensors are the sensors which are mostly used in security purposes. These sensors are often referred to as switches or contacts. They are usually placed on doors, windows or other access points from where they are not visible to others. Magnetic sensors are also used for linear angle and position measurement in automotive, speed, linear position, rotational speed, consumer and industrial applications. Magnetic sensors have applications in various fields including global positioning system, satellite system, nanotechnology, biomedical and many others. Some more classified applications of magnetic sensors include appliances, commercial, instrumentation, motion control, InfoTech and others.Magnetic sensors offer many advantages including consequently and contactless measurement of electrical and mechanical quantities such as angular speed, angle of rotation, linear speed, current and linear position. The sensors provides advantages on both the basis i.e. performance and cost. Magnetic sensors have a huge demand in upcoming years and the market is expected to grow rapidly.PDF Sample For Full Details with Technological breakthroughs is @Magnetic sensors market can be segmented on the basis of type, applications and geography. By type the market can be segmented into hall-effect sensors, magneto resistive digital sensors, gear tooth sensors and others. By application the market can be segmented into low field sensors, earth field sensors, BIAS magnetic field sensors and others.This research report analyzes this market depending on its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldMarket Insight can be Viewed @Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Analog Integrated Circuits (ICs) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023

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Analog integrated circuit (IC) also known as linear integrated circuit is a solid-state analog device defined by a countless number of possible operating states. The analog IC works over a continuous range of input levels as against digital ICs having only two levels of input and output voltages  low and high i.e. binary. The circuit is used to process, receive and generate a various levels of energy as the device operates. Devices that require oscillators, DC amplifiers, audio amplifiers, and multi-vibrators always make use of analog IC, which is characterized by equal output and input signal levels. Linear ICs are used for different functions that require variable output signal for radio-frequency and audio-frequency amplifiers. The mostly used linear IC is an operational amplifier (op-amp), which is made up of conventional analog circuit consisting of resistors, transistors and diodes. Analog ICs are gradually being utilized in various LED lightning applications such as traffic light indicators, stadium displays, and data communication for managing power efficiency.The global analog IC market can be segmented on the basis of its types, market environment, different industry verticals and geographical presence worldwide. On the basis of its types, the global analog IC market is divided into general purpose and application-specific ICs. General purpose analog ICs are utilized for multiple applications such as data converters, comparators, and amplifiers, among others. On the other hand, application specific analog ICs are used to perform specific functions such as radio frequency (RF) transceivers, display drivers, touch sensors, timing control, Serializer/Deserializer (SerDes) , and LED drivers, among others.PDF Sample For Technological breakthroughs is @By market environment, the market is segregated into merchant IC and small-scale IC fabrication companies. Merchant vendors implement a defined set of strategies to retain their legacy in the analog IC market such as competitive price, special product design skills and extensive range of product sets, worldwide distribution and extensive range of support network. The new entrants are small-scale IC fabrication organizations, focused on a particular product category they deal with. For example, Taiwan Semiconductor deals with discrete voltage regulators, semiconductors, and op-amps. Richtek Technology Corporation (power management and LED drivers) and Global Mixed-mode Technology Inc. (power management, audio and switches) are some of the major players concentrating on explicit domains. By different industry verticals, the market is classified into automotive, IT & telecommunications, consumer electronics and healthcare. Geographically, the analog IC market in North America is currently driven by the rising avionic, infrastructural, and various industrial applications. The analog IC market in Europe is anticipated to be accelerated by the different automobile manufacturers with their product units in Europe.The global analog IC market is expected to continue its prominence with its advantages such as diverse functionality and small size. The market growth is fuelled by the use of analog ICs in dynamic application areas such as healthcare monitoring, LED lighting, collision prevention, and utility in automotive applications. Automotive leaders such as Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, BMW and Renault are encouraging the use of analog ICs to bring better automation in their electronic circuitry. A huge range of opportunities for the analog IC market can be seen in Asia Pacific due to growing consumer electronics adoption by the tech-savvy customers. Moreover, the rising penetration of application-specific analog ICs can be seen in IC content of mobile devices and DVDs, among other consumer electronics products. Application-specific analog ICs are anticipated to be one of the attractive segments for different start-up companies in future.Some of the major players in the market include Qualcomm Inc., Analog Devices Inc., Maxim Integrated Products Inc., Texas Instruments Inc., STMicroelectronics NV, Infineon Technologies AG, Richtek Technology Corporation, Global Mixed-mode Technology Inc., and Taiwan Semiconductor, among others.Market Insight can be Viewed @Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Advance Wound Dressing Market Segments and Key Trends 2015-2025

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Advancement in Wound Dressing Market begins years before when the film and hydrocolloids introduced. Advanced Wound Dressing accelerates the healing process by keeping moist environment around the wound along with medicines like antibiotic and painkillers.Advanced Wound Dressing used to heal acute and chronic wounds especially in chronic wounds. Advanced wound dressing has shown very significant results in diabetic patients as well in chronic wounds that takes a long time or cannot be healed by traditional wound dressings.Advance Wound Dressing Market: Drivers and RestraintsAdvanced Wound Dressing market is growing as the number of diabetic and chronic patients increasing rapidly worldwide. Major drivers for the Advanced Wound Dressing Market is ageing population, increase in incident of accidents, increase in adoption rate of Advanced Wound Dressings like hydrocolloids and wound contact layers, continuously advance improvement in dressing like combination of antibiotics and painkillers with dressings. However, high price and lack of adequate reimbursement policies in developing countries are the main hindrance of the market growth.Request Free Report Sample@Advance Wound Dressing Market: SegmentationAdvance Wound Dressings global market is segmented into following types:HydrocolloidsNon-Antimicrobial Hydrocolloid DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrocolloid DressingsHydrofibersNon-Antimicrobial Hydrofiber DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrofiber DressingsAlginatesNon-Antimicrobial Alginate DressingsAntimicrobial Alginate DressingsHydrogelsNon-Antimicrobial Hydrogel DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrogel DressingsCollagensNon-Antimicrobial Collagen DressingsAntimicrobial Collagen DressingsFoamsNon-Antimicrobial Foam DressingsAntimicrobial Foam DressingsFilmsNon-Antimicrobial Film DressingsAntimicrobial Film DressingsWound Contact LayersNon-Antimicrobial Wound Contact LayersAntimicrobial Wound Contact LayersAdvance Wound Dressing Market: OverviewAdvance Wound Dressing Market is growing with a significant CAGR because of its high adoption rate in treatment of chronic wounds. Developing countries is growing with a higher CAGR compared to other parts of the world.Advance Wound Dressing Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, global Advanced Wound Dressing market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.North America contributes maximum in global Wound dressing Market Share. European countries showing a good growth as the adoption rate for Advance Wound Dressing is increasing for diabetic patients, burns, and chronic wounds. Asia Pacific is growing with a significant CAGR for Advance Wound Dressing market due to increase in healthcare awareness. Amongst the Asian countries, India and china are more promising due to large population pool and increased number of hospitals.Visit For TOC@Advance Wound Dressing Market: Key PlayersKey players of Advance Wound Dressing market includes Smith & Nephew, Molnlycke Health Care, Paul Hartmann, Covidien, ConvaTec, B. Braun Melsungen, BSN medical, 3M Health Care, Systagenix Wound Management, Derma Sciences, Coloplast, Laboratoires Urgo, Johnson & Johnson, Kinetic Concepts, Inc and Others. Local Players also have a significant presence in Advance Wound Dressing Market.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Sulphuric Acid Market Growth, Trends and Value Chain 2015-2025 by FMI

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Sulfuric acid is a diprotic acid that exhibits different variety of properties depending upon its concentration. Sulphuric acid has the biggest output of any chemical in the world. Sulphuric acid is majorly used in the manufacture of chemicals to make sulfate salts, pigments, dyes, nitric acid, sulfate salts, and others. It also serves as the electrolyte in the lead acid storage battery.Sulphuric acid is widely used in the production of phosphate fertilizers. Sulphuric acid is a complex market that involves the chemistry of product supply and demand. There is variation in pricing of Sulphuric acid between regions depending upon the regulations and concentrations. There are four stages in the manufacturing of sulphuric acid that includes extraction of sulphur, conversion of Sulphur into sulphur dioxide, then converting sulphur dioxide to sulphur trioxide, and final conversion of sulphur trioxide to sulphuric acid.Sulphuric acid is used to wash impurities out of gasoline and other refinery products in petroleum refining. Sulphuric acid is also used as catalyst and dehydrating agent in petrochemical process and organic chemical manufacturing. The global sulphuric acid market is segmented on the basis of manufacturing process, application, and region. Manufacturing process includes Lead Chamber Process, Contact Process, Wet Sulfuric Acid Process, and Others. Applications include Phosphate Fertilizers, Chemical Manufacturing, Agricultural Chemistry, Electrolyte In Lead-Acid Storage Battery, Metal Processing, and Others.Request Free Report Sample@Global Sulphuric Acid Market: DriversThe Global Sulphuric Acid Market is mainly driven by the growing demand for Sulphur based fertilizers. Rising demand for sulphuric acid in the oil & gas industry and waste water treatment is expected to drive the sulphuric acid market for the forecasted period.Global Sulphuric Acid: RestraintsRestraints for the global sulphuric acid market include stringent government regulations that are restricting its use, and high raw material prices. Some of the reasons that are hampering the growth of this market include effects on human health such as skin irritation, eyes irritation, skin sensitiveness and others.Global Sulphuric Acid Market: SegmentationGlobal Sulphuric Acid market is segmented by: application, manufacturing process, and by region.By Application:Phosphate FertilizersChemical ManufacturingAgricultural ChemistryElectrolyte In Lead-Acid Storage BatteryMetal ProcessingOthersBy Manufacturing Process:Lead Chamber ProcessContact ProcessWet Sulfuric Acid ProcessOthersSulphuric Acids By Region:North AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeJapanAsia pacific (APEJ)Middle East & Africa (MEA)Global Sulphuric Acid: Region-wise OutlookThe global Sulphuric Acid is projected to witness a moderate growth from 2015 to 2025. According to FMIs forecast, the market in Asia-Pacific is expected to show the fastest CAGR for the forecasted period due to increasing demand for consumer products from countries such as Japan, China, and India.Europe and North America are leading markets of global Sulphuric Acid. Latin America market is also expected to grow due to rapid industrialization. Due to the prevalence of base metal smelters in Japan and South Korea, these regions have significant sources of sulphuric acid traded in the market.Global Sulphuric Acid Market: Competitive LandscapeKey players in the global Sulphuric Acid market are doing product innovations, expansions and mergers and acquisitions in order to expand their geographic reach. Companies in this market are focusing on finding newer applications for Sulphuric Acids in order to increase their shares in the market.Visit For TOC@Global Sulphuric Acid Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players of the global Sulphuric Acid market are Tampa Electric, Chemtrade Refinery, The Mosaic, Lucite International, Climax Molybdenum, Valero Energy, Solvay, DuPont, Akzonobel N.V., BASF and others.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global SCADA Market In Power Industry Will Grow Steadily At A CAGR Of 6.45% Over The Period 2015-2019

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global SCADA Market in Power Industry 2015-2019" to its huge collection of research reports.SCADA is an automation system that helps to acquire data from remote devices such as transmitters, pumps, and valves installed in the field and provides control remotely from SCADA host software platforms. It helps to turn the devices on and off according to the required process. It also has the functionality of graphic displays, trending, alarming, and historical storage of data. SCADA systems are adopted in the oil and gas, power, water and waste water treatment, automotive, shipbuilding, machinery manufacturing, and consumer durables industries.Technavio's analysts forecast the global SCADA market in power industry to grow at a CAGR of 6.45% over the period 2015-2019.Covered in this reportIn this report, Technavio covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global SCADA market in the power industry for the period 2015-2019. We have considered the revenue generated from the following:Sales of hardwareSales of software licensesRenewal of software licensesUpgrading of existing solutionsMaintenance and servicesTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report presents the vendor landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the five major vendors in the global SCADA market in the power industry. In addition, it discusses the major drivers influencing market growth and the challenges faced by vendors and the market as a whole. It also examines key emerging trends and their influence on current and future market scenarios.Technavio's report, Global SCADA Market in Power Industry 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts.Key regionsAPACEMEAAmericasKey vendorsABBEmerson ElectricSchneider ElectricSiemensOther prominent vendorsAlstomGEMitsubishiRockwell AutomationYokogawaMarket driverIncreased need for efficiencyFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeGrowing threat of cyber-attacksFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendDevelopment of mobile-based SCADA applicationsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Tele-Care Medical Equipment Industry Demand, Shares, Strategies, Size and Forecasts Research Report 2013 to 2019 | Researchmoz

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Tele-Care Medical Equipment: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2013 to 2019" to its huge collection of research reports.Tele-care improves treatment of chronic disease, reduces cost of care delivery, lets baby boomers age gracefully in their homes, and supports remote delivery of care worldwide. Tele monitoring is evolving more sophisticated ways of monitoring vital signs in the home, thus protecting people in a familiar, comfortable environment. The improvements in care delivery relate to leveraging large information sources that permit understanding what care works for what conditions.Tele-care systems server markets are anticipated to grow because they represent a way to steer patients with a particular clinician to those most expert in treating that particular condition. Tele-care is not yet to the point where it is able to be used effectively to implement changes that represent significant improvements in overall healthcare delivery, they are largely confined to being used in the treatment of chronic conditions.The aim of tele-care systems that will grow markets significantly is if the tele-care is used to prevent the onset of chronic conditions of CHF and diabetes through interventional medicine, wellness programs, and simply intelligent nutrition and exercise programs implementation. Is this the task of the hospitals? Or, are well ness programs meant to be implemented elsewhere? In any case, tele-care represents the delivery mechanism for the programs.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Statins have a warning label that indicates that patients who take these drugs risk mental deterioration and diabetes. Is this what we want for our people? Or are there wellness programs that provide alternatives. These are issues confronting hospitals, physicians, clinicians, big pharma, and patients everywhere. We are all patients; the task is to figure out good tele-care systems that work to implement wellness programs before the onset of chronic conditions.Under this scenario, the local physician and specialist becomes the expert in ordering the correct diagnostic tests, not just any test they can think of, but a proper test that is recommended by the expert systems and by the expert clinician. In this manner the out of control testing costs in the US can be controlled. There will need to be some law changes, there will need to be some adoption of protections for the expert doctors, but when decisions are backed by standards of care instantiated as tele health servers we begin to have a rational, very effective health care delivery system.Table of ContentsTele-care Executive SummaryTele-care Market Driving ForcesMeasures of Tele Monitoring EffectivenessReal-Time Monitoring Of Physiological DataHome Patient Monitoring Supports Patient EducationTele-care Market SharesGlobalMedGlobalMed Telemedicine ServicesTele-Monitor Market SharesTele-care Systems ForecastsWatson1. Tele-care Market Description and Market Dynamics1.1. TeleHealth Payor Solutions1.1.1. Telemedicine Products - Medical Technology1.2. Mobile Brings Healthcare Transformation1.3. Consumer Tele-care1.3.1. Internet Health Products1.3.2. VA Tele-care Lauded As Model Healthcare Program1.4. US National Prevention Council1.4.1. UK National Health Service (NHS)1.4.2. U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA)1.4.3. Chronic Disease Issues1.4.4. Maximize The Impact Of Technology on Tele-care1.4.5. Telehealth Reimbursement Set to Grow1.5. IBM Watson1.6. Issues in International Health Policy2. Tele-care Market Shares and Forecasts2.1. Tele-care Market Driving Forces2.1.1. Measures of Tele Monitoring Effectiveness2.1.2. Real-Time Monitoring Of Physiological Data2.1.3. Home Patient Monitoring Supports Patient Education2.2. Tele-care Market Shares2.2.1. GlobalMed2.2.2. GlobalMed Telemedicine Services2.2.3. Tele-Monitor Market Shares2.2.4. Bosch2.2.5. AMD Global Telemedicine2.3. Tele-care Systems Forecasts2.3.1. Tele-care Device Market Thriving2.3.2. Tele-care Issues2.4. Wireless Tele-monitoring Devices2.4.1. Smart Phone Home Tele Monitoring2.4.2. eICUs2.4.3. Rapid Readmissions2.4.4. Tele-care Originating Site Facility Fee Payment Amount Update2.4.5. Technical Correction to Include Emergency Department Tele-care Consultations in Regulation2.5. Watson2.5.1. Tele-care IBM Watson, Honeywell, Vitarian, and Bosch Diagnostic Support Expert Systems2.5.2. Tele-care Market Forces2.5.3. UK National Health Service (NHS)2.5.4. U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA)2.5.5. Measures of Tele Monitoring Effectiveness2.5.6. Home Patient Monitoring Supports Patient Education2.5.7. Wireless Telemonitoring Devices2.5.8. Real-Time Monitoring Of Physiological Data2.5.9. Bosch Healthcare Tele-care Custom Messaging Feature2.5.10. Bosch Healthcare Tele-care Wireless Modem Option2.5.11. Bosch ViTelCare T400 Home Health Monitor2.5.12. Bosch Installed Base2.5.13. Bosch Tele-care Solutions2.5.14. Bosch Tele-care2.5.15. Bosch Tele-care Systems Certification in Disease Management From NCQA2.5.16. Bayer / Viterion2.5.17. Bayer / Viterion Tele-care care2.5.18. Philips2.5.19. Intel / GE Care Innovations2.5.20. Honeywell HomeMed2.5.21. Honeywell HomMed Genesis TouchTele-care2.5.22. Samsung2.5.23. Samsung Medical Business2.5.24. MedApps HealthPAL MA105to Extend the Home Selects VRI2.5.25. Nonin2.5.26. VRI2.5.27. VRI Healthcare Services2.5.28. Gemalto / Cinterion2.5.29. Gemalto CINTERION Wireless Module Functions2.6. Chronic Disease Conditions2.6.1. Congestive Heart Failure2.6.2. Diabetes Chronic Illness Numbers2.6.3. Incidence of Chronic Disease2.6.4. Chronic Diseases Account For Two-Thirds Of Worldwide Healthcare Spending, Ninety Percent in the US2.6.5. Clinical Staff / Patient Ratios: Physician Shortages2.6.6. Viterion Home Health Outcomes in a CHF Population:2.7. Telemonitoring Prices and Reimbursement2.7.1. Cost of Honeywell Homemed Home Health Monitoring & MedPartner2.7.2. TouchPointCare2.8. Interactive Voice Response (IVR)2.8.1. Healthcare Providers Use Technology To Improve Effectiveness Of Care Providers2.8.2. HHSC2.9. Tele-Monitoring Alarm Devices2.10. Tele-Server Regional Markets2.10.1. Remote Patient Monitoring Market In The US2.10.2. Remote Patient Monitoring Market In Europe2.10.3. Bosch Remote Patient Monitoring Regional Market Participation2.10.4. Smart Phone Installed Base By Country And Region2.11. Tele-server Regional Market Segments, Dollars, 20122.6.3. Incidence of Chronic Disease2.6.4. Chronic Diseases Account For Two-Thirds Of Worldwide Healthcare Spending, Ninety Percent in the US2.6.5. Clinical Staff / Patient Ratios: Physician Shortages2.6.6. Viterion Home Health Outcomes in a CHF Population:2.7. Telemonitoring Prices and Reimbursement2.7.1. Cost of Honeywell Homemed Home Health Monitoring & MedPartner2.7.2. TouchPointCare2.8. Interactive Voice Response (IVR)2.8.1. Healthcare Providers Use Technology To Improve Effectiveness Of Care Providers2.8.2. HHSC2.9. Tele-Monitoring Alarm Devices2.10. Tele-Server Regional Markets2.10.1. Remote Patient Monitoring Market In The US2.10.2. Remote Patient Monitoring Market In Europe2.10.3. Bosch Remote Patient Monitoring Regional Market Participation2.10.4. Smart Phone Installed Base By Country And Region2.11. Tele-server Regional Market Segments, Dollars, 2012Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Impact of Existing and Emerging Aromatherapy Market Trends 2015-2025

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Aromatherapy is the procedure for the treatment in which essential oils are used to cure anxiety, headache, muscular pain and so on. Aromatherapy is the type of alternative medicine composed of aromatic plant oils, plant materials and other aromatic plant compounds for the purpose of improving a persons mood and health. The oils that are used in aromatherapy have variant composition as compared to other herbal products because the purification process that is used in aromatherapy restores the lighter phytomolecules in the oils. Some evidences to support the essential oils therapeutic usage are that aromatherapy has unique characteristics that can affect both the functions psychologically as well as physiologically. Measurements to compute psychological and physiological effects are change in heart rate, epidermal activity, peripheral blood pressure, cerebral blood flow, changes in skin temperature and others. Aromatherapy procedure is known to provide benefits such as mood stimulation or sedation, cognitive performance in terms of attention and memory and performance boosting. Aromatherapy is important in healing some maladies like anxiety, insomnia, pain, stress, body and muscular aches, headaches, depression, digestive problems and many more. Aromatherapy treatment is provided by three ways namely aerial diffusion in which the oil disperses into the air to disinfect it by spreading specific fragrances, direct inhalation in which person breathes the oil directly and topical application in which oil is applied on the patient skin. Topical application is commonly used for massage, baths and therapeutic skin care. Direct inhalation will commonly help in respiration disinfection.Aromatherapy Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe primary factor for the growth of global aromatherapy market is the growing awareness about the herbal products among the individuals. The main factors driving the growth for aromatherapy are increasing geriatric population and a shift in the lifestyle of people in cities. This gives rise to problems such as anxiety, insomnia, stress, headaches etc. These common complaints have fuelled the demand for aromatherapy or herbal medicines. The global aromatherapy market has also witnessed a trend of self-medication as it avoids prescription requirement from any doctor. The restraints for the global aromatherapy market are that some scientific studies have found that aromatherapy only makes you feel better although there is no proof that it makes patient healthy and this type of treatments do not give quick results or rapid healing in major diseases. Some patients also have complained about allergies while taking aromatherapy treatment, so it is recommended to consult with aromatherapist before use of any essential oil for treatment.Request Free Report Sample@Aromatherapy Market: SegmentationThe global aromatherapy market is classified on the basis of application, product type and geography.The global aromatherapy market is classified on the basis of application as follows:Aerial diffusionDirect inhalationTopical applicationThe global aromatherapy market is classified on the basis of product type as follows:Basil oilBlack pepper oilClove oilEucalyptus oilJasmin oilLavender oilLemon oilSandalwood oilTea tree oilOther oils (Bergamot oil, Citronella oil, Geranium oil, Thyme oil, Yarrow oil)Aromatherapy Market: OverviewIn the past five years aromatherapy witnessed revolutionary demand as it follows self-medication procedure. Aromatherapy is widely used for the treatment of depression in patients owing to scientific studies which found that women facing depression problems were positively affected by the fragrance of oils and provided good cure. With rapid advancement and wide acceptance of aromatherapy treatments among patients, the global aromatherapy market is expected to expand at healthy CAGR during the forecast period.Aromatherapy Market: Region-wise outlookDepending on geographic region, global aromatherapy market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Europe held largest share in the global market of aromatherapy followed by North America, Japan and Asia Pacific owing to high occurrence of several diseases and disorders, great advancement in field of aromatherapy and developed healthcare infrastructure. The developing nations in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa hold huge potential for growth in the global aromatherapy market, due to its affordable costs, less side-effects, excellent results and completely organic nature.Visit For TOC@Aromatherapy Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global players in aromatherapy global market are Heritage oils, Native American nutritionals, North American Herb and Spice, Mountain Rose Herbs, Aura Cacia, doTerra, Young living.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Market Research on Exam Tables Market 2016 and Analysis to 2026

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Several developing nations like India and few African countries are pumping in millions into the healthcare sector. The healthcare markets spread across India, Middle-East and South-East Asia are skyrocketing. Several healthcare global giants are re-strategizing to foray into this massive emerging virgin markets spread in these regions of the world. As the healthcare industry globally is passing through a crucial juncture, and it is also complimenting the development of the medical equipment industry. According to a study, the average growth rate of the healthcare ancillary industry might touch almost 12 billion by 2021.This growth wave will thrust a considerable impact on different segments of healthcare which also includes exam Tables. The sale and growth of exam tables market are stringed with the expansion of the global healthcare market.The exam tables are mostly used mostly in the clinical environments and they are used for a plethora of examinations, such as normal health exams, gynecological treatments, to conduct pediatric examinations, dental and aesthetic examinations and much more. They are hugely procured by medical institutions, private practitioners, government and private healthcare joints, medical training facilities, spread across the world. The price of these tables depends on the quality. Some of the advanced exam tables makers are based in U.S.A. and other western markets of the world. Over the years they have created a strong export channel to penetrate into the developing markets of the globe. Though markets of Middle-East, Singapore, China, Afghanistan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Germany, Brazil and Chile are some of the prospective markets for these leaders of the healthcare markets. But local market players and price difference and thin budget in healthcare which is paralyzing the growth of healthcare in the developing nations of the world are blockading the upsurge of the exam tables market in these regions.Request for sample report:Exam tables Market: DriversThe future markets of the exam tables are in accord with the growing markets of healthcare which is stretched along the length and breadth of south- East Asia, Middle-East and North Korea and several other developing nations. The healthcare segment is India is growing and the government is adopting some stern steps to revamp the entire healthcare skeleton of the country. The projected budget of the country for healthcare is close to a few billions and the market is growing at a rate of CAGR 17 percent. Thus it is creating a massive market for exam tables. A massive population of the developing nations is establishing a healthy contact with theaffordable healthcare framework which can further expedite the growth of the entire exam tables market in these markets. The financial institutions such as World Bank doled out massive funds in the recent past to develop the crumbled healthcare ecosystem of few countries of Europe and Central Asia. The healthcare infrastructure of war-torn countries like Afghanistan, Armenia, Bosnia, Iraq, Sri Lanka and even Syria are majorly refurnished by the World Bank and UN. The exam tables market have an extreme opportunity for growth in these markets and several new hospitals and medical hubs will pop up these areas in the recent future.The entire healthcare climate is passing through a massive storm of modernization. The modernization of healthcare infrastructure around the globe is creating a stable ground for the entire exam tables market.Request for TOC:Exam tables Market: RestraintsThe exam tables market is reaping the benefits from the growth of the healthcare. But still the markets of the developing nations are growing at a snail pace and governments apathy towards healthcare industry and ambulance of cheap and substandard products are shattering the growth trail of the exam tables industry.Exam tables Market: Major RegionsThe market of the exam tables is large and it is kicking. The entire manufacturers and exporters of exam tables are based in US and Europe and also in India and China. The export market is dominated by some of the front runners of this marker based in U.S. Australia and U.K. The major importers are the third world and the developing nations of the world and some of the major healthcare markets spread across Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai and India.Exam tables Market: Major PlayersManufacturers and exporters of Exam Tables are mostly located in U.S. and U.K. and Australia. In U.S. DRE, ModoMed, Surgitech, Universe surgical equipment Co, in India, Janak Healthcare, Athlegen from Australia, ABCO Healthcare in Australia. Apart from these China is also populated with many Exam Tables manufacturers and exporters.Browse full report:About us:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Contact us:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790Email:sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Nanomaterials Market is Expected to Reach $55,016 Million, Globally, by 2022

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Nanomaterials Market Report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market is expected to garner $55,016 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 20.7% during the period 2016-2022. Paints & coatings end use segment is expected to generate highest revenue throughout the forecast period. North America led the global market in 2015 and is expected to maintain its lead throughout.Access full summary at:The demand for nanomaterials has witnessed tremendous growth due to their properties such as light weight in nature, electrical, catalytic, magnetic, mechanical, thermal, and imaging features. Attributable to the above reasons, nanomaterials are applicable in various end-user industries such as in paints & coatings, electronics & consumer goods, and energy industries. Some of the other major factors that drives the potential of nanomaterials market are extensive focus on research & development activities, new applications (aerospace & defense, sporting goods, and others), government funding & support, collaboration among industry players to meet new challenges, and decrease in price of nanomaterials. However, factors that would hamper the market growth include concerns over environmental impact and toxicity of nanomaterials along with stringent environmental regulations.Most commonly consumed metal & non-metal oxide-based nanomaterials are titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide. Consumption of silicon dioxide was 198 kilo tons in 2015 and is projected to reach 786 kilo ton by 2022, at a CAGR of 21.8%.In the year 2015, paints & coatings was the largest end-user segment, which accounted for more than one-fifth share globally followed by electronics & consumer goods, energy, adhesives & sealants. Extraordinary physio-chemical properties of nanomaterials, such as mechanical properties, catalytic properties, magnetic properties, optical properties, and others has increased their penetration in a wide array of application as it results in improved performance of end products.Key Findings of Nanomaterials Market1. The market revenue of nanoclay is expected to witness a highest CAGR of 24.9%.2. Paints & coatings and adhesives & sealants together accounted for more than one-third market share in 2015.3. Personal care is projected to grow at a highest CAGR of 22% (in terms of revenue).4. North America is projected to lead the market throughout 2022, growing at a CAGR of 20.5% (in terms of revenue).5. U.S. led the world nanomaterials market in 2015, and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the period under consideration.In the year 2015, North America and Asia-Pacific collectively accounted for three-fourths of the worldwide demand for nanomaterials and are expected to maintain this position throughout. However, the Asia-Pacific nanomaterials market revenues are projected to grow at a highest CAGR of 21.4%, followed by North America and Europe. Exceptional physio-chemical properties of nanomaterial drive its demand in various applications across North America and Asia-Pacific.Major players in the industry invest significantly in research & development to launch new nanomaterials for commercial applications at low cost. The major companies profiled in the report include Ahlstrom, Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Arkema Group, CNano Technologies Ltd., Daiken Chemicals, DuPont, Fuso Chemical Co., Ltd., MKnano, Nanoco, Nanocyl S.A., NanoIntegris, Nanophase Technologies Inc., Nanosys Inc., Southern Clay Products, Inc., TDA Research, and Umicore NanoMaterials.About Us:Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Contact:Sona Padmanabhan5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect: +1-503-894-6022Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 (U.S. &Canada)Fax: +1(855)550-5975E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) And Prostate Treatment Market Analysis and Value Forecast Snapshot by End-use Industry 2016-2026

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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic obstruction. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a health condition in men in which the prostate gland size is enlarged than a normal. In a men whole life, prostate grows in two phases, first phase is occurs in early stage of puberty, second phase starts at the age of twenty five and it continues most of persons life. BPH occurs in second phase of growth and it is very general problem in a men who are above age 50. In 2010, 14 Mn men in the U.S. diagnosed with BPH. However, BPH may occurs in before age 40 and the chances of BPH will increase with age.If prostate gland enlarges than its normal size, the gland presses in between pinches and the urethra. As a result, the bladder wall become thicker and lose the ability to empty the bladder completely. Symptoms of BPH include urinary frequency, nocturia and urinary incontinence. BPH may causes urinary tract infections, bladder damage, and kidney damage in an acute stage.To treat BPH, medications, minimally invasive procedures and surgeries are available. Medications are used to shrink the prostate gland and reduce the symptoms of BPH, minimally invasive procedures and surgeries performed when medication is ineffective.Request Free Report Sample@Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Prostate Treatment Market: Drivers and RestraintsBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) treatment market driven by increasing ageing population around world. Increasing incidence rates of BPH also expected to drive the overall benign prostatic hyperplasia market.Availability of different treatment procedures to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate treatment also expected to drive the BPH market during the forecast period.Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Prostate Treatment Market: SegmentationBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Prostate Treatment Market is segmented into following typesBy TreatmentMedicationAlpha blockersPhosphodiesterase-5 inhibitorsCombination medicationsMinimally invasive surgeriesTransurethral Needle AblationTransurethral Microwave ThermotherapyHigh-Intensity Focused UltrasoundTransurethral ElectrovaporizationWater-Induced ThermotherapyProstatic Stent InsertionSurgeriesBy End UserHospitalsAmbulatory Surgery CentersHospital PharmaciesRetail StoresBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Prostate Treatment Market: OverviewIncreasing healthcare awareness among mass population along with rise in prevalence rate of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is expected to propel the overall demand for (BPH) and prostate treatment market. The market is expected to witness a healthy growth over the forecast period (2016-2026)Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Prostate Treatment Market: Region- wise OutlooKDepending on geographic regions, the global benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate treatment market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.BPH market is mainly depend on the ageing population. Among all regions, Europe and Asia Pacific are expected to witness a high growth rate over the forecast period owing to the large number of ageing population in these regions. North America and Latin America also expected to witness a healthy growth rate during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Prostate Treatment Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in this market areSanofi AventisSandoz IncWatson Laboratories IncLabopharm IncTeva Pharmaceuticals Usa IncPfizer IncAbout Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Forecast On Clinical Alarm Management Market Global Industry Analysis and Trends till 2026

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Clinical alarm systems are devices that alert caregivers of immediate adverse patient conditions and help in enhancing potential patient-safety. Alarmsmust be accurate, unique and provide alerts, which could be readily identified and understood by caregivers and the products must belong to standardized & approved product categories. These systems are either built-in or attached to other medical equipment & monitoring systems. Alarm fatigue is the psychological effect produced by too many alarms occurring in a clinical environment, causing clinicians to miss true clinically significant alarms. When alarms work well, the environment of patient care is enhanced. When alarms do not work well, they pull caregivers away from their line of respective duties and other patients, or even ignore alarm sounds altogether. Cases of ignored alarms have resulted in patient deaths earlier in extreme cases. Most often, the major usability problem is an alarm flood- too many alarms ringing together, in case of any device failure. Other defects hampering clinical alarm uptake in sophisticated healthcare systems include poorly designed alarms, improperly set alarm points, ineffective alarm announcements, and unclear alarm messages among others.Clinical Alarm Management Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing awareness of care providers towards enhancing patient safety is a prominent factor pushing the revenue growth of the clinical alarm management market. Others revenue drivers include rising medtech investments by governments of all major countries and promoting access to basic healthcare across all sections of the society. Integrated alarm system designs are often not standardized across different medical equipment systems and devices. This could be considered as a restraint for clinical alarm management market. Improper alarm escalation leading to false negative cases - such as a patient needs immediate clinical attention but a clinician is not alerted - substantially compromises on patient-safety. Other factors negatively affecting market growth are lack of product standardization across regions and lack of proper skills to rationalize the alarm adjustment process.Request Free Report Sample@Clinical Alarm Management Market: SegmentationClinical alarm management market is segmented based on product type, end user and geography.Based on product type, clinical alarm management market is segmented as follows:Physiological monitorsTelemetry monitorsVentilatorsInfusion PumpsAnesthesia MachinesCompression PumpsFeeding PumpsNurse Call SystemBed AlarmsBased on end user, the clinical alarm management market is segmented as follows:HospitalsClinicsAmbulatory surgical centersLong term and palliative care centersHome careOthersClinical Alarm Management Market: OverviewIn the present market scenario, clinical alarm manufacturers prioritize sensitivity over specificity. This often leads to a large number of false positive cases, which is often misleading. Particularly, when alarm frequency is high, caregivers could become desensitized, develop alarm fatigue, and create a false negative outcome, compromising patient safety. With rise in the number of urban healthcare centers across regions, there clinical alarm management market is witnessing a sustained growth in demand for standard and tested products. To avoid product level dysfunctionalities, the AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) Foundation had added clinical alarms to its portfolio of multidisciplinary initiatives to advance patient safety and created an Alarm Best Practices Workgroup in 2012. The committee reviews and recommends best practices on clinical alarm management at regular intervals. Developed pharmaceutical markets are expected to create sustainable traction in generating demand for standardized clinical alarm systems over the forecast period, while developing markets are expected to follow suit.Clinical Alarm Management Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global clinical alarm management marketis classified into seven regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America is expected to dominate the clinical alarm management market in terms of both revenue and demand generation owing to greater awareness on medtech advancement followed by Western Europe. However, over the foreseeable long term, markets in Latin America and Asia-Pacific could prove lucrative in terms of market opportunities owing to persistence of factors such as greater penetration of access to organized healthcare and rising disposable income level contribution to private healthcare spending.Visit For TOC@Clinical Alarm ManagementMarket: Key PlayersSome of the major companies contributing to global clinical alarm management market include Medtronic, Extension Healthcare, GE Healthcare, Koninklijke Phislips N.V., Baxter incorporated, Connexall, Mindray Medical International Limited among others.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Atrial Fibrillation Device Market Growth with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2026

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Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmias refers to as an irregular heart rhythm of the upper chamber of the heart i.e. erratically change of normal sequence electrical impulses. Atrial fibrillation is treated with medications by slowing the heart rate to the rhythm control stage. Atrial fibrillation may lead to blood cloth, heart failure, strokes and other heart related problems. If atrial fibrillation disease remains untreated it will double the risk of patients death. Valvular heart disease and hypertension are the most common alterablerisk factor of atrial fibrillation disease. In 2014, according to centers for disease control and prevention, around 6 Mn people in the U.S were suffering from atrial fibrillation disease and the number was estimated to increase in near future. According to MRI Interventions, Inc. research report, around 2 to 4 Mn new patients are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in the U.S annually and the incidence rate of atrial fibrillation disease will increase. Technological advancement in the field of surgical catheter ablation along with rising occurrence of disease due to changes lifestyle habits like drinking and smoking will drive the growth of global atrial fibrillation device market in forecast period.Atrial Fibrillation Device Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncrease in the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among aging population, reduce mortality rate and favorable outcomes of the atrial fibrillation device are the factors expected to drive the growth of global atrial fibrillation device market. Moreover, atrial fibrillation device is an alternative to long term oral anticoagulants among non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients, eliminate the use of long term warfarin and reduce the risk of heart bleeding and strokes are some other factors expected to fuel the growth of global atrial fibrillation device market. However, alternative to atrial fibrillation device such as drug therapy, catheter related complications and high cost of minimally invasive ablation procedures are proving a major challenge for overall growth of atrial fibrillation device market.Request for sample report:Atrial Fibrillation Device Market: SegmentationThe global atrial fibrillation device market has been classified on the basis of surgical type, non-surgical and end user.Based on surgical type, the global atrial fibrillation device market is divided into following:Catheter AblationMaze SurgeryBased on non-surgical, the global atrial fibrillation device market is divided into following:Pharmacological DrugsDiagnostic devicesElectric CardioversionRecording SystemsAccess DevicesCardiac MonitorsClosure DevicesLeft Atrial AppendageBased on end user, the global atrial fibrillation device market is divided into following:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersCardiac Catheterization LaboratoriesRequest for TOC:Atrial Fibrillation Device Market: OverviewBased on surgical type, global atrial fibrillation device market is sub segmented into catheter ablation and diagnostic device, of which catheter ablation segment is expected to grow fastest over the forecast period. Increasing patient awareness, improved healthcare infrastructure and rising demand for non-pharmacological treatments are some of the factors which are driving the growth of catheter ablation segment. Pharmacological drug segment is expected to have highest market share in the forecast period. Low prices of pharmacological drugs along with increasing use of anti-coagulant therapy is driving the demand of pharmacological drugs segment.Atrial Fibrillation Device Market: Regional OverviewDepending on geographic region, atrial fibrillation device market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America held largest share in the atrial fibrillation device market followed by Europe, Japan and Asia Pacific owing to high prevalence of atrial fibrillation, awareness among population, reimbursement policies,and healthcare infrastructure. The developing nations in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa hold huge potential for growth in the atrial fibrillation device market due to increase in geriatric population, improved healthcare expenditure along with increased per capita income. Also, growth in public and private hospitals, pharmacies & drug stores will drive the growth ofatrial fibrillation device market in this region.Atrial Fibrillation Device Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global atrial fibrillation device market are Boston Scientific Corporation, Abbott, Biosense Webster, Inc., St. Jude Medical, Inc., Siemens Healthcare, Medtronic plc, Koninklijke Philips N.V. and AtriCure, Inc.Browse full report:About us:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Contact us:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790Email:sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Flavors and Fragrances Market to grow from US$24.939 billion in 2015 to US$31.410 billion by 2021

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Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence announces the publication of a new report "Flavors and Fragrances Market - Forecasts from 2016 to 2021" to their offering. The report has segmented the Flavors and Fragrances market by Type (Flavors and Fragrance), Raw Materials (Essential Oils, Aroma Chemicals and Others), Flavors Market by Application (Food, Beverages, Confectionary, Dairy, Pharmaceutical and Others), Fragrances Market by Application (Dish and Laundry Detergents , Skin and Hair care Products , Perfumes , Household Care and Others ) and by geography (Americas, Europe Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific) and estimates that the global flavors and fragrances market to grow from US$24.939 billion in 2015 to US$31.410 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 3.92% over the forecast period.Rapid urbanization, focus towards a healthier lifestyle, rising household final consumption expenditure, and increased demand for processed foods are some of the major factors driving this market. Growing affluence and rising purchasing power in emerging economies that is strengthening the emergence of a large middle class is expected to bolster further growth. Focus awards a healthier lifestyle, increase in disposable income and increasing application of flavors and fragrances are some factors accelerating growth in the flavors and fragrance Market.Essential oil to witness highest market growth in raw material segmentEssential oils are expected to dominate the raw material segment owing to increasing demand for fragrances and flavors with a natural ingredient as the prevalence of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes is rising across major markets. Moreover, essential oils can be used in small quantity for the production of flavors and fragrances, as compared to other raw materials, thus reducing input costs for the manufacturers.Asia Pacific to witness fastest regional market growth during the forecasted period.In Asia Pacific region, countries such as China and India are projected to witness high market growth due to rising household consumption expenditure and higher purchasing power attributable to healthy economic growth. Latin America is also expected to witness considerable market growth during the forecasted period attributable to rise in disposable income.The key players in flavors and fragrance market covered in this report include Givaudan, Firmenich, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc, Symrise, Takasago International Corporation, MANE, Frutarom Industries Ltd, Sensient Flavors, The Robertet Group, Huabao International Holdings Limited, and BASF.This report contains the market analysis on the current trends in the flavors and fragrances market and the opportunities for the vendors over the next six years. It provides deep insights into the drivers and restraints of the industry. Flavors and Fragrance Market report also consist of in-depth regional analysis. A lot of statistically relevant tools and detailed industry analysis models such as scenario analysis have been used to forecast the market trends and forecasts up to the year 2021.The report also talks about the strategies adopted by the industry leaders to gain an advantage over competitors and the recent deals that they have gone into to position themselves better in this market.Purchase the complete report or request for a sample:Browse Related Reports:Luxury Packaging Market - Forecasts from 2016 to 2021Global Fruit juice Market - Forecasts from 2016 to 2021Cosmetic Chemical Market- Forecasts from 2016 to 2021Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence is a market research and consulting firm based out of India. Driven by industry experts, the company provides syndicated reports, custom research, and consulting services. Our proprietary data analytics model blended with quality primary and secondary research data assists in generating quality reports providing crucial insights to managers and decision makers. The services offered by us help companies to gain required competitive edge. Our expertise across 10 industries such as ICT, Chemicals, Semiconductors, Healthcare among others caters to diverse client needs.Knowledge Sourcing IntelligenceAsia Pacific Intelligence CenterH-38, Sector 63Noida, U.P, - 201301India
Internet of Everything (IoE) Market Trends, Business Strategies and Opportunities 2025 |The Insight Partners

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IoE specifies to consumer products and devices linked to the internet and have digital features. It is an ideology for future with different types of devices, products and appliances connected to the worldwide internet. Thereby, enabling smarter machines that have more access to data and enhanced networking opportunities. IoE caters to an array of applications that include industrial machine learning systems, digital sensor interfaces/tools utilized for remote appliances, smarter and connected mobile devices and other distributed smart/automated hardware.Browse market data tables and in-depth TOC of the Internet of Everything (IoE) Market to 2025 @North America dominates the global IoE market followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. IoE market is a growing market as it generates extraordinary opportunities for organizations, individuals, communities and countries to gain huge value from networked connections through data, processes, things and people. The major reason for the growth of IoE market in the upcoming years is the highly growing use of the internet.The market is in the promising stage and is expected to grow further as it offers benefits like decision making and enhancing operational efficiency. It performs merging of technologies such as mobility, data analytics, social networks and cloud computing by way of inexpensive intelligent sensors. The growing acceptance by local, federal and state governments; non-governmental organizations, healthcare organizations and educational institutions creates many opportunities for IoE market in the future. The growing demand between high speed processors, high network speed and internet security equipment helped to create the stable market.Request Sample Copy @Internet security is an issue that can hampers the market growth. Also, low speed of internet is a major restraint in IoE market. Advancements in standardized technologies and ultra-low power will also help in the growth of IoE market. The development of big-data analytics has taken wireless enabled services and applications of IoE to a new level creating a demand for the IoE market.The global IoE market is segmented into two end-user verticals: business to business (B2B) and consumer. The B2B segment is further sub-segmented into public sector, transportation sector, communication & media sector, healthcare sector, retail sector, manufacturing sector, BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) sector and utility sector. Among these mentioned IoE B2B verticals, manufacturing sector heads the global IoE market and then the public sector. Though, healthcare sector market is growing fastest across the world. The IoE market is bifurcated based on technologies into application technologies, infrastructure technologies and network technologies. The global IoE market is bifurcated on the basis of regions into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa.Make an Inquiry @PTC Inc., Axiros GmbH, Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P, SAP SE, Oracle Corporation, Apple Inc., Continental AG, Atmel Corporation, Accenture PLC, Cisco Systems, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, International Business Machines Corp., Ericsson, Schneider Electric SE, Amazon.com, Inc., Freescale Semiconductor, General Electric Company, Enlighted Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Telefonica S.A, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Altimetrik Inc. and Wireless Logic Group Ltd are some of the key players in the industry.Few Key Points from Table of ContentGlobal Internet of Everything Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  End-user verticals Business To Business (B2B) ConsumerGlobal Internet of Everything Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  B2B End-user verticals Public Sector Transportation Sector Communication & Media Sector BFSI Sector Healthcare Sector Retail Sector Manufacturing Sector BFSI Sector Utility SectorGlobal Internet of Everything Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Technologies Application Technologies Infrastructure Technologies Network TechnologiesGlobal Internet of Everything Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Geographical Analysis North America Europe Asia Pacific (APAC) Middle East & Africa (MEA) South America (SAM)Global Internet of Everything Market, Key Company Profiles Included Key Facts, Business Description, Financial Overview, SWOT Analysis and Key Developments PTC Inc. Axiros GmbH Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. SAP SE Oracle Corporation Apple Inc. Continental AG Accenture PLC Cisco Systems, Inc. Microsoft Corporation International Business Machines Corp. Ericsson Atmel Corporation Schneider Electric SE Amazon.com, Inc. Freescale Semiconductor General Electric Company Enlighted Inc. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Telefonica S.A Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Altimetrik Inc. Wireless Logic Group LtdInquire about discount on this report @About The Insight Partners:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Hydraulic Cylinder Market In India Will Grow Steadily At A CAGR Of 14.67% Over The Period 2014-2019

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Hydraulic Cylinder Market in India 2015-2019" to its huge collection of research reports.A hydraulic cylinder is a mechanical device that uses pressurized hydraulic fluid on the surface of the cylinder piston to enable linear movement of the piston. This force pushes the piston rod that is connected to the load. The hydraulic cylinder converts the energy of the hydraulic fluid into useful mechanical force. A hydraulic cylinder consists of a cylinder barrel, piston, piston rod, rod gland, cushions, seals, and a cylinder base. The common and highly preferred hydraulic cylinders are plunger cylinders, telescoping cylinders, cable cylinders, and diaphragm cylinders.Technavio's analysts forecast the hydraulic cylinder market in India to grow at a CAGR of 14.67% over the period 2014-2019.Covered in this reportThe report includes the present scenario and the growth prospects of the hydraulic cylinder market in India for 2015-2019. The market can be segmented based on end-users: earthmoving equipment, material handling equipment, agriculture equipment, industrial, and other equipment manufacturers.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Hydraulic Cylinder Market in India 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsDantal HydraulicsBoschVeljan DenisonWipro Infrastructure EngineeringOther prominent vendorsOgnibene PowerOscar EquipmentSalzgitter HydraulicsSchwing Stetter IndiaTAFE AccessUTKey market driverHeavy investments in infrastructureFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey market challengeIncraesed preference for pneumatic cylindersFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey market trendGrowing importance of renting and leasing of equipmentFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Seaweed Market: Global industry analysis and forecast 2016 - 2024

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Seaweed is species of macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae, which are found in oceans and seas across the globe. The hydrocolloids such as alginate, agar, and carrageenan, gelatinous substances are extracted from seaweed. Seaweed is beneficial to health to fight against illness and diseases. Seaweed is used in food, medicines, cosmetics and organic fertilizers and feed additives. The red seaweed is a source for carrageenan hydrocolloid, which is highly used in food industry owing to its improved gelling and thickening property. The red seaweed segment is anticipated to dominate among the product type segment, due to the increasing demand for agar and carrageenan from the food industry. The brown seaweeds is expected to follow red seaweeds owing to the growing use of brown seaweed in animal feed additives and fertilizers. On the basis of form type, the liquid form seaweed is expected to account for larger market share in terms of value and volume, this is owing to rising demand from agriculture and pharmaceutical industries across the globe. On the other hand, the human food segment is expected to hold significant market share among the application segment, this is due to increase in seaweed consumption in human food coupled with increasing demand for seaweed derived snacks. The global seaweed market is anticipated to witness significant CAGR during the forecast period.View Sample Report @Increasing consumption of seaweed as a food extract, medical use, and for bio-refining is expected to drive the demand for seaweed. Furthermore, growing consumer awareness regarding nutritional benefits of seaweed, rising demand for alginate in food, pharmaceutical industries is expected to boost the growth of global seaweed market. In addition, increasing demand for seaweed derived snacks is anticipated to fuel the demand for seaweed.However, lack of awareness of harvesting various species of seaweed among the manufactures is expected to hinder the growth of global seaweed market.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Based on the geographies, the global seaweed market is segmented into five key regions, namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Owing to the increase in harvesting and consumption of seaweed in China, Japan and Indonesia, the Asia Pacific seaweed market is anticipated to hold major revenue market share. North America and Europe is anticipated to collectively, contribute in the global seaweed market, this is due to increasing seaweed harvesting coupled with consumption in US, Germany, UK and France. Also, rising demand for seaweed in food industries coupled with increasing investments in R&D activities by key manufacturers in US, and increasing popularity for seaweed baths coupled with increasing use of seaweed in German beer (contains agars, carrageenans and alginates) in Germany and UK are making these regions as favorable regions. Owing to growing consumer awareness regarding medical and other benefits of seaweeds in Brazil, GCC countries and South Africa, the Latin America and MEA are expected to witness modest growth rate.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market in-telligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexi-ble without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Food Colorants Market: Global industry analysis and forecast 2016 - 2024

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Food colorants are coloring additives also known as dye or pigments which are added to food or beverages to impart color and give an attractive appearance to the food and beverages. Food colorants are added in the food and beverages to maintain and improve safety, freshness, nutritional value, taste, texture and appearance of foods and beverages. Natural colorants segment is expected to hold a significant market share in terms of value owing to easily availability of fruits and vegetables. The global food colorants market is anticipated to witness significant CAGR during the forecast period.View Sample Report @Easily availability of raw materials such as fruits and vegetables and edible plants, coupled with rising consumer demand for natural colorants, which is driving the growth of global food colorants market. Furthermore, increasing applications of food colorants in food and beverage industry is expected to boost the consumption of food colorants. In addition, increasing consumer demand for processed foods leads to increase consumption of food colorants.However, stringent and expensive certifications and regulations regarding use of food colorants, and side effects associated with synthetic colors on health are expected to limit the growth of global food colorants market.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Based on the geographies, the global food colorants market is segmented into five key regions, namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America is anticipated to dominate among all the regions owing to increasing demand for food colorants in US and Canada. Europe is expected to hold the market share of global food colorants market at a second position in terms of value. This is attributed to increasing consumer awareness for natural products coupled with regulatory support for coloring food stuff in European countries. Owing to the increase in consumption of processed and ready to eat foods in India and China, the Asia-Pacific market is anticipated to contribute significantly to the global food colorants market. The Latin America and MEA regions are expected to contribute collectively in the global food colorants market.This is due to the increasing disposable incomes coupled with changing lifestyles in Brazil, GCC countries and South Africa which is fuelling the consumption of processed foods, resulting in an increase in demand for food colorants.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market in-telligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexi-ble without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Global Alpha-Amylase Market Revenue Predicted To Go Up by 2016 - 2024

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Alpha-amylase is an enzyme, which is used for protein hydrolysis. It is used for hydrolysing the alpha bonds of polymeric carbohydrate molecules i.e. polysaccharide to yield maltose and glucose. Thus, it helps in breakdown of starch and carbohydrates in the body and hence are used as inhibitors for weight loss. Alpha-Amylase is derived from plants, bacteria and fungi. The bacterial and fungal alpha-amylase has dominated in terms of market share and is used in wide range of applications in food and pharmaceutical sector. Solid state and submerged fermentation methods are used in the manufacturing process of alpha-amylase. Submerged fermentation method is the conventional method of alpha-amylase production and the different parameters such as temperature, moisture, pH level etc. can be controlled with ease in this method. Solid state fermentation is expected to account for significant share, due to its resemblance to natural habitat favourable for the growth of microorganisms. Alpha-amylase is used in the production of products such as animal feed, bakery goods, sugar products, brewed products, detergents, biofuels etc. In September 2016, a Denmark-based leading biotechnology company announced acquisition of Organobalance GmbH, a Germany-based research and development company, specialist for manufacturing products based on microbial strain. BASF SE, a Germany-based leading global chemicals manufacturer has acquired Verenium Corporation, a leading manufacturer of performance enhanced enzymes.View Sample Report @The use of alpha-amylase in the manufacturing of wide range of products such as animal feed, bakery goods, sugar products etc. is the major driver for the growth of global alpha-amylase market. The demand for convenience food is increasing and the rapid growth of food processing industry in the developing economies is expected to boost the growth of global alpha-amylase market. The need for renewable and sustainable energy solutions has increased the demand for biofuels. Amylase enzymes have significant role in the production of biofuels, which is anticipated to fuel global alpha-amylase market growth. The increasing consumer awareness regarding nutritious and healthy food and the rapid growth of nutraceuticals market during the forecast period, is anticipated to upsurge the demand for alpha-amylase.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:The global alpha-amylase market can be divided into five regions, namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America is anticipated to account for significant share in global alpha-amylase market. This is attributed to the rise in expenditure for functional ingredients in food industry. The increasing consumption of beverages also contributes to the growth of alpha-amylase market. Europe also accounts for significant share in global alpha-amylase market. APAC is expected to record higher growth rate during the forecast period, owing to the increasing number of fast food outlets in the region. APAC holds significant share in the production of animal feed and the rising demand for feed ingredients is expected to increase the growth of alpha-amylase market in the region. There is a rapid growth of oil industry and agro business in Latin America, and hence the alpha-amylase market is expected to record higher growth rate in the region.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market in-telligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexi-ble without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Beet Sugar Market is growing at significant rate, 2026

Beet Sugar Market, Beet Sugar, Beet Market, Sugar Market

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Sugar beet is efficient converter of solar energy to a form that can be used by animals and men. The top ten sugar beet producing countries include Russia, France, U.S., Germany, Ukraine, Turkey, Poland, China, U.K. and Egypt.Request for TOC @Beet sugar is an industrial crop utilized in food processing as well as in production of ethanol and biogas. In tropical countries, the sugar beet crop offers precious alternative to sugarcane. The beet sugar market growth in terms of production and consumption has showcased an upliftment over the past few years and is likely to intensify at a rapid pace during the forecast period.Sugar has been the most widely used sweetener in the world, with its closest substitute being high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Tropical beet sugar is a biennial sugar producing tuber crop developed in temperate countries. It constitutes around 30% of the total world production as well as distributed in more than 45 countries. Sugar beet is efficient converter of solar energy to a form that can be used by animals and men. The top ten sugar beet producing countries include Russia, France, U.S., Germany, Ukraine, Turkey, Poland, China, U.K. and Egypt.Global Beet Sugar: Market SegmentationThe Global Beet Sugar market is segmented on the basis of consumption in industry such as cereal, bakery, ice-cream, confectionery, beverage and dairy industry. Over the next few years, beverage segment is anticipated to grab highest market attractiveness in the global beet sugar market till 2026. The global beet sugar market is also segmented on the basis of function such as regular and medical conditions. The global beet sugar market is also segmented on the basis of organizational structure such as unorganized and organized market. The share of former is anticipated to be more over the forecast period.Global Beet Sugar Market: Growth DriversRising population and personal disposable income is anticipated to bolster the growth of global Beet Sugar market. Apart from this, changing lifestyle along with urbanization and increasing health related disorders are expected to drive the global Beet Sugar market during the forecast period as the consumption will rise. The advent of new class of customers as well as the entry of various new global players is expected to intensify the growth of Beet Sugar market all across the globe during the forecast period.Global Beet Sugar Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the Global Beet Sugar industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America contributed the highest share in the global Beet Sugar market in 2015. The size of America has been doubled over the past few years in production of beet sugar. For growers in Western and Central Europe, it is already a high value crop. But in Eastern Europe, while acreage and volumes are maximum, there is significant scope to increase quality of seed. Over the next few years, Asia Pacific is expected to expand at a higher pace during the forecast period. India is expected to be the worlds fastest growing market, driven by increasing standard of living. Apart from this, gains in developing regions such as Middle-east and Africa will also be strengthened by changing standard of living. Advances in Western Europe is expected to benefit from strong incline in number of new housing units.Request for Sample Report @Global Beet Sugar Market: PlayersSome of the key vendors identified across the value chain of the global Beet Sugar market include syngenta, Renuka beet sugar, Spreckals Sugar Company, Michigan Sugar Company, Amalgamated Sugar Company. Various players are anticipated to appear in the industry with the manufacturing of new and innovative products in the industry. The companies are anticipated to invest in research and development in order to expand the business and to maintain the market share in the global beet sugar market.The Report covers exhaustive analysis on: Beet Sugar Market Segments Beet Sugar Market Dynamics Historical Actual Market Size, 2013  2015 for Global Beet Sugar Market Beet Sugar Market Size & Forecast 2016 to 2026 Supply & Demand Value Chain Beet Sugar Market Current Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies involved in Global Beet Sugar Market Technology Value Chain Global Beet Sugar Market Drivers and RestraintsRegional analysis for Global Beet Sugar Market includes North Americao US & Canada Latin Americao Brazil, Argentina & Others Western Europeo EU5o Nordicso Benelux Eastern Europe Asia Pacifico Australia and New Zealand (ANZ)o Greater Chinao Indiao ASEANo Rest of Asia Pacific Japan Middle East and Africao GCC Countrieso Other Middle Easto North Africao South Africao Other AfricaThe report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Report Highlights: Detailed overview of parent market Changing market dynamics of the Global Beet Sugar industry In-depth market segmentation of Global Beet Sugar industry Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value of Global Beet Sugar industry Recent industry trends and developments of Global Beet Sugar industry Competitive landscape of Global Beet Sugar industry Strategies of key players and product offerings in the Global Beet Sugar industry Potential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growth in Global Beet Sugar industry A neutral perspective towards market performance Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Anti-ageing Ingredients Market: Lifestyle & Environmental Changes Driving Youth to Seek Ways of Ageing Gracefully

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Anti-ageing ingredients offer a high scope for growth, especially in regions that report a large geriatric population base, notes Transparency Market Research. In a report titled Anti-Ageing Ingredients Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 20162024, TMR sheds light on the major factors benefitting this market and those that restrict its growth.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :One of the most significant factors fueling the market for anti-ageing ingredients is the rise in geriatric population worldwide. The U.S. Census Bureau finds that in 2011, the number of Americans over the age of 65 stood at 181.6 mn, which is expected to rise to 244.7 mn by 2018. This rise in both developing and developed countries is complemented by a growing number of people becoming aware of new anti-aging products and a surge in spending on personal care products. These factors increasingly benefit the global market for anti-ageing ingredients.Although geriatric population emerges as the leading driving factor in this market, the growing percentage of youth is also a major growth booster. An increasing number of young adults are realizing the harmful effects of environmental changes and sedentary lifestyle on the skin and are therefore seeking ways of aging gracefully.Thanks to strict regulations pertaining the use of safe ingredients in anti-ageing products, new technologies are being developed across the globe and the emergence of natural products with organic ingredients has taken the personal care industry by storm. However, these regulations pose several challenges for smaller players who cannot afford expensive R&D to develop alternative ingredients. Moreover, the potential side effects of anti-ageing ingredients and products do restrict their uptake.Browse Full Report With ToC:The anti-ageing ingredients market can be geographically segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America and Europe both account for a significant share in the global market, fueled primarily by the availability of advanced technologies, high investments in R&D, and a large population base of geriatrics. Asia Pacific, on the other hand, presents immense potential on account of lucrative opportunities in countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan. The rising disposable incomes in these economies, the growing awareness regarding anti-aging products, and an exponential increase in aging population are some of the key factors propelling the anti-ageing ingredients market in Asia Pacific.TMR offers a detailed evaluation of the vendor landscape, identifying the leading players and analyzing their performance through the years. VIVACY Laboratories, J&JCI, ADEKA CORPORATION, Lasons India Pvt. Ltd., DSM, Mercola Skin Care, Galderma S.A., Allergan India Private Limited, BASF, and Cargill, Inc. are some of the key companies operating in the global anti-ageing ingredients market. By nature, the market is fragmented with several players worldwide.This highly competitive yet lucrative market is poised to expand at a healthy rate over the course of the forecast period.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Membranes Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020

Membranes Market

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A membrane filter is primarily a selective barrier that allows the quick passage of constituents present in a liquid. The liquid that flows through the membrane is called as the permeate while the influent of the membrane is called as the feed-stream and the constituents that are retained in the membrane is either known as a retentate or a concentrate. The primary criteria for the selection of a suitable membrane include the membrane pore size. Based on the pore size, membranes can be classified as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanaofiltration and reverse osmosis and reverse osmosis membranes. The thickness of a membrane is also taken into consideration, either with homogenous or heterogeneous structure. In some cases, membranes can be either neutral or charged and the flow of particles is either active or passive.Particle transport can be facilitated by pressure, concentration, chemical or electrical gradients of the membrane process. Membranes can be classified into two types, which include systematic membranes and biological membrane. These membranes have various uses in wastewater treatment, pharmaceutical and medical industries. Membrane filters are used in these industries as its is less energy-intensive as it does not require major phase changes, it does not demand any absorbents or solvents that are expensive or difficult to handle and the equipment used is simple and modular and this facilitates the incorporation of more efficient membranes.View exclusive Global strategic Business Report:Te main driver for the membrane filter market is its use in the water treatment process. These membranes provide critical, efficient and reliable solutions for various separation challenges and have also demonstrated high performance across a wide variety of applications as compared to other complicated technologies. The global and local environmental concerns boost the membrane technology market as in aids in the reduction of waste and enhances its general reuse. The major factors that drive the membrane market include the growing global demand for water industry, the stringent local and state government regulations and various environmental concerns. Additionally these membrane filters are reliable and highly cost effective with high permeability and selectivity. The wastewater treatment segment and the pharmaceutical segment are considered the main applications of membrane filters, however the industrial gas processing segment is anticipated t grow at a very fast rate over the next few years.North America and Europe have the highest market demand for membrane filters owing to their stringent environmental regulations. Additionally the European countries are continually investing into various research and development of various high performance membrane products for various industrial gas processing and pharmaceutical and medical uses sector. The demand for membrane filters in Asia Pacific is also high due to the increase in water and various wastewater treatments, pharmaceutical and medical industries. This rise in demand in Asia Pacific is expected to continue over the next few years. At present China is considered to be the fastest growing market in the Asia Pacific region and globally. The largest market for membrane filters for the medical industry is the European region followed by North America and Asia Pacific. however North America is anticipated to see the highest growth in the near future.Some of the key players in this market include Merck Millipore, Pall Corporation, Sartorius Biotech, 3M, Alfa Laval, GE, Graver Technologies, Koch Membrane Systems, MECO, Spectrum Laboratories, Novasep among others.This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report include-North America-Asia Pacific-Europe-Rest of the WorldAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insights for decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, TMR employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog:
Security Labels Market: Global Industry Size, Share and Trends Analysis and Forecast, 2016-2024

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Global Security Labels Market: OverviewSecurity labels are used to protect product or item from getting altered, unpacked, theft, and malicious modification. These security labels prevent confidential information from getting leaked. Security labels are witnessing high demand in manufacturing and beverage industry. These industries widely use security labels on bottles to enhance brand positioning and aesthetic demand. In addition, manufacturers use security labels to safeguard merchandise from diversion, tampering, and counterfeiting. It not only protects the goods but also brand image and revenue of the company. Moreover, company can keep record of tracking throughout supply chain.Get a copy of free Sample Report @Global Security Labels Market: SegmentationThe global security labels market is segmented on the basis of identification method as holographic, bar codes, and radio-frequency identification. Bar code is widely used identification method among others and is most cost-effective. It is leading identification method used across the world and is useful for gathering any essential data. The global market is divided on the basis on end-use application as cosmetics, food & beverages, consumer usable, electronics, retail, construction, and others. Food & beverage sector is projected to witness high growth in future owing to increasing demand for branded and packaged products. Based on composition, the global market is fragmented into release liner, facestock, and adhesive.Request for TOC of Report @Global Security Labels Market: Growth FactorsIncreasing demand from food & beverage and retail industry enhance the market growth in coming years. Rapid grwth in the e-commerce industry positively impacts the market. Other end-use applications such as consumer durables, electronics, and logistics may also escalate the market growth in future. Moreover, increasing populating and changing lifestyle are anticipated to boost market in future. Strong demand from pharmaceutical, healthcare, electronics products may augment the market growth in the near future. Increasing awareness regarding authenticity of the product details and protection from false information is the major driving factor for the security labels market. Huge demand for security labels from consumer durables industry will propel the global market growth in the coming years.Global Security Labels Market: Regional AnalysisAsia Pacific accounted for the largest market share owing to developing industrial network in this region. North America is projected to be the fastest growing market due to increasing awareness for authenticity of information among people. China is expected to emerge as the largest consumer for security labels due to highest demand form food & beverage, pharmaceuticals and consumer durables industry. India and Brazil are other regional segments that accounted for significant growth in the security labels market. Increasing population and disposable income in these regions is anticipated to witness growth in the future.Browse detail report @Global Security Labels Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the major players dominating the global security labels market are Honeywell International Inc., Avery Dennison Corporation, 3M Company, CCL Industries Inc., and UPM. Manufacturers are looking for more alternative options to enhance their business strategy. For example, Guangzhou Manborui launched new security label, Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) security label. It is claimed that it is a unique label having the ability to regain its original shape once it is deformed by an external temperature change.Global Security Labels Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaKnow more before buying this report @What Reports ProvidesFull in-depth analysis of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsSegmentation details of the marketFormer, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and valueAssessment of niche industry developmentsMarket share analysisKey strategies of major playersEmerging segments and regional marketsTestimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the marketAbout UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cider Packaging Market: Global Industry Size, Share and Trends Analysis and Forecast, 2016-2024

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Global Cider Packaging Market: OverviewCider is an alcoholic beverage which is made from a variety of fermented apple juices. Extra sugar or fruit in apple juice before second fermentation may increase alcoholic content. Wyld Wood, one of 3 brands in Westons portfolio of traditional premium ciders, took a decision to redesign packaging in 2012 after witnessing sales fall. In 2013, the company launched a new cider packaging for Wyld Wood, which generated a sale of 230,136, against the original investment of 18,000 in design fees. This represented an overall of 17% hike.Get a copy of free Sample Report @Global Cider Packaging Market: Growth FactorsHigh demand for cider beverage in terms of taste and innovative packaging is expected to drive the global cider packaging market in future. Hard cider is also anticipated to boost the demand. Innovative design and growing plastic industry may augment the demand in the global market. Adoption of attractive packaging methods for cider beverages entices potential customers to purchase these products; this, in turn, is expected to propel the demand in the near future. Reduced size for unit quantity creates more consumption opportunities among people. Most favored brands such as the angry orchard, woodchuck, and Kopparberg may further augment the overall demand for best attractive cider packaging. Furthermore, premium cider packaging is heavily privileged as status symbol owing to increasing disposal income and changing lifestyle. Further, competitors are focusing on best-suited innovative products and building new strategies in cider packaging market; all these factors are expected to positively impact the global market growth.Global Cider Packaging Market: SegmentationThe global cider packaging market is segmented on the basis of packaging type as cans, bottles, stand up pouches, and others. Of which, bottles is one of the leading packaging type segments. Based on the material type, the global cider packaging market is categorized as metal, glass, plastic, and others. Of which, plastic is dominating packaging type segment in the global market owing to higher demand for cider beverages. Plastic bottles are largely preferred over glass bottles owing to characteristics such as light weight, and easily availability at affordable prices.Request for TOC of Report @Global Cider Packaging Market: Regional AnalysisEurope is a dominating region in the cider packaging market accounting for strong growth in the region. The United Kingdom is the worlds biggest consumer and producer for cider beverages which may positively enhance the cider packaging market in future. Cider is highly preferred in the European countries such as Portugal and Ireland; this is anticipated to fuel the demand in the near future. Other countries such as Spain, France, and Northern Italy consume cider at large volumes. Central Europe is popularly manufacturing its own type of cider such as Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse, also known as Apfelwein.Global Cider Packaging Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the major players in the cider packaging market are Vidrala, MeadWestvaco, Silgan Holdings, Vetropack Holding, Allied Glass Containers, Plastipak Packaging, Consol Glass, Nampak, and Can-Pack. Other key players influencing the global market are Crown Holdings, Ardagh Packaging, Rexam, Owens-Illinois, and Ball.Browse detail report @Global Cider Packaging Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaKnow more before buying this report @What Reports ProvidesFull in-depth analysis of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsSegmentation details of the marketFormer, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and valueAssessment of niche industry developmentsMarket share analysisKey strategies of major playersEmerging segments and regional marketsTestimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.About UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: Global Industry Size, Share and Trends Analysis and Forecast, 2016-2024

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Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: OverviewRRP stands for retail ready packaging usually used to pack foodstuff and beverages. RRP is associated with "Five Easies, that is, to identify, open, replenish, shop, and dispose of. It packs the products in the ready-to-sell form in order to provide convenient transport of products to customers. It is a complete approach to reloading stocks efficiently and improve supply chain efficiency. It is designed to reduce the cost of the retailer and increase brand awareness. RRP ensures visibility of products and effective handling. For instance, Great Northern Corporation has created a Retail-Ready Packaging for Reichel Foods.Get a copy of free Sample Report @Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: Growth FactorsEscalating demand for RRP in supermarkets is expected to boost the market in the coming years. Developing connectivity in the supply chain is anticipated to boost the global market in future. Increasing preference of the people towards easy and effective handling products is also anticipated to foster the growth of the global market. Adoption of new shopping trend for RRP products entices potential customers to purchase these products; this, in turn, is expected to fuel the demand in the near future. The global RRP market uses eco-friendly packaging which has less impact on the environment and is easily degraded; this factor is also anticipated to augment the global market growth. Conversely, strict government regulations and incomprehensible supply chain in some countries may restrain the market growth in future.Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: SegmentationThe global RRP market is segmented on the basis type as modified cases, plastic RRP, die-cut display boxes, shrink-wrapped trays, and others. Of which, plastic RRP segment dominates the global market. On the basis of end-user, the global market is further categorized as beverage industry, food industry, and non-food industry. Of which, the food industry is the dominating segment and accounts for the largest market share in the global market.Request for TOC of Report @Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: Regional AnalysisThe global RRP market in Europe is anticipated to witness high growth in the global market growth. Early adoption of RRP in North America is expected to increase the demand in future. Improved economy and rising population in Asia Pacific contribute to the overall market growth. Escalating demand from supermarkets for RRP in developing economies is expected to foster the market demand in future. Moreover, formalized supply chain in China, Brazil, and Africa is also anticipated to enhance the market in future.Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the major players dominating the global retail ready packaging (RRP) market include Mayr-Melnhof Karton, Polymer Logistics, Smurfit Kappa Group, Industrial Packaging, Creative Corrugated Designs, Robert Bosch, and ETT Verpackungstechnik. Other key players influencing the global market are RFC Container Company, DS Smith, Linpac Packaging, Amcor, Model Management, Caps Cases, Mondi Group, and i2i Europe.Browse detail report @Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaKnow more before buying this report @What Reports ProvidesFull in-depth analysis of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsSegmentation details of the marketFormer, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and valueAssessment of niche industry developmentsMarket share analysisKey strategies of major playersEmerging segments and regional marketsTestimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.About UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Industrial Cyber Security Market to grow at a CAGR of 14.17% over 2015-2019

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Albany, NY, Dec 01: Cyber threats are internet-based attempts that disrupt or damage IT systems and hack critical information using spyware, malware, and phishing. The major attacks seen in the utilities and manufacturing plants include phishing, watering hole, Stuxnet malware, DoS, and brute-force. Cyber security solutions help organizations detect, monitor, report, and counter cyber threats and maintain the confidentiality of IT systems. They maintain the integrity and confidentiality of IT systems, SCADA, and industrial control systems of organizations. Companies are increasingly adopting cyber security solutions to protect critical data or any digital asset stored in a computer or any digital memory device.The global industrial cyber security market to grow at a CAGR of 14.17% over the period 2014-2019. In this report, Technavio covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global industrial cyber security market for 2015-2019. The market size is calculated based on:- Revenue generated from the sales of industrial cyber security software, services, and hardware- Revenue generated from the Americas, EMEA, and APACIt covers the utility sector (energy, nuclear power, oil and gas, and water) and manufacturing plants, where industrial cyber security is gaining prominence to strengthen and maintain secure functioning of assets, networks, and systems.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Industrial Cyber Security Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key Vendors- Airbus Group- Cisco Systems- Honeywell International- Lockheed Martin- Schneider ElectricOther Prominent Vendors- IBM- Innominate Security Technologies- Juniper Networks- Kaspersky Lab- Rockwell Automation- Siemens AG- Tofino Security- YokogawaMarket Driver- Increased Occurrence of Cyber-attacks- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket Challenge- High Cost of Implementation- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket Trend- High Adoption in Developing Regions- For a full, detailed list, view our reportEnquiry at:Key Questions Answered in this Report- What will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be?- How within the segment the market will behave?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Proton Therapy Market Outlook - Global Analysis

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Proton Therapy Market Outlook - Global Analysis to its growing collection of premium market research reports.The report titled Proton Therapy Market Outlook  Global Analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the fast-evolving, high-growth Proton Therapy Market.The number of proton therapy centers is increasing globally. Still, industry experts believe that players will miss out on a majority of cancer patients who can benefit with proton therapy, overlooking a huge multi-Billion-dollar potential market.Globally, the numbers of patients treated with Proton Therapy is very low whereas; the potential candidates for proton therapy are in Millions. IBA dominates the proton therapy market globally. However other players like Varian, Mitsubishi, Mevion, Hitachi etc. have also started to make their presence felt in the market.The increased demand for proton therapy has motivated many prominent cancer centers in the world to provide proton therapy treatment. The number of proton therapy centers worldwide is anticipated to increase year on year, which in turn, will result in more clinical research, better clinician understanding and greater patient awareness of its benefits-which will help drive the further growth.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:The 163 Page report with 48 Figures and 21 Tables has been analyzed from 6 View Points1. Actual and Potential Proton Therapy Market (2009  2021)2. Actual and Potential Candidate for Proton Therapy Treatment (2009  2021)3. Global Total Number of Patients Treated with Proton Therapy - Country Wise4. United States Proton Therapy - Company Analysis5. Global Proton Therapy Centers Analysis6. Proton Therapy Market - Drivers and ChallengesThe Countries United States and Japan has been analyzed from 4 View Points1. Actual and Potential Proton Therapy Market (2009  2021)2. Actual and Potential Candidate for Proton Therapy Treatment (2009  2021)3. List of Proton Therapy Centers4. Proton Therapy Company AnalysisThe Countries South Korea, Europe, China and India has been analyzed from 3 View Points1. Potential Proton Therapy Market (2009  2021)2. Potential Candidate for Proton Therapy Treatment (2009  2021)3. List of Proton Therapy CentersUnited States Proton Therapy  5 Company Analysis1. IBA2. Optivus3. Hitachi4. Mevion5. VarianGlobal - List of Proton Therapy Centers Operational and Planned, Specification and Start of Treatment (22 Countries Analyzed)1. United States2. Canada3. Argentina4. Russia5. Sweden6. France7. Netherlands8. Italy9. Poland10. Germany11. Czech Republic12. Switzerland13. Austria14. United Kingdom15. Japan16. South Korea17. China18. India19. Taiwan20. Australia21. Saudi Arabia22. South AfricaTo Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Global Biosimilars Market and Forecast (By Product Type, Applications, Country Wise and Companies) to 2021 and Biosimilars Approved and Pipeline Analysis

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Global Biosimilars Market and Forecast (By Product Type, Applications, Country Wise and Companies) to 2021 and Biosimilars Approved and Pipeline Analysis to its growing collection of premium market research reports.The biosimilars are poised to capture an unprecedented position in the biopharmaceutical industry driven by an increased extent of adoption and growing investment and deal making activity globally.The global biosimilars market is predicted to cross US$ 25 Billion mark by 2020. With the continuous increasing demand for biologics, manufacturers are looking for novel strategies that will help them attain maximum returns on investment.Biosimilars are seen as the key weapon to curbing soaring healthcare costs globally. The major factor that is driving the market for biosimilars industry is the fact that major biologics are nearing the patent cliff. Further, the lower cost of these drugs as compared to the patented biologics, the increasing encumbrance to curb healthcare costs globally, increasing nationwide government initiatives, and the strong pipeline for the biosimilar drugs is expected to fuel the biosimilars industry.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Key Highlights of the ReportBiosimilars Market - By Product Type The erythropoietin (EPO) captures maximum share of the global biosmilars market. The Granulocyte- Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) market is expected to cross US$ 6 Billion mark by 2021. The Human Growth Hormone (HGH) biosimilars market is expected to grow with a double digit CAGR during the period 2016 - 2021. The monoclonal antibody is expected to show the highest growth rate during the period 2016 - 2021. The insulin and interferon product segment each accounted for single digit share of the global biosimilars market respectively in 2015.Biosimilars Market - By Applications Among various application segments of biosimilar market, blood disorders and oncology together accounted for over 55% share of the global biosimilars market in 2015. Growth hormone deficiencies application is expected to show double digit CAGR during the period 2016 - 2021. The chronic and autoimmune disorders captured XX% share of the biosmilars market in 2015.Biosimilars Market - By Country Wise The market for biosimilars in the U.S. has gained momentum after the launch of Novartis Zarxio in September 2015. In the European countries, Germany is at the forefront with around XX% share of the biosimilars market in 2015 followed by France with XX% share in the same year. China accounted for XX% share of the global biosimilar market in 2015. India is seen as a key player in the biosimilar space with an exceptionally high number of approvals granted in the last decade compared to the global average. South Korea captured XX% of the global biosimilar market in 2015 being closely followed by Brazil with XX% share in the same year.This 177 Page report with 74 Figures and 27 Tables is analyzed from 6 viewpoints:1. Global Biosimilars Market and Forecast - By Product Type2. Global Biosimilars Market and Forecast - By Applications3. Global Biosimilars Market and Forecast - By Country Wise4. Global Biosimilars Company - Profile, Revenue, Approved and Pipeline Biosimilars Analysis5. Country with Biosimilar Guideline and Published Year6. Global Biosimilars Market - Driving Factors and ChallengesGlobal Biosimilars Market and Forecast - 7 Product Types Covered1. Erythropoietin (EPO)2. Human Growth Hormone (HGH)3. Granulocyte- Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF)4. Monoclonal Antibody (mAb)5. Insulin6. Interferon (IFN)7. OthersGlobal Biosimilars Market and Forecast - 5 Applications Covered1. Oncology2. Blood Disorders3. Growth Hormone Deficiencies4. Chronic and Autoimmune Disorders5. Other ApplicationsGlobal Biosimilars Market and Forecast - 16 Countries Covered1. United States2. Canada3. Argentina4. Germany5. France6. Italy7. Spain8. United Kingdom9. China10. Japan11. India12. South Korea13. Australia14. Brazil15. Mexico16. Rest of the WorldGlobal Biosimilars Company Analysis - 13 Companies Covered1. Biocad2. Celltrion Inc.3. Dong-A Socio Group4. Pfizer Inc.5. Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.6. Sandoz International GmbH - A Novartis Company7. Stada Arzneimittel AG8. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd9. Amgen Inc.10. Biocon11. Dr. Reddys Laboratories12. Mylan13. Merck KGaATo Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Global Foot & Ankle Braces Market Report - Industry Size, Share, Trends and Forecast to 2021

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Foot & Ankle Braces Consumption 2016 Market Research Report" to its huge collection of research reports.All recent dynamics that have occurred so far in the global Foot & Ankle Braces market have been accounted for in this all-encompassing report titled Foot & Ankle Braces. A key part of these market dynamics include the player profiles and the markets overall competitive landscape, as players are known to have their fair share of influence over it. Other dynamics of the global Foot & Ankle Braces market reported include drivers, restraints, and key opportunities that affect a majority of the players in it. To completely cover the competitive landscape of the global Foot & Ankle Braces market, a SWOT analysis is jotted down for all players, new and old. This allows for a clearer projection for the global Foot & Ankle Braces market over the coming years. Additional factors included in the player profiles are their financial structures and current strategic planning for all the key players in the global Foot & Ankle Braces market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The global Foot & Ankle Braces market is further analyzed on the basis of its industrial chain, a passage that employs research and data based on the usage and production capabilities present in the market currently. This portion also incorporates the product descriptions and cost structures of the global Foot & Ankle Braces market. The report also followed a detailed analysis route within the global Foot & Ankle Braces market to derive its characteristic traits in terms of upstream and downstream demands for raw materials, as well as the import, and export trends that follow.The report also provides the results of a highly detailed study on the global Foot & Ankle Braces market based on its regional segmentations. For each key region stated, the user is provided with facts and figures on the player pool as well as demand, along with predictions for the same. This can be crucial for regional players trying to expand their horizons in the global Foot & Ankle Braces market.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Foot & Ankle Braces1.1 Definition and Specifications of Foot & Ankle Braces1.1.1 Definition of Foot & Ankle Braces1.1.2 Specifications of Foot & Ankle Braces1.2 Classification of Foot & Ankle Braces1.3 Applications of Foot & Ankle Braces1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Foot & Ankle Braces1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Foot & Ankle Braces1.5.1 Industry Overview of Foot & Ankle Braces1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Foot & Ankle Braces1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Foot & Ankle Braces1.7 Industry News Analysis of Foot & Ankle Braces2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Foot & Ankle Braces2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Foot & Ankle Braces2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Foot & Ankle Braces2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Foot & Ankle Braces2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Foot & Ankle Braces2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Foot & Ankle Braces2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Foot & Ankle Braces3 3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales and Sale Price Analysis of Foot & Ankle Braces3.1 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Foot & Ankle Braces 2011-20163.2 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Foot & Ankle Braces by Regions 2011-20163.3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Foot & Ankle Braces by Types 2011-20163.4 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Foot & Ankle Braces by Applications 2011-20163.5 Global Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Foot & Ankle Braces by Companies 2011-20163.6 Global Sale Price of Foot & Ankle Braces by Regions 2011-20163.7 Global Sale Price of Foot & Ankle Braces by Types 2011-20163.8 Global Sale Price of Foot & Ankle Braces by Applications 2011-20163.9 Global Sale Price of Foot & Ankle Braces by Companies 2011-2016For Market Research Latest Reports Visit @QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
Molecular Diagnostics Market (By Application, Technology, Region and Companies) and Forecast to 2021 - Global Analysis

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Molecular Diagnostics Market (By Application, Technology, Region and Companies) and Forecast to 2021 - Global Analysis to its growing collection of premium market research reports.The molecular diagnostics market is one of the most rapidly growing segments of the in vitro diagnostics industry.North America, particularly, United States is the key market for molecular diagnostics due to the availability of government funds, rising incidence of chronic diseases, the availability of different types of tests, and high awareness of pharmacogenomics/personalized medicine.Moreover, major companies have easy access to United States which makes the country largest and most significant market for suppliers. Additionally, new molecular diagnostic tests are regularly introduced to the market for screening or diagnosing a wide range of patient types for numerous diseases.Molecular diagnostics is being driven by several growth factors, which include the need for automated and easy-to-handle techniques, which combine optimized sample preparation, analysis and data evaluation, and the growing availability of molecular diagnostic tests for monitoring the therapeutic efficacy of expensive drugs.Additionally, the requirement of swift diagnoses techniques that would diagnose disease condition, medical disorders quickly and offer a strong and consistent tool for quick therapy decisions represents the other key factor. Introduction of new diagnostics tests, primarily in the infectious disease application area is likely to keep the momentum going for the molecular diagnostics business in the short-term.Key Highlights The Global Molecular Diagnostics market is expected to grow with a CAGR of around 9% during the period 2010  2021. Number of molecular tests performed in the United States is expected to exceed 300 Million by 2020. In the Global molecular diagnostics market, infectious disease controls maximum market share in 2015. The neurological disorders testing market holds over 6% share of the total molecular diagnostic market in 2015 being followed by cardiovascular diseases. The global food testing market was valued over US$ 450 Million in 2014. Biochips and FISH and Innovations accounts for largest share of the Global molecular diagnostics technological segment in 2015. PCR based tests captures third highest share of the molecular diagnostics technological market in 2015. North America accounted for around 40% share of the Global molecular diagnostics market in 2015. Europe is the second most popular market for molecular diagnostics capturing XX% share in 2015. China and India are large emerging markets for the molecular diagnostics. In the global molecular diagnostics market, Roche is at the top of the list with over XX% share in 2015. Myriad Genetics accounts for XX% share of the global molecular diagnostics market in 2015. Qiagen captured XX% share of the global molecular diagnostics market in 2015, followed by Cepheid with XX% share in the same year.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:This 149 Page report with 95 Figures and 8 Tables is analyzed from 5 viewpoints:1. Molecular Diagnostics Market and Forecast - By Application Segment (2010  2021)2. Molecular Diagnostics Market and Forecast - By Technology Segment (2010  2021)3. Molecular Diagnostics Market and Forecast - Regional Analysis (2010  2021)4. Molecular Diagnostics Market and Forecast - Company Analysis (2010  2021)5. Molecular Diagnostics Market - Driving Factors and ChallengesMolecular Diagnostics Market and Forecast - 9 Applications Segment Covered1. Infectious Disease Virology (HIV, HCV, HBV) Testing Market Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) Testing Market Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Market Critical Care Infectious Testing Market2. Blood Screening3. Oncology Bladder Cancer Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer Colorectal Cancer Ovarian Cancer Prostate Cancer All Other Cancers4. Tissue Typing/HLA5. Genetic Testing6. Cardiovascular Diseases7. Neurological Disorders8. Food Pathogen Detection9. Miscellaneous DisordersMolecular Diagnostics Market and Forecast - 8 Technological Segments Covered1. PCR-Based Tests2. PCR-Related Technologies3. Non-PCR Tests4. FISH and Innovations5. Biochips/Microarrays6. Biosensors7. Molecular Imaging8. Other TechnologiesMolecular Diagnostics Market and Forecast  9 Regions Covered1. North America2. Europe3. Japan4. China5. India6. Korea7. Brazil8. Mexico9. Rest of the WorldMolecular Diagnostics Market and Forecast  9 Companies Covered1. Roche2. Abbott Laboratories3. Qiagen4. Hologic Inc.5. Biomerieux6. Myriad Genetics7. Cepheid8. Becton Dickinson9. Other CompaniesTo Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Global Regenerative Medicine Industry 2016-2021 Growth, Productions, Pricing, Shares and Demands Research Report

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Global Regenerative Medicine Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.Global Regenerative Medicine market is driven by various factors, a detailed assessment of which is included in the report. The study provides an in-depth analysis of the global Regenerative Medicine market, highlighting the various growth drivers and restraints influencing the marketas trajectory between 2016 and 2021. It calculates the impact of the Porteras five forces on the market. Using the industry-leading analytical tools the report gauges the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers. The analysis also helps evaluating the threat of new entrants and the degree of competition prevailing in the market.Considering the dynamic consumer choices, it is imperative for companies to plan their marketing strategies better. The report provides valuable recommendations intended to help companies create winning strategies. It thus includes exhaustive information aimed at giving a better perspective of the global Regenerative Medicine market to its stakeholders. Besides this, the report also studies the marketas vulnerabilities to the latest domestic and international policies. For meticulous insights, the global Regenerative Medicine market has been segmented based on various parameters. Factors impacting the marketas growth across the segments are analyzed in detail and opportunities are reviewed.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @To study the vendor landscape prevailing in the global Regenerative Medicine market, the report has included profiles of some of the leading companies operating therein. The product portfolio, financial reports, and strategies adopted by the companies are analyzed in detail. Furthermore, SWOT analysis is conducted to identify the opportunities and threats that these companies are forecast to witness over the course of the forecast period. The analysis also highlights the weaknesses and strengths of the companies profiled.The report therefore compiles exhaustive information on the global Regenerative Medicine market. The data is obtained from various trusted industrial sources. It also includes insights from the industry experts.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Regenerative Medicine1.1 Definition and Specifications of Regenerative Medicine1.1.1 Definition of Regenerative Medicine1.1.2 Specifications of Regenerative Medicine1.2 Classification of Regenerative Medicine1.3 Applications of Regenerative Medicine1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Regenerative Medicine1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Regenerative Medicine1.5.1 Industry Overview of Regenerative Medicine1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Regenerative Medicine1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Regenerative Medicine1.7 Industry News Analysis of Regenerative Medicine2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Regenerative Medicine2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Regenerative Medicine2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Regenerative Medicine2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Regenerative Medicine2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Regenerative Medicine2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Regenerative Medicine2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Regenerative Medicine3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Regenerative Medicine3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Regenerative Medicine Major Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Regenerative Medicine Major Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Regenerative Medicine Major Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Regenerative Medicine Major Manufacturers in 20154 Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Regenerative Medicine by Regions, Types and Manufacturers4.1 Global Capacity, Production and Revenue of Regenerative Medicine by Regions 2011-20164.2 Global and Major Regions Capacity, Production, Revenue and Growth Rate of Regenerative Medicine 2011-20164.3 Global Capacity, Production and Revenue of Regenerative Medicine by Types 2011-20164.4 Global Capacity, Production and Revenue of Regenerative Medicine by Manufacturers 2011-20165 Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Regenerative Medicine by Regions, Types and Manufacturers5.1 Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Regenerative Medicine by Regions 2011-20165.2 Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Regenerative Medicine by Types 2011-20165.3 Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Regenerative Medicine by Manufacturers 2011-20166 Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of Regenerative Medicine by Regions, Types and Applications6.1 Global Consumption Volume and Consumption Value of Regenerative Medicine by Regions 2011-20166.2 Global and Major Regions Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Growth Rate of Regenerative Medicine 2011-20166.3 Global Consumption Volume and Consumption Value of Regenerative Medicine by Types 2011-20166.4 Global Consumption Volume and Consumption Value of Regenerative Medicine by Applications 2011-20166.5 Sale Price of Regenerative Medicine by Regions 2011-20166.6 Sale Price of Regenerative Medicine by Types 2011-20166.7 Sale Price of Regenerative Medicine by Applications 2011-20166.8 Market Share Analysis of Regenerative Medicine by Different Sale Price LevelsFor Latest QYResearchreports Press Release Visit @QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.QYResearchreportsContact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States+1-518-621-2074866-997-4948USA-Canada Toll freesales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Industry Insight: Antimicrobial Coatings Market Size, Share, Development, Growth and Demand Forecast to 2020

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The antimicrobial coatings market is growing due to expansion of the global medical device coatings market, and increasing application of coatings and additives in plastic packaging. Massive unexplored market in medical industry of developing economies is creating ample opportunities for the Antimicrobial coatings market to grow at a considerable rate in the coming years. The advanced research and development facilities and new product developments by the companies are supporting to address the demand for antimicrobial coatings in the developing countries of Asia-Pacific and Latin America.To Browse Full Report Visit Here:The massive global problem in the modern society is the increasing diseases, which are caused due to micro organisms such as fungi, bacteria and viruses representing major threats to our hygienic lifestyle. The growing microbial resistance against antibiotics, metal ions, and development of resistant strains has forced the coating manufacturers to seek alternatives to traditional antimicrobial coatings. To develop new coatings with different formulations such has antibacterial and anti odor properties, the companies are following the regulatory standards defined by REACH, EPA and other environment care agencies.Antimicrobial coatings are used for protecting surfaces from micro-organisms such as bacteria, parasites, fungi and germs. Primarily antimicrobial coatings were introduced just to restrain the effect of micro organisms in the surfaces, but with increasing health concerns due to the effect of such micro organisms on human health; antimicrobial applications now cover both surfaces and human.On the basis of product types, the antimicrobial coatings market can be categorized as antimicrobial powder coatings, and surface modifications and coatings. Antimicrobial coatings consist of silver and copper, whereas surface modifications and coatings consist of listeria, E coli and pseudomonas. Surface modification and coatings dominates the global antimicrobial coatings market, whereas antimicrobial powder coating is the fastest growing product category of antimicrobial coatings.Browse For Related Research:Some of the factors driving the growth of the antimicrobial coatings market are increasing demand of antimicrobial coatings and increasing market penetration for indoor air quality products. However, health issues associated with the use of silver in antimicrobial coatings, increasing need for efficacy and product innovation for textile applications and stringent regulatory scenario are some of the factors restraining the growth of the antimicrobial coatings market to some extent.North America is leading the antimicrobial coatings market and is expected to be the fastest growing antimicrobial coatings market in the coming years. The major reasons for the fastest growth in the region are increasing healthcare expenditure and high standards of living of the consumers in the region. Moreover, the antimicrobial coatings market is growing due to increase of the antimicrobial coatings applications such as construction, medical and food in the emerging countries such as India and China of Asia-Pacific region.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:AbhishekExecutive  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) - Company Profile, Recent Development and Product Analysis

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) - Company Profile, Recent Development and Product Analysis to its growing collection of premium market research reports.The global market for High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is increasing rapidly primarily driven by the increase in cancer patients population, growing demand for minimally invasive treatment procedures, and increasing public-private investments.The factors that influence the growth of HIFU Therapy are the increasing development in medical technology and its wide range of application used in the treatment of Prostate cancer, Uterine fibroids, Neurological disorders, Cosmetic medicine and others.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) - Company Profile, Recent Development and Product Analysis is a 153 Page report with 8 Figures and 34 Tables.This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the HIFU manufacturers, research sites, pre-clinical research sites, clinical research sites, technical research sites and commercial treatment sites. Furthermore, the company analysis segment covers attributes such as company overview, HIFU products and revenue analysis, and recent developments.High Intensity Focused Ultrasound(HIFU) Company Analysis - 10 Companies Covered1. EDAP TMS2. Haifu Medical3. SonaCare Medical4. Mianyang Sonic Electronic Ltd.5. Shanghai A&S Co., LTD6. Insightec7. Alpinion Medical Systems8. FUS Instruments9. Theraclion10. Image Guided TherapyThe above companies have been analyzed from 4 view points1. Company Overview2. HIFU Products3. Companies HIFU Revenue4. Recent Development in High Intensity Focus Ultrasound (HIFU) MarketThe Global - High Intensity Focus Ultrasound (HIFU) report also covers List of HIFU Manufacturers List of HIFU Research Sites List of HIFU Pre-Clinical Research Sites List of HIFU Clinical Research Sites List of HIFU Technical Research Sites List of HIFU Commercial Treatment SitesTo Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Lime Manufacturing Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth and Forecast 2016  2024

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The lime manufacturing market includes establishments that manufacture lime from various products such as dolomitic limestone, calcitic limestone, and other materials such as chalk, corals, and shells. Production of lime starts with the quarrying and crushing of limestone. Limestone composition includes wide range of sedimentary rocks. Limestone consists of four minerals - calcite, dolomite, aragonite, and magnesite - and other impurities. It is generally of two types: calcium and dolomitic. High quality calcium limestone contains 98% to 99% calcium carbonate and the remaining are impurities. Dolomitic limestone contains 42% 44% magnesite, 1% to 3% impurities, and the remaining is balanced by calcium carbonate. Limestone is available in different types due to its sedimentary composition. Two classification schemes are used to differentiate limestone which include Dunham and Folk classification which differentiate limestone and carbonate rocks.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with PDF Brochure :The limestone industry is highly capital intensive. Lime is used in wide range of end-user industries such as steel, building and construction, and waste water treatment. It is used as a fluxing agent in the steel industry, binding agent in the construction industry, and as filtering agent in the wastewater treatment industry. Cement is used as a binding agent that holds various components of concrete structures. Concrete is known to be the second-most consumed material after water. Cement is mostly confused with concrete; however, both of these are different. Cement is also manufactured from limestone. Lime products such as hydrated lime and quicklime are often supplied from limestone quarries. These products are employed in end-user industries such as agriculture and cement. High demand for lime and its products in various applications is expected to boost the market. Due to the factors mentioned above, the global lime manufacturing market is anticipated to experience high demand in the near future.Global Lime Manufacturing Market: Drivers and RestraintsRising demand for lime in building and construction, steel, and agriculture industries is projected to boost the lime manufacturing market in the near future. Due to its functional properties limestone is used in acidic soil to neutralize it, it is used as an aggregate in road construction, as a reagent for controlling air pollution and often used in cosmetics and medicines.Air pollution and excessive use of energy are the major factors that hamper market growth. The process of lime burning leads to emission of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide. These cause air pollution and are the major reason for excessive use of energy.Global Lime Manufacturing Market: Regional AnalysisNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa are the major regions of the global lime manufacturing market. Developing economies in Asia Pacific, especially China and India, are the major markets for lime manufacturing due to rising demand for lime in the steel industry. North America and Europe are also likely to be the major consumers of lime and its products owing to growth of the building and construction industry in these regions. Demand for lime and its products is expected to increase in Latin America due to increasing demand for these in end-user industries. Demand for lime manufacturing is also anticipated to rise in Middle East & Africa in the near future.Browse Market Research Report with ToC & Free Analysis :Global Lime Manufacturing Market: Companies Mentioned in the ReportKey players operating in the global lime manufacturing market include Sigma Minerals Ltd, Mercer Lime Company, Brookville Manufacturing, Cape Lime (Pty) Ltd, United States Lime & Minerals, Inc., Lime Denmark, Nordkalk, Cornish Lime Company Ltd, Emkor, Standard Lime Products Co. LLC, Omya AG, Mississippi Lime Company, Carmeuse, and Lhoist.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit :
Global E. Coli Testing Market  Abbott Laboratories, Danaher Corporation, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Enzo Life Sciences, Inc.

Global E. Coli Testing Market

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Global E. Coli Testing (Environmental Testing and Clinical Testing) Market for Diagnostic Laboratories, Hospitals, Waste Water Treatment Organizations, Bottle Water Suppliers And Other End-user: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Segment, Trends and Forecast, 2015  2021The report covers forecast and analysis for the E. coli testing market on a global and regional level. According to the report, the global E. coli testing market was valued at around USD 1.2 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach approximately USD 2.0 billion by 2021, growing at a CAGR of around 6.5% between 2016 and 2020. The study includes drivers and restraints for the E. coli testing market along with the impact they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes the study of opportunities available in the E. coli testing market on a global level.Request Sample Report:The major driving factor for the global E. coli testing market is increasing government support for E. coli tests and the rising occurrence and high morbidity of E. coli. The development of drug-resistant species is another key factor is anticipated to drive the market growth in the years to come. However, high cost of enzyme-substrate test is expected to curb the market growth in the near future. Nonetheless, technological advancement coupled with increasing use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for environment water testing is projected to open up new growth opportunities during the forecast period.In order to give the users of this report a comprehensive view on the E. coli testing market we have included competitive landscape, and analysis of Porters Five Forces model for the market. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein testing method segments and end-user segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.Browse detail report at:Based on testing methods, the E. coli testing market can be segmented into membrane filtration (MF), enzyme-substrate methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and others. Enzyme substrate tests accounted for largest share of the total market in 2015. Membrane filtration is another leading segment and expected to exhibit strong growth in the near future.The E. coli testing market is segmented on the basis of different end-user such as diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, waste water treatment organizations, bottle water suppliers and others. Bottle water suppliers segment accounted for large chunk of the market share in the 2015. This growth is mainly attributed to increasing water pollution. Diagnostic laboratories segment is another key outlet and is expected to witness significant growth within the forecast period.The report provides company market share analysis in order to give a broader overview of the key players in the market. In addition, the report also covers key strategic developments of the market including acquisitions & mergers, new product launch, agreements, partnerships, collaborations & joint ventures, research& development, product and regional expansion of major participants involved in the market on global and regional basis. Moreover, the study covers price trend analysis, product portfolio of various companies along with patent analysis (2011-2016) bifurcated into patent trend, patent share by company and patent analysis according to region.Read Report TOC:The study provides a decisive view on the E. coli testing market by segmenting the market based on testing method of E. coli testing, end-users and regions. All the segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2015 to 2021. Based on test the market is segmented into membrane filtration (MF), enzyme-substrate methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and others. Key end-user market covered under this study includes diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, waste water treatment organizations, bottle water suppliers and other end-user. The regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa.The report also includes detailed profiles of key players such as Abbott Laboratories, Danaher Corporation, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Enzo Life Sciences, Inc., and Hologic, among others. The detailed description of players includes parameters such as company overview, financial overview, business and recent developments of the company.This report segments the global E. coli testing market as follows:Global E. Coli Testing Market: Testing Segment AnalysisMembrane Filtration (MF)Enzyme-Substrate MethodsPolymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) TestsOthersGlobal E. Coli Testing Market: End-user Segment AnalysisDiagnostic LaboratoriesHospitalsWaste Water Treatment OrganizationsBottle Water SuppliersOthersGlobal E. Coli Testing Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificLatin AmericaMiddle East and AfricaAbout A to Z ResearchA to Z Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. A to Z Research is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.Contact US3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USATel: +1-386-310-3803GMTTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-465Email: martin@atozresearch.comWebsite:
Europe - Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) (Test Strips, Lancet, Meter) Market and Forecast

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Global - Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) (Test Strips, Lancet, Meter) Market and Forecast to its growing collection of premium market research reports.Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is an important component of modern therapy for diabetes mellitus. SMBG has been recommended for people with diabetes and their health care professionals in order to achieve a specific level of glycemic control and to prevent hypoglycemia.Self-monitoring of blood glucose is a very lucrative business with enormous market opportunity. The primary growth factors for the SMBG market is the increasing global diabetic population; increasing awareness among the diabetes population, increasing spending on healthcare, active reimbursement policies and the technological advancement aimed at minimal and non-invasive testing methods.Key Highlights In 2015, European SMBG market was valued at over US$ 7 Billion. Russia, United Kingdom and Italy are the top three dominating countries in the European SMBG market. Blood glucose test strips dominates the self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) market. Russia dominates the self-monitoring of blood glucose users, with over XX percent users share in 2015. Germany, Spain, Netherlands and Norway are the other major countries contributing to the European SMBG Market.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Europe - Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) (Test Strips, Lancet, Meter) Market and Forecast is a 174 Page report with 155 Figures and 13 Tables. This report analyses the 9 European countries Diabetes Population, SMBG Users, SMBG Market and the driving factors and challenges for the SMBG market.All the 9 Countries in the report have been studied from 3 viewpoints.1. Country Wise Diabetes Population and Forecast (2007 - 2021)I. Type 1 Diabetes PopulationII. Type 2 Diabetes Population2. Country Wise SMBG Users and Forecast (2007 - 2021)3. Country Wise SMBG Market and Forecast (2007 - 2021)I. Blood Glucose Test Strips MarketII. Blood Glucose Lancet MarketIII. Blood Glucose Meter MarketThe 9 Countries analyzed in the reports are as follows:1. United Kingdom2. Germany3. Spain4. Italy5. Netherlands6. Norway7. Sweden8. Switzerland9. RussiaTo Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Industrial Dryers Market to Register a Strong Growth By 2026

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Process of removing moisture from any substance can be done by dryers. Industrial dryers are mainly deployed to reduce moisture level during bulk material processing. Different type of dryers such as air dryers, spray dryers, infrared dryers etc. are used for removal of moisture from various substances. Basic principle of industrial dryers is to draw moisture from internal parts of each particle to the surface, utilizing one or all heat transfer mechanism from amongst conduction, convection and radiation. An industrial dryer is composed of numerous components which include  electric motor, fan, tube coil, stainless steel frame etc. Depending on their end-use, different kind of industrial dryers are employed for different applications. As an example, spray dryers are mainly used in the food processing industry while fluid bed dryers are largely utilized in pharmaceutical industry. Further, there are different kind of controlling methods available for industrial dryers which include manual, feedback, feedforward, model based and microprocessor based control.Request to view Table of content @Drying is an important unit operation used across various end-use industries such as food processing, paper, pharmaceutical, apparel, chemical, dairy etc. Upsurge in different end-use product demand & industrial development is the crucial factor boosting the demand for industrial dryers, in turn, propelling the overall growth of global industrial dryers market. Also, increasing use of dryers automation system is pumping their growth in the global market. Development of various efficient technologies such as intermittent drying, impulse drying etc. are further adding to the growth of global industrial dryers market.High operational and energy cost is an important factor restraining growth of the global industrial dryers market. One of the key challenges associated with the global industrial dryers market include less knowledge about selection criteria of a particular industrial dryer for a particular application. Usage of latest drying technologies such as superheated steam drying is the key trend observed in the global industrial dryers market. Superheated steam drying is a primary technology used for its low energy consumption & better product quality.The global industrial dryers market can be segmented on the basis of type, operating pressure, drying medium, number of stage and end-use industries. On the basis of type, global industrial dryers market can be segmented into batch dryers, rotary dryers, spray dryers, conveyor dryers, flash dryers, fluid-bed dryers and others. On the basis of operating pressure, global industrial dryers market can be segmented into vaccum and atmospheric. On the basis of drying medium, global industrial dryers market can be segmented into air, superheated steam and flue. On the basis of number of stages, global industrial dryers market can be segmented into single & multi stage. On the basis of end-use industries, global industrial dryers market can be segmented into chemicals, food & beverage, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, pulp & paper, agriculture etc.The global industrial dryers market is segmented into 5 key regions namely North America, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific and Europe. North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific are anticipated to remain key regions in the global industrial dryers market throughout the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth due to rapid industrial development.Request to view Sample Report @The key players involved in the manufacture of industrial dryers include Carrier Vibrating Equipment, International Process Equipment Company, Thermal Product Solutions, The Grieve Corporation, Central Air Compressor, FEECO International Inc., Thompson Dryer, Glatt, GEA, Metso, SSP etc.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Pediatric Vaccines Market, Company Sales and Forecast - Global Analysis

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Pediatric Vaccines Market, Company Sales and Forecast - Global Analysis to its growing collection of premium market research reports.The growing awareness about the importance of child healthcare and well-being is driving the market for pediatric vaccines globally. Pediatric vaccine continues to be one of the booming segment for the pharmaceutical companies. Pediatric vaccines are used in the prevention of numerous diseases, such as Hepatitis- A and -B. Measles, Influenza, Polio, Tetanus, and Diphtheria. Increasing government and non-government funding for development of vaccine is the major driver for the pediatric vaccine market. The rising incidence of diseases such as influenza, hepatitis and HPV has also fueled the demand for the global pediatric vaccines market.Pediatric Vaccines Market - Disease Wise AnalysisThe pneumococcal vaccines accounts for maximum share of the pediatric vaccines market. The DTaP vaccines were the second most popular segment in the year 2015. It is competing closely with MMRV vaccines which controlled XX% share of the pediatric vaccines market in 2015. The rotavirus and influenza vaccines stands at fourth and fifth spots respectively in 2015. While vaccines for Polio, meningococcal and HPV are also gaining ground in pediatric vaccines market landscape.Pediatric Vaccines Market - Company AnalysisPfizer is the leading player in the pediatric vaccines market being followed by GSK at the second spot. Merck grabbed the third spot in the Global pediatric vaccines landscape as it provides a wide array of vaccines for various diseases. Sanofi Pasteur and Medimmune stands at the fourth and fifth position respectively in the pediatric vaccines market, while, bioCSl captures least share of the global pediatric vaccines market.Pediatric Vaccines Market - Disease Wise Company Sales AnalysisGSK and Sanofi Pasteur generates maximum pediatric vaccines revenue from DTaP vaccines. The MMRV vaccines accounts for maximum share of the total Merck pediatric vaccines sales, while, Pfizers main source of pediatric vaccines sales revenue is the pneumococcal vaccines.Sanofi Pasteur is the dominant player in the DTaP, influenza and meningococcal pediatric vaccines landscape, while in the hepatitis vaccines market, GSK is at the forefront and is expected to maintain its dominancy over a longer period of time. Pfizer is the clear leader in pneumococcal vaccines market. Merck is the leading player in the MMRV and rotavirus vaccines market.Pediatric Vaccines Market - Regional DistributionOn a regional basis the United States comprises the single largest market for pediatric vaccines being closely followed by Europe. Japans pediatric vaccines market share is expected to remain flat during the forecasting period. China accounts for XX% share of the global pediatric vaccines market in 2015. South America and India are competing closely with each other to grab maximum share of the pediatric vaccines market pie.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Pediatric Vaccines Market, Company Sales and Forecast - Global Analysis provides a comprehensive analysis of the fast-evolving high growth vaccines market.This 205 Page report with 116 Figures and 6 Tables has been analyzed from 7 viewpoints:1. Global Pediatric Vaccines Market - Disease Wise Analysis to 20212. Global Pediatric Vaccines Market - Company Sales Analysis and Strategic Alliances3. Global Pediatric Vaccines - Disease Wise Company Sales and Forecast to 20214. Pediatric Vaccines Disease Wise Market - Company Share and Forecast5. Global Pediatric Vaccines Market - Regional Distribution to 20216. Major Vaccines Related Acquisitions (2005-2015)7. Pediatric Vaccines Market - Driving Factors and ChallengesGlobal Pediatric Vaccines Market - Disease Wise Analysis to 2021 (10 Disease Analysed)1. DTaP2. Polio3. Hepatitis4. Influenza5. HPV6. Pneumococcal7. Meningococcal8. MMRV9. Rotavirus10.TdapGlobal Pediatric Vaccines Market - Company Analysis to 2021 (7 Company Analysed)1. GlaxoSmithKline2. Sanofi Pasteur3. Merck4. Novartis5. Pfizer6. bioCSL7. MedimmuneGlobal Pediatric Vaccines Market - Geographical Distribution to 2021 (8 Region Analysed)1. United States2. North America/Caribbean3. South America4. Europe5. Japan6. India7. China8. Rest of the WorldTo Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Electric Vehicles (BEV and PHEV) Sales Volume and Market Forecast - Global Analysis

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Electric Vehicles (BEV and PHEV) Sales Volume and Market Forecast - Global Analysis to its growing collection of premium market research reports.With increasing popularity among end users, the global electric vehicles market is projected to grow with double digit CAGR during the period 2016 - 2021. The major driving factors for electric vehicle market includes governmental incentives in the form of subsidies, no registration tax, no VAT, free parking and no road tax for electric vehicles.The development of more efficient and less costly batteries; increasing trend towards sustainable developments and low operating cost of electric vehicles further fuels the demand for electric vehicles. However, electric vehicle industry faces some challenges as well, such as, high purchasing cost, limited driving range and long recharging time.In the electric vehicles market, North America captured maximum share of the market till the year 2014. In 2015, Asia and Europe passed the North America to become the largest and second largest regional market for electric vehicles. The Asian EV market is driven particularly by the huge growth in Chinese electric vehicles market. In European countries, the Netherlands and Norway have the highest number of electric vehicle registrations in the period 2011-2015 being followed by France and Germany.In terms of country analysis, in 2015, China replaced United States to become the market leader. China is likely to remain the leading electric vehicles market throughout the forecasting period. Netherlands and Norway are the third and fourth leading market for electric vehicles in 2015. United Kingdom stands at the fifth spot followed by Germany.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Electric Vehicles (BEV and PHEV) Sales Volume and Market Forecast - Global Analysis provides a comprehensive analysis of the fast-evolving high growth electric vehicles industry.This 252 Page report with 202 Figures and 8 Tables provides a complete analysis of the Global electric vehicles market and forecast.The Electric Vehicles Market have been analyzed from 7 viewpoints:1. Global Electric Vehicles Sales Volume and Forecast - By Segment (BEV and PHEV)2. Global Electric Vehicle Sales Volume and Market Forecast - Region Wise3. Global Electric Vehicle Sales Volume and Market Forecast - Country Wise4. Global BEV Sales Volume and Forecast - Country Wise5. Global PHEV Sales Volume and Forecast - Country Wise6. Global Electric Vehicle Market - Country Wise Government Incentives7. Global Electric Vehicle Market - Driving Factors and ChallengesGlobal Electric Vehicles Sales Volume and Forecast - By Segment (2011 - 2021)1. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)2. Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV)Global Electric Vehicle Sales Volume and Market Forecast - Region Wise (2012 - 2021)1. North America2. Europe3. Asia4. AustraliaGlobal Electric Vehicle (BEV and PHEV) Sales Volume and Market Forecast - 24 Countries Covered (2012 - 2021)1. United States2. Canada3. Norway4. Netherlands5. France6. Ireland7. Sweden8. Denmark9. Germany10. Portugal11. United Kingdom12. Italy13. Spain14. Austria15. Belgium16. Czech Republic17. Estonia18. Finland19. Switzerland20. Japan21. China22. India23. South Korea24. AustraliaTo Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.101Arch StreetPress Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Singapore Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market and Forecast

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Singapore Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market and Forecast to its growing collection of premium market research reports.Singapore offers an excellent range of state-of-the-art convention centres, exhibition halls, and meeting venues for MICE that suit a variety of needs and budgets. Singapores MICE appeal lies in its stable and conducive business environment, financial strength and highly-skilled, multi-cultural workforce.These factors tend to attract international organizations to base their regional offices in the city. To further enhance Singapores competitiveness as a MICE destination, STB has partnered industry players to create events of outstanding quality and interesting original content. Singapore MICE tourism industry has great potential for future development and growth.In terms of tourist arrivals to Singapore, Malaysia, China and Indonesia are the leading source market for Singapore MICE tourism..To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Singapore Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market and Forecast is a 106 Page report with 92 Figures and 3 Tables. This report has been analyzed from 3 viewpoints:1. Singapore MICE Tourists Arrival and Forecast - Country Wise Analysis (2010 - 2021)2. Singapore MICE Tourists Spending and Forecast - Country Wise Analysis (2010 - 2021)3. Singapore MICE Tourism Market - Driving Factors and ChallengesSingapore MICE Tourists Arrival, Spending and Forecast - 22 Countries Covered1. Indonesia2. Malaysia3. Philippines4. Thailand5. Vietnam6. China7. Taiwan8. Hong Kong9. South Korea10. India11. France12. Germany13. Italy14. Netherlands15. Switzerland16. United Kingdom17. Canada18. United States19. New Zealand20. Australia21. South Africa22. OthersTo Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Thailand Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market and Forecast

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Thailand Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market and Forecast to its growing collection of premium market research reports.The MICE industry is one of the most lucrative segment of the Thailands tourism market. Thailand, as a prime tourism destination, has been developing into an increasingly popular location to hold international events, both for marketing products and holding corporate seminars. Event planning has become one of Thailands specialties. Thailand is strengthening its position in the regional MICE market, with more and better destinations.Thailand has another advantages too: its proximity to two of the biggest economies in the world, China and India, which gives Thailand a huge advantage in attracting MICE opportunities. Thailand MICE industry has great potential for future development and growth.Thailand MICE Tourists Arrival, Spending and Forecast - Regional AnalysisThe highest number of MICE travelers visiting Thailand are from Asia. Asia is being followed by Europe with XX% share of the overall MICE tourist arrivals in 2015. Americas is the third leading source market for Thailand MICE tourism. Americas is closely followed by Oceania which accounts for XX% share of the overall MICE tourist arrivals in 2015. Africa stands at the last position in MICE tourist arrivals to Thailand.Thailand MICE Tourists Arrival, Spending and Forecast - Country Wise AnalysisChina is the leading source market for Thailand MICE tourism accounting for XX% share in 2015. Chinese tourists are choosing Thailand because of its low prices, proximity to China, easy visa procedure and more airline choices. India is the second leading source market for Thailand MICE tourism with XX% share in 2015. Malaysia and Singapore are the third and fourth most popular source market for Thailand MICE tourism. Japan and USA each accounted for XX% share of the Thailand MICE tourism market in 2015, while, Indonesia and South Korea are competing closely with each other to grab maximum share of the pie.Thailand MICE Tourists Arrival, Spending and Forecast - By Purpose AnalysisThe conventions purpose tourists accounts for the highest share of the Thailand MICE tourism market. In 2015, around XX% share of the Thailand MICE tourism market was captured by meetings purpose tourists, while XX% market share was captured by incentives travelers during the same year. The exhibitions purpose travelers accounted for least share of the Thailand MICE tourism market.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Thailand Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market and Forecast is a 123 Page report with 98 Figures and 2 Tables.The Thailand MICE Tourism Market have been analyzed from 4 viewpoints:1. Thailand MICE Tourists Arrival, Spending and Forecast - Regional Analysis (2012 - 2021)2. Thailand MICE Tourists Arrival, Spending and Forecast - Country Wise Analysis (2011 - 2021)3. Thailand MICE Tourists Arrival, Spending and Forecast - By Purpose Analysis (2011 - 2021)4. Thailand MICE Tourism Market - Driving Factors and ChallengesThailand MICE Tourists Arrival, Spending and Forecast - 6 Regions Covered1. Asia2. Europe3. Americas4. Oceania5. Africa6. OthersThailand MICE Tourists Arrival, Spending and Forecast (Country Wise) - 12 Countries Analyzed1. China2. India3. Malaysia4. Japan5. Singapore6. Indonesia7. South Korea8. United States9. Philippines10. Hong Kong11. Australia12. OthersThailand MICE Tourists Arrival, Spending and Forecast - By Purpose Analysis1. Meetings2. Incentives3. Conventions4. ExhibitionsTo Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Global Residential Water Treatment Equipment Market to grow at a CAGR of 12.57% over 2015-2019

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Albany, NY, Dec 01: Water treatment equipment helps in removing impurities found in water bodies. Sea water, groundwater, municipal water, and wastewater are treated using water treatment equipment. Given its huge benefits, water treatment equipment can be used to address the issue of water scarcity in various parts of the globe. Moreover, wastewater that is treated can be reused for other purposes, thereby preventing groundwater depletion.The global residential water treatment equipment market to grow at a CAGR of 12.57% over the period 2015-2019. This report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global residential water treatment equipment market during the period 2015-2019. For calculating the market size and vendor share the report considers the revenue obtained from the sales of the residential water treatment equipment.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Residential Water Treatment Equipment Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key Vendors- 3M- EcoWater Systems- GE Water and Process Technologies- Kurita Water Industries- Pentair- PhilipsOther Prominent Vendors- Bajaj Electricals- Brita- Duskin- Ecowater- Elken- Eureka Forbes- Kitz Micro Filter- LG- Mitsubishi Rayon- OSG- Panasonic- Paragon Water- Pure- Residential Water Treatment Equipment Amway- Safe- Thermax- TotoEnquiry at:Key Questions Answered in this Report- What will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be?- How within the segment the market will behave?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Top 30 Crop Protection Companies in China 2016 in the $5.2 Billion Market

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title China: Top 30 Crop Protection Companies 2016 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.This is the first comprehensive China Top 30 Crop Protection Companies report, derived from primary market research throughout the regions and provinces. It is copiously illustrated throughout with totally original data.Given the current interest in China's growing clout in the global crop protection sector, the author's believe there is further scope for both consolidation and diversification, both in the domestic market and beyond.The Chinese crop protection market is valued at US$5.2 billion at provincial distributor level, making it the third largest in the world. Around two-thirds of the market is generic, and domestic products account for 65%, while imported products account for 35%.The authors examine each major Chinese CP company in detail - their history and evolution; products; sales; manufacturing capabilities; market positioning and key drivers; and R&D pipeline strategies.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Key Topics Covered:Executive Summary1. Introduction2. Industry structure2.1 History2.2 Current Industry Structure and company league table3. Role of Government3.1 Introduction3.2 5-year plans3.3 Quality inspections3.4 Glyphosate scrutiny3.5 Paraquat3.6 Support for innovation4. Chinese crop protection market and industry5. Exports6. Toll manufacture7. Patterns and trends identified from analysis of top 30 companies7.1 Sales growth7.2 Stock market listings7.3 Profitability7.4 Sales and marketing7.5 R&D7.6 Respect for patents7.7 Product quality7.8 Counterfeiting/fake products7.9 Environmental performance7.10 Seeds diversification8. Conclusions and outlook9. Profiles of the top 30 Chinese companies- Anhui Guangxin Agrochemical Co. Ltd. (Guangxin)- ChemChina/CNAC- Hubei Sanonda Co. Ltd. (Sanonda)- Hubei Taisheng (Taicheng) ,Jiangsu Tianrong Group Co. Ltd. (Tianrong)- Jiangsu Changlong Chemicals Co. Ltd (Changlong)- Jiangsu Changqing Agrochemical Co. Ltd. (Changqing)- Jiangsu Good Harvest-Weien Agrochemical Co. Ltd. (Good Harvest)- Jiangsu Huifeng Agrochemical Co. Ltd (Huifeng)- Jiangsu Kesheng Group Co. Ltd. (Kesheng)- Jiangsu Lianhe Chemical Technology Co. Ltd (Lianhetech)- Jiangsu Rotam Chemical Company Ltd (Rotam)- Jiangsu Seven Continent Green Chemical Co. Ltd. (Seven Continent)- Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Co. Ltd. (Yangnong)- Lier Chemical Co. Ltd. (Lier)- Nanjing Red Sun Co. Ltd. (Red Sun)- Nantong Jiangshan Agrochemical & Chemicals Co. Ltd (Jiangshan)- Noposion Agrochemicals Co. Ltd (Noposion)- Nutrichem Company Limited (Nutrichem)- Shandong Binnong Technology Co. Ltd. (Binnong)- Shandong Luba Chemical Co. Ltd. (Luba)- Shandong Qiaochang Chemical Co. Ltd. (Qiaochang)- Shandong Weifang Rainbow Chemical Co. Ltd (Rainbow)- Sichuan Leshan Fuhua Tongda Agro-Chemical Technology Co. Ltd. (Fuhua)- Sinochem International Corporation (Sinochem International)- Yifan Biotechnology Group Co. Ltd. (Yifan)- Yongnong Biosciences Co. Ltd.(Yonon)- Zhejiang Jinfanda Biochemical Co. Ltd. (Jinfanda)- Zhejiang Wynca Chemical Industry Group Co. Ltd. (Wynca)- Zhejiang Zhongshan Chemical Industry Group Co. Ltd. (Zhongshan)To Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Bio Container Market is Projected to Witness a Strong Growth Due to the Rising Consumer Awareness about Nature Friendly Products

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Bio container or biodegradable container are easily decomposed in nature by bacteria or other living organisms. Recently, recyclable bio container are also getting popular and being launched by several bio container manufacturers. In April 2012, Cardia Bioplastics Limited claims that it has launched the worlds first food contact compliant and fully recyclable container namely Biohybrid for the global nutritional supplement market and cosmetics industries. Bio container are used to keep biodegradable materials, food waste, organic materials etc. Recently, rising demand from the end use industries and increasing application of bio container attributed to significant growth to the bio container market in terms of value.Request Sample Pages of Premium Research Report :Bio Container Market  Market Segmentation:Based on materials, bio container market is segmented intoBio-PETPLA and blendsStarch blendsBio-PEOthers including PBS and PHAOn the basis of application, the market is segmented intoBags and PouchesBoxesBinsOthersBased on end user industry, bio container market is segmented intoFood & BeverageHouseholdAgriculturePharmaceuticalsOthers (Healthcare and electronics)Bio Container Market  Regional Outlook:Geographically, the bio container market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The growth of global bio container market is expected to witness a healthy CAGR over the forecast period between 2016 and 2024. North America is expected to hold a significantly high market share of the bio container market in terms of volume during the forecast period. Currently, North America and Europe together holds more than half of the market share in the global bio container market in terms of value. In Europe, countries such as U.K and EU4 creates significant demand for plant-based plastic packaging in the market. However, Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest growing region in terms of volume sales followed by Europe. Large scale foreign investment is also expected to rise in the region, and is anticipated to fuel the demand of bio container over the forecast period. Many small Chinese players hold significant market share in the Asia Pacific bio container market in terms of value. In Asia Pacific, countries including China, Japan and Australia are the major growth driving markets for bio container in terms of revenue contribution. In Latin America, countries such as Brazil and Mexico are expected to grow significantly during the forecast period in terms of revenue.Bio container Market  Market Dynamics:The global bio container market is expected to witness a strong growth due to the rising consumer awareness about nature friendly products and changing inclination of consumers towards sustainable products. Other growth drivers for the bio container market include rise in implementation of plastic containers bans, increased focus on sustainable packaging by brand owners and retail companies, etc. Moreover, high demand from food and beverage and pharmaceutical industry for bio container creates a lucrative opportunity for the global bio container market. Bio container has higher costs than ordinary container, consequently bio container is not getting wide acceptance, especially among the small and medium enterprises. However, increasing demand from large scale industrial companies is expected to create significant opportunity to increase the revenue of the global bio container market.Bio Container Market  Major Players:Some of the major players identified across the globe in the bio container market Eco-Products, Inc., Genpak, LLC, Biopac (UK) Ltd, WestRock Company, Cardia Bioplastics Limited, Ecoware SpA, Rim Bio Inc., Biopac India Corporation Ltd., BioVentures, Inc., Tipa-corp ltd., Novamont SpA and BASF SE.About TMRTMR is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (QPCR) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Trends and Forecast 2016-2021

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Global Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (QPCR) Market Research Report Forecast 2016-2021The Global Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (QPCR) Market Research Report 2016 is a valuable source of insightful data for business strategists. It provides the Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (QPCR) industry overview with growth analysis and historical & futuristic cost, revenue, demand and supply data (as applicable). The research analysts provide an elaborate description of the value chain and its distributor analysis. This Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (QPCR) market study provides comprehensive data which enhances the understanding, scope and application of this report.This report provides comprehensive analysis of Key market segments and sub-segments Evolving market trends and dynamics Changing supply and demand scenarios Quantifying market opportunities through market sizing and market forecasting Tracking current trends/opportunities/challenges Competitive insights Opportunity mapping in terms of technological breakthroughsBrowse complete Report of Global Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (QPCR) Market Research Report Forecast 2016-2021@Global Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (QPCR) Market: Regional Segment Analysis North America Europe China Japan Southeast Asia IndiaThe Major players reported in the market include: BG Danaher Sigma-Aldrich Thermo Fisher Agilent GE Merck Olympus PerkinElmer PromegaGet the Sample Copy of Global Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (QPCR) Market Research Report Forecast 2016-2021 @Global Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (QPCR) Market: Product Segment Analysis Type I Type II Type IIIGlobal Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (QPCR) Market: Application Segment Analysis Application I Application II Application IIIReasons for Buying this Report This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth It provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments It provides distinctive graphics and exemplified SWOT analysis of major market segmentsOrder Global Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (QPCR) Market Research Report Forecast 2016-2021@About MarketIntelReports (MIR):MarketIntelReports (MIR) aim to empower our clients to successfully manage and outperform in their business decisions. We do this by providing Premium Market Intelligence, Strategic Insights and Databases from a range of Global Publishers.A group of industry veterans who are well experienced in reputed international consulting firms after identifying the sourcing needs of MNCs for market intelligence, have together started this business savior MarketIntelReports.Contact Details:Sales ManagerMayur S2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400,Wilmington,Delaware,19808United Statespr@marketintelreports.comTelephone: 1-302-261-5343
PET Preform Market 2016 - RETAL, Plastipak, Hon Chuan Group, Resilux NV, Zhuhai Zhongfu Enterprise, Seda de Barcelona, Amraz Group, Zijiang Enterprise, SGT, Rawasy Al Khaleej Plastic, Gatronova, Alpla

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The Global PET Preform Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the PET Preform industry. The research report analyzes the global market of PET Preform by main manufactures and geographic regions. The report includes PET Preform definitions, product type, applications and industry chain structure. Whats more, the PET Preform market development trends and competitive landscape are analyzed.Request for sample report @Major Players Covered:-RETALPlastipakHon Chuan GroupResilux NVZhuhai Zhongfu EnterpriseSeda de BarcelonaAmraz GroupZijiang EnterpriseSGTRawasy Al Khaleej PlasticGatronovaAlplaKoksanEskapetINTERGULF  EMPOLEsterformManjushreeIndorama Ventures Public CompanyGTX HANEX PlasticUltrapakBrowse full report @Then, the report focuses on global PET Preform market key manufacturers, company profiles, product analysis, shipment, ASPs, revenue, market shares and contact information are included. Also includes PET Preform industry's - upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis are also carried out. Finally, global and major regions PET Preform industry forecast is offered.Secondly, PET Preform Market report covered industry analysis including marketing trader or distributor, global shipment, global application market, technology status and plants, major key manufacturers by regions (North America, China, Japan, Europe, South-Korea, Middle East), and rest of the world can be added.Key Issues Addressed1. Competitive Landscape and Strategic Recommendations2. The market forecast and growth areas for Darlington Transistor Industry3. Changing Market Trends and Emerging Opportunities4. Historical shipment and revenue5. Analysis key applications6. Main manufacturers market shareCustomizationWe can offer customization in the report without any extra charges and get research data or trends added in the report as per the buyers specific needs.About Us:"MarketInsights.Biz offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact US:Frank ValadezDirector of Business DevelopmentWebsite:Email:sales@marketinsights.biz
SPOOKY, SCARY SPOOKY, SCARY  Neighborhoods in Orchard Park are more than ready for Halloween. In the top photo, at a house at the corner of Orchard Hill Drive and Briar Hill...

Bremer finds seven residential lots storing items on town property Thanks to a new property-line shot by the Engineering Department, Building Inspector Steve Bremer was able to identify seven residential lots near Highmark Stadium that were placing all sorts of...

Highway Department receiving number of calls on dying ash trees Highway Superintendent Andrew Slotman warned in the spring that the ash tree population in Orchard Park would soon dwindle to zero due to the presence of the emerald ash borer....
Once packed with marijuana concentrates and extracts, the Human Collective's shelves are nearly empty.

Some pot leaf-patterned socks and glass pipes sit scattered among what's left. A static screen with just 13 flower options has replaced a digital "bud list" that used to scroll through the shop's options for people waiting in line. The lines are gone, too. Only one or two budtenders work at a time - cut in half from before.

Within months of Oregon's full recreational marijuana market coming online, the industry has come to a standstill with low supplies and big price jumps for consumers.

Don Morse, owner of the Human Collective in Southeast Portland, and other retailers, growers and processors blame Oregon's strict pesticide rules for the problem.

The regulations - the first mandatory pre-emptive testing in the country for marijuana - went into effect Oct. 1. But the state has so far licensed only a handful of laboratories to do the tests on thousands of products, including flowers, edibles, concentrates, oils and extracts.

And the tests are expensive - in some cases more than six times what companies used to pay, they report. Then they must wait weeks to get their products back and find out if they passed or failed.

Morse has laid off five budtenders since last month. He's down to about 10 percent of the concentrate inventory he had before October. He can't find anyone to sell him enough marijuana to fully restock.

That's happening in most of the more than 400 marijuana dispensaries around the state.

For Morse, the gridlock is ironic because he pushed for the rules. He helped convince growers and processors that reasonable pesticide limits and testing regulations would be better for them and consumers. But now the fledgling businesses are in jeopardy, he said.

"We don't want to come off like it's boohoo and we're only in it for ourselves," Morse said. "The people of the state said they wanted this both medically and recreationally. They left it to the state to set the rules and the state has set the rules to the point where it's no longer available to them. It's this roundabout way of making cannabis illegal again."

Megan Hatfield bought a vape pen cartridge of Sour Diesel for $45 at Morse's store. It's usually around $30 there, but she still considered it a bargain. She tried two other pot stores earlier in the week, finding only two other options, both at $80 for a gram.

"Honestly, I have been to a couple of places that didn't have a selection nearly as big as this," Hatfield said.

The Governor's Office is expected this week to announce some temporary fixes to address the testing backlog, while the Oregon Health Authority has borrowed inspectors from other divisions to help license labs.

The slowdown is the price of safety, said Jonathan Modie, a spokesman for the health authority.

"Our goal is to protect public health," he said, "by making sure that all marijuana products are tested for pesticides and other compounds by an accredited lab and that marijuana products that fail pesticide testing don't reach consumers."

***

Starting a year ago, anyone 21 and older could buy a limited amount of marijuana flowers, starter plants and seeds. Edibles and extracts were added in June. The state expects to issue 850 recreational licenses for everything from retail outlets to growers by the end of the year.

The state has debated how to handle pesticides for more than a year and came up with the nation's most stringent rules for chemicals used in legal marijuana cultivation and the amounts that can show up in finished products, be it flowers or edibles.

While other marijuana states such as Washington have pesticide limits on crops, Oregon is the only state to require testing of each product before it hits shelves.

Labs here must test for a longer list of chemicals with stricter limits and in larger batches than before Oct. 1, when the rules didn't say how to do the tests, who could do them and what happened if products failed. Today, labs must follow state-specified protocol and then state agencies follow up with growers and processors to make sure any products that fail are retested or destroyed.

So far, the state has issued two recalls for tainted marijuana flowers that made it to retail shelves.

The health authority has certified six labs for pesticide testing. It's a long process that requires extensive proof that the labs are using the correct methods and that the results are consistent before a state assessor shows up to double check the work.

Through the end of the year, the state has three permanent full-time assessors and one full-time temporary assessor working. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has loaned three extra assessors - one full time and two part time - to help with the assessments and administrative tasks.

More labs will be certified through the state's general lab-accreditation program, ORELAP, in the future, Modie said. There are eight more labs that have applied for accreditation, but none are ready for inspection yet.

"ORELAP's role is to offer lab accreditation services, not to ensure that labs succeed in getting accredited or that there is sufficient supply of accredited labs in the for-profit market," Modie said.

Rodger Voelker, lab director of one of the pesticide testing laboratories, Eugene's OG Analytical, said that while some of the pesticide limits might be stricter than necessary, the delays are a temporary growing pain of a new industry.

"I hear this constantly -- people saying this is totally unfair, that they don't expect this of anybody else," Voelker said. "That's actually completely wrong. These things are expected of any industry where people are putting things in their mouth."

Both state and federal agencies oversee food safety regulations that can be rigorous and expensive. Some of the health authority's cannabis guidelines go above what's required of food items, including a bigger sample that must be tested from each batch. But there's also less scientific evidence about the effects of heating and inhaling marijuana products treated with pesticides, so the limits may evolve as research reveals new information.

Voelker was instrumental in pushing the state for the first comprehensive marijuana pesticide testing guidelines.

He acknowledged that the exacting new process created problems that the state and marijuana companies could have foreseen and are now causing pain. For instance, companies that take marijuana flowers and turn them into extracts and then infuse the extracts into other products are dealing with ingredients that are tested at each stage of the process. In the short-term, it brings those companies to a halt while that extract undergoes the lengthy process to get approval.

But Voelker predicted enough supply will soon be available and the system will be running smoothly a year from now.

"The bottom line is regulations are not perfect," Voelker said. "They are made by humans for humans. In my opinion, although this isn't fun to go through right now, we should be proud as Oregonians to put in place a system that is arguably better than any out there in regards to cannabis."

***

The uncertainty is causing processors to reconsider their investments.

Sara Lessar and her husband have two plans for the future. The first is to wait until Oregon loosens its rules on pesticide limits for marijuana concentrates so their oils can get back onto dispensary shelves.

Across Oregon, processors and shop owners are saying they can't get any concentrates through the testing process. Lessar buys marijuana flowers that are tested by state-certified labs and pass. But during processing, the pesticide traces are packed together and creep above the .20 parts per million maximum.

They can keep testing their oils to see if they can get them below the allowable limit, but the cost of testing is straining their ability to keep prices low, Lessar said. Before Oct. 1, they spent about $2,000 every six months on testing, but now they must pay $20,000, she said.

That's tough because they just bought a new property in Coos Bay to produce Bandit Oils but have no revenue coming in and laid off three full-time employees and five part-time employees.

They're considering their second option: Moving to California or one of the other states with legal recreational marijuana that doesn't impose such strict pesticide limits.

Lessar isn't against testing, she said, but the rules for concentrates seem almost impossible to overcome.

Others are hitting similar barriers.

"I have very few vendors who will sell me any extracts whatsoever and I have two vendors who will sell me edibles," said Matt Walstetter at Portland dispensary Pure Green. "We used to have hundreds of products and tons of vendors."

He said he usually has 15 varieties of shatter and five to 10 wax options -- both types of concentrates. Now he has six shatters and one wax.

Walstetter stocked up before the transition date and like Morse relied on that to carry him for a while. But that will soon run out, he said.

The only edibles in Brad Zusman's Cannadaddy's dispensary are his own product. He created a marijuana-infused chocolate bar that he sold to retail stores around the state. But he decided to close the company, Blaze, when the bars couldn't pass the pesticide tests.

He laid off his Blaze staff - 12 people -- but he was still stuck with $80,000 worth of the bars made before the new testing rules. He was allowed him to "grandfather" the bars into his own inventory. But, because they weren't state-approved, he couldn't distribute them to other retail stores to sell to customers.

"That should have gone into all these other dispensaries, but people didn't have cash to buy product," Zusman said. "It'll all be gone probably by the first of the year."

The bars are almost a blessing in disguise, though, because he is struggling to find any other edible suppliers to sell to him. He lost $40,000 in October alone between slow business at his dispensary and the loss of sales for his edibles, he said, and told his 33 Cannadaddy's employees that he might have to lay off 30 of them after the holidays.

"I predict you're going to see 70 to 80 percent of the dispensaries you see today, you won't see next year," Zusman said. "If there's not an emergency way to get products on the shelf, there's no way to sustain leases or rent or equipment leases."

***

Zusman's prediction shouldn't surprise anyone. Industry leaders warned state agencies that the new rules would create chaos.

Yet many were still surprised at the scale.

"We first started the conversation with the Legislature and Governor's Office in August," said Amy Margolis, an attorney who represents marijuana businesses. "And in that time we've lost good actors, people who have invested their lives and their livelihoods in this."

The health authority's accreditation program already had a large caseload before marijuana testing was added. The division also accredits labs that do environmental and water quality testing, as well as air toxics and industrial waste. It works with labs in more than a dozen states and three countries.

The administrator for the program warned that most marijuana labs need significant help shaping up and it can take months to get them there.

A new report says that the delay could cost the state millions.

The state collected $25.5 million in taxes from marijuana businesses by April and projected $44.4 million by the end of the year.

Beau Whitney, an economist for a national cannabis analytics company, doubts those projections will hold up now. He opened an online survey this month that so far is reporting that 80 percent of the responding Oregon businesses report that their bottom line is "severely impacted" by the market's stall.

More than 22 percent of the 72 businesses that responded as of last week said they were going out of business or in danger of it and nearly all planned to raise prices for consumers if they hadn't already.

Whitney said the survey shows nearly half of the businesses are losing $20,000 a month or more on average, some with their revenue cut in half. While Portland's market is often considered oversaturated, Whitney said what's happening isn't explained by natural industry fluctuations.

"This is not just settling of the dust of the market," Whitney said. "This is apparently policies that were put in place that have essentially devastated a market."

He estimates the state stands to lose as much as $10 million of the projected tax revenue by the end of the year.

-- Molly Harbarger

mharbarger@oregonian.com

503-294-5923

@MollyHarbarger
Steven Mnuchin

Steven Mnuchin, speaking with reporters Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, in New York, predicts the economy could sustain an annual growth rate of as high as 4 percent -- about twice as fast as the economy has grown since 2009.

(The Associated Press)

President-elect Donald Trump's naming of veteran Wall Street banker and hedge-fund manager Steve Mnuchin to be the next Treasury secretary quickly turned into a polarizing appointment as financiers cheered and watchdog groups warned that it could lead to rollbacks of crucial post-crisis regulations.

Mnuchin, who was a Goldman Sachs partner before starting Dune Capital Management and later running Pasadena lender OneWest Bank, confirmed the appointment in an early morning appearance Wednesday on CNBC. He appeared alongside billionaire investor Wilbur Ross, who was named Commerce secretary.

Mnuchin said his top priorities would be to hasten economic growth and job creation through tax cuts and a loosening of post-crisis financial regulations.

"We're really going to be focused on economic growth and creating jobs," said Mnuchin, 53, whose appointment must be confirmed by the Senate. "Our most important priority is sustained economic growth."

He boldly predicted the economy could sustain an annual growth rate of as high as 4 percent, about twice as fast as the economy has grown since 2009.

Mnuchin, who served as Trump's campaign finance chairman, had long been considered a top contender for the Treasury post, though his selection runs counter to the anti-establishment rhetoric of the Trump campaign.

Throughout this year's presidential campaign, Trump criticized Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for being too cozy with Wall Street.

A Trump ad that aired during the final days of the campaign called hedge fund manger George Soros -- a Clinton supporter who is a business associate of Mnuchin -- someone who controls "the levers of power in Washington."

It also implied that Goldman Sachs, where Mnuchin's father also was a partner, has been the beneficiary of policies that have "robbed our working class." The add featured footage of Goldman Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein at a Clinton Global Initiative event.

Mnuchin spent 17 years at Goldman before leaving in 2002 to work with Soros. Later, he started Dune Capital, a hedge fund that was his entree to Hollywood. An offshoot of Dune Capital financed Hollywood blockbusters including "American Sniper" and "Mad Max: Fury Road."

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a leading financial industry critic, called Mnuchin "the Forrest Gump of the financial crisis" because he "managed to participate in all the worst practices on Wall Street" during his lengthy career.

"His selection as Treasury secretary should send shivers down the spine of every American who got hit hard by the financial crisis, and is the latest sign that Donald Trump has no intention of draining the swamp and every intention of running Washington to benefit himself and his rich buddies," she said.

Dennis Kelleher, chief executive of Better Markets, a nonprofit that advocates for tighter Wall Street regulation, called Trump's Treasury pick and promises of looser financial rules "a flip-flop of historic proportion."

"We had candidate Trump who got elected promising to drain the swamp of special interests," Kelleher said. "Now we have President-elect Trump promoting the biggest swamp-dwellers into his administration."

But those establishment credentials don't worry some Trump supporters, including Tim Donnelly, a hard-right conservative who served two terms in the California Assembly and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2014.

During that campaign, he pilloried fellow Republican candidate Neel Kashkari -- currently serving as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis -- for his role in overseeing the federal bank bailout program in 2008 and 2009.

"If [Trump] picked someone like Jamie Dimon or Blankfein or one of those guys from the old guard, that would be the establishment," Donnelly said Wednesday. "We're counting on him putting successful people in charge of executing. The execution is more important than the purity."

The president-elect's transition team was reportedly considering other candidates, including Dimon, chief executive of JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

Any of those choices probably would have been cheered by Wall Street -- Dimon is one of the banking industry's top executives and Hensarling has called for rolling back financial regulation.

Though Mnuchin is less well known, his selection drew praise from Tim Pawlenty, head of the Financial Services Roundtable, a Washington organization that represents the nation's largest banking and financial services companies.

"Steve is a seasoned and results-oriented leader who is really smart, interested in public policy and understands the urgent need to boost economic growth and opportunity," said Pawlenty, a former Republican governor of Minnesota.

But how Mnuchin might seek to boost growth has consumer advocates and Wall Street critics nervous.

During the campaign, Trump said he would seek to dismantle much of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, a sweeping 2010 bill that sought to rein in big banks and prevent another financial crisis.

Mnuchin said on CNBC that he does not want a wholesale repeal, but does want to make substantial changes.

"We want to strip back parts of Dodd-Frank that restrict banks from lending," Mnuchin said. "The No. 1 priority will be to make sure banks lend."

Kelleher said that Mnuchin should instead subject more financial firms to the kind of strict scrutiny now reserved for the largest banks. He noted that as Treasury secretary, Mnuchin would serve as chairman of a federal financial committee that has oversight of large nonbank firms such as insurance companies.

"If you have a Treasury secretary who doesn't think that type of regulation is appropriate, the country is going to end up in a disastrous situation. The American people will once again be surprised with the equivalent of another AIG," Kelleher said, referring to the massive insurance company that had to be bailed out in 2008.

For Democrats and consumer advocates, hearing Mnuchin talk about a rollback of Dodd-Frank is troubling given his recent history in the banking business. Mnuchin in 2009 led a group of wealthy investors -- including Soros and Michael Dell -- who bought failed Pasadena mortgage lender IndyMac and turned it into OneWest Bank.

Mnuchin's group netted billions thanks in large part to a much-criticized deal that allowed the investors to buy the bank at a big discount while passing off as much as 75 percent of its loan losses on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Mnuchin and his group paid about $1.6 billion for the bank and sold it last year to New Jersey lender CIT Group for $3.4 billion.

Between the sale price and hefty dividends paid out from 2011 to 2015, Mnuchin and his group made a profit of more than $4 billion. It's not clear how much of a profit Mnuchin personally made, because his stake in OneWest was undisclosed.

Despite its secure financial footing, OneWest had a history of problems with regulators over its foreclosure practices and lending and has been accused of being unwilling to work with borrowers seeking mortgage loan modifications despite promises to do so. Community groups have accused the bank of being particularly aggressive about foreclosing on properties in minority neighborhoods.

In 2011, dozens of activists protested the practices on the lawn of Mnuchin's 22,000-square-foot Bel-Air mansion. That same year, the federal Office of Thrift Supervision hit the bank with a regulatory order saying it had failed to follow procedures when foreclosing on homeowners.

Similar complaints nearly derailed the CIT deal last year and continue to dog the now-combined institutions. Two California advocacy groups this month asked the federal Housing and Urban Development Department to investigate OneWest and CIT, accusing them of failing to make mortgage loans or locate branches in minority communities, and not properly maintaining foreclosed homes in those communities. HUD is already investigating OneWest's reverse-mortgage business.

"Steve Mnuchin ran a foreclosure machine," said Paulina Gonzalez, executive director of the California Reinvestment Coalition, which fought the CIT-OneWest deal and is one of the groups asking HUD to investigate the banks for discrimination.

Mnuchin, a divorced father of three who graduated from Yale, defended OneWest on Wednesday.

"We bought the worst mortgage portfolio in the history of time," he said of IndyMac, adding that the bad loans that led to the foreclosures had been originated before his purchase of the bank.

"We saved a lot of jobs and we created a lot of opportunities for corporate loans," he said.

--Los Angeles Times
A man accused of fatally shooting his ex-wife's friend Sunday in Clackamas County was in a funk that day and became more agitated when he heard news about election recount efforts, his ex-wife alleged in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Debra Kusch-Siegberg said her ex-husband had also been set off by other things, including their divorce. She said, too, that there wasn't an altercation or specific argument that led to the shooting, which left Melissa Elaine Vargas dead and prompted Kusch-Siegberg to run for help while under fire.

Gregory Siegberg

Washington state troopers found Gregory Siegberg, the 62-year-old ex-husband, in a car resting on its roof in Ridgefield about an hour later. He was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of intoxicants, and a state patrol spokesman said Siegberg told troopers he had "just killed someone."

Clackamas County Jail records show he faces murder and attempted murder charges and is being held without bail. He was arraigned Wednesday, records show.

Vargas' funeral is scheduled for Thursday at noon, her sister said.

Kusch-Siegberg described her friend as sweet and loving, with a "great, fantastic attitude."

And Vargas' sister, Bambi Stilgebouer of Hillsboro, said she was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and daughter who adored her pet Yorkie, Bella.

Melissa Elaine Vargas

"She would give you the shirt off of her back if you needed it," Stilgebouer said.

Court records show Siegberg and his ex-wife divorced earlier this year, citing irreconcilable differences. They had been married since 1997. He reported while in custody that he lived with Kusch-Siegberg at a home in the 13600 block of Southeast River Road but was moving out.

He also reported having alcohol and methamphetamine problems, court records show, and he told a trooper prior to his arrest that he had been drinking heavily.

Kusch-Siegberg recounted the shooting to The Oregonian/OregonLive on Tuesday.

She said she was reading the paper when she heard a pop about 20 feet away.

She took off, sliding open the back door and running from the home. A bullet whizzed past her ear as she fled, blowing hair into her face. She smelled gunpowder.

Deputies said they found Vargas, a 53-year-old Gaston resident, dead of a gunshot wound to the back of her neck. She was cleaning dishes at the time of the shooting, Stilgebouer said.

A KOIN report about the killing revealed Vargas had a previous rape conviction.

Melissa Elaine Vargas' funeral

Thursday, 12 p.m.

She was sentenced in 2001 to more than eight years in prison for rape, criminal mistreatment and hindering prosecution charges, court records show, but her sister said the conviction has nothing to do with the killing.

She had been charged with letting her then-husband "sexually abuse a child in her custody for several years," the News-Register reported in 2001.

The newspaper reported her then-husband was sentenced to more than 50 years in prison. Vargas received a shorter sentence because, according to the district attorney, she didn't abuse the child, and her then-husband controlled the relationship.

"She was charged with rape on an aid and abet theory," a deputy district attorney told the newspaper.

Information

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office previously urged anyone who has information about Gregory Siegberg or the homicide investigation to contact the sheriff's office

or at 503-723-4949. Tipsters should reference case No. 16-32525.

Vargas cleaned and was among those who enjoyed a holiday meal at Kusch-Siegberg's home on Sunday, she said.

She often helped around the house, Kusch-Siegberg said, noting that Vargas worked for her in that capacity but was volunteering Sunday.

One of Vargas' final projects may have ultimately helped save her friend's life.

Kusch-Siegberg said they worked on the sliding door earlier Sunday -- cleaning the glass, removing grit and dog hair and oiling the door so it could open more smoothly.

The job was Vargas' idea, and she did most of the work.

"When I got up to run," Kusch-Siegberg said, "I was able to open that door, and that is amazing to me."

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015
Disabled Parking

In this Sept. 3, 2013, photo, a handicapped parking tag hangs from the rearview mirror of a car parked at a metered parking spot in Portland.

(AP Photo/Don Ryan)

I recently got a disabled parking permit. Is this valid in other states as well? Are other states' permits valid here?

Through the magic of reciprocity, that same parking permit is valid not only in all other states but even in some other countries.

Federal regulations require all states to recognize both windshield placards and special license plates issued by other states and countries, so your permit should be honored anywhere you go in the United States.

"The international disabled person symbol is recognized worldwide," said Artemio Armenta, a spokesman for the California Department of Motor Vehicles. "Parking authorities would be able to recognize the valid disabled person placard or plate."

The same goes for visitors to Oregon, both foreign and domestic. Oregon DMV spokesman David House confirmed that out-of-state and international disabled parking permits are honored here.

But the benefits conferred by the permit might vary state to state, even city to city. Oregon, for example, differentiates between people who use wheelchairs and people with other disabilities. Other states do not.

Disabled parking permits are sometimes honored across international borders.

Members of the International Transport Forum, an intergovernmental group that includes 57 countries, agreed to give drivers with disabilities from other member nations the same rights as they would give their own residents.

Theoretically, travel between those countries -- which includes all of North America and much of Europe -- should be pretty seamless.

In practice, however, it's more complicated. Many countries, despite having signed on to the agreement, don't have centralized rules, so there's no guarantee local officials will recognize a foreign disabled parking permit.

***

Have a commuting question? Contact Elliot Njus at enjus@oregonian.com or on Twitter @enjus
There's

31

23 days left to enjoy 2016 and there's plenty of food events to keep you occupied in that time. Sip dozens of holiday beers and aquavits from around the world, get your holiday shopping done and more.

Here's a full calendar line-up for the month of December. See an event we missed? Drop us a line at sbakall@oregonian.com and we'll update.

Snaps & Taps (Dec. 4-10) - Sample aquavit and beer pairings featuring special beers from some of Portland's finest brewers at Portland's best bars. Look for beers from Breakside Brewing, Upright Brewing, The Commons, Drinking Horse, and, for our first ever Aquavit Week cider, a special release from Reverend Nat's. Check our website for details on where to find these brews.

Aquavit Week Post-Party (Dec. 11) - Toast the ending of the biggest Aquavit Week ever at the internationally inspired Expatriate, featuring aquavit cocktails from some of Portland's most creative bartenders. 9:00 pm - 12:00 am.

Buche de Noel chef competition

Get into the holiday spirit with a (friendly) Buche de Noel pastry chef competition at The Cleaners at Ace Hotel on Dec. 11 from 4 - 7 p.m. Participating pastry chefs include Kristen Napoleoni (Clyde Common), Lauren Breneman (Beast), Giovanna Salas (Castagna), Nicolas Flores (RingSide Steakhouse) and three more chefs. Admission is $10/person, tastes of all the cakes included. A cash bar will be serving seasonal cocktails, beer and wine. Attendees can also purchase raffle tickets to win a replica of the crowd-favorite Buche de Noel. All raffle proceeds will be donated to Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon.

Time: Dec. 11 from 4 - 7 p.m. At The Cleaners at Ace Hotel

Details: $10/person, all ages, tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com/event/2718110.

Jolie Laide-Nomad.PDX collaboration dinner

Jolie Laide will be teaming up with Nomad.PDX on Dec. 12 for a 12-course menu, with many dishes drawn from the upcoming Nomad.PDX brick-and-mortar restaurant opening shortly. Tickets are limited and reservations will be pre-sale only, available through TOCK. Optional wine pairings will be done by Roe Sommelier Salvador Perdomo.

Time: Seatings at 5:30 and 8 p.m.

Details: $80/person, wine pairings available for $40; 6 S.E. 28th Ave.,

Parallel Food & Drink pop-up at Roman Candle

Parallel Food & Drink from husband and wife team Joey and Stacey Gibson (Woodsman Tavern) will be serving a three-course holiday feast at Southeast Portland's Roman Candle Baking Company on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. Three different beverages will be served with the meal, plus a reception wine. Dinner is $50/person, all inclusive.

Time: Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.

Details: $50/person, all inclusive; 3377 S.E. Division St. Tickets can be purchased here.

Poke Mon's December chef collaboration

Support the ACLU with Poke Mon's December chef collaboration from Kachka's Bonnie Morales. The bowl, made with Skuna Bay salmon, is tossed with cucumbers, beet-cured salmon roe, pickled Tokyo turnips, fried onions, dill and onion horseradish sauce. Each bowl is $13.75 and will be available through Dec. 30.

Time: Dec. 1-30

Details: $13.75 a bowl, proceeds support the ACLU

Nora Antene xurro collaboration at 180

For the month of December, Portland's Spanish xurreria will be teaming up with Tusk's Nora Antene for a special salty cashew butterscotch xurro dipping sauce inspired by her grandfather. All proceeds from the sale of Antene's xurros will benefit Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization, promoting the integration of refugees, immigrants and the community at large into a self-sufficient, healthy and inclusive multi-ethnic society.

Time: Dec. 1-31

Details: $2, proceeds benefit the IRCO

-- Samantha Bakall

sbakall@oregonian.com

Follow @sambakall
Feeding Elk

Elk at the Elkhorn Wildlife Area near Baker City, Ore. in an undated photo. The state police agency is trying to ramp up attention on illegal poaching of animals in Oregon.

(AP -WR)

In mid-November, state police troopers were called after a pair of bull elk was shot and killed one night in rural Union County. The massive carcasses were found 60 yards off a country road near Elgin, left to rot.

Within two weeks, officials had charged two locals in the illegal killing and said they believed a third suspect -- one with a history of poaching -- had fled the state.

The arrests in the Nov. 16 incident represented a rare victory for the state in the eternal struggle to police illegal hunting activities. In the past three months alone, Oregon State Police has asked for help tracking down poachers in Union, Klamath, Wheeler, Douglas, Columbia, Hood River and Lincoln Counties. Amid the recent flurry of agency news releases about big game poaching comes the stark reality: This is nothing new.

"We do have a problem with poaching," said Capt. Bill Fugate, a state police spokesman.

The illegal killings are a source of pure disdain for the vast majority of hunters, who willingly follow a litany of state regulations and vie for tags to hunt bull elk and other large game. Regardless of where non-hunting Oregonians may stand on the merits of the pastime, which is a way of life for some and a hobby for others, the few bad actors are a universal nuisance.

Duane Dungannon, state coordinator for the Oregon Hunters Association, said nothing gets his group's members more enraged like the recent poaching in Elgin and elsewhere. Such incidents are often the most shared on social media.

"They can't even get a tag," Dungannon said of members who might be frustrated with limited hunting opportunities, "and you've got some numbskull out there [killing animals illegally]."

"People get pretty incensed when they see that," he said.

Since 2012, state police have averaged 764 poaching investigations a year, most involving elk or deer.

But occasionally, such "illegal harvests" claim a prized and protected animal, such as bighorn sheep. Hunters must win a lottery for the coveted once-in-a-lifetime tag to legally hunt a bighorn. Just 96 were issued last year. In April, two men were arrested in Gilliam County for the brazen poaching of two sheep off of Interstate 84.

'Illegal harvests'

Oregon recorded hundreds of poaching incidents in 2015:

Antelope:

15

Bear:

19

Big horn sheep:

3

Cougar:

15

Deer:

492

Elk:

231

Wolf:

2

Source: Oregon State Police

But catching poachers is the exception, even with the efforts of the Oregon Hunters Association and law enforcement officers who closely track the issue. Oregon is a big state, and the agency's fish and wildlife division has just 120 troopers assigned to enforce hunting and fishing activity on the ocean, in the mountains and in far-flung areas like Elgin.

While state officials estimate Oregon's mule deer and elk populations to be above 360,000, it's unclear how many animals are killed illegally each year. State troopers often rely on decoy deer, which are legally recognized as game animals, to entice poachers to shoot. Regardless, the 750-odd illegal harvests recorded each year are on the low end.

"We just barely scratch the surface, I believe, on what we catch," Fugate said.

A bull elk killed by a poacher in Douglas County earlier in the fall of 2016.q

Why do people poach

Jim Akenson, conservation director with the Oregon Hunters Association, said it's hard to know what drives poaching. It could be a person's "frustration with regulations" tied to hunting and the expense of a license, which can run $32 for big game, plus the $46 for an elk tag for Oregon residents.

"There's another small segment that may be desperation," Akenson said, citing those who hunt for food and can't afford a license or tag.

The incidents that he and others don't understand are those like the Elgin killings, where the animals' carcasses are left whole - prized antlers and all. He said it was "almost an act of anger" and likened it to "wildlife management terrorism."

Akenson attributes some of the poaching to broader community woes. People are more impatient these days.

"We have an instant gratification society, and I think that has bled over somewhat to the expectations on the hunting community," he said.

No different than past years.

The majority follows the rules when they hunt and fish in Oregon, where records show 334,498 people have valid hunting licenses. Last year, state troopers reported more than 20,358 contacts with big-game hunters in the field.

People are required to get licenses from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and -- depending on the animal, season and region of the state -- put in for a tag to hunt.

Though it's early in the hunting season, state police have already recorded 333 illegal harvests this year, according to numbers provided to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Those numbers should escalate through the end of the calendar year.

What qualifies as an illegal harvest could vary from killing a cow elk during bull season to killing an animal out of season, or so-called 'party hunts,' where a group of a dozen hunters has four tags and gets four animals.

State Police Capt. Jeff Samuels, who leads the fish and wildlife division, said other poaching incidents include shooting an animal at night, trespassing and killing an animal on private land, or events like the Elgin situation where animals are left to waste on the side of the road. State officials can't quantify an increase in those incidents, but they do tend to draw attention to them, due to the outrage factor.

Samuel said the agency is trying to "get with the times" and increase its social media activity to get the word out about poaching.

"With 120 [enforcement officers], that's why we rely on the public's help," he said.

The hunters' association, which counts 10,000 members across the state, is a significant ally in tracking down violators. The organization has raised money through its Turn-In-Poacher hotline for years. OHA has distributed $7,800 in rewards so far this year for tips that led to poaching charges. In 2015, it gave out $13,300, which officials say is about average.

In the Elgin poaching case, troopers praised the "overwhelming support from the community" in helping track down the poachers. Brianna Black and Dylan Crouch were charged with three misdemeanors of "aiding in a game violation. Nathan Crouch, who police say left the state, faces two counts of unlawful killing of a bull elk, hunting with the aid of a motor vehicle, two counts of "waste of a game animal," and a handful of other charges. Officials say Crouch also illegally killed a bull elk "a few years' prior."

Akenson, with the hunters' association, said while poaching is a long-standing problem, he believes hunters are doing a better job these days of "being whistleblowers.

The Oregon Hunters Association's TIP line is 1-800-452-7888.



-- Andrew Theen

atheen@oregonian.com

503-294-4026

@andrewtheen
1obama.JPG

In this Dec. 10, 2009, file photo, President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Barack Obama poses with his medal and diploma alongside Nobel committee chairman Thorbjorn Jagland at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at City Hall in Oslo, Norway.

(AP Photo/John McConnico)

LEADERSHIP WITH GRACE: Amidst the turmoil of the election, heartbreak and tears on one side, elation and grand plans on the other, we should take a little time to praise President Obama for a job well done. He took the right steps to pull us out of the greatest recession since World War II, successfully bailed out companies like GM and saved well-paying jobs with the government getting a positive return on its investment. His policies have greatly increased the share of renewable energy while making America a net exporter of petroleum. Unemployment rate is down to 4.9% and ISIS is in retreat. Iran's nuclear ambitions are under control. Not all of his actions were resoundingly successful. Middle East and Afghanistan are still problematic but given the morass left for him in 2008 and the complexities of the conflict, no possible U.S. role would bring happiness to all sides.

Obama has carried his leadership role with grace, wisdom and decency despite nearly total opposition from the Republican Congress - many members of which have treated him with contempt. They spent time and money to drum up imaginary scandals like Benghazi. They found time to take 62 votes on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act by Groundhog Day 2016 per MSNBC's MaddowBlog without ever coming up with an alternative. They shirked their responsibility by refusing to schedule a hearing for his supreme court nominee. For them all Obama initiatives were dead on arrival. I wonder to what extent the fact that he is (half) black played a part.

Vidya Kale

Lake Oswego

MORE BECOMES LESS: I received a letter from Social Security today telling me that my new monthly benefit would increase by 0.3%. Hooray! Any increase would be welcome. However, because they increased my Medicare premiums, my monthly check will now be $18.40 less each month ($220.80 less per year). Government pay increases to Social Security recipients are not really increases, obviously.

Dick Safranski

North Portland

DISGRACEFUL REACTION TO TRUMP'S ELECTION: I had to laugh at Ryan Bryson's letter to the editor ("Showing Trump the courtesy that some denied Obama," Nov. 28). He complained about the alleged "disrespect" that was shown by "conservatives" to President Barack Obama.

You're kidding, right? How many riots were there in downtown Portland and in other major cities after Obama was elected? Compared to the flak that Donald Trump is taking from the media, and from vast groups of upset "protesters" everywhere, Obama was, and still is being treated like the proverbial golden child.

How can you say Obama was disrespected? Did Mitt Romney and the GOP call for several states to endure lengthy and costly recounts? Never in the history of this country has there been a more disgraceful reaction to a presidential election. The closest demonstration that comes to mind would be the Boston Tea Party.

Charles Heath

Tigard

TRUMP THE SORE WINNER: Donald Trump is now whining about not winning the popular vote and blames it on "millions of people who voted illegally", even though there is no evidence of voter fraud. This may be the first example of a "sore winner." Apparently, it hasn't sunk in that he no longer needs to fool the gullible. But the fact remains that he did not win a majority of the votes and he does not have a mandate.

Charlie Ford

Southeast Portland
ASIAN AMERICAN.JPG

In this file photo from October, Kim Ha-Ly, 67, with her Buddhist shrine behind her, talks about her political beliefs in her Woodbridge, Va., home. Vietnamese and other Asian-Americans shifted from being majority Republican supporters to overwhelmingly Democrat, probably owing to Donald Trump's polarizing rhetoric on immigration.

(AP Photo/File)

By Jeff Guo

Between 1940 and 1970, something remarkable happened to Asian Americans. Not only did they surpass African Americans in average household earnings, but they also closed the wage gap with whites.

Many people credit this upward mobility to investments in education. But according to a recent study by Brown University economist Nathaniel Hilger, schooling rates among Asian Americans didn't change all that significantly during those three decades. Instead, Hilger's research suggests that Asian Americans started to earn more because their fellow Americans became less racist toward them.

How did that happen? About the same time that Asian Americans were climbing the socioeconomic ladder, they also experienced a major shift in their public image. At the outset of the 20th century, Asian Americans had often been portrayed as threatening, exotic and degenerate. But by the 1950s and 1960s, the idea of the model minority had begun to take root. Newspapers often glorified Asian Americans as industrious, law-abiding citizens who kept their heads down and never complained.

Some people think that racism toward Asians diminished because Asians "proved themselves" through their actions. But that is only a sliver of the truth. Then, as now, the stories of successful Asians were elevated, while the stories of less successful Asians were diminished. As historian Ellen Wu explains in her book, "The Color of Success," the model minority stereotype has a fascinating origin story, one that's tangled up in geopolitics, the Cold War and the civil rights movement.

To combat racism, minorities in the United States have often attempted to portray themselves as upstanding citizens capable of assimilating into mainstream culture. Asian Americans were no different, Wu writes. Some, like the Chinese, sought respectability by promoting stories about their obedient children and their traditional family values. The Japanese pointed to their wartime service as proof of their shared Americanness.

African Americans in the 1940s made very similar appeals. But in the postwar moment, Wu argues, it was only convenient for political leaders to hear the Asian voices.

The model minority narrative may have started with Asian Americans, but it was quickly co-opted by white politicians who saw it as a tool to win allies in the Cold War. Discrimination was not a good look on the international stage. Embracing Asian Americans "provided a powerful means for the United States to proclaim itself a racial democracy and thereby credentialed to assume the leadership of the free world," Wu writes. Stories about Asian American success were turned into propaganda.

By the 1960s, anxieties about the civil right movement caused white Americans to further invest in positive portrayals of Asian Americans. The image of the hard-working Asian became an extremely convenient way to deny the demands of African Americans. As Wu describes in her book, both liberal and conservative politicians pumped up the image of Asian Americans as a way to shift the blame for black poverty. If Asians could find success within the system, politicians asked, why couldn't African Americans?

"The insinuation was that hard work along with unwavering faith in the government and liberal democracy as opposed to political protest were the keys to overcoming racial barriers as well as achieving full citizenship," she writes.

Recently, Wu and I chatted on the phone about her book and the model minority stereotype - how it was equal parts truth, propaganda and self-enforcing prophecy.

GUO: Can you tell us a little bit about the question that got you started on this book?

WU: America in general has had very limited ways of thinking about Asian Americans. There are very few ways in which we exist in the popular imagination. In the mid- to late-19th century, all the way through the late 1940s and 1950s, Asians were thought of as "brown hordes" or as the "yellow peril." There was the sinister, weird, "Fu Manchu" stereotype.

Yet, by the middle of the 1960s, Asian Americans had undergone this really arresting racial makeover. Political leaders, journalists, social scientists - all these people in the public eye - seemed to suddenly be praising Asian Americans as so-called model minorities.

I thought that might be a very interesting question to try to unravel.

G: How did these earliest stereotypes - these very negative, nasty images - take root?

W: Asian Americans first started coming in significant numbers during the California Gold Rush. Chinese immigrants came to do mining, then they ended up working on the Transcontinental Railroad, and agriculture. When those jobs died down, a lot of them moved to the cities where they started working in manufacturing.

At that time, in the 1870s, the economy wasn't doing that well in California. White American workers were very anxious about keeping their jobs. They looked around and they saw these newcomers who seemed very different from them.

There already had been a long tradition in the Western world of portraying the "Orient" as unknowable and mysterious. American workers started attaching these ideas to the Chinese newcomers, who were an easy target for white American anxieties about the growth of industrial capitalism and the undermining of workers' autonomy and freedom. They believed that the Chinese threatened American independence and threatened American freedom.

These ideas were particularly popular among the white working class at the time. The momentum started to build in the American West. There was the Workingmen's Party in California - one of their platforms was "The Chinese must go." That's how they rallied people. And they were very successful at it.

By 1882, Congress passed the first of a series of Chinese Exclusion Acts, which was the first time a race- and class-based group - Chinese workers - were singled out by American immigration law. The Chinese Exclusion Acts restricted their entry into the United States and said they couldn't become naturalized citizens.

What's really striking is that in the 1890s, the federal government even mandated a Chinese registry. That sounds a lot like this issue of the Muslim registry today, right?

G: A lot of what you're describing sounds familiar today - the economic anxiety bleeding into racial anxiety, the targeting of outsiders . . .

W: Absolutely. There are a lot of resonances. What's happening today didn't spring out of nowhere - it has a very long history in the United States.

G: Can you describe some of these old stereotypes? I think that most people have some idea from old Hollywood movies, but it's just such a contrast to how Asians Americans are portrayed today.

W: The ways in which Americans thought about these "Orientals" hinged a lot on moral differences and on issues of gender, sexuality and family.

Many great historians and scholars have done work on this. The major groups that came before World War II were the Chinese, Japanese, South Asians, Koreans and Filipinos. There were both similarities and differences in how the groups were viewed, but generally they were thought to be threatening - significantly different in a negative sense.

For the most part, a lot of Asian immigrants weren't Christian, so that was suspect. American Chinatowns had a thriving vice economy, so gambling, prostitution and drugs became popularly associated with Asians. (Of course, some of the same white Americans who were criticizing Asians were also the ones participating in these activities.)

There was this idea of moral depravity. At the time, the Chinese and Filipinos and South Asians in America were mostly single, able-bodied young men, so that also raised a lot of eyebrows. It looked like they were sexually wayward.

If you look at old stereotypical imagery of Asians in political cartoons, the way they tend to be depicted is that they are not aligned with white, middle-class notions of respectable masculinity. There's the long hair, the flowing clothing that didn't quite look masculine yet didn't quite look feminine - or maybe it was something in-between, as some scholars have argued.

The women were also thought of as morally suspect - as prostitutes, sexually promiscuous, that kind of thing.

G: An important argument in your book is that Asians were complicit in the creation of the model minority myth. The way we talk about this issue today, it's as if the white majority imposed this stereotype on Asian communities - but your research shows that's not the case. How did it really get started?

W: Absolutely. That is a critical point to understand. The model minority myth as we see it today was mainly an unintended outcome of earlier attempts by Asians Americans to be accepted and recognized as human beings. They wanted to be seen as American people who were worthy of respect and dignity.

At lot was at stake. At the time, Asians were living life under an exclusion regime that had many similarities to Jim Crow - not the same as Jim Crow, but certainly a cousin of Jim Crow. There was a whole matrix of laws and discriminatory practices.

By 1924, all immigration from Asia had been completely banned. Asians were considered under the law "aliens ineligible for citizenship." There were all these racial restrictions to citizenship under the law - and the last of these didn't fall until 1952.

Asian Americans tended to be restricted to segregated neighborhoods, segregated schools. They often did not have the kind of job prospects that white people had. They would be barred from certain kinds of employment either by law or by custom.

In 1937, a young U.S.-born Japanese-American man lamented that even if you went to college, you could only end up being a "professional carrot-washer." That was really true for a lot of people. They had very limited options for social mobility. And of course there was also violence - lynchings.

So for Asian Americans, one survival strategy was to portray themselves as "good Americans."

G: As you argue in your book, it became increasingly expedient for mainstream Americans to acknowledge, and even amplify, Asian attempts to gain respectability. What changed?

W: Those claims really start to stick in the 1940s, when the nation was gearing up for global war. American leaders started to worry about the consequences of their domestic racial discrimination policies. They were concerned it would get in the way of forging alliances with other people abroad. That really motivated American leaders and the American people to work on race relations.

During World War II, lawmakers thought that Chinese exclusion made for bad diplomacy. So Congress decided to overturn Chinese exclusion as a goodwill gesture to China, who was America's Pacific ally.

With the beginning of the Cold War, American policymakers became really attentive to putting their best image out into the world. They were very interested in winning hearts and minds in Asia.

Japan is a very good example. Japan lost the war and the United States took charge of reconstructing Japan in its own image as a rising democratic, capitalist country. And because Japan became such an important ally, that was the moment when Japanese exclusion laws could finally be overturned, which happened in 1952.

Again, people in Congress worried that if we left these laws on the books, it would endanger a billion hearts and minds in the Far East.

G: It wasn't just a geopolitical thing right? It seems that by the 1960s, there were other reasons for investing in this image of Asians as upstanding citizens, reasons that were closer to home.

W: Oh, absolutely. There were definitely domestic reasons for why the idea was appealing that Asians could be considered good American citizens capable of assimilating into American life.

In the 1950s, there were general concerns about maintaining the right kind of home life. There's this image of the perfect American family - a suburban household with a mom, a dad, two to three kids, a white picket fence. That was the ideal, but it wasn't always realized. There was a juvenile delinquency panic in the 1950s, a big scare over how the nation's youth were getting themselves into trouble.

The Chinatown leaders were really smart. They started to peddle stories about Chinese traditional family values and Confucian ethics. They claimed that Chinese children always listened to their elders, were unquestioningly obedient and never got into trouble because after school they would just go to Chinese school.

When I started digging, I found that this idea of this model Chinese family, with the perfect children who always just loved to study and who don't have time to get into trouble or date - started to circulate quite prominently in the 1950s. That speaks to America's anxieties about juvenile delinquency.

Also, since these stories were taking place in Chinatowns, it allowed Americans to claim that America had these remaining repositories of traditional Chinese values at a time when the Communist Chinese had completely dismantled them. So there's this other level where these stories are also anti-Communist - they are doing this other ideological work.

G: How true were these stories though? How much of this was racial propaganda, and how much of it was rooted in reality?

W: These are obviously very strategic stories. In 1956, the federal government started to crack down on illegal Chinese immigration, which was in part motivated by the Cold War. So partly, the conservative Chinatown leaders thought this model Chinese family story would do a lot to protect them. They thought this PR campaign would reorient the conversation away from "Communists are sneaking into our country" to "Hey, look at these squeaky-clean, well-behaved children."

From reading community newspapers in these Chinatowns, we know they also had a lot of concerns about juvenile delinquency. In fact, behind closed doors there were heated disagreements about what to do. One woman in particular - Rose Hum Lee, a sociologist with a PhD from the University of Chicago - wrote lots of books and papers about the problems in Chinatown, and accused leaders of sweeping these problems under the rug.

There were Asian Americans then, as today, at the end of the socioeconomic spectrum. And that segment of the population tends to go unnoticed in these kinds of narratives.

G: It's interesting to compare the efforts of the Chinatown leaders to the parallel efforts of leaders in the African American civil rights movement, who also emphasized respectability - who wore their Sunday best on these marches where they were hosed down and attacked by dogs. What's stunning to me is the contrast. One group's story is amplified, and the other's is, well, almost denied.

W: I think the Japanese American experience also highlights some of this contrast. At the same time in the 1950s, you hear these stories about how the Japanese Americans dramatically recovered from the internment camps, how they accepted their fate. "After internment, many families were scattered across the country, but they took it as an opportunity to assimilate," that sort of thing.

Japanese Americans aren't perceived to be doing any kind of direct action, they weren't perceived to be protesting. A bad thing happened to them, and they moved on, and they were doing okay.

These stories were ideologically useful. They became a model for political cooperation. The ideas solidify in the 1950s. Americans had recast Asians into these citizens capable of assimilating - even if they still saw Asians as somewhat different from whites. And by the 1960s, what becomes important is that these socially mobile, assimilating, politically nonthreatening people were also decidedly not black.

That's really the key to all this. The work of the African American freedom movements had made white liberals and white conservatives very uncomfortable. Liberals were questioning whether integration could solve some the deeper problems of economic inequality. And by the late 1960s, conservatives were calling for increased law and order.

Across the political spectrum, people looked to Asian Americans - in this case, Japanese and Chinese Americans - as an example of a solution, as a template for other minority groups to follow: "Look how they ended up! They're doing just fine. And they did it all without political protests."

That isn't really true, by the way. Asian Americans did get political, but sometimes their efforts didn't get seen or recognized.

These stereotypes about Asian Americans being patriotic, having an orderly family, not having delinquency or crime - they became seen as the opposite of what "blackness" represented to many Americans at the time.

G: I would say it also costs the majority less to allow Asian Americans, who were still a very small part of the population, to let them play out this saga of upward mobility, rather than recognizing the rights and claims of African Americans during that same time.

W: I'm not saying somebody sat down and did a cost-benefit analysis. But in some ways, there seemed to be a big payoff for little risk. Even with the overturning of the exclusion laws, it's not like large numbers of Asians were coming into the United States at the time. Asian Americans at that time were still a pretty marginal part of the population.

As harmful as Asian exclusion was, I would agree that those structures were not as deep or pervasive as anti-black racism. It wouldn't do as much to change the overall social picture by allowing these small numbers of Asian Americans to move forward. It was easier to do, in some ways, because those exclusion structures were not as pervasive, and the consequences had not been as long-lasting as they had been for African Americans.

G: A really fascinating part of your book describes how these new Asian stereotypes shaped the Moynihan Report, which infamously blamed the plight of African Americans on "ghetto culture." I think that is a great example of how this model minority stereotype started to get used against others in the 1960s.

W: Daniel Moynihan, the author of that report, was a liberal trying to figure out how to solve this huge problem - the status of African Americans in American life.

If you look in the report, there's not really any mention of Asian Americans. But just a few months before the Moynihan Report came out in the summer of 1965, Moynihan was at a gathering with all these intellectuals and policymakers. They're talking about how Japanese and Chinese Americans were "rather astonishing" because they had thrown off this racial stigma. Moynihan points out that 25 years ago, Asians had been "colored." Then Moynihan says, "Am I wrong that they have ceased to be colored?"

That was a very striking and powerful moment to me.

G: I think a lot of people believe that the model minority stereotype came out of the huge surge of highly educated Asians who started coming to the United States after 1965. But as your book shows, I think, the causality actually runs the other way.

W: It's mutually reinforcing. At the time that the United States did this major immigration law overhaul in 1965, policymakers decided that the nation should select its immigrants based on how they could contribute to the economy (and also to reunify families). So what we start to see is people coming to the United States with these credentials and backgrounds and training, and they seem to confirm some of the ideas that are already there - that Asian Americans are model minorities.

My book stops in the late 1960s, but what I think has happened since then is that the model minority stereotype story has really shifted away from the original ideas of patriotism and anti-communism. We now fixate more on education. There's the image of the tiger mom focused on getting her kid into Harvard. That emphasis also speaks to a shift in the American economy, how upward mobility really depends on having a certain kind of educational training.

And the anxieties about Asians have never really gone away. Now they're portrayed as our global competitors. So underlying the praise there's also this fear.

G: Sometimes in America, it feels like there are only so many racial buckets that people can fall into. With increased immigration from South Asia and Southeast Asia, for instance, it seemed like lot of the newcomers were swept up into this model minority narrative.

W: What happened in 1965 is that we opened up the gates to large-scale immigration from places like Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia. From Asia, you get large numbers of people coming from South Asia, the Philippines, Korea. Then by the 1970s, the United States is fighting a war in Southeast Asia, so you get this refugee migrant stream. And you're right, they're stepping into this predetermined racial landscape, these preconceived notions about how Asians are.

But as a historian, as someone who thinks about race in American life for a living, I also think that the "model minority" category has only a limited usefulness now in terms of our analysis. We talk about it as a common stereotype, but it doesn't explain the whole scope of Asian American life today - especially since 9/11, when you have communities of South Asians who are Muslims or Sikhs now being racially targeted or labeled as terrorists. So that has become another stereotype of Asians these days.

G: I think that underscores maybe the meta-narrative of your book - how we in America have always viewed ethnic and racial minorities through the lens of politics and geopolitics, right? In terms of international relations, in terms of what kind of image we want to project to the world, and in terms of what our national anxieties about other countries are.

W: Absolutely, that's the link. The model minority stereotype and the terrorist stereotype are related, I agree, in how they speak to the geopolitical anxieties of their times.

(c) 2016, The Washington Post
Gov. Kate Brown on Thursday made the first move in a looming, months-long chess game over Oregon's finances, putting forth a mix of new revenues and "unacceptable" cuts to close a $1.7 billion budget gap normally seen in the throes of a recession.

Brown presented her $20.8 billion budget -- her first since taking office in 2015 -- at a muted news conference in the Capitol. It comes weeks after the crushing defeat of Measure 97, which would have raised $3 billion a year and erased a shortfall largely opened by spending on health care and public employee pensions.

Instead, her plan seeks just $897 million in new revenue in 2017-19, mostly by raising taxes on tobacco, liquor, hospitals, insurers and some corporation owners' incomes. She would protect the state's K-12 schools from cuts. To do so, she would make deep cuts to some programs and hold back money sought by social services providers and universities, among others.

"This budget is a short-term solution, nothing more," she said. "It represents the beginning of a conversation, not the end."

That conversation will linger at least until the 2017 legislative session gavels to a close next summer. And its reverberations could last longer, with battles expected over pension reform, corporate taxes, and whether and how to limit state spending.

On Thursday, Brown's plan earned a cool reception from educators, business interests and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Democrats, who control the House and Senate, will lead on a final budget plan. But they'll need help from Republicans, whose support is required for the supermajority votes necessary to raise taxes.

"The governor made a lot of tough choices," said Sen. Richard Devlin, D-Tualatin, co-chair of the Legislature's budget-writing committee.

Although Devlin agreed with Brown that Oregon's next budget can't be solved by cuts or new revenue alone, lawmakers will likely strike their own balance.

"The Legislature might make different choices," he said. "From my perspective, flat funding universities is not an option that we can realistically consider."

Republicans were more pointed, saying governors and lawmakers should have braced for the largest costs contributing to the shortfall years ago.

"We have known for years that Oregon was on an unsustainable fiscal path, yet our leaders continued to operate as if the bill would never come due," House Minority Leader Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte, said in a statement, calling on Democrats to "commit to having an honest conversation about our state's unsustainable rate of spending."

Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli, R-John Day, merely called Brown's plan "a self-inflicted wound caused by years of Democrat overspending on the wrong priorities."

Business groups, meanwhile, plan to outline their own strategy at a summit in Portland on Monday. The Oregon Business Association suggested it might include revenue reform aimed at easing ups and downs in tax collections along with proposals to rein in long-term public pension and Medicaid costs.

"Oregon has spent far too long in the Band-Aid business," the group wrote, adding that "there is a much preferable route if we have the political confidence to take the road less traveled here in Oregon."

Though Brown supported Measure 97, which would have taxed certain businesses with at least $25 million in Oregon sales, she set her course on revenue in a slightly different direction.

Her increases in hospital assessments and insurer taxes are meant to provide health care coverage for every Oregon child. And she's proposing an 85-cent hike, for instance, in taxes levied on each pack of cigarettes sold in Oregon.

But Brown is risking another fight with businesses and Republicans over calls to end a corporate tax break passed in 2013, part of a so-called "grand bargain" meant to cut public pension costs and revamp tax laws. Pension reforms passed as part of that deal were already largely undone by the Supreme Court last year.

The tax break applied to certain types of companies structured to pass profits to owners and shareholders who would then report the cash as personal income. The idea was that business owners would save money if they were taxed at the state's lower corporate rate.

Brown's office argued it hasn't created new investments or jobs as intended.

"The idea was to encourage small business growth," said Legislative Revenue Officer Paul Warner. Legislative economists estimate keeping the tax cut would cost the state roughly $200 million over the next budget.

Among cuts, Brown has proposed closing the Junction City state psychiatric hospital, which opened in 2015, along a youth correctional facility in Clatsop County.

She's also called for cutting funding for community-based developmental disability programs, which would affect the services they deliver to clients. And she would eliminate a program that provides health-care information to families with children who have special medical needs. Other cuts would target wildland firefighting and energy tax credits.

Community college and public universities would receive less funding than requested -- forcing them to cut back or raise tuition to cover rising costs and enrollment.

"These cuts are a level that I find absolutely unacceptable," Brown said. "State needs are growing, but state resources are not keeping pace with the needs."

Proposed spending for K-12 education would be "held harmless," said Kristen Grainger, Brown's communication director, meaning Brown would cover all expected cost increases, including rising pension costs. The state would pump $8 billion into elementary and secondary education, if legislators agree next year.

That would mark an increase from the $7.4 billion contained in the state's 2015-17 budget. But the increase is intended to cover the higher costs of employee pay and benefits, including much higher payments to the state pension system, not to add or expand programs or services.

On top of that, Brown called on lawmakers to fund programs designed to boost high school graduation rates, overwhelmingly approved last month under Measure 98.

But she recommended allocating just $139 million -- not quite half of the $294 million, or $800 per student, outlined in the measure.

Education advocacy groups expressed dissatisfaction with Brown's plan, with advocates of preschool, public schools and public universities all saying their sectors need more.

The Oregon School Boards Association predicted schools would face big cuts in staffing and services unless they get $500 million more.

University presidents decried almost certain tuition hikes. And preschool advocates said Oregon will never fix its achievement gaps and dropout epidemic with so many low-income children still shut out from Head Start and public preschools.

Hanna Vaandering, president of Oregon's powerful teachers union, said her group and others that backed Measure 97 will continue to push for tax increases.

"As the governor says, the budget is not adequate to provide for students across the state," Vaandering said. "It is going to take all of us working together and being honest, being honest that we have a revenue problem."

On the other hand, the governor has proposed borrowing $350 million to help with facilities projects at the state's colleges and universities. That effort includes borrowing $15 million in debt for campus security upgrades in the wake of the October 2015 shootings at Roseburg's Umpqua Community College.

She would expand Oregon Opportunity Grants, aimed at helping the state's neediest post-secondary students, with an aim of providing financial assistance to an additional 5,000 students.

She'd also preserve the Oregon Promise program, which lets high school students with high enough grades attend one of the state's nine community colleges for as little as $50 per semester.

Elements of a transportation-funding package expected to be a prime source of haggling and controversy in the 2017 session are not contained in Brown's budget. Those, Grainger said, will be included in separate legislation next year.

The budget also calls for borrowing money to jump start clean-up activities along the Willamette River in Portland, part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund project.

Lawmakers and business groups won't wait long to start plotting their counter moves.

"It will definitely prompt debate and it should," said Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem. " The process doesn't end today. It is just beginning."

And revenue discussions are expected to loom large.

House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, said in a statement that Oregon's shortfall has its roots in property tax cuts stretching back decades.

"Oregon's budget is built upon an insufficient revenue structure that stretches back 25 years," Kotek said, saying she'd work with Brown to "build a budget that maintains positive momentum for Oregonians."

-- Dana Tims, Hillary Borrud and Betsy Hammond

503-295-7647; @DanaTims
Mayor Charlie Hales called Wednesday for an investigation into allegations of excessive force by Portland police when they arrested activist Kathryn Stevens last week during an anti-Trump protest.

A video shows officers grabbing Stevens by the head at one point while she struggles and clings to another protester, Portland's Resistance founder Gregory McKelvey, who also was under arrest.

Hales said the city's Independent Police Review Division will open an administrative inquiry into claims by Stevens and McKelvey that police injured Stevens.

"If there are findings of wrongdoing, there will be proper discipline," he said in a statement.

Hales, who also serves as the city's police commissioner, said many demonstrators have remained peaceful, but "unfortunately, there have also been safety concerns such as walking onto freeways and blocking the MAX light-rail lines."

On the night Stevens and McKelvey were arrested Nov. 21, the mayor said police "were responding to legitimate concerns about the safety of middle and high school students being directed to block traffic and disregard police instructions."

McKelvey said this week that officers hit and dragged Stevens and tried to break her neck. He posted a video to social media showing an officer putting his hands on each side of Stevens' head.

Police spokesman Sgt. Pete Simpson said the officer was using a "mandibular angle pressure point" and pointed to a TV station video that he said shows more context for the arrest than the seven-second video released by McKelvey.

That video shows both officers and protesters congregating at the scene with audio of some demonstrators yelling support for McKelvey and Stevens as they shout at police to release them.

After holding a rally in Holladay Park, protesters, many of them Portland Public Schools students, are taking to the streets downtown. Posted by FOX 12 Oregon on Monday, November 21, 2016

Simpson said any police use of force is documented in reports and undergoes a review by police supervisors.

"I take any allegations of improper force and misconduct seriously," Police Chief Mike Marshman said in a statement. "I demand that all officers' conduct is within the law, policy and consistent with the values of the community and the Portland Police Bureau."

Stevens, along with McKelvey and Micah Rhodes, another leader of the Resistance group formed after Donald Trump was elected president, all were arrested during a rally and march led by high school students.

Police said officers "observed McKelvey and Rhodes actively encouraging and directing student protesters to counter lawful police orders." Police arrested Stevens when she "attempted to interfere with McKelvey's arrest," they said.

The activists said police targeted them because they're leaders in the protest community and the city wanted them to stop protesting. They said they weren't directing the march and were following the students' lead.

Stevens clung to McKelvey as police arrested him, according to both Stevens and a police report written by Officer Ryan Mele. The arrest was near the Multnomah County Courthouse.

Stevens said she was trying to protect McKelvey. Police pulled her away, knocking her and McKelvey to the ground, she said. Officers held her down on top of McKelvey, she told The Oregonian/OregonLive in an interview this week.

"They were pushing my head down, pushing my body down," Stevens said. Officers repeatedly told her that she was hurting McKelvey and asked her why she wasn't getting up, she said.

According to Mele's police report, Stevens wrapped her legs around McKelvey and wouldn't let go. Another police report by Officer Patrick Mawdsley said he told Stevens to release McKelvey when he heard McKelvey say she was hurting him.

Mele wrote that officers were concerned that Stevens was creating a dangerous situation by resisting arrest because drivers could be distracted by the commotion.

"I knew I had to make the arrest quickly and get Stevens out of the area for the safety of myself and her but she would still not let go (of McKelvey)," he wrote.

Stevens said as she was sitting on the sidewalk at one point during the arrest, an officer came up to her and began grabbing her head, digging his knuckles into her temples.

According to the police report, Mele used a "bureau taught pressure point" on Stevens when it appeared as if she was preparing to spit on him.

Officers then pulled her into a doorway, dragging her by the hood of her coat, Stevens said. She said she choked and lost consciousness for a few seconds.

Two officers surrounded her, blocking her from the view of anyone except McKelvey, she said. They knelt on top of her, holding her down as an officer grabbed her head a second time and hitting her, she said. She remembers them yelling at her, "Are you having fun?"

"He was just hitting me repeatedly," Stevens said. "It was just excessive and very hurtful."

Mawdsley said that he and Mele pulled Stevens into an alcove because she was uncooperative. Mawdsley asked Stevens if she wanted to stand up but she remained on the ground. He said he "maintained ahold of her" while she was on the ground to "prevent her from escalating and causing additional force to be used."

Mawdsley said he and Mele were using "the minimum amount of force to take (Stevens) into custody" so they wouldn't incite other protesters.

Stevens and McKelvey said they believe the officers were trying to get a reaction from McKelvey. Stevens and McKelvey are a couple.

Stevens said she didn't get adequate medical attention when she was booked into the Multnomah County jail downtown after her arrest. She said she asked for help at the jail, but an official from Portland Fire and Rescue only told her that her hand was sprained.

Mawdsley's police report said Stevens refused treatment from the fire officials.

Stevens said she drifted in and out of consciousness from pain during the four hours she was in custody. When she was released, she went to a hospital emergency room, she said.

Doctors there told her she had a sprained hand and elbow and internal bruising, she said. For days afterward, it was painful to move or eat, she said.

Though she's recovering, she said she's shaken by the encounter.

"I just couldn't believe it was happening," she said. "It was completely unjust. There was no reason to hurt me."

Activist Cameron Whitten witnessed Stevens' arrest and called the police actions an excessive use of force. He said he saw officers take Stevens by the hood and roughly push her down onto her knees.

He didn't see officers grab her head because a line of officers blocked his view, he said.

"No one peacefully protesting should be handled that way," he said.

McKelvey said the police reports contradict what happened in the video -- for example, Stevens did not try to spit on an officer, he said. More videos of the arrest will be released this week, he said.

It shouldn't have taken video evidence to spur an investigation into police use of force, he said.

"We've been calling it out and protesting for a long time," he said. "And now that we have video evidence, we get an investigation."

-- Samantha Matsumoto
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(The Oregonian/OregonLive/file)

A Multnomah County Grand Jury on Tuesday indicted a 50-year-old man on a murder charge in connection with a stabbing Nov. 20 in downtown Portland.

Police arrested the suspect, Charles Anthony Longjaw, the day after the stabbing, and he was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of first-degree and second-degree assault. Longjaw also was held on a parole violation.

Stabbing victim Mark Sandoval Whelan, 43, died Saturday.

Longjaw will be arraigned on the murder charge Thursday.

Just after 6 p.m., Nov. 20, police and medical personnel responded to a report of stabbing at Southwest Third Avenue and Oak Street.

An ambulance took Whelan to a Portland hospital with injuries requiring multiple surgeries. At the time of the assault, police followed a blood trail leading to Southwest Fourth Avenue and Pine Street.

-- Allan Brettman
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(The Oregonian/OregonLive/file)

An 18-year-old man injured in a Northeast Portland gang shooting was taken early Thursday to a hospital, where it was discovered that his girlfriend, who was accompanying him, had also been shot, police said.

The injuries were connected to two shootings overnight that police say were gang-related and connected, Portland police Sgt. Pete Simpson said in a news release midday Thursday.

The first occurred about 12:15 a.m. outside the Holiday Inn at 8439 N.E. Columbia Boulevard, where police and medical responders found the 18-year-old. He was taken to a hospital with injuries not threatening his life. At the hospital, it was revealed his 19-year-old girlfriend had also suffered a gunshot wound that also did not threaten her life, police said.

Neither could provide information on a suspect, Simpson said.

Then shortly before 3 a.m., gunfire erupted again, this time in the 9300 block of Northeast Thompson Street. No one was hit, but officers found evidence of gunfire in the street and bullets striking a motorhome parked in the driveway of a home. Two people inside were uninjured, police said.

Simpson said interviews with the motorhome occupants led investigators to believe the shootings were connected and gang-related. No further details were provided.

Police seek information from the public, which can call the tactical operations division at 503-823-4106 or email.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
Updated: 2:11 p.m.

Bernie Sanders, the former Democratic presidential contender and a senator from Vermont, stopped by Powell's Books in Portland on Thursday and took some time out from promoting his book to blast President-elect Donald Trump for going back on some of his campaign promises.

Ostensibly, Sanders stopped by the bookstore for a photo opportunity and to sell some copies of "Our Revolution," his new book that details his vision for the country and some lessons he learned along the campaign trail.

But, in response to a question from a local reporter, Sanders lit into Trump for what he said during the presidential campaign and how Sanders said it differs from his decisions since he won the election.

"During his campaign, he said a lot of things," Sanders said. "And now, after he's been elected, it seems he's forgotten about a lot of the things he said during the campaign."

Sanders specifically pointed to Trump's promises not to cut certain government programs like Medicare and Medicaid and his seemingly antithetical appointments of potential cabinet members who have advocated for the very same cuts.

He also noted Trump's campaign rhetoric wherein he claimed that he would take on the establishment and Wall Street banks, though he has nominated members of the establishment and former Wall Street bankers to key spots in his administration.

Sanders used the recently announced deal with Carrier, an Indiana-based air conditioning company that had been planning to outsource some jobs to Mexico until Trump stepped in and reportedly offered the company tax breaks to keep at least some of the jobs in the U.S.

Sanders reiterated that, during the campaign at least, Trump said he would hit companies looking to outsource jobs with high tariffs to dissuade them from leaving.

"His new strategy is to give tax breaks to those very same companies," Sanders said.

You can watch Sanders' full comments below.

Bernie Sanders at Powell's Books, Inc. in Portland, Oregon Posted by The Oregonian on Thursday, December 1, 2016

After Sanders spoke to the media, he met and took photos with fans. The event, which was ticketed, sold out almost immediately in October and around 600 people waited in line to meet him.

Melisa Crosby, 51, Portland said after meeting Sanders, "I feel honored. I feel lucky."

"Bernie changed my life," she added, "woke me up, made me angry but also made me hope."

Robert Toler, 75, of Bandon said after meeting Sanders he felt "hopeful."

And some in the crowd were overcome with emotion after their moment with Sanders. Naomi Hynes, 35, came away from her meeting crying and laughing.

"He's so inspirational," she said. "It's easy to look at what's happening and give up."

She said her emotional response was because "it's so hard to keep going."

"We can't give up," she continued, "because he didn't."

Lizzy Acker contributed to this report.

-- Kale Williams

503-294-4048
A mother who watched her 11-year-old son die after a tree struck the car in which they were traveling has filed a $5 million lawsuit for her physical and psychological injuries.

Susan Graham's lawsuit faults the owners of two Southwest Portland properties for allegedly failing to recognize that a large cedar tree on one or both properties posed a risk of toppling and killing someone.

The lawsuit comes 21/2 months after her husband filed a $2.5 million wrongful death lawsuit against the same property owners on behalf of their son's estate. Thomas William Graham had been a sixth-grader at Lake Oswego Junior High School.

The two were headed south along Southwest Terwilliger Boulevard toward Lake Oswego about 5:30 p.m. on the stormy, windy night of Dec. 11, 2014. They were trapped in the car for some time before emergency responders could extricate them. Thomas Graham died at the scene.

Susan Graham, then 50, suffered serious injuries that prompted multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation. She has not been able to return to work, and her suit seeks $2 million for her emotional suffering and $3 million for medical expenses, lost wages, counseling and other costs.

According to a December 2014 story by The Oregonian/OregonLive about the crash, the car was first struck by the cedar, then continued about 50 feet before colliding into another tree.

A driver who stopped to help said the car was heavily damaged. He said he saw Susan Graham conscious and bleeding from the nose. Using his cellphone for light, the man said he also saw Thomas Graham leaning forward with his head between his legs, struggling to breathe.

Both lawsuits claim the property owners knew or should have known the cedar was dead and a grave risk to public safety. The suits allege the dangerous condition of the cedar was obvious to any "reasonable person" who looked at it because it showed signs of "damage or decay, including substantial discoloration."

The tree was about 4 feet wide at its base. When it fell, it blocked the two-lane road and a bike path near Terwilliger and Iron Mountain Boulevard, just west of Tryon Creek State Park.

Both lawsuits list the defendants as Stephen K. Bell and Anne M. Bell, as well as neighboring property owner Kathryn Edens. Property records indicate a 1,600-square-foot home is on the Bells' property, and only a garage on Edens' property.

In court papers responding to the wrongful death lawsuit, the Bells denied the allegation that they were at fault for not removing a tree that was obviously dangerous. Edens has not filed a response.

Portland attorneys Peter Janci and Stephen Crew are representing Susan Graham and her son's estate. The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Property owners who are accused of failing to maintain trees on their properties have been sued in the past. In June, the husband of a woman who died when a fir tree came crashing onto their Southeast Portland home in the middle of the night -- striking her while in bed -- filed a $3.1 million lawsuit against the next-door neighbors. That lawsuit is pending.

-- Aimee Green

503-294-5119
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People gather at Pioneer Courthouse Square to protest Wells Fargo in support of Dakota Access Pipeline protesters at the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota. Samantha Matsumoto/Staff

Approximately 100 people gathered in front of Pioneer Courthouse Square and marched to Wells Fargo Center Thursday to protest the bank and support Dakota Access Pipeline protesters.

The protest is part of a nationwide movement Thursday to close accounts at Wells Fargo and Bank of America. Both banks are financing the companies building the pipeline, which is being built near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota.

Protesters met at noon and marched to the Wells Fargo Center at 1300 S.W. Fifth Avenue, where some closed their bank accounts. As they marched, they chanted "Wells Fargo, we will fight until you honor indigenous rights."

A small group of protesters delivered a letter to Wells Fargo staff, asking them to divest funds from the pipeline. Protesters claim the bank is financing 10 percent of pipeline. In a statement, Wells Fargo officials said the bank's loans to Energy Transfer Partners, the pipeline builder, make up less than 5 percent of the total funding.

Protest organizer Ali Pullen said the demonstration was meant to hold banks funding the pipeline accountable.

"We are expressing our concern for their disrespecting indigenous sovereignty and human rights," she said. If banks don't divest funding from the pipeline, Pullen said, people will continue to close their accounts.

In a statement, Wells Fargo officials said the company is one of 17 institutions funding the pipeline, but it has invested $52 billion in environmentally sustainable businesses and provides financial services to more than 200 Native American tribal entities.

"We remain committed to our obligations to serve our customers' financial needs, and will continue to be respectful of the concerns being expressed by Tribal entities, other groups and individuals," the statement read.

Some of the doors at Wells Fargo were temporarily locked to ensure customers' and employees' safety during the protest, a spokesman said. The letter delivered by protesters will be forwarded to Wells Fargo senior executives, he said.

After they held signs and chanted in front of Wells Fargo, protesters walked across the street to Portland's City Hall. They gave a letter to Mayor Charlie Hales' chief of staff, asking the mayor to support protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Protesters originally intended to give the letter to Hales, but he was out of town at a climate conference, his chief of staff told the crowd.

People from across the nation have been protesting the pipeline since late summer. The 1,200-mile, four-state pipeline would carry oil from North Dakota to Illinois, but the pipeline's route lies near the Standing Rock Sioux's reservation. Protesters worry that it could leak and contaminate the tribe's drinking water. They also say the pipeline could damage sacred sites.

Police have used water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas on protesters during recent standoffs. Earlier this week, North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple issued an emergency evacuation notice to protesters. On Tuesday, state officials said they would fine any vehicles heading to the main protest camp.

Energy Transfer Partners told The Associated Press last week that it would not consider a different route for the pipeline.

Portland protesters will continue to put pressure on Wells Fargo and other banks funding the pipeline, Pullen said. She said December is a particularly critical time for the pipeline protests because of the eviction notices and the presidential election of Donald Trump, who holds stock in Energy Transfer Partners.

"Especially in the month of December, we are trying our best to hold these banks (accountable) and target these banks to stop funding the pipeline," she said. "When we take our funds and we choose to stop supporting them, we are weakening them."

-- Samantha Matsumoto
A charter member of the Irish band Danu says the groups Christmas show at the Midland Center for the Arts Friday will prove the audience with a flavor of holiday celebrations on the Emerald Isle.

Its a time to forget about all your troubles and have a bit of fun, Benny McCarthy said in a phone interview this week from Oklahoma, where the group was preparing for the opening night of its U.S. tour.

The concert, Feile na Nollag (A Christmas Gathering) will be at 7:30 p.m. at the MCFTA auditorium.

Well give basically a flavor of what we might get up to back in Ireland at Christmas time, McCarthy said. It is a party, as you can imagine, at Christmas.

The holiday in Ireland would start on Christmas Eve  For some people it would end after New Years Eve.

He called Fridays concert a fun, interactive show.

Well be singing some songs in Irish, our natural language, he said. We do a version of Silent Night  To hear it in Irish is quite special.

Part of providing a feel for an Irish Christmas will be telling a few stories, telling some jokes and doing a little dancing.

Well be playing some tunes we love to play, McCarthy said.

On a particular Christmas, if you went into a pub in Ireland  Youll get a flavor of what it is like  just making the ambiance of what it would be like in Ireland.

Concertgoers also will learn something about the Irish holiday known as Wrens Day (Dec. 26), which has developed into a tradition that involves costumes, parades and an excuse for a party, McCarthy said.

The groups tour will be brief but cover a lot of territory. Other cities Danu will visit include Batavia, Ill., Tucson and Scottsdale, Ariz., Northridge, Calif. and Palm Beach, Fla. The tour ends Dec. 18 at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

We love it  We really enjoy the Christmas tour.

The members of Danu have been playing music basically all of our lives, McCarthy said.

Weve grown up learning from great players back in Ireland, he said. We were going to festivals, playing in pubs and parties and ceilidhs  all for fun.

In 1995, we got the opportunity to go to a big Celtic festival in France  That would have been the start of Danu, the band.

McCarthy said the tunes dont stop when work ends.

Music is our social life as well, he said. At times you have to pinch yourself and say this is your career as well.

McCarthy said the members of the band enjoy going to places they havent been before, and he said they were looking forward to their first foray to Midland.

Its going to be a great event.

Tickets for the show, which is part of MCFTAs Windows on the World series, are $42, $35 and $20 and are available at www.mcfta.org and at the Center Ticket Office, 800-523-7649.
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department.

Monday, Nov. 28

5:22 a.m.  Deputies responded to a breaking and entering at a Homer Township business. The suspect fled the scene before authorities arrived. Property, valued at $99, was stolen.

8:46 a.m.  A detective received a referral from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding a sexual assault occurring in Mills Township in the past. The complaint was investigated four years ago and it was determined no criminal act occurred.

12:40 p.m.  A deputy responded to a report of trash found on a Warren Township roadway. The trash was collected and disposed of.

3:20 p.m.  Antibiotic medication, $38, and $50 worth of compact discs were stolen from an unlocked vehicle while it was parked in Jerome Township.

4:01 p.m.  An unlocked Lee Township home was entered and $40 was stolen.

6:28 p.m.  A Lee Township woman, 33, reported a loan had been taken out in her name and then repaid out of her checking account.

10:35 p.m.  A 15-year-old Lee Township girl was taken to the Midland County Juvenile Care Center after assaulting her father.

TUESDAY, NOV. 29

12:06 a.m.  A deputy spoke with a Warren Township female, 59, over the phone. The female stated she had gotten phone calls from an unknown number regarding events she was not apart of. The deputy advised the female to stop answering numbers she does not recognize.

1:13 a.m.  Police responded to a traffic hazard at westbound U.S. 10 and the Bay City Road overpass.

2:21 a.m.  A deputy responded to a complaint of a barking dog in Ingersoll Township. The deputy made contact with the 24-year-old male owner and he agreed to allow the dog inside to stop the barking.

4:07 a.m.  A downed tree was cleared from a Jasper Township road by a deputy.

4:34 a.m.  Deputies responded to Mills Township regarding a larceny from a building and a conditional bond violation. A 42-year-old female had stolen $773 from her ex-boyfriend, 37. Deputies were able to make contact with both parties and recovered $723 of the stolen money. The female also had a conditional bond requirement that prevented her from making contact with the male. The female was arrested for the larceny and conditional bond violation and transported to the Midland County Jail without incident.

5:14 a.m.  Police responded to a traffic hazard at South Saginaw Road and Salzburg Street.

8:40 a.m.  A 62-year-old Jerome Township male called 911 because he was concerned about outdoor activity and electromagnetic waves penetrating his aluminum trailer. The area was checked and the resident was satisfied.

9:16 a.m.  A Warren Township home owner believed there was someone within her dilapidated barn. Deputies arrived with the assistance of the Coleman Police Department. They did not see anyone in the area. The home owner checked the barn and did not notice anything disturbed.

11:06 a.m.  Police assisted with a probation/parole violation in the 200 block of West Ellsworth Street.

11:19 a.m.  A 55-year-old Larkin Township resident reported two long guns were missing from his residence. The matter is under investigation. The total value of the missing firearms is $1,300.

12:59 p.m.  A salvage inspection was completed in Greendale Township.

1:14 p.m.  Salvage inspections were completed at two City of Midland businesses.

2:56 p.m.  Deputies were dispatched to a verbal argument between a 23-year-old Lee Township male and his wife, 25.

3:10 p.m.  A hit and run in the 900 block of Joe Mann Boulevard resulted in private property damage.

3:34 p.m.  A deputy assisted a 20-year-old Durand woman who called 911 requesting assistance. The woman claimed that she had been involved in an emotionally abusive relationship with an ex-boyfriend and wanted to return to her home. The woman was provided a ride into the City of Midland where her family was arriving to pick her up. No assault or injuries were reported.

6:26 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to be-on-the-lookout for a vehicle possibly being driven by an intoxicated driver. The vehicle was seen leaving the City of Midland and entering Homer Township. The deputy checked the area, but was unable to locate the driver.

7:14 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to Homer Township after a 23-year-old Homer Township female reported her female roommate, 21, was in possession of marijuana. A report is being sent to the prosecuting attorneys office.

7:37 p.m.  Police responded to a case of fraud in the 4000 block of Wellness Drive.

9:23 p.m.  A 58-year-old Homer Township man called 911 for mental health assistance. He was transported to the MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland emergency room for a mental health evaluation.

10:25 p.m.  A Midland Township resident called and asked that a deputy contact her neighbor who was cutting wood flooring outside to stop because of the noise.

11:33 p.m.  A deputy arrested a 50-year-old Larkin Township man for domestic assault after an incident involving his wife, 50.
A new local organization is hoping to end food insecurity in our community with a new model that is somewhere between a food pantry and a traditional grocery store.

The Bridge, which plans to open its doors this month, has the potential to fill a real need in Midland.

Its focus is to provide an opportunity for Midland community residents to purchase healthy foods at wholesale prices, said Ed Doerner, who started the center. It is neither a food giveaway nor a grocery store. It sits between the two as a solution to a problem.

According to United Way of Midland County, there are 11,200 people in Midland County who are food insecure. Allowing people to shop and purchase their choice of healthy foods allows them to maintain dignity while feeding their families.

Food insecurity affects those who dont know where their next meal is coming from, Doerner said. This is a design for those who need a little help putting food on the table. There are two qualifiers for the store  a need for help putting food on the table and a maximum income of $51,000.

The food center will provide access to healthy food staples such as fruits, vegetables, meats and even some household goods. In addition, there will be bonus food, learning stations at the center and education opportunities in the community. This can help shoppers find new recipes and learn how to use the ingredients.

Everything done within the store is with volunteers, and anybody in the community can volunteer at the Bridge.

The Bridge is located at 1539 Washington St. It will open its doors at 10 a.m. on Saturday. That day, 15 new crock pots will be given away, one every 15 minutes.

If you know someone who could benefit, pass on the word. If you would like to volunteer, visit www.messiahondemand.com/thebridge/ to learn more.
President-elect Donald Trump and Republican Mitt Romney feasted on frog legs and diver scallops at Jean-Georges restaurant inside Manhattan's Trump International Hotel on Tuesday night, providing great fodder for memes.

By Wednesday morning, Twitter and Imugr was filled with creative Photoshopping and captions poking fun at the two who smiled over their meal even though they were fierce rivals throughout the election.
SPRINGFIELD  After months of negotiations and a series of amendments in recent weeks, a proposed energy policy overhaul from Exelon Corp. that would keep open the companys financially struggling Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear power plants appears poised for a vote Thursday in the Illinois House.

The final pieces of the agreement fell into place Wednesday, with Gov. Bruce Rauners office signing off on a series of new provisions that would cap rate increases for residential, commercial and industrial energy customers.

However, subsidies to keep open the two downstate nuclear power plants remain at the heart of the package, along with other policy and rate changes designed to increase investment in renewable power and energy efficiency.

Exelon has said it will continue steps toward shutting down the Clinton plant on June 1 if lawmakers dont approve the bill during their fall veto session, which is scheduled to end Thursday. The two plants together employ about 1,500 full-time workers and generate millions of dollars in local property tax revenue.

State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, D-Aurora, chairwoman of the House Energy Committee, praised the bills sponsor, state Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, for bringing together energy companies, environmental groups, business interests and consumer advocates in an attempt to reach a compromise.

Ive said all through these proceedings that no ones going to get 100 percent of what they want, Chapa LaVia said.

Indeed, in deference to consumer advocates, including the Illinois attorney generals office, a controversial proposal to change the way customers are charged for the power was removed.

To maintain the support of environmental groups, who backed the packages increased investment in renewable power and energy efficiency, a provision that would have subsidized Dynegy-owned coal plants in southern Illinois was jettisoned.

The last major change, which the House committee approved Wednesday evening, added caps on rate increases for energy users, from heavy industry to individual households.

Susan Satter, public utilities counsel for the attorney generals office, said her agency needed more time to review those provisions to ensure they would adequately protect consumers.

The Illinois Public Interest Research Group, a consumer advocacy organization, also said the rate caps deserve more scrutiny.

There is no reason that such massive and complicated policy change should be rushed through the legislative process, Abraham Scarr, the groups director, said in a prepared statement. In energy policy, the devil is in the details and small details have profound impacts for millions of people for years to come.

Meanwhile, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois and other large energy users also remain opposed. However, other business groups, including the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, support the proposal.

In exchange for subsidies  which Exelon says are justified because, like subsidized wind and solar energy, nuclear power produces no climate-damaging carbon pollution  the bill guarantees that the Clinton and Quad Cities plants would remain open for another 10 years.

Officials with Exelon subsidiary Commonwealth Edison estimate that the entire package will result in an average monthly bill increase of less than 25 cents for residential customers in northern Illinois over a 13-year period. The new amendment would cap the increase at that level.

Ameren Illinois, meanwhile, estimates that its residential customers would see a 12-cent monthly increase on average. The average increase over the 13-year period would be capped at 35 cents for Ameren customers.
BLOOMINGTON  Decisions by McLean County judges to issue 15 search warrants for potential evidence against Kirk Zimmerman in the death of his ex-wife may have been influenced by misleading information about the suspect's handling of a gun, his lawyer argued in a recently filed motion.

Kirk Zimmerman's computer, house, car, financial records, and cable TV history were among the items for which police obtained permission to search in connection with the shooting death of Pam Zimmerman.

She was found dead in her east-side Bloomington office on Nov. 4, 2014, with multiple gunshot wounds.

Defense attorney John Rogers contends McLean County prosecutors misrepresented the results of primer gunshot residue (PGSR) tests performed on samples collected from the suspect's clothing, hands and car in their applications filed with the court for more than a dozen search warrants.

State crime lab results related to Zimmerman's hands and leather gloves "expressly and unequivocally suggest that the same did not contact PGSR related items or, if they did, 'then the particles were not deposited, were removed by activity, or were not detected by the procedure,'" Rogers stated in his motion for a hearing on the search warrant issue.

The defense argues that the inconclusive results were used to bolster the requests for broad searches of Zimmerman's property and the installation of a GPS monitoring device on his car by authorities.

Omitted from the search warrant applications were other results of "particles characteristic of background samples" found on the engine start button of Zimmerman's car, said Rogers. Illinois State Police testing protocol defines such particles as likely to be encountered "through the course of daily life," said the motion.

The purpose of the alleged misrepresentations and omissions "were to overstate the impact of the laboratory findings and conclusions to persuade the magistrate to issue search warrants," according to the defense filing.

McLean County State's Attorney Jason Chambers and Rogers both declined to comment on the defense motions, citing the pending nature of the case.

Supporting Rogers' claims is an opinion from forensic consultant John Kilty, who wrote in an affidavit filed in court that the search warrant requests included statements contrary to the ISP lab reports and analysis.

The defense acknowledges that test results on the gearshift handle of Zimmerman's car showed that the sample areas had contact with a PSGR-related item or were in the environment of a discharged firearm.

Just what the lab results mean is likely to be a key issue during Zimmerman's trial.

At a hearing last week, Rogers said Zimmerman wants to look for a job to help pay legal expenses, including the cost of experts.
Illinois ranks five stars in a recent rating system shared by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the only state in the Midwest, other than Missouri, to achieve that level of performance.

While Missouri won its five-star ranking for requiring ignition interlock devices, the states of Wisconsin, Iowa and Kentucky earned only two stars; Indiana earned four. Driving offenses are determined by state statute, so the various legislatures are the determining factor in the strictness of a state's drunk or drugged-driving laws.

It's rather stunning to see the difference among the five. A drunken driving offense in Wisconsin, for instance, doesn't become a "crime" until a second offense, according to MADD. Instead, that first offense is a traffic ticket, much like speeding or improper lane usage. Kentucky doesn't require a mandatory ignition interlock. Iowa does not have traffic "countermeasures," such as requiring an ignition interlock or sobriety checkpoints.

The statistics are contained in MADDs Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving report, now in its 10th year. States are awarded up to five stars for their work in adopting drunken driving laws and/or implementing programs such as sobriety checkpoints, ignition interlocks for all drunken driving offenders, enhanced penalties for those who drive drunk with children, no-refusal activities for those suspected of drunken driving, and administrative license revocation for drunken driving offenders.

Illinois has reduced its number of drunken driving fatalities since 2009, MADD says. Offenders in Illinois can choose to have an interlock device or have their license suspended, but most choose the suspension. Even with its good efforts, MADD wants Illinois lawmakers to improve the interlock law so it mirrors all-offender interlock laws in other states.

Illinois already has a vast array of ways to fight drunken driving: a statute for vehicular homicide and child endangerment, rules for dram shop and social hosts, sobriety checkpoints, mandatory blood-alcohol testing for surviving drivers and those who are killed, mandatory assessment/treatment for DUI offenders, interlocks for first-time convicted offenders, felony DUIs for repeat offenders and administrative license revocation.

Police officers in McLean County, Bloomington and Normal, as well as Illinois State Police troopers, are honored yearly as "Heroes of the Highway" by local MADD chapters for their number of DUI arrests. Law enforcement is all too aware of the importance of getting drunken and drugged drivers off the road, and to work with prosecutors on punishment and educational efforts to avoid repeat offenders.

Illinois is doing a solid job in enforcing drunken- and drugged-driving laws. Its citizens need to use common sense to keep themselves  and us  safe.
I live in Normal. Unfortunately, there is nothing normal about living in a state that has a super-rich Republican governor who is destroying our state. Play my way, or I'm going to take my ball and go home.

The country will soon be much worse. "Trump won!" "Give the guy a chance!" "He'll change, once he's president."

I disagree! Just look at the men (of course!) he's already picked  a man associated with white supremacy and misogyny as his No. 1 adviser, an oil and gas man as the EPA chief, a man denied a judgeship in the past because he was thought to be too racist as attorney general and a national security adviser with links to Moscow and anti-Muslim views.

If you loved the South in the 1950s, the Inquisition, and the Dark Ages, you will really love Trump's coming regime. The horror! It will be so bad, that the Democrats will probably win back the Congress in two years. But just think of the disaster that Trump, his horde and a Republican Congress will bring down upon us.

At least, Illinois had the good sense to vote for Hillary and elect Tammy Duckworth as our second Democratic senator.

Eric Reichter, Normal
Babies, like dogs and cats, are nowadays everywhere on the Internet. In the United States, over 90 percent of 2-year-old children already had a presence on the web and over 80 percent of youngsters below that age are already making a presence on social media, according to a 2010 survey. Collins English Dictionary calls this phenomenon 'sharenting' or the habitual use of social media to share photos and news of one's children. However people can't help to wonder, what sharenting is all about or is it safe for kids.

Sharenting allows parents to proudly present their children to family and friends all over the world. However according to Stacey Steinberg, associate director of Center on Children and Families at the University of Florida, most parents who do "sharenting" have not yet thought of the dangers and possible reach of what they are posting and sharing on the Internet. To shed light on this matter, pediatricians, researchers and other advocates of childcare have been developing a campaign to increase awareness on the clash between the right of a child to privacy and the freedom of parents to publish.

Steinberg wrote on her paper, "Sharenting: Children's Privacy in the Age of Social Media," how the online photos of a child could be an aim of different threats of security and safety. Too much information of a child online, whether on private or public social media accounts, can bring so many risks to the child like identity theft and digital kidnapping.

Though parents only do what is good for their child, sometimes it is nearly inevitable to be ensnared and be victims of the vast influence of digital age and social media, where even traditional parenting style become a primary paradigm change. Even celebrity parents can't escape the influence of social media.

Just recently, celebrity parents Zoe Foster, and Hamish Blake has been criticized for regularly splashing videos and photos of their 2-year-old baby boy Sony on Instagram. The two have been accused of "sharenting", a word used to define the too much use of social media by parents to share and post any content about their children, according to Mail Online.

However, the two hit back by posting and sharing more photos of their child. They may have probably not yet considered the impact of sharenting to their child, just what like Steinberg said.


Women are powerful, not in the literal sense but their determination and devotion are immeasurable. No matter what field she chooses, a woman always puts her best in what she does. A common misconception in the society is that only men can do wonders. Well, A Tacoma Midwife has broken all stereotypes showing the world that women have immense strength and willpower to do whatever they set their mind to. Mrs. Rhonda DiCostanza has shown every girl and woman out there what it's like to be a wonder woman!

Kare11 shares the story of Rhonda DiCostanza, who woke up early on Thanksgiving to do some preparations and to take part in YMCA Triathlon. Dicostanza, who is a midwife at St Joseph Medical Center Tacoma, tripped at the finish line, broke her fingers. While she was in the ER for her hand, a lady came in with active labor and Dicostanza had to deliver her baby with her hand still injured.

Even then she still managed to cook and serve Thanksgiving dinner to 16 people. Most would find this impossible. Later DiCostanza expressed her views, said that even though the day was hectic, she is happy that she attended a triathlon, did a perfect delivery and spend some quality time with her family and friends.

According to Daily Mail UK, DiCostanza, who is 57 years old, is an inspirational woman. Even though she had so much in one day, but she still came out as a winner. Websites and newspapers shared her pictures, in which she was shown preparing two smoked turkeys, Brussels sprouts, boiled yams, cream peas and pumpkin pie. The Tacoma midwife fulfilled all her responsibilities without complaining and called it a busy and happy day. Rhonda DiCostanza is regarded brave women by media, social websites and news channels.


A man who presented himself as a woman named Courtney Jansgen was sentenced to decades in prison for tricking a total of 155 teenage boys into having them send nude photos to him after he said that he is a modeling agency manager. Accordingly, the man, identified as Anton Martynenko, promised to give the teenagers a $1,000 modelling gig via social media.

The Washington Post reported that Martynenko is from Eagan, Minnesota. One of the teenagers who was a victim of the scheme is said to have refused the offer of the supposed modelling agency manager, which was paying the teen $300 if he performed oral sex on him.

The nude photo of that teenager then spread like wildfire on social media. That incident took place in 2012. The case of Martynenko is being regarded as the largest child pornography case that happened in Minnesota.

According to investigators, Martynenko posed as a young woman for four years on social media and most of his victims are teenage athletes from the Midwest. He reportedly started in 2011 and was continued to do so until he was charged in November last year. A month before his arrest, his home was raided and a drive was recovered containing the photos of his victims, which were labeled with the name, age, school, and the size of their private part.

Most of the time, when the teenager would turn down the offer for sexual favors or would refuse to send more nude photos, Martynenko would blackmail the teenagers and shared their nude snaps online. At least three teenagers were coerced by Martynenko into having sexual acts with him. Two of those teenagers killed themselves later. Accordingly, Martynenko distributed the naked photos of his victims more than 1,000 times.

Martynenko pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges. He was sentenced on Tuesday to 38 years behind bars. He was supposed to spend four decades due to an unrelated homicide and child pornography case but he was cooperative with investigators thus the lesser sentence.

Twin Cities also reported that Martynenko talked to the murderer of Jacob Wetterling, Danny Heinrich, as they were in the same area in jail. Accordingly, Heinrich confessed to Martynenko about killing Wetterling. The two were both incarcerated at the Sherburne County Jail in Elk River.
The teenager who injured a total of 11 people this week at the Ohio State University after he crashed his car at a crowd then got out of the vehicle and started slashing at others using a butcher's knife might have been inspired by terror groups like the Islamic State (IS) or the al-Qaeda. The teenager was shot and killed by a responding police officer.

The New York Times reported that the teenager, Abdul Razak Ali Artan, might have been influenced by an al-Qaeda recruiter named Anwar al-Awlaki or the IS because of the social media posts he made leading to the day of the attack. He reportedly bought a knife before the attack at a Walmart store but it was not stated if it was the weapon he used in slashing at his victims.

Authorities are still combing through his social media accounts, electronic devices, other materials and other people who might give information about what he did, where he was and if he talked to anyone about the attack before performing it. Angela L. Byers, the special agent in charge of the FBI branch in Cincinnati, said that they have interviewed his family members, co-workers, neighbors and other people.

Byers added that it was too early in the investigation to conclude that Artan's attack was due to terrorism. However, tThe IS took to their official news agency on Tuesday to say that Artan was their soldier. However, Byers pointed out that the claim will no longer be proven since Artan is deceased.

Students who knew Artan said that they are not sure what triggered the attack as he was a diligent student and yearned to be part of the Ohio State University. He transferred to the university just this fall.

Artan arrived in the United States in 2014 with his family. He and his family lived in downtown Columbus. He was from Columbus State before he transferred to Ohio State University.

Meanwhile, more on the Facebook posts of Artan seemingly talking about the Muslim people carrying out lone attacks in the United States. Time reported that in one post, he wrote that if they want such attacks to stop, the Americans should make peace.

President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on the attack saying that a Somali refugee should not have been in the United States. He also cited the IS taking responsibility for the acts of Artan. But as of writing, the investigation is still ongoing.
'Parachute kids' are the under-aged foreign students who are sent to live and study in the US without close parental supervision, these students stay with host families while their parents remain in China. They are often not much older than 13, but some can be as young as eight.

Many Chinese parents view sending their young children to a foreign country alone without their physical and emotional support, as a chance to learn a new language and culture and to escape the country's ultracompetitive college-entrance exams, as stated in a South China Post.

It's one of the Traditional Asian Beliefs that emphasizing education is the key to social mobility, success, and distinction according to Research Gate.

Being unattended can put these kids prone at risk of isolation, increased anxiety and depression or even leads to prison.

In February 2016, three Chinese students jailed over brutal bullying attack of fellow 'parachute kid'.

According to LAtimes , a group of so-called parachute kids attacked the victim, stripping her naked, kicking her with high-heeled shoes, slapping her and burning her with cigarettes.

Three students including Yuhan "Coco" Yang, 19, Yunyao Zhai, 18 and male co-defendant Xinlei Zhang, 19, who pleaded guilty to assault, serving prison terms, ranging from six to 13 years for the attack on the woman.

Yang was in a strange mindset and expressed herself "impulsively and stupidly" as she told The Times.

Before she came to the U.S. for high school, Yang remembers wanting to "fly away" from her life in China, where school began at the crack of dawn and lasted until the sky went dark.

Every year, more Chinese students like Yang arrive in American schools, dreaming of a different future than China allowed them.

As a growing number leave the Chinese system even earlier problems of alienation and loneliness have grown. In the last decade, the number of Chinese students in U.S. high schools and middle schools has jumped from 1,200 to 52,000.

Chinese tradition values split into two at odds: family and education because of Globalization and rapid wealth creation. More parents are willing to split their families apart and send their children alone for studies.

"The parents sacrifice a lot, but they may not remember that the child is also sacrificing a lot." said by Professor Yuying Tsong.


Babies are considered blessings and hearing stories of abuse on these little angels are surely breaking everybody's hearts. But how would you feel if you read the news that a baby is abused and killed by his or her own father just like the case of Aleah Thompson, who was killed in 2015?

Just a year ago, the world was shocked when reports about a 10-week-old baby girl named Aleah Thompson, who died because she was sexually and physically abused by her own dad, surfaced. What was more appalling was the fact that the mother did nothing to stop the harming on the baby.

On Monday, however, Aleah Thompson's 24-year-old father Robert Davidson admitted the crime of sexually abusing and killing his own 10-week-old daughter in court. According to Daily Mail, Davidson pleaded guilty and was charged of sex abuse of a minor and first-degree child abuse resulting in death.

Aside from Davidson, the 10-week-old baby girl's mom Lorena Thompson, 22, pleaded guilty to neglect of a minor. Lorena was sentenced to a five-year probation. Washington Post reported. Davidson, on the other hand, could reportedly face up to five decades of imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Lorena Thompson and Robert Davidson were arrested in August of last year. The arrest came two months after the Aleah's death in June of the same year.

Based on the report released by the Montgomery County Police Department, Davidson called 911 at 7:18 p.m. on June 23, 2015, saying his 10-week-old baby was not breathing and unresponsive, NZ Herald notes. Aleah was then rushed to a nearby hospital but because of her injuries, she was airlifted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington D.C., where she died three days after her hospital admission.

The death of the 10-week-old baby girl was due to multiple blunt force injuries. As per the baby's autopsy report, Aleah Thompson suffered a broken collarbone and had 34 rib fractures. The baby also has some injuries in the head, spine and eyes.

Robert Davidson is set to be sentenced in February. His original charges are second-degree murder, first-degree child abuse resulting in death, first-degree child abuse resulting in severe physical injury, neglect of a minor, sexual abuse of a minor, and second-degree sex offense.

As part of the plea deal, prosecutors ditched the second-degree murder count against Davidson. As for the sexual abuse charge, it has not been revealed as to why Aleah's dad was charged with sexual abuse.
In November Patently Apple posted a report titled "Apple Reportedly Preparing a Responsible U.S. iPhone Plant Back-Up Business Plan." The Nikkei had reported that Apple asked iPhone assembler Foxconn in June to look into making iPhones in the U.S." We then posted another report titled "Taiwan's Largest Industrial Conglomerate now Considering Opening Plants in America if Trump Reintroduces Tariffs," followed by yet another one titled "Apple Supplier Quanta will Double Down and Expand Server Manufacturing in the U.S. due to Trump Victory." Now a new Chinese company signed deal to make garments in Arkansas. Is this actually becoming a trend?

In short, yes, and hopefully it's just the tip of the iceberg. Yet every time a report like this surfaces, especially the one about Apple's Foxconn looking into opening a U.S. plant, there's a certain niche of Apple fans that immediately go into denial mode and start saying that it's impossible for an iPhone plant. The number one argument is that it's too cheap a product or that the price of smartphones would sky rocket.

Today CNN tech has published a report titled "Chinese manufacturers are setting up shop in the U.S." Low and behold Chinese garment manufacturer Tianyuan Garments Co. sealed a deal to acquire a defunct 100,000-square foot metal fabrications plant in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The $20 million investment would make Tianyuan -- which produces clothes for brands like Adidas, Reebok and Armani -- the first Chinese manufacturer to make clothing in the U.S.

The Chinese firm expects to hire 400 American workers to run the refurbished factory, slated to open in late 2017.

Tianyuan Garment is the second Chinese company in a span of six months to announce it was expanding production to the U.S.

Are the critics getting this? The garment industry is a cut throat business with low margins and yet the Chinese, not Americans, are able to make it work here in the good ole' USA. Now how about that? Add to that Formosa Plastics move to the US and the Quanta announcement and it's clear that politics and whining aside, the Asian are smart enough to think business first and not excuses. I still can't get over garments coming back to the U.S. Who saw that one coming?

And tomorrow President Elect Donald Trump and VP Elect Mike Pence will be in Indiana, and more specifically, at the Carrier air conditioning plant to announce that 1,000 jobs will stay in the U.S. after Carrier had said in February that their plant was closing and moving to Mexico. I'm sure it's the tax incentives that Trump is proposing that helped this deal and the threat of hitting Carrier with a 35% tariff for making the air conditioners in Mexico and thinking that they could just ship them back to the US tax free.

There's also been a lot of noise lately about visas for tech workers being affected. The Guardian reported last week that "Under the H-1B visa scheme, 65,000 workers and another 20,000 graduate student workers are admitted to the US each year. The tech industry, which has lobbied to expand the program, may now have to fight a rear-guard action to protect it, immigration attorneys and lobbyists said."

More than likely Trump won't be an advocate of the H-1B visa scheme, though it's not yet known exactly where Trump is on this issue, for sure. But until it's ironed out, Apple's Tim Cook keeps opening "R&D centers" around the world at an accelerated rate. I'm sure that Cook will simply be hiring foreign engineers and students from abroad and keeping them in these new facilities. Apple has announced more R&D centers this year than any previous year and that's not coincidental. Cook is forward thinking.

Cook called Trump to congratulate him on his victory and President Elect Trump made it clear that there's going to be unprecedented tax relief and incentives to persuade Apple to make products in the U.S. It's not like Apple will stop making iOS and Mac devices in China or India or anywhere else. But if Apple wants to sell products in the U.S., they should be made in the U.S. With the right tax breaks, Apple won't be losing money making products in the U.S.

Tomorrow is December 1 and before we know it Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President and he's going to hit the ground running on several fronts. One of the top three things he's aiming for is tax relief and incentives for businesses to make things in the US again and bring back pride to tradesmen who have been hurt under the one-sided NAFTA trade deal signed in by Bill Clinton.

There are so many positives for Silicon Valley if they stopped whining and got down to business like the Chinese are. Why not dream again. Why not create the world's first smart super highway for smart cars from San Francisco to Boston? Why not invest in smart car factories and next-gen aircraft? Why not promote and accelerate the iPad program for education?

The stupid side of Silicon Valley reared its ugly head when Trump won the election and we reported on that. Now it's time for the brainiacs in Silicon Valley to step up to the plate and meet with President Elect Trump to ignite a new wave of investment in bold projects and to accelerate diversity in the workplace instead of fearing the boogeyman. The Chinese are getting down to business in the U.S. and it's about time for U.S. companies to do the same.

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.
Iranian Women's Rights Activist Arrested After Attending Workshop in Georgia

11/30/16

Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

Twenty Others Who Attended Women's Empowerment Workshop Also Questioned





Alieh Matlabzadeh

Photographer and women's right activist Alieh Matlabzadeh has been undergoing interrogation in Evin Prison since November 26 when Intelligence Ministry agents took her into custody without charge, her husband, Sadra Abdollahi, said in an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

Matlabzadeh, who worked as photographer for a number of reformist publications, including theZanan (Women) magazine before it was banned, is a member of the One Million Signatures for gender equality campaign and has actively protested against acid attacks on women. She also made a documentary titled, "Let's Not Forget Victims of Violence Against Women in Society."

"On October 18 [2016], a day after Alieh returned from a trip [to the Republic of Georgia], a number of Intelligence Ministry agents forcibly entered our home at 10 o'clock at night and showed us a warrant to pursue and arrest anti-revolutionaries and members of Daesh (ISIS) but it didn't say anything about searching the house. They searched everything until about 2 in the morning and confiscated personal items and documents. A few days later Alieh was summoned to the Intelligence Ministry and questioned for seven hours," Abdollahi told the Campaign.

"They asked her about her trip to Georgia, where she attended a workshop for empowering women," he added. "Is that a crime?"

In addition to Matlabzadeh, the Campaign has learned that 20 other women's rights activists who participated in the same workshop in Georgia, have also been questioned by the Intelligence Ministry in recent days. Reza Khandan, the husband of human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, said on his Facebook page on November 26 that the arrests were "ongoing."

Alieh wrote a letter to Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi complaining about the illegal search of her home. Two weeks later she received a call to appear at the ministry to pick up the confiscated belongings, except a photographic archive containing 30 years of her professional work, her husband said.

"On Saturday morning, November 26, we received another call that Alieh should appear at the Intelligence Ministry at 2:00 pm," Abdollahi added. "Then four hours later she called for a short conversation to say she had been arrested at the ministry and taken to Evin Prison's Ward 209."

"Alieh is a supporter of [President Hassan Rouhani's] government. She was very active during the election campaigns for president and parliament. It's not right to treat a citizen like her in this way. These actions will live in infamy."

Talebzadeh's husband added that the charges against her were not clear.

"I asked about the charges against Alieh so that I could get her lawyer. But the authorities said the charges will become clear in 10 days, which means my wife has been arrested without being charged."
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.
ManageEngine AssetExplorer has a slightly involved pricing structure that begins at $795 per year for 250 IT assets. You'll need to talk to ManageEngine sales folk for more details regarding your particular quote. However, that talk is worth it as this is a mature IT asset management package that's backed by a company whose popularity as an IT tool kit provider has been growing steadily in recent years. Additionally, ManageEngine (a division of the Zoho Corporation) focuses on task-oriented IT tools rather than large IT frameworks where you'll likely wind up paying for capabilities you don't need. Even though its overall features haven't changed much since we last reviewed it a couple of years ago, ManageEngine AssetExplorer still manages to stand out from the competition thanks to advanced features such as excellent reporting and relationship maps. As a result, it receives our Editors' Choice designation in our asset management software review roundup.

ManageEngine AssetExplorer includes 24/7 technical support at all subscription levels, which is something else that sets it apart from the others in this roundup. Support for virtual hosts and virtual machines (VMs) is included, which is noticeably rare. There's also support for business Voice-over-IP (VoIP) phones, though not other mobile platforms, which is a marked weakness if you're managing a lot of mobiles devices. In that situation, you'll need to rely on a dedicated mobile device management (MDM) tool, such as VMware AirWatch, our Editors' Choice winner in the MDM category. Those aren't bad tools for asset management when it concerns only mobile devices, but you'll also be paying for advanced device health and security management, which might be overkill (and overpriced) for your needs if all you want to do is track asset information.

However, non-networked devices can be manually entered, which allows them to be tracked and reported, and can, potentially, allow AssetExplorer to track a wide variety of other physical assets even outside the IT sphere. The ability to manage various vendor relationships is likely more attractive to larger companies than to small to midsize businesses (SMBs) but that's dependent on the context of your organization. For large companies distributed across locations, for example, ManageEngine AssetExplorer might offer more flexibility. For a small company, the free version is still worth considering if the number of nodes offered is sufficient.

Simple Setup With a Host of Features

Getting started with ManageEngine AssetManager is fairly simple as you're able to download a fully functional free trial for 30 days (one which you can later choose to use). ManageEngine AssetExplorer's greatest strength may initially throw you because that strength is maturity and exposure to a large number of enterprise-class customers; this has made ManageEngine AssetExplorer a very feature-rich solution. For those new to asset management, all of that capability may be daunting at first.

For example, the somewhat dated and slightly cluttered user interface (UI) is centered around an asset management module that has 13 tabs, three drop-down menus, and six menu items available from the first moment you log on. In some cases, it feels overwhelming and even confusing. But if you use the Quick Links feature to focus on just the tasks you want to accomplish, most IT professionals will quickly feel comfortable, even as new users. The UI isn't as polished as some of the newer competitors' UIs, such as SolarWinds Web Help Desk , which aren't supporting so many features; however, IT professionals used to working in Microsoft Windows will feel at home.

Device Discovery

This plethora of options extends to device discovery, too. When first adding assets, the sheer number of ways you can initiate a device scan is a bit overwhelming. When you click on the Admin tab, you have choices for Credentials Library, Distributed Asset Scan, Network Scan, Remote Control Tools, Scan Settings, Schedule Scan, Stand Alone Workstation Audit, Windows Agent Configuration, and Windows Domain Scan. Compared to competitors, even ones with a higher-end feature set such as Ivanti IT Asset Management Suite , this seems more than a little complicated.

However, once you understand that many of these are just customized versions of the same scan, and many are also duplicated in the UI over in the Scan tab, you start to relax. The Windows Agent Configuration option is a simple way to install your Windows Agent on a new device. The Network Scan option let me get the Mac devices from the Design department into tracked assets. Workstation/Device scan will let you perform a more granular search on network connected assets, allowing you to see the detailed status sooner. Distributed Asset Scan and CSV Import both work to allow you to import devices that may not be networked to you directly. Last but not least, the Remote Control Tools are installed on the client machine, and allow you to remotely access your Windows and Mac computers from other Windows and/or Mac computers once the client and server-side tools are installed and configured.

Reports are one area in which ManageEngine AssetExplorer's maturity and feature richness becomes especially useful regardless of employee technical skill. In addition to about 30 canned reports, all of which you can edit and customize, you can export in multiple formats and see all existing queries for past reports. There's a UI for creating completely customized reports from scratch, and you can schedule reports not just to run but also to get emailed to specific recipients in any of five formats: CSV, HTML, Inline HTML, PDF, or XLS.

Relationship Maps

The relationship maps are one of the features that make ManageEngine AssetExplorer unique. Relationships are built by Configuration Item (CI) type and are meant to let you track the dependencies between CIs. To configure relationships, go to the Admin tab, then to the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) heading, and view and edit Configuration Item Types, Relationship Types, and Impact. You can also import CIs from a CSV file. You can set up default attributes and relationships by CI type, which means future assets will have the default relationships and show up in the relationship map once that CI type is assigned. As scans or status updates manually change on assets, the relationship maps will be updated to show those changes as ManageEngine AssetExplorer becomes aware of them.

Using ManageEngine AssetExplorer on a mobile browser is possible which, for simpler tasks, could be handy when technicians are handling repair tickets and troubleshooting issues when not at their desks. But, because of the application's somewhat complicated UI, navigating on mobile devices is difficult. An application specifically designed for mobile users would be easier, especially if it took job roles into account. This is mostly because there are so many features and small UI components.

While ServiceNow (Visit Site at ServiceNow)(Opens in a new window) and Ivanti IT Asset Management Suite also provides a larger IT helpdesk solution, ManageEngine AssetExplorer's ease of setup and nice price differentiates it from the rest of the field, and earns it our Editors' Choice.

ManageEngine AssetExplorer 4.5 Editors' Choice (Opens in a new window) Check Price (Opens in a new window) Pros Cloud-hosted and browser-based.

VM-based asset support.

Tracks networked and non-networked assets.

Relationship mapping.

Familiar Windows-style user interface. View More Cons No mobile application.

Limited remote control tools work only for Mac and Windows-based machines.

One module of a larger system may not suffice for smaller offices. The Bottom Line ManageEngine AssetExplorer is a solid enough IT asset tracker that hits the important points for this category: excellent reporting and tracking tools along with support for both physical and virtual assets. A solid pick for Editors' Choice.
Storage has been a core aspect of the Microsoft Azure service since its inception, so it's only natural that the company eventually extend that expertise to Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) and business continuity. Microsoft does this via Azure Site Recovery (ASR), which begins at $16 per month per protected instance. Even though ASR is specific to Microsoft Azure, as compared to other solutions, like Zerto Virtual Replication, that offer third-party back-end cloud options like Amazon Web Services (AWS), its nice price coupled with an easy-to-use yet sophisticated set of backup, disaster recovery (DR), and reporting features earn it an Editors' Choice award when compared to the rest of the contenders in our DRaaS solution review roundup.

While it seems only logical that virtual machines would be a primary use case for ASR, given the popularity of Microsoft's Hyper-V virtualization platform, it is possible to protect physical machines as well. Virtual machine protection includes those running on the VMware platform along with Microsoft Hyper-V. ASR provides a great solution for protecting complex workloads involving multiple servers and services. This capability takes advantage of Windows PowerShell and Azure Automation Runbooks to perform any number of configuration steps. Microsoft also provides both detailed documentation and white papers for specific applications to help get you going. While you'll get the most bang for your buck with ASR if you employ IT staffers who are familiar with Windows Server, the service doesn't actually require IT intervention and certainly not configuration by Azure staff, like you have with Zetta Backup and Recovery ($175.00 at Serve from American Express)(Opens in a new window) .

Microsoft has a published list(Opens in a new window) of currently supported application-aware ASR solutions broken down by configuration type. Both Hyper-V and VMware solutions support site-to-site and site-to-Azure target scenarios. Surprisingly, the VMware solution currently supports a wide range of site-to-site solutions, including Microsoft Exchange. Hyper-V support of virtual Exchange workloads for site-to-Azure is listed as "coming soon" at the time of this writing. ASR does have other limitations, including a current maximum disk size of 1TB. The previous limitation of 127GB for OS disks has been removed in the latest release. Generation 2(Opens in a new window) virtual machines (VMs) are supported through a conversion process during failover and failback. Additionally, the company announced ASR support for its latest Microsoft Windows Server 2016 operating system in November of 2016. As of that announcement, Microsoft claims ASR customers can recover Windows Server 2016 operating system instances and workloads not only to Azure but another data center of their choice.

Installation

Azure Site Recovery supports two primary deployment scenarios for protecting both physical and virtual servers. For complex, multi-machine scenarios Azure Site Recovery requires an installation of Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM), which you need to factor into the overall cost of the solution especially if you have a large IT staff. SCVMM is not required for single system protection, but for anything beyond just a few systems you'll need it.

Installing Azure Site Recovery in the single system case required me to establish a Recovery Vault on Azure followed by a Hyper-V Site within the Vault. Once these were created, I had to download the Azure Site Recovery Provider installer plus a key file, which links the local Hyper-V host machine and Azure. Be advised that Windows Server 2016 TP4 is not currently supported as a Hyper-V host.

The final step I had to accomplish was to connect the local host with the Azure service using the previously created registration key file. This step only took a few minutes and, once accomplished, added the local machine to the Azure Site Recovery dashboard. With the system registered on Azure it was possible to schedule an initial backup of a target virtual machine with a single 13GB virtual disk. This was started late one evening and completed early the following morning over an Internet connection with a 5MB upload rate.

Management Interface

Microsoft Azure's management dashboard has continued to evolve over the years. The newest Azure portal release uses responsive UI techniques to deliver a fluid interface. While I had a little trouble navigating to specific tasks at first, the search feature always helped me find what I was looking for. I found the Site Recovery documentation(Opens in a new window), which includes introductory material, planning documents plus detailed instructions on every step, to be clearly written and easy to follow.

Failover testing is a critical step to make sure your disaster recovery (DR) solution actually works. The Azure interface makes this as simple as one click. One click, that is, after a good bit of configuration steps. Fortunately, Microsoft provides a Quick Start page that outlines these steps, though it's not aimed at neophytes. Both an Azure storage account and virtual network must be created prior to initiating a failover. ASR uses the concept of a Protection Group to make it easier to collect everything necessary to get an application back online running on Azure.

For complex scenarios, Microsoft offers a gallery of Azure automation runbooks to accomplish a variety of configuration tasks. These include things like opening specific ports for remote desktop access or for Web access. Other runbooks make it possible to execute custom PowerShell commands once a system has failed over, which provides a serious boost to ASR, provided your IT staff has some in-house PowerShell skills. The Jobs tab shows a detailed history of all previous system actions and an export button for reporting purposes.

ASR Pricing

Azure Site Recovery is billed based on number of instances protected. Every instance protected with Azure Site Recovery is free for the first 31 days and then billed at $16 per month for recovery to customer owned sites or $54 per month when protected to Azure. You'll also pay for the storage used at rates from a low of $0.024 per GB for locally redundant storage (LRS) up to $0.061 per GB for Read-Access Geo Redundant (RA-GRS) storage. Prices go down as your total storage increases.

Bottom line: you will pay roughly $80 per month to protect a single VM with up to 1TB of disk using locally redundant storage at one Azure data center. That's a far cry from competitors like Quorum onQ Hybrid Cloud Solution that are not only more expensive but also require dedicated on-site hardware.

Middling Performance

Azure Site Recovery is not solid as an instantaneous failover solution. In the case of an unplanned failover it can start up the instance of the most recently synced data in a fairly short amount of time, depending on the complexity of the workload, but that will still be measured in minutes or potentially even longer spans. Then again, for typical DRaaS use cases, instantaneous failover isn't much of an issue when you're busy fleeing the office. The default setting for replication is set to 15 minutes. For small workloads involving only a few VMs, the time to spin up in the Azure environment is minimal, and in our case just over five minutes.

Planned failovers perform a synchronization prior to the transferring execution from the local instance to the one running in Azure. I ran a planned failover on a single-VM instance which had been previously synced to Azure, and it required a total of one hour and 24 minutes. This included 39 minutes for data synchronization and 37 minutes to execute the failover.

You can tweak these numbers by managing your configuration and network settings matched against ongoing ASR reporting. ASR has some reporting available through its native management interface, but for best results, customers should use reports obtained through Windows Server management or System Center. Azure Site Recovery provides a cost effective solution for Microsoft-centric installations integrating with Microsoft System Center offering a wide range of automation options for specific applications. For its overall depth of backup reporting features and workload options combined with the lowest price of the bunch, Azure Site Recovery was the clear pick for Editors' Choice.

Microsoft Azure Site Recovery 4.5 Editors' Choice (Opens in a new window) Check Price (Opens in a new window) Pros Support for Linux and Windows, physical and virtual.

Support for VMware virtual machines (VMs).

Support for Windows Server and System Center management tools. Cons Requires IT-level knowledge for all but the simplest disaster recover (DR) scenarios.

Failover a manual process.

System Center Virtual Machine Manager required for multi-VM configurations. The Bottom Line Azure Site Recovery is an excellent choice for companies seeking to protect critical workloads running on either Hyper-V or VMware. Pricing is competitive and a tight integration with System Center makes this a very strong choice for companies that have standardized on the Microsoft stack.
Allstate Insurance Co. has become the second insurance company this fall ordered to pay a settlement to Southern California district attorneys for improperly advertising an accident forgiveness program in TV commercials.

Allstate will pay $600,000 to the Riverside County, San Diego County and Los Angeles County district attorneys offices  $75,000 in investigative costs and $525,000 in civil penalties  the Riverside County DAs Office announced Wednesday, Nov. 30. The settlement was reached Tuesday in Riverside County Superior Court.

One-third of the civil penalties, or $175,000, will go to the Riverside County District Attorneys Office and will be put toward future such investigations and prosecutions, a news release said.

On Oct. 20, Boston-based company The Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. settled with the same group of district attorneys for $925,000 for improperly advertising a similar program.

In the Allstate case, TV commercials aired since 2012 focused on the companys accident forgiveness auto insurance program, in which a policyholders rates wont go up after a first accident. Allstate officials estimate the ad campaign reached 90 percent of households in California, the news release said.

But the insurance company failed to prominently disclose that the accident-forgiveness program isnt available in California, the news release said.

Such programs, which typically come at the cost of higher premiums, were outlawed in California when voters passed Proposition 103 in 1988.

Though the Allstate advertisements typically included a small disclaimer at the bottom of the screen, the news release said, the lawsuit alleged the disclaimers were insufficient to adequately alert viewers that the program is not available in California.

The complaint alleged that the ads could convey an overall impression that consumers in California could qualify for accident forgiveness benefits.

Allstate spokesman Freddy Santos said via email that the company does not agree with the allegations, but will address the concerns raised by the district attorneys.

Under the judgment ordered Tuesday by a Riverside County Superior Court judge, Allstate does not admit liability. In addition to paying the settlement, the company also must comply with Californias accident-forgiveness advertising laws, which include clear and conspicuous disclosure of the fact that the programs arent available in the state, according to the news release.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9284, atadayon@scng.com, @PE_alitadayon
Inland Empire fine art photographer Michael Hardison, who has spent much of his life around San Bernardino, knows the city.

And he sees its beauty.

After the Dec. 2 terrorist attack, he knew there was more to the region, so he went beyond the stereotypes and headlines in hopes of bringing positive awareness to the city.

His mission to showcase the city inspired the exhibition, This Beautiful City, an intimate look through his lens at the landscape, cityscape and landmarks within San Bernardino.

After Dec. 2, I needed to do something positive  and the only thing I could contribute was something that came from my heart, so I started in earnest photographing the city of San Bernardino, said Hardison.

The 24-image collection is on indefinite display at Loma Linda University Health San Manuel Gateway College. An opening reception was held Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Arwyn Wild, executive director of the LLUHSM Gateway College, said the exhibit highlights what wasnt seen during coverage of the attacks.

I know theres a lot of beauty here in San Bernardino, he said.

From the citys downtown to the Del Rosa area to the Arrowhead Country Club, Hardison looked for specific things while staying within the city limits.

Hes captured the beauty of the city in many different circumstances, said Carrie Schindler of Redlands, who attended the reception.

Theres more to the area than meets the eye, but you have to be willing to look for it, Hardison added.

I work here almost every day, so I take different paths into the city  before and after work  finding things that are beautiful.

He tracked the time of day and was aware of where the sun was.

My typical pattern, he said, is to go out, photographing things Ive seen before but also to scout other locations to get a feel for what might be the best time to come back to photograph them.

The married father of three has been making photographs since he was in his early teens and admits now to being over 50.

Born in Northern California, Hardison grew up in Redlands, attending Redlands High School.

Because of his interest in the fine arts and photography, he went on to study at Evergreen State College in Washington and then at Cal Arts.

His friend, Ken Bietz of Yucaipa, suggested he take his photography and showcase it at the college.

Michael took something and turned it into something beautiful, said Bietz, who teaches at Mount Vernon Elementary School.

The exhibit intentionally coincides with the one-year anniversary of the attack on the city.

Contact the writer: mnolan@scng.com @MichelNolan
Updates with San Bernardino County firefighters assisting

With 15 large wildland fires stretching thin the firefighting resources in the southeast United States, the call has for assistance has gone out far beyond that region.

Agencies in Southern California have answered that call.

The Riverside Fire Department over the Thanksgiving holiday sent a captain to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where on Nov. 27 flames roared out of the Great Smoky Mountains and into the city. At least seven people have died.

The Riverside captain is part of a statewide management team, working in an administrative position where he taps into databases to find firefighters certified to work as strike team leaders, division supervisors and crew bosses, among other jobs.

Because of resources that are so depleted, they were requested to go to the state of Tennessee, said Capt. Tyler Reynolds, a Fire Department spokesman.

The department is not identifying the captain out of concern for his homes security in his absence, Reynolds said.

Riverside firefighters are often tapped to assist at disasters because of their expertise, such as in urban search and rescue. In 2014, the department sent two teams to Oso, Washington, where a landslide killed 42 people. The department is a member of a regional task force that has responded to the 1995 bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack in New York City and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005.

The department has a lot of high-quality people, Reynolds said.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department sent two assistant chiefs to help manage the Tennessee fires, spokeswoman Tracey Martinez said.

Additionally, Chris Fogle, a battalion chief for the San Bernardino National Forests San Jacinto Ranger District, led a team of 50 Southern California fire managers from numerous agencies on a three-week deployment to Georgia.

Fogles team, which returned last week, worked on the 27,000-acre Rough Ridge fire near the Tennessee border.

Such teams typically oversee resources such as firefighters, aircraft, fiscal matters and providing information to the public, among other duties, San Bernardino National Forest spokesman John Miller said.

RELATED

Officials say 3 dead in Tennessee wildfires

Why Cal Fire is breaking ground for a high tech center

Contact the writer: brokos@scng.com or 951-368-9569
Update: Police say the two suspects involved with the cannabis oil lab were caring for two elderly individuals at the time of the explosion.

A fire and explosion at what authorities say was a cannabis oil lab in Riverside led to the arrest of a father and son Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Flames were reported about 3:50 p.m. at a home in the 7400 block of El Sol Way, where a 55-year-old man and his 20-year-old son were caring for two elderly individuals.

When firefighters arrived, they found a kitchen fire burning and quickly put it out, Riverside Fire Battalion Chief Jeff DeLaurie wrote in a news release.

The father told firefighters the flames broke out while he was cooking, but crew members happened upon several large cylinders filled with butane and other paraphernalia used to make honey oil while they were working.

Riverside police learned that an explosion occurred while the two men were extracting cannabis oil from marijuana, said Officer Ryan Railsback.

Cannabis oil, also called honey oil, is a term used for the oil extracted from marijuana plants. It is a golden yellow color and the process for making it, which involves using a butane gas flame, can be dangerous.

The father was hospitalized for minor burns and arrested, but later released to the hospital for a medical condition that needed treatment, Railsback said. He could still be charged with a crime.

Daniel Lewis Elder, 20, was treated for his burns at the scene and arrested on suspicion of manufacturing a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit a felony.

He is also suspected of elder abuse because the explosion put the two elderly people living at the home in danger, Railsback said. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center, where hes being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.
Finger pointing on Ohio

How revealing that Democrat Tim Kaine sought to indict guns in the Ohio State terrorist attack before it was known that the attacker first used a car and then a knife. More telling still was that, once the identity of the assailant was revealed, Mr. Kaine did not, to my knowledge, assert that he  the attacker, not Mr. Kaine  was likely an Islamic terrorist.

Given these facts, is it not fair to conclude that, in the war against terrorism, gun control remains the primary concern of Democrat elites and Islamic terrorism a face to which they dare not give a name?

To be fair to Mr. Kaine, perhaps he was lamenting the fact that a policeman used a gun to stop the attacker rather than attempting to persuade the gentleman, in friendly dialogue, to cease and desist.

Also notable was that a neighbor described the terrorist as a good fellow. Since after most attacks, such testimonials are common, shouldnt our police forces narrow their scrutiny of potential terrorists to young Muslim males known by neighbors to be of splendid character, who given opportunities such as a higher education, might be dissuaded from inappropriate behavior?

 Lowell Stacy, Moreno Valley

You reap what you sow

Dr. Jill Stein, Green Party presidential candidate, has called for a ballot recount in several states. Now, many liberals had hoped a recount would show that Hillary really did win the election. But now the liberals are having second thoughts. This recount could discover than many illegals voted, that many dead people voted. This would hurt liberals in their constant push to do away with voter ID laws. So now the liberals are backing away from Dr. Stein as fast as they can.

 David Baker, Riverside

Is it fair?

Re: California vote shows Electoral Colleges value [Opinion, Nov. 27]: I would like to pose the following question to you. We all know that it takes hundreds of thousand votes to elect one elector. However, in each state, it takes a different number of votes to elect one elector. For example, in California it takes approximately three to four times as many votes to elect an elector as it does in Wyoming. This means that a Wyoming voters vote has a value that is three to four times the value of a California voters vote. If you feel this is fair, then lets keep the Electoral College. If you think this is unfair, then lets get rid of it.

 Jerry Lassiff, Hemet
Thousands of California National Guard troops will not have to repay enlistment bonuses and benefits they received a decade after they signed up to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a deal between House and Senate negotiators.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, said legislation will ensure soldiers who were required to pay back bonuses and benefits they received in good faith are not the subject of clawbacks both now or in the future.

Riversides John Bischler, who spent 13 years in the National Guard, called the compromise a step in the right direction.

Bischler, 38, said hes troubled by language in the bill that says soldiers may still be liable if they knew or should have known they werent eligible for the bonus.

It seems like theres still a lot of soldiers who are going to have to show they didnt know, he said.

Bischler was a recruiter in 2007 when he took a $15,000 bonus to go to Iraq.

I volunteered to deploy with the group I had recruited, said Bischler, who left the Guard in 2014 as a sergeant first class.

In 2013, the Department of Defense told him it wanted its money back. Hes been declining to pay any money to them since then.

Bonuses should be cut and dried, Bischler said. In my experience, no soldier has ever gotten a bonus that they knew they werent supposed to get.

The agreement is included in a must-pass defense policy bill filed Wednesday and awaiting an expected House vote Friday, followed by action in the Senate next week.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, called the compromise an important fix that ultimately does the right thing by moving the burden of proof off the soldiers and onto the Defense Department.

If soldiers who already repaid their bonuses do not have their money returned in an expeditious manner or if we later discover the Pentagon is still pursuing soldiers who accepted bonuses in good faith, we will revisit this with new legislation on day one of the new Congress, said Issa, who previously represented parts of southwest Riverside County.

The Pentagon had demanded the money after audits revealed overpayments by the Guard under pressure to fill ranks and hit enlistment goals. But lawmakers are ordering the Pentagon to waive the recoupment of a bonus unless there is evidence that shows service members knew or reasonably should have known that they werent eligible to receive the money.

The Guard offered enlistment bonuses of as much as $15,000 and student loan aid to nearly 10,000 soldiers at the height of the two wars in the 2000s. Members of the California congressional delegation and veterans leaders expressed outrage over the Pentagons decision to force troops who had served overseas to return money when they said the fault lay with military recruiters.

Its clear that the Pentagon had all the right authorities to prevent this mess in the first place, but the benefit now is that Congress is going to keep the individuals overseeing this honest and the process open all the way through, said Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, whose district includes part of Riverside County and who is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

The deal applies beyond California troops and covers any member of the armed forces. It shifts the burden to Defense Department officials to prove service members were not eligible for a bonus or another type of special pay.

A review board is to examine all the bonuses and student loan repayment contracts awarded between 2004 and 2015 for which the department has reason to believe a recoupment of pay may be warranted, the measure states.

Any service member determined not to have been eligible for the bonus pay or aid must be contacted by service officials and given the opportunity to submit documentary and other evidence, according to the provision.

The board is directed to determine recoupment of a bonus unwarranted unless the board makes an affirmative determination, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the member knew or reasonably should have known they werent entitled to the money.

The measure requires the Defense Department to reimburse soldiers who already had repaid the government and to notify credit agencies that a previously reported debt was never valid.

Staff writer Mark Muckenfuss and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
A 32-year-old Los Angeles man is being prosecuted in a Moreno Valley pimping case involving a 16-year-old girl whose sexual services authorities say were advertised online.

Lawrence Gunn Jr. was hauled into U.S. District Court Tuesday, Nov. 29, in Riverside where he is charged with sex trafficking of a child by force, fraud or coercion. He was arrested at an apartment complex where he was living in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Woodland Hills.

Gunn, who is also known as Classified, allegedly branded his prostitutes with tattoos of his moniker to mark his stable of sex workers, U.S. Attorneys Office spokeswoman Tracy Webb said in a written statement issued Wednesday.

The investigation began in February when the 16-year-old girl was traced to a Moreno Valley motel where investigators discovered five victims  three underage  who were working for Gunn, according to the statement.

The victims had placed advertisements for commercial sex acts on Backpage.com andGunn had about a dozen women and girls working for him, Webb wrote. One of the victims had posted hundreds of ads for sex services in states as far away as Alaska and Minnesota, according to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint.

If convicted as charged, Gunn could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Minister of Finance Hon Seth Tekper on Wednesday launched the Ghana Export and Import Bank (EXIM BANK) on behalf of his Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.



The EXIM Bank is to provide the business community with requisite trade and investment credit or loans for the export market.



In a speech read on behalf of the President Mr Seth Tekpeh said the launching of the EXIM Bank is one of the initiatives of government to support the private sector as well as State Owned Enterprises to help transform the economy through export trade.



According to the Minister the EXIM Bank will also promote the acceleration of the country's drive to achieve a more diversified economy.



Mr Seth Tekper said the EXIM Bank is indispensable to the transformation agenda of government in the coming years and constitutes a bold effort to promote non traditional export.



Mr Tekper said one of the main challenges that faced President Mahama's government is the power crisis which affected households and businesses.



He said the resolution of the power crisis through the Emergency Power Resolution Programme has improved the supply of power significantly in the country.

Source: Emmanuel Akorli/Peace FM









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At this years annual Ghana Construction Awards, Asuogyaman Company Limited, a subsidiary of groupe Horthman was honoured.



The awards event held at Kempinski Gold Coast hotel in Accra brought together the sharks of the construction industry.



Two highly desired awards, outstanding contribution to the construction industry in Ghana and West Africa sub Region as well as material distributor (wood) of the year was awarded to Asuogyaman Company Limited.



On behalf of the company, the groups Chief Operating Officer in the person of Mr Fredrick Opei Horthman received the award.



For the great and respected recognition given to the company for its provision of quality product and services both to Ghana and West Africa sub Region market, Mr Fredrick Opei Horthman was very elated.



Also, he mentioned and commended the Founder and Executive Chairman of the group, Mr Edwin Ansah Horthman for his hard work and exemplary leadership over the years.



He spoke of his vision for an era where the commanding heights of Ghanaian businesses would be taken over by indigenous firms as well as see an increase in the procurement of made in Ghana products.



He believes this would help with job creation and the distribution of wealth in the country and finally facilitate economic growth.



Further, Mr Horthman made mention of the necessary expertise attained by the company within the thirty (30) years of being in the wood industry.



He cited that in the expansion of their state of the art facilities to other parts of the country, the company is increasing its production capacity for wood products and also utilizing more raw materials which in turn will enable the company meet demands both locally and internationally.



Mr Fredrick Opei Horthman expressed the need to acknowledge and award local entrepreneurs for their hard work.



His believe is that it would go a long way to motivate them and set them as role models for our future generation.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Former GNPC Chief Executive Tsatsu Tsikata has been cleared of charges of causing financial loss to the state by a Court of Appeal.



The court in a ruling Wednesday said the incarceration of the legal practitioner by an Accra Fast Track High court for causing financial loss to the state in 2008 was a miscarriage of justice.



The Fast Track High court found him guilty for causing a financial loss of GHC230,000 to the state.



Despite receiving a presidential pardon in the nick of the 2008 elections, Tsikata has continued to fight for his innocence in the matter.



Background



Tsatsu Tsikata was sentenced to five years imprisonment on June 18, 2008 by the Accra Fast Track High Court for causing financial loss to the state through a loan that the GNPC guaranteed for Valley Farms, a private cocoa-growing company.



He was found guilty on three counts of wilfully causing financial loss of GH230,000 to the state and another count of misapplying public property.



His trial started in 2002 and travelled back and forth the court ladder until his sentence, which generated a lot of controversy.



Valley Farms contracted the loan from Caisse Francaise de Development in 1991 but defaulted in the payment and the GNPC, which acted as the guarantor, was compelled to pay it in 1996.



Mr Tsatsu Tsikata was unconditionally pardoned by former President J.A. Kufuor on his last day in office but he rejected the pardon and insisted that he would continue to pursue justice in the court of law.

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.

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The Gambia has banned the internet and international phone calls as presidential elections are held in the West African state.



Officials have also banned demonstrations to prevent unrest after the elections.



Estate agent Adama Barrow is challenging President Yahya Jammeh, who says divine intervention will give him a fifth term.



The Gambia has not had a smooth transfer of power since independence.



Observers say Mr Barrow, who according to British news reports was once a security guard in the UK high street store Argos, has generated fresh enthusiasm among opposition supporters.



Human rights groups accuse Mr Jammeh, who has in the past claimed he can cure Aids and infertility, of repression and abuses.



Several previously better-known opposition leaders are in jail after taking part in a rare protest in April.



Observers from the European Union (EU) and the West African regional bloc Ecowas are not attending the vote.



Gambian officials expressed opposition to the presence of Western observers, but the EU says it is staying away out of concern about the fairness of the voting process.



The African Union however has despatched a handful of observers to supervise the vote.



The Gambia, a tiny country with a population of less than two million, is surrounded on three sides by Senegal and has a short Atlantic coastline, which is popular with European tourists.



The results of the election are not expected to be announced immediately.

Source: BBC









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Members of NPP-Denmark have learnt with utter shock and sadness the death of Mr. Kwabena Boadu (K.B.), the press secretary of the running mate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia.



With his intelligence, dedication and loyalty, Mr. Boadu grew in his role to become a real and indispensable partner to his boss, Dr. Bawumia in pursing the partys agenda.



A true unsung hero in the party has fallen. His death is all the more painful coming less than two weeks to elections for which he has worked so hard to ensure NPP achieve victory and then go ahead to implement its many brilliant policies and ideas that are being expounded on the campaign trail to position Ghana on the path of real prosperity.



Mr. Boadu had become an important bridge connecting many brilliant young men/women supporters to the mainstream party.



That is to say through his influence, many talented youthful supporters got actively involved in advancing the cause of the party. He was thus effectively helping shape a bright future for the party.



The outpouring of grief by Ghanaians both young and old following his death attests to the many hearts he touched in his young life. It is beyond sadness that such a young man with so much promise has had to exit this world so prematurely.



NPP-Denmark joins the entire NPP family in expressing its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Kwabena Boadu, Dr. Bawumia and the youth wing of the party.



We urge the party faithful, particularly those in the youth bracket, to use this misfortune that has befallen us as a rallying cry and work even harder in these last few days to the elections to ensure a decisive victory for Nana Addo and the NPP.



This is a cause he believed in and died for. A victory for NPP will be the biggest tribute to our fallen brother and patriot. Let us win it for K.B.



May the Good lord accept and keep you in His bosom till we meet again, Kwabena. Damirifa due, Patriot K.B.!!!



The Executive Team



NPP-Denmark

Source: NPP-Denmark









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President John Dramani Mahama has taken a swipe at the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo, for opting out of Wednesdays presidential debate.



The NPP said its decision not to participate in the National Commission for Civic Education and GBC debate was based on the fact that it is pre-occupied with equally important things.



But in his introductory remark during the debate Wednesday, President Mahama, who proud himself as the first sitting president to participate in a debate, described Nana Akufo-Addos decision as bad.



It is indeed bad that the leader of the opposition has opted out. It is usually the opposition that is keen to have a debate with the incumbent but here I am, he said.



The debate seeks to give the candidates an opportunity sell their policies and programmes to electorate to help them make an informed decision to before they go to the polls on December 7.



It was participated by the presidential candidates of the Progressive Peoples Party, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom; Convention Peoples Party, Ivor Kobina Greenstreet; National Democratic Congress, John Mahama; Peoples National Convention, Dr Edward Mahama and independent candidate Jacob Osei Yeboah.



I feel very proud that Im the first sitting president to have participated in a debate in 2012 and Im participating again, President Mahama said.



President Mahama had earlier expressed his readiness to debate Nana Akufo-Addo one-on-one to discounts the numerous claims of mismanagement by his government.



How can I run from a debate? I want a productive debate, one on one with Nana Akufo-Addo. What they are talking about is the IEA. I want a debate on all the contentious issues he has raised. And I will respond and Ghanaians will be the judge, the President had said earlier.

Source: 3news.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Police Administration has denied claims that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) John Kudalor has commanded security officers at the Ghana-Togo boarder to allow Togolese and strangers to come and vote on election day.



The Director General in-charge of Criminal Investigation Department, COP Prosper Kwami Agblor, said Mr Kudalor said at Aflao that nobody can prevent any eligible voter from voting on polls day.



The CID boss said the allegation is a calculated propaganda designed to discredit the integrity of the Police Service.



He said, The IGP has no jurisdiction in Togo so as to command Togolese security officers to open their boarders.



Dr John Kudalor is not the Controller General of the Immigration or Commissioner, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and so cannot command officers of these two sister security institutions.



COP Agblor claimed that intelligence available to the police indicated that more of such vilifications, false allegations and attacks were in the offing.



The intelligence wing of the service has been tasked to look for the would-be perpetrators and pick them up for the necessary action, he posited.



The allegation against the IGP received mixed feelings from the public and the Volta Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Amewu and Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) appealed to Togolese not to come and vote on December 7.



Touching on the clash between some National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters and security details of the flag bearer of the NPP, COP Agblor said the matter was still under investigation.



Some progress has been made on the matter and at the appropriate time, it will be made public, he said.



On the assertion by Mohammed Abdulai aka Naaba, brother of Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Collins Dauda, to the effect that he has been killing people, the CID boss said, the suspect was arrested and granted police enquiry bail on November 16, 2016; but the matter was still under investigation.



In the recent reported attack on an NPP parliamentary candidate, George Boakye, in the Asunafo South Constituency of the Brong-Ahafo Region, COP Agblor said four suspects behind the incident were arrested, put before court and remanded in prison custody.



Commenting on the attacks on the Loyal Ladies of NPP and the Electoral Commission office where some items were carried away and others destroyed at Suhum in the Eastern Region, the CID director general said the case was still under investigation.



The cyber crime unit of the CID has been tasked to investigate and trace the origin of some audio-visuals making the rounds on social media on the IGP and the police administration, he disclosed.

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.

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The Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo Addo has stated that he does not want to become president to rob the country of its resources.



He had consequently called on all to vote massively for NPP in the upcoming election to enable him improve on the living standards of Ghanaians.



Nana Addo said this during a mammoth Central regional rally at Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Upper Denkyira East.



Thousands of supporters of the party including the national and regional executives, all the 23 Parliamentary Candidates and their chairmen as well as former ministers of state among others attended the rally.



Nana Addo urged Ghanaians not to listen to insinuations that the NPP cannot do anything about the harsh economic climate in the country when voted into power.



We will work according to what is in our manifesto and not utter false promises to get your votes, he said.



He underscored the need for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to refrain from any form of manipulation, cheating and tricks during the election, to ensure peaceful election.



He assured Ghanaians that he would revive all the collapsed policies initiated by the former President John Agyekum Kufour such as the School Feeding Programme, Capitation Grant, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Metro Mass Transit, and Free Mass Cocoa Spraying.



He promised to restore the teachers and nurses training allowance which had been scrapped by the NDC government who claimed to be transforming Ghana.



Nana Addo expressed concern over the high rate of unemployment in the country and promised to find a solution to it when given the mandate as the next president of Ghana.



He stressed that education is the bedrock of every nations development, hence the introduction of Free Senior High School Policy while adult education will also be brought back to enable most illiterate adults have access to education.



The former Minister of Trade, Mr Alan Kyerematen asserted that the introduction of one district one factory would help reduce the unemployment situation in the country.



The regional chairman, Robert Kutin in his address said the rally had sent a signal to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government that Ghanaians are ready for a change.



He said the party is poised to capture 16 out of the 23 seats in the region in the upcoming election and therefore urged all to embark on house to house as well as door to door campaign to enable them win the election massively.

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.

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Former Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) boss Tsatsu Tsikata has ruled out a return to public office following his acquittal and discharge by a Court of Appeal of causing financial loses to the state.



In 2008, Mr Tsikata was convicted by an Accra Fast Track High Court by the Kufuor administration for causing financial loss to the state to the tune of GHS230,000.



Speaking in an exclusive interview with Class News Atiewin Mbillah-Lawson on the sidelines of a press conference he organised in Accra on Thursday 1 December, Mr Tsikata said he bore no grudge with those who prosecuted him.



He advised that constitutional rights are for all and so Ghanaians should be interested in upholding their rights.



Constitutional rights that are there for all of us have to be enforced and respected by the institutions of state including the judiciary. And the fact that in this particular case it is my rights that are in question should not make us forget that a constitutional right is not a right just for Tsatsu Tsikata, its a right for all of us and we should all be interested in the enforcement and upholding of the constitution of Ghana, he stated.



He noted that the judgment by the Court of Appeal came as no surprise to him. I was expecting yesterdays ruling. Ever since we filed the appeal I was expecting that the right thing would be done, and that is why as I mentioned, Psalm 94:15 has been a verse on my heart. Justice will again be found in the court, that is a verse Ive held unto for many years, so I was expecting that there would be justice in the end, he added.



Talking about a possible return to public service, Mr Tsikata noted: I believe that I have done a significant number of years of my life in public service both as a university lecturer and in GNPC, and I do not intend to go back into public office.



I believe that in my role in the private sector currently, Im still able to contribute significantly to the advancement of our country. I have no plans at all to be back in public service. I think there are younger people who have more energy and whose time is now to be in public service.



As I said, I bare no grudge whatsoever against anybody in respect of anything that Ive experienced, and Im completely open to interaction of any sort with anybody. Maybe some meant it for evil against me, but I believe God meant it for good and my experience even through prison and so on does not make me bitter; it rather makes me feel strengthened spiritually and for that reason I cannot bear any grudge, Mr Tsikata explained, he said.

Source: classfmonline.com









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The 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said he is unperturbed by the falsehood being churned out daily against his person by operatives and functionaries of the Mahama government.



According to Mr Akufo-Addo, knowing full well they (NDC) have lost the December 7 election, they are now resorting to lies, propaganda, fabrications, and vicious attacks against my person.



However, the three-time presidential candidate stressed: I remain unshaken in the face of all these attacks. I have not stolen anyones money, neither have I killed anyone. I am not bothered by what they are saying about me, because they are all lies and acts of desperation. Do not be discouraged, we are firmly on course for victory.



Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing a rally at Nkawkaw, the venue for the NPPs Eastern regional rally, on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, when he made these comments.



He revealed that the NDC propaganda machinery has been put in overdrive, with the aim of setting tribe against tribe, and telling Ghanaians that the NPP hates Northerners, even though my running mate is from the North.



They will say the NPP will drive Muslims, Northerners and residents in Zongo communities away from Ghana. All these are not true. They are nothing but pure lies, he maintained.



Mr Akufo-Addo, thus, urged Ghanaians not to pay heed to the politics of division and tribalism, which have become the NDCs stock in trade, adding: We are all one people in Ghana. Let us use our energies to push Ghana forward and stop the divisive talk and reactionary politics.



He also appealed to the electorate to vote into office a competent government whose preoccupation will be to improve on the standards of living of the Ghanaian, explaining that President Mahama, over the last eight years, has amply demonstrated that he cannot do the job, the reason why we are all suffering in Ghana.



He added that the real reason for the presidents determination to stay in office is because of the perquisites and benefits of office for himself, his family and close associates.



For that reason, the NPP flag bearer indicated: President Mahama will say and do any and everything to hang onto power.



Mr Akufo-Addo wondered why, in the midst of President Mahamas claims of having undertaken unprecedented infrastructural development, he continues to wage a campaign of character assassination and the distribution of freebies to Ghanaian voters, all in his bid for re-election.



If truly, you claim to have undertaken unprecedented infrastructural development in the country, which is pleasing to Ghanaians, why is the president, together with his wife, going around distributing goodies to the electorate for votes? Why are they distributing monies, sewing machines and peddling all sorts of untruths in a bid to gain re-election? he asked.



He continued, Theres a popular adage in Twi, which says a good thing sells itself. If Ghanaians are pleased with his work, as he wants us to believe, why is he (Mahama) not resting easy? Why is he going around the country trying to buy everyone off?



Nana Akufo-Addo assured Ghanaians: Im not the type of politician who would come before you and say I would bring a one-time National Health Insurance Premium, and once in office, I turn my back on fulfilling that pledge. Thats not the type of job I want to do.



I would not promise 200 community day schools in four years, only end up constructing nine, and with a few days to elections, rush to complete and commission others for electoral purposes. That is not the kind of work I am coming to do. I am coming to develop our country and return us onto the path of progress and prosperity.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Lovers of style and stylish people, have we got the job for you. Online fashion giant Showpo are looking for an Influencer Manager (SYD) to develop and execute influencer programs working across all major channels (Instagram, Facebook, Blogs, YouTube, etc) for Australia, USA and Europe. If successful in this role, your main responsibilities will be creating long term partnerships and developing relationships with influencers for ongoing mutual benefits and leading creation of content, with assistance from other teams as needed, to support influencer initiatives. Youll be defining and developing global influencer marketing strategy to encourage advocacy, validate local influencer selection, and support key launches, across multiple regions (Australia, USA, Europe). Youll need to be confident in negotiating and executing deals between key influencers and Showpo, and a creative thinker who can brainstorm innovative ideas/strategies. Youll be KPI driven and able to analyse and report on influencer performance, as well as conduct ongoing performance analysis on influencer campaigns. Frothing? Apply here.

Want a job that combines your greatest passions? Hold onto your horses  local beer baes Stone & Wood are in need of a new Online Communications and Digital Development (NSW) gun to take their online presence, engagement and connection to the next level. Stone & Woods online channels are ~the~ most important way they reach out to their highly engaged community, so theyre after someone to push the strength of the brand and encourage people to connect on a deeper level. Youll need to be a social media specialist, an ideas person whos always the first to know about the latest digital trend or cool piece of content thats been released, someone who enjoys crunching the numbers to keep improving online presence and loves independent local beer. Youll be an ace writer, with a tone that suits their down to earth approach. You can also take a decent shot, and have a hunger to seek out stories that could be from around the brewery, from the team, a beer thats being kegged or something thats going on in their backyard. Youre receptive, adaptive and can roll with the changes that inevitably come in the digital space, as well as with a fast growing business. You will be able to manage the various stakeholders, keep the focus and stay cool under pressure, as well as possess epic project management skillz to stay across everything from composing comms, improving the online experience, maximising usability and responding to the chatter. If youre all ears, apply here.

Wanna work for retail king David Jones? Nows your time  the iconic company is hiring for a bunch of sweet-as positions. The Merchandise Team is looking for a Retail Brands Specialist  Marketing (SYD) to support the relationship from a marketing perspective between the David Jones Retail Brand parters and the Merchandise Office. This means running running vendor marketing campaigns, building and maintaining relationships, managing end-to-end seasonal marketing process, and more. If youre keen, apply here. Got experience in production/publishing and ready to step it up? You could be the new Marketing Specialist (SYD) in the Vendor Marketing and Catalogues team, acting as 2IC and overseeing the planning and financial administration of the team. You will also be responsible for implementing the David Jones magazine and content program in line with the core marketing strategy and company objectives. Interested? Apply here. Got content production and communication skills coming out the wazoo, as well as a little bit of marketing experience? You could be the new Marketing Coordinator (SYD). The primary objective of this position is to coordinate the briefing and production of catalogues to ensure a timely and cost effective program. This means attending photoshoots, managing relationships, prepping, coordinating and delivering creative briefs and maintaining and reporting financials. If this sounds like your thang, apply here. Got a strong knowledge of sound planning, a background in graphics and cray time management skills? The Visual Merchandise Coordinator  Digital (SYD) role could be the one for you. This Digital Content Specialist will manage the day to day uploads and content management of all digital imagery across the in-store screens. This role will also cover in store music, and will be the point of contact with the media vendor and stores for all digital screen issues. If youre all over it, apply here. Strike while the iron is hot friends.

Like it short and sweet? Here are more of todays top picks, in 140 characters or less.

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Love wine as much as you love digital marketing & A+ customer service? Apply to be Ecommerce Coordinator (SYD) at Handpicked Wines here.

Got experience shooting & producing vids and wanna werk? You could be the Videographer/Producer (MELB) The Natives need, apply here.

If you crunch numbers for breakfast and thrive in a creative environment, apply to be Finance Manager (SYD) at Houston Group here.

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A 25 year-old Aussie bloke who was accidentally permitted to withdraw $2.1 million from one of the countrys biggest banks has had his conviction overturned.

Luke Brett Moore from Goulburn had an absolute riot of a time when, in 2010, his St. George bank account suddenly allowed him to withdraw bucketloads of cash, even though he only had $441 worth of Centrelink payments available.

His shopping spree is akin to what you would expect Tony Montana from Scarface to purchase, were he not a fictional character. Moore bought a $91,000 Aston Martin, a 2001 Maserati sedan worth a cool $168,948 and a Sea Hawk power boat, as well as embarking on a classic signed photograph rampage.

By the end of his haul, he had the autographs of Usher, Guns N Roses, Kylie Minogue, and the presenters of Top Gear, as well as a signed Michael Jordan t-shirt.

Moores place was raided in 2012, and the cops seized all of his priceless memorabilia along with an additional $1.1 million in separate bank accounts. In February 2015, he was convicted by a jury for fraud and obtaining financial benefit by deceiving the bank.

The unusual aspect of Mr Moores conduct was that there was nothing covert about it, said Justice Leeming. The bank records also show with complete accuracy Mr Moores growing indebtedness.

After five months in prison, Moore was released on bail, and today, he was finally acquitted by the NSW Criminal Court of Appeal. While the judge definitely thought that Moore had acted like a bitova clown (and of course has to pay all the money back), there was no real proof that he ever consciously intended to deceive the bank.

So, there you have it.

And as far as Moores plans now that hes officially an innocent man?

Im just looking forward to finishing my degree, getting a job, a hot missus and my own house, and Ill be good to go from there.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald /A Current Affair.

Photo: Luke Brett Moore / Facebook.
A fair portion of this job is looking at news and trying to figure out the most interesting angle on something, but not this time  every part of this is just some wholesome Australian goodness: a man in Western Australia built a giant, fuck-off big Christmas tree out of VB cans for charity (ideally it would have been a non-CUB beer, but its for charity, so well let that slide).

Wesley Boyd, from Perth, was inspired to make the tree by his late mother, who suffered from Alzheimers:

I wanted to support [the fight against] Alzheimers, because Ive seen it and its horrible.

The tree is a whopping 4.4 metres tall and 2 metres wide. It took about 14 months, some silicone reinforcement and 2536 cans, which  at about 85 slabs of 30 cans  is definitely not an insignificant amount of cans:

A few of my mates love drinking VBs, so when they bring their own drinks over, we all keep the cans.

Boyd said hed be flicking on the lights for the first time tonight and putting out tins so people having a gander can donate. Mate, excellent work.

Source: WA Today.

Photos: Wesley Boyd.
You might not know it, but your hangover recovery owes a hell of a debt to one specific bloke in the US.

Michael Jim Delligatti, the man who invented not only the Big Mac but the McMuffin as well, has sadly passed away in the US at the ripe old age of 98.

A spokesperson for McDonalds confirmed that Delligatti died late yesterday in his Pittsburgh-area home, with family and friends at his side.

Delligatti was a noted early franchisee of the global burger juggernaut, who opened his first Golden Arches location in the Pennsylvania city of Uniontown in the mid-60s, before going on to own and operate 47 Maccas locations throughout the region.

But his lasting legacy not only to the company, but to Americana in general, came in the form of a little kitchen tinkering at that first location.

Wanting to expand on the restaurants original menu of simply serving burgers, fries, and shakes, as well as satisfying his customers growing appetite, Delligatti mucked around and landed on a wild two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun formula, and dubbed it the Big Mac.

The real clincher came the day after first serving it, when overall burger sloppiness forced Delligatti to think outside the box:

The first day we just used the regular bun, we didnt have any centre [bread] slice. Making it that way made it very sloppy. The next day we put the centre slice in, and today it looks the same.

Maccas big cheese Ray Kroc was initially opposed to pushing the mighty burger out nationwide, citing the fact that the existing menu items were doing well enough as is. But the local popularity of the three-tiered sanga forced a change of mind, and the Big Mac became a national sensation virtually overnight in 1968.

Then in 1970, realising that a fair chunk of his early-rising customers werent exactly keen on smashing down a burger into their faces as the sun rose, Delligatti went back to work in the kitchen. This time around he slipped a fried egg, a slice of cheese, and a slab of ham in between a toasted english muffin, dubbed that bad boy the McMuffin, and set the company on a course to launching a full breakfast menu by 1972. As you all know by now, its the implementation of the All-Day Breakfast menu that virtually saved the company from the brink of disaster over the past 12 months.

McDonalds paid tribute to Delligatti on social media earlier today.

Today, we celebrate the 98 inspirational years of Big Mac inventor, Michael Jim Delligatti. Jim, we thank and will forever remember you. pic.twitter.com/wmEFrmazdn  McDonalds (@McDonalds) November 30, 2016

RIP James Delligatti, creator of the Big Mac. Thanks for all the delicious memories, Jim. pic.twitter.com/cxIGA0hbo6  McDonalds Philly (@McDPhilly) November 30, 2016

A bacon & egg McMuff and a Big Mac from the Drive Thru sounds like a fitting tribute to ole Jim.

Heres to the original burger king.

Source: BBC.co.uk.
A bit of bloody lovely news for ya, South Australian Premier, Jay Weatherill has used time in state parliament today to formally apologise on behalf of SA for all the pain and anguish that LGBTQIA+ people have endured because of really shitty laws in the past.

Broadcast online for everyone that couldnt get to the councils sitting, Premier Weatherills apology comes as a bunch of bills that help to get rid of the discrimination toward LGBTQIA+ people are presented to the SA Legislative Council to be passed.

The House of Assembly added the following motions into todays program for the Premier to take to the floor to push for the laws to be passed in the Legislative Council:

I.That this House recognises that many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer community members have been discriminated against by South Australias Legislation. II. We accept that while South Australia has long been a leader in LGBTIQ reform, more must be done. III. To LGBTIQ community members discriminated against in Legislation we offer you our unreserved and sincere regret, and are sorry for those injustices.

Premier Weatherill took time to speak openly and honestly about the people that have contacted him about the need to pass the bills to recognise same-sex marriage from outside of Australia, and closed his speech by apologising to the LGBTQIA+ community members in the chamber and listening online.

I want you to know that who you are is ok. You are a welcome part of the broader South Australian community, Premier Weatherill says.

As Premier and a member of the South Australian parliament, I am sorry to those who have suffered injustices and indecencies simply for who you are.

The apology was met in with a round of applause, and Leader of the Opposition, Steven Marshall agreed to move the motion, noting that both sides of government dont often agree on much.

He also apologised to the LGBTQIA+ community, and called for the state to continue to lead by example.

I hope the motion today goes some way to healing your hurt.

The motions were passed unanimously in the house, with absolutely zero bloody nays. Onya South Aus.





Weatherill also used today, which is also World AIDS Day, to announce that South Australians who are at high risk of contracting HIV can take part in a trial that has shown to reduce the risk of infection.

Photo: Jay Weatherill/Instagram.
Now heres a feel-good story thatll surely put a little HELL YEAH into your day.

The Make-A-Wish foundation might well be one of the best-known and most-beloved charity organisations on the planet; helping sick kids live their dreams in Australia for just on 31 years now.

But even still, theres barely been a wish fulfilled thats been this straight-up badass.

Declan, a plucky 12-year-old lad from near Sydney who is currently in remission after doing a bang-up job at kicking leukaemias butt, wanted to do something a little different, a little risky, a little more out of his comfort zone for his wish.

He wanted to blow some shit up.

Never one to shy away from such a flat-out awesome request, Make-A-Wish enlisted the help of both the ACT Police and the Australian Federal Police, who put together one hell of a day for the fiery little champion.

Scooping him up in a close personal protection motorcade, officers then ferried him through Canberra where he met up with the AFPs Specialist Response Group breach team. AKA the Boom Boys.

Sergeant Peter Murphy helped put Declan through his paces, letting him bring the hammer down on the detonator and blasting some container doors to Kingdom Come.

Hes got an aptitude. Im not sure what he actually expected, but once he started functioning a couple he was getting into it. He was pretty excited about it but I think the family got a bit of a kick out of it too.



But the AFP werent done there. After a morning spent walking away from explosions looking like the coolest dude alive, Declan was then ferried on to Parliament House, where Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Governor General Peter Cosgrove paid surprise visits.

The footage of the day, captured by the ACT Police, is really quite something.

Now THATS a wish, right there.

Heres to you, Declan. You absolute bloody champion.

Source: ABC News.
A couple of months back we wrote about UK alcoholic icy pole brand POPS coming Down Under, and yall went proper nuts for it.

u lot in the comments section

Well, the glorious first day of summer has arrived, and not a moment too soon. To celebrate, POPS has officially launched online and their Calippo-style alco-icy poles are available for purchase rn from tipple.com.au. (Tipple delivers str8 to your door in under 60 mins, so you could be suckin one back before the work days done.)

A photo posted by POPS Australia (@popsaustralia) on Nov 19, 2016 at 10:02pm PST

gimme

There are four flavours for you to wrap your chuntholes around, and theyre all gluten-free, including:

CLASSIC  Champagne (38 calories) BELLINI  Prosecco & Peach (56 calories) STRAWBERRY & MINT  Made with real fruit (33 calories) APPLE & ELDERFLOWER  Made with real fruit (42 calories)

I, for one, welcome our soon-to-be Instagram-flooding overlords.

Photo: Supplied.
Its pretty clear that Donald Trump, in the absence of actual political experience and a desire to fulfil the boring parts of the role of U.S. President, is sort of just kicking a tin along and making it up as he goes.

The Pakistani government released a readout of a phone call where Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called Trump to congratulate him on his victory. Its a press release, but it is absolutely unmistakably written in the voice of Donald J. Trump. Behold the calls as released by Pakistans Press Information Bureau:

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called President-elect USA Donald Trump and felicitated him on his victory. President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office. On being invited to visit Pakistan by the prime minister, Mr. Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr. Donald Trump.

Doesnt take a genius to recognise Trumps yugely good register in that.

Its a notable pivot in tone from Trumps previous statements on Pakistan. Back in 2012, he used tweet-extender service TwitLonger to sledge em:

Get it straight: Pakistan is not our friend. Weve given them billions and billions of dollars, and what did we get? Betrayal and disrespectand much worse. #TimeToGetTough

Source: Washington Post.

Photo: Getty Images / Drew Angerer.
Total BAMF Emily Ratajkowski has smacked down against a series of recently released polaroids by photographer Jonathan Leder, calling them and the book in which theyre published a violation.

The polaroids, taken in 2012, made tabloid headlines in the last week (The Sun, The Mirror, Esquire, NY Post, the usual suspects etc) and show a then 21-year-old Ratajkowski in a series of nude and semi-nude poses in lingerie. NSFW, obvs.

Leder plans to show all 71 polaroids both in his upcoming art photography book and New York art show.

In a series of tweets, the now 25-year-old actress and outspoken feminist called the book and the images within them a violation, and the fact that they are being used without her permission an example of exactly the opposite of what I stand for  women choosing when and how they want to share their sexuality and bodies.



Ive been resisting speaking publicly on the recently released photos by Jonathan Leder to avoid giving him publicity. But Ive had enough  Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) November 30, 2016

This book and the images within them are a violation.  Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) November 30, 2016

5 out of the now 100s of released photos were used for what they were intended: an artful magazine shoot back in 2012  Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) November 30, 2016

These photos being used w/out my permission is an example of exactly the opposite of what I stand for:  Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) November 30, 2016

women choosing when and how they want to share their sexuality and bodies.  Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) November 30, 2016

Leder has yet to respond, but judging by his Instagram hes pretty pleased with the bulk coverage his polaroids have received.

Thanks to the @nypost for the press regarding the upcoming show at the @castorgallery Chelsea. Opens Feb 9, 2017 . A photo posted by Jonathan Leder (@jonathan_leder) on Nov 27, 2016 at 2:42pm PST

Ratajkowski  who obviously shot to fame after appearing in Robin Thickes video for Blurred Lines (and whose own career plotted against Thickes is essentially a supply-and-demand graph)  has been outspoken in the past about owning her sexuality.

In an interview with feminist icon Naomi Wolf for Harpers Bazaar earlier this year, she spoke about the oft-seeming mutually exclusive concepts of ownership and sexuality being anything but.

Naomi: Weve gotten to ground zero of this whole conversation, which is that theres still the fear and contempt of female sexuality and the just intolerable cultural reaction when women take ownership of their sexuality and their bodies.

Emily: Kim [Kardashian] said that to me. You know, when Lena Dunham takes her clothes off, she gets flack, but its also considered brave; when Justin Bieber takes his shirt off, hes a grown-up. But when a woman who is sexual takes off her top, it plays into something.





Me as Lady Godiva for @harpersbazaarus ???? Naomi Wolf is someone I grew up admiring. Her ideas in The Beauty Myth and Promiscuities helped me to develop the opinions I carry today. Check out our conversation on feminism, selfies and sexuality. Link in bio. A photo posted by Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) on Jul 7, 2016 at 5:12am PDT

Photo: Instagram / Emily Ratajkowski.
The absolutely fan-bloody-tastic Hannibal Buress is here in Australia right now, blessing us, the Australian people, with his Hannibal Montanabal Experience (and Adderall-induced appearances on The Project).

The comedian and Broad City star flew into Sydney last night from Melbourne, ahead of his gig at The Enmore tonight.

But it appeared that our once-great city got the best of him, re: our utterly cooked and proven to be ineffective lockout laws.

Hey Sydney, who did this? This shit sucks.  Hannibal Buress (@hannibalburess) November 30, 2016

Take a look at that time stamp:

A representative for Buress confirmed to PEDESTRIAN.TV that it was more than likely he was referring to the lockouts  the man is staying in the CBD after all, which is obviously peak-lockout zone  but is chasing after confirm from the big guy himself.

And Hannibal? If youre looking for the guy who did this  its this gronk.

Did you know that NSW has an official graffiti removal day? Well, it does. And its today. #justsaying A photo posted by Mike Baird (@mikebairdmp) on Oct 29, 2016 at 4:47pm PDT

Photo: Supplied.
ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR!

Actually, no  not Christmas. Were talking about the ever-illustrious Victorias Secret Fashion Show, which has just happened in this delightful year of 2016.

Heres ya best looks, straight from the runway in Paris:

JASMINE TOOKES





Yup, heres your goddamn Fantasy Bra. This diamond-encrusted bastard is worth approximately $4 million, according to Forbes. So, yknow if you want to have purchase insurance for your boobs. Jasmine Tookes, this years boob-owner gifted with the Fanstasy Bra experience, looks gosh darn mother-lickin beautiful, regardless of her no-doubt crippling anxiety from carrying $4 million on her baps.

JOAN SMALLS





Pretty dark angel from hell, probably. Smallsy looks as though shes come to claim your soul while also practicing absolute hyper-cuteness in a v. feminine bodice. Ill like, happily give her my soul. Like, its hers now. She can do whatever the fk she wants with it, I dont even care bc too cute.

JOURDANA PHILLIPS





Yes! This newbie SLAYED; she blew other girls whove done this a thousand times out the goddamn water. Her excellently 50s peplum set with thigh-highs makes me want to google Madmen-themed erotica. Also, look at those legs? Like wtf, how are they that long? Im mad. Im mad about this.

BRIDGET MALCOLM

All the PINK shit with the activewear and chunky unflattering heels makes me personally want to vomit, but look, Bridge is adorable enough to pull it off. Why is she wearing two jackets tho? Who puts on two identical bomber jackets? This styling is wack, man. Goddamnit Bridge, you lucky you cute.

GEORGIA FOWLER





Holy hell Fowler; we know we stole adopted you from New Zealand technically, but you are making Australia so damn proud right now. Look at you in that lace chainmail get-up. You look dope. If that skirt was a bit longer, I would legitimately wear that outfit out. Beyond A+.

ELSA HOSK

Hoskies knocking em out with one of those delightful base-level black lace corset with thigh high stockings deals; the creme brulee of lingerie. But shes paired it all with dont fuck with me, Pretty Woman-style thigh high patent leather boots, so we now pray at the church of Elsa. Amen.

STELLA MAXWELL

Stellas jumping on some mad illusions here, and that moss green isnt a colour Id personally choose for my own lingerie collection but fuck me, it looks pretty damn good. The nude illusion, the jewels, th feathers  Stellas peacocking right now, people.

LILY DONALDSON









Lilys following in Stellas footsteps, the nude illusion vibe. But rather than a peacock, Lilys pulling some real phoenix hours  complete with fireball illuminating the rebirth. Were witnessing the Donaldson renaissance period, yo.

JOSEPHINE SKRIVER









More chainmail, and were vibing it. Paired with the floaty silver cape, Jo looks like a beautiful princess whos gone you know what, balls to this princess crap  Im going to war. Like Mulan, or Arya Stark. Bad ass bitches, the lot of em.





TAYLOR HILL









Tay-Tay looks a lot like Maleficent; like, if she had horns, youd 100% see it. She looks a very sexy demon. Again, 10/10 would give up my soul. Man, Im running out of souls.





GIGI HADID









YES GIGI GET IT! Our girl is rocking enormous evil black wings and all straps, its a very angelic neo-gothic aesthetic and we are HERE FOR IT. (p.s. How heavy dya reckon those wings are? Christ, they look heavy.)

BELLA HADID









An enormous round of applause for Bella; not only was it her first-ever Victorias Secret runway, but she also had to share a stage with her extremely recent ex-boyfriend, The Weeknd. And she damn well killed it. She killed it. And hell, with her medieval bodice vibes, she looks like she could go into battle, tbh.

ADRIANA LIMA









Everyones absolute fave OG angel, Adrianas got some very real naughty elf vibes going on here. The red, dark green, and the tan belt? 110% Xmas. Loving the hell out of the thigh-high, patent version of Santa boots. Huge.





CINDY BRUNA





Cindys got wings that look like a legit wisp of smoke, so thats cool. Like she just appeared there out of a cloud of mist. She didnt though, she walked on to the runway on LEGS THAT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL. Her decorative bra & outfit looks very angel on top of the tree. Sexy Christmas is the best Christmas.

KENDALL JENNER





Look, its a lingerie show. Someones gotta get the fresh new take on a French maids outfit. And this year its Kenny. Luckily, shes got a rockin Middle Ages bodice deal mixed with a French Renaissance collar, and wings on her back AND her heels. Brb, buying that collar for all of my lingerie so I look ~classy~.

And so, there we are for another year; our hunger for spicy lingerie has now been fulfilled, and must sustain us for another 12 months.

Thank you Victorias Secret, for all that you do.

Photos: Dimitrios Kambouris & Pascal Le Segretain / Getty.
According to the World Health Organisation, between 30% and 40% of road deaths are caused by alcohol. Globally. It doesnt matter which way you slice it, thats a colossally fucked up number.

As stupid as drink driving is, individuals who can only be described as gigantic pieces of trash still choose to do it on the reg, putting innocent lives at risk. Its a tough one to curb completely, but surely we can put a dent in the statistics, particularly around the bevvy-friendly silly season, right?

Well ride sharing lords Uber are partnering with DrinkWise and over 200 licensed venues across NSW and VIC to give it a red-hot go, offering $1 million worth of free rides over December and January.

The freebies will be doled out by brand reps and venue staff across the two states to ensure drunk idiots get home safely.

And if ya live in Canberra, youll be able to get $10 off Uber rides if you take the NightRider bus to a designated drop-off zone between 11pm and 2am on Friday and Saturday nights in December. Rad beans.

You are but aye.

Ridesharing services like Uber are changing the way people think about drinking and driving, Mike Abbot, Ubers ANZ head of operations told PEDESTRIAN.TV. By providing a safe and reliable ride at the push of a button  no matter the time or place  ridesharing is helping make our cities better connected, easier and safer places to get around.

Its a great initiative that could stop up to 6 million dickheads from getting behind the wheel after one too many shandies. According to a study be Empirica Research, 80% of respondents said theyd be less likely to drink drive if they had access to a reliable ride at all times.

Friends, let Uber be your reliable ride. Dont be a flamin Galah like the bloke below.

Source: Uber.

Photo: Highway Patrol.
The following list includes business bankruptcies that were filed in United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania (Harrisburg) from Nov. 1, 2016 - Nov. 30, 2016.

CHAPTER 7

Under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code may be used by businesses or individuals. A portion of the debtors assets is liquidated and distributed among creditors by a trustee to satisfy debts. In some cases, action can be brought against a debtor by creditors.

SGE International LTD. previously doing business as TBG International LTD (Dauphin County) care of Velter, Yurovsky & Zoftis LLC, 1111 Street Road, Suite 305, Upper Southampton Township. Docket No. 16-4587.

Complete Construction & Maintenance Inc., 38 S. Beaver St., York. Docket No. 16-4593.

SPH Properties Inc. also known as South Philly Hoagies, 5519 Carlisle Pike, Hampden Township. Docket No. 16-4673.

Lee Surplus Outlet LLC, 3539 N. 6th St., Susquehanna Township. Docket No. 16-4760.

Chapter 11

Provides businesses or large investors with protection from creditors while they continue operating and develop a repayment plan. Both creditors and owners must agree on a reorganization plan, which ultimately must be approved by a federal bankruptcy judge.

Everlast Countertops Inc., 103 Wheatland Road, Fairview Township. Docket No. 16-4661.

Unique Physique Inc., 680 Marlow Drive, Springettsbury Township. Dcoket No. 16-4757.
Ballot

Philadelphia will recount ballots cast in 75 voting precincts on Friday, marking the first major success of Green Party candidate Jill Stein's push to audit the state's presidential election results.

(The Patriot-News, file)

Philadelphia will recount ballots cast in 75 voting precincts on Friday, marking the first major success of Green Party candidate Jill Stein's push to audit the state's presidential election results.

On Thursday, county election officials approved 75 of 82 voter petitions. In those precincts, voting machines will be recanvassed--essentially running them again to review the vote totals. An undetermined number of paper absentee, emergency and provisional ballots from those precincts will also be recounted.

"It's not a great number (of ballots)," Deputy Commissioner Fred Voigt said. "Keep in mind that something like 700,000 votes were cast in Philadelphia County. You're talking (1,686) polling places. This is a speck."

Less than 5 percent of the county's total precincts will be subject to the recount.

According to Pennsylvania Department of State data, Hillary Clinton received 563,275 votes countywide compared to 105,876 for Donald Trump. Stein, meanwhile, received 6,486, slightly less than 1 percent of the total number cast.

Voigt said it's entirely possible that the stakeholders involved could appeal the board's decision or try to block the recount.

Stein's camp has sought a forensic audit, in which a computer expert would examine the machines for signs of tampering. Republicans, meanwhile, sought to block the recount entirely. Neither got entirely what they wanted on Thursday.

"Presidential candidates are legally entitled to examine voting systems," Stein campaign lawyer Ilann Maazel said, in a written statement. "It's absolutely vital to thoroughly examine Philadelphia's voting machines so voters can be sure their votes were counted."

On Wednesday, a Montgomery County judge dismissed petitions petitions for recounts in 72 of that county's 425 precincts. He gave no reason for the decision. In Allegheny County, Republicans filed a lawsuit seeking to block the recount process resulting from petitions from about 50 of that county's 1,322 precincts.

The state Commonwealth Court will hear arguments Monday related to a petition filed by the Stein camp that put forward more than 100 voters seeking a recount.

Stein's camp has specifically cited problems with the state's electronic voting system that they argue could make it vulnerable to hackers. Others include the computer hacking of the Democratic National Committee and "discontinuity" between pre-election public opinion polls and the final result.

Republicans, meanwhile, have dismissed those claims.

"This desperate act by Jill Stein and those supporting her is a sad commentary on the failure of some to accept the results of the will of the people as reflected by their votes," state GOP Chairman Rob Gleason said, earlier this week.

While Clinton's campaign has agreed to participate in the process in order to monitor any recount efforts, it did so without any expectation that the results would change.

"Believe me, if there was anything I could do to make Hillary Clinton the next president of the United States, I would," former Gov. Ed Rendell, a longtime Clinton supporter, told The Philadelphia Inquirer on Wednesday. "But this is a big waste of time."

In Philadelphia, Voigt said, the petitions were received prior to the computation of the votes. The petitions that were denied, he said, were due largely to problems with petitioners. Such filings require at least three signatures from voters in each precinct.

There's no rhyme or reason to which precincts are subject to the recanvass and recount, he said. They are scattered across the city, from Center City to South Philadelphia and Roxborough. The signatures mostly came from Stein's white, liberal base of support.

Philadelphia's recount is set to begin at 1 p.m. Friday at the Board of Elections Voting Machine Warehouse.

For now.

"That doesn't mean that we won't be hit with some piece of litigation this afternoon," Voigt said. "This seems to be very litigious."
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump campaigns at Atlantic Aviation in Moon

File photo, Barry Reeger | Special to PennLive

(Barry Reeger)

Despite Donald Trump's vow to repeal it, people are signing for Obamacare at a record pace, according to figures released by the federal government Wednesday.



That includes 102,110 people in Pennsylvania. Nationally, more than 2.1 million people have selected plans at healthcare.gov since open enrollment began Nov. 1. The figure, which includes 1.6 million people who renewed their coverage and about 500,000 new enrollees, is about 167,000 signups ahead of last year's pace, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.





Trump has a Republican majority in Congress that will give him the support needed to repeal Obamacare, which is credited covering about 20 million people and pushing the U.S. uninsured rate to record low of 8.6 percent.



However, Trump has said a replacement plan must be in place in advance of people losing their Obamacare coverage. It's therefore not expected that anyone's Obamacare coverage will become unavailable in 2017, and possibly for at least another year after that.



Enrollment continues until Jan. 31, 2017. But to have coverage as of Jan. 1 people need to enroll by Dec. 15.

Note: this article was revised to say that about 500,000 new enrollees have signed up since the beginning of the open season; an earlier version said 50,000.
Ease his pain.

Actually ease their pain. Police dog's pain.

A Philadelphia area dog bed company donated several dozen special beds to Harrisburg area police K-9 units to help hard working police dogs rest more easily after a hard day on the job.

Big Barker President Eric Shannon presented the matrices to K-9 police officers from the Harrisburg, Capitol and Derry Township police departments at a public works building in Harrisburg Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 30.

"The reason we're here with the police dogs in Harrisburg is because of all the dogs out there in the world, police dogs work much harder than your average household pet," Shannon said. "We make a product that is very beneficial to the quality of life of larger dogs as they age."
More days of rain, snow predicted for this winter

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently predicted that the Great Lakes region will have more frequent precipitation than usual this winter.
OPEC gets the deal, market to cut by 1.8 mbd!



The 171st. meeting of the OPEC conference, Vienna, Austria, 30th. November, 2016

VIENNA

Petroleumworld.com 12 01 2016

In reality, it could have gone either way. So easy for market followers to dismiss any incentive that OPEC may try to implement but the true resolve was there and members fell into place and with that, Russia came too.



The success overtook the mistrust between leading members and non-OPEC producers with the realisation that the cartel and its competitors may never again have such an opportunity to unite

for a common course and share out the spoils of the market. How long it will last for is another matter and only time will give the answer.



Each member country has accepted an output ceiling with Saudi taking the largest cut followed by Iraq and Iran. Libya and Nigeria have been exempted and Indonesia which had just rejoined OPEC has once again left the cartel. The total cut for OPEC will be 1.2mbpd based primarily on October figures but not effective until January and this will be the first cut since 2008 but the next surprise came with the announcement that Russia would actually cut by 300,000 leaving other non-OPEC producers to be responsible for the remaining 300,000.



Supposedly OPEC members have signed up to the deal but it seems to be contingent on Russia and other non-OPEC producers formally signing too, to make the deal effective.



For this to happen another Meeting has been scheduled to take place on 9th. December in Moscow. The way I understand it is that Russia agreed to come in if all of OPEC did, but OPEC has indicated that it would only cut if non-OPEC did. Should they not reach agreement in December, my understanding is that the deal will be unworkable, OPEC will not go it alone.



To ensure compliance and to monitor the benefit of this deal a committee has been set up under the Chair of Kuwait supported by Algeria and Venezuela. It will have the support of the

Secretariat and will report back to OPEC in time for the next scheduled Meeting in May. Again I can only assume that the arrangement will be reviewed at the meeting and they will then decide whether to proceed further or revert back to the October levels in full. Meanwhile oil prices have already moved by around $4 since the announcement.

This was the day OPEC managed to pull its members together and also to include Russia, its main competitor. Naturally, the USA was not present or part of the deal. The opening address

outlined the progress since the Algiers meeting at the end of September. There was a recognition that the market was re-balancing but there was concern at the price volatility.



This year they still expect non-OPEC supply to contact by 800,000, more or less in line with the EIA and IEA views. Next year they see little growth in non-OPEC supply, perhaps around

200,000 barrels per day but the real benefit will come from increased demand of 1.2mbpd supported by global economic growth forecasts remaining reasonable for both 2016 and 2017,

at 2.9 per cent and 3.1 per cent respectively.



They are concerned that OECD commercial oil stocks are still more than 300 million barrels above the five-year average and they want to see this level fall back within the range.



Furthermore, there is also concern that OECD inventories are also above average and they feel that as stock levels fall, prices rise. Investment in the industry is key and by 2040 they estimate

that global oil demand will increase by 16mbpd to 109mbpd and for this the level of spending required with be $10 trillion for both upstream and downstream.



Such action has been taken as global spending on exploration and production investments fell in both 2015 and 2016, and some are now even talking about this continuing. A third year of investment falls would be unprecedented for the industry and the effect of OPECs decision today will alleviate the impact of this for tomorrow.

Throughout the process over the last six months or so, in the background, greed, mistrust and hatred has prevailed, making it is very difficult to see how such a group

could ever sit down around a table and agree a mutually acceptable strategy but it seems OPEC has come together.



In addition, one has to bear in mind internal and external issues that prevail but the resolve to take the initiative has, perhaps for

now, relieved the market of further exposure than ever before to the impact of further long term low oil pricing and reducing investment opportunities. Perhaps the realisation of failure

galvanised the main players to think again. The adjoining chart illustrates how prices have moved and how during the recent negotiations have remained within a tight range of $40-50,

lacking any serious direction as the OPEC dialogue was supposedly floundering.

One has to look at the profile of the OPEC Membership. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation States  Kuwait, UAE & Qatar  make up around 50% of the OPEC output, while Iran and Iraq together make up around another 25%, so between them they control 75%. This means that the remaining eight members have virtually no clout in terms of decision making.



Saudi has been the leader for many years and able to decide for others on strategy and whenever a cut has been decided on, Saudi has taken the biggest hit but no more. Conversely,

and Iraq have always had to follow the Saudi lead but are now strong enough individually and collectively at twenty-five percent of the output, to argue, state their own terms and hold Saudi to ransom. Without the agreement, Saudi could have had to walk away.



The running for the cut this time has again come from Algeria, supported by Venezuela and together they cover about 10% of OPEC output. They could not sway the leaders themselves but once again by acting as the mediators, putting forward the plan and mediating between the members, have played an important role in achieving this historic deal. As a country, Algeria has much gas and can also benefit dramatically from solar power to feed the energy needs of its growing yet impoverished population while Venezuela has substantial reserves.



Venezuela has been hit hard by lower oil prices and, like many other OPEC members, assumed that the oil price would stay at $100+ and has spent revenues accordingly without bothering to

re-invest in the infrastructure. Furthermore, by nationalising and removing foreign investors without facilitating its own domestic capabilities, the country has left itself with a failing infrastructure and limited expertise. In the last two years, the situation has since been exacerbated by falling oil prices.



Nicholas Maduro the current president does not have the true mandate of the people yet continues to cling to power by persecuting and imprisoning opposition leaders. He has few

friends around the world and particularly those willing to offer financial support. Meanwhile, law and order is failing and queues lead to whatever food shops there are and buyers are only

allowed to buy on a specific day each week with choice is restricted to whatever is available.



The geo-political situation and tension runs across the group. At the very top there is acrimony between Saudi and Iran. The Arab world is fearful of Iran and its supposed plans for nuclear development and with Saudi supporting the government of Yemen while Iran is supporting the Houtis who are trying to overthrow it, tension is high. Saudi has traditionally had the backing of Western nations but this is now waning following the indiscriminate bombing of the Houtis, supported by Iran, on Yemen. Saudi has attempted to restrict movements of Iranian vessels through its waters and also exerted pressure elsewhere to ensure that transportation of Iranian oil is held back and with Iran seeking exemption from any restriction on output until it has

regained its original position within OPEC, Saudi will struggle to implement any deal to curtail output.



The adjoining Chart illustrates how the relativity between total Iranian output and total OPEC output has not been maintained. This is the reason why Iran believes that it has the right to re establish its position and for this to happen, expects to produce over 4mbpd although has since been reduced to around 3.8mbpd.



There is another and more serious issue for Saudi. Will

Donald Trump push ahead and allow US citizens to bring actions

against Saudi over the 9/11 attacks!



There is no tangible proof that the Saudi administration was involved although Saudi nationals were. President Obama vetoed the original proposal.



Iran has an ally in Iraq and the two are working together to defeat ISIS, while the US has its own policy yet, in this respect, they seem to be on the same side for now. Iran has another ally in Russia but when we consider the appalling situation in Syria, Russia and the US are on different sides. Iran and Iraq had been at war with each other for seven years and as a consequence

each suffered severe damage to their respective oil production infrastructures. Iraq is rebuilding and making progress, with some US support, but corruption is rife from the top down.





Iran likewise is also trying to re-build now that some sanctions have been lifted, but, with the successful Presidential campaign of Donald Trump there is both fear and

uncertainty as to what the US will do in the future. Hassan Rouani, the President would prefer to work more closely with the US but Ayatollah Ali Khamenei the Supreme Leader is more cautious and less trusting while

President Elect Trump is an unknown quantity. In spite of concern over the US election result the US Dollar has performed well against a basket of currencies as shown in the adjoining chart.

Libya seems to be recovering from long-term civil strife and is no doubt looking to increase output to more than 1.5mbpd, a long way above the 350,000bpd at the time of the June Meeting, while today is over 600,000. Nigeria too wants to increase output but corruption and mismanagement means the country is debt laden and with ongoing attacks by militants in the Niger Delta is having difficulty in getting its oil out and away by legal channels. Both countries have been given exemption from output cuts but will no doubt be subject to ceiling levels.



Having taken over the operations of many international oil companies before the price collapse in 2015 Nigeria is now under further pressure to maintain them with oil revenues so depressed.



Nevertheless, President Buhari is determined to stamp out corruption and here too, he needs to start from the top. Not only does he have the insurgents in the Niger Delta to deal with but also Boko Haram. Several years ago the Nigerians were confident that they would achieve 3mbpd but have floundered ever since around the 2m level.



We have had months of conjecture with rumours floating around, some from credible sources, others not so credible, as OPEC producers have strived to increase the price without taking decisive action. In recent weeks, members have been meeting each other and supposedly non- OPEC producers too, while in the foreground, Mohammad Barkindo the new and very capable

OPEC Secretary General has worked tirelessly vising producers, both OPEC and non-OPEC attempting to broker a deal to bring OPEC output down to between 32.5 and 33mbpd.



As he has built up the air miles, the OPEC Basket oil price has simply fluctuated in a narrow range. Yesterday, Tuesday, the OPEC Basket closed at $43.87, up slightly from the day before

at $43.84, but down from $44.88 on Friday and much lower than the price on 19th. October of $49.04. This is a measure for OPEC as the market has followed the dialogue. Brent Crude actually fell on Monday but rose very slightly on Tuesday, not expecting any serious news!



With mixed statements coming from OPEC members that the deal close, we should have expected to see the price move higher, but the market hasnt responded and it did seem that

OPEC was about to dig itself into another trough, in a market which it has traditionally been able to control, but no longer. When the Saudi minister announced that with or without the deal the market would find its own level suggested that perhaps there was no point in the deal. On the other hand, perhaps it was to get the dissenters to re-consider their options.



How long the impact will last is an unknown quantity as any price advantage will probably be short lived as the US Shale market and even the North Sea output will come back into the arena while, at the same time, can we trust the OPEC members to honour the commitment they have supposedly made?

As I have said many times before, we did warn OPEC back in 2009 that if the price was pushed up to over $100, three things would happen  Demand destruction, Energy Conservation and

the rise of alternative fuels. All three came true as demand peaked within the OECD sector while energy conservation and renewable energy moved in together with the advent and rise of

Shale production in the US.



Back in December 2014 when this all began, OPEC surprised us by stating that it would keep pumping to maintain market share. Saudi Arabia took the lead and although the rest of them couldnt answer they had to go along with it. Iran and Iraq were both struggling then in terms of output but as the situation in Iraq improved and sanctions were lifted on Iran, each was able to

move ahead and plan for increased output.



We cannot forget that back in 2012, Iraq announced that it would be aiming for something like 12mbpd by 2017! Some way off today but that was the dream then. In fact, before the war with

Iran, each of them had the potential to produce around 6mbpd. With hindsight, had the war not happened the overall position within OPEC today could be very different indeed.

We rolled on to the meetings in June and December 2015 with OPEC resolute that it was on track and would continue the policy and it wasnt until April of this year that rumours set off a chain of events culminating in the meeting in Doha of some OPEC members including Saudi Arabia and also Russia.



Ali Naimi the Saudi Oil Minister at the time, realised what the cost had been to the Kingdom of this strategy. There was some talk of a deal then but as there was no plan in place to even set

up the meetings in advance the process floundered and in true OPEC style the announcement was made that they would continue to follow the market until the next scheduled meeting in

June. However, Naimi did seem keen on a plan but was unable to take it any further and was seemingly retired off and replaced by Khalid al-Falih.



Back home, the new deputy Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, a man of thirty-one, had the plan to restructure the way in which the Kingdom managed itself and to wean it off its sole

dependency on oil revenue. Something that should have happened many years earlier and something that his seniors probably never considered.



The Policy of maintaining and increasing output has had an adverse effect on all producers and whereas Saudi believed the outcome would be quicker and that it could outlive its competitors.



Had OPEC held production closer to 32mbpd, the plan would have achieved the objective. As a consequence of the overproduction it has not and all is not well in Saudi. Salaries of senior public employees have been cut by 20% and subsidies are being reduced too while the unemployment situation in the country is causing concern. So, what is happening lower down the scale? All producers are in trouble and without a concerted effort to exercise some control, more oil will come to the market and prices will fall further.



At the June Meeting, in spite of an extended session of discussion between members, they announced that the market was performing well and that they would take no further action and continue to monitor it until the next meeting in November! From June it was rumoured that OPEC would meet in September.



In fact, it was at the International Energy Forum that most of them happened to be there and Russia too and although there was never an OPEC Meeting Scheduled, with the Secretary

General arriving the 170th. Extraordinary Meeting evolved.

The 170th. Meeting was the ideal opportunity for them to catch up on any

lost opportunity from June and put something in place to be ratified at the

November Meeting.



Even so, by then the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) had published its Short-Term Energy

Outlook showing that supply and demand were still forecast to balance in 2017.



The discussions centred around the 170th. Meeting were based excess supply and with OPEC continuing to overproduce there was deemed the need to exercise some level of control. In the

Table below we have illustrated how key market indicators have moved since the initiative taken in December 2014 and such numbers would have influenced OPEC thinking.



There has been some updating since June but overall the figures have changed only marginally since the IEF meeting in September. Brent, WTI and OPEC prices have all fallen by more than 30% while the US Dollar is now stronger by 12%, against a basket of currencies and some of this is no doubt due to the successful election of Donald Trump as US President.



The plan had been to hit non-OPEC suppliers like the US Shale market and her the rig count is down by 75% but as prices have started to rise, so too has the rig count. The bad news for OPEC is that their output has continued to rise, now at 13%, like US and OECD stock levels at 11 and 9% respectively.

What has been so incredible about this whole process is the speed with which it has developed, running since April leader or minister interviewed has issued he same platitudes that they are

very supportive of the plan and the need to bring supply and demand closer in to balance while providing themselves, and other producers, with a higher price. They have accepted for now

that probably $60 is as much as they could hope for and that the days of $100+ are long gone.

In recent days, aspirations have swung from one extreme to another. On Monday, Goldman Sachs said a deal had a 30% chance of happening but by yesterday, Tuesday, they expected it to happen and

revised their forecast accordingly. A forecast therefore, may be good for a day or two but one cannot count on it lasting in such times.



Looking back at the forecast set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in July the view was that World GDP would increase gradually across 2016 and 2017 while global oil demand would remain stable.



Not perhaps what OPEC wants to hear but the world is moving on and we are now hearing that

Peak Demand for oil will come sooner than Peak Supply. The next chart also taken from the

World Economic Outlook shows how the forecasts for April of GDP for Advanced and Emerging

economies have fared by October.



Although the figure for the Advanced sector has not performed as well as anticipated it did improve and finish on target while the Emerging economies continued the thrive and as OPEC knows, this is where their markets lie in future  they must look to Asia and the East and no longer to the West.



From the Monitoring Committee Meeting of OPEC last week came the view that output would need to be cut by around 1mbpd, spread across the OPEC members and non-OPEC producers

and all heads of state and oil ministers have been united in the view that there has to be a deal.



The problem has been that no one really wants to commit!

Algeria has put forward the deal to the individual members and the fundamental difficulty is  what are the true output numbers? They didnt know! OPEC Members mistrust third party figures and they also mistrust their own fellow members figures! Who to believe? OPEC will publish figures submitted by the members and then third party estimates are produced from analysts and media sources which are usually different.



For Iran to restrict its output, a figure close to 4mbpd was supposedly wanted, but the figure suggested was nearer 3.7mbpd. A compromise was needed and something around 3.8 may suit. What is fundamental is that Iran wants the right to return to its pre-sanctions level of 4.2mbpd. It cannot produce that amount but as a matter of principle does not wish to concede on the level that it believes it should rightfully have. Iraq argues that it is fighting ISIS and needs all of the oil it can produce while also saying it will support the OPEC initiative, but the only way it can give support, is to agree to cut! It may accept a figure based on its October figure around 4.5mbpd.



Then of course, both Iran and Iraq wanted to see the Saudi figure reduced from 10.6mbpd to something closer to 10mbpd. Give and take, but Saudi doesnt want to be the one to give more than the rest, it wants a fair and equitable deal. The three of them were key to the deal, with the rest falling in to place with Libya and Nigeria excluded as they rebuild while the figures agreed,

may be open to question and abuse.

There was a meeting scheduled to include non- OPEC producers for Monday, but towards the end

of last week, Saudi announced that it would not be attending saying there was no point until a deal had been put in place within OPEC. Similarly, Russia said it wasnt attending and so the ministers from Algeria and Venezuela set off to Moscow.



What they hoped to achieve was questionable. The Russian oil minister would follow orders from President Putin and any dialogue with other countries would have to be at presidential level.



Surprisingly, over the weekend Khalid al-Falih, the Saudi oil minister calmly announced that the cut wasnt really necessary as the market would balance anyway! My guess is that this was to

make the dissenters realise that prices would not change and would probably fall if they did not contribute to the plan. The chart above was taken from the International Energy Agency (IEA) earlier in the year when they too forecast like the EIA that the market would balance in 2017.



The telephone call between President Putin of Russia and President Rouhani of Iran. There was much to talk about, particularly the geo-political tension in the Middle East, Yemen and Syria and of course they would have touched on the oil market. Each said they would support the deal but neither said how. Russia is increasing output which is now just over 11mbpd and because of the frozen terrain in which it operates, one understands that it cannot easily cut.

Again, we have to accept that Saudi Arabia needs non-OPEC support but unlike previous occasions will not take the burden

of cut and let the others plunder its market, although that is an option in the short term, to put out some kind of a deal to let the market at large know it is serious. So with the oil price wavering and the chance of the deal lost, OPEC has made the decision to cut and finally pulled it off. As the price

now rises towards $55 and maybe above, what next? The reason why they decided two years ago not to cut, was to cripple the US Shale industry and demonstrate to non-OPEC producers that there needed to be some control in the market to safeguard against oversupply.



Non-OPEC producers have been quick to cut costs and streamline their operations. North Sea operators have virtually halved their costs and increased output even at lower price levels. US stocks are still high, affording a supply cushion should the price rise but the shale infrastructure is still there and it is warming up to return and the really bad news for OPEC is shown in the adjoining chart in which we can see the Rig Count reviving and moving up in line with price.

In spite of the uncertainties there has to be a level of forecasting. Looking ahead in terms of market aspirations there will be a chance for prices to increase as shown in the attached chart compiled

by data from ThomsonReuters. I said after the June Meeting that I didnt feel prices would move in the $50-55 range and this is how it has been.



The extent to which it moves now will depend upon the full agreement on 9th. December and thereafter the market will no doubt take in to consideration the OPEC effectiveness at adhering to quotas. With the price of Brent around $50 tonight we can probably expect more volatility as producers continue in their plight to manage their output and perhaps if they are successful and the price does move up, we shall see the Shale and North Sea markets make a return and the US will plan more exports. $60 is an aspiration for OPEC and we may see that but overall as of now, I do not foresee a dramatic rise in prices in the short term. If the producers can make it work a hold out until May, then there may well be higher prices but that is less likely to happen in my view.



So, whatever we can take away from this historic OPEC Meeting is the knowledge that it may not last and that within the next six months OPEC will re-appraise and revise its strategy. Iran, Iraq and Russia are working well together outside the oil market and could formulate their own plans leaving Saudi. Prices will rise but so too will non-OPEC output. As always, I hope I have given a balanced view in this report, much of it written in great haste. Some will agree and others may not but if there are any points that you would like to discuss with me, please let me know. The next OPEC Meeting has been scheduled for May 2017. I shall be following events in the meantime and expect to be there.








Two of the three dogs that survived a North Philly house fire on Nov. 23. Read more

ON THE MORNING before Thanksgiving, 42 dogs perished in a rowhouse fire in North Philadelphia - and no one has been held to account.

All the appropriate agencies were on the scene, they seem to have done their jobs, and yet 42 innocent lives were snuffed out and no one was held responsible. Three dogs survived.

The Fire Department was first to arrive, before 11 a.m., to fight a rowhouse fire at 2423 N. Hancock St. that started on the first floor and raced upstairs.

When the Fire Department noticed animals at the scene, calls went out to the Pennsylvania SPCA, ACCT Philly, the city animal shelter, and Red Paw Emergency Relief Team, which helps rescue and foster animals injured or made homeless by disasters such as fires.

Red Paw was founded by Jen Leary, a former Philadelphia firefighter, and she told me her staffers were shocked by what they saw - the corpses of more than three dozen dogs.

One witness at the scene, who requested anonymity, said, "This was a hoarding condition. There are 42 dead dogs."

Red Paw's staffers searched the property and found the three live dogs, which Red Paw removed. Leary said all the dogs in the home were chihuahuas.

City law limits the number of dogs in a residence without a kennel license to 12, I'm told by Audra Houghton, ACCT operations director.

PSPCA spokeswoman Gillian Kocher said a humane officer was on the scene, and has responsibility to enforce laws banning cruelty and neglect.

"By the time the fire was out, any evidence of cruelty and/or neglect had been destroyed by the fire itself" or the water used to extinguish it, she said.

She said that while PSPCA had "concerns" about living conditions that it observed when it arrived, it did not have evidence of neglect, nor did it have previous complaints at that address.

Responsibility for enforcing the limit on the number of dogs in a home falls on ACCT.

When ACCT arrived, it had the sad, unpleasant job of removing the bodies of 42 animals that had the misfortune of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

The animals most likely died of smoke inhalation, said Houghton of ACCT, which sent an animal control truck and two animal control officers. "Our primary responsibility there is to be concerned with any living animal and if we see something that looks like cruelty, alert SPCA."

Although ACCT could have written up the owner of the property, identified as Colon Jesus Cordero on city records, it did not do so because "one of the PPD officers at the scene indicated to our officers that he was issuing a citation for that specific code violation, so we did not issue one of our own," said Houghton.

A police spokeswoman told me that the Police Department did not write the violation and that in most cases that is ACCT's job.

Leary said the rescued dogs were not malnourished, they weren't neglected, they didn't have fleas. Cordero was "genuinely concerned and was very appreciative when Red Paw dropped the animals at a relative's home," said Leary.

I could not reach Cordero by phone.

The sense I get from Leary, who met with Cordero, is that Cordero is not an evil man, he didn't abuse the dogs that had the run of his two-bedroom home. He seems to have been well-intentioned, as are many animal hoarders, but what he did was wrong and not in the interest of the animals in the long run.

He doesn't deserve jail time, but he does deserve to be punished. If the citation - which can range from $150 to $300 - wasn't written because of a missed communication, it's not too late for ACCT to write him up now.
tired woman

None of the 60 largest US corporations, offer the suggested amount of parental leave set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, a new report finds.

The report was published by Paid Leave in the United States (PL+US), a nonprofit that advocates for mandatory federal leave policies in the US.

America is one of four countries around the world  and the only industrialized nation  that has no federal policy in place.

Only three states offer mandatory leave, including California, Rhode Island, and New Jersey, in addition to Washington D.C. In most cases, the responsibility of giving new parents time off is up to private businesses.

But none of the companies PL+US gathered data on offered the minimum six months of parental leave recommended by AAP president Dr. Bernard Dreyer. Only a handful  mostly consulting firms and banks  offered up to four months of leave.

Katie Bethell, founder and executive director of PL+US, says the absence of public policy on the issue keeps it from hitting most corporations' radar.

"Companies comply with the law," Bethell tells Business Insider.

If Verizon has a location in Sweden, the branch needs to comply with Sweden's generous leave policy of 480 days split between both parents. No such law exists in the US, so Verizon has no direct incentive to match Sweden's or any other country's policy. Instead, it has chosen to offer new moms two weeks of paid leave and nothing for fathers.

And so it goes with the companies on PL+US' list that offer as much leave as Verizon or even less. These include Lowe's, Darden Restaurants, Infosys Limited, and the various Yum! brands, which include KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. According to PL+US, more than half of the top 60 companies either had no policy or refused to disclose their paid-leave policy.

Keeping new parents in the cubicles might actually be the wrong approach if profit is the goal. Research has repeatedly found that strong parent leave policies benefit companies more in the long run than no or little leave. In general, companies with paid leave see less turnover and have happier, more productive employees.

Story continues

"Paid maternity leave is good for mothers, families and business," YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki wrote in a 2014 Wall Street Journal op-ed. "America should have the good sense to join nearly every other country in providing it."

Bethell is optimistic that corporate America is moving in that direction.

She sees the rising generation of entrepreneurs as being more family-focused than generations prior. A growing number of large tech companies have started granting upward of 20 weeks or more to new parents, fathers included. In 2015, Netflix even began offering a full year.

"Smart, modern companies know that they need to have fantastic family leave benefits," she says. "We see that already in the increase momentum in adopting policies."

That may be the biggest bright spot in the PL+US report: Of the 29 companies with leave policies, eight of them have expanded within the last year. The rest may be forced to follow suit, as President-elect Donald Trump has proposed a mandatory federal leave policy that would guarantee new mothers six weeks off.

The new policies would still put the US program far behind those of other industrialized countries, but it would at least mark a step forward on an issue that has stayed stagnant for so long.

NOW WATCH: Trump said he prevented a Ford factory from leaving the US  but the company says the move was never planned





More From Business Insider


City officials may ask the state to relax restrictions on how close medical marijuana dispensaries can be to schools and day-care facilities, saying current rules would limit access in Philadelphia.

"Our density of schools and day cares is already so high, it would be making locations very challenging to find," Paula Brumbelow, a senior planner with the city, told a committee of City Council on Wednesday.

The committee was considering local zoning restrictions ahead of the launch of medical marijuana, which was approved by Gov. Wolf in April and is expected to launch in fall 2017 at the earliest.

Planning Commission staff said Wednesday that they expect four dispensaries to open in the city and four growing operations to open in the region. If a growing facility were to open within the city limits, it would be restricted to industrial areas.

Under the state law, dispensaries cannot open within 1,000 feet of schools or day-care centers. The city's legislation would shorten that to within 500 feet of schools and remove the restriction for day-care centers.

Councilman Derek S. Green, who introduced the legislation, said the city legislation would add a 500-foot restriction around parks, playgrounds, libraries, pools, and recreation centers with the goal of "balancing access and respecting the desire to remove dispensaries from locations frequented by children."

The legislation also includes a blanket restriction on dispensaries in residential areas.

Green's legislation also initially included a restriction on dispensaries' being within 500 feet of churches and hotels. Brumbelow said those rules were removed after city planners realized they would exclude much of Center City.

The Philadelphia-specific regulations would be enforced only if the state grants waivers approving the dispensary and growing sites.

Council could vote on the regulations as soon as next Thursday.

tnadolny@phillynews.com

215-854-2730

@TriciaNadolny
Top 8 Hindu Temples and Shrines to Worship in Bangkok

Do you know there are 8 Hindu Temples and Shrines in Bangkok? Well, before we blogged about this, we had a conversation with a friend about religious places in Bangkok some time ago. He asked us if there are any Hindu temples or shrines he can visit if he plans to visit Bangkok. So then, we asked our friends from Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and they gave me a list of Hindu temples and shrines. Since there is not many information about this on the Internet, why dont we go and visit the Hindu temples and shrines and create a story? That is what we do, we try to produce good contents so readers can benefit from them. That is another reason that most of our stories are non-sponsored or non-paid stories. We want our readers to read our tips and experiences more than reading sponsored contents. For that reason, we travelled to Bangkok recently to find all the Hindu temples and shrines so we can create a list for the convenience of our readers and our Hindu friends.

From the list that we received from TAT, we researched and found more Hindu places. After asking our local friends, we finally concluded that there are Top 8 Hindu Temples and Shrines in Bangkok to Worship. We wont be elaborate much on it as we are not expert in religions, just a short descriptions of each Hindu places to worship. Thus, we do understand the rules of no photography in the Hindu temples so we only show the exterior of it.

The Top 8 Hindu Temples and Shrines to Worship in Bangkok are:

1)Sri Maha Mariaman Temple at Silom Road

It is the most popular Hindu Temple in Bangkok. Most of my friends and taxi drivers know about this tempe. Opened since 1879, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple or also known as Maha Uma Devi is located in Silom Bangkok. It is also known as Wat Khaek which means people of Indian origin in Thai. It is a South Indian architecture style Hindu temple and it is often crowded.

Pictures are not allowed within the temple and you can find many locals and tourists in this temple. You are not allowed to wear shoes and slippers within the temple.

Sri Maha Mariaman Temple Address:

Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Phone: +66 2 238 4007

2)Wat Witsanu or Wat Vishnu Temple (  )

is a located in St Louis 3, Soi 22, Sathon. This is a least popular temple and remember to show the taxi driver the exact address when you come here. Thus, it is better to get a Grab or Uber to this temple and back. The temple is hidden within the city and it is hard to get a ride from here.

It is a huge temple and it has its own parking lots. The temple is white in colour and you can find many locals visiting the temple. This is Lord Vishnu temple in Bangkok.

Wat Witsanu Address:

St Louis 3, Soi 22, Sathon

3)Narayana Statue at Intercontinental Hotel Bangkok

There are five Hindu shrines and one hindu statue in Ratchaprasong area. The first one is Narayana Statue located in front of Intercontinenal Hotel Bangkok. It is believed that Narayana Statue is the protector of local business and the well being of all visitors. You can easily spot Narayana Statue in front of Intercontinental Hotel under the Ratchaprasong Sky Bridge (opposite) The Amarin

4)Indra Shrine at Amarin Plaza

Indra Shrine in located in front of Amarin Plaza in Ratchprasong and opposite Narayana Statue in front of Intercontinental Hotel Bangkok. The jade coloured Indra is known as the supreme ruler of gods with Lord Erawan as his celestial vehicle. You can many small elephant figurines here offered here. The Indra Shrine is located at the same street of Erawan Shrine.

5)Erawan Shrine

The famous Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. Many Chinese called it four face buddha but in fact it is Phra Phrom (Thai representation of Hindu god of creation, Lord Brahma). This is a popular attraction and you can find many locals and tourists here.

There are also performances by local dance troupes from time to time in this shrine. The Erawan Shrine is located opposite Central World Bangkok Shopping Mall at the corner of Ratchaprasong intersection.

6) Goddess Lakshmi Statue at Gaysorn

Goddess Lakshmi Statue is located on the 4th floor of Gaysorn (shopping mall). There are directions in the mall which leads you to the statue through a lift. Goddess Lakhsmi is believed to offer wealth and fertility and you can find many offerings such as pink blossoms, coins and other symbols of wealth. Goddess Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Narayana, whose statue is outside the InterContinental Bangkok.

7) Trimurti Shrine at Central World Bangkok

There are two Hindu shrines in front of Central World Bangkok, they are Trimurti Shrine and Ganesh Shrine. Lord Trimurti is believed to offer help with issues of love and heart. To make an offering, you need nine red incense sticks, red candles, red roses and fruits. The shrine is located in front of the end of Isetan Central World Bangkok.

8) Ganesh Shrine Trimurti Shrine at Central World Bangkok

Next to Trimurt Shrine is Ganesh Shrine. Lord Ganesh (in the form of elephant) is also better known of the Elephant God. Ganesh is the son of Siva, one of the Trinity of Hindu gods with Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.

These are the Top 8 Hindu Temples and Shrines in Bangkok to Worship. Enjoy your trip to Bangkok and you can read all our stories about Bangkok at All About Bangkok.

Wilson Ng A Father and traveler who enjoys to eat, shop, travel and taking pictures with Samsung S22 Ultra and Sony ZV-1. Im a full time blogger, youtuber and father for two. I used to travel around 17 International trips per year but now staying at home. Remember to follow us at www.instagram.com/placesandfoods and www.youtube.com/placesandfoods. For advertisements or features, contact me at [email protected] See author's posts
The rover is named ECA (pronounced eeka), which expands in Hindi to Ek Choti si Aasha, or One Small Wish. It weighs 7 kilograms with wheels made of high-strength aluminium. The rovers body will be made of carbon fiber and aluminium, while the lander is comprised of aluminium and aluminium honeycomb sandwich composite panels. Both spacecraft will power themselves with solar panels, but will be perennially exposed to the sun.

ECA will move on the lunar surface at a speed of 6 centimeters per second, with a maximum speed of 10 centimeters per second. It will use an autonomous onboard navigation system, and come equipped with temperature and inertial sensors, a low-resolution camera for mapping terrain, and two high-resolution micro-cameras (called CASPEX or Colour cmos cAmera for SPace EXploration) for spotting obstacles in the rovers path. The two state-of-the-art cameras are provided by CNES, the French national space agency. CNES has supplied cameras for other space missions in the past, including the Curiosity rover.

Out of the 13 teams still in the competition, four others have announced their launch contracts. SpaceIL is from Israel and has a contract with SpaceX (Given the recent unfortunate incident with the Falcon 9, SpaceILs launch could be delayed). Moon Express, a space startup owned by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, have a contract with RocketLab. SynergyMoon, an international collaboration, has a launch contract with Interorbital Systems. The German team, PT Scientists, announced their launch contract with Spaceflight Industries two days ago, although this is yet to be verified by GLXP. The last date to announce a launch contract is Dec 31st of this year.

TeamIndus is owned by the parent company Axiom Research Labs, which was founded for the purpose of this mission by five former IT employees: Rahul Narayan, Indranil Chakraborty, Sameer Joshi, Dilip Chabria and Julius Amrit. The group also has advisors who have worked with ISRO. They are headquartered in Bangalore, India.
Under normal circumstances, the third stage would have burned until almost 9 minutes after liftoff. Instead, an early engine shutdown appears to have sent the cargo ship tumbling back into Earth's atmosphere.

On social media, explosions were reported over the Republic of Tuva, located in one of the southernmost regions of Russia about 2,000 kilometers east of the launch site in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Roscosmos later reported the vehicle broke apart at an altitude of about 190 kilometers, over a remote, mountainous region. No injuries have been reported due to falling debris.

Progress was scheduled to arrive at the station on Saturday for a docking with the Zvezda module. The spacecraft was carrying 2.5 tons of food, fuel and supplies.

In a statement, NASA said consumables aboard the ISS were stocked at good levels. A Japanese cargo ship is scheduled to launch to the station on December 9.
Lt. Thomas B. Jacocks of the Montgomery County (MD) PD is 84 and retiring. (Photo: Montgomery County PD)

Lt. Thomas B. Jacocks, 84, is retiring.

Come late Wednesday, he will turn in his gun and close a career marked by tight standards, few words and sheer longevity.

Jacocks has been on the Montgomery County (MD) Police force for 61 years, making him among the longest-serving officers at a major U.S. police department.

He started in 1955 when Dwight D. Eisenhower was president.

Jacocks joined the Montgomery County PD in 1955 when Eisenhower was in the White House. (Photo: Montgomery County PD)

His opening wage: $1.44 an hour. His equipment: A .38-caliber Colt revolver, ticket book and a marked Chevy with a siren switch on the floor.

I cant move as fast as I used to, he told the Washington Post recently in his spartan office at police headquarters.

On the whiteboard behind him is a revised printout of his career highlights. Originally created in 2005 for his 50th anniversary, it extends another 11 tick marks to the right. I updated your timeline for you, a captain wrote above it.
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The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), which, as People for the American Way remind us, has white nationalist roots and a long history of troubling statements and positions, has presented its extreme anti-immigrant proposals to Donald Trump. Under these proposals, even legal immigration would be drastically reduced.

PFAWs Director of Latinos Vote! Lizet Ocampo issued this statement in response:

FAIRs newly laid-out immigration priorities are directly from the xenophobic, far-right movement, ranging from severely limiting legal immigration to getting rid of the Constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship. This shouldnt be surprising from a group with significant ties to white nationalists.

But what makes this effort different, this year, is that the President-Elect and his administration will rely on FAIR to drive their policies. Trumps transition adviser on immigration, Kris Kobach, serves as counsel to FAIRs legal arm. Trumps Attorney General pick, Jeff Sessions, frequently attends and even speaks at FAIR events. Trump is sure to try to implement some of the worst immigration policies weve seen; its critical that Republicans and Democrats alike stand up against Trump and his teams anti-immigrant policies that go against our core national values.

FAIRs report, Immigration Priorities for the 2017 Presidential Transition, blames pretty much all our societal ills on immigration, claiming,

Illegal immigration and unchecked legal immigration are detrimental to the quality of life in the United States. The American family is increasingly bearing the costs of urban sprawl, environmental degradation, traffic congestion, increased crime, overburdened health care, overwhelmed public schools and debt-ridden state and municipal governments  all results of uncontrolled immigration.

Awful as these claims are, there is worse to be found in the study: According to PFAWs Miranda Blue,

FAIRs proposal starts out by citing a flawed Heritage Foundation study on the fiscal costs of immigration, which was co-written by a man who had promoted crackpot theories about racial difference in intelligence. It goes on to lament the social, cultural and political costs as we receive immigrants in numbers too large to be successfully incorporated into our way of life and assimilated into our communities.

In 2013, The Washington Posts Dylan Matthews outed the the crack-pot in question, Jason Richwine, who in his 2009 Harvard Ph.D. dissertation argued that immigrants have a lower IQ than that of the white native population.

According to the dissertations abstract:

The statistical construct known as IQ can reliably estimate general mental ability, or intelligence. The average IQ of immigrants in the United States is substantially lower than that of the white native population, and the difference is likely to persist over several generations. The consequences are a lack of socioeconomic assimilation among low-IQ immigrant groups, more underclass behavior, less social trust, and an increase in the proportion of unskilled workers in the American labor market. Selecting high-IQ immigrants would ameliorate these problems in the U.S., while at the same time benefiting smart potential immigrants who lack educational access in their home countries.

This puts Jason Richwine on a par with Steve Bannon, who also believes in the genetic superiority of the white race.

It is interesting to note that while Heritage responded to the Post by claiming, This is not a work product of The Heritage Foundation. Its findings in no way reflect the positions of The Heritage Foundation. Nor do the findings affect the conclusions of our study on the cost of amnesty to the U.S. taxpayer, FAIR is now, three years later, citing it in its own report.

Clearly, the Republican Party cant get any attack started without debunked studies, even studies their own organizations want nothing to do with.

This is unlikely to be a problem for the fact-free Trump administration-to-be, however, as the president-elect surrounds himself with not only white supremacists, but people uniquely unqualified to do the jobs for which they have been selected.
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Donald Trump is considering Sarah Palin to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs in his administration, according to several reports out Wednesday.

Its not clear what qualifies the former Alaska governor and failed VP nominee to lead this post or what convinced the Trump team to consider her for it, but social media users were quick to respond  and it was priceless.

Trump  Man, Id love to have an affair w/ Sarah Palin Melania walks in. Umm Affairs Yes, she should run Veterans Affairs!  W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) December 1, 2016

Call me crazy, but as a military veteran, I want someone who actually served in the military to run Veterans Affairs, not Sarah Palin.  Charles Clymer (@cmclymer) November 30, 2016

Sarah Palin is to Veterans Affairs what Homer Simpson is to nuclear safety.  Corey Miller (@StopEatingBees) November 30, 2016

SARAH PALIN: My son beating up his girlfriend and being arrested for it is just like PTSD TRUMP: Perfect, be my Veterans Affairs Secretary  Michael (@Home_Halfway) November 30, 2016

We laugh, but its not all fun and games.

Like Trump, Palin is deeply unqualified to deal with matters related to foreign policy and veterans affairs. According to the former governors own words, her only foreign policy experience is that she lived in a state that borders Russia. In the past, she blamed her sons domestic violence on PTSD and President Obama, which was widely condemned by veterans.

Trump even considering her for this position indicates that he values people who are similar and loyal to him rather than people with knowledge and expertise. But leading the Department of Veterans Affairs  the governments largest agency  is serious business and somebody like Palin shouldnt be near it.

Of course, there are a couple silver linings to Palin being tapped for the VA job: 1. Shed probably just quit halfway through the first term; and 2. Wed likely see Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey together on Saturday Night Live.
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*The following is an opinion column by R Muse*

It shouldnt surprise any American that a corrupt businessman and megalomaniac who hasnt contributed anything to America, and yet is poised to wield enormous power over Americans, once again called for implementation of an unconstitutional law; particularly a law the United States Supreme Court has two separate times affirmed is unconstitutional. A real American would have known that the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment protects both free speech and free expression; particularly if freely expressing oneself is setting fire to a piece of tri-colored cloth made in China. What Trumps call for jail time and/or loss of American citizenship for burning an American flag accomplished was not only demonstrating his abject ignorance about America or its Constitution but his blatant hypocrisy.

One man, a neo-con Republican and former George W. Bush speechwriter named David Frum, certainly saw Trumps hypocrisy and posted a little query on his Twitter account asking a very prescient question. Mr. Frum asked by way of Tweet,

If flag burning merits loss of citizenship, what should be the penalty for a Nazi salute by a Trump supporter?

Of course, Mr. Frum, who defended this author several years ago regardless being on opposite ends of the political divide, has a good point. A point that would be lost on someone like Trump or his racist, Nazi and bigoted supporters; free expression, and free speech, are both protected and extended to all Americans and not just dirty Donnys acolytes. However, Frums point doesnt go far enough and the real question is why arent more Americans demanding Trumps loss of citizenship for un-American activities? Activities, by the way, that are far and above more unpatriotic, and some would say treasonous, than any imaginable form of free expression or speech.

Frum could and should have asked: What should be the penalty for collusion with a hostile foreign power to interfere with Americas government? Or, does appointing a maniac who has twice called for armed rebellion against the United States government to lead the Department of Homeland Security warrant loss of citizenship? Or does being a sworn law enforcement officer and again calling for armed revolution against the United States fit Trumps standard for citizenship revocation?

These are acutely more valid reasons to revoke citizenship or earn jail time than burning cloth, and that includes Trumps suggestion that his 2nd Amendment cohort could regulate the wrong leader who might nominate the wrong Supreme Court justice; something tantamount to calling for rebellion against the government. Obviously, even with an African-American man in the White House, most Americans would likely think that if any act should warrant citizenship revocation, it would be giving aid and influence over America to a foreign government, or inciting other malcontents to arm up in revolt against America.

If anyone in America warrants having their citizenship revoked, it is Donald Trump; but like all Americans who arent naturalized, once a citizen, always a citizen, and it is too bad in Trumps case. First, for at least the past two decades the corrupt filthy rich cretin has not contributed anything to the general welfare of the country he will soon tyrannize; in fact has taken more from just one state government than the majority of Americans earn in a lifetime of toil and sweat. Add to that, Trump conspired with China, in secret deals no less, to kill thousands of rust belt aluminum and steel manufacturing jobs out of sheer greed. Greed, by the way, that earned him millions he did not pay taxes on and clearly helped China nearly wipe out Americas aluminum industry. Trumps supporters will say he is a good businessman, and although it is true that raping American jobs and aiding a foreign nations industrial complex is not illegal, but it damn sure isnt very American. Still, American or not, cheating Americans out of jobs and income is simply not enough to warrant Trumps citizenship revocation or jail time; or both.

What should be considered a crime against America is inviting honest-to-dog (alt-right) Nazis into the highest level of government, colluding with an adversarial foreign government, Russia, against Americas government and interests, or even considering as the next head of Homeland Security an extremist cop who not only supported Cliven Bundys sedition, he called for rebellion against the American government, as recently as October prior to the election. It is, in some sense, good that no American can ever have their citizenship revoked; even revoking a naturalized citizens citizenship is extremely rare and probably really good news for Trumps wife.

It is too bad, however, that there are no paths to revoke a clearly un-American mans citizenship regardless he is set to lead the nation. No matter how one frames it, in the same sense that many Americans claimed that House and Senate Republicans were traitors for conspiring with foreign nations (Israel and Canada) against American interests, Trump has done far worse including colluding with Russians, going to Washington with Nazi strategists as advisors, and an oath breaker who calls for an armed rebellion against the United States; all things no real American citizen would ever consider.
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The deal that Donald Trump negotiated with United Technologies to keep Carrier jobs in Indiana is getting even worse. Trump and Pence gave United Technologies $7 million of taxpayer money in exchange for only keeping 800 jobs in the US.

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) reported that the deal only covers 800 Carrier jobs in the Indianapolis furnace plant and an additional 300 research and development jobs that were not going to Mexico. Carrier parent company United Technologies still intends to move 1,300 jobs to Mexico.

In return for keeping less in the US than they are moving to Mexico, United Technologies is getting a tax cut and incentive package worth $7 million over the next ten years.

Eric Brander of CNN provided more details:

More details on the Carrier deal with Indiana, from a source familiar: It's $700,000/year for 10 years total (1/2)  Eric Bradner (@ericbradner) December 1, 2016

 $500/K per year in refunds on state income taxes.  $200K/year for job training & refunds of previously clawed-back incentives. (2/2) https://t.co/WffX9hBYlK  Eric Bradner (@ericbradner) December 1, 2016

Using taxpayer dollars to bribe companies to stay in the US is always a bad deal, but the deal gets even worse when it keeps less than half of the at risk jobs in the country. Trump and Pence just threw away seven million dollars that Indiana taxpayers are going to have to pay for so that Carrier can keep a fraction of the jobs they were going to send to Mexico in the country.

No matter how Republicans try to spin it, this is a bad deal that is going to set the standard for more bad deals to come all across the country.

President-elect Trump is already demonstrating that he is going to be great for millionaires, billionaires, and corporations, while everyone else is going to be left holding the bag for his upward redistribution of wealth. Trump isnt even the president yet, but he has already made his first terrible deal that hurt American workers.
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Democratic Senators Charles E. Schumer, Sherrod Brown, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Elizabeth Warren busting Senate Republicans for trying to secretly jam through the confirmation of a person who is trying to privatize Social Security to serve on the Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees.

The Democratic Senators said in a joint statement on the Republican attempts to jam through the confirmation of Charles Blahous:



As Public Trustee Mr. Blahous has promoted a radical agenda  spreading misinformation and fear about the future of Social Security and Medicare while claiming to represent the very programs that protect millions of seniors from poverty.

Republicans are trying to jam his nomination through committee today, out of view from the public in an effort to hide their extreme agenda. Ultimately, they wont be successful. We will block his confirmation to serve as a trustee on the Social Security and Medicare advisory board this year.

This must be the last time his nomination comes before the Senate.

President-elect Trump repeatedly promised to millions of Americans that he would not cut their Social Security benefits. Americas seniors expect that he will live up to that promise. One small step he can take towards doing this is by nominating individuals to the board who are committed to protecting and expanding, not slashing, Social Security to meet the needs of Americas workers in the years ahead.

The Democrats are correct. Republicans are trying to hide their true agenda. The GOP has learned to disguise their real goal on Social Security. Republicans talk about protecting Social Security and Medicare for seniors, or not touching Social Security and Medicare, but the real plan has always been to privatize both programs.

Republicans are trying to jam through a confirmation to the Board of Trustees who if his positions were publicly known would spark backlash and outrage.

Democrats have been warning for years that if Republicans ever were in total control of the government, they would be coming for Social Security and Medicare. Senate Republicans are laying the groundwork for a full-blown assault on the beloved programs that millions of Americans depend on.

It will be up to Democrats to sound the alarm and alert the public, but nothing less than a massive public rebuke will stop the Republican privatization efforts from moving forward.
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CNNs Brian Stelter asks whether it is time for a media pause after a saturating and overwhelming campaign season. This has become a question because rather than slow down post-election, the media cycle has sped up even faster this month covering all things Trump.

The reason: Trumps unceasing twitter rants.

And then Stelter asks an ironic question, really, coming from the mainstream media, which completely ignored policies in order to focus on Trumps statements:

Is there too much focus on Trump the man, too little on his views and policies. Do his inflammatory tweets serve as a distraction?

The answer would be yes and yes. However, Stelter addressed this question to his panel on Reliable Sources: former Time editor and Aspen Institute president Walter Isaacson, Voxs Ezra Klein, and National Review Onlines Charles Cook, and their answers were illuminating, and expose the fact that having been played by Trump, they still do not understand who or what they are dealing with.

And that is a bad thing for all Americans, as the Fourth Estate is supposed to be a watchdog and not a lapdog, to the powerful.

Isaacson argued that Trumps tweets are newsworthy, and he is right about that, and in saying that yes, the media should cover them. But then two things happened.

First, he then he told Stelter that were gonna have a lot of time once he gets into office to start covering his policies.

And second, Stelter for some reason let this pass.

By the time Isaacson gets around to covering Trumps policies, those policies may have excluded people like Isaacson from the White House.

And if the mainstream media had spent even a little time talking about his policies pre-election, we might not be, as Isaacson lamented, wringing our hands as November rolls into January.

Letting things pass unremarked makes you a propagandist, not a journalist.

Ezra Klein, on the other hand, admitted that the media was wrong not to focus on Trumps policies:

Look, I think we do need to do a better job covering Trumps policies. I think that we made a mistake as an industry during the campaign. I think People tended totake him seriously but not literally.

Klein warned that we need to believe Trump means what he says and that he will do what he says.

Well, yes and no.

Trump did say he would drain the swamp. He is aiming for unprecedented levels of corruption instead. He also said hed throw Hillary Clinton in jail. Now he says the Clintons are good people.

Yes, the media should have paid attention to Trumps policies, and the problem all along was a lack of analysis, a lack of focus (from fake scandals about Clinton to real scandals about Trump), and a media willing to normalize, then as now, Trumps shadier associations with foreign governments and with extremists on the right.

Klein worried that if we dont start taking Trump seriously we will continue to be led around by his tweets and keep letting him off the hook. Letting him off the hook is kinda/sorta what Stelter did next by claiming Trump moderated some of his positions this week when all most of us saw was a man more out of control than ever.

Charles Cooke explained that position changes are not surprising since throughout the campaign, he put forward more than one position on almost every topic. Cooke called him schizophrenic, both before and after the election.

To that point, Klein questioned whether Trump had moderated any positions at all since he tries to be seem more sympathetic during interviews. As Klein pointed out,



So far, in the places where the rubber meets the road, which is appointments, we have not seen a softening. We have not seen him release new policy papershe often says a lot of different things in interviews but overall the thrust of his policies has tended to remain pretty consistent.

Trump, as president-elect and no doubt as president, presents many unique challenges. We live in an age of social media and we have in Trump a president who prefers social media to all other venues. He has not held a press conference since July 27.

Certainly, it would be difficult to argue that with a man like Trump, who lies 9 out of every 10 times he opens his mouth, whatever the venue, that journalists can decide which utterance deserves attention and which does not.

Unfortunately, whatever the media does now, however, they chose to respond to Trump, it will be a case of too little too late. The time to have asked questions, to have demanded answers, and to have put the spotlight on Trumps policies was before the election.

Hillary Clinton presented very thorough and well-thought-out policy positions, and they were ignored in favor of baseless attacks not only by Trump but a mainstream media more interested in making a buck off his coverage than in discovering the truth.

What were seeing here from this panel is a failure to see the forest for the trees. It is not how Trump says things, but what he says, that is the problem. He is lying almost non-stop. Only belatedly did the media start to pay attention to these lies, preferring instead to play their false equivalency storyline until Rome had burned to ashes.

The mainstream media fails to grasp even now that a threat from Trump is a threat in whatever form it is delivered. It could be argued the media does not need a break now as they already took one during the campaign when they should have been protecting our liberties.

The fact is, the mainstream media failed spectacularly with Trump and they havent learned a single thing from it.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Some clouds. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable.
Kelvin Cole, 56, died Oct. 28 after being struck by multiple cars on Interstate 26. Investigators later determined he had active arrest warrants from Charleston County's Family Court and the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. Read moreJohns Island man provided fake name before jumping from I-26 overpass, report says
Austrian presidential candidates Alexander Van der Bellen (L) and Norbert Hofer (R) speak to each other during a television debate in Vienna, Austria on November 27, 2016 (AFP Photo/JOE KLAMAR)

Vienna (AFP) - One is a gun-loving populist and Islam critic, the other an elderly pro-EU professor with Green backing -- the rivals in Austria's presidential re-run on Sunday mirror the deep fault lines splitting both the country and Europe.

In the far-right corner stands parliamentary speaker Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party (FPOe), founded by ex-Nazis in the 1950s.

The 45-year-old narrowly lost the election in May but now has another shot after the initial run-off was annulled over procedural irregularities.

Described as the FPOe's "friendly face", the self-proclaimed political "gladiator" pushes themes like anti-immigration with a winning smile instead of the incendiary rhetoric of party chief Heinz-Christian Strache.

Hofer's polished campaign -- run under the slogan "Tough in action, engaging in tone" -- earned him 35 percent in the first round in April, the FPOe's best-ever result at federal level since 1945.

But observers warn the smooth politician is a "wolf in sheep's clothing" who has already threatened to seize upon never-before-used presidential powers to fire the government or call a referendum on Austria's European Union membership.

No-one can level the same accusation at ex-Greens chief Alexander Van der Bellen.

At 72, the grey-haired economics expert cuts a somewhat dishevelled and often grouchy-looking figure next to the FPOe's strapping poster boy who walks with a cane after a paragliding accident.

If "Hofer is the offensive attacker who knows he can only score if he's not too aggressive, Van der Bellen comes across as a nice, older gentleman", political expert Peter Hajek said.

But even Van der Bellen has at times bared his teeth, saying he would refuse to swear in Strache as chancellor if current poll leader FPOe wins the next general election scheduled for 2018.

The remark prompted Hofer to call him a "green dictator".

Story continues

In the course of their encounters, the pair have traded increasingly sharp barbs, exposing their glaring differences over issues like immigration.

- 'I have the people' -

Van der Bellen was born during World War II in Vienna to an aristocratic Russian father and an Estonian mother who fled Stalinism -- earning him the tag "communist" from Hofer.

The arrival of the Red Army in 1945 forced the family to escape to the southern state of Tyrol, where Van der Bellen spent an "idyllic childhood".

His academic career saw him become dean of the economics faculty at the University of Vienna, before he joined the Greens in the mid-1990s. The party achieved record results under his decade-long leadership.

Van der Bellen's trademark professorial manner has often riled Hofer.

"I'm talking about Europe: E-U-R-O-P-E. Never heard of it?" Van der Bellen taunted his opponent during a TV encounter earlier this year.

"My God, the schoolmasterliness, Herr Doctor Van der Bellen," an agitated Hofer shot back.

Van der Bellen's huge backing from celebrities and the country's top politicians has left his rival unimpressed.

"You have the glitterati, but I have the people," the far-right politician observed.

- Steady climb -

Hofer, a trained aeronautical engineer, has had a slow but steady climb to the top over the past two decades.

The son of a conservative councillor in Burgenland state, he joined the FPOe in 1994 and was made party secretary two years later.

Biding his time, he later became a close adviser to Strache who took over the party reins from the charismatic Joerg Haider in 2005.

On Hofer's advice, Strache dropped openly xenophobic comments to adopt a more moderate course and focus on social welfare and purchasing power, to steal support from the traditional parties as the economic crisis hit.

The strategy paid off, with the FPOe now consistently topping opinion polls.

During his own campaign, Hofer has mainly pushed for Swiss-style direct democracy and opposition to international trade deals.

While his core support is among the working and rural classes, he has won support right across Austrian society.

- 'Love to shoot' -

Yet, despite his amiable appearance, Hofer is a true-blue far-right proponent who wants a "Europe of fatherlands" and says "Islam is not a part of Austria".

Critics have also highlighted his membership of a pan-Germanic student fraternity.

"When we speak about Norbert Hofer, we speak about someone fascinated with the ideology of a Greater Germany... someone pulled from the hat of a party chief with links to the neo-Nazi scene," according to Austrian news magazine Profil.

Hofer's Instagram account shows the father-of-four -- who occasionally carries a Glock pistol in public -- at a shooting range with his children.

"I just love to shoot," he once declared, saying he understood the rising trend of gun owners in Austria "given current uncertainties".
This past year there has been a lot of discussion in Rochester about food trucks  to have or have not.

There is, however, one that has become an important part of the Open Table ministry, a joint venture between Zumbro and People of Hope Lutheran churches.

Though the truck was a new addition in October, this ministry has been feeding the underserved since July 2015. According to Pastor Lisa Kipp, of Zumbro Lutheran, a call for a program of this type came from the Minnesota Synod of the ELCA. She got together with Pastor Dan Doering, of People of Hope, and together they have made it happen, along with an army of volunteers.

"Before it launched, we did a lot of research on what areas were in need, what food would be the best and from whom we could get assistance," Doering said.

The pastors settled on an area of southeast Rochester near Oak Terrace and Parkside mobile home parks as being one that could benefit.

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What food to make available also was a question. It needed to be warm, nutritious and easy to carry. They settled on burritos.

"We fill them with either ground chicken or turkey, rice, beans, cheese and salsa," Doering said. "They are made to order, so if there is an ingredient someone doesn't care for, we can leave it out."

Often there are extras, maybe a dairy product or fruit cups. There is no charge for anything.

Food is served Thursdays beginning about 5:15 p.m. and goes until they run out.

"We don't limit the portions," Kipp said. "If someone wants to take more than one, that's fine because they might be taking it home to their family."

The service isn't just for residents of the mobile home parks. Residents from a nearby apartment building also come, as do many homeless. "We don't turn anyone away," Doering said.

Three-quarters of those served are 18 and younger, and of those, a majority are ages 8 and younger. Close to 150 burritos are given away each Thursday.

Until the churches got the truck, food was served from under a large tent with portable tables. The city's Parks and Recreation Department provided picnic tables so people can sit and eat if they choose.

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Last year when the weather turned cold, the churches moved the whole operation into one of the community rooms at the mobile home park. Preparing the burrito ingredients happens at Zumbro Lutheran. Early Thursday afternoons, at least 22 volunteers become sous chefs  prepping, chopping and dicing. They also bake batches of cookies. It all was loaded into cars and set up under the tent. Another volunteer crew came later to do the cleanup.

The truck simplifies the whole process. Though they are just serving from the truck right now, the church volunteers hope to be able to do all the cooking and prepping in it soon.

"The truck is the tool we feel enables us to continue to conduct this ministry successfully," Kipp said.

The truck is bright yellow and can't be missed. It was purchased using money Zumbro Lutheran raised in celebration of its 150th year.

The truck was outfitted by Chameleon Concessions in Minneapolis, which specializes in doing just this sort of thing. It's very impressive with everything that's needed to prepare food.

"What has made this such a success are the partnerships with Channel One, other donations from around town, the Park and Rec department, the management at the trailer parks and all the many volunteers from both churches," Kipp said. "A real camaraderie has developed between all of us, including the brothers and sisters we serve."

Kipp said she hopes more partnerships will be developed where there is a need and that this bright yellow truck will one day be in use every day of the week.

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The federal government has issued final regulations that reform the way Medicare pays doctors. If the new rules achieve their intended goal, all Americans  and not just Medicare enrollees  could see improvements in the quality of their care.

The regulations, which were issued last month, stem from legislation Congress passed in April 2015 in an unusually strong bipartisan vote. The new payments will begin in 2019, but they will be based on quality measures physicians report starting in 2017.

Overall health care costs are a target of the law, too, and the rate of growth in costs could decline if the law's mechanisms succeed. But it may be years before the government and researchers know if it is succeeding.

The previous payment formula was ineffective at motivating doctors to practice better medicine at lower cost. At the same time, it angered doctors because nearly every year it threatened to slash their reimbursements. Congress regularly intervened to prevent that from 2002 to 2015.

Here's a quick rundown on what the new rules mean for you.

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What's the biggest change?

The new reimbursement system pegs part of doctors' fees under Medicare to the quality and efficiency of the care they deliver. It also rewards doctors and other clinicians (physician assistants, nurse practitioners, etc.) who join or create larger organizations that will increasingly be paid overall fees for patient care instead of piecemeal "fee-for-service" payments.

That line item approach may work for car repairs, but in medicine it's wasteful and promotes excessive and unnecessary care that can actually be harmful, the government contends, and most experts agree.

How will the formula work?

Starting in 2019, doctors who choose not to join larger organizations in 2017 and 2018  which the government dubs "alternative payment models"  and also don't participate in reporting quality measures will be penalized 4 percent of the total amount they bill Medicare. If they report a few quality measures, they avoid the penalty and could earn a small bonus. If they participate more substantially, they could earn up to a 4 percent bonus (and more in some circumstances). Potential penalties and bonuses rise to 5 percent in 2020, 7 percent in 2021, and 9 percent in 2022 and beyond.

Doctors who join alternative payment organizations in 2017 and 2018 that meet certain criteria will get a 5 percent bonus in 2019.

Does the law change Medicare benefits?

No. Nothing in the new law or rules changes Medicare's benefit structure or benefits for 2017 and beyond. It also does not affect Medicare beneficiaries' choice between private insurers' Medicare Advantage plans and traditional Medicare, nor does it impact benefits under Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage).

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Will I pay more for care?

In the short run, the new payment system will not affect how much you pay in Medicare premiums or out-of-pocket costs. Beyond 2023, Medicare premiums and copays could be affected by the new rules. The government's hope is that the annual rate of rise in the cost of care for Medicare patients will be reduced. That could, in the future, translate into lower premiums. If the new system is unsuccessful at restraining costs, premiums and copays will likely rise.

Does the new system apply to all doctors who see Medicare patients?

Not initially. Doctors who bill Medicare less than $30,000 or have fewer than 100 Medicare patients per year are exempted in 2017 and 2018. That's about 30 percent of doctors who see Medicare patients. The government estimates that some 500,000 clinicians will be eligible for the financial incentive program in 2017 and that between 70,000 and 120,000 will join alternative payment organizations.

Will it be harder to find a doctor who accepts Medicare?

No. Congress killed the old payment system because some doctors threatened to stop seeing Medicare patients if fees were cut substantially, although few did. The new payment formula, while complex and requiring doctors to adapt, carries much less risk of Medicare dropouts by doctors.

How will actual care be affected?

Under the new system, doctors will be rewarded if they improve the way they track and manage patients over time; work in teams to make sure patients get the best, most appropriate treatments; use electronic health records; and prioritize wellness and prevention.

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Such reforms are being pushed broadly in medicine today, and studies indicate they can improve treatment and keep people healthy  although there's not universal agreement on which changes and techniques work best.

Paying doctors and medical organizations based on the outcomes of care carries the risk that doctors might avoid very sick and expensive patients. There's debate over whether the new payment formula adequately limits that risk. Most experts agree, though, that the risk is minimal in the early years of the new program.

How will doctors' performance and quality of care be measured?

Doctors will get one overall grade and rating. Call it a GPA based on four categories: quality of care, practice improvement, adoption and use of electronic health records, and cost (this assessment starts in 2018). Quality of care will represent 60 percent of their score.

Their scores, along with reviews of their Medicare bills and patterns, will dictate whether they get a bonus, no change in payment, or a penalty.

Will I have access to doctors' grades and ratings?

Yes. The results will be posted on the website Physician Compare. This site, mandated by the Affordable Care Act, already has some quality ratings for physician groups.

When and in what form the information based on the new payment system will be available online is not yet clear, however. In response to a question, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is administering the new payment system, replied: "We will use statistical and consumer testing for purposes of determining how and where such data will be reported on Physician Compare."

How will the law affect the health system for people not in Medicare?

The steps to improve care and constrain cost growth in Medicare is in sync with similar actions in the private sector  by employers, insurers and large health systems. Financial incentives and other rewards, for example, have become common. Plus, almost all doctors who see Medicare patients also see privately insured patients. Thus, the government's actions are expected to have a spillover effect to medical care for all adults.

Will the Trump Administration change or delay MACRA?

It's hard to say right now. Trump said repeatedly on the campaign trail that he would preserve and strengthen Medicare. Regulations like MACRA that have been through extensive public comment and finalized are not easy to rescind or alter. In addition, Congress passed MACRA with strong bipartisan support. It's probably unlikely that Trump would see it as a priority to alter MACRA before it begins to be implemented in 2017.
Many people invite Rachel Wick, co-anchor on ABC 6 News Good Morning, into their morning routine. Now they can invite her to their wedding  as the ordained minister.

Wick recently got her credentials and certificate to perform weddings through American Marriage Ministries.

"You get credentials and your certificate saying you are now legally able to marry people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation all across the United States," Wick said. "Now, in order to be ordained in Minnesota, you have to go through Minnesota's law because each state has different rules. So I was able to get that through the Olmsted County Government Center.

"Most people would be able to do this as long as you are of sound mind, but I don't think a lot of people would consider it because you are putting yourself out there and are the public speaker," Wick said. "For me, it's just a natural complement for me and what I do at ABC 6. I love telling people's stories and I love public speaking. I love being out in the community meeting new people, and what better way to meet new people than to do something like this?"

Wick's interest was piqued during a brief stint working at the Kahler Hospitality Group doing weddings and special events.

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"During that time, I saw so many different weddings and ceremonies performed, and thought that could be really fun," she said. "I really learned the process through that, and when I came back to ABC 6, things were fine as is and I wasn't looking for anything extra, but about a year ago a few of my friends asked 'Would you ordain our wedding? We'd love to hear you speak for us." I looked into it, and then got ordained and got my credentials and was able to perform ceremonies for some of my friends. Now that things have slowed down with our family and our boys are growing up, obviously you can never have enough money when raising children, there's always a bill to be paid!

"Doing this type of side job or moonlighting is perfect for me because I don't feel like its work, but at the same time it's helping to support my family," she said. "Obviously I have great support through ABC 6, but I think it's hard to find anyone these days that isn't moonlighting to help their family out.

Wick has only officially been offering officiating for a few weeks.

"I started by putting it out on my Facebook page at the beginning of November, and within that first week I'd already had five weddings lined up for 2017," she said. "It really surprised me, how much the demand is out there for this. I think people are getting married in different venues now, and taking on a different image for some people, so I think it's great that there are different options for people to choose from. I think as things progress and if this takes off, I'll do a website and really put myself out there, but right now I'm starting off small and just doing it off my Facebook page."

A lifetime appointment

Speaking of weddings, Olmsted County commissioner Stephanie Podulkejust got married a few weeks ago.

Podulke and her new husband, Jim Frost, have been together for about two years. Both are widows, and Frost had been married for almost 50 years, as had Podulke.

"We met online," she said. "He is a woodworker and has his own digital woodworking shop in Waseca, and had done stained glass before. So professionally we fit  which wasn't what I was looking for, I was looking for someone with an open heart, and I found him, but it turns out that we had a lot of interests in common in terms of making things with our hands and creating things.

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"We had a surprise wedding. I usually have a party in November out at Quarry Hill where I rent my favorite band, which is LP and the 45s, and we dance and it's just my party for myself  and about 80 friends. We didn't tell anyone, we just sent invitations out like it was a normal party, and then in between band sets we got married. It was real fun. Doing it this way just took all of the worry out of it, so it was just a lovely surprise wedding where we could write our own vows. It was so much fun. People were so surprised."

It was a busy November for Podulke. Not only did she get married, she was re-elected for her third term as an Olmsted County commissioner.

"I finished up Mike's (her first husband's) term for two years," she said. "Then I served four years on my own term, and now this is another four-year term."

When not serving on boards, Podulke is still working with stained glass. She owns Rochester Stained Glass. She had just unpacked a big shipment of glass right before taking my call.

"We opened Rochester Stained Glass in 1976," she said. "We were learning glass in Europe for many years before that and had a studio in Minneapolis for years before that. I'm teaching my son-in-law now, because I'm in my 70s, but I love designing and it's just a pleasure to make stained glass. I'm surrounded by beauty and happy people. When you can do a project, you think about it, you dream about it, you make it and then poof! Everybody is happy and you can go on to the next project."
Did you miss me yesterday? I thought so.

To make up for it, I have an especially newsy column for you today.

First, there's the latest on that proposed Rochester natural gas pipeline I told you about Tuesday. It's a $44 million project, with another $60 million being spent to get the gas to Rochester. As I reported Tuesday, an administrative law judge at the state Office of Administrative Hearings was to issue a finding as early as Wednesday on the project.

Well, she did. The 111-page "Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Recommendation" issued by Administrative Law Judge Jeanne Cochrangave the project a green light to continue through the regulatory process. "The administrative law judge concludes that Minnesota Energy Resources Corp. has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that the Rochester project is necessary, reasonable and prudent," and is eligible for rate recovery to cover the costs, the document says.

Among other interesting items in the document: Mayo Clinic and the Destination Medical Center Corp. board were added to the "service list" of local entites receiving a pre-hearing order, which gives them a chance to file a petition to intervene. (They didn't.)

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Five public hearings were held last summer in Rochester, Albert Lea, Rosemount and Cloquet, way up by Duluth. A total of 21 people showed up for the five hearings, which means a lot of coffee and doughnuts probably went to waste, and most of the comments were about rates, not pipeline route or necessity.

As far as necessity goes, the report says, "The Rochester area and southeastern Minnesota have experienced continued population growth, including industrial and residential expansion, in recent years. This expansion is due in part to expanding health care facilities in and around Rochester."

The report goes into great detail about DMC and the projected number of new jobs to be created here in the next 20 years -- 35,000 to 45,000 jobs, supposedly -- and how more gas will be needed to address that kind of growth.

So, this is another example of how important, expensive decisions are being made around the Rochester area based on DMC projections.

The next hurdle for the project is another ALJ ruling on the pipeline's route around the west and south side of Rochester, due in January, and then a ruling by the state Public Utilities Commission, expected in March. Construction is expected to begin next year, with completion in 2020, though the report says the final work won't be done until 2023. I'll attach a PDF of the document to this file online.

Cochran is a busy administrative law judge, by the way. She also reviewed the campaign finance complaint against Rochester City Council President Randy Staverthis fall and referred it to a three-judge panel for full review. That hearing is set for Monday, Dec. 12.

Now, if you've stuck with me this long, you may also find this interesting. As I also reported in one of my many masterpieces last week , the 13-story, $115 million Alatus luxury apartment project on Second Street Southwest will be seeking $10.5 million in tax-increment financing assistance.

I tracked down a copy of the Joint Funding Application filed by Alatus and it has intriguing details about how much they initially wanted ($11.59 million) and what the rationale is for the city to give up that much property tax revenue.

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According to the form, the funding is "required to build a long-term asset with quality materials (concrete, stone, brick, glass), create and activate a pedestrian friendly streetscape, provide public commercial/retail amenties, and reach a market acceptable return on cost of 6-7 percent."

That last figure is fascinating. Most people would say 6-7 percent is a pretty handsome return on investment.
A Rochester school district proposal to start classes before Labor Day has drawn mixed reaction, and questions about the proposal's legality.

The short answer: It's perfectly legal.

The district shocked some when it put out a survey earlier this week asking for public opinion on two possible calendar options for next year, both of which have an Aug. 30, pre-Labor Day start date.

Schools in Minnesota are required by state statute to begin after Labor Day , except for under a few sets of circumstances, such as following the calendar of a neighboring state, or to accommodate more than $400,000 of construction.

The district falls into the latter category and has a variety of projects planned for the summer of 2017  that will be paid for in fiscal year 2018  including a $6 million indoor air quality project at Lincoln K-8 and a $1.6 million roof replacement at John Marshall, according to the district's long-term facility plan presented to the school board in April.

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Those projects are among more than a dozen other smaller ones at other district buildings.

"If a district has $400,000 or more worth of construction or remodeling, in the upcoming school year, then they automatically qualify to begin before Labor Day," said Josh Collins, communications director with the Minnesota Department of Education. "They don't have to take advantage, but the statute gives them that option."

Though shortening the time that construction crews have to work on projects may seem counterproductive under the construction exemption, the real reason for the earlier start time, said Superintendent Michael Munoz on Monday, is that the district heard a lot of feedback from the community asking for breaks throughout the school year when it was considering expanding the year-round 45/15 schedule.

The two proposed options end at the typical time in early June, but the first includes a one-week break in February. The second offers a three-day break in February, and one Monday off in November and another in January; those extra days are placed to create two additional four-day weekends.

The district would be required to file financial records to prove they meet the $400,000 construction threshold, but if they do, they automatically qualify for the exemption. There are no limits on how far the district can go out from Labor Day, other than a requirement to provide 1,020 hours and at least 165 days of instruction.

"So, generally, they're balancing their calendar with those requirements in mind," Collins said. "Generally the schools that are starting pre-Labor Day are only starting a week or two ahead."

The other exemption a district could use to operate under an alternative calendar, or for a pre-Labor Day start, is called a "flexible learning year."

Because Minnesota is a "local control" state, Collins said, "options like the 'flexible learning year' exist to allow districts and communities to determine what is going to be best for their students."

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The option is often used in districts that operate on year-round schedules, like the 45/15 schedule, or for those that have four-day school weeks. Districts have to apply for that and demonstrate that it better meets local community needs, academics, will better support families and students.

And when it comes back to the $400,000 requirement, Collins said, it all comes down to it being a local choice.

"As long as they're meeting the days and hours outlined in the statute, this is one the areas where districts do have local control over that calendar as long as they are meeting that $400,000 requirement."
The southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 63 were closed for about an hour due to a three-vehicle crash south of the Rochester International Airport Tuesday evening, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

At about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, a 2015 Chevy Malibu, driven by Blair Honsey, 21, of Stewartville, was traveling eastbound on Olmsted County Road 30 turned to go northbound on U.S. 63. The Malibu was struck by a 2015 Ford pickup driven by Jerry Brehm, 39, of Rochester, that was northbound on Hwy. 63 when the pickup changed lanes. The pickup then lost control, crossed the center median and collided with a southbound 2008 Chrysler minivan driven by Denise Bly, 45, of Stewartville, according to a report by the Minnesota State Patrol.

All three drivers plus Marjorie Bly, 76, of Stewartville, a passenger in the Chrysler minivan, were transported to Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus with non-life threatening injuries, according to the state patrol. Marjorie Bly was listed in fair condition at Saint Marys, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Olmsted County Sheriff's deputies, Rochester police and fire departments and Gold Cross Ambulance Service all responded to the scene.
Every month, Sadie Rose loads up a van with animal crates, bags of dog food and sleeping bags before traveling hundreds of miles south to pick up rescue dogs from Oklahoma and bring them back to Minnesota.

It is a ritual that began four years ago. That is when Rose, business manager for Paws First Rescue , made her first trip and packed 28 dogs in her PT Cruiser. It's a ride that was likely lifesaving for most of those dogs.

"The shelters that we work with had a 90 to 100 percent euthanasia rate when we started doing this, which is extremely horrifying. In this day and age, that shouldn't be happening. And it does," Rose said.

Since then, the Northfield-based rescue that Rose helped found has ramped up its transport efforts. Each month, the group delivers upwards of 70 dogs to Minnesota shelters who have already agreed to take the animals. Many of those dogs have ended up at Paws and Claws Humane Society.

In recent years, the Rochester shelter has begun taking in more dogs from other states, according to Shelter Manager Tanya Johnson. She estimates approximately a quarter of all dogs at the shelter aren't from Minnesota.

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"We do a lot of out-of-state transfers for dogs," she said.

Johnson said the shelter limits how many non-local dogs it accepts to make sure it can still meet the needs in the local community. But when possible, the shelter has teamed up with Rose and Paws First Rescue to take in homeless dogs.

Every year, 7.6 million companion animals enter animals shelters in the United States and of those, approximately 3.9 million are dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals .

Last month, Rose and Paws First Rescue Executive Director Rebekah Lynn brought 90 dogs back to Minnesota. Among the animals in the transport was a dog who had given birth the day before to 14 puppies. Paws and Claws agreed to take in the dog, named Mama Rosa, and the puppies. Mama Rosa was abandoned on private property in rural Oklahoma. The property owner, who usually shoots stray dogs, agreed to give a local rescue organization two weeks to relocate the dog.

On a recent morning, Rose was reunited with the lab/bully breed puppies that she had helped rescue. The playful puppies gnawed on her shoelaces and wrestled with their siblings as the 39-year-old Northfield woman doted on them proclaiming, "You are so much bigger than when I last saw you."

Last year, Paws First Rescue brought 704 dog to Minnesota. So far this year, the group has transported 655 dogs.

"We'd like to do more financially but we can't support going more than once a month. Paws First Rescue pays for gas and all of the maintenance on the bus," Rose said.

Still, the nonprofit workers look to skimp where they can. Rose and Lynn often spend the night sleeping in the van during their trips. There is no air conditioning, so during hot summer weather they rely on a fan blowing cool air from a cooler filled with ice.

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Making the group's rescue efforts more challenging is the organization's aging van. The 17-year-old vehicle has started having costly maintenance problems. Making matters worse, the group worked with a company to help them with their first-ever fundraiser. But the promises made to the nonprofit by the company never materialized and Paws First Rescue ended up losing $4,000. The group is hoping to raise money to repair or replace their van, which they've dubbed "Bob the Bus."

The group's partner in Oklahoma is Fix 'Em, Inc., an animal rescue organization run by Darla Briggs in Fort Gibson, Okla. She said pet overpopulation is a huge problem in her poor, rural community. Few people spay or neuter their pets and there are a lot of backyard breeders.

"We have people call us all the time because they've had animals dumped on them or it's their own pet and they just don't want it for whatever reason. We're kind of barraged daily with animals that need rescue or placement or saving," Briggs said.

She credits Rose with helping hundreds of unwanted animals find loving homes in Minnesota.

"She has been a lifeline for our animals here. There's not enough good homes in our area  the animals way outnumber that. So if we don't have someone like her on the other end trying to save these animals, we couldn't function," Briggs said.

For Rose, the idea that she can help these abandoned dogs get a second chance at a happy life is what keeps her motivated.

She added, "It's fabulous because now they are going to have a home that is going to take care of them."

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Mayo Clinic has a host of plans to expand its Rochester campuses in the next five years, and the city's Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday put its support behind those plans.

Mayo Clinic representatives at a Wednesday commission meeting presented the clinic's 2017-2021 five-year plan , a regular update on its planned activities in Rochester. The clinic is required by Rochester city ordinances to update plans every five years for its campuses in special zoning districts.

The city has two special zoning districts for Mayo campuses: the Medical Institutional Campus Special District is an overlay district in the downtown area and along the Second Street Southwest corridor to the St. Marys area; and the Mayo Support Campus Special District on the east side of West Circle Drive north of 41st Street Northwest.

The five-year plan aids the city in its infrastructure growth and planning efforts, according to Jeff Ellerbusch, a Rochester-Olmsted Planning Department senior planner, in a memo to the planning commission.

After a review of the plan, the planning commission voted to give its recommendation for acceptance of the plan to the Rochester City Council. The council will review the plan at a future meeting.

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The most critical information in the five-year plan is Mayo's list of all potential development projects the clinic, through the Mayo Foundation, may undertake in the next five years, Ellerbusch said in a memo to the commission.

The report categorizes potential projects as "medical," "parking" and "support" projects and lists the potential projects according to the central medical sub-district, the west medical sub-district and the support center sub-district.

There are 60 projects in total listed between the three sub-districts, including renovations and expansions of current facilities and new construction. More than half of those projects are located in the central medical sub-district in downtown Rochester. Another 21 projects are listed in the report but fall outside of the three sub-districts.

Projects of note include a "phase three" vertical expansion of the Gonda Building; a major expansion of clinical laboratory, research and education space south of the Hilton and Guggenheim buildings; and continued renovation of all Saint Marys Campus buildings.

The five-year plan also includes information on Mayo Clinic's property ownership and acreage and its employee distribution.

The clinic, as of Jan. 1 owned 155.5 acres inside the special districts, according to the report. That acreage does not reflect Mayo Clinic's Sept. 1 purchase of the 41st Street Professional Office Building Campus, formerly the IBM White Buildings , the report noted.

At year-end 2015, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation employed 34,562 people in total, the report stated. Of those employees, 18,440 were located in the central sub-district, and another 9,364 were in the west sub-district.

Mayo Clinic has been required to file five-year plans for the special zoning districts since the establishment of the original district in 1991 and the support district in 2006. The plan will be reviewed by the Rochester City Council at its Dec. 19 meeting.
ST. PAUL  A Rochester senator drew the ire of Gov. Mark Dayton on Tuesday amid a debate over Civil War art at the Capitol.

Gov. Mark Dayton accused Republican Sen. Carla Nelson of being untruthful when she told members of the Minnesota Capitol Preservation Commission that the governor's office had said she would have five minutes to speak. The commission was debating whether Civil War art should be returned to the Governor's Reception Room.

Dayton noted to reporters that Nelson failed to show up for the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board meeting earlier this month when the issue was voted on.

"Sen. Nelson didn't even show up at the CAAPB meeting where she had a vote. She shows up and then evidently claims our office had given her five minutes to talk? That's not true. I have a really hard time dealing with people who don't tell the truth. It really offends me," he said.

Nelson previously had said she was unable to attend the CAAPB meeting because she was out of town. Told about the governor's comments by a reporter, Nelson said her staff talked with someone in administration who said they expected the senator would be given five minutes to speak. During the meeting, Administration Commissioner Matt Massman told Nelson only commission members were going to be allowed to speak. Nelson said she had not been told that. DFL Sen. Ann Rest then requested that Nelson be allowed to talk.

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As for the governor's comments, Nelson said, "I've always had a great working relationship with the governor. He was correct in stating that the Capitol preservation and renovation has been a bipartisan project."
It's time to be heard.

We noted a year ago that too many residents were worried about speaking at truth-in-taxation hearings. Yet, those hearings are exactly when voices need to be heard.

We've all heard the grumbling as tax notices hit the mailbox, but city and county leaders need to hear those concerns, as well as suggestions, as they prepare to set budgets, which will determine the final levies throughout the region.

Many area cities  including Rochester  are facing levy increases in the double digits. Some of that increase will be offset by new development, but any big bump will likely be felt  and a reduction is always welcome.

The truth, however, is that our cities and counties need funds to continue the services we all rely on to be safe and secure, whether it's by providing quality roads and traffic control or ensuring safety nets exist for those in need.

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Many communities are digging out from years of cuts or delayed infrastructure repairs, while others are faced with increased costs due to the region's expanding population.

It's at truth-in-taxation hearings, like the one held by Olmsted County at 7 p.m. Thursday in the county board chambers, that will provide firsthand details of why tax levies are increasing. In Olmsted County's case, the preliminary increase is 2.5 percent.

But, it's also a chance to weigh in about tax-funded priorities and views on options to cut services or broaden the revenue stream. It a time to offer helpful suggestions and input, as well as a time to consider the cost of local government.

Check your truth-in-taxation notices for specific hearing dates and take advantage of the opportunity to be heard.
In September, rioting broke out in Charlotte, North Carolina after a black police officer shot and killed Kenneth Lamont Scott. Mr. Scott was an African-American who, according to the police, pulled a gun and refused to drop it. From the beginning, the shooting looked justified, but we couldnt tell for sure until the matter was thoroughly investigated.

Now, with the investigation complete, it is clear that there was no wrongdoing in the shooting of Mr. Scott. Today, Mecklenburg District Attorney Andrew Murray laid out the evidence in what the Charlotte Observer describes as painstaking detail.

Evidence in the case shows that Scott stepped out of his SUV with a gun in his hand, Murray said, and ignored at least 10 commands from the five officers on the scene to drop it. Murray said that Scott bought the gun  a Colt .380 semi-automatic that had been stolen in Gaston County  18 days before the confrontation for $100. One bullet was found in the chamber of the cocked gun, the safety was off and Murray said Scotts DNA was found on the grip and slide. The person who sold the gun to Scott admitted to doing so when confronted by state and federal law enforcement, according to a prosecutors report on the shooting. The seller said that Scott asked him to find him a weapon because he was having problems with his wife and her family, specifically his nephew, the report said.

But what about the people who claimed on social media that they saw Scott step out of his car unarmed? According to Murray, these people later recanted. Three people who made the claim told State Bureau of Investigation agents in interviews that they hadnt actually seen the shooting.

What about the claim that Scott had a book, not a gun, when he was shot? No such book was found in the vicinity of Scotts van.

In other words, the anti-police narrative that became the pretext for two nights of rioting  during which 16 police officers and a number of civilians were injured  was a pack of lies. But this wont stop the left from adding Scotts name to the list of victims who have been executed by racist police officers. Michael Brown, the gentle giant who assaulted a police officer in Missouri, still graces that list.

The truth is that Scott was a convicted felon who had been sentenced in 2005 to seven years in prison in Texas for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Medical records show that at the time of his death, Scott was battling an array of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, hallucinations and paranoia. Not long before his confrontation with the police, his wife told Scotts therapist that his temper and impatience had increased, and said something has to give.

Something did give. Scott pulled a gun on the police and refused repeated orders to drop it. The black officer who shot him was fully justified in doing so.

Because of the sensitivity of the case, District Attorney Murray presented the evidence to 15 veteran prosecutors in his office. The 15 included two African-Americans and one Latino. The prosecutors were unanimous in their recommendation that there was insufficient evidence to charge the African-American officer who shot Scott.

Will new rioting follow the decision not to charge the officer? The authorities fear that it will. They have mobilized specialized units, including the riot squad.

Fortunately, Scotts family does not seem interested in fanning the flames. So perhaps the city will be spared.

But for a dysfunctional minority community egged on, quite possibly, by professional left-wing agitators, the city would have been spared the first time around.
Londons Sun isnt much of a newspaper. Most of its articles are about crime, actresses on vacation and reality TV actors behaving badly. But even the Sun knows that the potential outbreak of war in Central Europe is worth covering:

Russia is reportedly deploying a massive army on the Ukrainian border amid fears of an imminent invasion which risks destabilising Eastern Europe. Ukraines Deputy Defence Minister Ihor Dolhov says a recent surge of troops now means there are 55,000 Russian soldiers ready to invade. There are allegedly thousands more stationed in Russian occupied Crimea and in pro-Moscow breakaway republics in the west and east of the country. Ukraine is digging in because it is convinced Vladimir Putin wants to topple its pro-West government.

Russian military aircraft have been getting into the act, too:

As well as the build-up of troops, an array of Russian aircraft have allegedly been spotted practising huge bombing raids over Ukraine.

What is driving the timing of these Russian military demonstrations? The Sun explains casually, assuming that its readers will get the point.

Some Russian observers believe Moscow may use the dying days of Barack Obamas presidency, which expires in January when Donald Trump is inaugurated, to carry out military strikes.

The Ukrainian news report on Russias military buildup is here.

The Daily Mail is similar to the Sun, possibly a bit more respectable. It, too, warns a Russian invasion may be imminent:

Vladimir Putin has deployed 55,000 troops on the Ukrainian border in Russias latest muscle-flexing exercise prompting fears of an invasion. The sudden influx of feet on the grounds adds to up to 7,500 Russian soldiers already stationed in Ukraine. Putins deputy defence minister Ihor Dolhov made the announcement in Kiev, where officials are said to be convinced Russia is attempting to topple the government.

***

There have also been reports of another buildup of soldiers in Belarus near the Ukrainian border, according to Unian.

The Daily Mail adds this chart to show how Russian troops are encircling Ukraine:

So the Sun and the Daily Mail are on the case. How about Britains more reputable papers? Ive seen nothing about the Russian buildup there. The New York Times? Lots about failed peace talks, but nothing about Russian troop movements.

I have no idea whether Russia will invade Ukraine between now and January 19. I assume it wont. But its troop movements, if they are as reported by the government of Ukraine and picked up by a handful of disreputable tabloids, are news. Why are they not being treated as such?

One possibility is that the Ukrainian government, our ally, is making up stories about Russian troop movements that outlets like the New York Times know to be false, and therefore dont cover. That is possible, but highly unlikely. More probable is that the Times, and other Democratic Party newspapers, have been tied up in knots about Russia ever since the infamous incident in one of the 2012 presidential debates when Mitt Romney said, correctly, that Russia is our foremost geopolitical opponent, and Barack Obama responded, The 80s are calling, they want their foreign policy back. This was considered a brilliant quip by some. The implication, apparently, was that Romney wanted to return to the days of the Cold War, which was long over with Russia now our friend.

This was consistent with the reset button and with Obamas supine posture with regard to Russia throughout his eight-year administration. But it wasnt consistent with reality, as Democrats apparently now know, since they now are charging Donald Trump with planning the same spineless attitude vis-a-vis Russia that we have seen for the last eight years.

That political whiplash is ultimately of little importance, but if Russia is indeed massing troops to threaten an invasion of Western-leaning Ukraine, that is a fact of the utmost importance. It seems odd that it isnt being discussed in Americas press, if only to explain why the Ukrainian reports arent true.
Basel Committee Chairman Stefan Ingves, seen in 2015 told a gathering of world banking leaders in Chile that his committee has been working towards an agreement to finalize "post-crisis reforms" to prevent a repeat of the 2008 financial situation (AFP Photo/VILHELM STOKSTAD) (TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP/File)

Santiago (AFP) - World banking supervisors said Wednesday they were closing in on finalizing controversial new regulations to prevent a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis.

The Basel Committee, a forum of international financial authorities, held a meeting in Chile with regulators to set new global norms for banking stability.

"The committee has spent the past two days working towards an agreement to finalize these post-crisis reforms," chairman Stefan Ingves told the gathering in Santiago.

"We have made very good progress and the contours of an agreement are now clear."

The committee plans to oblige banks to strengthen their capital base to cushion them against financial shocks.

Ingves said he hoped the members of the forum would approve the new regulations, known as the "Basel III" reforms, in January.

"There will no doubt be increases and decreases in operational risk capital requirements for certain banks," Ingves said.

The reforms also aim to impose special obligations to regulate the debt ratio or "leverage" of "global systemically important banks," he said.

Disagreements have threatened to complicate the reforms.

The United States has been pushing for strict capital requirements.

European governments, regulators and finance groups fear stringent capital requirements will hobble their banks and economies.

Meanwhile US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate the landmark Dodd-Frank financial reform law adopted in the post-crisis era.

German central bank board member Andreas Dombret said this month he hoped Trump would not derail the Basel reforms.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney said he expected "a handful of institutions" would be obliged to increase their capital base.

"But for the system as a whole it will be relatively modest," he told a news conference in London on Wednesday.
Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative organization made up of high school and college students, has compiled a website database of more than 200 professors at universities across the nation who, in the view of the organization, discriminate against conservative students and advance leftist propaganda in the classroom. The website is called Professor Watchlist.

This has outraged the left which, inevitably, complains of McCarthyism by TPUSA. Annabel Scott at the Daily Caller reports on some of the outcry here. Rod Dreher offers his take here.

Like Dreher, my instinct is to become uneasy at the notion of a professor watch list. But on reflection, and considering the particulars of what TPUSA is doing, I dont see a problem.

The list turns out to be an aggregation of already published news stories. TPUSA only points out incidents that have already been reported by a source it considers credible. My casual review of the website suggests that its sources are, in fact, credible.

TPUSA also maintains that it is not attempting to silence the professors on the list. Its CEO, Charlie Kirk, says:

Were not trying to prevent teachers from saying anything. All we want here is to shine a light on whats going on in our universities.

Whats wrong with that? From the perspective of college students and their parents, information that a professor teaches from a far-left perspective and/or discriminates against students who dont share that perspective is valuable. There is no requirement that students subject themselves to such teaching. TPUSAs compilation helps them avoid it if they wish to, whether by not taking certain courses or not attending a particular institution.

From the professors perspective, Im not sure what legitimate beef they have. Colleges arent secret societies. A professor should be willing to stand publicly behind anything he says or does in a class room.

Some have complained that TPUSA is shaming professors. But I doubt that the professors are ashamed of the things TPUSA is reporting. (If they are, the remedy is to stop doing them). In fact, at least on professor has demanded to be put on the list. That seems like a more appropriate response.

Its possible that the information compiled by TPUSA might cause those with responsibility for state schools (trustees and ultimately governors) to discipline or fire a professor. Given the way the world works, this seems unlikely except in egregious cases, but the possibility cant be dismissed.

In my view, a professor who discriminates against a student based on his or her political position ought to be disciplined, if not fired. Melissa (Wheres the Muscle) Click, who appears on the TPUSA list, deserved discipline, at a minimum. Same with Nell Boeschenstein who publicly harangued some of her creative writing students into admitting that they voted for Donald Trump and then berated them in class for their vote.

Firing a professor for advancing a far-left position presents a different case, but that doesnt mean it shouldnt occur in extreme cases. There is some far-left advocacy that a board of regents or a governor might reasonably consider beyond the pale. It certainly seems that some conservative positions are deemed by many in academia to be unworthy of being presented in the classroom.

If we start to see leftist professors fired for the views they express in class, we can consider whether those doing the firing are engaging in what has come to be called McCarthyism. TPUSA is not engaging in it. The organization is simply providing the public with information many students and parents may find helpful.
Donald Trump says that illegal voting may have put Hillary Clinton ahead of him in the popular vote. Clinton leads Trump by around 2.5 million votes, so the president-elects claim seems far-fetched.

However, as Hans von Spakovsky and John Fund explain in the Wall Street Journal, we simply dont know the extent of illegal voting in American elections. Moreover, the Obama administration has done everything it can to keep it that way.

For example, the Obama Justice Department has refused to file a single lawsuit to enforce the requirement of the National Voter Registration Act that states maintain the accuracy of their voter-registration lists. It has also opposed every effort by statessuch as Kansas, Arizona, Alabama and Georgiato verify the citizenship of those registering to vote.

In 2011, the Electoral Board in Fairfax County, Va., sent the Justice Department, under then-Attorney General Eric Holder, information about 278 noncitizens registered to vote in Fairfax County, about half of whom had cast ballots in previous elections. There is no record that the Justice Department did anything.

Here, via von Spakovsky and Fund, is some of what we do know:

[A] 2012 study from the Pew Center on the States estimat[ed] that one out of every eight voter registrations is inaccurate, out-of-date or duplicate. About 2.8 million people are registered in more than one state, according to the study, and 1.8 million registered voters are dead. In most places its easy to vote under the names of such people with little risk of detection. . . . In 2015 one Kansas county began offering voter registration at naturalization ceremonies. Election officials soon discovered about a dozen new Americans who were already registeredand who had voted as noncitizens in multiple elections. . . . One district-court administrator estimated in 2005 that up to 3% of the 30,000 people called for jury duty from voter-registration rolls over a two-year period were not U.S. citizens. A September report from the Public Interest Legal Foundation found more than 1,000 noncitizens who had been removed from the voter rolls in eight Virginia counties. Many of them had cast ballots in previous elections, but none was referred for possible prosecution.

Theres more:

A 2014 study by three professors at Old Dominion University and George Mason University used extensive survey data to estimate that 6.4% of the nations noncitizens voted in 2008 and that 2.2% voted in 2010. . . . A postelection survey conducted by Americas Majority Foundation found that 2.1% of noncitizens voted in the Nov. 8 election. In the battleground states of Michigan and Ohio, 2.5% and 2.1%, respectively, of noncitizens reported voting. In 2013, pollster McLaughlin & Associates conducted an extensive survey of Hispanics on immigration issues. Its voter-profile tabulation shows that 13% of noncitizens said they were registered to vote. That matches closely the Old Dominion/George Mason study, in which 15.6% of noncitizens said they were registered.

It would be astonishing if illegal voting were not a problem. Its widely accepted that election fraud used to exist. Our political history is full of examples such as Mayor Daleys Chicago.

If voting fraud is no longer a problem, what caused it to disappear. Is less at stake now in elections? Of course not? Do safeguards prevent fraud? No. As von Spakovsky and Fund point out, the voter-registration process in almost all states runs on the honor system. Have the big-city machines that promoted fraud in the old days vanished? They have not.

Donald Trumps victory provides an opportunity to attack the problem of illegal voting. Von Spakovsky and Fund explain how:

The Trump administration should direct the Department of Homeland Security to cooperate with states that want to verify the citizenship of registered voters. Since this will only flag illegal immigrants who have been detained at some point and legal noncitizens, states should pass laws, similar to the one in Kansas, that require proof of citizenship when registering to vote. The Justice Department, instead of ignoring the issue, should again start prosecuting these cases.

The honor system doesnt work. To maintain the integrity of our elections, its time to adopt measures that do.

UPDATE: The study referenced above by the Old Dominion and George Mason professors has come under attack. This Politico article claims it has been debunked.

Jason Richwine at NRO disputes that claim. Richwine concludes that there is still too much uncertainty to draw strong conclusions, but the. . .study is certainly a valuable contribution.
John proposed that readers boycott Kellogg in response to the companys announcement that it is pulling its advertising from Breitbart. Many readers have responded with messages to Kelloggs on which we have been copied. I particularly enjoyed this one, which I thought other readers might find of interest as well:

I read Mr. Hinderakers excellent post about Kellogg pulling its advertising from Breitbart.com. You may remember when the company refused to pull its ads from the Daily Show in 2012. Here is a copy of the e-mail I sent to Kelloggs after reading Mr. Hinderakers post:

* * * *

I read recently that your company pulled its advertising from the conservative website Breitbart.com, allegedly because the sites content does not comport with your companys values. The AP story is here.

I have visited Breitbart.com many times, and I have yet to see any of the racist, sexist and anti-Semitic content referred to in the AP story. But I find puzzling your companys sudden change of heart on this issue. After all, isnt Kelloggs the same company that told offended Christians to just change the channel in 2012, after a skit on The Daily Show that showed a manger scene between the legs of a nude woman? (See this CNS News story.)

I wrote to the company at the time, and never received the courtesy of a reply, even the dismissive and condescending change the channel response. Guess it all depends whos offended, and clearly, Christians count for very little in your corporate values. Thanks, Kelloggs. I now know exactly where you stand, and I will never buy your products again.
Who is the eighth best (or least bad) Democratic Senator? If you answered I dont give damn you are wrong. Under current rules, the eighth best Democratic Senator holds veto power over the person Donald Trump will select to replace Justice Scalia on the Supreme Court.

Confirmation of a Supreme Court nominee requires 60 votes. There will be 52 Republican Senators in the Senate that decides whether to confirm Trumps first nominee. Thus, eight Democratic Senators must vote to confirm. Otherwise, barring a change in the rules, the nomination will fail.

Who is the eighth least bad Democratic Senator. If you go by the American Conservative Unions lifetime ratings, it is Claire McCaskill (Missouri). You could also make a case for Tom Carper (Delaware) or Jon Tester (Montana).

McCaskills lifetime ACU rating is 12.92. In 2014 and 2105, it was lower than that.

In other words, McCaskill votes the liberal line about 90 percent of the time. Same for Carper and Tester. Giving any of them a veto over Trumps Supreme Court nominee is unacceptable.

McCaskill and Tester have never voted on a Supreme Court nominee, but Carper has. He voted for confirming John Roberts and against confirming Samuel Alito.

Several Senators who, from a conservative perspective, are rated better than McCaskill, Carper, and Tester also have Supreme Court track records. Bill Nelson (Florida), one of the three best Dems in the Senate, voted to confirm Roberts but not Alito. And Harry Reid, with an ACU rating of 16 percent, voted against confirming both. So did Dianne Feinstein, who votes conservative only slightly less often than McCaskill.

Confirming Trumps upcoming nominee will require a yea vote from Nelson, McCaskill, Tester, and Carper (plus four more Dems). It is highly unlikely that a truly conservative nominee would get a yea from each. (McCaskill and Tester will be up for reelection in red states in 2018, but both can expect challenges from the left if they vote to confirm a strong conservative).

Unless we want Claire McCaskill, Jon Tester, and Tom Carper determining who will succeed Justice Scalia, the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees must be eliminated.

Getting rid of the filibuster would be the logical culmination of a process the Democrats  no fools they  started when they eliminated it for lower court nominees. McCaskill, Tester, and Carper all voted in favor of that well-calculated move. (Only three Democrats voted nay  Carl Levin, Joe Manchin, and Mark Pryor).

The Democrats didnt eliminate the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees because there were no such nominees to confirm. No intelligent person can doubt that, had the Dems needed to confirm someone for the Supreme Court, the filibuster would have been out the door.

So now that the Republicans control the Senate and a Supreme Court vacancy exists, they will eliminate the filibuster, right? Not necessarily.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell believes in the traditions of the Senate. Whats left of the judicial filibuster is a Senate tradition.

McConnell may also relish the opportunity to help dictate the Supreme Court nominee. With the filibuster, he can tell Donald Trump that this or that conservative nominee cant be confirmed. This gives him more influence over the selection than he otherwise would have. He can use that influence to push for a more moderate choice in order to make his life easier.

An argument to retain a portion of the judicial filibuster in the name of tradition is ridiculous. The Democrats blew up the tradition when they got rid of the filibuster for lower court nominees.

Moreover, the tradition was fine in traditional times, but not today. In olden days, the Supreme Court did not exercise the outsized influence it does today. Thus, members of both parties almost always deferred to the president when it came to Supreme Court picks.

Moreover, both parties used to contain some liberals, some conservatives, and some moderates. Thus, even in the case of a highly controversial nominee, the president (unless he was a lame duck) could count on loyalty from his party, coupled with the votes of a decent number of members of the other party, to obtain confirmation.

Today, the Supreme Court intrudes into all corners of our lives. Deference to the president is a thing of the past. Nearly every Senator routinely votes along strict party lines. The conditions that militated in favor of the judicial filibuster no longer exist.

The Supreme Court is too important to allow Claire McCaskills preferences and Mitch McConnells love of tradition to stand in the way of confirming a true conservative to replace Justice Scalia.

We know what the Democrats would do if the situation were reversed. If Republicans dont act as the Dems would (and eventually will), the Supreme Court will likely thwart conservatives for decades to come.
PR-Inside.com: 2016-12-01 09:03:02

StudentUniverse Builds Comprehensive Australia Work Abroad Package and Leverages Digital Reach and Foothold in the Student Travel Sector to Propel Six Month Campaign

Tourism Australia Handpicks StudentUniverse to Send a Surge of Young Brits to Australia on Working Holiday Visas

StudentUniverse

For media queries, contact:

Danielle Dougan

PR Manager

danielle@studentuniverse.co.uk

or

For more information, contact:

Dan Baker, +44 020 3567 1268

Head of Marketing

dan.baker@studentuniverse.co.uk

StudentUniverse, a leading resource for student travel discounts, today announced that it has been chosen by Tourism Australia and the Australian Government as one of the commercial partners in the AUD$10 million global youth campaign to increase participation in the Working Holiday Makers program that allows young adults (18-30) from eligible partner countries to work in Australia while having an extended holiday.

In a six month campaign, StudentUniverse will leverage its digital reach, partnerships and deep understanding of the student travel segment to inspire young people to travel to Australia. StudentUniverse has also designed an Australia Work Abroad Package, which includes all of the components to a working holiday experience (return flights from the UK, assistance in confirming a working holiday visa and securing a job in Australia, up to 12 months insurance and a 7-day welcome package) for 1,699. This package will also be made available through Journeys are Made @ GapYear.com.

"It's great to have StudentUniverse onboard as a partner supporting this campaign. The clever work abroad package they've assembled ticks the boxes for any young Brit considering an Australian working holiday," said John OSullivan, Managing Director, Tourism Australia. This is exactly the sort of deal which will help stimulate interest and bookings. I'm sure it will prove extremely popular," he said.

Alongside the digital activation elements of the campaign, StudentUniverse has partnered with Topdeck Travel to run experiential on-campus activity at leading UK Universities nationwide. A student from each of the six Universities visited will be given the chance to win a trip to Australia and the opportunity to undertake a working holiday.

Every year hundreds of thousands of young people work abroad in Australia and have life-changing experiences. Working with Tourism Australia to make this a reality for so many more young Brits is a unique opportunity were delighted to be a part of, said Dan Baker, Head of Marketing, StudentUniverse. By putting together a comprehensive package that assists the traveller at every stage of the journey and partnering with Tourism Australia to spread the word, our hope is to make working abroad a reality for thousands more Brits in 2017.

Working Holiday Maker Programmes encourage cultural exchange and closer ties between countries, allowing young travellers to have an extended holiday supplemented by short-term employment in participating countries. UK students can work and holiday in Australia for up to a year with the Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa.

For more information about travelling to Australia on a Working Holiday Maker visa visit www.australia.com/workingholiday.

About StudentUniverse

StudentUniverse is the world's leading travel booking site for students and youth. Through negotiations with a network of global partners, StudentUniverse offers discounted pricing and terms on flights, hotels and tours. Its Travel Services division also handles complex itineraries, custom designed gap year experiences and group travel requests. StudentUniverse also operates Journeys are Made @ GapYear.com, the world's largest gap year inspiration travel platform.

StudentUniverse launched in the UK in 2013 and was acquired by Flight Centre Travel Group in 2015. StudentUniverse is headquartered in Boston with offices in London, Toronto, New York and the Philippines. StudentUniverse believes that travel is essential to a modern education. Millions of students use the service every year. For more information, visit www.studentuniverse.co.uk or follow @StudentU_UK on Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201612010051
The federal government on Thursday denied reports that it was secretly sharing over $4 billion, being refund of over-deduction from the federal and the 36 States as Paris and London Club debt repayments.

The Chairman of Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, Dino Melaye, on Monday accused the Federal Government of sharing the money in November 2016.

Mr. Melaye, who is representing Kogi West Senatorial District, said this on his Facebook page.

He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to step in and ensure the funds paid to the state governments was not looted.

The 36 states of the Federation collectively received over $4 billion being the over-deduction on Paris and London Club Loans on the accounts of State and Local Governments from February 1990 to March 2002, Mr. Melaye said.

The movement of the funds has been confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Nasarawa State received N68 billion, Kogi, N80 billion; Benue, N91 billion, while Plateau, received 75 billion.

Osun received N84 billion and Edo State received N82 billion. The monies were credited into the respective accounts of all the 36 states of Federation on Monday, 21st November, 2016, while that of Plateau State was paid into a UBA account (1019894291). Nasarawa State confirmed to have been paid into Fidelity and Skye Banks for State Government (N46 billion) and Local Government (N22 billion) respectively, he said.

Mr. Melaye expressed regrets that all the 36 states governors did not want the general public, especially civil society organisations, to know about these monies, hence the secrecy in the payment.

But, reacting to the allegation, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, said no such money was shared.

It is absolutely not correct. No $4 billion was shared. Where will the government get the $4 billion from? asked Mrs. Adeosun.

Meanwhile, the minister disclosed that the federal government generated about N272.03 billion independent revenues between January and October.

She said independent revenues were projected to increase to N811.03 billion as government continued the recovery of amounts owed by government agencies that failed to remit the earnings into the federation Account in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

Mrs. Adeosun said the Recovery Committee set up by government had invited the management of these agencies to explain why their operating surpluses have not been remitted as mandated by the Act.

She said some of these agencies had incurred huge expenses on overseas training and medicals, and huge expenses on behalf of supervisory ministries and/other organs of government involved in oversight or regulatory functions without appropriate approval.

Other infractions of the agencies include payment of salaries and allowances to staff and board members, governing councils, and commissions outside or above the amount approved by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC) and the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

The list also includes unacceptable expenses incurred on donations, sponsorships, etc; unfavourable contract signed for revenue collection by a third party; granting of staff loans that have not been repaid as well as sale and transfer of assets to board members, among others.
Morocco has accused African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of blocking its bid to rejoin the organisation, local media reported on Thursday.

In September, Morocco officially submitted a request to rejoin the AU it left 32 years ago.

Moroccan Foreign Ministry said that it has strongly denounced the continuing actions of the chairperson of the AU Commission to thwart Moroccos decision to regain its natural and legitimate position within its pan-African institutional family.

After unjustifiably delaying the distribution of Moroccos request to the AU members, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma continues her obstruction.

By improvising a new and unprecedented procedural requirement in the texts and practices of the organisation.

By which it would arbitrarily reject letters of support for Morocco from the ministries of foreign affairs of the AU member states.

The chairperson of the African Union Commission is at odds with her duty of neutrality, the rules and regulations of the organisation and the will of its member states, the ministry said in a statement.

The statement said Morocco has so far documented the support of a large majority of AU member states, far greater than what is required by the Constitutive Act of the AU.

These members have already communicated to Zuma formal and legally valid letters of support for Moroccos decision to return to the pan-African organisation at its next summit, the statement added. (Xinhua/NAN)
Gambians on Thursday started lining up at polling stations to elect a president, in polls that for the first time pose a serious challenge to President Yahya Jammehs 22-year-rule.

The former army colonel, who came to power during a 1994 military coup and rules the Islamic Republic with an iron fist, is running for a fifth five-year term against two other candidates.

Jammehs main rival is Adama Barrow, who has the support of seven political parties and is popular with the small West African nations largely unemployed youth.

The poverty-stricken nation is largely dependent on peanut exports.

Also in the running is Mama Kandeh, 51, the leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress, the only opposition party that did not join forces with Barrow.

All three candidates were born in the same year, 1965.

Report says roughly 887,000 Gambians out of a population of 1.9 million people are eligible to cast their vote at one of the 1,422 polling stations until 1700 GMT.

However they will vote in an atmosphere of repression and fear after campaigning was overshadowed by arbitrary arrests and torture of dozens of opposition activists.

The European Union was denied a request to send election monitors to observe this years polls.

An African Union observer mission has, however, been accredited.

The election is won by a simple majority, while results are expected on Friday.

Ahead of the election, Gambian authorities have blocked the internet and other communication networks.

In response to blocks on the internet and other communications networks in Gambia amid todays presidential election, Samira Daoud, Amnesty Internationals Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa said:

This is an unjustified and crude attack on the right to freedom of expression in Gambia, with mobile internet services and text messaging cut off on polling day,

Shutting down these communication networks shatters the illusion of freedom that had emerged during the two weeks period of the electoral campaign, when restrictions appeared to have been eased. This alarming move suggests a return to repression and censorship that has been the hallmark of President Jammehs 22-year rule.

Blocks on the internet and other communications networks amount to a flagrant violation of the right to freedom of expression and access to information. The same rights that people have offline must also be protected online.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has said that he would separate himself from his business and focus on governance when sworn-in as President.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr. Trump disclosed this in a series of tweet, amid rising concerns on conflicts between his business and the presidency.

I will be holding a major news conference in New York City with my children on Dec. 15 to discuss the fact that I will be leaving my great business in total.

This is in order to fully focus on running the country in order to Make America Great Again!

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.

Hence, legal documents are being crafted which take me completely out of business operations.

The Presidency is a far more important task! the president-elect said.

NAN reports that Trump reportedly has interests in no fewer than 500 businesses currently.

(NAN)
The United States Government has provided testing and counselling to over 12 million Nigerians over the last 12 months.

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, who disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday at an event to mark the 2016 World AIDS Day, said this was being done through the U.S. Presidents Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR.

According to the envoy, 726,200 adults and 34,695 children are receiving treatment for HIV under the programme.

He said a total of 1,367,000 adults and children have been helped to live better lives through the U.S programme.

Speaking under the 2016 theme of the commemoration: Leadership. Sustained Commitment. Impact, Mr Symington emphasized the need for Nigerians to be involved in strengthening their countrys health system.

We can spend billions of dollars literally, tens of billions of dollars around the world and billions of dollars in Nigeria, but if you dont strengthen your own health system at home and in the office and around the country, if you dont invest your lives and your love, who else will do it for you? No one can do it for you, he said.

The Country Coordinator of the programme in Nigeria, Shirley Dady, also spoke about the need to encourage more Nigerians to get tested for HIV.

She likened the disease to other chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, which can be managed.

Ms. Dady told PREMIUM TIMES she was hopeful that the HIV self-testing kits, which is a new technology, will be available in Nigeria at some point.

She, however, said many general hospitals and primary health care centres in the country were offering HIV tests and urged Nigerians to take advantage of them.
Seven local government chairmen of the All Progressives Congress in Kaduna State have endorsed the controversial suspension of a senator, Shehu Sani, from the party.

The local governments, LGs, represented by the seven chairmen make up the Kaduna Central senatorial district which Mr. Sani represents in the Senate.

The APC council chairmen who endorsed the suspension are Magaji Bala, Chukun LG; Abdullahi Jariri, Birnin Gwari LG; Musa Shehu, Kaduna North LG; Ibrahim Musa, Giwa LG; Halidu Bature, Igabi LG; Bala Wahab, Kajuru LG; and Ibrahim Soso, Acting Chairman of the APC in Kaduna South.

We have received information from Ward 6 in Kaduna South LGA of our great party the APC, on the indefinite suspension of the erring Senator Shehu Sani from the party at those levels, the party chairmen said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES.

Subsequently we wish to hereby endorse this suspension by the ward chapter

The chairmen said they endorsed the suspension because Mr. Sani was disrespectful to the party and its leaders, and because of his various attempts at causing divisions within the party in the state, by sponsoring frivolous petitions and troublemaking.

The senator was also suspended for his continuous refusal to show remorse for his actions and seek forgiveness from any level of the party in the state, they said.

They said Mr. Sanis actions constitute serious offenses against the party as captured by article 21 section (A), sub sections i, ii, iii, v, vi and vii of the constitution.

We recommend that the state party executive committee make haste in also endorsing this appropriate indefinite suspension, they said.

The initial suspension by a faction of the party in Mr. Sanis Ward 6 of Tudun Wada was opposed by the chairman of the party in the ward.

The chairman had accused a political adviser of Governor Nasir El-Rufai, of offering N3 million bribe to the ward officials to suspend the senator, who has been critical of the governors performance. Though the alleged beneficiaries denied receiving any bribe, the governors aide has kept mum on it.

On Wednesday, in reply to the suspension by the ward, Mr. Sani released a scathing statement attacking Governor El-Rufai.

It was hours after the senators statement that the APC council chairmen met to endorse the suspension.

In his reaction to the council chairmens endorsement, Mr. Sanis aide, Abdulsamad Amadi, said the signatories were coerced to sign the document.

The document was already prepared in the government house. They were being practically forced to sign that document. When they see that people are trooping to the government house, they became apprehensive and later took them to the Seventeen hotel to sign the document.

The suspension letter was never written on a letter headed paper which could mean that anybody could have written that. I am assuring you that by tomorrow or next, some of the chairmen who were claimed to have signed the document will speak with you people.

The people that signed the letter were not properly constituted as most of the zonal exco members were not consulted and were not carried along. The zonal chairman was not part of the meeting also. Mr. Amadi said.
The National Industrial Court has finally assigned the cases between Army officers and the Nigerian military to judges, months after the military authorities refused to enter appearance to defend their action.

The army officers were unjustly dismissed from service without query or indictment.

The assignment to judges, authoritatively confirmed by PREMIUM TIMES, followed our report of November 22 on the failure of the military to file for defence before the court and the consequent accusations of deliberately shunning the court and frustrating the applicants push for justice.

Under the procedures and rules of Nigerias industrial court, respondents are obligated to file defence within 14 days of receiving originating processes. In this particular case, court records revealed, military authorities, including the Defence Minister, Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff, were served on August 15, over three months ago.

One of the affected officers, Abdulfatai Mohammed, had on October 18, over two months after he approached the court for redress, filed a fresh motion seeking accelerated hearing, relying on Order 8 rule 5(1) of the Court, because clearly the intention of the defendants is to delay the hearing of this case by dilatory tactics.

Where a defendant or respondent fails to file a Memorandum of Appearance within the stipulated time, or fails to file appropriate processes in defence of the action within the prescribed time, and fails to file a declaration of intention not to defend an action, the court may proceed and hear the matter and give judgement, the referenced court rule states.

Over a month after the fresh application  and more than three months after the original suit was filed  the NIC has now assigned Mr. Mohammeds case and those of other affected officers who approached the court.

Others whose cases have been assigned to different judges are Abubakar Mohammed, D.B. Dazang, O. Nwankwo, T. Minimah and M.A. Suleiman, with hearing fixed to commence on January 16 and 17.

No Response from President Buhari after Five Months

Apart from approaching the industrial court for redress, 22 of the 38 officers compulsorily retired in June also relied on the Paragraph 09.02(e) of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers to petition President Muhammadu Buhari, asking for reinstatement.

The Armed Forces rules provide that such petition be forwarded to the President through the Chief of Defence Staff within the thirty days prescribed by the rules.

But about five months after the 22 officers turned in their appeals to the President through the Chief of Defence Staff, there has not been any response, leaving them uncertain of their fates.

As some of them suspected the Chief of Defence Staff may not have transmitted their appeals to the President, they approached the National Industrial Court, seeking mandamus that the military authorities be compelled to show evidence of delivery to the President.

Although PREMIUM TIMES saw a July letter by the Chief of Defence Staff conveying the appeals of the 22 officers to the President, Mr. Mohammed, one of the affected officers, insisted it was not enough evidence of transmission and asked the military for a received copy.

As the president keeps mum and the Army continues to ignore the court, the officers will now turn their attention to the industrial court where hearing continues on January 16 and 17. The matter is to heard by three judges including Babatunde Adejumo, who is the president of the court, and Rakiya Hastruup.
A Federal High Court on Thursday again refused the bail application sought by leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

Mr. Kanu has since his arrest in October 2015 sought to be released from the custody of the State Security Service, to no avail.

The same court had in December 17, 2015 ordered that the SSS release Mr. Kanu unconditionally. But that ruling given by a judge of the Court, Adeniyi Ademola, who has been accused of fraud and is currently being prosecuted, was upturned by another judge, John Tsoho in January.

Shortly after his ruling refusing the bail, Mr. Kanu placed a vote of no confidence on Mr. Tsoho forcing him to withdraw from the matter.

Subsequently the case was transferred to another judge, Binta Nyako.

At Thursdays ruling, the court decided for the third time on the matter, denying the bail application a second time.

The offences are serious in nature. I hereby refuse the bail and order accelerated hearing within two months, said Justice Nyako.

Mr. Kanu is accused of treason by the Nigerian government for leading his IPOB movement to ask for an independent Biafran country.
Nigerian government agencies indicted by a federal audit, for failure to remit over N450 billion revenue into government coffers between 2010 and 2015, are to be reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for prosecution.

The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who said this on Thursday, said demand notices have already been issued to affected agencies for the payment of outstanding operating surpluses, which was a violation of the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.

The agencies, the minister said, have also been invited to a meeting scheduled to December 6, to enable them submit a repayment plan or face appropriate sanctions, including deduction of amount owed directly from TSA balances, besides prosecution by the EFCC.

Sections 21 and 22 of the Act, states that (1) The Government corporations and agencies and government owned companies listed in the Schedule to this Act (in this Act referred of as the Corporations shall, not later than six months from the commencement of this Act and every three financial years thereafter, and not later than the end of the second quarter of every year, cause to be prepared and submitted to the Minister their Schedule estimates of revenue and expenditure for the next three financial years.

(2) Each of the bodies referred to in sub-section (1) of this section shall submit to the Minister not later than the end of August in each financial year: (a.) An annual budget derived from the estimates submitted in pursuance of subsection (1) of this section; and (b.) Projected operating surplus which shall be prepared in line with acceptable accounting practices.

(3) The Minister shall cause the estimates submitted in pursuance of subsection (2) of this section to be attached as part of the Appropriation Bill to be submitted to the National Assembly.

Section 22 (1) states, Notwithstanding the provisions of any written law governing the corporation, each corporation shall establish a general reserve fund and shall allocate thereto at the end of each financial year, one-fifth of its operating surplus for the year.

(2) The balance of the operating surplus shall be paid into the Consolidate Revenue Fund of the Federal Government not later than one month following the statutory deadline for publishing each corporations accounts.

Mrs. Adeosun named some of the defaulting agencies to include Nigeria Communication Commission, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Nigeria Shippers Council, National Pensions Commission, Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading and National Health Insurance Scheme.

Others include Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Industrial Training Fund, National Health Insurance Scheme, Nigeria Postal Service, Nigerian Television Authority, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, National Information Technology and Development Agency, Raw Material Research & Development Council, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.

The minister said a recovery committee chaired by the Accountant General of Federation, Ahmed Idris, has since been constituted to recover the outstanding N450 billion operating surpluses, including holding bilateral discussions with the affected agencies.

We have been getting positive responses. Some Agencies have started making remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, Mrs. Adeosun said.

For instance, about N640 million was received from Nigeria Shippers Council on Wednesday. Our duty is strictly auditing and investigating. We are not a prosecuting agencies. That is why we will be reporting some of these defaulting agencies to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for prosecution, she said.
Years after leaving office as the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu has named some Nigerians he said tried their best to frustrate the nations fight against corruption.

Mr. Ribadu spoke on Thursday when he presented the lead paper at the 2016 Annual Lecture organised by the Law Chambers of Joe Kyari Gadzama in Abuja.

Speaking under the theme Corruption and the Nigerian Economy: Lawyers as Change Agents, Mr. Ribadu named foremost lawyer, Ben Nwabueze, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, and his successor at the EFCC, Farida Waziri, as people who undermined the countrys efforts to fight against the cancer of corruption.

I still recall with amazement and shock how some very senior lawyers made it a duty upon themselves to bring down the EFCC and stop the work we were doing. Many of them, like Prof. Ben Nwabueze, SAN, teamed up with politicians to wage a very serious propaganda to discredit the work we were doing, he said.

He also said Mr. Nwabueze personally went to court on many occasions to challenge the powers of the EFCC to fight corruption.

One thing that also did a serious damage to the war against corruption was the active connivance of some senior lawyers who represented the governors we charged to courts after the 2007 election, he said.

It is on record that we charged the former governors of Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Enugu, Ekiti, Delta, Abia and Edo states as the first set of ex-governors to face prosecution. However, almost 10 years after most of the cases have not gone anywhere because of deliberate action by lawyers to frustrate the trials, he said.

Mr. Ribadu, a lawyer and former police officer, also said he was shocked that some lawyers who found themselves in government also worked against the fight against corruption.

Take the case of Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, whose most cardinal agenda as the AGF seemed to be destroying EFCC by every means possible and frustrating all the cases.

In that regard he attempted to take over the prosecutorial powers of the commission, which would have rendered the EFCC into a toothless bulldog. But of course we resisted, he said.

He also said that Mr. Aondoakaa later found a partner in Farida Waziri when she was appointed as the chairman of the EFCC to replace Mr. Ribadu.

Mr. Ribadu said Mrs Waziri inflicted serious damages on the EFCC from which the commission is still struggling to recover.

He said corrupt practices that were unheard of became widespread in the Commission and outside lawyers were brought in to handle very important cases that sometimes were turned into avenues of making money.

One of such cases, he said, was the Halliburton scandal.

We did all the work and took the investigation to a very advanced stage, but the case was handed over to private lawyers who connived with some officials to feather their nests from it.

The lawyers ended up earning more than even the government, to the anguish of those diligent workers who built the case. That was a very unprofessional practice and against global best practice, he said.

He also said that the United States and the UK who had similar cases did not involve any private lawyer to handle it for them.

All these are today pieces of history but as the saying goes; truth is constant while lies fizzle out, he said.

Supporters of anti-corruption

Mr. Ribadu also listed some Nigerian lawyers that he said contributed immensely to the fight against corruption in the country.

He said when they started the EFCC, they received support from some lawyers many of whom offered to take on our cases for free.

He said that In this, Gani(Fawehinmi) has an enviable place. He gave the EFCC his all. He went up to the Supreme Court twice in defence of our work and offered all services of his chambers, including the Law Reports, free for the commission.

Mr. Ribadu said another strong pillar of support was Femi Falana, who supported us in nurturing the EFCC to what it is today.

He said those doing the work today were still feeling Mr. Falanas legal advocacy and support.

We equally got incredible support from others like Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, the current Vice President of Nigeria; Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN; Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN and Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, he said.

Mr. Ribadu said some of those who opposed the EFCC considered the commission a threat to their personal pecuniary interests.

Some lawyers even went to the extent of attempting to compromise us to reach their target, the retired AIG said. Of course, we prosecuted those involved in such brazen irresponsibility.

And because of their centrality in many financial transactions, many lawyers were directly indicted in some scandals. Such action often pitched the law enforcement, which we were, against some lawyers who felt their colleagues should be above the law.
President Muhammadu Buhari has again reiterated the essence of the unity of Nigeria, urging those contemplating its break-up to have a rethink.

Speaking at a meeting with the Council of South-East Traditional Rulers at the State House on Thursday, President Buhari warned that the question of having another country out of Nigeria was misplaced.

The question of having another country out of Nigeria is going to be very difficult. From 1914, we have more than 200 cultures living with one another. God had endowed this country with natural resources and talented people. We should concentrate on these and be very productive, the President said.

Addressing specific issues raised in the address by the traditional rulers, the president gave assurance that the south-east will also benefit from the new railway architecture being put in place by his administration.

On their request for more representation for the south-east in his government, the president said that he was very conscious of the sensitivities of the south-east, on account of which, he gave the regions four out of five states senior ranking ministers in the federal cabinet.

President Buhari used the occasion to appreciate the good work of the ministers from the region in the federal government, saying that they are doing very well for the country.

He appealed to the traditional rulers from the south-east to persuade their people to give his government a chance and to continue to serve as beacons of culture and traditions of their people.

The president assured the delegation that kidnapping and cattle rustling, which he described as unfortunate will be the governments next target, now that we have managed to calm down the north-east.

In taking note of the profuse commendation for his administrations war against corruption and insecurity by the traditional rulers, President Buhari expressed frustration at the endless nature of some ongoing trials, citing some of the cases as going far back to the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

We are asking the judiciary to clean itself. Nigerians are tired of waiting. They want some actions, he lamented.

The President said he hoped that the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation will come to some form of agreement by which specially designated courts will give accelerated hearing to some corruption cases that are pending, arguing that we want Nigerians to know we are serious.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Eberechi Dick, had made requests for roads, other projects among other issues, even as he assured the president of their support for his leadership and programmes.
The acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has said that there is a link between corruption and the current economic recession.

Mr. Magu, who was speaking on Thursday, when he visited the Naval Headquarters in Abuja on a courtesy call, said the recession prevalent in Nigeria today, is a fall out of the corrupt tendencies of our leaders.

According to him, except Nigerians resolve collectively to detest corruption in all forms, there will be no future for the youth.

He also said that it was disturbing that federal, State and Local Government allocations were persistently being misappropriated.

If 50 percent of the allocations at the three tiers of governments are judiciously put to use, we would not be where we are in terms of underdevelopment and infrastructural decay, he explained.

The EFCC Boss said his visit to the Naval headquarters was in furtherance of the inter-agency collaboration between the EFCC and other government agencies.

EFCC alone cannot fight corruption; we need all hands to be on deck. We have come to appreciate you for the robust relationship that exists between the EFCC and the Nigerian Navy, and we want to leverage on that to stem corruption in Nigeria, Mr. Magu said.

He appealed to the Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas a Vice Admiral, to help mobilize women in uniform, especially in the Nigerian Navy, to come out on December 7 to be part of the flag off of the Women Against Corruption programme by the wife of the president, Aisha Buhari.

The Chief of Naval Staff, in his response, agreed with the EFCC chairman when he said corruption fuels insecurity and responsible for lack of development. We just cannot afford to continue like that.

He however advised the EFCC chairman that more attention should also be paid to corruption in the private sector.

He also said that after the flag-off of the Women Against Corruption programme, efforts should be made to look seriously in the direction of the children as there is the need to catch them young.
The Abuja Division of the Appeal Court on Thursday adjourned its hearing in the ongoing leadership tussle within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

A three member panel of justices led by Ibrahim Salauwa gave the ruling following an application by counsel to former governor Ali Sheriff faction of the party, Akin Olujimi.

Mr. Olujimi had requested an adjournment by the court to allow the Port Harcourt Division of the appellate court conclude on a similar application.

He prayed the court to allow his application to prevent the emergence of contrasting judgements in the matter.

The counsel representing the Ahmed Makarfi faction, Emmanuel Ukala, opposed the application. Therefore, the appellate court sought a few hours adjournment after which it would listen to the arguments of both parties.

About 6 hours later, Mr. Ibrahim said the court would have to adjourn and fix another date to listen to the arguments.

He acknowledged the efforts of parties for their patience in waiting and said the case had been adjourned till December 15.

While the application at the Abuja Division of the appellate court was filed by Ahmed Makarfi faction of the PDP; the one filed at the Port Harcourt Division was by Mr. Sheriff.

Mr. Makarfi seeks to upturn the judgement of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court which on June 29 declared his emergence as leader of the party a product of impunity.

Mr. Sheriff on his part asked the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt to nullify the judgement by a high court in the state, presided over by Ahmed Liman which validated the national convention where Mr. Makarfi was elected.

The Port Harcourt Division of the court gave no specific date for its next hearing during the last sitting on November 24.
The Senate will do everything possible to fast track the passage of the Anti-Tobacco Bill, Senate President Bukola Saraki has assured.

Mr. Saraki gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when a delegation of civil society groups led by Bintou Camara, Director, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CFTFK), paid him a visit.

He also pledged that the Senate would adhere to all anti-tobacco laws in the country; stressing that global and World Health Organisation (WHO) standards must be maintained.

Mr. Saraki, however, warned that Nigeria would not be a dumping ground for goods that had negative implications on the health of its citizens.

He said: we must reassure you that we will not pass laws that anybody will evade. We will definitely ensure that those laws are strictly adhered to and complied with.

I can assure you that once the necessary bills come to us from the Ministry of Health, we will fast track them and ensure they are passed into law.

We are on the same page and I want to assure you that here in the Senate, we will work very closely with you.

We will ensure that there are strict compliance with global standards and regulations of World Health Organisation (WHO).

He said that the Senate would laise with the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure that draft bills form the ministry were given prompt attention.

Earlier, Bintou Camara, the leader of the delegation, said that they were at the National Assembly as part of their advocacy to ensure free tobacco environment in Nigeria.

He urged the Senate President to ensure that anti-tobacco bill was given speedy passage whenever it was brought to it by the Federal Ministry of Health.

(NAN)
The Ondo State governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday at the State House, suggested former Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu is not more than a state-level leader of the All Progressives Congress.

So, Mr Akeredolu said, mentioning Mr Tinubu in his victory speech, after he especially acknowledged President Muhammadu Buhari and party chairman John Odigie-Oyegun could have necessitated the inclusion of 36 or 37 leaders  referring to the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr Akeredolu, accompanied by the deputy governor-elect, Agboola Ajayi, addressed journalists after meeting with Mr Buhari and explained why he didnt mention Mr Tinubu  reputed for his pivotal role in the formation of APC and emergence of Mr Buhari  in his victory speech.

In his victory speech after he was declared the winner of the election on Sunday, Mr Akeredolu profusely thanked Mr Buhari; Mr Oyegun, the indefatigable and principled Chairman, and loyal governors and ministers  subtly hitting at South-West APC leaders, including Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and his Lagos counterpart, Akinwumi Ambode, who had abandoned him during the campaign, allegedly supporting Olusola Oke of Alliance for Democracy instead.

Although Messrs. Tinubu and Ambode have extended congratulations to Mr Akeredolu, it is apparent, with his subtle denigration on Wednesday, the governor-elect is still angry he was not supported by the former Lagos Governor.

He said, On the names that were mentioned in my speech when expressing gratitude and that I didnt specifically thank Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I thanked the President and the leader of our party profusely for the leadership which he showed leading to this election.

I also thanked our indefatigable chairman for standing by the truth and for his position on this matter that led to this election. I have no reason to do otherwise.

Party structure to the best of my knowledge is very clear. You have the leadership of the party and that is represented by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

After the election, a chief executive emerges, he becomes a leader of the party, you dont have to personalise and be looking for leaders all over the place.

If we have to do that, then I will have to mention 36 or 37 leaders. So I believe the leadership as represented by the President covers all leaders and that tells me it would include Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it would include even Baba Akande, Onu, and so many leaders.

But President Buhari is the leader of the party. So, that is my position there.

He, however, denied a rift with Mr Tinubu.

For me as a person, I believe he is one of the leaders of the party and I dont see any strain relationship between us. And you would observe that he has sent in his congratulatory message after the election, so what else do you expect?

I mean all of us see this as a victory for the APC, not for Akeredolu, not for us an individual but for the party as a whole. I believe he is a member of the party. Mr Femi Adesina had issued a release but you journalists just want to put words into our mouths, said Mr Akeredolu.

Mr Akeredolu and his deputy were led to the President by the Chairman of APC Campaign Council in Ondo State, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State.

Mr Tinubu had backed Olusegun Abraham to clinch APC ticket eventually won by Mr Akeredolu to contest, and win last Saturdays governorship election.

But Mr Akeredolus emergence in the primary saw aggrieved losers like Messrs Abraham and Oke petition APC appeals panel.

The panel invalidated Mr Akeredolus victory but Mr Oyegun-led National Working Committee overruled the panel, provoking a furious Mr Tinubu to accuse his party of injustice and demand the chairmans resignation in a strongly worded letter in which he also renounced the honorific title of a national leader.

Mr Tinubu later in his congratulatory message to Mr Akeredolu called Mr Buhari the national leader of the party whose stature and dignity helped guide APC to another victory.

Bola Ilori, an ex-aide to Mr Aregbesola, staunchly pro-Tinubu, headed Mr Okes campaign, and many APC card-carrying members loyal to the former Lagos Governor, citing injustice in our party openly mobilised support for the ADs flag bearer, fueling allegations Mr Tinubu backed Mr Oke who came a distant third in the elections.

But the Presidency, in a statement on Monday, said Mr Tinubu did not work against APC in Ondo, having promised Mr Buhari he would not be involved in anti-party politics.

The statement also denied any plot against Mr Tinubu and acknowledged him as a priceless asset to the APC.

Mr Akeredolu reached the pinnacle of his career, becoming President of the Nigerian Bar Association. But in politics, he did not count much to anything when MrTinubu not more than state-level APC leader, Akeredolu suggestsTinubu not more than state-level APC leader, Akeredolu suggests Tinubu backed him when he first aimed at becoming Ondo Governor in 2012.

But then in the 2012 poll, he came third in that election, coming behind Olusola Oke of PDP then, and Olusegun Mimiko who used Labour Party to clinch a second term.
The Senate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, on Thursday said it has started the process for the selection of a new Vice-Chancellor.

The incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Olusola Oyewole, is currently facing a criminal charge alongside two others for alleged misappropriation of N800 million belonging to the university.

The three including the chairman of the universitys governing council, Adeseye Ogunlewe, were granted bail after they were charged to court by the anti-graft EFCC.

But the Senate of the university stressed that the search for Mr. Oyewoles successor had nothing to do with his trial, as his tenure will end in the first quarter of next year.

In fact, the body reaffirmed its confidence in Mr. Oyewoles ability to continue to provide academic and administrative leadership to the university until his tenure runs out next year.

Announcing the resolution by the Senate in a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES, the universitys spokesman, Emi Alawode, explained that the commencement of the selection process was in line with the laws governing the university.

According to Mr. Alawode, the Senate stated that it reserved comment on the allegations against some officers of the university, as the matter was before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Senate also expressed satisfaction with all measures taken by the Governing Council and the university management to ensure peace, security and unfettered academic activities in the institution.

The body, however, said it had deep concern over the emerging trend in Nigerian universities, where some persons or group of persons in the guise of unionism, acting alone or in concert with internal and external influences, seek to control the levers of administration and undermine the peace and harmony in the system.

It thus re-affirmed its resolve to uphold the laws of the University and ensure discipline and good governance at all times.

In another development, the Governing Council of the University has approved the elevation of 23 teachers (Readers) to professors, while 285 other academic and non-teaching staff were also promoted.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Oyewole, the promotion exercise was in recognition of the dedication and contribution of the affected staff to duty.

The embattled vice chancellor, who is also the President, Association of African Universities (AAU), expressed optimism that the exercise would further motivate the affected staff.
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja said his administration remained committed to realising the key priorities of securing the country, fighting corruption, and salvaging the economy in spite of current challenges.

Receiving the Letter of Credence of the new United States Ambassador to Nigeria, William Symington, at the State House, President Buhari said the security situation in the North East had improved significantly following support in training of the military and supply of hardware after the G-7 meeting in Germany in 2015.

When I was invited to the G-7 meeting after my inauguration on May 29, 2015, I thought I was going to be an observer at the meeting, but without prompting, I was asked to brief the leaders on the security situation in Nigeria, and I did. Since then, we have received support in training and military hardware, and I hope we have not disappointed, he said.

The president said the target of reversing the culture of corruption in the country had received support from Nigerians, with many realising the depth of damage done by some previous administrations from the ongoing investigations and prosecutions.

The corruption we met at personal and institutional levels was unbelievable. Corruption was turning into a culture. After we came in, people started realising the truth, he added.

President Buhari told the U. S ambassador that his administration was still determined to continue investigations and prosecution of corrupt persons in the country as Nigeria will either kill corruption or corruption will kill Nigeria in the long run.

Mr. Buhari noted that the years of mishandling of the economy at a period of financial prosperity, affected the economy, making it more challenging to create employment for the youth and improve the livelihood of many Nigerians.

It has not been easy for another party to come in and get things done properly, especially with the new economic reality of $37 per barrel of oil, against the $100 for the period, and there was no savings, no infrastructure on ground, he said.

President Buhari said the timely intervention of the United States, with a visit of the Secretary of State, John Kerry to Nigeria, before the 2015 elections helped in ensuring peace and stability in the country.

In his remarks, the U.S ambassador said the interest in the well-being of Nigeria was of mutual benefit.

We do it not only for Nigeria, but for ourselves. We did it because it was right for us and right for our people, he said.

Mr. Symington said he would work hard to further strengthen the relationship between his country and Nigeria, assuring that President-elect Donald Trump would also be interested in the wellbeing of Nigeria.

President Buhari also received Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Moha Ouali Tagma, assuring him of Nigerias willingness to improve bilateral relations between the countries.
Members of the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, on Thursday stormed the National Assembly to protest the continued detention of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

Mr. El-Zakzaky was arrested in December after over 300 members of his group were killed for blocking a road in Kaduna. The soldiers also accused the IMN members of plotting to kill the army chief, Tukur Buratai, although no evidence was provided for that and the IMN denied the allegation.

An application for Mr. El-Zakzakys bail by his lawyer Femi Falana, is expected to be determined by an Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Friday.

The protesters led by the secretary of the academic forum in Nigeria, Abdullahi Musa, said they had gathered to know the position of the Senate regarding the continued detention of their leader.

This is the third time we are coming here. We submitted a lot of documents to the National Assembly but we are yet to get any response.

We submitted the third batch of documents yesterday and we came here today to hear from them, said Mr. Musa.

He said although government had said they were keeping Mr. El-Zakzaky in protective custody, no member of the movement believed he is being protected.

We do not believe in the so called protective custody. We want him freed so that he can go for his treatment. They have inflicted several injuries on him. What we ask for is that justice prevails, he said.

Mr. Musa said they were at the National Assembly to know what the Senate would do and if government plans any action regarding their members who he said were killed by security operatives during peaceful protests across the country.

They killed our member and government has been silent. We want to know what their position is, said Mr. Musa.

At least eight members of the movement were confirmed dead in Kano, alongside a police sergeant on November 14 after police officers tried to stop the IMN protesters.

The Divisional Crimes Officer at the National Assembly; Frances Anebi, addressed the protesters, urging them to remain calm.
A former Vice-Chancellor of Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Riskuwa Shehu, said private universities in Nigeria lack qualified academic and non-academic staff to offer quality education.

Mr. Shehu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ilorin said that most senior teaching staff in private universities were either employed on sabbatical, visiting or on adjunct basis.

He said such situation existed because the institutions had difficulty in attracting quality staff.

The professor of biochemistry, however, said private universities had more stable academic system because of governance structure.

According to him, they have more stable system compared to the public sector institutions.

He added that they were smaller in size in terms of demand for upkeep and maintenance of standard.

The proprietors of such institutions have a way of reducing pressure from the workers of the institutions.

Honestly speaking, you find out that the private institutions in this country are mostly driven by the workforce in the public sector, he said.

Jude Udenta of Enugu State University of Science and Technology said private universities had bridged the admission gap for prospective and provided spaces but could not vouch for the quality of graduates.

They have done well in absorbing myriad of admission seekers.

However, I cannot clearly attest to their quality notwithstanding the number of first class students they produce since most of their students are those who get lower grades in JAMB exams, he said.

Mr. Udenta, a professor of government and public administration, said most private universities depended on retired lecturers, ad-hoc lecturing staff or lecturers got from faith-based organisations since they could not pay their lecturers well.

If you see any sound and young lecturer in there, it might be due to lack of job.

The same lecturer definitely will leave anytime he gets an appointment in any public university due to minimal pay at the private universities, he said

The professor added: just few of them are coming into the academic sector with innovations to match the towering gap and academic excellence government-owned universities have attained so far over the years.

On her part, a professor of mass communication at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Kate Omenugha, said private universities were bridging the gap created by the inadequate number of spaces in public universities.

Ms. Omenugha, who is the Commissioner for Education in Anambra, said the quality of private universities was high since they operated on the guidelines of the Nigeria University Commission (NUC).

She advocated constant accreditation and reaccreditation by NUC to ensure that they conformed to the standards on which they were approved.

It is purely personal, some of them are good, others are not too good but that also applies in the public university products.

There is need to continually monitor the private universities through accreditation and reaccreditation to ensure that the standards are not compromised, Ms. Omenugha said.

An undergraduate student at the Alhikmah University, Ilorin, Lydia Epelle-Oko, said the high school fees charged by private universities often discouraged many parents from sending their children to the institutions.

A parent, Rex Olawoye, said the exorbitant fees charged by private universities had adversely affected their students intake.

He said most parents preferred their children attending public universities to the private schools because of the low fees paid in the former.

Mr. Olawoye, a pharmacist, said few parents who sent their children to private universities did so because of their uninterrupted academic life.

Despite this, however, admission into the private universities is still very low, chiefly because of high fee and fewer academic staff.

I dont think the quality of teaching at the private universities is lower than that of the public ones because lecturers at these private universities are eminently qualified, he added.

An educationist, Samuel Adejobi, advised the federal government to exercise more control over private universities to promote academic excellence in the institutions.

Mr. Adejobi said the federal government must critically assess the performance of the private universities with a view to considering whether or not they were lifting admission burden from the public universities.

He said although private universities were expanding access to admission, the margin was slim because of the fees they charged.

It is unfortunate that the proprietors of the institutions are mainly driven by monetary gains at the expense of quality and standard.

Many of them lack proper structure for governance and administration, he said.

Mr. Adejobi said that the private universities still faced challenges of attracting quality and experienced lecturers on permanent basis.

Many of their senior lecturers are either visiting or on sabbatical, he said.

(NAN)
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) on Thursday announced the dismissal of 12 lecturers of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi in connection with sexual-related offences.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Masaudu Kazaure, who made this known at a news conference in Kaduna, said 16 other lecturers were demoted, while four others were warned.

He also said two others were advised, another two cautioned, while one lecturer would be mentored.

He said the development was the outcome of an investigation following a publication by The Punch newspaper of April 9, 2016 with the title: School Where Prostitutes Assist Male Students to Get Marks.

He said: The summery of the publication indicated that students hire prostitutes or beg their girlfriends to sleep with lecturers on their behalf in order to earn higher grades in their courses.

The lecturer chooses a hotel of his choice and the affected students pay the hotel bills, which include the meals before the action.

Some of the lecturers give the option of paying by cash, which cost between N10, 000 and N20, 000, which could give the student not more than a C grade.

We promptly informed the Minister of Education, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Department of Security Services (DSS).

Mr. Kazaure said the board, therefore, constituted a fact-finding committee with representation from EFCC, ICPC, DSS, NBTE and the Federal Ministry of Education and gave it one week within which to getting to the root of the matter.

The committee was also to proffer lasting solutions to the problem.

He said the committee submitted its report on June 14, 2016, which was deliberated by the board and recommendations submitted to the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.

According to him, the recommendations were approved on November 21.

Consequently, the minister approved the dismissal from the services of the Polytechnic two chief lecturers, two principal lecturers and one Lecturer I.

Also, four chief lecturers, one Principal Lecturer, one Lecturer I, one Lecturer II and one Higher Technician had their appointments terminated.

The minister also approved the demotion of one Chief Lecturer, four principal lecturers, three senior lecturers, three Lecturer I, four Lecturer II, and one Senior Instructor.

One Chief lecturer, one Principal Lecturer, one lecturer I, and one Lecturer II were warned, while a Chief lecturer and one Senior Technologist were advised to be of good conduct.

In addition, two senior lecturers were cautioned, an Assistant Lecturer is to be mentored and one ND student is to be advised, while another student denied admission into the polytechnic, Mr. Kazaure said. (NAN)
The African Development Bank Group, AfDB, and United Bank for Africa Plc, UBA, on November 30 signed a $150 million loan agreement to finance infrastructure and SME projects, including women-owned enterprises in Nigeria.

The Fund will support development of productive sectors of the economy; particularly the power sector, infrastructure, women owned enterprises as well as SMEs. This line of credit comes at an opportune time and would boost efforts at reducing the huge power sector-financing deficit that is limiting energy supply and complement our support to medium and small scale enterprises while also promoting gender diversification across the value chain said Kennedy Uzoka, UBA Group Managing Director/CEO.

UBA, one of the largest commercial banks in Nigeria incorporated in 1961, operates in 19 African countries whilst providing a wide range of products and services. UBA Nigeria has been the leading financial institution to support various infrastructure projects, particularly power, telecom, transport and also social infrastructure such as hospital and education facilities, and received Social Infrastructure Deal of the Year Award in 2015. UBA Nigeria operates in each of the countrys 36 states through more than 450 branches supporting 3,700 SMEs across the country.

AfDB has remained UBAs long-term partner in its financing activities. In 2009, AfDB provided liquidity facilities to deepen its trade finance and other lending activities, thus contributing to key economic sectors of the Nigerian economy, particularly at a time when the economy requires critical funding to stimulate growth and employment.

By leveraging UBAs branch network, the Line of Credit will also scale up lending to SMEs and women enterprises in both urban and rural areas to create more jobs and to promote inclusive growth for Nigerias economy by stimulating the various sectors such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, education and services.
The police on Thursday arraigned two men in a Gudu Upper Area Court, FCT, for allegedly stealing three dogs.

Suleiman Shehu, 28, and Bashir Abubakar, 20, both of Kabusa village, Apo, are standing trial on a three-count charge of joint act, criminal trespass and theft.

The prosecutor, Joshua Ayanna, told the court that one Solomon Olajide, Zacharia Ibrahim and Ibrahim Aminu reported the matter at Apo police station on November 26.

Mr. Ayanna said that the three men alleged that the two defendants on different occasions, criminally conspired together, trespassed into their various houses and stole three dogs.

One of the dogs belonging to one of the complainants, one Mr Solomon, is valued at N20, 000, the rest belonging to the other two are valued at N75,000 and N55,000.

The prosecutor also said that during police investigation, the defendants confessed to have committed the crime.

The two defendants, however, denied the allegation that they stole three dogs but admitted stealing only one.

The presiding judge, Umar Kagarko, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N50, 000 each with a reliable surety each.

Mr. Kagarko, who ordered that the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court, adjourned the case till January 17 for hearing.

(NAN)
The Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has commenced the issuance of original certificates to the past six sets of its graduates.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Mohammed Mainoma, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, in Keffi, that the certificates of graduates from 2009 to 2015 were ready.

He said interested graduates should apply for them through the office of the Registrar.

The usual procedure is that an institution will only commence issuance of original certificates to its graduates after convocation is held.

The fact that the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has not held convocation for those who graduated from the institution since 2009, does not mean they cannot get their original certificates.

So, the Senate and other organs of the university have already approved their results and the original certificates have been printed, awaiting graduates to come and collect them, he added.

Mr. Mainoma explained that graduates were not responsible for the inability of the university to hold convocation so they could not be made to suffer the consequences.

So many organisations had threatened to withdraw the services of our graduates for their inabilities to provide original certificates, hence, the need for this decision, he said.

Mr. Mainoma said the university was unable to hold its convocation due to financial constraint, adding that the institution was having a shortfall of over N100 million monthly to pay staff salaries.

He added that the institution owed over N2 billion as allowances for both academic and non-academic staff of the institution since 2011.

Mr. Mainoma, however, commended the Nasarawa and Federal Governments for supporting the university in terms of manpower development and provision of infrastructure.

He said there were 13 TETFund projects in the university, out of which eight had been completed with five ongoing.

Mr. Mainoma also said that over 100 staff of the university were currently undergoing various local and international training courtesy of TETFund. (NAN)
The Sokoto State Government has successfully conducted a test run of its N3.8 billion Independent Power Project, IPP, whose contract was awarded in November, 2008.

The project, the first of its kind in the northern part of the country, has an installed capacity of a minimum of 30 megawatts and a maximum of 38 megawatts.

The Chief Operating Officer of the contracting firm, Vulcan Elvaton Ltd, Franklin Ngbor, told journalists during the test run that the turbine of the project had already been tested three times.

He said: What remains now is the synchronisation of the plant with the fuel tank and the main evacuation line, down to the transmission line.

The plant when fully completed, finally fired and integrated into the national grid, can work for five consecutive years nonstop.

It is only after it works for five years that it can be shut down for routine maintenance.

The Director-General of the project, Umar Bande, stated that, the plant has a multiple type turbine that can use diesel, gas or LPFO.

According to Mr. Bande, the plant was now being test run on diesel, saying it consumes 33,000 litres per day.

He said plans are afoot to sign a fuel supply security agreement with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) or other major oil firms.

This, he noted, was to make the fuel supply cheaper, more sustainable and ensuring maximum operations of the plant.

The Secretary to the State Government, Bashir Garba, said so far, nine stages, out of 11, required for a successful test run, have been carried out without hitches.

He said an agreement will soon be signed between the state government and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), on the evacuation of the power to the national grid.

Mr. Garba explained that the project was necessitated by the epileptic power supply to the state from the national grid.

He added: The state will be enjoying nearly 24-hour power supply when the plant becomes fully operational.

This is a project that is worth celebrating as power supply in Nigeria will be bolstered with the injection of 38 megawatts to the national grid.

This will also eventually boost the socioeconomic landscape in the state, curb poverty, restiveness and unemployment, among other myriad of direct and indirect benefits.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly on Thursday passed into law, the states budget of N214.9 billion for 2017.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the figure is N1 billion less than the budget proposal forwarded by Governor Nasiru El-Rufai to the assembly on October 12, for approval.

The Speaker of the assembly, Aminu Shagali, who read the content of the budget clause by clause, said N83.46 billion was approved for recurrent and N131.45 for capital expenditure.

He said the budget would cover from now till December 31, 2017.

The Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Ahmed Mohammed, later told journalists that the N1 billion cut from the original proposal was from the expected revenue of two agencies.

He said that revenue projection of the state Geographic Information System and Internal Revenue Service was reduced by N500 million for each of the agencies, in view of current economic realities.

He assured that the assembly would monitor the implementation to ensure that it serve the people better.

(NAN)
A Magistrates Court in Evbouriaria , Benin City, on Thursday sentenced a man, Sylvester Livinus, 22, to four months imprisonment for stealing 10 cat fish.

The Chief Magistrate, C.E. Oghuma, however, gave the convict N 5, 000 option of fine.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Olatoye Oluwaseun, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 18, at about 2:45p.m. at No. 1, Toronto St. Benin.

Mr. Oluwaseun said the cat fish which belonged to Noma Okunbor, was valued at N10, 000.

He said the offence contravened Section 309 (9) of the Criminal Code. (NAN)
Effective December 1, 2016, Dara Akala takes over from Sam Daibo as Executive Director of the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, PIND.

Mr. Akala has helped to shape the direction of PINDs various programs and projects over the past five years. He has worked with PIND since 2011 when he came on board as the Economic Development Centre, EDC, Manager in PINDs EDC in Warri, Delta State, before becoming Program Director in 2013.

Prior to his work at PIND, Mr. Akala worked with Living Earth Foundation (LEF) in the United Kingdom where he provided support to African programs and established the Nigerian affiliate of LEF, a European Commission and Federal Government of Nigeria-funded micro-projects program in three Niger Delta States. He also served as a Program Manager at Techno Serve Nigeria where he was responsible for managing a program to increase the productivity and income of agribusinesses in the southern region of Nigeria, as well as capacity building for community development associations. His experience in agricultural policy and relationship building with bilateral and multilateral development agencies also comes from his work at the Agricultural & Rural Management Training Institute and the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority.

Olatunji Idowu, erstwhile senior programs and policy advisor, is appointed Deputy Executive Director. Mr. Idowu joined Chevron in 1992 as a Public Affairs Representative and has worked in various Chevron offices around the country and internationally. He has held various positions of increasing responsibility within Chevrons Policy, Government and Public Affairs, PGPA, unit and Human Resources & Medical Departments, including: Senior Advisor on Global Diversity; Manager on Organizational Capability; PGPA West Area Manager; and Social Performance & Planning Manager. In his last Chevron role, he had oversight for all Chevron Nigeria Limiteds stakeholder engagement efforts and social investment programs including the Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMOU, community engagement process.

I am proud that as PIND has grown, we have also built in the continuity that the Foundation needs to enable us carry on our good work, said Mr. Daibo. Dara is no stranger to PIND staff or our partners. We all know him and have trusted him over the years and know the thoughtfulness in his approach and the excellent leadership he provides. Tunji has been an increasingly familiar face here as well, and has brought such a fresh perspective to our team. I cannot have left PIND in more capable hands.

Following his exit from the role of Executive Director at PIND, Mr. Daibo will stay on as a member of PINDs Board of Trustees. He will be taking up a new role in Chevron Nigeria Limited as the Area Manager, PGPA Field Operations, based in Warri, Delta State.
Abali Chuku, Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, said on Thursday that the hospital had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toledo University, Ohio, U.S. for kidney transplant services.

Mr. Chuku, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Umuahia. He said that the services would kick-off in February 2017.

He recalled that discussion for the partnership began in 2015 when he was inducted into the Medical Mission Hall of Fame by the university.

Mr. Chuku said that the university would train eight medical personnel, comprising three doctors and two nurses in the first phase, while three others would be trained later.

The medical director said that the centre was also collaborating with the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America for the training of its nurses.

He, however, identified adequate funding as the major challenge facing the centre in carrying out its activities, especially its training programme.

Mr. Chuku also said that the hospital was grossly understaffed and thus, performing below capacity.

He said that the centre needed 236 additional nurses and required more consultants to be able to provide more efficient services to patients.

Mr. Chuku, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government for N500 million take off for the centre to be on solid financial footing and provide optimum performance.

(NAN)
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has attributed the recent defections of politicians from the south-east to the ruling party to the commitment shown by President Muhammadu Buhari to execute vital projects in the zone.

The National Vice Chairman (South East) of the APC, Emma Enuekwu, stated this while speaking to journalists at the party secretariat in Abuja after a meeting of south-east stakeholders.

The meeting was to plan for fresh membership registration in the zone.

Mr. Enuekwu said Igbos are beginning to have confidence in the new administration and are wiser after the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The problem with the south easterners before the election was that they felt that PDP was the proper party for the Igbo man which they came to realize lately was not true because they were disappointed. PDP was in power for 16 years and the Enugu-Onitsha road was not done, the Enugu-Port Harcourt road was not done, the second Niger Bridge was not done, the APC chieftain said.

When they realized this, they are now seeing that Buhari who has been in power for a little over one year has paid contractors and started doing something about the Enugu-Onitsha road, the Enugu-Port Harcourt road and has started doing something on the second Niger Bridge within one year.

Because of the high level of integrity displayed by President Buhari, many people are anxious to join the party. Therefore, a lot of people that have moved from other parties and entered APC have not had the opportunity of being registered and therefore the leadership felt it necessary that these people be registered so that they can be part of the party ahead of the next general election.

The official said the party will adopt manual registration which will also capture the biometrics of every member.

Some top Igbo politicians who recently decamped to the APC include Jim Nwobodo and Orji Kalu former governors of Anambra and Abia state respectively.
About 72,000 adolescents are living with HIV in Lagos State, Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Oluseyi Temowo, has said.

Mr. Temowo made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking in Lagos at a forum on adolescents living with HIV.

An NGO, Positive Action for Treatment, organised the forum in partnership with the AIDS agency to mark 2016 World AIDS Day.

Mr. Temowo urged the people to know their status early, added that drugs for HIV could be obtained free in any government hospital in the state.

He advised parents, guardians, healthcare givers and media to support the government in its effort to stamp out the condition by engaging in massive sensitisation of the public.

Also speaking, Olufemi Onanuga, the Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Primary Healthcare, said the state government would sanction any school or organisation guilty of discriminating against HIV patients.

He also warned members of members of public, employers and school owners against stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS.

According to him, the state government on will commence enforcement of legislation prohibiting stigmatisation and discrimination of people living with HIV in the state.

The governors aide condemned a school for rusticating an adolescent girl on account of living with HIV.

He said: There is no need for discrimination. HIV is not a death sentence; anyone can live with this condition, like any other diseases like hypertension, for the rest of life.

There is legislation against discrimination, be it at work or school. No one should be kicked out of school or work because of HIV.

People live well as long as they (the victims) take their drugs; we will commence enforcement of the legislation against discrimination.

As policy makers, we would do everything possible to make sure that HIV is kicked out of Lagos State and there wont be discrimination for anyone.

The Wife of the Governor, Bolanle Ambode, appealed to policy makers across the country for intervention programmes targeted at adolescents living with HIV and AIDS, because of their strategic age bracket.

Ambode, the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, urged LSACA and all relevant government agencies to continue sensitising the public on the danger of discriminating against people living with HIV and AIDS.

Francis Umoh, Programme Manager, PATA said that the forum was conveyed to sensitise policy makers and key stakeholders on sexual and reproductive health of adolescents living with HIV.

Mr. Umoh said the step became necessary to promote support for PATAs intervention programmes aimed at improving the quality of life of adolescents living with HIV in the area.

He said that PATA had established the Marys Home to cater for the psycho social and Sexual Reproductive Health needs of vulnerable and indigent adolescent girls living with HIV with no anywhere to stay.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that the United Nations in 1988 declared Dec. 1 as the World AIDS Day.

The theme for the 2016 global event is Hands Up for HIV Prevention.

The Day is designed to honour AIDS victims and focus on issues surrounding HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). (NAN)
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Thursday said that Osun still recorded highest prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria with over 76.3 per cent.

Damilola Obinna, a Gender Analyst with UNFPA, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that FGM was high in the South-West in spite of the geo-political zones high literacy and awareness rate.

Mrs. Obinna said the statistics was arrived at after a survey was carried out by UNFPA in collaboration with UNICEF in 2015.

After data collation and analysis, we discovered that Osun had 76.3 per cent prevalence rate, Ekiti had 71.2, Oyo, 69.7; Ebonyi, 55.6; Imo, 48.8; and Lagos, 44.8.

There is no single benefit in the practice of female genital mutilation; yet, the practice is high even among the educated.

Aside from the immediate risks of FGM which includes haemorrhage, infections, and death, survivors of FGM are liable to present later in their lives recurring urinary tract infections, menstrual problems, reproductive tract infections, depression, sexual dysfunction and pain, and chronic genital pain.

They are also at risk for several adverse complications for both mother and newborn during childbirth, she said.

Mrs. Obinna said that in Lagos, the awareness of FGM was high but statistics showed that four out of 10 girls or women had undergone female genital mutilation.

She said that Lagos Island L.G.A. recorded the highest prevalence with 51.6 per cent while Somolu L.G.A. had the lowest prevalence with 20.9 per cent.

We discovered that most Lagos indigenes dont cut their girls but the people who moved into Lagos from Kwara, Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ebonyi and some other states, moved in with their culture which includes FGM.

These people who still practice FGM claimed that it is a social expectation that most be carried out and that it cannot be stopped, she said.

Mr. Obinna urged state governments to enact laws that would prohibit FGM in their states.

She said the states could domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) of 2015.

She also urged governments to organise regular enlightenment programmes involving traditional, religious and community leaders to drive the message home.

These people are role models in the society; people listen and emulate them; so, they must be fully involved in the total eradication of FGM, Obinna said. (NAN)
The Lagos State Government on Thursday said it would commence its `Rent to Own and Rental Housing schemes with 12 housing estates on December 8.

Gbolahan Lawal, the Commissioner for Housing, said at a news conference in Alausa that the policy was in response to the yearnings of residents for affordable and decent housing.

He said that the `Rent to Own policy would target low income earners in both formal and informal sectors, while the `Rental Housing policy would cover the working class.

According to him, the `Rent to Own policy will also cover those with regular income, with the rent deducted from source.

He said that the government would kick-start the project with over 1,000 units out of the 3,192 units earmarked in the first phase.

Lawal said the first phase of the project would be sited in the following areas: Epe, Agbowa, Ojokoro, Alimosho, Igbogbo, Igando, Iponri, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Ajara and Badagry.

He said that five per cent value of the housing unit would be paid as commitment fee on the Rent to Own Policy, while the balance would be spread for 10 years.

On the Rental Housing policy, Lawal said that rent would be collected on monthly basis, and tenants were required to pay one month deposit, according to the prevailing rent in each location.

According to him, rented apartments are not transferable.

Mr. Lawal said that applicants must be primarily residents in the state and would be required to submit a copy of their Lagos State Residents Registration Card.

He said that applicants must be first time home buyers, must be 21 years old and above, as well as be tax compliant, among others.

The commissioner urged members of the public to make enquiries online on www.lagoshoms.gov.ng or visit the ministry.

He assured that the selection process for both policies would be credible, fair and transparent. (NAN)
The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State has expressed delight in the congratulatory message sent by Governor Olusegun Mimiko to the Governor-elect, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The partys publicity secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, in a statement issued in Akure on Thursday, commended Mr. Mimiko for his show of sportsmanship.

We accept the congratulatory message of Mr. Governor on our candidates landslide victory in the last Saturdays governorship election.

APC commends the outgoing governor for his statesmanship.

We urge him to ensure smooth transition and genuine handover devoid of discrepancies and imbalances experienced by President Muhammadu Buhari when he took over from former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Adesanya said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr. Mimiko had on November 28 congratulated Mr. Akeredolu and wished him success in the challenging task of governing the state.

INEC had declared Mr. Akeredolu of the APC as winner of the November 26 governorship election in the state after polling 244,842 votes to beat his closest rival, Eyitayo Jegede, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who garnered 150,380 votes.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday urged people of Ifako-Ijaye federal constituency to elect Akinwunmi Olaitan in Saturdays by-election to ensure adequate representation.

Mr. Ambode spoke during a rally held at the Ifako Ijaye mini stadium in support of Mr. Olaitan, the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the by-election into the constituency.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Elijah Adewale, who represented the constituency in the House of Representatives, died on July 20, necessitating the December 3 by-election to fill the vacant seat.

Six political parties are fielding candidates in the election.

We know that this community will move forward and there will be tremendous progress if Olaitan is elected.

Let us go house to house and pronounce further that Olaitan is one of us and he will represent us fully.

That is what we have promised you, when we make promises, we fulfil more than what we promised, Ambode said.

The governor promised massive transformation in the state, particularly in the rural areas.

I tell you, by this time next year, you will not believe the progress Lagos has made, Mr. Ambode said.

He also commiserated with the family of Mr. Adewale.

Earlier, Mr. Olaitan promised to fight for the interest of the people, if elected.

The rally was attended by the Lagos APC Chairman, Henry Ajomale, and Olamilekan Adeola, representing Lagos West Senatorial District, among others.

(NAN)


Pobierz zdjecie Przeczytaj o zasadach pobierania zdjec President Andrzej Duda in Stockholm (photo by Andrzej Hrechorowicz / KPRP) (1)

President Andrzej Duda Wednesday expressed his condolences to the families of miners killed by a Tuesday night earthquake in the southwest-Polish Rudna copper mine.

"I wish to convey expressions of sympathy (...) and to ensure that the state will take care of the families of miners who suffered tragic death in the mine", the president said in Sweden.

Andrzej Duda also expressed hope that several miners still trapped in the pit will be saved.

A 3.4 magnitude earth tremor in the Rudna pit on Tuesday night killed eight miners and injured nine. Rescuers worked for almost 24 hours to save the eight men. (PAP)
ATLANTIC CITY  Things have been moving fast lately for the family project called Little Water Distillery.

In the last week, brothers Eric and Mark Ganter have gotten the certificate of occupancy to open their distilling plant and tasting room, their craft-distilling license from the state and their mercantile license from the city. And come Saturday, they plan to introduce the world to their first product, Whitecap Whiskey, with tastings at the two Passion Vines stores in Somers Point and Egg Harbor Township.

But that doesnt mean everything has always been smooth sailing for Little Waters booze brothers, as Eric likes to think of them. Before they landed in their new home, a converted electrical warehouse in the citys Northeast Inlet, they spent most of three years trying to find other locations in Atlantic City and to turn their dream business into a working company.

The business story starts in a family story, with the two brothers buying their father, Frank, a tiny still as a man-who-has-everything 70th birthday present in 2013. And even though that little still was more of a toy than a tool for making real spirits, having it in the family started the brothers talking about a business  especially after the state loosened its distilling laws about that same time.

Mark, Little Waters CEO and sales guy, has 15 years of professional experience as a design and project management consultant in the wine and spirits industry. Eric was a teacher in Ventnor, where hes lived for 20 years, but was open to a career change.

They grew up in Upper Deerfield Township, where their parents still live. But Frank Ganter is a native of Frittlingen, Germany, and the first working distillery the brothers visited was back there, in their dads hometown.

Thats where it started to get serious, said Eric Ganter, the chief operations officer and distiller.

Since then, they figure theyve traveled to about 30 craft distilleries from Florida to New York to learn everything they can about the process.

They didnt look into quite that many locations in Atlantic City, but sometimes it must have felt that way. As they worked on their business, they tried to settle in a long-closed firehouse on Atlantic Avenue, but that deal fell through. They also planned to set up in Historic Gardners Basin, but environmental rules blocked that move.

Their tenacity to make this work in Atlantic City really motivated me, said Elizabeth Terenik, the citys planning director.

This is their third location, Terenik said. They could have gone somewhere else, but they really believed in Atlantic City, and Im so grateful that they continued to persevere and made it happen here.

Terenik likes Little Water because she says it exemplifies the diversification of attractions that will make the city successful. It attracts new and different people to the city, and its targeting a demographic of millennials that really fits with Atlantic Citys new brand.  I think it will actually change peoples opinions about the city.

She added that Little Water will be Atlantic Citys first legal distillery  at least since Prohibition. Plus a new brewery hopes to start making beer in another part of the same old warehouse, Terenik said Tuesday.

Mark Ganter said one reason they wanted to be in Atlantic City is right in the name of the business: Atlantic Citys municipal water comes from the nearby pinelands and has won national taste tests. Another is that the brothers research tells them the seaside climate can help them age their booze better.

But even though they plan to welcome visitors, and Little Water can now legally work in its new home, the brothers say they dont plan to open their tasting room until early 2017.

Theyve found allies in the area. Michael Bray, Passion Vines owner, met Mark Ganter last year and is happy to be able to finally sell Little Waters products.

Were a full-service store, but our passion is small-batch ... and handcrafted beverages, Bray said. So this fits right into our niche.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP  The Stockton Federation of Teachers and Faculty Senate issued a joint statement Wednesday in response to derogatory racial slurs that were written in several locations in a wing on the Stockton University campus in November.

The SFT deplores and condemns any and all acts of prejudice, and we offer support and solidarity to any individuals or groups targeted by them, the statement says.

The slurs were words typically used against people of Asian descent, but it was not immediately clear whether a specific student or professor was targeted.

The words were immediately removed, and university police said Wednesday evening they were interviewing suspects and expected to have the investigation complete by the end of the week.

The words were written near a professors classroom and along a path they would have walked.

The Student Senate and President Harvey Kesselman also issued statements supporting all staff and students and condemning the action.

We will work tirelessly to ensure that we make Stockton a safe place for all students, said a statement from the Student Senate.

Student Senate President Maryam Sarhan said she also met with the university chief of police to discuss the proper protocol and develop a guide for students who are experiencing harassment or inappropriate behavior.

Kesselman sent a statement to the university community asking everyone to join him in reaffirming our commitment to sustain an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and supported.

He said Stockton will always be committed to providing an environment of inclusiveness and recognizes the importance of having a diverse faculty, staff and student population.

In September, Stockton received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Our community must do all it can to promote civility and respect when interacting with one another, Kesselman said. Civility and respect promote the free exchange of ideas, and that is the hallmark of a great public institution of higher education.
VINELAND  As Manuel Manny Martinez watched the presidential debates and followed the election process, he became increasingly unhappy with what he was seeing happen in America.

At just 13, the Thomas J. Wallace Middle School seventh-grader was too young to vote, but after talking with friends at lunch, he wanted a way to express how he was feeling.

So he decided to change something most students take for granted. He decided to stop saying the Pledge of Allegiance each morning in school.

First, though, he asked his mom, Loretta Evans, if he could.

We talked about it, and I wanted to make sure he understood what he was doing and was taking it seriously, Evans said. I said, This is a big deal.

Manny explained how to him the flag is a symbol of the power and strength of America.

The first 13 colonies made a flag, he said. When we win battles, we put up a flag. The first astronaut on the moon put down a flag.

But on television Manny had watched President-elect Donald Trump say disparaging things about women and make fun of people with disabilities.

We have students with disabilities in our school, and we help them, he said.

So a few weeks ago he went to school and didnt stand up for the pledge. When the teacher asked why and he told her, she said he would need a note from his mother.

Evans said she wrote the note supporting her son, but she also said he was not trying to cause trouble.

This was just his personal belief, she said. We didnt want them to make it a big issue.

State law requires students to say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning. But under federal case law, students who refuse to stand to make a political statement or because of religious beliefs are exercising their right of free expression.

But as Manny remained quietly seated in the mornings, others did not. Manny said some teachers and staff started approaching him, telling him he was wrong and disrespectful or making other disparaging remarks. He said one teacher lectured him on what a great president Trump was going to be.

Evans said she noticed Manny was coming home unhappy, and when he told her why she contacted school officials.

If they had done a discussion in class, that would be been OK, she said. But people were just telling him he was wrong. I had told him there might be some negative feedback, but its from the teachers, and some are not even his teachers, which means they are talking about him.

School Superintendent Mary Gruccio said when she learned of the situation she had Assistant Superintendent John Frangipani immediately contact Evans and the principal.

Our policy allows any student to not participate in the flag salute or stand as long as he/she remains respectful to others, she said in an email. Our policy was shared with staff when this came about.

Manny said the comments have stopped this week and everyone is more accepting. Evans said she has a meeting with the school principal on Friday.

Vineland Education Association President Louis Russo said he was not aware of the incident at the school, but the situation does come up occasionally and often teachers are worried about being accused of insubordination if they dont require students to participate.

As a Social Studies teacher with over 20 years of experience, I know that our culture and schools in general do a good job of trying to instill patriotism, civics and good citizenship, but often we fail to understand that part of good citizenship is the protection of peaceful free speech and dissent, Russo said in an email.

Jeanne LoCicero, deputy director of the New Jersey American Civil Liberties Union, said her group has had a handful of complaints about students being disciplined for not saying the pledge, but typically once the ACLU reaches out to the school, the matter is resolved and the students record is cleared.

Manny said maybe one day he will again be proud to say the pledge. But for now, he will remain seated.
Warning: The following recap contains spoilers for Episode 9 of Marvels Luke Cage. Check out our recaps of Episodes 1-8, then rejoin the party, already in progress.

Todays Luke Cage is all about the ladies: Misty, Mariah and Claire.

Among the many things Marvels Netflix shows do well is giving their female leads greater agency and meatier roles beyond Gal Friday/love interest (all due respect to Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman and Rachel McAdams), and Luke spending an entire episode either doubled over in pain or strapped to an operating table gives Simone Missick, Alfre Woodard and Rosario Dawson time to earn their paychecks.

After her brush with Diamondback (Erik LaRay Harvey) and interrogation-room assault of Claire Temple in the previous episode, Detective Misty Knight has her head examined by a police psychologist.

In these scenes, we learn all the reasons Misty shouldnt be investigating Luke (Mike Colter) for Cottonmouths murder: the fact she slept with him, the fact she didnt know her partner was working for Cottonmouth, the fact she let herself be compromised by Diamondback and the fact shes so clearly exhausted she allowed herself to lose control and rough up someone who wasnt even a suspect.

Enter Diamondback: Luke Cage, Episode 8 Warning: This recap contains spoilers for Episode 8 of Marvels Luke Cage. Check out our r

So what does her current overseer do given all that information? She gives Misty back her badge and gun and tells her to go after Luke. Are there no other detectives in this precinct? Why keep giving the Cottonmouth case back to the one cop whos far too deep into it to see clearly?

It would be easy just to put Misty on leave and give her the free time to investigate on her own, but that wouldnt be true to the character. Even in the face of widespread corruption and a captain whod rather see her fired, Misty is such a firm believer in the criminal justice system that it would compromise her ideals to work outside the law. It would make her one of the vigilantes shes been complaining about since the beginning. So go get him, Misty, even if he is the hero of the show.

Meanwhile, now-former Councilwoman Mariah Dillard attempts, futilely, to get out from under her late cousins criminal racket. She pays a visit to Domingo Colon (Jacob Vargas), one of Cottonmouths old business partners/frenemies, and asks him to arrange a meeting of the local crimelords so she can divvy up Cottonmouths assets accordingly. Diamondback crashes said meeting and kills all the dons except Domingo, declares himself in charge of all their criminal enterprises and tells Mariah she now works for him, and will help him pitch his alien-tech-infused Judas bullets to the police as a way to stop vigilantes like Cage, whom he revealed at the end of last episode to be his brother.

Elsewhere, Claire drives a wanted Luke  not only has he been framed with Cottonmouths murder, video has surfaced of him assaulting two police officers and stealing their cruiser  to Georgia seeking help removing all the Judas shrapnel from his impenetrable body. And who else could help him but the man who created him, Dr. Noah Burstein (Michael Kostroff)? Burstein and Claire compare notes using a thumbdrive Luke got from Reva, his prison counselor/late lover, and decide the best way to get inside Luke is to dip him in a vat of acid to soften his epithelial tissue enough to be able to cut into it with a scalpel.

Luckily, Burstein happens to have everything he needs in a barn on his property. Thats not weird at all.

They dip him in once and listen to him scream, When they take him out, Burstein runs a test scalpel on him and it still breaks. So they dip him in again, and the screams continue until Luke seizes and goes into cardiac arrest, which is where the episode ends.

The Stokeses meet the Bluths: Luke Cage Episode 7 Warning: This recap contains major spoilers for Episode 7 of Marvels Luke Cage check out 

Observations:

Luke utters Sweet Christmas, his trademark catchphrase from the comics, twice this episode. The first time is when he gets a good whiff of himself after he emerges from the trash truck he landed in when Diamondback shot him with the second Judas bullet at the end of last episode. The second time is when Burstein describes how he and Claire are going to dip him in acid and how the pain would likely be so excruciating that Luke would beg Burstein to put a bullet in his head, except that would be pointless because the bullet would just bounce right off. On the scale of Mighty Marvel Catchphrases, Sweet Christmas! ranks just below the Things Its clobberin time! and just above Dr. Stranges By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth!

Misty at one point tells the police psychologist, I see everything, and I forget nothing, which sounds very much like another great comics detective whos often been written as having an eidetic memory. So now I want to see Misty Knight written into Batman stories.

Additional points to Misty for shouting out Raekwons Ice Cream, a song that was on constant rotation on dearly departed music video channel The Box in 1995, and further proof that the members of the Wu-Tang Clan were just as unstoppable as solo artists as they were together.

I feel kind of bad for Domingo. Remember way back in Episode 3 when he dropped a bunch of Milky Ways all over the floor of Cottonmouths club and thought it was a gangsta move? Hes since had his gym wrecked by Luke and now has to clean the blood of four dead crimelords off his stuff. Domingo is like that guy who gets his car busted up in the bonus stage of Final Fight and falls to his knees weeping Oh, my car.

Burstein at one point tells Luke his DNA may have been the X-Factor that made his tampered-with experiment  intended to create artificial skin for burn victims  give Luke his powers. This could be a vague hint that Luke is an Inhuman and the magic had been inside him all along. But Burstein also compares Luke to Viagra, in that both were happy accidents stumbled upon on the way to creating something else, so its pretty clear the doctor is just the one-eyed man in the land of the blind.
MILLVILLE  Robert Brunis dream of buying a house and owning a burger joint or deli fell victim to what he said was the high cost of real estate in Gloucester County.

So Bruni left Franklin Township and crossed the border into Cumberland County, where he bought a building on High Street in downtown Millville.

The first floor of the building, for which Bruni wouldnt supply a price, is now Brunis Breakfast & Burgers. The upper floors contain his two-bedroom residence.

It was much more affordable, the 28-year-old Bruni said of property in Cumberland County, adding the real estate costs in Gloucester County were so high that I just stopped looking at the prices.

Real estate and economic experts say Brunis search for a less expensive place to live in a still-troubled South Jersey economy may be one indicator of why U.S. Census Bureau numbers show a population migration to Cumberland County from nearby counties.

Those county-to-county numbers indicate 1,435 more people moved into Cumberland County than moved out from 2010 to 2014. Many of those new residents came from Atlantic, Burlington, Camden and Cape May counties.

The census numbers show an opposite trend in Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties.

My guess would be that the rentals are cheaper, said Richard Perniciaro, director of the Center for Regional and Business Research at Atlantic Cape Community College. In Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May, the rents have remained relatively high in relation to income.

That could be especially true for some of the 571 Atlantic County residents who moved to Cumberland County from 2010 to 2014, Pernicaro said. Some of those residents were likely stung by an Atlantic County economy hurt by the Atlantic City casino industrys decline, he said.

If you are uncertain about your future, you might as well be where you can live the cheapest, he said.

Census figures put the median monthly gross rent in Cumberland County at $978. Thats less than the rents in Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties and the state.

Bill Jannarone, of Pearce-Jannarone Real Estate in Vineland, said Cumberland Countys diverse rental market may be a haven for some people who could no longer afford to live in Atlantic County. Those residents are likely using Cumberland County rentals as a sort of holdover until their economic future becomes clearer, he said.

That could be part of it, he said.

But there is something of a dissenting voice.

Anthony Houser, of Coldwell Banker Excell Realty in Vineland, says the migration may be caused more by lower property costs and lower rentals. He contends a house that sells for $300,000 in an area such as Mays Landing in Atlantic County could sell for at least $50,000 less in Cumberland County.

New Jersey Realtor sets the median price of a home sold in Cumberland County in October at $131,000, compared to $178,000 in Atlantic County.

Regardless of the reasons, South Jerseys county-to-county population migrations from 2010 to 2014 occurred two years before the census bureau reported that the percentage of Americans moving over a one-year period fell to an all-time low. That figure came in at 11 percent this year.

People in the United State are still moving, just not to the same extent as they did in the past, said David Ihrke, a survey statistician with the census Journey-to-Work and Migration Statistics Branch.

The decision to move can be personal and contextual, he said. What causes one person to move might not be enough to convince another.

Among those who moved, 42 percent said they did so for housing-related reasons, such as wanting a new or better home or apartment, according to the census.

Slightly more than 27 percent said they moved for a family-related reason, while 20 percent cited an employment-related reason and 10 percent for some other reason, the census reports. The other reasons range from attending college to seeking a healthier climate.

Perniciaro doubts Cumberland Countys economy attracted many of the new residents.

The census puts Cumberlands median household income at $50,603, almost $22,000 less than the overall state figure. The county had a 7 percent unemployment rate in October, more than the overall 5.2 percent figure for New Jersey, according to the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

As for Bruni, he said hes glad he made the move to Cumberland County. Business is good, and people have been friendly and helpful.

No complaints yet, he said.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP  State and federal agencies will seek input on the problem of back bay flooding and how to address it Thursday evening during a meeting at Stockton University.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are conducting the New Jersey Back Bays Flood Risk Management study, which will examine the effects of back bay flooding on residents, critical infrastructure and facilities, property and ecosystems, according to the Army Corps.

Some environmentalists are skeptical that the Christie administrations DEP is capable of making good decisions on the subject.

While the DEP is having this meeting, their administrations rollbacks on the Flood Hazard Rules have increased development in flood-prone areas, said Sierra Club of New Jersey Director Jeff Tittel.

The DEP defines the back bay area as 3,400 miles of shoreline and 950 square miles of interconnected tidal water bodies landward of the ocean coastline in Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington, Atlantic and Cape May counties.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
NORTHFIELD  Torrina Bennett-Michael, chief development officer of Family Service Association, has seen the good her organization can do with her own eyes.

A first-time mom with a 4-year-old daughter was referred to the associations Parents as Teachers Program.

The mother was feeling overwhelmed and had many stressors in her life, including an open case with the Division of Child Protection & Permanency, formerly known as DYFS, being in treatment for substance abuse and recently having her drivers license suspended.

In the 17 months that she has been involved with the program, she has made many positive changes in her life, Bennett-Michael said.

The mothers DCP&P case has been closed. She completed substance abuse treatment, earned her drivers license back and has enrolled in college. She also has a part-time job and was recently promoted to a managerial position.

She credits her parent educator with providing positive support as well as assisting her with the resources she needed to realize her goals, Bennett-Michael said.

This single moms story was one of the testimonials that could be found on billboards inside Family Service Associations first Faces of Hope fundraiser held Wednesday evening at Atlantic City Country Club.

The event was held to raise awareness and funds for children and families facing poverty, homelessness and unemployment, as well as children awaiting adoption.

Two different organizations were given Beacons of Hope awards for their support of the Family Service Association.

Borgatas Heart and Soul Foundation has donated more than $40,000 over the years.

We support a lot of charities that fit into our mission, said Hugh Turner, treasurer of the foundation. Our mission is to support our community with a focus on families and youth.

Bob Fatzinger, senior vice president of South Jersey Gas Co., received the award for his organization, which has donated more than $25,000 to the association.
ATLANTIC CITY  The state takeover of this city could be short-lived.

Gov. Chris Christies administration finally has control of the citys finances for as many as five years after a long battle with city officials. But a few candidates for governor are against the takeover, possibly giving Christies designee, Jeff Chiesa, until January 2018 to make decisions on behalf of the city.

Former U.S. Ambassador Phil Murphy, a Democrat, was the first to come out against the takeover, saying after a November rally in the city that he would end state control if elected governor.

I think you have to find a better solution, he said Nov. 11. I wish someone could show me the evidence where (state takeovers) have worked and where the people of the community have benefited. And I dont see the evidence.

Jeffrey Chiesa introduces himself to Atlantic City ATLANTIC CITY  The man leading a state takeover of this city met the public Thursday, but didn't have details on plans to fix the city's finances.

Murphy told a crowd at Kelseys restaurant that city assets would be sold and union contracts tossed out the window under the takeover. He said state takeovers typically happen in cities with large minority populations.

As opposed to big-footing the community, Id be working with the community, Murphy said. And I think that gives you a better result.

Murphys Democratic primary rival, Assemblyman John Wisniewski, said Wednesday hes against the takeover and would end it on Day One as governor.

New Jersey has never been particularly good at taking over anything, and when they do, the stench thats left behind is usually worse than what was there beforehand, said Wisniewski, D-Middlesex.

Instead, he said, the best way to fix Atlantic Citys finances is by reinventing the economy there, focusing less on casinos and more on assets such as the ocean, nearby airport and universities, and abundance of wind energy.

Atlantic City needs support from the state to reinvent the casino industry, he said. It needs the support from the state to capitalize on all of its natural attributes, to create new industries where they dont exist. And that can only be done with assistance from the state, not control from the state.

On the Republican side, Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli said in a statement he would explore bankruptcy for the city.

All along, Ive said municipal bankruptcy is in the best long-term interest of Atlantic City, and I would explore it as governor, said Ciattarelli, R-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset. It represents the best way to completely hit the reset button. It would remove all politics in that an overseer would be appointed by a bankruptcy court judge, not a politician.

He added that a state takeover seems heavy-handed but said Chiesa is very competent and widely respected.

Hopefully, he will use his far-reaching powers to do what is necessary for the benefit of not just Atlantic City, but all of Atlantic County, the statement said.

Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick has not decided whether he will run for governor but said officials should let Chiesa do his job to fix the citys finances.

I think that we should give Jeff Chiesa, who I think is respected by everyone, the opportunity to work with the parties and come up with a plan, said Bramnick, R-Morris, Somerset, Union. Were in the middle of this  you can call it a takeover  but basically its a way to reduce expenses and make Atlantic City solvent. And this is what Jeff Chiesa is in the process of doing. So my position is let him develop the plan and use his judgment, which as I said is respected across the aisles, to let him do his job.

Former governor says Atlantic City takeover 40 years overdue ATLANTIC CITY  Increased state oversight of Atlantic City is something that should have hap

Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who is also considering a run for governor, declined through a spokesman to answer whether she supports the takeover because the Department of Community Affairs and Governors Office are handling the issue.

Mayor Don Guardian has warred with Christie over the takeover. At the New Jersey State League of Municipalities annual conference last month, Guardian said he needed a governor with heart, brains and courage, not one who would take over the city.

Christie spoke at the conference in Atlantic City but didnt mention the takeover. Just before the governor arrived, Guardian posed for pictures with Murphy and Guadagno at his sides.
This from the Department of It Can Now Be Revealed: State leaders have thought for years that the state should manage Atlantic City and its casino development.

Former Gov. Donald DeFrancesco is the latest to suggest that something similar to the current state takeover of Atlantic City finances should have happened decades ago. He told the State League of Municipalities Conference in the city in mid-November that the state should have had some form of control over the development of the casino industry and Atlantic City starting in 1977.

In October, the architect of legal casino gambling in New Jersey, former state Sen. Steven Perskie, said the administration of Gov. Brendan Byrne suggested that he make state control through a regional authority part of the Casino Control Act.

Perskie said the administration backed off, in part due to his opposition. But he changed his view over time to thinking it probably would have been the smarter thing to do.

The state has had other, fleeting flirtations with taking over Atlantic City  when its mayor, two council members and one former councilman were arrested in 1989, and when its mayor went missing in 2007 after reports he lied about his military record.

But those are possible responses to crises, not a well-reasoned consideration of this question: Would it have been better for the state, the region and even Atlantic City itself not to have left so much responsibility for a multibillion industry and revenue stream in the hands of a small and historically corrupt local government?

Other former governors at the league conference backed the current state takeover without commenting on how long theyve thought it a good idea.

Jim McGreevey said Mayor Don Guardian is a friend, but one he disagrees with about the takeover. McGreevey said he firmly believes state control and with it state availability of resources is the right thing to do.

Former Gov. Jim Florio said his administration could see 25 years ago that there would inevitably be difficulties in Atlantic City. He said his support for changing how things are done in the city slightly exceeds his wariness of state takeovers after the one in Camden.

While the city and region wait for Jeffrey Chiesa, the former state attorney general and U.S. senator in charge of the takeover, to announce specifics of the states plan for Atlantic City, some good already has come of the change.

Debt-rating service Moodys said this week the takeover is a credit positive for Atlantic City, probably eliminating the threat that its lenders wont get repaid until at least the end of next year.

We can only imagine what might have been done better in Atlantic Citys casino era with state oversight and planning. But then again, with the state barely able to balance its own books, its easy to imagine not much.
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.




Drug Prices Are Soaring: Heres Why You May Not Get the Meds You Need

With Republicans just weeks away from possibly repealing the Affordable Care Act, President Obamas signature domestic policy program, it may seem like an odd time to look for bipartisan unity on legislation related to health care. Nevertheless, Congress appears to be ready to pass a major bill funding medical research and overhauling the approval process for new drugs and medical devices.

The 21st Century Cures Act, which spans 25 separate sections touching on subjects as diverse as drug research and foster care, runs to nearly 1,000 pages. As with any piece of legislation so large, the bill is packed with elements that draw both praise and angry criticism.

Related: 8 Big Changes Under Tom Prices Obamacare Replacement Plan

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), the chief sponsor of the bill, has called it "an innovative game-changer and a truly once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring our healthcare system light years ahead of where it is today."

By contrast, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders complains that the bill provides absolutely no relief for soaring drug prices and amounts to a gift to the pharmaceuticals industry. The greed of the pharmaceutical industry has no limit, and this bill includes numerous corporate giveaways that will make drug companies even richer  Its time for Congress to stand up to the worlds biggest pharmaceutical companies, not give them more handouts.

At the heart of the bill is a plan to fund the National Institutes of Health and to establish an Innovation Prizes Program to fund areas of biomedical science that could realize significant advancements or improve health outcomes. Beside the NIH program, the bill directs between $50 million and $75 million per year to the Food and Drug Administration over the next decade to create an FDA Innovation Account meant to fund further pharmaceutical research, including treatment for agents that present national security threats.

The bill also outlines various measures to streamline the approval of new drugs and medical devices and to make it easier for desperately ill patients to get access to experimental medications that have not yet been approved for the general population.

Story continues

Related: The Healthcare Industry Is in a Panic Over Obamacare Repeal

Among the programs funded by the bill is the vaunted cancer moonshot being spearheaded by Vice President Joe Biden, who recently lost his son, Beau, to a brain tumor. The object of the program is to compress a decades worth of cancer research into a five-year period.

The bill directs the FDA to implement various new protocols in its system for approving new drugs and medical devices, with the aim of bringing them to market sooner and reducing the burden on companies developing potential breakthrough medications and vaccines. It also pays particular attention to the process for testing new antibiotic and antifungal medicines that can treat infections resistant to existing medications.

Another section of the bill takes on the spreading problem of opioid abuse and addiction. It sets aside half a billion dollars in funding to support state-level programs targeting the opioid crisis, including prescription drug monitoring programs, healthcare provider training, access to treatment and more.

But for all the elements of the bill that have wide support, there are others drawing fierce criticism.

Related: A Big Problem for Obamacare: How Much Americans Can Afford to Pay

Democrats note that much of the funding for the bill is dependent on the coming reduction or elimination of the Affordable Care Act, meaning that it represents less new funding for health care than it does a simple transfer of funding from programs supporting direct patient care to research and development.

The bill also delves deeply into the weeds of Medicare policy, rewriting some rules on access to treatment and physician reimbursement, in ways that some critics worry will make it harder and more expensive for some seniors to get needed care.

In a speech on the Senate floor, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren blasted the bill as a giveaway to big pharma that will have negative side effects, including making it more difficult for the disabled to get access to doctors under the Medicare program and taking funding away from Affordable Care Act programs. She described the funding of research programs at NIH as a distraction from the bills real purpose.

Why bother with a fig leaf in the Cures bill? Why pretend to give any money to NIH or opioids? she demanded. Because this funding is political cover for huge giveaways to giant drug companies.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ABI Research ranks Verizon as the leader among 12 strategic commercial telematics suppliers considered in its latest competitive analysis. Trimble and TomTom Telematics receive second and third place, respectively. Verizon's dramatic acquisition strategy results in a wealth of ecosystem partners, a broad product portfolio, and extensive vertical segments to place it in a strong position with the potential for massive scale during the continuing consolidation of the commercial telematics industry.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/276887LOGO

The top five companies, overall, listed by rank include Verizon, Trimble, TomTom Telematics, Omnitracs, and Geotab. Verizon, Trimble, Teletrac-Navman, Omnitracs, and Geotab are the top five commercial telematics vendors for best implementation due to their organizational health, ecosystem partnerships, and product portfolios. Meanwhile, Trimble, Verizon, TomTom Telematics, Geotab and Omnitracs are the top five most innovative thanks to their work in vehicle monitoring, feature sets, and cloud/convergence.

"Verizon, with the acquisitions of Fleetmatics and Telogis, will be the largest global commercial telematics vendor by an order of two times," says Susan Beardslee, Senior Analyst at ABI Research. "Telogis brings a wealth of enterprise capabilities, OEM relationships, and long-haul fleets; while, Fleetmatics brings a significant subscriber base in local field service, with a strong presence in Western Europe."

"The industry will see continued transformation through strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and consolidation as suppliers shift toward more open platforms, connected solutions, and prognostics," concludes Beardslee. "Examples of this include Geotab's open API platform and certified channel partners, Omnitracs' recent Intelligent Vehicle Gateway (IVG), and Trimble's PeopleNet for built-in remote diagnostics."

These findings are from ABI Research's Commercial Telematics: Competitive Assessment of Strategic Innovation and Implementation (https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/product/1025967-commercial-telematics/) report.

About ABI Research

ABI Research stands at the forefront of technology market research, providing business leaders with comprehensive research and consulting services to help them implement informed, transformative technology decisions. Founded more than 25 years ago, the company's global team of senior and long-tenured analysts delivers deep market data forecasts, analyses, and teardown services. ABI Research is an industry pioneer, proactively uncovering ground-breaking business cycles and publishing research 18 to 36 months in advance of other organizations. For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com.

Contact Info: Mackenzie Gavel Tel: +1.516.624.2542

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SOURCE ABI Research
AMSTERDAM, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

AIDSmonument in Amsterdam Counts Down Till the end of AIDS

Elsevier/ RELX Group on behalf of the NAMES Project Netherlands

From December 1st 2016, World Aids Day, onwards the Netherlands have their own HIV/AIDSmonument, officially unveiled by the mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan, together with the artist Jean-Michel Othoniel and Louise van Deth, managing director of AIDS Fonds (AIDS Foundation) the Netherlands.

It is located on the south bank of the river IJ on a permanent location between Central Station and the concert hall Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ. The monument "Living by Numbers" was created by the French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.

The striking features of the landmark are the great scarlet beads made of hand-blown glass; the monument has the shape of a giant abacus, which counts down till the end of AIDS.

Development of the monument is an initiative of the NAMES Project Netherlands Foundation, and could be realized thanks to the support of main sponsors: Aids Fonds (Aids Foundation), OLVG hospital of Amsterdam, RELX Group and ViiV Healthcare.

Other contributing sponsors include among others, Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst, The Art of Impact, Zabawas, and the Centrum district of Amsterdam; funding was also raised through a crowdfunding campaign.

S ignificance of th e AIDS monument

The monument is a beacon of hope and support to anyone living with HIV. At the same time it is a tribute to all buddies, supporters, medical employees, activists and scientists. Moreover it is also a memorial, dedicated to all loved ones who have died of AIDS.

The initiators of developing the monument chose Amsterdam because this city has been and is a sanctuary for many people with HIV who were not welcome in their own countries.

"Othoniel demonstrates with his design that an AIDSmonument does not necessarily have to be somber. He combines very delicately a heavy subject with elegance and beauty. The wonderful light at the bank of the river IJ will be freely reflected in the shining beads, made of hand-blown glass. The monument will match its surroundings perfectly. The AIDSmonument will enrich Amsterdam with a significant work of art," the appointed art committee had said upon selecting the design of the monument.

See for more information: http://www.hiv-aidsmonument.nl - and further details provided in appendix below. Twitter hashtags: #Aidsmonument #WorldAIDSDay

Appendix

What is the significance of the HIV/AIDSmonument?

The aim of this monument is to keep the attention for AIDS and HIV alive and kicking. At this moment there are approximately 22,100 people in the Netherlands with AIDS and HIV. Every week there are still 19 people in this country who are getting the diagnosis that they have HIV. Moreover a quarter of people with HIV don't even know that he or she is carrying the HIV virus. Therefore HIV and AIDS deserve all our attention, and was the AIDSmonument unveiled December 1st 2016 - Worlds Aids Day - in the footsteps of other cities such as New York, San Francisco and Vancouver.

Why this design?

The AIDSmonument was designed in the form of an abacus; an instrument to teach people to count. The abacus is significant, because it symbolizes the countdown to the moment that AIDS will have disappeared from this world for good. The beads in the abacus are made of hand blown glass and therefore all slightly different. They catch the light of the river IJ, reflecting the light in bright colors. It puts a spell on the eyes of anyone passing by. Every year the number of beads will be adjusted and this will be clarified during an event. The beads will, for example, show how many people have been cured of HIV. In that way the AIDSmonument will reflect not only loss, but will also emphasize that there is hope for the future.

The monument is an initiative of the foundation NAMENproject Nederland, an organization that works with volunteers who want to keep the attention for HIV and AIDS alive and kicking. In search of a suitable design the foundation was advised by an independent commission of arts. Moreover there was a web-election among the public. This resulted in a longlist of forty artists. Eventually the foundation chose a work of art by the internationally well-known French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.

Why this site?

The river IJ seems a perfect site for the AIDSmonument due to its history. This river symbolizes trade overseas. Sailors did not only exchange goods; they also exchanged diseases. Such as syphilis in the fifteenth century and plague in the seventeenth century. In that way the river IJ reflects almost tangibly the international dimension of AIDS.

But there is more: only a few decades ago the De Ruyterkade was the place for hookers and junkies, with just around the corner social workers and the bus that was providing methadone. For gay men the eastern side of the quay was a popular car-cruising-area and Cafe West-Indie - no longer existing - at De Ruyterkade 110 was the meeting point of Motor Sportclub Amsterdam, a motorclub for gay people.

Nowadays the 'back of Amsterdam' shows the dynamics of the capital of the Netherlands. The site, where the AIDSmonument is located, is now a beautiful spot at the river IJ, among exceptional architecture and international splendor. Nowadays the south bank of the river IJ offers a 'coming and going' of many people due to the Central Station, the river-ferries, rivercruise-ships and the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), which is the harbor for international cruise-ships. Every year hundreds of thousands residents and visitors will see the AIDSmonument: from the street, from passing busses, trams and trains, from bigger and smaller ships and boats. The AIDSmonument will also be seen by pedestrians and by people driving their cars and riding their bikes. Amongst them there will be many, many tourists.

The AIDSmonument will not only be a place for official ceremonies, but also for intimate memorials by individuals. Therefore Othoniel has designed a bench right underneath the abacus with a beautiful view of the river. Underneath the huge abacus people will be able to daydream and reflect, while they look at the horizon, pondering on the future. In this way the AIDSmonument is to give people the courage to go on.

How is the artist involved?

Jean-Michel Othoniel (Saint-Etienne, 1964) was eighteen, when a mysterious disease got a name: AIDS. Since the eighties AIDS plays an important part in Othoniel's work. The absence of bodies is a significant recurrent theme.

For this Living by Numbers Othoniel was inspired by figures: the number of people with HIV and AIDS. Counting is a recurrent theme in this design: the number of victims, the number of people who live with HIV, the number of CD4-cells. All this led to the idea of the abacus; a calculation tool from the past. The hand blown beads symbolize hope, especially our hope that one day people will be able to stop counting. Colored balls have been the principal material that Jean-Michel Othoniel has been using in his work since the late 1990's. Therefore his work looks like monumental jewels. Othoniel says: "Beauty in art seems kind of taboo in the Western world, whereas beauty, compassion and hope are absolutely necessary in our world."

Wide support in fundraising

The foundation NAMENproject Nederland could only realize the HIV/AIDSmonument thanks to many companies and organisations that supported this monument ever since 2014. The main sponsors are the Aids Fonds (Aids Foundation), the Amsterdam hospital OLVG, RELX Group (formerly Reed Elsevier) and ViiV Healthcare. Founding sponsors are DoubleTree by Hilton and Gilead. Many individuals donated money due to crowdfundation through http://www.voordekunst.nl And there was support by major (art)foundations: the Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst (Amsterdam Foundation for the Arts), Art of Impact and Zabawas. Other sponsors are the hospital Academisch Medisch Centrum (AMC), het Amsterdamsche Fonds, Amsterdam Lowlanders Rugby Club, Michael Bakish & Peter M. Hirsch, Canal Company, COC Nederland, Cordaan, dance4life, Drugspastoraat Amsterdam, Eelco & Frank, Elsevier Women's Network & Elsevier Pride, Les Enfants Terribles, Firma Netjes, Stichting GALA, Gebr. Silvestri, GGD Amsterdam, hello gorgeous, Stichting HIV Monitoring, Hiv Vereniging Nederland, i.m. Kees Rumke, Stichting Homomonument, IHLIA LGBT Heritage, Joep Lange Institute, Lloyd Hotel & Culturele Ambassade, Mr. B, De Nederlandsche Bank, Nederlandse Vereniging van Hemofilie Patienten (NVHP), Nederlandse Vereniging van HIV Behandelaren (NVHB), Nieuwezijds Gay Sauna, Pascal van den Noort, Mark Noyons & Partners, PlanetRomeo Foundation, De Regenboog Groep, RutgersWPF, Sanquin Bloedvoorziening, Thalys, Thermos Sauna, Tijgertje, TrutFonds, VU Medisch Centrum and Zorggroep Amsterdam Oost (Flevohuis | De Open Hof). Other supporters were the Municipality of Amsterdam and the central district of Amsterdam.

International battle against aids

The Netherlands have always been a runner-up in the international battle against AIDS. Scientists and experts from our country have been important in the development of the combination therapy. Due to this therapy of HIV-inhibitors dying of AIDS became living with HIV. This meant a huge breakthrough, but meanwhile the danger remains that HIV has become invisible. People tend to forget that even this year and even in The Netherlands there are still people dying of AIDS.

Amsterdam, December 2016

See for more information: http://www.hiv-aidsmonument.nl

Twitter hashtags: #Aidsmonument #WorldAIDSDay

Media contact

Jorn Wolters

Foundation NAMES Project Netherlands

NAMES Project Netherlands Foundation

joern@aidsmemorial.nl

info@aidsmemorial.nl



SOURCE Elsevier
LONDON, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Altagamma and IC Bellagio to offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access to major Italian brands

Altagamma and IC Bellagio launch Altagamma Italian Experiences by IC Bellagio, programme to provide unique, behind-the-scenes experiences at some of Italy's most iconic brands.

This innovative project, conceived by Altagamma Foundation which gathers and promotes worldwide the most extraordinary Italian brands, is aimed at increasing the number of luxury travelers to Italy, which account for approximately 5% of the over 50 millions foreign tourists who visited Italy in 2016.

The aim of the program is to present the Italian brands as tourist destinations in their own right. Each brand is recognized worldwide as an icon of excellence, creativity, handicraft and customer service.

Altagamma Italian Experiences by IC Bellagio have been designed to help attract international luxury tourists, bringing direct and indirect benefits to the entire country.

IC Bellagio creates unique and extraordinary travel experiences for international clients to Italy. These itineraries are now enriched with unique and exclusive experiences connected with the Altagamma companies. Examples include: visits to ateliers, design houses, workshops, company headquarters, wine-tasting at world-renowned canteens, meetings with entrepreneurs and owners to better understand their projects and growth.

Altagamma Italian Experiences by IC Bellagio blend nature, art and culture and represent an opportunity to make direct contact with the production and the design studios which have brought the Italian brands to the top of their sectors worldwide.

The project will include those Altagamma companies which offer unique experiences - totally different from anything offered so far - which will be customised for the requirements and expectations of each client. These will be experiences specifically created for a limited number of clients and which will be available from 2017.

Paolo Zegna, Vice President of the Altagamma Foundation, said: "Altagamma Italian Experiences by IC Bellagio represent an extraordinary possibility of promotion for the entire Country, because they bring to life and give value to the renowned quality and fame of our brands. This is an answer to the growing interest from an international clientele towards the heritage and the craftsmanship of our products, two truly distinctive elements of the Italian brand products".

Andrea Grisdale, CEO and Founder of IC Bellagio, said: "IC Bellagio has been providing unique, tailor-made travel experiences to Italy since 1999. For high-end leisure travelers looking for life-changing experiences of an authentic Italy, we craft hassle-free, customized itineraries perfectly matched for each traveler. Altagamma Italian Experiences by IC Bellagio takes our proposition one step further to provide behind-the-scenes access to some of Italy's most iconic fashion, hospitality, design and automotive brands. It is a perfect match and one which I am delighted to be able to offer to our clients".

Altagamma Foundation gathers and promotes worldwide the most extraordinary brands of the cultural and creative Italian High Industry, ambassadors of the Italian lifestyle. Unique for its versatile character, it comprises companies from extremely diverse sectors, from fashion to design, from hotellerie to nautical area, from food to jewelry.

Altagamma Partners. FASHION: Agnona, Alberta Ferretti, Bottega Veneta, Brioni, Brunello Cucinelli, Corneliani, Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Etro, Fedeli Cashmere, Fendi, Corneliani, Gucci, Herno, Isaia, Loro Piana, Max Mara, Missoni, Rene Caovilla, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Stone Island, Versace, Valentino. DESIGN: Alessi, Alias, Artemide, B&B Italia, Bisazza, Boffi, Danese, Driade, FontanaArte, Frette, Kartell, Living Divani, Moroso, Poltrona Frau, Venini, Zanotta. HOSPITALITY: Bauer, Bellevue Syrene, Belmond Hotel Splendido, Bulgari Hotel, Capri Palace Hotel&Spa, Cristallo Hotel&Spa, De Russie, L'Albereta, L'Andana, Lungarno, Masseria San Domenico, Principe di Savoia, Relais San Maurizio, Town House Galleria, Verdura Hotel&Spa, Villa d'Este. FOOD&BEVERAGES: Agrimontana, Allegrini, Baratti&Milano, Bellavista, Biondi Santi, Ca' del Bosco, Caffarel, Calvisius, Cantine Ferrari, Domori, Feudi di san Gregorio, illycaffe, Livio Felluga, Luce della Vite, Masi, Mastrojanni, Nonino, Ornellaia, S.Pellegrino, Segnana. MOTORS: Ducati, Ferrari. NAVIGATION: Amico&Co, Arcadia Yachts, Baglietto, Benetti, Cantiere delle Marche, Cantieri Navali del Mediterraneo, Perini Navi, Riva Yacht. JEWELRY: Buccellati, Bulgari, Vhernier. OTHER SECTORS: Acqua di Parma, Aurora, Omas, Manifatture Sigaro Toscano, Moleskine, Skira, Technogym.

http://www.altagamma.it

IC Bellagio is a multi-award-winning company which specializes in the creation of unique and extraordinary travel experiences, built to satisfy even the most demanding client. These experiences focus on the Italian territory and they are explicitly created with the aim of giving value to the uniqueness of our territory and of sharing the beauty and the excellence which make Italy unique and outstanding in the international scenario.

http://www.icbellagio.com

SOURCE IC Bellagio
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444548LOGO

Chase Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of improved treatments for neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. Chase's patent-protected lead compound, CPC-201, recently completed an End of Phase 2 meeting with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Based on FDA feedback, Allergan intends to advance CPC-201 into a single Phase 3 registration study in 2017.

"Bench International is honored to have been entrusted by the investors committed to Chase Pharmaceuticals to find and deliver the Pharma industry's marquee leaders who have brought Chase to the forefront, from a little known company to a company with a high potential blockbuster drug for Alzheimer's Disease," said Bench Chairman and CEO, Denise (DeeDee) DeMan. "With Bench delivering Dr. Stephen Cunningham to Chase's board of directors, bringing with him a 20+ history in successful drug development, as well bringing Doug Ingram to Chase as their CEO, a man who is so deeply admired for his 18 year record of industry accomplishment and credibility, Chase had the remarkable opportunity to ensure its clinical-stage program was in very good hands with a sale to Allergan," DeMan added.

About Bench International Search Inc.

Bench International, established in 1974, is committed to recruiting leaders who make a fundamental impact on life science businesses. They successfully complete 98% of their searches and more than  of their executives stay with the same company for at least 5 years. The company serves pharmaceutical, healthcare, biotech, and other segments of the life sciences industry. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with offices and company leaders located in San Francisco, Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Australia.

SOURCE Bench International Search Inc.
DUBLIN, Dec 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --



Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Europe Enterprise Manufacturing Intelligence Market 2016-2022" report to their offering.

The Europe EMI market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.3% during the forecast period 2016-2022

At present, the increasing pressure to reduce the operation costs, new revenue business model, the need for better decision making, dynamic operation model, adoption of sensor technologies, robotics, IIoT, Industry 4.0 concept, and advanced cloud computing have led a huge demand for EMI in the manufacturing industry. The larger enterprises are moving towards the adoption of sensor technologies in internal and external (plants) businesses in order to access the real-time information about their manufacturing process.

The Europe EMI market is analyzed based on product type - software and services; industry type; enterprise type; and countries - the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, and Czech Republic. The services segment holds the major market share compared to software segment. The discrete manufacturing industry segment is expected to hold the major market share compared to process manufacturing industry. The UK, Germany, France and Italy are expected to outperform for EMI adoption followed by Poland, the Netherlands and Czech Republic.

The study covers and analyzes the Europe EMI market. Bringing out the complete key insights of the industry, the report aims to provide an opportunity for players to understand the latest trends, current market scenario, and technologies related to the market. In addition, helps the venture capitalist in understanding the companies better and take informed decisions.

The key players covered in this report are ABB Ltd., Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider Electric SE, Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, Honeywell Inc., HP Inc., Iconics Inc., Acumence, Parsec Automation Corp., etc.



Key Topics Covered:

1 Industry Outlook



2 Report Outline



3 Market Snapshot



4 Market Outlook



5 Market Characteristics



6 Enterprise Type: Market Size and Analysis



7 Product Type: Market Size and Analysis



8 Countries: Market Size and Analysis



9 Industry Types: Market Size and Analysis



10 Vendor Profiles



11 Global Generalist



12 Companies to Watch for



13 Competitive Landscape

Companies Mentioned



ABB Ltd

Acumence Inc.

General Electric GE

Honeywell Inc

HP Inc

Iconics Inc

Oracle Corporation

Parsec Automation Corp

Rockwell Automation

SAP SE

Schneider Electric SE

Siemens

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/7x5s4r/europe_enterprise

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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SOURCE Research and Markets
LONDON, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Despite a year of economic uncertainty Europeans are still spending on travel according to Trainline, Europe's leading independent train ticket retailer

-Italians clocked up the most trips in 2016, followed by Germans, French and Brits -

- Italians topped travel spending at a total of 358.9 billion in 2016 -

- Spain the travel capital of Europe, 2016 -

- Brits least likely to take a break in their own country -

- French least likely to travel abroad, with almost half claiming not to go abroad at all -

A survey released today by Trainline reveals that, despite an economically challenging year, Europeans are still prioritising spending on travel, both at home and abroad. The average spent across the four countries surveyed (UK, France, Germany and Italy) was 279 billion and at the number one slot were the Italians spending a huge 6953 per head or 358.9 billion in total. German holiday-makers came in at number two spending 4959 per head or 349.5 billion in total; the Brits came third spending 3977 a head or 206.8 billion and the savviest travellers were the French, spending 3769 per head or 199 billion in total.[**]

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444328 )

As the biggest spenders it was also the Italians who clocked up the most trips away, taking an average of 5.4 holidays or short breaks a year; Germans took 3.8; the French 3.3 and the Brits took the least of all at 3.1 on average.[***]

In contrast to the Italians, the French were happy to stay put with almost half claiming not to have travelled abroad. This trend was not reflected amongst Brits, who were the least interested in travelling in their own country in comparison to their European cousins. One in ten (10%) Brits did not travel within Britain at all, compared less than 1% of Italians (0.8%); 6% of Germans and 3% of French. Instead, Brits preferred to join the majority of Europe in heading to Spain, with almost a third of all age groups saying they visited the country in the past year and all nationalities, with the exception of Italy, chose it as the number one destination for 2016.

A Trainline spokesperson said; "The results of our survey mirror what we see in our travel bookings. Despite economic challenges we continue to see people travelling for leisure by train both at home and cross border, a clear sign that holidays and short breaks aren't seen as a luxury any nationality is willing to give up."

Why we go away

For a significant number of leisure travellers from the UK, France and Italy, the number one reason for going away was to 'discover somewhere new'. The exception to this was the Germans who preferred to travel so they could spend time relaxing on the beach.

It seems the French, Germans and Italians were far more interested in seeing nature and scenery than Brits, with almost half giving this as a reason for travelling, compared to just over a quarter of Brits (28%). Other popular motivating factors included food; sporting events and attending festivals.

Capitals Remain King

For European travellers, capital cities were still the main draw with London being the most visited city in the UK and almost 85% of those travelling to England visiting the capital city ahead of Liverpool, Manchester and Cornwall. For France, Paris was the most popular tourist attraction with 60% of people visiting; for Germany it was Berlin with almost half the tourists stopping by the capital (48%) and Italy it was Rome (41%). These popular destinations are quick and easy to reach by train with those travelling by rail valuing the ease, comfort, short travel time and the ability to get straight to the destination.

Family Breaks Most Popular in France

The most popular way for Europeans to travel on holiday was in a couple, followed closely by 'with the family'. Almost one in ten Europeans (10%) travelled alone. Despite the nation's romantic reputation; it was family, rather than couple holidays that came top in France (45% vs 35%) - the only nation where family travel was preferred to travelling a-deux.

Find out what kind of traveller you are and how you compare to others by taking the Trainline quiz at http://www.trends.trainline.eu

About Trainline

Trainline is Europe's leading independent retailer of train tickets. We sell tickets worldwide on behalf of 44 train companies, helping our customers make more than 100,000 smarter journeys every single day in and across 24 countries. We are a one-stop shop for train travel, bringing together all major train companies onto one platform and providing our customers with a complete set of travel options. We make it easy for our customers to find the best price for their journey.

Notes to editors:

Survey was conducted by Censuswide and surveyed a total of 8,258 Europeans (2,022 in France, 2,001 in Germany, 2,017 in Italy and 2,218 in the UK.) Survey was conducted in November 2016. Full survey data is available on request.

*Survey was conducted in Europe's four largest countries.

**Average spend per head:

Mean Mean own abroad country incl. incl. Spend per Per capita non- non- Spend per holiday Per capita spend, in holidayers holidayers holiday in own spend, own abroad country abroad country UK 1.233 1.890 GBP2148.40 GBP406.80 GBP2648.98 GBP768.85 France 1.065 2.282 EUR2245.70 EUR603.40 EUR2391.68 EUR1376.96 Germany 1.503 2.299 EUR2403.10 EUR586.10 EUR3611.86 EUR1347.44 Italy 1.826 3.565 EUR2457.20 EUR691.90 EUR4486.85 EUR2466.62 (table continued) Total Total per per capita capita Total Total per spend (UK spend capita in Euros, among holiday today's spending all spend rate) rank adults UK GBP3417.83 EUR3977.64 3rd EUR206.8billion/ GBP177billion France EUR3768.64 EUR3768.64 4th EUR199billion Germany EUR4959.30 EUR4959.30 2nd EUR349.5billion Italy EUR6953.47 EUR6953.47 1st EUR358.9billion

Factoring in the amount spent, and using today's mid-market exchange rate* (1 = 1.16379, the fact that Brits go on more holidays abroad than the French bumps the UK above France in per capita holiday spending, with Italy and Germany retaining the top two spots.

Exchange rate taken from xe.com at 16:05, 18/11/2016

*** Average holidays taken:

For the most travelled nation calculation, we need to factor in the people who did not qualify for the survey (i.e. those who said they did not travel either abroad or in their own country), in order to calculate the average for the populations as a whole. The resulting calculations for this work out as follows, with the whole population figures in green:

Total mean % who go Mean Mean incl. Mean Mean incl. holidays on holidays non-holida holidays in non-holida (whole holidays abroad yers own country yers pop.) Rank UK 82.19% 1.5 1.233 2.3 1.890 3.123 4th France 76.08% 1.4 1.065 3 2.282 3.347 3rd Germany 88.43% 1.7 1.503 2.6 2.299 3.802 2nd Italy 86.95% 2.1 1.826 4.1 3.565 5.391 1st

SOURCE Trainline
CAMBRIDGE, England, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

- New and existing investors participated in the round

- Early stage biotechnology company targeting ophthalmology and other areas of unmet medical need

Exonate, an early stage biotechnology company, today announced they have successfully closed their latest funding round. This is Exonate's third Angel round and is bolstered by further investment from the Angel Co Fund. The funding round also welcomed new investment from Australian venture fund Uniseed; University of Bristol Enterprise Fund, managed by Parkwalk; Martlet of Cambridge; Wren Capital as well as further Angel Investors and O2h Ventures. This brings the total amount raised at this round by Exonate to just under 1,500,000.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444099 )



The investment will be used to accelerate the development of Exonate's first therapeutic area of interest

- an eye drop for the treatment of wet Age-related Macular Degeneration as a much needed alternative to the current treatment by eye injections.

Exonate was delighted with the level of interest in this round. The company's strategy is to maintain its focus on topical delivery of ophthalmology products for diseases of the back of the eye and to expand its science base to address other disease areas including cancer. Exonate believes that its approach to wet AMD can provide significant improvements for patients in both efficacy of drug and a reduction in unpleasant injections into the eye. By leveraging the truly global span of this investment Exonate will become a successful company making scientific progress on three continents.

Exonate has an experienced international management team, with a wealth of clinical and start-up experience.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr Catherine Beech, CEO of Exonate, said: "I am very pleased at the successful close of this funding round. Exonate's early data is very promising and we have a clear aspiration to successfully deliver medicines in areas of unmet need. The funding will enable us to progress our currents programmes to develop drugs that can be easily administered as eye drops, improve adherence and benefit patients."

Peter Cowley at Martlet, the corporate angel fund of the 2bn Marshall of Cambridge aerospace and automotive engineering company added: "Martlet is pleased to add Exonate to our 35+ early stage

investments. The experienced management team and board, together with a Cambridge base, fits ideally within our investment criteria."

Dr Peter Devine, CEO of Uniseed commented: "Uniseed is pleased to be investing in Exonate which was formed on the basis of a medicinal chemistry programme at the University of New South Wales and cutting edge translational research from the Universities of Bristol and Nottingham. Exonate's novel small molecule approach to treating age related macular degeneration has the potential to have a significant clinical impact on patients who suffer from this disease, and increasing incidence with an aging population."

Alun Williams, Investment Director at Parkwalk Advisors added: "We are delighted to support this innovative Bristol University spin-out. Their science is exciting with a number of attractive applications potentially leading to big improvements in efficiency and patient experience. We see it as an excellent investment opportunity for the Fund."

Sunil Shah, Chairman of Exonate further added: "We would like to thank our new and existing investors including our highly supportive Business Angels for their investment. Without their involvement Exonate's scientific innovations would not be able to benefit patients with wet AMD or in the future potential patients with Cancer, Fibrosis and diseases of the Kidney."

About Exonate:

Exonate is a privately held, early stage, biotech, company spun out of the University of Nottingham that is focused on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). The Company has grown significantly in the last year as it welcomes investment and input from an increasing Global market. Exonate undertakes medicinal chemistry in laboratories in the University of New South Wales and in January 2017 will welcome John Kurek from Uniseed to its Board of Directors. Exonate continues to be funded from the University of Nottingham and also has links with the University of Bristol. Exonate continues to have strong links with Cambridge Angels and have offices based in Cambridge, laboratories in Nottingham and collaborations with laboratories in India.

It aspires to successfully deliver medicines in areas of unmet need, such as ophthalmology, pain, nephropathy and cancer, by targeting diseases through regulation of VEGF isoforms/variants that are both protective and disease promoting. Exonate's lead program is focused on wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration, known as wet AMD, which is the leading cause of vision loss in people aged 60 and older. The Company is founded on scientific excellence with strong links to Prof. David Bates and his lab at Nottingham University specialising in the biology and biochemical pathways of VEGF splice variants.

Exonate is led by an experienced, international management team that has worked together previously, successfully raising capital for start-ups and early stage companies over many years. Management has cross-disciplinary experience in medicine, finance, drug development and the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. CEO Catherine Beech, OBE, has over 25 years biotech/pharma experience including 12 years in big pharma leading development programs in cardiovascular, Parkinson's disease and HIV. Exonate is her 4th role as CEO of an emerging biotech company and she also has extensive experience as a non-executive board director.

About wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (wet AMD):

Today, wet AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people aged 60 years or older and affects more than 30 million patients worldwide, over 200,000 of those in the UK alone. If untreated patients are likely to lose sight in the affected eye within 24 months of disease onset.

The main currently available treatment options for wet AMD are:

anti-VEGF antibody drugs - to prevent the growth of new blood vessels in the eye. Unlike small molecule drugs or eye drops these treatments must be injected into the eye once every 1 or 2 months. Resistance can develop to these drugs causing the disease to progress anew.

laser surgery - to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye. This type of surgery is only suitable if blood vessel damage is not too extensive and if the abnormal blood vessels aren't close to the fovea, as performing surgery close to this part of the eye can cause permanent vision loss.

Please contact Louise Shave at Exonate for further information

01223 437042

louise.shave@exonate.com



SOURCE Exonate Ltd
PUNE, India, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The global market overview for knee implants looks promising considering advances in computer-assisted total knee implants as well as other technological platforms. The knee implants market will continue to grow due to an aging population in much of the world. Increasing life spans and lifestyles impact the number of individuals with knee subject to failure, thereby increasing demand for knee replacement procedures.



Complete report on Knee Implants market spread across 64 pages providing 5 company profiles and 6 tables and 12 figures is now available at http://www.marketreportsonline.com/497132.html.

Company Coverage of Knee Implants Market: Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson), Smith & Nephew & Exactech

Additionally, the growing health awareness among masses, along with increase in the spending capacity of the population are propelling the market growth.

Long-term Outlook: Global knee implants market is projected to reach more than US$ 7 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of XX% from 2016 to 2021.

Knee Implants Market: Country-wise Outlook

United States hold the highest share with more than 60% in 2015, and is expected that United States will maintain its position in the forecasting period. International markets such as India, China and Japan will show positive growth in the future and market share will increase to XX% by the year 2021. The opportunity is immense in the emerging markets, as there is a large untapped population with the surgical need of knee implants.

Knee Implants Market: Key Players Outlook

The global knee implants market is dominated by Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, DePuy Synthes and Smith & Nephew. The three large players in the knee implants market are Zimmer Biomet, DePuy Synthes and Stryker combined, they comprise almost more than 80% of the market. Other nominal yet important players of this market include Smith & Nephew, Exactech, DJO Global and many more. It is expected that Zimmer Biomet will emerge as a leading company in the knee implants market in the forecasting period.

The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, type of product and deal landscapes. The report concludes with the profiles of major players in the global knee implants market such as Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, Smith & Nephew, Exactech, DePuy Synthes(JnJ). The major market players are evaluated on various parameters such as company overview, product portfolio, and revenue of knee implants from 2008 to 2021. Purchase a copy of this research report at http://www.marketreportsonline.com/contacts/purchase.php?name=497132.

The report covers in-depth analysis on: Market Segments, Market Dynamics, Historical Actual Market Size, 2008 - 2015, Market Size & Forecast 2016 to 2021, Competition & Companies Involved, Deals Landscapes & Market Growth Drivers and Challenges

Global Knee Implants Market: Deals Landscape- Merger & Acquisitions, Partnerships, Collaboration Distribution Agreement

Key Topics Covered in Global Knee Implants Market:

1. Executive Summary

2. Global - Knee Implants Market & Forecast

3. Global - Knee Implants Market Share & Forecast

4. Global Knee Implants Market - Country Outlook & Forecast

5. Global - Knee Implants Market: Key Company Analysis

6. Global Knee Implants Market: Deals Landscape

7. Knee Implants Market - Growth Drivers

8. Knee Implants Market - Challenges

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SOURCE ReportsnReports
FRANKFURT, Germany and MUNICH, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP is pleased to announce that Michael Bernhardt, a leading German private equity lawyer, is joining the firm's Frankfurt office as a partner in the Corporate Department. Recognized as a top lawyer for private equity by JUVE and Best Lawyers, Michael Bernhardt has over 15 years of experience. His practice is focused on corporate M&A and Private Equity, representing national and international corporations and sponsors on investments and cross-border transactions and he advises regularly on private equity transactions including public takeovers as well as Public-to-Privates, LBOs and MBOs.

"We are delighted that Michael Bernhardt will join the firm," said Scott A. Edelman, Chairman of Milbank. "His addition to the team is another strategic step in expanding our Private Equity and M&A capabilities in Germany and Europe. As we expect private equity to continue to be a particularly active area of M&A in the years ahead, he will play an important role in continuing to position the firm at the forefront of legal advisors to private equity houses with investment interests in Germany and all over Europe."

Milbank's Global Head of Corporate Norbert Rieger, added: "Michael Bernhardt's mix of experience fits perfectly with our transactional practice and will help us continue the growth of our private equity offering in Germany."

"I was drawn to Milbank because of the firm's strong focus on international transactions and outstanding reputation of its partners. I'm excited to be part of the well-versed transaction team with excellent integration of finance, tax and competition," said Michael Bernhardt.

Milbank's German offices are located in the key economic centers of Frankfurt and Munich, with integrated teams focusing on corporate, M&A, private equity, finance, capital markets, tax and antitrust matters.

Michael Bernhardt joins the firm from Allen & Overy and received his degrees at the University of Regensburg.

About Milbank

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP is a leading international law firm that provides innovative legal services to clients around the world. Founded in New York 150 years ago, Milbank has offices in Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Munich, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, DC. Milbank's lawyers collaborate across practices and offices to help the world's leading commercial, financial and industrial enterprises, as well as institutions, individuals and governments, achieve their strategic objectives. For more information please visit www.milbank.com.

From: Jocelyn De Carvalho, Public Relations Manager; 212-530-5509; jdecarvalho@milbank.com

Related Links

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SOURCE Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP
DUBAI, UAE, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Mahindra Comviva, the global leader in providing mobility solutions, and Oredoo Kuwait have jointly won the CommsMEA Business Services Award for Digital Services Management. The awards were presented at the 11th edition of the Annual CommsMEA Awards held in Dubai.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444596)



(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130626/625127 )



The award was presented for Mahindra Comviva's end-to-end Digital Services Management for Ooredoo Kuwait. The comprehensive suite of digital services includes digital content acquisition, programming and discovery, business analytics, consumer research and overall service operations management. By streamlining financial settlements across Ooredoo's value chain, Mahindra Comviva has helped to improve billing reconciliation and transparency, enable single point charging and reduce revenue leakages for the operator.

Speaking on the win, Mijbil Alayoub, Corporate Communications Senior Director, Ooredoo Kuwait said, "In today's day and age, digital transformation is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. Organizations are increasingly moving from a siloes system of transaction to one that is digitally powered and more contextual system of engagement. Our focus on digital transformation has generated top line growth besides leading to improvements in customer satisfaction and increasing active subscriber base."

Atul Madan, Head of Mobile Lifestyle Solution, Mahindra Comviva, said: "Winning in a digital era is not just about agility, it is about taking bold decisions, innovating rapidly and exploring new ways of doing business. Our end-to-end digital services management offering leads to higher business growth for the operators, and providing higher levels of customer engagement, by developing digital ecosystem based on specific consumer needs. We are glad to partner Ooredoo in its digital transformation journey in Kuwait and wishing them even more success in the future."

Mahindra Comviva has entered into numerous partnerships with Content and Service Providers that offer music, videos, games, images and other multimedia content and services catering to various ethnicities like Arab, Asian, Philippines, Spanish and many more languages for the Middle East region.

For further enquiries, please contact:

Sundeep Mehta

Global PR & Corporate Communications

Mahindra Comviva

Contact: +91-124-481 9000

Email: pr@mahindracomviva.com



SOURCE Mahindra Comviva
Attractive service package contributing to lower TCO and added savings for fleets can help company overcome inherent industry challenges, finds Frost & Sullivan's Mobility Team

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American trucking industry is grappling to find ways to lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for customers. Fuel, lease, repair and maintenance costs contribute to over half of a truck's TCO and are the key components to be tackled. Nikola Motor Company is offering a distinct value proposition with its Nikola One truck, to be unveiled in December 2016. The electric class 8 tractor trailer, backed by hydrogen fuel cell range extenders, will come with lower-than-market fuel prices, free maintenance, a compelling lease plan and ultimately, lower TCO.

New Frost & Sullivan analysis, Nikola Motor Company: A Disruptive Force in North American Trucking Industry (http://frost.ly/179) reveals how the company plans to address key industry challenges and drive growth.

For complimentary access to more information on this research, please visit: http://frost.ly/17i

"Tightening emission and fuel efficiency standards will increasingly push all the major original equipment manufacturers in North America toward an electric-hybrid alternative," said Frost & Sullivan Mobility Industry Analyst Marshall Martin. "Nikola Motor is expected to pioneer the penetration of electric-hybrid trucks in the heavy-duty, long-haul segment, taking on big players such as Daimler and Volvo."

The innovative technology is expected to be bolstered by a seemingly robust business model that would see Nikola Motors lease out its trucks for a flexible monthly amount inclusive of lease payment, unlimited miles, warranty, maintenance and fuel. The amount could change according to demand, customer requirement, competition and business environment.

"Nikola One trucks are expected to offer annual savings of $21,127 on lease purchase over an average class 8 diesel truck," stated Martin. "For no additional cost, a new Nikola One truck could be traded every seven years or 1,000,000 miles. This business model and value proposition is set to drive growth in the market and enable Nikola Motor to gain significant future market share. However, rival OEMs, which are already well established in the market, have strong plans in place for this segment and could compete on an equal footing in the future with Nikola Motor."

Nikola Motor Company: A Disruptive Force in North American Trucking Industry is part of Frost & Sullivan's Mobility: Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Service program.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion

Nikola Motor Company: A Disruptive Force in North American Trucking Industry

K11C-18

Contact:

Clarissa Castaneda

Corporate Communications  North America

P: 210.477.8481

F: 210.348.1003

E: clarissa.castaneda@frost.com

www.frost.com

Related Links

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
Rio, Glastonbury and St. Peter's Square, just some of the global venues to have used, or that are using, CCI's LTE-ready, Six-Beam Antennas to support high mobile data demands of visitors

OTTAWA, Ontario and LONDON, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Communication Components Antenna Inc., (CCI) a leading supplier of Multi-Beam Antenna solutions, has recently delivered its new Six-Beam Special Events Antenna to a number of major mobile network operators for deployment at high-profile public venues around the world. The Rio Olympics, Glastonbury Music Festival and the 'Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy' in Rome are just some of the events at which the new antenna has delivered major increases in capacity of up to nine times that of normal cellular base station antennas.

The CCI Special Events Antenna has been developed to address scenarios where very large numbers of people  tens of thousands or more  congregate and place high capacity and high data rate demands on the local network by using their wireless devices and smart phones for mobile social media, the sharing of photos and videos and voice calls. The antenna, housed inside a compact, single, 3ft-high enclosure, supports 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE technologies. The multi-beam system supports six multiple sectors from a single unit.

In Rome, mobile operator TIM has deployed the CCI Six-Beam Special Events Antenna in St. Peter's Square on a permanent basis to help optimize its 4G coverage and support the mobile voice and data demands of millions of visitors flocking to the square throughout this year of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. This year-long 'event'  a Roman Catholic period of prayer  has been running since 8 December, 2015 and will come to a close on 20 November. It is estimated that more than 21 million people, a high proportion using smart phones and mobile devices, will have visited the St. Peter's Square during that time.

Earlier this year, in Brazil, mobile operator Oi Movel also deployed the CCI Special Events Antenna at the Rio Olympics, ensuring that the high capacity and high data rate demands of visitors could be supported. With the multiple beams in the antenna able to provide as much as nine times the amount of network capacity as traditional single-sector antennas, they delivered all the services required by the mobile operator without traffic congestion.

Peter Jackson, CCI Chief Marketing Officer, said, "Our deployments at Rio and in St. Peter's Square have been extremely successful and prove that multi-beam antennas now have a permanent place in the macro network planning of the future. Mobile Network Operators (MNO) around the world are fast becoming aware of the network improvements and increases they can introduce by adopting these advanced systems.

"In the UK, one of the country's leading MNOs has deployed CCI Special Events Antennas for gatherings such as the Glastonbury Music Festival, where streaming and sharing video and music can reach potentially network-breaking proportions. Our antenna has been able to meet all capacity demands placed on it at every gathering."

"And while they started out as solutions to fill temporary hotspots at one-off and occasional event locations, they are increasingly being adopted by MNOs for installations that are permanent, as shown in St. Peter's Square in Rome. Deployed by Italian MNO, TIM, that installation supports the data demands of over fifty thousand people on an almost daily basis."

CCI has brought its exceptional skill set to bear on this latest Multi-Beam development, a skill set honed on a number of existing, successful, multi-beam solutions and phased-array technology developments.

Notes for Editors

About CCI and CCI Antenna

Communication Components Inc. (CCI) is a leading provider of innovative, cost-effective, revenue-increasing RF solutions for cellular (mobile) infrastructure, providing network equipment for 3G, UMTS and LTE co-location, coverage enhancement, capacity improvement, interference reduction, spectrum re-farming and new technology introduction. With thousands of field-proven solutions, CCI brings expertise to the demanding needs of today's wireless operators, allowing operators to accelerate deployments whilst lowering costs and improving performance. Low-cost, rapidly-deployable, fit-for-purpose CCI solutions bring increased revenues by maximizing the use of RF spectrum and power. Communication Components Antenna Inc. (CCI Antenna) is CCI's affiliate company based in Ottawa Canada where its antenna products are developed.

For more information, visit: www.cciproducts.com, call +1.201.342.3338, follow on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Related Links

http://www.cciproducts.com



SOURCE Communication Components Inc.
The partnership will focus on supporting the 90/90/90 UNAIDS treatment targets by working with HIV service delivery organizations on pioneering approaches in HIV testing, treatment, and linkages to care for males in Malawi. In Malawi and many other countries, data show that men often access HIV testing at far lower rates than do women. As a result, men living with HIV often enter care with more advanced disease, are less likely to receive lifesaving ART, miss opportunities to prevent ongoing transmission, and have higher AIDS-related mortality than their female counterparts.

Ambassador Deborah L. Birx, M.D., U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy, said: "We have made tremendous progress in the global AIDS response, but we are falling short in identifying and serving populations with unique needs, including men. We must invest in innovative approaches to reach those who too often go untested, undiagnosed, and untreated for HIV. Through this exciting new partnership with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, we will deliver high-quality, life-saving HIV services for more working-age men in one of the highest burden districts in Malawi."

The partnership was announced live on ABC's The View earlier this morning. Show host Whoopi Goldberg, an Ambassador to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, recently held a dinner to raise awareness for ETAF's work, which sparked collaborative conversation and inspired increased investment in the Mulanje District of Malawi, an HIV hotspot where ETAF has funded programs since 2008.

"It was remarkable for me to shine a spotlight on these vital issues with key leaders in my home," Whoopi Goldberg said in a statement. "To see my friend's foundation continuing on, and collaborating with a U.S. government initiative that has committed more to combatting a single disease than any other nation in the world really moved me. I know that evening would have made Elizabeth very proud."

Through the partnership, PEPFAR and ETAF will work closely in the Mulanje District to identify and serve HIV positive men through home- and community-based approaches, linking them to treatment and care.

Joel Goldman, Managing Director of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation said: "When the GAIA Elizabeth Taylor Mobile Health Clinic program began working in Mulanje District eight years ago, less than 10% of villagers were within an hour's walk to healthcare. Today, 84% of villages are within a one hour walk to healthcare, allowing our mobile clinics to support over one million patient visits. We now have the infrastructure in place to test and treat everyone in Mulanje District. PEPFAR's investment will help us reach more adolescent and adult men, the population our implementing partner has struggled to get to. By scaling up our men's focused programs in concert with the District Health Office, we can achieve 90/90/90 in Mulanje."

Through innovative approaches including mobile clinics and door-to-door household level testing, the partnership aims to improve the ratio of men accessing timely HIV services, providing a model for replication in harder-to-serve regions. Men often only visit health service centers when they already are very ill. The use of mobile clinics and household testing offer opportunities to engage with men earlier, increasing their rates of HIV testing and improving their adherence on antiretroviral treatment.

SOURCE The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
- Megaprojects typically overrun cost by US$2b and time by two years

- 80% of executives identify financing and delivering projects as top challenges

- Investment in power sector infrastructure to be near US$20t by 2040

LONDON, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report from EY, Spotlight on power and utility megaprojects  formulas for success, reveals power and utility megaprojects run 35% (US$2b) over budget and behind schedule by two years on average.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160620/381362LOGO

EY analyzed 100 of the world's largest (by capital expenditure) power generation, transmission and distribution and water projects across all asset life cycle stages  from pre-financing through to decommissioning  and found that 64% of these projects experienced delays and 57% were over budget.

Safia Limousin, EY Global Power & Utilities, Capital & Infrastructure Leader, says:

"Large and complex power and utility megaprojects are under massive pressure to come in on time and budget. And yet the majority of all megaprojects in the sector don't. This worldwide phenomenon often comes with a large price tag for overrunning costs that companies can't afford any longer."

The highest reported average delays occurred in North America (a little under three years), while South America reported the highest average cost overruns at nearly 60%.

Almost three quarters (74%) of hydropower, water, coal and nuclear infrastructure projects were over budget by 49% on average, with hydropower and nuclear projects typically suffering the greatest cost overruns at US$4.6b and US$4b, respectively. Project delays were longest for coal and hydropower technologies, at nearly three years on average. Meanwhile, offshore wind and gas-powered generation projects saw significantly less delays and cost overruns.

Eighty percent of executives surveyed identified financing and delivering projects on schedule and on budget as a top challenge. And the majority also believe project financing (64%) and delivering (70%) challenges will continue in the future. Investment in power sector infrastructure is expected to be close to US$20t from 2016 to 2040.

Limousin says: "Cost overruns and late delivery are symptoms of greater underlying problems in the power and utilities sector. Companies must address these issues head-on in the next wave of infrastructure investment or risk sacrificing the full economic and social benefits megaprojects offer. That means leveraging leading practices and innovations to enhance value."

The report outlines how harnessing digital innovation is an important step toward more effective control and enhanced project performance. Embracing innovations in project fitness assessment, big data management and decision support management methods, for instance, can improve power and utilities companies' ability to formulate a holistic view of projects and accurately anticipate and address time and cost overruns to keep them on track.

Notes to Editors

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

About EY's Global Power & Utilities Sector

In a world of uncertainty, changing regulatory frameworks and environmental challenges, utility companies need to maintain a secure and reliable supply, while anticipating change and reacting to it quickly. EY's Global Power & Utilities Sector brings together a worldwide team of professionals to help you succeed  a team with deep technical experience in providing assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The Sector team works to anticipate market trends, identify their implications and develop points of view on relevant sector issues. Ultimately, this team enables us to help you meet your goals and compete more effectively.

For more information, please visit ey.com/powerandutilities.

About the report

EY conducted a survey of executives from power and utility (P&U) organizations with a turnover ranging between US$900m and more than US$5b, using a structured survey questionnaire. Of the 204 respondents, 25% of the respondents was a C-suite executive, with the remainder at director level across five functional areas comprising finance, strategy, operations, procurement and projects/programs. The respondent geographical split was as follows: 23% from Asia-Pacific, 43% from EMEIA and 34% from Americas. The study targeted executives working in different P&U segments: power generation (nuclear, hydro, coal, gas and renewables), transmission and distribution, and water.

EY analyzed the performance of 100 of the world's largest megaprojects (by capital expenditure) all featuring time and cost overrun figures reported publicly (in press releases, news articles, company websites, annual reports and/or other articles). These include power generation, transmission and distribution, and water projects, across all stages of the project life cycle, from pre-financing through decommissioning, and were identified from Infrastructure Journal's project database in April 2016.

Time delays and cost overruns were calculated based on the latest available reported figures. In instances where a project was delayed but no expected completion date was available, the delay was calculated as of 30 April 2016. Where project cost data was denominated in currency other than US dollars, the currency conversion to US dollars was applied using exchange rates prevalent on 5 May 2016.

Identification of the 100 megaprojects and the associated performance metrics have been prepared on a "best efforts" basis, based on publicly available information. The performance of individual companies and projects is not discussed, disclosed or implied. Any broader industry commentary is based on general industry observations and not on the views of any single organization.

Sarah Shields

EY Global Media Relations

+44 (0) 20 7951 6563

sshields1@uk.ey.com

Related Links

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SOURCE EY
CHICAGO and LONDON, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago-based R.J. O'Brien & Associates (RJO), the oldest and largest independent futures brokerage and clearing firm in the United States, today announced that its London-based affiliate R.J. O'Brien Limited (RJO Limited) has won the award for "Best FCM  Technology" at the CTA Intelligence European Services Awards 2016.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130114/CL41946LOGO

This is the second consecutive year that the RJO UK affiliate has earned one of the magazine's European Services Awards, with a win last year as "Best FCM  Innovation."

Gerald Corcoran, RJO Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: "Since our 2015 acquisition of The Kyte Group, we have significantly enhanced our technological capabilities in Europe with a fully integrated FCM. We now have the infrastructure in place on the ground to offer robust technology not only on the trading side but in risk management, compliance and back-office operations. We're very pleased to receive this CTA Intelligence recognition of our efforts."

Thomas Texier, RJO Limited Chief Operating Officer, said: "Today's clients demand best-in-class technology from their brokerage firm, and RJO is committed to exceeding their expectations. Cutting-edge technology is a cornerstone of our offering in the UK, and we have benefited from a strong foundation, investment in new systems and a fantastic team that harnesses our resources to the benefit of our clients."

Last year, RJO's UK affiliate also won the Editor's Choice Award at the 2015 FOW International Awards, based on factors including growth prospects, company achievements and successful collaborations and acquisitions.

Published by Pageant Media, CTA Intelligence focuses on key issues for professionals working in the commodity trading advisor (CTA) and managed futures space. An independent panel of judges from CTA Intelligence and leading industry experts selected RJO Limited for the award, which was presented at a ceremony this week in London. Earlier this year, R.J. O'Brien & Associates won the award for "Best FCM  Innovation" at the magazine's U.S. Services Awards, after winning its 2014 award for "Best FCM  Client Service."

About R.J. O'Brien Limited

R.J. O'Brien Limited (RJOL) provides clearing and settlement services to professional and eligible counterparty clients who transact business on the world's leading futures and options exchanges. RJOL offers clearing and execution-only services, risk management and direct market access to exchange-listed financial and commodity derivatives worldwide. Proximity and colocation services are also provided by RJOL. RJO Limited is a UK affiliate of R.J. O'Brien & Associates, the oldest and largest independent futures brokerage and clearing firm in the United States. RJO offers state-of-the-art electronic trading and 24-hour trade execution on all major futures exchanges worldwide.

R.J. O'Brien Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 114120).

Related Links

http://www.rjobrien.com



SOURCE R.J. O'Brien & Associates
SAN FRANCISCO, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The global smart polymers market is expected to reach USD 20.02 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Biomedical & biotechnology was the prominent segment and accounted for approximately 45.5% of the overall revenue in 2015. Smart polymers are used widely in the biomedical & biotechnology sector for drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, bioseparation, and biocatalyst.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150105/723757 )



Stimuli-responsive materials undergo various physicochemical changes when they respond to external stimuli such as temperature, pH, chemical ions, enzymes, sound, light, and other factors. Furthermore, these products are not only adaptive to the changes in surroundings but are also capable of regaining their original properties. The attributes mentioned above make smart polymers favorable for use in producing self-regulated drug delivery systems, tissue engineering systems, bioseparation devices, and reversible biocatalysts.

Browse full research report with TOC on "Smart Polymers Market Analysis By Stimulus Type (Physical, Chemical, Biological), By Application (Biomedical & Biotechnology, Automotive, Textile, Electrical & Electronics, Textile, Nuclear Energy) And Segment Forecasts, 2014 - 2025" at: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/smart-polymers-market

Further key findings from the report suggest:

The North America smart polymers industry was valued at USD 1.16 billion in 2015 and is expected to show high gains on account of technological advancement in the major end-use industries such as biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and medical & healthcare. This scenario is likely to be reflected in the U.S., which constituted 88.9% revenue in the North America region.

smart polymers industry was valued at in 2015 and is expected to show high gains on account of technological advancement in the major end-use industries such as biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and medical & healthcare. This scenario is likely to be reflected in the U.S., which constituted 88.9% revenue in the region. Europe held the second-largest share of the total market in 2015 accounting for 34.8% of the volume share. Healthcare & medical services, research & development in nanomedicine, and use of effective diagnostic devices are some of the key growth contributing trends in Europe region.

held the second-largest share of the total market in 2015 accounting for 34.8% of the volume share. Healthcare & medical services, research & development in nanomedicine, and use of effective diagnostic devices are some of the key growth contributing trends in region. Strict environmental regulations governing the use of conventional polymers coupled with rising health awareness among consumers are a few of the socio-economic factors that are considered to impact the Europe healthcare and biomedical industry positively.

healthcare and biomedical industry positively. The industry is dominated by major participants including Advanced Polymer Materials Inc., BASF SE, Nippon Shokubai, Advanced Biopolymers AS, FMC Corporation, Autonomic Materials, Nexgenia Corporation, Covestro AG, Lubrizol Corporation, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, and Acros Organics.

Prominent market participants such as Autonomic Materials, Inc. is engaged in manufacturing of smart polymeric materials that are capable of adapting and repairing themselves post any damage imposed by the external environment.

Browse related reports by Grand View Research:

Malic Acid Downstream Potential Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/malic-acid-downstream-potential-market

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/polyvinylidene-fluoride-pvdf-market

Fluoroelastomer Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/fluoroelastomer-market

Indium Tin Oxide Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/indium-tin-oxide-market

Grand View Research has segmented the global smart polymers market on the basis of application and region:

Stimulus Type Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Physical Chemical Biological Others

Application Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Biomedical & Biotechnology Drug Delivery Tissue Engineering Bioseparation Biocatalyst Automotive Electrical & Electronics Textile Nuclear Energy Radiation Detection Waste Treatment Others

Regional Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Europe Germany UK France Asia Pacific China Japan India Latin America MEA



Access research insight: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/research-insights/smart-polymers-market-insights-size

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.

Read Our Blogs - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/blogs/specialty-and-fine-chemicals

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc

Phone: 1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com



Web: http://www.grandviewresearch.com

SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden and LUCCA, Italy, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

New Office in Sweden Staffed by Corporate Performance Management and IT Experts Ready to Work with Nordic Region's Progressive CFOs

Tagetik , a leader in global performance management software solutions, today announced the establishment of Tagetik Nordic AB, a direct operation providing sales, implementation, and consulting support to companies in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland. The new subsidiary is a result of Tagetik's acquisition of its former distributor in the Nordic market.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140625/694014 )



Under the name Tagetik Nordic AB, the company will support Tagetik's global expansion efforts driving continued growth in the region. The formation of the new entity is accompanied with the opening of a new office in Stockholm, Sweden. Current customers in the region include Ambea, Dina, Protector, Hempel, and Elematic.

Tagetik's new direct operation will be led by experienced finance and corporate performance management (CPM) experts with an extensive track record of project successes. Marco van der Kooij, general manager for Tagetik Benelux, will also serve as general manager for Tagetik Nordic. Erik Granbom, who brings 20 years of experience in software market sales, will serve as Tagetik Nordic's sales director.

"Our new direct operation gives Tagetik the ability to focus exclusively on the satisfaction and success of its customers in the Nordic region," said van der Kooij. "With the support of our established business partners, the new operation will also help us grow market share in the CPM software market. We are confident Tagetik's unified Financial Performance Platform, along with pre-packaged solutions for IFRS 4 Phase II, IFRS 9, 15 and 16, will appeal to the region's CFOs dealing with complex business and finance challenges."

"This new direct operation positions us to increase our growth momentum worldwide and work directly with progressive finance leaders in the Nordic region," said Manuel Vellutini, co-CEO of Tagetik. "Marco and his team have delivered excellent results in the first year of direct operations in the Benelux region. Under Marco's guidance, we will increase sales and marketing investments and deepen relationships with our existing customers in the Nordic region through increased support services."

About Tagetik

Tagetik understands the complex challenges that face the Office of Finance and translates that knowledge into intuitive, enterprise-scale performance management software solutions that drive business results. With Tagetik, companies get the simplicity of the Cloud and the power to unify financial and operational planning; shorten the consolidation and close process; immediately analyze results, model and compare full financial statement impact of business scenarios; adjust strategic plans; seamlessly update rolling forecasts; produce formatted and auditable financial statements and management reports; collaborate on business reviews, and automate disclosure and board reporting. Tagetik has built-in financial intelligence so that CFOs, finance managers, and operations executives can orchestrate multiple or all processes in one software solution. More than 850 customers across 35 countries count on Tagetik to improve efficiency, reduce risk, save money and deliver results. For more information, visit http://www.tagetik.com. We get Finance. You get results.

Follow us on social media:

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Media Contacts



Corporate and EMEA:

Linda Galloway

insidHR Communications

+1 303 863 8620 office

+1 203 733 7446 mobile

lgalloway@insidhr.com



North America:

Courtly Stevens

Courtly & Company

+1 415 640 0188 office

cstevens@courtlyandco.com



SOURCE Tagetik
LAS VEGAS, SANTA CLARA, California, BANGALORE, and DUBAI, UAE, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Trianz, a global consulting and technology services company, announced today that it has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Service Delivery Partner status for AWS Database Migration Service. The announcement was made at re:Invent 2016, the flagship event of AWS, which was held in Las Vegas. The AWS Service Delivery Program is designed to highlight AWS Partner Network (APN) Partners who have demonstrated a track record of delivering verified client success for specific AWS products.



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The AWS Service Delivery Program was recently launched to help AWS clients find qualified APN Partners that provide expertise in a specific service or skill area. To qualify, partners clear an audit that assesses service-specific knowledge, client references and technical capability. This assures clients that they are working with partners that have recent and relevant experience.

Vivek Gupta, Worldwide VP - Cloud Services at Trianz said, "Trianz is proud to be one of the initial APN Partners to participate in the AWS Service Delivery Program. It signifies our growing footprint in AWS ecosystem. We will continue to focus on enhancing our skills to help our clients to solve critical business challenges by leveraging the agility of the AWS Cloud."

Trianz is an APN Advanced Consulting Partner and an AWS Managed Service Partner. As an AWS Database Migration Service partner, Trianz can help clients use AWS Database Migration Service to migrate databases - both homogeneous and heterogeneous - to AWS easily and securely while minimizing downtime. Trianz, with its strong credentials and client success, is looking forward to make significant strides in AWS Database Migration services.

About Trianz

Trianz enables digital transformations through effective strategies and excellence in execution. Collaborating with business and technology leaders, we help formulate and execute operational strategies to achieve intended business outcomes by bringing the best of consulting, technology experiences and execution models. Powered by knowledge, research, and perspectives, we enable clients to transform their business ecosystems and achieve superior performance by leveraging Cloud,Analytics, Digital and Security paradigms. With offices in Silicon Valley, Washington DC Metro, Jersey City, Dubai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai, we serve Fortune 1000 and emerging organizations across industries globally. As a professional services firm, our values and culture are focused on delivering measurable business impact, predictability in execution, and a unique partnership experience. For more information, visit http://www.trianz.com.

Media contact:

Prashant Bhavaraju

Director, Marketing

+1-408-387-5800

http://www.trianz.com

reach@trianz.com



SOURCE Trianz
LONDON, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research shows old age is seen as a problem, worries about healthcare and social services and people not prioritising or doing enough to prepare for their own retirement.

Research conducted by Chase de Vere, the national firm of independent financial advisers, paints a depressing picture of increasing longevity in the UK.

This research looks at society's attitude to longevity, people's aspirations and concerns for living longer and the steps they've taken to address these. We then compared the results with similar research undertaken in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria.

Research highlights:

Increasing longevity is viewed more as a problem than a benefit to society. In the UK, 44% of people under age 65 and 50% of those over 65 classified it as a problem, compared with 31% and 28% respectively who said it was a benefit.

There are huge concerns that the UK isn't prepared to cope with increasing demands on healthcare systems, with 71% of those aged under 65 worried about this and 81% over 65. This compares with only 46% and 48% respectively in Europe .

The need for a change in attitudes toward the elderly was given far greater significance in the UK than in Europe , with 54% of over 65s highlighting this issue compared with just 30% in Europe .

Only 30% of those in the UK aged under 65 said having economic resources is important, compared with 58% in Europe .

However, 39% of those in this category want to retire from work as soon as possible. Only 19% want to continue working full time in their current jobs past the State pension age. The reality is that far more may be forced to do so.

Europeans focused more on undertaking activities, travelling and being financially independent in retirement. Worryingly only 19% of UK respondents under 65 were looking forward to being financial independent in retirement.

Europeans also focused more on taking the steps needed to be better equipped to enjoy a longer life. This includes being healthy, investing savings and developing relationships and social connections.

Patrick Connolly, Certified Financial Planner, Chase de Vere, says:

"Our research paints a rather sorry picture of increasing longevity in UK. We see people living longer as a problem for society, with particular concerns about the sustainability of healthcare and social services. There is also far greater recognition of the need for a change in attitudes toward the elderly in the UK than there is in Europe. Individuals seem to desire a long retirement but aren't taking the steps to retire when they want and have no real plans to enjoy their retirement when they do actually get there. In too many respects we are lagging too far behind our European counterparts.

"The message should be very clear. We are likely to live for longer and so if we want to enjoy the benefits of an extended life we need to plan ahead. While it is imperative to keep both physically and mentally active, we should also be planning financially to ensure that we are more able to retire on our own terms and to live the life we want as we get older."

To obtain a copy of the full research document - Longevity and Retirement Research: A European comparison - please contact Patrick Connolly at patrick.connolly@chasedevere.co.uk or on +44(0)1225-368-176.

Patrick is available for television and radio broadcasts.

Notes on Chase de Vere

Chase de Vere is a national firm of independent financial and corporate advisers with 13 offices across the UK. They provide independent financial advice and planning services for private individuals and businesses. Chase de Vere has established a reputation for expertise, independence and service over more than four decades.

The Company is backed by Swiss Life, one of Europe's leading life assurance companies. This level of financial backing means that Chase de Vere is well placed to adapt to changes in the financial advice arena in the coming years.

Chase de Vere aims to be the leading firm of Independent Financial and Corporate Advisers in the UK.

Chase de Vere has offices in Basingstoke, Bath, Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Chester, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, London, Manchester, Preston and Tyne & Wear.

http://www.chasedevere.co.uk

Contacts:

Patrick Connolly, Head of Communications, Patrick.connolly@chasedevere.co.uk, +44(0)1225-368-176, +44(0)7738-502246

SOURCE Chase de Vere
By Neha Dasgupta and Krishna N. Das

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Senior Indian government officials tasked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with reviewing energy security are recommending the break up of the country's coal monopoly, Coal India Ltd (COAL.NS), within a year.

Attempts to break up the world's biggest coal miner would be met by strong resistance from powerful unions representing the company's employees of more than 350,000. The government backed down from a similar proposal in the face of union protests in 2014.

Around 70 percent of India's power generation is coal based. The country is the world's third-largest producer and its third-biggest importer of coal, which the government wants to change by boosting local coal production.

In a presentation seen by Reuters, government officials recommend that Coal India - with a stock market valuation of $28 billion - should be broken up into seven companies, which they say would make it more competitive and efficient.

The proposal, dated Nov 30, is expected to be presented to Modi soon, three government officials with direct knowledge of the situation said. They declined to be identified because the information has not been publicly released.

Calls to a Coal India spokesman went unanswered.

A source close to power and coal minister, Piyush Goyal, said the ministry would review its stand on Coal India depending on what the prime minister says.

Coal India is the country's second-biggest employer, but critics say it is bloated and inefficient. Its output-per-man shift is estimated at one-eighth of Peabody Energy (BTUUQ.PK), the world's largest private coal producer, filed for bankruptcy protection this year.

Under Modi's government though, production has risen sharply as environmental and other clearances to develop mines have been fast-tracked. The company is also spending billions of dollars on buying modern machinery to raise productivity.

The government wants Coal India to increase production of coal to 1 billion tonnes a year by 2020 from around 539 million tonnes in the fiscal year that ended in March. It wants India as a whole to produce 1.5 billion tonnes a year by 2020.

Story continues

Modi was exploring a breakup of Coal India before taking office, Reuters reported in 2014, but the government put the idea on the back burner following protests by unions. (http://reut.rs/2gXYD5L)

Unions fear restructuring Coal India would almost certainly lead to job cuts and work being outsourced to private companies, so are likely to protest against a break up.

"What happens is that once a big company is broken down, it is easier to control the smaller ones," said D.D. Ramanandan of the All India Coal Workers' Federation, which he said represents more than 100,000 workers of the company. "But if it happens, we will oppose it. We will oppose it through all ways possible, including strike."

ENERGY SECURITY

In late October, Modi set up 10 groups of senior bureaucrats to "undertake a critical review" of government work in a number of areas, including energy, transport and agriculture.

The proposal to break up Coal India comes from one of these groups - nine top bureaucrats, including ones from the ministries of coal, power, oil and mines. They were asked to come up with policy proposals to promote energy security and the environment.

Under Modi, Coal India's production growth rate has nearly doubled, marking one of the administration's biggest successes. Fuel shortages for power plants have turned into oversupply.

Restructuring is likely to be harder, but is crucial to the government's ambition to sell 10 percent of the company to raise funds for further growth and investment. The government owns just under 80 percent of the company.

Coal India wants to spend billions of dollars in the next few years to buy equipment and modernize mines. Miners still commonly use shovels and picks to dig for coal underground.

The company also plans to stop filling most vacancies arising from retirements over the next three years, and outsource more mining to private companies.

Coal India unit Mahanadi Coalfields pioneered outsourcing of mining work a few years ago and is now the company's biggest producer and fastest-growing unit. Contractors carry out about 90 percent of the unit's mining.

Coal India is a holding company with seven producing units and a planning and consultancy firm. The producing units have their own administrative set-up led by a chairman, so breaking them up to run as individual companies may not be difficult, analysts said.

(Reporting by Neha Dasgupta and Krishna N. Das; Editing by Neil Fullick)
DALLAS, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The third release in the Grey Wolf Series by the Royal Canadian Mint, the 2017  oz Canadian Silver Wolf Moon Coin, is sold in America exclusively at JM Bullion. Celebrating the endangered North American predator, the Grey Wolf Series is a collection of  oz silver coins. The initial coin in the series, the 2015  oz Canadian Silver Grey Wolf Coin, was the first  oz bullion silver coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Each 2017 Canadian Silver Wolf Moon Coin consists of  troy ounces of .9999 pure silver. All coins are BU, meaning they are in immaculate condition, sold to you as they were received by JM Bullion directly from the Royal Canadian Mint. Each coin has a $2 CAD face value backed by the Canadian government. Individual coins ship in protective plastic vinyl flips, while quantities of thirty are packaged in mint-sealed tubes. Mint boxes contain 600 coins.

The reverse of the 2017  oz Canadian Silver Wolf Moon Coin features a lone wolf silhouetted in front of a disproportionately large full moon. Thanks to the exquisite detailing for which the Royal Canadian Mint is known, the wolf's depiction is so realistic, one can almost hear its mournful howl. Also on the reverse is a micro-engraved maple leaf, with the number "17" in its center, a relatively new security feature the mint has been incorporating on its coins.

Consistent with other pieces of Canadian currency, the obverse of the 2017  oz Canadian Silver Wolf Moon Coin bears Susanna Blunt's rendering of Queen Elizabeth II. The Royal Canadian Mint's other new cutting-edge security feature is found on the obverse: precise radial lines extending across the field.

In addition to the Grey Wolf Series, JM Bullion offers a wide variety of other Canadian Silver Coins, as well as several Canadian Gold Coins. A leading online precious metals retailer, JM Bullion is known for their low prices, robust inventory, free and fast shipping, quality products, and superior customer support. JM Bullion's site offers more than just products, such as their comprehensive Investing Guide and historical gold and silver spot price charts going back ten years.

Proven to retain value throughout generations, precious metals are widely considered a sound investment. JM Bullion strives to make it possible for every person, regardless of budget or industry experience, to physically own precious metals. Investing in one's future is vital. Start safeguarding tomorrow today. Visit www.jmbullion.com.

Thomas Fougerousse

Vice President of Operations

469-729-8917

[email protected]

www.jmbullion.com

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SOURCE JM Bullion

Related Links

http://www.jmbullion.com


BEIJING, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloud service provider 21Vianet Blue Cloud is participating in the second Microsoft Ignite China Conference, scheduled for Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2016, in Beijing. At the conference, an important milestone is being announced: the release of Power BI operated by 21Vianet in China. 21Vianet Blue Cloud is one of Microsoft's key partners in China, helping the IT giant launch Microsoft Azure and Office 365 in the Chinese market. 21Vianet Blue Cloud has operated Microsoft Azure and Office 365 for Microsoft in China for over two years.

The Microsoft Ignite Conference showcases the latest technologies and innovations from China and from around the world. The conference brings together Microsoft's top technical experts with entrepreneurs and leaders in the IT industry to discuss opportunities and challenges in the cloud-computing sector. 21Vianet Blue Cloud will showcase Power BI, a suite of business analytics tools enabling users to analyze data and share insights.

Power BI operated by 21Vianet provides a 360-degree view for business users with their most important metrics in one place, updated in real time and available on all of their devices. With one easy click, users can explore data behind their dashboard using intuitive tools that make finding answers easier. Power BI operated by 21Vianet brings enterprise customers a revolutionary office working experience with its flexible, reliable and valuable features. 21Vianet Blue Cloud's partnership with Microsoft to operate Power BI in the China market signifies the ongoing success of the collaboration between both companies.

Power BI, operated by 21Vianet in China, is available to all users as a free service. The technology is an important piece of the big data landscape. Customers can use Power BI on mobile devices or on desktops to create an array of interactive reports that provide comprehensive insights to key decision makers. 21Vianet Blue Cloud will showcase other product and services at Microsoft Ignite, including Microsoft Azure, Office 365 and hybrid cloud and SaaS cloud service solutions.

As a leader in China's burgeoning cloud industry, 21Vianet Blue Cloud facilitates international cloud computing companies' operations and development in China while providing Chinese customers with the most effective, stable and convenient cloud computing technologies available in the industry today.

For more details about 21Vianet Blue Cloud, please visit www.en.21vbluecloud.com/.

About 21Vianet Blue Cloud

21Vianet Blue Cloud is a wholly-owned subsidiary of 21Vianet Group for the operation of Microsoft Azure, Office 365 and Power BI in China. We have built an expert-level cloud operation team that guarantees a financially-backed SLA of 99.9%. We also provide 7 x 24 rapid response services and world-class support that cover infrastructure and software operation, compliance consulting and customer technical support etc. to help your Cloud Land In China (CLIC) safely, reliably, and most of all, legally.

SOURCE 21Vianet Blue Cloud

Related Links

http://www.en.21vbluecloud.com


CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As increasing rates of stress, depression and fatigue fuel concern about physician well-being, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and Mayo Clinic today launched an initiative to prevent physician and medical trainee suicides.

"We want to be part of a national dialogue that addresses physician well-being and leads to transformational change  to a more humane learning environment for all medical education and a healthier culture for all physicians," says Thomas J. Nasca, M.D., MACP, chief executive officer of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

At the ACGME's Second Symposium on Physician Well-Being, the three organizations introduced a library of educational resources on the ACGME website. The research into physician well-being has been growing over recent years, and there have been many efforts at medical schools and residency programs. The resources, intended to help physicians and medical trainees, include:



A four-minute video that advises medical students, residents and fellows on how to support each other, express concern to peers, and encourage help-seeking behavior

A comprehensive guide to help graduate training programs respond to a resident death by suicide

Additional information and access to support

"Taking care of your mental health is the strong and smart thing to do," says Christine Moutier, M.D., chief medical officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. "Consider it a best practice for physicians and medical trainees. Addressing our own risk in the physician community is an important step toward addressing suicide at the public health level. If physicians begin modeling proactive mental health behaviors, it will send a strong message to all of society."

A primary risk factor for suicide is unaddressed mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. Suicide risk is mitigated when mental illness is addressed and managed well, Moutier says.

Physician well-being has a direct impact on patient care. Extensive evidence indicates that burnout and depressive symptoms undermine quality of care and may contribute to medical errors. Physicians with burnout are also more likely to leave medicine and reduce their clinical hours  both of which impact patient access to care.

"Physician well-being is crucial to the health of our entire system of medical care," says Fredric Meyer, M.D., executive dean of education, Mayo Clinic. "For the welfare of patients and the next generation of physicians, the nation's providers of medical education must strive to cultivate an environment that promotes both stress management and resilience."

Meyer oversees Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, whose enrollment includes 200 medical students and nearly 2,400 residents and fellows on three campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.

At Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, a transformative education model includes specialized training on physician wellness and resiliency to prevent burnout and prepare future physicians for the rigors of clinical practice. Wellness training now has extended into Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. And Mayo Clinic Department of Medicine created the Program on Physician Well-Being in 2007 to evaluate personal, professional and organizational factors that contribute to burnout and foster physician well-being, satisfaction and productivity.

About 87,000 medical students are enrolled in U.S. medical schools, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Approximately 125,000 graduates from medical school currently are training in about 150 specialties and subspecialties as residents and fellows in ACGME-accredited programs at about 800 sponsoring institutions, including universities, medical schools and hospitals.

10 facts about physician suicide and mental health mental health

Suicide generally is caused by the convergence of multiple risk factors  the most common being untreated or inadequately managed mental health conditions. An estimated 300 physicians die by suicide in the U.S. per year.1 Physicians who took their lives were less likely to be receiving mental health treatment compared with nonphysicians who took their lives even though depression was found to be a significant risk factor at approximately the same rate in both groups.2 The suicide rate among male physicians is 1.41 times higher than the general male population. And among female physicians, the relative risk is even more pronounced  2.27 times greater than the general female population.3 Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in the 24-34 age range (Accidents are the first.).4 Twenty-eight percent of residents experience a major depressive episode during training versus 7 to 8 percent of similarly aged individuals in the U.S. general population.5 Among physicians, risk for suicide increases when mental health conditions go unaddressed and self-medication occurs as a way to address anxiety, insomnia or other distressing symptoms. Although self-medicating, mainly with prescription medications, may reduce some symptoms, the underlying health problem is not effectively treated. This can lead to a tragic outcome. In one study, 23 percent of interns had suicidal thoughts. However, among those interns who completed four sessions of web-based cognitive behavior therapy, suicidal ideation decreased by nearly 50 percent.6 Drivers of burnout include workload, work inefficiency, lack of autonomy and meaning in work, and work-home conflict. Unaddressed mental health conditions, in the long run, are more likely to have a negative impact on a physician's professional reputation and practice than reaching out for help early.

Sources

C. Center and others, "Confronting Depression and Suicide in Physicians," JAMA (2003), 289 (23), 3161. doi:10.1001/jama.289.23.3161 K.J. Gold , A. Sen, and T.L. Schwenk , "Details on suicide among U.S. physicians: Data from the National Violent Death Reporting System." General Hospital Psychiatry (2013), 35 (1), 45-49. doi:10.1016/j. genhosppsych.2012.08.005 E.S. Schernhammer and G.A. Colditz , "Suicide Rates Among Physicians: A Quantitative and Gender Assessment (Meta-Analysis)," American Journal of Psychiatry, (2004) 161 (12), 2295-2302. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.161.12.2295 CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, "10 Leading Causes of Death by Age Group, United States  2014." http://www.cdc.gov/injury/images/lc-charts/ leading_causes_of_death_age_group_2014_1050w760h.gif D.A. Mata and others, "Prevalence of Depression and Depressive Symptoms Among Resident Physicians," JAMA (2015), 314 (22), 2373. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.15845 C. Guille and others, "Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for the Prevention of Suicidal Ideation in Medical Interns," JAMA Psychiatry (2015), 72 (12), 1192. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.1880

About the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education is a private, nonprofit, professional organization responsible for the accreditation of residency and fellowship programs and institutions that sponsor these programs in the U.S. Residency and fellowship programs educate resident and fellow physicians in specialties and subspecialties. The ACGME's mission is to improve health care and population health by assessing and advancing the quality of resident physicians' education through accreditation.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York City with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic or newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org.

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Related Links

http://www.afsp.org


AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Abila, the leading provider of software and services to associations, nonprofits, and government entities, announced it's headed to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2017 for its annual Abila User and Developer Conference (AUDC). The conference will take place at the Omni Nashville Hotel, from April 11-13, 2017.

The three-day conference will bring together more than 1,000 leaders from the association, nonprofit, and government sectors to share insights and ideas, gain knowledge on the latest industry trends, and grow their professional networks.

Bestselling author and thought leader on the psychology of the human connection, Johnathan Sprinkles, will deliver the keynote presentation about driving engagement, loyalty, and profitability. AUDC 2017 will also feature a keynote from Abila CEO Krista Endsley and Senior Vice President Erin Shy, a one-on-one product support lab, and more than 100 education sessions focused on Advanced Association Management, Fund Accounting, and Fundraising and Donor Management.

The more than 100 sessions include topics such as:

When Uberization Collides with Associations

Tech Trends in Fundraising

The Perfect Storm: Protect Your Nonprofit from the Devastation of Fraud

Social Media  What Can it Do (or Not Do) for You?

Talk to Your Members  Without Saying a Word

Save Money with Data DIY

AUDC also provides an opportunity for association and nonprofit professionals to connect with members of Abila's extensive Partner Ecosystem from the Abila Marketplace. The Abila Marketplace is the most dominant ecosystem of partners dedicated to serving the mission needs of association, nonprofits, and government entities.

"We're excited to take the Abila User and Developer Conference to Nashville," said Krista Endsley, chief executive officer for Abila. "Our association and nonprofit clients look forward to this event every year and the opportunity to collaborate with their peers on the latest industry happenings. Thanks to our amazing sponsors and partners, we're able to make all of this possible and still keep AUDC the most affordable association and nonprofit conference available to these sectors."

To learn more about the conference and to register, visit: www.audc2017.com.

About Abila

Abila is the leading provider of software and services to associations, nonprofits, and government entities that help them improve decision making, execute with greater precision, increase engagement, and generate more revenue. With Abila solutions, association and nonprofit professionals can use data and personal insight to make better financial and strategic decisions, enhance member and donor engagement and value, operate more efficiently and effectively, and increase revenue to better activate their mission. Abila combines decades of industry insight with technology know-how to serve nearly 8,000 customers across North America. For more information, please visit www.abila.com.

Media Contact:

Jenna Overbeck

[email protected]

512.861.3248

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SOURCE Abila

Related Links

http://www.abila.com


KAMPALA, Uganda, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- World AIDS Day - The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, World Health Organization, UNAIDS, USAID, PEPFAR, and numerous NGOs have circumcised 12 million Africans to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS. The world has not heard a word from them until now. The VMMC Experience Project sent cameras into Uganda and Kenya to document the realities of the mass circumcision program. Local investigators conducted interviews with 90 affected men and women and found:

1. Africans are told circumcision conveys immunity from HIV.

2. Condom use is at an all-time low, and AIDS is on the rise.

3. The program is killing the very people it is supposed to help.

4. No follow-up post circumcision (cut-and-release approach).

5. Resentment and outrage among Africans.

The "voluntary medical male circumcision" (VMMC) public health program is the first mass surgical campaign in human history. It targets Africans exclusively, leading some to question whether there are underlying racial motives. For centuries, western stereotypes have held that African men are lascivious or hypersexed, unable to control their sexual urges. Compulsory African-American male circumcision campaigns were proposed as early as the nineteenth century.

Prince Hillary Maloba is a native Kenyan, director of the VMMC Experience Project, and the driving force behind the investigation. "Male circumcision," he explains, "as a project that has been applied for we [sic] Africans, has failed to reduce HIV the way we were told. Two, we view it as a violation of human rights. How target only one race in the entire world?"

Bishop Cleophas Matete, another native Kenyan, agrees, "I believe the entire process of trying to test it in Africa was wrong from the beginning."

The mass circumcision campaign was introduced to reduce the incidence of HIV in fourteen sub-Saharan African countries that did not initially practice genital cutting. However, UNAIDS data indicate that the African HIV epidemic has only worsened since 2010  shortly after VMMC was implemented. For the first time since the war on AIDS began, HIV is back on the rise.

The World Health Organization claims that male circumcision curbs female-to-male HIV transmission by up to 60 percent and provides lifelong partial protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Their conclusions derive from a process of contentious surgical experimentation on Africans.

Opponents allege that the targeting of impoverished Africans constitutes a racial and human rights issue. Comparisons are made to the Tuskegee syphilis study.

Others argue that the program results in a dangerous false security. The present investigation confirms that men, women, and teens are abandoning condoms out of a belief that they are already protected by circumcision. This in turn increases the spread of HIV.

Prior to the VMMC Experience Project investigation, none have consulted or followed up with the men and women who have been directly affected. Many are living in rural poverty, invisible to the developed world. They have had no platform or voice in the circumcision agenda. Maloba's investigation is the first to shed light on the African side of the story.

African men and women say the campaign is violating their rights, confusing their cultural identity, and profoundly worsening the AIDS epidemic. They implicate the program in the spike in HIV cases we have seen in recent years. Seven respondents in Maloba's investigation said that they had acquired HIV because of misinformation around circumcision.

"I blame those who told me that if I get circumcised I won't get HIV," said one respondent, "and I got HIV already!" Others mourned the loss of friends, brothers, relatives, and neighbors to AIDS following the procedure they believed would protect them. "These people are dying of HIV due to ignorance," a respondent explained.

"If we don't stop this thing," Maloba warns, "this community will not have a generation that will take care of the old people."

Instead of mass circumcision, Africans want funding for sustainable medical facilities, anti-retroviral medications (ARVs), more durable condoms, HIV education, and poverty reduction initiatives. Many cite AIDS-related tragedies from the VMMC program. They seek an end to the circumcision campaign as a public health disaster and a form of cultural imperialism from the West. "It is something that has been imposed on us," a reverend explained in his interview. "If I could get a forum to fight it, I could fight it very hard."

About the VMMC Experience Project:

The VMMC Experience Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit effort to document the effects and aftermath of the world's first mass surgical campaign. Its aim is to empower the most frequently overlooked contingent in the African circumcision regime: Africans.

Quick Links:

The VMMC Experience Vault. Candid interviews with 90 men and women affected by the mass circumcision campaign. http://www.vmmcproject.org

Previews. Video previews of the VMMC investigation. http://www.vmmcproject.org/extras/videos

A Slave Has No Power Over His Masters. Prince Hillary Maloba's groundbreaking speech on the problem of VMMC and why Africans must resist it. http://www.vmmcproject.org/about-us

Media Contact:

Max Fish

[email protected]

Ugandans and Kenyans are available for interview.

Related Links

The VMMC Experience Project

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE The VMMC Experience Project

Related Links

http://www.vmmcproject.org


LONDON, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The global agriculture drone market is expected to reach USD 3,770.0 million by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The increasing technological advancements in equipment and for enhancing the quality of the farming techniques have led to the increased implementation of agriculture drones in the market.



Increasing automation in the agriculture process, owing to the labor crisis, such as lack of skilled farmers, aging farmers, is also expected to positively impact the market growth. A favorable shift in the regulatory policy is also expected to allow start-ups to operate in small and large farming operations and aid in disease & water management.



Innovations in the GPS mapping field coupled with the advancements in precision agriculture are expected to propel the industry growth over the forecast period. Drones have the potential to implement better plantation with crop rotation strategies and give crucial inputs related to the daily progress of crops which is further contributing to the growth.



The companies operating in the industry are designing and manufacturing systems that are collecting the data and are incorporating them into business models. which is further anticipated to enhance the industry growth. The data gathered from drones help the farmers to improve yields; supply water, fertilizer, or chemical when needed, and are also able to map their fields, check for signs of disease, monitor crop health, and save time in the process.



The scarcity of trained pilots for operating the drones may impact the market growth, although the market is expecting to overcome the scarcity, gradually, with the increasing applications of the drone.





Further key findings from the report suggest:





The fixed wing agriculture drone is expected to remain as a key revenue generating segment over the forecast period. The hybrid agriculture drones are anticipated to witness enormous growth in the next 8 years, owing to their ability to carry heavy weights and hover over fields.



The crop scouting application is anticipated to drive the market growth over the forecast period, with the increasing application of crop spraying, which will further increase the yields and reduce the wastage of pesticides & fertilizers and crops.



The North America agriculture drones market is expected to remain the key revenue generating region with a prevalent share of the industry. The increasing adoption of the drones, in various applications including spraying, seeding, and livestock farming, has led to the enormous market share.



The Asia Pacific agriculture drone market is anticipated to witness a significant growth over the forecast period, owing to the increasing investments in R&D in the region.



The key players in the agriculture drone market include DJI Technology, Trimble Navigation Ltd., PrecisionHawk, Parrot SA, and 3D Robotics

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For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

http://www.reportbuyer.com


NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AiCure, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) on mobile devices to visually confirm medication ingestion, today announced that they are the winners of the 2016 Scrip Award in the category of Best Technological Development in Clinical Trials. Judges from industry, academia, and finance rewarded the artificial intelligence platform for its unique contribution in driving efficiencies and quality data in clinical research. The annual ceremony, which recognizes innovative approaches to drug development, took place in the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Mayfair.

Twenty to thirty percent of clinical trials fail because patients do not take the medication according to the protocol, amounting to billions of dollars lost and much-needed drugs not getting to market.

"AiCure is the only clinically-validated and scalable platform to confirm medication ingestion on mobile devices. Changing patient behavior and ensuring accurate data on a dose by dose basis has the potential to transform and streamline the clinical trial process," said Adam Hanina, CEO and Chairman of AiCure. "We are very grateful to the Scrip judges for recognizing our company as best in class."

In addition to AiCure's work in clinical research, the artificial intelligence company is also working in population health deployments to improve health outcomes in high-risk patient populations, where treatment completion and consistent adherence to therapy are critical to avoid costly hospitalizations, drug resistance, or increased transmission rates such as in stroke, tuberculosis, or hepatitis C (HCV). Unlike video-based recordings or live streamed systems that require 1:1 monitoring, the AI platform relies on a 1:many model, using software algorithms to automatically identify the patient, the medication, and medication ingestion. Real-time data, including side effects, are transferred to centralized dashboards for analysis.

AiCure is currently involved in collaborations to demonstrate treatment equivalence to in-person observation, such as with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Tuberculosis Control Program, who is utilizing AI to monitor adherence to treatment in patients with TB disease and latent TB infection.

The company is also working with pharmaceutical companies to replicate the same outcomes in real-world settings as were achieved during the clinical trial process, such as high efficacy rates and sustained viral response in HCV treatment. As payers move towards outcomes-based contracting models, solutions that are able to have an effect on outcomes will become increasingly valuable.

The opportunity size for AI in healthcare is estimated at $54 billion in terms of annual cost savings, spanning drug discovery and population health. While many companies are active in the medication adherence space with claims about changing patient behavior, few solutions are validated or show an effect on adherence or health outcomes. AiCure is building up an evidence base in both clinical research and clinical practice by validating the platform against drug concentration levels in the blood and showing a clear separation between patients monitored in real time by the platform and patients monitored by traditional measures such as pill counts, self-reported data, or treatment as usual.

AiCure is working with 5 of the top-10 global pharmaceutical companies, and in deployments across multiple therapeutic areas in conjunction with academic institutions and payers.

About AiCure

AiCure's artificial intelligence visually confirms medication ingestion on any smartphone. The clinically-validated platform enables continuous monitoring and intervention for greater statistical power and sample size reductions in clinical trials and improved health outcomes in population health. AiCure has developed an extensive intellectual property portfolio and has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and leading institutional investors. For more information, please visit www.aicure.com

Corporate Inquiries

Stefanie Kuhner

646-891-9422

Media Contact

Press Office

800-570-0448

Corporate Inquiries

Stefanie Kuhner

646-891-9422

[email protected]

Media Contact

Press Office

800-570-0448

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160108/320473LOGO

SOURCE AiCure

Related Links

http://www.aicure.com


AMSTERDAM, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

AIDSmonument in Amsterdam Counts Down Till the end of AIDS

Elsevier/ RELX Group on behalf of the NAMES Project Netherlands

From December 1st 2016, World Aids Day, onwards the Netherlands have their own HIV/AIDSmonument, officially unveiled by the mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan, together with the artist Jean-Michel Othoniel and Louise van Deth, managing director of AIDS Fonds (AIDS Foundation) the Netherlands.

It is located on the south bank of the river IJ on a permanent location between Central Station and the concert hall Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ. The monument "Living by Numbers" was created by the French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.

The striking features of the landmark are the great scarlet beads made of hand-blown glass; the monument has the shape of a giant abacus, which counts down till the end of AIDS.

Development of the monument is an initiative of the NAMES Project Netherlands Foundation, and could be realized thanks to the support of main sponsors: Aids Fonds (Aids Foundation), OLVG hospital of Amsterdam, RELX Group and ViiV Healthcare.

Other contributing sponsors include among others, Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst, The Art of Impact, Zabawas, and the Centrum district of Amsterdam; funding was also raised through a crowdfunding campaign.

S ignificance of th e AIDS monument

The monument is a beacon of hope and support to anyone living with HIV. At the same time it is a tribute to all buddies, supporters, medical employees, activists and scientists. Moreover it is also a memorial, dedicated to all loved ones who have died of AIDS.

The initiators of developing the monument chose Amsterdam because this city has been and is a sanctuary for many people with HIV who were not welcome in their own countries.

"Othoniel demonstrates with his design that an AIDSmonument does not necessarily have to be somber. He combines very delicately a heavy subject with elegance and beauty. The wonderful light at the bank of the river IJ will be freely reflected in the shining beads, made of hand-blown glass. The monument will match its surroundings perfectly. The AIDSmonument will enrich Amsterdam with a significant work of art," the appointed art committee had said upon selecting the design of the monument.

See for more information: http://www.hiv-aidsmonument.nl - and further details provided in appendix below. Twitter hashtags: #Aidsmonument #WorldAIDSDay

Appendix

What is the significance of the HIV/AIDSmonument?

The aim of this monument is to keep the attention for AIDS and HIV alive and kicking. At this moment there are approximately 22,100 people in the Netherlands with AIDS and HIV. Every week there are still 19 people in this country who are getting the diagnosis that they have HIV. Moreover a quarter of people with HIV don't even know that he or she is carrying the HIV virus. Therefore HIV and AIDS deserve all our attention, and was the AIDSmonument unveiled December 1st 2016 - Worlds Aids Day - in the footsteps of other cities such as New York, San Francisco and Vancouver.

Why this design?

The AIDSmonument was designed in the form of an abacus; an instrument to teach people to count. The abacus is significant, because it symbolizes the countdown to the moment that AIDS will have disappeared from this world for good. The beads in the abacus are made of hand blown glass and therefore all slightly different. They catch the light of the river IJ, reflecting the light in bright colors. It puts a spell on the eyes of anyone passing by. Every year the number of beads will be adjusted and this will be clarified during an event. The beads will, for example, show how many people have been cured of HIV. In that way the AIDSmonument will reflect not only loss, but will also emphasize that there is hope for the future.

The monument is an initiative of the foundation NAMENproject Nederland, an organization that works with volunteers who want to keep the attention for HIV and AIDS alive and kicking. In search of a suitable design the foundation was advised by an independent commission of arts. Moreover there was a web-election among the public. This resulted in a longlist of forty artists. Eventually the foundation chose a work of art by the internationally well-known French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.

Why this site?

The river IJ seems a perfect site for the AIDSmonument due to its history. This river symbolizes trade overseas. Sailors did not only exchange goods; they also exchanged diseases. Such as syphilis in the fifteenth century and plague in the seventeenth century. In that way the river IJ reflects almost tangibly the international dimension of AIDS.

But there is more: only a few decades ago the De Ruyterkade was the place for hookers and junkies, with just around the corner social workers and the bus that was providing methadone. For gay men the eastern side of the quay was a popular car-cruising-area and Cafe West-Indie - no longer existing - at De Ruyterkade 110 was the meeting point of Motor Sportclub Amsterdam, a motorclub for gay people.

Nowadays the 'back of Amsterdam' shows the dynamics of the capital of the Netherlands. The site, where the AIDSmonument is located, is now a beautiful spot at the river IJ, among exceptional architecture and international splendor. Nowadays the south bank of the river IJ offers a 'coming and going' of many people due to the Central Station, the river-ferries, rivercruise-ships and the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), which is the harbor for international cruise-ships. Every year hundreds of thousands residents and visitors will see the AIDSmonument: from the street, from passing busses, trams and trains, from bigger and smaller ships and boats. The AIDSmonument will also be seen by pedestrians and by people driving their cars and riding their bikes. Amongst them there will be many, many tourists.

The AIDSmonument will not only be a place for official ceremonies, but also for intimate memorials by individuals. Therefore Othoniel has designed a bench right underneath the abacus with a beautiful view of the river. Underneath the huge abacus people will be able to daydream and reflect, while they look at the horizon, pondering on the future. In this way the AIDSmonument is to give people the courage to go on.

How is the artist involved?

Jean-Michel Othoniel (Saint-Etienne, 1964) was eighteen, when a mysterious disease got a name: AIDS. Since the eighties AIDS plays an important part in Othoniel's work. The absence of bodies is a significant recurrent theme.

For this Living by Numbers Othoniel was inspired by figures: the number of people with HIV and AIDS. Counting is a recurrent theme in this design: the number of victims, the number of people who live with HIV, the number of CD4-cells. All this led to the idea of the abacus; a calculation tool from the past. The hand blown beads symbolize hope, especially our hope that one day people will be able to stop counting. Colored balls have been the principal material that Jean-Michel Othoniel has been using in his work since the late 1990's. Therefore his work looks like monumental jewels. Othoniel says: "Beauty in art seems kind of taboo in the Western world, whereas beauty, compassion and hope are absolutely necessary in our world."

Wide support in fundraising

The foundation NAMENproject Nederland could only realize the HIV/AIDSmonument thanks to many companies and organisations that supported this monument ever since 2014. The main sponsors are the Aids Fonds (Aids Foundation), the Amsterdam hospital OLVG, RELX Group (formerly Reed Elsevier) and ViiV Healthcare. Founding sponsors are DoubleTree by Hilton and Gilead. Many individuals donated money due to crowdfundation through http://www.voordekunst.nl And there was support by major (art)foundations: the Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst (Amsterdam Foundation for the Arts), Art of Impact and Zabawas. Other sponsors are the hospital Academisch Medisch Centrum (AMC), het Amsterdamsche Fonds, Amsterdam Lowlanders Rugby Club, Michael Bakish & Peter M. Hirsch, Canal Company, COC Nederland, Cordaan, dance4life, Drugspastoraat Amsterdam, Eelco & Frank, Elsevier Women's Network & Elsevier Pride, Les Enfants Terribles, Firma Netjes, Stichting GALA, Gebr. Silvestri, GGD Amsterdam, hello gorgeous, Stichting HIV Monitoring, Hiv Vereniging Nederland, i.m. Kees Rumke, Stichting Homomonument, IHLIA LGBT Heritage, Joep Lange Institute, Lloyd Hotel & Culturele Ambassade, Mr. B, De Nederlandsche Bank, Nederlandse Vereniging van Hemofilie Patienten (NVHP), Nederlandse Vereniging van HIV Behandelaren (NVHB), Nieuwezijds Gay Sauna, Pascal van den Noort, Mark Noyons & Partners, PlanetRomeo Foundation, De Regenboog Groep, RutgersWPF, Sanquin Bloedvoorziening, Thalys, Thermos Sauna, Tijgertje, TrutFonds, VU Medisch Centrum and Zorggroep Amsterdam Oost (Flevohuis | De Open Hof). Other supporters were the Municipality of Amsterdam and the central district of Amsterdam.

International battle against aids

The Netherlands have always been a runner-up in the international battle against AIDS. Scientists and experts from our country have been important in the development of the combination therapy. Due to this therapy of HIV-inhibitors dying of AIDS became living with HIV. This meant a huge breakthrough, but meanwhile the danger remains that HIV has become invisible. People tend to forget that even this year and even in The Netherlands there are still people dying of AIDS.

Amsterdam, December 2016

See for more information: http://www.hiv-aidsmonument.nl

Twitter hashtags: #Aidsmonument #WorldAIDSDay

Media contact

Jorn Wolters

Foundation NAMES Project Netherlands

NAMES Project Netherlands Foundation

[email protected]

[email protected]



SOURCE Elsevier
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC applauds Congress for overwhelmingly passing a ten-year extension of the 1996 Iran Sanctions Act (ISA). The bill, H.R.6297, was adopted unanimously by the Senate and by a vote of 419 to 1 in the House of Representatives.

Part of the original sanctions architecture that brought Iran to the negotiating table, ISA provides the legal framework for the United States to impose sanctions on Iran's energy sector and entities that help Iran obtain advanced weaponry and weapons of mass destruction.

ISA sanctions currently are waived in accordance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the agreement between the P5+1 and Iran. Extending the ISA will not impose new sanctions on Iran, but allows for the "snapback" of sanctions should Iran violate the JCPOA.

"The 10-year extension of ISA maintains essential American leverage for Iran's full implementation of the JCPOA," said Jason Isaacson, AJC Associate Executive Director for Policy. "We urge President Obama to sign this bipartisan measure into law."

Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, introduced the bill. Co-sponsors included Representatives Ted Deutch, Eliot Engel, Chris Gibson, Gene Green, Steny Hoyer, Peter King, Nita Lowey, Ted Poe, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Brad Sherman. AJC advocated for an extension of ISA throughout the past year.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


Hannigan, set to host another season of Penn & Teller's: Fool Us on THE CW next summer, worked closely with FabKids to contribute more than 45,000 pieces of clothing and accessories including tops, dresses, leggings, shorts and hair accessories. Corazon de Vida will distribute this amazing donation to the children living in orphanages in Baja. Hannigan and her family have first-hand experience supporting this organization, through day-visits to the children.

"As a mother, I can't think of anything more important than providing children basic necessities and empowering them for a better future," said Hannigan. "Corazon de Vida does exactly that and I've seen their impact. This is a cause I'm eager to partner on with FabKids because I believe together, we can all make a significant difference in the lives of many children."

To support Corazon de Vida through monthly sponsorship or other initiatives, please visit: http://www.corazondevida.org.

For more information about FabKids, visit FabKids.com.

ABOUT FABKIDS:

Founded in 2012, FabKids is the leading membership-based shopping site and children's fashion brand, providing on-trend, age-appropriate styles for boys and girls. Offering members beautifully made, perfectly personal, super stylish and surprisingly well-priced clothes made for kids, FabKids delivers parents an easy, convenient and value-driven shopping experience with curated collections each month. Two-piece outfits start at $29.95, and shoes start at $19.95. FabKids is available in the US and Canada.

ABOUT CORAZON DE VIDA FOUNDATION:

Corazon de Vida (CDV) Foundation established in 1994, is a US 501c3 non-profit organization that provides support and services for orphanages throughout Baja Calif., Mexico. CDV's mission is to end child abandonment by breaking the cycle of poverty. Guided by the belief that every child should grow up in an environment that nurtures their potential, CDV has centered its efforts on providing life-sustaining support, improving quality of life and providing education for hundreds of children living in 10 orphanages in Baja.

Press Contact:

Erin O'Brien

FabKids.com

[email protected]

310-683-0940x1012

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SOURCE FabKids

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MANHASSET, N.Y., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research scientists Peter Davies, PhD, and Jeremy L. Koppel, MD, were awarded a five-year, $500,000 grant from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) to explore psychosis and aggression in individuals living with Alzheimer's disease. This is one of the largest research grants AFA has ever awarded.

"When considering what research projects we should fund, the uniqueness of Dr. Davies' and Dr. Koppel's project struck a chord with us," said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's president and chief executive officer. "The types of behaviors they're studying are a leading reason that families transition loved ones from home to skilled care settings. To be able to uncover why these symptoms occur  and to prevent or treat them  would offer solace to so many people."

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, typically occurring in older individuals over the age of 65. Symptoms include loss of memory and other intellectual functions, which disrupt daily living. Up to 50 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease experience psychosis, which may include paranoia and other delusions in addition to hallucinations. People experiencing Alzheimer's disease and psychosis progress more rapidly through the stages of the disease and are more likely to be violent. While at home, spouses, and adult children are often the victims of this aggression, and it is a major reason for transition to care settings. In institutional settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, the violence can continue and may be directed towards other residents or staff. Currently, safe and effective treatments for this form of the disease are lacking.

With this study, Drs. Davies and Koppel are looking to understand what makes Alzheimer's disease patients so susceptible to psychosis and aggression in the hopes of leveraging those discoveries into the development of effective therapies. Drs. Davies and Koppel believe that psychosis in Alzheimer's disease may be the result of the regional distribution in the brain of one of the hallmarks of the disease, tangles of tau proteins. The researchers believe that when these tangles are disproportionally distributed to articular portions of the brain, there is a greater probability of psychosis and aggression.

"We are honored the Alzheimer's Foundation of America is supporting our study to better understand what causes the emergence of such troubling behaviors in previously gentle people," said Dr. Davies. "Through this research, we hope to develop antibody-based medications to treat tangles in the brain, helping reduce the effects of the disease and associated psychosis and aggression."

Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institute said, "This outstanding recognition of Dr. Davies and Dr. Koppel by the Alzheimer Foundation reflects their success and leadership in the field. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease is a fundamental step towards developing new therapies needed by millions of current and future patients."

About The Feinstein Institute

The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research is the research arm of Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York. Home to 50 research laboratories and to clinical research throughout dozens of hospitals and outpatient facilities, the 2,000 researchers and staff of the Feinstein are making breakthroughs in molecular medicine, genetics, oncology, brain research, mental health, autoimmunity, and bioelectronic medicine  a new field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. For more information about how we empower imagination and pioneer discovery, visit FeinsteinInstitute.org.

About Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA):

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, based in New York, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,600 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals living with dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a national, toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, educational conferences and materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers, the National Memory Screening program, and "AFA Partners in Care" dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

SOURCE The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

Related Links

http://www.feinsteininstitute.org/


GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) today, at Grand Hyatt Hotel Guangzhou, announced details of its annual charity fundraising effort, of which the attendees included board members of AmCham South China, U.S. Consul General in Guangzhou, Mr. Charles Bennett, Vice President Finance, Greater China, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Mr. Edouard Macnab, and General Manager of Jingxing Real Estate, Mr. Jing Yijie.

Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161201/0861612900-a

Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161201/0861612900-b

This year's program is co-organized by the Guangzhou People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Guangzhou Charity Association (under Guangzhou Civil Affairs Bureau), the Guangzhou Youth Development Foundation, and the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, aiming to raise donations of material and funds. The in-kind donations will be distributed to Guangdong's impoverished Wuxing Village (part of Meizhou City) and other poor villages later this year and early next year. Additionally, cash donations will be used to finance medical treatments for orphaned children at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center and to help the poor villages. All donations will go through Guangzhou Youth Development Foundation with proper receipts issued to the donors.

AmCham South China President Dr. Harley Seyedin has disclosed the plans and beneficiaries. He has also noted that weeks before the official launch, Mead Johnson Nutrition and Jingxing Real Estate had already pledged RMB130,000 and RMB100,000 in cash respectively.

An inspection tour of Wuxing Village and the nearby villages will be organized by AmCham South China on January 11th-12th, 2017. The destination, Wuxing Village, is located in Wuhua County of Meizhou City. According to the official demographics, there are 143 people of physical disability, 84 relatively poverty-stricken households, 300 relatively poverty-stricken villagers and 22 poverty-stricken households in need of house renovation.

This is the 7th consecutive year of AmCham's overall charity activities. As a foreign business organization with long-term dedication to the public welfare, AmCham South China calls for more attention from all sectors of community on the development and growth of the poor population and the children in severe condition with a purpose of cultivating a broader future for them.

Events planned under the cooperative effort include:

1. Press Conference on December 1, 2016

- To inform the press and the public about the background and action plan of the Charity Theme Events and to build awareness of the need for philanthropy and to collect donations for initiating poverty alleviation projects in Wuxing Village and orphans in need of medical treatment.

- To call for more donors' participation.

2. Inspection Tour of Wuxing Village and Other Poor Villages on January 11-12, 2017

A corporate delegation with experts and potential investors will visit Wuxing Village for projects, accompanied by a team from the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center who will provide free medical services to villagers, and build awareness of the need for philanthropy.

About The American Chamber of Commerce in South China

The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating bilateral trade between the United States and the People's Republic of China. Certified in 1995 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C., AmCham South China represents more than 2,300 corporate and individual members, is governed by a fully-independent Board of Governors elected from its membership, and provides dynamic, on-the-ground support for American and International companies doing business in South China. In 2015, AmCham South China hosted nearly 10,000 business executives and government leaders from around the world at its briefings, seminars, committee meetings and social gatherings. The American Chamber of Commerce in South China is a fully independent organization accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. All AmChams in China are independently governed and represent member companies in their respective regions.

The mission of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China is to promote the development of trade, commerce and investment between the United States and the People's Republic of China with a special focus on South China; to provide a forum in which member businesses can identify their common interests and discuss solutions for common problems; to work with and advocate member interests with relevant organizations in South China, elsewhere in China and the United States, and to set the standards for corporate social responsibility for the community that the Chamber serves.

About Wuxing Village

Wuxing Village is home to 680 households, with the total registered population around 4,600. A preliminary household survey shows that 157 households of the village (909 people) currently live below the poverty line, accounting for 23% and 19.8% respectively of the total household number and the total village population. The village is home to a primary school without a proper shield, a village committee without a separate workplace, and a heath station without existence.

SOURCE AmCham South China
Mr. Robert Bird joins Ankura as Managing Director with more than 10 years of experience in eDiscovery and data analytics. He has led global teams in executing electronic data discovery projects for the banking, technology, and pharmaceutical industries relating to fraud, financial investigations, and product liability litigation. Mr. Bird's projects have included multilingual Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations; complex, high-volume, Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) litigation; and litigations involving the financial, pharmaceutical, and technology industries. His technical expertise allows him to customize technology and utilize data analytics to identify key documents, organize data, and design efficient workflows. Mr. Bird was most recently with FTI Consulting.

"To build a dynamic team and deepen our capabilities in eDiscovery and data analytics, we look for professionals with proven leadership and superior technical knowledge," said Stephen O'Malley, Ankura Senior Managing Director. "Robert is a great fit for Ankura for these reasons and will prove to be an asset to our group."

About Ankura Consulting Group

Ankura Consulting Group is a business advisory and expert services firm. Its deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges clients face enables its team to provide impactful, senior-level counsel. As an independent firm built on five key principles  Integrity, Quality, Diversity, Collaboration and Longevity  Ankura's relationships extend beyond one engagement or issue. The firm empowers its industry experts to provide a high-touch, unique approach for its clients in critical times. Ankura's offering includes a wide range of services offered within its Data Analytics & Technology Services, Investigations & Accounting Advisory, Litigation & Disputes, Regulatory & Contractual Compliance, Risk, Resilience & Geopolitical, Turnaround & Restructuring groups. For more information: ankuraconsulting.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444335

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SOURCE Ankura Consulting Group

Related Links

http://ankuraconsulting.com


Based in Chicago, Vaughan will be working with a wide variety of distressed businesses and their creditors as part of one of the largest and most sophisticated bankruptcy and restructuring practices focused on the middle-market. He has both litigation and bankruptcy experience, having served for several years as a term law clerk for three different U.S. Bankruptcy Courts, including the Southern District of Georgia, the Western District of Tennessee, and, most recently, the District of Connecticut.

"We are excited to have Rion join our Chicago office team as we expand our Business Restructuring Department's national practice," said Richard Kessler, managing member of McDonald Hopkins' Chicago office.

Vaughan earned a J.D. from Boston College Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Stonehill College. He can be reached at 312.642.1487 or [email protected].

About McDonald Hopkins

Founded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Miami, and West Palm Beach. The firm's Chicago office opened in 2007 and is located in the 300 North LaSalle building on the Chicago River. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com.

CONTACT:

Deborah W. Kelm

McDonald Hopkins LLC

600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Phone: 216.348.5733

Email: [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444838

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120131/CL44903LOGO

SOURCE McDonald Hopkins LLC

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http://www.mcdonaldhopkins.com


WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BB&T today announced it has donated three office buildings with a combined approximate market value of more than $750,000 to the Borough of Boyertown in Berks County, Pa. The former National Penn properties came into BB&T's possession after its acquisition of National Penn in April 2016. The buildings, one located at 16 West Philadelphia Ave. and two at 23 South Reading Ave., will be used for borough offices and by the Boyertown Police Department.

All three buildings are in "ready-to-move-in" condition and include some office furniture. An adjoining parking lot is also part of the donation.

BB&T Community Banking Group Executive Scott V. Fainor also announced BB&T has awarded a $120,000 grant to Building a Better Boyertown through its BB&T Economic Growth Fund of Berks County Community Foundation. The grant will support the Downtown Boyertown Community Vision and Implementation Plan.

"When we announced the merger of National Penn and BB&T in August of 2015, we committed $5 million for setting up two local community foundations to invest in local economic development opportunities," Fainor said. "We are delighted to make the first disbursement to support Building a Better Boyertown and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on future economic growth and progress."

The Berks County Community Foundation and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation each received $2.5 million in connection with the BB&T/National Penn merger. The funds allow both foundations to primarily support charitable projects and initiatives that support economic development efforts in Berks County and the Lehigh Valley, respectively.

To celebrate the building donations and grant award, BB&T held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception at the Philadelphia Avenue property. Fainor led the event, which was attended by Boyertown Mayor Marianne V. Deery, Boyertown Council President Frank Deery, Boyertown Police Chief Barry Leatherman, Director of Constituent Services Jason Carver representing U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, Chief of Staff Lisa Walter representing state Sen. Bob Mensch, state Rep. David Maloney, BB&T representatives and other local officials.

"BB&T's continual generosity to our residents is again evident by its donation of these buildings to the borough," Deery said. "These properties will provide much-needed space to serve our residents more efficiently and effectively."

"We hope this plan will serve as a guide for how the BB&T Economic Growth Fund of Berks County Community Foundation will operate in the Boyertown area for the next several years," said Heidi Williamson, the foundation's vice president for programs and initiatives.

"These are exciting times for our town," said Allen Steffy, president of Building a Better Boyertown. "Thanks to the BB&T Economic Growth Fund of Berks County Community Foundation, we have been afforded an opportunity to develop a strategic road map for our future development and continued growth. We are grateful and ready to get down to work."

About BB&T

As of Sept. 30, 2016, BB&T is one of the largest financial services holding companies in the U.S. with $222.6 billion in assets and market capitalization of $30.6 billion. Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company operates 2,220 financial centers in 15 states and Washington, D.C., and offers a full range of consumer and commercial banking, securities brokerage, asset management, mortgage and insurance products and services. A Fortune 500 company, BB&T is consistently recognized for outstanding client satisfaction by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Greenwich Associates and others. BB&T also has been named one of the World's Strongest Banks by Bloomberg Markets Magazine, one of the top three in the U.S. and in the top 15 globally. More information about BB&T and its full line of products and services is available at BBT.com.

SOURCE BB&T Corporation

Related Links

http://www.bbt.com


Download the Skoozi App on your iPhone or iPad to help raise money while brightening the holidays with a personalized visit from Santa!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skoozi/id1059514360?mt=8

Skoozi is a memorable holiday gift and greeting in one. Moms, Dads, friends and family can order personal video requests from Santa for $20 and he will respond with customized, 30 second videos that can be viewed and shared. When Santa is live on Skoozi, he is available for one-on-one chats ($30) that can be saved and shared.

"Skoozi is proud to partner with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta this holiday season as we introduce Santa Claus on our mobile platform," says Lee Davis, CEO of Skoozi. I am thrilled to team up with Children's as we bring smiles, hope and happiness to everyone this holiday season, and raise funds for a meaningful cause through our Skoozi App." Cat lovers can also order special holiday greetings from Skoozi's "Santa with a Cat" - the purr-fect gift!

HOW: Download the Skoozi app on your iPhone or iPad, locate Santa, and you're ready to have live video chats, create personalized video messages or buy shout-outs. Instructions can be found at Skooziapp.com/santaclaus.

About Skoozi App:

Skoozi is a cause driven company that has created the premier platform where fans and celebrities connect. Download the app on your iPhone or iPad, choose your favorite celebrity, and have an amazing experience by purchasing a personalized video message or a one-on-one live chat! You can also purchase Audio Shout-outs from your favorite Stars.

MEDIA CONTACT: Virginia Coker: 404-480-9138 [email protected]

Ayana Isles: 404-785-7577 [email protected]

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/SkooziVideo1.mp4

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444457

SOURCE Skoozi
ATLANTA, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bowtie Engineering, an electrical safety engineering consulting firm, announced today that the Atlanta-based company is launching a new Made-in-America product line of electrical safety tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444260

Bowtie Engineering offers full line of Made in America PPE from OEL.

Bowtie works nationally with clients on electrical power studies, electrical maintenance, electrical safety programs and electrical risk mitigation. "When we conduct an electrical system study, the study's data supports the PPE and tools clients need to meet industry safety requirements," said John Welch, Bowtie Engineering CEO. "Now we can offer, at discounted prices, the safety gear needed which makes a business case to keep capital costs in check."

More importantly, Bowtie has taken the middle man out of the sale. "Clients get products at heavy discounts, and we know they are buying the right gear for the right task," he said. "Having the correct PPE and tools is obviously crucial, but it is even more important today because OSHA is increasing fines for companies that experience electrical accidents."

Among the PPE products Bowtie offers are arc-rated flash suites, shock-rated rubber gloves, fan and light hoods, insulated tools, arc-rated hooded jackets, jackets and bibs, coveralls, and long fire-resistant coats. A full line of Bowtie offerings is available at bowtieppe.com.

All Bowtie safety equipment and tools meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E, ASTM, requirement, and OSHA regulations. In addition, every product the company offers is made in the United States. Bowtie, which has its roots in industrial Detroit, is committed to only marketing products made in America.

This commitment is one of the reasons Bowtie partnered with OEL Worldwide, manufacturer of the Bowtie PPE and tools. "All OEL products are made in the United States, which makes the company a natural fit with Bowtie," said Welch.

Bowtie Engineering, a solutions-based systems engineering/integrated consulting firm, specializes in electrical safety. The company, staffed by engineers who are experts on NFPA standards and OSHA regulations, is headquartered in metro Atlanta and has offices in Houston and Detroit. For information, contact Diane Bates at [email protected], 678.438.3674, or for sales information, contact [email protected].

SOURCE Bowtie Engineering
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Brian Hoar, a veteran Playboy executive, has returned to the company as Senior Vice President of Sales and Publisher of Playboy magazine. In his new role, Mr. Hoar will lead the company's national sales team as they create innovative integrated advertising and sponsorship platforms across Playboy's media and experiential platforms.

"Brian brings with him an intuitive knowledge of the unique power of the Playboy platform to amplify brands all over the world," said Playboy Enterprises' COO and CFO, David Israel. "We are thrilled to have him back in the fold."

Mr. Hoar comes to Playboy from R&R Partners, a full-service, independent advertising and marketing agency where he served as Vice President of Development and led the company's strategic partnership and new client acquisition efforts. Prior to that, he served in a variety of positions at Playboy Enterprises, rising to the position of Vice President of Sales and Associate Publisher, overseeing the company's integrated marketing and development efforts across all of the company's platforms.

"Playboy is the original disruptor and provocateur," said Mr. Hoar. "It's an incredibly exciting time to be back with Playboy to help support the continuing evolution of the brand. With more than 97% global unaided brand awareness and the largest social audience in the men's lifestyle space, the Playboy brand is more powerful than ever. I'm looking forward to creating new opportunities for brands to tap into Playboy's growing millennial audience with the unparalleled authority and authenticity that we have built over the past 60 years."

In March of this year, Playboy introduced a major redesign of its flagship magazine and as 2016 winds down, the company is being recognized by the industry for its excellence. Among the accolades include Adweek's Hot List 2016, honoring Playboy as the "Hottest Reborn Magazine" stating the redesign "has gained high-end advertisers and millennial readers, bringing new relevancy to the 63-year-old title." Additionally, Folio bestowed an Eddie Award to Playboy for its "My Deportation," piece from the March 2016 issue, along with two integrated marketing awards for the 2K, Mafia III and The Hateful 8 campaigns.

Brian Hoar will be based in Playboy's Beverly Hills headquarters.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151109/285391LOGO

SOURCE Playboy Enterprises, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.playboy.com


VEVEY, Switzerland, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CAILLER, home of Swiss chocolate since 1819, is now available online and at an exclusive San Francisco retail pop-up location just in time for the gifting season and holiday celebrations. With Amazon as its primary retailer, Nestle will again sell CAILLER chocolate in the U.S., bringing its super-premium chocolate from the lush foothills of the Swiss Alps to American doorsteps nationwide.

"From one chocolate town to another, we are thrilled to bring our rich Swiss heritage  nearly 200 years of recipes and techniques, from bean to bar  to San Francisco, a city that respects and appreciates chocolate as much as we do," says Paul Hodges, Head of CAILLER International.

To further enhance the experience, CAILLER has partnered with renowned San Francisco-based restaurateur and sommelier, Shelley Lindgren, to pair California wines with pieces from the CAILLER Signature Selection and its brand new, limited-time-only Winter Selection.

"There is no better synergy  especially in California  than a premium Swiss chocolate that has been perfected over generations and the rich flavors of wine, " says Shelley. "It's a perfect pair just in time for the holidays and I'm thrilled to help share the CAILLER story with fellow San Franciscans."

The San Francisco retail experience will take residence at 117 Post Street, San Francisco, and will be open to the public from December 15 to 21st (specific times below).

Guests are invited to experience something for all the senses including the opportunity to:

Indulge the taste buds at the complimentary chocolate tasting bar, where guides will also share wine pairing recommendations to accompany the CAILLER varieties

Hear from specially trained chocolate concierges about the CAILLER method and receive a special gift with purchase

Slip on a VR headset and immerse themselves in the natural beauty surrounding Maison CAILLER in Broc Switzerland, where every piece of CAILLER chocolate is made

Be among the first to try the limited edition Winter Selection box with the special decoupage cut out design

Create a personalized greeting card with decoupage design

Retail Selections

The Winter Selection, a limited edition 20-piece assortment, will be highlighted at the San Francisco location. This creation offers smooth and creamy chocolate centers and delicate notes of classic winter spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Also available will be four assortments in 16- and 25-piece boxes: Signature; Milk Chocolate; Praline; Dark Chocolate; as well as a selection of CAILLER bar varieties.

In addition to the selection assortments, seven CAILLER bar varieties are also available on Amazon, including:

L'ECORCEM Bar selection  Thin chocolate bars available in four flavors:

70% Cocoa Strong & Intense

54% Cocoa Salted Caramel

Smooth Milk Rich & Creamy

Smooth Milk With Hazelnut

ART DU BRUT selection  A delicious blend of rich chocolate, freshly roasted nuts, and tangy fruit. Every bite is unique. Comes in three distinct flavors:

Intense Dark Almond, Hazelnut & Blueberry

Intense Dark Almond & Cranberry

Smooth Milk Almond, Hazelnut & Cranberry

San Francisco Retail Dates and Times:

Thursday , December 15 th , 10am  8pm

,  Friday, December 16 th , 10am  8pm

,  Saturday, December 17 th , 10am  8pm

,  Sunday, December 18 th , 10am  8pm

,  Monday, December 19 th , 10am  8pm

,  Tuesday, December 20 th , 10am  8pm

,  Wednesday, December 21 st, 10am  8pm

More Information

For more information about CAILLER chocolates and the Maison CAILLER, please visit:

www.cailler.com

www.facebook.com/caillerchocolate

www.instagram.com/caillerchocolate

ABOUT CAILLER

CAILLER, home of Swiss chocolate, was created by M. Francois-Louis Cailler in 1819. CAILLER premium chocolate is quality-crafted from bean to bar  with recipes and techniques perfected over generations. The milk used in CAILLER milk chocolate comes from local Swiss farms located within 20 miles of Maison CAILLER, the only place in the world CAILLER chocolate is made.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161107/436764LOGO

SOURCE CAILLER

Related Links

https://cailler.com/us


Certified ophthalmic technicians (COT) are an integral part of the eye care team working with ophthalmologists, patients and families in a growing yet still relatively unknown health care career path. The USC OTEP will create highly skilled allied health professionals who guide patients and families on understanding their vision conditions, ensure compliance with treatment protocols and conduct various tests and procedures that inform ophthalmologists in the diagnosis and treatments of eye diseases and vision conditions. The 21-month program includes academic coursework as well as clinical setting training from experts at the USC Roski Eye Institute, a Top 10 nationally ranked ophthalmology program by U.S. News and World Report for more than 20 years.

"Vision health requires a team of experts working collaboratively and certified ophthalmic technicians combine the clinical, managerial and social components needed for the optimum eye care patient experience," says Joseph Cocozza, assistant professor of research at USC Roski Eye Institute and co-director of the OTEP program. "Our program brings needed training to California and helps to address the shortage of health care professionals, especially for older eye care patients. It also offers an attractive career path for our nation's veteran population."

"Our program offers students an unprecedented educational experience not only working alongside some of the nation's top vision experts at USC Roski Eye Institute but also gaining the hands-on training from our USC ophthalmologists at one of the busiest trauma centers in the country through our exclusive affiliation with L.A. County+USC Medical Center as well as addressing pediatric eye health through our affiliation at the prestigious Children's Hospital Los Angeles," says Rohit Varma, MD, MPH, director of the USC Roski Eye Institute and dean of the Keck School of Medicine of USC. "We're proud to bring this educational opportunity to students at USC and lead the West Coast on training the next generation of eye care technicians."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a growing demand for ophthalmic technicians, especially with the increasing number of older Americans who experience visual impairment such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye health issues. Research conducted by the USC Roski Eye Institute shows that the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness will double by 2050 based on aging U.S. population statistics.

To learn more or apply for the Ophthalmic Technician Education Program (OTEP), visit: USCEye.org or click here to view the video.

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvzItL6Ov1E&feature=youtu.be

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160927/412369LOGO

SOURCE USC Roski Eye Institute
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Shareholder rights law firm Johnson & Weaver, LLP has launched an investigation into whether the board members of CLARCOR Inc. (NYSE: CLC) breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed sale of the Company to Parker Hannifin Corporation. CLARCOR provides filtration products, filtration systems and services worldwide.

On December 1, 2016, CLARCOR announced it had signed a definitive merger agreement with Parker Hannifin. Under the terms of the agreement, Parker Hannifin will acquire all of the outstanding shares of CLARCOR common stock for $83.00 per share in cash.

The investigation concerns whether the CLARCOR board failed to satisfy their duties to the Company shareholders, including whether the board adequately pursued alternatives to the acquisition and whether the board obtained the best price possible for CLARCOR shares of common stock. Nationally recognized Johnson & Weaver is investigating whether the proposed deal price represents adequate consideration.

If you are a shareholder of CLARCOR and believe the proposed buyout price is too low and you're interested in learning more about the investigation or your legal rights and remedies, please contact lead analyst Jim Baker ([email protected]) at 619-814-4471.

About Johnson & Weaver, LLP:

Johnson & Weaver, LLP is a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm with offices in California, New York and Georgia. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://www.johnsonandweaver.com. Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Contact:

Johnson & Weaver, LLP

Jim Baker, 619-814-4471

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160211/332409LOGO

SOURCE Johnson & Weaver, LLP

Related Links

http://johnsonandweaver.com


DETROIT, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- THE WORD NETWORK, the largest African American religious network in the world reaching 3 billion people worldwide, was notified by Comcast that they will be dropping The Word Network in certain key markets.

The Word Network responded immediately when it received the notification from the Comcast Senior Vice President of Content Acquisition. When she was asked what the reason for removing The Word Network was, she responded by saying "because we are Comcast, and we can."

The Word Network notified Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rainbow PUSH, and he immediately made calls to Comcast executives. From these calls The Word Network got a meeting with Comcast.

We explained that The Word Network has been on Comcast for the past 17 years and that removing The Word Network programming deprives the African American community of quality, spiritual religious programming. The Word Network represents the major religious organization such as, COGIC, Full Gospel Baptist, PAW, Global United Fellowship and African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). The Word Network has reached out to Congressman John Conyers, the Congressional Black Caucus and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence.

"The black church community takes high offense to the dismissive actions of Comcast cable to off the most reputable vehicle of the black church without cause. This would never be done to a white Christian network without provocation. We will not go away quietly," states Pastor Jamal Bryant.

"Comcast is joining the consortium of entities that deny opportunity to African Americans," adds Bishop Charles Ellis III, presiding Bishop of Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW).

Arbitrary and egregious behavior such as this are the hallmarks of a MONOPOLY!!!

MEDIA CONTACT: MORT MEISNER ASSOCIATES, MORT MEISNER, 248-545-2222

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444643LOGO

SOURCE THE WORD NETWORK
LYNDHURST, N.J., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Scarinci Hollenbeck (www.sh-law.com) is proud to announce that, in the 10th annual New Media Awards competition, New Media Institute (NMI) has awarded its prestigious Best in Industry award to Scarinci Hollenbeck's newly revamped Constitutional Law Reporter (www.ConstitutionalLawReporter.com).

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444602

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444601LOGO

According to NMI President John Spagnuolo, "It is an absolute honor to award the New Media Awards' highest category of award - Best in Industry - to the Constitutional Law Reporter. Our judges made selections based on innovation, content, design, user-friendliness, how dynamic entries are, and - most importantly - how well they serve their audience's needs."

The New Media Institute (www.newmediaawards.org) is a research and fact finding organization, whose mission is to improve public understanding of issues surrounding the Internet and other forms of new media communications. NMI works directly with the news media, as well as with researchers, academics, government and industry professionals, and it serves as a primary resource of facts, statistics, and analysis.

As Peter Moeller, Scarinci Hollenbeck's Director of Marketing and Communications noted: "The Con Law Reporter has always been a popular and comprehensive educational website; we are proud to have won this award, and just this past month, the site was newly redesigned to make it even more user-friendly. It is a tool that reaches out to students in an inviting way."

In addition to the Best in Industry Award, Scarinci Hollenbeck also received NMI's Standard of Excellence award for the video Thomas Jefferson and John Adams Discuss the Constitution with Donald Scarinci. The video was based on Mr. Scarinci's lecture series for the New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NJICLE). In 2015, the seminar with Thomas Jefferson and John Adams was ranked by members of the New Jersey Bar as among the most popular ICLE seminar of the year, and has since had many sold-out encore performances.

About Scarinci Hollenbeck

With a growing practice of 60 experienced attorneys, Scarinci Hollenbeck is a regional alternative to a National 250 law firm. With offices in New Jersey, New York City, and the District of Columbia, we serve the niche practice areas most often required by institutions, corporations, entities, and the people who own and control them. Since the firm was founded in 1988, we have maintained our reputation for getting things done. Most attorneys at Scarinci Hollenbeck have significant experience in their practice areas, and have published and lectured on current topics in their field. We have assembled a group of attorneys who are among the region's leading practitioners. Whether it is real estate, land use, business law, tax, environmental law, labor and employment law, intellectual property or litigation, cyber security and data protection, there is an attorney at Scarinci Hollenbeck who can offer the depth and experience to solve your problem in the most cost-effective way possible.

Contact : Peter Moeller

Tel: 201-896-4100 x 3324

[email protected]

SOURCE Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Related Links

http://www.sh-law.com


"Crius is excited to say 'thanks a million' to the customers who helped our company reach this significant point in our history," said Chaitu Parikh, Chief Operating Officer. "Crius Energy has grown dramatically over the past seven years to become a publicly traded, international company, and we truly appreciate the opportunity to provide every one of our nearly one million customers with real value through innovative energy options."

The sweepstakes is open to residents of the following markets where Crius Energy does business: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and the District of Columbia. All randomly selected winners will receive a bill credit in the amount of $500  or approximately half of the average annual residential energy supply bill according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration: http://www.eia.gov/electricity/sales_revenue_price/pdf/table5_a.pdf

About the "Charge to One Million Customers" Sweepstakes

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. "One million customers" refers to Residential Customer Equivalents or RCEs. An RCE is a unit of measure used by the energy industry to denote the typical annual commodity consumption by a single-family residential customer. A single RCE represents 100 MMBtu of natural gas or 10 MWh of electricity. Sweepstakes is open to customers in good standing, 18 years of age or older as of 2/1/17. Restrictions apply. Visit http://www.criusenergy.com/chargeto1m for official rules and complete details.

About Crius Energy

With more than 960,000 residential customer equivalents, Crius Energy is a comprehensive energy solutions partner that provides electricity, natural gas and solar products to residential and commercial customers. Crius Energy connects with customers through an innovative family-of-brands including Crius Solar, TriEagle Energy, Public Power, Comcast Energy Rewards, FairPoint Energy, Cincinnati Bell Energy, and Viridian Energy. Crius' broad suite of energy products and services make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about their energy needs. The company is currently active in 23 markets across the U.S. and Australia, with plans to continue expanding its geographic reach. Learn more at: http://www.criusenergy.com/Home/default.aspx

SOURCE Crius Energy Trust
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dialpad today announced a major expansion of its executive bench, a move designed to support Dialpad's aggressive growth strategy. Steve Love has been named the company's first Chief Financial Officer, while Erik Lagerway has joined Dialpad as Vice President of Client Solutions, and Khaled Saffouri is the company's Vice President of Commercial Sales. Dialpad experienced 451 percent growth over the three-year period from 2012 to 2015, and was recently ranked 186th on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America.

"Our rapid growth validates our vision that the desk phone is dead and that Dialpad is the pure-cloud solution that businesses need to make the migration to the cloud," said Craig Walker, CEO of Dialpad. "With Marc Andreessen recently joining our board, A-list investors including A16Z, Google Ventures and Softbank, and now the deep experience and incredible skillsets of Steve, Erik, and Khaled, we have by far the best team to shift this broken industry to the cloud."

Steve Love has more than two decades of experience with high-growth global technology companies, including in the telecommunications space. Most recently, Love was the CFO for Mblox, the largest application-to-person texting provider, where he helped lead the company into profitability and a successful sale to Sweden's CLX Communications. Prior to Mblox, Love was the CFO for Evolv, a capital management predictive analytics company that was acquired by Cornerstone OnDemand, an industry leader. Before Evolv, Love held senior and executive financial management positions with several public technology companies, including Informatica and Portal Software. Love began his career at EY.

"The market opportunity for a pure-cloud approach to voice, video, messaging and conferencing that eliminates telecommunications hardware is unparalleled," said Love. "Dialpad is already ranked number 186 of Deloitte's 500 fastest growing companies, and we are charging into the market with amazing solutions, elite partnerships, including with Google and Salesforce, and premier resellers around the globe who are committed to helping companies connect with their employees and customers in unprecedented ways."

Erik Lagerway is a serial entrepreneur with 20 years of experience building real-time communications software companies. Before Dialpad, he was a Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Hookflash, a VoIP softphone & SDK vendor. Prior to Hookflash, he was a Co-Founder and Principal of Gaboogie, an audio conferencing company. Before Gaboogie, Lagerway held senior and executive management positions with several companies, including Shift Networks Inc., Xten, CounterPath, and Vocalscape Communications. Lagerway was also the Founder and served as Chair of the W3C ORTC Community Group, and served as Co-Chair of the W3C WebRTC Working Group.

Khaled Saffouri is a proven entrepreneur and sales executive known for building high-growth sales organizations. Prior to Dialpad, Saffouri spent 14 years at Rackspace. During his tenure there, he managed the largest sales quota and mastered the science of building a high-growth sales organization. For many years he managed the largest sales quota for the company and was frequently responsible for up to 50 percent of the company's monthly revenue targets. When Saffouri joined Rackspace in 2001, the private company had 60 employees and just over $20 million in revenue. When he departed in 2015, the now public company had grown to just over 6,000 employees and $2 billion in revenue. Prior to Rackspace, Saffouri co-founded burlee.com, which he grew from two employees to 30 before it was purchased in 2001.

Additional Resources

Learn more about Dialpad: http://www.dialpad.com

Follow us on Twitter @DialpadHQ

Like us on Facebook

About Dialpad

Dialpad is the #1 pure-cloud communications solution for business. Available on any device, anywhere, Dialpad includes HD voice, HD video, group messaging, SMS, MMS, conferencing, screen sharing, and document sharing, and is integrated with Microsoft Office 365 and Google G Suite. Dialpad customers include 60 percent of the Fortune 500, high-growth enterprises and forward thinking organizations including Uber, Vivint Solar, Betterment, Motorola Solutions, Stripe, Postmates, Quora, Denison University, and Netflix. Dialpad is funded by Amasia, Andreessen Horowitz, Felicis Ventures, GV (formerly Google Ventures), Softbank and Work-Bench. For more information, visit dialpad.com and follow @DialpadHQ on Twitter.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160307/340863LOGO

SOURCE Dialpad

Related Links

http://www.dialpad.com


RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: DM), today closed on the transaction to acquire Questar Pipeline, LLC, from Dominion Resources, Inc. (NYSE: D), for $1.725 billion. As part of the transaction, Dominion Midstream paid $823 million in cash to Dominion, issued $167 million of common units and $300 million of convertible preferred units to Dominion, and has assumed Questar Pipeline's $435 million of outstanding indebtedness.

Cash sources included a previously announced $360 million underwritten public common unit offering, a $137.5 million private placement of common units, and $500 million of convertible preferred units placed with a group of institutional investors led by Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners.

Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dominion and Dominion Midstream GP, LLC, said:

"Today's announcement once again demonstrates Dominion's and Dominion Midstream's ability to execute complementary acquisitions to achieve best-in-class distribution growth at Dominion Midstream while providing cash to Dominion to pay down debt."

The addition of Questar Pipeline  which owns and operates Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-regulated natural gas transmission and storage assets in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming  is expected to be immediately accretive to Dominion Midstream's distributable cash flow per unit. This transaction supports the partnership's intention to grow distributions to unitholders at a compounded annual growth rate of 22 percent per year through the end of the decade.

Dominion plans to use the cash generated by the dropdown transaction and other related financing activities to reduce debt at the parent level by $1.2 billion.

Joint bookrunning managers and placement agents on the above-referenced public and private capital markets activities included RBC Capital Markets, Barclays, JP Morgan, Mizuho Securities, BofA Merrill Lynch, Citigroup and UBS Investment Bank.

About Dominion Midstream

Dominion Midstream is a Delaware limited partnership formed by Dominion Resources, Inc., to grow a portfolio of natural gas terminaling, processing, storage, transportation and related assets. It is headquartered in Richmond, Va. For more information about Dominion Midstream, visit its website at www.dommidstream.com.

About Dominion

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 26,000 megawatts of generation, 14,400 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline, and 6,500 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 1 trillion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves more than 6 million utility and retail energy customers. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

This news release includes certain forward-looking information that is subject to various risks and uncertainties. Words such as "expect," "target," "would," "will," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "should" and similar terms and phrases are used to identify forward-looking statements. A number of factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements are identified in Dominion's and Dominion Midstream's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You are referred to those discussions for further information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the companies undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made.

SOURCE Dominion Midstream Partners, LP; Dominion Resources, Inc.
MIAMI, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Driftwood Acquisitions and Development (DAD), an affiliate of Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM), celebrated its first anniversary today with a day-long event at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, FL. Capping off a successful year, this celebratory day included exciting announcements made by DAD executives on recent hotel acquisitions and new-builds that form part of DAD's exciting hotel co-investment-program.

"This has been an exceptional year for Driftwood Acquisitions and Development, attributable in large part to our partners and investors," said Carlos Rodriguez, CEO and general partner of DAD. "The amount of deals we have been able to secure and syndicate, coupled with the continued interest from accredited investors worldwide, as exemplified by the turnout today, validates the model we have created for individuals to participate in hotel investments across the U.S.

Over the past year, DAD has acquired seven hotels across the United States, including International Palms Resort Cocoa Beach, Sheraton Salt Lake City and Saratoga Springs Hilton. DAD also acquired several development sites for new-build properties that will be completed in 2017, which includes the Doral DoubleTree by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Airport and Tru/Home2 Suites by Hilton Ft. Lauderdale  totaling $200M in assets. These contracts were executed with more than 100 accredited investors with an entrance price of investment as low as $100K each, raising $30M plus in capital. In less than five years, DAD expects their portfolio to control and manage over $1B of hotel assets.

"As we look ahead to 2017, I anticipate the company's growth to continue, as we are seeing terrific new opportunities for partners and investors in the upcoming year," said Rodriguez.

DAD will be offering its latest deals via its newly created website portal. This portal will be a tool to help manage the increasing volume of investors, as well as to help capture additional accredited investors worldwide. Unlike other crowdfunding platforms, this is a white-label solution created for their own deals only.

DAD sources, structures and acquires each hotel investment opportunity entirely with its own resources and capital. Once DAD owns and controls the asset, with the DHM team operating the hotel, it turns around and syndicates the newly acquired opportunity to its network of accredited investors at the same purchase price. For hotel developments, DAD accepts accredited investors via the EB5 Visa Program, and has established its own EB5 division to capture and manage those clients directly as it seeks to ensure maximum transparency and security for its investors.

Today's anniversary events included guest speakers Shawn Grenley of Smith Travel Research, Bill Fortier, senior vice president, development, Americas for Hilton Worldwide; Daniel Peek, senior managing director, HFF; Ira Weidhorn, co-head and managing director, HIG Realty Partners; and Steve DeRose, senior vice president of Loan Origination, Starwood Mortgage Capital. These industry experts spoke about the current outlook facing the national lodging sector and the value DAD's new investment program will have on investors and the hotel industry.

Driftwood Hospitality

Driftwood Hospitality is a vertically integrated hotel conglomerate comprised of Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM), a leading hotel management company, and Driftwood Acquisitions and Development (DAD), a privately held investment fund designed to acquire and develop hotel assets throughout the United States with a growing network of Accredited Investors.

DHM currently operates approximately 40 hotels with more than 8,000 rooms throughout the United States with a portfolio that includes a broad cross-section of branded hotels ranging from large full-service to mid-size, extended stay and limited-service properties, as well as independent hotels, boutiques and resorts. DHM uses its extensive management experience and relationships with most major brands, including Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group, Inc., Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Wyndham Worldwide, to assist owners with all aspects of property management. Members of the company's senior management team have an average of 20 years of experience in all segments of the lodging industry.

While DHM continues to grow its portfolio of hotels under management with institutional fund investments and third party management services, DAD was specifically formed to attract High Net Worth individuals and small investment groups looking for stabilized, cash-flowing hotels with upside that yield over 10% annual dividends and a 15% annualized return to investors. With 7 hotels purchased in the last year and the capacity to scale to over $1BB of hotel assets in a short period, DAD is poised for exponential growth with investors that seek quality deals with solid fundamentals and a small-ticket entry point of $100k per hotel. DAD is also active with EB-5 investments to help finance a long pipeline of premiere hotel development sites.

For additional information please visit http://driftwoodhospitality.com/

Media Contacts:

Matt Ritter / Sylvia Kindlain

Hemsworth Communications

954-716-7614

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444487LOGO

SOURCE Driftwood Acquisitions and Development

Related Links

http://driftwoodhospitality.com


SANTIAGO, Chile, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ENERSIS AMERICAS S.A. (NYSE: ENIA) (the "Company") today announced that the merger of Endesa Americas S.A. ("Endesa Americas") and Chilectra Americas S.A. ("Chilectra Americas") into the Company (the "Merger") closed today and in connection with the closing, the Company's name was changed to "Enel Americas S.A."

In connection with the Merger, the holders of Endesa Americas shares and American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") will receive 2.8 shares of the Company for each Endesa Americas share and 1.68 ADSs of the Company for each Endesa Americas ADS, respectively. The holders of Chilectra Americas will receive 4.0 shares of the Company for each Chilectra Americas share. The issuance of new shares and ADSs of the Company in exchange for the shares and ADSs of Endesa Americas and Chilectra Americas are subject to certain regulatory approvals in Chile.

Starting today, the rights of Endesa Americas and Chilectra Americas shareholders to receive Enersis Americas shares in the Merger will trade in Chile on the Santiago Stock Exchange until the necessary regulatory approvals are obtained. Enersis Americas ADSs to be issued in connection with the Merger will trade on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") on a "when issued" basis starting today, with the ticker ENIA WI, and continuing until Enersis Americas shares underlying the ADSs are issued in Chile following receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals in Chile. The Company will announce the date to be established for the exchange of shares and ADSs in the Merger once it has been determined.

The Company's ticker symbols and CUSIP numbers relating to its securities listed on the NYSE set forth below are not changing, as of this time, in connection with the name change:

Security (Ticker Symbol) CUSIP American Depositary Shares (ENIA) 29274F104 6.60% Notes due December 1, 2026 (ENIA26) 29274FAC8 4.000% Notes due October 25, 2026 (ENIA26A) 29274FAF1

Outstanding certificates representing these securities will not be affected by the name change and will not need to be exchanged.

The Merger and the name change were approved at an Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting of the Company held on September 28, 2016. All ADS trading, filings and market-related information will be reported under the new corporate name.

Contact Information





For further information, please contact us:





Pedro Canamero

Investor Relations Director

(56-2) 2353 4682

[email protected]



Jorge Velis Head of Investor Relations (56-2) 2353 4552 [email protected]

Itziar Letzkus Investor Relations Associate (56-2) 2353 4681 [email protected]



SOURCE Enersis Americas S.A.
LONDON, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The concept of rare diseases and the idea that a special attention needs to be given to this sector has been taking shape in Europe since the 1990s. ever since then the political aspects and initiatives related to orphan medicinal products have been emerging at both the EU level and at the level of member states individually. Many member states in the EU have led the way during the 1990s in the space of orphan medicinal products, the result of which took the shape of the first European legislative text concerning rare diseases called the Orphan Medicinal Product Regulation. This Regulation was adopted in 1999 and came into effect in 2000.



Europe is the second largest market for orphan drugs. In the European region, rare disease is considered to be a priority area and research in this field is given high importance by the EU Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development (FP) ever since the early 1990s. Increasing the utilization of scarce resources and coordinating research efforts are the basic factors which have been responsible for success in the European rare diseases market. However, the absence of an exhaustive rare disease classification, standard terms of reference and a harmonized regulatory requirement, has always been a challenge in this region, which is currently impacting the global sharing of information, data and samples which would boost the research further.



It has been estimated that Europe has witnessed more than 100 therapies for rare diseases being approved since 2000, when the European Commission introduced incentives to encourage the development of these drugs. The share of R&D for orphan medicinal products development as a proportion of total biopharmaceutical industry's R&D has been increasing significantly over the years. This is strengthened by the fact that almost all companies which have been set up recently to develop orphan medicinal products have their extensive R&D plants and staff located in the European Union. This shows the significance of the region and its level of attractiveness.



Additionally, the investment in R&D by the European companies for developing orphan medicinal products has increased by more than 200%, while the total number of employees in these companies has recorded an increase of more than 150% since 2000. With the long durations of lead times in the biopharmaceuticals industry for R&D projects, it is most likely that the EU Regulation for Orphan medicinal products would have a significant impact in the coming years.



"Europe Orphan Drug Market & Clinical Trial Insight 2015" Report Highlights & Findings:

Europe Orphan Drug Market Overview

In-depth Insight on Regulatory Framework & for Orphan Drugs

Application Procedure for Seeking Orphan Drug Status

Comprehensive Insight on Orphan Drug Clinical Pipeline

Europe Orphan Drug Clinical Pipeline: 326 Drugs

Majority Orphan Designated Drugs in Phase-II : 111

Marketed Orphan Drugs in Europe: 130

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4397354/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

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For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

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-Italians clocked up the most trips in 2016, followed by Germans, French and Brits -

- Italians topped travel spending at a total of 358.9 billion in 2016 -

- Spain the travel capital of Europe, 2016 -

- Brits least likely to take a break in their own country -

- French least likely to travel abroad, with almost half claiming not to go abroad at all -

A survey released today by Trainline reveals that, despite an economically challenging year, Europeans are still prioritising spending on travel, both at home and abroad. The average spent across the four countries surveyed (UK, France, Germany and Italy) was 279 billion and at the number one slot were the Italians spending a huge 6953 per head or 358.9 billion in total. German holiday-makers came in at number two spending 4959 per head or 349.5 billion in total; the Brits came third spending 3977 a head or 206.8 billion and the savviest travellers were the French, spending 3769 per head or 199 billion in total.[**]

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444328 )

As the biggest spenders it was also the Italians who clocked up the most trips away, taking an average of 5.4 holidays or short breaks a year; Germans took 3.8; the French 3.3 and the Brits took the least of all at 3.1 on average.[***]

In contrast to the Italians, the French were happy to stay put with almost half claiming not to have travelled abroad. This trend was not reflected amongst Brits, who were the least interested in travelling in their own country in comparison to their European cousins. One in ten (10%) Brits did not travel within Britain at all, compared less than 1% of Italians (0.8%); 6% of Germans and 3% of French. Instead, Brits preferred to join the majority of Europe in heading to Spain, with almost a third of all age groups saying they visited the country in the past year and all nationalities, with the exception of Italy, chose it as the number one destination for 2016.

A Trainline spokesperson said; "The results of our survey mirror what we see in our travel bookings. Despite economic challenges we continue to see people travelling for leisure by train both at home and cross border, a clear sign that holidays and short breaks aren't seen as a luxury any nationality is willing to give up."

Why we go away

For a significant number of leisure travellers from the UK, France and Italy, the number one reason for going away was to 'discover somewhere new'. The exception to this was the Germans who preferred to travel so they could spend time relaxing on the beach.

It seems the French, Germans and Italians were far more interested in seeing nature and scenery than Brits, with almost half giving this as a reason for travelling, compared to just over a quarter of Brits (28%). Other popular motivating factors included food; sporting events and attending festivals.

Capitals Remain King

For European travellers, capital cities were still the main draw with London being the most visited city in the UK and almost 85% of those travelling to England visiting the capital city ahead of Liverpool, Manchester and Cornwall. For France, Paris was the most popular tourist attraction with 60% of people visiting; for Germany it was Berlin with almost half the tourists stopping by the capital (48%) and Italy it was Rome (41%). These popular destinations are quick and easy to reach by train with those travelling by rail valuing the ease, comfort, short travel time and the ability to get straight to the destination.

Family Breaks Most Popular in France

The most popular way for Europeans to travel on holiday was in a couple, followed closely by 'with the family'. Almost one in ten Europeans (10%) travelled alone. Despite the nation's romantic reputation; it was family, rather than couple holidays that came top in France (45% vs 35%) - the only nation where family travel was preferred to travelling a-deux.

Find out what kind of traveller you are and how you compare to others by taking the Trainline quiz at http://www.trends.trainline.eu

About Trainline

Trainline is Europe's leading independent retailer of train tickets. We sell tickets worldwide on behalf of 44 train companies, helping our customers make more than 100,000 smarter journeys every single day in and across 24 countries. We are a one-stop shop for train travel, bringing together all major train companies onto one platform and providing our customers with a complete set of travel options. We make it easy for our customers to find the best price for their journey.

Notes to editors:

Survey was conducted by Censuswide and surveyed a total of 8,258 Europeans (2,022 in France, 2,001 in Germany, 2,017 in Italy and 2,218 in the UK.) Survey was conducted in November 2016. Full survey data is available on request.

*Survey was conducted in Europe's four largest countries.

**Average spend per head:

Mean Mean own abroad country incl. incl. Spend per Per capita non- non- Spend per holiday Per capita spend, in holidayers holidayers holiday in own spend, own abroad country abroad country UK 1.233 1.890 GBP2148.40 GBP406.80 GBP2648.98 GBP768.85 France 1.065 2.282 EUR2245.70 EUR603.40 EUR2391.68 EUR1376.96 Germany 1.503 2.299 EUR2403.10 EUR586.10 EUR3611.86 EUR1347.44 Italy 1.826 3.565 EUR2457.20 EUR691.90 EUR4486.85 EUR2466.62 (table continued) Total Total per per capita capita Total Total per spend (UK spend capita in Euros, among holiday today's spending all spend rate) rank adults UK GBP3417.83 EUR3977.64 3rd EUR206.8billion/ GBP177billion France EUR3768.64 EUR3768.64 4th EUR199billion Germany EUR4959.30 EUR4959.30 2nd EUR349.5billion Italy EUR6953.47 EUR6953.47 1st EUR358.9billion

Factoring in the amount spent, and using today's mid-market exchange rate* (1 = 1.16379, the fact that Brits go on more holidays abroad than the French bumps the UK above France in per capita holiday spending, with Italy and Germany retaining the top two spots.

Exchange rate taken from xe.com at 16:05, 18/11/2016

*** Average holidays taken:

For the most travelled nation calculation, we need to factor in the people who did not qualify for the survey (i.e. those who said they did not travel either abroad or in their own country), in order to calculate the average for the populations as a whole. The resulting calculations for this work out as follows, with the whole population figures in green:

Total mean % who go Mean Mean incl. Mean Mean incl. holidays on holidays non-holida holidays in non-holida (whole holidays abroad yers own country yers pop.) Rank UK 82.19% 1.5 1.233 2.3 1.890 3.123 4th France 76.08% 1.4 1.065 3 2.282 3.347 3rd Germany 88.43% 1.7 1.503 2.6 2.299 3.802 2nd Italy 86.95% 2.1 1.826 4.1 3.565 5.391 1st

SOURCE Trainline
DENVER, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- First National Denver's commercial real estate division has recently extended loans to support commercial development in Denver-metro. The highly specialized team of bankers applies deep geographical and commercial real estate expertise to build strong relationships and help local developers build business and advance the community.

"We are honored to work closely with leading commercial developers here in Colorado," said Jonathan Smith, Executive Vice President at First National Denver. "Helping our clients secure the loan facilities they need to be successful is paramount to our commercial real estate team's success and integration. We are proud to play a key role in spurring economic development throughout Colorado."

Recent 2016 commercial real estate lending highlights:

An interim refinance and capital improvement loan of $15,400,000 was extended to EverWest Real Estate Partners and WHI Real Estate Partners to support an 83,000+ square foot adaptive reuse conversion of an existing industrial building into creative office space. The deal was led by Dave Lederhos , Vice President and Drew Lacey , Assistant Vice President.

$49,000,000 construction loan to PAULS Corp for the development of LAUREL Cherry Creek, a 71-unit luxury condominium development in Cherry Creek North . The deal was led by Dave Lederhos .

A $2,975,000 construction loan to Etkin Johnson Real Estate Partners to support 100% preleased 18,000 square foot office development in the Colorado Technology Center. The deal was led by Dave Lederhos .

$6,500,000 revolving line of credit extended to Bow River Capital Real Estate Fund. The deal was led by Dave Lederhos and Drew Lacey .

$7,100,000 interim acquisition and capital improvement financing extended to REI Industrial, LLC, a Bow River Capital Real Estate Fund related entity, for the acquisition of an existing 85,000+/- square foot industrial facility. The deal was led by Dave Lederhos and Drew Lacey .

Acquisition/ lease-up real estate term loan for an existing 48,000 square foot retail shopping center called Valley Plaza. The deal was led by Dave Lederhos and Drew Lacey .

First National Denver's commercial real estate division's focus is high-quality, experienced non-owner occupied real estate projects in Colorado. Commercial real estate customers ranging from homebuilders to REITs to nonprofits can rely on First National Denver's team to provide a simplified lending process with expert tailored guidance and competitive rates.

About First National Denver

First National Denver is a division of First National Bank of Santa Fe. Chartered in 1870 as the first bank in the southwest, First National Bank of Santa Fe has a rich heritage of community commitment and financial strength and stability. With $1.8 billion in assets (as of September 30, 2016) and 20 branch locations in Colorado and New Mexico, First National provides customers with a broad range of commercial lending solutions, treasury management services, and private banking and wealth management services. First National Denver has six branches in Colorado and offers customized middle-market commercial banking services with core competencies in commercial real estate, commercial healthcare banking, natural foods/goods, asset-based lending and SBA lending. For more information, visit www.firstnationaldenver.com.

Contact: Alexandra Clarke, Assistant Vice President, Marketing Coordinator

Contact: Alexandra Clarke, Assistant Vice President, Marketing Coordinator

505.219.3007 | [email protected]

SOURCE First National Denver

Related Links

http://www.firstnationaldenver.com


HONG KONG, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- "Whether you want to focus on any particular area of technology? Would you want to see Guangdong being a specialist, for example, in one particular area? Is that important to you at all?" Tara Joseph from Reuters raised 3 questions in one time to the top science and technology official in Guangdong. She was one of the 80 correspondents from foreign media like Reuters, Bloomberg, New York Times, and Finanz und Wirtschaft who attended a lunch event to discover Guangdong's secret of innovation.

The lunch event focused on Guangdong's Push for Innovation was held at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) on Wednesday afternoon. The event has been held for the third year, which aims to brief the foreign press about Guangdong's latest social and economy development.

"Yes, it is very important." Today's speaker, Professor Huang Ningsheng, Director General of Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong, answered undoubtedly to Tara. He said Guangdong is now focusing in optimizing its capability on sectors of in-advanced manufacturing, life science and health, and Information Communications Technology (ICT).

"The purpose of boosting innovation is not only to promote development of socio-economy, but also to benefit the public." He said.

Huang added in his speech "In 2016, Guangdong is expected to invest 2.58% of its GDP in R&D, which is close to the level of R&D investment in innovation-driven countries (regions)." He said the percentage was increased by 0.01% year-on-year and he was optimistic about future growth of R&D investment of the province.

Directed by the Office of The Commissioner of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in Hong Kong SAR, the lunch event was organized by Information office of Guangdong, Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office and Guangdong's Office of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, and Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong.

In recent years, in line with decisions made by the central government, Guangdong has been implementing the strategy of driving development through innovation with unprecedented determination and intensity. Taking innovation-driven development as the core strategy and the general starting point, the CPC Guangdong Committee and Guangdong Provincial Government have made coordinated efforts in terms of policies, capital, technology, human resources, platforms, etc and have achieved tangible results in driving development through innovation.

SOURCE Information Office of Guangdong Provincial Government of China
NEW YORK, NY, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - With the launch of its third equity fund this year, Foresters Financial continues to expand its range of investment products in response to changing investor needs. The new First Investors Long Short Fund offers investors the opportunity to potentially benefit not only from rising stock prices, but also from inevitable market downturns.

At a time when investors continue to seek higher equity returns but are also wary of potential risks, such as heightened valuations, potential macro shocks, and tighter correlations among asset classes, strategies that offer some downside protection are increasingly in demand.

"The First Investors Long Short Fund further diversifies and enhances our product lineup," said Clark D. Wagner, President, Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc. (FIMCO). "The Fund is most appropriately used to add diversification to an investment portfolio, and further demonstrates our continued progress in developing advanced, competitive products that provide our clients with compelling investment solutions."

The First Investors Long Short Fund will complement the other two equity funds launched by Foresters Financial this yearFirst Investors Hedged U.S. Equity Opportunities Fund and First Investors Covered Call Strategy Fund.

"Long/short equity strategies today may offer extraordinary benefits to investors, including greater diversification, stronger risk-adjusted returns, and protection from drawdowns," according to Portfolio Manager Dmitri Batsev, Managing Director at Lazard Asset Management LLC, the subadviser for the Fund.

One of the oldest and best-known equity investment strategies, long/short strategies may be of particular interest to risk-averse investors. "Downside capture in long/short strategies has historically been better than long-only strategies," said Batsev. "This can help investors who are interested in generating long-term returns, but who don't have the risk tolerance to remain invested when volatility spikes," he said.

For more information about the First Investors Long Short Fund, read our Prospectus and Client Brochure .

Please note that the Fund's strategy is expected to underperform equity markets during periods of sharply rising equity prices. The risks associated with an investment in the Fund include American Depositary Receipts Risk, Counterparty Credit Risk, Foreign Securities Risk, High Portfolio Turnover Risk, IPO Shares Risk, Leverage Risk, Market Risk, Mid-Size and Small-Size Company Risk, Non-Diversification Risk, and Short Position Risk.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

For more information about First Investors Funds from Foresters Financial, you may obtain a free prospectus and summary prospectus by contacting your Financial Services Representative, calling 800 423 4026 or visiting foresters.com. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the funds, and should be read carefully before you invest or send money. An investment in these funds is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

About Foresters Financial Holding Company, Inc. (formerly First Investors)

Foresters Financial Holding Company, Inc.consists of a group of diversified financial services companies that include a registered broker-dealer, two investment advisers, a life insurance company and a transfer agent. Foresters Financial Services, Inc., a broker-dealer, helps everyday families reach their financial goals by offering solutions and guidance through its network of financial representatives working in 44 branch offices across the United States. Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc. is the investment adviser to the First Investors family of funds, which had more than $11.2 billion in total assets under management as of September 30, 2016. For more information, visit foresters.com .

About Foresters Financial

Foresters Financial is an international financial services provider with more than three million clients and members in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, and total funds under management of $34 billion. With a history of more than 140 years, we provide life insurance, savings, retirement and investment solutions that help families achieve their financial goals, protect their families and improve their communities. For more information, visit foresters.com.

Foresters Financial and Foresters are the trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9 and its subsidiaries, including Foresters Financial Holding Company, Inc. (FFHC). Foresters Financial Services, Inc. is a registered broker-dealer and subsidiary of FFHC. Securities, life insurance and annuity products are offered through Foresters Financial Services, Inc.

 In Canadian dollars as of December 31, 2015.

 Products offered vary by country. Not all products are available for distribution in all jurisdictions. In the United States, products are offered by The Independent Order of Foresters and its subsidiaries, including Foresters Financial Services, Inc. a registered broker-dealer. Securities, life insurance and annuity products are offered through Foresters Financial Services, Inc. or independent producers. Insurance products are issued by Foresters Life Insurance and Annuity Company, New York, or The Independent Order of Foresters. Investment advisory products and services are offered through Foresters Advisory Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

SOURCE Foresters Financial
"Winter is a great time to travel but it's also one of the best times to save," says Marina MacDonald, Chief Marketing Officer, Red Roof Inn. "We want budget-conscious consumers to know that Red Roof is on their side with incredible deals and discounts that will make any type of journey possible, whether it's personal or business or just pure fun. With comfortable, safe Inns from Florida to California and everywhere in between, we're looking out for them everywhere and all the time."

Red Roof's Nicest Price Promotion is designed to encourage consumers to book within days of their stay - or spontaneously - at Red Roof locations. Red Roof's price advantage and open booking policy make travel seamless and easy. The Red Roof loyalty program, RediCard is the richest in the hotel industry, rewarding members with free nights with only 6,000 points. Competitors like Wyndham Rewards require 15,000 points for a free night.

Last-minute travel booking has risen substantially thanks to the internet. Forty-four percent (44%) of leisure travelers and 56% of business travelers in the United States book at the last minute, and 34% of these travelers book a trip of 0 to 3 days in duration.1 In addition, 79% of travelers believe that last-minute trips boost their happiness, while about two thirds stated that spontaneous trips make them more productive at work (61%) and reduce their stress levels (68%). What stops them from spontaneity is the difficulties in finding affordable and quality accommodation.2

This winter, be spur-of-the-moment! Book a Nicest Price stay now. Full advance payment is required including room charge and any and all applicable taxes. No credits or refunds for early departures, cancellations, no shows or other reservation changes. The deal is non-commissionable and may not be combined with other offers or promotions.

Guests booking online can see the Nicest Price option by clicking on the "Nicest Price" button. Nicest Price is dependent on location and availability. Blackout dates may apply.

These great rates are only available by booking at redroof.com or by calling 800.RED.ROOF (800.733.7663). For more information, visit www.redroof.com.

About Red Roof

Red Roof is a leader in the economy lodging industry with franchised, corporate-managed, and corporate-owned properties, serving millions of guests each year. With coast-to-coast locations, Red Roof has over 470 properties in the U.S. Red Roof is also expanding internationally to Brazil, Canada, Thailand and Japan. The primary goal at Red Roof is to provide customers a savings without sacrificing comfort. The brand has been investing significantly to renovate and upgrade hotels nationwide with sleek and modern NextGen redesign elements. The Red Roof NextGen hotels feature updated, stylish and home-like interior and exterior designs that demonstrate the Red Roof dedication to providing customers with an affordable stay in a clean, comfortable and modern room. The company is rolling out Red Roof PLUS+, an enhanced Upscale Economy offering at a value price, committed to "Adding More Wow to Your Stay!". Nice Place. Nice Price is what every consumer can expect when they stay at any Red Roof location; and because the company has a single brand in their portfolio, Red Roof also offers franchisees One Brand. One Focus. The Red Roof loyalty program, RediCard, is the richest in the industry rewarding members with free nights with only 6,000 points, advance notice of special offers, and complimentary bottled water each day of their stay. Traveling with your pet? Don't forget that at Red Roof 'you stay happy, pets stay free' as one well-behaved pet is welcome per room, nationwide. The Columbus, Ohio based company has more than 4,500 employees. For more information or reservations, call 800.RED.ROOF (800.733.7663) or visit www.redroof.com.



1 https://skift.com/2015/08/28/20-charts-showing-surprising-trends-in-global-last-minute-travel/

2 https://news.booking.com/bookingcom-supports-your-spontaneous-labor-day-vacay-research-shows-the-benefits-of-a-last-minute-trip

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444268

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444269LOGO

SOURCE Red Roof

Related Links

https://www.redroof.com


PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- FS Investments, a leading alternative investment manager, announced that its business development company (BDC) direct lending platform committed approximately $988 million in senior secured loans and other debt and equity financing to middle market companies in the third quarter of 2016, bringing its year-to-date total originations to more than $2.2 billion. New directly originated investments during the quarter were made in support of nine portfolio companies headquartered in seven U.S. states.

"Our ability to customize financing solutions to a company's specific needs delivers a unique value to those businesses and, ultimately, our investors," said Michael C. Forman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FS Investments. "In several cases, we upsized our financing for existing portfolio companies, where the added capital helps those companies expand their operations."

Newly committed capital was provided by five BDCs managed by affiliates of FS Investments and sub-advised by GSO Capital Partners LP (GSO) or its affiliate: FS Investment Corporation (NYSE: FSIC), FS Investment Corporation II (FSIC II), FS Investment Corporation III (FSIC III), FS Investment Corporation IV (FSIC IV) and FS Energy and Power Fund (FSEP). FS Investments is the largest manager of BDCs.

FS Investments' directly originated transactions, which are unique to its BDCs and not typically accessible elsewhere, included investments in the following companies in the third quarter:

North Haven Cadence Buyer, Inc. (dba: Cadence Education)

FSIC, FSIC II, FSIC III and FSIC IV provided a new senior secured unitranche and equity commitment to Cadence Education, a Scottsdale, AZ-based provider of private pre-kindergarten and elementary childcare and education services. The company is among the largest providers of private childcare and education services in the country. The new financing supported Morgan Stanley Capital Partners' acquisition of the company from Audax Partners.

Transplace Holdings, Inc.

FSIC, FSIC II and FSIC III upsized their senior secured unitranche commitment to Transplace Holdings, a Frisco, TX-based logistics and transportation management company. The incremental commitment financed a strategic acquisition. Transplace is a portfolio company of Greenbriar Equity Group.

ABOUT FS INVESTMENTS

FS Investments is a leading asset manager that designs alternative investments to help institutional, advisory and individual investors build better portfolios. Its solutions provide access to alternative asset classes and top managers through a spectrum of structures, including business development companies, a closed-end credit fund and an operating company. The firm is dedicated to setting industry standards for investor-centric service, education and transparency.

FS Investments was founded in 2007 as Franklin Square Capital Partners. It is headquartered in Philadelphia with offices in Orlando and Washington, DC. The firm currently manages six funds with over $18 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2016 and co-manages an operating company. Its affiliated broker-dealer, FS Investment Solutions, LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), distributes its offerings.

Visit fsinvestments.com to learn more.

Contact Information:

FS Investments Media Team

[email protected]

215-495-1174

Dominic Mammarella

Investor Relations

[email protected]

215-220-4280

ABOUT BLACKSTONE AND GSO

Blackstone is one of the world's leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our asset management businesses, with approximately $361 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2016, includes investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.



GSO is the global credit investment platform of Blackstone. With approximately $89.3 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2016, GSO is one of the largest alternative managers in the world focused on the leveraged-finance, or non-investment grade related, marketplace. GSO seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns in its business by investing in a broad array of strategies including mezzanine debt, distressed investing, leveraged loans and other special-situation strategies. Its funds are major providers of credit for small and middle-market companies and they also advance rescue financing to help distressed companies.

Forward-Looking Statements and Important Disclosures

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements, including statements with regard to the future performance or operations of FSIC, FSIC II, FSIC III, FSIC IV and FSEP. Words such as "believes," "expects," "projects" and "future" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements, and some of these factors are enumerated in the filings FSIC, FSIC II, FSIC III, FSIC IV or FSEP make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. FSIC, FSIC II, FSIC III, FSIC IV or FSEP undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE FS Investments

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PLANO, Texas, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- GENBAND, a leading provider of real time communications solutions today announced that its global employee base continues to live out its year-round commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and giving with annual holiday campaigns and charitable events across the globe.

"We get together as a company to support our communities on our annual Global Day of Service in June every year, but the holidays are also an important time to give back. I am always impressed by our employees' creativity, dedication and commitment to supporting the communities in which they live," said Robin Wright, EVP of Corporate Operations and Human Resources. "We have activities planned in virtually every region of the world. It is such an honor and privilege to work with a team that really looks forward to assisting those in need."

This year's employee-led initiatives include:

GENBAND employees in its Plano, Texas office are partnering with the Texas State Guard and participating in the TXSG Toy Drive, to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys, gifts and prizes for children in local hospitals. The mission of the TXSG Toy Drive is to collect and distribute new toys to every pediatric patient at dedicated children's hospitals in Texas during the holiday season and leave a year's worth of toys behind.

The Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina GENBAND team is continuing its long history of working with United Way of the Greater Triangle to raise funds for a wide variety of local organizations. Team members are also holding fundraisers to assist the Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County in reviving its operations following flooding caused by the recent Hurricane Matthew.

GENBAND's Ottawa, Canada office has a longstanding tradition of supporting United Way Ottawa and this year is no different. Funds will be raised through a variety of events including raffles, a bake sale and a pancake breakfast. GENBAND Ottawa team members raised $20,500 CDN last year and exceeded that raising more than $22,000 CDN in 2016.

In Galway, Ireland GENBAND employees are holding a coffee morning in aid of Age Action, a local non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people and to transforming attitudes towards aging and older people. The Galway office is also collecting items for a shoebox toy drive in support of several other local charities.

Employees in Sydney, Australia are collecting new, unwrapped gifts and food donations for Stuff the Bus, an annual event aimed at helping local families and individuals who are experiencing difficult times during the holiday season.

In Toronto, GENBAND employees will be donating gifts to the Sick Kids Treasure Box. Run by the Hospital for Sick Children, treasure boxes play a special role in the treatment and care of children, who are allowed to select a special item from a treasure box and keep it forever after undergoing a scary or uncomfortable procedure.

Finally, New York City employees are participating in a coat drive for the 28th New York Cares Annual Coat Drive.

Additional events and campaigns are being held throughout the world. GENBAND's corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives include its annual Global Day of Service of GENBAND Day. Each year, GENBAND employees donate an average of more than 40,000 service and volunteer hours to their local communities.

About GENBAND

GENBAND, a 2015 CNBC Disruptor 50, is a global leader in real-time communications software solutions for service providers, enterprises, independent software vendors, systems integrators and developers in over 80 countries. Kandy, its award-winning, disruptive real-time communications software development platform, is built from the company's global telecommunications network and security technologies. The platform enables these companies to easily embed a full suite of voice, video, chat, screen-sharing and collaboration capabilities into their existing business, web and mobile applications. The company's Network Modernization, Unified Communications, Mobility and Embedded Communications solutions enable its customers to quickly capitalize on growing market segments and introduce differentiating products, applications and services. GENBAND's market-leading solutions, which are deployable in the network, on premise or through the cloud, help its customers connect people to each other and address the growing demands of today's consumers and businesses for real-time communications wherever they happen to be. To learn more visit genband.com.

GENBAND, the GENBAND logo and icon are trademarks of GENBAND.

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SOURCE GENBAND

Related Links

http://www.genband.com


LOS ANGELES, Dec. 1, 2016  /PRNewswire/ -- We are up for the challenge again! Acorn Paper Products Co. one of the largest independent paper and packaging companies in the Western United States, challenges all of its customers this holiday season to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate for a second year.

"We are so excited to support our community again. We are a family owned business that has many ties to charities and foundations around the city, so this time of year is very important to us. Our first year was such a success, and we look forward to donating even more than we did last year," states Acorn Paper Products CEO, David Weissberg. In a joint effort by Acorn Paper Products' employees, customers and the Los Angeles community came together to donate approximately 676 pounds of canned food and over 16 boxes of toys in 2013. "We consider our customers and the community to be a part of our family and we have a responsibility to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in that community."

The first in the series of two challenges will be to collect at least 400lbs of canned food to be donated to the LA Regional Food Bank, and the second part of the challenge is to fill at least 10 boxes of toys to donate to Cedars-Sinai's Maxine Dunitz Children's Health Center. The organization who fills up the highest number of boxes will win a lunch party for up to 40 people.

"Cedars-Sinai's Maxine Dunitz Children's Health Center is grateful for the generosity of those who participate in Acorn Paper Products' 2016 Holiday Challenge," states Kenneth G. Massey, vice president of Development at Cedars-Sinai Hospital.

"Despite the improved economy, Los Angeles County has more people experiencing food insecurity than any other county in the United States," said Michael Flood, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. "Food drives provide a great opportunity for everyone to take action and make a difference in the lives of those in need."

About Acorn Paper Products Company

Founded in 1946, Acorn Paper Products Company is one of the largest independent, family-owned paper and packaging companies in the Western United States. Offering a full range of stock & custom packaging solutions, including 5 specialty product divisions: Wine Packaging, Janitorial & Sanitation Products, Agricultural Packaging, Food Packaging and Creative Services. Privately held and headquartered for four generations in Los Angeles, Acorn Paper employs over 350 employees and has over 500,000 sq. ft of manufacturing and warehouse space in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, Vernon, and Napa Valley, CA. For more information, please visit www.acorn-paper.com.

SOURCE Acorn Paper Products Company

Related Links

https://www.acorn-paper.com


CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- GTCR, a leading private equity firm, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of RevSpring, Inc. ("RevSpring" or the "Company"), a leading provider of multi-channel billing and communications solutions to the healthcare and financial services industries.

RevSpring, headquartered in Wixom, Michigan, helps customers accelerate revenue through an end-to-end platform of offerings that includes physical and electronic invoices, consumer payment portals, data cleansing solutions and analytics tools that validate consumer identities and optimize engagement. The Company serves a diversified client base of approximately 2,000 health systems & hospitals, revenue cycle management providers and financial services organizations.

GTCR will work with RevSpring's management team to pursue growth initiatives at RevSpring as well as complementary acquisitions in the multi-vertical billing and payments industries. To support this strategy, GTCR has committed up to $400 million of equity capital to the platform.

About GTCR

Founded in 1980, GTCR is a leading private equity firm focused on investing in growth companies in the Financial Services & Technology, Healthcare, Technology, Media & Telecommunications and Growth Business Services industries. The Chicago-based firm pioneered The Leaders Strategy - finding and partnering with management leaders in core domains to identify, acquire and build market-leading companies through transformational acquisitions and organic growth. Since its inception, GTCR has invested more than $12 billion in over 200 companies. For more information, please visit www.gtcr.com.

About RevSpring

Headquartered in Wixom, MI, RevSpring facilitates over one billion customer interactions annually, serving more than 2,000 clients in the healthcare and financial services spaces. Its vertically specialized solutions accelerate cash flow and ensure compliance on time-sensitive consumer communications, including mail, web, text, and phone. In addition, RevSpring improves the workflow, design and distribution of consumer communications to make interactions more impactful, meaningful, and effective. For more information, please visit www.revspringinc.com.

Media Inquiries:

Eileen Rochford

1-312-953-3305

[email protected]

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SOURCE GTCR

Related Links

http://www.gtcr.com


SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Use of machine learning and predictive analytics to improve health outcomes has so far been limited to highly-trained data scientists, mostly in the nation's top academic medical centers.

No longer. healthcare.ai is on a mission to make machine learning accessible to the thousands of healthcare professionals who possess little or no data science skills but who share an interest in using the technology to improve patient care. By making its central repository of proven machine learning algorithms available for free, healthcare.ai enables a large, diverse group of technical healthcare professionals to quickly use machine learning tools to build accurate models. The healthcare.ai site provides one central spot to download algorithms and tools, read documentation, request new features, submit questions, follow the blog, and contribute code.

healthcare.ai was started by Health Catalyst, a leading data warehousing, analytics and outcomes improvement company that is contributing ongoing support to the open source community. Health Catalyst has used healthcare.ai to build predictive models that drive its clients' outcomes improvement efforts and span across the company's product lines. Models include but are not limited to a predictive model for central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI), readmission models for COPD and other chronic conditions, schedule optimization, and financial predictions such as patient propensity to pay.

"Machine learning and artificial intelligence are going to transform healthcare. We are seeing amazing results and yet we are barely getting started. We are applying it to the reduction of patient harm events, care management, hospital acquired infections, revenue cycle management, patient risk stratification, and more," said Dale Sanders, Executive Vice President of Health Catalyst. "With machine learning, the data is talking to us, exposing insights that we've never seen before with traditional business intelligence and analytics. By open sourcing healthcare.ai, we hope to facilitate industrywide collaboration and advance the adoption of machine learning, making it easy for healthcare organizations to learn from and enhance these tools together, without the need for a team of data scientists. All of us have seen what open source software has achieved in other industries and we want to be a part of that in healthcare."

How healthcare.ai works

healthcare.ai makes it easy to create predictive and pattern recognition models using a healthcare organization's own dataand is unlike any other machine learning tool in the industry. The open source repository features packages for two common languages in healthcare data scienceR and Python. These packages are designed to streamline healthcare machine learning by simplifying the workflow of creating and deploying models, and delivering functionality specific to healthcare:

Pays attention to longitudinal questions

Offers an easy way to do risk-adjusted comparisons

Provides easy connections and deployment to databases

Both healthcare.ai packages provide an easy way to create models on a health system's own data. This includes linear and random forest models, ways to handle missing data, guidance on feature selection, proper performance metrics, and easy database connections.

"We believe that machine learning is too helpful and important to be handled solely by full-time data scientists," said Sanders. "The new tools in healthcare.ai enable BI developers, data architects, and SQL developers to create appropriate and accurate models with healthcare data, without hiring a data scientist. These tools will democratize machine learning in a realm that needs it mostbecause everyone benefits when healthcare is made safer, more efficient and effective. And, we are not just being altruistic here. By submitting our tools and algorithms to the open source community, we and our clients will benefit from the collective intelligence that exists beyond our team of data scientists."

Participation in healthcare.ai is simple. Interested parties can visit the site, choose either the R or Python language, read the install instructions, and follow the examples  at no cost. There is no similar platform or environment for healthcare professionals who are seeking to expand their skills and the value of machine learning to their organization.

About healthcare.ai

healthcare.ai is the world's first repository of healthcare-focused open source machine learning software. In healthcare, everyone benefits from a more efficient system and better outcomes. healthcare.ai delivers the powerful, helpful, simple tools required to transform healthcare data into actionable insights that can be used to improve outcomes. Join the healthcare.ai community today and be a part of the movement to democratize machine learning in healthcare. http://healthcare.ai.

About Health Catalyst

Health Catalyst is a mission-driven data warehousing, analytics and outcomes-improvement company that helps healthcare organizations of all sizes perform the clinical, financial, and operational reporting and analysis needed for population health and accountable care. Our proven analytics platform helps improve quality, add efficiency and lower costs in support of more than 70 million patients for organizations ranging from the largest US health system to forward-thinking, small physician practices. For more information, visit https://www.healthcatalyst.com, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Media Contact:

Todd Stein

Amendola Communications

916-346-4213

[email protected]

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SOURCE Health Catalyst

Related Links

https://www.healthcatalyst.com


HAMILTON, Bermuda, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoegh LNG Partners LP (NYSE: HMLP) ("HMLP" or the "Partnership") today announced that it has agreed to acquire (the "Acquisition") from a subsidiary of Hoegh LNG Holdings Ltd. ("Hoegh LNG") a 51% ownership interest in Hoegh LNG Colombia Holding Ltd. ("Grace Holding"), the sole owner of Hoegh LNG FSRU IV Ltd. ("Hoegh FSRU IV") and Hoegh LNG Colombia S.A.S. ("Hoegh Colombia SAS"), the entities that own and operate the floating storage and regasification unit ("FSRU") Hoegh Grace, and contribute the acquired ownership interest to HMLP's operating company. The purchase price for the Acquisition will be $188.7 million, less $96.9 million, the pro rata amount of indebtedness related to the Hoegh Grace that is expected to be outstanding under the credit facility related to the vessel as of the closing date of the Acquisition (the "Purchase Price"). In addition, HMLP has the option, exercisable with the approval of the conflicts committee (the "Conflicts Committee") of the board of directors (the "Board") of HMLP at any time on or prior to February 28, 2017 to purchase the remaining ownership interest in Grace Holding (the "Option"). To the extent the Partnership does not exercise the Option in full by February 28, 2017, the Partnership will retain a right of first offer with respect to the remaining interest in Grace Holding. The Purchase Price will be subject to certain post-closing adjustments for net working capital. In addition, the Purchase Price will be increased, pro rata, to the extent that HMLP exercises all or any portion of the Option on or prior to the closing date of the Acquisition (the "Closing Date"). HMLP intends to settle the Purchase Price with cash. At HMLP's election, it may settle the Purchase Price and any purchase pursuant to the Option, with a combination of cash and one or more promissory notes from HMLP payable to Hoegh LNG in an aggregate amount of up to $50.0 million (the "Seller's Credit"). If issued, the Seller's Credit will mature on January 1, 2021 and bear interest at an annual rate of 8%. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of January 2017 and is subject to customary closing conditions and the acceptance of the Hoegh Grace by its charterer.

The Hoegh Grace was constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. and delivered to Hoegh LNG on March 30, 2016. The vessel is scheduled to service a new LNG import terminal in Cartagena, on the Atlantic coast of Colombia, under an International Leasing Agreement (the "Hoegh Grace charter") with Sociedad Portuaria El Cayao S.A. E.S.P. ("SPEC"), which is expected to commence in December 2016. SPEC is owned 51% by Promigas S.A. ESP, a Colombian company focused on the transportation and distribution of natural gas and 49% by private equity investors. The Hoegh Grace charter has a term of 20 years. Each party has an unconditional option to terminate the Hoegh Grace charter in year 10 and in year 15 without penalty. However, if SPEC waives its right to terminate in year 10, Hoegh FSRU IV will not be able to exercise its right to terminate in year 10. Pursuant to the Hoegh Grace charter, SPEC has the option to purchase the Hoegh Grace in year 10, year 15 and year 20 at a price specified in the Hoegh Grace charter. Accordingly, the non-cancellable lease period is for 10 years. The Hoegh Grace is also subject to an Operation and Services Agreement with SPEC pursuant to which Hoegh Columbia SAS provides certain services for the Hoegh Grace for the duration of the Hoegh Grace charter.

The Board and the Conflicts Committee have approved the acquisition and the purchase price. The Conflicts Committee retained an outside financial advisor and outside legal advisor to assist with its evaluation of the acquisition and the purchase price.

Assuming HMLP purchases 51% of Grace Holding, management intends to recommend that the Board consider an increase in HMLP's quarterly cash distribution of approximately 4% to 5%, which would become effective for the distribution with respect to the quarter ending March 31, 2017. Any such increase would be conditioned upon, among other things, the timely closing of the Acquisition, the approval of such increase by the Board and the absence of any material adverse developments or potentially attractive opportunities that would make such an increase inadvisable.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning future events and the Partnership's operations, performance and financial condition. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain the words "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "project," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," "plan," "intend" or words or phrases of similar meanings. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Partnership's control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to:

the Partnership's ability to integrate and realize the anticipated benefits from the planned acquisition of the Hoegh Grace ;

; the timing of the planned acquisition of the Hoegh Grace and the satisfaction of the conditions to closing thereof;

and the satisfaction of the conditions to closing thereof; the Partnership's ability to increase distributions to unitholders and the amount of any such increase;

FSRU and LNG market trends, including hire rates and factors affecting supply and demand;

the Partnership's ability to implement its growth strategies on a timely basis or at all and other plans and objectives for future operations;

the Partnership's future revenues, expenses, financial condition and results of operations;

the Partnership's ability to make additional borrowings and to access debt and equity markets;

charter commencement and termination dates and extensions of charters; and

other factors listed from time to time in the reports and other documents the Partnership files with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Partnership to predict all of these factors. Further, the Partnership cannot assess the impact of each such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The Partnership does not intend to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Partnership's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

About Hoegh LNG Partners LP

Hoegh LNG Partners LP is a growth-oriented limited partnership formed by Hoegh LNG Holdings Ltd. (Oslo Brs ticker: HLNG), a leading floating LNG service provider. HMLP's strategy is to own, operate and acquire FSRUs and associated LNG infrastructure assets under long-term charters.

Contact

Richard Tyrrell

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

+44 7919 058830

SOURCE Hoegh LNG Partners LP

Related Links

http://www.hoeghlngpartners.com


LOS ANGELES, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) Board of Directors has named George W. Greene, Esq. its new president and chief executive officer. Greene, 46, will assume the position February 1, 2017.

Greene replaces HASC's current president/CEO Jim Barber, who will retire after 27 years with the association.

Greene currently is president/CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, a role he has held since July of 2009. Prior positions include roles with the American Hospital Association and Sharp HealthCare in San Diego, CA. He began his career in Washington, D.C. where he worked for a U.S. Representative.

"The Board of Directors conducted a comprehensive national search which produced a number of highly qualified candidates," said Richard Afable, M.D., president/CEO of St. Joseph Hoag Health and HASC Chair. "We are very pleased that George Greene has agreed to accept this important position. He is a relationship-driven leader with a successful track record working through strategic policy and advocacy issues with diverse stakeholder groups."

Greene will provide leadership for health policy development, advocacy and representation to the 175 hospitals in the HASC membership. He will also work closely with the California Hospital Association in Sacramento on state and national health care affairs.

"I am honored to be selected to become HASC's next president/CEO," said Greene. HASC has a very long and distinguished history of service to hospitals and health systems, and I look forward to helping lead hospitals through the challenges that face all of us."

Greene is married to Stacie and has three children. He received his B.A. in English from Clemson University and his J.D. from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

About the Hospital Association of Southern California

The Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) represents over 170 hospitals in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Its mission is to serve the political, economic, informational and educational needs of hospitals and improve the quality and accessibility of health care services thereby improving the health status of communities.

SOURCE Hospital Association of Southern California

Related Links

http://www.hasc.org


ARMONK, N.Y. and NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) Watson Health and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced a collaboration that will utilize IBM Watson for Drug Discovery to help accelerate Pfizer's research in immuno-oncology, an approach to cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to help fight cancer. Pfizer is one of the first organizations worldwide to deploy Watson for Drug Discovery, and the first to customize the cloud-based cognitive tool  tapping in to Watson's machine learning, natural language processing, and other cognitive reasoning technologies to support the identification of new drug targets, combination therapies for study, and patient selection strategies in immuno-oncology.

Watson Health and Pfizer announce a collaboration that will utilize IBM Watson for Drug Discovery to accelerate Pfizer's research in immuno-oncology. Shahram Ebadollahi, VP Innovations and Chief Scientific Officer at Watson Health, and Bob Abraham, Senior VP and Head of Oncology R&D at Pfizer, discuss the importance of this collaboration and the promise of Watson for Drug Discovery's cognitive capabilities to help Pfizer bring promising new immuno-oncology therapeutics to patients more quickly. Using machine learning, natural language processing, and other cognitive reasoning technologies, Watson for Drug Discovery can help life sciences researchers discover new drug targets and alternative drug indications by looking across disparate data sets to surface relationships and reveal hidden patterns through dynamic visualizations.

Immunotherapies, which modify a patient's immune system to recognize and target cancer cells using a combination of vaccines, immunomodulators, and small/large molecules, are reshaping the field of oncology. Oncology researchers at Pfizer will use Watson for Drug Discovery to analyze massive volumes of disparate data sources, including licensed and publicly available data as well as Pfizer's proprietary data. With this new tool, Pfizer researchers will analyze and test hypotheses to generate evidence-based insights for real-time interaction. The customized technology can also support efficient safety assessments.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and is arguably one of the most complex diseases known to mankind.1 Many researchers believe that the future of immuno-oncology lies in combinations tailored to unique tumor characteristics, which could transform the cancer treatment paradigm and enable more oncology patients to be treated.

"Pfizer remains committed to staying at the forefront of immuno-oncology research," said Mikael Dolsten, President, Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development. "With the incredible volume of data and literature available in this complex field, we believe that tapping into advanced technologies can help our scientific experts more rapidly identify novel combinations of immune-modulating agents. We are hopeful that by leveraging Watson's cognitive capabilities in our drug discovery efforts, we will be able to bring promising new immuno-oncology therapeutics to patients more quickly."

Laurie Olson, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Portfolio and Commercial Operations, Pfizer, said, "At Pfizer, we are entering a new frontier in data innovation in which we are investing in a range of new technologies and digital solutions to help us dynamically mine both internal and external data sources to find new connections in science, as well as help us better understand how diseases progress and how they could potentially be treated. Applying the power of cognitive computing to an area that is a core part of our DNA  discovering new medicines  is helping Pfizer to learn how we can most efficiently discover those immuno-oncology therapies that have the best chance of successful outcomes for patients."

The newly launched Watson for Drug Discovery is a cloud-based offering that aims to help life sciences researchers discover new drug targets and alternative drug indications. The average researcher reads between 200 and 300 articles in a given year2, while Watson for Drug Discovery has ingested 25 million Medline abstracts, more than 1 million full-text medical journal articles, 4 million patents and is regularly updated. Watson for Drug Discovery can be augmented with an organization's private data such as lab reports and can help researchers look across disparate data sets to surface relationships and reveal hidden patterns through dynamic visualizations.

"We believe that the next great medical innovations will emerge as researchers and scientists find new patterns in existing bodies of knowledge. In order to do this, they need access to R&D tools that can help them efficiently navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by the explosion of data globally," said Lauren O'Donnell, Vice President of Life Sciences, IBM Watson Health. "IBM is honored to collaborate with Pfizer, and put Watson for Drug Discovery to work to support efforts in bringing life-saving immunotherapies to doctors and patients worldwide."

About IBM Watson Health

Watson is the first commercially available cognitive computing capability representing a new era in computing. The system, delivered through the cloud, analyzes high volumes of data, understands complex questions posed in natural language, and proposes evidence-based answers. Watson continuously learns, gaining in value and knowledge over time, from previous interactions. In April 2015, the company launched IBM Watson Health and the Watson Health Cloud platform. The new unit works with doctors, researchers and insurers to help them innovate by surfacing insights from the massive amount of personal health data being created and shared daily. The Watson Health Cloud can mask patient identities and allow for information to be shared and combined with a dynamic and constantly growing aggregated view of clinical, research and social health data. The Watson Health portfolio includes a variety of data, analytic and cognitive offerings to help life sciences organizations address the complex challenges involved in drug discovery, regulatory compliance, real world evidence and commercial optimization. For more information about Watson for Drug Discovery, please visit http://ibm.co/WDD. For more information on IBM Watson Health, visit: ibm.com/watsonhealth.

Pfizer Inc: Working together for a healthier world

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines as well as many of the world's best-known consumer health care products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. For more information, please visit us at www.pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer_News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.

PFIZER DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as of December 1, 2016. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.

This release contains forward-looking information about the potential of immuno-oncology and a collaboration between Watson Health and Pfizer to customize IBM Watson for Drug Discovery to help accelerate Pfizer's research in immuno-oncology, including their potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development; uncertainties regarding whether and when the collaboration will be successful and whether and when it will yield any potential drug targets or immuno-oncology therapy candidates; whether and when any applications may be filed with regulatory authorities for any potential immuno-oncology therapy candidates; whether and when regulatory authorities may approve any such applications, which will depend on the assessment by such regulatory authorities of the benefit-risk profile suggested by the totality of the efficacy and safety information submitted; decisions by regulatory authorities regarding labeling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of any potential immuno-oncology therapy candidates; and competitive developments.

A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com.

Sources:

National Cancer Institute, "Cancer Statistics." Accessed 18 November 2016 . Available at http://ibm.biz/Bdsqw9 Van Noorden R . Scientists may be reaching a peak in reading habits, http://ibm.biz/BdrAjS, February 3, 2014 .

Media Contacts:

Sally Beatty Kristi Bond

Pfizer Media Relations IBM Communications

212-733-6566 802-345-8313

[email protected] [email protected]

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SOURCE IBM

Related Links

http://www.ibm.com


Travel, transportation & logistics IT solutions specialist, IBS Software (IBS) has signed a 10-year multi-million dollar contract with Asiana Airlines Cargo, one of the largest cargo carriers in the APAC region, for the implementation of its award-winning cargo management solution, iCargo to manage the end-to-end cargo functions of Asiana Cargo. Under the deal, IBS will implement the full scope of business operations of Asiana Cargo - including sales, revenue accounting, ULD management, mail management and mail revenue accounting with a single seamlessly integrated platform - iCargo. Seoul-based Asiana Airlines is a global brand and has been in operation for nearly thirty years. Asiana is a member of Star Alliance, and currently operates 14 domestic and 90 international passenger routes and 27 cargo routes throughout Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444599 )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121122/577929 )

The implementation of the new-gen cargo management system will allow Asiana Airlines Cargo to upgrade its IT capabilities from an existing home-grown legacy core system and a multitude of satellite systems to a fully integrated new generation platform. This upgrade will enable Asiana Cargo to embrace several value adding capabilities in aspects such as revenue and yield management, product management, real time shipment monitoring and control and advanced technology capabilities such as enterprise mobility to elevate its cargo operations to a much higher level. The iCargo platform will also enable Asiana Cargo to align itself to industry-driven standards and best practices such as eAWB and CXML.

Asiana Cargo will become the latest addition to the IBS Cargo Community, which comprises of 20+ global players in the air freight industry including Airlines, GHAs and Cargo Terminal Operators.

IBS' highly modular iCargo solution supports all the IT needs of air cargo management in a single, fully-integrated platform and can be tailored to suit specific customer needs and priorities. Capable of addressing the needs of all kinds of cargo operations - large or small, combination or pure freighter, LCC or full service - iCargo now powers the cargo movement of over 25 leading airlines across the globe making it the leading cargo management solution for the air transportation industry. iCargo solution was selected as the 'Airline Product Innovation of the Year 2015' by CAPA - Centre for Aviation.

Signing the deal in Seoul last week, Kwang-Suk Kim, Executive VP of Asiana Cargo said, "By selecting iCargo as our technology platform, we are hopeful that we would be able to cater to the demands of fast changing logistics services environment and improve our market share. We are sure that it will also bring a ground breaking improvement opportunity in reinforcing cargo operation safety and customer services."

"This selection by Asiana Airlines highlights IBS' ability to conceptualize and build industry leading global solutions which bring tangible business benefits. IBS continues to invest in innovative offerings for the airline industry to ensure that our customers stay ahead in this disruptive environment. This partnership with Asiana is also a testament to our commitment to the Korean market as we continue to expand our presence in East Asia" said Rajiv Shah, CEO IBS Software.

Ashok Rajan, VP and Head of IBS' Global Air Cargo business said, "We are delighted to welcome Asiana Cargo to the iCargo family. We are excited about the value in business practices that Asiana Cargo will bring to the community given its leading position in the Air Freight industry."

More information on IBS is available at http://www.ibsplc.com

For media enquiries, please contact

Bratati Ghosh

Chief Marketing Officer, IBS

[email protected]



SOURCE IBS Software (IBS)
PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Eastside Distilling, Inc. (OTCQB: ESDI) ("Eastside" or the "Company"), today announced that the Chinese government has approved the company's portfolio of craft spirits for importation and sale in China. The governmental approval covers Eastside's whiskey portfolio of Burnside Bourbon, Barrel Hitch American Whiskey, Cherry Bomb Whiskey and Marionberry Whiskey, as well as Portland Potato Vodka.

"I am delighted to announce our award-winning portfolio of craft spirits is now cleared for sale into China," commented Steven Earles, president of Eastside Distilling. "This approval is the culmination of two years of efforts, including government mandated testing and review, and is a big step forward in our effort to grow international sales. The Asia Pacific region accounts for approximately 50% of the global whiskey market, representing a significant opportunity. I also believe our Portland Potato Vodka will appeal to discerning Chinese consumers looking for grain vodka alternative. I look forward to working with distributors in the region to bring our craft whiskeys, bourbons, rums and vodka to the Chinese consumers."

According to a recent CNBC article, Western spirits are starting to see a recovery in China, driven by demand from the growing middle class for premium and iconic American brands. That demand is being boosted by whiskey bars and tasting clubs, which have focused on imported spirits. Meanwhile, more Chinese restaurants are stocking premium imports.

China's spirits industry is forecast to generate $143.2 billion in sales in 2016, according to statistics compiled by Euromonitor International and cited by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, a trade group. This increase of 8.3% would be the best annual growth since 2011. U.S. spirits exports to China reached an all-time high of $15.1 million in 2015, up 35 percent from 2013 levels.

About Eastside Distilling

Eastside Distilling, Inc. (OTCQB: ESDI) is located in Southeast Portland's Distillery Row, and has been producing high-quality, master crafted spirits since 2008. Makers of award winning spirits, the company is unique in the marketplace and distinguished by its highly decorated product lineup that includes Barrel Hitch American Whiskies, Burnside Bourbon, Below Deck Rums, Portland Potato Vodka, and a distinctive line of infused whiskeys. All Eastside spirits are master crafted from natural ingredients for unparalleled quality and taste. The company is publicly traded under the symbolOTCQB: ESDI. For more information visit: www.eastsidedistilling.com or follow the company on Twitter and Facebook.

Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Company's success in obtaining new customers; the Company's success in product development; the Company's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; the Company's success in integrating acquired entities and assets, and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and interim Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Examples of forward-looking statements in this release may include statements related to our strategic focus, product verticals, anticipated revenue, and profitability. The Company assumes no obligation to update the cautionary information in this release.

Investors:

Robert Blum, Joe Diaz or Joe Dorame

Lytham Partners, LLC

(602) 889-9700

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161009/426641LOGO

SOURCE Eastside Distilling, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.eastsidedistilling.com


"SANY's international course has seen steady development since its official entrance into the international market in 2000. Over that time, SANY has gradually attached more importance to its internationalization and provided more resource support. The company's international market share reached 44% in October of this year," Deng Haijun, General Manager of SANY's European business unit said.

Deng has experienced a lot during the last 16 years of SANY's overseas development. "Over the previous eight years we have explored how to adapt to overseas market requirements, so we consistently improve our product quality to meet local requirements and some product features even surpass our competitors'. Nowadays, our focus is on how to improve our brand image and grow its popularity. Since 2012, SANY's overseas brand recognition has been remarkably improved through a series of international events, such as Japan's Fukushima nuclear power rescue, the Chile mine rescue, and the purchase of Putzmeister. Our current task is to improve SANY's overseas reputation. Advanced technology and well-rounded service, along with full parts support and good reputation will greatly enhance our market influence."

As for SANY's brand influence in overseas markets, Mr. Charles Yengst, Chairman of Yengst Associates Inc., a famous think tank, commented, "SANY is pretty well-known in the United States. It takes a long time to develop a brand in a country such as the United States, which already has big companies like Caterpillar and John Deer that have been established for decades and have dominated the industry. But companies such as SANY have walked into such markets in their own way from the small markets that they grew up in and then grown fast with their quality products, service and dealer networks."

Mr. Chris Hill, senior editor of Equipment World, an industry magazine in North America, analyzed the change of brand preference in North America's construction machinery market. "Branding preference used to be a leading issue for the construction machinery industry, but now the equipment is more significant, such as technical applications, work solutions, and also a company's service capabilities. The construction machinery equipment business is really a relationship business; that's very important for the dealers, the customers and the company."

The forum won the recognition of journalists who cover the construction machinery industry, who approved of SANY's international development. Participants also discussed issues surrounding financial management and post-market development.

About SANY

SANY is a leading global heavy machinery manufacturer with plants in the US, Germany, Brazil and India, and business covering over 100 countries and regions worldwide. The company has been recognized as one of the most innovative and successful companies in the world, and its concrete machinery is ranked No. 1 globally.

For more information, please visit: www.sanyglobal.com, or follow Sany Group on Facebook and YouTube.

Contact:

SANY Group

Yuchao Li

+86-10-60737480

[email protected]

Michelle Wang

+86-15910412256

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444603

SOURCE SANY
Intermedia introduces Office 365 integration with SecuriSync More than 1.2 billion people around the world rely on Microsoft Office, and Office mobile downloads have reached more than 340 million, and counting. Through this integration, Office 365 and SecuriSync users can now:

Edit files simultaneously.

Open, edit and save files (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint) directly from the SecuriSync web interface.

Work with files without having to download and install desktop software.

Accelerate collaboration by viewing changes as they are being made  in real-time.

Add file backup and restore capabilities to Office 365.

"Office 365 is the gold standard of productivity software," said Michael Gold, CEO at Intermedia. "The file backup and collaboration features of SecuriSync make it a great enhancement to Office 365. Knowing files are backed up and can be easily and quickly restored is tremendously important for users and decision makers, which is why many Office 365 users turn to SecuriSync as a file management add-on. With this new integration comes the ability to edit files simultaneously, together with secure sharing and real-time backup  things that everyone needs."

Rob Howard, director of Office 365 Ecosystem at Microsoft Corp. said, "We are excited to have Intermedia's participation in the Cloud Storage Partner Program to extend Office 365 productivity features to SecuriSync users and their file backup capabilities."

File management optimized for the channel

SecuriSync is designed for partners. Because it's available to resell as a gray-label brand, SecuriSync allows MSPs, VARs, and solution providers to fully control pricing and margins, billing, bundling, and other elements of their customer relationships. This integration makes SecuriSync an excellent add-on for Office 365 users looking to increase file backup and collaboration capabilities. SecuriSync can be added to any customer environment, and as part of Intermedia's Office in the Cloud suite of integrated business applications.

Intermedia's leading partner program makes it easy for partners to sell and manage across the entire customer lifecycle, and includes sales and marketing resources such as campaigns-in-a-box, J.D. Power certified 24/7 support1, onboarding, a 99.999 percent uptime service level agreement, and more.

"Files are one of the most important assets of any business. SecuriSync gives my clients the ability to manage all of their files in one place, making it an invaluable service," said Peter Hanna, CEO at Robo 6k. "By now adding real-time collaboration to SecuriSync's file backup and restore capabilities, I'm delivering a huge value-add to my client base, and under my own brand."

Availability

Office Online integration with SecuriSync is now available in North America to those with an Office 365 license2. Extended market availability is expected to follow in the coming weeks. SecuriSync is also available as a backup enhancement to Office 365, one of several Office 365 integrated solutions.

About SecuriSync by Intermedia

Instead of deploying multiple vendors for different aspects of file management, SecuriSync combines backup, files sync and share and real-time collaboration into a single offering. SecuriSync eliminates traditional cloud backup's weak spots, including eliminating versioning gaps due to scheduled backups; providing the ability to access, edit and share files using an alternate device should backups need to be restored; offering protection for mobile devices without extra costs; and avoiding multi-vendor complications due to compliance and eDiscovery. For more information, visit Intermedia.net/securisync.

About Intermedia

Intermedia is a one-stop shop for cloud business applications. Its Office in the Cloud suite integrates the essential IT applications that companies need, including email, voice, file backup and sharing, conferencing, instant messaging, identity and access management, mobility, security and archiving  all delivered by a single provider  and integrated into one control panel. Intermedia services offer enterprise-grade security, a 99.999 percent uptime service level agreement and award-winning 24/7 support, as certified by TSIA and J.D. Power.

Intermedia's over 700 employees serve over 1,000,000 users across more than 75,000 businesses and 6,000 active partners, including VARs, MSPs, key distributors and telecoms. Its Partner Program lets partners sell under their own brand with control over billing, pricing and other elements of their customer relationships. Intermedia is the world's largest independent provider of Exchange email in the cloud and one of the leading cloud voice providers. For more information, visit Intermedia.net.

Contacts

Melanie Lombardi Gabe Taylor Intermedia LEWIS for Intermedia 650.285.5857 415.432.2400 [email protected] [email protected]

Office in the Cloud and SecuriSync are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Intermedia.net, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft, Excel, Office 365, PowerPoint, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

1 J.D. Power 2016 Certified Assisted Technical Support Program, developed in conjunction with TSIA. Based on successful completion of an audit and exceeding a customer satisfaction benchmark for assisted support operations. For more information, visit www.jdpower.com or www.tsia.com.

2 Integration requires an Office 365 business-grade license. The Office 365 license may be obtained through an Intermedia package (Intermedia Office Apps or Intermedia Office Apps Pro Plus), or through another reseller.

Photo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444450

SOURCE Intermedia

Related Links

http://www.intermedia.net


CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- It Can Be Done! is pleased to announce their new Every Child Deserves Water campaign, a mission which aims to bring safe water access to schools and children in Uru East villages of Tanzania.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444666

It Can Be Done! is a non-profit educational and charitable 501c3 organization

Their goal of raising $100,000 will be used to drill a new deepwater maximum-yield borehole with a solar pumping system and piped delivery to schools and public taps. The new water source will expand ICBD's existing safe water program by extending access from one school to four schools. Community access will also be increased from 3600 to 6000 people.

"By shining a light on the tremendous effect that safe water access has on our children's health and well-being, we hope to raise both funds and awareness to benefit Uru kids and their families," says Barbara Joye, Co-Founder & President of It Can Be Done!.

Interested parties can learn more and support the Every Child Deserves Water campaign by visiting ICBD's GoFundMe page. For more information about It Can Be Done!'s organization and projects, go to ICBD's website at ItCanBeDoneAfrica.org.

30,000 children die each day in Africa from contaminated water and 85% of all diseases in African children under 5 are caused by water-borne illnesses. It Can Be Done! creates sustainable opportunities for safe healthy water through community participation projects located in the rural villages of Uru East, Moshi Rural District of the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, Africa.

In a region suffering from the loss of millennia old glacial waters due primarily to recent catastrophic climate change, women and children suffer greatly, climbing steep unsafe paths with 5 gallon buckets on their heads. Children are particularly vulnerable to waterborne diseases and often miss school in order to search for and carry water to the family.

It Can Be Done!'s existing program currently serves 3 villages and 3600 people, 2/3rds of which are children. Safe water access means that mothers walk less miles, children have opportunity to attend school, women have time for education or income earning and families don't get sick or die from unhealthy water.

"We're deeply gratified to see the life changing impact of our safe water program on health and daily life. The enthusiastic cooperation from the water users and village officials of the Uru community through 'sweat equity', financial contributions, local management and low water user fees for system maintenance, ensures that these projects are sustainable. We are working to extend the vital access of life-saving water through this current campaign because Every Child Deserves Water," says Ms. Joye.

ICBD invites participation and support of the current GoFundMe campaign Every Child Deserves Water through social media sharing: Facebook: It Can Be Done-Official, Twitter ICBDorg, #EveryChildH2O #EveryChildDeservesWater.

"Access to this safe water has had a deep impact on us. Our children are thriving so much better than they did before they had access to the Kimocholo water. Additionally, it has greatly freed the time of our women and childrengirls especially, and indeed my time too that used to be spent fetching water," says Rev. Fr. Godfrey Jumatano, Kishumundu Parish, Uru East. "Our girls can now use the time to study, do homework or even play instead. Hundreds of households now have access to this water, so our community has saved thousands of hours that can be used for productive work. We are grateful for It Can Be Done!'s efforts to expand this program for Uru schools and families."

About It Can Be Done!

It Can Be Done! is a non-profit educational and charitable 501(c)(3) organization creating awareness and sustainable solutions for safe water access, health, education and economic opportunities in Tanzania, Africa. Cooperating locally and globally ICBD brings people and resources together to create lasting impact in the lives of others.

Project construction is locally sourced in Tanzania for economic benefit. Cooperation and community participation through 'sweat equity' for trenching and laying pipe, local management and low water user fees for system maintenance, ensures a strong sense of ownership for sustainability.

Founded in 2006, It Can Be Done!'s all volunteer, grassroots organization is made up of a diverse and dedicated group of experienced American business people, health care workers, engineers, community leaders, friends, neighbors and students, who share their skills and open heart, to turn their compassion into action.

Barbara Joye, Co-Founder & President of It Can Be Done!, is available for interviews about ICBD's efforts for safe water access in Tanzania.

Contact:

Ryan Sturgis

[email protected]

(847) 404-2171 (cell)

Related Images

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This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE It Can Be Done
To help the market meet the increasingly complex and expanding omni-channel content demand, ItemMaster, Inc. , the founder and leader of creating and delivering content for the digital shelf, announced today a new content partnership with Walmart.com . ItemMaster has been working with Walmart.com, for the past several weeks, to make available manufacturer's Complete & Verified product records. This allows IM Certified Brand Content and additional IM Content+ branded content such as videos, commercials, and more to be made accessible to shoppers on one of the largest ecommerce shopping platforms in the world.

"Today's shoppers live seamlessly between online and offline retailers and have high expectations and demand information consistency in every aspect of their shopping experience," shares Michael Murray, CEO & President of ItemMaster. "Additionally, structured product information at scale is the new minimum standard for every brand that expects to survive and thrive in the digital marketplace. As such, we're excited to provide Brand Activation support for manufacturers with content purpose-built for the 21st century. We have a long history of powering the digital shelf, and know the impact of better content on consumer satisfaction and sales. This is great for shoppers, our manufacturers and Walmart.com."

ItemMaster's Brand Activation Platform provides 21st century packaging for 1,700 manufacturers brands, with a current network of 82,000 items.

About ItemMaster

More than 1,000 retailers, agencies and mobile app developers access ItemMaster as a one-stop source of IM Certified Brand Content through our open exchange network. This allows ItemMaster to offer manufacturers real-time analytics and actionable brand data to drive business decisions. A privately held company, ItemMaster already supports Complete & Verified content for over 1,700 manufacturers and is on a mission to reinvent and deliver packaging for the 21st century.

For more information on ItemMaster, visit www.itemmaster.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161031/434448

SOURCE ItemMaster

Related Links

http://www.itemmaster.com


NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE: AVP) today announced the appointment of Jamie Wilson as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2017. Mr. Wilson will be responsible for all finance functions and will report directly to Avon's Chief Executive Officer, Sheri McCoy.

Avon's current Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, James Scully, will continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer through 2017. Mr. Scully will continue to be responsible for the Global Supply Chain and Information Technology functions, as well as lead the Project Management Office for Avon's Transformation Plan.

The Company has made solid progress on its Transformation Plan, including accelerating the pace of the 2016 cost savings initiatives and taking actions to significantly improve the Company's balance sheet. In addition, as previously announced, Avon is establishing its corporate headquarters in the UK. The Company began transitioning key members of its leadership team to the UK in October 2016 and is on track for the headquarters to be fully operational in January 2017.

"I'm thrilled to have attracted someone of Jamie's caliber to join our Avon Products team. Jamie has a proven track record of strong financial leadership over an impressive and diverse career. That, along with his breadth of consumer expertise in international markets, will be immensely valuable as we continue to deliver on the Company's Transformation Plan," said Ms. McCoy.

Mr. Wilson commented, "I am very pleased to join the team of this iconic global brand during such a pivotal time for the Company. I look forward to working with Sheri, Jim, and the entire Avon team to drive the Company's financial and strategic goals, while delivering on the Company's important mission of empowering women around the world."

Ms. McCoy added, "Jim is an outstanding leader and has been instrumental in helping the Company navigate through the past two years as we addressed some of our key challenges and defined our Transformation Plan moving forward. I'm pleased that Jim has agreed to stay with Avon through 2017 to support the transition, continuing as COO and leading the Project Management Office for Avon's Transformation Plan  a critical role in ensuring that we operationalize the commitments we have made."

Mr. Scully stated, "Avon has made significant progress over the last year, and I am happy to continue to be part of the team as we strategically position the Company for its next chapter. I look forward to continuing to drive forward our transformation plan and working with the entire Avon team as we position the Company to deliver sustainable, long-term profitable growth."

Prior to joining Avon, Mr. Wilson served as CFO of SABMiller, an international brewing and beverage company headquartered in London, from 2011 to 2015. Mr. Wilson joined SABMiller in 2005 as Director of Strategic Projects and held numerous roles over his ten years at the company, including managing director in Russia as well as managing director of Central Europe. During Mr. Wilson's tenure as CFO at SABMiller, the company experienced a 50% share price appreciation as well as double digit profit growth per annum. He was instrumental in transforming the company from a regionally autonomous portfolio to a globally integrated organization, achieving significant cost savings. Notably, Mr. Wilson also played a key role in the $11.5B acquisition and integration of the Fosters business.

Prior to SABMiller, Mr. Wilson was Strategy and Projects Director at Scottish & Newcastle, where he successfully led the strategy function across the group. Additionally, Mr. Wilson spent several years at Highland Distillers, where he held a variety of positions, most notably Group Finance Director. During his tenure at Highland Distillers, Mr. Wilson successfully modernized the finance function and delivered against notable corporate activity. Additionally, he created a separate company to house all production, and developed Maxxium, a 1.2 billion three-way joint venture with Remy Cointreau and Jim Beam with which he moved to Paris as the new company's Chairman. Mr. Wilson began his professional career at Deloitte Haskins & Sells after completing his law degree at the University of Edinburgh.

Mr. Wilson will be based at the Avon Products UK headquarters.

About Avon Products, Inc.

Avon is the Company that for 130 years has proudly stood for beauty, innovation, optimism and, above all, women. Avon products include well-recognized and beloved brands such as ANEW, Avon Color, Avon Care, Skin-So-Soft, and Advance Techniques sold through nearly 6 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives.

SOURCE Avon Products, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.avon.com


Mr. Taylor, who joined Ontario Teachers' in 2012, is currently Regional Managing Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa and is located in the London office, which he continues to head. In his new role he will have oversight responsibility for Ontario Teachers' international operations presence in London and Hong Kong. He will continue to report to Mr. Graven Larsen.

Mr. Taylor will be an active member of the respective asset class underwriting committees for investments being considered in all regions.

With the return from Hong Kong to Toronto in the New Year of current Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Nicole Musicco, who will head Public Equities, Mr. Taylor will be interim head of the Asia Pacific Region. He will lead the search now underway for the new Regional Managing Director, Hong Kong, who will report to him. Until that position is filled, Mr. Taylor will split his time between the London and Hong Kong offices.

"Jo is uniquely qualified for this role," said Mr. Graven Larsen. "He has an innate understanding of relationship building and the global nature of today's investment environment. He has earned the respect of our partners around the world by delivering value, and is committed to building our global strategy and presence."

Mr. Taylor is involved in the governance of a number of Ontario Teachers' portfolio companies. He is Chair of Camelot and a non-executive director of SGN, Helly Hansen and Burton's Biscuits.

About Ontario Teachers'

The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Ontario Teachers') is Canada's largest single-profession pension plan, with $171.4 billion in net assets at December 31, 2015. It holds a diverse global portfolio of assets, 80% of which is managed in-house, and has earned an annualized rate of return of 10.3% since the plan's founding in 1990. Ontario Teachers' is an independent organization headquartered in Toronto. Its Asia-Pacific region office is located in Hong Kong and its Europe, Middle East & Africa region office is in London. The defined-benefit plan, which is fully funded, invests and administers the pensions of the province of Ontario's 316,000 active and retired teachers. For more information, visit otpp.com and follow us on Twitter @OtppInfo.

SOURCE Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan

Related Links

http://www.otpp.com


The flagship, opened November 25, offers a highly differentiated and authentic shopping experience designed to engage all five senses with the myth and magic of Balinese artisanship. The highlight of the flagship is an experiential concept space on the boutique's second floor, which will serve as a creative sanctuary for artisans and offer consumers immersive experiences.

THE ENCOUNTER: THE ARTISAN IN RESIDENCE

The Residence animates the creative spirit and storied craftsmanship of the John Hardy Jewelry Workshop in Ubud, Bali into a full sensory experience and will be dedicated to hosting artisan master classes, workshops, talks, and installations across dynamic disciplines. The space serves as a real workshop for John Hardy Artisans when in Residence from overseas. The first series will run December 10  23 and explore the brand's signature 8-step jewelry-making process.

THE EXPERIENCE: THE STORY OF TOUCH

The flagship weaves together scent, sound, light and art for a refined reimagining of the John Hardy Jewelry Workshop in Ubud, Bali. It is designed to herald transformative moments and inspire connection.

THE INSPIRATION: MAGIC OF BALI

Designed around a central display, clients are invited to navigate the boutique like the island of Bali itself, walking around its natural edges and exploring tactile moments of inspiration. True to founder John Hardy's creative vision as an artist and environmental sculptor, the boutique walls showcase powerful collections like a gallery, encouraging guests to interact with every dimension of inspiration. The dynamic contours and exquisite detail of handcrafted jewelry is exhibited with bold authenticityeach piece, a work of art in and of itself.

A lush scent designed to conjure the verdant grounds of the Ubud Workshop transports and transfixes, as store lighting and sound shift throughout the day to evoke the rising and setting of the Balinese sun. All the while, a custom playlist blends nomadic beats and natural soundscapes, invoking the essence of wanderlust.

Signature carved wood details punctuate the space with rich walnut and hammered gold inlays, summoning elements of earthy softness and water reflection. A large-scale art installation hand-carved from teakwood tree rootthe sustainable byproduct of productionserves as a dynamic focal point, manifesting creativity and celebrating the uncompromising artistic ethos behind the brand.

THE STYLE: SINGULAR. SUSTAINABLE.

In conceptualizing the space, architectural firm Design Republic sought to celebrate the brand's heritage and roots in artisan craftsmanship forged by founder John Hardy in 1975. All millwork is custom designed and unique to the store. Natural and locally sourced materials reflect the brand's commitment to community and artisanship while large jewelry display tables, made from locally sourced black walnut, recall the communal artisan's table in the Ubud Workshop. Elements such as mirrors etched with the John Hardy chain motif and hammered brass accents, echo the objects of beauty on display.

The open yet immersive design sets the stage for a unique shoulder-to-shoulder selling experience, reminiscent of the warm hospitality in the Workshop. A client services team, robed in custom-designed natural fiber pieces by Balinese artisan brand Biasa, channel the elegance, effortlessness, and exploration of travel. Their style honors the timelessness of the John Hardy brand, serving as an inspirationand an invitationto be part of its tradition.

THE LOCATION: SOHO, NEW YORK

The John Hardy Flagship is situated in the heart of Soho's luxury corridor at 118 Prince Street in a three-story landmark building from the early 1900s. The store will open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. (212-343-9000).

FEATURES OF THE JOHN HARDY NYC FLAGSHIP:

One-of-a-Kind Pieces. from the John Hardy Cinta precious jewelry collection and exclusive items from John Hardy's Chain, Legends, Bamboo and Dot collections.

from the John Hardy Cinta precious jewelry collection and exclusive items from John Hardy's Chain, Legends, Bamboo and Dot collections. Exquisite Balinese-Inspired Hospitality . Guests are offered Balinese welcome tea, coffee, and water along with cold and hot towel service (pending the season), served in artisan crafted ceramic pieces designed by Bali -based Gaya.

. Guests are offered Balinese welcome tea, coffee, and water along with cold and hot towel service (pending the season), served in artisan crafted ceramic pieces designed by -based Gaya. Artisan Handcraftsmanship on Display. The story of John Hardy's unique artisan handcrafted jewelry-making techniques is unveiled in a curated gallery on the second-floor Workshop, where the art of jewelry-making is depicted from sketches and inception to the craft of mold-making, and the special techniques that make the final product.

The story of John Hardy's unique artisan handcrafted jewelry-making techniques is unveiled in a curated gallery on the second-floor Workshop, where the art of jewelry-making is depicted from sketches and inception to the craft of mold-making, and the special techniques that make the final product. Sustainable Art. A breathtaking installation, celebrating the original founder's passion for art, environmental sculpture and sustainability, is created from teakwood tree grown on the Indonesian island of Java  the roots for the installation are carved by a Balinese artisan named Made (pronounced Maa Deh) from Celuk, the silver smith community of Bali .

A breathtaking installation, celebrating the original founder's passion for art, environmental sculpture and sustainability, is created from teakwood tree grown on the Indonesian island of  the roots for the installation are carved by a Balinese artisan named Made (pronounced Maa Deh) from Celuk, the silver smith community of . Transporting Scent. To evoke the sensorial experience of visiting the Ubud workshop, John Hardy partnered with global scent marketing agency Air Aroma, working with their perfumers to create a one-of-a-kind signature scent for retail stores. The result is an iconic and authentic scent, exotic yet familiar, a sophisticated floral that welcomes and invites. The fragrance is comprised of delicate tuberose petals, incense, sea breeze accord, sandalwood and amber. To further the scent experience, John Hardy collaborated with Brooklyn-based artisanal perfumer Joya on creating one-of-a-kind candles that consumers can purchase. Inspired by the gardens surrounding John Hardys Ubud workshop, the candle features an intoxicating bouquet of tuberose, jasmine petals, and frangipani along sweet incense and precious sandalwood in a freshwater accord.

To evoke the sensorial experience of visiting the Ubud workshop, John Hardy partnered with global scent marketing agency Air Aroma, working with their perfumers to create a one-of-a-kind signature scent for retail stores. The result is an iconic and authentic scent, exotic yet familiar, a sophisticated floral that welcomes and invites. Authentic Style. A client service team's wardrobe of sophisticated yet effortless garments by Balinese brand Biasa serve as an elegant blank canvas to the jewelry, honoring the timelessness of John Hardy designs. The wardrobe parallels each company's philosophy: artisan handcrafted luxury Designer Susanna Perini created an exclusive hand-dyed fabric for John Hardy made of moss crepe and linen, and consists of 16 pieces for women and 3 pieces for men

A client service team's wardrobe of sophisticated yet effortless garments by Balinese brand Biasa serve as an elegant blank canvas to the jewelry, honoring the timelessness of John Hardy designs. Light of Bali . Celebrating the magic of Bali's light, the store lights will be dimmed to honor the sunrise 13 hours ahead in Bali , creating the transition from day to night. The Ketra lighting system changes throughout the day to approximate the color of the sky, connecting back to the natural world

Celebrating the magic of light, the store lights will be dimmed to honor the sunrise 13 hours ahead in , creating the transition from day to night. Surreal Soundscape. The boutique boasts a unique and otherworldly ambiance through a layered yet refined soundscape. The sound will also shift with the lighting to evoke the rising and setting sun in Bali , with a custom soundscape blending global ambient sounds and references to nature and wanderlust

The boutique boasts a unique and otherworldly ambiance through a layered yet refined soundscape. Square Footage: 1,200 feet

ABOUT JOHN HARDY

Established in Bali in 1975, John Hardy is dedicated to the creation of ultimate beauty through artisan handcrafted jewelry. Our master artisans honor original craft through the perfection of modern design, creating timeless one-of-a-kind pieces that are brilliantly alive. Each of John Hardy's distinctive collections conveys evocative symbolism and honors the transmission of creative energy from the artist to the wearer. Since inception, the company has been deeply rooted in the essential values of community, artisanship and sustainability. For more information, please visit www.johnhardy.com.

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SOURCE John Hardy

Related Links

http://www.johnhardy.com


NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is pleased to announce its merger with Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs, P.C., a highly respected Texas law firm best known for success in environmental litigation matters. The team also brings substantial experience in sophisticated regulatory and commercial litigation matters. The transaction strengthens Kelley Drye's litigation and environmental practices, as well as extends the firm's national presence.

The collective environmental practices broaden Kelley Drye's nationwide capabilities in site remediation, cost recovery, natural resource damages, and related insurance litigation. Deepening the experience in these areas will create a powerhouse firm for businesses contemplating sales and acquisitions, debt and equity financings, and real estate development and construction where environmental issues may be present.

"The attorneys from Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs bring impressive litigation, regulatory and environmental experience that complements Kelley Drye's existing practices. One exciting area enhanced by the addition of Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs is our State Attorneys General practice which we expect to be in high demand when the new administration takes over in January. As we evaluated opportunities for strategic growth and got to know the Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs team, we were impressed by the synergies in our firms' collaborative and client service oriented cultures. We are pleased to welcome them to Kelley Drye," said firm chair Jim Carr.

William J. Jackson and William M. Guerry Jr. will co-chair the Environmental Law practice group. Mr. Jackson will also be the managing partner of the Texas offices. John D.S. Gilmour will chair the firm's newly formed Environmental Litigation practice group. The Houston and Austin offices will be known as "Kelley Drye/Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs" through 2017.

The 14 lawyers will remain in the Houston and Austin offices. The attorneys joining Kelley Drye in Houston include firm founders Mr. Jackson, Mr. Gilmour, and Micheal W. Dobbs, as well as partners Ann L. Al-Bahish, Kenneth O. Corley, John L. Hagan, William C. Petit, special counsel Melanie McDonald, and associates Jordan A. Rodriguez, Lauren K. Valastro and Mark Donatiello. In Austin, partners John A. Riley and Paul C. Sarahan will join the firm, together with associate Allison Lowry.

In 2015, Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs was named Texas Lawyer's "Specialty Litigation Group of the Year" for environmental litigation in the state of Texas. The firm has been involved in many of the largest environmental cases in the country representing government entities and natural resource trustees in watershed natural resources damages matters such as the Passaic River Superfund Site in New Jersey. Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs attorneys recovered over $355 million in costs and damages in the Passaic River settlement, including $67.5 million in restoration projects, and up to an additional $400 million in remediation costs. That settlement is the largest of its kind in the history of the State of New Jersey and will ensure hundreds of millions in additional economic activity along the Passaic River. The team also represents transportation and energy sector clients in Superfund, cost recovery and natural resource damages matters nationwide.

"The addition of the Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs team provides a broad depth of experience to Kelley Drye's environmental law practice," said Mr. Guerry. "We now have enhanced resources to offer our existing and future environmental clients throughout the lifecycle of their businesses with exemplary administrative, regulatory and litigation services."

Founder William J. Jackson said, "At our previous firm, we built a name as an experienced, dynamic team committed to exemplary service. Kelley Drye's stellar reputation and national footprint will enhance the service we provide our clients. The firm's collaborative culture seamlessly aligns with our guiding principles. Merging with Kelley Drye feels like the natural progression for the firm we started nine years ago."

On October 19, 2016, Kelley Drye and Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs jointly hosted the second annual Energy and Environmental Outlook Conference in Houston. The half-day program featured leading law and policy experts discussing the most pertinent federal and state legal, regulatory and political developments.

About Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is an international law firm founded in 1836 with more than 300 lawyers and other professionals practicing in New York, NY; Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Stamford, CT; Parsippany, NJ; Texas and Brussels, Belgium, additionally offering a full scope of legal service through our affiliate relationship with the Mumbai-based independent law firm, Fortitude Law Associates.

SOURCE Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Related Links

http://www.kelleydrye.com/


CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kincannon & Reed, the leading global retained executive search firm serving the food, agribusiness, and life sciences sectors, today announced that Lisa Johnson has joined the firm as a Managing Director. Based in Chicago, Lisa joins Kincannon & Reed's Food and Ingredients team in recruiting and succession assignments for the firm's clients seeking general managers, presidents, and CEOs, as well as senior functional executives in marketing, sales, finance, business development, and R&D.

"Lisa brings important skills to a segment of our business that has seen significant growth over the past year," said Paul Miller, Global Lead of Kincannon & Reed's Food & Ingredient practice. "Her knowledge of the food value chain, the companies within it, and the talent pool of successful executives are the qualities our national and global clients look for in an executive recruiter."

Prior to joining Kincannon & Reed, Lisa ran her own company focused on pairing food manufacturers and retailers around the world. In addition, she brought global best practices to help clients optimize production methods for increased productivity and profitability.

As a serial entrepreneur, Lisa started her first company at the age of 27, a healthy fast food restaurant in downtown Chicago. Less than two years later, Ms. Johnson co-founded Gourmet Kitchens, Inc., a fresh food manufacturing firm, and grew the company to nearly $50M in annual revenue before it was acquired.

Lisa frequently speaks on Fresh Prepared Foods, and her passion, Women's Entrepreneurship. Her awards and recognitions include Regional Finalist in Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Inductee in the Chicago Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame, Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award, NAWBO-Chicago Business Woman of the Year Award, and the Industrial Council of NearWest Chicago's Business of the Year Award. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri.

About Kincannon & Reed

Kincannon & Reed is the only retained executive search firm focused exclusively on the food, agribusiness, and life sciences sectors. Founded in 1981, the company serves clients throughout the world from locations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. The firm's motto is "We recruit leaders for organizations that feed the world and keep it healthy." For more information, visit www.KRsearch.com.

CONTACT: Michael Laskoe, +1 434 882 0564 [email protected]

SOURCE Kincannon & Reed

Related Links

http://www.KRsearch.com


WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/LED-Lamps-Recalled-by-Technical-Consumer-Products

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Technical Consumer Products (TCP) LED lamps

Hazard: The lamps can overheat exposing an energized heat-sink and wires, posing an electrical shock hazard.

Remedy: Replace,Refund

Consumers should immediately stop using recalled lamps, shut off power to lights and contact TCP for instructions on receiving a refund or a free replacement lamp.

Consumer Contact: TCP at 800-324-1496 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email at [email protected] or online at www.tcpi.com and click on "Recall" for more information.

Recall Details

Units: About 39,000

Description: This recall involves 10 watt LED A19 Shape lamps sold under the TCP brand name. These lamps are white and produce a soft white (2700 Kelvin) color temperature. Recalled units have item number "LED10A19DODLCHP" and the date code printed directly on the white plastic heat-sink of the lamp, just above the screw in the base. Consumers will need to shut off power to the lights and disengage the lamp to check the item number and date code.

Item Number Brand UPC Description Date Code

LED10A19DODLCHP TCP 7-6214804626-4 10 wall LED A19 lamp with High Performance Dimming 2700K 1423217







Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Sold at: Exclusively at Habitat for Humanity of San Joaquin County in Stockton, Calif. from August 2016 through September 2016 for about $3

Importer: Technical Consumer Products Inc., of Aurora, Ohio

Manufactured in: China

This recall was conducted, voluntarily by the company, under CPSC's Fast Track Recall process. Fast Track recalls are initiated by firms, who commit to work with CPSC to quickly announce the recall and remedy to protect consumers.

About U.S. CPSC:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals  contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.

CPSC Consumer Information Hotline

Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:

800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)

Times: 8 a.m.  5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime

Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.

Media Contact

Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests.

Phone: 301-504-7908

Spanish: 301-504-7800

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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Related Links

http://www.cpsc.gov


LANSING, Mich., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Liquid Web, LLC (www.liquidweb.com), a $100 million managed hosting provider focused on web-dependent professionals, announced today the hiring of Chris Lema as VP of products and innovations. Lema brings more than 20 years of software development and product development experience to Liquid Web. Most recently, Lema served as an independent industry consultant focused on the WordPress community, sharing his insights via a daily blog, ebooks, public speaking and product strategy.

Lema will develop innovative products to complement Liquid Web's traditional managed hosting suite of product offerings as well as integration with its recent Cloud Sites purchase from Rackspace. His addition demonstrates the company's commitment to its growing WordPress community, which currently supports more than 250,000 mission critical WordPress sites, and onboards, on average, one site every hour of every day.

"We are very excited about Chris joining the team. His experience working with our target customers, web-dependent SMBs and the creators who serve them, will accelerate our quest to build more innovative products for this underserved community," said CTO Joe Oesterling. "His audience expertise combined with his knowledge of CMS and eCommerce technology platforms means simple, scalable solutions that make life easier for designers, developers, agencies and SMBs."

A highly-sought-after public speaker, Lema's next speaking engagement is at WordCamp US 2016 on Friday, Dec. 2 at 4:15 p.m. in Philadelphia, Penn. entitled Finding Your Voice by Blogging. Lema has both a WordPress blog and a leadership blog.

"Liquid Web is a place that can offer me an opportunity to leverage all my talents and experience, while also being a place where I can stretch, grow and keep innovating," said Lema. "I normally say most hosting companies only have one product  hosting  and that's no place for a product guy. Liquid Web is different and I'm looking forward to aligning our visions for the web-hosting community."

About Liquid Web

Liquid Web delivers reliable, highly-available, secure and hassle-free hosting fueled by our Heroic Support.  The company empowers its employees to go above and beyond to make life easier for professionals who create the content and commerce on the ever-changing web  so they can focus on the work they love. With over 30,000 customers spanning 150 countries, the company has assembled a world-class team, global data centers and an expert group of 24/7/365 solution engineers. As an industry leader in customer service, the rapidly expanding company has been recognized among INC Magazine's 5000 Fastest Growing Companies for the last ten years. Liquid Web is part of the Madison Dearborn Partners family of companies. Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC ("MDP") is a leading private equity investment firm based in Chicago. For more information, please visit www.liquidweb.com, or read our blog posts at http://www.liquidweb.com/blog. Stay up to date with all Liquid Web events on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Contact: Rachel Talaska, 1-248-3041465, [email protected]

SOURCE Liquid Web

Related Links

http://www.liquidweb.com


"It's all about social performance. The interactive functionality of the active-learning classrooms extends to a sequence of community spacesinterior and exteriorproviding students with lots of choices for group work and social connection," said George Shaw, FAIA, Partner-in-Charge of the project for LMN Architects.

Set in the heart of the 1,500-acre Irvine campus, the design promotes a diversity of team-based modes of learning and social interaction, while extending the active-learning experience to the surrounding Aldrich Park campus neighborhood. The project is composed of three primary elements: a two-story elliptically shaped pavilion housing lecture halls; a three-story classroom wing framed with a continuous student mixing hall; and the bridge, a central vertical circulation and gathering space that connects the functions of the two primary structures.

"UC Irvine was one of the first U.S. campuses to institute design-build delivery, and over several decades they have developed one of the most sophisticated and well-defined design-build processes in the industry," said Rashmi Mehta, Senior Vice President, Hathaway Dinwiddie. "Based on best design and best value, UCI's system provides a unique opportunity for flexibility and creativity in the design process, which has resulted in high-quality yet cost-effective, sustainable architecture on their campus."

The building features two floors of day-lit classrooms and circulation areas (the mixing hall), and a third level that houses student offices and computer labs. Natural light filters through the exterior sunshade latticework to the mixing zone's circulation and collaboration spaces. Accessed from large campus plazas on two sides, a series of community spaces capture expansive views of Aldrich Park and the broader campus landscape, creating an interconnected indoor-outdoor student experience.

The elliptically shaped pavilion anchors the entry plazas, while housing two multi-use lecture hallsone with 400 seats and one with 250 seats. The halls employ a double-tier seating configuration that allows students to work in sub-groups while preserving lecture and case-study functionality. An exterior loggia adjoins the pavilion to meet the pedestrian scale of the plaza, which features perimeter seating clusters and an open-air stairway that spirals to the upper-level walkway. Vertical window openings bring light to the instructional spaces while creating an internal glow that animates the pavilion's evening presence within the plaza.

"By assembling program areas into distinct building components and then pulling those components apart, we were able to break down the scale of the buildings and create opportunities for social interaction in those interstitial spaces," said John Chau, AIA, Partner and Project Designer at LMN Architects.

"LMN's creative approach of unlocking the site and rearranging the program led to a bold design solution that enhances the overall experience for both students and faculty," said Brian Pratt, AIA, LEED AP, Campus Architect for UCI. "We are delighted with the results and look forward to working with LMN and Hathaway Dinwiddie to deliver this terrific new project on campus."

The project is targeting LEED Platinum certification.

Project Team

LMN Architects (design and executive architect)

Hathaway Dinwiddie (design-build contractor)

DCI Engineers (structural engineer)

Alvine Engineering (MEP engineer)

AHBE (landscape architect)

About LMN

Seattle-based LMN Architects specializes in the planning and design of significant public and private projects, including convention centers, cultural arts venues, education facilities, office buildings, multi-family housing, hotels, transit stations, mixed-use developments and other urban environments that celebrate and enrich communities. The firm is the recipient of the 2016 American Institute of Architects Architecture Firm Award.

www.LMNArchitects.com

About Hathaway Dinwiddie

San Francisco-based Hathaway Dinwiddie specializes in building significant public and private projects including cultural arts venues, student housing, educational facilities, office buildings, hotels, health and life sciences buildings, pharmaceutical projects, and mixed-use developments. The firm was named 2016 ENR California Builder of the Year. www.hdcco.com

About the University of California, Irvine

Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 30,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the local economy. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu.

For further information contact:

Matt Anderson for LMN Architects

e: [email protected]

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SOURCE LMN Architects

Related Links

http://www.lmnarchitects.com


SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- LRS Consulting Services announced today that Micah Stevenson has been hired as Branch Manager of the firm's office in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Kerry Burns, Senior Manager for LRS Consulting Services, said he was excited to find someone with Stevenson's experience in the IT staffing industry. Stevenson has nearly a decade of experience in staff augmentation in IT and financial services.

"Micah brings a track record of developing new business," Burns said. "That's really important in our Minneapolis office, where we have aggressive plans for growing our business."

Burns also pointed to Stevenson's Minnesota roots. He attended Minnesota School of Business and has worked for companies in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

"Micah's knowledge of the region, its people, and its businesses, can only help us as we work to grow," Burns said. "We're really happy that he has joined our team and we know he can only make us even stronger."

Stevenson has been praised throughout his career for striving to be a trusted business advisor to all his clients, recognizing the importance of quality service, and working diligently to get the best results for each customer's needs. Stevenson said the move to LRS was perfect for him and will give him a chance to build the company's presence in the Twin Cities.

"I am extremely excited to join LRS Consulting," he said. "It's rare to find a company like LRS with such a vast amount of experience that is still focused on growing, building, and staying ahead of the trend in the IT staffing industry."

LRS Consulting Services is the IT and engineering staffing division of Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. (LRS), a privately-held U.S. company with corporate headquarters located in Springfield, IL. Remote offices are located throughout the United States and in key geographic regions around the world. More than half of the Fortune 500 and Fortune 500 Service companies rely on industry-leading LRS solutions, with products in use in over 30 countries. Industry analyst groups recognize LRS as a global IT leader. For more information, visit www.LRS.com.

 Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. All rights reserved. LRS is a registered trademark of Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Kerry Burns

Senior Manager

LRS Consulting Services

913-339-9200, ext. 2346

[email protected]

SOURCE LRS Consulting Services

Related Links

http://www.LRS.com


"There is no quick, simple way to eradicate lead exposure, but as a nation we've made progress on reducing the threat," said Amy Winslow, president and CEO of Magellan Diagnostics. "The challenge is that, while the most significant exposure sources are dwindling, there are still many ways that lead can sneak into our environment, and scientists have demonstrated that even low levels of exposure cause harm  especially to the developing brains of infants and toddlers."

While exposure to even small amounts of lead can have life-long effects, the vast majority of cases are without symptoms. As a silent poison, lead is typically only detected through routine blood lead testing. This testing is the only way to be sure that vulnerable populations  especially young children and pregnant women  are not exposed. The innovation of LeadCare II, allowing the test to be accomplished in the doctor's office with only two drops of blood from a simple fingerstick, has dramatically improved testing rates.

"Our pediatric office recently acquired the LeadCare II and we have begun in-office lead testing," said Rebecca Couper, CPNP. "I must say that being able to provide our patients and families with a quick and easy in office testing for lead has been so helpful. Not only do we have a reliable result within a few minutes, but we also save the family from having to bring their child to the lab (a potentially scary place for our 1 and 2 year old kids). It has been an excellent addition to our practice."

With national attention on the issue of lead in drinking water, sparked by the tragedy in Flint, Michigan, public health officials and clinicians have worked to raise awareness of the threats of lead exposure. In particular, the concern about contaminated drinking water brings to light the risks to pregnant women. While the historical focus has been on risks to young children, there is now a body of evidence showing that lead readily crosses the placenta and harms developing nervous systems, even levels once considered "safe".

At-risk: pregnant women and their developing babies

It is estimated that 1% of pregnant women in the US are at risk for lead exposure, accordingly, both the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have recommended pregnant women with as little as one risk factor be tested. A test early in pregnancy can help identify and mitigate prenatal lead exposure, which causes lower birth weights, delayed or impaired intellectual development, as well as learning disabilities and behavior problems later in life.

"Raising awareness across all at-risk populations remains a key initiative for us," said Catherine Lufkin, marketing director at Magellan Diagnostics. "Awareness of the effects of lead exposure in young children is driving progress in the fight against lead poisoning. However, there is less awareness of the effects of lead exposure on pregnant women and their babies. We are committed to changing that."

About Magellan Diagnostics, Inc.

Magellan Diagnostics is a medical device company that provides point of care systems, clinical laboratory instruments, and analytical laboratory services focused on lead testing. Headquartered outside Boston in Billerica, Massachusetts, Magellan is dedicated to educating families, clinicians, policy makers, payers and communities about the permanent physical and mental health damage caused by lead exposure; and to offering high-quality, reliable products that help to quickly identify children and adults that are being exposed. For more information visit www.magellandx.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444718

SOURCE Magellan Diagnostics, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.magellandx.com


MIAMI, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Magni Smartech is an innovative, integrated sleep system designed by Magniflex that records and analyzes data about you and your environment while you sleep. The Magni Smartech has several patents pending but it is the only sleep technology that monitors your sleep and the sleep of your partner in real time. A control unit processes the collected data, which can be displayed either on your smart phone App or on the Smartech website.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444749LOGO

The Smartech sleep system combines an adjustable base, a mattress and Magniflex's proprietary sleep technology that through a large number of sensors records a wide variety of data on you and the environment such as the time you wake up, the hours slept, your average heart rate and its fluctuations throughout the night, your average respiratory frequency, the brightness and noise level in your bedroom, and so on.

The state-of-the-art mattress included in the Magni Smartech comes with a removable topper and has a variety of comfort inserts for both sleep partners for those who prefer the feel of memory foam, gel foam or latex. Magni Smartech is also Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified against the presence of harmful off-gassing or VOCs.

Much like the mattress, the split adjustable base also comes with several unique features. The adjustable base has three different "soft" wake up settings, including an option to have the mattress slowly raise your head and simultaneously give you a massage while gradual LED light shines from the bottom. The lighting can be adjusted to several different types of colors and intensities to accommodate your individual preference. The adjustable base included in the Magni Smartech also includes preset configurations that offer the following positions with the click of a button: Zero Gravity (optimizes muscular tension), Raised Leg Relief (improves blood circulation in the legs), and Reading (best position for reading).

The most unique feature of the Magni Smartech is the anti-snore function, which automatically recognizes when a sleeper is snoring, changes the bed position until the snoring is gone, then goes back to its original position once the snoring has stopped. This feature is revolutionary because it doesn't require the snorer's partner to wake up and manually activate the function. The feature is automatically engaged once the snoring has been recognized.

Magniflex believes the most advanced sleep experience is born from forward thinking without ever forgetting about the past. The Magni Smartech is the perfect example of this belief.

Contact Information

Jim Sautter

Magniflex USA Ltd., Inc.

1-786-233-8805

[email protected]

www.magniflex.us

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Magniflex USA Ltd

Related Links

http://www.magniflex.us


HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- EinScan Series, a consumer-class scanner product line from SHINING 3D (www.shining3d.com), will have a major update on December 5. The EinScan software version 2.0 is about to be released. The biggest highlights of EinScan version 2.0 include improved user experience, support for one-click data upload via connection to the Sketchfab platform, and the ease for users to directly share scanned 3D data over the Internet. At the same time, EinScan software version 2.0 also released multiple upgraded new functions.

EinScan Series 3D Scanner, the world's first multi-functional modular 3D scanner, is the most popular tool for creating 3D models in the market today. There are currently two models under EinScan Series, i.e. EinScan-S Desktop 3D Scanner and EinScan-Pro Multi-Functional Handheld Scanner. After nearly two years of development following its debut at CES - the largest consumer electronics show in the USA - in the beginning of 2015, it has been installed by users in over 60 countries globally.

The EinScan Series 3D scanner can provide support for digitized designs, digitized archiving, personalized customization, training and teaching based on 3D courses, 3D printing, and virtual reality development. At the same time, SHINING 3D also offers the SDK for 3D scanners, providing research institutes and users with an interface for secondary development. The EinScan Series 3D scanner has lowered the threshold for popularization and application of 3D scanning and modeling technology. In November 2016, EinScan-Pro has also become the official 3D scanning technology support partner of the 'Scan the World' charity program initiated by myminifactory.com, a data platform in the UK, picked Shining3D's EinScan-Pro 3D scanner as the 3D scanning tool. They have produced 3D modeling files of world-renowned buildings and artworks, and provided free downloads to 3D modeling fans all around the world. Thus, art and culture can be shared through 3D scanning technology.

EinScan software update

SHINING 3D's product team has unified the software operation platforms for EinScan-S and EinScan-Pro users. With EinScan software 2.0, the user can manage his or her EinScan scanner with the same software.

After this update, the user only needs to download one single software installation package to be able to choose his or her device, connect the device and perform activation operation during the installation process. For a user who owns both EinScan-S and EinScan-Pro, for example, the only thing he or she should do is choose, the software and after completing device activation, the device will run. It must be noted that the software cannot simultaneously run two devices at the same time.

Users first; high quality experience

Since the first day of developing the EinScan scanner, SHINING 3D's product team has always been dedicated to improving user experience and the product by collecting users' usage feedback. This update means the biggest change and enhanced user friendliness to EinScan-S users. For example, the new software has added mouse operation tip texts at the bottom, so that the user can operate per the tips.

Multiple languages supported

The EinScan software version 2.0 supports multiple languages, including Chinese, English, Russian, Korean, Japanese, French, German and Polish. The user can choose the interface of his or her favorite language.

One-click sharing: connected to Sketchfab

Sketchfab is a community that has gathered more than 500,000 3D content creators. For the time being, over 1 million 3D models are available on this website. As the largest release platform in the world, it allows for sharing and discovery of online and VR 3D content.

Once upgraded to EinScan software version 2.0, the data model scanned by the user will support one-click upload onto the Sketchfab data platform. (Click here for a demonstration). Utilizing 3D scanning, the user can directly share his or her captured 3D data via the Internet.

This update will be available to all EinScan Series scanner users as a free upgrade. Starting from December 1, the EinScan software version 2.0 will be on open invitation for beta testing. All EinScan users can acquire the latest software installation package through the link: http://www.einscan.com/big-update.

For more information about EinScan 2.0 software updates, please contact [email protected].

About SHINING 3D:

SHINING 3D was founded in 2004 and was listed in the New OTC (Over-The-Counter) Market on August 8, 2014 (stock: 830978). SHINING 3D is China's first OTC company in the 3D digitizing and printing industry and is the established leader specializing in the advancement of a 3D digitizing and printing ecosystem. With business areas covering 3D scanning, 3D printing, 3D materials, 3D design and manufacturing service, and 3D network cloud platform, SHINING 3D is the industry leader in multiple aspects, including overall strength, sales volume, technology varieties, and service support capability.

SOURCE Hanghzhou Shining 3D Tech Co., Ltd

Related Links

http://www.shining3d.com


WINNIPEG, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Medicure Inc. ("Medicure" or the "Company") (TSXV:MPH, OTC:MCUJF), a leading Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company, is pleased to announce that it has closed its acquisition for a majority interest in Apicore Inc. and the interests of Apigen Investments Limited (together "Apicore"), as previously announced on November 18, 2016. The acquisition consists of the purchase of 4,717,000 Series A Preferred Shares and 1,250,000 Warrants in Apicore for US$33,750,000. This brings Medicure's ownership in Apicore to 64% (or approximately 60% on a fully diluted basis).

Medicure's initial ownership interest and option rights were obtained for its lead role in structuring and participating in a majority interest purchase and financing of Apicore that occurred on July 3, 2014. Medicure continues to have option rights until July 3, 2017 to acquire additional shares in Apicore.

About Apicore

Apicore is a private, New Jersey based developer and manufacturer of specialty Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients ("APIs") and pharmaceuticals, including over 15 Abbreviated New Drug Applications ("ANDAs"), one of which, is partnered with Medicure. Apicore manufactures over 100 different API's, including over 35 for which Drug Master Files have been submitted to the FDA and 12 that are approved for commercial sale in the U.S. by customers of Apicore. Apicore specializes in the manufacture of difficult to synthesize, high value and other niche API's for many U.S. and international generic and branded pharmaceutical companies. Apicore has 2 FDA-approved facilities. In the U.S., the Somerset, New Jersey facility can produce a few grams up to 200 kg volumes and in India, the Vadodara, Gujarat facility can produce a few kilograms up to 60 metric tons yearly. Both facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art analytical and research capabilities. For more information, please visit Apicore online at www.apicore.com.

About Medicure

Medicure is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for the U.S. hospital market. The primary focus of the Company and its subsidiaries is the marketing and distribution of AGGRASTAT (tirofiban HCl) for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome in the United States, where it is sold through the Company's U.S. subsidiary, Medicure Pharma, Inc. For more information on Medicure please visit www.medicure.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Medicure Inc.

Related Links

http://www.medicure.com/


Unveiled just before International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2016, Baymont's new Hometown Host role is a symbol of the brand's emphasis on neighborly service and dedication to community, ensuring guests are feeling welcome and food is abundant throughout daily breakfast service. Baymont franchisees recruiting for a Hometown Host are encouraged to take advantage of The Arc's resources in helping connect them with passionate local job candidates within their neighborhoods.

In addition to serving as a service champion and breakfast attendant, Hometown Hosts from Baymont hotels across the country are invited to participate in a voluntary advisory council, supported by The Arc, to help improve the brand's breakfast offerings. The council will meet regularly to share insights and best practices for perfecting the brand's free breakfast for guests.

"No matter what's on the table, we believe breakfast is best served and savored with good company. That's where our Hometown Hosts come in: they're the first person greeting our guests in the morning and ensuring they have a great start to the day," said Greg Giordano, Baymont Inn & Suites brand vice president. "Our collaboration with The Arc not only connects our franchisees to a resource attracting associates who embody our signature culture of neighborly hospitality for guests, but also demonstrates to all communities of diversity they have an advocate in Baymont."

Building Opportunities One Breakfast at a Time

Unemployment among people living with disabilities is a critical issue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is higher than 11%, approximately double the nation's average. Of those employed, only about 40% hold regular jobs in the community rather than within sheltered workshops or other restricted settings. The Arc serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a population in which unemployment is much higher - 85% of families report that their adult family members with I/DD are not employed.

"Our collaboration with Baymont proactively creates opportunities for both those with disabilities and hoteliers to make positive and transformative contributions within their communities," said Jonathan Lucus, director, The [email protected] "Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not only capable of excelling on the job, but have experience, ideas and perspectives to continually enrich businesses. We can't wait to see how our relationship with Baymont shakes up the makeup of hotel breakfast."

The [email protected] is leading the way in developing innovative workforce solutions for the government and private sector by connecting employers with talented employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting the recruitment, on-boarding, and retention process. The goal is to connect organizations with people and services that increase the diversity, productivity, and quality of their overall workforce.

Hotels including the Baymont Inn & Suites Augusta Riverwatch in Georgia have already experienced positive results employing individuals with disabilities including longer tenure, strong enthusiasm and an increase in guest engagement. Baymont hotels in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, one of the states with the lowest workforce participation rates for people with disabilities, have already pledged to work with The Arc as part of this initiative.

"We've been employing individuals with disabilities for more than 10 years at our hotel, and it's the best business decision I've ever made," said Kanta Kondur, owner of Baymont Inn & Suites August Riverwatch. "Our associates, like William and Robert, quickly become part of the Baymont family and show an extraordinary dedication to the hotel and our guests. I have no doubt other Baymont owners will find similar success working with The Arc."

About The Arc

The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including Down syndrome, Autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy and other diagnoses. The Arc has a network of more than 650 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with I/DD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis.

About Baymont Inn & Suites

Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, the Baymont Inn & Suites hotel brand is a chain of more than 400 midscale hotels located throughout the United States and in Mexico that takes pride in neighborly hospitality grounded in the ability to connect with every guest. It's all about warm, inviting service, topped with freshly baked cookies and a friendly smile. Many locations feature free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast at the Baymont Breakfast Corner, swimming pools, fitness centers, airport shuttle service and the opportunity to earn and redeem points through Wyndham Rewards, the brand's guest loyalty program. Travelers can join the free program at www.wyndhamrewards.com. Each Baymont Inn & Suites hotel is independently owned and operated under a franchise agreement with Baymont Franchise Systems, Inc. (BFS), or its affiliate. BFS is a subsidiary of Wyndham Hotel Group, LLC and parent company Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN). Reservations and information are available by visiting www.baymontinns.com.

Wyndham Hotel Group is the world's largest hotel company based on number of hotels, encompassing nearly 8,000 hotels and approximately 689,800 rooms in 75 countries. Additional information is available at www.wyndhamworldwide.com. For more information about hotel franchising opportunities visit www.whgdevelopment.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444166

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151214/295528LOGO

SOURCE Baymont Inn & Suites

Related Links

http://www.baymontinns.com


NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "We are one of the best branded sources in the nation for mesothelioma financial compensation related to auto mechanics. We are urging all recently diagnosed people with asbestos exposure relating to car or truck repair to call us anytime at 800-714-0303 so we can explain how the mesothelioma compensation process works and why it is so incredibly important to have one of the nation's most skilled mesothelioma attorneys handling their financial claim.

Auto/truck Mechanic

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444086

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444087LOGO

"Some of the nation's top mesothelioma attorneys actually know as much about auto or truck brakes, clutches, transmissions, and firewalls as most journeyman-level mechanics. The reason it is vital the mesothelioma attorney have this type of specific knowledge about the automotive and truck industry using parts that contained asbestos until the early 1980s relates to getting the best financial compensation results for people with mesothelioma.

"Before any auto or truck mechanic with mesothelioma or their family hires a lawyer to assist with a mesothelioma compensation claim, please call us at 800-714-0303 for some honest suggestions regarding specific mesothelioma attorneys they should be talking to." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

States with the most cases of mesothelioma for auto/truck mechanics and or manufacturing workers:

Michigan

California

New York

Florida

Texas

Minnesota

Washington

Oregon

Alaska

Ohio

West Virginia

Pennsylvania

Indiana

New Jersey

The average age for a diagnosed victim of mesothelioma is about 70 years old. This year between 2500, and 3000 US citizens will be diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is attributable to exposure to asbestos.

High risk work groups for exposure to asbestos include Veterans of the US Navy, power plant workers, shipyard workers, steel mill workers, oil refinery workers, factory workers, plumbers, electricians, welders, pipefitters, miners, auto mechanics, machinists, pulp or paper mill workers, printers, firemen, rail road workers and construction workers. In most instances people with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, or 1980's. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

The states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma include Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, Washington, and Oregon.

However, based on the calls the Mesothelioma Victims Center receives a diagnosed auto or truck mechanic could live in any state including New York, Florida, California, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Idaho, or Alaska.

The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "If you call us at 800-714-0303, we will see to it that you have extremely honest advice about all that is involved in obtaining the best possible mesothelioma compensation. The mesothelioma attorneys we suggest consistently get the best possible financial compensation results for our clients-nationwide." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

For more information about mesothelioma please refer to the National Institutes of Health's web site related to this rare form of cancer: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mesothelioma.html

Media contact:

Michael Thomas

[email protected]

800-714-0303

SOURCE Mesothelioma Victims Center

Related Links

http://http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com


ATLANTA, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mill Creek Residential, a leading multifamily investor and operator specializing in premier apartment communities across the U.S., reveals today that pre-leasing for its Midtown community will begin on December 1.

The 29-story community, the first high-rise building of Mill Creek's Atlanta residences, will house 435 state-of-the-art apartment homes, including studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes in one of the city's most lively and diverse neighborhoods.

Modera by Mill Creek  Midtown will be the first of many recent construction ventures to emerge in the surrounding area, bringing an upscale living community to a rapidly growing section of Midtown. The community's energized, first-floor streetscape will be dedicated to 12,000 square feet of high-end retail and restaurant space that will make the locale more accessible and enjoyable for residents and guests.

"Mill Creek strives to develop communities in areas that will provide our residents with a highly coveted lifestyle by way of unprecedented amenities and locations that exemplify a social, urban living experience," says Vice President of Development Harvey Wadsworth. "In coordination with stakeholders and community leaders, we developed Modera Midtown with the belief that the community will benefit not only our residents, but also supplement the neighborhood at large with a walkable and progressive environment."

Midtown is one of the fastest growing sections of the bustling Atlanta city center, with the upcoming NCR headquarters and several other sites under construction near the Modera by Mill Creek  Midtown community. A rise in both residential and business ventures marks the substantial growth of the region, allowing for a more fast-paced atmosphere that is amiable to both work and recreation.

Situated just blocks from a Publix supermarket, the Midtown MARTA station and the Georgia Tech campus, Modera by Mill Creek  Midtown will meet the desires of the modern Atlanta resident searching for a walkable, dynamic lifestyle in the heart of the city. The upcoming community is also a short distance from a variety of Tech Square retail and dining destinations; popular recreation facilities, including Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Beltline; and many of the city's largest office buildings, providing residents with both social and convenient surroundings.

The community will feature a variety of premier amenities, concentrated on two amenities decks on the seventh and 26th floors of the high rise. Each deck will feature a heated, saltwater pool, comfortable lounge areas and indoor and outdoor bar spaces. The seventh floor deck will house an activated movie lawn, an elevated, one-eighth mile running track and access to the membership-grade fitness center. The rooftop will host a scenic sky lounge with breathtaking views of Piedmont Park and the Midtown skyline, along with a thoughtfully constructed wine bar, demo kitchen and widespread, interactive dog park.

To add to the amenities listed above, Modera by Mill Creek  Midtown will be pre-wired for Google Fiber services, showcasing the community's dedication to innovation and resident priorities. The internet service will be available throughout the community's common areas and fitness centers. Each apartment home will also be equipped with Google Fiber capability should residents choose to purchase the service.

Modera by Mill Creek  Midtown broke ground in June 2015, and initial move-ins are targeted for March 1, 2017. For more information on the community and pre-leasing opportunities, please visit www.moderamidtown.com.

About Mill Creek Residential

Mill Creek Residential Trust LLC is a national multifamily company focused on the development, acquisition and operation of apartment communities in targeted markets nationwide. The company proactively pursues development, acquisition and construction opportunities through its seasoned team of real estate professionals in 14 offices across the United States. Mill Creek is building its portfolio in many of the nation's most desirable apartment markets in Seattle, Portland, the San Francisco Bay area, Southern California, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Houston, South Florida, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, and Boston. As of September 30, 2016, the company's portfolio comprises of 65 communities representing over 18,000 apartment homes that are operating and/or under construction. For more information, please visit www.MillCreekPlaces.com.

Media Contact

Phase 3 PR

Sarah Horton

[email protected]

404.367.9898

Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160603/375431LOGO

SOURCE Mill Creek Residential

Related Links

http://www.millcreekplaces.com


"Everyone loves the variety you can get at Krystal, and we wanted to find a way to give our guests a taste of everything we know they love," explained Alice Crowder, Vice President of Marketing for The Krystal Company. "This is easily the most aggressive deal we've ever put together and we love that we can offer guests Krystals, wings, fries, a drink and a cookie all for only $4."

The boneless wings featured in the deal can be ordered plain, or tossed in the chain's tangy BBQ or spicy Buffalo sauce. The newest item in the meal is a chocolate chip cookie made with real Ghirardelli chocolate for a sweet finish sure to satisfy.

"Our guests enjoy mixing and matching their favorite items," Crowder continued. The fact that the entire meal deal costs $4 stands in sharp contrast to average quick-service value pricing that hovers between $4.75 and $7.50 for a standard sandwich-fries-drink combo, with dessert options available at an additional cost.

"We all need our dollars to go further these days, especially with the holidays rapidly approaching," Crowder finished. "$5 may sound like a good deal, until you look closer at what you're actually getting for that price. We're confident that More for $4 will be the kind of value guests really appreciate."

More for $4 will make its debut at all participating restaurants on Monday, Nov. 28. The brand has not yet announced an end date for the promotion, which was designed to spotlight everyday value. Krystal also indicated that additional variations on More for $4 may appear later in 2017 based on guest input and response.

About The Krystal Company

Founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1932, The Krystal Company is the oldest quick service restaurant chain in the South. Its hamburgers are still served fresh and hot off the grill on the iconic square bun at more than 350 restaurants in 11 states. Krystal's Atlanta-based Restaurant Support Center serves a team of 6,000 employees. For more information, visit http://www.Krystal.com or http://www.facebook.com/Krystal or follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram @Krystal.

About The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products. Incorporated in 1852, Ghirardelli has an incredibly rich American history. As the country's longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer, Ghirardelli has established its position as America's Premium Chocolate Company with more than 150 years of chocolate making experience. Ghirardelli's product line includes its signature Squares chocolate, Intense Dark chocolate, Gourmet Milk chocolate, Ghirardelli Chocolate Bars, other chocolate confections, baking chocolate and hot cocoa. These items are sold through select specialty stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers and department stores. In addition, Ghirardelli sells a line of premium chocolate, sauces and beverage ingredients for the Food Service channel. Ghirardelli currently owns and operates Ghirardelli retail stores, including the original Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located in San Francisco's historic Ghirardelli Square. For more information about Ghirardelli, visit www.ghirardelli.com or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/Ghirardelli.

Contact: Peyton Sadler

305-631-2283

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444659

SOURCE The Krystal Company

Related Links

http://www.krystal.com


The events marked 25 years ago since a small group of San Francisco residents representing a community devastated by the AIDS epidemic gathered in a dilapidated grove in Golden Gate Park to restore it and create a serene place where people seeking healing could gather to express their collective grief through a living memorial, an AIDS memorial. Those efforts helped build a movement, where five years later legislation spearheaded by U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi and signed into law by President Bill Clinton that designated "the Grove" as the national memorial for HIV/AIDS.

Today, nearly 25,000 volunteers ranging from the very young to the elderly have donated more than 150,000 hours to help maintain the Grove, clearing overgrowth, reintroducing native species and planting new trees, plants and shrubs to ensure this treasured memorial continues to provide, in perpetuity, a place of remembrance so that the lives of people who died from AIDS are not forgotten and the story is known by future generations.

"The Grove is a place of both remembrance and renewal with people coming from all over the world to remember those lost and look to the future," said House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who spearheaded the legislation. "Twenty-five years after this important designation, we still strive for a future in which we end stigma and discrimination, ensure continued research, care and resources, and, at long last, find a cure."

On the eve of World AIDS Day, much of the memorial's ten acres was beautifully illuminated during "Light in the Grove," an event honoring those who have died while also celebrating the spirit of light and life. Guests experienced a candlelight reflection at the Circle of Friends and the evening included special musical and choreographed artistic performances, including a medley of Sylvester's songs performed by the renowned Jeanie Tracy. Alvin Baum of San Francisco received the "Lifetime of Commitment" award for his decades of unwavering philanthropy, activism and leadership in support of HIV/AIDS, LGBT communities and civil liberties.

World AIDS Day ceremonies were held in the Grove's meadow to reinforce the link between the San Francisco community's historical significance in the epidemic and the National AIDS Memorial as a beacon of hope to the rest of the world.

"As we gather in this beautiful meadow, we pay tribute to the lives lost to this pandemic," said John Cunningham, Executive Director of the National AIDS Memorial. "It was within their struggle and the grief and pain that followed that the Grove was born 25 years ago. Today, we join together to honor their legacy and recognize some of the leaders who have made lasting impacts in the fight against AIDS."

The tribute focused on 'hearts rising' where Jeanne White-Ginder, AIDS activist and mother of the late Ryan White, accepted the Thom Weyand Unsung Hero Award on behalf of the national Hemophilia community, 50% of which perished between 1980 - 2010 due to a tainted blood supply. Paul Kawata, executive director of the National Minority AIDS Council also received the National Leadership Recognition Award for his work to building leadership in communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS.

The National AIDS Memorial, in collaboration with HIV Story Project, also unveiled a series of personal video stories that capture the vast and diverse voices of the epidemic through personal stories by survivors aimed at inspiring future generations. This year, those personal stories focused on the horrific plight of the Hemophilia community and the tragedy and loss caused by a tainted blood supply. A first-ever "Powering Through" panel discussion was also held, bringing together leaders in the national Hemophilia community to discuss the need for a feature in the National AIDS Memorial to commemorate those infected by the blood contamination crisis and the ongoing processing of and healing from the disaster.

"We have to honor and respect those who went through this horrible, horrible epidemic," said White-Ginder. "Too many people we loved were lost and the Hemophilia community needs to come together to share our stories and communicate with one another the sadness and the sorrow, but also the joy that maybe nobody has to live with this again."

Recognizing that today's youth will ensure past generations are never forgotten, ten college students from around the country were awarded scholarships as part of the National AIDS Memorial Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship Award Program to pursue their education and for their active commitment to fighting AIDS and taking on roles of public service and leadership in the community.

The World AIDS Day ceremony concluded with supporters gathering for the reading of the names of those engraved this year into the Circle of Friends, which is now at capacity.

For more information about the National AIDS Memorial Grove, its mission, programs and services, visit www.aidsmemorial.org or call (415) 765-0497. Click HERE to view a special World AIDS Day video with a touching tribute by friends of the Grove. Click HERE or photos and video from Light in the Grove and World AIDS Day events.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444912

SOURCE National AIDS Memorial Grove

Related Links

http://www.aidsmemorial.org


IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The analysts at Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry, today reported the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $34,948 in November 2016. New-car prices have increased by $581 (up 1.7 percent) from November 2015, while dropping $51 (down 0.1 percent) from last month.

"Climbing transaction prices reflect the shift in consumer preference from cars to more expensive trucks and SUVs," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "Manufacturers with strong truck and SUV lineups are currently seeing record pricing, especially in these late fall months when these segments are especially popular. However, the subcompact utility segment, which is the fastest-growing segment in the industry this year, is showing signs of slowing, with prices falling by 1 percent, thanks to higher discounts used to sell down excess inventory."

Among the greatest gains of all major automakers, Nissan North America's transaction prices rose 3.4 percent in November 2016, with the Nissan brand up 5 percent. Nissan was helped by the new Armada SUV, which increased 16 percent year-over-year, and the Titan XD pickup helped push the Titan's average transaction prices up 34 percent to $50,447.

On the other hand, Hyundai-Kia transaction prices fell 2 percent, with Hyundai's prices falling 4 percent and Kia's prices decreasing 1 percent. The Sonata had the biggest declines for Hyundai, dropping 5 percent. Kia's biggest improver was the new Sportage, a recent 2017 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner, which is up 6 percent.

Segment November 2016

Transaction

Price

(Avg.)* October 2016

Transaction

Price

(Avg.)* November 2015

Transaction

Price

(Avg.)* Percent

Change

October 2016 to

November 2016* Percent

Change

November 2015 to

November 2016* Compact Car $20,339 $20,440 $20,037 -0.5% 1.5% Compact SUV/Crossover $26,700 $26,559 $26,453 0.5% 0.9% Electric Vehicle $39,104 $39,775 $39,637 -1.7% -1.3% Entry-level Luxury Car $40,806 $41,586 $40,467 -1.9% 0.8% Full-size Car $34,391 $34,515 $33,849 -0.4% 1.6% Full-size Pickup Truck $46,473 $46,576 $45,985 -0.2% 1.1% Full-Size SUV/Crossover $60,108 $59,627 $60,221 0.8% -0.2% High Performance Car $95,421 $89,946 $99,746 6.1% -4.3% High-end Luxury Car $92,174 $93,463 $92,780 -1.4% -0.7% Hybrid/Alternative Energy Car $25,439 $25,860 $24,519 -1.6% 3.8% Luxury Car $55,960 $57,436 $55,778 -2.6% 0.3% Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover $41,242 $40,260 $40,471 2.4% 1.9% Luxury Full-size SUV/Crossover $82,585 $83,706 $83,331 -1.3% -0.9% Luxury Mid-size SUV/Crossover $54,081 $55,007 $54,093 -1.7% 0.0% Mid-size Car $25,121 $25,274 $24,964 -0.6% 0.6% Mid-size Pickup Truck $32,169 $32,857 $31,514 -2.1% 2.1% Mid-size SUV/Crossover $37,057 $36,914 $36,706 0.4% 1.0% Minivan $32,831 $33,444 $32,635 -1.8% 0.6% Sports Car $31,196 $31,594 $30,201 -1.3% 3.3% Subcompact Car $16,461 $16,635 $16,529 -1.0% -0.4% Subcompact SUV/Crossover $24,482 $24,357 $24,734 0.5% -1.0% Van $34,579 $35,341 $33,330 -2.2% 3.7% Grand Total $34,948 $34,999 $34,367 -0.1% 1.7% *Kelley Blue Book average transaction prices do not include applied consumer incentives

To discuss this topic, or any other automotive-related information, with a Kelley Blue Book analyst on-camera via the company's on-site studio, please contact a member of the Public Relations team to book an interview.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb, and get updates on Google+ at https://plus.google.com/+kbb.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book Trade-In Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new and used cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com ranked highest in its category for brand equity by the 2016 Harris Poll EquiTrend study and has been named Online Auto Shopping Brand of the Year for five consecutive years. Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. is a Cox Automotive brand.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Autotrader, Dealer.com, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital, vAuto, Xtime and a host of other brands. The global company has 33,000 team members in more than 200 locations and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, while engaging U.S. consumer car buyers with the most recognized media brands in the industry. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues of $18 billion and approximately 60,000 employees. Cox Enterprises' other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, visit www.coxautoinc.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121108/LA08161LOGO

SOURCE Kelley Blue Book

Related Links

http://www.kbb.com


LONDON, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

SponsoredAds.Partners; A Certified Google Partner Selected To Launch & Offer SME's The NEW 2017 Google Ad Doctor Campaign. Established since 2008 - Offices In London, Manchester & Florida.

So What Is Google Ad Doctor?



The All New Google Ad Doctor is due to launch towards the end of this year 2016, changing the way you now advertise on the Google search engine. This NEW Google Ad Doctor Campaign offers SME's around the world the opportunity to secure a city/county/state or province under exclusivity, but most important without paying any click charges.

Currently the only advertising platform which allows your business to appear on Google is something called Pay Per Click, however for the FIRST time ever, SponsoredAds.Partners are to launch the industry's Game Changer! Imagine being on the First Page Of Google for your chosen key phrases, but without having to worry about a Click Charge?

Some say, this is what Millions were screaming for!

The All New Campaign offers one company per market sector, per state, the opportunity to secure phrases on Google.

NEW Google Click To SMS

When users click on a message extension or icon, their phone's SMS app will launch automatically.

For message extensions, this new format allows advertisers to include a call to action in the extension text.

Google Ad Doctor also set up an initial text that pre-populates in the messaging app after a user clicks the extension. You are able to edit that message before sending, but it's an opportunity for Ad Doctor clients to help users save time by anticipating what they're likely to be interested in. Ad Doctor Clients that are able to get that right will likely see better engagement rates.

Speak to your Google Ad Doctor Technician for further details.

Some Major Key Points You Need To Know:

100% Exclusive To One Company Per Market Sector

No Contracts

No Additional Click Charges

Live On Google Within 48 Hours

Google Ad Doctor is managed by SponsoredAds.Partners, and only offered to selected companies, so look out for a call, as they come on a first come first serve basis.

To find out more, visit Google Ad Doctor - SponsoredAds.Partners - https://sponsoredads.partners/google-ad-doctor/

SOURCE Google Ad Doctor-SponsoredAds.Partners
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A growing list of Tesla crashes demonstrates the urgent need to regulate the vehicles' "Autopilot" feature, Consumer Watchdog said today, reiterating its call to the California DMV to act and for the company to disable the feature.

Earlier this week a Tesla smashed into a construction barrier truck on the German autobahn while traveling at a high rate of speed and likely with Autopilot engaged. Although the car smashed under the truck, the driver was seriously injured, but not killed.

But in early November a Tesla crashed into a tree in Indianapolis and burst into flames killing its two occupants. Investigators are probing whether Autopilot was a factor, but the company says the car was too badly damaged to transmit data to its servers and that it could not be determined if Autopilot was engaged.

The German Department of Transportation has banned use of the term "Autopilot" in Germany, but Tesla is reported to be resisting.

"How many more lives must be lost and crashes happen before Tesla Chairman Elon Musk will take responsibility and act to protect our safety?" asked John M. Simpson, Consumer Watchdog Privacy Project Director.

The crash on the German autobahn was similar to a fatal crash in China in January when the Tesla smashed into a slow-moving truck. In May a Tesla driver using Autopilot was killed when his car smashed under a truck turning in front of him. View a video of the Chinese crash, taken from the doomed vehicle here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wzqGwUr47s

"The problem is that Tesla encourages people to believe Autopilot can do more than it really can," said Simpson. "The name itself is a huge problem."

Consumer Watchdog produced a video showing how Tesla and Musk have irresponsibly hyped their vehicles' capabilities, which has received significant attention online. View Consumer Watchdog's video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDv9TEXtHzw

Meanwhile, the California DMV has proposed autonomous vehicle regulations that would prevent auto manufacturers from using terms like "autopilot" and "self-driving" when the vehicles are not truly autonomous. The proposed California regulations are part of larger regulatory package and probably won't take effect for at least a year.

On Tuesday Consumer Watchdog called on the DMV to break-out the advertising regulation from the larger package and immediately start a formal rulemaking to enact it. View Consumer Watchdog's letter to DMV Director Jean Shiomoto here: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/ltrdmv112316.pdf

"Tesla should stop using drivers as human guinea pigs and disable autopilot. Musk needs to stop irresponsibly hyping what the feature can do. It's not self-driving and drivers must be completely engaged with their hands on the wheel," said Simpson.

View the California DMV's new draft autonomous vehicle regulations here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/211897ae-c58a-4f28-a2b7-03cbe213e51d/avexpressterms_93016.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

Related Links

http://www.consumerwatchdog.org


DALLAS, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Capital, Inc. (the "Company"), a non-traded publicly registered business development company and affiliate of Highland Capital Management, L.P., today announced that it will commence a voluntary tender offer on or about December 1, 2016 (the "Tender Offer") for up to 2.5% of its outstanding common stock ("Shares") at a price equal to 90% of the offering price per Share in effect on the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) (the date of repurchase) and any unpaid dividends accrued through the expiration date of the Tender Offer.

This announcement is not a recommendation, an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell Shares of the Company. The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a tender offer statement on Schedule TO and related exhibits, including an offer to purchase, a related letter of transmittal and other related documents (the "Tender Offer Documents"). The Tender Offer Documents will be sent by mail to holders of the Shares. Shareholders of the Company may obtain additional copies of the Tender Offer Documents for the Company, without charge, by contacting the Tender Agent for the Tender Offer, DST Systems, Inc., at 1-844-485-9167. Shareholders can also obtain the Tender Offer Documents free of charge on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders should read these documents and related exhibits, as the documents contain important information about the Company's Tender Offer.

Any questions regarding the Tender Offer can be directed to the Company's Tender Agent, DST Systems, Inc., at 1-844-485-9167. The Company's current offering price for its Shares, $10.25 per share as of November 21, 2016, as well as other information, including information about management and the healthcare-focused investment strategy, are available at http://nexpointcapital.com. The information on or accessible through http://nexpointcapital.com is not incorporated by reference herein.

About NexPoint Advisors and NexPoint Capital, Inc.

NexPoint Capital, Inc. is a healthcare-focused business development company sponsored and managed by NexPoint Advisors, L.P., an affiliate of Highland Capital Management, L.P. NexPoint Advisors, L.P., is an SEC-registered investment advisor to the closed end fund, NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund.

About Highland Capital Management, L.P.

Highland Capital Management, L.P. is an SEC-registered investment adviser which, together with our affiliates, has approximately $15.4 billion of assets under management. Founded in 1993 by Jim Dondero and Mark Okada, Highland is one of the largest and most experienced global alternative credit managers. Highland specializes in credit strategies, such as credit hedge funds, long only funds and separate accounts, distressed and special situation private equity, and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). Highland also offers alternative investments, including emerging markets, long/short equities, and natural resources. Highland's diversified client base includes public pension plans, foundations, endowments, corporations, financial institutions, fund of funds, governments, and high net-worth individuals. Highland is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and maintains offices in New York, Sao Paolo, Singapore, and Seoul.

Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of NexPoint Advisors, L.P.'s or Highland Capital Management L.P.'s sponsored investment products, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax laws. Readers should carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only on the date at which such statements are made. NexPoint Advisors, L.P. and Highland Capital Management L.P. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statement.

This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Neither the Company, nor the Company's Board of Directors, nor NexPoint Advisors, L.P., makes any recommendation as to whether to tender or not to tender any Shares in the Tender Offer. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission.

For information on the Tender Offer:

Financial Advisors: 855-498-1580

Shareholders: 844-485-9167

Highland Media Relations: 972-419-6272

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160901/403583LOGO

SOURCE NexPoint Capital, Inc.
TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) announced the passage of federal legislation to improve the administration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) Program for disabled veterans. Under the Veterans Mobility Safety Act, vendors participating in the AAE Program will be required to demonstrate compliance with quality and safety standards.

The VA is responsible for administering a program that provides eligible disabled veterans with vehicle modifications to complement prescribed AAE (e.g., driving controls, wheelchair and scooter lifts, reduced-effort steering and braking systems, and other medically necessary adaptive equipment). Current federal law does not require a demonstration of competency from vendors providing AAE services, meaning any individual or business  regardless of education, training, expertise, or ability  is legally permitted to provide, install, or repair a disabled veteran's AAE.

In recent years NMEDA has received an increasing number of reports regarding quality and safety concerns from veterans receiving services through the AAE Program. In response, NMEDA began working with Congress on a legislative solution: The Veterans Mobility Safety Act. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) shepherded the policy proposal through multiple House and Senate hearings, culminating in final passage on November 29, 2016. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law this month.

"Requiring that vendors offering AAE services be certified in accordance with minimum quality and safety standards is simply a matter of common-sense. The VA's longtime lack of AAE Program standards only served to diminish the quality of VA healthcare, compromise the safety of veterans and the driving public, and waste taxpayer dollars fixing avoidable mistakes," said Dave Hubbard, CEO of NMEDA.

The Veterans Mobility Safety Act was supported by leading veterans service organization Paralyzed Veterans of America, as well as Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Blinded Veterans Association and VetsFirst (a program of United Spinal Association). Coalition partners in the adaptive technology and rehabilitation communities included the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) and the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART). Representatives Julia Brownley (D-CA) and Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) were also instrumental to the legislation's success.

As technology and adaptive equipment advance, allowing more and more drivers with disabilities to operate motor vehicles, safe equipment and appropriate installations are more important than ever.

"Paralyzed veterans who enjoy the independence and opportunity that driving an adaptive vehicle offers will intimately understand the importance of this legislation," said Sherman Gillums Jr., Executive Director of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "These vehicles need to be as safe as possible and function properly, and this bill takes us in the right direction to achieve just that."

About the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association:

Founded in 1989 as a non-profit trade association, the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) supports more than 600 mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers and driver rehabilitation specialists in the U.S. and Canada dedicated to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities. NMEDA is the sponsor of National Mobility Awareness Month each May and the Local Heroes Contest that celebrates Life Moving Forward. For information on NMEDA, please visit www.nmeda.com, as well as Facebook and Twitter. Visit MobilityAwarenessMonth.com for the National Mobility Awareness Month.

For more information:

Valentina Rodriguez

[email protected]

Work: (407) 302-4416

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150610/222234LOGO

SOURCE NMEDA

Related Links

http://www.nmeda.com


PROVO, Utah, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS) today announced it will host its annual investor day presentation on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, in New York. Key members of Nu Skin's management team will discuss operational results and introduce plans for 2017.

For those who cannot attend the event in person, a webcast of the event will begin at 9 a.m. EST and will be available at ir.nuskin.com. A replay of the webcast, along with accompanying slides and financial information, will be made available from the same location through the end of the year.

About Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.

Founded more than 30 years ago, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. develops and distributes innovative consumer products, offering a comprehensive line of premium-quality beauty and wellness solutions in more than 50 markets worldwide. The company builds upon its scientific expertise in both skin care and nutrition to continually develop innovative product brands that include the Nu Skin personal care brand, the Pharmanex nutrition brand, and most recently, the ageLOC anti-aging brand. Since its introduction in 2008, the ageLOC brand has generated more than $5 billion in sales, and built a loyal following for such products as the ageLOC Youth nutritional supplement, the ageLOC Me customized skin care system, as well as the ageLOC TR90 weight management and body shaping system. Nu Skin sells its products through a global network of sales leaders. As a long-standing member of direct selling associations globally, Nu Skin is committed to the industry's consumer guidelines that protect and support those who sell and purchase its products through the direct selling channel. Nu Skin is also traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NUS." More information is available at nuskin.com.

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SOURCE Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.

Related Links

http://nuskin.com


LOS ANGELES, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- LTL ATTORNEYS LLP (LTL) is proud to welcome Patricia Kinaga to its partnership. Ms. Kinaga is widely regarded for her extensive first chair jury trial work in both state and federal courts. For over 20 years, Ms. Kinaga has focused her practice on employment litigation, including class actions, representing private and public employers in high-profile cases. Together with Steve Gonzalez, Ms. Kinaga will serve as co-chair of LTL's growing employment and class action litigation group.

Ms. Kinaga began her legal career at the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, where she gained considerable first chair trial experience, first as a prosecutor specializing in domestic violence and child abuse cases, then as a civil trial attorney in the Employee Relations Section. From there she was recruited to Seyfarth Shaw, where she was promoted to partner. She later became a partner at Jones Day before managing her own firm for the last 8 years.

Her successful first chair trial experience in sensitive cases, including defending a discrimination case brought by a quadriplegic LAUSD school teacher, prosecuting a disciplinary arbitration against a police officer accused of homicide, and defending a large national clothing retailer in a Muslim religious discrimination case, has resulted in her reputation as a preeminent employment trial attorney. Throughout her career, she has been selected to handle difficult matters, including the disciplinary cases against the officers charged in shooting black motorist Tyisha Miller, which drew national attention, a class action involving a popular food chain, and one of the country's first high profile matters involving a transgender manager. She is also well respected for her expertise in providing preventive advice to help employers avoid litigation. Her practice has included companies in the retail, manufacturing, banking, high tech, healthcare, restaurant and real estate industries, as well as non-profit corporations.

Ms. Kinaga has been appointed to the American Bar Association Commission on Disability Rights, and is a member of the Chancery Club. She has served on the President's Committee on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities, the State Bar Committee on Women, and the State Bar Section on Labor, Public Sector Subcommittee. She is a former president of the Japanese American Bar Association, and is co-founder of a dispute resolution center, a women's shelter, and a state-wide organization serving Asians and Pacific Islanders with disabilities. Ms. Kinaga has received numerous community service awards, including from Asian Americans Advancing Justice and the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund, and was honored with the State Assembly and Senate Women in Business Award, and the prestigious Peter E. Haas Public Service Award from the University of California, Berkeley.

"We are thrilled to have Patty join us as our partner," said LTL co-founder James M. Lee. "She is a community leader, and has mentored many young attorneys. Her extensive experience and excellent reputation as a trial attorney further enhances LTL's capabilities in handling high profile and complex cases, as we continue to build a national powerhouse firm that features a diverse trial team."

About LTL LTL Attorneys LLP (LTL) is a national boutique law firm focused solely on complex litigation, arbitrations and trials. Based in California, LTL tackles matters nationwide and represents global companies. LTL was named as one of ten firms to the National Law Journal's Litigation Boutiques Hot List. The firm's attorneys have practiced at prominent law firms including Quinn Emanuel, Morgan Lewis, Lovells, Manatt Phelps, and Perkins Coie, and are graduates of top law schools. Primary practice areas include complex business litigation, intellectual property litigation, class actions, and employment defense. LTL is a pioneer in the area of alternative fee arrangements, having devised and implemented numerous such arrangements for the most complex litigation matters. For more information, please contact partner Thomas Suh at 949-536-8421 / [email protected] or visit our website at www.ltlattorneys.com.

SOURCE LTL Attorneys LLP

Related Links

http://www.ltlattorneys.com


MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Premiere Resource, a specialized division of Smart Source LLC, announces today the achievement of ISO 13485:2003 Certification and the implementation of the 13485 Quality Management System. Premiere Resource, a Smart Source company, is an end-to-end service provider for the entire print, production and fulfillment process, working specifically with risk-based Lifesciences companies regulated by the FDA and other government bodies.

"We achieved the ISO 13485 certification in less than six months, which is a testament to the rigor and teamwork of Premiere Resource employees. This is a key step toward marketing products to future Lifesciences clients in the US, Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan," explains Bob Mehta, VP of Quality and Compliance. "We combine our certification with a quality team that has over 85 years of collective experience."

Premiere Resource offers a full suite of services including compliance labels, from expanded content labels (ECL) to Thermal Transfer Labels, IFUs, folding cartons and flexible packaging. VMI (Vendor managed Inventory), consignment and other inventory management solutions are also provided along with warehousing and distribution.

With a team of industry experts, Premiere Resource is hands-on through the entire production process, developing customized solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients across a variety of industries.

"Our core focus as a company has been to find innovative solutions that meet our client's needs, leveraging our industry experience and expertise in a highly sensitive, and detailed process," explains Joel Mester, President of Premiere Resource. "We understand the cost of poor quality and we are committed to getting it right the first time."

Located in Mission Viejo, CA, with manufacturing and distribution centers on both the east and west coast, Premiere Resource is known for superior process management and quality control. The company has over 30 years of experience in regulated print and production services and has been a division of Smart Source LLC since April 2013.

"Smart Source is a company with category expertise in print and production. We provide the best possible product, in terms of cost, quality and service, and we are constantly evolving to meet the growing needs of our clients," explains Tom D'Agostino Jr. CEO of Smart Source. "Our ISO certified division, Premiere Resource, takes this to the next level, by being able to offer a wide range of government regulated industries from device manufacturers to aviation, the best possible services and products, to meet the very specific needs of the FDA."

For more information visit www.premiere-resource.com

Contact:

Ann Jonas

[email protected]

SOURCE Premiere Resource; Smart Source LLC

Related Links

http://www.premiere-resource.com


PRINCETON, N.J., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Princeton based Process Stream, a leader in Quality and Compliance Consulting for regulated industries, has been awarded a spot on the highly coveted list of New Jersey's 2016 Fifty Fastest Growing Companies.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444149

The NJBIZ 50 Fastest Growing Companies awards program celebrates New Jersey's most dynamic companies who progressively contribute to the success of the state's economic growth and stability. To qualify, companies had to meet strict selection criteria and show significant revenue growth over a three year period, dating from fiscal year 2013 to 2015.

"We are so honored to be awarded this great distinction alongside so many great NJ companies. We are very excited to continue to grow and expand within NJ and work closely with the amazing companies and universities that also call New Jersey home. We look forward to not only expanding our consulting practice, but also have several products coming to market which should continue to accelerate our growth," said Bobby Roy, Managing Director at Process Stream regarding the award.

The award program produced by NJBIZ, New Jersey's premier business news publication, was presented by WeiserMazars LLP and sponsored by UnitedHealthcare, Archer & Greiner, M&T Bank, Wilmington Trust, and iPlay America.

NJBIZ and program sponsors honored this year's event during an awards ceremony on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, New Jersey. The Palace at Somerset Park hosted over 300 attendees, where everyone came together to celebrate the great attributions of the fifty companies. The winners were also highlighted in a special supplement to NJBIZ.

Media Contact:

Megan McCaslin

6092855000

www.process-stream.com

SOURCE Process Stream

Related Links

http://www.process-stream.com


Lung function measurements provide a physiological perspective on diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With regular assessment, spirometry can help patients and physicians determine whether the disease is progressing, and how patients are responding to treatment. With the addition of MIR spirometers to its platform, Propeller is the only commercially marketed respiratory digital health solution to include FDA cleared inhaler sensors, digital interfaces and truly mobile spirometers.

Healthcare organizations and pharmaceutical partners using Propeller can incorporate MIR's spirometers into their clinical and commercial programs, thereby adding another important signal in the digital management of patients with asthma and COPD. Data from these devices will be automatically routed to the Propeller platform where patients and physicians can evaluate their status.

"We're excited to partner with MIR to introduce their connected spirometers to participants in Propeller," said David Van Sickle, CEO. "Periodic assessment can be helpful in monitoring whether treatment is truly controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. These next-generation, mobile spirometers make it possible for patients to better understand their lung function at home and in the community."

"I am excited about this partnership with Propeller as it offers our customers a new option in the digital management of respiratory diseases making available a comprehensive range of sensors. It happens at the right time now that MIR has launched a new generation of truly "Smart" spirometers, which provide the same accuracy of a clinical setting and connect wirelessly to the Propeller System," commented John Cello, National Sales and Business Development Manager MIR USA Inc.

About Propeller

Propeller empowers people with asthma and COPD to live measurably better lives. In 2010, Propeller set out to modernize respiratory medicine, help people minimize the impact of asthma and COPD on their daily lives, and connect them to their physicians, environment and community. Propeller's information-powered approach to respiratory management guides physicians and patients to the optimal path of therapy for each individual. With connected inhalers, digital interfaces, mobile spirometers and real-time personalized insights, participants receive personal guidance and expert direction anytime. Backed by 3M Ventures (NYSE: MMM), SR One (venture capital arm of GSK), Hikma Ventures (LON: HIK), Safeguard Scientifics (NYSE: SFE), Social Capital and other investors, Propeller has been used by patients with asthma or COPD in over 45 commercial programs across the US at major healthcare systems, payers, employers and other commercial partners. The company has been recognized as the recipient of the American Telemedicine Association's 2016 President's Award for Innovation in Remote Healthcare and as one of the top "Fierce 15" medical device companies in 2015 by FierceMedicalDevices. For more information visit: www.propellerhealth.com

About MIR

Since 1993, MIR Italy designs, develops, manufactures and distributes a highly technological, innovative and comprehensive range of portable spirometers, oximeters and solutions for telemedicine, clinical trials and patient self-monitoring. The cornerstone of MIR spirometry technology is the FlowMIR disposable turbine. User-friendliness makes all our devices ideal for both specialists and family doctors. MIR is one of the most active companies in the world for emerging trends like wireless real-time health monitoring and truly mobile instruments for personal care providing fast and intuitive solutions for modern professionals. MIR continues to strive for advancement of spirometry technology with many new products on the horizon reflecting the evolving needs of modern healthcare. Today MIR, Medical International Research, is present in more than 93 countries worldwide.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444555

SOURCE Propeller Health

Related Links

http://www.propellerhealth.com


With cold weather just around the corner, PSE&G reminds customers that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now accepting applications for the 2016- 2017 heating season. LIHEAP is a program run by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs that helps low-income residents with their heating and medically-necessary cooling bills.

"We want to spread the word that there is help available for low income families who struggle to pay their utility bills," said Greg Dunlap, PSE&G's Vice President of Customer Operations. "Under LIHEAP, those who are income eligible may receive an average of $300 toward their heating bills."

LIHEAP eligibility is based solely on last month's household gross income and household size. To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, the applicant's household gross income must meet monthly income guidelines listed on the chart below. For example, a family of four with a monthly income of $4,050 or less per month may be eligible and should apply.

LIHEAP

To receive LIHEAP assistance, customers may pay their heating costs directly, pay their landlord according to their usage, or have their heating included in their rent. Homeowners and those who rent are both eligible and should apply.

For more information or, to download a LIHEAP application or find out where to apply, visit www.pseg.com/help or call 1-800-510-3102. Applications are also available at the PSE&G's 16 walk-in Customer Service Centers listed on your bill. Remember, applications and copies of all requested documents must be submitted by mail or in person to the designated agency in your county by April 30, 2017.

Representatives from state LIHEAP intake agencies are available some days at the following PSE&G Customer Service Centers to help income-eligible people complete the applications. You can apply at a location in the county in which you live.

Bergen County

Greater Bergen Community Action Inc. at PSE&G Hackensack Customer Service Center

214 Hudson Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

Essex County

La Casa de Don Pedro at PSE&G Newark Customer Service Center

80 Park Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102

Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

Maximum 50 clients daily for application drop-off

La Casa de Don Pedro at PSE&G West Orange Customer Service Center

59 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 a.m.  4:00 p.m.

Maximum 50 clients daily for application drop-off

Hudson County

B.E.O.F. at PSE&G Bayonne Customer Service Center

608 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002

Monday  Friday, 9:00 a.m.  3:00 p.m.

P.A.C.O. at PSE&G Jersey City Customer Service Center

35 Journal Square, Store #2, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.  4:00 p.m.

P.A.C.O. at PSE&G Union City Customer Service Center

4808 Bergenline Avenue, Union City, NJ 07087

Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.  4:00 p.m.

UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND (USF)

The LIHEAP application is also an application for the Universal Service Fund (USF). USF is a program created by the State of New Jersey that can lower the amount low-income households pay for gas and electric bills with a monthly credit of $5 to $150. Applications for USF are accepted year-round.

OTHER PROGRAMS

PSE&G households who are not eligible for low income programs and are behind in their PSE&G bill should visit www.pseg.com/help for other programs like the TRUE Grant, PAGE Grant, or NJ SHARES. Seniors over age of 65 or disabled adults collecting Social Security Title II Disability may be eligible for the New Jersey Lifeline Credit program. NJ Lifeline provides a $225 yearly credit on your PSE&G bill.

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company.

Want to know what's new at PSEG? Go to www.pseg.com/getnews and sign up to have our press releases sent right to your inbox.

Visit PSEG at:

www.pseg.com

PSEG on Facebook

PSEG on Twitter

PSEG on LinkedIn

PSEG blog, Energize!

PDF - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/ENR/LIHEAP-Chart-12.1.16.pdf

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SOURCE PSE&G

Related Links

http://www.pseg.com


BURLINGTON, Mass., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Qstream, makers of sales acceleration software that uses science, data, and mobile technology to ignite high-performing teams, has completed a $15 million Series B round of funding led by Polaris Partners, with participation by existing investors Frontline Ventures, Launchpad Venture Group, and Excel Venture Management. The Series B funding brings Qstream's total VC investment to $23 million, and will be used to help the company more rapidly increase US and EMEA market share. As part of the funding, Gary Swart, partner at Polaris, will join the Qstream board of directors.

Selected as one of the top 100 fastest growing companies in North America on the 2016 Deloitte Fast 500 list, Qstream has achieved cumulative revenue growth of 1,000%+ over the past three years. Its award-winning sales acceleration platform allows large sales organizations to drive revenue through a data-driven approach to helping busy sales leaders reinforce critical sales behaviors with an engaging user experience that's non-disruptive to selling time. Client results have included a 20% increase in annual quota attainment, 3% improvement in gross margin, and 12% market share gain. With offices in Boston, San Francisco, Dublin, and London, Qstream currently serves 300+ global brands in the technology, financial services, and pharmaceutical industries, including LinkedIn, Mastercard, Sun Life Financial, Pfizer, and BristolMyers Squibb.

Polaris' Swart specializes in the emerging sales technology market and formerly served as CEO of oDesk, the world's largest online workplace, which he guided to industry leadership and through a successful merger with Elance. "Qstream's promise as a transformative SaaS technology lies in its unique ability to use data, science, and an engaging mobile interface to address the human side of sales acceleration," said Swart, partner, Polaris Partners. "While there has been an influx of innovative new sales technologies, we were immediately impressed with Qstream's ability to tackle an aspect not yet addressed by others, and the scientific backing of its ability to change sales behaviors at scale."

"We're tremendously honored to have the validation of Polaris Partners, with its notable track record in the $12 billion sales acceleration market, to complement the expertise we have come to enjoy from our existing investment partners as Qstream enters its next phase," said Duncan Lennox, CEO and co-founder of Qstream. "Sales processes remain ripe for disruption and, with the addition of this funding and expertise, Qstream's singular ability to address the human side of sales is well-positioned to change how enterprises achieve sales optimization now and into the foreseeable future."

About Qstream

Qstream's sales performance platform is used by leading brands in technology, financial services and life sciences, including 14 of the world's top 15 pharmaceutical companies, to manage the effectiveness of their sales teams and front-line managers at scale. Qstream's scientific approach has been validated in more than 20 randomized control trials to boost performance and durably change behaviors in just minutes a day using any mobile device. To learn more, visit Qstream.com, follow us @Qstream or like us at facebook.com/Qstream.

About Polaris Partners

Polaris Partners invests in exceptional technology and healthcare companies across all stages of their life cycles. With offices in Boston, San Francisco, and Dublin, we partner globally with an unparalleled network of entrepreneurs, top scientists and emerging innovators who are making significant contributions in their fields and improving the way in which we live and work. For more information, visit www.polarispartners.com.

Media Contact:

Julie Murphy

Qstream Media Relations

[email protected]

+1 781-205-2045

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160509/365317LOGO

SOURCE Qstream

Related Links

http://qstream.com


THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., Dec. 01, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualtek Electronics Corporation met with Digi-Key Electronics, a global electronic components distributor, to honor the company with a plaque commemorating the 30-year partnership between the two companies. While visiting, Qualtek used the opportunity to present Digi-Key with the 2015 Distributor of the Year Award in person.

Marc Kaluza (left) and Todd Jesme (Right) of Digi-Key with Qualtek's 30-Year Partnership Plaque

"It has been our pleasure to have partnered with Digi-Key for over 30 years," said John Hallums, President of Qualtek Electronics Corp. "We present this plaque to be a reminder of our gratitude for their continued patronage and support that has been vital to our growth; for that we are most thankful."

The award and partnership plaque were presented by John Hallums, President, and Tim Gannon, Regional Sales Manager of Qualtek Electronics Corp. and presented to Todd Jesme, Director, Electromechanical, and Marc Kaluza, Product Manager at Digi-Key.

"We are honored to reach and be recognized for this impressive milestone in our strong relationship with Qualtek," said Tom Busher, VP, Global I P & E at Digi-Key. "As both companies continue to grow and innovate within our industry, we look forward to continuing to work closely together in order to best serve our mutual global customer base."

To view Qualtek's full selection of products available for immediate shipment, visit the Digi-Key website.

About Qualtek Electronics Corp.

Qualtek Electronics offers a vast array of fan accessories, AC receptacles, international and domestic power cords and cordsets, and EMI power line filters. The fan accessories line includes a wide selection of wire form fan guards, plastic fan guards, plastic fan filter assemblies, aluminum fan filters and fan power cords. The primary power components product line consists of inlets, outlets, multi-function assemblies and power line filters. Power cords, both domestic and international are available in a wide range of plugs, connectors, cordage and colors. A full range of products are maintained in inventory for quick, on-time deliveries. Like Qualtek on Facebook or follow us @qualtekelectron on twitter.

About Digi-Key Electronics

Digi-Key Electronics, based in Thief River Falls, Minn., is a global, full-service distributor of both prototype/design and production quantities of electronic components, offering more than five million products from over 650 quality name-brand manufacturers. With over 1.3 million products in stock and an impressive selection of online resources, Digi-Key is committed to stocking the broadest range of electronic components in the industry and providing the best service possible to its customers. Additional information and access to Digi-Key's broad product offering is available at www.digikey.com.

Editorial Contact for Digi-Key Electronics



Kayla Krosschell

Marketing Communications Specialist

1.800.338.4105 x1098

[email protected]

[email protected]

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SOURCE Digi-Key Electronics

Related Links

http://www.digikey.com


"Our objective is to provide the very best customer service in the industry with an unrivaled passion for patients," said Gary Hendler, Chief Commercial Officer of Eisai's Oncology Business Group. "Rebecca has had tremendous success in launching oncology brands, developing and collaborating on disease awareness initiatives, implementing return-to-growth strategies, and leading large cross-functional teams in working together to deliver high quality value to customers and patients. We are confident that Rebecca's extensive experience and proven leadership will help drive the growth of Eisai's oncology business in the Americas, and ensure that all appropriate on label patients have rapid and sustained access to our innovative cancer medicines."

Ms. Jolley joins Eisai from Novartis, where she spent 24 years in a variety of increasingly responsible roles, including sales, market access, marketing, brand leadership and general management. She started her career with Novartis in the UK, then transferred to the U.S. to join Novartis Oncology. During her tenure, she held a number of executive leadership roles that included Vice President, Oncology General Manager for Australia and New Zealand; Vice President, US Oncology Marketing; Vice President, Global Disease Leader Chronic Myeloid Leukemia; and Vice President and Head, Cardiovascular & Respiratory Business Unit.

Ms. Jolley is a graduate of Lancaster University in England, where she holds a BSc Honors First Class in Geography and Biological Sciences. She has been a member of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) since 2005.

Eisai Inc.

At Eisai Inc., human health care (hhc) is our goal. We give our first thoughts to patients and their families, and helping to increase the benefits health care provides. As the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., we have a passionate commitment to patient care that is the driving force behind our efforts to discover and develop innovative therapies to help address unmet medical needs.

Eisai is a fully integrated pharmaceutical business that operates in two global business groups: oncology and neurology (dementia-related diseases and neurodegenerative diseases). Each group functions as an end-to-end global business with discovery, development, and marketing capabilities. Our U.S. headquarters, commercial and clinical development organizations are located in New Jersey; our discovery labs are in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; and our global demand chain organization resides in Maryland and North Carolina. To learn more about Eisai Inc., please visit us at www.eisai.com/US.

Eisai Co. Ltd.

Eisai Co., Ltd. is a leading global research and development-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. We define our corporate mission as "giving first thought to patients and their families and to increasing the benefits health care provides," which we call our human health care (hhc) philosophy. With over 10,000 employees working across our global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to realize our hhc philosophy by delivering innovative products in various therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs, including oncology and neurology. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.

Media Inquiries Investor Inquiries Patti Councill Ivor Macleod Eisai Inc. Eisai Inc. 201-746-2139 201-746-2178

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SOURCE Eisai Inc.

Related Links

http://www.eisai.com


LONDON, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Synopsis

Timetric's 'Reinsurance in South Korea Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides detailed analysis of the market trends, drivers and challenges in the South Korean reinsurance segment.



It provides values for key performance indicators such as written premium, reinsurance ceded and reinsurance accepted during the review period (20112015) and forecast period (20152020).



The report also analyses information pertaining to the competitive landscape in the country, gives a comprehensive overview of the South Korean economy and demographics, and provides detailed analysis of natural hazards and their impact on the South Korean insurance industry.



The report brings together Timetric's research, modeling and analysis expertise to enable reinsurers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and access profiles of reinsurers operating in the country.



Summary

Timetric's 'Reinsurance in South Korea Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the South Korean reinsurance segment, including:



- The outlook for the South Korean reinsurance segment



- A comprehensive overview of the South Korean economy and demographics



- Detailed analysis of natural hazards and their impact on the South Korean insurance industry



- The competitive landscape in the South Korean reinsurance segment



Scope

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the reinsurance segment in South Korea:



- It provides historical values for the South Korean reinsurance segment for the report's 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.



- It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the South Korean reinsurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020.



- It provides a detailed analysis of the reinsurance ceded from various direct insurance segments in South Korea, and the reinsurance segment's growth prospects.



- It analyzes various natural hazards and their impact on the South Korean insurance industry.



Reasons To Buy

- Make strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the South Korean reinsurance segment, and each category within it.



- Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the South Korean reinsurance segment.



- Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories.



- Gain insights into key regulations governing the South Korean insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.



Key Highlights

- The reinsurance gross written premium in South Korea recorded a review-period CAGR of 5.7%.



- Foreign reinsurers are permitted to establish branch offices and operate in South Korea after obtaining required licenses from the Financial Services Commission (FSC). In September 2016, for instance, the Singapore-based Asia Capital Re received a license from the FSC to open a branch office in South Korea.



- In December 2014, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) issued the Reinsurance Best Practice Guidelines for foreign reinsurers operating in South Korea. According to the amendment, foreign reinsurers are prohibited from conducting face-to-face marketing meetings with directors or employees of domestic insurers in the country.



- The segment is consolidated, with the five leading reinsurers  Korean Re, Munich Re, Swiss Re, Scor Re and RGA  together accounting for 98.1% of the segment's total gross written premium in 2015.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/1007312/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising Capital Associates, a leading structured settlement purchaser and annuity buyer, is giving a $1,000 scholarship to one student to assist them with their post-secondary education costs. The Rising Capital Associates Structured Settlements Scholarship is open to any student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program by September 1st, 2016 at any accredited U.S. college, university or institute.

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Each applicant must submit an essay of 2000 words or less, answering the question, "If you were offered a million dollar lump sum today, or three million dollars paid monthly over the next 30 years, which would you choose and why?" The essay must be submitted via an online form by Dec. 31, 2016.

The winning essay will be judged on the following criteria: content, style, creativity, and how persuasively the applicant presents his or her point of view. After the deadline of December 31, 2016, all entries will be reviewed and after review, the winning essay will be selected by a panel of three judges. All entries must be entered through the official Rising Capital Associates Structured Settlements Scholarship submission form.

"We know that college can be expensive," said Gina Tedesco at Rising Capital Associates. "We want to assist in making it a bit easier for students to focus on their studies by offering a scholarship to assist with school-related expenses."

The applicant of the winning essay will receive a one-time scholarship of $1,000 to be applied to school-related expenses including tuition, fees, books, and on-campus room and board.

About Rising Capital Associates

Rising Capital Associates has over 30 years of combined industry experience in the life settlement market. The company focuses on working with you to find a solution that meets your financial needs. They help customers with structured settlements and annuity purchasing, and have a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Rising Capital Associates is dedicated to providing clients with the best lump sum purchase for your structured settlement, annuity, or lottery payment.

For more information, please visit http://www.rcapitalassociates.com/ or call 855-805-3863.

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Rising Capital Associates

Related Links

http://www.rcapitalassociates.com


OLD BRIDGE, N.J., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- R.J. Brunelli & Co., LLC today announced the recent completion of a series of leases that will introduce national retailers, restaurants, automotive, and personal service providers to sites across New Jersey and in Louisiana.

In its capacity as Dollar Tree's exclusive real estate representative for all of New Jersey, the Old Bridge-based firm brokered a lease that will bring the nation's largest single-price-point retailer to an 11,585-square-foot freestanding building at 315 E. Main St., near Wrightstown Rd. Located directly across the street from McGuire Air Force Base, the building previously housed a furniture store. R.J. Brunelli President/Principal Danielle Brunelli-Albrecht brokered the deal for the store, which is expected to open next September.

As exclusive New Jersey tenant representative for Sally Beauty, Ms. Brunelli-Albrecht completed a deal that will bring the international specialty retailer and distributor of professional beauty supplies to an 1,865-square-foot space at the Shoppes at Flemington on Reaville Rd., near Rtes. 202 and 31. A mid- to late-December 2016 opening is planned at the 135,000-square-foot lifestyle center, whose tenants include Home Goods, Talbots, Ann Taylor Loft, Five Below, and Ulta Beauty.

In its new role representing Verizon TCC, the largest premium re-seller of Verizon Wireless products in the United States, R.J. Brunelli executed a pair of deals in southern New Jersey. At Peach Tree Plaza in Hammonton, TCC extended the lease for its 1,580-square-foot freestanding building. The 108,400-square-foot center on Whitehorse Pike is anchored by Shop Rite and Advance Auto Parts. In Cape May, the company renewed the lease for its 3,200-square-foot freestanding building at Court House Village, a 120,200-square-foot center on Court House Rd. anchored by TJ Max, Home Goods and Big Lots. Both deals were brokered by R.J. Brunelli CEO/Principal Ron DeLuca, who manages the TCC account. The firm serves as exclusive sub-broker for the chain in New Jersey for master national broker Sperry Van Ness.

As exclusive regional leasing representative for AAMCO, R.J. Brunelli brokered two deals that will bring the world's largest chain of transmission specialists and leader in total car care to sites in New Jersey and Louisiana. In New Jersey, the firm signed the chain for a 5,000-square-foot location at 1639 Main Ave., in Clifton, while in Louisiana, the firm represented the tenant in a lease for a 4,000-square-foot-space at 56381 Frank Pichon Rd. in Slidell. Both deals were brokered by Senior Sales Associate Patti Fiore, who serves as the firm's AAMCO account manager.

Meanwhile, The Max Challenge, the fast-growing New Jersey-based chain of fitness centers, recently debuted in three more locations in the central and northern parts of the state through deals brokered by R.J. Brunelli, which serves as the franchisor's exclusive national leasing representative. In the central region, the chain opened in a 2,752-square-foot space at Lexington Downs, located at 3 Lexington Ave. in East Brunswick, and in a 2,310-square-foot location at Treasure Island Plaza, a center anchored by Staples and Trader Joe's on Rte. 35 in Shrewsbury. In northern New Jersey, the chain opened in a 2,700-square-foot space on the second level of 136 Route 10 in East Hanover. R.J. Brunelli account manager Joseph AmecAngelo represented The Max Challenge on all three deals.

In her role as exclusive broker for European Wax Center and Massage Envy in central New Jersey, Ms. Brunelli-Albrecht completed leases for the chains at The District at Metuchen in Metuchen and at Aviation Plaza in Linden. At The District, a new 78,500-square-foot center on Middlesex Ave. anchored by Whole Foods, European Wax Center will occupy 1,500 square feet, while Massage Envy will debut in an adjoining 2,475-square-foot store. Both are expected to open this December. Meanwhile, at Aviation Plaza, late-spring 2017 openings are anticipated for European Wax Center in a 1,522-square-foot space and Massage Envy in a 2,598-square-foot space. Located near Rte. 1 on W. Edgar Rd., the 645,000-square-foot Aviation Plaza is anchored by Target, Home Depot, ShopRite, and AMC Theaters.

In Woodbridge, R.J. Brunelli Executive VP/Principal Bill Lenaz announced that a lease is out for signature with Metro Diner for an approximate 4,000-square-foot space at Richmond Plaza, a newly proposed center on Rte. 1 and St. George Ave. (Rte. 35). R.J. Brunelli is exclusive broker for the 94,200-square-foot property, where Lenaz previously signed Floor & Decor for a 74,200-square-foot anchor building. The store will be Floor & Decor's first location in central New Jersey.

Elsewhere in central New Jersey, Senior Sales Associate John Lenaz brokered a lease with Chartwells Staffing for a 925-square-foot space at Edison Commons on Route 27 in Edison, where a previously announced 17,000-square-foot freestanding Aldi store is expected to open before year's end. R.J. Brunelli is exclusive broker for the 32,400-square-foot property.

In another northern New Jersey transaction, Ms. Fiore represented the landlord in the sale of a 28,700-square-foot office building on Route 46 to Micro Logic. Additionally, Mr. AmecAngelo represented both the landlord and existing tenant Clean Car Wash in the tenant's acquisition of the 0.6-acre site located at 415 Irvington Ave. in South Orange.

About R.J. Brunelli & Co.

R.J. Brunelli & Co. serves as exclusive broker for 28 existing retail properties and nine centers under construction with a combined gross leasable area (GLA) exceeding 2.0 million square feet, along with three business locations for sale or lease, and five properties for sale. The properties are located throughout New Jersey. The firm also serves as exclusive or preferred tenant representative for more than 18 retail, restaurant and service chains. These include national assignments for AAMCO and Athena Learning Centers, as well as representation in various New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania counties for such major companies as Boston Market, Dollar Tree, Red Robin, Sally Beauty Supply, and Work Out World.

SOURCE R.J. Brunelli & Co., LLC

Related Links

http://www.njretailrealty.com


CHICAGO and LONDON, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago-based R.J. O'Brien & Associates (RJO), the oldest and largest independent futures brokerage and clearing firm in the United States, today announced that its London-based affiliate R.J. O'Brien Limited (RJO Limited) has won the award for "Best FCM  Technology" at the CTA Intelligence European Services Awards 2016.

This is the second consecutive year that the RJO UK affiliate has earned one of the magazine's European Services Awards, with a win last year as "Best FCM  Innovation."

Gerald Corcoran, RJO Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: "Since our 2015 acquisition of The Kyte Group, we have significantly enhanced our technological capabilities in Europe with a fully integrated FCM. We now have the infrastructure in place on the ground to offer robust technology not only on the trading side but in risk management, compliance and back-office operations. We're very pleased to receive this CTA Intelligence recognition of our efforts."

Thomas Texier, RJO Limited Chief Operating Officer, said: "Today's clients demand best-in-class technology from their brokerage firm, and RJO is committed to exceeding their expectations. Cutting-edge technology is a cornerstone of our offering in the UK, and we have benefited from a strong foundation, investment in new systems and a fantastic team that harnesses our resources to the benefit of our clients."

Last year, RJO's UK affiliate also won the Editor's Choice Award at the 2015 FOW International Awards, based on factors including growth prospects, company achievements and successful collaborations and acquisitions.

Published by Pageant Media, CTA Intelligence focuses on key issues for professionals working in the commodity trading advisor (CTA) and managed futures space. An independent panel of judges from CTA Intelligence and leading industry experts selected RJO Limited for the award, which was presented at a ceremony this week in London. Earlier this year, R.J. O'Brien & Associates won the award for "Best FCM  Innovation" at the magazine's U.S. Services Awards, after winning its 2014 award for "Best FCM  Client Service."

About R.J. O'Brien Limited

R.J. O'Brien Limited (RJOL) provides clearing and settlement services to professional and eligible counterparty clients who transact business on the world's leading futures and options exchanges. RJOL offers clearing and execution-only services, risk management and direct market access to exchange-listed financial and commodity derivatives worldwide. Proximity and colocation services are also provided by RJOL. RJO Limited is a UK affiliate of R.J. O'Brien & Associates, the oldest and largest independent futures brokerage and clearing firm in the United States. RJO offers state-of-the-art electronic trading and 24-hour trade execution on all major futures exchanges worldwide.

R.J. O'Brien Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 114120).

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SOURCE R.J. O'Brien & Associates

Related Links

http://www.rjobrien.com


TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- It may be toasty and humid in Central Florida, but the North Pole is coming to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay courtesy of Robert Half. The holidays will arrive early for more than 500 children in the city who will attend Robert Half's 8th annual Holiday Toy Drive and Christmas Party held on Saturday, December 10, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Joe & Ann Garcia Salesian Boys & Girls Club, located at 302 West Gladys Street in Tampa.

"Over the last eight years, we have grown and sustained a wonderful partnership with all of the Robert Half branch locations in Florida and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay," said Ryan Skubis, district director for Robert Half in Florida. "We've worked with our clients to carefully hand-pick toys that match the needs of all of our party guests."

The majority of the 500 guests of honor live in low-income communities in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, and regularly attend BGCs of Tampa Bay afterschool and outreach programs. For many children attending the party, these gifts are the only presents they will receive this holiday season. Since 2009, the annual Holiday Toy Drive and Christmas Party has served more than 1,900 children of the Tampa Bay BGCs.

"Collaborative partnerships are essential to ensure the sustainability and longevity of organizations like ours," said Chris Letsos, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. "Robert Half has not only engaged their team on a local level but are effectively leaving their philanthropic thumbprint on cities across the country, making the communities in which they live and work brighter, better and safer places for everyone. We are incredibly grateful for the countless hours and support given to our youth and families each year."

The day's festivities include food; games and crafts; and special appearances from Raymond, the mascot for the Tampa Bay Rays; and a host of 'superheroes,' 'princesses,' and 'characters' courtesy of the Much Foundation.

About Robert Half

Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The company has more than 325 staffing locations worldwide and offers job search services on its divisional websites, all of which can be accessed at roberthalf.com. For career and hiring advice, visit the Robert Half Blog at roberthalf.com/blog.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay has been a positive force in the community since 1926; enabling young people to become productive, responsible and caring citizens through structured programming, safe learning environments and dedicated staff. With a focus on three core priority outcomes  Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Improving Character & Leadership, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay provides opportunities to build new skills that raise a Club Member's belief that he or she can succeed and receive recognition for personal, social and academic accomplishments. With 18 Clubs throughout Hillsborough and Pasco counties and five school sites, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay makes futures great for more than 15,000 young people each year.

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SOURCE Robert Half

Related Links

https://www.roberthalf.com


EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands, December 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

DLL, a Rabobank subsidiary and global provider of asset-based financial solutions, confirmed the sale of its mobility solutions entity Athlon Car Lease International B.V. including all its subsidiaries to Daimler Financial Services, a division of Daimler AG.

The sale transaction, announced in July 2016 and valued at  1.1 billion, recently received final approvals and consents from the necessary regulatory authorities. The company will continue to operate under the Athlon brand name, with the current offices of Athlon in Almere, The Netherlands, serving as headquarters for the newly integrated fleet management company.

"We now hand over our vehicle leasing business to a company that possesses all prerequisites to continue Athlon's track record of success", stated Bill Stephenson, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of DLL. "This is the right step for Athlon and the right step for DLL, who can now wholly focus all of its resources, investments and innovation toward our core business of vendor finance, and create greater synergies with our parent, Rabobank."

Wiebe Draijer, CEO of Rabobank, commented: "This sale represents a positive outcome for all parties. Athlon now has the opportunity to grow under the leadership of Daimler Financial Services, and DLL will further sharpen its vendor finance focus and continue to fulfil an important strategic role in our overall product portfolio. The transaction will also improve the Common Equity Tier One (CET1) ratio of Rabobank by approximately 40 basis points, which is fully in line with our ambition to further strengthen our capital position."



http://www.dllgroup.com

Twitter: @DLLgroup

LinkedIn company page: http://www.linkedin.com/company/dllgroup

SOURCE DLL
NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Saudi Arabia has a huge construction market in the Middle East with enormous plans set by the Government to expand the country's infrastructure due to growing population and relative demand. Saudi has allocated USD 44 billion for investment in transport, telecommunications, water, agriculture and other related infrastructure, with main focus set on the transport development and housing programs.

Saudi Arabia has huge pipeline of megaprojects (i.e. projects worth USD 1 billion and above) with more than 80% of the investment flowing through these multi-billion dollar projects. Of the megaprojects pool, the top 3 ones includes the most talked about projects: KA CARE Renew*able Energy Program worth USD 150 billion alone, Saudi Arabia Rail expansion program worth USD 97 billion and KACARE Nuclear Power Reactor worth USD 70 billion. However, Saudi Arabia has many projects undergoing overruns especially time overruns. Most of these megaprojects are facing overruns during the construction period.



Despite being a closed economy, due to vast opportunities offered over long term, Saudi becomes the key market for most of the international companies planning to enter the Middle East region. While identifying what are the existing opportunities in the country, also know about the risks involved and expected returns through the report titled "Saudi Arabia 2016 Construction Outlook: Compare Rising Infrastructure Megaprojects Opportunities with Increasing Project Risk". It provides a detailed lens on the infrastructure and construction industry with a thorough sub-sector level assessment. It includes market sizing of upcoming project pipeline at a more granular level and provides forward-looking analysis on top clients, contractors, consultants/ PMcs, other civil contractors / suppliers with their respective working or partnership model. Furthermore, it shows the new and recent trends in the industry and how it may impact the business decisions of the involved companies.

Under the special feature, report additionally provides detailed coverage on rarely reported data - 'Project Financing' and 'Project Risks and Returns'. Under the heading, it covers Debt/ Equity values with DE ratios and financier details by sub- sector; Cost and Time overrun with underlying driving factors (sector level); and Returns as targeted Internal Rate of Return (IRR) along with other socio-economic impacts created by individual project.



How BrikStats Report Helps?



- Formulating internalization or expansion strategies i.e. companies entering or plans to enter the Saudi Arabia Infrastructure market

- Enable existing companies to increase their market share or enter new sub-sectors

- Find business leads and plan business development goals through in-depth industry analysis along with 2-5 year forecast

- Mitigate risk and exposure by understanding the project related challenges and other policies and government behavior

- Understand current competitors or new entrants and their strategies

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03895337-summary/view-report.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

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DALLAS, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Securus Technologies, a leading provider of civil and criminal justice technology solutions for public safety, investigation, corrections and monitoring, announced today that it has received a significant win from the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) related to a patent invalidation filing by Global Tel*Link (GTL). Despite GTL's contentions that this patent should be totally invalidated, the court sided with Securus on many significant elements of the Video Patent.

Summary of Video Patent:

U. S. Patent No. 8,929,525  On-Demand Video Communication for Controlled-Environment Facility Residents: This patent relates to on-demand video communications for controlled-environment facility residents, such as prisoners. Either party (resident or Friend/Family) may offer/accept conversion of a voice call to video communication.

"We were pleased that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board viewed these key elements/claims as being valid and they ruled in Securus' favor," said Richard A. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Securus Technologies.

"Ultimately, we enjoy significant advantages over GTL in Issued Patents, Pending Patents, In-Force Patents, and our Patent Win-Loss Record  and we have license agreements with most significant carriers in our sector including two (2) previous license agreements that GTL had with Securus over a ten (10) year period," said Smith. "This advantage is material and will last for the foreseeable future given our acquisitions and advanced development efforts. The "Patent Related Metrics" that I referred to are provided below in this Press Release."

Patent Related Metrics











Securus GTL Advantage Ratio

Issued Patents 158 51 Securus 3.1X

Pending Patents 98 261 Securus 3.8X (Significant Future Advantage) Issued + Pending Patents 256 77 Securus 3.3X

In-Force Patents 130 49 Securus 2.7X

Patent Win-Loss Record 19  0 0  2 Securus NA

1Published filings; non-published filings are not available at this time.

"GTL has filed twenty three (23) patent invalidations against Securus and has only been successful on invalidating four (4) patents to date. My estimate is that they have spent over $20 million in that effort  so not a very good return on that money for them," said Smith. "At that rate, they will have to spend in excess of $200 million attempting to invalidate all of our patents  and that effort clearly will not be successful  but I encourage them to try. A more prudent approach would be to have a license agreement with Securus  from my perspective that is the best business case for them with the highest NPV (Net Present Value). I expect that this IPR invalidation process will continue for a long time  5 to 10 years, and I am prepared to stick with it and expect to eventually prevail."

ABOUT SECURUS TECHNOLOGIES

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and serving more than 3,450 public safety, law enforcement and corrections agencies and over 1,200,000 inmates across North America, Securus Technologies is committed to serve and connect by providing emergency response, incident management, public information, investigation, biometric analysis, communication, information management, inmate self-service, and monitoring products and services in order to make our world a safer place to live. Securus Technologies focuses on connecting what matters. To learn more about our full suite of civil and criminal justice technology solutions, please visit SecurusTechnologies.com.

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SOURCE Securus Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.securustechnologies.com


CORVALLIS, Ore., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Forestry present ExploreOregonForests.org: a new, fun interactive experience that offers a rare opportunity to explore Oregon's 30 million acres of forest  with a click of a button.

Funded by the USDA Forest Service and the Western Forestry Leadership Coalition, this educational site is designed to show Oregon forests in a whole new light with:

ExploreOregonForests.org is part of a collaborative effort to highlight the richness and diversity of Oregon's forests and engage us in steps to conserve and protect these natural resources.

360 videos

Trail guides

Recreation destination information

Featured video tours

Printable maps

Real outdoor treasure hunt

And much more

Site visitors can get an inside look at Oregon's stunning, diverse forests while learning how trees benefit communities, the threats faced by Oregon's forests and the continual efforts to improve the condition of Oregon's forests.



To help visitors experience the unique array of forests, and plan their next trip, ExploreOregonForests.org showcases four tours of diverse Oregon locations.



Forest Park: this tour gives visitors a deeper look at Portland's iconic urban forest, illustrating how the park battles the incursion of invasive species and how forest-lovers can positively impact the health of the beloved wooded escape.

OSU Research Forests: The second tour dives into the world of Oregon's working forests, which add $12 billion annually to the state's economy and support over 58,000 jobs in recreation, paper production and more. One of these forests, McDonald-Dunn Forest in Corvallis, is owned and maintained by Oregon State University and hosts anywhere from 40  80 active research projects at any given time. ExploreOregonForests.org allows learners to interact with McDonald-Dunn in 360 degrees.

Ashland: This segment illustrates the importance of community engagement with surrounding forests, especially in fire-prone environments. Visitors discover what makes a community more resilient to wildfires.

Oregon Coast: The experience concludes with a geocache tour of five Oregon heritage trees located along the Oregon coast. At each site, visitors can collect one-of-a-kind wooden ExploreOregonForests.org coins. Geocaching or not, visitors will learn what makes these trees culturally or historically significant to be worthy of being designated as an Oregon heritage tree.

Begin exploring today at ExploreOregonForests.org

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441328

SOURCE Oregon State Universitys Professional and Continuing Education
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeyfund, the #1 honeymoon wedding registry site, today unveiled the first-ever universal travel and experience gift card. Just in time for the holidays, Honeyfund Gift Card recipients can redeem the card for unlimited travel experiences from top partners including Hotels.com, Royal Caribbean International, Groupon, QVC, Uber, and many more.

After a successful Shark Tank appearance in 2014 where the company partnered with 'Mr. Wonderful,' Kevin O'Leary, Honeyfund has continued to grow in popularity  it's now the #1 wedding registry app and most-used universal wedding registry site on the market. The site has doubled in giving volume since Shark Tank, with nearly $425 million in gifts since the company was founded back in 2006.

"With the Honeyfund Gift Card, anyone can buy the gift of a truly customizable experience for anyone else," explains Sara Margulis, Honeyfund chief executive officer and co-founder. "From a once-in-a-lifetime experience, like scuba diving in Bali, to a simple spa day or wine-tasting trip, the memories of this gift will last a lifetime."

New research from Airbnb shows that millennials would rather spend their money traveling over buying a home or paying off debt. Uber's gift card launched recently to target wandering millennials. Indeed, Honeyfund has grown largely due to this trend, where wedding couples and guests alike continue to value experiences more than things. The Honeyfund Gift Card was conceived to allow hundreds of millions of wedding guests to give a honeymoon gift even if the couple isn't registered on Honeyfund. It turns out to be a great gift for any occasion.

Mr. O'Leary agrees, "Honeyfund has pioneered experience giving for weddings, offering people exactly what they want: a flexible, out-of-the box gift. The Honeyfund Gift Cards leverages more than 10 years experience in honeymoons to offer the perfect gift for the millennial generation  travel and experiences. Honeyfund has been a great investment with tremendous growth in the past two years. The gift card is a natural extension of that growth."

Top Three Reasons a Honeyfund Gift Card is the Perfect Holiday Gift

Convenience: With the Honeyfund Gift Card, give a great travel experience instantly, with confidence the receiver will love it!

With the Honeyfund Gift Card, give a great travel experience instantly, with confidence the receiver will love it! Flexibility : The Honeyfund Gift Card can be redeemed through a wide array of air, cruise, hotel, restaurant and retail partners, offering unlimited experiences around the world!

: The Honeyfund Gift Card can be redeemed through a wide array of air, cruise, hotel, restaurant and retail partners, offering unlimited experiences around the world! Fun & Meaningful: Givers love a unique and meaningful gift. The Honeyfund Gift Card offers a customized experience the recipient will never forget.

For more information about Honeyfund and the new Gift Card, please visit honeyfund.com/giftcard.

About Honeyfund

Founded in 2006, Honeyfund's founders Sara and Josh Margulis discovered their own wedding guests enthusiastically preferred giving experiences and memories over housewares. As they prepared for their own wedding, they created a simple page for family and friends to contribute to their dream honeymoon in Fiji. In 2014, Sara and Josh brought their idea to Shark Tank, and received investment backing from renowned investor, Kevin O'Leary, who continues to be an active partner to this day.

Today, Honeyfund is the #1 wedding registry app, and a crowdfunding pioneer. With 100% free options, Honeyfund and sister-site Plumfund now power all kinds of experiences and savings goals, for all of life's occasions.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160420/357930LOGO

SOURCE Honeyfund

Related Links

http://www.honeyfund.com


BOSTON, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Snapstar, the first grocery brand loyalty app that allows customers to get rewarded by brands, has announced the launch of its beta product, available for Android. Snapstar allows users to simply take a photo of their grocery receipt and be rewarded with gift cards, giveaways and more when they purchase products from more than 30 major brands.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444612

Users simply take a photo of their grocery store receipt, and the Snapstar app automatically categorizes the products on the receipt using their unique scanning and data extraction technology. Users are rewarded with stars for qualifying products, which they can bank and exchange for rewards like gift cards, or use to enter into daily giveaways for a variety of larger prizes.

Instead of downloading individual loyalty apps, consumers using Snapstar are able to get rewarded for all their grocery store purchases in one place. Consumers are also not required to scan individual products or bar codes to get rewarded; Snapstar gathers data directly from the receipt.

"Our innovative technology makes it easy for users to get rewarded without any extra work on their part," said Daniel Rejzner, Co-Founder & CEO of Snapstar. "A simple photo of their receipt is all that's needed; after that, the app takes over. Snapstar also provides brands with the opportunity to interact directly with their customers, better understanding their buying habits and providing relevant rewards and incentives."

The company behind Snapstar, OurCart, recently won the PepsiCo Insight Challenge for their B2B, receipt-based direct-to-consumer loyalty technology. Snapstar is currently partnering with CPG companies for category-exclusive partnerships on the app.

About Snapstar

Snapstar, an app from OurCart, provides innovative receipt scanning and data extraction technology that gives consumers the first grocery store brand loyalty app that rewards them simply for snapping photos of their receipts. Backed by Nielsen Innovate, Snapstar allows brands to get shopper insight directly from the consumer, disrupting the monopoly that retailers currently hold on data. OurCart is headquartered in Tel Aviv and Boston. For more information, visit www.ourcart.com or www.snapstar.me.

CONTACT

Guy Bauman

CMO & Co-Founder

617-714-9974 714

[email protected]

SOURCE Snapstar

Related Links

http://www.snapstar.me


SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK and SINGAPORE, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The team from BandLab, the social music platform where users can create, collaborate and share their music, is celebrating the holiday season by releasing 12 new festive sounds into their web Mix Editor. From crackling fire and sleigh bells to angelic choirs and drummer boys - the sounds in the Festive Pad will help music makers create sensational seasonal tracks.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444743

BandLab's Festive Pad was created in house by professional sound engineers and musicians so that BandLab users can have incredible, high quality seasonal sounds at the press of a button. As always, this feature is completely free - and integrates seamlessly as part of BandLab's desktop DAW. It can be shared across all social platforms and allows for multiple collaborators, so whether you are with your nearest and dearest these holidays or not - you can still make music merriment this season.

At the same time, BandLab is also launching a 12 Sounds of Christmas #FestiveWIN competition, to celebrate original music made for the holiday season. To enter, users are invited to create an original track featuring a sound or sounds from the Festive Pad and tag it with #FestiveWIN on BandLab.

The winners will be judged by a panel from BandLab and 12 finalists will win a MONO Passport Wallet, with the ultimate winner scoring a FlyBy Backpack by MONO. BandLab will also feature the top 12 #FestiveWIN tracks on the BandLab platform until the end of the year.

The competition is open from today until 13 December 2016 and the ultimate winner will be announced on 23rd December 2016 - so get creative and crank out your best festive tunes!

You can try out the Festive Pad here!

To read more about the competition, visit bnd.la/FestiveWIN

Meanwhile, here's the fine print...

How do I win? To submit a contest entry, follow these steps:

Create a track featuring one or more of the 12 sounds from the Festive Pad Publish your Holiday track and add #FestiveWIN in the description

Prizes: All 12 Finalists will win a MONO Wallet and the ultimate winner will win a FLYBY Case by MONO, a MONO Passport Wallet and a MONO Laptop case.

Contest Duration: Submit your entries by 12th December 2016, 2359 hrs.

How we pick the winners: The BandLab team will form a judging panel to select 12 finalists, from which we will pick one ultimate winner. The judges decision will be final - and will be based on artistic merit and best use of the Festive Pad.

For more details see bnd.la/FestiveWIN

Note to Editor:

How to access the Festive Pad

If you're new, sign up on your web browser (Chrome recommended) or install BandLab on your mobile device. BandLab is available on iOS and Android, however, the soundbanks are only available through the web Mix Editor.

Once your account is created, click here and you'll be brought to the Mix Editor with the Festive Pad.

You can also access the Festive Pad Soundbank by clicking + Add Track and selecting BandLab Instruments or Drum Machine. Then select the Festive Pad from the list of Soundbanks.

About BandLab

BandLab Technologies is a next-generation social technology collective that integrates the physical and digital supply chain around music. BandLab, the group's flagship digital product, is a social music platform that enables creators to make music and share the creative process with musicians and fans. BandLab combines music making and collaboration tools, like the world's first cross-platform DAW with social features like video sharing, messaging and discovery. BandLab's mission is to break down the technical, geographic and creative barriers between creators, collaborators and the music community. BandLab Technologies recently announced the acquisition of MONO, an IDSA award-winning company that makes the most innovative and inspiring instrument cases and accessories in the world, and a 49 percent stake in Rolling Stone, the world's leading voice in pop culture and music since 1967. Join the global community of creators and fans at www.bandlab.com.

Media Contacts

In the US:

Scott Robertson, APR

RobertsonComm for BandLab

[email protected]

+1 949-766-6789

In APAC & EMEA:

Lauren Hendry Parsons

Global Communications Manager, BandLab

[email protected]

+65 9272-7045

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com.

SOURCE BandLab

Related Links

http://www.bandlab.com


DENVER, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Spinnaker Support, the leading global provider of third-party support, managed services, and consulting for Oracle and SAP enterprise software applications, today announced they have been named one of the 100 Most Promising Oracle Solution Providers 2016 by CIOReview Magazine. Earlier this year, Spinnaker Support was recognized by CIOReview as a top 20 most promising Oracle Database solution provider.

CIOReview provides insight on major Oracle solution and service providers that have demonstrated strong capabilities in helping organizations navigate the complex, yet promising Oracle application and technology landscape. A distinguished panel of CIOs, CEOs, VCs, analysts and the editorial board of CIOReview has distilled the final 100 companies.

"Organizations that run Oracle are exploring and adopting Spinnaker Support's unique blend of services at a rapid pace," stated Bob Harland, Vice President of Global Oracle Support Services at Spinnaker Support. "Through the third quarter of 2016, our Oracle Global Support business has more than doubled, while our large customer base has remained highly satisfied and retained. For many customers, we support several layers of their Oracle technology stack in conjunction with their E-Business Suite applications."

Spinnaker Support uniquely delivers high caliber support, tailored managed services, and consulting to Oracle E-Business Suite, Siebel, JD Edwards, Oracle Technology Stack, Hyperion, Agile PLM, and Oracle ATG Web Commerce users. These services help clients manage, maintain, and continuously improve their application experience for a fraction of the cost.

"Our JD Edwards support practice, launched in 2008, is as strong as ever," said Mark Kreutz, Vice President, JD Edwards Global Support Services at Spinnaker Support. "We have served more than 325 organizations, located in 96 countries, with a wide range of services, including maintenance, tax and regulatory updates, managed services, and consulting. Increasingly more JD Edwards shops are leveraging our application and technology management services for performance monitoring, health checks, new functionality development, and staff augmentation. We triage each situation and un-blur the line between level three and level four requirements, taking ownership of complex issues until they are resolved."

About Spinnaker Support

Spinnaker Support is the world's fastest growing and most trusted provider of third-party support, managed services, and consulting for enterprises that run SAP and Oracle software in more than 90 countries.

Customers who switch to Spinnaker Support's ISO 9001:2008 third-party support model gain significantly better SAP and Oracle application support for a fraction of the price. Third-party support includes bug fixes (including all customizations), global tax and regulatory updates, and general inquiries and advisory support.

Tailored application and technical managed services delivering specialized system administration, performance tuning, and troubleshooting skills to dive deeper into a customer's operations and address a broader array of their issues.

Strategic consulting projects specifically targeting the continuous improvement and development of Oracle and SAP enterprise applications and surrounding technologies.

Spinnaker Support's blend of services from a single vendor span SAP, BusinessObjects, Oracle E-Business Suite, JD Edwards, Siebel, Oracle Database, Oracle Technology and Middleware products, Hyperion, Agile PLM, ATG/Endeca, and more. To learn more about Spinnaker Support, visit www.spinnakersupport.com, call 877-476-0576 in the U.S./Canada or +44 (0)20 8242 1785 internationally. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Google+.

About CIOReview

Published from Fremont, California, CIOReview is a print magazine that explores and understands the plethora of ways adopted by firms to execute the smooth functioning of their businesses. A distinguished panel comprising of CEOs, CIOs, IT-VPs including CIOReview editorial board finalized the "100 Most Promising Oracle Solution Providers 2016" and shortlisted the best vendors and consultants. For more info: www.cioreview.com/

Contact: Michelle Wilkinson, 720-457-5442, [email protected]

SOURCE Spinnaker Support

Related Links

http://www.spinnakersupport.com


JACKSON, Miss., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual enrollment period for Medicare ends next week for most Medicare beneficiaries. For the first time, Magnolia Health, is offering a Medicare Advantage HMO, available to anyone eligible for Medicare and living in the following counties in Mississippi: George, Harrison, Hinds, Jackson, Madison, Rankin and Stone.

Consumers can switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan through December 7, 2016. The Magnolia Health Medicare Advantage (HMO) plan offers a variety of benefits. To find out more about the products and how to enroll visit the How to Enroll in Medicare Advantage page at https://advantage.magnoliahealthplan.com/, or call 1-877-826-5517; TTY:711.

"We are very proud of our Medicare Advantage product and we look forward to the opportunity to offer it in Mississippi," said Aaron Sisk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Magnolia Health. "Our benefit package and network options offer a competitive alternative to existing products in the Mississippi markets we are selling in."

Magnolia Health has been providing healthcare services to Medicaid, CHIP and Marketplace members in Mississippi since 2011. The health plan currently serves more than 300,000 members across the state.

About Magnolia Health

Magnolia Health (Magnolia) is a long-term solution to help the state of Mississippi enhance care for Medicaid and CHIP recipients, while most effectively managing taxpayer dollars. A physician-driven, Mississippi-based Coordinated Care Organization

(CCO), Magnolia is backed by its parent company, Centene Corporation (Centene). Centene has more than 30 years of experience in Medicaid, CHIP and other government-funded programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and long-term care. For more information about Magnolia Health, visit www.magnoliahealthplan.com.

SOURCE Magnolia Health
Last week the Stockton Company, which specializes in the development and marketing of botanical-based biopesticides, visited the PUNTACANA Ecological Foundation in the Dominican Republic during an annual company conference, where a vast majority of Stockton's employees had the privilege of taking part in a project to save sea turtles that nest on this island, and that are endangered.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161201/444611 )

During the visit to the Foundation, they learned about the life cycle of a sea turtle and the challenges it faces to survive, from an egg to the sea, preyed upon by dogs, raccoons, sea birds, crabs, lizards, carnivorous fish even human turtle poachers. The sea turtle population is overfished and sold for consumption as a delicacy, as well as for souvenirs and for art crafts. Unfortunately, all of these factors and many others have put the sea turtle population at risk of extinction.

The beaches in Punta Cana are lit and monitored by the PUNTACANA Ecological Foundation during the nesting season so that the eggs and turtles won't be disturbed during this time. The Foundation educates the local community so that they will understand and protect the nests, and teaches them the economic benefits of a live versus a dead turtle in order to eliminate illegal trading.

"We were mesmerized by the amazing work PUNTACANA Ecological Foundation is doing, that we felt that we needed to give our time and talent back to this community in which we serve," explained Guy Elitzur, CEO of Stockton. "As part of Stockton's continued efforts for a safer, better and sustainable environment, our employees volunteered assisting in a sea turtle conservation project at the Foundation by planting sea plants to ensure that these beautiful sea turtles have a safe place where to nest and feed."

Stockton is dedicated to moving towards a better sustainable world by delivering eco-friendly, reliable and efficient products. Preserving and protecting the environment and supporting communities where we do business-community service, sponsorships, health and wellbeing, and environmental performance.

About the Stockton (STK)

Stockton (STK) specializes in the development and marketing of botanical-based biopesticides. Its core focus is on the incorporation of these biopesticides into integrated agriculture spraying programs that use conventional chemical products, thus creating a balanced, cleaner and sustainable agricultural environment.

Stockton is a global company established in 1994 and has an active R&D Center for the development of future natural products for crop protection. Its unique research and development center in Israel invests substantial resources in developing 'green' products. Stockton has a variety of products adapted to different agro ecological areas, biological parameters and regulatory guidelines.

Stockton's flagship product Timorex Gold is used to control a broad spectrum of diseases in diverse crops. The product demonstrates an efficacy equivalent to chemical fungicides and is suitable to be used in conventional and organic agriculture. Timorex Gold is registered and sold in over 30 countries.

Contact: For more information, please visit our website: www.stockton-ag.com or contact Judy Jamuy at: +972 52 7599242 or [email protected].

SOURCE The Stockton (STK)
LONDON, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Deferring to the popular consumer sentiment, numerous countries across Western Europe have banned or restricted the use of polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC)-coated films in food packaging. The move opens up the market for sustainable and specialty packaging solutions that are cost effective, offer transparency, and have excellent barrier properties even at high temperature and humidity. On the other hand, usage of PVdC-coated films is not banned or restricted in the North American market, with the sustainability concept being in the nascent stages. However, options are being considered.

"Ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) co-extruded films, which are the only comparably priced substitutes for PVdC-coated films, have already grabbed 46.7 percent of the total specialty films market in Western Europe," said Frost & Sullivan Visionary Science Programme Manager Raghu Tantry. "In North America, use of AlOx- and SiOx-coated films is increasing, as they are considered to be safer and more sustainable than PVdC-coated films and metallized films."

Analysis of the Western Europe Specialty Flexible Films in Food and Pharmaceutical Packaging Market and Analysis of the North American Specialty Films Market in Food and Pharmaceutical Flexible Packaging are part of Frost & Sullivan's Future of Health, Beauty and Packaging Growth Partnership Subscription that also offers insights on biomaterials, conductive polymers, nitrogen nutrients, fermentation-derived specialty biochemicals, coatings and surface technology, biomedical textiles, smart agriculture, nanotechnology innovations, and antimicrobial protection.

Click here for complimentary access to more information on this analysis and to register for a Growth Strategy Dialogue, a free interactive briefing with Frost & Sullivan's thought leaders.

Changing lifestyles have increased demand for ready-to-eat packaged meals with a shelf life of two weeks to 24 weeks. Market participants are therefore focusing on single-unit packages that can support repeated freezing and heating, and reseal pouches that lock the freshness after resealing.

"With product durability emerging as a major purchase factor, specialty flexible film manufacturers are looking to develop better performing products," noted Tantry. "Durability, transparency, heat stability, and single and multi-layers will be important product features in the food and pharmaceutical packaging market."

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion

Analysis of the Western Europe Specialty Flexible Films in Food and Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

MC3F-39

Analysis of the North American Specialty Films Market in Food and Pharmaceutical Flexible Packaging

NF9D-39

Contact:

Evgenia Oleynikova

Corporate Communications  Europe

P: +48 22 481 62 10

E: [email protected]

http://www.frost.com

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

Related Links

http://www.frost.com


Tagetik , a leader in global performance management software solutions, today announced the establishment of Tagetik Nordic AB, a direct operation providing sales, implementation, and consulting support to companies in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland. The new subsidiary is a result of Tagetik's acquisition of its former distributor in the Nordic market.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140625/694014 )



Under the name Tagetik Nordic AB, the company will support Tagetik's global expansion efforts driving continued growth in the region. The formation of the new entity is accompanied with the opening of a new office in Stockholm, Sweden. Current customers in the region include Ambea, Dina, Protector, Hempel, and Elematic.

Tagetik's new direct operation will be led by experienced finance and corporate performance management (CPM) experts with an extensive track record of project successes. Marco van der Kooij, general manager for Tagetik Benelux, will also serve as general manager for Tagetik Nordic. Erik Granbom, who brings 20 years of experience in software market sales, will serve as Tagetik Nordic's sales director.

"Our new direct operation gives Tagetik the ability to focus exclusively on the satisfaction and success of its customers in the Nordic region," said van der Kooij. "With the support of our established business partners, the new operation will also help us grow market share in the CPM software market. We are confident Tagetik's unified Financial Performance Platform, along with pre-packaged solutions for IFRS 4 Phase II, IFRS 9, 15 and 16, will appeal to the region's CFOs dealing with complex business and finance challenges."

"This new direct operation positions us to increase our growth momentum worldwide and work directly with progressive finance leaders in the Nordic region," said Manuel Vellutini, co-CEO of Tagetik. "Marco and his team have delivered excellent results in the first year of direct operations in the Benelux region. Under Marco's guidance, we will increase sales and marketing investments and deepen relationships with our existing customers in the Nordic region through increased support services."

About Tagetik

Tagetik understands the complex challenges that face the Office of Finance and translates that knowledge into intuitive, enterprise-scale performance management software solutions that drive business results. With Tagetik, companies get the simplicity of the Cloud and the power to unify financial and operational planning; shorten the consolidation and close process; immediately analyze results, model and compare full financial statement impact of business scenarios; adjust strategic plans; seamlessly update rolling forecasts; produce formatted and auditable financial statements and management reports; collaborate on business reviews, and automate disclosure and board reporting. Tagetik has built-in financial intelligence so that CFOs, finance managers, and operations executives can orchestrate multiple or all processes in one software solution. More than 850 customers across 35 countries count on Tagetik to improve efficiency, reduce risk, save money and deliver results. For more information, visit http://www.tagetik.com. We get Finance. You get results.

Follow us on social media:

Twitter

Facebook

LinkedIn

Google+

YouTube

Blog

Media Contacts



Corporate and EMEA:

Linda Galloway

insidHR Communications

+1 303 863 8620 office

+1 203 733 7446 mobile

[email protected]



North America:

Courtly Stevens

Courtly & Company

+1 415 640 0188 office

[email protected]



SOURCE Tagetik
"At Tanger, it is personal. We launched TangerCares as a way to give back to the many communities where our employees work and live," said Steve Tanger, President and CEO, Tanger Outlet Centers, Inc. "Tanger has a history of supporting the markets we serve and we are especially proud to show our support for our neighbors throughout Ascension Parish and the greater Baton Rouge area this holiday season."

On each day of the "7 Days of Giving," the TangerCares team will surprise businesses, families, and community members with significant donations ranging from $2,000  $2,500. The program will close with the TangerCares Festival on Saturday, December 10 where attendees will enjoy a free holiday concert with superstar Jacob Whitesides and have the chance to win one of 500 $25 gift cards. Additionally, one lucky winner will receive a $2,500 gift card. Organizational partners for the program will include WBRZ's Pat's Coats for Kids, Ascension Parish Schools, the Boys & Girls Club of Baton Rouge and Volunteer Ascension.

"Tanger is a family business, dedicated to the families that make up the Ascension Parish community," said Matt Oliver, General Manager of Tanger Outlets Gonzales. "As recovery efforts continue, Tanger is happy to give back to the community and provide Ascension Parish and Greater Baton Rouge area residents with the opportunity to come together and celebrate this holiday season."

For information on TangerCares' "7 Days of Giving" please visit https://www.tangeroutlet.com/gonzales.

About Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE:SKT), is a publicly-traded REIT headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina that presently operates and owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 44 upscale outlet shopping centers and one additional center currently under construction. Tanger's operating properties are located in 22 states coast to coast and in Canada, totaling approximately 15.1 million square feet, leased to over 3,200 stores which are operated by more than 510 different brand name companies. The Company has more than 35 years of experience in the outlet industry. Tanger Outlet Centers continue to attract more than 185 million shoppers annually. For more information on Tanger Outlet Centers, call 1-800-4TANGER or visit the Company's website at www.tangeroutlets.com.

CONTACT: Quentin Pell, [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444292

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120907/CL70706LOGO-b

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161130/444291

SOURCE Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.tangeroutlets.com


LONDON, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Summary

Pyramid Research's Big Data Analytics Adoption / Usage Trends 2016-2018 report examines the overall spend on BDA, market opportunities influencing communication service providers to invest in BDA, the best practices for maximizing BDA opportunities and the critical aspects to maintain strong BDA vendor relationship within the organization. Additionally, the report provides information about the spending pattern of BDA budget and indicates challenges which are expected to inhibit the adoption of BDA within the organizations.



Key Findings

- Respondents operating in Europe identify the implementation and development of BDA within their organizations as top priority



- Customer segmentation and network optimization are considered important predictive analytics models to register growth within the telecom industry



- Effective collaborations between data teams and business units is considered one of the best practices for maximizing BDA opportunities within telecom companies



- The highest percentage of respondents are spending their overall BDA budget on acquiring software tools and services during 2016



- The majority of respondents expect that collaborative and creative problem solving will be critical in maintaining strong BDA vendor relationships within the telecom industry



Synopsis

- Most telecom companies are in the process of developing Big Data Analytics (BDA) within their organizations.



- Customer segmentation and network optimization are considered important predictive analytics models to register growth within the telecom industry.



- Effective collaboration between data teams and business units is considered one of the best practices for maximizing BDA opportunities within telecom companies.



- Telecom operators are more attentive towards making BDA vendor partnerships related to software/hardware and analytics over the next two years.



- Despite challenges such as a lack of skill set and the integration of huge data, telecom companies expect to bring in additional skills to exploit BDA opportunities.



Reasons To Buy

- Assists telecom companies to take faster, better decision making by understanding the benefits of adopting big data solutions



- Telecom companies can gain a competitive advantage by examining the prominence of various BDA models which in turn helps to create new products and services for their customers



- Organizations will be supported in strengthening their BDA vendor partnerships by understanding the critical factors influencing the vendor relationships





Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4389490/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

http://www.reportbuyer.com


WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rapidly spreading wildfires in Sevier County and the surrounding area of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee have prompted the evacuation of more than 14,000 residents.

Farmers Insurance customers impacted are encouraged to file a claim by contacting their agent, visiting www.Farmers.com, using the Farmers Insurance Claims app, or calling one of the following numbers.

Farmers Claims Contact Center number: 1-800-435-7764.

Foremost and 21st Century customers can also use the 1-800-435-7764 number for immediate assistance.

Bristol West customers can call 1-800-274-7865 for immediate assistance.

Spanish-language claims assistance is available to Farmers customers by calling: 877-RECLAMO (877-732-5266).

"We are committed to helping our customers and area residents through this devastating situation," said Betsy Nealon, head of southeast territory for Farmers Insurance. "We strongly urge those affected to heed the evacuation warnings issued by emergency personnel."

Farmers has deployed its Mobile Claims Center (MCC), a high-tech bus loaded with supplies and advanced technology to help those in need after a natural disaster, which is located at 149 Cates Lane, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The MCC can provide customers immediate claims service, and also water, telephones, blankets, toys and other helpful services to anyone in need.

About Farmers Insurance

"Farmers Insurance" and "Farmers" are tradenames for a group of affiliated insurers providing insurance for automobiles, homes and small businesses and a wide range of other insurance and financial services and products. Farmers Insurance is proud to serve more than 10 million households with over 19 million individual policies, across all 50 states, through the efforts of more than 48,000 exclusive and independent agents and approximately 21,000 employees. Farmers Insurance Exchange, the largest of the three primary insurance insurers that make up Farmers Insurance, is recognized as one of the largest U.S. companies on the 2016 Fortune 500 list.

For more information about Farmers Insurance, visit Farmers.com, Twitter and Instagram, @WeAreFarmers, or Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130731/LA56061LOGO

SOURCE Farmers Insurance

Related Links

https://www.farmers.com


IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ayn Rand Institute, the leading center for the advancement of Rand's writings and philosophy, today announced that it is currently accepting essays in its thirty-second year of essay contests for students. Contestants compete by answering questions on one of three topics from one of Ayn Rand's novels: Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead and Anthem. The contests are open to students around the world, and all submissions must be in English. Students in California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin are eligible for additional prize money. More than 500 prizes totaling $93,250 will be awarded in the three contests.

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High School Programs manager Matthew Morgen says: "We expect to receive more than 20,000 essays this year. Last year, two of the three winners were from outside the United States for the first time in the history of the contests."

The Atlas Shrugged essay contest is open to all twelfth graders, college or university students and graduate students. In Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand's masterpiece, the mysterious disappearance of the leading artists, intellectuals and businessmen is accelerating the collapse of the world's culture and economy. The story grapples with the fundamental problems of human existence, and presents radically new answers and Rand's vision of man's highest potential. Cash prizes of $36,000 will be awarded to 84 students, including a top cash prize of $20,000. The deadline for entry is April 28, 2017.

The Fountainhead essay contest is open to all eleventh and twelfth graders. The Fountainhead is the story of an uncompromising young architect, Howard Roark, his violent battle against conventional standards, and his explosive love affair with a beautiful woman who struggles to defeat him. The story champions egoism and individualism. This year $43,250 will be awarded to 236 students with $10,000 as the top prize. Deadline for The Fountainhead contest is April 26, 2017.

The Anthem essay contest is open to eighth, ninth and tenth graders. Anthem is the story of a young man who yearns for knowledge, but who lives in a bleak, dystopian future where independent thought is abolished, science and technology have regressed to primitive levels and obedience to the group is so deeply ingrained that the very word "I" has been erased from the language. A total of $14,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to 236 students, including $2,000 for the winning essay. Deadline for the Anthem contest is March 29, 2017.

Lin Zinser

[email protected]

703-678-4009, x203

571-215-445

The Ayn Rand Institute (ARI) headquartered in Irvine, Calif., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to introduce the world to Ayn Rand's novels, to support scholarship and research based on her ideas and to promote the principles of reason, rational self-interest, individual rights and laissez-faire capitalism. The Institute is named for novelist-philosopher Ayn Rand (19051982), who is best known for her novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged.

SOURCE Ayn Rand Institute
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gymboree Corporation today announced it will hold a conference call and webcast to review first fiscal quarter 2017 financial results. The call will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific/5:00 p.m. Eastern.

To listen live over the internet, please log on to www.gymboree.com, click on "Company Information" at the bottom of the page, go to "Investors & Media" and then "Conference Calls & Webcasts." A replay of the call will be available two hours after the broadcast through midnight PT, Thursday, December 22, 2016, at 855-859-2056, passcode 61967993.

About The Gymboree Corporation

The Gymboree Corporation's specialty retail brands offer unique, high-quality products delivered with personalized customer service. As of October 29, 2016, the Company operated a total of 1,300 retail stores: 591 Gymboree stores (541 in the United States, 49 in Canada and 1 in Puerto Rico), 174 Gymboree Outlet stores (173 in the United States and 1 in Puerto Rico), 150 Janie and Jack shops (149 in the United States and 1 in Puerto Rico), and 385 Crazy 8 stores in the United States. The Company also operates online stores at www.gymboree.com, www.janieandjack.com and www.crazy8.com.

Gymboree, Janie and Jack, and Crazy 8 are registered trademarks of The Gymboree Corporation.

SOURCE The Gymboree Corporation (GYMB)

Related Links

http://www.gymboree.com


NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its birth in 2014, the Smirnoff Sound Collective, the SMIRNOFF brand's international music platform, has inspired a more inclusive world through electronic music.

The Smirnoff Sound Collective is taking a stand against exclusivity and the lack of diversity within electronic music through the launch of a new artist mentorship program that will lead its push for electronic music industry leaders to be more inclusive of underrepresented communities and individuals.

The Smirnoff Sound Collective launches new artist mentorship program to foster diversity on November 30, 2016 in Brooklyn, NY

"Diversity in the electronic music community has been a topic of discussion within the industry, and a passion of SMIRNOFF for quite some time," said Justin Medcraft, SMIRNOFF Global Senior Brand Manager. "It's quite astonishing to us that last year only 10% of electronic music headliners were women. When you look at other communities such as the African American community and the LGBTQ community, you find a similar lack of representation throughout the industry. That needs to change and we hope to put forth acts that do so this year and moving forward."

The Smirnoff Sound Collective's new artist mentorship program, announced at last night's industry launch event in Brooklyn, NY, will give more artists an opportunity for success while inspiring other industry leaders to use their platforms to make a positive impact toward change. Joining them in that mission is Mixmag, the world's biggest dance music and clubbing destination, which has already committed its support of the program.

The program will bring electronic music industry experts, such as Roy Davis Jr., Bob Moses and Katie Longmyer together with up-and-coming artists, such as Tygapaw, Cakes Da Killa and Kissey. By bringing leaders in the industry together with new faces on the rise, the goal is to give a diverse group of artists the tools to be successful and to help them learn from one another in a space where all genders, races, and sexual orientations are heard. The artist mentorship program will be a year-long ongoing program that will include two three-day retreats where artist mentors and mentees will come together and create new experiences. At these retreats, artists  both seasoned and new  will collaborate on new tracks to be released by record labels facilitated by the Smirnoff Sound Collective.

Several of these artists attended, and performed at, the official launch event last night in celebration of the Smirnoff Sound Collective's mentorship program. They gathered with top industry professionals and electronic music legends and toasted over SMIRNOFF No. 21 cocktails to celebrate the beginnings of a new shift towards diversity. Many of the cocktails served were custom created by the artists as a way to show their appreciation for their new partnership with SMIRNOFF. Following the Smirnoff Sound Collective's program launch and pledge for diversity, Mixmag was the first industry leader to align with SMIRNOFF in creating a shift toward diversity. They announced their own plans to commit to 50% of their future magazine covers including a female artist.

The launch event, including artist performances, was livestreamed via Mixmag and can be viewed here.

Earlier this year, the Smirnoff Sound Collective took the first of many steps to achieve its goal of inclusivity by taking part in vital discussions and leadership initiatives at TEDxNewYORK and Amsterdam Dance Event. Panels at these events shared deep, actionable conversations about creating a more diverse community within electronic music.

Part of achieving that purpose is continuing the ongoing conversation to bring this issue into the spotlight. The Smirnoff Sound Collective will continue to share the diverse stories of artists around the world through its short-form documentary series "Tribes" and use it as a catalyst to push forth change in the electronic music community. "Tribes" episodes to-date include "Tribes: DISCWOMAN," "Tribes: NAAFI" and "Tribes: DIRTYBIRD." A new documentary as part of the Tribes series will be released in March.

SMIRNOFF reminds you to pace yourself while celebrating good vibes and to always drink responsibly.

Smirnoff Sound Collective Mentorship Program Participants:

Mentors: Roy Davis Jr. , Bob Moses , Katie Longmyer , Daouda Leonard , Kevin Saunderson , Nat Esten , Toby Andrews , Julia Willinger , Olga Zegers , Carlos Correal

, , , , , , , , , Artists: Nomi Ruiz , Kissey, Julia Govor , Tygapaw, Nina Dioz, Cry Baby, Gina Turner , Autograf, Cassian, Shigeto, Cakes Da Killa, Amtrac

About the Smirnoff Sound Collective

The Smirnoff Sound Collective is the SMIRNOFF brand's international music platform that was created with the goal of inspiring a more diverse and inclusive world through electronic music. The Smirnoff Sound Collective will achieve this through the development of short-form and long-form content pieces that share inclusive stories told through music, artist collaborations and by hosting unique experiences that bring different cultures of artists and fans together. The Smirnoff Sound Collective is also a sponsor of Mixmag Labs across the world in cities including New York, Los Angeles and Sydney.

About SMIRNOFF

The SMIRNOFF brand, the world's number-one selling premium spirit and the top-selling vodka by volume, in the United States, traces its heritage back to 19th century Russia. As the most awarded vodka brand in the world, SMIRNOFF has always been known for quality and is enjoyed responsibly in 130 countries around the world. For more information, log on to www.smirnoff.com.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

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SOURCE SMIRNOFF
CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On World AIDS Day 2016, the first chronicle of its kind describing a series of unique health and psychosocial challenges in HIV/AIDS survivors in the United States is available to download online (http://tpan.com/sites/default/files/Unintended_final.pdf). The Unintended Consequences of AIDS Survival is a 24-page status report that calls attention to the lives of people living with AIDS, particularly long-term survivors, who feel their psychosocial needs are not prioritized in the AIDS landscape. This, added to earlier physiologic aging now widely studied in survivors with years of traumatic stress and unprocessed grief, has essentially become the rallying cry for a new HIV movement.

The paper also depicts a graphic representation of major AIDS historic time points side by side with epidemiological data, in order to provide a reality check of emotions throughout the epidemic. Evidence gathered from behavioral research, clinical science, epidemiology, recent articles from local press, and AIDS publications are referenced.

An important component of the report shows how San Francisco once again leads national HIV/AIDS trends. Beginning in 2013 a few AIDS activists banded together to mobilize survivors in order to raise awareness, provide a forum, and create change in their lives. Firsthand testimony was gathered at town hall forums, policy advocacy meetings, weekend retreats, and in support groups and social gatherings. By describing these survivor mobilization efforts in this document, other jurisdictions across the country will learn lessons that can be tailored for their own communities.

Chris Bartlett, Executive Director of the William Way LGBT Community Center in Philadelphia and a member of The Reunion Project national steering committee said, "The Center, partnering with other community-based organizations, has taken the lead in building a vibrant community of long-term survivors in our region, who are committed to thriving as elders and building a powerful intergenerational response to the current needs of people growing older with AIDS."

The report also aims to further educate, mobilize, promote discussion, and stir creation of new research, new interventions, policy recommendations, advocacy and programming across the country. "Once mobilized to fight for survival, long-term survivors continue to lead in fostering meaningful social ties and resilience," says Robert M. Grant of the Gladstone Institutes and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. "Their stories serve to bring us together to heal from the trauma and fear of the early HIV/AIDS epidemic, and to help us face the emerging challenges of aging, changing health care, employment, and isolation."

As more survivors come out of isolation to tell their stories, each one is unique, some woeful and horrific, but always revealing. As more people become aware of the complicated issues, and recognize there is something they can do to change, they are emerging as a new movement once ravaged, now re-energized.

Author Matthew Sharp, a 28-year AIDS survivor, is uniquely qualified to pen this particular survivor story as an eyewitness on the front lines in the AIDS fight. He is one of a handful of AIDS activists leading survivor mobilization efforts nationally with The Reunion Project, a series of ongoing town hall summits taking place around the country. The Reunion Project is supported by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN), publisher of Positively Aware magazine. Bristol-Myers Squibb commissioned Sharp, who is one of the founders of The Reunion Project, to author the paper.

Read The Unintended Consequences of AIDS Survival* and download the PDF: http://tpan.com/sites/default/files/Unintended_final.pdf or go to http://www.tpan.com/reunion-project

*This report was supported in part by Bristol-Myers Squibb with no editorial input. The views expressed in the report do not necessarily reflect those of Bristol-Myers Squibb.

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SOURCE The Reunion Project

Related Links

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LONDON, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TPO, a light weight material, is a major product in thermoplastic elastomers family. It has one of the lowest specific gravities among all the thermoplastic elastomers. TPO is widely used in automotive interior and exterior components. It is employed in automotive bumpers, dashboard skins, door panels, and instrument panels. TPO is extensively used in the production of roofing membrane systems and door panels in the building & construction industry. It is also used in various end-users such as home appliances, medical, industrial, footwear, and rubber goods.



The report estimates and forecasts the TPO market on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2016 and 2024 based on volume (tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2015 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage. The study includes drivers and restraints for the TPO market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the TPO market on the global and regional level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report analyzes substitute analysis of TPO and global average price trend analysis.



The report includes Porter's Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the TPO market. It comprises qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for TPO between 2016 and 2024.



Thermoplastic Polyolefin Market: Segmentation



The study provides comprehensive view of the TPO market by dividing it into end-user and geography. The TPO market has been segmented into automotive, building & construction, home appliances, medical, industrial, footwear, and others. End-user segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.



Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for TPO in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level analysis in terms of volume and revenue for end-user segments. Key countries such as the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, the U.K., China, India, Japan, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual end-users in all the regions and countries.



Thermoplastic Polyolefin Market: Competitive Landscape



The report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Major players profiled in the report include Lyondell Basell Industries Holding B.V., Exxon Mobil Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Borealis AG, Mitsubishi Chemical Holding Corporation, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, PolyOne Corporation, A.Schulman, and INEOS Group Limited. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).



Thermoplastic Polyolefin Market: Research Methodology



Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.



In-depth interviews and discussions with wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players' product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis team's expertise and market understanding.



The global TPO market has been segmented as follows:



TPO Market  End-user Analysis



Automotive

Building & Construction

Home Appliances

Medical

Industrial

Footwear

Others (Rubber Goods, etc.)



TPO Market  Regional Analysis



North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

Germany

France

U.K.

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

India

Japan

ASEAN

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

GCC

Egypt

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4402613/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

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The AWS Service Delivery Program was recently launched to help AWS clients find qualified APN Partners that provide expertise in a specific service or skill area. To qualify, partners clear an audit that assesses service-specific knowledge, client references and technical capability. This assures clients that they are working with partners that have recent and relevant experience.

Vivek Gupta, Worldwide VP - Cloud Services at Trianz said, "Trianz is proud to be one of the initial APN Partners to participate in the AWS Service Delivery Program. It signifies our growing footprint in AWS ecosystem. We will continue to focus on enhancing our skills to help our clients to solve critical business challenges by leveraging the agility of the AWS Cloud."

Trianz is an APN Advanced Consulting Partner and an AWS Managed Service Partner. As an AWS Database Migration Service partner, Trianz can help clients use AWS Database Migration Service to migrate databases - both homogeneous and heterogeneous - to AWS easily and securely while minimizing downtime. Trianz, with its strong credentials and client success, is looking forward to make significant strides in AWS Database Migration services.

About Trianz

Trianz enables digital transformations through effective strategies and excellence in execution. Collaborating with business and technology leaders, we help formulate and execute operational strategies to achieve intended business outcomes by bringing the best of consulting, technology experiences and execution models. Powered by knowledge, research, and perspectives, we enable clients to transform their business ecosystems and achieve superior performance by leveraging Cloud,Analytics, Digital and Security paradigms. With offices in Silicon Valley, Washington DC Metro, Jersey City, Dubai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai, we serve Fortune 1000 and emerging organizations across industries globally. As a professional services firm, our values and culture are focused on delivering measurable business impact, predictability in execution, and a unique partnership experience. For more information, visit http://www.trianz.com.

Media contact:

Prashant Bhavaraju

Director, Marketing

+1-408-387-5800

http://www.trianz.com

[email protected]



SOURCE Trianz
NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Report Highlights: Construction Spend Analysis From 2005 -2020, Project Pipeline By Emirates (Dubai And Abu Dhabi) And Sub-sectors, UAE Public Private Partnership Trends, UAE Greenfield and Brownfield Spend, UAE Project Financing Mechanisms, List Of UAE Projects with Cost Overrun, List of UAE projects with Time Overrun, Project Overrun Detailed Analysis, UAE Project Returns  Project IRR at Sector Level

Coming to infrastructure investments, Middle East region is one of the fastest growing region globally headed by 2 main countries, Qatar- hosting FIFA 2022, and UAE  hosting 2020 Dubai expo event.



UAE infrastructure is the most advanced in the GCC region with well integrated transport systems and assembly of iconic structures. In 2015, as reported by World Economic Forum  Global competitiveness report, UAE infrastructure ranking stood at 17th position on grounds of highly developed infrastructure with great macroeconomic environment and resilient institutions. UAE has been the most attractive destination from an investment standpoint. While offering huge opportunities, the country due to an open business environment, has also been a preferred route for international companies entering or planning to enter the Middle East market.

Post the announcement of Dubai 2020 expo event, the emirate is a wave of opportunity with Government setting aside DH 17 billion in 2016 budget for infrastructure development till 2020. The investment will a spread over different asset classes broadly covering housing, roads, railways, schools, health facilities and public buildings. Abu Dhabi is the next destination for investors eyeing long term growth. The emirate has earmarked USD 100 billion to be invested till 2030 and majority of it will be ploughed in real estate and transportation sector.



However, the country is also speculated to be under financial constraints which could impact the execution of the big plans. Identify the opportunities in next few years along with the ongoing challenges to build realistic view on the market. "UAE Construction Industry Outlook to 2020: Infrastructure Opportunities following Dubai 2020 Expo Event and Market Challenges" provides a detailed lens on the infrastructure and construction industry with a thorough sub-sector level assessment. It includes market sizing of upcoming project pipeline at a more granular level and provides forward-looking analysis on top clients, contractors, consultants/ PMcs, other civil contractors / suppliers with their respective working or partnership model. Furthermore, it shows the new and recent trends in the industry and how it may impact the business decisions of the involved companies.



Under the special feature, report additionally provides detailed coverage on rarely reported data - 'Project Financing' and 'Project Risks and Returns'. Under the heading, it covers Debt/ Equity values with DE ratios and financier details by sub- sector; Cost and Time overrun with underlying driving factors (sector level); and Returns as targeted Internal Rate of Return (IRR) along with other socio-economic impacts created by individual project.



How BrikStats Report Helps?



- Formulating internalization or expansion strategies i.e. companies entering or plans to enter the UAE Infrastructure market

- Enable existing companies to increase their market share or enter new sub-sectors

- Find business leads and plan business development goals through in-depth industry analysis along with 2-5 year forecast

- Mitigate risk and exposure by understanding the project related challenges and other policies and government behavior

- Understand current competitors or new entrants and their strategies

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03946106-summary/view-report.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

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The 55 firms were chosen by a panel of independent judges, including senior businesses and academic leaders, to be 'National Champions' in Europe's largest business competition, and will now represent the UK in the next stage.

At the event, the first in a series of events across Europe, attendees had the chance to speak to leading businesses in their field and hear from guest speakers including Umerah Akram, Head of ELITE UK, London Stock Exchange Group's business support and capital raising programme, and previous winner, Julie Deane, CEO of The Cambridge Satchel Company.

Lead sponsor RSM, is the sixth largest network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms worldwide, and has supported the European Business Awards since its inception.

Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM said: "The National Champions are stand-out leaders, demonstrating businesses tenacity and commercial excellence. These companies will lead the way forward bringing growth and prosperity across the continent and beyond. I would like to congratulate them all and wish them luck in the coming rounds."

Umerah Akram, Head of ELITE UK, said: "High growth ambitious businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy which is why we are honoured to support the European Business Awards. Ensuring that dynamic fast growing businesses have available the support and funding they require is essential to the long term health of the economies in which they operate. We are determined to play a central role in helping UK and international companies and entrepreneurs achieve their true potential."

In the next round, the National Champions will put forward a video telling their unique story and explaining their business success. Category winners and the winner of a 'public vote' will be announced at the Gala Final in spring 2017.

The European Business Awards was set up to support the development of a stronger and more successful business community throughout Europe. This year it engaged with over 33,000 businesses from 34 countries.

Further information about the National Champions and the Awards can be found at http://www.businessawardseurope.com and http://www.rsm.global

About the European Business Awards:

The European Business Awards' primary purpose is to support the development of a stronger and more successful business community throughout Europe.

For all citizens of Europe, prosperity, social and healthcare systems are reliant on businesses creating an even stronger, more innovative, successful, international and ethical business community - one that forms the beating heart of an increasingly globalised economy.

The European Business Awards programme serves the European business community in three ways:

 It celebrates and endorses individuals' and organisations' success

 It provides and promotes examples of excellence for the business community to aspire to

 It engages with the European business community to create debate on key issues

The European Business Awards is now in its 10th year. This year it engaged with over 33,000 businesses from 34 countries. Last year's public vote generated over 227,000 votes from across Europe. Sponsors and partners include RSM, ELITE and PR Newswire.

http://www.businessawardseurope.com.

About RSM

RSM is the sixth largest network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms, encompassing over 120 countries, 760 offices and more than 38,000 people internationally. The network's total fee income is US$4.64 billion.

RSM is the lead sponsor and corporate champion of the European Business Awards promoting commercial excellence and recognition of entrepreneurial brilliance.

RSM is a member of the Forum of Firms, with the shared objective to promote consistent and high quality standards of financial and auditing practices worldwide.

RSM is the brand used by a network of independent accounting and advisory firms each of which practices in its own right. RSM International Limited does not itself provide any accounting and advisory services. Member firms are driven by a common vision of providing high quality professional services, both in their domestic markets and in serving the international professional service needs of their client base. http://www.rsm.global

About ELITE:

ELITE is a full-service programme designed to share best practice and increase growth opportunities for fast growing companies, with a focus on understanding the capital markets. ELITE is an innovative programme based on exclusive training and a tutorship model, supported by access to the business and financial community. Its aim is to prepare companies for their next stage of growth and investment.

For further information on the programme, companies and the full list of partners, please go to:

http://www.elite-growth.com

About PR Newswire:

PR Newswire is the leading global provider of PR and corporate communications tools that enable clients to distribute news and rich content. We distribute our client's content across traditional, digital and social media channels in real time with fully actionable reporting and monitoring.

Combining the world's largest multi-channel, multi-cultural content distribution and optimisation network with comprehensive workflow tools and platforms, PR Newswire enables the world's enterprises to engage opportunity everywhere it exists. PR Newswire serves tens of thousands of clients from offices in Europe, Middle East, Africa, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region.

For more information on PR Newswire please visit http://www.prnewswire.co.uk

SOURCE The European Business Awards and RSM
TOKYO and PARSIPPANY, N.J., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to its investigational HER2-targeting antibody drug conjugate DS-8201 for the treatment of HER2-positive unresectable and/or metastatic breast cancer in patients who have progressed after prior treatment with HER2-targeted therapies including ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1).

Fast Track designation is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs that treat serious conditions and address an unmet medical need. The designation enables early and frequent communication with the FDA and is intended to accelerate drug approval and patient access to novel treatment options.

"This is an important milestone for DS-8201 that underscores the critical need to develop new and effective therapeutic options for patients with metastatic breast cancer whose tumors are no longer controlled by currently approved targeted HER2 treatments," said Antoine Yver, MD, MSc, Executive Vice President and Global Head, Oncology Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo. "It's our obligation to drive science forward to help bring innovative treatment options to cancer patients with the greatest unmet needs and we look forward to working closely with the FDA to optimize development of DS-8201."

Fast Track designation was granted based on results from the dose escalation part of a two-part phase 1 study that assessed the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of DS-8201. These results were recently presented during a late-breaking poster discussion at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2016 Congress and further highlighted in the concluding summary session.1

The second part (dose expansion) of the ongoing phase 1 study is enrolling patients in Japan and the United States to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DS-8201 in four different cohorts of HER2 expressing cancers: patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer previously treated with T-DM1; patients with HER2+ gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma previously treated with trastuzumab; patients with HER2 low expressing breast cancer; and patients with other solid cancers that express HER2. For more information about the study visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

About DS-8201

DS-8201 is an investigational HER2-targeting antibody drug conjugate (ADC) currently in phase 1 clinical development for HER2+ advanced or metastatic breast cancer or gastric cancer, HER2 low expressing breast cancer and other HER2 expressing solid cancers.

DS-8201 is comprised of a humanized anti-HER2 antibody attached by a peptide linker to a novel topoisomerase I inhibitor that utilizes Daiichi Sankyo's proprietary linker-payload technology, offering a unique mechanism of action.2 This linker-payload combination of DS-8201 allows for a higher drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of about 8, which may help target low expressing HER2 tumors by supplying more payload per antibody to a tumor.2

About HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (known as HER2) is a tyrosine kinase receptor growth-promoting protein found on the surface of some cancer cells.3 About one in five breast cancers overexpress the HER2/neu gene, which causes these cancers to grow more aggressively.3 Several unmet needs remain today in HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. Many tumors advance to the point where no currently approved HER2-targeted treatment continues to control the disease.4 Additionally, there are no existing options indicated for HER2 low expressing tumors (IHC2+/FISH- or IHC1+), which generally have poor prognosis.2,5

About Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise

The vision of Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise is to push beyond traditional thinking to align world-class science to create innovative treatments for patients with cancer. The oncology pipeline of Daiichi Sankyo continues to grow and currently includes more than 20 small molecules, monoclonal antibodies and antibody drug conjugates with novel targets in both solid and hematological cancers. Compounds in development include: quizartinib, an oral FLT3 inhibitor, for newly-diagnosed and relapsed/ refractory FLT3-ITD+ acute myeloid leukemia (AML); pexidartinib, an oral CSF-1R inhibitor, for tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), also known as pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) and giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCT-TS), which also is being investigated in combination with anti-PD1 immunotherapy, pembrolizumab, in a range of solid tumors; tivantinib, an oral MET inhibitor, for second-line treatment of patients with MET-high hepatocellular carcinoma in partnership with ArQule, Inc.; and DS-8201, a HER2 targeting antibody drug conjugate, for HER2-expressing breast or gastric cancer or other HER2-expressing solid tumors.

About Daiichi Sankyo

Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical products to address diversified, unmet medical needs of patients in both mature and emerging markets. With over 100 years of scientific expertise and a presence in more than 20 countries, Daiichi Sankyo and its 16,000 employees around the world draw upon a rich legacy of innovation and a robust pipeline of promising new medicines to help people. In addition to a strong portfolio of medicines for hypertension and thrombotic disorders, under the Group's 2025 Vision to become a "Global Pharma Innovator with a Competitive Advantage in Oncology," Daiichi Sankyo research and development is primarily focused on bringing forth novel therapies in oncology, including immuno-oncology, with additional focus on new horizon areas, such as pain management, neurodegenerative diseases, heart and kidney diseases, and other rare diseases. For more information, please visit: www.daiichisankyo.com. Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, is a member of the Daiichi Sankyo Group. For more information on Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., please visit: www.dsi.com.

Contact

Jennifer Brennan

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

[email protected]

+1 973 944 2393 (office)

+1 201 709 9309 (mobile)

References:

1. Tamura K, et al. ESMO Annual Meeting. LBA 17. 2016.

2. Ogitani Y, et al. Clin Cancer Res. March 29, 2016.

3. American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Overview. 2016

4. De Melo Gagliato D, et al. Oncotarget. 2016.

5. Seol H, et al. Modern Pathology. 2012:25:938-948.

SOURCE Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited

Related Links

http://www.daiichisankyo.com


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, announced today its plans to further grow its brand in Little Rock, Arkansas and the surrounding areas of North Little Rock and Conway. Valpak hopes to break through the market and reach 190,000 homes in the "Natural State."

As Arkansas' capital and most populous city, Little Rock is a major target expansion market for Valpak. Little Rock has been recognized as No. 1 on the "10 Great Places to Live" list by Kiplinger.com, and No. 6 on the "America's Happiest Cities" list by Gallup. Additionally, the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metropolitan area earned national recognition with a Forbes.com ranking for Best Places for Business and Careers and Cost of Doing Business.

"We see great potential in Arkansas and are thrilled to be expanding into the Little Rock market," said Shak Turner, Valpak's director of franchise sales. "We're currently scouting for our first local franchisee to bring Valpak's signature Blue Envelope of savings to central Arkansas. As a leading direct marketing company, Valpak can help local businesses achieve success by offering services through our popular mailer, along with our vast suite of digital advertising tools."

A leader in cooperative direct mail, Valpak mails coupons to nearly 39 million demographically targeted households per month in 45 states and four Canadian provinces. In addition to its flagship Blue Envelope, Valpak offers its business customers an impressive portfolio of digital advertising products including valpak.com, Smartphone apps, Google partnerships, website development, mobile web optimization and reputation management.

With more than 25 million Americans using couponing apps each month, Valpak's digital offerings have been a big draw for new franchisees. Digital coupon use is on the rise, and ample gains are projected in 2017. In the past year, Valpak's print offerings have also expanded with on-envelope advertising and circulars.

Ideal candidates for Valpak franchise ownership should possess a desire to join a trusted, industry-leading brand, work within a proven franchise system, develop relationships with local businesses and have a comfort level with selling new, digital technologies. Franchisees should also have a minimum liquidity of $75,000, and a minimum net worth of $150,000.

For more information on Valpak franchise opportunities, please contact Shak Turner at [email protected] or 727-399-3091 or visit www.valpakfranchising.com.

About Valpak

Based in St. Petersburg, FL, Valpak is one of the leading direct marketing companies in the U.S. and Canada. We provide print and digital advertising through a network of 160 local franchises. From mailbox to mobile phone, Valpak brings exciting local business offers and opportunities to millions of consumers. Each month, our well-known Blue Envelope of savings is mailed to about 39 million demographically targeted households in 45 states and in four Canadian provinces. Our digital suite of products, including valpak.com, reaches more than 110 million users. Founded in 1968, Valpak is owned by Cox Target Media, a subsidiary of Cox Media Group in Atlanta.

CONTACT:

Samantha Rego

Valpak

727-399-3139

[email protected]

Caitlin Willard

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

[email protected]

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SOURCE Valpak

Related Links

http://www.valpak.com


WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/Valspar-Recalls-Wood-Cleaner-and-Wood-Brightener-Products

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Cabot wood cleaner and wood brightener products

Hazard: A faulty cap seal can cause the containers to leak contents, posing a chemical hazard to consumers. Inhaling, ingesting or skin contact with the product can cause burning and other injuries.

Remedy: Refund

Consumers should stop using the recalled products and keep them away from children and immediately contact Valspar for disposal and refund instructions.

Consumer Contact: Cabot Stains toll-free at 877-755-3336 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET or online at www.cabotstain.com and click on the Information on Cabot Cleaner and Brightener Recall link at the top of the page.

Recall Details

Units: About 10,300

Description: This recall involves Cabot-branded wood cleaner and wood brightener products, sold in one gallon (3.78 L) white bottles with a handle that are about 9 inches tall. The bottles have the Cabot logo and the name of the product on the front. Products included in the recall have the following badge alphanumeric identifier printed on the back of bottle:

Wood Cleaner Wood Brightener 67MAX20006 67MAX20203 67MAX20007 67MAX20204 67MAX20009 67MAX20206 67MAX20103 67MAX20109 67MAX20105



Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold at: The wood cleaners were sold at Menards in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin in August 2016 for about $10. The wood brighteners were sold at Blain Supply, Do It Best, L&M Fleet Supply, Menards and Orgill in California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota and South Dakota from August 2016 through September 2016 for about $15.

Importer/Distributor: The Valspar Corporation, Cabot brand owner, of Minneapolis, Minn.

Manufactured in: United States

This recall was conducted, voluntarily by the company, under CPSC's Fast Track Recall process. Fast Track recalls are initiated by firms, who commit to work with CPSC to quickly announce the recall and remedy to protect consumers.

About U.S. CPSC:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals  contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.

CPSC Consumer Information Hotline

Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:

800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)

Times: 8 a.m.  5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime

Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.

Media Contact

Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests.

Phone: 301-504-7908

Spanish: 301-504-7800

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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Related Links

http://www.cpsc.gov


SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Varo Money, Inc. ("Varo"), a mobile-only banking start-up that will help consumers gain greater control of their financial lives, today announced that Karen White, a longtime Silicon Valley technology leader, has joined its Board of Directors.

"We are thrilled to welcome Karen to our Board at this important time for Varo," said Colin Walsh, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Varo. "Her leadership track record in the technology industry, together with her experience in growing businesses of scale, will be invaluable to the company as we continue making great progress toward building a truly differentiated financial technology business."

Karen is an accomplished leader in the technology industry. Most recently, she was President, COO and on the Board of Directors of Addepar, an investment management technology company. Prior to Addepar, she served as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Syncplicity, an enterprise-grade online file sharing and mobile collaboration solution, where she grew the SaaS business from first product launch to 30,000 business customers over 3 years, leading to the successful acquisition of the company by EMC in 2012. Karen led business and corporate development at SolarWinds through the company's successful IPO in 2009, and held a variety of executive management roles at Oracle for seven years. She was also Managing Director at Pequot Capital, where she focused on venture investments in enterprise software companies.

"Varo is an incredibly transformative company, bringing long overdue innovation that is truly customer centric to the traditional banking industry," said Karen White. "I believe Varo will improve the day-to-day financial lives of millions of people and I'm excited to play a role with the company and its talented team."

Karen joins a select group of industry experts and leaders on the Varo Board of Directors including David Coulter, Kevin Moss, Cary Davis and Colin Walsh.

Varo recently launched its beta product to a closed group of users. Earlier this year, the company partnered with The Bancorp Bank to provide private label banking services to support Varo mobile checking and savings account products. Varo has also partnered with Galileo Processing, Inc. to provide payment and transaction processing services, Socure, Inc. for digital identity verification services, and Cachet Financial Solutions Inc. for mobile check deposit.

About Varo

Varo Money, Inc. is a financial technology company based in San Francisco, California. Varo was founded on the belief that there is a better way to bank that will help improve the financial outcomes of a generation of consumers. In May 2016, Varo announced a $27 million funding round led by Warburg Pincus. Varo is working with several partners and a panel of millennial advisors to develop and deliver an innovative banking experience in the U.S. For more information please visit www.varomoney.com.

Contacts

[email protected]

SOURCE Varo Money, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.varomoney.com


NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA) has been awarded Corporate Secretary Magazine's 2016 Corporate Governance Award for the Best Compliance and Ethics Program in the small to mid-cap category.

Voya was honored for its coordination and integration of good governance principles and ethics across the company. Since its 2013 initial public offering, Voya has encouraged and created a culture of ethics, or "doing the right thing," beginning with its board of directors and extending to every Voya employee, creating an ethical governance environment across the company.

"We are deeply honored to be recognized for our commitment to ethics and governance principles," said Rod Martin, chairman and CEO. "Voya's strong culture of ethics is a source of great pride for all of our employees."

The Best Compliance and Ethics Program award assesses coordination of governance, compliance, ethics and risk management processes across the entire corporation and its subsidiaries. Judges consider the level of understanding and integration of good governance principles across all disciplines and a truly non-silo approach to achieving an ethical governance environment.

The award was presented at Corporate Secretary Magazine's 9th Annual Corporate Governance Awards on November 3, 2016 at Cipriani in New York City. Voya deputy general counsel and corporate secretary, Jean Weng, accepted the award on behalf of Voya before an audience of more than 400 governance, risk and compliance professionals.

Media Contact:

Tiffany Hawks

Voya Financial

Office: (212) 309-8915

[email protected]

About Voya Financial

Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), helps Americans plan, invest and protect their savings  to get ready to retire better. Serving the financial needs of approximately 13 million individual and institutional customers in the United States, Voya is a Fortune 500 company that had $11 billion in revenue in 2015. The company had $480 billion in total assets under management and administration as of September 30, 2016. With a clear mission to make a secure financial future possible  one person, one family, one institution at a time  Voya's vision is to be America's Retirement Company. The company is equally committed to conducting business in a way that is socially, environmentally, economically and ethically responsible  Voya has been recognized as one of the 2016 World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, and as one of the Top Green Companies in the U.S., by Newsweek magazine. For more information, visit voya.com. Follow Voya Financial on Facebook and Twitter @Voya.

SOURCE Voya Financial

Related Links

http://www.voya.com


NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State-endorsed nonprofit university WGU Tennessee today announced it will for the third year in a row award up to 10 Tennesseans $10,000 scholarships as part of its "Tenn-K" Scholarship program.

"As we prepare for a new year, our hope is to give as many as 10 Tennesseans a jump-start on their New Year's resolutions and the opportunity to change their futures  to grow in their careers and improve quality of life for their families," said Dr. Kimberly K. Estep, WGU Tennessee chancellor. "The 'Tenn-K' Scholarship reflects our commitment to helping more working adults in our state 'go the distance' and complete a bachelor's or master's degree in 2016."

The scholarship  which is presented in four installments of $2,500 per semester  covers more than 80 percent of WGU Tennessee's already-low tuition of $3,000 per term for most programs. "Tenn-K" Scholarships will be awarded based on the student's academic record, readiness for online study, and demonstrated financial need, as well as other considerations. The application deadline is March 31, 2017.

Evans Duvall of Memphis, Tenn., had just finished his bachelor's degree in Information Technology Management through WGU Tennessee in January 2015. Just a few months later, he applied for and was awarded one of WGU Tennessee's Tenn-K Scholarships.

"Earning a master's degree was my immediate goal once I finished my bachelor's program," Duvall said. "When I received the Tenn-K Scholarship, I knew it was going to be possible. I have two kids in college, so having help with my own tuition was really great."

Launched by Gov. Bill Haslam in July 2013 as part of his "Drive to 55" initiative, WGU Tennessee is an online, accredited, nonprofit university established to meet the needs of working adults who wish to complete a bachelor's or master's degree and advance their careers.WGU Tennessee was created through a partnership between the state of Tennessee and nationally recognized Western Governors University. More than 1,500 Tennesseans have graduated since the university's inception, and 3,000-plus are enrolled.

To learn more about the "Tenn-K" Scholarship, visit tennessee.wgu.edu/TennK.

About WGU Tennessee

WGU Tennessee is an online, nonprofit, competency-based university established to expand Tennesseans' access to higher education throughout the state. Formed through a partnership between the state of Tennessee and nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Tennessee is open to all qualified Tennessee residents. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high-demand career fields of business, K12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).*

In addition to WGU Tennessee, there are five other WGU state-based, state-endorsed universities: WGU Indiana, established in June 2010; WGU Washington, established in April 2011; WGU Texas, established in August 2011; WGU Missouri, established in February 2013; and WGU Nevada, established in June 2015.

For more information, visit the WGU Tennessee website, tennessee.wgu.edu, or call 855-948-8495.

*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington, DC 20036, 202-877-6791).

Follow WGU Tennessee:

http://www.facebook.com/wgutennessee

http://www.linkedin.com/companies/western-governors-university

http://twitter.com/wgutennessee

http://www.youtube.com/wgutennessee

https://www.instagram.com/wgutenn/

Contact for media inquiries:

Matt Griffin  PR Manager

615-472-6056

[email protected]

Contact for enrollment information:

855-948-8495

tennessee.wgu.edu

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SOURCE WGU Tennessee

Related Links

http://tennessee.wgu.edu


NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Community leaders, activists, elected officials, and supporters observed World AIDS Day 2016 by attending the official dedication ceremony for the newly completed New York City AIDS Memorial, centerpiece of the New York City AIDS Memorial Park at St. Vincent's Triangle. The Memorial is located at the intersection of West 12th Street and Greenwich Avenue in Manhattan's West Village neighborhood. The New York City AIDS Memorial Board of Directors hosted the ceremony, alongside representatives from the END AIDS NY 2020 Coalition, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the New York State Department of Health.

Until now, more than 35 years into the fight against AIDS, there was no highly visible public memorial in New York City recognizing the 100,000+ men, women and children lost to the disease and the extraordinarily heroic effort of caregivers and activists who helped change the trajectory of the epidemic. The Memorial sits at the gateway to a new park adjacent to the former St. Vincent's Hospital, which housed the City's largest AIDS ward and is often considered the epicenter of the disease, and less than a block from the LGBT Community Center, where ACT-UP first organized. The push for a memorial began as a grassroots effort in 2011, and with significant community support, public leadership and private generosity, including the special support of the Rudin family, the developers of the park and former hospital site, the Memorial is finally opening to the public.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo celebrates the Memorial and reiterates his commitment to ending AIDS in New York State. "More than 35 years after the AIDS epidemic first devastated New York, this battle is finally nearing its end," Governor Cuomo said. "This memorial is both a tribute to the thousands of men and women who lost their lives to AIDS, as well as an enduring symbol of our commitment reducing the number of HIV infections statewide. By taking a comprehensive approach that includes more testing, cutting-edge treatment, and increased access to new drugs, we have transformed this state into a place where new transmissions are rare and those living with this disease can enjoy a full, healthy life."

The New York City AIDS Memorial Park at St. Vincent's Triangle was built by the Rudin family as part of their redevelopment of the former St. Vincent's Hospital. Along with building the new park, the Rudin family managed the construction of the New York City AIDS Memorial. "We are so gratified to see this beautiful park and Memorial now available to the neighborhood and all New Yorkers," said William Rudin, CEO of Rudin Management, Inc. Eric Rudin, President of Rudin Management, Inc. agrees. "It was an honor to build this Memorial for current and future generations -- offering a unique place for reflection amid a busy city."

The monument's 18-foot white canopy sculpture was fabricated in Argentina and assembled onsite, and stone fabricators in Cold Spring, Minnesota produced the Memorial's granite pavers with engraved artwork by world-renowned visual artist Jenny Holzer. This work includes selections from Walt Whitman's Song of Myself.

"The New York City AIDS Memorial Park at St. Vincent's Triangle honors the best of our city. From the dedicated medical staff of St. Vincent's who served Greenwich Village for more than 150 years, to the New Yorkers who bravely came together during dark early days of the AIDS crisis, this beautiful new space pays homage to the generations of courage and care that make this the Greatest City in the World," said New York City Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP.

Keith Fox, President of the New York City AIDS Memorial Board of Directors, summarized the feeling of many who have worked on this project for nearly five years. "Getting to this special day has been an amazing journey. We have met so many generous and passionate New Yorkers who have been with us every step of the way. We were collectively inspired to honor the 100,000 New Yorkers who died from this disease, and to ensure that their memory, and our shared history, is not forgotten."

Additional noted speakers at the dedication included:

Dr. Mary T. Bassett , New York City Health Commissioner

, New York City Health Commissioner Gale Brewer , Manhattan Borough President

, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman , New York State Senator

, Senator Corey Johnson , New York City Council Member

, New York City Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito , Speaker, New York City Council

, Speaker, New York City Council Kamilah Aisha Moon , celebrated poet

, celebrated poet Billy Porter , Tony Award-winning performer

, Tony Award-winning performer Scott M. Stringer , New York City Comptroller

, New York City Comptroller Lillias White , Tony Award-winning actress

, Tony Award-winning actress Dr. Howard Zucker , New York State Health Commissioner

For more information about the New York City AIDS Memorial and a record of the day's remarks, visit nycaidsmemorial.org.

About New York City AIDS Memorial: The Memorial project was launched in 2011 by Christopher Tepper and Paul Kelterborn to recognize and preserve the history of the AIDS crisis through the creation of a Memorial to honor New York City's 100,000+ men, women and children who have died from AIDS, and to commemorate and celebrate the efforts of the caregivers and activists who responded heroically to the crisis. Their efforts evolved into the New York City AIDS Memorial organization. For more information about and images of the New York City AIDS Memorial, visit nycaidsmemorial.org, follow on Facebook at facebook.com/NYCAIDSMemorial and on Twitter at @AIDSMemPark.

Media Contact:

Kathy Malangone, [email protected], 917-680-7122

SOURCE New York City AIDS Memorial

Related Links

http://nycaidsmemorial.org


NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In keeping with tradition, YOTEL New York, together with Norwegian Air, Flight 001, LugLoc and RHA, are bringing back the successful '12 Days of Travel Surprises' initiative to celebrate the holiday season. Playing into the brand's true innovative spirit, starting today YOTEL guests will have the opportunity to win travel and tech-savvy gifts throughout the month of December.

The main attraction, YOBOT, the hotel's luggage storing robot will deliver each gift to 12 lucky guests this month (another 12 will be rewarded online). On a normal day, the enormous luggage-storing robot holds guests' luggage in any of the 150 bins situated behind a transparent glass wall at the hotel's ground entrance  a fun way for guests to store baggage. The interactive experience allows guests to use a touchscreen to transport their luggage to the storage bin via a giant robotic arm. Luggage can then be easily retrieved with the simple scan of a custom barcode.

This holiday season, YOTEL will make this unusual experience even more enticing by stocking select bins with unique travel accessories and tech-focused gifts for those staying at the hotel. Each guest who uses the YOBOT during the month of December will have a chance to win one of the carefully curated prizes: round-trip flights with Norwegian Air, RHA premium stainless steel headphones, travel accessories from Flight 001, free stays at YOTEL and a Bluetooth smart luggage geo-locator from LugLoc. If one of the stocked vaults is selected at random, YOBOT will bring the gift to the guest before proceeding to store their baggage.

Eligible participants may also play online at yotel.com/sweepstakes. Visitors to the site will be prompted to log in and select a virtual YOBOT bin each day for a chance to win a range of travel surprises. Participants are encouraged to share their excitement by tagging #YOBOTSANTA in social media posts.

About YOTEL

Inspired by first class travel, YOTEL translates the language of luxury airline travel into small but luxurious 'cabins'. Uncompromisingly designed around guests, YOTEL City hotels are taking the essential elements of luxury hotels into smaller, smart spaces and deliver a sense of community with areas for co-working, social gatherings and exercise. Premium cabins include YOTEL's signature adjustable 'SmartBed' with luxury bedding, rejuvenating monsoon rain showers, relaxing mood lighting and 'techno-wall' with smart TVs, multi power points and easy connectivity.

YOTEL currently operates three airport hotels in London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol airports; and one city hotel in the heart of Manhattan, New York. YOTEL is expanding rapidly with eight new hotels under development globally, including two new airport hotels set to open at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (2016) and Singapore Changi Airport (2018); and six new city hotels currently under construction in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (2017) Singapore Orchard Road (2017), Miami (2018), San Francisco (2017), Boston (2017) and Dubai (2018).

Founded by YO! Founder Simon Woodroffe OBE, YOTEL's HQ is in London and has offices in Boston and Dubai. Its major partner and shareholder is IFA Hotels and Resorts KSCC based in Dubai.

For More Information, please visit: http://www.YOTEL.com

Media Contact KWITTKEN

For more information, please contact [email protected].

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SOURCE YOTEL

Related Links

http://www.YOTEL.com


If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Imphal, Nov 28 : Angry customers vandalized two SBI branches in Manipur on Monday after the bank refused to allow people to withdraw Rs 24,000 each from their accounts citing cash shortage.

A policeman was injured in violence in one of the banks and while a mob damaged windows in another, witnesses and officials said. Bank work was hit in both places but no one has been arrested.

The trouble started at the State Bank of India in Manipur University when two customers insisted on withdrawing Rs 24,000 each - the maximum one can take out from the bank a week following demonetisation.

Branch manager Prasad Jain said: "They became angry when it was pointed out that our senior officials had declared that such big amounts could not be withdrawn."

The customers then turned unruly.

N. Birean, a customer, said people who had been queuing up from early in the morning became angry when they were informed they could withdraw only Rs 2,000 each from their savings accounts.

An elderly customer who didn't want to be named said: "Two thousand rupees is chicken feed. We have been wasting several days for this pittance?"

Sensing the mood, the SBI said the customers could take out Rs 4,000 each. "But the bank will be closed once the cash runs out," one officer told the crowd.

On hearing this, the account holders started vandalizing the office, the witnesses said. Riot police rushed to the bank to bring the situation under control.

A policeman, Mutum Shyamo, was injured in the violence.

There was a similar incident at another SBI branch at Leimakhong in Imphal West district where account holders damaged windows following heated exchanges with the staff, witnesses said.

Though armed policemen have been deployed in all bank branches in the state, officials say it has become increasingly tough to maintain order as customers who are denied cash become restive.

There have been face-offs between the bank staff and customers in Manipur but this is the first time banks were vandalized.

The November 8 demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes has caused a severe cash crunch across the country. Several banks have unilaterally put curbs on how much a customer can withdraw from their accounts.

The RBI says the maximum a person can take out from his or her account is Rs 24,000 a week.
New Delhi, Nov 29 : The Delhi government has ordered an inquiry into the alleged scam of changing of old denomination notes by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), Transport Minister Satyendar Jain said on Tuesday.

Talking to reporters here, Jain said fare collected worth over Rs 8 crore was deposited by some DTC depots in banks between November 10 and November 20 in old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

"Since it was not allowed to accept Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes during this period, it appears that some officials either exchanged their old notes with lower denomination notes collected as fare or they exchanged someone else's old notes on commission," he said.

Jain said he wrote to Transport Commissioner to get the matter investigated by the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) and suspend all DTC officials involved in the scam.

"As per the preliminary report, irregularities have been found in around half the DTC depots where 98 to 99 per cent of the money deposited in banks was in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes," he added.

Jain said he received complaints of irregularities during a "public hearing" on November 19 after which he had ordered DTC Managing Director to submit a report.

Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP alleged that the money came from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and not DTC employees.

Demanding a probe into the matter, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Satish Upadhyay said: "Jain's statement that Rs 8.5 crore belonged to DTC officials sounds to be a hilarious effort to mislead people."

"The matter definitely needs a high level probe by ACB as the people of Delhi believe these scrapped notes came from AAP coffers, and have no connection with the DTC officials," Upadhyay told reporters here.

Last week, he had written to Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung about the alleged scam.
Jammu, Nov 30 : Search operations on Wednesday were resumed inside the Nagrota army camp that was attacked by terrorists on Tuesday killing seven soldiers, including two officers.

"The search operation inside the camp was resumed with the first light of day. The operation was halted due to darkness yesterday (Tuesday) evening," army sources said.

Three militants were also killed in the operation that lasted nearly 14-hours after suicide militants dressed in police uniform stormed the 166 field regiment camp at 5.30 a.m.

Two officers identified as Major Gosavi Kunal Mannadir and Major Akshay Girish Kumar were among the seven soldiers killed in the terror attack.

Others killed included Havaldar Sukhraj Singh, Lance Naik Kadam Sam bhaji Yeshwantro, Grenadier Raghvendra Singh and Rifleman Azim Rai.

Five soldiers were also injured in the attack that occurred barely three km away from the headquarters of the army's 16 corps in Nagrota.

In the other terror attack that occurred at a BSF camp near the international border in Ramgarh sector, five security personnel, including Deputy Inspector General B.S. Kasana and Inspector Sarabjit Singh were injured while three militants who attacked the camp were killed.
Kathmandu, Nov 30 : Thousands of people in Nepal took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against a Constitution amendment proposal, and particularly the proposal to split Province no 5 in a bid to address the row over provincial boundaries.

A day after the Nepal government tabled a Bill related to the constitution amendment in order to address the demands and grievances of Madhes-based political parties, thousands of people took to the streets in six districts of Lumbini zone from early Wednesday.

Main opposition, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) has already rejected the proposal before its inception while there is sharp division and discontent over the proposal within the ruling alliance -- Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center).

The amendment proposal seeks split some of the districts of the present Province No 5 and to incorporate them in Province no 4 and 6. Against this proposed change and in favour of a unified Province 5, thousands of people across party lines have joined hands since Wednesday morning.

In order to woo the Madhes-based parties, the government has decided to create two provinces in Nepal's southern plain. According to the new proposal, the southern plain will have two provinces - 2 and 6 - exclusively dominated by Madhesi population.

In response to the proposal, six districts of Lumbini Zone of Nepal are tense since early morning as hundreds of people have taken into the street. These spontaneous mass rallies are supported by the CPN-UML and even ruling, NC and Maoist party cadre.

Defying the party's decision and instructions, cardre belong to the ruling parties took to the streets and formed an alliance against the spilt of Province 5.

Vehicular movements in the six districts of Lumbini Zone were badly affected, markets were closed as top leaders of the ruling and opposition alliance also joined in the movement.

A key alliance of the agitating Madhesi Morcha on Wednesday rejected the government's proposal.

Upendra Yadav, a prominent Madeshi leader and Chairman of the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum (Federal Socialist Alliance), rejected the proposed Bill saying the government has made a "serious mistake" while registering the proposal without prior consultation with them.

After a year of hiatus and political stand-off and in order to heed the demands and grievances of agitating Madhes-based political parties, the Nepal government on Tuesday night tabled a constitution amendment Bill in Legislative Parliament. Before registering the proposal, a Cabinet meeting endorsed the four-point proposal regarding addressing the row over federal boundaries, citizenship, language, inclusive representation of all marginalized communities in various state entities, including in Upper House, on the basis of population ratio.

The amendment is meant for various marginalized and deprived communities, Yadav said in a statement on Wednesday, but without consensus and the approval from the same groups and consent from Madhes the proposal does not hold any relevance.

Though Yadav made his position clear, other Madhes-based parties have not made their position clear on the amendment proposal.

Support from Madhes-based parties is key as Nepal needs to move forward for the Constitution implementation process, like holding three-tiered elections - local, provincial and central - in another 15 months.

A meeting of the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), of which Yadav is a member, has been called later in the day to make their position clear.

If the Yadav-led party does not support the proposal, chances of securing two-third majority votes to approve the Bill will be minimal.

Neither the demands put by Madhesi Morcha or by the Forum were addressed in the proposal, said Yadav in his statement. "Our demand is to federate Nepal in 10 Provinces but government has not prescribed any kind of remedies over settling the row over federal boundaries."

The proposal is not clear about language, said the statement; issues like provincial autonomy, ensuring representation of various ethnic communities in various state entities on the basis of proportional representation has not been made.

None of any of the proposed changes in the Bill is going to meet our demands, he said while expressing reservations over citizenship, proportional representation of Madhesis and other communities in the Upper House and others.

"If representation is not made on the basis of population ratio, Madhesis in Nepal who have have been suffering and depressed since centuries, will not get majority in the Upper House," he said, claiming that such a proposal will further escalate tension in the country, instigate conflict among the communities and castes, invite political disorder that will ultimately lead to a state of confusion, ambiguity and instability.

So, he said, we will continue our protest and agitation until our demands are met.
Chennai, Nov 30 : Cyclonic storm Nada is expected to cross the Tamil Nadu coast near Cuddalore by the early hours of December 2, said the weather office.

In its bulletin on Wednesday the Chennai Meteorological Office said cyclone Nada will cross the north Tamil Nadu coast between Vedaranniyam and Puducherry, close to Cuddalore, by December 2.

Cuddalore is around 185 kilometres from here.

According to the weather office, Nada is about 710 km southeast of Chennai, 670 km east-southeast of Puducherry.

The system is very likely to move west-northwestward, intensify further and cross the north Tamil Nadu coast.

According to the weather office, light to moderate rainfall is likely to commence over coastal Tamil Nadu from Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, Lt. General N. C. Marwah, Member, NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority), reviewed the preparedness of the state government to withstand the impact of the northeast monsoon, a state government release said.
New Delhi, Nov 30 : Just two days ahead of Pakistan foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz's visit, India on Wednesday clarified that it has not officially received a request for any bilateral meeting from Islamabad.

"Pakistan has not requested for any bilateral meeting so far," Gopal Baglay, who heads the Ministry of External Affairs division dealing with Pakistan, said at a briefing here.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Foreign Policy Advisor Sartaj Aziz is scheduled to visit Amritsar, Punjab, on December 3 to attend the Heart of Asia Conference.

The conference, which will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, will see participation of over 40 countries.

This would be the first high-level visit from Pakistan after the announcement of Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue in December last year, which never took off in the wake of terror strikes, including the Pathankot airbase attack, and subsequent incidents which led to intense tensions between the two countries.

Ties between India and Pakistan have soured after the terrorist attack on an Army base in Uri town of Jammu and Kashmir in September that left 19 soldiers dead and many wounded.

India has blamed Pakistan based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad for the attack.

India also recently boycotted the Saarc summit, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November, citing continuous cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 30 : The Odisha government has decided to seek technical expertise from the University of Chicago to improve energy efficiency and pollution control, said an official on Wednesday.

The government has decided to have a partnership with the University of Chicago, India Center. A high-level meeting to this effect was held under the chairmanship of chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi here.

"The government is working on pollution control and energy saving measures for some years. We would like to have an independent study of the approaches adopted so far by the state and bring in international practices for making those more effective at the field level," said Padhi.

Development commissioner R. Balakrishnan said, "We are holding preliminary talks with India Center of the University. The state will gain from their worldwide knowledge and expertise on monitoring of pollution control and improve energy efficiency in the state."

The areas of collaboration in the matters of training and capacity building are also being explored with the team, added Balakrishnan.

Country Director of Energy Policy Institute at Chicago (EPIC), Anant Sudarshan said the objective of EPIC is to bring economic research to the forefront of solving energy and environment challenges.

EPIC would like to have a collaboration with state government and Pollution Control Board to bring about qualitative as well as quantitative improvement in the initiatives of the state, he added.
Kolkata, Nov 30 : Three newborn infants including a girl were rescued from beside a canal in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on Wednesday, police said.

"We recovered three babies from Harindanga village under Falta block in South 24 Parganas district. The babies were abandoned beside a village canal," an officer from Falta police station said.

"The kids have been admitted to Diamond Harbour hospital. We have not received any claims for the kids yet," he said.

The babies were rescued due to increased police vigil throughout the state to prevent child trafficking.

Ten newborns, about to be trafficked, were recovered from a Kolkata based old age home last week.

"It is too early to decide if the kids were victims of any trafficking activity. We are investigating the matter," Sunil Chowdhury, Superintendent of police, South 24 Parganas told IANS.
Washington, Dec 1 : The creator of fast food chain McDonald's famous burger, the 'Big Mac', has died aged 98 at his home in United States, media reports said.

Michael James Delligatti, a McDonald's franchisee, invented the burger while running his restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1967, the Guardian reported.

After labouring for two years to get the right combo for his 'special sauce', Delligatti introduced the seven-ingredient sandwich with two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.

His invention was almost rejected by McDonald's, which was happy with its traditional meals of hamburger, fries and a milkshake. The firm relented and it was made available nationwide the following year.

Today McDonald's sells 900 million Big Macs worldwide in a year. The burger can be found in more than 100 countries.

Delligatti went on to own 48 McDonald's restaurants in western Pennsylvania, making him one of the company's largest franchise holders.

In a statement released through McDonald's, his family said he was a "spirited and generous philanthropist" who helped refugee families get treatment for their children. Delligatti also served as sergeant in the US army in Europe during the second world war.

McDonald's paid tribute to Delligatti, calling him a "legendary franchisee" who made a "lasting impression".

He is survived by his two sons, his wife Ellie, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Damascus, Dec 1 : Syria's Foreign Ministry lashed out at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the remarks he recently made against the Syrian government, branding the Turkish leader as "tyrant."

"Syria will not allow this tyrant to intervene in its internal affairs and will cut off the hands that try to harm it," Xinhua news agency quoted a statement by the ministry on Wednesday.

The statement came after Erdogan said on Tuesday that the aim of his intervention in Syria is to end the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.

"The remarks of Erdogan reflect the real intentions behind the Turkish aggression on Syria and that's a result of his greed and illusions that feed the the thoughts of this extremist tyrant," the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the ministry urged the international community to put an end to the "Erdogan's meddling in the affairs of the regional countries" as it poses a threat to international peace.

The Turkish army has recently intervened in northern Syria to back rebel groups under a campaign called 'Euphrates Shield', declaring to fight Islamic State (IS) group and prevent Kurdish militias from taking over key areas in the region.

Following Turkish intervention, the Syrian government made it clear that it will deal with the Turkish forces as a force of occupation.

A couple of weeks ago, three Turkish soldiers were killed near the Syrian northern city of al-Bab, which is controlled by the IS.

IANS

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Bogota, Dec 1 : The Colombian Congress has endorsed last month's peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) by an absolute majority.

The deal that was signed on November 24 was endorsed by the House of Representatives of Colombia on Wednesday evening. It was earlier approved by the Senate, Efe news reported.

With 130 votes in favour, the house plenary endorsed the second peace accord reached by the parties to end 52 years of armed conflict, removing the last hurdle to proceed with its implementation.

"Gratitude to Congress for historic support of the hope for peace of the Colombians," Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos tweeted.
Islamabad, Dec 1 : Pakistan and India will not hold any bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Conference being held in Amritsar on December 3-4, it was reported on Thursday.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz is leading the Pakistani delegation to the two-day meeting that will focus on cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for improving connectivity and tackling security threats in the region.

"For now, we don't see any willingness on their part... the ball is in India's court, for they know we are willing but we don't know whether they are willing," a foreign office official told Dawn on Wednesday.

India on Wednesday clarified that it has not officially received a request for any bilateral meeting from Islamabad.

"Pakistan has not requested for any bilateral meeting so far," Gopal Baglay, who heads the Indian Ministry of External Affairs division dealing with Pakistan, said at a briefing in New Delhi.

Pakistan and India had at the last Heart of Asia ministerial meeting in Islamabad agreed to start "Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue" that was to cover all outstanding issues. The resumption of the dialogue could, however, not take place due to the Pathankot attack in January earlier this year.

Bilateral relations further deteriorated in July following the commencement of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir and India placed the blame for the September 18 Uri military camp attack and continuing infiltration attempts on Pakistan.

Things turned worse with the spike in ceasefire violations at the border that have left dozens of people dead in barely two months.

The Pakistan government decided to attend the Heart of Asia conference despite a deep freeze in bilateral ties, even though India had scuttled the Saarc summit that Islamabad was to host in November this year.

Aziz had earlier said in Islamabad: "India sabotaged Saarc, but Pakistan would not do the same."
Chennai, Dec 1 : Director A. Sarkunam has confirmed that he has no plans of making a sequel to his 2010 hit Tamil comedy "Kalavani", contrary to reports.

"I'm not doing 'Kalavani 2'. Everything that has been written about the project so far is nothing but rumour. My next project will be with actor R. Madhavan, and I can't wait to start work on the same," Sarkunam told IANS.

Currently busy with the pre-production work of his next with Madhavan, he said it will be an interesting project.

"It's too early to talk about the film which I can assure will be quite interesting," he said.

Reportedly, the Madhavan-starrer will be predominantly shot in foreign locations.
Hyderabad/Vijayawada, Dec 1 : The cash crunch turned pay day into pain day for people in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Thursday with low or no cash in banks.

The first day of the new month began on a bitter note for the salaried as most people returned disappointed even after standing in queues since early in the morning.

Employees of private firms including IT companies, pensioners, housewives, traders, students and daily wage earners all had the same complaint - low cash or no cash in banks.

On the 23rd day after the scrapping of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, there was no relief for people. In fact, the salary day only added to their woes and increased the pressure on banks.

The queues turned longer as people lined up as early as at 6 a.m. at banks to draw the money to meet their financial commitments on the first day of the month.

It was disappointment for them as majority of the banks allowed customers to draw only Rs 4,000-6,000.

The situation was worse at ATMs, with almost all of them closed. A few which opened in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and other major towns soon went dry.

With the new Rs 500 note yet to reach the banks in the two states, people are facing severe hardships.

Whatever little amount they are able to draw is in new notes of Rs 2,000, which is of little help due to severe shortage of change in the market.

Those whose salaries were credited in their bank accounts by their employers were a frustrated lot as banks did not allow them to draw more than Rs 4,000-6,000 citing low cash received from head offices.

"With this meager amount how can I pay the rent, school fee of my children, the salary of maid and the bills of milk supplier and newspaper vendor and buy groceries?" asked Ishwar Rao, an employee in a logistics firm in Hyderabad.

Many customers say though the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permits people to draw Rs 24,000 from his savings account every week, banks are not giving them this amount.

The problem faced by current account holders, who can draw up to Rs 50,000 a week, is no different.

"I gave a cheque of Rs 50,000 as I have to pay salaries to my employees but the bank people said it can't give more than Rs 4,000," said R. Ramakrishna, an entrepreneur in Vijayawada.

Some employers paid salaries of their employees in spiked notes and asked them to deposit in their bank accounts.

With Rs 9,000 in old Rs 500 notes in his hands, a teacher of a private school in Visakhapatnam was standing in a long queue outside the State Bank of India to deposit it in his account.

Banks in both the Telugu state found it difficult to cope with the salary day pressure.

The governments of both the Telugu states have asked banks pay Rs 10,000 in cash to each employee and pensioner.

The Telangana government has asked nationalized banks to open special counters for employees and pensioners to pay cash. It also directed them to work for extra hours to meet the demand.
New Delhi/Kolkata, Dec 1 : Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju on Thursday informed Parliament that a probe has been ordered into an alleged safety lapse on the aircraft ferrying West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday.

The minister informed the Lok Sabha about the probe ordered by the civil aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), after an uproar in the House over the issue of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's aircraft not being allowed to land at Kolkata airport.

Soon after the House met on Thursday, TMC leader Sudip Bandopadhyay raised the issue of the aircraft not being allowed to land at Kolkata airport despite technical glitches on Wednesday night.

He said the aircraft had circled overhead for about 30 minutes and alleged that the Air Traffic Control (ATC) delayed giving the green signal to land despite the pilot pointing out that the plane was running out of fuel.

However, the civil aviation minister refuted the claim, saying the flight hovered only for about 13 minutes before landing at Kolkata airport.

Budget passenger carrier IndiGo also rebutted the allegations by stating that its flight -- 6E 342 -- made a normal landing at Kolkata airport on Wednesday night.

"The flight was kept on hold for landing due to air traffic congestion at Kolkata. The pilot operating 6E-342 had advised the ATC that he has eight minutes of extra holding fuel over Kolkata (destination) before commencing diversion to the planned alternate," the airline said in a statement.

"However, this information was misunderstood by the air traffic controller, who assumed that the aircraft had only eight minutes of total fuel left. The misinterpretation of the information by ATC controller led ATC to instruct fire engines and ambulances to be stationed at Kolkata airport."

"We would like to clarify - IndiGo Captain at no stage declared a fuel priority or an emergency. Subsequently, the airplane made a normal landing at Kolkata airport at 8.40 p.m. (delayed by an hour due to congestion)."

The airline said that the fuel on arrival was more than the required minimum diversion fuel.

"There has been no violation or breach of any regulatory requirement in the above mentioned scenario," the statement added.

"IndiGo has responded to the queries made by the regulator. At IndiGo, safety of passengers, crew and the aircraft is the utmost priority and at no stage it can be compromised."
Kisama (Nagaland), Dec 1 : The Hornbill Festival, the Festival of all Festivals in Nagaland, got off to a grand start on Thursday as tourists, including foreigners, descended here.

The 10-day festival, which also coincides with the Statehood Day of Nagaland, is an annual tourism promotional event to showcase Nagaland's rich cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity and grandeur, Parliamentary Secretary in-charge of Tourism C. Apok Jamir told IANS.

It is the coming together of all the elements that make up the total Nagaland. The Hornbill Festival is a collaborative celebration of all Naga tribes at one venue.

The festival is a tribute to the great "Hornbill", which is the most admired and revered bird for the Nagas for its qualities of alertness and grandeur. The majestic bird is closely identified with the social and cultural life of the Nagas as reflected in tribal folklore, dances and songs, Jamir said.

The awe and admiration for the bird is symbolically displayed on almost all tribal traditional headgears worn during the festivals and is indicative of the unity of the Nagas.

The festival is a cultural extravaganza to revive, protect and preserve the richness and uniqueness of the Naga heritage, while for the visitors to this event it is a means to comprehensively understand the Naga people, their land and culture.

Jamir said over the years the event has become a unique platform for the tourists to witness the cultural diversity not only of the Nagas but also the seven other sister states of the northeastern region.

It was former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's brainchild to promote tourism by bringing all the Naga tribes on one platform, espousing the spirit of unity in diversity.

Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya, who inaugurated the festival, thanked the pioneers of the state who had sacrificed for the people of Nagaland during the early years of statehood.

Nagaland attained statehood with the enactment of the State of Nagaland Act in 1962 by Parliament.

The interim body was dissolved on November 30, 1963 and the state of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on December 1, 1963. Kohima was declared the state capital.

"Nagaland is a land of festivals and as such we have to promote our rich culture and tradition through festivals to boost tourism in the state," Acharya said.

He said Nagas treat other people with respect and a sense of forgiveness and asked both the domestic and international tourists to make use of the best facilities and go home with sweet memories.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who was the guest of honour, said the Hornbill Festival would lead to closer understanding within the people of Nagaland where every tribe can showcase its unique culture and tradition.

He also mentioned about the cordial relationship between Assam and Nagaland during the Ahom Kingdom.

Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, who is also the Chief Host, greeted the people of the state on the occasion of the 53rd Statehood Day.

"Naga people are determined to preserve the rich culture and tradition," Zeliang said.

"Nagaland being considered as geographically isolated from the mainland would soon be a thing of the past with the coming up of 'Act East Policy' and Hornbill Festival being recognised internationally," the Chief Minister added.

(Raymond Kharmujai can be contacted at rrkharmujai@gmail.com)
New Delhi, Dec 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi must either quit or take urgent steps to end the misery caused by the note ban, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) said on Thursday.

The government must take immediate steps to put an end to the miseries of the common people by allowing old notes till alternative arrangements for their replacement was made, the AIKS said in a statement.

The government must also end all the restrictions imposed on withdrawal of money from banks and ATMs or Modi should resign at once, it added.

The statement called the November 8 demonetisation "a pre-calculated move to save the corporate houses who are in acute crisis by ensuring cash flow through public sector banks by looting the savings of the common people.

"The demonetisation is not aimed at curbing black money or to transform India into a cashless society as claimed by Modi," it added.

The AIKS said 240 corporate institutions, or 48 per cent of the top 500 corporate companies with an overall debt of Rs 12.4 lakh crore, were facing the risk of being excluded from the Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A).

The public sector banks were also facing a severe crisis of growing non performing assets (NPA).

It said the RBI was losing control over the public credit system due to the pro-corporate policy of the Modi government "which writes off whopping debts of corporate forces every year.

"In the last 21 days, Rs 9.35 lakh crore has been remitted in the public sector banks by the common people. Bank employees (feel) around 90-95 per cent of the cancelled currency will be deposited in the banks."

But it said the government was not ready to give back the money of the common people and at the same time writing off loans given to corporate houses.

"The people are facing severe economic and financial crisis and nobody can predict an immediate end to it," it said.

"It seems the government and RBI have lost control over fiscal management of the country."
New Delhi, Dec 1 : The BSF showed "tremendous bravery" in foiling numerous infiltration bids and responding effectively to ceasefire violations by Pakistan at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Hansraj Ahir said on Thursday.

Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir was the chief guest at the Raising Day celebrations of the force held at BSF campus, Chhawla.

The Border Security Force, with around 2,50,000 personnel, is considered the world's largest guard force and completed 51 years of its existence on December 1. The force is responsible for securing Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders.

Assuring government support, the Minister said: "Finding solution for the challenges faced by you is our first priority."

He praised the BSF for celebrating 2016 as the 'Divyang Yodha Varsh' or disabled soldier year.

The celebration for the Raising Day was marked by a parade by BSF troops from different frontiers including a women contingent. The parade was led by Commandant Ashwini K. Singh.

The highlight of the day was the Malkhamb display by the soldiers from Maharashtra.

The Minister also inaugurated a Divyang skill development centre at the BSF Camp. The centre will provide training to the disabled soldiers for alternative living.

The event saw five BSF men, including two officers, being awarded the President's Police Medal for Gallantry.
Solapur (Maharashtra), Dec 1 : Major Kunal M. Gosavi, who was killed in Tuesday's brutal terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir, was cremated with full military honours at his native village Wakhri here on Thursday.

Major Gosavi, 32, of Pandharpur in Solapur and Lance-Naik Sambhaji Y. Kadam, 35, of Jana village in Nanded, were among seven Indian soldiers killed in the terror strike that morning.

Major Gosavi is survived by his wife, parents and four-year-old daughter Umang, who lit his funeral pyre.

Over 50,000 people from Pandharpur and neighbouring towns turned up for the funeral along with army officers and jawans, representatives of the state government, legislators, district police officers and local social groups.

Cries hailing the martyrdom as 'Major Kunal Gosavi Amar Rahe' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' rent the air as the funeral cortege was brought to an open public ground in the village on Thursday afternoon.

Maj Gosavi had come home for a month's vacation and left to join duty last Saturday. He was seen off at Pune by his mother Vrunda Gosavi who later stayed back with her elder son.

Early on Tuesday morning Major Gosavi was sleeping at his home in Jammu when the terrorists struck.

Born in Wakhri village near the the world famous temple town of Pandharpur in March 1983, Gosavi was educated here. He graduated from the Brihan Maharashtra Commerce College (BMCC).
New Delhi/Kolkata, Dec 1 : Raising in Parliament the issue of alleged safety lapse in an aircraft ferrying West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress on Thursday saw a conspiracy in it, but both government and airline authorities refuted the claim.

However, aviation regulator - the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) - has ordered a probe into the matter.

The Trinamool raised the issue in both Houses of Parliament, alleging that Banerjee's flight from Patna was made to hover over Kolkata airport on Wednesday evening for about 30 minutes despite the pilot reporting that the plane was running low on fuel.

"The pilot sought landing, saying he was short of fuel. But the flight was put on hold. It was made to hover for a considerable time.

"There was not only the Chief Minister, but also hundreds of passengers onboard," Trinamool MP Derek O'Brien said as soon as the Upper House met at 11 a.m.

"The question is: is there more to it than meets the eye? Is it a coincidence? ...if a state's Chief Minister is under so much pressure, what will happen to normal people," wondered O'Brien, as opposition members, irrespective of party affiliation, supported him.

When Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien asked the Trinamool member to not level any allegations, Leader of Opposition and Congress veteran Ghulam Nabi Azad intervened to say that O'Brien is not making any allegations.

"He is not making any allegations. If this can happen to one Chief Minister, it can happen to others as well," Azad said.

Other opposition members, including Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati, Janata Dal United's Sharad Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal's Prem Chand Gupta, Communist Party of India-Marxist's T.K. Rangarajan, Trichuri Shiva of AIADMK and Rajiv Shukla of the Congress demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter and tabling of the report in the House.

The government vehemently denied the claims in both Houses.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju asserted that the flight hovered only for about 13 minutes before landing at the Kolkata airport, as he informed the Lok Sabha that a probe by the DGCA has been ordered into the matter.

While replying to Trinamool's assertions in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said as per the "facts", all laid down procedures and regulations were followed by the air traffic controller (ATC).

"The said aircraft hovered for 13 minutes. As per the regulations, an aircraft must have sufficient fuel for hovering for 30-40 minutes after reaching its destination, or to reach the nearest diversionary airport," Sinha said.

The minister assured the upper House that a probe will be conducted and its report tabled.

Budget passenger carrier IndiGo also rebutted the allegations asserting its flight -- 6E 342 -- made a normal landing at the Kolkata airport on Wednesday night and the fuel on arrival was more than the required minimum diversion fuel.

"The flight was kept on hold for landing due to air traffic congestion at Kolkata. The pilot had advised the ATC that he has eight minutes of extra holding fuel over Kolkata (destination) before commencing diversion to the planned alternate," the airline said in a statement.

"However, this information was misunderstood by the ATC, who assumed that the aircraft had only eight minutes of total fuel left. The misinterpretation of the information by ATC controller led ATC to instruct fire engines and ambulances to be stationed at the Kolkata airport."

"We would like to clarify that IndiGo Captain at no stage declared a fuel priority or an emergency and there has been no violation or breach of any regulatory requirement in the above mentioned scenario," the statement added.

While airport officials said such developments are normal and everyday affair in aviation, the Trinamool alleged a conspiracy.

"As soon as the plane landed, we came to know that a red alert was sounded at the airport by the authorities. All regular work was suspended at that time and fire tenders and ambulance were put on standby. This means the authorities were anticipating the plane to crash," Trinamool Vice President Mukul Roy said in Kolkata.

Similar assertions were made by Bengal Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, who accompanied Banerjee.

"When the plane landed, we saw fire tenders positioned along the runway. Were they expecting the plane to crash? It is very evident that a disaster was waiting to happen. She (Banerjee) has been in the forefront of leading people's agitation. There are vested interests who want to silence her," said Hakim.
New Delhi, Dec 1 : India on Thursday ruled out any talks with Pakistan, saying it took "very seriously" the killing of seven soldiers in the Tuesday terror attack on a military base near Jammu and "will do what it feels is required for our national security".

In his weekly media briefing here, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that India has not received any request from Pakistan for a bilateral meeting during the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference being held in Amritsar on December 3-4. Sartaj Aziz, Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Pakistan Prime Minister, is scheduled to attend the conference.

Swarup said the cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan cannot be taken as the new normal and asked Islamabad to stop using terrorism as an instrument of its foreign policy.

"We are awaiting detailed information on the specifics of the Nagrota attack before we decide on the next steps. But I do wish to emphasise that the government takes this incident very seriously," Swarup said.

The remarks came two days after militants disguised as policemen stormed the military base in Nagrota, some 15 km from Jammu. The 14-hour gunbattle between the suicide bombers and army men left seven soldiers and all attackers dead.

Swarup blamed Pakistan for the attack. "As you all know, Pakistan is a country which has a long record of carrying out cross border terrorism as an instrument of state policy."

He said India over the years has suffered many "heinous terrorist attacks which have been supported and sponsored by Pakistan".

"It is evident that it is not a matter of a week or a month. It is in fact a challenge that we have faced over many years, indeed over many decades."

He ruled out any possibility of resuming peace talks with the neighbouring country and said: "We will never accept continued cross border terror as the new normal. Pakistan must stop terror and then we can talk."

The spokesperson said the September 29 surgical strikes by the Indian Army, which destroyed seven terror launch pads and killed an unspecified number of terrorists and sympathisers, had been effective because it thwarted a major terror plot.

"Terrorists were ready to infiltrate to carry out terrorist activities on our side. This imminent threat was successfully neutralised through the surgical strikes. We should not look only at what happened but also at what did not happen, what was prevented through successful neutralisation of terrorists."

Swarup added that India has always been open to talks "but obviously it cannot be that talks take place in an atmosphere of continued terrorism".

"India will never accept continued terrorism as the new normal of the bilateral relationship," he stressed.

Asked how New Delhi saw its ties with Islamabad following the appointment of General Qamar Javed Bajwa as Pakistan's new Army Chief, the spokesperson said its was an internal matter of that country.

"But we will judge Pakistan by its behaviour and its track record and not by its personnel changes," he added.
Mumbai, Dec 1 : Over 500 Muslim women from across India on Thursday passed a resolution to demand comprehensive reforms in the Muslim Personal Law through codification, including triple talaq, an NGO's leaders said.

"We renewed the call for the abolition of oral 'triple talaq' (divorce given by saying talaq word three times) and 'nikah halala' (governing remarriage of divorced couple). There is no mention of triple talaq in the Holy Quran, but it is prevalent in our society. We demand an immediate end to this practice," said Noorjehan S. Niaz and Zakia Soman, co-founders of Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA).

The women had converged for a three-day conference here as part of BMMA's 10th anniversary celebrations.

Besides, they said, women from the community want Parliament to enact a Muslim Family Act wherein the minimum marriage age is fixed at 18 for women and 21 for men, and triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy are illegalised.

The Muslim women also said custody and guardianship of children must be given to both parents, the minimum 'mehr' should be equivalent to the groom's annual income and woman's share in property stipulated under the law.

The resolution adopted on the occasion also demanded that all marriages in the community be compulsorily registered and 'qazis' (clerics) be brought under the ambit of the law, Niaz and Soman added.

"We demand our Quranic and Constitutional rights and our petition against triple talaq and 'nikaah halala' is pending in the Supreme Court. We want our elected representatives to live up to their obligations and support Muslim women's quest for gender justice and equality," said Niaz.

At a public hearing held on the occasion, eight women from different states detailed the pain and sufferings they underwent owing to 'triple talaq' and demanded its abolition, said Soman.

"Muslim women are denied their rights despite Quranic provisions; but now we will not tolerate injustice. We will not accept the diktats of patriarchal bodies which stand thoroughly exposed," Soman said.
Kolkata, Dec 1 : A newborn baby was rescued from an open field in West Bengal's Burdwan district, police said on Thursday.

"A baby boy aged between 10-12 days was rescued from Ulara village in Burdwan district's Memari on Wednesday evening. The kid was lying deserted at the corner of a village field," said an officer from Memari police station.

"We haven't received any claims for the child's custody yet," he added.

A villager first heard the child's cry and informed Memari police station and the child helpline on Wednesday evening.

"The newborn is kept at the local child home in Memari," police said.

The incident came into light amid increased police vigil throughout the state to prevent child trafficking. Three children including a baby girl were recovered on Wednesday from South 24 Parganas, while 10 more newborn girls were recovered from a Kolkata-based old age home last week when child smuggling racket was busted.
New Delhi, Dec 1 : Terming passage of the Income Tax Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha without any discussion akin to trampling of democracy, 16 opposition parties, including the Congress, on Thursday met President Pranab Mukherjee seeking his intervention in the matter.

Amid loud protests by the opposition, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016, to facilitate levy of 60 percent tax on undisclosed income.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Communist Party of India-Marxist politburo member Mohammad Salim were among a host of leaders from the opposition parties, who met Mukherjee and submitted a memorandum seeking his intervention in the matter.

"There is a sense in the country that voice of the people is being suppressed. This is being done across the country and now being done inside parliament," Gandhi told media persons after the meeting.

"This is not the way to run parliamentary business and that is why we came to the President here to complain. We complained to him how the voice of parliament, voice of the Lok Sabha is being crushed," he said.

"Sixteen opposition parties came to speak to the President about the way the Taxation Amendment Bill was passed. Naturally we are aggrieved as parliamentary system is being diluted. So we approached the President urging him to ensure that bills are passed according to rules and regulations. We hope to get positive results," said Bandyopadhyay.

"The Constitution lays down in detail the procedure of passing a bill. In our memorandum to the President, we said that it was a black day in the history of parliament when this bill was passed in contravention of the constitution," said Salim.

The memorandum said: "Members of Lok Sabha had given 11 notices of amendments to the Bill of which seven required Presidential assent. We were not allowed to move these seven amendments.

"The mandatory provision of the Constituion and the Rules of Procedure are being totally violated in passing this Bill. The government, for reasons beyond our comprehension, passed this Bill without affording opportunity and depriving our democratic rights and privileges, a travesty of justice."

According to the Bill, the declarant will have to pay a tax of 60 per cent and an additional surcharge of 25 per cent of the tax (i.e. 15 per cent of income), resulting in a total tax component of 75 per cent.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, while moving the bill for consideration and passing, called it one of the steps by the central government to curb black money.
New Delhi, Dec 1 : Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party using the Delhi Transport Corporation to exchange Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes is the first established post demonetisation scam, BJP Delhi unit President Manoj Tiwari said on Thursday.

The allegation came after the DTC deposited Rs 3 crore revenue, most of it in demonetised notes.

"It is beyond comprehension that how so many high denomination notes can surface at the DTC which sells tickets of Rs 5 and 10," Tiwari said here.

Tiwari said that his party had raised this issue with the Lt. Governor of Delhi on November 21 and later wrote to the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB).

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said that the Delhi government had itself handed over the case to the ACB, which falls under the BJP-led central government.

"We also want to remind the newly appointed Delhi BJP President that his party's leader and the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being accused of taking bribe of Rs 65 crore 10 lakh from Sahara and Birla," AAP spokesperson Dilip Pandey said.
Bengaluru, Dec 1 : Hundreds of people, including army officers, friends and relatives, bid an emotional adieu here on Thursday to Major Akshay Girish Kumar, who died in the gun battle when militants attacked an army base near Jammu.

The armed forces gave a 21-gun salute to the mortal remains of the 31-year-old soldier before the last rites with military honours in the city's northern suburb.

Kumar was one of the seven army men, including five soldiers killed in the fierce gunfight inside the Nagrota Cantonment, which also houses the 16 Corps headquarters. Three militants were also killed in the attack.

Earlier in the day, Kumar's mortal remains were flown in from Jammu via New Delhi in a military aircraft to the Yelahanka Air Force station on the city's outskirts.

His parents -- retired Wing Commander Girish Kumar and mother Meghana -- and his widow Sangeetha and their two-and-half-year-old daughter Naina accompanied the cortege carrying the body.

Besides Karnataka Law & Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra, many senior army and IAF officers and dignitaries paid their last respects and laid a wreath at the coffin draped in the tri-colour.

A special ceremony was held with an army band paying glowing tributes to the slain officer at the air base before the body was taken to his house in Yelahanka for public viewing by hundreds of mourners from across the city.

Jayachandra also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh to Kumar's family on the occasion on behalf of the state government.

Bengaluru-born Kumar was with the 51 Engineer Regiment of the Bengal Sappers. He entered the Indian Army after graduating from the National Defence Academy.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others have condoled Kumar's tragic death.
Solapur/Nanded (Maharashtra), Dec 1 : Major Kunal M. Gosavi and Lance Naik Sambhaji Y. Kadam, who were killed in Tuesday's terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir, were cremated with full military honours at their native villages on Thursday.

Gosavi, 32, of Wakhri village of Pandharpur in Solapur and Kadam, 35, of Janapur village in Nanded, were among seven Indian soldiers killed in the terror strike that morning.

The officer is survived by his wife, parents and four-year-old daughter Umang, who lit his funeral pyre this afternoon.

Similarly, Kadam's three-year old daughter Tejasvini lit her father's funeral pyre helped by her grieving relatives, late this evening.

Over 50,000 people turned up for the last rites in both the districts, along with several army officers and jawans, representatives of the state government, legislators, district police officers and local social groups.

Cries hailing their martyrdom as 'Major Kunal Gosavi Amar Rahe', 'Jawan Sambhaji Kadam Amar Rahe' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' rent the air as their funeral corteges were brought to open public grounds in their village this afternoon.

Gosavi had come home for a month's vacation and left to join duty last Saturday. He was seen off at Pune by his mother Vrunda Gosavi who later stayed back with her elder son.

Early on Tuesday morning Major Gosavi was sleeping at his home in Jammu when the terrorists struck.

Born in Wakhri village near the the world famous temple town of Pandharpur in March 1983, Gosavi was educated here. He graduated from the Brihan Maharashtra Commerce College (BMCC).

Hailing from a very poor family of Nanded, Kadam was born in Janapur village and joined the Indian Army as a soldier in 2001.

He is survived by his parents - a security guard father and a domestic labourer mother, wife Sakhubai and three year old daughter Tejasvini, all living in Pune.

Posted in the Fifth Maratha Light Infantry, Kadam had sought a posting in Jammu and Kashmir for joining the fight against cross-border terror. He was due to retire around 2018.
New Delhi, Dec 1 : The Supreme Court on Thursday sought response from 13 drought-affected states as to why they were not lifting enough food grain to made available at subsidised rates to the priority and vulnerable sections of the people in affected areas.

The bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice N.V. Ramana sought response from the 13 states as NGO Swaraj Abhiyan told the court that they were not lifting sufficient food grains as the central government was asking them to pay minimum support prices (MSP) beyond the 75 per cent limit under the National Food Security Act, 2013.

The National Food Security Act says that "the entitlements of the persons belonging to the eligible households ... at subsidised prices shall extend up to seventy-five per cent of the rural population and up to fifty per cent. of the urban population."

Telling the court that while it had ordered that all those affected by the drought conditions would be given food grains at subsidised rates as available to the people living below poverty line and vulnerable sections, the NGO said that this was not happening as states were not lifting required food grains due to the central government's stand.

Counsel Prashant Bhushan told the bench that the court had earlier said that all those who don't come under priority households or don't have a ration card too would get food grains under the NFS Act.

Responding to the submission by Bhushan, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said: "Suppose a person (in drought-affected area) is a Zamindar, he will not get it (subsidised food grains)."

In the course of the hearing, Bhushan defended Swaraj Abhiyan knocking the doors of the top court raising the issues of general public interest including relief to drought-affected people saying that it was not for getting any political mileage or benefit or garnering votes.

Opposing the government's plea during last hearing of the matter on October 21 that the PIL by the Swaraj Abhiyan can't be entertained as they are now wandering into political field after graduating into a political party, he sought to clarify that what is sought to be registered as a political party was 'Swaraj India' and Swaraj Abhiyan would retain its identity and agitate for the issues of general public interest.

He told the bench that, as it is, 'Swaraj India' has not been registered by the Election Commission so far.

Contesting the stand taken by Bhushan, Rohatgi told the court that he wanted to show what this political party was doing in the public. "It has a political agenda to gain votes and to run down the ruling party at the Centre and in the State."

Citing the instance of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Bihar leader Sushil Modi approaching the court against Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad in fodder scam, Bhushan said the question is whether it is a justiceable issue in public interest, if it concerns the people's legal and fundamental rights.

"Merely because political party has a platform, it should not be stopped from doing it. Political parties should be encouraged for pursuing a PIL which is for public interest," he contended.

Noting that the Election Commission has yet to decide on the application by Swaraj India to be registered as a political party, the bench observed: "The apprehension is that this will shift politics to the courts. We do not want this. We do not want politics to shift to the courts."

It then adjourned the hearing and directed the listing of the matter on January 18.
New Delhi, Dec 1 : Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh on Thursday welcomed the countries outside the South China Sea (SCS) littoral to contribute to the peace and stability of the region.

He was speaking in a discussion organised by India International Centre and Working Group on 'Alternative Strategies on South China Sea: Strategic Discourse, International Law and the Economic Subtext'

Highlighting non-compliance of China on the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling, Thanh said: "The ruling is the clear and final about the illegality of the Chinese Nine Dash line which is based on their historic argument but cover over 90 per cent of South China Sea and infringes on the EEZ (exclusive economic zone) of almost all of the coastal countries in the South China Sea."

Accusing China of changing the status quo and militarisation of the region, he said: "Chinese activities remains a threat to peace and security in the region."

"The position of Vietnam on this is clear and consistent. We have sufficient legal position and historical evidence that confirms that sovereignty of our country over these two groups of islands," he said over the Spratly and Paracel groups.

China is locked in disputes over the groups of islands with other countries of the region.

While the other claimants over the Spratly islands are Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, the Paracel islands are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.

The most heavily contested are the Spratlys, a strategically-located group of 14 islands, islets and cays and more than 100 reefs.

The South China Sea is a resource-rich strategic waterway through which more than $5 trillion worth of world trade is shipped each year.

Vietnam's position is that parties involved should settle the dispute in SCS through peaceful means in line with international law including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), Thanh added.

Giving Japanese perspective on the issue, Minister (Political Affairs) in Japanese Embassy Hideki Asari said this is not just an issue of littoral state and Japan has a very strategic view on this issue.

Calling the SCS region the lifeline of Indo-Pacific region, he said that the economic security of India and Japan is heavily dependent on it.

Noted China expertf Srikanth Kondapalli, in his intervention in the discussion, highlighted the Chinese policy of creating a quadrilateral in the region for creating an anti-access naval structure.
Saronno (Italy), Dec 2 : An Italian doctor and his nurse lover arrested this week near Milan are suspected of killing dozens of people from 2011-2014, including the woman's husband, prosecutors said on Thursday.

Emergency room anaesthetist Leonardo Cazzaniga, 60, and nurse Laura Taroni, 40, were held on Tuesday over the deaths of at least five patients elderly patients but prosecutors are now examining the medical files of more than 50.

The couple is also suspected of killing Cazzaniga's father, as well as Taroni's mother and Taroni's 45-year-old husband, who the couple reportedly tricked into believing he was diabetic.

Taroni's spouse died on June 30, 2013 after regularly taking medicine that was "absolutely incongruous with his actual health conditions, weakening and eventually killing him," according to a police report.

A cocktail of medicines, including extremely high doses of morphine and Propofol was administered to the murdered patients "in overdoses and in rapid succession" at Saronno Hospital, about 30 km north-west of Milan, where Cazzaniga and Taroni worked together, prosecutors said.

Wiretapped conversations allegedly in the possession of investigators recorded the couple talking about killing other relatives, as well as Taroni discussing the "perfect murder" with her 11-year-old son.

In one of the most disturbing calls, Taroni told Cazzaniga she was also prepared to kill her son and her eight-year-old daughter, wiretaps allegedly reveal.

"If you want, I'll kill the children," she told Cazzaniga, who replied: "No, not the children."

There is no evidence that Cazzaniga and Taroni were practising unauthorised euthanasia or that they were motivated by compassion.

"Every now again I have this urge to kill someone - I need to," Taroni allegedly told Cazzaniga in an intercepted conversation.

According to one of Cazzaniga's colleagues, the anaesthetist frequently referred to himself as an "angel of death".

Prosecutors are also probing 14 people, including the top management of Saronno hospital, for failing to investigate the suspicious deaths. Regional health authorities have pledged to set up a committee of enquiry over the issue.

One of the people under investigation, a female doctor, is allegedly suspected of blackmailing the hospital into hiring her in exchange for keeping quiet about the murders and of helping Taroni falsify blood tests results to convince her husband he had diabetes.

An Italian nurse, Fausta Bonino, was arrested in Tuscany in March on suspicion of killing 13 patients but was released from custody in April pending further investigations.
Kolkata, Dec 2 : In a sensational turn of events, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the Central government of "deploying the army" along highway toll plazas while keeping the state government "in the dark" and vowed to stay put at the secretariat till the soldiers are withdrawn from a toll gate close to it.

"I won't leave unless the army is withdrawn from near the secretariat. I'll be there as a guard to protect democracy, to protect my democratically elected government," Banerjee told a hurriedly convened late night media meet at the secretariat Nabanna in Howrah district.

The said toll plaza at the foot of the Vidyasagar Setu, also called the second Hooghly Bridge, is about 500 m from the secretariat.

In high drama that unfolded late Thursday , the Defence Ministry denied the charge and said the army was conducting a routine exercise with full co-ordination with the West Bengal police.

"The army conducts the annual exercise throughout the county with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency," said a Defence ministry spokesman.

Rubbishing the spokesman's clarification, Banerjee said it was a lie. "The National Highway Authority of India has all this data. They have records of the number of cars plying in each state, and through each highway."

She also tweeted: "Absolutely wrong and misleading facts by @easterncomd. We have great respect for you, but please please don't mislead the people."

A little after midnight, the Eastern Command said the army has been asked to withdraw from the toll plaza near Nabanna.

"As far as the toll plaza at Nabanna is concerned, it may be understood that the requisite data had been gathered and therefore the army has been asked to withdraw from that specific point. They would be deployed elsewhere tomorrow," the Command said.

Banerjee, also supremo of the ruling Trinamool Congress, said she has collected information from Maharashta, Kerala, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

"This is not being done anywhere. Why is it been done in Bengal? Is it because I am speaking for the people," she asked.

"They can ask the army to shoot me, I may live or die. But I will fight to give protection to my democratic government," she said, claiming the army has been positioned in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, North 24Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, Murshidabad and Burdwan districts.

Banerjee said: "The secretariat "Nabanna" is a sensitive zone. The toll plaza on the second Hooghly Bridge is within the sensitive zone. It is under our secretariat."

Demanding to know whether a military coup has taken place, she said "the motive is political, vindictive, unconstitutional, unethical and undemocratic".

"I don't know what they may do at night. So for the people's sake I will stay put here at night," she said.

Besides the chief minister, a number of ministers and the Home Secretary, State Director General of Police, the Kolkata Police Commissioner were all present at the secretariat past midnight.

Banerjee said despite the city police commissioner informing the army about the state government's objection to their presence, the army men refused to budge.

Banerjee alleged that the army was taking money from the people at the toll plazas, and called it "loot".

Earlier, in the evening Banerjee said the Chief Secretary was writing to the central government and she would approach President Pranab Mukherjee to seek clarification over the alleged deployment of the army at the Dankuni and Palsit toll plazas on National Highway 2 (connecting Delhi and Kolkata).

"Army has been deployed in the state without informing the state government. This is unacceptable. Federal structure has been disrupted and democracy twisted. Has Emergency been declared?" she asserted.

"Even if the Army carried out a mock exercise, the state government should have been kept in the loop. If this is happening in a civil area in Bengal, this could happen in Bihar, next in Uttar Pradesh, then in Tamil Nadu and other states as well. It is a very serious situation and it is dangerous than Emergency. We are facing an extremely black day," she said.

"I'll urge all state governments to look into the matter. A team of Opposition... all political leaders... will meet the president (soon)," she added.

Soon after Banerjee's allegations, the spokesman said there was "nothing alarming about this" and the exercise is carried out as per government orders.

"The army is carrying out it's routine exercise in all states of the eastern region including West Bengal. Permission for carrying out this exercise in West Bengal was initially sought for November 28 on specific request of the police the date had been shifted to December 1. No permission has been withdrawn so far," the spokesman added.

"Routine exercise in all NE states. In Assam @ 18 places, Arunanchal@13, WB@19, Manipur@6, Nagaland@5, Meghalaya@5, Tripura & Mizoram," the Eastern Command tweeted.

But the Kolkata police said they had given their objection in writing.

"Army exercise at Toll Plaza was objected to in writing by Kolkata Police, citing security reasons & traffic inconvenience," the Kolkata police claimed on its twitter handle.
Berlin, Dec 2 : The first German edition of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo was published on Thursday and featured a caricature of Chancellor Angela Merkel on the cover.

The head of government is shown lying on a platform at a garage looking miserable while a mechanic gets ready to fit her with a new exhaust pipe, Efe news agency reported.

The image was not only a reference to her running for chancellor for a fourth term after 11 years in power but also to the Volkswagen scandal.

Around 200,000 copies were published of the 16-page magazine and the pages are full of colorful cartoons with the texts translated into German.

The launch of the German edition of the magazine came a few weeks before the second anniversary of the attack against the magazine's Paris offices, which left 12 dead including some of it's most iconic cartoonists.
By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS (Reuters) - A single mother takes a kindly man into her confidence. A student is plied with beer by a smiling stranger. Beguiling scenes. But Lithuanians are being urged in TV adverts to be wary of the kindness of strangers and call a new 'spyline' to check if they aren't, perhaps, being lured into espionage by foreign agents. By foreign agents, Lithuania means the Kremlin. Ties have always been tense with former imperial master Moscow. But since the annexation of Crimea, Russia is seen in Vilnius as a threat to Lithuania and the other Baltic states of Estonia and Latvia. "People don't even think that information is being squeezed out of them until it's too late," Darius Jauniskis, the 48-year-old head of Lithuania's State Security Department, told Reuters. "So to prevent this, we are going public and we are explaining all this." The Russian Foreign Ministry and the FSB security service did not immediately respond to written requests for comment. Each advert, Jauniskis said, is based on a true recruitment story. As the relationship flourishes, the kindly man dupes the lonely mother into installing an information-sucking virus at her workplace. The student wonders if the stranger's largesse might just be motivated by the diplomatic career he plans. NATO and EU member Lithuania is perhaps the most vocal of the Baltics in criticizing Russia and increased Russian military activity in the Nordic region. The government has even published a manual on resisting a Russian invasion. Russia characterizes such fears as fantasy concocted by a NATO alliance that seeks to intimidate Moscow. NATO also has carried out extensive maneuvers near Russian borders. SOVIET RULE But Lithuania was under Soviet rule only 25 years ago. It was the first country to declare independence from Moscow in 1990, and saw off a Soviet army attempt to topple its government in 1991. Twelve civilians were killed. Jauniskis, then 22, stood guard inside the Lithuanian parliament. Later, he led a Lithuanian commando squad fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan alongside the Americans. He said a third of Russian embassy staff were intelligence officers working under diplomatic cover. Equipment installed on the embassy roof allowed them to listen in to phone calls. "You will not recognize a spy," he said. "Because a professional spy will not stand out in any way. He will not have a good car or great clothes. He will just be same as any of us." Moscow is recruiting Lithuanians on shopping trips to Russia, accusing them of smuggling, then offering to drop charges - and facilitate future shopping - if they agree to provide intelligence, Jauniskis's agency said in its annual report. Russia was also targeting Lithuanian businessmen and diplomats working in Moscow, often using blackmail. All these things may appear standard fare for many intelligence agencies, but Lithuania sees a particular threat, living as it does in the shadow of so powerful a neighbor. "Russia is abusing every weakness of democracy that it is able to," said Jauniskis. "As a former soldier, I can say that defense alone will not win a war. You need to counterattack." But critics say the spy hotline will only breed paranoia - while perhaps overestimating Russian intelligence capabilities. Few Russian spies have actually gone to prison. Two Lithuanians were sentenced in 2015 and 2016 and a Russian who Lithuanian prosecutors say is a Russian intelligence officer was detained in 2015. His trial is in progress. Jauniskis said Russia was trying to undermine citizens' trust in their own country by repeating falsehoods about it in the media and elsewhere. He proposes legislation to criminalize the "spreading of lies" to destabilize the country.[nL8N1DH3LT] "I will not get popular by saying this, but times have changed, and we must understand that civil liberties are being curtailed in times of war," he said. Jauniskis is not impressed by critics' accusation that all this constituted a step back to Soviet-style "thought police". "I don't think Russia is even concealing that their main target is not Baltics, but destroying the European Union and NATO," Jauniskis said. (Additional reporting by Maria Tsvetkova in Moscow; editing by Alistair Scrutton; editing by Ralph Boulton)
Frank Bittner, Jr. I love that we have established a family business that we can all be proud of. It's amazing to see what we have been able to accomplish as business owners, but there is no greater feeling than being able to help our customers.

Frank Bittner, Jr. has gained highly valuable knowledge over his 26 years in the printing industry. Of course, he had a great mentor in his father Frank, Sr., who first joined the Minuteman Press franchise family in Ewing, NJ in 1989. In 1992, the Bittners bought the Minuteman Press location in Cherry Hill, NJ, where they are now celebrating 24 years in business.

Family-friendly franchise

"Printing is my life. It's everything I know and love," says Frank Bittner, Jr. This is not a surprising sentiment coming from a man who has helped his father build their Minuteman Press franchise business since he was a teenager. Minuteman Press has proven to be a family-friendly franchise for the Bittners: Frank, Jr. is running the business in Cherry Hill, NJ, while his Uncle Joe is operating in nearby Hainesport.

"I love that we have established a family business that we can all be proud of," says Frank. "It's amazing to see what we have been able to accomplish as business owners, but there is no greater feeling than being able to help our customers. As the printing industry has changed over the past three decades and new technologies have emerged, the most rewarding thing about what we do is still the same as it was when we first started  providing valuable services to businesses."

Richard Hornberger, Minuteman Press Regional Vice President for Philadelphia and South Jersey, extended his congratulations to the Bittners, saying, "Frank, Sr. and Frank, Jr. are exemplary Minuteman Press franchise owners and an incredible team. It is no surprise that they are celebrating 24 years in business because they have done and continue to do everything the right way. They truly care about their customers their business has thrived as a result."

What is the Modern Print Industry?

Celebrating 24 years in business allows Frank Bittner, Jr. to reflect on the evolution of the printing industry. "When we first started, we had a dark room and would design a newsletter in 4-6 weeks. Now it can all be designed, printed, and delivered in a matter of days." Frank notes that print remains in high demand, but the turnaround time is faster than it has ever been. "We can turn around projects anywhere from 2 hours to 1 week. We can produce everything so much quicker, and the quality today is far superior to what it used to be."

As Frank indicates, the modern print industry is faster, higher quality, and more versatile than ever before. As the world's largest and #1 rated design, print, and marketing franchise, Minuteman Press International remains at the forefront of the industry. "Minuteman Press always looks towards the future and helps us stay on top of the latest trends. Instead of shying away from new technology, they welcome it with open arms, implement it, and say, 'Let's look at the next step.'"

One prime example of this is the fact that Minuteman Press has fully embraced digital printing and all of its benefits that get passed along both the franchise owners and their customers. It allows owners like Frank Bittner, Jr. to meet customer demand and even exceed expectations when it comes to the superior products that are being produced. "With digital printing, the quality is superb and the turnaround time is fast. We can keep color profiles for companies to ensure brand consistency, and projects that used to take 10 days can be done in 2 days instead."

Expanding Business Capabilities with Help from Xerox

Recently, Frank's Minuteman Press franchise has expanded its digital printing capabilities by adding the Xerox Versant 80 Digital Press to its design, print, and marketing center. In addition to the benefits outlined earlier, digital printing also makes full-color printing more efficient and affordable for businesses that are looking to take advantage of the power that print marketing has in increasing brand awareness and driving customer engagement. From custom full-color brochures and catalogs to personalized direct mail campaigns that Minuteman Press can design and deliver from start to finish, digital printing has truly brought in a new modern era for the printing and marketing industries.

For Frank Bittner, Jr., the Xerox Versant 80 also served a more practical purpose. He explains, "The Versant enabled us to eliminate our offset press, opening up more room in our shop."

Favorite Things and Advice for Others

26 years in printing and 24 years in business in Cherry Hill, Frank Bittner, Jr. has a solid grasp on a few of his favorite things. When asked about his customers, Frank says, "I love keeping them happy with their expectations in both quality and turnaround. Coming through for my clients and getting the job done is extremely important and equally rewarding to me and the business."

As for the Minuteman Press franchise, Frank offers this review: "I love that they are there for me whenever I need them, but they don't interfere in my day to day operations. Minuteman Press really is like one big franchise family, and I am honored to be continuing my father's legacy as a second-generation owner."

Frank's advice for others who are seriously considering owning a Minuteman Press franchise is this: "Print is not dead. We have seen in the last few years that there are so many markets out there where print is in high demand and delivers results. People want to be connected, to have that paper in their hands, and they want to hold those products that then grab their attention. I just feel that businesses and people are always open to print. That is never going to go away and this will continue to be a solid business."

Frank Bittner's Minuteman Press franchise is located at 2060 Springdale Road, Suite 700, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. For more information, call Frank and his team at (856) 817-8400 or visit their website: http://www.cherryhill.minutemanpress.com

About Minuteman Press

Serving the business community for over 40 years, Minuteman Press' customer service driven business model provides digital print, design and promotional products and services to businesses from concept review through to completion. Today we are much more than just print; anything you can put a name, image or logo on, we can produce. Our slogan  We Design, Print & Promote YOU!  indicates the wide variety of products and services we offer that go beyond printing.

For more information about our products and services or to find your local Minuteman Press, visit http://www.minutemanpress.com

About Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press International is a number one rated business service franchise that offers world class training and unparalleled ongoing local support. Started in 1973 by Roy Titus and his son Bob, Minuteman Press began franchising in 1975 and has grown to over 950 locations worldwide including the U.S., Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Minuteman Press is rated #1 in category by Entrepreneur for 13 years in a row and 24 times overall, including 2016. We are the modern version of the printing industry, providing high quality products and services for businesses that go way beyond just ink on paper. Today our stores produce promotional products, custom apparel, direct mail advertising, large format printing (banners and posters), signs, and much more. Prior experience is not necessary to own and operate a successful Minuteman Press franchise.

Learn more about Minuteman Press design, printing, and marketing franchise opportunities by calling 1-800-645-3006 and access Minuteman Press franchise reviews at http://www.minutemanpressfranchise.com
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who has four children with President Zuma, is a leading candidate to take office as president at the 2019 general election (AFP Photo/Filippo Monteforte) (AFP/File)

Rabat (AFP) - Morocco on Wednesday accused the African Union commission's chairperson, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa, of blocking Rabat's efforts to rejoin the AU and lacking neutrality.

The foreign ministry, in a strongly worded statement, charged that she was "trying to thwart Morocco's decision to regain its natural and legitimate place within its pan-African institutional family".

Dlamini-Zuma had "delayed, in an unjustified manner, the circulation of Morocco's demand to other members" in September, it said in a statement.

She was "keeping up her obstruction by improvising a new procedural demand, previously unheard of and unfounded... to arbitrarily reject the letters of support from AU member states", it said, without giving details.

The ministry accused Dlamini-Zuma of acting "contrary to her obligation of neutrality, of AU rules and norms, and of the will of its member states".

Rabat officially requested to rejoin the AU in September, 32 years after quitting the bloc in protest at its decision to accept Western Sahara as a member.

Morocco has occupied the sparsely populated Western Sahara area since 1975 in a move that was not recognised by the international community.

It maintains that Western Sahara is an integral part of the kingdom even though local Sahrawi people have long campaigned for the right to self-determination.

In 1991, the United Nations brokered a ceasefire between Moroccan troops and Sahrawi rebels of the Algerian-backed Polisario Front but a promised referendum to settle the status of the desert territory is yet to materialise.

The Moroccan online website Le360 on Wednesday accused Dlamini-Zuma of "a blatant lack of neutrality" and taking orders from Algiers.
The Face Of Hunger: Reflections On A Famine In Ethiopia: a gripping and educational look at the horrors of the Ethiopian famine, and the love and positive situations birthed from it. The Face Of Hunger: Reflections On A Famine In Ethiopia is the creation of published author, Byron Conner, M.D., Army Veteran, medical doctor, father, and missionary.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Byron Conner, M.D.s new book explains how a compelling presentation of a devastating humanitarian crisis on television propelled Dr. Conner and his wife and two children on a missionary trip to Ethiopia. The crisis was a famine in Ethiopia which threatened the lives of many thousands of Ethiopian citizens. It has been estimated that four hundred thousand to five hundred thousand souls perished due to the famine in 19831985, and millions were made destitute.

A robust international response was mounted to assist the people of Ethiopia, and many relief and humanitarian organizations responded with food, clothing, blankets, and medication; along with logistical and medical teams to respond to the crisis.

For Dr. Conner and his wife, the service in Ethiopia 19841987 was the beginning of a new way of life in community outreach and ministry. Despite leaving the mission field after the period of service, they still considered themselves missionaries but, to their own country of America. This book is a presentation of the service abroad and the aftermath.

View a synopsis of The Face Of Hunger: Reflections On A Famine In Ethiopia on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase The Face Of Hunger: Reflections On A Famine In Ethiopia at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, Kobo or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about The Face Of Hunger: Reflections On A Famine In Ethiopia, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Todd Newman cuts the ribbon on Unity Adaptive Playground This playground can unify both typically developing children and those with disabilities

Over 75 eager visitors converged at Katy Park in Chanute, Kansas, to witness the unveiling of a brand new inclusive playground that has been the vision of the local community for the past year. Enthusiastic students from Saint Patricks Catholic School along with adults from the Tri-Valley Developmental Services Center tested out the new ramped structure along with the unique freestanding musical instruments, a moving gondola, merry-go-round, and roller slide.

The overall vision for this playground began as a dream by the Autism Hope for Families support group, started by Phil and Nikki Jacobs. As local parents, the Jacobs had a special vested interest in this playground. Their 6-year-old daughter, Raylin, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 21 months. The Jacobs provided valuable input into the playground design, and envisioned a space where all kids can play together, regardless of their abilities. We wanted a place where Raylin could go and be among other children. The socialization aspect of a playground teaches children to accept others in a happy, unstructured environment said Nikki. Phil Jacobs added This playground keeps Raylins interest and attention. We can remain at the playground for up to two hours. When visiting non-inclusive playgrounds, she would grow bored and want to leave.

The Unity Adaptive Playground was designed utilizing Me2, the only program which uniquely adapts the Seven Principles of Inclusive Playground Design to the playground environment. By using these principles, co-developed by PlayCore and Utah State Universitys Center for Persons with Disabilities, communities can create playgrounds that truly invite people of all abilities to play in an immersive, inclusively designed play space.

Debbie Shields, Chairperson of the Parks Advisory Board in Chanute added It has been such a long time since we had a nice, new park feature. We are the home to Tri-Valley Developmental services which pulls in from a four-county area to support children and adults with developmental disabilities. This playground can unify both typically developing children and those with disabilities, and teach them both to help one another.

Thanks to the matching funds offer from Play & Park Structures, a PlayCore company, the city of Chanute was able to raise the additional funds needed to complete the playground in a relatively short period of time.

About Play & Park Structures, a PlayCore Company - Since 1976, Play & Park Structures mission has centered around developing products, programs, and services that enhance classroom learning, create environmental awareness, promote physical activity, and build communities.
DOSECC announced today the addition of several associates to its drilling services team as the company continues to expand its full-spectrum project capabilities. In addition to global core drilling operations, the firm provides clients with full project management services, preliminary site assessments, equipment engineering and fabrication, and final data analysis.

The team has expanded to include the extensive geothermal field testing experience of Colin Goranson, the geothermal reservoir engineering experience of Dr. Sabodh Garg, Ph.D., as well as the strong oil and gas background of Marc Eckels. These additions represent just a few of the veteran associates the firm has added in recent years to support its geothermal drilling and exploration drilling capacities.

Sabodh and Colin have vast experience and extensive publication records that are in the vanguard of our geothermal market approach, explains DOSECC president Dennis Nielson. Our geothermal clients want a complete study--preliminary slim hole testing and early data analysis that can transfer to the large-diameter production hole, all backed by our drilling operations team. While we began as a drilling contractor thirty years ago, our firm has evolved to a point that drilling is a tool, just one element of the full project that may now include logistics and project management, custom drill technology, and complete data analysis. Colin and Sabodh present strong additions to our full-spectrum approach.

Early on, often clients simply wanted core drilling samples--the rock in a box as we called it, said DOSECC C.F.O. Philippe Wyffels. Today we are finding many clients need a more broad, vertically-integrated service that gives them the data to make better decisions while relieving them of the logistics burden. Where once separate groups handled all the different components, we now are able to manage all the pieces in a more holistic manner.

For more information, visit DOSECC.com
Dr. Herrera embraces the mission of Mercy College. His commitment to seeing students succeed, from all walks of life, is what made him stand out.

Mercy College has appointed Dr. Jose Herrera as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Currently the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Western New Mexico University (WNMU), Herrera will join Mercy College on January 17, 2017. With a wide range of experience in higher education, Herreras leadership, background and skill set will expand the potential and build upon the achievements of Mercy College.

In making the announcement, Mercy College President Tim Hall said: Dr. Herrera embraces the mission of Mercy College. His commitment to seeing students succeed, from all walks of life, is what made him stand out. As a scientist, an administrator and a leader he will work collaboratively with students, faculty and staff to build a solid vision for the future of Mercy College.

This selection followed a comprehensive search with a highly qualified applicant pool. Provost Search Committee Chair Dr. Helen Buhler said: Dr. Herrera is committed to high quality academic programs and to student success. With experience in institution-wide planning, academic program development and external funding cultivation, he brings energy and enthusiasm and will be a great addition to the Mercy College community.

At WNMU, a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Herrera transformed the grant opportunities for the University. He developed the Universitys Grants Office bringing in new opportunities for students and faculty. Under his leadership, the amount of external funds quadrupled from the prior year. He is also guiding the restructuring of the general education curriculum, and working to reduce the amount of credit hours for Associate and Baccalaureate degrees while still maintaining a strong academic curriculum.

Herrera was the Founding Dean of WNMUs College of Arts and Sciences, building the College from the ground up. He led the development of the strategic plan for the College. During his time at WNMU Herrera has maintained his classroom presence, continuing on as a Professor. He is a strong proponent of technology in curricular and co-curricular learning.

Before being hired at WNMU, Herrera was a Program Director for the National Science Foundation in Arlington, Virginia where he oversaw various programs within the Division of Undergraduate Education.

Herrera is a lifetime member of Mycological Society of America and the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). He is also a member of Sigma Xi and the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR).

Herrera, a first-generation college student, graduated from the Chicago Public School System and admits his family could not afford access to higher education. Despite financial obstacles, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in biology from Northern Illinois University, and his doctorate in microbiology from Kansas State University. He spent the early part of his career as a high school biology teacher in Illinois.

Herrera will replace Dr. Concetta Stewart who has served as Mercy Colleges Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs since August 2012, and who served as Interim President of Mercy during the 2013-2014 academic year. Hall said: She has wholeheartedly and diligently committed herself to the academic excellence of Mercy College and the success of its students and faculty. We wish her all the best in the next phase of her career and look forward to a smooth transition in the months ahead.

About Mercy College

Mercy College is the dynamic, diverse New York City area college whose students are on a personal mission: to get the most out of life by getting the most out of their education.

Founded in 1950, Mercy offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs within five schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy College challenges its faculty and staff to make higher education work for anyone hungry enough to earn a better place in life. With campuses in Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, Manhattan and Yorktown Heights, the vibrancy of the College culture is sustained by a diverse student body from around the region.

Committed to supporting students throughout their education, Mercy College offers a personalized learning experience that includes the Colleges Personalized Achievement Contract (PACT) program. PACT is a nationally recognized mentoring program that serves as a model for student success. http://www.mercy.edu/ 877-MERCY-GO.
Our rise on the list from number 18 last year to number 8 this year reflects Pomeroys strong growth, its extraordinary people and our commitment to the region.

Pomeroy, a global leader in optimizing the IT infrastructure, announced today that it has been named to the Deloitte Cincinnati USA 100 list of the top private companies in the region. Accounting and consulting firm Deloitte ranks companies by their annual sales revenue, as well as requires each firm to complete an in-depth survey, to arrive at the 100 largest, privately held companies in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Deloitte is joined by Great American Insurance Group, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, and Enquirer Media to recognize these businesses for the tremendous economic and civic contributions they make to our community.

Pomeroy has been a proud member of the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky business community for over 30 years, said Chris Froman, President and CEO of Pomeroy. Our rise on the list from number 18 last year to number 8 this year reflects Pomeroys strong growth, its extraordinary people and our commitment to the region. Pomeroy has also become a major force in the regions philanthropic and volunteer endeavors through its Pomeroy Cares initiative, an employee-led community outreach team supporting worthy causes in the 17-county tristate region.

This year's survey included questions about fiscal projections, hiring and technology, as well as views on the direction of the national and local economies. More than 400 firms were considered for this honor.

About Pomeroy

Pomeroy provides high quality IT infrastructure services from its locations throughout North America, Latin America and Europe. Pomeroy's portfolio of infrastructure managed services includes: End User Services, Network Services, Data Center Services and Cloud Services. Pomeroy also provides staffing services and the full range of procurement & logistics services. Consistently recognized as one of the Top 50 Solution Providers in North America, Pomeroy employs its Optimized Infrastructure Framework(SM), a process-centric approach to working with clients (either remotely or on premise), to assess, plan, design, build, test, implement, manage and ultimately optimize each client's IT infrastructure, leading to the creation of tangible business value and return on their IT investments.
Equiteq orchestrated a comprehensive and engaging transaction process, demonstrating a keen understanding of the buyer / investor landscape and providing us with sound advice every step of the way.

Equiteq, a global leader in providing strategic and M&A advisory services to knowledge-intensive services firms, is pleased to announce that it has advised HS2 Solutions, Inc. (HS2), a full-service digital transformation agency offering a broad range of strategy, experience design, development, analytics, and marketing execution services to help clients address their digital priorities, on an investment from Mountaingate Capital (Mountaingate), a Denver-based private equity firm. HS2s co-founders and senior management will retain a significant equity stake in the company. The transaction closed on November 1, 2016.

Founded in 2003 by Phil Hollyer and Keith Schwartz, HS2 has enjoyed outstanding growth since inception and has earned a reputation for exceptional client service delivery across the full spectrum of marketing technology platforms and through custom development for eCommerce, web, and mobile applications. With headquarters in Chicago and over 120 talented employees consisting of strategists, designers, engineers, analysts, and project managers, HS2 has partnered with Mountaingate to accelerate its growth both organically and through selective strategic acquisitions.

We are very excited to partner with Mountaingate as we embark on our next phase of growth, which will be focused on meeting the expanding customer experience, technology, analytics, and digital marketing needs of our clients, said Phil Hollyer, CEO and Co-Founder of HS2. Mountaingate brings a unique market perspective stemming from their extensive digital agency services investment experience that will be invaluable as we look to prioritize strategic investments to accelerate our growth and better serve our clients.

Mountaingate shares our client-centric philosophy and embraces our commitment to provide rewarding career experiences for all of our team members. Their investment in HS2 is an affirmation of what we have achieved to date in partnership with our clients and team members. In addition, it provides us with capital to deepen our capabilities. The future has never been brighter for HS2, said Keith Schwartz, President and Co-Founder of HS2.

We are thrilled that Phil and Keith have selected Mountaingate to be their partner; the market opportunity for digital transformation agencies such as HS2 with a value proposition centered on customer experience is very compelling, said Colton King, Managing Director of Mountaingate. HS2 boasts a diverse client roster of blue chip and emerging brands, outstanding senior leadership, a deep and tenured bench of design and development talent, and an exceptional track record and culture of performance.

Matt Hasson, Director of M&A in Equiteqs New York office and the transaction team leader, commented, Phil and Keith have built an excellent business with a top-notch client base, best-in-class design and development capabilities, and a unique and spirited culture. It is no surprise that Mountaingate, an astute private equity investor with digital marketing savvy, would be interested in investing in HS2, which now represents a key growth platform within their portfolio.

Nicodemo Esposito, Managing Director of Equiteqs M&A and Strategic Advisory practice in North America, added, We thoroughly enjoyed working with Phil and Keith and congratulate the entire HS2 team on this exciting milestone. As anticipated, the market interest for HS2 was very strong, reflective of the breadth and depth of demand for agencies with differentiated capabilities in the digital transformation space. The Mountaingate team did an excellent job of demonstrating their firm as the partner best positioned to help HS2 navigate this next stage in its lifecycle.

On Equiteqs role as exclusive advisor, Mr. Hollyer stated, We initially hired Equiteq to assess the value and market attractiveness of our business. Given their IT and marketing services industry focus and M&A advisory expertise, Equiteq was the logical choice to be our exclusive advisor for the overall process. Equiteq orchestrated a comprehensive and engaging transaction process, demonstrating a keen understanding of the buyer / investor landscape and providing us with sound advice every step of the way. The process led to a handful of transaction pathways to choose from, and Equiteq came through on their value promise and their commitment to delivering a successful transaction outcome.

About Equiteq (http://www.equiteq.com)

Equiteq is a knowledge-intensive services sector M&A specialist. The company works with the shareholders of services firms, helping them to achieve their business objectives and exit strategies. Equiteqs services are designed to deliver great returns for its clients by accelerating revenue, profit, and equity value growth, and ultimately realizing that value in a trade sale or recapitalization.

About HS2 Solutions (http://www.hs2solutions.com)

HS2 Solutions, based in Chicago, is a full-service digital transformation agency. HS2 offers a broad range of services focused on helping clients transform their eCommerce and digital marketing strategies to improve customer experience and drive meaningful business results. HS2 has capabilities within four primary service lines including eCommerce, web, and mobile development; experience design; interactive marketing; and analytics and insights. HS2 prides itself on forming problem-solving partnerships with their clients to envision, design, and build their digital vision.

About Mountaingate Capital (http://www.mountaingatecap.com)

Mountaingate Capital, based in Denver, is a leading buy-and-build lower middle-market private equity firm formed by a group of partners at KRG Capital. Mountaingate invests in industry-leading middle-market companies that demonstrate strong growth potential and are led by management teams committed to a strategic vision to realize that growth. Mountaingate supports management in prioritizing, funding, and executing on growth opportunities, including strategic add-on acquisitions. Mountaingate focuses on investments in specialty distribution, specialty manufacturing, and business services. Mountaingate targets investments in new platform companies with $5 million to $25 million of EBITDA.

For more information and media enquiries, contact Sophie Lewis at +44 (0)207 947 4264 or sophie.lewis@equiteq.com. Visit http://www.equiteq.com/equiteq-edge/register for free access to Equiteq Edge  Equiteqs online resource and information hub aimed at shareholders, prospective shareholders, investors, and corporate development executives in the consulting industry.

Equiteq 2016

Certain members of Equiteq Inc. acted in their capacity as registered securities agents with Burch & Company, Inc. in this transaction. Equiteq and Burch are not affiliates.

-Ends-
The acquisition of Tift Area Captive and its physicians further demonstrates MagMutuals commitment to protecting and supporting physicians in Georgia.

MagMutual Insurance Company, one of the nations largest medical professional liability mutual insurers, has acquired Tift Area Captive Insurance Company, which was owned by a series of multi-specialty Georgia physicians. Subsequent to the transaction with MagMutual, these physician policyowners benefit from unrivaled claims defense, patient safety resources and industry leading dividends & owners circle benefits.

We are very excited to welcome this group of Georgia-based physicians into the MagMutual family, said MagMutual President Neil Morrell. In our view, Tift Area Captive and MagMutuals missions are similar  we are both deeply committed to supporting our policyholders and empowering them to continue focusing on providing care.

Morrell adds that the transaction proceeded smoothly, thanks to the efficiency and support of the captive-insured physicians.

The acquisition of Tift Area Captive and its physicians further demonstrates MagMutuals commitment to protecting and supporting physicians in Georgia, said MagMutual Chairman and CEO Joseph Wilson, MD. It is also commensurate with our strategy of growth while providing greater value to our PolicyOwners.

The proposed transaction received final corporate approvals and regulatory approval by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance during November 2016.

About MagMutual

For more than 30 years, MagMutual has served as a trusted advisor and strategic ally to thousands of physicians and hospitals. We continuously evolve to meet the changing needs of our PolicyOwners and drive advancements in healthcare. Today we offer the best resources in patient safety, expert defense and a range of professional liability coverage. Our comprehensive solutions, combined with our incomparable service, extraordinary financial strength, plus dividends and rewards, provide our PolicyOwners with an exceptional customer experience. For more information, visit http://www.MagMutual.com.

About Tift Area Incorporated Protected Cell

Tift Area Incorporated Protected Cell was owned by its Georgia physician shareholders and was founded on June 30, 2000.
Our aim is to provide other MSPs with better and smarter tooling then we had in the past, and offer a great alternative to the established solutions that always come with a high TCO and multi-year contracts.

ComputicatePSA, a Professional Service Automation platform for Managed Service Providers, announced its US launch today with its new Miami, Florida-based office and the availability of the software to US-based, English-speaking clients.

Filling a Need Not Otherwise Met

While there are a number of other Professional Service Automation (PSA) tools available in the market today, most tend to be very feature-rich, complex and expensive. This makes them unattractive, and often not an option at all for smaller to mid-sized MSPs (up to 35 employees), the group Computicate tailors to.

We believe PSA is much more than just a module or a tool you have running in the background. With Computicate, we want to enable MSPs to spend their valuable time with clients, instead of spending it on their back-office process or operations," explained Martijn van der Schaaf, CEO of Computicate.

"Computicate is a solution that helps our customers do just that, without the hurdles of complexity and costs: SaaS, multi-tenant and multi-lingual, that is up and running within one business day and integrates seamlessly with your other tooling. Providing integrations with the most common RMM, VAR, and financial systems is one of our main priorities. With this we enable MSPs to better automate their service delivery and billing.

Being a former owner of a successful MSP, I know what is needed to take an MSP to the next phase. Our aim is to provide other MSPs with better and smarter tooling then we had in the past, and offer a great alternative to the established solutions that always come with a high TCO and multi-year contracts.

A Steady List of Integrations

High on the priority list for Computicate is to continually develop new integrations, since the company believes a wide support of integrations is key for PSA success.

Currently, Computicate has integrations with a number of existing MSP software vendors:

Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM):

-Ninja RMM

-Panorama9

-MaxFocus

-Kaseya

Financial:

-Sage

-Xero

-Freshbooks

-Soho

-Kashoo

-Exact

New integrations that are planned for release in the near future include:

-Microsoft CSP TIER1 and TIER2  assigning and billing of Content Security Policy (CSP) items (Office365, Azure AD, etc.)

-N-able

-MaxBackup

-Stripe (credit card billing)

-PayPal Business

The company, which has its roots in the Netherlands, is preparing to grow the US market by opening an office in Miami, and focusing on sales and delivery of their platform across the US.

To learn more about Computicates Professional Service Automation platform or request a demo, please visit http://www.computicatepsa.com/.

About ComputicatePSA

The first version of ComputicatePSA was initially built and used as the internal PSA tool for a successful MSP in the Netherlands, Computication.

Until Computicate, there was no solution on the market that catered to the needs of an ambitious MSP, was out-of-the-box, and wasnt cost-prohibitive and complex. In 2015, more than a decade after the first internal version, a completely new SaaS based version was released.

Computicate is the go-to business management platform for ambitious Managed Service Providers around the world who want to run their operations smoothly and be successful. Computicates aim has always been to let MSPs spend their valuable time and resources on clients and innovation, while their back office and operations are fully streamlined and automated.

Computicate integrates seamlessly with existing managed services tooling with freedom of choice for best-of-breed tooling, without a vendor lock-in. It is available in English and Dutch, and supports all global currencies, localizations, and business metrics.

Computicate has its main office in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and a US office in Miami. For more information please contact: marketing(at)computicatepsa(dot)com
ARSRR_Network_UBES 4C Composed Logo.jpg

MarCom Awards has announced winners in the 2016 creative competition for marketing and communication professionals. Among the winners announced on November 1st, 2016, ARS/Rescue Rooter was recognized as a Platinum Award winner for Best Overall Blog out of over 6000 plus entries from around the world.

ARS/Rescue Rooters blog, seen at http://www.ars.com/blog, is written and maintained in-office and managed by the team at Kelley and Associates in Memphis, TN. The blog for ARS includes information and tips on plumbing and HVAC, as well as the organizations progress in community impact.

Judges of the MarCom Awards are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. We are grateful here at ARS to be recognized for our hardworking creative individuals, says Chris Mellon, ARS Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Our team makes HVAC and plumbing both informative and engaging for the public through our blog.

A full list of winners from the MarCom Awards can be found at http://www.marcomawards.com.

ABOUT MARCOM: MarCom is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious creative competitions in the world. MarCom is sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals (AMCP), a 22-year-old international organizations consisting of several thousand creative professionals. As part of its mission, AMCP fosters and supports the efforts of creative professionals who contribute their unique talents to public service and community organizations. Over the past few years, AMCP has given over $200,000 in charitable contributions.

ABOUT AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL SERVICES: Based in Memphis, Tenn., privately-owned ARS operates a network of more than 70 locally-managed service centers in 22 states, with approximately 5,500 employees. The ARS network features industry-leading brands including, A.J. Perri, Aksarben ARS, Allgood, Andys Statewide, ARS, Aspen Air Conditioning, Atlas Trillo, Beutler, Blue Dot, Brothers, Columbus Worthington Air, Conway Services, Efficient Attic Systems (EAS), Florida Home Air Conditioning, Green Star Home Services, McCarthy Services, Rescue Rooter/ Proserv, Rescue Rooter, RighTime Home Services, RS Andrews, The Irish Plumber, Unique Services, "Will" Fix It, and Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing. United by Exceptional Service, the ARS / Rescue Rooter Network serves both residential and light commercial customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line, radiant barrier, insulation and ventilation services. Each location has a knowledgeable team of trained specialists, who have undergone rigorous drug testing and criminal background checks. Providing exceptional service and ensuring the highest standards of quality, ARS has the experience to do any job right  the first time, with all work fully guaranteed.
La Fonda is the only resort on the historic Santa Fe Plaza

La Fonda on the Plaza is excited to announce a special offer in celebration of more convenient transportation options for travelers whose journeys take them through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the Santa Fe, NM area. Beginning on December 16th, 2016, new nonstop flights announced by American Airlines will make travel easier for guests flying direct from Phoenix and planning to stay at La Fonda on the Plaza.

This AAA 4-Diamond Award-winning hotels Phoenix package includes:



Historic room starting at just $149/night (subject to availability)

Complimentary daily breakfast in the hotels La Plazuela restaurant (a $40 value)

Complimentary parking if guests opt for a car (a $20 value)

Available on stays from December 15th through March 15th, 2017

Previously, most guests traveling to Santa Fe had to fly to Albuquerque, then rent a car for an additional hour-long drive. Direct flights from Phoenix will make this necessity a thing of the past starting on December 16th. La Fondas guests will also enjoy amenities including free Wi-Fi, concierge, outdoor heated pool and hot-tub, and in-room Keurig coffee makers, plus, visitors are never charged hidden resort fees during their stay.

"The direct American Airlines connection through Phoenix will give more travelers easier access to all that Santa Fe has to offer," said Jenny Kimball, CEO. "We look forward to welcoming them to La Fonda and want to offer our guests the best rate possible at La Fonda, the perfect starting point for exploring our city."

To find more details and book this special offer, guests can visit La Fonda on the Plazas website.

About La Fonda on the Plaza:

Opened in 1922, La Fonda on the Plaza sits at the end of the Santa Fe Trail and is the only hotel on the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Reports of an inn at this location date back to the 1600s, making La Fonda one of the most historic hotels in the United States. Formerly a Harvey Hotel, La Fonda offers 180 unique guest rooms and suites, including 15 luxury rooms built around a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of Santa Fe and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. With more than 20,347 square feet of event space, La Fonda is a favorite location for conferences and weddings. In May 2016, the hotel completed the last of three phases of renovation with revitalization of the lobby, La Fiesta Lounge, the gift shop now named Detours at La Fonda, public bathrooms, garage vestibule, and public corridors from the garage. Previous phases included the most significant guest room and corridor renovation since the 1920s and a revitalization of La Fonda's signature restaurant, La Plazuela, which occupies the hotels original open-air courtyard. All renovations were designed to bring the property up the most current standards of luxury and comfort while fully respecting the historical authenticity and unique character for which La Fonda is known. The AAA Four Diamond property is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservations Historic Hotels of America and was named Best Historic Hotel (76  200 rooms) in the organizations 2016 Awards of Excellence. The property was also recently added to the Historic Santa Fe Foundations Register of Properties Worthy of Preservation.
Worldwide Environmental Products, Inc. has reached an agreement with Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, Inc. to acquire the Georgia portion of Boschs U.S.-based emissions test equipment business.

Prior to the acquisition, Worldwide worked with Bosch to develop, implement, and offer a cost-effective hardware and software upgrade package for the approximately 200 customers using Bosch equipment in Georgia. This provided customers with an option to upgrade existing inspection equipment rather than needing to invest in a more expensive, completely new system from Worldwide or another certified vendor.

Worldwides upgrade option was certified for official program testing by State of Georgias Clean Air Force , and nearly all of the participating customers have now been setup and are currently testing with Worldwides upgrade. Components include updated inspection software, a biometric finger vein scanner for secured login and WEPs BAR Certified OBDII Data Acquisition Device (DAD) for vehicle OBD inspections to ensure compliance with the State of Georgias Clean Air Force.

The State of Georgias Clean Air Force is the vehicle emissions inspection program in Georgia and is responsible for the identification and repair of polluting vehicles. It has provided significant improvements to Georgias air quality since it began in 1996. This last year, Georgia began Phase V of its inspection program, which required newly certified or upgraded vehicle inspection equipment for all participating official inspection stations.

For over thirty years, Worldwide Environmental Products, Inc. has been a leader in designing and providing innovative, high-quality vehicle emissions and safety inspection solutions. Worldwide is currently doing business in eleven states domestically in the U.S., and has business operations in 10 countries internationally. From highly-rated hardware and software to advanced database applications and hosting, to vehicle diagnostic training and turnkey I/M program management, Worldwide has earned and maintained a strong reputation for its expertise in providing long-term, successful vehicle inspection solutions.
When a high school teacher sought to discourage him, telling him there were no opportunities for Negroes in architecture, Coles became determined to prove him wrong.

Buffalo Arts Publishing is pleased to announce the release of the illustrated memoir of noted African American architect, Robert Traynham Coles, FAIA. Architecture + Advocacy has as its stated purpose the continuation of Coles pursuit to inspire more young minorities and women to follow a career in architecture.

This richly illustrated book is a success story of inspiration and hope that carried Buffalo-born Robert Traynham Coles, the son of a postal worker, through a 50-year career as an architect. When a high school teacher sought to discourage him, telling him there were no opportunities for Negroes in architecture, Coles became determined to prove him wrong. His native ability and perseverance propelled him through a masters degree from M.I.T. to opening his own firm in 1963 and leading to senior positions in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the AIA College of Fellows.

In 2012, after 50 years of practice in Buffalo, New York, and Washington D.C., Robert Coles closed his office. His memoir, written in collaboration with historian friend William H. Siener, PhD, and based on articles about his career, personal recollections and extensive records of his firm, documents his architectural legacy. Among the many Western New York projects completed by Coles' firm are the SUNYAB Alumni Arena and Natatorium, the John F. Kennedy Recreation Center, and the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr., Branch Library.

Architecture + Advocacy is available in hard cover for $39.95 in local bookstores, online at amazon.com, or from the publisher at http://www.buffaloartspublishing.com.

Buffalo Arts Publishing was created in 2011, and has published more than a dozen books by or about Western New York artists and writers.
Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd Anahata is delighted to promote Mr. Sai Pradeep Dandem as their head of Head Of Business Systems in the state of Victoria, Australia.

Software Developer of Anahata is proud to announce Sai Pradeep Dandem as the new Head of the Business Systems Development. The company has taken such an initiative to maintain the desired level of support services.

Anahata is globally recognised for providing top class software application development services to the customers and to continue with their customer satisfaction service, the company has initiate to give high end services which has always compelled them to choose their team with much diligence. For the growth and development of the company, Sai Pradeep Dandem has been appointed as the Head of Business Systems Development. In the past some years Sai Pradeep Dandem had a great role in the companys growth and success.

Sai Pradeep Dandem, is with the team of Anahata from last 3 years, and was previously the Victoria Regional Manager with extensive JavaFX and JavaEE experience. During his tenure of work, Sai Pradeep Dandem has worked on some of biggest projects of the company and also handled number of leading other systems which are built on Anahatas Yam platform. Sai also has a working experience of dealing with led teams of over 20 developers and worked for customers in Europe, Asia and Australia across industries such as Healthcare, Education, Publishing and Construction. Such multitude of experience in leading projects is sure to give the best to his new designation in the company.

Sais appointments as the Head of Business Systems Development is a sign of assurance and a step towards the development of the company. Anahata is known to their customers for the design and delivery of a software solution that not only meets the businesss needs of the customers, but also is designed to improve business productivity.

Talking more about the role of Sai Pradeep, Mr. Pablo Rodriguez, Founder, Owner and CEO of Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd stated, Anahata is delighted to promote Mr. Sai Pradeep Dandem as their head of Head Of Business Systems in the state of Victoria, Australia. With his support and skills, Anahata is gearing up to ramp up our operations in Victoria and are aiming to fulfill our clients needs efficiently and satisfactorily.

Anahata is a reliable software developer company in Melbourne who have continued to offer their clients the highest level of software engineering expertise. They have a team of highly experienced and skilled software engineers who are specializing in the analysis, design, implementation and support of cost-effective, custom built software applications to their customers. Besides, they are experts at delivering custom software solutions to the clients based on Oracle Technology, such as Java, Java Enterprise Edition, MySQL or Oracle Database.

If you are looking for software development services in Melbourne from an expert, you can always look up to Anahata, as they have always continued to grow their business and has given the clients the best software development service as possible.

About The Company:

Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd is an Australian privately owned software development company with presence in Perth and Melbourne and specializing in the analysis, design, implementation and support of cost-effective, custom built software applications. The company was founded in Western Australia in 2010 by Pablo Rodriguez Pina. The company is Oracle Java Specialized Gold Partner and delivers custom software solutions based on Oracle Technology, such as Java, Java Enterprise Edition, MySQL or Oracle Database.
Members of IWEC's Board of Directors during their award presentation last November "As you network among each other, I encourage you to take off your blinders, and dont just think about what that person means to you, but to your clients, city and country, as you build relationships and trust. Ambassador Ruth Davis, IWEC Co-Founder.

The International Womens Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) celebrated its Ninth Annual Conference in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov. 6-9. Every year, IWEC recognizes the breakthroughs, achievements and thought leadership of women business owners from across the globe, and this year they presented the IWEC award to 42 successful women entrepreneurs from 21 countries. IWEC directors, together with the Brussels Enterprise Commerce & Industry (BECI) welcomed a group of some of the worlds most successful women entrepreneurs, who came from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and North and South America.

This years awardees represent computer software, manufacturing, agricultural business, waste management, engineering, health services, skin care, travel, shipping and freight forwarding, education and many other industries. The firms that the current and past IWEC Awardees lead account for over US$25 billion dollars in combined revenue, with over 125,000 employees worldwide. During the conference, they engaged other business women, chambers and past awardees for trade, networking and business opportunities.

BECI President Thierry Willemarck offered the welcome remarks during a reception at the Center Square. The Conference, whose 2016 theme was Connecting Women Businesses Globally: Building a Viable Future, was held over the course of 2 days at the historical Metropole Hotel, featured meetings, presentations and speeches focused on trade, and networking between business women, chambers and past awardees. Throughout the Conference, the awardees shared their best practices and experience overcoming the economic, competitive and sometimes societal and political hurdles that they faced as they launched and grew their businesses  and the progress that remains to be made for womens entrepreneurship, worldwide.

The Conference featured inspiring welcoming remarks by BECI and IWECs leadership, and keynote speakers including Cristina Gallach, UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, IWEC Executive Director Nancy Ploeger, Ibukun Awosika, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the First Bank of Nigeria, Yolanda Serra Director of International Open Programs, Nuria Chinchilla, Professor of Managing People in Organizations at the IESE Business School, and Alexader de Croo, Vice Prime Minister of Belgium. The Conference was sponsored by IWEC Partners CaixaBank, IESE Business School, SDI International Corp., Edelman Communication, Tyga-Box, Technoil, Progressive Computing, Brandlove, International Mission of Mercy, Repsol, Dos Toros Restaurant, Hotel Metropole and BECI.

During her opening speech, Ambassador Ruth Davis, IWEC co-founder and Chairwoman, captured and set the essence of cross-collaboration that framed the Conference: I think that Brussels is a great international place where the world convenes for global meetings. Here we are, with 21 awardees from 42 countries. As you network among each other, I encourage you to take off your blinders, and dont just think about what that person means to you, but to your clients, city and country, as you build relationships and trust.

IWEC is a New York-based non-for-profit initiative of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Manhattan and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organization (FICCI/FLO), and at its founding, it was supported by the U.S. Department of State. IWEC has a network of affiliate organizations, among them WEConnect International, the Women Presidents Organization, Taiwan Womens Business Network and UnitedSuccess. Perhaps most importantly, IWEC has a strategic liaison with the International Trade Centre that leads, among many other important priorities, technical cooperation in the realm of trade for its parent organizations, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations, providing sustainable trade development solutions and education, and sharing this critical expertise with IWECs network.

The conference ended with an extended tour of Brussels, Bruges, The Hague and Amsterdam to showcase the many attractions and beauty of Belgium and The Netherlands. IWEC will host its 2017 Conference in Redmond, Washington State.

Learn more about IWEC at http://www.iwecawards.com.

Contact IWEC: Nancy Ploeger, Executive Director, IWEC. np(at)iwecawards(dot)com (917) 796-4201.

Press Office: Conchie Fernandez-Craig, CF Creative. info(at)cf-creative(dot)com. (954) 448-7590 ext. 101.
InterHarmony 15th Anniversary Under the Piemontese Sun

In celebration of its fifteenth year providing young musicians from around the world with unique educational experiences in unforgettable locations, the InterHarmony International Music Festival is proud to announce a new site: Acqui Terme, Italy. Both July sessions will take place in the northern Italian town, whose history stretches back to before ancient Rome, followed by a third session in Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Germany. For more information about the new location, along with regular updates on new teachers and guest artists, visit http://www.interharmony.com/italy.

Drawn to Acqui Terme by its rich history, gorgeous scenery and vibrant cultural life, festival founder Misha Quint is thrilled with the move: I think even people who know our festivals well will be surprised by what we're planning. First and foremost on his mind: Location, location, location. Famous since the days of Roman antiquity for its hot springs and set in the midst of one of Italys most picturesque wine-growing regions, Acqui Terme offers visitors an abundance of possibilities. The sounds of newly-installed pianos can already be heard from the concert halls of the Basilica di San Pietro and the Hotel La Meridiana, the imposing medieval Paleologi Castle, and the town's schools. Participants will also be able to explore the Piedmont region, legendary for its sumptuous, French-inspired cuisine and award-wining vineyards, on two excursions. Both sessions will tour the cosmopolis and cathedral town of Milan, and Session I will visit the World Heritage pilgrimage site of Turin, while Session II travels to the nearby cultural center and seaport of Genova. Yet Quint warns that only one thing can get applicants there: Practice, practice, practice!

InterHarmony has organized dozens of successful music festivals in its fifteen year history in the USA and Europe. This summer, InterHarmony invites music students of all ages from across the globe to three two-week long sessions in stunning locales. Session I (July 5-17) and Session II (July 18-30) will take place in Acqui Terme, followed by a third session (August 1-13) in its original location in Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Germany. Each festival offers the opportunity not only to study privately with world-class musicians, but also to participate in chamber and orchestral ensembles and to perform with talented peers. Scenic accommodations, delicious food and plenty of practice time are included. More information on travel, instrumental and vocal programs, as well as applications, visit http://www.interharmony.com.
VMware certifies industry leading 4448v and 5848qv Blast Extreme Zero Clients from 10ZiG for VMware Horizon 7 VDI platform.

VMware certifies industry leading 4448v and 5848qv Blast Extreme Zero Clients from 10ZiG for VMware Horizon 7 VDI platform. Horizon 7 and Blast Extreme help expand computing capabilities using industry standard H.264 codec.

The 4448v Blast Zero Client from 10ZiG is economically priced to meet the needs of task users and knowledge workers. The 4448v easily outperforms more expensive units from the competition. 4448v standard features include dual monitor support with resolution up to 1920x1200 (WUXGA), wireless capabilities, a Dual Core processor, USB 3.0, VESA Mounting capability and ultra low power consumption ranging from only 4-5 watts.

The 10ZiG 5848qv Blast Zero Client expands upon this solid performance feature set with dual monitor support resolution up to 2560x1600 (WQXGA) via dual DisplayPort, an Intel Quad Core processor, and an array of video options. The powerful 5848qv is capable of Full HD, Multimedia, 3D and robust CAD performance; making it ideal for advanced knowledge workers and power users.

Additional standard features of both the 4448v and 5848qv include PCoIP support and the powerful 10ZiG Centralized Management utility with Cloud capabilities. Rugged, low-maintenance, Solid-State construction featuring no moving parts or wear components rounds out a list of impressive specifications.

Complementing the true VDI experience of easy centralized management, productivity gains, enhanced virus protection and increased energy savings is the peace of mind of the 10ZiG Advanced Exchange Three Year Warranty. This warranty is one of the best in the industry, no registration is required.

The VMware Blast Extreme protocol is a component of VMware Horizon 7. Blast Extreme is a forward thinking design based upon the H.264 video format Codec. This new protocol has excellent support for mobile networks and devices. Greatly improving stability and accelerating performance, Blast Extreme enhances the VDI experience with any Thin or Zero Client that can decode the H.264 Codec.

Requiring less bandwidth than PCoIP, Blast Extreme supports both TCP and UDP, making it better suited for mobile and lossy networks. Additionally, Blast Extreme works well for new deployments where servers are equipped with GPU architecture like NVIDIA GRID cards that support H.264 encoding. Server based GPU cards are able to offload H.264 encoding tasks from the server CPU, resulting in increased server performance, stability and scalability.

About 10ZiG Technology

To learn more about cutting edge VDI technology from 10ZiG, or to arrange for a FREE Thin or Zero Client evaluation unit, please contact the relevant office below:

(Corporate Headquarters, US)

10ZiG Technology Inc.

23309 N. 17th Drive #100

Phoenix, AZ 85027

P. (866) 865-5250 | Email: sales(at)10ZiG(dot)com | Web: http://www.10ZiG.com

(EU Headquarters, UK)

10ZiG Technology Inc.

Unit S2, Troon Way Business Centre

Humberstone Lane

Leicester LE4 9HA, United Kingdom

P. +44 (0) 116 214 8660 | Email: sales(at)10ZiG(dot)eu | Web: http://www.10ZiG.com

Focusing solely in developing Thin and Zero Clients for the latest desktop solutions, 10ZiG Technology has long-standing partnerships with industry leaders such as Citrix, VMware and Microsoft. These partnerships are all with the aim of providing the best performance possible by supporting the full feature sets of acceleration protocols such as HDX, HDX 3D Pro, PCoIP and RDP 8.1. 10ZiG offers traditional dual screen Thin and Zero Clients, including the widest range of TERA2-based PCoIP devices on the market, including Dual Screen, Quad Screen and All-In-One hardware. 10ZiG devices come with a variety of OS options, including Linux, NOS (No OS), Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 IoT (W10 IoT).

10ZiG is committed to taking the complexity out of Desktop Virtualization, Application Delivery and The Cloud by providing Thin and Zero Clients with components that simplify implementation, improve management, device visibility and enhance the user experience. All 10ZiG devices are accompanied by the 100% free enterprise class 10ZiG Manager Utility, enabling centralized configuration, maintenance and control of all 10ZiG Software Zero, Linux and Windows devices. The 10ZiG product range is underpinned by the most personal Sales and Support service on the market, complemented by a no obligation, no hassle, flexible 30 day evaluation offer.

###

Photo Caption:

VMware certifies industry leading 4448v and 5848qv Blast Extreme Zero Clients from 10ZiG for VMware Horizon 7 VDI platform. Horizon 7 and Blast Extreme help expand computing capabilities using industry standard H.264 codec.

Contact: Andre Kepes

Marketing Specialist

10ZiG Technology Inc.

email: andrek(at)10ZiG(dot)com

p. (866) 865-5250 ext. 159
Keypoint Intelligence We are now able to provide our customers with the insights, data, market intelligence, and responsive tools that no one else can.

Buyers Laboratory, LLC (BLI) has announced a new milestone in its acquisition of InfoTrends: a new corporate brand identity. Buyers Lab and InfoTrends have come together to form Keypoint Intelligence, a new market intelligence company offering market insights and responsive tools to clients in the digital imaging industry.

Its always been our mission to help our clients grow their businesses and become more profitable. Together, we are even better positioned to help them make every decision with confidence, said Gerry Stoia, chief executive officer of Keypoint Intelligence. While customers have shown great loyalty to both Buyers Lab and InfoTrends, we felt the combined company needed a new identityone that reflects the power of our union and the comprehensive scope of services we provide.

The combined business brings together Buyers Labs expertise in evaluation and testing with InfoTrends leadership in market research and strategic consulting, while offering clients enhanced efficiency and expert knowledge at every stage of a products life cycle.

Our new brand identity is a strong representation of what sets us apart in the global digital imaging intelligence marketplace, said Deanna Flanick, chief revenue officer. Our new double diamond mark represents the two companies coming together, and the vibrant orange spot where they overlap indicates a Keypoint, one of the many deep insights that only we can provide.

After the new brand is launched on December 1, both Buyers Lab and InfoTrends will continue as product lines under the Keypoint Intelligence name.

Both names are widely respected by our customers around the world, and we want them to know they can expect the same unbiased information, depth of knowledge, and dedicated support that Buyers Lab and InfoTrends have always delivered, said Flanick.

We are now able to provide our customers with the insights, data, market intelligence, and responsive tools that no one else can, said Stoia. Were truly excited about delivering the full benefits of our combined strength under the Keypoint Intelligence banner.

To view the new brand, please visit http://www.keypointintelligence.com.

About Keypoint Intelligence

Keypoint Intelligence is a global data and market intelligence leader for the digital imaging industry. The company has over 125 professionals around the world who provide critical planning and go-to-market services, including in-depth market research, competitive intelligence, sales training, product testing, content creation, and customer engagement. For more information, contact Mike Fergus at mike.fergus(at)buyerslab(dot)com or +1 973.797.2150.
Impiger celebrating at the Dallas 100 Awards gala. We are honored and humbled to be selected as a Dallas 100 Award winner

Put on annually by the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship at the SMU Cox School of Business, the Dallas 100 Awards honor the 100 fastest-growing privately held companies in the Dallas Metroplex area. Each year, the awards celebrate area entrepreneurs and the diversity, creativity and resolve it takes to create and sustain a successful business in todays competitive environment. Impiger was selected for this years list in recognition of the companys significant sales and revenue growth over the course of the last three years.

We are honored to be named a winner during the 26th anniversary of the Dallas 100 Awards, for the fastest growing companies in the Dallas Metroplex area, said Jude Ramayya, Founder and CEO at Impiger. "Im so proud of our team and the hard work, commitment and value they give to all our customers. To be included with such a select and prestigious group of companies, honored this year makes us proud and validates the business value in always putting your customers first beyond anything else.

Impiger was in very good company with this years 100 award winners. Impiger would like to recognize and congratulate freshbenies and Watchguard Video, two valued Impiger customers, for also being recipients of this years Dallas 100 Awards.

We are so happy for our customers, said Pete Di Stefano, Vice President of Marketing at Impiger. To have an opportunity to share and celebrate this recognition with our extremely successful customers is wonderful. It was as exhilarating to cheer for our customers as their names were called as it was to here our company recognized.

About The Dallas 100 Entrepreneur Awards:

Co-founded by the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship in 1990, the Dallas 100 Awards is an annual event that identifies and honors the 100 fastest-growing privately held companies in the Dallas area. For more information on The Dallas 100 Awards, visit http://www.smu.edu/Cox/CentersAndInstitutes/CaruthInstituteForEntrepreneurship/Dallas100.

About Impiger Technologies

Impiger Technologies is a world-class, enterprise software solution engineering company specializing in Mobile Application Development, Cloud & Web Applications. For over a decade Impiger has been delighting customers with a 90% retention rate. Impiger is credited with more than 250 mobile applications: iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, HTML5, etc. and developing over 150 web applications across SharePoint, Microsoft Azure, ASP.NET. Impiger helps enterprises improve business efficiency, productivity, and revenue. To learn more about Impiger Technologies, visit the website at impigertech.com or visit Impigers Twitter page @impigertech.
Nova Oculus Partners and StarFish Medical are announcing a collaborative agreement to bring to market a pioneering medical device for the treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

The agreement makes StarFish responsible for the development and manufacturing of the Nova Oculus headset, an integral component of the electrotherapeutic medical device Nova Oculus has designed to treat AMD patients. StarFish, a Canadian company, is one of North Americas leaders in the design, development and manufacture of medical devices.

Nova Oculus Partners COO Walter ORourke noted StarFish is the right partner in this endeavor for a number of reasons. They have earned ISO-13485 certification from the International Organization of Standardization, which means the headsets manufacturing process has been approved for quality, safety and efficiency. StarFish also has the comparable Canadian designation, a critical step since Canada will be the first market in which the Nova Oculus device is expected to achieve full commercialization. Canada is also an excellent base to ship our products to companies around the world, said ORourke.

Mass production of the device by StarFish is slated to begin in the spring of 2017. Company officials expect that once ISO certification for the device itself is granted, regulatory approval in Canada is finalized, and CE Mark approval for the European market is given, gaining access to other international markets will follow.

The Nova Oculus device is already engaged in clinical patient trials in Canada, and regulatory approval for full market commercialization is expected there by mid-2017.

StarFish also meets all the manufacturing protocols required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ORourke said, and also has a track record for manufacturing FDA-approved devices for sale in the U.S.

It is estimated that more than 40 million people in the U.S., Canada, Britain, the EU, Japan and Australia are afflicted with AMD, and are either blind or at risk for becoming blind. As many as four million of those could be treated by the Nova Oculus device within the first five years after commercialization. According to the companys calculations, a potential market of that size could conservatively represent $500 million in revenue from treatments and equipment leases during that time.

About Nova Oculus Partners:

Nova Oculus Partners, LLC was formed to develop, manufacture, and lease to medical professionals an electrotherapeutic medical device to treat visual disease, providing a pulsed micro-current output delivered to the retina by way of a closed eyelid. This treatment method can help mitigate the effects of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

The Nova Oculus companys pulsed micro-current therapy represents a new, non-invasive treatment for all forms of macular degeneration. The device output signal is structured to provide a range and pattern of frequencies to stimulate the desired physiologic response at the retinal level. This low current has been shown by studies to stimulate the production of the active transport enzyme, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which facilitates the movement of nutrition from the blood to the cell

According to recent studies, this treatment improves permeability of the blood vessel membranes and cells, allows better oxygen and nutrition delivery to the cells, metabolism, and removal of by-products from the cells. Through these mechanisms, pulsed micro-current therapy improves retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) efficiency and in so doing may restore and/or improve retinal function.

About StarFish Medical:

StarFish Medical, Canadas largest medical design, development and contract-manufacturing company, was founded by Scott Phillips in 1999. Headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, the company employs more than 100 people.

StarFish-assisted patents span over 150 cardiovascular, digital health, IVD, ophthalmology, optics, and ultrasound medical devices.

Atypical in the service-provider industry, StarFish Medical delivers highly innovative projects at a fixed price. Through rigorous use of innovation design-control systems, the company was on budget an average of 100% of the time in 2015. Fixed price agreements help Star- Fish employees and their clients identify and align project expectations and delivery dates.

Employee recruiting and development includes co-op students, summer interns and out- sourcing to a local college. Moreover, StarFish leaders and engineers speak to classes, and at career events and student groups, at colleges and universities across North America.

StarFish also supports several local and province-wide charities and has won a variety of industry awards.

For more information contact:

Mike Camplin,

Director, Marketing,

mcamplin(at)starfishmedical(dot)com

250-388-3537, ext. 210
Utrip Teams Up with Skyspace OUE Skyspace LA offers visitors and locals alike to enjoy an entirely new vantage point of our energetic and constantly evolving city, said Lucy Rumantir, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Americas, OUE.

Utrip, a free travel planning platform, announced a collaboration with OUE Skypace LA, Californias tallest open-air observation deck, to help travelers plan their visit to and around the Los Angeles attraction. Using a digital trip planner powered by Utrip PRO, LAs newest attraction is not only providing entirely new views of the city, but is also helping visitors plan their on-the-ground experiences in the city. The planner, which takes a visitors unique interests and budgets to create a personalized itinerary in moments, is now available on OUE Skyspace LAs website and at visit.oue-skyspace.com.

This June, OUE Skyspace LA opened to the public, offering visitors panoramic 360-degree views of the city and its surroundings, and the chance to ride the one-of-a-kind glass Skyslide. These thrilling offerings, along with an interactive technology level that harnesses digital elements, enables OUE Skyspace LA to provide a unique experience to each visitor.

OUE Skyspace LA offers visitors and locals alike to enjoy an entirely new vantage point of our energetic and constantly evolving city, said Lucy Rumantir, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Americas, OUE. The extraordinary views coupled with Utrips innovative trip planning technology enables visitors to experience and discover LA in an entirely new fashion.

Using artificial intelligence and personal preferences, the trip planner creates detailed day-by-day itineraries with recommendations on restaurants, parks, nightlife, museums, and more. The itinerary can be personalized to best suit the travelers tasteswhether they are a foodie hoping to indulge in LAs vast culinary scene, a first time visitor hoping to catch the must sees, or are an arts aficionado looking to dive deeper into the museums and galleries of the iconic city.

Utrip wants to help travelers discover what will be their most memorable experiences, said Gilad Berenstein, founder and chief executive officer of Utrip. We are so happy to work with a visionary like Skyspace LA who also aims to provide new and exciting experiences and technologies to travelers.

About Utrip

Utrip is a free travel planning platform that brings together the best in artificial intelligence and human experience, making it easy for travelers to create their perfect trip. Founded in Seattle in 2012, Utrips predictive technology works on a vast travel database that has been curated by local area experts. Once a traveler indicates their interests and budget, Utrips algorithm sorts through millions of combinations of must-see sites, activities, and restaurants to deliver personalized itinerariesin minutes. Travelers may then book lodging and share their itineraries with friends.

Utrip PRO, the white-label version, allows businesses such as DMOs, hospitality groups, and attractions to offer personalized travel planning on their sites. Utrips companion mobile app provides access to itineraries, directions and personalized recommendations on the go. To learn more about Utrip or to plan your next adventure, visit utrip.com.

About OUE Limited

OUE Limited, a public company listed in Singapore, is a diversified real estate owner, developer and operator dedicated to bringing new life to iconic buildings and communities across the globe.

Contact

Utrip

press(at)utrip(dot)com

OUE Skyspace LA

media(at)oue-skyspace(dot)com
THAAD Launch

WASHINGTON, DC  The tensions that led to calls for THAAD deployment to South Korea are also helping make the case for sending the missile-interceptor system to the US's other major ally in the region  Japan.

"Japan's proximity to the growing North Korean threat surely contributes to an urgency to deploy medium-tier defenses with longer ranges than Patriot," Thomas Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Business Insider.

"If we lived as close to Mr. Kim as they do, we'd probably feel the same way."

So far this year, the Hermit Kingdom has conducted two nuclear device tests and more than 18 ballistic missile tests.

Of those missile tests, Pyongyang has conducted seven Musudan launches. The Musudan is speculated to have a range of approximately 1,500 to 2,400 miles, capable of targeting military installations in South Korea, Japan, and Guam, according to estimates from the Missile Defense Project.

And while all Musudan launches except the sixth one on June 22 were considered to be failures, the frequency in testing shows the North has developed something of an arsenal.

What's more, on August 3, North Korea fired a ballistic missile near Japanese-controlled waters for the first time.

The simultaneous launch of two "No Dong" intermediate-range ballistic missiles near the western city of Hwangju was detected by US Strategic Command.

thaad japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described the launch as a "grave threat" to Japan and said Tokyo "strongly protested."

Japan also said its self-defence force would remain on alert in case of further defiant launches from the rogue nation.

Here's a timeline of North Korea's defiant rocket launches and nuclear detonations so far in 2016 

Adding to the growing tension, on August 24, the Hermit Kingdom successfully launched a missile from a submarine with a range capable of striking parts of Japan and South Korea.

Story continues

This was the first time a North Korean missile reached Japan's air-defense-identification zone, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said during a briefing.

nk missile or whatever

"A submarine launch poses an especially grave threat since it could catch the United States and allies by surprise," Rebeccah Heinrichs, a fellow at the Hudson Institute specializing in nuclear deterrence and missile defense, told Business Insider in a previous interview.

Pyongyang first attempted a submarine-based missile launch last year and again at the end of April 2016.

In his four-year reign, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has conducted more than twice as many missile tests as his father, Kim Jong Il, did in 17 years in power.

kim j y'all

During a Pentagon press briefing, spokesman Peter Cook declined to comment on reports of Japanese interest in acquiring THAAD.

Meanwhile, preparations to deploy THAAD to South Korea continue. Army General Vincent Brooks, commander of US Forces Korea, said deployment will occur within the next eight to 10 months.

NOW WATCH: Meet THAAD: Americas answer to North Korean threats





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Michael Savoy, CPA Im looking forward to my year as vice-president and the opportunity to continue working with people dedicated to quality and transparency in the profession.

Michael Savoy, CPA, CGMA, a long-time shareholder in Santa Monica-based Gumbiner Savett Inc., has been elected vice-president of the California Board of Accountancy (CBA) for 2017.

I am so honored to remain a part of the CBA leadership team, stated Savoy, Im looking forward to my year as vice-president and the opportunity to continue working with people dedicated to quality and transparency in the profession.

Savoy was reappointed to the CBA in November 2014 by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., a position in which he previously served since 2010. Prior to his election as Vice-President, he previously held the office of Secretary/Treasurer from 2015-2016 and 2011-2012, Vice-President from 2012-2013, and President from 2013-2014. In addition to Savoy, the newly elected leadership includes Ms. Alicia Berhow as president, and Mr. Mark J. Silverman, Esq. as secretary/treasurer.

Savoy has been with Gumbiner Savett Inc. since 1994, where he focuses on audit and financial reporting in the private sector. A specialist in litigation support and forensic accounting, tax planning and compliance, and succession planning and exit strategies, Savoy possesses over 44 years of CPA experience. He is presently Treasurer, on the Executive and Finance Committee, and a Board Member of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. He is the former chairman of the Americas Region Board of BKR International and is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Association.

Created by statute in 1901, the CBAs mandate requires that protection of the public shall be its highest priority in exercising licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions. The CBA currently regulates more than 100,000 licensees, the largest group of licensed accounting professionals in the nation, including individuals, partnerships, and corporations.

About Gumbiner Savett Inc. - http://www.gscpa.com

Gumbiner Savett Inc., is a full-service accounting and consulting firm headquartered in Santa Monica. Celebrating 65 years in 2015, the purpose of our work is to enrich our clients lives by facilitating the achievement of their financial objectives and providing career fulfillment for our employees.

We are dedicated to being the preeminent assurance, tax and business advisory firm for growth oriented businesses, middle market enterprises and high-net worth individuals in Southern California. In addition to traditional private and public company accounting and tax services, we specialize in general business consulting, estate and trust planning, fraud examination studies, business services and bookkeeping and litigation support.

Gumbiner Savett Inc. is an independent member firm of BKR International.
Delorine Jackson, a licensed real estate agent in the Rancho Santa Fe, California, market, has joined the prestigious Haute Living Real Estate Network.

The Haute Living Real Estate Network (HLRN) of Hauteresidence.com is proud to recognize Delorine Jackson as a prominent real estate professional and the networks newest partner. HLRN unites a distinguished collective of leading real estate agents and brokers, highlighting the most extravagant properties in leading markets around the globe for affluent buyers, sellers, and real estate enthusiasts.

About Delorine Jackson:

Delorine Jacksons story is rooted in her unlikely path that brought her to Southern California. From humble beginnings as an orphan in South Korea, Delorine and her sister arrived in LAX on Thanksgiving Day to meet their new parents and begin their new life in Southern California. This arrival to America at the young age of eight sparked in Delorine a desire to succeed in her newfound country and make the best of any opportunity. Delorine and her husband Bob Jackson have raised their kids and established community roots in The Bridges of Rancho Santa Fe, California.

Delorine has turned adversity into opportunity in life and in business, making her a reliable resource for her clients. She views herself as being one of the lucky ones and seeks to give and serve others. In her career path, she has converted initial luck into success by pure hard work. For over twenty-two years, Delorine has performed the role of a successful luxury real estate agent and branch manager with effective ease. She has focused her expertise on the high-end luxury homes of Rancho Santa Fe and continues to be a wealth of knowledge for buyers and sellers in this specialty market. Overall, she has transformed her innate need to help others into helping clients with their most important asset: buying or selling their home.

Delorine Jackson is a leader with an entrepreneurial drive, innovative personality, and giving spirit. These key qualities are recognized by friends, clients, and colleagues who champion her success. Above all else, Delorine is driven by doing what she does best: helping others succeed.

To learn more, visit Delorine Jacksons Haute Residence profile: http://www.hauteresidence.com/member/delorine-jackson
Over 29 million people in the United States alone are living with Diabetes while millions are living with Prediabetes

Helping to conclude Diabetes Awareness Month, Mediaplanet today announces the launch of this Novembers edition of United for Diabetes. This campaign will advocate for increased awareness for Diabetes, as well as education about best ways to manage the disease.

Over 29 million people in the United States alone are living with Diabetes while millions are living with Prediabetes. Not only does this disease affect blood glucose levels, it causes potentially fatal side effects including diabetic foot ulcers and eye diseases. There has been significant research and medical advancements in this disease that allow for a bright future.

The print component of United for Diabetes is distributed within todays edition of USA Today in Chicago, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Seattle, and South Florida markets, with a circulation of approximately 250,000 copies and an estimated readership of 750,000. The digital component is distributed nationally, through a vast social media strategy, and across a network of top news sites and partner outlets. To explore the digital version of the campaign, visit the site here.

Type 2 Diabetic Sherri Shepherd is featured on the cover of the print publication. Through Sherris interview within the campaign, Sherri discusses how both of her sisters have diabetes and her mother passed away from the disease at the age of 41. I had put off going to the doctor for a long time because I was so scared I would get a diabetes diagnosis, she remembers. Its almost like I was in denial.

Since Shepherds diagnosis, she has fought to raise awareness about the disease including co-authoring the book Plan D that explains why having Diabetes is not a death sentence. Now, Shepherd works to eat healthy and exercise, keeping her disease in check.

This campaign was made possible with the support of the American Association of Diabetic Educators, the JDRF, Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Beyond Type 1, One Drop, Emuaid, American Podiatric Medical Association, Sunsweet, Glycomark, Neurogenx, and Mannkind.

About Mediaplanet

Mediaplanet is the leading independent publisher of content-marketing campaigns covering a variety of topics and industries. We turn consumer interest into action by providing readers with motivational editorial, pairing it with relevant advertisers and distributing it within top newspapers and online platforms around the world.
Haute Living Real Estate Network will feature Maxine and Marti Gellens as preferred real estate professionals. This unique circle of leading real estate agents and brokers presents unique estates and extravagant properties to the affluent buyers and homeowners looking to purchase the foremost residential listings. Featuring properties with luxurious amenities in the most exclusive locations, members of the Haute Living Real Estate Network ensure that readers are exposed to the finest that the market has to offer.

About Haute Living Real Estate Network

Haute Living Real Estate Network specializes in selecting top real estate professionals, creating the most sought after directory for exceptional listings. The network website is an online destination for all real estate-related news and features daily blog posts that provide up-to-date information on affluent markets, real estate developments and celebrity listings. Access all of this information and more by visiting http://www.hauteresidence.com/.

About Maxine and Marti Gellens

Maxine and Marti Gellens are a well-known and highly regarded mother-daughter team in San Diego County. Together they specialize in the coastal areas of San Diego, specifically La Jolla and Del Mar. The two are native San Diegans and are located in the heart of La Jolla at the Arcade building in their own storefront location proudly displaying all of their beautiful listings.

To learn more, visit Maxine and Marti Gellens' Haute Real Estate Network profile.
Leighton and Shayla Braga enjoying "perfectly free" frozen treats Our partnership with the 'perfectly free' brand, products that are free of the food allergens that present a risk to Shayla, provides us with additional resources to share our coping approach with other food allergy families, said Jerome Braga.

What began as a way for the Braga family "to break free from the shackles of living with severe food allergies" has become a lifestyle they have fully embraced. Jerome Braga will be the first to admit that he and his wife, Jennifer, were missing the days when they didn't give a second thought to dining out, hopping on a plane or making a quick stop in a coffee shop. Those, however, were the days before what Braga calls the "gift" of food allergies led his family on a journey that he now says is full of "wonder, education, laughter and family time."

For the second consecutive year, Jerome, Jennifer, Leighton (8) and Shayla (6) have hit the road in their customized 2014 RV Fifth Wheel to not only flee the New England winter, but to also share their food allergy story so that others may benefit. And to do it an environment that is safest for Shayla, who is severely allergic to the top eight food allergens: dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nut, peanut, wheat/gluten, and soy. Being able to prepare allergy-free meals in an environment under the Braga's complete control is paramount, and Jerome says the spacious kitchen in his 41-foot- long RV is near-perfect for an allergy-free foodie lifestyle.

This years adventure started today, when the Bragas left their hometown of Middletown, Conn. for a trip that will take them south to Orlando, west to San Antonio, dotting the map through Arizona and Utah, then further west to San Diego and eventually back east by May via the southern US, including the Florida Keys. Along the way, the Bragas will be blogging about their journey and sharing stories on the family blog site, Our1Chance.com, and on social media sites including the Facebook page of sponsor  the "perfectly free" brand, a Boston-based maker of snacks and treats that are free of the top eight food allergens.

Raising awareness of food allergies is one way for us to contribute to improving the quality of life for the 15 million American children and adults with food allergies, including those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis, Jerome Braga said. Our partnership with the 'perfectly free' brand, products that are free of the food allergens that present a risk to Shayla, provides us with additional resources to get the word out and to share our coping approach with other food allergy families.

Jud Horner, CMO of the "perfectly free" brand, said, "The Bragas are making a great contribution to the food allergy problem by sharing their successes in addressing it within their own family. Our contribution is to develop allergy-friendly food products that are delicious, fun to eat, and enhance the lives of those with food allergies. We're excited about being a sponsor of the Braga's great adventure and about sharing their travel log with our own customers."

About perfectly free allergy-friendly frozen treats

The perfectly free brand is committed to creating delicious Big 8 Allergy-Friendly foods for everyone who desire a fuller, happier, healthier, free-from lifestyle. perfectly free contain only natural, premium ingredients that are non-GMO and free from the Big 8 food allergens: dairy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, fish and shellfish. All products are prepared in a dedicated, free-from facility. For more information, please visit http://www.perfectlyfree.com
NCPA works diligently to select vendors of the highest quality, performance, and most importantly, those with the best value proposition

Passport, the industrys leading mobile payment provider for parking and transit, today announced its award by the NCPA (National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance) as a preferred mobile payments partner for participating agencies.

NCPA is a leading national government purchasing cooperative working to reduce the cost of goods and services by leveraging the purchasing power of public agencies in all 50 states. NCPA utilizes state of the art procurement resources and solutions that result in cooperative purchasing contracts. This ensures that NCPA members are receiving products and services of the highest quality at the best prices.

Passport powers the mobile apps for large cities like Boston, Chicago, Toronto, Portland, and Miami, as well as the parking enforcement technology for cities like New Haven, Omaha, Virginia Beach, and Salt Lake City. In addition, Passport offers a full technology suite for transit agencies, unifying the complete transportation experience.

Were thrilled to be awarded this contract by the NCPA, said Khristian Gutierrez, CBDO at Passport. This is an exciting opportunity for us to partner with progressive agencies throughout North America, providing more locations with the leading mobile payment technology to help improve their operations. NCPA strives to provide its members with best-in-class solutions to real-world challenges and were confident our expertise and track record will give members comfort in choosing us as a premier partner.

NCPA works diligently to select vendors of the highest quality, performance, and most importantly, those with the best value proposition, said Jonathan Applegate, Director of Operations at NCPA. As agencies continue the transition to mobile technology for their parking and transit operations, we offer a competitively bid contract that simplifies the process for agencies to ensure they are implementing the best solution for their environment.

Passports growing list of clients have realized increased efficiency and bottom line margins through one extensible platform.

About Passport

Passport is North Americas leading mobile technology company specializing in enterprise business applications and payments for the public and private sector. Passport's product lines--parking payments, transit payments, enforcement and permit management--collectively serve to deliver dynamic tools for agencies to better connect with their communities. Its services have been adopted by over 20 of the top 50 cities in North America and over 2,000 locations including Chicago, Toronto, Boston, Portland, and Miami. Passports mission is to reduce operational complexity and deliver intelligent data to improve decision making for its clients.

Passport is backed by a respected group of investors, including Grotech Ventures, Relevance Capital, and MK Capital. For more information, please visit http://www.passportinc.com.
Buy An Art Brick | Be An Expansion Investment Donor "Our data shows that Perry Township is where we need to be and we are very excited about the move and the ability to better serve our clients." - Katie Derek, Victim Advocate

Beacon of Hope Center for Women, Inc. (dba) Beacon of Hope Crisis Center (BOH) recently announced plans to move its corporate office to Perry Township in Indianapolis, IN in January of 2017. The agency serves individuals Statewide with primary numbers of service in Marion, Johnson and Hamilton counties; this new office will be more centrally located to all those that the agency serves.

For BOH, a crisis center serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, the new office space means improved client service, new amenities for employees and room for growth.

BOH will now occupy the middle section of a multi-tenant office building located in Indianapolis Perry Township. The new floor plan will provide greater efficiency in how we serve clients. As we started to outgrow the current office, it became increasingly difficult to serve clients comfortably and efficiently in the building. We are now able to better serve clients with an appropriate waiting space, room for counseling and meeting space options to adequately spread out and accomplish all necessary for our clients within the new building. We expect this to improve internal and external communication, and most importantly our speed in responding to clients, said Sandra Ziebold, Chief Executive Officer.

We were fortunate to find such a nice space in the area where our data shows that we are best suited to be for those we serve. We wanted to limit the impact that relocation could have on our clients and our employees. I dont think we could have found a better location for our team. Our new location and enhanced operational efficiencies will help us continue to grow and evolve to keep pace with our clients needs, allowing us to provide exceptional value and superior service along the way, said Jackie Bowman Ponder, President Board of Directors.

Remodeling construction of the new space is slated to be complete by the first of January. BOH plans to move early to mid-January, at which time BOHs new address will be:

6920 S. East Street

Indianapolis, IN 46227

All BOH phone numbers and fax numbers will remain the same.

Please consider being a community contributor in assisting this mission with the extensive costs that go along with expansion. Visit their website at BeaconOfHopeIndy.Org and become an Expansion Investment Donor simply by purchasing a commemorative art brick. Buy an Art Brick Campaign for Beacon of Hope Crisis Center

About Beacon of Hope Crisis Center

Since 2007, Beacon of Hope Crisis Center (BOH) has provided domestic violence services and programs to the Central Indiana community. Since 2009 BOH has been the exclusive domestic violence organization in Marion County offering direct assistance to victims while addressing pet safety. In 2016, growth enabled enhanced services and programs for domestic violence victims and the additional service of providing advocacy for sexual assault victims as well. BOH, through its Victim Advocacy, Counseling, Employment, Teen Talk Outreach and Education, Criminal Justice and Foster Pet Programs offers victims of domestic violence assistance in overcoming barriers that hold them in abusive situations. BOH is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Jeff Jackson creator tacocue americano eatery We are delighted to be creating a new concept that combines two of Americas favorite foods, said Jeff Jackson, CEO and President of Legendary Q Brands.

Jeff Jackson, CEO and President of Legendary Q Brands, the franchisor of Billy Sims BBQ, is launching a new fast casual concept, named tacocue americano eatery. The concept blends two different food categories  Barbecue and Mexican  with a variety of daily smoked meats used in a build-your-own taco/burrito/bowls/quesadillas restaurant. tacocue will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The first tacocue americano eatery, located at 9107 South Sheridan Road in Tulsa, will open its doors on December 1 at 6:30 a.m. for the Grand Opening Weekend! In addition to a variety of food giveaways being featured on social media platforms including: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, tacocue will be hosting live music each night from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Hi-Fi Hillbillies, Jake Karlik and Paris Faye duo and Last Chance Band will play a wide range of music from Classic Rock to Todays Hits! Guest will have the opportunity to take photos in the exclusive tacocue Photo Booth, as well as a chance to enter a name for the iconic taco woman.

We are delighted to be creating a new concept that combines two of Americas favorite foods, said Jeff Jackson, CEO and President of Legendary Q Brands. If you look at the hot taco eateries, they are all incorporating smoked meats, and at Billy Sims BBQ, thats obviously our specialty. That was the inspiration to combine American smoked meats with Mexican sides and toppings-a perfect match.

tacocue, whose mission is Fresh. Bold. Fusion., hand-prepares each menu item from scratch daily, using the freshest ingredients. The eight different meats (Pulled Pork, Smoked Chicken, Hot Link, Chorizo, Hamlet Ham, Brisket, Steak and Breakfast Bacon) are seasoned and smoked using pecan wood, giving a vibrant fusion of bold flavor. This retro-twist on Americano Mexican delivers a dynamic punch to every palate.

The four menu items include: The Taco Duo (2 tacos), Bowl (Salad or Rice), Burrito and Quesadilla. Upon selecting their menu item and smoked meat choice, guests can then choose from over 20 ingredient options to fill their item with, including three salsas  the spiciest of which is tacocues KA-BOOM Sauce. Kids meal selections include a Taco or a Quesadilla with the choice of cheese or meat, paired with a fruit cup and 100% fruit juice box.

Additionally, tacocue offers an assortment of domestic and imported Mexican beers such as Dos XX Amber, Dos XX Lager, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo and Tecate, as well as over 10 wines from Moscato to Merlot.

Likely tacocues most surprising offering is its breakfast menu featuring a premium selection of coffee: Imperial Coffee, European Blend (Dark Roast), Colombian Blend (Medium) and Decaf. Eggs and bacon proteins are additional ingredient options. tacocue will open at 6:30 a.m., and guests can grab-and-go or sit-and-sip.

tacocue prides itself on being guest-centric by providing endless service from the first bite to the last crunch. The staff culture is crafted to bring a lively, personal experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests. The build-your-own operational design adds to the overall experience.

One of my favorite aspects of tacocue? says Ryan Gray, tacocues Chief of Operations. Our guests are able to watch us build their order, therefore, they can get exactly what they want and dont need to worry about getting the wrong order.

The 2,700 square-foot prototype tacocue, located at 9701 South Sheridan Road, will seat about 80 guests and includes a heated, all-season patio. The interior will include images of food and POP art including the Taco Woman, a sassy image which will delight fans. The location will act as a test-model to determine the success or possibility of franchising. Legendary Q Brands hopes to begin franchising within 12 months, starting in Oklahoma. Seven existing franchisees are ready to sign in a variety of locations including Lawton, Midwest City, OKC/Edmond, Iowa.

Website: http://criggs13.wixsite.com/tacocue2

Dropbox Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fdxo98tlf98gnln/AABt0Cy0aqiF1Sog-siFjUFoa?dl=0

Facebook: @cuetaco

Instagram: @tacocue

Twitter: @tacocuetacos

Snapchat: @tacocue

About tacocue

tacocue americano eatery is a fast-casual restaurant that focuses on the fresh fusion of American smoked meats and authentic Mexican ingredients. The Tulsa-based restaurant opened their doors December 2016 as an emerging concept of Legendary Q Brands. Founded in 2004, Legendary Q Brands is the franchisor of Billy Sims BBQ and tacocue.
Approyo, a leading enterprise SAP HANA Solutions Provider, announced today it was named an Owler HOT in 2016 winner in Palo Alto.

Owler recognizes the top trending companies in cities around the world. They filtered through more than 15 million companies and picked 4,500 award winners across 600 cities worldwide. Recipients were chosen based on several different metrics, including number of followers on Owler, insights collected from our community, social media followers, and blog posts over the past year.

Weve sorted through database of millions of contributions from our community and landed on the top trending companies from around the world, said Jim Fowler, CEO at Owler. Being Hot In 2016 is an accomplishment to be proud of.

Approyo is proud to be on the Hot in 2016 list from Owler, said Christopher Carter, CEO at Approyo. This recognition caps off a great 2016 for Approyo in which we were recognized by Inc. magazine, which ranked Approyo NO. 120 on its 35th annual Inc. 5000 and recognized among the 20 Most Promising SAP Solution Providers 2016 by CIOReview.

About Approyo

Approyo is a global SAP HANA start up focus partner for products and services that include upgrades, comprehensive remote operations/managed services, consulting, hosting and implementations and cloud services. Approyo differentiates itself by offering scalable managed SAP HANA solutions for organizations of all size. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA with partner offices around the world, Approyo has the capability to support global organizations and their applications.

For additional information e-mail us at info(at)Approyo(dot)com, call 404.448.1166, or visit us on the web at http://www.Approyo.com.

About Owler

Owler is the crowdsourced competitive intelligence platform that business professionals use to outsmart their competition, gain competitive insights, and uncover the latest industry news and alerts. Owler is powered by an active community of 800K business professionals that contribute unique business insights such as competitors, private company revenue, and CEO ratings. From startups all the way to large enterprises (including 96% of the Fortune 500), CEOs, salespeople, marketers, product managers, and all types of business professionals use Owler daily. Launched in 2014, and funded by Norwest Venture Partners and Trinity Ventures, Owler is headquartered in San Mateo, CA with offices in Coimbatore, India.
iConstituent CTO Jeff Green will lead technical innovation as the government constituent management software company expands in the U.S. Weve seen the power of intuitive software to increase government efficiency and effectiveness.

iConstituent today announced Jeff Green as Chief Technology Officer, solidifying his leadership role at the growing technology company. Green is a founding member of the iConstituent and lives in Venice, CA.

This fall, Jeff led a listening tour where we really stripped down our product and learned what our customers need to better connect people and government, said iConstituent CEO Zain Khan. Jeff as CTO means that iConstituent will continue to lead through technical innovation. From early on, weve seen the power of intuitive software to increase government efficiency and effectiveness. Our customers save hundreds of hours a year on casework and correspondence.

Before joining iConstituent, Green was an e-commerce and online music pioneer, working on some of the first artists' websites, including a web store for Bad Religion.

Green said he chose a path in internet technologies because they level the playing field and allow you to create something unique for the world. He brings that same drive to his technology leadership at iConstituent. There is no turning back, this is your family, the [product] your baby. Thats always been my mentality, Green said. You get an idea and you have to follow your idea.

Green has led technology evolution at iConstituent from its roots as an email newsletter software through development of a core Constituent Relationship Management solution for government officials and agencies. The company was the first to provide email newsletters to legislators on Capitol Hill and its integrated solutions include websites, constituent contact data services, telephone town halls, and hardware concierge services for Congressional offices. iConstituent recently announced new Email Threading features for its flagship CRM product, as well as social media analytics features with its eNewsletter Plus offering.

Thousands of state, local and federal governments offices are in the process of modernizing their communications technologies, said Khan. Were happy to partner with them to provide solid, scalable solutions that typically save each office thousands of dollars vs. legacy solutions and inexperienced vendors. With Jeffs steady leadership, were more prepared than ever to partner with governments across the U.S. to help them connect with an always-online public.

About iConstituent: iConstituent connects people and government with great software. It brought the first e-newsletter to Congress in 2003, and provides CRM, email, telephone town hall, and other IT services to hundreds of government offices across the U.S.
Karen Lewis Alexander

After a comprehensive, nationwide search, MDA is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Lewis Alexander as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. Alexander will join MDA in this newly created leadership role as a member of its Executive Staff Team beginning Tuesday, January 17.

Alexander will lead all aspects of MDAs fundraising, supervising its current Field and National Income staff leaders. She will have accountability for strengthening its ties with current partners and supporters, expanding its existing fundraising programs, adding new sources of income, and forging new relationships to help MDA achieve its life-changing mission goals.

Karen is a highly accomplished, strategic and passionate development professional who has led successful teams, secured transformational philanthropic gifts, sponsorships and partnerships, and helped achieve growth at every institution where she has worked," said MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks. We are delighted to have her join our team at this pivotal time of therapy development, improved multi-disciplinary care, increased inclusion and opportunities for our families. Bringing both our Field and National Income Development teams together structurally under Karens leadership will allow for more integration, collaboration and opportunities for growth.

Alexander has held fundraising leadership roles for cultural, academic medicine, university and religious non-profit organizations. Early in her career she also served as a corporate sales manager.

MDAs commitment to its mission, rich history and fresh direction are compelling, Alexander said. I look forward to getting to know our existing partners, supporters and staff, and to building new networks of philanthropy and sponsorship on behalf of kids and adults living with muscle-related diseases.

Most recently, Alexander served as the Vice President of Development and an officer at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA), overseeing annual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation relations, individual major gifts, planned giving, and a $250-million capital campaign.

Prior to CSOA, she served as Senior Vice President of Development and External Affairs at Loyola University Health System in suburban Chicago which includes the Cardinal Stritch Medical School, Niehoff School of Nursing and Ronald McDonald Children's Hospital. Before her leadership role at Loyola, Alexander served in senior development and advancement roles at the University of Chicago and was instrumental in helping achieve a $2 billion fundraising campaign. From a corporate sales perspective, Alexander worked for six years as Vice President of Market Development for a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, creating new relationships and growing revenue with major retailers such as Target, Toys R Us, QVC, Costco and Sams Club. She also served in development roles for Indiana University and started her career at Union Theological Seminary in New York.

Alexander grew up in Boston and earned her bachelors degree from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. She is active with industry groups such as the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy and the Association of Donor Relations Professionals. She currently resides in Chicago, where she will be based with MDA.

About MDA

MDA is leading the fight to free individuals  and the families who love them  from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. We use our collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America. Learn how you can fund cures, find care and champion the cause at mda.org.
Global Cash Management Solution Manufacturer Appoints Industry POS Veteran Mr Carr brings a wide range of knowledge, experience and relationship connections to APG in the European POS industry. We look forward to his leadership as Managing Director for our European activities, as we continue our journey.

APG Cash Drawer, a rapid growing global manufacturer of cash management solutions, announced today the addition of Andrew Carr to the position of Managing Director. Effective November 1st, Mr Carr will oversee all corporate European activities strengthening APGs global leadership team and commitment to the point of sale industry and customers worldwide.

Mr Carr has an extensive background in a variety of technology sectors, as part of a long and successful career with IBM, now TGCS. More recently Mr Carr led Toshibas UK&I Retail business, following the acquisition of the Retail Stores Solution (RSS) business from IBM. I am excited about the opportunity that the APG product portfolio presents to retailers-- specifically the SMARTtill Solution throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, stated Mr Carr. I am honored to be part of this innovative and well respected company.

After sixteen years Mr Phil Stone has decided to retire from APG as Managing Director, stated Mark Olson, President and CEO of APG Cash Drawer. Under Mr Stones leadership, the former Cash Bases company grew to become a recognized leader in bespoke cash drawer products, and he was instrumental in bringing the innovative SMARTtill Cash Management Solution to the POS marketplace. We wish him well in retirement.

Mr Carr brings a wide range of knowledge, experience and relationship connections to APG in the European POS industry, said Mr Olson. We look forward to his leadership as Managing Director for our European activities, as we continue our successful journey to the future.

To meet with Andrew Carr at the 2017 NRF Show in New York, email andrew.carr(at)eu(dot)cashdrawer(dot)com

About APG Cash Drawer, LLC  APG Cash Drawer, with over 38 years of experience, manufactures a wide range of highly durable and reliable cash drawers that are delivered quickly to the marketplace. APG has built a reputation as the supplier of choice for cash management solutions for retail, grocery, hospitality, and quick serve for thousands of customers throughout the world. Whether its our general application cash drawer, custom designed solutions, or the SMARTtill Intelligent Cash Drawer, our products and brand are differentiated by our ability to deliver innovative technologies that globally enhance efficiency and security at the point of sale. To learn more about our products, visit http://www.cashdrawer.com or call 763-571-5000. Follow us on Twitter at @apgcashdrawer and on Facebook.

Media Contacts:

Breanna Brown| Creative Marketing Ambassador| 763.571.5000 Ext. 175 | breanna.brown(at)us(dot)cashdrawer(dot)com
This is a simple, easy-to-read book and serves as an escape from the hectic life many of us lead especially the city kids.

Gillian Wells wanted to write a book that relates the relationship between animals and humans in a way that children can understand and learn from. This prompted her in writing The Amazing Adventures of Bub and Tub (published by Xlibris AU).

This book tells the story of two friends, a small black-and-white dog called Tub and a small gray pony called Bub. The animals talk to each other, but the humans do not understand them. The animals look after the humans, though the humans think it is the other way around. They are always getting into mischief and having adventures.

Children love reading about ponies and dogs. Many would like to own one so reading about them is the next best thing, Wells says. This is a simple, easy-to-read book and serves as an escape from the hectic life many of us lead especially the city kids.

Wells had dogs and horses all her life and has lived in the countryside. She hopes The Amazing Adventures of Bub and Tub will give joy and happiness for children.

The Amazing Adventures of Bub and Tub

By Gillian Wells

Hardcover | 8.5 x 11in | 80 pages | ISBN 9781524518516

Softcover | 8.5 x 11in | 80 pages | ISBN 9781524518509

E-Book | 80 pages | ISBN 9781524518493

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Gillian Wells is an Englishwoman living in Queensland. She started off writing these stories for her grandchildren, who loved them. She has traveled to many parts of Australia and loves the wide-open spaces of the outback and the people who live there.

Xlibris Publishing Australia, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider dedicated to serving Australian authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles.For more information, visit xlibrispublishing.com.au or call 1800 455 039 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisAus on Twitter for the latest news.
Lion Street "He brings extraordinary expertise in financial advisory services coupled with a true passion for the Lion Street vision that will be instrumental as we pursue our next steps. -Bob Carter, Founder & CEO of Lion Street

Lion Street is pleased to announce that William A. Payne, a Lion Street Owner, was recently elected to its Board of Directors. Lion Street is comprised of over 130 Owner-Firms nationwide in 40 states who encompass a national network of financial advisors fiercely valuing independence, ownership, and influence.

Lion Street Founder and CEO, Bob Carter, stated, We are ecstatic to have Bill join the Board. He brings extraordinary expertise in financial advisory services coupled with a true passion for the Lion Street vision that will be instrumental as we pursue our next steps.

Bill is a principal and co-founder of PRW Wealth Management LLC, a Lion Street Owner-Firm based in Boston, Massachusetts. His primary focus is advanced planning and wealth management for high net worth individuals and families. This involves a fully integrated approach to managing, preserving, and distributing wealth. Bill earned a Masters degree in Financial Services (MSFS) from the American College, in addition to holding the designations of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU).

I am honored to join the Board of such a revolutionary company. Ive been privileged to be a Lion Street Owner-Firm, and watch the significant growth as the story has unfolded. I look forward to serving alongside such a talented group, Bill Payne stated.

Bill has co-hosted several New England financial radio shows, been a source for television money segments, and authored several articles. His media consults have included Kiplingers, National Underwriter, Boston Business Journal, The Boston Herald, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, and Life Association News. Bill is also a Licensed Insurance Advisor.

About Lion Street

Lion Street is a leading financial services company based in Austin, Texas. Lion Street provides elite independent life insurance producers and financial advisors access to the financial products, intellectual capital, and specialized resources they need to meet the sophisticated needs of their high-net-worth and corporate clients. Lion Street Financial, its Broker-Dealer was named the 2016 Division One Broker-Dealer of the Year by Investment Advisor. To learn more about Lion Street, please visit http://www.lionstreet.com.

About PRW Wealth Management

PRW Wealth Management, LLC has been delivering client-focused, comprehensive, and independent financial guidance for over 25 years. The companys focus is on affluent individuals and families who have gained wealth through entrepreneurship, successful professional careers, or life transitions (business sale, divorce, inheritance). Institutional clients include non-profit endowments and foundations whose assets are designed to last in perpetuity. Clients seek careful stewardship over their assets and sound advice from a firm with deep resources and one they can trust. To learn more about PRW Wealth Management, please visit: http://prwwealthmanagement.com.

Lion Street Media Contact:

Cami Gueguen, Director of Marketing and Communications

cgueguen(at)lionstreet(dot)com

512-776-8466
Steinger, Iscoe & Greene proudly announces that litigation attorney Yeemee Chan has joined their team of personal injury attorneys. Mrs. Chan graduated with honors from the University of Florida in 2004 and received her Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center in 2008. She brings a passion for helping people who have suffered through catastrophic injuries to the firm, as well as top-flight academic and professional credentials.

Mrs. Chan is dedicated to helping other people and their families, who have suffered catastrophic injuries, brought about by helping her sister through a serious brain injury. During law school, she donated her time and expertise as a teachers assistant, where she taught citation skills to first-year law students and wrote several citation skill guides that are still being used today. Mrs. Chan especially enjoyed teaching younger students, so much so, that she spent time during her last year in law school teaching middle school students. Today, she remains actively involved in mentoring law students and graduates.

Having someone with the high degree of qualifications that Mrs. Chan has, as well as the personal desire to truly help others, said Michael Steinger, are wonderful traits for an attorney. At Steinger, Iscoe & Greene, we are constantly seeking to find people like Yeemee Chan to join our firm.

Mrs. Chan is a member of the Florida Bar, the Broward County Bar Association, and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of South Florida. She is also a member of the World Arnold Chiari Malformation Association and is on the Board of Directors for the Broward County Trial Lawyers Association and serves on the Law Student Outreach Committee.

About Steinger, Iscoe & Greene

Steinger, Iscoe & Greene is a proven legal team whose number one goal is to get injury victims throughout Florida every dollar they truly deserve for their injuries. The firm and its partners, Michael S. Steinger, Gary T. Iscoe, & Sean J. Greene have successfully recovered over one billion dollars for their clients and handled thousands of cases, including: auto accidents, bicycle accidents, birth injuries, product liability, catastrophic cases and workers compensation, since 1997. The entire legal team is committed to representing and fighting for injury victims best interests, giving each client insight into their individual rights as it relates to the law.

With more than 30 lawyers, 140 legal professionals, and offices throughout South Florida - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Ft. Myers, Orlando, Tampa and San Diego, California, the firm is ready to advocate for the best interests of injury victims coast-to-coast while offering the No Fee Guarantee.
AGILE R100 Benchtop Label-Free Assay The researchers turned to AGILE R100 because of its ability to provide fast, reproducible measurements with a very small amount of sample compared to other label-free methods.

Through a joint effort by researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Stanford University School of Medicine, a study has been published in Nature that demonstrates a new method for reversing mitochondrial fusion defects to treat neurodegenerative conditions caused by imbalanced mitochondrial dynamics. Healthy mitochondria tether together and fuse to share factors required for proper cell functioning. Without this ability, cells eventually degrade, leading to numerous pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases. AGILE R100, an electronic label-free assay manufactured by life science biotech company Nanomedical Diagnostics, provided sensitive in vitro kinetic binding data that supports the model of positive cooperativity of two therapeutic minipeptides engineered by the researchers. The analysis supports for the first time that mitochondrial fusion activity can be regulated by enabling surface protein conformational transitions otherwise impaired by genetic defect. It delivers a much-needed pharmacological drug therapy pathway for currently untreatable diseases.

Reviewer comments from our Nature paper submission requested additional in vitro kinetic binding data, says Opher Kornfeld, one of the publication authors. We turned to AGILE R100 because of its ability to provide fast, reproducible measurements with a very small amount of sample compared to other label-free methods. Due to its simple-step design, we were able to take data within two days and submit our revision within weeks.

AGILE R100 is a benchtop label-free assay built with proprietary Field Effect Biosensing (FEB) technology that enables detection even with small amounts of starting material, small volumes, low concentrations, and weak biomolecular interactions. The non-optical technique measures current across a field effect biosensor surface immobilized with capture molecules. Binding that occurs on the surface changes the current that is monitored in real-time, enabling accurate affinity, kinetics, and concentration data.

One of the objectives of the company is to put our products into the hands of scientists to fully test out the technology, says Nanomedical Diagnostics CEO, Ross Bundy. It is our intent that our technology is peer-reviewed and validated, and inclusion in a Nature publication is a great honor and brings us a step closer to that goal.

AGILE R100 is available for commercial sale, for research use only. For more information, visit http://www.nanomedicaldiagnostics.com.

About Nanomedical Diagnostics

Nanomedical Diagnostics (Nanomed) is a biotech company based in San Diego, CA. Nanomed has developed a breakthrough electronic assay based on proprietary Field Effect Biosensing (FEB) technology that provides real-time, label-free kinetic binding and concentration data. AGILE biosensor chips at the heart of the assay leverage the highly sensitive nanomaterial graphene to unite biology with electronics, delivering the unique ability to sense small molecules with no lower size limit in complex media such as DMSO, and use unprecedentedly small amounts of sample.
A private foundation is offering $150,000 to students for their ideas about how to reduce waste in homes, schools, communities, and/or around the world. The earth is everyones responsibility and we believe in the power of our youth to help address this important issue, explained Jeff Richardson, founder of and CEO of Project Paradigm, the private foundation behind the growing youth movement to make a difference in the world.

Each year, The Paradigm Challenge invites students aged 4 to 18 to use kindness, creativity, collaboration, and STEM skills to solve a real-world problem. Last year, more than 50,000 students worked on new ways to reduce home fire fatalities and injuries. The Grand Prize and an all-expense-paid patent application were awarded to the student inventors of the "Fire Mitt," an oven mitt that quickly and easily unfolds into a fire blanket which can be deployed to put out a cooking fire.

This challenge inspires a special kind of innovation, noted Montana Marks, Project Paradigm's Kindness Officer. "These kids are innovating for good. They are helping other kids, they are helping adults, and even our planet. They are changing the world.

Project Paradigm's website for The Paradigm Challenge provides students and teachers with information about the leading causes of waste, as well as current efforts to combat this problem. In addition, the website has "how to" videos for students, a video lesson plan, and supporting materials for teachers.

The Paradigm Challenge is a terrific opportunity for educators who are looking for motivational project-based learning activities for their students, explained Ashley Greenway, 2016 Allen Distinguished Educator and Georgia STEM Laureate. The Challenge is particularly appealing because of its engaging online video lesson plan.

The video lesson plan is narrated by last year's top teams, as well as by teen inventor Alexis Lewis, who has spoken at The White House. Lewis recommends students watch The Paradigm Challenges 6 Steps to Solve Any Challenge" video. "It's a great way for kids to learn that they already have what it takes to solve problems and make a difference in the world, said Lewis.

The 100 Finalist teams with the best ideas will win cash prizes of up to $100,000. Their supporting teachers will win cash grants up to $5,000. In addition, the top team in each age category will win a trip to Los Angeles to attend The Paradigm Challenges black-tie prize ceremony. Last year, teams came from as far away as New Zealand and India to attend the event.

In addition to the cash prizes, the top inventions have a chance to win all-expense-paid patent applications. Project Paradigm is committed to turning winning ideas into reality. We want to empower students to solve real-world problems and, when they do, we will help implement the best ideas, said Richardson. Patent applications are filed in the inventors names and they retain all the intellectual property rights.

The deadline for entries is May 1, 2017. There is no cost to enter.

About the Paradigm Challenge: The Paradigm Challenge is a new annual competition created by Project Paradigm in collaboration with the American Red Cross and supported by a coalition of partners, including Youth Changing the World and the National Youth Leadership Council. The theme of the competition will change annually.

About Project Paradigm: Project Paradigm, a national private foundation headquartered in Los Angeles, California, aims to identify, support, and collaborate with passionate individuals and organizations to inspire, lead, and facilitate paradigm shifts in the approaches to global challenges. Learn more at projectparadigm.org/founder. Or like us on Facebook and Twitter (@ParadigmChlleng).
Rowing Team 32 North will race in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, also known as the World's Toughest Row. The will and determination to compete in the 'worlds toughest row' and their (Schwartz brothers) support of those battling cancer reflects the values that Rhino Linings holds in highest regard.

Rhino Linings Corporation (http://www.rhinolinings.com), a global leader in protective coatings best known for its sprayed-on truck bed liners, today announced their sponsorship of Team 32 North, the U.S. rowing team that will compete on December 14 in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, as they race across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to Antigua and Barbuda in a two-man rowboat.

Rhino Linings has committed to sponsoring the tough brothers, John and Kurt Schwartz, in this daring challenge to not only help provide necessary supplies to the young adventurers, but to aide them in their secondary challenge of raising awareness for The Samfund. The Samfund is a nonprofit organization that provides direct financial assistance, free online support and education to young adults, regardless of where they live or their specific cancer diagnosis.

"We are proud to sponsor these young men in this very difficult race, and we are especially proud to assist them in bringing awareness to The Samfund," said Pierre Gagnon, president and CEO of Rhino Linings. "The will and determination to compete in the 'worlds toughest row' and their support of those battling cancer reflects the values that Rhino Linings holds in highest regard."

On December 14, teams across the globe, including 32 North, will gather in La Gomera, Spain to begin the 3,000 mile, two month race. Though odds and weather are in their favor, six have died attempting the crossing. Success will take more than just rowing; it will be a demonstration of careful planning, hard training and a tremendous amount of support.

To join Rhino Linings in supporting 32 North or to donate to The SamFund, visit http://www.row32north.com/.

ABOUT 32 NORTH ROWING TEAM

The 32 North rowing team is comprised of American brothers John and Kurt Schwartz who are taking a pause in their careers and lives to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera, Spain to Antigua and Barbuda in a two-man rowboat. Competing in a global race - The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge  they will set sail on December 14, 2016 and finish approximately two months later. To follow along as the brothers row, visit the teams website http://www.row32north.com.

ABOUT THE SAMFUND

The Samfund is the first and largest nonprofit organization in the country to help young adults recover from the devastating financial impact of cancer treatment. Through direct financial assistance and free online support and education, they help young adults survive and move forward with their lives after cancer. Dollars raised by supporters of 32 North will directly benefit the Jeremy Hill Memorial Grant as well as The Samfund's general grants program. For more information, visit http://www.thesamfund.org.

ABOUT RHINO LININGS CORPORATION

Rhino Linings Corporation, established in 1988 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a privately-held corporation and world leader in protective coatings and linings. Products manufactured and distributed by Rhino Linings Corporation include polyurethane, polyaspartic and epoxy coatings, concrete coatings, spray foam insulation and sealants, and interior and exterior stucco. Rhino Linings Corporation has a global retail and industrial applicator network consisting of more than 2,000 independently owned and operated businesses in almost 80 countries. For more information about Rhino Linings Corporation, call 858-450-0441 or visit http://www.rhinolinings.com.
Rachana Garde, M.D. of Shady Grove Fertility's Woodbridge and Annandale, Virginia offices. As a center of excellence, we take pride in bringing the most advanced and cutting-edge research to our community.

Shady Grove Fertility, the nations largest fertility center, released the centers 2015 success rates for patients undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI). Women who have ovulatory dysfunction, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), have the best chances of success with IUI compared to infertility resulting from other causes. PCOS is the most common ovulatory disorder affecting one in 10 women. For women 25 to 35 years old whom have an ovulatory dysfunction like PCOS, the pregnancy rate is just over 25 percentan impressive increase over the natural pregnancy rate of 20%. However, just like the natural pregnancy rate, these numbers will decline as age increases.

Shady Grove Fertility believes in a stepped approach to treatment that will be determined after preliminary testing to discover the underlying cause of a patients infertility. Intrauterine insemination is one of the simpler low-tech treatments for infertility, typically following unsuccessful attempts with timed intercourse and intercourse with an oral medication like clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene) to improve ovulatory function. Patients who have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, a cervical factor, irregular or absent ovulation, and PCOS are often good candidates for IUI.

For women struggling with PCOS our findings are certainly good news. Low-tech options like IUI are a more affordable and less physically taxing treatment option for patients. This less stressful option is surely significant for patients dealing with the challenging infertility process, said Rachana Garde, M.D. of the Woodbridge and Annandale, Virginia offices. As a center of excellence, we take pride in bringing the most advanced and cutting-edge research to our community. Our 2015 IUI success rates is a helpful guide for patients with PCOS who are trying to build their families.

During the IUI process, the physician will place a concentrated amount of sperm inside the uterus. This is done by inserting a speculum into the vagina where then a soft, thin catheter is passed through the cervix opening and into the uterus. The outpatient procedure is quick and painless and the patient can resume normal, daily activities immediately. Shady Grove Fertilitys comprehensive website provides more details about the procedure, including an FAQ sheet that can help patients learn more about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

About Shady Grove Fertility

Shady Grove Fertility is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence offering patients individualized care, innovative financial options, and pregnancy rates among the highest of all national centers. 2016 commemorates 25 years of Shady Grove Fertility providing medical and service excellence to patients from all 50 states and 35 countries around the world, and celebrates over 40,000 babies bornmore than any other center in the nation. Today, 34 reproductive endocrinologists, supported by a highly specialized team of 600 urologists, Ph.D. scientists, geneticists, and staff care for patients in 19 full-service offices and six satellite sites throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Shady Grove Fertility physicians actively train residents and reproductive endocrinology fellows and invest in continuous clinical research and education to advance the field of reproductive medicine through numerous academic appointments and partnerships such as Georgetown Medical School, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the University of Maryland, and the National Institutes of Health. More than 1,700 physicians refer their patients to Shady Grove Fertility each year. For more information, call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.
The use of technology to create life-saving inventions is kids' play, or at least so believe the students who placed in the top 100 (out of more than 50,000 participants) in The Paradigm Challenge. "The students use technologies like Arduino, NLU Cloud, Autodesk, Orange Pi, and 3D printers as if they are as simple and accessible as LEGO bricks," noted Paradigm Challenge Technology Officer Alex Sanchez. "Clearly, they are getting the message from their teachers and in their classrooms that students can invent and make a difference in the world."

The Paradigm Challenge is an international competition that invites students aged 4 to 18 to use kindness, creativity, collaboration, and STEM skills to solve a real-world problem. The problem to be solved for the first year of the Challenge was how to reduce injuries and fatalities from home fires.

Second place winner (11-14 age division) Pranshu Suri, from Pennsylvania, chose to approach this problem by inventing the "iMask," a "smart" smoke mask that uses fire resistant materials and technology. Suri integrated sensors and a micro circuit board into the mask.

Finalist Alexis Lewis, from North Carolina, also addressed the danger of smoke inhalation during home fires. She invented an "Emergency Mask Pod" system for delivering smoke masks to people trapped in the upper stories of burning buildings. She designed the EMPod using Autodesk's Tinkercad software and then printed it with a Makerbot 3D printer. "Tinkercad is free and easy," said Lewis, adding, "3D printers are not only fun, they are simple to use."

Finalist Mark Uzhhorod, from the Ukraine, used a wide range of technologies to build his "Fire Aware Home Robot." Not only did Uzhhorod use commonly-known technologies such as Arduino, LEGO Mindstorms, Orange Pi, and National Instruments' NI myRio, he also used NLU Cloud, which enables the robot to talk with humans.

Arduino also was used by the first-place winners in the 11-14 age division to invent their revolutionary fire detection, evacuation, and control system. They also became experts at using collaboration software, as the team hailed from two different countries over 7,000 miles apart. Tulsi and Om Lathia, from New Zealand, used Google Hangout, Skype, and Google Docs to communicate with team members Shubhanshi and Hitanshi Gaudani from India. The team had a great time seeing each other face-to-face during the fun-filled Paradigm Challenge awards weekend in Los Angeles, California.

The private foundation behind The Paradigm Challenge is committed to turning the best student ideas into reality. We want to empower students to solve real-world problems and, when they do, we will help implement the best ideas, said Richardson. Project Paradigm funded the filing of a patent application to protect the intellectual property rights associated with the Grand Prize entry and other applications are being considered. The patent applications are filed in the inventors names and they retain all the intellectual property rights.

The theme for the new Paradigm Challenge is the reduction of waste in homes, schools, communities, and/or around the world. The deadline for entries is May 1, 2017. The competition is open to students aged 4-18 and there is no cost to enter.

About the Paradigm Challenge: The Paradigm Challenge is a new annual competition created by Project Paradigm in collaboration with the American Red Cross and supported by a coalition of partners, including Youth Changing the World and the National Youth Leadership Council. The theme of the competition will change annually.

About Project Paradigm

Project Paradigm, a national private foundation headquartered in Los Angeles, California, aims to identify, support, and collaborate with passionate individuals and organizations to inspire, lead, and facilitate paradigm shifts in the approaches to global challenges. Learn more at projectparadigm.org/founder. Or like us on Facebook and Twitter (@ParadigmChlleng).